“Huff… huff…,” pants a light brown earth pony, with his two front hooves on a kitchen counter, “Man, how do the Cakes do this, day in and day out?” He steadies himself, grabs a hold of the wooden spoon in front of him, and starts stirring the mixture in front of him with gusto.
After a couple of minutes, the kitchen timer dings, and the pony releases the spoon, brings his hooves off of the bench, and collapses where he stands. He shakes his head a couple of times, careful not to dislodge the hair net around his dark brown mane, stands up, grabs the bowl with his mouth and moves over to a tray of muffin cases.
He hesitates for a moment, shrugs his shoulders and transfers the bowl to his front hooves. He moves closer to the tray, standing on his hind legs, and slowly starts to pour the mixture into the cases. Carefully… Carefully… Very carefully, he manages to pour most of the mixture into the cases. “The rest can be mini cakes,” he says, referring to the small globs of muffin mixture on the tray.
“Oh, I do hope Ditzy likes them,” Time Turner says, before turning to the oven, opening it, and putting the muffins inside. He then removes his hair net, sets the kitchen timer, and starts cleaning up the various messes he’s made in the kitchen.
---
“I’m home!” A perky voice proclaims, making Time Turner’s ears prick up.
“Ditzy! How was work today?” Time Turner asks.
“Today was… Not the best of days, to be honest,” she says, with a wan smile on her face. “Turns out, ponies don’t like it when you throw the paper at their door.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound so-”
“While they’re opening it.”
Time Turner makes an “Oh” sound before replying, “I can see why they might get upset with that. But still, that’s just one pony-”
“Who then went to the post office, told my manager, and got my pay cut for the day. I didn’t even hit him!” Ditzy huffs, taking a deep breath, and pausing. “Do I smell… muffins?” Turner grins, and nods his head, before turning and walking into the kitchen.
“Yep! I made them myself! Although I can see why you usually go to the Cakes for these. Muffins are hard work!”
“It’s so that they taste better when you eat them,” Derpy says matter-of-factly. “So what flavor are they?”
“Blueberry! I always liked blueberry, and I don’t really know what your favorite flavor is, so…” Turner looks at Ditzy, who looks disappointed. “Ditzy? What’s wrong? Do you not like blueberries? Oh, I knew I should have gone with apples, but after that one filly nearly forced one down my throat…”
“No, it’s not that. I actually really like blueberries, but… Well, I’m just… Super allergic to them. Like, throat-closing allergic. Sorry…”
Time Turner’s breath catches in his throat, before he spurts out, “Sorry? Nonono, you don’t need to be sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were allergic, and you almost ate one, and if you hadn’t asked what flavor they were, you would’ve eaten one, and your throat would’ve closed up, and you could’ve died-” Turner starts hyperventilating, his eyes filling with tears, while Ditzy looks on, perplexed.
“Turner? Are you okay? It’s alright, I didn’t eat any of them, so I’m not in any danger,” Derpy starts moving closer to Turner, before putting her hoof on his shoulder, shocking him out of his stupor. “Timey? Calm down, okay? You’re going to be fine. I’m going to fine. Everything is fine. Okay? It’s just one little mistake, no big deal. And now you know, alright? You’re okay. You’re okay.” She starts patting his neck, bringing him closer to her. Time starts to calm down, getting his breathing under control.
“A-are you sure you’re okay? I-I mean, I almost…”
“I’m okay, okay? You don’t have to worry.”
“R-right. Sorry,” he takes a deep breath before continuing, “Hey Ditzy…”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“What’s your favorite flavor of muffin?
“It’s banana.”
“...”
“...”
“Hey Ditzy?”
“Yeah?”
“Wanna make some muffins with me? I promise I won’t accidentally try to kill you.”
“Yeah,” Ditzy giggles. “But we should probably clean all the cooking stuff first.”
“Oh, right. Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
They both share a good-natured giggle before heading into the kitchen to make some muffins.
“Look, I said I was sorry, alright? I already changed it back to a mouse anyway, what’s the problem?” I’m the student of the Princess, it’s not like they didn’t expect me to try dangerous spells, right?
“The problem!? There is more than one problem here, Miss Shimmer! You stole a child’s mouse, transmuted it into an orange, and when you tried to change it back, its coat was still orange! This is not a problem, this is a disaster! And this isn’t the first time something like this has happened, either!”
