Old Friend
The gathering trip was uneventful. Well, that’s not entirely true. After his visit to the hive, the fun was sucked out of the trip. Skystrike sighed as he sat across from Kyne. The latter lit a large fire for them to sit around as Skystrike cooked a hunt that Kyne got earlier. It was nothing major, just a Maulwurf that he caught. It was a weird mix of a mole and a bear, being twice Skystrike’s size.
He slowly turned the roast as he thought of what he got from his trip. Over the past few days, mining, hunting, and some negotiation took place. Several ores, he found by going spelunking. Copper, gold, and cobalt was the majority of what he mined, though he did find some more rare materials in the caves. It didn’t matter too much, as he had his own special mixture of metals that made his arsenal.
From hunting, it was more luck based on whether he found the animals he needed. Though he wished he found more of the Quarray Eels, since they eat the minerals he needed, and have fairly strong scales. Kyne enjoyed the food too. Admittedly, Skystrike did too. It’s been a while since he’s had any meat.
The negotiations were an interesting part of the trip. Somehow, Skystrike stumbled upon a massive spider, with silver chitin and sharp threads. He found it by almost walking into its nest. It ran up on him in one fluid motion, scaring Skystrike shitless until it stopped right in front of him. He remembered the eyes staring at him. He realized, however, that it was more interested in some of the eel meat that he had on him. Once he calmed down, Skystrike noticed that it was a steel spider, known for its razor sharp, light, and sturdy threads. He worked out a deal, motioning to the threads and offering the meat. It took a moment for the spider to understand, but several pounds of thread was quickly spun out of the massive arachnid in exchange.
But having all the materials there would come in handy for making new weapons and armor. And with a dragon with him, Skystrike realized that there was no better time to get to work. Each day, he worked on armor for himself, Stardust and Spike. Sleepless nights were no consequence to Skystrike from the fruit of his labor. It wasn’t hard to make a temporary forge, it was a bit of a challenge to make one that could withstand a dragon’s fire. It got his mind off the hive. He just finished the last pieces earlier.
Now, Skystrike cut a chunk of meat off for himself with a yawn, leaving the rest of the Maulwurf to the dragon. Kyne tore off a piece with a smile. “As great as I remember it, Dovah Fadhon!”
Skystrike chuckled. “I aim to please.” The two ate in silence for a while. But Skystrike had a question he was putting off, and one he has been meaning to ask. “So, Kyne… any word of Tethys?”
Kyne tore off more flesh and licked his lips. “Ah, Lady Tethys…” He blew a bit of smoke out of his nose. “When we last met, she spoke of a journey she was on, for strength. I imagine she’s trying to become the next dragon lord. We did not speak for long, but I heard of her tales. She challenges many of the dragons she sees to combat…”
That was news to Skystrike. That dragon was always satisfied in her strength. Then again, what happened… happened. “Well, is she getting stronger?”
Kyne nodded. “Very much so. Do not let her size fool you, she’s a lot stronger than she looks.”
Skystrike stared into the fire. “Kyne… I need another favor.”
“Of course, Dovah Fadhon.”
“...If you see Tethys again, tell her that I’m ok… and that I’m sorry.”
The ride back home was peaceful. Well, as peaceful as riding a dragon the size of a building could be. It was early in the morning when Kyne Lohk landed in front of the cave where they initially met. Skystrike grabbed his rather heavy bags and secured it on his sides. “Thank you for the help, Kyne. I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Dovah Fadhon.” Kyne stretched a bit before lying down. “I will rest here for a little while. Do not worry, I will not snore smoke this time.”
Skystrike looked back to the dragon one more time. “Take care of yourself.” Kyne answered with a nod and a yawn as Skystrike jumped off the mountain and spread his wings. He saw Ponyville in the far distance as he began to glide towards home. From the looks of it, it’d be about a three hour flight. He’s had worse before… then again, he normally did not have an extra fifty pounds on top of his armor. Skystrike sighed and prepared for the long flight.
By the time he arrived, the sun just rose above the horizon. By now, everypony would be out and about, getting their day started. But it wasn’t like that. Skystrike noticed that there were indeed ponies running around, to be exact, away from a certain direction. Shit, did something else happen while he was gone? Though tired, he quickened his pace.
Once within town, he saw three mares fainted on the ground. The flower sisters, known for their booth growing and selling bouquets of flowers.He stopped at the three laying on the ground. “You three ok!? What happened!?”
Roseluck, with a pale yellow coat and moderate and light raspberry mane, pushed herself up. “Oh, it was terrible!”
Daisy, who had a lime mane and pale magenta coat, curled into a fetal position. “Horrible!”
Lily Valley had a light amber mane and grayish raspberry coat. She pulled at her face. “Absolutely terrifying!”
Skystrike blinked. “...That tells me nothing…”
Roseluck looked at him and pointed to the distance. “A huge snake monster! Came out of nowhere! Just… bursted out of the ground!” Skystrike’s eyes went wide. “Twilight and her friends are dealing with it! It went towards the Everfree forest!”
“Shit, how many are hurt?” Skystrike asked, ready to help.
Daisy hit a thinking pose. “Well… nothing so far actually. It just came and looked around for a little, then left.”
“I also saw it had some sort of… bag? In its mouth.” Lily added.
Skystrike thought. From the sounds of it, it didn't seem like it was hostile. If it was looking for something, it could be reasoned with. “How long ago did it head to the Everfree?”
“About ten, fifteen minutes ago!”
Skystrike turned on his hooves and began running. “Thanks!” It was way too fucking early for this.”
Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Spike were trying to keep the monster at bay. Well, most were staring at it, but still. The creature was long, somewhere between 20 and 30 feet just from looks alone. The morning sun reflected off of its sleek, black scales, and had golden scales freckled about its back. The underbelly was a smooth tan. The ponies and dragon in front of it, however, were more focused on the snake-like head. Though it didn’t have venomous fangs, it had rows of razor sharp teeth. The orange eyes of the beast stared curiously at them. The golden frills around its neck stayed down, not seeing them as a threat.
Rainbow Dash was currently flying around it to keep it distracted while the others were figuring out what to do. “Anything, Twilight!?”
The unicorn was levitating a book on creatures in front of her as she tried to find anything she could on the creature in front of her. After flipping through countless pages, she finally had something. “Alright, girls, I think I know what it is! In this book of ancient and mythical beings, it seems that it is a basilisk… Specifically an Earth Basilisk.”
What’s the difference?” Applejack asked.
“Well, normal ones are a bit smaller, but the size and speed are still its best attributes. This one is… a sort of genetic anomaly, and seen as royalty among its kind. When coming of age, they can control the earth around them.” They each gasped in shock as Twilight read the rest of the page. “But… why is it so far from its home in the Badlands?”
“Does that matter right now!?” Rainbow was still circling the Earth Basilisk, who decided to curl up in a coil with the pouch nestled inside it. “We just need to get rid of this thing!”
Rarity turned to Fluttershy. “Rainbow Dash is right, Darling. Fluttershy, can you try talking to it?”
Fluttershy was shaking slightly, but was trying to find her strength. “I-... I can try-”
“This isn’t a dragon! All we need to do is give it a boot!” Rainbow said before bucking it on the snout. All their hearts skipped a beat as she did.
The Basilisk rubbed its nose with the tip of its tail, mostly to soothe the stinging pain, and slightly in annoyance. It stretched its body upward in an attempt at intimidation. Its head now above the cyan pegasus, Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the ground in fear and gave a nervous chuckle. In response, the Basilisk opened its golden frills as it screeched at them… and then clamped its mouth shut around the mare.
“Rainbow!” They all went. The Basilisk growled at them as they attempted to approach.
Stardust, who pushed open the door from Skystrike’s home with a yawn, was annoyed. “Why the buck is there so much noi-” She locked eyes with the Basilisk. “WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT!?”
Fluttershy flew up in the face of the Basilisk, her newfound confidence surging. “Give her back, you big meanie!” The Basilisk shook its head no.
They heard the sound of heavy hoofsteps coming their way. Each of them turned their heads to see Skystrike coming their way. They all had a wave of relief wash over them at his mere presence. Skystrike threw down his bag at his home before putting a hoof on the grips of one of his swords. “The hell is happening here!?”
Spike ran behind the stallion. “That Basilisk thing just walked into town! It ate Rainbow Dash! You gotta save her!”
Skystrike was about to draw his sword as he looked at the serpent in front of him. However, he hesitated as they locked eyes. It slowly slithered up to him. Spike ran away to Twilight at this, but Skystrike stood his ground. This Basilisk seemed… familiar. “No way… Naga?” Skystrike took off his helmet, letting the Basilisk see his face. It lunged at him as soon as it saw him.
“Skystrike!” They all called his name, only for their worry to be soothed away by the confusion of the creature coiling around him and nuzzling him with her snoot.
“No fucking way, it is you!” Skystrike rubbed her scales with a laugh. “You’ve grown so much!”
Pinkie blinked. “Wait… you know this thing?”
“Can we worry about all of that after we make sure Rainbow is safe!?” Twilight exclaimed.
