//------------------------------// // Chapter 24: Everfree Part 4 // Story: Equestria, I Choose You! // by BronyDJ //------------------------------// "Seriously, though," Stephen was really feeling the weight of the troop's supplies on his back. They'd been walking for hours. "When does this damn forest end?" "Weren't you found near the outer edge of the Everfree?" Gale called back to him. "You should know how big this place is!" "I was in this forest for less than half a day," Stephen remarked. "I didn't make a whole expedition through the damn place." "True." Mirror simply stated. Stephen looked back to him, waiting for more support. None came. "Don't worry, Stephen!" High Marks called from the foremost front of the group. "Look up ahead! That look familiar?" The human looked up and saw where the unicorn was talking about. A much wider clearing than before was getting closer and closer as the group walked on. "The edge is closer than you think! We'll reach it within an hour or two." "Alright!" Stephen cheered, finding more motivation to reach the edge more than ever. "Let's get going then!" He began running forwards, surprising the equines with his enthusiasm. The ponies and Changeling and just shook their heads and trotted after him; after all, the human was carrying a majority of their belongings. ~~~~~~ "HOW AND WHY THE HELL ARE WE STILL IN THIS GODFORSAKEN FOREST?" Stephen yelled, still trudging through the Everfree Forest with his three equine companions. He called out to High Marks ahead, saying "Didn't you say that we were supposed to get through this damn place within an hour or two?" "Yes." the lieutenant answered plainly. "I lied." "WHAT?" Stephen yelled back. "How? The edge even looked closer!" "He used magic," Swift Gale responded this time, a smirk on her face as she looked back at Stephen. "He's a unicorn, they can do that." "Specifically, I cast an illusion spell on you," Marks spoke again. "So the edge seemed a lot closer than you thought." "Damn Psychic-type pony ass mother-" Stephen muttered under his breath, but Gale caught him. "How is he a donkey?" Gale was confused at Stephen's choice of profanity. "That's kinda racist Stephen, and you're not even from our world!" "W-what? Really?" Stephen backtracked, he didn't think the word "ass" had that kind of impact as a curse here. "Sorry... I suppose." "Well, none of us here are donkeys," Gale tilts her head in thought, "but I guess it's still important for you to learn that some words from your world are not gonna mean the same thing here. Keep that in mind." "And what is a Psychic type?" Corporal Mirror asked, speaking up for the first time in a while. "Well," Stephen sighed after being scolded by Swift Gale. "Ghost and Psychic type Pokemon are able to use their superior mental powers as ways of attack and defense. They, along with certain other types of Pokemon, are able to use this kind of power to make illusions of sorts, much like what High Marks did. Which was uncalled for." "If it's any consolation," High Marks called back. "You were quiet and happy for a good half hour. We're getting close, I swear." "And you two didn't notice him cast the spell?" Stephen directed this question to Mirror and Gale. "Were you aware of this?" "Of course!" Gale answered. "I work with unicorns everyday, Stephen. I guess you didn't notice because you're not used to living with magic." "Mmph..." Stephen crossed his arm. "Whatever. Just tell me when we're closer to the edge." High Marks called back again. "We'll have to take another night to rest again." The leading unicorn informed. "I'll let you know when we have a clearing to settle into." ~~~~~~ It was another hour until High Marks called to set up camp. This was a much smaller clearing, and it didn't have a small lake like the last one, but it had enough space for us to set down our tents and get rest. "Y'know," Stephen heard Gale Swift say. "For a twenty-two year old, you seem to act more like you're seven." "I'm twenty-four," I correct the pegasus. "And I'm still a bit bitter about the illusion you guys pulled." "You were whining." She stated plainly. "I was not whining." I correct her again. "I was complaining. Do you want to hear me whining?" "Dear Celestia, spare us the agony." Swift rolled her eyes before turning them to High Marks. "You sure we couldn't have continued for a few more hours?" The unicorn shook his head in response. "Not at all." High Marks replied. "The area up ahead has some of the more hostile creatures of the forest." With this, the Lieutenant turned to Stephen. "I have to ask, would one of your Pokemon be able to keep guard overnight?" "Only if you promise not to use illusions on me anymore." The human responds, obviously still with some vinegar in his system. "Be serious, Stephen," Marks responded with a sour look. "We need your Pokemon's strength to make sure we aren't attacked tonight." "And I'm being serious about using illusions." Stephen retorted. "If you want me to trust you and cooperate, you could at least agree to not use illusions on me. It could be dangerous, and annoying. Now, do you agree?" The human had stepped closer to the unicorn, and held a stare down. After about a minute, the High Marks smiled. "Alright." He agreed. "No more illusions on the human." To this, Stephen nodded. "Okay then," Stephen smiled. "Just let me know when to bring 'em out." "You're not even gonna let us know which one you'll choose?" Swift asked. She certainly seemed to be interested in Stephen's Pokemon, as she