Trot and Fluttershy returned to find everypony at the camp acting strange. Twilight refused to make eye contact with Trot and instead buried her face into a book while eating a strange cherry pastry. Applejack on the other hand, wouldn't stop staring him down. Her emerald eyes, full of contempt, as if he had somehow, insulted her pride. Even the normally docile and quiet Luna was in a rather Irritable mood, and Trixie was...well...Trixie.
"Welcome back show off." Trixie greeted in a rather snotty manner. Trot, who by now understood that this was her way of saying she was genuinely glad to see him, grinned in response.
"It doesn't feel welcoming. What's got everypony in such a bad mood?" Replied Trot
A small, but mischievous smile appeared on Trixie's face, causing Trot more than a little bit of discomfort.
"Nothing. Just had a...oh how did Rarity phrase it..." Trixie gave her muzzle a few taps with her hoof, trying to remember what Rarity had told her privately.
"Intimate discussion about the possibilities of the heart. In other words...mare talk."
That little bit of discomfort grew to a sizable stone at the bottom of Trot's stomach. Trot didn't know exactly what "mare talk" meant, but considering what these mares had done to him the past few days, such as causing him much physical pain and burying him alive, it couldn't be anything good. He looked around to confirm the results of this so called mare talk. Twilight was indeed reading her book, but he only now noticed that the book was upside down. Applejack was still giving him the death glare and the princess nearly lost it when Gene peaked his head out of the supply wagon, telling him to..."Get inside and go to sleep or, Celestia help me, I will send you to the MOON!"
Fluttershy was having troubles of her own. Rarity wouldn't stop bombarding her with questions about their early morning trip and she seemed quite uncomfortable with whatever questions we're being asked. Trot broke out of his trance when the only pony who seemed to be acting herself in the camp, Trixie, shoved him in the chest.
"Are you going to tell us what you went into town for, or are you going to be looking like that all day?" Asked Trixie, impatiently examining her hoof
Trot swallowed his unease and wiped a little bit of sweat from his forehead.
"Well, Fluttershy needed medical supplies...and I left to get these..." He gestured with a nod over his shoulder at a wooden cart full of brown packages
"And WHAT, pray tell, are 'these?'" Interrupted Luna, stepping up to join Trixie in inspecting the brown packages. Trot sighed deeply. This was going to be a long expedition.
“I’d be glad to answer that princess, but don’t you think we should start our journey? We’re delayed enough already…”
Luna raised an eyebrow at him with suspicion. A few days ago he fought so hard NOT to be a part of this expedition, and now he seemed so eager to get there. The experience of being buried alive must have done something to him, or perhaps the encounter with the Hunters convinced him of the importance of this mission. Either way, Luna recognized that Trot was right. It’s about time they got this expedition started.
“Very well, Trot, we shall leave as soon as Garret and Rainbow Dash return.” Luna left and Trixie followed to rally the others.
Trot nodded in recognition hoping that he didn’t sound bossy. The last thing he needed was to get on the Princess’ bad side. He suddenly felt what could have been a tap on his back to get his attention, but instead felt close to a punch.
"OW! What is it with everypony being rough today!"
Trot turned to see that it was Applejack, who was almost muzzle to muzzle with him still looking as if she wanted nothing more than to pummel him into the ground.
“Now listen 'ere Trot. Ah don’t like you.”
“I can tell.” Responded the Trail Blazer.
Applejack turned and walked away. She stopped and turned around again.
"And ya better not have layed a hoof on Fluttershy while you we're in town. Otherwise, I'll make sure ta bury you dead next time."
Something inside Trot snapped, and figured now was as good a time as ever.
“Hey Applejack! Do you remember what I told you the last time we fought?”
Applejack continued to walk away, ignoring him.
“You won’t last ten seconds in the land of Twisted Metal, not unless you know how to kill.”
His voice was growing steadily louder and louder, until he earned everypony's attention.
"So hold on to whatever it is you're holding against me. Because by this time tomorrow I am going to teach each and everypony here how to take a life."
And with that statement, the camp was dead still.
"And that...Is a promise."
---
Rainbow Dash and Garret returned, resounding success in their mission. The buffalo had agreed to help with the rebuilding of Appaloosa, meaning that they could leave without having to worry about another attack, or helping the Appaloosans rebuild the town which would delay them even further.
Rainbow and Garret were sparred from Rarities probing and teasing due to Trot's earlier declaration. Promising everypony that he'd teach them how to kill, shook everypony's mindset out of the Mare talk, and Applejack was sorely wishing she had kept her mouth shut.
With Garret and Rainbow's return, the Expedition finally set out past Appaloosa. Some ponies came to wave goodbye at the heroes who saved their town. Two ponies in particular followed them for a while until they were past the orchards. Braeburn and Malt flanked Trot on either side.
"Now you ain't gonna go crazy on these ladies again are ya?" Asked Braeburn nudging his friend.
"Ha! Ah might go crazy on your cousin. The darn mare just hate's my guts." replied Trot half-joking.
