Ch. 3 Evening
Cookie was getting tired of running. She called after them, but that only made them run faster. She was also tired of Serene not being straight with her. Soon, they disappeared. She was also getting really tired of being left on her own. Especially in the night.
What was Serene thinking, just leaving her out on her own? She should know of all the things that happen to ponies at night. Why would she just leave her out there?
It was getting harder to run.
She couldn't survive the night on her own.
It was getting harder to think.
The night wasn't survivable.
The night changed. The trees were in rows, and their brown trunks changed to grey. A thick, purple canopy covered the night sky. Grey fog had rolled in, blocking Cookie's vision, so she could only see a few feet in front of her. But none of them were tinted green, like everything else had been.
Cookie stopped. She felt her lungs huff and puff, but they made no sound. Things weren't right. She shouted, and nothing came out. That wasn't natural. There were no creatures in the brush, no wind playing with branches, no rustle of grass under her hoof. This was not Equestria. The fog crept closer. This was not real. The trees closed in on her. This was not even a place. Her muscles began to seize up. It was crushing her. She shook violently. It was going to eat her. She closed her eyes.
Trust me.
How could she? What should she? She didn't know what it meant. She didn't know where it came form. She didn't know where it was.
Trust me.
Everything was collapsing. Everything was suffocating. She couldn't trust everything. She couldn't trust anything. How couldn't she trust anything?
Trust me
The night. Memories of night flashed before her: Serene, Dusk, Glide.
Trust me
The night. She remembered eating too many glow-shrooms, but they kept her from starving. She remembered being mad at Serene, but laughing on the inside. She remembered the tasty flowers that coated her mouth with sweetness. She remembered Glide risking his life to entertain her.
Trust me
The night. She remembered how beautiful the night was.
Trust me
She remembered who showed it to her.
A paw picked her up from the belly, and from the belly pulled her out.
"Gu-hu," Cookie gasped. It felt as if she had been drowning, but in what? She looked around. There was no floor under her hooves, no trees surrounding her, and no fog. It was just all... black, yet it wasn't black. Black was suppose to be scary. This was warm, inviting, peaceful. Black was suppose to be treacherous. This was safe, friendly, kind. Black was suppose to be frightening. This was calm, relaxing, caring.
She spotted a small point in the distance, and walked to it. It quickly took form. The point was Dusk, or it looked like him. She wasn't sure if he was lying or standing; his legs were below his body, but they were laid out like he was sleeping. Cookie got closer, and discovered that another pair of legs hanging behind the wolf. They were dark blue, and separating them was a deep-purple tail. The tail turned over, and the legs pushed up over Dusk. Serene's head poked over the wolf's body, along with two fore-legs that hung over Dusk's back.
"Glad you could make it," Serene said. "I'm sorry that I had to run off like that, but it was the only way you could get here." Serene offered a hoof to the extremely confused Cookie. Without much thought, Cookie extended her own. As soon as Serene touched it, a weird sensation overtook Cookie: it felt as if she flipped over 270 degrees, and then softly landed on a new plain. She looked down, or what now was down, and could see the spot where she once stood.
"Here, lay down." Serene patted Dusk's belly. Finding that that was the first normal thing she could do here – wherever here was – she laid down.
As soon as Cookie's head touched the soft, warm sticks, the black was filled with light; light from an unfathomable amount of points. The points swirled, and exploded. They grew and they shrank. They moved, and they danced, and they played. There were colorful clouds, webs of light, and everything seemed to be just right. Words, there were none, for there were nothing of this kind, yet one thought prevailed, yet one thought filled her mind...
"...Those are the stars without the sky," Serene explained. "I don't know why I know that, it's just that I do. It's like a feeling you get in your gut, ya' know."
Cookie just let it all sink in. After all that happened, it was a relief. It was like a cool glass of water on a hot day, or a warm bath after being dipped in cold mud. It was the night. It was the night that Serene had wanted to show her, and had showed her. But this was more than she had shown her. Somehow, it felt like this was purer than the night she was in a few moments ago. It almost felt like it wasn't the night, rather, something else. "Where are we?" Cookie asked.
