6. Sunset Shimmer II

Sunset Shimmer

Traversing across a desert is difficult on its own. But with twelve other ponies, it makes the journey longer than it should; the hot sun beating down on their heads and all.

Sunset had taken it upon herself to lead them out. As they trekked across sand dunes, she had Wildstrike who was on her left, and on her right was Void Wing.

She made an effort to get to know more about her fellow companions. Wildstrike for example, had lived close by Dodge Junction. He had also owned a farm there too, which was how he made a living.

Void Wing, the pegasus who asked her name, once lived in Cloudsdale. However she and her brother Lemon Lime, moved to Ponyville not to long ago. She asked once, how Void got her spiral shaped cutie mark.

"As a filly, when I was flying high in the sky, I nearly got sucked into a tornado." She had said, "I flapped as hard as I could, the vortex almost had me. So I flapped faster then ever before! And I escaped with my life. And that's how I got my cutie mark."

When she told her tale she had a little hard to believe. Although, if she explained what she had been through with those monsters, it would make her sound as if she had lost her mind.

The other mare she got to know was Ruby Bloodmane. When Sunset had first heard her last name, she was a little concerned. She didn't know much about Ruby, aside from the fact that she was a friend of Void Wing.

*Thud*

"Ace!" A brown mare cried, "Somepony help him up!" her name was Cinnamon Spice.

Sunset turned back and rushed to the fallen stallion. She reached her hooves underneath his side, struggling to lift him. Wildstrike helped her lift him. When he stood up, the sand covered stallion panted. He was dehydrated. Many of the other ponies were also thirsty and tired.

The mare who called to help the stallion came up to her and complained, "We can't go on like this! We'll die here!"

"It's only gonna get worse," A light red stallion backed her up, "The further we go."

I'm trying my best, She thought worriedly, I wish I knew where I'm headed.

Many of her companions flocked to her for guidance. They needed her help, and that put much weight on her shoulders as it is.

"We just..." She fumbled for words, "...Need to keep moving."

"And then what?" The brown mare asked.

"Maybe we will find shelter. As well as some shade."

"She's right," It was Wildstrike who spoke, "We can't just stand on these dunes and do nothing! Come on then!"

As the day went on it got dryer. The sun itself got hotter, sweat beading down on their faces. Sunset's throat felt very dry and sore. And her lips capped. Everypony else obviously felt the same. Absolutely miserable.

There has to be somewhere we can rest without dying of thirst!

The landscape changed a bit. There were a lot of large grayish stone formations around them. Each one was a more unique shape then the last. Most of them had sharp serrated edges. Despite this, the sun had still beaten down on them much harder then before.

*Moaning tiredly*

More ponies fell by the hour, it would seem. Void Wing and Wildstrike saved her the trouble of helping them up. As much as she appreciated their assisting, she could not help feeling guilty for not them herself. Even Lemon Lime was helping them.

Sunset remembered all too well of what she used to be. She wouldn't have helped anypony but herself. For the longest time she wanted to be a princess, like Celestia. But ever since she had been shown the magic of friendship, she didn't care about her old dream. She now had friends who cared about her.

But now... The friends she had made at Canterlot High, are unaware of the tartarus she is going through. It saddened her by the thought of it. But then she realized something was not right.

She turned her head back as she walked, and found that there were eleven other ponies behind her! One was missing!

"Stop!" She called out to her companions.

*Ponies conversing, confused*

"What is it?" Void asked.

"Somepony's missing!"

The other ponies stared at her in shock, and started to panic where they stood. Void Wing was the one who was most frazzled.

"Where's Lemon?!", She exclaimed worriedly, "Where's my brother?!"

Lemon Lime was the one missing. Sunset hurried to look, with Void wing. They searched around the rock formations, hoping to find the green and black maned colt.

As they walked, they found a small pool with a wall-like rock formation behind it. Sunset and Void were relieved for a moment.

