//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Canis Ezo Kage // by BioChemicalWolfGear //------------------------------// I slowly became aware of the world around me, as my body began to wake up from the greatest sleep I’ve had since coming to Equestria. I was lying on my left side on the cold ground in a pleasant field of blue flowers. The clearing the strange blue flowers created allowed for morning dew to collect on the low flora of the forest floor. I could feel damp dew on my right side while the cold ground dominated my left side. I only begin to notice a gentle and unorthodox breeze in the clearing I rested in. Despite the size of the clearing, the trees still towered over them. Wind was difficult to reintroduce in such a dense forest like this. It led me to believe that the breeze must have come from a game trail or a space in the leaves. The idea that an animal is breathing on me also came to mind, but my smell and heightened hearing would have heard the lungs inhale, and the scent of a large enough animal to do it. I regretfully opened my right eye and looked forward. The early morning dew looked beautiful on the blue flowers. The small white and slightly iced droplets clung to the small plant, creating a white coating to its naturally blue bloom. I began to suspect that it was spring due to the blooming stage of the blue flowers in my current field of vision. I picked up my head and opened my other eye. I looked around and noticed the sky was getting lighter. It was around 6:10 or so, if I was correct with my assumption of the sun. However the angle of the planet's axis could also make an earlier morning. I wasn’t too familiar with the planet, or its axis, but I knew it had seasons. Otherwise I would see more trees that resembled evergreens that are able to keep specially created leaves that don’t fall off in cold weather. I rolled onto my stomach and panned my head around the clearing. I became more aware of the centuries' worth of retreating the forest did, due to the blue flowers. I began to suspect that the blue flowers were a type of tree eating weed. I dropped that thought as I noticed there was no wood on the ground to suggest a tree toppled due to the advancement of the weed, nor did I see any flora being dissolved or overtaken by roots. In fact the flowers and the forest seem to be at a standstill with a no-man’s land in between them. I placed my paws below me and got up on all fours. I remembered the events of the past eleven days I’ve been on this planet. I began to stretch as an early morning ritual and leaned forward while arching my back downward while making my back legs more horizontal. I did the same with my front paws and arched my back backward so my tail was highest in the air. I then remembered my bearings and tried to salvage my memory of the previous day and my trek here. I remembered the placement of a few stubby bushes on the far side of the clearing and realized I needed to turn around and head straight. I became aware of the possibility that I may not have moved at all during the night. I remember lying down on the flowers faced away from the path and I woke up faced away from the path. Also on the same side as I fell asleep on too. I looked back at where I was sleeping, and was subtly astonished that the flowers also didn’t seem to have been crushed under my weight. I smiled at the resilience of the blue flowers. I then turned to face the direction I came from and took a few tentative steps forward. I began to trot over to the wall of leaves that separated the forest and the clearing. I yawned as I approached the hedge. I walked through a crack between the bushes and parted the leaves to reveal the difficult path I took getting here. I weaved in and out as well as between and through bushes to get to the game trail that I knew was in front of me. I took my time knowing that my beaver guides were potentially still asleep during the early morning. The shadowy forest around me was darker than in the clearing. I lost my footing due to the misplacement of my paw on lower ground than I could see. I stumbled forward slightly and righted myself. I began to focus on my placement of my paws and slowed my pace to keep from stumbling into a throne bush. I spent five minutes heading in a relatively straight line while dissolved in the shadows. The forest around me rustled slightly as I traversed its terrain, and the wind subtly assaulted its canopy. I began to notice the ground became slightly easier to see and I looked up. There was a small clearing in the trees that shown a bit of soft light coming through. Not enough to indicate the sun has fully risen, but enough so I was slightly more exposed. I noticed the dew that was still on some of the plants that I moved through. I began to move faster as the plants stopped being so close together and I was able to move at a normal pace. As my paws strode through the underbrush I came upon a hedge. The hedge was placed uphill from my current location, so getting to it was slightly taxing on my legs but I muscled through. I mindlessly walked through the hedge, and found myself in the center of a trail. I was excited and began to walk down the trail that happened to be downhill. My mind wandered as I walked down the trail to the river. I could smell the river water from where I was in the forest. The sun was still rising and the sky was now getting lighter. The sun had not yet poked through the treetops, but I knew it was coming