//------------------------------//
// 21 Walking 
// Story: Libera Mé 
// by EZTP 
//------------------------------//


21


Fluttershy had a busy day today. With all the work of her sick animal friends she had no time to fetch any groceries, visit Rainbow Dash or even see the creature. Thinking about it she felt the soreness in her forelegs from her work on it. It had a lot of tension in its stubborn muscles, she had worked long and hard on them though. At first it was surreal to have it that relaxed around her but now it was a normal day for her to treat it. The body healed remarkably quickly with Zecora’s tricks. She would divulge any secrets about her brews but the ingredients, from what she saw, would be very uncomfortable for anypony.
At least now she could rest easy with a cup of something warm and sweet while all her animal friends rested. It was unusual for them all to be this quiet for this long but it was a blessing the way she felt at the moment. She rested her cup on the table and picked up the book Rainbow had finished in the hospital. Apparently is was a very nice story. A little bit for the older fillies but Fluttershy couldn’t stay away from a little romance novel. With the humidity tonight it seemed like a perfect way to sleep, it was too much to be in a bed.
Her reading was disturbed though as the door flung open to see a distressed and muddies Applejack. Her hat was gone, eyes wide open in a state of shock, she was berthing heavily.
“Applejack! What happened?” She rushed over to bring her friend inside, instead Applejack pulled away to try dash back out with her. She had to speak while trying to regain her breath.
“Teddy...walking...Zecora got me out, she told me to run. I didn’t want to! That’s not Teddy anymore. I can’t find Pinkie.”
“She stayed with Rainbow, you’re really scaring me Applejack.”
“Look, that thing Teddy’s been talking about, it’s real.”
“What?! How do you-”
“Fluttershy I don’t know what we can do but it’s headed for the east side of Ponyville.”
“What can we do?”
“I don’t know but we need to slow it down and give Crystal help, where are the guards?”
Fluttershy poked her head out to see the usual soldiers that were assigned to her home were gone. Even more scary all her animal friends were gone, it was eerily silent, “I...don’t...know... Crystals in trouble?” Applejack merely nodded. Fluttershy felt an anger rise in her, “Lead the way!”


*


Rarity was having a strange yet enticing dream, she was aware what was happening yet she did not want it to stop. As soon as the good point had reached though, she was torn from him to a see Princess Luna standing before her. She questioned if it was part of the dream.
“You are not dreaming Rarity, Tis I.”
She quickly righted herself, “Princess! This is indeed an honour, I hope you won’t read too much into that, you know how dreams and all can be. It’s not like I wanted to dream that but it’s just so weird and I don’t even know if it’s a-”
“Rarity.” sang Luna, “Come back to me please.”
“Right, sorry Princess.” She took a low bow, lifting her head to see Lunas face right before hers with a smile.
“You needn’t be formal here, this is your dream. Here you are free.” She opened her wings for dramatic effect. She composed herself for a moment. “Tell me friend Rarity, what is it we know of this creature thus far?”
“Well...very little. Princess please forgive me but what if it’s not as bad as we thought?”
“Oh? What would lead you to that conclusion?”
“I don’t know...I mean after everything it’s done.”
“Well on one hoof we have a wild and insane beast that fought a group of my sisters soldiers when it was attacked. On the other hoof we have this Teddy effigy.”
“Which one do you think it is?”
“After what I have seen of it Rarity I know with certainty what our monster is. You must reach a choice though for what I am about to ask of you.”
“I am honoured to be requested for my service to the Princess Of The NIght.”
“Do you truly believe it walks without free will?”
“I...cannot say for sure, but I feel it’s the truth.”
“I do believe this to be true. Tonight, it does endanger the others, it walks once more. This time into Princess Twilight’s home.”
“What?! The guards?! Is Twilight alright? Are you sure?!”
“Be easy Rarity. Time moves slower in dreams, as ling as you want. We have some moments to discuss this. Princess Sparkle is safe for now, the thing does not seek her. I shall ensure she and Ponyville remains asleep as best I can for their safety, seeing the monster this way would not help anyponies perception of it.” Luna sighed, “Alas I dare not send the guards to help, they shall fall as the others did. I cannot send them to face their end Rarity, there will be much loss. At the moment they all chase a shadow out of the way. I dare not go again, I cannot face that again without either hurting it or myself...” She took a deep breath, “I am here to send you Rarity.”
