//------------------------------//
// Chapter 30: Wolves und Ponies 
// Story: Caverns & Cutie Marks 
// by TheColtTrio 
//------------------------------//

	“I think he’s ready,” Fluttershy said finally. Rarity jerked in surprise, stood from where she had been sleeping beside a massive oak, and hurriedly wiped a string of drool from her lips as she cantered over to where Fluttershy sat with the Timberwolf pup.
“Well done, dear,” the fashionista congratulated. “Which way?” The wooden canine yipped happily. Rarity smiled. She wasn’t surprised that the pup had grown accustomed to the yellow pegasus in such a short amount of time.
“Juni says she will show us which way to go,” Fluttershy explained. Rarity arched an eyebrow regally.
“Juni?” she echoed.
“It’s a nickname,” Fluttershy continued. “Short for Juniperus Cupressaceae Lupus.”
“Aha. Lovely name.”
Juni barked and jumped around near the treeline, waiting for the two mares to follow. When they did, the little pup raced into the forest, yipping all the way. The trio walked through the forest, getting further and further away from the bandit’s camp. Every so often, Juni would scamper ahead before returning to pant at Fluttershy’s hooves. This repeated for the next ten minutes as Juni led Rarity and Fluttershy deeper into the forest. Eventually, Juni froze in the middle of a runaround and perked her ears up. Fluttershy and Rarity walked up behind the little pup and stopped, watching as Juni turned her head from side to side, as if listening for something.
“Do you think she’s listening for her pack?” Rarity piped up.
“I think so,” Fluttershy replied, her eyes fixed on the Timberwolf pup. Suddenly, Juni darted away, leaving Fluttershy and Rarity stranded alone in the forest.
“Um,” Rarity mumbled. “Now what?” Fluttershy opened her mouth to respond, but never got the chance. A howl pierced the forest’s silence and there was a thundering sound of approaching paws. Within seconds, the two mares were surrounded by a score of Timberwolves. Juni herself stood between the paws of the largest Timberwolf in the pack, the one directly across from Fluttershy. From its size, the yellow pegasus had to guess that it was the alpha leader of the pack. The alpha’s nostrils flared as it sniffed the air. Its eyes focused on the yellow pegasus as branches and bark pulled back to reveal teeth that looked remarkably similar to massive thorns.
Without warning, the alpha Timberwolf pounced, knocking Fluttershy to the ground. As she shrieked, the alpha’s head dropped, jaw hanging open.
...And a large, wet tongue dragged across her entire body, accompanied by happy panting. The alpha licked Fluttershy’s face again, leaving drool and leaves in her hair with an excited woof.
Fluttershy blinked, her terror giving way to confusion. “T-Taxi?”
The alpha Timberwolf barked happily and let her tongue loll down past its teeth.
“You know this Timberwolf?” Rarity asked, her tone surprised.
“She’s a friend,” Fluttershy explained, pulling herself out from under the wooden canine. “Mister End, Pinkie, and I rescued her- Well, we rescued each other from the bandit camp. The one back in Roads Crossed, I mean.” She was cut off by another wet lick to the side of the head. “We let her go before the bandits attacked to find her pack. It looks like she did.”
“Aha,” Rarity murmured. “Do you think you can convince her to come with us back to the other bandit camp? I’m sure we can talk to Boomer about Slate.”
Fluttershy’s ears folded back. “I-I don’t know. Can’t we just say Juni got away from us, and they can just give us a new task?” Rarity shook her head sadly, her mane bobbing with the motion of her head.
“I don’t think they’ll let us,” she soothed. “And they’d probably do us harm if we return without the pack.”
Fluttershy’s gaze turned toward the ground. “Okay…” She turned back to Taxi. “Taxi? Can you come with us?” The large Timberwolf barked and nuzzled gently against Fluttershy’s mane, her tongue lolling past her thorn-like teeth.
Fluttershy looked over her shoulder at Rarity, a small smile curving her lips. “She says ‘yes’.”


