Twilight opened her eyes slowly, the world slowly coming into view. Pulling the covers off, she made her way to her hooves sluggishly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Punctuated by a silent yawn, Twilight shifted out of bed, stretching her limbs while adding a sigh of relief.
Coordinating herself in the darkness, she made her way down the stairs into the kitchen. Upon arrival, breaking free from the haze of her usual morning routine, Twilight looked out the window of the kitchen, noting the beam of light coming from the now setting moon. Returning to her routine, she quietly made a cup of her usual herbal tea, followed by plopping down at the table, still trying to make sense of the thought of being awake. Sipping her tea delicately, letting the mildly sweet sensation awaken her, thoughts of the up and coming day were there to greet her.
Today is going to be a long day… I wonder how the others are going to hold up? They may not like it. I’m not even the biggest fan of this, but the Society is after us, so we have to listen to the Princess.
There was something that… Ah. Need to check on the provisions. Mmm, tea first, provisions-
Completely lost in her thoughts, Twilight was unable to see a canary pegasus stumble into the kitchen. The pegasus made her way over to the pitcher of tea that was sitting on the counter. Grabbing a mug, she poured the steaming liquid into it, then gently set the pitcher back down on the counter.
Taking a sip and finally becoming aware of her surroundings, she took note of the source of the tea sitting across the table.
“Good morning, Twilight.”
“What? Who’s…? Oh, good morning Fluttershy.” Twilight replied quietly, her thoughts subsiding from the sudden outburst as reality returned.
“Looks like the others aren’t up yet.” Fluttershy mentioned.
Only after looking around for others after the pegasus snuck up on her, Twilight was able to fully compile a response. “Doesn’t seem like it… I was actually just about to go check our provisions for the journey today before you broke my train of thought.”
“Oh um, I’m sorry. I hope it wasn’t too important.” Fluttershy remedied.
“Don’t worry about it. I was just thinking about this whole situation… It’s a lot to take in.” Twilight told her, scratching her head.
“Yeah. I feel kind of nervous about leaving, don’t you?”
“Somewhat. I don’t want to leave Ponyville. It’s… rather hard to think about, you know? There we were, enjoying a lovely day, and now we have some crazy situation with some society after us. Now we have to leave, and I don’t get why.” The lavender pony rambled on. “I wonder what Starstride will be like. And Hoofsdale. I’ve never even been there before, have you Fluttershy?”
“Oh, my. Heavens no. I've actually never heard of it, to be honest.”
“I bet it’s a nice place. Hopefully we’ll be safe there, and away from all of this until the Princess takes care of it.” Twilight replied, her eyes pacing from the kitchen floor to Fluttershy.
“I just hope we won’t be followed or… th-those s-scary visions come back...” Fluttershy said, shuddering at the thought.
“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we’ll be fine.” Twilight reassured.
“I hope so.”
As the two ponies continued to chat briefly, an exhausted pink pony entered the room. Stifling a yawn, Pinkie managed a good morning in-between yawns.
“Good morning Pinkie Pie. Did you sleep well?” Came from Twilight once aware of the third presence.
“I slept all right, I was a bit uncomfortable sleeping on the floor in that spare bedroom of yours, but I’ve had worse.” Pinkie answered lethargically.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have more beds, but at least you got some sleep. Want anything to eat?” Twilight queried.
“Maybe a cupcake will do me some good.”
“Over there on the counter. Help yourself.”
Making her way over to the kitchen counter, she scrambled around, looking for a cupcake. Her eyes lit up as she saw a triple coated chocolate fudge cupcake sitting in a box, neatly displayed in plastic. Opening the container, the frosting stacked sweet was utterly devoured in a single gulp, leaving nothing but crumbs.
She turned around, and saw Twilight and Fluttershy looking in disbelief at her.
“What? It’s good!” Pinkie exclaimed with her mouth full. Making her way over to the kitchen table, she sat down quietly, still immersed in her cupcake. Twilight stood up from the table and proceeded to walk out of the kitchen. Before she disappeared from their sight, she poked her head around the corner back into the kitchen. “I’m going to go check the provisions, this won’t take long.”
