Chapter 9: Laying Low
For the next few hours, the seven ponies rode the railcar through the broad valley as the sun set on the horizon. This was a good sign for Midnight that Princess Celestia was still able to control the sun despite the peril. There was no sign of the safe house mentioned by the guards; everypony assumed it was demolished by the Workhorses. Soon enough, they approached the mammoth Neighagra Falls and followed the track up the side. Before the sun completely vanished, they made it to the top of the hill and saw a lone cabin up ahead. Fry pulled the brakes stopping the railcar in front of it. It was an old-style wooden cabin with two levels and a front porch; it seemed like a good enough safe house. At last, the ponies stepped off the railcar and up to the porch.
“Hello? Is anyone home?” called Fry as he opened the front door.
“The place looks abandoned.” Noon said. He was helping Midnight lift the unconscious Takeoff off the railcar.
Before Fry could enter the cabin, Cassiopeia ran inside. She jumped around observing her new surroundings. “Wow, it looks like somepony was just here yesterday.”
The rest entered. The living room was surprisingly tidy and complete with cozy woodland furniture. A kitchen and dining room was in the back and a flight of stairs ascended in the middle. Marigold turned on a few lamps while Takeoff was plopped onto a couch in front of the fireplace. Andromeda looked at the comatose Pegasus guiltily.
“That Workhorse really knocked him out cold.” Midnight said. “He’ll probably be fine around morning.”
“He was trying so hard to take them down.” Andromeda sighed. “He didn’t have to stand up just for me.”
“Takeoff is a tough stallion; if it was anypony else, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Andromeda paused a bit. “Midnight, I can’t thank you enough for saving me. I’ve never been so scared.”
“It’s alright,” he smiled. “I don’t think those robots will find us out here.”
“I sure hope not;” said Noon. “I would faint too if there were more of them.”
“But you were terrific, Noon,” Marigold told him. “You saved my life from both falling and that Workhorse. You’re my hero.”
Noon started yammering and laughing sheepishly as Marigold touched his shoulder.
“Hey guys,” announced Fry coming down the stairs. “There’s enough bed space up here for everypony.”
“Are you sure it’s entirely safe upstairs?” asked Marigold.
“I don’t see anything wrong with- Holy crabapples!” he exclaimed as he was suddenly tackled down the stairs. Everypony rushed over to him as he got up bucked wildly.
“Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!”
They saw that the cause of Fry’s terror was a snarling raccoon that had latched onto his back and rode him like he was an angry bull.
“Aw, he’s so cute!” said Cassiopeia.
The ponies started to laugh a little as Fry continued bucking; even Andromeda managed to crack a smile. He disappeared screaming into the kitchen and the sound of dishes crashing was heard. Then the raccoon ran out of the kitchen, past the ponies and out the front door snarling. They walked into the kitchen to see a dazed Fry covered in pots and pans on the floor.
“Don’t help me up; I need to regain my dignity.” He moaned.
Later that night, the ponies took their time to recuperate in their newfound hideout. It was hard for them to believe that the past events all took place that day. They hadn’t eaten a thing and they were starving. Fortunately, after nursing his raccoon wounds, Fry was generous enough to whip up a big dinner with whatever food was in the cabin. With their bellies full, they settled around the lit fireplace and exchanged friendly banter to lift their spirits from the chaos of the day. At one point, Noon drew a whacky face on Takeoff’s; Midnight, Fry and Cassiopeia chuckled while the two mares simply rolled their eyes. Soon they decided to hit the hay. Midnight became concerned because this was the first time not being in Fillydelphia to restart the clock. But he figured that the correct time would be the least of the city’s problems with the army of Workhorses waiting outside. He could only hope that both his hometown and Canterlot were being well protected by Princess Celestia. Before the moon was centered, Midnight lied in one of the bedrooms upstairs staring at the ceiling in the dark while the others slept. He was having trouble getting to sleep with all his thoughts about the crisis buzzing in his head. Then, he heard his door creak open.
“Andromeda? Is something wrong?” he asked.
Andromeda entered quietly. “No, I was just having trouble sleeping. Do you mind if I get in bed with you?”
Midnight stared surprised before answering. “Uh, sure you can.”
“Thanks.” She climbed in bed to Midnight’s left and stared up at the ceiling with a smile. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No it’s fine; I’m not getting much shuteye anyway.” He sighed and stared upward too. “I can’t believe it was only this morning when I got that letter from the Princess. It feels more like a week ago.”
“Tell me about it; to think that just yesterday was Cassie’s birthday.”
“How’s she doing by the way?”
“Better than me; she always seems to perk up instantly. But I’m still worried about her coming along with us. She just cares about you that much I guess.”
“I’m sorry for dragging you guys into this.”
“Are you kidding? We would never let you face this alone. We’re here for you all the way, just like you were for me on the railcar.”
Midnight smiled. “Well I just couldn’t stand to see you pinned down like that.” As he gazed at the ceiling he felt something press against his chest. He looked to see that it was Andromeda nuzzling her head against it with her fore hooves wrapped around him.
“You’re a sweet pony, Midnight. I feel so safe with you.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep without another word, using Midnight as a pillow. He put his hoof around her, nuzzled his head against hers and closed his eyes. In that moment, all of his troubles finally cleared his mind as he cuddled with his dream mare.