//------------------------------// // Chapter 18:No place we’ve ever gone before // Story: Hearthfire The Sands Of Time // by Predman1227 //------------------------------// Chapter 18:No place we’ve ever gone before Summer Haze “Ahhh, my head really hurts.” Haze thought. She had been in her disguise for a while now and she was really starting to feel it. Even though she was a lot older now and her magic much stronger, her Changeling powers were still heavy on her system and now that Sapphire was with here…. She normally could handle it just find but today she was tired and didn’t have the same amount of energy to keep it up without pain. The pain was coming from her frontal lobe and it burned like fire in her skull. Now and then she squinted her eyes shut and winced softly as the pain came in waves. Sapphire thank the gods, was quiet as they walked to…where ever Theran may be, till she noticed Haze wincing. “Hay Haze what’s the matter?” She asked in concern from Haze’s right side. “You don’t look so good.” Haze shook her head. “No I’m fine just got something in ma eye.” She lied. “You sure?” Sapphire insisted. “You face looks all red.” Haze looked away from Sapphire’s gaze and glanced at Violet who was to her left. Violet seemed to not be paying attention on her but Haze knew Violet had noticed the signs. “She just wasn’t showing it right?” Haze thought. Haze coughed lightly and cleared her throat. “Gmmm no I’m fine really I…” Violet suddenly interrupted Haze with a gruff huff. “Oh give it a rest, you know she ante buying it.” Haze looked at Violet in stunned silence. Violet looked over at Sapphire and said plainly. “Haze is to proud to admit she has a cold.” A wave of relief washed over Haze. For a moment she thought Violet was going to tell Sapphire what she was. She continued. “It’s been giving her headaches for a while now. Here sweetie you should have taken these earlier.” Violet with her mouth took out a small bottle of painkillers from her med pouch, letting Haze take it in her magic. Even taking the bottle magically made her headache worse. She unscrewed it and floated two pills in her mouth. She then swapped the bottle for a water skin and washed it down. She stuck her tong out and shook her head. “Blek, tastes terrible.” Haze stated, not making it up. It really tasted awful. Sapphire gave Haze and Violet a questioning look. Haze wasn’t sure if she was really buying it at all. “That’s strange, you were fine yesterday and the day before that.” Her puzzled look changed to shock when she realised something. “You had a cold this whole time and you didn’t tell me? What the hell Haze, I could be infected now.” “Sorry.” Haze said sheepishly. “I thought it wasn’t important.” Haze would have to thank Violet for her quick thinking. Now with the painkillers in her system she could last a bit longer, at least till they found another inn. Still, Haze knew she couldn’t keep this up forever. Sooner or later Sapphire was going to find out and that’s what Haze dreaded. She feared if she showed her true self to Sapphire she would freak out and run away or be disgusted and not want anything to do with her anymore. But it was unavoidable so how was she… Sapphire seemed a little taken aback by Haze’s casual way of taking a cold. “Not important? Haze the last thing I want is a cold. Their nasty and you shouldn’t be so calm about it, colds can kill you.” Sapphire was kind of overreacting. “A cold that can kill?” Haze thought. “That sounds dumb.” Sapphire didn’t look like she was joking. “No really they can be really deadly. You sure you’re even ready for traveling? Maybe we should go back.” “She’s fine Sapphire it’s uh just a small one.” Violet continued to play along. “No need to go home.” She then frowned as if she thought of something. “Speaking of which, don’t you think your mother will get worried Sapph? I know what you said before but still.” Sapphire frowned in disgust. “My mother couldn’t give a flipping tail feather about what I want. She’d rather cage me and treat me like a slave than loving me like her daughter.” Violet looked a little saddened to hear that and so did Haze. Haze knew Sapphire’s mother and she was one of the meanest ponies in Rest pit. She treated her daughter like trash and drank a lot. She even started a fight at the inn one time over not getting another refill cause Lilly said she’d had enough. Haze felt bad for nearly leaving Sapphire with that nag. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Violet said sympathetically. If anypony could understand fully how Sapphire felt it was Violet. She’d been through similar things. “No it’s fine.” Sapphire said, brightening up her face. “I’m with you two now. What could go wrong?” “That’s a good question there little bird.” A random deep voice said from the underbrush. Haze, Sapphire and Violet all froze on the spot as four ponies emerged from the forest’s cover. Two were brown and black earth ponies, one was a black and blue Pegasus and last who was a mare with lip piercings was a white and blue Unicorn. They all stood in the group’s way and flashed wicked grins and weapons. Haze recognised them. They were teenagers all a few years older than she was. The two earth ponies were bothers, Jake and Sword Play. The other two Slick Wing and Snow Star were a dating couple but they were far from nice. The weapons they carried were makeshift clubs and Slick Wing had a sling shot armed with a rock. Sword Play was the one who spoke and he was looking a Sapphire. “You’ve been a naughty filly Sapph, trying to runaway again.” Sapphire looked petrified with fear as she stared at Sword Play. “S…Sword Play? But how…how did you…” He nodded his head at Slick Wing who was hovering in the air. “Slick saw you flying away from the village so we booked it here when he told us you landed in the forest.” He took a step forward. “You really thought we wouldn’t notice you just leaving? Silly filly.” He and his friends took a steps forward and Haze felt her heart start to race. Violet stood in their way however and they all stopped. “That’s enough!” She barked at them. “She’s with me now so you can go and tell who ever, she’s not coming back.” Sword Play scowled at Violet. “That’s not how it works nag, her mother pays us all very well to keep an eye on Sapph and I’ll be damned before I let her run off.” Violet stood steadfast and didn’t move, keeping her gaze on him. “It’s not up to you where she go’s and if her mother has to pay children to keep an eye on her own daughter she’s got problems. So since we’re done here…” She put her hoof on her sword hilt and it made a loud clack. “Mind moving out of our way. We got some place to be.” Haze was so focused on Sword Play she didn’t notice Snow Star’s horn started glowing till it was too late. “Violet look out!” Snow Star blasted a cloud of stinging ice crystals in Violet’s face, blinding her. Violet yelled out in pain as she rubbed her eyes while Slick Wing sped to her side and fired the rock in the side of Violet’s head. It struck her head and she fell over. “Violet no!” Haze yelled in shock but Sword play stuck his club out and pointed at her. “Don’t move you. Stay where you are and I promise we won’t hurt you.” He looked at Violet who was clutching the side of her head. “Can’t say the same for her though.” Haze froze. She didn’t know what to do. There were to many of them and they had this planed out. She had no chance of fighting them. She looked at Sapphire and she looked at her. Sapphire looked at Haze with desperation in her eyes. Haze shook her head sadly. “I can’t.” She thought. “There’s no way I can beat them.” While Haze was held at club point, Sword Play’s brother Jake went around to grab Sapphire. “No!” Sapphire screamed as Jake grabbed her. “I’m not going back, I’m not going back!” She kicked and bit Jake who winced in pain as he let her go. She tried to fly off but Slick Wing was on her in seconds, tackling her to the ground. Haze felt so helpless, tears started running down her cheeks as she watched Sapphire struggle under Slick Wing. He hit her in the face but she didn’t stop fighting him. Haze looked back at Sword Play, her heart pounding in her chest. “Please stop.” She begged. “Just let her go.” “Sorry lass.” He said none-sympathetically. “But that ante gunna happen.” Haze couldn’t describe how helpless she felt. It felt so terrible she thought she was going to puke when an arrow came zipping out of nowhere and went through Sword Play’s mane. He was lunched off his hooves and the arrow while carrying him, imbedded itself in a nearby tree with his mane still tangled around it. He screamed in pain and he dangled by his mane off the tree. “AHHHH HELP, HELP GET IT OUT, GET IT OUT!!!” The others froze in shocked surprise