Chapter 3: The Broken Wilds

Those three days we had to prepare went by much faster than I could have guessed they would. Grit wouldn't say much in that time but he was probably too busy planning out all of the amazing adventures we could have along the way so I didn't mind too much. In the time between when we left Blaze's office and when we left I had been officially registered as a member of Adventure Incorporated by Blaze himself no less. I even got an official A.I adventurers pith hat just like what Emerald had on at her site in Canterlot. I was so excited to do this but admittedly my enthusiasm was curbed by this Jackpot that Grit brought on out of nowhere. He didn't seem very professional or particularly exceptional at our first meeting and was in fact kind of uncomfortable to be around but Grit seemed adamant to bring him with so I didn't argue (too much).

“So how long will it take to get to this weird Numnah city Grit?” I asked as we sat in a carriage cab heading towards the Canterlot train station.

“Lets see, we will be taking the train south past the Macintosh Hills for about a day and a half, then it's a simple two more day boat ride to Khaweth and another day to reach the ruins through the jungle.” Grit answered.

Nearly five whole days of just traveling seemed boring and some of my excitement began to die away at the prospect of sitting on a train for over a whole day doing nothing and boats made me queasy so I definitely wasn't looking forward to that. The jungle part however seemed more like a classic adventure that we could have some exciting encounters in.

“Will we be stopping to see the hippogryphs Grit?” I asked thinking it would be cool to finally get to see some for myself.

“No we will be going pretty much in the opposite direction so probably no chance of seeing any.” Grit said much to my disappointment.

As we arrived at the train station and Grit and I exited the carriage I saw a sight I didn't even know I had been dreading until I saw it happen. There was Emerald, sitting on a bench waiting to wish me luck like she had promised the other day but sitting right next to her was Jackpot who was trying to talk to her. Emerald had a very not happy face on as she was obviously trying to ignore the smiling Pegasus but her face began to glow when she saw me and Grit walking towards her.

“Oh Ivory please tell me that this jerk isn't with you like he says!” Emerald said as she quickly flew over to me and Grit.

“Well he is going to be traveling with us if thats what you mean.” I answered with a hint of caution.

“Well I just want you to know I think he is a jerk and a bad influence!” She huffed as she stuck her tongue out at him which prompted Jackpot to give a little smile and wave back towards us.

“So did he hit on you to?” I asked somewhat reluctantly.

“Several times in the past five minutes!” Emerald seemed distresses, “Wait he did it to you, and you want to travel so far with him, are you crazy!” Emerald was obviously worried.

“Don't worry Emerald.” Grit cut in, “Jackpot is mostly harmless.” Grit said with a teasing smile as Emerald's face dropped.

“Don't worry Emmy, I'm sure Grit will keep him in line and anyways he says Jackpot is dependable when he needs to be so it's all good.” I said giving my best friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“Well anyways I came to see you off on your first outing and thats what I'm gonna do.” Emerald said giving me a smile.

“Thanks, it means a lot that your doing this instead of working.” I said very grateful to her.

“No problem, it's my pleasure, really.” Emerald said her smile growing bigger, “And when you get back with a bunch of amazing stories I want to hear all of them ok.”

“Sure thing.” I was looking forward to the return trip now.

The three of us walked up back towards Jackpot who was now gathering up several saddle bags he had stored at the side of the bench. He threw them all on his back and trotted up to meet us as we neared him. He put on his own smile as he used his wing to take a small flask bottle from the only bag that looked like it had anything in it and took several sips from it.

“Behaving yourself Jackpot?” Grit asked him outright.

“No more than usual old man.” Jackpot said in a cheerful manner, “Nice to see you again Ms. Star.” Jackpot said as he held out his wing to shake my hoof.

“Yeah, sure thing.” I said as I shook his wing, more out of politeness than actually thinking it was nice to see him. Although I had to admit he looked somewhat more decent than when we first met, not being so ungroomed and in a somewhat impaired state.

“Well Ivy, this is where I should be going now.” Emerald said as she took a glance at a clock hanging on the wall. “Good luck you guys and remember Ivy, I want to hear everything when you get back, and I do mean EVERYTHING!” she said sternly as she gave a stink eye to Jackpot who just stood there looking innocent.

“Don't worry Emmy we'll be fine and I can't wait to tell you all about it when I get back.” I said with a smile of my own.

“And when your done I might have something to tell as well!” Emerald let out with a slight shyness in her voice.

“Can't wait!” I responded to my friend.

With that Emerald waved us goodbye and flew off back towards her work site in Canterlot while Grit, Jackpot and I boarded the train heading south towards my first adventure. The train itself unfortunately was stalled and we didn't actually get going for nearly an hour after we were supposed to. This seemed to make Grit a bit nervous but Jackpot just kept staring blankly out the window of the seat we were in. Grit had actually bought us an entire car to ourselves so we would have plenty of room to spread out if we wanted. When the train finally got going Grit waved me over to the other side of the train car to talk to me.

