The Colours of Lifeby Becool362ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1The mare laid there watching the rolling of the waves crashing along the beach. She often wondered how the waves seemed so soothing for the mind. The seas of Equestria were quite vast and often unpredictable. Not many ponies dared to travel them seeking its wonders. There were sometimes tails of ponies that lived in the depths of seas and lakes; however they were usually somepony strange in the head. As Loyal laid in her motionless state, she was unaware of the filly creeping up behind her. “Got your Loyal!” Loyal Eclipse stumbled as she was startled by the little filly’s screeching voice. “Rhythm, shouldn’t you be getting back to your father?” “He is away on a business trip, did no one tell you?” Loyal always hated Rhythm’s father leaving unannounced, as she always had to look after her. “So, do you know where he is off to this time?” “No, he never tells me everything. But you do! That’s why I love being with you!” The filly had become and common thing in Loyal’s life, they were practically sisters. They would do everything together, they talked for hours on end and gossiped on the usual passer-by. Seeing the sight of Rhythm always left and warm feeling in Loyal’s heart and she loved the little mare for most of her life. Seeing something happen to her would leave Loyal broken and nothing would matter no more. “Well I hope you do! You silly filly,” Loyal said with a cheeky tone. They started playing around rolling on the meadow overlooking the sea. They giggled and chuckled while each of them was nudging the other around. “Loyal stop! It tickles,” Loyal we nudging her nose under Rhythm’s cheeks. Her fur was smooth and it glistened with the shiny coat it bared. She was beautiful Loyal thought, how the father of this child could leave her alone so often. Her attitude was sweet and kind and she always wanted to play and muck around. The two blood sisters played together till the sun rose over the long rolling sea. As they tired out a colt from the town, Bridalday, came over. Loyal was an important pony in the town, she was the daughter of the mayor. Quick Jolt was the mayor’s protégé and was to look after all of his doings as well as Loyal. “Yes Quick Jolt, how can I help you?” “My mare,” he bowed apologectally. “Your father has asked me to bring you to him.” Loyal thought about what it could be this time, her father was so protective of daughter never letting her out of his sight. “Did he say what he wanted?” “Sorry my mare, he didn’t tell me anything. But he said it was urgent,” Disgusted, Loyal was annoyed how her father never told her what he wanted with her. “Well I guess I better find out then! I wouldn’t want to make him angry. Rhythm can you follow Quick Jolt and let him look after you while I go talk to my father?” She gestured to Quick Jolt to assist Rhythm, she couldn’t leave the filly alone, she was barely 2 years old. “Ok Loyal! See you soon!” The little filly waved to Loyal as she rode on Quick Jolts back, which seemed to have an annoyed gesture on his face. Loyal waved back with a smile on her face, she always hated to see the filly out of her sight. Now she too headed towards town looking to find the Grand Hall where her father was no doubt to be. She opened the door and was pushed back by the wretched smell of ale fuming from within the hall. Eyes began to gaze at the newly reformed figure that emerged from the door. Many began shielding their eyes from the suns glare as it gleamed straight through the door. Grunts erupted from the drunken souls in the room hating to have to use their hooves to stop the glare and not being able to drink. One of them started bellowing insults, forcing Loyal to close the door. Loyal hated to be here, she didn’t like the smell of alcohol and the brutes that drank it uncontrollably. Loyal trotted past all of the ponies making sure she didn’t bring her eyes into contact with theirs. They all watched her as she walked into the Royal Apartments at the back of the room. The eyes were stuck onto her like hawks watching their prey. She couldn’t stop feeling as if she had done something terribly wrong. As she turned a corner out of sight of the drunks, chatter began to erupt once again, laughter and fighting also begun. How could someone ever drink, Loyal thought. She knocked onto her father’s door and waited for him to open. She could here talking from behind door, who else was in there. She knocked once again and she could her ponies hurrying about the room. Whispers also streamed into Loyal’s ear, what on Celestia’s sake was going on in there? A voice from behind the door bellowed out. “Who is it!” a familiar voice called. “Loyal Eclipse!” She replied. She could hear hooves walking up to the door and once again more whispering. The door opened, she could see her father and he was blind wasted. He had been drinking all day and could no longer walk. “Who’s thish’!” He slurred. He couldn’t even recognise his own daughter. Loyal wasn’t impressed, he had been on the ale all day and didn’t even see the sun. She was disgusted how her father kept doing this. “I am your daughter! Don’t you recognise me you blind troll!” she yelled at her father feeling the rage rumbling inside her. “Oh yess, Loyal is it? Come in, wash your step.” He stumbled awkwardly across the room dodging obstacles as he went however there were none, he was obviously seeing things. Loyal heard more whispers erupting from under the blanket in the corner of the room. “Dad, who else is in here?” Free Jumper, Loyal’s father, became worried. He was hiding something which he didn’t want his daughter to find out. She took another swig out of his tankard and started to babble on what to say. “Oh, ahh… no one ‘ear, now wha’ was it ya’ want?” He tried to change the subject but Loyal was accustomed to his usual trick. “Tell me who else is in here! You better not have lady ponies in here! I have to sleep in here you know,” Free Jumper was caught. He had been playing with hired pony sluts to satisfy himself while he drank. “Get out the lot of you! I know you’re in here! I tell you get out! Now!” Loyal screech and four ponies dashed out behind their covers and galloped out the door. The other drunken ponies bellowed and laughed as they saw them screaming out the door. A few cam suspicious of what happened for them to run but all were too lazy to leave their drinking. Loyal however had a smile behind her face as she watched the ponies