//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven - When the Bough Breaks // Story: Where the Sunflowers Grow // by Bluespectre //------------------------------// CHAPTER SEVEN WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS Llamas: loud, arrogant and full of their own self importance - the peculiar looking creatures had been in a near constant state of war with their ‘eternal enemy’, the enigmatic Yaks, for as long as anypony could remember. Celestia, and indeed many of her people, were extremely suspicious of the Llamalian Empire and its sudden appearance after the conflict to, ostensibly, ‘improve trade agreements and foster a new age of friendship and cooperation between the nations’. The Princess did not believe a single word of it. Fortunately, neither did most ponies. Despite their honeyed words, the undercurrent of poison that ran through it all, hidden behind smiling faces, was all too apparent. Naturally the Llamalians had a genuine interest in trade, their entire empire was built on commerce after all, but they didn’t miss a chance to exert their influence wherever they could. If there was one thing Celestia had learned about this strange people, it was that you couldn’t trust a single word that came out of their mouths. She observed them carefully as they spoke: the way the creatures smiled constantly, their small beady eyes as black as night, and as soulless as the pit of Tartarus itself. She sighed, her teeth feeling oddly itchy for some reason. The Princess took a breath, leaning her forehead on her hoof: when were they going to finish up and leave? They were worse than those annoying ‘Elders’ from the northern tribes as if that were even possible. At least they’d been dealt with finally, but of course, ‘tradition’ dictated that they be allowed to stay until after the Sun Ceremony… “Marvellous” she muttered to herself. “And an increase in as much as forty percent of your countries per capita…” The Llama paused, looking up at the Princess from his scroll, “I’m sorry?” “I said it’s marvellous, Guild Master Hyorin…simply marvellous” Celestia said with a grin that was bordering on a sarcastic grimace. The Llama’s eyes darted to the Chancellor who quickly lifted a hoof in alarm, “Gentlecolts, forgive us, the hour is late and Her Majesty is tired.” “I am not tired, Chancellor, however I am weary” A surge of irritation bubbled up within Celestia’s chest, her horn starting to itch with the telltale build up of a nearby magical field, “Can we please cut to the chase?” Hyorin looked aghast, his colleague similarly managing to conjure an expression of both outrage and hurt that clashed almost comically with its woolly features. Celestia let out an irritated huff and rose to her hooves, “Well?” The Chancellor balked, her eyes all but bulging out of her head in alarm. This wasn’t right! There were procedures, protocols, the correct order of business simply had to be followed, particularly when dealing with Llamas. Why was she…? The doors flew open, admitting a soaking wet pegasus and two guards, “Your Majesty!” the stallion gasped, “It…It’s…” The poor Chancellor looked like she was going into conniptions along with the two Llamalian representatives, but Celestia had already dismissed them in favour of the weary pegasus. “Speak.” She commanded, walking towards the pale yellow stallion. He swallowed, looking up at his Princess and nodded, “Your Majesty, the storm is causing the lake at Hammerfall to flood at an unprecedented rate. Mudslides have added to the swelling effect and the dam is in danger of collapse. We never planned for anything like this! If we don’t do something…” The Princess forestalled him, lifting her hoof, “Chancellor?” “Um, yes, Your Majesty?” “I’ll leave matters in your hooves, I have more pressing matters to attend to.” Celestia hurried towards the doors and paused to look back at her, “You have my full confidence to finish these trade negotiations favourably. Should you feel any more ‘direct’ intervention is required, I shall give the matter due consideration. Good day, Gentlecolts.” “Princess Celestia, this is highly-” One of the Llama’s began. The Princess eyes flashed dangerously, “-I SAID GOOD DAY, SIR!” and swept from the room. She motioned to one of the guards, “You, summon the guard commander and assemble every able bodied pony we can. NOW!” “Yes, Your Majesty.” The guard snapped off a salute and hurried away. Celestia rubbed her horn; it was itching all the more now, and in time with the occasional flash of distant lightning. She stared out of the rain soaked windows at the near black sky, the high winds roaring and howling in the distance. She gritted her teeth and took a calming breath; ever since the war, ever since that foolish sister of hers and that monstrous spirit, Nightmare Moon, had unleashed her beasts upon her beloved home, the land had been healing itself. But this, this strange weather that would occasionally spring up, was far from natural. She’d had Starswirl look into of course, he apparently had a natural talent for ‘unravelling mysteries’, but typically he was off on another one of his impromptu expeditions to investigate something or other. She’d given up asking him what he was going on about this time round, as the strange fellow would wander off on more tangents than she could shake a proverbial hoof at. Still, the timing couldn’t be better could it? Just when she needed him, the wizard wasn’t here and Rush had… She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes; yes…Rush had… run off, hadn’t he. She snorted, rubbing her forehead; why couldn’t he just stay in the palace where she could keep an eye on him? He was hopeless! And, she had to admit, rather helpless too. That was why she’d assigned Grove as his mentor and guide, for when she wasn’t available, of course. But as usual, she’d had a change of heart, hadn’t she? She’d wanted Rush to go out there and meet ponies, to see the sights of Equestria and get to know his new home. What in the name of all the Gods had she been thinking?! Why couldn’t she have just kept him here: safe, well fed, and well cared for? He was loved, he was needed – she needed him, but instead he’d gone off gallivanting around and learning who knew what vulgarities from that impetuous soldier. Celestia nodded to herself; she would replace Orange Grove with somepony more suitable the first chance she had, one who would keep Rush’s best interests at heart and keep him safe – at least while he learned more about being a pony, naturally. A sharp pain lanced through her head making her wince. She didn’t tend to get headaches very often, but when she did they were usually the harbinger of trouble, and looking round at the sound of approaching hooves, trouble was coming this way… “Your Majesty.” “Guardstallion Grove” the alicorn replied looking down her muzzle at the wretched creature, “Have you news?” Grove shook his head, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, Rush is not in the palace, nor in the grounds. We’ve scoured the town and there’s no sign of him there either.” “Did you ask at the doctor’s surgery?” Celestia asked. Grove nodded, “We did, but they haven’t seen him for days.” “So he’s out there, somewhere…” The Princess turned back to the window, “in this.” Celestia squeezed her eyes shut, trying to keep her increasing fears under control. Rush…he must be terrified! They had to find him, but…the dam… There was no real choice was there? The dam wasn’t large to begin with, no more than a small affair intended to help divert water to the numerous mills that had started up to help rebuild the damage caused during the war. Now, ironically, the very magic used to fight the forces intent on destroying her home had somehow turned the weather itself against them long after they’d been vanquished. The Princess sighed, “Find him Grove. I don’t care what you have to do, just find him and bring him back.” The Stallion bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Celestia pointed a hoof towards the door, “Go, now…” The sound of hoofsteps disappeared up the corridor, overlaid by another, heavier sounding set. Celestia sniffed quietly to herself; she could recognise a pony by sound now, let alone sight – she’d really have to invest in carpets… “Your Majesty.” The Coal black unicorn stallion bowed low. Celestia bobbed her head in acknowledgement, “Commander Onyx, you have been appraised of the situation at the dam?” “Yes, Your Majesty.” He raised his head, “Teams are on their way there now with more volunteers coming from the town.” “Then let us not tarry any longer.” Celestia shook her rainbow mane, the colours standing out starkly against the background darkness of the sky. Another bolt of lightning flashed across the heavens, blindingly bright against the white stone of the palace. Why of all times had Starswirl chosen now to indulge in his hobby? Why had she let him? Ramming the thoughts from her mind, the Princess and Onyx headed for the chariot park. Hopefully, sorting out this mess would take her mind off her problems. She’d been so…preoccupied lately… A pair of guards opened the doors to allow the Princess onto the expansive chariot landing area. It was normally quite an impressive sight with its smooth, gleaming stone surface designed to allow chariots and carriages of all sizes to land quickly and safely. Above her, dominating the approach, was the symbol of the sun, her cutie mark replicated in marble. Now it seemed anachronistic, a helpless symbol of defiance against the relentless force of nature raging around her. The wind screamed around the chariot park, driving the rain at them from every conceivable angle. Despite the walls designed to protect the landing area, the wind buffeted the ponies that were labouring into the sky as she herself took her seat in the large chariot. This wasn’t good; she had never seen the weather this bad before, not since…not since… She closed her eyes and willed the image away; that was a thought for later, not for now. Later, yes, when she could relax with a hot cup of tea, safe at home with her stallion and knowing