Construction, Repair

by Kind of Brony


Rough Waters

Standing with her nose pressed against the glass, Screw Loose watched the outside world with longing, wishing with all her might that she could be out there playing instead of locked inside the little white room all day. Alas, the pound ponies would not allow such a thing and she had to settle for being a none too silent observer.

The mare’s tail went into a frenzy of movement when a black lab passed her window, and she did her best to get the other dog’s attention. “Bark-bark-bark!” Its black ears perked as its head lifted the patch of ground it was sniffing, dark eyes scanning for the caller. “Hey! Hey! Over here! What’re you doing!” she barked excitedly, causing the lab’s gaze to lock unto her. “What’s it like out there!? How’s the weather!? Do you smell anything interesting!?

Tilting its head, the lab chose to rudely ignore her questions, opting instead to return its nose to the ground and walk away. “Hey! Where are you going!? I’m talking to you!” she howled, scratching at the windowpane with her blunt paw. The dog paid her no mind however, as it continued on its merry way, apparently tracking something far more interesting than the blue dog behind the glass. “Fine! Be that way! See if I care…! I bet your butt smells like cat!

With that parting jab, Screw Loose dropped her chin to the window sill with a huff, blowing a silver strand of fur out of her eyes. She was tempted to mark her territory to let the impolite lab know that he was not welcome by her window again, but knew the ponies running the pound would just scrub it all away the same day. Besides, last time she had done that, it had become even harder to get her ears scratched by the ponies, and it had nearly been impossible before then.

With a dejected sigh, Screw loose slowly made her way to her bed, deciding to nap until she was brought her lunch, though that wasn’t much to look forward to; these ponies refused to bring her anything good to eat, forcing her to either eat an assortment of plants or nothing. What she’d give for a nice, juicy steak instead of grass for once... it was a surprise she hadn’t starved yet eating like a rabbit instead of the carnivore she was. At least she had grown accustomed to the unappealing food, even growing somewhat of a taste for it by now.

Walking few tight circles to make sure nothing would sneak up on her while she rested, the blue dog curled into a tight ball and fantasized about savory meats. She wasn’t sure how long she had let her canine mind drift, but it had apparently been long enough for lunch time to roll around as she heard the handle of her door rattle.

Head shooting up, Screw Loose wiped the drool away from her lips and climbed down from the mattress, trying to work up as much enthusiasm as she could for the unsatisfying meal to come. If anything, maybe she could get one of the ponies to play with her some. Wagging her tail and preparing her best puppy dog eyes, she got ready to bombard this visitor with as much cuteness that she could muster.

The plan was forgotten though, when the door opened to reveal a very familiar pony. “Here you go, Mr. Rivet, visiting hours don’t end for quite some time, so take as long as you need. Orderlies will be right outside the door, so just knock if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Doc, but I’m good.” Nodding to his escort, the tall, cobalt blue earth pony turned to look at Screw Loose, giving her a tired smile as he pushed a strand of his shaggy, grey mane from his eyes. “Hey, sis, how’ve you been?” The question had hardly left his mouth before he was nearly bowled over by the smaller pony tackling him, the stallion being forced back a few steps and causing his rivet adorned flank to knock the door shut with a loud bang. “Hahaha, it’s good to see you too,” he chuckled as he worked to push the mare away and stop her from licking his face.

Oh, it’s so great of you to show up! I’ve been dying of boredom here!” Screw Loose yipped excitedly. “None of the ponies here scratch behind my ears as well as you do, Steel, if at all.

As she went on about how nopony would play with, or even visit her most of the time, Steel’s smile faded from the genuine one he had when she had showered him with doggy affection to an obviously strained one as he mumbled, “Still doing the barking thing, huh?” After that, he let the smile drop completely and let his shoulders slump. “Don’t know what I expected.”

Though she didn’t understand everything he had said, sadness was radiating in waves off of the stallion, and that knowledge upset Screw Loose more than rude Labradors and eating nothing but veggies combined ever could. “Hey now, there’s no reason to be sad. I’m sorry if I did something bad, I was just so happy to see a friendly face is all,” she tried, nuzzling up under his chin. “Was it the licking? I’m sorry if it bothered you, most of the ponies here don’t like it either, but I still forget not to do it sometimes.

