The Nhorse Landsby MindfuhlChaptersChapter 1 - Encounter.Chapter 2 - DecisionChapter 3 - HazardousChapter 1 - Encounter." Scarlet, I'm so hungry... " Scarlet sighed and looked at her little sister. " I know C.C. Me too... " She let her hoof around her sister and let her snuggle into her body. It was raining. Such a phenomenon, since they were in the desert and all. " Great, now we're going to get extra chilly tonight..." murmuring to herself, Scarlet began to make a campfire. Luckily, they had found sticks here and there, while looking for food. After countless of tries, she finally lit the campfire and sat down again. " Good job Scarlet! " Clover smiled brightly and gave Scarlet a mango. " This is our last food resource... sorry I could't grab more at the market the other day... " said Clover apologetic and began to peel her own mango, feeling kinda down. " Listen C.C. Don't feel sad about it. You did what you could and that's all I can ask of you. It is more important to me that you don't get caught, than how much you are able to steal. " Scarlet nuzzled her little sisters mane gently and smiled. " Besides, we are able to eat tonight. Lets try to think about the positives, all-right? " A little smile formed on Clover's lips. She looked up at Scarlet and began to eat a piece of her mango. " Thanks, sis. You be careful too, OK? " Scarlet knew immediately what she referred to. A week ago, she was almost caught by the guards of Manephis, for stealing clothes from a store. She barely escaped them and if it wasn't for her wits, she probably would have been caught. Scarlet peeled her mango and started eating. " Sit closer to the fire C.C, you need to get dry before it gets dark, " she said, avoiding her little sisters worried comment. After they both were finished with their dinner, they looked up at the rain-full sky. " Scarlet... " Clover said with a little voice, making her big sister look at her. " They will never catch us... right? " With tears welling up in Clover's eyes, Scarlet hugged her tightly, rocking her little sister gently. " I will never allow them to get you, Clover. We will never become slaves. We will find a place, outside their grasp. I promise you this. " Biting her lip so she would't cry, Scarlet continued rocking Clover, until she fell asleep. She laid Clover down on a blanket and put as warm wool quilt over her. She sat down near the fire again and put her hooves close to the fire, to get a bit more warm before bedtime. Sighing once again, Scarlet looks up in the now starry sky, with a single teardrop falling from her left cheek. " If there are any Gods out there... Please, give me a sign. This is no life for young ponies, not for anyone. We're not thieves, because we want to. We have to, to survive. I really want my sister to get a happy life... I beg of you, anyone, please give us hope! " She plead up to the beautiful starry sky, looking with hopeful eyes on the full moon. She then started chuckling a bit to her self, wiping the tears from her eyes. " Who am I kidding, there is no such thing as Gods... " mumbling to herself, she laid down beside her little sister, snuggling with her under the wool quilt and fell asleep with a troubled mind. " What... is this? " said Scarlet and looked around. She was surrounded with beautiful flowers, grass, trees and a lake. " I have never seen anything so lush... Oh, the flowers smells fantastic! " Amazed with the beautiful sight, she smiled and stretched her body. " I would love to live here with C.C, its like a dream come... " She stopped herself, getting back to her normal self. " This IS too good to be true. Where am I? " Looking around for possible enemies, Scarlet hid in some tall grass. ' What is this place? Its definitely not Saddle Arabia, ' she thought, sneaking around in the unknown area. Creeping out from a bush, she looked up in the sky. There was only a full moon. " Bizarre... Something is wrong. Sorcery? What the hay... HEY! " Scarlet shouted, walking out on the flower field and starred at the full moon. " I have no idea what this is. If it's hallucinations from drugs, I must have been caught by the debt collectors... C.C! " She shouted, now desperately searching for her little sister. " You.... You monsters! Give me back my little sister! She doesn't deserve to be a slave! Please, take me and let my sister go free! " She cried " I will do anything! " "Even if it means a long journey and many dangers ahead of you? " a warm, but forceful voice asked. " Who goes there?! " Scarlet yelled, looking scared around for the unknown voice. Out of the moon descended a tall and beautiful pony, flying down and landed in front of her. She stared at the unknown pony, observantly. " Who are you? " she asked, a bit scared. " I am Princess Luna, Princess of the night, Princess of Equestria, " the Princess answered, in a forceful voice. " Eq.. Equawhat? " asked Scarlet, dumbfounded. " Equestria. It is one of the neighboring lands to Saddle Arabia. " " Oh. Never heard of it, " Scarlet said bluntly and looked at Princess Luna with disbelief. " I have never met you before... What is this place? " " You're in a dream. I heard your desperate call for help and decided to enter your dream, " Princess Luna said, looking at Scarlet with a formal look on her face. " Enter my dream? REALLY? What kind of drugs are you on?" Scarlet said, looking with even more disbelief at the Princess. " I assure you, I do not intake substances of that sort. " Princess Luna said, looking serious at her. " You are sleeping in the night that I created. I can walk through dreams and help others who need it, giving advice for those in need. It seems you need some advice more than you think. " " What can a 'princess' from a country, that I have never heard of, help ME with? Sorry if I seem a bit pessimistic, but never in my life have I received help, where it didn't stab me right in the back and betrayed me and my little sister. WHY should I trust you? " Scarlet asked, observing the Princess . " Trusting me or not, is all up to you. I will give you my advice, though. " Princess Luna spread her wings and raised gently from the ground. " Flee to the Northern borders of Saddle Arabia. Cross the Antlion mountains and keep on going, till you are in Equestria. You will know, when you have crossed the borders. " Princess Luna said and ascended into the sky and flew through the full moon. " Wait! I don't understand!" Scarlet yelled after the Princess, dumbfounded of what was happening. " Wait..." " Wait!" Scarlet sat up on the blanket, her mane and body full of sweat. It really had been a dream? " Scarlet! Are you OK?! " Clover sat beside her, looking worried at her big sister. " Did you have a bad nightmare?" she asked, stroking