Chapters Work. In the family that was the word they spoke the most. Sometimes they forgot to even say "Good morning", but they never forgot the word "work". The father of this family, Igneous Rock, was a very strict pony, He loved the traditions and the old ways, just like his father did, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him, and his father before him who started the rock farming legacy. But that didn't mean he was cold. He loved his family and, even though he it was hard for him to talk about his feeling, he hugged her daughters every night and talked to his wife until the candle ran out late around midnight.
His wife, Cloudy Quartz, was a very quiet pony who enjoyed cooking for her family and knitting clothes. They met at a county fair when they were young, they fell in love and marry after some time. But she had a secret. Contrary to what Igneous thought, she used to be a hyperactive pony who loved to have fun and go to parties. But after she met her beloved, she decided to leave that life style back to be with him and work on the rock farm. Although that didn't prevented her to have some fun to some times have small parties with her daughters, specially since one of them got a cutie mark after finding the magic of partying.
But this story isn't about them, or the pony whose cutie mark was centered on having fun and left the farm. This is about those ponies who stayed, those ponies whose will to help their family was stronger than their curiosity to find a dream of their own, and those ponies who even though they were almost grown ups they still haven't got their cutie marks. Their names: Marble Pie and Limestone Pie.
Marble has a gray coat and a long straight darker gray mane. She enjoys collecting rocks of all the colors she could fine, small pieces of diamonds, all kinds of gems, volcanic rocks, quartzite, almost every kind of rock known to ponies she had it. She is pretty shy, whenever somepony she didn't know came near her she covered her left eye with her mane and avoided eye contact. She doesn't really have interest in other places rather than the farm, that's why her interaction with other ponies was minimal. Before her big sister left, she loved to listen to whatever she said. Pinkie Pie usually spoke random things one after another and Marbled laughed as hard as she could, sometimes her belly hurt after all she laughed.
Limestone is very different from her sister. She always tries to have her purple coat cleaned and combs her light gray mane at least 50 times before leaving the house. As you can imagine, working on a rock farm meant that all this beauty don't last long. She enjoyed looking good and whenever her father went to the city she asked for a fashion magazine to be in touch to what's new. She loved her farm, but she dreamed to one day have a big travel around Equestria and know everything from the deep seas to the high mountains. She used to be with her big sister every night and try as many cloth combinations she could find, some times using Marble's rocks. Pinkie was never good giving fashion advice, but she knew about costumes, and what started as a fashion show ended as a game of who dresses sillier.
Although they were very different, they never were too far the one from the other. They are the best friends and tried to keep everything as happy as if their sister were still there.
One day Igneous called to the living room "Marble, Limestone, could you come over her?" His voice was fragile and weak, that wasn't normal on him.
The two sisters worried and went to the living room were their father was laying down on a big sofa and their mother brought some tea to him "What is it father? " said Limestone.
"Your father injured himself while trying to carry some rocks onto the cart" Cloudy Quartz sat on the side of the stallion
"Oh no! Father, are you okay?" Marble ran to her father followed by her sister.
Igneous, having all his family around him, smiled and tried to be strong "Yes, I just need some time to rest. I'm getting old and this poor back can't lift the stones as it used to" He took a deep breath and continued "Anyway, that's not why I asked you to come. We still have to take those rocks to their destinations. But as you can see, I can't do that and your mother can't go alone. That's why, you two will deliver the rocks".
Marble's jaw dropped while Limestone jumped around in happiness "Oh! I mean, sorry to hear about your condition father, but you can trust on us to deliver the rocks" said Limestone.
Marble pushed her sister aside and tried to convince her father otherwise "But father, aren't we too young? I mean, what if something happens? And, what if we wait until father gets better?"
Cloudy Quartz tried to convince her daughter to go on the journey "If we miss this delivery we won't have enough money to keep the farm on the winter"
Marble covered her face with her hooves "But, I'm not ready"
Igneous smiled "You are ready, If you two are together there's nothing that can stop you" This didn't make feel Marble confident about going, but it did make her feel good, and having her sister to come would make things easier.
Marble finally accepted "Okay, father. I'll go, where is the delivery?" Limestone jumped around again screaming "Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!"
Cloudy Quartz brought a map of Equestria with a some Xs marked on it "You have to go to five places to deliver the rocks. First, you'll go to Manehattan to leave the quartzites. Then, to Phillydelphia and deliver the sapphires. After that, Baltimare with the igneous..." They all giggled and look to the stallion on the sofa "Then, Applelooza with the tephra. And finally Ponyville with... flat rocks? Huh, isn't that interesting?"
When the sisters heard the last place they had to go their faces changed. Both of them smiled from ear to ear and screamed in excitement. Suddenly Marble wasn't worried anymore "We will finally see our sister" Then Limestone hugged her "Yes, we should totally get a makeover so she won't recognize us"
"Okay, okay, that's enough. You two should go to bed, you will start your travel tomorrow at sunrise. So go get some sleep now" Igneous tried to raise his voice, but he couldn't. His daughters went to their bedroom to get ready for the big travel.
During the night, neither of them could sleep. Marble and Limestone stayed awake lying on their beds waiting for the moment to leave "Hey, you think she will be surprised?" asked Limstone "Of course, it's been so long since last time" answered Marble "We are gonna have so much fun" They both thought, and closed their eyes trying to sleep
The lights of the sun touched the land, and filled the rock farm with warm. Igneous was still very hurt of his back, so he leave the bed for the very first time in years. The two sisters packed a few things for the travel, Marble took a rock collector, a scarf, a magnifying glass and her favorite blanket. Marble took her cumb, a mirror, Pinkie’s favorite silly hat (a harlequin hat she got in a county fair and that she gave to her sister), and her fashion box (a big box filled with most of her clothes and fashion items). Because of the big amount of rocks they had to deliver, each of them will carry a cart with the same amount of rocks to balance the weight.
Cloudy Quartz packed two saddlebags with food and sweets for the long journey, also she gave them her father money bag “It has just a few bits if you need something, but you can put the money you can earn from the travel in there. You can buy things with it, but only if it’s really necessary” The two sisters agreed with her head. They hugged their mother and tell goodbye. And so, their journey began.
The weight on the cart was heavy, but after years of rock farming they became strong and could handle they cart. Marble look to her sister who giggled over and over, and shook on excitement “Hey Lime, aren't’t you nervous?” Limestone kept focused on the horizon, hoping to soon see the city of Manehattan “Of course I am. But I’m really excited too… I’m… nervouscited!” Marble made a frown on her face “That’s not a real word, you know?”
They kept trotting, keeping the pace so they wouldn't get tired quick. Marble was still unease, and asked her sister again “Hey Lime… remember when our sister got her cutie mark?”
Limestone’s face changed, instead of showing excitement she grew a honest smile “Yeah… that was one great party, wasn’t it?”
They both gave a sigh feeling warm in nostalgia “Since then, everything was different. She was always smiling, always making us smile…”
Marble muttered “She was the strong one, confident, fearless… It’s nice we are finally going to see her again”.
They kept trotting, and the sun began to set. Suddenly, the carts began to feel heavier and heavier as the bright sky was turning black.
Limestone took the map her mother put on her saddlebag “I think we supposed to be… here”
Marble turned her head and looked to her sister “Supposed?! Do you even know how to read a map?”
“Well if it keeps getting this dark I won’t be able to read my hoof” Limestone looked the sky and noticed that a few starts had already shown “I think we should make tent and sleep here for tonight”
Then, Marble cleared her throat “Why don’t we go to the big and bright city over there?” she said while pointing with her hoof
“Oh… yeah. We could do that too”
They walked into the city. There were tall buildings everywhere, and everything had light coming out of it. The needed another map just to walk around “Wow! Look at that, oh look at that! Oh by Celestia look at that” Limestone jumped from a store display to another “So, what do you wanna do next? Look at those dresses, don’t you wanna go and try them on?”
“To be honest, I think we should deliver these rocks first” Said Marble.
Limestone grumbled but knew her sister was right. “Okay, according to this note the client said it will meet us at the Center Park, the name is Photo Finish” Said Marble Pie.
Marble Pie was holding a ticket with instructions. Limestone’s eyes opened wide open “What?! Photo Finish?! Why didn't you say that sooner?! Let’s go!” She ran towards the park at full speed, but she was holding the map so her sister had to follow her.
When they arrived at the park the noticed a big trailer and ponies walking around the place. They approached the trailer trying to find somepony who could help them. Suddenly a big and muscular stallion appeared in front of them “May I help you ladies”.
Marble’s hair was quickly on her face, like if a security system was activated. Limestone had to take the lead “Hello, we have a delivery for Miss Photo Finish. We are for the Pie Rock Farm”
The stallion looked at the carts carefully and replied “Please, follow me”.
They cross a line of bodyguards who were securing the place. Then, between some trees, there she was Photo Finish. She was fixing of a pony, and constantly yelling “No, what iz missing?!”
Marble walked slowly, and thought to ran away. Limestone, on the other hoof, was jumping while watching her idol working “Miss Photo Finish we…” Limestone couldn't stop giggling “We came from the Pie Rock Farm and we brought the quartzites you requested”
She quickly went to the back of the cart and took a huge sack containing the rocks. She put it on the ground and revealed all the rocks. Photo Finish look and saw the rocks “Yes! Zat is what Photo Finish needed!” Two ponies came out of nowhere and took the rocks, Photo Finish pointed to some trees and the ponies, using some kind of glue, pasted them on them “Yes, the camera loves it” She said.
“Okay, job done. Let’s go” said Marble
“Are you kidding, this is the best thing in the world” Limestone came near Photo Finish, she wanted to see how the photo would come out and admire the dresses.
All of the sudden, Photo Finished yelled “Money!” and one of the guards brought a sack containing lots of bits and put it Limestone’s head. Then, she yelled again “Goodbye!” and all the guards came and threw the two sisters with their carts away from the area.
Limestone Pie had a surprised look in the eyes and was completely speechless, Marble was a little worried that experience hurt her sister’s feelings “Are you okay, sis?” and Limestone mumbled “That… was… SO COOL! DID YOU SEE THAT?! THE CONTROL, THE STYLE, THE POWER!” or maybe it didn't.
After a job well done, they went to a hotel to spend the night. It was a regular room with a huge bed, enough for both of them. Limestone put on a hat she brought in her fashion box, and noticed her sister lying on the bed "what are you doing?" She asked
"It's time for bed" answer Marbled covering herself with the blanket.
Limestone came to the bed and pulled the blanket with her mouth "Are you crazy? We are alone in Manehattan for the very first time and you want to go to bed?" "Err... Yes?" Said her sister "Come on, get up. Let's see the city"
Limestone gave her sister a white and pink dresd, very different from the colors she used to wear, took te map, and went to see the city. First they tried to go to a play in a theater in Coltway, but all the tickets were sold out. After that, they walked around and saw the statue lf a big pony on an island. They wanted to go there, but the ship was sailing that night. Then, they went to and art gallery. They saw many sculptures and paintings, but the whole place was about to close so they had to leave. Having any more ideas, they went to a restaurant to have a nice dinner "Well, that wasn't what I expected" said Limestone with a sadden voice "Can we go back to the hotel now?" Said Marble.
They noticed a small pony who was looking at them very carefully. It was a little filly with orange coat and pink short mane. The stare of the pony gave the sisters chills, until Marble diced to break the silence "Can we help you?" The filly snapped from her trance answer back
"You... You are blank flanks too?" It took a while for the sisters to realize what she was talking about. Back in the farm, cutie marks had no real meaning; the only thing that mattered was each ponies hard work
"Yeah?..." Limestone was still confused
"Wowza! I didn't know that was possible, blank flanks grown ups"
The presence of the filly was uncomfortable for Marble. She wasn't rude or anything, but Marble didn't know what to say "I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. Name's Babs Seed" The filly now known as Babs Seed seemed nice. Enough for the Pies to introduce themselves
"We are Limestone Pie and Marble Pie. Nice to meet you" said Limestone when she saw her sister was in her mane shield
"Don't you worry about not having a cutie mark?" Asked Babs. The Pies looked to each other slightly confused
"Why would we?" Asked Marble.
