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// Chapter Six—Gathers Previous Research on Timberwolves  
// Story: Spike's Pet 
// by LiterarySerenity 
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When Twilight and Spike returned upstairs, Roots lay stretched out on the ground with Fluttershy stroking her side. The Timberwolf seemed at complete peace now, only giving off a slight snort as the pair approached and set their finds upon the floor for Fluttershy to view. And the ponies did flip through each series of naturalistic observations, written mostly by unnamed explorers—or at least those with names too smeared or faded to discern. 

The ponies in question made reference to the particular magic in Everfree Forest—what Twilight and the rest now knew abounded in chaos—that strung together Timberwolves from various types of mosses and bits of trees. According to them, the population appeared to increase and decrease alongside the woods. Most animals in danger of having their homes demolished or destroyed for whatever reason might flee from the area, or perhaps even migrate to more admirable pastures. Yet these explorers insisted that Timberwolves literally dissembled and disappeared once the sources for their parts vanished. 

Fluttershy was the one to point out an account of Timberwolf falling apart after ponies had torn down the trees in a section of the woods where it roamed—never to come back together again. Meanwhile, Twilight found an entry about rare types called “King Timberwolves,” or Timberwolves constructed from pieces of enchanted wood and even from each other.

This observation was one both Twilight and Spike had eyewitness testimony to prove, having once watched several Timberwolves rearrange themselves into one massive wooden wolf that towered above them all.

But what Spike found involved speculation on what role Timberwolves played in the Everfree Forest at large. In many ways, they were like normal wolves, from their semblance to their propensity to howl or travel in packs. Yet the explorers found that they seemed to stick to particular areas of the woods—which seemed denser in magic and from where they had originated. In addition, they would chase away those who ventured too far into these regions, such as what the explorer called “pools of magic.”

This revelation reminded Twilight of the cloning pool their friend Pinkie Pie had once visited on several occasions. The party pony had not mentioned encountering Timberwolves then, yet she knew there were various points in the Everfree Forest that hosted particular magical spots. The cave containing the Tree of Harmony, at its very heart, was one such place. 

If what the explorers had said about Timberwolves chasing off any pony who ventured into those magic-thick areas was true—

“It could be that Timberwolves are more likely to form around those spots, and to make their territories there.” Twilight suggested.

“So anywhere there’s more magic in the Everfree Forest, there would be more Timberwolves?” Spike asked.

“Maybe they are keeping ponies and other creatures away from those places because it’s dangerous.” Fluttershy commented then, reviewing the notes again. “Their actions sound too deliberate—in my opinion.” She added the last part, as if not entirely sure what her friends would think of the possibility. 

But she needn’t have worried.

“Like guard dogs?” Spike asked, growing excited again.

“Guard dogs for more dangerous magical locations in the Everfree Forest?” Twilight let her own question hang in the air for a while, allowing the words to echo in the library and wondering at the possibility. That might actually make sense, although they must not have been on duty all the time. There had been a few instances where Twilight or her friends had visited places without trouble from them, even if one excluded the cloning pool incident. 

There might to be more to it than that, even if it felt like they were on the right track. However, this also seemed the extent of what the explorers had discovered on Timberwolves—without any explicit mention to ones that came in Roots’ size.

Still, based on what they had discovered regarding King Timberwolves—there could have been another explanation.

“Perhaps Roots just formed from less materials from the Everfree Forest than other, regular-sized Timberwolves for whatever reason.” Twilight theorized. “She may be young, or newly formed, but it stands to reason if there could be a King Timberwolf, there could be a small Timberwolf as well.”

“Or a Petite Timberwolf?” Spike offered, apparently attempting to coin a classification for Roots.

“Maybe we can find out by making our own observations.” Fluttershy interjected. “There may be more small—or ‘petite’ Timberwolves around than when the explorers took their notes. We won’t know unless we go to find out. And I would love to discover how these precious creatures live each day in the Everfree Forest.”

“Me too.” Spike said, turning to Twilight. “I’ll need to borrow the photography gear, your mapping materials, your explorer’s cap, lanterns (no need for matches), binoculars, protractor, whistle, and your camping kit.” 

“Well, hmm—” Fluttershy said. “Don’t you think that’s a little excessive?”

It was true. From the sounds of it, the whole observation was turning into one massive expedition—at least for Spike. 

“Wait a minute.” Twilight said. “What about training for the Equestria Pet Show, or the pet care sessions?”

“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that, and Roots.” Spike turned to pat the Timberwolf on the shoulder, and Roots awoke at that moment to look around—as if she had forgotten for a moment where she had wound up. 

“Well, how about this?” Fluttershy said. “I’m very good at observing all types of animals in their natural habitats. Maybe I could go visit the Everfree Forest by myself to observe the Timberwolves at different points throughout the week, and return during the afternoons to help you train Roots at my cottage. I could share what I’ve learned with you. It would also give me an opportunity see if I might find out where Roots’ pack could be, or if she has a pack to which she could return. I don’t know if they’re as consistent in their packs as regular wolves.”

“So only you would get to go into the Everfree Forest?” Spike asked, with the beginnings of disappointment apparent in his expression.

“That might be for the best.” Fluttershy replied. “Then you stay with Roots, because she shouldn’t be alone.”

“All right.” Spike said, after a long pause. “It sounds like that might be for the best. What do you think, Twilight?”

“I think that would be just fine.” Twilight agreed. “And in the meantime, I’ll have to work on shaping the chaos Discord let me use.”

At Fluttershy’s inquiring look, Twilight explained how the draconequus had given her a portion of pure chaos on which to practice her newfound magic—and her determination to create something more complex than a sphere.

“I don’t believe you should worry too much, Twilight.” Fluttershy consoled her. “It sounds as if you are already making great progress, and I’m sure Discord knows you are trying hard.”

Despite Fluttershy’s kind words, however, Twilight resisted commenting that “trying hard” wasn’t enough for her. It felt like she had made something too easy and simple, whereas Discord created elaborate things on a daily basis. Twilight hardly expected to reach anything close to the draconequus’ prowess with chaos during the first lesson, but she wanted to be able to present something more inventive than what had resulted amid their session.

Of course, while Twilight wanted to concentrate wholeheartedly on the chaotic sphere, there was the fact that most of the time Roots would be around the palace with Spike.

“Meanwhile, I’ll watch over Roots and make sure nothing distracts you.” Spike stated, guessing at Twilight’s anxiety. “You won’t need to worry about a thing with me in charge.” 

A moment later, Roots sampled Twilight’s tail.

“Mm-hmm.” Twilight yanked her tail free from the Timberwolf’s mouth, while Spike gave her a sheepish look.

“Everything should work out fine.” Fluttershy said, in further assurance. “You be a good girl and listen to Spike for me, okay?” The pegasus rubbed Roots right between the eyes, which the Timberwolf appeared to enjoy very much. 

The wolf yipped in response.

“And of course, I will try to do whatever I can to help as well.” Twilight gazed around at her friends. “Good luck, every pony.” 

“Yeeup!” Spike hopped in joy.

“Yay.” Fluttershy cheered, quietly.