Scarlet's mane. Scarlet sighed and hugged Clover. " Yeah, I'm OK... just had a bizarre dream. " " What was it about? " Clover asked, curiously and still a bit worried. " Oh, nothing you have to worry your pretty little head with, " Scarlet said with a smirk, nuzzling her little sister mane. " Come, we have to get up and get some breakfast. " Standing up and stretching her body, she took her rugged cape and put it on. " Ready to go? " She asked, looking at her little sister with a smile. " It still makes me wonder how you can be such a morning pony... " Clover shook her head and put on her own rugged cape. " Ready. " Getting into the city unnoticed, check. Hopefully the other way around, too. The two sister slid intro the city of Hoofji, a smaller city 15 kilometers North East of Manephis. It was close to Antlion mountain and was famous for their buildings carved into the mountains. Scarlet and Clover looked at the buildings with amazement. " Its incredible that it is possible to make buildings like that, " Scarlet said, smiling while looking around. " Yeah... It really is art at a high level, " Agreed Clover and walked close to her big sister. " OK, C.C. Over there is the market. You know the drill. " " See ya in a bit, sis! " Clover gave Scarlet a hug and walked casually in the market and lingered there. Scarlet smiled. " Good girl... Now lets see.. " She looked around, looking for the easiest targets to pickpocket. She set her eyes on a wealthy looking colt and followed him for a bit. Staging the perfect situation, she ran around a corner and bumped into the colt. " Oh my, I'm terribly sorry, mister! Are you all-right? " she asked, looking 'worried' at the stallion. " Yes, yes, I am... What about them, miss? " The stallion asked, nonchalantly, and helped Scarlet up again. " Oh, not even a scratch. Don't worry about little me, " She smiled charmingly and shook her mane gently. " For this little incident, can I make it up to you with a cup of tea? I know this charming little place... " So he is that kind of stallion, Scarlet thought Like you could charm the clothes off of me? Dream on. " I'm very sorry to inform you, but I can't. I am already in a relationship. " The stallion looked very disappointed, but smiled nonetheless to Scarlet. " Ah, it is all-right, miss. It was foolish of me to think that such a pretty filly was available. " " Oh, you make me blush, mister. " Scarlet said and hid her fake blush under her hoof. " Well, if you ever get single, I would be delighted if you would drink some tea with me. " the stallion said and she giggled. " I will certainly bear that in mind, good sir. " She gave the stallion a little nod. " Have a very nice day. " " You too, miss. " They smiled at each other one last time and parted ways. Scarlet trotted around another corner and grinned triumphantly. Haha, sucker! She looked at the wallet in her hoof and hid it in her pocket. Easiest round ever, She thought and began to hum for herself. She moved forward once again and walked past two elderly ponies. " Have you heard about the two Alicorn sisters, liberating Equestria from a beast named Discord? " The first one said, while the other nodded. " Yes, it is remarkable! They must be very powerful to overcome the Lord of Chaos! " " So, I guess they are Princesses of Equestria now? " Scarlet stopped and spied in on their conversation. " Excuse me, madams, " she said, abruptly entering the elderly ponies conversation. " What is the name of these Princesses? " " Oh, I think its Celestia and Luna. Well, so I hear, " The first elderly pony said, looking surprised at Scarlet. " Thank you very much, madam. " She nodded friendly and trotted off. This could not possibly be a coincidence! She trotted a bit faster, searching for Clover in the market. She began to hum a sweet melody a bit loudly and shortly after, Clover trotted over beside her. " Hey sis, you called? " She smiled up to Scarlet. " C.C, we have to talk. " Author's Note Dear Reader This is my first time writing a story, that is public to anyone but myself. Praise and Criticism will be received with great joy, especially criticism, as I want to grow as a Writer. But, please don't be a troll. Be fair with your criticism and I will be so happy. As for the story, I'm planning on making this story rather lengthy. I have so many great ideas for this story, so I hope you're up for many chapters and a lot of waiting! Haha, who am I kidding, no one likes to be forced to wait. I still do hope you'll be patient with me and support me along the way. ( I am open to hear new ideas for the story, but please note: I will NOT put your OC into my story, unless it fits into the story line ) Chapter 2 - Decision" Scarlet, I'm not quite sure if I understand it all..." Clover said, overwhelmed and looked at Scarlet with big eyes. " I know its quite the story, C.C, but its real. I'm not lying, " Scarlet assured her little sister and let her hoof on Clover's shoulder. " But... Are you sure its not a scam? Maybe this... Princess, works for the debt collectors. Maybe she has a crazy power to persuade people, even in their dreams. " " I have thought of that and I know we have to be cautious, but... I dunno why, but I believe her, " Scarlet looked around in the alleyway, she had taken Clover to, so they could talk in peace. " I really believe. That she sincerely wants the best for us. That's what my gut tells me. " Clover touched her chin, like she always do when she thinks. " OK, lets say we follow your gut feeling and journey to this Equestria. Then what if it is a trap? " " We will take precautions, of course. We'll think of an escape plan, if Princess Luna is trying to fool us and capture us for the debt collectors. " Scarlet smiled and nuzzled Clovers mane. " You are not Clever Clover for nothing, right? Your plans have saved us many times from getting captured. " Clover smiled proudly, it was obvious she loved it when her big sister complimented her. " OK, fine, you have convinced me. Equestria do sound like a better place than Saddle Arabia... " She said, full of hope. " But then we have to gather a lot of supplies. Clothes, food, water, etc. " " Yeah, I know. If you take care of stealing diverse food supplies, I'll gather water and clothes... and a compass. " Scarlet said and kissed Clovers forehead. " We'll rendezvous in front of the Hoofein Gate in an hour. OK? " " Got it! Good luck, big sis! " Clover said enthusiastic and trotted out of the alleyway and towards the food market. Scarlet moved a bit more carefully, unseen from the authorities. Especially the guards. She looked calmly around and stole bit by bit, so people didn't notice. Shit, I really do hope there will be no problems, getting out of this city... We really don't