soon. My pace grew quicker as I absentmindedly walked with the downhill trail. I noticed the old scent of beaver as I got to a part of the trail I remembered. It leveled out slightly before I came to the trail's end. I was at the edge of the forest and the small shore to the large river. I looked at the shore line for any symbol that said the beavers weren’t coming back. I was delighted to see that they didn’t leave anything. I did have my doubts, considering it was early morning and they were likely going to still be asleep. But regardless of the time, I decided to wait. I walked down the steep slope that led to the leveled-out shoreline. I went to the edge of the water and lay down on my stomach. I closed my eyes and tried to rest, while still keeping my ears alert. I started to drift off into a half sleep, where my mind kept fading in and out of sleep. I kept note on the amount of light on my eyelids as time passed. All too soon I was seeing a mixture of orange and red in my eyes. I groggily stood up and looked around. The sun was rising above the tree tops and casting its rays on my coat. I began to be aware of the amount of heat I’ve gathered while semiconscious. I was warm, too warm. I also noticed that I wasn’t sweating to cool myself down. I decided that now was a good time to learn how to pant. I haven’t really needed to pant before today. I was always under the protective shade of the forest trees and the only time I was in the open was at a clearing, or a watering hole. Both of which I never spent all that much time at. I sat down, keeping an eye out for anything upriver. I opened my mouth and began to breathe in and out quickly. I was happy to find that it was working and I was beginning to feel my body start to cool down. The change was so gradual that I almost missed it, and the sun moved a bit as I waited for the change. I smelled a familiar scent come past my nose and I looked back upstream. The beavers were slowly moving down stream, towards my shore. One of them waved and smiled at me, which was a delightful contrast to yesterday’s insecurities. I stood up and wagged my tail while forgetting to continue panting. I also smiled a little and I think it showed. They used paddles to… “Paddles? Since when are beavers tool-makers?” “Sup, wolfie!” shouted the smiling beaver. The other one seemed indifferent as he pushed the paddle into the river and used the shallow river to push the log raft over to my shore. The indifferent beaver was on the farthest side of the log raft. The friendlier one was closest to me. They both stood near the front while they assisted each other in guiding the raft to float close to the shore. The raft was a perfect two meter square, with enough room to fit a small community of beavers. In the back, was a small stack of vegetables. They got a meter closer to shore and I walked up to the raft. “Jump.” ordered the closest beaver while waving me onto the raft. I did as asked and jumped onto the raft with a running start. I landed softly on the log raft and it rocked from side to side for a moment before leveling out. I began to pant again as I was reminded of the hot sun by looking at it. I then turned to my new traveling companions with a smile. “I appreciate the lift.” I said to the two beavers. The indifferent one turned around and replied, “No sweat. Just don’t try to eat us as we go down the river. Please.” The beaver received a look from his friend. “Nah, I wouldn’t eat my traveling companions. Besides, I don’t want to have to swim to shore. Although, I hope the pony we’ll meet up with will give me something to eat. I haven’t gone on my morning hunt.” I commented, before I realized what I said. Both beavers looked back at me with worried looks. I smiled sheepishly and added, “Don’t worry, I can go without meat for several days. So I won’t eat you.” I tried giving my best reassuring smile. The beaver manning the left side of the raft sighed in relief and patted his chest. “Good. I was worried for a moment. Oh hey, we never got your name.” he flashed a smile. His friend turned around and began paddling at a steady pace so we’d pick up speed. “Call me Hushed.” I responded in between pants. “I’m Lumberjack. That’s Woodcutter.” replied Lumberjack while gesturing to his friend. “Hi.” Woodcutter flatly stated, without turning toward me. Lumberjack turned toward him and lifted his eyebrow in confusion. He then ignored Woodcutter's reaction and turned back to the front of the raft with his paddle. He began repeating the motions his friend was doing and we began to move faster. I resumed panting to keep myself cool while we were exposed to the sun. I thought about the voices of both beavers and figured out that the intelligent one who’s been to Ponyville was Lumberjack. He seems more trusting than Woodcutter ever could be. Woodcutter probably doesn’t like the idea of helping out a predator, but went along with it because of his trust in his friend. I suddenly felt grateful for Woodcutter’s assistance, even though he may not have wanted to give it. “So, what’s your story?” Lumberjack asked me while still looking forward and course correcting every once in a while. “What do you mean?” I asked with a tilt of my head. I wasn’t sure what he wanted from me. He lifted his oar out of the water and faced me, “Why do you want to go to Ponyville?” his question was punctuated with a raised eyebrow. I thought for a moment. Then I responded, “I want to see the ponies.” I turned to face