Pony of Everfree

by Wild Vine

First published 31st of March, 2012

Zecora's books hold many interesting knowledge, including of the inhabitants of the everfree....

Everfree forest. A dark and gloomy place, where no pony dares to go without a good reason. It holds many mysterious creatures, both big and small. But what if the forest was hiding more then just predators? What would happen if the forest raised someone like, say.... a pony?

This is my first story, I just started watching the show, drawing some of own pieces, needless to say there will be flaws in this...so many flaws.

Chapter 1

It was a warm spring day as Apple Bloom ran past Fluttershys cottage, the wind in her mane as she giggled happily, running down the path towards the Everfree Forest. Most ponies would avoid going in there, however Apple Bloom was late on meeting her zebra friend Zecora who lived in the forest, not too far in deep that it would be dangerous but still, caution was needed to brave the path to her little cottage.

The smell of odd combination of herbs and spices seemed to fill her little nostrils as Apple Bloom finally arrived. Her little hoof pounded on the zebra's door.

"Heeeeeyyyy Zecora~" She yelled in her southern accent, adorable as it was.

"Hello young Apple Bloom, please take a seat, I was just cutting up some of the beats." She said in her usual rhyming way, which Apple Bloom always seemed to wonder why as she walked inside the cottage.

"Makin' some brew again, Zecora? Whatcha makin’!" The curious girl sniffed the brew in her pot.

"Nothing to extreme my silly friend, just a mix of vegetables to blend." she grabbed a carrot with her tail throwing it into the brew as she stirred with a spoon using her mouth.

Apple Bloom's mind started to drift as she got bored, rather quick. She watched Zecora add more to her stew as the filly walked about the zebra's small cottage. It was filled with odd trinkets, possibly for magical purpose, until she came upon a bookshelf filled with interesting books. Normally Apple Bloom wouldn't bother with books since her friends didn't find them appealing at first, but something seem to get her attention.

"Folk Lore of Everfree?" She said the title to herself, "What's a.. 'folk lore'?"

"Folklore is something of legend you see, a lot of mystical animals live in Everfree. From dragons to chimera - all are in this book, come now, let us both take a quick look."

Zecora grabbed the book with her tail, walking with Apple Bloom bouncing beside her, as they sat the book on the table.

"So where to begin our little text, perhaps it's best to consult the table of contents." Zecora said turning the page, "Chimera, Dragon, and more to choose from, say Apple Bloom why won't you pick some?"

Apple Bloom hopped on a seat, which wiggled a bit before it settled. Zecora giggled at the filly's can-do spirit as she let the little pony choose from the large selection the book offered.

"Hey Zecora, what’s this here?" Apple Bloom asked as her hoof pointed to the last selection on the entire list which read "The Pony of Everfree.."

"Well this is an odd story I'm sure, let’s take a look and lets hope its not a bore." She said, making a bit of fun of Apple Bloom's tendency to drift. She turned the pages until the one they desired. "The Tale of Wild Vine begins with a sad start, baby pony left here in the forest in a cart. Its’ parents abandoned the poor baby pony, to live a life of glamour and riches leaving it all lonely. No one knows what happened after that..." She turned the page, "it seems someone had torn out all of the facts...”

Zecora held the book in her mouth, revealing that the pages to the story had been torn from the hinges of the book.

"Daww!!! What, who and why!" Apple Bloom demanded answers.

Zecora giggled, placing the book down, "Calm down now child, no use to shout, I can tell you the rest if you promise not to pout. You see, the tale of the pony is sad as they say. The pony grew up with no one to play. It wandered the forest for what seemed forever, it grew wiser and more clever. For it had a talent better like no other, strong and powerful just like your older brother."

Things went awkwardly silent after that as Apple Bloom gave a glare to Zecora who was nervously smiling.

"Yall talkin' bout my brother?" She asked a bit seriously.

"What, your brother? You silly little pony...now, can I please finish my story?" Zecora tried to change subjects fast.

"No no, that's ok!" Apple Bloom quickly said, "I want to go find this weird pony! Maybe she can really use some friends, dontcha think?!"

"W..what, wait!" Before Zecora had a chance to rhyme that line, Apple Bloom dashed out of the cottage.

With the thought of a mysterious pony other than Zecora, who technically wasn't a pony to begin with, living in Everfree all alone seem to be on her tiny little mind as she hurried to the club house to meet up with her two friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, to tell them about the story.

She arrived, huffing and panting from her exciting dash from Everfree Forest to the club house as she staggered up the steps to the door, where she crashed through the door, comically falling right next to her friends.

"Way to make a entrance Apple Bloom." joked Scootaloo.

"Yeah, you ok? You look like you saw a ghost or something." worried Sweetie Belle as they helped her up.

"No time for explanations! We got a mission, Crusaders!"

"A mission? For a chance at our cutie marks?"

"Mmhm...there's a lonely pony in Everfree Forest who needs our help!"

"Zecora?" Both ponies said looking at each other.

"Um, no, she's a zebra...I said pony." Apple Bloom corrected them.

The trio walked out of their club house, as they listened to Apple Bloom's version of Zecoras’ story, which a few details seemed to escape her mind as she told them. Eventually they wandered into town and, with what little money they had, started shopping for supplies. They went to the bakery first as they saw Pinkie Pie doing what she does best, being ...Pinkie Pie.

"Hello Cutie Mark Crusaders!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.

"H-hey Pinkie...what are you up to?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"What am I up to? What am I up to? What are you up to!?" She seemed to turn the question around back at them. "You three seem like your going out today... oh oh oh oh are you going on a picnic?! You gotta have cake!" Pinkie Pie disappeared in a flash, reappearing as fast as she disappeared with a plate of cupcakes.

"T-that's mighty kind of you Pinkie but, um, we're on a mission to go see a pony.." Apple Bloom tried to say before Pinkie interrupted.

"Pony? What pony? Is it someone I haven't met huh huh huh huh?" She asked.

"Well yes.."

"Eeeeeeeeeeee~!" Once again she disappeared and returned with her famous welcome wagon attached to her as she wore a party hat, "Cmon, lets go ~!"

"B-but…!" Apple Bloom tried to say as Scootaloo nudged her.

"It's Pinkie Pie...there’s really no point in reasoning." She said as they decided to let Pinkie tag along; at least there's someone older to trust, needless to say.

The warm breeze of the spring wind brushed them by as they trotted towards the forest, passing Fluttershys place as, of course, Pinkie Pie had to stop the crusaders from proceeding onward as she went to say hello to Fluttershy, who was tending to the woodland animals.

"Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie yelled, scaring the poor pegasus as she fell to the ground.

"O-oh...Hello...Pinkie...girls..." she responded in an innocent voice.

"Hey, wanna come with us to the dark deep parts of Everfree forest to find us some sad pony without a friend until we find him, of course, he will have friends but if we don't he wont so we are going so he will!" once again Pinkies personality shined through.

"E-ever.. f-f.. f-f.. free? W-well I would love to... but-"

Before she had a chance to finish, Pinkie grabbed her and threw her on her welcome wagon, as well as the crusaders themselves and trotted off with them all in her wagon to the forest.

"Cmon! We're not letting this pass us by~" She said with a happy tone.

"Just as long as she doesn't sing a song.." whispered Scootaloo.

"Oooooooooh~" began Pinkie.

---

The song seemed to last forever as they finally reached the Everfree Forest. The ponies looked around for awhile; they weren't far from Zecoras cottage as Pinkie turned to Fluttershy.

"So how far do we need to go to find such a lonely pony?" She asked her.

"I...I don't know…the poor thing must be scared, so it might be hard to find her." Fluttershy answered, she was flapping her wings to keep afloat as she searched from the air, but kept near the group.

"Zecora said we need to go to the deep part of the forest where most of the plants grow… seems the pony has a thing for plants." Apple Bloom said as they kept to the path and went in deeper.

"A…are you sure we should...it looks dark..." Fluttershy mumbled.

"Don't worry so much! Pinkie's here, after all, with my band wagon of random fun to keep us company. Who wants to sing a song?!"

"Oh goddess.." Scootaloo groaned.

Night shortly fell upon the forest as Zecora watched the ponies going deeper. She quickly grabbed her cloak and decided it would be best to follow and keep them from harms way. The night was going to be long, as the ponies were determined to know if the legend of the lonely pony of Everfree was real. Somewhere nearby, a pair of red eyes was watching the determined ponies march through the path, they blinked once before disappearing into the leaves, following along with them.

Chapter 2

"...and that's why my name's Pinkie Pie~” Pinkie ended a story she had begun earlier on the walk which seemed to last an eternity.

"Did...anyone keep up with what she’s said?" asked Scootaloo.

"Nevermind that, look!" Apple Bloom raced ahead, into a clearing where a meadow of flowers that didn't seem native to the forest resided.

"Be careful little ones, you don't know this place. Mind your steps and watch your pace.." out came Zecora from the shadows of the path, being her usual mysterious self.

"Zecora! Look, these must be a sign of that pony...I...think? Right?" Apple Bloom asked, her eyes shimmering with delight of her discovery.

"Well.." Zecora tried to speak but as usual Pinkie Pie jumped at chance.

"Oh oh, I know, maybe we should bring some of these flowers back home with us! Oh better yet...maybe we lure this pony out if we pick a few of them!" Pinkie pie was about to launch herself into the pile of flowers before Fluttershy stopped her.

"N...no, please, that isn’t very nice to...do Pinkie." She once again mumbled.

"Aww...you're no fun, but you're right…maybe I should bake some pies! My wagon has a built in oven!" She dashed to her wagon, pressing a button as it jiggled around a bit before opening, an explosion of balloons and ribbons scattered in all directions.

"How are pies gonna help us lure out the pony?" Scootaloo asked with a serious look on her face. She never understood how Pinkie worked.

"What, are you kidding? Everypony loves pies!" She announced at the top of her lungs, holding the pie over her head as if it was a trophy.

"That's not a bad idea...but maybe we should just move ahead, keep the pies ready incase something else wants to enjoy them." Apple Bloom said as she started to walk through the flowers carefully.

"If you say so...let's just hurry up and call it a night...this place is giving me the creeps." Sweetie Belle nervously spoke as the group trotted carefully in the flower bed.

The group walked about for a while in the clearing, looking in all directions on possible hiding spots. Pinkie's sweet pies seem to be more potent than the flowers themselves, making the little ponies stomachs grumble.

"Looks like somepony’s hungry~!" Pinkie sung as she bounced around the trio. She stopped in mid hop, and dashed to her wagon, pressing the button on it activating its features from before. It shot out three pies from her oven as they smashed on top of the three fillies, in three different flavors. "Whoops…might've...set it to launch that time, sorry, eheh."

"It’s ok...least our stomachs will be full." Apple Bloom laughed.

Zecora was awfully quiet during there merriment and laughter. She was staring off into the deeper part of the woods, noticing an odd shadow lurking within the darker parts of the forest. The shadow seemed to be hovering from the ground, or that's what Zecora thought as she turned to the others.

"Everypony…" Zecora said, but suddenly was silent before she would finish, seeing a large shadow dashing across the meadow, something that had a massive wing span.

A loud screeching roar was heard, along with a booming sound of its heavy body landing nearby. A shadow casted amongst the ponies and zebra as they turned to see a massive dragon looming over them.

"It must've...smelled the pies...ehehe.." Pinkie said, "Want some?" She asked the massive dragon as it leaned its neck down to their level when she accidently pushed the button on her wagon, forgetting the launch setting was still on and a pie smashed into the dragon's eye.

It roared even louder, sending the group scurrying for the exit as they ran towards the path they were on earlier. The dragon stepped on Pinkie's wagon, as it gave chase.

"Which way did we come from?!" yelled Sweetie Belle as they followed Zecora.

"Who knows!? My wagon's been dragon stomped…how will I ever give that pony the best welcome gift now!" Pinkie Pie said, totally off subject.

The dragon seemed to think ahead, as it flew over the ponies blocking the only exit as they all crashed into Zecora, pony-piling on top of her as they were about to be burnt to a crisp, the dragon opening it's mouth to rain fire on our pony heroes.

Just as the fire was spewing down something slithered over them all, grabbing each pony in a tied knot rope and pulling them out of the way just in time as they flew in the opposite direction, landing on a rather soft spot, on top of a same flower bed that seem to have grown bigger than before. The rope they were tangled in let loose and at first Apple Bloom thought it was her big sister, Applejack, since she was handy with rope.

‘Thanks a lot sis....’ She was about to say, getting on her hooves when she saw that it wasn't her sister at all.

A cloaked pony stood behind them, the "ropes" before slithered into its cloak as it ran ahead towards the dragon.

"H...hey wait a second!" Apple Bloom cried out.

"Yeah, you'll get squished like my wagon!..." Pinkie Pie added before letting out a cry, she really missed her wagon.

The dragon noticed the little pony and started to get angry, blowing smoke from its nostrils as it, took in a breath and exhaled a large amount of fire towards the cloaked pony. Nimbly did it dodge the flame which scorched the grass instead, as in mid-air the same "ropes" from before came out and wrapped around the monsters mouth, shutting it tight. The pony landed on its nose, walking up to its eyes, turning around and giving a hard-hooved back kick to one of its eye's. The beast cried loudly holding its eye as the pony used its ropes as bungee cords, jumping off the dragon's nose, and landing on the ground with ease.

"Wow, this pony is awesome!" Sweetie Belle said in awe.

"Yeah... she's ok… not really Rainbow Dash, but eh..." Scootaloo said trying to act unimpressed.

Once the dragon had its sore eye taken care off, rubbing it with a closed fist, it turned its attention to the cloaked pony as it lowered its head. Though, instead of roaring and carrying on, it seem to suddenly calm down.

"And she can tame dragons? She's awesome!" Apple Bloom announced, "Fluttershy you gotta.." She turned to see that Fluttershy had passed out as Pinkie Pie was busy trying to wake her up, in her own special way: repeatedly poking her with her hoof.

Zecora giggled, as she tickled Fluttershys nose a bit with the tip of her tail, as she slowly came to, sneezing shortly after. "W…what...what happened?" She asked as she sat up.

"Well, we were minding our own business back in Ponyville, then these three were talking about some magic lonely pony out here in the forest, we ran into an open field, saw a dragon and then you passed out." Pinkie Pie informed her, missing some obvious detail's out of her explanation.

"Now go back to your cave, you’re far away from home." Said the cloaked pony, whose voice was a bit too deep to be a female; the three little ponies looked at each other, they assumed that the pony in question was a mare.

With that said, the dragon seem to nod in agreement with the stallion, spreading it's wings as it decided it was best to go back home to it's cave of greed, and call it a night since it was embarrassing enough to be taken down by something several sizes smaller than it was.

"Whoa" the trio of small ponies said at once as the cloaked stallion was turning to leave.

"W…wait!" Apple Bloom quickly galloped, standing right in front of him.

"Huh..?" The stallion stopped suddenly.

"Hello! My name’s Apple Bloom! Thanks for saving us back there...if it weren't for yall, we would've been toast back there!"

"Um...no problem. Just...be careful, this isn't exactly a playground, little one." He chuckled lightly.

"I'm Sweetie Belle!" her friend said, finally having the courage to follow Apple Bloom.

"And I'm Scootaloo! You were awesome...well not so much as..." Apple Bloom nudged her to be quiet before she mentioned Rainbow Dash again.

"Nice to meet you all...I normally...don't meet any others in this forest.."

Out of nowhere, it would seem, Pinkie Pie appeared behind him, giving him a big squeezing hug as she jumped back towards her, what was once destroyed, welcome wagon.

"Wait wasn't that thing des---" Zecora tried to say until....

"Hello new friend! My name's Pinkie Pie! I'm here to make you smile~ " She sung, as the cloaked stallion seem to chuckle more , amused by her little sing song.

"Enough singing!" Scootaloo demanded.

"Aww, you're no fun..." Pinkie huffed and shut off her welcome wagon.

"And where did you get that? It was destroyed, wasn't it?"

"I always have a back up welcome wagon, incase my first wagon was suddenly destroyed or burnt to a cinder!"

During there questioning of the second wagon, the stallion seemed to sneak away for a moment or two before Fluttershy blocked his path.

"U…um...please don’t go.." she asked in her usual quiet voice.

"Oh…hello…didn't notice you from earlier." He greeted her, trying to be as nice as he can be.

"I'm....Fluttershy.." She mumbled, very low, it was hard to catch on what she said.

"Um…one more time dear…I didn't catch that.."

"F…fluttershy..."

"Oh, well hello miss Fluttershy." He gently patted her head with his hoof. She noticed that his coat was a light green, mixed with white, an odd color combination.

"Hey! Cmon, don't go! We want yall to come over to our town sometime. Won't you please?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I…don't know...I'm not really good at meeting with others..." He said, as Pinkie Pie was right in front of him, startling him.

"Cmon, don't be a silly billy. You're talking to us, aren't you? Sides, there's loads more friends waiting for you back home. Oh oh oh oh oh, we can throw you a big welcome party! I throw a party for every new pony!" She insisted.

"Ehehe...well.." He seem timid on the offer, as Zecora finally approached them.

"Need not to worry about making new friends. I was like you, but it all worked fine in the end." Zecora said with a smile on her face.

"Huh, this zebra has a knack for rhyming it seems.." he thought, "I would love to...but I don't think it would work in my favor...I'd just cause a panic with my…talents."

"Shucks, that's a barrel of lies right there. You're amazing, and what is your talent anyway?" Apple Bloom asked eager to know.

"And for that matter, what do you look like too...that cloak must be getting awfully sweaty in this weather." Sweetie Belle pointed out.

"Yeah, take it off!" Pinkie nudged him.

He sighed, thinking it over in his head until he came to a conclusion.

"Well no harm in showing...but let's go somewhere safe...It’s near sunrise." He suggested as the sky seemed to be a shade of orange.

"I do have a house near, not far from this place. But he is right, girls, perhaps we should quicken our pace." Zecora suggested, taking the lead.

Excited, the ponies escorted their new mysterious friend through the forest. The three little ones scampered around him as they walked, Fluttershy flapping her wings, hovering above them, giggling as Pinkie hopped behind the group. Along the way, Apple Bloom and her friends spoke of Ponyville, the fun and wonders that it had in store for their new friend to look forward to. Eventually they arrived near Zecoras cottage as they all sat down outside of her house, the sky was now a light yellow color, night would soon end, and the stallion in the cloak seemed to be nervous for some reason.

Zecora started a small campfire as night slowly lifted. Apple Bloom and her friends were roasting marshmallows, as they waited for their new friend to reveal himself. He seemed hesitant for awhile, staring at the fire, not really saying much until Pinkie nudged him.

"Cmon already, don't keep us waiting!" She demanded, still keeping her sweet tone.

"Oh, of…course.." He finally lifted his front hooves, slowly removing the cloak, starting from the hoodie.

Chapter 3

His coat was a dark green color, and mane seemed to be messy at first glance, a lighter shade of green and white mix. The mane seem to cover his left eye, which were both red, and somewhat had a snake like feel to them. Scary, but he had a shy smile on his silly face. Much like his untamed hair, his tail seemed to be the same messy way, as he fully removed the cloak itself. His mark was two vines that were entangled, as Pinkie examined it, rather too close.

"Um…ehehe...what’s wrong back there?" He asked, nervously laughing.

"Just wondering about your cutie mark...it's unique, to say the least...and what's up with your eyes?" She asked, without much hesitation in her voice.

"My eyes were always like this...they help me see in the dark" He explained as his eyes were glowing slightly. "But I mostly use them for intimidation against larger beasts...works wonders, really."

"You look handsome either way.." Fluttershy said, rubbing her hooves together in embarrassment for saying such a thing.

"Thank you.." Wild Vine blushed a bit.

"Now you just hafta come to town with us this evening!" Apple Bloom jumped with joy.

"Yeah! We gotta prove your existence!" Scootaloo boasted.

"Maybe we'll get out cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle added as they all joined together for a victory squeal of joy.

"You three sure are determined... but still I…don't think I'd fit in...I've never left the Everfree Forest before…I can't imagine how the world outside from here is."

"It's tons of fun! Parties, plenty of cake, a lot of nice ponies! Oh, you hafta meet my friends…well, other than the ones you already met, but still!" Pinkie hopped around him, eager for him to say yes.

Zecora giggled, "Come now everypony, its his to decision to make. It’s only best to let him choose what’s best for his sake."

The pressure from these ponies, wanting him to see the world of Equestria seemed a bit... frightening. Wild Vine knew for a fact he wouldn't be accepted so easily, even if he won over the affections of these ponies, he still had his doubts. Then again, he didn't want to ruin there good spirits, after all they did take a chance and actually tried to prove his existence.

"I can't really say no, can I?" He laughed slightly.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay~" Cheered the three little ponies.

"But I would wait until next morning....I'm sure Ponyville is still in bed right now." Fluttershy mentioned as their cheerful 'yays' where silenced and replaced by 'aws'.

"Don't worry.. I'll be here at Zecora's first thing in the morning tomorrow." Wild Vine assured.

"Pinkie promise!" randomly shouted Pinkie in his ear.

"Wha...?"

"Make a pinkie promise! Like this!" Pinkie stood on her back hooves as she did her little motions, crossing her heart, flapping her hooves, then poking herself in the eye while saying, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

Wild Vine, at first, just had a blank expression on his face. He looked around at the others who seem anxious for him to do the little dance and chant himself. "Um...Ok?...cross my heart and.. hope to fly... stick a cupcake in my...eye?- Ow!" He mimicked the movements slowly as well as the chant, nearly taking his eye out in the process.

"Yay! Now you'll pretty much hafta come back here the next morning!" Pinkie giggled hopping around.

"Come along little ones; let's get you all safe to home. When morning arrives you'll see Wild Vine again soon, so handsome.." Zecora said almost in a dreamy like tone.

"Is it me or is her rhyming lacking some.." Pinkie asked herself.

Everyone said their goodbyes for now, as Wild Vine picked up his cloaked, putting it back on with his vines. Zecora led the group out of the forest down the path, Apple Bloom lagging behind to say her goodbyes once again, waving her little hoof as Wild Vine waved his vine.

The fog soon engulfed them from sight as Wild Vine trotted off to his tree home, deep in the forest. He seemed troubled from the promise he made, would he really want to go through with it? He learned all he knew from the trees of Everfree, his talents allowed him to speak to the trees, as they taught him the history and such of Equestria. But most of them couldn’t give him a straight answer on the shadows of the forest itself.

He returned to his tree, he sat in its hollow part, no furniture to speak of other than a bed of flowers. He layed in his bed, staring at the sky itself, hearing the forest as it spoke in an ancient language only he knew. He had a nagging suspicion that someone lurked the shadows the trees spoke of, he felt scared at first but always found comfort in his bed, letting his mind wander.

"Gonna be one heck of morning ahead of me. Better keep the promise...that Pinkie looks like the kind of pony who doesn't take rejection well." He joked. "Come tomorrow I'll be in a new place…for the time being anyway…still can't help but feel the shadows of this place would follow. Still…it is a good idea to see this world." With a long yawn, he snuggled into his bed, resting for the day ahead.

-----

The day had gone uneventful as the next night drifted into morning. Outside of Fluttershys cottage, on a fence, one of her animal friends, a rooster, crowed while the sun was slowly raised into the sky. A few pegasi were flying in the sky, early working on making it a clear and sunny day, moving the clouds and often making a few disappear in a poof. The town itself seem to be waking up as well, the citizens all walking out of their homes, opening shops, going to school or just to meet up with friends. Today, however, Pinkie Pie was planning on a party, a big one at that, as she was talking with the Mayor of the town, trying to get the town square for her little party today.

"What’s...a ‘wild vine’?" she asked, the mayor seemed confused. “Are we celebrating...weeds?"

"No! For the hundredth time, we’re celebrating a new pony that’s coming to town! How do you not know of the legendary pony?" Pinkie pouted.