Void Wing gulped up the clear blue water, from the pool, "Ah... Water!" She said between gulps, "Sooo good!"

Sunset decided in trying it herself. The water felt cool and pleasant, as it ran down her throat. She hoped the other ponies could find this pool. But that was not the biggest priority...

"As good as this water is," Void started, "We have to find Lemon!"

After they had their fill of water, She and Void continued to look. They galloped across the sand, passing by strange stone formations. At one point, Void Wing made the effort to fly overhead, to see all that she could.

"Do you see anything?" Sunset shouted to her.

"No," Void said scared, worrying about her brother's safety, "Not yet!"

Void Wing continued to scan the ground from the air, while Sunset searched on hoof. She could see an obscure view of snow capped mountains, from where she stood. Strangely enough, it seemed to get cooler the further she trotted.

*Shrill shrieking*

"AAAAAAHHHH"

That must have been Lemon Lime.

"Lemon Lime!!!" Void Wing screamed.

The only trace she saw of Void, was an orange blur. Sunset galloped to where she heard the scream. She went so fast, she nearly tripped herself on thick sand.

What was that?! She asked herself, terrified.

The shrieking, sounded like it came from an animal. As for what kind of animal, she wouldn't know. She was not in Equestria--obviously--so the wildlife here would probably be very different. Then again, she had heard one of those monsters--or what ever they were--say something about a fostuin. She had never seen one, so she wouldn't know what they looked like. All she knew was that they had taken one into Equestria, but it was killed somehow.

She heard that same piercing shriek again...

"Somepony, help me!" She heard Lemon Lime; he was close.

She had also seen Void Wing stop to hover when she heard him. "Little Brother where are you?!" She exclaimed, scared.

As she ran, she saw Lemon galloping toward one of the rock formations; hiding behind it. She rushed over to him. He looked petrified.

"Sunset!" He exclaimed, joyously.

"There you are." She said relieved, "We've been looking everywhere for you!"

"'We'?" He asked curiously. He probably did not know his older sister was looking for him.

"Your sister and I, have been trying to find you. Where were you?" She asked him. Waiting for his response

"Well, I found some water over there," He explained, "I was really thirsty so I drank from it. But then, all of a sudden, a monster started chasing me!"

She figured it was some kind of animal. She was not surprised that Lemon found the pool first, before she and Void did. At least he was alright. But she should not get too carried away.

"Where is the monster?" She asked him warily.

*Woooosshhh*

She then heard something land; she hoped it was Void, but it wasn't...

*Shrill shriek*

She turned around to view a large bird-like creature. It had white feathers, red eyes with black sclera, a large black beak with serrated teeth, and a large wing span of twenty feet. It was ten feet tall to say the least. This bird also had very long, sharp talons on its feet. It then folded its wings as it stalked closer.

Sunset prepared her horn, for a magic blast. She concentrated, her horn glowing in its cyanish aura. She waited for the bird to make its move, then she will strike. The bird cocked its head to one side, as if it had no idea what to expect. Lemon cowered behind her in fear.

Come on, She thought as she waited, Strike me!

Right on cue. The bird lunged itself forward, shrieking. Her horn was ready to fire.

*Fires blast*

As she shot her blast, the bird launched itself in the air, to evade it. It hovered for a second, then flapped its powerful wings forward. She grabbed Lemon form behind her, then dashed to the side, to avoid its strike. The creature slammed into the rock. It was smart enough to avoid her shot... but not enough to stop itself.

It staggered for second, but then shook it off. The bird had then turned its attention towards Sunset, and raised its neck up. The bird had then widened its stance... and prepared to charge. She prepared her horn for another magic blast. But just as the bird was about to make its move...

*Wooooossssshh, bones cracking*

Something had rammed into the bird's side; it shrieked in pain. The bird had then been toppled over, flapping vigorously. She realized the bird's assailant was Void Wing.

"Void?" Sunset said bewildered.

"Leave my friend and brother alone!" She shouted at the beast of a bird.