She continued to whimper apologies to Steel Rivet, hoping to make up for whatever she had done to upset him. Steel was very important to her, as the fact that his name being one of the few she consistently remembered was a testament to, so she hated being the cause of his pain.

He was the one pony who came to see her almost every day, even if sometimes it was only for a short while, but her affection for him went deeper than that. Though she didn’t know why, Steel Rivet seemed far more familiar than just a frequent visitor to the pound, but whenever she tried to remember him outside the context of these white walls, it would cause her head to hurt and heart to ache. Even so, she still cherished her time spent with him.

“Sorry, I’m just a bit tired is all,” Steel assured her with a pet of the mane that evolved into a bone melting massage behind the ears. “So enough with the sad eyes, eh? Big brothers can’t stand seeing their little sisters upset you know.”

Hearing the cheerful tone enter the stallion’s voice lifted Screw Loose’s spirits greatly as she pushed up into his hoof, sighing softly as she lost herself to the sensation. With a smirk, Steel brought his other foreleg up to join the first, prompting a line of drool from her lips as she smiled dumbly.

Screw Loose was disappointed when the pampering ended, but did her best to cover it up, leaping away and barking happily. “So what do want to do, huh!? I’ve been thinking you could help me with my tail! The smug jerk thinks it’s so smart, staying just out of reach so I can’t catch it.” She wasn’t sure if any of what she said had gotten through to the stallion, but his chuckling at her excited antics made her smile. “Oh! I know, we’ll play tug-o-war!

Running to her small bed, Screw Loose grabbed hold of the pillow with her teeth and jumped back in front of Steel, waving the feather-filled sack in his face enticingly as if to say, “You know you want to.”

“Ah, Come on, Screwy, I just got off work, I don’t have the energy for that,” Steel explained, though she could tell his heart wasn’t in it. The use of the familiar name, of her name only made Screw Loose more persistent in getting her friend to play. He was the only one around who seemed to use it instead of “patient” or even “crazy” by some of the less friendly ponies working at the pound.

After a few more shakes and a muffled bark, Steel finally sighed and, with a roll of his eyes and a smile on his face, reached his hooves forward. Once he clamped them onto the pillow, Screw Loose immediately changed demeanor, her eyes hardening in determination as she lowered herself and growled.

The stallion nearly lost the match right out of the gate, not holding the pillow tightly enough as his opponent gave the first vicious yank. “Wow!” he exclaimed as the pillowcase slid halfway out from between his hooves. “You’re not holding back, eh?” His answer was another hard shake of the head and him losing even more of his grip.

Prepared for an easy victory, Screw Loose pulled one last time, but was met with a new resistance as the stallion clamped his own teeth into the fabric. Eyes locking in challenge, pony and dog entered the ultimate battle of strength and endurance as they both thrashed back and forth in an attempt to claim the fluffy trophy as their own.

The war waged for nearly five minutes before a victor came out on top. Screw Loose stood proudly with the now thoroughly slobber soaked and ragged pillow held high as Steel breathed heavily and rubbed at his jaw. “Phew, it feels like my teeth are going to fall out. How do you manage that all the time without losing a molar?” asked the loser as he sat down and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Dropping the pillow, Screw Loose sat down as well, a wide grin splitting her features. “You sure are out of shape, Steel. I mean, I have to spend all my time sitting in here while you can run and play as much as you like, and I still beat you!” Screw Loose let out a very un-doggy-like giggle and poked him in the chest. “What’s with that, huh? Do you ponies just not like exercise?

“Aw, quit it, sis,” he jokingly reprimanded. “I may not know what you’re saying, but with a shit-eating grin like that, I doubt it’s anything good.” With a sigh, Steel turned his eyes upwards. “It’s been awhile since we’ve played like this, what with you being in here and me having to do so much extra work. We really haven’t had as much time to play tug-o-war like we used to.” Bringing his gaze back down to meet hers, his smile started to become sad. “…Do you remember that? How, no matter how busy either of us got or how exhausted we were when we got off a job, we always made sure we would have the time and energy for her?”

Dread began to fill Screw Loose’s heart as the pony started to talk as if she could comprehend each word he spoke and wished for nothing more than to not hear them. “We would play all sorts of games from hide-and-seek, hopscotch, tag… but tug-o-war was always her favorite.” He gave a sardonic chuckle. “The two of us would always gang up on you and still only win half the time… and I’m pretty sure those were the times you let us!” The stallion grinned a moment as if remembering a fond memory. “You know, I think she knew it too, but she never said a thing, she was just glad to be able to spend time with you… She loved you so much, and you loved her even more.”

