//------------------------------// // Confusion and Concern // Story: Rapidly Written Equine Tales // by Curious Mew //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle ran through the darkness, her breath fogging in the cold air before her. The snow crunched under her hooves as she moved. The wind whipped through her mane, and she chanced a glance behind her. A shiver ran through her body and she redoubled her efforts. She was still being chased by the timberwolves. Their green eyes bobbed in the darkness behind her like wisps waiting to lead an unwitting pony to their doom. Their howls and growls cut through the air, the sounds of a hunt. It was not her day. It had started out unusually, but not badly. She had woken to find that she had not returned from a party at Sugarcube Corner, and her friends had also stayed. What had shocked her was to realize that it was still dark at a time when sunlight should have been illuminating all of Equestria. Twilight had woken her friends and gathered the Elements of Harmony. She was extraordinarily glad that Princess Celestia had decided to entrust them to her after the changeling invasion in case something happened again. Fearing that Nightmare Moon had returned, the six ponies had boarded the train to Canterlot. They were only able to make half the trip before it had broken down, leaving them stranded in the wilderness. They had set out on hoof, only to be chased by a hungry pack of timberwolves. And the luminous eyes of the timberwolves were getting larger. Twilight gulped and glanced around her, ensuring that her friends were with her. She noticed a dark object on Applejack's back. Checking to make sure that her friend's hat was on her head, Twilight looked more closely. The second object was round. Twilight called in confusion, “Applejack, what do you have on your back?” “I brought my cider,” the orange pony responded. “There was no sense wastin' it, and I reckoned we might get thirsty and cold.” An idea started to form in Twilight's head. It was strange that she hadn't noticed one of her friends carrying a barrel until now, but she put it down to stress and confusion. “Fluttershy, what do you know about timberwolves?” she shouted. The pegasus called back, her voice barely audible above the wind, “Um, they hunt in packs and are at the top of the food chain, they're made of wood so they have an innate fear of fire-” “That's it!” Twilight shouted triumphantly. “Applejack, your cider is going to save us!” “How's that, sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “It's highly flammable!” Twilight focused on the barrel and lifted it with her telekinesis. She probed it with magic until she found the tap. She pushed it open and drenched the snowy ground behind her. Then, with a spark of energy, she ignited it. A smile crossed her face when she looked back. She could see the timberwolves pulling away from the dancing flames. They howled, but no move to come closer. It had been an obvious solution, really. “We have to keep moving!” she called. “Canterlot is still a few miles away.” “I really do hope that this does not continue. It would be a rather dreadful pattern if Nightmare Moon keeps coming back,” Rarity sighed. “But we need to save the day by bringing it back!” Pinkie Pie shouted. “And then we can make sure to show Luna how much we all care about her and make her smile to keep away that shadowy meany!” The other ponies made noises of agreement and moved on. Rainbow Dash streaked ahead, her colorful contrail lighting the way in the darkness. They could see Canterlot up ahead. It was only a short distance away now. Twilight felt her body begin to slow. A sharp pain stabbed her side and her muscles ached. Her breathing was harsh, but she refused to give up. They were too close now. If it was Nightmare Moon, then it would be easy to deal with. They had the Elements of Harmony, after all. The weight on her head reassured and comforted her of the simple solution to that problem. And if Nightmare Moon had not returned, then she would find out what was going on from Princess Celestia. Everything would be just fine. Twilight and her friends ran the remaining distance and entered the city. The unicorn blinked in confusion when she saw ponies walking around like nothing was wrong. She shook her head. Their behavior was irrelevant. She needed to find out was going on. They through the city and past magnificent buildings toward the castle, its towers and spires visible even from the lowest level of the city. The ponies they passed stopped and stared, whispering amongst themselves. The distance to the castle was a short one compared to the journey that they had just undertaken, and they arrived at it in no time. Twilight threw open the doors to the throne room and felt a rush of relief when she saw her mentor. “Princess Celestia, what in Equestria is going on? The sun should have been up by now! Did Nightmare Moon return?” The unicorn waited for an answer, chest heaving as she gasped for air. “Did you run all of the way here?” Celestia asked. Twilight simply nodded. “Are you aware of what day it is?” Celestia inquired calmly. Twilight turned to look at her friends. Blank stares greeted her questioning gaze. She turned back to the princess and shook her head. “My dear Twilight, it's the Winter Solstice.” Today was really not her day.