the direction we were traveling. “I’ve heard wondrous stories about a civilization of hooved animals that have impressive architecture and awe inspiring art. Ever since I heard about them I’ve wanted to see them. I’m not sure when my fascination with creatures that aren’t my own species started, but I know I want to satisfy this curiosity. To go to Ponyville and learn about the ponies, would be a dream come true.” I finished with a smile. It wasn’t a lie. I know for a fact that ponies would be interesting to watch. I also wanted to rediscover what made me human, and being around an intelligent life form that builds homes and has currency would bring me closer to the culture I lost, when I was forced to come here. I missed my home, but I also wanted to learn more about his world. I was also hoping that I would get some dog food to eat, rather than a squirrel. As delicious as animals are, it kinda sucks not being able to have a conversation with something that can talk. Especially when beavers like these have the ability to speak. “Wow, I didn’t think wolves would think that way.” I was surprised to find that Lumberjack wasn’t the one who said that. I looked over at Woodcutter who had an awed expression. I smiled at him and reminded myself to pant while I was in the sun. I stopped quickly after that to respond. “Well yeah, it’s hard to understand a creature you don’t get to speak to most of the time. I find it refreshing to be able to speak to someone I would normally consider prey.” I reassured him. Woodcutter gave me a soft smile and turned back around to readjust our course. We were drifting a little far to the right as the river twisted left. Lumberjack turned around and assisted in guiding the raft. “Hey Hushed.” started Woodcutter without turning to me. “What’s it like eating meat all the time? Actually no, don’t answer that. What’s it like to be able to sneak around animals, without them noticing you?” I slowly inched forward and whispered into his ear. “Unpred-” he jumped out of his skin. “-ictable” I laughed slyly as he recovered from his miniature heart attack. “Sorry, had to. But in all seriousness, being as stealthy as I am is useful. You can learn a lot about the world by just watching it. I’ve learned a lot about different creatures by just listening to their conversations. A lot like how I knew you guys were going to Ponyville. It has its advantages.” I told him with a smile. Woodcutter gave me a stink eye while his friend Lumberjack snickered. Woodcutter nodded his head, appeased by my answer, and he seemingly forgave me for the scare because he turned around with an indifferent face. Then they both got back to rowing the raft down the river. I began to pant and go on the lookout for anything watching us from the tree line. Scanning my eyes over the river was a boring, self-given task. I saw the trees leaning forward over the river and I could see the history of the large river. My observations of the dissolved land around the roots made me believe the river used to start as a small tributary, thousands of years ago before digging into the earth and removing land. Eventually, it became a river and continued to expand and take soil from the roots of nearby trees. It explained why I could see roots three meters out into the river at maximum. And we had to move around that, so we wouldn’t be shipwrecked. I actually was worried when we almost clipped it. But thanks to quick thinking from Woodcutter, he was able to use his oar to push us away from the outcropping of roots. I licked his head as a thanks and he gave me an angry look. I assumed it was because he expected me to bite his head off. I looked around sheepishly while Lumberjack started to roll around on his back, laughing. I later felt bad because I noticed how Woodcutter became a little uneased at my presence after that. I resumed my task of scouting the shoreline and noticed a pair of yellow eyes following us. I stopped panting to look at them, and Lumberjack took notice of it. When he looked back he saw me staring intently at our right with my ears forward and my body motionless. The heat of the midday sun was forgotten to me, as I stared down the unknown challenger. He looked past the bushes and trees and saw the eyes too. He quietly got Woodcutters attention and looked in the direction of the eyes with me. Woodcutter got the message through his friend’s worried stare, and looked in the direction of the eyes. Nothing was said as we floated by the location. All of us kept our eyes on the unspoken threat, until it was out of sight. I turned to them with a serious look on my face. “We need to pick up the pace.” I stated ominously. “W-we’re safe right? We’re out on the water and they’re on the shore. I-I’m sure we don’t need to worry about them… right?” asked Lumberjack with an uncertain look toward me. I responded with another serious glare and added, “They may follow us downriver and get us while we're disembarking. I’m not sure if we’re being hunted or it’s just you guys. But since you’re my guides, I will protect you if I can. I suggest we pick up the pace and hit landfall as soon as possible.” Woodcutter took my advice to heart and began to paddle faster, but tried not to seem frantic. “How can you be so sure?” Lumberjack inquired while paddling quicker, in time with Woodcutter. “I’d do the same if I had the energy. But I wouldn’t let you know I was hunting you. I’ve seen how Timberwolves hunt; they will wear you out before moving in