//------------------------------// // The Trek // Story: Surviving Equestria // by SailorBrony //------------------------------// Twilight levitated her items off of her back, looking completely exhausted. She flopped down onto the couch and leaned her head back as if she could fall asleep right there. I on the other hand was in the kitchen making a sandwich. I’ll say that a vegetarian society is starting to suck, not that it didn’t in the first place. “So, Twilight, what did you need to tell us?” Spike asked. “Why yes Spike, remember what we saw a couple months ago? That aura over the everfree?” Twilight began. “Hmm, sorta. That was awhile ago. What I do remember was walking for five hours in the blistering heat through a dangerous forest.” I came into the living room with my sandwich a cup of juice. “Yeah, but we didn’t find anything that time. I was sure something big was occurring, but I just couldn’t find it. But, after Derek’s arrival, I know  that this was because of his presence entering our world!” Twilight was almost jumping around. I have no idea how she had this much energy after a full day of walking. “Um, is there something that you’re getting to, or is this just some sort of rant about me again?” I asked in Twilight’s pause. “Sorry Derek, but yes there is! I have found this aura once more. However, I cannot navigate to it. I need somepony’s help to reach the center of this anomaly.” “Okay, who are getting? Because I want to see the person brave enough to enter that shit.” “Well, I was sorta thinking...um...you? I need you to lead me to where you appeared.” “Ah hell no! Are you serious? I spent a good amount of time in that shit-hole, more than my share for sure!” “Derek, I need you, please! What if it is another poor human? Unlike you, I doubt that they have what it takes to survive in the Everfree!” “Yeah, come on man! You don’t want to be all alone out here! Being the only of your kind must suck” Spike chimed in. ‘Shit, I guess I have to go. I was lucky enough to at least have a hatchet on me.’  “Fine, I will go. But we better find something good, because I really don’t feel like walking all this time to come up empty. “Okay then, we better get packing!” Twilight said. *** I started packing a pack with water and food. I brought some rope, just incase, and, of course, my hatchet. I brought some of Twilight’s blankets because this was definitely going to be more than a day. I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. I walked out of the room to see Spike packing a small bag full of gems. I peered over his shoulder to check what else he brought, which was nothing. “Hey, Spike?” He looked up at me. “Yeah?” “Dude, what’s with the jewelry shop?” “Hey, I gems are delicious! You said we needed food.” Spike defended. “You eat those? Okay, but you need a lot of water also. I would also say a weapon, but you can breathe fire, so that’s one less thing.” Just then I saw Twilight walk out with a stack of books and writing supplies. “Whoa whoa whoa Twilight, are bringing all that with you? Where’s the food and water?” I asked once again. “Of course I’m not bringing all this with me. I am leaving behind my light reading books. And I have enough food and water to last for a couple of days.” I watched her put down half of the books, which was about four, and set the rest in her saddle bag. I went over and picked up one of the books she kept. “Dummies Guide to Surviving the Wilderness? Really? I’m sure you don’t need this.” “Yeah, but...” She started while I threw out three more books with similar titles. “Twilight, why don’t we keep one journal and your writing supplies? You need to focus on the weight you’re carrying. We need to be as light as possible.” I threw the book away. She looked like I had just taken away her favorite toy and burned it. “Fine.” “Alright, is everyone ready to go?” I asked. *** We exited the house and moved towards the dark forest. A tinge of fear swept over me as we approached.. It’s not like I haven’t done this before, but the memories of the jungle are haunting. The forest loomed over us as we entered the treeline. Twilight look towards me. “So, which way are we headed?” Twilight asked. “Um, do you know where a big, destroyed castle is?” “You can’t m-mean N-Nightmare Moon’s Castle?” Spike add with a quiver in his voice. “Spike, there is no need to worry. Nightmare Moon was destroyed with the Elements, remember?” Twilight looked over. “Yeah, it’s still creepy though.” “Anyways, we need to pass it and get to a nearby river.” I was almost getting annoyed now. As we walked, I heard the usual rustling of the leaves and the occasional twig snap. There was a rabbit or two hoping into a bush, but nothing unusual for a forest. I listened for anything out of the ordinary, who knows what else is in here. It took awhile, but we finally made it to the the castle. The only thing separating us from the large structure  was an old rope bridge which dangled over an enormous chasm. I peered over the edge and saw mist which  obscured my view of the bottom. I kicked a rock off and listened. ‘1...2...3...4...’ I heard the rock clink  as it hit the bottom. “Shit, that’s a far drop!” I exclaimed. “So, any volunteers to go across first?” I gave a nervous chuckle. Twilight walked by and started crossing the precarious bridge, Spike followed close behind her. I took a light step on the bridge to test the strength. I started across, minding the gaps and trying to not to look down or get freaked out. The wood groaned under my feet, I tried to keep my nerve. As I neared the end, the wood made a slight cracking. I made a jump for land. “Oh thank god!” I said, still laying on the dirt. “What? Are you afraid of heights?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Fuck no, heights are fine. I am afraid of bridges. The thought of one breaking scares the shit out of me.” I slowly got up. “Oh, that seems a legitimate reason. Just look how broken and destroyed it is.” She said sarcastically. I looked back to see a perfectly fine bridge swaying from my jump. ‘Great, just another thing I do to embarrass myself.” We started off towards the river. Walking past the castle, I looked in on it. A shadow swept past a doorway and I blinked. I looked around; but, nothing. I lead the way past the castle towards the river. When we finally reached the our checkpoint, a gentle breeze blew by, sending a chill down my back. I looked up at the sky to see the purple glow of twilight. We began walking down the river bank when a bush rustled and a crack was heard from a branch. I turned, but saw nothing. We kept walking, and again a sound was heard. “Spike, Twilight, hold up.” I pulled out my hatchet. I snuck up to the bush and crouched down. Just then, the bush exploded. I felt a force push down on my chest. “Timberwolf!” Twilight shouted. ‘What the hell is a timberwolf?’ Is all I thought when I rolled away. I jumped to my feet and looked up as the beast was nearly on top of me, again! A purple aura appeared in front of me  and shattered when the wolf hit it. I brought up my hatchet and swung down with all of my strength. My blade hit on mark, splintering the neck and severing the head from the rest. ‘Hmm, so that’s a timberwolf.’ “There, all better!” I turned towards the group, “And look, now we have firewood!” They stood there with a horrified look on their faces. “What? I killed it, we are fine.” I heard a scraping sound behind me. I turned to see the head levitating back onto its body. “You are fucking kidding me, right?” I raised my hatchet again. The wooden wolf barked at me. “Um, bad dog” I said meekly. The thing pounced on me yet again. I hit it with the flat of my blade bringing it to the ground. “Down boy!” Spike shot a green fireball  that hit the monster directly it the chest. The wolf combusted  in flames. It jumped and started running around in a panic. I went over to it and swiped at the tree hound’s legs, successfully  chopping off both of its front legs. It howled in pain while I casually walked around to his back and cut off both of his rear legs. “Sorry bud, you aren’t getting in my way.” I  took his legs and started a fire before I came back. “No second chances.” I brought down the blade on his neck. I picked up the head and threw it in the growing fire. “Thanks for the help Twilight. I’m sure I would be dead if it wasn’t for you.” I smiled at her. She looked at the fire with horror. Spike just stared at me in shock. I walked over to the fire and brought out some water and a granola bar. I looked around, checking out my surroundings, just up the way was  where I crossed the river before. Luckily there was a small cave-like structure a couple meters away. It wasn’t deep, it only gave enough room to protect us from the rain. Spike joined me and brought out a gem. Twilight sat down but just stared at the fire. “So, I have found where we are staying for the night.” I said trying to break the silence. “Where?” Spike said. I pointed out the cave to him. “You mean the whole in the wall?” “Hey, it’s a perfectly fine cave. And I’m sure as hell not staying out here.” I pack my water away and picked up a burning piece of wood. Everyone started moving the stuff to the cave. While Spike and Twilight unpacked their stuff, I started a small fire in the entrance. I went back and hacked off a couple more pieces from the lifeless husk. After the fire was going, I brought out some blankets and my water. I looked over to Twilight who was looking away from me. She sat in the corner, writing something in her journal. I brought Spike right outside the cave with me. “Do you know why she is acting weird? Is she still upset about me killing that monster?” “Well, come on man.” Spike started, “You seemed to have a sadistic pleasure, you looked like a maniac.” “Yeah, but it’s kill or be killed. I hope she realizes that.” We walked back inside and I dropped to the floor, ready to sleep. *** I woke up the next morning to see the morning sky out of the cave. I got up and started packing. I shook Spike and Twilight awake and told them to get ready. They both looked like death. Spike was not as bad as Twilight, whose hair was nearly standing