A creature unknown to pony kind and hunter of changelings sets off from her home in the bad lands to find friends and maybe more
Viper pit is a Scorpony a tiny quadruped earth pony with a scorpion tail.(drapion to be more accurately) and she has reached the age where she will leave her pack and go to make a new one. On her journey she will make friends foalnap potential mates and so much more.
I tried everything I could think of to escape this infernal cage. Clawing at the bars with my pincer tail, digging through the floor, trying to weaken part of it with my venom, and others. “Stupid Cage… Suffocating Giants…” as I muttered this a chopped carrot was thrown at me, “Aggravating Hare!...” Eventually, I settled down and attempted to get cozy in my new place of residence. I was locked in this cage all because I was deemed too dangerous to be let roaming free in their society
Oh, I’ll show them just how dangerous I can be when I get out of here, I thought angrily. How exactly did I end up in this situation you may ask? I only sought out a mate so that I could begin to raise my own nest!
What’s with that look? Have you never been struck out from your own nest to prevent inbreeding between siblings? No? I guess you need more of an explanation to understand. Let me backup to the beginning. I am part of the species called Scorpony. To be honest, I know nothing else about us and don't really care to find out. Oh! Changeling transforming magic has the most delicious taste out there from my experience at least.
My old new consisted of my parents, three sisters, six brothers, fifteen cousins, two aunts, two uncles, and finally my grandparents who were the leaders. Thing is our best started to become too crowded with not enough food to go around. So few of my siblings, cousins, and l set off to find suitable mates for our own nests. We have to be what you call strict so our next generation is strong enough to head off on their own one day.
I ventured to a land that the last changelings we captured screamed before we drained them dry of magic. I overheard them mentioning an old invasion on a place called Canterlot too, but brushed that off. It was a long walk to the north of a place called Equestria. With my short legs, it took around a week until I came across a strange looking place. Changelings tend to make their hives in desserts so that predators will be warded off by the heat.
There were these tall walls made of wood only it wasn't in the form of round logs like a tree trunk. My curiosity got the better of me so I decided to investigate this strange formation. I searched all along the perimeter of the entire wall to see if there as a way around it or through it. I eventually found a small hole near the dirt.
Now, we're getting somewhere, I thought to myself as I began trying to fit my head through the hole. Minding my horn and ears I found that it was too tight of a fit to push myself through. After I backed out of the whole, I did what we Scorponies do to build our physical nests: digging. Using both my back hooves and tail I managed to dig a hole under the wall. It took a few minutes since I'm not used to digging all on my own, but once the tips of my tail hit the surface again I shifted myself around.
I closed my eyes then pushed my head through the dirt and shook my mane free of any remaining dirt. I opened my eyes slowly to spot a tall building that would be suitable for shelter. I heard the light tapping from a different part of this walled off place. I looked at a back corner to see a smaller structure with a furry beast laying in it. This beast was around my height with sharp fangs poking from its long mouth. Sand brown fur covered its entire body, it noticed me immediately.
As it came rushing I hurried to retract my head back down, only once it reached my tunnel this beast started digging. This enemy kept emitting a strange noise I started clicking my tail as a warning. It didn't stop so I readied myself for a fight luckily I had the advantage of being below ground. “Awoooo!!!” it howled, but for how much longer I couldn't tell. I waited for an opportunity to strike which came as it slowed down and lowered its mouth down my entrance a bit. Gotcha
I rushed up headbutting it then I kicked it with my hooves, this things digging had widened the entrance so I could escape quickly. The beast started growling at me now agitated so I shifted to a defensive position snapping my pincers. I tried putting some distance between us by slowly scooting along the wall. He returned to the previous sound trying to imitate my stance. I watched it both confused and defensively, you're seriously mocking me in a fight!
It quickly charged toward me then snapped its teeth at my leg which I dodged. I tried swinging my tail at it again only for it to catch my tail in its mouth. This thing yanked at my tail almost ripping part of it off as I yelled in pain and dragged me toward its body. Seconds later reinforcements came out of the house screaming in fear. The beast let go of my tail and I lunged at its neck injecting what little venom I could muster at that moment.
The other creature shouts at me “SWEET CELESTIA, GET AWAY FROM PRINCE!!!” It grabbed a long grey stick then swung at my right side as I tried to run back toward my hole. As pain erupted from my side, it bashed its weapon on my head causing me to be knocked out.
I’m not sure how much time passed, but as I began to stir I heard that creature from before along with another voice. “Carrot Top, Prince will be just fine. This Scorpony thought he was an enemy so it took the defensive,” said a calmer sounding voice.
“Defensive!! This thing attacked my dog it could have killed Prince,” screams this Carrot Top.
“And you hit her with a steel bat, she's lucky you didn't crack any of her ribs.”
“That doesn't explain why that Scorp whatever attacked Prince, Fluttershy!”
“Calm down. Scorpponies like her live in the same environment as Changelings they have to be cautious. It's in their instinctual nature.” explains Fluttershy.
I think those two walked away because I could no longer hear their conversation. I quickly opened my eyes to see I was still in that strange place. Slowly I lifted myself up and tried to turn myself around. I spotted that the tunnel I had dug was filled in with more stones than I could count. Have to think fast! I remembered where that beast had been inside. It may not be the best option, but it was better than limping out in the open.
I rushed to that small structure heading no mind to the absence of its previous resident. I smelled some type of meat and spotted a few strange balls. My stomach growled weakly so I devoured the awful tasting crunchy food, gaining my strength back was my top priority. I rested until the pained dulled to a more bearable level then spotted an opening in the wall. Unlike the hole, this one was much bigger, did that other creature make this to get in?
