Applejack goes to Red Rock too meet an old family member, or is she...?
Applejack received a latter from her dear uncle, Linus, asking her to meet him at the lonesome canyon at Red Rock, a desolated country far south of Equestria...
Linus left the farm when she was still just a filly, abandoning the family and leaving a void of emptiness that only time was able to scar. Applejack holds a deep respect towards Linus and everything he did for her when her parents died, so it's natural she wonders why Linus left the farm and the family; but why call her now after all these years?. What awaits in Red Rock?
It's been so long since I saw you, your brother, Granny Smith and little Applebloom.
I have been feeling terrible ever since I left Ponyville, but it was a necessary action...
I wanted to explain things, make them clear, but urgent matters made me leave sooner
I know words mean nothing but... I'm so sorry, I really am...
I own you an explanation, I want you to know what happened
Come visit me at Red Rock... It's very far from Equestria so be ready
Arrive at West Station, find a pony called Windshot, she will take you to me...
I really hope with all my heart you get this latter
Please, come find me
This is something you must know personally...
...and when you do, you must be alone, trust me, is better that way...
Cross the frontier... we'll meet at the canyon.
Your Uncle:
Linus Seeds
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A train arrives at Dodge Junction, an almost deserted part of Equestria; there isn’t much to see here other than extended lands of dust, sand and rocks at the distance with some houses and ranches around, ponies walking around, some with more hurry than others, must be typical day life issues. Many ponies start to come out from the arriving train, Among them comes out Applejack, a young orange mare earth pony, carrying saddlebags on her back and using her good ol’ rodeo hat; she is in thoughtful and serious mood, soon has the the ponies walk out of the train, they spread out, everypony pretty much going to their own way, Applejack continued down to her right, near other group of ponies, they all seem to be heading towards the same place.
It’s been just a few minutes since they all got down the train; Applejack and the other ponies were standing at the outskirts of Dodge Junction, waiting for something, Applejack gave herself a moment to see the other ponies; there are mares and stallions, must of them have the same expression, hard to tell one from another of the reasons what brought them to this part of the known world, after just a few sights, the orange mare turn away her head slowly back, looking down to the dust under her hooves; shortly after Applejack can hear the sound of gallops at a far, everypony turn their heads to see, eventually it arrived; two stallions stopped near the group of ponies, with a carriage behind them:
-Ok, all of you goin’ ta the frontier?-
One of the stallions said, it’s a big gray one, with beard and short mane; both back color, the other stallion is thinner but seems just has strong, red-brownish color and black mane, both are using a coat that covers just about their hooves.
The ponies share some looks between themselves, all except Applejack, who remained looking at the two stallions calmly:
-That’s tha’ “yes”, c’mon Rick open da cart an’ let them in!-
The thin stallion takes off the belts that are attached to his back and walked toward the door siding the ponies waiting; he opens the door and points them inside with one hoof:
-All right yawl! Step in, we’ll be there in a minute!-
Rick returns to his post and puts on the belts back on while the ponies step into the carriage; but it wasn’t big enough for all the ponies, still, they all stepped inside anyway, Applejack got inside first and so she was stuck between the wall on her right and the other ponies on her left; it was uncomfortable and it stinks to sweat, heavily, Applejack could barely take it:
-Hang in there, we’re leaving!-
Sounded like the big gray stallion, Applejack knows she’ll just have to bare with the situation.
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It’s been like half-an-hour, since they stepped in the wagon; the stallions stop near what looked like a check point, Applejack could see some other ponies at it, they are all in line and a royal guard checking them and their equipment, the security looks heavy:
-OK PONIES, THIS IS IT!!-
Said the tall gray stallion, the door of the carriage opened and the ponies all step out, Applejack came out the last, they left them right at the end of the line:
-Good day, ponies; c’mon Rick…-
The stallions gallop away with the carriage, Applejack started to walk in the line, she ended about between the group she was with; still far at the end though, she knew it could take some time, she sighed and rubbed her neck with her hoof:
-I’ve heard wrong things about Red Rock- said a pony behind Applejack, it sounded like a mare.
-I’ve heard it’s a wild place nothing more- said other pony behind the orange mare, this one sounded like a stallion
-A lot of ponies leave Equestria to go to Red Rock, how can it be wild?-
-I mean wild because there is no law, no ruler, no one can tell anypony what's good and what’s wrong-
-That’s not what I have heard, I heard ponies say that is just not has save-
-How so?-
Applejack was just listening, while the line was moving; they were somewhat close to the the royal guards post, still a bit far:
-Well, apparently there are monsters that aren’t in any other part of Equestria, just that- said the mare pony
-Why are you here?-
-Trying to get away from home-
-You did something?-
-No, just want to be far from there-
They were closing in to the checkpoint Applejack is getting ready her documents to show to the guards:
-Why are you here?- said the mare again, rather nervous.
-I… have nowhere else to go-
-Why? Something you did?-
-I lost everything in a stupid bet, now I have nothing left here-
-What do you expect to find in Red Rock-
-I never said I’m going to Red Rock...- said the stallion before reaching to that moment of silence.
The pony in front of Applejack just got by, she is next:
-Passport- said the guard has he extended his hoof.
Applejack gave him the passport and started to see it, just a few moment later he stamps the little book and gives it back to the orange mare:
-First time outside Equestria I see…-
Applejack grabbed her passport and putted it in the left side of her saddlebag:
-You are clear, continue down and go to platform B, you train is waiting you there-
Applejack crossed the checkpoint, she is now in another train platform, “strange”, she thought; from the outside it didn’t look like a train station at all.
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The trains didn’t look like the ones in Equestria at all, in fact, those are in a worst state almost like they could explode any minute, she noticed that all the ponies around her were earth ponies; no pegasus or unicorns, just earth ponies; but all the ponies back in the the carriage were also earth ponies, she didn’t realize until now, or maybe she was so lost on her thoughts she didn’t notice; Applejack continued looking for the platform B, it was at the far end of the big hall where she was, some other ponies were going in; there are stairs that are going down, not much, Applejack continued down and there was the train, it is in better condition than the other trains, still not better than the ones from Equestria though, at least it looks fairly functional.
Applejack stepped in the train and she is surprised, it looks way better than from outside; she has her own cabin with others near, her bed looks soft, a curtain for privacy and fresh all the way, it’s still not better than the ones in Equestria, but it’s good to know it won’t be a hard ride. Applejack gets comfortable in her cabin, puts her saddlebags below her bed, takes off her hat and sits in the chair the window seems a little dusty but it’s good enough to see across, Applejack took a long sigh of relief, it’s been a long day, and she knows this is just the beginning.
“Ladies and Gentlecolts, we are preparing to depart to Red Rock, we’ll be heading far south of Equestria; we’ll be arriving in proximally 10 hours; we hope you enjoy.”
The voice sounded awful, maybe because of the speaker; thought Applejack.
The train started to move, when it left the tunnel, it was late afternoon, the sun is going down, this means that is time for bed time soon, and good, because the orange mare is so tired she could fall asleep in the floor and she wouldn’t mind one bit; Applejack goes to bed with the window curtains opened completely, it’s ok, Applejack has always likes to wake up to the morning sun.
The sun is going down fast and Applejack is thinking so much that she can’t fall asleep no matter how much she tries. She is thinking about everypony back in Ponyville; her family, her friends, pretty much everypony and wondering what are they doing, “Are they worried about me? Will Applebloom be ok without her big sister? Can Big Macintosh handle the farm without me? Will Granny Smith be fine? What if something happens and my friends need me?” All this questions were lingering around Applejack’s head; but then she realize, they have each other, they will be ok; it's her she must be worrying about now. Applejack is a strong and independent mare and she knows this; she has an important job to do in Red Rock; she knows is for the good of herself and her family so she must stay focused.
-Don’t you worry everypony, I’ll be back…- whispered Applejack
Sweet Apple Acres has been Applejack's home has far has she remembers, she loves her farm, her family and her life there. Time heals the scars of the past, but you never forget... Applejack remembers her parents faces, what she knows about who they were is just what she was told; both hard working farm ponies, her mom an excellent apple bucker and knew how to work the land, but she was also a loving pony, always willing to lay a hoof.