stumble out the door but shortly afterwards became aggressive. “You should be ashamed of yourself, what would our mother think of you!” Her father now drooped his head towards the ground, ashamed of his past actions. Their mother died on Loyal’s third birthday, she loved her mother very much and became dependant on her. However since her death she had become misguided and lead down the wrong paths. She was no longer the person who she once was. However when little Rhythm was born, she was five and soon was able to do some little jobs. She was told to babysit Rhythm while her father went on errands to Appleloosa. Her mother died at birth as well, but she doesn’t remember her mother so they didn’t tend to talk about her. They had much in common, both lost their mothers and have terrible fathers. When Loyal had been babysitting Rhythm she started to feel herself come back, she saw herself in Rhythm. She tended to stop mourning to her mother and look to the future. With a new goal of caring for Rhythm she no longer had to linger on others goals. She now had a dream to see little Rhythm grow up into a wonderful mare. Today, with Rhythm being two and Loyal being seven years old they were now inseparable. “You disgust me! Bringing yourself to drink until you no longer can. For Luna’s sake you are the damn mayor!” Loyal no longer could stand the sight of him. “Please darl’n, I will change,” He pleaded that she would stay but Loyal had other ideas. He had started to cry, the alcohol was getting to his emotions and he couldn’t control himself. He had slightly hoped that the tears may persuade Loyal to stay, but to no avail. “I’m leaving! I getting away from your wretched odour! Far Away, and don’t come looking for me as I will fight!” Loyal gathered her belongings into her saddlebag. She started to trot out into the hall and was met by hundreds of eyes, all of those who were rimmed with red. Her father scrambled out into the hall, tripping over his own hoof and bumping into the other ponies. He was yelling and screaming trying to keep her to stay, but she was done. Her mind was set and she wasn’t going to stall. She got to the door and yelled to all of those drunks watching the event happen in front of them. “If you have a daughter, treat them with respect!” She opened the door and slammed it in front of her father’s face. She then galloped down into the street towards Rhythm’s house. She was blinded with the tear that came out her eyes. What has she done, she just yelled at her father and then run away. She felt that this wasn’t going to end well. She came up to Rhythm’s horse coursing with tears. She opened the door and ran up to Rhythm’s room. Quick Jolt was in there playing with her. She came in and Rhythm saw her friend drenched with tears, something was terribly wrong she thought. “R-r-hythm pack your things, we are leaving this place.” She tried to stop herself from stuttering as she tried to get Rhythm to grab her things. She looked at Quick Jolt and nodded her head gesturing him to the door. He instinctively reacted and went out into the streets. “Loyal why are we leaving, what’s happened, why are you crying?” She wanted to find out everything, but she knew that she wouldn’t. “I-I’ll t-tell you la-ater! We have to go! Get on my back!” Rhythm simply followed her orders. Once she got on they ran out of town. Word got around quickly and ponies began to stream out of their houses to see all of the commotion. She couldn’t stop now she was on her way, only a coward would go back she thought. Soon after, they were on the road. The road that only lead to Everfree Forest. Chapter 2“Loyal? Why have we run away?” Rhythm was concerned of Loyal’s recent actions. She knew something was definitely wrong, had they did something wrong. Rhythm kept asking the same question, “Why have we run away?” But Loyal never answered. She never looked back, the past was over. She needed to start over and that was what was put in front of her. The forest laid in front of them, it was a place full of superstition, only the stupid dared to enter. Stories of the ponies that entered the forest never came back out the same. Some came out with different colours some found that their horn had disappeared. No matter of the stories it was a dangerous place. The grove of the forest was dark and dangerous. The willow trees blocked out most of the light but at night it was pitch darkness. Rhythm hid into Loyal’s mane, she was scared of the forest because she didn’t like the dark. She started crying herself clenching her hooves tighter around Loyal. The little mare didn’t want to see anything, the look of the forest was haunting and hiding was the only option. Loyal however was determined to run and keep running. She didn’t care for what happened to them. Tears were still dripping down her face and were blinded by the sadness so she occasionally tripped over roots that have emerged from ground. Branches over swooped their heads and Rhythm gave the occasional squeal. Sounds from the forest grew, the trees rustled by the creatures that moved about them. Cooing sounds streamed through branches, these sounds made Rhythm more anxious to look up. But still she didn’t dare to see the horrors that it may belay. They came to an end. The road trailed off into 3 paths, there was a sign that had fell off many years prior. It was now covered in mould and vines and Loyal didn’t notice it. Loyal took a quick glance at each path and decided to keep heading straight. The path she took became dangerous, sink holes and dangerous flowers began to sprout from beneath her feet. She took little caution the hazards and kept pressing on. The flowers that brushed against Loyal left her in a hazy state. She felt herself getting weaker the more she ran. But she had to keep going, if it wasn’t for her then for Rhythm. She pressed on, harder this time trying to find an exit. As she went further into the forest the weaker she became in the mind and her legs. She started to hear voices, some of them familiar others where just hisses. The sounds grew louder and loyal became more distracted. Although there was one voice which she knew. It was a voice that she hadn’t heard in two years. It was her mother’s voice. Loyal hesitated, the voice was very clear. Could it be her, was she still alive? Loyal stopped, Rhythm however still gripped tight around Loyal like a girth. Her face was piled deep into Loyal’s mane, although Loyal didn’t know if she somehow got to sleep or if she was still