“Alright, I get it, I’ll get the spell right next time. Just give me my punishment-”
“Next time!?” Ohhh, he is maaad! “And what makes you think there will even be a next time, Miss Shimmer?”
“I don’t understand the question.” I mean, I’m the student of the Princess! What’s he going to do, expel me?
“Miss Shimmer, it is my duty as the principal of this school to look after the well-being of all the students who attend. And as part of my duty, that means I must get rid of things that are hazardous to the safety of my students. Miss Shimmer, you are one such thing.” Wait, what!? He can’t-
“You are expelled, Miss Shimmer. And I will be letting the Princess know that training you might not be such a good idea, either.”
“You can’t do that! You can’t just expel me! I’m the student of the Princess! I’m better than you! I’m better than all of-”
“Ahem.” Oh no. I know that cough. Just… just don’t turn around, everything will be fine, Princess Celestia won’t be standing right behind you-
“Sunset? I believe we need to have a word.” Ah buck.
---
“Sunset? Are you okay?” Oh no, not him. Don’t let him see me like this!
“Go away, Flash. I don’t wanna talk to you right now.” Why is he so worried about me anyway? It’s not like I’m anything important now. Not after the princess disowned me.
“But you’re crying. I don’t like it when you cry.”
“Not crying. My face is just wet. It does that sometimes.” Wow. That… That was terrible.
“Sure it does, Sunny. Sure it does.” Not the time, Flash...
“Why aren’t you going away yet?”
“Because you’re sad. Ponies need friends when they’re sad.” Friends? What kind of- “Also, ice cream.” Never mind. He’s a friend.
“Chocolate?”
“With the raspberry swirl.” Oh, he’s good.
“Fine, you can stay. As long as you give me the ice cream.”
“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.” ...Too good.
“You know what’s wrong. The whole school knows what’s wrong! I just… I didn’t think it would actually happen. I didn’t think she could go through with it! I’ve been her student almost my whole life! I don’t know… I don’t know what to do now.” Oh great, now my face is getting wet again. I hate it when it does that.
“Well, you could… come and stay with me? J-just until you get back on your hooves, of course.” Did he just… ask me to live with him? Wow, I… Um. Right. Response.
“I-I’ll think about it. The Princess is letting me stay here for another week so that I can find somewhere, but… I’ll let you know tomorrow. O-okay?”
“Y-yeah. Sounds good.” Wait, is he leaving?
“Wait!” Wait, what? Why did I…
“Yeah? What is it, Sunset?” Oh well, roll with it.
“Would you mind… staying here, for a little while?” Don’t sound too pathetic, don’t sound too pathetic…
“Sure, Sunny. Whatever you need.” Oh thank goodness…
---
Ohh, my head… I knew I shouldn’t have had all of that ice cream.
“Are you alright?” …I don’t recognise that voice. I don’t recognise this place. My magic isn’t working with this headache.
“Where am I? Who are- What are you!?”
“My name is Luna. I’m the Vice Principal at Canterlot High, where you currently are. The infirmary, to be precise. And I am a human. That must have been a nasty tumble. Perhaps you should have a rest?”
“A human? What in Equestria is a human? And why do you think I-” ...Why do I have arms. And fingers. And everything else.
“I do not know where this ‘Equestria’ is, but I think you must be far away from home. We can help you find a way home tomorrow.” We? Who could that be… Gah! Headache hurts! I guess I’ll just sleep for now...
The Worst it Could Possibly Be - Famous Last Words - Random, Adventure
It started like any regular Monday, with the alarm waking me up far earlier than it had the right to. I walked downstairs and started cooking up some breakfast, (waffles with golden syrup. Only good part of a Monday, if you ask me,) when I heard some screaming. So I looked outside, being a good citizen, to see what the matter was.
To no surprise, I saw the Flower trio running around aimlessly, screaming about the end of the world. I thought nothing of it at the time, given that they were always screaming about some catastrophe or another. If I knew the universe was going to end that day, I probably would have paid more attention.
