Fluttershy and her sister Rainbow Dash venture away from thier home in the Everfree Forest after an attempt on their life is made by a misterious pony in disguise
As long as she can remember Fluttershy has never left the Forest. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she was never allowed to.
You see, Fluttershy and her sister Rainbow Dash were taken by a stallion when they were just little fillies. They didn't remember who their parents were but every now and then Fluttershy remembered a little glimpse of her past life. Unfortunately not long after their 8th birthday, the fillies were forced into slavery and have been ruthlessly abused by their capture.
Now years later Fluttershy has grown beautiful, but has been beaten and broken into a quiet and fearful mare. She is forever grateful for her sister and her company, but can't help but wonder what other ponies where like.
One day Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are called in to meet with their lord, His brutal abuse however was different this time. Instead of the meaningless bruising and breaking, he had the intent to kill.
Fleeing for their life the two sister barely escape into the Evergreen forest. Soon however it becomes apparent that Rainbow Dash took much more damage than anticipated and was in need of medical attention. Soon Fluttershy must find civilization in order to help her sister, but the treacherous road there is not an easy one.
Once she finds help a whole new adventure ensues as secrets come to light and a plot against the crown presents itself. Will the two sisters be able to defeat the great darkness that approaches?
A/n:To all those who are reading, these are really slow updates. I am also not the best writer but I hope you enjoy!
PS. This image is not mine and My Little Pony and it's characters are owned by Hasbro, I only own the plot
A long time ago, an old unicorn saw and fortold of a prophecy. He saw a great deal of terror and tragedy in the long to come future. Hoping to warn his future generation, he set to writing what he saw. Each day a new sentence of the prophecy would uncover it's self. For ten nights the unicorn would toss and turn seeing the images move through his mind, only to be forgotten and replaced by words by his awakening.
Looking to what he had written, he realised that, that night the final piece of the puzzle would show. So on the eleventh night, the final sentence danced across his mind and the next morning he rushed to finish. But just as he was about to write, a shiver ran down his whole body and he dropped dead.
Out of the shadows a pony, or was it something else? Creeped in to the room. Looking at the powerful mage who's life he had just taken, the creature gave a sickening smile.
" Ah Starswirl, you foolish old geezer, you never did think that I'd find you." A scrappy voice came from the minitor. He bent down to look the unicorn in his dead and lifeless eyes.
Tired then turned his gaze to the scroll that layed on the desk with roughly 10 sentences. He looked down at the symbols and frowned as he tried to read it.
Angry he turned to the pony he had just killed and bitterly spok," Then again you always did think ahead. Only you would write it in Røğluē tongue."
Frustrated he looked around the room to see if the writer had written the prophecy in a translated version. However, he was soon interrupted by the sound of hoofsteps coming closer. Cursing under his breath Tirek quickly grabbed the unfinished page and fled to the window and hid beneath the balcony.
He soon heard an all too familiar voice from an all to familiar queen.
"Starswirl? Are you busy? I haven't seen you in nearly a fortnight are you alright?" Celestia's voice echoed through the door.
Soon the door opened and the worried alicorn made her way to her dear friend. Screams carried through the night as the poor monarch found Starswirl the Bearded dead at his desk.
Soon guards were rushing into the room to bear witness to their ruler crying over the dead stallion before her. But before long sorrow turned to anger and she was barking at the guards to find the culprit to this crime.
" Sweep the whole castle if you have to , but mark my words that the pony who has killed my old friend will suffer!" Fearing their ruler's wrath, the guards scurried out the door to find the murderer.
Seeing the chaos that came from his crime, Tirek smiled at his beautiful diversion. Now for the real reason that he came all this way.
Creeping in the shadows the evil creature drifted through the halls without so much as making a noise. He had planned all this perfectly, it was not going to fail. He would get his revenge on the king and queen, Sombra and Celestia if it was the last thing he'd do.
Looking at the windows of the corridor Tirek stopped to scoff at the third one to the right.
There in coloured glass was a depiction of Celestia and Sombra touching horns and locking Tirek away in a cage in tartarus in a frail state.
Snorting at the image Tirek continued in his original direction, however not before spitting at the tacky glass picture. Not only had those two defeated him in battle and humiliate him, but they gloated about it too.
With new found rage he swiftly made his way to his destination, the Princesses room.
It was wide spread knowledge in the kingdom of Equestria, that the king and queen had not one, not two, but six daughters.
The youngest and farthest from the throne was Princess Pinkameana Dain Pie, or as most called her, Princess Pinkie Pie. Even at only a couple of months old, the pink ball of energy was definitely the most rambunctious out of all her sisters.
Next in line were the infamous opposite twins, Princess Rarity and Princess Applejack. Not only were they an opposite race and colour but their personalities were also completely different. While Rarity was a white coated unicorn with a seemingly elegant and graceful personality, Applejack was a rough and playful earth pony with vibrant orange colours
The public was quite surprised at how different the two sisters were, but after the initial shock came to love the adorable baby fillies.
Standing third in line was the lavender unicorn, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Already quite powerful at such a young age, the small pony was greatly respected in the magic society even if she could barely say hello.
Second was the amazingly fast blue Pegasus known as Princess Rainbow Dash. She seemed to have gained a bit of her mother's rainbow mane but was anything but calm and understanding like the snow white alicorn. She was brash and did everything competitively.
And finally, the heir to the throne and first in line was Princess Fluttershy. The adorable baby Pegasus was the kingdom's pride and joy. She was out of all the daughters the calmest and sweetest, and even though she was so young, Anypony could see that she would grow up to be a beautiful mare.
Fluttershy was the rightful heir and was the next queen to ascend to the throne. She was surprisingly close to her younger sister Rainbow Dash, despite the large difference in personalities.
So Tirek wasn't too surprised to open the door and see the sisters in the bed they shared, hugging each other. Almost gagging at the sweet action, Tirek moved to take the eldest princess when she started waking up. Quickly shushing her, he was relieved to see that she was back in deep sleep.
He forowed his brow in how he would take the small pony when he realised what he had done wrong. Grinning with a evil smile he knew how to get Fluttershy. Sure it wasn't what he had planned, but it didn't seem to damage his plans, so why not?
The minitor slowly scooped both of the pegasi in his grip and was happy to see that all he had too do was make sure that they didn't stop hugging. Feelings quite smug he was once again interrupted by the sound of hooves outside the door.
Before he could leave out the window, the door opened to show a nursing maid. Seeing the two Princess in his arms, the maid screamed for help, only to find he had disappeared.
Less that a minute later Queen Celestia sat at the side of the bed crying at the loss of her two daughters. Next to her, shedding silent tears was her husband, King Sombra.
Celestia had not only lost a dear friend, but her two eldest daughters as well. The other Princess also started crying, wether it was to morn their sister or another reason only they would know.
Soon when her tears had run dry Celestia closed her eyes thinking about how all of this could have happened when her husband's deep and calming voice broke the silence.
" Don't lose hope Celestia, We will find them."
As if it was the first words she had ever heard the alicorn repeated it in her mind over and over. Finally she stood up.
" Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, just hold on, we're on our way."
I probably woke up 10 minutes ago, and yet all I've done is stare at the bottom of my sister's bunk bed. There was so much to think about. The animals need to be fed, The floors need to be sweeped, mobbed and polished, the library needs dusting. We need to fold the clothes, beat the rugs, open all the curtains, clean all the windows, wash all the dishes, clean the bathrooms, make the beds, weed the gardens and after that cook breakfast for the master
A lot had to be done between then and now. Checking everything off my mental remembering list, I frowned as I still felt as if something important was coming up.
