//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Pony of Everfree // by Wild Vine //------------------------------// The sun was slowly setting, the sky a lovely shade of purple mixed with various blues. Wild finally made it back to Twilight's library, Spike asleep on Wild's back unsurprisingly. Wild knocked on the door, though no one answered for a minute or two. "Um... Twilight!" Wild shouted. Putting an ear to the door he would hear the sound of someone rummaging, falling objects, until finally Twilight unlocked the door. She looked tired, very messy, as she smiled, "Wild! How... are you?" Twilight asked in a tired voice. "Um... just fine... you look... well... horrible." Wild said bluntly. "Oh ehehe, I've been busy, so busy with this... this um...umm...ehehe...” Twilight seemed to be acting weird, more or less acting goofy. Wild raised an eyebrow, noticing her behavior was far more different than before back in Canterlot. "Twilight, did you... even bother taking a break?" Wild asked, noticing her eyes were slightly red and puffy. "No breaks! No rest since I started early this morning. Constant analysis is needed for this project." Twilight grinned, obviously trying so hard to stay awake, walking back to her messy work table. Books, charts, scrolls and used quill pens scattered all over the library. Spike had a nagging thought he was going to end up cleaning this up. "Oh dear... please tell me she doesn't always acts like this?" Wild asked Spike, looking around at the calamity. "Well, usually she's not as worked up..." Spike sighed, picking up a few written scrolls. "But it looks like she worked herself back into her studying stage, only typical of the Twilicus Bookwormikus." "If this is her normal behavior.. I guess there isn't much to worry about... for now." Wild walked over to her, "So Twilight, any... news?" Twilight had fallen asleep, face first into a book on plant life. She was lightly snoring, drooling into the pages of the book. Understandable, Wild and Spike chuckled, Wild using his vines to lift her up and carry her towards her bed, laying her down gently as not to disturb her sleep. "Man, she's really gone all out... I can't even begin to know where to start!" Spike noticed the massive pile of scrolls, "Oh, we will be broke for awhile..." Wild looked around her work bench area, noticing that doo-hickey from before, the micro-scope, with a lot of scrolls and little pieces of paper scattered all around it. "Spike.. um, what's this thing for anyway? Can't imagine the purpose of it for research." Wild examined the strange device. Spike hopped onto a chair, getting a better look, "It allows us to see things so small our normal eyes can never see normally!" Spike took a look into the device. "Seems odd...” Wild skimmed through the scrolls, "Whatever that device shown, sure had Twilight's attention...” Taking one of the random scrolls, Wild skimmed through the scribbled notes. "To be honest. I'm not the brightest when it comes to this sort of thing... any luck yet?“ Spike asked. "..The effects of the hair sample seemed to prove interesting. The exterior appeared that of a normal hair, though deeper investigation proves that this sample had a lot more to offer. A plant-like structure, cells, and very much more unknown matter all have gotten my attention..." Wild read one of the notes. "Effects?" Spike questioned. "I'm not sure I understand, and there's nothing yet she discovered about these odd effects... no cure even." Wild sounded worried. "Don't you worry Wild, let Twilight relax, and she'll be back right on to it." Spike patted his back, "C’mon, we still have a few more hours before my bed time. Let's go see Applejack or maybe Rainbow Dash." Wild nodded, trying to cheer up, it wasn't the end of the world he thought. The two stretched for a moment, leaving Twilight to her sleep. The day seemed to calm down, fewer ponies were out and about, Wild and Spike headed over to AJ's place, avoiding going past Rarity's place for good reasons. The smell of the sweet apples filled the air; Wild licked his own lips, drawing more near. Big Mac, down the rode, bid hello to the green stallion and the little dragon, Wild stopped to say hello, giving Spike a moment to walk, jumping off his back. "Heya Big Mac, anything new with you?" Wild asked, preparing for another engaging conversation. "Nope." Big Mac said happily. "AJ around? We have some business with her." Spike re-checked the scroll from