Babs Seed looked down avoiding eye contact "In my school there are some guys who bullied me for being a blank flank. They don't do it anymore, but sometime I hear them making fun of me"
Marble uncovered her face, and said "What did you do to make then stop?"
Babs blew to make some of her said aside and continued "I told my sister and she talked to their parents. But that didn't give me a cutie mark... Hey! Why don't you join the Cutie Mark Crudaders?!"
"The Cutie Mark Crusaders?!" They asked at the same time.
"Yeah, it's a group devoted to help ponies find their cutie mark. I'm the founder if the Manehattan divition. We meet every Friday at my tree house to try many things to get our cutie mark. So, whaddaya say?" Babs Seed stared at them with wide eyes and a big smile. Limestone liked the idea of being in a club, but there was something on her mind
"Sorry, but we are here only for tonight. We come from very far" replied Marble
Babs looked sad for a moment, but then an idea came "what abou honorary members?"
They smiled, they didn't really mind about the cutie mark, but they wanted to please the little filly. So they agreeded in joining "Yay! Luckily I brought some C.C.M. Notes" She took some papers she had in her saddlebag, clear her throat and gave reading "We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders ellect Limestone and Marble Pie to join us as sisters, friends, confident, blah blah blah... And fellows C.M.C. You are solemnly sworn in here this day in witness of your fellow sisters... Blah blah blah... Yeah... Congratulations"
The sisters blush little, they have never being part pf something apart of the farm. A whistle was heard, and Babs noticed a pony from outside of the restaurant "That's my sister. I gotta go, but if you come to Manehattan again look for me, and we can have some crusading. See ya!" And she left.
Babs left a note with "Crusaders Duties". The sister laughed, not like mocking the little pony's imagination, but for how the night turned out to be. They payed the bill, took the note, and head back to the hotel. It was the night they expected, but it was different from anything they've seen. The new crusaders lied down on bed and got some sleep. They still had a few places to visit before they reunite with their sister.
Marble opened her eyes. For the first time in years the light of the sun or the hoofsteps of her father didn't wake her up, instead it was her own body feeling the necessity. And the first thing she saw was her sister staring at her with a big smile “Good morning, sleepy head. Ready for today?” She would have been startled if it was the first time that it happened. Marble didn't say a thing, she walked to the bathroom to clean her face. Limestone took the note Babs Seed gave them and read “Okay, it says here that the first thing a crusader should do it’s to think activities or talents that can give you a cutie mark. Then, try as many things as possible to see what you are good at. And finally, help other members giving feedback about the activities result and check if anyone got a cutie mark. Seems simple enough” Marble, looked to her sister strangely “Are you taking this crusader thing seriously? I thought we only did it to make that pony happy” “I know, but reading this thing made me think it might be fun to try it. So what do you say? Cutie mark crusaders sky divers? Or maybe, cutie mark crusaders monster fighters” Marble went to her sister, took the note and put it in a bag, and said “What about cutie mark crusaders rocks deliverers? We don’t have time for this” Limestone sighted and gave up. Her sister was right, they wanted to make the deliveries as quickly as possible so they can be with their sister.
They took all her stuff, checked out from the hotel, took their carts, and left the city. Next stop was the city of Fillydelphia. The longest distance they had to travel was from the rock farm to Manehattan, the rest of the cities were very close to each other and they if they limit themselves to just deliver and leave the place they could get to Applelooza by the end of the day. That was the plane. Marble doesn't really enjoy going to many places, and just wanted to end this ordeal. While Limestone, wished to finish for the sister be reunited again, also wanted to see all what she could. The walk to Fillydelphia became very quiet. It wasn't that they were mad, but they didn't know what to say. Then, Limestone tried lighten up the moment “Hey, what do you think Fillydelphia it’s like?” Without leaving her eyes from the road she answered “Small” Limestone really expected more from that answer, so she asked again “And why is that?” “So we can just get there, deliver rocks, and leave” Limestone was a bit sad from that answer “Why? I mean don’t you want to know new places and ponies?” Marble stopped for a moment, she lowered her head and her mane covered her face. Limestone couldn't see her sister face, but she knew something was wrong. But, after a minute or two her sister finally spoke, a single word “No” and she continued trotting to the city. Limestone wanted to help her sister, usually her sister was the one in control, and she didn't know what to do “Maybe I need to give her some time” she wondered and kept trotting.
After a while, they finally reached the city. Compared to Manehattan it wasn't as big. There were not many tall buildings like the last city, but there were many many buildings, giving the impression that it was larger. Trying to please her sister for a change, Limestone decided she would take her sister’s advice and just deliver the rocks and go. She took the ticket with the name and address. The order was made by somepony named S.S. They didn't really need the name, but they found it curious. The followed the address and took them to a weird neighborhood. Many houses had graffiti on the walls and some others had their yard littered of junk. The arrived to a big house. It had only one floor, but it was as long as three regular houses combined. From the outside it looked like if nopony had cleaned it for ages, weed and ivy all around the yard, scrap metal, paint from the wall was falling, actually they couldn't tell what color the house actually had. They were very careful while walking to the door. The idea of staying more time than needed there didn't come to their mind at all.
Limestone knock the door and Marble entered her shield mane mode.The door opened, a pony covered with a black coat appeared. Not even her face, mane, race, not even if it was male or female could be told. The sisters were surprised to see it “Hello…” Said Limestone “We… we are from the P-P-Pie Rock Farm… And we brought the sapphires you ordered” Limestone was shaking, the intimidating figure was even more scary when she couldn't see it’s eyes. The pony spoke on a slow deep voice, but they could tell it was female “Thank you, let me get my purse to pay you” She got inside the house again, and quickly came with money for the stones. She carried a huge bag with bits (sapphires, aren't really cheap) in her mouth. She gave the bag to Marble and took the one with the gems. But before the pony returned to her house, Limestone spoke “Excuse me… If it isn't too much to ask, why an earth pony, living in a place like this needs something as expensive as sapphires?” Marble jaw dropped. She didn't want to be there, and the pony was scary enough to run away screaming. The shadowy pony’s voice answered with her deep voice “What do you mean?” Limestone was shaking, but also very curious “You carried the bag with your mouth, being a unicorn you would've use magic. The yard it’s a mess, yet when you opened the house I noticed a living room being completely clean and shiny. And when you gave my sister the money I noticed your horseshoes being shiny and expensive. That’s very suspicious, and I just wonder why?” Limestone had always had a very conservative eye, and this time it might have gone too far.
Suddenly, the pony giggled. It gave Marble chills, but Limestone looked curious. Then, it spoke again, but know it was a happier and higher pitch voice “You got me… Can you keep a secret?” They both agreeded, Marble just wanted to get things over. The pony put away the hood of the coat and revealed herself. Marble didn't see what it was such a big secret, the pony looked like anyone else. Light yellow skin and blue mane, the only thing she could notice was how shiny her mane was and the make up she was wearing. But Limestone gasped and said “Sapphire Shores?!... What are you doing here?!” The pony lowered her head and said “Please, come in. I can explain inside” Limestone quickly accepted the invitation. Marble having nothing else to do, followed her sister.
Just like Limestone said the whole place inside was tidy. It had very few furniture, but a lot of paintings on the walls, and sculptures around the place. They left the carts at the entrance and sat on a sofa at the living room. Sapphire sat on a chair right in front of them and looked at them for a while. Sapphire then asked “Names?” Because Marble was too nervous to talk Limestone answer “Marble and Limestone Pie, miss”. Sapphire, looked at them steady again after that, nothing but silence and uncomfortable staring. Limestone decided to break the ice “Miss Shores, why…?” But Sapphire interrupted her “Do you know how is to live to lives? Being someone who you are not?” She stopped, sighted and continued “I became famous for my voice. I loved singing every time, but I loved singing jazz. I used to make my own costumes and sang my songs. I had a band with my friends, Keystrokes, Drum Stick, Meadow Song and Octavia. We played at a small jazz bar back in Carnterlot. But one day a pony saw us playing and offered me a contract to become a singer. However, I could only sang whatever they told me. Being young and foolish, I accepted. I could only sing pop songs, and couldn't make my own costumes anymore. I had to ask other ponies, I found one that I love in a small town called “Ponyville”. To top it all off, I had to keep a very active and happy persona all the time. When I’m out, I have to act like I’m a selfish, self-centered pony. Only when I don’t have a tour and I get back here I can be myself. Nopony else before had noticed me… Until now”
The sisters were shocked to hear the story. Even Marble who knew nothing about her could pity for the poor soul. Limestone clear her throat “What if you sing with your actual voice next time?” Sapphire lowered her head again “Then, they will fire me” Suddenly Marble spoke “Maybe that’s good” Both Sapphire and Limestone looked at her, surprised “I-I mean. Yeah, you are famous and… rich. But at what cost? Wouldn't you like to sing what you like and be with your friends again? Besides, do you really need all of this?” Not much she said. It wasn't deep, nor poetic. But it touched Sapphire’s heart. She also moved her sister a little. Sapphire shed a tear and said “You are right, my little pony. I guess it’s time for the true Sapphire Shores to show” She smiled, a tear rolled through her cheek “Wait here, please” Said Sapphire. She stood up and went to a room at the end of a hall. The sisters waited at the living for some time until Sapphire returned. She sat on the chair again and said “Okay, I call the old band, and all of them agreeded to come here. Why don’t you stay here, so you can see the real me singing?” Limestone was very excited, but Marble as always didn't like the idea “Sorry, but we need to go to other cities to deliver more rocks” “Please, it’s the least I can do”. Limestone looked at her sister with what she called “The crystal eyes” she opened her eyes as wide as she can and make a sad face, this combination made her eyes spark like little crystals. Marble hated that, that made her sister being utterly adorable “Fine, but we’ll leave early in the morning”.
The musicians arrived when the sun was about to set. They talked to each other for almost an hour, they almost didn’t notice the presence of the Pies. But after a while they went to a room at the back of Sapphire’s house. It was a big room, specious enough for a band and a few ponies to watch them play. The room was full with instruments and a few chairs. The Pies sat right in front of the band, and while the other ponies began their music. Smooth jazz filled the air, they haven’t seen each other in years, yet it was like they have been practicing together all the time. It wasn't instruments working together to make a good song, it was every pony making one song complete and together. Sapphire’s voice was completely different from what Limestone have heard. On stage her voice was very high pitched, like if a young pony was singing. But now, it was harmonic, profound, and it fused with the music perfectly. Marble was astonished, she never really mind for music, but now she was falling in love with it. They played for hours, until they hoofs couldn't take it anymore. And after that, the musicians thank for the audience presence and each one of them went to their respective room. Saphire’s house had many rooms, so all of them had a place to stay. And so did the sisters, who went straight to bed after an amazing evening.
In the morning, they thank again Saphire for the show, wished her good luck and went to their journey. They might have lost a day, but it was worth it.
The Pies continued their travel. It took them much more time than expected leaving the city of Fillydelphia, but there wasn't a single drop of regret on them. The sweet music they heard last night will be on the heard for years to come. Marble humble the songs, while Limestone kept the rhythm on her hooves "Do you think she'll still be famous?" Asked Marble "I think we haven't heard the last of Sapphire Shores" answer Limestone. They trotted happily on the road feeling positive then when they arrived there.
Next city on the map was Baltimare. The distance marked was very small. An hour if they kept trotting. But that wasn't something that bothered them now. The trip wasn't what they expected, it was better. They remembered Babs Seed and joining the Cutie Mark Crusaders "Even though we accepted without really wanting, we should try something to get a cutie mark later" suggested Marble "Yeah! Or we can visit that filly some time in Manehattan" Answered Limestone. Her sister hesitated when she heard that and said "Yeah... Maybe".