Skystrike put together what Twilight just said, and what Spike said earlier. He looked up at her. “Naga… did you eat the rainbow one?” Naga shook her head. “...Is she in your mouth?” Naga slowly nodded. “Naga…” Skystrike began to scold her. “We don’t hold ponies in our mouth.” She let out a sad, guilty rumble in response. “...Wait, did she kick you?” Naga nodded. Skystrike sighed. “...Spit her out.”
Naga uncoiled herself and coughed up the pegasus mare with a ball of saliva. Rainbow dash was drenched and visibly disgusted. She shook off the spit on her and began to fly away from the Basilisk, only to realize Skystrike had a hold on her tail. “Wha- when did you-”
“Rainbow…” Skystrike pulled her down to eye level. “Did you kick Naga in the face?”
“Did I-? Naga-” She stammered. “Wait, you know this thing!?”
“Yes, she is one of the pets I had.” He quickly answered. “I will ask again, did you kick Naga in the face?”
“Well… I didn’t know she was your pet.” Rainbow Dash landed on the ground.
Skystrike's face palmed before putting back on his helmet. “Rainbow, what is with you and kicking creatures that can snap you in half like a graham cracker?”
“I don’t know, I thought it was a good idea!”
“How did you think that was a good idea???” Skystrike asked. “Did she do anything that could be considered hostile!? Did Fluttershy even talk to her?”
“Well… no.” She had to admit.
Skystrike groaned. “It’s too fucking early for this…” Skystrike picked up Rainbow Dash and put her in front of Naga. “...I want you two to make up, and for this to not happen again. Ok?” It came off as more of a demand from his tone of voice.”
Rainbow looked at him, then up at Naga, who’s mouth she was just in. “I’m… sorry for kicking you?”
Naga let out a huff and tapped her tail against the ground. Fluttershy spoke up. “Um… She says she’s sorry for holding you in her mouth…”
Naga then put out the tip of her tail. Rainbow took it in her hoof and shook it. “Great.” Skystrike clapped his hooves together. “Now for introductions. Naga, you already met Rainbow Dash, but she's a good pony, she’ll grow on you.” He began to point. “That’s Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Spike, and Stardust.” Naga lowered her head to sniff at each of them.
Pinkie was the only one to not shy away from her, even petting her nose a bit. “Aw, she’s such a sweetie pie!” Naga responded by licking her.
Stardust blinked. “I’m sorry, I feel like I’m still dreaming. Sir, do you have… a pet Basilisk?”
“Yes.” Skystrike patted Naga on her side.
Fluttershy looked at him. “Um… any other pets that might waltz in?”
“Uh, well I doubt it.” Skystrike shrugged. “But this works out perfectly. Naga, mind if I hop on?” Naga lowered her head to let Skystrike jump on. “Damn, you really grew.” He chuckled to himself. “Can you clear out an area in the field next to my house? It'd be nice to have a sparring circle.” Naga looked at the area he pointed to. With a slap of her tail, a large circle of grass was covered and flattened by a layer of dirt. “Wow, you’re efficient. Good girl.” He rubbed her forehead. “And by the way, what’s in the pouch?”
Naga reached for the pouch and untied the knot holding it closed. The first thing he saw was a large, thick yellow blanket. He remembered that it was one of the first things that Skystrike got for her years back. Of course, it was too small for her now, but she held it for the memory. What caught his eyes next were pieces of silver colored metal and leather. He remembered it was some armor that he made for her, partially as a joke. It was roughly the size of his arm, as that was the size Naga was last he saw her. Another memory she held onto. Now he felt a bit bad for leaving… but he was happy that his companion was here.
“I’m surprised you kept all of this for so long. Brings back memories.” Skystrike hummed. “I might make you armor… once I have the materials, of course. Speaking of…” Skystrike turned to Stardust, who was locked in place. “...You good, Stardust?”
“...Y-yes sir!”
Skystrike looked at her. “...You’re afraid of Naga, aren’t you?”
Stardust looked away, slightly embarrassed. “...Yes, sir…”
“Eh, I get it.” Skystrike admitted. “You’ll get used to her.” He then jumped off Naga’s head and walked over to the bag he threw earlier. They all watched him as he pulled out various items, mostly armor. “Stardust, Spike. Come on over.” He divided the items into two piles.
The first pile was for Stardust. Laid before her was a spartan-like helmet and armor, nearly the same as the set of guard armor she normally wore. The difference was that instead of gold, it was made of the same material as Skystrike’s armor, and charcoal in color. She instantly realized how much lighter her armor was, and how sturdy it was. There was also a rapier in its sheath. She picked it up and unsheathed it to look at the blade, again charcoal in color. The edge on it was no joke, and she quickly sheathed it.
In the second pile was Spike’s armor. It was a bit hard to get his build right, but Skystrike was satisfied. He had a silver colored chestplate and back plate, clawed boots, and gauntlets. He had knee and elbow guards of the same material and polish, giving him a shining hero look. Spike picked up what he assumed to be his helmet. It was specifically a close helm, giving coverage to Spike’s eyes, yet having no guard for a jaw, in case Spike wanted to breath fire. It also had a vertical slit in the back for his spikes to come out of.
Last but not least was a staff slightly taller than Spike himself. On the ends of the staff were two silver spikes, perfect for impalings if needed, and made in such a way where there would be no accidental stabbings. As soon as Spike went to pick it up, Skystrike put a hoof on his claw. “Spike, I will make this as easy to understand and as near impossible to misunderstand as I can.” Skystrike put his other hoof on the baby dragon’s shoulder. “This is not a toy.” He picked up and pressed a button in the center of the grip. He pointed the weapon away from them as a curved blade shot out the top of the staff, making it a scythe. The silver blade reflected the sun into their eyes. “This is a weapon… When you pick this up, and begin to practice with it, you accept the responsibilities, and thus the consequences of having and using this weapon. I’ll make sure to teach you how to properly. With all that said, do you still want to pick this up?” Skystrike put the blade within reach of Spike.
He looked at it, then up at Skystrike, then back to the scythe. Spike would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t hesitating. After a moment, Spike grabbed the scythe with both of his claws. “I promise to use it responsibly!”
“Great answer.” Skystrike patted the kid on the back. “Now, I’m hella tired, so once I find a place to house Naga, I’m going to take a long nap. Anyone need anything else before I go?”
“Uh…” Fluttershy began. “Well, I want to know how you got an Earth Basilisk… and how you can speak to Naga?”
“I bought an egg from a vendor in the Badlands… And I got lucky.” Skystrike shrugged. “As for the how, no idea. Guess it’s the bond.”
Rarity put up a hoof. “Just telling you that your order is done. Come by after your nap.”
Skystrike hummed in thought. “Alright, though I may be a while.”
“Jeez, how long do you nap?” Pinkie jumped on his back.
“I haven’t slept in like four days. So a while.” Skystrike yawned. He then flew onto Naga’s head. “If that’s it, I’ll see you all later.”
Another day came. It took roughly an hour to find an uninhabited cave for Naga to stay in, then a couple of hours of Naga wanting to cuddle. It has been a while. Now, Skystrike rolled out of bed and did his morning routine. Once finished, he cooked breakfast and sat down with Stardust. “So, what all did I miss while I was gone?”
Stardust bit into her toast. “Nothing much, sir…” She said, then had a thought. “Actually, there was a really big storm last week. Something about the pegasi being behind schedule. Anyway, I was clearing out the more dangerous branches from trees with Applejack and Rarity until we got caught in the rain. Twilight ended up letting us stay to wait out the storm, and it ended up being a sleepover. Thing is… Rarity and Applejack were having some sort of argument that lasted literally all night long. Only thing that made them stop was when a tree fell through Twilight’s window. And then they made up, I guess.”
“...So it was a bad sleepover?” Skystrike asked.
“Oh, no, it was actually pretty fun.” Stardust clarified. “We did facials and stuff. Hopefully we can do it again. What’s your plans for the day?”
“Check on Naga, make sure there’s no real harm to the Everfree’s ecosystem, then get our capes, and then teach Spike how to properly care for the armor and scythe I gave him. In that order… assuming I’m not sidetracked…” Skystrike bit into his toast with an egg on it. “Also, When are you going to drop the sir?”
“Well, you are my superior… a prince at that. It’d be disrespectful to the crown if I stopped, wouldn’t it?”
Skystrike sighed. “I’m a prince, sure, but that pony died in that fire. As far as Equestria knows, Skystrike is gone. Only Atlas Nebula remains… That means that that title goes with it…” Then he grit his teeth. “And I don’t want that title as long as he’s one too.”
“He?” Stardust asked. “You mean Blueblood? What does he have to do with it?”
Skystrike clenched a hoof. “...He is not the pony you think he is… And I’m not the pony you all think I am either…”
“I mean…” Stardust coughed. “I haven't been here or known you for that long, but… The way you talk with your friends seems real to me, sir- er, Skystrike.”
As much as it pained him, Skystrike couldn’t deny that. It was weird, he came to this town, keeping his heart closed to not get too attached, and here he was, somewhat enjoying the life he made for himself here. It felt nice… and like he was betraying himself. “You’re right… Guess I needed somepony to say it.” He finished his food before standing up. “Thanks, Stardust. I’m going to get to it.”
Stardust nodded. “Alright. I’ll be around town.”