for the kill. If they have you boxed in they’d kill you anyway. I’ve seen them chase down a deer for days before it wore itself out and collapsed. The only way we’re going to get out of this alive is by being quicker and sneakier than them.” I responded with urgency. Woodcutter spoke up, “How do you know they were chasing the deer for days?” “I saw them pass by me at one point as I was walking around, searching for a place to sleep. The alpha had a scar under his eye. A day later, I saw the same pack chasing the same deer. Only the deer was worn out and collapsed in front of me. The pack came through the bushes and saw me above the worn out deer. They respected me, and must have assumed that I took it down. They bowed and backed up to let me have my share.” I retold them a story of my second Timberwolf encounter on day seven. “What did you do?” Lumberjack asked already not liking the answer. I gave him a solemn look. “I was hungry, so I took the right to have the first bite.” Lumberjack looked appalled while Woodcutter nodded his head in understanding. “Why?” Lumberjack asked with a shaky voice. “Remember what I am, Lumberjack. A wolf must eat meat to survive. Killing is easy for me to do. Although I do feel some shame in taking that bite. It didn’t belong to me, nor did I enjoy taking its life. It was just something I had to do.” I explained. Lumberjack looked like he was about to speak before Woodcutter interrupted his thought process. “Jack…” he looked at him seriously. “He can’t help it. He’s a wolf; if he were to spare everything he caught, he would have died of hunger. He may also not be here today to tell us we are being hunted by Timberwolves.” Woodcutter reasoned. I decided to intrude and took a step forward toward Lumberjack. He responded by looking at me with worry. I sat down beside him and put my paw on his shoulder. “I can’t change what I am. But I’m able to change who I am. I want to be able to eat food without having to kill. But right now that shouldn’t be in the forefront of our minds. We are in this together now, and I will keep you safe, for as long as I can. We must move faster…” I looked at the treeline and saw movement several feet behind us, and added, “Hopefully, we can get to Ponyville without incident.” I returned to the center of the log raft and the beavers returned to paddling. I watched as the movement in the forest retreated further and further. I could smell the horrid breath the creatures have, and I could hear their movement become so faint, it began to disappear. After five minutes of watching them I began to pant again, feeling safe enough to resume cooling my body while we went down the river at a swift pace. I began keeping track of the amount of minutes we were away from the creatures. I sighed in relief as ten minutes went by without hearing or seeing any signs of the Timberwolves. I turned back to the beavers who still tried to speed up the raft. “Ok, the Timberwolves are out of earshot. We’ve left them behind ten minutes ago. Hopefully we can reach our destination without confrontation.” I told them. They both noticeably relaxed. Woodcutter looked at me with a thankful gaze, before it became a questioning one. “Can they smell us?” he asked while scratching his head. I thought about it and looked at both shores, “Yes. They should be able to. But when we hit the shore, I’m going to do a few things to you so they won’t follow us to Ponyville, and put everyone at risk. We should pick up our pace. I’ll be on the lookout and tell you to go prone if there’s anything else out there.” The trees seem to be darker and spookier than the ones ten minutes ago. I assumed it’s a different part of the forest and different species of tree were dominant here. I kept an eye out for anything strange that would raise a red flag in my head. I began to smell the difference between this forest and the one we were in ten minutes ago. The residual scent of blood entered my nose and I began to become very self-conscious. I looked around franticly for anything that would put us at risk. I noticed movement above us and looked up. It was the worst mistake ever. I saw vultures, eagles, hawks, and crows circling areas of the forest randomly. I knew for a fact that they were scavenging the food hunters killed. I could only hazard a guess at how many birds were on the ground picking at the remains of a creature that lost its life in a hunt. As I mulled over in my thoughts I heard a distant cracking of leaves and the breaking of wood. Large chunks of wood at that. I quickly growled in the direction of the noise to get the attention of the beavers. I didn’t want to make any sort of noise so I just laid down on my stomach and stayed motionless. The beavers did the same and looked in the direction of the forest. Slowly but surely, the noise got louder and I could see trees being pushed aside like nothing. I could see a serpent like body come into view in the dark, shadowy areas of the trees. I almost got up and ran off the raft before remembering I was in the center of a body of water. I wanted to shout at the beavers to move us closer to the shore so the trees would give us more cover. But thankfully the raft was moving quickly enough so when the creature poked its head out of the treetops to get its bearings I had only moments of time to get a good look at its two of its heads. I assumed this was the hydra the beavers spoke about. I was happy to see the forest was on my side and the leaves got