Chapter 2: New Friendship

As Black Daze waited for the King Forest Ape to show itself…he thought about Chrysalis. He thought about how she was unaware that at this very moment, she's in terrible danger. Of course, with a guardian like Black Daze, she was in considerably less danger. He knew his combat skills were enough to take down most of the creatures here. Although, his last encounter with a King Forest Ape didn't go so well. He won, yes. But he suffered multiple broken bones and got a terrible laceration on his back that took weeks to heal. He learned to avoid those teeth and to never smell their breath. It could make the Hydra cough. Daze took a deep breath and placed his claws on the ground in attack stance, ready to act at the first sign of danger.

It wasn't long before a big hairy ape about 15 feet tall showed itself from the dense forest. It had a huge mouth that could very well swallow him whole, a row of red stained, jagged teeth, huge powerful arms, and four white soulless eyes. It was a terrifying sight to behold, and the fact that he had somepony to protect didn't ease his stress either. But as the Ape charged, Daze felt something…deep inside him….unlock somehow. It filled him with some kind of energy that he couldn't explain, but he liked the feel. It made him feel incredibly strong and ready to tackle this beast...for her. For Chrysalis. This wasn't about his survival, but about her safety as well. He leaped forward and with all his might tackled the beast to the floor head on. He didn't feel injured due to this new energy surging through his body. The Ape then grabbed him and threw him head first into a tree. With a loud *CRACK* coming from Daze, he slumped to the ground…and knew something was terribly wrong. He lost the newfound energy and blood was coming from his head. Just then, he remembered Chrysalis, and how if he didn't protect her, he might very well lose his only friend. And with that, he let out a roar of power, and sprang up. Again he charged the ape. But rather than tackle him, he used his supernatural dragon speed to dash past him, dragging his claws into the Ape's side as he did. The Ape howled in pain and threw a punch at Daze, but Daze dodged it this time and countered with an uppercut to the chin. The Ape flew up a few feet before hitting the ground with a loud *THUD!* The Ape quickly got up and grabbed Daze. It then proceeded to slam him against a tree, repeatedly. As strong as Black Daze was, he could feel his pain increasing and his consciousness decreasing. If he didn't get help soon, he was going to die. And yet, at least he would die protecting her, as that was how he would've liked to go.

Now, any normal pony who was asleep before would be awakened by the battle taking place outside. Chrysalis was no exception. She quickly sprang out of bed at the sound of thumping outside the shelter. She got out and saw her friend being beaten to death by a giant ape. She was horrified to say the least, but also, more than anything else, she was enraged, nothing, big or small, was going to take him away from her. Not tonight, not ever.

Chrysalis was filled with the same energy that Daze was filled with a while ago. She knew what it was, but couldn't accept it internally. She just had to use it now. Her horn glowed green and she fired a strong beam of magic at the Ape assaulting her guardian. The ape instantly vaporized and Daze collapsed to the floor, unconscious. He had no idea Chrysalis saved him, he was too busy dying to realize it. With the same energy, Chrysalis cast a healing spell on Daze's head and wrapped him in a blanket. Without this energy, she couldn't normally cast these kinds of spells, but she knew, that what was causing her power, was the very love she fed off of. She didn't know if it came from him or her. If it came from her, did that mean she never needed to feed all along? She didn't want to think about that though, she had a patient to take care of. She used her magic to repair the bones the ape had broken and held him in her arms. Why? Because it made her feel better. Holding him was somehow comforting.

After holding his unconscious body in her arms for a while, she leaned in and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"Sleep well, my friend…" She said to the exhausted hybrid. And she fell asleep next to him.

The Next Day…

Black Daze woke up with a splitting headache, not surprising, as he remembered the fight last night. Wait…Did he win? He didn't remember anything after the Ape knocked him out. Perhaps he roasted him with fire? No, there'd be burned leaves and evidence of fire everywhere. But what he did see as he woke up were two shiny green eyes staring at him with a smile. It was Chrysalis. She was holding him in a gentle embrace and spoke to him in a soft, gentle voice.

"Good morning Daze, did you sleep well?" She said to him in a soothing way. Daze found himself smiling as he got himself up and shook the cobwebs from his head.

"I'm fine." He said plainly. Although he was pleased by his awakening, he was still a colt of few words.

"Good. Did you have a good time sleeping outside the bed?" She asked, wondering about his reaction.

