//------------------------------// // Chapter Two: Don't Know Where, Don't Know When // Story: We'll Meet Again // by unipie //------------------------------// Chapter Two: Don’t Know Where, Don’t Know When Five Years Later This ain’t happenin’. It can’t be? There was no way in tryin’ t' hide from my fate. Oh, sweet apple sauce. Granny would tan my hide brown, stick it over the fireplace and make me appreciate how homely it looked. Jus’ wait till’ she found out. I’ll be Little Piggington chow for sure. It was kinda my own fault really. Nightmare Night was one of the most popular celebrations of the year – not to mention the busiest. I couldn’t get a hoof edgeways into town without bein’ pushed into somepony. So, this is what it felt like t' be at the back o’ the line on cider season? I was being so careful as well, daggit. I could still hear Granny’s old, croaky twang. “Stick together, ya hear? If you lose her, you’ll be first in the juicer during zap apple harvest!” Let’s hope Granny had a big enough jar. I can see it now. Applejack Juice: Made from Concentrate. I scowled, not just from the thought of being made into confectionery, but my hind legs burned like hot plates. Runnin’ round town square looking for her was takin’ its toll. Big McIntosh and I had split up back at town hall. It was impossible; with so many ponies (and in costumes) it was like tryin’ t' find a needle in a haystack. Please, spare me the irony if she actually was hidin’ in a haystack back at the farm. It was jus’ typical. I turn my back for one second t' get some cider (which she begged me for) and she’s gone. I wouldn’t care none, but I’d waited twenty minutes in line for that nectar! I kept at a steady pace (well for a filly) and called out again in desperation, “Apple Bloom! Where are ya?” My ears flattened, when the expected silent response came. Even if she tried gettin’ my attention, the ruckus outside Sugercube Corner would have drowned out her little voice. I’d found myself outside the store, after stoppin’ t' catch my breath. A pumpkin costume wasn’t the best getup for long distance gallopin’. I needed t' remember that one. Taking of the orange hat, I leaned against a nearby mail box for support, clutchin’ my chest. Gee, that suit was heavy. Granny had spent two weeks on all our costumes; I dunno how her frail hooves did it. But, she did it none the less. My gaspin’ slowed, as I noticed the writin’ on the mail box. It was pink, fancy paint spellin’ out, “Mr and Mrs Cake”. They’d bought the sweet shop last week after gettin’ hitched; at least, that’s what Granny had said. I’d been takin’ advantage of the free samples all week. Just thinkin’ about the butter cream icin’ made me drool. Being so enticed by my cupcake fantasies, I didn’t notice at first. It was her. Well, it looked like her. What filly in Ponyville would be dressed as an apple pie? So original Granny, only had t' look at the end o’ your flank for inspiration. Abandoning the nice mail box, I scooped up my pumpkin hat and started off at a gallop down Stirrup Street. She was at the far end of the road and all the confound ponies were blockin’ my sights. Using my height t' its full potential, I started slidin’ and weavin’ under legs, closing the distance t' my target. Only glancin’ back, after I’d slammed into an innocent filly, spilling all her candy. “Awful sorry, Ma’am,” I yelled t' her Mother, as she gave me an evil glare, before comfortin’ her now crying daughter. I felt bad, but I didn’t slow down. The spooky shindig meant town was covered in colourful lanterns and lights, kinda like a fire cracker had exploded and the sparks had latched onto every house and tree. My darn eyes were gonna pop right outta my head, it was so pretty. The squeals and whinnies of nearby ponies havin’ fun echoed down the road. That could’ve been me if I’d kept my goo-goo eyes on my kin and not on the décor. Although pretty, my head was spinnin’ with lookin’ at the millions of colours. I eyed up an unsuspecting caldron full of candy. No Applejack, if you were about t' throw up in what I think you were, you’ll be more hated than Nightmare Moon. The shadows had swallowed the end houses, and only dim, buoyant blobs floated in the black. I knew better than t’ think they were fire flies, just a family in high spirits. I’m sure they were mockin’ me, because my spirits were anythin’ but lifted. Actually, more like beat down and kicked multiple times in the rump. I’d found Apple Bloom. I squinted, my eyes gazin’ into the blackness. There she was. A dark pie shape on a backdrop of more black was canterin’ with glee into the … Everfree Forest. Oh, sweet zap apple cider! I’m done for. But more accurately Apple Bloom is done for. I’d rather face Granny’s wrath a hundred times over, than my kin be eaten by a Timber Wolf, or somethin' a whole lot worse. Wait, what can be worse than a Timber Wolf? I shoulda jus' gone straight home, and ask