Her dad was the best, if not, the greatest rodeo pony Equestria has seen, he won numerous blue ribbons in his competitions across the land, but he also was a good farm worker; though but fair and honest all the way; you can say a lot of what Applejack is, she got it from her good ol’ dad, in fact, she remembers spending more time with him than her mom; she even looked like him; he was tall, clear yellow, long dark yellow mane with a lasso rope for a cutie mark and a rodeo hat he always used.
The day her mother died was soon after Applebloom was born, it came so sudden no pony could predict it; she died of an old sickness someponies get when they are pregnant, it was a miracle when doctors diagnosed Applebloom and saw she was clean. Applejack’s father was left with the whole farm to handle all by himself, Big Macintosh had to help right after arriving from school. Applejack was still too young to handle any physical work and Applebloom was just a baby filly, thankfully Granny Smith was there to help with Applebloom. Things were bad at the time, they could not produce even half of the products they needed to keep the farm in business, and Applejack’s dad hadn’t won any prize money in the last competitions; the reserve money was running low and he knew he had to do something; he called Linus, Applejack’s uncle and her father’s younger brother.
Linus was just about the size of his brother, he was dark gray color, with a slightly long mane, green eyes, using a dark brown coat and a white button shirt bellow; he was no farmer, in fact he knew next to nothing about the topic, but that was ok, because there were other plans. Applejack’s dad was leaving Equestria to participate in a rodeo that he said would “guarantee stability for sometime”, he just wanted Linus to take care of his kids and Granny Smith while he was gone. Applejack remembers very well the last time she saw her dad; it was an early morning and there were some ponies gathered around the farm, they came to wish good luck to their champion, the apple family was saying his goodbyes, Granny Smith was holding the little Applebloom between her hooves so she just kissed him in the head and wished him luck, Big Mac gave a big hug to his dad while he told him:
-You’re the big stallion now kid; you take care of your two sister’s k’?-
Big Mac has never been the big talking type of pony but still said “Eyup” while nodding, then the rodeo stallion approached to his little Applejack, he putted a hoof on her head:
-Dad…- said the little Applejack, she sounded like she was about to cry:
-Oh, sugarcube… it’s k…- said the father to his daughter in the most gentle voice possible; he has always called her sugarcube for affection:
-Your dad is gonna bring money for tha farm, you have to stay here and finish school- said the stallion while taking his hoof of his daughter’s head.
Applejack loved her dad so much she just could not handle the fact he was leaving, she didn’t wanted to be alone…
-When are you comin back…?- said Applejack softly, her father’s answer was a worried stare, not much:
-Hey tell ya what!- said her dad while lowering himself to her high level:
-When I come back, I’m gonna teach ya to be a rodeo pony just like yer dad!- he said with what seemed to be forced joy; but little Applejack was filled with it after hearing does words, is what she always asked him to do:
-DEAL!- she raised her hoof happily and her dad bumped his hoof with hers in response, that’s a full yes:
-I love you, sugarcube, don’t ever forget that…- said the father one last time while lowering his hoof.
He lastly approached to his brother Linus, he smiled at him while raising his hoof, offering to shake it:
-Thanks bro, this means a lot to me…-
-I will protect them- said Linus while shaking his hoof with his brother’s. -I just hope you know what you doing big brother-
-It’s just another rodeo Linus, I’ll be k-
-Just… come back in one piece- said Linus one last time before letting go of his brother’s hoof, in response to that the rodeo stallion looked at his brother with a smile and that eye of the storm clarity in his green eyes.
The stallion turned away and started walking down the road into the rising sun, all the ponies around started to shout his name and wishing him luck.
That was the very last time Ponyville saw the greatest rodeo pony on Equestria ever again…
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Applejack is slowly waking up to the sound of the moving train and the warm touch of the sun in her neck and part of her face, it’s been a fine night for her, although she doesn’t feel she has regained all her strength for a good night sleep; “must be the nerves” thought the mare, she stands from the bed and stretches while yawning.
"How long have I sleep?" Thought Applejack has she puts her hat on, she walked towards the window; dust and far away rock maintains on sight, dominated by the color red, how ironic. It couldn’t be long before arriving to the station; while there was still time, the pony decided to check her things one more time, she just feels like she is missing something… she doesn’t even feel like wanting to eat breakfast, it’s the anxiety. Everything is in order, everything that is needed for basic survival necessities are all in Applejack's saddlebags, and in good time:
“Ladies and gentlecolts, welcome to Red Rock we are arriving at the West Station; remember to pick all your belongings before getting off the train. Thanks again for traveling with us and we hope to see you soon”
Well… it still didn’t sound quite well, but what does that matter now; Applejack has finally arrived to her destination, she grabbed all her things and double checked to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. While on her way to the exit door of the train Applejack saw some ponies getting off, but not has much has she thought there would be, she could notice in a slight distance the same mare that was talking in the line while waiting in the checkpoint the other day; she was getting close, until finally; she was out.
There at a few meters was the town, not really has deserted has she thought, the best description to give is that it looked almost like Appleloosa in Equestria, except slightly reder and in worst conditions, Applejack started to walk towards the town; she was looking all around the place, especially the ponies around, they are all earth ponies, no pegasus or unicorns on sight, and their fashion was definitely far different from the standards from Equestria’s Canterlot; ponies wondered around long dust coats, using cowboy hats and button shirts bellow, they reminded Applejack on how her uncle dressed; means she is definitely in the right place but the one thing that got her attention was what some were holding, are does… weapons? “No way” thought the mare; does aren’t seen in Equestria anymore, but then she remembered, that this isn’t Equestria and if she is going to be here she is going to have to adapt to their life style, the orange pony tried her best to not look so out of place but that was impossible. The fact she is not wearing one of does clothes means she is already one.
First things first, thinks Applejack; she heads to a small building with some shade, and pulls out from one of the saddlebags a small piece of paper, like a latter, again, trying to act as natural as she could, but the eyes of pretty much everyone in town are set on her, the orange mare is starting to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed; but did her best to keep it cool and ignore the sights.
A hoof puts down the paper that Applejack was just looking at, right in front of her there was another mare pony; dark green, curly brown hair, eyes white, with a light white duster coat, a white shirt bellow and a white cowboy hat, Applejack just remains there speechless:
-You Applejack?- said the green pony while looking directly at Applejack’s eyes.
She has the same country accent like Applejack, but sounds more rural, like more remarked:
-You Windshot?- responded Applejack, firmly and serious, it almost sounded like she was challenging her, her intentions were to intimidate of course:
-I don’t think you are in position to talk to me, or any other pony, like that around here, Equestrian…- Said the green mare in the same tone has before “Yes, am Windshot…” continues while pulling back to give air to the orange mare:
-Tha latter said you are going to take me to Linus- said Applejack while returning the paper inside her saddlebag, seems like she is now trying to be nice and friendly to the pony, Windshot responded with a grin:
-Eyup, I was told to find you and get’ cha to him- said Windshot -He’s away from this town, we should get moving, he hates waiting-
-Ok, partner, lead tha way, I’ll follow- said Applejack.
Windshot nodded and begun riding towards the outskirt of the town and Applejack follows close behind her; Applejack was not sure what to make of the situation, it feels like everything is happening fast; but she hopes to find the answers soon…
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It’s been just a few minutes since they left the town, they are galloping towards a distant desert, Applejack can tell there are distant canyons beyond the long going sea of sand; seems like that’s where she is being taken:
-Hey Jackie!- said Windshot in a loud tone so Applejack could listen through the wind and galloping noises:
-Beg pardon?-
-I was wondering-- -
-What did ya call me again?- interrupted Applejack:
-Oh… I said Jackie…- replied Windshot happily
-Jackie? Why?-
-Jus ma way of rememberin ponies I guess, Applejack is too long fer me; ‘sides Jackie suits ya better!-
-Look Windshoot, Ah don’t mean to sound rude, but Ah just know you for a little while- said Applejack seriously
-Ok Ah understand-
There was silence for a little while they continued galloping through the desert, until Windshot broke the silence:
-Do ya trust me at least?-
-’Guess Ah have no choice- said the orange mare:
-Jeje, Ah still remember da last pony ah…-
-How long ‘till we get there?- interrupted Applejack suddenly, Windshot just froze her sight into the equestrian’s cold looking face, she returns her sight front:
-Not much…- responded Windshot, coldly.
