Chapters All was quiet in the woods. Or what had used to be a green forest. Now all that was left was death and decay. The smell of it hung over everything. It clung to the burned, charred bark of the trees. It rose up out of the dusty, grey earth and mixed with the taste of the water.
Most knew that it was just a side-effect of all the bodies strewn across the wasteland. Burned and mangled beyond recognition, anything out in the open when the bombs fell two years ago was left to rot as the those who survived manage in the battles after.
There was peace here. The sun above struggled to push it's rays of light through the dark purple and grey clouds above. Small woodland creatures struggled to find food among the decay and ash. But the two Federation soldiers who marched through the Devastation was oblivious to all this.
As the two Furies trudged along, stepping over the fallen trunks of dead trees and kicking up ash they made there way along an old road. It was more of a well worn path through a withered forest. One of the soldiers , who was a cat spoke up to his taller, rabbit partner.
"Hey crash, do you hear that"? Asked the cat as he looks around. "Sounds like music".
The forest around them had been quiet calm and devoid of sound but now there was distant music. A faint bouncy jazz including many strange instruments could be heard floating throughout the burned trees. Crash shrugged walking ahead of the cat as they continued to march.
"No I don't now focus on what's important Colby". replied Crash "I think you had too much catnip".
They both knew that once they were through the woods and across the border that everything was serious, but until then it kept there spirits high to joke around. Crash turned and glanced at Colby who had now put his paws up to his ears to block out the increasing melody.
He was about to make another joke when his whiskers started to quiver. Crash perked up his ears and soon he too could hear the bouncy music wafting through the air that was getting ever louder.
"Ok now I hear it, it's one of them sprite-bot things from Equestria".
"Yea well if it does not shut up it will get a belly full of metal to choke on".
Said Colby as he patted the gun slung across his back.
The music suddenly stopped and the forest was quiet. Crash and Colby both stopped and crouched low. Colby pulls out his rifle and peers through the trees waiting.
"Huh...maybe it got bored of it's own music". Colby turned in a half circle before getting up grinning. "I swear that thing could understand my threat hahaha".
Before Colby could move a muscle the music starts back up again as loud as ever right behind him. He jumps up yelling out on shock as a small metal ball with wings appears behind him.
"Oh fuck"!!!
Colby spins around to face the metal thing and sprays a clip of bullets into the machine. The bullets bounce of harmlessly with a metallic ping. With a shrill whine the sprite-bot flys off into the woods and disappears.
"I fucking hate those sprite-bots....there flying radios, there not supposed to sneak up on ya"! Exclaimed Colby pointing his gun into the woods as if expecting another spritebot to appear.
"How many times do I have to tell ya those things are practically invincible". Replied crash chuckling.
"As many times as it takes until I kill one". Replied Colby curtly shouldering the rifle and facing crash.
Crash looks at him in amusement and keeps trudging on. They continue through the woods with the only sounds being the distant music of the sprite-bots and the crunching of dirt under there feet.
"You know, I wonder if Kris is ok back at the Capitol, ya know with the recent air-raids"? Asked Colby.
Crash only shrugged remembering there childhood friend kris. When they were young, Crash and Colby had been interrogated and sentenced to life in prison. She was the one who had saved them and forced them to join in the military.
"Yea she's fine, being the kings daughter and all I bet she is in some bunker under the Capitol city".
Colby scoffed at that shaking his head. "Does not seem fair when you think about it, you wonder why were actually loosing this war".
Crash stopped and look at him with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean? Are you suggesting the Monarchy is to blame for the recent defeats along the border".
"Yea you could say that. We have lost over half of our country while those Pompous Fools sit in the Capitol and do nothing". Colby thought for a moment wondering wether that was true or not.
Crash shrugs and keeps walking and Colby follows behind a few paces before speaking up again.
"Remember when you had the crazy idea of overthrowing the King, and I changed your mind to make you rebel and get us both thrown in jail"?
Crash chuckles at this and grins at Colby. The chirping of some kind of bird echoed around them. Soon a whole flock of them take off startling the two furies as they ascend into the pale sky above.
Crash walks over and stands next to crash watching the birds fly out of sight "We have gotten ourselves into some deep shit together, and not once have we doubted each other". He lightly pats Colby on the back grinning.
