Chapter 15 “Encounter”

Speckle opened her eyes and lifted her head. She found herself in the same white room that she had appeared in once before. This time, three young ponies were huddled around an older pegasus mare. Speckle cocked her head in confusion, going over to them. One of the young ones, a unicorn filly with a bright red coat and black and light green streaked hair, was holding a tiny blue earth pony foal, his eyes were squeezed shut as he slept soundly. She turned her head and looked up at the older unicorn, giving her a bright smile.

“Do you want to hold him?”, she asked. Speckle nodded, taking the foal into her arms. He stretched and yawned, opening his eyes to reveal lovely violet irises.

The mare beamed, speaking softly to him. “Hi there, little guy. You sure have gotten cuter since the last time I saw you.”

The foal cooed and giggled, sticking out one of his hooves for her to hold. The pegasus mare smiled at them , standing up. “He likes you.” Speckle glanced up at her briefly, then locking gazes with her. “S-Sunny? What are you doing here?”

“I came to speak to you. Children.” The pair quickly faded into thin air, leaving the foal still in Speckle’s embrace. The yellow pegasus unfurled her wings, stepping forward. “My son is going through some things, as I am sure that you know already. But it appears that it's worse than I previously thought. Ember has...an Infecto.” The unicorn seemed confused, so she explained.

Afterwards, Speckle had a question. “Is there a way to get rid of it?”

Sunny nodded sadly. “The only way is have it be transferred into another being, like yourself, and then destroy it from the inside.”

“I see. Do you know where he is?”

She nodded again. “Yes, I do. Guess that’s an advantage of being a spirit. He has departed to the Crevice, a ravine not far from where you are currently. But don't go after him, for something more pressing is going to come afoot.” Speckle was starting to ask what it was, but the other figure stopped her. “I must go. My strength is beginning to fail me. Best of luck to you, Speckle.” Just like that, she was gone. The unicorn mare sat on her haunches, rather conflicted. The foal in her arms had fallen asleep again, and it gave her some comfort to look at his peaceful face.

The first thing that Speckle heard when she came to were voices, low and distant. The first thing she felt was a cold, damp cloth on her forehead. Removing it, she proceeded to sit up, only to find that a blanket was over her. She pulled that off as well, rolling over and slowly standing up. Collin and Quetzal walked in seconds later, surprised and relieved to see her up and walking. “Speckle! You’re awake, thank the stars. How are you feeling?”

“I’m alright, thank you Quetzal. Has Ember come back?”

They both shook their heads. “No. He took off before I even knew what was happening. And this one…” Collin then gestured to the Beta standing beside him. “She wouldn't let me go after him.”

“Only because I thought Speckle’s well being was more important at that moment. Besides, do you think he would listen to you if you talked to him? He needs some time to figure things out, then when he comes back we’ll confront him on it.”

“Ok, but what are we supposed to do while he’s gone? Act like he didn’t exist?”

Quetzal snorted. “No. In his absence, you’re the one who’ll be our Lead until he returns.”

Collin’s eyes flicked to purple ever so briefly, then switched back to red. Before he could say anything though, a sharp wail rang out through the clearing. “That’s Mark, he’s in trouble.” The stallion quickly called for Sirena, she was at his side in a matter of seconds. With that, the three Alphas ran towards the sound, leaving the Beta to guard the cave.

Ember sat near the edge of the cliff, looking down into the dark abyss. Crimson appeared beside him, looking down as well. “You could jump, and this would all be over.”

“I just might,” Ember growled, annoyed.

“Well, I would have to look for a new host, and you’d be stuck in something for the rest of eternity, so I suggest you don’t.”

“Why do you care all of a sudden?”

“ I don't. I just don't want to be the one to see you at your worst state, aka dying. Not to mention you probably wouldn't get a funeral, since no one would be able to retrieve your broken corpse.”

“Fair point.”

The transparent figure merely floated a few inches from the ground, occasionally bobbing up and down in place. He looked unamused, as if he didn't like where this conversation was going. Finally he turned to look at the stallion. Ember’s eyes appeared to be glossed over, and his face was drawn into a scowl. His coat, still matted, looked dull and pale, as if he was being drained of all color. Crimson smirked. “It's only Day one, and already you look like a bat out of hell. Not that I mind, of course.” Ember growled lowly, but said nothing.

“Then again, it would make the attachment process much more enjoyable. It's not everyday an Infecto like myself gets to attach themselves to such a looker like you. I should consider myself lucky.” The earth pony then seemed sad, still not saying a word. Crimson gave him a look. “What's got you in the dumps? Clearly it's not about me.” Ember’s gaze shifted to him for a second, then shifted back. He sighed, standing up. The Infecto seemed even more confused, not knowing what he was doing.

The Lead smiled devilishly. “You want me, Crimson? Fine. You're going to have to catch me first.” Before a word could come out of the ghost’s mouth, he let his body go slack, falling off of the cliff into the dark depths below.