Sighing I got out from under my warm covers and turned to the bed above me. I had gotten used to Rainbow's snoring many years ago yet I still seem to giggle at the sight of the sleeping sprawled out Pegasus.
Gently tapping on her shoulder I whispered softly," Daaashie.... Dashie, It's time to get up." I smiled when I saw her wake up.
Groaning she said," What *yawn* time is it?" Even though that same question has been answered the same way for years now.
With practiced patients, I answered," It's time to get to work Rainbow."
You'd be surprised with how calm and collected you can become after living with a brash sister and a short tempered master your entire life. I mean it's not like I have a choice.
Groaning once more, The rainbow maned mare lazily slid off the bed and flapped her wings to glide to the floor," What's first Shy?"
Smiling we walked to towards the door to start work," First the animals. We better hurry though, you know how angry Angel is when he doesn't get his breakfast." I said.
Rainbow snorted, "He can live a little while longer." She mumbled irritably.
Walking down the dark corridor, I couldn't help but admire the architecture of the place. The walls where decorated with a deep Maroon colour like the colour of velvet and the floors where made of beautiful mahogany planks.
Furthermore, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and amazing artwork littered the walls. My favourite had always been the painting of the 'Singing Forest Maiden',as the artist had named it. It was a lovely painting of a mare singing to the animals of the forest.
The painting in many ways was the only way I could really see into the forest itself. Taking as we weren't allowed to go outside the mansion walls.
Dash and I walked in silence as we passed the many dark brown doors. We had come to embrace this comfortable silence often in the morning. Whether it was the fact that I didn't talk much or that Rainbow was still half asleep I don't know, but either way it's quite pleasant to just walk in silence.
Growing up I was always fond of the silence through the large house, it only being me, Rainbow Dash and the Master. I had a lot of alone time but it hadn't really been too boring, most of the time we worked and when we did have free time, I would usually read.
This didn't however, stop me from thinking about the outside world. Rainbow Dash is the only pony I've seen in my life, so I've only read and seen pictures of Earth Ponies or Unicorns.Some nights, Dash and I would brainstorm on the fantasy of if we got out of here, what we would do or see.
I solemnly frown at that thought. Even though we had been here for years, as long as I can remember my sister has tried everything to break free. I gave up many moons ago of escaping the monster of with we serve, only to no avail.
I'm not entirely sure of how we ended up here to begin with. Sometimes I get a glimpse of my old life when I'm asleep but the details are very vague. When we were little, I used to tell stories that our parents were these amazing heroes who protected the land.
But as we got older and my exaggerations became apparent, the stories became less and less till the eventually surcummed to the sands of time. So much time has passed, and though I cherish the blessing that I still have my sister, I wish I knew my family.
Finally turning a corner and opening a door we made it to the garden of the mansion. This was about as close to the outside world as we could get. You would think that we could run away from here, but the master put a magical shield that prevents me and Rainbow from stepping foot outside the property.
The sky was still dark as we went forth, as the sun hadn't even risen. Soon We made it too the shaggy old tool shed on the far corner of the garden and took the animal's food.
I'm always happy to help with the animals and provide what they need. After all, my special talent is to take care of them. Rainbow on the other hoof, isn't too fond of them.
"Hey that is not a place to build a nest! Don't scratch me! No! Bad cat! Fluttershy help me!" Rainbow panicked.
Giggling I took our cat Opalescent, and soothingly pet her head. Soon the feline retracted her claws and padded towards me, looking for more attention.
Rainbow shooed away the birds that were crowding her mane and turned to me in a jealous huff,"How? Just how? I know it's your special talent, but I swear that the animals hate me."
Turning towards the treetops I closed my eyes as I felt the wind brush through my rose mane, and tingles run though out my body. Nature had always been my escape. In my free time I would always sit with my animals in complete bliss for hours if I could, soaking up the sunshine and feeling the cool summer breeze.
Soon I started humming a melody as a song came to mind, I usually just call the animals, but I feel like singing today.
Greenery around me, Through every tapestry Every twist and turn No matter the way it churns It leads us somewhere Everyway and everywhere
So much to see And yet so little you may be So let me teach of all I must So students be with trust
Mother is watching, Mother is near Mother will hold you If you treat her dear
Yes mother nature forgives our ignorence once And accepts it twice She will give us chance after chance So thank her and let her be your advice
See the all the colours she has brought Painting the world till blissfully caught. Ranging creatures from big to small Mother nature created all.
Hail the queen Her name you will been Laugh her playground of life And forgive all for being blind
Mother is watching, Mother is near Mother will hold you If you treat her dear
Yes mother nature forgives our ignorence once And accepts it twice She will give us chance after chance So thank her and let her be your advice
When I opened my teal eyes I saw all the animals, from rabbit's to bears, or from birds to snakes. Rainbow was also staring in awe.
" You know, no matter how many times you do that everytime Ihear it I still fall under your spell." Dash spoke.
I blushed a little. I wasn't the best at singing but I really enjoyed it so it was fun to sing a song or tune every once in awhile. I had learned many songs from just transferring some of the poems I read into a lyrical form, including the one had I just sung.
"Oh Rainbow, I'm not that good, I just enjoy singing with the rest of nature." I replied trying not to be boastful.
Rainbow simply rolled her eyes in annoyance to my modity, and grabbed the chicken feed and went the coop. Soon my attention was to all the animals,"Why hello everyone, did you rest well?" All the animals nodes their heads.
"Well that's great. I bet you're all quite hungry then." Soon a snow-white rabbit marched out from inbetween the forest life, and strarted tapping his foot.
"Oh hello Angel , sorry we're late, I accidentally lost track of time in the morning. So will you forgive me?" I asked hopefully. He shook his head and looked away
"Please?" I asked with a pleading tone, yet he still turned away.
"Pretty please with a baby carrot breakfast on top?" He finally budged and nodded furiously and hugged my leg. Chuckling, I moved to get started with the work.
After giving Angel breakfast I quickly set out to feed and check on the other animals. Harry the bear's scoliosis is acting up again so he might have to start physical therapy again next week, Mrs. Lark's eggs should hatch within the next couple of days and all the others seem to be doing well.
Satisfied with my work I headed to check on Rainbow Dash to see if she needed help. And of course I find her in trouble.
There in the middle of the field somehow she is tied up with snakes and placed in a large cooking pot with Chihuahuas dancing around her. Smacking my face with my hoof I set about freeing my sibling from the creatures.
"How you manage to end up as a sacrifice to the ancient forest gods everytime we feed the animals is beyond me." I stated, somewhat confused.
"You and me both Shy." Rainbow said stepping out of the pot.
"Well we're about finished so I suggest we start heading back if that's okay?" I asked looking at all we had done.
"Yeah let's go, I want to maybe finish early to finish some of my new stunts!" Rainbow shouted in excitement. Smiling at my sister's enthusiasm, we headed back to the shed, put everything away and headed back into other house.
While it is true I got my cutie mark while taking care of animals, Rainbow's multi-coloured lightning strike spoke for it's self when she flew at her top speed. It was beautiful how she could changed so many ways while flying and still keep aloft.
A couple of hours later and we had successfully completed all of our chores except for breakfast. Laying the pastry for the apple fritters on the counter, I expertly rolled it out, placed the filling and closed it up into its new form.
Dash wasn't much of a cook when they were doing chores so most of the time I let her help by washing and cleaning the kitchen. Most of the time it goes without any disturbances but I couldn't help but sigh when I heard the sound of things falling.
Putting my pastry in the pan with the other fritters, I walked over to the pantry to find my cyan coloured siblings a ghostly white. All over her was flour and she couldn't stop sneezing.
