My little pony: An Equestrian Journey

by Swifteye

Chapter 4

There are only two rules in the wild world. Kill or be killed. For many creatures the never ending need to escape there vicious and hungry pursuers have pushed them into doing unusual things to evade their ravenous grasp. But do not be fooled by the ones who flee for they too can be predators as well.

Chapter four: Illusions in the pampas grass.

“So this here is the rest of the world? It's sure ain't nothing like I imagined.” Applejack said as she laid her eyes on the endless field of grass that stretched for as far as the eye can see. “Looks boring I was imaging it would at least be 20 percent cooler than Equestria. If the rest of the world is just this field than we'll be done in no time!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew around the field. “Something tells me there's more to this world than just this field Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. “Wow this grass is really funny looking. I wonder how it taste?” Pinkie Pie said. “I wouldn't do that if I were you. This isn't the hay and flowers from our land this stuff could be poisonous!” Rarity said trying to advise Pinkie Pie out of her actions. “Well there's only one way too find out!” Applejack said as she chomped on a couple of the leaves. Everybody looked at Applejack as she chewed on the grass and tried to size up the taste. She then made a big gulp and exhaled. “How was it?” Twilight asked curious. “Eh. I've had worse.” Applejack said shrugging. “That doesn't fill me with confidence.” Rarity said still unsure about the grass. “Beggars can't be choosers Rarity. We won't know when our next meal will come so we might as well eat a bit of this to keep ourselves fed.” Twilight said as she grabbed a few with her mouth and started chewing it slowly. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie did the same but Fluttershy just looked on at them while Rarity chewed them with disgust colored all over her face. Spike plucked the grass and just sort of looked at it. Grimaced. And threw it over his shoulder. “This stuff is awful!” Rarity said as she took a gulp and her face turned green with her displeasure. “Used to eating fancy food I reckon? Better shape up, out here in the wild food is fuel not fun.” Applejack said chuckling at Rarity's dismay. “I'd rather hold out for a chance to eat some nice gemstones rather than this crud.” Spike said crossing his arms in defiance.
“Fluttershy why haven't you eaten?” Twilight said ignoring Spike's refusal to eat. “I'm sorry, I was just too busy looking around...” Fluttershy said as she was focused on the grass that moved as if someone was shifting around in it. She cautiously eats some of the grass and swallows it slowly still looking around the area all the while. “Are you okay Fluttershy? You seem really buggy.” Spike asked noticing Fluttershy's paranoid mannerisms. “I'm just nervous is all. I've never been here before. Anything can be here. Waiting. And I could be it's next victim... I don't know want to be a victim...” Fluttershy said as she restrained her fear which was visibly washing over her. “Ooh. Forget I asked.” Spike said alienated by Fluttershy. “Pull yourself together Fluttershy we don't need you panicking.” Twilight said sternly. “I told ya this girl was useless. A falling leaf could take her out.” Rainbow Dash said scoffing at Fluttershy's cowardice. “Aw poor whittle Fluttershy. There's no need to be scared. You know what I do when I feel scared and down?” Pinkie Pie said as she put her arms around Fluttershy. “W-what?” Fluttershy asked curious as to where she was going with this. “You gotta stand up and face your fears! Ya gotta look fear in the eyes and laugh HAH AHA! Laugh with me Fluttershy, HAH AHA!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. The group just looked at Pinkie Pie as she continued her display breaking into yet another impromptu dance. “Pinkie Pie...” Fluttershy said trying to get Pinkie's attention. “Yes Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie said in an enthusiastic tone. “Stop singing Pinkie Pie...” Fluttershy said completely unmoved by Pinkie's words. Pinkie Pie stops singing to notice that everyone else just looked on with annoyance and contempt for her gratuitous singing. Acknowledging this Pinkie Pie's enthusiasm broke down and she quieted down. “Well then. Let's get going.” Twilight said getting everyone's attention to move in the direction she wants them to move in. Pinkie Pie didn't have a sad expression on her face like before. But this time it went on for a lot longer before she was happy and hopping around again.