need to be chased after guards or mercenaries in the Antlion Mountains... The Antlion Mountains was famous for its dangerous trails. Only the mountain goats could freely travel through the trails and steep cliffs. They had to take many precautions and be very careful while traveling through the Antlion Mountains. One wrong move and they could be falling to their deaths. Scarlet gulped a bit, thinking of the many dangers of the Mountains. The Mountains itself was dangerous, sure, but there were mountain lions, scorpions as big as an adult pony, eagles even bigger than the scorpions...! Scarlet had a tiny panic attack from worrying too much and sat down, to calm herself a bit. It is going to be all-right... We'll live through this... We have survived up until now, so it'll be fine... She sighed slowly and finally, she was calm again. She stood up and looked in her bag. OK, I only need leather water bottles and fill them with water. Scarlet trotted around, observing the different stores for what she was looking for. She finally found the leather bottles and tried to steal them without getting seen, but the store owner saw her and yelled angrily at her. " Hey! Thief! Pay for those leather bottles! " SHIT! Scarlet ran all what she could. " GUARDS! A THIEF HAVE STOLEN SOME OF MY WARES! " Guards came running to the store owner and ran after Scarlet. " COME BACK HERE THIEF! " Guards yelled after her, but she didn't stop running, not for a second. She could't get caught now, not when they finally had the chance to get a better life! She ran up and down stairs, jumped over small carriages running around sharp corners. Trying her hardest to shake the guards off her. For the love of anything holy...! These guards are fast! Scarlet thought, desperately looking around for a hiding spot. " I saw the thief over here! " She heard a guard yell nearby and jumped in an haystack, that was the best she could do under the circumstances. The guards arrived and searched frantically after her. " Don't let her get away! " One of the guards said, holding up a wanted poster " She's Red Robbera, a criminal and thief from Saddlelon. " Oh, great, now they won't stop searching for me. Scarlet gritted her teeth and thought of an escape plan. " Guards! I saw the thief run that way! " A very feminine and beautiful voice was all Scarlet could hear. " Thank you, ma'am! " The guards ran and soon after Scarlet could't hear the sound of metal, from the soldiers uniforms. " I know you are in there. " The voice said, close to the haystack Scarlet was in. Scarlet stood up from the haystack and brushed hay from her clothes. " Why did you help me? " Scarlet asked, looking at the mysterious pony that stood before her. The pony had a hood and a cape on, that covered her tall, slender body and the only thing you could see, was her beautiful blue eyes. The pony shrugged her shoulders and smiled. " Because I felt like it ~ " She answered and started trotting away. " ... Thanks. " Scarlet said and looked after the pony, who waved her hoof at her and soon was out of Scarlet's sight. " OK, have to meet Clover at the gate, " she said to herself and moved gently around, so she would't seem suspicious. " There you are! " Clover said, when Scarlet finally was at the gate. " What happened? " " Almost got caught by the guards. We have to leave right now. " Scarlet said in a low voice. " Be calm and relax, or we will probably be noticed by the gate guards. " She took her hood on and Clover did the same. Walking normally past the guards, they were out of the city and Clover sighed with relief. " Phew! I'm so bad at keeping my cool. " She said and took her hood off. " So, to the Antlion Mountains now? " " Yeah... " Scarlet looked at the Mountains from afar and bit her lip. " Clover. " She said in a serious voice and looked at her little sister. " This journey through the Antlion Mountains is going to be the hardest thing we have ever experienced. There will be many dangers and we have to be careful and observant all the time... And you have to do as I tell you, no exceptions. OK? " Clover nodded. " I know. I will. But, we can do this. We have survived in so many years, I'm positive we can live through this ordeal. " Clover said, with a sweet and encouraging smile. " When we are on the other side, in Equestria... It'll all be worth it. " Scarlet smiled, she had always been jealous at Clover, for her positive attitude and her hope for the future. She chuckled and hugged her little sister with one hoof. " You're right. When we have each other, we can survive anything. " Clover smiled brightly and hugged her sister back. " Yeah! " " Come on, we have to exploit the last sunlight of the day. It is too dangerous to travel in the night. " Scarlet said and began to move towards the Mountains. This would really prove to be one of the hardest and most difficult journeys they would ever do. Even so, many other journeys waited ahead of them. Some would be a struggle, some would be with company of other ponies. They would overcome many dangers. Many dangers their mind yet can't comprehend. But one thing is for sure. This is only the beginning. For a better future. Author's Note Argh, I can't believe some people actually have read the first chapter! Thank you so much, to everyone who have liked my story and even them who have disliked. It shows me that I'm an OK writer, but I have to become better. I will try my best to make this story more intriguing and interesting for you guys! I'll try to write the chapters a bit faster, so you don't have to wait too long Thanks for the faves too, makes my heart go all doki doki! Chapter 3 - HazardousMany days passed. The Mountains was even more dangerous than the sisters anticipated. Twisting trails, sloping rocks, the hungry roar of the mountain lions. But even so, the two sisters pushed on, eager to finish their journey to Equestria. Scarlet looked at the compass in her hoof. " This way, Clover. " She said and moved carefully along the narrow trail that were before them. " Scarlet, can't we take a break soon? We haven't stopped for 5 hours straight. " Clover complained, obviously tired from all the walking. " And should't we be in Equestria now? We have traveled in this Mountain for a week now and we're running out of supplies soon. Both water and food. " " I don't know, OK Clover?! " Scarlet yelled and looked at Clover, with frustration in her eyes " And I know we don't have much food left! You don't have to remind me! I don't know how far there is to Equestria yet, the only thing I DO know, is that Equestria is North from the Mountains! " Clover looked surprised at Scarlet and a bit scared. " You don't have to yell, sis..." " Then don't complain and ask stupid questions! " Scarlet