Making her way into the living room, Twilight’s eye caught the sight of the saddlebags they packed and prepared for today’s journey. Trotting up to them, she knelt down and started to rummage through the bags, one by one.
“Let’s see. We have some warm clothing if there ever comes a need for it. Uh… the croissants, apples, cider, and other food from the picnic. A few blankets, a few books on Daring Do and some other things. Miscellaneous stuff here, some bandages for Sunspeed. Oh boy… there is so much more.” Twilight rambled aloud, sighing at the end.
“Is there anything I could help you with Twilight?” Fluttershy asked timidly, peering around the kitchen door.
Jumping slightly at the voice, Twilight turned around, glaring daggers quickly before realizing who it was. Regaining her focus, Twilight was able to get her mind back to what needed to be done. “Could you just check on Sunspeed? Sounds kind of odd but we have to ensure that her wounds are not tearing or anything.”
“All right, I can do that.” The pegasus replied with a nod.
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After heading up a flight of stairs, Fluttershy stood at the side of the bed, looking down on the injured pegasus. Lifting the blankets carefully as not to wake her, she examined the pegasi’s wing and torso. Her injured wing stuck out like a sore thumb, obviously appearing swelled. Sunspeed was lying on her side, making Fluttershy shift her hooves quietly to the other side of the bed. Holding up the blankets once more, she checked the gauze on her torso.
A small patch of blood seemed to have made its’ appearance through the gauze. Squinting her eyes, Fluttershy was relieved to confirm that the blood was dried and not recent. Lifting a hoof and scathing it across the soft gauze, she tried to get a better sense of clarification of the physical stability of the sleeping mare. Feeling rather distraught and grim at the pegasus’ condition, Fluttershy shifted her gaze off the pegasus. Thinking profoundly to herself, she was oblivious to the mare’s waking.
“…nhh…Who’s…?” Sunspeed murmured, her vision blurred and obscure, stirring from her deep slumber. Slowly bringing herself in an upright position, she rubbed her eyes, and eventually took note of Fluttershy.
“Good morning Sunspeed. How are you feeling?” Fluttershy managed, a concerned tone lingering.
“Ugh…I’m feeling all right. Still very sore, but-…” She stated as she tried to stretch her limbs. Yelping suddenly, she clutched her torso as she gritted her teeth. “I didn’t think that would hurt…”
“Oh my! Please be careful Sunspeed!” Fluttershy snapped in worriment, putting a hoof on her shoulder trying to stem further movement. “Do you really think you can move?”
“Grr… I can. Just have to get used to it.” Sunspeed responded, looking up at the worried mare.
“Let me help you up then. Be very careful not to open up those wounds.” The mare responded, holding out a hoof to the battered pegasus.
Sunspeed clutched Fluttershy’s hoof, followed by wrapping her other hoof around Fluttershy’s withers as she climbed out of bed, fighting against the pain. Fluttershy winced at this sight, but continued providing support. Finally, Sunspeed was able to stand firmly on her own hooves. Heaving a sigh of utmost relief after it was done, the two pegasi walked down the stairs, Fluttershy supporting Sunspeed the whole way down.
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“Good morning Sunspeed.” Twilight greeted, turning her attention away from the saddlebags. Sunspeed nodded, then took a glance around the library. The walls were aligned with books of all sort. It would have been more surprising not to see books than anything else. The scent of a sweet herb tea lingered in the air, noticeably perking up Sunspeed at the smell.
“Is there somewhere I can sit down? I still feel rather weak on my hooves. It might just be fatigue, but still.” Sunspeed inquired, staring intently at Twilight.
“The kitchen table is in there, and if that isn’t suitable for you, there is a couch in there as well.” Twilight replied, returning to her examination of their provisions.
“A couch in a kitchen? That’s unheard of.” Sunspeed raised an eyebrow questionably.