As they walked through the Pampas grass Fluttershy could see movement in the grass but she could not discern what it was that was moving which filled her with endless concern. Nobody else noticed aside from her though. After a few hours of walking they made there way to a village that sort of resembled Ponyville in a ways. “What a rather. Familiar looking locale if I do say so myself.” Rarity said as she looked finding familiarity with this place and Ponyville. “It's too familiar....” Fluttershy said fearfully. “Oh stop being a scaredy pony!” Rainbow Dash yelled. “Where are all the people?” Spike asked as he looked around. Suddenly a face emerged from behind the sign that had the name of the village written on it. This creature was no pony and instead was a creature with a coat of fur with a distinctive muzzle and bushy tail. “Hi there! Never seen your kind out and about. Welcome to Vixen village!” The creature proclaimed. “Our kind? Do you know what we are?” Twilight asked. “Nope. Never seen your ilk before. And if I’ve never seen you then you've probably never seen me have you?” The creature said as it's eyes peered into Twilights in a gaze like manner. “Uh. No we haven't seen your species before. Um. We are ponies by the way.” Twilight said cautiously at the unusually inquisitive nature of the creature. “Ponies! What a fun name to say! I am a fox. Not as fun to say I'm afraid.” The fox said nonchalantly as he circled around them sizing them up only stopping to notice that Fluttershy was doing the same. “What are you, Ponies doing here? You must be simply miles and miles away from your home.” The fox said taking his attention away from Fluttershy and focusing on Twilight again. “Well we have traveled far. But the reason for our travels are of no concern to you.” Twilight said. “Of course of course. What a traveler does and where a traveler goes is no business of mine to know. But perhaps you would take a break from your travels and unwind here? It's getting dark and you don't want to enter the Forest of Afel when it's dark.” The fox said making the word sound ominous. “Personally I've had enough of forest for one day I say we take a break here. Maybe get something decent to eat.” Spike said rubbing his belly as he was very hungry. “I concur! A civilized environment simply must contain proper sustenance worthy of a enriched palate. Or at the very least not taste like that awful awful grass!” Rarity said as she stomped her hoof on the ground. “Yeah I would actually use a bit of sleep. Kicking butt does wear a pony out.” Rainbow Dash said. “Better to sleep with a roof over our heads than to nap with bugs crawling all around us.” Applejack said agreeing with the sentiment that everyone else was showing. “Eww bugs! No thanks! Nearest Inn please!” Pinkie Pie said pretending to be off put by bugs but mostly just being silly. “Well if you all feel this way then we might as well spend the night here.” Twilight said. “I don't think we should sleep here. Or even hang out here...” Fluttershy said noticing that her opinion was overlooked. “Who cares what you think? You may have time to be all cautious and scared but real ponies who carry this group are in need of a well deserved rest!” Rainbow Dash said completely intolerant of Fluttershy's fearful attitude. Fluttershy didn't say anything but the look on her face showed that Rainbow Dash's words filled her with great pain. “I never should have left my house...” Fluttershy said with a whimper as a tear went down her eye. “Oh you ponies are too much! Come come! I may have things that would suit your interest while you stay here.” The fox said with a laugh.

