As the day continued to pass, the city of Foraoise began to bustle with life. The deer moved about the streets going through their routines and chores. The city was alive and most of the citizens were perfectly happy with how the day was progressing. Within the Guardian Training Grounds, many aspiring Guardians dedicated themselves to physical, magical, and scholarly training as they worked with their respective teachers to prepare to defend their kingdom. However, while most worked through some reasonable manner, one Guardian-in-training was in the midst of his normal crash course training.

Two bucks were in the middle of Foraoise’s many dueling rings. A small circular pit that had long been given to nature to overtake. Several sides of the ring were covered in vines and parts of the ring itself had blades of grass growing through the breaks in the tile.On one side of the ring an older buck was standing calmly as he commanded a set of vines to assault a slightly panicky, younger buck.“I thought you said you weren't going to punish me!" Thorn yelled as he vaulted over an incoming vine swipe.

Ironwood merely huffed as he commanded vines to continue their assault on Thorn. "Who said you were being punished? Are you insinuating something, my student?", the older buck asked with a slight bit a mirth in his voice.

The student in question continued to dodge and weave through the onslaught, "No, Master. I just- GAH!" He gasped as he ducking under one vine. "I just thought- Whoa!" Barely stopping in time to miss a downward slam. "This feels a bit extre- Ooof!" The last vine came too quick for Thorn to dodge and collided squarely with his barrel, causing the air in his lungs to be forcefully removed. It was the third time it had occurred during the training, however; this one felt like it had hit a little harder than the last two.

Thorn laid on his side as worked to regain the lost air, his master allowed the vines he had used as his weapons to reattach to the nearby wall. After the vines were back in position, he went over to his student who was coughing as he attempted to refill his lungs.

Ironwood looked at his student with a stern look in his eyes, “I realize this is extreme, Thorn. But as a Guardian you must be quick on your hooves and able to react to any threat. Some you can dodge but at some point you will need to retaliate.” With that said, he gave extended a hoof to help Thorn back to a standing position. Thorn accepted, albeit shakily, and rose to stand before his master.

Ironwood gave Thorn a little time to recover before allowing his demeanor to change ever so slightly and take on a more sympathetic look, “Got your air back?”

Thorn nodded.

“You’re a smart buck, Thorn. You have other tools you can use besides dodging. Be aware of what’s around you and use it to your advantage,” The teacher informed his student. Ironwood gave Thorn a small pat on his shoulders. “Ready to go again?” he asked.

Again, Thorn nodded.

Ironwood gave a smirk. Thorn’s tenacity was something he always liked. No matter how tired Thorn was or how hard he pushed him, he was always ready to get back into the fight. Ironwood knew this would come to serve him well as a Guardian. With a small chuckle Ironwood returned to his previous position and faced his student again. “Alright, now this time I better see something besides dodging. Understood?”

Thorn shook off his weariness, took a few deep breaths, and put on his game face, “Yes, Master!”

With that affirmation, Ironwood used his magic to call out to the vines once again, and again the vines removed themselves from the wall. The like many green snakes ready to strike, they turned toward the student, waiting for the command to begin their assault. There was a tense few seconds before the vines started their assault again. Some were straight forwards attacks, making quick jabs and swipes, others went for more broad arching attacks. Between the two attack patterns the broad swipes were easiest for Thorn to avoid but the straight assaults were proving difficult. He knew he could only keep dodging for so long before fatigue would cause him to make a mistake. It was time for him to take his master’s words to heart and started to think. Thorn scanned the area for anything he could use to reduce or halt the barrage of vines. It took him a second but he eventually notices the small blades of grass growing through the cracks in the tiles of the arena floor. Thorn wasn’t sure how much good it would do but he figured it might give him some time to think.

After dodging yet another sweeping vine, he summoned his magic to make the grass around him grow. Within seconds the backside of the field was covered with thick tall grass, effectively hiding Thorn within. It was a temporary reprieve but it bought him some time to change his position and consider how to close the distance.

The vines halted their assault momentarily as the grass created a visual shield. Ironwood was interested to see what Thorn was planning. It was smart to obscure his view, it’d force him to use more broad attacks rather than the more direct strikes. However, Ironwood saw a flaw in this tactic. While Ironwood couldn’t see Thorn, Thorn couldn’t see him either. He had every intention of exploiting it. He lined up a solid wall of vines and sent them into the tall grass. Ironwood knew that this would forcefully shove Thorn out of his hiding spot. The vines made their way into grass and Ironwood expected them to continue all the way through, but they stopped a quarter of the way in and refused to retract for some reason. It was at that moment Thorn burst out of the grass at full sprint. Ironwood was unsure what Thorn had done but he had managed to stop his initial assault and was in the process of closing the distance between the them.

