//------------------------------// // 21 // Story: Canis Fidelis: Harmony // by PseudoFiction //------------------------------// The sun set over the western coast of Equestria in an explosion of fiery orange colours that seemed to match the shades of the autumn leaves clinging to the cold brittle branches for dear life. Despite the distinct chill that hung in the air for this time of year, Princess Celestia smiled. She liked autumn, particularly the colour of it. There was just something so beautiful about watching the brown, red and orange leaves swirling free in the wind under the colourful sunset. “Another perfect day,” the alicorn sighed. “Wouldn’t you agree, Philomena?” There was a high pitched cry from the bird perched on the balcony railing. Lifting her head, the flame-feathered phoenix almost looked like she was mimicking the princess’ smile. High atop the Canterlot Tower, Celestia stood on the balcony that overlooked the entire kingdom of Equestria. It had been her home for longer than she could remember, and it was with an air of pride she maintained her position to watch over it; to protect every one of her dear subjects. Though the ponies of Equestria weren’t Princess Celestia’s subjects alone. For when night fell, and Celestia retreated for sleep, a new guardian watched over little ponies everywhere. Celestia’s horn stopped glowing as little more than an inch of the sun continued to peek over the horizon. With a grin, she counted backwards from five. “Two,” she whispered, “one...” Right on time. The ripple of feathers fluttering in the wind rang out before a gentle thud on the marble floor behind her. The delicate clink of metal slippers walking in a quick stride followed, drowned only by her formal voice. “Rest, my sister,” Celestia’s younger sister, Princess Luna announced as she moved to the taller alicorn’s side. “As always, I will guard the night.” The smile on the older princess’ face only widened a little more. “There’s no need to be so formal all the time, Luna.” Catching her older sisters smile, Luna mimicked the gesture. “Very well… ‘Tia,” she added putting emphasis on Celestia’s pet-name. Celestia chuckled, but seeing a pulsing magical aura engulf Luna’s horn she didn’t retort. She didn’t want to distract from the moment. Whereas autumn was her favourite time of year, this very moment was her favourite moment of the day. Twilight – surely a moment her protégé Twilight Sparkle might adopt in the future – but for now she would enjoy her sister’s handling of these fleeting moments between light and dark. Luna licked her lips, closing her eyes with calm focus. Celestia watched quietly as if her sister were about to paint her masterpiece. Her nights were always a masterpiece. A moderate cobalt blue light bulb blinked to life within Luna’s horn. The appendage shimmered with energy as a sudden wind whipped up around the princesses. Catching, her night-sky mane billowed upward and stretched through the sky above them, like a preview of what was to come. While her mane twisted and coiled through the darkening sky, her tail did the same; stretching in the opposite direction towards the crescent of sun still poking over the shimmering horizon. The tip of her tail snaked and twisted through the sky, cutting a swathe of darkness splattered with white dots and an aura of dark blue through the burning orange light. The delicate strands at the tip seemed to touch the edge of the sun while her mane seemed to reach over the eastern horizon. She pushed and pulled at the same time. While gently nudging the sun behind the horizon, she coaxed the timid moon into the sky. The transition was instant. The sky darkened to a dark purple colour. The moon’s pale glow bathed Equestria in harsh shadows as the sunlight was replaced by the comparatively cold moonlight. A ripple of distortion ripped across the sky as she withdrew the magical aura of her mane and tail. In the wake of the ‘blast wave’ she prickled her canvas with clean dots of varying intensity. Looking at the vast desert of stars spread across the night, Celestia couldn’t help smirk. Showoff. Hardly anypony knew exactly how much effort Luna put into the transition between day and night. Hardly anypony knew how much effort she put into her trade. It was an art to her. Nopony knowing what she put into her night… it was a waste. Luna seemed happy though. She seemed happy roaming the night, protecting the land under her blanket of night, and protecting the dreams of her subjects at the same time. Every night, it was just business as usual. But Celestia still worried. It was her responsibility to keep everypony – Luna included – safe. It was her job to worry. The nights were cold and quiet. Lonely, and she had nopony – not even a pet – to keep her company. Looking to the loyal phoenix perched on her back, Celestia slowly walked up to Luna’s side. “Luna? Perhaps you would like Philomena to keep you company tonight?” it was an offer Celestia made every night. And as per usual, like it was part of their own little ritual, Luna would answer, “There is no need, sister. I will