said angrily and kept on moving carefully. Clover bit her lip and looked up at Scarlet with a wronged look in her eyes. " Don't talk to me like that! I haven't done ANYTHING wro-! " In an instant, it all went wrong. Clover's hoof slid on a rock, that were on the trail and fell down the small cliff. " CLOVER!!! " Scarlet screamed, as she saw her little sister tumble down the cliff and rolled into an rock alley. " I'M COMING CLOVER! DON'T MOVE!! " Scarlet slid down the cliff and didn't pay attention to the small wounds she got from sliding. Finally, she was in the rock alley and ran over to Clover. " CLOVER! ARE YOU OK? " She asked, with panic and guilt in her voice. Clover coughed and tried to stand up, but could't. " I-I'm OK, Scarlet... But I think I may have strained my hoof... " She was covered in wounds and sand, her eyes was a bit red too, because of some dirt in her eyes. Scarlet sighed with relief " OK, at least you're not dead... " She took her leather water bottle and cleaned the worst looking wounds and tried to get the dirt out of her eyes. " Scarlet, don't! We don't have much water left! " Clover said and tried to stop her big sister. " There could go inflammation in your wounds or something. Your health is more important. " Scarlet continued. " But we'll die of thirst! " " We'll find some water soon. " Clover stopped arguing and bit her underlip. I really hope we do, She thought and sighed a bit " I'm sorry I yelled. I should't... " Scarlet said, with tears in her eyes. " This is all my fault. " " Its OK, big sis. Don't feel guilty. At least I'm not dead right? " Clover smiled, with a hint of laughter in her voice. " Seriously, how can you be so cheerful? You've just tumbled down a cliff and could have broken you neck or something! " " It will not help to cry about it. I may tumble and fall many times in my life, even be on the verge of death. But I'll still be happy and cheerful, because I have you by my side. " Clover said and hugged her big sister, which made Scarlet cry. " You idiot, don't be so sweet... " Scarlet mumbled and hugged Clover back. " I really don't deserve a sister like you. I just make you sad and am the reason you could have been dead or invalid the rest of your life... " " Come on, that cliff wasn't that tall anyway. The worst case scenario would be that I broke my leg. " Clover laughed " Either way, you're gonna have to carry me from now on. I can't walk on my sprained hoof. " " No problem. " Scarlet said and wiped her tears away " But first, a break. Lets hope we'll laugh about this when we get older. " She took food, split it between her and Clover and began to eat. " OK, we have 1/4 water back in this leather bottle and the other is empty. So spare on the water. " She said and gave Clover the leather bottle. Clover nodded and drank a bit, then ate her food. 20 minutes passed and Scarlet stood up. " Already? " Clover asked. " Yeah, we can't stay at one place for too long. Predators could be on our trail. " Scarlet answered and packed their stuff. She put the bags on Clover and put Clover on her back. " Lets go. Now we have to be even more careful where we walk. Too narrow trails is a no-no. " Scarlet began to walk, slowly, so it would't be unpleasant for Clover. Soon Clover fell asleep and Scarlet looked around while she moved forward. Hours passed, before Clover again was awake. She rubbed her eyed and looked around. " mhm... " " Morning, sleepyhead. Slept well? " Scarlet asked and kept on walking. " Slept OK... Aren't you tired, Scarlet? You've carried me for... How long? " " Probably 3-4 hours, I think, " Scarlet said " But don't you worry, I'll soon take a break. You are kinda heavy ~ " " HEY! " Clover said irritated and made Scarlet laugh. " Sorry, sorry, just teasing ya. " Clover mumbled something and crossed her hoofs, while pouting her lips. " Aw, come on, don't be mad, C.C. " Scarlet said and smiled. " I actually think we may be in Equestria soon. " " What makes you think that? " Clover asked. " The humidity have changed a bit and the Mountain isn't as full with sand as before. " Scarlet walked on a wide trail, that led upwards. " That's good, hopefully we'll find a city soon, after we have entered Equestria. " Clover said cheerfully and looked around. True enough, there wasn't as much sand as before and small flowers were growing from the cracks all around the Mountain. " Haven't even seen these flowers before! " Scarlet had. Those flowers were the same as in her dream, with Princess Luna. Help us the last bit of our journey, Princess... She thought and stopped up when she was on the top of the trail. " OK, lets take a rest behind that boulder. " Scarlet said and laid down Clover, ever so gently on the ground. " You don't have to be that careful, " Clover said with a grin and opened one of the backpacks. She took two apples and some flat bread and gave half to Scarlet " That's all we have left..." Scarlet sat down beside Clover and began to eat. " Its OK, we're so close to Equestria anyway, " she said with a smile and stretched her tired body. " After I've eaten, I have to sleep a bit. Can you be a lookout? " Scarlet asked and looked at her little sister. " Of course! You've carried me such a long way, so that's the least I can do, " Clover said and made a saluting gesture with her hoof, which made both the sisters laugh. " Thanks, C.C " Scarlet said and nuzzled her sisters hair and drank some water. " Here, the last of it is yours, " She said and laid down on the ground " Wake me in an hour. " " Will do, " Clover replied and drank the last bit of water they had. She then said upright and looked observantly around them. Some time later, Clover were almost asleep, from just sitting. But a sound woke her up from her daze and she looked around, with watchful eyes. " Scarlet... Scarlet! " She whispered and poked her big sister, who made a mumbling sound. " 5 more minutes... " " Scarlet, I heard something! " Clover said, scared half to death. Scarlet immediately woke up and looked around. She smelled the air and slowly stood halfway up. " Pack our things and put them on your back. Do it as silently you can. " She whispered and looked out from the boulder, they were resting behind. She then froze. No. NO. NO! This can't be happening! She hid behind the boulder again, white as a ghost and didn't breathe. " Scarlet, what is it? " Clover asked, with the bags on her back, now even more scared after seeing the look on Scarlet's face " Assassins! " Author's Note Hey all! Sorry for the delay with this chapter, but had a creative block yesterday. I know I promised to publish this yesterday, but I don't want to rush my story. I'd rather take some extra time, so I know what I'm writing isn't complete bull crap Hope you'll like this chapter too and have a good day!
