To New Horizons

The quiet streets of Ponyville slowly grew louder as you made your way through the market. Ponies of all kinds were happily traveling from stand to stand as they bought groceries and various other products from the merchants on the street. You briefly examine the merchants, trying to see if Steelstocks or anypony you knew was in town selling their wares. But you couldn't recognize a single face behind any of the stands. Well, besides the local street merchants. However, you did see that the Apple family stand was closed. It was odd to see them shut their doors like that. But after the ordeal last night, you couldn't blame them for taking the day off to recuperate.

As you walk you start to play a little game Steelstocks taught you through your travels, and start trying to focus on a random conversation in the crowd. One voice is easy for you to pick out as you pass a fruit stand. The voice belongs to a disgruntled stallion. "What do you mean...Those melons were cheaper seven.... !?!" "But sir you..." A mare's voice tries to respond, but the stallion cuts her off. "I don't have to........ My stand has been.... bandits too. But you....!!" You freeze in your tracks at the word bandits catches your attention. You try to overhear more of the conversation, but the conversation either ended or the sound of the crowd overpowered their voices.

"Bandits in central Equestria? What the hay's coming to this world?" You think to yourself as you continue down the cobblestone path. Making a mental note to inform Star about this bit of gossip when you see her again. Sure, bandits have always been a problem around the outreaches of Equestria. But central Equestrian roads were always safe thanks to royal patrols. It's always possible a raiding party managed to sneak past a patrol or two, but you've never heard of that happening before.

Although, if they're just hitting the odd caravan and not well-established towns, that would suggest they don't have the numbers to do anything too serious and seeing as this is the first central Equestrian raid you've heard of. The guard should be able to track them down fairly easily and put an end to their raiding career before it really takes off. Or at least you hope so.

The familiar scent of apples on the wind coupled with the feeling of dirt beneath your hooves rather than stone drew you from your thoughts and back to reality. A quick look around at your environment revealed that you were on the pathway right up to the Apple family orchard. "Sky my boy, you need to really stop spacing out." You scold yourself as you give your head a good shake.

A quiet yipping causes your ears to perk up as you look down the dirt path. As if on a mission, you instantly spot AJ's faithful canine companion Winona barking and running right at you. Winona was a Collie with white and brown fur, and the friendly look in her eyes and the happy wag of her tail, instantly let you know you were about to get jumped on. You never understood why, but for some reason, Winona always preferred using you as a mode of transportation rather than a pony she could guilt into giving her food.

But you never minded it, you were always a pony that's had a soft spot for animals. "Hey girl!" You shout as Winona skids to a grinding halt in front of you, happily wagging her tail and jumping about as you attempt to pet her. "How's my favorite Collie today?" You ask in a higher pitch tone than usual, earning a happy lick and bark from Winona. You chuckle to yourself at that, as Winona starts to happily run around you barking and yipping like she usually does when she gets rilled up like this.

"Yea, yea. It's great to see you too you silly dog." You happily say as give the small Collie dog a friendly nuzzle, earning a small lick and bark from the dog in return. "Can't stay long pup, gotta find your owner before lunch." You say, earning a small whine from Winona. "I promise we'll play fetch next time or something ok?" You say as you carefully pet Winona's head with your forehoof. This news seemingly returned the cheer back to Winona and she happily barked in response. This put a smile back across your muzzle, as you continue your way down the path. Winona happily following close behind you as you walk.

As you start to reach the end of the dirt path, the Apple family homestead and barn start to come into view through the orchard. And as the trees made way for the farmstead proper, you decided to examine the area thoroughly. The yard in front of the farmstead was littered with timberwolf corpses. Both burned and shattered beyond what any dark eldritch magic could repair. You allowed your gaze to follow the path of devastation up to the farmhouses porch where Miss Smith was sitting in an old rickety rocking chair, watching you approach with a kind and gentle smile. "Afternoon Miss Smith. How are you today?" You say with a kind smile as you approach the mare.

"I'm as well as I can be, with my yard a mess like this. How about you mister Sword? Did the liquor catch up to ye this morning?" The elder mare asked with a wicked grin as Winona laid by the mares hind hooves, earning a small chuckle from yourself. "I got off lucky with a minor headache this morning and Twilight fixed my leg up. So I can't complain ma'am." You say with a smile as you wave your right hind leg out a little for her to see. Earning a small huff from the mare.