between us and its two exposed heads. I slowly stood up and looked back at my beaver friends who were currently paled from fear. Woodcutter slowly got up and started to paddle a little faster. Lumberjack did the same. I looked at the sky to check the time. The sun was past its zenith and has moved halfway down on the other side of the sky to our left. The river began to bend to the left and then the right after five more minutes of drifting. Woodcutter and Lumberjack continued to adjust our course so we kept up speed while avoiding the river bank. As time went on I watched the shore and panted to keep myself cool. The sun sunk below the treetops and I stopped panting. I was now letting my body keep me warm as the shadows cooled my body. There was a sudden disturbance in the water and I started spinning around in place watching as bubbles and waves began to hit the log raft. Lumberjack and Woodcutter looked concerned and brought the wooden oars out of the water. Lumberjack however started to smile and calm down. A purple creature exploded out of the water and looked down at us. It was the river serpent that Lumberjack spoke about. I was apprehensive when first meeting the gargantuan creature as I didn’t know what it was. But it’s surprisingly fancy looking golden locks and mustache and posh pose made me double take and reprocess everything I thought was normal. Then I realized I was in Equestria, the land of talking dogs, animals, ponies, and assumingly everything unnatural. I cocked my head to the right and stared at the towering purple creature. It looked down at me and the beavers and raised an eyebrow in confusion. Woodcutter and I tensed up. “Hey Steven! It’s me Lumberjack!” shouted Lumberjack to the serpent with a smile and waving his arms. “Jack?” asked the serpent in a confused and posh tone. He bent over and looked closer at Lumberjack’s smiling face. “OH JACK IT IS YOU! How wonderful to see you again!” he smiled and then looked at me and Woodcutter. “Why are you traveling with this ghastly beast?” he sounded offended and I felt a little upset. I would be impressed that he spoke perfect English if I wasn’t upset that he called me ghastly in a very posh tone. But his size made me rethink my opinion of him. I honestly wouldn't want to be on his bad side, especially when I'm on a little raft who's pilots are on his side. “Please don’t insult him. He asked for a lift to Ponyville. We were unsure of his intentions, but he’s protected us from prying eyes of Timberwolves since we left the safety of the tranquil southern parts of the northern forest. He’s been helpful to us ever since.” Lumberjack explained on my behalf. “Hmm, I see.” Steven mused rubbing his chin with his left claw and his right claw under his left elbow. “Well wolf. What’s your story?” he asked unsure. I decided to be polite; surely someone who acted so joyously toward Lumberjack is only being rude because he himself isn’t a predator. Or at least he understands the hardships of a prey animal and is just looking out for his friend. Both of which are admirable traits, and both are only speculation. I didn’t have a choice but to talk to him because his abdomen is pressed up against the log raft, and being a twenty ton sea serpent means he could drown me with a single finger. That thought alone made me a little worried. I respectfully gave him a short bow and started, “Salutations. I’m Hushed Shadow by the diamond dogs. You along with my companions may call me Hush or Hushed for simplicity purposes.” I noticed he didn’t seem too convinced, but he was relaxed. So I went with flattery. “I must say I’m very impressed with your lavish hair style.” I said hopefully. He lowered his claw from his face and removed his analyzing gaze and replaced it with a questioning one. It was a small but subtle hint that he didn’t expect me to be so polite. So I continued. “I’m even more impressed with the fact that you’re able to live in a river and keep your hair from being matted down and somehow keeping it from getting dirty.” I finish with truthful admiration and observation. I assumed he has hair that naturally does that like mine, but there’s something that seemed off with that assumption, mainly because naturally awesome fur seems rare and it's less likely for a giant fish to adapt it. He smiled at me and nodded his head. I could see Lumberjack wipe nervous sweat from his forehead and sigh with relief. Woodcutter was smiling in my direction while giving me a nod for my quick thinking. I smiled at him back and I relaxed as I saw the serpent give me a more respectful analyzing gaze. He spoke up with a friendlier voice and emphasized his words with hand waves. “Oh, why thank you dear boy. Your eyes are a lovely deep blue, I can get lost in them if I stare to long.” he cooed and I felt slightly uncomfortable. “And must admit to admire your lovely coat. It seems so slick and shiny.” he complimented, then questioned me. “Did you use a comb for it? You seem well groomed.” I waved my paw in dismissal while shaking my head. “Oh no, nothing so simple. My coat naturally is like this. My species of wolf is from the Ezo family. We are a rare type of wolf that has strange, but amazing abilities. Seeing one such as myself would be so rare it would be like waiting for a two thousand year comet to arrive in the night sky. My race is declining. But we keep ourselves well hidden so you won’t know we’re there.” I explained myself. “Oh, then I should consider myself grateful to