As he spoke, Screw Loose’s skull began to pound, and the pain only grew as he continued. Even when she dropped to the floor whimpering, ears folded back and blunt paws covering her head, Steel Rivet kept talking. “Do you remember how you use to growl and bark and yip just to make her happy? She’d always wanted a dog, but we just couldn’t afford one; you and I were always working and she was too young to care for a pet, but you didn’t let that stop you giving her what she wanted. You always did your best to give that filly everything. A good home, a full belly, an education… and a loving, loyal dog.”

She tried to get him to understand; she whimpered and begged for him to stop. “Please, Steel, I’m sorry, you can have the pillow. I-I didn’t really want it anyway, it’s all yours. Just, please… stop talking.” But he didn’t, he kept on going, lowering himself to her level and digging into her mind with a whisper, digging up flashes of memories she had tried to bury.

“You don’t have to play pretend anymore… There’s nopony to pretend for.” He reached a hoof out and placed it on her leg, causing her to jerk away. “Please… Stop this. You’re only hurting yourself. Do you think she would have wanted this for you? Do you think this is making her happy? You have to understand that she’s gone, right? Screw Loose, she. Is. Gone. And nothing you do will change that, especially not this, not hurting yourself like this.”

He leaned in closer, tears in his eyes and his face looking haggard. For a moment, Screw Loose was tempted to attack the stallion to stop him from hurting her anymore, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it as she peeked up and saw the anguish clear in his expression. “I’m sorry, but… but Silver Thread isn’t coming back, because she’s… she’s-”

“Awooo!”


Screw Loose was jolted from her dozing by the hunter’s call and she looked over her shoulder at the small filly to see her in a similar state, her head up and ears perked. “Seriously, they’re still following us? When are they going to give up?” she asked drowsily as she climbed to her hooves.

The only response she got was a blue muzzle nudging her from the crook in the large tree’s roots. Grumbling, Scootaloo complied and stumbled forward. Though Screw Loose was tempted to push her to go faster, she resisted as the filly stretched her legs out. The dog had wanted a break just as much as her ward had after all the running, fighting, and hours of trotting that followed. About the only positive thing from all that had happened was the attempted small talk from the little filly; that’s how Screw Loose knew her name, after all.

Even so, the memories from the night before and the headache that they brought made the dog eager continue their search for safety as quickly as possible.

“So, crazy mare, where are we going, anyway? Do you have some sort of den out here or something? Because even a pony as tough as me needs more than ten minutes of sleep,” Scootaloo asked somewhat irritably. When the question wasn’t answered, she tried to change the topic. “Do you at least have a name? I told you mine after all, so it’s only fair you tell me yours, right? Seriously, I don’t mind calling you crazy, but I can use something else if it bothers you.”

This got Screw Loose’s attention as she stopped scanning the environment and locked eyes on the filly. Just as with Steel, the dog’s mind knew the gist of what was being said to her, and the idea of having another pony calling her by her proper name was a very tantalizing prospect. Barking excitedly, she stopped and pointed at the strange birthmark on her side, as it was probably what whoever named had her had based the decision on.

Scootaloo turned around and raised an eyebrow. “I asked for your name, not where your flank is.” She snorted, a small smirk coming to her face. “If Diamond Tiara were here, she’d probably say thanks for clearing up which end was your plot and which one was your face or something.”

Ignoring the comment, Screw Loose simply jabbed her nose towards the mark again, causing the filly to tilt her head and come closer. “Your cutie mark, is that what you’re pointing at?” Feeling that the little pony was on the right track, Screw Loose nodded her head energetically.

A look of comprehension crossed Scootaloo’s face. “Oh! Your name must have something to do with your cutie mark!” Knocking a hoof against her head, she continued, “Duh, I should have figured as much, I mean, there are a bunch of ponies in town that have names like their marks… Now that I think about it, that’s pretty weird actually. How do parents know what their foals’ special talents will be to name them with?”

With the sound of a clearing throat, Scootaloo’s attention was snapped back on task. “Sorry, my mind was wondering to a weird place there,” she admitted with a shake of her head. Scrunching her eyes the filly moved to get a closer look. “Hmm, what kind of name would go with a screw…? Is your name Driver?” The mare shook her head no. “Builder? Metal? Right Twist?” More negatives were the response. “Maybe just Screw then?” The mare was about to shake her head again, but froze before getting closer and wagging her tail. “Oh! Must be close! Um… what about Screwy!”