And so true, at a distance Applejack could see some ponies, or at least looked like ponies, it’s hard to tell, the sun is going down and there is a bit of sand catching into Applejack's eyes; but it surely looks like there is something going on. It was just a minute after they got there, indeed, it was a camp; not exactly something lustful, but it was something at least, Applejack gives herself some time to catch her breath:
-Applejack…- said Windshot, the orange pony looked at her
-…your uncle will come see ya shortly- continued the green mare has she was turning around, looks like she is leaving -an’… a word of advice Equestrian, you're playin’ with the “big boys” now-. She slowly turns her head to see Applejack, one more time:
-Red Rock is NO place for weaklings… like YOU- finished Windshot in the most serious way imaginable, enough to make things harder for Applejack to digest, just looking around her, is clearly not a good place, the ponies there don’t seem trusty folk; Applejack feels like her stomach is about to explode.
Windshot tip hat’s Applejack -See ya aroun’ cowgirl- and with that, she gallops away, Applejack is left alone in an strange place with strange ponies.
They are already looking at Applejack with does eyes of discrimination; there are more stallions than mares, all dressed in the same style like the ponies from the town, cowboy hats, long dust coats, etc… Applejack can only tell herself to stay calm, but that’s not enough.
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It’s been a few minutes, and no sign of Linus; at this point Applejack is sitting on the dusty ground, tired of waiting, the ponies in the camp are still at their thing, they seem to stop caring about her. "What is taking him so long?" wondered Applejack.
-Applejack!-
"That voice" though the farm mare has she lifted her sight to see Linus right there in front of her, looks much older but clearly seems healthy and strong. The mare didn’t knew what to feel; on one side joy for seeing a familiar face in this strange place and on the other side, deep anger ready to explode, but she lets herself be taken by the most important one:
-Uncle!?- says Applejack happy and confused, not before hugging Linus, the old stallion responds respectfully:
-I got word you were coming kid-
-By Celestia, uncle, I feel like I have so many thin’s to-- - said Applejack, she sounded like in a rush, but is unexpectedly interrupted:
-…look, Applejack, right now we have to-- - Linus is interrupted by a loud explosion, very close to where he and his niece are; the straight of the blast was enough to drop both ponies of off their hooves.
Linus stands first and helps Applejack to stand:
-Applejack! Applejack!- screams Linus at the orange mare who is still dazed by the blast, Applejack shakes her head to fully recover, the next thing she sees is chaos and destruction all around, someponies helping wounded ones, others shooting… fire weapons? “No way thought” Applejack.
-Kid, you gotta go now!- says Linus to a choked Applejack, he is holding her to make the frightened pony look at him and not the other atrocities going on around her:
-…you hear me? GO NOW RUN! RUN!!!- shouts Linus before letting her go so his niece have an opportunity to escape alive, he grabs a rifle with his front hooves and stands in two hooves to aim and shoot at an upcoming stallion, Linus hits the target right on the head:
-PULL BACK COMRADES, WE CAN’T TAKE THEM ALL!!- commands Linus.
Applejack finds herself galloping for her life trying to get out of there has fast has she could, she could see all the different ponies fighting barbarically between them, there are some dressed slightly different, but with the i must survive! repeating in her mind is hard to focus on that, Applejack heads towards a hill that hopefully will lead out of that battlefield, just when she is about to get on top she sees a stallion pointing a rifle at her, although she tried dodging by pure reflexes the incoming thread, she finds herself receiving a bullet right in her stomach and falls on the floor.
The stallion pony is about to give the finishing shot, but he received his earlier from his left side, Applejack lies there, on the cold, dusty floor has she feels how her vision gets darker and just nearly hear anything anymore, her stomach and chest burns and can’t even move a single hoof; she didn’t have straight to take action, but she did had time to think one last thing about, her family and friends, has a tear runs down from her eye…
The Past is like a ghost: it leads to fear and temptation of later regrettable deeds. If there is anypony that understands this it’s Linus, his cold attitude often made him a fearful pony and kept him away from making friends but is the result of his past; even as a little filly, Applejack seems to be the only one to understand her uncle's attitude, mostly because she could see through him better than any other member in the family, she could tell Linus was broken just like her during does days, but she couldn't understand anything else other than that, she was very young...
The farm was in dire conditions with too many apple unbuckled and reserves of money running out by that time, Linus tried get some other members of the apple family to help, but with them taking care of their own farms there is simply no time to help the Apples at Ponyville, production had pretty much stopped and anything that can be profitable is all out; Linus just can't handle the responsibilities of the Apple family, but somehow, Linus could keep calm and promises to the Apples that he "will make the problem go away" and that he did.
He started to work has a courier in Equestria and made good money for the farm, but that left the problem of the unworked lands. Big Machintoch did what he could for the little pony he was back then but it just wasn't enough, as just a little filly, Applejack could only watch helplessly at what was going on before her. But Granny Smith told her that she one day would be just as strong as her brother and could help him.
Uncle Linus helped a lot with the money concern and while it wasn't much, it was enough for what a single pony could do, and the Apple couldn't be any more grateful; it was one more issue off their backs. Linus would always say "It's just my job".
On one dark night at Sweet Apple Acres, Linus was sitting in the table of the kitchen, the look in his eyes show that he is in a deep thought; it's starting to rain; a filly Applejack is coming down the stairs and heading towards the kitchen, the little filly seems to have been sleeping for quite a while, the soft yawn made Linus turns his eyes towards the door where Applejack is coming through, he just looks at her, Applejack is awake enough to realize her uncle there:
-Uncle Linus ya wake al' ready?-
Linus chuckles -No kid, I uh... can't sleep...-
The filly walks towards Linus and puts her hoof over his uncle's in sing of compassion:
-It's ok uncle, Granny Smith says there is no reason to be afraid of the dark- Linus laughs softly -Oh you little fella, is not that... I'm just thinking-
- 'Bout what?!-
-Grown up things, kid...- said Linus
Applejack puts her hoof down and just turns her head away a bit, she knows that "Grown up things" means "Don't ask", so she then heads towards the cabinet and picks a glass and pours water in it, Applejacks feels guilty for asking her uncle about that kind of thing, he has been that thoughtful ever since her dad left, that was a month ago:
-Uncle?-
-MMmm?-
-When is my dad comin back...?- asked Applejack
But it wasn't the first time, of course, a month is a long time for a little kid to wait for father's return, Linus reply was a sigh, Applejack can't see through the stallions poker face so she thinks is not an answer, but rather something else:
-Uncle?-
-Kid, I... think he is coming... soon...-
Applejack listen and understands what she hears "her father is coming soon" and with that she finishes to drink her water and heads to the stairs, not before looking at Linus one more time, he is still with that thoughtful face of his:
-I'm glad you are here uncle- said the little filly with joy
-Thanks kid...- said Linus -...I'm glad live in peace for once-
Applejack heard but didn't understand what he meant by that, but she could tell it sounded serious, but for the time she has known her uncle, he has always been a serious pony:
-Hey tomorrow I don' have school maybe I thought we could-- -
-Kid, please just... go to sleep- interrupted the stallion
Applejack remained there silent and looking at Linus for a little while, she could tell it meant "I want to be alone", she suddenly felt hurt, she went upstairs leaving Linus alone in the kitchen, when Linus heard the door upstairs close, he sighed deeply:
-I'm sorry kid... but you don't wanna be my friend...-
Little filly Applejack walked towards her bed, took a seat, and in the night table next to her, was picture of her with her dad, every time she looked at it she felt sad and somewhat nostalgic. Applejack wishes she could have known her mother better, the tiredness of the little pony is beginning to take the best of her, so she just finally lie down in her soft bed and fell asleep fast.
At that time, it just feels like the days were getting longer
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The sunlight comes through the window of the place where Applejack is, it was all made of wood, it pretty much looks like the inside of a barn. Applejack has bandages are covering her stomach and a small part of her chest, she is over a small bed; the sunlight slowly reaches her face and opens her eyes, the young mare takes a little time to check herself and her surroundings, she is mostly impressed to see she is still alive; Applejack is no medic, but she can tell a normal treatable wound from a mortal one, and hers were bad “How am I still alive” though the pony while looking at her hooves “I feel just fine, almost like... nothing happened”.