“Well, I don’t want a couch in the main part of library. It wouldn’t fit the atmosphere. It is a library after all.” Twilight answered, sticking her muzzle into a saddlebag.
“I guess it makes sense…” The pegasus answered, though still a bit skeptical as she began to hobble towards the kitchen. Pushing herself rather hard to get there, Fluttershy continued to support Sunspeed. Upon reaching the kitchen, the couch was spotted, tucked away in a corner. Reaching the sofa, Fluttershy stood nearby for support as Sunspeed gradually seated herself.
“Thanks Fluttershy, but you really didn’t need to.” The white mare began.
“Oh, it’s no issue. I’m glad I could help.” The canary pegasus responded, adding a small smile.
“Do you need anything? Something to eat maybe?” Fluttershy added momentarily, casting her eyes on the injured pony.
“No thanks, I’m good.” Sunspeed politely refused.
“You must eat something. You need your energy, especially after a day like yesterday.” Fluttershy said, almost trying to coerce her into preparing for the day. “We have a long day ahead of us.”
“All right. Anything is fine, I have no preference.” Sunspeed gave in, sighing.
Nodding with contentment, Fluttershy walked over to the kitchen to spot anything edible. Her eyes flew to both sides of the counter, searching for anything. Resting her eyes on some fruit, she walked over and picked up what she could. Returning to Sunspeed, she showed what she had.
“I was able to find an apple, a banana, and a small bowl of cherries. Not much, but it’s something. Have what you like.” Fluttershy told her.
“Are you sure you don’t want to pick first?” Sunspeed mentioned, browsing the items before her. Fluttershy shook her head, motioning for Sunspeed to go first. Hesitantly, she grabbed the banana and started to peel the skin off of it with her teeth.
“No take backs.” Sunspeed replied shortly afterwards, biting into the banana. This needed a few more days. Tastes a bit meager. Her thoughts reverberating as she chewed. As she ate her banana, Pinkie turned to meet Sunspeed’s eyes.
“Ready for that awesome trip we’re taking today Sunspeed, because I am!” Pinkie elated, the usual energy taking hold of the mare now.
“Yeah, sure am.” Sunspeed followed suit.
“Yay! It’ll be fun!” Pinkie spoke enthusiastically, clopping her hooves together in excitement.
“I bet it will.”
Finishing the banana, Fluttershy silently came over and disposed of the banana peel. Holding a hoof out to Sunspeed, the yellow mare said, “I think it’s time we get ready, don’t you think?”
Grunting slightly at the thought of moving, Sunspeed managed a yes.
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“Twilight, wait!” Spike urged, running up to her. “Wh-when are you coming back?” Carrying a tone of uncertainty in his voice.
“I-I don’t know Spike. I don’t want to go, nor do I know what will happen.” At this point, Twilight knelt down and lowered her head to be eye level with the dragon. “I don’t want to leave you, I honestly don’t… but I have to. I have t-… I have to ensure you’re safe, to ensure Ponyville is safe.” Twilight responded sighing, trying her best to maintain her composure.
“Twilight… Just… Be safe, all right?” Spike bit his lip in anxiety.
“I will.” Twilight replied, giving him a passionate hug. “That doesn’t mean that you get off from keeping up with the library and your daily chores.” Twilight added, managing a smile.
“Sure thing, Twilight.” Spike replied softly.
Breaking apart several moments later, Spike proceeded to walk over to the front door of the library. Putting his claw on the door handle, he gazed down at the floor, with a gloomy expression that clouded his face. Opening the door, he made way for the seven ponies.
Saying their goodbyes to Spike, the group exited the library, putting distance between themselves and the library. In the distant outskirts of the town, Celestia’s sun started to break the horizon as Luna’s moon took to the opposite horizon. Engulfed by the treetops, the pale moon faded away, while the rift between night and day shifted once again. The rift between the fabrics of time seemed almost tangible. Daylight glistened brightly off of the trees and buildings, while the moon and the starlight twinkled in unison.
