Nova12

Midnight Rose's chest felt heavy as the ogre's tears splashed to the ground. He wasn't a monster at all, and look what we did to him! As he explained his story, she felt her heart melt. Rose had always loved the beasts of the forest, and he seemed to be one too. Just a lost little creature, like a squirrel or bird, falling victim to a crew of defensive ponies. Poor beast, I hope we could a least repay him by helping him with his cart. Ugh, don't I just feel so terrible! She felt an odd sort of kinship with the ogre, as he told them of his story. Thrown out of his tribe, trying to make his way in the world... why, he's just like me! And Midnight Rose knew more than anything how scary the world could be. And no less frightening when there strange ponies throwing burning shrubs in your face! "Let him up, please." Spoke Pat. Rose was immediately shaken out of her thoughts as she realized that she still had the poor ogre trapped in her enchanted trees. Well, there's one more thing to add to my list of things I'm horribly guilty about. "Oh yes, of course..." she muttered. Her horn glowing, she performed the counterspell. It didn't take nearly as much energy as the first enchantment did, but, seeing as she was already exhausted, it tired her out nonetheless. As Rose felt the trees sink back into place and the prickly branches unwind, so did the knot of guilt in her stomach. The ogre was obviously relieved as she undid her trap, and she felt the weight on her shoulders lighten at his big, smiling face. Clearing her throat, she spoke up. "Hello there, mister Ogre, um... Unger, sir. My name is Midnight Rose, of the Ponyville Midnight line. This group of ponies here is the Exploration Team of Equestria and Beyond, and all of us really are very sorry about attacking you. And if there's anything we can do to make up for it, it would be our pleasure."

Wonderful OC! I love the backstory, and the latin names you chose are beautiful.

Midnight Rose gaped in shock as the ogre began to pursue Blaze. That's one way to get its attention... She thought. He has got to be the bravest pony I've ever met. Or maybe the dumbest. It wasn't likely though, as the distraction seemed to be a carefully calculated move. For the short amount of time that the ogre chased Blaze, any other member of the team was perfectly able to deliver an attack. But... no one did. Midnight Rose began to sweat. That creature will only be distracted for so long... Even as she thought the words, the huge ogre began to lose interest in the galloping stallion, and instead turned towards the team. No! Not now! If anyone tries to attack, they'll be eaten on the spot! The giant lumbered towards them with a hideous grin on its face. Come on! Thought Rose. Somepony do something! Her eyes darted between the fighters, silently pleading for one to attack. Her gaze fell on Pat, staring up at the ogre. What was it that he had said earlier? "Everypony, please, fight as a group, not by yourself." Fight as a group... Wheels began to turn in Rose's head, her horn glowed brighter, and she made a decision. I will fight. Without stopping to think twice, without even hesitating, Rose made a move. She unleashed her spell, and the forest listened. Suddenly, the trees around the enormous ogre seemed to come to life. They twisted and grew, outstretching their branches towards the huge beast. At first, the ogre payed no notice, snapping through thick branches like twigs, but more and more trees grew taller and further, twisting their trunks and weaving their branches, entwining around the ogre like a net. Two huge, thick trunks tied down his arms, and dozens of saplings wound around his feet. The moving branches kept coming, grasping for the beast like beckoning arms, shooting out from the forest and tying around him like rope. After just a few seconds, the ogre was completely trapped. The glow around Rose's horn faded, and she slumped to the ground. She felt as if ever drop of energy had just drained out of her. It was such a steep fall from the exhilarating feeling that she got when she was one with the forest, she couldn't find the strength to stand. But her work was done. The ogre was trapped now, roaring and drooling at the minuscule ponies. But her ropes wouldn't hold for long. Even now the branches creaked and trunks snapped, one of the ogre's arms nearly out. It would take a lot of strength to break free, but she wouldn't put anything past a beast of that size. Someone readied their weapon. Rose couldn't tell who. She wanted to call out, to warn them, tell them that they had to act quick. Right now, the ogre was vulnerable, and could be killed in a single strike. But once it was free, there was nothing she could do to stop it. Come on Rose, stand up! Her muscles straining to lift her, the young mare got to her feet. Her energy was returning, but not her magic. Well, that's that. Guess I'm useless. The ogre was nearly out now, and someone had to act quick. Looks like we'll all get eaten unless- Rose was torn from her thoughts by the surprise of another pony, charging towards the ogre, ready to attack.

I love it! The show is adorable, but refreshingly funny. It's so cute and so genius. All the bears are great, I love Grizzly's outgoing nature, and Ice Bear is easily the most hilarious, with his stoic dryness. But I have to say my personal favorite is Panda. He's just too cute.

