Chapter 1: Fun and Vacations
Chapter 1: Fun and Vacations
The sun was down and moon hung in the sky, and Manehatten was starting to be less lively as most ponies went home to get sleep. Some shops and bakeries were still open and were about to close soon. One bakery or shop well technically it was both combined into one in. It was called the Sweet Garden. It was a fairly large building split into two different sections one section where the delectable baked goods were sold and the other section sold many plants and flowers even. The building had an upstairs as well where the 'house' part of it was. With the combined aroma of the flowers and cookies, the customers just can't seem to stay away. This place had two owners that were always thought to be brothers. One of them goes by the name Spring Leaf is an Earth Pony with a light green coat and sunshine yellow mane and tail. He had two leaves crossing each other for a cutie mark. He runs the flower shop. The other owner goes by the name Dark Cookie. He is a Pegasus that has a black and white coat along with his mane and tail. His cutie mark was of a three cookies one above the other two like a pyramid.
Dark Cookie was closing up his bakery side while Spring Leaf finished up with his last customer for the evening. Once the customer left, he let out huge sigh and started to close up his side. Dark with a smile bounded over to Spring with his side already done.
"Hey Spring, are you ready to go?" He said excitedly.
Spring turned to his friend with an annoyed expression. "Go where exactly?"
"To the club, you lazy gardener."
He sighed. "Dark why in all of Equestria do we need to go to the club?"
The Pegasus chuckled. "Well to get you laid, obviously. You need some mare to grind up on you and take home."
"Why do I need to get laid exactly?"
"Because it will hep you get over that mare, that dumped your ass. It has been two whole months since then and all you do is mope about. So to get you out of this annoying depression, I am taking you to the club tonight where you and I will find some mares."
"You bring home a mare almost every time you go out to the club. I am not gonna be like you. Haven't you ever wanted somepony to love? Have you ever felt the pain of heartbreak?" Spring asked sadly.
Dark raised an eyebrow "Well for one, the mares beg me to show them a good time. I always need to put my cookie in the oven. Second I sought love once and it caused me heartbreak in the end because well, its me. Besides this will be fun, you don't even need to bring home mare, just need to dance the night away or get drunk" he beamed.
Spring rolled his eyes. "You're not going to drop this until I go are you?"
The baker nodded
"Well you win, I guess."
*********
The two stallions made there way through the streets of Manehatten towards the club known as the 'Rocking Hoof'. The dim lights of the street lamps flickered on and off. The city was seemingly not as noisy as usually, even at night it can still be pretty noisy something was different about this night. Spring Leaf stared ahead as he thought to himself. 'Maybe he is right. Maybe I should try and find a new special somepony. Shoot, maybe with me around he might even find a special somepony.' He stopped his train of thought as the music of the club was starting to be heard.
They reached the 'Rocking Hoof', the sign above the entrance, was blinking on and off in several different colors. The building as a normal one story place, not much else made it stand out though. Spring looked down at the entrance and noticed the long line and the security pony standing outside. He was a unicorn with orange coat and white mane. he had on a pair of dark shades covering his eyes. He also had on a little outfit that said security on the back.
"Whelp, lets go on in." Dark spoke with a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Are you sure we are even going to get in? That line looks pretty long." Spring asked.
"Who said anything about waiting in line to get in. I come here all the time, every pony who works here knows me." The Pegasus smiled walking over to the security guard and striking up a conversation with him. Spring just shook his head and followed.
The security pony laughed at something Dark had told him and moved to the side allowing passage. "You're free to go Cookie. Good to see you still know how to make stern stallion like crack up. You need to show up more often. Manager has been missing you."
"Hmm well I hay I will try to show up more then. Just been busy lately dealing with the bakery and what not. Stop by the bakery sometime and I will bake you a batch cookies on the house."
The security stallion nodded. "When I have the time, I will be sure to do that. I got a family you know and keeps a stallion busy. Anyways go and have fun."
Cookie and the security pony brohoofed. Dark turned to Spring and told him to follow. Then turned back to the entrance and headed inside. The inside was radiating with colors and music. The music flowed through making everypony want to dance While many strobe lights were changing colors along with flickering on and off quickly, making it seem like everypony was moving slowly. Dark just went through the dance, Sping quickly followed not wanting to really be left behind. The two managed to make it up to the bar and bartender looked over Cookie and smiled. The bartender was a somewhat skinny looking Unicorn with a brown coat and grey mane.
"Ahh Dark Cookie, how are you doing my friend?" He asked.
"I have been good. The baked good orders have been keeping me pretty busy. So I would like you to meet my buddy Spring Leaf."