Granny for help, some help, any help. But, it only took me a hoof clop t' change my mind. I’m still uncertain whether it was due t' the horror of the Everfree Forest, or Granny’s impendin’ rage. Whatever fear I had cooked up, I swallowed it. I had lost her. I had t' find her. When I rounded the end house, the last of her tail slid into a wall of undergrowth. The dirt path felt coarse against my already sore hooves. Not that I could see the path, the edge of town hadn’t been decorated by any lanterns. Who would wanna go trick-or-treating in the Everfree Forest? Okay, cept’ Apple Bloom. By no means was I a bad filly, but as my pa would have said, “Quit your talkin’ and start walkin’”. I ain’t turnin’ t' a life of crime or nothin’, but I did feel a might bad. Thinking about Pa made it even worse. Not a day had passed when I didn’t think about the accident. I used t' jus’ sit, lookin’ at his apple cart. He’d travelled the length and breadth of Equestria with that ol' thing. At least he died doin' what he loved – deliverin’ apples. That’s the thing. No matter how well travelled a pony, a map ain’t gonna tell ya when there’s gonna be storm … or a landslide. The yellin’ came just as expected, when I stole the poor filly’s lantern. What was I gonna do? Her back was turned – receivin’ candy from the mare that lived in the last house. This was an emergency. I was gonna give it right back, I swear. “I’m sorry, but I need t' borrow this.” I panted, rocketin’ down the pathway once more. I heard hoof falls behind me. As soon as she’d noticed, the filly was hot on my trail. “Stop, you … kleptomaniac!” she wailed. I had no idea what fancy talk she was hollerin’. But, by the increase in hoof steps, she was catchin’ up. I anticipated she wouldn’t, but the darn pumpkin suit was slowin’ me down. I curved my neck slightly, and called back, “I need it. This here’s an emergency!” I’d just made it t' the bushes, when I felt my legs buckle. “Ha! Take that crook!” she cheered, graspin’ my right hind leg. The runt tripped me! “Wee doggies! –” I bucked outward makin’ the filly fall on her back with a thud “- that’s what ya’ll get. Outta my way missy, time’s a wastin’!” I exclaimed in triumph, switchin’ my hold on the lantern to my mouth. I hadn’t even got an inch forward, before I felt my head snap, my teeth crunchin’ against the hard, brass handle. “Stop right now,” she mumbled, clenchin’ the opposite end in her jaw. I finally got a good look at my attacker, when the light illuminated her face. Her coat was so pale, even in the pitch black, like the first snow on Hearth’s Warming Eve. I worried she would’ve enveloped the lantern in magic, or maybe cast a spell, being a unicorn and all. Then, I would have been screwed, but she just went for brute strength, continuin’ to yank the light away. She did look about my age; I guess her magic was weak. Sorry filly, but you gotta go. I heaved backward, gainin’ a few paces to my advantage. Earth ponies always got the leg up in strength. Filly, don’t cha’ know nothin’? She snatched it back in her direction, but I held firm. For such a little, scrawny filly, geez she was strong. “Give it back,” she grumbled through clenched teeth. “No way, I need it.” I snorted back. “Yes, you will.” “No, I won’t.” “You started it! Give it back!” she growled, tuggin’ one way. “No!” I tugged the other. “Yes.” “No.” “YES!” I bared my teeth. I’d had it with this annoyin’ filly. Gettin’ a firm grip, I dug a hind hoof into the mud. I followed through with the pull and the filly finally gave, stumblin’ forward with the lantern still in tow. “NO! -” I jerked my head reachin’ the height of the swing“- I NEED T' SAVE MY SIS -” The lantern snapped forward, followed by the loose filly “- TER!” Momentum pushed me backward. The unicorn filly continued forward slammin’ into my chest, causing the lantern to soar into the darkness behind. Unable to steady myself, I slipped on the wet mud and we both followed behind it. We collapsed through the bushes, scratchin’ up my skin and coat. I didn’t have time t’ think before we broke into an ongoing roll down the steep, muddy slope. Holdin’ on to the filly in a tight embrace, I felt the world revolvin’ upside-down. I was gonna be sick. Where’s that cauldron when you need it? The fall lasted for a good minute. My awareness evaporated when we landed with a meaty thump. The back of my noggin smacked against the hard, forest floor and I fell limp. I think I blacked out. “Excuse me? Hello. Will you please get up?” The voice rattled through my ears, like when you shout your heart out in Ghastly Gorge. Sittin’ up a tad too fast, I thought my brain was jelly. I mumbled under my breath, “Huh? W-where am I?” I felt a hoof jab firm against my chest. “Where are we? Where are we! We’re in the middle of nowhere, that’s where. This is your entire fault! -” I wobbled with each progressively harder prod “- you’ve dragged me into a dirt pit. Of all