Right now it would be my ticket out of here so I hastily walked over to the opening. Just as I reached a strange smoother part of the area a noise came from the building. “Where did that thing g-” I shakily bolted at the sound of the voice, my front legs felt swollen. They must have heard my hooves hit the hard part of the ground as I heard footsteps rush behind me.
“Don't go onto the road!” a different voice called out despite the pain I began galloping. The next events happened so fast some type of large thing was speeding down a hill on my left. I couldn't react it time as it was about to smash into my much smaller body, I forced my eyes shut expecting the force. One motion rocked my body, but instead of smashing into me it instead enveloped my body moving me forward. Even after this rough motion ended I kept my eyes tightly shut in fear my fast heartbeat reverberated through my head.
Something began to slightly pet my head, I still remained stationary the pain in my legs was also present. A different voice from before started to speak, “Th-that was a little too close for comfort…” I peeked through my right eye to see a light yellow colored hand holding my midsection up. Yes, I know what hands are Changelings have them as well you know. It was how high up I seemed to be that got me whatever these things were. They must have been a good few feet taller than I was.
A sudden slam from behind us caused the creature holding me to turn around, the larger hole in the gate had disappeared. There stood most likely similar creature who had fur and a mane that were different shades of orange. “Sorry, Fluttershy, but I don't want that thing anywhere near Prince again!” it shouts then proceeded to walk into the building. The one holding me sighed and I look down at her hind legs. They were hooves just like mine only elongated to accommodate Fluttershy's bipedal stature. I looked up at her face to see a snout similar to mine only she had a light pink colored mane.
I noticed that two feathered wings like a bird were opened behind her, is she what those changelings called a Pegasus? I starred with curiosity while Fluttershy shifted her hold around me. As her hand brushed over my side I winced in pain as she immediately apologized. “Sorry… Let's get you patched and cleaned up. Is that alright with you?” I hesitated for a moment, Am I really going to trust someone who talked to the creature that hurt me… Then saved me from being crashed in to…
I gave a slight nod, while that Carrot Top may have attacked me this Fluttershy saved me. Besides this will give me time to rest so that if she does try anything I can escape. Instead of preparing to take off, she instead starting to walk along a path. Unlike the road this one wasn't grey it was instead a brown, I kept myself occupied watching the surroundings pass. Although there was a slight yell as we got farther on the path Fluttershy continued her steady and slow pace.
Minutes passed as we came to a strange looking cave that was part tree part rock with a large oval shape in the front. I noticed a smaller structure with a gate to the left but ignored it. “What is this place? And what kind of tree cave is that I've never seen anything like?” I asked. I have seen a few caves hidden by a large tree, except this one seemed to be made out of mostly wood. Not to mention that strange oval shape in the front where the large entrance should be.
When small laugh came from her I was confused until she explained, “This isn't a cave this is my cottage house.” Her answer explained it was, not like I really understood what that meant. I looked up at her face showing a puzzled expression that Fluttershy managed to catch. “Oh, right you Scorponies don't have houses in the Badlands. Think of it as a specially built cave or building for somepony to spend their time in comfort. Of course, mine acts like a vet clinic for all kinds of adorable animals. That's a place where hurt or wounded creatures like yourself can usually get the proper care to heal, ” she added.
“But, why would you want to help weakened prey? Should giants like you finish them off for food?” I question confused by her strange logic. Her expression changed from the calm to a slightly horrified one.
“Oh no no no! Ponies would never do something so cruel like that. We don't eat meat, ” Fluttershy worriedly explained as she walked over the bridge of her house. Oh, so their leaf eaters like those rabbits… I thought to myself as she stopped at her front door. I was surprised when this mare opened an entrance to her house. I stared in awe as the interior looked nothing like the rocky caves I was used too.
“Woah! I've seen anything like this either!” I exclaimed as my eyes looked over all the foreign objects. I spotted few cages with birds, holes in the wall with small squeak coming from them and a sleeping white rabbit. After closing the front door, she laughed once again then went over to a strange white box with a clear side. Then took out a few things, I couldn't get a clear look at them all but there seemed to be this tan material wrapped up in a ball. Fluttershy started to walk toward another oval shape that was blue this time. I was met with a large white bowl that had strange metal things above it on a wall with strange patterns.
There was a reflective surface near a smaller white bowl only this one had tiny entrances under it. She gently placed me down on a soft part of the floor and put the other things she grabbed nearby me. Odd, why did she put me down he- my thoughts were interrupted as the mare placed her hands on my tail. She began feeling along it minding my pincers while it wasn't painful like my escape attempt. This felt really unusual to me as I never really allowed others to touch my tail.
“Wh-what are you doing?” I ask still surprised from the continued contacts.
“Just checking your tail for any slight puncture marks, Prince pulled it hard, right?” she answers.
“Yes,” this went on until she moved to my hind legs which still stung with pain. Her extensive checking proceeded further and further until Fluttershy reached the top of my head. I've never been so bodily conscious in my entire life…
“It looks like you don't have any broken or cracked bones. I have heard Scorponies like yourself are pretty durable, but I never thought you could stand being hit by a metal bat. Still, your side and hooves will be swollen for a few hours so let's get you cleaned up while we wait. I’m going to turn on the water, stay still.” she explained then reached over toward the metal things above the large bowl.
“Water? How it isn't even a rainy season, “ I said puzzled once again. It was when she turned the metals things that water sprayed out of the middle one. I couldn't believe my eyes, where is that water coming from? I watched as she stuck her hand in the water over the course of a few minutes. I was too short to see how much water had flowed into the large bowl when she turned the metal thing again to stop the water. Fluttershy stuck her hand in one more time then proceeded to pick me up.