Despite the incredulous sight, Twilight gazed back at the library. Spike stood at the doorway, standing cold and still. Perking her ears back, she closed her eyes as she turned her head to face the cold ground beneath her hooves. Spike… I’m going to miss you. We’ve been through many trials and errors together, and now… I’m alone, without you by my side. Just take care of yourself, all right? After all, we’ll be back home before we know it. Twilight thought shallowly, trying to convince herself that things will go accordingly.
Inhaling and exhaling deeply, Twilight turned her sight to the road before them. Pulling out the map she had in her saddlebags, she began to research on the direction they needed to go. Mumbling to herself occasionally, she finally came to a conclusion.
“All right girls, we need to head south, through the Everfree Forest to get to Hoofsdale. Like I said last night, this’ll take all day. We want to get there as soon as possible.” She announced, turning to the others.
“Th-The Ev-Everfre-free Forest-t?” Fluttershy said fearfully.
“C’mon ‘Shy, it can’t be that bad. I mean, you live right by it after all? And I am the fastest flyer in Equestria you know, so you have nothing to worry about!” Dash remarked.
“That you are Dash, but y’all aren’t any good at bucking apples, now are ya’?” Applejack noted, looking at Dash.
“Really AJ? You can’t be serious!” Dash said with a smirk.
“Ah am. And when this is all over, we’ll have an Iron Pony rematch just for me to prove it.” Applejack challenged.
“Oh yeah? You’ve got yourself a deal!” Dash said, spitting on her hoof, she held it out to Applejack. Grinning at this, the farm mare did the same.
“With your egos now sorted, can we get started?” Twilight butted in impatiently.
The others nodded in unison, ready to start their trek. Fluttershy stuck close to Sunspeed to assist her with walking, as she was still very sore. The seven started to make their way down the path towards the southern exit of town, the Golden Oaks Library behind them.
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Spike stood out on the entrance of the library, watching as the ponies left on their journey in the distance. Clenching his claws, he gritted his teeth in frustration followed by an expression of sorrow. Gazing only at the lavender pony who led the others, he left himself to his thoughts. Come on Spike, you’ll be fine. Twilight’s just leaving, it’s nothing too bad… Who am I kidding? For all I know it could be a while until she comes back. I don’t want her to be in danger. Spike balled his claws again, harder than before. He shut his eyes fiercely, fighting back a sudden urge to cry. It’s…difficult to see her go on such a short notice... Coming to a conclusion on his thoughts, he opened his eyes, and waved one last time at the group before closing the library door behind him.
“Hey girls… do you think Spike will be okay without us?” Twilight asked, worry already taking hold.
“Yeah, ah think that dragon can make it through on his own.” Applejack nodded.
“That little guy can take anything. He’ll be fine.” Dash said confidently as she hovered off the ground beside them.
Rarity leaned over to Applejack, who was beside her, “I don’t think Twilight is holding up well.” She whispered, pointing to Twilight. “I hate talking behind ponies, but don’t you think we shouldn’t add to the touchy subject?”
Applejack nodded in agreement, but uttered no word of response. Twilight, still leading the pack, was oblivious to their conversation, being lost in concentration. Sub-consciously trotting along the path to the south, she kept to herself.
“…we have a long journey ahead of us. This is going to be difficult with my injuries, but I’ll toughen through it.” Sunspeed commented to Fluttershy, after noting the look of concern on the mare’s face.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon enough. Just try not to think about it.” Fluttershy told her.
“I hope so.” The pegasus chuckled in response.
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The seven ponies stood as they cast their sights on their hometown. Luna’s moon had finally disappeared, allowing the sun to fully embrace the skyline. If they focused enough, small groups of ponies could be seen starting their day as the town came to life. Applejack walked in reverse, still facing the town. As she slowly started to break off from the others, she turned and began to trot very gradually down the dirt path that led into the Everfree Forest, making sure she didn’t get too far ahead. Soon enough, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash followed suit, then by Rarity.
“I don’t want to leave, the woodland creatures need me there to help.” Fluttershy blurted out. Sunspeed put a hoof on her shoulder, and rubbed it tenderly.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be safe. Ponyville will be safe, and so will we.” Sunspeed encouraged valiantly.