So then I turned back to the waffles, and lo and behold, they were burnt! Stupid Mondays, ruining my breakfast. It was the perfect batter too. Ah well, no use crying over burnt batter. I quickly mixed up another batch and started cooking, when I heard another voice add itself to the fray. I was about to turn and see what the matter was, but then I thought, ‘Ah, trying to catch me off guard again, eh, Monday? Well, you won’t fool this dragon a second time!’ Hehe. Sure showed Monday that time. Perfect waffles, nice and crisp, golden syrup filling the little squares, delicious.
Sorry for the drool there.
But by the time I’d finished off the waffles, it almost sounded like the whole town had started screaming. As it turns out, I wasn’t far from the truth there.
So I went outside and tried to ask some ponies what all the screaming was about, but that didn’t really work. They just kept on screaming. Eventually I found one of my friends, Pinkie Pie, and tried to ask her what was going on.
She put down her popcorn, grabbed my head and tilted it up, so that I could see the sun and moon in the sky, having a laser battle. “Odds are on the sun at the moment, but the moon can dodge like no pony’s business!” She said, reclining on her beach chair and reclaiming her popcorn, which she then held out to me. “Want some?”
“No thanks, Pinkie, I think I need to find Twilight. This seems Elements of Harmony important.”
“Oh, they won’t work. Discord turned bad and stole them again. He also turned Cerberus into a three-headed potted plant and transformed Fillydelphia into a giant amusement park. I hear they have the best rollercoaster in Equestria!”
“...What? How did- How do you know all of this?”
“Oh, our queen made a deal with him in exchange for giving him the princesses when they took over Equestria.”
“...Our quee-” Fwoosh! “Oh, you’re a changeling. I’ll just be running now.”
“Bye Spike! See you on the other side of total annihilation!”
It is at this point that I ran as fast as my feet could carry me towards the library, hoping that Twilight could bring some sense of reason to all of this. Yeah, that didn’t work.
“Twilight! Discord is free and the Elements are gone and Pinkie was replaced by a changeling and changelings have taken over Equestria and-”
“Twilight’s not here Spike. It’s just your old pal Discord now!” Oh, right, Twilight’s a princess now, which means Discord got her as part of the deal. I guess that’s why she didn’t come downstairs for waffles. “Exactly right, Spike. And yes, I can read your mind.”
“...So let me get this straight. The sun and moon are fight-”
“Celestia and Luna. I trapped them in the sun and moon and made them fight.”
“...So they’re fighting a giant laser death battle in the sky, changelings have taken over all of Equestria, you’ve turned evil again, and the Elements of Harmony are nowhere to be found.”
“That pretty much sums it up. I can see why Twilight kept you here, very astute for a young dragon.”
“Well then. I don’t think today could get any worse.”
Discord just started grinning wider and wider before he said, “I was hoping you would say that.”
Then he snapped his fingers, and the universe ended.
---
“...So what do you think?”
“That is quite possibly, the most chaotic story I’ve ever heard. Could you write it down? This tofu noodle soup does not work well for Tatzlwurm flu. A big old bowl of chaos is just what I need right now,” Discord said, before sneezing against Twilight’s quarantine forcefield.
A Light in the Dark - There is Magic in Everything - Slice-of-Life
Canterlot at night is a very peaceful place. There are a few lanterns lit along the roads to guide ponies to their homes, homes are lit only by the moonlight, and the castle has very few lights on in the windows.
This is especially true on the longest night of the year. In other towns, Nightmare Night is a cause for celebration, a chance for kids to stay up late and get free candy-- What’s not to love? But Canterlot is slightly different. Most of the adults there value their beauty sleep far too much to stay up and hand out ‘common carnival fare’.
It’s also the one night a year all of the servants in the castle get a night off. Only a few guards remain to keep everything secure, and there’s only one light left on in the castle. The candle that Celestia has next to her as she stays up on her balcony and watches the moon move across the sky.
“Princess?”
Celestia jolts a little from where she is sitting before turning around to see who is talking. “Twilight? Why are you still in the castle? It’s far past the time you should be home and asleep, isn’t it?” Celestia asks.
Twilight looks down at her front hooves with a blush, “I might have… fallen asleep in the library. Again,” she mumbles, ending in a near whisper.
Celestia chuckles and shakes her head, “Oh, Twilight, you really should stop doing that. What if you woke up and didn’t know where you were? The library is very large you know.”