I for one was enthusiastic to get a closer look at what brought the water from out of nowhere. She placed me into the large bowl where the water reached just below the end of my mane. I attempted to start drinking it until Fluttershy stopped me and quickly got some type of cup from off what she called a sink. I drank from this surprised that the water was actually cold. That was a rare chance to encountered slightly cold water back around the nest.
Yep, all that occurred was me messing around in the water cleaning dirt out of my purple coat. I totally didn't play with the new discovery of a rubber duck and absolutely would never name him Sir Quacks-A-Lot. And we most definitely did not go on a rip-roaring adventure across the sea contained in a large bathtub. That has not occurred in the slightest…
Okay, I lost track playing in the tub as Fluttershy taught me a few bath games. A strange sound resonated through the house as she went to answer the front door. The doors are crafted wood that separates each room giving some privacy if they have a lock. I hardly minded the conversation she was having with somepony else. I did catch what believe to be a name, Twilight. I wish I could warn myself of what happened next a new pony came rushing into the bathroom.
She had a purple coat just like me, and a dark purple mane with a lighter purple streak then a pink streak. This new pony had a horn on her head with wings like Fluttershy only much bigger. I noticed feather in her hand and a thin piece of wood with white sheets on it in the other. She began starting at me occasionally moving the feather across the material. “This a once in a lifetime opportunity, Fluttershy! The size of Scorpony's have never been recorded before because they're so elusive still I thought this one would be larger, ” she commented.
“I’m not supposed to grow any bigger than this you know,” I stated angrily. I am a good 3 ft 4 inches the full-grown height for adults.
“And why's that?”
“Because our magic reserves wouldn't last long in the Badlands. They could be blown through while we're trying to escape or worse,” I answer. The scribbling down was starting to get annoying. Suddenly, her horn began to glow enveloping me in a purple aura that lifted me up to this pony's eye level. This straight pissed me off.
“Curious. Her tail has two white pointed pincer-like extremities that are 2.5 inches in diameter. The tail itself is as long as her body spanning roughly two feet seven inches,” she observes. I started clicking my pincers together as a warning, even if she knew Fluttershy I would not take this. “Ooooh, I’ve only read about the cluck warning in a journal entry before. They seem consistent every three seconds.”
I struggled against her magic growing more enraged as the minutes ticked by, if my clicks aren't enough warning then verbal it is! “I swear I'll inject with enough venom so you can't see straight for a whole week. If you don't put me down right now!!” I shout to now avail as she continues to jot down notes. When Fluttershy walked in a wave of relief washed over me as she tapped her friend on the shoulder.
“Um… Twilight. I don't she likes being levitated very much” she explains. This draws the attention of the purple which leads me to land roughly on the soft surface. I quickly shook off the excess water and got in a ready stance.
“Sorry, it's just studying a Scorpony is so rare with how they avoid Ponies. Especially considering their kind braves the death in the far Badlands. I can't help myself, even the small bit of information I observed exceeds any recorded data on them!” Twilight says in an excited manner. Not wanting to be in that mess again I crouched into a defensive position and pinched my pincers in a louder warning.
When they both turned to look at me, the one with a horn starting jotting down more notes as I then stamped my hooves. The death glare I was directing toward her sent the intended message. “Sorry, I can't help it when I found something new to research. And us ponies know so little about you and your kind.” she attempted as a poor excuse for an apology.
“Please settle down… Twilight doesn't mean any harm and is sorry for being so rough with you.” Fluttershy added. I got the message, but in the nest when somescorpony messed with you. Then it took an action to get them to stop so I acted on instinct. I jumped at the purple one with enough force that would knock her down to the floor. My hooves made brief contact with her face as the pegasus grabbed my tail. She lifted me up which only multiple my drive to stand up for myself.
“LET ME AT HER! I HAVE TO PROVE MY POINT!” I yelled while struggling against Fluttershy's surprisingly vice-like grip. Unfortunately, she decided to place me in this cage as they discussed what to do next. Now I'm stuck here waiting to be let out and pissed at the purple one who I knew would try again
I continue to glare at the purple one from inside this infernal cage, I absolutely hate feeling so vulnerable like this. Fluttershy is currently trying to keep the purple one from examining me closer. She has a name, but that whatever she is doesn't deserve to be called by it after probing me. After some time passes there was a loud knock at the front door, then some new ponies walk through the opened door. Seeing that this distracted them, the purple one mainly, I spring into action and ram my body into one side of the cage.
This succeeds in tipping it over the counter, however, I didn't account for the fall. The cage dropped to a fluffy surface like the one in Fluttershy's bathroom. This muffled the sound so I quickly fiddle around with the door which proves to be irritating. Once I open it I quickly race out of that prison then lunge at the purple one again. Suddenly, a hard and what I assume to be metal object swings at me with full force. I crash into the wall where some sharp things are used to restrain me against the now dented surface without inflicting any physical harm.
I believe I prefer the cage because I could at least move around on there! It took a moment for me to get over the initial shock, but rather than being just angry I was slightly impressed. I look to see one pony that was at the door held a long shiny sharp pole. His coat color was a very bloody shade of red and he had no extra extremities. “Do you mind explaining why your so set on attacking Twilight?” asks Fluttershy in a worried tone.
I still felt embarrassment from before which turned into frustration so I decide to speak up for myself and continue with the tradition. “That one with both wings and a horn attacked me while I was simply sitting in the bathtub. Thus enacting the law of my previous nest to deal with opponents who share species with us. We fight either to death were one of us dies or the assailant submits into servitude, ” I explain feeling that they should already know this.
I struggle against these restraints to no avail this forces me to seek slight help. “You, “ all of them look toward my directed, “red one, release me so I can recompense the battle.”