“That’s very bold of you Sunspeed. I’m just being doubtful, but I’m sure it will be okay.”
“Ready to go?” Sunspeed asked, returning the favor by offering Fluttershy a hoof. She nodded and took the hoof, followed by the two pegasi ventured forth into the forest behind the others, with Fluttershy guiding Sunspeed for support.
Twilight stared blankly across the fields that littered before Ponyville. A certain building caught her gaze as she studied the scene before her. The Golden Oaks Library stood as a beacon for her in the heart of town. Narrowing her eyes, she bit her lip nervously as she turned around. Starting to make her way into the forest, she took one last glance back at Ponyville, then started to walk behind her friend’s trail.
As the seven walked down the dirt path, the forest seemed to close in around them. There was a damp, almost musty feel that swirled around them, making the area around them seem out of place. As they pushed forward, the silence was finally broken.
“Oh boy, I don’t feel so good. I feel really queasy.” Dash stated, shaking her head.
“What’s wrong dearie? We just walked into the forest. It’s not very common to start feeling queasy all of a sudden.” Rarity mentioned, perplexed as to what to think.
“Yeah, I feel dizzy right now. I don’t know why.” Dash responded, rubbing her head.
“Already scared Rainbow?” Applejack prodded, suppressing a chuckle.
“Real funny. Well, whatever it is, it certainly doesn’t feel cool. Ugh…” Dash mentioned in disgust, almost dropping to the ground from hovering in the air.
“Geez Dash, maybe you should stop flying if it’s bothering you that bad.” Sunspeed added, observing her carefully.
“I don’t want my hooves to hurt, now do I? I’d rather fly most of the way, but if this keeps up, no way!” the rainbow maned pegasus replied.
“We can take a break if you need it that desperately. But, we need to get to Hoofsdale as soon as we can.” Twilight advised.
“Nah, I’ll be fine. Who needs breaks?” Dash snorted.
“Ahem!” Sunspeed cleared her throat, glaring at Rainbow.
“Oh, sorry, hehe.” Dash chuckled, putting her hoof behind her head, while forcing a smile.
“Well, it seems that this journey is going to be a long one from the looks of it.” Rarity muttered.
“It would have been so much faster if we just could have flown there.” Dash pointed out.
“We technically could’ve…” Sunspeed started.
“Indeed, but I don’t think having a royal escort would be the most subtle. If anything, going on hoof, as much as I despise this, is better so we don’t run the risk of getting those ruffians on us again.” Rarity explained.
“Sounds about right!” Pinkie added cheerfully.
“It makes logical sense when you think about it. If we’re running from this organization that we have little to no information about, we probably don’t want royal guards escorting us. For our friends from the society, that should be a huge sign for them. It’s like we’re practically saying, ‘Hey, we’re right over here! Come get us!’ ” Twilight stated, nodding in contentment with her answer.
“That does make some sense…” Fluttershy pointed out.
The conversation seemed to have died down after Fluttershy’s comment. Hearing nothing but the noises of the forest, along with the rustling of hooves on the ground. As the group ventured forth for what seemed an interminable amount, the light that the sun provided them seemed to fade out as the canopy of the forest thickened. Bringing the levels of visibility to a much dimmer spectrum, the seven pushed forward regardless of the surroundings. Fluttershy, on the other hand, let a number of whimpers escape her vocal cords. Sunspeed, still with the mare, was able to provide words of support to the canary pegasus, keeping her going even as the forest went about its’ business.
As they continued down the dirt path, the outline of something came peculiarly.
“Hey, what is that? Do y’all see that?” Applejack asked, pointing ahead.
“Look who’s scared now.” Dash chided away.
“Hush you, look at that.” Applejack said while pointing a hoof.
As they came closer, an abandoned shack came into view. It’s few windows were broken, the door hinges were rusted and the door was hanging to one side. Every time the passing wind wisped by, the shack creaked slightly, making an unpleasant sound. Pinkie approached the shack, and examined it in curiosity. Poking her head inside the door, she eyed around for anything peculiar.