her land was safe – then she would think on it. Taking her place, the chariot lurched into the air, the four pony team doing all they could to keep them flying straight and level. It was a hopeless task in these winds, but at least they were heading in the right direction. Naturally, she could have travelled there herself, but her appearance would be expected by the workers to help boost their morale, rather than out of any actual necessity; after all, the amount of ponies going would be more than enough to re-enforce the dam. In some respects however, to an outsider looking in, her people seemed to be rather more ‘clingy’ since the war, but it was probably only a passing phase. She could understand it; they’d lost so many of their loved ones and even one of their Princess’s, so their attention had naturally become more focussed on her. And yet, as much as she secretly enjoyed the attention, it could become a little ‘overwhelming’ at times. This had manifested itself recently in various ways, not least of which was Lilly’s outrageous behaviour towards Rush. It was probably not unique in all honesty, and was quite likely simply a case of jealousy more than anything sinister, but it still troubled her. Fortunately, most of what she’d heard from her staff regarding her new consort had been positive…mostly. Celestia rolled her eyes; ponies would just have to accept that she was mare as well as a ruler, and that she would still be there for them if she was needed. Today, as selfish as it might sound, would be useful in helping get that message across. The wind howled around them in a deafening fury of freezing rain and noise. Quickly, Celestia threw up a shield around the chariot, drowning out the worst of the weather, and much to her pegasi drivers’ relief. She nodded to them as they smiled back at her, but inside she was worried: if things were this bad here, then what was it like at the dam? Since the Legion had been expelled and Nightmare Moon banished, they’d experienced weather like this across right across Equestria, but the way it would simply appear with next to no warning and then vanish just as fast was frightening. This time however…this time it was lingering much longer than she’d come to expect, and there was something else about it too – the way her horn itched, almost as if the storm was being…’directed’ somehow. Silly, of course, but still, there was something to it… The chariot began its descent, circling down in a wide banking spiral, providing the Princess with a view of the work going on below. Lanterns flickered like fireflies in the wind alongside magical lamps that had been set up to provide illumination to the frightening scene unfolding by the dam and only served to hi-light the frightening scale of the problem. The water the dam was holding back was churning as if it were a beast alive, and thrashing against its cage seeking release. Never designed to hold back such a force, the dam, a construction of little more than logs and earth, was nearly being overwhelmed already. The Chariot touched down smoothly and Celestia disembarked, trying to find somepony in charge; in the darkness, rain and chaos of activity, her arrival had barely been noticed. One of the more official looking ponies nearby was talking with a group of smaller, brown coated creatures who were animatedly pointing towards the lake. Apparently reaching some sort of agreement, the curious things chirruped and ran off into the rain, while the heavy-set mare, spotting Celestia, trotted over to her and bowed, “Your Majesty.” Celestia lifted a hoof in greeting, only to have to quickly use it hold her mane out of her face, “Frond?” she breathed a sigh of relief at finding the Chief Engineer so soon, “How are things here?” The engineer shook her head, “Not good. We’re trying to build up the dam’s base with earth and stone, but the beavers are saying it won’t be enough and we’ll need to relieve the pressure.” “How?” Celestia asked. Frond showed her a plan of the area, trying her best to keep it in place as it whipped around as though it had a mind of its own, “We’re looking at digging channels where I’ve marked in red. This will help reduce the level. We’ve got ponies working on diverting the flow from the hills too.” She pointed off into the darkness, “The hillside’s given way already with the sheer volume of rain and that’s only adding to our problems; now we’ve got uprooted trees, mud, rocks and the Goddesses know what else acting like battering rams against the inside of the dam wall.” “Have we evacuated anypony living downstream?” The Princess asked. “Aye” Frond nodded, “There were just a few griffin fishing huts and saw mills, but everypony should be well out of harms way by now.” The Princess nodded, taking a calming breath. Thank the Gods they’d had the foresight to have organised teams that could react quickly to potential problems such as this. It had been one of the surprising, and unexpectedly welcome side effects of having large numbers of ex-army ponies returning to civilian work; a great number of them had been highly disciplined and taking on the organisation and logistics of building a better and stronger Equestria had been a natural progression for many, and enthusiastically undertaken. The result had been the magnificent palace and the town of Paddock to name but two. She’d never even considered restoring the old capital, and besides, many of its buildings had been reduced to little more than powder following her battle with Nightmare Moon and the explosion that had ripped through her ancestral home’s heart. Now, whenever she looked at it, all she felt was…pain…pain and…loss. Luna… One of Frond’s engineers ran up, the stallion covered in mud from head to hoof. He was panting hard, “Chief, the barriers have given way, the mud’s pouring down into the western basin and surging. If we don’t do something fast, we’re going to lose the dam.” “Damn it!” Frond grit her teeth, “Get all out unicorns to the eastern culverts; I want all effort put into opening them up as quickly as he can!” Celestia looked up as another bolt of lighting lashed across the sky, thunder booming almost simultaneously. The storm was right above them. She shook out her wings, “Frond, where do you need these culverts?” “Here!” The chief engineer bellowed over the wind noise, “On the edge of the Pinto Forest; we’re trying to run the water off into the valley.” Celestia nodded. With a thrust of her wings, she launched into the air, quickly forced back by a gust that nearly threw her to the ground. Neighing loudly, she gritted her teeth, and with a combination of wing and magic, she plunged into the darkness. Rain, cold and sharp with the sting of winters chill, cut through the alicorn’s coat making her gasp in shock. She hadn’t felt anything like this since that terrible conflict, since the last time she’d been in the mountains. The ice, the snow, the unrelenting emptiness of that awful place; she could still picture it in her mind: the rocky passes, the moaning of the wintery wind, the cry of those who had been lost, the empty stares of the slain lying at her hooves, looking up at her with accusing eyes…it was her…she was the one…SHE WAS THE ONE! The wind pounded into her, pulling at her wings and screaming in her ears, the cry of the lost souls a faint but insistent undercurrent throughout its endless refrain. The Princess closed her eyes, tears stinging them just as much as the rain was. She shuddered, trying to hold herself together, but it was hopeless; she couldn’t change what had happened, they’d given her no other choice! She’d had no choice! Dear Gods, it was her people or theirs! With a yell of defiance and fright at the intrusive images and sounds that assailed her, she dove down, the lights of the teams below looking like nothing more than a blessing from the Gods to a drowning soul. Celestia was scared, the emotions surging through her; they were so unusual, so alien and yet disturbingly familiar too…what was this? She shook her head, trying to regain control of herself and concentrate of what she had to do. Ponies needed her help, and whatever this cursed weather was, whatever had spawned this evil, it would have to wait. The hillside was thick with debris washed down from higher up, a lethal tangle of broken trees, rocks, and the heady smell of wet earth and mud. Earth ponies and unicorns were working together to clear a path for the churning waters, the glow of magic sending out eerie shadows in the unnatural darkness of the raging storm. They were tired, the effort showing in their eyes, but their determination remained as strong as ever. This was their land, their home, and many of them were veterans of the recent war to defend what they all held so dear. No mere storm, magical or otherwise would stop them, and yet Celestia knew, she could feel it in her bones, that time was running out. The waters were rising rapidly, the mudslides and debris accelerating the process, but at least here, she could help. She landed amongst them, magically projecting her voice, “All of you, move to higher ground, quickly. I will deal with this.” They didn’t need telling twice. Hurrying uphill, the ponies retreated to the waiting sky carriages that had been left with their pegasi contingent in case a quick retreat was needed, and by the looks of the dam, they would be - and probably sooner than expected. She had to move quickly. Ensuring the last of the ponies was clear, The Princess launched herself back into the sky and slowed her breathing, summoning and honing her magic, narrowing it down and adjusting the flow. The last time she’d used her power this, the focussed concentration of energy, had been… She neighed, gritting her teeth, shaking her mane and rammed the image of her sister from her mind. Not now, she couldn’t let that distract her now! With a shout of anger and defiance, the Princess unleashed the powers of the sun, blasting a burning, smoking channel through the hillside that lead to the uninhabited valley below, until, eventually, her magic broached the last barrier to the dammed water above. The world