“Nnnnope.”
“Why not?! I must fight against her assault!” I shout in protest.
“My brother ain't gonna release somethin as dangerous as you. Not till ya stop it with all this battlin to the death nonsense, ” said a new female voice. I look toward the doorway to see a pony like the male who lacks a horn or wings. This one had orange fur and a light yellow mane with a strange light brown object that rested on her head. Wait, did she just call the male brother so there siblings… Focus Viper!
“No way would I ever stop! What you are asking me to do is impossible, ” I explain infuriated at this female's disrespect.
“And why's that exactly?” she asks looking smug. The nerve!
“If I ever abandoned the law of the nest then that would be death sentence. It's seen as a sign of disloyalty, and insubordination, ” I respond. Not in a million years would I ever abandon my fundamental way of life because another species asks me to. What they demand is utter nonsense! I notice that the red giant seems visibly irritated and the three females have begun to discuss something. Now, I am here waiting still restrained to the wall as they keep talking.
One thing I have noticed is that the red male chimes in occasionally only speaking by using one word. Looks like he isn't much of a talker. That's fine I prefer my potential mates to leave the talking to me. He appears to be on the brawny side, but isn't a muscle bound blockhead like Uncle Pytheon. Now, just how will I convince him to leave his current nest to start one with me… At least that new female won't be competition, hopefully, do ponies allow inbreeding?
As I ponder over these these thoughts, the females and male finish discussing their topic. Fluttershy approaches me, and begins speaking “Listen, you wouldn't be abandoning the law of your nest. You would simply follow the rules… er laws while in another groups territory. Your technically a guest so it's common courtesy to follow the hosts laws.” Out of all the new things I've experienced today this is probably strangest due to this ideas logic.
“Guest? Host? Courtesy? I knew ponies were supposedly strange, but your laws are just… Why would I follow another set of laws different from my nests?” I ask. My anger had dulled somewhat with my curiosity starting to surface. Fluttershy hesitated so I look around the room to see that the three others were holding a discussion again. I examined the red males form just taking in his strong he must be.
I’m trying to figure out how ponies nests work, are females the leaders like in changelings? There seems to be abundance of that gender, but they still treat males with the same respect as another female. There's the possibility of multiple leaders as well, I think. The purple one whispers something into Fluttershy's ear then the yellow pegasus begins speaking again. “H-Haven't we proven we are stronger than you? So, shouldn't you be following what we say at least a small bit, “ she asks.
“Yeah, when you hold weapons!”
“What are you yellin about now?” the male’s sister asks.
“The male defended the purple one with that long weapon. In a one on one fight, your supposed to battle fairly without using any tricks. My nest would always make sure that whoever's opponent had no reinforcements so they could not ambush any of us, ” I explain. They should know these thing already, it's like I am being forced to teach law basics to my brothers larvae offspring again.
“Well… We ponies tend to lean toward a less violent approach when settling disputes, but didn't you use a trick when lunging at Twilight. You waited until her attention was at the door where she had no choice to defend herself, ” replies Fluttershy. My annoyed expression immediately dropped to one of pure shock. Thinking back to it I had been so dead set on following the battle part of the law that I completely discarded the fair part. I knew my burning feeling in my cheeks that a blush was beginning to form.
“I… Yes, but she still attacked me first, ” I admit ashamed of my actions to some extent.
“Still your reasons for attacking Twilight at similar to just going to war over a small misunderstanding, “ says Fluttershy.
“Darn tootin all this nest law stuff sounds like a bunch of hooey to us right, Big Mac?” says the orange female.
He responds with, “Eeyup.”
Meanwhile, the purple one is busy searching for something, “I need to find my clipboard to write all of this down. There's no mention of such a violent law in Scorponies higheratchy.”
“Nests go to war with each other all the time, why would this be any different? Newly formed ones get so cocky that they think they stand a chance against already established nests. Yet it usually older ones that kick them out of our territory. Food tends to be okay for the most part, ” I say. The only time they didn't go to war was during periods of vulnerability. Even if ponies are strong they enter times like that as well. “Oooh, I get it your group was recently weakened so you don't want to lose anyone else.” Maybe if I try to understand them then I'll get closer to convincing the male to become my mate.
“Nnnope.”
I almost thought I had heard things wrong until the orange one spoke, “Things are different here in Equestria. We don't go to war out of the blue. In fact there hasn't been a real since Sombra got banished.” Just then another pony rushes into the room and goes straight for a container on the counter. It has a picture of something round with black and brown on the side. This pony is light pink with a darker pink mane and lacks any extra extremities like Big Mac.
Just as quickly as this new pony appeared she ran out of Fluttershy's cottage container in tow. When I return my sight onto the remaining group I see that none of them are surprised in the slightest. And these ponies continue to get stranger by the minute to me… All four begin discussing another topic leaving me to realize the position I've managed to get in.
Fluttershy may have saved me, but now since that purple one attacked then these to got involved. I’m in new enemy territory completely restrained because my curiosity overwhelmed me to learn more about them. Not only is their logic strange they have a weapon and can use powerful magic that can restrain me in an instant. I've even disrespected my nests law in anger, what would my family think of me now. Mother will never look me in the eye again if she finds out about this.
I would cover eyes with my front hooves if I could move them. A strange sound jarred me from my thoughts as I look to see the cage being lifted by a magenta aura. The purple one's horn is glowing and soon envelops me once again. She removes the restraints then places me in the cage securing the door with a metal thing. I try to protest by punching her with my hoof only the harder I tried to reach outside the cage. The heavier my hooves became, must be able to use magic other than levitation.