weeping from the scary horrors of the forest. Loyal had been running for hours without a break her hooves were pretty much falling off. The voice still calling in Loyal’s direction, is someone really there? Was it really her mother? She had to go and find out otherwise she would never live it down if it really was her. She ran off the track towards the calling voice. As she came closer and closer to the voice it seemed to travel further and further away. Everything became hazy again and her head was thumping with immense pain. She didn’t allow this pain get to her though, she kept trudging further heading towards the voice. She had to find it. She ran was a few more hundred metres until it was it. She could no longer walk. Loyal had collapsed and past out. Rhythm fell off with a mighty THWUMP! She rolled off Loyal’s back into the long grass. She too was exhausted with all of excitement that had just occurred. Rhythm now had only a bit more energy left till she too would collapse. Rhythm crept up to Loyal and tried to put herself up along the inside of Loyal’s belly. She laid there worried about her friend but also about hers. She couldn’t do anything she was too exhausted as well. She only hoped there was someone there, or something that could help them. Just before she dosed off a bright shooting star filled the night sky. Rhythm made one final wish before she too fell unconscious. ================================================================================================= Back in Bridalday, Free Jumper was still filled with liquor. He had ordered and few of the town’s ponies to go and scout for the two missing mares. Free Jumper wasn’t impressed at her daughter’s actions. He thought about when he got his hooves of her, he would lock her up in her room for months. It was the only sort of treatment she deserved for running away like that. As word got around quickly of the dispute many ponies gathered outside to seek more information. Many wanted to help look for the mare but when they heard she ran into the Everfree forest many retreated. Some however decided to look, maybe because they thought if they found her there could be a reward. Having the mayor in your debt was an opportunity that anyone could take - if they were stupid enough. Free Jumper wandered around anxiously, he felt embarrassed and ashamed that he was put down by his own daughter. Having that on our record would make anyone feel silly and cold be considered a cowardly person. He being the mayor just makes the townsfolk wonder if he is really up to the job. He felt himself as if he was being aimed for breaking a law or disobeying an order. So Free Jumper was forced to go looking for himself. Chapter 3Loyal rolled and squirmed as she usually did while she slept. Rhythm laid sprawled out on a separate bed like a rag doll. Quicktune was stoking up the fireplace that left the room warm and cosy. He occasionally fed the two mares small amounts of oats. Quicktune sat hoping that they would recover sooner. Equestria was in riot from the asteroid that landed nearby. Everyone was frantic about its presence. Quicktune stood outside going to listening to the ambience of the forest. Except today it was silent. The animals of the forest were quiet and the wind was still. This wasn’t good, the forest was always lively with noise and movement. Why did it stop? From inside the cabin movement was starting to erupt. Rhythm was starting to awaken. Quicktune always knew she was a lively one, always one to recover the quickest. He trotted over to welcome Rhythm back, however she did not care of his presence. As she awoke she asked a question to Quicktune not even taking notice that it was her father. She asked, “Is that you Loyal.” Her Father quickly replied, “No it’s me your dad, Loyal’s asleep.” Rhythm hesitated and jumped off the bed. She wandered over to where Loyal was resting. She jumped up onto the bed and trampled up along Loyal’s belly. She laid there still exhausted, Loyal moved to her presence but didn’t awake. She had relaxed with the company of Rhythm knowing that she was safe. They both slept together knowing that each other was safe. Quicktune watched as the pair cuddled together, he often wondered if his daughter loved Loyal more than her own father. She was never excited to neither see the presence of her father nor spend any time with him. However he admitted that this was his fault. His job never allowed him to spend time home and always had him moving from one place to another. What else could he do? He needed the money just so he could allow his daughter to live the happy life she always wanted. However he always felt that maybe he had put work more important than his family. Maybe if he had put family first then perhaps she could enjoy her father’s presence. Quicktune slumped back to the table and sat down with his head on the desk. “If only…” he said to himself as he drifted off into sleep. Hours passed by, Quicktune woke to the morning sunrays that came through the window. Everything seemed quiet, the fireplace had only a few embers still glowing brightly from last night and a scent of forest dew that drifted by every morning. Quicktune gazed around towards the beds hoping that they were still resting peacefully. Instead what he found was the bed empty. He rose quickly rubbing the crust from his eyes that have formed during his slumber. He took another look this time to be certain of what he saw. Once again the bed was empty. Quicktune stumbled quickly out the door hoping that they didn’t run off again. He jumped across the forest hoping to see a clue to where they possibly went. “Daddy, what are you looking for?” said a little voice in the corner of the porch. Quicktune jumped at the sudden voice and quickly glanced at where it had come from. He felt a rush of relief as he saw his daughter sitting their taking in the morning’s rays. “I thought you had left in the night and that you wanted to run off again!” Quicktune said frantically. “Why would I do that?” Rhythm wondered. “Well I presumed that since you ran away from Bridalday with Loyal that you would of kept, well, running. Also where’s Loyal?” “Loyal went on into Appleloosa to collect a few things for breaky’. Don’t you get hungry, because there is nothing in the kitchen at all worth eating.” “Oh, well that’s good. So what is for breakfast?” Quicktune asked as his stomach started to growl. “Hear ye’! Hear ye’! Come one come all everypony! What if I could tell you that there is a place you can wish for anything of your wildest dreams! Anything at all!” There was a murmur of agreement among the crowd. “Ever heard of something called a ‘Golden Wish’?” Once again there was murmur of confusion arising from everypony. “Well some say it falls from the sky, in a crash of burning colours! They say it grants any wish to those who find it. However it only falls every 1000 years and it doesn’t stay for long. But last night, a miracle happened? 