"Unicorns and their fancy magic. Back in my day, a bite like that took months to heal!... But I'm glad to hear your doing better mister Sword. Your friend... Oh, what's her name? Starfire? Came up here not too long ago looking for your kids' weapons and stuff. I assume you're here for the same thing?" The elder mare asks, getting relatively straight to the point. "Why yes ma'am. Did she already pick them up?" You ask, earning a slow shake of the older mares head.

"No sonny. Just as I told your friend. I had Applebloom, and her friends go clean them up as a punishment for making a mess in the kitchen this morning... Again. Even asked Big Mac to sharpen them up when they're done. They just left an hour ago so I don't think they'll be done for a while yet." The mare explains with a small grin, causing you to give her a small chuckle. "Well, that's mighty kind of you, ma'am. Do you by chance know where Star ran off too?" You ask politely. Causing the mare to bring her forehoof to her chin in thought.

"I think she went with Applejack and her pegasus friend Rainbow Dash not too long ago. Said something about needing a ref for a contest in the southern field. I swear I never know why those two have so many competitions. Anyways, you should find her there." Miss Smith says as she carefully pets Winona with a shaky hoof. "Sounds fun. I guess I'll be there too if you need me, ma'am." You say with a respectful nod, earning one in kind as you start to walk away. "Oh, mister Sword?" Miss Smith asks, prompting you to turn around and address her.

"Yes, ma'am?" You ask politely, earning a small grin from the older mare. "Thank you, and your friends for your help last night." She replies with a kind smile. "Any time ma'am." You reply with a small grin as you continue to walk around the small farmhouse and make your way toward the southern field. As you walk, you leisurely guide yourself onto one of Sweet Apple Acres cart trails. Figuring that if they were to be anywhere in this orchard, they'd probably be near a road.

It didn't take long, about fifteen minutes before the southern path opened up into a small clearing. Revealing the ponies you were looking for. The clearing itself was fairly unremarkable, besides the two piles of wood and a couple carts in the center of it. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were standing next to the wood pile, staring daggers at each other and yet they were both sharing a competitive grin. Starfire had her back toward you, as she stood next to the two ponies, Seemingly unaware of your approach. You almost instantly notice the brown bit bag strapped to the left side of Starfires barrel. Instantly reminding you that you were going to have to reimburse her for the tavern sign. But that would have to be for later. Right now, you have to do Discord's work.

"All right, everypony ready?" Starfire shouts as you carefully sneak up behind her with a devious grin. "Eyup." Applejack responds. "Count it down Star." Rainbow Dash pitches in, earning a giggle from Starfire. "Right. On your marks!" She shouts again, prompting the other two mares to lean in a little closer, intensifying their stares. "Get set!" She shouts as you make it right behind her and take a quiet breath before yelling. "GO!" Causing all three ponies to yell in surprise at your sudden appearance.

"S-sweet Celestia Sky don't do that!" Starfire yells, giving you a hard punch on the left shoulder. But you only chuckle to yourself in response. Earning a dagger-like glare from the mare. "You should be back at the tavern and off of that hind leg..."Starfire starts to chastise you, but she soon stops as she stares down at your leg in near shock. Causing the other two mares to do the same.

"How in tarnation?" Applejack asks as she and Rainbow Dash look at you in shock. "H-how did... But your leg was... How?" Starfire stammers as you give her a gentle hug with your left foreleg. "Twilight used some magic thing to fix me right up." You say with a smile as Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's faces quickly turn from shock to understanding. "That makes sense, she's had to patch me up a few times too." Rainbow Dash says nonchalantly as Starfire looks at you in confusion.

"So... Your fine now?" Starfire quietly asks as she pulls away from the small embrace and looks you dead in the eyes. "Yep. I'm fine." You say with a small smile. Causing her expression to shift from confusion to minor joy. "Fine enough for a little practice later?" Starfire teases with a cocky smile, causing one to mirror across your muzzle. "Like you have a chance." You tease, earning a scoff from Starfire. "I don't even have to try to best you!" Starfire brags as she lifts her muzzle toward the sky and holds a forehoof over her chest.