paused. A moment later, a roar the likes of which would have put a dragon to shame, engulfed the Princess as the very hillside shook with the flood of mud and debris that had finally found a way to escape the confines of the lake above. But would it be enough? Celestia turned and headed back to the main camp. Soon she could hear the shouts and neighs of the workers below her, the lights of their lanterns winking out one after the other, the almost slow motion treacle like movement of water pushing over, and then through, what had once been a dam meant to help ponies. Now, horribly, it was a scene that chilled her heart. Celestia swept down like a bolt of lightning from the heavens, watching helplessly as the flood broke through the dam with terrifying strength, an unstoppable power that would sweep all in its path. She’d slowed it with the diversion, but it was too little, and…too late… “Princess!” Frond and the others were taking shelter amongst a makeshift set of canvas shelters while the ponies loaded what equipment they’d been able to save, and themselves, into carts. “Are you alright?” She asked, “What happened to the other team?” “They’re safe.” Celestia affirmed, wiping the rainwater from her muzzle, “What about your ponies?” Frond nodded to her, “They’re safe too.” She looked past her at the black tide, “Thank goodness we saw the bulging of the dam before it was too late and got everypony out of the way.” She shook his head sadly, “We did what we could, but thank the Goddesses that there’s no villages or homes downstream. This lot will peter out and then we’ll get back to restoring the dam.” She looked up, “Once this storms passed, at least.” Celestia sank to her haunches; tiredness and the exertion of her magic making her feel a little light headed. She hadn’t used this amount of magic since the war and was long out of practice. Soft living and the incessant badgering by foreign diplomats had sucked the life and energy from her like some well meaning vampire. She sighed, “Thank everypony for me, Frond. I have to get back and…and…” Celestia lifted her hoof to her face, her vision blurring slightly. This was strange: why couldn’t she focus on her eyes on anything properly? Everything seemed blurry and… “Princess, are you alright? Your Majesty!” Frond sounded frantic, the pony standing on her hind legs and waving to her comrades, “Doctor! Somepony fetch the Doctor!” Pain, sharp and insistent, flashed through Celestia’s head like a lightning bolt, making her cry out moments before she fell into the merciful darkness of unconsciousness. She never even felt the impact of her body on the rain soaked ground, nor the frightened voices of her ponies as they rushed to her aid… “Rush…” ************************** “Well, looks like you’re stuck with us for the night, buddy.” Rush groaned inwardly. Barley was right of course, but by all the spirits, he wished he wasn’t. This storm just wouldn’t let up, and the six of them were huddled together beneath the shelter in front of a brazier trying in vain to keep warm. It was a losing battle: the wind sucked away any heat the fire gave off, and only served to blast them with smoke from the now half saturated wood. All attempts at keeping it dry, and themselves, had proved to be a near impossible task, but at least the waterproofs were holding up. Sadly, they didn’t do much to keep you warm, nor did they cover every square inch of you, and this damnable wind found every single gap. Gods, when would this end?! Rush closed his eyes, remembering the warmth of the bed in Tia’s chambers, and the warmth of his mare beside him. He missed her, and cursed his own stupidity for leaving her the way he had. What a damned fool he’d been! Rush gritted his teeth, pulling his waterproof in ever tighter – had he lost his mind? Why had he been so selfish? Didn’t he understand how much work she had to do, or how much pressure she was under? Why couldn’t he have been more understanding? He wouldn’t blame her if she simply turned him away when he got back there with his tail between his legs; after all, why not? He was the one who’d run away, he was the one who’d just shrugged and took to his heels because it was ‘too hard’ to face dealing with a confusing situation. Damn it all! He never used to be such a coward! “Hey, you okay?” Pop nudged him, “Rush?” “Hmm?” Rush opened one eye. “I asked if you were okay.” She replied, “You look like you’re in pain or something.” Rush shook his head, “No, just…cold.” “Not much we can do about that my friend,” Barley muttered on the other side of him, “We’re stuck here until the storm passes.” “Boss?” Rock asked, turning to Straw. Straw was staring into the brazier with a faraway gaze, “I think we ought to move.” “What? In this?!” Queenie chirped up, “You can’t see your hoof in front of your face!” She was right, it was now so dark it was almost impossible to see more than a couple of yards in front of you; add to that the torrential rain, and it was like trying to get your bearings while standing under the shower in the pitch black – not something Rush wanted to try. Still, they were inland slightly from the river, so even if it swelled they were well out of harms way. Straw relented, nodding to Queenie and the others, “Try and get some rest then, ponies. We’ll keep a watch through the night just in case…” “In case of what?” Queenie chipped in, “You expecting a thestral attack or something?” Rock snorted, “You wish!” “Oh belt up, muscle brain.” The white mare frowned. “Thanks for volunteering for the first watch, you two.” Straw announced with a smirk, “Pop, Barley and Rush, you guys try and get some sleep. These two will wake you up when its time to take your shift.” “What are we looking out for?” Rush asked, feeling a little foolish, “Are there things in the woods we should know about?” Barley yawned, “Other than timber wolves? Nah, not here, we’re too close to civilisation for the nastier things…” He raised an eyebrow, “Like pink monkeys.” “Smart arse.” “Yeah, I thought so.” Barley chuckled. “He’s talking about the river.” Pop chimed in, shaking her head at the two stallions, “If you’d paid attention in school, you might have noticed that lots of rain equals bigger river? I guess you must have learned something growing up, or did you both go to the same school of stupid?” “Not me.” Barley said scratching his damp mane, “I tried to enrol, but all the places were taken up by bitchy mares.” “Not bad.” Pop sniffed, “Needs work though.” “Huh?” Rush turned to his friend with a look of befuddlement. Barley sighed, “My comebacks,” he said with a smirk, “Pop Top’s been trying to, um, ‘educate’ me.” “He’s doing better, though.” Pop called over to them as she began setting up her bedding under the awning, “He needs to learn not to spend his life as a doormat. Give as good as you get, you know?” Rush shook his head and pulled his own bedding over himself. It was wet, everything was wet, and that wonderful beacon of warmth, the once blazing campfire, had long since succumbed to the relentless downpour. Gods above, what a night this was going to be! Sure enough, the rain never let up. Hour after hour, the wind, the rain, and the relentless cold was making Rush shiver despite having fur. Suddenly the strange clothes, and that cloak Tia had bought him, now looked an awful lot more inviting than they had at first. Rush’s initial enthusiasm in being able to wear something that would ‘cover up’ his body had quickly been quashed when he discovered how flashy and gaudy court dress was. It just wasn’t…’him’; he was the sort of fellow who preferred plainer things, practical things, but what Tia had produced was covered in literally acres of what she’d called ‘lace’ and, Gods help him, ‘buttons’. What the hell was wrong with tying things? Clothes did a job: they kept you warm, kept the rain off and stopped you from dying of hypothermia. In the case of what the Princess has given him, they made him look like a courtesan from the Emperor’s palace! Well, not that he’d ever actually seen one of course, but then he supposed that he was the Princess’s courtesan…of a sort. He recalled how she’d made him stand there while she inspected him too; the look on his face however must have said it all – Tia had been in a huff with him all afternoon after that fiasco. Rush sighed; who understood the mind of a mare? She probably thought he’d have been thrilled with looking like a bloody peacock, but years of being alone, of being his own man, had made him…irritable. Rush closed his eyes, feeling a slight stinging in the corners. What the hell had she done to him? What, was he going to cry now?! Blasted mare, she was trying to change him, wasn’t she? Trying to turn him into…into… Rush covered his head with his hooves and felt a shudder run through him. By all the spirits, Gods, and Goddess’s of this land, he missed her so much! Time went by, or at least it probably did, as lying on damp straw in damp bedding in the driving rain made it feel as though it were standing still. Every second felt like an hour: an hour he was away from Tia, a hot bath, and hot food. They say you don’t know what you’ve got until you’ve lost it – Rush could only pray he hadn’t been such a fool he’d lost Tia’s love. Maybe he had? Maybe, after abandoning her the way he had and all the trouble he’d caused her, she’d have finally had enough of the troublesome ‘pink monkey pony’. He didn’t want to think about it. Still, if his worst fears were realised then there was always the logging camp, wasn’t there? He could start a new life with these people and become a hard working labourer to earn his pay. It was a little different to reed working of course, and he’d be working with others, but the company was good - mostly. Queenie was a worry, especially the way she looked at him when she didn’t think he could see her: she always appeared ‘hungry’ somehow, as though she would simply like nothing better than to suck up all the life energy from him and leave him an empty husk before moving onto the next stallion. Gods, she frightened him! He’d never met anypony like her in his life before. What