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Five, the trek through the Ashen Woods.","description_bbcode_parsed":"Chapter Five, the trek through the Ashen Woods.","writing":"Author: AnnonyMouse \nMLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fanfiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.\n...\nA/N: No comments on spelling or grammar. See my profile for details.\n...\nEvernight\n05\n...\n\n\tThe Ashen forest was as foreboding, of not more so than the Everwild Forest that surrounded much of Lunaris City and the Castle itself.\n\n\tThis forest was uncharted, considered cursed and full of evil creatures that would feed on Ponies if given the chance.\n\n\tAnd now, six young mares were entering this place to reach the mountain in the center, and the ancient castle ruins that were built into it.\n\n\t“Do-do we really want to go in here?” Fluttershy asked. She leaned against the large dire wolf that stood ready by her side. “It's alright Angel...” She patted the wolf that stood to her waist, more for her own comfort than for his.\n\n\t“We have too.” Midnight shivered. She was glad Spike had stayed behind at the library. He hated spooky places like this, and the closet. “We need to recover the Elements of Harmony if we want to have a chance at defeating Tyrant Skyfire.”\n\n\t“Dear me, but this place... The trees always look like they're been burned by some fire, no matter what, even when they're growing.” Rarity was certain she didn't want to come in here, but knew what she had to do. The Queen was depending on her to help Midnight and the others to rescue her.\n\n\t“That's because they are all Ash Oak trees.” Midnight pointed out. “As they grow, they shed old bark with a substance much like ash.”\n\n\t“Ah dunno. They look like they've been burned pretty bad.” Applejack said as she rubbed a finger across one tree, pulling back a fair amount of black ash. She rubbed the material between her fingers. “Feels like ash too.”\n\n\tDash lifted off the ground, scattering some of the ash near her hooves. “I'll scout around a bit.”\n\n\t“Watch it dear.” Rarity jumped back to avoid the ash. “This stuff on my white coat? It will take days to wash out.”\n\n\tPinkie grinned. “Oh Rarity. By the time we come out of here, we'll all look like nightmares, except we won't have glowing green eyes.” She giggled.\n\n\tMidnight stepped forward. “Dash, best you stay on the ground with us. If there's any flying monsters in here, you don't want to get their attention.”\n\n\t“Okay, fine.” Dash folded her wings and dropped to the ground.\n\n\tThe six then entered, with Rarity whining already about her hooves and fetlocks being stained by the 'ash'.\n\n\tThe others reassured her that they would all be taking long hot baths when they got home.\n\n\tFor over a mile, they trekked, Rarity showing the trip almost as much as Fluttershy with her pale green robes and soft yellow coat.\n\n\tFluttershy was seriously on edge, keeping both eyes, ears and her nose alert at all times. She then spotted large tracks. “Wait... Fresh tracks...” She knelt down, not caring about her robes. “Mantacore tracks...”\n\n\t“Seriously?” Midnight shuddered. “I've read that they're really strong, and dangerous.”\n\n\t“And it's nearby... most likely tracking us.” Fluttershy added, moments before the growl came from behind.\n\n\tThe group spun to see the large bat winged lion with the long scorpion stinger on the tip of its tail.\n\n\tThe beast roared and attacked.\n\n\tFluttershy notched an arrow and took aim, but she didn't fire.\n\n\tApplejack swung her axe, but a sweep of the monster's tail took her clan off her hooves. She managed to roll aside and scramble away before the stinger could hit her on the back swing. “Consarnit. That thing's fast.”\n\n\tPinkamena stood back and closed her eyes. Whatever she was doing, she was back by Fluttershy and Midnight.\n\n\tRarity pulled out a gem from her pouch and touched her horn to it. The gem glowed before she threw it at the beast.\n\n\tA sudden flash of light caught it off guard, allowing Dash to move in and pierce one of its forelegs with her spear. It's tough hide and thick fur kept her from scoring a favorable blow, but it still drew blood.\n\n\tApplejack jumped up, swinging her weapon overhead, bringing it down hard. The tail took the hit and was severed just behind the stinger. She received a claw rake across the chest and was sent flying, skidding along on her hooves as she landed.\n\n\tPinkie's eyes flew open, glowing blue. The Ash flew from the ground and into the monster's face, node and eyes and plugging its ears.