Before they knew it, they arrived to Baltimare. A beautiful city right by the sea. Buildings of every kind, a beautiful beach with white sand, and a port for ships to arrived. Tons and tons of hotels, and ponies passing by. The last two cities were much bigger, but this one was more interesting. Street ponies playing tropical music by the street, others dancing, or playing around. Certainly this was a great place to visit, if it wasn't because they had duties to attend. While walking by the streets the sisters were amazed to see what the city had to offer. Before moving on, Limestone went to the her cart, she took a hat she made herself (A simple white hat with a few gemstone devouring the right side of it) to protect herself from the sun, and receipt of the delivery order, and said "Here says that a pony called Lucky Clovers ordered the igneous rocks... Mmh... Looks like his house it's right on the beach" "Then we should move fast, these ponies are going more wild by the minute" said Marble.
They trotted faster to move the ponies away, and for them not to get stuck on the crowd. But suddenly they bumped into someone, luckily the could stop before they hit it "Hey watch it, you teo! Don't you see I'm walking over here?!" Yelled the creature. The sisters just stood there, staring at it. They have never seen anything like it before "And what are you looking at?! Huh?!" It yelled again. Then, Marble was the one who spoke first "Excuse me... Miss... I don't want to offend you, but... What are you!" The creature was surprised by the question "what?! Well, what can I expect from a pony? I'm a griffon, part eagle, part lion, and all awesome! Name's Gilda, got it memorized?" After hearing about her the ponies quickly smiled and jumped onto her. The gaze upon her wings, her feathers, her claws, and all of her. Gilda didn't like it at all and pushed them away "What is it with you ponies?!" Limestone took the lead this time "I'm sorry Miss Gilda, it's just that we have never seen a griffon before. And you are so amazing" Gilda blused a little, and tried to look cool, like if she wasn't interested on what they say. Then, the ponies showered her with tons of questions "how fast do you fly? How tall can you go? How much can you fly without getting tired? Do you eat hay? What are other griffons like?" But as much as she like to talk about herself, she was more curious on the things they got on their cart. Gilda moved to the carts and noticed many bags "So... Traveling ponies I see. What are you doing here anyways?" She asked. Marble, being excited, answered fast "We are rock farmers and we are delivering some rocks here. We are Limestone Pie and Marble Pie, miss" Gilda was shoked after hearing their names, she was grunting and her breath became heavy "Did you say Pie?... Do you know Pinkie Pie?" The sisters jumped even more excited "Yes, she is our big sister. Do you know her?" Gilda’s eyes were suddenly full of anger. She was furious, and the didn’t know what they have done “I should’ve known you annoying ponies were related to her! Stay away from me!” She turned her back and got ready to fly “Wait!” Said Marble “Please, what happened? What did she do to you?” Before taking off Gilda hoover in the air, she only turned her head and gave a fierce look to the ponies “She took my best friend away from me” and she left. The ponies didn’t understand what she said Taking a friend away from her? That’s not what our sister’d do The thought. The encounter with their first griffon was not a positive one. But it she might have been confused, or she was just trying to push on their buttons. They moved on and pretended nothing happened.
They follow the address noted on the receipt to a neighborhood on the beach. Even though the houses were all in the sand, they were completely clean. Because of the sand it was harder to pull the carts for the Pies. But then, they noticed there weren’t any kind of sign diving the houses, not even numbers, so they couldn’t tell what house was the one they had to deliver the rocks to. They passed by a house, the only house with a sign on the front of it “Jet Set & Upper Crust” it said. And just when they read it, two ponies came out of it. They were very eccentric unicorns, with expressionless face and fancy clothing. Limestone approach them to ask for directions “Excuse me, can you help me?” The fancy ponies came looked uninterested at the two ponies in front of them. They didn’t say anything, but at least the acknowledge the ponies were there. Limestone, being a little nervous, asked “Hi… We are looking for a pony called Lucky Clever… Do you know where does he live?” The mare stuck her nose in the air, while the stallion answered very apathetic “Three houses to the right” Then, the mare noticed Marble hat, it was very simple, but the decoration on the side was pretty and very well done “I say. Where did you get that hat?” “Oh, I made it myself. You like it?” Said Limestone “It’s very simple, but you do have a talent. What is your name?” “Limestone Pie, miss. I’m glad you like it” The ponies were shocked to hear her name “Limestone Pie… Like in Pinkie Pie?” They asked. Again knew her sister, maybe this time their reaction would be different from Gilda’s. Limestone said yes, and she was wrong. But instead of being furious, they were disgusted “I should have known, something so uncouth could only come from a Pie” They said. The sisters were starting to get tired of this, and now they felt insulted. Marble was the one who faced them “Why?! What did our sister do to you?!”. The fancy ponies kept their apathetic face and the stallion answered “Well, she and her friend just happened to ruin the last Grand Galloping Gala. She made a mess on the dance room and cause a chain of events who almost destroy the whole place. Just because she wanted her FUN” After that, and without anything the Pies could say, the fancy ponies went on their way. They couldn’t believe it, but it was some truth on what they said. Pinkie could be very wild when it comes to parties, she broke a wall of the barn when she was a kid because she kept bouncing all over the place. Limestone and Marble looked at each other feeling sad “Could it be that what they said it’s true Limestone asked” Marble looked very sad, she looked down, and she was lost on thoughts. But was able to say something “We have a job to do. Let’s get this over with”
They went to the house of Lucky Clovers, thanks of the directions the fancy pony gave them. Once again, Limestone was the one who knocked the door and a gray stallion with black mane came from the house “Hello. We are from the Pie Rock Farm. We have a delivery for Mr. Lucky Clovers” she said, not very enthusiastic. The stallion looking a little bit angry complained “It’s about time you arrive. We couldn’t start the decoration of the backyard without the rocks” Limestone said nothing, she just bowed her head in apology. Then, she went to her sister’s cart to pick the rocks. But she notice the huge bag was gone “Marble, where are the rocks?!” “What?! I -I - I don’t know, they were here. I didn’t touch them” she went to the back to see it for herself. There was only the bag of flat rocks that they had to deliver in Ponyville, but the other one with the igneous rock was missing. Then they remembered Gilda looking at their carts and didn’t turning her back after mentioning Pinkie “Gilda!” they both said at the same time “She stole the rocks from us” Said Marble “What?!” Lucky Clover was listening carefully to them “You lost the rocks?! How couldn’t you do that?!... I’m sorry but without them, not to mention you were late, I can’t pay you. I’m gonna have to change of rocks provider” Suddenly a yellow pegasus with brown mane and a wheel on fire as a cutie mark came from the house. She said “Did I hear that right?... You traveled all the way to her and lost the rocks?! You took two days to come here and tell me that you don’t have NOT A SINGLE ROCK?! AND WE CAN’T EVEN START IMPROVING THE HOUSE WITHOUT THEM?! AAAAAAAH!” She screamed and fire came out of her eyes “Oh no! Run! I’ll hold her!” Yelled Lucky Clevers while holding the pony. The Pies took their carts and run faster than they knew they could.
After running 3 miles straight, they arrived to a small park, one of the few quiet places in the city. The sat on a bench, they were exhausted, sad, and not knowing what to do. The quietness of the park helped them to catch their breath and get some of their ideas organized. Limestone looked the sky and sighted, then she said “Well, I guess we are not getting that money. We should get going” she expected her sister to agree and just hit the road, but instead her sister looked very angry “No” Marble said “We are not going yet. We need to get the rocks. Even if that guy won’t pay us, we can’t just let her take away our work” “But we don’t even know where…” “I saw a police station when we entered the city. Let’s start there. Let’s go!” without even taking into account what her sister had to say. Marble took her cart and marched forward to the police station. Limestone was intimidated, she have been seeing her sister act in ways she had never seen before, and she was afraid it would go worst. She took her cart and follower her sister.
They arrived to the police station. Just one pony was there, she was answering the phones and ordered other ponies on a microphone. Phones rang and rang, faster than she could ever answer. The sister approached her and Marble said “Excuse me, we’d like to report a robbery” The police pony took a moment on the phone answering and said “I’m sorry, darling. If you haven’t notice it’s spring break and ponies go wild. We can help you, but you’ll have to wait an hour or two… maybe more until another police comes” “What? But by then Gilda will be miles away… if she isn’t now” Limestone told her sister. Before the police pony answered another phone. She turned to see the ponies again “Did you say Gilda? A griffon?” The sisters were starting to get used to ponies know the ponies they encountered, and said yes “We’ve been having many reports of a griffon stealing and many other crimes. According to some members of the police they say that they have seen her heading to the Rock Point. With this amount of work we can’t do much… But if you manage to get her here, considering the amount evidence we have, we could put her in jail. But that is if you could. Sadly, we can’t ask civilians to do anything like that” She turned her chair and got back to answer the phones “Can we leave our carts here for a moment?” asked Marble “Leave them on the room over there. No one goes there” The police tossed them a key, they opened the room and left the carts. They took a map of the city that was on the police pony desk and went to the place marked as “Rock Point”.
They arrived to a place where the sand ends, and the beach start to get more rock. Even the water showed some spiky rocks, it was obvious ponies don’t go there frequently. Marble took a deep breath and moved forward, only to be stopped by Limestone “Wait, are you sure about this?” Marble was very confident of herself, not a single drop of doubt was on that face “Yes, we are taking our stuff back… And we are getting some answers” Feeling her sister confidence, Limestone let her go, and accompany her. They weren’t sure what they will encounter, but they were going to face anything.
Rock Point. As the name implied rocks where all over the place. Hard and spiky rocks covering the ground, and even the ocean showed on its surface there were rocks in it. Because of it, being dared could be very dangerous and ponies avoided that place. The water of the ocean made the rocks very slippery, so if somepony wasn’t careful it will fall and hit his head. But the Pies knew how to handle those rocks. Some days at the farm they had to work on the rain, which gave them the ability to walk over wet rocks normally as if they were on the ground. On the rock point there was a small peak. Not high as a mountain, but high enough to make ponies think twice about climbing it. Limestone looked to her sister, usually Marble would stop and think of not going up, but this time Marble was the first who started climbing. She only climbed; she didn’t mind if her sister was climbing before her, she only saw the end of the peak. Limestone thought this might be going too far, they could find Gilda, but how were they going to take her back to the police?
“Hey Marble, it’s not too late to go back. I think father will understand if we tell him what happened” she said.
Marble kept moving and answered “You can go back. I need to deal with this” Limestone couldn’t let her sister go there without her, so she stayed by her side.
The finally reached the top, and the first thing they saw was a igneous rock lying on the ground. It couldn’t belong to that place, it has to be one of theirs. They noticed a cavern going down, they felt frustrated, but without any other clue they went down the cavern to see if they find the thief. Contrary to what they thought the cavern was lightened, holes all over the place let the lights of the sun to come inside. The ponies walked down to what it seemed stairs, it couldn’t be naturally be done that way, somepony or something had have done it. They walked carefully, because although they could see where they were going, they weren’t sure what might lie on the bottom of the stairs. They finally reached the end, and notice a small camp tent, very stereotypical like those you see in cartoons. The ponies approached it slowly, trying to not make a sound.
Suddenly, they heard something coming from the tent “Who in the world carries rocks?! Agh! They are not even valuable!”
That was Gilda’s voice for sure “Okay, we grab the tent and pull it with her to the police” Whispered Marble
“Are you crazy? How are we going to step up all the stairs? Not to mention the way down to the beach” Limestone lowered her voice too “Do you have another idea?” “What about we surprise her and tie her down?” “Oh, yeah? Do you have a rope?” “Maybe she has one inside” “Limestone, focus! We need to do something now”
And a third voice came from behind them “I have something in mind”
They turned and saw the griffin standing right before of them. They were startled, but quickly got into a fighting stand. But because of their lack of actual fighting experience, they didn’t look intimidating at all
“I didn’t think you would look for me” Said Gilda in her cocky voice.
Limestone spoke for her sister “Give us our rocks back, you thief!”
Not a second passed when Gilda threw at them a huge bag with the stones, at least most of the stones it used contain “There, now go, I can’t sell rocks, they don't worth a thing. I only took that bag because it was the biggest bag”
Limestone was astonish to this outcome. It wasn’t what she expected, but she got what she wanted. Limestone took the bag and had the intention to leave the place immediately. But Marble stood there, frozen; she was grinding her teeth in anger.
Marble finally spoke “Tell me. What you said about my sister… was it real?”
