"Hey, Gai! Time to wake up, you lazy bum!"
It was some hours since the break of dawn. The morning sun bathed the forest in a sea of light, striking upon every tree, rock and bush that stood before it. The warmth veiled over every pony, critter, and any other living being that welcomed its presence. Well, that was to say that almost every living being welcomed the wake of Equestria's most prized possession.
"Hmm… five more minutes." Gai'vahros rolled over onto his side, reaching a hand over his shoulder to pull his cape back over him as though it was just a bed sheet. The elf let out a soft hum as he got himself a bit more comfortable, preferring to spend more time waltzing and dancing within the land of dreams than to get up. It wasn't like him at all to prefer his sleep over the chance to adventure and explore, but he did only get a few hours sleep after all.
"Come on, Gai'vahros," spoke Twilight as she made her way over to the peaceful elf though not with the act of diplomacy. Her horn glowed a light lavender colour as her magic began to envelope and tug at Gai'vahros' cape, pulling it away from the grip of his hand. "We've got to start making our way to the next camp site!" However, the disgruntled elf started to retaliate in kind, pulling back against the might of Twilight's power. The longevity of this struggle wasn't to last, though; with much of her power, Twilight quickly and sharply whipped her head to the side, causing the cape to motion in that direction with a great deal of force, forcibly pulling the cape backwards and, though unintentionally, causing the now shocked Gai'vahros to flip backwards heels over head and land on his belly. "O-oops… hehe… sorry about that…"
"I would flog you with the might of leather and steel of my glove," grumbled Gai'vahros as he lifted the cape that was now draped over his head from his face, "but I am far too tired to do anything that doesn't include sprawling out on the grass and falling asleep." Gai'vahros groggily stumbled to his feet, dusting himself off before letting out a huge yawn coupled with the arching of his back and the stretching of his arms upwards. "But, I admit, you are right. We'd better make way to the next camp site."
"Hey, Gai," called out Pinkie Pie from the side, her gaze fixated upon a solid slab of ornamented gold that leaned back against one of the fell logs used last night, "I never knew you had a gold surfboard. But there's nowhere to go surfing around here. Oh, actually, maybe you were thinking about going surfing in the river? Wait-- how did you know that there's a river here? You must be PSYCHIC!"
"Uh… well, first, that's not a surfboard; it's my shield. Second, I didn't bring it with me; me and Lady Rainbow Dash found it last night in the forest. Third, I've not been here before so, no, I didn't know there was a river here. Lastly, I'm not psychic, though the prospect of that notion is something I may humour the thought of."
"Oh! It's a shield! Awesome! Hold still. I need to inspect your gear again." Pinkie Pie plonked her flank down on the grass in front of Gai'vahros, squinting her eyes as she slowly crept her head forwards, gazing at his armor. "I was a bit concerned that your Item Level was wayyyy too low last time."
"Uh… "Item Level"?"
"Shhh! Stop moving!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie in hushed tones, with Gai'vahros only complying out of fear of pain of death for defiance. For a few moments the pony kept staring, occasionally tilting her head from side to side-- and at one point, turning it upside down. Sitting back up, Pinkie Pie gave a small hum as she stroked her chin with a fore-hoof. "It's getting better, but the lack of a weapon is bringing it down a bit."
"I… haven't a clue as to what you're talking about," the rather curious, concerned and-- rightfully-- scared elf responded with an awkward smile, "but I will agree with you that I do need to find my weapons. With any luck it won't take me too long."
"Goody! That should boost you up to four-eight-six!"
"… Boost what up to four-eight-six?"
"Duh! Haven't you been listening to a word I've said? Your Item Level, silly! Pay attention!"
'I don't always feel intimidated by creatures,' Gai'vahros thought to himself as he watched Pinkie Pie walk away from him with a look of impatience on her, directed to the elf's lack of understanding in her explanation, 'but this pony creeps me the hell out.' As Pinkie Pie walked a distance away from him, Gai'vahros left of a heavy sigh of relief before turning back to Twilight. So, my Lady Twilight, in which direction do we take our leave?"
"I sent Rainbow Dash to scout out the area," responded the unicorn while she had her snout buried in a small map of Ponyville, "so she'll be the best to tell us where to head next. Saying that, she should be back soon."
"I heard ya call my name." A sudden burst of air blasted between and past Gai'vahros and Twilight as Rainbow Dash jetted between them, showing off as per the norm. The pegasus had a smirk on her face as she stopped abruptly, hovering off the ground with her forelegs crossed over her chest. "But don't wear it out, okay?"
"Honestly, Rainbow Dash, must you always make a scene?" Twilight wasn't as impressed with her friend's entrance as she herself was if only because the map that she had held onto the ground nearly blew away from her grasp.