Laughing quitely I was about to fetch a washcloth when something caught my eye. There in the corner of the room where all of the large flour bags had stood was a small button of some sort.
"Hey Dashie? Come look at this!" I said walking towards it. Rainbow quickly shook off the flour and trotted to where I stood.
Looking at each other we both knew what the other was thinking. Rainbow then stretched out her hoof hesitantly, before pressing the button. For a moment nothing happened.
"Oh come on! i wanted to o see-" soon rumbling shook the pantry, and Dash and I grabbed hold of each other for balance. Once it stopped we saw that one of the walls on the side of the pantry had moved to the side revealing a room.
Dash's shock wore off faster than mine and she shouted,"Okay that was AWESOME!"
Finally out of my state I replied,"As exciting it is to find secret rooms, what I would like to know is what it's doing here and why we haven't come across it sooner." I said cautiously.
There were many secret rooms in the mansion that Dash and I had found over the years. We had been so excited to find them. But this one we had never seen before, how could we have missed it?
Before I could say anything Rainbow Dash went inside like she was a filly going into o a candy store. She always wanted to go around the world and be an adventurer since she had read the Daring Do series in the library, I guess this was the next best thing.
Looking around I wasn't sure if I should follow then Rainbow shouted, "Hey Shy! Are ya comin'?"
Sighing, I went inside. At first it was pretty dark and musty, no one has been here in years it seems. Soon, Rainbow found an old torch and lit it with some matches in her apron.
The room lit up in a flicker as the worn brick wall came into view. Rainbow Dash and I grabbed at what occupied the room before us. Books lay in heaps piled up till it reached the roof, artifacts littered the floor like fabric strewn across a boutique and scrolls hung like streamers.
We both gapped at the amazing sight we hadn't ever seen and had yet been right under our noses. Rainbow then exclaimed," What is this place?"
Stepping forward to get a better look I replied honestly, "I'm not sure but it looks like a secret storage room. Master told us he had been places all around but this is...." Drifting off I looked to Rainbow for the right word.
"Mysterious?" She asked.
"Exactly." I was about to look through the books when a certain scroll on the far side of the room caught my eye. I would have just glanced past it like any other scroll, had it not been for the fact that it had been displayed on a pedestal.
Slowly walking towards it I saw Rainbow do the same. When my eyes layed on the words of the scroll I immediately saw that it wasn't in Equestrian, yet I could read it to my surprise.
"Hey Flutters, is it just me or can I read that?" Rainbow said. Blinking in surprise I answered.
"You too?" It was curiouser and curiouser.
She nodded," Yeah, it's strange but I can perfectly understand that." She said pointing towards the scroll. Looking over the aged parchment I resighted the lines outloud.
From their homes the eldest taken two. By a beast that has known defeat and is revenge. Weep the Royals for their loss and fight for all. But daughter lost and bond. However on 17th year a light arises. The flight and adventure of the two children will begin. In life they flew for the others arrogance. They fight and fight with all else ready to fall. Friends or sisters revealed. The battle between light and darkness is waged. And-
I stopped when I saw the sentence was cut off and unfinished. "Well? What else?" Turning my eyes from the paper I told Dash,
"Nothing, it's like the writer never got to finish it." We both stood there in anxiousness and deadly silence filled the dimly lit room. Something about that made a coldness wash over me and a shiver go up my spin like we weren't alone.
"Hey Dash? Let's get out of here, we've explored enough for today." I said nervously.
"Oh come on Shy just a bit more?" Rainbow Dash pleaded with the biggest eyes she could muster. I was about to give in when I remembered something.
" Breakfast!" Me and Dash shared our horrified looks as we ran back into the kitchen, hoping we could finish in time. Before we left however, I made sure to press the button on the way out and put the flour back so that it didn't seem like we had uncovered the entrance.
Quickly putting the pastries in the oven I was relieved to see we still had enough time. Quickly getting to work I squeezed some orange juice and Rainbow set the table.
Just as the pastries were finished I heard a song from the cooking timer and took them out of the oven. The smell of baked apple fritters drifted in the air finally set my mind at ease and a small smile managed to make it's way on my lips as I set it down to cool down.
Wiping the sweat off my brow I sat down and watched Rainbow clean the kitchen. Soon my thoughts wondered back to the misterious secret room we had found earlier today. Why hadn't we found it earlier? Why did we understand a language we've barely ever seen? And why did I feel such a cold presence?
I was about to think of a thousand more questions when a blue hoof woke me from my zoned out state." Hey Shy? Are ya in there?"
Shaking the thoughts out of my head I nodded and stood as we began walking towards the master's room to wake him for breakfast. Walking down the hallway dash suddenly stopped in her track and slapped her forehead,"That's what I forgot!" Looking at here confused I waited for an explanation.
"Fluttershy! Why didn't you remind me that your birthday is this Friday?" She said and my whole day came crashing down. Now I knew what had been bothering me since this morning. My Birthday.
We continued walking but I barely payed attention to her banks about which gift to get and just gave small nods to act as if I was listening. Dread filled every nook and crany of my soul and I all I could do was not to start crying. However, had I known that a certain creature had been watching us enter a certain room, I would have ran and never looked back.
~Somewhere in the shadows~
"Why thank you dear sweet Fluttershy, for that translation." Tirek said, showing a menacingly gleeful smile.
"So the Legend of the Royal Togue wasn't just a myth after all. I wish I would have known this information earlier. However, this is just a small setback. Two petty pony princesses aren't going to stop me. I've grown far too close to be stopped by two pathetic mares." Tirek sneared. He turned from his magical looking glass and spoke into the void around him.
" It's a shame really, It was quite nice having slaves to do my dirty work, and I think I'll miss torturing the eldest one. Oh well, everything has too die eventually." Be said in mock sympathy.
Menacing laughter bounce of the non-existant walls as darkness shrouded the creature once more.
Ever since Dash and I were little, we had been forced to work in the manor. It wasn't that we wanted too or needed money, but because we had no choice.
When we were little, we had tried to refuse slavery and get away, but the more we resisted, the more painful the master would become. I have had countless nightmares of the times he had thrown us across the room and broken a few of my ribs and Rainbow's wing. The more we struggled, the more menacing he would become.
The hits, the slaps and the kicks were endless, but we had still never given up. That is till one day all of the master's games came to an end and when we were dragged to the torture chamber, sharp blades were lined up nearly like in a surgery. I guess since I was older, I would go first.
That day was the most bloody and painful day that I had ever witnessed. He ran knives along my arms and back, so deep that if you look closely you'll still see a scar. He held me up with magic as he whipped my abdomen till the marks bled. The worst however, was what he did to my wings.
Pegasi are hypersensitive when it comes to thier wings, so any slight discomfort can cause a problem. So when he plucked all of my feathers out I was biting my lip till it bled. Soon the screams escaped though, as he magicaly grabbed my wings and crushed them into disfigured, floppy appendages on my back.
I realized then, through my tears that he was about to do the same thing to my sister, so I stopped him and finally gave in. Rainbow was furious that I would break like I had and didn't talk to me for days afterwards, claiming she had disowned me. But after a while she had come to except it and move on.
My wings haven't been the same ever since. Sure, after extensive care from Rainbow and the aid from medical books in the Library helped, but they could only do so much.
I can't really fly much like when I was younger. Everytime I make a sudden movement, pain flares from my wings and forces me to use as little movement as possible. So in truth, my flying is more of a glide or hover since the incident.
After the whole ordeal Rainbow Dash and I settled in and got to work, with the occasional escape attempt from Rainbow. However, something happened afterwards that only I know about.
All those years, I had been hiding something from my sister in fear of what she might do out of blind rage. The master still tortures me. Every week I am called in for book reassessment, at least that's what Rainbow thinks.
