-MARSHAL!-
It’s something that you hear many times around the towns of Red Rock; somepony got robbed, somepony being kidnaped and many other situations that would make anypony wish to get away from there, but not so often in Hoof Jewel and when one pony does, that means “Trouble” with capital T.
The marshal is in his office when he hears the scream, it sounded like a colt; his voice sounds like he has been running for a while now. The marshal stands just when the alarmed pony comes into the commissary; he is a short heighted pony and a little overweight, dark yellow with blue mane, he is also wearing a brown duster coat but seems a lot more deteriorated, and a cowboy hat; he also has a sheriff badge in his hat:
-Marshal...- says the colt, he can almost pronounce what he is saying, he is breathing heavily:
The marshal approaches to the colt, he puts a hoof on the yellow pony’s neck:
-It’s ok, kid catch your breath- says the marshal
-Sir... the...-
-Just take it easy now... slowly-
-...uff... there are... witnesses... that saw... the Raya gang... riding to the... west...-
“West?”
The words hit the marshal like a stone to the head; the west is where Applejack and Windshot are heading, they left a few hours ago and it’s not like they can stand a chance against them. The Raya are a group of criminals with unclear proposes, but the one certain thing everypony of the law knows is that they are not related to Linus, that is the only thing that keeps this faction out of the law’s interest; but the marshal sees them has threat that menace the stability of Red Rock, if it wasn't because the big bosses of the country wanted Linus’s head on a plate, he would focus all his attention on this group:
-But... didn’t they retired to the Munija Mountains?- said the marshal, he sounds worried
-I... think they... are back...- replies the yellow colt, still trying to catch his breath
The marshal now looks more like angry, he starts to phase around the office like he is anxious and desperate, the news where clearly strikingly bad for him; the marshal didn’t knew what worried him more, the fact that the Raya are in Red Rock again or Applejack and Windshot being in mortal danger:
-Are you sure of what you are telling me!?- says the marshal
-Yes sir...-
-Is your source trustful!?-
-The agents of Water Stone told me, sir!-
-Don’t play with me, kid...- the marshal sounds like he is about to rip the young colt apart
-...I’m not lying, marshal...- replied the young sheriff
The marshal stops and sits on his desks, he puts his hooves on his face like he is trying to hide his desperation, the young sheriff steps closer to the desk just enough to not invade the space of the marshals lamentable state of mind:
-What shall we do marshal...?- asks the sherrif
-We... *sigh* we must let everypony of the west know about this-
-All the towns? how?-
The marshal then looks at his desk and sees some pergamins, the idea just came on it’s own:
-What’s your name, boy?- asked the marshal
-Huh... Star Shield, sir-
-Star Shield, please take a latter...- finishes the marshal while standing up
Star shakes a little his head and moves quickly towards the desk, he opens a pergamin and takes a pen with his mouth, he is ready to be given the instructions to put in the sheet of paper, the marshal walks to the window:
-This is the marshal Bright Badge of Hoof Jewel, I want to inform you that the Raya gang have returned to Red Rock and are heading in your direction. We don’t know what they want or what they are after but I want you all to be prepared for the worst, I believe that you may know already by now but I still feel the need to inform you, Water Stone is already aware and I’m sure that they are taking action now. Stay safe my friends of the west...- finished the marshal
Star finishes writing the latter and puts the pen aside:
-...and everypony in the west will see this later, marshal?- asked Star
-No, you must take it to the marshal in Hutkill, he will handle the rest...-
There was an uncomfortable silence for awhile, Star took and fold the pergamin:
-Some’in’ elsh ah shoul know, ma’shal- said the young sheriff while holding the pergamin with his mouth
-Yes, be fast-
And with does words, Star begins to gallop to the west has fast has he could, the marshal remains in his quiet office still looking at the peaceful town he protects through the window, he didn’t told anything to the Sheriff Badge, but his thoughts were at an uncomfortable state worrying about the Raya’s return and the two mares; he knew Windshot would be ok, after all she is a skilled gunslinger and a veteran of Red Rock, but Applejack just took a shoot and miraculously survived, but still, the little pony is no soldier and even if Windshot is good enough to protect both herself and maybe Applejack it is a slim chance of survival if they encounter with either the Raya of Linus’s gang. The marshal is regretting not being able to help out more and besides, he is following orders regarding Applejack’s intervention, because if it was him running the show, he wouldn’t have it going this way:
-*sigh* this is gonna a rough fight...- said the marshal to himself
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Applejack and Windshot are still heading to the Cricket Ranch, there is nothing but sand, dust and small rocks on sight with its always predominant color red, the sky is slightly cloudy but enough for the sun is to shine bright above; but that of course made the air dry hot, the ponies had no choice but to push on, although luckily for them the sun is coming down, and at night time is perfect to recover.
