"Who in their right mind would live in a place like this?"

Trixie observed the intimidating surroundings of the Everfree Forest as she questioned the sanity of the resident they were on their way to visit. Thick branches loomed overhead, blocking out any trace of the bright sunlight, effectively creating a secluded night inside the looming trees. Trixie tried hard to mask the nervousness that the gloomy thicket instilled in her, the presence of a purple unicorn to her side made this task easier. The accompanying yellow pegasus was not unwelcome either.

"The Everfree Forest is quite a dangerous place, but Zecora has lived here safely for a long time," Twilight explained. "We are just here to grab that book off her, it shouldn't take long"

"So long as you stick to the most direct path, and keep your guard up, the trip to Zecora's hut is never too much trouble," a soft voice interjected.

"Exactly," Twilight agreed, "but I always like to have Fluttershy with me when she is able. There is nopony else you want more by your side in a place like this." Twilight's compliment caused a redness to creep into Fluttershy's cheeks, which she tried to hide behind her pink mane.

"Why is that?" Trixie asked dubiously, failing to see what the demure pegasus had to offer in a dangerous situation.

"Fluttershy has an incredible talent that allows her to communicate with animals!" Twilight explained with a smile. "She can get almost any creature to listen to her."

"Twilight, please..." Fluttershy squeaked.

"Oh come on Fluttershy, you're amazing, you should realise that!"

Talk to animals? Trixie pondered. She began to wonder if everyone Twilight kept in her company had some form of incredible ability. A pang of self-conscious jealousy hit her chest.

"Are we nearly there?" she grumbled with a frown.

"Yup, its just a few more—"

Twilight was cut off by a sudden ground shaking rumble. The tremor stopped the three ponies in their tracks, accompanied by a growling that made Trixie's heart sink in her chest. Her limbs turned to ice, freezing her on the spot as her memory dragged the familiar sound from the dark recesses of her mind.

"Is... is that..." Twilight stammered as her mind also recognised the terrifying growl that emanated from the tree's.

"I think it may be best if we get moving!" Fluttershy suggested.

"I agree... Trixie?!" Twilight turned to see the blue magician trembling on the spot. "Trixie! We need to move!"

Her cries seemed to pass completely over the terrified unicorn, who continued to stare blankly into the trees in front of her, her mind flashing back to the first night she spent in Ponyville. Her nightmares since that day now materialised in front of her.

From the dark void held between the thick brown trunks of The Everfree's flora, two dark yellow eyes glared back at Trixie. As they approached, a swirling blue aura dotted with glowing white orbs formed a snout below them, followed by a set of razor-sharp teeth. Trixie watched, helpless, unable to take any control of her own body as the remainder of the gigantic Ursa Minor's body revealed itself from the black void. The last thing Trixie heard before darkness clouded her vision was Twilight screaming her name once again.

*

"Twilight! She's waking up!"

A soft, muffled voice, as if underwater, entered Trixie's ears as she awakened, followed by an array of sharp scents that assaulted her nostrils. As her vision cleared, she made out a ceiling comprised of tree-bark, and a strange bubbling noise coming from the center of the room.

"Oh! Trixie can you hear me?" Twilight dashed to her friend's side, taking her hoof in her own.

"Wah... where am I?"

"You're safe, we're in Zecora's hut."

Trixie's eyes shot open as she recalled her last memory

"That monster!" she screamed, leaping forward from the bed she lay upon.

"Its ok!" Twilight placed her hoof on Trixe's chest, pushing her back onto the bed. "You're ok, me and Fluttershy were able to get you here. We are really lucky she was with us, that could have been nasty if she wasn't there to help."

"I... what happened?"

"You passed out Trixie."

"I..." Trixie's heart sank as she felt shame with the weight of a ton of bricks fall on her chest. She couldn't think of anything to say, her mind in shock from the revelation of her weakness. She felt completely worthless.

"I think we should get you home," Twilight said with deep concern. "Thank you so much for your help Zecora."

"Anytime, my pony friends," Zecora responded with a wide smile from behind her cauldron, one of her many potions brewing within.

"Can you walk Trixie?" Twilight asked.

Trixie nodded in silence, placing her hooves shakily to the floor.

"Ok, just say if you need any help," Twilight instructed.

Trixie remained unresponsive, the weight of her misery causing her head to hang low as she trudged alongside Twilight towards the exit of the wooden hut.