* * *


Boomer growled in frustration as Purple Heart successfully placed his second to last piece on the already precarious structure of wires. The purple earth pony had been truthful in his boast of being exceptional at Suspend. It was highly possible that the second win for the old stallion had been a fluke, but Boomer wasn’t one to overthink things. A win was a win, particularly in this case and he needed only one more to end this little spree of entertainment
That said, the chances of Boomer winning this third and final game were becoming slimmer and slimmer by the second. As he placed his third to last piece on the wire nest, the structure shivered. The old stallion held a breath as he pulled his hoof away, his eyes fixed on the trembling game before him. Once the wire structure settled, he gently pushed the die over to Purple Heart’s side of the table.
“Your turn,” Boomer said softly, keeping his voice low as to not cause any unnecessary tremors to the table that would upend the game. Sure, had the pieces fallen the purple earth pony would’ve been given the subsequent pieces and set back to the point that he would be unable to win. Had Boomer been more nefarious or underhoofed, he would’ve found a way to make seemingly random mistakes or happenings work to his advantage. Instead, he chose to be a little honorable...when it suited him.
Purple Heart sucked his teeth as he rolled the die, coming up with a color that he didn’t have. But Boomer did. The old pony cracked a tense smile as Purple Heart pulled Boomer’s last black ended piece.
“Careful there, laddie,” Boomer mused.
“Shaddup,” Purple Heart hissed, considering his options. Eventually, he placed the piece near a rather unbalanced area. To Amber and Boomer’s combined surprise, nothing happened to the nest of wires aside from a slight shivering in the support structure. Now they had one piece each left. The golden unicorn watched mutely as Purple Heart slid the colored die over to Boomer. She had alternating between holding her breath and sighing in relief whenever precarious plays had been made. A frown creased her forehead when she noticed the smirk on Purple Heart’s lips.
What’s got him so amused? she thought to herself. Should I ask him? Will he snap? Her curiosity got the better of her cautious nature and she opened her mouth to address the purple earth pony.
“What’s so funny?” she asked. Purple Heart chuckled evilly, but didn’t look at the golden unicorn.
“Indeed,” he said. “If he rolls a certain color, I’m certain to win.”
“And what color is that?” Amber asked. Her frown returned when Purple Heart didn’t respond as he was gazing intently at Boomer as the old pony rolled the die. The wooden cube clattered on the table and spun several times before coming to rest with the die’s one red side. Amber looked on in blank confusion as Purple Heart jerked away from the table and began to bounce around uncharacteristically like a little colt. She had no idea what prompted such behavior. When Amber looked at Boomer, she had the distinct feeling that the game was the source of the purple earth pony’s strange behavior. Boomer’s face was twisted into a look of displeasure at how things were turning out.
“Why are you doing that?” Amber asked, turning to address the bounding Purple Heart. The purple barbarian took a moment to cease his antics so that he could answer the question.
“When Boomer rolled the die, he got a color that he didn’t have but I did,” Purple Heart explained. “So he has to play my piece.”
“And why does that make you prance about like that?” she asked quizzically. The grin on Purple Heart’s face grew to massive proportions.
“We win,” Purple Heart elaborated, “regardless of what happens. If he places the piece successfully, we win because I have no more pieces. If he makes the wires fall, he gets all those pieces and we still win. So, our victory is assured.” Amber blinked in surprise and a smile split her face. The pronoun Purple Heart utilized wasn’t lost on her, but she didn’t point it out. Boomer sighed, moved around the table and held his hoof out for Purple Heart to shake, forgoing the embarrassment of placing the final piece on an already precarious structure.
“Well played,” the old stallion congratulated. “Now, why don’t we go check on your friends?” Purple Heart smiled and inclined his head in acquiescence as the Suspend game shimmered out of existence.
“We’ll pass by the camp to retrieve the filly on our way,” Boomer assured as they walked from the clearing. “I wonder how your friends are doing with their task.” Purple Heart’s smile faded as he looked at Amber.
“I’m sure they’ve completed their task like we did,” Purple Heart mused, “even if I did it on my own.” He smiled apologetically at Amber. The golden unicorn shook her head and waved a hoof dismissively.
“You know more of that game than I do,” she said. “I’m glad you knew what you were doing, else we wouldn’t have succeeded in completing the task.” Purple Heart bobbed his head from side to side.
“Understandable,” he replied. “Now, why don’t we get going?”


* * *


“Ah, well done,” Slate crowed, applauding as Rarity and Fluttershy returned to the clearing, Taxi and her pack close behind them.
