//------------------------------//
// Their Shadows Searching in the Night 
// Story: Don't Stop Believing 
// by Mitslits 
//------------------------------//

Their Shadows Searching in the Night

Swifty sighed. "Plow, you cannot catapult yourself off of the pitchfork. How many times do I have to say it?" She swung her head around to glare at Harvest. "And you are not to help him do it! Do you both understand?"

Plow's Glory harrumphed and stalked away. Harvest quickly followed his brother, sticking his tongue out at his older sister.

At that moment, Swifty snapped. She leaped forwards and struck Harvest across the face with her front hoof.

The foal, stunned and in pain, stumbled backwards, gasping. His eyes filled with tears. "Wh-why did you do that?" he whispered.

"Oh Celestia", Swifty mumbled. She stepped back, away from her brother. "I can't- I don't know- I'm sorry!" The gray pony turned and raced away. Her hooves carried her to Tide Dancer's grave. Tears welled up and began to spill onto the soil. Swifty buried her head in her hooves. "Tide, I-I can't do this. You left me alone. I don't know how to be a mom. Not yet. Momma's sick. She can't do it. She'll probably be with you soon. I don't want to be alone, Tide. Please, come back." Sobs wracked Swifty's body. "I hit Harvest", she said. "I HIT him! How could I? Please, Tide! I need you! I really need you", she choked out.

Night fell, but Swifty did not move from her position. Her shadow stretched out behind her. It mingled with the shadow cast by Tide Dancer's gravestone. "Please, Tide", she whispered once more. "Please."

Dawn snuggled closer to Indigo. The two were curled up under a tree in a public park. The sun was slowly rising, a new day beginning.

Dawn was drooping. The two had been up nearly all night, searching for a place to sleep. Her head bent, then jerked back up.

Indigo smiled and nuzzled her gently. "Get some sleep", he whispered. Soon she was breathing softly, leaning on Indy. The blue unicorn looked towards the rising sun, squinting. They had missed the train. They would have to walk to New York. Then his gaze was drawn back to his love. He smiled softly. The walk could wait. He put his head down besides hers and soon, the sound of their breath was all that could be heard.

The sun spilled out over the horizon, covering the two in a blanket of golden red. Their shadows were thrown out behind them, mingling together as they stretched across the park, searching for the way to New York.