"I must concur," Gai'vahros responded in kind while fixing the bangs of his hair with both hands. He, too, was not impressed although not for the same reason as Twilight. "My hair is more than likely in a bad state from sleeping on dirt; I certainly don't need you messing it up any further with those blustering winds you bring."
"Oh lighten up, Gai." Rainbow Dash did not take the elf's words seriously and instead retorted by flapping her wings forwards, causing a gust of wind to blow through his hair and blowing the bangs that hung in front of his face over the top of his head.
Despite the visible agitation on the face of Gai'vahros all of the other ponies couldn't help but snicker and giggle under their breaths, though this was due to the silly look of his hair than out of malice of him becoming more irate at Rainbow Dash. Even Twilight, who was before lacking amusement of the pegasus' antics, had to bite her lip lest she burst out with a chuckle.
"Hah! I admit that that was pretty funny," replied Gai'vahros. With a smirk on his face he stared back at Rainbow Dash while sweeping his bangs back down in front of his face. "But I think this is even more so." A surge of golden light danced and spun around his hand before he thrust it outwards with an open palm facing Rainbow Dash. Suddenly a bolt of light struck the snout of the pegasus, causing her to drop to the ground in a groggy fashion. Rainbow Dash found it hard to see clearly; her vision blurred by the sudden shock of Gai'vahros' spell.
"H…hey… not this again…!" Rainbow Dash could hardly keep her words straight, instead slurring them as she began to feel dizzy. It wasn't like before, though; while she simply stopped in her tracks the first time, this time she felt dizzy, struggling to keep her balance as her legs began to wobble from under her own weight. "Why do I feel so dizzy…?"
"This isn't the Hammer of Justice, my Lady Rainbow Dash," replied Gai'vahros with a half smile on his face. "This is a more powerful spell; the Fist of Justice. Don't worry. The effects are only a few moments. How do you feel, by the way? Humoured?"
"N-no! Feels like I've been spinning on the spot…"
It seemed that, like Gai'vahros before, the other ponies began to chuckle at Rainbow Dash' predicament although they had no intention of holding it back, bellowing huge gouts of laughter from all sides of her. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but feel embarrassed and humiliated, but she understood that it was like a game of practical jokes between good friends, and so took it in her stride. Fortunately for her the effects started to quickly wear off, with her vision becoming steady along with her equilibrium.
"Okay, now that that's out of everyone's system," huffed Twilight, trying to catch her breath from laughing too much for too long, "did you manage to find a good place for the next camp site, Rainbow Dash?"
"Oh! Yeah, that's right! I scouted out the east and I managed to find a shortcut through the forests, but…" Rainbow Dash paused for a moment in hesitation, placing a hoof under her chin as though in thought.
"But wha?" Applejack asked after waiting a moment to give Rainbow Dash the chance to finish her sentence.
"Well… I saw claw marks on some of the trees around there. There were also broken branches on the ground, too."
"More'n likely caused by an angry bear… or an ursa minor… maybe an ursa major." Applejack wasn't feeling at all confident about using the shortcut. With a look of distress on her face she turned to Twilight, who was also in thought about these descriptions. "I reckon we'd better take the long way round."
"Nah, they definitely weren't bear claws," responded Rainbow Dash, trying to ease the strain of Applejack's worry. "Also, the branches were cut clean in two. I've never seen anything cut a tree so cleanly before."
"So a sword, then?" spoke Gai'vahros. "Only a hardened steel blade has the capacity to cut through something so thick without any fraying. My Lady Twilight, is there anyone in your world who would have direct access to weaponry?"
"Only the royal guards would have access to weaponry," responded Twilight, "but that's only on very rare occasions such as in defence of Canterlot or when traversing to hostile areas. The forest isn't exactly known to be hostile so it's very unlikely a guard would be here, let alone with a sword. But, if Rainbow Dash is right, there was definitely a struggle there."
"I was afraid you would say that, my Lady Twilight."
"Well what ever do you mean by that?" Rarity intervened, confused but also worried by the sullen tone of Gai'vahros' words.
"I've always had it in my mind as a possibility, but with this new information I'm starting to find it to me more truthful than just fiction that I may not be the only one here from Azeroth. I get the feeling that I'm not alone here, for better or for worse."
"You think someone else from Azeroth may have done this?" asked Twilight.
"Hard to say without assessing the warzone myself." Gai'vahros turned to his shield and quickly scooped it up with both hands before fastening it to his left arm. "My lady Twilight, I must ask that we take this shortcut through the forest. I don't think my mind can be at ease knowing that there is a possible threat wandering around here. Do not worry, my Lady Applejack. You will be safe with me here."
"Uh… aw, shucks, why the heck not?" Applejack relented with a smile on her face. The pony had no reason to disbelieve or distrust the elf considering she had seen his actions at work before, even if it was only against Rainbow Dash.