“Ivory, do you remember what Blaze said about the place that we’re going to and it being dangerous.” he asked me with a level of seriousness he didn't often display.

“Yeah, he said that there are monsters in the jungle and bad ponies and whatnot running around, right?” I answered trying to recollect the conversation of several days ago.

“I just want to warn you that he wasn't overstating what was out there and in fact he might have understated how dangerous it can be in this area.” Grit said even more seriously than before.

“Well then, why don't you give me a rundown on what we might find out there.” I thought this was a good idea and so did Grit.

“The monsters and giant animals there can be handled relatively easily and as long as we stay smart they shouldn't be much of a hassle but yes I probably should tell you about the group that has all but taken over the area.” Grit sat down in one of the train seats with me and pulled out a map that he said was the area we were headed to.

The map showed a small village situated in the corner of the map while the entirety of the rest of the map was just a huge forest. Near the far upper edge of the map I saw a drawn in picture of some ruined buildings with the name Numnah written beneath it.

Grit cleared his throat and began to talk, “This area of the Zebra kingdom of Khaweth which is one of three total Zebra kingdoms. Khaweth is the closest to Equestria and the area has a long and cultured history dating back long before anything we've ever found in Equestria.”

“How old exactly?” I asked with my usual curiosity.

“The oldest thing I've ever seen from that area was about three to three and a half thousand years old.” Grit said while trying to remember what exactly it was.

“Wow that's actually really cool, what was it?” I asked him really wanting to know what could have survived that long.

“It was a tablet written in an ancient form of zebra dialect I was not familiar with at the time.” Grit said trying to remember something from decades ago.

“What was the story?” I asked him

“Confusing is what it was but it's not relevant right now because these kinds of things attracted less than savory treasure hunters from all over to this kingdom. No one really knows how but they eventually began to become organized with some impressive resources at their disposal and then they began taking over many of these ruined sights like Numnah.” as Grit said this his teeth seemed to clench somewhat as if he took this as personal.

“Didn't the authorities do something about this, I mean they couldn't have just stood by as these thugs went and started to take their heritage away?” even I was getting upset at this.

“Yes they did and still do but the robbers keep coming back with more force and more resources that allow them to exert power in that area.” Grit said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“And nopony knows where they keep getting the supplies to keep doing this?” This was beginning to sound like something a bit bigger than what I had in mind.

“Well not really but the fact is that they did end up buying out zebra officials in the area which has led to a lot of conflict in the area with the few towns that exist here getting caught between the two fighting sides.” Grit seemed a little hesitant saying this, “You might not like some things you see there but know that if we can get to the actual ruins we should be more than fine.” Grit said finally putting a smile on his face.

“Is that why you really brought Jackpot with us, for more protection?” I asked Grit.

“Yeah.” Grit said sounding somewhat unsure about something when he said it, “Jackpot is good at what he does and if you end up not liking him he should stay out of our manes mostly when we get to the ruins.”

“Well, I didn't say that I hated him but he does seem a little rude sometimes.” I had only really had a few interactions with Jackpot but with what Emerald told me I didn't need more convincing.

“We're going to be on this train for a while and Jackpot will be out there with us for some time so why don't you talk with him a little bit as long as we're here?” Grit said nudging me onward, It'll get boring just sitting here talking to me so go say hi and get to know him a bit, who knows you might end up liking him.”

“Well, I suppose that it could be useful to get to know my teammate so I guess I'll go talk to him.” I said somewhat exasperated.

“That's the spirit!” Grit said happily, “Remember, meeting new ponies and having new experiences helps you grow as a person!”

I slowly got up and began to walk towards Jackpot while trying to keep my balance on the moving train. Jackpot had settled in a small booth near the opposite end of the train car from where Grit and I were talking. He had stretched his wings out on the seat and rested his back hooves on the opposite side of the booth with his face turned to stare out the window at the passing countryside. I came up and seeing an open spot on the side his hooves had rested on and tried to think of something to spark up a conversation.

“Your friend at the train station seemed nice.” Jackpot suddenly said without ever even turning his head to look at me.

“Wait what?” I said confused.

“I said that you have some good friends with you.” he said a little louder knowing full well I had heard him the first time.

“Well, um thanks I guess.” had he heard me come in over the noise of the train?

“She's single right?” he then said putting a little smile on his face.

My face suddenly turned a little red, “Wait, why are you asking me this!?” I really didn't know what to say here, “I mean that um...as far as I know she is.”

Jackpot just laughed at my sudden embarrassment appearing to enjoy how red I had gotten, “Really? A mare as cute as her, no way she hasn't found a boyfriend yet, or maybe you're trying to get in with her.” he winked at me.

“What, no were just friends, I mean we've known each other practically since we were kids and we just have a lot in common!” I was getting flustered.

“That's not the vibe I got from her.” Jackpot said leaning his back into a more relaxed position.