Thorn was feeling confident. His plan had halted the vines for a time and had opened up an opportunity to strike. However, he knew this wouldn’t last. The vines would eventually get loose and resume their assault, but if he could just get close enough it wouldn’t matter. He put his focus in getting as close to his master as possible. I can do it! I’m so close! Thorn cheered himself on. He was within twenty feet of his master, with a few more feet he could make a strike. He had it. His plan had worked out. He was going to be within striking distance in just a few more feet. He could end the duel in one fell swoop. At least, it seemed like it.

Ironwood didn’t looked concerned. He didn’t even look worried, he just stood at his end with an apathetic look on his face. Thorn’s confidence was slowly replace with apprehension. This was the closest he’d ever gotten to winning a duel against his master. Shouldn’t he be surprised? Impressed? Maybe just a little proud?...Unless....uh oh. Thorn made the realization a second too late. He was within ten feet of Ironwood when the older buck launched forward and vaulted over Thorn. Before Thorn could even change direction something swept his hooves out from underneath him and bound all four together. Thorn soon found his orientation with the ground inverted and his body suspended from the ground.

“Impressive work.” Ironwood said as he approached the hog-tied Thorn. “Obscuring your opponent’s vision forcing them to re-evaluate their attack. Very good thinking.” Thorn took the compliment to heart and was feeling a sense of accomplishment. He cherished it while he could. Master Ironwood was not one to give out compliments too often.“Unfortunately, that won’t be enough against a rogue druid. Common bandits, maybe, but utterly pointless against another magic user.” Ironwood called for the vines to release Thorn and the vines obeyed, lowering the buck onto his back before releasing their grip. Ironwood turned towards the tall grass Thorn has used earlier. The vines he had sent out were still stuck to something hidden within. Ironwood’s curiosity compelled him to know what he did. He moved to the side of the tall grass and moved it aside to find the vines intertwined with a second set of vines, however; these vines were positioned upward and were covered in massive thorns, effectively spearing Ironwood’s vines to Thorn’s.

While Ironwood wasn’t impressed earlier, he was by this. Thorn had infused his own special magic into the vines. His own revolved around infusing plants with the properties of ironwood tree bark. It’s wasn’t unheard of for some Guardians to be able give plants an infusion of their unique magic, but for a deer as young as Thorn to do so was rare or some form of dumb luck, either way it was impressive. Ironwood opted not to mention it lest it cause Thorn to focus on it too much. The master turned to his student he let a rare and ever so subtle smile grace his face. “Overall, an impressive improvement, Thorn. Still room to improve further, but still impressive.” Ironwood stated with a hint of pride in his voice.

Thorn was floored. He was complimented not once, but twice. The young buck started to question if he had really done something impressive or perhaps he was really really exhausted. Either way, he was overjoyed. “Th-thank you, master!”

Ironwood let the smile persist, “Your very much welcome.” He then looked to the sky to see the sun had begun to head back toward the horizon. It was getting later into the day, and while Ironwood barely broke a sweat, Thorn was pretty tired. Along with the fact he had relegated Thorn to patrol duty for the night, he saw no reason to continue their dueling session. He told Thorn to return to the Great Tree for spell training and then return home to rest up for patrol later.

Thorn bowed to his master and went off to do as he was told, happy in the fact he wouldn’t be getting hit by vines for a while. He was nearly out of the arena when Ironwood threw in a teasing comment, “Careful the Alicorn doesn’t get you in the night!”

Thorn groaned inwardly. As much as he respected his master, he lamented that he had ever sharing his fawnhood nightmares with him. It was Ironwood’s guilty pleasure to tease Thorn about his fear of ponies, even though he’d long since outgrown that fear years ago. The old tale of the pony that sent the forest into chaos was a common tale told to fawn’s to keep them from wandering the forest at night. Thorn opted not to rebuttal lest he give his master more fuel to tease him with, he simply headed off to the Great Tree to perform his meditation for the day.
______________________________________________________________________