The bartender looked at the Earth Pony with a curious gaze. "So you are the one who Cookie here refers to as a brother huh? The last time he was here, he said something about you being depressed a lot. It is nice to meet you Spring Leaf."
"Heh likewise um....?"
"Oh how rude of me. Seeing how I don't really like my name, you can just call me Mr.Wine. I am the manager here of this fine little club. So I welcome you." The bartender chuckled softly.
"Thank you, Mr Wine." Spring smiled.
Dark ordered a few drinks of hard cider and started to drink them down, easily like it his natural talent. Spring just laughed at his friend chug away. 'He has always been a heavy drinker. I don't think I have even ever seen him drunk. I guess all those sweets that he eats must be doing something.' Leaf thought as the night started to go by quickly. A few mares came up to them and asked them to dance. Who were they to decline, they were enjoying their time. Cookie ended up making out with one of the mares but for once declined any further advances beyond that. Spring declined every sexual advance made to him knowing the mares were drunk. Once the club started to shut down for the night, everypony was gone except for Spring and Dark along with the manager Mr.Wine.
"So Spring Leaf, did you have a good time?" Mr. Wine smirked.
"I did very much so. It was actually really enjoyable. I am pretty drained though, so I think me and Dark should get going." Spring nodded.
"Well anytime you feel like you need to get your head clear or somepony to really talk too, you can just stop on by here I will be sure to let Rock Solid know to let you in."
"Thank you very much."
"Meh don't worry about, you are a friend now."
Dark Cookie yawned. "Actually, Wine do you know any good places to go for a vacation?"
"Well there is Canterlot?" he answered
"No too many uptight, annoying ponies with a stick up their plots. Last time I went though wasn't all that bad but it was pretty dull. Any other places?"
"You could visit Ponyville for a vacation. It really is a fun town. I visited last year and I had a real fun time. You know that is where the Elements of Harmony live as well."
"Never actually been there but it does seem like a fun place, from the sound of your voice. Alright, me and Spring here will head there on Sunday. "
"What?! But Dark we can't just leave the shop unattended and that is the day after tomorrow." Spring turned to face the black and white Pegasus.
"Actually it's 2 in the morning right now, so it is exactly tomorrow. Meaning we will have to get the stuff we need tonight." Dark Cookie chuckled.
"But my plants who will water them and keep them healthy?"
Mr.Wine cleared his throat, getting both stallions attention. "I wouldn't mind stopping by your place and watering your plants."
Dark clapped his forehooves together. "And problem solved."
"I barely even know you Mr.Wine....I mean it's not that I don't mind....but...um.."
"Look Leaf, you need this trip more than you think, Mr.Wine will take very good care of your flowers and other plants. I have never steered you wrong before, now have I?"
"Actually you have Cookie, on more than one occasion."
"Really? Give me one."
"Well there was that one time during that random birthday party you took me too. When you spiked the punch bowl and ended getting several of the foals drunk. And then there was that one time when you at Slim's wedding where you rigged his cake to blow, having us in the end to clean up the mess and another time you....
"Whoa, whoa, alright I get it, I have steered you wrong a couple of times. Besides I only asked for one. Anyways my point is a vacation will do you some good cause one night of clubbing won't make your depression go away, but a little fresh air, in town might so what do you say?" Dark gave Spring puppy dog eyes.
"Fine, you right about the fun tonight, so you maybe right about this as well." Spring sighed.
Dark hoof pumped and turned to Mr.Wine. "Alright, Mr.Wine so what are the ways to get to Ponyville?"
"One way which is the shortest route is the train station, and the other is....um through the Everfree Forest. Although I strong advice against going that way." Mr.Wine.
"And that is why we will be going that." Dark smirked
"Are you out of your mind DC?" Leaf shouted. "We can't go that way it's too dangerous."
"All the more reason to go that way. Don't even bother trying to argue on it, we both now how it will end." Dark snickered.
Leaf sighed and shook his head 'How exactly is he even my friend? The crazy son of a bitch.'
Wine just chuckled and bid the two farewell as they left the club. They walked home and managed to make it back in time for some well needed rest. Spring just laid in his bed staring at the ceiling lost in thought 'So tonight I pack the last supplies I will ever see and tomorrow I am going to be walking through the Everfree and most likely some creature's lunch. Well Tarturus I will be there soon.'
After that thought he slowly drifted off into the land of dreams.
Chapter 2: Dangerous Travels
Spring Leaf and Dark Cookie woke after their limited hours of sleep. Coming out of their rooms, taking of morning routines, and setting up their shop. The day from then went on as a normal one for the two stallions. Cookie baking on his half of the building and selling his many baked goods with his cheerful. Spring with his many flowers and household plants being sold to his normal flow of customers. Thanking them for purchasing his many items.