was really disconcerting though was the fact she was almost the same colour as Celestia. Her mane was a stark contrast of course, and her cutie mark was different – a golden sceptre of all things. Maybe she had been destined for greater things? He still didn’t understand the cutie mark thing, but it obviously meant something to Equestrians. To Rush, it was a fancy picture on your arse that you couldn’t even shave off! He hadn’t tried of course, but he’d examined it in the shower and it was most definitely part of him – the fur quite literally grew like that. He remembered the first time he’d seen Tia’s, and actually thought it had been painted on! He chuckled to himself; why not? Lords were so damned vain that- “Somepony’s happy.” A white leg appeared in front of Rush’s muzzle. “TIA!” he squeaked in surprise. “Who?” Queen’s Court stared down at Rush, “Are you okay?” Rush groaned, “No.” Looking up at the mare he tried an apologetic look, “Sorry, Queenie, I must have been daydreaming.” “More like a wet dream” She beamed, waggling her eyebrows. Rush frowned. “Because it’s raining?” Queenie raised a hoof, “And you were smiling in your sleep and…” She gave a whinny, “Oh forget it!” She leaned down and nudged him, “You cold?” Rush nodded, “Yeah, freezing.” Queenie snorted, “Shift over then.” “Wha…?” Rush nearly choked in surprise as the mare suddenly lay down beside him, snuggling herself into his side. “Queenie, please…” he whispered. “You don’t have to ask so nicely,” she cut in, “I don’t mind.” Lifting his head to protest, Rush saw the look in the mare’s eyes and paused. Queenie sighed and shook her head in dismay, “Rush, just shut up, okay?” Rush relented, keeping his thoughts to himself. Telling him to shut up was she? She was the one who was all but throwing herself on him and… Oh, to hell with it! Rush gritted his teeth and tried to think of something else to take his mind off the now increasingly warm sensation seeping through his hide. It wasn’t as if it was especially unpleasant of course, not when the alternative was being cold and damp, but it wasn’t particularly pleasurable either. Now if he had a pony on the other side of him, he could…he could… Rush yawned…Gods it was so… Queenie smiled quietly beside him as Rush’s eyes closed and he began to slowly drift off to sleep. ************************** Rush lay in the expansive bed: the newspaper, tea, and a plate of hot crumpets slathered with melting butter and jam a little slice of heaven on a cold morning. He felt wonderful, and so warm too, yet not uncomfortably so – in fact, everything was just right. He groaned and stretched his legs out, checking his hooves were all neat and trim. Tia’s grooming oils had worked wonders and they virtually shone. The new cloak she’d bought him was hanging beside the bathroom door and had been emblazoned with her cutie mark, showing to the work that he was her stallion. He’d been a little unsure about that at first, but since all the other palace staff had that mark he hadn’t been too concerned. Rush’s inbuilt cynicism and self doubt had initially reacted to it by viewing it as almost an owners mark! He shrugged; maybe to Tia it was in a way, and to others who saw it they may think the same too, but in reality, who really cared? If Tia wanted to tell the world he belonged to her, he didn’t care one jot. He loved her, she loved him, and he was the happiest stallion in the land. The newspaper was full of stories about new hair products today, as well as the latest projects from around Equestria, and all manner of seemingly trivial and nonsensical things. He’d read it later – and that was the good part of it – he could read! All the lessons, all the hard work, had finally paid off and now he could honestly say he was a pony who could get along in society just fine, thank you very much. It was just as well too, because the last thing he wanted was to humiliate the Princess with his lack of knowledge of Equestria, but at long last, he was finding himself actually fitting in. Better still, and perhaps most surprising of all, Rush had friends. Imagine that! Friends! He chuckled to himself and took a bite of his crumpet, allowing the wonderful burst of flavour to roll around his mouth; Gods, it was heavenly… The door opened and Lilly walked in, a smile on her face, “Good morning, sir.” “Good morning, Lilly.” Rush smiled back happily. “Was breakfast to your liking?” she asked. “It was wonderful, thank you.” Rush replied. Lilly lifted a dainty eyebrow, “Sir, we have a new girl starting today and it’s traditional to introduce her to everypony in the palace. If you have the time, she’s waiting in the corridor outside.” She smiled, “Shall I show her in?” Rush nodded, “Of course, Lilly, please do.” “You can come in now.” Lilly called. The door opened, allowing in the palace’s new maid. She was… “Oh!” Rush’s heart leaped into his mouth. Walking rather shyly into the room, the surprisingly tall maid nervously stumbled slightly on the edge of the rug and bobbed an unsteady curtsy, “Good morning, sir.” Rush cleared his throat, “I…er…yes, good morning, miss?” “Tia, sir” the mare replied. “Tia.” Rush echoed. Lilly lifted a hoof to her mouth, “My goodness!” she announced, “I forgot I’d left the tea on! I’d better sort that out before it stews.” And with that she vanished from the room, closing the door behind her with an unnaturally loud ‘click’. The new maid watched Rush from under perfectly formed eyebrows, her big purple eyes looking nervous and yet, strangely bold too. She opened her mouth and looked away a moment, “Would sir like help with anything this morning?” she asked quietly. Rush froze. What was he…? He smiled, and climbed down from the bed, “Yes please, Tia. I have a new cloak I’d like to try on. Will you help me with it?” The maid bobbed her head, “Of course sir, I’d be happy to!” Golden light surrounded the cloak and lifted it from the hook on the wall before draping it over Rush’s back. It was a wonderfully well made garment: dark blue with a golden sunburst in the corner. He smiled at the soft feeling of it against his fur, “Do you like it?” he asked. Tia nodded, “Oh, yes, sir! It looks well on you indeed.” The maid moved closer, her rainbow mane, tied up in a twin ponytail and hanging down either side of her elegant neck, swayed enticingly as she walked. Rush watched her intently as her black and white dress moved with her; the way it rustled, the soft sound of the fabric brushing against her pure white fur - it made his hooves tingle. “I need to clip this chain together sir, and…” she paused. Rush had raised his hoof to forestall her, “No…” he said quietly, “No magic. I want you to fasten it without that.” Tia froze, her ears twitching. She bobbed her head in acknowledgement, her voice now a bare whisper, “Yes, sir.” Cautiously, the mare approached, leaning down to take the chain in her mouth and outstretched hoof. Rush waited, listening; he could hear her breathing, the slight rustle of her maid uniform. He closed his eyes, taking in her heady scent…the scent of lavender… The maid fumbled awkwardly with the chain, losing her grip on it and allowing it swing free to make an unusually loud clinking sound in the now almost palpable quiet of the room. Apologetically, she tried again. “Here.” Rush lifted the chain in his hoof, “It may be easier if I hold this part.” Tia smiled and bobbed her head, “Yes, sir.” She moved closer, her horn brushing past Rush’s neck and sending a jolt through him that made his tail flick involuntarily. He squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for her to finish, yet…hoping she wouldn’t. “Done!” She moved away, a look of triumph on her face, “Does it please you, sir?” Rush nodded, “It does Tia.” His heart was beginning to pound in his ears, “It does…” She looked up at him shyly, “Will there be anything else sir?” Heat surged through Rush’s body, his breathing becoming heavy and his ears feeling as though they were burning. Without thinking he reached for her, and hesitated, but then the faint floral hint of Tia’s perfume caught him, and - it was too much. With a whinny Rush took her up in his forelegs, gently but firmly bringing her to him. He squeezed his eyes shut, taking in her heavenly scent, the feel of her mane against his muzzle. and the warm softness of her coat. “Tia…” he whispered, “I…” She pushed him away. The white mare blushed slightly, glancing at the floor for the briefest of moments before smiling that smile that made his heart melt, “Rush…” Rush trembled as she took his ear in her mouth, running her tongue along the edge and nibbling him to the point where he cried out her name. He held her, frightened to squeeze too hard, but desperate to be with her here, now…it had been too long… “It has.” The mare replied, “I’ve been patient, but you’re mine now.” “Tia…” Rush breathed. “I can be,” The mare said looking down at him and brushing her ebony mane from her eyes, “just for tonight…” Rush’s heart leaped, his eyes going wide, “Queenie!” “Mmm…” The mare smiled at him seductively, “The one and only.” “For the Gods’ sake, get off me!” Rush spat, trying to shrug her off. “No.” The mare leaned closer, her sheer size, weight and incredible musculature kept the brown stallion pinned to the ground, “The others have given us a little time to ourselves, so you and I can…’get to know each other a little better’.” She leaned over and nipped his ear, “Is that nice? I know you like it.” “Queenie, please!” Rush struggled, trying to push her off him, “I don’t want-” “-and I don’t care.” She said, her eyes narrowing, “This is about what I want, not you. We’re going to have a little playtime together, that’s all. For goodness sake, Rush, just relax, you’ll enjoy it.” “I damned well won’t!” Rush snarled, “Get the buck off me, or…” “-Or what?” Queenie chuckled, “You think you can take me? I could snap your neck like a dry stick, my bold stallion, and there’s not a damned thing you can do about it.” “Straw will…” The mare pushed a hoof against Rush’s mouth, “Straw won’t know, will he? Anyway, who do you think is the real power here, eh? Straw? Pop? No, Rush, it’s