"I'm sorry, Pinkie…I'm just too busy to really get into…such silly stories and fairy tales.." She laughed nervously.

"Well are we going to have the party today or not? I mean, once I bring the pony into town, you'll know this wasn't a bad idea!"

The mayor sighed but nodded, "The Square is yours then, Pinkie."

Pinkie grinned with excitement, "You won't be disappointed!"

She rushed off to gather her supplies, buy things she may not have in stock for such a big party. She ran passed her friends Twilight and Spike, who were walking back from a day of shopping for quills and scrolls. They ran out, again, as often as that happened.

"Whoa, Pinkie, where are you off too?" Twilight tried to ask.

"Can't talk, busy! Big party for Wild Vine!" She yelled and kept running.

"Wild vine? Are we celebrating grass today?" Spike asked, confused.

"It's Pinkie Pie so...it's something to get used to, isn't it?" Twilight asked, giggling, "Still, an odd party idea to celebrate...grass.."

"I dunno, the name sounds familiar...and can we hurry? All these quills and scrolls aren't really light, ya know."

"Oh, of course. Sorry"

Twilight and Spike went along there merry way, back to Twilight's tree home, which was also her study. She hadn't a lot to write to the princess about friendship and lately things were fine to, say the least, however the last time things were fine, Twilight, lets say, had a little episode that her friends remembered all to well. Still she kept her calm as she had Spike unload the pile of supplies on the floor as she used her magic to levitate the supplies and place them to there respected homes on the shelves.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was out in her garden near her cottage. Remembering that Wild Vine had promised to wait near Zecoras hut, she often glanced over at the forest entrance, to see if she would go find him herself. But she wasn't the bravest of her friends, so the thought of her going alone into the forest was left as just that, an idea. So she waited, tending to her garden and animal friends.

Though, her concentration on her work was soon interrupted by another one of her friends, Applejack, who was walking up to her cottage, dragging with her a wagon of her delicious apples.

"Hey, sugar lamb, got your order here~" She called out.

"Oh, Applejack, thank you...I was running short as it is." Fluttershy flew over to greet her. "So, did Pinkie talk to you about today?"

"Huh? I reckon I haven't seen her yet. Why? Somethin' goin' on today?" She asked her.

"Oh, um…today we're celebrating."

"Oh, really now? What's the occasion? Did Twilight get an award from the princess? Did my sister finally get her cutie mark?"

"No and... no. It's a new friend we met in the Everfree Forest the other night."

"I find that hard to believe, hun. Only pony in that there forest is Zecora, and I already got the same thing from Apple Bloom when she arrived early last morning, some talk of a magic earth pony. All just fairy tale talk if ya ask me."

"W-well, it's not a fairy tale… honest.." Fluttershy assured her.

"Whatever yall say Fluttershy, still having a hard time believing Apple Bloom…but in all honesty, I really don't believe in such a pony." Applejack said as she noticed that Fluttershy was about to cry. "Ehehe… but that dun mean we can't still party, right? I'll see yall then, eh?"

With that said, Applejack went on her merry way back to her job on her farm. A lot of apples needed to be picked for tonight's party, and a lot of apple pies will be needed. Fluttershy sighed and went back to her chores, giving out apples to her woodland friends.

Back in town, Pinkie's talent of putting a party together shined brightly, as the town square was already looking festive with the help of her friend Rarity and her eye for detail.

"Um Pinkie…this seems a bit much to be celebrating a…weed.." Rarity pointed out as she finished the banner, the cutie mark of Wild Vine seem to be the center focus of the sash as she hung it up.

"Why do everyone assume that?!" Pinkie complained, since Rarity is pretty much repeating what every pony she met at the party said.

"Well, excuse me for asking sweetie. I was only curious..." Rarity huffed as she finished decorating. "There, everything is as fabulous as it should be."

"Great! I'll go tell Apple Bloom to get our guest of honor~ be right back."

Pinkie bounced and hopped her way towards Sweet Apple Acres, as she eventually ran into Apple Bloom and her friends, playing around with a few apples, tossing them around into nearby baskets.

"Hey everypony, the party is about to start, mind getting Wildy?" Pinkie asked, giving Wild Vine a nickname.

"Wildy? Well sure.." The trio giggled as Apple Bloom lead the Crusaders to Everfree as fast as possible, forgetting she was supposed to be grounded, but Applejack was to busy to notice them leaving.

Fluttershy soon saw the three scampering by her house, eager to go to Zecoras cottage to get the guest of honor. She decided to join the trio, now that she wasn't going alone at least. Set on there destination, they wasted no time, rushing into the forest, taking the path directly leading to Zecora's place.

Wild was sitting out on her lawn, waiting while Zecora was getting pretty for the party at hand, though that was a lie she said to him as she was at her window, gawking at him like a school mare quietly watching her secret love stallion from across the room. Though, her glance was broken somewhat when Apple Bloom and her group arrived.

"Hey, you really did keep your promise!" Sweetie Belle announced with glee.

"That I did." Wild responded not as excited as they thought.

"Ready to go? And why are you wearing that cloak again?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh, just shy about the idea, is all…don't worry, it'll come off once were in town.."

"Zecora, are you coming?" Fluttershy noticed her at the window as she tapped on the glass.

She nodded in response and walked out of her hut, joining the group of ponies walking down the path at a slower pace than before. Wild seemed to lag behind the group instead of taking the lead, growing more and more nervous, looking behind him as the fog of the forest seem to engulf the hut. They walked for quite a while at the pace they were going when eventually a clearing was in their view. Zecora and the others stepped out into the bright sunny meadows, but noticed that Wild Vine wasn't moving from the shadows of the trees that seem to cast a border line between the forest he lived in and the rest of the world.

"Something wrong, Wild?" Fluttershy flew up to him, giving him a nudge.

"Oh…uh…no, sorry, I spaced out..." He responded looking down at the bordering shadow.

"Cmon, take a few more steps to see the rest of Equestria!" The little ponies seem to egg him on, as he could only smirk at there efforts.

He took in a deep breath, as he started to walk out to the sunlight.

Chapter 4

"You gonna stand there all day?" Scootaloo asked, breaking Wild Vine from his momentary silence.

Wild had his eyes closed under that hood that he hadn't notice he was already a few steps away from his home, no bad has come to him as he slowly opened his eyes, taking a look up at the sky, clear and blue as it was.

"Never knew how bright it was out here.. the sun hardly shines through the dense forest top.." Wild said , his eyes adjusting to the light.

"Well don't worry, you'll get used to it in no time. Now cmon, lets get to Ponyville before sun down!" Sweetie Belle said nudging him to get moving.

"Right.. sorry... shall.. we?"

Wild this time took the lead, though it wasn't a bright idea since he was completely clueless in his sense of direction that Apple Bloom took lead instead as she ran ahead, along with her friends, to town. It was a few minutes to get from Everfree Forest to Ponyville, if they weren't going at such a calm pace however. But Zecora and Fluttershy remained with the curious stallion as he took the time to look at a stream, something he found interesting to see, such clear water, as he saw fish swimming up its long stream.

They reached the bridge that went over the stream, nearing their destination, as Wild stopped on the bridge itself, looking over the festival like town ahead. It would seem Pinkie had over did it this time. Balloons were seen flying away from the town, the smell of cake seem to be much more potent the closer they got, not to mention Wild saw all kinds of other ponies of color variety walking all over the town. However, he didn't move from his little spot on the bridge, as he was shaking in his hooves, nervous more than ever.

"Ya know, he reminds of certain someone, I won't lie. But he reminds me of you, Fluttershy." Zecora said though she didn't mean much harm in her words.

"Your right.. but the poor thing, you must admit, must be scared on meeting new people other than us." Fluttershy said as she flew up to him. "Cmon Wild, don't worry... we'll be just fine."

She snuggled up to him, his aroma seemed irresistable for some reason, she felt calmer around him.

"I'm sorry.. I'll try to keep myself from running." Wild said patting her on the head.

"It's strange, though, to see you stress as if your carrying a wagon, not to long ago you drove off a mighty dragon." Zecora walked up to him.

"Dragons are one thing, meeting others are another, but your right.. I should try more."

Feeling more confident, as he walked with Zecora and Fluttershy at his side. Though he wouldn't know what would happen once he enters into the town, he can only try to keep his confidence. Meanwhile in town, things were going swell. Games, cake and all sorts of conversations filled the air, many of the ponies were not sure what the purpose of celebrating a grass plant was called for, but it was a party and who can say no to one of Pinkies.

Rarity, Twilight and Applejack were talking to one another near the center of the party where the banner was set up for Wild's arrival. Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom's big brother, was serving punch behind the three ponies. Spike was elsewhere, eating his precious gemstones he loved so much.

"I'm telling you, Pinkie Pie has been getting desperate for parties lately. I mean really, celebrating a plant? Poor thing." Rarity said, sipping some punch inbetween words.

"I reckon she just felt.. very earth friendly today to throw us a party for grass weeds." Applejack added.

"Girls girls girls, now this is Pinkie Pie were talking about. She's done alot... weirder things, don't you think?" Twilight looked around the town, seeing everypony having a fun time. "Still, everypony is having such a wonderful time, who are we to stop them?"

"Hey girls!" Pinkie appeared out from the punch bowl, again one of her random moments startling every pony.

"Um, hey Pinkie..great party" Twilight said with a nervous giggle.

"Having a good time, Big Mac?" Pinkie turned to the stallion.

"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded.

"Pinkie, I'm really confused about this party.. what is the real reason behind this little festival? I mean, I, for one, could always use a chance to show my lovely dress, but still.." Rarity complained, her usual talent beside making dresses and such.

"Are you all still not seeing that this is for someone new to our town? I mean. Come. ON! Why is it so hard to see that?" Pinkie demanded to know.

"Well.. sweetie.. it's just that, it's hard to believe in fairy tales... such as this 'Wild Vine'. In all honesty, it sounds like you're just making things up." Twilight said in her usual educated tone.

"What? Hard to believe... we're talking ponies! We live in a land that has dragons in it!" Pinkie randomly picked up Spike, from no where it seems as he was covered in frosting. "Tell me how we believe this exists, but not a desperate pony that's all lonesome!"

"She brings up a mighty fine point.." Applejack sided with Pinkies logic, which even sounded harder to believe in the party.

Before their arguement would commence further, Apple Bloom and her friends ran up to them.

"Hey yall! We have someone you gotta meet!" Apple Bloom bounced with joy.

"He's awesome!" Sweetie Belle added with a smile.

"Not as awesome as... wait, where's Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked.

"Up here!" some pony yelled from above.

Every pony looked up to see Rainbow Dash laying on a cloud, lazyly lounging to her hearts content.

"Hey, what's this about a awesome pony? You guys talkin about me? How sweet of you~" Rainbow Dash flew from her perch and landed right next to Twilight.

"Oh Rainbow Dash... always full of yourself, eh?" Rarity giggled.

Zecora and Fluttershy soon arrived, joining there friends in conversation, until they noticed a cloaked pony walking into town. Things seem to suddenly quiet down, all eyes were on this mysterious cloaked pony. For longest time, Zecora was under that spot light. Seeing Wild Vine like this kinda made Zecora feel uncomfortable.

"Talk about all eyes on me..." Wild thought to himself as he looked around. "So much for trying to blend in..."

"Everyone, I'd like yall to meet our new friend from Everfree!" Apple Bloom announced as she walked up to the cloaked pony.

"Is it me or is this pony kinda creepy?" Spike commented whispering to Twlight.

"Oh Spike, don't judge a book by its cover.. whoever this pony is can't be all bad if Apple Bloom isn't afraid." Twlight walked up to the pony, "Hello."

"Hey.. nice to.. meet you all... ehehe." He answered.

"Cmon Wild, take off that cloak of yours.. no sense in hidin'." Apple Bloom nudged him.

"Wait just a second, who exactly is this?" Rainbow Dash asked. "He looks kinda shady..."

"I hate to say it, but I reckon I'm sidin' on Raindow here on that fact." Applejack stepped forward.

"Yes.. that fashion sense isn't really doing him any favors now." Rarity critiqued his wardrobe.

"Geez take it easy will ya.." Wild thought to himself.

Pinkie jumped inbetween the two groups of ponies as she had a smile on her face as usual.

"Now this is a party, guys! Stop being mean to Wildy." Pinkie asked, stomping her hoove on the ground.

"Look, if you're that curious.. I've already shown your friends here, who were in the forest the night I saved them." Wild finally said stepping forward.

"Saved them.. from what exactly?" Spike asked.

"A dragon, to be specific." Wild answered, "Much larger than you, actually." He joked of course.

"A dragon?! My sister told me a wild boar came after her, not a dragon! You're in a whole heap of trouble, Apple Bloom!" Applejack seemed peeved.

"Please, don't blame her... she only wanted to see if I was real." Wild Vine pulled off his hoodie, revealing to them what he looked like.

A gasp was all that he recieved at first as his eyes weren't glowing as they were before last morning. Spike walked up to him giving him a closer look at his eyes, both of theirs seemed similar in a way.

"Nice eyes, you part dragon?" Spike asked.

"No, I was born with them, they help me see at night.." Wild answered as he removed the rest of his cloak setting it aside.

The sound of the ponies chatting seem to replace their shocking gasps and silence from before. From what he can hear, they were mostly commenting on his untamed mane and tail, his eyes and his whole persona really.

"So what's with your name anyway? What makes you so special?" Rainbow asked, almost challenging him.

"Rainbow, watch what you say. It's not nice to ask such personal questions. Mind your manners, sweetie." Rarity walked up to Wild Vine. " Please, accept my apologies on behalf of my silly friend.. she's not really good with words... my, what a lovely mane, smells fresh and sweet."

"Um, thank you.. just some herbal stuff I use..." Wild Vine nervously laughed, as he thought to himself while she got closer, "Personal space seems to lack here.. could be worse.."

"Rarity.. give the guy some space. I'm sorry, she's usually not like this." Applejack pulled the mare's tail, dragging her away from his sweet scented mane as she introduced herself. "Name's Applejack, sugarcube, pleasure to meet yall." She grabbed his hoof and started to shake it rather fast.

"This one's really well mannered," Wild Vine thought as he smiled, "Very nice to meet you too, got quite the shake there." He laughed as his hoof was finally free from her shaking grasp.

"I'm Spike, this is Twlight Sparkle." Spike approached him, giving him a high five, or in this case a claw to hoof five. Twilight looked at him for few seconds, before speaking, almost as if she was reading him.

"Hello... Wild Vine right? I think I've read about you before... in a folklore book, but I.. kinda dismissed it since, well.. its just fairy tale. Seems I was wrong to quickly judge."

Wild Vine smiled, he seemed calm around the ponies, as more of the town walked up to him one by one, until the entire population of Ponyville surrounded him from all sides. Uncomfortable at first, it wasn't until Pinkie blew a rather loud horn to get everyone's attention that Wild manage to slip away.

"Aaaaalllrighty then everypony, now that we've all met Wild, lets party to celebrate his first time here in Ponyville!" She announced only to have Rainbow Dash halt her fun again.

"Hold it Pinkie. We still can't trust this guy just like that! He's from Everfree! If he claims to be this legend.. then the least he can do is prove it!" Rainbow demanded, now, a challenge.

"Geez... must you ruin the party..." Pinkie sighed. "Look, party now, show off later. K?"

Rainbow groaned as the party commenced. The music played, something Wild hadn't known existed up until now, some ponies danced about the town square, gossiping groups seem to quickly form, probably speaking about the new pony in town. Plenty of games Wild tried to play, the mares often cheered him on as he tried his best to not only have a good time, but to also conceal his powers and talents from them.

Things started to settle mid afternoon around lunch time, as the clean up crew, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle started helping Pinkie Pie with her little party mess. Apple Bloom and her friends were piled ontop of one another, tired beyond what their little bodies could handle, party wise. Wild was helping with the clean up, as much as he could at least without his powers, forcing himself to use typical ways of doing things, such as sweeping with the broom handle in his mouth to avoid showing off.

Eventually things were back to normal, or as normal as Ponyville can get, as Zecora took the sleeping little ponies home via a wagon. Wild did feel somewhat welcome but felt that it was a bit forced as he sat in town square alone for the meantime. He looked around the town, trying to take in the current surroundings.

"So, how'd you like the party?" Twilight walked up to him, as Spike was beside her, licking a sapphire gem stone flavored icecream cone.

"Oi, hey... Twilight, right? Yes, I enjoyed my stay here..." He answered.

"Doesn't sound like you're enjoying it here.."

"Just a bit homesick, that and I've been really trying not to show up anyone."

"Show up? Come now, I'm curious to know about your special talent, I can always use that info for princess Celestia to read."

Wild Vine tilted his head in confusement. Twilight quickly figured he wasn't aware that Equestria had a ruler.

"Hmm.. perhaps me and my friends should take you to see her! I'm sure Princess Celestia would enjoy your company." Twilight suggested.

"Still, I want to know why they call you Wild Vine," Spike chomped his cone in one bite, swallowing it whole, "haaa.. that hit the spot."

"It's settled then. Wild, we're going to Canterlot!" Twilight announced proudly, "Come Spike, we should send a scroll to the princess to see if she can meet Wild here.."

Before Wild could stop her, she was already gone, using her unicorn magic, she dissappeared in a flash of light and was out of his view in a blink of an eye.

"That's something to get used to... the trees did say that unicorns had the power of magic, more easier than what I went through to learn." Wild said to himself as he stood.

Deciding to take the time now before the trip to Canterlot, Wild Vine walked around the town, exploring to his hearts content. Above him, Rainbow Dash was following, hiding ontop of a cloud as she hovered, going slowly as not to raise suspicion on Wild Vines part.

"Lets see what's so special about this guy..." Rainbow said to herself, as Wild was heading towards Sweet Apple Acres.

He stopped under an apple tree, looking around to make sure no one was watching. His stomach was in need of some good fresh fruit, and the apples looked delicious.

"Hope no one minds if I help myself.. this place is loaded with these sweet treasures.." Wild said to himself.

Something slithered from his back, a light green worm like creature, from Rainbows point of view, and imagination. She gasped as she leaned against the edge of her cloud, trying to see what Wild was doing.

The creature from his back, slithered out as it whipped towards the tree, latching onto a single apple as Wild retracted his vine, the apple picked right from the tree and was placed right into his mouth.

"Mnnmmh..." He chewed, the apple was moist and juicy as he swallowed, "Haa... that's pretty darn good, I best remember to take a seed for my forest home." His vine soon slithered into his back while he walked down the path minding his own.

"Man, this guy is freaky... I better tell the others before some pony gets hurt." Rainbow Dash flew from her cloud perch off back to town.

Back at Twilight's tree home, Spike was busy gathering any empty unused scrolls that haven't been used yet for Twilight's constant reports on friendship for the princess to read.

"Um, Twilight.." Spike tried to get her attention, carrying a large amount of scrolls.

"Yes Spike? I'm busy trying to get enough room here for the Wild Vine section! That stallion sure has some kind of allure to him..."

"Yeah yeah, he's amazing.. but really, does he need all these scrolls? I mean, an empty book would do just as good.." Spike complained as he tried packing all the scrolls in Twilight's bags.

"Oh Spike, it doesn't hurt to be prepared, does it? Besides, I'm sure the princess will be excited to know all about this mysterious earth pony that can do magic."

"Have you even seen him do such a thing?" Spike asked, stomping on Twilights bag to keep it closed, being that is was overloaded with scrolls.

"Hmm.. you're right.. perhaps..."

Rainbow Dash bursted in through the window, startling both Twilight and Spike. Spike fell off the luggage he spent jumping on, the scrolls scattered in every direction shortly after the bag bursted open.

"Aww.... maaan...." Spike groaned.

"Rainbow Dash, it's not like you to burst into some ponies home ya know." Twilight sighed, hardly hiding her sarcasm while trying to clean up.

"No time for idol chit chat! That.. Wild pony is one freaky pony. He has some weird snake living in his mane!" Rainbow explained to her ability, far from the truth as it was.

"What? Are you ok? You might've hit your head harder then usual..." Twilight examined her.

"Ugh! I'm not injured, and my head is fine. That green stallion has issues, he just stole an apple from a tree!"

"Call the guards... I'm sure they'll just slap his hooves for such a crime.." Spike teased, laughing shortly after.

"Laugh all you want you little lizard, I'm telling you that I saw some green snake thing come from his mane, reach up to the tree and grab an apple... he's freaky!" Rainbow stomped her hoof on the floor in anger from Spikes joke.

"Ok ok, relax. Look, we're going to Canterlot to introduce Wild Vine to the princess.. Please don't ruin it for him. I think you're just jealous since the attention seems to be on him lately." Twilight said, gathering up her things.

"Also, even without wings, Spike's a dragon. Not a lizard." She finished, rewarded by a small huff from said dragon with crossed arms.

"Are you mad!? I wouldn't trust that guy as far as I can throw him. Especially in Canterlot." Rainbow Dash huffed.

A knocking was heard at the door, as Twilight used her magic to open it. Applejack walked in along with Rarity, all carrying there bags for the trip.

"Hey yall. Twilight, you know somepony busted your window right up there?" Applejack pointed towards the window in question.

"Yes.. it was Rainbow Dash here. She forgot I had something called a door that is meant to be used to enter my house." Twilight sighed.

"My, what a lack of manners, shame on you Rainbow Dash." Rarity added.

"Oh for Celestia sake..." Rainbow groaned. "Fine just forget that I warned you. I better get ready too.."

With that said, Rainbow shot upwards, breaking through Twilights roof, again.

"Now that just ain't right, what's got her wings in a tussle?" Applejack asked.

"She didn't have to take it out on my roof.. it's expensive to get it repaired." Twilight started to gather the broken debris off the floor.

Fluttershy soon arrived with her bouncey friend Pinkie Pie. They set there bags aside as they walked in.

"Whoa, what happened in here? And whats up with Dashy?" Pinkie asked, as she noticed the hole in the window and the hole up above.

"Long story..." Twilight said, writing up a letter for Celestia, informing her about their visit. She gave the scroll to Spike who took it and gone to the broken window, blowing fire onto the scroll as it vanished in the smoke.

"Has anyone seen Wild Vine?" Fluttershy asked, as everyone shook there heads.

"Not since the party, sugar cube. But I reckon he's out exploring the town." Applejack helped Twilight pick up after Rainbow Dash's mess.

Just as the ponies were about to go out and search for him, Wild Vine was seen walking towards the house. He was talking to Big Mac about the town, and other things like his apple trees back on the farm.

"So you've been working on the farm since you were just a little colt, huh?" Wild continued the conversation.

"Eeyup." Big Mac said proudly.

Wild laughed a bit, "You're a stallion of many words, Big Mac."

From the open door of Twilights home, Rarity and Applejack stood outside waiting for them, the others were inside gathering bits for the train, and awaiting the return scroll from the princess.

"My my... I never knew how.. rugged and handsome Wild and Big Mac look near each other." Rarity complimented, giggling.

"Hey now, that's my brother yall eyeing up. Don't you think 'bout nothin' naughty now ya hear?" Applejack nudged her, however Rarity was lost in her mind staring at the two as they finally reached the house.

"Hello Rarity, Applejack." Wild Vine greeted them as Big Mac nodded.

"Well hello handsome..." Rarity giggled playing with her mane.

"Ummm, howdy. Yall been talking with my big brother Big Mac I take it?" Applejack shook hooves with Wild Vine.

"Yeah just about, I was over near your farm earlier today, ran into Big Macintosh here, gave him a hand with the harvest before coming here."

"The harvest? But that should've taken him all day at the least. Even with the help."

"He's got a fine way of working with the trees. It's like he can speak with them, the apples just came a rollin off the branches into the baskets." Big Mac explained.

"Well ain't that somethin'. Cmon in yall, we're just waiting on Twilight. Her roofs been.. damaged somewhat." Big Mac followed Applejack inside, as Rarity stood infront of Wild Vine.