Colby smacks him on the back in return and keeps walking with a grin on his face "don't get all sappy with me, it's not always been fun and games". Replied the cat soldier who just smirked and walked away along the path.
"Hehe remember when we were scaling the wall in the palace and you touched the electric fence haha, you were out cold and kris had to give you mouth to mouth to wake you up".
Colby was in front of crash but he could still tell he was blushing. The forest around them had gotten quiet and crash looked around with worry. He pulled out his bow and held it to his side.
In front of him Colby had stopped and turned to him frowning. "Don't say anoth-".
The next few seconds was chaos as and explosion sounded behind them sending dirt and bark flying into the air. In a split second crash had dropped his bow and tackled Colby as another explosion went off even closer.
KA-BOOOM!!!!
More dirt rained down on the two furies as they rolled next to a downed log taking shelter from the explosions around them. Crash wiped a smudge of dirt off his face and yelled at Colby struggling to be heard above the noise.
"WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT WERE THEY ARE"!!!
Colby nodded and grabbed his rifle springing up and leaping over the log in one smooth motion. The Popping sound of gunfire rang out in every direction as at least a dozen Camouflaged enemy's sprung up around them.
Colby ducked back down behind the log and reloaded his gun. "THERE ARE HUMANS IN A CIRCLE AROUND US AND CLOSING FAST"!!! Exclaimed Colby covering his head from the dirt raining down from the continuing explosions.
Crash smiled and inserted a yellow and black arrow tip onto a shaft and pulled back the string. He aimed it directly up and fired into the trees above. Colby knew exactly what was about to happen.
"GET READY TO DUCK"!
Both of the furies ducked down at the last second as the arrow came back down. In a scream of wind the arrow plunged into the earth and detonated sending a ring of fire and smoke out in all directions. The effect was devastating as the screams of human soldiers were silenced by the fire. Soon all was silent.
Crash and Colby wearily crawled out from under the log and looked around. The area around them was black and charred in a complete circle with the bones of the human soldiers sticking out of the ashes, completely devoid of flesh. The two celebrated and fist bumped.
"YEA!!! TAKE THAT"!!!
Colby fist pumped the air and walked over to the closest human remains. He raised his weapon and aimed at the skull sending a few rounds into it.
"How's it feel now you bloody BASTARDS"!!!!
Crash folded his bow up putting it into his quiver. He walks over to Colby and pats him on the shoulder grinning.
"This ones personal".
"You can say that again"!
"Let's head back to the ship and report in Colby , we make the final approach tomorrow".
"Sure thing".
Colby shoulders his rifle and goes over and picks up his bag slinging over his shoulder. Crash bounds over and picks up his bag. The two soldiers make there way through the trees towards a rocky area. They kick up dust while they walk.
Walking down a small hill Colby jumps down the edge of a cliff and onto a dry river bed. Behind him crash stands on the cliff and perks his ears up. The distant rumblings of a storm could be heard over the usual sounds of the wasteland. Crash jumps down and with speed bounds over to Colby stopping next to him his eyes full of alarm.
"There is a MAJOR storm coming Colby we need to high tail it to the ship now".
Colby nods in agreement. "I can't agree with you more let's go"! He grips his gun more tightly grinning.
They both set off running down the dark, pebbly path of the river bed as the sounds of the storm get closer. Crash bounds ahead of Colby with his long legs as they make there way around a bend. The forest begins to clear and a giant rocky outcropping splits the river in two.
"Were not gonna make it before the storm breaks"!!!
"We will trust me"!
"Forget that there's an old cave nearby".
"Come on Colby it's just up ahead"!
They sprint towards the rocks and a cave could be seen were two large grey stones had toppled over creating an opening. The wind was fierce now and small pebbles from the river bed fly around in the air. Actually, the air was thick with dust and small pebbles.
Crash reached the crack in the rocks first bounding into the shadows. Colby stumbled outside after him as the storm began to grow in power. Thunder boomed closer now and the first specks of rain began to fall. He was just about to make it before a pebble about the size of a golfball, sailed through the air and connected with his jaw.
"SON OF A BI"! Cried Colby as he fell to the ground with a thud.
Crash watched from the mouth of the cave as Colby went down hard. Cursing under his breath he bounded out to him ignoring the stinging pain of the wind and the rain. Colby was sprawled on his back with his eyes closed, a dribble of blood foamed from the corner of his mouth pooling on the ground.