Back in Ponyville, Fluttershy and Twilight had finished their lunch and were making their way back to Fluttershy’s cottage to speak to Mr. Robbin. Twilight was giddy at the prospect of possibly encountering a long lost pony civilization and was going over the many possibilities of why a such a civilization might have opted to disappear into the Everfree. Fluttershy on the other hand had tuned Twilight's ramblings out. Like most of her friends, she knew when Twilight was on a lecture rant there wasn't much that could break her out of it. Not that Fluttershy didn't like her lectures, just that she had something occupying her attention. She internally questioning if she was doing the right thing. Was it right for her to barge in on this mare’s life? She obviously wanted to be left alone if she was so far into the Everfree. It was well known that the deeper into the Everfree you went, the more hostile the creatures of the forest got. Fluttershy often went to Froggy Bottom Bog to assist the frogs, but it was one of the few times when she flew to a location to avoid the possible encounters with manticores, cockatrices, or timberwolves. The thought made her wonder how a lone mare and her foals managed to keep the creatures at bay. Even magic didn’t deter many of the creatures from assaulting wayward travelers who tried to use the Everfree as a shortcut. For a mare, regardless of pony type, to have lived as long as she had, must have a trick to protecting herself.

While she wasn’t as excited as Twilight, Fluttershy was beginning get just a little excited. Maybe she was an animal expert like herself...or maybe she was just a mare who wanted to be alone and she was about to intrude her secluded life. Oh, I really do hope she doesn’t mind us intruding. I wouldn't want her to be angry at me. Fluttershy thought to herself. But if Twilight asks...maybe she won't be mad? Oh I shouldn't pass the blame to Twilight...or assume her new status will give her special privilege. I'm such a bad friend.

Fluttershy continued to berate herself mentally for most of the trip, while Twilight continued to go through several probable scenarios that might have lead to the civilization isolating themselves. One scenario included the great banana catastrophe of 1337 CR.

After traveling the remaining distance to Fluttershy's cottage, the pair began their search for Mr. Robbin. "Oh is that him?" Twilight asked pointing at a robin perched on an erant branch of a tree.

"No, that's Ms. Sophia. She's here while her chicks learn to fly." Fluttershy responded.

"Oh, then...is that him?" Twilight asked pointing to yet another robin.

"Oh that's Mr. Gerald. He's been trying to get Ms.Sophia to notice him." Fluttershy giggled a bit, "He's making amazing progress."

Twilight gave her a deadpan look and facehooved. "Okaaay...do you know where Mr. Robbin is?” Twilight asked with a little bit of irritation.

Fluttershy blushed a bit and rubbed her front hooves together nervously, “Oh sorry, he likes to rest in the cottage. I’ll go get him.”

As stated, Fluttershy went into her cottage and retrieved the robin. Fluttershy explained the situation to the robin. The tiny grey and orange bird cocked his head slightly then proceeded to chirp something to Fluttershy. “Oh are you sure? We don’t want to be intrusive.” Fluttershy responded to the chirping. Mr. Robbin gave an affirmative nod and chirped something to Fluttershy again. Flutters seemed unsure and a bit apprehensive, “Well, I suppose if you don’t think she’d mind. It wouldn’t take long would it?”

Twilight looked to Fluttershy anxiously, only hearing half of a conversation, she was curious what was going on.“What is he saying?”

Fluttershy hesitated for as she considered what Mr. Robbin had told her. She understood what she had been told and she wasn’t entirely okay with it. However, one look at Twilight and how excited she was caused her to reconsider. She didn’t want to disappoint her friend and her self-created guilt compelled her to go ahead with what was proposed. “Well...he said he’d be happy to send a letter...but if we wanted to......he’d.....take us to her.”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow, “He’d...what?”

“He’s...willing to take us....to her.” Fluttershy squeaked out the second time, albeit reluctantly.

Twilight’s eyes widened in amazement, her lips curled into an ear to ear grin, and with a shriek that would have put Rarity to shame, she proclaimed, “REALLY!?”

Fluttershy and Mr. Robbin both recoiled at the sound. Fluttershy’s ears fell against her head while, Mr. Robbin was relegated to trying to halt the sound with his wings. Unfortunately, wings are not the greatest for blocking sound and the poor bird got a nasty ring in his ears.

Noticing the effect of her unintended shriek had on her friend and the bird, Twilight gave a sheepish grin and quickly apologized. “So...he’s willing to take us to this mare? Will it take long?”

Fluttershy shook her head, “No, he says it might take us maybe an hour or so. He promised he could get us there before sunset.”

Twilight turned around to see where the sun was in relationship to the horizon. If her estimation was correct it was somewhere between two or three in the afternoon. It wouldn’t get dark for a good couple of hours, so the trek didn’t seem so daunting.

Twilight turned back to Fluttershy with a more subdued smile on her face, “Alright, let’s get going then. This is so exciting!”

