//------------------------------// // A Sudden Rescue (Part 2) // Story: Wolverine: The Equestrian Myth // by Axel IV //------------------------------// "Ooooh... " Rover groaned, his arms and legs quivering as they tried to rise up from the ground. He felt like his face was hit straight on by a chariot, and his back ached as if he was run over by a train. With all fours struggling to lift his torso, he finally managed to get up onto his knees. Feeling a few cracks go off down his spine, the diamond dog raised a paw to his face to rub at the sore spot tenderly. He was positive that the strange bipedal creature hit him... but he couldn't remember flying back into the iron bars of the prison. With a grunt, Rover turned his head to glance at the cell, his neck feeling like a stiff log. Two of the steel bars had been completely bent, making enough space for a tiny pony to fit through. With a growl of disapproval, Rover quickly looked around for his two comrades. Both were lying on their backs, facing opposite one another. They each had a sizable bump on their foreheads, and were twitching subconsciously. Rover knew that even if he jumped on them, they probably wouldn't wake up. With his muscles and cracked bones screeching in protest, the diamond dog heaved himself up back onto his feet, growling in the intense pain flaring beneath his coat. Using the wall for support, Rover climbed up to stand up straight, each breath igniting his lungs in a fiery pain. He took a moment to collect himself before opening his mouth wide, his chest expanding as he took in a huge amount of breath. Mentally prepared, the diamond dog let out a loud howl, his throat throbbing as the piercing wail rang throughout the underground caverns. The pain was so immense, and tears welled up in the corner of his eyes as he screamed for as long as he could. When the air was finally gone from his lungs, he collapsed back onto the ground with a sharp yelp. His ears perked up, and Rover began to listen closely to the sounds of the cavern. At first, he was met with only the sharp buzz of silence... but soon he began to hear the thunderous roars of running, the short pants of his kin, and the small tremors of their approaching bodies through the ground. "Stupid... filly..., " Rover growled out, "Won't let... you get away... boss will... make sure... " He let out a chuckle that resembled a wheeze. And then he waited. "Goddamn... mutts.... " Logan growled, "We finally get through the tunnel that's as long as the New York Subway, and right when the surface is in our faces, it turns out they dug straight up." Logan punched his hands into the dirt, the muscles on his arms tensing and bulging as he climbed up slowly, the unstable earth breaking away with each attempt to move up. "What's the New York Subway?" Dinky asked, her hooves wrapped tightly around Wolverine's head to keep from falling, "Is it some kind of road?" "Something like that, " Logan grumbled, growing rather frustrated at the slow ascending pace, "Hey, you sure you don't have any magic that can lift us out of here? I'm not saying I'm tired, but it would be much more convenient to just float outta here... " Dinky shook her head, "N-No... I'm still very bad at magic... and most unicorns aren't even strong enough to lift themselves in the air, especially somepony as heavy as you." "Hey, " Logan spoke back, digging his hands back into the dirt as he lifted himself up a few more inches, "It's all muscle, kid." And my metal skeleton probably puts on a little more weight. A little. Dinky looked up the tunnel, the light of the sky fading rather quickly, "Oh no... " She whispered softly, "Mama's probably really worried about me... " She gave out a worrisome sigh that only gave Logan a slight annoyance. "No shit." Logan responded, "Moms typically don't like it when their small child is off in some dark tunnel clutching some stranger's head like a pillow during a scary movie. But she doesn't exactly know what you're doing or where you are, so she's most likely expecting the worst." Dinky nodded, resting her chin against the top of Logan's head, "Mama always worries... I hope that she doesn't go through a ton of trouble to try and find me... she's probably going over to see Twilight right now, though." Logan froze. "Twilight?" He asked, his eyes shifting to see the unicorn on his head. "Yes, " Dinky cocked her head curiously, "Twilight Sparkle... Princess Celestia's student and one of the elements of harmony! If there is somepony that could help mama and me, it'd be Twilight!" "So.... " Logan began to move up again, "You're saying you live in the same town... as her..." "Yep!" Dinky nodded, her expression brightening, "She's the smartest pony ever! Her magic is amazing, and she could do nearly everything! I really look up to her!" "Great, " Logan grumbled, "Just my luck... I go out of my way to save a little pony, and the next thing I know is that Sparky is nearby." "Sparky?" Dinky