“Me!? Princess what can I-”
“I cannot explain to you why you are my choice, use your strength and trust yourself to guide your friend. Go to it now, and wake that which slumbers.”
“Princess I-”
Rarity woke with a start. Her heart was beating rapidly while she tried to catch her breath. It was a terribly humid night. “Teddy” she threw off her covers and wiped her mask off in an instant to gallop to Twilights home. There was no time for makeup, no time.
She galloped through the deserted Ponyville to Twilight’s home. Every step told her this was not smart, but the princesses trust on her gave her the courage she needed. As she crossed into the high street, there were no soldiers to be seen. It was certainly not a dream, she needed to hurry.
Upon arriving on the street to Twilight’s home, her heart stopped seeing the limp form of Crystal. The ground was severely torn up with more than enough signs of struggle. She felt her breath again as the wolf whimpered seeing her. She rushed to it as her head tried to rise. She rested her hoof on the large head, “Stay here girl.” Whatever was happening she knew this was going to take everything she had. For her friend she needed to be strong.


*


Spike’s scales stood on end. He had to blink again to confirm it but sure enough, he was not imagining it. The still form of that thing from Canterlot was right there, focussed on him with seemingly glowing eyes. There were books scattered all ore the place, he knew he was going to have to clean that up. He felt his energy rise as he stood before the monster. It did not speak to him but the glare held him steady. The light was on its back but the eyes had a green glint. They looked familiar but he could not tell where he had seen that before. It approached him, the strides silent. This thing was after Twilight, he was sure of it. He would defend her, make as much noise as possible against the brute. He was not afraid of it.
Spike wanted it to pay for trying to hurt Rarity, for everything it was doing. He charged forwards and dove under its stomp to spin the tail and try to trip it. His tails spines dug in with the impact, but the monster did not feel it. He concentrated all he had and threw his fire at the beast as it swung about, the flames licked past the head only to be forcefully cut off and reveal it was untouched. He felt his limbs grow stiff at the sight, it was smiling. Spike tried to call out but there was no air as its claw pinned him by his neck, the force alone choking him.
He scratched at the arm as it drew a blade out, the sheen was unmistakable. It held the tip over his chest, he tried to struggle but the knee came down to pin the tail. He could not shout out. He glared in anger at it forcing himself to fight. Those eyes never blinked, they cut through him with their gaze.
The air returned to his lungs as the monster was hit violently to roll on the side. It quickly righted itself to the attacker, to Spikes gasping surprise it was Rarity. He had never been so happy yet so frightened to see her. He darted in front ready to protect her.
“Rarity, get out of here! TWILIGHT!”
Rarity spoke calmly to Spike, it was unreal, “Spike, I need you to trust me please. Let me talk with it.”
“Are you insane?!”
“Yes.”
The monster rose up now, the life in its eyes were gone, a bright emerald green glow. Rarity knew where this was heading and she was terrified. No fear, show no fear. Something caught its eye amongst the scattered texts, it lifted a book by the page, ignoring the two completely and smiling wide as it read. She couldn’t understand how it could read in the darkness. It shut the book and spoke a few words she could not understand, igniting the book and turning it to ash.
“That’s dragon...”
“Spike?”
“It knows how to speak dragon...Rarity, get out now.”
“NO! Teddy WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” she was screaming out of fear now, she hoped with all her being it would listen to her. Its eyes narrowed and held to hers as it turned the book to ash. The monster clenched the claw and advanced on her, each step resonating in her own hooves. Rarity knew it had what it wanted.
It spoke with an icy rumbling to her, “Element...generosity...”
“Teddy?” She felt such a shiver as the monster slowly shook its head and grinned. There was that glint she feared, this was not possible to her, she refused to believe it. The alternative was too painful. There was no comforting explanation for this. Her mind went wild trying to find something, two creatures, a split personality, some magic spell, a curse. Spike stood defiantly to it.
“Rarity, get back! I’ll protect you!”
“Spike...”
