Chapter 1 – Unexpected Recruit

A hoof swung the door open allowing a soft breeze to flow into the office, as a sparkling light blue mare walked into the room. She walked up to the counter and put her hoof on the bell, ringing the bell in order to get some service, as there was no pony behind the counter. The ringing bell drew the attention of Fountain Pen, who was out the back. She walked into the front office to see who rang the bell, and she saw a nice bright blue mare standing in front of the desk. “Hello and welcome to the Venture League, I’m Fountain Pen. How can we help you today?” Fountain Pen said as she greeted the light blue mare.

“Hey I’m here in need of some help, a friend told me I can acquire special help from the Venture League.” The light blue pony said hoping that this time she had found a place that could help her.

“Well why not come out the back with me, um?” Fountain said waiting for the blue pony’s name.

A little embarrassed that she forgot to introduce her self, the blue pony looked up at Fountain Pen. “Oh sorry how could I forget to introduce myself. I’m Clover Leaf nice to meet you Fountain Pen.”

Fountain Pen and Clover Leaf walked through the door on the side, heading for the briefing room at the end of the hallway. Walking down the hallway Clover Leaf saw a huge vibrant environment, full of all kinds of different ponies doing different jobs. Some of them looked like the adventuring kind, others looked handy with tools and mechanical work, while some ponies studied and provided information. Fountain Pen guided Clover to a room far down the hallway. “Please in here Miss Clover,” Fountain Pen said as she opened a door.

Clover walked in and took a seat on one of the comfy pillows on the ground near the table as Fountain closed the door behind her and sat down. “So let’s get right to it, as we are not normally ponies for formalities,” Fountain said, taking out her notepad.

“Well Fountain I really need help tracking down some rare plants in the Ever Free Forest, as these Wattle Lilies are really hard to find. I normally grow them in my greenhouse, but the recent heatwave we just had here in Canterlot made the last lot of Wattle Lilies I had shrivelled up and die,” Clover said as she looked a little worried.

“Hmm I do see that could be a problem, ‘specially if you use them to help other ponies in need, which I’m sure you do,” Fountain Pen said expressing a little bit of concern.

“Yes that is correct, many a pony depends on my help for a variety of different things. Like a few healing tonics, or a potion to help a plant grow faster.”

Fountain Pen took down a few notes and then got up, pulling a book from the shelf on the side of the room. She turned a few pages in the book while sitting back down at the table. “Miss Clover is this by chance the Wattle Lily you were talking about”, Fountain stated showing a page in the book to Clover.

“Ya that’s the one, the Wattle Lily!” Clover grinned with a huge smile on her face.

“So reckon you’re the ponies who can help me get the flowers, please tell me you can acquire the Wattle Lily for me. I really need this plant back in my greenhouse,” Clover said with eager expectation.

“Ya we can help you, as the Venture League is just the group for the job. But it might hurt you a little, as trips into the Ever Free Forest aren’t cheap. Please understand we don’t charge so many bits to run a profit, but we have equipment, supplies and ponies to pay for. You could be looking at a cost of up to 200 bits,” Fountain Pen stated, adding up costs on her notepad.

“Let me tell you Fountain Pen, price is no object as this plant is too important to not have a healthy supply of.”

“Well in that case drop by in two days, and we’ll have a team ready to roll for you okay sugar,” Fountain Pen said closing up her notepad.

“I got just one more condition. I must go on the trip,” Clover said with the not going to take no for an answer look on her face.

“Well I don’t know, what you would need to go for?” Fountain stated trying to figure out just why Clover would need to go.

“I would be the only pony who could pick out the right sample for my greenhouse, not just any Wattle Lily will do.”

Fountain rubbed the bottom of her neck for a moment thinking about this new condition, “Well okay, as long as you completely follow whatever orders are given to you by the team leader.”

“I can do that, I’m a firm believer that experience brings wisdom, and those who have done this before are much better then me at exploring and travelling.”

Fountain Pen got up off her pillow and walked towards the door. She opened the door and motioned for Clover to head out. “Well in that case pack your supplies, and report back here in two days.”

Clover nodded with a smile on her face, as she trotted out of the Venture League office and headed on home.

Two days had now passed and the shiny blue pony with a four leaf clover for a cutie mark was all hyped up. Not only is the Wattle Lily needed, Clover Leaf would get some fun going with professional adventurers on a huge journey. Clover walked out her door and locked it up as she would be gone a while from her house. With her side saddles full of equipment and supplies for the trip, Clover galloped off down the street heading for the Venture League HQ, with the world’s biggest smile on her face.

Clover barged into the Venture League with her excitement meter full to the brim and feeling ready for just about anything. She ran up to the front desk and impatiently rang the bell several times, as Clover couldn’t wait to get started. Fountain Pen walked into the front office and saw Clover ringing the bell, “Okay, okay little miss impatient, I know you’re eager to get started so come on, your team is ready and waiting in the workshop.”