Still flapping, the bird then flipped itself back on its feet. Void had rushed to Sunset's side. The bird however, did not look like it was about to give up just yet. When Void rammed into it, she might have broken the bird's ribs upon impact. But that did not seem to stop it.

"Lemon," She turned her attention to her brother, "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay sis," He insisted confidently, "really."

Sunset had her focus locked on the bird, who had widened its stance again. "Void," She called, "It's going to attack again!"

Void Wing turned around to see that she was right. She frowned angrily at the bird, she noticed. As the bird was about strike again, Sunset already set her horn alight with an aura of magic. The bird lunged toward them, Void flew to punch the bird with her right hoof, Sunset prepared to fire. She let Void punch first, breaking its beak with a powerful uppercut. Void then moved the side, as the bird staggered the blow.

"Sunset, shoot it!" She encouraged her.

The bird still staggered from the uppercut, now was her chance...

*Fires blast*

The beam struck the bird in the stomach, with enough force to split it in two. The blast had exposed flesh and bone, as the two halves of the bird fell heavily on the desert sand. Dark blood oozed from both halves, creating a large pool of fluids and organs. The blast had also scorched, where it had hit in the stomach; baking the exposed organ.

The sight was as awful as the smell. She scrunched up her nose when she had a whiff of the odor. Even Void looked like she had to hurl.

"Come on," Sunset told Void and her brother, "Let's go back to others."

"Right," Then Void turned to her brother, "Never. EVER. Run off like that again! Got it?"

"Yes sis." He said apologetically. "Never again."

When they arrived back where they were, the sun was setting, the other ponies stared in relief. Ruby came up to them.

"Are you guys, alright?" Ruby asked her friend, hugging her tightly.

After she released her, Void Wing stepped back a bit. "We're fine. We just got back from kick'n flank!" She had then said confidently.

Sunset felt proud about saving Void's brother. It reminded her of her efforts to save everypony, from those evil creatures, who plan to sacrifice them. Wildstrike was lying down on top of a round flat stone; away from everypony. She desired to know why. When she came to him, he just looked up to her tiredly.

"Resting?" She asked him. He yawned as she waited for an answer.

"Yeah," He said tiredly, "you could say that."

She did not know what was on his mind, but she was curious regardless. He had stared longingly into the sky, which gave her more of a reason to find out.

"I guess you miss home, huh?" She asked him. It was likely he did

"On the farm," He said solemnly, "Yes, yes I do. My folks probably miss me, as much as I miss them."

He has a family.

Now it made sense. She should have thought he did not live alone. He lowered his head down, and sighed gloomily. She felt a pang of pity for him, as he curled up. As dusk emerges, she felt inclined to ask about his family.

"Who do you miss the most?" Was all she said to him. She hoped for an answer, but she may have been prodding into his private life.

"My wife," He said sadly, as he looked up at her, "And my unborn foal."

She didn't expect him to be married. Or have an unborn child. She felt a little disappointed by that, but shrugged it off. Whoever his wife was, she must have been lucky to have him. When they had escaped from those monsters at that sandy fortress, Wildstrike was the most helpful, other than Void Wing and herself. A lot of the other ponies did not do much to help themselves. Although Ruby helped--somewhat--the three of them were the ones who did the most out of anypony.

"I'm sorry," She felt she had to apologize, "I shouldn't have asked, it's not my business."

"You don't need to apologize," He told her placidly, "I appreciate your concern. I know my wife must miss me; more then ever."

After that, she left him to rest. She walked over to where everypony-else was, lying down on the soft sand. She witnessed Ruby lying down next to Void Wing and Lemon Lime, still partially awake. She also noticed the air feels much cooler here. She moved carefully to her; so as to not wake anypony sleeping. The light green mare noticed her at once. Her long braids loosened over time, making it look rather messy.

It took her about half a minute, to get around the sleeping ponies. But at least she was where she wanted to be. Ruby went to curl up, lower her head down and fall asleep. But she had men't to ask her something--which was why she came over in the first place.