The monster chuckled, more of a twisted gurgling than a anything else. “Touching...die.” It bolted forward to them to crush Spike under its heel, fracturing the floor to carry its momentum to throw a shot at Rarity. She spun to the side as the claw narrowly sped past. The monster swung wildly around forcing her to pull back. A breath of fire from Spike managed to staggered it. Seeing this thing Rarity could not explain it, its eyes were wide and it bore its teeth in a sadistic smile that stretched to bizarre lengths. This was not Teddy, this was that evidence.
The monster grasped Spike and she fired out a stunning spell only to have it roll off the monster. Seeing Spike begin to choke she charged to it with her only weapon, letting her head impact the body. She could feel the warmth of the monster on her as it was pushed back, a pain in the base of her neck from hitting it. Spike was released and she felt its claws dig in her to lift her high. She kicked out but was thrown to the far wall to feel the shelves hit her. She yelped with the impact but before she could recover the claw careened to her. A pull to the side saw it narrowly scrape as it tore into the wooden bookcase. A followup throw for her to fall down, the hit was hard enough to hear it splintering the wood. The claw simply clenched, no pain, nothing.
Her body ached but she forced it to pull away as Spike shot more flames to its underside, scratching his claws against the lower legs. A stomp forced him back but a sharp spin was misinterpreted and the monster sent an uppercut to the dragon to send him neatly out the window. It slowly turned to the stunned Rarity. That grin and widened eyes laughing.
“What are you...”
“Hungry...” it exhaled.
“No, you’re that thing!”
“But it’s me darling, do you not see me right here? Do you not love me anymore?”
“Let Teddy go!”
“Oh my love, save me! Save me!” it laughed. It arched its back and ran for her. She tried to stagger it to have the arm coil around her neck, a crack with the increasing force as she tried to pry it open. She wanted to kick out, as Rainbow Dash had done, but her legs could not reach the head. The arm quickly pulled away as it shouted out to stumble back. Rarity coughed and found her stance to spin around. Spike was on top of the head, clawing at the face and breathing whatever fire he could muster. A sharp jerk and the monster sent its own head into the wall, Spike neatly sliding down the back.
“Ha ha! Missed me!”
With a roar it spun about to try catch the dragon, him quickly dodging and Rarity colliding with the side of the monster with all her strength. It was a tough hide to break. It ignored her and had her Spikey in its grip again. She kicked out but its claw anticipated, the grip holding tight as it twisted her sharply to meet more shelves. The claw did not let go and she felt another swing to let the soft rug cruelly hit. The claw released, she tied but failed to stand. She could see it throw Spike to the wall and barrage him with wildly executed strikes. Rarity had no idea Spike was that tough. Every hit did not falter him, the dragon scales held up as armour as he twisted to have them absorb the impact. The whole time clawing at the arms and breathing whatever fire he could. It did not burn, the strikes were enough to shake the ground her cheek was pressed against.
It was not enough though and he was violently thrown to the floor beside her, the monsters paw holding him down with all its weight. Spike bit hard into it, his teeth managing to break through the shoe. Rarity had hoped something would happen, to see Crystal, even Twilight come to the rescue. She realised they were on their own. With this a surge of energy came through her, enough to boil her blood and force her to stand. The garments it wore were Teddy’s, those shoes had the cuts she recognised. This thing was her friend, with this realisation came the worst idea she had ever had.
“COME ON!” She screamed, “HURT ME TEDDY! I DARE YOU TO TRY!” That cruel face came suspended before hers, the grin and eyes never grew less terrifying. With a sideways tilt of that head, the monster gripped her throat and she struggled to breathe as she rose higher. She looked into those cold, lifeless eyes and wicked grin but something amazing happened, she knew it had worked. Either she was hallucinating or that was a tear. The monster was tearing and she saw it, the glint of Teddy.
The smile began to fade and the pupils trembled. She felt the relief of air again as her hooves met the floor. The monster stumbled back over Twilights seater with a crash. Spike recovered, she had to step on his tail to hold him as he tried to charge for it again,
“Spike...look!” she choked out, pointing to the monster, it had fallen to one knee and was holding its head, bleeding profusely from the snout, eyes, ears and teeth. The sight was horrifying.
“Whats happening?”
“I don’t know Spike, but it’s fighting it. It’s fighting for control. Go and get Twilight now.” She needed to be alone with it.
“How did you-?”
“Princess Luna. Now Spike!”
“Be careful, TWILIGHT!” he rushed up to get her, astoundingly unscathed by the fight. Rarity slowly approached the monster as it tried to shout out through its gritted teeth.