Clover and Fountain walked down the hallway and into the back part of the complex, where the workshop was housed. The one place in the Venture League HQ that makes all the cool equipment that they use on adventures and for other special uses. As Clover walked into the workshop she saw loads of ponies hammering away or welding metal together, it was like an industrial size workshop. A voice from across the room called out “Oi Fountain, over here, bring Clover over here we can’t wait to get this party started,” the big orange pony with an akubra hat on his head shouted.

“Ease up Ramble, you’re just as impatient as our client today ain’t you,” Fountain Pen said with a giggle in her voice.

Clover and Fountain arrived at a team of ponies standing at the edge of the workshop near a table with gadgets on it. “I must say Clover you got lucky this time,” Fountain stated.

“Why you say that”, Clover said now a little confused, as she tried to figure out why she could be lucky.

“Let me introduce you to the team leader, and also founder and boss of the Venture League Ramble Route, and quite a hansom stallion to boot,” Fountain said as she showed off the great team to Clover.

“Oh come on Fountain, you know I don’t like all that flattery,” Ramble said now blushing a little bit.

“Well too bad boss, we need more publicity and you looking and feeling good is a must,” Fountain said as she blew Ramble a huge raspberry.

Well it was no wonder that Clover’s cutie mark was a lucky four leaf clover, the leader of the whole Venture League personally taking her to grab the Wattle Lilies. Does not get any luckier than that, Clover thought to herself as she walked up to Ramble. She extended Ramble her hoof, “Glad to meet you Ramble Route, I’m Clover Leaf, and I hope this will turn into a fun and rewarding trip for all.”

“I’m honoured mate,” Ramble said as he shook Clover’s hoof up and down. “Okay Clover let me introduce you to the rest of the team here, first we have Far Sight.” Ramble pointed to the purple mare with animal foot prints on her flank for a cutie mark. “She is one of the best trackers in the Venture League, if any pony can help us track down those Wattle Lilies it is her. Plus we also got Circuit, this young filly is fresh out of boot camp, and ready to prove she has got chops,” Ramble stated as he pointed at the little cream coloured filly with a spark symbol on her flank.

Ramble gave Circuit a little wink from his left eye, as he thought to himself, this filly had high potential. “You do enjoy watching the little ones grow and shine don’t you Ramble?” Fountain grinned while smiling at Ramble.

Clover was really pleased that she had a great team to help her get Wattle Lilies, not to mention the great Ramble Route himself to join and lead the team on this adventure. “I can’t believe how good a team you got me Fountain, guess I really do get lucky,” Clover said still excited at the team she scored.

“While we are here step on over Clover,” Ramble said casually.

Clover came over to the bench with some rather weird looking devices on it, “What’s all this stuff for?” Clover asked a little puzzled.

Ramble chuckled to himself for a second, watching Clover get confused by the tools on the bench. “This is all of your specialized equipment Clover, all the equipment you will need to make this adventure.”

At hearing this Clover’s face lit up like a filly in a candy store, “All these gadgets are mine?”

“Yup that’s right mate, let me explain. First this is your navigation equipment in case you get separated from us,” Ramble said picking up some of the tools on the table.

“This is your compass and map, from what we have been able to explore and log of the Ever Free Forest. While this fancy little tool is your magnetic scale, this crazy device points to a preset magnetic location. In this case the magnetic pinpoint I hold on me, so if you get separated from us or other ponies on the team you can follow your magnetic scale and find me,” Ramble said loading the equipment into Clover’s side saddles.

“What more can I say Ramble, I reckon I really am the luckiest pony alive to score a team this amazing for a simple quest to gather some rare plants,” Clover said again impressed at Ramble and the Venture League.

“Save your praise till after we find your Wattle Lilies mate, then feel free to shout us all dinner, I like my carrots cooked please,” Ramble said with a cheeky grin.

Every pony in the room laughed at Ramble and his joke, before they all got saddled up for the long trip ahead. “Ok crew lets roll,” Ramble said marching out the door followed by Far Sight, Circuit and Clover Leaf.

The following day Ramble, Clover, Far Sight and Circuit were all standing at the edge of the Ever Free Forest. Ramble and Far Sight felt right at home, while little filly Circuit and Clover were a little uneasy. The fact that they were hugging each other a little scared was in no way giving this away. “Oh come on you scaredy ponies, most of what you hear really is a rumour, with me and Far here you got nothing to worry about,” Ramble said shaking his head at the scaredy ponies.

The two girls picked themselves up as they all headed into the forest, ready for what ever might come their way. “Okay Far, now it’s your turn, we need you to track down this Wattle Lily for Clover. Ever tracked plants before mate?” Ramble asked hoping Far had past experience.

Far shook her head, as she hardly ever spoke. “Come on Far surely you have tracked something remotely close to a plant before?” Ramble asked with a cheesy grin.

Far focused at Ramble even harder, as she completely stared him down from her powerful gaze. “Okay, okay I get it, come on Far, if looks could kill mate,” Ramble said a little shaken from Far’s stare.