“Twilight, are ya sure that's the only option?” asks the orange female. This confused me until I heard her respond to the question.
“Don't worry, Applejack, if I serve under her then I can make sure she doesn't get into any trouble. This also allows me to study the Scorponies up close without her being so hostile towards me, “ the purple one responded. She did something with her fingers when saying the word serve. Yet I was quite surprised at the male and Fluttershy who accepted this.
“She isn't that bad once you get to know the dear, sorry about the cage…” said Fluttershy.
“I'll take yer word for it, but I still think this is dangerous, “ says Applejack.
“Eeyup.”
The purple one is about to pick up the cage until I start speaking. “Wait just a moment. She's going to become my servant, right?” I ask.
“Yes, but I'm more like your caretaker. You lack knowledge that's normal for ponies, but knowledge about your kind is on a similar level to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, ” my new servant answers.
“Caretaker? Your still my servant and I don't really have much of a choice. So, I'll go along with this for now, “ I say smiling to myself. In the history of my old nest, any fights for the law would have the opponent rather die than be a servant. I felt proud that I gained one that was a different species.
“Movin on if she causes ya any trouble Twilight then just give the girls and me a holler, ” assures the orange one.
With that my new servant picks up the cage and heads out of the front door. She begins walking down the path Fluttershy had traversed some time ago. After a few minutes of this we reach a road like the one before I feel a bit shaken. Something almost crashed into me on one of these so it was reasonable. As my servant walked along the road some houses came into view only they weren't like Fluttershy's. Not only that I spotted many ponies who starred at my cage as we passed by them.
Some had horns, some wings, and some with neither. I thought about it for a moment, hold on my servant has both so why don't I see any others like her. I witness a few pegasi take off into the clouds above when we reached a less crowded spot my servant asked me something. “Can you tell me your name? Completely slipped my mind to ask back at Fluttershy's.” I suppose it is proper for a lackey to know their master’s name.
“I'll tell you when you undo whatever causes me to become heavier, “ I responds. She knows what I'm talking about and after her from glows. I test it out to find my hooves no longer feel so heavy when I stick them outside the cage. “My name is Viper Pit, but I expect you to address me as your Master, ” I proudly say.
She lets out a laugh and says, “Afraid I cannot call you that since I’m your Caretaker. Do you something else I can call you instead.” I'm angered by her insolence, but considering my current position.
“Fine… you can address me simply as Miss Viper, “ I answer. My brothers used to call me that as an annoying taught, but when they hear my servant say it they'll be dumbstruck. I see a few ponies look around to find who my servant is talking to.
“Alright then, Miss Viper, what exactly are you doing so far inside Equestria when your kind lives in the Badlands?”
“My nest was getting to crowded so some of us split off to start our own nests. Like I said before food was okay, but it was starting to take longer to find a good source. We feed off magic so I followed a Changeling chock full of it north before losing its trail, “ I answer just before the cage shakes wildly. “WHAT THE HECK?!”
“Sorry, sorry. Nearly tripped on a rock. So you were saying that Scorponies eat magic., “ I nod as she continues, “and you chased a Changeling this far north?” Once I again I give a quick nod as she keeps walking. “How long were you chasing it?”
“A few days… around the time length of a typical laying cycle to be exact. I think you ponies call that a week and a half, “ I reply. Her questions are starting to get annoying so I decide to ask a few myself. “My turn, what kinds of ponies are there? I know what a pegasus is the wings with wings. And how come I haven't seen another pony with both like you?”
“Well, the ponies with a horn are called Unicorns while those without any are called Earth Ponies. As for me, I'm an Alicorn there is only four of us in Equestria. We have traits from all three tribes: wings to fly, a horn to cast magic, and the connection to the land. I received my wings a while ago and I’m originally a unicorn. We are all princesses, “ she responds. Wait if there are just four in Equestria and their princesses. Then that means I have a rare breed of servant. But, what's a princess exactly?
“So, how do you consume magic? Do you ssiphonit through the air or physically extract the magical essence?”
“We usually team up with our nests to take down a few targets with magic. A quick bite full of venom usually kills them then a bite to the horn allows us to drain their magic. There are rare cases where I keep targets alive, my family thinks you should just take it all instead of my strategy. I drain just enough to make them able to recharge the amount drained so I can come back later for more, “ I answer winded from that mouthful.
I observe my servant physically tense up a bit, “... I see, do you exclusively eat magic? Are you capable of eating anything physical?”
“No and yes. We can eat other things, but must maintain a reserve of magic to stay battle ready. I happen to enjoy eating cactus flowers back in the Badlands but those were hard to come by, “ I explain. She relaxes quite a bit so I decide to ask another question, “So where are we heading to?”
“My house the Golden Oaks Library. It's an actual tree home similar to Fluttershy's cottage, ” says my servant.
“Library? What's that?”
“It's a place built specifically to contain books for ponies living in this town to check out. Books are made out of a material called paper and have writing inside of them. And just to be clear even though I'm your Caretaker it would be in your best options to never purposely damage one of my books, “ she explains with a sharp voice. I can tell she means business when talking about these books and considering she can disarm me. Even if in my servitude, I have a strong feeling that she'll attack me.
“Unless these books attack me, then I won't attack first. And for your first order let me out of here, ” I command in my best stern voice.
“When we arrive at the Golden Oaks then I'll let you out. If I did that right now that would cause a scene, “ she says calmly.
"No, I want out right now, “ I order again.
"I told you I will when we get home.” This alicorn sure is one stubborn servant still better than no servant.
"Now."
"No"
"Yes"
"Nope"
"You do realize I'm your master right?"