The ponies followed the fox through the village which was much larger than it appeared to be. Foxes could be seen walking about. “That there is our library. Perfect for the reading type. Everything in the world is recorded in there!” The fox said. “Everything in the world?” Twilight said eyes wide with astonishment. “Yes! Does that interest you?” The fox said cheerfully. “Why yes it does. Can I um. Have a chance to read the stuff in there?” Twilight said eager to have a crack at those books. “Why sure! Help yourself!” The fox said as he pointed in the direction of the library. Twilight sped off in that direction. “Pft. What a nerd. Hopefully you have something for cool and tough ponies like me.” Rainbow Dash said arms crossed as she floats in the air. “Hm? Perhaps we do. I know this nice little race track where one can run around and exercise there flying abilities.” The fox said. “Why would some foxes need a flying race track?” Fluttershy said to herself getting very concerned by the oddly specific function of a place that only suits Rainbow Dash's interest. “You think you two are the only flying creatures in this world? There are many creatures with many interest and we try to accommodate all of them! Such as the case we have a fancy little boutique for the traveling fashionista!” The fox said getting right in Fluttershy's face as he points to the boutique. “A boutique? All the way out here? What wondrous wonders! I must simply have a look inside I ask, no demand that I gain entrance to such an establishment!” Rarity said excitedly. “Say no more. Go on ahead.” The fox said taking his interest off Fluttershy for a bit. Rarity dashed to the Boutique with a smile on her face. “I don't suppose you have anything that would suit a working pony like me? That fancy stuff just doesn't suit the interest.” Applejack said hoping to get to do something like the others. “Well we do have a little farm area. And before your friend asks. Yes. We do have a reason to have a farm. After all us foxes are omnivores. We need our meats and veggies.” the fox said as he looked at Fluttershy who decided not to give him eye contact. “Shucks you don't need to go about convincing me! I know the importance of having a nice cultivated farm. If anyone needs me. I'll be out and about there okay?” Applejack says as she causally strolls in the direction of the farmhouse. “Is there any chance you have anything that I could eat?” Spike said now very uncomfortable from his stomach grumbling. “Oh. I know your species likes eating rocks and the like. Well no food establishment would ever suit such taste but we have a fancy little mine filled with gemstones all you have to do is dig them out. Sorry for the inconvenience.” The fox said with a sad face. “I'd be willing to mine to the center of the earth to get my hands on a couple of delicious diamonds!” Spike said as he ran to the cave hungrily anticipating a chance to nibble on some gemstones. “Hey! Is that a party place I see there? Were you hiding it from me?” Pinkie Pie says playfully. “Oh! You got me! I was hoping you wouldn't notice it cause it's not exactly a great party place we just sort of set it up for birthdays and stuff but it mostly goes unused.” The fox said playing along with Pinkie Pie. “Well your in luck cause not only is Pinkie Pie an expert party thrower. Shes an expert party maker as well!” Pinkie Pie said as she hopped to the party house. “What about you Fluttershy? Don't you want to have fun? We have many things to interest many tastes. What is it that you would desire?” The fox asked. “I-I don't want anything thank you but no thank you....” Fluttershy says fearfully. “Or dear you are shaking like a leaf. Don't be afraid. Your safe here. We aren't going to hurt you. If we did we would have done that cause after all this place is filled with foxes.” The fox said pointing at the many foxes moving around and interacting with the ponies and Spike. “Safe? I'm not safe. I'm never safe. As long as I'm not at home I’m not safe...” Fluttershy said as she backed away from the fox. “Aw well we can't bring your home here obviously but we can give you something close to home. We have a little animal nursery over there. It's very pretty you know. It has lots of adorable baby animals in need of someone trusting and loving and loyal. Someone like you I bet!” The fox said. For a moment Fluttershy showed interest but very quickly her expression soured. “No. No... There's no way you could have known what I liked...No one knows that!” Fluttershy said almost breaking her quiet tone. “Oh dear don't get hysterical, don't you know that many places contain nurseries?” The Fox said getting worried with Fluttershy's behavior. “Stand back! Get away from me! I don't trust you!” Fluttershy said angrily as she backs away from the fox. “My how very prejudice of you to act in such a manner. Do you not trust me because I am a fox?” the fox said feeling insulted by Fluttershy's behavior. “I don't trust you. Or anyone else! I won't be made victim!” Fluttershy yelled as she flew away taking off at an unusually high speed for her. “What a damaged little girl, whatever could be her problem?” the fox said as he shook his head at Fluttershy's display.

