Lost Again in the Emerald Woods
“Are you really sure it’s going to be safe out here at night? I don’t want those nasty piggies coming at me like last time.”
Those words came from a nervous Starlight Glimmer, who hid behind the front flap of her sleeping bag as she kept her eyes out around the location known as Lost, deep within the Emerald Woods. Next to her were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Misty Brightdawn, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Around the encampment was a wooden wall that was twice as high as Shining Armor’s height. A camp fire was set up in the middle while marshmallows and other goodies were cooking next to it.
“Sure it will be,” Shining Armor said. “We ain’t letting those porkers get through this fence. And when dawn breaks, we’ll take it down and be back towards the Golden Palace.”
“Yeah, but couldn't you bring Karen the alicorn bulldog to help keep them at bay?” Starlight asked.
“As much as I wanted to, Starlight,” Shining Armor said as he rubbed Starlight on the top of her head, “Queen Novo wanted to look after the beast while we're out here. After all, they've handled bigger beasts like this giant shark called a megalodon.”
“He’s got a point there,” Pinkie Pie said as she walked up to Starlight, picked her up while she was tucked into her sleeping bag, and gave her a big hug. “Besides, we got another guard dog who’s gonna keep them at bay.”
As Pinkie Pie pointed to Golden Lace, the gold filly glared at the pink pony in a huff.
“Excuse me?” Golden Lace said. “My curse is that of a wolf. Not a mere dog.”
“Well sure,” Pinkie Pie said as she placed Starlight Glimmer down. “But dogs and wolves are canines.”
“Ahh forget it,” Golden Lace sighed. “Reasoning with you is like reasoning with chaos itself.”
As the other younglings laughed out loud, Wanda looked up at Princess Cadance, who looked preoccupied with getting more food out.
“Big sis,” Wanda said. “Are you alright?”
“No, Wanda,” Princess Cadance sighed. “I’m still worried for Sunset Shimmer’s sake, even if the chancellor is looking after her.”
“I’m worried as well,” Wanda said. “I hope she can wake up and enjoy the activities that we’re doing.”
“Well you need not to worry. I went and checked up on Sunset Shimmer for the moment before I came back here.” Princess Cadance, Misty Brightdawn and Wanda Young turned towards the southeast, where King Sombra stood atop the wall with a saddlebag of food before leaping down on the ground next to the group.
“BIG BROTHER!” Misty Brightdawn yelled as she ran up and hugged King Sombra.
“I wasn’t gone that long, little Misty,” King Sombra laughed. “All I did was collect a small bit of food for tonight’s campout.”
As Misty hugged her brother tight, King Sombra used his magic to levitate the saddlebag off his back and onto the ground. Wanda walked up to the bag and opened it to see inside bars of chocolate, graham crackers and more marshmallows. Misty looked down to see Wanda look into King Sombra's saddlebag while she held onto her big brother.
“That does look like a scrumptious add on to the marshmallow,” Misty asked.
“It sure does, sis,” King Sombra said. Though, knowing Wanda, she us rather curious about our supplies.”
“And you're right, Mr Sombra,,” Wanda said as she pulled out a box of graham crackers. “I always wonder how we have so much food to feed all of us, even though we’re trapped in the Golden Realm.”
Princess Cadance’s smile became a bit more smug as she walked up to her human-ish sister and rubbed her on the head.
“That food was originally meant for all of you when you were supposed to go back to Evevanya,” Princess Cadance explained. “But since we’re all stuck here, we might as well put it to use.”
“Well that and Princess Cadance’s duplication spell also works wonders,” Shining Armor laughed.
“Oh Shining,” Princess Cadance laughed as she gave Shining Armor a hoof noogie. “You weren’t supposed to tell Wanda about that little secret.”
“What?” Shining Armor laughed. “That little monkey would have found out about our secret.”
“Well monkey this, darling,” Princess Cadance said as she proceeded to tickle Shining Armor with the feather of her wings.