\n\n\tMidnight was impressed. Pinkamena was some sort of Esper. That was certainly not magic she had just used. She opened her book and cast her magic arrow spell, scoring a solid strike on the monster's shoulder.\n\n\tRarity threw a pair of her throwing knives, her magic guiding them perfectly, one piercing an eye and the other just missing.\n\n\tThen Angel rushed forward, jumping onto the Mantacore's back and biting a mouthful of his mane. He growled as she savagely shook his head, causing pain and discomfort to this larger beast.\n\n\tPinkie was concentrating and gathering her magic again as Fluttershy released her arrow, scoring a perfect hit on one of the attacker's butt cheeks.\n\n\tThe Mantacore roared in rage, pain and confusion. These ponies should have been easy prey, but they were proving very dangerous.\n\n\tApplejack rushed forward again, swinging the flat of her axe, toward Dash, she jumped and planted her hooves against it. The swing sent her flying toward the beast. She spun and slashed it three times, on the side of the face and twice on the sides.\n\n\tAngel jumped clear as Fluttershy released another arrow along with another magic arrow from Midnight.\n\n\tBoth struck true, with Fluttershy aiming to drive it off with minimal wounds, but maximum pain. Midnight's struck the beast in the side, causing a small burn.\n\n\tApplejack got close enough and swung her axe again, burying it into the monster's shoulder. She was glad for her armor for that last blow, or she would have been hurt right now.\n\n\tRarity summoned back her thrown gem and pulled out another. This one she threw and caused a physical burst that pushed the Mantacore back, freeing the axe from the shoulder.\n\n\tFluttershy drew her bow again, whimpering as she pierced another arrow into a paw.\n\n\tThe Mantacore had enough of this and turned to run.\n\n\tDash poked it in the butt one final time with her spear, just for good measure. “And don't come back kitten.” She added insult to injury.\n\n\tRarity recovered her gem and the one dropped knife.\n\n\tPinkamena opened her eyes, the glow fading. She staggered for a moment, but kept her balance. “Whew. That was tough.”\n\n\t“Applejack...” Fluttershy was at the taller Earth Pony's side. “Are you hurt? You got hit.”\n\n\t“Ah fine. Mah armor took th' hit.” Applejack looked at the light claw marks on it, glad that it had been the leather rather than her bare breasts. She shouldered her axe and grinned. “Ah'm right as rain.”\n\n\tMidnight sighed. “I'm glad you're not hurt.”\n\n\t“Ah've been bruised up worse than this before.” She patted her chest and winced a little. “Let's get going.”\n\n\tDash knelt down and picked up the stinger. “Hey Midnight, think you can use this?”\n\n\t“Oh definitely.” She accepted it and stowed it in her bag. “I agree with Applejack, let's move on.”\n...\n\n\tThe distance they covered made the group feel wary, but it was the heat and light from the rising sun that was the real problem. They were all sweating, and the light was hurting their eyes.\n\n\t“It's so bright...” Midnight held a hand over her eyes as she scanned toe forest. The sunlight was coming in through the leaves overhead, making the forest remarkably easy to navigate. “Well, this Sun is good for one thing. We're not so likely to get lost.”\n\n\t“I'm glad.” Fluttershy smiled a little. She suddenly squeaked and jumped back as a sudden movement caught her attention.\n\n\tEverypony else turned, weapons and spells at the ready. The tree that was right there moved, the branches reaching out to get them. Long thorns covered the limbs and trunk.\n\n\tThey all backed away, only too see another tree move behind them, then another, and another. They were all surrounded.\n\n\tPinkamena grinned. “They're not that dangerous.” She glanced at the others. “Trust me. I have a seedling in my room. The thorns are more like hair and aren't hard or pointy.” She reached out and touched one, watching it bend as swish at her touch. “They're very friendly and just like to hug.” She allowed herself to be grabbed and pulled against the tree. She wrapped her arms around it and squeezed back. “See?” She giggled as the tree relaxed and released her.\n\n\tApplejack nearly swung her axe as she was grabbed and ticked a little by the 'thorns'. She did what Pinkamena did and reluctantly hugged her tree. After a few moments, she too was released. “Well, whadya know. They's friendly trees.”\n\n\tFluttershy giggled while Angel growled as she received and gave her hugs. “They're soft.” She almost didn't want to let go.