Ramble walked over to Clover and sat down, thinking to himself for a second. “Clover where would we find this kind of plant, the only reason we did no research on this before we left is because you came with us,” Ramble said scratching his head.

“The only place they grow is in shallow waters at ponds and on sides of rivers. The best way to track them down would be to find a swampy area or sources of water. Minus that we ain’t got much to go on, there is a reason why it’s a rare Wattle Lily,” Clover said giggling a bit.

“Far try that swamp we found here last year, the one Brave fell in and we had to save him from.”

Far nodded at Ramble as she moved out leading the way, if anyone could find this swamp it would be Far Sight.

Later that day the crew stopped for lunch, after walking all morning tracking down this swamp. They all opened up their lunch boxes, with tasty flower sandwiches to snack on for lunch. “Well if my memory serves we should reach that swamp in a few hours, provided no interruptions like last time, right Far?” Ramble mumbled with a mouth half full of food.

Far nodded in agreement while stuffing her face with food, as she sat there remembering what happened last time they were here. Clover wondered what could have happened to Ramble and Far last time they were in this part of the Ever Free Forest. “Say Ramble, just what did happen to you last time? It seems to have you a little troubled.”

“Well I will say this about those cheeky….” before Ramble could finish sounds of animals closing in on their position echoed throughout the dense dark forest. “Oh no it is them, quick Far guard the food and supplies,” Ramble yelled pointing to the supplies.

Far jumped into action as the food was snatched from out under her hooves, literally floating in the air and running off. Clover just stood there stunned at what she was seeing, “What the heck is going on here, and how can food just get up and float away like that?”

“Less starring more getting,” Ramble said chasing some of the food.

“But how is the food floating off like that Ramble, food can’t just do that?” Clover stated still a little stunned.

“They’re Chameleon Monkeys Clover, they can camouflage themselves with the surroundings to appear invisible. Look closer you can see blurry outlines in the air, that’s them now go save what is left of our food,” Ramble said pulling out his whip.

Circuit tested her hoof at trying to save some of the food, wrestling one of the monkeys down to the ground. But that cheeky monkey had help, as they tickled Circuit until she let go of the trapped monkey.

Far didn’t fair any better either, with trying to keep track of too many of the monkeys at a time, she got really confused.

Clover gave chase to the stacks of food running off, doing an attempted dive bomb, only to fall flat on her face. The monkey that Clover missed revealed itself only to laugh in her face, as it ate some of the food he had stolen from the ponies. Ramble took full advantage of the situation, using his whip to grab the monkey. Ramble reeled the little monkey in with the food he stole, “Okay you cheeky little bundle of trouble, where is the rest of our food,” Ramble yelled at the chameleon monkey he had wrapped up in his whip.

But it was already too late, most of the food supplies had been carted off by the chameleon monkeys.

All four ponies regrouped and went over what they had left. Enough food for a quick snack and a few basic supplies. “Well things could be worse,” Ramble said as he assessed the situation they were now in. “I have been through much worse scrapes then this, at least we are all well and uninjured,” Ramble said with a cheerful smile that brought a little hope and joy to the crew. “I promise we will make it out of this situation Clover, this is our field of expertise after all,” Ramble stated with a nice big smile.

This put Clover’s heart at ease a little, as the crew moved on for the swamps. Drawing ever closer as they all followed Far Sight, as she zig zagged through the forest following the trail of one thirsty animal. Far Sight could tell they were heading for a water source, and the swamp they were looking for was in the area. So chances are this is where the trail would lead. “See I told you Far Sight was the best tracker around,” Ramble stated patting her on the back. “So Far how long till we reach that swamp?” Ramble asked.

Far turned around and looked at Ramble stomping her hoof three times on the ground. “Three hours hey, that’s great we should be able to make our destination before nightfall”.

In the mean time Clover had become quite chatty with Circuit, she wanted to know more about the young and interesting filly. “So Circuit how did you get your electrical cutie mark?” Clover asked with loads of anticipation.

“Well it was only a month ago I got my cutie mark,” Circuit said becoming a little embarrassed.

“Don’t be shy Circuit, I really want to hear how you got such an interesting cutie mark,” Clover said amazed at the spark symbol on Circuit’s flank. “I have never even seen a cutie make like this before, just what kind of special talent do you have Circuit, you must be one amazing little filly,” Clover said holding her breath for an answer.

“Okay, okay Clover I will tell you just ease up a little,” Circuit said uncomfortably, Clover now literally invading her personal space. “My special talent is electricity, as I know quite a bit about the properties of electricity and how it works,” Circuit stated with a little pride. “I am even learning how to make my own, and I can generate a little at the moment,” Circuit said now not really shy at all, speaking to Clover in a calm manner. “I figured this was my special talent when I got electrocuted a month ago, and figured how to use and generate my own electricity. One day I hope to become an electrician, and help ponies everywhere,” Circuit said now very prideful.