Screw Loose yipped and bounced in place. “Yes, yes, yes! That’s what Steel calls me too! Now I have two best friends, this is great!

“Wow… I’ m guessing your name is Screwy then?” Looking contemplative for a moment, Scootaloo hummed. “Yeah, I guess that name suits a pony that acts like a dog.” A rustle from a nearby bush caused both of them to freeze. “Uh, okay, Screwy, l-let’s get going.” Turning around, the filly set off at a fast walk, Screw Loose following right behind her after sending a growl towards whatever had made the sound.

Don’t even think about touching this filly,” she said to the hidden threat as she pushed Scootaloo to move a little faster. “I’ll rip anything that tries to hurt her to shreds.” When there was no other sound but an owl’s hoot, Screw Loose was satisfied that her message had been received.

As the two continued to weave through the forest, Scootaloo began talking again in an obvious attempt to fill the stifling silence with idle chatter. For her part, Screw Loose tolerated the filly’s antics as she did her best to focus her hearing on the wilderness around them. It really wasn’t that she didn’t like the little one's aimless ramblings, she usually enjoyed any form of friendly interaction after hours of isolation in her white room, but at that moment, she was determined to protect them both from anything the Everfree could throw at them and knew she’d have to be hyper-vigilant to do so.

“I swear, when I punched her stupid snout, Diamond Tiara was almost too shocked to feel the pain. She did end up feeling it of course; I’ve been taking karate lessons from Rainbow Dash, after all.” Scootaloo demonstrated with a karate chop through the empty air. “I’d bet you’d like Rainbow Dash. I mean, nopony can not like her, but you’re kind of awesome too, so I’m sure you’d get along. The three of us could be awesome together even!”

Even over the constant chatter, the dog’s ears detected something and swiveled towards the familiar and welcome sound. Putting a blunt paw on the filly’s back to quiet her, Screw Loose shut her eyes and focused her awareness solely on what her hearing was telling her. That sound… it’s running water! Eyes snapping open, her tail began to wag rapidly as she ran towards the source of the sound.

Stopping after a few steps, she turned towards the befuddled Scootaloo and yipped, “Come on! Come on! There’s water this way!” With that, she whipped around and continued, practically ignoring the call to wait up as she sought to quench a thirst she had hardly noticed until then.

As she went, what she thought was the sound of a babbling brook grew ever louder until, after much further than she thought, she burst from the brush to see a torrential river. Skidding to a halt, little hoofsteps padded up quickly behind her. “Give a pony some warning next time! Sheesh, what was so important that you needed to take off on me, anyway?”

While staring at the violently churning waters, unease settled over Screw Loose and it once again felt like something was clawing to the forefront of her mind. “A river…? Sweet! I needed something to drink.” The words snapped Screw Loose from her thoughts as she looked to see Scootaloo already near the river’s edge.

In an instant, the dog shot forward and wrapped her legs around Scootaloo and yanked her back with a scream of, “Silver!” The two tumbled to the dirt as the filly struggled to get out of Screw Loose’s grip.

“What… is… wrong… with… you!” Scootaloo grit out as she pulled away and climbed to her hooves. “I’m trying to get some water here!” She glared at the dog the entire time she got her own legs underneath her. When Screw did stand once more she tried to answer as best she could. “It’s… it’s dangerous! You could fall in and… and I wouldn’t be able to save you!” she barked, wishing for the reckless filly to understand. “I just know I wouldn’t, so you have to stay away from the river.

“Back to this again? You know, I’m pretty sure you just said something that wasn’t a dog sound; why not do that again, huh?” Scootaloo spat, causing Screw Loose to blink a few times.

What’s she talking about? I didn’t say anything. I can’t. The dog was so busy trying to figure out what she had just been accused of that she hardly registered the huffed, “Whatever,” until after the filly was already halfway to the water’s edge again. Leaping once more, Screw Loose imposed herself between Scootaloo and the dangerous rapids.

“Seriously? Come on! I’m thirsty here! Just let me get a drink already!” Scootaloo yelled with a stomp of her hoof. Even so, something other than anger was in her voice, and that was desperation. Hearing that weakened Screw Loose’s resolve and it crumbled completely when the filly’s angry facade faded. “Please, just a sip even, and then we can go or whatever.”