\n\n\tDash squirmed as she was hugged. “Do I have too?”\n\n\tPinkamena laughed. “Oh Dashie, just hug it.”\n\n\t“I'm not tree hugger...”\n\n\t“They'll hug you to death if you don't hug them back.” Pinkamena warned.\n\n\tDash promptly hugged her tree, and was released. She jumped back, her spear ready for any further hug attempts.\n\n\tMidnight resigned herself to her fate as she was hugged by one of these strange trees. She wrapped her arms around it till she was let go. “Thank you Pinkamena... I'm glad you knew about these trees.”\n\n\tThe pink pony was again hugging another tree, just because she felt like it. “They're really fun to have. You can always get a soft hug whenever your need one. You just don't want to hurt them because then they get mean and the thorns become hard and sharp and poky, but I've never had to go to the clinic for being stabbed because I'm always nice to Needles.”\n\n\tYea, the other five were glad for Pinkamena's knowledge. Even Angel as he was dropped. He was glad none of these ponies, especially Fluttershy, had seen him hugging a tree. He preferred to pee on the things. Rather, he snorted and growled as he made his way to Fluttershy's side.\n\n\tThe group made their way out of the 'hugging' trees quickly and continues their way.\n\n\tIt was not long before they came across a raging river, the rapids and sharp rocks making it impassable.\n\n\t“Great, how are we going to cross this?” Midnight grumbled.\n\n\tRarity pointed up the river, at an old looking bridge. “We can cross there.”\n\n\tThis was a relief. “An' here Ah thought Ah'd have t' waste time t' chop down a tree.” She started toward the bridge with the others.\n\n\tAs they set foot on the old stone bridge, they heard a growl, moments before a hideous beast with long gangly limbs crawled out from beneath.\n\n\tIt snarled at them, it's long, cruel claws at the ready.\n\n\t“A Troll?” Midnight backed away. “Get back everypony. They're deadly. Our weapons can't hurt them because they heal so fast.”\n\n\t“How are we going to cross?” Dash asked.\n\n\t“You want cross?” It spoke very poor Ponian. “Give shiny.”\n\n\tMidnight frowned. She didn't have anything but some bits, and they were not shiny at all. “Anypony have something shiny to give this Troll? They're really greedy.”\n\n\tAll but Rarity shook their heads. The now 'gray' mare sighed and pulled out a few of her gems. “Will these do? I usually use them in my clothing or my spells, but if it can get us past.”\n\n\t“Give shiny. Let pass.” The beast snarled threateningly.\n\n\tRarity stepped forward nervously and held out three gems. “Will these do?”\n\n\t“Oooh, Shiny. Give.” The gangly Troll held out a clawed hand. Rarity dropped them into his palm. “These do. You cross.”\n\n\tThe group quickly crossed the bridge.\n\n\t“Oh Rarity, those were your spell gems...” Midnight felt bad for her friend as a fellow magic user.\n\n\t“It's alright. As long as we got across the river safely.” She pointed toward the castle. “We're half way there.”\n\n\tThis was good news, as the sun was now high in the sky and the heat and light was almost unbearable. The sooner they recovered the Elements and defeated Tyrant Skyfire, the better. They continued on their way.\n...\n\n\tThe terrain was getting rougher, with high hills and cliffs.\n\n\tThe two Unicorns were having a slightly easier time than the Earth Ponies, with their cloven hooves. They were naturally at home in forests and mountains. The two Pegasai had no troubles at this point, flying a few yards off the ground.\n\n\tBut it was the two Earth Ponies who were having it the roughest. Their sturdy, solid hooves were fine on level ground, but on rough and rocky terrain, they would occasionally slip.\n\n\tIt was atop a high cliff that Pinkamena slipped on some shale, sliding toward a cliff. She screamed in fright as Applejack dive for her. The farm Pony caught Pinkamena's hand just as she went over the sheer edge. Far below was nothing but jagged rocks. It was only because of her axe, now wedged into the ground, that kept Applejack from going over as well.\n\n\t“Applejack!” Pinkamena cried out.\n\n\t“Ah'm not gonna let ya'll get hurt, but ya gotta trust me.”\n\n\tPinkamena gripped the larger Pony's hand and wrist tightly. “Don't drop me, please.”\n\n\t“Trust me. Ah'm going t' let ya go, but ya won't get hurt.” She smiled softly, which somehow relaxed Pinkamena.\n\n\t“I... I trust you AJ.” She smiled as she let go, falling toward the deadly rocks. Gladly for Pinkamena, her fall was arrested as she was caught by the pair of Pegasai and flown back to the top of the cliff. Once on safe ground, she hugged Applejack the moment she returned from the edge. “Oh thank you.” She then hugged both Pegasus Ponies. “Thank you all.”