1000 years has past and it have landed here once again!” The crowds started to erupt in conversation and it grew louder and louder. Loyal however was silent, she was still paying attention to the travelling pony hoping to know more. A question came from a stallion within the crowd, “So where can we find this ‘Golden Wish’?” The presenter hoped for somepony to ask that, “Ah, well glad you asked! There are rumours drifting in the wind that it has been spotted to land somewhere in the Frozen North!” Loyal had heard enough, she emerged out of the crowd and started to head off to start her shopping. Loyal was hoping for a market where she could collect fresh produce however in this dry town there was no way fresh fruits and vegetables could grow in the harsh land. As she wandered further down the road she noticed a General store. It was peculiar to see one of these as usually there was a store for all of the amenities at separate shops. There was a sign outside the store, ‘Fresh fruit and veg, 12 bits a kilo’ it read. “Yikes.” Loyal whispered to herself. These prices where ridiculous, she could buy 4 kilos of apples for 12 bits. Loyal’s stomach grumbled with hunger. She needed something for breakfast and she needed something quick. Loyal decided to wander in even though she distasted the price. As she entered she noticed the shelves piled with canned goods as well as alcohol, chewing tobacco and a strange odour. She hated booze as it reminded of her father. However much she wanted to forget she knew there would always be something prompting her to remember. As she walked up to the counter the stallion clerk was busily staking up cans of corn on the shelf behind the counter. The stallion didn’t notice Loyal walk in and Loyal didn’t want to disturb his work. So she continually tottered past and kept browsing. There were shelves piled with strange goods and even a strange food called chapulín. The general store was filled with weird and wonderful trinkets as well, like lucky horseshoes, 4 leaf clovers and even a lucky rabbit’s foot – even if the rabbit wasn’t so lucky. Loyal decided to grab one of the rabbit’s feet as a trinket as a reminder of the new adventure she has begun, which included so many strange and wonderful things. There was a jar on the shelf by itself, it was clouded with some dark liquid. Loyal peered he eyes trying to see if something was in it. As she looked at it she saw something. She wasn’t sure of what it was. It looked like as if it was staring at her back. “What is it?” she mumbled to herself. “Can… I, help you?” said a deep voice from behind her. Loyal jumped as she heard the noise and stumbled back on her trotters. She turned around and saw the pony clerk that was behind the counter. She noticed that the stallion had an eye patch covering his left eye, or was it right. She couldn’t remember her left and rights. He had a gruelling face, one covered in scars and bruises. His mane was a dark brownish colour and it contained large amounts of dirt. His coat fared no better. It looked like as if he hadn’t had seen a bath for months. A stench even erupted from his coat which smelt like the diapers she used to change on Rhythm, even though she old enough now to not wear any. “Woah, You scared me! But not with your voice but with that… oh gawd what is that, a dead skunk? Geez man when did you last have a bath?” Loyal gawked at the smell - she knew something smelt strange in here. “Excuse me lady, but aren’t you a bit young to be poking around in here throwing judgements to everyone you meet? Why don’t you go back to your mommy or did she reject you?” Grunted the stallion back at Loyal. Loyal was angry now, how dare he talk about her mother. Loyal wasn’t going to back down, no one tells her to where and where not to be and especially no one talks about her mother. “For your information, I am allowed to be in here and I will stay in here and don’t you say that my mother rejected me. How would you like it if I said your mother was an overgrown cow? Huh?” Loyal stood her ground and wasn’t going to lose her step. Every word she said she took a strong, sturdy step towards the stallion, pushing him further and further back in the room. Then she stopped. The stallion had done so as well but his expression was no longer one of power and aggression but instead of a little puppy who couldn’t find their mommy. “That really hurt you know? In fact my mother was a cow, well a buffalo, and she is a wonderful mother.” The stallion whimpered. Loyal stumped for a second just realising what she just said. She felt stupid, how could she say such a thing. “Look I’m sorry, I bet she is a really nice mother. But it really hurt when you talked about my mother, I lost at birth ya’ know.” Loyal confessed. “Oh well, I probably too should of not said anything as well. It’s this big tuff pony act you have to do. If you want respect in this town you need to be tuff.” “I see, well you don’t have to act in front of me you know. Being tuff doesn’t prove anything?” replied Loyal. “But, if you want the mares to respect and like you, you need to be a brute and a strong stallion.” “I’m a mare and did I like it when you acted tough? Do you really think acting tough will get you bonus points? Mares like a sensible man, especially a clean one.” “Really, so all this time…” Loyal interrupted, “Yes, they want a gentlepony. So how about it, gonna change your way?” “I guess I could try.” He said reluctantly. “Good. Now, can I order or is there some special code I have to know or something?” “Oh yes, yes right? So what is it you want?” Said the stallion politely. “Well a kilo of apples would be a good start, as well as this.” Loyal places a rabbit’s foot on the counter. The stallion stares at the foot peculiarly then continued the transaction. “Okay that will be 8 bits thanks.” “8? But outside it said 12 bits.” Questioned Loyal. “On the house my lady, can’t let good apples go to waste.” “Well thank-you.” Loyal payed the 8 bits and left out towards the door. The stallion waved to the mare good-bye, Loyal returned the action.
