Around the world through laziness and boredom

      Sense of danger constantly pursued the winged horse, while the big insect stayed calm as stillwater. At least, the bug did not show any emotion. His whiskers still twitched at every unknown rustle, and his net-like compound eyes attentively looked through any and all suspicious places - in other words, every metre. And the insectoid was distracted more than enough, by his companion..   Little pony squeaked, sighed, changed her mood so rapidly, like if she was a background actor for a theatre drama. At one moment, solar mare was confident like a strategist, at another - scared like a cornered beast. Yet, all that changed is scenery - from less exotic to more exotic. How insect is supposed to concentrate?   And the pony can be understood. On one side, friends encountered unusual purple mushrooms with glowing dots, that nobody had seen before. On another - scarily-bright fruits. And the third one was almost infested by bugs that looked like very small changelings, similar in sharpness of bodies. Have they actually descended from those little bugs..?   — Are you totally sure we have to go further? We can always return home!   — I am sure.   — Why?   — We will never know what awaits us, if we do not continue. We can return at any time.   Shapeshifter’s words had some sense in it, and the little pony simply could not find an excuse. At least, for the first few seconds, while she still kept friend’s thought in her head. What if they run out of said time? What if something bursts out of the tree and eats this couple of friends, right at this second..?   — ..And what if trouble awaits us? Just look at those giant flowers! - Sunshine was amazed at the sight of flowers, certainly able to swallow someone big.   — Then it will not be nice. Since it awaits.   — This isn’t funny! What if it will be worse any further? What if something happens to you?   — Do not worry about m-   — Don’t you ever say that to me! You are my friend, and I don’t want something to happen to you! Especially because of me or my brother!         Changeling felt that again. That sudden and extraordinary splash of emotions. Emotions, this time targeted at him. Ones that the bug still could not get used to in those few weeks that friends knew each other for. And so he decided that it would be better to keep the silence, instead of acting wise.   Never in his short life, that whiskered insect have ever felt such strong feelings. As if they were multiplied, and were not fake at all, despite the contradictions in their appearance and pony’s expressed thoughts. Thankfully, now the little horse did not go back and forth and scare the bug. At least, for now.         The further company went, the more leaves and foliage they encountered on their path. While the tall changeling went through the bushes and weeds without any problem, the little pony was opposite of him and she often took wrong steps. She simply could not stop whining, as she weaned off physical activities.   — Ga-amby-y-y..! Give me a ride.   — ..What? Why?   — I can’t go on, can I climb on your back? - winged pony continued after facing Gambit’s eyes - There’s always something spiky on the bottom, I can’t see anything, and my legs are short! Ple-e-ease!   — Climb. But do not distract. We do not know anything about this here yet.   Orange horse nodded and jumped onto his back. What a relief! Snowwhite insect noticed almost no difference, because the long-eared pony was very light and small for him. However, almost immediately after he continued to march, Sunshine broke her promise. That is impossible to unnotice.   — Hey, haven’t you found Moon somewhat, I dunno.. tired?    — I don’t know. He seemed usual to me. Usual rude. - red-eyed one reacted quite sharply at the plated bug’s statement - ..I am more worried about your emotions. And flow-   — I’m fine, everything’s fine with me! It’s just.. what if he sent us somewhere wrong because he’s very-very tired, not because I did something wrong?   — Maybe. Maybe both of you did wrong.   — ..And maybe, we should go back?   Gambit stopped, swiftly rotated his head completely backwards and looked straight into big-eared pony’s red eyes. Unprepared for such miracles, she nearly screamed, shortly remembering that changelings, as well as other insects, can actually do much more than that.   — Sunshine, I don’t recognise you. It is from you that I heard, that the most interesting things hide in the most unexpected places. Your words, that you found me like that, too - unexpectedly, in some Monacolt..   — You don’t understand! - little pony contradicted herself.   — Don’t understand. Don’t see differences. If it goes bad - will protect. If it goes very bad - will use the scroll. - insect remained absolutely calm, though he was breaking his speech quite often - Nothing has happened yet. So, will we be discoverers or not?   Solar one could not find what to add. In the end, she simply lowered her head, while still keeping her eyes on the insectoid’s muzzle. His scary face did not show any emotion; did not even change from the moment the bug changed his guise. And the pegasus was worried and excited by anything and everything; at least she understands that she sets a bad example.   — There you go. - shapeshifter reversed his head forward and continued to move ahead.         Adventurers crossed a lot of territory, but an exit still remained to be seen. Although, the sunset was seen without any problem. Rapid cold snap, lack of other light sources, except dimly-red nightlights.. The company needs to find a place to rest. If not for the bug, then for his partner.   Luckily, it did not take long to look for it. Before the Sun completely left the jungle, Gambit found another glade, that was similar to the previous one. This time though, leaves closed the sky completely, and there was a small stream in the centre, just before a good place for staying the night. Water!   