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?"

- Corona's POV - What an adorable little pony! Thought Corona, smiling mischievously. A nice new plaything for little old me. The tiny unicorn seemed to be annoyed, staring at Corona with an odd expression on her face. But the enormous beast was not fazed. Though she was only a few decades old, very young for a Wyvern, Corona had met many ponies. When she was just an egg, she had been stolen away from her nest and sold on Canterlot's black market. Eventually she turned up owned by none other than Princess Celestia, and hatched by a young unicorn as a test of his skills. The colt had wanted to keep her as a pet, but that wasn't in her interests. Unlike ponies, Wyverns are born strong and wild, ready to fight and run and roar. Right there in the palace, Corona burnt the wall to ashes, crashed through it, and escaped into Canterlot. She caused quite a riot there in the streets, until she was caught and detained. But it was only a few days until she escaped her cage and fled from the city, ending up in Ponyville. From there it was an endless cycle of being caught and escaping, of excitement and fleeing and fire. That was how Corona got her name, in fact. Whenever she ran to a new corner of Equestria and scorched a town or two, every pony with a pen and paper wrote urgent letters to the palace. Most had never seen a Wyvern, so they could only describe the huge creature wreathed in flame as a corona of light and flames, burning like the sun. But every sun must set, and eventually Corona was caught once more, and put into the Beast Taming Academy, hopefully to be trained by a pony. But no pony alive could tame Corona, and she knew it. - Rose's POV - Midnight Rose narrowed her gaze at the Wyvern, trying to stare her down. She'd learned that from her father when he was explaining how to train wild animals. But it didn't seem to work on the beast. She just stomped one foot, then the other, blew a puff of smoke, and lazily waited for something to happen. It's hopeless. She's untrainable! Thought Rose. She would have resorted to magic use, but as a very shy mare, with the other ponies in the arena, she was feeling very self-conscious as it was. "Hey! Um... hey, you." Rose yelled quietly, If one can do that. It seemed to have caught the wyvern's attention, and she bent down her huge head. "Um... I would call your name, but I don't know it..." Midnight Rose spoke, but as she did, she caught sight of a plaque beneath her feet. It said 'Corona, Wyvern' "Is that your name?" asked Rose. "Corona?" The Wyvern nodded, grinning. "It's nice." said Rose. But Corona gave no response, just stomped her feet harder and threw back her head, and spread her wings out as if to say 'I don't care, you can't tell me what to do.' Rose sighed, staring into Corona's big green eyes. The Wyvern let out a huge burst of flame right into the sky, a pillar of fire shooting up from her open jaws. Then she crouched low to the ground and spat out a single ember that landed at Midnight Rose's hooves. No one can tame me, thought Corona. And I'd like to see you try.

Midnight Rose gazed at the other three ponies, now having chosen their creatures. Each of them seemed so calm, perfectly in tune with their intimidating counterparts. As if pony and beast were meant to be. Now only one of the four creatures were left. She was a huge creature, covered in red scales, with yellow and orange spines running down her back and piercing green eyes. She looked like a dragon, with her reptilian body and enormous wings, but when Rose peered beneath her form, she saw only two powerful legs. It's a Wyvern... Thought Rose. She had read about them in books, huge fire-breathing beasts that kept to themselves in small clans, or prowled the northern mountains alone. The young unicorn stepped towards her, gazing into the creature's deep green eyes. It felt like they were looking into each other's souls, each one sizing up the other. Rose smiled, feeling that maybe, just maybe, she and this beast were more alike than she first thou- A huge stream of fire shot towards Rose, the wyvern's breath burning hotter than the sun. The unicorn was able to conjure up a magical bubble on instinct just before the fire reached her, though a few strands of her mane were left singed. The flames evaporated as quickly as they had appeared, and Rose hesitantly dropped her shield. She looked up at the wyvern's face, wondering if the beast had actually meant to kill her. But the creature showed no menace or fury, just what seemed to be a playful grin as she whipped her thick tail back and forth excitedly. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief. This is going to be fun... She seemed to think. Rose stared the beast down, clenching her jaw. But the Wyvern wasn't intimidated. If anything, she was amused, and let out a deep roar as if she was laughing. The young unicorn rolled her eyes, turning back to the other ponies. They were standing a short distance away, so they weren't harmed by the blaze, but they still shot Rose some strange looks, as if it was her fault the beast had almost killed her. She glanced from pony to pony, and each seemed to have chosen their creature already. The pegasus mare and the fiery stallion with their dragons, and the small icy wolf who seemed to have found its soulmate. Only one was left. And it was hers. Rose gazed up at the scarlet Wyvern, her scales shimmering like flames. Her green eyes danced and sparkled in the light, shining with laughter and mischief and a tendency not to do what one was told. The unicorn mare sighed. She looked up at the beast and gave a little wave. Looks like I'm stuck with you...