Skystrike walked to the door and stepped outside his house. He’d take Stardust’s words into account, but first thing’s first. He began walking down the path to the Everfree forest, entering the forest. Skystrike made sure to mark the way he took back from Naga’s cave with carvings in the trees, just to not get confused with the Manticore’s scratch marks.
But something caught his eye. A set of hoof steps in the dirt below him. They weren’t his, way too small. From the looks, it seemed a pony came through hours ago… Given the time of day, it’d have to be the dead of night. Who’d do that? Skystrike began to worry slightly at the thought of somepony being lost in there. Skystrike quickened his pace and followed the hoof prints, hoping for the best.
The forest grew darker as he ventured deeper. Thankfully, whoever was here decided to stay on the path. He stopped when he saw a makeshift camp in front of him. There was a tent set up in front of traces of a campfire. The tent was open, and seemed like it was left in a hurry, however the campfire had been put out hours ago… Meaning that whoever fled, fled recently. Upon closer inspection, there were another set of tracks.
Multiple actually. All coming from different directions, and meeting at the tent. The upturned mud showed that the pony ran, and the clawed marks followed. “Timberwolves.” Skystrike said to himself before following the tracks. With some luck, whoever was in this forest was still alive, and not six feet under. Skystrike heard the sound of creaking wood and grunting.
Soon enough, he came upon the ongoing skirmish. A hooded figure stood with their back against a tree, cornered by four Timberwolves in front of her. The hooded one had nothing but a segmented blade in her mouth. From the looks of it, it was a blade whip, more meant for single targets and restraining. This wasn’t a battle that pony could win alone.
But he was more curious about the pony, or what he assumes to be a pony under that brown cloak. They were taller than the average pony, and had a light gray coat with darker gray stripes. He doubted that was a pattern that ponies had. It was a Zebra. He knew one, she even had the same golden bracelets… ‘No way…’ Skystrike thought to himself as he got a closer look. The Zebra threw off her hood to get a better view of her surroundings. His heart nearly dropped at the sight.
Those markings, her strong cyan eyes filled with that look of fear that was etched into his soul the last he saw her. It was Zecora. His friend from when the group, ‘All’ was still together.
Before he could even realize, Skystrike jumped into action, flying and diving onto a Timberwolf in front of her, shattering the enchanted wood into splinters. He looked back at the surprised Zecora, making sure she was okay before turning his focus back to the wolves. They began to back up as he spread his wings. Silence filled the air, and it was quickly replaced with tension. “...Been a while.” Skystrike said to her. “Seems I came at a good time…”
Zecora looked up at him. “Is that you, Skystrike, standing near? What brings you to this place over here?”
“I was in the area… I could ask the same thing to you.” Skystrike said as he watched the Timberwolf he landed on begin to piece itself back together. “But we both have questions that we can answer later…” Skystrike stood on his hind hooves and drew his swords. His worry grew when he saw several pairs of neon green eyes staring at him from all directions. They were surrounded.
Zecora cracked a smile. “We can handle two tasks at once, it’s fine. We have a past, we’ll both align.”
“Can’t say I’m one for games right now…” Skystrike tightened his grip.
“Come on, Skystrike, it’s been a while. Won't you give in and share a smile? Humor me, let us reminisce, for moments like this, we shouldn’t miss.” Zecora pulled at her cloak to loosen it.
Skystrike could hear the faint sounds of music coming from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The sounds were aggressive, and sounded like he was in an EDM rave. A starch contrast to the forest they were in now… Damn ponies and their music magic bullshit coming out of nowhere. Skystrike looked at Zecora, who looked up at him expectantly. Skystrike sighed. Might as well.
“Passin’ me the mic? Don't get pissed off when I save you twice~.”
”Ain't the time for fright, we gotta spit with no time to write~!
”This place don’t play nice, you best have a plan B. You’re looking~ death in~ its~ eyes!”
Zecora began to sing over him. “No need for plan B, you’ve always kept me from my demise~!”
Skystrike watched as wolves lunged for him. ”No looking back on the past, when any breath could be your last.” He punched back each one to the beat, finishing with cutting one in half. “Always an all out brawl! But we still stand here tall!”
”What happened to the old you? Cheerful mercenary I once knew~!? War changes us, that still rings true!” She ducked under a swipe at her head, giving Skystrike time to fly over her and kick the wolf back. While he did so, Zecora stabbed another Timberwolf on Skystrike’s tail, making it fall apart. “All memories will soon fade, casualties will pass~! Dig down deep! Try to remember!”
They began to sing over each other.
”We’re all outclassed by somebody out there! Fragile as glass, seeing guts and gore isn’t a-”
”That~ rad~ bad~ass~! Now~ bears~ marks of battle!”
”Shock anymore when my skin’s as tough as a rock~! Gotta tear off the bandage of-”
”Always has snark, witty remarks, tell me what’s the point~? Of-”
”Mo~ving~ on~ with the~ life~ I~ already lost!?”
”Mo~ving~ on~ without the mentality of~ being the boss?”
Skystrike grit his teeth as he dodged and swung his blades to the music cutting another Timberwolf in half. “That naive kid that you’re looking for is long since gone.”
Zecora unleashed the chain holding the blade together, pulling back and cracking the tip at their attackers to make them back up. “This new colt it lame! Preferred when we were making names!”
They momentarily sang together. “In this forest, you gotta be ready for the impossibly bizarre! Hone in-”
“There you are!” Skystrike threw his sword at a wolf beginning to howl for help. It pierced the bark chest of the beast before it fell apart. Skystrike used his other sword to block a chomp on Zecora’s back, while the zebra in question wrapped her whip blade around his thrown sword to pull it back to him. He caught is and looked back at the wolves. Their numbers were almost halved, but they still weren’t don't yet…
And neither was Zecora as she began to rap again. “This vivacious Zebra’s here to brew some potions, have some fun! This ain’t my first tussle, so you best your tails in and run!”
Sksytrike chuckled. “Ha! Looks like somebody’s been missing all of the action! Guess I’ll save you some, so you can share the fun they’re having!”
Zecora cracked her whip as the Timberwolves, the few who got hit having their limbs splinter off. “Born and molded by the danger! Snapping these twigs, I’m no stranger!”
“We’re the same in that way, but don't doubt… my intentions! Didn’t want you all in danger, had to leave, can't blame me for trying!”
”Wouldn’t dare, the pain has lessened. Though inside, we all were dying!” Their backs were to each other as the few wolves around began to form up. “Sad to say, I’ve never known the pain you’ve held onto those years ago. We don't blame you, you’re a good fellow. Even though your thinking’s narrow. No matter the time, I’ll still be friendly! Starting more memories with this medley! Knew the risk when we made enemies! Pain’s complementary!
Skystrike couldn’t help but laugh, currently ignoring the half dozen Timberwolves climbing on top of each other. The moss and branches twisted together, making the upper half of a larger wolf, easily towering over the two. Neon eyes of anger stared into their souls. “Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! ‘SaD tO SaY, I’vE nEvEr KnOwn tHe pAin yOU’ve heLd on-’ Stop that! Just another phase for me to scoff at! Remorse at! My mistakes, doomed to repeat ‘em! Made a choice, no point in chattin’! My weakness that I’m combattin’!” Skystrike pulled back a blade and cut off the wooden paw coming down on them in one heavy swing. “Gotta see it through!”
“The most revered legends will die! Our eyes on the sky~! Can’t save everyone if you’re gone!”
”Happened before, alone, I can get through this… Think you can stop? Come on… DO IT!” He dared before pulling back both blades and flying at the torso of the upper half of the giant Timberwolf. The beast lurched back as two blades dug into its chest, and the force of Skystrike behind it.
“I would do it again and wouldn’t think twice~! Just let me know for sure, say that my~ sa~cri~fice~ got~ you~ all~ out alive!”
”Damn it, Skystrike! Get over yourself! In this cruel world there’s no point in a~ sa~cri~fice~ when the pain of your loss stays~ hard as ice!”
Zecora held down the other intact arm with her weapon. “Can’t cast blame on you, knew that you had your reasons true!”
Skystrike kept flying until the wolf was on its back. “Wouldn't blame you, had to leave, no idea what to do!”
“Lose a few, we can't what change what happened to us! But we can change lives!, and I’ll begin with mine~!” They finished together as the back of the monster landed on the ground, making the entire thing shatter into hundreds of broken branches.
Skystrike looked around, making sure there were no Timberwolves left before sheathing his swords and climbing down from the pile of branches. He dusted himself off before looking at Zecora. “...Are you ok?”
Zecora sheathed her weapon. “Yes, now that you’re here, it’s true. It’s… good to reunite with you.”
Skystrike exhaled and sheathed his. “Same to you… though I do wonder what you’re doing here?”
She began to dust herself off. “I heard the news from the capital’s tale, and the papers said you lived on this trail. I arrived last night, my hope held true, in the chance that here, I would find you.”
“Well… I guess that makes sense.” There was an awkward silence after his words. “...Come on, we can talk while we make our way back to your camp.” And so the two began walking.
Zecora cleared her throat. “Did you truly mean the words you shared? That for our sake, your life you’d spare?”