meet your acquaintance.” he said respectfully. I noticed how shiny his scales were. The moment I noticed them I began to think on how well he must keep them cleaned. He does his hair so well it looks like he’s upper class, while his scales are so clean to the contrastingly dirty river. “Your scales are very clean.” I began complimenting his scales, “I’m impressed that they’re so…reflective and pure. A very nice contrast to the murky waters you live in.” “Oh, why thank you for noticing! I’ve had compliments about my scales and my expertly quaffed mane. But I’ve never been complimented on my hard work.” he smiled. “I swear, you’re trying to get on my good side.” He said with a wink. I had to think of a way to solidify our trust, even with that wink that chilled my spine. “Oh but I am. I may need to return to the river for water or travel. I’d enjoy a good conversation if I choose to return, and simply making your acquaintance or earning your trust and friendship is of an interest to me.” He nodded and smiled. “Hmm...So true. So what made you want to go to Ponyville?” he asked. “I want to see a culture that my fathers and forefathers haven’t seen in centuries. Ponies are avoided by my family for the simple reasons of survival. Our race is hunted for our coats, and ponies found them as a luxury when we were more common. Our sneaky nature made a luxury item even more valuable, or so I assume. Now I’m sure since my race has supposedly been extinct for centuries, I want to see what ponies look like. And maybe live among them.” I told him. He looked sympathetic. “Hmm... interesting motives. If ever you feel insecure, just come to the river. I’ll protect you if you need it.” He offered. "Ponies are very understanding, I'm sure I can convince them to leave you be." “Thank you.” I said. “Actually Magnet, we were trying to get down the river and a pack of Timberwolves may be hunting us. Can we go through please?” asked Lumberjack. “Timberwolves?” shouted Steven Magnet with alarm. “Oh right! Well you’d better get off your raft and head to Ponyville from here.” He said pushing the log raft to the shore. “Here? Why?” Asked a confused Woodcutter. I was confused as well, surely getting off here is more dangerous than Ponyville pond where this ends up. “The Timberwolf mating season has started up. See the scavengers?” he asked pointing up and I was reminded of the circling birds. “They’ve been on the forest edge for a while now. Ponyville pond is mostly in the Everfree, and acts as a watering hole. They try to take little ponies that wonder too close to the forest edge. The pond is a common hang out spot for them.” “What does this have to do with their mating season?” I asked. He looked at me as he shooed us onto the shore. We obliged and jumped from the raft to the muddy and grassy shore. “The Timberwolves always hunt more often when pregnant. They gorge on food now so the other mothers don’t eat what’s left for them. Zap apple season is also this time of year. So they crowd around them for its magical lightning.” he explained. I cocked my head to the side with the most flabbergasted look. Lumber and Wood both shook their heads and face palmed but remained silent. “Timberwolves are magical wolves that are held together by magic. If they don’t recharge with the zap apple trees, then they fall apart for good.” He said. I heard howling in the distance. But it was getting closer and I remembered the situation we’re in. I looked at the beavers and reminded myself of how much they smell. A wolf would pick up on them and track us to Ponyville and put the lives of ponies in danger. I looked around franticly, and found a small pool of mud without water near the shore. I motioned for them to follow as I quickly made my way toward it. I pointed at it with my paw and firmly ordered, “Roll.” “Why?” asked Woodcutter. “Because I can smell you, and if I can then so can the Timberwolves. They’ll follow us if you don’t.” I explained. They nodded and quickly started to roll in the mud. Soon their scent became faint and then died as they went from a light brown to a dark muddy grey. Steven Magnet looked a little disgusted, but understood the reasoning and backed off from the shore. “I’ll keep your raft safe.” he added while pulling it back into the river. “You hurry to Ponyville and get yourselves safe.” He said and went back into the water. The raft idly floated before a giant purple claw came out and grabbed its side and swam downstream with it. I watched it go out of eyesight before looking back at my companions with urgency in my eyes. They seemed scared and ready to flee on my command. I needed them to be as calm as possible and to follow my every command. Right now was a good time to set ground rules while we walked to Ponyville. We began walking with Lumberjack leading us through the dense forest. It wasn’t as dense as the forest in the south, but it was a lot hillier. There were more short drop-offs and stubby trees with roots sticking out of the ground than there were bushes in the other forest. “Ok. Lumberjack, Woodcutter.” I started in an urgent whisper. “We need to get to Ponyville as fast as we can. But I want you to keep an eye on me. If I run off then you run with me. If I jump into a bush then you join me or find a bush of your own. Don’t talk, no matter what. Even to ask a question. We follow Lumberjack, unless I decide to go another way understood?” They both nodded and all conversation died. Lumberjack moved in front of