For years that monster beat and broke me, even till this day. But the worst week was my birthday. Yes the torture was every week, but on my birthday.... I shiver at the thought. His hits became ten times stronger, his whipping faster and his laugh more disturbed every year.
Through it all I had silently kept this secret by covering my bruised coat with dandelion powder and all the cuts with excuses. When I came back with a broken leg I had to say that one of the library shelves fell on me.
Though I may not seem like it these days, I used to be quite a loud and outspoken as a filly and would always speak my mind. After all the beatings I received from speaking however, I eventually became quite during my weekly torture. After that I guess the habit seeped into my private life and I've never been the same since.
Even though the master would sometimes beat Rainbow, it was nothing compared to what I had come to endure. So when we knocked on the door to the Masters room to wake him, I felt my dread intensify.
Rainbow shouted through the large door, " My Lord, breakfast is ready."
She had learned over the years that waking him up rudely ended in nothing but pain. Despite it all though, we don't know who he is or what he looks like.
I know it's next to impossible, but the master was able to hide his face from us ever since we can remember. No matter what we did there would always be a shadow covering his entire being, not letting so much as a glimpse of the creature to the outside world.
So when we heard a shout, we froze," Come in you two."
Looking at each other we slowly opened the door to the dark room. A thought came to mind and I whispered," Do you think he knows about the room we found?" Rainbow only shrugged as she tried to find a source of light in the darkness.
Soon finding a torch, she pulled out the matches from her apron. The flame of the torch brought an ominous flickering light to the dark chamber, making my shivers intensify. Something wasn't right.
We hadn't been in the masters chambers very often growing up. He had forbade us from entering and threatened us with punishment if we disobeyed. Once, in one of her futile, and often ludicrous, plans to escape, Dash had snuck into our masters chambers.
She couldn't find much before being caught, the master having eyes like a hawk. After that Dash's plans of escape became less frequent.
Walking through the large room to him now was more frightening than ever, for this had never happened before. Seeing the mass of shadows in the middle of his polished wooden floors, we stopped a few feet away and bowed before setting the torch down and focusing on our master like a child in a classroom.
A moment of silence passed before our master spoke in his chilling deap raspy voice, " Why hello my dears, I bet you are wondering why I called you here."
His sentence held an edge of malicious glee as he strode forward and ran his hoof through my hair. I sat still, petrified to the point where not even a squeak could escape from my lips. The shadow passed by like a lonesome wind and weaved between me and Rainbow.
" Well, truth be told, I'm here to thank you my pretty, without your translation I would have never known what that old geezer said when he wrote that prophecy." He said gliding around like a shark and it's prey.
He spoke again stopping at his original spot," I bet you're wondering why exactly you could, believe me, I never thought that the legend was true about your family. "
My eyes went wide, and a sentence slipped from my lips, " Our family?"
Even though I couldn't see it he had a vicious smile on, " Ah yes, I must say, taking you two in the dark of night is amusing. I remember looking at your mother from a far and relishing the sweet sorrowful cries." My sister and I gasped.
The master had told us that all our family was dead and that we needed to be grateful that he kept us alive. He had lied to us for years to make sure that we thought nothing would be waiting for us outside of this mansion.
Anger flared within me at this, but before I could get a word out Rainbow shouted in fury, " You told us they were dead!"
The master hummed in pretend thought, " I did, didn't I? Oops my mistake. Oh well, it doesn't matter now. After all, in a couple of days my plan of revenge will finally come to pass. All I have to do is get rid of the pesky flies. " he said.
" What do you mean?" I shouted, hoping to find answers.
" You insolent foal! Don't you understand, with you in the way I can never truly take the throne of Equestrian! I must kill you and your sister once and for all!" He bellowed rushing at us with a wicked smile.
As he leapt the magic concealing him vanished into thin air and I gasped at what I saw. Instead of seeing a pony, I saw an old wrinkled creature with a pony-like lower body and and a strange upperbody with two limbs that resemble the claws of a griffin, but softer and without the sharpened edge. On his head grew two small horns and a long white beard. His face and hands gleemed a faded red as the rest of his body was an ashy black, with his eyes a sickening yellow.
He came barging at us and pulled out a knife covered in something green. He lunged at me but all I could do was stand there in fear. However, right as he came to me Rainbow pushed me out of the way.
Unfortunately, even if she's fast, she wasn't fast enough. Turning around I saw her get stabbed in the hind leg by his knife, throwing her back into the wall with his strength. Feeling angered at the disturbance, he went to my sister and pulled her out from the ruble ready to strike again.
Finally gaining some strength I did the first thing that came to mind....
I threw the torch.
Now if I hadn't been so terrified, I probably would have felt proud at the fact that I had made a perfect hit. Unfortunately, my adrenaline didn't give me time to brag as I grabbed Rainbow and ran as fast as my hooves could carry me.
Sliding into the hallway I turned sharply and ran in any direction I could to get away. Even though I shouldn't have my fear controlled me and I took a glance behind me. I immediately regretted it and started using my wings to propel me faster.
Behind me ragged a flaming beast with a burnt eye and a cribbled arm. And it scared me to the point of flying.
While running I knew I wouldn't last forever and the monster was catching up to us. It didn't help that I was carrying an unconscious mare on my back too.
Looking for anything to help us, anything at all I finally spotted the miracle I was looking for. Through the window, for a split second I saw the barriers that surround the house disappear and reapear.
Seeing this I galloped at full speed down the stairs and towards the exit, praying that we'd make it. We were so close that I could reach the large doors with my hoof, but right before I could, I felt an appendage wrap around my hind leg and pull me back, making me drop Rainbow Dash.
Some of the flames still lingered on the creature, still burning him. Nearly all of his skin and coat had been burnt into raw flesh, including his face. Torn and bubbling blisters lined nearly everything and the smell of burnt flesh made me sick.
Bringing me to his eye level I saw that I had thrown the torch directly into his eye, blinding him completely on his left side. Seeing his disfigured grin my primal instinct kicked in. I sucker punched him in the left eye.
The creature gave a terrible blood curdling screach and let me fall to the ground. Seeing this as my only chance, I grabbed Rainbow and rushed to the door, opening them with a bang. I rushed outside and to the edge of the garden.
I looked to the barrier and saw it flickering more than it had before. Seeing this I assumed that the damage I did to him was making him falter at the spell he casted around the house.
Looking behind me and seeing that thing coming towards us I took a deep breath as I ran to the barrier. With all my hope and courage put together, I closed my eyes and galloped strait towards the barrier.
Expecting to get slammed into a invisible wall, I was happy to find that my assumption was correct and we had managed to breach the barrier.
Even if I knew that we had made it out I continued running in fear that he still followed us. I don't know what direction I went in and honestly I don't know how long I went that way cause all I remember is a blurr of treas and bushes.
Finally after who-knows how long, I stopped to take a breath. Looking around I slumped to the ground in relief when I saw we had lost him.
After calming down I turned my attention to my sister.
She looked really bad. She had dried blood that caked her mane, her coat was filled with cuts and bruises and the large gash on her leg looked infected with black veins starting to form on the edges.
Finally all of the bravery and adrenaline seemed to fade and my old meek self returned. Soon I felt a warm liquid drip down my face and the flood gates opened.
"It's all my fault! If I hadn't been so scared, if I had just moved! But I couldn't even get out of the way! What kind of big sister am I when you are always the one to save me! I'm so sorry Rainbow..." Soon I couldn't control it and I started sobbing into her messy coat.
I was surprised when I felt a hoof pat my head. Looking up with bloodshot eyes, I was shocked to see the my sister's magenta eyes and a kind smile.