be fine.” But tonight Celestia took her sister by surprise by adding; “Perhaps I should stay up tonight. To keep you company. It must get awfully lonely in the tower all night.” Luna blinked a few times with surprise before rounding on Celestia. Her expression betrayed her thoughts accurately. “N-no, that is quite alright. It should be fine.” Celestia didn’t move. She looked unconvinced. “It’s fine, ‘Tia,” Luna assured with a brave grin. “I will see you at breakfast tomorrow.” Celestia nodded with a secret chuckle. Breakfast. Of course, Luna’s breakfast was actually lunch. She would retreat to her bed shortly before Celestia raised the sun in the morning, and she wouldn’t emerge until midday. It was a hectic sleeping schedule, and she wondered how the alicorn of the night stuck it. But somehow she did. Leaning closer, Celestia nuzzled Luna’s cheek. The younger princess immediately shrank away. “‘Tia!” Luna pouted like a teenager being embarrassed in front of her friends by her parents. “I’m on watch!” “Just be careful,” Celestia pleaded with a warm smile. “If there is any trouble...” “... come and get you. I know.” Luna said practically urging Celestia to go. Nodding, the taller alicorn finally turned and walked off to the far end of the balcony. Her magnificent wings spread to their full length, and taking her example the phoenix on her back did the same. Philomena launched herself into the air as the princess hopped over the railing. Celestia’s wing’s arched as they caught on the air, whipping her out of sight on an invisible force. Watching her disappear, Luna sighed with relief. Finally she was alone. Just like she was used to. She had grown so accustomed to the loneliness night brought; it had become a comfort. At least in loneliness she didn’t have to wear a mask. Some time ago she had attempted to blend in with her subjects after being secluded from them for so long. It had been a disaster. So much had changed since her banishment as the wicked Nightmare Moon. And even as she learned how to behave in modern society, she felt like she was throwing a part of herself away just for the sake of fitting in. Like she had become an actor in some terribly written play. She liked to be formal. She liked the ancient ways and traditions. The familiarity gave her comfort. But now she only felt comfort when she wasn’t trying to fit in. Her only comfort was loneliness. Her train of thought was derailed as her night was invaded. It was like a blast, a brilliant flash polluting her blanket of darkness. Fingers of the white light clawed at the sky, twisting between the jagged branches of the Everfree Forest canopy before fading in a near instant. Luna kept her eyes fixed on the section of the dark woods from which the flash of light had escaped. It was far below her, beyond the foot of the Canterlot Mountain, roughly half and hour’s flight away. Though that didn’t bother her. It was the fact the disturbance was practically on Ponyville’s doorstep that bothered her the most. Luna knew full well what she was supposed to do. Celestia insisted she be called should something serious happen during the night. Luna knew her sister was fiercely protective, not just of her but of her subjects as well. She would want to know about this. Princess Luna hesitantly looked the way Celestia had flown to her room. No doubt she was enjoying the end of her day; probably reading one of Twilight Sparkle’s friendship reports in bed with a glass of milk. She didn’t really want to bother her big sister with what may well be nothing. It could just be Zecora brewing up something. But on the other hand, the Everfree Forest was not only home to zebra sages and crumbling ruins. There were dark things in the deepest recesses of the woods. Dark things even Luna would hesitate to engage. And if one of those things were wandering close to Ponyville... Luna leaned back, lowering her head and spreading her wings. Her mind was made. It wasn’t worth calling Celestia just yet. And it was definably unacceptable to overlook it. She would have a quick look first; be absolutely sure whether or not Ponyville was in any danger. Leaping forward, Luna flapped her wings and took flight to investigate... He inhaled sharply through his nose. The smell of sweat and blood still overwhelmed his senses. The breeze felt cold on his wet nose. The bristly grass felt damp even through his insulating layers of fur. His chest heaved as the German Shepherd sighed deeply testing the wind. The salty smell of human faded; replaced with the smell of nature. Grass, dirt, moss, flowers, bark, leaves… The smell of a cold autumn night. It reminded him of home. The outdoor kennels where he’d retreat after a hard day of play and training. It reminded him of the nature trails where he and his fellow Military Working Dogs were treated to a nice long hike off the leash once a week. Bungee peeled open his eyes and strained to focus. Keeping perfectly still he waited for his irises to adjust to the low light. He was prone, laid on his side with his legs spread out to one side. All that moved was his chest as