//------------------------------// // Odd circumstances // Story: Strangely Resilient Ember // by DeliriousCrimson //------------------------------// "Ouch!" I yelled as Zecora finally ended her small... or should I say lengthy medical session. It took her hours to make a concoction to rub on my wounds, not to mention her careful methods of treating the burns on my chest. She mixed a shady looking powder with mint leaf and water as ointment for it. Its weird but even I have to admit, she knows what she's doing. Usually I wouldn't immediately suck up to a sapient horse creature like this, but her ointment felt waaay too good on these accursed markings for me not to give her any credit. Not to mention that I got to know her a little via casual chit-chat for the past few hours. She was unbelievably good-natured and kind despite the the fact that she knew I was dangerous. Plus, it was also a nice change of pace to have someone I could converse with after a series of life threatening events. Zecora hummed a tune as she picked out some bandages out of her drawer. She faced away from me which gave me a clear look at the marking on her butt again, curiosity finally beckoning me to ask. "Zecora, that's a nice tattoo you have there! But it looks strange, what is it?" I politely asked. She paused momentarily before continuing the search, I hoped that I hadn't offended her in some way. "This is a cutie mark Kurama, It appears at a young age in response to good karma. Everypony gets a different mark, it guides your life towards the path it is meant to embark," she happily responded. Every... pony? I didn't know what to make of that one but the mark sounded really important to her species. Also she has been rhyming like that for hours. It was seriously impressive.. but how in the emperors name did she manage this.. was it a routine in her culture? "So basically it shows you how you are meant to live your life?" Zecora nodded as she finished picking out the bandages. She trotted towards me and closely examined the position of my injuries before beginning to cover them up. To be honest, this whole cutie mark thing was a bizarre concept, it seemed like it serves to determine their place in society. Wherever I was, it was full of weird creatures and cultural practices that were far different from those of my home. Although I probably shouldn't make that assumption yet from only meeting two species so far. I wonder if those wooden creatures were also capable of speech.. However even if they were able to, I still wouldn't have felt any different about them. Those walking fire hazards almost killed me... although I did technically killed their friend first. But maybe Zecora knew exactly just what those things were, it could help me out in the future. "By the way, before you came along I was attacked by strange wooden wolves. You wouldn't happen to know what they are and what their intentions were would you?" Zecora gave me a startled look as she continued wrapping the bandages. "The creatures you speak of would attack anything they meet, they lead little purpose other than securing their meat. They are called timberwolves, creatures that are formed of wooden mold." I nodded in acknowledgement, those timberwolves sure packed a punch. I know I was injured and all but still, they would have definitely kicked Bakura's butt for sure.. and I had enough of talking animals with just Zecora alone. Funny, I never thought that something like that would cross my mind. Hmmm... talking animals... I let out a loud auditory gasp as a grim realization crossed my mind, I had no idea why I hadn't considered this huge possibility before. I died and awoke in a strange land full of weird animals that can talk.. I've even witnessed their sorcery! It.. it couldn't be.. "S-say.. Zecora this wouldn't happen to be the s-spirit world would it?" My question was met with a puzzled look, its evident that half of everything I say will probably be met with that same look... as it has been for the past few hours. She remained in a state of visible contemplation, which in itself gave me an answer. According to my ma's stories, no creature lives in the spirit world without being fully aware that it lives there. Theres also the fact that I felt my life slip from me little by little after my battle with the timberwolves. I could safely assume that this forest was in the normal world. I gasped a hearty breath of relief as I moved on from that possibility. "Nevermind, I actually have a different question. Do you know how far the Fire nation is from here?" I asked. What do ya know? The face again. "I've never heard of such a land, and if I don't know it, not many others can." she truthfully responded. From the sounds of it, she was quite confident in her knowledge of the land. Does that mean it was THAT far away? But there shouldn't be any place on Earth that hasn't been threatened- I mean, that hasn't heard of the Fire Nation. If I had to guess, this forest could possibly be somewhere in the Earth kingdom, but better safe than sorry. Ill make sure to politely interrogate Zecora about as much as I can... if she doesn't mind. "Sorry for the constant questioning but where exactly is this place?" I asked. She finished bandaging my shoulder then moved on to my torso. "This place is the Everfree forest, a place where the voices of many strange beings join into a wild chorus," she responded, not bothered at all by the bombardment of questions. "Everfree forest? Now that's a place IVE never heard of." I countered. This time we exchanged puzzled expressions before I continued. "To be honest I woke up here in this strange place. Before I came here I... ehmm.. went to take a nap on my bed, in a place full of others like me... and no one like you." Zecora continued to securely wrap bandages around my torso before rubbing her chin