Fluttershy gave a half-hearted smile, she didn’t have a good feeling about this, and hoped that the mare in the forest wouldn’t be too mad at the intrusion.

Fluttershy informed the robin that they were ready to go and the bird took off into the Everfree with a butter yellow pegasus and purple alicorn following close behind.

___________________________________________________________________________

Thorn was on his way home, his mind absorbed in something the Great Tree had told him during his meditation. It was at the tail end of their session, when the Great Tree would talk with the student so they might reflect on what they had learned.

***

“I’m happy to see Ironwood wasn’t too mad with you.” The Tree had told Thorn.

“Yeah, but I think he may have gotten some it out during our training session.” Thorn replied through their connection, a bit sardonically.

The Tree had chuckled a bit at this. “He wasn’t mad, as much as he appeared to be. He was more disappointed than anything. Your master sees much potential in you.” The Tree said knowingly.

Thorn had been confused by this and inquired with a bit of sadness growing in his heart, “Did-did he tell you that?”

There was a shift in the Tree’s emotional state that was apparent in their meditative connection. Thorn felt it and could tell that his guess was fairly spot on. The Great Tree did make a correction to that line of thought, “He...didn’t state his disappointment directly. It was merely apparent that it was on his mind when we spoke last. I tend to agree with his assumptions. You have the potential to do great things and you will make a great Guardian, in time.”

Thorn had been humbled when Ironwood had complimented him but to get such a compliment from the Great Tree was an honor in and of itself. So honored was Thorn that he was unable to form a coherent sentence. The Great Tree chuckled and allowed him to be stunned. "I know you won't let either of us down." Then the Tree shifted its focus again, as if something caught it's attention. "I believe you will be tested very soon."

The comment had snapped Thorn out of his revelry and made him question what the statement meant. Was Ironwood planning to do something during his patrol tonight? Did the Great Tree plan to test him? What did that mean? Unfortunately, the Great Tree didn't give him time to inquire. "Why don't you head home and prepare for your patrol tonight. You don't want to be late."

Thorn had wanted to ask why the Great Tree was being so vague, but most Guardians and Guardians-in-training knew that the Great Tree was wise beyond even the King of the Forest and the Elder Druid Council. Whatever the Great Tree was referring to, it was going to be important.

***
Thorn arrived at the willow tree house and was happy to see his sister out front doing several leg exercises. Azalea noted the arrival of her older brother and quickly raced to embrace him. "Welcome home!" Azalea greeted.

Thorn wrapped a leg around his sister's neck and returned the embrace. He smiled as he broke the hug and lowered himself to eye level with Azalea. "How's the exercise going?"

Azalea put on a proud smile, "Great! I've been doing thrusts and push ups and the...the..." Her proud smile devolved into a bit of frustration as she couldn't recall the name of the other exercise. "The one where you run back and forth really fast and they really hurt when you're done."

"Suicides." Thorn said with a bit of a chuckle.

"Yeah, I've been doing lots of those!" she responded with renewed vigor.

With a warm smile, Thorn ruffled the fur on Azalea's head. "Mother teach you those?"

Azalea nodded, "Yeah, she did! She said the suicides would help with direction changes."

"That they will." Thorn stated as he got back onto his hooves. "I need to get my armor. I was assigned patrol for tonight."

Azalea frowned at the news and her voice turned a bit forlorn, "So...you can't show me teach me more techniques?"

Thorn froze as he looked back at his sister, Azalea's frown was the kind that came with big puppy dog eyes attached. They bore through Thorn's eyes and struck his heart with the precision of an arrow. He barely managed not to react to the assault on his heart but it didn't stop him from assuring his sister, "Don't worry. I won't have to go in for training until the evening the next day. So we'll practice in the afternoon when I wake up, okay?"

Azalea wasn't entirely thrilled that she wasn't going to get some training/ quality time with her brother, but he was willing to make it up to her ,like usual. She gave a slight pout before saying, "I guess so."

Thorn smiled at the cute little pout, "I got to go, little sister. I'll see you tomorrow." With that Thorn went into the home and into his room. It was still in the same condition he had left it that morning. His hammock ,composed of vines and thick leaves, hung in the back corner of the room suspended from the ceiling. A small wooden desk had multiple scrolls strewn across it so depicting druidic spells and others speaking of defense/assault tactics. Then in the corner was Thorn's destination, a small cupboard that held his patrol armor. Thorn opened it to find his helmet, a breastplate, and a set of leg guards. The whole set was composed of ironwood bark and had long been cured to make it doubly durable. It was common armor for Guardians and the Royal Family’s private guards. It took him a bit, but after a few minutes he was fully suited up. The leg guards covered from his hooves to his fetlocks, his breastplate cover his barrel all the way down his back, and the helmet cover the crest of his head and part of his muzzle.