The calm and cocky expression on Gilda’s face changed into an angry smirk “Every single one of them. I stole your stuff, but I would never… ” Gilda stopped, something prevented her from finish her sentence.
The two of them stood there, not a sound could be herd, just the wind blowing in the distance. Their eyes were like sights on cannons ready to shoot. It was as if somepony started a staring fight. Gilda and Marble stared fiercefully into each other’s eyes, not even blinking. Limestone couldn’t only wait until one of them the first move. And that was Marble
“Tell me the whole thing… Tell me what happened!” she demanded.
Gilda spread her wings and said “I don’t have to deal with this. Smell you later” and took off her flight.
Marble saw a big rock lying on the ground and had an idea. When they where young Marble and Limestone used to have kicking rocks competitions, in which they hit a rock and saw how far it flew, and they had become more and more precise and more powerful with their shots. Marble ran to the rock, turned and with both back hooves with it as hard as she could. The rock flew like a rocket, and with a deadly precision hit Gilda’s left wing. She fell to the ground, screaming. Limestone was perplexed; that wasn’t her sister, she couldn’t possibly do something like that… Yet, it happened. Marble ran to the top of the stairs where Gilda landed, and Limestone followed her.
Gilda couldn’t get up, her wing was the only thing hurting, but it was too painful to even move. Marble stood in front of her and said “Now, tell me. What happened with my sister!” “You are crazy, just like her!”
The heat of the situation and the tension aroused as they kept screaming “TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED!” Yelled Marble, and Gilda denied.
Until finally Gilda broke “SHE STOLE MY FRIEND! ... My only friend” both Marble and Limestone were shocked as they stepped back.
Tears came from Gilda’s eyes as a river, she kept moaning and crying as she told her story “She was the only friend I had, We met at the Junior Speedsters racing team, back in flight school. Nobody liked me because I was the only griffon, but she stood by my side loyally. After school she took a job as weather manager in Ponyville, and I had to return to the Griffon Kingdom. We promised to meet again… And we did. Years after that I finally got the chance to go to Ponyville to see her again. I kept my cool attitude as I was in school… I wanted things were like back then. But… your sister appeared. She kept getting between us; she couldn’t tell I wanted to spend time with Dash alone. She threw a party… for me... or so she said. I thought it was a way to make me look bad in front of all of the ponies around, she spent the whole day trying to separate me from Dash, it was only logical, I was weird and different from her. And there were pranks, very stupid pranks. I didn’t know it was Dash who set them up. I yelled at her… at all of them, and left. I haven’t talked to her again. If it wasn’t for Pinkie Pie!”
Gilda kept crying, for once they felt bad for her. It was obviously her attitude the cause of her own trouble, but it was still sad how things got so misunderstood. Marble felt bad for putting Gilda in that position, she hurt her, and she accused her so badly; Marble returned to her shield mode, she couldn’t face what she had done.
Limestone in a very lighthearted voice said “We are sorry Gilda, we had no idea. Our sister might had… “Taken” your friend… But, what about if you get two new ones?”
Gilda stopped her crying to look at the pony who said such a thing “You wanna be… my friend?” she asked
“Yeah, you are not as bad when you are yourself” Gilda’s eyes were still dripping tears, but she didn’t look sad anymore.
Marble took a deep breath and changed her smirk into a full smile “Yeah, I want to repay you for hitting you so hard” She didn’t want to look at her; she was still embarrassed.
Limestone raised her right hoof as a sign of trust“So, what do you say? Leave everything behind?”
Gilda hesitated for a moment. She raised her claw, she was shaking nervously, and tried to hold Limestone’s hoof. She finally touched it, and slowly held it. It felt nice, a pony who offered her friendship, and who has seen her true self.
But everything wasn’t perfect, once the Pies smiled and giggled her claw and yelled “This… This… This is so stupid!” as she jumped to the cavern opening.
Her wing wasn’t a problem at the moment, and she jumped the whole way down in a matter of seconds. Limestone, after seeing her running away from the place, yelled “We are from the Pie Rock Farm! We deliver to all over Equestria! Call us some time!”
Gilda headed north away from both the Rock Point and the city. Limestone hoped she heard her, if Gilda appears one day in the future she will gladly give her another chance.
Marble returned to where the camp tent was to take the igneous rocks back. Limestone helped her take the stones that were scattered around the place, maybe it was Gilda who threw them after noticing that what she stole was stones.
Limestone looked at her sister and asked “So… what was all that about?”
“What do you mean?” Marble replied
“You know, the angriness, the hitting… Is there something you wanna talk about?”
Marble stammered, she tried to avoid the question but couldn’t find a way “We are late for the next delivery. Hurry up”
Limestone knew there was something wrong, but she wasn’t going to shoot a rock at her. She was just going to give her some more time.
They returned to the police station, where the police pony was at the exact same place doing the exact same thing, and no other police pony was to be seen. When the police pony saw them, once again she left the phones for a moment to talk to them “Did you find her?”
Limestone took the lead and answered “No, we found our bad near the Rock Point. We looked for her, but there were neither signs nor steps to follow. We are sorry”
The police was obviously disappointed, and after hearing the answer she returned to her duties, not before saying “Your carts are still in the room. Leave the key and go” And they did just that.
They were at the entrance of the police station and saw the sun going down “We should stay here for tonight” Suggested Limestone
“No, we are late. We can make it to the next place and rest there” Said Marble.
"She might be right"thought Limestone and agreeded to leave the place. This time they were unsure how to take what happened that day. They couldn’t sell the rocks, they believe they helped someone, but they might never see her again. This could be considered a failure, but that couldn’t be right because at the end they did what they thought it was right. Moreover, Limestone had a bigger question about her sister “What is she hiding?” and for now that will be her priority.
The twilight has darkened the sky, and the moon was rising along with the stars. That's when the sisters were leaving the city of Baltimare. They checked the map and saw the next city before Ponyville was Applelooza, throating it would take them an hour and a half to arrived, but because of the things they just experience they felt like taking their time this time and keep a calm pace. Regarthless if they arrived in an hour or two, they will still have to wait until morning to make their delivery. The moon helped them see where they were going, but they took a lantern oil that Marble brought just as an emergency just to be sure.
Once again, nopony said a thing. The silence of the night made their hoofsteps echoed even more. Limestone thought on ways to make a conversation without touching Gilda's topic or ask about whatever her sister was hiding from her, If she does things might go even more awkward.
Limestone looked up to the sky and noted clouds in the distance. She couldn't tell if they were white or black, because of the darkness of the night. She remembered her father said "Clouds are pretty, but can be deceiving. Even the smallest cloud can cause a storm" and because she couldn't tell if it were rain clouds or regular ones she was more than unsure.
"Maybe we should look for a place to spend the night, and we keep going tomorrow" suggested Limestone.
"Look around. Do you see anywhere we can shelter?" Replied Marble.
Limestone checked the area more carefully, she noticed that they were in a plain. The only thing they could do would be to set up the tent they had, but in a storm that wouldn't help at all. Having no other option they kept moving forward. As they progressed the scenery changed little by little. The plain changed to a more desertic area, different and more solid kinds of rock appeared, and the few clouds there were before, now covered the whole sky preventing the moon lights to touch the land. And before they know it, rain drops began to fall.
It started to drizzle, and both ponies worried for the worst "Okay, I think it's to accelerate. Move!" Said Marble as she trotted faster.
Limestone kept up with her sister, but took the time to look around. Because the scenery had changed now there may be a place to shelter in case the rain intensifies. The ponies ran and what started as small rain drops became a storm. Lightning and thunders hit the ground as if the pegasus were attacking. The rain fell like water fall on the little ponies. They could only run and followed what little was left from the path for them not to get lost. But then, they came into an impasse. As the rain flooded the land it causes a river that prevented the sisters to continue. Thankfully Limestone spotted a structures of rock that simulated a roof, it looked dry and strong enough to withstand the storm.
"Quick! Let's go there!" Said Limestone while pointing where the structure was.
They ran to it, and covered themselves from the storm. It was big enough for them and the carts, they were not worried about the rocks because the bags were made of a special material that prevented water to get in, but the wooden carts wouldn't last long if water touch them.
Sacrificing some of Limestone’s clothes, they dry themselves. Beneath the carts there was some woods and matches in the case they had to set a camp, they took them and started a fire. At least they weren't going to be completely cold.
They sat there, staring at the fire as the storm did not seem to cease. Limestone kept thinking about conversation starters and topics to talk about to make things better, but nothing came to mind. At this point she believed whatever she said would be better than uncomfortable silence.
"So... What is your... Favorite.... Joke?" A horrible question. But it was the first thing she thought.
Somehow her sister looked sadden. Limestone knew it was a bad question, but it wasn't bad enough to make anypony sad.
And Marble replied "The one our sister told us before leaving"
Limestone suddenly regretted asking that "knock knock... Who's there?... I don't know... I don't know, who?... I don't know why you are talking to a door" Marble told the whole joke herself.
None of them laughed, but a smiled crossed their faces like a shooting star. Limestone thought it was the perfect moment to ask her sister what she was hidding, and so she did.
"Sis... I want to ask you..." Before Marble could finish her sentence she was interrupted.
"Remember when our bigger sister left?" Asked Marble
Limestone hesitated, she was very young when that happened but she could remember most of it "... Yes" she said.
"It was cold. After telling us good bye, she went to father and mother... They were crying. Then Pinkie sung us that song. She said that she would never ever leave us. That three is not a crowd, three's a team. And that our team was the best " Her voice was deeper and deeper, and her eyes empty, lost on her own mind.
The nostalgia filled the air with both happy and sad memories. This lead Limestone to gather her courage and ask “I know there’s something on your mind, and you have been hiding it since the beginning. Not wanting to meet any other ponies, and for some reason you hate, or are afraid, going to other places… Wanna talk about it now?” She asked kindly. Maybe too kind
Marble looked at her sister and smile “You are still that kind filly from long ago… Yes, I’ve been keeping secrets. Even long before we left the farm…”
“Before leaving the farm? She has never looked or done anything like past few days before” Limestone wondered. Her heart pumped like crazy, she didn’t know her sister had to say, but she knew it was something big.
Marble continued her explanation “I was scared… I’ve always been scared. Scared of the unknown, scared of destiny. So scared that I hid it from you… I’m sorry”
The conversation was too cryptic to be patience for Limestone. But at least she got her sister to talk about it, she could wait for a couple of minutes more. But she didn’t have to.
“I know what your cutie mark might be… I knew it for years. Even mine” Marble confessed. She quickly avoided looking at her sister, she felt too ashamed to do it.
Limestone was agitated, she couldn’t believe what she heard. It’s true they didn’t mind much about their cutie marks, but getting one should be part of their destinies and her sister prevented her to know and accomplish it “What?! Why would you do that?!” She yelled.
“Because I don’t want you to leave!” Marble replied. She started to cry and moan. She turned her back for her sister not to see her tears, and kept explaining “When our sisters left was right after they got their cutie marks. They knew what they wanted to do with their life, and knew they wouldn’t get it in the farm. They abandoned us! They turned their back to the family and got better ponies to be their new family. I didn’t want you to go too, I didn’t want to leave… I DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE!” A river of emotions came from her eyes, years and years of her secret fears were finally showing up all at once.
Limestone stood up and went to the carts, Marble heard how she started to move stuff around “It’s obvious she wouldn’t want to be with me. And now she’s leaving too” She thought, only to be surprised as her sister covered her with her favorite blanket she brought herself. The blanket the four sisters made long time ago.
Limestone cuddled with her sister as they used to when they were young.” Thank you for being honest and taking care of me, sis” She said “You must remember, they didn’t abandon us. They just followed their dreams. But no matter what my destiny is, I won’t leave you alone”
Marble was touched after hearing what her sister said. It felt like if a heavy weight had been taken off her shoulders. She cleaned her tears and cuddled her sister back, it was nice. Even though they spent most of the time together and they were very close, they have not cuddled since they were very young. Without something else to say and having confessing their true emotions, they fell asleep.