"And I'm your caretaker. Letting you out would probably scare half the town. They tend to overreact to something new especially with creatures they don't understand."
"Out"
"Not happening, " She is holding her ground in this little game.
“Servants need to be punished for insolence, “ I blankly state before I ram against the cage side that's facing her chest. She catches herself by using that tricky magic of hers yet the look on her face is priceless. Our little argument continues over the course of several minutes. I have honestly forgotten when this started but I'm determined to win this argument. Aren't servants supposed to obey orders issued by their Master?
They calm swaying of the cage made it partially cozy only I wish that there was more room so I could stretch my legs. Just then I notice a strange structure poking out in the maze of houses. As we get a bit closer I recognize that it's a large tree with a front door and those see-through holes with something weird in them. I notice one of those beehive structures on a small branch with a few annoying bees flying around it. “Is this house tree your library home place?” I ask wanting to know our location.
“Yes, that's the Golden Oaks Library. And until further notice you’ll be staying here under my supervision, ” my servant responds happily. I'm aware that she has a name except we usually only learn the name of my family, mate, and future offspring. So until she earns the right to be called by name servant will do. Hold on, didn't I technically win the argument since she is going to let me out once inside this home.
Still her not complying right away is a trait I'll have to fix with her. And there is always the option that she might try to break the servitude pack. When that happens… I will keep her as a food source. Her future fate is still undetermined for the time being, I think to myself. After taking a glance at the tree home, my servant told me this will be my shelter until I leave this area. Fluttershy explained that these are built to live in comfort for just one pony.
I know that ponies at much larger than Scorponies, but why do they need all this room. Maybe for reproductive reasons. Then again larger species take longer to have their offspring, I rationalize. This displeases me because my family spent years digging our nest and fortifying it. “This territory is just downright confusing, “ I admit. My curiosity got me this deep when I got into that one creature's yard... I need to find that pony and enact the law as well.
Ever since Fluttershy taught me a few things my curiosity has started to drive me toward learning more. As we get closer my servant speaks, “I would imagine so from your situation. Of course, the little bits you do understand are equivalent to what history knows about Scorponies. We'll essentially be learning from each other for a while.” What she says finally clicks just a tad and widens my understanding? So, ponies are just confused as me about the opposite kind no wonder they need simple explanations.
When my servant opens the front door with her magic I get a clear view of many new things such as strange walls. There are sections with objects that have varying color and some type of black scribbles. They appear to be resting on wooden planks like the fence near Fluttershy's cottage. I see that a wooden figure fashioned in the shape of a pony's head lies on a round table.
“Is that supposed to be the severed head of your enemy? Do ponies display them as a hunting trophy?” I ask and we immediately stop moving. I look at my servant's face to see the color draining at a rapid pace. “Is that a no then? Scorponies don't take trophies but Changelings sometimes do. And are those weird things in the walls the books you mentioned earlier?” I take a moment to catch my breath from that mouthful.
The color returns to her face, “It’s just a figurehead, not an actual head. This one is a centerpiece decoration and yes those are books placed on the shelves in the walls.” We usually eat the flesh to get every bit of magic then leave the bones behind. But, considering her reaction might want to keep that to myself for now.
“Since we're inside. Time to let me out my legs are getting really cramped in here, ” I order. She does so with her magic so I jump out of the cage onto the table and stretch my legs. I sniff at the air detecting many different scents including an avian creature.
“Don’t wander too far now. My number one assistant, Spike, doesn't know about you yet so I’d like to inform him beforehand, ” she explains. I had no mind to this as I hope down the start shifting around every wall, corner, and just about anything else. I'm marking my new territory with an invisible pheromone that should only be detected by other Scorponies. As I keep marking, I hear movement from up a level so I get into a defensive position.
My servant did mention something by the name Spike maybe it's that avian smell I picked up, I think. “Hey, Twilight. Who or what are you talking to?” I hear a new voice ask, this one seems to be male. Does my servant have a sibling or mate? I hear footsteps heading down the flight of stairs only they are much lighter than a pony’s. This new creature doesn't have hooves instead his feet has claws. Taking one last sniff in the air I confirm that this one is reptilian.
Moving quickly I head towards one of the shelves and climb up it without damaging any books. Once his face comes into view I see two slitted emerald eyes, purple scales with green spines. I've only heard of creatures like him driven by immense greed for sparkling gems. “Dragon…” He spots me and immediately looks rather perplexed by my somewhat awkward defensive position. These things aren't creatures to mess about having impenetrable scales with high resistance.
“What is that thing, Twilight?!” He asks making a quick break toward my servant. This confuses me as rumors dictate that dragons are usually much larger.
She gives him a reassuring smile, “It's a bit of a long story, but do you remember that scarcely known species that I had to choose for my zoology project?”
“Y-Yeah, the Scorpony or something. You had to dig through old journal reports just to get enough information for one paragraph, “ he responds while I slowly descend.
“Well, Miss Viper Pit here is a Scorpony. She wandered in Carrot Top's yard by digging under the fence. Fluttershy took her to get treated back at her cottage and I rushed over to investigate such a rare specimen… I may have gone overboard when examining her which lead to Viper in acting one the Scorpony laws. To wrap things up, I'm her caretaker while she is in Ponyville, “ she explains as I hiss for the lack of proper title.
He looks at me with fear in his eyes, he must be a young dragon to depend on a pony for protection. Doesn't his kind usually terrorize others for their amusement. “Okay, then why is she all hunched down like that and eyeing me like an emerald?” he asks in a shaky voice.
“Viper's being defensive. She entered that position before lunging at me twice, ” my servant answers with an annoyed tone, “I'm a bit surprised she hasn't tried to attack you by now.” The drake looks up at the alicorn's eyes in shock as I decide to get some answers of my own.