"Um... hello.. Rarity... um, something wrong?" Wild asked blushing slightly as she leaned in, oddly sniffing his mane of all things.

"You still haven't told me what you use for such a heavenly scent... it's... inviting." Rairty said, face buried in his mane.

"Thank you... um perhaps we can... talk some other time Rarity."

Wild Vine quickly galloped inside, as Rarity huffed, seeing that her approach was once again denied, for now at least. Something about him made her want to try again and again. Inside, Twilight and Fluttershy were working on repairing the roof, picking up the pieces trying to put them together, however the pieces weren't coming.

"Uh... yall ok up there?" Applejack asked.

"Not really, this is some puzzle... not the fun kind I'm used to." Pinkie Pie said as she was hanging upside down, her tail was wrapped around a railing.

"Here, let me..." Wild Vine halted from going upstairs, remembering he didn't want to expose too much of his power. He's already risked his talents with helping Big Mac earlier, but then again he didn't want to leave Twilight's tree home damaged. He sighed and decided to just get it over with as he approached Twilight.

"Here just uh.. let me handle this, just promise me you and your friends won't.. freak out." Wild Vine looked up at the hole.

"Um, ok?" Twilight and Fluttershy joined their friend's downstairs as they looked up. Every pony inside watched Wild Vine, making him feel a tad stage shy but he didn't want to leave the tree in such a critical state.

"I've danced around the issue of my own powers long enough, it'd be better if the girls see them in a ordered fashion than just randomly sprouting my vines causing panic. They're looking at me, expecting something, can't really avoid or talk my way out of this one. This tree's in pain.. I better just get this over with and deal with the reactions afterwards." He thought to himself as he took a stance, spreading his legs a bit from each other as he was about to restore the roof, and hopefully not cause too much panic.

Chapter 5

(A/N: Apologies in advance for the editor being a jackass. You'll see what I mean later.)

The vines he once used before to tie down the dragon back in the forest slithered out, this time about four of them as he used them to walk up along the wall. The ends of the vines were filled with sticky sap as he resembled a spider, almost walking up along the side of the wall to the ceiling. There he took a closer look at the damaged bark as his eyes began to glow. He stomped his hoof onto the ceiling, next to the hole itself, the bark of the tree seem to regenerate slowly before his friends down below.

The ponies watching were amazed, somewhat weirded out by his vines but it seemed that he was capable of performing magic without a horn. The tree slowly closed up, like a wound being healed, as he walked from the ceiling down the side of the wall towards them. He stopped midway and looked at them.

"Um.. sur.. prise?" Wild laughed slightly, trying to keep a chipper attitude.

"Bravo, sweetie, bravo!" Rarity praised. "I must say those.. extra limbs must come in handy."

"I do hope she's not implying what I think she is.." Wild Vine thought.

"So is that your talent? The ability to repair broken wood?" Fluttershy asked, flying where the hole once was.

"Not really, though repairing is part of my powers.. you see, these extra limbs are actually vines that I have inside my body. They help me do all sorts of things, can be used to defend myself or when I'm lazy can be useful on getting me things." Wild explained, he noticed Twilight was already writing all of this down, using her horn to levitate a quill and scroll, as it seem to write whatever he said.

"Um, Twilight... yall can relax with the quill, I don't think now's a good time, sugar cube." Applejack nudged her.

"Oh, sorry.. you're right.. Spike, anything yet?" Twilight asked turning to her assistant, as she did he burped up a new scroll, as it magically appeared after the flame. "Oh, good timing."

Spike took the scroll in hand, opening it as he began to read, "Dear Twilight, it's come to my attention that you have met a pony that I haven't actually heard of, though indeed I've read the story behind this pony. I wouldn't mind seeing him. However, today I'm rather busy elsewhere. I've included in this letter several train tickets, and the permission for you all to rest in my castle. I will be there tomorow afternoon. Princess Celestia."

The tickets for the train fell from the scroll, onto the floor from which Twilight levitated them into her bag as Wild Vine was on the floor by then, his vines returning into his back.

"We can chat later, at the least I'm very impressed Wild. You have a very interesting power I'd like to get into sometime." Twilight giggled as she and her friends prepared for the journey to the train station.

They arrived after a long walk to the station, the smell of the smoke, burning coal and the loud whistle of the train were all new to Wild Vine. At first he was a bit scared on approaching the metal beast, but Fluttershy tried her best to calm him down and in the end he gave in. Giving the tickets to the conductor stallion, the ponies boarded the train.

"It's going to take at least a day to get to Canterlot." Twilight informed everyone as they started to settle into their bunk beds.

"How yall likin' the train so far, sugar cube?" Applejack asked, noticing that Wild had already claimed a bed and was rolling around in its soft cushions.

"Aww... ain't he just the cutest little stallion you've ever laid eyes on?" Rarity commented, watching Wild roll around until he was really comfy. He was used to sleeping on the hard earth and slept with warm moss, but nothing beats a good soft bed.

"I call top bunk with Wild." Spike announced as he jumped for the bunk only to stop midair, levitating away from his desired bunk.

"I'm afraid I am claiming this fair bunk above my Wild Vine, you can take some other one." Rarity said as Twilight nudged her, the magic she consentrated around Spike was broken for the time being, allowing him to dash into the bunk.

"Now be nice and let the boys share these two bunks, we girls will take these. Now stop fussing around."

Twilight and her friends unpacked their things to their respective bunks. The cart they stayed in buckled, the train was about to set for it's course and out the window Wild started to notice movement. The train was finally off.

The mares began to chat almost instantly the train began to move. They spoke of Canterlot, the sites they'll be visiting, Wild Vines abilities and powers. Meanwhile Spike and Wild were playing a humble game of chess, trying to concentrate but it was already difficult enough with the constant noise from the others.

"How many games are we on now?" Spike asked, he had lost count.

"I haven't the slightest." Wild laughed.

After a while, the mares were still chatting and Spike was trying to nap above in his bunk, Wild was staring meaningfully out of the window, watching the landscape race by. He was impressed and very eager to see these different landscapes one day, though at the moment he was thinking about this Canterlot his new friends spoke of, not to mention this Princess Celestia.

"Wild sweetheart, are you alright?" Rarity asked, taking this oppertunity to chat him up.

"Hm? Oh hey Rarity. I'm doing just fine, enjoying the ride and scenery." Wild chuckled.

"Mmm.. I see... would you mind if I join you?" She giggled, climbing into the bed with him.

"Uh oh, she's at it again.." Twilight whispered to Pinkie Pie.

"At it again? What's she doing.. again?" Pinkie asked, confused.

"Careful Rarity, he might do something weird to you." Rainbow Dash warned, in a smug tone.

"Give me a break Rainbow..." Wild said to himself, kinda feeling bad, not sure what he did to her to make her so angry towards him.

"Now you hush up there Rainbow Dash, and stop being so rude. Dont you know your manners?" Rarity defended.

"Who wants cupcakes?!" Pinkie pie asked, as she had a tray of them balanced on her head.

"I'd love one!" Wild smiled, using his vine, slithering from his back, and out in plain sight for every pony to see.

Rainbow Dash gasped, "See! What I tell ya! Green snake.. thing..."

Everypony began to laugh as Wild snagged two cupcakes and stuffed them in his mouth. Rainbow felt confused, and even more angry.

"What's so funny!" She demanded.

"We've all seen the 'green snakes'. They're vines not snakes, it's Wild Vines special talent, that and several other talents I'm sure he can show us when he's good and ready." Twilight informed her.

"You're joking... that's his talent..?" Rainbow Dash started to realize how much of a jerk shes been lately. "Oh.. well.. I still don't trust him, but I am apologizing for being rude." She huffed and went back face first into her pillow.

"Atleast she apologized... it's a step into the right direction." Wild Vine snuggled into his pillow, until Rarity flipped him on his back as she was right ontop of him.

"Now then, where were we my darling? " Rarity looked deep into his glowing red slit eyes.

"Um... well not really here yet... ehehe." Wild laughed nervously," Um, someone help pleas- mnhnph!"

Rarity started to kiss his lips deeply, not giving him any chance of calling for help, as he was flailing around for awhile. Luckly Pinkie Pie got Twilight's attention quickly.

"Uh oh... quick use a sleeping spell!" Spike urged, as he heard the commotion from atop his bunk.

"U.. um.. ok just hold her still." Twilight said, her horn began to glow.

"I don't think holding her still will be a problem..." Fluttershy mentioned, seeing that Rarity was already right ontop of Wild, kissing more hungrily than before.

With a flash of light that illuminated the cart they were in, Rarity was sound asleep right ontop of Wild Vine, who gasped for air after that assult on his own lips.

"You ok Wild?" Twilight asked.

"Haa.. haa... y-yeah... that was really.. unexpected I must say.." Wild coughed.

"You're lucky you and me are good friends, otherwise I wouldn't let you hit on my lady...." Spike said, he was upside down holding onto the sides of his bunk peeking down at him and Rarity snuggled together.

"Ehehe, I'm sorry?" Wild Vine smiled, as Spike returned to bed. Rarity had him snuggled pretty tight, unabling him from escaping.

"I guess we should all go to sleep, eh girls?" Twilight suggested as she snuggled into her bed.

"Yeah, alot of fun awaits in Canterlot!" Pinkie back flipped into her top bunk, which was above Twilight's while Fluttershy was under Rainbow's bunk.

"It's not like I have much choice... good night everypony or good.. afternoon at least." Wild yawned, using his vine to get a hold of the blanket to pull it over him and Rarity. (Editor note: Seriously, he's so lazy he can't get her off himself.)

Everypony fell right to sleep, the train's smooth moments helped relax the ponies. Canterlot was still far away, the afternoon seem to go by fast, the sun descended into the mountain side, night shortly following. As Wild slept he was missing home alot, his dreams filled with memories of the forest he lived in, the adventures he endured and, most notably, the mysterious shadow he's been chasing.

He wasn't sure as he dreamed of one of his adventures, who or what the shadow in the forest that followed him was. A friend or predator, he never got his answer, and being away from the forest seemed to be keeping him from knowing. Still, it was nice to get out at least, he thought.

He woke up shortly after his dreams were halted when Rarity seemed to shake off Twilight's magic from before and was back to kissing her sleeping stallion, as she was right on top of him, her front legs holding him down while she kissed him deeply. Though when she pulled away from the kiss, her eyes became a different color, a dark sinister purple as the rest of her body became a shadow-like mist.

Wild Vine gasped and woke up, this time Rarity seemed to be asleep right beside him, looking away towards the window. Seems like what he expierenced was a nightmare of the creature that he ran into back home. He panted and sighed deeply.

"Who was.. that..." He groaned to himself. He sighed and returned to his pillow, in the opposite direction of Rarity.

Rarity eventually shifted in her sleep to a position where she can cuddle him from behind, giving Wild a bit of a startling sensation go down his spine, but he quickly adjusted and allowed her to until morning anyways.

"Maybe it wasnt such a hot idea remaining in bed with her... atleast the sleep spell is in effect... or so I hope.." He yawned and eventually fell back asleep.

The sound of the whistle blowing loudly seem to wake him up this time, morning had come sooner than he expected. He woke up once again next to Rarity, the spell seemed to have lasted up until the loud whistle blowing. She turned to him, sitting up from the bed, blushing. Wild rubbed the back of his mane, yawning as she kissed his cheek, just to make sure he knew she awoke.

"Good morning my wittle Wildy." She giggled.

"I do hope she's not gettng the wrong idea here.." Wild Vine climbed out of bed, "Good morning Rarity, everypony."

"You two sleep all comfy?" Rainbow Dash joked.

"If by comfy you mean uncomfortable.." Wild mumbled to himself.

Grabbing their luggage, they felt the train come to a halt. Wild followed the group of mares, luckly Rarity seemed most eager to get off the train, as she took lead. Stepping out onto the cold stone pavement was an odd feeling for Wild as he took his first steps into Canterlot. He looked around for awhile, taking in on his current surroundings. Sadly, it was abit dishearting for him to see a lack of tree life, compared to Ponyville anyways.

"So what do you think of Canterlot, Wild?" Fluttershy noticed he was falling behind as the group started to walk into town.

"It's.... certainly a different vibe here than back in Ponyville. Not to mention a few other differences..." Wild replied, catching up and walking side by side with Fluttershy.

He noticed that Rarity's little infactutation over him seemed to be halted, or at least distracted by the glamour and rich lifestyles of this fancy place. The more they walked into the town, the more Wild felt out of place, noticing all the mares and stallions here seemed uptight and well-spoken.

"I don't really get this place..." Wild said to himself, as Pinkie over heard.

"What's not to get? Its a magical city of wonderment and awh!" Pinkie shouted as she went around literally awhing at mostly any pony and anything she saw.

"Um.. that's not what I meant exactly. I don't really understand the whole... rich culture thing. Back home all we needed for survival was food, shelter, and the breath of life itself seemed to be as rich as I'll ever get." Wild examined the nearby shops, seeing the fancy mares in their expensive attire, stallions talking about businesses.

"Canterlot, well, it's just a fancy place for the wealthy and beautiful stallions and mares to live. Some prefer top class and pampering than what you're used to Wild Vine." Twilight explained.

"To each their own I suppose.. if I can find a tree, I could learn about this place and it's culture far more than what I'm gathering." Wild said following closely to the group as to not get lost.

Eventually after a long walk, Rarity had to stop by each and every shop and cafe, meeting other fancy ponies and buy more materials for her shop, levitating them up the castle pathway. Twilight introduced to Wild the means of currency, lecturing him in the history of Bits, as to her knowledge, luckly Wild was interested in learning as he walked beside her keeping good memory of her teachings.

Wild soon smelled the scent of grass, trees and flowers. He dashed ahead of the group as they arrived in the castle's royal garden. The guards who stood at the entrance saw a quick green blur swish by them as they noticed Wild rolling around in the meadow.

"I say..." One of the guards said as Twilight and her friends approached.

"Hello, um, did you happen to see a green stallion gallop this way by any chance?" She asked as the guards turned to her.

"'fraid so, miss Twilight. He went running into the garden. Rolling around in the grass." The other guard answered.

"Thank you, um, were here under Celestia's order, an invite to stay at the castle to introduce that same pony to her. I'm sorry about his um.. behavior." Twilight laughed abit nervously.

"It's alright, I suppose he's just taken with the garden's natural beauty, as most of the town folk are here... go right on inside." The guards stepped aside allowing them to enter.

The garden itself was a public area, filled with pathways that turned, going who knows where. Several ponies sat on benches, walked along the path and some were whispering about an odd pony talking to a tree, having a meaningful conversation with it. Twilight and her friends followed the rumors and eventually found Wild, among a crowd of other ponies giggling and gossiping about him.

"Um, Wild?" Twilight squeezed through the crowd as she tugged on his tail.

"Oh.. hey. Sorry, I uh guess I went and overreacted didn't I?" Wild rubbed the back of his head as he stood up. "And looks like I drew a crowd...."

"Perhaps we should go and settle in our room, before we draw any more unwanted attention." Rarity insisted.

They quickly left the park before anyone started questioning about this bizzare pony who talks to trees. Climbing up the staircase towards their little cottage, Wild seemed to slow down at the base of the steps, taking a few steps up as he looked around. Curious as he was to explore, he didn't want to cause any more commotion than he already caused. Still he sat outside for awhile, the view seemed to be mezmerizing, inside the mares unpacked their belongings. It was a rather large home, fit for a small family, enough room for each of them to have their own respective room.

Twilight noticed shortly after unpacking that Wild wasn't inside with them. She took a quick look out the window seeing the sad pony sit on the lone stair, looking up at the sky watching the pegasi fly around freely.

"Wild you ok?" She asked.

"Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine, just spaced out in my thoughts. When do I meet this princess of yours?" He replied, wagging his tail.

"Um.. one moment, I'll have to send her a note that we've arrived, odd she wasn't at the station to greet us. But she must be busy." Twilight went back inside quickly getting Spike, a quill and scroll.

Wild chuckled and went back to sky gazing, the only means of him relaxing. The clouds seemed to float along pretty quickly, only because rascally pegasi playing around with the clouds as if they were toys.

A few hours had passed, Wild had not moved from his spot since Twilight asked about him. Luckily, during the few hours he was alone, Twilight had recieved a letter informing her that Celestia was indeed a bit late, but there's a party this evening that she's attending. Upon hearing that piece of news, Rarity quickly began to stitch up a few dresses for her and her friends, since looking good was a must for this party.

Twilight peeked out the window, "Wild? Aren't you hungry?"

"Hm? Oh.. I am a little, but I wouldn't want to be a burden." He rubbed the back of his head.

"Nonsense.. here, we do have a few extra bits we saved up for the train ride, but since that was free.." She levitated a small pouch necklace, carefully putting it around his neck.

"Very kind of you, I suppose there's a shop in town that sells food..." He guessed as he stood up, stretching his legs.

"Plenty of dessert cafes around here too! You gotta try the Canterlot mega cone!" Pinkie appeared as usual out of nowhere it seems.

"I'll keep that in mind." Wild laughed, "I'll be fine."

He trotted down the path back into town, but before he was out sight Twilight shouted.

"Oh wait! Take Spike with you, he can guide you around!"

"Say what now?" Spike popped up beside Twilight as Wild Vine's vine wrapped around his waist, picking him up and pulling the little dragon towards him, and onto his back. "Well.. it's more safe than Twilight's teleporting, I'll say that much."

"Have fun you two!" Twilight said as Rarity called her to help her out with the dress designs.

Soon Wild and Spike trotted into the caste square, things were busier than before they had arrived. Several well-dressed ponies walked among the paved walk ways, most going to brunches, to visit other rich friends and such. Spike enjoyed some gemstones Wild managed to purchase on his own, nothing too expensive. They sat at a busy looking resturant, most of the ponies staring in Wild's general direction, some of the mares whispering about his odd apperance, the stallions had different opinions that Spike advised not to let them get to him.

"Geez, is everypony in this town a bit... odd to you?" Wild asked, as he ducked his head under the table.

"Seems that way, but then again they haven't seen a pony like you before." Spike said in between chewing the gemstones in his mouth.

"What makes me so different?" Wild asked, oblivious that he was using his vines to hold up a sandwhich, it's contents made of flowers and bits of hay. This sure did draw a crowd of curious ponies.

"Um... your guess is as good as mine?" Spike pointed out his vine.

"Ah... these.." Wild laughed nervously.

"I say, who let this low-life in such a high class place?" Said a stallion amongst the crowd, as they all had a laugh.

Groaning, Wild consumed his meal, leaving the money on the table, Spike jumped onto his back. The two walked off away from the crowd, to at least somewhere with more privacy. The crowd of ponies only seemed to follow them all the way around the town, Wild feeling very irritated at this point as he tried to relax under a nearby tree. Spike had a fat stomach from all the gems he consumed throughout the tour Wild took.

Feeling that enough was enough, Wild turned to the crowd and spoke, "Are you are all done following me? I'm not some wild animal."

"It can speak, how interesting." one mare said in a smug tone, and once again the laughter began again.

Wild groaned, Spike stood up, or waddled to his feet, "Hey, you leave him alone."

"Spike.. it's alright, I'm fine. They themselves are drowning in their own smug attitude, no need to drown along with them." Wild said, walking away with Spike on his back.

"My, big words for such a low class pony." Another smart remark from the laughing group of ponies.

Wild did feel even worse, but he knew well not to let the harsh words of others get him too down. After all, he's faced far much more worse things in the Everfree Forest, a few smug pony remarks failed in comparison. The sounds of their annoying voices seemed to dissappear, grown tired of failed remarks. Wild and Spike relaxed near the fountain, once again Spike had a new bowl of gems Wild bought him to eat.

The fountain water seem refreshing, as a light spray of the fountain cooled Wild Vines body as well as spirit.

"Hey.. Spike... am I really that werid?" He asked, noticing that Spike was busy eating.

"Mmmph?" He gulped his gems down, and sighed happily, "You're awesome, Wild Vine. I think you're the most unique pony in all of Equestria."

Wild smirked, noticing it was getting late, or it seemed that way. Up in the sky a few dozen pegasi were collecting what looked like grey clouds into one big bunch.

"Uh oh, we should get going, looks like the pegasi scheduled a shower. Good thing tonight's party is indoors." Spike suggested, hopping onto Wilds back. "To our cozy temporary home!"

The two headed back as quickly as they could before the rain would begin. Luckly they arrived without much to get in their way, climbing up the stairs as the rain began to pour down, lightly at first but soon would build up. A knock on the door, Twilight quickly responded, using her magic to open it, letting the boys inside where Rarity was just putting the finishing touches on her projects.

"Uh, seems like a tornado ran through here..." Wild looked around, fabrics and wooden horses were all over the place.

"She works pretty fast, I don't recall all these things in here before we left.." Spike walked around the clutter.

The girls were all dressed up in beautiful dresses, and decor all in a mere several hours. Hard to believe but this was Rarity who was known to get things done, fashion wise anyway. The party wasn't for another 2 hours Twilight thought, as Rarity was finishing her dress. she noticed Wild and Spike were lounging on the bed nearby watching them all, Spike most noteably eating more of those gems he had saved from before.

"You two must've had some fun in town, right?" She asked, remaining still.

"Sort of, as much as I enjoy going to new places, this wasn't the best. The ponies here are too high strung and up tight. Obsessed with personal looks over actual personaility." Wild said, his head snuggled into a nice pillow.

"That's Canterlot, sweetie, as much as I hate to agree with you. Some ponies here are as you say uptight, however it is for the good of high class, I suppose." Rarity said, clearly not thinking to deep on the subject when the dress at hand was far more important.

"I'm not so sure about this.. formal party then. I had a bad enough time walking into town. A party with all those ponies seems to have chaotic outcomes."

"Nonsense, sugar cube." Applejack smiled, wearing her outfit for tonight's party, "Why, ya'll are gonna have fun this evenin'. And don't you worry about them uptight ponies. For the record, they get on my nerves too."

After awhile of watching Rarity work her magic on Twilights dress, she set her sights on Wild Vine.

"Now then.. hmm, what can we do for you..." She paced back and forth, looking up and down at his figure. She finally had a spark of inspiration and immediately went to work.

Wild watched her move quickly with her fabric choices, stitchings and measurements of his body size, eventually seeing that she had made a black vest for him to wear with a fedora matching hat. She took one good long look at him, before levitating a brush to start brushing his mane and tail to at least look more appealing than it was currently.

Wild felt silly, he was used to his mane and tail looking untidy, it's what kept him warm in harsh winters after all. The party of the evening was now moved indoors as Twilight led them to the ballroom area of the castle. Wild noticed several other colts and mares in expensive looking outfits. Ahead was two double doors with two guards standing at each side, watching the colts and mares walk inside the festive looking room.

"Oh my, such lovely decor." Rarity smiled, looking around once they were inside.

Twilight stopped at the door to speak with the guards, as her friends began to mingle amongst themselves and some friends they knew in Canterlot. Wild, however, managed to find a quiet corner, as he sat with his back against the wall, watching the others have fun. Music was playing, rather dull for Pinkie's taste as she trotted up to the band and asked for a nicer, more upbeat tone, which, after awhile of Pinkie's persuasion, did they gave in and obliged.

The night seemed to drag on forever in Wild's opinion, watching the mares and stallions dance and mingle, he seemed out of place. Twilight finally walked in and joined her friends.

"The princess is due to make an appearance this evening at any moment." She said with a smile, "Where's Wild Vine?"

"I, uh, dont know.." Flutthershy answered, looking around.

"He's probably just using the bathroom or something." Rainbow Dash said as she was more interested to see if her precious Wonderbolts were attending.

It took awhile for them to notice, but evnetually they found Wild Vine leaning against a corner at the far end of the ballroom. However, the trumpets blared loudly and the princess finally arrived, the music and everypony suddenly stopping with what they were doing. The double doors swung open with Princess Celestia walking inside, aside her was her sister Princess Luna, smaller in comparison to her sister.