" Rainbow Dash?" hoping I wasn't dreaming and that she really was conscious.
She smiled and said, " Don't think you can get rid of me that easily Flutters."
A sliver of hope rang through the darkness as I hugged her tightly. " Agh! Not.. So.. Tight!" she said struggling for breath. Quickly letting go I woredly looked at her.
"You need medical care." I said looking over her again.
She snorted at me, " What do you mean, I am perfectly fine." she said, getting up with a lot of effort and noticeable wincing. Sighing I helped her up. She always was stubborn, even when it came to her own health.
" Rainbow, You have been poisoned with a knife, thrown into a wall and have blood loss. You are not 'perfectly fine'! " I said in the most stern way possible.
Growling she mumbled back defeated," Fine, but how are we even going to get supplies, not to mention that getting there is a problem too."
I sighed when I realized she was right. We had no medicine, no bandages, no ointments. Why is it that once we manage to fix one problem another pops up?
I then looked around the clearing we were in and finally understood our situation.
We were out of the mansion.
Seeing this I stood tall and told Rainbow what I've been wanting to say for over a decade," Let's go find civilization just like we said we would. We're finally free." Rainbow seems to get what I mean and shares the same grin I do.
Rainbow and I slowly started walking in the same direction I had before. Nothing was said as we slowly made our way through the undergrowth.
Rolling my shoulders a bit, I winced at the reaction from my wings. After all the adrenaline had worn off, my wings finally remembered that they had been used and started acting up. I looked over at Rainbow who limped as we walked.
I suddenly remembered something, " Hey Dash? Thank you for doing that back there."
She looked at me with a surprised expression on her face, she arched her eyebrow in confusion, " For what?"
Rolling my eyes I spoke to my younger sister, " For saving me when he came with the knife."
She snorted and laughed a little," Hey if anything I should be thanking you, if it weren't for you both of us would be dead." I just smiled and carried on walking.
I could feel myself changing the further we got and the more time spent away from the mansion we traveled. I felt myself open up and slowly get to who I used to be. It's like everything that happened, the way I got broken down and hurt, is slowly being mended and healed.
I think Rainbow Dash noticed, because even though she was hurt, she was smiling. As we went along an idea came to mind.
"Hey Dashie, could we stop for a bit? I want to see something." shrugging she sat down and looked at me as if to say 'go on'.
I smiled and looked around the spot we had stopped, it took me a minute but I found what I was looking for. There, on a tree branch, was a small nest with a Blue Jay and her eggs.
Grimacing I opened my wings and shakily made my way up to the small creature.
"Hello, Excuse me for the trouble, but you wouldn't happen to know where we can clean my sister's wounds do you?" I asked softly.
The bird chirped as if to say 'of course, it's no problem at all dear', and flew down with me, then leading the way. Rainbow grinned at me and we quickly started moving, not wanting to be left behind.
The small bird wove in between the branches while in flight, more graceful than I'd ever be right now in my condition. It chirped in a polite chatter that I understood as ' So, may I ask what two young mares like you are doing out here in the middle of the woods?'
Clearing my throat I replied, " Well, it's a rather long story, not to mention confusing."
The Blue Jay, who I've come to learn is named Mrs Twintwig, chirped back telling me it was alright. Rainbow just looked at me with both a confused and amusing smile at my one sided conversation.
Soon after about fifteen minutes, the dense forest opened up to reveal a gentle stream with crystal clear waters. Thanking Mrs Twintwig, I ushered Rainbow slowly into the water to clean up.
Once she had gotten in I looked around and my eyes darted to what I was sure was a Daze fern. Remembering that they're used for cleaning wounds, I grabbed a few leaves and went back to the stream.
I quickly warned her, " Okay, this might sting a little." Understanding she simple nodded her head and closed her eyes. As gently as I could I pressed the soaked leaf to a large gash on her head. Slightly recoilling I heard her hiss through her teath.
I absolutely hated this but with the infection on her leg, she can't afford anymore infections in her other injuries. Slowly I started humming a song that was all to familiar to both of us.
I had sung the song to her when we had been very small. After we were subdued and began working as maids, I had stopped singing it altogether.
I'm not exactly sure where or how I learnt the small lullaby but it had been stuck in my head from as long as I can remember. I like to think that it was from our parents and that they sung us to sleep but I wasn't really sure. I had calmed Rainbow Dash with the melody more times than I can count in our youth.
And just like many years before she became less tense and relaxed as I cleaned. I slowly began singing the song while cleaning.
Dear light in the dark, shine far Sing to you a lullaby Sun and moon, both love the stars But sleep you must tonight.
So hush my dear, lay down So hush my dear, don't make a sound Sleep my darling, don't you see? The dreams that await you sit patiently
I kept humming the tune of the song not seeing something had heard me. And just like that the whole atmosphere changed in an instant. Instead of feeling safe and relaxed, our emotions soon became panic and fright.
Behind us was a deep and threatening growl. Both me and Rainbow were as still as statues. Slowly I turned behind me to see two glowing green eyes and splinters for teeth.
Not knowing what to do I quietly asked Rainbow," Um... Dash? What do you do when there's a giant wolf made of wood with neon glowing eyes trying to eat you for a late brunch?"
In a high strained voice I heard her say, " Can't say that I know Shy."
Everything went quite, the beast was mere inches from us standing on the edge of the bank. I thought it was odd but not much could process when a split second later a terrifying bark and howl came from the creature.
Not to long after Rainbow yelled," Swim!"
Now that would have been a great thing to do if, a) I could swim and b) If I could move
Seeing my petrified stance Rainbow scoffed while dodging an incoming attack from the claws of the beast, "Oh for the love of- just go Shy! We don't have time for this!"
Snapping back to reality I moved, missing the animal's jaws by less than an inch. Seeing that swimming was the only option, Rainbow and I dived and swam down stream. It was hard to do and I saw that Rainbow was struggling with her injuries and wouldn't last much longer.
The current was also getting stronger and deeper. Like I said, swimming wasn't something I could do and even if I looked like a dying seal, I was amazed that I stayed afloat. Looking back I saw that we lost the wolf, seeing Dash's strength finally give way, I grabbed her and luckily enough found a stray log pulling us up I held her tightly.
I between breaths I heard her say," That... Was.. Close"
I didn't know what to say to that, instead I made sure that she didn't get worse by the afternoon swim. Looking at her leg I saw that the veins that had been small and nearly invisible were wider spread than before. The poison was moving quickly, if we didn't get her treatment she'd be dead in the next 24 hours tops.
While I was examining her she was turned away. Soon she spoke up, "Hey, Shy? Can I ask you a question?"
Slightly hesitant I nodded my head, wondering what would be asked.
" Well, I never asked before cause I didn't know if it was your decision or the masters, but what have you been hiding from me all this time? And don't say that it's nothing. I saw how you reacted when he talked to us in the beginning. The moment he touched you, you froze. And it's not the first time it's happened. I mean he did a lot to us, but that was years ago! " she ranted
Lowering my head and turning the other direction. I breathed in deaply. The sounds of the water around us as we sat on the drifting log was calming, as were the undeniable sounds of life around us.
I sighed," That's not true. "
She looked confused and I decided to explain," You said it was years ago, but it's not true. Every week you see me go in for book reassessment, but that's a lie. It's all a lie I told you to keep you safe."
Feeling even more confused she angrily asked" What do you mean.!?"
"Everytime I steped into those chambers I was beaten and broken. All of what happened to you years ago still happened to me, every week. It wasn't as bad as my birthday though, that was always the worst week of the year."
