Tiptoe Through the Tulips {Azure}

[Silver Tongue]

Everfree Forest. For most, a nightmare that should be avoided. For Silver, it was his home for quite some time. It was true that he now lived in Appleoosa now, the town finally accepting him for what he was. So now he was picking up the stuff he had hidden. A fallen log and some underbrush, moved out of the way revealed gleaming blue armor. He put it on and a green flicker of flame rose up around him, hiding the armor from sight, showing only his Chitinous frame. Grabbing his stashed Bits, securing them in his bag, he took off through the forest, finding a more accessible path. He’d follow this path, past the ruins, and out near Dodge Junction. Then he’d decide if he wanted to take a train the rest of the way to Appleoosa. It’s not the first time he’s made this trip, but Somehow he felt today was going to be different. After a few steps, a green flicker of flame erupted around him. The Chitin turning into a soft brown coat. Straw-colored hair took place on his head, and after a few long moments, a horn on his forehead. He decided, if he found someone, the magic would be better than his wings. He kept an eye out, looking around him. Why did he feel so paranoid right now? Nothing was gonna happen… Right?

[Deleted]

             Azure had had enough of the peaceful scenery. While it had helped him feel safe with his life with Swift, he couldn't take living a calm life anymore. He needed a way out, something to provide a bit of chaos for him. So during one early morning, unable to sleep from pent up energy, he took off into the sky and bolted for the most dangerous place that all of the ponies would whisper about. Everfree Forest. He wasn't sure what was so bad about the place but he was about to find out here pretty soon. He needed either a fight, some type of physical pain, or an extreme amount of exertion of energy via flying. Something to provide his rush. 

             He had only just breached the forest when he saw another walking about inside the forest. Curiosity getting the better of him he follows it. Upon watching the green flame hide the armor that it had grabbed, a bug like creature had become very visible and very apparent to him. He had never seen a being like such, so staying in the high up trees he continues to watch it, using his training at the Guard to stay hidden among the shadows and scenery. The trees felt wet against his hooves, either rain or dew had set in earlier. He wasn't sure if the weather was like it was back home where they didn't have a weather patrol or if it was like it was in Equestria. 

            To him, the being seemed paranoid, The subtle glances, careful placing of each foot that struck the ground, the careful taking of his possessions. What is it that you're so ancy about? Is this place that bad? Azure sensed no danger was about as he looked about with alert eyes and ears, breaking everything down to the smallest detail. The texture of leaves, the sound of the smallest creatures snapping twigs under their feet. He wasn't no bat pony but at times he wished he had their ability in being able to hear even better than he. BUT, usually the hair on the back of his neck would stand tall once something was amiss. That wasn't the case, and truth be told that slightly upset him. The combative survival pegasus inside of him writhed with anticipation, he hated that he felt like such in such a peaceful land, but it was something he'd have to figure out on how to deal with as he went along. 

             Following the bug like creature along the trees, he watches the creature erupt into the flashy green flames again, now growing hair, a horn like a unicorn, and......transforming into a UNICORN? Azure's curiosity had peaked now, he thought unicorns and alicorns were the only beings to be able to use magic and now this bug-like creature is added into the mix? As much as he had felt unsettled about it, the show was quite impressive. He wondered if he should hop down and talk to him or stay above and watch. His lust for adrenaline had been momentarily put to the side as he drops down far enough away from the magician to stay out of harm's reach and gives a friendly wave. However, he forgot he was wearing his dark silver armor with yellow streaked etchings along with his matching sword and sapphire blue shield. Hopefully no immediate intimidation would be given, he was just trying to say hi.

             

[Silver Tongue]

Silver, after a few minutes started to hum to himself. A Song he heard in Appleoosa, something of an anthem around that town. And then he saw another pony. A Pegasus, clad in armor, holding a sword and shield. Silver jumped back a bit, lowering his head, his horn glowing defensively. Silver watched the pony, who waved at him. After a raise of the eyebrow, Silver looked the pony over. He looked like any other pony, except for the armor. An armor he hadn't seen before. He wasn't royal guard, and he was in Everfree. All Silver could assume is the pony wanted trouble... "Who are you?" Silver asked, a light growl to his voice. He didn't mean to growl, It just kind of happened. His face softened slightly as he realized what had just happened. That wasn't who he was anymore. He'd defend himself if he had to but he's not going to attack the pony. He waited for an explanation as to who he was... Hopefully, Silver just overreacted and this pony wasn't going to try anything.

[Deleted]

                    Azure stands up on his back two hooves, his front two in the air showing he meant no harm. Easy there, just wanting to say hi. Azure realizes finally what he was wearing and laughs, unbuckling his sword and shield so they hit the ground beside him as well as retracting his armor by pressing a large circular button on his neck, retracting into a band. Landing back down on his front two hooves he gives a friendly smile to the strange creature. 