Everypony bowed in respect, all except Wild, for he didn't understand the concept of royalty on his part. The two alicorns sat proudly on their thrones as the party slowly stood back up.

"Princess Celestia and.. Luna?" Twilight and her friends approached them.

"Yes, greetings Twilight Sparkle and thy friends." Luna spoke, for once not using the 'tradtional Canterlot voice'.

"Hello, my little ponies. How are you all?" Celestia smiled, "Having a good time, I hope."

"Just fine, we have somone you should meet." Twilight turned around, to notice Wild had left, in his place was the fedora and vest Rarity made him. "Oh.. um... he was here."

"Are thou speaking of that green stallion?" Luna asked.

"Oh yes.. did you see where he went?"

"I believe he went in that direction, dost thou know him?"

Twilight explained the whole story while her friends went off in search of him. After awhile of searching the ballroom and the area around it without having to go outside, Wild seemed to have just disappeared. Re-grouping back in the ballroom, Twilight finally finished explaining.

"Thy really needs to make thy story less.... lengthy." Luna said, after hearing the entire thing.

"I'm sorry." Twlight laughed to herself, she noticed her friends returned, " Oh good, any sign of him?"

They had shook their heads, Twilight sighed turning to the princesses. Before speaking on, a guard galloped into the room and made his way to the princess. He whispered something to her, the expression her face seemed to be one of conern.

"Girls, I suggest we head to the garden now.. apparently there's something going on that needs our attention." She announced.

"Wild.." Twilight said to herself as they galloped out of the ballroom, the music suddenly stopping as the guests followed.

Outside near the private garden was a crowd of guards were trying to get a pony under control who snuck into the garden without permisson. Twilight and the others soon arrived, the princesses just behind them. They noticed that the guards were using their magic to create a intensifyed barrier to hold what they hadn't a clue until they approached them. The guards stepped aside, forming two neat straight lines, the barrier was made clear and to everypony's surprise it was Wild Vine.

"I will not be treated as a wild animal!" He shouted, his vines whipping at the barrier repeatedly, his hind legs kicking as well which seem to almost shatter it. He was in a panic it would seem, continually slamming his body against the barrier, cracking it even further.

"What is the meaning of this?" Celestia asked, in a demanding tone.

"Your majesty. This stallion snuck into the private garden. Upon asking him to leave he refused, we had no choice but to use force. That is when he attacked us with his bizarre snakes that seemed to be coming from his back." One of the guards said.

"Attacked? Was any of you hurt?"

"Um.. not... hurt exactly... but we had full rights to defend ourselves."

Celestia took a long look at her guards, not one of them were showing any sign of being hurt, or at least a scar or scratch on there armored areas. She found it hard to believe, even with Wild's display of panic. She commanded her guards to release the pony at once, with hesistation did the barrier-like bubble slowly dissappear, so did Wild's panic as he backed into the tree.

Luna and Celestia walked towards the scared pony, Twilight's over active imagination started to clutter her mind on possible punishments Celestia would've given him. Though banishing to the Everfree Forest would've done him a favor really, as Twilight thought. What could they possibly do to him? The suspense seemed to eat her mind.

Chapter 6

Wilds heart was beating fast, he wasn't sure what to do other than wait. Luna seemed to be taken with his wild nature, and almost destructive powers as she was first to break the silence.

"We enjoyed thy display of magic.. however, we do not see a horn on thy head." She said brushing through his hair as if it was a bush.

"Um.. I'm a earth pony... actually." Wild corrected her.

"An earth pony.. interesting. There's no need to be afraid little one. The guards had overracted to the situation at hand. They forget the private garden is always open to the citizens.." Celestia turned to her guards.

"I thought you told me you got that memo.." The guard said to another, trying to sort this all out.

Celestia shook her head and returned her attention to Wild who calmed down somewhat, though Luna was getting into his personal space, touching his mane, and tail, still looking for that horn.

"Um, Luna.." Twilight tried to get her attention.

"Oh, um, yes, well we apologize for being so.. rude." Luna returned to her sister's side.

"Wild Vine, I apologize for my guards behavior, allow me to make it up to you." Celestia insisted as her guards returned to duty.

"N-no there's no need, I'm sorry for causing a ruckus." Wild laughed nervously.

"We must know what thy does with thy mane, it has the most enticing smell." Luna asked, Twilight noticed a pattern here with Wild's mane being the center of attention, she hoped it wasn't a sickness or something. She kept a mental note to investigate when they got back home.

"Seems Luna's quite taken with you.. with that said, I welcome you to Equestria, it's hard to believe we've never met until now." Celestia smiled, "I've heard rumors in my travels and read stories of the Everfree forest, but you're something special. An earth pony who can do magic is very rare, and mostly unheard of."

"We find you most.. interesting, Wild Vine." Luna added, once again getting really close to him.

"T-thank you... erm.." Wild Vine sighed, "I'm sorry, I should just return home.. I'm already causing far more of an impact than I was hoping for, that is to say no impact was my expectancy."

"But why?" Everypony seemed to ask at once.

"Some stories should stay stories. I should remain in the story books, and among just plain old folk tales." Wild sulked.

"Nonsense, you shouldn't be ashamed of what you are Wild Vine. You should really embrace your talents.... Something tells me you had a traumatic childhood." Celestia asked, knowing she was right judging on Wild's sad expression.

"Sister. must we speak of such harsh memories?" Luna objected to the idea.

Wild laughed a bit, "I don't even remember that far back.. the trees never told me about the day I was found in the forest. They said I wouldn't be the same."

"The trees.. told you?" Celestia looked confused.

"I can speak with nature, it's just one of my powers.. but I shouldn't brag about it.. eheh.."

"Hmm.. At any rate, I'd like you to remain in Canterlot. To get to know you more, and perhaps document your progress and tell the real story." Celestia suggested, Luna nodded.

"As much as I would like that idea.. I'd rather remain in Ponyville.. I feel.. more at home there, your majesty." Wild Vine hoped she can reconsider her decision.

Before she could speak, a crash of lighting startled them. Celestia decided it would be best to head back inside, the storm was getting worse and there was no need to really get electrocuted at a time like this. Inside, the smug ponies of Canterlot were already gossiping about the incident, most giving Wild a glare.

"I sure do feel like public enemy number 1 right about now..." Wild said to himself.

"Nonsense dear, you are nothing like that." Rarity said with a cute giggle.

"I must agree, thy really are far more than just some ruffian." Luna said, the two of them had sandwiched Wild Vine between them as they walked, which got alot of ponies in the ballroom attention.

"Is it me.. or are those two really getting friendly with Wild.. all of a sudden?" Twilight asked Applejack.

"They are actin' a bit screwy in the head, never seen Rarity act like that unless it's fashion. Not to mention that Luna's actin the same way." Applejack rubbed the back of her head.

"You remember when your brother was tricked into dating miss Cheerilee?" Rainbow Dash mentioned.

"Yeah.. I remember, Apple Bloom was grounded and had to work extra hard that apple buck season. But what yall implying?"

"Oh dear, you don't think Wild Vine has some of that love poison in his mane, do you?" Twilight remembered that it was indeed her fault the fillys had the book to make that potion in the first place.

"Now yall talkin crazy. First of all, none of us knew Wild Vine existed at the time. I dunno what other reason there is for that there ponies odd mane aroma."

Twilight thought about it for awhile, making her top priority to get down to the bottom of Wild Vines mane. For now the party continued for awhile, Wild was made the guest of honor, he felt embarassed being in the spotlight when he'd rather be just your average stallion with vines growing out of his back than praised somewhat.

The storm had gotten worse, as the party soon began to calm down. Celestia and her sister Luna escorted Twilight and her friends to the main hall, where the Elements of Harmony were kept. Stained glassed windows seem to occupy both sides of the room, Wild stopped at each one, staring meaningfully at the design and pictures. Celestia spoke to Twilight about the arrangements of studying Wild Vine and his nature, her friends would of course assist in the study and help anyway they could.

"Dost thou have a problem, my fairest Wild Vine?" Luna asked as Rarity was next to her again, seems like she wasn't fond of Luna's sudden interest in him but kept calm about making a scene.

"No, not at all. I'm just admiring the art design on these.. windows." He looked up at one in specific, the glass shown 6 ponies that strangely looked very similar to his friends, as they seemed to be firing beams towards a mare who also looked like Luna. " Whats this all about?" He asked.

"Believe it or not, this mare beside me used to be much.. taller, and evil, about to bring Equestria in an eternal state of night." Rarity explained as Luna interupted.

"Rest assured that I no longer have intentions of doing such a thing. The Elements returned me to what thy see before you." Luna proudly stood.

Wild took a longer look at the glass window before moving onto the next. He did enjoy a good story, it was the only source of entertainment back home in the forest, other than avoiding getting eaten. He stopped by the next one, seeing that it was similar to the last, only this time an odd creature replacing the mare in the last window.

"Odd looking thing.. and that's saying alot." Wild said turning to his two escorts.

"That odd fellow is actually Discord. A handful really. He spent most of his short time among us causing all sorts of crazy things." Rarity explained, trying to forget those events.

"Y.. yes, mostly causing bizzare weather patterns, pratically causing all sorts of chaos." Flutthershy had noticed Wild had a curiosity of a small child at a museum.

"Chaos? That explained that one odd day over the forest.. the clouds were pink.." Wild thought remembering that one odd day.

"And chocolate rain! Delicious chocolate puddles.." Pinkie began to drool, all that chocolate milk from before tasted yummy.

"Taking in on our windows are we?" Celestia managed to break away from Twilight as she followed her. "They tell various stories, but I see you already knew that."

"Seems like you all made name for yourselves." Wild mentioned to Twilight who blushed in embarassement.

Wild eventually visited each window as Luna and Rarity following, glaring at each other whenever Wild wasn't looking. He stopped in front of a massive door, an odd design of a sun painted on it and what looked like a hole in the center of it.

"Wild, as much as I don't mind your curious mind, we should continue your arrangements." Celestia grabbed his attention. "I wouldn't want to banish you to the forest or something like that, it wouldn't be fair."

Wild sat where he stood, Twilight and her friends were at Celestias side. Luna and Rarity still at each others throats but through staring and nothing physical.

"Now as for your arrangement, I'd like for you to help Twilight understand you better and your powers. I believe you've already visited Ponyville and felt much more at home than here, yes?"

Wild nodded," It's as close to home as it can be really."

"I understand, but for the sake of the project, I would recommend you to remain in Ponyville for this. As much as I know you must miss your home in the Everfree forest, I'd much rather have you in the town for safety reasons."

Wild felt sad, being restricted from his own home, but he did have to pay somehow. The least he can do is give Twilight the chance to examine him without the need of any disection at the least. He nodded, agreeing with the terms.

"Twilight, you and your friends do show Wild Vine a wonderful time here in Equestria. Keep him happy and give him the best hospitality you can give. I'll be looking forward to your findings." Celestia smiled, "Come along sister, we best retire this evening. The storm won't be letting up until later in the morning."

Celestia walked off towards her room, Luna finding it hard to leave at first but she gave Wild a quick hug that drove Rarity mad, Luna sticking out her tongue before she caught up to her sister.The two dissappeared in a flash of light. Twilight and her friends escorted Wild and themselves back to the cottage.

The storm raged outside, the pegasi really outdid themselves with this one. Rain hitting hard on the roof and windows of the small cottage, Wild Vine yawned and snuggled well in his sheets. Hearing the rain outside along with the sound of it against the window relaxed him. Twilight and her friends shared one bedroom, despite the cottage having enough room for them to have at least one bed room to each of them. A slumber party was going on, leaving Wild all alone to rest up as suggested by Spike who was already asleep along side Wild's bed. Spike brung along his bed basket from home for sleep related emergencies. Rarity managed to sneak away long enough to visit Wild at least.

She noticed Spike's bed, along with the baby dragon fast asleep in it. Rarity giggled, levitating the basket and placing it on the far side of the room on top of a dresser. "Now then, time to show up that fussy Princess of the night. Wild's far to good for her." Rarity fluffyed her crest and giggled.

Wild was half asleep, hearing Rarity whisper something about the princess. He didn't pay to much mind on what she said, rather than what she was planning to do. He heard her hooves tap on the floors, getting closer and closer to his bed. He woke up, to his surprise she vanished from his sight, the curious stallion leaned over the edge of the bed, to his right to take a peek under the bed to make sure she wasn't pulling a fast one on him. The bed suddenly sank a little, he knew he didn't weigh that much to make the bed creak. He slowly sat up and looked behind him, Rarity crawled into the bed beside him, taking a good long look at his rear end.

"Oh dear...this feels..awkward." Wild said to himself, "the trees back home never mentioned this, all they talked about were the birds and the bees, this has nothing to do with such lies!"

"Talking to yourself now dear? Now that's just too crazy, why dont you talk to me?" Rarity giggled, running her hoof in his tail, big and bushy as it was.

"Shouldn't.. you be with the others? I hate to keep you from having fun with the others." He laughed nervously.

"Nonsense! They are fine without me for now. It's just you and me. I'm sure Pinkie Pie's games will keep them all occupied long enough." She turned him around, flipping him onto his back.

"Long... enough for what exactly?" He grew more nervous, without Rarity noticing his vines slithered out from his back, and made their way out the door.

"Oh for alittle Q&A, but we can skip that." She climbed right on top of him, "Now buckle up."

Wild gulped, his vine hurried towards the door where the rest of the mares were staying. Or so he thought, he didn't know what room exactly they were in, as the kissing commenced. His vine visited the first room and knocked, after no one answering it went to the next. The more he kept trying, the more of Rarity's tongue played with his.

"Aww.. no fair!" Pinkie boasted. "How do you always win at bingo Fluttershy?"

"Just a lucky card I guess." Flutthershy blushed.

A knocking was heard from the door, a panic-like knocking that got Twilight's attention since everyone else were too scared to open it, Rainbow Dash had already went to bed for the evening so she couldn't hear it. They opened the door, as the vine quickly wrapped around Twilights waist, as it pulled her away in one quick yank.

"Eeep! Twilight's been taken by aliens!" Pinkie yelled.

"Uh I don't think that was an alien, look more like a vine... come to think of it, where's Rarity?" Applejack wondered, then rushed out the door following Twilight's screams, Fluttershy and Pinkie followed.

Twilight screams soon stopped when the vine released her infront of Wild's door that was slightly open, the vine gestured her to look inside. Rarity was sitting right on top of Wild, finishing the kiss as a trail of spit connected their parted lips.

"Rarity!" Twlight barged into the room, scaring the mare right off of Wild Vine, in the wrong direction as she fell forward, her lower half was in his face as she tried to make it look like it was all an accident.

"Oh Twilight... I was just.. braiding Wild's hair, you know, just trying to keep our friendship strong." She laughed, rubbing her hooves together, blushing that Wild was right under her. That is until he used his vines to lift her off him. " Ohh my, strong isn't he?"

He coughed slightly, " I do believe this is.. yours?" Wild placed Rarity beside Twilight, Rarity feeling awful and more so embarassed than usual.

"I'm so sorry Wild... we really should get into why your mane is attracting so much attention from not only Rarity but princess Luna." Twilight pushed Rarity out of the room, "For now, I think I'll be putting a lock spell on your door that will last until morning. I hope Rarity didn't hurt you."

"If by hurt you mean violated.." Wild said under his breath, "I'll be ok... since I'm up I'll, uh, do some reading..."

Twilight nudged Rarity out of the room one last time, closing the door behind them, then casting a spell on the door, making it impossible for Rarity to open even if she used her own magic to break it down. Rarity groaned, but at least she had a longer intimate moment than last time, it was one more than Luna was ever going to get. Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy returned to their room, along with Rarity, feeling triumphant as she snuggled into her bed with a big smile on her face.

The storm was letting up somewhat as Wild Vine climbed out of his bed. He yawned, feeling tired but was too stubborn to really go back to bed after that intimate moment. It's not like he wasn't enjoying it, however it felt rushed somewhat, he needed something to occupy his mind for the moment as he examined the bookshelf on any piece of literature he can possibly read. Picking up one that seemed interesting, entitled, "The Mare and Her Body", would answer any questions he had. He grabbed the book with his vine, climbed back into bed, spending some time with the book.

Time flew by fast, the sound of birds chirping happly when the clouds had departed, letting the sun shine through the windows of the small cottage. Twilight and her friends were up early, packing their things, ready for the ride back home. Wild Vine soon emerged from his room, yawning tiredly as he had a long night of self discovery, so to speak, as he trotted down the stairs.

"Good morning Wild, say, did you move my bed basket? And what was all that ruckus last night? A nightmare?" Spike asked.

"One can describe it that way..." Wild joked, "No nothing bad happened, and sorry about moving your basket. I, uh, tend to roll alot in my sleep."

Spike smirked lightly, unaware of last night's true events. After they finished packing the group left their cottage, heading for the station. Wild ignored most, if not all, the smugness of the unicorns as they trotted into town. Some mares gave him an odd look, from what he learned they had an particular interest in him. Rarity, however, kept them distant, walking side by side with Wild, only embarassing him even further, much like having a mother walk her colt to school each and every day while makimg baby cooing sounds. Despite that, the walk to the station was at least tolerable than his first arrival, he often stopped to chat with some curious but nice stallions and mares, hard to believe in Wild's mind.

The smell of the charcoal from the train filled the air, Twilight waited for her friends to board the train first to make sure everypony was accounted for. Aboard the train, Wild jumped into bed, the top bunk this time to avoid any repeats from the last time. The trip was going to be a long one, not to mention his new sentence in helping Twilight and her friends understand him more. Finally the train took motion after awhile of preperation and the jorney back home began.

The sun shined brightly in the sky and through the windows of the passenger car. Wild couldn't sleep, so instead he watched the passing scenery, listening to his friends down below him speak and talk about what exciting ideas they had in store for him. He wasn't paying too much mind to their chatter as the scenery had his attention at the time.

The train ran through until dusk, making good pacing, as Ponyville was on the horizon. Spike had eventually coughed up a new scroll from the princesses, one of which was from Luna that Rarity immedeatly threw out the window, she knew darn well the letter was for Wild Vine and she wouldn't let her have the satisfaction. "Rarity!" Twilight caught the tossed scroll, using her magic to levitate it back inside there cabin. "What's gotten into you?"

"Into me? What's gotten into that princess Luna is the more interesting question I'd like answered. Sending letters to my Wildy, the nerve." Rarity pouted.

"I don't know what's going on here with your sudden obsession with Wild Vine is, but that doesn't mean you should act rude. Besides, what's the possbility this scrolls even for Wild. Spike, if you please, read the scroll."

Spike cleared his throat, "Hear ye hear ye, I, princess Luna, haveth a message for thou, Wild Vine. I wish you luck on fitting in, dost thou not believe this, but I too used to be an outcast, trying hard to fit in, perhaps we can get together and share ideas. From Princess..."

Rarity grabbed the scroll and tore it up, "See? Now what did I just tell you. The nerve of that she-devil."

"Ugh, this is getting annoying.." Rainbow Dash groaned, "Seriously, what's with you and Wild? If ya ask me, you're just scaring him."

Rarity rolled her eyes and trotted elegantly back to her bed, "You wouldn't understand a pony's desire, and see that her friends are denying her that is just unforgivable."

"How far are we from home? This here is getting very odd and down right over done, no offense of course sugarcube." Applejack nudged Wild's bunk.

"Hm? Oh, um, its ok. Sorry, I'm just spaced out.." He laughed nervously, though seeing Rarity making kissy faces at him only made him feel more nervous, at least her kissy attacks would already be blocked by Applejack, jumping in front of Rarity snapping her out of it. Twilight then read the other scroll from Celestia, wishing her good luck on her up coming Wild studies.

Halting with a loud hiss from the trains engine, followed by a loud whistle, they finally arrived back home. It was nearly night, the sun had gone down with shades of orange and blue mixed in the sky above, some pegasi were flying back to their respective cloud homes. Twilight and the others quickly got off train, parting ways until tomorow morning, Wild was informed by Twilight that he'd be staying at her residence for the time being, and to keep a close eye on him if he gets attacked again by Rarity.

"I better get to Sugarcube Corner, Gummy's probably still awake and waiting." Pinkie Pie said to Twilight, Rarity and Wild. They were heading in the same general direction, so they decided to band up for now. Pinkie was first to part, gaving Wild a hug, and bounced happly inside her home.

Rarity was next along the way, as much as she didn't want to leave. But she kept her dignity, and sophistication, arriving at her front door with her friends. She turned to Wild, eye lashes batting at him as she giggled. Her sophistaction and dignity were not applied when she tackled him down, and started to make out with him again, more hungry than before. Twilight groaned, using her magic to levitate Rarity right off of Wild, allowing him to get back up, opening Rarity's front door and tossing her inside. She landed safely on a lush bed, the door slamming shut behind her.

"That was... uncalled for.." Wild coughed, "and thanks again, Twilight. Though the tossing seemed a bit overboard..."

"Sorry, we really need to get home, Spike fell asleep again..." Spike snored loudly on her back, "he's pretty heavy, and it's been a long day."

Wild laughed, walking besides her to Twilight's library tree house. The door swung open, once again by her magic, Twilight tiredly trotted up to her bed, levitating her belongings and Spike, along with his bed, onto the floor beside the bed. She tossed herself into her bed, face buried into her pillow.

Completely forgetting about Wild Vine, she fell asleep, leaving the curious stallion alone in her house. Wild walked around the bottom floor of the house, looking around at her bookshelves, picking a few out to read. It was the dead of night, the crickets were chirping, owls began to hoot and the wind was blowing. Wild had went through several books rather quickly, learning new things.

He yawned, standing back up and walking towards the door to the balcony. He opened the door, closing it behind him, as he took a leaf from the tree, using his magic to enlarge it as well as grow a bed of leaves for him to sleep on. He snuggled into bed, staring up at the stars. The sky was a dark shade of blue, the stars were shining brightly as was the moon. Wild stood up once again, jumping into the branches of the tree, climbing up to the top, getting a better look of the entire town.

Looking towards the Everfree Forest, he noticed something odd. A shadow that was out of place, and moving about the tree tops of the forest. His eyes began to glow for a better look, however even with his night vision eyes he couldn't keep up with what was moving about the tree tops, only catching glimpses until it dissappeared. He sighed and smiled, feeling more at home than he was back in Canterlot. Tomorrow, if he had time, he'd go out to search for that shadow, for now his bed was calling him, he climbed down and crawled back in bed, resting for the day ahead.

Chapter 7

The sun was slowly rising, the birds were chirping and singing, Twilight slowly rose from her bed, yawning loudly. Her mane was a mess, walking towards her mirror and brush, levitating it, beginning to brush her messy mane. Spike was up earlier getting breakfast going, realizing that today began the mark of her Wild Vine study, Twilight searched around the house for him.

"Good morning Spike. Have you seen Wild?" She asked, the smell of Spike's food made her drool for a moment, her stomach grumbled.

"Wild... hmm.. did you check out in the balcony? I heard him rummaging around last night when I got up to get a glass of milk." Spike mentioned, Twilight climbing her stairs reaching to the doors leading to Wild's little outdoor bed.

She giggled nudging Wild gently, he groaned for a moment, crawling out of his moss blanket. He yawned, pretty cute in Twilight's eyes as he stood up.

"Hey, good morning Twilight." Wild stretched, "Wow, morning already?"

"Mmhm, slept well I hope, we have plenty to do today." Twilight mentioned, walking back inside with Wild following her. "First, we need to investigate that mane of yours.. but I'll just take a small sample to study as you take this list I prepared for you."

Wild laughed lightly, "Ya know, it's just morning, relax, the whole day is ahead of us."

"I am aware, that's why I have it all planned out for yourself so you won't get too bored or even lost on what Celestia wants you to do."