would ask the human questions about his companions from time to time while traveling. "I don't know just yet." Stephen answered. "I just need to think which one will be best adjusted for the job. Marks, how hostile are the creatures in this area?" "Well, Feral Manticores are the common predator in this region if I remember." said High Marks. "However, there are still some uncatalogued creatures wandering around. Nopony in their right mind would willingly venture this far into the Everfree." "And how far is 'this far'?" Stephen asked. "We're about forty-five, fifty minutes away from the actual outer edge of the forest." Marks replied. "Aren't you supposed to be an adventurer?" "First of all," Stephen began to answer. "It's been a couple of years. Second of all, I had a map for each of those places I explored. I don't think I've even seen you pull out a map this whole time!" "I've been on expeditions through this forest multiple times," High Marks' voice was calm and confident. "And because of that, I know this trail like the back of my hoof." "You've... memorized it?" Now Corporal Mirror was interested and joined the conversation. "I'll explain more once we have the campfire up and running again." The unicorn guard dismissed. The Changeling and human were a little skeptical, but decided to help set up camp anyway. ~~~~~~ Much alike to the previous night's stop, the group had gathered around a small campfire (once again fueled by Patrician). They sat around the fire on logs again, and Gale Swift was cuddling up against Patrician for warmth. The Arcanine seemed to like the pegasus' company. After eating whatever was saved up from the last stop, some casual small talk was made. However, it wasn't until Mirror recalled High Mark's statement from earlier that day that the Changeling decided to speak up. "So Lieutenant," Mirror began. "What exactly did you mean to explain your reasoning for not carrying a map for our little trek through this accursed Everfree Forest?" "It has to do with my Cutie Mark." High Marks began. As he was still in his armor, he turned to lift up the flap of armor around his flank. On his flank was a map under a magnifying glass. "Ever since I was a colt, it's been quite easy for me to memorize documents like maps and important papers. That's why the Princesses found me to be a good candidate for a high ranking guard." Marks looked to Stephen wit a proud smile. "Whenever there are any meetings with important documents being signed, they have me go over the said documents to help put them into the Canterlot records." Gale Swift nodded. "It's true." She spoke rather sleepily, leaning against a dozing Patrician. "Marks is always there when any foreign ambassadors come to Canterlot." "I have a weird question." Stephen spoke up. "Why are all of the guards either white or gray?" "Security." High Marks answered. "If there are any threats against the guards in anyway, there's no real way to tell the difference between us unless you know our names and mannerisms. Our armor is enchanted to keep us in such a generic color." "What about Earth Ponies?" Stephen asked. "I didn't see any of them in the guard line up." Now it was Swift's turn to answer. "While they are physically strong," the pegasus was now awake and letting the Arcanine sleep peacefully. "It's really rare for them to live in Canterlot. There are some Earth Ponies in Equestria that are honorary Guards, and act as a Reserve Force in times or high danger. There was one in Ponyville, but he's usually too busy working on his family's farm." "The Elements of Harmony are also considered honorary Royal Guards." High Marks added. Stephen nodded in understanding. "Also Stephen," Gale caught the Trainer's attention. "I think it's about you've brought out our night watch force. I don't think this one is up for an all-nighter." She gestured toward Patrician, who was sleeping soundly. Stephen smiled at his Pokemon before having the Fire-type return to his Pokeball. "Thanks for reminding me." Stephen reached for another ball on his sash and called out an appropriate Pokemon to guard them overnight. "Go, Reaper!" With that, Stephen's Hydreigon appeared above the campfire. "Well, I approve of your choice." Corporal Mirror looked to the Dragon-type. "He'll easily blend in with the shadows and should be menacing enough to deter any monsters." "Ok, Reaper," Stephen ordered his Pokemon. "You're going to have to keep guard for us tonight. We're in an apparently dangerous area with monsters in it, so all you have to do is scare them off with a show of firepower. Don't charge into a battle unless it's an absolute emergency." The Hydreigon nodded in understanding. "You're strong, Reaper. I know you can do this." At this this, Stephen's Pokemon let out a small roar before flying up into the sky." "Where is he going?" Gale Swift asked. "He's going to keep watch from above." High Marks answered before Stephen could say anything. "He should be able to see a lot from that point of view." "Reaper's kind are good hunters." Stephen added. "They're also naturally intimidating and destructive. We can rest assured that he'll be able to keep us protected. "Alright, now with that issue settled," Mirror yawned and stood. "I believe it is time we slept. We should get up early to gain extra ground." Everyone in attendance agreed and rose to walk to their tents. Tomorrow would mark the end of their trek through the Everfree, but also the beginning of their journey in a much more hostile place. The Badlands.