“I know,” Twilight says, “That’s why I memorised the library’s layout! As long as I can find out which book row I’m in, I can find my way out easily!”
“The entire layout?” Twilight nods her head. “Well, that is very impressive, Twilight. But what about your parents? I’m sure they’re wondering where you are so late in the night.”
Twilight gasps, “Oh no! I didn’t even think of that! I-I just-”
Celestia places a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, stopping the panic attack before it can start. “It’s alright Twilight. I will send a message to your parents letting them know where you are right now,” she says, bringing a piece of parchment and a quill over to her. “But in the future, perhaps you should pay attention to the time when you’re reading. You wouldn’t want them to worry too much, would you?”
Twilight shakes her head as the parchment disappears with a flash. “Thanks, Princess. Sorry for troubling you like that,” she says, looking down at her hooves again. “Oh! Why isn’t there anypony in the castle tonight?” she asks, ears perked.
“Because I sent them all home for Nightmare Night.”
“Why would you send them home for Nightmare Night? I mean, it is a holiday, but doesn’t the castle need ponies doing things?” Twilight asks, head tilted to one side.
Celestia was quiet for a moment. “That is true, but I think that tonight is a night to be with the ones you love, your friends and your family.”
“But what about you? Why were you up here alone? If you wanted to be with friends, you could just come to my place!” Twilight says, grinning at the princess.
Celestia smiles at Twilight, “Thank you for the offer, Twilight, but I would prefer to stay up here for tonight.”
“Why?”
Celestia looks up at the night sky, “There are some ponies that can’t find their way home on the longest night of the year. I like to stay here with my candle to give those ponies someone to go home to, for when they can’t get to their own.”
Twilight starts looking around her, and Celestia chuckles. “Not literally, Twilight. Come over here,” Celestia says, waving her hoof towards herself. When Twilight is next to her, she turns towards the railing and points. “What do you see out there, Twilight?”
Twilight looks a little confused, but turns towards the balcony anyway. After looking for a few seconds, she replies, “I can see Canterlot, I can see the gardens, and I think that’s my house over there.”
“What can you see about it right now?”
“There aren’t many ponies outside, but that’s probably because it’s nighttime. Um… it’s pretty bright with the moonlight, but not many houses have lights on. And… that’s it, really.”
“So if a pony were to look at Canterlot right now, what do you think they would see?”
“They would see the castle. But it would be very dark because none of the lights are on. Except for your candle, but that wouldn’t really be visible from outside of Canterlot.”
“Well done, my student. Now watch this,” as Celestia finishes speaking, her horn lights up, and her coat begins to glow. “Now what do you think they would see?”
“They’d probably see a small speck of light. How are you doing that?”
“It’s a simple illumination spell on my coat. I might teach it to you tomorrow. But only if you promise not to use it to stay up late reading again, okay?” she asks Twilight, with the barest hint of a smirk on her face.
Twilight nods enthusiastically.
“Very well then. You said they would see a small speck of light, yes?” Celestia queries, getting a nod in response, “So when they look up at Canterlot, they’ll see that someone in the tallest part of the castle is still awake with them, that they might be looking down on them, making them feel safe.”
“Oh… I get it now. Like a lighthouse,” Twilight says, nodding sagely.
Celestia looks down at Twilight and chuckles. “Yes, I suppose it is like a lighthouse.”
They spend a few minutes in silence before Twilight asks, “What about the mare in the moon?”
Celestia freezes. She turns to Twilight and asks, “What about her?”
“Couldn’t ponies look up in the sky and see the moon? If the mare in the moon is looking over them, wouldn’t they feel safe then?”
Celestia sighs quietly, but Twilight is too busy looking at the moon to notice. “I suppose you’re right, Twilight. The mare in the moon does like to keep guard over the night. Always has...”
The next few minutes pass by without incident before Twilight once again breaks the silence.
“I really like how the stars look tonight, Princess.”
At this, Celestia smiles. “I’m afraid I can’t take full responsibility for that, Twilight.”
“What do you mean? Don’t you raise the moon and stars every night?” Twilight asks, turning towards the Princess as she does so.