As Shining Armor was at the mercy of Princess Cadance’s tickle torture, Wanda stood by, looking like she was going to giggle, just as Cozy Glow flew up to her.
“Wanda,” Cozy Glow asked. “You seem amused at being called a monkey.”
“Why not?” Wanda responded. “After all, I know what a monkey is, and I wish I were one. They look cute and resourceful with that tail of theirs, and at least I wouldn’t have to wear clothes to keep myself warm.”
As Wanda giggled out loud, Cozy Glow just looked at her, concerned by her choice of words.
“It’s not just that,” Cozy Glow said. “Have you ever considered the idea of words that can hurt you, emotionally?”
Wanda paused for a moment. She looked down at her hands with a slightly depressed sigh.”
“Actually, there is,” Wanda said. “I don’t mind being called a monkey. But there are two words that do hurt me: Mary Sue.”
“That’s right,” Golden Lace said, walking up to Wanda and Cozy Glow. “I used to tease Wanda by calling her a Mary Sue. And mom always encouraged this kind of behavior by stating that it proves how superior you are to others.”
“And to be honest, this is another reason why I like being called a monkey,” Wanda said with a smile on her face. “A monkey feels free, while a Mary Sue feels bogged down.”
“I…understand,” Cozy Glow said with a hint of guilt in her body.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Wanda said. “I know you’re just curious, and I was happy to provide answers.”
“Speaking of happy,” Pinkie Pie said, walking up to Wanda, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow, “The marshmallows should be done, and I know King Sombra brought the graham crackers and chocolate.”
“I always wondered what it’s like to enjoy a smore,” Golden Lace said. “And I’m happy to dig in.”
Later that night, everyone was gathered around the campfire, placing their marshmallow and chocolate bar in between two graham crackers. Pinkie Pie slammed three marshmallows between two bars of chocolate and three graham crackers, much to the other younglings’ amusement.
“That Pinkie Pie,” Misty laughed. “Always willing to go the extra mile when it comes to smores.”
“Well it was her idea,” Golden Lace laughed. “After all, she goes all out when it comes to sweets.”
“And I'm glad big brother was able to get more s’more supplies for all of us,” Misty Brightdawn said.
“Well that makes two of us,” Pinkie Pie said, pulling Misty close to her as she held her smores in the air. “After all, friends enjoy every little moment together, regardless if it's camping out with delicious stores, swimming in the Emerald Lake, or playing on Shining Armor's private Ogres and Oubliettes server.”
But as Pinkie Pie said those words, everyone sans Starlight Glimmer, Princess Cadance and Wanda Young turned to Shining Armor, who just blush with embarrassment.
“What?” Shining Armor said, embarrassed. “It's just a small hobby that me, 8-Bit, Gaffe and Poindexter like to do.”
“A small hobby that you invite your marefriend and her sisters to,” Princess Cadance said smugly as he nudged Shining Armor playfully.
“Okay, okay, it's true,” Shining Armor said. “I do invite Wanda and Sunset into the game just so they don't have to deal with griefers and trolls. Just ask Princess Celestia when she's back on her four hooves.”
“It's okay, Shining,” Wanda said, patting Shining Armor on the back. “When we get out of this mess, we should invite them to the private server and have fun.”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said as he became a bit depressed. “Especially Twili. She loved jumping onto the server and enjoying every moment.”
Wanda looked up at Shining Armor, who directed his gaze towards the moon. A tear fell from his eye and dropped harmlessly onto the ground. Spike and Abigail gathered around Wanda, keeping their view on Shining Armor.
“I also miss Twilight as well,” Wanda said. “She, along with our other friends should be with us, singing songs around the campfire, enjoying smores and just having a good time.”
“That, I agree with, little monkey,” Shining Armor said with a sad smile on his face. “Twili is a special sister of a special pony. She keeps me smiling when my mood is down, and she has an optimistic view of the world, despite sometimes going Twilinanas. And not just her, but also the friends that are not here.”
