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Rainbow Unicorn: Friendship is Magic

by Hopeful_Ink_Hoof

Chapter 14: Meeting a Manticore

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"Are you alright, sugar cube?"

The question drew Rainbow Burst from her thoughts, looking up at Applejack.

Since the incident with the cliffside, Twilight had taken the lead, with Pinkie at her wing. Rainbow had lagged behind, falling back to the end while staring at the ground at her hooves.

"I'm fine," Rainbow stated, looking away from Applejack and ahead on the path they were following. The other four were far ahead enough that the conversation between Rainbow and Applejack could not be heard. Although yelling could still be heard...hopefully.

Applejack moved closer. Her eyes narrowed and lips pressed tight as she studied Rainbow intensely.

The look sent a mix of emotions through Rainbow Burst. Most of it was the familiarity of the look. It was very similar to the looks that Princess Celestia would give her from time to time, normally to try and get Rainbow to "admit to any minor indiscretions that might be burdening the conscience" as Celestia put it. It always made Rainbow uncomfortable because it felt like the princess was able to see right through her. Lying would be pointless.

That was mostly what Rainbow Burst was feeling right now under that same gaze, but from Applejack. Except, a small part of her felt... sad, but comforted. Sad, because it was a look that made her kind of miss Princess Celestia, and comforted because it was something she was familiar with -- even if not from the same pony she was used to.

"You sure?" Applejack asked, placing a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "You can be honest with me and tell me anything. We are friends, after all."

Right, Rainbow thought. A friend who was able to help save two ponies while I couldn't even save myself.

"It's nothing," Rainbow stated as she pulled away, moving to catch up with the others. "Come on. We don't want to get too far behind the others."

Applejack gave a shake of her head and rolled her eyes. She could tell that she was being lied to. It did not appeal to her to let the matter go. Whatever was going on in that unicorn's head needed to be let out. Unfortunately, now was not the time or place to deal with it. As much as she did not like to, Applejack let the subject go for now.

Rainbow Burst moved forward, catching up with the others. She moved to walk next to Flowershy, the two making eye contact for a brief second before looking away. It seemed like a safe bet to walk along side her to be left alone. After all, if Flowershy tensed up and fainted when being startled from a strange pony she had not met, then she was probably not going to start up a conversation.

The six of them continued to walk through The Everfree Forest, making their way deeper in and hopefully heading in the right direction. It was strange that a place that currently seemed so calm was supposed to be so dangerous.

It was also strange to try and figure out what time it was or how long they had been there. Even if Rainbow had bothered to learn how to tell time by the position of the sun, or moon and star, it would do no good. Not only was it still night even though the sun should have been up... however long ago since the celebration, but the moon still looked like it was directly overhead as large and glowing as ever.

A ferocious roar struck the group, shaking Rainbow Burst from her thoughts. Standing in the path in front of them was a massive creature. The lion-like creature stood up on it hind legs, dragon wings spread out behind it. It then dropped to all fours, revealing a large scorpion tail.

Not quite all fours, actually. One pony -- Flowershy -- noticed that it held one of its front paws up off the ground.

"It's a manticore," Twilight squeaked out, eyes going wide.

"Hang on," Applejack said as she took off. "I got this." She started flying toward the creature.

"Wait," Flowershy said, so softly that not even Rainbow Burst heard it while standing right beside her.

The manticore watched as Applejack flew directly towards it, the two glaring at each other. As the pegasus flew closer, the manticore spread its wings wide, snarling. It suddenly gave a hard flap of its wings, knocking Applejack off balance. The manticore did it again, sending her flying backwards. A gasp escaped Applejack as she slammed into the ground.

"I don't got this," she wheezed before collapsing.

"Flying's out," Twilight grumbled as she moved forward. "Guess it's up to me."

"Please," Flowershy said, a little louder but still barely audible.

Twilight Comet ran, turning some to curve her path and head toward the manticore more from the side than directly on. She kept her eyes on the creature, watching its wings and tails as she got closer.

The manticore lashed out with its tail, aiming for the approaching pony. Being ready for it, Twilight was able to drop low and jump to the side, avoiding the blow. Unfortunately, she was not ready for the swat from one of the creature's massive paws the followed after it. The impact knocked her to the ground, sending her rolling through the dirt.

"...ow..."

Flowershy stepped forward, getting looks of surprise from Rarity and Rainbow Burst. She walked toward the manticore slowly, head down and hair covering her eyes.

"Flowershy," Rarity called out.

"Trust me," Flowershy said as she continued to walk forward. The others did as she asked, Rainbow chewing on her lip as she watched.

The manticore turned to watched the approaching pony, growling slightly. Flowershy stopped when the creature looked at her, still hiding behind her mane.

"It's alright," she said in a calm, gentle voice. "None of us want to hurt you." She slowly moved closer. "I just want to help you. You can trust me."

The manticore stopped growling, but continued to stare. The tail and wings shifted with tension. Its ears were perked forward, listening intently to the pony in front of it.

"That's right," Flowershy continued to move closer, stopping within inches of the manticore. "I noticed that you were favoring your paw earlier." She reached a hoof out. "I can take a look at it if you like."

The manticore watched as the pony took a hold of its paw, but did not pull back or attack. Instead it let Flowershy lift the paw and turn it over to reveal a large black thorn embedded in the pad.

"Oh you poor thing. Now this will hurt of just a second, but I promise you that you will feel much better when it's done. Ready?"

Continuing to hold the manticore's paw with her hoof, Flowershy leaned her head forward. Gripping the thorn between her teeth, she gave it a firm yank.

With a massive roar of pain, the manticore grabbed Flowershy --

-- and licked her.

The feeling of the rough feline tongue against her soft coat caused her to laugh as she was groomed.

"You're welcome," she said with a giggle. "Just, please try to be more careful so it doesn't happen again. Okay?"

The manticore gave one last lick before letting Flowershy go. The creature then ran off, disappearing into The Everfree Forest.

The other five all stood there, staring with their jaws open as their friend came back unharmed.

"You... you... you..." Twilight tried to talk.

"You just walked up to that thing like it was no big deal," Rainbow managed to get out.

"I knew you were good with animals and all," Applejack stated, "but I had no idea you were that good."

"Oh, it was nothing," Flowershy said as she looked down at the ground. "Sometimes you just need to show a little kindness."

The others got up and started to walk. They joined Flowershy before continuing on. As they went further down the path, Rainbow moved to walk beside Flowershy.

"Hey," Rainbow said in a soft voice. "That... was pretty awesome."

Flowershy did not really make eye contact, but she did smile.

Next Chapter: Among the Angry Trees Estimated time remaining: 56 Minutes
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