“Anything in there?” Twilight interrogated.
Pinkie replied by shaking her head, then motioning to continue down the dirt path. Scratching her hoof with another, she peered over Pinkie to check on the others. Sunspeed sat down at a nearby log, panting heavily as Fluttershy handed her a canteen of water. Her eyes lulled over to Rarity and Applejack, who stood chatting, Rarity obviously trying to make some point to the farm mare. Dash was lying on the ground, her two front hooves rested behind her head, and the two hind legs crossed, smirking at the scene before her.
It seems like we need to rest. We’ve been walking for what feels like hours. I think we all need this, especially Sunspeed. The lavender pony thought to herself.
“Let’s take a break. We all could use one. We’ll continue towards Hoofsdale in about… an hour or so.” Twilight announced to her fellow companions after locating the sun through the dense canopy. A collective sigh was given at this, and everypony just seemed to plop down where they were if they weren’t already. Twilight sat down at a nearby rock, looking rather concerned at Sunspeed.
“Here, drink up. You need the water.” Fluttershy requested, holding out the canteen.
“Thanks, Fluttershy.” Sunspeed panted in exhaustion, reaching for it shakily. She fumbled around, trying desperately to get the water into her dry throat. Drinking it insatiably, she almost emptied the entire canteen in one go. Releasing a pent up gasp of relief and satisfaction, she closed the canteen lid and handed it to Fluttershy.
“Thanks for that, I really needed it.” Sunspeed said moments later.
“No problem. Do you need anything to eat?” Fluttershy asked.
“No, not really. I don’t feel famished.” The injured pegasus replied.
“Come on now, you got to eat something.” Fluttershy insisted, nudging her hoof gently.
“N-no, I am fine, really.” Sunspeed hesitated, shaking her two front hooves to support her answer.
“Come on now, we really can’t have you passing out. With the condition you’re in, you need your strength.” The shy mare persisted even further.
Betrayed by a gurgling of her stomach, Sunspeed nodded, finally defeated. Fluttershy began to rummage through her saddlebags, after she neatly placed the canteen back in one of them. She dug out two carrots and an apple.
“The apple should give you a boost with the sugar, and the carrot is full of nutrients that should help you recover.” Fluttershy told her, handing them over to her. Fluttershy kept one carrot to herself and bit into it, producing a loud crunch. Chewing silently, Fluttershy sat down quietly next to Sunspeed as the two had a quick snack together.
Rainbow Dash yawned excessively as she lay on the ground. With her interest lost in the conversation between Rarity and Applejack, her eyes began to sag. Finally giving in to her fatigue, she closed her eyes, and drifted off into a nap. Twilight shrugged indifferently as she gazed over Rainbow Dash and her encumbering fatigue. The unicorn then turned her attention to Rarity and Applejack, who were still chatting.
“Ah’m telling you, it will not work.” The farm pony asked.
“Just hear me out Applejack. If you let me work with you for a bit, you could shine all across Equestria! Earth ponies are dominating the modeling industry this time of season, and I have a new line in the works that will make you absolutely shine!”
“Between the farmwork and marketing, I hardly doubt I could fit modeling on the side. That and Big Mac will never let me live it down.” Applejack stressed, yet remaining firm on her point.
Looking away, Twilight decided to undo the saddlebags that were on her back. Briefly scrounging around, she grabbed herself a croissant, and took a bite of it. Engulfed by the sweetness of the buttery product, she continued to finish the pastry as she observed the stillness of the forest around them. Finishing the last piece of the croissant, she had decided to close her eyes and try to rest while time permitted.
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Stretching several times to help loosen her tense body, Rainbow Dash picked herself up off the ground. Standing, she took a quick look around her. Her friends were all getting ready to move out again.
“Good afternoon, sleepyhead.” Pinkie giggled, coming face to face with Rainbow Dash.