me. I am the power of this team, and you will show your gratitude for us taking you in.” She stared hard into his eyes, “And now…” Queenie leaned down and licked Rush’s muzzle, “It’s just the two of us. Tomorrow, you can go home to your ‘Tia’, and this will remain our little secret.” She giggled, “Our naughty, little secret.” Rush closed his eyes and tried to wake up. This nightmare, this horrible dream wasn’t happening! What the hell was she doing? Should he yell for help? Should he make himself look helpless and weak for not being able to reject Queenie and her advances? Gods, what should he do?! Queenie groaned, settling herself into a more comfortable position, “Now, Rush,” she whispered, “Just relax and let me do all the…” “What the hell are you doing?!” Rush stared up into the face of Straw, his large frame recognisable even beneath the waterproofs and the rain that was sluicing off him. “You’re supposed to be on watch!” the stallion growled. Rush shook his head, “Straw, I…” “Buck off, Straw.” Queenie snapped, “Rush and I are having a little fun time together, and then you can have your sentry duty soldier all for yourself.” Straw stomped a hoof, “You’re going too far, Queenie, now get off him!” “Make me” she snarled. Straw balked, but quickly dropped into a fighting stance, his eyes flashing dangerously. Queenie simply smiled back at him menacingly, the mirth in her voice barely disguising the undercurrent of restrained anger coursing through her, “You’re Pathetic.” “Queenie, please, stop this, let him up.” Pop’s voice from behind her was gentle and kind, making the white mare look up reluctantly, “Come on now, this isn’t right.” “What the hell do you know?” Queenie hissed, “You have a husband, you have foals! You know nothing about me!” “I know you’re hurting.” Pop said, reaching out to her, “But Queenie, you know Rush doesn’t want this, don’t you?” “I…” The white coated mare swallowed, “I don’t…” Pop reached out and took her in her forelegs, “It’s alright Queenie, shhh, it’s alright now.” Rush lay quietly, watching in no small amount of relief as the large form of Queenie was gently but firmly guided to the back of the tent by her friend. “You okay?” Barley asked quietly, walking up beside Straw, “She said the tarpaulin was loose on the wagon and we went to tie it down, but…” Straw held up a hoof, “I don’t think you need to go into detail, Barley.” He narrowed his eyes, “This isn’t the first time we’ve had this sort of thing on camp,” the stallion shook his head, “but it’s the last.” Barley blinked in surprise, “Chief?” Straw lowered his voice, “In the morning, rain or no, I want her off the camp.” “But Chief…!” Straw rounded on the copper stallion, his eyes narrowed in barely contained fury, “I will not have that sort of behaviour on camp from anypony, do you understand? Dear Goddesses, Barley, didn’t you see what nearly happened? She tricked us into leaving her alone so she could…” He trailed off, closing his eyes as he did so and sighed, “In the morning, at first light…I want her gone.” Barley hung his head, “Yes, Chief.” Rush closed his eyes and pulled his blanket over himself. He’d barely been here a day and another painful drama was unfolding before his eyes. Pushing his muzzle into his forelegs, he huffed out a breath; it was universal, wasn’t it? Nopony could just leave others in peace to live their lives without some sort of harassment, could they? No, of course not, it was damned well inevitable wasn’t it? You put two or more together and sooner or later something like this happens. It was inevitable, wasn’t it? Dear Gods, it was like some kind of built in self destruct: hey, are you having a nice day? You are? Great! Now, watch as I destroy it for you because, you know, I can! What the hell was wrong with people? Ponies…Oh, what the hell was the point! Damn it, all he wanted was be left alone! Rush pulled the damp blanket over his head and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the sobbing from the back of the tent. The night dragged on. Rush couldn’t sleep, and now his eyes felt puffy and full of grit which only served to prolong the misery of waiting for dawn. Throughout it all, the rain continued to fall without let up. The ground beyond the shelter was now little more than mud, the fire a soaking wet hole where only the other day they had sung songs and passed around alcohol. Now it was a cruel reminder that this world was no better than his last, and perhaps…perhaps he should have… “Hey, you hear that?” Barley said, lifting his head, “Can’t see a damned thing, mind, but I can definitely hear something.” Rush gave himself a shake and looked into the darkness and rain, “I can’t see a damned thing, Barley.” “Could be…” The stallion’s eyes narrowed as he stared, “It looks like…” None of them even had the time to cry out as the wall of black hit them full force. Rush felt his whole body grabbed and submerged, his entire vision swamped in darkness and his hearing muted to a dull, watery roar. He couldn’t breath; his lungs were screaming for air, but his body was being pulled, spun, and thrown around to the point where he no longer knew whether he was up or down. Even if he did, it wouldn’t have helped in any case: Rush was helpless, his body continuously thumped and smashed by unseen debris held in the inexorable flow, his attempts to grab hold of something solid as a useless as his attempts to broach the surface that must be so, so near. The movement continued; the helpless dragging, the bone jarring impacts and…AIR! For a moment, just a few seconds, Rush felt his head clear the surface and he gulped in as much of the sweet life giving air into his lungs could take before something smashed painfully into his hind legs, caught hold, and dragged him under once more. Rush’s mind was racing as he struggled to pull himself free. Above the churning waters of the flood, he’d left not only that most precious of life giving gifts, the very air he breathed, but also, nightmarishly, the faint echoes of the screams from his drowning friends. Rush fought. Whatever had his leg, pulled him along as though he were nothing more than a rag doll, the dark mass dragging him around and around helplessly. Every so often he would be hauled to the surface, allowing him a precious chance to grab some air before being pulled back down once again. The noise was horrifying, the movement stomach churning, but despite the strength of the water, he was no weakling. Desperately, Rush heaved and pushed himself with a combination of hoof and teeth, to ease his hind leg free of what was now quite clearly the roots of some enormous tree, torn from the earth that had once gave it life by this tide of death. Rush poured every once of strength he had, every single last drop of energy, into freeing himself from his wooden captor, until, with a gasp, he finally, agonisingly, managed to pull himself up and out onto the churning surface. The water continued to move ever onward, debris colliding both him and the tree he clung to, spinning them around like a foal’s top, but at least now he could breathe, despite the water deluging him. In a situation like this, legs and arms would probably be a lot better than hooves and teeth for grip, but the sheer strength in Rush’s body was incomparable. With a bellow of anger and frustration, he hauled himself up on top of the tree and hung on for dear life. He could taste blood in his mouth and the earthiness of the muddy water that stopped up his nose, eyes and ears. The thought of trying to swim for land and possible salvation was a dangerous temptation, but in the darkness, rain and the furious waters, it was a temptation that would more than likely lead to death. There was only one thing he could do – hang on. Rush kept his hold on the slick bark of the tree, the branches whipping around and hitting him, as painful as they were, acted as an anchor, helping him to cling on to his unlikely saviour. He closed his eyes and did something he did very seldom: he prayed; not to the Gods of his world, but to those of this one. Hell, given the options he would have prayed to anypony right then! But still, it had to be worth a try. He didn’t know who the Gods were here; probably Luna and Celestia from what he’d heard, but could she answer? Somehow, he didn’t think it was very likely – those who worshipped her probably hadn’t seen her wearing a bathrobe and slippers while wearing her spectacles and reading the morning paper. He grinned despite himself and began to laugh; the Goddess of the sun, and the Goddess of breakfast! Rush neighed loudly, yelling and shouting out his defiance to the world, laughing in the face of the madness of it all. Why the hell was he here? Why had his mother left to travel to the human world? What was the point of all of this? It was all a game, wasn’t it: some huge, universal game, where the Gods looked down and laughed at the suffering and torment of the mortals. Rush shrugged and shook his head. He could take a joke, and this was the best one of all: he was still alive! Those ethereal bastards hadn’t taken him yet, but he knew with horrible certainty that at any moment he could be slammed into something, his body thrown into the water, and that would be that. Would he be taken to the herd as the ponies believed, or would he end up in one of the hells the humans believed in? He wasn’t sure, and what did it matter anyway? When had he ever had a choice in what happened to him? Sometimes he wondered about going home, back to his hut in the mountains, but what then? To die as some lonely old man, where nobody cared a damn about you, only to find your bleached bones one day in the mouldering wreckage of your hut? Or here, where he had friends and a mare who loved him? Here, where at any moment, he could be snatched away in fates cold grasp. He closed his eyes, hung, on and laughed at world, “Come on then!” he yelled, “I’m right here! Come on Gods, Goddesses or whatever the hell you monsters are! COME AND GET ME!” The world went black. ************************** Gods, his head felt like it had been cracked with