The Strange Poniesby BittercupChaptersThe Final Destination.2:10 A.M.3:15 A.M.4:00 A.M.4:15 A.M.The Final Destination.The moonlight danced across the narrow path of the forest softly, pale blue light covering the tender beauty of nature in a protective veil. Marble Pie let her tiny hooves carry her across the dew ridden grass much like a feather, her head held down in utter shame of the disaster that took place tonight. The large red stallion walking behind her in deep thought, his dark green eyes watching the gentle sway of the mare's backside in pity. This night had been a huge mistake for both of them, Big Mac bit his lower lip roughly searching for the right words in his mind. “Mmhmm.” Marble squeaked as she came to a stop at their final destination. “Eeyup!” Mac nodded as his gaze landed upon a small old cabin deep within The Everfree. The side was covered in dark violet vines outlined in thorns, the front overflowing with dust and debris of various forest creatures. The small two bedroom cabin felt chilled and icy, the touch of love far gone leaving it indifferent. Marble had spoke that this cabin was an old trading post created by herself and Limestone Pie, though the family Rock Farm had never expanded enough to make use of it. Now it sat in silence within the forest patiently, waiting to be taken back by nature once more. Mac knew this place was horrible to leave a delicate mare such as Marble alone, he quickly puffed his chest forward proudly walking to the mare. “I can't leave you here alone at night.” His voice was strong and reassuring. “Lime sent a telegram she will be here by morning, I'm used to being alone.” Marble spoke in the softest whisper, ears folding back as she tried to force open the front door. Mac watched the tiny mare struggle before him, gentle whimpers echoed into the night sky as she fought so hard to hold back sobs. Taking a deep breath he pushed ahead behind the mare, lifting a mighty hoof he simply pressed the door open with utmost ease. “I'm staying until your sister arrives.” He nudged the side of his friend with his muzzle, Marble sobbed loudly as she rushed inside shivering across her frail frame. Mac knew this night would be a long one, walking within he noticed the cabin was in disarray beyond repair. He took time to clear off the coffee table and some counters, getting to work swiftly to start up the fireplace afterwards. Marble could feel her tears burn her cheeks painfully, rushing into the bathroom at top speed she was quick to turn the tub faucet on to cover her sorrows. Curling up on the edge of the tub she cried, watching the water swirl down the drain in a whirlpool of melancholy emotions. Hours Earlier. “I just wanted to say Macintosh, I love you...I always have.” Marble blushed a bright pink hue, her monotone hair cascaded over her face shyly. It had taken so long for her to utter those simple words to her dream stallion, but she planned this night just for them two. A sweet date between friends to the Farmer's Market followed by a picnic, leading to this one moment under a giant oak tree during sunset. Marble could feel her tail swish in utmost excitement for his reply, her heart no longer cast in cold stone but alive with the wild rhythm of love. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light towards her stallion, his face that of shock and disbelief at his situation. “I already have a special somepony…” His words shattering the heart of the mare before him. She had no idea. She had no words. She had nopony. She was utterly ashamed. Present. Marble let her tears roll into the clear warm water of the tub, the tiny wet mare soaking her sorrows in the gentle embrace of a long bath. She wished to be a unicorn at this moment, to teleport far away from this place and hide within the abyss. Her heart was in more pieces that ever could be repaired, the shattered chips of her love turning to stone once again. She had to face her fate in life, she was destined to be alone forever. Big Mac was in shock of the night to say the least, he knew Sugar Belle would understand completely and hold no resentments. But it was Marble that caused him worry, she had become so distant in such a short time. Would she be able to move on and find her own happiness, or simply give up and wallow in a growing river of desolation? He drug his hooves across the wooden floor, connecting a nearby battery operated record player in the corner beside the fireplace. Music would do them both well at this moment, perhaps give him a few ideas on stallion friends of his. If he gave it his all he knew he could find a stallion that was perfect, who wouldn't want a lovely, sweet and elegant mare to find love with? Searching among the wall of dust covered books to his right, he spotted just one old record of Coloratura atop a faded magazine of Canterlot. He nipped it between his teeth carrying it to the player, soon the cabin was filled with a soft spoken song of love and loss while a dim orange glow radiated from the fireplace. He had nothing much else to do but sigh aloud, galloping across the room in search of perhaps a bite to eat. The cupboards dusty and