except for Sapphire, who bucked Slick Wing in the gut. “Ahh why you little bitch!” He grabbed her mane and pressed a knife he pulled from his blet to her throat. “You’re going to regret that.” He growled in anger. Haze turned with a gasp as she realised what he was doing. “No please don’t!” She was about to lung forward when a see-through figure fell out the trees and landed behind Slick Wing. It spoke in a deep highlander actsent. “Not as much as you’re going to regret what you did.” Before Slick had a chance to react he was lunched off of Sapphire by a telekinetic shock wave and was sent hurtling into another nearby tree with a loud bang. The figure reviled himself and Haze felt an epic sensation wash through her body when she instantly recognised who it was. The red mane, the black battle damaged armour and those big wolf like ears. “Theran!?” Haze whispered in surprise. Jake with a war cry came at Theran with his club but he was in over his head. While standing on his back legs Theran took the blow which his amour absorbed and wrapped his hooves around Jakes club. Jake gasped when his club was yanked painfully out his mouth. Blood leaked from his lips but Theran made him bleed more when he struck Jake in the face with his own club. It broke on impact and Jake flew off the ground and into the brushes. Theran snorted loudly and dropped what was left of the club to the ground. As he turned his head an ice shard bounced off his black dented helmet. He flinched from the impact but was unharmed. His blue gaze fixed on Snow Star and in an instant his horn glowed and he vanished with a blue flash. A second later Haze heard screams and she turned to see Theran had Snow in a headlock under his left foreleg and she couldn’t get out. She tried to use her magic but Theran extended his right hoof blade and hooked it in her lip piercing. She yelled out in fright and stopped all attempt to struggle. Theran snorted again and looked up from Snow and check around the area. Violet was getting up still clutching a blood patch on the side of her head while Sapphire lay on her back just staring at the sky. As for Haze she stared at Theran. He took in a deep breath and sighed. “Well, well what do we have here? Bunch of troublemakers on the road. What a shameful display.” As he dragged Snow to the centre of the road he ask Violet. “Hay Vi you alright?” Violet was sitting up now and she took her hoof away from her head. Haze couldn’t see her wound from where she was standing but she saw the amount of blood on her hoof. She looked at Theran in a rather pissed off way. “Oh I’m just peachy Theran thanks for asking.” She said sarcastically. Slick Wing was getting to his hooves when Violet noticed. She got up, anger in her eyes and again before he had a chance to react Violet punched him hard in his nose and Haze swore she heard bone break. He yelled out in agony and once more flopped to the ground holding his broken muzzle. “That’s for the dirty move.” She then kicked him in the groin and he balled up in unbearable torment. “And that’s for pissing me off!” she shouted. Theran looked on blissfully and shrugged. “Yeah you’re ok.” He said mostly to himself. “Haze.” Haze flinched at the sound of her name and turned to see Sapphire sitting up as well and holding her nose. It was bleeding. “Mind giving me a hoof here?” Haze shook off her stiffness and moved over to Sapphire. “I’m so sorry Sapph.” Haze said, saddened at the sight of her friend’s blood. “I should have done something.” “It’s cool Haze I’m…I’m not angry at you, ouch.” Sapphire stated as she lifted her hoof away from her nose. More blood came dribbling out and Haze grimaced. “There wasn’t much you could do.” “Keep pressure on that!” Haze stated, making her press her hoof back on her nose. Haze noticed Sapphire was smiling at her. “Why is she smiling?” Haze thought. “Thanks Haze.” She said in a soft muffled voice. “I can always count on you.” She then patted Haze on the shoulder. The gesture made Haze oddly feel better and her guilt faded away like melting snow. Haze didn’t know what to say really, she didn’t really do anything to be thanked for. “Can you stand?” Haze asked Sapphire, holding out her hoof. Sapphire took Haze’s hoof with a smile still on her bloody face. “Yeah sure, takes a lot more than that to take me out.” Haze knew she was only joking but still. As Haze tended to her