When they woke up the storm had ended, there wasn’t evidence of water, it was like even as if it never rained, but considering the heat of the dessert that is natural. The sun shined strong as always, but today the world looked different, brighter, colorfuler… happier. “Good morning, little sis” Said Marble.
“Good morning, big sis” answered back Limestone.
Many of their routines have been breaking out during the journey, they didn’t mind breaking another one more. They took their time before leaving. Using the little of there was of the fireplace the manage to boil some water, which they used to make some tea. They took cookies that their mother packed before leaving the farm. They took the cookies and the tea and sat and enjoyed each others company. They did not forgot about the deliveries, nor that they wanted to go to Ponyville to visit Pinkie Pie. However, they did not took importance about the time anymore. What they considered important was to listen to each other.
The journey looked better like it was finally becoming better. There were no secrets nor doubts. Limestone did not want to what her cutie mark might be, she wanted to search for it herself. She didn't feel the urge to get it, but she now was curious about it. After all, they are cutie mark crusaders, and that's one of their duties.
Following the map, they quickly found the town of Appleloosa. Marble took the receipt and checked "It says we need to deliver them at “the digging grounds” outside of the town. We'll meet a pony named... The doctor?"
"The doctor? Doctor who?" Asked Limestone
"It doesn't say. Anyway, we need to get moving" said Marble while moving to the place.
Instead of entering the town and look around, they headed straight to the location point on the receip. They were two days late, and the pony most lickely was going to charge them for that.
When they arrived they noticed big holes on the ground, and many ponies digging, all of them were wearing a complete suit. Some of them dug the ground, and others carried rocks from tunnels on the walls. The holes were actually very deep, there was a very narrow path were ponies could walk from a hole to another, and long stairs at the sides. The Pies saw a trailer right in the middle of all the holes on the walking path, and without knowing who to turned to they figured that might be a good place to start. They got to it and Limestone knocked the door. A brown pony with white man came out from there "Yes? Can I help you?" He said.
"So sorry for being late. We have a rock delivery for... The doctor" said Limestone.
The pony was very happy after hearing this "Brilliant, you got right on time. We knew after the constant rains of these days that it would take you a couple of days to get here..."
The sisters looked at each other. Apparently they were not going to be charged after all. And the pony continued "But I was expecting to see your father"
Marble took off her mane from her face and said "He injured himself while loading the rocks for the trip. We are doing it in his place"
"That's weird. He looked so strong when I made the order. I hope he gets well” The doctor said and thought to himself for a moment.
"Sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Doctor Crackbone" he said.
"We are Limestone and Marble Pie. Aaaaand here are your rocks" Limestone introduce them while taking two huge sacks of tephra rocks and put them on the ground.
"Great! We use this rocks in an tiresome process to determine how old fossils are. You see, we located fosiles here, enormous creatures that roamed Equestria even long before Equestria was even found. And things we think might be pony fossils as well..." He found ound himself talking too much
"Sorry, as you might think we don't interact much with other ponies. Here's your pay” He gave them a big bag with bits.
Suddenly a very strong and tall came running, they’ve never seen a pony so tall, but the all the ponies looked very big. He was hearing the suit and they couldn’t see his face "Sir, the rocks at the base of the crane in the underground level broke"
"Shoot! The are it’s so irregular we needed to use rocks to balance it out. We need stronger rocks" said the doctor.
Marble remembered the igneous rocks they recovered from Gilda "Excuse. We... We have these, they aren't exactly for this kind of work, but they might be of help"
The strong pony took one of the rocks and checked it "They can bear the weight for a while. At least until we find more. We need to get this job soon"
"I guess you got yourselves a deal, girls" The professor returned to his trailer and came with more money.
After accepting the money, and having just one more bag to deliver, they headed to the exit to move on their journey. But before exiting the digging grounds the doctor came to them running "Hey, sorry I gave you the wrong bag of money. I need it back"
"Sure, here you go. Where’s the right one?" sald kindly Limestone.
"Err... I guess I left it at the trailer. I think I have to go back" he apologized.
They looked annoyed, but he bought an extra bag of rocks, and they felt they should do something for him "I can accompany you. You can wait here" Limestone said. Marble was very curious about the whole fossil thing, so she accepted for her to look around.
While her sister and the Doctor went to the trailer to write the letter, Marble inspected the area with her eyes. She saw the holes around were empty, but tons of equipment and a few bones could be seen. She was at the very edge of the walking path, but she was too distracted looking at everything to noticed.
Suddenly her hooves started to slide. She tripped and slide to the place. She couldn’t grab on to anything. The cart was so heavy and start falling faster, it was dragging the pony down. But before she reached the edge and fall, a stallion came to her rescue. He ran to the cart and using her back hooves pushed it and prevented them to fall.
The stallion spoke with a very southern accent "Hey! Yo awright?"
"Y-y-yes! I think" answered Marble.
"Okay, listen. We are not safe yet. But we can make it. Ah’ need you to be strong, okay?" He said
"I'm scared" Marble hooves was shaking intensely
"Ah’ know you are, but Ah’ won't let you down- You can trust me" He said. His voice was soft, and encouraging. And she had no other option.
"Okay. What do I do now?" Marble was too scared to think.
"The only way to solve this it's working together. I'm gonna push, but you gotta try to pull. Be careful, this sand is very slippery. Okay, ya ready? 1... 2... 3 Pull!" Yelled the stallion as he switch position to push better.
They combined their strength. Marble placed her hooves deep in the ground before taking a step, the stallion pushed the cart with everything he got. And after a while they managed to get back on the road.
Marble took away the handles of the cart and turned to see her savior. It was a yellow stallion with light brown mane wearing a jacket and a hat, who said "Hi, I'm -" but before he could finish his sentence Marble hugged him.
Limestone and the doctor saw in the distance what had happened and ran to the place, but they arrived once everything has ended "What happened?! Are you alright?" Asked Limestone.
"Yeah, thanks to... What was your name?" Asked Marble.
"Yup, I'm Braeburn. Junior sheriff of the town of Appleloosa” said the stallion now known as Braeburn.
“Thank you! Thank you very much! I’m Marble Pie and this is my sister Limestone Pie. Rock deliverers from the… Pie Rock Farm” Marble felt like her introduction was not as exciting as his.
"You're always at the right time and right place, Braeburn" said the Doctor.
"Good luck I guess. But Ah actually came for another reason, this... Pretty lady was a happy coincidence" braeburn replied looking at Marble
"Is something wrong?" The doctor worried.
"There was another buffalo attempting to steal dynamite from the town. I followed near here but I lost track of him. Did any of you saw him?" Braeburn kept looking around for the buffalo.
"So sorry, lil sherif, but we have not seen a buffalo around" apologized the doctor
Braeburn throw his hat to the ground in anger "Darn it! Ah’ gotta look in the whole area. It's gonna take days"
"W-we can help you" Said Marble nervously. Limestone looked strangely how her sister offered assistance "I-I mean, we can go with you cover more ground... It... It's the least I can do for saving my life"
"Mmh... Ah do need all the help I can get, and four more eyes be of great aid" Braeburn put his hat back on and consider the possibilities "Awright, you are in. But first we need to inform the sheriff" Limestone's jaw dropped, but there was nothing she could do now.
They headed back to Appleloosa to speak to the sheriff. Braeburn led the way while the Pies followed him. Limestone poked her sister's shoulders to get her attention "Hey sis, I would very much like to know: What the hay were you thinking?! We are already late and we don't have time for this"
Marble kept her eyes on the road and on her guide "He saved me, Lime. I need to repay him for..." She stopped when Braeburn looked back and smiled to Marble.
"Hello! Equestria to Marble!" Limestone waved her hoof to snap her sister out of her trance.
Marble noticed sister hoof and awoke from her state "Err... I mean, he saved me and I have to thank him. Besides, we've been helping ponies all the way until here. And you didn't complain then"
Limestone suspected there was something going on, but her sister was right. She will let her have it this time.
They arrived to the sheriff's office and were greeted by a little buffalo "Got any luck Braeburn? And who are these?"
"Nah, Ah lost him... Again. But this time we'll have some help. Girls this is junior sheriff Miss Little Strongheart. Strongheart, these are Miss Marble and Miss Limestone Pie" Answered Braeburn very optimistic.
A big pony with dark mane and a long mustached came from the office "Well, if that's true that'll be the first good news we'd have in days"
"It's true, sir! We report for duties, sir! We await for commands, sir!" Replied Marble placing her right hoof on her forehead as a salute.
"Yeah... What she said" Limestone wasn't very enthusiastic about it.
"Good, I'm sheriff Silverstar. Now come on in, we have to discuss the plan" Said the sheriff.
It was a small office with three cells and a table. On the table was a map of Appleloosa and the areas around it with a few X marked. They gathered around the table and the sheriff began to explain "Alright, these are the areas the buffalos were seen before disappearing. I have many ponies scanning the areas, and some others patrolling the town. What I want you to do is to go to this place and look for clues..."
"Wait sir. Ah’ just followed the buffalo who attempted to steal the dynamite and he disappeared near the digging grounds" Braeburn interrupted.
The sheriff looked at his map and noticed that none of the marked places were near the digging grounds "This could mean those ponies are in danger. We need to check that area too. You'll split to cover more ground. Strongheart and Limestone you go here to the east of the town. Braeburn and Marble you go to the digging grounds"
Limestone didn't like the idea of being with someone she didn't know and away from her sister "Wait sir, are you sure..."
"Buffalos are quick and strong. If you go on your own they will beat you in a second. You need to be with an experience and trained officer, or at least one in training. Prepare everything and leave in 15 minutes" the sheriff was very strict and firm on his decision, but he was right.
They went to a house that had tons of equipment. Each of them got a saddle bag with a rope, two hoofcuffs, five small bombs, five smoke bombs, and a gun flares with three different colors blue, green, and red (Blue meant that they had to retreat. Green that they found a clue. Red that they were compromised or that an enemy was attacking. They will shoot a flare to alert the rest of the ponies). They also got bronze stars for the sisters.
"What is this for?" Asked Limestone
"You are not officers, but this is a sign that means that you work for the law and justice. Like, honorary sheriff's" answered kindly Strongheart.
After getting ready, they all headed to the border of the town. Before keep going they wished each other good luck. They did not know what they will encounter, but Limestone feared they were not ready to face it.
Braeburn and Marble walked to some hills near where the doctor was. According to Braeburn this was the last place where the buffalo was seen. Marble kept her eyes opened, but there was something on her mind "Hey Braeburn. Sheriff said there were many other buffalo encounters..." Said Marble
"Eyup, some buffalos have been trying to steal stuff from the town. Some other just do damage to local stores and houses" Braeburn kept looking around for clues while answering.
"But, why?"
"Beats me. We actually have a deal with the old buffalo tribe. They let us use their sacred lands to live and raise the apple orchards in exchange of some of delicious apple products. But after a while the deal extended to let buffalo live among ponies. Chief Thunderhooves, leader of the buffalo tribe, said that some members of his tribe left after the deal was sealed, but he hasn't heard about them" Stated as he kept looking for clues.
They kept looking around. There weren't hoof prints or any kind of sign that a buffalo was there. After that, they started looking for gaps or holes he could have used to hide. Braeburn notice the situation was becoming more and more frustrating and tried to lighten up the conversation.
"So, why did you ladies came to Appleloosa?" He asked
"We made a delivery to the doctor" Quickly answered Marble
"Oh, and what kind of delivery?"
"Rocks. Our family runs a rock farm. We brought taphra for him, those are used to determine how old fossils are in a really tiresome process..." Marble tried to impress her partner, but felt her conversation was incredibly boring. However, he paid attention to every word she said.
Now it was Marble turn to shoot a question "And, what is it like to be a sheriff in Appleloosa?"
"It's pretty cool. Ah’ get to protect ponies and buffalos alike, and they always are grateful"
"Woow, it must be super cool. You are like a hero!"
"Ah’ can’t say I’m a hero, Ah’ don’t really have many days like this. Most of them are just patrolling the town. But there's always a downside..."
“Really? What is it?” Marble asked curiously
“Ah’ don’t get to see my family very often” Said Braeburn sadly.