in thought. After a few moments she resumed her bandaging and responded. "Could it be that you aren't of this dimension? If so, I believe this is worth investigation." she pondered. "D-dimension swapping??.. I'll admit, this has all been strange beyond my wildest dreams, but don't you think that's a little too far fetched?" To this, Zecora shook her head in disagreement. "Strange happenings are the norm here in the Everfree, many have learned to cope with it and just let it be." she casually responded. Swapping dimensions.. no, just how can that possibly be the case? But.. I don't have any other explanation as to how I made it here. So, if really did swap dimensions, does that mean I'll never return? I rubbed my wounds and felt the slight pain, but it was tolerable. Whatever the case was, I was going to find a way to return to my home no matter what. I then glanced at Zecora, was she really serious about this being a possibility? She also seemed pretty easygoing about the situation. Was it really not that strange for unexplainable things to happen in this weird forest? A cold shiver went down my spine as I took into account how creepy this place really was. She had to be some sort of fearless monster herself to live here. "So.. does that mean there have been others like me?" She shook her head and tightly pulled on the bandages before tying them firmly in place. She then took a clean rag off her desk and wiped the ointment off my body. I don't know how, but there wasn't an ounce of pain coming from my markings anymore. Whatever that ointment was, it must've been some sort of miracle substance. I gave her an impressed look which she returned with a warm smile. "Thank you so much for your help Zecora. if you hadn't came along I probably would have drowned in my pool of blood," I joked. She visibly cringed at my mention of death and gave me yet another puzzled expression. I returned her puzzled expression. Surely she wasn't... well, sappy enough to cringe at the thought of blood was she? Even after residing in this dangerous forest? I face palmed before beginning my apology. "My bad." I said as I clumsily scratched my head. My stomach then loudly grumbled, as if the atmosphere wasn't awkward enough. She smiled at my flushed expression and walked over to a drawer across the room. "If it is your hunger that you cannot bare, then worry not for I have loads of fruit to spare," she chanted while gathering a series of familiar looking fruits. She then grabbed.. or to be more specific magically held on to a bowl with her fingerless hoof. She did the same with a sharp looking blade and proceeded to skillfully cut the fruits into a salad within the bowl. The speed in which she did so was far too impressive for me not to possibly clap. My clapping summoned a prideful look upon her face as she handed me the bowl of glimmering fruits. My stomach grumbled once again as I looked intently into the fresh fruit. My mouth was tingling in positive anticipation, i have never seen these fruits, but I expected a good meal from them. I worshipped the delicious looking meal with a long sniff, pleased at the sweet aroma that emanating from it. With a sharp breath I began to stuff fruit into my mouth, the sugary juices satisfying my craving for good taste. I gulped the food down greedily, not caring much for manners at this point. All I knew was that I hadn't eaten in ages, and that I needed food quickly. I continued to garble down the salad at record speeds, not sure if I was even bothering to taste it anymore. The fruit that made it up was in its own way, very unnatural. For example, it was just fruit, but it was weirdly heavy on the stomach. Also, it contained flavors that I had never really experienced before, but were definitely delicious. Lastly, they each had a mild crunchy texture that was amusing to chew. I cupped the last bit into my mouth and rapidly chewed it. With a loud gulp, I swallowed it and sighed in satisfaction. My stomach dancing in the sensation of being full, which it didn't have the privilege to feel often enough. "Whew!" I blurted out as I glanced over at the giggling Zecora. I was happy to make her laugh a bit after subjecting her to having to not only treat, but feed me as well. She was a strange creature and had weird verbal habits... also judging from the many masks hung up on her wall, her hobbies were also questionable... and I was about a hundred and thirty percent sure that she was way more knowledgeable than me, but even so she was still kind of adorable. Guess it must have been her species. I gave her a warm smile and decided to thank her properly this time. "Once again, thank you Zecora. I owe you my life." She shook her head and cheerfully responded. "Please, there is no need to thank me. In exchange, occasional visits would be dandy!" I chuckled and nodded. But there was one problem. I had absolutely no idea where to go, and I couldn't possibly ask to stay here, that'd be way too selfish on my part. Judging from our previous conversation however, there must be some sort of civilization close to here. I should try my luck with them... as soon as she gives me the directions that is. I opened my mouth to ask, but Zecora seemingly a step ahead, answered before I said anything. "Two miles from here resides a town. Go straight, and to Ponyville you will be bound," she chimed. P-ponyville?? I could only imagine the sort of creatures I would find there. "So I just go two miles straight from your door?" I asked. Zecora nodded as I turned and made my way towards her door, I planned to see her again atleast once before I returned to the Fire Nation. I also hoped that she wouldn't think of my abrupt leaving as rude, but then again she probably didn't perceive rudeness as a thing in general. Were all of her kind this chummy? Well, its not like I could complain, she