he breathed calmly. Very slowly Bungee lifted his head, bits of soggy leaves and moss clinging to the side of his face. The dog gave a little shake, letting the debris fall as he looked around the dark woods. He remembered the endless desert from earlier. He remembered the dried out compound. He remembered chasing Lieutenant Rouke through a dark hole in space. He didn’t remember anything about a forest. Taking in the sights as he rose to his paws, Bungee panted almost happily forgetting his troubles for a few moments. He liked forests. Not for any particular reason. Instinct told him they were good. The tangled undergrowth and the canopy hanging high above his head was a comfort. Forests were home to things he could eat. Forests were sheltered, rife with positions he could naturally sit camouflaged. Forests were an Eden designed to sustain creatures like him. The dog quickly found his focus though; lowering his nose to the ground to take a few sniffs. He still had a job to do. And if he followed Rourke to this forest, the man wouldn’t be far away. Alas, Bungee quickly lost the scent. His senses were overpowered by the smells of the forest. But it was different from the nature trails back home. This forest was clean. Pure. There were no underlying tones of human. No pollution. Bungee looked up through the claw-like branches of the trees and spotted the stars on the inky night sky. The pale full moon stood vigil, and Bungee fought the natural instinct to howl. It was the first time he’d seen a moon so clear, unobstructed by layers of smog and other airborne garbage. Bungee was definitely not in Kansas anymore. Lowering his gaze to the undergrowth, he took a few tentative steps forward. Wherever he was, instinct and a dash of practiced common sense told the dog whatever world he was in worked on the same basic rules of home. The air was breathable. The foliage looked edible, so no doubt the animals were too. The smells were fresher, but they were familiar. He’d be able to filter through them to catch Rourke’s trail again – that he didn’t doubt. The only aspect on which Bungee was lost was where to begin. Taking a deep breath, Bungee made sure to commit Lieutenant Rourke’s appearance and smell to memory. He made sure the relevant data was seared into his brain. Then with a small leap, the dog galloped off into the dark forest; nose down in search of shelter. It was getting cold, so Bungee’s survival instinct told him to bed down for the night. A cave would be a perfect place to hold up, but he’d settle for a fox-hole or a dense shrub. Anywhere sheltered from the elements – and more importantly – from view. Eventually he found what he was looking for. It didn’t take him long, and he didn’t wander too far from the clearing he’d woken up in. less than a hundred metres further up was another clearing tucked up against the edge of a steep drop off. Cut underneath the drop off was something of a hollow. It was bedded with moss and re-enforced with a thick tangle of roots from the tree growing on top of the overhang. With a curtain of grass hanging over the hollow, it was well sheltered and camouflaged. A perfect spot for Bungee to retreat for the night, especially in foreign terrain. Crawling into the hollow, the German Shepherd curled up to conserve body heat. In the comforting glow of the morning sun he planned to find some higher ground and get a lay of the land. From there he’d be able to assess Rourke’s escape route and begin tracking the human properly. Considering he was permitted a good night’s rest. Something that might not be granted judging by the noise that filled the dog’s ears no sooner had he settled down. His ears twitched, then perked up. Bungee tiredly lifted his head and angled his gaze under the curtain of grass obscuring his view from the rest of the clearing. The grinding sound of rocks shifting through dirt was impossible not to hear. He didn’t need super hearing to detect it, as it was so close he could even feel the vibrations of the shifting dirt under his body. Sniffing, Bungee tried to detect what could be causing the tremors. A mole perhaps? Maybe he’d invaded the hollow of a family of rabbits? If so, that was breakfast sorted at the very least. Alas; Bungee caught no scent of the local wildlife. And that was when he realised something unsettling. He was disappointed in himself that he hadn’t noticed it before. He caught no scent whatsoever of the local wildlife. He didn’t even hear the song of evening birds. Not even the buzz of insects. There was nothing. The forest had been perfectly still up until that point. It had been dead. Shuffling forward, Bungee poked his head through the curtains of grass. His view of the clearing unobstructed, the dog felt a jolt of adrenaline yank all sleepiness out of his system. What he saw was something he could barely comprehend. No training, experience nor instinct enlightened him on what he was seeing. He was simply staring at it, without understanding how or why. But that didn’t change the fact it was happening. Geysers of dirt plumed up in the clearing, scattering