“We brought the pack to you,” Rarity seethed. “What are you going to them?” An evil grin crossed Slate’s face.
“Why, we’ll break them of course,” he chortled happily. “Having an entire pack of Timberwolves will be invaluable in a scrap. I’m very thankful for your assistance.”
“Excuse me,” Fluttershy cut in. “W-what do you mean by ‘scrap’?” Slate snorted derisively and moved closer to the pack and the two mares.
“Combat,” he elaborated. “Obviously. Honestly, I don’t have the faintest idea why Boomer even gave you a chance to leave. You’re so dull.” Rarity’s eyes flashed with rage.
“What did you just say?” she hissed.
Slate sneered at the mares, unaware of the five ponies that were advancing slowly into the clearing behind him. “You’re dull. Unimportant. Boring.”
Fluttershy’s head was lowered, her ears hanging low. “You’re not a nice pony,” she muttered.
Slate threw his head back and cackled. “Of course I’m not a nice pony. I joined these bandits to make money. I’d happily break a thousand Timberwolves and send them into hundreds of battles if it brought me a pretty bit.”
It took a few seconds for Fluttershy to respond. For some ponies, quiet, reserved types are meant need to be protected, or coaxed out of their shell. Others think they to be walked over, used, and discarded. 
Some ponies know better.
Fluttershy looked up at Slate. A hint of tears hung at the corners of her eyes, but the look in them was anything but weak. “You’re a bad pony,” she said, her throat tightening. “Taxi? Fetch.”
In a single movement, the massive Timberwolf bounded forward, scooping the earth pony stallion up in its jaws. Its hold was surprisingly gentle, if uncomfortably firm. Taxi’s action had been swift and devastating, too quick for Slate react beyond a terrified squeak.
“Something wrong here?” Purple Heart asked, intruding on the conversation. Fluttershy and Rarity turned in surprise. Standing at the edge of the clearing was Purple Heart, Amber Glitter, Boomer, the small filly, and a cloaked unicorn.
“Purple Heart?” Rarity whispered. “What are you doing here?” The purple barbarian shrugged and jerked his head at Boomer.
“I beat the challenge,” he stated simply. “But right now, I’m rather curious as to why there’s a large Timberwolf chewing on an earth pony.”
“Not chewing,” Fluttershy corrected. “Gently holding.” She glared back at Slate. “For now, that is.” Purple Heart arched an eyebrow at the choice of words.
“Who is he?” he asked. Boomer stepped forward, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“His name is Slate Doraibor,” the aged earth pony said. “My second in command. Slate, what are the Timberwolves doing here? I told you to send them to collect herbs.” Slate snorted and winced as Taxi closed her jaws.
“We don’t need herbs,” he scoffed. “We need weapons. And money. Training these wolves for combat and maybe even selling a few off to fight pits would definitely satisfy both those needs.” Boomer’s face went blank as he stared at the pony he had entrusted with the title of ‘second’.
“You may need those things, Slate,” Boomer said darkly. “But I know I certainly don’t.”
“You’re weak, old one,” Slate sneered. “You aren’t willing to take risks. Not like I am. I’m willing to bring us out of the shadows and into the light. I-”
“Can I make a request, Boomer?” Purple Heart interrupted. The old pony turned to look at the purple barbarian, a curious expression on his face.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Can I please make sure that he,” Purple Heart pointed at Slate, “doesn’t try anything like this again? I’m certain you have similar thoughts about him being a scumbag and wouldn’t be too sad if he just ‘left’.” Boomer was silent as he considered the large earth pony’s proposition. Amber and Rarity shifted uncomfortably as the silence dragged out. Fluttershy made no move as she watched the conversation. Eventually, Boomer stirred.
“Very well,” the old pony said. “I think you deserve to decide Slate’s fate. It was your friends that he wronged.” Purple Heart inclined his head in thanks and turned to Taxi. Slowly, cautiously, he advanced towards the large Timberwolf. Taxi growled around the obstruction in her mouth and raised her hackles.
“Fluttershy?” Purple Heart called. “Could you please get the Timberwolf to drop Slate?”
Fluttershy frowned, but turned to Taxi. “Taxi? Drop him.” The earth pony dropped out of the Timberwolf’s mouth unceremoniously, a dollop of twigs and drool dripping onto his back a moment later.