"Stay with me buddy!! I'll get you out of here".
With a grunt of pain, Crash hoisted the limp body of his partner on to his shoulder and bounded into the cave. Not a moment too soon just as the full downpour of rain came down, weeping for what it has done to the two companions. Crash struggled to Cary Colby into a large alcove beneath the rocks.
"Dammit Colby, your stronger then this". Exclaimed crash as he set Colby down further in the cave.
Looking around, Crash put his supplies down and his quiver and set to tending to his friends injuries. A groan of pain came from Colby and he opened his eyes weakly.
"There we go, the big bad storm put you on your ass again"?
Colby nodded painfully before leaning over coughing up drops of blood. He leaned back looking up at crash with a grin.
"Ugh..you know me...too well buddy".
"Yeah unfortunately I'm stuck with you".
They both chuckled at that as the storm raged outside. The wind howled but inside, the two furies felt safe under the rocks. Crash got up brushing the dust from his fur.
"I'm gonna get a fire started, you rest up that pretty face of yours".
"Why how bad is it".
"Trust me you don't want to know".
Colby smirked and rubbed his jaw. "It feels like it's swelling".
"You look like a drunk Minotaur...good thing you were not pretty before, not much has changed".
"You just wait crash".
Crash grinned and moved back to his supplies. Shuffling through the bag he pulled out a small box of matches. Looking around he saw plenty of useful pieces of wood, as if others have used this cave as a camp or home.
He gathered up a handful putting them into an old fire-pit in the center of the cave. Lighting a match, he threw it into the wood setting them ablaze and in a few minutes a warm fire blazed sending shadows across the walls if the cave. Crash sighed in relief and leaned against the wall of the cave in the warmth of the fire.
"Ahhhh, much better...we should be able to get back to the ship once the storm stops".
"Yeah I hope...this damn storm does not tear it to shreds".
"I'm not worried, if it does Colby you can just put it back together like usual".
Colby grinned at the mention of his passion. He always had a knack for machines and other stuff of the sorts. Ever since the Humans had landed in Equestria, there technology has been learned and improved upon. But there are still many mysteries beyond engines and guns. He actually used human firearms after learning and understanding how all the components went together.
"It's getting late crash, we should get some sleep and set out to the ship in the morning"
"I could not agree with you more. How ya feeling"?
"My face feels like one of those Human spicy peppers".
Crash snickered imagining that in his head. "Ouch that has got to suck".
"Yeah it does".
"Well you get comfortable...this cave is a hidden secret...no need to keep a watch".
"You sure Crash"?
"Yeah...positive".
Colby lays down on the ground across the fire from crash. Yawning, crash himself lays down using his large ears as pillows. In a few minutes the two tired furies are asleep peacefully and the only sounds are the crackling of dying embers in the fire and Colby's soft snores.
The next day, Colby was awoken by the steady drumming of rain on the roof of the cave. He sat up looking at the smoldering remains of the fire, the smell of smoke tickled his nose. Across the fire Crash stirred a bit as well and let out a groan. There supplies lay scattered across the floor of the cave and a soft dripping noise came from farther back in the darkness. A little light shone through the entrance to the cave.
Colby spared a glance out of the cave to see a light mist had cumulated over the night and hung just above the ground. The air was quiet cold probably due to the rain and the fog. Crash sat up as well shaking his head in drowsiness. He looked around at the state of the cave and there situation and yawned in satisfaction.
"Hey Colby? Is the storm gone"? Asked Crash gazing at the fire.
"No not yet...it's just a light rain".
"Hmm not too bad".
"I hate the rain". Replied Colby shivering at the thought of getting wet.
"Don't worry, you'll survive".
Colby rolled his eyes and got up dusting the dirt off of his fur and pants. Outside, it seemed as if the mist was disappearing but the light rain showed no signs of stopping. They had slept very well last night considering the thunder and lightning. Of course with the storm no one would dare try to find there little cave. So in comparison it all worked out.
Colby walked over to the remains of the fire and began prodding at it with a stick. "You think there's enough heat left in the fire to cook some breakfast"?
"Hm I don't know, guess without a watch there's no one to keep the fire going".
"good point...well it's worth a shot right"? Replied Colby moving a few more charred sticks around. "Well next time we gotta keep a watch no matter what".
"Right". Agreed Crash.