\n\n\tMidnight sighed. “I'm glad nopony was hurt.”\n\n\t“M-me too.” Fluttershy landed on the now safe looking path.\n\n\tThe group pressed on, careful of anymore shale when they came across it.\n...\n\n\tTheir eyes were still sore from the brightness of the sun, and the heat was sweltering. The six ponies were glad that Midnight had some water canteens in her bag. They drank up before pressing on for the last few miles.\n\n\t“Hold up.” Midnight called out as they reached a chasm. The old rope bridge crossing it had collapsed. “Great, how will we cross this?” She looked at the Pegasai. “Think you can fly us across?”\n\n\t“I dunno. Applejack is pretty solid and heavy.” Dash replied, looking up at the six foot tall mare. “And I think Fluttershy might have pulled her wing when we caught Pinkamena.”\n\n\t“I-I'm alright.” Fluttershy stretched her leathery wings, but then winced. Her left wing folding back. “Um... I guess not.”\n\n\tDash sighed. “I should have said something sooner. I noticed after we saved Pinkamena here. You've folded your wing tight to keep it from moving any.” She offered a smile. “Tell you what, I'll try to fix this bridge.”\n\n\t“Wait.” Midnight called out, but Dash had already dove down to grab the ropes. “Be careful.”\n\n\t“I'll be fine.” She lifted the narrow rope bridge and tried to tie it. Only one side of the ropes were long enough to be tied safely. “Damn, the other rope isn't long enough... I'll go fetch some vines.”\n\n\tThe five watched as Dash flew off into the woods.\n...\n\n\t“Vines... I need vines.” Rainbow Dash looked around, then paused as a shadow flew overhead.\n\n\tShe looked up in time to see a trio of Pegasus Ponies flying overhead, trailing thunder filled clouds behind them and performing some amazing stunts. After a few that really impressed Dash, they swooped down and land before her. They were not Pegasus like herself, but four legged ones, with feathers wings.\n\n\tThe mare stepped forward. “Hello Rainbow Dash. I'm Spitfire, one of the Thunderbolts, the best fliers in all of Equestria. We've been looking for one who's a skilled and fearless flier to become our leader.”\n\n\t“Well... Good luck with that.” She was about too ask about vines, but a dark blue maned stallion spoke up. “We want you to lead us Rainbow Dash. Only you can lead us, only the best flier in Equestria is worth of being our leader.”\n\n\t“I... I'm flattered, really I am. Heck, I'd say I'm honored.”\n\n\t“Then you will accept Soarin's request?” Spitfire smiled from behind her blue mask.\n\n\tDash smiled. “Tell you what, I'll accept a chance to lead you once I get something to repair the bridge back there.”\n\n\t“I'm sorry, but you have to choose them or us.” Spitfire looked stern.\n\n\t“Oh, well, in that case... Thank you...”\n\n\tThe trio of Thunderbolts grinned.\n\n\t“Thank you, but no. I have my friends waiting for me to fix the bridge.”\n\n\t“Suit yourself. This was your only chance to join the best flying team in the world.” With that, they flew off, vanishing from sight.\n\n\tDash sighed. That offer was so tempting, but she had to find some vines. She turned around and spotted her friends standing there, on this side of the bridge. “Hey, how'd you get across?”\n\n\t“I found a repair spell in my book.” Midnight smiled. “We saw what you did there. That took some guts.”\n\n\t“Hey, I'd never leave my friends hanging.” Dash grinned. “Let's get to that castle now.”\n...\n\n\tThe white and gold stone walls were still beautiful, even after a thousand years of neglect. The crumbling structures could still be identified for what they were, and it was the largest, domed building that the six wound their way too.\n\n\tThe doors had been burned open, and recently too.\n\n\t“She's in there...” Midnight warned her friends. “Let's take this slowly and carefully.”\n...\n\nTo Be Continued...\n...\n\nAuthor's Note:\nWait, Angels a friggen six foot long black wolf? And you thought he had an attitude as a little bunny. Heh.\nFluttershy never aims to kill, only to scare off predators. Most tend to run away with an arrow in their butt. \nPinkamena is a psychic, mainly with 'precognitive' abilities, and minor telekinesis. She's also empathic and feel good when those around her are happy.\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Author: AnnonyMouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fanfiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
...