straight up. She walked to the river and brought out a brush. I packed up the blankets and brought out some trail mix. The trail mix was good, but it just didn’t taste the same without m&ms. You would think someone would invent them in this world! I drank some water before I packed everything away. “Alright, everyone ready to go? I think we can make it there today, mid afternoon.” We left the cave behind and walked down the river a ways before we crossed over it. We entered the jungle part of the our trek. I lead the way back to my old home. I had lived there for nearly three months, it felt more like a home than anything else. “How much farther?” Twilight spoke up. Usually I would be annoyed with this sort of question, but I was more relieved that she was speaking at all. “Not far, but this place is ridden with monsters and dangerous animals. So, keep on your toes.” I looked up to the trees for any signs of my old snares. After another mile of walking I found a trap that used a young sapling to catch small prey such as rabbits. “Hmm, we are only five minutes away. Just a little further.” I said. Spike jerked his head up and looked towards Twilight and me. “Did you hear that?” Spike asked. “No, what did it sound like?” I asked quickly. “Eh, nevermind. It sounded like heavy hoof hitting the ground.” I looked towards Twilight, “Are you getting fat?” I chuckled. Spike gaped at me, then burst into laughter. “What, you did not just say that!” Twilight was quickly turning from shocked to angry. “You better start running man.” Spike said through his laughter. “Look, Twilight. I was just...” A burst of purple energy skimmed my hair and scorched a tree trunk behind me. “Ok, so I can tell you’re a little mad...” I felt magic grip my legs. “Twilight, there is no need for violence!” I was turned upside-down and pushed against the tree, facing my assaulter. “Spike, wanna see me turn him to dust?” Twilight’s brow lowered. “Use your words!” I screamed. Twilight’s horn started to glow and I was getting more nervous by the second. Just then a burst of magic shot out from her horn. “Plea...” Was all I was able to get out. I was immediately blinded. I felt like I was being pulled, stretched, twisted and compressed all at the same time. The next thing I knew, I was on the dirt looking up at Twilight. “You should’ve seen the look on your face!” Twilight laughed. I jumped up and felt my self doing a mental checklist as I made sure nothing was missing. “What the fuck did you do to me?” It came out more scared than angry. “Calm down, it was just a simple teleportation spell.” “Sorry to interrupt you guys, but I think I found what made that sound.” Spike said in the distance. We looked over to a large minotaur staring us down. “Fuck” Luckily I know my mythology. “You can say that again.” Twilight said. “Run!” Spike yelled already passing us. I followed Spikes example and fled. I heard the huge hoofsteps of the monster on our tail. I began looking for anyway out of this. Just then I remembered something. “Twilight follow me and teleport us ten feet forward when I say, got it?” I panted. “Got it!” I turned to the left and sprinted straight ahead. In the distance I saw my old home and smirked. We approached the opening and started closing the gap. “Ready...” I looked over. The gap was only five feet away. “Now!” I yelled. Twilight’s horn flashed and I felt the magic working. By working, I mean the gut wrenching feeling that nearly made me sick. I reappeared in the cave next to the others. The minotaur had made the same foolish mistake they all did. I heard a roar of pain and waited. After a few moments of catching my breath I peered in. The monster was stuck through in various places. I looked over to Twilight who looked very tired. We sat down and pulled out some food and water. I gulped down my water while Spike took a bite out of an emerald, Twilight wrote something in her journal again. I walked outside and scanned the area for anything unusual...nothing. “Twilight, nothing is here.” “No, we didn’t come out here for nothing.” She pointed out a circle of dirt. “Look here, this isn’t natural.” She said, “See these slight burn marks on the leaves? They are perfectly aligned with the small clearing.” I looked around for anything. And to my surprise I actually found something. I followed a pair of footprints leading to a large tree. I thought I was onto something when they stopped at the trunk. I looked around for any more, but, again, nothing. “Crap, I thought I saw something. I guess not” I turned around and started back. “Hiya!” A high pitch voice yelled. I felt something land on top of me. “Augh!” I yelled as I hit the ground, “Is this jump Derek day or something?” “Oh my gosh are you ok?” She helped me up then gasped and dropped me again. “Fuck me” I hit my ass again on the ground. I finally got a good look at her and was shocked myself. I got up and hugged her. I felt a moistness on my shoulder. I’m not going to lie, I bet she felt a little of the same. “Um, who is this?” Spike asked. She turned towards the dragon, “I’m Rachel.”