Colby nodded shuffling back to where he slept. He dug in his back pack for a few seconds before pulling out a few pale rectangle bars. They looked hard and in-edible but made out of a substance that when cooked, packed enough nutrition to keep you going for days. It was not as good as the farm fresh food they were used too but in war time it was better than nothing.
"This stuff makes me sick, but at least it fills you up" said Colby moving back to the fire.
"Thank goodness for that"
"Amen"
Colby laid a bunch of discarded sticks across the top of the hole. He then laid the two pale blocks across the sticks and In a few minutes the edges of the substance began to bubble. Crash and Colby watched in silence as the rain outside continued to fall. The sound was almost peaceful threatening to send the two furies back to sleep and forget the whole war.
"Hmm success" said Crash watching Colby flip the rectangles. He yawned again stretching his paws to the roof of the cave. It was still early but they had to get back to there ship before mid-day.
"At least this time it does not smell"
"Yeah last time the odor put you on your rear end". Said Crash chuckling at the thought of the first time Colby had tried to eat the ration bars. They had opened up the packages and Colby took one whiff and was out cold for the next few hours.
"Well I can't complain crash, this is better than what the main army gets". Replied Colby hiding a blush.
"The best luxury in the apocalypse". Noted crash as the cave filled with the odor of the cooking bars.
They both chuckled at that watching the food cook. A few minutes later they had eaten there tasteless meal and were getting ready to move out.
Crash grabbed his pack and hoisted it over his shoulder along with his quiver.
"You ready my friend"? Asked Crash as he stood by the entrance to the cave.
"Ready to get soaked you mean"?
"Yup let's go ya big baby".
Colby groaned as they jogged out of the cave back onto the dry river bed, or what used to be. Know it was a ankle deep grey stream moving fast. Wading through a rather slow part of the current they made there way up the bank and back into the forest. By now the mist had dissipated and the rain not as heavy.
"Hope our good luck holds out and that storm continues to move away". Said Colby as they slowed to a walk.
"Were does weather like this come from? It was never like this before the war"
"Well you do know that the Flying ponies had the job of maintaining the weather"?
Crash stopped and rolled his eyes. "Ponies controlling the weather? That's about as Nuts as this war"
"I swear, they coordinated the patters from a flying city in Equestria"!
"So where are they now"?
"Well as far as I know...a hundred years ago a war happened between the Zebras and Ponies and the flying city was destroyed...now Equestria is in ruins again because of the humans".
Crash sighed and continued to walk stepping over the dead plants in there way. Colby followed holding his rifle high grinning. The mist here was thicker than before but still could be seen through.
"So what happened to all the ponies"? Asked Crash
"Some were Sold by slavers around the world, others survived in Underground bunkers called stables...but all that were above ground are probably dead".
"Do you think we will find any of them? Have you ever seen or met one"?
"Yes a few times, there's a cook at the palace who is a unicorn, he always brought me a little extra somedays".
"Wow, I never knew". Exclaimed Crash.
Colby shrugged and continued on. Soon they came to a broad dirt path. Wheel ruts and tire tracks covered the wide expanse of the road. Dead trees lined both sides of the road and It wound it's way into the distance in both directions.
"I think we better stay off the main roads". Said Colby. He pointed towards the dirt road.
"Whys that"?
"Because the Humans use these as supply routes for the invasion army. Remember when we had to destroy the bridge down south".
"Oh yea".
About two weeks ago they were given the task of destroying a large, stone bridge crossing the divide; a deep narrow gorge running across the country separating it in two. There was only five bridges operational at the time that spanned the gap. They, as a part of a larger mission to isolate the rest of the country and stop the flow of resources to the Hr forces. Of course they had to blow up all the bridges. They succeed but only after loosing a close friend.
Crash looked at Colby remembering that mission and the pain it brought to mind. "Please don't remind me..."
"Rico did his duty, and so are we, that's what we are".
Crash looked at him with fire in his eyes. "Were what? Expendable?!!" He stopped and stood straight his fists clenched. The air around them seemed to heat up as they stared at each other.
"No Crash that's not it...were freedom fighters protecting this damn country". Colby spat back wiping a bit of sweat trickling down his forehead. Maybe it was getting hotter. "You need to calm down ok we will get our new orders against the Hr and be on our merry way".
"I hate them, I really do, they will pay". Said crash through clenched teeth.
"Well after we get back to the ship we can have some more revenge".
