//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: It's Over // Story: It's Lurking in the Woods // by xStellar_Bubbles //------------------------------// As Scootaloo was riding her scooter through the Everfree Forest, little did she know that there were notes attached to the trees. On them were phrases such as, "Don't look... or it takes you," and "Can't run..." Scootaloo was also getting mysterious nausea as she was strolling through the forest. In her vision, the Everfree created an illusion that it was closing in on Scootaloo. She wildly shook her head in an attempt to make the nausea stop. Ugh, what is wrong with me? she thought while she was rubbing her forehead. Ignoring the mysterious sickness, Scootaloo continued to search for loose logs of wood. She scanned left and right, but there weren't any signs of firewood. -------------------- Meanwhile at the camping site, Rainbow Dash was still standing at the area where Scootaloo took off. She had very conflicting feelings about the situation. I need to go after her, she may be in danger. But, Scootaloo might be able to handle it. She's a very brave filly, Rainbow thought while she was staring aimlessly in the depths of the Everfree Forest. One of her statements then echoed in her head. "Scootaloo, you're going into the Everfree Forest for Celestia's sake. Nevermind about what I asked, I'm coming with you anyways," "And I will, because I'm your big sister..." Rainbow Dash mumbled to herself as she flew and followed Scootaloo's scooter tracks. While she was still shivering, Applejack noticed the abrupt take-off. Now where are ya going this time? she thought. -------------------- After a few more minutes of scooter riding, Scootaloo saw a vague shape of a brown object laying on the ground. Yes, wood! Scootaloo stopped flitting her wings and came to a stop when she got closer to the firewood. After Scootaloo parked her scooter and removed her helmet, the headache and queasiness got worse. I really need to get back to the campsite after this, Scootaloo thought as she was slowly walking towards the wood. The noise of crunching leaves were heard in the forest. "Rainbow Dash! I told you, I'm doing just fine!" Scootaloo then picked up the piece of wood with her mouth. But when she looked up, she saw the slim and tall white pony with a tuxedo on, the figure she saw unexpectedly earlier. The difference between this pony and other ponies is that it didn't have a face. Scootaloo's jaw dropped, sending the firewood slam the ground with a thump. "Aaaah! Slendermane!" She swiftly grabbed her possesions and rode back to where the camping area was. Scootaloo wiped the sweat off her forehead in relief. "Whew, that was close!" However, the creature mysteriously teleported to Scootaloo and sprouted pitch-black tentacles from its body. They then latched on to her while a few limbs smashed the helmet and broke the scooter in half. Scootaloo can barely breathe with the forceful grip of the feelers. As the tentacles retracted back to where Slendermane was, Scootaloo began to sob in fear. Rainbow Dash, I'm so sorry.... With each of its arms, the mystical figure began to tear each of Scootaloo's limbs. She screamed in agony and pain as her arms and legs slowly tore apart. Scootaloo then began to hear the cracking of her own bones. When Slendermane tore off the last bit of Scootaloo's left leg, she was starting to see blood drip from the exposed muscles of each of her limbs, making a small puddle. Scootaloo was gazing at her arms and legs in such a horrified expression that she doesn't realize one of Slendermane's tentacles were crawling around her neck. But once she did, Scootaloo let out a terrified shreik. "Rainbow Dash! -------------------- I knew I shouldn't have gave up on her so easily. What was I thinking? Rainbow thought as she was still tracking the scooter wheel prints on the ground. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash heard the cry for help in the interval. "Scootaloo?!" Oh no, nonononono, Rainbow flew as fast as she could in the search for Scootaloo.Hang in there, I'm coming for you, Scoots! Right ahead of her, Rainbow Dash spotted an exceedingly tiny hint of purple. She soared over to it, hoping to find her dearest idolizer. "Scootaloo! I'm here for ya, kid! Where are you?!" Rainbow then gasped when she trotted a few steps forward. Now that lied in front of her were disembodied orange limbs. There were fairly large blood puddles underneath each of them. Next to the arms and legs were the broken blue scooter and the smashed purple helmet. The remains were also surrounded with miniature orange Pegasus wings. In the middle, there was the incorporeal head of Scootaloo. Her mouth was hanging wide open from the intense suffering. Blood leaked from the inside of the neck. The eyes of Scootaloo were pure white., there was a lack of pupils in each of the eyeballs. While Rainbow Dash gazed silently at the residue of her admirer, Applejack, Rarity, and the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived at the scene. "Rainbow! We came as fast as we could! Tell us, what has gottin' inta- Oh..." Applejack said. The ponies gasped in shock of the trauma. "Dear Celestia...." Rarity said as she fainted. "She was a good crusader....." said Applebloom. "And our very best friend...." added Sweetie Belle. After snapping out of the disturbance, Rainbow Dash fell to the ground on both of her knees. I'm so sorry, Scootaloo.... I'm so sorry.... I should've been a better big sister.... It's all my fault....