                   My name is Azure Moonlight. Just recently moved here and.....the transition has been rather rough for me. Just getting out and about now. Azure keeps his distance, not sure if the being yet would become hostile towards him. Though as to why he would be hostile in the first place was beyond him. The air breezed through, fall now finally taking place in the air. The coolness of it relieved Azure, oh how he longed for winter. 

                   Like I said, I'm just getting out and about for some fresh air. Not wanting to pick a fight. Not with you. What's your name? And don't mind my prying.......but what are you? The transformation and flames, that was pretty wicked looking. It had been in fact pretty cool to watch the green flames perform its magic. He liked flashy things like that, or perhaps the color itself was enticing to him. Whatever it was, he enjoyed watching it erupt and perform tricks and such. Though the realization came to him that it could also be used in a hostile action, keeping Azure on high alert for something to go wrong. He hoped it wouldn't, he was on edge enough as it was.

[Silver Tongue]

His name was Azure. According to him. At least there was a name to the face. He was just getting fresh air... in the Everfree Forest... He really wasn't from around here, was he. Silver sighed slightly, looking around for a moment, before he tensed up. He had seen the transformation. He knew what Silver was. No...He didn't. He watched what he did, but didn't know what he was. Silver shifted slightly, moving a few steps closer. "You don't know... what Changelings are?" He asked. His horn glowed green and the flares erupted around him again, changing him back into the shiny Chitinous body, the armor still not invisible. Another step forward, and Silver paused. "My name is Silver Tongue." He finally said, looking around for a few moments. "You really aren't from around here. The Everfree forest is not all that safe. We're on a pretty safe path, but you should still watch out for Cockatrice, Rockadiles, Other Changelings, and most importantly... Timber Wolves." He warned, but kept a loose stance. The pony looked like he could handle himself. "Where are you from?"

[Deleted]

                  Changelings? I didn't know before today what they were, though something tells me I've only seen the tip of the ice berg with what I just saw. But no, prior to now I had not known what a Changeling was. Silver Tongue huh? Pleasure to meet you. Azure examines Silver from where he stood, Changelings were a curious being to him. He had never seen one before and now wished to learn more about them. This land was a strange one indeed, but what was he to expect from a land with only ponies, pegasi, unicorns, and griffons?

                    I actually....came out here hoping for a fight. I had heard this was where the most dangerous creatures stirred....I come from the Kingdom of Starry Nights. It's a pretty good ways from here, anyways, we were always at war. Our land grew a LOT of food, so naturally others wanted it. My upbringing was chaotic, always a fight around every corner. Eventually it became a part of me....no matter how much I didn't want it to. The others there soon realized that I thrived in combat, was bred for it....even if I had tried to get away from it. Which I did so by running here....and it hasn't turned out so well. I can't take the calm life everyday....so I came here...hoping for a fight.

                    Azure gives a somber look as he looks about. His combative side of him was gnawing at his head, dying for a rush of adrenaline, a vicious game of chess. He fought it off as best as he could, wondering how so many ponies and others could live such a calm life. Why was it fair that they got to and he didn't, and when he did, he couldn't get away from his past? How was that fair in anyway? He didn't ask for this growing up, he didn't asked to be picked on and doubted at every turn causing rage to become pent up until he got to defend one pony, lashing out finally. Egos of the other guard that he trained around would get in the way, causing more rage and aggression to be pent up. Eventually, it was all he knew, but back home he could control it and focus it into the simulations and battles. Here, he was left to his thoughts, struggling with himself everyday. He looked up at Silver, realizing his choice of words might not have been suitable. Don't worry....I wasn't looking for a fight with you....Timber Wolves were more of the idea I had...Azure sighs to himself.

[Silver Tongue]

Silvers face seemed to fall to that of disbelief. Not only had he not heard of Changelings, but he was here specifically looking for a fight? That definitely wasn't a thing ponies usually did around here. In fact, he only knew these ponies to fight if they absolutely had to... Not that they couldn't hold their own, he remembered Canterlot well enough to know that wasn't the case. Then he laughed. He laughed at the Stallion in front of him that had expressed interest in fighting Timberwolves. After a few long minutes of laughter, Silver took a deep breath to calm himself down. "You're not from around here, so Let me fill you in on exactly what you're getting into." Silver said, his face turning serious. He moved even closer and turned to show Azure his side, a claw mark scratching into his Chitin. Not deep enough to do much, but enough for it to look painful. "Timberwolves aren't to be taken lightly. They're smart with a Pack Mentality. You will never fight one alone." Silver said, taking a step away from the Pony. "And when you break them? They stand back up. They're impervious to fire. And when they feel threatened, they can form together into a giant wolf." Silver said. He continued his walking, the green flicker of flame wrapping around him again, returning him to his disguise as a Unicorn. As he passed Azure, he paused, looking at him. His look somewhere between worry and pity. "I'd think twice before fighting the wolves in the trees around you now." He said, continuing forward.