Marble's expression changed. She suddenly felt bad about him. Then, there was a strong sound. Somepony shoot a flare. It was a blue flare "Something happened, we need to head back!" Ordered Braeburn.
They ran back to the town to the sheriff's office. Ponies from all around gathered, there were so many that some had to be outside. The sheriff came to the center for all of them could hear "Listen up, fellas. There was a threat made to the town. We received a letter saying that someone is going to rob the town's bank at 12 o'clock. We don't know if they are ponies or buffalo, but we can't let them do it! The teams will remain, I'll let you know where you will guard. In the case of seeing, hearing or suspecting anything suspicious you must inform me immediately" Braeburn and Marble were ordered to stay guard at the right side of the town. Limestone and Strongheart will be inside of the bank. Not much time passed until they had to split again, and once they arrived to their place they couldn’t leave until they hear otherwise.
The sun sat and the night covered the sky. Braeburn and Marble guarded the town, keeping an eye on everything that moved. Marble wanted to create a conversation "Do you feel alone? I-I mean, because of your being away from your family?"
"Sometimes, but I don't mind" Said Braeburn very calmly.
"How?! Why?! It's your family?!" Marble couldn’t understand it.
Braeburn smiled cheerfully "Exactly! Family will always help and will always be in your side. They will support you, even if you are away. They'll know you gotta fight for your dreams, and be there to celebrate your success or give you a hoof in the case of failure"
Marble looked down, she thought of her sisters, and what she have thought "What's the matter?" Asked Braeburn
"I... I have two big sisters. They left the farm when they got their cutie marks, and I kinda thought they abandoned us. We are going to Ponyville to see our big sister, and I wasn't very sure how to react when I see her" Went to her shield mane on her face as she always do.
Braeburn smiled and took away Marble face from her face, he looked at her and said “Actually Ah’ have a couple some cousins on Ponyville too. As I said before I don’t get to see them very often, not to mention they are in Ponville. But whenever I see them I act like if not a single day have passed since the last time we saw each other. After that, we catch on, but what makes me feel really good it’s greeting them with a huge and see how much they missed me too. Maybe you should do the same”
Marble felt much more relaxed and happier "Thank you, Braeburn" Marble smiled
They looked at each others eyes. The silence of the night and the moon light set the mood. Suddenly sheriff Silverstar came from behind "Any sign of the bandits?!" He said with his strong voice.
"N-nope, sir. The area is clear!" Said Braeburn nervously.
"Good. Keep your eyes peeled" ordered the sheriff and moved on to the others team.
They kept guarding the zone, but they were less tense "So, Ponyville huh? Ya know, mah cousin Applejack and Ah’ almost messed the whole Apple Familly reunion when we were young” Said Braeburn
"Really?"
"Yup, Applejack and Ah’ were the only youngsters that year. BigMac was on a rodeo out of town and Applebloom was still very young. We saw a couple of barrels of cider and we thought we could take them for ourselves. But then..." Braeburn talked about his family and all the fun he had.
They shared stories about their families. They talked for hours but being together felt like seconds.
Inside the bank's vault Limestone and Little Strongheart guarded the money. The room had many bags containing the whole town savings, thankfully they were not greedy and left the sacks untouched.
The empty room with only two ponie echoed every sound, making the simple act of breathing unbearable for Limestone. Trying to make a conversation Limestone asked "So... Being a sheriff, huh... Is the pay good"
"Not so much. It's more about the feeling of knowing that you make the difference between chaos and justice" The little buffalo responded strongly.
This wasn't going to be someone who would crack under any question, or that's what Limestone thought. She felt no limit on what she could ask "What about boys? I mean, you and Braeburn" and she winkes.
Finally strong heart showed another emotion, but this made the buffalo startled "What?! No no no, we are not a couple... He is like my brother... Or more like I see him as my big brother. After the deal with the ponies and buffalos was made we stuck together to enrich with the culture of one another. He decided to be a sheriff, he wanted to protect everypony and buffalo, and I wanted to be with him. He's been protecting me and teaching me many things. We are like a very small family"
Limestone eyes watered a little. The buffalo's response was so touching she could help herself. Then, Little Strongheart added one more thing to her statement "And... He's a pony, I'm a buffalo. That's something I think I have to mention"
The emotional speech suddenly felt less warming. But Limestone got what she wanted. Feeling the situation going very awkward they decided to remain silent and keep guarding the vault.
The hour of the robbery, as stated in the letter, arrived. Every pony brace themselves for whatever could happened. But hour came and went and nothing happened, not a single sound. They remained vigilant for almost another hour, but the only thing they could see was the bright stars. The ponies were ordered to retreat, but some others were left to keep guarding the town.
Braeburn offered Marble and Limestone an apartment. It was for rent, so nopony was using it. It was small but enough for the both of them. They were going to spend the night and leave the next day. They lay upon the bed, exhausted and ready to sleep.
"Hey, how was your day?" Asked Marble.
"Good, I guess. Little Strongheart is nice, but she doesn't talk much. How about you?" Limestone had her eyes closed already, but answered anyways.
Marble sighted before answering "It was great, he's so nice, and funny, and smart.."
"What about the mission?" Limestone kept asking.
"What mission?" Marble also closed her eyes and cuddle on the pillow, only to remember what she was talking about "Oh right! The mission... Err the coast was clear all the time"
"Well, we better get some sleep. Got a big day tomorrow. Good night, sis" said Limestone before going to sleep.
"Good night" Replied Marble after blowing off a candle on the table at the side of the bed. She couldn't nor wanted to dream, she just wanted to keep thinking on him.
Limestone woke up early that morning. She was still tired, but because of been raised in a farm they were used to wake up early. She noticed her sister was not on the bed, however she left a note “Sis. Went for breakfast. Be right back. Marble” It said.
Having time for herself now she decided to take one of her usual one hour bath. Because they couldn’t stay in a particular place since Fillidelphia she felt filthy. After taking the bath she combed her mane as she used to, a hundred combs, no more no less. Finally she felt like herself once again. She remembered the money from the stones and thought about buying a dress or some accessories. But then she remembered they were at Appleloosa and it might not have a good store for clothes, or not one for her sense of style.
She came from the bathroom feeling fresh and pretty, and saw her sister placing some bags on the table. Marble was wearing both the saddlebag and the bronze star the sheriff gave them and greeted her sister “Howdy’ partner, ya ready for today?” She spoke on an accent very similar to Braeburn, but also it sounded pretty fake.
“Why are you wearing that? We are leaving today. We should gave them back” Said Limestone
“We can’t go now! We have to find the thief!”
“Sis… this isn’t our town, it’s not our job, we are not sheriffs, we are already days late for the delivery and the pony will charge us so hard that we might not even get paid, and lastly I don’t think that’s going to bring you closer to Braeburn”
“What?! Why do you say that?! He’s just a friend. But they helped us, they gave us a place to stay, and he saved my life” Begged Marble
Limestone was really annoyed “Some time I wish he didn’t. Come on Marble, we don’t know how to handle buffalo, besides we are late!”
Limestone was not going to change her mind so easily, Marble had to take some drastic measures to convince her “Okay Lime. I didn’t want to do this, but you leave no choice” Limestone looked intrigued when she heard it “Remember when you “lost” the gems when the cart with fashion items came to the farm? And remember when mom asked where were they? And who hid the new fashion stuff you bought?”
It was convincing enough for Limestone to give up “Alright, alright. But if we don’t find the culprit by sundown, we are leaving!” This did not make Marble happy, but at least her sister agreeded to stay.
After they finished their meal, they went to the sheriff’s office to hear their new duties. By that time, many ponies most of the ponies they saw yesterday were there. The got closer to know what was going on, and at the same time the sheriff came to the center to speak “Okay, yesterday was a false alarm. No one came close to the bank, thankfully, and there were no other harm done to the town. However this only means that the threat was only a distraction, and there might be something going on. I believe the best strategy is to remain guarding the surroundings of the town, if something big it’s going on we need to be prepared. You’ll hear your new position in a moment!”
Marble and Limestone saw Braeburn and he came to the accompanied with Little Strongheart “Hey, so we are guarding again? What a bore” said Limestone
“I know, but without any clue or hint we can’t do much. Sheriff’s right, something is coming” Replied Little Strongheart.
Marble kept thinking about everything to put the pieces together, she remembered the doctor, the digging grounds, and the area around. Then, she thought about a crucial point they didn’t get to see “Hey, we checked the gaps, we looked for hoofprints, but we didn’t find anything, right? Well, what if they used a tunnel?”
“A tunnel?” Asked Braeburn
“Yeah, he could dig a hole on the hills walls and make himself tunnels. Than would explain how he disappeared” Marble explained
Little Strongheart wasn’t too sure about what she said“But, how would he dig a hole”
“The digging ground is near it, he could have stolen equipment to dig” Limestone understood quickly and helped to another see what her sister thought.
“It does make sense” Said Braeburn
“So, what do you suggest?” Little Strongheart was still unsure.
“I say we go there and check the walls on the wills” Replied Marble
“What about the town?” Asked the buffalo while looking back to the town.
“It has many ponies protecting it, I don’t think 3 and a little buffalo would really make a difference” Said Limestone while smiling
Braeburn adjusted his hat and said “Well, it’s better than nothing. But before we go set the red flares on your flare guns just in case. Awright, let’s get moving gals. Yeehaw!”
The sneaked out before they were assigned to patrol the town, and went to the digging grounds. But before they check the hills, they went to the doctor to ask if someone had stolen equipment from him. Only to find there was no one around, no digging ponies, no paleontologist ponies to clean the bones, not even equipment could be seen. The went to the trailer and knocked three times… There was no response. The knocked again harder… There was no response. Finally Braeburn knocked the door for a third time even harder…The door fell. It wasn’t his intention, but he had a tremendous strength, almost similar to BigMac.
The went to the trailer and saw that it was empty. Nothing was inside expect for a huge safe box, a desk and a chair. Inside the desk they could only found tickets from things he bought. Limestone took the tickets and read them out loud “Tephra rocks, igneous rocks, picks, axes, dynamite, digging supplies… Dynamite?!”
“Why would an anthropologist want dynamite?” Asked Little Strongheart.
“Ah’ don’t know, but this is too suspicious to let it go. We need to find this doctor” Replied Braeburn
They came out of the trailer and moved to the hills. Not before Marble looked to the place she was about to fall yesterday and noticed something “Look at that!”
“What? It’s just bones” Said Limestone
“Exactly. The bones are in the same depth as before. Also the supplies and equipment are at the exact same positions”
“So?” Limestone was not understand what Marble tried to say
“So, if they bones are almost to be dug out, why would they stop the process? And if someone could steal your equipment, why would you leave it out in the open?”
The finally understood what Marble was saying. They thought for a moment, and found nothing that could explain this “Another reason to find this doctor pony. You two run to the sheriff and tell him about this. We’ll go to the hills and check them” Ordered Braeburn
Without hesitation Little Strongheart ran back to the town followed by Limestone. Marble and Braeburn stayed behind and moved to the near hills. The put their hooves on the surface checking for something that felt off. For some time they couldn’t find something. But suddenly Marble felt something that felt like wood “Hey, check this out” She said while moving the plank that was more like a door. It was painted and cover with dirt and rocks, compare to the rest of the hill it was so good painted to fool anypony.
The door led to a some stairs going down. It was a dark path and they could saw nothing to the bottom “Woow, this is huge. Should we go in?” Said Braeburn.
Marble hesitated for a moment, but being with Braeburn calmed her down. The walked the stairs down very close so if they trip the other will help. The path to the bottom of the stairway was dark. As they reach the bottom they noticed little torches lighting up the way. It was still dark, but thanks to the torches they could see were to go. They were on a cross road, one way going right and another going left “Now, where do we go?” Asked Limestone.
“Mah’ mom always says one should take the right way. So, maybe we should take her advice” Replied Braeburn while moving to the right way of the cave.
“I don’t think she meant it like that… Oh well” Marble followed him. They did not know what was at the end of each path anyway.
