> Ark Survival Evolved. > by Phantom Writer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1. A New World. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1. A New World. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The cool crisp air blew across the land of Equestria, the fall weather was rolling in as the leaves began to change colors. A young apple farmer stood in her apple orchard looking at the leaves changing colors while sipping on her warm cider. The cool crisp air blew through her long blond hair as her emerald eyes watched the trees. She slightly smiled as she saw her younger sister and her friends running around playing. The wind picked up, causing her hat to fly, prompting her to chase to chase after her hat. She jumped and caught her hat. There was a flash of light that blinded her, and she felt her body become numb and her mind become blank as the darkness took over. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A young man with short black hair and dark brown eyes walked along the river side with a Parasaur next to him. The Parasaur began to make noise causing the young man to look at his dinosaur “What’s wrong girl?” The young man asked trying to calm his dinosaur down. Lighting lit up the sky causing the young man to look up “Oh, a storm is coming in.” He climbed onto the back of his dinosaur and they continued on their journey. The wind began to pick up as the storm picked up. The gates opened and the young man was let into a small village “Welcome back Matthew, good timing. We were about to lock things down.” A young woman said from the tower. “Hopefully this storm doesn’t take too long, I need to head back to my home.” Matthew said climbing off his dinosaur “You might want to take shelter.” “I’ll be fine.” She said chuckling. Matthew walked through the village as he could see people's placing dinosaurs inside the barns “Matthew! Place Sarah over here.” A man said waving. Matthew guided Sarah inside the building “Thanks Jack, I’ll pay you back.” “Just buy me a beer.” He chuckled as they made their way inside the building near the barn. They took a seat at a table as people were drinking and eating. “So where is Amber, she sent me a message asking me to get here ASAP.” Matthew said looking at Jack. “Amber went to the other tribe about an hour ago.” Jack said as they took a seat “She said she was gonna grab something before you got here.” He said as a young woman walked up to them. “Hello Matthew, Hello Jack, what can I get you two?” She asked with a kind smile. “I’ll have a beer Suzy.” Jack said. “I’ll take a water.” Matthew said. “I’ll bring you those to you right away.” She said leaving them alone. “Amber knows I’m not that far from the village.” Matthew sighed “Do you know what she wanted?” “A trader from the other island claims he found a map to a strange land that might hold the key to unlocking the gateway home.” Jack said. “And this trader just gave her the map?” Matthew asked. “They are working together from what I know.” Jack said as Suzy walked back over with their drinks “Thanks Suzy.” Jack said drinking his beer. Matthew took a sip of his water “Thanks Suzy, this round is on me.” Matthew said placed four pieces of gold coins onto the tray. “Is the extra gold coin for me?” Suzy asked with a smile. “Yup.” Matthew smiled as Suzy walked away. “What was that about?” Jack asked. “Word has it Mike is about to ask her the big question.” Matthew said “That’s my way of just making her day brighter before her date tonight.” “And how do you know this?” Jack asked. “Mike brought me the items he needed to forge a ring for him and Suzy.” Matthew chuckled. “I swear you know what’s going on in all the villages.” Jack chuckled. “Back to Amber, did this guy go with her to the other village?” Matthew asked. “He went back to the other island, said he had to get a group ready.” He said. Matthew stood “I’m gonna head back home, tell Amber I’ll be back early in the morning.” Matthew placed some coins onto the table “Have a few beers on me.” “You sure you don’t want to stay till the storm is over?” Jack asked. “Me and Sarah can handle the storm, besides I have to get things ready for tomorrow.” Matthew said leaving the building and quickly rushing to the barn. He walked over towards Sarah “I know you hate storms girl but we need to head home.” Sarah made a noise as Matthew climbed onto the saddle as he guided her out of the barn as they rushed to the gate “Can you open the gate?” Matthew asked the gatekeeper. “You sure you wanna leave in this nasty storm?” She yelled. “Yeah! I need to head back!” The gates opened up and the two rushed out into the storm. Lighting light up the sky as the wind pushed the trees. Matthew rode through the storm as they made their way to his home. He saw his home just ahead and smiled “Almost home girl.” They made it to the gate and Matthew quickly got off Sarah and opened the gate. Sarah rushed inside and into the barn and Matthew shut the gates and made his way towards his house. He opened the door. He quickly took off his wet clothes and quickly started a fire to try and dry off. He grabbed a cloth and dried off “Alright, better go get the saddle off Sarah and get the fireplace going there.” He put on some clothes and made his way into the barn connected to his house. Matthew looked at the open doors and quickly shut them to stop the rain from coming in. He looked to see Sarah eating the grass “Alright girl let's get your saddle off.” He said walking over and starting to unstrap the saddle. He felt breathing behind him making him turn his head to see a black Direwolf “Hey Lucky.” He felt the wolf lick his cheek “Good to see you too.” Matthew placed the saddle on the side of the railing as he wrapped the cloth around the saddle “Alright, let’s get it warm in here so you two don’t freeze.” Matthew said as he walked over to the fireplace. He started the fire and the room started to get warm. He made his way back into his home. He took a seat in his chair as he got warm by the fire. The storm still going strong outside. Matthew yawned as he slowly fell asleep in his chair. The door burst open causing Matthew to fall to the ground “Matthew! Quick I need your help!” Matthew quickly stood “A-Amber? W-What wrong?” Matthew asked waking up. “I need help, this girl fell from the sky on my way here and you're the only one I know that was close enough to help.” Amber said grabbing Matthew by the wrist and dragging him outside. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To Be Continued. > Chapter 2. A Start of A Journey. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2. A Start of A Journey. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew sat in his chair drinking some water “So, this girl just fell from the sky while you so happen to be flying your Pteranodon in that nasty storm?” Matthew asked trying to make sure his facts were correct. “Yes, me and Pete were flying here so I could hound you for leaving the bar before I got back!” Amber said smacking him upside the head “If you would have stayed I wouldn’t have been flying in that freak storm.” Matthew rubbed the back of his head “Then that girl would be a puddle on the ground.” “You checked her status right?” Amber asked. “Yeah, her health is holding strong.” Matthew said looking at his implant in his arm “Her implant is fresh, we’ve seen people come to the island and their implants have been with them for what we can tell weeks, but hers.” Matthew looked at Amber “It’s freshly put in.” Amber blinked “So, they put the implant in and let her free fall from the sky?” “I don’t know, this world is a mystery.” Matthew said taking a sip of his water “Till our mystery girl wakes up why don’t you explain what in the world your planning with a trader from the other island.” Amber took a seat in front of him “Okay, so at first I didn’t believe what he was telling me about the map.” Amber pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and placed it on the table “I’ve been exploring some old ruins just off the cost and I saw these strange symbols carved into the side one of the ruins, I traced it and then this trader a few days later showed me this map, it had those symbols on it.” “So? Most ruins have strange cravings on them.” Matthew said “People have been trying to figure out what they’ve said for years.” “And I think those ruins hold the keys to getting out of this world once and for all.” Matthew sighed “What does this have to do with me?” He asked. “You're the only one I know that can go between the tribes without anyone trying to kill you.” Amber said “I need to search the area in footpaw but it’s-” Matthew cut her off. “And you lost me.” Matthew said getting up and walking over towards shelve. “Matthew, I know you and your sister don’t see eye to eye but you can at least talk to her about allowing me to visit the ruins near the red Obelisk.” Amber said pulling out a jar of purple liquid. “If you pour me a glass of that grape juice I’ll think about it.” Matthew said placing a wooden mug down as he took a seat. Amber poured Matthew a glass “So you’ll go?” “I have to finish a few things before I can even make the trip.” Matthew said taking a sip of his juice “I have a shipment coming in from the north, they are paying me a good fee to deliver this shipment to the docks, since I have to go thru there on my way to Drayo’s Cove, I can see about talking with her about allowing you to snoop around her territory but I can’t promise you anything.” “That’s all I’m asking.” Amber said giving Matthew a warm smile “Do you know what’s being sent?” “A lot of Mammoth hide.” Matthew said taking a sip of his juice “Guess someone really wants Mammoth hide.” “Can Sarah even pull that much Mammoth hide?” Amber asked. “Mike’s gonna allow me to borrow his Triceratop to help pull everything.” He said “He’ll be meeting me there in the morning.” Matthew then sighed “Which sunrise will be in about an hour and I’ve only gotten about two hours of sleep.” “I haven’t been to bed.” Amber said “You don’t see me worried.” “You’ll be asleep and Pete will fly you back home.” He said chuckling at the memory of the last time he saw Amber asleep and Pete just flying back to their home. “That was one time.” Amber said huffing. “If you