“Wow, you really are an interesting little filly, who would have thought, a pony with skills in electricity,” Clover said with even more interest in Circuit.

“Oi, you two like to keep things down a little, we don’t need to attract anymore attention. You can talk but just keep it down a bit okay girls,” Ramble said with his hoof on his mouth shushing the girls.

Within the next hour our crew was insight of a big, deep and murky swamp which didn’t look inviting at all. Far Sight turned around and held her hoof out, pointing out the nearby swampy area. “Wow there could be loads of Wattle Lilies in an area like this. You really are a great tracker Far,” Clover said as she marched off to go look around the swamp.

Far Sight quickly moved in front of Clover and motioned for her to stop. Clover came to an abrupt stop and now a little confused. Circuit laughed at Clover a little, “Oh you silly Clover you can’t just walk straight into a swamp, there are loads of dangers in a swampy area like this.”

“That’s correct Circuit, glad to see you are learning and growing up into a fine pony”, Ramble said complementing Circuit.

“Oh so sorry every pony, I came real close to making a fool of myself again, sometimes I get excited and I forget myself,” Clover said as she could not stop apologizing.

“Ease up Clover, you got nothing to be sorry for, this is the reason you hired the Venture League to help you after all,” Ramble said as he gave Clover a friendly hoof on the back, which snapped Clover right out of her apologizing mode she was in.

“Um boss, I hate to point this out but all three are all sinking,” Circuit pointed out with her hoof pointing to the ground.

Ramble, Far and Clover all looked below them. “Oh great how could we fall for such a sinking trap,” Ramble grinned trying to make light of the situation.

Far Sight stared down Ramble till he started to sweat with fear, as Far was now more scary than the quicksand they were in. “Ramble I don’t think this is anytime to joke around, now you ponies are the adventuring experts, so start experting us a way out of this quicksand please,” Clover said now yelling at Ramble for help.

All their hooves were trapped in the sand, not one of them could free a hoof to do anything. Ramble thought to himself of an idea that might work. “Um, Circuit, no pressure little filly, but you need to do exactly what I say and we might just get out of this dirty mess we are in,” Ramble said still in control of the situation.

Circuit thought herself ready for the challenge. Thinking to herself, I can handle this situation. “Right boss, ready and willing to help, just tell me what to do,” Circuit said with great excitement.

“Jump on my back and get the rope out of my pack, then go hang the rope over that big branch there. After that you will have to try and pull us out, I hope you’re feeling strong little one,” Ramble said motioning for Circuit to jump over.

Circuit jumped over onto Ramble’s back, and began rummaging through his saddle pack for the rope, “Say Ramble can’t I just tie the rope off and you pull yourself out of the quicksand.”

“That will not work Circuit, I can’t keep climbing a rope with just my mouth. You will have to pull me enough to free a hoof or two,” Ramble said as Circuit found the rope and pulled it out of the pack.

Circuit jumped up in the tree and ran the rope around the branch, then jumped back on the shore in front the quicksand. “Okay Ramble here I go,” Circuit said as she used all the might her little pony body could muster and tried to pull Ramble even a little bit free.

But try as she might Circuit was not strong enough to pull a big pony like Ramble out of the deep murky swamp, and time was not on the crew’s side as they were still slowly sinking. “Okay Circuit it looks like you are not strong enough to pull us out, but never forget a Venture League member is more then just muscle,” Ramble said thinking that even Circuit might have an idea if inspired, as Ramble was plum out of ideas now.

But this did just the trick as Circuit got one brilliant idea, “hang on every pony I’m going to get you out of this mess.”

Circuit ran back to her pack near the tree, and pulled out the blanket she used to sleep with, lucky for her it was one thing the monkeys did not steal. Circuit began to rub it up and down her mane really fast, as she jumped onto Ramble’s back.

“Hey Circuit what are you doing? Get off my back before you make me sink faster,” Ramble said nearly up to his neck in quicksand.

“Just watch boss,” Circuit said with a really calm voice.

This shocked Ramble as he thought to himself, just what could this filly be up to rubbing a blanket on her mane. Circuit’s blanket began to spark a little as she generated a nice chunk of static electricity, enough for a little minor jolt. “Ok that should do it now let’s see if this crazy idea will work,” Circuit said as she placed the blanket close to the quicksand.

The result was quite a surprise to every pony, as the static electricity grounded itself in the quicksand, causing the quicksand to harden slightly. Ramble could feel the ground around him hardening a little “Oi Circuit what did you just do, you crazy little filly,” Ramble said not seeing anything like this before in his life.

“The grounding static electricity should slowly harden the quicksand enough for you to grip it and push yourself out,” Circuit said as she rubbed the blanket on her mane again for another charge into the quicksand.