"I think me getting bored won't be a problem. And a sample of what exactly? I hope this doesn't involve a needle of some kind..." Wild asked, tilting his head as Spike handed him a hay sandwich.

"Just your mane. I really need to look into what makes it so alluring. I can't keep saving you from Rarity's sudden lust for you." Twilight walked up to Wild Vine and carefully used her magic to pluck a single hair from his mane.

Wild recalled, when he was back in Canterlot, the books he read on mares and desires, along many of other things. "I hope it's just lust, and not what's-it-called.. heat... and what are you going to do with my hair and..... that doohickey?"

He noticed that Twilight was already undergoing her little expierments on his hair sample, currently looking at it through a microscope. He rubbed the back of his mane, Spike shrugged, climbing onto his back while holding a scroll.

"We better leave her alone.. once she's like this, it's hard to get her out of it." Spike suggested, "Let's just start on her list, shall we?"

"Sounds like a good idea, I need to stretch my hooves a bit." Wild smirked, walking out the front door, Twilight was too busy intensely studying the sample to notice them leaving.

The sun was shining brightly, the clouds were being cleared by some of the early working pegasi. Spike opened the scroll, skimming through the contents, letting Wild Vine walk towards town square, saying hello to a few ponies passing by. They seemed very accepting of Wild, much more so than the Canterlot ponies, a few mares giggled as he walked by. Wild hoped Twilight can tell him whether what was in his mane contagious and airborn or not.

"Alright, first on Twilight's list... make the Entertain Wild Vine List... uh check." Spike sighed.

"She's really... specific with her planning." Wild laughed.

"Ok, here we go, Visit the school today and introduce yourself to the kids and miss Cheerilee." Spike pointed Wild in the right direction, the school wasn't too far from the square.

A short walk as it was, Wild took his time, running into Big Mac, saying a quick hello. He was busy pulling a wagon of apples into town to sell, Wild didn't want to keep him as they parted ways. The school bell rang, the colts and fillies ran inside quickly. Cheerilee was standing outside to make sure everyone came back inside. She noticed Spike and Wild Vine approaching the school, she smiled and introduced herself.

"Oh hello Spike, how are you?" She greeted them,

"Just fine, showing my good friend here Wild Vine around, Twilight asked us to make a stop here to introduce him." He explained.

"Ah, hello Wild Vine, haven't seen you after the big party. Nice to see you're doing well. Why don't you come inside? I'm sure Apple Bloom and her friends would love to see you." Cheerilee opened the door, walking inside with Spike and Wild folowing right behind her.

The colts and fillies were speaking amongst themselves, Apple Bloom noticed Wild immedately, alerting her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell. They ran up to Wild and snuggled his forelegs.

"Wild! How are you? We missed you." Apple Bloom said with a sniffle, she really did miss him.

"Please, let's not make this sappy... where ya been Wild?" Scootaloo asked.

"I was in Canterlot..." Wild began to explain until a little filly interupted, in a smug attitude that he knew all to well from his visit to Canterlot.

"Ha, who's this? That odd looking pony you three found in that forest? His mane is so unkept it's almost sad." She said in a smug tone.

"Diamond Tiara, mind your manners." Cheerilee warned her.

"Don't you pay attention to that there snake in the grass. Shes always making fun of someone." Apple Bloom shot a glare in Tiara's direction.

"Yeah, she's just jealous we actually found a legend!" Sweetie Belle boasted.

'Oohs' and 'ahhs' were heard from the small class, mixing together. Wild blushed in embarassment, he didn't think he was a big deal, just an earth pony with magic vines. Diamond Tiara scoffed, pretending to be unimpressed as she saw that everypony was far more interested in Wild, gathering around him and not her.

"Wild Vine, do you think you can stay and tell us a story? " Apple Bloom asked, the others liking her idea.

"I'm sorry, as much as we like to stay we gotta keep up with Twilights schedule. We don't want a repeat of what happened last time..." Spike shuttered at the thought.

"It's ok, we can arrange something some other time." Cheerilee said, "For now, everypony, it's time for class, say farewell to Wild Vine."

Wild bid farewell to the colts and fillies, Apple Bloom gave him one big hug before him leaving the school. He trotted down the path back to town, Spike now walking beside him.

"Visit school check... alright lets see here up next..." He scrolled down the list, "Help Rarity..."

"Wait what? She wants me to help the one mare in Ponyville who has the hots for me? Alone? Where she can do all sorts of things to me?" Wild questioned.

"Hots for you, huh?" Spike groaned, "anyway, we are suppose to help her gather gemstones for her supplies, speaking of which I can go for some rubies.. or maybe a sapphire."

"I'm still not so sure about... this idea. But um, ok.. I'm not responsible for what will happen.." Wild laughed, a bit hesitantly.

Rarity meanwhile, was hard at work. Designing a few new dresses for an important client, nearing completion she took a small break, having some nice tea to calm her nerves. Her thoughts wandered away from her current project, as Wild Vine was now invading her thoughts, making her sigh in a dreamy kind of way.

"Such a busy day, all this is just keeping me from.. him.." She sighed, sipping more of her tea, mixing up a new brew using her magic, "If it weren't for the others, I would've had him in my grasp. As Celestia as my witness I will have that stallion mount me! Mount me Wild Vine!"

Spike and Wild overheard her demanding yell, even with the door closed they heard her cry. Spike looked at Wild who looked back at him.

"Mount? What is she talk about?" He asked, Wild gulped trying to avoid the answer to his question.

"Oh um.. well then, she seems stressed out over... something.." Wild laughed nervously.

"Don't avoid the question, what does she mean mount? Is she trying to get a saddle on or something?"

"When your older, Spike.. when your older you'll learn all about it. For now we shouldn't bother her." Wild suggested.

"Nonsense! We came here to get me some gemstones! I mean.. get Rarity some gemstones.. ehehe.. Look, if you help her out, I'm sure she'll be very grateful!"

"You don't know even half of it..." Wild mumbled. He sighed and knocked on the door, waiting for Rarity to realize who it was or bother to come answer the door.

"Oh dear.. I'm coming!" Rarity quickly took one more sip of tea before adjusting her mane, and trotted off to the door. She swing it open with her magic of course, "Welcome.... to..."

"Hey Rarity!" Spike jumped infront of her view. "Twilight sent us to help you gather gemstones."

"Has she now? My my... and she sent the best of the litter to help me." Rarity stared meaningful at Wild Vine.

"Aw, I'm just any old dragon willing to help." Spike blushed taking the compliment that was really meant for Wild.

"So.. um, hi Rarity? How are you this fine day?" Wild asked.

"Oh, I'm doing fantastic.. as if all my troubles just melted away as soon as you came." She giggled, "So, come to help little ol' me?"

"Y-yeah, ehehe." Wild laughed, "As if by choice.." He thought to himself as she kept her eyes locked on him.

"Hm... well, as much as I would love to go with you Wild Vine, please forgive me. I'm actually far to busy to keep this commission given to me up to date. Please, won't you be a dear and go out with Spike here to the gorge for some of these." Rarity levitated a small list of gems specifically for her commission. Despite her hungry lust for him, keeping her client happy was just a bit more important, by 1% anyway.

Spike opened the scroll, "Sapphires, fire rubies, diamonds.. emeralds, pearls... wow this is a big shopping list. But nothing I can't handle, Rarity." Spike said proudly.

Wild chuckled, letting Spike at least take the credit for this little assignment. At least she wasn't drooling over him at the moment. "Alright, I can sense the gemstones pretty good, infact we might not even go to gorge." Wild scooped up Spike onto his back.

"Thank you Wild, you're so kind." Rarity rubbed his cheek, almost like she would a small colt. "Come back soon.. and maybe we can... have a moment together, mmh?"

"Scratch that.. she's still obsessed with me. That didn't last long." Wild thought, "No problem Rarity we'll be back soon."

Rarity blew them a kiss which Spike took as a sign of affection for him mostly. Wild rolled his eyes, laughing at the way he was acting. They trotted off towards the Everfree Forest, passing Fluttershy's cottage. Spike and Wild noticed she was busy helping a big bear with a hive stuck on his head. Spike laughed, Wild shook his head knowing Fluttershy had this under control so they kept walking towards the forest.

"I thought we were going to the gorge?" Spike asked, looking around.

"We don't have to... watch this." Wild Vine bucked him off his back, Spike landing on his feet. Wild stood on his hind legs, his forelegs up in the air as he stomped the ground, a loud vibration shook from the impact, enough for Spike to wobble around.

When the tremors had stopped, the sound of something being fired was heard. Wild pulled Spike back a few feet as it began to rain gemstones. Spikes jaw dropped at the sight of so many gemstones, which were being caught in a leaf basket Wild had created using his vines.

"How... what.... who..." At a lost for words, Spike looked up at Wild.

"I told you, I'm one with this earth, I can tell where they are just by walking around. How I did that, if your wondering, well think of a volcano, and instead of spewing forth harmful magma, I just used small holes in the ground as cannons to shoot them here." Wild explained.

Spike was tearing up, "You... are... amazing!" He held the biggest sapphire he'd ever seen and started to nibble away at it.

"Aren't you a happy dragon. Looks like we have all the gems on Rarity's list, hopefully she won't be too.. reward giving." Wild gathered the vine basket placing it on his back, Spike dove inside the basket and sighed contently.

"Wild Vine, I think you and I are going to be the best of friends.." Spike examined another gemstone, his eyes sparkle in delight and happiness.

"Easy there Spike, remember, these are for Rarity's commission.. whatever that means." Wild trotted off back to Rarity's shop, keepin an eye on Spike and his hunger for gems.

Meanwhile Rarity was just nearing completion of her commissioned dresses. All she needed was the gemstones, waiting in her foyer, drinking more of her relaxing tea. Once again her mind was filled with fantasy, most, if not all, were naughty, relating to a certain green stallion. Her cat was nearby, rolling her eyes, scratching up a piece of fabric. Normally she would be scolded by her owner for doing such a thing but Rarity was far to distracted.

"Spike, will you relax on those rubies, your going to get one heck of a stomach ache." Wild was heard talking to Spike who just engulfed about several rubies at once.

"But.. just 12 more?" Spike asked, eating more rubies.

"Ugh, you already forgot why we got these, didn't you... good thing I had gotten plenty of rubies at least..."

Wild knocked on the door, and almost as soon as he knocked the door swung open, Rarity smiled happy to see him. Spike waved hello, then swallowed the wad inside his mouth in one gulp then going for more.

"Spike! Don't you eat all those gems now, sweetie. You'll get a stomach ache." Rarity demanded, levitating the basket off of Wild's back, Spike jumped off , landing on Wild's back, he was a little more heavier than before.

"Urrgh.. too much..." He burped and passed out on Wild's back.

"Yeesh.." Wild sighed, "Anyway, you're welcome Rarity, if there's anything else I can..." He paused on his last words, seeing that Rarity was awfully close, her eyes once again locked with his, waiting for him to finish what he wanted to say. "Um... ehehe... Rarity.. personal space?"

"Hmm? Playing shy, aren't we?" She giggled, "Please do come inside for some tea, perhaps some relaxing time?"

"I, um.. would love to... but me and Spike here have a lot to do.. right Spike?" Wild turned, Spike was passed out and the only response was a burp. "Thanks kid..."

"Nonsense, please do come in, at least for a nice cup of tea my dear." Rarity insisted, pushing him into her shop. With Twilight and the others busy, not to mention Spike being asleep, nothing was stopping her from achieving her little goal of getting Wild all to herself.

Wild remained calm, trotting over to a table letting the gems spill from his basket onto it, along with Spike who remained asleep right ontop of the pile. Wild chuckled a bit as Rarity waited for him at the table near the window leading to the balcony. He trotted on over, hesitant at first, knowing very well being alone with her was far more dangerous than any dragon he faced back home.

"Rarity.. mind if I ask you something?" Wild's eyes wondered around her shop, looking around at the decor and mess of her place.

"Hm? What is it darling? Is it something.. personal?" She giggled, sipping a empty tea cup, she hadn't bother to notice that it wasn't full.

"Tell me, are you.. um.." Wild tried to keep the conversation away from anything to personal, judging by that giggle he thought of a different question, "What I mean to ask is, I'm curious about what you do exactly."

"What I do? Oh dear, I make dresses, fashion for high class ponies. I thought that was clear back in Canterlot.." Rarity answered, this time pouring tea in her cup and Wild's.

"I understand that, but why the gemstones? And such an abundance of them too."

"Oh Wild, you sure are naive, I like that." Rarity giggled, "Some of the ponies I get commissioned by are from Canterlot, having expensive tastes requires such gemstones to please their eyes."

"Commissioned? Is that some... kind of soup?" Wild tilted his head, he wasn't to into the business lingo.

Rarity smiled and leaned against the table, getting closer, "It's when someone hires someone else to do something important, for a modest fee of course."

"Eheh.. and what are the limits to that... exactly..?" Wild began to get nervous, taking a shaking sip from the tea cup.

"Oh, depends on the person.." Rarity brushed her mane out of her eyes, "You're so nervous, you shouldn't be. I don't bite... hard."

Before Wild knew what he got himself into, Rarity was on top of the table laying there, gazing into his eyes. Wild began to sweat lightly, Rarity closing in for the kill....

"Look out below!" A cry was heard coming from what seemed the ceiling.

In an instant, Rainbow Dash crashed right ontop of Wild Vine, thankfully her face wasn't any where near his mane to get a wiff of it. As the debris and dust settled, she sat up, sitting on Wild who was flat on his stomach, groaning in some pain.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity huffed, turning a bright red, feeling awfully embarassased, not to mention angry.

"Aww.. man... I thought 29 loops were going to be a breeze... guess not." Rainbow Dash rubbed her head, but then was lifted right off of Wild and was flung into a bed of cloths nearby.

"Wild, are you alive, my love!" Rarity, being her dramatic self, cried.

"Hey, watch it with the magic, will ya?!" Rainbow flew out of cloth pile noticing what she did to Wild, "Oops...um, you ok there buddy?"

"Eeeeyup.. just had a pegasus fall from the sky right on top of me.. typical day..." Wild groaned getting onto his feet.

"Oh, uh, sorry about that Wild.." Rainbow Dash chuckled, she couldn't help herself sometimes to laugh.

"How could you do such a horrible thing to my Wild!" Rarity yelled at her, completely ignoring the massive gaping hole in her cieling.

"Hey, it's not my fault. Your house just so happen to be in my looping zone." Rainbow Dash defended.

"Look, I'm fine, I'll just take Spike and go on our merry way thank you." Wild said, not sounding angry, oddly enough, for someone who just got tackled out of no where. Wild scooped up Spike with his vines, trotting out the door with the list in his mouth.

Rarity's heart sank and blood began to boil, giving Rainbow Dash a glare that sent chills down her spine. With a forced smile on her face, Rainbow Dash quickly flew out of Rarity's home, leaving her to calm down and repair her house, sighing in defeat and failure to get Wild to mount her. Soon he'd be hers, soon....

The sun was still shinning pretty brightly, Wild Vine trotted back to the town square with Spike surprisingly still asleep after all that chaos back at Rarity's place. He sat down, letting Spike roll off his back onto the ground, still passed out, looking over bar the bakery shop, Sugar Cube Corner. He noticed Pinkie Pie was jumping out of the shops front door, hopping happly. Wild took a quick look at the list Twilight had given Spike, remembering that she was awfully busy, he assumed, on finding out about his mane.

"Hey Wildy!" Pinkie greeted in her usual cheerful tone.

"Heya Pinkie," Wild smiled, "How goes it?"

"Oh, just full of sunshine and oats this fine afternoon. I was supposed to go help Twilight with something... at sometime today but I'm bad with scheduling." Pinkie smiled, noticing Spike passed out beside them.

"Don't mind him.. he's had quite the day of endulging himself." Wild stood up, "and, ironically, it says here on this list 'Go to Sugar Cube Corner to help with the baking.' Not sure what there it to.. bake."

"Oh, you must be kidding! There's, like, a bazillion things we can do! Come to think of it, I think that was the reason Twilight wanted me to come over in the first place." Pinkie tried to remember but she soon changed the subject, "Ah well, out of my mind now, lets get baking!"

Grabbing him by his hoof, Pinkie dashed right back into the bakery, leaving Spike to sleep alone out near the town square, dragging Wild with her. The smell of sweets and cakes seem to fill Wild's nostrils when he was inside the bakery. Mr.and Mrs Cake, the owners, were busy with customers at the time, Pound and Pumpkin cake, their children were playing around the store too. Pinkie hopped over to the little colt and filly, picking them up onto her back as she trotted over back to Wild.

"Wildy, meet these bundles of joy, Pumpkin and Pound Cake. They are a handful so don't let them fool you with their cute ways.." Pinkie remembered the first time watching these little ones, and all she went through.

Wild leaned in, as the little ones giggled and laughed. They seem quite taken with him, rather more quickly than when Pinkie first met them. After awhile of playing with them, Pinkie took the little ones to their room and returned to Wild downstairs. He was relaxing near stakes of cake near the window, he was given a snack by Mrs.Cake, while he waited for Pinkie.

"Sorry about that. Now then, lets get baking!" Pinkie announced happly.

Wild followed Pinkie back into the kitchen area of the bakery. While Wild looked around, a curious pony as he was, Pinkie found her cook book, skimming through the pages for a easy cupcake recipe.

"How about we make.. pumpkin flavored cupcakes with strawberry icing!" Pinkie giggled.

"Sounds pretty good, so, um, how do we... make such a thing?" Wild asked, tilting his head.

"Ok, lets see here... first get several bowls..." Pinkie started to list, helping Wild gather the items she spoke of, Wild held the book with his vines to help her read while she gathered the ingredients.

Once everything was set out for Wild to examine, Pinkie took the book back and decided to let Wild handle the ingredients and mixing, to see how he'd do for his first time.

"Okie dokie, now that we went over what everything is, just follow what I tell you." Pinkie gave him a pat on his back for good luck, hopping back over to the book. "Ok, first add flower and water to the bowl... stir accordingly for about 5 minutes... add baking powder..."

She continued to list off the steps one by one, Wild trying his best to keep up with her rambling instructions to the letter or at least to his ability. His extra vines however made things alot easier for him, being able to multitask was his speciality, following her orders and managing to do so was pretty impressive.

"And finally bake in the oven at 350 degrees." Pinkie finally finished, closing the book. She turned to see Wild covered in flower and mix, placing the cupcake batter into the oven which he first had to figure out what a oven was. Pinkie laughed and quickly gave him the rundown of the oven, he nodded and placed the tray into the heated behemoth.

"So how long do we wait?" Wild asked sitting infront of the oven, staring meaningfully at it.

"Oh a few more minutes, maybe you should go ahead and just wash up Wildy" Pinkie gave him a towel, nuzzling her face into his mane which completely caught Wild off guard.

"Aw geez... I hope she isn't going to be like Rarity, she's way too close!" He thought in his head. Though he was set at ease when she patted his head shortly after nuzzling in it.

"Soft like a big old puff ball, aren't you?" She giggled and hopped over to the oven letting Wild finish washing up.

Shortly afterwards, 15 minutes or so, the oven rang, making a dinging sound as the smell of Wild's attempt of cooking cupcakes filled the bakery. It was a strong smell as Pinkie added the strawberry icing first, letting Wild see how it was done before letting him try on his own.

"Mmmmm, these smell amazing! We should share them with the whole town! Thanks Wildy for helping me cook some cupcakes." She smiled taking the tray out to the front counter.

Wild joined her and Mrs.Cake, who was running register at the time, noticing several ponies had already been taken with Wild's first attempt at cooking. Nearly selling all the cupcakes, Wild bid farewell to Sugar Cube Corner, as he trotted back to Spike, who finally was starting to wake up after his little ruby endulgement earlier that day. He didn't look back then in the shop to notice how Pinkie continuously waved to him, eyes half closed and breath increased. Once the door was shut, she made sure no one noticed what she was doing and gone back into the kitchen.

"Nnmmh... what happened? What I miss?" He rubbed his eyes, yawning as he stood up.

"Yeesh, you're one heavy sleeper, aren't you?" Wild laughed, "Nothing really happened.... nothing too major..at least."

"Well, if you say so.. wait, why do you smell like pumpkin cupcakes?" He asked, folding his arms giving him a glare of seriousness.

"Oh, I made cupcakes today, it was on the list. Ya know, the list that you fell asleep with.." Wild gave him the same glare.

"And you left me...here out on the street?"

"It wasn't like I had a choice... I was scooped up out of the blue.. but hey, no worries, I'll bake you sometime. I promise. Now lets get going, eh?" Wild smiled, Spike chuckled feeling a little bit better.

Spike jumped right onto his back, luckily he had digest all those rubies from before, making him lighter to carry. Taking the list back from Wild, Spike read the next object written on it.

"Head over to Fluttershy's house and help her with whatever she needs help with." Spike read, "Huh.. kinda blunt, don't you think?"

"Fluttershy.. wasn't that the yellow pony that hardly spoke?" Wild tried to remember.

"That's the mare in a nutshell.. she's right near the Everfree Forest." Spike said, which made Wild much happier. It almost felt like years since he was actually near the forest again, when really it was only a day or so.

Wild Vine galloped towards the path to Fluttershy's cottage, unaware that he was being followed by Rarity, who noticed him gallop by. She had a smirk on her face, fixing up her mane as she stalked him pratically all the way to Fluttershy's house. The smell of the forest seem to excite Wild, as he almost galloped right passed Fluttershy's cottage. If it weren't for Spike he would've ran right into the forest.

Feeling a bit embarassed, he trotted back, this time walking towards Fluttershy's front door and knocking. It was quiet for awhile, the sounds of the birds chirping in the nearby tree, the same tree Rarity was using as her little peeping-pony spot to get a nice view of Wild.

"H-hello Wild, hello Spike." Fluttershy greeted them, "What can I do for you?"

"Oh just stopping by, we wanted to know if you have anything you need help with?" Wild wagged his tail, he seemed more happier here.

"Oh..my..well...I'm taking care of a few animals.. perhaps you can help me feed them? I-I mean, if you'd want to.."

Rarity groaned, being in the tree was uncomfortable. However, comparing that to what she was seeing, Fluttershy trying to flirt with her Wildy seemed even more discomforting.

Wild followed Fluttershy's example, feeding her woodland friends, singing a lovely tune. Even though he couldn't sing as good as she was, Wild had a scent the animals seem to find relaxing and trusting, as most of them were more than eager to eat whatever foods Wild was giving out. Spike smiled, eating an apple since he was hungry again, unsurprisingly.

Rarity eventually had enough, thinking of something, a way of getting his definate attention as she giggled, a bit devilishly, dashing from the tree heading back home in a flash.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy seemed to getting more drawn to Wild, who was busy with tending to the animals, not paying attention to a curious pegasus who was hovering right behind him, the smell of his mane seemed to entrance her. Spike, however, noticed and nudged Wild Vine.

Wild turned to see Fluttershy's face buried in his mane, his eyes shrank as he blushed, feeling a mix of emotions, mostly embarassesed and concerned.

"U-um..Fluttershy what..are you doing?" Wild asked in a nervous shakey tone.

"Hmm? O..oh, I thought there was a bird..trapped in your... mane?" Fluttershy giggled, obviously lying.

"Well I can surely say, that there's no bird in my mane, please..it's embarassing..." Wild blushed.

Fluttershy nodded, releasing him from her embrace. She seemed normal, as she turned back to her animal friends, tending to their needs. Wild, however, kept a close eye on her for any sudden change in her behavior. So far things were fine, and Wild sighed in relief to see she hadn't been effected by his mane, or at least he hoped.

Soon after they had feed the little creatures, Wild and Fluttershy decided to walk back inside, to tend to another matter, Spike following close behind. Though as they rounded the corner, they stopped dead in their tracks, Spike bumping into Wild's side.

"Whoa, whats going....." Spike looked ahead, his jaw dropping in a cartoony manner.