blinked, "Do you know Twilight?" "I'm not saying anything, " Logan growled softly, "And neither are you. Remember what we talked about? You can't say a word about meeting me or any of this. Especially to that damned egghead." Dinky cocked her head in confusion. "Why?" Dinky asked, "Were you and Twilight in some sort of fight?" "Not talking about it, " Logan sighed, "You have to promise me that you won't say anything. This is important, and your princesses want to keep it a secret... especially from that merlin-wannabe. You got it, kid?" "Tell me why!" Dinky whined, "Please? I just wanna know! I promise I won't say anything if you tell me!" Logan grumbled to himself, becoming even more irritated at the grey filly clutching his head. She continued to complain and struggle for a few more minutes, and the torture of his ears finally stopped when his strong hands finally grabbed the surface. "Maybe when you're older, " Logan grunted, his muscles tensing as he pulled his body out from the hole, breaking dirt chunks back down into the tunnel, "I saved your little grey ass, so you have to do what I tell you." He climbed onto his feet and stood up straight, turning his gaze to the sky. The sun had been pulled to the horizon, and the moon was currently being dragged up into the night. Stars were beginning to flicker to life, letting them know that Luna was busy at work on her next masterpiece. "Well, we're out." Logan stated, stretching out his arms and feeling a series of cracks roll down his spine, "I guess you can go home now." Instead of loosening her grip, Dinky's hooves only gripped his head harder. "Hm?" Logan frowned, "What's wrong now?... Don't tell me..." "It's... " Dinky whined softly, "Really dark out... " "And?... " Logan winced, taking a quick look around. "...We're surrounded by the Everfree Forest..." "...And?" "I'm... I'm scared.... " "For god sakes!" Wolverine snarled, "Fine! You can camp with me for tonight, but only for tonight. When it gets light again, you go back home. You never speak of this again, and you will never see me again. Deal?" Dinky shrunk against his head, her small eyes darting back and forth through the darkness, "D...Deal... " Twilight rushed down Ponyville, biting her lip in worry. She told Ditzy that she would find Dinky, but it was turning out to be harder than she thought. She at least somehow ran into her five friends in town and asked them to search for Dinky as well. But by that time, the sun had basically disappeared from the sky, having been consumed by the horizon... and this worried the purple mare. Finding Rumble's house was rather difficult... she knew Rumble and his arrogant- womanizing brother Thunderlane, but she wasn't sure where they lived. She had to ask around a bit before being directed to a house not too far away from Sugarcube Corner. She took a moment to catch her breath, panting quite heavily and using the mailbox to support herself. After all, she was an expert scholar and a genius magician, not a pony with decent athletic ability. She straightened out her mane with her hoof and approached the door to the house, knocking on it three times. The door opened, and she had to look to to see the grey-colored Thunderlane standing above her. She cringed at the smirk edging his lips. "Oh, hey Twilight, " He smiled, shifting his body so that it leaned against the doorway, "Fancy seeing you coming over here. See anything you like?" He glanced over her body, raising one of his hooves to comb through his mohawk. "Sorry, Thunderlane, " Twilight waved off her hoof, "I'm not here for a night of disappointment. I'm here to talk to Rumble, actually. I need his help to find Dinky." "Oh, " Thunderlane frowned, "Derpy's daughter? Yeah, I'll go call him." Twilight gritted her teeth from the name-calling, pressing down the desire to lash out on the pegasus. However, this was no time for lectures. That would most definitely come later. "Yo Rumble!" Thunderlane shouted from inside his house, "Somepony's here to see you." "Coming!" A young coltish voice called from a staircase. A few moments later, Rumble came dashing down the steps, a smile wide on his face. "Dinky!" He exclaimed, "I was wondering when you'd get back from - Twilight?" Rumble attempted to scoot into a stop, but his back legs got tangled up and he tumbled down the rest of the stairs, landing face-first into the ground. "Good one, bro, " Thunderlane laughed, "You'll definitely be a stunt flier someday. At least you can take the hits." Rumble ignored his brother and sat up, wiping away a little bit of moisture under his eye. "Twilight, " Rumble asked, sitting down onto his haunches, "What are you doing here? Is this about Dinky?" Twilight nodded, "Yes. Ditzy has been searching all over for her and she's nowhere to be found... its getting late, and its already dark out. Do you know where she could be?" Rumble gasped, "Oh no... I told her it was a bad idea... " He stood back up, shaking the