"Then it's settled. You two referee our competition, and we'll ref your's." Applejack bud's in, with a wide smile and a tip of her stetson. "That's an awesome idea! What do you say? Is it a deal?" Rainbow Dash asks with an almost wicked grin as she holds out a forehoof toward you. You and Starfire quickly make eye contact with each other as a devious grin crosses your muzzles. "Deal." Starfire says as you take Rainbow's right forehoof in your right forehoof and shake it.

"Then it's settled! Surgarcube, we're gonna need to explain the rules to you real quick." Applejack starts as she moves to your right side and faces the carts. "Now. Today we're doing a test of strength and agility. When either of you say go. Me and Rainbow are going to throw all of our logs from our designated piles into our own carts. So, all we need you two to do is ensure there's no funny business. From there we're going to do one lap around the edge field as fast as we can starting at that stump and moving left." Applejack explains as she points to a tree stump at the southern edge of the field.

"First one to finish a lap wins. Got it?" Applejack asks with a smile as you return one in kind. "Understood. No funny business and the first pony to make it one lap around starting and finishing at the stump, wins." You repeat back earning a playful punch on your right shoulder. "Ada boy. Now, let's get this thing started like an Applousan hoedown!" Applejack happily yells as she and Rainbow Dash move back into position. Staring each other down with a competitive grin.

"Mind doing us the honor's Star?" You ask playfully, earning another playful punch in the shoulder from the mare in question. "Fine. Just don't scare me this time." She says with a smile before returning her attention back to the other two mares. "Is everypony ready?" She asks, with a new found pride in her voice. "Ready to lose Aj?" Rainbow Dash says with a cocky smile, earning a disapproving huff from Applejack. "Not even in your dreams Rd!" Applejack replies, causing you to let out a chuckle. "Sounds like they're ready Star." You say jovially.

"Get set!" Starfire says with a smile as she sits down next to you, prompting you to do the same. The two competing mares lean in a little closer as their stares turn dagger-like, to the point their noses touched. "Go!" Starfire shouts, causing the two mares to spring into action. Rainbow Dash was the first to turn around and attempted to chuck a heavy looking chunk of timber, but she stumbles and drops the wood. Apparently overestimating either her own strength or underestimating the weight of the log. She recovered quickly but it allowed Applejack to take the lead, allowing her to throw her first two chunks of timber into her cart.

The two mares rapidly chuck the loose assortment of lumber into their respective carts at a rapid pace, leaving both you and Starfire in awe at how determined both ponies were to win. "Now I don't think I've seen ponies chuck lumber that fast before." Starfire remarks although you're unable to take your eyes away from the sight. "Me neither." You reply, watching in awe at the two rapidly disappearing log piles. Applejack was still barely in the lead, but Rainbow Dash was quickly catching up.

Applejack was the first to finish throwing all of her lumber into the cart and rushed as fast as she could to hook herself up to said cart, although this part was seemingly where Rainbow Dash shined. In a flash of color, Rainbow Dash had hooked herself into the carts harness and had begun running her way over to the stump just as Applejack had finished tying herself in. Forcing Applejack to lose her lead by a couple seconds as she started to pick up speed.

Rainbow Dash was the first to make a left at the stump with Applejack quickly gaining on her. Slowly gaining speed as she pushed herself in an attempt to correct her two-second delay. "Halfway there!" You cheer as the two ponies passed the halfway point. Both ponies were neck and neck as they raced around the final two turns of the lap, both sweating profusely as they competed for first place. As the two ponies reached the final turn, even Starfire couldn't contain herself as she too began to cheer for the racing ponies.

"Come on, you can do it! Final turn!" She yelled, seemingly driving the two ponies to put their all into the final turn. The two competitors remained neck and neck right up until Applejack expended the last of her energy to pull ahead at the very last second, securing her victory as the two mares passed the stump and began to slow their carts to a safer speed. "And the winner is Applejack!" You cheer as you and Starfire rush over to the now worn out mares. "You... Cheated." Rainbow Dash barely manages to say between gasps.

"Aw, don't.... be like that sugar cube. Refs would have.... called me out if I did... Right, you two?" Applejack asks between labored breaths as the two mares try to catch their breath. "We would have declared a winner prior to the stump if one of you cheated." Starfire said with a friendly smile. "Yep, everything was above board in this competition. Sorry to say miss Dash." You say with a smile, only to have the exhausted cyan pegasus to blow you a raspberry in response.