Circuit again and again charged the quicksand with static, and it worked as Ramble gained enough of a footing to push himself high enough to free a hoof. Ramble grabbed the rope and pulled himself out, as Ramble got ashore out of the quicksand, with Circuit still on his back. “Well I must say Circuit I’m quite impressed, I have never seen anything like that in my whole life,” Ramble stated still quite stunned at what Circuit just pulled off. “But first let’s get the others out of there,” Ramble said as he swung the rope over to Clover.

Using his strong legs Ramble was able to quite easily pull Clover out of the quicksand, followed by Far Sight, as Ramble got both of the girls out of the sand with relative ease. Clover walked over to Circuit giving her a huge mud covered hug, “I think I now have a new hero in my life,” Clover said as she praised Circuit for saving her life.

“I think Circuit will one day be a great and world renowned member of the Venture League, with skills and smarts like that at such a young age,” Ramble said as he rubbed Circuit on the head, even getting zapped a little from some of the static left in her hair.

“But now is not the time for a party, we must keep moving before we lose even more daylight. Far Sight find us a safe path through this swamp, every pony else make sure you follow Far Sight exactly where she walks,” Ramble said as he motioned for Far Sight to move out.

Moving deeper into the murky and now mist filled swamp area of the Ever Free Forest, all four ponies keep pressing on in hopes of finding the Wattle Lilies that Clover needed for her greenhouse supplies. But all ponies were in luck, Clover stopped Far Sight in her tracks and physically forced her face to look to the left. “Look Far they’re over there,” Clover said unable to finish her sentence due to pure excitement.

Far now with a saw neck, slowly turned and looked at what Clover was dancing up and down about. There it was a huge patch of Wattle Lilies, just ripe for the picking. Clover raced over and picked them, putting them in a special bag she brought just for the Wattle Lilies. “What, you have to be kidding me. Those Wattle Lilies were just over there. Just past the quick sand on the other side of that tree,” Ramble said nearly pulling some of his mane out. “Will these Wattle Lilies do to fulfil your need Clover?” Rambled asked really hoping for a yes.

“Ya this should keep me going, until I hit another disaster, like the last one that wiped out my last crop.” Clover said putting the last of them in her special flower bag.

“Right now let’s head back to Canterlot, and get out of this creepy forest please Ramble,” Clover said putting her special flower bag back into her saddle bags.

“You read my mind mate, let’s get out of this forest,” Ramble said as he got Circuit and Far Sight ready to move out.

Far Sight stood there and only stared at the sky, but then shook her head at Ramble. Ramble looked confused for a second, as he tried to figure out what Far could be trying to say. Far walked over to Ramble as she now looked a little annoyed, her hooves grabbed Ramble by the face and pointed his face toward the sky. “Oh, you mean it’s time to set camp up for the night,” Ramble stated while still looking up at the evening sky.

While Ramble was still sitting there staring at the night sky, a hoof came and whacked him upside the head. Far after whacking him gave him an angry looking stare. “Oh right I got ya now,” Ramble said trying to laugh his little mistake off.

“What we’re going to stay here tonight now? I don’t want to spend a night in the spooky forest Ramble,” Clover said half clinging to Far Sight.

“Well Clover we can’t really travel this forest at night, our best chance is to set camp and wait the night out. Don’t worry your self you little scaredy pony, me and Far will be taking watch over the night you will be fine, ain’t that right mate,” Ramble said as he tried to comfort Clover a little.

Far nodded in agreement as she peeled Clover off her back. “Well if you two think so, I guess I got no choice but to bunker down for the night,” Clover said taking off her bags.

“Don’t worry Clover you can sleep with me if you’re still scared tonight,” Circuit said now laughing at Clover. This made Ramble and Far also laugh, as every pony was now setting up camp.

A Few hours later there was a nice fire going, and Ramble came back to the campsite with Circuit as they carried some wood in for the fire. “Hey guys where is Far Sight, she ain’t come back yet?” Clover asked a little worried, as she sat there sorting out what little food they had.

“Don’t worry mate, Far Sight is out getting us some more food to eat. Even in this forest we can find something to munch on tonight,” Ramble said as he smiled at Clover. “Ah and look here she comes now Clover, and it looks like she brought us all dinner, Far you’re my hero mate,” Ramble said as his mouth drooled at all the yummy looking food Far had.

Far smiled as she went to take another bite out of a nice looking yellow and red flower, but before she could Clover raced over and snatched it out of her hoof. “Far please tell me you didn’t eat any of this flower,” Clover said looking real worried.

Far just stood there a little stunned at Clover, as she tried to figure out why Clover was so series all of a sudden. “Never mind I’ll find out my self,” Clover said she opened up Far’s mouth and stuck her head in to have a look.

Clover could smell the flower all over Far’s face, it was obvious to her that the silly tracker had eaten some of that red and yellow flower. “Come on spit it all out, spit it out right now Far!” Clover yelled as she started whacking Far Sight on the back, in an attempt to make her spit that red and yellow flower out of her system.

“Clover what the heck is wrong with you, what did Far eat to make you act like this?” Ramble asked now completely puzzled as to Clover’s current actions.