Another pony walks into the room, it a clear grey mare, dark yellow mane and a red cross for a cutie mark, she is carrying some clothing on her back:
-Howdy there, I thought you woul’ be wake by now, how are ya?-
-huh...-
The grey pony chuckles a little, has she leaves the clothes at the tables near the bed, Applejack shakes her head softly, it still hurts a little:
-...beg you’ pardon ma’am huh... I’m good thanks- said Applejack
-Yeah ah can tell, le me just check you’ wounds k’?-
The nurse comes to check the stomach, she begins to take off the bandages leaving only the gauze that covers exactly the place where Applejack took the shoot, she looks with shock when the gray mare removes it to see the wound, it still has fresh blood pouring out, thought not more than before, but Applejack could tell the stitches were there, so is not like it’s open:
-Al’righty all in order, you are healing well miss- said the gray mare
-I... thought ah was done for...-
-You jus’ lost a blood there, you passed out faster cus’ of the stress, but you’ll be k now-
The gray mare finished checking the wound, she changed the dirty gauze and puts a new clean one, she puts it on top and bullet wound and puts new bandages over the wound, all over Applejack’s torso and tight enough:
-...there ya go mah mare, try standin up now- said the medic pony
Applejack did as she was told, but even now, her stomach feels hot so she took it slow, the gray pony helped her to sit in the bed:
-Thanks ma’am...- said Applejack -...have you huh... seen mah hat?-
-Oh... fraid not, when you were brought here you had no hat...-
Applejack turned her sight down, she is disappointed and deeply frustrated; she has been holding too that hat for longer than anypony would think, and now is lost “Shoot” is all the farm pony could think now:
-...I’m sorry-
-It’s ok...- said Applejack with disappointment
The nurse mare stepped behind just a bit to give the wounded pony space:
- The marshal would like to speak with you miss- said the nurse pony while walking out the door
-What’s this clothes here?- asked Applejack while looking at the just brought clothes from the gray mare
-Oh! I almost forgot...- said the nurse pony -...they told me to get you this, the marshal said it would make you look like less of an outsider-
Applejack just nodded in sign of understanding, the gray pony continues her retreat:
-Have a nice day, miss- said the nurse
Applejack finishes to stand up from the bed and picks the clothing over the table, seems like her size, the pony starts to put it on slowly. Back in Equestria is not normal to be wearing clothes unless is an special occasion, but Red Rock has different traditions and cultures; Applejack has many things going on through her head right now.
“The marshal of the town wants to see me?” thought Applejack, maybe because she was a survivor of that massacre she witnessed back there; the pony wished all that would have been all a just a very bad dream, but it obviously wasn't. Applejack have finished getting dressed, she looked herself in the mirror in the room “Boy! Ah’ look good!”.
Applejack is now wearing a black duster coat, with a white button shirt below, a red scarf that covers part of her neck and a black cowboy hat; Applejack definitely looks like a Red Rock habitant now!
-------------------------
Applejack steps out the room, she can immediately is a hospital seeing all the wounded ponies being moved around the halls, in and out doors, etc... It all seems like chaos, Applejack continues down the hall, the sing up the door says Reception Area, Applejack goes through and ends up in a more relieved area, certainly the stress of the moving patients is not felt here, yet feels like death is in the air; all there is in the reception is a single receptionist; is a clear blue colt, seems to be checking some papers and reading them for himself, Applejack approaches to the reception desk:
- ’Scuse me?- says Applejack
The colt continues to read the papers at his desk:
-Ah’m looking for the marshal... is he here?- asks the orange mare again
The receptionist continues to not even notice Applejack there, the Equestrian doesn't want to be rude to the first pony that isn’t exactly “helping the client”, so she decides to remain there looking directly at the colt while he continues to read specting for a response.
-Are you testing mah patience, partner? ‘cause ah ain’t got much right now!- remarks Applejack, she is clearly beginning to lose her temper and the receptionist is still working; suddenly a familiar voice calls nearby:
-Boy miss, tha’s how you treat everypony?!-
Applejack turns to see there right behind her is the very same pony that took her to the camp, Windshot. She is still wearing the same white combination of clothes from before but is also having her left front hoof covert in bandages, but doesn’t seem very bad she is standing right in front of what looks like the main entrance:
-You...?- exclaims Applejack pointing a hoof at her, she then begins walking towards Windshoot -...you are tha’ pony that took me to the camp!-
-Ah’m glad to see you are save too- says Windshoot sarcastically
-Why are you here?-
-Tha marshal sent me, he wants too see ya-
Applejack chuckles -What are ya? a courier or somthin’?-
-Just somepony that likes to get tha’ job done- said Windshot with a grin
Applejack knew Windshot was asking to follow her to the marshal’s, it’s not like Applejack saw Windshot like a threat, but she clearly had her doubts:
-Ah don’ know sister, last time ah follow you, Ah ended up in a battlefield... how can I trust you?- said Applejack, trying to sound nice
-We are not goin’ outta town miss, I promise ya...- says Windshot -...’sides this town is one of the safest in Red Rock-
Applejack could tell the truth in Windshot’s voice and good willing intention, no wonder Applejack is the element of honesty, she just nods and they begin to leave the hospital, leaving the receptionist all alone, only the sound of paper could be heard.
-------------------------
Walking down the town Applejack knew she wasn't in West Station anymore, clearly, a different air could be breathe here, more safety and stability, the colts and mares from around look more calm and friendly, even the town itself is a lot more clean, both ponies continue to walk, Applejack is looking around admiring the town, Windshot is right next to her, she looks at Applejack:
-May Ah ask, what’s this place?- asks Applejack
-This is “Hoof Jewel”, peaceful little place compared to some other towns if ya ask me-
They both continued walking, they were coming close to a building at a distance, Applejack could only predict that is where she is heading:
-We ain’t far miss- said Windshot
Applejack wouldn't show it, but she feels terrible for Windshot; she tried to be nice with her the other day and Applejack behave like a complete idiot refusing a good friendship, that’s not the way she would treat any other pony:
-...AJ...- said Applejack, softly
-Sorry-
-Mah friends back home call me “AJ”...-
Windshot just looked at Applejack in total confusion, but immediately understood the message the orange mare was trying to give her; she is trying to apologize and willing to accept her friendship, Windshot could only smile:
-”AJ” huh? ah prefer Jackie- says Windshot joking
-Sorry for bein’ a jerk tha other day...-
-Nah it’s fine, if ah were you ah would worry about talkin’ to tha’ marshal-
Windshot points at the little structure with her hoof, it has a fair size for what the rest of the town looks like; it has a sign on top that says “Sherif” full representation of law and order in a town like this, Applejack just remains looking at the structure for a while before going in with Windshot.
Windshot entered first in the building while Applejack waited out nearby, the marshal was sitting in a desk, anypony would say he is sleeping; he is a clear gray colt with dark mane, wearing a cowboy hat that covers his face almost completely, he is wearing a white shirt and a leather jacket, not long like the ones from around the town, Windshot steps in and takes off her hat:
-Howdy marshal!- says Windshot happily
The colt lift his head just enough so we can see his face, he a a big black mustache and blue eyes, he seems annoyed and angry at Windshot, who replies with an awkward smile:
-Ah brought her, marshal!- continues Windshot
But her confidence clearly seems to have faded after that stare from the marshal, Windshot turns to see at the door and notice that Applejack is already standing at it, she reacts in surprise:
-...Oh...- is all that came out Windshot’s mouth
-Ma’am...- says the marshal to the orange pony while standing up
Applejack finally enters completely in the structure, Windshot returns her sight to the marshal who approaches Applejack and extends his hoof to her, AJ returns the gesture by shaking her hoof with his:
-...on behalf of all the marshals of Red Rock, we apologize for the horrible experience you had last day- continued the marshal, he sounded sincere with his words
Applejack nodded at the good gesture and smiled softly, she could tell the marshal wasn't a bad pony; in fact, he somehow reminded her to Major Mare from Ponyville:
-I hope we haven’t give you a bad “first impression”- says the marshal
Applejack chuckles -Yawl saved mah life sir, an’ ahm grateful for that-
-They told me to strike right has soon has I got the chance...- says the marshal, he seems troubled by saying that.
The marshal turns around and walks towards a small window and looks through it:
-...but they sure didn’t said there were innocents- finishes the stallion
-Ah was there too meet mah uncle, his name is Linus Seeds- says Applejack
-I know, Windshot here told me everything...- the marshal sighs -...miss Applejack, look... I find myself in the uncomfortable position of asking you to collaborate with me-
This words stroke Applejack off guard, she is being ask to fight in a war that isn’t hers? “Is he askin’ me to play soldier?” thought the young mare:
-Ah beg your pardon?!- says Applejack angry, she is trying her best to not start a fight
The marshal walks away the window -Don’t think I like it miss, I understand you-- -
-You understand this, partner!- interrupts Applejack while walking towards the marshal.