“Hey, I know she likes me but it's not that way with us, I just like her as a friend.” I couldn't really keep my thoughts together.

“So, you have a boyfriend or girlfriend in this case then?” he was trying not to laugh but I didn't notice immediately.

“Let's change the subject ok.” I said, my face completely red now as Jackpot was now audibly laughing at my discomfort.

“Wow, you are a kid.” he said in between laughs.

“Please, you don't look much older than me so you're one to talk.” I said still somewhat upset how easily he got to me.

“Oh, I'm just teasing you a bit, just seeing how much you can take since we're gonna to be spendin some time together.” his laughs became a little quieter now.

I looked back out the hallway to where Grit was sitting and I could tell he was listening in and trying to hold back a few laughs as well. I was pretty frustrated with Jackpot but now I wanted to get him back and I was determined not to leave until I did.

“So, what do you do anyway?” I asked him trying to lessen the redness on my face.

“The correct word is 'who' in that question kid.” (the redness came back) Jackpot said rather nonchalantly.

“Behave Jackpot!” I heard Grit yell from the back of the car.

“I swear he's no fun sometimes.” Jackpot mumbled to himself, “But to answer your question you could call me a treasure hunter extraordinaire!” he said waving his hoof in front of himself.

“You know I have been Grit's pupil for twelve years now, how long have you known him?” this should show him that as Grit's pupil I should outrank him in our group.

“Lets see, I first met Grit about six years ago when he invited me into his little adventure club, and at the time I must have been a little younger than you are now.” Jackpot said rubbing his head trying to remember.

“Wait! Grit invited you when he first met you!?” I turned my head into the hallway towards Grit, “What's up with that, and when did it happen!?” I yelled at him.

“There were extenuating back then and I believe you were shut in on one of your Dash Venture reading binges at the time!” Grit shouted back.

“What circumstances!?” I shouted back but Grit didn't answer, “Come on tell me!”

“It's called personal business” Jackpot interjected as he poked his head out into the hallway next to mine before pulling it back in.

I sat back down in a huff to try and recollect my thoughts as Jackpot continued chuckling to himself. After a minute of letting my embarrassment subside I slipped my adventurers pith hat that Blaze had given me the other day for joining A.I and put it on my head.

“So if you're a member of Adventure Inc. as well where is your official hat with the company logo on it?” I was getting a bit desperate trying to hit him with this but it was all I could think of at the moment.

“I had one a few years ago but it got eaten by the Jade Jaguars of Huexotla.” Jackpot said while stretching out his legs and wings.

“WAIT!” I yelled suddenly, “You've actually seen the legendary Jade Jaguars, but they were supposed to be a myth!”

“Yeah they were annoying little bastards but I handled them well enough.” Jackpot said with a hint of pride.

“Language Jackpot!” Grit yelled from the other side of the train.

“I swear, no fun at all.” Jackpot mumbled again.

I didn't care, I was a bit in awe at this moment, “So you fought actual living Jade Jaguars and you were actually in Huexotla!” this was special because Huexotla was probably the second most legendary ancient city of the Equestrian jungles after Tenochtitlan itself.

“Like I said, I did, I was, they ate my hat and it still annoys me.” Jackpot said.

“So, did they really shoot out magical beams from their eyes that turns ponies into jade statues!?” I said excitedly.

“Yeah they did, almost lost a wing to those beams but I got through it.” Jackpot obviously liked talking about his adventures but I might actually like to hear some of them.

I forgot about trying to show him up and just began asking him a million questions about adventures he had and places he had been and things he had seen. He was like Grit but younger and less vague about things. He told me about the legendary Green Sword of Destiny and the Ebony Falcon, ancient treasures of Equestria and Griffonstone that he had recovered. He went on and on about various heroic acts he performed while on these 'world saving' adventures as he described them. I must admit I was somewhat swept up by his stories almost as much as some of Grit's more exciting stories that never ended up as books but he would still tell me after I begged him to enough. Jackpots adventure stories were enough to last through the whole train ride and onto the sailing portion of out trip. On this one I couldn't listen as much as I spent the whole time feeling sick from the constant rocking of the boat.

“Trains are fine, fast moving vehicles are whatever, but boats just kill me.” Is pretty much all I could say on the boat. I would repeat that line over and over just trying not to vomit too many times.

The length of time we were on the boat didn't help my situation much either. I was somewhat proud that I didn't start vomiting until we began the second day of sailing had started. Jackpot and Grit had to hold me up so my head would be over the side of the boat so I wouldn't make too much of a mess. Then when Jackpot started to make puns about my condition I just felt like punching him in the face but was too weak to actually do it, and he knew it. Eventually he stopped when I started to get really uncomfortable but we only had a few hours left at that point so my discomfort didn't stop much. When we finally arrived they had to help me walk onto the dock where several Zebra stood waiting for us. One of them stepped forward and was a bout to say something but I only ended up vomiting the last of my stomach onto him so he stepped back as Grit ended up apologizing for me.

