I probably should’ve planned on this mission taking thirty seconds. We should’ve just taken samples back to my lab like the probes do.

“Stop right there!” Cadance shouted, her voice echoing through the trees. “I see you! Come out, or we’ll defend ourselves!”

It doesn’t really seem like self-defense if we’re the ones threatening other creatures.

Twilight looked up from the sample, following Cadance’s gaze to where something was moving in the trees. At least the crystal princess hadn’t gone insane with paranoia, yet.

Something with light blue feathers and skin, watching from above.

Then it landed abruptly, touching down on the edge of their protected bubble.

It didn’t remotely resemble a pony, or anything close to one. The general shape was vertical like a minotaur, though it was completely furless. It had wings instead of forelegs, and birdlike claws like a griffon. Its eyes were smaller though, and it didn’t have a beak.

Those claws might be dangerous, but not much more than a griffon or hippogriff.

The feathers around its head suggested hair, and its bare chest made her guess it might be female, though it was hard to say.

Then it spoke, and somehow Twilight could understand what it said. “Outworlders. Why do you flock so low? Are you seeking a debt to be paid, or… collectors?”