Chapter 1The mare laid there watching the rolling of the waves crashing along the beach. She often wondered how the waves seemed so soothing for the mind. The seas of Equestria were quite vast and often unpredictable. Not many ponies dared to travel them seeking its wonders. There were sometimes tails of ponies that lived in the depths of seas and lakes; however they were usually somepony strange in the head. As Loyal laid in her motionless state, she was unaware of the filly creeping up behind her. “Got your Loyal!” Loyal Eclipse stumbled as she was startled by the little filly’s screeching voice. “Rhythm, shouldn’t you be getting back to your father?” “He is away on a business trip, did no one tell you?” Loyal always hated Rhythm’s father leaving unannounced, as she always had to look after her. “So, do you know where he is off to this time?” “No, he never tells me everything. But you do! That’s why I love being with you!” The filly had become and common thing in Loyal’s life, they were practically sisters. They would do everything together, they talked for hours on end and gossiped on the usual passer-by. Seeing the sight of Rhythm always left and warm feeling in Loyal’s heart and she loved the little mare for most of her life. Seeing something happen to her would leave Loyal broken and nothing would matter no more. “Well I hope you do! You silly filly,” Loyal said with a cheeky tone. They started playing around rolling on the meadow overlooking the sea. They giggled and chuckled while each of them was nudging the other around. “Loyal stop! It tickles,” Loyal we nudging her nose under Rhythm’s cheeks. Her fur was smooth and it glistened with the shiny coat it bared. She was beautiful Loyal thought, how the father of this child could leave her alone so often. Her attitude was sweet and kind and she always wanted to play and muck around. The two blood sisters played together till the sun rose over the long rolling sea. As they tired out a colt from the town, Bridalday, came over. Loyal was an important pony in the town, she was the daughter of the mayor. Quick Jolt was the mayor’s protégé and was to look after all of his doings as well as Loyal. “Yes Quick Jolt, how can I help you?” “My mare,” he bowed apologectally. “Your father has asked me to bring you to him.” Loyal thought about what it could be this time, her father was so protective of daughter never letting her out of his sight. “Did he say what he wanted?” “Sorry my mare, he didn’t tell me anything. But he said it was urgent,” Disgusted, Loyal was annoyed how her father never told her what he wanted with her. “Well I guess I better find out then! I wouldn’t want to make him angry. Rhythm can you follow Quick Jolt and let him look after you while I go talk to my father?” She gestured to Quick Jolt to assist Rhythm, she couldn’t leave the filly alone, she was barely 2 years old. “Ok Loyal! See you soon!” The little filly waved to Loyal as she rode on Quick Jolts back, which seemed to have an annoyed gesture on his face. Loyal waved back with a smile on her face, she always hated to see the filly out of her sight. Now she too headed towards town looking to find the Grand Hall where her father was no doubt to be. She opened the door and was pushed back by the wretched smell of ale fuming from within the hall. Eyes began to gaze at the newly reformed figure that emerged from the door. Many began shielding their eyes from the suns glare as it gleamed straight through the door. Grunts erupted from the drunken souls in the room hating to have to use their hooves to stop the glare and not being able to drink. One of them started bellowing insults, forcing Loyal to close the door. Loyal hated to be here, she didn’t like the smell of alcohol and the brutes that drank it uncontrollably. Loyal trotted past all of the ponies making sure she didn’t bring her eyes into contact with theirs. They all watched her as she walked into the Royal Apartments at the back of the room. The eyes were stuck onto her like hawks watching their prey. She couldn’t stop feeling as if she had done something terribly wrong. As she turned a corner out of sight of the drunks, chatter began to erupt once again, laughter and fighting also begun. How could someone ever drink, Loyal thought. She knocked onto her father’s door and waited for him to open. She could here talking from behind door, who else was in there. She knocked once again and she could her ponies hurrying about the room. Whispers also streamed into Loyal’s ear, what on Celestia’s sake was going on in there? A voice from behind the door bellowed out. “Who is it!” a familiar voice called. “Loyal Eclipse!” She replied. She could hear hooves walking up to the door and once again more whispering. The door opened, she could see her father and he was blind wasted. He had been drinking all day and could no longer walk. “Who’s thish’!” He slurred. He couldn’t even recognise his own daughter. Loyal wasn’t impressed, he had been on the ale all day and didn’t even see the sun. She was disgusted how her father kept doing this. “I am your daughter! Don’t you recognise me you blind troll!” she yelled at her father feeling the rage rumbling inside her. “Oh yess, Loyal is it? Come in, wash your step.” He stumbled awkwardly across the room dodging obstacles as he went however there were none, he was obviously seeing things. Loyal heard more whispers erupting from under the blanket in the corner of the room. “Dad, who else is in here?” Free Jumper, Loyal’s father, became worried. He was hiding something which he didn’t want his daughter to find out. She took another swig out of his tankard and started to babble on what to say. “Oh, ahh… no one ‘ear, now wha’ was it ya’ want?” He tried to change the subject but Loyal was accustomed to his usual trick. “Tell me who else is in here! You better not have lady ponies in here! I have to sleep in here you know,” Free Jumper was caught. He had been playing with hired pony sluts to satisfy himself while he drank. “Get out the lot of you! I know you’re in here! I tell you get out! Now!” Loyal screech and four ponies dashed out behind their covers and galloped out the door. The other drunken ponies bellowed and laughed as they saw them screaming out the door. A few cam suspicious of what happened for them to run but all were too lazy to leave their drinking. Loyal however had a smile behind her face as she watched the ponies stumble out the door but shortly afterwards