Before I could strike at the bear I needed to acquire a body, as I was currently inhabiting a section of the ground. For a moment I was a little confused as to what I could do in this situation, and then I felt something shift. My awareness of self which had been distributed over a larger area, condensed down to a single, vaguely humanoid shape. It was difficult to describe, but was akin to going from being a semi liquid blob of sentience to something more solid.

Once my awareness was in a single more realized spot, I focused simply on freeing myself from the earth. I assumed this would be a herculean effort given how tough the resistance of rock normally was, but that didn't turn out to be the case. Instead of having to smash my way out, I simply shrugged off the weight which had settled on my shoulders. I then stepped up and pushed the last of the earth which had hung from my side, the dirt chunk crumbling when it hit the ground.

“Much better,” I muttered to myself.

I took a moment to look myself over, resisting the urge to immediately charge in to help the ponies. What I found was a relatively normal form that differed from a human’s in the way that it was made of rock and stood at a good fifteen feet tall. I could also feel a band of minerals running through my midsection, giving me a small extra layer of protection.

With that done, I balled my fists, and began sprinting towards the bear who had yet to notice my presence. Between us was only a thin layer of trees protecting the small dirty grove I had risen from and the cave area beyond. The immature saplings stood no chance of surviving my charge, and crunched loudly under my weight.

This however, did get the bear’s attention, and it turned away from the cave just in time to catch a shoulder to the face. I hit the animal like a runaway freight train, slamming it into the stone wall with enough force to send rocks tumbling down from further up the side. I could feel something crack within the beast, and it released a great howl of agony, but it was not the one hit kill I expected.

The creature’s hide was incredibly tough, and even several tons of stone hitting it did little. I wasn't about to let up with only a single hit however, and while it was still reeling I stepped back and slugged it in the face. Stone chipped, and its skull bounced audibly off the stone wall, but it didn't go limp, though I could feel something organic crunch under the impact.

A second later and it turned to roar at me, though the effect lost some of its intimidation due to the fact that its jaw hung limply. No matter how powerful the creature’s voice was it would never dissuade me, and I responded by punching the beast in the stomach. The force of the blow temporarily lifted the enormous creature’s feet from the ground, and when it landed it stumbled for a moment.

With the air driven from its lungs, the bear heaved and swiped at me, though the attack was half hearted. I made no attempt to dodge, and merely trusted that my rocky hide would work, which it did. Though even then, I was a bit surprised when I felt a good chunk of stone go flying from my bulk, knocked loose by the attack.

With that in mind I redoubled my efforts to kill the beast quickly, delivering a series of cross strikes to its head. Knocked back and forth, with repeated, thunderous cracks, I saw teeth, spittle and blood go flying with each hit. My confidence was shattered when the bear growled, and charged me, shocking me enough to leave me unable to respond in time.

The beast knocked me down, dropping me to the ground and pinning me under its massive bulk. Though it wasn't much larger than I, the magical monster was somehow even heavier than me. Left with few options, I punched its sides, but found that with so little wiggle room, I couldn't build up enough force to do much damage.

The bear ignored my attacks, and focused on retalitating against me. With one huge paw holding my right arm down, it swiped away at the free limb, hewwing off large sections. Within seconds the entire limb was almost ready to come free from my body, triggering a sense of desperation in me.

“You can do it Gaea!” Screamed a young pony child. “You can beat that stupid evil bear!”

The kid’s cry of encouragement was met with a resounding yell of affirmation, with nearly every pony shouting something similar. I wanted to tell them to run while they could, but was distracted by a feeling of warmth filling my chest. With it came renewed strength, and a resolve that was almost intimidating in its raw intensity, even to me.

With that urge filling me, I shifted my legs under the bear, and before it could react, heaved it over my head. Sending the thing flying, its cries of rage turning into a confused yelp as it slammed through a tree and into the ground. Where it scrambled and tried to get its footing under it, only to topple back over almost immediately.

I counted my lucky stars, and hopped back up, my one arm nearly falling right off my body. I ignored that however, and merely continued on, charging at the animal before it could gather its bearings.

Once more my shoulder met its gut, only this time I followed through, driving it to the ground before leaping atop its back. Again I rained blows down up the beast, though this time I was a bit more targeted in my attacks. Each time my fists descended, I aimed them at the base of the bear’s skull, causing the creature to become disoriented.

Its claws raked the ground, and its cries grew panicked, the bear flailing wildly as it tried to throw me off. With my legs wrapped around its midsection, I was not going anywhere however, and I continued punching down on it. Even after my entire left arm cracked and fell off due to the abuse, I kept punching it with every last bit of strength I had.

That lasted only a few more seconds, as my steed began to run wildly into the woods while bucking like an enraged bull. I struggled to stay on while still hitting it so I resorted to just bringing down the bottom of my fist against what I hoped was its spine. Each strike had enough force to send shockwaves through the beast, though it wasn't laid low by the attacks.