us at a good pace that kept us from running into too many leaves that would rub off the mud on their fur. But would also lead us straight to Ponyville. Or that’s what I assumed. We occasionally went up steep slopes. I would protest because they exposed us for longer than we needed to be and made us work more. But I held my tongue for safety in the crowded forest. I kept my ears out in both directions so I could hear everything around us. The howls of Timberwolves were all around us and more often than not, there was a small pack that ran past us. I heard lighting strikes, even though the clouds were light and the sky was orange from the sun's slow departure. I assumed these ‘Zap’ trees were refueling the Timberwolves with magic to keep them held together. I heard and smelled the breath of a pack of Timberwolves and I realized how close they are. I lightly tapped Lumberjacks back and trotted quickly and quietly toward a nearby bush. I made sure I was in front of them and they followed without question. I moved slowly as I entered the bush so the leaves wouldn’t make noise. The beavers did the same. I lay down and looked outside of a small break in leaves from the bush and waited for them to pass by. I waited long enough that I thought they went the other direction before I heard one bark and run into view. I held slowly breathed in and out as I watched the wolf wait for its pack. It sniffed idly and I began to worry for my beaver friends. I couldn’t smell them, but I could smell the dried mud on their coats. I hoped the Timberwolf wouldn’t investigate, and I was happy to see it resumed its pace the moment other wolves entered my view. They came within a meter to us and I could feel Lumberjack or Woodcutter shaking next to me. They were both taking cover on the other side of me as I watched the pack leave. Without speaking, I got up slowly and poked my head out of the bush. The pack was running in the other direction, and they seemed to be going after something. I then noticed it was a small flock of birds that couldn’t get above the tree canopy because of the thickness of leaves. My heart went out to them, but my mind returned to my friends. I looked back and nodded to Lumberjack. They both looked unnerved and seemed to have adrenaline coursing through their veins. They shook, not with fear but with unused adrenaline that made their muscles spasm. Woodcutter and I followed Lumberjack out of the bush and to the north. We continued more cautiously and Lumberjack stopped going up steep slopes. It felt like ages as we moved with a purpose through the forest. We came upon a wall of light. But the light wasn’t a wall, it was more the edge of the forest and the remaining light from the sky was coming through it. It looked like a lovely luminescent orange. As we got closer our eyes adjusted and we saw on the other side of the treeline. I began to feel joy but I was alert. I knew the wolves hung around the forest edge. Lumberjack moved forward with a quickened pace and made more noise. I began to become worried. I became terrified when a familiar scent passed my nose. It was the breath of a Timberwolf that I could smell before we even reached the edge of the forest. I promptly stepped on Lumberjacks tail and stopped him. He looked at me with a quizzical expression but he saw my intent gaze ahead and he stopped. He backed up behind me but I stopped him and pointed with my paw at a bush to our left. He nodded, and then they hid inside it without question. I made sure they were quiet and hidden well before moving forward. My head passed the foliage and I saw five Timberwolves lying on the ground with their eyes closed. They were breathing normally, so I assumed this was a hunting technique. I saw how they were positioned. They were in path with dried leaves on the ground with a no-man's-land between us. I understood we had to go around them. I got up and walked to my left to find another bush to hide behind. But I came to a realization, there were even more wolves around us. The farther I went to the left the more wolves I saw. I was out of sight distance from the bush that Woodcutter and Lumberjack were hiding in. I went around the corner of the bush I was on the other side of and looked at them with a solemn expression. I raised my paw and held it out like a flat palm to say stay. They peaked out of the bush, wondering what my next move was. Lumberjack and Woodcutter looked almost panicked and mortified when I turned around and went farther away from them. I took care to not let my paws crack on leaves or make any noise as I wondered away from my companions. I found a small clearing deeper into the forest that was perfect for my plan on saving the beavers. I sat down in the center and began to howl. “HooooooooooooWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH” It was a contrast to the Timberwolf howl. I immediately heard rustling of bushes and crunching of leaves coming from the forest edge. I knew they were after me. I began to run deeper into the forest. My fear and my feet carried me a long distance without tiring. I began to scan for a bush to hide in but I found myself begin to become surrounded. The Timberwolves came in on all sides. A pack appeared from my left and they took a swipe at me. I was forced to turn right, and I no longer had the ability to successfully hide. I started panting from the sprint. I ran for safety that I couldn’t find. The howls behind me told me that more wolves joined the