blocks of clay and clods of grass into the air; raining down in a heavy haze. Stub-ended limbs clawed out of the earth, stamping at the wet grass and pulling forth the attached bodies. The scent hit Bungee in an instant as he clambered to his paws, putting himself between the emerging creatures and his lodging. One by one the beasts emerged, clambering onto all fours and shambling about trying to orient themselves. Bungee was stunned. They were unlike anything he had ever seen before. They were unlike anything that should have been able to live. The scent came first. It was overpowering. Dizzying. It was so thick it seemed to make the air around the creatures haze and distort. It smelled like carrion; old, rotten meat having festered and rotten in a swampy ditch and taken on the additional aroma of decayed vegetation. Then there was the sight of them. Three of them – four legged creatures, they were like horses. Only they weren’t like horses. Too petite and too pudgy, they were better classified as ponies – and even still only a little bit bigger than Bungee. But at the same time they weren’t ponies. Not really. They were better described as corpses. The fur – what was left of it – was a sickly green colour, and the yellowed flesh underneath was mottled with putrid yellow sores and bits of decay. The eye-sockets were empty, black pits but seeing none the less. Blackened, pointy teeth filled the maws that snapped at the air and their mindless groans warbled by broken vocal chords escaped their throats. They were dead. But at the same time alive, driven by a single simple purpose. Consume. Fixing their empty gazes on the dog – spotting the opening feast to celebrate their new lives – the undead ponies slowly made their way forward, soft looking hooves shuffling through the grass. They closed in slowly at practically a snail’s pace. It gave Bungee time to think about what to do. Years of threat-assessment and escalation-of-force training kicked in. His brain working with machine-like logic seemed to tick off a mental checklist exactly as he had been taught. But even still, how to deal with the problem at hand was a recluse. He didn’t dare lunge at them. If he did, Bungee would have to bite. And wrapping his mouth around the putrid flesh of the zombie ponies was not an appetising idea. Instead he assessed the creatures’ speed of movement. They were slow and shambling, while Bungee was quick and agile. He could easily outrun them; but this was his spot. He wasn’t going to give it up so easily. So, lowering his head, Bungee snapped out a fierce bark. He was going to have to settle for intimidation, just like he’d been trained. Normally though he’d expect a tug at his collar as an order from his handler to intimidate a target. Unfortunately he had to think for himself that night. Thinking to how he’d trained with Samantha made Bungee to think of how the woman had died again. He felt a pang of sadness grip his heart, but he quickly shook it off with another loud bark. It wasn’t the time for grief yet. That came after. After he found Rourke and tore his throat out. The undead ponies didn’t flinch though. Their trajectory was unchanged and they kept advancing on the German Shepherd. Bungee backed off, his tail brushing the curtain of grass covering the overhang. He barked again, and again, practically barking himself hoarse. Multiple questions sprang to mind. He wondered who – if anyone – would hear his barking. He wondered if anyone would come to his aid. He wondered what berthed these monsters in the first place. All questions were quelled as Bungee retreated one more step, his rear practically pressed into the hollow as he was cornered by the three undead ponies. As they closed in the stench of rotten lemons became even stronger. Bungee tried to hold his breath, but his eyes still watered. His heart hammered against the inside of his ribcage as the rush of adrenaline and lack of fresh air made his head spin. He didn’t stop barking, still hesitant to strike. There was little else he could do short of running. And when the monsters were only a metre away did Bungee see no other choice. Cursing himself and whatever unholy force that gave the zombie ponies life, Bungee threw himself sideways and dashed around their flank. The nearest pony snapped at the dog, but the teeth cracked and chipped against each other as the zombie caught only air in the wake of Bungee's tail. Whipping around, Bungee kept his eyes fixed on the monsters, smoothly backing away towards the edge of the clearing. Once he was safe in the undergrowth he’d turn and run to find a new shelter for the night. Not that he’d be able to sleep very well having just seen an advance of decayed ponies. Before the dog reached the edge of the clearing though, something happened. A beam of light blasted them all from above. At first Bungee thought a cloud had shifted to reveal the moon, and was once more fighting the urge to howl. However, the light wasn’t from the moon. It held the same kind of power. The same comfort and ‘warmth,’ but the beam was far too intence. It was like a