Sunny horse immediately jumped off shapeshifter’s back and trotted closer to the source. The bug continued to seek out possible threats and dangers, not paying attention to the lack of flora around the liquid. Which was a mistake - this water was impossible to drink. Luckily, Sunshine spit that filth out just in time..   — That bad?   — A-awful! - red-eyed pony twitched and squeaked - You have that leather cask, don’t you?   — Yes. Remember, water needs to be saved. Moonrise said that I need to give you supplies only in extre-   — Gamby! This is an extreme case! We’re lost in some jungle, after all. Can you give me the flask, please?   The bug straightened up and was going to burp it out, but Sunny stopped the silly insect in time. Only then, that chitin-faced creature thought of a more civilised way and changed back into white knapsack. In which the hungry and thirsty mare began to rummage immediately.   She found that small cask immediately and got inspired after a few gulps, but there were no snacks to be found. Solar pony tried every pocket, rummaged through every corner and socket.. But there was nothing edible between few smoke bombs, a scroll, and a few silver dimes.   — ..What? - insectoid morphed back after encountering an accusing gaze.   — Where did marshmallows go? Moon could not forget about something as important!   — I remember. He did put them in. I have one thought..   — Did you eat it? - little horse already went mad.   — It is not that simple. Think, what happens with everything that is stored in the bags, when I change back into my real self?   — I don’t know! - she easily got upset - I want marshmallo-ows!   Winged pony stopped listening to her companion. How could he eat everything so fast, already? Little horse decided to leave it all and find a good spot to rest, close to a friendly-looking tree, while the fanged bug tried to justify himself. In the end, he did not exactly understand what he is capable of, himself.   — It goes to my stomach. I probably digested it without having a clue myself. There was something tasty.. - bug’s guess was confirmed rather soon by his own hiccups - ..I am sorry.   — You don’t even have to eat anything! Or drink! You’re silly!   — ..I did not think about that. We will surely find some.. - whiskered bug smiled - ..Fell asleep. With puffed cheeks. That is.. something.         Surprisingly enough, the moody horse woke up at the first sight of light. She managed to spot her companion quite soon, while he enthusiastically observed something in the bushes. Gathering her strength, pony tried to understand what kept insect’s attention. And she was not disappointed.   The bug was busy watching nearby fauna, mainly two representatives of local wildlife. Insects too, rare as well, though not white and with big shells. Literate pony immediately recognised those unusual but known green bugs, and told the changeling about what she knows:   — They are called mantis, praying mantis. They’re named that way because of their legs - they look like they are praying. The best hunters around, if you compare them to others of their size!   For a big insect, it was a great experience. Shapeshifter was amazed not only by their appearance, but also by the way they gathered food - big mantis grabbed a smaller one at lightning speed, giving him no chance to escape in the process. Not only that, but the small bug was also being eaten alive.   — Convenient. And monstrously effective.   Gambit was highly interested in them; in the top of the food chain. He got surrounded by pink flames again, and soon after, the insectoid grown appendages like mantis claws, right above his shoulders. The changeling tried his new weapon on an insect below, immediately killing it with such strong force.   — Want some? - said the big “mantis”, receiving disgust in return - ..Don’t like insects?   — I like them, but not as food! We, ponies, can eat only plants - and only cooked ones! You don’t want to see what they describe in books..   — So this is why the kitchen choice is like so. I thought all of you don’t have a taste. - the bug giggled while stuffing himself with insects.   — You silly.. - little pony jokingly poked her companion.         Work for a while to have fun for a moment. The team continued to march in the same direction they went before the stop, trying to find an exit from this forest. Well, the insect tried to. Sunshine was relaxing on his cold back while he crossed dangerous terrain.   There were more glades like the ones they saw, but nothing more than that. Nothing, like they have seen before, nothing familiar in terms of food, or at least something that looked edible. All the mushrooms did not inspire confidence, and vastly coloured things hanging from leaves gave even less trust. How should friends proceed?   Of course, one can stop and try it all, but it is not that simple. The shapeshifter, as the first taster in line, could eat practically anything. Sunshine however, can not. Same food can react differently on both of them, and the orange mare did not want to risk it. Especially knowing what vegetables and grains are able of back home..   Hungry horse’s stomach growled without stopping, and the victim of this involuntary starvation squeaked quite loudly, stealing insect’s attention again. How could anyone concentrate and look for anything in this chaos? That long needed food will not appear out of nowhere, will it?         It will. Plated bug miraculously stumbled upon a curious plant, almost hitting it with his head. Giant stem separated itself at one point, and its huge sprouts turned into big toxic-green striped spheres. As if this bush tried to hide itself beyond the leaves, or trick someone. Or both.   — Gamby, what is this?   — I do not know. It looks like a strange tree. Or a very tall bush.   — Berry bush! Here are the berries! - pony pointed at a treat, size of her - Maybe we should try it?   