Skystrike huffed. “...Would you believe me if I said that it wasn’t the first time?” Zecora’s eyes widened as he continued. “Some ponies came after me, and I faked my death to save my family. It worked back then, and it worked again for our mercenary group. The outcome I wanted was achieved… Speaking of, I’m surprised the others aren’t with you.”
“...You were the rock that held us tight. With you gone, we lost our light. All that remained was guilt to own, so most returned to lives back home.” Zecora sighed. “Alder, Jeshan, and Sky Beak too, returned to the lands they once knew. Maud and Casta began to strive, building separate their own new lives. Tethys, Celeano, Elytra’s fate, I can’t say; their paths I await. But me, I stayed with no place to go, no homeland waiting, no hearth to show. So I wandered, perfecting my art. A journey of healing and a wandering heart. Until my steps brought me near, and fate had me stumble right here.”
Skystrike winced a bit at her story. “I’m… sorry. I thought that without me, you all would still stay together… But at least you all lived.”
Zecora hesitated to say the next words that came out of her mouth. “Skystrike, tell me, are we still friends? Or has time drawn us to separate ends?”
Skystrike turned to her, making the zebra stop in her hoof steps. He took off his helmet, letting the zebra see the pain, and relief in his eyes. With a small smile, he spoke. “Zecora, despite how I left, I did so because I still care for each of you. So yes, we are still friends… And while this may be a bit selfish of me… I ask that you not ask about the details on why I left yet. The wounds are… still feel fresh.”
Zecora nodded. “I understand, and I don’t mean offense, but can I ask you what you’ve been doing since?”
Skystrike nodded as he put on his helmet and kept waking. “Not too much, to be honest. After making sure you all had what you needed, I went and lived on my own for a bit, never staying in one place for more than two weeks before getting back to work. Two years passed doing that, and then I came here in an attempt to stop Nightmare Moon. As for why I stayed… Old memories with old friends made me want to. I’ll have to introduce you to them sometime soon.”
The two stopped in front of the camp that Zecora set up. She immediately went inside her tent to grab her bags, then folded up her tent. As she was putting the tent in her bag, Skystrike thought of something. ”So why did you set up in this forest of all places?”
Zecora winced, as if she was trying to hide something. “...There were tales of ingredients, strange and wide. So many secrets the forest might hide. I studied them all, each herb and tree, and thought I'd see the Everfree for me.” Then she hummed in thought. “Though if you're near, I’ve got a plan in mind. To make this place my home, and leave the past behind.”
Skystrike patted her on the back. “Our past is what makes us. We have to accept it to better ourselves. Though I wouldn't mind if you moved in. But… in the Everfree? After what happened with the Timberwolves?”
Zecora waved a hoof. “Oh, don’t worry, it’s all in place, the repellent I made works, it’s no disgrace. The side effect, though, you did see, was just a little mishap, you see!” She pulled out a small pouch from under her brown cloak.
Skystrike looked at it, and noticed a distinct smell of smokey wood. “...So the Timberwolves surrounded you because it attracts them first, then repels them?” Zecora nodded. Skystrike sighed. “At the moment, I’m against it, but I trust you enough to know what you’re doing. As for housing…” Skystrike did a quick look around to garner where he was in the forest. “I come through this forest several times a week. I know where this one hollowed out tree is that you could make into a home. I have things that can be put on hold to help you out?”
She smiled. “Well, I won't say no, that sounds quite fine. An offer like that, I'll gladly sign!” Then she scratched the back of her head. “I know this feels a bit out of blue, but may I ask, can I hug you?” Skystrike let out a slight chuckle before putting out his hooves. Zecora walked up to him and wrapped her forehooves around his chest. Skystrike returned the favor, wrapping his arms around her. “...I missed you.”
“I missed you too, Zecora. Glad to have you back.”
Several days have passed since. Skystrike put many things on hold to help Zecora out, but it was worth it. They caught up on many things, but surprisingly, nothing truly changed between them. Their friendship, though took a little time to get back in the groove, was as strong as it once was. Naga was just as surprised as Zecora to see the other, but both were happy as another bond rekindled. Yesterday was their final day of work, as Skystrike and Zecora finished flattening out the wooden floor and making shelving and bedding. He already ordered everything that Zecora needed for her brewing the day after she arrived. A bed, cauldron, and dozens of jars and bottles. They came yesterday, and Skystrike delivered them to her home.
The last thing they did was paint some wood she carved earlier. They reminded him of tiki masks, but in the shape of Zebra heads. While Zecora explained to him what each mask meant, he knew he wouldn't really understand the culture that well. But he was interested in it. Plus, it was time he was able to spend with her after these years.
Skystrike realized that he needed to do it more often. Not only with them, but the ponies he called friends in Ponyville. Last time they hung out, it was because of a dragon. Before that it was when Trixie was in town and the Ursa Minor had a temper tantrum… Now that he thought about it, each time he hung out with them, there was some sort of problem. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a pattern.
For now, Skystrike was sitting on his couch and reading a book on brewing that Zecora gave to him. Apparently, it was sheer luck that he wasn’t affected by the plants in the Everfree. Sure, magic didn’t work on him, but most plants didn’t affect ponies magically, similar to poison ivy.
His attention was pulled away from his book as Stardust finished washing the dishes. “Hey, Skystrike, I’m going to go into town. Want to come?”
Skystrike put in a book mark. “Sure, what’s the plan?” Then he realized. “We never did pick up our capes, huh?”
“Yeah, what have you been doing in that forest the past few days? I’ve been waiting for you. I assume hanging out with Naga?” She shuddered at the mention of the lizard.
“Among other things.” Skystrike stood up and stretched. He looked over his sweat clothes before getting his keys and following Stardust out the door, locking it behind him. “Hey, you want to stop by Sugarcube Corner while we’re there? I kinda want a milkshake.”
“Maybe…” Stardust sighed. “I need to watch my figure.”
“What, you’re worried about your weight? I think you’re doing alright.” Skystrike chuckled.
“Well yeah. Normally I just eat whatever was in the dining hall back at the castle. Now, there’s a lot of things that I’m having way more often. Plus, if you plan on going to the gala, I want to look my best.”
That reminds Skystrike, he does still have those tickets. He may give one to Zecora. But that was a thought for later. “What, plan on pulling a stallion?”
“I plan on being approached, despite my age.” She noticed Skystrike’s confused look. “I’m in my early thirties.”
Skystrike was confused. “...Is… is that old?”
Stardust stared at him. “Are you serious?”
“Yes?” Skystrike tilted his head. “You’re around six years older than me. I’m sure you can find a guy.”
She laughed. “You’re really optimistic, you know?” The two walked into town. It only took a moment for them to realize the air was off. “...You got a bad feeling, Nebula?”
“Yeah…” Skystrike looked around. Nopony was in the streets, despite it being noon. Wait… was that a fucking tumble weed? “Something strange is going on… look.” He pointed to the market. “All the food stands and wagons are still there. Even a few toys that the local kids play with were left out.” He took a wary look around. “Stay ready…”
“Maybe they’re hiding from Naga?”
“Doubt it.” Skystrike shook his head. “When Naga first came through, ponies were running through the streets. In fact…” Skystrike thought back. “It reminds me of when I first came to town.”
“Psst!” A whisper nearby made their heads snap towards the source. Pinkie poked her head through the door of Sugarcube Corner. “Nebula! Stardust! Come here! Hurry! Before she gets you!”
The two, rather being safe than sorry, quickly ran to the open door. Skystrike pushed it closed behind him. “Alright, what happened? And… why are you alone in the dark, Pinkie Pie?”
“She’s not alone.” He heard Twilight’s voice.
Letting his eyes adjust to the dark, he noticed that Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Spike were there… and the farmer’s little sister, Applebloom. Skystrike blinked. “Ok, what are you all doing alone in the dark?”
“That’s what I said! And what I want to know!” Twilight huffed.
“We’re hiding from her!” Applejack pointed out the window. They all looked out the window to see a cloaked figure digging at the ground with a stripped forehoof. Said figure turned towards the group, looking at them with glowing yellow eyes. Everypony and dragon save for Skystrike, Twilight, and Stardust ducked for cover.
This felt nostalgic to Skystrike.
“Did you see her, Nebula? Did you see Zecora?” Applebloom tugged at his tail to get his attention.
“Oh hey, Applebloom. Sorry, didn’t see you there.” He crouched down to the filly. “Sorry, I didn’t hear that last part. Did I see-”
“Applebloom!” The older sister began to scold her. “I told you never to say that name!”
“Saw Zecora glance this way, yeah. Right Twilight, Stardust?” The two gave Skystrike a nod.
“Glance eeeeevily this way!” Pinkie said with shrunken eyes.
“And then most of you flip out for no good reason?” Twilight looked at them.
“No good reason? You call protecting your kin ‘no good reason’?” Applejack began, getting a raised eyebrow from Skystrike. “Why, as soon as mah sister saw Zecora riding into town, she shakin’ her little horseshoes off!”
“Did not!” Applebloom was barely able to get out as Applejack shook her.
“So I swept her up an’ bought her here!” Applejack did so and put her little sister on her back.
“I walked here myself!” The filly said in protest.
“For safekeeping.” Applejack doubled down.