want you can tag along.” Matthew said. “And have to go up to that cold weather? Nah I’m good, but I’ll join up with you when you return to the village.” Amber said. “Alright, well why don’t you keep an eye on our mystery woman while I get Sarah ready for the journey to the north.” Matthew placed his mug on the counter “Lucky for me they are meeting at the border near Whitesky Peak on the beach.” “I’ll hold down the fort!” Amber said with a smile. Matthew chuckled “Don’t burn down the place like last time.” Matthew said closing the door causing Amber to glare at the closed door. “I forget to put the candle out just ONCE and you lose only half of the house and I’m the bad guy.” Amber crossed her arms and huffed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew walked into the village with Sarah walking behind him. “Good morning Matthew!” The young girl at the watchtower said waving down at him. “Morning Lora.” Matthew said as the gates opened up allowing Matthew and Sarah to make their way into the village. Matthew notices some of the villagers already starting to get their day going. He notices Mike near his home with his Triceratop outside already to go “Morning Mike.” Matthew said walking up to Mike. “Morning Matthew, Trace is ready for the long journey.” Mike said as he looked at his Triceratop. “I’ll make sure Trace is taken good care of.” Matthew said walking up to Trace “I have enough food for the long journey.” “Your staying close to the beach right?” Mike asked. “That is the safer route.” Matthew said “I promise Trace will be back safe and sound.” Mike gave Trace one last goodbye hug “You be a good boy for Matthew, he’ll bring you back safe and sound.” Trace licked his owner's face. Matthew chuckled “Alright Trace just follow me and Sarah.” Matthew gave Mike a bag of gold “This should cover the cost of missing Trace for awhile.” “I told you Matthew, this was free of charge, you do so much for this village this is something that I wanted to do.” Mike went to hand Matthew the money back when Matthew walked away. “Use that for Suzy, make it my wedding gift.” Matthew said getting onto Sarah’s back “Tell Suzy I said hi and I’ll see you in at least six days top.” Trace followed Matthew and Sarah out of the village and the three made their way towards the Whitesky Peak. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amber stretched in her chair as she sat outside enjoying the sun. She notices her Pteranodon flying around and this made her smile. Amber heard the sound of someone walking inside the house. Amber got to her feet and moved towards the door and notices the blond hair girl looking around “I see you're finally awake.” Amber said “I’m sure you're very confused on where your at.” “A-Ah am.” She stuttered. Amber made her way inside of the house “Take a seat while I get you some water.” Amber said walking over towards the sink Matthew built, she got the girl some water and handed her the mug. The girl took the mug and took a sip “I know this must be very strange, but you're on an island full of dinosaurs.” Amber removed her glove to show the girl the implant in her wrist “This implant allows us to check our health and to check our animals health as well, it also helps us with blueprints we might find or unlock when exploring.” The girl looked at her wrist and notices the implant “W-Why d-do ah have this!?” “That is unknown to us.” Amber said “Whatever you do don’t pull it out. You will die.” The girl looked in horror as she looked back at Amber “As long as you don’t rip it out you’ll be fine, my name is Amber, I’m a member of the tribe of Avalon, we are a peaceful tribe.” “M-My name is Applejack.” Applejack said. “Oh so you're from Equestria!” Amber said making Applejack raise an eyebrow “You're the seventh pony to show up in this world.” “T-There are more of them?” Applejack asked. “Yeah, they mostly live in the other village.” Amber said “But if you wanna meet up with them I can have Matthew take you to them since he is friends with every tribe on this island.” Applejack looked at the implant in her wrist “Ah would like ta meet with them.” “Alright, we can meet up with Matthew, he should be already halfway to the Whitesky Peak.” Amber said “Let’s get you some clothes and then we can get Pete and meet up with Matthew.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew pulled up his book and looked at the map “Alright, we are making great time Sarah and Trace, already half way there, won’t be long and then you two can rest while we load up the cart.” Matthew said petting Sarah’s head. Matthew placed his book back into his bag as they started moving again. “Matthew!” Matthew heard Amber’s voice calling out to him causing him to look up and saw Pete carrying Amber and their mystery guest. “Amber, what’s going on?” Matthew asked as Pete lander near them. “Well Applejack here wanted to meet up with the other ponies from Equestria.” Amber said getting off of Pete “I figured since you know where a few of them are at we can take her to them.” Matthew looked at the girl then back at Amber “There are some of your kind at Drayo’s Cove, I can take you there.” “Ah don’t wanna be too much trouble.” Applejack said. “I’m heading there once I get this shipment.” Matthew said “You two stay here, I’ll be coming back through here and then we can leave.” “Alright.” Amber said “This will give me time to show you how things work around here.” Amber gave Applejack a big smile. Matthew just rolled his eyes “Alright let's get moving.” Sarah and Trace began to move. Two hours it took for Matthew to reach the trading post on the outside of Whitesky Peak. “Matthew! You made it!” A man said wearing a full fur armor. “Hey Tony, got everything ready?” Matthew asked getting off of Sarah. “My guys are loading up the wagon as we speak.” Tony said “The guy you’ll be meeting, his name is Mark.” “There are a few Marks on this Island.” Matthew said. “This Mark has a scar across his nose.” Tony said “He also has a mohawk.” “Is he the one paying me or you?” Matthew asked. “My daughter Mary has the payment waiting for you at Drayo’s Cove.” Tony said. A man came walking up to them “The crates are loaded onto the wagon sir.” “Thank you Steve, let’s hook up your Triceratops so you can be on your way.” Tony said. Matthew walked over towards Trace and guided him over towards the wagon. With a few straps they hooked him up to the wagon. After doing a quick test to see if he can pull the wagon Trace pulled the wagon with ease “Alright, we are set to go.” “Take care Matthew! Make sure you get there safe!” Tony said. They watched as Matthew leave. “You made sure the weapons are hidden right?” Tony asked Steve. “Yes, the assault rifles and ammo are well hidden.” Steve said. “The war at the center is about to come to an end.” Tony said smiling “The Nashoba tribe will help our brothers and sisters fight for the center.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued. > Chapter 3. Chat, Family, Giga on the loose. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3. Chat, Family, Giga on the loose. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack sat on the beach watching the waves move back and forth. “Here, I figured you would be hungry.” Amber said handing her some stew. “W-What is this?” Applejack asked sniffing it. “It’s called Amber Stew.” Amber said with a big grin “Has cooked meat, some rockarrots, some savoroots and some other secret ingredients.” Amber said taking a bite of her soup “It’s sooo good.” Applejack looked at the bowl and took a sip. She blinked as the flavor was amazing. “See, told you it’s good.” Amber said eating some more. “Hey Amber!” The two heard a voice causing them to looked to their right. They saw Matthew coming towards them. “Hey! You're just in time for lunch!” Amber said getting up. “Let me guess, Amber stew?” Matthew asked walking up to Amber. “Yup.” She said with a proud smile. “You're gonna have to pay me back for the meat and the other ingredients since I know you didn’t fly back to the village and get them from your house.” Matthew said. “I’ll pay you back.” Amber said giving Matthew a bowl. “Hopefully Amber here hasn’t been too much of a bother.” Matthew said walking up to Applejack. “I didn’t mean to be rude earlier, I was in a hurry and didn’t get to greet you probably.” Matthew said “Names Matthew, one of a few traders on the island who will deliver items to other tribes or trade goodies with passing strangers.” “Names Applejack, apple farmer from Equestria.” Applejack said. “Equestria, met a few of your kind around here. I know there are three of them at Drayo’s Cove working at the docks last time I was there.” Matthew said “Think the guy’s name was Night something.” Matthew said “It’s been awhile since I spoke with him but I know he still at the docks as for the other three I don’t know their names since they only really speak with Night.” “Amber told me ya there are many type of creatures around here from other worlds.” Applejack said. “There are, most them are humans, no true aliens from other worlds besides you ponies.” Matthew said “I didn’t believe them at first till we went through their implants and found out they weren’t human.” Matthew took a bite of his stew “I was checking your health so I didn’t pry into your speice.” “Has anyone found a way off this island?” Applejack asked. “I’m afraid not Applejack.” Matthew said “Some people have gone missing over the years trying to find some way off this world but we can’t claim they found a way out of here.” Applejack sighed “But I may have a way off this world.” Amber said “If that trader from the center is correct then there might be a key.” “Don’t get her hopes up Amber, you have been trying for seven years now to find a way out of this world and yet this could be like the time you thought there was a secret cave hidden somewhere under the village and you remember how that went.” “This is different Matthew, this map matched the symbol.” Amber said huffing. “I’m not saying your wrong Amber I’m just saying don’t get your hopes up.” Matthew notices the sun “Alright, if you still want that ride your more then welcome to join me on my way to Drayo’s Cove.” “If it’s not too much trouble.” Applejack said. “Like I said before not at all.” Matthew