As they walked through the cave they noticed that the place was brighter and brighter, that could only mean that they were close to the end. They reached the end of the path, only to find themselves at the digging grounds, they could see the bones of the fossils and the trailer of the doctor at the top “What the…? Is this the digging grounds?” Braeburn was astonished.
“The doctor is planning something. And that thing is at the end of the road. Shall we?” Marble had become more fierce, she began to enjoy the thrill of the investigation process.
Braeburn smiled and went back to the cave. They walked back to where they entered and moved forward. They walked slower, if the doctor was planning something it might be better if they were stealthier. For a moment it felt like if the cave were on forever, the couldn’t tell if they were making progress or if they’ve been walking in circles. The walked silently, and the more they walked the more sounds they could hear. They heard moaning sounds, like if ponies were moving heavy stuff, pickaxes hitting rocks, and many more things. The finally arrived to the end of the path and were shocked to see what lied in the cave.
There were tons of buffalo working inside, there was a structure like a latter at the center of the place where the buffalos climbed and placed on the ceiling what it looked like dynamite charges. They could not see the doctor, but they saw a big buffalo with paint on his face monitoring everything. They didn’t know why they were there or what were they doing. But whatever it was it couldn’t be good. But before they could leave a big buffalo came from above and hold Braeburn “Intruders!” He yelled, and all the buffalos turned to see the ponies at the door, Marble tried to move the Buffalo to free Braeburn, but he was way stronger than her. At the end she was captured to by another buffalo who was close to them.
The big buffalo with the marks on his face came to them and spoke “Well, what do we have here. Two little ponies sneaking in our cave. Don’t you know is bad to break in others place?”
“Let us go!” Yelled Marble
“You found our little secret, you can guess letting you go is not one of your options” The voice of the buffalo was calm and soft. Kind of scary considering the situation
Braeburn, who could barely move, asked “And who are you anyways?”
The buffalo got erected in a proud way “I am White Feather, second in command of the buffalo tribe… Or I used to be”
“Very nice to meet you. But I’m afraid you are all arrested!” Using all his strength Braeburn managed to free himself from the buffalo grip.
Taking advantage of their surprise, Marble could easily free herself too. She slided through the buffalo’s legs and got behind him “Run! I’ll keep them busy!” Braeburn yelled.
She didn’t want to let him on his own, but considering the amount of enemies, being there wouldn’t help at all. She ran as fast as she could to the door, the buffalos followed her but she was way faster than them. She finally found the door and claimed quickly stairs, only to be stopped by a buffalo at the door.
She remembered the flare gun, she took it and aimed it to the buffalo “Move now, or I’ll shoot” She said strongly. But the buffalo didn’t seem impressed, he only stared at her expressionlessly “You’ll regret this, pal” She said before shooting the gun, the flare came out of it and bounced on the buffalo’s face up to the sky. Except for some fur burned, it didn’t have any effect on him.
White Feather was right behind her and said “Did you really think that was enough to take down a buffalo? Take her with the other!” He ordered as he moved back to the place where she left Braeburn.
Braeburn was completely tied up and placed at the top of the structure right beneath the dynamite charges. He saw Marble being tied up too and he let a tear drop from his eye. They placed her next to him and reunited with their leader. There they could finally saw the rest of the cave, many tunnels have been dug around connecting that cave to other places, that explained how every time they followed a buffalo it suddenly disappeared “I’m sorry to drag you into this” Whispered Braeburn.
“It’s okay, Braeburn. Everything will be fine” Replied Marble.
“I’m afraid that is not the case” White Feather down at the ground “You are doom, just like the town of Appleloosa”
“What are you planning you… You meany!” Marble yelled in anger.
White Feather calmly explained his plan “Our tribe was foolish enough to give part of our sacred lands to the appeloosans, but we are going to take it back. At this moment all the ponies in town are panicked for a threat that does not exist, all of them are gathered there. When we set the dynamites the whole town and it’s inhabitants will disappear in the sands!”
The more Braeburn hear him the more angrier he got “What?! You are gonna kill them! There are children there, innocent ponies who did nothing wrong!”
“They shall pay for their fathers sins” The buffalo replied
“What about the doctor?! What did you do to him?!” Asked Marble
“They do nothing, but offering me lots of money” From behind some buffalos, the doctor appeared “They asked me to help them out, I gave them the equipment and the suits to cover the whole operation and they will pay me with more money I could earn in years”
“Then why did you order the rocks and the equipment if it all was a cover?!” She asked further.
“A digging area without equipment and investigation items would have been suspicious, wouldn’t it? So, sorry you had to be involved. You are very pretty” The doctor seemed like he didn’t even think of the lives of the ponies.
“Which reminds me” Replied the leader of the buffalos “Guards, put him with the others!”
Two buffalo came with a rope and tied the doctor like the others, and put him at the top of the structure “What is the meaning of this?!” He yelled.
“Deal is over, doctor. Your services are no longer needed” The leader answered “It’s time, brothers and sisters, time to make the town begone!”
“And that’s all I needed to hear!” A familiar voice came from the path they entered. It was non other than Sheriff Silverstar with the whole gang of officers, Little Strongheart and Limestone with him “White Feather, by the laws of Appleloosa you and your gang are under arrest!”
“What?! How did they find us?!” Asked White Feather
“I told you you would regret it” Said Marble with a smirk in her face. The flare wasn’t meant to knocked out the buffalo, but it was a signal for the other ponies.
They stared at each other for a moment, all the ponies and buffalos stood still waiting for a command to follow. Until White Feather spoke “Charge!” And all the buffalo attack at the ponies.
A clash between the two groups was made, buffalos and ponies hitting each other with all they got. Limestone and Little Strongheart avoided the confrontation and went to the structure to free their allies. They climbed carefully the structure that looked very fragile, and cut the rope from Marble and Braeburn “What do we do now?” Asked Limestone.
“Ah’ think we should join the fun, what do you say gals?” Said Braeburn confidently.They all moved her head in agreement and jumped down the structure, leaving the doctor at the top tied up.
Braeburn took a rope and use it to lasso two buffalo together, he was very skillful with it, and proceeded to tackle some others. He was very strong, so his tackles meant that you will be in pain for days. Strongheart wasn’t as strong as grown up buffalos, but she was quicker than any of them, using her speed she lure some buffalos to get in the line of ponies attacks, and make others hit with each other. The sisters noticed they had no fighting skills, but Limestone remembered something her sister did days earlier “Hey, sis. I betcha can’t shoot rocks faster than me!” She said, just like when they were young.
They gave a smirk to each other and moved to a pile of rocks at the side of the cavern, and using their back hooves began to shoot rocks like a machine gun. They have never used this to attack others, except for Gilda, but they had great precision. A buffalo was about to get Little Strongheart from the back, but thanks to the good reflects of Limestone a rock knocked him down. Another went for the sisters, who were the biggest threat for them, but Braeburn stopped him with his lasso skills.
The battle went for quite some time, ponies and buffalos alike were knocked down, but the buffalo were clearly outmatched by the strategies and skills of the ponies. White Feather stood alone between his fallen comrades. Sheriff Silverstar came close to him and offered him to surrender “There’s no need to keep this thing going. Surrender now!” White Feather grunted, and took a fighting stand.
All of the sudden the sound of someone's clearing his throat could be heard, at from the opening of the cave it was Chief Thunderhooves followed by the whole buffalo tribe. White Feather smiled when he saw them and replied “Chief, this ponies pretend to take us and judge us with their laws. Help us!”
“In scenarios like this we would help out one of members, and then judge him with the laws established by the ancestors. Which, according to them, you will be send to exile” Said the chief “But as I remember, you are not longer one of us. Sheriff, do you need help?”
“I don’t know, it all depends on him” Said the sheriff.
The buffalo seeing both his old tribe and the whole police of ponies had no other option but to surrender. She put his hooves in the air and order the buffalos to give up. Finally, the clash between ponies and buffalos came to an end.
Using carts in the cave the moved the uncious back to the town, not before they tied them in the case they woke up. For the others, they would be guarded until they arrived the town. Some ponies stayed to take away the dynamite and to cover the openings of the cave. There weren’t enough cells in the sheriff’s office to take all the buffalo, but thankfully they jail had more than enough for them. And thanks to the overwhelming amount of evidence a trial was not needed. They took all buffalos and the doctor to jail where they were more than happy to receive them.
After the last buffalo was taking in Marble couldn’t help but ask “So… What now?”
“Now… We celebrate!” Braeburn said and everypony screamed cheerfully.
Everypony in town got out of their house or job and joined at the centered of the town where there was a huge stage. Some ponies placed tables and brought foods of every kind, some others brought their instruments and got ready to play, others prepared the dance floor, and a few more were just there to see what was all the commotion about. Braeburn and the sheriff got on the stage and asked Marble and Limestone to come with them. The mayor a big pony wearing a top hat was there preceding the ceremony.
Breaburn took the microphone and spoke “Hello y’all. We are here to thank these brave ponies. Who saved the town from total destruction. Protecting a town and ponies they don’t even know. For your services and for saving us all, we are proud to call you Heroines of Appleloosa!” Everypony in town cheered in an unison.
“Wait! Heroines, but we did nothing” Said Marble
“If it wasn’t for you, we would go back to the digging grounds and the discover the whole plan. Ah’ would have been here guarding the town and fall with all of the ponies. You saved us, and Ah’ll always be grateful” Said Braeburn while holding her hooves.
The mayor came with some medals and put them around the sisters necks. Gold and shiny medals with the word “Heroine” written on them. Then, he took the microphone and said “Okay everypony. It’s time to celebrate Appleloosa style! Yeehaw!”
Everypony and buffalo in town enjoyed the festivities. Musicians played very lightened up western music, the dance floor was full of ponies dancing, others served traditional food, and for the little ones an old pony sold firecrackers for them to play with, not big so they wouldn’t get hurt or start a fire. Limestone walked around and saw some ponies knitting dresses, she got excited and joined them. Using her knowledge of rocks and fashion she created a beautiful white dress adorned with smalls rocks that sparkled with the light, the design was very simple but the sparkling touch was made it look unique.
Marble and Braeburn stuck together for the rest of the evening, Braeburn wanted to show everything he couldn't do before. He took her to everywhere in the town, introducing her to every pony around, but there were so many she couldn't remember all of the ponies names, she only smiled. Then, Braeburn took her to the dance floor and invited to dance, she didn’t know how to dance, but it didn’t matter. Braeburn led the way, and Marble felt like if they were walking on a cloud.
To commemorate the occasion, the ponies in Appleloosa took Marble and LImestone a photo to place it in the mayor’s office, but after they did everypony wanted a copy. Everyone wanted to hang the picture of their heroines in front of their houses, Marble didn’t like the attention, but Limestone for one wanted to please everypony
The celebration lasted all the day and part of the night. The next day everypony in town was exhausted, but no one complained. They hanged the picture of their heroines, they had became a living legend for the small town. However, the time has come for them to leave.
At noon, the Pies were about to leave the town. They did not tell anyone, because they didn’t want to say good bye. But before they left Braeburn came running “It’s… It’s rude to leave before… saying good-bye, ya know?” He said while trying to catch his breath”
“I’m sorry… It’s just that saying good-bye it’s really sad” Marble explained.
“Fair enough. But this won’t be a good-bye good-bye, it’s more like… A see you later” He replied.
“What do you mean?” She asked
“Take this” Braeburn took his hat and placed it on Marble’s head “It’s a promise that we will see each other again. Take good care of it, it’s mah’ favorite hat… More like mah’ only hat”
She smiled, tears of joy wanted to drop from her eyes, and she hugged him “I’ll write you every week” she promised. Braeburn hugged her back, and promised it too.
They left moving to the horizon. As the little sheriff stayed, waiting for the day they will see each other again.
On the road again. The last stretch of their journey. The heavy weight of the carts have become much more lighter. The sacks of rocks have disappeared and now there were only their belongings and a small bag of rocks. Before leaving the town of Appleloosa, Limestone bought some dresses and materials for making some of her own. Marble only got her new hat that Braeburn gave to her. She have been wearing it proudly and treasuring it. What started as a hope for a safe journey turned out to be the best of their experience in their life so far. But the end was near, the last stop: Ponyville.