“Applejack! I’m not a baby! I can take care of myself!”
“Not from that creepy Zecora!”
Fluttershy held her head down. “She’s mysterious…”
“Sinister!” Rainbow Dash said.
“And spoooooooky!” Pinkie Pie added.
Skystrike blinked, then shared a look with Stardust and Twilight. They all rolled their eyes. They decided to look through the window again, grunting as the rest pushed them from behind for a better look. Zecora pulled off her hood to reveal her head. All, save for Skystrike, Twilight, and Stardust, gasped.
“Will you cut that out?” Twilight said annoyed.
“Just look at those stripes! How garish!” Rarity stared.
“...Well that’s racist.” Skystrike sighed.
“She’s a Zebra!” Twilight deadpanned.
“A what?” Everyone but Twilight and Skystrike said, being the only sane ones currently.
“A Zebra! And her stripes aren’t a fashion choice, Rarity. They’re what she was born with!” Twilight said to Rarity… who fainted in response.
“Born where? I’ve never seen a pony like that in these parts! Cept, her!” Applejack trembled as she pointed.”
“She’s from Zebrafrica, across the Celestial Sea.” Skystrike explained.
“And she’s not a pony. Though I’ve never seen her in Ponyville.” Twilight scratched her chin. “I doubt she’s just visiting, else she’d have bags on her. Where’s she live?”
“That’s just it.” Applejack shuddered. “She lives in… The Everfree Forest!” Applejack said, a loud crash adding dramatic effect.
“Spike!” Twilight looked to the source of the sound.
The baby dragon in the other room winced. “Uh… sorry.”
Applejack continued. “The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural! The plants grow…”
Fluttershy added. “The animals care for themselves…”
“And the clouds move…” Rainbow joined in.
“All on their own!” The three said together. Rarity, who got up, fainted again. Skystrike would laugh at that if he wasn’t slightly disappointed in them.
“And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing her evil… stuff!” Pinkie jumped. “Oh, she’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her!”
“Here we go…” Rainbow sighed before the mare belted into a song.
“She’s an evil enchantress!
She does evil dances!
And if you look deep in her eyes,
She’ll put you in trances!
Then what will she do?
She’ll fix up an evil brew!
And she’ll gobble you up!
In a big tasty stew!
So… watch out!” Pinkie made what Skystrike assumed to be a menacing stance as she huffed.
“Wow… catchy.” Twilight said sarcastically.
“It’s a work in progress.” Pinkie smiled.
Skystrike blinked. He’ll try to give them the benefit of the doubt. “Ok, and what have any of you seen Zecora do?”
“Well…” Rainbow Dash thought for a moment. “Every once in a while, she comes into Ponyville…”
“Oooh!” Twilight said sarcastically.
“Then she lurks by the stores…” Rarity added on.
“Oh my!”
“And then…” Fluttershy spoke. “She digs at the ground!”
“Wooooow.” Skystrike crossed his arms. “That’s really evil! Coming into town, trying to buy stuff, then fidgeting at the ground as she waits for the stores to never open because you all are scared of rumors that you all made up!” He grit his teeth as he stood next to Twilight.
“Yeah! Maybe she’s just tryn’a be neighborly!” Applebloom stood beside them both. “Everypony likes to shop! Ya know what I think-”
“Applebloom!” Applejack interrupted her sister. “Hush and let the big ponies talk!”
“But-!”
Skystrike cut her off this time. “No, no, your sister is right.” He said. “In fact, I’m about to say some adult words. Applebloom, Spike, cover your ears.” They could tell from the tone of voice that he was serious. They did so, and almost immediately Skystrike grew angry. “You know, I get why this town is so shit to newcomers, if this is how they treat them. But I guess I got lucky, huh?” They all winced. “You five, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, disappoint me. Literally the same bullshit happened to me. I also had to live off that forest for a while because none of you dumbasses would let me buy the basic necessities! You think I didn’t hear the rumors about me? And I see that it’s the same damn ponies spreading them! I don't even know why I sat through and listened to this! The shit that comes out of your mouths probably makes your assholes jealous!” He stomped a hoof. “Especially you two, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. You two were actually cordial with me before you knew who was under this armor.” He got up and went to the door. “You all can stew in your fear and rumors for all I care.”
And with that, he slammed the door behind him. Zecora looked at the sound, and locked eyes with him. “Oh Skystrike, it's good to see you, but where has everypony gone to?”
Skystrike sighed. She could tell he was upset. “Don't worry about it. Let me guess, you wanted to come here for some supplies?”
“I live off the forest, it treats me just fine, but I wanted to meet the locals this time.” She said as she put back on her hood.
Skystrike sighed. “Yeah, these ponies aren’t very welcome to newcomers… “ He shot a look at Sugarcube Corner, the ponies peaking out ducking as he did. “It’ll be a bit before they warm up to you. Went through the same thing, so… on the bright side, it’s not a race thing?” Zecora stared at him. “Sorry, that was a dumbass comment.”
She chuckled. “It’s alright, no need to despair. It simply caught me unaware.”
Skystrike rubbed the back of his head. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your home. Maybe we can finish decorating?” And so the two began walking, chatting about anything that came to mind. They were a few minutes into their walk before noticing Applebloom following them. Zecora looked at him. “A ‘friend’ of mine has a little sister. I’ll stop her before we go into the forest. She probably wants to learn more about you.”
“I see no harm in chatting to the filly. I’m known for making faces quite silly.” Zecora giggled.
“...Look, normally I’d agree, but that kid is already going to get punished just for following us.” Skystrike said as the two entered the forest. “...Damn, why is it so foggy?”
“Applebloom!?” Skystrike, Zecora, and Applebloom who was a ways behind them all turned their heads to the stetson wearing farmgirl’s voice. “Applebloom, you get back here right now!” Applejack stomped a hoof.
“Told you.” Skystrike said. Then he noticed that the ponies were standing dangerously close to a certain blue flower that he and Zecora were avoiding. He could tell them… but that’d be the nice thing to do. He didn’t feel like it right now.
Zecora, however, had a better heart than him. “Beware, beware you pony folk!” She spoke from under her hood, giving a warning. “Those leaves of blue are not a joke!”
Applejack picked up Applebloom. “Y-you keep your mumbo jumbo to yourself, ya hear!?” Her friends, save for Twilight and Stardust said their own… interesting choice of words as they stood in the blue flowers.
Skystrike was astounded at the amount of fog that was coming from the forest. He began to follow Zecora, who shook her head and whispered to him. “I see your friends have caused you pain, rekindle those bonds; there’s much to gain. We’ll speak again when time feels right, but for now, mend what’s in your sight.” Then she disappeared in the fog. “Beware! Beware!”
Skystrike sighed as he walked back to his other friends. “Yeah back at you, Zecora!” Rainbow Dash said as she and the rest stood in the blue flowers. “You and your lame curses are the ones who better beware!”
“And you!” Applejack looked at her sister. “Why couldn’t you just listen to your big sister!?”
“I… I-” Applebloom stammered for a response.
“Who knows what kinda curse Zecora just put on you?”
“Just like my song!” Pinkie sang it again as she jumped through the flowers.
“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses!” Twilight shook her head.
Well that’s interesting to hear, coming from Ms. Magic pants herself.” Rainbow flew through the blue flowers and poked the unicorn’s horn.
Skystrike momentarily paused in front of them all. They all gave him mixed looks. He looked to Stardust. “We’re going home.” He said simply before walking through the others. Stardust looked back at the others before following behind. He’d take in Zecora’s words another day. For now, he didn’t want to see the majority of them.
He didn’t sleep too well that night, but he slept at least. Skystrike went back to sleep after his morning workout. Only to be awoken minutes later by frantic knocking on his door. His eyes were red as he looked to the door, hearing Stardust on the other side. “Skystrike!? Skystrike, there’s something wrong with me!”
Skystrike rolled out of bed and groaned, wrapping his covers around himself as he pulled open the door. “Oh…” That’s new. Stardust, or somepony who had the voice of Stardust, was standing in front of him as… himself, but with a worried face. “Why the hell is my mirror in front of my door?”
“It’s me, sir! This isn’t time to be joking around!” Stardust’s skin turned from his white to Twilight’s purple as her… his? her wings seemed to disappear before a purple horn came out of her forehead as she shrunk down. Her blue hair turned into twilight’s multiple purples.
Skystrike blinked. Then rubbed his eyes. Then blinked again. He wasn’t dreaming. “...Do Pinkie Pie…”
She gave him a confused look before doing so, her features changing. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! I like cakes and cupcakes and I have no care for personal space and-” Skystrike ignored her rambling as she jumped up and down.
“Ok… Now Fluttershy.” Stardust’s features changed once more before she began speaking in unintelligible whispers. He couldn't help but chuckle. “Sorry, it was just really funny.” Then he yawned. “Seems that you can do impressions of other ponies, and it’s dependent on how you see them, or their main character trait.”
“What do I do? How do I make it stop? This is dreadful!” She turned into Rarity.
He sighed. “Well, I know how to fix this, well, who to go to to fix this. I only know the cause… but…” She looked at him with baited breath. “Do you want to see something really funny?”