Bowing her head, the dog stepped aside, and Scootaloo smiled somewhat meekly as she passed, uttering a quiet, “Thank you.” Even so, Screw Loose wasn’t going to let the filly go unsupervised and followed right behind her, ready grab hold of her purple tail and yank her to safety at the first sign of danger.

Ignoring the dog hovering over her shoulder, Scootaloo lowered her muzzle to the water, expecting cool, refreshing liquid to reach her tongue. Instead, she got a mouthful of foulness as her cheeks bulged just before she unleashed a fine mist several feet in front of her. “Blegh, what is that!? It tastes like shampoo!” she exclaimed as she began to scrape her tongue with her hooves; the taste of dirt preferable to that of soap.

As if in answer to her question, something large splashed upriver and both pairs of eyes quickly darted over to spot what it was. This was made difficult for Scootaloo as Screw Loose once again put herself between the filly and the potential threat with a growl. “Ah, so smooth; I so do love this new blend,” spoke an effeminate voice.

Upon seeing the long stretch of hard, purple scales that clashed horribly with the suds-filled, orange mane and mustache, the dog was finding it no less difficult to determine whether this thing would be doing her ward harm or not. Scootaloo however, seemed to have made up her mind fairly quickly as she shouted, “Hey you! Are you the one getting all this crud in the water!?”

“Eek! Peepers!” shrieked the sea serpent as he spun around, claws covering his chest as he stared wide-eyed at the two of them.

“Answer the question! What is this stuff!?” Scootaloo demanded as she gestured at the white bubbles flowing across the water’s surface. “Am I poisoned now!?”

Seemingly forgetting the supposed invasion of privacy, the sea serpent blinked a few times before quirking a well-tweezed eyebrow. “Poison? Why would you think my shampoo is poisonous, little pony?” he asked as he ran a talon through his long mustache. “I know it makes my mane and moostache to die for, but I’d hardly say it’s lethal.”

“Gross! You mean I really just drank your shampoo?!” It seemed the little filly had become just as flummoxed by the situation as Screw Loose had as her mouth open and shut a few times. It wasn’t long however, before she tried to cover the confusion with animosity. “Why are you dumping shampoo in the river anyway!? Ponies have to drink from that and- and it’s probably bad for the environment too!”

The flamboyant serpent rolled his eyes. “Hardly, it’s made from all natural ingredients right from this very forest. I get it from that lovely zebra mare in exchange for the plants and algae that grow on the river bed.” His face twisted up into a grimace. “As much I loathe touching such slimy plant life, Zecora’s shampoos and conditioners are simply too good not to suffer a little for.”

“Zecora makes this stuff?” Scootaloo asked before her eyes went wide. “Wait! Zecora!” Running around Screw Loose, the filly galloped closer the strange creature and questioned, “If you get that crud from Zecora, then you must know where she lives, right!? Can you tell us!?”

The serpent responded as Screw Loose caught up. “I’m sorry, but no I don’t know,” he explained as he ducked his head under water, sending another streak of suds down the river. When he emerged, he didn’t miss a beat and went on. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the most land-faring creature in the Everfree, and can’t very well walk to the lady’s home. She comes to me to make trades and we sometimes partake in tea and conversation, but she’s never told me where she lives; I’d hardly find use for such information, after all.”

Combing a claw through his rinsed hair, the serpent eyed the two up and down and frowned slightly. “I can see why you would want to find her; you’re absolutely filthy, the both of you. And your manes,” A shudder went up his long spine. “They’re absolutely atrocious. You would definitely benefit from a visit to Zecora’s.”

Nodding his head sagely, both Scootaloo and Screw Loose developed angry blushes, the former not willing to admit it and the latter not knowing exactly why. “Hey! We are not out here looking for stupid soap; we’re looking for a place to sleep!” the filly shouted with a stomp of her hoof. “And another thing; I don’t care what you think about my mane because I’m not a frou-frou filly like you!”

“I’ll have you know I am the pinnacle of sea serpent masculinity,” he huffed indignantly. “… I just so happen find joy in looking my best is all… That simply shows how comfortable I am with my sexuality.” Looking satisfied with his logic, he smiled slightly. “So, if you’re not out here for beauty products, what is it you are out here for, hmm? I swear, you ponies are always doing the strangest things, like that group of mares wondering the woods chasing after that uncouth cloud of black smoke.”