“What are you gonna do to me?” Slate sneered, shifting his gaze between Fluttershy and Purple Heart. “I’m sure it isn’t any worse than what Boomer would do to me.” Purple Heart barked a cold laugh.
“Slate,” he said, narrowing his eyes at the slobbery earth pony. “I want you to do something for me.” Slate arched an eyebrow at the advancing purple barbarian.
“Oh?” he muttered. “What-” He choked in his words as he was paralyzed by a hard, cold blue stare. Purple Heart came to a stop over the wet pony and leaned forward, bringing his hard cobalt orbs down to look directly into Slate’s wide ones.
“Run,” Purple Heart whispered. “Run away and never return.” Slate didn’t have to be told twice. His eyes still wide from fear, he scrambled out from under the masses of Purple Heart and Taxi before hightailing it into the forest.
Fluttershy looked between Purple Heart and where Slate had disappeared. “You’re letting him just leave like that?” Purple Heart shrugged and turned to face Boomer.
“Last I checked,” he mused, much louder than was necessary. “Somepony here had the ear of a certain Timberwolf Alpha. I’m sure that this alpha would be very happy to do something for that pony.” He looked over his shoulder at Fluttershy and winked.
“Oh…” Fluttershy’s eyes widened as recognition dawned. “Taxi?” The Timberwolf’s ears perked up, her head cocked to one side. “Chase the bad pony.”
The Timberwolf arced its head toward the sky, letting loose a howl that was quickly picked up by the rest of the pack. The wooden wolves bounded into the forest, their cries echoing as they followed the path of their prey. Soon enough, the forest was silent again.
Fluttershy turned back to Purple Heart, an innocent smile on her face. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate the lesson he’s learning.” An equally innocent smiled curved Purple Heart’s lips as he looked at the shy yellow pegasus.
“Indeed,” he agreed, turning back to Boomer. “Welp, we’re done.” Boomer cleared his throat and nodded.      	
“You have completed the challenges,” the old pony said. “You are free to go. With the young one of course.” He gestured and the small filly trotted over to stand beside . Amber inclined her head to Purple Heart.
“Thank you for assisting me in getting Opal back,” she said. “I may have misjudged you too quickly.” Purple Heart waved a hoof dismissively.
“It happens,” he replied. “I probably deserved it though. I was a bit of a arse for a while. Not exactly sure why though... Regardless, we got your maid back.” Rarity, who had just trotted forward with Fluttershy to join the conversation, blinked.
“Maid?” she echoed, looking between Amber and the blue-green filly in confusion. “I thought Amber was the maid.” Purple Heart chuckled. Rarity half expected him to make a scathing retort, but none came, much to her surprise.
“How do you know Amber isn’t a maid?” Fluttershy asked quietly. The three mares and the small filly all turned to look expectantly at the purple barbarian pony.
“Didn’t you notice the way she walked?” Purple Heart asked. “How similar it was to how Princess Luna or Celestia walks? And her bearing? Never before have I seen such a pretty maid with no slouch what so freaking ever. She’s a princess. Of that I am certain.” Rarity and Fluttershy looked at Amber, awaiting her confirmation or denial. Amber nodded.
“He’s right,” she confessed. “I’m a princess.”
“Oh,” Rarity mumbled, partially irritated with herself for not noticing the signs earlier.
“Now what?” Fluttershy asked softly. “We helped Amber get her friend back. Do we just leave?”
“Not yet,” Boomer spoke up. “I have a request.” The group turned to the old pony. Boomer reached into his cloak and pulled out a gold medallion stamped with an icon of a crown that hung from a thick chain around his neck.
“As Purple Heart has already said,” Boomer continued, “I was part of the Royal Family. I was banished by my brother Bastion for the murder of our sister.” There were several sharp intakes of breath. Rarity and Fluttershy both covered their mouths with a hoof in horror as they backed away. Amber followed suit and gently pulled Opal with her, anxiety filling her eyes as she looked fearfully at Boomer. Purple Heart arched an eyebrow at the old pony as he remained stationary.
“You were framed, huh?” he asked. Boomer nodded and his head drooped in sorrow. Purple Heart frowned at the old pony. He opened his mouth to speak but was beaten by Rarity.