a sledgehammer and his mouth was full of mud, water, blood and… He coughed violently, wretching up water and who knew what else. Rush’s eyes flew open – he couldn’t hear anything! He was deaf, his body broken and smashed, and…and he couldn’t move! In a panic, a strength he didn’t know he still had surged through him, his flailing legs kicking out until they found enough purchase to push him upright. More effort, more pushing and snorting, and he slowly began to haul himself upright out of the sea of congealing mud, branches, and rocks that had all but cocooned him. The sticky mud was like the grip of some silent spirit, pulling at him, sucking him back down, down to where he could simply lie in its cold grasp, letting it drain the last of the warmth and life from him. It would be so easy to give up, wouldn’t it? To just let it all go…and go to sleep. No. NO! But he could, couldn’t he? Simply…let go, to be with his mother and father, to meet Silver Spark for the first time, to be with his mother as she was meant to be – a pony. The three of them, a family once again – maybe even his…his own some day… Rush gritted his teeth, snorting, heaving, pulling, pushing – anything to get himself free of the cloying earth, to get up and simply…move. He took a breath; he had to keep moving - to be able to walk was to live, and inside, deep down, he wanted to see her, he had to see Tia once more. If he concentrated, he could hear her voice, he could see her encouraging him to try, to try one more step. He pulled a leg free and heaved himself forward, trying to coordinate the other three, pushing onward and finding, horribly, his hooves sinking just as deep as they had. Rush had seen horses in the human world like this, how they would just struggle and struggle until there was nothing left to give – and then simply…give up. To the devil with it, to the devil with the Gods and this damned mud, he was going to live…he was going to live! Rush heaved another leg up, out, and down, again, up, out and down, again, and again, and again… And then there it was: solid ground. The shock was almost tangible. Beneath his hoof, like a beacon in the darkness: solid ground! Rush pushed with all his might and dragged himself up. One more step, another and another, and there, thick with brown mud, sticks, leaves and filth, the brown earth stallion stood amongst a field of destruction and devastation the likes of which he had never dreamed possible. But he was alive. Rush shuddered and took a breath: a sweet, sweet breath of the pure, clear Equestrian air. Dear Goddesses, Gods, or whatever they were, “Thank you.” He could feel tears welling in his eyes, ironically helping to wash out the sand, mud and grit that caked them. “Thank you.” He was sure he could hear laughing. Rush stood for a while, simply standing, breathing, and trying to sense whether there was any damage to his body. Perhaps he was in shock, it was certainly possible, but he felt…nothing. There were a few pains here and there, maybe a broken rib or two by the feel of things, certainly a lot of cuts, bruises, and a split lip, but amazingly, other than a few minor gashes that would need washing out, his legs were all working just as they should. More than anything though he was tired, exhausted in fact, and almost comically, he was incredibly thirsty too. He nearly laughed at the irony. Rush took a breath and tried to get his bearings. The landscape around him though was unlike anything he’d ever seen in his life; in fact it was more like something he would have imagined as a description of one of the human hells. Uprooted and shattered trees, branches, and rocks lay all around him, all of it covered in a thick orange-brown mud that was even now starting to dry on his coat. At least it had stopped raining at last, the sun quickly drying out the mud around him and causing it to steam. He pushed on; the last thing he wanted was to just lie down somewhere and let the mud dry on his coat, as tired as he was. What he needed was water, both for a wash, and to drink. Rush paused; his hearing was still blocked up with mud, but he could hear something, something beyond a pile of destroyed trees - a sound that promised hope, a sound of salvation…water! Heavily, Rush’s hooves propelled him forward towards the creek. Somehow, miraculously, this small flowing body of water had survived the nightmarish flood. It was clean, so far as he could tell, and drew him like a moth to a flame. Rush had ceased to care in any case, all he wanted to do now was to get as much of the mud from himself and just drink…drink until it came out of his ears – well, metaphorically of course. He paused; his ears! Quickly, he dipped his head into the water, closing his eyes and felt the fast running water flowing over his muzzle. Cleaning his hooves the best he could, Rush tentatively began to rub his ears, allowing the water to swirl around them. It was a horrible sensation, and yet wonderful at the same time; the way the cold of the water made him shudder, the way it made his hearing roar as it flushed the resiliently sticky mud from inside his ears, was both frightening and exhilarating. Pony ears, it appeared, were a lot more sensitive than he’d realised, and having cold water inside them was not an experience he would care to repeat, but the result was well worth a little discomfort. In a plume of water, Rush threw back his head and bellowed his return to the world of the living. He could see, he could hear, he was…alive! Slaking his thirst in long draughts, Rush turned his attention to sluicing away as much of the mud as he could. It was no easy task either; the mud was thick, and drying fast in places, but as least he’d managed to get the worst of it off. He looked down at his hooves and sighed: a few small chips here and there would have to be dealt with before they got worse, but that could wait. Firstly, he had to work out where he was and find a way home…home to Tia. He closed his eyes and shook his head, looking down at the water – maybe the Goddesses really had been looking out for him. He was here, he was alive, and so was this glorious stream of life giving water. A silent prayer to the Goddesses of this land wouldn’t be wrong, would it? Even if he didn’t particularly believe in them, it would be best to err on the side of caution, wouldn’t it? Rush smiled to himself and bowed his head, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Rush froze, not daring to move. Beside him, a brown cloaked figure leaned down to gaze into the water, the darkness of the hood hiding the face of the pony within. She chuckled slightly, in a way reminiscent of somepony Rush knew so well it made his ears twitch and his heart leap into his mouth. The mare turned to face him, sliding back her hood and revealing the golden coated unicorn beneath. She turned a pale blue eyed gaze on him that was so intense, so feminine, and yet so timeless he felt as though he could fall into them and let her carry him away into eternity. The mare smiled, giving herself a shake and allowing part of her mane to fall free of the confines of her garment. Rush stared in open mouthed amazement; her mane! It flowed as though alive, waving and rippling in an unseen wind with planets, stars, and constellations drifting in an eternity of space and time. Rush bowed low, closing his eyes. How did you address a Goddess? Nopony had warned him about this! Good Gods, or…or whatever they were, did only thanking them invoke them to appear like this?! He began to shake, partly with the cold, but also with… “Rush?” He squeezed his eyes shut even tighter; of course she would know his name! Why wouldn’t she? She was a Goddess! “Rush, please, open your eyes.” The Goddess reached down and carefully placed a hoof under his chin, lifting his head, “Don’t avert your eyes, child of Equestria.” Blue eyes gazed into his own, his heart surging at the mere sight of such a magnificent being. Warmth suddenly flooded throughout Rush’s body, his mane and tail twitching of their own accord. His heart felt like it would burst from the sheer wonderment of looking upon the magnificence of the Goddess of Equestria. Rush suddenly realised he was grinning inanely before quickly bowing to her respectfully, “My Goddess, thank you for saving my life.” The mare smiled, “I think you will find that you saved your own life, Rush.” The Goddess raised a perfect eyebrow, her eyes sparkling, “The Gods seldom intervene in the mortal realm, however I do not believe it is unreasonable to offer a drink to a thirsty pony, no?” Rush shook his head, “No, Your Majesty.” The Goddess shook her head, “My, you are polite!” She moved closer; every movement, every sway of the body beneath the cloak drawing Rush’s attention, making him feel as though he could just melt beneath that blue eyed smile. “You have the colours of your mother,” she said quietly, “and your father’s eyes and build.” The Goddess bobbed her head, “They are so proud of you, son of Equestria.” Rush felt a burning surge of emotion run through him, his eyes stinging with the onset of tears he hadn’t felt since… “They…they are?” he stammered. “They are here with us, or rather, with the herd.” The Goddess smiled, “They want you to know that they love you, Rush, but you shall see them again one day, never fear.” Rush wiped a foreleg across his muzzle, fighting back the wave of feelings that threatened to snatch him away, “Am I…am I dead then?” He looked around himself and at the sea of wreckage, “Is this…is this one of the hells?” “Hells?” The Goddess looked momentarily perplexed, “Oh, you mean one of the beliefs of the human realm?” She shook her head, “Goodness, no!” Chuckling, she moved her muzzle close to his, making him freeze in place – she was so close! “You are most definitely alive, Rush, and, I have to say, everything I believed you would be.” “I don’t understand.” Rush said quietly, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, I feel a little lost right now.” The Goddess sniffed demurely, “Do you know where you are?” Rush shook his head, “No.” “Then apparently, you are.” Rush looked