“Wha- Are you serious!?” StarTwi said. “I can’t go out like this!” StarRari huffed.
Skystrike responded by throwing his cover over her head and putting on your clothes. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”
Skystrike and Stardust walked in the library, seeing the chaos come to a stop as they entered. Sure enough, they six were all having the same problem. Twilight’s horn was covered in blue spots and floppy, Pinkie’s tongue and cheeks were swollen and covered with the same blue spots. Rainbow Dash couldn’t fly straight… or right-side up. Rarity’s mane and coat were in long dreadlocks, and Applejack was the size of a hoof, riding on Applebloom’s back. Stardust glared at Skystrike as he was trying not to laugh.
“It’s a curse! A curse I tell ya!” Applejack said in a really high pitched voice.
Skystrike blinked. The things he could do… He eyed an empty jar Twilight had on one of her desks… Do they know? He shook the thought out of his head. “Applejack, can you hit the highest note you can for me?”
Applejack looked at him confused. “Wha- is now really the-”
“Please?”
Applejack hesitated. All eyes were on her. She gave in and let out a sound. At first, it sounded like a squeaky toy. Then it went higher. It was similar to a video game where you activate night vision.
Skystrike was cackling internally. “Thank you.” He said carefully to not laugh.
“Well… Fluttershy, Skystrike, and Stardust seem fine!” Twilight turned to them.
“Yes, I don’t see anything wrong with these three” Rarity turned her head.
Skystrike looked at Rarity. He picked up a mop next to the bathroom before holding it up to Rarity. Though he couldn’t see it, he knew she was staring daggers. Skystrike vibrated slightly as he tried not to laugh.
“Phhyphike! Phip ip phephioup!” Pinkie tried to speak, getting her spit everywhere.
Skystrike only vibrated more with inward cackling. “Pinkie, can you say a tongue twister?”
“Pppepther pthipther pthickth a pthack opth pthitpthepptheth pthepptherth.”
Skystrike breathed in deeply at the vain attempt at Peter Piper. “Well, it might be because of my lack of magic that I wasn’t ‘cursed’.” He made hoof quotation marks. “But this also isn’t a curse… Also, Twilight, you think if you think hard enough, you’ll get a stiffy?” She blushed.
“And how do you know? And even if you’re right on that first part, why are Stardust and Fluttershy not having problems!?” Applejack huffed.
“Stardust.” She looked at Skystrike unamused. “Should you show them, or should I explain it?”
Stardust sighed and threw off the cover. Her coat turned blue and her mane to rainbows. “Haha I’m so cool and fast! I try to put my head so high above the clouds to match my ego!”
Skystrike let out an audible “Pfffffft.” getting glares from everyone. Well, except Spike who was covering his mouth.
“...I sound nothing like that.” Rainbow Dash crossed her arms as she tried to untangle herself out of the ladder she was somehow in.
“Alright, Fluttershy, at least you’re fine… right?” Skystrike turned to the pastel pegasus, who looked away from him.
“...Is there something wrong with you?” A concerned Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded, wincing for some reason. “... Would you care to tell us?” Fluttershy shook her head. Twilight raised a confused eyebrow. “So… you’re not going to tell us?” Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, you’re not, or yes you will?” She shook her head.
“Good gravy, girl, what’s wrong with you!?” Applejack hopped on to the table next to her.
“...I don’t wanna talk about it…” Fluttershy said in a voice that sounded like Morgan Freeman on Sulfur Hexafluoride.
Skystrike and Spike looked at each other for a split second before bursting out laughing. Each one of the girls glared at the boys as they nearly fell to the floor. Once they were done, Skystrike had the best idea yet. “Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!” He quickly scrambled for a sheet of paper on the desk Applejack was on before writing something out. With a wide grin, he put the paper in Fluttershy’s hooves. She gave an unamused and annoyed look. “Can you sing this for me? Please?” She raised a brow. “I am begging you.”
She looked at the paper and sighed before starting.
“I see trees of green.
Red roses too.
I see them bloom.
For me and you.
And I think to myself~...
What a wonderful world~”
Skystrike stood in silence for a moment before he let out the hardest laugh yet.
Spike couldn’t help but laugh along at the sheer absurdity of his laugh. Each time he thought the stallion was done, he looked at their faces and laughed even harder. “This is hilarious! Look at all of you!” He pointed. “We got Hairity! Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Tinnie, Flutterguy, and…” He stopped at Twilight. “Uh… I got nothing. It’s Twilight Sparkle! Seriously, I can’t even work with that. I don’t even know where to begin with Stardust.”
Skystrike was on the floor wheezing. Even like that, he still forced out words. “Twilight Flopple and…” He wheezed again before forcing himself off the ground. “Stardust… yeah, that’s a hard one, heheh. We gotta keep thinking… Though I think crab-Applejack works better.”
“Can we take this seriously!? Twilight yelled. Her horn flopped from the room shaking from her voice, making Skystrike fight for his life to not laugh harder. “Spike, start looking for more books so I can find a cure!”
Rainbow pulled herself out of the ladder. “I think we’ll find a cure for this curse at Zecora’s place!” Rainbow attempted to fly in the air only to crash into the wall.
“It’s not a curse!” Twilight said adamantly.
Skystrike’s smile fell a little. Apparently, they were back on that again. “I agree with dash!” Applejack walked to the other side of the table. “We’ll go to Zecora’s, and force her to remove this hex!”
“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight shook her head. The others, however, cheered in agreement with Applejack.
Skystrike saw Applebloom mumble something to herself before she began to walk out of the library. He also noticed Applejack sneakily jump into her little sister’s tail. Skystrike looked at Stardust. “You mind staying with Spike to help out?”
“Didn’t plan on moving from here anyway.” She said in Rainbow Dash’s skin.
“Thanks. I’ll be back with the remedy.” Skystrike said as he walked out the door, leaving the others to talk between themselves. Despite the filly’s size, she was quite fast, her full speed making Skystrike go at a jogging pace. From the distance, he saw Applebloom skid to a stop just at the edge of the Everfree. The tiny Applejack pulled herself out of her mane and the two seemed to have some sort of argument. It ended with the filly leaving the tiny adult mare on a tree branch. As Applebloom went further into the forest, Skystrike could hear the protesting farm mare as he approached.
Skystrike cleared his throat. Applejack turned to him. “Skystrike! Thank goodness! You gotta-”
“I don’t think I should help you, Applejack.” Skystrike looked down at her. “A bit ironic isn’t it. This ‘curse’ that you think Zecora put on you shrunk you down in size. The big sister.” He sat down in front of her. “But that’s besides the point… I’m disappointed in you, Applejack.”
“...Wha-”
“You were one of the first ponies I met here, and the only one who went out of their way to greet me. No passing remarks, no bad mouthing behind my back. But here you are, doing the same thing that I loathed the townsfolk for a few months ago.” Skystrike sighed. “It’s hard to see you like this. Especially when I know and I’ve seen you be better than that.” A look of guilt was plastered on her face. “And then there’s Applebloom. I saw you two arguing. While I dont know everything that happens at your home, from the little shown yesterday, it seems like you’ve dismissed her thoughts for far too long. When she got the chance to enact her own personal, petty justice, she took it. And can you blame her?”
“I-... I’m sorry! I was just trying to protect us! Protect her!”
“And from doing that, you’ve inadvertently pushed her farther away. Lets hope for both of us, there’s still time to close the distance…” Skystrike got up. “Unwarranted advice, but I think you’ll want to listen to it. She’s getting to the age where she wants to make her own decisions. That means that she’ll also have to deal with the consequences of them, no matter how hard they are. You can’t protect her forever.” Then he turned around. “You have my word that no harm will come to her. The others are probably on their way now, so I doubt you’ll have to wait long.”
Applejack began screaming as he walked away. “Skystrike? Skystrike get back here! This isn’t over!”
But her words fell on deaf ears as he continued down the path, following the tracks that Applebloom made. Although he was feeling a slight bit guilty, leaving Applejack like that, he hoped it’d give her some time to think. As he followed the tracks, they led straight to the hut he and Zecora have been working on the past several days. Light shined out of the carved holes in the tree base, noting that Zecora was inside. Several vials hung from the branches, Zecora telling him that they were for luck. The welcome mask he helped paint invited him in as Skystrike knocked on the door.
Hoof steps quickly approached as it swung open. Zecora greeted him. “Of all the ponies to visit out of the blue, I am glad it is you.”
“Figured I’d come and see what you’ve done with the place.” Skystrike walked in. “How’s the place treating you?”
“It feels much bigger than it seems, but never mind those fleeting dreams. Applebloom shared what occurred today. So tell me, friend, what do you say?”
Skystrike blinked. “I say that I’m still a bit upset at the majority of my friends, but I’ll get over it.” He sighed. “And sorry about them. They’re pretty nice once you get to know them.”
“No need to apologize my friend, not all is bad. I’ve only been inconvenienced just a tad.” She waved a hoof.
Zecora closed the door behind him. Skystrike noticed a certain filly sitting on a stool looking into a cauldron. She looked at him as her eyes shrunk to pin pricks. “N-Nebula!? What are you doing here!?”