The ponies are walking right next to each other, at an easy pace; even though Applejack knew the importance of their job, it is obvious if they try galloping there with this heat is pretty much suicide, she wasn’t stupid:
-...so Jackie, wha’ can ya tell me ‘bout your home?- asks Windshot
-mah home?-
-Yep, ah mean, tha place where ya live, yer family, friends...-
-Oh well, wha can ah tell ya...-
Applejack remains thinking for a moment:
-Ah ain’t got much to say really...- continued Applejack, she sounded uncomfortable
-Ah don’t think that Jackie, ya come from Equestria, tha sure is much!-
It’s not the first time Windshot asked this question to Applejack since they left Hoof Jewel; she is trying to motivate the equestrian pony to speak about herself, there isn’t any kind of harm attempt on this, Windshot just wants to know AJ better. Applejack just doesn't want to talk about her family, because it drives her mind towards Linus and that’s something that makes her feel embarrassed, angry and sad; all at the same time, but she did her best to bury the thoughts:
-Well, ah come from a small town called Ponyville...- answered Applejack -...there ah run an apple farm called “Sweet Apple Acres”-
-An apple farm?- asked Windshot
-Eyup!- said Applejack nodding -...everypony in Equestria says tha our apples are the best, some ponies come over to Ponyville just to try one.-
-Wow... tha certainly sounds like a good life...- replyed Windshot, she sounded kinda jealous
-Oh believe me, is hard work to handle a farm and is thanks to mah brother tha' things go well...- said Applejack, she is getting nostalgic -...there is also mah little sister, nice little filly, she will sure become a great hard workin’ mere one day, like her big sis *chuckles*, an’ our grandmother, granny Smith, oh boy! ah’m tellin’ ya haven’t lived if ya haven’t tried her famous Zap Apple Jam!- finishes Applejack
Windshot feels like she is listening to a children’s story; a fairytale and just who can blame her, she has never seen any workable grounds that allow fruit to grow, the ponies of Red Rock have adapted themselves to eat almost anything they can; even meat. Windshot almost looks like she is about to tell Applejack to stop lying but then she realizes that “this is the mare from Equestria” and if she says it, then it exists:
-Sounds... nice...- sais Windshot in a weak sort of way
-You k...?- asks Applejack
-Yeah sure!- now Windshot sounds more energetic -...is just tha' fer me, is kinda hard to belive that, ya know?-
For a moment there, Applejack thought it was a joke what she said:
-How so?- asks Applejack
Windshot just looks around her for a little while like if she is looking for something, Applejack is still looking at her waiting for an answer:
-Are ya seein’ this place Jackie...?- asked Windshot
Applejack looks around for a while -huh... yeah...-
-Tell me, is this ground good to grow trees?-
-Well...- Applejack remains thinking for a while
-Ah thought so- said Windshot almost instantly
“She is right, this is no good ground...” thought Applejack. The fact that there are no unicorns and pegasi means this ponies live under the mercy of the weather and obviously no magic support. Equestria works in perfect harmony with all three kinds of ponies working together, but Red Rock is inhabited only by earth ponies or at least has far has Applejack could tell:
-There must be a place where ya’ll can work...- says Applejack
-Nope, there ain’t...- responded Windshot, almost sounded like she was trying to be funny
The two mares still walk towards the direction of the farm but in uncomfortable silence after the last talk; Applejack was feeling uncomfortable after that conversation, she felt like she made Windshot feel like her life is miserable and empty which was never her intention of course but Applejack can tell by reading Windshot’s face that she isn’t happy:
-Ah’m sorry...- Applejack feels like is the best she can say
-*laughs* Jackie it ain’ nothin’, we can live like this just fine!- replied Windshot with a smile
Applejack smiled back, she didn’t knew if it was a fake smile or a real one but she certainly feels much better now:
-Since when you have been workin’ with the marshal?- asks Applejack
-The marshal Badge...?-
“So that’s his name” thought Applejack
-Yeah, tha marshal of Hoof Jewel, right?- says Applejack
-Ah don’ work for him... he payed me to help him out tha’s all-
-So... ya work for him-
-Ah’m a bounty hunter Jackie, ah work for no pony...- responded Windshot
