Sparklefly adjusted her eye patch.
"On to Sweet Apple Acres?" Scootaloo suggested, a bit less cheerful than she'd been.
Sparklefly made an empty smile back, and they started walking. One patrol of zebras stopped them, demanding to see their orders, but they were quickly satisfied. Feelings of sadness for Java Chip consumed her thoughts as they continued through town.
"It was worse for Lighthoof," Scootaloo said as the farm came into view.
"How do you mean?" Sparklefly asked.
"He didn't know anything might be wrong until I arrived. Java Chip had already believed Swiftlight might be dead. Still, that's the worst kind of news to deliver."
Sparklefly didn't have an answer other than to agree. Her own mortality now took the place of other thoughts. If something were to happen to her, or, Celestia forbid, to Duster... She shuddered at the thought of her mom receiving that news.
Even the farm wasn't being worked due to the curfew. It was a little eerie to see plows and other equipment that seemed to have been abandoned at the beginning of a work day. This seemed also a little odd, since the town had been on lockdown since the previous night. They must have been getting equipment out when the zebras came to put everypony back inside. Back home, before the war, the stillness of the orchard had always felt right. Sparklefly mused to herself that the sounds of work aside, it should be a quiet place.
When they reached the farm house, Scootaloo banged on the door and tried to make her voice deeper, "EUP, open up!"
She stifled a laugh.
Sparklefly shook her head as Apple Bloom answered from inside, "Scootaloo?"
“Oh my, you've been had,” Sparklefly said flatly, “your cover is blown.”
The door opened to Scootaloo bursting into laughter at her own joke. Apple Bloom was not amused, but she was visibly glad to see her friend again.
"Come on in!" she warmly greeted them.
Just like at Java's, it was dark inside the Apple's house. It made the place feel almost gloomy. The Cakes and Big McIntosh were there, most looking visibly nervous. The "young 'uns" were playing on the floor, oblivious to anything being wrong.
"Do you have news?" Mr. Cake asked, a little timidly.
“I’ll say we do!” Scootaloo exclaimed.
All trace of Scootaloo’s depressed mood about Swiftlight was completely gone. Sparklefly suspected that this was simply a facade so as to not concern the Apple Family.
"We won," Sparklefly said simply.
The mood in the room was instantly transformed. Apple Bloom grabbed Scootaloo in a huge hug, causing her to stagger backward in order to keep her balance. Mr. Cake kissed Mrs. Cake, and the "young 'uns" were looking around, confused at the levity. Joy began flooding through the house, and no doubt might have erupted into a party had Pinkie Pie been present.
Sparklefly's thoughts turned to her medic friend, whose name she still did not know. She realized she would miss the opportunity to see him again. It dispelled any misgivings she’d had about her feelings. She liked him, and she knew it. Catching herself grinning like an idiot, Sparklefly shook her head and cleared her thoughts.
"Are you okay?" Scootaloo asked.
Several eyes were on her; they had seen. Sparklefly squirmed uneasily, hoping she wasn't blushing and trying to think up something to answer. Her usual composure, lost for that moment, was difficult to regain.
Glancing at Mr. and Mrs. Cake, then back to Sparklefly, Apple Bloom accused, "You were thinking about your special somepony, weren't you!"
"No!" Sparklefly denied, a lump forming in her throat. She knew she was blushing now.
"Oh my gosh, you totally were!" Scootaloo gasped.
"Special somepony, special somepony!" the young ‘uns began chanting.
Desperately seeking to say something in her own defense, Sparklefly managed to get out, "No, it's not like that; it's a small matter. I don't even know his name."
"Seriously?" Apple Bloom scoffed.
"Anyway, we have more important things to discuss," Sparklefly hoped to change the subject. "Shining Armor has put down the rebellion all over Equestria. He was also very pleased with our efforts to hold Ponyville."
"That's why we're going to Cloudsdale!" Scootaloo interrupted.
"Cloudsdale?" Apple Bloom asked.