friend, Theran was talking loudly. “So, what am I going to do with a bunch of low lives? Cut you up and leave you for dead or chop off your limbs and hang you from the trees till you bleed out?” He looked at the petrified Mare in his hold. “Or I could curse you with horrific skin eating diseases. What do you think?” Snow Star started squealing, crying and begging. “Please don’t chop us up we…we didn’t mean to hurt anypony I swear we…we didn’t know the other two were here, please, please don’t kill me!” Theran tugged at her lip piercing and she cried out in pain. “Oh is that so?” Theran asked in a very scary way. It was almost funny watching her beg but this didn’t feel right. Snow kept screaming. “Yes, yes it’s true we were just doing as we was told please stop this, please!” Theran growled in Snow’s ear making her squeal again. “That’s what they all say. Maybe I should just…” “Theran knock it off!” Haze finally yelled at him. “She’s had enough just stop please.” Theran looked at Haze for a moment. His blue wolf like eyes watching her till they rolled and he sighed. “Fine.” He retracted his hoof blade and let Snow go. “Get out of here, go on get!” He kicked her in the flank and she yelped, running away crying with her tail between her legs. Theran then came up to Sword Play and said. “Boo!” In his face. He screamed with fright as Theran pulled the arrow out of the tree and let him loos. “Take what you got left and run. If I see you again I’ll take away what make’s you a Stallion and turn you into a Mare. Got it!?” Sword Play just whimpered and ruched over to Slick Wing and helped him up. Jake stumbled out of the bushes and Sword yelled at him. “Come on Jake let’s get out of here this ante worth the bits just run!” They all ran and limped away back to Rest Pit and Theran shouted after them. “Run you little shits run!” He laughed as he turned back to face the group. Haze felt appalled at Theran’s actions but he did save them…again. “That was a little overkill Theran.” Haze lectured. “You didn’t have to scare them half to death.” Theran just snorted. “What they had it coming and besides they’ve learned a valuable lesson. Don’t go around causing trouble if you can’t take the back slash of your actions.” He had a point Haze had to admit in her head but still the manner in which he did it was a little extreme for her taste. Theran went back on all fours and walked over to them. He took off his helmet and showed his face. He didn’t look a day older, every feature on his face was the same since the day Haze met him. She always wondered what it felt like not to age, not to…die. As she got lost in her thoughts she nearly missed Theran saying. “What she doing out here?” Sapphire was looking at Theran with a sheepish grin. “Uh…hi Mr Razorblade. It’s uh…nice to…” Theran cut her off. “I’ll ask again. What is she doing out here with you?” He was looking at Haze now. Haze felt her face heat up as her nerves got to her. “Uh well um you see…she wants to come with us and well…” “No.” Theran stated. He pointed at Sapphire. “No way, you’re gunna go right back to Rest Pit missy, no tag a longs allowed.” “Hay!” Sapphire barked, squaring up to Theran. “No pony tells me what to do.” “Oh really?” Theran sneered in her face, showing his sharp teeth. “How about I break you legs and drag you back myself.” “Wow hold on!” Haze snapped and was about to get between them when Violet walked up beside them and pushed them apart her self. Haze now got a good look at Violet’s wound. She had a large gash on the right side of her head and it was still bleeding. Her blood dripped off her chin and onto the ground, leaving a dotted line behind her. She glared at Theran. “We have both decided to let her come. You’re out voted Theran, drop it.” She looked him right in the eye with her strong gaze. Theran stared back at her for a moment, anger burning in his eyes but then it faded. He sighed and lowered his head. “Fine, have it your way.” He then swiftly looked back into her eyes. “But I’m not feeding or tending to her needs.” He looked at Sapphire. “You got your own stuff with you?” He asked in a strict voice. Sapphire looked from side to side at her empty back. “Uh…I um…” Theran let out a sharp sigh and cut her off. “Perfect, just perfect.” He shot Haze a glare. “Since you want her here so bad you get the honour of looking after her, not objections.” Haze