“Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…”
-Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I held the bag to my chest, eyes pointed downwards. The streets were beginning to crowd and I couldn’t risk staying any longer. I picked up the pace, weaving between the people suddenly becoming ever-present. I made my way to an alley and sped up to some in-between of walking and jogging. It’s inefficient but I can’t afford to go any faster. I had to conserve my energy. My already scarred feet were being cut up by different manners of debris as I hurried along my route. It’s not anything new and current matters are far more pressing.

As I made more progress the brick walls of buildings on either side of me began to signs of deterioration. Just a sign that I’m heading in the right direction. I decreased speed, giving myself a bit more time to observe my surroundings, make out my location. I looked around as I returned to a speed walk. The walls were nearly identical and if I wasn’t constantly in this area I would never know where I had been located. Simple enough, there are a few audio and visuals cues that I’ve come recognize: A sickly tabby cat, the skittering of a dozen or so roaches, a few browned patches of blood. The blood may or may not be mine but I have no way of telling. These clues appeared in other places but these were always familiar.

I clutched the bag tighter and returned to my jog-ish speed. It was only a matter of time before I reached my destination. It’s only a matter of time before something bad happens. I began to watch the shadows around me, daring them to try and deter me. The shadows seemed to sing and dance mischievously when I glared so I turned my attention away and focused on moving forward. The shadows continued their festivities and I continue moving. The sun was beginning to rise over the small bit of horizon my eyes are able to catch. I couldn’t see the sun at all but I could feel it making its way to the horizon. Even in its life-giving glory it gives me no joy to see the orb. It is just as threatening as cities and people it shines its light upon. It brought death upon people like myself.

The brick buildings soon gave way to ruins. Hollowed husks that were once homes. Some still are, decrepit as they might be. The dancing shadows didn’t dare follow me and remained within the shade of intact structures. The neighborhood of ruins was empty. A bad sign if a sign at all. If there were people in the open, then I’d be in the clear; I would have an idea of what was going and something was already serving as a distraction. As it was it seemed as if they have been waiting for a nice distraction. And people like me make a perfect one. I walked through the middle of ‘Ruin Road’, as I liked to call it, and just as I expected several people emerged from the buildings on either side of me. All men; that was expected as well.

They all closed in, attempting to surround me. I wasn’t in the mood to even play the victim. I pushed past the man who stood directly in front of me. That pissed him off quite a bit. He grabbed my shoulder, turned me around, and gave me a hard fist to the chin. The blow knocked me onto my back causing me to slam my head into the ground. My bag fell from my arms as well. As I said; not in the mood. I sat up, rubbing at my hip as if in pain. The man who had sent me on my back was in my face, likely spouting some idiotic drivel like ‘Scum like you should show respect to their superiors’. As I massaged my hip my hand came over a familiar object. I firmly grasp the hilt in my right hand and spring towards the man. I plant the blade into his solar plexus and with as much force as I can muster I bring the knife upwards, leaving it embedded at the base of his ribs.

I turned to leave, not caring to see my handiwork, and pick up my dropped bag. His screaming was surely going to attract a lot of unwanted attention. The men who were with him knew that as well; I could hear them scrambling for a place among the soon-to-be-gone shadows. ‘Tis only natural. Nobody cares for anyone in this world. The smallest bit of sunlight began to peek over the horizon. I had to hurry up. I had moved on and after a good minute I had my goal in sight and could hear people thundering about, no doubt drawn by that idiot’s wailing. I ran the last few yards and pushed open the door. Once inside I was almost immediately grabbed by the legs. I almost kicked in retaliation before looking down to see who had grabbed me. It was my little sister.

“I know I’m supposed to be in bed,” she- Lucy- says sadly. “But you weren’t here on time and I was afraid. I wanted so badly to go out and look for you. And then the screams…” I patted her head reassuringly. It’s okay. She simply nodded

I lifted her up with one arm and walked over to the coffee table which I then set her beside. She looked up at me with woeful green eyes, probably wishing that I would lift her once more. I released the bag I had been carrying from my grip and set it on the coffee table.