“While that is true, Twilight, I am hardly the first pony to do so. The ones that came before me had a much better sense of how things should look. The way they could arrange the stars… It was magical, Twilight. I’ve left the stars the way they are for a very long time, because I don’t trust myself to be able to make something as beautiful as the night sky. Anyway, on the longest night of the year, I make the stars shine ever so slightly brighter, so that they can be given the glory that they deserve.”
Twilight smiles, then turns around to look at the night sky again. “I’ve always liked the stars, even before I got my cutie mark,” she remarks, before turning around and looking at her cutie mark. “The way they always… well, sparkled,” a chuckle from Celestia interrupts her for a moment, “it seemed so magical. Whenever I was having trouble with my magic, I would just think of the stars, and it would seem just that little bit easier. Almost as if they were lending me some of their magic.” Twilight blushes, “I’m sorry, Princess, that sounded silly…”
“Not at all, Twilight. In fact, I’ve heard something very similar from many different ponies over the years.”
“Really? Like who?”
“Well, let’s see… Ah, yes. Starswirl the Bearded.”
Twilight tilts her head to one side, “Who is Starswirl the Bearded?”
Celestia blinks. “I haven’t told you about Starswirl?” Twilight shakes her head. “Well, he was one of the greatest unicorns of his time, and the greatest tutor I could have had.”
Twilight gasps, “You mean he was the pony that taught you magic?” She asks, eyes widening at the thought.
“Indeed he was, Twilight. And although he was rather… eccentric, he could always help his students out. He would always call magic ‘a gift from the stars’, because of the way the aura around the horn sparkles. So hearing you say that you feel as though the stars are lending you their magic, it’s not the strangest thing in the world.”
“So there might be magic in the stars?”
“Perhaps. There’s magic in a lot of things, when you get right down to it.”
“What do you mean, Princess?”
“Well, take this illumination spell,” she starts, gesturing to her still-glowing coat, “this works with the magic that’s in each hair on my body and makes it give off a very small amount of light. Even the mountain that Canterlot is built on has its own magic. If it didn’t, I don’t think Canterlot could have even been built here.”
“So there’s a bit of magic in everything?”
“Exactly right, Twilight. There’s a little spark of magic in everything. Even in some of the things you can’t see, like friendship.”
“Huh? But how can friendship have magic? Isn’t friendship just a feeling?” Before Twilight can ask any more questions, there is a knock at the princess’s door.
Celestia dims her coat down to normal levels, and brings Twilight with her towards the door. “You may enter.”
The door opens, revealing a guard and Twilight’s parents. “Your Majesty, Twilight Velvet and Night Light here say that they received a message from you.”
Celestia nods, “Very good. Twilight Sparkle?” Her young pupil looks up at Celestia. “Run along now. And don’t forget, stop reading so late. It’s not good for your health.”
As Twilight’s family is escorted by the guard back home, Celestia returns to the balcony, her coat shining brightly out into the darkness. She looks up at the moon and sighs. “One day, my student, I hope you learn about the magic of friendship. For both of our sakes…”
---
“The stars shall aid in her escape. That was the line, from that story, am I correct, sister?”
Celestia perks her ears at the sound of her sister’s voice. “Yes it was, Luna. Why do you ask?”
The princess of the night walks up to a softly glowing Celestia on her balcony. “I was talking with young Twilight tonight at the Nightmare Night festival in Ponyville and she remarked upon my stars. She asked me if I knew of any magic that resided in them. I asked her where she got such an idea, and she said that she remembered a talk she had with you long ago. How our mentor called magic ‘a gift from the stars’. She wished to know of any truth that might have been in that statement.”
Celestia blinks, surprised. “I’m surprised she remembers that. What of it?”
“She said that she felt that the stars aiding in my escape meant that the stars lent their magic towards the Nightmare to allow her to escape from her prison. At first, I agreed, but now, I’m not so sure.”
“How so, sister?”
“Her cutie mark. A starburst, representing magic, yes?” Receiving a nod from Celestia, she continues. “She told me that she felt a spark when she realised what the Elements were, not unlike those she received as a child when she felt as though the stars were lending her magic. I soon forgot that part due to a timely interruption from the screaming foals brigade, but it stuck with me on my way here. What if the stars leant their magic to Twilight, to free me from the nightmare? What if the stars aided in my escape?”
