Chapter 7 - Myths
Derpy, Applejack, and Rarity arrive at the Four Seasons Hotel haggard from their nearly week long journey through the woods. Walking into the lobby they approach the front desk. A rather stuffy looking stallion looks down his nose at them.
“Can I help you?”
Rarity nods. “Yes. We have a reservation.”
The stallion rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you do.”
Applejack frowns. “But we honestly have one!”
“Under who’s name, may I ask?”
Derpy steps forward. “Princess Luna.”
Chuckling, the stallion puts a hoof on his cheek as he leans on the desk. “Do you now? Will she be meeting you here personally?”
Derpy shakes her head. “I don’t think so, no.”
Applejack sighs. “Just check your books and you’ll see.”
“Oh, I’m much too busy for such games. Now then, if you don’t have any REAL business with our establishment please move along.”
Rarity glares at him. “We really do have a reservation! I know it’s hard to believe, but we’ve come here with the blessing of Princess Luna herself!”
“Very well. I’ll contact Canterlot Castle and get to the bottom of this.”
The stallion reaches for the telephone. Putting a hoof on it, he turns back to the mares.
“Are you sure you don’t want to end this little charade? My next phone call will be to the guards.”
Applejack grins wickedly. “Go ahead.”
Shrugging, the stallion dials and is connected to Canterlot Castle’s switchboard.
“They’re transferring me to Princess Luna’s personal assistant.”
A few moments later the stallion clears his throat and begins to speak into the receiver.
“Hello, this is the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimare. I have three mares in front of me whom claim to be here at the behest of Princess Luna herself. Can you confirm this?”
The stallion listens as Sandstorm Mirage’s voice barks at him. The blood drains from his face.
“Y-yes sir! I’ll see to it at once!”
He quickly puts down the phone and waves for several concierges to approach.
“I’m very sorry for the misunderstanding! Our bellhops will carry your things up to the Royal Suite as ordered!”
The trio remove their saddlebags and give them to the bellhops one at a time.
“That’s better.”
Applejack nods. “Much appreciated.”
Derpy smiles as she passes. “Thank you.”
They lead the trio to the elevator and take them to the top floor. Walking toward a large, extremely ornate door one of them unlocks it before stepping aside. The mares enter to a very posh apartment as the bellhops set their saddlebags in the corner before quickly leaving the room together. Applejack gasps.
“This place is almost as beautiful as… I don’t know.”
Derpy giggles. “It kinda reminds me of Arc’s room back in the castle. If it was an entire apartment, that is.”
Rarity nods fervently. “Indeed! But we should do our best to keep the furniture clean and tidy. Why don’t we take a look at the shower here?”
Applejack looks them over. “Good idea. I’m not this dirty after working in the hot summer sun from sunup to sundown.”
Derpy puts a hoof to her head. “I’m not sure if this slimy feeling in my mane is sweat or tree sap at this point.”
They enter the bathroom together. Applejack gets the massive shower going as showerheads pointing in several different directions suddenly come to life. Rarity trots into the shower as water cascades over her coat and mane. She moans happily as the dirt and grime snakes toward the drain.
“That’s feels SO good!”
Applejack chuckles. “Mind if we join you in there, your majesty?”
“Not at all! The more the merrier! That and we all need this right now.”
Applejacks steps in with Rarity as Derpy hangs back nervously.
“I… think I’ll just wait my turn.”
“Something wrong, sugarcube?”
Derpy shakes her head. “Um… I just don’t want to be underhoof.”
“Come now, Derpy. Applejack and I will help you get clean.”
Applejack nods. “Right! As filthy as we all are, it’ll take a couple extra hooves to get all this dirt and grime out.”
Derpy sighs and enters the shower. Rarity and Applejack start by rinsing the mud and thistles from her coat.
“Now then, doesn’t that feel good my dear?”
Derpy sighs contentedly as Applejack picks up a bottle of shampoo.
“Let’s start with the top.”
The pair lather up Derpy’s mane. Rarity frowns.
“What kind of conditioner do you use, Derpy?”
“Um… I… don’t know what that is.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Something you put in your mane after washing it.”
Rarity appears surprised. “You’ve never done your mane?”
Derpy shakes her head. “Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Nopony ever taught me how.”
Applejack smiles at her. “We can help with that.”
“Yes indeed! After we’re all clean, of course.”