"We are in the Spider Tree Forest," Serene replied. "My father studied this place, and then taught me about it. He says that it is the medium for ponies to enter their own mind. Often, they get trapped in their own hopelessness, gripes, shortcomings, and fears without even knowing it. But if they have a good thought, they can see the beauty within themselves.
"They can also see the beauty of others. The Spider Trees allow ponies to connect with one another. This is hard to do because when one pony enters another pony's mind, they can enter in one of many parts of the other's mind. This is why I couldn't give you too much direction, because if I did, you might be trapped in the more logical parts of my brain. I already showed you that. I wanted you to see something more. I wanted you to see the night like I see it. I wanted you to see this."
"So, what part of your mind is this?" Cookie asked.
"I guess its my purpose," Serene said. "It's no surprise that the stars represent it. My father used to tell me that I'd stay up every night, just looking at the stars."
***
"She's out again."
"Oh, let her stay out, she's not doing anything wrong."
"She's a young foal; she needs her sleep. Besides, she should not be out at night."
"Oh, alright."
Earthly rolled out of bed, leaving his wife. He looked over at the two beds in the other corner of the small, one room cottage. One was filled, and the other empty. Walking past the make-shift dresser, Earthly went out into the warm summer night. He could see his little daughter sitting in the grass, starring at the night sky.
"Wat's dat?" she asked, her hoof pointing toward the night sky.
"Those are the stars," he informed her.
"I lof da stairs," the little filly tried to say. Earthly laughed a little, and then joined her observation. There the two were, sitting peacefully in the dangerous night. He picked her up and began pointing out all the constellations in the sky, which put his little foal to sleep. She was so cute when she slept, her little legs folded in, her warm breath that petted his arms, and her smooth fur that touched his course forelegs. This was his daughter, and all he could do was love her.
He kissed her. "Good night, Serene."
***
The two were out in the forest. "These are mushrooms." Earthly was giving a lecture to Serene. "Most mushrooms are poisonous, but some can be consumed with no ill effect. Learned that from some old books, and luckily I did. I had to use that little tidbit of information when I got lost in a cave. Have I ever told you about that, Serene?"
"Yes dad, a million times." It seemed like he had been repeating the same stuff for years now.
"Then I guess that would make you an expert on mushroom. Tell me, what is the difference between an edible, and an inedible mushroom?" Earthy asked.
"There is no constant way of identification, you just have to know," she answered. These quizzes were getting old, too. Earthly gave her one almost every day.
"Ok, what side of rocks do moss mostly grow on?"
"The north, because moss does not like direct sunlight," Serene answered. But they did help her memorize a lot of interesting thing.
"Now, what do you do if you see a hostile creature?"
"You stand your ground and make yourself look bigger," Serene automatically replied. She probably knew everything there is to know about the forest by now.
"And?"
"And make loud noises," she added. Well, not all at once.
"That's my girl."
***
The stars move in a constant pattern. This pattern may relate to the motion of Equestria, or to how the unicorns direct celestial bodies,she wrote.
Serene –the one most familiar to Cookie– was sitting out in a wide field, admiring the beautiful logic that governed the stars. This was one of the thing her father hadn't talked too much about, and she was eager to learn everything she could. There was something magical about them. It was almost like everything that mattered was under them. All the coolest animals she met were out when they were out, the most beautiful blooms would appear when they appeared, and the best things in the world came out when they came out. All the mysterious and wonderful things. She went back to writing.
Evidence that it is the motion of Equestria, rather than the motion of the stars, is seen by the pole star, which remains fixed through the night. The only way it can remain so is-
A whimper interrupted her writing. It was a loud whimper, which was an unusual sound. No creature she ever encountered let off a whimper like that. She went in to investigate.
It was a timber wolf. Her dad talked a little on the beast, telling her that they were dangerous creatures that terrified other living things. They were territorial, violent, and most dangerous in groups. She also knew that from first hand experience. But this one was alone.
