As far as the eye can see, sand, with the occasional unsalvageable junk from days of the past. The sun above struck down with terrible heat, distorting the view.
A pink hoof grabbed a rusty coin found on the ground. She dusted it off before dropping it. “Oh, sailing the desert’s sea; it’s the best life for me," she sung softly.
An earth pony followed the pink mare, a stoic look plastered on his bruised face. He had a pale coat, which contrasted strongly with his orange mane. His voice was dry, but still remained strong. “Don’t you ever shut up?” He wore an old country hat. It was covered with holes.
“It’s not my fault you’re so grumpy all the time.”
He sighed. “Why did I agree to this? I think I could have survived without this promised town.”
“Hey, I’m not lying!” She kicked some sand towards him. “You’re the liar. How do you plan on surviving with only two liters of water in your canteen and no idea of where you’re going?” She giggled. “I swear, it’s a miracle you’re still alive.”
“Shut it.”
“Oh wow. Very original.” She stopped singing and hummed instead. “Am I still annoying you, oh great savior?”
“Not as much,” he said before taking a sip from his canteen. He noticed the pleading look she gave him. “Want some?”
“How much is left?”
“About halfway through.”
She glared at him and snatched it out of his hoof. “You gonna drink it all? I haven’t drunk in a day. At least save some for me.” She drank continuously.
“Don’t drink it all.”
She didn’t stop.
“Hey!” He grabbed the canteen and pulled hard. After a small struggle to keep it, she let go, and the canteen fell to the ground. “No!”
A mouthful of water poured out on to the sand.
“You dim wit!” He grabbed it quickly and stored it back in his saddlebag. He glared at her. “You won’t drink more out of my canteens.”
Her ears twitched, and her eyes flickered to his saddlebag. Quickly flashing to anger, she yelled, “You drank half of it! And I don’t even have any way to store water, as you shoved me away from the camp without letting me time to pack any of my stuff. You owe me.”
He laughed dryly. “Owe you? I saved you, remember? You owe me,” he said with a serious tone.
She looked down for a second, then pulled her head back up to blow him a raspberry.
He snorted. “Get me to this un-looted town, then we’ll be equal.”
“I guess,” she said with a sigh. “Sorry for snapping at you. And for the wasted water,” she added with a wry smile.
“It’s fine. Just walk, and don’t sing” – his tone turned to one of a beggar – “please.”
They kept on moving, boiling sand under their hooves. She was silent, but tense. Biting her cheek, she looked at his saddlebag with a sideway glance for a brief moment, before looking back at the distance, unblinking.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had someone to talk to,” he said without looking at her directly.
She slowed down to be side by side with him. “Didn’t you want me to be silent?”
He smiled genuinely. “I did,” he said, now looking in her eyes. “I come off a little harsh, don’t I?”
“Just a bit.”
He licked his dry lips. “I guess that’s what happens when you live for too long in this wasteland.”
“What do you mean?”
“You get a bit… hard skinned.”
She nodded.
“That’s the word. With all the gangs filled with pricks, the righteous groups that thinks they’re better than the rest, stealing their way through life, and I know we all have the toughest lives in the world, but still; no kindness or honest words can be found in these lands. Not from anyone.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s a sickening feeling, but I can’t let myself to trust no one. It’s everypony for themselves.”
“Not in all groups.”
Another dry laugh, followed by a cough. “Oh sure. Look how that turned out for you. I could hear your screams from a mile away. Wouldn’t have even known of your friends’ little camp if it wasn’t for that, but still.”
“Laugh some more will ya.”
He looked hurt. “Hey, I wasn’t making fun of you.”
“I know, I know.”
He relaxed. “Anyway. To sum it all up; I haven’t had a friendly chat with someone since back in my old group.”
“Your old group? I pictured you as a lone wolf.” She turned her tone to one of drama. “Surviving because of your great skills and daring moves!”
“No, no,” he said with a chuckle. “Nothing of the sort. I wouldn’t have survived a day if they didn’t carry me along.”
“What happened to them?”
He looked at the ground. “Well, they showed their true nature. Found a small group, and stole all of their stuff.” He turned to her with a saddened look. “They even had a kid.”
She raised a hoof to her mouth. “Is he okay?”
“I don’t know. Probably not. We just left them there, without anything.”
They walked again in silence. A small sand storm was forming.
“You tired?”
“Not really. It’s still day time you know,” she said with a small smile.
He looked at her with a deadpan expression.
She sighed, and dropped to the ground. “Yeah, I’m busted.”
“Good.” He placed his saddlebag on the floor, and unpacked the small tent inside. “You gonna sit there and watch?”
“I guess not.”
The wind grew in strength as they set up camp. She noted the durability of the tissue; it was in perfect condition.
“Come on, get in.” He pushed the canvas aside, letting her step through before following her. “Face away from the entrance. The wind will let some sand get in.”