A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar. See my profile for details.
...
Evernight
05
...
\tThe Ashen forest was as foreboding, of not more so than the Everwild Forest that surrounded much of Lunaris City and the Castle itself.
\tThis forest was uncharted, considered cursed and full of evil creatures that would feed on Ponies if given the chance.
\tAnd now, six young mares were entering this place to reach the mountain in the center, and the ancient castle ruins that were built into it.
\t“Do-do we really want to go in here?” Fluttershy asked. She leaned against the large dire wolf that stood ready by her side. “It's alright Angel...” She patted the wolf that stood to her waist, more for her own comfort than for his.
\t“We have too.” Midnight shivered. She was glad Spike had stayed behind at the library. He hated spooky places like this, and the closet. “We need to recover the Elements of Harmony if we want to have a chance at defeating Tyrant Skyfire.”
\t“Dear me, but this place... The trees always look like they're been burned by some fire, no matter what, even when they're growing.” Rarity was certain she didn't want to come in here, but knew what she had to do. The Queen was depending on her to help Midnight and the others to rescue her.
\t“That's because they are all Ash Oak trees.” Midnight pointed out. “As they grow, they shed old bark with a substance much like ash.”
\t“Ah dunno. They look like they've been burned pretty bad.” Applejack said as she rubbed a finger across one tree, pulling back a fair amount of black ash. She rubbed the material between her fingers. “Feels like ash too.”
\tDash lifted off the ground, scattering some of the ash near her hooves. “I'll scout around a bit.”
\t“Watch it dear.” Rarity jumped back to avoid the ash. “This stuff on my white coat? It will take days to wash out.”
\tPinkie grinned. “Oh Rarity. By the time we come out of here, we'll all look like nightmares, except we won't have glowing green eyes.” She giggled.
\tMidnight stepped forward. “Dash, best you stay on the ground with us. If there's any flying monsters in here, you don't want to get their attention.”
\t“Okay, fine.” Dash folded her wings and dropped to the ground.
\tThe six then entered, with Rarity whining already about her hooves and fetlocks being stained by the 'ash'.
\tThe others reassured her that they would all be taking long hot baths when they got home.
\tFor over a mile, they trekked, Rarity showing the trip almost as much as Fluttershy with her pale green robes and soft yellow coat.
\tFluttershy was seriously on edge, keeping both eyes, ears and her nose alert at all times. She then spotted large tracks. “Wait... Fresh tracks...” She knelt down, not caring about her robes. “Mantacore tracks...”
\t“Seriously?” Midnight shuddered. “I've read that they're really strong, and dangerous.”
\t“And it's nearby... most likely tracking us.” Fluttershy added, moments before the growl came from behind.
\tThe group spun to see the large bat winged lion with the long scorpion stinger on the tip of its tail.
\tThe beast roared and attacked.
\tFluttershy notched an arrow and took aim, but she didn't fire.
\tApplejack swung her axe, but a sweep of the monster's tail took her clan off her hooves. She managed to roll aside and scramble away before the stinger could hit her on the back swing. “Consarnit. That thing's fast.”
\tPinkamena stood back and closed her eyes. Whatever she was doing, she was back by Fluttershy and Midnight.
\tRarity pulled out a gem from her pouch and touched her horn to it. The gem glowed before she threw it at the beast.
\tA sudden flash of light caught it off guard, allowing Dash to move in and pierce one of its forelegs with her spear. It's tough hide and thick fur kept her from scoring a favorable blow, but it still drew blood.
\tApplejack jumped up, swinging her weapon overhead, bringing it down hard. The tail took the hit and was severed just behind the stinger. She received a claw rake across the chest and was sent flying, skidding along on her hooves as she landed.