Thorn made his way down to the living room where his mother was waiting for him. “You always look so dashing in your armor.” Venus stated with a melancholy smile. “You look just like your father.”

Thorn returned the same smile and gave her a small hug.

“So they gave you patrol duty for the night?” Venus stated as she broke from the embrace.

Thorn nodded, “It’s my punishment for skipping meditation yesterday. It shouldn’t be too bad.”

Venus knew Thorn was right, it was rare for anything to happen on patrols. Occasionally, there’d be small fights between animals or a feral beast to wander too close to the Kingdom. Then there were the fawns who attempted to go into the forbidden part of the forest.Other than that most deer complained that patrol duty tended to be very boring. Despite this, Venus’ motherly instinct compelled her to take a small precaution. “Wait here for a second. I have something for you.” Venus went into the next room and collected a small pouch.

“Take this with you, just in case.” Venus stated as she handed over the pouch.

Thorn took the pouch and felt the contents inside. They felt like small ovular objects, “Seeds?”

Venus nodded, “They’re droseras. Might help restrain any unruly deer or beasts.”

Thorn stored the small pouch on his armor and thanked his mother. He gave her a final hug, said his goodbyes and headed out for his patrol duty.
____________________________________________________________________________

Within the Everfree, a lone manticore ran for it’s life. It’s pursuer was unseen but no less there. “YOU! Yes, yes, you! You’ll help me!” the unseen pursuer yelled as he got closer to his victim.

The manticore continued to flee, attempting to use it’s bat wings to flee. However, every time he made an attempt to fly away the shadow would snap at the offending appendages. “No fly! No fly! Obey you will, serve the mistress. YES!” The shadow cackled as it continued its chase.

The manticore was scared, this thing was not of the forest. Its mere presence near him was unsettling. He wasn’t sure what would happen if the creature caught up with him, but he knew it would not be good. What was scaring him most was that he was tiring, he was slowing down.

It was inevitable, he was going to be caught. He knew it and the creature knew it.

The creature lunged at the manticore and enveloped it entirely. The creature began to subvert the manticore’s will, slowly but surely taking control. The manticore resisted, fought for all it’s worth to reestablish control over his body, but it was an uphill battle and he was losing.

Soon enough, all essence of the manticore was gone and all that was left was the creature laughing over his victory. “HAHA Yes! YES! This will do! Now to find those who hurt-”

The creature stopped as he heard something. Something flapping. Birds? No, too loud to be birds. He looked around to find the source until he looked up just in time to spot a yellow pegasus followed shortly by a purple alicorn.

A small deranged smile broke across the face of the possessed manticore. “Hehehe. HA HAHA! Fortune favors, Malum! YES! Vengeance shall come for the MISTRESS!”

The creature, Malum, followed the ponies with thoughts of malicious deeds and acts dancing in his head.
___________________________________________________________________________

Fluttershy and Twilight had been flying for quite some time. Fluttershy’s less than adequate flying had caused Twilight and Mr. Robbin to take frequent breaks along the trip. However, they were nearing the end of their trip. They touched down in a small clearing and were taking some time to recuperate from their flight. Twilight’s inexperience at flying and Fluttershy’s lack of flying had severely drained the two of them.

“Well...that was...more than I’ve done...before. Rainbow Dash was right...I need to work out....more.” Twilight panted.

Fluttershy was panting just as hard and merely nodded her head in affirmation.

It took them a bit for them to get their breathing back to normal but eventually the two ponies continued their trek with Mr. Robbin leading the way. The little bird seemed to be quite proud of himself as he flew towards their destination. They were nearing their destination when a loud and startling sound broke the ambient noise of the forest. It was a loud crash of trees being knocked over and small shrubbery being squashed under large paws. The two ponies and bird turned to find a large manticore with a manic smile strewn across his face.

“FoUnD YoU!” The manticore said with a squeaking screech.

Fluttershy was too scared to even scream. She’d seen manticores before, she’d even helped heal a few before, but there was something off about this one. There was a palpable feeling of malicious intent. This manticore wanted to hurt her and Twilight.

Twilight was more astonished than horrified. How was this manticore talking? Why did it sound so...demonic? Then the most important question, why was it looking for her and Fluttershy?