[Deleted]

              Multiple targets? Impossible to break? Forms into one giant opponent? The lust for the challenge inside of Azure begins to course through his body. He knew Silver was being sincere as he laughed and told him these things. This wasn't the first time somebody had warned him before he jumped into a fray. Everything about him ravaged his mind for the chance to go for another impossible fight.....then he thought of Swift and what she might say about it.

                 She had been helping him without even realizing it. Just being around her had made him loads happy more than he had ever been before. If she knew he was doing this.....Azure took a knee on the ground as he struggled with himself. He wished to be able to live the peaceful life, be away from the combat and chaos that surrounded him for so long. He couldn't escape it though. Part of him feels ridiculous for not being able to do so, the other felt sorry for him. 

                 Do you know of a way that I can be rid of this.....urge then? I don't wish to live like this and I'd really....I guess appreciate any help I can get. I'm trying to fit in a peaceful environment....with another I live with....I do not wish to be doing these things behind her back. Azure thinks he hears a growl, his eyes becomes locked in a trance as his sword clicks out of its sheath, armor shooting out back over his body. However he doesn't make a move to the noise. Instead his head turns towards Silver a bit, almost a plea of help written on his face.

[Silver Tongue]

Silver shrugged. When Silver was a soldier with the Changelings, his mind knew nothing but tactics. And then, in Canterlot, he saw a pony that was scared, and angry... He let her go. And then he rethought everything, and wanted to put the combat and whatnot behind him. He looked to Azure with a bit of a smile. "Gotta find something else to stick around for. Then you wont go looking for fights." He muttered. Continuing to walk forward. A Smirk played across his face. "Gotta make a choice now. Or get away from the wolves." And on that note, a stench rolled from the trees as three Timberwolves walked out, one blocking Silvers path. Silver sighed, looking back to the other Pony which had two Wolves watching him. "Make your choice, Azure. There's an easy way out and a Hard way out."

[Deleted]

          Azure looks about quickly analyzing the situation. Quick, nimble, tall, strong, pack, vicious.....STOP AZURE! Azure shakes his head, trying to rid himself of the thought process. He could run, take flight, and so could the Changeling he believed, but he refused to go first. It wasn't him, he was always first into the fray, last out. He wasn't sure why, but that's the mindset he acquired over time.



           If you mean by taking flight I'm all for it, but I won't leave you behind. Azure holds his shield in front cautiously, seeing that they aren't making a move just yet. Not giving up any ground, he turns his head slightly, looking to Silver. It seemed to him the wolves were figuring out how to best take them down. The fact they only kept one on Silver should have been worrying to him. 

            On 3 we both take flight? One, two........three! Azure jumps in the air, just in time to smash both of the Timberwolves in the face with his shield before flapping his wings, making sure he was high enough to where they couldn't reach him. Upon doing so, he looks for Silver, hoping he had taken flight as well. 

[Silver Tongue]

Silver watched as the pony took flight. He stood, looking at the Timberwolf that had blocked his path, who was stalking a bit closer to the Changeling. A smile played across Silvers face as he heard the growls becoming louder behind him. A Yip and Snarl as the Wolf in front of him lunged, Silver dropped down low, the Timberwolf jumping over him and colliding with its friend, the two breaking apart. Silver continued walking forward, the Timberwolf that was still standing chasing after him. Suddenly, a Glow behind Azure as Silver vanished, and then appeared next to the Pegasus. A Flicker of flame as Silver fell like a meteor on the wolf. As the smoke cleared, Silver brushed himself off and continued walking as if nothing happened. He looked up at Azure wit a wink, his disguise returning, this time as a Unicorn instead of a Pegasus. "See, Easy way." He said with a chuckle. He gave the pegasus a few moments to follow before continuing. "Illusions are my strong suit. With a creature that emits its own strong odor, it relies on its eyes and ears more. So, my illusions work great. Fooling a Diamond Dog is a lot harder." He nodded.

[Deleted]

                Azure nods, starting to grasp the tip of the glacier to what there was to learn about the Changelings. It actually got his blood going thinking about the thrill from fighting one. But he quickly put that thought to the side, following Silver as they walked about. His body fought itself, a deep blue starting to take the place of his right golden eye. It had been awhile since he had had his revelation through a dream, keeping his mane over his face, he looked about the woods of which was named Everfree Forest. The place breathed of evil, how one could live in here was left up for speculation. 