earlier. Big Mac thought for a moment," Eeeeyup, y’all can find her over thar." Big Mac led them to the south apple orchard. Applejack was busy bucking several of the trees; apples fell from them with each buck, filling the baskets below each base of the tree. She seemed tired, and sweaty, her musk was more apparent the more they got closer. "Applejack, yall have some guests." Big Mac stopped her mid-buck. "Oh! Hey you two, took y’all long enough to get yer behinds here." AJ panted, wiping her forehead with her foreleg. "You were expecting us?" Wild tilted his head, confused. "Well shoot; I was expectin' y’all to come here earlier, seein' how Twilight went on a babblin' in her fancy talk 'bout that there list of things yall had to do round Ponyville." "Sorry, we got held up back in town... long story, not important." Spike said, almost in a nervous tone. Wild shook his head, "Anyway, we may be late, but how can we be of help?" "Hmm... not sure, I'm just about done with this here field, impressive ain't it?" Applejack bucked one last time, against the tree behind her, the apples falling into the last two baskets below. Big Mac shook his head, Applejack huffed. "What? I told yall I could get this done by days end." Applejack boasted. "Yall dun learn from yer mistakes, sis." Big Mac tilted his head towards the other half of the orchard that wasn't picked as of yet. Her jaw dropped, before closing again as she groaned, " Oh for buck sake, this is just peachy." Spike laughed, "Want us to help? Looks like you can use my friends’ special talents for trees, eh?" Wild blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed. Applejack thought for a moment, rubbing underneath her chin with her hoof. "Ah shucks, why not. I'm feeling kinda tired, and curious on how yall plan on buckin’ each tree with such little time left an all." She was right, the sun was nearing it's destination, it's tip touching the horizon, giving the sky a more orangy look to it. Sitting down where they were, Applejack, Big Mac and Spike watched Wild, who trotted out into the middle of the orchard. It wasn't a dense forest, making the view clear for them to watch. Wild felt even more embarrassed, almost feeling stage fright about putting on such a performance. Still, he had a job to do, and he wasn't going to let his new friends down. Looking around, Wilds ears caught the sounds of the wind rustling through the leaves, closing his eyes and focusing, he could hear the trees begin to talk. Though what they spoke in was considered to be a 'dead' language that took Wild several years to learn back in the forest. After a few minutes, Applejack seemed to get the impression Wild was being a little lazy. "Yall can't expect the apples to come to you if yer just sittin thar, sugarcube!" She shouted, breaking Wild out of his concentration. He shook it off, getting back onto his hooves. Taking in a deep breath, Wild's vines, which hid in his mane from the looks of it, slithered out and dug deep into the earth. Both began to glow green, his eyes were glowing red simultaneously. Standing on his hind legs, he raised his forelegs and then stomped the ground, sending a vibration that the others on the hill nearby felt. The trees themselves were shaking to the powerful vibration, and soon it stopped. Wild's vines retracted out from ground, back into his mane, the apples on the trees began to fall, one by one hitting the ground, making neat piles at the base of each tree. Big Mac and Applejack were stunned, jaws dropped at such a feat. Spike, of course, cheered happily, applauding his odd powers without really questioning it too much, he pretty much thought it was awesome. The vibrations, however, did get the attention of Rarity, who was still on Wilds trail. She had also left her 'sexy clothing' back at her shop, making it easier for her to catch up to Wild. "My word, that was awkward, I do hope that was just a wiggle and nothing big." Rarity adjusted her stance, walking over to the gates leading into Sweet Apple Acres. Apple Bloom, finally home from her crusading, still had no luck on getting her cutie mark nor was she aware at the time of Wild's arrival. However, she did notice Rarity so the little filly approached her. "Howdy there Rarity. Sweetie Belle's not here, thought she went on her way after school." Apple Bloom thought out loud. "Oh um, she must be home by now. I haven't been at my little boutique all day; well, to do anything constructive