“You hurt Mistress....You sent her away...now I’ll end you. FOREVER!” The manticore roared as he swiped one of his massive paws towards Fluttershy. It would have connected if Twilight hadn’t blasted the manticore in the face with a magical bolt, knocking it to the side but not doing much damage. Twilight didn’t like this, That should have knocked him out cold! This isn’t good. Twilight thought as she looked to Fluttershy who was frozen in fear. I don’t know why this manticore is after us but I need to get Fluttershy out of here so I can deal with him. “Fluttershy, run and hide! I’ll take care of him.” Twilight yelled to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy didn’t budge and the manticore was getting back on his feet. Twilight ran over to Fluttershy and shook her physically, “Fluttershy!”

The pegasus was snapped from her petrified state and looked to her friend. “You have to run and hide. I’ll take care of the manticore. Just stay safe, okay?”

Fluttershy’s mind was reeling. She knew she needed to do something. Would the Stare work on this manticore? If it did it might allow them to escape! But...what if it didn’t? It might get Twilight and herself hurt or worse, killed! What do I do?! Fluttershy mentally questioned.

However, she wasn’t given time as Twilight quickly enveloped the pegasus in her violet aura and tossed her out of harm's way, just as the manticore bashed Twilight into a nearby tree. The tree’s trunk buckled and splintered as the alicorn collided with it but refused to fall. The manticore pressed his advantage and charged the downed element. He rose his scorpion tail and prepared to bring it down upon the alicorn, but was interrupted when a yellow blur zoomed in front of him. His eyes met with two turquoise eyes that bore into his very being. He was frozen. The beast body refused his command. As much as he wanted to force it to move, it wouldn’t. The next words seemed to made the beast feel an immense guilt that the shadow did not. “HOW DARE YOU!?”
___________________________________________________________________________

Thorn arrived at his outpost and reported to the head guard on site. The outpost itself was a tall oak tree with multiple balconies that allowed sentries to be posted with varying vantage points. As it was, there were three guards on duty, including Thorn, made a total of four. The two guards on the balconies were barely staying awake due to boredom and the head guard was busy reading through various missives that had arrived that evening.

“Guardian-in-training Thorn reporting in for patrol, sir.” Thorn stated as he saluted the head guard, placing on of his hooves against his breast plate.

The head guard returned the salute half heartedly, barely taking his eyes off of one of the messages. Thorn dropped his salute and felt some annoyance growing in the back of his mind. He groaned inwardly and inquired about his patrol route for the night. Again, the head guard seemed more interested and sorting through his pile of messages, but the query did cause him to stop long enough to check what guards had been assigned what routes.

“You’re on the southern most route.” The guard said with a slight hint of life in his voice.

“Understood, sir.” Thorn stated as he turned to leave and get on his route, but he was stopped by the head guard, “Oh, something before you go.” Thorn turned to look at the guard who sounded like he was actually concerned since Thorn entered. “The animals have been really restless for some reason. If you encounter any deer trying to head into that area of the forest make sure you dissuade them or, if resistant, detain them. We don’t need any deer getting killed by a feral beast.”

Thorn nodded, “I understand, sir. I’ll be vigilant.” With that he collected his provisions for the night and made his way towards his route.

Thorn walked along his specified route, trying to keep his mind active and focused so he wouldn’t get bored. I don’t know what they were talking about. I’m nearly at the halfway point and I haven’t seen a-

“HOW DARE YOU!?” A voice rang out from the forest.

Thorn’s attention was suddenly on the source of the voice. That sounded like a doe...a really angry doe. Thorn let out a sigh. Don’t tell me some couple is having some kind of spat out in the feral part of the woods. Who does that? Well...better get them out of there before their bickering draws any unwanted attention.

Thorn quickly made his way into the forest, using a down tree to catapult his way into the canopy and headed towards the source of the outcry. He was getting close when he heard another sound ring out...a scream. A pain ridden scream. And it was close. Thorn doubled his efforts and quickly came across a clearing with an absurdly large manticore standing over something. A quick glance from his higher vantage point gave him glimpse of several purple and yellow feathers scattered about and the outline of an unconscious form laying on its side. He wasn’t sure where the feathers had come from or what had happened, but it was obvious the manticore was about to attack someone. He’d have to sort the matter out later, but for now he needed to stop this manticore before some bad happened.

Thorn turned as fast as he could and pulled out a small bag with little vines sprouting from the top out of his satchel. With a deft toss he threw vine ridden bag behind the manticore and let his magic flare.