“That's right,” Golden Lace said. “Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, and even Sunset Shimmer. Along with Sure she's in the Golden Land. But it's not fair that my mother knocked her out. She should be awake and with us, demon form or no demon form. And I have to say the same about our friends from La Maresa. Including the pony whose feelings I did hurt….Ditzy Doo.”
“It’s not your fault, Lace,” Pinkie Pie said, placing her arm around Golden Lace’s back. “You’ve already proven to be a sweeter pony compared to that party crasher that is your mom. But I guarantee we’ll see our friends again.”
“I dunno,” Shining Armor said, keeping his eyes on the moon. “I just wanna see my family again. Mom, dad, Twili. I missed them so much.”
As Shining Armor kept his sight on the night sky, he felt dragon scales brush up on his fur. Shining Armor looked to his right, where Spike stood next to the stallion, looking up at him.
“Twilight,’ Spike said.
Shining Armor picked up Spike and held him close. The baby dragon reached out and hugged Shining Armor.
“You also miss Twili as well, Spike,” Shining Armor said. “I guess we're two brothers who want to see their sister again. And I hope we do.”
As Shining Armor gently tickles Spike, Misty Brightdawn, Princess Cadance and King Sombra watch closely. Despite the smile on her face, a tear rolls down Misty's cheek.
“Poor Shining Armor,” Misty Brightdawn said. “He and Spike lost their little sister and parents. I wish there was a way to cheer them up.”
Hearing the words of Misty Brightdawn, Princess Cadance turned to King Sombra and whispered in his ear. King Sombra nodded at Princess Cadance before he placed his hoof on his little sister's shoulder.
“Misty,” King Sombra said. “I have a suggestion: Why not stay by Shining Armor and Spike's side for the night?”
“Me?” Misty said. “But I'm no Twilight Sparkle.”
“I know,” King Sombra said. “But at the very least, you can remind him that he's not alone in this world. Besides, it wasn't my idea.”
Misty Brightdawn turned her head towards Princess Cadance, who nodded in agreement.
“Alright,” Misty said. “I'll do it.”
Misty Brightdawn walked up to Shining Armor and tapped him on the back, catching his attention.
“Hey Misty,” Shining Armor said. “I overheard you and King Sombra talking about comforting me for the night.
“Well, yeah,” Misty said as he rubbed her from right hoof on the ground. “I'm no Twilight Sparkle and…”
But before she could speak further, Shining Armor placed his hoof on Misty's mouth, silencing her. The stallion cracked a smile on his face despite his depression.
“I know you're not Twili,” Shining Armor said. “But I would be willing to let you comfort me, tonight. What do you say?”
As Shining Armor moved his hoof back, Misty Brightdawn bowed to the older teen stallion with gratitude.
“It would be an honor, Mr Armor,” Misty said.
Shining Armor held his arms out as Misty Brightdawn leaped towards the teen stallion and gave him a big hug. Spike leaped upwards before hugging Misty close.
Princess Cadance watched nearby as Wanda walked up to her. The two sisters breathed a sigh of comfort before Wanda placed her hand on Cadance’s hoof.
“It’s good that Shining Armor knows he’s not alone in this world,” Princess Cadance said. “Even if we are separated from family and friends.”
“I remember long ago when I was separated from little Misty,” King Sombra said. “We lost a good number of ponies from the Crystal Empire, including our mother Amore Brightdawn. The worst part was when Misty and I had to flee the Crystal Empire, and our mother died allowing us to escape. Even more so, we got separated moments after we left.”
“Mr Sombra,” Wanda asked. “What was this Amore like? Before you lost her?”
“You know, it’s funny that I’m saying this, and even I don’t understand it,” King Sombra said. “But you somehow remind me of my late mother.”
“Your late mother?” Wanda asked. “It is a bit funny. Because when I look at Misty, it’s as if she…”
“Reminds you of someone you haven't even met,” King Sombra said. “Interesting. Come to think of it, it does feel like a coincidence.”
“I know, Mr Sombra,” Wanda said. “I’ve known your sister far longer than I’ve known you. And yet, I look at you, and I felt like I've known you before.”