Once the day ended and night came around, the two stallions were closing up earlier than usual. Cookie polished and wiped down the counter where he would exchange the his many delicious treats for some bits and put away trays that still had the treats on them. Once he was done of his tasks, he bolted up the stairs to the second floor and started to think what he should pack for his and Spring's trip to Ponyville tomorrow morning. 'Hmmmm I guess all I will really need to pack, is some cookies for the venture. Heh cookies the best thing in the world to munch on. Then I might need some bits, so once we actually make through the Everfree, we can afford a room at a hotel.'
Cookie went into his room, which was a normal sized bedroom. A messy bed, couch, and dresser were in the room along with a a small desk which had some crumbs on it. Cookie wasn't one to have that much in a room, so he doesn't have anything to really pick up or clean.
He trotted over to his bed and snickered. 'Well I guess, I won't be having fun with any mares on you any time soon. I wonder if the mares in Ponyville will be easy to get with or a challenge? Meh I find out when I get there.'
His gaze went over to photograph which hung on the wall above his wall. A photo on him and Spring and a few other ponies. 'Ya know Spring, I am sure you might find a mare during this vacation that will not be dumb heartless whorse.' Cookie shook his head and pulled a small black suitcase and clicked it open with his forehooves. He brought it over to the dresser and going through each drawer, which all of them had containers that had baked goods in them, These were ones he kept for himself whenever he craved them. He took out the smaller ones that would fit in the suitcase and slip them in, and ended pulling a out a sack of bits and placed it as well. He closed the suitcase with a smirk, locking it up. 'Tomorrow shall be fun'
Spring Leaf on the other hand, took a little longer than his 'brother' had to close down his side of the shop. He made sure each of the plants were well watered and taken care of before he went up the stairs. Thoughts of this vacation idea and somepony he didn't know honestly anything about coming in while he was away to tend to his plants bothered him. 'Not much I can do, I guess. I will just bring a bag full of bits, I do believe that Cookie has the food covered but knowing him it will be all sweets.'
The Earth pony sighed and headed towards his which was opposite from his Pegasus friends. He stood in the doorway looking around. A few potted plants were hanging from the ceiling and were in the corners of the room. A good sized bed and a table not to far from it with a potted plant in the middle of it. Not much else really made up his room.
He went over to his bed which was neatly made and pulled out a medium sized saddle bag and placed it on his bed. He opened it up to make sure the bits he kept in it were there, so he was always prepared for whenever he left. Seeing how it was still filled, he took it off laying it next to his bed and climbed up under the covers. 'At least we will be going through a forest with which should have some edible plants. More than likely we will need to camp for one night in that place, but I could be wrong. I should just get some rest to keep my mind from thinking to much about it.' With a sigh he closed his eyes and dozed off.
*********
The morning came and the two stallions were up with what they packed and out the door of the shop. Dark had took off with his suitcase tied around his neck towards Mr.Wine's place to give him the key and to explain to the club manager of what he needed to do while they were away. Spring on the other hoof had made his through the loud city to the outskirts. Where he knew the Everfree, would be. All the while he was running out the scenarios that could happen while walking through the dangerous forest, all these thoughts being of course negative. With a minutes of horrific scenes, of being mauled be a manticore, or being torn apart by a pack of timber wolves, he had realized that he was outside of the city and was just a couple of feet from the deadly forest.
He just stared into the dark looking forest. He twitched as he thought he heard howl come from within the place. 'I am going to die. How did I let myself be talked into going in there so easily. Curse my foolishness for listening to that Dark Cookie. Maybe if I turn back now, I could...' he felt a hoof touch his shoulder and he screamed and bucked whatever it was that touched him.
"OW!" yelled a familiar voice.
Spring turned around to see Cookie laying on the ground. "Ya know that was rather rude. Somepony is to buckin jumpy today."
"Sorry Cookie but you startled me, you should know better than to sneak up on me like that." Spring sighed.
Cookie got up back on his hooves. "Whatever, anyways I told Wine everything he needed to do. Yada yada, so that is done. Now we just need to head in there and enjoy the walk." He gestured pointing a hoof at the forest behind Spring.
"Yeah.....about...that. I think we should just take the train instead, you know an actually safe route."
"But where is the fun in that? It will be just like one of those Daring Do adventures."
"Those books are nothing but fantasy and this is reality. We could die in there."
"Ugh, you are so boring Spring, be stallion for once and take the path of danger. Do you want me to use the sad eyes on you cause ya know I will."
"No that will not be necessary, you win." Spring let his ears drop. 'I should known he would bring those damn sad eyes into this. I can never say no to them, I don't think any pony can.'
"Good, now off to Ponyville we go." Cookie stated and marched into the Everfree, with Spring following behind.
