Feral World

Both Spike and Rarity stood in surprise at the unicorn mare who just saved them from a close call with a feral.

“Starlight Glimmer?” Spike repeated the mare's name.

“That's right.” she confirmed, “And you two are?”

“I'm Rarity.”

“And I'm Spike.”

Starlight walked over with both noticing her focused was mostly on Spike. Spike blushed, as Starlight looked Spike over, “Wow, a real human not infected by the outbreak.”

Spike looked surprised at her tone of amazement, “You don't hate me?”

Starlight was suddenly surprised, “Why would I hate you? I just met you.”

“Sorry, it's just humans aren't exactly the most popular species to Equestrians,” Spike explained, “They think we all have delayed reactions to the outbreak and will transform into ferals when we least expect it.”

“What?” Starlight asked in shock, “Whoever came up with that ridiculous theory must've taken too many bashings to the head.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Rarity agreed.

They heard a bark, and Jack climbed out of the car and walked over, “Oh, yeah. Sorry, boy. This is my traveling companion, Jack.”

Spike went up to Jack, got down to his level and scratched behind his ears, “Hey, buddy. Who's a good dog?” Jack leaned forward and licked Spike's face making him laugh.

Rarity spoke to Starlight, “Pardon me, but where'd you come from?”

“I'm just a traveler with my car and my dog. We don't exactly have anyplace to go so we just travel,” Starlight explained, “What about you two?”

Spike answered, “Well, us and a couple of our friends are on a mission.”

Starlight raised a brow, “What kind of mission?”

Rarity spoke up, “I think it's best if all of us explain things.”

“You're right,” Spike agreed, “We gotta get back to the others.”

“How far away are they?” Starlight asked.

“Not too far.” Rarity replied.

“Well, come on, I'll give you a lift.” Starlight offered.

“Oh, thank you.” Rarity said gratefully, as she and Spike got in back with Jack, and Starlight drove through the town.

As they returned to the gas station, they saw the Rainboom parked with the rest of the girls sitting around waiting for the return of their two friends. When they saw an unknown vehicle approaching the girls got defensive and ready to fight, until Spike leaned out the window and called out.

“Relax, it's us!”

The girls seeing Spike stood down, as the new car pulled to a stop. Rarity and Spike got out of the car and went over to their friends.

“Spike. Rarity, where were you?” Twilight asked.

“We were afraid something happened to you two.” Fluttershy said in concern.

“Don't worry we're fine.” Spike assured her.

“We did hear some commotion out there,” Applejack noted, “Wanna tell us what was goin' on?”

Spike sighed, “We ran into some ferals.”

The girls were shocked, “Are you two ok?” Sunset asked.

“We're here, aren't we?” Rarity asked rhetorically.

“So who's your chauffeur?” Rainbow asked motioning to the car, as Starlight and Jack stepped out.

“This is Starlight Glimmer,” Spike introduced, “She helped us against a stray feral.”

“Hi.” Starlight greeted.

Jack barked, which automatically caught Fluttershy's attention, “Oh, my goodness!” she rushed over and got down to the dogs level, “And who is this?”

“This is my dog Jack.” Starlight introduced.

“Oh, who's a cute boy?” Fluttershy cooed, as she hugged and nuzzled with Jack who was enjoying it.

Spike spoke to Starlight, “Starlight Glimmer, this is Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash. And Luster Dawn.”

“It's nice to meet you, Starlight.” Twilight greeted.

“Likewise,” Starlight replied, “I didn't think I'd find other ponies or even a normal human out here. Seems like you're traveling in style.” she noticed their ride.

“Customized this baby ourselves.” Rainbow boasted.

“So where did you all come from?” Starlight asked.

“We came from Canterlot.” Pinkie answered which took Starlight by surprise.

“Canterlot City? The safe haven from the outside world?” she asked.

“Wouldn't call it a safe haven for all.” Spike grumbled.

“Why would you all leave the sanctity of there?” Starlight asked in confusion.

Applejack smiled as she held Spike close, “Well, this guy inspired us too.”

Starlight looked to Spike, as the human answered, “Just because humans were allowed to live in Canterlot doesn't mean we were accepted. My life there was a never-ending living hell. Ponies all around save for a few treated me like the biggest plague that ever existed. I wasn't welcomed in society or at school. Finally it became too much so I just escaped. Even though I knew what to expect out here I felt less safer inside the wall.”

“And we were tired of living in a black and white world, where our kind just assumed we were always better than the human race.” Twilight added.

“And having to worry about being ostracized or our family's reputations if we were ever found associating with humans became too much for us.” Rarity put in.

“So we followed Spike over the wall, and here we are.” Pinkie finished with a smile.

“So you all just picked up and left without even telling your families?” Starlight asked in disbelief.

“Well, we didn't have time for a city hall debate.” Rainbow replied.

“And it was now or never.” Sunset added.

“Do you even have any idea what you're going to do out here?” Starlight questioned them.

“Yes. I've had this planned out for a long time now,” Spike assured, “We have someplace to go.”

“And where is that?”

“We're going to the Garden.” Luster answered.

Starlight blinked, “The Garden?”

“That's right.” Twilight nodded.

“Ok, I'm all for having belief in something, but that's a very big stretch.” Starlight said.

“It's out there, and we're gonna find it.” Spike told her seriously.

Starlight looked at Spike sensing how serious he was, and saw the girls nodded in agreement, “Wow, you're really looking to find it.”

“We are.” Sunset confirmed.

“Well, I commend you all for having a plan,” Starlight sighed, “Don't exactly have one myself, I'm afraid.”