“You don’t understand, what Far ate was a poison Summer Spike Flower. They may smell irresistible and taste like you’re on cloud nine, when actually the flower is a poison that can kill a pony in hours if not treated properly,” Clover said as she started squeezing Far bear hug style in an attempt to make her cough up the poison substance she just devoured.

Far now didn’t look too happy, as Clover tried to force that flower out of her system. “What this can’t be right. Far doesn’t just die right now,” Ramble said in complete panic.

Clover walked over to Ramble and slapped him across the face hard, “Snap out of it Ramble, now listen up. I’m going to grab a few things I need in the forest to help Far, you stay here and look after her, giving her some water will help,” Clover said dragging Circuit off with her, as she went into the forest.

Clover and Circuit travelled into the forest, in order to find a few plants that might help Far Sight out. “Clover just what are we looking for out here, shouldn’t we stay with Far and help her out?”

“The best thing we can do for Far now is to grab a cure, or at least something that will slow the poison in her. I have the plants at home to cure her, but for now we have to find something,” Clover stated as they marched into the forest looking for any plant that might help.

Circuit did not look too thrilled at all, “But Clover I don’t know anything about plants like you do.”

“An extra set of eyes, couldn’t and never hurts young filly,” Clover said still looking left and right for any plant that might help.

“But Clover it could be like a needle in a, ouch!” the little filly yelled in pain.

Circuit lifted her hoof up to reveal a prickly silver plant, “Ouch that plant really stings, and I mean that literally,” Circuit said holding her hoof up to Clover.

Clover’s eyes lit up like a fireworks display, “Oh Circuit you clever little filly, this is just what we need,” Clover said as she reefed the thorn out of Circuit’s hoof.

“Ouch Clover, what’s with you all of a sudden, getting excited when Far is in need of our help,” said Circuit as she got over the pain of having a prick pulled out at high speed.

“This is a Silver Bristle Thorn plant Circuit, this plant has magical properties and can freeze any poison in a pony for 48 hours,” Clover said picking some more of the plant from the ground. “We have you to thank for this, once Ramble and Far find out what you found I bet thankyou will be the least of the praise you get. Now come on we need to hurry with this treatment for Far,” Clover said rushing off back to the camp.

Circuit followed closely behind, feeling mighty proud of herself.

Clover blasted back into the camp site, completely bowling Ramble over like a strike in a game of ten pin bowling. “Sorry Ramble,” Clover said helping him get up.

“Wow nice strike Clover, now tell me what could be so important you come blasting back in like that mate?” Ramble asked shaking himself back into shape.

“I got a plant that will help Far, this Sliver Bristle Thorn will freeze the poison in her body for 48 hours. Which should buy us enough time, to grab a cure from my greenhouse and cure Far Sight completely and outright,” Clover said showing the plant to a now very happy Ramble.

“Well quick then give it to her,” Ramble said taking the plant from Clover.

Ramble went over to Far and proceeded to shove the plant in her mouth. Hoping that it would help to cure her, or at least make her better. Clover raced over and kicked Ramble out of the way, taking the plant out of a now unconscious Far Sight’s mouth. “You dope we need to ground the thorns into a mush for her to swallow,” Far said looking rather mad at Ramble.

Ramble got back up and walked over to Clover, “In that case, let me crush it up. Shouldn’t take to long mate as my big hooves can squash that thorn down to a pulp in no time,” Ramble said as he placed the thorns on a flat stump.

“Like that,” Ramble said standing next to the silver pile of mush proudly.

“Ya that will do perfectly,” Clover said mopping it up into a leaf.

Clover held Far up and let the mush slide into her mouth, Clover kept Far up so the mush was swallowed, as it slivered down the unconscious pony’s throat. “Now that should stop the poison from spreading,” Clover said putting Far Sight back down.

“Good, help me get Far on my back Clover, I will carry her back to your place for a cure,” Ramble said bending down to receive a Far Sight payload.

Circuit and Clover heaved Far onto Ramble’s back, as the ponies got ready to hasten back to Canterlot for the cure. “Wow I didn’t think Far was this heavy,” Circuit said as the filly struggled to load up Far’s body onto Ramble.

“Don’t let Far hear you say that little filly, or she would cream you to a pulp mate,” Ramble said giggling a little.

Once Far Sight was loaded onto Ramble’s back, all 3 ponies set off for Canterlot as quickly as their hooves would gallop.

While galloping along in the Ever Free Forest, the trio of ponies rushed to make it back to Canterlot in time to save Far from the poison that she ate. This task was made that much harder without Far’s tracking abilities. As Clover and Circuit wondered how they would get out of the forest quick enough to save their poisoned friend. “Ramble just how do you propose we get out of this forest, without Far’s help to track us a path out?” Clover said wondering if they will even get out of the dangerous forest alive.