The two remaining Zebra escorted us to a small hut near the dock where they began to discuss something with Grit and Jackpot. I was lying sick in the other room and so didn't hear much of what they had to say. After a bit the Zebra I had barfed on entered to room now clean and Grit nodded in his direction as the other two Zebra left the hut.

“Do you not think we should discover, when your friend there shall recover?” I heard a strange and foreign sounding voice say over me.

“I don't feel like joking right now Jackpot.” I said sitting up after feeling less queasy. When I looked over to the other side of the room it was not jackpot that had said that but the Zebra who I now recognized from earlier, suddenly feeling embarrassed. “Sorry about earlier.” is all I could say.

“That is all right my pony friend, it is good to see you on the mend.” The Zebra said putting a smile on his face.

“Aww don't talk like that you'll confuse the poor girl!” now that was Jackpot talking.

“Jackpot has a point, it's better we all stay on the same page for this part.” Grit said floating over to the side of the mat where I was laying.

“Very well.” The Zebra said in response.

“So, whats going on?” I asked finally strong enough to get up on my hooves.

“You got some serious motion sickness kid.” Jackpot said as he held me up when I wobbled a bit.

“It's just boats, nothing else, just boats.” I stammered, “Who is the Zebra?” I then asked looking at our visitor.

“I am Enyi and I am here on request from the local council to escort you and your party to the city of Numnah.” the Zebra said.

“Our friend here is a Zebra Storyteller and it's his job to record and remember Zebra history so it can be available for posterity.” Grit stated as he began throw some of the saddlebags of supplies over his back.

“That sounds pretty cool, I do know ponies don't know much about Zebra history since Grit is supposed to be the foremost expert in Equestria and he always says he doesn't really know much about it.” this could work for me if I would be able to actually learn something Grit doesn't even know.

“I am also here to instruct you on proper customs and to act as an adviser once we arrive at the site to ensure no cultural artifacts are harmed or damaged.” Enyi added with a charming smile.

And with that Grit and Jackpot finished gathering up the saddlebags which held our supplies with Jackpot carrying the same several empty ones he had before. Grit and Jackpot were eager to get going and so hurried out of the hut while Enyi stayed back to help keep me steady as I exited after them still being a bit wobbly. I must admit I did not expect to see what I saw in the village we were in once I exited the small hut. Now that I had my full bearings back I began to notice that the village was very run down with the huts (that pretty much comprised the entire village) were fairly poorly made with some nearly falling apart. They were small and round, most with room enough for just one open space and only a few slightly larger ones huddled together off in a small corner. The few Zebra that I did see were very gaunt with extended stomachs that made them look awkward and admittedly unpleasant to look at. I guess my surprise at the poor state of the village was noticed by Enyi, whose smile dissipated once he peeked down at me as we walked. As we neared the edge of the village I saw the thing that actually produced a gasp from me as we walked by; near the edge of the village lay several dozen mounds of dirt that seemed recently made, each with wooden planks sticking our from them and with symbols I somewhat recognized as the native Zebra tongue.

“Those were made last night.” Enyi suddenly and sternly said as my horrified expression only got worse.

“What....just what?” is all I could manage to say at the moment.

“It is dangerous to live here, because for us danger is always near.” Enyi muttered almost so I couldn't hear him.

“I'm so sorry.” these words were all I thought I could say without trying to pry too much into what was obviously painful.

“Come on pony and let us hurry, we do not wish to make your friends worry.” the Zebra guide said as he pushed me along towards where Grit and Jackpot awaited us.

“You all right Ivory?” Grit said with a concerned look, “I told you things here are different than in Equestria and if you want to be an adventurer you will have to go to many places like this.”

“It's just that I never....” I was finding it hard to talk with everything I was seeing around me and though I didn't realize it I was starting to cry just a little.

“Hurts, doesn’t it kid, seeing parts of the world you ain’t used to and that everything ain't like it is at home.” Jackpot whispered into my ear.

I didn't know if he was trying to help or just unsettle me more but I gave Jackpot a scowl and he backed off towards Grit as I just stood there trying to absorb everything I had just seen. Maybe when I talk to Emerald when I get back I will leave out this part and focus on any more exciting bits that I was now hoping would occur down the road. As we left the confines of the village only about a mile or so from the front gate stood the border of the great jungle in which lied our destination.

“Now remember Ivory, this jungle is far more dangerous than anywhere in Equestria so be sure to stay close to me and Jackpot ok.” Grit said giving me a reassuring smile and a pat on the back.

“Yeah, the old man an me will keep ya safe kiddo!” Jackpot said rather proudly. Enyi nodded in agreement as we entered the vast and dense jungle wherein lay our prize.

It was hot...and wet....and every other uncomfortable word I could think of in the jungle. Jackpot and Grit led the way ahead of us with Enyi and me heading up the rear. As we walked I stared at Enyi since I didn't have anything else to do and tried to think of something to say to him. I tried several times to strike up a conversation but he seemed too focused at staring at Grit and Jackpot to really notice me.