Her intentions aren’t exactly to “be nice”, but she is stopped by a hoof of Windshot, AJ stops where she is being asked to:
-Ah am not gonna do it!- finishes Applejack
The rooms remains quiet for a while, but the tension can still be felt in the air, the marshal sits back again in his desk and takes a deep breath, for what can be telled, he is looking for the inner strength necessary to explain everything the orange pony needs and should know:
-We have been trying to capture Linus for the past 13 years, he is the longest running criminal in the history of Red Rock...- says the marshal -...is is accused of robbery, kidnaping, assaults and many more; sounds like somepony that wouldn't really be a problem if you ask me but I know Linus... he is not like them-
The marshal finishes saying that while he stands up and walks towards Applejack, who is listening in shock more than surprise, still trying to understand and believe what she is being told:
-...8 years ago I found him, tried to capture him but he got a way and my partner died that day...- continues the law colt, finally standing right in front of Applejack-...and now we find him meeting you near the canyon; 8 years after miss, that’s a very long time...-
Applejack blinks and looks down at the wooden floor, she just can’t find the courage to look at the marshal in the face anymore, the law pony stands back to be respectful the mare, he know he had just thrown too much at her at one, she needs to digest it, Windshot even lows the hoof she used to stop Applejack before:
-Mah...- says Applejack softly -...mah uncle really did all that?-
-Look, with you here, we have more chance of having him show off again, you leave now and we may never find him again-
-You didn’t answer mah question- says Applejack almost immediately
-You know the answer to that miss... why must I answer it to you again?- says the marshal in a friendly tune, hoping that would make things easy for her.
Applejacks thinks about this for a while, the question she already had about Linus had just been multiplied, she wanted to have does questions answered desperately and she knows the marshal can’t answer does, accepting this task is dangerous, she could get killed; “No, it’s not worth it...” though Applejack, but her desire to know the truth is stronger than her fear to death:
-Alright, ahm gonna do it; but not for you....- says Applejack
The marshal smiled, but of joy:
-Good to hear, really...- says the marshal -...now before you go, I have something to give you-
The mashal gets from under his desk a showed-off shotgun, seems a little bit used, but clearly functional, he kindly hands it over to the mare:
-Wow... tha’s a nice one!- says Windshot
-Le’me guess, another gift from the marshals...- says Applejack
-No, it’s my gift to you...- says the marshal -...just like that outfit you are wearing now-
-Thanks, I guess...- says Applejack
She is clearly grateful, but she knows it’s like a compensation for the assignment she is getting, but can tell the honesty coming from the ponies around her; and right now she needs allies for the problems she is going to encounter:
-Where do I start- says Applejack
The marshal thinks for a while:
-I recommend you head towards the Cricket Ranch, at the west; we heard some witnessed were there...- says the marchal -...maybe they know where Linus and his gang went-
-What, you didn’t get anythin’ from them?- says Applejack joking
-No, maybe you get them to talk- says the marshal
Applejack, heads towards the door, Windshot and the marshal follow nearby:
-Take care miss and thank you...- says the marshal to Applejack
Applejack nods and finally comes out of the commissary, she turns to see Windshot:
-You wanna come?- asks Applejack to the green mare
-You kidding? of course, ah wouldn’t miss it- says Windshot in absolute joy
-You just be careful out there and keep miss Applejack safe, ok?- says the marshal to Windshot
-Sure thing, marshal!- replies Winshot
She approaches Applejack has they both start galloping into the west, the marshal waves a hoof at them and gets inside:
-You know how to get there?!- asks Applejack
-’Course, is a bit far though...!- replies Winshot
-Then we must go now!- finishes Applejack has the two mares go into the west...
It’s something that you hear many times around the towns of Red Rock; somepony got robbed, somepony being kidnaped and many other situations that would make anypony wish to get away from there, but not so often in Hoof Jewel and when one pony does, that means “Trouble” with capital T.
The marshal is in his office when he hears the scream, it sounded like a colt; his voice sounds like he has been running for a while now. The marshal stands just when the alarmed pony comes into the commissary; he is a short heighted pony and a little overweight, dark yellow with blue mane, he is also wearing a brown duster coat but seems a lot more deteriorated, and a cowboy hat; he also has a sheriff badge in his hat:
-Marshal...- says the colt, he can almost pronounce what he is saying, he is breathing heavily:
The marshal approaches to the colt, he puts a hoof on the yellow pony’s neck:
-It’s ok, kid catch your breath- says the marshal
-Sir... the...-
-Just take it easy now... slowly-
-...uff... there are... witnesses... that saw... the Raya gang... riding to the... west...-
“West?”
The words hit the marshal like a stone to the head; the west is where Applejack and Windshot are heading, they left a few hours ago and it’s not like they can stand a chance against them. The Raya are a group of criminals with unclear proposes, but the one certain thing everypony of the law knows is that they are not related to Linus, that is the only thing that keeps this faction out of the law’s interest; but the marshal sees them has threat that menace the stability of Red Rock, if it wasn't because the big bosses of the country wanted Linus’s head on a plate, he would focus all his attention on this group:
-But... didn’t they retired to the Munija Mountains?- said the marshal, he sounds worried
-I... think they... are back...- replies the yellow colt, still trying to catch his breath
The marshal now looks more like angry, he starts to phase around the office like he is anxious and desperate, the news where clearly strikingly bad for him; the marshal didn’t knew what worried him more, the fact that the Raya are in Red Rock again or Applejack and Windshot being in mortal danger:
-Are you sure of what you are telling me!?- says the marshal
-Yes sir...-
-Is your source trustful!?-
-The agents of Water Stone told me, sir!-
-Don’t play with me, kid...- the marshal sounds like he is about to rip the young colt apart
-...I’m not lying, marshal...- replied the young sheriff
The marshal stops and sits on his desks, he puts his hooves on his face like he is trying to hide his desperation, the young sheriff steps closer to the desk just enough to not invade the space of the marshals lamentable state of mind:
-What shall we do marshal...?- asks the sherrif
-We... *sigh* we must let everypony of the west know about this-
-All the towns? how?-
The marshal then looks at his desk and sees some pergamins, the idea just came on it’s own:
-What’s your name, boy?- asked the marshal
-Huh... Star Shield, sir-
-Star Shield, please take a latter...- finishes the marshal while standing up
Star shakes a little his head and moves quickly towards the desk, he opens a pergamin and takes a pen with his mouth, he is ready to be given the instructions to put in the sheet of paper, the marshal walks to the window:
-This is the marshal Bright Badge of Hoof Jewel, I want to inform you that the Raya gang have returned to Red Rock and are heading in your direction. We don’t know what they want or what they are after but I want you all to be prepared for the worst, I believe that you may know already by now but I still feel the need to inform you, Water Stone is already aware and I’m sure that they are taking action now. Stay safe my friends of the west...- finished the marshal
Star finishes writing the latter and puts the pen aside:
-...and everypony in the west will see this later, marshal?- asked Star
-No, you must take it to the marshal in Hutkill, he will handle the rest...-
There was an uncomfortable silence for awhile, Star took and fold the pergamin:
-Some’in’ elsh ah shoul know, ma’shal- said the young sheriff while holding the pergamin with his mouth
-Yes, be fast-
And with does words, Star begins to gallop to the west has fast has he could, the marshal remains in his quiet office still looking at the peaceful town he protects through the window, he didn’t told anything to the Sheriff Badge, but his thoughts were at an uncomfortable state worrying about the Raya’s return and the two mares; he knew Windshot would be ok, after all she is a skilled gunslinger and a veteran of Red Rock, but Applejack just took a shoot and miraculously survived, but still, the little pony is no soldier and even if Windshot is good enough to protect both herself and maybe Applejack it is a slim chance of survival if they encounter with either the Raya of Linus’s gang. The marshal is regretting not being able to help out more and besides, he is following orders regarding Applejack’s intervention, because if it was him running the show, he wouldn’t have it going this way:
-*sigh* this is gonna a rough fight...- said the marshal to himself
------------------------------------------
Applejack and Windshot are still heading to the Cricket Ranch, there is nothing but sand, dust and small rocks on sight with its always predominant color red, the sky is slightly cloudy but enough for the sun is to shine bright above; but that of course made the air dry hot, the ponies had no choice but to push on, although luckily for them the sun is coming down, and at night time is perfect to recover.