downed his stew “Amber if you're tagging along you better hurry and pack up your gear as I’m leaving.” Matthew walked over towards the wagon “You can sit here and keep an eye on Trace for me.” Matthew said making sure Trace health was alright. “Is this creature yours?” Applejack asked. “I’m borrowing him from a friend for this shipment.” Matthew said as he walked over towards his Parasaur “As for Sarah here, she was injured when I found her and I nursed her back to health and since then she hasn’t left my side.” Matthew patted her head and Sarah made a happy noise. They started to move down the beach. Amber quickly packed her things and got onto Pete’s back and took off after Matthew. “You can be such a jerk you know that!” Amber said huffing as Pete hovered over Matthew. “It keeps you on your toes Amber.” Matthew said as Amber landed Pete onto the wagon as she hopped off and sat down next to Applejack “Thought you were gonna fly?” Matthew asked. “Pete has been flying all night he needs a rest and so do I.” Amber said closing her eyes and relaxing on her seat and Pete laying down as well on the crates. Matthew sighed “You're lucky those crates are heavy duty and can take your over side bird’s weight.” “Shut up Matthew, I’m trying to take a nap.” Amber said. Matthew rolled his eyes as they moved down the beach. Hours had past and Applejack was beginning to worry about her family. Would she be able to get back to them or would she be stuck here for the rest of her life. Her mind needed to to focus on something else and that’s when she notices the rifle handing off of Matthew’s saddle “Ah take it there is a lot of dangerous creatures.” “There are some creatures like Dilo's and Carno’s mostly roam the beach side. The bigger carnivores stay in the deeper jungles and hunt bigger prey.” Matthew said “This longneck rifle is good at taking down some Carno’s from afar if they seem like a threat.” “How big is this island?” Applejack asked. “Pretty big, it can take you days to get across this island.” Matthew pulled out his book and opened the page of the map “This is Ark. One of two islands so far.” Applejack took the book and looked at the map “Have you explored this whole island?” Applejack asked. “No, my father was the one who explored everything.” Matthew said “That book was all he left me, I use it as a trail to make my way to the tribes only.” Applejack handed Matthew the book back and he put the book back into his bag “I don’t explore like Amber as I’m more happy meeting people then looking at old ruins.” “How long have ya been here?” Applejack asked. “Since I was six.” Matthew said. “Ya been here since you were six?” Applejack asked shocked. “I was the youngest one to be brought here, most children are born here with their implants somehow already fused into their wrists, however I remember the pain and I remember hearing voices.” “W-What did they say?” Applejack asked. “It was faint, I couldn’t make out what they were saying, I just remember hearing them and lots of pain.” Matthew said as he notices the marker up ahead “Alright first marker.” Matthew pulled out his book “Alright the sun is going down so we shall be making camp just out here.” Matthew said getting off of Sarah “Amber wake up we are at the first camp site.” Matthew yelled as he unloaded the tent from Sarah. Amber yawned and sat up “Are we there already?” Amber asked stretching. “No, we are at the first marker and it’s getting late.” Matthew said “I need your help setting up a fire so be useful and gather some drift wood for a fire.” Amber got up “Jeez make me do all the hard work.” Amber said getting up and started walking away from them. “Anything Ah can do?” Applejack asked. “You can gather some berries for these two if you want, just don’t go too deep into the tree line and stay where I can see you.” Matthew said moving over towards Sarah and pulling out a machete “In case something does attack you here’s this.” Applejack took the machete “How do Ah know what will attack me?” Matthew pulled out his book and opened a page “This is a Dilo, they spit a venom that can make you go blind for a short while and weak allowing them to kill you.” Matthew showed a picture of the Dilo “They are mostly around the beach side and in some area’s.” Matthew said “They are the only real danger around here.” “Are there any berries Ah shouldn’t pick?” Applejack asked. “Just don’t eat the blackberries or the white berries, the blackberries are called narcoberries they will knock you out, and the white berries are called stimberry, they come in handy if you get knocked out as they will wake you up but you’ll be very thirsty.” “Is that it?” Applejack asked. “Yup, that’s really all there is to watch out for in the berries.” Matthew chuckled as he handed Applejack the book “Here, if you're unsure of something just read this and it will give everything you need to know.” Matthew went back to working on the tent “I’m in earshot and Sarah is watching so she’ll warn you if there is danger.” Applejack notices Sarah on her back legs looking around and watching for danger. Applejack saw Amber picking up wood and figured she would be fine. She made her way towards the treeline and saw some bushes with berries growing from them. As she picked the berries she notices a small creature looking up at her “Now what are you?” Applejack asked. Three more small creatures stepped out and started to attack her, Applejack used the machete to cut one of the small creatures in half. The two attacking her jumped away and took off. Applejack grabbed the book from her bag and flipped through the pages and found the page she was looking for “One of the smallest predators on the island, Compsognathus curiosicarius can be seen as a pet, a pest or a threat. While alone, Compsognathus is not dangerous or aggressive. In larger packs, however, it remembers its carnivorous nature. After a group of Compsognathus grows to a certain size, their pack mentality always seems to embolden them to attack.” Applejack placed the rest of the berries in her bag and made her way back to Matthew. Matthew had finished putting the tent up and was working on making a fire pit. He notices Applejack and saw the scratches and what looked like bite marks on her arms. Matthew quickly rushed over towards her “Are you alright?” Matthew asked. “A-Ah ran into one of these.” Applejack showed Matthew the picture of the creature that attacked her. “Compy, those little ones are tricky but they will stay away as long as we keep the fire going.” Matthew walked over towards Sarah and got some items out of his bag “Alright, let’s clean out those wounds and wrap them up.” Matthew said walking over towards the fire pit and getting a small fire going as he started cooking some of the herbs. He placed the herbs into a mortar and pestle and mashed them up. Applejack took a seat next to the fire pit and watched Matthew work “What are ya mashing up?” “Some herbs that grow deep in the swamp, it’s supposed to help heal wounds and keep people from getting sick.” Matthew took the paste and lightly rubbed it on the cuts on Applejack’s arms and then started wrapping it “The herb is called the dragon apple root, yet it’s not a root more like a flower.” Matthew said finishing up “My dad found the flower hidden in the swamp and since then people have been growing them for healing.” “Why did ya dad name it dragon apple root?” Applejack asked. “The flower has scale like petals and has a apple shape roots if take out of the ground right.” Matthew said “Just don’t remove them for about at least an hour and the scratches should be healed.” “Alright, Ah got those berries in mah bag.” Applejack said. “Alright, if you want you can feed them to Trace and Sarah, Trace loves the purple berries and Trace also likes the purple berries.” Matthew said stretching “I need to catch dinner.” Matthew picked up a fishing pole that was laying next to the tent and made his way over towards the ocean. Applejack picked up her bag and got the purple berries out and started feeding Sarah and Trace the berries. Amber came walking back with enough firewood to last them the night “Woah, what happened to you?” Amber asked placing the wood down near the fire pit. “Ah was attacked by these little creatures called Comp somethin’.” Applejack said “Ah think I scared them off when Ah chopped one in half.” Amber notices Matthew by the ocean “First kill here on Ark, I’m so proud of you.” Amber said with a smile making Applejack chuckle. Applejack finished feeding the two dinosaurs and took a seat near the fire pit. She notices the book sitting next to her and decided to read it. Matthew walked back with a big fish in his hands “Amber, can you get me the stone knife out so I can gut this?” Matthew asked placing the fish down on a rock that had a blanket on it. “Sure.” Amber went and got the knife and gave it to Matthew. “What in the world is that thing?” Applejack asked. “It’s a Coelacanth.” Matthew said as he started carving the Coelacanth. Applejack had to look away as it was gross seeing him cut into the fish. “I’ve got the veggies for the fish stew.” Amber said with a smile. “Makes sure you use the spices I packed.” Matthew said getting the bones out of the meat. After getting the bones and guts out Matthew placed the meat in a pot. He then tossed the guts and boons out into the water and that’s Applejack saw something big moving towards the shore “Watch this Applejack.” Matthew said as a fin moved up from under the water. The creature jumped into the air causing Applejack to fall backwards as she saw what looked like a whale had jumped. It came back down and splashed Matthew “Megalodon, you don’t wanna be in the water when that’s around.” “You don’t wanna go in the water at all!” Amber yelled walking back with the veggies and spices. “I-Is there a lot of them in the ocean?” Applejack asked. “There are a lot yes, there is also some other dangers that lurk in the ocean.” Matthew said walking back over and putting his hands in a bucket and washing his hands “Alright, dinner should be ready in about an hour or so.” “Why can’t we just go to the village?” Amber asked. “Because I don’t wanna deal with my sister and have to pay her for a room.” Matthew said walking over towards the wagon and pulled