She looked over to him dubiously. “I’m not a filly.”
He laughed nervously. “Sorry.” He spreaded a large piece of cloth on the ground. “We’ll have to share.”
“You’re so awkward.”
“Hey, it’s as awkward as you make it.” He laid on it, facing the opposite way.
She looked at his saddlebag before laying down as well, looking the other way. “G’night.”
“Good night.”
Lying there, waiting to drift asleep wasn’t the same as usual with someone nearby. Timber Shade was used to move alone, loot alone and sleep alone. It never did felt right. She might’ve started off as kind of annoying, but she was actually kind of sweet. He wasn’t alone anymore, and companionship felt better than he’d like to admit.
Not all ponies were selfish.
He realized something. Never once did he ask her for her name, or gave her his.
His train of thoughts halted as he succumbed to slumber.
He woke up later and noticed that the storm outside had stopped.
His eyes widened.
Getting up hastily, he saw that she was absent, along with the tent and his saddlebag. Only his hat remained, laying in the sand.
“No.”
A soft wind blew in the distance.
He looked around him, letting a sob escape his throat.
The best lessons are often learned too late.
Pinkie trotted through the desert, panting silently. She looked behind her, searching the dunes for silhouettes. None could be seen, but she her heart still pounded fast in her chest.
She slowed her pace. He wouldn’t be able to track her down now.
So tired
She dropped the saddlebag on the ground, breathed hard, stretched, and looked once more at it’s content: the homemade tent, which almost filled both sides of the bag, three apples and three canteens: two filled, one empty. She took an apple out, drank some water, lifted the saddlebag and moved, although her steps were clumsy and her hooves shaky.
The apple helped give her some needed energy, but hardly enough to move for more than a few hours.
She was hesitant to get sleep. He might still be after her, and the others might believe she was dead. She’d been gone for quite some time now. They wouldn’t leave without her, she was sure of that. But just in case, she wanted to waste as little time as possible.
She found another landmark. Some destroyed houses she recognized.
She looked behind her. Nothing.
She turned to the ruins quickly, running to the base of a shattered chimney. She began digging with her hooves. It was still here. Another, smaller saddlebag, filled to the brink with grains of various plants.
Her trip secured as having paid it’s price, she went back to search for the camp, content. It wouldn’t be too far away now.
In the midst of a camp below a rocky hill.
“Fluttershy, we can’t keep him. He’s a liability more than anything.”
“Twilight, he’s very sick!”
“Exactly! He’s in great pain and is continuously draining our supplies.” Twilight’s glare softened. “We can’t waste any more medicine. There’s simply not enough left.”
“He doesn’t need much to live. And… he’ll soon be better, I swear. Just give him more time.”
“Fluttershy, I’m sorry... but we can’t allow him to get more food. Or water. He’s dying.” She looked at Fluttershy with an unreadable look. “It’s your choice if you want to keep him alive a little bit longer, but he’ll die eventually. He can’t even walk anymore.”
Angel coughed painfully.
“Please, just… do the right thing here. Put him down. He's just miserable.”
“I can’t… no…” she sobbed quietly.
“Don’t cry.” She pulled Fluttershy in a hug. “He’ll be in a better place. And we’re all still here for you. We won’t give up, but we have to make hard decisions like this.” Twilight looked Fluttershy in the eyes and released her. “It’s not easy, I know… but we’ll make it one day.”
“I don’t think we will,” she said pitifully.
“We will. I promise,” she pointed at a dent in the canvas, showing the sky. “It’s not at it's peak anymore. See? We’re making progress. Moving is working.”
“I don’t know…”
“We will. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Angel.”
She pushed Twilight away. “No!”
“Fluttershy. It has to be done.” Twilight looked at Fluttershy with slight frustration.
Fluttershy looked her in the eyes, her own wavering. “I… I’ll do it!”
Twilight rose an eyebrow and frowined. “Are you sure? I could make him…” she looked over to Angel, who was paying attention to the conversation, “... go to sleep quickly. He wouldn't feel a thing. I promise.”
She waited for Fluttershy's answer in silence. Finally, Fluttershy nodded to Twilight and closed her eyes, looking away from Angel.
Twilight turned to Angel. He cried out weakly, struggling. Twilight sighed. She casted a sleeping spell on him before levitating him in to a bag. She placed it on her back and went for the exit. “You’re very brave, Fluttershy.”
No answer.
Twilight walked out of the tent.
Finally. Pinkie was back; the camp was in sight. She navigated her way slowly down the rocky hill.
Applejack turned her head quickly, having heard some rocks slide down the nearby hill. She relaxed herself as she saw Pinkie, falling face first on the ground. She walked over her, silently taking the saddlebags off of her back. She noted that the small one she gave her was surprisingly full.