Crash nodded in return grinning. A few seconds later his ears perked up and he glanced down the road. Colby noticed it too smelling the air his whiskers quivering. The dirt road was just wide enough for two of those mechs to stand shoulder to shoulder. The dead forest provided little cover allowing whatever was coming down the road a good view in all directions.
"You sense it too right"? Asked Colby.
"Yeah due south, somethings coming". Replied Crash peering down the road. "A lot of something's to be exact".
"Humans"? Said Colby raising an eyebrow the line of his mouth curving into a grin.
"By the sound of it". Said crash quietly. He sniffed the air a few times wincing at the scent of oil and smoke. "Definitely Humans".
"Maybe revenge will come a little earlier".
Turning, the two furies retreated back into the forest a ways. Ducking under what available cover there was they watched the road intently. A few minutes later a steady humming could be heard. Shouting and rough voices drifted in the air as well. A few birds took off into the air due to the disturbance of the peace.
"A convoy, just as I thought". Exclaimed Crash pulling out his bow. He shifted on his back legs looking out as he pulled out another red arrow. His custom built Arrow heads could be interchangeable for different tasks. They were also color coated.
"Are you sure? It does not sound like those things they call trucks". Said Colby looking over his shoulder then he added; "there has been no activity up here lately".
"Trust me, and if it's not then we will find out once they come into view".
He nods taking position ready to fight. The sounds get louder as the convoy of humans grow closer. Leading the troop is a boxing tank. With a wicked looking cannon mounted on the front. The whole thing floated a few inches off the ground. Crash inhales quickly fear rushing into him.
"Damn it Colby I was wrong they got tanks we can't stand up to them".
Colby shakes his head grinning courage taking hold again "Come on, we can take them"
"No, let's get out of here before they spot us". Replied crash shaking his head.
"All right I trust you".
The two furrys shuffle away from the cover of the log. Once they are out of sight they begin to sprint away into the forest leaving the ship far behind. They soon slow to a walk heading north towards the landing place of there airship.
"I could never tell those human contraptions apart". Said Crash calmly.
"Neither could I, but a good human is a dead human and that's the way I like to see them". Replied Colby. "They all deserve to die".
"Well good luck with that my friend, as far as I know there numbers are growing".
Colby stopped and looked at him in wonder. "They came down in spaceships and those mech things, I think they outnumbered us and were prepared for this".
"If you say so crash".
They continued to trudge for a few more hours. The sun was high now about mid-day. It was very hard to tell. After about another thirty minutes they reached a ravine. Peering over the edge Colby whistled in surprise. The ravine was about twenty meters across. Just wide enough for an airship. The walls were a dark grey and very rocky.
"Man, ya know this seems deeper then I remember".
Crash shrugged and pulled out his bow. He attached a green arrow to it and pulled back aiming into the ravine. He let it fly and in a puff of steam two grappling hooks burst from the arrow. One heading down into the darkness and the other backwards into a nearby tree. A length of rope connected the two.
"There we go, should be strong enough to hold us". Said crash testing the strength of the rope.
"Yeah sure it is". Replied Colby warily grabbing the rope. Wrapping his hands around he shuts his eyes and jumps off the edge sliding down into the darkness". "AHHHHhhhhh"!
Crash watches in amusement as Colby's cries faded into the darkness. He grinned and grabbed the rope swinging over the edge and into the darkness. He shut his eyes and within moments his feet hit the rocky ground at the bottom of the ravine.
"Well then". Said crash. "That was easier said then done".
Colby stood there shaking in fear and anger. "It was way easier to climb out then slide in"
"If you say so". Replied Crash smugly.
"Ok where did we park the ship?" Asked Colby peering into the darkness. Even with his cat eyes he could not make out anything in the inky blackness of the ravine floor.
Crash fumbled in his side bag and pulled out a skinny yellow cylinder. "Well then, let there be light." With a strike of a match he lit a fuse and the yellow tube exploded in light.
Colby watched in amusement as crash threw the flare deeper into the ravine. "Easier said then done"
"Yes now let's have a look around shall we, tell me if you-"
"Found it!" Called Colby cutting his partner off. He stood on the edge of a cliff looking down to where the flare was burning.
"We could jump down, why did we park it down there?"