became aggressive. “You should be ashamed of yourself, what would our mother think of you!” Her father now drooped his head towards the ground, ashamed of his past actions. Their mother died on Loyal’s third birthday, she loved her mother very much and became dependant on her. However since her death she had become misguided and lead down the wrong paths. She was no longer the person who she once was. However when little Rhythm was born, she was five and soon was able to do some little jobs. She was told to babysit Rhythm while her father went on errands to Appleloosa. Her mother died at birth as well, but she doesn’t remember her mother so they didn’t tend to talk about her. They had much in common, both lost their mothers and have terrible fathers. When Loyal had been babysitting Rhythm she started to feel herself come back, she saw herself in Rhythm. She tended to stop mourning to her mother and look to the future. With a new goal of caring for Rhythm she no longer had to linger on others goals. She now had a dream to see little Rhythm grow up into a wonderful mare. Today, with Rhythm being two and Loyal being seven years old they were now inseparable. “You disgust me! Bringing yourself to drink until you no longer can. For Luna’s sake you are the damn mayor!” Loyal no longer could stand the sight of him. “Please darl’n, I will change,” He pleaded that she would stay but Loyal had other ideas. He had started to cry, the alcohol was getting to his emotions and he couldn’t control himself. He had slightly hoped that the tears may persuade Loyal to stay, but to no avail. “I’m leaving! I getting away from your wretched odour! Far Away, and don’t come looking for me as I will fight!” Loyal gathered her belongings into her saddlebag. She started to trot out into the hall and was met by hundreds of eyes, all of those who were rimmed with red. Her father scrambled out into the hall, tripping over his own hoof and bumping into the other ponies. He was yelling and screaming trying to keep her to stay, but she was done. Her mind was set and she wasn’t going to stall. She got to the door and yelled to all of those drunks watching the event happen in front of them. “If you have a daughter, treat them with respect!” She opened the door and slammed it in front of her father’s face. She then galloped down into the street towards Rhythm’s house. She was blinded with the tear that came out her eyes. What has she done, she just yelled at her father and then run away. She felt that this wasn’t going to end well. She came up to Rhythm’s horse coursing with tears. She opened the door and ran up to Rhythm’s room. Quick Jolt was in there playing with her. She came in and Rhythm saw her friend drenched with tears, something was terribly wrong she thought. “R-r-hythm pack your things, we are leaving this place.” She tried to stop herself from stuttering as she tried to get Rhythm to grab her things. She looked at Quick Jolt and nodded her head gesturing him to the door. He instinctively reacted and went out into the streets. “Loyal why are we leaving, what’s happened, why are you crying?” She wanted to find out everything, but she knew that she wouldn’t. “I-I’ll t-tell you la-ater! We have to go! Get on my back!” Rhythm simply followed her orders. Once she got on they ran out of town. Word got around quickly and ponies began to stream out of their houses to see all of the commotion. She couldn’t stop now she was on her way, only a coward would go back she thought. Soon after, they were on the road. The road that only lead to Everfree Forest.
Chapter 2“Loyal? Why have we run away?” Rhythm was concerned of Loyal’s recent actions. She knew something was definitely wrong, had they did something wrong. Rhythm kept asking the same question, “Why have we run away?” But Loyal never answered. She never looked back, the past was over. She needed to start over and that was what was put in front of her. The forest laid in front of them, it was a place full of superstition, only the stupid dared to enter. Stories of the ponies that entered the forest never came back out the same. Some came out with different colours some found that their horn had disappeared. No matter of the stories it was a dangerous place. The grove of the forest was dark and dangerous. The willow trees blocked out most of the light but at night it was pitch darkness. Rhythm hid into Loyal’s mane, she was scared of the forest because she didn’t like the dark. She started crying herself clenching her hooves tighter around Loyal. The little mare didn’t want to see anything, the look of the forest was haunting and hiding was the only option. Loyal however was determined to run and keep running. She didn’t care for what happened to them. Tears were still dripping down her face and were blinded by the sadness so she occasionally tripped over roots that have emerged from ground. Branches over swooped their heads and Rhythm gave the occasional squeal. Sounds from the forest grew, the trees rustled by the creatures that moved about them. Cooing sounds streamed through branches, these sounds made Rhythm more anxious to look up. But still she didn’t dare to see the horrors that it may belay. They came to an end. The road trailed off into 3 paths, there was a sign that had fell off many years prior. It was now covered in mould and vines and Loyal didn’t notice it. Loyal took a quick glance at each path and decided to keep heading straight. The path she took became dangerous, sink holes and dangerous flowers began to sprout from beneath her feet. She took little caution the hazards and kept pressing on. The flowers that brushed against Loyal left her in a hazy state. She felt herself getting weaker the more she ran. But she had to keep going, if it wasn’t for her then for Rhythm. She pressed on, harder this time trying to find an exit. As she went further into the forest the weaker she became in the mind and her legs. She started to hear voices, some of them familiar others where just hisses. The sounds grew louder and loyal became more distracted. Although there was one voice which she knew. It was a voice that she hadn’t heard in two years. It was her mother’s voice. Loyal hesitated, the voice was very clear. Could it be her, was she still alive? Loyal stopped, Rhythm however still gripped tight around Loyal like a girth. Her face was piled deep into Loyal’s mane, although Loyal didn’t know if she somehow got to sleep or if she was still weeping from the scary horrors of the