I enter a less defensive and jump up on the table once again then start clicking my tail to draw their attention. So, far everything about ponies has been unorthodox maybe just maybe they have a way of taming dragons. “So, what exactly is a drake doing among a group of ponies? Doesn't your kind usually incinerate the land in which weaker creature dwell? Not to mention that I can't see a shred of greed in your eyes what exactly is going on?” I ask.
Both of them stare at me with complete shock written all over their features. Something that I noted about this particular dragon is a lack of wings on his back. It appears that I've asked another few questions that impose the same surprised reaction from before. “Spike isn't like that at all!” my purple servant shouts at me.
“Yeah! I'm no jerk like Garble. And I would never harm any ponies like others dragons. In fact, Dragonlord Ember has been making sure dragons treat ponies nicer, “ the drake states defensively.
“Dragonlord? Is that a leader among your kind or something?” I ask. He said this Dragonlord has been making other dragons behave nicely toward this species. So, this Ember must be in a high position of power.
“Not only that she's the leader of all dragons, “ he clarifies.
“So, then why are you living among ponies? I've heard dragons have a land of their own to live in, “ I ask.
“I hatched Spike's egg a long time ago, he was never raised by other dragons. I'm his caretaker as well, ” my servant answers. It seems that they share some type of bond if this dragon sought protection from her. They both appear to have calmed down a tad from my previous questions by answering my new ones. Something catches my eye on the wall and I'm quite surprised when I see an image showing a younger version of these two.
I walk to the other side of the table to take a closer look at it, I can hear them start to talk about me. “Twilight, you this is insanely dangerous, right? Scorponies are supposed to be poisonous, ” the dragon asks sounding troubled. I can hear him being pick up a few seconds later so I turn my head to see that my servant starts to shake him.
I burst out laughing as she begins speaking, “But think of all the information we could gather on Scorponies! They are so rarely seen and you know the scraps of data that exist are pretty vague. This is a once in a lifetime chance Spike we need to take it in stride.” She continues to shake him rapidly until he looks like he is about to vomit.
After setting him down my servant continues, “Besides, Viper doesn't mean any real harm she is just acting on reproductive instinct.”
He looks at her and a dark blush spreads over his cheeks, “What?! Why?!” I laugh at his embarrassment clearly he hasn't reached that age yet.
“Despite sharing the same level of sentience, Viper is still a wild Scorpony after all so when their best become overcrowded. They head off in search of a mate to start a new of their own. It's a completely natural instinct Spike no need to feel embarrassed discussing bodily desires, ” she explains as I watch the dragon still blushing.
“B-But, you cannot keep her here. You know it's against the law to keep wild animals as a household pet, “ he states. Pet? I remember Fluttershy mentioning that beast I first encountered was that pony’s pet. HE BELIEVES I AM AS STUPID AS THAT BRAINLESS BEAST!!!
“I'm not a pet or whatever you call them!” I yell at him re-engaging my defensive position only this time I rush near him in a faint. He falls on his back frightened as I climb up his legs to give him a death glare. “Now, listen here you oddball dragon I am not just some other animal that you find out in the wilderness. I didn't travel all the way from the Badlands just to be insulted, “ I angrily state. I may be incapable of harming a dragon physically, but I wasn't going to have him disrespect my species like that.
“The Badlands?!” he instantaneously flinches upon receiving the name of my homeland. This dragon tries to put some distance between us by pushing me off, but I just get closer to his face. “D-don’t you know how dangerous that place is? Twi-twilight why couldn't you put this Scorpony somewhere else? It looks like it's about to kill me!” he shakily sputters out.
“I grew up there no problem and you are the one that insulted my species, of course, I'm angry!” I shout. My servant horn lights up and I can tell it's a warning sign. I slowly descend from the dragon, “How would you feel being compared to that of a pet?”
“M-mad, I guess…” he responds.
“It makes my blood boil, ” I say blankly.
“S-Sorry, I didn't m-mean to insult you on purpose.” he weakly apologizes. I scoff before jumping back on the table but seeing how frightened he has sparked some sympathy.
“While I don't exactly forgive you, I can tell that you are being sincere so I will let it go for now. But, do not speak ill of us Scorponies again, “ I could instruct him. He's just like a young scorpony going on his first hunt and experiencing the dangers on his own.HmphI could never go tough on my cousins when they get like this.
Just as he is about to say something, the front door slams open as the pink pony from before. “I'mgoingtovisitMaud, bebackinaweek. MyfamilyisplanningasuperfunbirthdaypartyforherIcannotwait.” she blurts out quickly. This nearly scares the pincers off my tail.
“Sounds amazing Pinkie, tell your sister that I wish her well. Good luck!” speaks my servant. Like before this pink pony disappears as quickly as she comes slamming the door behind her. I can't believe how unfazed she looks which makes me question whether this is a common occurrence. Should I be genuinely concerned about this? “I do believe that we should at least inform the Princesses if your that worried, Spike. I'm sure that Princess Celestia will support learning more about Scorponies, “ my servant suggests as she takes out a very thin tan material. I see her moving a feather across this like before.
After about a minute of this, she wraps it in a red ribbon and hands it to the dragon. I watch as he takes a deep breath in then breathes out an emerald flame. Figuring this to be the classic dragon destruction I heard about. I am astounded at the material turns to a smoke like state and floats out one of the open see-through holes. I see my servant begin to gather more of this material along with a black substance and feathers. The dragon awkwardly walks by me as he grabs a few of her books.