the things that could happen, this is the worst possible thing!” The filly turned her nose away in disgust, trottin’ over to retrieve the lantern from under a tree nearby. I gaped in horror up at the slop we’d fallen down moments ago. Well, I guessed it was only a short while ago, my head was still poundin’. We’d never be able teh climb back up. The filly fished out the lantern with a moan. “And, I’ll be taking this back!” she barked. I got t' my hooves steadily, gawkin’ at the angry unicorn. Being so set on my rescue effort, I hadn’t noticed her costume. She wore a black cape, with matchin’ boots and witch’s hat. Each was covered in stunnin’ green jewels, which shimmered as she swung the light. Obviously, somepony had worked hard on the outfit. I couldn’t tell if she had a cutie mark, the costume covered her flank, just as mine did. “Are ya alright?” I asked. By her behavior she seemed unharmed. “Alright? What in Celestia’s name is your problem? You almost had me killed.” Her tone was rising with every verbal onslaught. “Worst of all, you’ve ruined my fabulous costume!” She huffed, dustin’ off her cape with a hoof. “The problem is that my sister’s missin’. We don’t have time t’ argue,” I hollered back. “Let’s go.” “We? Oh, no no no. You must have hit your head harder than I thought. I’m not consorting with the likes of you, having dragged me down here against my will.” I snarled, stompin’ my hooves against the muddy ground. Why did I have t' get stuck with the most pernickety filly in Equestria? “Fine. I’m gonna go look for my kin.” I started off at a trot into the thicker cluster of trees, growlin’ when I pasted by the filly. “If you think I’m to set one hoof further into this dreadful place, you are quite mistaken,” she called out to me, but I continued forward. “Well, just stay here on ya lonesome. Don’t matter t’ me,” I replied rollin’ my eyes, while reachin’ the edge of the thicket. “S-stop. You’re not actually going to leave me here? …” I stepped into the bushes stayin’ silent. “Apparently you are. W-wait for me!” She drew closer, before peaking through the bush, looking frantically around for me. “Come on, “princess”.” I mocked, helpin’ her though the brambles to the small dirt pathway on the other side. My plan had worked like a dream. “Oh, hush. Let’s hurry up. I don’t want to spend a minute more in the Everfree Forest than I have to.” At least she was right about that. It was giving me the willies, not that I was gonna to show it, especially in front my new tag-along. I began down the thin pathway, the filly fallin’ in line behind. “Apple Bloom! Apple Bloom? Where are ya?” You could cut the tension with a knife. We’d been walkin’ in silence for a while, after I’d given up yelling for Apple Bloom. Just the creeks and rustlin’ of the forest resonated around us, often followed by a tiny clank from the lantern, as it bounced against the unicorn’s side. I was a little startled when she finally spoke. “My hooves hurt,” she groaned. “Quit yer fussin’!” I snapped, realisin’ how mean I must’ve sounded, but I was gettin’ agitated. “My apologies,” she whispered. The silence returned. My stomach churned knowin’ I’d ruined the filly’s Nightmare Night, as well as my own. “How come I’ve never seen you at school?” “Huh?” The filly’s sudden perky tone caught me off guard. “School my dear? I have never seen you present.” “Oh, I don’t go t' the schoolhouse. I’m home schooled,” I explained, as the filly listened intently. “I need t' help out with the farm, so my granny teaches me. “I see. I can imagine that to be awfully lonely,” she said, with hint of remorse. “Nah, my brother is home schooled too and Apple Bloom is not old enough to go to school. So, I’m with my family all the time.” She sighed and replied, “Well, that’s a redeeming factor I suppose.” I don’t know why I said it, but it just came up like word vomit. “B-but, I don’t have any friends.” The words hung in the air and I cringed that it was me who’d created them. The filly huffed, flickin’ her mane in emphasis, which was a kick in the teeth. “You are just as ignorant as I predicted.” I jumped between two trees into the clearin’ we’d been approachin’. A moment later, she appeared behind me, whilst I ogled in annoyance. “What’s that suppose teh mean!” “We’ll, yes you are a ruffian and I find your way of thinking completely barbaric.” She’d better be going somewhere with this, I was gonna batter that lantern across her head. “But, you are senseless to think that after cascading down cliffs and trekking through this goddess forsaken jungle, you wouldn’t consider me your friend.” I stood there bewildered. This filly was harder t' understand than magic to an earth pony. “What ya talking about, ya silly filly?” I hesitated, totally clueless. “So, you don’t think of me as a friend?” “Y-yes! I mean n-no! Of course I do. Ya’ll jus’ didn’t take too kindly to me before …” I stammered. She chortled. “Only because you were trying to steal from me and perhaps because you spoilt my outfit. Which might I say, yours is exquisite. No wonder we rolled down that hill with such ease.” I started sniggerin’ along with her. “You’re right. Hi ho pumpkin, away!” I cried, rearing up. I started to think the unicorn wasn’t all that bad. Yeah I know, never judge a book by its cover. It was a relief that she didn’t actually hate me. I might have actually made a friend. She smiled sweetly after we’d stopped laughin’. “Oh, by the way my names apple -” “WAH!” she screamed, pointin’ a hoof behind me. “No. Not “wah” it’s “ah-pill” -” I was cut off when she pushed my muzzle over my shoulder. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t believe my eyes. A purple haze floated around the shadow figure, as it rose up. It towered over me, gainin’ height by the stone pedestal on which it stood. The creatures face was covered by shade and only when it bared it jaw did I see the jagged, white teeth it held inside. I felt the unicorn’s hooves entwine with my own, as we fell to our haunches, gawkin’ at the beast. We were shaking in our little horse shoes. The creatures breathin’ intensified, when it moved a hoof step forward. I think I jumped as high as the hay barn, when an ear-piercing crack ricocheted round the clearin’. The sky split in two, as a white thread of lightenin’ struck the grey stone, inches from the creature. We’d both let out a shrill scream, whilst the ground absorbed the blindin’ beam. The filly ran and I followed close behind, impressed by her sudden boost in speed. “RUN!” she screeched. I obeyed, gallopin’ along side. The lantern rattled in my teeth as I moved. The dang filly was so petrified, she’d dropped it. “I can’t see a thing!” “Jus’ keep goin’!” I breathed, trying my best to illuminate the way. I couldn’t see a hoof in front of my face, just millions of black fingers from protrudin’ trees and roots as they zipped by. My chest burnt, but I didn’t dare look back. I was gonna get gobbled up and never be heard from again, and I wanted to be heard from! My pace was slowin’ and I couldn’t keep up t' the filly. I panted harder, the lantern slammin’ against my chest with every stride. I saw her tail disappear round a huge tree trunk. “Wait! Please, wait for me. Don’t leave -” Once I rounded the trunk I slammed into something fleshy. I’m sure the filly’s horn poked me in the eye. Take note, unicorns never warn you about that. With a rustlin’ crash, we both fell through a dense wall of hedge, like openin’ a cat flap. The lantern slammed down next to me, the unicorn lay unmovin’ on my chest. “Oh, my gosh,” I yelped, coverin’ my now swollen eye. “Hey, answer me, missy.” Oh Celestia, I’ve killed her! I felt her chest move against my own. Was she laughin’ or cryin'? I couldn’t tell. I gave a flat expression when I realised which. “I’m sorry.” She burst into uncontrollable laughter. “That was so funny. You should have seen your face when you ran into my horn.” “Oh gee, hilarious.” She contained herself once more, placin’ her hoof over mine. “I’m sorry; you’re not hurt are you?” She smiled down at me. “Nah, I’m jus’ fine an' dandy.” I blushed hotly. We lay there for a few seconds, before peddlin’ awkwardly apart. I stabbed at the ground with a hoof, avoidin’ eye contact. What the heck was wrong with me? “Look we’re back!” I heard her say in delight. My eyes shot up. “What?” We were right back near Stirrup Street. “Ponyville, b-but how, I don’t understand?” That forest was definitely messin’ with my head. “THERE YA ARE YA LITTLE WIPPERSNAPPER!” I heard the voice from over the bridge. Oh no. Please Celestia, no! It was Granny Smith, with Apple Bloom in tow. How did she get back? I saw her go in the forest. Celestia help me. Where’s the jar? I’ve got some juice to make. I turned to the unicorn. “Here’s your lantern back,” I whimpered in anticipation for Granny’s wrath. “I’m sorry I got ya’ll mixed up in this and for ruinin’ your night.” She replied in the softest tone, “It wasn’t ruined. Nightmare Night is about being scared and well, that was most certainly terrifying. I had fun, in a strange kind of way.” I managed a small, quiverin’ smirk. “Thank ya kindly.” I handed her the beautifully made lantern. “Oh please, you keep it. By your sister’s shenanigans, I think you need it a lot more than me.” She gave me the most gorgeous smile, I almost got lost in it, before Granny started draggin’ me away by the ear. “You’re in a heap o’ trouble missy,” she snapped, as I struggled to keep up. “B-but, I was tryin’ -” “No but’s! Get your caboose home now” I looked back t’ where the unicorn had stood. She had left. I looked around for the direction which she’d vanished. My heart sank. Good one, Applejack. The first friend you make and you lose her. Granny continued to yank me. If looks could kill, I was in trouble. “Now, where’s mah presser? I gots some here jam ta make.” “NOOO!”