“Hi there Pinkie, we’re moving out again?” Dash yawned, blinking her eyes repetitively trying to wake herself up.
“Yes indeedy!” Pinkie confirmed.
“All right, sounds good. Just give me a moment.” Dash yawned again as she trotted over to get her saddlebags beside the shack, a suitable place for them prior to an impromptu nap.
Fastening the last buckle, the saddlebags now hugged her torso comfortably, while still allowing the freedom of her wings. Rainbow Dash walked over to Twilight, who just finished readying herself for the rest of the trip.
“Are we all ready to move out again?” Dash asked Twilight, cocking her head to the side.
“Mostly. We should be moving out in just a few minutes. We’re waiting on Sunspeed.” She replied to the cyan mare.
“Cool. Hey, do you know what time it is?”
“I can’t see the sun too well, but based on the light breaking through the canopy I’d say maybe late afternoon. I really have no clue.”
“Oh, all right, that’s cool.” Dash muttered.
“Sorry Rainbow, if I knew, I’d obviously tell you. I just want to get to Hoofsdale so we can settle in and get-”
“Okay, we’re finally ready!” Sunspeed interrupted, raising her voice slightly so the others could hear her.
“Good. Let’s get moving then... I’d rather not be caught in here at night.” Twilight stated to the group, a hint of worry in her voice.
The seven ponies now continued down the same dirt path that winded through the forest. Traversing into unknown territory of the Everfree Forest, the group kept to the path, ultimately hoping for an end to it.
As they progressed over the next few minutes, a dense fog took hold around them, making it much harder to see. Coupled with the thick canopy stunting the afternoon light they had, visibility was very limited.
Twilight, now noticing that the mist was going to be a problem, called out the rest of the group. “Find the hoof of somepony and grab on to it. We don’t want to get separated!” She called back, unable to know how far back her friends were. The party skittered about until all everypony had an occupied hoof. Walking awkwardly down the clouded path, they gradually made their way south.
After what seemed to be an eternity of walking, the fog finally eased off, if only a little bit, and the seven were luckily all still together. Separating a small bit they kept walking with the slightly better visibility, Applejack was about to turn to Pinkie Pie and mention something, when she suddenly disappeared with a crumbling sound.
Managing to let out a yelp, the six turned to their surprise to find Applejack clinging on to the edge of a ravine. Sunspeed lunged forward on sight towards the mare, ignoring the pain.
“Take my hoof!”
Applejack reached for the hoof, but a part of the ground slipped out from her other hoof, and her body turned the other way, her face staring directly down at the endless ravine.
“Help!”
Rainbow Dash flew directly under Applejack, pushing against the farm mare’s two back hooves, trying to lift her up. Sunspeed was finally able to grab onto Applejack’s hoof, and pulled. Struggling with the searing pain, she ignored it and continued. As tears streamed down her face and her vision distorted, she managed to pull the farm pony up, out of harm’s way. Paralyzed in pain after overexertion, Sunspeed collapsed onto the ground, unable to move, tears now flowing freely down her face.
Helping Applejack to her hooves, Dash hugged her, trying to calm the panicked breaths of the orange mare. Pinkie went over to Sunspeed, and helped her up through the suppressed yells of pain, having a hoof wrapped around her neck for support.
“Is everypony okay?” Twilight said nervously.
“Yeah, I think we’re okay.” Dash mentioned.
“Twilight, we should probably stop for a minute, Sunspeed’s not looking too good.” Pinkie added.
Fluttershy joined Pinkie Pie and had started to move Sunspeed away from the cliff face, her two front hooves draped over the other mares’ necks and her hind legs dragged on the ground as the two ponies struggled to keep her upright, trying to get her over to a tree. Writhing in pain as she was being dragged, Sunspeed started to cough up blood once again.
Setting her upright against the tree, Fluttershy scrambled to undo her saddlebags and grab her tissue to wipe the blood off her lips. Rummaging through her saddlebags with haste, the canary mare pulled out the packed medical supplies. Examining the pegasus quickly, Fluttershy took note of what she feared.