“A bounty hunter?” thought Applejack, she have heard of bounty hunters before, she knows who they are, but never thought she would see one; thousands of questions began to race through her head:
-We ain’t far now...- says Windshot
So seems like her answers will have to wait, because they are getting to their destination, the ponies can see the farm from the hill where they are, but it certainly doesn't looks in good shape, hard to tell considering how far they are, not to mention is getting dark:
-Wha’ in the world is happenin’ down there...?- asks Applejack to herself
-Ah’m sure tha’s tha place, but... wha’s that?-
Windshot could spot movement near the farm but they are getting away, Applejack notices them too shortly after Windshot did:
-Looks like a lot of ‘em...- says AJ
-Wait a sec’-
Windshot pulls out binoculars from her duster coat and takes a look, what comes after is a reaction of shock:
-Ya kidin’ me...- says Windshot, some grim fear seems to take over her voice
-Wha’ is it? ya almost seem like ya saw a ghost- replies Applejack
-Here... take a look-
Windshot hands over her binoculars to Applejack, AJ sees right at the direction of the moving activity, she really didn’t knew what to expect to see but there she noticed; zebras, like Zecora from the Everfree Forest back in Equestria, galloping away from the farm, at least as much as she could tell:
-Who are they?- asks Applejack
-They are the Raya, Ah thought they left Red Rock...-
-Raya... are they all zebras?-
-Zebras?- asks Windshot, obviously she has never seen one before
-Yeah, is wha’ they are...- responded Applejack
-Oh... ah thought they were just a bunch of ugly ponies...-
-But wha’ in tha world could they be doin’ here...?- asked AJ to herself
The Raya are leaving, whatever their reasons might be are not important now for Applejack, who is more concern right now on getting her clue, the darkness is growing and the farm is not far away, is hard to tell the conditions of the place, Applejack jumps and slides down hill:
-Jackie, wait!- yells Windshot who follows shortly after
As soon as Applejack arrived down hill, she galloped towards the farm only to find it almost completely destroyed, the structure only looks like a hollow shell of the place once was; it seems like it was brought down by brute force and not fire considering there can’t be felt the heat or the smell of burnt wood:
-Jackie...-
Windshot has just catched up with AJ who is just looking at the place in disappointment, not much time after her arrival, Applejack decides to come closer to the ruined place, she pulls out her shotgun and approaches carefully, Windshot follows behind and she too puts out her revolver.
There is little left in the remains of that place, whatever was there with value it was sure taken away by the Raya with the souls that lived in that place, it sure didn’t look like there was anypony there:
-Seems like they left nothin’...- exclaimed Windshot in disappointment
-*sigh* If only we would have gotten here sooner...- says Applejack with anger
-If we had... we’d probably be dead too, Jackie...-
Applejack’s frustration feels like a rock falling over her back, it’s so heavy it makes her just drop on the floor, she knew it would take a while for Linus to show up; is that hunger to know the truth what has AJ struggling in this mad world after all:
-Wha’ do we do now, Windshot?- asks Applejack
-Well, ah think we should go back to tha marshal in Hoof Jewel an’ tell him wha...-
Before Windshot could finish her plan of action, she stops when she feels something touching her head and the sound of a loading revolver made Windshot realize she is being pointed at, Applejack turns around when she heard the revolver loading, she pulls out her shotgun and pointing it at the aggressor with the vague hope of having him give up:
-Where ya took her?-
The aggressor sounds like a stallion, he is hiding behind Windshot while he talks, obviously hiding from AJ’s shotgun range, but Applejack still points the gun and Windshot can only remain still hoping she walks out with her life, the sun has already gone down completely and there is only the light of the moon:
-Calm down, partner...- says Applejack
-Answer my question!-
-We just got here, friend, calm down before one pony does somethin’ he’ll regret...-
Applejack is trying her best to be friendly and reasonable with this pony, whoever he is; but it looks like he won’t back down:
-How can I trust ya!?-