surprise out of his face, "N-Nevermind that! We've got to go find her now! She could be in danger!" "Danger?!" Twilight blinked, "What do you mean by danger? You have to tell me, Rumble!" "I... Well, it was after school, and Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were teasing her as usual... " His ears dropped, and his gaze dropped to the floor, "They were making fun of Dinky's mom's eyes again... saying how poor she was, and how she couldn't afford to fix her eyes... I... I should of said something... " Rumble kicked the floor with his hoof, "But Dinky... it really got to her this time. She told me she was going to find gems to get enough bits to help out her mom... she had overhead spots where Rarity and Spike go digging for sapphires and stuff, and went there... but I think she went farther than she should have into..." "Diamond dog territory, " Twilight gasped, "Oh no... that's in the middle of the Everfree Forest... that means... oh no... I-I got to get the others!" Twilight spun around, her hooves kicking into the dirt as she dashed away down into the street. Rumble immediately darting after her, easily managing to catch up ride beside her. "I-I'm coming with!" Rumble yelled. "No! It's too dangerous!" Twilight replied, "The Everfree is filled with dangerous creatures!" "But, " Rumble complained, "But I can't just sit still! If I don't go out there with you... I'll never forgive myself... " Twilight had a few moments to think, weighing her options. Rumble wasn't going to listen to her if she said no... "Fine, " Twilight nodded, "Go get Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. I'll get the others and meet me back at the library... tell them the situation. You're a brave colt, Rumble." Rumble's cheeks lit like a fire, and he quickly sprinted away, looking in the skies for a certain blue pegasus and the streets for a pink pony. "Mr. Logan?" Dinky asked, glancing around, "Are... are you sure you know where you're going?" It had been quite a while since they had disappeared into the thick forest, and Dinky could barely see two feet in front of her. Logan, however, was navigating like a pro, stepping over logs and avoiding trees and other plants sitting in his way. "Of course I know where the hell I'm going, " Logan grumbled, "I have a kickass sense of direction. Also, I can smell the remnants of my campfire. There aren't a ton of people having fires in a forest like this." "Oh... I-I see... " Dinky still kept a firm grip on Logan's head, "So... um, do you live with anypony?" "Me?" Wolverine nearly laughed, "No, of course not. Thank god for solitude." "Why?" Dinky asked, "Isn't it... lonely?" "Not at all, " Logan responded, "It's peaceful, quiet, and I don't have to worry about you little ponies freaking out at the sight of me. It's relaxing." "I'm sure the ponies in Ponyville will accept you, " Dinky stated, "We aren't like those stuck up nobles in Canterlot... I'm sure the ponies would all love to get to know you." "No thanks, " Logan replied, "It's not like I'm afraid they won't accept me or anything. I just don't want to get affiliated with you guys. No offense, but I'm afraid that if I stick around with you ponies long enough I'm going to end up singing and dancing. It's not like I'm in Les Miserables or anything. God, that'd be awful." "Singing and dancing is fun, though... " Dinky replied quietly. She paused, trying to think of a conversation topic, "Do you know any songs, Mr. Logan?" "Of course I do, " Logan grumbled in reply, "I've had young kids pound top forty radio into my head for years. Anyways, we're here." He lifted his powerful arms, his fingers grasping the interlocking branches of two trees and yanking them apart. "I'm getting sick of doing that each time, " He mumbled under his breath, "If I have to do it again, I'm turning you trees into toilet paper." When the branches were ripped away, Dinky was able to make out Logan's campsite. The fire pit was in the center of it all, and there were still a few hot coals burning away. There was a bed of leaves set up not too far away from it, and there were a few hefty bags bulging with tools and other objects inside of them. Dinky couldn't see it, but she could hear the sound of a nearby stream, and she immediately felt a dryness in her throat. She had been so frightened that she didn't know she had been thirsty. Logan bent over, grabbing her small body with his thick hands, "Alright, you're lucky I'm not charging you for the ride." She gave a little squeak when his fingers wrapped around her body. She kept her eyes squeezed shut as she was slowly lifted into the air, and finally opened them when she was set softly onto the ground. "Well, this is home." Logan spoke, "I don't have two beds, so you're going to have to make your own. You can hear where the water is, and I don't think I have food that you can eat for tonight. Sorry, kiddo." Logan sat down next to the small fire pit, blowing onto the coals