other than that commission..." Rarity thought long and hard, though she couldn't remember anything else other than her current goal. "So um, why yall here? Applejack's out in the field as we speak." "Oh, well good for her I suppose. Darling, I'm actually looking for Wild Vine actually. I have had prior engagements..." She had a sheepish grin on her face when she thought about those engagements. "Wild Vine huh... ehehe... no I can’t say I have..." Apple Bloom laughed nervously. Big Mac meanwhile, after being loaded with a few carts full of apples, was making his way up to the gates slowly but surely with a full days harvest. Behind the carts were Applejack, Spike and Wild, the former two talking amongst themselves about Wild's talent. They were walking side by side; Wild wasn't paying attention that his infamous mane was close enough for Applejack to come in contact with. Before Rarity would notice on her own, Apple Bloom ran up to her brother, excited to see him. "Heya Big Mac... yall really done with todays...and tomorrow’s harvest?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Darn tootin'!" Applejack walked up to her little sister, giving her a pat on the head. "Heya Apple Bloom, it's been awhile." Wild chuckled, immediately his front legs got glomped by the little filly. She smiled, looking up at him, pretty much happy to see him again. Though things got a little complicated. Spike nudged Wild, poking at his head with his claw. Once he had the stallion's attention, Spike pointed ahead, Wild turned to see Rarity's eyes pretty much getting an eyeful of him. Standing dangerously close, Apple Bloom was pretty much stuck between them, making this very awkward. "Now there you are Wild. What are you doing here of all places?" Rarity asked disregarding the little filly, Big Mac, Spike and even Applejack for that matter. "If you haven't noticed, your ladyship, yall interuptin' our harvest time, we were just about to put these apples in the barn." Applejack and Rarity had a history, being that they were polar opposites. Her for being down and dirty, getting work done by any means, and Rarity for being neat, clean and tidy, worrying about the little things. "Applejack, it's rude to interrupt ones conversations. You should really be more respectful." Rarity scoffed. "Look, we ain't got time for your fussy nature of handlin' things. Yall better stand aside, missy." Rarity rolled her eyes, taking Wild aside with her. "There, you may proceed. I'm sure you don't need him anymore." "Don't make this difficult, hand over that stallion or so help me Rarity..." "What have I gotten myself into...?” Wild was so confused, being the third wheel here. The two mares stared at one another, neither one blinking after a short while. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, snatching Wild from Rarity's loose grip now, seeing how she was more occupied. Big Mac groaned, separating the two mares apart. "Yall best calm down now." Big Mac demanded. "She started it," Rarity turned away from Applejack, noticing now that Wild was gone, once again. "Oh, for Celestia sake!" "Hmph, serves you right, now get a move on missy, it's 'bout to be nightfall, yall should get home sugarcube." Applejack suggested. "Suppose your right... for once. Good day." She walked off, looking around down the trail, "How could he run away so quickly... playing hard to get is one thing, but hiding from me? You tease." Rarity was soon out of sight, Applejack sighed in relief, turning around only to bump into Wild Vine head on, nearly kissing him in the process. She gasped, backing up and bumping right into Big Mac. "Howsa..whosa...wha.." Applejack babbled, a big blush on her face. "Pretty clever, huh? I dun hid Wild Vine in the barn while yall had yer little stare down." Apple Bloom smiled, Spike clapped. "Way to go, crisis avoided." He smiled. "You held your own very well, AJ." Wild approached her, a smile on his face. Applejack however, to Wild's discovery, couldn't really look at him in the eyes. "Yeah... well... I best mosey on inside, help Big Macintosh get these apples ready for pies in the morning!" Applejack runs away, rushing inside the barn. "Ain't that a weird thing?" Apple Bloom tilted her head, "Best get on back home, Wild Vine. Why don't yall come on back, we'll be making plenty of pies and maybe some cider if were lucky." Apple Bloom smiled, Big Mac was busy pushing in the carts of apples into the barn to notice them