“You did a great job, Pinkie. Rainbow came back a while back. Get some shut eye. We can wait some more.”
Pinkie fell face first to the ground. “Thanks Applejack...” she said sleepily, attempting to get back up.
Applejack smiled, helping Pinkie to her tent. She looked over to the saddlebags she left laying in the sands. “Seems decent enough.”
“Not my best catch, but I’m still happy about how it turned out.”
“Where did you find all of this, anyway?”
“Well.... the plants randomly scattered around the desert, and the other bag was just lying there… in the middle of some ruins way over there.” She pointed behind her.
“What about the one you left with?”
Pinkie suddenly groaned, stumbling forward. “I’ll tell you after. I’m just so tired,” she said with a yawn, before walking in her tent, in which Rainbow Dash was sleeping as well, snoring loudly wrapped in her large piece of cloth.
“Alright,” she whispered. “Jus’ remember to not get up too late.”
“I’ll get up when the moon rise, don’t worry,” she giggled quietly.
Applejack frowned. “I’m serious. I’ll kick ya awake if Ah need to.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
With a sigh, Applejack left the tent.
She felt so comfortable here. All stress melted away, and the heat didn’t even bother her anymore. Her lips were dry, but a smile still formed on her face. Each week, she’d wait for this moment. She’d now be able to speak easily with friends, and be happy again… just for a little while. Still, it’s better than nothing. Happiness came in small packages. She couldn’t complain.
Rainbow Dash was always tired. She always was faster than her, so they had a shifted schedule. Pinkie enjoyed talking to her, but there wasn’t enough time for chit-chat. When they’d get far enough, more time for relaxation would come. She just had to bear this life for a bit longer.
Her back ached, and yells broke the calm night.
“Well if ya weren’t thinking like a lunatic, you’d know this rabbit meant the world to her!” Applejack was furious.
“Applejack, be rational. I’m sorry this had to be done to Angel, but he was dying.”
“We’re all dying!”
Twilight did her best to remain composed in front of the emotional whirlwind. “Listen. Angel was a burden. He can’t provide food or anything. We could spare some supplies for him, it was a heavy burden, but sure, that’s what we did. When he fell ill, it was impossible to keep feeding him. He drained our medicine, which I remind you, is precious resource.”
“For whom? You?”
“No! For all of us. He was going to die no matter what.”
“You don’t know that.”
“It was obvious. He was practically dead, Applejack!”
“No. Some more medicine and he just might’ve make it.”
Twilight’s eyes widened. “You’re so stubborn.”
“I’m managing inventory here. I know what can be spared, and what can’t.” She briefly lost eye contact.
Twilight snorted. “What a wonderful job you’ve been doing.”
“Don’t turn this against me!” Applejack gritted her teeth.
“Why not? We’re all supposed to work together here: Rarity searches for water sources day and night, Rainbow and Pinkie ventures on difficult expeditions, I plan our schedules and scan regularly the area, and what about you? Your job is to sit around in our food, while we– ”
“You forgot our doc, Twi’.”
“What?”
“Fluttershy. She knows her stuff. Why did you take it into your hooves? She said Angel gon’ survive, and you make the choice on your own–”
Twilight practically growled. “I didn’t take it out of her hooves! In the end, the choice was still hers.... don’t you dare pretend that I’m a villain here!”
“Jus’ killed a critter, then start attacking me.”
“Applejack, you’re going too far with your accusations! I only want what’s best for us all, and– ”
“Girls! What are you doing?” Rarity was just behind the bickering duo. The glare she gave them softened their tones.
“Well, you see Rarity– ”
“I don’t care what this is about!” She yelled with fury. “What I see is two ponies bickering while a clearly devastated pegasus sits in her room mourning. She may want some time alone, but hearing you at each other's throat in the distance isn’t making it any easier for her!”
They both looked down.
“We’ve been walking straight ahead for a long time. The heat and the hunger is making this journey a nightmare.” Her tone softened slightly. “We’ll make it, you two. We’ll find some fresh land to settle down one day.”
They smiled at the thought.
Rarity shouted again. “But picking fights isn’t getting us anywhere!”
Applejack sighed. “Ah guess yer right. That doesn’t mean I forgive her.”
Twilight said nothing, glaring at the ground.
“It was a hard choice, Applejack. Twilight had as much trouble coping with what she did as you right now.” Rarity turned to her tent. “Try to at least understand why she did it.” She walked back to her tent.
“Sorry Twi’.” They didn’t look in each other’s eyes. “I started this.”
“I’m sorry too. Let’s just… put this behind us.” Her tone regained professionalism, and she straightened her posture. “Go and update the inventory’s list. I’ll do a quick scan of our surroundings. When Rainbow gets up, she’ll help pack things up. We’ll let Pinkie’s tent up for last, so that she can rest some more.”
“Sounds good to me.”