"We sure are! We're being assigned to a special-"
"Captain!" Sparklefly cut her off. "As you recall, we're not to speak of that."
"Geez, it's just family," she replied, the wind taken out of her sails.
Slightly annoyed, Sparklefly continued, "Also, Applejack has arranged for my family to move to the farm to help work the orchard."
Apple Bloom lit up at this, "That's great! Does that mean you'll move back to Ponyville after the war?"
There it was again. 'After the war.' This seemed like such an elusive concept to Sparklefly. Apparently it wasn't to everypony else; many were thinking to the future. It made her feel warm inside in a way that she often didn't. Somehow, she couldn’t see that far. The next battle, whatever it would be, consumed her thoughts of tomorrow.
"I honestly hadn't thought about it," she finally replied. "I suppose so, if you’ll have us.“
"Oh that's great!" Apple Bloom said, prancing in place.
Scootaloo snickered at her.
"Applejack will be able to fill you in on the rest of the details. Suffice it to say that the zebras are on our side, and hopefully, we'll see you soon."
Sparklefly now staggered to keep her balance as she received a hug from Apple Bloom.
"I swear; we leave for one night and you get all sentimental," Scootaloo teased, but Sparklefly could see though it. She was genuinely relieved to see everyone safe and sound.
"You know you'll miss us!" Apple Bloom bantered with her friend. To Sparklefly, she added, "Now make sure to say goodbye to your brother before you go.
Sparklefly actually took a step back from shock. "How did you-"
"Scootaloo can't keep a secret," Apple Bloom grinned.
"Hey! I can so," Scootaloo protested.
"So you know who Sparklefly's special somepony is?" Apple Bloom asked.
"No, now that you mention it," Scootaloo's gaze was accusingly boring into Sparklefly, who could feel herself blushing again. "But I'll bet anything it's somepony in Ponyville."
"Come on, we have to go," Sparklefly said, turning to exit.
"Oh no you don't!" Scootaloo teased, blocking the door, “not until you tell us his name."
The two seemed to be surrounding and drawing closer, like sharks circling their prey.
Defeated and trapped, Sparklefly finally said, “I already told you; I don't know his name."
"What?" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
The Cakes looked a bit amused but were now paying more attention to the children. Scootaloo projected an arrogance of disbelief.
"You're not getting off that easy!"
Not seeing any other options, Sparklefly volunteered, "He's a medic in Brax's battalion, okay?"
"A cadet!” Scootaloo exclaimed with a giggle. “You fell for a cadet?”
"And you don't know his name?" Apple Bloom asked.
"That's right. I met him during the Baltimare Fever quarantine. He helped me keep watch when Duster was sick."
"So, basically he has no idea?" Scootaloo prodded.
Sparklefly sighed, "No, he has no idea."
"You have to tell him!" Apple Bloom squeaked, her pink bow bouncing.
"I can't, it's against regulations."
"Look, we're transferring away," Scootaloo added. "Just tell him how you feel and then leave. At least you'll not have to worry about not having told him."
With a sigh, Sparklefly said, ”Guys, it just doesn't matter.”
"I dare you to kiss him right on the mouth!" Apple Bloom said.
"Apple Bloom!" Mrs. Cake exclaimed, shooting a look to the children. They weren't paying attention.
Sparklefly laughed it off but was incredibly uncomfortable.
Moving to help block the door, Apple Bloom said, "We're not letting you go until you promise to do it."
"And you can't tell him anything either!" Scootaloo snickered.
The young ‘uns began chanting about special someponies again.
Only wanting to get out of there, Sparklefly spoke out of exasperation, "Fine! I'll do it! I promise!" No sooner had the words escaped her mouth than she wished she hadn't said it.
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo giggled together, partners in crime. After finally making their goodbyes, the pair left the farm. Sparklefly knew she was blushing and was grateful that Scootaloo didn't try to engage in any more conversation as they walked. She caught herself shaking her head as they went back in the direction of the hospital. She couldn't believe she'd promised to kiss that medic.