Ramble stopped for a bit as he pulled out his map and compass, “Ain’t you seen the cutie mark on my flank,” Ramble said as he displayed it for Clover and Circuit to view. “There aren’t many places I can’t read on a map, I will lead us out of here not a problem,” Ramble said as he was glancing over his map to pinpoint their location.

After a few minutes of looking at the map, and spinning the compass around, Ramble seemed to have a ballpark idea of where they were. “We’re around here girls,” Ramble said as he slammed his hoof on the map. “Lucky for us we’re on the southern end of the forest, and not to far from the edge. But the bad news is this, the shortest route through is also a dangerous area. Known for nasty beasts and extremely aggressive wildlife,” Ramble stated while putting his map and compass back in his saddle bag.

“Well I don’t see we have much of a choice Ramble, we have to get Far back to Canterlot right away,” Clover said now worried about what must be done.

“I know we don’t have a choice, but when times get tough like this, we in the Venture League show all what true spirit really is,” Ramble said posing like he was a symbol of hope.

“Ramble stop mucking around, what plan you got in place for this kind of a situation?” Clover said shaking her head at Ramble.

“Well simple really you two will follow behind me, as I play guide and lead us out. If we should encounter any of those nasty animals along the way, I promise you I can deal with anything they throw at me girls,” Ramble said as he smiled at the girls to reassure them.

At that both the girls filed in behind Ramble to make a single straight line, as the strong orange stallion lead the way through the dangerous section of the forest on the southern end.

Ramble, Circuit and Clover all cautiously made their way through the very threatening section of forest, they hoped to get through without any encounters from the dangerous animals that live in the area. “What you say our chances are of getting through here without bumping into anything nasty?” Clover asked as she began to worry even more the deeper the crew went in.

“Probably about fifty percent, as it really is just pure luck or not whether some of them pick up our scent or hear us in the distance,” Ramble said while navigating around a big hole in the ground.

But no sooner had Ramble predicted their chances of an encounter, then the sound of twigs being snapped could be heard close by. All three ponies turned around and looked at what could have snapped the twig, “I ever tell you how much I hate irony like that,” Ramble said fearing the worst.

“You could stand to mention it a little more,” Clover said completely scared stiff, as both she and Circuit took cover behind Ramble.

“Listen up you two, take Far Sight and see if you can get her conscious again.

This will go a whole lot easier if Far Sight can help herself move, now hurry I will cover you from what ever comes at us,” Ramble said as he got his whip out ready for whatever lurked in the shadows.

Clover and Circuit took Far Sight, and gently placed her down near a tree, that way at least they could not be ambushed from all sides. Four Savage Tooth Tigers came bursting out of the shadowy foliage and undergrowth of the forest’s darkness. “What only four of you, come on I was hoping for more of a challenge than this, you little pussy cats,” Ramble said as he bravely taunted the tigers and let them have it.

Clearly not impressed all four of the tigers pounced at Ramble, they intended to enjoy him for dinner. “Ramble look out, those are Savage Tooth Tigers!” Clover yelled trying to warn Ramble.

“I know what these things are Clover,” Ramble said as he whipped one of the tigers back and dodged a bite attempt from another.

“Just make sure you some how zap Far conscious again okay,” Ramble said as he used his back legs to buck another tiger into a tree knocking it out completely.

“Oh ramble you genius, Circuit let’s use your static electricity trick to give Far a little jolt, that should snap her out of slumber land,” Clover said as she held Far up for Circuit to zap her.

“Sure no problem I can do that, just watch me work,” Circuit said happy to be snapping into action.

As Ramble was taking care of the Savage Tooth Tigers, he stood on one of his back legs. “Ok you poor excuse for cats, now you learn not to mess with the pony,” Ramble said as he started to spin on one hoof.

The spinning motion kicked up a dust storm, helping Ramble to hide from the scary beasts a little. But this didn’t really phase the savage tigers at all, they jumped fearlessly into the dust storm. Unfortunately for the tigers this was all part of Ramble’s plan, as he used the power of the spinning motion to let loose his whip, and send those beats flying in all directions. All the Savage Tooth Tigers were now out cold, “See not even a challenge you cute little kittens,” Ramble said rubbing in his victory. This was before Ramble noticed the scratch on his leg. “Okay so you touched me, nice job”, Ramble said taunting the tigers some more.

While Ramble was keeping the tigers busy, Circuit had managed to bring Far Sight out of her sleeping state, with a nice big jolt to the heart. Far finally came around and did not look good, out of energy and really needing a doctor, she struggled to even keep her balance. “Far lean on me, I will help you out of this dangerous forest,” Clover said as she helped Far to lean on her back.

“Not sure how long they will stay down, we have to move now girls,” Ramble said helping Far onto Clover’s back.

The ponies high tailed it out of the area real quick, galloping off racing for the edge of the Ever Free Forest. It didn’t take long for the Savage Tooth Tigers to get back on their feet, as their roars could be heard off in the distance. “Great they already after us again, hope you girls up for a very fast getaway,” Ramble said nudging Clover on the back to make her pick up the pace.