The ponies are walking right next to each other, at an easy pace; even though Applejack knew the importance of their job, it is obvious if they try galloping there with this heat is pretty much suicide, she wasn’t stupid:
-...so Jackie, wha’ can ya tell me ‘bout your home?- asks Windshot
-mah home?-
-Yep, ah mean, tha place where ya live, yer family, friends...-
-Oh well, wha can ah tell ya...-
Applejack remains thinking for a moment:
-Ah ain’t got much to say really...- continued Applejack, she sounded uncomfortable
-Ah don’t think that Jackie, ya come from Equestria, tha sure is much!-
It’s not the first time Windshot asked this question to Applejack since they left Hoof Jewel; she is trying to motivate the equestrian pony to speak about herself, there isn’t any kind of harm attempt on this, Windshot just wants to know AJ better. Applejack just doesn't want to talk about her family, because it drives her mind towards Linus and that’s something that makes her feel embarrassed, angry and sad; all at the same time, but she did her best to bury the thoughts:
-Well, ah come from a small town called Ponyville...- answered Applejack -...there ah run an apple farm called “Sweet Apple Acres”-
-An apple farm?- asked Windshot
-Eyup!- said Applejack nodding -...everypony in Equestria says tha our apples are the best, some ponies come over to Ponyville just to try one.-
-Wow... tha certainly sounds like a good life...- replyed Windshot, she sounded kinda jealous
-Oh believe me, is hard work to handle a farm and is thanks to mah brother tha' things go well...- said Applejack, she is getting nostalgic -...there is also mah little sister, nice little filly, she will sure become a great hard workin’ mere one day, like her big sis *chuckles*, an’ our grandmother, granny Smith, oh boy! ah’m tellin’ ya haven’t lived if ya haven’t tried her famous Zap Apple Jam!- finishes Applejack
Windshot feels like she is listening to a children’s story; a fairytale and just who can blame her, she has never seen any workable grounds that allow fruit to grow, the ponies of Red Rock have adapted themselves to eat almost anything they can; even meat. Windshot almost looks like she is about to tell Applejack to stop lying but then she realizes that “this is the mare from Equestria” and if she says it, then it exists:
-Sounds... nice...- sais Windshot in a weak sort of way
-You k...?- asks Applejack
-Yeah sure!- now Windshot sounds more energetic -...is just tha' fer me, is kinda hard to belive that, ya know?-
For a moment there, Applejack thought it was a joke what she said:
-How so?- asks Applejack
Windshot just looks around her for a little while like if she is looking for something, Applejack is still looking at her waiting for an answer:
-Are ya seein’ this place Jackie...?- asked Windshot
Applejack looks around for a while -huh... yeah...-
-Tell me, is this ground good to grow trees?-
-Well...- Applejack remains thinking for a while
-Ah thought so- said Windshot almost instantly
“She is right, this is no good ground...” thought Applejack. The fact that there are no unicorns and pegasi means this ponies live under the mercy of the weather and obviously no magic support. Equestria works in perfect harmony with all three kinds of ponies working together, but Red Rock is inhabited only by earth ponies or at least has far has Applejack could tell:
-There must be a place where ya’ll can work...- says Applejack
-Nope, there ain’t...- responded Windshot, almost sounded like she was trying to be funny
The two mares still walk towards the direction of the farm but in uncomfortable silence after the last talk; Applejack was feeling uncomfortable after that conversation, she felt like she made Windshot feel like her life is miserable and empty which was never her intention of course but Applejack can tell by reading Windshot’s face that she isn’t happy:
-Ah’m sorry...- Applejack feels like is the best she can say
-*laughs* Jackie it ain’ nothin’, we can live like this just fine!- replied Windshot with a smile
Applejack smiled back, she didn’t knew if it was a fake smile or a real one but she certainly feels much better now:
-Since when you have been workin’ with the marshal?- asks Applejack
-The marshal Badge...?-
“So that’s his name” thought Applejack
-Yeah, tha marshal of Hoof Jewel, right?- says Applejack
-Ah don’ work for him... he payed me to help him out tha’s all-
-So... ya work for him-
-Ah’m a bounty hunter Jackie, ah work for no pony...- responded Windshot
“A bounty hunter?” thought Applejack, she have heard of bounty hunters before, she knows who they are, but never thought she would see one; thousands of questions began to race through her head:
-We ain’t far now...- says Windshot
So seems like her answers will have to wait, because they are getting to their destination, the ponies can see the farm from the hill where they are, but it certainly doesn't looks in good shape, hard to tell considering how far they are, not to mention is getting dark:
-Wha’ in the world is happenin’ down there...?- asks Applejack to herself
-Ah’m sure tha’s tha place, but... wha’s that?-
Windshot could spot movement near the farm but they are getting away, Applejack notices them too shortly after Windshot did:
-Looks like a lot of ‘em...- says AJ
-Wait a sec’-
Windshot pulls out binoculars from her duster coat and takes a look, what comes after is a reaction of shock:
-Ya kidin’ me...- says Windshot, some grim fear seems to take over her voice
-Wha’ is it? ya almost seem like ya saw a ghost- replies Applejack
-Here... take a look-
Windshot hands over her binoculars to Applejack, AJ sees right at the direction of the moving activity, she really didn’t knew what to expect to see but there she noticed; zebras, like Zecora from the Everfree Forest back in Equestria, galloping away from the farm, at least as much as she could tell:
-Who are they?- asks Applejack
-They are the Raya, Ah thought they left Red Rock...-
-Raya... are they all zebras?-
-Zebras?- asks Windshot, obviously she has never seen one before
-Yeah, is wha’ they are...- responded Applejack
-Oh... ah thought they were just a bunch of ugly ponies...-
-But wha’ in tha world could they be doin’ here...?- asked AJ to herself
The Raya are leaving, whatever their reasons might be are not important now for Applejack, who is more concern right now on getting her clue, the darkness is growing and the farm is not far away, is hard to tell the conditions of the place, Applejack jumps and slides down hill:
-Jackie, wait!- yells Windshot who follows shortly after
As soon as Applejack arrived down hill, she galloped towards the farm only to find it almost completely destroyed, the structure only looks like a hollow shell of the place once was; it seems like it was brought down by brute force and not fire considering there can’t be felt the heat or the smell of burnt wood:
-Jackie...-
Windshot has just catched up with AJ who is just looking at the place in disappointment, not much time after her arrival, Applejack decides to come closer to the ruined place, she pulls out her shotgun and approaches carefully, Windshot follows behind and she too puts out her revolver.