"Beats me, that was three days ago"
Crash shrugged and bounded over next to Colby. In the darkness they could make out the faint outline of the ship glowing in the light of the flare. Dropping over the edge, Crash landed a few seconds later on his rabbit feet. Colby came down a few seconds later landing on all fours.
"Can all cats do that?" Asked crash as he watched Colby get up.
"That's just a superstition that was spread to increase moral"
"Oh"
They both looked around spotting the flare a little ways away. Right next to it was an odd shaped wooden craft. It had the appearance of a sailing ship and would look more at home on the high seas then at the bottom of a rocky ravine. The only thing that separated the ship from it's sea counterparts, was the addition of two giant hydrogen balloons attached to the top.
Colby cursed as he tripped a bit reaching the smooth wooden side of the ship. "Darn thing, it's about as old as the federation itself".
"What do you expect them to give to a suicide mission".
Colby shot him a glare in the dimming light of the flare. Walking around the ship they found a dangling rope. In a few minutes they had hoisted themselves onto the deck of the ship. Colby wasted no time starting the engines and activating the floodlights. Beams of light pierced the darkness in front and behind the ship.
"Home sweet airship away from home". Said Crash sitting on a chair inside the main cabin.
"Well it's better then walking" replied Colby, who was fiddling with an old radio at the back of the cabin.
"Yeah"
Cursing, Colby turned a few more knobs and waited. "I can't get this thing to work, any ideas?"
Crash shrugged and walked over. He looked at the radio for a minute before giving it a good kick with his foot. The radio sputtered and crackled to life.
Colby watched in silence shaking his head. "Your logic with technology always amazes me".
"It was instinct I think".
Colby nodded and turned back to the radio. He put on a headset and turned a few knobs. He talked for a bit with other soldiers on the other end before turning the radio off. He took off the headset and turned to Crash who waited patiently.
"What's the news Colby....are we going home?"
Colby sighed and grinned. "No...we have one more mission, let's get to it"
A few hours later they had resupplied and made there way out of the ravine. They walked for a few hours well into the heat of the day. Bugs buzzed around them. Colby swatted at them as they walked but crash stopped suddenly.
"Hold up Colby, there's something up ahead". Interrupted Crash his ears perking up.
"Oh now what? Not even a mile away and you already sense trouble?" Said Colby.
"Shush!!!" Replied crash annoyingly.
"Ok ok sorry, let's go"
Crash nods and pulls out his bow unfolding it and slowly sliding a green arrow into it. Through the mist the blurry shape of a creature could be seen. It was walking away from them and was oblivious to there presence.
They got within a couple meters before stopping. Colby raised his gun and pressed a finger to his lips. Crash nodded and started to count down from three silently. They both jumped out into a clearing startling a rugged, yet beautiful pony.
Crash and Colby looked on at the startled pony in front of them. The pony was dirty and covered in soot but seemed happy eating a small bag of apples. Lowering his Bow Crash chuckled at the sight before them. The pony was a bright yellow with a purple mane and tail.
"Don't worry Colby, it's just one of them dam Equestrian folk you were talking about". Scoffed Crash.
"I can see that ya hair ball".
Colby lowered his gun and took a few steps towards the pony. It dropped the apple that was in it's mouth and let out a shriek of terror.
Colby jumped back in surprise his paws going for the rifle.
"Hey put that gun away before ya kill someone you stupid Feline"! Exclaimed Crash grabbing the gun out of Colby's hands.
"I'm just being careful that pony has gone feral"!
"Or maybe you just scared it shit-less with your ugly face"! Yelled Crash.
Colby shook his head and turned gazing into the grey, misty forest. Crash folded his bow and slowly put it back into the Quiver. He carefully approached the pony who was now curled up on the ground hiding her face and shaking. Crash laid a paw on the ponies back and her head shot up.
"AHHHH No PLEASE No"!!
Screamed the pony her eyes darting back and forth in fear. "IM NOT GOING BACK!! Please!!"
Crash put a paw around her mouth and hugged her until she stopped screaming. After a minute he let her go and she slumped to the ground with her eyes closed. Crash stood up and took a few steps back.
"did ya kill her Crash"? Asked Colby walking up behind him.
"no, I think she just wore herself out and fainted, poor thing looks like she's been through hell and back".
Colby nodded looking at the scratches and dirt covering the ponies yellow coat. It was obvious she has been living rough. On the other hand, materials and stable living were hard to come by due to the war. Fresh fruit such as those apples were even more rare.