"I uhh…" Daze stammered, he didn't know what to say to that. He put on his 'bad poker face' as he tried to make up something to tell her. "I had a dream about you last night, so yeah!" He lied, then mentally slapped himself. Really Daze, that was the best you could come up with? That's downright cheesy! And above all stupid.

Chrysalis seemed amused as she responded. "Ahaha, aww you're sweet, but I knew about your little 'encounter' with that giant ape. It was going to kill you had I not stepped in and saved your life. But you don't remember that, because you were unconscious."

Black Daze face-hoofed. "That makes a lot more sense, doesn't it…" He said in defeat. Chrysalis only giggled at his humor.

"Don't worry, I'm not mad, your pride was the only thing harmed in this case." She said, winking at Daze.

Black Daze sighed and nodded. Today, they needed to go on a trek in the forest while staying out of sight so Daze could teach Chrysalis about surviving in the forest. He needed to show Chrysalis what plants and animals were edible, how to catch them, and also, how to hide from travelers. But first, He needed a bath.

"We're gonna start lesson 1 of 'Surviving Everfree Forest,' but first I need a bath, you should follow me so you know where it is." He stated plainly.

"Alright, I suppose I'm rather dirty myself." Chrysalis said with a furrowed brow. "Lead the way."

Black Daze headed off to the right, Chrysalis following behind. There was a clearing up ahead that led to a weak current stream with clear water running through it. Black Daze was very hygienic in the sense that he bathed often and kept his pearly whites shiny and well…sharpened…but his Idea of a bath was strange. He wasn't as thorough as a normal pony was, who would brush their mane, get all the dirt out there coat…things like that. Daze just dove in the water and rolled around in it until he felt clean and rose out of the water and shook himself dry much like a dog would. Chrysalis found it a bit odd, but if it worked for him, it worked for him. She was much more thorough when bathing, and so she walked over to the stream and dunked her mane in it, scrubbing her mane with her hooves as she did. Daze had never seen anypony bathe like that before and was fascinated. He also hadn't seen a mare bathe before either and so, he was also curious how different they were from boys in that sense.

"So, is that how a LADY bathes?" He said sarcastically.

"Oh hush you." She said to him, mildly amused by his attitude. "Now go, I must bathe in solitude."

"Why?" Daze asked. Chrysalis only sighed and remembered that he had probably never learned about manners and the opposite sex much.

"Because when I bathe I expose my…" Then she blushed a deep red. "More…private areas…" The shade of red deepened.

This time Black Daze blushed. He may have little clue when it came to ladies, but he knew EXACTLY what she was talking about. However, he continued to tease her.

"Why don't you MAKE me, queenie?" He said with a humorous tone and a wink.

As cute as that was, Chrysalis had to get him to leave. "Alright, challenge accepted." She said. She then used her magic to grab him and threw him away a few feet. Then she called out to him.

"I will meet you back at the shelter in 15 minutes, Dazey darling." She said in a way a woman might talk to her pet dog. Then she started to bathe. Properly.

Over behind some bushes, a certain hybrid pony was not as content. "Call ME 'Dazey darling' will she? I'll show her, I'll get back at her sometime." He grumbled under his breath. He didn't want to interrupt her now though, as imperfect as he was, he at least had the decency to give a woman her privacy. He walked back to the shelter and dusted the leaves off of him. Then he thought of exactly what else Ponies err…Changlings like her eat. They ate vegetation it seems, but what else? Chrysalis mentioned that they fed off of love, but was it like a food source? He didn't know. Now he had to figure out what to do in 15 minutes. A walk sounded good. He took off at a proud gait towards a more dense part of the forest.

The forest was very quiet today. That was strange to Black Daze, since normally there would be many bug calls, bird chirps, perhaps even a bumbling forest ape looking for food. But there was almost no sound. That is, except for some light clopping in the distance. Daze took to the shadows and went to investigate…

He wasn't surprised when it turned out to just be a few ponies wandering through the forest. There was an orange Earth pony with blonde hair, a cyan Pegasus with rainbow hair, a white Unicorn with deep blue hair, and at the front of the line was a purple Unicorn with dark purple hair and a pink stripe going along the middle. He didn't think much of them though. He had never seen them before and so did not know their significance. Suddenly the white Unicorn spoke up, and Daze leaned in to listen…

"Twilight darling, why must we look for Queen Chrysalis again? She looked pretty defeated after your brother and his wife sent her and her minions flying." The white Unicorn said with an English accent that sounded…fasionista-ish? That was all he could think of. The purple mare responded to her friend.