\tPinkie's eyes flew open, glowing blue. The Ash flew from the ground and into the monster's face, node and eyes and plugging its ears.
\tMidnight was impressed. Pinkamena was some sort of Esper. That was certainly not magic she had just used. She opened her book and cast her magic arrow spell, scoring a solid strike on the monster's shoulder.
\tRarity threw a pair of her throwing knives, her magic guiding them perfectly, one piercing an eye and the other just missing.
\tThen Angel rushed forward, jumping onto the Mantacore's back and biting a mouthful of his mane. He growled as she savagely shook his head, causing pain and discomfort to this larger beast.
\tPinkie was concentrating and gathering her magic again as Fluttershy released her arrow, scoring a perfect hit on one of the attacker's butt cheeks.
\tThe Mantacore roared in rage, pain and confusion. These ponies should have been easy prey, but they were proving very dangerous.
\tApplejack rushed forward again, swinging the flat of her axe, toward Dash, she jumped and planted her hooves against it. The swing sent her flying toward the beast. She spun and slashed it three times, on the side of the face and twice on the sides.
\tAngel jumped clear as Fluttershy released another arrow along with another magic arrow from Midnight.
\tBoth struck true, with Fluttershy aiming to drive it off with minimal wounds, but maximum pain. Midnight's struck the beast in the side, causing a small burn.
\tApplejack got close enough and swung her axe again, burying it into the monster's shoulder. She was glad for her armor for that last blow, or she would have been hurt right now.
\tRarity summoned back her thrown gem and pulled out another. This one she threw and caused a physical burst that pushed the Mantacore back, freeing the axe from the shoulder.
\tFluttershy drew her bow again, whimpering as she pierced another arrow into a paw.
\tThe Mantacore had enough of this and turned to run.
\tDash poked it in the butt one final time with her spear, just for good measure. “And don't come back kitten.” She added insult to injury.
\tRarity recovered her gem and the one dropped knife.
\tPinkamena opened her eyes, the glow fading. She staggered for a moment, but kept her balance. “Whew. That was tough.”
\t“Applejack...” Fluttershy was at the taller Earth Pony's side. “Are you hurt? You got hit.”
\t“Ah fine. Mah armor took th' hit.” Applejack looked at the light claw marks on it, glad that it had been the leather rather than her bare breasts. She shouldered her axe and grinned. “Ah'm right as rain.”
\tMidnight sighed. “I'm glad you're not hurt.”
\t“Ah've been bruised up worse than this before.” She patted her chest and winced a little. “Let's get going.”
\tDash knelt down and picked up the stinger. “Hey Midnight, think you can use this?”
\t“Oh definitely.” She accepted it and stowed it in her bag. “I agree with Applejack, let's move on.”
...
\tThe distance they covered made the group feel wary, but it was the heat and light from the rising sun that was the real problem. They were all sweating, and the light was hurting their eyes.
\t“It's so bright...” Midnight held a hand over her eyes as she scanned toe forest. The sunlight was coming in through the leaves overhead, making the forest remarkably easy to navigate. “Well, this Sun is good for one thing. We're not so likely to get lost.”
\t“I'm glad.” Fluttershy smiled a little. She suddenly squeaked and jumped back as a sudden movement caught her attention.
\tEverypony else turned, weapons and spells at the ready. The tree that was right there moved, the branches reaching out to get them. Long thorns covered the limbs and trunk.
\tThey all backed away, only too see another tree move behind them, then another, and another. They were all surrounded.
\tPinkamena grinned. “They're not that dangerous.” She glanced at the others. “Trust me. I have a seedling in my room. The thorns are more like hair and aren't hard or pointy.” She reached out and touched one, watching it bend as swish at her touch. “They're very friendly and just like to hug.” She allowed herself to be grabbed and pulled against the tree. She wrapped her arms around it and squeezed back. “See?” She giggled as the tree relaxed and released her.
\tApplejack nearly swung her axe as she was grabbed and ticked a little by the 'thorns'. She did what Pinkamena did and reluctantly hugged her tree. After a few moments, she too was released. “Well, whadya know. They's friendly trees.”
\tFluttershy giggled while Angel growled as she received and gave her hugs. “They're soft.” She almost didn't want to let go.