They spend nearly an hour in the shower attempting to remove the last vestiges of the Foal Forest from themselves and each other. After a nice hot soak in the jacuzzi they dry off and return to the living room. Derpy smiles broadly.
“That feels better!”
Applejack nods. “Yes, it does!”
Rarity puts a hoof in her mane. “I still think it’s going to be awhile before I feel normal again.”
“Hey, what’s that?!”
Derpy points to a scroll in the center of the table. Rarity levitates it to herself and looks it over before gasping.
“It’s from Princess Luna!”
Applejack smiles. “Good! Maybe there’s been some news!”
Rarity breaks the seal and reads it over carefully. Her ears droop as she does so.
“Apparently there have been no developments on their end. Her and Twilight are getting along well enough though.”
Applejack sighs. “That’s good. I was kinda nervous about that.”
Rarity groans. “Me too. Twilight isn’t exactly the easiest mare to befriend.”
Derpy appears confused. “What do you mean?”
Applejack shakes her head. “She’s kinda… set in her ways. Thinks everything should be done with efficiency and lots of planning.”
Rarity chimes in quickly. “Which isn’t a bad thing, mind you.”
“Right. Her planning keeps everything moving along.”
Derpy frowns. “Sorry, but I’m just not seeing what the problem is.”
“Princess Luna is most likely very similar, being a princess of Equestria. After all, they’re both very intelligent and headstrong.”
Applejack nods. “Exactly. Two mares like that don’t usually get along. What else does the letter say though, Rarity?”
“Princess Luna says we can call the front desk and ask for any services we may need.”
Derpy raises an eyebrow. “Services?”
“You mean like room service, or something?”
Rarity nods as she rolls up the scroll and puts it back on the table. “A place like this probably has arrangements with stylists, masseurs, master chefs, tailors, and any number of other trades. If it’s legal, they can get it.”
Rarity sighs as she walks over to a floor to ceiling window.
“Normally I’d jump at the chance to sample such luxuries. But right now I can’t stop worrying about Sweetie Belle.”
There is a knock at the door. Opening it, Applejack steps aside to allow the bellhops to pass with several familiar looking saddlebags. They are followed by Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Rose.
“Hi there, everypony!”
Rainbow Dash grunts as she lands on a very fancy looking rug and looks around. “We made it!”
Fluttershy giggles. “See? I told you we would.”
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Oh, I knew that. It was more a matter of whether or not we could survive the boredom between bouts of action.”
Rose nods. “Our route was a bit longer as well.”
Rarity trots over to them. “I’m happy everypony made it here safely. But it appears that all of you need some time in the shower.”
Fluttershy sighs. “That we do.”
Derpy gestures to the bathroom door. “Right this way everypony.”
Rainbow Dash grins as she forges ahead. “Great! I think my fur was beginning to grow mold!”
Pinkie bounces past her. “I’ll wash your back if you wash mine!”
Rose turns to the kitchen. “Take your time in there. I will just clean myself at the sink.”
Rainbow Dash shakes her head. “No way! You’ve got dried blood all over yourself!”
Fluttershy motions with a hoof. “Come on, Rose. We’ll see to it you’re properly cleaned up.”
Pinkie grins as she pushes the dirty android into the bathroom. “Yeah! It’s the least we can do!”
Applejack frowns. “Wait a sec! Didn’t you already go in the bathroom, Pinkie?!
“Yup!”
“Then how are you out here?!”
Pinkie giggles as she enters the bathroom with Rose. “Just lucky, I guess.”
Derpy calls out after them. “We’ll get some food cooking while you four are bathing.”
They close the door behind them as Derpy, Rarity, and Applejack head for the kitchen. Opening the double wide refrigerator they find it fully stocked with any number for delectable meal choices. All of them gasp.
“Oh my goodness!”
“The princesses must eat VERY well when they come here!”
“I’ll say! Why, a pony could feed an army with this!”
“It’s a good thing you and Derpy are here, Applejack. I’m not exactly what could be considered a good cook.”
Derpy grimaces. “Cooking might be a bit of a problem, as I don’t actually know what most of this stuff is.”
Applejack sighs. “Me either. But we have to make SOMETHING!”
Derpy taps her forehead with a hoof. “Well… there’s some base ingredients here in the fridge. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and whatnot. How about I whip us up a large salad?”
Applejack rummage around. “I can use the milk and eggs to make a cake for later. If we can find a few other ingredients, that is.”
Rarity nods. “Simple, yet charming.”