She drew in closer, and the beast took notice. Its two glowing eyes beamed at Serene. It stood up, lowered its head, and started growling. Serene remembered what her father taught her. She stood up on her hind legs and shouted at the beast. But instead of scaring it off, it only seemed to attract it. Figures, this never seemed to work. Running wouldn't work, for every time she tried that, the wolves would end up chasing her. Then, a crazy thought came into mind: copy the beast. She put her hooves back on the ground, lowered her head, and growled back. The beast continued its approach, and she started her own. The two heads met, a spark, and then the creature surrendered. It turned away from Serene, and continued to whimper at the moon.
Serene could sense that something was wrong with the wolf, and for no reason at all, sat next to it.
"So, did you had a bad day?"
The wolf went from sitting to lying. Obviously, it was in pain.
"That bad, eh? So, where is your pack?"
He turned to her with a long face and wet eyes, then turned away. A lot of pain.
"So you don't have a pack, do you?"
He shifted his head, and whimpered louder. It was hard to imagine that something so fearsome could be in a state like this. In fact, out of all the creatures she had met in the forest, she never would have imagined a timber wolf crying. She couldn't stand it. Timber wolves were supposed to strong and fearless, but they were also supposed to be in packs. She had to do something.
"I could be your pack."
The wolf looked up, as if it understood her.
"Yeah." Her enthusiasm was building. "We could be a pack of two. We could explore the night together, with me as the guide, and you as the guardian. Picture it: me and my little wolf... Dusk!"
Dusk shot up, and barked with approval.
"We'll be the dynamic duo, the troublesome twosome, the knights of night."
Dusk was overtaken with excitement, and began licking Serene.
"Ok, ok," Serene said, as she pushed him off. "Now, just to get it past mom and dad."
***
She decided not to get him past mom and dad. Her mom would always go on about how the timber wolves always tried to destroy their house, and how she'd have to rebuild it every time. And her dad was not too fond of them either; no pony likes being chased clear across the forest just for being out too long.
Serene was able to hide Dusk, until the one night Dusk decided he didn't want to be hidden.
It was morning. Serene woke up, grabbed a piece of bread, and ate it for breakfast. Her parents were still asleep. She glanced around, noticing her chores: the water jugs needed to be refilled, the floor could use a moppin', the pots needed to be put back, Dusk was sleeping right at the foot of her bed, she would need to clean the fireplac- Dusk was at the foot of her bed! If her parents found that she was friends with a wolf, they'd probably have her collect all the cow manure for a month, with her bare hooves.
"Dusk, wake up, you need to go," she whispered, but he kept snoozing away. She shook him, causing him to turn over. He inhaled, and let out the loudest snort she'd heard in her life. It was so loud, that it rung in her ears. She snapped her head toward her parents' bed, imagining how shocked they'd look when they saw Dusk. But the pair just continued to sleep. Dusk was up now, smiling at his master. Of course, he didn't know how much trouble they would be in if her parents woke up. And of course, he didn't know how much trouble it would be to get him out of the house.
Ever since her parents decided the night was too dangerous for her to explore, they started taking some precautions: they tucked her in, kissed her good night, and set up all the pots, pans and silverware in stacks near the door, so it would almost be impossible for her to sneak out. Of course, she got used to weaving around the pot handles and stepping over the trip wire. Hopefully, Dusk would do the same.
"Come on," she beckoned Dusk. He looked at the clutter, and stepped back a little. "You can do it," she encouraged. He looked around, and then walked around the mess. Serene put her hoof in her face. "Why didn't I think of that?" She whispered. Ruff, agreed Dusk. Why hadn't she thought of that?
Serene quickly clammed shut the jaws of the impudent wolf. She turned around. Her parents were still sleeping. "Phew," she said, relieved.
Earthly's head shot up out of bed. "What's going on?" He looked around. "AHHHH! TIMBER WOLF!"
"No, wait, I can-" But before she could, Earthly snatched up a skillet, and gunned for the animal. Dusk panicked, and ran for the corner. Soon, the two chased each other all around the poor little cottage: knocking down the beds, breaking water jugs, and spreading the pots and pans all over the floor. Dusk ran across the room, and slid under the master bed. Earthly charged forward, but was stopped by his extremely grumpy wife.