“Um, Enyi was it, weren’t you supposed to be our guide through the jungle here?” I finally managed to stammer out.

“Huh?” Enyi said somewhat not listening to me.

“I said that I thought you were here to guide us through the forest!” I said a bit louder.

“We went over the path while you slept, the correct path so far Grit has kept.” Enyi said back at me.

“So uh, whats with the whole rhyming thing?” I asked, “I don't mean to sound offensive or anything but it must be hard to talk freely that way?”

“I could talk as you ponies do, but I think this is more fun, don't you?” Enyi said with a slight laugh.

“I mean it is pretty cool and stuff but don't you think it could lead to misunderstandings and whatnot?” I said genuinely curious.

“In the past it has on occasion but not recently as far as I know.” said Enyi.

“Wait you just talked normal!” I said pointing at his mouth as if it would actually do something.

“For me the rhyming is normal but we mostly use it when being formal.” Enyi said making me feel somewhat silly and confused.

“You just switched back now, so do you just speak in rhymes or what? This is confusing.” the realization of me never having met a Zebra before was becoming painfully obvious to the both of us.

Enyi blurted out a little laugh, “Oh don't over think it, I am able to talk 'normal' as you call it but it is something we usually do only around ponies so I am more used to talking in the rhyming way, as it is the best way to go from our native tongue to your Ponyish.” he seemed a little disappointed, “But I will talk as such for your sake, for now at least.”

“Well uh...Grit said you were a storyteller so whats that about?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“It is something I take great pride in.” Enyi said appropriately proud, “We learn about the stories and histories of our people and record and memorize them to teach them to posterity.”

“So it's an oral tradition of record keeping?” I put in.

“Exactly right.” Enyi said nodding.

“You know, Grit always told me that oral histories were not a good way of keeping records because of the story changing over time and becoming exaggerated.” I told Enyi trying to sound smart.

“When there is a story that is an integral part of your culture and history you commit it entirely to memory and you do not change a word of it.” Enyi told me with his stern tone again, “And besides, there are very strict rules and rites one must go through in order to become a storyteller.”

“I guess that makes sense but if its all right could we talk more about it later because I have a friend back home who would love to hear some of the stories.” I told Enyi thinking about Emerald and how he could help us both.

“That is impossible I'm afraid.” Enyi said shaking his head.

“What, why?” I said disappointed.

“We generally do not share our stories with outsiders, it is forbidden unless special permission is given and even then the one who is told is put under oaths to not disclose it as well.” Enyi seemed rather serious about this.

At this statement I wondered how Blaze and A.I got a hold of that book about Abila that I just remembered I had snuck along inside my own saddlebag that hung around my flank. The book had probably belonged to Grit as I knew from stories and several of his novels that he had been to multiple Zebra kingdoms over the years and had made many friends along the way.

“But enough about me, I have answered your questions so allow me to ask several of you.” Enyi said while I was still thinking.

“Oh uh sure, what do you want to know?” I answered.

“From what I was told you are the apprentice of Grit Stratum right?” he asked.

“Yup!” I said proudly.

“What exactly has he taught you?” Enyi said leaning in close to hear me over the continuously growing sounds of the surrounding and deepening jungle.

“Well, he has taught me various excavation techniques and I am fluent in Old Ponish, Early Modern Ponish, Ponskrit, Pony Latin, a little bit of Classical Griffonish and I know about as much as Grit does of your native language but obviously its not much. Maybe you could teach me!” I said excitedly.

“Haven't you noticed I haven’t been speaking it, as I said we do not share knowledge with outsiders and that includes even speaking it in front of them.” Enyi said.

“Oh yeah.” now I was sad.

“Well, is there anything else he has taught you?” Enyi said bringing us back to the subject.

“Let me think here...” I pondered as we continued to follow Grit and jackpot over increasingly dense undergrowth, “He showed me how to use a bow and arrows, I even once impressed an Equestria Games hopeful with my accuracy!” it was my turn to say something with pride.

“That sounds impressive but what are the Equestria Games?” Enyi was now confused.

“Just know only the best of the best get in so you know it's legit.” I told the confused Zebra.

“I see.” Enyi said sounding somewhat satisfied, “So, is that all then?”

“Well he taught me all the basics, you know math, science et cetera.” I started to think again to all of the lessons Grit had taught me over the years, “I have a pretty good grasp of Equestrian history and I do even know some Zebra history as well.”

“Zebra history?”

“Well Grit didn't teach me much in that but do know a tiny bit about Abila and there was that old book I found but I can't even begin to read the weird language inside it.” as I said this I almost reached into my saddlebag to grab that very book out but some feeling deep inside of me told me not to so I quickly stopped myself.

“How much did Grit tell yo..” before Enyi could finish his sentence Grit and jackpot suddenly stopped moving forward and stuck both of their wings out in a gesture for us to stop.