-We jus’ came from Hoof Jewel, we were told you could help us find Linus Seeds...- replied Applejack
-Bright Badge... ya know him...?- asks the stallion
-Yes- says AJ almost inmediatly
The stallion lowers his gun and Windshot steps away from him:
-Thanks there, partner...- says Windshot
The stallion is now visible to the eyes of both Applejack and Windshot; he is a clear brown with a dark mane and also uses a duster coat but this one is made of fabric unlike Applejack’s and Windshot’s which are made of leather, the stallion seems more calmed now:
-Ah’m sorry...- says the stallion to Windshot
-Oh it’s fine, except for the part where you were about to pull tha trigger...-
Says Windshot in a joking manner, Applejack puts away her shotgun, she may not show it, but AJ is relief to know she didn’t had to kill somepony... yet:
-Ah’m really sorry, is just tha’... ah mean...- the stallion seems to be finding hard to say the words
-It’s ‘k, friend, what’s yer name?- asked Applejack, with the same friendly voice she uses with her friends
-Cricket Guns, Ah watch after this farm... or Ah used too...- says Cricket
-Ah’m very sorry ‘bout yer farm... it must be hard- says Applejack
Cricket lowered his head, Applejack and Windshot knew it wasn't exactly the time to ask something like the location of a criminal that won’t really help somepony reclaim the lost, but is the reason why they both went there in the first place:
-Huh... was there any particular reason why they wanted to attack ya?- asked Windshot
-No, ah don’t an’ no offence ladies but ah gotta go...- says Cricket has he to leave
-Hey ah ain’ done talkin’ with ya!-
At the obvious sign of Crickets unwilling cooperative will, Windshot pulls out her revolver and shoot at the ground to the near right of Cricket, all in a fraction of a second; Applejack is impressed after seeing Windshot’s skill with the gun at last, Cricket remained freeze in position:
-Nopony turns it’s back on me when Ah speak...- reaffirms Windshot
Applejack puts a hoof over Windshot’s shoulder so she can stand down calmly, AJ trusts Windshot is not pulling the trigger just yet but one can never be too carefull, but still, Windshot is not lowering her weapon:
-Cricket, we ain’ yer enemies...- says Applejack
-Well... Ah didn’ knew “friends” shoots at each other...- says Cricket
-...and mah friend apologizes for that but...-
-They have mah wife!- interrupts Cricket
Applejack feels like her words are worth nothing, this pony has lost a dear one and is obvious he is willing to die saving her, AJ still remembers when he asked about her but like always, things only start to make sense half way through:
-An’ ya planin’ on savin’ her by yer self...?- asks Applejack
-If that’s how it must be...-
-She was taken away by Raya, Crickets, an’ ya know wha’ they do to mares...- says Windshot
-More reasons for me to hurry!- yells Cricket, he is clearly desperated
Applejack somehow sympathizes with Cricket, if any of her family is ever putted in a situation like that, she would surely act the very same way, Windshot finally puts away her gun but her eyes and dead silence didn’t really showed a friendly face at Cricket, she is still mad at him turning his back on her:
-We will help ya...- says Applejack -...but Ah wanna know everythin’ about Linus when we save yer wife, k?-
Windshot’s gestion showed she wasn’t very happy with the idea but is that or be stuck until “who knows when”:
-How can Ah trust ya?- asks Cricket
-You have a plan to deal with a bunch of barbarians?!- says Windshot
-Windshot got a point there, we saw them, ya can’ do this alone; ya’ll have to trust us...- continued Applejack
Things remain quiet for a while, it is not in the interest of Applejack and Windshot to lose Cricket in some suicidal rescue mission, if he is to have any chance he needs help; Applejack can only hope he agrees to the terms regarding her need for whatever information Cricket might have:
-Ok... Ah think Ah can trust ya’ll...- says Cricket
And so Cricket begins his march, Applejack and Windshot follow him and they start to gallop together in the direction where the Raya went:
-They could be far by now!- implies Applejack
-Maybe, but if there is any chance we can save mah wife, ah don’ care!-
-Ah just hope we can actually save her!- says Windshot-
In silence, Applejack admires Crickets braviary, but Windshot is right, if they are going to save that mare, they will have to come up with a plan to do so. Whatever does zebras are up to, they will have to hurry if they want to rescue Cricket’s wife...