Fluttershy flew away from the Vixen village and all the way to Everfree and right back to her house. Her body now shaking as it she was overwhelmed by her fear and cowardice and paranoia. She begins talking to herself to calm herself down. “Everything’s going to be all right Fluttershy. Your home now. Your safe. No one can hurt you or trick you or any of those things creatures like doing to you. No one can hurt me not the Pegasus in Cloudsdale or those foxes in Vixen Village or anyone anywhere else! As long as I'm here! Sure Princess Celestia wanted me to go on this mission but she understands that I'm just not the right pony. Find some other pony. Anypony except me. I'm sure they don't need me they can handle themselves. And maybe that fox was telling the truth or maybe he wasn't it doesn't matter now cause I'm where I belong now. It doesn't matter what happens to those ponies or Spike all that matters is that I'm safe and that no one has a chance to hurt me.” Fluttershy rambled as she walked up to her door and unlocked it with a key the animals scared by her mannerisms noticing the unstable behavior she was displaying. She fumbled with the keys due to her body shaking which frustrated her to the point to where she rammed into the door with her head breaking the lock. “I'm just a little tense. A little cup of water and I’ll be as good as new.” Fluttershy said as she walks to her faucet ignoring the pain in her head from ramming into the door. She grabs a cup (although any other creature would consider it a bowel) and pours some water into it. Once the cup was filled to her satisfaction she looked into it to see herself but instead she sees Celestia behind her. “What?!” Fluttershy says stunned and taken by surprise by Celestia being behind her. She looked behind her and doesn't see anyone. “Ooh. Just seeing things.” She says as she tries to take her mind of everything by taking a long drink of water from the cup.
She finishes the cup and makes a sigh of relief only to turn around again and see Celestia actually in front of her for real. “Hello Fluttershy. Lovely evening is it not?” Celestia said calmly unmoved by Fluttershy's visibly unstable nature. Fluttershy could only respond in a squeak as she froze in shock and fear. “I don't suppose your back home because you succeeded in fulfilling my request?” Celestia said in a manner as if Fluttershy was some child she found sneaking an extra cookie from the cookie jar just before dinner started. “Well. Definitely not.” Fluttershy said fearful of what sort of punishment Celestia will put her through. “Why did you abandon your friends Fluttershy?” Celestia asked in calm but stern manner. “I. I. I got scared...” Fluttershy said as tears came out her eyes. Celestia put her hoof to Fluttershy's head relieving the pain she had but ignored. She then put her hoof underneath Fluttershy's chin and raised it to where they were making eye contact. Her hair moved to reveal both her eyes so she could make proper eye contact. “My little pony. What made you scared?” Celestia said showing much empathy to Fluttershy. “It was those foxes Princess. These creatures. They gave everyone what they wanted and they even knew what I liked. No one knows what I’ve liked since I left Cloudsdale. I don't interact with people like I did back then. It made me so scared and uneasy I know those creatures were watching us the whole time we were in the grass field. They want us for something I just know it!” Fluttershy said as she placed her hoofs on Celestia's leg in an attempt to gain comfort. “You may be right, but tell me. Is that any reason to betray your friends?” Celestia asked letting Fluttershy continue hugging her leg. “They aren't my friends though Princess. I don't have friends anymore. I've haven't had friends for years.” Fluttershy said. “I entrusted all of you to each other. You may not feel like friends now but you simply must learn to grow into that role if you are going to stop Luna's schemes.” Celestia said. “But why me? Why must I be one of the Pony Paragons?” Fluttershy said confused and scared at the prospect of doing dangerous things. “You know why my dear. You let this fear hold you like a vice and withdraw all that makes you wonderful but you cannot hide your abilities from me. You are powerful Fluttershy. Only your talents can help the ponies when they need help the most. But right now you aren't by there side. You left them behind. They may see you as cowardly and fearful but that is something they have to overlook to recognize the more positive identity you withhold. I know it's hard for you. But you must be brave. You must use your fear and form it into cunning. Use your knowledge of others not to run but to fight! Not just for the ponies or me. But for everyone in Equestria. This is your mission Fluttershy. Will you let me down? Will you let everyone down?” Celestia said in a manner to instill confidence in Fluttershy. “No. I can't. I have to help. Thank you princess. And I'm sorry that I did this.” Fluttershy said finally calming down and returning to the more stable demure demeanor. “It's okay Fluttershy. We all have our fears.” Celestia said as her hair flowed over her eye like usual. Fluttershy nodded and left the house and flew away while Celestia disappeared in a cloud of light.

Fluttershy realized that she doesn't know what to do for when she actually arrives at Vixen village. She doesn't know anything about foxes or what they do or why they do it. But she thinks Zecora might. After all she herself talked about the creatures outside Equestria as if she knew them and she transformed into a few herself so she must know something about foxes. She lands in the forest and starts calling out for Zecora. “Zecora! Zecora!” Fluttershy says. “You require my inquire?” Zecora said as she phased into sight right behind Fluttershy. This spooked Fluttershy for a moment but she quickly regained her composure. “Oh! Yes. You see my allies. My friends. We ended up in some town filled with foxes who somehow knew what we wanted and everyone except me actually took them up on there offer. Are they in danger?” Fluttershy asked. “Hmm. Most trouble this could be as it sounds you've stumbled upon kitsune trickery.” Zecora said with a frown on her face. “Kitsunes? I thought they were foxes?” Fluttershy said confused by the name change. “Foxes are ordinary creatures but what you speak are kitsunes who have extraordinary features. Many years ago these creatures learned how to hide from the beasts who preyed on them through magic which grants them to power to escape and elude them through trickery and illusion. The grass field you saw them in was no doubt the pampas grass. A field of grass so thick and high and uncomfortable that most creatures have troubling pursuing them there much less finding them. But there is a downside to such a safe haven. There is no vegetation in the field as the weeds have swallowed all other plant life in it's wake. That is why the kitsune must devour flesh in order to survive. But they are very mischievous creatures. So whenever a foolish traveler enters there land they set up traps to mentally ensnare them. First it's just a simple interest and hobby that appears before you. But soon your conscious mind is exploited to reveal unconscious wants. Things not always thought but felt by your mind and your heart. At this point the traveler is beyond being freed of this bliss and the kitsune soon after become bored and devour them and disappear into the grass to ensnare yet another victim.” Zecora says. “I knew it. I knew they were dangerous. How do I free my friends and stop them?” Fluttershy asks. “It's very easy. For you at least. You are aware of there treacherous techniques. What you need to do is fairly simple. Show those kitsunes your might and they will reverse the spell and run away in fright.” Zecora said. “My might? Very well. I will go do that. Thank you Zecora.” Fluttershy said. “I am always happy to help a pony out.” Zecora said as she faded away right in front of Fluttershy. This confused Fluttershy but she didn't want to get distracted by Zecora's nature and sped off to rescue her friends before it was too late.