The blue Pegasus had become uncharacteristically quite. Then I got a slight fright when she pulled me into an embrace. I felt the water drob on by back as she cried and hugged me tightly.
I was surprised, I thought she would hate me because of this. But instead she did something she hadn't done since she was a small filly, she cried.
Slowly I wrapped my arms around her and rubbed her back as she cried. I remember when we were still small and hadn't been workers yet, how she would cry from the pain of being beaten. I would hold her just like this and tell her that it would be okay.
Soon we pulled apart and Dash furiously rubbed her eyes," look, now I'm turning into a softy, heh" she sniffed a bit and looked at me through puffy eyes and a small smile.
Later after some of the more detailed conversations that she wanted to know about she sighed and looked at me," Why didn't you tell me, I would have gone in there and punched his eye out."
"That's exactly why, Rainbow I love you, but you would just go charging in without a plan and get hurt. Besides, I already burnt one of his eyes, and I'm pretty sure the other one is blue so I guess I did that for ya?" I spoke softly.
"Wait what? When?" she asked confused. Then I remembered that she was unconscious most of the time that I had made my miraculous escape.
Soon I told her everything and by the end I had to help her stop laughing or else she would have hurt herself.
" Hehe, you punched that sucker in the eye" I blushed a bit at the statement but had to admit it was a little funny. Soon I was giggling too.
Our fun was cut short however as we heard a sound," Hey do you hear that?" I asked
"Hear what?" I looked behind her and I think by eyes shrunk to the size of a pea.
"That!" I pointed.
Looking around and seeing what she had missed, instead of being terrified like me she angrily shouted, " Oh come on! First a burning Centaur then an oversized wooden puppy and now a damn waterfall! Can someone just give us a break?!"
" Rainbow this is serious!" I looked around to find something. I was getting desperate when I nearly face hooved at the obvious answer.
" Rainbow! Can you fly? " I asked quickly, the waterslide of doom was appoaching fast.
She opened her wings and cringed," Maybe, but not far, I think I sprained one of my when I was thrown into the wall."
Nodding I found a landing platform that would be the only way across. It was an open grass field right at the bank of the wide river. If we reach that we'll be safe.
I shouted," On my count we jump and try to fly to that ledge, okay?"
She nodded and I saw the edge of the waterfall only a couple of feet away, "1..2..3! Go!"
We both jumped not turning to look back at our mackshift raft fall down the misty abise. Struggling to keep in the air I pushed whatever strength I had into my wings, feeling like a fire had been lit on my back. We both just made it to the edge with a rough landing.
Gasping for air, Rainbow and I layed on the dewed grass and starred at the blue sky. Soon I heard whooping from my fellow Pegasus.
"Oh yeah! Pony=3 Life threatening things=0"
I giggled at my sisters antics and sat up. Soon I heard a gurgling sound come from my stomach. I blushed slightly as Rainbow smirked, before a louder sound came from her.
Looking around for food I looked at the plants and saw that none of them were recognizable from my books back at the mansion. Now that I look at it, this part of the forest seemed odd. Very little could be heard over the raging water but even then, not a single sound was heard.
Even the grass and soil felt strange, and not in a good way. Looking at Rainbow who, despite the fact that it tasts horrible, was about to eat the green grass beneath them, " Rainbow wait! This place doesn't look or feel right. I don't think it's a good idea to eat anything if we aren't sure of it's effect."
Sighing she moved away from her grass and sat next to me. It had been a long day and we were both tired and hungry. Seeing that it was around 5 in the afternoon, I knew that we should start looking for shelter since there was only one or two hours of light left.
Almost as if she read my mind she stood up shakily and said, "Well we better start looking for someplace to set up camp. With the sun going down, I don't want to know what lurks here in the dark."
Nodding I picked myself off the ground and went to her side to help her walk. She won't admit it, but she's not doing well.
Her wound on her head had reopened, the wing on her back was swollen, and she was as pale as a sheet. Not just that, but we hadn't eaten all day and we had been doing chores before running and hiking and swimming. She looked terrible just from a small glance.
Looking over at the ledge going down, I knew that in our state we wouldn't be able to fly down, so the best option was to find a path down.
Slowly we made our way through the forest, looking for a path down. Luckily, after many hours, we found a way to go down the mountain but it was slippery and just a road that jutted out from the side with no railing.
By the time we had found a cave, the sun had already set and we had been walking for over four hours strait.
"It would be a good idea to stay here for the night. We're exhausted and with no light there's no telling if we step wrong and fall off the mountain." I told Rainbow who looked half dead. She just nodded as I sat her down and almost instantly fell asleep.
Halfway through our hike she had become less energetic and the severity of her condition finally caught up to her. I still felt guilty that she got hurt.
The cave was dark and damp. There wasn't anything that could be used to make a fire to I felt shivers when the wind decided to come through. Hoping tomorrow would be more successful and that Rainbow could get help I layed down next to her were it was warm and curled up before falling asleep.
~Back at the mansion~
A furious disfigured creature tore through everything. He threw the darkwood dressing table through the window, smashed the mirror and tore the curtains to shreds.
He roared in fury, " Those little brats! How could they get away! Gah! I will find them, and I will kill them even if I have to do it with my bare hands! Spike!"
Suddenly, out from nowhere, a small purple and green dragon fearfully ran to his master before bowing clumsily," Y-yes Mas-master T-t-tirek? " he stuttering.
" Make sure you find these insolent mares and kill them! I've had enough of this silly game!" he roared, and threw a small object at him
Nodding Spike the dragon ran as fast as he could from the burnt stallion. Once he was far enough he breathed a sigh of relief. Then his expression turned to one of sorrow.
He had grown up in the master's chambers ever since he had been taken from his mother by Tirek. Back then he was only an egg. It wasn't that he wasn't grateful for his master's generosity, it was just that he didn't want to kill any pony, let alone the two sisters.
Spike had managed to roam the grounds through secret passage ways and had watched the two of them laugh and talk. It wasn't that he was a stalker or anything, he just wanted to see what it was like to have a family. And even though they didn't know he was there, he grew attached the two of them.
The master never told of his plans just incase he should leak information but Spike had learned a bit despite the fact that he was a baby dragon. Oh he hated to do it! But unfortunately the master would punish or kill him if he disobeyed.
Looking at what the master had thrown at him, he sighed. A Seer gem. It was commonly used four hundred years ago during the great flood of ooz that took over the land. It's used to see and find ponies no matter where they are.
Taking the object in his claws, he recited, "Show thy place of matter and light, Show us Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash!"
The gem glowed and an image showed Fluttershy and Rainbow, sleeping peacefully unaware of the danger to come. Looking at the image he saw that Rainbow Dash didn't look healthy at all and was tossing and turning in her sleep, sweating profusely.
The crystal then gave out another image, sliding the previous one to the right. It was a map of the Evergreen forest, once known as The Everfee forest but the name was changed due to the capture of animals. Using his claws to adjust it, he kept typing in and tapping till it was a 3D image and a little red dot shone brightly from the side of a mountain. That was where his victums lay in wait.
Sighing he packed his things, along with a dagger and some expandable nets. Before leaving the mansion he looked back to the large house.
This wasn't what he wanted at all. Shedding a tear he turned around and kept walking.
"I'm so sorry."
Chapter 4: Soup with A Dragon, Zebra and Rainbow Pony
I felt odd waking up the next morning. I usually woke up early but after yesterday I would have thought that I would sleep late. Instead I recognized the faint glow from the horizon that told me that the sun hadn't even risen yet.
Looking at Rainbow in front of me, I saw she was sweating and pale. Just laying next to her, I felt the heat from her fever. I pursed my lips in worry.