The ominous chanting echoed through the forest, backed by the sound of a hundred trees crashing to the ground. I'll be strong. I will be strong... Rose said to herself, her horn glowing bright as a star. "Got any magic tricks up your hoof that could win this?" a voice spoke from next to her. She turned to find none other than Dax, looking at her with a determined glint in his emerald green eyes. Rose smiled. "Maybe." she replied. But her smile faded soon enough. Maybe? Maybe? More like not at all. The attack spell she had prepared was enough to take down a small dragon, but whatever was coming through those trees looked like it ate dragons for breakfast. Rose had no idea what to do with a creature so enormous. No! Don't just give up! A little voice in her head urged her on. Come on, they're all counting on you! Rose glanced in front of her, then behind, her head darting between the fighters and the defenders. There was Destiny, Spellbind, Blaze, River, Pat, Serenity, and Dax. Rose looked at the green and black stallion, his eyes still focused intently on her, waiting for more of an answer. From the first day she met him, she'd been intrigued by Dax. Something told her there was more to him than met the eye, and she was determined to find out what. But beyond that, on a deeper level, she felt a sort of kinship with him. Though they were different ponies, he shared her timid shyness, and her determination to stay strong to defend her kind. Another thump shook the forest, followed by the dreadful singing. Rose glanced back to the inner ring of ponies, at the ones not fortunate enough to be able to fight. Even Destiny, the leader of the team, had a look of absolute terror in her eyes as she gazed into the forest. Protect them Rose, protect them like family. Protect them as if you had enough strength to fight, and maybe they'll believe you do. Her gaze hardened as she faced forwards. For the first time, fear no longer pounded in her head, and she instead began to think clearly. That attack spell won't do anything, so I'll have to go for something else. I can't stun the thing, because it might crash down on top of us. I could freeze it, but I'm not experienced at that kind of spell, and probably couldn't stop it for more than a few seconds. Can't attack it, can't stun it, can't freeze it... maybe I could use the forest... yes! I'll see if I can control the plants, and use vines to tie it down! But... no, it's way to big. However, if I could whip up a spell powerful enough to wind the trees around it... that might just stop it long enough for someone else to attack! Or maybe, for me to attack... Rose, with newfound confidence, began to channel her magic through her horn. She wavered for a second, but gazed at the ponies around her. Protect them Rose, protect them like family. Protect them as if you had enough strength to fight, and maybe you'll find the strength. She was certain now, with no doubt in her mind. She would protect her team, or die trying. With the powerful forest spell ready to strike, she turned to Dax and gave an answer to his question. Without even thinking, she smiled. "But you'll see soon enough."

Midnight Rose was shaken out of her daydreams by the loud thumping noise. What in Equestria could that be? She wondered. The booming thumps kept coming, and Rose jumped as a tree crashed to the ground just beside her. She told herself to keep calm, to not be driven into a panic on her first day away from home. This is our time, Rose, and you have to stay strong. She thought. But how can I be strong when I'm so far away from home? She thought, but immediately countered herself. But you're not far from home, your home can't be more than a fifteen-minute walk away. But strangely, that did not comfort her. How can I be strong when the memories of every time I've been too weak to fight are so close? Rose stopped in her tracks, unable to move. She was just about to turn around and run home, when she felt a sharp pain in her front leg. "Ow!" she exclaimed, shaking her leg vigorously, but every attempt to make it stop just made it worse. The young mare gazed down at the dirt, and found something extraordinary. It was a rose. A small, pale, indigo blue rose. Its stem wound around her foreleg, tying her to the earth, the sharp thorns pricking her skin. But Rose no longer felt any pain. Instead, she looked around. Rose, you're in the forest... Towering pines stood over her like guardians, emerald green leaves covered the ground, vibrant flowers bloomed everywhere, and the deep, wild smell of the woods drifted through the air. Suddenly, Rose wasn't scared anymore. Ever since the first day she got her cutie mark, Rose had possessed the talent of flora whispering. She could talk to, summon, and sometimes control any plant life she came across. Locked up in her family's ancient mansion, or trotting down the busy streets of Canterlot, she hadn't had much chance to use it. But now she was in the Everfree forest, the wildest place in Equestria, with every tree and every breath of air giving her power. Another thump boomed out, and Rose was brought back to her senses. A second shook the ground, as if the earth itself was trying to scare them off. But each pony stood and faced it head-on. The young mare stood bravely as well, her newfound courage giving her immeasurable strength. You also have to, Rose, come on, get ready to fight... "Everypony, gather up! Fighters on the outside, the rest of you inside! Keep the circle closed!" Dax's words echoed in Rose's ears. She began to trot into the cluster of ponies, but she stopped herself. Fighters? Could that mean... me? She hesitated. All her life she had backed away from challenges and danger, choosing instead to be the other kind of pony, the kind who fought with words instead of weapons, who stopped wars instead of started them. But... was that really who she was? I chose to go on this mission, I chose to be part of this team. Thought Rose. The thumps shook the forest, and trees toppled to the ground. And will protect the ponies who stand beside me. With that, she turned around and trotted forwards. She stopped just behind the front line, where the fighters were drawing their weapons. She nearly trotted past them, but hesitated when she glanced back. There were the other ponies, just as brave as the warriors, ready to face whatever came their way. Let the fighters do battle with whatever that thing is, I'll stay and protect them. A newfound sense of duty coursed through Rose's veins as she positioned herself in front of the center circle, not a fighter, but ready to defend her team. Her horn lit up with an indigo glow. She could feel the magic of the forest flowing through her, and she readied a powerful attack spell, strong enough to take down a dragon, to be cast at a moment's notice. Another thump shook the forest, but Midnight Rose stood strong.