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Hoof Jewel rests in peace this night, everypony is sleeping calmly; like every night in that town, Bright can’t sleep though... has the marshal he must be ready for anything and his fears for the safety of Applejack and Windshot also worries him even more with the Raya out there, one can tell just by looking at the way he is passing around his office, fast and without stopping, that until a knock at his door, by instinct, the marshal pulls out his revolver and points it at the door:
-Yes?- asks Bright, calmly
-Its agent Reese, marshal...- replays the voice from the other side
The marshal sighs like a whole load of fear was taken off his back, so he walks towards the door and opens it, there enters the agent; a white stallion with orange mane and yellow eyes, he is dressed much different from everypony else in Red Rock, more formal and glamorous, pretty much like the way stallions looked like in the Grand Galloping Gala in Equestria but still a little bit dirty from the desert sand:
-Sorry to come at this time Bright, I know you are a busy stallion...- says Reese while entering
-It’s fine sir, I can’t stay calmed anyway...- says the marshal
-It’s because of the Raya...?-
-What if they are with Linus? that will complicate things!-
-The Raya are barbarians, marshal, you know that... after all you survived the war...- replies the agent with a grin
-Exactly why I’m worried sir, I know what they are and what they are capable of!-
Bright is not taking well the calm state of Reese, he is very confident about his ability to maintain order and control in this country, but is clear he might be underestimating the enemy:
-...This is serious sir!- finishes Bright
-Actually, I came here to tell you some bad news...- says the agent -...the boy you sended to deliver the message, Star Shield, didn’t made it-
-Oh no... is he ok?- asks the marshal, he sounds worried
-I’m afraid not...-
The words crippled the will of Bright, that much that he sits in his chair and puts his hooves on his face to hide his shame and self pity; he didn’t know what was worst, the fact that the sheriff didn’t made it or that he sented him to his death:
-...but we warned the inhabitants of the west and we sented the military in to guard the place...- continued the Marshal
The good news that came in filled the marshal with pace, although he knows the threat isn’t over yet, but the every bit of good happening is good to know at this time:
-I’m glad to hear that Reese, but the Raya are...-
-The Raya are not here on force as far as we know from our spies- interrupted Reese -but we still don’t know what they want-
-So what are we going to do sir...?- asks Bright
The agent turns around and heads towards the door like he is about to leave but stops right at the door, the marshal just remains looking at Reese, his eyes clearly showed she wants an answer:
-About Raya? nothing...- points out the agent -...we need you to find Linus, marshal Badge-
-How can you ask me to do nothing about Raya!?- the marshal is clearly upset about his orders
-We are handling Raya so you can focus on Linus, he is has much of a threat has the Raya; he is weak, we give him time to recover we’ll be right back where we began!-
In a way, Bright knows Reese is right; after the ambush on the Red Rock Canyon, Linus have lost strength and is on the hiding, stop looking will mean he will be ready for them, this is the closest they have ever been on capturing him:
-I know sir but...-
-Don’t let him win again, Bright- interrupts Reese
Bright finally remains quiet about the topic and just nods, the sign means he understands and so Reese proceeds to leave the place but not before stopping one more time:
-...and keep a close eye on that Equestrian mare, we can’t trust her loyalty-
And with does finishing words, Reese tips his hat at Bright with clear respect, Bright nods again without saying a single word:
-Good night, Mr. marshal-
-Good night, agent Reese...- replies Bright
Reese leaves the commissary and closes the door, the marshal is again alone in his lonesome office, is so quiet and peaceful, Bright figured he better enjoy this night, for is hard to know what will happen tomorrow.
------------------------------------------
Applejack, Windshot and Cricket have been galloping for a while now, but it’s clear they are getting somewhere, they can see a thin amount of light coming from a distance, it must be sometime around 3 of the morning:
-Ah think we made it...- says Applejack
So they arrive at the border of a cliff but they can see the activity down below, now that Applejack is close she can tell the Raya are in fact zebras, but this ones are different; they are bigger than a regular pony, they seem stronger and in good shape. The zebras seem to be doing physical training, like bendings, some are galloping and some others are fighting, obviously like they are preparing for something.