Midnight Rose nodded to the red pegasus as he saluted to the group. A fighter, huh? We're going to need one of those. She gazed around at the circle of ponies, waiting for the next one to step forwards. But seconds passed, and none did. Are they... looking at me? Rose looked around the group and found several pairs of eyes planted on her. Oh Celestia, they're expecting me to go next. Rose shuddered at the thought. In Ponyville, she didn't have many friends, and everyone knew about the eccentric, reclusive Midnight family. On the few occasions she had traveled away from home, Rose had made a point of avoiding any ponies who looked like they might want to meet her. "I have as many friends as I want, and that's plenty." she had once told Sunny Melody. But this time was different. This time she had to tell these other ponies about herself. Just tell them who you are and get it over with. Rose told herself. After gathering up her confidence, she spoke. "Hello everyone. My name is Midnight Rose." So far so good... she thought. But the words caught in her throat as she realized she had no idea what to say next. "and, uh... I..." Just be yourself. Or something like that. Rose calmed herself and began again to speak. "I'm no fighter, or at least I've never had to fight. As for my strengths, I've been told I'm good at making decisions, but I - uh, I get nervous around strangers. I'm really good at magic, but I doubt I know anything useful. My best spells are mostly-" Rose stopped herself there. She didn't want to say 'dark magic' but unfortunately, it was all to close to the truth. "- um... old... spells..." she stammered. This part was true, at least. Most of the spellbooks in her family's private library were very old, from the ancient reign of Princess Luna. Rose's mother had always pressured her to take on the family heritage and study night magic like dream walking, hypnosis, illusions, and such. Rose had disregarded her suggestions, since many of the things her mother wanted her to do she hated. But once she picked up a family spellbook, she became enthralled. She'd always hidden her interest in magic from her mother, since it might have encouraged her to pressure her daughter into more things. This need for secrecy had stayed with her, and Rose wasn't eager to reveal her talent to the team yet. Admittedly, many of the spells could be very useful in their adventure, but she shuddered at what situation they'd be in that would require it. Rose suddenly realized that she'd trailed off while introducing herself, and that ponies were still staring at her. She cleared her throat and continued. "I'm good at navigation, since I've studies maps and I know a bit about the lands beyond Equestria. I know all the constellations, and I can navigate by stars, but I think Dax has got that covered. My special talent is summoning plants, so I can get us all food. In short... I would just really love to be part of a real adventure." Rose paused, not knowing how to end her introduction. "And I hope..." Alright Rose, just say something cool and insightful they'll remember you for. It's not that hard. Just say something... "I hope we manage to return safe, with the missing ponies and maybe even the gemstone. It's a tough job, and a difficult feat for every one of us. But I'm sure that if we believe we can do it, and we stay together, there's nothing we can't accomplish." Rose stepped back and nodded, gesturing that her introduction was over. I better not have messed that up.

Midnight Rose trotted down the Canterlot streets and into the train station. Before her waited five ponies, apparently the team she was joining in on. Most of them she had seen at the gemstone's unveiling, but there were some new faces as well. I wonder how they got into this... Rose hung back for a bit, unnerved by the new ponies. Just walk up and introduce yourself, it's not that hard. Rose took a few deep breaths, then trotted up to the group. Just a few feet away, her hoof caught on a loose stone and she tumbled to the ground. Pain instantly sprung up in her chin where it had hit the ground, and she could taste blood in her mouth from her bitten tongue. Seriously? Now? Rose cursed her luck and got to her hooves. The entire group was staring at her. Great. Now they must think I'm an idiot. Apparently the stallion who'd accompanied the mare with paralyzed legs had just asked a question, but Rose didn't notice whether or not it was answered. Rose averted her gaze to the ground, and in doing so saw that her saddlebags had flown open when she fell. Their contents, everything she'd packed, was laying on the station floor. The unicorn mare inwardly groaned, and grabbed the loose items with her magic. As she threw them back into the saddlebags, she once more reviewed everything she packed. There was a map of Equestria, and a book about the lands beyond it. Rose had tried to find some information on Rexon Cave, but her searches turned up nothing.There were a few potions in there as well, made for an assortment of different purposes. Her best friend Sunny Melody had given them to her before she left. When Rose asked where she got them, she just winked and said she knew some ponies. This was most likely the case, as Sunny's natural charm could convince anyone. Rose had also packed a knife, a rope, and an empty bag, if the need for either one should arise. Along with them, she took a spellbook, just in case some advanced magic was needed. She'd packed a few apples, but nothing more, as her natural talent to summon plant life would make it easy to find food. She didn't dwell on the fact that if she were more than half a mile away from any edible plants, her ability wouldn't be so easy to control. Finally, Rose snatched off the ground a small pendant on a leather cord. It was a moonstone, given to her by her grandmother many years ago. She'd always kept it close when she was away from home, and didn't plan to leave it behind. After she had sorted her possessions back into her bags, she gazed up at the mismatched band of ponies she was now a part of. I wonder if anyone's not here yet... Rose felt that some sort of acknowledgment was in order, but after drawing the attention of everyone in the train station by tripping over, she felt that no introduction was necessary. Instead, she simply nodded her head to the group respectfully, and hoped they were no longer silently judging her. Should I apologize? She wondered. No. Not for that, I won't. This is my time to prove myself, and no one's going to stop me. Rose set her gaze straight in front as she trotted up to join the circle of ponies waiting for her. A newfound bravery surged through her as she looked around at the team she was part of now. This is our time, and as long we stay together, we can't fail. But her confidence drained away as Rose realized the daunting task ahead of them. What have I gotten myself into...

Cool OC! My name suggestions are as follows: Ember Shine Midnight Flame Shimmer Spark Wildfire Cole Midnight Ember I can't quite think of one that fits, but the name should definitely include something like ember, spark, or coal, the theme relating to the beautiful color palette of fiery colors mixed with grays and dark blues. Good luck on your OC!