"What in the name of all that is good and holy is going on around here!?" Shine saw all the cookware strewn about, and the two beds knocked over, and the destroyed water pots.
Earthy dropped the skillet. "It's a- I mean a- uh-" He had a hard time talking between his huffing and puffing.
"Serene?" Her mother glared at her.
"I was in the woods, not at night, but I found this- uh... dog, yeah, a dog, and he was all alone and sad, and I knew you and dad didn't like dogs, 'cause they aren't your favorite, especially dad, but I kept him outside and everything was fine, until he came in, and I woke him up, and-"
"A dog?" That was about the only part Shine caught from her daughter's well orated explanation. "What dog?"
Serene pointed under her mom's bed, and Dusk emerged.
"That's not a dog! Out, OUT!" She snatched the skillet and wound up for the blow. Dusk cringed, but felt nothing. Serene stood in front of him, arms spread wide, stopping her mother from doing anything to her loyal companion. Mother and daughter stared at one another, and the father spectating.
"Out, now," her mother ordered.
Serene went outside, and Dusk followed. She could hear the muffled shout, but they were in agreement. It wasn't too long until her parents were in the doorway.
"He needs to go," Shine ordered.
Serene stood firm. "No."
"What?" Shine was in shock; usually Serene was so obedient. Well, at least when they were awake.
"No, I'm not letting Dusk go."
"Serene," Earthy stated, "you need to listen to your mother. Dusk needs to go."
"No, Dusk is my friend, and I love him."
"Look Serene, Dusk is a heartless timber wolf," Earthly gravely stated. He rarely gravely stated anything. "Do you know what his kind do? They terrorize, just for fun. They chase animals until they nearly die from exhaustion. And, if an animal tries to resist, they attack. I know, I've been chased a few time. Do you know how frightening that is, Serene? To feel completely powerless, like-"
"How do you know, you've only been chased once!" Serene interjected.
"What did you say?" Usually, Serene never interrupted her father.
"You told me yourself. You've only been chased once," repeated Serene.
"Well once is enough to-"
"I've been chased seven times now." Serene stared right at them. Both of them were in shock. They thought she'd given that up by now.
"We told you not to go out into the night anymore," her mom disdained.
"Well I have, and you may not like it, but I do. In fact, I love it. I love how there is that subtle color change from the day, and that there are flowers that only bloom at night. I love how the owls swoop down to catch their pray. I love watching the bats when they first come out, and how there are so many of them, it blocks out the sky for a while. I love how the stars shine, and I love how the moon changes shape, and I love Dusk," Serene told. "You'd never know what it's like, Dad, you've just ignored it. And Mom doesn't even care."
"Serene Radiance, you hold your tongue, young filly." Her father stared straight into her eyes. "We told you the night was dangerous, yet you go out into it anyway. We told you that it was for your own safety, yet you do not even care to listen to us. We told you timber wolves were dangerous, yet you go off and make friends with one. That's it. We have been far too lenient. From now on, if I find you go out sneaking out at night, I'll... I'll... I'll chain you to the wall!"
"Serene." It was her mother's turn, and her words were no lighter than her husband's. "You get back inside and think about what you done. As for you." Her attention now was directed toward the wolf. "I don't want to see you in this house, or around this house, or anywhere near Serene, or so help me, I'll chop you up and use your remains for kindling!"
The pair had no choice but to listen to authority. Serene disappeared into the cottage, and Dusk into the woods.
***
It was late at night. A rope tied Serene to her bed post, but that wasn't going to keep her. She used a knife, which she snuck from dinner, to saw through the restraint. As she crossed the cottage, she looked kindly upon her parents. They were only trying to protect her, and do what was best for her, but she couldn't stand the idea of being trapped in the day. She grabbed her notebook, and opened the door. There was a figure in the darkness.
"Hey." It was her father.
"You can't stop me. I'm leaving, and-"
"I know, I know," Her father said calmly. "I always knew this day would come. You're old enough now, and you need to find your own way. I just couldn't bear to see another one of my daughters go without a proper good bye." Serene listened carefully. "You know, when I saw my first timber wolf, I could only think fear. I could only think of what it would do to me if it caught me. When it did catch me, I thought I was going to die, and leave behind my family. Luckily, timber wolves don't work that way.