Looking at her right now I knew the poison had spread and was affecting her really badly. No doubt she would be unconscious or at most semi-conscious the whole day.
Wanting to stretch and check on Rainbow I tried to get up when a voice eccoed across the cave. It sounded almost like a colt but what he said made me stop all together.
"Try anything and you're dead."
Slowly turning around I had a small heart attack. I had been afraid of many things in my lifetime, lightning, the dark, marmalade. But out of all my fears the one that was by far the worst was dragons.
There in front of me stood a small chubby dragon. From the scary stories I heard as a foal, I assumed the one in front of me was just baby. This calmed me down by a lot.
Looking closer I saw he wasn't really too scary. Now if you had given me this image 2 days ago I would have hidden like a small filly but with what has happened in the last 24 hours I don't think much can faze me at this point. I guess there's the fact that I was also really tired, so I don't think my brain was functioning properly.
He was quite small, maybe a little shorter than I was. He stood on two legs and had a short stubby tail. He had a round tummy and big green eyes. I don't know if I was just being crazy but the more I looked at him, the less afraid I became.
That is till I saw what was in his claw, then I started freaking out. There in his claws was a large dagger with the same green glow as the one that the master had used the day before. In the other he had a net and was standing close enough to end my life within a second.
He shakily spoke, " N-now, I'm going to t-try and make this as q-quick a-as p-possible."
His whole being began to shake and I saw that he was coming closer. I saw he didn't want to do this, I saw a child that didn't need the weight of being a murderer.
So before he struck I spoke up," What's your name? " I knew it wasn't the best thing to ask in this situation but I was panicking and frankly didn't know what to say.
It seemed to do the trick though since he slowly lowered his weapon, " I-I'm S-spike." he said anxiously.
I knew that the only way out of this mess that didn't include hurting a child was to slowly calm him down. "So Spike, may I ask why you're here trying to kill us?"
Like I said before, having an impatient master and brash sister tend to give your voice a calm demeanor in these situations. So as calm and peaceful as I could I tried to get the situation under control.
He seemed surprised by my tone and started to sniff, " I-I h-have to or m-master will punish m-me." I became so sympathetic by this drake. He was only a few years old, maybe 9 or 10 and that-that monster was making him kill.
A natural instinct made me get up to get closer. That might have been a mistake because the small dragon immediately stepped back and pulled up his knife.
"S-stop! Don't come any closer! I-I'll kill you!" he shouted shaking even more. By now he had tears streaming down his face and he seemed less threatening and more alone and scared with every step closer I took.
I spoke again, closing in on him, " You don't have to listen to him Spike. You don't have to kill us. You can come with us, finally be free! It's okay to be afraid but we can handle this together." at this point he was shaking and sobbing. Soon he dropped the knife and I hugged him tightly.
He was so small and helpless towards that monster. I bet that the master also had him since he was a baby like Rainbow and I. The only difference is that he was probably alone while we had each other.
I slowly rocked the dragon back and forth while he hugged me tightly. "Shhhhh, it's alright, it's over." soon he had calmed down and we just sat there. Rubbing his red eyes he got up and without a word picked up the knife and put it in the bag he carried.
Taking this as a sign of peace I gave him a small smile. He gave a small nod before heading over to Rainbow who I had completely forgotten about. He spoke softly, "She doesn't look too good."
My rainbow maned sibling was sweating and even if some of the other injuries seemed a little better, the poison around her leg had mad it more than halfway across her flank. She needed help within the next few hours or she would be gone.
Without a word I picked her up and headed towards the mouth of the cave. The little dragon quickly tagged along beside me and we slowly made our way downwards on the path.
We hadn't said anything for an hour when I heard a whisper from the small creature beside me. "Excuse me? If you wouldn't mind, I didn't quite catch that."
Looking down I just barely heard, "Thank you."
Smiling brightly I gave him a small pat on the head as if to say 'you're welcome'
The rest of our walk we kept quite. After a while we had made it off the cliff and continued into the dark undergrowth. My stomach was killing me. I hadn't eaten since the day before yesterday and had been running, swimming and flying all day. Soon I became quite curious as to my new partner Spike. Soon I verbally voiced my thoughts.
"Hey Spike? I was wondering if you-" I was suddenly cut off in the middle of my sentence.
Now, you may think that one small group of creatures wouldn't get into as much trouble as we do. However we still manage to do that, even after everything that has already happened. I don't know if this is bad luck or a curse but the giant wood puppy was back once again to make our lives difficult once more.
"What in Equestria is that?!" shouted Spike having never seen Rainbow and my old encounter.
"That my little dragon is something we should get away from." I said calmly. Now, it may seem like I am an amazingly calm pony, and from the outside I look like it. But truth be told I am freaking out in so many ways right now that I don't even want to know where my thoughts got their ideas.
Before we could do anything the large wolf lunged for Spike. An instinct, that I may have finally acquired after much trial and error, kicked in. And I jumped, pushing me and him to the side.
The wolf missed but soon turned around snarling. It circled around us, watching our every move. It's green eyes held that wild look and it's sharp claws dug in the dirt.
Spike with utter terror in his system just stayed behind me as I moved anxiously with the beast. One wrong move and we were done for. Before it got any closer it sat down and howled out to the sky.
I knew what this meant, he called some of his friends. Panicking I ran in any direction, dragging poor Spike with me and Rainbow Dash was having a bumpy ride.
Before we could get far one of the new wolves showed up. This one was made of darker wood and had a scar on it's left eye. It moved fast and before I could move out of the way it managed to claw at my side that I left unguarded and stabbed my abdomen. Recoiling I screamed from the pain.
"Fluttershy!" Spike shouted in worry but most of what I saw was slightly fuzzy. Soon the rest of the pack showed up and three of the wooden creatures circled us. Looking for something, anything! I was desperate and was doing everything in my power not to scream from the pain by my abdomen.
Finally a strange feeling took over my body. A strange awareness of my surroundings. It was a feeling that I had not felt many times before but I knew what was happening. I had done this before and now it was happening again.
The pain in my stomach melted away and became numb and I stood up silently. I pushed Spike to the side so that he couldn't see what I was about to do. He was confused and baffled that I could even stand.
Finally I looked strait into the eyes that had been hunting us and all went quite. The wolves looked surprised, even confused but soon I heard whimpering coming from these once intimidating foes. However I took notice that the corners of my vision were becoming darker by the second.
I then spoke in a voice that had so much authority that it felt like a completely different pony was talking.
"Leave. Now."
The wolves whimpered again before running as fast as they could back to the forest with their tails in between their legs. Finally it all came floating back and I fell down, my sight going black and only hearing Spike call to me in panic.
I slowly fell unconscious as the world around me melted away to the dark abise.
~Time Skip (because I'm lazy and don't know how to map out a chapter) ~
Ow.
Yeah that's an understatement. If you got stabbed and got a headache from blood loss then you would feel the same. I woke up a couple of seconds ago but I really don't feel like opening my eyes.
Well at first I didn't, but then I realize that there is something that is snuggled up next to me and I have no idea where I am. Opening my eyes, I was happy to find little Spike snuggled up to me in a little ball. Looking around I had no idea where I was.
I was in a small home that had many viles of liquid on shelves with books I've never read. Strange wooden masks decorated the walls along with other foreign nick-nacks. Right at the center stood a big black cauldron with something bubbling inside.
Looking to the side I was relieved to see Rainbow on the other side of the bed snoring away. Most ponies would have freaked out that they were in a strangers house with no explanation but I have a headache so I don't really care.
While I lay there I had a happy thought. We made it. We're alive.
Soon being broken out of my train of thought, I heard the sound of the front door being opened and shut. Soon the sound of a mare came from that direction.