“Hey there...its alright. Your safe, I promise.”
The blood was dripping freely now, almost raining as it grunted and fought. It sent it head into the wall it was propped up against. It looked at her with terrible emerald green eyes, they flickered.
“No...” it forced through gritted teeth pulling a second blade out from the shoe, holding it tightly. The arm was shaking violently now as it pulled it up, it was narrow, serrated, long, nothing like the other. The point held over that place Rarity dreaded, it was going to protect her. That was now Teddy.
She forced herself on it, kicking out at the arm and making the blade clatter to the floor. Every instinct in her said to run, but it made her fight harder, “You must do this!”
“Use it please!” it begged as its voice was failing. She looked up to the blade, so very close.
“No, you will fight! You are strong remember. You like me, miss Rarity, wise, thespian, your friend, FIGHT IT!”
The roar that followed nearly tore through her, the volume quaked vision and trembled the ground. It barely sounded as if it was from a living animal. She held herself there, on top of it. Only the fear kept her there for what would happen if she failed. The blood trickled still from it, she did not know what else to do. She could feel tears flowing. She was not afraid for herself, but afraid for the creature. She saw the blade again, picking it up quickly with an idea.
“Then you will start with me!” she shoved it back in its claw, clasping and holding it firmly shut, “Use it then! Start! You fool! Brute! Weakling!!” With a roar the blade swung around to embed itself in its own shoulder, it went deep. A sudden jerk pulled it free, a sputter to her eyes as the hand violently jerked to trek a jagged line back to the area she feared. It was still fighting.
She had enough, she would not let it be lost like this, not after everything that remained undone, all that they needed to say and see. Tears fell as she picked up the claw and twisted it with all her strength to face the tip of the knife to her own heart. She would make it fight, no fear. She stared wide eyed into its own as they sparked as violently as the claw shook. She gasped feeling the tip dig in. With a terrifying cry the claw was pried loose and the blade dug into the floor, the strength was enough to send it to the hilt.
“RARITY!”
“That’s it, fight that thing, don’t let it win! Don’t let it hurt Rarity!”
The creature hit its head on the floor with a mighty strike, shaking her. Relentlessly in sent hit after hit. She reached behind and did all she could do, hold it. She held on with all she head cradling the face to her chest, letting the heated breath thrash about her coat. It still tried, her forelegs had pain shoot through them ,she could not let it push her away. It was very hot as she lay atop the convulsing figure shutting her eyes and whispering repeatedly to it. “I’m here for you. I’m here for you...”
“Twilight’s not waking up! Rarity get off that thing!”
“Spike, go get Fluttershy!”
“Rarity what do you-”
“NOW SPIKE!” she screamed hysterically. The dragon scrambled out the door. The scream fell silent and the convulsions stopped. Rarity pulled away trying to wipe her tears, shocked to see this much colouring on her coat. She reached up to the throat. Nothing. The chest on the right, Nothing. She felt panic rising and pressed on the forehead and chin, tilting the head backwards to let her face hold over the open mouth. The chest did not move, there was no wind on her cheek She could not hear it. It was not breathing.
Fluttershy and Applejack darted in the room with Spike. She could only force some words through to the panicked friends “Not...breathing.”
Fluttershy took the head from Rarity, feeling for the breathing. Rarity pulled open the suit it wore and Fluttershy placed her hooves together in the centre of the frame. She pushed but it was too stiff, “Applejack, I need your strength.”
“Got you!” She held herself over the creature as Fluttershy had done, shoulders over hooves, straight forelegs.
“Don’t let it drop more than five centimetres, thirty compressions at one hundred a minute.”
“Got it,” She counted out the compressions one after the other minding her force. It was difficult to push against the chest, the hide was soft but the underlying muscle and bones were tough, barely yielding to her strength.
“Rarity, clear the furniture, get the lights.” She used her magic shifting furniture and tables to make a clear area, Applejack was more able to get the compressions going without the seater on her back, “Thirty,” Fluttershy tiled the head back and pinched the snout closed. She took a deep breath but halted seeing the trails of blood from the mouth, it had not pooled and the airway was clear, there’s no time, focus Fluttershy.	