“Grit, what is it?” I said running up to him.

“Somethings following us.” Grit said as he turned back to ensure everypony heard him.

Indeed as I began to look around I could hear something shuffling around on the ground some distance behind us. I looked back and saw several of the trees in a spot some distance from us begin to shake and stir for what seemed like several minutes before they calmed down. We gathered closer together and began to move forward at a slower pace in order to keep watch easier. Soon enough we could see the eyes of whatever was following us peer through the darkness of a patch of trees some distance to our side.

“Whatever it is, its fast.” I said to Grit.

“And big.” Jackpot added in, staring at the pair of eyes watching us from the darkness of the deep jungle.

“Adinagwo.” I just barely heard Enyi whisper to himself.

“What?” I said back to him.

“It's a Pyth.” Grit whispered into my ear.

I had read enough Dash Venture books to know what a Pyth was and enough to know that there are few animals in the world as dangerous. They were like snakes but much bigger and I do mean much bigger. Grit would tell me stories about some whose heads were as big as him and with equally large fangs. They had large leathery wings attached to their backs and while they couldn't fly they used the wings to leap large distances at surprisingly fast speeds. They were also known to spit corrosive acid from their mouths that they used to hunt large prey and according to some the acid could even melt dragon scales. None of us were eager to meet this beast so we quickened our pace with Grit and Jackpot carrying Enyi and me as high as they could get with the thick canopy above our heads blocking their ascent.

The forest had grown dark, especially since it was now getting late out and the few sun beams that penetrated the trees began to fade away. Even as Enyi and I watched out for the Pyth I couldn't help but begin to feel afraid as my vision seemed to fade away with the sunlight. I couldn't help but think that if this Pyth did attack we wouldn't even be able to see it until it was too late which by then it could have easily eaten us. But I knew Grit had experience with these beasts before, I mean in book seven, Dash Venture and the Ivory Temple (my personal favorite in the series), he had fought off four Pyth single hoofedly and come out on top. And while I know some of the events in those books were exaggerated they were still mostly true so Grit should be able to face one even if he is a bit older now than he was at the time.

“Yer a tad bit heavier than ya look, ain't ya.” Jackpot said after we had flown some distance with him carrying Enyi, “Are all of you Zebra like this or are you just weird?” Jackpot began to descend as he panted heavily trying to stay aloft.

“Perhaps if you were stronger, we could fly longer.” Enyi said while kicking down with his hind legs in a vain attempt to help Jackpot stay airborne.

“We’ve gone a fair distance and I don't see any signs of the Pyth having followed us this far!” Grit called out to the slowly sinking pair, “This area seems a bit more open than anywhere else and we should start to set up camp!” Grit now began to lower me to the ground after Jackpot and Enyi had already hit the ground.

The area we had landed was indeed somewhat of a small clearing although calling it a clearing was a bit generous. It was more like a patch of not so dense undergrowth that was slightly more open than anywhere else. Luckily grit was a good planner and we had packed everything we needed to set up a camp. All of our saddlebags were filled with various items needed to start a fire, set up several tents and we even had some preservable food with us that would last until we arrived at the site.

“Once we set up I want Jackpot to take a watch for a while to make sure we don't get any unwanted surprises while we sleep!” Grit yelled out to us while we worked to set up our camp.

“But I'm already exhausted!” Jackpot protested.

“Don't be such a baby, we'll switch off in a few hours then you can get some sleep!” Grit shouted back to him.

“Why can't Enyi or the kid take the first watch, we certainly carried them far enough that they should be well rested!” Jackpot sounded annoyed at Grit's decision.

“Because this is Ivory's first time out and if you payed attention you would see that Enyi is already asleep!” sure enough Enyi had already finished setting up his tent and was snoring away inside of it. This elicited some grumbling from Jackpot but he eventually did as Grit had instructed him and perched himself on top of an overhanging tree to the side of the camp once he had finished his work. As he sat down on a branch I saw him take out another flask from his saddlebag and take several large gulps from the liquid inside, reminding me of how thirsty I was.

It was definitely night out at this point as Grit and I were sitting in the center of our ring of tents around a small fire eating some nuts and drinking some of the water he had packed for us. Enyi had come out of his tent after Jackpot had been secured as the first watchpony but was sitting some ways off writing in a journal he had brought. Jackpot was still in his tree looking rather grumpy and uncomfortable but still with an alert look on his face as he stared out into the shadows created by our fire.

“This fire is sure to attract something so I think its time to put it out and get ready for bed.” Grit said standing up from where he had been sitting.

“Sounds like a good Idea.” I said shoving a pile of dirt we had set up to put the fire out into our small fire pit. I patted it down to make sure there were no embers left and then moved to enter my tent.

“Don't worry Jackpot, I'll be out in about an hour to take your watch!” Grit yelled over to Jackpot who just waved his hoof to acknowledge he heard Grit.