sorta saved my life and all. I turned to glance at her only to see her grinning and waving goodbye. I resisted the urge to hug tackle her in her fit of adorableness as I waved back. Yup, must definitely be the species. I stepped outside and closed the door behind me, then I turned and looked straight in front of me. Ok, all I gotta do is walk straight from here... no biggie.. [Insert cryptic animal howls here] I began my tread into the eerie overgrowth of vegetation, careful not to stray off path. The area was definitely weird, as was the rest of the forest. And now that I take a good look at it, it's truly unlike anything I have ever seen or read in books before. Maybe I really was stuck in a different dimension.. Also from the sounds of it, there aren't many if not any humans in this place. Was I really gonna be stranded in this weird dimension full of odd talking animals? Speaking of animals, isn't this freaking forest crawling with dangerous types!? What if another pack of those freakin lumber canines attacked me again? Or worse?? Zecora tended to me well, but my bite wounds were still pretty painful under these bandages. Also with the amount of blood I lost, my body was still pretty weak. My only hope is to quickly get out of this forest and settle down at a place where my body can peacefully recover, not to mention I've been slacking in my training for who knows how long. All in all, I've definitely had better days when it came to having the ability to defend myself. For now I guess I'll just push through all this greenery and lay low. After a few moments of forest striding, a strange feeling sharply gripped my consciousness. Stunned and confused, I quickly looked around but there was nothing in sight. The sensation burned hot... but strangely in a good, relaxing way. The sensation also seemed to have a direction, as if it was beckoning me to follow it. Normally I would reject this strange impulse and keep heading straight... but the feeling seemed to grip as deep as my very instincts. I don't know where it was gonna take me, but I felt like I absolutely had to be there. Without realizing it, I was already headed in the designated direction, a feeling of obscure certainty and determination gently washing over me. I don't know where I'm headed, but it feels like the right place... (3rd person) It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. However, it wasn't just any normal beautiful day. For it was only a couple of days ago that Ponyville won the medal count at the luxurious Equestria games. And it was without a doubt, the best Equestria games in history with an against all odds triumph over Cloudsdale. Sure, it had some questionable moments, but the events were intense and jam packed with competition, with all participants having had close matches. The residents of Ponyville found themselves in celebration upon every raised sun, with no end yet in sight to their increasing pool of joy. With that, we now join princess Twilight and her friends as they party in the library in which she calls her prideful home. Inside said library, the mane six in addition to Spike chose to celebrate with a simple get-together. They chat and laugh together in a beautiful display of friendship, the aroma of foods and beverages pleasantly filling the room. "Pass the nachos Spike!!" cheerfully yelled Rainbow Dash. Of all the ponies, she was one of the most positively affected by the results of the games. "Coming right up!" responded Spike with equal enthusiasm. His spirit was also quite high, for he heroically saved a number of the audience from a small incident, his feat still not going unnoticed. "Oh, oh. I have an idea!" squealed Pinkie Pie as she appeared seemingly out of thin air. "Why don't I bake a NACHO CAKE!?" Her outburst was met with the typical questioning look from all the mares currently in the room. "Why.. don't you just stick to normal cakes darling?" questioned Rarity. For unknown reasons, she seemed to be the only pony in the room with a dress for the formal gathering of friends. "I don't mind," softly added Fluttershy. "The birdies just love your seed cake!" Pinkie pie gave Rarity a smug grin before dashing into the kitchen at speeds that should not have been physically possible. "Just try not to make a mess again!" scolded Princess Twilight Sparkle. However, Pinkie was long gone before she could hear her. "Just who ya kiddin' Twilight? Pinkie an' messes are like two sides ta' a coin!" commented Applejack, her statement being met with giggles from the other girls. The giggling was cut short by a knock to Twilight's door as they all turned their heads towards the noise. The girls eye balled the door, then each other before Twilight quietly approached it. Pinkie Pie popped her head out of the kitchen as Twilight opened her door, her action being greeted by a panting royal guard who stood outside. He struggled to catch his breath before spilling the urgent news. "P-princess Twilight, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia have summoned you to the Tree of Harmony regarding a very strange occurrence!" gasped the guard. The mane six quietly gawked at each other before Twilight broke the silence. "And what exactly is this strange... occurrence you speak of?" she asked. The guard silently cleared his throat before answering. "It seems that a second Tree of Harmony has fully sprouted out of the ground. In addition to its bright orange glow, it radiates a heat which makes it difficult for anypony to approach it, your majesty." politely explained the guard. The mane six let out simultaneous gasps as they once again glanced at each other, their jaws dropping in bewilderment. They gave each other determined nods before Twilight once again turned to the guard, a look of determination displayed across her face. "We shall head there at once."