"I think we should stay the night here until this pony wakes up".
"Yea good idea, if she ever does wake up she looks half starved".
"But she has those apples, there pretty darn rare these days".
Crash shrugs and takes off his quiver setting it on the ground behind him. Colby does the same taking his backpack off as well. He then retrieves two rolled up mats and lays them out.
"I bet she stole them from the Hr, they seem to eat the same foods as us".
"Possibly, to be honest I think she grew them...with her magic! Look"!
Colby points at the horn on top of the ponies head. Crash walks over and kneels in front of the sleeping pony getting a better look.
"Magic huh? Well that is about as crazy as you swimming Colby".
"You won't believe anything about ponies even when there's one right in front of you"?
"Nope, you might as well give up".
Colby glares at crash and sits down on his mat. Behind him the last rays of the sun could be seen poking through the purple green sky. The mist had cleared and the burned trees stood silent watching them.
"Man this place gives me the creeps...ever wondered what it was like before they arrived here"?
Crash shrugged and got back up brushing the grey dust on his fur. He moves over to sit down on his own mat and proceeds to go through Colby's bag of provisions. They had packed only a few essentials to take on the hike to the HR base.
"Beats me, when they attacked I was stuck underground in a prison chained to you".
"Yeah, those were the days...even though we were stupid the whole world made sense".
"So your saying us being stuck out here running errands for a Government full of cowards is not normal"? Replied crash raising an eyebrow and grinning.
Colby chuckled at this and laid down looking up at the sky. It was too dark by now to see anything and the world above them had turned into a hazy purple/Black Sky. Crash pulled out a water canteen and unscrewed the cap taking a few swigs before handing it to Colby.
"Thanks, what do we have left"?
"Two more canteens of water, some of those tasteless ration bars, some matches, a length of good rope and a map of this region."
Colby nodded and took a few sips of the water before twisting the cap on and handing it back. Crash returned all the supplies back to the bag and lays down as well.
"Should we make a fire crash"?
"Without the trees or any cover a fire would be a beacon to anything in a fifty mile range".
"But it's cold, are you sure"?
Crash rolls over and closes his eyes letting out a sigh.
"Yes I'm sure Colby now get some sleep, were almost to the target and we need to have the strength to fight...and deal with the pony".
"She will be quiet the handful".
"Well if it's anything like the kids back at the palace this will be fun".
Colby nods and rolls over as well and soon the forest is quiet again except the Distant music and the snoring of the two companions.
The next morning Colby is woken up to a fierce wind blowing over the camp. Getting up he shivers a bit noticing that the sun could not be seen through the morning sky. At least he thought it was morning, the dark sky; now a deep red and purple could never be used to tell the time.
He picks up his rifle and slings it over his back looking over the camp. The pony was curled up next to Crash looking quiet peaceful. He noticed her bag of Apples were gone. Probably blew away or taken by wild creatures. He shrugged and brushed some dirt off his back and shivered a bit more reminding him of the cold. He looked over to his companion.
Crash snored and stirred a bit and Colby took the incentive to give his rabbit companion a slight nudge with his foot. In reflex crash shot out and slapped his foot rolling over moaning. It would appear not even the chilling cold of a morning without the rising sun would wake someone from deep sleep. Or a rabbit furry with a habit of sleeping like a king.
"Goooo away"!
Colby chuckled a bit and gave him a rougher push with his foot and was met with another slap and a louder moan of annoyance. Colby tried again getting the same results. The pony across the camp started to stir a bit.
"Come on crash get up"!
"Mmmmmmmm noo"
"I thought I was the day sleeper but I guess not, we gotta hit the road"!
Crash was silent for a bit and Colby thought he had fallen back asleep. Eventually waiting patiently was getting frustratingly difficult for him. He soon grabbed the blanket that crash had wrapped himself in and pulled as hard as he could. In a matter of seconds the blanket popped free sending crash rolling into the dust. It was a sight for sore eyes.
"HEY?!!"
Colby took a step back laughing his head off while the pissed of rabbit got up stamping his foot on the ground spraying the dust that was clinging to his fur into the air. He stood there with his fists clenched glaring at Colby.
"That was a stupid move Colby I'm gonna strangle you"!
Colby takes a few steps back chuckling and holding his hands
out.
"Easy there buddy I'm just
trying to help you out".
