//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 - Cloudjumper // Story: A Competition With Two Winners // by 1Bit //------------------------------// The eerie atmosphere of the Everfree Forest was shattered by the sound of hoofsteps dashing through the overgrown vegetation. As Applejack and Cloudjumper ran deeper and deeper into the mysterious forest, the fog clung to them and thorned bushes lashed out at every opportunity, a number of scratches and grazes across their coats. Applejack's breath was ragged, breathing faster and more heavily the further they ventured in. With the increasingly poor visibility, it was a challenge avoiding the various hazards that lay ahead as the ponies continued to run. Cloudjumper was faring no better, catching his leg in a rotting tree stump early on gave him a slight limp but nevertheless, he kept close to Applejack. Finally, they both grinded to a halt as they reached a small clearing, falling to the floor from exhaustion. "This is hopeless." Applejack said, taking a breath in between each word as she tried to regain her composure. "At this rate, we'll be searchin' the entire of the Everfree tryin' to find her! It'll take days..." Cloudjumper was flying around the clearing, making sure no predators had caught on to their presence. Satisfied, he returned to the ground. "We'll find her, Applejack." Cloudjumper assured her. "We'll be back before you know it." His eyes darted to the left at the sound of a distant roar. "But we have to keep moving. We won't last long just sitting here like this. I know how dangerous the Everfree Forest is even if I wasn't born around these parts." He grabbed her by the hoof, bringing her back up from the ground. "Alright, sugarcube. Let's keep movin' then." They both exited the clearing, once again fighting against the trees and plants. Applejack prayed they would find Rainbow soon. Who knows what trouble she might be in? Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice the branch sticking out in front of her. With a loud crack, she ran directly into it, coming to an immediate halt. Hearing the noise, Cloudjumper rushed over to her fallen form as she rubbed her head. Aside from the occasional wince in pain, Applejack steadied herself, allowing Cloudjumper to support her. "Thanks, 'jumper." "Right here for you, AJ" He gently nuzzled her mane with a calm smile. A deafening howl suddenly ripped through the air, startling the two ponies as they desperately searched for the source. Behind them, dozens of glowing green eyes stared at them, steadily getting nearer and nearer. The creatures hungry growls filled the air, pinning Cloudjumper to the spot with fear. Unlike Applejack, this was his first experience with Timberwolves and he was incredibly frightened by their sinister forms in the mist. Applejack nudged him repeatedly, her screams falling on deaf ears. Cloudjumper's eyes remained transfixed on the beasts in front of them. "Lands sakes...Cloudjumper! Sugarcube!" Applejack shouted repeatedly, getting more and more annoyed. Eventually, she got his attention with a sharp hoof across his face. With him being temporarily distracted, she grabbed him and urged him to run. Hearing the vicious howls again, he quickly disappeared into the bushes, the apple farmer following suit. Everything became a blur as they ran for their lives, more cuts decorated their bodies as they tried to escape the Timberwolves. Applejack willed herself onwards, the rancid smell of the creatures' breath a constant reminder of the stakes of the situation. Her lungs protested, pleading for air. Cloudjumper turned to see the mare begin slowing down, unable to keep up. With fear in his eyes, he sharply brought himself to a stop and ran back to her. He leaped over her and put himself in between Applejack and the Timberwolves. "Are you alright, Applejack?" He asked hurriedly, checking over her to make sure there were no deep wounds. "I'm alright. A bit shaken but...I'm alright." Her voice was hoarse and Cloudjumper could see the doubt in her eyes. Hearing the Timberwolves again he froze, assessing the situation. "Can you still run?" He asked hopefully. "I reckon so. If we can lose these darn varmits soon, it'll be a whole lot easier." She offered a half-hearted smile. "Still, I don't think I've seen you this shaken up before. Y'alright to keep runnin' too?" She doubted they could keep going much longer. The pegasus let out a deep sigh, dropping his head. Keep going Applejack, get out of here. I'll buy you some time. The word's from a stallion a long time ago seeped into her brain. Her pupils shrank. "What did y'all just say?" "I said keep going." Cloudjumper puffed out his chest, taking a defensive stance. "Losing these things is gonna be impossible in our state. If I stay here, you'll have a small window of escape. You can get to Rainbow..." "Oh no! We all go together!" Applejack protested, distant memories flooding back to her. "Applejack!" Cloudjumper shouted at her, the most serious he'd ever been around her. "I'll meet up with you later, after all this is done." Applejack's cheeks flushed in anger, tears in her eyes. "No you won't, you liar! I know how this ends! I've seen it all before goddarnit...I've seen it all..." Her anguish was momentarily broken as Cloudjumper kissed her on the cheek. Nothing more than a small peck, but it was enough to calm her. Smiling, he gestured behind her. "Now go!" He watched the mare disappear through the fog and head into the brush. He slowly turned, grinning as he saw the rows upon rows of sharp teeth in front of him. "I promise you'll be safe." Applejack tried to block out the noises behind her, as she ran further into the unknown. Desperate to find Rainbow and desperate to get out of the forest in one piece. They would all get out together. No matter what.