I laid down on the small mat I had packed as my bed only to notice just how uncomfortable and lumpy it seemed, “Great, I must have set my tent up on a root or something.” I said to myself. I squirmed around for several minutes before coming to the conclusion that sleep was impossible in such conditions. After only a short while I got up to go to the bathroom, only to realize there wasn't one and the realization I would have to go into the jungle was not super appealing. Nevertheless I ventured out of my tent and began to walk past Grit's when I heard arguing inside of it. The voices were clearly Grit and Enyi and while I knew eavesdropping was rude I heard the mention of my name and curiosity compelled me to listen.

“And the need to bring her along was how pressing?” I heard Enyi say.

“She was finding things out on her own and I thought that her staying with me would be the safest bet.” Grit's voice answered back.

“So bringing somepony as inexperienced as her to literally the most dangerous jungle in the world was your idea of safe!” Enyi sounded slightly upset, “If that monster had attacked you know I can't fight so you and...and don't even get me started on HIM....would have to protect me and your little pupil!” I could tell Enyi wanted to yell but he was trying to stay quiet, obviously to no avail.

“Jackpot was the best choice, you know how they trust him and besides he is very capable when he needs to be, or whenever he isn't drunk off that cider he keeps drinking, which he promised to keep to a minimum here!” Grit was yelling in a hushed tone as well.

“It's not his capability I'm worried about, you know my peoples feelings on him in particular, I mean why take the chance when you were barely let back here for your little project!” Enyi certainly didn't sound happy.

“And I think its time to let Ivory in on the plan, I promise we can trust her.” Grit said in a begging tone, “Shes a good kid and she might even be able to help us down the road.”

I wanted so badly to know what they were talking about but then suddenly Jackpot soundlessly swooped down and picked me up, plopping me down back near my tent.

“You probably don't want to hear the rest of that conversation right now.” he said rather seriously.

“What were they talking about Jackpot?” I knew he knew and I was beginning to feel upset at all these plans about this trip I was seemingly unaware of.

“They will tell you when they want to tell you, it isn’t my place to go blabbing Grit's little secrets.” Jackpot responded rather aloofly.

It was now that I realized that I still needed to use the bathroom so I excused myself from the conversation and turned around the other way towards the forest when I realized I would have to wait a little longer. Jackpot had a small lamp with him and the light from it just reached the edge of the camp where I had happened to turn to when I saw the pair of piercing green eyes staring back at me from the jungles edge. Jackpot immediately noticed it and swept me up while shouting for help as the large Pyth leapt out of the brush just barely missing Jackpot and me by mere inches. The beasts body hit the ground with a large and loud thud, completely crushing my tent underneath it's massive bulk. The lamp still lie at the beasts side and allowed me to see it's massive head which was at least as big as me if not slightly larger.

Grit and Enyi ran out of the tent and gazed in utter surprise and fear as the massive Pyth slithered across the camp. Enyi managed to leap away as Grit bolted into action, buzzing around the beasts head faster than it could catch him. Jackpot threw me to the ground and speedily flew up, smashing into the side of the monsters head while it was distracted following Grit. I had landed in several bushes only ending up getting tangled in the thick vines which grew entangled with the foliage. By the time I had gotten free Grit and Jackpot were flying circles around the slower moving body of the massive snake. I crawled around the edge of our ruined camp until I literally stumbled on top of Enyi who had been huddled under a log away from the fight.

“Wait, your hiding!” I said pretty much forgetting his no fighting comment from his talk with Grit.

“To fight is not why I am here, but for their victory I will certainly cheer.” Enyi said almost quivering as he spoke.

“Are you ok?” I asked hearing the fear in his voice. Enyi pointed towards the action and now even I could see what we were fighting.

It was even bigger than I had imagined as the Pyth's long body extended beyond the edge of our camp and out into the dense foliage of the jungle. Grit and Jackpot looked almost small when compared to the behemoth they were currently flying circles around. I thought to myself that I should join the fight but when I tried to move my legs I found that they wouldn't move. There was nothing wrong with them and they weren't trapped under anything but they just wouldn't move. I looked back at the fight and realized I was breathing heavily and starting to sweat more than the humidity of the jungle normally would allow. I was scared and I mean very scared; so scared in fact that my body was refusing to move from this hiding spot. The Pyth must have sensed this or something because it suddenly turned its head towards me and Enyi.

In a quick burst of speed I didn't expect from something its size The Pyth's wings spread out creating a gust of wind that blew Grit and Jackpot back far enough to give it's head some space. Its large gaping mouth opened wide as a green viscous liquid shot forth from several glands located on its lower mouth towards me and Enyi. What a time to not be able to move this was, I knew what that liquid was and I knew that if it touched me I would actually die. A Pyth's venom could burn through buildings let alone an unprotected pony like me and I was sitting there, paralyzed with fear and about to get slathered in the stuff.