as he snatched a handful of sticks to bring it back to life. "N-No problem, " She answered, "I'll just go get something to drink.... " Her limbs moved slowly and carefully, lightly treading through the grass as she listened to the sound of the running stream. The thought of stumbling over rocks or tripping over roots kept her cautious, her eyes barely picking up anything in front of her. When she finally made it to the stream, she had to tap the ground before her to avoid accidentally stepping in. She leaned her head down, feeling the cool water dance over her muzzle. The liquid relaxed her burning throat, and she had to make sure she didn't choke on it. When she was done, she sighed in relief and lifted her eyes. A small sound rustled from her left, and Dinky turned her head to see a pair of glowing green eyes appear from the dark. "Mr. LOGAN!" She cried, sprinting back to the campsite "M-MONSTER!" She tripped on her legs, rolling into a little ball before slamming directly into Logan's rump as he was kneeling down towards the fire. "The fuck?!" Wolverine blinked, immediately standing up, "If I wanted somebody to slap my ass, I would of asked one of those diamond dogs back there." Dinky immediately wrapped her little hooves around Logan's ankles, her eyes as wide as a set of dinner plates. "M-Monster! B-By the s-stream!" She pointed her hoof into the pitch black abyss of the forest, "I-It's coming!" Logan sniffed the air for a moment, a smile cracking from his lips. "Oh. Don't worry. He won't hurt you." Logan stated as two glowing green orbs protruded from the dark, "He's a friend... I think." Dinky kept her hooves as tight as knot around Logan's leg. The timberwolf stepped out of the shadows slowly, its head raised above its shoulders. Its wooden tail dangled stiffly behind itself as it approached Logan. Dinky sniffled into his leg, hiding her eyes from the horror of the beast. It glanced over at Dinky and huffed before turning to pace in a circle. After a few spins, its legs bent and it laid onto the earth, curling up into itself. "See? It's fine." Logan shook his leg lightly, "He doesn't think much of you as a meal, anyways... which means you can let go!" Dinky whimpered in protest before releasing her death-grip. She trotted over to the other side of the campfire and sat down, her horrified eyes glancing over to the wolf occasionally. "That's... a timberwolf... " Dinky said after a few moments of silence. "That's what they're called?" Logan grumbled before sitting down before the fire, "I should have guessed." Dinky scooted a few extra inches towards the human. "Why... why is he here?" Dinky asked, looking at the creature curiously, "Timberwolves are one of the most feared creatures in the Everfree! Is he your pet? Did you tame him?" "Nope, " Logan replied, "I saw him when he first got here, and he's been here ever since. I think this was his home before I came along, so now we're sorta roommates." Dinky looked up, cocking her head at Logan, "You... know what it's thinking?" She asked quietly. "Kinda... " Logan scratched his head, "It's... sorta an ability of mine. In a way, I can communicate with them and somehow read their thoughts." "Wow!" She smiled, "You're just like Fluttershy!" Logan let out a painful cough, "Like hell I'm like Fluttershy! Does it look like I make out with flowers and trees?!..." Wolverine suddenly froze, realizing that he just gave more information to the little pony. Dinky gasped, her expression puzzled, "You mean... you've met Fluttershy AND Twilight?! Does that mean you've met Pinky, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity too?!" "Look, kid, I'm not gonna tell you." He sighed, "Tomorrow, I'm taking you straight back to your little town. And, because of our deal, you won't tell anybody that I'm here. You simply got lost in the forest and slept in a cave or something." Dinky's ears drooped and she dropped her head, resting them against her forehooves. "I know... " She said quietly, "It's just... I haven't made an actual friend in a while... I was hoping that maybe... nevermind... " She yawned, turning her head to face away from Logan. "Friend?" Logan raised an eyebrow, looking over at the little filly. Her body raised with her breaths, and she let out another cute little yawn. Logan watched her for a little while longer and turned his head back to the fire. He met the glowing green eyes of the timberwolf who stared at him expectantly. "What?" Logan frowned, "Don't look at me like that... you wooden prick. " The timberwolf appeared to roll its eyes without pupils before closing its eyelids. "Tch, " Logan grumbled, "You know, I think I finally have a name for you. How about... Morning Wood? Sounds pony enough, right?" "Ugh... " Rover complained, stomping hits way down through the dark caverns. Thick white bandages wrapped his torso like a mummy, and his arm was in a sling hung from his neck. Apparently, the creature punched him so hard he