“Listen Clover you go in front of me while I run the rear and do what I can to slow down the cute little kitties,” Ramble said smiling.

The girls galloped on ahead as Ramble took up the back of the pack, as he could hear the tigers getting closer. “How the heck you expect me to know which way to go!” Clover yelled as she was running for her life.

Clover was clearly stressed and scared at the same time, Ramble expected so much from her. “Far can steer you in the right direction, now hurry less yakking more stacking girly,” Ramble said as he got his whip out again ready to counter the tigers.

The chased continued as Far guided Clover closer to the edge of the Ever Free Forest. “Look every pony I can see daylight, we are as good as home now,” Clover said shutting her eyes as she built up excitement over getting out alive.

“Clover open your eyes, look out!” Ramble yelled as one of the tigers landed right in front of Clover.

Clover grounded to a halt as the ugly tiger blocked her only escape route out, and with Far on her back there was not much she could do to stop the Savage Tooth. “Clover hit the ground mate!” Ramble said pulling his whip back.

As Clover literally hit the deck, Ramble let loose his whip and lassoed the Savage Tooth standing in front of Clover’s way. “Clover get your hooves a moving girl,” Ramble said as he yanked the whip back sending the tiger right for him. Circuit helped Clover up and they galloped off with Circuit right on her tale. Ramble turned around and bucked the incoming tiger, sending it flying for the nearest tree for a knockout. Ramble then poured on the speed as he dashed after Clover and the edge of the forest, with the three remaining beasts right on his trail. “We made it, we made it!” Clover yelled as her and Circuit made it into the open grassland.

Ramble really gave it everything he had as the big orange stallion made a last ditch jump, much like a leap of faith to clear the forest border. “Yes you did it boss, ya really did it,” Circuit said as she jumped on Ramble.

The Savage Tooth Tigers would not go past the forest boarders and walked off snarling with empty stomachs. Ramble picked himself up and stood proud, “Well that was a piece of cake,” Ramble said as he started to laugh.

“A piece of cake, a piece of cake you say!” Clover yelled at Ramble now more than a little steamed.

“Ramble we just escaped with our lives and you’re laughing over the matter,” Clover said now nearly losing it.

“Trust me Clover when you live life on the edge this is just one of the thrills of the adventure,” Ramble said as he continued to laugh.

“I’ve built up enough adrenaline to last me for weeks, been scared witless and almost lost my life several times over the last two days. What could be so exciting and funny about all that Ramble?” Clover yelled as she literally stared down Ramble, Clover was completely steamed up.

“Ease up Clover you not only saved Far Sight’s life, for which I will always be in your debt, but you also got those rare Wattle Lilies. Those rare flowers will go along way to helping many a pony, now wont they Clover?” Ramble asked as he took Far Sight off Clover’s back.

Clover smiled at Ramble as she began to laugh a little, “Now come on you two, let’s get back to Venture League HQ in Canterlot, we have ourselves a poisoned friend to cure.

The following day Far Sight opened her eyes, and found herself in the medical section of the Venture League building in Canterlot. Clover put the bowl that had the cure in it back on the bench, and helped Far sit up straight. “Now you will need to stay in bed for a week, for the cure to work effectively, but the worst of it is now over Far,” Clover said pulling a blanket over the sick pony.

“I must admit your knowledge of plants really saved our bacon Clover,” Ramble said as Fountain Pen nodded in agreement.

“Thanks guys, but I think it will be a long time before I do anything like that again,” Clover said recalling the last couple of days.

Ramble and Fountain Pen looked at each other for a second and smiled, “So Clover me and Ramble talked it over and we both agree you should join the Venture League.” Fountain said as she made a few notes.

“What me, you serious?” Clover said as she half dropped her jaw in pure surprise at the offer.

“Yes you Clover, you will need some basic survival training, and practice to keep your cool in a sticky situation. But your knowledge of plants and what to use for the right remedy, is the best I have ever seen Clover,” Ramble said as he sat down.

“Besides you and Circuit make a great team, ain’t that right you electric eel,” Ramble said as he rubbed Circuit on the head.

“Boss, enough put me down, you’re embarrassing me,” Circuit said giggling a little.

“Well I um, well I might,” Clover mumbled unable to completely speak clearly.

“I will take your mumbling as a yes Clover, make sure you’re here in one week. The next survival camp starts then, and I expect you here bright and early,” Ramble said laughing as he walked out of the room.

Clover was still a little shocked by everything that just changed her life over the past week. “Don’t worry Clover, you’re pretty much family now, so welcome aboard,” Fountain said as she followed Ramble out of the room.

Leaving Clover to contemplate the what if that is now her future.

Special Thanks

French Pinkie - For making me the great picture of Ramble Route, French really is a great artist, check out his work here wingsoffox.deviantart.com

Ruski - For helping me big time to edit my work, done me a huge professional editorial of my fan fic here.