"But I cannot allow the children to remain with us." Gai'vahros turned to speak to Rainbow Dash as though he was a commander instructing his soldier. "Rainbow Dash, can I entrust you with getting little Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Spike back to Ponyville?"
"Hey, no way, Gai," Apple Bloom stepped forward with a determined look on her face. "I wanna come, too!"
"Yeah! Nothin' can scare the Cutie Mark Crusaders away!" Scootaloo joined in with the bravado.
"You have no say in this matter!" yelled Gai'vahros, his voice booming with the force of a hurricane and the authority of a deity. It was a huge shock and surprise for all-- especially for the young fillies-- to see such an angered expression on the elf's face and to hear him raise his voice as much as he did. Despite the boast that Scootaloo had made not second ago the three of them were certainly intimidated by Gai'vahros. It didn't take long for him to realize this, and so he quickly softened his expression and sighed, though still keeping a look of seriousness. "Apple Bloom, do you remember the talk we had a couple of days ago?"
"U-uh… yeah…" The filly only gave a slow nod as she looked down to the ground. She was too embarrassed to even look at Gai'vahros in the eye as she replied.
"Then, Rainbow Dash, could you be so kind as to see everyone safe passage back to Ponyville? We shouldn't be too long dealing with this."
"Yeah. No problem, Gai." Rainbow Dash lifted off the ground and made her way to the trio of fillies and Spike. "This way, guys." Without a moment's pause the four of them followed close behind. Apple Bloom, for a moment, looked back to Gai'vahros, visibly upset that she had been yelled at. The elf, in understanding, gave a smile and nodded, making Apple Bloom feel much better and returning the sentiment before catching up with the rest of the group.
"Gai'vahros… are you okay…?" asked Fluttershy in caring tones. She was almost as intimidated by Gai'vahros' disposition as much as the crusaders were if not more so.
Gai'vahros only looked on to see the group lead by Rainbow Dash head down the path, though he spoke up after watching them pass over a small hill out of sight. "I've seen so many people come and go, live and die. Some of them don't even garner my attention or sympathy, for they knew of the risks beforehand and venture head first through death's door out of recklessness." He turned to face Fluttershy, who was still worried for the elf, knowing that his actions and words would affect her the most; he understood that she was an incredibly emotional pony. "But the deaths of children will always be on my conscience. And I already have enough of them as it is."
Silence befell the rest of them as Gai'vahros walked over to a nearby path to the east, heading to where Rainbow Dash had described the conflict. At this point the ponies could only stand and watch as the blood knight was to make his way through the thickets, but he only stopped in front of the path and turned back to face them.
"But it is to you whom I give the choice," spoke Gai'vahros, his attention undivided and fixated upon the five remaining ponies. "As much as I would implore the rest of you to return, I also know that I cannot force you to do so. You can either head back to Ponyville, or you may accompany me further. Please think things over care--"
"What's there to think about, Gai?" Applejack responded, crossing her legs over each other. "I woulda thought you'd know by now that we sure as heck ain't gonna let ya face danger on your own. You can count me in!"
"Me too, darling," agreed Rarity in kind. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that you'd be eaten by some huge creature while I did nothing !"
"Yeah, friends gotta stick together like glue," spoke Pinkie Pie, joining in much to the surprise of Gai'vahros, "but not like superglue, otherwise you'd have a bad time getting it out of your mane."
"Yes. It would be much better and safer if we went as a group." It was even more surprising to the elf that the emotional and timid Fluttershy was all for accompanying him to the forest.
"We're all ready to fight beside you, Gai'vahros." Twilight was more than ready and determined, and perhaps even eager, to aid Gai'vahros in any way they could. She also understood, or had an educated guess, as to how strong people from Azeroth could be. She had witnessed Gai'vahros' excellence of his mastery over the Light to the point where such spells that he performed could be considered high level if compared to Equestria's magic, and he could perform them with so little effort too. She understood the possibility that whatever this threat was was out of her league in terms of combating it. But, she knew that she couldn't leave him to fight it alone. "This isn't just a threat to you. This could be a threat to the whole of Ponyville."
"Heh. Understood." Gai'vahros smiled as he scanned in front of him, seeing the faces of what was now his adventuring party as he had come to think of them for a moment. But they were much more than just his party. They were all his closest friends. "Stay close, and keep guard at the rear."
The group passed through much of the forest but had not seen any sign of a fight yet. Gai'vahros kept to the front alongside Twilight, trying to spot or listen out for anything that may provide a clue to a conflict or a possible ambush, with Twilight keeping her horn at the ready should there be an assault from the front. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stood in the middle, with Fluttershy looking out to the sides to try and spot anything that she could recognize, be they claw marks or anything else that she could recognize, while Pinkie Pie was, well, being Pinkie Pie. Lastly, Rarity and Applejack kept to the rear as Rarity used the magic in her horn to detect any movement from the flanks while Applejack kept her caution up, prepared to buck anyone who would attack from the rear with her powerful hind legs.