I hear a strange sound and see the smoke return then turn back into the rolled up material. Only this one wasn't wrapped in a red ribbon it had a yellow one around its center. I better get an answer to what just happened and how the dragon did that. I'm not calling him by his name because that is a privilege he needs to earn. I also begin to question the situation before lying down on the table top. If she does that same thing from before then this is going to be a long day...
Waking up was extremely cozy inside my makeshift den as Barbra had pulled the materials out of what she calls a Dryer which makes things warm somehow. At any rate, I'm hungry as it has been a while since I have had anything to eat.
"When was that? I think it was those changelings I had before the giants found me, and that was about what number of moons? Gaah I hate numbers they are confusing," I think as my stomach rumbles. Leaving my den, I start sniffing to find some food.
Following the scent of something rather different than anything I smelled. It didn't smell of magic or changeling instead it was something lighter? I think that would be a good way of saying it. I manage to get out of the very weird tree with the help of my pin missile spell to break down the moving wall that Servent and Barbra use all the time.
Once outside I followed the scent for a good while as I pass by various buildings, houses, or whatever they are called until I pick up the scent of the changeling and it smells fresh so I instantly change course and start following that scent. The changeling's scent was very erratic often doubling back on itself or going in circles being very familiar with the tactic I stay true to the path that this prey went... I think this meal crossed did this so much that I honestly think I spent a good chunk of the day just walking in circles trying to find the right way to go.
"You are going to taste so good when I find you," I growl as I eventually come across a rather strange building it looked nothing like anything I have seen before. I would describe it but I have nothing to describe it with. It is like trying to describe a color you really can't.
Going inside the building I notice that I can't smell anything apart from the light scent from earlier. "SUPRISE!!!" A loud eruption of noise so I naturally did what any Scorpony would do. I fired off my Pin missile spell in front of me in sheer panic.
No, I did not scream like a kit and don't believe what anypony else says I did not scream for my mommy.
"Umm, what the buck just happened?" I hear somepony say and I look from under my hooves. I see a blue giant with lots of colors, a pink giant that looks a little overweight, Servant, Fluttershy, and the orange giant with the good looking brother.
"Viper had a bad reaction I'll talk to her and you guys start cleaning up." Servant said as the others nodded and went to do stuff. "Hey Viper are you alright."
"I'm fine thank you very much." I puffed my chest to show that I wasn't scared at all.
"Alright so, I know you were scared," Figures Servant would know, the chubby pink giant was in the middle of de-pinning the bakery as we talked "and it's kind of Pinkies fault for just assuming you'd wouldn't get scared by a surprise, but your reaction could use some work, usually it's scream, see what it is, then attack if it's appropriate,"
"Hey, My reactions are from years of experience that just doesn't go away." I snap causing her to flinch. "Now explain what the buck is going on here." Everypony gasped for some reason. "What?"
"Umm, Viper can you not use buck like that its rather rude." Servant then turned to the others and bowed. "I'm sorry everypony but Viper doesn't know any better." The others started whispering. "But I will get her ready for pony society it will just take some time to teach her is all." For whatever ancestral reason they all seem happy with that. Why? I couldn't tell you.
"Well as entertaining as this was I'm leaving." I then go to leave.
"PINKIE DON'T." only to feel something grab my tail and I instantly turn and bite whatever grabbed my tail. I see it's the pink one and she looks surprised. "I tried to warn you she doesn't like her tail touched." Servant then flicks my nose causing me to sneeze.
"Wow she has a hecka set of choppers." The pink one says as she lets go to tend to the bite mark on her arm. She wasn't bleeding as I don't have sharp teeth but it will bruise.
I leave and go to find my own food and water. "I don't need those giants taking care of me any way." I say as I sniff the air to try and find that changeling scent from earlier. No luck all I smell is the sweetness of the pink one, blowing my nostrils I keep walking.
"I'm a stong predator and don't need no help...outside of finding a mate." I tell myself.
"A mate you say?" I give a sigh as I turn to see another giant. This one was black with white patches of fur along her body. She also had "I'm down for a good time as much as the next pony but finding a 'mate' mite be a little hard for one of your kind." She says casually as some other giant just tries (and fails) to sneak away.
"I still gotta find someone. Servant says I'm something called a 'endangered species', whatever that means," I huff.
This new giant just nods. "Lets talk. I know a spot near by." She puts on some of the weird stuff that all the Giants seem to have on. Once she's "dressed" I follow her while still sniffing for that potential meal. She takes me to a small hill were she sits down and pats the grass next to her.
"My name is Leech and I'm a jack of all trades kinda mare." She starts once I sit down. I say nothing and I just look at her. "You see hun this is the part were you tell me about yourself."
"I'm me and a predator of changelings not much to tell." I reply she seems to smile.
""There you go. It may not be much, but it's a start," she says as she goes to do something to me, but a swift tail placement stops her course of action. "Not much of a hugger. Got it." She pulls back. "But I don't think you are in the right area, as this town is like the pinnacle of craziness. And friendly...? Not much room for somecreature of your diet."
"I'm beginning to see why." I mutter.
"Well let's get you back to the others they are probably worried about you." Leech said as she quickly picked me up. I would of struggled but I was to tired to do so.
What it's been a long day.
Anyway she brings me back to the sweet smelling place were once inside their were a lot less Giants except for a few of them.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" the pink one who I bite early repeated making me uncomfortable.
"Okay I don't know what this "sorry" means, but if it means you submit then you made a wise choice fluffy one." I say as I place my hoof on her leg.
The remaining giants talked for a bit while I just got cozy and tried to relax after today I'm feeling drained.
"Well I better get going if I don't wanna miss my train." Leech said said after a while.
"Have a safe trip." Servant shook her hand and the others all said their goodbyes as I yawned and went to sleep.