"I told you earlier Rarity, Canterlot is not completely safe until she's taken care of for good.Now make yourself useful and use the heat detection spell I taught you."

"I dunno, Twilight." The Orange pony said in a southern accent, "This place is awful…spooky…"

"Oh don't get your mane tied in a knot, Applejack." The cyan Pegasus replied to her country friend. "No matter what we encounter here, we can take 'em. You're the strongest bucker in Equestria and I'm the fastest flyer in Equestria, right?"

The pony known as Applejack gave the Pegasus an unsure look. "Well, I dunno about all of Equestria, Rainbow Dash. But you're right. We are pretty fast and pretty strong I reckon."

"And that is why I brought you two along." Twlight interrupted their conversation. "Now quiet, Rarity needs to concentrate to detect all the creatures within 50 feet of us."

Black Daze froze, he was definitely within 50 feet of them. What could he do? They were gonna detect him but…could they see him? He knew he was much faster and more agile than the average pony. He'd just have to lead them somewhere away from Chrysalis. He didn't know WHAT they'd do to her, but it didn't sound good. He was NOT going to let that happen.

"I...I've found somepony girls! At least I think it's a pony…" Rarity said to her friends.

That was his cue. Black Daze took off towards Ponyville as fast as he could. He was used to the Everfree forest, and so he was able to maneuver through the trees quickly and efficiently. He heard the voice of Rainbow Dash behind him shouting "AFTER IT!" But he chuckled to himself. Let them try and catch him. Let them try and fail. He wasn't about to give up easily, even after he heard Rainbow Dash gaining up on him.

"I'VE GOT YOU NOW!" The cyan Pegasus shouted as she almost tackled what she saw as just a "black daze."

Black Daze realized that If he didn't act fast, he was going to actually be caught. He underestimated this pony's speed and determination. He would have to hone his skills later; this was an embarrassment to himself. But he did what he did best. He simply swung around a tree then blended in the shadows. Rainbow Dash perceived him as changing direction and dashed off in the direction he turned. As Daze watched her from the shadows, he snickered to himself a bit. These ponies aren't that hard to trick…He thought. Just then he remembered. Chrysalis was probably done by now and was in danger of being discovered by those strange mares. He sprinted in the direction of his shelter, but not before crashing headfirst into the orange pony he saw earlier. Because he was heavier though, it was Applejack who flew back and hit her head against the tree.

"OWW! What in tarnation!" Applejack exclaimed. She hadn't known anything to be able to knock her down like that before. She looked up and saw Black Daze preparing to take off in a hurry. She wasn't about to let him take off that easily though, even if he looked a bit…different.

"And just where do ya think YER going ya no good varmint?" Applejack scolded as she stepped on Daze's tail, preventing him from taking off. This really annoyed Daze, as he had no time to answer questions or fight. So he used his usual tactic in dealing with particularly stubborn ponies.

Using his forearms, Daze placed his claws on Applejacks shoulders and pinned her down. Then, he gave her the most fearsome roar he could muster at the moment. It shook the air around them and the once quiet forest was now alive with the sound of scattering birds and chattering bugs. Applejack's expression just went from angry to downright terrified.
"What…What are you!" She managed to squeak before Daze got off her and roared again, this time, his long tounge came out to add to the monstrous effect.

"M-M-MONSTER!" Applejack shrieked before running off as fast as her hooves could carry her. It only took Black Daze a second before he realized what a foolish decision he just made. Not only did he give these mares a savage first impression of him, but surely, they'd go after him too after that little stunt he pulled. But that wasn't his biggest concern right now. He had to go see if Chrysalis was okay. He sprang up using his leg muscles and flew back to the shelter.

Over at the shelter, Chrysalis was thoroughly dried off and very relaxed. She was sitting by the empty fireplace, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Everfree forest. There were green vines strewn about the trees and the ground, and butterflies were in the air. It was a wonderful sight; little did she know that the butterflies were stirred up from Daze's previous stunt. It wasn't long before she saw his silhouette in the sunlight making its way to her. It was then she realized something. Despite his fearsome reptilian appearance, he was rather cute…really cute in fact. She thought about him and how he earlier wanted to stick around and watch her bathe whether out of curiosity or… other factors. Unbeknownst to him, when he questioned why he had to leave, she actually considered letting him stay. But that would most likely lead to some complications in their fast growing friendship, and she did not want that to happen, at least not yet. Just then, Daze landed beside Chrysalis and spoke to her in a grave tone of voice.

"We…have a problem." He said before falling to the ground from exhaustion to catch his breath. What problem was he talking about? She wondered.