forest. Loyal had been running for hours without a break her hooves were pretty much falling off. The voice still calling in Loyal’s direction, is someone really there? Was it really her mother? She had to go and find out otherwise she would never live it down if it really was her. She ran off the track towards the calling voice. As she came closer and closer to the voice it seemed to travel further and further away. Everything became hazy again and her head was thumping with immense pain. She didn’t allow this pain get to her though, she kept trudging further heading towards the voice. She had to find it. She ran was a few more hundred metres until it was it. She could no longer walk. Loyal had collapsed and past out. Rhythm fell off with a mighty THWUMP! She rolled off Loyal’s back into the long grass. She too was exhausted with all of excitement that had just occurred. Rhythm now had only a bit more energy left till she too would collapse. Rhythm crept up to Loyal and tried to put herself up along the inside of Loyal’s belly. She laid there worried about her friend but also about hers. She couldn’t do anything she was too exhausted as well. She only hoped there was someone there, or something that could help them. Just before she dosed off a bright shooting star filled the night sky. Rhythm made one final wish before she too fell unconscious. ================================================================================================= Back in Bridalday, Free Jumper was still filled with liquor. He had ordered and few of the town’s ponies to go and scout for the two missing mares. Free Jumper wasn’t impressed at her daughter’s actions. He thought about when he got his hooves of her, he would lock her up in her room for months. It was the only sort of treatment she deserved for running away like that. As word got around quickly of the dispute many ponies gathered outside to seek more information. Many wanted to help look for the mare but when they heard she ran into the Everfree forest many retreated. Some however decided to look, maybe because they thought if they found her there could be a reward. Having the mayor in your debt was an opportunity that anyone could take - if they were stupid enough. Free Jumper wandered around anxiously, he felt embarrassed and ashamed that he was put down by his own daughter. Having that on our record would make anyone feel silly and cold be considered a cowardly person. He being the mayor just makes the townsfolk wonder if he is really up to the job. He felt himself as if he was being aimed for breaking a law or disobeying an order. So Free Jumper was forced to go looking for himself.
Chapter 3Loyal rolled and squirmed as she usually did while she slept. Rhythm laid sprawled out on a separate bed like a rag doll. Quicktune was stoking up the fireplace that left the room warm and cosy. He occasionally fed the two mares small amounts of oats. Quicktune sat hoping that they would recover sooner. Equestria was in riot from the asteroid that landed nearby. Everyone was frantic about its presence. Quicktune stood outside going to listening to the ambience of the forest. Except today it was silent. The animals of the forest were quiet and the wind was still. This wasn’t good, the forest was always lively with noise and movement. Why did it stop? From inside the cabin movement was starting to erupt. Rhythm was starting to awaken. Quicktune always knew she was a lively one, always one to recover the quickest. He trotted over to welcome Rhythm back, however she did not care of his presence. As she awoke she asked a question to Quicktune not even taking notice that it was her father. She asked, “Is that you Loyal.” Her Father quickly replied, “No it’s me your dad, Loyal’s asleep.” Rhythm hesitated and jumped off the bed. She wandered over to where Loyal was resting. She jumped up onto the bed and trampled up along Loyal’s belly. She laid there still exhausted, Loyal moved to her presence but didn’t awake. She had relaxed with the company of Rhythm knowing that she was safe. They both slept together knowing that each other was safe. Quicktune watched as the pair cuddled together, he often wondered if his daughter loved Loyal more than her own father. She was never excited to neither see the presence of her father nor spend any time with him. However he admitted that this was his fault. His job never allowed him to spend time home and always had him moving from one place to another. What else could he do? He needed the money just so he could allow his daughter to live the happy life she always wanted. However he always felt that maybe he had put work more important than his family. Maybe if he had put family first then perhaps she could enjoy her father’s presence. Quicktune slumped back to the table and sat down with his head on the desk. “If only…” he said to himself as he drifted off into sleep. Hours passed by, Quicktune woke to the morning sunrays that came through the window. Everything seemed quiet, the fireplace had only a few embers still glowing brightly from last night and a scent of forest dew that drifted by every morning. Quicktune gazed around towards the beds hoping that they were still resting peacefully. Instead what he found was the bed empty. He rose quickly rubbing the crust from his eyes that have formed during his slumber. He took another look this time to be certain of what he saw. Once again the bed was empty. Quicktune stumbled quickly out the door hoping that they didn’t run off again. He jumped across the forest hoping to see a clue to where they possibly went. “Daddy, what are you looking for?” said a little voice in the corner of the porch. Quicktune jumped at the sudden voice and quickly glanced at where it had come from. He felt a rush of relief as he saw his daughter sitting their taking in the morning’s rays. “I thought you had left in the night and that you wanted to run off again!” Quicktune said frantically. “Why would I do that?” Rhythm wondered. “Well I presumed that since you ran away from Bridalday with Loyal that you would of kept, well, running. Also where’s Loyal?” “Loyal went on into Appleloosa to collect a few things for breaky’. Don’t you get hungry, because there is nothing in the kitchen at all worth eating.” “Oh, well that’s good. So what is for breakfast?” Quicktune asked as his stomach started to growl. “Hear ye’! Hear ye’! Come one come all everypony! What if I could tell you that there is a place you can wish for anything of your wildest dreams! Anything at all!” There was a murmur of agreement among the crowd. “Ever heard of something called a ‘Golden Wish’?” Once again there was murmur of confusion arising from everypony. “Well some say it falls from the sky, in a crash of burning colours! They say it grants any wish to those who find it. However it only falls every 1000 years and it doesn’t stay for long. But last night, a miracle happened? 