out some torch stands “I’m gonna set these up around so the animals will stay away.” Matthew left Applejack and Amber alone. “Does he not like his sister?” Applejack asked. “They don’t see eye to eye when it comes to how things should be, one of them being him being apart of her tribe and taking her side when it comes to how to fight the bosses.” Amber said stirring the stew. “Bosses?” Applejack asked confused. “You see this red obelisk? There is a terminal in the center that allows us to access three bosses, I forget what they are called but each one is very big and very powerful. In order to even get to these bosses you need artifacts that are hidden in caves, most of the tribes that risk their lives don’t come back.” Amber said remembering the people who tried to beat the bosses. “Has anyone beat them?” Applejack asked. “Just one tribe.” Amber said “The Targaryen Tribe, they fought the toughest boss, the dragon.” Amber looked at Applejack “They were the only tribe to defeat the dragon bring back its head back as a trophy, they bare the flags of the dragon and now they have become even stronger.” Amber notices the sun going down “Matthew’s sister is the leader of the Targaryen tribe, she is the one that lead them into battle and Matthew was right there with her.” “He fought?” Applejack asked. “Matthew fought alongside his tribe and after the dragon was defeated the lost of many tribe members weighed heavy on his heart, over sixty people were killed in the battle.” Amber notices Matthew placing torches around “When they returned his sister wanted to fight the dragon again and see what else the creature dropped. Matthew fought his sister on this as they lost people and it only gave them a flag and it’s head. He didn’t want to lose more people to these creatures.” “Is that why he doesn’t want to see her?” Applejack asked. “That and the fact his other sister and brother both have been trying to recruit him into their tribes and every time Matthew has to even go near this place he had to deal with family issues.” Amber said checking on the stew “His sister Kate is the leader of the Targaryen tribe, as for his other sister Rachel, she isn’t a leader but more of a healer, and for his brother Daniel, he is a leader of the Light tribe, he is called the iron bear of the tribe as he tamed Direbear’s without knocking them out.” Amber said as she check on the stew. “Does Matthew have a nickname?” Applejack asked. Amber chuckled “I call him the loner but everyone call him the trader Matthew, as he brings all the goodies for tribes.” Matthew came walking back “Alright, torches are lit, dinner done?” Matthew asked. "Still gonna be a bit.” Amber said looking at the stew. “Well I’m gonna take a nap.” Matthew said “Wake me when dinner's ready.” He walked over towards Sarah who was laying down and layed down near her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Later that night the group went to sleep. Applejack and Amber were to share the tent while Matthew slept outside next to Sarah. As the night went on everyone was sound asleep, however their night was about to become one to remember. The sound of a gun shot going off caused the group to awaken. Applejack and Amber both rushed out of the tent to see Matthew on his knees with his hands behind his back as masked people were around the group. “Now is this anyway to treat your brother?” Matthew asked. “When you don’t send word you're gonna be camping just outside the first check point of my territory I always come and make sure they aren’t a threat.” A woman said taking off her helmet and her long red hair fall down “What brings you to my neck of the woods brother?” Matthew got onto his feet “I’m being paid to transport some fur hide to Drayo’s Cove.” The woman placed her pistol into her holster and walked up to Matthew “In the future inform me your camping out here so we don’t get worried about attacks.” She said “Alright boy’s, head back to the checkpoint, I’ll be there soon.” She said. The men left the group alone “You could have came to the tribe and rested there and not deal with the creatures on the beach.” “I felt it would be fine to rest here since it didn’t have a lot of animals besides the compy’s.” Matthew said looking at her “I would have to still head to the tribe for resupplies anyways Kate.” “I swear.” Kate said sighing “You're a stubborn person you know that? New reports of a gigia have moved from the Grand Hills and have it’s way down the river and we believe it’s somewhere around the southern jungle.” “A Giga moving from the mountains? That’s weird.” Matthew said as he knew that wasn’t normal. “We agree, one of our members believe it’s moving to find a partner to mate with.” Kate said “We can handle a Giga, you cannot.” “Alright you two.” Matthew looked at the two “Let’s get the gear packed up, we are heading to the village.” “Who is this?” Kate asked looking at the young woman with blond hair and emerald eyes. “This is Applejack, she is new to the island.” Matthew said looking back at Kate “I’m taking her to Drayo’s Cove.” “How much is she paying you?” Kate asked. “Doing it for free, I’m already heading there anyways.” Matthew said “Why don’t you end back, we will be there shortly.” “Fine, I’ll make sure you all have a place to stay when you show up.” Kate said putting back on her helmet and walking back to her tribe. “What’s a Giga?” Applejack asked. “A Giga is a carnivore. It’s one of the most dangerous creatures on this island, if I knew it was out this way I would have went to the tribe as fast as I could.” Matthew said as he started getting everything ready. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kate stood near the gate waiting for her brother to show “Kate, two of our men spotted the Giga, it’s near the red obelisk, its resting.” “Send six of our people to Matthew now, I want him at our checkpoint now.” Kate said walking back inside “Send word to Grant and tell him we might need his best fliers in case the Giga moves towards us.” “Yes Ma’am!” The man ran off leaving Kate to walked through the village. “Alright everyone, weapon up! We have spotted the Giga, if it decides to head this way we will stand our ground and take it out! Be on alert!” Kate yelled heading towards her hut. Kate entered her home and looked at the map “Alright, we have escape routes ready. Let’s just home the Giga doesn’t come this way.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued. > Chapter 4. Letter, Giga, New Pet. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4. Letter, Giga, New Pet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack looked around in awe. The village was huge. The walls were made of what she could only tell was steel. There were spotlights on the towers on the inside of the village along with many people with guns watching everything. “Grant is in the sky, he’ll radio in if the giga is on the way.” Kate said walking up to Matthew. “When did you let Grant around your territory?” Matthew asked. “Grant made an offer I couldn’t pass up.” Kate said “He’ll give us all the items we need from the mountain and we allow them to fly around in the sky for their training.” “Explains the new walls.” Matthew said “What about the mines?” “We still use the cave but now with this new deal we don’t risk freezing to death, unless we need the artifacts.” Kate said. “Artifacts?” Applejack asked curious. “Artifacts are used to summon the bosses.” Kate said “Ten are needed each time to open the portal to their realms.” “How many have you collected?” Matthew asked. “Only six.” Kate said sadly “The other tribes are fighting me on prices for the other ones I need.” Matthew chuckled “I bet Rachel is jacking up the prices since she’s the cave explorer.” Kate just glared at him “You should upgrade that pistol of yours.” Kate said. Matthew placed his hand on his pistol “This pistol helped us in battle that day, this gun safed those who needed it most.” Kate looked at Applejack “Your friend will need a gun then, I’ll give you a good deal on it.” “Ah’m fine.” Applejack said. “No she’s right Applejack, you’ll need a gun.” Matthew said “Do you know how to use one?” “In my world we have guns.” Applejack said “Your gun reminds me of my old colt revolver.” “I can show you what we have, I know Matthew can afford my prices.” Kate said with a big smile dragging Applejack away. “Are you sure you can afford her prices?” Amber asked walking up. “With the coins I have now? No, but I do have the coins if needed back home.” Matthew said with a sigh “Yet her deal with Grant went under my radar, I’m always hearing what’s going on, I knew Kate was getting metal for her wall but from Grant, I don’t trust him.” “You just don’t trust him because he’s the only guy who built a watchtower and built a patrol using all flying type creatures.” Amber said. Matthew looked at Amber with the look of annoyance “The mountain is the best place to look over the whole island.” Matthew looked back at Applejack and Kate “Grants past isn’t clean, he was apart of the group that killed people, people don’t truly change.” “Grant was just a guy who counted the gold coins.” Amber said “You can’t hold him to that.” “There is more to Grant then meets the eye Amber.” Matthew said walking away from Amber making her roll her eyes. Matthew walked over to Kate and Applejack, Applejack held a fabricated pistol in her hands “If she asks if you want the gun colored it costs extra.” Matthew said. “If she wants it colored she can, I’ll put that as free.” Kate said with a grin. “Well add to my bill, I need some supplies.” Matthew said “I’ll need credit, you know I’m good. With Amber and Applejack here I’m gonna be strapped on coins.” Kate looked at him “Fine but I want entail.” “On who?” Matthew asked. “The Center.” Kate said “I need everything on this land.” “Fine, but I need you to add one more thing to this deal.” Matthew said “Amber here needs access to the ruins around this area. Let her explore with some armed guards in case of a giga.” “Get me what I need and she can have access to whatever she wants.” Kate said. “Why do you want a map of The Center?” Amber asked. “I have reasons.” Kate said. “If this is about Daniel, I wouldn’t even try to go there.” Matthew said “There is already a war going on, I don’t