But before King Sombra could say anything, Pinkie Pie immediately jumped eight in between Wanda and Sombra.
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said. “Hold on a second. You're telling me that Wanda Young and King Sombra are tied together because….”
“That's a tale for another time, Pinkie,” Cozy Glow interrupted before shoving a s’more into Pinkie Pie's mouth. “Besides. It's starting to get late.”
As Pinkie Pie munched on the s'more in her mouth, the others, especially Starlight Glimmer, giggled at Pinkie's circumstance.
“I think Cozy Glow's right,” Princess Cadance said. “We better get ready to hit the hay, and I don't mean literally.”
“Very well,” King Sombra said as he took a bow. “I thank you, Shining Armor, and the rest of the youngsters for inviting me to this campout.”
“Oh you don't need to be formal,” Shining Armor said as Misty and Spike perched on his back. “After all, we are a family, even in these hard times.”
Everyone giggled and nodded as the campfire began to burn out.
Later that night, everyone sans Wanda Young, Abigail Abright and Starlight Glimmer were fast asleep. As Starlight sighed, glaring up at the stars in the sky, Wanda pulled her sleeping bag next to the twin-tailed filly before lying down next to her, with Abigail walking up to the two younglings.
“You okay?” Wanda asked.
“No,” Starlight said. “I've been reflecting on what Shining Armor said about how he misses Twilight Sparkle.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “And by looking in your eyes, there are two special friends that should be with us.”
“Sunburst and Trixie,” Starlight said. “You also miss them?”
“Big time,” Wanda said. “Trixie was a fun entertainer with her magic tricks. And to be honest, I wish you and I could go with her on a road trip, and just entertain the entire world. Give them something to smile about. On the other hand, Sunburst was heavily booksmart. In fact, he could put Twilight Sparkle to shame when it came to books.”
“Yeah,” Starlight giggled. “Sunburst loved to hang out at not just the Canterlot Library, but also the small one in Sire’s Hollow. It was a fun hangout place before we came to Canterlot. Sunburst and I used to get in trouble with our folks by being at that place, though they understood why. A shame that our library is now in ice, thanks to the Windigo’s Guild.”
“I’m sorry about what happened on that day,” Wanda said. “Though I heard that the library was being thawed out for some reason.”
“Really?” Starlight responded, causing Wanda to unexpectedly blush.
“Oops,” Wanda said, covering her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. Your daddy asked me to keep it a secret.”
“Oh, I see,” Starlight said. “I guess you weren’t supposed to tell me that.”
Wanda let out a sigh as she climbed into the sleeping back, laid back and looked up at the stars while Abigail leaped on top of the bag and tucked her arms beneath her body.
“Well with what we’re going through, I don’t know if we’ll see that library again, frozen or not,” Wanda said.
“Maybe that's why you accidentally told me about the Sire's Hollow Library,” Starlight giggled. “You're unsure if we're going to be returning home, or if we'll be stuck here for the rest of our lives.”
“Exactly,” Wanda said.
Wanda and Starlight giggled as they looked up at the night sky, all while Abigail curled herself into a ball and fell asleep.
“Hey Wanda,” Starlight said. “Do you imagine what Twilight and her coltfriend are doing by looking up at the night sky? The one that she nicknamed Mordecai?”
“Are you talking about Flash Sentry?” Wanda asked.
“That's him,” Starlight responded. “I'm surprised that you remembered.”
“How can I forget, when Twilight keeps talking about how she and Flash kept imagining airplanes in the night sky as shooting stars?” Wanda giggled.
“That's a pretty silly concept,” Starlight giggled back. “But I still wonder what they're up to while we're stuck here?”
“Well, I bet they're still imagining airplanes in the night sky as shooting stars,” Wanda said. “And although we might not see any airplanes, the night sky can be pretty, like diamonds.”
“That I agree on,” Starlight Glimmer said. “They do look so pretty.”