Rarity had returned after a shortwhile, this time wearing a fishnet-like stalkings on her hind- and forelegs, a corset with lace and ribbons in her mane and tail. Ruby red lipstick on her lips, her tongue lightly licking them as well. Wild seemed a bit confused on the whole appearance, granted he did like it for some reason. He noticed Spikes mouth was still open making him chuckle.

"Spike, you should really close that mouth of yours, you'll attract flies." He joked, though Spike was so entranced he completely ignored him.

Fluttershy however seemed flustered, a big red blush on her face and what looked like a sour look as well. Rarity giggled, attracting Wild's attention from Fluttershy and focusing it on herself. She walked towards them, holding Wild with her strut and giggle.

"There you are, Wildy, I was wondering where you ran off to, you sexy thing you." Rarity rubbed up against him, making him blush.

"R-rarity, what in Celestia's..." Fluttershy tried to demand an answer.

"What? Can't I put on something casual to say hello?" She giggled.

"I don't know whats worse, her lying or that Spike's face is frozen like that..." Wild thought in his head, nudging the poor stunned dragon.

"Y..you don't really dress in such a... oooh, what's the word I'm looking for..." Fluttershy was never good at insults nor really snappy conversations.

Rarity laughed, "Oh Fluttershy, darling, please do go and tend to your little woodland creatures. Wild Vine and I..."

"H-hold on just a second! Wild Vine is helping me, you had your chance!" Fluttershy's face became red with envy as Rarity huffed.

"Puh-lease, what can you possibly offer that I can't simply do better?" Rarity boasted.

The two argued for what seemed forever, Wild managed to drag Spike away from the two, long enough for them to escape while those two bickered. Far enough away from the cottage, Wild panted after dragging the frozen Spike, he was still confused on what Rarity was trying to get across with her clothing, that and the sudden behavior on Fluttershy's part.

"Spike...Spike...Spike!" Wild yelled snapping the dragon out of his trance.

"Huh wha?" Spike mumbled.

"Maybe we should go back to see Twilight's progress... I'm beginning to worry about myself.." Wild sounded concerned.

"Maybe you're right, you go ahead back to the house... I'll be going back to check out Rarity!" Spike smiled, turning to run. Just before he could, Wild's vine grabbed him, jerking him back.

"You should just follow me back.. this is serious, Spike." Wild demanded.

Spike sighed and nodded. Hopping onto his back, the two rushed back home, surely Twilight might have an answer to all this madness. Wild didn't want to continue the list he was given until he had some questions answered. Though unaware to him, Rarity was following, she managed to escape Fluttershy, and kept her eye on the green stallion.

"Dont worry, Wildy... momma's going to make sure no one's going to take you from meeee~" Rarity said, in almost a sing-songy kind of tone.

Chapter 8

The sun was slowly setting, the sky a lovely shade of purple mixed with various blues. Wild finally made it back to Twilight's library, Spike asleep on Wild's back unsurprisingly. Wild knocked on the door, though no one answered for a minute or two.

"Um... Twilight!" Wild shouted. Putting an ear to the door he would hear the sound of someone rummaging, falling objects, until finally Twilight unlocked the door.

She looked tired, very messy, as she smiled, "Wild! How... are you?" Twilight asked in a tired voice.

"Um... just fine... you look... well... horrible." Wild said bluntly.

"Oh ehehe, I've been busy, so busy with this... this um...umm...ehehe...” Twilight seemed to be acting weird, more or less acting goofy.

Wild raised an eyebrow, noticing her behavior was far more different than before back in Canterlot.

"Twilight, did you... even bother taking a break?" Wild asked, noticing her eyes were slightly red and puffy.

"No breaks! No rest since I started early this morning. Constant analysis is needed for this project." Twilight grinned, obviously trying so hard to stay awake, walking back to her messy work table. Books, charts, scrolls and used quill pens scattered all over the library. Spike had a nagging thought he was going to end up cleaning this up.

"Oh dear... please tell me she doesn't always acts like this?" Wild asked Spike, looking around at the calamity.

"Well, usually she's not as worked up..." Spike sighed, picking up a few written scrolls. "But it looks like she worked herself back into her studying stage, only typical of the Twilicus Bookwormikus."

"If this is her normal behavior.. I guess there isn't much to worry about... for now." Wild walked over to her, "So Twilight, any... news?"

Twilight had fallen asleep, face first into a book on plant life. She was lightly snoring, drooling into the pages of the book. Understandable, Wild and Spike chuckled, Wild using his vines to lift her up and carry her towards her bed, laying her down gently as not to disturb her sleep.

"Man, she's really gone all out... I can't even begin to know where to start!" Spike noticed the massive pile of scrolls, "Oh, we will be broke for awhile..."

Wild looked around her work bench area, noticing that doo-hickey from before, the micro-scope, with a lot of scrolls and little pieces of paper scattered all around it.

"Spike.. um, what's this thing for anyway? Can't imagine the purpose of it for research." Wild examined the strange device.

Spike hopped onto a chair, getting a better look, "It allows us to see things so small our normal eyes can never see normally!" Spike took a look into the device.

"Seems odd...” Wild skimmed through the scrolls, "Whatever that device shown, sure had Twilight's attention...” Taking one of the random scrolls, Wild skimmed through the scribbled notes.

"To be honest. I'm not the brightest when it comes to this sort of thing... any luck yet?“ Spike asked.

"..The effects of the hair sample seemed to prove interesting. The exterior appeared that of a normal hair, though deeper investigation proves that this sample had a lot more to offer. A plant-like structure, cells, and very much more unknown matter all have gotten my attention..." Wild read one of the notes.

"Effects?" Spike questioned.

"I'm not sure I understand, and there's nothing yet she discovered about these odd effects... no cure even." Wild sounded worried.

"Don't you worry Wild, let Twilight relax, and she'll be back right on to it." Spike patted his back, "C’mon, we still have a few more hours before my bed time. Let's go see Applejack or maybe Rainbow Dash."

Wild nodded, trying to cheer up, it wasn't the end of the world he thought. The two stretched for a moment, leaving Twilight to her sleep. The day seemed to calm down, fewer ponies were out and about, Wild and Spike headed over to AJ's place, avoiding going past Rarity's place for good reasons.

The smell of the sweet apples filled the air; Wild licked his own lips, drawing more near. Big Mac, down the rode, bid hello to the green stallion and the little dragon, Wild stopped to say hello, giving Spike a moment to walk, jumping off his back.

"Heya Big Mac, anything new with you?" Wild asked, preparing for another engaging conversation.

"Nope." Big Mac said happily.

"AJ around? We have some business with her." Spike re-checked the scroll from earlier.

Big Mac thought for a moment," Eeeeyup, y’all can find her over thar."

Big Mac led them to the south apple orchard. Applejack was busy bucking several of the trees; apples fell from them with each buck, filling the baskets below each base of the tree. She seemed tired, and sweaty, her musk was more apparent the more they got closer.

"Applejack, yall have some guests." Big Mac stopped her mid-buck.

"Oh! Hey you two, took y’all long enough to get yer behinds here." AJ panted, wiping her forehead with her foreleg.

"You were expecting us?" Wild tilted his head, confused.

"Well shoot; I was expectin' y’all to come here earlier, seein' how Twilight went on a babblin' in her fancy talk 'bout that there list of things yall had to do round Ponyville."

"Sorry, we got held up back in town... long story, not important." Spike said, almost in a nervous tone.

Wild shook his head, "Anyway, we may be late, but how can we be of help?"

"Hmm... not sure, I'm just about done with this here field, impressive ain't it?"

Applejack bucked one last time, against the tree behind her, the apples falling into the last two baskets below. Big Mac shook his head, Applejack huffed.

"What? I told yall I could get this done by days end." Applejack boasted.

"Yall dun learn from yer mistakes, sis." Big Mac tilted his head towards the other half of the orchard that wasn't picked as of yet.

Her jaw dropped, before closing again as she groaned, " Oh for buck sake, this is just peachy."

Spike laughed, "Want us to help? Looks like you can use my friends’ special talents for trees, eh?"

Wild blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed. Applejack thought for a moment, rubbing underneath her chin with her hoof.

"Ah shucks, why not. I'm feeling kinda tired, and curious on how yall plan on buckin’ each tree with such little time left an all."

She was right, the sun was nearing it's destination, it's tip touching the horizon, giving the sky a more orangy look to it. Sitting down where they were, Applejack, Big Mac and Spike watched Wild, who trotted out into the middle of the orchard. It wasn't a dense forest, making the view clear for them to watch.

Wild felt even more embarrassed, almost feeling stage fright about putting on such a performance. Still, he had a job to do, and he wasn't going to let his new friends down. Looking around, Wilds ears caught the sounds of the wind rustling through the leaves, closing his eyes and focusing, he could hear the trees begin to talk. Though what they spoke in was considered to be a 'dead' language that took Wild several years to learn back in the forest.

After a few minutes, Applejack seemed to get the impression Wild was being a little lazy.

"Yall can't expect the apples to come to you if yer just sittin thar, sugarcube!" She shouted, breaking Wild out of his concentration.

He shook it off, getting back onto his hooves. Taking in a deep breath, Wild's vines, which hid in his mane from the looks of it, slithered out and dug deep into the earth. Both began to glow green, his eyes were glowing red simultaneously. Standing on his hind legs, he raised his forelegs and then stomped the ground, sending a vibration that the others on the hill nearby felt. The trees themselves were shaking to the powerful vibration, and soon it stopped. Wild's vines retracted out from ground, back into his mane, the apples on the trees began to fall, one by one hitting the ground, making neat piles at the base of each tree.

Big Mac and Applejack were stunned, jaws dropped at such a feat. Spike, of course, cheered happily, applauding his odd powers without really questioning it too much, he pretty much thought it was awesome. The vibrations, however, did get the attention of Rarity, who was still on Wilds trail. She had also left her 'sexy clothing' back at her shop, making it easier for her to catch up to Wild.

"My word, that was awkward, I do hope that was just a wiggle and nothing big." Rarity adjusted her stance, walking over to the gates leading into Sweet Apple Acres.

Apple Bloom, finally home from her crusading, still had no luck on getting her cutie mark nor was she aware at the time of Wild's arrival. However, she did notice Rarity so the little filly approached her.

"Howdy there Rarity. Sweetie Belle's not here, thought she went on her way after school." Apple Bloom thought out loud.

"Oh um, she must be home by now. I haven't been at my little boutique all day; well, to do anything constructive other than that commission..." Rarity thought long and hard, though she couldn't remember anything else other than her current goal.

"So um, why yall here? Applejack's out in the field as we speak."

"Oh, well good for her I suppose. Darling, I'm actually looking for Wild Vine actually. I have had prior engagements..." She had a sheepish grin on her face when she thought about those engagements.

"Wild Vine huh... ehehe... no I can’t say I have..." Apple Bloom laughed nervously.

Big Mac meanwhile, after being loaded with a few carts full of apples, was making his way up to the gates slowly but surely with a full days harvest. Behind the carts were Applejack, Spike and Wild, the former two talking amongst themselves about Wild's talent. They were walking side by side; Wild wasn't paying attention that his infamous mane was close enough for Applejack to come in contact with. Before Rarity would notice on her own, Apple Bloom ran up to her brother, excited to see him.

"Heya Big Mac... yall really done with todays...and tomorrow’s harvest?" Apple Bloom questioned.

"Darn tootin'!" Applejack walked up to her little sister, giving her a pat on the head.

"Heya Apple Bloom, it's been awhile." Wild chuckled, immediately his front legs got glomped by the little filly. She smiled, looking up at him, pretty much happy to see him again.

Though things got a little complicated. Spike nudged Wild, poking at his head with his claw. Once he had the stallion's attention, Spike pointed ahead, Wild turned to see Rarity's eyes pretty much getting an eyeful of him. Standing dangerously close, Apple Bloom was pretty much stuck between them, making this very awkward.

"Now there you are Wild. What are you doing here of all places?" Rarity asked disregarding the little filly, Big Mac, Spike and even Applejack for that matter.

"If you haven't noticed, your ladyship, yall interuptin' our harvest time, we were just about to put these apples in the barn." Applejack and Rarity had a history, being that they were polar opposites. Her for being down and dirty, getting work done by any means, and Rarity for being neat, clean and tidy, worrying about the little things.

"Applejack, it's rude to interrupt ones conversations. You should really be more respectful." Rarity scoffed.

"Look, we ain't got time for your fussy nature of handlin' things. Yall better stand aside, missy."

Rarity rolled her eyes, taking Wild aside with her. "There, you may proceed. I'm sure you don't need him anymore."

"Don't make this difficult, hand over that stallion or so help me Rarity..."

"What have I gotten myself into...?” Wild was so confused, being the third wheel here.

The two mares stared at one another, neither one blinking after a short while. Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, snatching Wild from Rarity's loose grip now, seeing how she was more occupied. Big Mac groaned, separating the two mares apart.

"Yall best calm down now." Big Mac demanded.

"She started it," Rarity turned away from Applejack, noticing now that Wild was gone, once again. "Oh, for Celestia sake!"

"Hmph, serves you right, now get a move on missy, it's 'bout to be nightfall, yall should get home sugarcube." Applejack suggested.

"Suppose your right... for once. Good day." She walked off, looking around down the trail, "How could he run away so quickly... playing hard to get is one thing, but hiding from me? You tease."

Rarity was soon out of sight, Applejack sighed in relief, turning around only to bump into Wild Vine head on, nearly kissing him in the process. She gasped, backing up and bumping right into Big Mac.

"Howsa..whosa...wha.." Applejack babbled, a big blush on her face.

"Pretty clever, huh? I dun hid Wild Vine in the barn while yall had yer little stare down." Apple Bloom smiled, Spike clapped.

"Way to go, crisis avoided." He smiled.

"You held your own very well, AJ." Wild approached her, a smile on his face. Applejack however, to Wild's discovery, couldn't really look at him in the eyes.

"Yeah... well... I best mosey on inside, help Big Macintosh get these apples ready for pies in the morning!" Applejack runs away, rushing inside the barn.

"Ain't that a weird thing?" Apple Bloom tilted her head, "Best get on back home, Wild Vine. Why don't yall come on back, we'll be making plenty of pies and maybe some cider if were lucky."

Apple Bloom smiled, Big Mac was busy pushing in the carts of apples into the barn to notice them leaving. Spike jumped onto Wild's back once again, lounging and gazing up at the stars that began to shine. Night fell completely by the time they arrived back at the library, Spike nearly asleep and Wild tuckered out from a crazy day.

Opening the door to the library, Wild managed to drag himself and Spike inside the dark home. Twilight was, luckily, still asleep upstairs in her bed, tossing and turning while mumbling to herself. Spike was placed in his little basket bed, fast asleep, tucked in by Wild who then tucked in Twilight.

Eventually, he made his way to the balcony, tired and worn out. Hopefully a good night's sleep out in the cool air will sooth him as he made his bed of moss using his earth magic. With a long loud yawn, he rested his head, closing his red eyes, drifting into a well needed rest.
---------
It began to rain suddenly, waking up Wild early morning. Looking up from his bed, he noticed a lot of storm clouds had gathered, probably very early working pegasi the night before were the cause. Yawning once again, his mane drenched in water, covering him a lot more while he nudged the balcony door open, walking inside the library when a booming sound of thunder made the room shake lightly.

Twilight was awake, Spike still asleep even with the harsh weather outside making all that noise. She was busy taking notes, though at a much calmer pace than the last time Wild saw her when he trotted over to her. Hearing him approaching, she looked up from her notes.

"Good morning, Wild." She smiled, drinking a cup of coffee that was levitated via magic.

"Mornin', you're up early." Wild sat beside her. "So, hard at work already?"

"That I am, I promised Celestia that I'd get all the info on you as soon as possible."

Wild patted her shoulder, "Hey, take it easy. It's not the end of the world if you don't get all there is to know about this stallion."

Twilight smiled, "Thanks Wild. Anyway, since it's raining pretty bad, perhaps it's best to stay home."

A sudden knock on the door got both their attention, Twilight walking on over and opening it with her magic. In walked Fluttershy, along with Rainbow Dash, both were wet.

"Oh hey Fluttershy, hey Rainbow Dash, what's up?" Twilight asked, handing them both a towel each.

"Just doing some cloud work here, thought we come over and visit, lazy it up here." Rainbow walked over to a nice soft cushion, jumping on it, letting out a relaxing sigh.

"Sorry, we don't mean to interrupt your... um...” Fluttershy noticed Wild and coughed a little, "H..heya big boy" She tried to mimic Rarity's approach from the day before, out of character really.

"Um... Fluttershy?" Twilight nudged her, "You ok?"

"Oh... yeah... of course... just trying a few things, eheh...”

Wild chuckled, "Looks like you two were busy today... from the looks of it." He was at the window checking out the storm.

"Yeah... was a doozy to make. Say Twilight hand me that book.. ya know, the Daring Do book." Rainbow Dash asked, still lazing on the cushion.

"Ugh, you really need to stop being so lazy.." Twilight levitated the latest book towards her, opening it, Rainbow Dash immediately began to read.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, kept on trying to mimic Rarity's style, which she chose to try rubbing herself against him which got his attention, of course, but not in the way she hoped. He looked down at her, seeing that he was taller than her, making her yelp and retreat away from him. Wild seemed confused, walking towards the door, feeling awfully bored if he was supposed to spend the day inside of there.

"Hey Wild, where are you off to?" Twilight noticed him opening the door.

"Out for a while, I'm not very comfy with remaining indoors all day. Besides, the rain feels nice in my mane."

"Wait, don't go, we need you to stay here for the rest of my experiment!" Twilight begged.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Not going to far from the house anyway." Wild smiled, opening the door, a blast of wind blew into the room suddenly, his mane getting wet as he closed the door. "On second thought..."

Rainbow Dash giggled, "Should've listened. That’s a A-class storm, ya know."

"Couldn't tell me that earlier, huh?" Wild shook off the water, "Guess we can go on ahead with this little experiment of yours."

Twilight squeed with joy, gathering her things quickly, Rainbow Dash didn't seem all that invested on the matter and Fluttershy just kept herself as close to Wild as she could. Wild still hoped whatever Twilight was doing would answer at least some of his questions about his mane problem, perhaps even more than just that.

"So then...” Twilight had put her mane in a bun, getting glasses, a clipboard and quill. Looking pretty much like a teacher. "Wild... tell me, what's your favorite thing to do?"

"What... what's your favorite... kind of mare?" Fluttershy asked, shyly of course.

"Um... eheh. To start off, I like pretty much anything nature... pretty open to new things. As for types of mares... I can't honestly say, I like everypony." Wild answered.

"Does... that include pegasi?"

"As much as I love to know more of his... interests, Fluttershy, asking those sorts of questions aren't helpful." Twilight gave her a serious look.

"Ah, give the girl a break, she's just trying to get to know the guy, yeesh!" Rainbow Dash protested.

"There's a difference between knowing a pony and downright flirting, Rainbow Dash." Twilight corrected her, "Hmm... those vines of yours... do they serve any other purpose?"

His vines slithered once again out from his mane for everypony to see, "What, these? I use them mostly for grabbing stuff, kinda lacking the thumbs, ya know."

"Do they... um... grab... naughty... things?" Fluttershy asked, shyly looking at the floor, curious to know.

"Naughty... things?" Wild tilted his head, being naive as usual.

"Oh no, we are not going there...” Twilight tried changing the subject until Rainbow Dash interrupted her plans.

"No no, we are supposed to teach him, remember?" She said in a smug voice, enjoying this a little too much.

"Ugh! Fine. Naughty parts may include... the um... the... under... carriage?" Twilight avoided using specific words.

"Undercarriage? What... are we wagons now?" Wild scratched his head in confusion.

"Oh for the love of pie, Twi, just get on with it!" Rainbow demanded.

"Well, you know... A mares’ private spot? Her Peach Fish? Her Tunnel of Love?" The stallion seemed to have caught on. "Oh! You mean a mares’-" "YES!"

Awkward silence filled the room; Spike had woken up just after Twilight's outburst. Rubbing his eye, Spike yawned.

"What's with the yelling?" He asked, "Oh hey Wild, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy... didn't expect company this rainy morning."

"Oh, just having a grown up chat... now then, Twi, mind saying it directly for everypony to be on the same page?" Rainbow giggled.

"Like heck I will!" Twilight groaned.

"Ok... um, I think I understand. And um if I must answer... I suppose they can. After all, they are extensions of my ponyself, so to speak." Wild explained.

"Oh... um ok. Best keep that in mind then for later...” Fluttershy thought out loud.

"Come again?"

"N-nothing Wild, don't mind me eheh... um- oh look, something shiny!" Fluttershy failed to advert his attention away from her, Wild only chuckled at such a attempt.

"We are not getting anywhere with this." Twilight groaned, walking over to a bookshelf, "Hm... Wild, have you studied anything new lately?"

"Not that I can recall. Just a few books back in Canterlot."

"Alright, moving on I suppose, may I see your vines? I'd like to determine what species of vines is it.." Twilight sat in front of him, a book near her side that was entitled, ‘Various Plantlife In Equestria.'

Wild nodded, letting out both of his vines for Twilight to examine, Fluttershy edged near Twilight to get a better look. Rainbow Dash seemed occupied with her book at the moment to really be invested. The vine felt pretty slick in their hooves, Twilight rubbed it gently, the book beside her opened, turning pages as fast as her magic allowed.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, had pretty much taken an instant liking to Wild's soft vine, enjoying the slick feeling it gave, not to mention the aroma. "Oh my... it... feels alive..." She held it close to her face.

"Generally all plant life are living beings, Fluttershy." Twilight skimmed through the book, not really paying attention to neither Fluttershy, nor Wild himself at the time.

Spike was busy in the kitchen making a sapphire smoothly while Fluttershy was getting really curious, "I.. wonder... how it tastes..." She opened her mouth, blushing and sweating while sticking out her tongue, making the whole moment rather suggestive.

"Um... Fluttershy?" Wild tried to get her attention, to no avail, "Fluttershy!"

She snapped out of it, "Oh! I'm-I'm uh... ehehe... oh was I um..."

"Not what I was really asking when I suggested we do some on-hoof examining, Fluttershy." Twilight giggled.

"Ugh! I'm so bored! C’mon Fluttershy, lets go give Tank a bath or something fun until the rain is done." Rainbow Dash suggested.

Fluttershy nodded, feeling a little more satisfied that she had a moment with Wild without Rarity interrupting or showing her up. The two pegasi bid farewell, leaving Wild to Twilight's care for the time being. A short while passed, the rain didn't seem to let up just yet, Twilight deep in her research, that is until Spike barfed up a new scroll.

"A message so soon?" Twilight walked over to Spike, he held the scroll in hand while Wild was nearby, sitting on a cushion. "Well, what does it say?"

Clearing his throat, Spike opened the scroll, "Dear Twilight, how are things with the Wild research? I hope you aren't overdoing it this time. My sister, Luna, is very persistent on seeing Wild as of late, perhaps you and your friends can come for a visit sometime soon. But for now we have business to attend, looks like a dragon has been seen very close to Ponyville, I'd like you and the others to investigate if you will."

"A dragon? Spike, what did you do?" Wild joked.

"What! I didn't do a thing!" Spike rubbed his arm. "I think she meant a larger dragon, buddy."

"Still, we should take this into consideration and follow her orders!" Twilight proudly announced, "Spike, fetch my bags and pack them for the quest ahead, I shall gather the others!"

With that said, Twilight quickly ran out the door and into the rain, heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. Wild and Spike stood near the door, watching Twilight running off into the distance.

"She forgot she can teleport..." Spike pointed out.

"That she did. Well, at least she's out of the house, though odd that a dragon is seen so close here of all places. Granted however, the dragon's probably lost from its home in the forest." Wild walked back inside, Spike following behind him after closing the door.