need you two going at each other again.” “That’s not the reason.” Kate looked around “Come with me.” The three followed Kate to a building and stepped inside “About a week ago I got this letter from dad.” “Dad died, we saw his ship get brought down by that massive storm.” Matthew said. “His body was never found.” Kate placed the letter in front of him “Look at the picture.” Matthew opened up the letter and saw the handwritten letter along with pictures of what looked like ruins. He then notices the brown bag in one of the pictures that matched his father’s bag “You said a week ago this came in?” Matthew asked. “Yes, it came from the center.” Kate said. “False.” Matthew placed the letter down “These pictures aren’t from the center, these don’t match anything I’ve heard about the center.” “How would you know? You’ve never been to the center!” Kate said get angry. “Because I’ve meet people from the center.” Matthew said “You're right, this letter is from dad but he’s not on the center, he is somewhere else.” “Then how did the letter get here?” Kate asked. “It might have came from the center but he ain’t there.” Matthew said “Dad would have sent word he was alive years ago.” Matthew turned away from Kate “The letter is encrypted, those pictures are the keys to finding out what the true message is.” Matthew walked out of the building leaving Kate, Amber and Applejack alone. Alarms started going off causing the three to take off running out of the building. “Giga is here!” A man said running up. “Alright! Code red! Everyone grab only what you need and let's get moving!” Kate yelled walking towards her men. “Amber, stay here and don’t do anything stupid.” Matthew said rushing past his sister and towards the barn with the other dinosaurs are and took a Equus “I’ll lure it away! You take your troops and meet me at the beach, use the cliff side!” He yelled as he used the back way to escape. “And he told me not to do anything stupid!” Amber said angrily. “He took my Equus!” Kate yelled “You heard him! Grab all the ammo!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew saw the giga slamming its head on the side of the gate trying to break in “This is stupid but.” He took aim and fired his pistol causing the giga to roar and look at him “Come get me you ugly lizard!” The giga took off after him “Glad this thing is slow!” Matthew kept the Equus at a low speed making sure the giga wouldn’t lose focus on him. They reached the cliff side and the giga was still chasing him. He saw lights at the top of the cliff and saw Kate and her troops ready “Rain hellfire!” Kate yelled. Matthew saw a three mini gun turrets raining fire from the sky along with rockets flying towards the giga. Matthew’s eyes went wide as he saw blood fly as it took out the giga. All that was left of the giga was just pieces of the giga “Holy crap.” Matthew said. Kate made her way down to the beach “How did you know about my weapons being here?” Kate asked getting angry. “You talked about putting up weapons on that cliff side when I was apart of the tribe, figured you would have weapons here.” He said with a cocky grin. “Your lucky.” Kate said looking away. “Not lucky, just know you.” Matthew walked over to the dead giga’s pieces “Well, guess you’ll have enough bait for hunting.” “You are an idiot for luring the giga away from the village!” Kate yelled slapping him across the face “You could have died!” “The giga is slow, with your Equus I could keep a good speed and lure it here.” Matthew said rubbing his cheek “I knew what I was doing, I knew what a giga can do thanks to dad's book.” Kate glared at Matthew “With the giga dead you won’t have to worry about being safe now.” “We’ll be staying the night still Kate, we already have our stuff there.” Matthew said “Oh and you can have Firebrand back.” Matthew said looking back at the Equus. “Firebrand belongs to you.” Kate said walking away. Matthew looked at Firebrand “Still mad about me taming you.” He said chuckling and petting Firebrand. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next Morning. Applejack yawned as she stood near Sarah as Matthew was loading up a few supplies onto the wagon “Are ya sure ya don’t need my help?” Applejack asked. “Yeah, I’m good.” Matthew said “Amber, you still coming with?” Matthew asked. “Gonna find what I’m looking for.” Amber said “But I’ll meet up with you.” “Alright, just gonna be us then Applejack.” He said closing the wagon up and walking towards her “If you're still tired you can rest in the wagon.” “Ah think I might.” She said chuckling. She notices a creature walking up behind Matthew, it reminded her of a pony. The creature’s fur was black while it’s stripes were orange “What is that?” Applejack asked. “Oh, this is Firebrand, she’s my sisters Equus.” Matthew said “I mean I tamed her for Kate but she told me to take her so I am.” He said chuckling “You can have her.” Matthew said “She can be your first creature.” “A-Ah couldn’t just take her from ya.” Applejack said. “It’s fine Applejack, Firebrand is a good tame.” Matthew said giving Firebrand a pat on the head “I’ll let you think about it.” He said walking up to Sarah and hopping on “Alright, let’s get going.” Applejack got onto the wagon and watched as they began to move. Applejack looked at the pistol strapped to her side. Applejack knew her journey home would be long and dangerous, she would find away back home and to her family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A man with short blond hair and blue eyes stood on a mountain side watching over the island. “Sir! They killed the giga, we found Kate and her troops taking body parts back to their camp.” A woman said walking up to the man. "Did they see where they killed it at?" The man asked. “Yes, they have armed mini gun turrets on the side of the cliff.” The woman said. The man smiled “Good.” “What next sir?” The woman asked. “We lure another giga out and see what else they are packing.” The man said “I want to know what else she is hiding in those forests.” “As you wish sir!” The woman took off running. “Once I have found everything you're hiding Kate, your tribe will be the first to be taken.” The man chuckled walking back into the building while Tapejara’s and Pteranodons flew around. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued. > Chapter 5. Getting to know you. Ragnarok. A new Village. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5. Getting to know you. Ragnarok. A new Village. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Matthew got off of Sarah and looked at the broken bridge “Now I wonder what caused this?” Matthew asked himself as he walked over towards the broken bridge.   “What’s wrong?” Applejack asked getting off the wagon and seeing the broken bridge.   “Seems something broke through the bridge.” He said looking back at Applejack “We can’t cross here, we’ll have to keep heading down this beach till we reach a shallow crossing.”   “Is that a good idea?” Applejack asked.   Matthew climbed back up onto Sarah “It’s fine, I think the storm knocked out the bridge, we are still safe on the beach so don’t worry.” He said as they continued down the beach.   “Are ya sure somethin’ didn’t take out that bridge?” Applejack asked.   “Might be a Bronto.” Matthew said “They tend to try and cross the bridges and they break them.”   “What’s a Bronto?” Applejack asked.   “It’s a herbivore, very big, has a long neck and tail. Harmless.” Matthew said “I’ve been telling the tribes they need to reinforce these bridges so the bronto’s won’t break them.”   They moved down the beach “About that letter, what was that about?” Applejack asked.   “Seems my father is alive.” Matthew said not even caring “The letter is encrypted, the pictures are the keys to unlocking the true message.”   “Aren’t ya happy ta know ya dad is alive?” Applejack asked.   “The handwriting on the letter looks like my fathers but I don’t think he’s alive.” Matthew said “We all saw his ship sink.”   “What if he is alive?” Applejack asked.   “Then I’ll have to punch him in the jaw.” Matthew said “Oh I bought this for you.” Matthew changed the subject and pulled out a book from his bag “It’s a journal.”   “Ya got me a journal?” Applejack asked as she notices an apple on the front of the book.   “Everyone on this island has a journal.” Matthew said “You can use it to write your journey or even use it as a guide to what you find in this world.”   “Thanks, once Ah get on my feet Ah’ll pay ya back.” Applejack said looking at Matthew with a smile.   “Don’t worry about, I’m happy to help anyone who needs it.” Matthew said with a smile. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Amber walked through the jungle with her paper and chalk.   “Do you really have to follow me?” Amber asked Kate who was following her.   “Matthew did want me to make sure you were safe in my jungles.” Kate said “Plus I want to know more about these symbols.”   “If I find a way off this world I better get credit!” Amber said “I think these ruins here might be it.” Amber said as she notices the ruins.   “Alright, let’s see what we can fine.” Kate said walking past Amber.   The two searched the stone ruins, What felt like hours of searching Amber found what she was looking for “Kate! Found it!”   Kate rushed over towards Amber “Woah.” Amber notices the stones were carved just like the symbol “What does it mean?”   “Means these ruins are connected to the center! Which means the map that I’m gonna buy is real!” Amber started jumping up and down with joy “I’m gonna need to tell Matthew the good news!” Amber took off running leaving Kate standing there.   Kate pulled out a few pictures and notices the symbol in one of the pictures “What have you found father.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Matthew stopped as he saw a group of people with spears and guns walking along the beach.   “Are we gonna be alright?” Applejack asked concerned.   “Yeah, we will be fine.” Matthew said “They might be keeping the area clear from carnivores.”   “Is there any tribes around here?” Applejack asked.   “There are smaller tribes but the bigger tribes keep them in check.” Matthew said “Small groups go out hunting in areas they feel safe at.”   