a little taken aback. “Huh? But…” Her objection was swiftly cut off. “No objections.” Theran glared at her some more till she shut her mouth and just stared at him angrily. He then looked back at Violet. “Let me see that.” He asked in a more polite manner and Violet gladly let him. She looked really happy to see him despite the pain she must be in. Haze wondered when Theran was going to tell her he was immortal. Cause to her it seemed unfair. Violet constantly worried about him and she really didn’t need to if only Theran would tell her but no he keeps his mouth shut. Violet winced in pain as Theran touched her wound. “That hurt be more careful!” She yelled. “You can talk.” Theran countered. He sighed. “Well any other pony would say you’d need stitches but lucky for you I…” Violet sighed sharply and cut him off. Haze noticed that happening a lot lately, they just kept butting in. It was very rude. “Just stop talking and get it over with already.” Theran snorted. “As you wish Princess.” He said sarcastically. “But let’s find a place to set up camp first. This sort of stuff takes relaxed focuses you know.” He took a rag out of his saddle-bag and gave it to her. “Keep pressure on that till We’re done.” Violet smirked as she held the rag on her wound. “Well be quick about it, our knight in shinning armour.” She paused for a second then added as she looked at his battle damaged armour. “Well…so to speak.” … Sometime past and they were now relaxed in their newly formed camp sight. Haze sat next to Sapphire who was lazily leaning against a rock. She had her forelegs wrapped behind her head and her back legs crossed over each other. Haze herself was leaning on a log as she read one of her books. Violet and Theran were beside each other too. Theran had magically healed Violet’s wound and now he was dabbing the closed wound with a wet cloth, cleaning all the blood away. Theran’s healing magic always left a scar but it was hidden by Violet’s mane so she had nothing to complain about. She looked rather happy actually, more happy than she had been before seeing Theran again. Haze lazily smiled. She knew how Violet felt about Theran, just that he wasn’t showing the same feelings but she could some how sense a conation between them. She had no idea how she knew this but she could almost feel it. It was just…something was up with Theran, it was almost like he was avoiding her affection but why would he… “Hay Haze what you reading?” Haze jumped slightly and almost dropped her book. She looked at Sapphire who was smiling happily at her. She looked at her and Haze then realised she was waiting for her to speak. “Oh my book uh…” At that moment she forgot what she was reading and looked at the front cover. “A Pony’s Tail. Written by somepony named Scribbler.” Haze shrugged. “It’s a story about an Earth pony trying to find their way in life. It’s really well written.” “Ooo sounds cool.” Sapphire said with an enthusiastic tone. “Can you read some to me?” Haze pricked her ears up at that. “You want to know the story?” Haze asked in surprise. “Sure it sounds interesting. Come on tell me what’s happening.” Haze shuffled over to her and they leaned on each other as Haze showed her the page she was on. Against the cold air of winter Sapphire felt very warm and Haze smiled as her read the story. “The path was dark and foreboding, with crocked trees in all directions.” Haze made her voice seem scary but she was bad at it. “Ahead was a cave. The cave was dark and eerie. Scribbles did not know what lay within, only the dreaded sounds of the wind as it blow in…” Haze noticed Sapphire was looking at her with her warm smile. “What is she looking at?” Haze thought. “Is their something in my teeth?” She asked running her tong along her teeth. “Is it gone?” Sapphire giggled. “No silly.” She pocked Haze’s forehead. “It’s your mane.” Haze was confused. “What about my mane?” She gasped. “Is it messed up? Did I get blood in it? Ohhh I hate blood.” “Nooo.” Sapphire giggled again. “It’s lovely.” She felt her mane and Haze suddenly felt awkward. “It’s so smooth let spiky. I’ve always wondered how you do it. Is it some sort of shampoo you haven’t told me about?” Haze felt her cheeks heat up. “Uh…thanks I guess and I dun know I just use whatever.” Her friend was acting a little more odd than usual and Sapphire always acted odd. Haze liked Sapphire’s mane