Just as quickly as they came, the herd of ponies left. The two ponies stared at the wood a moment longer.
“Wait a moment..” Doodlebug shook herself out of her trance. “This means we’re near the Mirror pool!”
“The Mirror pool?” Landscape looked worried again.
“Yeah! It’s a landmark. We must be close to Ponyville!”
“Does that mean well get out of this forest?”
“I hope so. Let’s search the area for any big holes in the ground, probably sealed by a huge boulder.”
“Ok, but we’re staying together. I’m not about to get mauled by another... Whatever that was!”
“Timberwolf.” She corrected.
The two started searching the area. But instead of a Mirror pool, they found something better.
“Light! Does that mean we’re close to the exit?” Landmark asked hopefully.
“I bet it does!” Doodlebug galloped towards the light and the trees seemed to slowly lessen. Soon they found themselves at a path that led into a sunny, happy village. They were at Ponyville.
“Woohooooo! The best place in Equestria! Well, one of the best!” Doodle ran right into the town and grew more excited every second she looked around. Landscape was right behind her. Looking into the sky, the gasped at the grand, beautiful castle in the distance.
“Let’s not attract too much attention,” Landscape whispered to her. He was right. She for once knew, if she got too excited, she might just give something away.
“Are you new here?”
Too late. It was Pinkie Pie.
“Hey, isn’t that one of the- mmmph!” Doodlebug covered Landscape’s mouth with her hoof.
“I’m Pinkie Pie! Nice to meet you!”
Doodle fought to keep her calm. She couldn’t be in Ponyville. Too risky. But what now?
“Hhhhhhhhi Pinkie Pie! I’m Doodlebug and this is my friend Landscape. We’re just uh.. Passing by… We aren’t planning to stay in Ponyville… She tried to hide the disappointment in her voice as she continued. “Can you point us to the train station?”
“Oh, sure! Where ya headed? If you plan to go to Yakyakistan, I can help! I know a thing or two about yaks, ya know!”
Oh shoot. What to say now? “I-I’m pretty sure we’re not going to Yakyakistan,” She giggled, “But thanks for the offer. We’ll probably go wherever the train takes us!” Landscape gave a skeptical look but Doodlebug just nudged him.
“Ooh, adventurous! Anyways, the train station is just that way! Take a right at that house and a left at Sugarcube corner. Speaking of Sugarcube corner…” Pinkie pulled a cupcake out of nowhere. “Cupcake for good luck?”
Landscape stared in astonishment. “How did she…”
“Yes please!” Doodlebug ate the cupcake in nearly one bite and smiled. She grabbed Landscape’s hoof. “We should be going,” She began after she swallowed the cupcake. “Thanks, Pinkie!”
“No problem! Oh, and you’ll need this. Bye!” Pinkie Pie dropped a ticket on the ground and skipped away.
Doodlebug licked the remaining frosting from her lips and picket up the ticket, while Landscape stared after the pink pony in confusion.
“Where did she get that cupcake from?!”
“That’s Pinkie for you!” Doodlebug giggled. Landscape stopped asking questions as they made their way to the train station, but he still looked confused. When they made it to the train station, Doodlebug gave the pony at the door of the train a ticket and trotted inside. Landscape followed more slowly.
“Welcome to the Friendship Express!” Doodlebug announced to her friend as they sat down. “Where our adventure really begins!”