"You sure Rainbow Dash mean east and not… well, somewhere else?" Applejack was getting impatient the more trekking and less discovery they made as they continued down the dirt path. "We been walkin' for minutes now and I've yet to see anythin' that could come close to a scratched tree or a nicked branch."
"Well I don't think we should doubt her yet," Twilight replied, defending her absent friend, "considering she's one of the lead weather pegasi. I'm fairly sure she wouldn't make such a simple mistake such as that."
"A shame she didn't tell us exactly how far east she saw the scene," added Gai'vahros, who was also starting to feel a bit underwhelmed with the fruitless search. "At least that way we'd have some indication as to where we were going."
"Uh, excuse me," Fluttershy spoke up in a soft voice, "but I found--"
"True enough, Gai'vahros," Twilight replied to Gai'vahros, not noticing Fluttershy at all, "but at least we know which direction we're going in. At least, I hope we do."
"Uh… Twilight… I think I--"
"I do hope we find it sooner than later," Rarity whined, a look of exhaustion on her face. "My hooves are killing me!"
"Girl, we've only been walkin' for a few minutes." Applejack was amazed by Rarity's lack of stamina today.
"Um… Gai'vahros… I did find--"
"Hey! Do you think that this guy from your world would like parties, Gai?" Pinkie Pie, ever the optimistic one, asked aloud as though she was to expect a positive answer. "We should totally throw a welcome party! There'll be cake, and balloons and kumquats!"
"I think that whoever is here would rather cut a slice out of your body than a slice of cake, my Lady Pinkie Pie."
"Guys!" Fluttershy roared in a slightly more audible manner than her previous attempts. It worked, though, causing everyone to turn to look at her. Even so she felt a bit embarrassed, not realizing that she had raised her voice so much despite it actually being so little. "Uh… I think I found where the fight happened…" Fluttershy pointed to a path just behind her that lead off south.
"Why didn't you say so earlier, Fluttershy?" Twilight responded thought didn't allow the pegasus to respond, instead making a dash to and down the path while everyone else followed, with Fluttershy trailing behind a little bit as she tried to answer the hurrying unicorn.
It was a definite sight to behold, surely. The entire path was littered with litters of fallen leaves, chipped back, kicked up dirt and broken branches. For each one of them it felt incredibly ominous. Well, that was to say that for each of the ponies it was; Gai'vahros, on the other hand, was not entirely phased by such scenery. He had seen worse, after all. A whole lot worse.
I guess Lady Rainbow Dash wasn't mistaken, after all." Gai'vahros placed a hand over one of the claw marks on the tree. Some of the bark had been torn away to reveal the pale wood underneath but most of the claw mark stayed intact on the surface. "I've not seen such wide markings before. It's like a dragon made these, but I know not of a dragon with such thick claws yet close together."
"I think this is some kind of giant bird," spoke Fluttershy as she moved her head close to inspect another claw marking on the opposite tree. "I can just make out an imprint in the bark; definitely talons."
"Seems like it." Applejack picked up a large dark brown feather with her hoof, twirling it around. The feather was incredibly long as though belonging to a much larger-than-average eagle or condor. "I've not seen somethin' this huge before. What about you, Fluttershy?"
"Hmmm…" The pegasus tried to pin the feather to a creature but even she, with her extensive knowledge of common and exotic animals alike, could not identify it. "I'm sorry, Applejack, I can't say where it came from. It's too large to be any bird I know of."
"And the talon marks are just as mysterious, too," spoke Gai'vahros, trying to identify the imprint that Fluttershy had found. "To leave an imprint in bark like this would mean that the tree was either struck or slammed into. But what kind of bird would dropkick a tree?"
"Maybe the branches will give us a better clue?" suggested Twilight.
Gai'vahros shifted his attention to the numerous cleaved branches on the ground before looking up at the trees above. The first thing he noticed was that nearly all the trees down the path for several meters were broken off. The second thing he noticed-- and the more frightening of the two-- was that the ends of the branches and some of the leaves were charred as though they were burned. Kneeling down, the elf took a hold of one of the branches that lay on the path. Everything about this sliced piece of wood felt abnormal. The stick was cold to the touch, even through the thick leather of his gloves. It felt brittle in his soft grasp to the point that parts of it were beginning to flake away and crumble. The sliced end bore a rim of black and purple char.
"Do you notice anything strange, Gai'vahros?"
"I think a better question would be, "do you notice anything right?"." Gai'vahros rolled the twig between a finger and thumb. Not much to his surprise, the branch crumbled down the middle and snapped in two as soon as he put any more pressure on it. "If what caused this is what I think it is, then we're in much more of a dire predicament."