"So Sky, not that I'm complaining but is there a reason why you came all the way out in the field looking for us? You could have just stayed back at the farmhouse with Granny until we got back." Applejack asks as she wipes the sweat from her brow. "Actually there is something I wanted to talk to you about. I overheard a couple things in the market that could affect any apple trading. If your farm does any trading outside of town." You say with a small frown, catching the full attention of all three mares. "That I do. Why? Apple prices dropping or something?" Applejack asks as Rainbow Dash pulls a canteen out of one of the bags on the side of AJ's cart and takes a long drink of it.

"Not exactly, apparently the watermelon trader ordered a shipment from a caravan company, didn't catch the name of the company or where it was coming from. But apparently, she says some bandits sacked the caravan." You say wearily, causing Rainbow Dash to choke on whatever she was drinking, forcing her to spit it out. "Bandits? In central Equestria? Are you sure?" Rainbow Dash asks breathlessly as her ears flattened against her head.

"It's just a rumor I heard passing through the market. It could be true, or it could be a convenient excuse for why the trader raised some prices. Either way, I'm going to write a few letters to some ponies I know in the business and see if I can confirm it. I just wanted to give you a heads up, just in case you were planning on an apple delivery somewhere." You carefully explain, earning a small hum from Starfire. "Usually Canterlot patrols mop up any would be bandits in central Equestria. I'd wager the traders lying about something." Starfire calmly states as she gives you a skeptical look.

"Like I said, it's probably nothing. but I just wanted to tell you just in case it was something." You say nervously as you feel your ears lower slightly. Applejack proceeds to give you a gentle smile and gently rests her right hoof on your right shoulder. "Thanks for telling me Sky. We haven't had issues with that sort of thing on the paths up to Timbercreek and Rabbitfoot pass. But if your sources say there are bandits up that way. Then the Apple's will keep a wide berth. Assuming you'll keep us in the loop?" Applejack says with a sad smile.

"Of course, you'll be the first to know when I hear about it." You say with an uneasy grin as Rainbow Dash pulls her cart to the left of Applejack's and gives her a concerned look. "I think we should head back to the farmhouse and get you two sorted for your "Practice." Whatever that means." Rainbow Dash states impatiently as she starts walking down the dirt path. Causing Applejack to look up at the position of the sun. "Yea Rainbow you're right. It's getting to be about supper time and I'm starving." Applejack replies with a brief chuckle as you Starfire and Applejack quickly follow behind the rainbow maned pegasus.

"Oh, speaking of supper, Star. My sister's dropping by the Guildhall tonight with her...Colt-friend. If you don't have any plans tonight she'd love to meet you." You say playfully, instantly catching Starfires attention. "Ooo. So I'll finally be able to meet the famed Ditzy Doo? I'd love to meet her and this stallion. Although I don't recall you mentioning her meeting a stallion." She shoots back with a knowing smile as you continue to walk down the dirt path.

"I didn't know either until I literally ran into them outside of Twilights." You reply, earning a small chuckle from Applejack. "Well, good for her. Everypony needs somepony to love." Applejack says as she gives Rainbow Dash a cocky smile, causing Rainbow Dash to turn away. "Speaking of somepony to love. You totally got a soft spot for Eclipse. Don't ya flyboy?" Starfire teases as she punches you hard in your left shoulder. Causing you to stumble as a blush crosses your cheeks.

"I d-don't know what you're on about." You quip back, earning a small snort from a certain rainbow-maned pegasus. "Oh come on Sky, anypony with a shred of common sense can see it a mile away." Starfire continued to tease, making your cheeks feel as hot as Celestia's sun. "L-look, love's a strong w-word for it alright? I... just appreciate...him." You reply incredulously as you turn your head away from Starfire in an attempt to hide your blush. Only to look Applejack directly in the eyes. Which caused her to give you a knowing grin.

"Aw shoot sugar cube. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Applejack says with a gentle smile as she places her left forehoof on your right shoulder. "We're your friends Sky. Well, at least me and Starfire are. You can tell us anything and I promise we won't go running off to tell the rumor mill like highschool fillies. Right Star?" Applejack continues, giving Starfire a stern look.