“Well, where did you come from, Starlight?” Twilight asked.

“Unfortunately, not every pony was lucky to have made it to Canterlot before it was officially closed to the outside world.” Spike and the girls were curious about this.

As nighttime came, the girls, Spike, Starlight, and Jack were seated around a makeshift campfire while eating some snacks from the gas station.

“So, Starlight, how did you to be out here?” Sunset asked.

“As I said, not all ponies were lucky to get into the city before they closed it off,” Starlight explained, “I was one of them. And my family.”

“Those that were left behind formed their own colonies and groups out here finding newer ways to survive. Back then I had my dad, and my friends Sugar Belle, Double Diamond, Party Favor, Night Glider, and Sunburst. Us and so many other ponies that lived in our community lived about as good as you can get out here with fewer resources and all. But we managed. But the good times didn't last forever. We were attacked, but not by ferals. Oh, no. We were attacked by the Tartarus Marauders.”

“Tartarus Marauders?” Sunset asked.

“What're they?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Ponyfolk who fell to madness living out here. To them it's survival of the fittest, and they'll take anything they want from any pony. Any who stood up to them were killed.” Starlight explained making Spike and the girls gasp in shock.

“The Marauders invaded our community and slaughtered the folks right from left. I watched helplessly as they murdered my friends, with Sunbursts slaying being the most gruesome thing I ever saw. Luckily I escaped and was on the run from then since as an Outlander.”

“Oh, man. Those Marauders sound like complete monsters.” Rainbow gasped.

Starlight nodded, “It wasn't easy but I learned to survive out here. Even got myself a set of wheels, and a friend to go with it.” Jack licked her cheek.

“So this is what you've been doing since then?” Applejack asked.

“As I said, I didn't have any goal or plans. Just wander and survive like everything else out here.”

“And I thought things were bad for me in the city, but out here are even worse with the ferals alone.” Spike said in disbelief.

“I can only imagine the other types of groups like the Tartarus Marauders that are out there.” Luster said.

Starlight nodded, “Many other outlanders fought tooth and nail to work their way up to get other creatures pony and non pony to follow their lead and join their causes.”

“Believe me there are some like that in Canterlot too. Especially for humans, and I wouldn't trust any of them.” Spike said.

“So come the morning, you're all gonna get back on the road in finding the Garden?” Starlight asked.

“That's the idea.” Applejack confirmed.

“What'll you do?” Fluttershy asked.

“Just the same as I've been doing.” she replied.

Spike and the girls looked at each other with the same thing on the mind, and nodded. Twilight spoke up to the Outlander unicorn, “Well, Starlight, if you'd like. You're more than welcomed to join us on our journey.”

“What?” Starlight asked taken aback, while Jack lifted his head up curious.

“You can join us on our quest to find the Garden.” Spike offered.

“Really?”

“Why not?” Applejack asked, “We could use another pony on board who knows the outside world best.”

“And the more the merrier.” Pinkie beamed.

“Plus you or Jack won't be alone.” Fluttershy put in, as Jack went to Fluttershy and nuzzled with her.

“We can't guarantee it'll be a fast journey and it won't be dangerous, but whatever's out there we'll face it together.” Sunset assured her.

“What do you say?” Spike asked.

Starlight looked around at the group willing to invite her on their journey to a place many assume was just a myth. While she was skeptic she couldn't deny they were absolutely certain the Garden existed. And if she was being honest with herself traveling with Jack alone started to feel lonely. While she loved having Jack as a companion it would be nice to have traveling buddies who actually talk back to you. Making up her mind she answered them.

“Well, I guess I'm going to the Garden.”

Spike and the girls smiled, as Pinkie announced, “Yes!”

“And who knows, if the Garden does exist it'll be nice to see it.” the traveler admitted.

“And if we run into these Marauders you can give us the insight and best ways to handle them.” Rainbow added. Starlight smiled knowing this was exactly what she needed.

Soon Spike and the girls were asleep in the Rainboom, until the boy woke up and looked out his window seeing Starlight was still awake and sitting on the roof of her vehicle. He snuck his way through the sleeping girls, and exited the Rainboom.

He approached Starlight's car and spoke to the unicorn girl, “Couldn't sleep?”

Starlight looked down at Spike, “Oh, hi, Spike. Sorry, I'm just a little stoked. I've been traveling for a long time with just Jack with no plans or anything. But now here I am agreeing to join you guys in finding the Garden.”

Spike smiled, as he climbed up onto the roof of the car and sat next to Starlight, “Yeah, the idea of finding it is enough to get anyone excited. And I'm really glad you decided to join us.”

Starlight looked at Spike looking a little pink in the cheeks, “You are?”

“Yes. Believe me in Canterlot finding ponies that don't treat me or humans in general like a sickness is rare. Every day I would take death threats from ponies young and old. Anybody else would've ended their life, but not me. I took their hatred for me and turned it into strength that I would use to break away from there and find the only place there is that would welcome me with open arms. That's why I want to find the garden. I want to be accepted. Hearing that you had no problems with humans made me feel relieved. It's good to know there are ponies out there while not as privileged as those in the city aren't biased towards others different from them or ruled by fear because of what happened in the past.”

Starlight seeing Spike's troubled look from what he just said could tell he really did have a hard life, especially in a place that was meant to be a safe haven. She just smiled and put her hand onto his, “I promise you I will help you in any way find the Garden and help you find the happiness you seek.”

The boy smiled at the unicorn and replied, “And I'll help you find happiness as well.” the two embraced knowing they had another friend in their lives.