The trio arrived at the east perimeter, not completely sure of what to expect when they got there. It was worse than what they imagined. Three wolves, all large and muscular, circled Mark, who was growling and snarling at them. One of them noticed the others approach, and stopped his circling, the other two taking suit. Collin recognized their scents instantly, and it made his eyes turn blue rather quickly.

He transformed, giving them a cold stare. “Astral, Grassblade, Onyx. Three faces I hoped I would never see together. Fate’s not on my side, it appears.”

The tallest wolf, with light brown fur, transformed himself, revealing the first unicorn that was mentioned. He gave the pegasus a wicked smile, as if he couldn't be gladder to see him. “Oh, Collin. You have no idea how long it took for me to find you. I’m glad for us to finally meet again.”

His bright blue eyes shifted to look at Sirena. “Ah… Alpha Sirena. Still looking lovely as always. Did you miss me?”

She glared at him. “What do you want, you mangy fleabag?”

Astral only seemed to smile brighter. “Now, Alpha. That's no way to talk to someone. You kiss your mate with that mouth? Such a shame. To answer your question, I want you. We have some… unfinished business to take care of.”

Collin growled and stepped forward. “Don't you dare take a step towards her, or my teeth will be lodged into your neck.”

“Is that a threat I hear? Rather petty, if you ask me. In fact, I even think it’s one of the oldest in the book.” Another growl sounded from the pegasus. Astral smirked again. “Relax, good sir. You don't have to worry about little old us. It’s your Lead we want to talk to.”

“Well he’s not here, so you best be leaving now.”

“You must be joking. No Lead Alpha would just leave their pack to fend for themselves.”

“ I said what I said. Now go, or there will be consequences.”

The unicorn frowned, clearly not having expected this to occur. “Well fine. But mark my words, we’ll be back. And we're not leaving without getting what we want.” With that he turned around, changing back into a wolf and darting off, the pair close behind him. It took a while for Collin’ eyes to fade back to red, as he was practically trembling with anger. When they did though, he glanced over at Mark.

“You alright, Mark? They didn't hurt you, did they?”

“No, Sir. They didn't get a chance to. Thank you for coming, all of you.” Quick nods were what he got for a response. Abruptly, Sirena stiffened and her fur prickled, feathers ruffling.

“What’s wrong, Sirena?”, Speckle questioned her.

The lilac pegasus only stared at her neck, not a sound coming out of her. Collin followed her gaze, and then he too stood up straighter. “Speckle… your Mark. It’s fading.” Sure enough, the puncture wound scars on the pink patch of skin were getting lighter, as if they were getting erased. “We have to find Ember, and fast.”

They found his body lying on the cliff face, motionless as the moon slowly floated up higher into the sky. “Ember!”, Speckle cried, rushing over to him. She frantically checked for a pulse, sighing in relief when she felt it, although it was weak. He wasn't in the best shape, covered in many cuts and scrapes, a large wound across his stomach, oozing blood. She laid beside him, head lowered onto his side as she silently sobbed. The pegasi kept their distance, knowing that an Alpha under stress could turn violent in a heartbeat.

Collin's gaze shifted, however, when he saw a ghost like figure appear in front of the downed pair. Speckle looked up, eyes widening. Crimson’s face was grim, red eyes aglow and his coat seemed darker than ever. “He’s not dead yet, relax. Damn fool thought it was funny to try and test me by falling off the cliff. I almost didn't save him, too bad he’s so important to you guys.” The mare gave him a look, cocking her head to one side.

“You’re his Infecto? You seem… nicer than I thought.”

The creature then hissed. “Don't think I did it because I care about him, I don't. I didn't want him being stupid.”

“That sounds like caring to me.”

He hissed again, then stopped, thinking on it. Finally he muttered, “Maybe a little.”

“Then there's no need to get rid of you. I'm sure he would appreciate what you did.”

He blinked. “Yo- you’re giving me another chance?”

She nodded, then cut him a stern glare. “As long as you promise not to make him do anything drastic by force.”

His eyes narrowed, but he turned her words over. “Fine, whatever. But can I come out on occasion? I don't know about you, but living in someone isn't the most roomy.”

“It's up to him.”

He muttered something under his breath, then sighed. “Do you want me to wake him up?”

“I would like that, thank you.”

The figure walked towards Ember, shaking himself off before jumping into the stallion, disappearing in the process. Seconds later, said stallion stirred, holding a hoof to his head as if he were dizzy. “W-what happened? Ow, my head…” He paused when he looked at Speckle, his face going through a series of expressions in seconds, first happy, then confused, then disappointed. “Oh, Speckle… I'm so sorry. I don't know what was wrong with me. It's like I lost control.” She smiled at him and nuzzled his cheek.

“It's ok, Ember. I forgive you. We can talk about it when we get home. Can you walk?”

He attempted to stand, but his knees buckled and he fell back down with a whine. Collin stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. “I'm taking that as a no. Looks like I’m going to have to carry you again.” Ember snorted and his ears lowered, but he knew he didn't have much of a choice.

After the others helped him on, he grumbled, “If I hear a word about this from anyone else, you all are sleeping outside for a week.”

Speckle couldn't help but laugh. “Ok, Alpha. As you wish.”