"That's right. Besides, we haven't talked about any cute stallions ever since he joined up. Which mean either you haven't had a stallion catch your eye since then. Or you let a certain white unicorn take your heart. So which is it. Huh?" Starfire says with a mischievous grin on her muzzle as she walks a little closer to you. Causing you to stare at the ground and allow your mind to ponder the question.

"Do I really love Eclipse? Sure I like him... if "like" is the proper way to describe it... and yes my heart skips a beat every time he smiles. I'm happy that he's happy. And when he gets into the zone and his tongue sticks out of his muzzle, it's cute." You think to yourself before allowing yourself to come back to reality. "He's cute." You softly say as your cheeks feel as though Celestia herself was channeling all the sun's heat onto them.

"He's cute, kind, and capable... and I hate seeing him cry... I want him to be happy. Every time I see him cry I just... want to pull him close and tell him everything will be alright and hold him until everything's alright again... I wouldn't call it love. It's too early to call it that. It's just... an attraction." You continue to say as a smile crosses your muzzle and a warm feeling wells up in your chest. Briefly, you look over at Starfire, who is mischievously smiling right back at you. "D'aww sugar cube." You hear Applejack comment sweetly as you see an all too familiar glint in Starfire's eyes. "And?" She asks, causing you to roll your eyes. "Well, he does have a nice flank." You say, earning a loud snort from Starfire and Rainbow Dash, along with a hearty chuckle from AJ as you feel the tip of your ears start to heat up.

"I knew you were looking! Feels good finally getting that off your chest. Right?" Starfire happily asks as she gives you a friendly nuzzle on the cheek. "You know what. It does." You reply as you return the affection 'How about you Star? Anypony catch your eye yet?" Applejack asks with a mischievous grin on her muzzle, causing a wave of relief to flow through your body. You were happy the spotlight was finally off you and on somepony more... deserving. She did want to talk about stallions after all.

Feeling a mischievous grin make its way across your muzzle, you turn back to Starfire. "Yea Star, who's flank have you been staring at?" You ask as you give the mare in question a playful punch on the shoulder. Which caused her to chuckle nervously. "Oh, nopony in particular honestly." She says, sounding slightly downtrodden as she averts her gaze from the group. "Really? No pony at all?" You ask in surprise. In all two years, you've known this mare, she's always had her eyes on a stallion or the occasional mare.

"Haven't really found anypony my type, no offense. But this town is sorta filled with ponies who only wanna settle down and start a life for themselves. Granted I want that in the long run and the taverns a great start for it. But it's also an excellent place to rest for a few days after an adventure or contract. Which right now, I want to do. I want to go off and nearly get killed for... lack of a better phrase. "A rusty old helmet in some dingy ruin." She says, with a shrug as the four of you continue to walk.

"With your line of work, I can see why that would be an issue." Rainbow Dash says nonchalantly as she continues to avoid eye contact. "I think somepony just volunteered to divulge their crush." You tease, earning a nervous look from both her and Applejack. "Me? I d-don't really..." Rainbow Dash starts but Applejack cuts her off. "Hey Rainbow, race ya to the barn!" Applejack yells rather abruptly as she starts to run down the dirt path. "Hey, no fair!" Rainbow dash yells back and begins chasing after her. Leaving you and Starfire in the dust with a confused look on both of your faces.

"What's gotten into them?" Starfire asks as the two of you watch the two mares run into the distance, disappearing around a bend in the orchard. Which only put a mischievous grin on your face. "And you wonder why I put bits into the Aj's a lesbian betting pot." You say knowingly, as you happily enjoy the sight of your companions face shifting from confusion to realization and finally into that devious smile you knew and loved. Her ears stood tall on her head, and her tail gently wagged as she walked a little closer to you.

"How long you think they've been rolling in the hay?" The perverted mare asked conspiratorily, earning a small chuckle from yourself. "To be honest, probably long before we arrived. Word around town is that ever since the library opened up, those two have been hanging out more often than not." You reply devilishly, earning a small hum from Starfire. "Think there's a correlation?" She asks as the two of you make brief eye contact. "Nah, I think that's just how ponies around here recount events." You reply, earning a confused look from Starfire. "They don't go by the moon standard?" She asks curiously, prompting you to shrug before responding.