“Watch out!” Enyi shouted as he moved just in time to grab me and pull me out of the way of a direct hit. A small portion hit the edge of one of Enyi's saddlebags which quickly disintegrated the bag and most of its contents which included some food and other supplies.

I landed on top of Enyi and once again finding myself unable to move could only focus on the fact that now I was pinning the Zebra and the next shot would likely kill Enyi and myself. Luckily that didn't happen as Grit and Jackpot each slammed their hind hooves into the side of the Pyth's face with Grit landing a blow directly into the beasts eye. The Pyth hissed in pain as it swung the front of it's body towards the two Pegasi knocking them each to the ground. It opened its mouth and charged straight towards the two downed ponies and missed by mere inches as they recovered and slid out of the way of the beasts gaping mouth. The Pyth lashed out destroying what was left of our camp and lifting up the front of it's great bulk smashed down on top of Grit as he still lay there on the ground. Grit only got his tail hit this time but it was enough to trap him there as the serpent went in for the kill. Enyi however had taken out a small vial from his saddlebag which he had hastily picked from the ruin of his tent and threw it at the lagging body of the giant snake. The liquid within emitted a foul and rank odor that suddenly threw the great monster into a frenzy as it turned it's head from Grit and smashed it into the ground.

The Pyth now hissed with a great rage and in one deft swish flapped its great wings and darted back into the jungle with its massive tail lagging behind finally allowing us to see its full length.

“Th..th..that thing must have been eighty feet long!” I said still almost too terrified to speak.

“More like seventy.” Grit said as he arose from the ground with a groan, “I forgot how big they can get.”

Jackpot was just laying on the ground several feet from Grit taking another swig from his flask as he also rose from the ground, “What was in that jar, it smelled like something that died and sat in the sun for a month.”

“Enyi crept forward, still shaking a little from his experience, “It was...” he paused to take a breath, “It was a concoction the villagers made. They deal with these things fairly often and so gave me some of these foul smelling potions to ward off any we might encounter.”

“Ivory, are you ok!” Grit yelled at me as I was still laying on the ground where Enyi had dumped me when he made his dash towards the tent.

“By the fucking princesses you were useless!” Jackpot groaned as he stretched out his slightly bent wing.

“Watch your language for Celestia's sake, please!” Grit shouted back at jackpot.

Jackpot was right though, I had been completely useless in that situation. For years I had read stories of Grit fighting monsters and always just assumed I could do the same when the time comes but actually seeing on up close and seeing what it could do just terrified me.

“I’m alright.” I said still breathing even more heavily than Enyi as I finally got my legs to move again albeit slowly. “I'm sorry I couldn't help, I was just...it was just that...” I couldn't finish.

“It's ok Ivory, when I first saw one of those things I did exactly what you did just now.” Grit said trotting over to give me a hug.

“But in your books you just fought them off like nothing.” I said somewhat surprised at his comment.

“You know plenty well that not everything I did ended up in those books...lets just say my less than heroic moments have been mostly omitted.” Grit sounded very sad as he said that.

“Well our camp is pretty much destroyed.” Jackpot pointed out, looking at the ruined tents and destroyed provisions.

When Grit went over to inspect his tent I saw my saddlebags sticking out from the smashed remains of my own tent. As I hobbled over I was very relieved to see that the book on Abila was still intact as well as the bracelet. I looked back over at the others and saw that jackpot was helping Enyi look through his own ruined tent grabbing a small box which Enyi said held the several remaining vials of the smelling ooze.

“You Zebras are supposed to be pretty good at the whole potion stuff,” said Jackpot, “So if we needed could you whip up some more?” the now clearly exhausted Pegasus asked.

“I'm afraid I could never master the motions, for it is very difficult to produce these potions.” Enyi said with some disappointment.

“That's just great, a novice adventurer who freezes up and a Zebra who cant do the one thing they are supposed to be best at, well were fucked.” Jackpot grumbled as he plopped himself down on the now dirty mat he pulled from under his tent.

Grit just sighed at this and pulled his own mat from the wreckage of his ten, “Get some sleep Jackpot, I'll stay up and keep watch for now.”

Jackpot was happy to do just that as he pulled his own downed tent over himself like a blanket and quickly fell asleep. I went and sat down next to Grit as I was now way too terrified to sleep myself while Enyi joined Jackpot in going to sleep for the night.

“Grit what were you and Enyi talking about right before the monster attacked?” I wearily asked Grit.

“I'll tell you all about it when we get home ok.” Grit said with a smile.

I took a deep breath, “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have frozen up like that.”

“Don't worry about it, everyone is like that in the beginning, even Jackpot was if the stories are true.” Grit said giving me a reassuring pat on the back.

“What stories?” I asked.

“Well everyone has those embarrassing newbie stories about messing up and he is no exception.” Grit said laughing a little.

“You know any!” I said feeling less afraid than before.

Grit straightened up and began to talk, “Well, when I first met him he was face first in a pile of manure...”