"But when I saw Dusk, I knew there was something special about him. He wasn't frightening or menacing or scary at all. In fact, he actually looked kind of friendly." Earthly tilted his head. "Have you looked at your flank lately?"
Serene hadn't. She'd been so busy with things that she'd forgotten all about it. It used to be a big deal to her, but ever since she started studying the night, the thought of a cutie mark just faded. She curled her head about, and found three stars on her flank.
"The first thing you've ever told me was that you loved the stars," Earthly stated. "I guess we couldn't stop that. You were meant for the night, Serene, more than we would like to admit it. We can't keep you here forever, that would be selfish of us. You need to go out there and live the way you were meant to live. You need to meet other ponies, and have adventures. Even though we want you to be safe, we need to let you be you. It's just... I just wanted to say-"
Serene hugged her father. "Thanks, Dad."
He smiled, looking at his little girl's beautiful gold eyes. "I love you, Serene. Now go. You need to find your own path, just like your mother and me."
"Will mom be alright?" Serene asked.
"She'll be fine. She always knew this day would come. In fact, she wanted me to say the good bye for both of us. Your mom was never one for goodbyes—that's probably why were still married." Earthy chuckled a little. "You just go. It will be you and Dusk from now on. Be strong, Serene."
"I will."
***
"Wow, that's quite the life story ya' got there, Serene." Cookie was unsure if she heard it or saw it.
"Yeah, I thought you should know, us being banished an' all."
"So, how did you come to Foalshire?" Cookie asked.
Serene shrugged. "I just found it. Actually, I found the abandoned shack before I found Foalshire. Besides, I have never been around other ponies before, so I thought it would be a good experience."
"Glad I got you that job then, right?"
Serene's face dimmed a little, along with the stars.
"Something wrong, sugarcube?"
"I don't know. I appreciate you getting me the job, but its just... Every time I go to work, Daisy is always shouting at me."
"Well, Daisy isn't the nicest pony," Cookie reminded her.
"Yeah, but it's not just her. Every pony looks at me funny, and it makes me feel funny. It makes me feel like I shouldn't be there. I guess it's because I love the night, when no pony else does. I see the night as a great, unexplored land filled with plants and animals that you just don't see during the day. Every pony else just hides from it because they fear it. And maybe, they see me as a part of the night. But they don't fear me, they just... I don't know. I'm a freak. That's probably why they hate me."
"I don't hate ya Serene," Cookie said. Dusk put his paw on her hoof. "And Dusk likes ya plenty."
"Yeah, I guess so." Serene smiled at her little wolf, and he smiled back.
"You really like Dusk, don't you." Cookie was more observing than asking.
"Well, for the longest time, it felt like Dusk was my only friend. My only best friend. He's the one always cheering me up, he's the one always protecting me, and he's the one who seems to really care for me. It's weird having a wolf for a friend, but he understands me, even loves me. Ever since I met him, it has always felt that way. Just me and Dusk against the world." Serene let out a little sigh, and turned her head back toward the sky.
The three gazed up at the stars for a while. Cookie never would have thought Serene was so complex. When Cookie first noticed her, it seemed that she would only needed a little help making friends, being new and all—that was why Cookie had visited Serene in the first place. But she already had a friend. In fact, a very good friend. Maybe even one of the greatest friends in all of Equestria. Yet, something was missing. It just didn't make any sense.
Serene stood up. "Cookie."
"Yeah, Serene?"
"We better get going. It's gonna be morning soon."
"Alright, but how do we get outa here?"
"You kinda have to just will yourself back to reality. Just think of the cave and we'll be back in no time." The three closed their eyes, and imagined the cave. Before they knew it, they were back in no time.
"Quod erat cerritulus," Cookie said.
"Ruff, Ruff, Yip!" Serene agreed.
"Actually, Serene, the phrase is 'ruff, yip, ruff'," corrected Dusk.
"Wait, what just happened?" Cookie had the taste of Latin in her mouth.
"Oh, that happens every time you leave the Spider Forest," Serene explained.
"Thank goodness we found you."