"You won't be getting much answers now, I'm afraid, Twi has a knack for responding to the princess rather quickly."

Wild examined the book of plants Twilight was using, skimming through what he could understand, flipping page after page, "Looks like I'll hafta take matters into my own hooves then. I'm going to the forest, Spike."

"What are you, insane?! A dragon's loose in there!"

"Its been awhile since I was home, Spike, I can really use some answers that I'm sure the trees will probably know."

"Its only been two days... or so." Spike said in a serious tone, "But if you say so, I'll stall Twilight and friends best I can."

"Thanks... oh, something else just popped into my head." Wild remembered the stain glass windows back in Canterlot, the hall that the princesses and the others took him to. "Those 6 mares... they have a purpose, don't they?"

"A... purpose? You're going to have to be a little more specific for me to understand, Wild." Spike picked up a few scrolls, packing them into Twilight's sack.

"I was just curious, what did they really do to earn a glass window? Silly thing to ask, really."

Before Spike could explain, a sudden knocking came from the door. Twilight and Applejack were waiting on the other side, Spike had peeked through the window, enough for him to still be out of sight but still able to see them. Spike panicked a little, quickly running to Wild, pushing him towards the back of the tree home, out towards the backdoor to give him a head start.

"Get going! Before they plan on making this day even more boring!"

Wild chuckled as he galloped off towards the Everfree Forest. In his mind he hoped whatever is causing his mane to become so alluring would have at least a cure. He didn't want the rest of his days being chased around or worse, make the girls jealous of one another. Unaware to him, Rarity was on her way to Twilight's house, catching a glimpse of Wild passing by. A smirk appeared on her face, batting her eye lashes, she decided now was a good time to follow him, and hopefully capture him for her own amusement.

A short gallop later, Wild was in front of the entrance to the forest, gazing up at it, he let out a long sigh, hearing the sounds of the dragon far away in the deeper parts of the forest. "Home sweet home... I better hurry... don't want my new friends to get barbecued..."

He ventured inside, the feel of the forest was welcoming, the dirt in his hooves softer than he remembered, but even the little changes hadn't bothered him. Determined to convince the dragon to leave, Wild pressed onwards...

Chapter 9

Spike had finished packing the mares' luggage with everything they asked for individually for this little quest. Twilight looked all about the house, meanwhile, looking for Wild Vine. Checking every closet and corner, she returned to Spike who was helping Fluttershy strap on her bags.

"Spike, where's Wild?" She asked, levitating her luggage onto her back.

"Wild? Um... he went out... to, um, buy me some cake." Spike had a goofy smile on his face.

"Cake? Really? Aww, I wanted to eat cake all day! I hope he shares." Pinkie licked her lips at the thought of the delicious cake.

"Don't worry, darling, if I know my Wild, he's just curiously walking around town." Rarity giggled, she had seen Wild running off to somewhere not to long ago. At first she had given chase, but the rain made it much harder to see, not to mention she was no where near as muscular as her handsome stallion of choice. In the end, she simply lost him, and had no other choice then to go back to her initial plan of going to Twilight's.

"Ah suppose we should just get a move on. Who knows what mess that dragons causin’ out there." Applejack headed for the door, however she was pushed aside by Rarity.

"Ladies first, I'll be leading this expedition if you all don't mind." Rarity boasted.

"For pete’s sake Rarity, ain't yall being such a pushy one taday. Quit being all flustered over some stallion yall barely met." Applejack got in her face, "And yall implying I ain't a mare?"

"Girls! Enough, we have bigger things to worry about than Rarity's questionable and sudden nobility. I'm pretty sure Wild went on ahead." Twilight assumed, which made Spike whistle innocently.

"I-I for one think we should go too. I'm worried for Wild's safety." Fluttershy added.

"Coming from the pegasus who asked Wild a lot of personal questions.." Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"You did what now?" Rarity caught ear of that little comment, making her blush and raising her jealousy ever so higher.

Twilight groaned, however when she looked around for a second time around the room, she noticed a pony missing. "Um... girls... where's Pinkie Pie?"

With no one answering, Twilight facehooved herself. She then demanded everyone to stop bickering and set off, hoping Wild and Pinkie will catch up later on their journey. Despite the cloudy weather, wet grass and muddy roads, Rarity wasn't complaining much about it, oddly. Her mind seemed more focus on finding Wild, despite it being messy outside, though in the back of her mind that nagging part of her wanting to be clean seemed to pester her. Good thing she brought some cleaning materials in her bag for later use.

Inside the forest, Wild was busy tracking down the dragon, that and talking to his old tree friends. An odd sight for a outside observer, seeing a pony jumping from tree to tree talking to himself. He stopped on a larger tree branch, looking around ahead into the dense forest, luckily his special eyes could see through the darker parts of the woods, though no sight or sound of the dragon that was mentioned. He recalled that the first ponies he met, The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Fluttershy and Pinkie, that he forgot about the zebra who lived here. It had been awhile and what with all the events going it was overdue for a nice visit.

"Maybe she has some info on this dragon thing..." Wild spoke, as the trees seemed to sway, the leaves rustling, however there wasn't a breeze. "You agree huh... just keep me posted if you see anything, alright? For now, point me to the direction of that zebra who lives here."

A few leaves began to fall out of the tree he was standing on, a light breeze helped guide the leaves and Wild, who followed the leaves.

Back outside of the forest, the others finally arrived after a small detour at the shops in town to get some food and water. Twilight took lead this time, Rarity following close behind her as were the others.

"We might as well stop by Zecoras' first, see if she saw or heard anything." Twilight suggested.

"As if a dragon is really hard to ignore.." Rainbow joked.

They walked down the path that lead to Zecoras' hut, avoiding drifting off the path and keeping an eye out for that dragon. Down the road, Wild had arrived at Zecoras' hut, though she wasn't home at the time. Wild let himself inside since the door was half open. The cauldron on the fire place was brewing something that smelled good, Wild took a sniff, looking around like a curious pony would. With nothing of interest or a zebra to talk to, Wild set off, walking out of the hut and out back into the forest.

A split second upon leaving, the others arrived, not seeing Wild trot off. Twilight noticed the door was wide open, peeking inside to see no one was home at the moment.

"Zecora must be out again, doing who knows what." She walked inside, along with her friends following.

"Yall sure it's a good idea to just waltz in somepony's house all willy nilly?" Applejack pointed out.

"It's not like we're breaking and entering, the door was open." Rainbow Dash flew in, keeping herself in place, flapping her wings to keep afloat.

"Zecora really should invest in something more elegant for this old shack. I mean really look at this scuff mark for example." Rarity looked over the scuff mark, closely examining it, and noticing a thin hair, familiarly colored green. "Oooh...so he was here..."

"What was that Rarity?" Fluttershy noticed how Rarity was very into her little discovery of the scuff mark.

"Oh nothing, nothing, don't worry your pretty little head darling. Come along girls, nothing to find here, nothing at all." Rarity shoved her friends, one by one, using her own magic out of the door, closing it behind them.

Meanwhile, in an open part of the forest, Wild Vine walked in the same meadow from the first time he had met Fluttershy, Pinkie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, not to mention also save them from a dragon. The wind was blowing lightly through Wild's mane, the stallion looked up at the night sky, thinking hard, investigating the area.

The grass was still scorched; a perfect circle even from the last encounter, Wild lowered his neck, investigating the burned grass. Placing his ear to the ground, he tried to see if he could hear heavy footsteps.

"Hmm...Nothing out of the ordinary..." Wild sighed.

"You sure? I can hear ants talking about world domination!" Said a familiar voice, startling Wild.

He looked up to see Pinkie Pie, smiling as usual, bouncing in place.

"P-pinkie Pie, how'd...why...when..." Wild stuttered for awhile until he finally had control over his voice, "Ahem...um Pinkie how'd you know I was out here? And what did you say about world domination?"

"Oh, that’s trivial information, I just wanted to get your attention." She smiled.

"You...could've just nudged me or something, but I suppose 'tis not your style, eh?" He laughed, "But, in any case, you really should stay home Pinkie. I don't wanna see you get hurt."

"I can say the same to you! Cmon Wildy, I was there when you first took on a dragon, you can use some Pinkie support!"

Wild chuckled, "Can't argue there. Perhaps you can also help me find an answer for my... problems. By the way are the others close behind?"

"I dunno, last I checked, they spent most of the day arguing over you. Such silly fillies, don't you think? Cmon Wildy, let's get a move on. That dragon isn't going to ask himself to leave now, is he?"

Wild and Pinkie decided to venture together. With Wild navigating, Pinkie followed, keeping her smile on her face, and keeping up moral for Wild as well. Remembering where the dragon from last time flew off, Wild suggested they trot off in the same direction; luckily he had a good memory. The two disappeared into the thick brush, as the remaining few finally caught up, once again a few seconds later.

"Twilight, how long are we planning to run around in circles? I feel so dirty. How do you expect me to impress Wild?" Rarity whined.

"Ah for the love of.." Applejack sighed, "Will yall focus on the job, we ain't here to impress no pony, just roundin' up a dragon."

"You make it sound like it's easy to do one than the other.." Fluttershy remained behind the group, despite being anxious to find Wild, she still had her fear of dragons.

"What? Don't tell me your fear of dragons suddenly came back to you conveniently for this mission, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash reminded her, "Don't you remember standing up to one?"

"Where in tarnation are we anyway, Twilight?" Applejack broke away from Rarity's nagging, walking towards Twilight who had a map of the area.

"An open meadow from the looks of it...it’s bad enough we haven't found Wild yet, but now Pinkie is also out here somewhere. Not to mention it's getting dark out." Twilight looked around.

She noticed some odd hoof prints near the patch of burnt grass. Approaching the prints, she could smell the scent of cupcake frosting, and noticing two sets of different tracks leading away from the patch.

"Girl's, this way, looks like Pinkie Pie and Wild Vine were here." Twilight deduced.

"How yall know that fer sure?"

"The smell of frosting of course, they went off towards the old ruins where we found the elements."

"Wait are you telling me...Pinkie Pie is alone...with Wild?" Rarity overheard their conversation.

"That's what I'm implying, yes."

"Oh...ladies...if you'll excuse me."

With that said Rarity galloped ahead, frantically trying to catch up, hoping Pinkie Pie wasn't trying any of her funny business with Wild.

"That there's one determined hormonal mare.." Applejack pointed out.

"Cmon girls, we can't lose Rarity too!" Twilight ran after her. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy following close behind.

Ahead of the pack, Pinkie Pie and Wild Vine were having a little quiet conversation, trying to get to know each other a little better as friends would. They laughed, taking there time up the slope leading to the ruins. Wild however had a nagging suspicion that they were being followed, not by the others but by something else, though he couldn't figure out what. Not even the trees knew.

"You ok Wildy?" Pinkie asked , noticing that Wild stopped a few steps back.

"Oh...nothing. Just had a feeling somepony was behind me..." Wild turned back to Pinkie, noticing the sky suddenly changing through the leaves of the trees overhead. He tensed up. Noticing that, Pinkie looked up herself, curious on what could alert Wild like that.

The clouds began to darken, gathering together and eventually swirling around like a vortex. A sudden flash of lightning, and a carriage was seen flying overhead, stopping above Pinkie and Wild. However their fear was suddenly at eased, seeing Princess Luna floating down towards them, though getting caught in the leaves for a few seconds, giving Pinkie a chuckle.

She landed as gracefully as she could, despite being covered in leaves, "Greetings to you Wild Vine and miss Pinkie Pie."

"Hello!" Pinkie smiled, waving hello.

"Luna? What are you doing out here?" Wild asked.

"I took it upon myself to come and visit you. Seeing how you never replied to any of my letters regarding a visit..." She seemed saddened by that, her hoof digging lightly at the ground.

"I'm sorry, but we can discuss this later princess." Wild suggested walking forward as they followed.

"I agree, a dragon is around this proximity, as told by my sister."

"Yeah! Were off to the ruins, at least that's where we wanna check first! Maybe the silly dragon decided to take a nap in there? But could you imagine a dragon napping in such a small building? Cahraaa-zy!" Pinkie babbled about.

Not far off the same trail, Twilight and the others saw the clouds change and swirl from earlier, Rarity had stopped suddenly allowing them to catch up.

"Y'all saw that, right? Ah ain't going crazy, am ah?" Applejack asked.

"It was probably some pegasi, out having themselves some cloud racing." Rainbow Dash suggested,

"Above Everfree, at this hour? Not likely. Plus, I remember reading that those kind of cloud patterns could be formed by Princess Luna during her ent-" Twilight tried to explain until Rarity interrupted.

"What?! Don't worry Wild, momma's coming!" Rarity ran off once again.

"Oh for the love of..." Twilight complained, then out of no where Fluttershy flew ahead right past them.

"Oh no you don't!" She called out before they disappeared, in a fast paced race to Wild Vine.

The bridge leading to the ruins was no longer existent. It seemed the rope had been burnt as Wild inspected it closely.

"Crafty dragon, it burned down the bridge." Wild turned to the two mares, "Any ideas?"

"Allow me." Luna walked forward, her horn began to glow, a few rocks nearby began to glow in the same colored aura, floating ahead of them making a bridge of floating rocks.

"Aww, I was gonna suggest we use vines to get across." Pinkie stepped on the floating stone, making sure it was at least safe before bouncing rock to rock to the other side.

"Your turn, sir Wild." Luna kept the rocks afloat, since she had wings she could easily dispel the levitating rocks and glide right over.

Suddenly, Fluttershy and Rarity were heard arguing, and still running blindly towards them, their eyes locked on each other as they argued. Without noticing, they bumped into Wild Vine, tripping on their hooves, Rarity and Fluttershy watched as Wild fell off the cliff side.

"Wild Vine!" they screamed, looking over the cliff's edge, Luna was about to dive when she saw it wasn't needed.

Wild used his vines on a branch that stuck out amongst the cliff side he fell from, pulling himself up and onto it's sturdy bark. "Talk about cutting it close.." He panted, "Oi, are you trying to kill me?!"

"I am so sorry! Please don't be mad at us...you can be mad at Rarity though...if you want.." Fluttershy apologized, almost anyway.

"Me? How dare you even say such a thing after almost taking away my true love!" Rarity protested.

"Is everypony ok?" Twilight finally arrived, Rainbow Dash and Applejack as well. "Oh, Princess Luna, looks like I was right."

"Greetings, though we hast other problems to fix." Luna flew down, helping Wild up, despite being so close to his mane, she kept herself tame, though taking light sniffs of it while carrying him to the others.

"Thanks Luna." Wild turned to his friends, "Why are you guys out here? It's way to dangerous even to think of coming out here without a plan."

"Oh, and what was your plan, going all Wild on it?" Rainbow joked.

There was a collective groan, and three snickers.

"It's better than continually arguing over me and almost killing me in the process..."

"Yooohoooo, girls! We can chat later; I'm getting lonely over here for pie sake! Cmon already!!" Pinkie reminded them she was still waiting on the other side.

"Look, either you keep yourselves together or you can go home." Wild seemed serious, he wasn't to fond of near death experiences caused by some aroma his mane gave off. Looks like asking nicely was out of the question from here on.

Once everypony settled down, they crossed the floating rocks to the other side joining Pinkie, this time sticking together as a team to confront the dragon up ahead, supposedly. A few meters away from the ruins, a few timber wolves ran out heading towards them. Taking a offensive stance, Twilight planned to blast them away until Wild got in the way.

"No, don't think about hurting them. They are my friends!" He begged.

"Say what now?" Applejack raised a brow in confusion.

Wild approached the wolves as they growled, not in any threatening way, just a way of communicating to Wild.

"Anypony else finding this weird?" Rainbow Dash nudged Twilight who was too busy writing down this event in a scroll. "Ugh...you egghead..."

A howl soon was heard coming from the ruins, almost a painful kind of howl seeing a timber wolf flung into the air and suddenly burnt into a crisp midair. The wolves who had spoken to Wild ran past the group, Wild couldn't believe one of his friends were just killed in front of his eyes. He galloped forward, a rush of anger and sadness filled his naive little mind, his friends following behind. More wolves soon ran out of the ruins, some injured and burnt, Wild jumped over to a nearby collapsed tree that fell against the stone wall, climbing it to the top.

To his horror did he notice several timberwolves burnt to a crisp, other various plants that took refuge in the stones of the ruins also burnt. Roaming around the debris, a massive green scaled dragon was scowering the rest of the ruins for any more intruders that hid in the smaller parts of the ruin.

"Wow, that's...o...one big... dragon..." Fluttershy commented from behind Wild Vine.

"What's he doing anyways? Kinda far off from a volcano or cave, dontcha think?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm not sure, but his poor lack of manners is quite upsetting." Rarity added.

"Any of yall have a plan on gettin' rid of this here giant lizard?" Applejack questioned.

Wild suddenly jumped off the tree, landing on the stone floor below and then began to charge towards the beast.

"Wild Vine! Has thou lost thy mind?!" Luna called out, getting the attention of the dragon.

The dragon soon stood up right, looking in the general direction of the mares, about roar until a massive boulder slammed aside of its face. Stumbling, the dragon managed to brush it off, falling on its side as it staggered still. Looking down, it saw a green stallion with a serious look on his face, his eyes lightly glowing. Opening his maw, it quickly fired a concentrated stream of fire downwards. Wild quickly dug up another massive rock using his vine's strength, using it as a stone umbrella, the fire blocked from cooking him alive.

"My my, he's quite the knight in shinning armor, isn't he?" Rarity giggled.

"How can thou even think of such a thing at a time such as this!?" Luna spread her wings and flew off towards the dragon, aiming for a cloud that was hovering over head.

"Yeah cmon!" Pinkie Pie said, rolling out a small cannon.

"Pinkie, where in Celestia's name did you get that?!" Twilight asked.

"I have party cannons scattered all over Equestria in case of party cannon emergencies. Duh." She giggled, rolling the cannon into place.

"How's a party cannon going to help us against a dragon?!" Rainbow demanded to know.

"Like this." Pinkie then slammed a hoof on the button, causing the cannon to fire her most deadly weapon: Apple Pie!

The pie flew into the eye of the dragon, making him lose concentration on his flame. Good thing too, as the rock was overheated, forcing Wild to toss it aside, with little damage to his own vines. This gave Luna the opportunity to jump on the cloud, making a bolt of lighting struck the backside of the dragon making it roar in pain, a high pitched roar nonetheless.

"Cmon girls!" Twilight jumped down below, Applejack following behind.

Fluttershy was hiding inside the hollow part of the tree they were on, Rainbow Dash groaned, forcing her out of the tree and into the fight. The ponies surrounded the dragon when it wiped the pie out of its eye, giving out a loud roar. Looks like asking nicely was out of the question from here on.

"Rainbow Dash, you're up!" Twilight called out, Rainbow giving a salute as she dashed towards the dragon at full speed.

Using her speed, all the others would see is her trademark rainbow trail, rapidly moving all about the dragon in an attempt on confusing the beast. At first it was working until...

"Ha, I got him right where I want him! No way this can go-" The dragon managed to grab her wings using the tips of his claws, halting her instantly, "wrong? Uh oh..."

She was then tossed, flung over the others and landing with a thud against a nearby tree, sliding down towards the ground slowly. She was upside down, seeing stars rotating over her head.

"Oooh...that's gotta hurt. Yall taggin' out?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah...tag out...I think I'm gonna be sick..." She groaned.

"Ah reckon I'll take this one down myself. Yeeehaw!"

Applejack charged forth, the dragon throwing a fist downward, slamming it into the ground a little too early, allowing Applejack to run up along its forearm, twirling a lasso. She skillfully managed to lasso the rope around its neck, climbing to his crown, pulling back on the rope tightly, causing the dragon to panic and buck.

"Whoooooo! Ride'em dragon!" She yelled out in excitement, but the bucking became too much for her to handle, the rope soon broke, sending her flying off the dragon and into a bush. "Ah'm ok...daggum rope dun ruined what could’ve been a record. Anypony else is welcome to try next."

The dragon loomed over Rarity, Twilight and Luna, ready to unleash its intense flame once again. The unicorns and alicorn had their magic at the ready to reflect the attack, until Wild had climbed on top of the beasts back, using his vines, he whipped the back of the dragon to divert his attention away from the others.

"Wildy, be careful! Who knows where that dragon's been!?" Rarity called out, seeing the dragon thrashing about trying to get Wild off its back.

"Pie Cannon is a go!" Pinkie Pie appeared once again, pushing the cannon of hers in-between Twilight and Luna, and for some reason wearing a war helmet on her head.

"Pray tell...where dost thou even have the time to find such weaponry?" Luna asked.

"No time for chit chat, I gots me a whole arsenal of tastey treats to fire!" She aimed her cannon. "Can't get a direct hit.."

"Cmon guys, I can't handle this on my own!" Wild cried out, the dragon managed to break his grip and flung him into the air, the dragon opening its maw, attempting to eat him.

Luckly, Fluttershy had gotten over her dragon fears, flying quickly to grab Wild before the dragon snapped its mouth shut, and stupidly the dragon had bit his own tongue.

"Thanks Fluttershy...talk about a close one..." Wild smiled up at her, as she descended down to the ground. The dragon soon turned its sights on them after the sudden pain stopped, which gave Pinkie time to fire.

"Fire the mango pie!" She announced, pressing the button once again, firing not one but two big mango flavored pies that smacked the side of the dragons face with a loud splat.

With a loud thud, the dragon fell, tired from the pie barrage and wild flailing. Things went quiet suddenly; Twilight approached the dragon seeing if he actually fell asleep. Using there combined magic, Twilight, Rarity, and Luna managed to teleport the sleeping beast far away, on a volcano far to the east to be specific.

The mares re-grouped together in the center of the stone floor.

"Everypony ok?" Twilight asked, checking up on each pony.

"Ah'm all accounted fer. No missin' limbs." Applejack joked.

"The only thing hurting me is my pride...but I'll manage." Rainbow muttered.

Wild Vine was quiet, alone on the far corner of the ruins, looking into the small cave the dragon was looking in earlier. Shortly after, a small family of timberwolves rushed out, running past the mares. He stumbled towards his friends, eyes half open, panting lightly as he collapsed.

The others quickly tended to him, he was hurt, but mostly tired out from the fight. They decided to call it a night, return home carrying Wild on Pinkie's cannon and look for the cure another day. Luna bid farewell, giving Wild a peck on the cheek, driving Rarity and Fluttershy to whole new levels of jealous. She disappeared shortly after, the same eerie feeling of being watched seemed to consume Wild Vine. He was half awake when the group began to trot back home, only catching a glimpse of a familiar purple glow high in the shadow of the trees. Wild soon passed out into a deep sleep, keeping what he saw in his mind for later investigation.

Chapter 10

"You think he's going to be ok?" Fluttershy's voice echoed.

"Totally, after all, he's the second coolest pony I've ever met!" Rainbow Dash replied.

"Second? Who's the first?" Pinkie asked. " Big Mac?"

"No...me, of course!"

"Alright girls, please keep it down, Wild's trying to sleep." Twilight's voice interrupted.

Resting in a soft bed back home in Twilights little library tree house, Wild's ears twitched from all the talking, slowly waking him up. Sitting up in his bed he groaned lightly, feeling a sudden headache, rubbing his forehead with one of his vines. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw that the mares had surrounded his bed, staring at him, making this a little too awkward.

"Good, you're awake, you had us worried there darling." Rarity said, she had climbed into bed with him and gave him a snuggle.

"What...what's going on? Please tell me I didn't do anything in my sleep that I might regret later." Wild asked, in a tired voice.

"Oh if only..." sighed Rarity.

"No, nothing at all, we all were watching you sleep ever since yesterday. To make sure you were doing ok." Twilight explained.

"You...were watching me sleep? All day? Kind of a scary thought..."

"No, you silly billy, we took turns!" Pinkie giggled.

"Taking turns to watch me...that's strange in itself.." Wild climbed out of bed, getting back on his hooves. "I can't remember what happened last night...all I can remember was seeing my friend getting killed, then I lost it.."

