We marched stoically onwards, resupplying at the next town. Worryingly, it seemed hoof-claws were a common item, and Dust Kicker had little true issue replacing them, or getting more guards. "Let's see those banditos get through this many trained amigos." She flashed her teeth before leading the way out of the town.
As we marched, I felt around for the local population. I became increasingly certain that the 'ferals' of the region were only there to watch us. They'd peek out of bushes or fly overhead, moving like a normal feral might, but with uncanny timing and skill, clearly coordinated. Perhaps the numbers were sufficient to dissuade, because they didn't make another move for the rest of the week, at least until a morning several days later.
I woke to the sensation of being nursed on and scrambled to my hooves to find a note under myself.
Peacemaker,
My children want only that, for the peace they were born to carry. They tell me you saw them fight, then you know they are not killers. They will defend themselves, and they will disarm their enemies, but they are not killers, even as their kin is cut down. We are ponies, we are destined for peace and cooperation.
It pleases me that there is another mother of ponies that agrees with me. It gives me hope, that one day we will have our peace, and our children will know happiness. You march towards the Mad Queen's stronghold. Her words are wicked, her cronies more so. Do you think you can talk her out of her actions? You would be a far better pony than I if you could. I have no love for humans, even if I was one, but to hunt them is in conflict with our base nature.
She brings stabilit--
The note was ripped out of my grip by a furious Dust Kicker. "What is this?!" Her eyes scanned over it back and forth and her expression only darkened as she went. "Where did you find this?"
I pointed to where I slept and she began barking orders. They thoroughly searched the area, but could find little but recent signs of tunneling. "Our leader is no 'Mad Queen'," spat Dust Kicker. "She is calm, resourceful, and a genius. She's led us to unifying a continent, and soon we will make it two. Soon, all of this difficult transition will be behind us, and a new civilization can rise from the rubble." She turned away, tucking the note away. "Peacemaker, your words are dangerous. They attract dangerous people."
We broke camp shortly after and resumed our trek. Several days later our march was interrupted. A bright flash heralded the arrival of Crystal, panting wildly. "That gets harder... with you so far..." Her words were cut off as a blade was shoved up against her neck by one of the guards. "I give up!"
Dust Kicker approached the intruder, examining Crystal. "What is this? I never saw a pony like this before."
Sandra waved a hoof. "She's with us, a friend."
Dust Kicker raised a brow. "A friend? From the states?"
Crystal nodded as best she could with the sharp threat pressed to her. "I mean no harm?"
Dust Kicker gestured and the blade was lowered. "What do you want?"
Crystal gestured with her head at me. "I just wanted to talk with my friend, if that's OK?"
Dust Kicker turned away. "Talk while we walk. There's plenty of ground to cover."
We resumed our trek, with Crystal moving between Sandra, Dusk, and I. "They think they're, uh..." She glanced at the guards, pressed close, likely to hear everything. "The apples are circling the basket."
Dust looked over her shoulder. "That was not terribly subtle. Go ahead, tell her." She said something about stupid Americans as she turned her gaze forward.
Crystal flushed lightly. "Right, well, they're coming over the border. It's been recon and skirmishes so far."
Dust snorted softly. "We'll make our move when we're good and ready. You are listening to the soft rumble of distant lightning. You'll know when the storm's come." She looked over her shoulder, frowning at Crystal. "How did you get here so quickly?"
Crystal stepped back. "It's something of a special talent of mine." She didn't out our shared ability, which I was thankful for. "I should go. Please, be careful." She popped away with a new flash.
Dust turned her gaze to me. "A friend, huh? You make friends quickly, peacemaker. Keeping tabs on your friends in the States? How do you plan to help them?" She hopped up onto an abandoned car and turned to face us. "You should have told her to open the gates and make it a smooth transition." She smiled. "Some humans accepted the inevitable, and they make fine ponies now."
A new thought seemed to come to her. "Wait, wait wait wait. Oh god damn it. It's so obvious!" She hopped down from the car and marched up to us, glaring at me specifically. "Hello, 'mother of ponies'. You're the leader of the American ponies!" She burst into sudden laughter. "Why would you surrender yourself to us? Are you considering turning over your people?"
I lifted my shoulders. "I was hoping we could come to a peaceful arrangement."
Dust Kicker snorted softly. "One way or the other, I suppose." She pointed at hoof at me. "That doesn't excuse you letting my men be dragged away to god knows where. You could have stopped them. You just sat there and rewarded them for attacking us." She growled softly as she turned around. "You're lucky she wants to see you."