at the mare in amazement, until he saw the twinkle of merriment in her eyes as she began to laugh. He sighed; mares! “I must leave now, Rush, but we shall meet again.” She said suddenly, and gave him a wink, “Soon.” “Wait!” Rush lifted a hoof, forestalling her, “What’s going on? I mean, Your Majesty, forgive me, but I don’t know what…” She shook her head, rolling her eyes, “Can a mother not be curious as to the qualities of her daughter’s partner?” The Goddess shrugged, “You have a destiny to fulfil, son of Equestria, but know that we are watching over you.” She suddenly leaned towards him, a surprising looking of mischievousness on her face, “No pressure.” And with a giggle, the Goddess simply...vanished. Rush shook his head in amazement; only in Equestria could you find yourself talking to a Goddess and…wait…why was backside so cold? Suddenly Rush jumped up in surprise, realising he was sat in the middle of the stream. Gods above, if he wasn’t careful, he’d catch his death! Oh yeah, right! He gave himself a good shake and a scratch. You had to wonder at the mindset of ponies sometimes, it seemed that even the Gods, or Goddesses for that matter, were all a little…’odd’. That was it, they were all…odd. But, what was it she’d said again? Her what? Her daughter? Surely Celestia wasn’t…? Ah, but she had called him ‘Son of Equestria’, and ‘Child of Equestria’, or something like that anyway, so it must have just been a figure of speech, and not meant literally – was it? He shook his head to clear his mind and set off towards the forest in the distance. He decided to stick to the creek, following that west. Sooner or later he’d find ponies and then, at long last, home, a hot drink, and bed. Oh, and a bath too! Good Goddesses, how he wanted a bath! Pushing on, something sticking up out of the ground caught Rush’s eye. It looked at first glance just like a broken off tree branch, and there were certainly any amount of those even this far from the river, but there was something off about this one that gave him pause. Curiosity taking the better of him, he looked closer… It was thick with mud, and bent at an odd angle. He moved closer, reaching out and tentatively touched it. Whatever it was, it suddenly flopped to one side, the mud flaking away slightly to reveal the once white fur beneath. A surge of urgency and fear gripped Rush’s heart, his eyes going wide in shock. Memories of cries in the darkness, the roar of the water… He traced the leg down to the mud and debris beneath and began pulling at the mash of twigs, branches and detritus, revealing more and more of the mud slicked shape beneath. Quickly, the so recently cleaned stallion, began to resemble the landscape around him – muddy, coated in a layer of twigs, leaves, and personifying the wreckage of a once beautiful land. None of that mattered now, none of it, only his need and his drive to do what he could to help another - to free another pony from this cruel prison of nature. Rush snorted and huffed, dragging more branches away, digging with his hooves to unearth the entombed body beneath. And there, there beneath it all, lying in the sunlight below the steaming and panting Rush, lay the once white body of… “Queenie.” Rush closed his eyes, “Oh, Queenie…no…” he knelt down, shaking his head, “This isn’t right…” None of it was though, was it? He’d hardly know them a day, and now this. He couldn’t forget what…what she so nearly did, but…to see her like this… Rush hung his head, “I’m sorry.” He found a plank of wood nearby, probably the remains of somepony’s fence by the look of it, but it would do to help clear the worst of the mud away from her. The rest of the work was by hoof, pulling the mud away, clearing her face and mane of the cloying filth that covered this one proud creature. What she was, who she was…he never really knew. Silently, Rush put his forelegs around her and began to pull her free. She shuddered. “Queenie?” There, just barely, her chest heaved and fell slightly. What felt like an eternity later, it rose again, shallow certainly, but it was definitely there - the faint glimmer of life still residing within the ragged form of a noble mare. Urgently, Rush cleared her nose of what he could, opening her mouth and finding it mercifully clear of mud. Checking her airways were clear, Rush began to check her over. It was hard to tell, but she seemed…oh no… He gritted his teeth – her hind leg was broken. The bone hadn’t broken the skin thank the Gods, but it was still at an angle that was far from natural. For a horrible moment he stared at her, remembering the way horses with broken legs were treated back…’there’. He couldn’t do that to her, not to any pony, but this wasn’t the human realm was it? Damn it, there was so much he didn’t know about this world! But he had to do something, anything to try and keep her alive. Rush sat upright, looking about him at the broken trees, the debris, the length of twine that had tangled itself around the smashed fence railings, and breathed a sigh of relief – it looked like the Goddess had smiled upon him once again. ************************** It was already dark when Queenie finally stirred; her eyes flickering slightly and then opening fully to focus on Rush. She sniffed and then fell into a sudden bout of coughing, bringing up chunks of dirt and congealed blood before sinking back down to the ground. Her voice was painfully dry and worn, “It would be you, wouldn’t it.” Rush shrugged, “Sorry to disappoint.” The mare looked away, her eyes distant and hollow, “My leg’s broken isn’t it.” Rush nodded, “It is. Don’t try and move too much, it’s in a splint and I’ve done what I can to reset it.” She looked up at him, surprised, “You reset it?” Queenie looked amazed, “How?” “I used to be a healer.” Rush replied quietly, “Of sorts.” “Of sorts” Queenie snorted, “Nothing quite like running yourself down to boost your spirits eh?” She winced as a shock of pain ran through her, “Don’t suppose you’ve got anything for pain eh, Doc?” Rush shook his head, “No. I’m not well versed in…’Equestrian’ herbology.” He pulled a face, making Queenie chuckle, “Equestrian” she chuckled, “says the pony from another world.” The brown stallion froze. She knew? He snorted loudly; it wasn’t that surprising she knew, after all, it seemed half of bloody Equestria knew about it. He decided to keep quiet and put another stick on the fire. Thankfully, most of this was at least reasonably dry. He spent the rest of the time washing Queenie down and rinsing out her wounds. There wasn’t anything he could use to sterilise them, but hot, clean water would be better than wet mud. The damned flies didn’t held though, and they buzzed around the two of them incessantly. The fire, as annoying as the smoke was, was at least helping keep the vile things at bay. He looked up for a moment, noticing Queenie watching him intently. “What are you making?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. Rush shrugged, “A litter.” “A litter?” She chuckled, “Going to drag me out are you?” Queenie shook her head sadly, “You’re wasting your time.” Rush continued to work, “Why?” “Broken leg, remember?” Queenie rolled her eyes, “Without medical treatment, I’m knackered. If I were you, I’d get myself out of here and leave the broken mare behind.” “That’s what you’d do is it?” Rush replied. He pulled another strand of twine into place, adjusting the sodden piece of cloth until it was taught. It looked to have been somepony’s blanket at some time - the torn material was soaked in mud but would still prove good enough for what he planned. He cast a blue eyed gaze at Queenie, “Would you leave a comrade behind?” She nodded, “We couldn’t stop to care for them. We’d leave them a dagger and an egg for the black rats, and remember them in our prayers.” She stared up at the stars high above and snorted, “It was the least we could do.” “An egg?” Rush asked incredulously. He had heard her right, hadn’t he? “Magical explosive” Queenie explained, “to take them with you.” She treated him to a rictus like grin, “Thestral’s didn’t tend to take prisoners, and you didn’t want the minotaurs to get you either, that was for damned sure.” “Minotaurs?” Rush asked. “Oh, yeah.” Queenie said, turning her gaze on her companion, “Half ape, half bull things – real monsters.” Her eyes narrowed, “They like ponies, Rush, they really like ponies.” Rush paused; was she trying to unsettle him for some reason? He decided to ignore her, and threw himself into his work. It reminded him strangely of home, of his life working with the natural materials of the world around him. Of course, working with hooves and teeth was different, not to mention damned frustrating at times, but he was still making surprisingly good progress all things considered. Queenie, however, apparently wanted to continue the conversation regardless of Rush’s wishes, “So, you really from another world then?” she asked. “U-huh” Rush muttered. Queenie raised an eyebrow questioningly, “A world of pink monkeys?” Rush rolled his eyes, “My parents were Equestrian. I was just born there.” “Guess that sucked, then.” She said offhoofedly. Rush couldn’t help but chuckle quietly, “Not really,” he replied, “I didn’t know about it until I met…” He trailed off. “Celestia?” Queenie coughed loudly, clearing her throat and sinking back onto the bed of dried grasses that Rush had laid out for her. “Ha! You must think I’m stupid. ‘Tia’?” Queenie barked out a ragged laugh, “As if the name wasn’t a giveaway, I knew it the moment I saw those hooves of yours and that plump arse. I knew you were a softy from the palace.” Rush put down his tools, took a deep breath and turned to face her, “For the Gods’ sake, I’ve barely been in Equestria five damned minutes, Queenie, yet in that amount of time I’ve been beaten up twice, nearly died once, no…” he frowned, “twice, and you call me a what, a softy?” he gritted his teeth and glowered at her, “Maybe I should have damned well left you stuck in the mud.” Queenie watched him quietly and then snorted, as she lay back down, “You still can if you want.” “Well I’m not you, am I.” Rush