Instead, it just continued to sprint off into the forest, slowing on occasion to try and toss me off. Its efforts were largely wasted, until I struck the branch of a rather impressively large tree with dark green bark. Then I was sent flying, knocked clean off the animal’s back and onto the ground with a great thump, the ground rumbling due to the force of my fall.

I leaped back into a stand, fist cocked back and ready to strike.

The bear did not return however, and I could hear its great bulk trundling through the forest away from me. Partially invisible, it’s bulk was shrouded by the canopy, and the uneven, rocky terrain that I found myself in. Even still, I could tell from the rumbling in the ground that it was not intent on returning, no matter how close it had come to lunch.

Loosening my stance, I walked back to the cave, and found that the ponies had remained there, waiting for my arrival. The second they saw me, a cheer went up, and I felt a bit more strength enter my very weary body. This was all I needed to stand a little straighter, the sting of almost losing my first real fight fading by the second.

“She did it! I knew she would!” cried the same young pony from before.

An older, middle aged, and slightly effeminate stallion stepped forward, a wide smile on his face.

“I can't believe Earthbreak’s stories were true. I thought for sure you were just some old wive’s tale passed down by that dogmatic grandmother of his,” he exclaimed in a slightly reverential tone.

I looked him up and down, noting that he looked a little ragged, with his light pink coat having been scuffed and one eye sporting a large bruise. He was also rather slim, and had the physique of someone who wasn't exactly in the most physically demanding field. He also wore what looked like an old uniform consisting of a red shirt with a white collar and cuffs at the top of his forelegs. His tail was almost completely missing, while his similarly wheat colored mane remained intact, its curls hanging down his neck. I could also see that upon his flanks were a pair of crystals accompanied by two notes beside each of the stones.

Despite his appearance, the young stallion’s golden eyes gleamed with hope, and a small bit of trepidation. As did the rest of the adults, who looked up at me and no doubt wondered if their prayers had been answered. Or if I was something out of their nightmares.

“I have been sleeping,” I announced, my voice rumbling through the ground. “I am sorry, my son.”

“Daughter, actually and the name’s Crystal Cadance,” corrected the pink earth pony.

“Apologies. It seems as though that bear knocked a few screws loose,” I replied.

“What happened to the others?” asked another of the adults.

“They are protected,” I answered. “Your pursuers have been… dealt with.”

“Then were finally safe?” whispered one of the children.

“Not quite yet,” I declared. “First we must return you to your fellows. Follow me.”

“Wait!” Crystal called. “We have injured.”

I followed their gaze back to the cave and saw that a trio of ponies lay awkwardly at the far end. One sported a broken leg, and no other injuries, while another had nearly been disemboweled. The last of the three was suffering the most grevious of injuries, as they were missing both of their forelegs. None of them was looking particularly good, but it was the final two that garnered my sympathy, and curried my rage.

For a moment I felt the urge to chase down that bear and give it another few thumps, but I restrained that desire. Instead I focused on the three ponies at the back, silently appreciating the fact that their fellows had tried so hard to help them.

“Bring them out,” I commanded, gesturing to the cave. “I will carry them to your camp, but not until I’ve guided the rest of you out of the forest.”

“But mister Short Sale is hurt real bad,” whispered one of the younger colts.

“I cannot sacrifice all of you for one,” I declared simply. “So gather yourselves quickly and be ready to run.”

I didn't think my command would be headed, only to be surprised when several ponies broke off and headed to the cave. There they started to gather up the injured as best they could, their movements gentle, and restrained. While they worked, I knelt down and extended my hand onto the ground, pressing my stony fingers together.

A few seconds later the three injured ponies were hauled onto my open palm, with the majority of the helpers leaving. All save for Crystal Cadance, who hesitated, glancing back at the most injured of the trio.

“Are you a doctor?” I asked.

“Singer actually, but during the siege I was trained as a nurse,” Crystal Cadance answered.

“Good enough. Hop on,” I stated.

The earth pony nodded, taking position next to the unconscious double amputee and elevating his front half up slightly. With that done, I rose up, and brought my hand close against my chest so that they wouldn't accidentally fall off.

“Follow in my footsteps, and shout if you see anything amiss,” I declared. “I should be intimidating enough to keep the beasties off our trail but that doesn't mean you can be idle.”

“We won't,” declared another of the adults.

“Good, then we run,” I replied.

Immediately after declaring that I began to lightly jog back in the direction of the mountain. My thunderous footsteps were followed by nearly a hundred much smaller ones which were hot on my heels. I turned my head around to find that though my pace was brisk, the ponies were keeping up with me.

The children had been stowed on the backs of their parents or caretakers, while pegasi took to the sky. Each and every one of the ragged survivors were tired, exhausted even, but they marched onwards without complaint. Burdened by almost any supplies at all, they were moving quickly, and thankfully none fell behind.

Confident that they werent about to run into trouble, I turned my head back around and looked down at my charges. Who all looked to be in about the same state as before, with only the unicorn with the broken leg at least somewhat conscious. He was, however, struggling, and seemed to be either in shock, or recovering from it, as his head occasionally lolled weakly on his neck.