They get to work. Quite some time later the others emerge from the bathroom to the smells of a cake baking and sounds of sizzling coming from the kitchen. Entering, they find Derpy busy cooking eggs as Rarity garnishes them with seasonings. Applejack is just putting the finishing touches on a large bowl of salad as she turns to them.
“Sit down, everypony.”
Derpy giggles. “Yes. You all look so hungry.”
Rainbow Dash grins. “Are you kidding?! I could eat a house!”
Pinkie giggles. “Me too!”
Rarity turns her head. “I hope everyone likes these eggs. The spice rack I found just has so many exotic seasonings!”
Fluttershy smiles. “They smell delicious!”
Rose walks toward them. “Can I help?”
Derpy shakes her head. “Oh no. Please sit down with the others, Rose.”
A few minutes later they begin to eat. Derpy looks around to those assembled.
“Now that everypony’s cleaned up and has some food, how did things go on your end?”
Fluttershy sighs. “We didn’t find any sign of them.”
Rainbow Dash shrugs. “Not so much as a hoofprint!”
Pinkie grins. “That’s kinda good though! It means they weren’t there!”
Rose nods. “Indeed. Nothing showed up on my sensors the entire trip. This is indeed encouraging. But what about your search?”
Rarity smiles. “We did find something, yes.”
Reaching out with her magic, Rarity pulls Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag to her. Setting it in the middle of the table she continues.
“This was found in the Foal Forest about a day’s walk from Fillydelphia.”
Rainbow Dash gasps. “Is that…?!”
Applejack nods. “Yup. Sweetie Belle’s saddlebag.”
Fluttershy puts a hoof to her mouth. “They’re torn! Was there any evidence of… something bad?”
Derpy shakes her head. “None at all. In fact, it was neatly tied to an ominous looking statue.”
Rarity nods. “Yes. I know it may sound a bit far-fetched, but I believe they were left there for us to find.”
Pinkie hops up and down. “Oh! Like a beacon?!”
Rainbow Dash grins. “That might not be far from the truth. Sweetie Belle would’ve known they would stick out in the forest.”’
Fluttershy turns to Rose. “But why would she have done that?”
“The bag does appear to be in good shape. Other than the large tear in the connecting strap, that is. Tell me, was there any sign of the other side?”
Rainbow Dash frowns “Other side?”
“This is only one saddlebag. I don’t see the other.”
Derpy appears hopeful. “She may have kept it with her.”
Applejack sighs. “I hope so. After all, if she had the time to tie it up neatly I hope that means she and the others are doing okay.”
Pinkie giggles. “If things get too bad they could always teleport back home though, right?!”
Rarity puts a hoof to her chin. “Theoretically, yes. But that power they share isn’t exactly understood.”
Derpy appears confused. “Dinky and Sweetie Belle combining their magic does make sense. But my daughter told me they’re doing it with Apple Bloom as well.”
Applejack groans. “She told me the same thing. I’m sad to say at the time I kinda thought it was a game they were playing.”
Pinkie gasps. “Oh, I love games!”
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. “Did you find anything else?”
Rarity shakes her head. “Sadly, no. But I get the feeling that Sweetie Belle didn’t just tie her saddlebag to that statue on accident.”
Rose nods. “You believe she was trying to tell us something?”
Applejack sighs. “It makes sense. After all, it’s still a bit weird to see such a thing literally in the middle of nowhere.”
Fluttershy looks to her friends. “So where do we go from here?”
Rainbow Dash shrugs. “All we have is that statue to go on. You know anything about something like that, Rose?”
“There are innumerable landmarks throughout the land. Can you three attempt to describe the statue to me?”
Applejack puts a hoof to her chin. “Well… it was certainly very old. Some kind of pony-like creature.”
Rarity nods. “And it had outstretched bat wings. Kinda like Arc’s squad.”
Derpy frowns. “What really struck me was the mouth though.”
Pinkie gasps. “Was it big?!”
Derpy shakes her head. “No more so than a normal pony, I suppose. But the teeth were kinda… pointy.”
Rose raises an eyebrow. “Like fangs?”
“Yes.”
“That isn’t encouraging.”
Rainbow Dash appears hopeful. “So you know something about them?!”
“Kinda. It’s an old myth actually.”
Fluttershy looks nervous. “About fanged ponies?!”
“Something like that. The legends say that they were a violent subspecies of equines.”