Chapter 1 - Encounter." Scarlet, I'm so hungry... " Scarlet sighed and looked at her little sister. " I know C.C. Me too... " She let her hoof around her sister and let her snuggle into her body. It was raining. Such a phenomenon, since they were in the desert and all. " Great, now we're going to get extra chilly tonight..." murmuring to herself, Scarlet began to make a campfire. Luckily, they had found sticks here and there, while looking for food. After countless of tries, she finally lit the campfire and sat down again. " Good job Scarlet! " Clover smiled brightly and gave Scarlet a mango. " This is our last food resource... sorry I could't grab more at the market the other day... " said Clover apologetic and began to peel her own mango, feeling kinda down. " Listen C.C. Don't feel sad about it. You did what you could and that's all I can ask of you. It is more important to me that you don't get caught, than how much you are able to steal. " Scarlet nuzzled her little sisters mane gently and smiled. " Besides, we are able to eat tonight. Lets try to think about the positives, all-right? " A little smile formed on Clover's lips. She looked up at Scarlet and began to eat a piece of her mango. " Thanks, sis. You be careful too, OK? " Scarlet knew immediately what she referred to. A week ago, she was almost caught by the guards of Manephis, for stealing clothes from a store. She barely escaped them and if it wasn't for her wits, she probably would have been caught. Scarlet peeled her mango and started eating. " Sit closer to the fire C.C, you need to get dry before it gets dark, " she said, avoiding her little sisters worried comment. After they both were finished with their dinner, they looked up at the rain-full sky. " Scarlet... " Clover said with a little voice, making her big sister look at her. " They will never catch us... right? " With tears welling up in Clover's eyes, Scarlet hugged her tightly, rocking her little sister gently. " I will never allow them to get you, Clover. We will never become slaves. We will find a place, outside their grasp. I promise you this. " Biting her lip so she would't cry, Scarlet continued rocking Clover, until she fell asleep. She laid Clover down on a blanket and put as warm wool quilt over her. She sat down near the fire again and put her hooves close to the fire, to get a bit more warm before bedtime. Sighing once again, Scarlet looks up in the now starry sky, with a single teardrop falling from her left cheek. " If there are any Gods out there... Please, give me a sign. This is no life for young ponies, not for anyone. We're not thieves, because we want to. We have to, to survive. I really want my sister to get a happy life... I beg of you, anyone, please give us hope! " She plead up to the beautiful starry sky, looking with hopeful eyes on the full moon. She then started chuckling a bit to her self, wiping the tears from her eyes. " Who am I kidding, there is no such thing as Gods... " mumbling to herself, she laid down beside her little sister, snuggling with her under the wool quilt and fell asleep with a troubled mind. " What... is this? " said Scarlet and looked around. She was surrounded with beautiful flowers, grass, trees and a lake. " I have never seen anything so lush... Oh, the flowers smells fantastic! " Amazed with the beautiful sight, she smiled and stretched her body. " I would love to live here with C.C, its like a dream come... " She stopped herself, getting back to her normal self. " This IS too good to be true. Where am I? " Looking around for possible enemies, Scarlet hid in some tall grass. ' What is this place? Its definitely not Saddle Arabia, ' she thought, sneaking around in the unknown area. Creeping out from a bush, she looked up in the sky. There was only a full moon. " Bizarre... Something is wrong. Sorcery? What the hay... HEY! " Scarlet shouted, walking out on the flower field and starred at the full moon. " I have no idea what this is. If it's hallucinations from drugs, I must have been caught by the debt collectors... C.C! " She shouted, now desperately searching for her little sister. " You.... You monsters! Give me back my little sister! She doesn't deserve to be a slave! Please, take me and let my sister go free! " She cried " I will do anything! " "Even if it means a long journey and many dangers ahead of you? " a warm, but forceful voice asked. " Who goes there?! " Scarlet yelled, looking scared around for the unknown voice. Out of the moon descended a tall and beautiful pony, flying down and landed in front of her. She stared at the unknown pony, observantly. " Who are you? " she asked, a bit scared. " I am Princess Luna, Princess of the night, Princess of Equestria, " the Princess answered, in a forceful voice. " Eq.. Equawhat? " asked Scarlet, dumbfounded. " Equestria. It is one of the neighboring lands to Saddle Arabia. " " Oh. Never heard of it, " Scarlet said bluntly and looked at Princess Luna with disbelief. " I have never met you before... What is this place? " " You're in a dream. I heard your desperate call for help and decided to enter your dream, " Princess Luna said, looking at Scarlet with a formal look on her face. " Enter my dream? REALLY? What kind of drugs are you on?" Scarlet said, looking with even more disbelief at the Princess. " I assure you, I do not intake substances of that sort. " Princess Luna said, looking serious at her. " You are sleeping in the night that I created. I can walk through dreams and help others who need it, giving advice for those in need. It seems you need some advice more than you think. " " What can a 'princess' from a country, that I have never heard of, help ME with? Sorry if I seem a bit pessimistic, but never in my life have I received help, where it didn't stab me right in the back and betrayed me and my little sister. WHY should I trust you? " Scarlet asked, observing the Princess . " Trusting me or not, is all up to you. I will give you my advice, though. " Princess Luna spread her wings and raised gently from the ground. " Flee to the Northern borders of Saddle Arabia. Cross the Antlion mountains and keep on going, till you are in Equestria. You will know, when you have crossed the borders. " Princess Luna said and ascended into the sky and flew through the full moon. " Wait! I don't understand!" Scarlet yelled after the Princess, dumbfounded of what was happening. " Wait..." " Wait!" Scarlet sat up on the blanket, her mane and body full of sweat. It really had been a dream? " Scarlet! Are you OK?! " Clover sat beside her, looking worried at her big sister. " Did you have a bad nightmare?" she asked, stroking Scarlet's mane. Scarlet sighed and hugged Clover. " Yeah, I'm