too, it was so long Haze wondered how she didn’t trip and it was blue like her own but darker. She was actually going to ask her about it when Theran called for her. “Hay Pip squeak, come over here for a minute.” Haze hated that name, he’s been calling her that since forever. Haze moved away from Sapphire and put her book down. “I’ll just be a minute.” She said to her friend. “Ok.” Sapphire said as she leaned back on her rock. “I’m not going anywhere.” Haze went over to Theran and stood there. “Uh yeah Theran you wanted something?” He patted the ground opposite him from Violet. “Hay come on can’t we just sit together and chat?” Haze nodded and sat next to him. He looked at her puzzled as she sat awkwardly. “Hay what’s up with you why so tense?” He patted her on the back and she eased up. “Sorry.” Haze said. “I guess I’m not used to camping again. It’s been so long.” “Yeah.” Theran admitted. “I guess we should have done this more often but now that we’re out here we can.” He looked at her and she him. His face softened up and he did his half smile. “Look at you, it feels like only yesterday you were just a small filly.” Haze had already heard that one today but it was nice coming form him. “Which reminds me.” He opened his bag with his magic and floated over a strange looking…actually she had no idea what it was. It was a black, thin rectangle almost as long as her hoof to her elbow. It also had straps attached to it. “Happy birthday Pip.” “What is it?” Haze asked as she looked at it in puzzlement. Theran tapped a small switch on it and a long slivery blade shot out and stopped. Haze flinched and was taken aback. “Your very own hoof blade.” He tapped the same switch and it retracted. “It wasn’t easy finding a skilled enough blacksmith to make it and it wasn’t cheap either.” He gestured to her right foreleg and asked. “May I?” Haze, not really sure what to think lifted her leg and Theran strapped it on. It fit perfectly and weighed almost nothing. “Well what do you think? Pretty cool huh?” Haze tapped the switch, pointing it away from Theran. It took more force than it looked but after a moment she finally got it and the blade shot out. She gasped and flinched again. It felt heavier now with the blade out and she waved it about. She was transfixed by the blade, watched as the flames from the campfire danced on its bran new reflective surface. It was a beautiful weapon and she loved the detail of what looked like vines coiling up the blade. She had to admit it was amazing but there was only one problem. This was a thing made to harm, made for killing. Haze hated violence and the thought of using this on another living thing sent sickening chills down her spine. “It’s cool.” Haze said after a moment of silently looking at the blade. “But this kills things. I’m not a killer I hate violence you know that.” Theran looked hurt by that and he looked away. Haze felt bad for saying that. “Oh sorry I…I didn’t mean…” “No.” Theran said calmly and softly. “You’re right. You’re no killer and I hop it stays that way.” He looked at her now. “But sometimes we have no choice. We live in a hostile place Haze you knew that just as much as the next pony but unlike some you know right from wrong.” He took her foreleg and flicked the switch on the weapon, making the blade vanish inside its casing. “Your not a filly any longer Haze and the world…it will try to trick you.” He held her hoof with both of his. “In the right hooves this weapon doesn’t have to be for killing but as a deterrent. If ponies see you armed and ready they will think twice about doing anything to you but sometimes that’s not enough.” He looked in her eyes and his gaze was unwavering. “I won’t lie Haze. There will be a time where you will need to choose between weather some stranger who is trying to hurt you is more important than your own life. Only then will you find out who you truly are.” Haze blinked, that was…unexpected. She didn’t know how to take that or even what to say. “Uh I uh…” She noticed Violet looking at them. “That was a little deep Theran maybe a little too deep.” She stated with her forelegs crossed over her chest plate. Theran leaned back and folded his own forelegs. “Well I can’t lie.” He stated. “Just wouldny be right.” Violet shook her head and leaned back as well. Haze suddenly felt something beside her and she slowly turned her head till her eyes