broke his arm. Shaking his head, he glanced over at his two subordinates. They were still out cold, and were lying on their backs with bandages tied around their heads. "Rover, " A large diamond dog approached from behind, "You say that a little pony and a... strange monster did this to you?" "Yes, " Rover grunted, "Don't know what it was... but no one treats me like this!" He snarled, punching his fist into the dirt walls, "Damn ponies! Making fools of us!" "Hey, " The diamond dog behind Rover grabbed his shoulder, "You think... they saw...? " Rover thought for a moment. He wasn't sure if the pony or the strange creature saw the room with the jewels and gold. But if he said yes, then he was sure that the other dogs would go out and hunt down the strange creature that humiliated him. With his smile hidden, Rover nodded his head. "Yes, " Rover replied, "They did... they both did. This puts us... these caverns... and boss in danger." Rover turned, facing a large posse of diamond dog brethren. "You must go find them!" Rover snarled, "Take them! Kill them! The ponies must not know! Boss be very angry if found out! Hurry before he gets back!" The diamond dogs turned to each other, each fearing what their boss would do if their secret was found out. They nodded to each other and sniffed the air, quickly picking up the ever-fading scent trail of the creature and the pony. They each turned, jumping onto all fours as they sprinted into the tunnels, howling and barking as they hunted their foes. "Hmph," Rover grunted, "Good. I wait for boss." "U-Um... d-do we have to be out like this so late at night? I-It's s-so dark out... " Fluttershy whispered, the magic from Twilight's horn illuminating a limited space surrounding them. The elements of harmony were all present, with Ditzy and Rumble in tow. "Can it, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash chirped, hitting her friend lightly on the shoulder, "We're on a rescue mission! Little Dinks could be out there afraid, alone, scared, bleeding, screaming, about to get eaten by a ferocious Manti- " "Quiet, Dash!" Applejack snapped, smacking her muddy hoof into Dash's yapping muzzle, "Did y'all forget that Ditzy's with us? That's her little girl out there!" Rainbow immediately pulled away, spitting a wad of mud into the trees. "Oh... sorry... " She apologized, her ears drooping with her head hanging low. "It's okay... I just want to... make sure my little Dinky... is okay... " Ditzy answered quietly, sniffling to herself as she frantically wiped the gathering moisture in her eyes, "I'm... I'm so scared for her... " Rumble edged up against her, trying to give her as much support as he could. Ditzy wiped her eyes and smiled, opening her wing to cover the little shaking pegasus. "Don't worry, Ditzy, " Twilight stated, "I'm sure she's fine. She's a very crafty, clever filly. She may not know lots of things, but she'll find a way through it all. Just like her mother." Twilight smiled, looking back at Ditzy. Ditzy sniffled, "T-Thank you, Twilight. I-I don't think that I could do this without all of you here." "Anything to help your daughter, Ditzy, " Rarity smiled, "Even if I have to walk through a few... ugh... pits of mud. Say, anypony seen Pinkie Pie?" "Over here!" Pinkie called out, jumping out of a few bushes and waving her hooves in a silly manner, "Sorry! My Pinkie senses were going craaaaazy! I just had to stop and take a look around!" "Pinkie sense?!" Twilight stopped in her tracks, "W-What's triggering them?" Twilight, ever since the whole pinkie sense incident, was now always careful about her friend's strange ability. Sometimes it saved her from a few bad situations, and being in the Everfree Forest at night was only making her more paranoid. "Weeeell, " Pinkie exclaimed, "When my ears flop twice, my legs kick three times, my tail twitches five times, and my face quivers eight times all at once, it means that somepony that we know and haven't seen in a long time is really close by!" She started hopping in excitement, her grin practically reaching her ears, "It's got me so happy that we get to see a friend we haven't seen in a long while!" "Friend we haven't seen in a while?... " Twilight blinked, "Well... like Zecora?" "No, silly!" Pinkie replied, "We see her every so often in Ponyville! It has to be somepony super-duper special!" "Hmm, " Applejack tapped her chin, "Ah can't think of any pony that would be out here besides Dinky, and we all see her pretty often." "Well, I guess we'll find out soon!" Pinkie grinned, "It makes me so happ- AUARHASFGH!" Pinkie's body suddenly exploded in convulsions, twitches, and sharp movements with strange words and spouts of saliva shooting from her mouth. Her friends watched her with gaping mouths as her strange seizure continued for a few more awkward moments. When it finally ended, Pinkie landed down onto her knees, her body rocking as she panted heavily, "Oh... oh no... " Her eyes got big, and she