OK... just had a bizarre dream. " " What was it about? " Clover asked, curiously and still a bit worried. " Oh, nothing you have to worry your pretty little head with, " Scarlet said with a smirk, nuzzling her little sister mane. " Come, we have to get up and get some breakfast. " Standing up and stretching her body, she took her rugged cape and put it on. " Ready to go? " She asked, looking at her little sister with a smile. " It still makes me wonder how you can be such a morning pony... " Clover shook her head and put on her own rugged cape. " Ready. " Getting into the city unnoticed, check. Hopefully the other way around, too. The two sister slid intro the city of Hoofji, a smaller city 15 kilometers North East of Manephis. It was close to Antlion mountain and was famous for their buildings carved into the mountains. Scarlet and Clover looked at the buildings with amazement. " Its incredible that it is possible to make buildings like that, " Scarlet said, smiling while looking around. " Yeah... It really is art at a high level, " Agreed Clover and walked close to her big sister. " OK, C.C. Over there is the market. You know the drill. " " See ya in a bit, sis! " Clover gave Scarlet a hug and walked casually in the market and lingered there. Scarlet smiled. " Good girl... Now lets see.. " She looked around, looking for the easiest targets to pickpocket. She set her eyes on a wealthy looking colt and followed him for a bit. Staging the perfect situation, she ran around a corner and bumped into the colt. " Oh my, I'm terribly sorry, mister! Are you all-right? " she asked, looking 'worried' at the stallion. " Yes, yes, I am... What about them, miss? " The stallion asked, nonchalantly, and helped Scarlet up again. " Oh, not even a scratch. Don't worry about little me, " She smiled charmingly and shook her mane gently. " For this little incident, can I make it up to you with a cup of tea? I know this charming little place... " So he is that kind of stallion, Scarlet thought Like you could charm the clothes off of me? Dream on. " I'm very sorry to inform you, but I can't. I am already in a relationship. " The stallion looked very disappointed, but smiled nonetheless to Scarlet. " Ah, it is all-right, miss. It was foolish of me to think that such a pretty filly was available. " " Oh, you make me blush, mister. " Scarlet said and hid her fake blush under her hoof. " Well, if you ever get single, I would be delighted if you would drink some tea with me. " the stallion said and she giggled. " I will certainly bear that in mind, good sir. " She gave the stallion a little nod. " Have a very nice day. " " You too, miss. " They smiled at each other one last time and parted ways. Scarlet trotted around another corner and grinned triumphantly. Haha, sucker! She looked at the wallet in her hoof and hid it in her pocket. Easiest round ever, She thought and began to hum for herself. She moved forward once again and walked past two elderly ponies. " Have you heard about the two Alicorn sisters, liberating Equestria from a beast named Discord? " The first one said, while the other nodded. " Yes, it is remarkable! They must be very powerful to overcome the Lord of Chaos! " " So, I guess they are Princesses of Equestria now? " Scarlet stopped and spied in on their conversation. " Excuse me, madams, " she said, abruptly entering the elderly ponies conversation. " What is the name of these Princesses? " " Oh, I think its Celestia and Luna. Well, so I hear, " The first elderly pony said, looking surprised at Scarlet. " Thank you very much, madam. " She nodded friendly and trotted off. This could not possibly be a coincidence! She trotted a bit faster, searching for Clover in the market. She began to hum a sweet melody a bit loudly and shortly after, Clover trotted over beside her. " Hey sis, you called? " She smiled up to Scarlet. " C.C, we have to talk. " Author's Note Dear Reader This is my first time writing a story, that is public to anyone but myself. Praise and Criticism will be received with great joy, especially criticism, as I want to grow as a Writer. But, please don't be a troll. Be fair with your criticism and I will be so happy. As for the story, I'm planning on making this story rather lengthy. I have so many great ideas for this story, so I hope you're up for many chapters and a lot of waiting! Haha, who am I kidding, no one likes to be forced to wait. I still do hope you'll be patient with me and support me along the way. ( I am open to hear new ideas for the story, but please note: I will NOT put your OC into my story, unless it fits into the story line )
Chapter 2 - Decision" Scarlet, I'm not quite sure if I understand it all..." Clover said, overwhelmed and looked at Scarlet with big eyes. " I know its quite the story, C.C, but its real. I'm not lying, " Scarlet assured her little sister and let her hoof on Clover's shoulder. " But... Are you sure its not a scam? Maybe this... Princess, works for the debt collectors. Maybe she has a crazy power to persuade people, even in their dreams. " " I have thought of that and I know we have to be cautious, but... I dunno why, but I believe her, " Scarlet looked around in the alleyway, she had taken Clover to, so they could talk in peace. " I really believe. That she sincerely wants the best for us. That's what my gut tells me. " Clover touched her chin, like she always do when she thinks. " OK, lets say we follow your gut feeling and journey to this Equestria. Then what if it is a trap? " " We will take precautions, of course. We'll think of an escape plan, if Princess Luna is trying to fool us and capture us for the debt collectors. " Scarlet smiled and nuzzled Clovers mane. " You are not Clever Clover for nothing, right? Your plans have saved us many times from getting captured. " Clover smiled proudly, it was obvious she loved it when her big sister complimented her. " OK, fine, you have convinced me. Equestria do sound like a better place than Saddle Arabia... " She said, full of hope. " But then we have to gather a lot of supplies. Clothes, food, water, etc. " " Yeah, I know. If you take care of stealing diverse food supplies, I'll gather water and clothes... and a compass. " Scarlet said and kissed Clovers forehead. " We'll rendezvous in front of the Hoofein Gate in an hour. OK? " " Got it! Good luck, big sis! " Clover said enthusiastic and trotted out of the alleyway and towards the food market. Scarlet moved a bit more carefully, unseen from the authorities. Especially the guards. She looked calmly around and stole bit by bit, so people didn't notice. Shit, I really do hope there will be no problems, getting out of this city... We really don't need to be chased after guards or mercenaries in