She cupped her mouth around the creatures pushing her air into it. It was difficult, with her tears and all the resistance. The chest rose and she inhaled, once more breathing with all her strength into it. She pulled away signalling a repeat to Applejack while catching her breath, “Spike, we need some water and a cloth.” She spat on the floor fighting the urge to be sick at the taste.
Applejack counted the beats out carefully again, sweating with the effort. Rarity was in a shock, her chest was smeared with the creatures blood, her hooves over her mouth with wide eyes.
“Rarity we may need to shock it.”
“W...what?”
“Your magic, shock it when I tell you alright?”
She nodded and held herself over the body. It was an eternity to wait for her cue but time was moving too fast. Spike came with the water wearing an expression of being absolutely lost. Fluttershy wiped the blood from the creature then herself, on cue. Breathing twice more into it.
“Okay, everypony stand back! Rarity, give a jolt quickly.”
“But its immune to-”
“TRY!”
She held her horn over the heart and concentrated. She knew the spell that was meant to be used and she let it fly. There was no twitch, no shock, it could not connect. Applejack resumed her compressions as Rarity stepped back. She had to think now. The spell was not working, there was no time. A little claw held out something for her, Spike’s with a very thin metal quill. It was new, never filled yet with her name beautifully shown on the feather. This was a quill made to be used for the finest flicker of a movement, a specialists writing tool for unicorns. “Happy Birthday, use this as a conductor. I’ll try wake Twilight again.”
“Spike?”
“Stick it near the heart if it has one.” He ran up again with an empty bucket.
“Thank you Spikey.” Another two breaths from Fluttershy and they looked to her now. She could not fail; it would have to touch the heart, not pierce it. She pushed the tip through the fur and skin, scraping past a rib until she felt it touch something rubbery. The heart. She stepped back now. “CLEAR!” All her energy focused into her, feeling it in her stomach. As a river it flowed up into her, through the legs and horn. She released a shock now and to her relief it connected. They could feel the static residue as it flowed around them. Rarity was brought to tears and laughed through a sob seeing the quill quiver in its place.
The creature gasped to turn on its side, wearing those tired eyes again. They were the dull grey green she knew, not the bright emerald she feared. Fluttershy held the face trying to check the condition through her murky vision. They took a collective breath of relief, each holding the body to support the creature while it regained its own.
“Did I...?”
“Yes,” whispered Rarity.
The creatures mouth hung open. It looked down to the quill and gently pulled it free reading the name tinted in its blood. It slowly pushed itself up and looked to the three.
“Did you just...?”
“We all did. What in the name of Granny’s dentures happened?”
“That was the closest one yet. Did I hurt any...pony?”
“Oh my gosh!” Fluttershy galloped out the door.
“That was scary.” Rarity sat behind it to support the back as it sagged downwards slowly. It was heavy but she would bear that weight after what it had just done.
“Well that’s a heaping pile of proof right there.” Applejacks shock apparent.
“Where am I?”
“You’re in Twilights home-”
“Searching through more books.” it finished for her.
“Why...yes.”
“I need to leave now.” It forced itself upwards but Rarity held on and it sunk back into her.
“You poor thing.”
“A foolish weakling. I owe you three a great debt.”
“No debts, you are our friend and we are happy you’re alright. You got that sugar cube?” The creature did not respond but nodded lightly. Rarity held tighter squeezing the big frame and letting her muzzle rest on its head, smelling the blood sweat and tears.
“You really scared us.” With tonights evidence it was clear the stories had been true. A great guilt had set in them all for knowing it was fighting this thing alone for that long.
“Friends. How strange. We need to leave now.”
“No, you will talk to Twilight now, we will be there with you.”
“I am not ready. If you want to help then tell me where Crystal is and lets clean this mess up.”
Looking out the door to the illuminated street, Applejack saw her friend hugging the big wolf, wagging that stump. “Crystal is fine.”
“And you are too...well done ladies. I need another day, I am so close to an answer now.”
“Alright, we trust you.”
“So do I, please help me get out of here.”
“Now I don’t know what’s happened here, but I know I’m gong to have to clean this up.” Spike had returned, unsuccessful in his attempts. He quickly rushed to Rarity and gave her a hug. She returned it, the creatures claw rested on the dragons shoulder.
“You are a tough one.”
“And don’t you forget it!”
