Canine Complications

Conflicted

"NO!" Celestia cried, adding to the cacophony of shouts and howls from the ground.

She flew down as the burning mass landed only a few yards in front of its intended target.

"Twilight!" she whimpered, hoping beyond hope that her student had survived the blast.

Frantically brushing at the flames with her magic, she attempted to smother the fire only to have it flicker and dance as if amused by her futile attempts to contain its fury.

Out of the flames leapt a wolf's blazing form. For a second she thought her student to be engulfed in the flame, but soon the truth became apparent: the flames were not licking up to her, the scorching heat and inferno were emanating from her.

This realization came a second too late as the burning wolf howled and a second realization hit her: the wolf wasn't fleeing from the flames, she was coming at her.

"Run!" Twilight shouted to her wolves.

The pack recognized that there were times to follow the leader, and there were times to disobey their orders. When the leader is weak and injured, ordering you onward and to leave them to their fate; you respectfully break orders and help them. When the leader you expected to be weak and injured has manifested an affinity for the scorching flames of the sun, and stands prepared to do battle with a legendary propagator of genocide, you promptly do what they say.

The wolves stalled only a second to collect the strange blue and striped ponies before bolting at full speed in the direction the striped pony pointed.

Behind them they could hear the unmistakable sounds of battle.

"Mistress!" Screw Loose cried, "We have to go back for Mistress!" Flailing in the grip of the wolf that was carrying her, futilely trying to fight free.

"If you wish to follow her will,

You will stay calm and still.

Towards Canterlot we must flee,

I have no doubt she'll follow shortly." Zecora said. Her words calmed the frantic mare, ending her violent struggle. Only the wolf that had scooped her onto his back could hear the subtle quaking of the Zebra's voice.

Before the burning wolf could tackle her, Celestia took flight.

"What madness is this?" The alicorn stared abhorrently at the growling beast below her.

The sound of softening yips alerted Celestia to the now absence of the wolf pack.

A look to the beast and a moment of hesitation plagued her before she turned and set herself in a dive towards the sounds of the fleeing wolves.

There was a bark from behind her and a flash of light. Before she could process why, she was suddenly sent tumbling.

Fumbling to regain orientation she threw her wings open and glided back to the ground.

In her path lay a mutely purple transparent barrier.

Realization washed over the Solar Princess as she turned, glare hardening on the burning wolf.

"Lower this barrier right now."

The wolf stood firm.

"Using magic? Holding me here while those beasts escape? Knowing that I wouldn't harm the visage of my student? You're a crafty one,whatever you are."

This time it was Twilight who had to dodge as Celestia swooped down at her.

"...But now your trick is over and I can see you for what you are! Mark my words beast I'll track down and destroy those monsters..."