The camp is a little small compared to what the ponies were expecting, the are regular tends and fires to keep warm the zebras in it, they are probably not very liking of the cold, despite it isn’t cold enough at this time:
-Well there they are alright...- exclaims Windshot
-...an’ ya were planin’ on takin’ her back by yer self...?- says AJ to Cricket
-Ah said Ah would do it...- responds Cricket
Windshot pulls out her binoculars and looks down at the camp:
-This po... Ah mean... zebras are tough, fighting head on will be suicide...- deduces Windshot
-Yer right, they are too many we are jus’ three...- continues Applejack
-So... what, we sit an’ wait?- says Cricket
-Maybe we can talk to ‘em?- says AJ optimisticaly
-They’ll shoot ya on sight, Jackie...- exclaims Windshot
The ideas are running thin, they don’t know what they could be doing to Cricket’s wife down there, but it surely isn’t anything good, with every passing second it feels like she might not make it at all:
-Ah can’t just sit here an’ wait!- says Cricket loudly
-Calm down there, partner! you wanna get caught?- says Applejack softly
-Well we gotta do somethin’!-
Applejack remains thinking for a while “Fight straight on is suicide an’ accordin’ to Windshot, they ain’ exactly the reasonable type ah could try but ah don’ wanna risk it... unless...”:
-One of us should sneak in...- says Applejack
Windshot and Cricket look at Applejack:
-Tha’s... actually a good idea...- says Windshot
-Is gonna be risky non the less...- says Applejack
-Is better than wha’ we had a minute ago...- says Cricket -...but who is gonna go?-
There was an uncomfortable silence for a little while, the ponies know the risk of what they are attempting to do; Applejack looks at her companions for short time with narrow eyes, is evident they doubt the plan could work and in something so delicate like a sneaking rescue, concentration is required:
-Ah’ll go- says Applejack to both her companions
-Jackie, wait...-
Applejack just puts a hoof over Windshot’s shoulder
-Ah’ll be fine, sugarcube...-
The words that came from Applejack are enough to calm the worries of Windshot, who replies with a nod:
-Just be careful, ‘k?- says Windshot
-Applejack, wait!- says Cricket almost instantly
Applejack turns to look at Cricket who seems troubled:
-Maybe Ah should go... it’s mah wife after all...- finishes Cricket
-It’s fine... we made a deal remember? Ah’ll save yer wife... don’t cha worry- says Applejack while giving Cricket a wink
Cricket nods slowly, he clearly didn’t like the idea, but the determination on Applejack shows more than enough that she is confident and honest with her words; Applejack then turns to looks at the cliff, is not so high but it’s obviously not safe for a straight jump below, so AJ looks to her right and notices that the cliff there is inclined just enough she can slide down safely and she does just that:
-Thank you, Applejack- says Cricket to himself
Applejack slides down the hill for a few seconds until she finally makes it to the ground below, she is not far from the camp but what worries AJ is the path of dust she left behind while sliding and has far has she could tell the Raya hadn't noticed. Applejack walks towards the camp slowly and keeping low, with her girth almost touching the ground, she gets behind one of the tents and she remains there for a while trying to hear any sort of activity nearby, she hears nothing that seemed close so she heads deeper into the camp.
“Well, so far so good...” thought Applejack, is hard to predict what could be around the corner but, by bad luck one can say, there is zebra guarding the entrance to the tent. By pure instinct Applejack hides behind the tent she was just coming around from, the zebra didn’t noticed her apparently, AJ can only let go of a sigh of relief; she slowly takes out her head to take a look and sees that the zebra in not looking in the opposite direction; this might give Applejack an edge on getting around him.
Applejack walks slowly behind the tall zebra, AJ is doing her best to stay quiet; and so she finally passed the zebra, she gives herself the time to breath and even takes off her hat to rub her forehead a bit, in the tent right front of her she could see the shadowy shape of somepony inside and her hopes make her believe is Cricket’s wife.