leaving. Spike jumped onto Wild's back once again, lounging and gazing up at the stars that began to shine. Night fell completely by the time they arrived back at the library, Spike nearly asleep and Wild tuckered out from a crazy day. Opening the door to the library, Wild managed to drag himself and Spike inside the dark home. Twilight was, luckily, still asleep upstairs in her bed, tossing and turning while mumbling to herself. Spike was placed in his little basket bed, fast asleep, tucked in by Wild who then tucked in Twilight. Eventually, he made his way to the balcony, tired and worn out. Hopefully a good night's sleep out in the cool air will sooth him as he made his bed of moss using his earth magic. With a long loud yawn, he rested his head, closing his red eyes, drifting into a well needed rest. --------- It began to rain suddenly, waking up Wild early morning. Looking up from his bed, he noticed a lot of storm clouds had gathered, probably very early working pegasi the night before were the cause. Yawning once again, his mane drenched in water, covering him a lot more while he nudged the balcony door open, walking inside the library when a booming sound of thunder made the room shake lightly. Twilight was awake, Spike still asleep even with the harsh weather outside making all that noise. She was busy taking notes, though at a much calmer pace than the last time Wild saw her when he trotted over to her. Hearing him approaching, she looked up from her notes. "Good morning, Wild." She smiled, drinking a cup of coffee that was levitated via magic. "Mornin', you're up early." Wild sat beside her. "So, hard at work already?" "That I am, I promised Celestia that I'd get all the info on you as soon as possible." Wild patted her shoulder, "Hey, take it easy. It's not the end of the world if you don't get all there is to know about this stallion." Twilight smiled, "Thanks Wild. Anyway, since it's raining pretty bad, perhaps it's best to stay home." A sudden knock on the door got both their attention, Twilight walking on over and opening it with her magic. In walked Fluttershy, along with Rainbow Dash, both were wet. "Oh hey Fluttershy, hey Rainbow Dash, what's up?" Twilight asked, handing them both a towel each. "Just doing some cloud work here, thought we come over and visit, lazy it up here." Rainbow walked over to a nice soft cushion, jumping on it, letting out a relaxing sigh. "Sorry, we don't mean to interrupt your... um...” Fluttershy noticed Wild and coughed a little, "H..heya big boy" She tried to mimic Rarity's approach from the day before, out of character really. "Um... Fluttershy?" Twilight nudged her, "You ok?" "Oh... yeah... of course... just trying a few things, eheh...” Wild chuckled, "Looks like you two were busy today... from the looks of it." He was at the window checking out the storm. "Yeah... was a doozy to make. Say Twilight hand me that book.. ya know, the Daring Do book." Rainbow Dash asked, still lazing on the cushion. "Ugh, you really need to stop being so lazy.." Twilight levitated the latest book towards her, opening it, Rainbow Dash immediately began to read. Fluttershy, meanwhile, kept on trying to mimic Rarity's style, which she chose to try rubbing herself against him which got his attention, of course, but not in the way she hoped. He looked down at her, seeing that he was taller than her, making her yelp and retreat away from him. Wild seemed confused, walking towards the door, feeling awfully bored if he was supposed to spend the day inside of there. "Hey Wild, where are you off to?" Twilight noticed him opening the door. "Out for a while, I'm not very comfy with remaining indoors all day. Besides, the rain feels nice in my mane." "Wait, don't go, we need you to stay here for the rest of my experiment!" Twilight begged. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Not going to far from the house anyway." Wild smiled, opening the door, a blast of wind blew into the room suddenly, his mane getting wet as he closed the door. "On second thought..." Rainbow Dash giggled, "Should've listened. That’s a A-class storm, ya know." "Couldn't tell me that earlier, huh?" Wild shook off the water, "Guess we can go on ahead with this little experiment of yours." Twilight squeed with joy, gathering her things quickly, Rainbow Dash didn't seem all that invested on the matter and Fluttershy just kept herself as close to Wild as she could. Wild still hoped whatever Twilight was doing would answer at least some of his questions about his mane problem, perhaps even more than just that. "So then...” Twilight had put her mane in a bun, getting glasses, a clipboard and quill. Looking pretty much like a teacher. "Wild... tell me, what's your favorite thing to do?" "What... what's your favorite... kind of mare?" Fluttershy asked, shyly of course. "Um... eheh. To start off, I like pretty much anything nature... pretty open to new things. As for types of mares... I can't honestly say, I like everypony." Wild answered. "Does... that include pegasi?" "As much as I love to know more of his... interests, Fluttershy, asking those sorts of questions aren't helpful." Twilight gave her a serious look. "Ah, give the girl a break, she's just trying to get to know the guy, yeesh!" Rainbow Dash protested. "There's a difference between knowing a pony and downright flirting, Rainbow Dash." Twilight corrected her, "Hmm... those vines of yours... do they serve any other purpose?" His vines slithered once again out from his mane for everypony to see, "What, these? I use them mostly for grabbing stuff, kinda lacking the thumbs, ya know." "Do they... um... grab... naughty... things?" Fluttershy asked, shyly looking at the floor, curious to know. "Naughty... things?" Wild tilted his head, being naive as usual. "Oh no, we are not going there...” Twilight tried changing the subject until Rainbow Dash interrupted her plans. "No no, we are supposed to teach him, remember?" She said in a smug voice, enjoying this a little too much. "Ugh! Fine. Naughty parts may include... the um... the... under... carriage?" Twilight avoided using specific words. "Undercarriage? What... are we wagons now?" Wild scratched his head in confusion. "Oh for the love of pie, Twi, just get on with it!" Rainbow demanded. "Well, you know... A mares’ private spot? Her Peach Fish? Her Tunnel of Love?" The stallion seemed to have caught on. "Oh! You mean a mares’-" "YES!" Awkward silence filled the room; Spike had woken up just after Twilight's outburst. Rubbing his eye, Spike yawned. "What's with the yelling?" He asked, "Oh hey Wild, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy... didn't expect company this rainy morning." "Oh, just having a grown up chat... now then, Twi, mind saying it directly for everypony to be on the same page?" Rainbow giggled. "Like heck I will!" Twilight groaned. "Ok... um, I think I understand. And um if I must answer... I suppose they can. After all, they are extensions of my ponyself, so to speak." Wild explained. "Oh... um ok. Best keep that in mind then for later...” Fluttershy thought out loud. "Come again?" "N-nothing Wild, don't mind me eheh... um- oh look, something shiny!" Fluttershy failed to advert his attention away from her, Wild only chuckled at such a attempt. "We are not getting anywhere with this." Twilight groaned, walking over to a bookshelf, "Hm... Wild, have you studied anything new lately?" "Not that I can recall. Just a few books back in Canterlot." "Alright, moving on I suppose, may I see your vines? I'd like to determine what species of vines is it.." Twilight sat in front of him, a book near her side that was entitled, ‘Various Plantlife In Equestria.' Wild nodded, letting out both of his vines for Twilight to examine, Fluttershy edged near Twilight to get a better look. Rainbow Dash seemed occupied with her book at the moment to really be invested. The vine felt pretty slick in their hooves, Twilight rubbed it gently, the book beside her opened, turning pages as fast as her magic allowed. Fluttershy, meanwhile, had pretty much taken an instant liking to Wild's soft vine, enjoying the slick feeling it gave, not to mention the aroma. "Oh my... it... feels alive..." She held it close to her face. "Generally all plant life are living beings, Fluttershy." Twilight skimmed through the book, not really paying attention to neither Fluttershy, nor Wild himself at the time. Spike was busy in the kitchen making a sapphire smoothly while Fluttershy was getting really curious, "I.. wonder... how it tastes..." She opened her mouth, blushing and sweating while sticking out her tongue, making the whole moment rather suggestive. "Um... Fluttershy?" Wild tried to get her attention, to no avail, "Fluttershy!" She snapped out of it, "Oh! I'm-I'm uh... ehehe... oh was I um..." "Not what I was really asking when I suggested we do some on-hoof examining, Fluttershy." Twilight giggled. "Ugh! I'm