He frowned and absently trailed a claw through the right side of his mustache before shivering slightly. “Nasty thing ruined my wonderful moostache. I shudder to think what I would have ended up doing that night if not for the generosity of lady Rarity. Sure, once I had gotten my head on straight I realized how horribly her tail worked as a replacement, but the fix gave me enough time to come to my senses.”

If given the chance, the serpent would have no doubt continued reminiscing, but Scootaloo put a stop to that with a shout of, “Wait! Did you say Rarity!?”

Blinking back to the present, the serpent nodded. “Yes, I did… do you know her?”

“Well, duh, she’s one of the Elements of Harmony and the big sister of my frien… a pony I know.” Scootaloo’s shoulders sagged, but straightened again a moment later. “She’s also friends with Rainbow Dash, who’s, like, only the coolest pony ever. So yeah, I know her.”

After a pause, the serpent smiled. “Well, any friend of Rarity’s is a friend of mine,” he stated as he leaned down and offered a claw. “Sorry for not introducing myself earlier, I was just a little surprised is all. I wasn’t expecting visitors in the middle of one of my tri-daily groomings… and the fact that I rarely see ponies out here. Anyway, my name is Steven Magnet, a pleasure to meet you both.”

Screw Loose bent forward and sniffed at the claw, wondering if the strange creature was offering her snacks. Raising a brow, Steven shifted his claw lower to the filly who, after giving her companion her own exasperated look, reached up and bumped her hoof against one of the well-manicured nails. “I’m Scootaloo and the crazy one is Screwy, it’s nice to meet you, Steve.”

“Steven, if you please, just Steve makes me sound like some sort of hooligan,” Steven said as he leaned back slightly. “Now, as I asked before, what are a couple of mares doing in the middle of the forest? I would expect you to be in that village of yours.”

Scootaloo diverted her eyes and frowned. “Ponies there can’t mind their own business and were being real pains in my flank, so I came here to get away for a while… But I’m not running away or anything! I don’t run from anything!” As if to prove her toughness, the little filly puffed her chest out and ruffled her feathers.

This got both sets of eyes on her to display concern and the serpent spoke tentatively, “Is that so? You know, I’m no expert when it comes to equines… but is it possible these ponies were trying to help?”

“But I don’t need help! That’s what nopony understands!” Scootaloo punctuated the declaration with a stomp. “I’m fine living on my own!”

Much to her confusion, Screw Loose once again found herself following the conversation and understanding her ward’s meaning, both her words and what they were meant to hide. “Everyone needs someone, Scoots, especially little someones like you… The little ones should always be looked after and kept safe.

Seemingly understanding her mix of whimpers and yips, Scootaloo backed away and shook her head. “You guys too? Is it really that hard to understand? Just leave me alone.”

For a moment, Screw Loose feared she’d have to chase the pony, but Steven quickly said, “No, no, we completely understand, don’t we Screwy? I’m sure you’re perfectly capable of handling your own affairs.”

At first, the dog was going to growl at the sea serpent, but, something clicked in her head. “O-oh yes, I’m sure you do just fine on your own, no need for you to run off on me, Scoots,” she barked and nodded vigorously. As much as it churned her insides to lie to the little pony, she understood what Steven was attempting and saw the need for it; it was far too dangerous to let Scoots stomp off in a huff with predators about.

Looking between the two pasted on smiles, Scootaloo narrowed her eyes in suspicion and questioned, “Really? You’re not going to hound me about going back and doing what the grownups tell me?”

The serpent’s smile wavered somewhat as he answered, “Well, I’m not saying that’s a horrible idea, and you really should give it some consideration, but if you need time to think it over, I see no reason to rush you.” Scootaloo looked as if she was going to protest, but a thunderclap silenced her.

Looking up revealed a bank of dark clouds sluggishly rolling across the sky above, slowly blanketing the forest and cutting off what little of the moon and stars that was visible through the canopy. “Oh drat, darn Everfree weather is always so unpredictable,” Steven said.

“But it was clear all night; a storm can’t be coming in now, can it?” Asked the filly as her agitation evaporated into befuddlement and just a smidgeon of concern. “I know the weather here isn’t controlled by pegasi, but it can’t just pop out of nothing, right?”