Just as Zecora said the ponies and Spike succumb to the spell and was living out there desires. One by one there minds helped form what they wanted most in life. Despite a day going by none of them have slept or ate anything and was completely focused on there interest.

Twilight studies the seemingly endless hallway of books and tomes. That was until Celestia walked into the library. “Princess? What are you doing here?” Twilight asked completely shocked that Celestia would appear here of all places. “I just wanted to see how my faithful student is doing. Looks like you are hard at work as usual. I am glad to see this.” Celestia said. “Thank you princess! I do all this for you! So you can be proud of me!” Twilight said as she ran up to hug Celestia. “Oh dear as long as you keep on with your work I will.”

Rainbow Dash flies around track at high speeds only to take a break for moment to notice a couple of Wonderbolts walking her way. “Spitfire, Soarin'?! What are you guys doing here?” Rainbow Dash said completely stunned by the sudden arrival of the Wonderbolts. “Were here to see the totally awesome pony Rainbow Dash! You wouldn't happen to know where we could find someone like that would ya?” Soarin' said. “I'm that pony! I'm Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. “We know, Soarin's just messing with ya. I’ve seen you around before. Your the pony who's been setting up rainbows these last couple of years. Impressive work Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire said as she lifted the goggles off her face. “Heck ya it's impressive! It's awesome! So awesome that we want to invite you to become one of the Wonderbolts!” Soarin' said with a high level of enthusiasm. “Me? A Wonderbolt?” Rainbow Dash said barely containing the complete spazz attack she was gearing up to have. “You earned it Rainbow Dash. You make all pegasi proud to be pegasi.” Spitfire said.

Rarity was busy in the boutique making clothes so much so that the area was filled with fully clothed pony marionettes and still she wasn't done making clothes. She stopped when she heard someone enter through the door. “I heard there was a designer here with talents beyond compare.” said a rather snooty sounding pony. “My gosh! It's Hoity Toity! And Photo Finish! And Sapphire Shores! All here? In this shop? For me?” Rarity said completely awestruck by the trio. “You better believe it, cause Sapphire Shores is here and she's here to taakkke you away!” Sapphire said in overly dramatic way. “You! You have the style! The charisma! Your clothes were made to be seen by ze world! You will be the face of the future! The future of fashion!” Photo finish said in an equally dramatic and posh way. “Hm. Based on these clothes you do have a talent worth cultivating. If you can keep this up you might just become as revered as we are in the industry.” Hoity said in a very pompous way. “Me? A highly regarded fashionista like all of you?” Rarity said completely awestruck. “Girl! You gonna go straaaaaiiight to the top, at this rate!” Sapphire Shores exclaimed.

Applejack wasn't doing much and was just relaxing in the comfort of her family who appeared to her joy one by one Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apple, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, Apple Brown Betty, and cousin Braeburn. “Sure is a fine day ain't it Applejack?” Braeburn said as he lounged with all the other ponies. “It is now that y’all are here. I just love family reunions. I wish we could have them more than once a year.” Applejack said with a sigh. “Now don't you go being all sad and glum cousin. We just have jobs to do is all. Tell you what. Next year y'all come on over to good ol' Apple-loosa. You will have a grand time I reckon.” Braeburn said cheerfully. “Yeah. I'd like that a lot.” Applejack said.