“Me and Fluttershy’ll help you clean up Spike. Rarity, can you manage with her?”
“Her? Oh.” Crystal was standing once more, her head caught in the embrace of the creature, “That will be fine.”
Applejack and Fluttershy stood and set about clearing the papers and cleaning the mess. The creature motioned to join them but Rarity held tighter.
“It’s alright Miss Rarity,” it patted her hoof gently, “You can let me go now.”
“What if it happens again? What if the next time you...” she couldn’t finish.
“Relax you thespian. If it happens again I can count on you three. Besides, tonight you showed me what was there, I can fight it. It will be difficult for it to control me now. Thank you for fighting Miss, It is done for now.” She released and the creature staggered to it feet. Rarity repaired the crack in the floor and went to its side.
“Luna...she called you to me?”
“Yes. Now its alright, I insist you use me as well for support. We’re getting you out of here.”
“Oh sure, don’t mind us, had your fun and stick us with the cleanup.”
“Applejack!”
“Only joshing, get it out of here before another mess is made.”
“Wait!” shouted Spike, “What is going on here?!”
“It’s alright, I’ll explain it to him,”
“Explain what Fluttershy? What is going on!?”
They left the confused Spike behind, a lot had to be said but she knew after all that it was safe to let him know. Staggering through the town the monster, Crystal and Rarity made for her home.
“I cannot believe you were that foolish.”
“Now I couldn’t let my Teddy suffer alone.”
“Rarity. Thank you for giving me the strength to fight.”
“What do you mean?”
“I couldn't stop myself. I heard you then the veil faded, I could see my actions, I could fight. It was pain like I’ve never felt, but the consequences of failing were too great. With you there I could fight. There was this hatred for myself at being weak. A voice yelling at me.”
“Did you know you nearly-”
“I would rather that, than let any of you be hurt. You are my friends, right.” the creatures weight was getting heavier, it was supporting itself on her now. Her legs wanted to buckle but she would not allow them to. A March to Zecora's was too far.
“We need to get home.”
“I know, Zecora. I can make it.”
“Not this time. You will come with me to my home.”
“Rarity.”
“No, none of this will do. This is not an invitation, I am capturing you.”
“...thank you Miss Rarity.”
The beast staggered through her door and fell to one knee. The toll on its body had been severe. Rarity could understand why the monster had collapsed after it fought Celestia and Luna. This time it would not wake up in chains, the guards were all gone, Princess Luna had done this for the beast. She could not understand why. All the time she was with them, guiding them.
Crystal lay down with a whimper. The monster slumped and Rarity now felt the full weight of it, she buckled and collapsed. It was a heavy creature. She squeezed out from under the bulk and shut he door quickly. The dilemma that now came was moving this thing to a secluded spot, she would use her workshop and draw the blinds. If anypony asked she would say it was for the heat.
She looked at the beast on the floor and could only picture the knife over its heart, how far it would have gone to protect them. She would not leave its side tonight, not as long as it needed her. She nudged it with her hoof and it groaned.
“I cannot carry you dear, you are too heavy.”
“Then I will sleep here.” it spoke into the floor, unmoving and uncaring.
“I need you to try please, one more push and you can sleep, I want you in the back room where you will be safe. Teddy?”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Make me Teddy.”
“Miss Rarity...I don’t think I can.”
“Oh come now, I’ve seen you recover from far worse. You can do this. Please.”
“...I-”
“Won't have it, I can help you but you must try, until my legs break I will carry you.”
“Miss Thespian.” She laughed. Moving under the arm she dropped it on her shoulder. The creature raised itself up, the effort shaking the arm and legs as it pivoted to a stand. She led it into the room and directed it to her couch, despite the problems it lowered itself gently. No complacency.
“Can I get you something?”
“I need more cloth please, something to clean.”
She was shocked seeing another trickle from the nose, pulling the nearest fabric as a gauze. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No...yes, if I lose control again, do not try anything that foolish. It cannot work a second time, I feel it.”
“Then it looks like the next time will be my last.”
“I will not let it hurt you.”
“Good, remember that and fight it. I am not going anywhere, I’m here.”
“I’m so tired Rarity, I’m so tired.”
“It’s alright. I promise you are safe, please let go. Please be here and know you are safe with your friend.”
“You are my friend?”