"Um... Ruby?" She started quietly.

"Eehh?" Ruby responded tiredly.

"What did you do, before you got captured?"

She stared at her with half-closed eyes and yawned, "I... worked at a ring toss vendor. To give out prizes and whatnot."

"Ring toss vendor?" Sunset didn't think that would be would be her line of work.

"Yeah, for the 3rd Equestrian centennial funfair."

She had not remembered anything about a "centennial" funfair. Either way she was finding out more about her. She braced herself to ask more.

"So..." She searched for the right words, "what happened?"

She noticed Ruby's eyes opened a little. "During the fair..." She explained nervously, "I was working the ring toss vendor. Two of the customers, a pink--and crazy--mare, and a purple alicorn princess won a game."

That would be Twilight and Pinkie Pie!

"I gave them one of the prizes," Ruby continued, "Which was some kind of ball thing, I don't know. And then it sprouted legs and ran off."

"What?" Sunset was now confused. "A ball thing, that sprouted legs?"

"I know it sounds crazy," She objected softly, "But I'm telling the truth! The ball then shined at light into the night sky. And that's when those 'things' came out of nowhere. They took me, and the other eleven ponies here, to that sandy fortress. They imprisoned us for a long time, until they dragged us out of our cell. You probably know what happened next."

Sunset found this awfully surprising. Even though, parts of what Ruby told, were hard to imagine. A ball that sprouts legs, and shines light into the sky, she thought skeptically, What is going on?

Ruby was already fast asleep. She may as well do the same.

By morning, they were all drowsy. Sunset was not much of a morning pony herself, but they had to keep moving on regardless. It was not as hot as it was yesterday. The air felt even cooler here, much to everypony's delight.

Sunset, Void, and Wildstrike did their best to help whoever is in need.

"Is there any water?" asked a light red stallion.

"Yes," Void answered, "There's a pool of water close by. Here." She grabbed a metallic thermos, and handed it over to him.

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Earlier this morning, Wildstrike and Void gathered water from the pool (they were early risers, darn them), and had used the thermos to gather the tasty water. Sunset stretched , to keep herself going; feeling relieved soon after.

"Wow, its not as hot as before!" Ruby said aloud, "We must be close to getting out of this desert."

Sunset could only hope that they may get out soon. "I'm not sure if we're 'close' to getting out or not," She commented doubtfully, "But we'll just have to keep moving."

Ruby did not seem fond of that. "Can you just not doubt yourself?" She asked irritated, "For once, can you just be 'optimistic'? Instead of being so unsure, at least act like you know what you're doing!"

Sunset was a little put off by that. She didn't need to be so rude. But then she remembered, "When Void Wing and I were looking for Lemon, I saw some mountains in the distance. Maybe we should head there!"

"'Maybe'," She scoffed, "You're doing it again."

"Actually," Void Wing must have been listening, while hovering over them (which startled both of them), "That sounds like a great idea! It's much cooler over there, and we won't have to worry about heat stroke. It seems far, but at least the air still feels cooler then yesterday!"

She did see her point, it is much cooler then yesterday. Hopefully they won't run into anymore of those creatures, on their way. Wildstrike came up to her, hearing their conversation.

"So," He started, "We're goin' to the mountains?"

After composing herself she replied, "Yes. We will go to the mountains."

It didn't take long to get everypony ready. Sunset and her twelve companions, could not wait another moment in this desert. Void Wing "made sure" that her little brother was not going off on his own, again. Sunset was leading the way (as always), with Wildstrike and Void Wing by her side. Lemon Lime was not too disappointed to be next to her as well.

"Is everybo--pony, ready?" She stuttered, stopping herself from embarrassment.

"Y'up," Wildstrike answered, "Everypony's ready."

"Well, then lets not waste any more time."

After that, they were on their way. With every hoof-step, they traveled further away from where they had made camp. She looked back only once, and then kept going. They saw even more grey stone formations, some were even darker shades of grey. The sight of the formations became more and more frequent, the farther they trekked.