"Well you could of done it in a polite, sweet manner"!!
Colby rolls his eyes and shrugs. He walks over and starts to put all the supplies back into there bags. He half listens to Crash's rant as he rolls up there sleeping mattresses.
"You could of said please, or given me breakfast in bed or something". Yelled crash still standing there fuming.
"Yea you would of magically heard me say please in your sleep".
"The breakfast in bed would wake me up".
"Hehe sure it would". Scoffed Colby rolling his eyes at the thought of making crash a buffet in bed.
Colby finished packing the last of the supplies into a bag. Slinging it over his back he grabbed his rifle and turns back to crash. He looks at Colby with crossed arms and a grin on his face.
"Trust me Colby, You know the smell of a hot meal would have woken me up".
They both laugh at that as the sun Finally shines it's way weakly through the clouds. The wind dies down a bit and in there loudness the pony behind them stirs and wakes.
She looks up at them In fear "Uh...um hello"?
The two furry soldiers turn and look at the pony behind them in surprise. The forest is quiet again and Colby grins as crash takes a step towards the pony.
"It's good to see Your awake, how do you feel".
The ponies eyes look distant as she struggles to focus on the two furies. She takes a step forward cautiously not taking her eyes off of them. Crash and Colby watch patiently.
She sits down quietly looking up at them wide wide blue eyes. "I feel, cold...who...what are you"?
"Don't worry, were friends we won't hurt you". Said Crash holding his paws up smiling. "We don't mean you any harm".
The pony looked at him with wide eyes. She looked uncertain and hesitant of the two furies standing before her. She looked around blinking her eyes adjusting to the dim light.
"Uh..where...where are my apples"?
Colby chuckled rolling his eyes. "There gone, you passed out after we found you".
Crash held up a paw to silence his friend. "On the other hand can you please tell us who you are, and what your doing out here". He looked around motioning at the wasteland before adding: "alone"?
The pony thought for a few seconds before closing her eyes and tilting her head to the ground hiding her face in her mane. Behind crash, Colby let out a groan of frustration.
"This is hopeless, she won't talk and were wasting time".
Crash turned to face him quickly. "She needs our help and we can't leave her to die out here".
"She is a burden and a distraction to the mission". Replied Colby harshly weighing the rifle in his paws. "Let's shoot her and end her misery and be on our way".
Crash shook his head and glanced back at the pony who was still huddled on the ground. "No, that's wrong...if we do that we will be just as bad as the humans".
"Fine, then let's just go, give her a match and a ration bar and leave her alone".
"Ok, let me try one more time to get her to talk". Pleaded crash.
"Fine".
Crash silently thanked him before turning and kneeling in the dirt facing the pony. He spoke softly to her. Colby watched in amusement noticing it was getting lighter out.
"Hey, it's ok...we can help you".
Said crash softly to the pony. "Can you tell me your name"?
The pony stirred and looked up at him. A tear slid down her cheek dropping onto the grey dirt underneath them. She spoke in a soft voice that trembled but held more confidence than before.
"My my...names...sparkle dancer".
"Hi sparkle, I'm Crash...you can trust me". Said Crash smiling softly at her.
"H-Hi Crash". She smiled back pushing the hair out of her eyes with a hoof.
"Can you tell us what your doing out here"?
Sparkle shook her head slowly her eyes pleading as she looked up at him. Crash nodded understanding it would be hard to talk about something terrible. This pony was scarred for life but they needed to trust each other.
"I see how it is sparkle, but were on a mission...we can't take you with"
The ponies eyes grow wide again and she visibly starts to panic. Colby sighs and walks away grabbing the rest of there supplies. Crash keeps his attention on the pony and touches her mane softly.
"Hey come now sparkle...we will leave you here, then when were done we can come back for you". Said crash.
Sparkle smiles a little and looks up at him. She then stands up and takes a deep breath of air before turning around looking at the camp. In the next few seconds she had let out a bloodcurdling scream and dropped to the ground.
Crash bounded over to her in confusion. "Hey hey? What's wrong?"
Sparkle let out another scream and looked up from the fetal position she was in. Her eyes were full of fear but in a different way. With a whimper she lifted a hoof pointing into the misty distance of the burned forest. Crash and Colby followed her hoof before resting there gaze on hunk of steel in the distance.
Colby caught his breath and stepped back. "Oh shit."