Celestia was silent for a moment, then replied, “When I first received that prophecy, a few days after you… left,” she sighed, “I thought much the same as you. the stars would aid in the Nightmare’s escape. But when I met Twilight for the first time, I felt something. A spark that I hadn’t felt since using the elements with you against Discord. I then took her under my wing and taught her magic, to try and find out what it meant. Sure enough, a few days later, she was having trouble with her magic. I was about to lend her a helping hoof, but then I felt the spark again. Her cutie mark seemed to sparkle for just a moment, and then her magic started flowing. I don’t know whether you are correct, but I think it might be possible.”
“Perhaps it is just one of those things ponies were not meant to know, Tia.”
“Perhaps it is.”
As the royal sisters stare off into the night, the stars seem to shimmer brighter for just a moment, keeping watch over all of Equestria. A million small sparks of magic, lighting up the darkness.
Back in the old days, not too long after Equestria was formed and ponies started to live together in harmony, there was an Earth pony named Big Apple. Big Apple was the tallest, the strongest-
Stronger than Big Mac, Granny?
Oh, yes, even stronger than him, little Apple Bloom. He was the strongest stallion in his whole town, even in all of Equestria! There was no threat that he couldn’t conquer.
But then one day, the town saw smoke coming from a nearby forest. They asked the pegasi stationed at a nearby guard tower if they knew what was happening, and do you know what they said? They said there was a dragon!
So Big Apple, always wanting to protect his town, set off into the forest to confront the dragon.
Alone!?
Well, he may have been strong, but nopony ever said he made smart decisions. So Big Apple is walking through the forest, and it’s getting smokier and smokier. Eventually he reaches the dragon, but by this point, the smoke is so thick that he can hardly breathe! So he walks up to the dragon, clears his throat, and yells-
“Ah challenge you to a hoof-wrestling competition!”
Ah! Big Mac, you scared me!
Hehe. Sorry, Apple Bloom. Couldn’t resist.
Heh, are you two finished? Alright then.
The dragon couldn’t hear Big Apple because it was asleep. So he tried again. And again. After a good while of him yelling at the dragon, Big Apple started coughing again. The smoke was getting too thick. Luckily for him, it seemed that the dragon was starting to wake up!
The dragon opened its eye, looked at Big Apple, and raised its claw towards him… and rested his elbow on the ground, with the soft part of the claw facing Big Apple. The dragon had accepted the challenge!
So Big Apple walked towards the claw, put one hoof up against it, and pushed. Nothing. He put his second front hoof against it, and pushed. Still nothing. A running leap. Nothing. As he was trying to pull the claw to the ground by grabbing hold and hoping gravity would do the work for him, the dragon got up, flapped its wings and flew up and out of the forest.
Well, Big Apple just held on for dear life at that point, and hoped that the dragon would keep him safe. He kept his eyes open, so that he could make sure he could find his way home, but that didn’t seem to matter when the dragon landed just outside the village.
The dragon shook Big Apple off of his claw and said, “That was the most fun I’ve had in the last ten years. That was the only reason I didn’t eat you after you woke me up. But now I’m curious, why would you challenge a dragon to a hoof-wrestling match?”
Big Apple stood up, dusted himself off, and said, “I thought it would be fun.”
The dragon stared at Big Apple. Big Apple stared back. The dragon laughed. Big Apple smiled.
“Indeed it was, pony. Indeed it was.”
“But now that you’re here, why were you in that forest?”
The dragon shrugged, “I couldn’t find a nice mountain.”
Big Apple blinked. “You know there’s a giant mountain just over that horizon, right? It’s even called Dragon Spiral mountain,” he said, pointing towards the other end of the town.
The dragon stared at Big Apple. The ‘slap’ from the dragon’s claw hitting its face was heard on the other side of the town. Without another word, the dragon slowly flew up, and lethargically made its way towards the mountain in question.
“Nice guy,” said Big Apple, walking back towards the town.
---
Granny Smith sat there with a smile on her face, while a confused Apple Bloom looked at her.
“Is… that it?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Huh? Oh, right, there was something about, uh, don’t wake a sleeping dragon, persevere, because the thing you want might be right around the corner, something like that. Now go on, filly, you’re gonna be late for school again! And don’t forget your lunch!” Granny shouted to Apple Bloom as she raced out of the front door.