“Is there anything else you can do for them?” I asked.

“No,” Crystal Cadance replied. “I’m afraid the most I can do is keep their bandages tight, and try to stop them from bleeding out.”

I hummed thoughtfully. “Tell me about them.”

Crystal Cadance smiled as she straightened the crippled stallion’s mane. “This older gentleman was at one time the most ruthless business pony in the city, though that all changed during the siege.”

“Oh? Do tell,” I encouraged, hoping to distract a bit from the grim circumstances we found ourselves in.

“It was like a switch was flipped in Short Sale’s mind,” Crystal Cadance muttered. “He donated every last gold peice he had, and then emptied his storehouses, giving everything he had to the people. Then he went around the city, pulling strangers out of rubble, singing to children, and generally doing whatever he could to help. Even when facing the bear, he still risked his life to save little Tippy Taps, though he lost his forelegs in the process.”

“Sometimes we only show our true selves when under pressure,” I remarked.

“I suppose so,” Crystal Cadance agreed.

I didn't pay her anymore attention, and left her to tend to the wounded while I observed our surroundings a little closer. I was pleased to find that every living thing that wasn't a pony, gave us a wide, fearful berth. Birds scattered at the sound of my footsteps along with small predators and anything with functional legs for that matter.

The rest of my charges were also sticking close, and after counting them all to confirm this, I relaxed slightly. Turning back to the front I noted that we were nearing the forest’s edge, and that there were few creatures that stood in our way. What few remained were swiftly moving away, either that or taking wing and ascending up, into the clouds.

I wanted to pick up speed, and to start running the last thirty odd miles back to base but restrained myself. That was until I entered the plains fully, along with the rest of the ponies, their number unchanged since when I found them. I didn't like leaving them, but it was unlikely that they would face any more challenges, these three however were far from out of the woods.

“Hold on,” I whispered.

Crystal Cadance nodded.

I put my head down, pulled my hand a little closer, and began to sprint with all the speed I could muster. Dust was kicked up along with large clumps of dirt the size of a pony. The earth trembled beneath me, and I knew that my coming could be heard for miles in all directions.

Subtlety was not my strong suit however, nor did I have a reason to try and change that now.

So I continued on, running up towards the rest of the refugees with all the haste I could muster. I could even feel the reserve of energy I had, beginning to fade somewhat, as my stride was boosted by whatever magic I could muster. My metaphorical tank was beginning to grow empty, and my vision was starting to blur slightly, but I did not get up.

From one plate to another I leapt, jumping straight over the minor obstacles in a single bound. In no time at all I had reached the top, where the rest of the survivors had fearfully assembled. Upon seeing me return, they initially qualed in confusion and a small amount of fear, though that all turned to shock when I placed my hand upon the ground.

“Do we have any medical supplies or bandages?” Crystal Cadance immediately demanded. “Short Sale doesn't have all day!”

“Right away dear!” Earthbreak replied. “You heard the mare, grab what little we got left and make it snappy.”

I breathed a non existent sigh of relief, and laid down on the ground, watching as the various ponies scurried about. First aid boxes were pulled from the caves, a space was cleared, and the three injured ponies were being tended to.

I watched as the stallion with the broken leg was stablized before being knocked out by a mix of smelling salts. The mare with the deep claw marks in her belly had her bandages changed, and a potion gently deposited down her throat. This seemed to stop the majority of the bleeding, and turned her twitching, restless sleep into something far more restful.

Mister Short Sale on the other hand, was not doing quite so well, and was shaking vigorously. Not only that but his face was pale, and though his eyes were open, they stared right through me. I could tell that they were running out of options too, as the few ponies with medical experience began to bicker with one another.

A single glance at Crystal Cadance was enough to tell me that there was little hope left for the stallion. The singer’s gaze was distant, and she stared down at the broken male with pity in her golden orbs.

That won't do. I can't let someone die on my first day on the job. I thought to myself. Though I’m not exactly sure what I could do in this instance.

Magic had to be the answer, and though I didn't know how exactly it would fix things, I was determined to try. After all, it seemed to react to my will, rather than some formula, ritual or secret words.

So I reached forward with a single rocky finger, and pressed it against the stallion’s chest. I then pushed as hard as I could, giving nearly everything I had to the fallen male. For a moment I thought the effort had been wasted, as he continued to twitch and spasm, blood pooling around him.

Then something changed, and his stumps shed their bandages, a thick scab of crystal covering them completely. His eyes closed, his body stilled, and his sporadic breaths became slow, measured, healthy. A bit of color returned to his face as well, though I knew instinctively that he wasn't quite out of the woods yet.

That was all I could do however, as I was growing weary, my body becoming so heavy that my head thumped against the ground. I tried to hold on, to stay awake, but within moments I felt my consciousness slip away, swallowed by the blissful embrace of sleep. Leaving me with one final view of the confused and scared faces of my flock, as well as the serene smile on Short Sale’s lips.

Worth it. I thought.

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