“Don’t worry, just making sure you’re ok. Not taking you back yet, just making sure you’re safe in this forest. And good job on making your own choices.” He patted the filly on the back. “But next time, don't follow a stranger into the Everfree Forest. You’re still a kid, and this place is dangerous.”
Applebloom huffed. “Alright…”
“So Zecora, even if they don't necessarily deserve it, they need your help getting rid of the effects of the joke.” Skystrike sat down next to Applebloom.
Zecora nodded. “Applebloom said they fell in the blue. I tried to warn them, but what could I do?
Those flowers are trouble, their tricks never cease. We must act swiftly to bring them some peace.”
“I’m sorry, Zecora.” Applebloom said. “If I never followed you yesterday, they wouldn’t have stepped in it… Though what type of flower was that to make that happen?”
“Poison joke.” Skystrike explained. “When Zecora said ‘the leaves of blue are not a joke’? It was a bit confusing, but it was a warning about the plant called ‘Poison joke.’ It plays a joke on the pony who touches it. Though I do find it interesting that it seems to depend on the pony’s intrinsic traits…”
“...So what yer sayin’ is that it’s their own fault?”
“Pretty much. But the effects don't go away on their own. Which is why you did a good job coming to Zecora. She knows how to reverse the effects!”
Zecora nodded. “The cure is a simple brew, though my ingredients are few and I cannot make do.” She motioned to the empty shelves.
“We can get those for ya!” Applebloom offered.
“That is good to hear, young filly.” She smiled as she walked towards her saddle bag. She pulled out a list with her mouth. “Some can be found here in the forest. My hope is you can get it done quickly.” She spoke through her teeth as Applebloom took the list. Zecora then put her saddle bag on the filly.
“We’ll be back faster than you can say a sentence without rhyming.” Skystrike smirked.
“If you’d like to make that bet, then the deal is set!” She declared, only to realize she rhymed a few minutes after they walked out the door.
Applebloom and Skystrike walked for a few minutes as they searched for the ingredients. A special type of grass. He didn’t remember the name, but he’ll know it when he sees it. Applebloom was more talkative than Skystrike expected, speaking about how this whole thing was an adventure. He chuckled at the thought, though he was more focused on keeping her safe. He pulled her back as she was about to step in poison ivy.
However, this annoyed the filly. “Nebula! I’m not a lil’ kid! I can watch out for myself!” She huffed.
“I know you aren’t but having an extra pair of eyes can be helpful.” Skystrike let go. “And even if you aren’t a little kid anymore, you aren’t quite big enough to look out for yourself.”
“I was able to get to Zecora’s hut no problem!”
“Because she and I lined the path with repellent a few days ago. I don't mean to upset you, kid. I’m just looking out for you.” Skystrike said.
“All you’ve done while we were here was look out for me! You don’t let me do anything at all! It’s like you don't care. You’re just like Applejack!” Applebloom whined.
Skystrike stopped walking. Applebloom ran into his leg at the sudden stop. He turned round and crouched down to look her dead in the eye. “I don’t know what your home life is like, but I don’t think you have the right to say that. While misplaced at times, she makes all those decisions because she cares about you. I will admit, I am babying you a little, but this is for your safety, and both mine and Applejack’s peace of mind. So do not disrespect your sister’s feelings like that again.”
The filly stood in stunned silence. “...A-alright… I’m sorry.”
“Just take it as a learning experience. And realize I’m not necessarily defending her, just telling a different perspective.” Skystrike stood back up. “But you should say that to her when we’re done. Leaving her on that branch probably won't help you with any punishment you get when you’re home.”
“Oh…” She blinked. “...Shoot.”
“Don’t worry.” Applebloom tilted her head as she looked up at Skystrike. “I kinda left her back there too. If you got my back, I got yours.”
“Oh… Sure!” She said before noticing something in the corner of her eye. She quickly, yet carefully ran over. “Is this the thing we’re looking for?”
Skystrike walked over to see the curly grass, its seeds hanging off the stem of the plant. “Sure is. Good job.” Applebloom picked the grass before putting it in her bag. “And now we just need to get back to Zecora’s. Hopefully before your sister and her friends get there.”
“Well, we could get there faster if we fly.” Applebloom hinted.
Skystrike chuckled and scooped her up. “Hang on tight.” Skystrike said. The filly wrapped her hooves around his neck as he slowly flew above the trees. The darkness of the forest was instantly replaced by the light of the sun as he broke through the leaves.
“Wow… you can see everythin’ from up here…” Applebloom looked around in awe. “Oh! I can see the farm!”
Skystrike looked in the direction she pointed. Sure enough, Sweet Apple Acres was there. “Huh, you’re right.”
“Can we go higher?”
Skystrike chuckled. “Sure, we probably got time.” He flew a bit higher. The two were soon able to see the entirety of Ponyville. “You know, I should fly more often.”
He didn’t realize how slow he was flying until he landed a few feet away from Zecora’s hut. Skystrike crouched down to let Applebloom off, and then he noticed that Zecora’s door was wide open. And he heard faint yelling inside. ‘God fucking damn it.’ He sighed internally. He stood up and speed walked into her home with Applebloom right behind him.
Applebloom stopped in the doorway. “Zecora, we found the things you ask for-” She looked around the room. The cauldron was upturned as the liquid inside was on the floor, Many of the jars and bottles were broken on the floor, and dropped or crushed ingredients were everywhere. “What in Ponyville is going on here?”
Applejack let out a gasp as she stopped wrestling Zecora’s ear. “Applebloom! You’re ok!”
The filly tilted her head in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Twilight jumped in front of Applebloom in defense. “Because Zecora’s an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you into soup!”
Zecora and Applejack looked at her before breaking into laughter. Skystrike, still at the doorway, was trying to calm himself down through breathing exercises. “Oh Twilight! Did those silly fillies finally get in your head?”
“Applebloom, sweetie, you can't stand there and tell me this isn’t a curse!” The unicorn motioned to the other five.
Applebloom walked past her and stood next to Zecora. “This isn’t a curse!” She doubled down.
“If you remember bat, the words I spoke were quite exact.” Zecora reminded them.
Applebloom clarified. “It was a warning! About that blue plant! It’s called poison joke.”
Zecora nodded. “The plant is much like poison oak, but its results are like a joke!”
“What in the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked as she came out from behind Zecora’s mane.
“It means this plant does not breed wrath, this plant just wants a laugh.”
“...Will somepony please talk normal?” Applejack looked at the other ponies.
“You all, and Stardust, walked into the flower yesterday when Zecora warned you all. Instead of heeding her warning, you believed the baseless rumors that spread between you all.” Skystrike said with a hint of anger in his voice. “And then, instead of asking, you decide to trash her home. Or am I missing anything?”
Rainbow Dash stuttered. “B-but… what about the cauldron?”
“And the chanting?” Fluttershy asked.
“And the creepy decor?” Rarity pushed apart her hair to speak.
“Treasures! Of the native land where I’m from!” She pointed to the masks Rarity was referring to. “This one speaks ‘hello’, and this one, ‘welcome,’”
“Not welcoming at all if you ask me…” Rarity looked at a rather discomforting mask.
“The words I spoke are from olden times. Something you would call a nursery rhyme.”
Twilight was confused. “But… the cauldron… the Applebloom soup?”
“Lookie here, Twilight, that pot o’ water wasn't for me, it was fer all these herbal ingredients!” Applebloom motioned to her bag next to an open book. “The cure for poison joke is a simple natural remedy. Ya just gotta take a bubble bath!” Applebloom finished as she lifted up her sister in her hoof.
“But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn't find anything! What book has this natural remedy?”
Zecora flipped the book close, letting Twilight see the cover. “Here is the book, you see? Sad that you lack it in your library.”
Twilight looked at the book in confusion, realization, then regret. “Actually, I do have this book…, but I didn't look inside because the title was so… weird.” Zecora opened the book again to let the unicorn see the inside cover. “Super naturals: natural remedies and cures for all that is simply super.”
“I… I’m so sorry Zecora, I had the answer the whole time, if only I bothered to look inside.” Twilight looked away in guilt.
Zecora chuckled, accepting her apology. “Maybe next time, you should take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book.”
“Figuratively and literally.” Skystrike turned the cauldron up right. He sighed as he looked around at the broken items on the floor. “Now, after everything that happened today, after everything you all caused, I’m surprised none of you have anything else to say?” He tapped his hoof expectantly.
They all looked around at the mess they made and winced. Applejack tipped her hat to cover her eyes. “We’re mighty sorry, Zecora…”
“For?”
“Believing the rumors about you…” Skystrike kept looking at the mare. “...And trashin’ your home.” He kept looking. “...And attacking you.”
Zecora put a hoof on the stallion’s chest before turning to the mares. "How about a show of good will? Let me cure what makes you ill."
Twilight was surprised. “You’d do that for us?”
“A friend of Nebula is a friend of mine. Helping you out will suit me just fine. It’s no trouble, I’ll lend you my skill, as long as I gather the things needed still.”
“Whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops in town were closed for some reason.” Applebloom stated.
“Oh. Well I think I can help with that.” Then Twilight realized what Zecora said. “Wait… Nebula?” She turned to the stallion. “You know her.”
“I do.” He nodded.
