The Dreamrunner

“Sweetie Belle! Can you come here please?”

I put down my silver platter on an empty table and went over to my boss. He was a fairly chubby pony with a moustache. His cutie mark was a chef’s hat, but we rarely ever saw it due to his white coat draped over him.

“Yes Mr. Sourdough, what can I do for you?” I asked, tying my hair back.

“Sweetie Belle, go to the back and load those barrels of cider onto the carriage out back. They’re supposed to be going to Griffonia tonight. I was going to do it but… I forgot. SO now it’s your responsibility to get those barrels shipped and on their way.” He started to hobble away, but then turned around. “Oh, and I’m sorry Sweetie Belle. You’re gonna have to work late again tonight.”

“Do I get overtime?”

“Oh Celestia! What a card!” He laughed rambunctiously before grabbing another waitress, and laughing even harder. “Overtime! Ha! That was funny.” He suddenly stopped laughing and said solemnly, “Now get those barrels out.”

See, this is what I have to constantly deal with every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. He is such a jerk, but he owns the place so I can’t do anything about it. Overtime doesn’t even seem to be in his dictionary. I guess ‘asshole’ isn’t either. I should quit, but I can’t. I need the money. I sighed and took off my apron. After folding it carefully, I dropped it into my cubby inside the employee lounge, and made my way down to the storage room.

The storage room is basically a large garage. It had enough space to house three carriages, and still had enough space to hold at least thirty barrels. There was only one carriage in the room though. To compensate, It had an attachable trailer to hold extra barrels. I started loading the barrels one by one into the carriage first. Once I managed to fit twelve barrels in it, I decided to sit inside the stagecoach and take a five minute break from all the heavy lifting. Since Sourdough is such a rich prick, he can afford automatic carriages. Apparently, they run on diesel instead of horsepower. You just have to sit inside and control it by a couple levers or something. Crazy how rich ponies can afford the good stuff.

“I hate my job.” I said laying back, trying to relax. “I really need to quit.”

“SWEETIE BELLE!”

Startled, I kicked my leg and hit something hard. Whatever, I’ll deal with that later. I scrambled to my hooves, and for some reason, saluted.

“Yes sir?”

“What in Tartarus do you think you’re doing? Get back to work! This shipment is supposed to lea-” He was interrupted by another green pony stepping through the door.

“Don’t be startled. Just here to take the shipment.” He pulled out a cigarette, and strutted over to the big garage door. Grabbing a rope on the side of the door with his teeth, he pulled it. The door started to move up and let the sunlight from outside in. I swear I’ve seen him somewhere before. I guess it’s just DeJa Vu.

“Well! hurry up and load those barrels!”

“Yes Sir.” I said as I moved over to the trailer, and started piling barrels into it as fast as I could. I got to the last barrel, and I just basically stuffed it in there and shut the door.

“Good, now go back inside and clean the dishes. It’s the only thing you can do right anyway.” He scoffed.

I really wanted to punch him in the face right now. I felt around my chest for my nametag, but it wasn’t there. Dang it! I want to throw it at him. I freakin quit. Oh there it is! I saw it lying in the stagecoach. Heh, he’s gonna get it. I got into the stage coach and picked up my nametag, putting the string loop back around my neck. As I was about to step out, I hit something again and it caused the whole carriage to jerk forward. The wood itself moaned and creaked.

“Sweetie Belle! what are you doing? Get back here this instant! You’re fired!

Pissed, I took off my nametag and threw it at him. The plastic nametag hit him in the eye and caused him to scream in pain.

“Fire THIS SOURDOUGH!” I yelled, letting out my frustration. “PRICK!” I now realized that the carriage was rolling down a hill. I also realized that the green stallion with the cigarette was sitting beside of me with pupils the size of pinpricks.

“Uh, lass? Um...  we might have a wee problem here. The brakes don’t work! They’re loose for some reason! I just tightened them this mornin! Oh shoot! Look out!” he stuck his head outside the door, and started yelling something about getting out of the way. He pulled himself back in and tried pulling the big lever in the middle of the coach. He looked up at me and said “Well, don’t just sit there lassie! Stick yer noggin out the door there and warn everypony!”

I did as I was told, and I saw chaos. Ponies were jumping out of the way like a bunny who’s seen an eagle. “Get out of the way!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. “Runaway carriage! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!

I saw a couple familiar faces and… “Granny Smith! Get out of the way!”

THWACK

A red paint covered the glass windshield. The force launched me back inside the carriage, and the door shut.

“Got it!” He yell, as he pulled it with his teeth. We both were thrown to the front of the stage coach and landed on each other. After a couple of minutes of disorientation, we started laughing. He hugged me and I hugged him as we laughed maniacally. After we stopped, we realized that the lighting of the inside of the carriage was eerily red.

“I need some air,” I said as I opened the door and stepped outside.

“Me too lassie,” he said as he followed.