“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” the white fashionista barked. Boomer looked up sadly, tears forming at the creases of his eyes.
“You don’t,” he murmured. “But please, hear me out. Bastion still has evidence that incriminates himself. I managed to see the dagger along with several other items he used before I was hauled away and evicted from the city.” The silver pony crumpled at Purple Heart’s feet and began to sob openly.
“Please!” Boomer begged. “Prove that Bastion is the murderer! He took my sister from me! Please! He deserves to be punished!”
“I say we help him!” Rarity declared immediately. “He’s obviously not responsible!”
“I agree,” Fluttershy said resolutely. “Nopony should have to suffer like this. We should find the true killer and bring them to justice.” Purple Heart was silent for several seconds as he pondered his thoughts. After a minute or two, he inhaled deeply before speaking.
“Very well,” he said. “We shall search for evidence against Bastion while we find out who hired the bandits. How will we contact you when we’ve completed our task?” Boomer stood and wiped tears from his wrinkled cheeks. A smile broke across his old face as he looked up at Purple Heart.
“I’ll know,” Boomer assured. “Aside from that, I also know who hired the bandits. Though you’ll need proof of that as well.” The mares looked at the old pony in surprise.
“Who?” Amber asked. “What hired the bandits?”
“Why Bastion of course,” Boomer replied. He ignored the gasps of surprise from Amber, Rarity, and Fluttershy and continued speaking. “Now, you should get going. I’ll give you a map so that you can find your way to the capital.” Purple Heart inclined his head in thanks, not exactly surprised about Bastion.
“That would be much appreciated,” the barbarian pony said. “I think a carriage would be helpful as well.”
“Oh!” Boomer cried. “I almost forgot something.”
Purple Heart cocked his head in confusion as Boomer gestured to a unicorn behind him. The bandit cantered forward, a box held by his magic. Boomer inclined his head to the bandit and opened the box. When he turned back to Purple Heart, he held a bronze gauntlet in one hoof.
“It’s dangerous to go alone,” the old pony said. “take this.” Purple Heart blinked at the aged earth pony for a long time, switching his gaze between the gauntlet, Boomer, and back again. Rarity, Fluttershy, Amber, and Opal cocked their heads at the purple earth pony in confusion, watching the annoyance growing on his face.
“But I’m not alone,” Purple Heart retorted, gesturing at the mares behind him. Boomer shrugged.
“Nuance,” he countered. “This gauntlet has-”
“Don’t tell me,” Purple Heart interrupted, raising a hoof as he hoped to get back at the old pony. “It’s been in your family for GENERATIONS!” Silence fell as Boomer and those present looked blankly at the flexing purple earth pony. Purple Heart could have sworn that there were crickets chirping somewhere.
“Or not,” he mumbled to himself, coming out of his sparkle-less pose. His ploy had failed. Much like Boomer’s had. Or was it Discord’s…
Boomer gave him a disgusted look and held the gauntlet out.
“This gauntlet,” the old pony growled, “has been an heirloom of the Royal Family ever since this realm’s creation. Only the bravest and purest of kings may wield it in battle.” Purple Heart cocked an eyebrow as he politely took the gauntlet.
“Bravest and purest,” he mused softly. Guess that rules me out. He kept the last to himself and tried to slip the gauntlet on after removing one of his leather bracers.
It wouldn’t slip on.
Purple Heart frowned and peered closely at the gauntlet before trying once more to put it on his foreleg.
“What is this, Thor’s gauntlet or something?” the purple earth pony growed angrily. There was a sudden shock from the gauntlet, eliciting a yelp of surprise from the large earth pony and making him drop it to the ground.
“You do not have the requisite skill to equip this item,” a Discord-like voice boomed.
“Carp,” Purple Heart swore. “Damn levels.” Cautiously, he took the gauntlet once more and looked up at Boomer. “What now?”  Boomer’s smiled and he gestured to a large selection of carriages off in one cordoned-off area of the clearing.
“Let’s get you a carriage!” he crowed, his jovial mood returning. “Let me see what we have in stock!” Amber, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Opal rolled their eyes in amusement as they followed the two colts to get their supplies for the trek northward to the capital city where their friends awaited.