Spike was busy at working mining for gemstones and gobbling them up as he acquired them. Tirelessly did he mine the gems all alone with no one else. Until who should he see but Twilight with a cart attached to her. “Twilight? What are you doing here?” Spike said as he shoved another gemstone into his mouth. “I came to help you of course!” Twilight said cheerfully. “Really? You came to help me?” Spike said happy to consider such a thought. “Of course I would! Now get on my back. It will make it easier to get around in this deep mine.” Twilight said as she floated him onto her back. Spike smiled as he rode into the mine with Twilight eager and ready to mine for more gemstones with her.

Pinkie Pie was having a incredible party celebrating nothing in particular. All of the ponies and Spike were there celebrating and having a excellent time. But suddenly the most unexpected guest arrived. “Pinkamena Diane Pie!” Yelled a voice. Pinkie Pie was shocked to see her parents and sisters here of all places. “Mom? Dad? Sisters? What are you doing here?” Pinkie Pie says nervous by there appearance. “We are here to see what our daughter has been up to these years. Is this how you spend your time? Partying? How dare you throw a party. Without us!” Pinkie's mom said as there angry expressions switched to happy. “You mean you like it?” Pinkie Pie asked surprised by her mother's words. “Like it? we love it!” Pinkie's father said as they all started partying with the others. Pinkie ecstatic at her family enjoying themselves she continues partying.

After flying faster than she's had in years she finally arrived at the Vixen village. Just like before the fox was there to greet her. “Oh! You came back. I thought we'd never see you again.” the fox said surprised by her return giving the freak out she had. “No more games kitsune. Free my friends.” Fluttershy said showing confidence in her voice and giving of a very strong stare. “What? How did you?” The fox stumbled trying to figure out how she knew what type of creature he was. “It's none of your business all you need to do is end this spell. Now.” Fluttershy said bearing down on the fox. “Heh! You think a little colorful creature like you is going to scare me? In case you haven't noticed this place is filled with my kin and you aren't exactly a Ursa Major.” The fox said with a sly grin. The foxes began to surround them all looking like they were ready to attack. “You can have my friends. When you've gotten through me first!” Fluttershy says. The foxes try to pounce on her but she jumps out of the way. She grabs one of them by the tail and swings it into another fox who tried to attack her from behind. “Little pony punk! I knew you were trouble! Destroy her!” The fox yelled with an open snarl. The foxes charged her all at one and all Fluttershy did was stand on her hind legs. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She then span around quickly getting all the foxes who lunged for her stuck inside her spinning attack. She began to increase in speed whipping furious winds her the speed continued to pick up until it formed a tornado that span and twisted as if it was dancing on the earth. She then stopped the tornado mid spin sending the foxes flying all over the place. The abrupt stop caused little tornadoes to go flying around the place. Before the fox could even gain his composure Fluttershy stomped her hoof right on his head. “Let my friends go.” Fluttershy said stern fully. “As you wish.” the fox said fearfully. He snapped his paws and the entire village and all it's fake inhabitants disappeared. Twilight and the others who were under the spell recovered with no memory of what they did or who they were interacting with.

“What's going on?” Twilight said dazed and confused. “Where did everything go?” Pinkie Pie said confused by the village becoming an empty field. “Why am I so hungry!?” Spike said brought to be knees by the pain in his stomach. “Oh for goodness sake Spike. Here!” Twilight said exasperated by Spike's food related whining. She plucked a couple pieces of grass. Formed it into a ball and shoved it into Spikes mouth. Spike unhappy with this food but starving none the less chewed and ate it. “I hate grass.” Spike said with a frown on his face. “Good you guys are all better...” Fluttershy said getting rid of her courageous attitude. “Why wouldn't we be?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Where did those fox people go? In fact where did the whole village go?” Rarity said very confused by the sudden disappearance. “It doesn't matter. They were bad news anyhow. Come on girls. The Forest of Afel awaits.” Fluttershy said. “I suppose there's no other choice seeing as our fox friends have fled. A shame too. It looked like a nice place to visit after we were done on this mission.” Applejack said. “That is after we have an awesome party celebrating our friendship and success!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Who said we were your friends?” Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie's happy exclamation got turned down again she became sad again and sort of stood there as the others passed by her. All except Fluttershy who stood there next to her. “I'm your friend Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy said. Pinkie Pie turned to her and hugged her. “Thank you.” Pinkie Pie said having her smile returned to her as she hopped to catch up with the others. For the first time in years Fluttershy cracked a smile for she really had a friend once more.

Their journey continues.