I wrapped Bright Mac and Buttercup in blankets I found in what was left of the wagon. I sat there for a long time, tears continued to run down my face. I had only known the two of them for a few days, but that was all I needed to call them my friends. I didn't want to leave them, so I could only hope that we were close enough to Ponyville or Sweet Apple Acres for somepony to see my signal. I shot magic into the air, which popped like a firework, there was a red light and a sound like thunder. I waited for what felt like hours, until two ponies appeared.
They had a wagon with them; it was pulled by the younger of the two. He was a young red stallion with an orange mane; the other was an elderly mare. She had a green coat and a mane of white silver, she was holding a lantern with one hoof. They both had apples as cutie marks; my worst fear had come true. They could only be Big Macintosh and Granny Smith. I stood up and slowly approached them.
"Well howdy there," said Granny Smith cautiously. "Now what's a young fella like you doing out here in the forest so late?"
I stood there in front of them silent, not knowing where to start, but more then anything, I owed them an explanation. I spoke slowly trying not to break down with tears. I had to stop once or twice to recall some important details; the two of them waited not interrupting. From the look on my face and how I was acting, I think Granny Smith knew what I was about to say and was trying to brace herself. Big Mac's face was growing more and more fearful; clearly his heart also knew what I was about to say. Finally with my head bowed low, I said the dreadful words, "I'm sorry but they are gone."
Granny Smith looked over my shoulder to where her beloved son and precious daughter-in-law laid peacefully. Big Mac could not or would not accept my sad words. He cried out and ran towards them. With great effort, I tried to stop him. I held him tight, but the young stallion was very strong even for an earth pony. Granny Smith put a hoof on Big Mac's neck, he stopped struggling and turned to look at her. Long silver tears fell down the old mare's face; the two embraced and Big Macintosh cried deeply into his grandmare's mane.
"How did it happen?" she asked me trembling.
I told them the whole story with some difficulty, "They were brave until the very end, if your family needs anything you just need to ask." I finished after cleaning my face.
"Can we see them?" asked Big Mac weakly. I nodded and led them over to the spot, using my magic, I unwrapped Buttercup and Bright Mac's faces. Granny Smith raised a hoof and touched her son's mane; she broke down and sobbed into the blanket around him. It was Big Mac's turn to comfort her, he patted her back gently. I stepped back and gave them a few moments, and after they calmed down we left.
I gently lifted Bright Mac and Buttercup's bodies into the wagon using my magic, after Big Mac hooked himself up to the wagon we started to move. No pony talked as we left the Everfree Forest, I was very happy to see the dark trees behind us. We climbed over a hill and below was a large farm, apple trees spread out in all directions. I stopped moving, Granny and Big Mac both looked back at me, "Everything okay?" asked Granny Smith.
I looked at each of them and then looked down at the farm house below. My heart was in deep knots, all my feelings tied up in chains. It had been hard to face Big Mac and Granny, I was certain my soul would shatter, if I had to face the looks of the youngest apples. I looked at my two companions, "I'm sorry, but I can't go any further."
Granny Smith had a look of understanding in her eyes; clearly she knew just what I was going through. She was struggling with the same feelings and dilemmas. Before I left, I let Granny know that my words were genuine, if their family needed anything I would help. I turned and started walking in the direction of Ponyville. The small town was quiet as I walked down the lit streets. I finally found a inn to stay in for the rest of the night; the bed was soft under my aching muscles. In the morning I would take a hot air balloon to the capital, but tonight I let out all my pain and sadness.