There is little left in the remains of that place, whatever was there with value it was sure taken away by the Raya with the souls that lived in that place, it sure didn’t look like there was anypony there:
-Seems like they left nothin’...- exclaimed Windshot in disappointment
-*sigh* If only we would have gotten here sooner...- says Applejack with anger
-If we had... we’d probably be dead too, Jackie...-
Applejack’s frustration feels like a rock falling over her back, it’s so heavy it makes her just drop on the floor, she knew it would take a while for Linus to show up; is that hunger to know the truth what has AJ struggling in this mad world after all:
-Wha’ do we do now, Windshot?- asks Applejack
-Well, ah think we should go back to tha marshal in Hoof Jewel an’ tell him wha...-
Before Windshot could finish her plan of action, she stops when she feels something touching her head and the sound of a loading revolver made Windshot realize she is being pointed at, Applejack turns around when she heard the revolver loading, she pulls out her shotgun and pointing it at the aggressor with the vague hope of having him give up:
-Where ya took her?-
The aggressor sounds like a stallion, he is hiding behind Windshot while he talks, obviously hiding from AJ’s shotgun range, but Applejack still points the gun and Windshot can only remain still hoping she walks out with her life, the sun has already gone down completely and there is only the light of the moon:
-Calm down, partner...- says Applejack
-Answer my question!-
-We just got here, friend, calm down before one pony does somethin’ he’ll regret...-
Applejack is trying her best to be friendly and reasonable with this pony, whoever he is; but it looks like he won’t back down:
-How can I trust ya!?-
-We jus’ came from Hoof Jewel, we were told you could help us find Linus Seeds...- replied Applejack
-Bright Badge... ya know him...?- asks the stallion
-Yes- says AJ almost inmediatly
The stallion lowers his gun and Windshot steps away from him:
-Thanks there, partner...- says Windshot
The stallion is now visible to the eyes of both Applejack and Windshot; he is a clear brown with a dark mane and also uses a duster coat but this one is made of fabric unlike Applejack’s and Windshot’s which are made of leather, the stallion seems more calmed now:
-Ah’m sorry...- says the stallion to Windshot
-Oh it’s fine, except for the part where you were about to pull tha trigger...-
Says Windshot in a joking manner, Applejack puts away her shotgun, she may not show it, but AJ is relief to know she didn’t had to kill somepony... yet:
-Ah’m really sorry, is just tha’... ah mean...- the stallion seems to be finding hard to say the words
-It’s ‘k, friend, what’s yer name?- asked Applejack, with the same friendly voice she uses with her friends
-Cricket Guns, Ah watch after this farm... or Ah used too...- says Cricket
-Ah’m very sorry ‘bout yer farm... it must be hard- says Applejack
Cricket lowered his head, Applejack and Windshot knew it wasn't exactly the time to ask something like the location of a criminal that won’t really help somepony reclaim the lost, but is the reason why they both went there in the first place:
-Huh... was there any particular reason why they wanted to attack ya?- asked Windshot
-No, ah don’t an’ no offence ladies but ah gotta go...- says Cricket has he to leave
-Hey ah ain’ done talkin’ with ya!-
At the obvious sign of Crickets unwilling cooperative will, Windshot pulls out her revolver and shoot at the ground to the near right of Cricket, all in a fraction of a second; Applejack is impressed after seeing Windshot’s skill with the gun at last, Cricket remained freeze in position:
-Nopony turns it’s back on me when Ah speak...- reaffirms Windshot
Applejack puts a hoof over Windshot’s shoulder so she can stand down calmly, AJ trusts Windshot is not pulling the trigger just yet but one can never be too carefull, but still, Windshot is not lowering her weapon:
-Cricket, we ain’ yer enemies...- says Applejack
-Well... Ah didn’ knew “friends” shoots at each other...- says Cricket
-...and mah friend apologizes for that but...-
-They have mah wife!- interrupts Cricket
Applejack feels like her words are worth nothing, this pony has lost a dear one and is obvious he is willing to die saving her, AJ still remembers when he asked about her but like always, things only start to make sense half way through:
-An’ ya planin’ on savin’ her by yer self...?- asks Applejack
-If that’s how it must be...-
-She was taken away by Raya, Crickets, an’ ya know wha’ they do to mares...- says Windshot
-More reasons for me to hurry!- yells Cricket, he is clearly desperated
Applejack somehow sympathizes with Cricket, if any of her family is ever putted in a situation like that, she would surely act the very same way, Windshot finally puts away her gun but her eyes and dead silence didn’t really showed a friendly face at Cricket, she is still mad at him turning his back on her:
-We will help ya...- says Applejack -...but Ah wanna know everythin’ about Linus when we save yer wife, k?-
Windshot’s gestion showed she wasn’t very happy with the idea but is that or be stuck until “who knows when”:
-How can Ah trust ya?- asks Cricket
-You have a plan to deal with a bunch of barbarians?!- says Windshot
-Windshot got a point there, we saw them, ya can’ do this alone; ya’ll have to trust us...- continued Applejack
Things remain quiet for a while, it is not in the interest of Applejack and Windshot to lose Cricket in some suicidal rescue mission, if he is to have any chance he needs help; Applejack can only hope he agrees to the terms regarding her need for whatever information Cricket might have:
-Ok... Ah think Ah can trust ya’ll...- says Cricket
And so Cricket begins his march, Applejack and Windshot follow him and they start to gallop together in the direction where the Raya went:
-They could be far by now!- implies Applejack
-Maybe, but if there is any chance we can save mah wife, ah don’ care!-
-Ah just hope we can actually save her!- says Windshot-
In silence, Applejack admires Crickets braviary, but Windshot is right, if they are going to save that mare, they will have to come up with a plan to do so. Whatever does zebras are up to, they will have to hurry if they want to rescue Cricket’s wife...
------------------------------------------
Hoof Jewel rests in peace this night, everypony is sleeping calmly; like every night in that town, Bright can’t sleep though... has the marshal he must be ready for anything and his fears for the safety of Applejack and Windshot also worries him even more with the Raya out there, one can tell just by looking at the way he is passing around his office, fast and without stopping, that until a knock at his door, by instinct, the marshal pulls out his revolver and points it at the door:
-Yes?- asks Bright, calmly
-Its agent Reese, marshal...- replays the voice from the other side
The marshal sighs like a whole load of fear was taken off his back, so he walks towards the door and opens it, there enters the agent; a white stallion with orange mane and yellow eyes, he is dressed much different from everypony else in Red Rock, more formal and glamorous, pretty much like the way stallions looked like in the Grand Galloping Gala in Equestria but still a little bit dirty from the desert sand:
-Sorry to come at this time Bright, I know you are a busy stallion...- says Reese while entering
-It’s fine sir, I can’t stay calmed anyway...- says the marshal
-It’s because of the Raya...?-
-What if they are with Linus? that will complicate things!-
-The Raya are barbarians, marshal, you know that... after all you survived the war...- replies the agent with a grin
-Exactly why I’m worried sir, I know what they are and what they are capable of!-
Bright is not taking well the calm state of Reese, he is very confident about his ability to maintain order and control in this country, but is clear he might be underestimating the enemy:
-...This is serious sir!- finishes Bright
-Actually, I came here to tell you some bad news...- says the agent -...the boy you sended to deliver the message, Star Shield, didn’t made it-
-Oh no... is he ok?- asks the marshal, he sounds worried
-I’m afraid not...-
The words crippled the will of Bright, that much that he sits in his chair and puts his hooves on his face to hide his shame and self pity; he didn’t know what was worst, the fact that the sheriff didn’t made it or that he sented him to his death:
-...but we warned the inhabitants of the west and we sented the military in to guard the place...- continued the Marshal
The good news that came in filled the marshal with pace, although he knows the threat isn’t over yet, but the every bit of good happening is good to know at this time:
-I’m glad to hear that Reese, but the Raya are...-
-The Raya are not here on force as far as we know from our spies- interrupted Reese -but we still don’t know what they want-
-So what are we going to do sir...?- asks Bright
The agent turns around and heads towards the door like he is about to leave but stops right at the door, the marshal just remains looking at Reese, his eyes clearly showed she wants an answer:
-About Raya? nothing...- points out the agent -...we need you to find Linus, marshal Badge-
-How can you ask me to do nothing about Raya!?- the marshal is clearly upset about his orders
-We are handling Raya so you can focus on Linus, he is has much of a threat has the Raya; he is weak, we give him time to recover we’ll be right back where we began!-
In a way, Bright knows Reese is right; after the ambush on the Red Rock Canyon, Linus have lost strength and is on the hiding, stop looking will mean he will be ready for them, this is the closest they have ever been on capturing him:
-I know sir but...-
-Don’t let him win again, Bright- interrupts Reese
Bright finally remains quiet about the topic and just nods, the sign means he understands and so Reese proceeds to leave the place but not before stopping one more time:
-...and keep a close eye on that Equestrian mare, we can’t trust her loyalty-
And with does finishing words, Reese tips his hat at Bright with clear respect, Bright nods again without saying a single word:
-Good night, Mr. marshal-
-Good night, agent Reese...- replies Bright
Reese leaves the commissary and closes the door, the marshal is again alone in his lonesome office, is so quiet and peaceful, Bright figured he better enjoy this night, for is hard to know what will happen tomorrow.
------------------------------------------
Applejack, Windshot and Cricket have been galloping for a while now, but it’s clear they are getting somewhere, they can see a thin amount of light coming from a distance, it must be sometime around 3 of the morning:
-Ah think we made it...- says Applejack
So they arrive at the border of a cliff but they can see the activity down below, now that Applejack is close she can tell the Raya are in fact zebras, but this ones are different; they are bigger than a regular pony, they seem stronger and in good shape. The zebras seem to be doing physical training, like bendings, some are galloping and some others are fighting, obviously like they are preparing for something.