met Sapphire looking at her hoof blade. “I so want one of those.” She said. Before she even had a chance Haze said. “No you can’t borrow it.” Sapphire looked down cast and made an “Awww.” Sound as she pouted and crossed her forelegs, huffing as she did. After they had gone back to their spots in the camp Violet spoke up. “So tell us Theran, where is it we are going?” Theran made a wicked grin, briefly showing all his sharp teeth. “Why I’m glad you finally asked.” He stood up and neared the campfire. “I have a master plan, one never thought of before.” “So besides the biggest cheese wheel in existence, what is this so called master plan?” Violet joked. Theran gave her a “Really.” Face, then continued. “I have a plan to take us where none of us have even gone before. Well…except Haze.” Haze looked at him in confusion. “Wait what are you talking about? Where have I been where you haven’t?” Theran looked around the camp in silence, watching how everypony inched closer as the suspense became almost unbearable. “We are going, to the Heartland.” Haze’s eye went so wide they bulged out her head. “What?” Haze whispered as her excitement grow. Theran did his half smile and his gaze fell on Haze. “Happy birthday again Haze. We’re going to your homeland.” “Whoooohoooo!” Sapphire yelled with delight. She got up and started dancing on the spot, happily chanting. “We’re going to the Heartland, we’re going to the Heartland.” She then paused and looked confused. “Wait Haze is from the Heartland?” She looked at Haze and she felt her cheeks heat up again. “You never told me you where from the Heartland.” “You never asked.” Haze stated and Sapphire look as is she was about to say something then thought better of it. “Good point.” She finally said and sat back down with her. “So what’s it like? The Heartland I mean?” Sapphire asked. Haze shrugged. “I don’t know it’s been years since I was last there. It could be completely different now for all I know.” Haze wasn’t telling the entire truth. She did remember what it was like but the memories were too painful she didn’t want to talk about them. Violet was now laying on her back while leaning against her log with her forelegs behind her head. She was also now chowing on a long bit of grass that stuck out her mouth. “Well I guess we should all get some shut eye then. If we’re going to the Heartland which I hear is very far away, we’ll need all the sleep we can get.” “My thoughts exactly.” Theran chimed in and unfolded his bedroll. He also tossed a few more at them. Violet caught heir’s in one hoof, not moving form her spot one bit, while Haze fumbled with her one and Sapphire completely missed heir’s as it flew over her head. Theran sighed at their clumsiness. “Get some sleep. We get up at first light.” Haze suddenly felt her horn spark and pain slowly came with it. “Oh no.” Haze thought. “I’ve been using my magic for too long. I’m gunna short out.” She got up quickly and looked at Theran. “I’m uh going to the toilet. I’ll uh be right back.” Before Theran had a chance to speak Haze ran off into the dark. She didn’t go too far, she could still see the camp from where she was. She let her magic go and with a flash a green she was her true self again. The pain faded so fast it was like a cool wave washing through her body and she actually fell to her knees, feeling faint. “That was close.” She sighed to herself. She rolled onto her back and looked up at the night sky as she cached her breath. She watched the stars and the moon, letting their radiance sooth her soul. “I got to be more careful.” She said out loud and then she heard a twig snap. She sat up quick, her hoof going for her hoof blade but it was only Theran. “Theran! Dear Celestia don’t scare me like that.” “Sorry.” Theran whispered. “You just shouldn’t run off like that.” “It’s not like I had a choice.” She whispered in anger. “I almost lost control and then Sapph would have seen what I am.” “Is that really a bad thing?” Theran asked her. “I mean you’re friends right? Don’t you think she’ll understand?” Haze rolled her eyes in frustration and sat up. “You’re one to talk. What about Violet? When are you gunna tell her you can’t die huh?” That seemed to hit home. Theran frowned at her. “You calling me a hypocrite?” He whispered in anger. “Yes I am.” Haze stated Theran gave her an angry glare. “My problem is a little more complicated