concentrated burst of moonlight projected through the darkness. And the beam only widened as the source glode down into the clearing. The creature descending through the blinding light like an angel about to deliver a righteous smiting was a female. Most definitely a she. And like the decaying monstrosities, she was a pony. Though the size of a full-grown mare, Bungee could tell by her slender build and petite features she was more like a pony. But at the same time not quite. Ponies – as far as Bungee was aware – didn’t have grand feathered wings like those of a bird, and didn’t have long, pointed spiral-engraved horns protruding from their foreheads. Ponies didn’t have wavering manes and tails that glowed like a night sky pockmarked with glittering stars. Ponies didn’t have night-blue coats with crescent moons stamped on their flanks. Ponies didn’t wear metal slippers on their hooves and a tiara as black as midnight to match the sleek chest-piece. However the elegant creature touching down before Bungee had all of the above. The grand pony landed delicately on all fours with her chin held high and a cold, professional look in her eyes – curling her wingtips downward a little only serving to make her presence all the more imposing. Even as the searing light projected from her horn faded, no longer burning into the rotten flesh of the undead monsters – and melting the fear gripping Bungee’s heart – they hissed and instinctively retreated from the grand pony. “Princess-sssssssss Lunaaaaaa-hssssssss!” one of the beasts hissed venomously. Another one stood his ground while the final cowered completely trying to hide the remaining half of its face behind a putrid hoof. The grand pony, Princess Luna as the vile monsters called her huffed, narrowing her eyes. “Hateful creatures,” she stated before inhaling sharply. What came next was not merely her voice, but a torrent. It shook the ground and caused the air before her to waver and distort. Undergrowth exploded, grass was flattened and trees were bent over, snapping like toothpicks. “BEGONE!” she bellowed with the zombie ponies caught in the funnel of destruction. The undead ponies were torn apart by wind and fire. Rotten flesh was seared and charred as they were combusted – peeled from their bones and the ash and embers scattered in the wind. Their skeletons glowed like hot iron before they were pulled apart and disintegrated into clouds of fine grey dust lost in the woods. One moment they were there cowering from Princess Luna. And the next they were not. All that was left was a patch of flattened grass and the smell of burnt hair and flesh. Bungee watched as the pony lifted her head and cried out, her voice returning to normal volume. “Grogar, we know thou art out here ye snivelling coward! Show thyself!” There was no reply. No evidence of this ‘Grogar’ being anywhere nearby. No sign of whatever had created the undead ponies. Turning on the spot, Luna finally spotted the German Shepherd standing nearby. He gingerly edged closer to her as she folded her wings to her sides – nose twitching as the dog curiously sniffed at her hooves. Smiling, Luna lowered her head to his height. “Well hello there, little doggie,” she said, careful to use her public voice. She didn’t want to speak too loudly or with command, for fear of distressing the dog. Relaxing however; Bungee huffed as if to say, who is she calling little? “What’s your name?” Luna proceeded to ask the German Shepherd, almost expecting him to answer. “Where’s your owner? Are you lost?” Bungee didn’t answer, only cocking his head confusedly to one side. He was still trying to comprehend the fact this creature was speaking like a human did, never mind trying to decipher exactly what she was saying. The cute gesture of confusion elicited a small giggle from the alicorn. “Sit?” the grand pony asked softly, almost unsure. Bungee just watched her without response. His jaw hung open as he breathed calmly, still stood on four paws. He saw her expression shift, clearly growing impatient. It was a shift from kindness to impatience he recognised from when his earliest handlers were training him to behave and react to their commands. Her voice grew with her impatience before she commanded, “I said, SIT!” That voice. It was so familiar. It sounded almost exactly like Samantha when she gave an order. Warm and kind, but at the same time commanding and overflowing with authority. Remembering his best friend, a pang of sadness seized Bungee’s heart; but he did as Princess Luna commanded - practically hearing Samantha's voice in her stead. Quickly the German Shepherd sat back on his haunches, keeping his head high and attentive. Luna smiled at the sight, satisfied by the dog’s obedience and posture; but also surprised her Royal Canterlot Command didn’t sent him whining off into the night. In fact, he didn’t really seem to react to anything other than her royal voice. Everything about him, from the condition of his fur and musculature, even the vest covering his torso was precise. There was a wild but intelligent and determined look in the German