quickly gave Twilight a horrified look. Twilight blinked, "Um, what's going on- " "Twilight!" Pinkie screeched, "T-Turn off your light and cast a magic spell to get rid of our scent! A-And make it so they can't see us! Everypony get down now!" Pinkie quickly laid down onto her belly, her hooves reaching up to cover her head. Twilight opened her mouth to ask, but the sound of thundering footsteps shook the crooked trees and plants surrounding them. Twilight's horn flashed, releasing a scent-obscurity spell while also enveloping them in complete invisibility. Each pony hit the ground quietly, with Fluttershy shivering nearly uncontrollably. The pounding of the earth grew louder and louder, until Twilight couldn't even feel or hear her beating heart. There was a loud howl and a bark, and in mere seconds an entire pack of large, powerful Diamond Dogs broke out of the bushes. Twilight pulled her head in low as the group charged over them, mud splashing around as if they were fountains. Their vicious panting and snarling made Fluttershy whimper, and their powerful footsteps managed to only graze every single one of the ponies. When the sounds of thunder finally ended, Twilight ended the spells and stood up, struggling with her shaky hooves. She had seen diamond dogs before, but these were much bigger than the others she had seen, and there were so many of them. "Everypony alright?... " Twilight asked, wiping some mud off of her coat. "Well, nothing a bath can't fix, I guess... " Rarity growled, her horn glowing lightly as the mud drenching her white body slipped off like water, "One trampled over my mane, though... " "What were they doing?... " Rainbow Dash asked, looking back, "They were definitely in some kind of a hurry... " "Yeah, and they weren't heading for Ponyville, that's for sure." Applejack cracked her neck, "Or Zecora's. They were just heading deeper and deeper into the Everfree." "This makes me worried... " Fluttershy stated, "What if... they were going after Dinky?... " Ditzy let out a little gasp, gazing back to find the tracks the diamond dogs left behind. "T-Then we gotta go after them!" Rumble declared, taking a few shaky steps, "T-They looked pretty serious!" "Hm, " Twilight thought outloud, "It could be true, but we don't know for sure. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie, I want you all to follow after them to see what they were up to. We'll go search around the area that Dinky was heading over to. When you guys are done, double back and meet us up at Zecora's." The three ponies nodded, and Rainbow Dash jumped into the air and gave her friend a salute. "Yes sir, captain Sparkle!" Rainbow Dash mocked, turning around and immediately speeding through the darkness. "Oh, hey!" Applejack blinked, "Don't go too fast! The forest is dark, and there might be a- *SMACK!* "...tree.... " Applejack sighed, bringing her hoof up hit herself lightly on the forehead, "Anyways, we'll be fine. You guys go on ahead and we'll see which tree those dogs are barkin' up." Twilight nodded, and she watched her three friends with worry as they disappeared into the depths of the dark forest. Morning Wood's eyes suddenly lit up, and the timberwolf growled angrily, getting up onto its feet and turning to face away from the campfire. The wood on the back of its neck stood up, its tail jutting out as it bared its sharp teeth. "Hey, " Logan glanced over, "What's wrong, Morning Wood? Can't get it down?" he smirked. He climbed onto his feet and sniffed the air, and his eyes immediately dilated. His eyes traveled down to Dinky, who was on her side fast asleep. Logan bent down, shoving her side until her eyes flickered open. "Hey, " Logan stated, his eyes looking in the same direction as the timberwolf's, "Wake up, and listen closely to what I'm going to say." "...Huh?" Dinky blinked, rubbing at her eyes with her hoof as she sat up, "What's... going on?" She yawned. "See the tree behind me?" He asked, "At the base of the tree, near the ground, there's a hole big enough for you to go into. Crawl in there, close your eyes, cover your ears, and count to twenty outloud. When you hit twenty, you can uncover your ears and wait for me." "What?" Dinky blinked, standing up, "What are you- "GO!" Logan snarled, "A little pony like you shouldn't see or hear what I'm about to do. GO NOW!" The familiar feeling of fear welled up in Dinky's little chest, and she immediately turned tail and ran, heading for the tree Logan talked about. Her breathing became quick as she searched around the tree, finding the hole he mentioned at the base of its trunk. With a little difficulty, she managed to back into it, shrouding herself in the dark. She looked at Logan one more time before closing her eyes tightly, lifting her hooves to cover her ears. "One... " She whispered, "...Two... " Logan closed his fists, three huge metal claws emerging from his knuckles. Morning Wood crouched even lower, its wooden teeth looking