Derpy appears confused. “Equines?”
Rarity turns to her. “Ponies, dear.”
Rose nods. “Right. They were said to attack on sight though.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Anypony know what they wanted?”
Pinkie pipes up. “You mean did anypony try talking to one?!”
“Attempts were made. However, they were either not willing or not able to communicate. It’s said they were more mindless beast than pony. This legend has been pointed to as being the origin of the bat pony race that now serves mostly as Lunar Protectors in the military. Sadly, this theory has neither been proven or refuted. Another idea is that they are the early members of the Nightborn whom delved too deeply into Dark Magic. It’s thought that perhaps the dark energies that power their special… abilities warped their minds and twisted their bodies.”
Rarity shudders. “A frightening thought!”
Applejack looks to Rose. “Any proof of that second theory?”
“None, I’m afraid. But that’s mostly due to nopony being able to directly speak to the Nightborn about it.”
Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. “Not that they’d admit to something like that though!”
Fluttershy smiles innocently. “Maybe they’re just… misunderstood.”
Pinkie nods. “Fluttershy might be able to talk to them! Get them to listen! And if not, there’s always… the STARE!”
Fluttershy gasps. “I… might be able to. That is if was can find one.”
“It’s unlikely they ever existed. The few sightings were sketchy at best, and date back several hundred years ago.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So nopony’s seen one in centuries?”
“Yes. That is, assuming they ever existed at all.”
Rarity frowns. “What do you mean ‘if’?”
Derpy nods. “Right. Somepony took the time to carve both those statues and put them out there, after all.”
“During my time on Earth I read many things on mythical creatures. One that constantly came up was the idea of a beast known as ‘Bigfoot’.”
Pinkie frowns. “What was it?!”
“A very large human-like creature covered in fur that supposedly roamed the wilds. There have been many documented sightings of these creatures. However, no concrete physical evidence is available to the public. The pictures that exist are of poor quality and difficult to ascertain their contents. That and if there were indeed sufficient numbers to sustain the species, one would think at least one body would have been discovered and presented to the scientific community for study.”
Applejack raises an eyebrow. “So you’re saying a lot of humans on Earth have seen them. But you don’t believe they exist?”
“It is actually very difficult to definitively prove a creature does not exist. One would theoretically have to observe every point of known reality simultaneously to know for sure. However, to prove something DOES exist merely requires physical proof which, at this particular point in time, is lacking.”
Derpy puts a hoof to her chin. “That does make sense. But what of the statues?”
“They may simply be a similar, albeit ancient, mythological creature. Humans have created many works of art depicting what they believe Bigfoot looks like, after all. It is entirely possible that ponies from that time period did the same.”
Fluttershy appears relieved. “So what should we do then?”
Rose sighs. “While I am loathe to admit it, there are unlikely any further leads to be gained from what has already been searched.”
Applejack groans. “Where to next then?”
“The Southern Hayseed Swamps would be the next logical choice.”
Fluttershy’s eye twitches. “What?!”
Rainbow Dash grins. “We’ll head there at first light, right?”
Applejack nods. “Yeah.”
Rose clears her throat loudly. “I must also point out another bit of information.”
Derpy appears hopeful. “What is it?”
“As already stated earlier, Dinky, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle have the power to teleport. It’s certainly possible that they could be literally anywhere in Equestria. Even safely back home in Ponyville.”
Rarity nods. “I’ve already thought of that. Sassy Saddles has been staying at my place just in case Sweetie Belle and the others came home. She was instructed to call the hotel and leave a message if that happened.”
Pinkie tilts her head to one side. “So… nothing?”
Rarity sighs as she shakes her head. “No. I called her while you and the others were in the shower on the off chance a message had been lost. She reports there has been no change to the situation at my place nor any new messages left at Derpy’s house via the sigil.”
Rose continues “There is certainly no guarantee that Dinky and the others are in the Southern Hayseed Forest. However, I will still do my very best to protect all of you if you still wish to go there.”
Derpy nods soberly. “I do, yes.”
Applejack groans. “Darn right!”
Rarity appears worried. “If there’s any chance in the world that they could be there, we have to find them!”
The others nod in agreement. Meanwhile, Snowflake and her mother work in the cottage together.
“Mom? Can I talk to you about something?”
“Of course, dear. What is it?”
“Are you and dad… okay?”
Sunshine raises an eyebrow. “I don’t understand the question.”