"What kind of…problem?" Chrysalis asked, wondering if it involved their friendship. Daze then answered her.

"Four….Mares…wanted…to….get rid of….you…" He panted.

"Four mares? What are you…Did one of them have a purple mane with a pink stripe?" Chrysalis asked. Daze only nodded.

Chrysalis sat down and hung her head low. After defeating her once, they continued to persist, this time with the goal of…getting rid of her. What was wrong with them? It's not like she caused them any more harm. She didn't even have the power to now. If they found her, she was done for.

"Oh my… That is a problem. What shall we do?" Chrysalis asked, considerably worried.

"We must hide deeper in the Everfree forest. They must never find us. But if they do, don't worry, I'll protect you."
Daze reassured her.

Chrysalis blushed a bit at his guardian like gesture. It was sweet of him to want to protect her. As much as she wanted to settle down some more, it was time to pack up and head out. The only think Daze took with them was the blanket. Mainly because it was the most comfortable item he had and did not like the idea of a woven leaf blanket. They're itchy and uncomfortable.

The packed their things and headed deeper in the Everfree forest. Black Daze knew what place he had in mind, it was safe, and it was secluded, but it would it stop the mares after her?

Back at a familiar dirt trail, two Unicorn mares were not having much luck with finding Chrysalis OR the thing they sent Rainbow Dash and Applejack after earlier. They pretty much gave up, but got their hopes up when they saw a familiar cyan Pegasus flying to their location. Their hopes were dashed when they saw she came back empty hoofed and had a sad expression on her face.

"I take it you didn't catch it?" Twilight asked her friend.

"It was too fast, it turned a corner and I lost it." Rainbow Dash said with disappointment.

"Oh, that's too bad, deary. Better luck next time I suppose…" Rarity said. Just then, an orange pony came running through the trees and called out to her friends.

"EVERYPONY! I saw what we're dealing with here! And it ain't no Queen of the changelings. Heck, it ain't EVEN a changeling." Applejack said in an exhausted tone.

"You SAW it! Well, what is it?" Rainbow Dash asked, clearly surprised that Applejack was fast enough to catch a glimpse. "All I saw was a black daze going through from tree to tree in a way I could barely keep up with."

"Calm down, Rainbow, I'll tell ya what I saw." Applejack snapped. "From what I saw, it was definitely worsethan a changeling. What we're dealing with here is a monster. A ferocious and big monster."

The other mares got a look of grave worry on their face. "H-how big and f-ferocious?" Rarity asked.

Applejack responded. "Well he was easily taller than me, and almost as tall as Celestia herself." She paused and then spoke again. "As fer the ferocious part, I tried to stop 'im but he pinned me to the ground and let out a roar that would make even the dead faint."

"Are you sure it wasn't just a Manticore?" Twilight asked. "It sort of fits the description, only Manticores are larger and aren't black."

"I'm sure it wasn't, Twi. It sort of looked like a pony, but it had these dragon wings and these black, scaly arms. He also had these large creepy reptilian eyes! If it was a Manticore than it was unlike any I'd ever seen." Applejack explained to them. All the mares were thoroughly freaked out right now and were convinced that they had to do something about that monster. Twilight was the first to speak.

"Well, if that monster is on the loose, and it's part pony, then nopony is safe." Twilight Sparkle said solemnly. As irrational as It sounded though, she had a small point. Manticores were not ever known to enter cities and only attack if provoked, Forest Apes were uncommon and had no interest in entering a city, Cockatrices weren't fond of cities either, and only went as far from the Everfree forest as the very far outskirts of town. And the Hydra preferred it's home at Froggy Bottom Bog anyway. But Black Daze wasn't a documented species, and so there's no telling what destruction he might too. It was smarter to take him down than leave him. Better safe than sorry right?

Twilight's friends saw the logic in her reasoning and Applejack spoke up. "As logical as that is, the fact that it pinned me down and scared me makes this hunt a personal matter."

Rainbow Dash spoke next. "Yeah, and the fact that he tricked and outflew me makes it a personal matter for me!"
Applejack and Rainbow Dash bumped hoofs.

Rarity wasn't fond of fighting. It would get dirt in her hair and she still didn't feel clean after the fight with the changelings yesterday. But if it meant for the safety of Everypony, she was ready to do it. "I promise to help in any way possible. But can we avoid fighting it? I mean, it hasn't done much more than scare you right?"

Rainbow Dash lowered her eyelids. "You don't HAVE to fight it, but you bet we will."