“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH”

The front of the carriage was covered in a viscous red fluid. I know what it is, but I don’t want to believe it. I fell onto my haunches in shock with my mouth wide open. This all seems so oddly familiar, I can’t place it. A slightly mangled body was about thirty feet behind the carriage. I know that it was Granny Smith. I just know it. Wait, I had a dream about this. yes. That’s why this is all so familiar!

“Sweetie Belle! is that you? Applebloom was around here somewhere. Have you seen her?”

No… It’s not Granny. Then who?

“APPLEBLOOM! Mah sis! Wake up lil’ sis!” Applejack stood over the mangled body. I- it- it is Applebloom. I can see it now. Her once yellow coat covered in blood. Her beautiful cutie mark is now gone. That’s what happens when a pony dies. Their cutie mark disappears. It’s a surefire way to tell if somepony is dead or not. Her beautiful red bow that held her once luscious mane was now lying in a bloody mess.

Blinded by the tears building up in my eyes, I clumsily made my way to AB’s lifeless body. I fell by her side and wrapped a hoof around her.

“AB! N-no! This can’t be! You can’t be dead. You can’t!”

“Git away from her, you murderer!” Applejack was crying herself. I didn’t hear her at first, and kept weeping over Applebloom. “Didn’t you hear? I said git offa her!” She grabbed me, and threw me aside forcefully. “You stay away from my family. Ya hear? I don’t wanna see you round anymore! GO! Git out of here!”

Not sure of what to do, I ran. I ran through town with my mane covered in blood, sweat, and tears. I’m sure I got many strange looks, but I don’t care. I just caused the death of one of my best friends! I thought I was emotionally compromised before, but now I’m just a wreck. Why am I so stupid? Why am I so careless? Why? Without thinking, I ran straight into the Everfree forest. Completely blinded by tears now, I was just blindly running through dense forest. After running for what seemed like forever I stopped and collapsed next to a massive tree that could compete with the size of the old library. The light of the setting sun shone through the thick brush, almost mocking me.

“W-what is wrong with me?” I sobbed. To my surprise, something answered.

“"Nothin's wrong with you sweetheart, in fact, I'd say you have a special gift.” I wiped the tears away from my eyes, and saw a strange grey pony in a black business suit. He wore a dashing grey tie and had a well maintained mane and tail.

“W-who are you?” I demanded. My voice still quivering from my sorrow.

“I don't really have a name sweetheart,  Actually, I not even here!  I'm just the result of your mind tangling with your imagination.” He moved forwards toward me and sat down. I slowly moved backwards, pressing myself against the tree. “"There's nothin to fear, I'm the only friend you have now, and i have a funny feeling that we're gonna meet a little more often, Oh, we're gonna have the best of times!” He laughed as he looked at my face.

“Don’t fret, my dear. Let me get those tears off of your face.” He pulled out a handkerchief out of his suit pocket and wiped my eyes with it. “Don't fear sweetheart, lemme get those tears off of your face, There, perfect! You can wash off your friend's blood off when you get home.”

“Answer me,” I forced. “How do you know my name, and how did you know her name?”

“Oh Sweetie belle, you're so naive, I know everything! In fact out of your little, 'crusadin group, you're the last one left!"

“LIES!” I screamed. “Scootaloo is still alive!”

“Ah ah ah!" he taunted, don't be so sure!, she died this morning in a freak training accident, Pretty gruesome too.”

“You’re a liar. Get away from me!” I warned, pushing myself against the tree.

“Think Sweetie Belle. Why are you so special? Why do you see those dreams instead of anypony else? Why did I choose you?” I gasped at what he said.

“Y- you did this to me? Scootaloo’s d- no. It’s impossible. Why are you doing this to me?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. For a very good reason. See, let me explain. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m Death. I’m not a physical thing or pony. I am an idea. I’m only visible to the ones who are special. Like you!” He exclaimed. “Now, I had Applebloom killed to finally get your attention. The past dreams seemed to have flown right by your head. Oh, and congrats on saving the Cakes. It was really heroic of you. Or was it? I made Mr. Cake bolt because I knew that you’d do the right thing and save those children. What would I do if you decided to not do what I wanted? What would have happened if you didn’t save the children? Well, let’s just say Mr. Cake would have buried his entire family.”

“What does this have to do with me? Why me?” I yelled, getting more and more angry by the second.

“I’m getting there. Stop interrupting. It’s very rude. Now, I got your attention by killing Applebloom. Scootaloo was just a coincidental freak accident. Why would I want YOUR attention? Well, many of your ancestors have dealt with me. Nice ponies by the way. I’ll be taking your mother two months from now.” He mumbled something after that, but It was inaudible. “You are a strong spirit Sweetie Belle. I know it. That’s why I chose you! I was there the day you got your cutie mark. You have an incredible voice by the way. I can’t wait to buy your albums in the future. Anyway, I have a short story to tell you. Technically it’s my job to deal with this crap, but I get lazy and want to have fun too.” He took a deep breath and continued.

