//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2- The Forest 
// Story: What Lurks in the Shadows? 
// by Arts Desire 
//------------------------------//

     In the deepest part of the Everfree Forest, Sombra wandered about. He was not sure how he would get his revenge, but he did know he would do what it took, so he continued on his long trek. He would never tire, that was a perk of being shadow. He also was much faster than any normal pony.

His shadowy figure weaved through trees and over rocks. He slowed as he came upon a house. Ponies usually avoid the forest, for it was unnatural. Clouds moved on there own and the weather was random. Sombra became curious about who would possible choose to live in the Everfree Forest.

He slowly crept closer to the home and peeked through the window. He could see a zebra, who appeared to be chanting something, under her breathe. He glided over to the door and slid between it. 

The zebra was stirring a brew of some sort. She had stopped muttering when he entered. Unsure if he had been noticed, Sombra stayed still for a couple of moments. Slowly, she walked over to a shelf and picked up a bag of red flowers.

Sombra moved carefully, until he was under a table. The zebra was still not speaking. He began to fear that she knew he was there. However, he crept over to the pot and behind the zebra.

The zebra turned back to the pot and began to mutter words as she stirred the brew. Sombra, quietly, began to wrap around her, until he was face to face with the zebra. 

She stood in shock, staring into the eyes of the beast. They stayed this way for several moments. Then Sombra spoke, "Hello there..." He spoke in a way that made the zebra tense. Sombra then turned and left. Silence was all that there was.