just as deadly as Logan's own weapons. "Three... four... " The thundering stopped, but Logan heard them move around the clearing unseen, completely surrounding him and the campsite. He could smell them... their sweat, their fur, their bloodlust. It was all too familiar. "Five... six... " The diamond dogs finally presented themselves, emerging from the brush as they circled around Logan and Morning Wood. They bared their own sharp canines, their powerful arms rippling with muscles and veins. They were numerous... Logan didn't think he could count them all. "Seven... Eight... " "Heh?" Logan grinned, beckoning them with a finger, "Sorry, but little Timmy didn't fall down the well yet. So, let's end this quickly, shall we? You ugly little mutts?" "Nine... Ten... " The diamond dogs howled and barked, ducking their bodies down and lunging straight for Logan, cocking their arms back and reading their teeth to rip into his flesh. Logan released a snarl that could send shivers down a dragon's back as he charged in, the timberwolf right by his side. "Eleven... " Logan's speed allowed him to pierce into the diamond dog's chest before it could release its punch, his claws stabbing into its heart as the life immediately bolted from its eyes. Sensing an approaching attacker from behind, Logan bent down, kicking out behind him as his attack connected with the enemy's throat, letting out a sickening crack as he yanked his claws from the diamond dog's body. Morning Wood superior strength and weight smashed into its prey, its wooden teeth clamping down onto the diamond dog's neck and refusing to let go. "Twelve... " Logan ducked, weaving his head to dodge a powerful punch aiming for his head. Wolverine counterattacked with a slash, his blades cutting into the diamond dog's neck, sending up a burst of red liquid. He felt powerful paws grip onto his arm, but he wouldn't give his attack a chance. With a roar of a beast, Logan grabbed the diamond dog's arm and pulled, flinging the creature up into the air and slamming it hard into the earth with a loud smack. "Thirteen... " Logan spun, delivering a powerful kick and smashing one of the diamond dog into another, knocking them both to the ground. One of the creatures managed to punch him. Its fist landed onto his cheek and sending his head rocking back. Logan snarled, slamming his head forward and headbutting the diamond dog, his metal skull cracking bone. He suddenly leaned to the left, avoiding a kick from an enemy, and then punched the monster with his claws, the sharp metal piercing into the diamond dog's torso. He kicked the beast off, its body coming clean off of his blades. "Fourteen... " He felt two thick arms wrap around his torso from behind, squeezing him as the diamond dog attempted to lift him. Logan grinned, knowing that the beast wouldn't be able to lift his metal frame. Logan instead jumped back, his weight falling and crushing the body of the opponent behind him. When the arms went slack, he leaped into the air, screaming as he landing on another diamond dog with his claws, piercing through the enemy's chest. "Fifteen... " He quickly got off, his two arms dancing in the air as the limbs of two diamond dogs went flying off, blood trails following. He charged into a terrified group of them, screaming as the blood of their allies ran over him. The claws on his fists slashed and stabbed, a diamond dog being dropped with every single movement of Logan. "Sixteen.... " Every enemy that Logan had injured and fell, Morning Wood was there. Snapping at the throats of wounded enemy's and finishing them off. A few diamond dogs tried to attack the beast, but the timberwolf was too fast and too strong. Each foe that it tackled were taken out, and it moved on to quickly to leave itself open for an attack. "Seventeen... " One of the diamond dogs turned, ready to run and disappear into the forest. Logan snatched one of his fishing spears and turned, his powerful arm slinging it like an arrow through the air. The spear pierced into its back, appearing out through its chest. It fell to the ground without a sound. "Eighteen.... " It wasn't a battle, anymore... it was a massacre. The remaining diamond dogs growled, rushing at the mutant to avenge their comrade... but to no avail. Logan brushed off each attack like it was nothing, his powerful arms and sharp claws cleaving through their bodies like butter. For enemies that tried to grab him, he threw them to the ground, and Morning Wood took away what little life was left. "Nineteen... " Logan charged at the final group of enemies, smashing into them with his shoulder. His blow scattered them, sending them sprawling back or knocking them down where they were easy prey. Logan stomped on a diamond dog's chest, breaking through its bones and smashing its heart. Another stood up, ready to run, but Wolverine was too fast. He grabbed it as it tried to run, and sunk his claws into its back, feeling the air leave its