                        So you have the ability to turn into a unicorn and a pegasus, due to the fact you have a horn and wings on your original body....though I'm sure you aren't limited to just those forms, seeing the fact you're an Earth Pony now. Unfortunately, my sense of smell is not quite as strong as that of hearing. Diamond Dogs you say?....Can't say I've ever had the pleasure of meeting....or fighting one. 

                       Just what are you.....and why was it that you seemed to fear my presence earlier? What happened to you? Azure continued to speculate things as the sun shone down upon him, illuminating his body. It truly had been awhile since he had felt the midday's warmth, working the night shift and all he was usually awake for the evenings and mornings but never the middle of the day. It took some getting used to, but eventually his eyes became adjusted as he scanned the scenery about him.

[Silver Tongue]

Silver followed along, pausing for a moment and looking at some flowers growing off the side of the road. He crouched down and examined them carefully for a few moments before a glow surrounded them and he plucked a few of them up and placed them in a small plastic container carefully. After the Container was mostly full, he looked back in the direction they had come from. Ponyville. "I'm going back real quick..." Silver said without an explanation. He put the flowers away carefully and started walking toward the town. He listened to Azures questioning for a few moments and simply nodded. "I can take many forms..." He said, the flame flickering around him and turning him into an exact copy of Azure. Then again, Silver was a little larger with Talons and Paws, looking like a griffon. One last flicker, and he was a large, bipedal dog-like creature. Then, back to an Earth Pony. "That last one was a Diamond Dog... Larger forms take much more energy than this one." As he walked, Silver kept a good few lengths away from Azure, not getting too close, just in case. Any other Pony, Silver knew he'd have a bit of an upper hand, but this was a Guard... A Guard that didn't know what a Changeling was, but a guard none the less. Silver would keep a little distance as they talked... for his own safety.

[Deleted]

          Azure nods to Silver as he sees the distance Silver wishes to keep. Respectfully doing the same, he walks parallel with Silver, wondering what in the world this day could turn out to become. Looking over to Silver, he tries to lay a hoof on what exactly Silver's issue was. Perhaps he was scared, or perhaps there was something truly deeper than of which Azure could begin to grasp. He cursed his short lived life at Equestria, wishing he had more time to figure out what events had taken place here. With his schedule the way it was though, he was lucky enough to have today off. It was supposed to have been spent feeding his battle lust but instead it seems as if its going to be spent with a Changeling, trying to solve the puzzle that's been presented in front of him. Perhaps when this is all said and done he could figure out what troubled Silver, but for now he decides to walk parallel with the strange creature.

               His mane blew with the wind that swept through the land just now. He welcomed it completely, the signs of fall becoming more and more apparent, soon it would be winter and Azure would become beyond overjoyed. Azure watched Silver pick up the flowers, assuming he did so with magic. They're practically like Alicorns, wings AND magic. Azure continues to watch Silver, feeling like he was becoming a part of a mental chess match. If he got put into combat with Silver, he'd have his hooves full. It'd be....EXACTLY what you are craving boy! Do it! LASH OUT AT HIM! NO! I TOLD YOU ONCE BEFORE TO LEAVE ME ALONE! Great, now Azure had his tormentor trying to entice him into the fray. Azure wasn't about to let that happen. Silver seemed nice, showed no signs of hostility, why would he fight him? While physically he let nothing show, mentally he was practically fighting for his peace of mind and some sanity. He hated needing to have the urge to find battle. 

              So....what are the flowers for? Do you have a special somebody? Or are you a scientist? Damn his inexperience with this place. He used to know what everypony/griffon was back in his homeland, now he had to relearn everything. Might as well reattend school as a foal again while he's at it it seems like. 

[Silver Tongue]

Silver paused as they came to a fork in the road. The had come from the Right fork, but he took the left anyway, picking up his pace slightly. Azure was quiet for quite some time until he questioned Silver about the flowers. Special Somepony? Scientist? He chuckled. "That'd be something, wouldn't it?" He asked, shaking his head. "It's nothing like that. I used to live in this Forest. One day, there was a Mare from Ponyville looking for a Flower that glowed brightly when it bloomed. Which it only does on the night of a Full Moon, and only grows in this forest. This way, she doesn't have to come out here on her own again and get hurt. Last time, we got attacked by Timberwolves..." He said with a bit of a sigh. "She makes Candy with them. Really good candy, at that." He concluded. Soon, they were in Ponyville again, near the Cottage of the Quiet Yellow Pegasus. Before going to far, Silver checked his disguise and moved through the town, hidden among other ponies until he found the candyshop. The mare inside... He wasn't sure if she trusted him or not, so he wouldn't be going in. Instead, he left the box in front of the store with a note. 'The candy was delicious, thank you... Stay safe. ~ST' He knocked on the door of the shop sharply enough to get the mares attention, and took off down the street, rejoining Azure. "I guess this should've been asked earlier, but where were you headed?" He asked, done with what he needed to do for the day.