“What’s in it?” Lucy asks. I put a finger to my lip, grinning. I crouched down and opened the satchel. I removed a small plastic tray covered with foil. I pulled back the foil slowly. If there had been light in our little building my teeth would glint in it. A sweet aroma rose from the tray and Lucy smiled as well. I completely removed the foil, exposing the contents beneath.

I had brought her brownies and when Lucy saw them she practically started bouncing on her butt. I reached under the coffee table to grab a bread knife I’d taped there a while back. I find it and get to work cutting. Once I finished I took out a single brownie and hand it over to her. The joyful expression she had more than made up for my empty and imaginary wallet. I had a job. One that didn’t pay nearly enough. I played piano at some shady pub somewhere in town. My songs were never anything upbeat or chipper but nobody seemed to mind. The casual attendees at that place gave me so much praise about how my music seemed to awaken something in them. That they were feeling things they hadn’t felt in a while.

I didn’t need praise; I needed money.

For the last week I’d been saving up money to buy something sweet for Lucy. I didn’t regret it. Lucy was munching on her brownie happily, looking as though she had reached a new level of euphoria. I don’t enjoy sweets like Lucy does but these brownies do taste pretty good. Finishing a brownie off myself I rise from my position on the floor. I walk into what used to be a kitchen and open a cupboard. I pull out two cloaks; one considerably smaller than the other.

I moved back to Lucy and wrapped the smaller cloak around her. Aside from the cloak all she has on is a small white gown (Maybe more of a nightgown?). It was a miracle she didn’t freeze to death when I’m away. I put the foil covering back on the brownie tray and returned it to my satchel. I slip my arm through the strap, letting it rest on my shoulder. I pull on my own cloak and lift her the way princes of old supposedly carried princesses. I marched up the stairs with her in my arms. I came over the top and made my way towards the room at the end of short hallway. The door was already open so I stepped inside. The room was empty space with a lone mattress to the side. I laid Lucy upon it and took a spot next to her, opening my larger cloak so she could crawl inside.

I hugged her as close to me as possible as she did the same. I closed my eyes as I listened to her breathing and make the same promise I’ve made since she was born. Even though nothing was said she nodded against my chest. Her breathing slowed to the steady pace that came with sleep. I smiled. I smiled because she was my precious little sister and even if I never spoke she would always understand me. I began lose my grasp on the waking world and pulled her closer.

Love you, Lucy.

…

I woke to a chilling breeze and in my arms I feel Lucy shivering so I pull her closer. I opened my eyes and for the first time in a while they had to adjust to the lack of light. I’d never seen it as dark as it was then. Once again I was caught off guard; all around me were trees. My first thought was that this was some sort of retribution for the man I’d surely killed but it was immediately forgotten. The city I lived in was completely devoid of such things.

This could be either one of two things. One: A chance. After all I wasn’t dead yet. Two: No worse than the city. Again. Alive. I sat up and immediately my sister’s arms went as far around me as they could reach. The position was a bit inconvenient. I pulled her arms up so they were around my neck instead. I stand up and her legs kind of dangle so lift and wrap those around me as well. I would brush off her cloak but the black cloth was dirty enough that it looks no different.

With Lucy latched onto me I choose a direction. I have no idea of how to navigate a forest so I’ll either be incredibly fortunate, or unfortunate, if somebody found me out here. I walk for about six seconds before I hear almost inaudible snarling. I have next to no knowledge of animals but the world was well enough when I was younger for me to hear about some. Wolves. For caution’s sake that is what I assumed that snarling was: wolves in the woods.

I continued walking, hoping the ‘wolves’ would simply leave us be. It was a small hope as they would likely persist. For half of a minute there was silence before the snarls returned, a bit louder. I sighed a small, soundless sigh and stopped moving forwards entirely. If I’m gonna die here I’m glad it’s a wild animal and not some human. Like hell I’m letting them have both of us though. I was glad Lucy wasn’t awake; she would’ve seen the look on my face and known exactly what I was about to do.

I moved to the nearest tree and removed Lucy’s limbs from my body. Able to move her more easily, I slung her over my shoulder. The lowest branch was just within my reach so I grab and pull myself up with difficulty. I set Lucy along the branch and removed my cloak, using it to tie her down. I placed my satchel underneath her head so at the very least it’ll stay up here.

I leapt from my perch in the tree and move a good few feet away. It had been a minute and the snarls only increased in frequency and intensity. I took a brief second to examine my feet; they really had gotten sore. By now the assault on my ears was coming from all sides. One wolf in particular appeared to be significantly closer than the others. I turn in direction of this one. Between me and the tree Lucy was in… were some fallen branches?

*Snarl*

Okaaaayyyy. So not branches. The mass of wood shifts and glares at me with glowing yellow orbs. The creature’s growl got louder and it lurched, likely preparing to pounce. I lowered myself as well gathering my will. I could feel the rest of these beasts watching from the brush around us. I had the feeling they wanted to test me; determine where I fit in on their food chain. In my condition I doubt I can make it very high up.

I was not joking either. The creature looked like it would be at the top of its gang of beasts. That was my guess at least. It didn’t sound very smart though. Throwing your leader in the mosh pit, I mean. It may as well have been their weakest.

My thoughts were interrupted when the beast lunged at me, going straight for my neck. I jumped to the left, trying my best to avoid it but it’s maw clamped onto my right arm regardless. The wound was bound to be a bad one. The beast released me from its grip and my right arm is rendered useless. The animated wood stalked around me before pouncing once more. This time I didn’t bother to avoid it and rammed its airborne body using my right shoulder. It was knocked onto its back and I took my opportunity. As it began to rise I slammed my heel between its sickly yellow eyes. Despite the blow to its face the beast continued to rise. I resorted to simply stomping on its head, ignoring the pain that came with a foot full of wood.

After what felt like an eternity of sole pain the thing finally ceased its squirming. I stopped crushing it beneath my foot and stood back up. My right foot was bloodier than I’d ever seen it and I wisely tried not to put my weight on it. Once again I became so much more aware that more of those things were surrounding me. Sure enough five more bounded from the brush. I rotated, glancing at each and every one in turn. They were all almost perfect copies of one another, excluding differences in size.

As I examined the wooden beasts before me I heard creaking wood followed by a tearing pain in my right thigh. I turn my head to face my attacker. Another had come up behind me and began taking a chunk out of my right leg. Painful but not deadly. That makes six of these things if you don’t count- It’s not there. The beast I stomped into oblivion is no longer here. Somehow the thing just disappeared.

The wooden abomination removed its teeth from my leg and I fell to one knee. Looking into its eyes, the raw fury in them seemed almost... personal. I still thought about that as the beast directly ahead lunged. Suddenly things seemed to move in slow motion; me, slowly rising and that creature leaping for me. I finally came to a conclusion. Though I didn't believe I would enjoy what it meant.

Is it the same one?! Time returned to its original speed and tackled to ground.

…

My back was pressed against the trunk of a tree. It was a miracle that I held out for as long as I did. I was covered in more wounds than I could possibly count or hope to tend to. I’d confirmed it though; they put themselves back together. Once I realized that I kind of saw that I couldn’t really win. I didn't care much for heroics but I guess it was a bit too late to say something like that. I still had one good leg after all; that was more than enough to get a good hit in before I bit the dust.

The beasts were closing in on me so if I was going to move that was the time. I used my somewhat working left leg to push myself up against the tree. I was surprised I had enough left in me to stand but I’d probably bleed out soon. I tried to move forwards but my body wouldn’t respond. I inhaled sharply and forced my legs (or leg) to move. My muscles screamed in response and I ground my teeth. The creatures were only a few feet away at that point. The blood began to flow more freely as I took another step forward. I prepared myself. I took one more step… and blacked out.

…

I was floating. Floating in a place that held nothing but myself. I said empty and not dark because I could see myself so clearly it must’ve been the former rather than the latter. I was not breathing so I believed I was probably in some form of afterlife. What a dull afterlife it was. I was most certainly killed by those wooden wolves. I didn’t regret challenging them; if I hadn’t they surely would’ve only gotten to me later. Both me and Lucy. What I did regret was that Lucy was going to wake up with one less big brother. That’s what hurt. I died like an idiot and now my sister was alone in some mysterious place.

Actually, if this was the afterlife than why were there no other people? Or maybe everyone got their own personal space to lose their mind in. This could very well be a dream and I was still in our horrid building, Lucy trying to squirm her way out of my sleeping grasp.

While I’m here, I thought, I ought to get some rest. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh.

That much hasn't changed. I curled up slowly. Even in death, I still can't make a sound.

…

I opened my eyes to find myself leaning on backwards onto a tree and Lucy curled up against my left arm. I looked down at her in confusion; I was sure I tied her pretty tightly to that branch. I should also be dead and not sleeping on the ground with my sister, uninjured. I take my left arm away from Lucy and she slumps against the tree. She seems comfortable enough. I try to stand only to collapse and in an attempt to soften my abrupt descent, I fall on my right arm. Blood is starting to leak again. So still injured. Quite a bit too.

My right arm and leg were enough proof that the encounter the night before did, in fact, happen. I wasn't dead so maybe I only imagined my impending death. That would imply that I might’ve had an infection and other than the obvious wounds and a small headache I saw nothing that served as proof. I maneuvered myself into a sitting position, using my damaged bits as little as possible.

Looking around I noticed that it was pitch black in these woods. It was just as dark the last time I was conscious. I haven't been unconscious long or I slept through an entire day. Both sound equally annoying. It’s not as if I had any trouble seeing in this lighting anyway; the sun would probably blind me. I glanced towards the tree I had woken against and saw Lucy stirring. I half crawled- half drag myself over to her.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. She looked around slowly, taking in the trees and such. Her eyes finally found me and after about two seconds she broke into a lip-splitting grin (it did not split any lips but it might as well have). She stood up and sort of hobbled to the other side of the tree. I could hear her shuffling around for a bit and then she reappeared, dragging my satchel along behind her. I gave her a skeptical look.

In response she gave me her best ‘I didn't do anything but…’ look. I patted her head with my hand and motioned for her to hand me the bag. She placed the strap in my hand and I slip my head through and let it rest on my shoulder. That look I gave her wasn’t about the food though; I really wouldn’t blame her if she ate some. Her little awkward walk was bothering me. I reach to poke one of her feet and she backed it away. I gave her a stern look and she sat down, stretching her feet in my direction. It was nothing serious; she had some splinters and a few scrapes but I reckon those were from climbing down a tree. I pulled out as many splinters as I could manage. I gave her a light tap on the foot to let her know I was done.

After that I rose, putting my entire weight on my left leg. Lucy stood as well and walked behind the tree. She returned much faster but instead with my cloak bundled up in her arms. I plucked it from her grip and gave her a small ‘thank you’ nod. She smiled up at me and stationed herself to my right as if my injuries were non-existent. She grasped my hand softly and thankfully it was in relatively good condition.

I take a look around the woods around me, trying to see if I can find a break in the vegetation. Simply put: I couldn’t. So instead of planning I took a deep breath and chose a random direction. I began to move, dragging my right leg behind me. It was somewhat painful but it was better than putting pressure on the leg. I’d rather not resort to crawling.

…

It had only been a few minutes but I don't think I had it in me to walk for much longer. The blood-loss was really catching up to me and I could barely focus, much less navigate. All I could really feel was Lucy’s hand pulling me onward and the ground beneath my feet. It was decided; no matter what I do I was going to die there. I didn’t mind my own death, really. I’ve said it a lot but I don’t. I only cared for my sister.

I was on the ground before I could comprehend that I fell. My blood was flowing a lot less constantly but as far as I could tell that didn’t mean anything good. Lucy knew that too. I was aware that instead of trying fruitlessly to pick me back up she had sat down and rested her head on my back, slowly tracing circles at the base of my neck. I sure as hell didn’t want to die but I was at least glad I wouldn’t be alone. Lucy showed no signs that she would cry. A long time ago, I made sure she knew how likely it was I would die. I was glad she realized such a thing was inevitable.

_______

I sat quietly, watching the scene play out before me. It wasn't anything new. My subconscious did it all the time, likely believing it was making me suffer. That my sister’s screams would whip me into a frenzy. Normally, they would; what I was witnessing was simply a creation of my own thoughts.

The creatures were tearing into her; tossing her about like a broken doll. If I couldn't hear the shrieking or see the blood and entrails, I would think they were butchering a well-made doll. She screamed and cried out to me, begging for me to save her. I didn't move; I say idly by, watching in irritation as the beasts began to tend meat from bone.

Eventually the one of the wooden creatures tore out her throat but the screaming did not cease. It became so absurdly high pitched that it was painful to hear. I didn’t try to block out the sound and instead let it wash over, the pain washing through my mind as if I’d dunked my head into a steady stream of water.

As I adjusted myself on the ground I became aware of another presence. It wasn’t awareness of something in the dream but rather something interfering with it. Soon things began to blur until it was a mix of moving colors that seemed to pulse when there should’ve been sound.

The presence grew more prominent and I could feel it feel the ‘air’ shifting behind me. In curiosity, I looked over my shoulder to meet the disturbance. A flash of light that would’ve blinded my physical form was the first thing I saw. Next was a deep blue form that I couldn’t quite make out. The features began to sharpen until I could finally make out.

It was a woman, or at least resembled what I knew as women quite well. From her shoulders, past her hips, and her thighs she looked human enough but even those held some abnormalities. Annoyingly enough she had a bosom that most men would go mad for. Instead of being mostly hairless she seemed to have fur over the entirety of her body. Her legs ended in hooves although she still had hands. Her head was simply off even if I didn’t take into account her long spiral horn, large ears, and hair that seemed to billow without reason. The only thing I could count as normal was her midnight blue dress that was tinged with black at the bottom.

“Why do you not aid your friend?” The tone she spoke with seemed strange to me and I wasn’t expecting conversation but I made to answer her regardless. I massaged my temple as I wrote out my response mentally as a substitute for speech. When I was finished I pointed to the ground at her feet- hooves- where my message was written. I see no reason to waste energy on something my mind created. It was true enough. It was only natural that I didn’t care for some weak imitation of my sibling but as the ‘woman’ read my words a barely hidden look of disgusted shock.

“Surely thou care for her?” Even if she managed to hide the shock on her face it still showed through her voice. I only scowled or perhaps I smirked but I ignored her question. I posed one instead. My letters on the dirt rearranged, copied, and deleted until they became what I wanted. Who are you? I cared not at all and only wished to return to what my subconscious considered a nightmare but I felt the need to extend our conversation.

Her distaste was soon replaced by curiosity. “Have you not heard of us?” Us? I believe you meant ‘Have you not heard of me’. No, I have not heard of you as I clearly asked who you are. I could see the smallest hint of a scowl on her face when I corrected her and then proceeded to make her sound like an idiot. I felt an equally small amount of satisfaction.

“We are Princess Luna of Equestria. Tell us, creature, art thou human?” I silently scoffed. A princess? As far as I knew all forms of government had been dissolved. I decided to focus my attention on her question. Are you not human? You look close enough to it despite the differences. Actually no, I’ve answered my own question. Yeah. I’m human. What are you, L? I didn't know how to spell Luna

Once again I could see her irritation which was likely because I didn’t call her Princess Luna. No matter. It wasn’t as if I cared for any figure of authority. “We were under the impression that your species was extinct.” She avoided my question. I could hardly see why. The last time I checked we were far from gone; just dying. As she read my latest response her eyes lit up with what I believed was a sudden comprehension.

“Your species still thrives somewhere in Equestria?” I was just as confused as she should’ve been. I should’ve said this but what is that place? Second, did you not hear when I said dying? That seemed to quell her excitement. Never mind that. I don’t you here. I waved a hand in her direction and she vanished. I let out a sigh but just as soon she’d vanished, Luna appeared in the same spot.

“That is the first time somepony has expelled me from their dreams…” She looked shocked beyond belief. I only grimaced. You’re not part of my mind. It wasn’t a question. Leave. I’ll have no being sitting around and soiling my brain. She looked insulted but I wasn’t going to have it. I conjured up a door and gestured towards it. Go. If I’m in this place you spoke of I'll seek you out. Until then stay out of my head. She looked as if she wanted to say more but complied and stepped through the door. She looked back at me once before finally leaving.

I rolled onto my back and stared into the inky black that was my mind’s sky. For the first time in a while I was absolutely irritated. I closed my eyes and ran my tongue along my teeth as my sister’s screams picked up once more.

I could really go for some meat.

_______

I was awake but kept my eyes closed. I tested my body and it seemed that the movement of my right arm and leg was restricted. As was my left arm. Whatever pain I had been feeling before I was unconscious had dulled quite considerably but I knew better than to start acting as if I had no injuries. From what I could tell I was in a bed though how I’d gotten there was beyond me.

I opened one eye to investigate my whereabouts and once I’d realized I was in darkness I opened the other. In my peripheral vision I could see Lucy’s sleeping form pinning my arm. I didn’t bother trying to extricate myself from her grip and instead let my gaze wander about the room. Hanging on walls and placed on shelves were various assortments of masks and plants and pots. The best I could describe them was as foreign but at that point a lot things were foreign to me. I’m sure there were other things in that room as well but I couldn’t see them while looking at the ceiling.

I wove the fingers on my left hand through Lucy’s hair and gave it a sharp tug. She curled tightly onto my arm which let me know she’d felt it. The sigh of relief that followed afterwards let me know she was awake. She squeezed my arm once more before releasing me and sitting up on the bed. She gave me a light push followed by “Come on. Get up.” I sat up but didn't leave the bed. I was feeling a better but I doubted I’d be able to stand right up.

I looked over myself to find I had been bandaged up rather nicely. Though my pants had been torn so that my right leg could be bandaged they still served their purpose. My shirt, on the other hand, was fine as my arm was the only part of my upper body that needed tending to. I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I pushed off the bed and stood, testing my leg. Despite the condition it was in when I was last conscious my leg was simply sore. I took a step forwards and though my leg had showed recovery I almost collapsed with that one step. I wasn't going to let that stop me but Lucy, having a bit more sanity than I, almost tripped herself leaping off the bed to support me.

“Miss Zecora’s gonna be pretty upset if we leave without telling her.” I raised an eyebrow at her. Who? I thought. My question must’ve been written on my face. Lucy, as we walked through the building, told about some woman who found us in the woods and saw for to tend my wounds. My sister also mentioned that the women rhymed. A lot. I feel it was for the best that I did not meet her.

We entered another room which held a large pot in its center. Had the pot not captured my attention I wouldn't have noticed the note that stuck to the side of it. The women rhymed in her righting as well. She basically wrote that she was going to some town called Ponyville to tell a friend of hers that she’d found some injured people in the woods. I already didn’t like the sound of that and removed the note from where it was placed. I looked around for something to write with, Lucy supporting me the whole way. I eventually find a feather and a small little cup of ink. The only reason I’d even assumed they were for writing was because of the feather had its tip in the ink and there was a pad of paper nearby. I dipped the tip into the ink and wrote just below Zecora’s note, in border line illegible handwriting, Thanks, Z. After collecting our things, Lucy and I left.

I didn’t know how to spell ‘Zecora’ either.

…

Lucy and I had found a path not too far from the hut and had set to following it, although not directly. We stuck to the trees on either side of it. We weren’t making very good progress and besides my injuries I could only think of one reason why. I stopped and Lucy did the same, looking up at me questioningly. I pulled the satchel from my shoulders and set it down. Crouched down next to it I dug around inside until my hand grasps what I was searching for. I pulled from the bag two strips of dried meat.

Despite what little sense it made, dried meats weren’t as hard to acquire as one would think; So long as you had something in high demand and a ‘reliable’ person to set up trade with. One thing people almost always wanted was booze. Nobody cared about quality or any of that. Booze could probably anything besides booze.

I handed the first strip to Lucy who grabbed at it eagerly. I tore the second strip in half and handed one of the halves to Lucy, saving the last for myself. She didn’t bother questioning why I ate so little and simply continued gnawing on her own. Meat was the one thing Lucy enjoyed more than sweets. I, on the other hand, disliked sweets and was impartial to everything else. I stood up, having consumed my meager meal, and returned the satchel to its designated place on my shoulder. Lucy was savoring every last bit of hers so she simply held my hand instead of supporting me as we walked.

…

I could tell we were nearing the edge of the forest. It wasn’t as if we were standing a few meters away; the canopy of trees had blocked out all other light so when I was able to make out glimpses of light out ahead of me I knew it wouldn’t be long. Upon seeing the light, I realized that being in and out of consciousness since I’d gotten there had ruined my sleep schedule. Not to mention the fact that said schedule had left me extremely sensitive to light.

I stopped walking, subsequently rooting Lucy in place. “What?” At least she made it clear that she wanted to know. I pointed each of our eyes in turn and then gestured in the direction of the crippling rays of sunlight. Lucy mulled over the information I’d given her until she reached the same conclusion I had. “Oh.” In short, we were forced to halt our progress.

I sat at the trunk of a tree, making sure to position myself so the tree was in between myself and the edge of the forest. Lucy plopped down into my lap and I wrapped my arms around her in response. Our plan was as it always had been.

Sleep the day away.

…

I woke to a light prodding in my side. Despite having rested I was still very much on alert. I lashed out grabbing the offending appendage pulled whatever it was in for a swift punch, not having opened my eyes yet. As my fist made its way through the air I felt it suddenly cease all movement. Not as though the blow had connected but rather as if it simply could move no further. My eyes shot open but before I could investigate the being I’d pulled in for a punch slammed into my forehead, causing me to lose my grip and put a hand to my forehead.

“Ow…” I slowly opened my eyes again once I heard the voice. Holding onto my left arm was Lucy so that at least explained why my assault had stopped. On the forest floor before me was a young woman rubbing at her jaw.. I reflexively moved forward to attack once but Lucy seemed keen on holding me back.

“That’s Zecora friend.” I stared at my sister in confusion before sighing in resignation. I wasn’t going to bother questioning how she knew. I’d already forgotten the woman who had supposedly patched me up.

The girl on the floor was purple; at least her fur was. That bothered me to no end; something so human but clearly different. She had a white short-sleeve and a deep indigo skirt that matched her hair in its shade. The horn on her head was what stopped me entirely; it pointed to this Princess Luna actually existing. I offered her my hand and she looked up at me, confused. After a second, she took my hand and I helped her up.

“Thanks,” I simply nodded in response to her gratitude. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. It’s nice to meet you.” She stared at me expectantly, presumably waiting for me to introduce myself. Before she could watch me for too long Lucy tugged my left arm and cleared her throat.

“Miss Twilight?” The purple one directed her focus to my sister.

“Yes?” I couldn’t tell if she was annoyed or curious.

“It’s still bright out so could you come get us later?” Twilight’s irritation- or curiosity- became confusion. She looked between the two of us before speaking. “Why? I’m sure you know how dangerous it gets here at night, so why would you want to stay hear any longer?” I wasn’t one for explaining myself so I pulled my arm from Lucy’s grip and put both hands atop the horned woman’s shoulders. She looked at me in shock but before she could voice her confusion I had spun her around and pushed her towards the edge of the forest. She kept moving in that direction but turned to look at us almost every second.

Once she was out of view, I returned to where I had previously been resting and Lucy, true to form, sat herself down on my lap. She leaned back into my chest as I set my chin on her shoulder and closed my eyes.

Author's Note

Oh geez. Writing three fics at once is pretty hard.
The stories are sort of blending together in my head. It takes a while to differentiate the ideas.
R.I.P. in peace.
A lot of you probably noticed how hard I was trying to keep Zecora out of any dialogue. I can not deal with that rhymin'.