The whole plant collapsed under the fruits’ weight. If that camouflage did not protect against its predators, then it certainly made them doubt whether they should eat the berries - what if they are poisonous? Thick crust protected it from particularly gifted intruders as well. “ Tries to protect itself - means delicious! ” - the horse has already reached conclusions.   — ..They are extremely big. Maybe it is a fruit tree? - thought Gambit.   — We can’t be sure if we don’t crack it open! Can you get me one of those? I don’t have the strength to do so myself.         Changeling observed the sly plant with suspicion. Snowwhite insect tried to pick one of those fruits off, seating his friend on grass before attempting anything. However, this bush did not let go so easily, and smooth hooves continued to slide off. Shapeshifter did not simply let it go as well.   Even after the stem bended towards Gambit. Even after he walked away for about eight metres with it. Instead of giving away the striped ball, this tree almost pressed against the ground completely, and changeling himself began to slide towards it.   No matter how the bug tried, how much strength he put - neither a berry, nor the bush came off. Insect expressed anger, and eventually he showed his real emotions due to the task's difficulty. Sunshine, on the contrary, was amused by the show. She watched the spectacle with such enthusiasm, that she did not even pay attention to something that crawled onto her body.   Even the changeling saw it, and he could not stay silent. Insectoid was concerned about it even more than his own problem, and he let go of an edible cannonball, as he pointed at the pony's thigh with his front hoof. What if this insect is dangerous and it eats ponies?   — Sunshine! Leg!         Silly shapeshifter was just going to jump at the threat, when he immediately got punched by that tree he was fighting moments prior. Striped sphere went back towards the plant, and back again under tension, returning to its sender’s carapace at a very high speed.   Pony went to help his friend, worried for him and scared for herself, not even aware that this small bug on her leg ran off. As soon as she got closer, red-eyed horse noticed that the fruit did not go back a third time, it was there with the snowwhite insect. Turns out, it was stuck on his horn.   The bug himself showed signs of life and angrily hissed at the stuck object. This plant seemingly tricked the insectoid, striking his head at the most inconvenient moment.. If not for the insect's plated body, everything would have ended right there, right now.         But it was opposite of that. Winged pony went hysterical, not being able to control it, nor help her companion. He was also hysterical, but in another sense of those words - the bug hissed, danced around and fought against the fruit with all his limbs and hooves that could reach it.   When whiskered insect realised that ordinary methods will not do anything, he began to change. Mantis claws did not help much either - they did not cut anything, barely leaving any mark. Yet an agile tail with a blade, much like what scorpions have, easily solved the problem.   How did Gambit even think of it? Was a combination of rage and pain indeed necessary to imagine something so extraordinary? He could have turned into almost anything, but the insect chose this horror. Not even a second passed, as the first victim fell from such ingenuity.         However, Sunshine still found all of this funny. Deep inside she knew that laughing at this is not right, but something kept her from calming down. Only the sight of berry’s shiny wet insides brought the pony back. What if she was in this fruit’s place? What if the whiskered bug himself was going to be severely hurt?   — ..Oh! I’m so sorry, please forgive me! It was funny at first, but then.. - the horse already went for her slice - Are you alright?   — If I was anyone else, I would die. Probably. Feel a bit of pain, but it will pass. You are unharmed, at least?   Pony shook her head while she was chewing treat’s insides. Snowwhite insect decided to pick a piece for himself as well, morphing back into his normal self. Lots of seeds hinted at orange one’s guess and victory, in terms of knowing nature laws. It was, indeed, a berry.   — So, is it worth?   — Yes! - pony answered with her mouth full.   — ..Curious, how does it taste? - Gambit spoke to himself.   — Wafer!   The bug already thought of lecturing the mare about talking when eating, but it was a lot easier to keep quiet and not continue the conversation; she would certainly continue to talk and something bad could happen. In any case, there was a lot of food now. Though, it was rather strange..         The berry indeed was watery. Too watery for anyone to live on it for long. Yet, despite the expectations, Sunshine managed to stuff herself without even eating half of her own part. The mare did not eat a lot before the adventure too, and there was even less space in her stomach now, after the starvation. Same for strength.   Fanged bug did not think he would have to carry his friend again. Still, she barely stood on her legs after such a feast. It would not be too much to carry only the horse - but she was not going to leave the food behind. Not that it was a serious problem - it is simply harder to walk that way. And the insect could not refuse.   — You need a ride, again? Hop on. - he said jokingly.   Sunshine showed her tongue as an answer. Gambit tried doing the same, but he hissed at his companion without even realising it at first. Little one certainly did not like the gesture and she caught his long tongue with her hoof, pulling it towards her. Sunny explained why he should not do so again calmly, with some superiority in her voice:   — Don’t hiss at me, you got that?   — It was-s-s a jest!   Scared insect felt that the pony he listened to was not angry at him at all. On the contrary, actually - she was enjoying the experience - jungle, banquet, and her friend’s mistake. Sunshine felt like right at home, where she could do anything, anywhere, at any time.   — I’m s-s-sorry, it jus-st happent.. — There you go.