so bored! C’mon Fluttershy, lets go give Tank a bath or something fun until the rain is done." Rainbow Dash suggested. Fluttershy nodded, feeling a little more satisfied that she had a moment with Wild without Rarity interrupting or showing her up. The two pegasi bid farewell, leaving Wild to Twilight's care for the time being. A short while passed, the rain didn't seem to let up just yet, Twilight deep in her research, that is until Spike barfed up a new scroll. "A message so soon?" Twilight walked over to Spike, he held the scroll in hand while Wild was nearby, sitting on a cushion. "Well, what does it say?" Clearing his throat, Spike opened the scroll, "Dear Twilight, how are things with the Wild research? I hope you aren't overdoing it this time. My sister, Luna, is very persistent on seeing Wild as of late, perhaps you and your friends can come for a visit sometime soon. But for now we have business to attend, looks like a dragon has been seen very close to Ponyville, I'd like you and the others to investigate if you will." "A dragon? Spike, what did you do?" Wild joked. "What! I didn't do a thing!" Spike rubbed his arm. "I think she meant a larger dragon, buddy." "Still, we should take this into consideration and follow her orders!" Twilight proudly announced, "Spike, fetch my bags and pack them for the quest ahead, I shall gather the others!" With that said, Twilight quickly ran out the door and into the rain, heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. Wild and Spike stood near the door, watching Twilight running off into the distance. "She forgot she can teleport..." Spike pointed out. "That she did. Well, at least she's out of the house, though odd that a dragon is seen so close here of all places. Granted however, the dragon's probably lost from its home in the forest." Wild walked back inside, Spike following behind him after closing the door. "You won't be getting much answers now, I'm afraid, Twi has a knack for responding to the princess rather quickly." Wild examined the book of plants Twilight was using, skimming through what he could understand, flipping page after page, "Looks like I'll hafta take matters into my own hooves then. I'm going to the forest, Spike." "What are you, insane?! A dragon's loose in there!" "Its been awhile since I was home, Spike, I can really use some answers that I'm sure the trees will probably know." "Its only been two days... or so." Spike said in a serious tone, "But if you say so, I'll stall Twilight and friends best I can." "Thanks... oh, something else just popped into my head." Wild remembered the stain glass windows back in Canterlot, the hall that the princesses and the others took him to. "Those 6 mares... they have a purpose, don't they?" "A... purpose? You're going to have to be a little more specific for me to understand, Wild." Spike picked up a few scrolls, packing them into Twilight's sack. "I was just curious, what did they really do to earn a glass window? Silly thing to ask, really." Before Spike could explain, a sudden knocking came from the door. Twilight and Applejack were waiting on the other side, Spike had peeked through the window, enough for him to still be out of sight but still able to see them. Spike panicked a little, quickly running to Wild, pushing him towards the back of the tree home, out towards the backdoor to give him a head start. "Get going! Before they plan on making this day even more boring!" Wild chuckled as he galloped off towards the Everfree Forest. In his mind he hoped whatever is causing his mane to become so alluring would have at least a cure. He didn't want the rest of his days being chased around or worse, make the girls jealous of one another. Unaware to him, Rarity was on her way to Twilight's house, catching a glimpse of Wild passing by. A smirk appeared on her face, batting her eye lashes, she decided now was a good time to follow him, and hopefully capture him for her own amusement. A short gallop later, Wild was in front of the entrance to the forest, gazing up at it, he let out a long sigh, hearing the sounds of the dragon far away in the deeper parts of the forest. "Home sweet home... I better hurry... don't want my new friends to get barbecued..." He ventured inside, the feel of the forest was welcoming, the dirt in his hooves softer than he remembered, but even the little changes hadn't bothered him. Determined to convince the dragon to leave, Wild pressed onwards...