"Mah cousin?" Braeburn tilted his head curiously.
"Why Trot! Ah'm surprised at you! Ah thought you we're the most chivalrous of us. Goin' crazy on a mare only after ya just met..." Malt said laughingly. It was always in his nature to crack jokes on these subjects.
Trot showed a look of annoyance.
"Malt...I will buck you into Celestia's sun if you don't shut up right now."
Malt grinned through his mustache, and Trot couldn't help but grin back. Malt wouldn't be malt if he couldn't pull a wise crack out of his flank at the worst of times.
"Hey, where's Braeburn?" Malt asked.
It was strange how they just now noticed Braeburn had left their company. But only after a few minutes did Braeburn return.
"Man Trot, ah don' know what you did, but I've never seen mah cousin so wound up." Braeburn was scratching his head.
Trot gave one of his trademark sighs and just shook his head in response.
They finally said their goodbyes where the badlands ended and the desert truly began.
Malt and Braeburn watched as they marched west.
"Hey Braeburn?" Malt asked.
"Ya ol' buddy?" Braeburn responded.
"Ya think he'll be alright?"
Braeburn paused for a moment before responding with something, he hoped, sounded confident.
"Of course he'll be. This is Trot we're talking about! He's the stallion that saved Dodge from a Scorpio Major, took down the thieves guild of Stalliongrad, helped solve Appaloosa's drought, outsmarted the Trail Blazer Daring Do, and discovered a Land that was thought to be a myth!"
"Ya and look where that last part took im'..."
They were quiet for a moment. Braeburn took out a coin from his vest pocket.
"Heads we follow im', and tails we don't."
"Agreed."
---
The journey was uneventful and quiet for the most part. The only exception was when Spike finally decided to wake up and Twilight scolding him for being asleep for half the day. As punishment, he had to make sure to do all the chores that came with setting camp that night. Spike grumbled something about not being woken up, and Twilight retorted that it's not her responsibility to wake up him up anymore. The day continued onward, and finally settled into dusk. Spike continued to grumble as he helped pitch the tents and start the fire, even having the responsibility of first watch with Garret.
But by nightfall he was past it, chatting happily with the Royal Guard who seemed to have opened up a lot after the events of Appaloosa. Trot retired to his tent, saying something about preparing himself for the next day which caused everypony else to be a bit on edge. Back at the campfire everypony else ate their dinner in silence, until Rarity decided that they had enough quiet for one day.
"So Rainbow Dash. Tell me about Garret." Rarity commanded.
Rainbow Dash tilted her head confused.
"Why would you ask me? Ask him yourself, he's right over there." She pointed a hoof towards spike and Garret who were patrolling the perimeter.
Twilight face hoofed.
"Not again Rarity, haven't you caused enough trouble?"
Rarity giggled.
"Yes Twilight and I'm truly sorry. I didn't intend for our little mare talk to sour everypony's moods. So I thought I'd make it up to you all for all the trouble."
"Trouble? What Trouble?" Asked the oblivious Rainbow Dash.
"Ya don't wanna know sugar cube, ya don't wanna know." Applejack chimed in before scarfing down her dinner in two bites.
Pinkie Pie, who had been respecting her friends desire to be quiet jumped at the chance to speak.
"Omigosh you missed it Rainbow! They were talking about you and they were talkin about Ga..." She couldn't get the last words out of her mouth. A faint blue dome surrounded her head. And Pinkie continued to talk, oblivious that nopony else could hear her rapid fire, but lengthy explanation. Luna chuckled to herself as she completed her spell before addressing Rainbow Dash.
"As Applejack said, you don't want to know. I think now is a good time to to discuss some serious business about this trip."
Rarity protested. "But Princess, can I give my formal apology first?"
The princess sighed, and then smiled. She's been waiting for the right moment to reveal her findings from the previous night, but waiting a few more moments couldn't hurt. Pinkie was still talking rapidly when Rarity returned with several small boxes. She opened them with her magic and levitated what looked like leg bands to everypony around the campfire
"Rarity...these are...really nice!" Twilight exclaimed, admiring the fine stitching and the peculiar symbol stitched in the center.
"Why thank you Twilight. I figured, that since we are the expeditionary force under the banner of Princess Celestia, we should have something that distinguishes us." Everypony slipped on their bands, their moods brightening considerably.
"Is that symbol what Ah think it is?"
"Why yes Applejack! I'm glad you noticed!" Rarity clapped her hoofs happily.
The leg bands were a dark purple and stitched together with a sturdy fabric. In the center was a rather abstract design of a shooting star in silver and gold.
"Why Rarity...they are lovely." Said Fluttershy closely examining the stitching. "This is very durable fabric too...and the stitching is superb."
"Impressive. It matches my cape." Was Trixie's only response.
Rarity nodded. "Yes...The design is to help us focus on our goal, and not on stallions or hurt feelings." Fluttershy gave Rarity a small hug to show her friendship and just like that everypony's feeling of unrest left them. With everyone in a good mood, Applejack felt a sudden desire to confront Trot and apologize for her rudeness earlier, but she didn't want to interrupt whatever kind of preparation he was planning.