___________________________________________________________________________

Fluttershy was scared, the manticore had managed to break free of the Stare! The only thing to ever break free of the Stare was Discord, but he was the Spirit of Chaos! Was this manticore something on par with Discord?! It didn’t make sense! To make matter’s worse when the beast broke free from the Stare it went to swipe at her but Twilight had knocked her out of the way, and she ended up taking the brunt of the attack. Now she wasn’t moving, and the manticore was glaring at her with that wicked smile. He was going to kill her. “Help...Somepony, please help me.” the lone mare cried.
“Nothing here to help! No help coming for you! First you go, then her, then the rest, then Mistress will come back, then she will love me! Hahahahaha hehe!” the creature cackled as it raised one of its claws preparing to bring it down on the helpless mare. Fluttershy closed her eyes and cried as she prepared for the worst.

Then....nothing happened. There was no claw, no pain, no end. She dared a peek and was surprised by what she saw. Vines were wrapped around every appendage of the manticore and were pulling it away from her. Was Twilight doing this? No, she’s still unconscious...so where did the vines come from?

“I don’t know who you are but you need to get out of here while I deal with the manticore.” A masculine voice called out from the forest. Had somepony followed her and Twilight into the forest? Fluttershy broke herself of her questioning as the mystery stallion had a point, she rushed over to Twilight and pulled her into a nearby bush. Fluttershy hoped it would at least keep her out of way of danger for a bit. Twilight was still breathing, but she had a nasty gash on her head from where she was hit.

Meanwhile, Malum was struggling against the vines that were keeping him from going after the mares. He was tugging at the vine attempting to claw them off. Well, I’ve stopped him...but those vines aren’t going to hold. Think, Thorn, think!...Oh wait!

Thorn let the vines hold the manticore and started enacting his plan, staying within the confines of the canopy. As expected, the vines snapped under the manticore’s brute strength. “You! YOU! You stopped me! I’LL END YOU!” the manticore yelled. He then began to charge towards he heard the voice from before. With the power Malum was channelling into the manticore, he was easily able to snap the tree in twain. However, the only thing to fall out of the tree were twigs.

“Where!? Where are you!?”

“Over here!” Thorn taunted.

The manticore turned towards the voice and charged the source impetuously. Again the tree fell as it was snapped under the manticores might.

“Almost! I’m right here!” Thorn taunted again from another nearby tree.

“I’m going to MAUL YOU until there’s nothing but PULP!” the manticore yelled in rage.

The raging manticore again charged the tree but something stopped him halfway to his destination. Looking down he found himself trapped in a vibrant red flower with hundreds of sticky follicles. His paws were stuck to the follicles and the more he attempted to get out of the plant the more he got stuck. “What is this!? LET ME GO!! MISTRESS NEEDS ME TO FIX THIS!” The manticore yelled his ire at an all time high.

Thorn dropped out of the tree he’d been hiding in, “Gotcha. Now, you stay there and calm down. I’m not sure what happened to let you speak, but I’ll do what I can do help you. Just stay there while I check on those does.”

Despite the suggestion, the manticore did not stop thrashing. If anything he doubled his efforts but it only managed to get him stuck further in the sticky substance coating the flower.

“Hey, it’s safe to come out.” Thorn called out.
___________________________________________________________________________

Fluttershy had been watching the whole ordeal, and now she saw her rescuer. What was he? He looked kinda like a pony, but he was way taller. He was easily as tall as Princess Celestia, if not a bit shorter. And he appeared to have... multiple horns? Did that explain how he was able to use magic. Maybe he could help her and Twilight get out of the forest...or find the mare they were looking for. She hesitated to come out, but she managed to speak up just enough to be heard, “W-w-we’re....over here.”

Thorn spotted the source of the voice. It was oddly soft. It hardly sounded like the angry and commanding voice he had heard earlier. Maybe the voice came from the other doe. Thorn shrugged it off and headed towards the bush. “You two want to come out? Your friend looked pretty hurt.”

“Um...I uh...yeah...she...she has a...small gash on her head.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound good. Why don’t you get her out here, I have a some salve that might help.” Thorn began searching through his satchel for his medical salve.

Fluttershy in the mean time carefully pulled Twilight out of the bush. Thorn was still fumbling with his satchel.

Eventually he found what he was looking he went to address the injury, a small wrapped leaf containing medicinal salve. It was at this point, when he finally got a good look at the two “does” he had rescued. He saw the small yellow pony with a pink mane and tail. Then he caught a glimpse of her friend and his heart nearly stopped.Thorn’s pupils shrunk to pinpricks and his heart rate jumped exponentially. She too was a pony...but she had wings and a horn. She was an alicorn.