The sandy landscape became sparse, replacing it with grass and rock. The air had gotten even cooler over time, much to everypony's delight. The terrain changed in many ways, from a flat desert landscape, to grassy and rocky hills. In the distance, the mountains became clearer to view. They were even bigger then thought possible. Sunset stared in absolute awe at the sight.

The twelve other ponies trotted over, to view the mountains. Sunset assumed it was like a ridge, creating a border, separating the desert from whatever lies ahead. It may be wishful thinking, but she had to go with her gut.

"It's beautiful!" A pink filly said.

"Yes, little one," Cinnamon Spice told the filly, who was her daughter,"It sure is."

Sunset took in the view for a few more moments, and then made a decision, "We have to keep moving, if we are to reach the mountains."

"Can't we just rest here?" Ruby argued.

What has gotten into her? Sunset thought, flustered.

"We'll be out in the open, Ruby," Void objected her. "We can't stay here, there is no shelter around here! Plus: should another monster be spotted, we can't endanger the whole group!"

That was the reason they needed to keep going. She had no idea why Ruby was being so rude, and incompetent. However she was more than thankful that Void said something, before the other ponies got the wrong idea.

"She's right." Wildstrike agreed, "We can't stay here; especially when there's monsters out to kill us!"

*murmuring in agreement*

"But we're far away from them," Ruby continued to argue, "Besides, we haven't seen a single monster since we've left."

"That doesn't mean their still not out there!" Void snapped, "One could probably be flying overhead, and we wouldn't know until it's too late!"

Sunset could not tolerate anymore, "Enough! We know nothing about this place. We won't know what to expect. Danger could still be out there; even here. Void and I have fought a bird-like monster yesterday. It tried to kill us, and we were lucky to have killed it before it could. So from here on on out, we can not take the risk in staying here to rest! We'll be heading out now."

"Finally," Ruby said in an insulting tone, "Somepony grows a backbone."

I don't understand, She thought exasperated, She wasn't like this before. Why is she choosing now of all times to act this way?

Sunset was not the only one aggravated by Ruby's behavior. Void Wing was more noticeably frustrated with her as well. She had known them to be friends, but now it seems they had grown apart. She was all too familiar with these conflicts. She once caused conflicts like this, before she redeemed. The thought of it still pains her, so she pushed it aside. Even though she had been forgiven by the students of Canterlot High, she still struggles with her past. It would not be forgotten easily.

Without another word, they were off. Walking across the grassy hills, and passing "stranger" stone formations, to get to their destination. Sunset looked back and noticed Ruby's smug expression. She clenched her teeth, annoyed.

"Hey Sunset." Void whispered.

"Yes, Void?"

"Don't let her get to you," She told her, "I don't understand it either. She's never acted this way before. We used to be good friends, but now she's just being a jerk. Given I've known her longer than you have, it upsets me the most."

Void looked angrily back at Ruby. "She seemed so shy--at least at first." Sunset started, "But she's only questioning my leadership skills; which I know aren't good."

"Your not a bad leader," Void comforted, "You saved us from those guys in cloaks, you saw that my brother was gone, so you helped me look for him. You even helped me fight that bird monster, by blasting it with your magic, and splitting it in two!"

"Well-" She would have had more to say, but it left her

"You got us this far," Void continued, "And my brother and I, are with you every step of the way!"

"Yeah!" Lemon agreed excitedly, "You're a real hero!"

Their words comforted her, which brought a smile to her face. It was more of a sad smile though. They expect a lot from her, and it made her feel uneasy to have so many lives depending on her.

They had walked at least two miles (or more) from where they last stood. Sunset and the others, could see even larger grassy hills, with trees. There were not as many strange rock formations, as before.

The temperature has not changed, since they last left. But that did not bother them at all. Sunset had asked Void Wing to scout up ahead (so as to make sure there was nothing dangerous). It was not long until she came back with news of what she saw.