said, angrily yanking on the twine, “We’re getting out of here in the morning and finding help.” “Good luck with that!” Queenie laughed, “Do you have any idea where we are?” “No.” Rush confessed, putting the final touches to the litter, “I was hoping you did.” He grimaced at her, “You being an ‘ex-special forces mare’, I expect it will be simplicity itself.” Queenie’s eyes went wide before breaking out into surprisingly feminine giggles, “You’ve got some balls after all then eh, soft flanks!” she watched him quietly for a moment, the firelight reflecting in her eyes, “You know how to get a fire going too. You’re a strange one, Rush.” She smirked, “For a pink monkey.” Rush snorted and shook his head in exasperation, “You’re a pain in the arse, Queenie, you know that?” “Yeah,” she replied with a wink, “but that’s just the way I am.” Her eyes never left his face, “You know, I can see why ‘Tia’ likes you, you’ve got a cute arse and your colouring’s just like chocolate milk.” She yawned, “I bet you taste…mmm…amazing…” “I’m sure.” Rush said sarcastically, “But I’m spoken for, and-” “-Alright!” Queenie snapped, “Goddesses, I was only joking.” An uncomfortable silence fell, leaving Queenie trying to shift about on her bedding to find a less ‘uncomfortable’ position. It didn’t work – even the slightest movement sent shocks of pain through her body and she hurt everywhere. To make matters that little bit more interesting for her, twinges and aches lanced through her chest with every breath. Rush had done what he could for her, and his work on her leg was surprisingly accomplished, but she was under no illusions – it didn’t feel right at all. Goddesses in their heaven, maybe he should have left her there, striking out on his own and leaving her to fend for herself. He could have sent for help of course, but she knew damned well what happened to ponies in the woods and forests at night – they all knew. She shuddered and looked up in surprise as the large form of Rush moved in beside her, pulling branches across the two of them, “What are you…?” “Keeping warm.” Rush said in a deadpan voice, “With little shelter and no bedding, this will keep us going until we can get you looked at.” He paused, “But try and keep your hooves to yourself, this time?” “Aw!” Queenie chuckled, “Spoil sport.” “I mean it.” Rush snorted, “You pull another stunt like…” “Yeah, yeah! Damn it all, I was only playing with you, I wouldn’t have really…well…” she trailed off. Queenie pulled one of the branches over her face slightly, letting the leafy smell fill her nostrils instead of the smell of musty stallion. Rush’s warmth was already seeping into her and making her feel drowsy, despite the pain and discomfort she was in. He was a good pony at heart, if a little…soft. She smiled, “Rush?” “Hmm?” Queenie looked away, her expression unreadable, “I’m…y’know…” “What?” he asked. Queenie clucked her tongue, frustrated with herself, “I’m sorry. For what I did back there, I just…I got carried away.” She closed her eyes, “I do sometimes.” “Forget about it.” Rush said, closing his own eyes, “It’s not worth worrying about.” “No. It probably isn’t.” Queenie replied quietly. Rush snuggled further into the mare to share their warmth. Queenie was freezing; they both were, despite scraping most of the mud off. He was surprised the mare hadn’t gone into shock with everything that had happened to her, but she was a strong female, both physically and mentally. She was… crying? Rush could feel her body shaking, and heard the occasional sniffle which she was trying to hide beneath her forelegs. “Queenie, are you alright?” Rush asked gently. She shook her head, “Yeah…Just, a little cold, that’s all.” Rush reached a foreleg over her, slipping his other under her to use as a pillow. It wasn’t very comfortable for him of course, Queenie was no lightweight, but if it made her more comfortable, it was worth it. “Better?” he asked. There was a pause. “Rush…” Queenie said quietly, “if I don’t, you know, make it out of here, would you…would you do something for me?” She lifted her head slightly, her voice sounding urgent and carrying a note of desperation, “I know we’ve not known each other long and…and we’re not exactly friends, but, just in case, yeah?” “Sure Queenie.” Rush replied with a slight yawn, “But you’re going to be alright, we just have to get that leg fixed for you and you’ll be back to logging with the best of them before you know it.” Queenie snorted, “Yeah.” She closed her eyes, “Listen, there’s a guy in Canterlot who I know called Green Shard, he’s a guard there.” Rush nodded; that wouldn’t be so hard. “Could you tell him, that…that I’m sorry?” Queenie asked distantly, “And…and that…” she sighed, “no…just that.” “Of course, Queenie.” Rush said quietly, “Now come on, you need some sleep.” “Mmhmm.” Queenie mumbled and took a deep breath, “Good night, Rush.” “Good night.” Rush closed his eyes again and let himself drift off into sleep. The mare’s warmth, albeit blocking some of the fire’s heat, was surprisingly comforting. He still felt strange being this close to her, but she was hardly in a position to jump him the way she had done before the flood hit them. The worst part of it though, was that in some strange way, in some awful corner of his mind, he actually wondered what it might have been like to let her do what… Rush shook his head and pushed the thoughts away roughly; what the hell was wrong with him?! It must have been the proximity to Queenie that was doing it, that and the deathly silence of the land around them that was making him think strange thoughts. Gods, it was like the land of the dead out here. Only the small stream nearby made any sound. There was no wind, no birdsong, nothing, only… What was that? A twig snapped nearby, but Rush couldn’t see anything in the darkness, especially with the fire. He looked about and located one of the heavier branches, but he was now half trapped under Queenie. If there was something out there, he’d have to push her off first, but still, it was probably just his imagination. “Rush?” Queenie’s voice was a faint whisper, “You awake?” “Yeah.” “Did you hear that?” she asked. Rush nodded, “I think something’s out there.” Queenie sighed, “Timber wolves.” She lifted her head and looked back at him, “As long as we keep the fire well fed, we should be okay. They don’t like bright lights at night.” “Timber wolves?” Rush reached for the wood, but Queenie stopped him with an outstretched hoof, “Don’t. If you act defensive, they’ll be on us. Just keep the fire fed and keep calm.” “Are they intelligent?” Rush asked, staring out in the darkness. Queenie shrugged, “I don’t think so, or at least, not like we are. I saw them a lot when I was up north, but they left us alone for the most part.” “Gods preserve us.” Rush muttered, “What a bloody place.” “What was it like, your world?” the mare asked distractingly, “Was it like Equestria just without ponies, or what?” “Huh?” Rush pulled his attention away from the possibility of impending snapping teeth back to the mare beside him, “My world?” he shrugged, “Like this one I suppose, although I think there were fewer things that wanted to kill me all the time.” Queenie chuckled, “No dragons?” “No real dragons.” Rush paused, “Wait a minute, you mean there are dragons here?” “Oh yes, and manticores, hydras, chimera…” Queenie smirked, “Lots of things that would like nothing better than to put pony on the menu.” She sighed, “Why do you think ponies herd? Anyway, I was asking about your world, remember?” “Hmph, not much to tell.” Rush snorted, “It looks like here, but humans pretty much run everything; the ‘pink monkey things’ as everypony calls them now.” He groaned, “Unfortunately, I think that little gem was my fault too.” Queenie smiled, “Well, if its any consolation, you look alright as a pony, Rush.” The brown stallion sniffed, “Just ‘alright’?” “About average I’d say.” Queenie said with a sly smirk, “About a seven.” “Oh, thanks a lot!” he replied tossing his mane. The mare laughed, “Ah, don’t get your mane in a twist. You netted the old girl didn’t you? Sun Butt herself?” Rush frowned, “She doesn’t like being called that.” “Pah!” Queenie spat, “You think she’s really so flimsy as to go all ‘I’m offended! Off with his head!’ over something like that?” She laughed, turning over to face him, “Your Princess was the rock that we clung to in the storm of war, my stallion friend. By the Goddesses, you should have seen her in battle, Rush. She was…magnificent.” Queenie’s eyes took on a distant cast, “None could stand before her: not Nightmare Moon, nor the Legion. With her, we slew our enemy and stained the ground with their blood.” Rush shuddered. “Aw, a bit of wilting flower are we?” Queenie said prodding him with a hoof, “I thought a big rough, tough stallion like you’d been in action, anyway?” “Action?” Rush furrowed his brow, “You mean fighting for my life? Yes, but not by choice.” “You think we had any?” Queenie asked with a slight hint of sarcasm, “My family didn’t and…” she paused, “Anyway, how come you ended up fighting a thestral then?” Rush closed his eyes and let out a groan. “Come on!” Queenie encouraged, “I want to hear the whole story of how the pink monkey thing met the Princess of Equestria.” “You want the whole story?” Rush rolled his eyes, “Don’t you think we should be trying to get some sleep?” Queenie shook her head, “Nope. I’d rather be awake when something that would happily rip me into bloody shreds and gulp the bits down for dinner is watching us, wouldn’t you?” Rush snorted, “Hmph, I think sometimes ignorance is bliss.” “Nah, I’d rather beat it in the face with a lump of wood.” Queenie chuckled, “So, come on then Rushy, let’s hear it.” The gleam in Queen’s Court’s eyes spoke volumes; by the looks of things there was no escaping from having to tell her the whole sordid story. Still, he could edit out the more ‘personal’ elements couldn’t he? Rush sighed; where to begin? He made himself comfortable, casting a final gaze into the darkness and gave the fire a good poke for good measure, “Right then…” Rush nodded to himself, and began…