Aw, thanks! I fixed the file attachment on my first post so it looks less pixelated now. It's so nice to know you liked it.

Hey there! I thought I'd give it a try at drawing your OC. I know it's not that good, but I hope you like it.

Midnight Rose gazed around at the other ponies chatting with each other while trotting towards the first step of their journey. She felt as if she was supposed to as well, at least find someone to talk to before they began the trip. But it just wasn't right - Rose felt like she didn't fit in with most of the group, and it was as if after such a short time they already knew each other so well, and she was left out again. She shuddered at the thought of talking to the more outgoing ponies, so she began to trot towards Dax, knowing he would understand her shyness. But she found him in conversation with the brown pegasus stallion, and it seemed rude to intrude on them. Instead, Rose lifted the top of her saddlebag and pulled out a map of Equestria. It was a large stretch of parchment, and very old by the looks of it. The entire land was spread out in dreamlike color, places labeled in fancy script. The Everfree Forest lay in one corner, painted in dark shades of green. A strange feeling swept through her as she realized something - in this part of the Everfree, they couldn't be more than a few miles away from where she lived. It was almost comforting, knowing that Rose could run home at the drop of a hat, and be safe and sound in her own house, with her own family, in her own bed, lounging in the evening beside a warm fire in the hearth as her grandmother read from a storybook like she did when Rose was just a filly... But she forced herself to shake it off. Didn't you come on this trip to get away from home? And now you're closer than ever? What kind of trip is this? Rose thought. She took a few deep breaths to calm down. Stay strong, don't get scared or angry or homesick. This is your big day. The day you prove that you can make it on your own. The day you go on the biggest adventure of your life! Rose looked around at the other ponies trotting beside her. They seemed excited too, their faces lit up with anticipation. It's our time to prove ourselves, every one of us. Rose gazed a each pony in turn. There was shy and timid Dax, brave and daring Blaze, strong and protective Pat, kind and caring River, quirky and charming Spellbind, and then... Midnight Rose. But what do I have? Wondered Rose. What is it about me that sets me apart from everyone else? That makes me a true part of this team? That makes me special? Deep in thought, she levitated a rock off the ground. It was dark grey, covered in deep black swirls. She concentrated hard. In her purple aura, the rock began to twist and grow and stretch, sculpting itself into something entirely new. Jaw clenched in effort, Rose opened her eyes. Hovering above the ground was no longer a rock, but a bird. With ashy feathers and dark stripes, it stared at her with glassy eyes, then, quick as a breeze, flew away. Rose smiled as she watched it flutter into the forest, to the very place they were trotting to now. But the smile faded as she realized something. It was not a bird. No matter how much it looked like a bird, it was still a rock. And rocks aren't alive. No amount of magic could make a rock alive. And so the bird was not alive either. Rose gazed down into a puddle beside her hooves. Her reflection stared back at her, indigo eyes gazing into themselves. I'm just a rock... she thought. And no amount of magic can turn me into a pony. But as she stared into the puddle, she saw her jaw clench and her eyes narrow. Stay strong. Don't get scared and don't run home. Because this isn't about you. She turned back to the path and began to walk again. ​This is about all of us, about the team. About saving those ponies and finding that gem. And no matter what it takes, you're going to help get that done. She took a deep breath. No matter what it takes... Rose's eye was caught by a bright green apple. It stood in Dax's hooves as he offered it to Serenity. Celestia, am I hungry... She hadn't eaten on the train and only had a bit of oats for breakfast. But now isn't the time for thinking about food. You have to keep your mind on the journey. Rose thought about where they were going. So, we're headed for the Everfree Forest, then we stop to rest, and then... Come to think of it, where are we going? Rose mulled it over, and realized she had no idea. Rexon Cave was nowhere to be seen in her family's library, and she didn't know where it was. And that was unacceptable. Midnight Rose was not a creature of order, but she was a pony who insisted on knowing things. And she had to know where they were headed to. Rose trotted over towards Destiny Savvy, the leader of the team. Just as the unicorn mare's head turned to her, she experienced a moment of complete panic. No! Not now! I should have waited before talking to her! I have no idea what to say! But it was already too late. If Rose didn't want to look like a complete idiot, she would have to say something, at least. "Um, so... uh, Destiny..." Rose stammered. "I - I was just wondering, I know we don't know a lot about where we're going or how we're getting there, but I just wanted to know... Could you tell me a little about the route we're taking?"