The camp is a little small compared to what the ponies were expecting, the are regular tends and fires to keep warm the zebras in it, they are probably not very liking of the cold, despite it isn’t cold enough at this time:
-Well there they are alright...- exclaims Windshot
-...an’ ya were planin’ on takin’ her back by yer self...?- says AJ to Cricket
-Ah said Ah would do it...- responds Cricket
Windshot pulls out her binoculars and looks down at the camp:
-This po... Ah mean... zebras are tough, fighting head on will be suicide...- deduces Windshot
-Yer right, they are too many we are jus’ three...- continues Applejack
-So... what, we sit an’ wait?- says Cricket
-Maybe we can talk to ‘em?- says AJ optimisticaly
-They’ll shoot ya on sight, Jackie...- exclaims Windshot
The ideas are running thin, they don’t know what they could be doing to Cricket’s wife down there, but it surely isn’t anything good, with every passing second it feels like she might not make it at all:
-Ah can’t just sit here an’ wait!- says Cricket loudly
-Calm down there, partner! you wanna get caught?- says Applejack softly
-Well we gotta do somethin’!-
Applejack remains thinking for a while “Fight straight on is suicide an’ accordin’ to Windshot, they ain’ exactly the reasonable type ah could try but ah don’ wanna risk it... unless...”:
-One of us should sneak in...- says Applejack
Windshot and Cricket look at Applejack:
-Tha’s... actually a good idea...- says Windshot
-Is gonna be risky non the less...- says Applejack
-Is better than wha’ we had a minute ago...- says Cricket -...but who is gonna go?-
There was an uncomfortable silence for a little while, the ponies know the risk of what they are attempting to do; Applejack looks at her companions for short time with narrow eyes, is evident they doubt the plan could work and in something so delicate like a sneaking rescue, concentration is required:
-Ah’ll go- says Applejack to both her companions
-Jackie, wait...-
Applejack just puts a hoof over Windshot’s shoulder
-Ah’ll be fine, sugarcube...-
The words that came from Applejack are enough to calm the worries of Windshot, who replies with a nod:
-Just be careful, ‘k?- says Windshot
-Applejack, wait!- says Cricket almost instantly
Applejack turns to look at Cricket who seems troubled:
-Maybe Ah should go... it’s mah wife after all...- finishes Cricket
-It’s fine... we made a deal remember? Ah’ll save yer wife... don’t cha worry- says Applejack while giving Cricket a wink
Cricket nods slowly, he clearly didn’t like the idea, but the determination on Applejack shows more than enough that she is confident and honest with her words; Applejack then turns to looks at the cliff, is not so high but it’s obviously not safe for a straight jump below, so AJ looks to her right and notices that the cliff there is inclined just enough she can slide down safely and she does just that:
-Thank you, Applejack- says Cricket to himself
Applejack slides down the hill for a few seconds until she finally makes it to the ground below, she is not far from the camp but what worries AJ is the path of dust she left behind while sliding and has far has she could tell the Raya hadn't noticed. Applejack walks towards the camp slowly and keeping low, with her girth almost touching the ground, she gets behind one of the tents and she remains there for a while trying to hear any sort of activity nearby, she hears nothing that seemed close so she heads deeper into the camp.
“Well, so far so good...” thought Applejack, is hard to predict what could be around the corner but, by bad luck one can say, there is zebra guarding the entrance to the tent. By pure instinct Applejack hides behind the tent she was just coming around from, the zebra didn’t noticed her apparently, AJ can only let go of a sigh of relief; she slowly takes out her head to take a look and sees that the zebra in not looking in the opposite direction; this might give Applejack an edge on getting around him.
Applejack walks slowly behind the tall zebra, AJ is doing her best to stay quiet; and so she finally passed the zebra, she gives herself the time to breath and even takes off her hat to rub her forehead a bit, in the tent right front of her she could see the shadowy shape of somepony inside and her hopes make her believe is Cricket’s wife.
Just when Applejack is about to begin her approach to the tent, two zebras come across right in front of her from AJ’s left, luckily the zebras didn’t noticed Applejack; AJ quickly hides behind a barrel that is right next to her, “Shoot! Ah don’ even wanna think on how close tha’ was...” thought the orange mare has she finished getting in cover:
-I agree with you, it was a bold move to attack the farm...-
-Poor Gel’yig is in big trouble now-
-The boss will have all the right to punish him for his foolishness-
The fact that the zebras brought the word “farm” in their conversation got Applejack’s attention, the zebras continued to walk away from that part of the camp and has soon has AJ notices, she moves quickly and has quietly as she could towards the tent, and there she was:
-Ma’am...?-
Asks Applejack, she can see a dark orange mare tied up in cold dusty floor of the tent, Applejack could tell she hasn’t exactly been receiving good treatment from this zebras, a lot of cuts and bruises on the mare’s body shows the hospitality this group has towards visitors:
-Who... are you...?- says the wounded mare
-It’s ok, ma’am ah’m here ta help...-
Says Applejack has she approaches to the mare, AJ begins to untie her from the ropes that are holding the pony’s hooves:
-Ah’m Applejack, yer husband is waitin’ fer ya outside tha camp...- continues Applejack has she finishes taking off the ropes
-Thank tha spirits, ah knew mah husband wouln’...-
The mare is suddenly interrupted by her own grunt of pain has she tried to stand, her hooves are clearly in a very bad shape, does ropes were pressing a lot her coronets and thus is bleeding softly, Applejack knows there is only one thing she can do:
-C’mon ma’am, let’s get outta here...-
Applejack proceeds to lift the pony from the ground and carries her on her own back, AJ knows this might slow them down a little:
-...don’t cha worry, ya’ll see yer husband soon...- continues AJ optimistically
-May the spirits bless you...- says the mare, she is clearly thankful
Applejack begins to walk out from the tent, she takes a quick looks around and sees that there is a major agrupation of zebras at her left, they were far so there is a shoot of them both making it out of there faster, and that’s good. Applejack gallops jogs softly back the way she came from:
-Yer doin’ ok, ma’am?- asks Applejack
-Yes ah’m k...-
And so Applejack made it back outside, they were both very close to the zebras; she immediately saw a wave of smoke coming from the far side were the zebras are watching, Applejack felt curiosity, but the mare’s safety is of her major interests, not to mention Windshot and Cricket are waiting at the hill so she slowly turns around and proceeds to leave the camp.
Applejack can only think how lucky she was back there, all does zebras being distracted like that gave her the chance to get in and out fast, just has she hoped for, “Ah hope mah luck doesn't run out” thought Applejack:
-You ok, miss?- asks Cricket’s Wife
-Yes, ah’m fine- answers Applejack
Applejack takes a long turn around the hill she slipped from before, climbs up and finally get to where Windshot and Cricket are but Applejack notices that Cricket’s wife is now unconscious before she can finally reach at her companions; because of the pain maybe:
-Oh spirits, you did it!- says Cricket has he gallops towards the mares
-Wait, she is fit for walkin’- says Applejack
Windshot is very busy looking with her binoculars towards the camp, obviusly somthing must be happening down in the Raya camp:
-What did they do to her?-
-Ah don’ know, but we can’t stay here, we gotta take her to a doc in Hoof Jewel now!- exclaims Applejack
Cricket nods at Applejack in sign of agreement and Cricket even takes his wife on his back to help Applejack:
-You fulfilled yer promise, Miss Applejack, now is my turn- says Cricket
-You can thank me later...- answered Applejack simply
Applejack walks towards Windshot who is still looking at the camp:
-Windshot, we can’t stay here much longer!- tells Applejack to Windshot
-Ah wonder what are they waitin’ for...?- asks Windshot to herself
Applejack lifts Windshot from the ground, Windshot fully stands and looks at Applejack:
-We gotta get Cricket’s wife to a medic, we gotta go!- exclaims Applejack again, louder this time
Windshot didn’t looks happy by the idea of leaving, but she isn’t stupid, losing Cricket’s wife now after everything they have been through would be a complete waste; Windshot only nodded and so they began galloping towards Hoof Jewel.
In the camp the zebras are still looking at the direction where the dust smoke is coming from, obviously something was approaching to the camp, and there we could finally see that it was three ponies heading towards the camp. The zebra with the golden collar steps forward preparing to receive the visitors who just got to the camp; he is clearly the one in charge, it’s dark and it’s cold this night.