lungs along with its life. The last diamond dog stood at the edge of the massacre, its eyes wide with terror as it shook uncontrollably. Wolverine gave a toothy smile, and the diamond dog turned to ran. Morning Wood chased after the creature in the forest, and when Logan withdrew his claws, he heard a bloodcurdling scream echo out from the trees. "Twenty... " Dinky finally said, puling her hooves down from her ears, "L-Logan?" She asked in a quiet, whimpering voice. Her eyes were still drawn completely shut. "I'm here, " Logan stated, wiping some of the blood from his eyes. The small scrapes and bruises on his body were already disappearing as he made his way towards Dinky, "Don't look. I'll get you out of there." He knelt down before the tree, wiping his hands in the grass before reaching into it and grabbing Dinky, "Keep your eyes closed." Dinky nodded, her body shivering as she felt herself being pulled from the hiding place. Logan placed her onto the ground, feeling the excitement from the battle leave his body. "You alright?" He asked, looking over her body. "Y-Yeah, " She nodded, her eyes still closed, "I-I'm fine." "Good." Logan nodded, "That's very good." Suddenly, a familiar scent drifting into his nostrils, causing him to frown angrily. "Goddammit, " he growled, "I smell... cupcakes." He looked back at Dinky, "Look, kid, I have to go. Your friends are coming to get you, so I'll just leave you here so they can grab you really quick. Alright?" "L-Logan?!" Dinky gasped, "W-What do you mean?! M-My mama's coming?!" "Well, I'm sure she's looking, but she's not one of them. I recognize their scents quite clearly." He sniffed again, "Looks like this is it, kid. Sorry I got to leave so soon... just remember, don't open your eyes yet. Not until they say that you can." "B-But... " Dinky sniffled, tears welting up, "I.. I wanna see you... " "No." Logan shook his head, "I'm sorry. I don't want you to see this. I'm really sorry... but this is how it has to be." He brought forth his hand, scratching her head affectionately, "You know, kid? You weren't half-bad." Dinky sniffled some more, rubbing her hoof over her eyes. "Hey, um, " Logan scratched the back of his head, "Remember, don't say anything about me, alright? Not a word. You promise me?" Dinky nodded, her sobs overpowering her voice. "Right." Wolverine said, the smallest smile forming on his lips, "Hey, you're a brave little pony. I want you to know, since this is the last time you'll see me... I like you a helluva lot more than the princesses or Sparky and her gang of lollipops and skittles." He stood up, walking away from her and heading into the forest. "L-Logan... " Dinky sniffled, giving him a smile of her own, "T-Thank you... I'll never forget you." "Yeah... " Logan nodded, "Me neither. Later." Logan, sensing they were really close, immediately took off, his feet pounding the earth quickly as he sprinted away, his emotions unreadable on his face. "Fuck, " he growled to himself, "Got sentimental again." Dinky listened closely, hearing his footsteps get softer and softer until they disappeared completely. By that time, she began hearing hoofsteps approaching from the front. She kept her eyes squeezed shut, ignoring the powerful scent of blood and destruction that drifted through the cold air. "...Boss?... " Rover asked, approaching the torch-lit treasure room, "Are... are you back?" The sound of heavy breathing and moving piles of gold and jewels were his response. Rover stopped in his tracks, feeling a powerful heat from the room from the tunnel. "What is it?" A deep, resonating voice asked. Rover felt his body quake from the vibrations, and he swallowed before stepping into the heated room. He tired to keep from panting, since the boss hated it. "Um, " The temperature was nearly overpowering, "The ponies... they... they know about treasure. Little pony and strange creature discovered it. They got away, and... " "And?" The voice replied, the edge of anger making Rover tremble uncontrollably. "Sent diamond dogs to go get them... " Rover replied, his voice as shaky as his body, "T-They... no... c-c-c-come back. Strange creature s-s-strong... " Rover was answered by hot and heavy puffs of air coming from the treasure room. The boss wasn't getting pissed at him... and that thought alone nearly made him soil himself on the spot. "Doesn't matter, " The boss responded, "They're expendable... I need more worthless mutts like yourself to keep working. I don't care how you get them." "Y-Yeah boss... " Rover nodded, "R-Right away... " "Good." The boss growled, "I do not like to be kept waiting, Rover. The time to strike is soon... by the time the princess will act, it will be too late... and you will have all the sapphires, diamonds, and precious jewels that your puny, pathetic heart desires." "O-Of course!" Rover smiled, "Rover do what you command!" "Do NOT fail me again, hound... " The boss growled back, "Or I'm going to make you burn... "