"It's Ponyville, so many different events and disasters happen around here. It might be easier to reference the last bugbear attack instead of the last lunar phase." You reply with a small grin. Which earns you a chuckle and a barely noticeable eye roll from Starfire as she turns her head away. The two of you walk in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Starfire speaks up. "Speaking of recent events." Starfire begins with a sigh, prompting you to give her your full attention. Her ears were completely flat against her head, and she gave you an "I'm going to have the scolding of the lifetime look." foals give their angry mothers.

"Let's not beat around the bush Sky, I failed you last night. I wasn't keeping an eye on you like we're exposed to for each other and... that nearly got you killed." Starfire starts to say, pain or shame was obvious in her voice, although it did seem like she was trying to hold it back. "Star, stuff..." You start to say in an attempt to console your partner, but she cuts you off. "Damnit Sky don't you dare say STUFF HAPPENS!" Starfire yells as she moves in front of you and hits your chest hard with her right forehoof. Stopping you in your tracks.

"We swore nearly two years ago that we'd watch each other's backs no matter what. And I failed you." Starfire hisses as tears start to appear around her eyes. "Star..." You try again, only to be cut off. "That timberwolf was an inch away from ending your life Sky! You were pleading for your life and I DIDN'T HELP YOU! I COULDN'T SAVE YOU... and when the moment came where I needed rescue... You didn't hesitate for a second... I'd understand if you'd want to revoke your Vaurear oath and... find a new partner." Starfire finishes with her head hung low and tears openly falling down her cheek. You stood there in shock for a few moments only to have that soon replaced with anger.

"Now Star, don't you ever and I mean EVER suggest there is anypony else in all of Equestria... No, in all the WORLD, that would guard my back better than you." You start to say sternly as you press your nose against her's. "Was last night a mess? Absolutely. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that not even YOU could have fought through all those timberwolves to save me... And I certainly don't blame you for anything that happened last night... You forget, I nearly lost you too." You pause as a heavyweight seemingly tugged at your heart at the thought. Only to see the mare you call your sword sister looking at you, seemingly in a state of fear or shock through her tear stained eyes.

After a few seconds, you sigh, feeling the rest of your anger subside as you do so. Leaving only a deep sorrow in its place. From there you give the mare a sympathetic smile, as you start wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I trust you with my life Star. An' one hundred bad luck nights will never change that opinion." You say sweetly, causing a small smile to cross her muzzle before she wrapped her forelegs around your neck and pulled you into a warm embrace. "What about a hundred and one?..." She whispers as she chuckles between fading sobs.

"There's the Starfire I know and love." You think to yourself before replying. "Well, then you're going to need to buy me some mead before you attempt an apology." You reply sweetly as you wrap your forelegs gently around her neck and nuzzle the mares right cheek. A small smile crossing your muzzle as she hugs you a little tighter. "Cloudsdale... I presume?" She asks as she briefly pulls away from the hug to look you in the eyes. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but there was a smile on her face, and a sense of humor in her voice. "Aw, you do remember." You tease, earning an eye roll from the mare, and a light shove as she breaks the embrace.

"Doesn't take a genius to know you like that rubbish." She quips back with a smile as she wipes the remaining tears from her eyes. "Now come on, enough of the sappy stuff. Let's go get your plot kicking over with so I can meet your sister." She continues, as a competitive fire seemed to spark in her eyes. "Yea, yea. You say that now, but you'll be changing your tune when I best you." You say with a cocky smile as you start walking again. Prompting Starfire to walk alongside you to your left.

After a few minutes of walking, Starfire breaks the silence in an unusually timid voice for her. "Sky?" She asks, prompting you to look her in the eyes once more. "Yea?" You respond. "Thanks... I really needed to get that off my chest." She softly says as she casts her gaze down towards the dirt path. "She really is that same caring mare you met all those years ago." You think to yourself as you give the mare a gentle smile before carefully reaching your left wing around her, and pulling her into a feathery embrace. Which you follow up with a friendly nuzzle to the side of her head. Which elicited a quite yip from the yellow coated mare. "Anytime partner." You reply with a gentle smile, as the two of you continue your walk back toward the Apple family farmhouse.