“Maybe one day, we'll be back together with our friends and look up at that night sky,” Wanda said. “And reflect on how beautiful it truly is.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said as she yawned. “It truly is.”
With that, Starlight closed her eyes and fell asleep. Wanda turned to Starlight and placed the cover of the twin-tailed filly's sleeping bag up to her shoulders before rubbing her on the head.
“Goodnight, Starlight,” Wanda said. “May our time in the Golden Land keep ourselves happy.”
Meanwhile, up in Vanhoover, Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry laid on the roof of Twilight’s house, looking up at the night sky.
“Do you see any airplanes, Mordecai?” Twilight asked.
“No,” Flash Sentry said. “Ever since that day when Gold Banks successfully attacked Canterlot and overthrew the princesses, not a single plane has flown over the sky.”
Twilight Sparkle let out a sigh as she stared at the night sky.
“It doesn’t feel right, Mordecai,” Twilight Sparkle said. “Nearly all of my friends are gone, and now we can’t pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.”
“You’re right,” Flash Sentry said. “But we could definitely use a wish right now. And all I see are the stars in the sky standing there like they’re shining down at us.”
“You think making a wish on one star will help?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” Flash Sentry said.
Twilight Sparkle looked up at the night sky, where the stars shined brightly. She looked at one star in the corner that shined the brightest.
“Star light, star bright,” Twilight chanted. “First star that I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish that I wish tonight. I wish….we could see all of our friends once more.”
As Twilight Sparkle finished her chant, a small star shot across the night sky, much to hers and Flash Sentry’s amazement.
“Did you see that?” Flash Sentry asked.
“I did,” Twilight Sparkle said. “A shooting star. It means, our wish may come true.”
“It sure does,” Flash Sentry said.
As the two younglings laid on their back, Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle looked up at the stars in the sky with a twinkle in their eyes and a smile on their mouths. They turned to each other, giggling with joy.
“Guess we don’t need to pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars, when you can have the real thing,” Twilight said.
“Yeah,” Flash Sentry said. “But still, I always wonder what it sounds like when doves cry.”
“I think we already know,” Twilight Sparkle laughed.
“Twilight, Flash, it’s starting to get late.” Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry looked down to see Twilight Velvet look up at them from the window.
“Coming, mom,” Twilight Sparkle said. “We were just observing the night sky and we saw a shooting star.”
“A shooting star, eh?” Twilight Velvet giggled. “That must mean that a miracle will arrive soon. Now come on you two.”
Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry got up on their four hooves before they leaped off the roof and landed on the balcony next to Twilight Velvet, who opened the window up.
“Thanks for keeping us safe, Mrs Velvet,” Flash Sentry said.
“It’s been an honor to do so,” Twilight Velvet said. “And I don’t mind being called that, considering that Twilight Sparkle and I have the same first name.”
With that, Twilight Velvet stood at the side while Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry made their way inside. Immediately, Twilight Velvet reached out to close the window, only to pause as her eyes got a glimpse at the stars in the sky.
“They say that when one wishes upon a star, their dreams will come true,” Twilight Velvet said. “I used to believe in those kinds of fairy tales when I was a filly.”
But her eyes paused for a moment as she saw a shooting star fly through the sky. Twilight Velvet looked up and her eyes beamed with joy.
“Maybe believing in fairy tales is the hope we need to get us through these hard times,” Twilight Velvet said. “After all, it’s what I would want for my Twili.”
“Mom,” Twilight Sparkle shouted. “You okay up there?”
“Give me a second, Twilight,” Twilight Velvet said. “I’ll be down.”
With that, Twilight Velvet directed her gaze back at the stars as they twinkled in the night.
“If I had one wish,” Twilight Velvet said, “I wish that we were all together again. Shining Armor, Spike, and all of Twilight Sparkle’s friends. That is the wish I am willing to make.”
Twilight Velvet looked up at the night sky as they twinkled like diamonds, shining their light down at the town of Vanhoover.
To Be Continued in…
An Unexpected Buggy Meeting