No...that’s...not possible...It’s just a story told to fawns! They can’t be real! The buck thought as he attempted to rationalize what he was seeing.

“Um...hello? Mister? Are you...okay?” Fluttershy asked as she hesitantly looked at the buck.

“I...I...don’t...Wha...are...You...you aren’t real,” Thorn stuttered in fear.

“What?” Fluttershy asked. She’d seen this look before in many of her animals. Whoever and whatever this thing was, he was horrified.

“You...you can’t be real.” Thorn reiterated.

Fluttershy gave the buck an incredulous look, “What do you mean? You’re not making sense.” She slowly walked toward her rescuer. The deer visibly stiffened and most of his body locked up.

Fluttershy noted the reaction and attempted to calm him down, “It’s okay, I don’t want to hurt you. I just want to help my friend.”

Thorn looked to the unconscious alicorn, then back to the pegasus.“You’re friends with an alicorn, but you don’t want to hurt me? What are you trying to pull?”, asked a bit insulted.

Fluttershy looked at Thorn with a confused looked, “What do you mean? She’s the Princess of Friendship, she’d never harm anypony.”

Thorn’s fear subsided a bit as his mind attempted to process this new information. Princess of Friendship? That doesn’t sound like the Nightmare Alicorn...she must be trying to trick me...but she doesn’t look evil and her eyes are really pretty.....GAH, stop that! It has to be a ruse!...But...what if it isn’t? What if she dies because I refuse to help? Thorn’s mind raged in conflict. His fawnhood fear was being presented before him, he should do something, report the two.

“Uh...is it okay if...I could get the salve...if that’s okay with you?” Fluttershy asked pointing at the salve in Thorn’s hoof.

Thorn looked to the mare and realized he was still holding the salve. “Oh, uh sure, sorry.” He then handed over the small leaflet of salve. Fluttershy took the salve and applied it to Twilight’s gash and the wound stopped bleeding. The salve even seemed to close the wound entirely.

“Thank you. This is very potent.”

Thorn was unsure what to do. Everything he’d been told about ponies seemed completely erroneous at this point. They were supposed to bring chaos to the forest, to make things feral in their wake, but...this one didn’t seem malicious at all. If anything she reminded him of a mouse, meek and quiet. So...what should he do...wait, what were they doing here anyway?

“Um, Miss. What are you and your... ‘friend’ doing in the forest? It’s not the safest place at this time.”

The pony looked to the deer and realized for the first time she was alone (kinda) with a male. She immediately felt her nerves get the best of her, “I-uh-we were...uh...looking for...a mare in the forest.”

Thorn cocked an eyebrow, “Sorry, what was that last part?”

“We’re looking for a mare.”

Is she getting quieter? What’s up with her? “Uh, you’re looking for some deer?” he inquired

Fluttershy nodded before whimpering a bit.

Thorn stopped for a second and blushed a bit. By the Great Tree’s bark that’s adorable....WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? Thorn thought as he shook his mind free of such a thought. She’s messing with me! She must be...right? Ugh, I need to do report this. I’m not sure how to handle this. “Ok, look I need to report this to my superior. So, I need you and your friend to come with me.” Thorn said authority.

Fluttershy whimpered a bit but agreed regardless.

Well...at least she’s cooperative. Now I just need to get the two of...Thorn stopped as he realized he need to get BOTH ponies back to the outpost. He looked at the alicorn then back to Fluttershy, then back to the alicorn again. Can she carry her? They are about the same size.

“Can you carry her?” Thorn inquired pointing to Twilight and hoping she’d say yes.

Fluttershy looked a bit uncertain, “I...suppose?”

That wasn’t very reassuring, he really did not want to carry the alicorn. The idea alone sent a wave of goosebumps through his body. Having his fawnhood nightmare on his back was not something he wanted to go through. Thankfully...or perhaps unfortunately, the alicorn in question began to rise from her unconscious slumber. “Uuuh...huh?”

Twilight looked up to find her friend right next to her and suddenly remembered what had caused her unwanted slumber. “THE MANTICORE! Fluttershy, don’t worry. We’re getting out of here!”

Thorn seized up as he saw the horn of the alicorn light up and envelope the group. Within seconds they were gone into a violet void leaving nothing but an enraged manticore struggling to free itself from an oversized drosera plant.

Author's Notes:

Sorry this took a while. I'm juggling my other story, this story, and some drama in real life. I hope you guys like this. Please leave critics, comments, and any grammatical issues in the comment section.
Also this is a Drosera