the Antlion Mountains... The Antlion Mountains was famous for its dangerous trails. Only the mountain goats could freely travel through the trails and steep cliffs. They had to take many precautions and be very careful while traveling through the Antlion Mountains. One wrong move and they could be falling to their deaths. Scarlet gulped a bit, thinking of the many dangers of the Mountains. The Mountains itself was dangerous, sure, but there were mountain lions, scorpions as big as an adult pony, eagles even bigger than the scorpions...! Scarlet had a tiny panic attack from worrying too much and sat down, to calm herself a bit. It is going to be all-right... We'll live through this... We have survived up until now, so it'll be fine... She sighed slowly and finally, she was calm again. She stood up and looked in her bag. OK, I only need leather water bottles and fill them with water. Scarlet trotted around, observing the different stores for what she was looking for. She finally found the leather bottles and tried to steal them without getting seen, but the store owner saw her and yelled angrily at her. " Hey! Thief! Pay for those leather bottles! " SHIT! Scarlet ran all what she could. " GUARDS! A THIEF HAVE STOLEN SOME OF MY WARES! " Guards came running to the store owner and ran after Scarlet. " COME BACK HERE THIEF! " Guards yelled after her, but she didn't stop running, not for a second. She could't get caught now, not when they finally had the chance to get a better life! She ran up and down stairs, jumped over small carriages running around sharp corners. Trying her hardest to shake the guards off her. For the love of anything holy...! These guards are fast! Scarlet thought, desperately looking around for a hiding spot. " I saw the thief over here! " She heard a guard yell nearby and jumped in an haystack, that was the best she could do under the circumstances. The guards arrived and searched frantically after her. " Don't let her get away! " One of the guards said, holding up a wanted poster " She's Red Robbera, a criminal and thief from Saddlelon. " Oh, great, now they won't stop searching for me. Scarlet gritted her teeth and thought of an escape plan. " Guards! I saw the thief run that way! " A very feminine and beautiful voice was all Scarlet could hear. " Thank you, ma'am! " The guards ran and soon after Scarlet could't hear the sound of metal, from the soldiers uniforms. " I know you are in there. " The voice said, close to the haystack Scarlet was in. Scarlet stood up from the haystack and brushed hay from her clothes. " Why did you help me? " Scarlet asked, looking at the mysterious pony that stood before her. The pony had a hood and a cape on, that covered her tall, slender body and the only thing you could see, was her beautiful blue eyes. The pony shrugged her shoulders and smiled. " Because I felt like it ~ " She answered and started trotting away. " ... Thanks. " Scarlet said and looked after the pony, who waved her hoof at her and soon was out of Scarlet's sight. " OK, have to meet Clover at the gate, " she said to herself and moved gently around, so she would't seem suspicious. " There you are! " Clover said, when Scarlet finally was at the gate. " What happened? " " Almost got caught by the guards. We have to leave right now. " Scarlet said in a low voice. " Be calm and relax, or we will probably be noticed by the gate guards. " She took her hood on and Clover did the same. Walking normally past the guards, they were out of the city and Clover sighed with relief. " Phew! I'm so bad at keeping my cool. " She said and took her hood off. " So, to the Antlion Mountains now? " " Yeah... " Scarlet looked at the Mountains from afar and bit her lip. " Clover. " She said in a serious voice and looked at her little sister. " This journey through the Antlion Mountains is going to be the hardest thing we have ever experienced. There will be many dangers and we have to be careful and observant all the time... And you have to do as I tell you, no exceptions. OK? " Clover nodded. " I know. I will. But, we can do this. We have survived in so many years, I'm positive we can live through this ordeal. " Clover said, with a sweet and encouraging smile. " When we are on the other side, in Equestria... It'll all be worth it. " Scarlet smiled, she had always been jealous at Clover, for her positive attitude and her hope for the future. She chuckled and hugged her little sister with one hoof. " You're right. When we have each other, we can survive anything. " Clover smiled brightly and hugged her sister back. " Yeah! " " Come on, we have to exploit the last sunlight of the day. It is too dangerous to travel in the night. " Scarlet said and began to move towards the Mountains. This would really prove to be one of the hardest and most difficult journeys they would ever do. Even so, many other journeys waited ahead of them. Some would be a struggle, some would be with company of other ponies. They would overcome many dangers. Many dangers their mind yet can't comprehend. But one thing is for sure. This is only the beginning. For a better future. Author's Note Argh, I can't believe some people actually have read the first chapter! Thank you so much, to everyone who have liked my story and even them who have disliked. It shows me that I'm an OK writer, but I have to become better. I will try my best to make this story more intriguing and interesting for you guys! I'll try to write the chapters a bit faster, so you don't have to wait too long Thanks for the faves too, makes my heart go all doki doki!
Chapter 3 - HazardousMany days passed. The Mountains was even more dangerous than the sisters anticipated. Twisting trails, sloping rocks, the hungry roar of the mountain lions. But even so, the two sisters pushed on, eager to finish their journey to Equestria. Scarlet looked at the compass in her hoof. " This way, Clover. " She said and moved carefully along the narrow trail that were before them. " Scarlet, can't we take a break soon? We haven't stopped for 5 hours straight. " Clover complained, obviously tired from all the walking. " And should't we be in Equestria now? We have traveled in this Mountain for a week now and we're running out of supplies soon. Both water and food. " " I don't know, OK Clover?! " Scarlet yelled and looked at Clover, with frustration in her eyes " And I know we don't have much food left! You don't have to remind me! I don't know how far there is to Equestria yet, the only thing I DO know, is that Equestria is North from the Mountains! " Clover looked surprised at Scarlet and a bit scared. " You don't have to yell, sis..." " Then don't complain and ask stupid questions! " Scarlet said angrily and kept on moving carefully. Clover