\tDash squirmed as she was hugged. “Do I have too?”
\tPinkamena laughed. “Oh Dashie, just hug it.”
\t“I'm not tree hugger...”
\t“They'll hug you to death if you don't hug them back.” Pinkamena warned.
\tDash promptly hugged her tree, and was released. She jumped back, her spear ready for any further hug attempts.
\tMidnight resigned herself to her fate as she was hugged by one of these strange trees. She wrapped her arms around it till she was let go. “Thank you Pinkamena... I'm glad you knew about these trees.”
\tThe pink pony was again hugging another tree, just because she felt like it. “They're really fun to have. You can always get a soft hug whenever your need one. You just don't want to hurt them because then they get mean and the thorns become hard and sharp and poky, but I've never had to go to the clinic for being stabbed because I'm always nice to Needles.”
\tYea, the other five were glad for Pinkamena's knowledge. Even Angel as he was dropped. He was glad none of these ponies, especially Fluttershy, had seen him hugging a tree. He preferred to pee on the things. Rather, he snorted and growled as he made his way to Fluttershy's side.
\tThe group made their way out of the 'hugging' trees quickly and continues their way.
\tIt was not long before they came across a raging river, the rapids and sharp rocks making it impassable.
\t“Great, how are we going to cross this?” Midnight grumbled.
\tRarity pointed up the river, at an old looking bridge. “We can cross there.”
\tThis was a relief. “An' here Ah thought Ah'd have t' waste time t' chop down a tree.” She started toward the bridge with the others.
\tAs they set foot on the old stone bridge, they heard a growl, moments before a hideous beast with long gangly limbs crawled out from beneath.
\tIt snarled at them, it's long, cruel claws at the ready.
\t“A Troll?” Midnight backed away. “Get back everypony. They're deadly. Our weapons can't hurt them because they heal so fast.”
\t“How are we going to cross?” Dash asked.
\t“You want cross?” It spoke very poor Ponian. “Give shiny.”
\tMidnight frowned. She didn't have anything but some bits, and they were not shiny at all. “Anypony have something shiny to give this Troll? They're really greedy.”
\tAll but Rarity shook their heads. The now 'gray' mare sighed and pulled out a few of her gems. “Will these do? I usually use them in my clothing or my spells, but if it can get us past.”
\t“Give shiny. Let pass.” The beast snarled threateningly.
\tRarity stepped forward nervously and held out three gems. “Will these do?”
\t“Oooh, Shiny. Give.” The gangly Troll held out a clawed hand. Rarity dropped them into his palm. “These do. You cross.”
\tThe group quickly crossed the bridge.
\t“Oh Rarity, those were your spell gems...” Midnight felt bad for her friend as a fellow magic user.
\t“It's alright. As long as we got across the river safely.” She pointed toward the castle. “We're half way there.”
\tThis was good news, as the sun was now high in the sky and the heat and light was almost unbearable. The sooner they recovered the Elements and defeated Tyrant Skyfire, the better. They continued on their way.
...
\tThe terrain was getting rougher, with high hills and cliffs.
\tThe two Unicorns were having a slightly easier time than the Earth Ponies, with their cloven hooves. They were naturally at home in forests and mountains. The two Pegasai had no troubles at this point, flying a few yards off the ground.
\tBut it was the two Earth Ponies who were having it the roughest. Their sturdy, solid hooves were fine on level ground, but on rough and rocky terrain, they would occasionally slip.
\tIt was atop a high cliff that Pinkamena slipped on some shale, sliding toward a cliff. She screamed in fright as Applejack dive for her. The farm Pony caught Pinkamena's hand just as she went over the sheer edge. Far below was nothing but jagged rocks. It was only because of her axe, now wedged into the ground, that kept Applejack from going over as well.
\t“Applejack!” Pinkamena cried out.
\t“Ah'm not gonna let ya'll get hurt, but ya gotta trust me.”
\tPinkamena gripped the larger Pony's hand and wrist tightly. “Don't drop me, please.”
\t“Trust me. Ah'm going t' let ya go, but ya won't get hurt.” She smiled softly, which somehow relaxed Pinkamena.