“I’m afraid so my dear; Everfree weather can be frightfully discourteous at times, switching so fast as to leave my hair a frizzled mess.” He sent a worried look towards the ponies. “I don’t suppose you two have someplace to take shelter until the storm passes do you?”

Scootaloo shook her head. “No, we don’t, but we can probably find something to stay under to get away from the rain.” Looking up to Screw Loose, she continued, “There was a pretty okay spot not far away under some tree roots. I’m sure we can find something like that again. Not like there’s a shortage of trees around here, after all.”

Though the dog barked in agreement, the sea serpent looked horrified. “Under a tree, in the mud! That is no place for anyone, let alone a couple of fine young ladies such as yourselves. No, I may not be able to direct you to Zecora’s or welcome you into my own abode, it’s underwater you understand, but I can at least give you directions to a proper shelter. Zecora has told me about how the new princess of friendship has been working to restore that dusty old castle in the middle of the forest. That would be a better place to weather the storm than under some trees.”

“Uh, okay, that works I guess,” began an uncertain Scootaloo. “Which way is it then.”

“Oh, it’s downstream a ways and across the river. It’s a bit of a hike once you cross, but you should be able to see some of the higher towers once you’ve made some of the trip.”

“… And how are we going to get across this river. I’ve already tried to get a cutie mark in swimming and it didn’t work out so well.” Screw Loose tensed at the idea of the filly getting into the foamy rapids and made her opinion clear with a long whine. “I think Screwy is with me on that.”

A small frown pulled at Steven’s lips as his gaze wandered upwards towards the slowly creeping storm clouds. “Hmm, I suppose that is a bit of problem,” he mumbled before sighing. “Well, there’s no helping it I suppose, I’ll just have to carry you.” With that, he came closer to the bank and lowered himself, straightening some of the loops in his long body to create room for them to stand. “Please be sure to wash your hooves so as not to dirty my scales. It can be such a pain to have to clean dirt from beneath them.”

Both females blinked at the serpent in response, and the pegasus spoke, “Umm, really, you’re okay with giving us a lift?”

“Of course, dear, it’s hardly any trouble at all. I’ll even carry you downstream until you can spot the castle. That way you won’t get lost on the way.”

After another second, Scootaloo broke out into a large grin. “Awesome! I’ve never ridden a sea serpent before! Maybe I’ll get my cutie mark for this!” The filly wasted no time in dipping her hooves in the water to rinse them and jumping onto Steven’s back, getting an oomph and slight glare from him. “Come on Screwy, let’s get going!”

The silver dog was hesitant, debating in her head whether this was a good idea and if she should pull her ward to the safety of land, but a sudden howl, sounding frightfully close, had Screw Loose following Scootaloo’s lead and leaping upon their new friend. “Get moving, snake thingy, those wooden dogs are still after us! Oh, I knew I should have held it back there, I bet they think I’ve been marking their territory and are even angrier now!

Whether it was her frantic barking or the call of the wolves, Steven wasted no time as his strong tail whipped and his body rippled, pushing the three of them quickly with the current.


The sound of rain meeting leaves could be heard in the distance as they burst from the tree line and screeched to a halt at the river's edge. The alpha shot its head back and forth in search of their defiant prey. Once again finding the ponies absent, the Timberwolf growled lowly, causing its two packmates to shirk away. After the embarrassment from earlier, the alpha made sure to make clear its disappointment in their dismal hunting performance, and it took quite a lot of forest refuse for them to recover.

Closing its hellish-yellow eyes, the alpha took a few slow steps forward and tilted its head back, sniffing loudly at the air. The scent was stronger now; a clear sign that they had been gaining on the soon-to-be fertilizer, but it changed once the water was met. Another scent was now mingled with that of the ponies, something akin to flowers and seaweed, and the new bouquet lingered over the rapids. Moving so close to the edge that dirt crumbled beneath its paws to disappear beneath the foam, the alpha deepened its intakes of air and worked its nose back and forth slowly.

It took nearly thirty seconds to determine, but the large Timberwolf found the scent to be going downriver, and, with a fierce bark over its shoulder to signal its followers, took off after their prey once again. The weaker wolves shared a look, wary of getting into another fight with the silver mare, but decided it would be better to face her again than the wrath of their leader. Rain started to pelt the river as the three predators continued the hunt.