"Don't worry, we handled the dragon. It was sent back to a far away volcano, it won't be a problem anymore." Twilight levitated a tea cup for him, "Drink up, you were really tired from the fight."

"I'll be fine...I really need to go back and search.." Wild tried going for the stairs until Rarity blocked him.

"Oh no you don't, you get in that bed and snuggle me- I mean recover...that's what I really meant." She giggled nervously.

"And what do you mean go search some more?" Rainbow asked.

"It's...nothing. I wanted to go out to find the cure for this strange scent I have on my mane...how it attracts almost anyone who comes in contact with it."

"Oh, that reminds me!" Twilight ran downstairs for a moment to get some of her books and notes. Applejack, meanwhile, for some reason was facing in the opposite direct, apparently more amused by a coat rack than Wild's recovery.

A few seconds later, Twilight returned with a book and a scroll on her back. Opening the book, she turned to a certain page, a picture of a slim flower, three stems branching off with little leaves, as well as having a royal blue color to it's flower buds.

"Here's the answer to all our problems, I can't believe I didn't see this before." Twilight explained.

"Twilight, I doubt a book would solve all our problems, I mean sure, a cook book can be pretty helpful at times and that flower probably would have quite a few recipes, but that's not what's troubling Wild, silly filly." Pinkie commented.

"No, darling, I believe she's found the...cure.." Rarity didn't sound so pleased but acted interested, to say the least.

"This is the Bad Romance. It has very similar properties to that of Wild's mane, in that they both give off a powerful smell that is strong enough to effect the part of the brain that stores emotions. In which case it strongly emphasizes in attraction for scent." She smiled feeling proud of her discovery.

"Bad rome-whatnow? Mind dumbing it down a notch, some of us don't speak in fancy." Applejack asked, still not facing in their direction.

"It means that the flower gives off a smell that is irresistible, and makes anyone in contact fall in love. It's more or less like the love poison only this one is more controllable."

"How?" Pinkie asked.

"Simply smelling the flower or being in contact with its petals will cause the reaction, the cure is simply taking the buds of the flower and making it into a juice. Applying it to yourself or some other pony will cancel the reaction. Kinda like taking a tomato bath to get rid of skunk smell."

"I suppose it's possible I could've slept in such a flower bed of these flowers without knowing the effects...but if that's true, then I must have a strong scent, considering I've lived in the forest nearly all my life." Wild thought out loud.

"What if...now this is just hypothetical...what if some pony doesn't want that aroma to vanish?" Rarity asked, seriously.

"Well, to be honest Rarity, you don't really have a say in this, who knows if this is a permanent effect or not. You'll be chasing Wild Vine for the rest of your life." Twilight explained.

"You do know that's not convincing me, right?.."

"Regardless, it's in the best interest for Ponyville and Wild we set our attention on finding the Bad Romance." Twilight took a look in the book for any info on the flower's location, only to have the book suddenly vanish.

Reappearing next to Rarity, she smiled as the book was in her possession, "I'm afraid I can't let you do that. You are not ruining my one chance at true love."

"What about that one snooty pony you wanted to date? That unicorn...what's-his-face..." Rainbow tried to remember the time at the Grand Galloping Gala that had more disasters than memorable moments.

"Why do I feel like the third party here? Look, I want to live a life chase-free, thank you. I going out to.." Wild was suddenly glomped by Rarity, petting him like a cat.

"Hush now, Wild! Don't let these so called 'friends' of mine ruin our love. It feels like only yesterday we confessed our love for each other." Rarity sighed in a dream like daze.

"What!? Are you crazy?! I never said a thing! It's been literally at least 2 days ago since we met... I'm no expert, but I think that's not a appropriate length to fall for some pony.." Wild corrected her, only tightening her glomp hug even more.

Twilight sighed, "Ok, calm down everypony. Now Rarity, drop the Wild Vine and step away from him. We can work this out; you're just under the Bad Romance's spell, is all."

"Oh puh-lease, you want him for yourself. Frankly, my dear, if this is the cause of some flower, then really I rather enjoy the scent of this musky stallion's mane. And if you don't, you can go on back to your books."

"Ok, you're really starting to get at my nerves, Rarity. Take your hooves off of that stallion this instant!"

Before she had a chance to speak again, Rarity’s grip was loose enough for Fluttershy to steal away Wild Vine. He flumped onto the floor near her hooves as she smiled, petting him almost the same way as Rarity had petted him.

"Not you too, Fluttershy..." He sounded as if he was begging for mercy.

"I'm sorry...I can't help it. Rarity always get the attention, it's high time I be a little more assertive."

"Oh geez. Careful Wild, she gets really crazy when she's assertive." Rainbow sarcastically warned.

"Fluttershy, are you betraying me as well? How could you? Then again, I expect nothing less from you since you are always trying to get Wild all alone." Rarity turned her attention to Fluttershy, butting heads with her.

"Looks who's talking you meany....mean face.." Fluttershy was never good at snappy comebacks, in fact that's about the extent of her mean vocabulary.

"Girls..." Twilight tried to stop them, as Wild Vine managed to escape into the other room. Pinkie Pie noticed and quietly snuck away, following Wild.

"Is that the best you can do, darling? I've heard better comebacks from a pin cushion." Rarity laughed.

"Well...your...dresses are ugly!"

A sudden gasp of breath from each mare in the room upon hearing that, Rarity's face was turning into a shade of red, furious at what she just said.

"That is it! As much as I hate to lower myself to your level of barbaric nature, I have no choice but to engage in hoovicuffs with you!"

While they argued in other room, Wild managed to steal the book Rarity had taken from Twilight when he snuck away, looking into it's contents regarding the Bad Romance. Setting the book down, he began to skim through the pages, all while Pinkie Pie was looming over his shoulder, giving him that awkward feeling again.

"Pinkie...if that's you...say cupcake.." Wild asked, too scared to look.

"Cupcake? Can I say muffins? Well, technically a muffin is a bald cupcake and pretty much are the same texture and flavor, just not with the icing. Oh! Can I say mangos instead? I love the sweet taste of mangos, maybe one day I'll make a mango cupcake!" She babbled.

Wild laughed, "Oh good, it is you. Keep it down please Pinkie, I don't want the others to know where I am."

"You're only one room away from them you know. But I swear I won't make any loud or sudden movements or gestures." Pinkie smiled. "So whatcha readin'?"

"That book Twilight mentioned before. It's pretty interesting to read, but it doesn't say much about the location..."

"Try the reference guide on page 1!" Pinkie advised.

"Why didn't I think of that..." Wild turned the book back to the beginning, skimming the first page; a bold print with the words "Bad Romance Origins" caught his eye. Quickly turning to the page, Wild quietly read again with Pinkie bumping her head next to his to read along.

"Last known region of the Bad Romance was located in the Canterlot Castle Garden.." Wild read, though didn't seemed to be surprised by the answer, remembering his last visit not going as well as he had hoped.

"Canterlot? Wow, all the way out there?" Pinkie added. "So, what are we going to do, Wildy? Are we going to Canterlot? I hope so, I hear the bakery festival is this week! I can go for some super chocolate cupcake pie surprise!"

"How can you keep such a happy and cheerful attitude, Pinkie? Especially given the circumstances..."

"Aww, it's easy! I just smile and forget about all the stress of the world!"

"I wish I could do that, no amount of nature magic can do that for me.."

Wild put the book away on a nearby shelf, near the entrance to the room. He took a peek in the other room, seeing that Twilight managed to get the girls calmed down finally. Rarity didn't look any happier than Fluttershy, once again they were locked in a battle of staring at each other. Not to mention Applejack refusing to turn around, that wall she was staring at must've been engaging.

"I would ask the others for help, but given the current state that Rarity and Fluttershy are in, it'll be more of a chore than it needs to be. Not to mention Applejacks sudden interests in walls..." Wild said to Pinkie, who was on his back looking over his shoulder.

"No kidding, that wall must be amazing to look at. Reminds me of when I first repainted my room." Pinkie said, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Wild thought for a moment, and decided to walk back to the others, though with Pinkie lounging on his back it didn't make the situation any better when Rarity noticed.

"And what, pray tell, is this?!" She yelled.

"A pony on another pony’s back?" Pinkie replied.

"Look, calm down. Pinkie and I were just reading the book about this Bad Romance. It's in a garden back in Canterlot." Wild reported. "I can't tell how much everypony in here has taken in the scent, and it's such a rare flower it's hard to believe there's a garden full of them."

"I'll get Spike to write a letter to Celestia about this. Wild Vine, I suggest you avoid getting in any direct contact with Applejack, Rarity or Fluttershy." Twilight suggested.

"So you're going off for a brief second...leaving no supervision to these three...who can pretty much take him down in 10 seconds flat...smart." Rainbow Dash scoffed.

"Well you're here, aren't you?"

"I'm tired...moving clouds isn't really light work, ya know?"

"Ugh.." Twilight groaned, rubbing her forehead with her hoof.

Wild laughed a little, as his vines slithered out again from his mane. The vines slowly dug into the wooden floor and, in a brief moment, several more vines grew underneath the three mares who were startled at first, the vines slowly wrapped around their bodies and tied them down on a bed of moss.

"W..wild, what's the meaning of this!?" Rarity called out, Fluttershy was too nervous to speak and Applejack remained fixated on the wall, sweating lightly as to not break her own concentration.

"I don't want you nor Fluttershy to hurt each other over me. I care about you both and I don't want to see you ruin your lives for silly ol' me." Wild said sincerely.

"Oh Wild...I knew you loved me!" Rarity mistook what he said.

Twilight walked up to her room, nudging Spike's bed basket, tipping it over, waking up the sleepy dragon who groaned.

"What day is it? "He said in a sleepy tone, "And what's the big idea waking me up so early?"

"No time for chit chat Spike, please get a quill and scroll, something just came up that definitely needs Celestia's attention." Twilight begged of him, levitating a quill and pen for the half awake dragon.

Meanwhile downstairs, Wild Vine was tending to his captive friends, trying to make them a little more comfortable. Fluttershy sat up, Wild had loosen the vines a little, letting only a few vines keep her grounded in the moss bed. She smiled seeing that Rarity was far more tied down than she was.

"Thank you Wild Vine, I'm so sorry for acting so silly." She apologized.

"Think nothing of it. I'm just glad things are settling down, and we found the cure and cause of all this crazyness." Wild walked over to Applejack, standing right in front of her.

Applejack couldn't bare to look at him, a big blush on her face as she turned her face away from him, eyes tightly shut. Wild couldn't figure out why she was acting like this, and considering Applejack hadn't done much other than admire walls, he set her free from the trap. She quickly galloped out of the room and hid herself upstairs in Twilight's bed out of embarrassment.

"Applejack, what are you doing up here?" Twilight noticed her, interrupting the writing of the letter.

"Nothing, ain't nothing wrong here!" She insisted, talking from under the pillow.

"Spike, please tell me you got everything I said down..." Twilight turned to see Spike dead asleep once again, only he was standing up as he slept. "Spike!"

"Gah! I didn't steal your cookies, honest!" He woke up in a fright, and probably confessed to something he did earlier in the week. "Oh um...what’s up?"

"Did you finish my letter...please stay awake and focus. We have a dire situation on our hooves."

"Oh um.." Spike had drooled all over the scroll that was unfinished, with a sheepish smile did he toss it aside into a bin and got a new one, "You were...um, saying? "

Twilight sighed in frustration, repeating everything she had previously said, Applejack crawling out of her hiding spot stood beside Twilight, looking around to make sure Wild didn't follow her up here. Down below, Wild Vine sat down near the window, with the book Twilight had earlier, opened to the page with the information on the Bad Romance flower. Pinkie Pie was peaking over his shoulder, her front legs on his shoulders to keep her balance, while also making the captives, Fluttershy and Rarity, insanely jealous.

"The Bad Romance, as the name implies, intensifies the part of the brain that associates with emotion, more specifically admiration and love.." Wild read, trying his best to understand bigger words.

"Wow Wildy, you sure are learning fast, aren't you?" Pinkie snuggled him lightly, "But do you think this flower thingy will really help?"

"It's our only lead for now, we should try." Wild looked up out the window, seeing a nice cloud free sky, a few pegasi flying around too.

Twilight scurried down the stairs to the bottom floor, rushing past Fluttershy and Rarity who were awfully quiet at the moment, Spike walking slowly behind, still very tired from the rude awakening.

"So what's with all the racket...waking me up so early from my nap?" Spike asked, yawning and stretching.

"We just found the cure, I just hope the princess responds as soon as she can. We should get ready to head out to Canterlot in the meantime." Twilight advised.

"What about Fluttershy and Rarity?" Pinkie Pie asked, "Can't go on a trip with them tied down to the floor like that! They'll miss out on the treats!"

"I'm not sure.." Twilight thought, she noticed Rainbow Dash was over near her lab station, the sample of Wild's mane in a tightly sealed small jar was in Rainbow's hooves, "Rainbow Dash! Don't touch that!"

"Huh? Why? It's just a hair in a jar...Seriously Twi, you need to get out more.." Rainbow jested.

"It's not just any hair, it's Wild Vine's. It's been sealed away in that airtight jar for a reason, I was trying to figure out the properties of it's molecular..." Twilight began to ramble on about her experiment.

Rarity and Fluttershy looked at one another. Twilight had everypony's attention with her rambling, all except Wild, who was alone nearby reading the same book. With a smirk on Rarity's face, she commenced her evil scheme.

"Wild Vine, darling...will you please let loose these vines for me? I need to use the little filly’s room." Rarity asked, Wild's ears perked up as he turned around and walked over to the trapped girls.

"Um...well..." Wild Vine rubbed the back of his mane, noticing that Twilight was boring Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Spike with her lecture. "Ok...just um...make sure you don't do anything that'll cause another commotion, ok?"

"Oh...and, um, I do believe I have to go as well, Wild Vine.." Fluttershy didn't want to lie, but telling a little white lie shouldn't hurt. Rarity payed no attention to her, eyes fixed on her stallion with the most pleading look she could muster.

Wild nodded, "Alright...just, um, go do whatever it is mares do when they ask that.." When he stepped on the moss grass bed, his hoof began to glow. The bed seemed to disappear into the wooden floor along with the vines slowly unraveled around them, setting them free. The two mares stood up, giving a sigh of a relief and a quick stretch before turning their sights on the poor naive stallion, he had the most innocent smile on his face.

"Thank you Wild...now then..." Rarity tried to keep herself calm, but the combination of her love standing in front of her and her new freedom made it very easy to lose control, "...come to momma..." She walked towards him, Wild taking a few steps back before eventually bumping into the wall. Rarity then felt a tug on her tail, looking back to see Fluttershy had stepped on it.

"Now just one second, you big meany!" Fluttershy pouted.

Rarity growled and bumped heads with her, "Are you suggesting that I'd give him up to you?"

"Why not? Would be pretty generous of you."

"Generous? I say that the first mare to catch him keeps him..." Rarity giggled a little grimly.

The two suddenly turned their attention to Wild Vine, Rarity growing a predatory look on her face, Fluttershy - determination. They slowly approached him, like a pair of lioness about to pounce on a helpless rabbit. Wild quickly scampered to his hooves and ran, the two mares in pursuit, knocking some furniture over which finally caught the attention of the others.

"What in tarnation!" Applejack yelled, though upon seeing Wild Vine she immediately turned the other way, proving little help when he was running around, forcing her to turn repeatedly.

"Wild Vine, what did you do!?" Twilight asked, taking the vile containing his hair from Rainbow Dash, putting it on the table.

"They needed to use something called the 'filly's room'! You guys were to busy so...gah!" Wild Vine dodged a glomp attack launched by Rarity, running up the stairs and jumping off, falling back to the first floor, running from the flying menace that was Fluttershy. Dodge rolling along the floor to avoid her swooping attacks, Wild Vine's heart beat fast as he tried to keep up with both Rarity's ground glomp lunges and Fluttershy's swoop dives.

Pinkie giggled clapping her hooves together, "This totally reminds me of a circus! Only better! Cmon Wild, do a back flip summersault!"

"Pinkie, now's not the time for that! Rainbow Dash, get Fluttershy under control..." Twilight asked, as she went off after Rarity.

"C’mere, you!" Rainbow Dash flew after Fluttershy, who desperately flew her fastest to avoid getting caught while also keeping and eye on Wild and Rarity.

Rarity meanwhile, had Wild pinned down, finally after such a chase, she was about to give him the wettest kiss she can give to any pony, that is until Twilight tackled her once again, ruining her chances. The two unicorns clashed and tussled all over the floor, rolling around to gain control over the other. Rainbow Dash managed to grab Fluttershy's tail with her mouth, startling the poor mare, as she flew in circles. Wild coughed, Spike and Pinkie Pie helped him to his hooves. Rarity and Twilight rolled along towards the table where the vile was placed, while Fluttershy grew dizzy and lost control, also heading towards the same table, the two groups crashed, destroying the table. The vile was sent flying towards the window.

"I got it!" Spike yelled, running after the vile, until he smacked into the wall. The vile broke through the window and landed outside on the soft grass.

Once the dust settled, Twilight and Rarity stood up, rubbing their foreheads. Fluttershy was too dizzy to even stand up, as Rainbow Dash groaned in slight pain, but nothing she couldn't walk off. Shaking off the mean headache, Twilight looked around to see the damage, the mess of books spilled all over the floor.

"Now look what you've done! Why can't you keep yourself in control, Rarity!" She yelled.

Rarity coughed, fixing her mane, "The real question is what do you have against true love..."

"Ugh! Your hopeless in this state!" Twilight facehooved, frustration overwhelming her until she noticed something was missing from the destroyed desk. "W-where's that vile!?"

"Um...girls...I reckon we got a huge problem.." Applejack stood by the broken window, the others huddled around her, all except Wild who sought this as his responsibility, and began to clean up the mess he made.

June Bug, Bon-Bon, Carrot Top and several other mares started to share the now opened vile of Wild's mane hair. With the jar now opened, all that built up contained smell released and it was even more potent than before, as more mares from all over Ponyville gathered just to take a wiff and instantly fell entranced under it's wicked spell. Things went silent shortly after, as the mares all turned towards the tree house, hearts in there eyes as they looked almost brainless, slaves to their sudden lust for the one stallion in Ponyville that had the same smell: Wild Vine. They started to circle the house, pegasi flew up to the tree top circling like sharks. Tapping on the windows of the house with the tip of their hooves, each one creepily asking for Wild Vine. Chanting his name.

"What have we done!?" Twilight screamed, pulling the curtains to the window they were all looking through, "Everypony lock the doors, barricade any and all windows!"

"What's going on? What happened?" Wild asked, he had finished cleaning the mess, asking such a naive question.

"Twilight accidentally released a very strong version of your mane out to the open public and now they've become all lovey eyed for you Wildy! I think there's a word for that...can't put my hoof on it..." Pinkie Pie wondered, a hoof busted through the door behind her as the chanting of Wild's name filled the room. "Oh yeah that's it...zombie like." She had a small smile on her face as Twilight pushed a shelf in front of the door.

"Z-z-z-zombie ponies!? Every dragon for themselves!" Spike overreacted and hid under Twilight's bed.

"Will eveypony please calm down. They aren't zombie ponies. Everypony in Ponyville are overwhelmed by their emotions right now, in this case it's a sudden affection towards the source, Wild Vine. We have to escape to Canterlot before things get way out of hoof." Twilight began to pace.

"I reckon we take a gander outside." Applejack suggested, walking upstairs to Twilight's room, parting the bedroom curtains. She let out a sudden gasp; several pegasi had flocked towards the window, tapping on it repeatedly. “What in tarnation… go on now, get!"

"What do they want!?" Spike yelled from underneath his bed-fort.

"I dunno, lets ask!" Pinkie opened a window, and poked her head out, "Hey everypony! You guys need something?"

"Wild Vine!" They all yelled in unison, Pinkie was pulled away from the window with it magically closing shut thanks to Twilight.

"Well...now we know, ehehe." Pinkie Pie nervously laughed, Twilight giving her quite the glare.

"They got us surrounded it seems." Rarity reported, "This is all your fault, Twilight!"

"Me?!"

"Yes you. If you hadn't butted into my affairs, this would've all been avoided." Rarity scoffed, "Now look, I must protect Wildy from about the entirety of Ponyville. I had enough trouble with just Fluttershy!"

Twilight sighed, looking around, "Hey, where is Wild anyway?"

Down below in the lower den floor of the tree, Wild was quietly reading some books, mostly romance novels, briefly skimming them but understanding it for the most part. Putting the book away, he walked around the hollow tree, stopping in the middle of it, tapping his hoof in the same spot repeatedly.

"Hmm.." His ears perked up, hearing his friends trotting down the stairs towards him, the first being Rarity, running up to him and rubbing herself against him.

"There you are...you had me all worried.." Rarity smiled, kissing his cheek, she noticed Fluttershy took the opposite end and kissed his other cheek, making her red with jealousy.

"What were you doing down here?" Twilight asked, looking around, "Were you reading?"

"Just a little... Discovering a few things before we get going." Wild smiled, he didn't seem all affected by the current situation.

Spike screamed when the balcony door had suddenly crashed open, he ran downstairs to the others while the sound of the mares upstairs searching for Wild grew louder.

"Oh no!" Twilight quickly shut the upstairs door with magic as soon as Spike dove down the stairs, landing on top of Applejack, the door magically barricaded with plenty of furniture. It was assaulted with the pounding hooves of the desperate mares, but the barricade kept the door in place.

"We're doomed, I tell you!" Spike grabbed a hold of Applejack's face and shook it violently, "Doooooooooooooooooooomed!"

"Hey look girls, I found a hole in the floor." Pinkie pointed out, "And I also found a Wild Vine!" She pointed her hoof at Wild, who was in this new hole that suddenly appeared.

"What in tarnation..." Applejack asked but, noticing Wild, she immediately turned, throwing Spike right off of her.

"Where'd this hole come from?" Fluttershy asked Wild.

"The tree down here is hollow, so I gave the floor a few taps and this opened up for us. It should lead us right out, the roots are all hollowed out too, and there's one leading to a nearby reservoir of water in some cobblestone." Wild explained.

"The well! Cmon girls, lets go! I could sure go for a nice swim!" Pinkie Pie jumped into the hole without a second delay.

Everypony followed Pinkie, diving into the hole down below and landing onto a soft patch of moss. Twilight was the last one remaining, using her magic to keep the barricades holding.

"Twilight, lets go!" Wild tugged on her tail.

"B-but, what if they catch us!" She cried.

On cue, the doors bursted open, her magic not strong enough to last against the mares poundings. She gasped as a flood of ponies started to fill the room. Luckily, Wild grabbed Twilight's waist before they managed to run her down, pulling her into the hole. She landed onto the grass below near her friends, looking up to see Wild Vine grabbing the ceiling of the room above with his vines, quickly clinging to it.

"Wild Vine!" The mares below screamed.

"I'll be fine! Just get to Canterlot, I'll see if I can keep them all occupied!" Wild shouted, pushing away a few pegasi from glomping.

"Back, you barbarians! Leave him alone!" Rarity cried out, trying to climb up back to the hole.

"Rarity, I'll be ok, just get to safety. We'll all meet up again, I promise!" Wild Vine tapped the ceiling and the hole suddenly began to shrink, he waved goodbye while it closed up, the sounds of the excited mares grew louder followed by a loud crash.

"Noooooooooooooooooo! Wildy!!" Rarity bellowed, over dramatically rising her hooves up at the closed ceiling.

"I disagree with your 'no', you should be more positive. Scream 'yes' instead! That'll get his moral going!" Pinkie smiled, as Rarity only gave her a glare of disinterest.

"Wait a second..." Everyone turned their heads to Twilight, who was looking at all the tunnels of the hollowed roots that were in front of them. "Which one did we need to take?"