They followed the path near the train tracks, apparently the train came from Ponyville to Appleloosa, maybe if they come back to Appleloosa another time they will take the train. Because of how expensive trains can be they only use them when the cargo are rocks too heavy for them carry on their own. They took a slow pace and enjoyed the way, it was far too late for them to hurry, they even thought of giving the rocks as a gift to the pony who ordered them for all the bother.
The scenery have changed, the sands of the dessert was disappearing and instead there was green grass and trees around. Certainly they were getting closer to the town, and with this the image of their sister came to mind. . But that made Limestone hesitate and stop.
“What’s wrong, sis? Are you alright?” Asked Marble
“I-I… I don’t know. I mean, we haven’t seen our big sister since a lot of time and…” Before Limestone could finish, Marble put her hoof around her neck.
“Really? Are you going for that? You were the one who said that everything will be fine, and now you are getting nervous? Come on!” Marble tried to make her sister feel better.
“It’s… I just… You are mean” Said Limestone
Marble laughed “Seriously, sis. It’s too late to be thinking those things. Haven’t we go through that?”
“I know, I know. But now we are going to actually see her. I’m not sure I’ll be able to look at her like I used to. I’m scared she changed” Limestone lowered her head and her mane covered some of her face, kind of like her sister.
Marble smiled and uncovered Limestone face “I’m sure she did, but so do we. We are not like before this trip, and that was only a few days ago. But we are not bad, I’m sure she will be just as nice, funny, and cool as before”
Limestone looked away “I don’t know…”
Marble laughed and asked “What do you need to make you feel better?”
“I think I just need a sign or something” Limestone replied.
Suddenly, a rainbow appeared in the sky. It wasn’t a regular rainbow, it moved like dashing through the sky and heading in the direction of Ponyville “There you go. Now let’s get moving” Said Marble
Limestone was surprised. She gaze upon the sky while her jaw dropped “I think I just need a thousand beautiful dresses to feel better!” She yelled putting her hooves up in the air.
“Destiny doesn’t work that way!” Marble yelled back.
They moved forward to the town, and after a few hours they managed to get to Ponyville. It was very different from all the places they have seen. The buildings were not made out of steel and bricks like Manehattan or Fillydelphia. There weren’t any landmarks or something that made the town stand out like the beach of Baltimare, nor the western style of Appleloosa. This town was very simple, with many houses and stores, flowers and bushes all around, and all the houses were decorated with all sorts of things.There was something that made the town feel nice to be in. Maybe it was the weather being really nice that particular day, or the fact that the clouds were perfectly place in the sky, she didn’t know but something made that town feel unique.
But then, they noticed that no pony were around, not a single soul, the town was deserted. They walked the empty streets looking for some pony for directions, while Limestone took the receipt and read it “It says the delivery it’s for a pony named “Madame Balloon” she asked for the flat rocks... But it doesn’t say where we will find her”
They looked around and finally saw a pony standing there. She was covered with a black coat, much like Sapphire Shores did when they met her, that didn’t let them see what she looked like. But having no pony else to asked they approached her “Hello… Can you help us?” Asked Marble
The black coated pony just moved her head to them. Like if she was looking at them, but they couldn’t tell because the hood covering her face. And so, Marble continued “We are looking for Madame Balloon… Do you know her?” The pony moved her head and waved her left hoof, indicating to follow her, and walked forth.
The sisters looked at each other. In this trip they have been forced to do things because there were no other option, and this situation was no different, this was certainly stressful but nice things came out of them. They followed the pony through the town. The place that felt calm and pretty suddenly felt very creepy. Maybe it was the fact that there was no pony, maybe because the only sound they heard was their own hoofsteps. They wondered how her sister lived there, or if she actually lived there.
The pony stopped in front of what it seemed a store. It was a building that looked like a gingerbread house with frosting, candles, all kinds of candies decorating it, and a cupcake at the top. But instead of feeling joy, Limestone was shaking in the spot. She got very close to her sister and whispered to her ear “Hey sis… Remember that story about the two fillies in the woods father used to tell us? They came across an old pony and took them to a candy house and fed them with candy, because she wanted to…”
“Stop it! This isn’t the same thing… I think” Marble cut her sister off
The pony opened the door and invited them in. She stepped at the side of the door waiting for them to come. Marble adjusted her new hat, left her cart and went into the house. Limestone felt her sister strenght, and even though she was still shaking in fear, she took the small bag of rocks and followed her sister.
Inside the building all the lights were off, and before they could do anything the pony closed it strongly. Their hard pumped faster. They couldn’t see their hooves in front of them, everything was pitch dark. They smelled something in the air, it was sweet, very similar to the cupcakes her sister used to bake on the farm. And they could hear things moving around them, like someone running.
Suddenly, the lights turned on. The sudden brightness in the room made the ponies go blind. But after the room was illuminated a cheerful scream of many ponies was heard “SURPRISE!”. The Pies noticed the place being full with ponies of every kind wearing party hats, they seemed to be greeting them, and noticed their parents among the crowd. The sister ran to their parents looking for answers.
“Father! Mother! What’s going on?... Father! Your back…?!” Asked Limestone
“Sorry children. I needed an excuse for you to make this journey” Igneous giggled.
“Excuse?” Marble had a hard time putting the pieces together
“When we saw the route for the deliveries, Pinkamena thought it would be best for you to see more of Equestria and take the chance to visit her. She thought you spent too much time at the farm and need to see more” Cloudy Quartz was happy to see them and again and hugged them.
They turned and saw how the pony wearing the coat was actually their sister “Were you surprised?! Huh? Huh? Huh? I thought what could have been the perfect way to surprise you and I remember surprise parties are more surprising because you think no pony is there and suddenly SURPISE!. But if everypony hid around the town it would’ve been problematic, because they would have to hid in a perfect spot for you to see when you arrive. I mean, you need to see the pony who says SURPRISE, and if it’s hidden somewhere you can’t see it you wouldn’t be as surprised. And then I thought “I’ll put them all together in the sugar cube corner” and I did. But I had to gather them again and again because you didn’t come. And I wanted to have a sleepover with everyone, but Mrs. Cake didn’t let me, and Twilight said I could stay with her, and then I said…” Pinkie Pie talked faster and faster, and it was harder to understand every time.
Marble didn’t understand a thing she was saying, but the way she talked had always made her crack in laughter when they were little. And she did again.
“That is a good question” Igneous asked “Why are you late? Your bigger sister was here, but had to leave to attend some important issues yesterday”
“And where did you get that hat? Were you at a carnival? How could you?! You went to a carnival and didn’t invite me, because you knew I’ll beat you at the cake eating contest!” Pinkie Pie rambled
An orange pony with blond mane came close and inspected Marble’s hat “Hey BigMac! Is that… Braeburn’s?”
“Eyup” Answered a red stallion on the crowd.
“What are you doing with my cousin’s hat?” The pony was not being rude, but she was very close to Marble and that made her feel uncomfortable.
“Well… Is a long story” Marble tried to avoid the eye contact looking at around, and seeing everypony observing them carefully.
“Oh oh a story!” Pinkie Pie brought a chair and sat on it, a baby alligator was chewing on of it’s legs. That was odd, but everything so far have been weird “Okay, go on now” Said Pinkie while five other ponies got next to her, including the orange one, paying full attention to them.
Limestone began the story. She told them all about Manehattan and how they met Photo Finish. But most importantly about Babs Seed and how they became Cutie Mark Crusaders. Three little ponies came running wearing capes, they put a cape on Limestone and Marble saying that Babs sent them a letter telling them all about it and with those capes they were now official members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The little pegasus took a scroll and began to read the same pledge Babs said, but was immediately interrupted by her friends.
Marble followed the telling them about Fillydelphia and Sapphire Shores. She mentioned how they helped her make her true self come out, and the beautiful melodies she is capable to produce when she is around her friends. A white unicorn next to Pinkie suddenly fainted, apparently she was a fan of the old Sapphire.
Limestone took over when they reached the part of Baltimare, by far her favorite. She focused describing the place, the beach, how amazing and marvelous the city was, and the things she couldn’t buy. But she remembered Gilda, and looked at Pinkie while telling about her. She said Gilda’s version and that they tried to help her but she ran away.
Pinkie looked to a blue pony with rainbow mane. She noticed her friend was sad, so she hugged her and said “Some things never change, huh?”
The blue pony smiled and hugged Pinkie back. The Pies thought she was the friend her sister “stole” from Gilda.
To wrap the story up Marble told them about their adventure on Appleloosa. How they met Little Strongheart and Braeburn, how they discovered the buffalo plan, how they fought together, and how they were named “Heroines of Appleloosa”. Marble was very careful on her words, and just as her sister, she described everything from the scenery to what they did on the town. Everypony mouth was opened, they couldn’t believe those small ponies could have been in such a great adventure and being named heroines.
A pony cracked laughing out loud, it was Pinkie Pie “You almost got me, girls. I believed it for a second”
The sisters gave a smirk and went out to their carts. They took their medals and came back in to showed them off. Everypony gasped in surprised, they really were the heroines of Appleloosa. Even Pinkie couldn’t believe it “What?! My little sisters are heroines?! I can’t believe it, we need to throw another party for this”
A purple unicorn came near Pinkie and said “Maybe we should end this one first” But suddenly the unicorn revealed she also had wings. She was the new princess they have heard about, they only saw some pictures on the news paper, but they didn’t recognize her without the crown.
The ponies moved in front of her, and bowed “We are very very sorry your highness. We didn’t see you in the crowd” They said
“For the love of… It’s okay ponies, relax. You don’t have to treat me like that” The princess said.
“Yes, your highness” The sister replied in an unison. The princess sighted and moved back were she wasn’t recognized.
The orange pony came near them and said “Wow. If Braeburn gave you his hat, you got to be a very special pony”
“A very special pony to him” Said Limestone with a mischievous smile.
“What?! No! Is nothing like that!” Marble waved her hooves around. The orange pony didn’t understood what they were referring to.
Pinkie Pie brought a blue cannon and aimed it to the roof “Enough with the chit-chat!. Let’s get this party started!” She said as she shoot the cannon. Confetti, streamers and candies came out of it covering the already full decorated room.
A white pony with sunglasses played music on a dj station. All of them joined the music and danced in the middle of the room. Some others preferred to enjoy the many delicious treats Pinkie baked, and others played games like pin the tail on the pony.
Limestone and Marble met her sister friends: Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Princess Twilight Sparkle. They were introduce to many other ponies, but they couldn’t remember all these new ponies in such little time. Pinkie was so excited because of her sisters arrival that she took them to all around the place showing everything she could “This Mr. Cake, she is Mrs. Cake, these are Pound and Pumpkin Cake, this is a frying pan, this is a spoon, this is a diaper… Ewww… a dirty diaper” Limestone and Marble just smiled and laughed at all the random things her sister say.
The party went for hours. But when the moon raised up in the sky, the ponies had to leave. One by one, everypony told the sisters good bye, and left the building. Even Pinkie’s friends eventually had to leave. The owners of the place came near them after everypony was gone “You may sleep here. There are empty beds upstairs” Said Mrs. Cake “You are welcome to stay as long as you like” Continued Mr. Cake. The sisters thanked the kind ponies who afterwards moved to their own house with their babies.
After they cleaned up the place a little, they all went upstairs to sleep.
The parents will sleep in a room, while the sister will sleep all together in the same room just like they were little.
They made their beds, but suddenly Marble remember something “Hey, sis. Why did you ordered flat rocks anyway?” She asked referring to Pinkie Pie.
“To make some friends to Rocky, duh!” Pinkie answered
Limestone overheard everything and also were curious “Who is Rocky?”
“My pet rock. Remember when we were fillies and had to made pet rocks to play? I thought it would be super great to make some more pets, you know, like old times” Explained cheerfully Pinkie Pie.
Her sisters’ eyes were full with tears and they hugged. They forgot all their doubts and replaced them with the comfort of knowing their sister was the best in the world.
They will have to go back to the farm soon. But they will never like they used to before leaving it.