than yours Missy.” He said in a strict voice. “HOW?!” Haze snapped back. Theran tried to shush her and she did tone it down but the anger was still there. “Just tell her, how are can it possibly be?” Theran rolled his eyes and made a sharp sigh. “Oh you think it’s that easy? You think it’s so simple for me to go up to her, spread my hooves and say. Hay Vi guess what I’m immortal and in 80 years I’ll be the same young Stallion and you’ll be dead. Oh and since you think it’s so easy you show your pale what you are. Go on impress me.” Haze stared back at the light coming from the camp and thought about how Sapphire would react seeing her like this. The thought wasn’t a nice one. “I…I can’t.” Haze finally said looking away from Theran. “Do you see now how none simple it is?” Theran stated and looked as if he was going to say more he his eyes widened and he face hoofed. “Ah damnit I’ve just gone and screwed up my point. If I can’t do it how can you?” “I guess we’re both being hypercritics huh?” Haze asked, glancing at Theran. “Yeah.” Theran admitted with a heavy sigh. “I guess we are.” He rubbed the back of his neck looking awkward. Haze to felt awkward as she quietly scratched the grassy, snow covered ground with her right forehoof. It was one of those moments she just wanted to be over as quick as possible. After a minute of silence Theran spoke up. “So…Since it’s clear you’re not gunna show her, what…how are you supposed to sleep tonight? I mean it would be rather strange in you slept out here away from us.” Haze rubbed her temple in thought. This wasn’t turning out to be a good night. “I…I don’t know. I can’t sleep and keep my disguise up it’s just not possible.” She lay down on her belly and hide her face in her forelegs. “Raaaahhh I don’t know what to do!” She heard Theran walk up to her and felt him touched her back. “Hay?” Haze looked up at him. “Why not sleep in between me and Vi tonight and uh…hide in your covers.” “You really think that’s going to fool Sapphire? She smells oddness from miles away.” Haze moaned. “You got any better ideas?” Theran groaned. “Cause the way ah see it you dinny have much of a choice.” Haze sighed long and hard, closing her eyes and letting her head droop. She felt Theran’s touch and she opened her eyes again. He half smiled at her. “Come on partner, I’ll walk you back.” He gave her a happy wink and she smiled at that. “Sure thing, “partner.” She elbowed him in his shoulder plate a little too hard and hurt her joint. “Ou that hurt.” She thought. Haze just kept on smiling and Theran rolled his eyes. As they went back into camp Haze changed back before Sapphire saw her and when she did see her, Sapphire smiled and called out to her. “Hay Haze come on get over here. I want to hear the rest of the story.” Haze’s mind raced as she thought of something to say. “Uh…I uh sorry Sapph I’m a little too tired for that.” Sapphire’s mouth opened slightly in confusion as she blinked a few times. “Uh ok uh well then you can just lay next to me and…” Haze interrupted her. “Actually I’m…going to sleep in between Vi and Theran tonight.” Sapphire’s expression looked down cast as she as her brow wrinkled with confusion, her eyes widened and her ears flopped to the sides of her head. When she spoke she sounded unsure. “Uh oh…well uh…y-you sleep well then. I’ll be here if…if you wanna talk or something.” Haze felt really bad now. She just turned her friend down for no reason, all so she could keep her secret, secret. “I’m such a cowered.” Haze thought. “Why can’t I just tell her?” She went over to Theran and Violet, leaving Sapphire in her spot in the camp alone. Theran had already set up her bedroll in between his and Violet’s and she lay down on it. She pulled her covers over herself and let her spell go, turning back to her true self once more. “Don’t worry Haze.” Theran whispered beside her. “I’ll wake you before your friend wakes up ok.” “Ok.” Haze said quietly. “Well goodnight then.” Theran said and she heard him still in his armour roll onto his side and went quiet. Violet was already snoring. Haze let out a deep sigh from under her covers, listening to the sounds of the campfire crack and sizzle. “Goodnight Haze.” Sapphire called over to her. “Night Sapph.” Haze replied, not showing her face. She made one more deep sigh, pressed her head on her pillow and quickly drifted off in to a deep sleep.