“Three thousand years ago, way before Celestia, Luna etc, there were small kingdoms scattered around the planet. Seventeen to be exact. A pony named Sharp Point used to raid these lands in search of a greater power. He was an incredibly powerful wizard. Ten times as powerful as Starswirl, or Celestia. After all, he was the one who raised the Sun. Nice guy, that Starswirl. He made really dirty jokes. Anyway, that’s besides the point. Now, Sharp Point took his three armies and marched across the planet, raiding every single little town or village they came across. So, he eventually gained control of all the kingdoms but one. The king of the final kingdom held his ground bravely against Sharp Point. It was a battle that lasted twelve days. This kingdom was Equestria. That king, was Celestia and Luna’s father. Of course, they never knew their father because he died in battle, or their mother who died at Luna’s birth. They were raised into royalty by the nobles. After the battle was over, Sharp point left the kingdom with a device that could open the door to Tartarus. In Tartarus are the riches of a thousand worlds. I couldn't let him get a hold of that treasure, but the rules for killing were different back then, so I couldn’t just nab it anytime I wanted. I had to wait. Over time, he got paranoid and spread the broken pieces of the device all over the planet."

“So you want me to get them?”

“Correctamundo! And if you do it, I’ll bring your friends back to life.”

“But why do you want those pieces so badly?”

“Oh darling, I can't just have anypony just wander into Tartarus any time the want to! They could literally want to wake the dead and take over the planet.”

“Why do I have to do your work if you can do it in less than ten minutes?”

“It’s no fun if I do it! I have immense power! Those dreams you get are a gift from me. I promise they’ll be gone the second you finish your task. Otherwise, you’ll have to live with the fact that you killed your friend along with having night terrors for the rest of your life.” He smiled at the end of his speech. “And besides, I have a job. I am Death after all. Who’s going to take the dead if I don’t?”

“So, you’re saying that if I do it, you’ll let me have my friends back, and take away the nightmares?” I asked.

“Yes. But if you decide not to, I’ll let you keep those nightmares, have you blamed for the death of Applebloom and also torture both Applebloom and Scootaloo in Tartarus. How does that sound?” His voice suddenly got firm and a little scary to be honest.

“I don’t have a choice. Do I?” I asked. To my surprise, I heard Rarity answer.

“Oh heavens no Sweetie Belle! If you don’t do it, you and your friends will be damned into the depths of Tartarus.” I looked at where the voice came from, but Death was the only one standing there. Then, I saw him. His mouth was moving, but Rarity’s voice came out. “I’m a master of deception darling. If you do as I say, I might even leave mother alive for another five years.”

This was getting scary. “Give me some time to get my thoughts together please. I-I need some time to reprocess everything that just happened.”

“Sure, Sweetie. I’ll be back in two days. Don’t worry about being called a murderer either. I blamed your boss for it, so you’re off scot free. Go home, get some rest, tell Rarity I said hi, and I will see you in forty eight hours!”

He raised his hoof to stomp it on the floor. I tried to say “Wait” but he slammed his hoof on the earthen ground. Wait. No he didn’t. I’m in my room? “This is too much to take in at once. I need a shower. A long one.”

            After my shower, I strolled downstairs to see if I could get something to eat. That Death guy said something about killing AB on purpose. I would do something about it, but I'm just too exhausted. I just want to go to sleep. As I got to the bottom of the stairs, there was a knocking at the door.

          "Coming!" I yelled as I lazily dragged myself toward the door. Twisting the knob, I opened the door. “Applejack?” Applejack stood outside the door.

“H-hi Sweetie Belle, c-can I come in? I have something I want to say to you.” She said. She looked so guilty, but at the same time intimidated.

“Uh, yeah. I guess. Come on in.” I said yawning, motioning inside.

“Awfully kind of you Sweetie Belle. Something I haven’t been to you. Kind. I’m sorry that I yelled at you earlier today. I-I found out that it wasn’t your fault that Applebloom is… is.” She stopped and looked like she was holding back something big. “I’m so Sorry Sweetie Belle! I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me! I’m sorry I called you a murderer! It- it was the heat of the moment, and I… I’m sorry. Please! Please I beg for you to forgive me. It wasn’t right of me, and it isn’t what Applebloom would have wanted.” She pulled out a small white card and gave it to me. “This is for AB’s funeral. I want you to be the one to give a speech instead of me. I don’t think I have it in me to do it. You have the Apple family’s highest honors. Sweetie Belle, you were beyond a friend to Applebloom. You were even beyond the point of calling you family. You’re more than that, and that’s the absolute highest honor I can give you.”

I took the card from her silently, and stared at it.

“I’m sorry for your loss of Applebloom, and Scootaloo. You were a family on your own. I can imagine what it feels like to lose a family member because I just have, but I can’t possibly imagine losing a second one or both of my best friends. I’m really sorry, and I give you my wishes.” She locked me in a hug, but I stayed silent. “I have to go now. I have to go prepare for the funeral. Stay strong Sweetie Belle. I know you have it in ya.” With that, she tipped her hat and left.

I have no tears to shed anymore. I literally faced Death himself. I really didn’t have much to say at that point. I went upstairs to get in the shower so maybe the hot water could wash away everything from my mind. If death by stress is a real thing, that’s how I’m going to die.