"Fair enough." Rarity responded.

"Come on Everypony, let's go home and prepare for tonight. We'll all meet here at 8pm. Got it?" Twilight proclaimed.

"RIGHT!" They all said in unison.

The four mares went off to prepare for the great monster hunt tonight. However, unbeknownst to them, a certain 'monster' and his only friend were listening not too far from their location. Black Daze could not believe what he was hearing. He only meant to scare Applejack off, not instill a grudge. And the rainbow Pegasus was taking being tricked way to seriously. He was used to hiding in the shadows, and she shouldn't be treating it as if he socked her in the face. But what angered him the most was Twilight's reason for hunting him down. He didn't have any plans at ALL for attacking the city. But if there were such bitter ponies living there, he was reconsidering…At least the white Unicorn had the decency to defend him. Chrysalis wasn't taking the news any better. First they threaten to eliminate her, and now her only friend? This just got personal.

"What say I give them the surprise of their life when they come back for me tonight?" Daze asked in a devious tone.

"Sounds like a wonderful plan, Dazey." Chrysalis responded.

Daze let out a growl. "Don't call me that! Lest you want the OTHER wing singed."

"Oh stop, we both know you'd not do such a thing to me, would you?" Chrysalis replied with a giggle.

"Push me and find out." Daze snarled.

Chrysalis just smiled and rolled her eyes. "Hmmm, maybe later. Let's keep going." She sighed.

Over in the depths of the Everfree Forest, a small trailer was parked. It was orange and yellow, pretty plain other than that. It was worn with age as well as weather. Inside it was another outcast. One who, like Chrysalis, was connected to Twilight Sparkle somehow. She was light blue and wore a magician's hat and cape. She went by her stage name, the Great and Powerful Trixie. Although for typing's sake, we'll just call her Trixie. (She doesn't have to know…)

Not too far off, the Chrysalis and Black Daze two-some noticed this trailer and decided to investigate. Who would be living there, so far from everypony else? "I've never seen THIS particular trailer before…" Black Daze said to himself. "Wait here, Chrissy, I'm going to go investigate."

"What did you just call me!" Chrysalis stomped her hoof.

"If you're gonna call me Dazey, I think it's only fair that I call you Chrissy in return." Daze said with a smirk.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes in mild annoyance. "Fair enough Dazey, now go investigate."

"Alright, I will." Daze responded with a grunt.

He approached the trailer and knocked on the door. Normally a pony would tap it with his/her hoof, but having strong forearms and tough claws made his knocking sound more like a *BANG BANG BANG!* And thus, startled Trixie a great deal. She quickly made her way over to her door and swung open, only to come face to face with the Dragon pony hybrid known as Black Daze. Both were shocked by what they saw. She didn't expect to see a scary looking dragon pony at her door, and Daze didn't expect to see a weird little magician pony living in a trailer in the Everfree forest. There was a quick silence, then Trixie's eyes got wide with fear and she began shaking. She didn't know what to do, but what she ended up doing was probably the worst Idea in this case.

"VILE CREATURE!" She shrieked, slamming the door in Daze's face. Oooh, Daze did NOT like this pony already.

He cracked his scaled knuckles. "Call ME a 'vile creature' will she? I'll make her swallow her own cape!" He growled, getting ready to punch down the door. Just then Chrysalis's voice called out.

"NO Daze, just let it go. She was surprised is all. We'll try again later!"

"After calling me a vile creature, like hell we will!"

"BLACK DAZE!"

"Alright fine, later it is then."

"That's a good Dazey. We will set up a camp over there." Chrysalis proclaimed, pointing to a clearing in the distance.

"Fine by me." Daze said indifferently. He really didn't care, he could sleep anywhere. As long as she was happy, he was…which sounded REALLY corny when he thought about it.

After setting up a small camp, Chrysalis laid down to take a nap. Daze went to look for food. For a minute, he thought about that Magician mare. She might make a good meal. He quickly discarded the Idea. He'd never eaten pony before surprisingly. Daze was many things, but he wasn't a cannibal. What he really wanted to do though was give her a good buck to the jaw. Seriously, anypony who refers to him as a monster or vile creature is pretty much dead to him. Then he remembered Chrysalis and how she wanted him to try again later. He supposed he could give her one more chance…one more.

In chapter 3, Trixie meets Black Daze (Again)
The great monster hunt begins!
And Chrysalis's feelings deepen for Black Daze. Even if he doesn't appear to return them.