They watched as the group went into the woods. Applejack notices Matthew keeping his hand on his pistol as they walked.   The sun slowly began to set as they came to the next checkpoint. Matthew began setting up a campfire as Applejack tended to the animals.   “We should be at Drayo's Cove by tomorrow afternoon.” Matthew said as he notices a few ships anchored off the cost.   “What are those ships doing?” Applejack asked.   “Those are diving ships, they dive and collect resources from the ocean along with searching wreck ships that are sunk by Leedsichthys.” Matthew said.   “There is a fish that sinks ships?” Applejack asked shocked.   “Yeah, however some of the tribes have made traps for them or found ways to scare them away from the ships till they are out in open waters where it doesn’t roam.” He said placing some food in a pot.   “Is this whole world just trying to kill everyone?” Applejack asked.   “Well yeah.” Matthew chuckled “Everyone is fighting to survive in this world, if the dino’s aren’t trying to kill you, then it’s the rogue tribes trying to kill you.” Matthew kept an eye on the forest “With the bigger tribes keeping peace however it’s rare to find people being killed by rogue tribes.”   Applejack sat down near the fire to try and get warm as the cold air slowly started to come in.   “Yet ya seem ta be worried about the ones hunting right now.” Applejack said “Since ya spotted them ya been watching the forest and keeping your hand on ya gun.”   Matthew looked at Applejack “Before the bigger tribes formed a truce on the island there was a tribe that would kill and steal from the smaller tribes.” Applejack could see anger building up in his eyes “I just started out as a trader and when I went to the smaller tribes I saw villages destroyed and bodies everywhere, those who paid never got hit till they couldn’t pay no more.” Matthew looked at the food cooking “The bigger tribes soon felt the hit and they worked together and drove them back to their hiding place and they were either killed or locked away.” Matthew looked back out at the forest line “I have trust issues with the smaller tribes since most of them are from the tribe that killed people, you never know if they have changed.” “Understandable, ya don’t want what happened in the past ta happen again.” Applejack said.   “When we reach Drayo's Cove I’ll give you some coins so you can explore and if you find something you want you can buy it while I’m unloading these crates.” Matthew said.   “Ah’m gonna have ta repay ya back for everythin’ ya done for me.” Applejack said.   “No need, I know how hard it can be for newcomers to the island.” Matthew walked over to the other side of the wagon and opened up a small crate and pulled out a bottle “A guy I knows makes these drinks that are pretty good, it will give you a buzz.” He said walking back over and pouring her a glass “He mixes beer with berries and his own herbs and have made a killing off it.”   “Does he charge you?” Applejack asked taking the glass and looking at the liquid.   “I get a discount since I’m the one who brought him the herbs.” Matthew took a sip of his drink “So, before coming here what did you do?” Matthew asked.   “Ah ran my family’s farm.” Applejack said as she took a sip of her drink. Her eyes widen as her taste buds were given a pleasure of sweetness. Matthew chuckled.   “That’s the magic of the herb, brings out the sweetness in the berries making them really good.” Matthew said.   “Ya friend really out did himself, if Ah could get my hands on that herb back home my hard cider would be in higher demand.” Applejack said taking another sip and letting the liquid wash over her taste buds.   “From what I can remember from one of the pony members here, your world is run by a princess right?” Matthew asked making sure his facts were right.   “Yeah, Princess Celestia, she rules our kingdom but soon a new ruler is gonna be taking over, my friend Twilight has been helping her get ready for the throne.” Applejack said.   “Oh, is she of royal blood?” Matthew asked.   “She is not, she was adopted by Celestia and have been living at the castle all her life. Celestia believes she’s ready yet she feels she’s not.”   “Well ruling a kingdom is kinda hard for some.” Matthew said as she checked on their stew “You know, it just now hit me, you're a pony, and I’ve been feeding you meat.”   Applejack chuckled “We eat meat in my world, we have humans in our world like yourself but they have their own kingdom and live far, ever since our two kingdoms came together and we tried some of their food we enjoyed the taste, however there are some who stay with the veggies.”   Matthew chuckled “And you enjoyed the taste of meat?” He asked.   “Ah couldn’t complain when Ah was given the chance to taste it.” Applejack said “Ah mean from what Twilight said, before we became who we are, our kind did hunt to survive before we switched to plants.”   “Seems your friend Twilight is very smart.” Matthew said as she poured some of the stew into some bowls “Are your kind more Anthropology or do you all walk on all fours?”   “Anthro what?” Applejack asked confused.   “It means human like, tho that’s what I’m told.” He said taking a bite of his stew.   “Well he have fingers but we don’t have feet, we have hoofs and fur.” Applejack said.   “Matthew!” The two looked up to see Amber flying towards them.   “I see Amber found us.” Matthew watched as she landed and rushed over to the two of them.   “I found it!” She placed the piece of paper down “I have found the symbol!”   Matthew lifted up the paper and looked at the symbol “And what does this prove?”   “The map is gonna lead us to Ragnarok!” Amber said sitting down “Kate thinks your dad's letter is the key to where he is.”   “Ragawhat?” Applejack asked confused.   “Ragnarok, it’s supposed to be an island filled with more history than this island and the center. It is said it holds a key to leaving.” Matthew said handing the paper back to Amber “There is no proof it exists.”   “The old man who lives in the swap claims to be from there, we should visit him.” Amber said.   “Yeah no, I’m not going into the swap and getting myself sick over a wild goose chase.” Matthew said going back to eating his stew.   “I’m still confused.” Applejack said. “Years ago this guy washed up on the shores claiming he was from a place called Ragnarok. The old guy built his home in the swap and it’s filled with traps, you can either get sick from the leeches or get killed by his traps.” Matthew said “Just stick with your map.”   “We can fly over and land, his traps won’t stop us from flying over.” Amber said trying to use her puppy dog eyes to convince him to change his mind.   “No, I’m putting my foot down! You can go but I’m not.” Matthew said “If you want some stew you can have some.”   “Fine, be mean.” Amber sat down and got herself a bowl of stew “Maybe I’ll get Kate to go.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Grant was walking through his fort with papers in his hands and a smile on his face.   “Sir! We seem to be having an issue!” A guy said rushing up to Grant.   “What’s going on?” Grant asked looking at the guy.   “We are getting strange cracks and heat coming from them.” The guy said “We don’t know what’s going on.”   “Take me to cracks.” Grant said.   The two made their way out of the fort and walked towards the cracks. Grant felt the heat “Seems this mountain is a volcano.” Grant looked at the guy “We are moving, get all Dino's ready, we are not gonna stick around when this mountain blows.”   The guy took off running. Grant looked at the steam coming from the cracks “Wonder why it’s now acting up?” He asked out loud as he went back to his fort. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning Amber took off to the town as Applejack and Matthew went the long way.   Applejack saw the town and was in awe, she could see ships docked and a lot of people walking around selling things and so many dinosaurs roaming around. She couldn’t believe how many people were roaming around.   “Amber said she would show you around while I make the delivery.” Matthew said getting off of Sarah.   “Are ya sure ya don’t need help unloading?” Applejack asked.   “Nah, mostly just dropping off the crates, they will have guys take them off for me.” He said “Here is the coins, Amber should be in the Pteranodon pens, just follow the signs and you’ll find her.” Applejack took the coins.   “Alright, Ah’ll see ya later.” Applejack said walking down the path leaving Matthew alone with the dinosaurs.   “Alright you three, stay close and don’t wander off, I’m mostly talking to you Firebrand.” Matthew said patting the Equus head. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued. > Chapter 6. Clothes, Assassin, Volcano. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6. Clothes, Assassin, Volcano. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The marketplace of Drayo's Cove was full of life, people were selling and buying all kind of items. Applejack notices the children running around laughing and enjoying the wonderful sunny day. “Alright, we are gonna need to buy you some new clothes! I know this small little shop here that sells everything.” Amber said as they walked through the crowds. “As long as it isn’t anything fancy, I’m not really into anything fancy.” Applejack said as they walked. “Don’t worry, they have just the basic gear and clothes so you don’t have to worry.” Amber said as they walked into the hut. “Amber! It is good to see you again, what brings you by?” A young woman with short black hair and browns eyes said with delight. “It’s good to see you again Sabrina! I’m here to help Applejack find some clothes.” Amber said “What do you have in stock?” Amber asked. “Yeah, I’ve made some new amazing designs that you may like.” Sabrina brought forth some of her designs “I call this the western era.” Sabrina said pulling forth the outfit “I’ve made it out of some leather and mixed it around with some cloth and fur and made it into a western outfit, it even comes with a cowboy hat.” She said very proudly. “Ah like it.” Applejack said. “Well if you like this, I have a lot more you may like.” Sabrina said with a smile. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew stood near the docks as men were unloading the wagon. Matthew ate some jerky as he waited for the wagon to be unloaded. “Matthew!” A female voice yell as he was sundling knocked off his feet and fell to the ground. He looked to see a woman with short blue hair  with blue eyes and a big smile on her face “Why didn’t you tell me you were here Matthew!?” She said pulling him back onto his feet. He sighed knowing full well his sister Rachel always hates when he doesn’t tell her he’s in town. “Sorry, with so much going on it slipped my mine.” He said rubbing the back of his head. “Well make sure you remember, if I wasn’t getting some equipment for more cave exploring I wouldn’t have known you were here.” She said with a huff as she crossed her arms. “I’ll remember Rachel.” He said “Heard your jacking up the prices on Kate.” Rachel chuckled “Yup! She won’t visit so unless she wants them cheaper she’s gonna pay higher prices.” “Maybe cut her some slack, I know she hates visiting but maybe go visit her.” He said “I mean I know you two fight a lot when you two are face to face but Kate’s just hard headed and always will be.” “Yeah I know but she needs to leave that tribe for a day and relax! She doesn’t even cave explore anymore! She needs to be out in the action again!” “Didn’t know she stopped that, tho with Grant giving her metals she’s been building and getting her tribe armed.” Matthew said “Tho sooner or later she’ll need to explore caves if she wants to fight those bosses again.” “Never understood why she want to fight those crea-” Her voice was cut off as the ground shook. “W-What is going on?” Matthew asked out loud as he felt the earth shake. Then they heard a loud boom and saw smoke and lava flying out of the volcano “Oh that can’t be good.” “I hope Grant and his team are alright.” Rachel said “I better go and get a party ready just in case some people are hurt.” “Be safe Rachel.” Matthew said giving his sister a hug. Matthew watched as his sister took off leaving him alone. He notices the volcano smoke was still strong as the people watched. He notices the lava on the side of the volcano beginning to dry quickly “Matthew! What’s going on!?” Matthew turned his head to sister Amber and Applejack rushing over towards him. “The volcano went off, don’t know why tho.” Matthew said as he looked at the two. “Grants base was up there.” Amber said “Think he and the other’s made it out?” “Knowing Grant I’m sure of it.” Matthew said as he notices the men were done “I’ve gotta find Mary and get my payment.” Matthew walked away from Amber and Applejack leaving the two alone. “Excuse me, I’m looking for Matthew.” A man said walking up to the two. “He went into that building right there.” Amber said pointing to where Matthew walked into. “Thank you.” The man said leaving the two girls alone. They both watched as the guy walked into the building and then gun shot went off. The two took off running towards the building. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew stood at the desk as Mary placed some gold coins into the bag “Alright, here is your payment, I hope your journey was safe.” “It was Mary, hopefully those pelts help your people at the center.” Matthew said taking the coins. The door to the shop opened and the two looked to see a man walk in “Are you Matthew?” The man asked. “I am Matthew.” Matthew said looking at the man. Matthew’s eyes quickly widen as the man pulled out a gun and fired. Matthew took the bullet to his left shoulder knocking him back behind the desk. Matthew held his shoulder as two guys from the back rushed out and an all out gun fight went out. The man escaped while the two men chased after him. Mary rushed to the back to try and find a first aid kit. Applejack rushed inside and saw Matthew laying on the side of the desk holding his shoulder “Oh my Celestia! Are you alright!?” “Oh I’m fine, just got a bullet in my shoulder, totality okay.” Matthew said chuckling in pain as she held his shoulder. Mary came rushing back in “Alright, let’s take a look.” Mary said using some scissors to cut Matthew’s shirt open to allow her a better look at his wound “Alright, the bullet didn’t go all the way through, meaning we are gonna have to take you to the healer.” “Oh fun.” Matthew groaned as he felt Mary pull him up and helped carry him. “You need to keep pressure on that wound.” Mary said. “Ah’ll try and help.” Applejack said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amber was on the man’s heels as she wasn’t gonna let this man get away. She tackled the man and started punching him “WHO SENT YOU TO TRY AND KILL MATTHEW!” She yelled with each punch to the man’s face. “D-Don’t know! I swear! It was just a letter! P-Please stop!” The man yelled as he was being punched. Amber was pulled off the man by three armed guards as two other guards placed the man under arrest “YOU WON’T BE SO LUCKY NEXT TIME!” Amber yelled. “Ma’am you need to calm down.” The guard said “Take him to the cells, get two guys to the docks to check on what happened.” Amber was still filled with rage. Someone tried to kill her friend and she wanted to know who. “Take her back to the docks with you.” A guard said. Amber was let go and started walking back to the docks with guards. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew laid on the table with severe pain running through his body as he looked at the bullet. “How are you feelin?” Applejack asked making Matthew look to his left to see Applejack sitting in the chair near him. “I feel like I got a bullet taken out of me, other then that just a bit of pain.” He said. “Why would that guy shoot ya?”Applejack asked. “I have no clue.” Matthew said “Could have had the wrong guy named Matthew, I mean there are a few Matthew’s around here.” Matthew looked back at the bullet “Might have been a hit gone wrong, there are assassins out there making coins killing people.” Matthew chuckled and then winched in pain “He’s gonna be shocked if I was the wrong person to kill.” The tent opened up and Amber walked in “Are you alright Matthew!?” Amber rushed over towards him. “Yeah I’ll be fine.” He said “Just gotta take it easy.” “We are gonna stay here a few days till your better.” Amber said. “No, I’ve gotta take Trace back to Mike, I can’t stay longer.” He said sitting up and feeling the pain shoot through his body “I can sit in the wagon, but we are leaving tomorrow.” “No you are staying! I will take Trace back, but I’m not letting you get more injured.” Amber said “You need to rest.” “I’ve had worse, I can handle a wagon ride home, would rather rest at home then here in this town.” He said “You can try and fight me on this but I can handle the ride home.” “Ya should take it easy.” Applejack said “The doc said ya need ta lay down and rest.” Matthew looked at Applejack “I’ll be fine.” He said getting to his feet, he felt his head fell light and fuzzy as he felt as if he was gonna fall. He fought through it as he walked out of the tent and outside. That was the last thing remembered before everything went black. When he awoke he found himself in a bed with his sister Rachel sitting in a chair sound asleep. He then spotted his sister Kate by the window with Amber near her “I have my men talking with the guards to track down who hired the man.” Kate said “No one tries to kill my brother.” “I don’t know why anyone would try and kill him, he’s the only person on this island who doesn’t cause drama to anyone and help those in needs.” Amber said “Are you going to take him back to Avalon?” “That’s why I’m here, I know he’ll fight all of us on him staying here so might as well just keep him safe on the way home.” Kate said “Rachel said she’s coming so at least he’ll have a healer.” Matthew slowly sat up “Do I even get a say in the matter?” He asked as he felt the shooting pain in his shoulder forced him to lay back on the bed. “You're awake!” Kate quickly rushed to his side “You can’t sit up, you need to rest.” “I’m fine, once I get my energy I’ll be able to sit up and head back home without you all hovering over me like a helpless child.” He said looking at Amber and Kate. “No, you are gonna rest, we will be leaving in the morning however you are gonna let us take care of you, Applejack has kindly offered to help with fixing the wagon up to allow you to lay in the back without you bouncing around back there.” Kate said looking at her brother. Matthew just sighed “You guys I swear.” Amber just smiled while Kate looked at Rachel then back at him “Get some rest Matt, I’ve got a few things to do before morning.” “Stay out of trouble now.” Matthew said as he watched his sister leave the room. He looked at Amber “So, what did I miss while I was out?” “Well Grant informed the tribes about the volcano, turns out a door is now inside and it’s asking for strange items.” Amber said “We got what’s called a tek cave, we don’t know what it is as of yet.” Matthew’s blood started to boil as he thought about Grant and this new doorway. Grant has already started getting power by taking the volcano and taking control over the metal there. Now he wondered what his plans are with this doorway. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A woman with long blue hair walked to the balcony as she looked at the night sky and smiled. The stars were shining bright tonight. Without warning a strong breeze lifted her off her feet and her mind began to fog as the stars and moon she once looked upon faded from her sight. Her eyes slowly opened as she heard voices. “It has been sometime since a new comer has come to these lands, what should we do sir?” A male's voice asked. “We will take her back to the tribe, get the Wyvern’s ready.” A female’s voice could be heard. The woman’s eyes closed once again as her mind went back to darkness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued. > Chapter 7. War > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew walked slowly towards the wagon as he saw his sisters loading the wagon up with some supplies and he notices a few of Kate’s guys near her “Alright you two, I want you to keep an eye on the east border and I’ll be back before you know it.” “Kate, I need your help with this!” Rachel said trying to move some stuff from one wagon to the other. He watched as Kate walked over to Rachel and helped her. “Surprised you two aren’t fighting.” He said walking up to them “Where’s Applejack and Amber?” “Amber left about an hour ago, she said she’s gonna head back to Avalon, she said she would meet us there.” Kate said “As for Applejack, she’s talking with someone at the docks.” Matthew looked inside the wagon and raised an eyebrow “What’s with the rope bag?” “Oh that’s your bed you're gonna lay on, Applejack said it will keep you from bouncing around.” Rachel said. “Just remove it, I’ll be fine.” Matthew said walking up to the wagon “I can handle the bouncy ride.” “You are so stubborn!” Rachel said “He gets that from you Kate!” Matthew looked at Rachel with a glare“Listen, only reason I’m being stubborn is because I’m not gonna let whoever tried to kill me see they have weaken me.” He said looking at her “I won’t show this world I’m weak.” Rachel stood there looking at him “Rachel makes a point, you are being too stubborn about this, you're not weak but your not strong enough to face this war alone.” He felt Kate’s hand on his shoulder “Rest and we will take care of you.” Matthew sighed, he knew his sisters were right “Alright.” After the wagon was loaded, Applejack returned with a bag “Ah’m ready ta go.” Applejack said getting into the wagon. “What’s in the bag?” Matthew asked. “It’s from a pony named Blaze at the docks, Ah ran into him while working on the wagon.” Applejack said “It’s some herbs from the sea.” “If everyone is ready, we can get going!” Kate said sitting at the front of the wagon. Matthew got into his seat as they started their journey back to Avalon. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heat, that’s all the woman felt as she slowly sat up. She looked around the room and saw she was inside a tent, next to her was a small table with some water. She took a sip as she got to her feet and made her way out of the tent. The sun blinded her for a moment as she saw herself what looked like a campsite in the middle of the desert. She notices dragons flying around the camp and people walking around. “I see you are finally up, I hope you are feeling alright.” A woman said walking up to her. “I-I’m fine, where am I?” She asked. “You are right now at the tibes check point.” The woman said. “How did I get here?” She asked trying to ignore the heat. “We found you out in the dunes.” The woman said “I am Daenerys of the Drogon clan. “I’m Luna.” She said shaking Daenerys hand. Luna felt a bit of a pain in her left wrist and looked to see a strange device in her wrist. Luna began to panic when she heard Daenerys spoke “That device allows us to keep track of one another and keep an eye on your health.” She said “And before you asked no, we didn’t put that in you, everyone here has them, we are either born with them or wake up with them in our wrists.” “So everyone has these?” Luna asked. “Yes, each person here has one.” She said “Come I’ll show you around.” “You told me I was in your outpost, where am I truly at?” Luna asked as they walked. “You are on Scorched earth. A desert.” Daenerys said as they walked “My clan have been keeping the west safe from the other clans who wish to kill these dragons.” Luna watched as the dragons over head fly “Why would they want to kill these creatures?” Daenerys sighed “A couple of days ago the Obelisk’s were glowing bright and then a new item was discovered, Tek.” She said “Now these dragons are being hunted down for their claws for the arena, they are diving in droves to collect as many as they can.” “Why would they need their claws?” Luna asked. “They are apart of opening the gate to the Manticore arena.” A man spoke walking up to them “With this item called tek the clans have been hunting the dragons down keeping their numbers low.” “What is Tek?” “Tek is a new item, weapons and armor that have powerful and the tribes want to be as powerful as they can.” Daenery spoke “We have our own armor from our first fight with the boss, however you need element and you must fight the boss as many times to have enough to remain in power.” All of these things confused Luna, she was new to this world and away from her home. Why was she here? All she knew she was away from home in a new strange land. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A couple of days have gone by and Matthew sat inside him home glaring at his sisters who busted his doorway and have caused damage to his home after fighting. This was the last thing he needed from his sisters. As the two yelled at each other Matthew just walked out of the house. He had Sarah follow him as he headed towards the village. He walked into the village and made his way towards the tavern. Making sure Sarah was placed near the tavern and given some berries to eat Matthew made his way inside and took a seat at a table. A young woman walked up to Matthew “Oh Matthew! It’s great seeing you again! What brings you in today?” The girl asked. “I need a beer, the strongest beer you have.” He said as calmly as he could. The woman blinked and made her way towards the bar leaving Matthew to think about the past few days. Applejack went with Amber just two days after they got back to his home, Kate refused to leave Matthew alone and so Applejack went with Amber to the swamp and he hasn’t heard back from them. He was worried but couldn’t make his way out there till his arm was back to normal. His sisters were driving him nuts. The woman came back with a tall mug “Here you go Matthew, enjoy.” “Thank you.” Matthew said as he took a sip from the mug. He gave her some coins as he sat there “Oh can you find Smith? I need to speak with him about some repairs to my house.” “I’ll find him.” She said with a smile leaving Matthew alone drinking his beer. After talking with Smith about repairing his home and a few beers later Matthew stumbled out of the tavern and used Sarah to keep his balanced as he made his way back home. With Matthew safe and sound at home he fell asleep. He awoke the next morning to the sound of hammers hammering away making Matthew groan and made his way out of his bed. His head was killing him as he walked down the stairs, to his surprise it wasn’t Smith working on his home instead his two sisters working together. “Well this is a sight to see.” “Morning Matthew! I hope our working didn’t wake you!” Rachel said cheerfully. “You two are actually working together to fix my house up?” He asked. “We feel bad for what happened.” Kate said “You’ve put you through enough stress already and us taking out our anger on your home.” Before Matthew could speak his wrist started to burn, the strange device started to glow wildly and before he knew it he was being taken away. Kate and Rachel rushed towards Matthew only to have their hands go right through him and he faded away. “MATTHEW!” The two screamed. The island started to shake as the Obelisks in the sky were pulsing with energy. “What is going on!?” Kate yelled as she grabbed her radio to call on her tribe. Rachel notices Sarah was gone as well “Matthew’s dinosaur is gone.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amber and Applejack watched as the Obelisks came to life and shook the island. They didn’t know what was going on. “So it has begun.” An old man said walking towards the two girls “The war is coming.” “What war?” Amber asked. “Ragnarok, they will come and take this world over and they will kill anyone who dare define them.” He spoke “The gateway is opening and soon they will be coming.” “If these people you speak of are coming, there must be a way to stop them from killing people.” Amber asked. “There is only one way but it’s not on this island, a world filled with creatures that glow and a world underground.” “The center i-” Ambers words were cut off “The center holds the gateway but it doesn’t hold the key to that realm.” “What must we do ta get there?” Applejack asked. “You’ll need this.” The old man pulled out of his bag a small strange metallic object “This will open the gateway between the worlds you seek.” Amber took the object “Heed my warning, the worlds you believe is a lie.” The old man walked into his hut as Amber and Applejack made their way back to Matthew home. Once there they notice Kate and Rachel outside, there were about a hundred guys standing around and this worried the two. “Amber! Applejack! Glad you two are alright!.” Rachel said as they landed. “What’s going on?” Amber asked. “Matthew disappeared when the Obelisks were glowing.” Kate said “I have my men looking into the matter.” The ground started shaking again as the Obelisks released one final wave of energy and soon the waves of energy stopped and everything returned to normal. “We might be able to find him.” Amber pulled out the strange metallic object “We need to head to the center and go within the world.” “Send a message to Daniel, we’ll need his help since he knows The Center like the back of his hand.” Kate said to one of her men “Rachel, we’ll need your cave exploring to help.” “Ah wanna come.” Applejack said “Ah can help fight back anything that comes at us.” “I have a ship we can use to travel, Amber this is your mission, you have the map and the key to guide us and hopefully to Matthew.” Rachel said. “Will bring Matthew back home.” Kate said. “There is one more, the old man we spoke with tells us there is a war coming, people from Ragnorok are coming to come claim the world, they are an army from what we can gather they will be coming soon.” Amber said. “We better hurry then.” Kate said “I want Matthew’s creatures taken to base and taken care of.” “Where is Sarah?” Applejack asked. “She disappeared just like Matthew.” Rachel said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Matthew felt the heat hit his skin as he walked through heat and sand. His trusty Parasaur walking alongside him. All his gear gone besides his pistol and a few rounds still inside Sarah’s saddle. They came to a small clearing with some trees and grass and water. Matthew made sure the area was safe before taking a drink and cooling off. Matthew blinked as he saw this strange little creature bounce up to him, it looked like a cross between an rabbit and a kangaroo and it seemed to like Matthew as it jumped onto his back and nuzzled his cheek. "You've finally made it, my son." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued.