Occult Rising

Wind awoke to find that Applespice had returned and had sat her head in his lap. He was stroking her hair and humming quietly.

"I recognize that song. What is it?" Wind asked as she sat up.

"It's just an old lullaby my mom used to sing to me." Applespice said as his face got red.

"It was beautiful." Wind said.

"Sorry, you looked like you were having a bad dream and that always helps me." He said.

"That's ok. I like it." Wind said as she gave him a kiss.

"What were you dreaming about anyway?" He asked.

"Nothing important." Wind lied, not wanting to tell him what Luna had said.

"Where's my mom? She not come back yet?" Wind asked.

"Not yet. I'm sure she's fine, though." He said with a reassuring look.

"I know. I just wonder who she needed to talk to." Wind said.

Applespice just shrugged. There was an awkward silence.

"So, what did my mom have you pick up from the store?" Wind asked.

Applespice picked up the bag he had beside him.

"She wanted me to get some ropes, a couple harnesses, and some wall climbing hooks." He said.

"I wonder what we need that stuff for." Wind said.

"Not sure. She did say something about chasm though. Maybe we're going to have to do some climbing." He said.

"Maybe. Hey, there she is. Who's that with her?" Wind asked as she pointed down the road.

Applespice squinted.

"I can't tell." He said.

As her mother got closer, Wind realized that it was her aunt Pinkie.

"Hi Wind!" Pinkie yelled as she got closer.

"How's my favorite niece?" Pinkie asked as she ran over and gave Wind a big hug.

"I'm fine, Pinkie. Can you put me down... you're kinda... crushing me." Wind said as she strained to breath.

"Oh, right. Sorry. Still getting used to the cybernetic parts." Pinkie said as she sat Wind back down.

"So, Dashie tells me we're all heading to Griffonstone." Pinkie said with a big smile.

"Pinkie, what have I told you about calling me that?" Dash asked as she walked up beside Pinkie.

"That only one pony can call you that. But, only when you're alone with him." Pinkie replied.

"And?" Dash asked.

"And if I keep doing it, you'll smack me." Pinkie replied.

"Very good. Now, back to what we were doing." Dash said.

"So, are we going to Griffonstone or not?" Pinkie asked.

"We are, Pinkie. We just have to get to the train in time. It leaves in like two minutes." Dash said.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Pinkie yelled as she grabbed Dash's arm and ran off toward the train station.

Wind and Applespice ran after them. Just as they got there, the train was pulling off. They ran and caught up to it, just as it was about to jump to full speed. They found seats and rode in silence. Wind looked around the train car, knowing that one of these people that she loved so dearly would not be coming back from this quest.