Just when Applejack is about to begin her approach to the tent, two zebras come across right in front of her from AJ’s left, luckily the zebras didn’t noticed Applejack; AJ quickly hides behind a barrel that is right next to her, “Shoot! Ah don’ even wanna think on how close tha’ was...” thought the orange mare has she finished getting in cover:
-I agree with you, it was a bold move to attack the farm...-
-Poor Gel’yig is in big trouble now-
-The boss will have all the right to punish him for his foolishness-
The fact that the zebras brought the word “farm” in their conversation got Applejack’s attention, the zebras continued to walk away from that part of the camp and has soon has AJ notices, she moves quickly and has quietly as she could towards the tent, and there she was:
-Ma’am...?-
Asks Applejack, she can see a dark orange mare tied up in cold dusty floor of the tent, Applejack could tell she hasn’t exactly been receiving good treatment from this zebras, a lot of cuts and bruises on the mare’s body shows the hospitality this group has towards visitors:
-Who... are you...?- says the wounded mare
-It’s ok, ma’am ah’m here ta help...-
Says Applejack has she approaches to the mare, AJ begins to untie her from the ropes that are holding the pony’s hooves:
-Ah’m Applejack, yer husband is waitin’ fer ya outside tha camp...- continues Applejack has she finishes taking off the ropes
-Thank tha spirits, ah knew mah husband wouln’...-
The mare is suddenly interrupted by her own grunt of pain has she tried to stand, her hooves are clearly in a very bad shape, does ropes were pressing a lot her coronets and thus is bleeding softly, Applejack knows there is only one thing she can do:
-C’mon ma’am, let’s get outta here...-
Applejack proceeds to lift the pony from the ground and carries her on her own back, AJ knows this might slow them down a little:
-...don’t cha worry, ya’ll see yer husband soon...- continues AJ optimistically
-May the spirits bless you...- says the mare, she is clearly thankful
Applejack begins to walk out from the tent, she takes a quick looks around and sees that there is a major agrupation of zebras at her left, they were far so there is a shoot of them both making it out of there faster, and that’s good. Applejack gallops jogs softly back the way she came from:
-Yer doin’ ok, ma’am?- asks Applejack
-Yes ah’m k...-
And so Applejack made it back outside, they were both very close to the zebras; she immediately saw a wave of smoke coming from the far side were the zebras are watching, Applejack felt curiosity, but the mare’s safety is of her major interests, not to mention Windshot and Cricket are waiting at the hill so she slowly turns around and proceeds to leave the camp.
Applejack can only think how lucky she was back there, all does zebras being distracted like that gave her the chance to get in and out fast, just has she hoped for, “Ah hope mah luck doesn't run out” thought Applejack:
-You ok, miss?- asks Cricket’s Wife
-Yes, ah’m fine- answers Applejack
Applejack takes a long turn around the hill she slipped from before, climbs up and finally get to where Windshot and Cricket are but Applejack notices that Cricket’s wife is now unconscious before she can finally reach at her companions; because of the pain maybe:
-Oh spirits, you did it!- says Cricket has he gallops towards the mares
-Wait, she is fit for walkin’- says Applejack
Windshot is very busy looking with her binoculars towards the camp, obviusly somthing must be happening down in the Raya camp:
-What did they do to her?-
-Ah don’ know, but we can’t stay here, we gotta take her to a doc in Hoof Jewel now!- exclaims Applejack
Cricket nods at Applejack in sign of agreement and Cricket even takes his wife on his back to help Applejack:
-You fulfilled yer promise, Miss Applejack, now is my turn- says Cricket
-You can thank me later...- answered Applejack simply
Applejack walks towards Windshot who is still looking at the camp:
-Windshot, we can’t stay here much longer!- tells Applejack to Windshot
-Ah wonder what are they waitin’ for...?- asks Windshot to herself
Applejack lifts Windshot from the ground, Windshot fully stands and looks at Applejack:
-We gotta get Cricket’s wife to a medic, we gotta go!- exclaims Applejack again, louder this time
Windshot didn’t looks happy by the idea of leaving, but she isn’t stupid, losing Cricket’s wife now after everything they have been through would be a complete waste; Windshot only nodded and so they began galloping towards Hoof Jewel.
In the camp the zebras are still looking at the direction where the dust smoke is coming from, obviously something was approaching to the camp, and there we could finally see that it was three ponies heading towards the camp. The zebra with the golden collar steps forward preparing to receive the visitors who just got to the camp; he is clearly the one in charge, it’s dark and it’s cold this night.
This visitor is Linus and two of his comrades:
-Hello my friend, long time no see...- says Linus