"What did you see?" She asked.

"Nothing dangerous," Void reported, "But I did see a stream not far from here. The water's crystal clear."

"Oh yes!" A brown mare said aloud, "There's water!"

Most of the group, ran past Sunset, except for Void, Lemon, and Wildstrike. They rushed to the rest of the group, hooves pounding on the grass beneath them. When the rest of the group came into view, they were drinking from the stream Void had mentioned. The stream was more of a brook, small, but flowing with water.

Sunset Shimmer was very thirsty. It couldn't hurt to have a taste. The group had been vertically lined up, lapping from the brook.

"Wow!" The stallion, named Ace, exclaimed, "This water tastes great!

"I know," A light red stallion joined the other's enthusiasm, "Right? We should stop to rest here."

"No," Ruby said sarcastically, "We should keep going, and dehydrate."

Sunset was getting even more fed up then before. But, decided to ignore her, and enjoy the clear tasty water. In the water's reflection, she saw the clear blue sky, with few clouds overhead.

*sigh*

So far so good. She thought, content, What do I have to worry about?

But then she sensed something. She did not know what it was, but now it made her feel uneasy.

*Trees rustling*

The wind blew in an ominous way. She somehow felt as if they were being watched. She looked up from the brook, and scanned her surroundings. The leaves from the trees rustled from the wind, as it blew. She noticed something was hiding behind a tree, not fifty feet from them.

"Void," She whispered to her.

Void looked up from lapping water, "What is it?"

"We have to get out of here. Now."

"Why?" Ruby said snidely, "What's the rush, this time?"

*Sudden flap*

The sound had startled all of them. Sunset looked to the sky, and viewed what almost looked like a bird. She estimated it to be eight feet tall or so. It looked like it had arms, and was holding a long spear. And then it closed its wings, and dropped toward them...

"EEEYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH" It shouted.

The ponies scattered, and screamed in terror. The creature lunged it's spear, piercing into the light red stallion. Blood flowed from the wound in his chest.

*Gaghh...*

The brown mare, Cinnamon Spice, screamed in horror. Sunset now got a better look at the attacker. He looked almost like the creatures from the sandy fortress. Only, he was in full body armor, his helm had antlers, spiked pauldrons, and... Wings! Brown, white speckled wings. The weapon he carried was an iron spear.

He yanked his spear, and rushed for his next victim. Sunset hurried to cast a magic blast, her horn aura glowing brightly. She aimed at him from a distance.

*Fires blast*

"Huh?" The attacker turned back, only to get shot.

He was down in an instant. The other ponies scrambled to one place, stopping in their tracks. Void Wing hovered in the air, holding her front hooves up, as if she was getting ready to box. Lemon Lime, went behind Cinnamon Spice and Wildstrike.

"Is he... dead?" Cinnamon asked, scared.

His body started to twitch. He reached for his iron spear, with his long arm. He had jutted his spear into the ground, and lifted himself up. He did not even care, and chuckled.

I don't believe it, She thought terrified, I don't believe it!

The shot... did not even kill him. His wings folded, spear readied as he dashed to stallion, Ace; he was fast. The scared stallion ran, but the antlered assailant flipped his spear (iron tip pointed down), lifted it over his head, and threw it.

*AAAAHHH*

The thrown spear, pierced through the back of his skull. And Ace was no longer alive.

"Ace!!!" Cinnamon screamed, "NOOO!!!"

Void tried to attack, but was thwarted when he unsheathed a sword. She ended up with a nasty laceration on her shoulder. He let her be... for the moment, while continuing to slaughter three other ponies (including Cinnamon). Five ponies dead, and Sunset was powerless to save them. She then saw what looked like a sword in a scabbard, lying in the grass close to brook. She rushed over to levitate it. Using the spell, she levitated the sword from it's scabbard. She rushed to the antlered assailant, wielding the sword in front of her, preparing to slash him.