They walked in opposite direction, Twilight heading to Rarity’s tent, her horn glowing. Applejack went to grab Pinkie’s loot. After picking the saddlebags up, she walked towards her tent, but then paused hoof in mid air. She heard a faint sob from inside. With a sigh, she went in anyway.
“Rise and shine!”
Pinkie gasped as she was awakened by Rainbow’s yelling. “I was sleeping,” she said with a yawn. Her eyes weren’t adjusted to the sun yet, and the tent around her was packed. “Couldn’t you wait a bit more?”
“Sorry, but Applejack is about to share the food. She also wanted to ask you something.” She threw a canteen next to Pinkie.
“Thanks,” she slowly took it and began drinking. She threw the canteen back at Rainbow, who placed it into the saddlebags before placing it onto her back.
“Don’t just lay there, come on. I really waited for the last moment to wake you,” Rainbow looked Pinkie over. “Wow, you’re a mess. You gonna be okay?”
“Don’t you worry about me. I’m made of strong stuff!” She got up in an instant, a determined look on her face.
Rainbow gave her a smile. “That’s good to hear.” She turned around to leave, but stopped. She turned her head over to Pinkie. “You wanna hang out?”
“Sure!”
“Rainbow Dash, mind coming here a second?” It was Applejack.
“Uuuh… sure?” Rainbow walked toward her. “What’s up?”
“I need to talk to you.” Applejack looked over at Pinkie, clicking her tongue. “Mind coming over to my tent?”
“Pinkie and I were– ”
Applejack cut her off. “It can wait.”
Rainbow sighed. “Coming.” She looked one last time at Pinkie. “Later, okay?”
Pinkie frowned for a split second, then smiled broadly. “No problemo!”
Rainbow gave her a small smile before turning around, following Applejack to her tent.
Watching them leave, Pinkie sighed. She went to join Twilight and Rarity, who were talking as they made their to the front of Applejack’s tent. Rarity saw Pinkie, turned to Twilight to give her a nod, and they both turned towards her, giving her a wave.
“Hey, Pinkie!”
Pinkie ran towards them. “Girls!” She stopped in front of them. “How are you two doing?”
Rarity spoke up. “Oh, we’ve been just fine. How about you?”
“I’m doing great. Just peachy!”
They all shared a giggle. Twilight stopped first. “How was your latest adventure?”
“Oh, you know… same old, same old.”
“Nothing interesting?” Rarity asked.
Pinkie turned to Rarity rapidly. “Nope. Found some ruins, looted whatever I could find… some plants, some food. Nothing too special.”
“These expeditions are boring, but they're dangerous Pinkie. Be careful. You could meet some other ponies out there. They would want to steal from you, that’s for sure.” Twilight sighed. “The heat can create monsters out of ponies. All we can do is dodge as many encounters as possible.”
“Let’s talk about something else,” Pinkie said hastily.
Rarity looked at towards Applejack’s tent with a pout. “How long is she going to take?”
“Remember Fluttershy’s in there as well.”
Rarity looked sadly at the tent. “That poor girl…”
Pinkie intervened with a confused look. “What happened?”
Twilight and Rarity looked at each over. Twilight had a pleading look on her face. Rarity turned to Pinkie. “Well, you see– ”
Rainbow came out of the tent, a stoic look on her face. She was wearing a saddlebag.
“Ah, Rainbow. Come and join us!” Rarity said, turning rapidly towards her.
Rainbow looked at them nervously, dodging Pinkie’s glance. “Heh, sorry you guys. I gotta go. See ya later.” She took flight without a pause.
“Rainbow Dash, wait!” Pinkie yelled towards the fleeing silhouette, but was either unheard or ignored. She sighed.
“I guess Applejack made her leave early,” said Rarity.
“Oh, that’s right. Applejack asked me to complete our itinerary early so that Rainbow could leave sooner,” Twilight said matter-of-factly. “That pegasus is a real miracle worker. I don’t know how she does it, but she has a talent to find ressources, and some good luck on top of that.”
“And her endurance is admirable,” added Rarity.
“We didn’t get anytime to hang out,” muttered Pinkie.
“Now, now, Pinkie. Don’t be childish. We’re always running low on food.” Rarity looked at Applejack’s tent. “I’m guessing Fluttershy’s idea to grow our own food didn’t go so well, seeing as Applejack thought it best for Rainbow to leave so soon.”
Pinkie kicked the ground, muttering to herself.
“Are you okay, Pinkie?” asked Twilight.
Pinkie gave her two friends a small smile. “Oh, it’s nothing.”
Twilight and Rarity looked at each over with a frown.
Applejack’s head popped out of the tent. “Come get your food, everypony!”
Twilight and Rarity smiled. “Finally!” They moved quickly towards their meal.
Pinkie followed slowly, looking sideways, to where Rainbow Dash was last seen flying off.