Sheperd’s large hazel eyes. Like he had seen things that would scar lesser souls and come out on top none-the-less. Reaching out with one hoof, she scratched the dog behind his ear. Closing his eyes and enjoying the contact, the canine panted happily. Luna giggled again seeing the dog’s tail beat the ground. That was when she noticed the gear covering his torso. Lowering her head she inspected his vest curiously. “What an odd garment for a dog to wear,” she mused softly. She looked over the pouches, the flaps held down by velcro, even patting the antennae and other alien looking equipment. A quick magical scan told Luna the vest served as protection as well, housing some layers of armour that seemed to have saved the dog from a bullet that had flattened and burst on impact. It begged some urgent questions like; why would a dog need such protection and who would be callous enough to shoot at a defenceless animal? As her hoof scratched the collar, Luna saw a name embroidered in bright yellow capital letters. BUNGEE “Bungee?” the princess grinned. “Your name is Bungee? That’s a cute name. But where is your owner?” She further investigated the pouches on Bungee’s rig. Maybe there would be a note with an address to take him to. She only found some dog-treats, a few helpings of food, a water bottle, a collapsible bowl and some kind of brick with a soft black panel laid into the surface, push-buttons and an antennae like that on the vest. With a confused sigh, Luna’s hoof travelled up to the German Shepherd’s neck, flattening one last pouch on its way up. A loud squeak rang out, causing the princess to jolt. Bungee too jolted, though not with fright or surprise. He jolted with joy. His eyes lit up as he closed his mouth a little. With ears perked up he let his tail beat the ground harder as he watched Luna expectantly. Curiously the princess moved her hoof back to the pouch and pressed it again. Another squeak caused Bungee to sit up straighter with a look of fresh alertness entering his eyes. Luna gingerly pulled open the pouch with a velcro ripping sound and charged her magic. Reaching inside with her telekinetic grip, she produced a ball. It looked no more interesting than a normal tennis-ball except for the hole with a squeaker set into the hardened shell. She tightened her telekinesis and gave the ball a squeeze. It squeaked in response, eliciting an impatient bark from Bungee. Luna smiled, holding up the ball and swaying it from side to side. Bungee’s gaze followed attentively, not once glancing away from the prize. “You want this?” Luna asked almost teasingly. “You want the ball?” – Cocking it back, she launched the ball across the clearing causing it to bounce into the grass with a squeak – “Go get it!” The ball had barely hit the ground by the time Bungee was on top of it. He’d leapt from a seated position and shot across the clearing like a bullet. Pouncing on top of the squeaky tennis-ball with both his front paws, he made it squeak loudly before happily picking it up in his teeth. Biting down he made it squeak several more times as he trotted back to where Luna stood waiting. “Good boy!” the princess praised with a smile, scratching him behind an ear. Luna really wasn’t one to talk so informal around ponies, but chattering like a moron with this dog… it felt right. Bungee let go of the ball, now coated in dog-slobber, and Luna caught it in her magic grip. The dog seemed well trained, and Luna wanted to see exactly how well trained. Holding up the ball, Luna held it close to her chest. “Bungee, sit.” She commanded, and the canine obeyed immediately. His eyes however remained fixed on the ball. “Bungee, stay.” Figuring he’d obeyed since he didn’t budge, Luna slowly pulled the ball back and gently threw it past Bungee. His head turned to keep his eyes fixed on the toy, but he didn’t move. The ball bounced once – twice – then rolled to a halt in the grass. And still, Bungee remained glued to Luna’s side, eyes fixed on his squeaky goal. “Aaaaaaand,” Luna paused, watching as Bungee seemed to anticipate the order to fetch. He rose slightly from his seated position and craned his neck as if willing to stretch and grab his toy from where he stood. “Wait!” – Bungee twitched, but sat back down – “Aaaaaaaaand... go!” Bungee was on his ball in two seconds flat. It squeaked loudly as he chewed and trotted back to Luna to play some more. Dropping the ball by Luna’s fore-hooves, the dog sat down and looked at her expectantly again. Unfortunately Luna couldn’t play anymore. She had other things to do, primarily guard Equestria for the night. She would have to find his owner and drop him off. A dog so beautiful, so well behaved and so well trained; his owner should have been close by. Luna looked around. Her horn glowed and her eyes turned as pale as the face of the moon while she scanned the surroundings thoroughly, but didn’t pick up a single life form. Not even a night owl, or a mouse staying up late. There was nopony to be seen in the dark forest. And she couldn’t in good conscience leave the poor thing out there alone. So what to do…?