Chapter 12 “Sunset Valley”

“C’mon, you slowpoke! We’re almost there,” Pixel called out playfully to the navy earth pony behind her as she bounded into a brightly lit clearing. Morning had come, and for once the Alpha was up before the Omega. Obsidian hummed tiredly as he followed her, mildly amused.

“Forgive my slowness, Alpha. I’m not one for nearly being shaken to death.”

The unicorn scoffed, rolling her lilac eyes. “I only shook you because you sleep like a rock. Maybe that’s why your parents named you after one.” Her body suddenly tensed as the male quickened his stride and nipped at her shoulder, baring his teeth in mock annoyance afterwards.

“Not funny,” he mumbled, although his eyes shimmered at the cleverness of her jest. Face turning thoughtful, he gave her a quizzical look. “Tell me, where exactly are we headed? You haven’t told me anything since we started walking.”

“You know that friend I mentioned a while back?”

“The one who gave you those weird flowers? How can I forget?”

Pixel chuckled nervously. “Eh heh… yeah. We’re going to go see him! Ask him if we could stay at his place for a bit. I’m sure he’d be fine with it.”

“If you say so.”

Their ears perked as a loud rustle came from the nearby bushes, revealing a trio of wolves who were entering the clearing. The mare growled in disgust. “Ugh...more Rogues? That’s the third run in today! Let’s go see what they want.”

One of the wolves turned its head towards them, lips curling up in a snarl. The other two took notice and quickly changed forms, a coal coated pegasus and a dusty grey earth pony standing in their place. “Who goes there?” the pegasus barked, its sharp gaze cold.

“The offspring of Lead Alphas Collin and Ember,” Pixel answered, staring back just as fiercely.

The earth pony’s face shifted to one of suspicious delight. “The Lead Alphas of the North, eh? Tell you what. We’ll make a deal: you come with us, and we’ll make sure that your daddies know that your safe and sound. They must be looking for you, right? Wouldn’t it be nice for them to know that no harm has come to their precious children? And just think of it! You would be free to do whatever you please.”

Obsidian’s fur bristled, and he stood up to his full height. “And what makes you think our parents would just be so naive as to trust you band of fleabags? For all we know, you may just want to hold us for ransom! Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t leave your bodies dead where you stand.”

The other earth pony smirked. “Strong words from such a lowly Omega. I’m surprised that your insignificant brain could come up with such a threat.”

The stallion was preparing to pounce when Pixel stepped in front of him, her eyes shooting daggers. “Stand your ground, Omega,” she snapped, her horn beginning to spark. “There is no need for blood to be shed on such a beautiful day as today, even with low lifes such as these.” Her head swiveled sharply towards the werewolves in question, eyes flashing red. “We decline your offer, and have no interest in speaking with you any further. Now get lost.”

The trio all looked at each other with on growing panic before darting off into the brush from whence they came. Obsidian could only stare at the unicorn as she steadied her breathing. When she met his gaze, she coyly shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry for raining on your parade, Sid. I’ve been told I have my dad’s temper…”

The male smiled, leaning over to affectionately nuzzle and lick her cheek. “All the more to admire you with. I’m glad you stopped me, otherwise I would have done something that would of ended up in regret.”

Pixel slowly nodded in agreement, turning around to start back on the path she had so rudely been deterred from, her steps no longer light and carefree, instead being determined and urgent. “Let’s keep moving, shall we? Another group of Rogues and I’ll rip out my fur.”

North stirred from his nap in his cot as a loud rapping came from his door. Rubbing his eyes, he slowly traveled down the stairs until the panels of wood were in front of him. Glancing down at the green crystal that now rested against his chest, he heaved a heavy sigh. If his assumptions were correct, he knew who was waiting on the other side. He didn’t want to open the door, wanted to pretend that no one was home. But what choice did he have? This was all part of the plan, and he had to obey, for both of their sakes. Forcing a smile, his horn lit, turning the handle. Pixel’s bright face greeted him, along with a navy earth pony who he could only assume was her soon to be soulmate. How pleasant.

“Hey, North! How’ve ya been?” the light coated mare asked, eyes sparkling.

“Just fine, mi flor. Who’s this you’ve brought with you?”

Pixel nudged the stallion forward. “C’mon, big guy. Introduce yourself.”

Obsidian timidly extended a hoof to the other unicorn. “Obsidian, Sir. Nice to meet you.”

North looked a bit surprised. A werewolf of his size and stature shouldn’t be this… shy. It was kind of cute, to be honest. He gently shook hooves with the other male. “North Star, at your service. And no need to call me any titles. I’m far from formal, believe me. So what brings you two to my little shack in the woods?” Pixel quickly explained the situation, and his face became concerned. “Huh...I see. So you want to hide out here?”

“Only for a week or two. Then we’ll get out of your mane.”

“I’m not so sure, Pixel. I mean, if I get caught keeping you here, it will spell big trouble for all three of us…”

“Please, North. Just for a little while, we won’t bother you again afterwards.”

A bright light suddenly flashed behind his eyes, and Orion’s voice hissed in his ear, “Don’t stray from the plan.”

The tan unicorn sighed before bobbing his head. “Okay, fine. Two weeks is all your getting.” He tensed at the mare abruptly wrapping her hooves around him in a tight hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Think nothing of it. Before I can get things set up for you though, I have to go run a few errands. You can come with if you want.” The pair glanced at each other before nodding once. He trotted over to a small desk that had three black hooded cloaks conveniently strewn across its surface. Tossing one to each of them, he said “Put those on. The inhabitants tend to be a bit more...clothed than what you’re used to.”

As the final streaks of sunlight stretched across the sky, the group slipped into a quaint little village. “Welcome to the village of Sunset Valley, you two. Feel free to look around. Just...don’t draw too much attention to yourselves. Oh, and try not to use up all of the bits in your pouches, please. I’ll meet you back here later.” The unicorn disappeared into the crowd before the others could follow him. Pixel took in the sights in utter awe. It was the first time that she had ever been in a place so… busy and populated. Ponies were everywhere, buying items from shops, bringing shiny trinkets to their homes, making small talk with others. It was nothing like how things were back home. Obsidian broke her out of her trance by giving her a nudge.

“Keep your mouth open any longer and you’ll swallow a fly, Pix. Let’s peek into one of these shops, see what they have to offer.” He led her into what appeared to be a jewelry shop, and the owner’s face broke into a slightly crazed grin as he wandered over to them.

“Celestia above, new customers! And here I thought I’d be alone for the rest of the evenin’. What can I get you lovelies?”

The mare gave him a meek smile. “Just looking around, Sir.”

“Ah, that’s just fine. If there’s anything you need, feel free to let me know!”

Pixel slowly weaved in and out of the aisles, glancing over every sparkling set of jewelry on display, stopping in front of one in particular. It was a rather simple set, containing a golden necklace and clip on earrings, both in the shape of flowers, small diamonds lining the edge of each petal. The female glanced up to the stallion beside her, pointing towards the set. “I’ll take this one.”

The shop owner was in front of them in a matter of seconds, bringing the pieces to the counter to box and bag them. Obsidian gave him the amount of bits that was printed on the sign above his head, waving goodbye before clutching the small bag in between his teeth, joining up with the unicorn at the shop’s exit. They located North where he said he would be, waving them over. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you two.”

Pixel’s head tilted slightly. “You did say we could look around.”

“True, true. Now let’s get back. As nice as this place looks, things aren’t so pleasant late at night.’

The earth pony looked concerned, placing the bag onto his back underneath his cloak. “What happens?”

North’s face darkened, and his eyes flashed red for a split second. “You wouldn’t want to find out.”