He turned his head, bright eyes peering from the single, horizontal slit, and evaded her strike. He turned his armored body around, to face her. He held his spear in stance to thrust. As he did, Sunset rolled over to one side to evade his attack. She had never used a sword before; especially one with an orange blade.

She tried to stab him, but he parried. She dodged whatever blow he intended. He was getting agitated, she noticed. He kept swinging rapidly, trying to slice her. She--somehow--successfully parried his strike.

"You catch on, fast." He told her, sneeringly.

He lunged his sword to strike through her, but she side stepped out of the way. Her window of opportunity emerged. The orange blade of her sword, struck through his armor; slicing through his abdomen.

"Aagh!" He cried, when the blade went through him.

She panted. Sweat beading down her face. Dark blood poured from his wound, and onto the exposed part of the blade. She used her magic to pull the sword out of him.

"Ya-" He struggled to speak, "-do catch on fast." And his limp body collapsed. His blood, stained the grass with dark red.

The remaining ponies gathered around her. Their faces shocked, and full of concern. Even Ruby was concerned, which surprised her. Nothing could have prepared her for that ambush. Nor did she think they would lose five ponies, out of twelve (excluding Sunset). The light red stallion, Ace, Cinnamon Spice, a colt, and a brass colored mare are all dead.

*Filly sobbing*

She saw Cinnamon's daughter close to the body of her mother, mourning. Sunset sheathed her new sword in it's scabbard (it also had a belt, which can sling over her shoulder). She slung the sheathed sword over her back, and went over to the filly.

"Mommy!" She sobbed.

Sunset came to comfort her, "Hey, hey. Its alright."

The inconsolable filly went to hug her tightly. She felt wet warm tears as she sobbed into her chest. Tears welled in her eyes too, feeling sorrow for her. The other remaining ponies, (Void Wing, Lemon Lime, Wildstrike, Ruby Bloodmane, a dark yellow stallion with a grey mane, and a silver filly with a light red colored mane), came over to them. They crowded around her, each bowing their heads in sorrow. Five were lost, seven others remain.

Sunset insisted on burying them. She, Void, Wildstrike, the dark yellow stallion, and even Ruby all dug five, individual holes with their hooves, for the ponies who died. They buried them underneath the tree, fifty feet from the brook. The two of the foals wanted to help, but the dark yellow stallion insisted for them not to. Cinnamon's daughter watched them bury the bodies, her light brown eyes still red from tears. She needed to know the rest of their names.

She and the remaining ponies had their moment of silence. She should have known more about them before they died. She felt dreadfully sorry for their losses, and she would have felt worse for them had she have known them; or had known their names. She saw Ruby frowning and looking depressed, rather than crying. After that, they left the graves to their eternal resting place.

After they left, the dark yellow stallion introduced himself to Sunset, "My name is Limburger. I am a former cheese maker from a cheese shop in Ponyville." From the sound of his voice he seemed much older then she expected.

"It's nice to meet you." Sunset said somberly, "I just wished I had gotten to know everypony, before this all happened."

"Don't let that get you down." He said kindly, "I knew some of these ponies, like Cinnamon Spice and her daughter, Paprika. I wished I knew them better too, but, it just can't be helped."

Paprika is her name. She was thankful she knew her name.

"I don't know if that's the best way to cheer us up." Ruby said angrily, "We could have saved them, we could have prevented this from happening! Maybe if Sunny wasn't so slow, they wouldn't have died."

"Ruby!" Void snapped.

Ruby's words had cut her like a sword. She needed to be strong, like she was in the fortress. She has to be more vigilant. She shouldn't let negative emotions from others get to her. If she is to keep them alive, she had to persevere, and keep moving on.

"We will be moving on, immediately!" She said determined, ignoring what Ruby said.

She will keep her sword very close to her; for she won't know what lies ahead. Sunset will keep the remaining ponies closer to her then ever before. And this time, she'll do her best, to never make another mistake like that again.