"Ah I see that you are awake, the same cannot be said for your drake." Said the mysterious pony. However when I looked up it wasn't a pony at all. There stood an equin yes, but she had black stripes covering her from mane to tail. She had a wise aura about her and headed to the cauldron. I was more than surprised to find a zebra out here in Equestria.
I suddenly felt my insecurities that I thought I had lost back at the mansion suddenly come back. Who is this? Am I being a bother? Why am I here? How am I alive?
Soon shaking my head from this I asked her meekly, "Um.. If you wouldn't mind, could you please explain to me why I'm here and who you are?" She raised her eyebrow.
"I should ask be asking all of you those questions. Finding you three in the Evergreen woods must have reasons. Finding both mares who's health was poor, a little longer and you would be knocking on death's door. But my name I can answer easily. Zecora I am, who may you be?" she said quizzically.
I found it strange that every word rhymed and that she said it so easily but I understood what she meant.
" Oh I'm Fluttershy. And we were in the woods because... Well it's quite a long story. I wouldn't want to bother. " I scratched the back of my head. I mentally slapped myself for acting so meek and quiet but I guess that meeting new creatures brings the old habit back.
Suddenly remembering, I said," Thank you for saving us. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't."
Zecora slightly chuckled and turned to the cauldron, adding something from her saddlebag. After stirring it she scooped some of the chunky liquid into a bowl and headed my way.
She gestured for me to drink it but I couldn't help but being suspicious. Looking at my expression she must have seen my hesitant face.
Giving me a warm smile she jokingly spoke, " There is no need for hesitation, The soup before you has no poison."
Taking the bowl I took a small sip and lost all manners that I have ever been taught. I would have been more graceful if I hadn't been as hungry as I was. It was the most divine thing I have ever tasted. You try going 2 days without food while being hunted by an evil creature that lives in a mansion.
I quickly gobbled up the soup and shyly asked for more while blushing. The zebra smiled and gladly went to get more. While she was gone I felt a small shift next to me.
Spike uncurled yawned, showing off his small fangs. He rubbed his eyes and when he opened his eyes you could tell his mind was still clouded by sleep. He looked at me and my smile for about 10 seconds till he realized what was going on.
When he saw I was awake he jumped and hugged me, "Your alright!" he shouted in glee. I was happy to see that the small dragon had made it unscathed.
He looked up at me with watery eyes," When you wouldn't wake up I was scared that you- that you-" I cut him off with my butter colored hoof. I didn't even want to think about that.
"Hey it's okay, What matters is that it didn't happen." he just nodded and hugged me. I found it strange that it was so normal to me.
With meeting new ponies or creatures I usually tense up and it takes me a while to get used to them, from what I could tell with Zecora. So why did it feel like I had known the small drake for years. It almost felt like a little brother to me. I mean, I barely knew anything about him.
I looked a little closer at him and also saw a trait that he and I had in common. On his scaley skin where numerous scars that stretched across his body.
I needed answers
"Hey Spike? If it's alright, I'd like to ask you about a couple of things."
He looked up slightly anxious and nervously nodded. I smiled and asked," From how you knew my name without me telling you, I presume that when you say 'master' it is the same stallion that kept us in the mansion?" It only made sense.
He nodded," Yeah you're right. When I was still an egg I was taken by him and hatched to do his work. I wasn't allowed out of the small room kept hidden from the rest of the house but every now and then I was able to sneak around the mansion through the secret passage ways. Every time I saw you and your sister laugh and joke around it made me happy. Not that I was stalking you! " he said quickly to clarify.
Now everything made sense. A couple of years after living in the mansion we would sometimes have the peculiar feeling of being watched. It wasn't a bad feeling but had forever been a mystery till this day. Not to mention that I now know why I felt like I knew Spike, because I technically did.
"So it was you? Wow we thought it was a friendly ghost. Oh right off topic.. Ahem So how did you find us all the way out in the woods?" Before he could answer, we heard a throat being cleared by the doorway. Zecora stood there holding a tray with two bowls of soup.
Realizing that I had completely forgotten about the zebra in the house I quickly introduced Spike,"Oh sorry, Spike this is Zecora. She saved us out in the woods after the attack."
" I see your friend is awake. How are you feeling little drake? " The striped mare spoke.
"Oh I'm alright. Thanks for saving us back in the woods." Zecora smiled and was about to say something when we heard a groan from the other side of the bed.
With her rainbow mane in a mess and coat matted in different direction Rainbow finally woke up. "Ugh It feels like I rammed headfirst into the tool shed three times."
Without any recognition of doing so, I jumped to my sister and hugged her with all my might. Soon she pleaded me for air and I let go.
"So what happened?"
That's when it struck me that during most of my adventures these past few days Rainbow had been unconscious almost the entire time. I was about to speak when she shouted out.
"Is that a dragon?!"
After some explaining she understood however she wasn't too amused to know that I had trusted a dragon who had been trying too kill us not long ago.
"Wait he tried to kill us?!" she shouted out in anger.
Spike raised his hands in defense,"To be fair I was being threatened by a torture enthusiast."
Rainbow still wouldn't take it as a live and let live situation. And kept pestering on and on till I told them to keep quite. I'm pretty sure that if Rainbow had super powers, hers would be a death stare. That poor little dragon was so young.
After asking Zecora what happened after I passed out, it turned out we were very lucky that she was a native to these parts and knew the right treatments or else Rainbow and I would be dead.
As it turns out the large dog-like creature was called a Timberwolf.
"I am quite surprised. How is it that you survived." she asked. By now we had gotten used to the rhyming and just saw it as normal conversation.
Spike spoke up too,"That's actually a pretty good question. What in the sun and moon's name did you do back there?! One look and the Timberwolves went running for the hills."
At this Rainbow perked up and had a grin, "Wait, did you use what I think you used?" she asked.
I sighed,"Yes. I used the Stare."
She jumped, "That's awesome! I' ve only seen it once before. Dang it! Stupid poison mad me miss the stare."
Both Spike and Zecora looked at us confused and I explained,"The Stare it a strange ability that I have no control over. It's technically telepathy but in a much scarier way. When I use it, anything that I stare at directly will follow the command in fear. I've only used it a couple of times before and I don't really know how to activate it. The one downside is that it drains my strength tremendously and I usually black out after I've used it. "
Spike seemed to have stars in his eyes as he looked up," That is so cool! "
I merely smiled at his childish enthusiasm and saw Rainbow Dash have the same expression. Some things never change.
After they calmed down I looked to Zecora," Is there by any chance a town or any forms of civilization close to here? " she nodded slowly.
"Yes, there is a town not too far from here. However the journey is not very clear. Through Evergreen you must venture, danger lurks within the green enclosure."
Great another thing to worry about. But then she continued, "However I would like to keep you company, Be your guide through all the trees and shrubbery."
I was amazed she would do that for us?, "Are you sure? You've already helped us so much." she nodded and looked out the window.
"My, look at the light already shed. I think it best if you all get to bed." I looked outside to see that our talking had gone on for hours and the sun had been replaced by the moon that sat high in the sky.
Nodding we all got in bed. Rainbow shouted, "Goodnight!" and was out a couple of minutes later. The same was said for Spike who fell asleep next to me in a small ball.
I looked at everyone's peaceful expressions and finally relaxed, drifting into the realm of dreams.
A lot had happened in the last few days and it had taken a lot to get this point but from here on out we have atleast some form of direction to follow with Zecora leading us.
Tomorrow we would head out and hopefully make it to the town and see other ponies. Right as I was about to fall asleep an image of a strange event came to view before I was taken away by my exhausted mind after a long day of explaining.