\t“I... I trust you AJ.” She smiled as she let go, falling toward the deadly rocks. Gladly for Pinkamena, her fall was arrested as she was caught by the pair of Pegasai and flown back to the top of the cliff. Once on safe ground, she hugged Applejack the moment she returned from the edge. “Oh thank you.” She then hugged both Pegasus Ponies. “Thank you all.”
\tMidnight sighed. “I'm glad nopony was hurt.”
\t“M-me too.” Fluttershy landed on the now safe looking path.
\tThe group pressed on, careful of anymore shale when they came across it.
...
\tTheir eyes were still sore from the brightness of the sun, and the heat was sweltering. The six ponies were glad that Midnight had some water canteens in her bag. They drank up before pressing on for the last few miles.
\t“Hold up.” Midnight called out as they reached a chasm. The old rope bridge crossing it had collapsed. “Great, how will we cross this?” She looked at the Pegasai. “Think you can fly us across?”
\t“I dunno. Applejack is pretty solid and heavy.” Dash replied, looking up at the six foot tall mare. “And I think Fluttershy might have pulled her wing when we caught Pinkamena.”
\t“I-I'm alright.” Fluttershy stretched her leathery wings, but then winced. Her left wing folding back. “Um... I guess not.”
\tDash sighed. “I should have said something sooner. I noticed after we saved Pinkamena here. You've folded your wing tight to keep it from moving any.” She offered a smile. “Tell you what, I'll try to fix this bridge.”
\t“Wait.” Midnight called out, but Dash had already dove down to grab the ropes. “Be careful.”
\t“I'll be fine.” She lifted the narrow rope bridge and tried to tie it. Only one side of the ropes were long enough to be tied safely. “Damn, the other rope isn't long enough... I'll go fetch some vines.”
\tThe five watched as Dash flew off into the woods.
...
\t“Vines... I need vines.” Rainbow Dash looked around, then paused as a shadow flew overhead.
\tShe looked up in time to see a trio of Pegasus Ponies flying overhead, trailing thunder filled clouds behind them and performing some amazing stunts. After a few that really impressed Dash, they swooped down and land before her. They were not Pegasus like herself, but four legged ones, with feathers wings.
\tThe mare stepped forward. “Hello Rainbow Dash. I'm Spitfire, one of the Thunderbolts, the best fliers in all of Equestria. We've been looking for one who's a skilled and fearless flier to become our leader.”
\t“Well... Good luck with that.” She was about too ask about vines, but a dark blue maned stallion spoke up. “We want you to lead us Rainbow Dash. Only you can lead us, only the best flier in Equestria is worth of being our leader.”
\t“I... I'm flattered, really I am. Heck, I'd say I'm honored.”
\t“Then you will accept Soarin's request?” Spitfire smiled from behind her blue mask.
\tDash smiled. “Tell you what, I'll accept a chance to lead you once I get something to repair the bridge back there.”
\t“I'm sorry, but you have to choose them or us.” Spitfire looked stern.
\t“Oh, well, in that case... Thank you...”
\tThe trio of Thunderbolts grinned.
\t“Thank you, but no. I have my friends waiting for me to fix the bridge.”
\t“Suit yourself. This was your only chance to join the best flying team in the world.” With that, they flew off, vanishing from sight.
\tDash sighed. That offer was so tempting, but she had to find some vines. She turned around and spotted her friends standing there, on this side of the bridge. “Hey, how'd you get across?”
\t“I found a repair spell in my book.” Midnight smiled. “We saw what you did there. That took some guts.”
\t“Hey, I'd never leave my friends hanging.” Dash grinned. “Let's get to that castle now.”
...
\tThe white and gold stone walls were still beautiful, even after a thousand years of neglect. The crumbling structures could still be identified for what they were, and it was the largest, domed building that the six wound their way too.
\tThe doors had been burned open, and recently too.
\t“She's in there...” Midnight warned her friends. “Let's take this slowly and carefully.”
...
To Be Continued...
...
Author's Note:
Wait, Angels a friggen six foot long black wolf? And you thought he had an attitude as a little bunny. Heh.
Fluttershy never aims to kill, only to scare off predators. Most tend to run away with an arrow in their butt.
Pinkamena is a psychic, mainly with 'precognitive' abilities, and minor telekinesis. She's also empathic and feel good when those around her are happy.
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