Rarity, however, was not exactly finished yet. She pulled her saddlebag which was laying on the ground towards her.
"I also have something special for you Pinkie. In addition to your armband."
Pinkie tried to thank Rarity but Luna's silence spell was still in effect. Luna laughed and released her from her prison of silence
...thank you, thank you, thank you Rarity! What else ya got?
Rarity pulled something hoof sized from her saddlebag and unwrapped it, revealing a amazingly delicious looking cupcake.
"Here you are darling, We've been ignoring you all day, and I feel partly responsible. I was saving this as a personal snack...but you can have it since you love cupcakes so...."
Rarity stopped.
"Pinkie? What's wrong?"
When Pinkie saw the cupcake nopony could have predicted her reaction. Her eyes dilated, but it wasn't from excitement or joy from seeing her favorite sweet. She looked horrified... almost disgusted.
Pinky finally snapped from her daze.
"Uhm...I appreciate it Rarity...but I'm not in the mood for cupcakes right now."
"WHAT!?" Everypony yelled, catching the attention of the sentries and even Gene who finally woke up in alarm. Twilight and Fluttershy flanked her on either side. Feeling her temperature and taking her pulse respectively.
"Pinkie, you can't be serious." Twilight said worryingly.
Pinkie sighed.
"I just lost my appetite for cupcakes is all. Ever since that one night on the train..."
Immediatley, Fluttershy and Twilight stopped, their ears drooping.
"You never did tell us about your nightmare." Fluttershy squeaked softly.
"And I'd rather not..." Pinkie quickly responded.
"Does it involve cupcakes?" Trixie added in.
Pinkie's ear drooped and she backed away from everypony, her hair, quickly deflating. Twilight gave Trixie the death glare. Which Trixie responded with a cocked eyebrow.
Trixie snorted. "What? It's an obvious question."
Twilight thought of some way to respond to Trixie, but right before she could say anything...
"If you guys are worrying about nightmares...you're in for a big surprise..."
Everypony jumped upon hearing Trot's voice.
Twilight begins to speak but stops as she sees him. Trot was wearing what looked like royal guard armor, but it was made in strange dark brown leather and covered more of his body than armor worn by the royal Pegasus.
"since were passing out gifts...I think It's time I passed out mine as well." Trot tossed each of them the brown packages he brought from Appaloosa that morning.
"Open them when you wake up tomorrow and then put them on."
"What on earth are you wearing?" Asked a horrified Rarity, as she gazed upon the fashion disaster that stood before them.
But Trot didn't answer and instead took his seat by the campfire, deliberately choosing to sit next to Applejack. but refused to make eye contact or even acknowledge she was there. Luna took the opportunity to finally begin the meeting she had been waiting all day to call.
"Well, since you're here now Trot, I'm assuming we can discuss this expedition in all seriousness?"
For a brief moment Trot asked himself whether or not the Princess was mocking him, but he quickly tossed the notion aside. Now was not the time to be so sensitive. He nodded, and everypony including Garret and Spike sat down to listen, though still being watchful of their surroundings.
"So Trot, what can you tell us about the Land of Twisted Metal?"
Trot raised an eyebrow.
"Well what do your legends say?"
The princess drew breath trying to proceed calmly. "Well Trot, anything the legends say are secondary to what you've been through, and since you had a change of heart and decided to lead us on this journey, you should probably share all you know with us."
"Fair enough." Trot replied getting comfortable next to the fire. "Though first let me tell you all that I am bound by oath not to say certain things..."
"To whom?" Luna asked suspiciously.
"Not allowed to say. You'll know soon enough though. We're bound to run into them sooner or later, or at least I hope so...If those Hunters got through then..." Trot grew quiet not wanting to bring up the possibiliites
"Don't you think that piece of information might be something important?" Luna interjected.
"Sorry Luna... I'm keeping my promise."
Princess Luna was about to protest more, but backed down when Pinkie Pie placed a hoof on her shoulder. One look at her told Luna enough to say how much the pink pony respected promises, and considering her reaction to the cupcake Rarity gave her, it was probably best not to upset her anymore tonight. So she decided to change the subject.
"Then what can you tell us Trot?" Luna asked.
Trot shrugged. "Not much."
Luna face hoofed, this was going to be a long night.
---
In the distance something watched the campfire glow. Green acid sputtered in its mouth and fell on the ground, burning a small crater into the dry soil. Every instinct told it to attack, every muscle and every fiber in it's being wanted to spring up and kill them in their sleep, but it is not what was ordered. Without making a sound, it burrowed under ground and started making its way west.
Perhaps tomorrow it would be allowed to strike.
AUTHORS NOTE: A much shorter chapter this time around, but the story is really going to be picking up from here though so stay tuned. Also don't forget to comment and rate, It's the only way I can get feedback and Improve. Next up: CHAPTER 09: SWARM OF THE MILLENIUM