“Then… why didn’t you tell us!? We could’ve saved so much time!”
Skystrike blinked. “...Why didn’t I tell you that the zebra you all spent being suspicious of and spreading unsubstantiated rumors was my friend? Because I was hoping you all would come to your own conclusions, and I hoped you would all be better.” He sighed. “You’re lucky this all worked out.”
Zecora huffed. “Skystrike, mistakes are part of the way, don't let anger ruin your day. I ask for calm, for my own sake. Even the best of us can make a mistake.”
Skystrike looked at her. He inhaled deeply. “You’re lucky you’re endearing. Let’s go to town I guess. Maybe we can get Aloe and Vera to let us borrow their bath?”
“B’fore that, Nebula! C’mere!” Applejack demanded. Skystrike realized this was probably about leaving her on that branch earlier. Skystrike walked up to Applebloom, holding her little big sister in her hoof. Applejack took out a single petal of poison joke from her hat and jumped onto Skystrike, pushing the petal through the jaws of his helmet and onto his muzzle. “That’s for earlier!”
Zecora’s eyes went wide. “...Was that the leaves of blue!? Ignorant pony, you know not what you do!”
“...Huh.” They all went.
Zecora held her head in preparation for what’s to come. “This isn't the first time he's caught in the sway… He'll chatter and ramble the whole night away. Prepare for his tales, they won’t ever flop, Once he starts talking, he just won’t stop.”
“I mean… that doesn’t sound that bad?” Fluttershy said.
“Fluttershy, I need you to do something for me.”
“Oh no…” She instantly went.
“I want you to read me a bedtime story with that voice sometime.” Skystrike chuckled. “In fact, I wonder how deep it’d be after you just woke up. You sound like you’d be really good narrating a Ford commercial.”
“Ford?” Fluttershy asked.
“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, my throat’s going to be real dry after this.” Skystrike then put up his hoof in thought. “Actually, can you say ‘I want you?’”
Fluttershy hesitated. “I-... I want you.”
Skystrike instantly started laughing. “AHAHA! God, that’s not that funny, what’s wrong with me.”
“...I see what you mean, Zecora…” Applejack said from atop Skystrike’s forehead.
“You know, random thought, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard Applejack say ‘What is tarnation?’ And that makes me think of what a tarnation is? Or is it just a word of exclamation? Better question: can you say coffee?”
“Uh… Cawffee?”
“Hehe ‘Cawffee’ hehehe.” Skystrike giggled to himself. “Now say ‘orange’.”
“...Ornge?”
Skystrike lurched as he held in a laugh. “Alright, I feel like I’m being mean.” He picked up Applejack and put her on her sister’s head. “Hey Zecora, even thought about becoming a rapper?”
“Sweet Celestia, this is going to be a long walk.”
It was a long, long walk out of the Everfree. The group was already visibly tired of Skystrike’s unending rambling. Well, except Pinkie. She was enjoying it somewhat. “And then I said ‘I don’t care if it’s free! Take the mother fucking gluten, out of the bread!”
“It’s been almost half an hour!” Rainbow Dash groaned. “How is your voice not tired!?”
“I asked myself that long ago, but it’s best if you do not know.”
Skystrike kept going. “Reminds me of this other time where I wanted a boneless pizza, and this pony I was ordering it from said ‘we don’t got boneless pizza, we have normal pizza.’ And then I asked if they had bones in their pizza? And he said no, and I said that’s what I said! If it dont got bone in it, it’s B O N E L E S S.”
“By the princess…” Rarity sighed.
“Anyway, I’m getting off topic. I was asking if sand is called sand because it’s between the sea and the land.” They all groaned at his question. “Yeah, see I thought that too, but it’s a really weird coincidence otherwise. Similar to how grass is called grass because it’s between the ground and your ass?”
“Nebula, can you try… not thinking?” Applejack asked.
“I have a better idea. Let me show you a magic trick.” He stood on his hind hooves and hit a wizard pose. “Automatic breathing, deactivate!” A moment of silence went by as they all let out collective groans. “AHA! Success!”
“Hold on, we may be able to use this…” Rarity pondered. “If he can’t stop the words coming out of his mouth, we can ask him anything!” She turned to him to test it. “Nebula, what’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done?”
“There’s a few.” He admitted. “This one time, I snuck into Celestia’s chambers to play a prank and I found her stash of adult novels under her bed. Most obvious place to hide them, and she is a freak. There were like a good couple dozen. The oldest one was from like, eight hundred years ago, which implies she’s a connoisseur. And until now, I was the only one who knew, so… keep it to yourselves.”
They all began to laugh at the revelation, well, save for Applebloom who was confused. “Oh!” Pinkie jumped. “Whapth your phthaphtrith hotthy?”
“Favorite hobby? I collect magical items. I also write in my novel everyday so I dont forget anything too big.” Skystrike answered. “...You know when you clean your vacuum cleaner, you become the vacuum cleaner.” They groaned. “One piece body suits are full body condoms.”
“Thank CELESTIA we’re here!” Twilight huffed. Then she had an idea. “Nebula, what’s the integral of two secant to the fourth of six x?”
“A… math problem?” Fluttershy asked. “Would that really-” She looked at Skystrike who sat in thought. “...Wow, it actually is working-”
“One over three times, in parenthesis, tangent six plus one third tangent cubed six x end parenthesis plus C.” Skystrike answered. “...Is that right?”
“How did you do that so fast!?” Rainbow Dash’s jaw was on the floor.
“Patterns and practice.” Skystrike answered. “Also seeing all the ponies run in their homes as we enter town makes me feel nostalgic. I kinda want to scream at the top of my lungs like a toddler on the train when you’re edging sleep… Makes me think, Applejack would do a great voice over for a smoke detector.”
Twilight sighed and knocked on a door. “Daisy, we need to talk.”
“You know, you all completely fucked up Zecora’s house. Should’ve used Rarity as a mop, as she literally looks like one.”
“It’s been two hours!” Rarity exclaimed.
They all stood inside of Ponyville Day Spa. To be exact, all the mares, save for Stardust, were bathing in the brew Zecora made for them. Rainbow Dash pulled her head over the rim of the large tub. “Nebula, you know we don't mind if you come in, right?” She looked to the door that Skystrike was behind.
Skystrike frantically shook his head. “Nuh uh! I’ve read too many romance novels to know where this situation will lead me. First it’s an innocent dip in the tub! Then somepony will trip and fall on me and go ‘Yamete kudasai!’ and then it’ll be real awkward.”
Twilight blinked. “...What words just came out of your mouth?”
“The words of gods, Twilight. You wouldn’t understand, always in your books. It’s why you can barely talk to ponies, and why I am so eloquently spoken.” Skystrike said. Then he looked to Stardust. “So you can turn into anypony right? What do I have to do for you to do an impression of Zecora? I want to see how bad your rhyming is.”
“Dude, it cannot be that hard to stop talking.” Rainbow groaned
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh, Iunno.” Skystrike shrugged. “But I’ll try.” A moment of silence went by until Skystrike broke it seconds later. “...When she hubba on my bubba until I gum.” The sound of splashing water was followed by sets of hoof steps approaching the door. Zecora, Rainbow Dash, and Zecora surrounded him.
“We don’t want to hear this anymore, Nebula.” Rainbow growled as she grabbed his right forehoof.
Zecora grabbed his left. “I agree. We can only deal with your nonsense to a certain degree!”
The two dragged him into the room as Applejack was preparing to buck him into the pool of water. “Ladies, ladies, there’s only one of me!” Applejack shot him into the pool of water. Thankfully, the towel wrapped around his waist was still on. Skystrike quickly pulled his head above water.
Applejack looked up at him. “...Are ya done!?”
Skystrike looked at her. “...Fluttershy’s voice was the highlight of today.” They all let out a chuckle. But then their eyes fell on him.
“Jeez man, I forget how many scars you have.” Rainbow Dash said.
“And you’ve quite a nice figure.” Rarity bit her lip.
“Get a coltfriend, Rarity, damn.” Skystrike chuckled as he shook the water out of his hair. Then he looked to the door. “Stardust, you gonna come in?”
“Oh! Uh, yes!” The mare said, momentarily turning into Fluttershy before diving into the pool. There was a moment of time that passed where she didn't come up. Skystrike looked where she dived to see a dark spiky protrusion poke out from the water that only he seemed to notice. It went back under the water before Stardust came up, taking a deep breath.
“So… who plans on getting a membership?” Skystrike laid back in the pool. Then blinked. “...You know, I never got that smoothie yesterday.”
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9307729
as it was my first chapter, there were many mistakes, but he did turn into a colt.
9333017
I used Lyra in the first chapter as a sort of explanation on why she's so interested in humans. Everything I write in each chapter will lead up to something sooner or later. Keep that in mind.
Oh man. Imagine what would've happened if he listened to George Carlin before getting hit.
this is dubbed my favorite chapter
I couldn't breathe when Skystrike started singing Witch Doctor with 'FlutterGuy'
Image file: media0dk-a.akamaihd.net/14/66/5e321814ad0e51567a78d78c4c6932a1.jpg
Ok what, is stardust secretly a unicorn? Or does she have a 3rd leg instead of a tunnel?
This was way to funny.