//------------------------------// // 15. Road Trip! // Story: SweetieMash Minecraft Adventures : Return of the Nightmare. // by CristalGalaxy //------------------------------// Rumble yawned as his steps got slower through the high grass. He could feel every single muscle in his body stretch out in pain as he looked behind. They had gotten pretty far away from the plains now and were heading for the rocky mountains. But for now, they were crossing a smooth desert in the burning sun, Button leading them and Diamond closing up the group. I've been walking for much too long... "It's only been an hour Rumble..." muttered Applebloom, joining him with an arched eyebrow. "I said that out loud?!" blushed the pegasus in surprise. "Yeah... Well ya more like whisper-" Applebloom violently yanked him out of the way. "Careful!" Rumble looked down and saw he had almost stepped on a red and yellow striped snake who was peacefully enjoying the sun. "Wups!" he chuckled. "Thanks!" Applebloom didn't reply and slowed her steps a little to watch Sweetie - who was behind them - walk strait onto the snake which made a hissing sound and showed it's fangs to her. She didn't even look at it and continued walking, head down and ears low, oblivious to her surroundings. Diamond killed the snake with her sword and joined the two concerned friends who were sadly staring at Sweetie Belle. She slowly walked by them. The three sighed. "Poor thing..." muttered Applebloom, shaking her head. "She's been feeling like that ever since..." Rumble didn't finish his sentence as a mental flashback came back to them. "Never." Sweetie's ears dropped and she fell to her rump, mouth wide in surprise. She warily lifted a hoof in the air and whimpered like a small animal. "B- Button...?" Button didn't even turn around and picked up his backpack before positioning it on his back : "Let's go. We don't wanna be out on the desert by night ; there are scorpions." He trotted forward with a rapid pace, soon followed by Scootaloo and Applebloom. Rumble heard Diamond whisper in Sweetie Belle's ear : "C'mon Sweetie... Just start by giving him some space." She stood up without an answer and galloped to Button. "I'm sorry! I didn't think... I didn't think you'd worry so much!" she whined, desperately trying to keep up with his fast pace. She jerked back when Button's face became angrier : "So I'm supposed to not care about whenever my fillyfriend jumps into a closed area that contains a potential danger of death?" he sharply said. "I... I really-" Sweetie Belle couldn't finish for she tripped over a fallen branch and bit the dust, her hooves failing at holding her up. Her chin hit the grass with a 'thump!' and she shut her eyes. Button didn't stop to help her. "Hey now that's a little harsh!" cut in Scootaloo, catching up with him. "She tripped by herself didn't she?" Scootaloo stopped in her tracks, stunned. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she hissed, before going back to help Sweetie up. The white filly was shaking, tears streaming down her face. She seemed to be frozen in a shock state... Rumble's ears flicked as he grabbed Helper and stuffed him in her backpack. The chicken seemed a little distracted so he thankfully didn't peck or scratch his hooves. "Guys! You coming?" shouted Scootaloo from up front. They all jumped, rudely awoken from their memory. Rumble decided to help out Sweetie Belle. Applebloom and Diamond Tiara shook themselves and trotted forward. Diamond took the opportunity to go talk to Button. Perhaps she could smooth things out... "Uh... Hey..." she awkwardly muttered when she arrived next to him. "Whatever you're here to talk about, I just want to be left alone. So please say whatever you want later on..." Diamond panicked. She needed to stay! "N... No! No... I just wanted to talk about... um... Why you didn't think of me as a coward earlier on...?" she blurted out. "What do you mean...?" he asked, eyebrows raised. "Well... I hid in the house instead of going after Starlight with you guys. I was the only one to go for cover!" "I can't really blame you. This world is terrible... So much danger lurks everywhere... In the shadows, in the trees, in the open spaces and even in each and every one of our hearts." "Such words of wisdom from a young teenager!" giggled Diamond Tiara, saying the first stupid thing that went by in her head. A light chuckle made her jump. Button's mouth was curled up into a smile and his hoof was pressed to his lips. Something warm and fuzzy erupted in Diamond's chest. A rush of wind blew the remains of her mane in front of her eyes. She felt filled with happiness... She had made him laugh! It was the most pleasant feeling in the world. "I'm supposed to be wise...? Jeez, Equestria will fall if that happens!" "Yeah! I-" But Diamond's smile froze. What was she doing...? She hadn't come here to make Button feel happier, but to talk things out! The pink earth pony turned around to check Sweetie Belle. She was still in her slow walk, although Rumble was sticking close, pressed against her pure white fur. He was talking to her and she was nodding. Diamond's gaze went pass them and fell onto Scootaloo. Their eyes crossed each other and Diamond quickly retreated back. Uh oh... She's hating me! I'm talking to Sweetie Belle's colt friend and even made him laugh while he is supposedly mad at her! Is that... Is that considered like flirting...? But Scootaloo's gaze was sad... Why isn't she paying attention to me...?