hunt and I saw a pack on my right. I was beginning to feel boxed in. I jumped over some low bushes and entered a field of blue flowers, the same type of flower I slept on the night before. I froze in the middle of the blue field when I saw the other side of it. Another pack of wolves entered the clearing and successfully boxed me in. I was now truly afraid for my life. I knew that this would be the end. But I felt at peace, knowing I’ve done something good and hopefully the legend of Hushed the Ezo wolf would pass on into legend. I said my grace as I spun around on the spot keeping an eye on all the wolves and began to lose my nerve. The wolves stepped forward onto the blue flower while growling menacingly. I dared not close my eyes or it would be the end of me. Suddenly the largest wolf that looked like an alpha stopped his approach and looked down at the blue flowers. He then had a nervous look on him. I followed his gaze and was confused, and so was the other Timberwolves until they noticed the flowers. Or at least the ones on them at the time. They stopped growling while the ones in the supposed ‘clear’ looked on with worry. An expression I didn’t think I’d see in a predator while hunting. The ones deeper into the field started to be covered in blue spots and fell to pieces. My jaw hung open and I breathed from my mouth idly while I watched the scene before me unfold. The Timberwolves began running out of the field of blue with terrified expressions and one by one they fell to pieces. Some made it out of the field but still fell to pieces with blue spots all over their wooden bodies. The remaining Timberwolves growled menacingly at me and backed up and away from the field. They were out of sight within a few seconds. I couldn’t move, the flower that gave me a good night sleep also saved me from being food for wolves that once respected me. I began to rethink my place on the food chain, and I now have a renewed love for the blue flowers that I took comfort in, just the other night. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Woodcutter and Lumberjack told their tale to a butter yellow Pegasus in front of her cottage. The cottage had a roof of leaves and birdhouses. The other animals listened in on the amazing tale that they told while idly watching the treeline for any movement. They heard howling an hour ago and the beavers ran up to Fluttershy to ask for help. “I-I don’t know if I can help. I’m sorry but I-I don’t know if your wolf friend is ok. He hasn’t shown up anywhere near the cottage, and even if he had Mr. Bear would probably scare him away if he tried to get close.” explained Fluttershy. “But we can’t leave him!” shouted Lumberjack. “He risked his life to save us! And I don’t want to have to leave him in a forest where he could be eaten by Timberwolves “I-I’m sorry.” said Fluttershy timidly. “But if he’s in the forest, then I can’t get him. The Timberwolves would hurt anypony going in the forest, and I don’t want to risk any more animals or myself for a wolf. But I’ll tell Mr. Bear that if he sees a black wolf then to let him in. If he’s as sneaky as you said he is, then he might be hiding and come back in the morning.” she explained to them reassuringly and apologetically. “You two should get some rest. You’ve had a long journey and you survived Timberwolves. You can rest in the cottage…” she waited for them to turn around. Woodcutter and Lumberjack walked into the cottage looking defeated. Lumberjack looked back to see Fluttershy walking toward a bear that was resting on the edge of the forest as a lookout. The sky was dark and the sun retreated for the moon and the stars to camp in the sky. Lumberjack looked around once again and could only see the soft glow of yellow eyes beyond the treeline. He relented and walked inside with his friend Woodcutter. They took their places on conveniently placed baskets, near the green couch. They laid down with solemn expressions. Woodcutter rolled onto his back while Lumberjack lay on his side. Woodcutter spoke up, offering a suggestion, “Maybe Fluttershy’s right. Maybe he is hiding and will be here in the morning.” “Yeah…” said Lumberjack with sorrow. Woodcutter decided not to respond and let his friend be alone with his thoughts. He wanted to get to his own as well and began to think on how he could have been nicer to Hushed. He began to feel regretful for doubting his sincerity and began to go deeper into depression as he looked up at the ceiling. They began to hear a howl from beyond the trees. Woodcutter began to silently tear up as he listened to it. Lumberjack sat up on his hind legs and looked at Woodcutter. “Woodcutter…” stated Lumberjack. “That’s not a Timberwolf.” Woodcutter shot up and listened closely. The howl was changing pitch like the one Hushed howled in the southern part of the north forest. They both began to smile wider and wider as they recognized the vocal cords of a wolf very familiar to them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fluttershy was walking back to her cottage before hearing a distinct howl of a wolf. She dismissed it as a Timberwolf before she noticed it didn’t stop, and only changed pitch for the extra seconds it lasted. She turned around to Mr. Bear and saw him closing his eyes and swaying left to right from the majestic sound. Fluttershy was awed by the howl and realized it was too different from a Timberwolf howl to be one. She smiled softly and commented, “I wonder who taught him how to howl?”