“Heh, that got her to stop worrying about her cutie mark. Works every time,” Granny said to herself as she settled down for a nap.
“It’s gaining on us!” Sweetie Belle exclaims, looking ahead once more.
“We know, Sweetie Belle, run faster!” Scootaloo replies, trying to lead the Crusaders away from the manticore.
The manticore roars, and the girls scream as they try and run even faster away from the beast.
“Hey girls, Ah think Ah see something!” Apple Bloom yells, “Ah think it might be too small for the manticore! Follow me!” She pulls in front of Scootaloo and leads them all into a small crevice in a cliff that’s too narrow for the manticore.
“I think… we’re safe… for now…” Scootaloo says, trying to catch her breath.
“Yeah, but… the manticore’s still waiting around out there,” Apple Bloom says, looking at the manticore, scratching at the stone crevice the girls are hiding in.
“Can’t we just wait for it to go away?” Sweetie Belle asks, “I mean, it’s bound to get tired eventually, right?”
Apple Bloom shakes her head, “It won’t work. Manticores can wait for days for a good meal, and three fillies is too good to pass up.”
“So, we’re stuck here until the manticore leaves, which could take days,” Scootaloo says.
Apple Bloom sighs, “Yeah. Ah’m sorry girls, this is all my fault,” she says, slumping down to the ground.
“For trying to get an awesome potion-brewing cutie mark? Nah, I’m not buying it,” Scootaloo says, walking over to Apple Bloom.
“Yeah, you didn't know there was going to be a manticore on the way to Zecora's! If anything, it was my fault for waking it up by stepping on that stick!” Sweetie Belle says.
“Your fault?” Scootaloo asks, “I’m the one that lead us the wrong way into the forest! It’s my fault!”
“No, it’s my fault!”
“It’s my fault!”
“My fault!”
“My-”
“Girls!” Apple Bloom shouts, “Thanks. But you still don’t have an arguing cutie mark,” she smirks.
All three share a giggle.
“...So, what do we do now?” Sweetie Belle asks.
“We just… wait, Ah guess.”
“...”
“...”
“...”
“...I’m bored,” Scootaloo says, “Can we make this go any faster?”
“...We could try throwing rocks at the manticore, make it go away?” Sweetie suggests.
“Nah, that’ll just make it angry,” Apple Bloom replies.
“But if we throw enough rocks, maybe it’ll think we’re not worth it,” says Scootaloo.
“Maybe-”
Suddenly, the manticore roars, before turning and running away.
“You’re safe now girls, the coast is clear. The manticore has fled in fear.”
“Zecora!?” The girls shout, before running to the entrance of the crevice.
“But how?” Apple Bloom asked, “And what’s that stink?” she said, covering her nose with a hoof.
“The answer to both is one and the same: A dragon’s sweat is the smell you should blame,” Zecora says, “Now quickly, this way, before it comes back: Once it finds out the truth, it will surely attack.”
The three fillies nod, following Zecora back to her hut. Once they arrive, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness that you all are fine. Now tell me, have you lost your minds? You wander into Everfree, and think that it will leave you be? Just what could have possessed you so, that you would try this on your own?”
The trio share a glance between each other.
“Well, Ah wanted to ask you about gettin’ a potion-brewing cutie mark, but-” Apple Bloom starts.
“Then there was a manticore blocking the path. So I was leading us around it-” Scootaloo continues.
“But I stepped on a stick and woke it up, so it started chasing us, and-” Sweetie Belle interjects.
“I started leading us away, but I didn't know where I was going, so I just kept running-” Scootaloo interrupts.
“And then Ah saw a hole in a cliff, we went in, and then you found us. How did ya find us, anyway?” Apple Bloom concludes, tilting her head slightly.
Zecora looks between the three fillies, sighs, then says, “At first I heard a mighty roar, that could only be from a manticore. Then I heard you fillies scream, and that definitely startled me. I went and fetched some dragon sweat, a scent the manticore doesn’t forget. Broken branches made an easy track: That manticore does not hold back. The dragon sweat gave it a scare: It probably went back to its lair. Now come on, let me get you home: I’m sure your sisters won’t like where you have roamed.”
At that, all color drains from the trio’s faces. “We are so doomed,” they complain.