“Oh no, Sunspeed, you ripped your wounds back open! You need to stay still, okay? This is going to hurt.”
Sunspeed nodded as Fluttershy started to patch her up, struggling against the overwhelming pain. In an attempt to divert her thoughts away from her physical condition, she noticed Applejack, still visibly shaken from the event.
“You okay Applejack? You had quite a scare there.” Sunpeed had barely managed to say, her voice shaking more than the look in Applejack’s eyes.
“Ah’m doing okay… how about yourself?”
“It…Ugh, it hurts, I need to avoid doing that next time.” She answered, groaning in pain as Fluttershy cleaned and bandaged the wounds. Fluttershy just finished her torso, and started to thoroughly clean her right wing, while trying her best to be gentle. Accidentally clipping a small portion of the wing, Sunspeed yelped in affliction, followed by a loud grunt.
“That wing is tender!” Sunspeed snipped.
“Sorry, sorry! I’ll try not to do that again.” Fluttershy apologized, her previous professionalism now fragile and cracking.
Twilight lifted her gaze from Sunspeed, and started to take note of her surroundings. The beginning of an aged stone bridge stood at the end of the path they were following. With the fog still relatively thick in the air, the other side of the bridge could not be made out in its’ entirety. Turning back to Sunspeed, Fluttershy had just finished off wrapping her wing and was already helping the mare to her hooves.
“How are you doing Sunspeed?” Twilight stated, finally managing to snap out of her thoughts.
“I don’t think I can go much farther Twilight. Hoofsdale better be close…”
“Twilight, she’s right. She can’t travel in this condition, but we can’t stay here either.” Fluttershy said, her face portraying the message louder than her voice.
“…we should be. This seems to be a rather odd place for a bridge. We must be close.” Twilight said, the hope previously held by the mare now slipping away. “Can you walk Sunspeed?”
Putting a hoof forward, Sunspeed applied pressure to her hoof, only to be followed by a loud whinny as she started to collapse under her own weight. Twilight however was ready for this, and had managed to catch Sunspeed with her telekinesis.
“I’ll take that as a no. Sunspeed, I can carry you the rest of the way if I have to. You just have to do your best to relax.”
“Ngh…okay…” Sunspeed muttered, not able to muster anything else.
“We need to get across this bridge.” Twilight announced, now turning her focus to the group. “Rainbow, would you be able to fly ahead and check to see if this bridge is still intact?”
“I got ya’ Twi’.”
And just like that, Rainbow was already off, quickly swallowed by the dense fog. A tense moment sank in to the atmosphere of the remaining group as they waited to hear from Rainbow. Seconds passed, then minutes. Only after a call out into the fog did the group hear anything.
“It’s all clear! Come on across! You are not going to believe this!”
“You heard her, let’s go.” Twilight finished.
________________________________________________________________________________
Crossing for what seemed like a mile long bridge, the six ponies found themselves on solid ground once again. The fog still held relatively thick, so vision was still limited.
“Rainbow, where did you go now!?” Shouted Twilight.
“This way! It’s over here!” Called a voice from the fog.
A leap of hope now back in her heart, Twilight took off towards the sound of the voice, being careful of the semi-conscience mare in her grip. Her friends quickly followed suit, the same hope fluttering in them as well.
Coming to a complete stop, the group had quickly halted their movements for what had laid in front of them, with Rainbow there to greet them. The fog that had gripped the forest suddenly ended, as the group had just found themselves outside of the forest, standing on the edge of a small cliff face.
With the fog and the trees now behind them, a cold wind had come to greet the mares. There was a light dusting of snow covering the ground, the fringes of winter still gripping the landscape. The sun was now hanging on the horizon, about to conduct its’ elegant celestial dance with its’ counterpart.
This was not the main focus of the group however. Every single one of the mares were focused on the large cluster of lit buildings existing just at the bottom of the cliff face.
Cracking the first genuine smile Twilight had had all day, she was able to find her voice amongst the relief. “Welcome to Hoofsdale girls.”