“Of course I am. I am here for you always.”
“Why?”
She could see it on the creature, it had undergone significant trauma and was in a state of shock, dilated eyes that could not focus. She hated it. A thump drew her attention to see the whimpering crystal nudge her way through. She walked up by the creature and whimpered. “Hey there girl. You here to carry me off?” She leaned to it. It was remarkable watching this though, the large wolf then fetched something from the front lower pouch, a type of blue seed packet and dropped it by her. Rarity picked it up and crystal nudged the small water container it carried. Rarity followed the cue and took it up to mix the two mediums. Crystal pushed her head under the creatures body and lifted it up to allow Rarity to pour the drink to it.
“You really look after your friend don’t you?” A wagging tail stump was all she could see, “Well done you tough psychotic girl. Drink this dear. You will feel better alright?” It did not open its eyes but reached out to the drink. She saw it could barely hold the canister so she raised herself on her hind legs, supporting her upper body on the couch and held the drink there for it. It was agony watching this, she felt helpless to do something for her friend. It needed her.
It finished and she went to fill the container with more water. Crystal helping it sag back on the couch without any damage. Rarity smiled to see Fluttershy enter her home.
“How’s the patient?”
“Fine I think.”
“Alright, Ij’j just be here with Crystal. Are you okay Rarity?”
“Better now thank you.”
“It’s just umm...you’re kind of umm...well...crying.”
Rarity glanced to a mirror, she was. She saw they were still running and felt the soft coat of her friend embrace her. “That was so scary Fluttershy. Thank you for your help.”
“It’s my friend too.”
“I know.” She closed her eyes trying to hold them back. And felt Fluttershy;s muzzle on her shoulder. Clearly she was as shocked as Rarity.
“Now thats enough of that, I think we need a nice rest after that, but first things first, somepony needs a bath.”
Rarity smiled, she looked herself over and had to agree. Never in all her life had she been this unpresentable, she laughed with Fluttershy at this. They jumped as the creature threw itself to its feet and ran to the door.
“Teddy!?”
“Zecora!” it yelled to them.
Rarity gave pursuit to the creature, watching it move was unreal, after that pained stumbling to her home. It was racing, albeit clumsily, to the forest again. They could barely keep up as it charged through the brush with Crystal. For whatever reason a new energy had reached this creature and Rarity was growing more and more afraid of what was happening, or what had happened.
Arriving at Zecora's home there were no lights on, only a door fallen from the hinges. As they chased in after it there was a collective gasp. The room was silent in its damage.
“Zee? Where are you?! ZEE!” With a roar it tore at the wreckage around the home. It was a horrific mess, there was a large amount of scattered debris. This thing had used the body of the creature to an alarming degree of accuracy. Fluttershy saw the staff of Zecora without its owner. Still it upturned everything, staggering around blindly trying to find her. Rarity and Fluttershy stepped into the fray, one scanning the area from up high and the other lifting the larger objects with her magic. The lights were not working but the glow from the plants she kept gave a degree of visibility. The creature held a nostril and spurted out the blockage, sniffing wildly for her. “ZECORA!”
After a terrifying few moments Fluttershy saw Crystal paw at something, diving to it to pull up the plank. It was her, “HERE!” Before she had time to turn the creature was already on the spot tearing away at what remained of her shelving. Fluttershy tried to help but it was too fast. The way it looked was frightening, wild. All the complaints were still there, the loss from its eyes, ears and snout, the torn claws and the punctures in the side, the shoulders, the bite wounds from Crystal. There was nothing holding it back. Finally it reached the smiling Zecora and hoisted her clear of the wreckage, reaching in its pouch it began to work on her, lost what to do to help. Zecora seemed perfectly unharmed, eyes closed and still smiling.
“Zee?”
“You never learned the skill you must earn. A limp willow that bends in the wind often lives to flower again.” The creature held Zecora to it in a tear addled embrace, eyes shut and cradling the head. The four of them shared a laugh together, crystal pushing her head to join in.
Finally humid night came back into feeling. It was a relief to have this evening done. The creatures arm sagged as it lowered Zecora back down, a smile as it fell to the side. Fluttershy tried to catch it but it was far too heavy, colliding with the ground, she quickly felt the neck for a pulse, a dull rhythm thankfully still present. Once again the beast slumbered.