“Well… lately you’ve been sleeping in the barn with Big Brother and I an awful lot.”
“Oh! Well… you know how you father gets into his moods. Nopony should get in his way when he does.”
“He’s been working in his workshop a lot lately too.”
“I did ask him about that. Shadow says that since you and Big Brother took over his responsibilities he’s been able to get a lot more inventory processed during the day. That’s led to higher profits at the shop.”
Snowflake sighs. “That’s why he’s been ‘celebrating’ more?”
“Yes, dear. We’ve never been this efficient in the past. I suppose it just goes to show what a bit of extra help can do.”
“Yeah, I know. Um… I was also kinda wondering if maybe… uh… you and Big Brother were… ah… if you two liked each other.”
“That we do. After all, he’s quite friendly.”
“Is there more to it than that?”
Sunshine puts her tools down and looks at Snowflake.
“What… do you mean?”
“Well… you made him special coverings, gave him food laced with your vitamin extracts, and crafted him the finest looking armor in town, besides mine and dad’s. That and you always seem to be staring at him when he’s not looking.”
“Yes, that’s true. He lacks fur, so his skin requires special coverings to protect. The nutritional requirement for a hunter should be maintained to keep him, and by proxy you, safe. His armor is for that same purpose. Another effort to keep you safe while foraging. And I am constantly looking him over in an attempt to learn and record more about his species.”
Snowflake sighs. “Oh.”
“Snowflake, what are you getting at?”
“I… was kinda hoping he could be… like another member of the family. Dad’s always so busy all the time, and when he is here all he does is drink lately.”
“Are you saying you want Big Brother to be… your father?”
Snowflake looks down at the floor nervously. “Kinda. I mean… I do love dad, and all. But sometimes he’s kinda hard to talk to. Does he… um… really care?”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“He’s always so critical of everything. Literally every mistake I make is like a personal insult to him.”
Sunshine frowns. “Shadow’s always been that way. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you, dear.”
“Well, Big Brother’s just the opposite. He’s always taking care of and looking out for me. That and he’s so nice! Why can’t dad be more…?”
“Why don’t we make something a bit nicer for supper tonight?”
“Like what?”
“How about Spiced Potatoes? They’re your favorite, right?”
“Yeah! But what’s the occasion?”
“How about you and Big Brother doing so well foraging lately? I’m sure even your father couldn’t deny that.”
“I guess. Not sure if Big Brother likes potatoes though.”
“Why don’t you go ask him then?”
“Okay mom.”
The little filly runs of the front door and toward the barn. Sunshine looks after her and smiles as she mutters to herself.
“I’m glad you have a good friend in Big Brother, Snowflake. You’ve just given me an interesting idea.”
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How can a story that updates this much not be complete?
I don't think she is willing to face that if love was there it isn't anymore. Plus I don't know if arc would be willing to get married when he barely knows who he is. I just hope the girls find him soon considering they are very near to where he is.
11023810
They are certainly on the right track, yes.
11023797
We're getting there. I'm doing my best to get the story released up to the point where the Christmas Specials will be available on their respective days.
i dont get it, why want the main 6 search another part of the forest when they have concrete evidence with the statue to investigate there
Only two statues but nothing to connect them yet?
If Rose had been at the statue shouldn't her sensors pick up traces of the girls' latent magic?
11023810
I agree. I think she did care for him but at this point, she is deluding herself for her filly's sake. As for Shadow, I know he does care about Snowflake as he did everything he could to keep her in the village even going as for as to have Arc be at her side constantly. And Arc isn't the type of guy who'd get married with out knowing who he is unless he absolutely had to and then he'd only do it as a last resort while still trying to find a way out up until a wedding took place.
11022720
Arc believed that Celestia would be back in charge soon so he planned on helping as much as he could in the meantime while thinking about dating the girls. And what life might be like with them. Unfortunately Celestia recovery was taking longer than expected until the bad guys poke their nose in and helped her probably for their own reasons which befits them.
11024500
She would have, yes, had she been there.
11024200
The mares believe the statues to be just a monument that Sweetie Belle chose to use to leave behind a clue for someone to find.
11023921
They're assuming that the fillies have teleported south to continue their search. After all, they've searched that forest and didn't find the fillies.
Don't you mean horse rainbow?
11379202
The expression is 'I could eat a horse' for humans. But for a pony to say such a thing would have sounded a bit... cannibalistic. That's why I changed it to house.