1000 years has past and it have landed here once again!” The crowds started to erupt in conversation and it grew louder and louder. Loyal however was silent, she was still paying attention to the travelling pony hoping to know more. A question came from a stallion within the crowd, “So where can we find this ‘Golden Wish’?” The presenter hoped for somepony to ask that, “Ah, well glad you asked! There are rumours drifting in the wind that it has been spotted to land somewhere in the Frozen North!” Loyal had heard enough, she emerged out of the crowd and started to head off to start her shopping. Loyal was hoping for a market where she could collect fresh produce however in this dry town there was no way fresh fruits and vegetables could grow in the harsh land. As she wandered further down the road she noticed a General store. It was peculiar to see one of these as usually there was a store for all of the amenities at separate shops. There was a sign outside the store, ‘Fresh fruit and veg, 12 bits a kilo’ it read. “Yikes.” Loyal whispered to herself. These prices where ridiculous, she could buy 4 kilos of apples for 12 bits. Loyal’s stomach grumbled with hunger. She needed something for breakfast and she needed something quick. Loyal decided to wander in even though she distasted the price. As she entered she noticed the shelves piled with canned goods as well as alcohol, chewing tobacco and a strange odour. She hated booze as it reminded of her father. However much she wanted to forget she knew there would always be something prompting her to remember. As she walked up to the counter the stallion clerk was busily staking up cans of corn on the shelf behind the counter. The stallion didn’t notice Loyal walk in and Loyal didn’t want to disturb his work. So she continually tottered past and kept browsing. There were shelves piled with strange goods and even a strange food called chapulín. The general store was filled with weird and wonderful trinkets as well, like lucky horseshoes, 4 leaf clovers and even a lucky rabbit’s foot – even if the rabbit wasn’t so lucky. Loyal decided to grab one of the rabbit’s feet as a trinket as a reminder of the new adventure she has begun, which included so many strange and wonderful things. There was a jar on the shelf by itself, it was clouded with some dark liquid. Loyal peered he eyes trying to see if something was in it. As she looked at it she saw something. She wasn’t sure of what it was. It looked like as if it was staring at her back. “What is it?” she mumbled to herself. “Can… I, help you?” said a deep voice from behind her. Loyal jumped as she heard the noise and stumbled back on her trotters. She turned around and saw the pony clerk that was behind the counter. She noticed that the stallion had an eye patch covering his left eye, or was it right. She couldn’t remember her left and rights. He had a gruelling face, one covered in scars and bruises. His mane was a dark brownish colour and it contained large amounts of dirt. His coat fared no better. It looked like as if he hadn’t had seen a bath for months. A stench even erupted from his coat which smelt like the diapers she used to change on Rhythm, even though she old enough now to not wear any. “Woah, You scared me! But not with your voice but with that… oh gawd what is that, a dead skunk? Geez man when did you last have a bath?” Loyal gawked at the smell - she knew something smelt strange in here. “Excuse me lady, but aren’t you a bit young to be poking around in here throwing judgements to everyone you meet? Why don’t you go back to your mommy or did she reject you?” Grunted the stallion back at Loyal. Loyal was angry now, how dare he talk about her mother. Loyal wasn’t going to back down, no one tells her to where and where not to be and especially no one talks about her mother. “For your information, I am allowed to be in here and I will stay in here and don’t you say that my mother rejected me. How would you like it if I said your mother was an overgrown cow? Huh?” Loyal stood her ground and wasn’t going to lose her step. Every word she said she took a strong, sturdy step towards the stallion, pushing him further and further back in the room. Then she stopped. The stallion had done so as well but his expression was no longer one of power and aggression but instead of a little puppy who couldn’t find their mommy. “That really hurt you know? In fact my mother was a cow, well a buffalo, and she is a wonderful mother.” The stallion whimpered. Loyal stumped for a second just realising what she just said. She felt stupid, how could she say such a thing. “Look I’m sorry, I bet she is a really nice mother. But it really hurt when you talked about my mother, I lost at birth ya’ know.” Loyal confessed. “Oh well, I probably too should of not said anything as well. It’s this big tuff pony act you have to do. If you want respect in this town you need to be tuff.” “I see, well you don’t have to act in front of me you know. Being tuff doesn’t prove anything?” replied Loyal. “But, if you want the mares to respect and like you, you need to be a brute and a strong stallion.” “I’m a mare and did I like it when you acted tough? Do you really think acting tough will get you bonus points? Mares like a sensible man, especially a clean one.” “Really, so all this time…” Loyal interrupted, “Yes, they want a gentlepony. So how about it, gonna change your way?” “I guess I could try.” He said reluctantly. “Good. Now, can I order or is there some special code I have to know or something?” “Oh yes, yes right? So what is it you want?” Said the stallion politely. “Well a kilo of apples would be a good start, as well as this.” Loyal places a rabbit’s foot on the counter. The stallion stares at the foot peculiarly then continued the transaction. “Okay that will be 8 bits thanks.” “8? But outside it said 12 bits.” Questioned Loyal. “On the house my lady, can’t let good apples go to waste.” “Well thank-you.” Loyal payed the 8 bits and left out towards the door. The stallion waved to the mare good-bye, Loyal returned the action.