bit her lip and looked up at Scarlet with a wronged look in her eyes. " Don't talk to me like that! I haven't done ANYTHING wro-! " In an instant, it all went wrong. Clover's hoof slid on a rock, that were on the trail and fell down the small cliff. " CLOVER!!! " Scarlet screamed, as she saw her little sister tumble down the cliff and rolled into an rock alley. " I'M COMING CLOVER! DON'T MOVE!! " Scarlet slid down the cliff and didn't pay attention to the small wounds she got from sliding. Finally, she was in the rock alley and ran over to Clover. " CLOVER! ARE YOU OK? " She asked, with panic and guilt in her voice. Clover coughed and tried to stand up, but could't. " I-I'm OK, Scarlet... But I think I may have strained my hoof... " She was covered in wounds and sand, her eyes was a bit red too, because of some dirt in her eyes. Scarlet sighed with relief " OK, at least you're not dead... " She took her leather water bottle and cleaned the worst looking wounds and tried to get the dirt out of her eyes. " Scarlet, don't! We don't have much water left! " Clover said and tried to stop her big sister. " There could go inflammation in your wounds or something. Your health is more important. " Scarlet continued. " But we'll die of thirst! " " We'll find some water soon. " Clover stopped arguing and bit her underlip. I really hope we do, She thought and sighed a bit " I'm sorry I yelled. I should't... " Scarlet said, with tears in her eyes. " This is all my fault. " " Its OK, big sis. Don't feel guilty. At least I'm not dead right? " Clover smiled, with a hint of laughter in her voice. " Seriously, how can you be so cheerful? You've just tumbled down a cliff and could have broken you neck or something! " " It will not help to cry about it. I may tumble and fall many times in my life, even be on the verge of death. But I'll still be happy and cheerful, because I have you by my side. " Clover said and hugged her big sister, which made Scarlet cry. " You idiot, don't be so sweet... " Scarlet mumbled and hugged Clover back. " I really don't deserve a sister like you. I just make you sad and am the reason you could have been dead or invalid the rest of your life... " " Come on, that cliff wasn't that tall anyway. The worst case scenario would be that I broke my leg. " Clover laughed " Either way, you're gonna have to carry me from now on. I can't walk on my sprained hoof. " " No problem. " Scarlet said and wiped her tears away " But first, a break. Lets hope we'll laugh about this when we get older. " She took food, split it between her and Clover and began to eat. " OK, we have 1/4 water back in this leather bottle and the other is empty. So spare on the water. " She said and gave Clover the leather bottle. Clover nodded and drank a bit, then ate her food. 20 minutes passed and Scarlet stood up. " Already? " Clover asked. " Yeah, we can't stay at one place for too long. Predators could be on our trail. " Scarlet answered and packed their stuff. She put the bags on Clover and put Clover on her back. " Lets go. Now we have to be even more careful where we walk. Too narrow trails is a no-no. " Scarlet began to walk, slowly, so it would't be unpleasant for Clover. Soon Clover fell asleep and Scarlet looked around while she moved forward. Hours passed, before Clover again was awake. She rubbed her eyed and looked around. " mhm... " " Morning, sleepyhead. Slept well? " Scarlet asked and kept on walking. " Slept OK... Aren't you tired, Scarlet? You've carried me for... How long? " " Probably 3-4 hours, I think, " Scarlet said " But don't you worry, I'll soon take a break. You are kinda heavy ~ " " HEY! " Clover said irritated and made Scarlet laugh. " Sorry, sorry, just teasing ya. " Clover mumbled something and crossed her hoofs, while pouting her lips. " Aw, come on, don't be mad, C.C. " Scarlet said and smiled. " I actually think we may be in Equestria soon. " " What makes you think that? " Clover asked. " The humidity have changed a bit and the Mountain isn't as full with sand as before. " Scarlet walked on a wide trail, that led upwards. " That's good, hopefully we'll find a city soon, after we have entered Equestria. " Clover said cheerfully and looked around. True enough, there wasn't as much sand as before and small flowers were growing from the cracks all around the Mountain. " Haven't even seen these flowers before! " Scarlet had. Those flowers were the same as in her dream, with Princess Luna. Help us the last bit of our journey, Princess... She thought and stopped up when she was on the top of the trail. " OK, lets take a rest behind that boulder. " Scarlet said and laid down Clover, ever so gently on the ground. " You don't have to be that careful, " Clover said with a grin and opened one of the backpacks. She took two apples and some flat bread and gave half to Scarlet " That's all we have left..." Scarlet sat down beside Clover and began to eat. " Its OK, we're so close to Equestria anyway, " she said with a smile and stretched her tired body. " After I've eaten, I have to sleep a bit. Can you be a lookout? " Scarlet asked and looked at her little sister. " Of course! You've carried me such a long way, so that's the least I can do, " Clover said and made a saluting gesture with her hoof, which made both the sisters laugh. " Thanks, C.C " Scarlet said and nuzzled her sisters hair and drank some water. " Here, the last of it is yours, " She said and laid down on the ground " Wake me in an hour. " " Will do, " Clover replied and drank the last bit of water they had. She then said upright and looked observantly around them. Some time later, Clover were almost asleep, from just sitting. But a sound woke her up from her daze and she looked around, with watchful eyes. " Scarlet... Scarlet! " She whispered and poked her big sister, who made a mumbling sound. " 5 more minutes... " " Scarlet, I heard something! " Clover said, scared half to death. Scarlet immediately woke up and looked around. She smelled the air and slowly stood halfway up. " Pack our things and put them on your back. Do it as silently you can. " She whispered and looked out from the boulder, they were resting behind. She then froze. No. NO. NO! This can't be happening! She hid behind the boulder again, white as a ghost and didn't breathe. " Scarlet, what is it? " Clover asked, with the bags on her back, now even more scared after seeing the look on Scarlet's face " Assassins! " Author's Note Hey all! Sorry for the delay with this chapter, but had a creative block yesterday. I know I promised to publish this yesterday, but I don't want to rush my story. I'd rather take some extra time, so I know what I'm writing isn't complete bull crap Hope you'll like this chapter too and have a good day!