*********
The two 'brothers' managed to keep on their trek without any problems so far. Spring had jumped a few times at either sounds or something he saw at least move among the trees. Dark on the other hand was enjoying himself, he noticed each of Spring's jumps and had laughed at him for being so chicken. Not really coming into contact with any dangerous creature, as they progressed through. Stopping every few times to eat. Cookie just took a cookie out of his suitcase, while Spring managed to find edible flowers to consume.
Hours passed by quickly drawing in the night. They came to a stop for the night near large tree. Knowing full well that one of them had to stay up while the other kept guard. Dark volunteered to stay up for the night. Spring thanked his friend and took his rest.
The next day, Spring awoke to see that Cookie had fallen asleep while on guard, and with an annoyed expression awoke the sleeping Pegasus with a hoof to the back of the head. Once the striped stallion awoke with a painful headache they had resumed there venture. Dark had got back at the earth pony by, pointing a hoof some direction and yelling a manticore or a timber wolf, making Leaf scream and panic only to find it being a trick and get angry.
This went for a while and eventually Dark had stopped. Spring looked over at his friend and sighed. "Cookie how much farther until we reach Ponyville?"
"I have no clue, I don't know how to reach it from here."
Spring's eyes went wide. "WHAT? YOU MEAN TO TELL ME WE HAVE BEEN TRAVELING NOT EVEN KNOWING WHERE OUR DESTINATION IS?"
"Well yeah basically. It's more interesting that way."
"Damn it Cookie......Now we are lost in the Everfree." Spring glared.
"You can't expect me to plan out everything."
"But this whole trip was your idea......You know what never mind. You will just have to fly up and take a look around."
"Alright, just wait here a second." The Pegasus spread out his wings and flew up above the trees to scan around. He could see a farm in the distance and beyond that a colorful looking town. He smiled and flew back down, landing next to his buddy. "Well it seems we are not to far from exiting this forest."
"Thank Celestia." Spring sighed with relief.
A rustle from a nearby bush, made him jump and he looked at it only to a bunny hop out of it and go off on its way. Spring looked at Cookie who was holding in a laugh.
"Beware of the monster bunny Spring it will kill you with its adorableness." Cookie teased.
"I don't want to hear it. I didn't know what could have been in that bush. For all we know, it could have been something dangerous and frankly I'm tired of your taunting of me bring jumpy over little thing in here."
Cookie's eyes went wide. "Uh Spring?"
"No I don't want to hear it."
"But behind...you"
"I am not gonna fall for that trick again. Honestly how much of a fool do you think I am. Let's just get out of this place so we can rest somewhere saf....." Spring felt a breathing go down his neck.
"Oh sweet Celestia, please don't tell me there is a something dangerous being me."
Cookie just nodded and smiled sheepishly, taking a few steps back. Spring turned around and came face to face with fangs bared at him. 'A timber wolf....well uh...shit.' He stared at it for a one more second and then made run for it. He noticed Cookie along side him flapping his wings.
"Follow me, to the exit!" he ordered.
Spring made no complaint and did as he was told. The sounds of the timber wolf following after them. The two turned to the right as they continued to out run the predator not to far behind them. Spring kept his gaze forward and could see what looked like to be the exit. He smiled at the sight but unfortunately, he tripped over a rock and stumbled forward. He felt something pin him down and looked up what it was. The timber wolf had placed it's wooden paw on him and stared down at him with a growl. It open its mouth and lunged down at stallion. Spring closed his eyes waiting for the inevitable only to open his eyes as it didn't come and the weight that was on him was knocked off.
He got to his hooves shakily and saw that Cookie had knocked the beast off him and was now keeping it back. He was avoiding the swipe of its massive paws as he teased and mocked it. Spring shook his head, seeing this as a chance to escape while his friend kept it distracted. He quickly turned around and continue to run to the exit. A few moments later he burst out of the Everfree and laid down on the ground breathing heavily. His heart pounding in his chest.
He looked forward to see a open path that led past a cottage, then a farm, and to a town. He smiled and after a few seconds got back up. 'Wait.....where is Cookie?' He looked back and didn't see his friend and started panic when a blur flew past him. Spring turned to face his a grinning Pegasus.
"Well....heh..told..ya it would be fun..." Cookie said breathing heavily. "Funny...how...I had to save your flank."
"Cookie thank you...for saving me." Spring smiled and hugged him.
"Yeah, yeah. No problem...not gonna let..my friend die because of some stupid pile of twigs."
Spring removed his hooves when he felt a liquid seep into his forelegs. He stopped the hug and looked to see that his forelegs were coated crimson. 'Blood? BLOOD!' His eyes went wide.
He looked up at Cookie and saw him collapse onto to the ground with closed eyes.