bare except for an ancient bottle of hard cider, flipping it onto the side to see it was branded by his farm before he chuckled. He gently slid the bottle onto the filthy kitchen counter in silence, the damp hoofsteps of Marble suddenly echoed into the air behind him. Her coat moist and mane neatly washed clean, the mare taking dainty steps around the cabin to light multiple candles. Soon the cabin radiated with calming orange light, the small cramped space became more cozy and welcoming. Both ponies slowly taking seats opposite of each other at the kitchen table, locking eyes after a few seconds as silence grew thicker between them. “I'm perfectly fine.” She broke the lingering awkwardness with a delicate voice. “I'm sorry about tonight Marble, I had no idea you felt such feelings…” He huffed in dismay. “It's my fault, I should've asked if you were single to begin with.” Her eyes fell to the floor embarrassed. “No, I should've told you from the beginning!” He placed a large hoof atop her tiny one. “Why didn't you?” She batted long lashes towards the stallion innocently. “I guess I saw you more like a sis…” A loud knock echoed across the room like thunder, both ponies jolting to attention as they gazed to the front door in shock. “Is that?” A thunderous knock made the mare yelp softly in place. “Who would be in The Everfree at like midnight?” Mac scrunched his muzzle before looking to the wall on his left, the small clock ticking silently reading 1:10 A.M. The knocks would not cease just a continuous line of noise from behind the wooden frame, gathering his courage Mac stomped heavy hooves towards the door, swiftly he swung the door open to the abyss outside. “Is Cozy Cloud here?” A soft shy voice of a unicorn spoke from the darkness, a mare wearing perhaps a jean jacket stood off in the shadows of the night. Her mane in a high standing ponytail with bangs over her left eye, cast in a inky black hue of the night. It was hard to make out much other than her horn, the mare hidden away from the warm light within. “Can't say she is?” Mac spoke in a confused tone of voice, taking a step towards the mare only to have her step backwards. “....” She stood straight giving a hollow stare. “If you're lost, you can come inside with my friend and I till morning.” Mac backed up inside offering entry into the cabin. “...” She stood in silence never moving. “Is everything alright?” Marble spoke in a soft whisper, walking up behind the stallion with a frightened yet curious gaze. “...” The unicorn simply galloped off into the darkness, her hoofsteps quickly faded away into the distance. “Hope she'll be fine…” Mac felt a chill run down his backside, gently clicking the door shut behind him. Turning around he came to the view of Marble pouring two faded glasses of cider at the table, the stallion taking his seat before smirking towards the hostess of this drink. She let herself flash a cute smirk, tiny hooves picking up the glass before taking a large swig. Mac was impressed at the large drink taken by the mare, he figured she was the delicate type to nurse a drink for a few hours instead. With a hearty chuckle he lifted his own glass to the sky, toasting his friend with a knowing wink before he slammed down the cider in one gulp. Marble burst into a fit of melodic giggles at the sight before her, happily pouring them each another glass of cider from the large bottle. Her tail swished once more in a sense of excitement, she had thought things might be forever awkward from now on, yet he still was the same even now. “Mmhmm!” She chugged her glass in one shot, wincing with the utmost adorable face afterwards. “Eeyup!” Mac slammed a second glass, laughter soon filled the cabin joyously. 2:10 A.M.2:10 A.M. Mac laid upon his side in front of the roaring fireplace silently, dark green eyes lost in a sea of flames of this moment. Wondering how Sugar Belle was doing tonight, if Bloom and Jackie were in any need of assistance as well. “Whatcha thinking about?” Marble crawled up onto the side of her friend's body, quickly deflating atop him holding a half drunk bottle of cider in her hooves. “Family. Home.” Both gazed longingly into the dancing flames before them in silence, the ponies choosing their words wisely. “Me too.” Marble yawned aloud with a cute squeak. “I was wondering Marble…” Mac lifted his head to face the little mare. “Mmhmm?” Her voice hummed. “Perhaps we could still be friends? You are dear to my heart, I'd hate to lose you.” He flashed a tender smile to the petite mare. “You'd still enjoy my company?” She spoke in a shocked tone of voice, her eyes lighting up almost as brightly as Celestia's sun. “Of course Marble, you're like a sister to me!” He chuckled aloud before he rolled the mare off his side playfully. Her squeals filled the room as she giggled in happiness, embracing her friend with the largest hug her tiny frame could muster. “Thank you.” She whispered into his ear lovingly, nuzzling his cheek with her muzzle. She was beyond happy to still have him in her life. Thundering knocks exploded from the front door suddenly, Marble squealing aloud in complete surprise of the noise. Mac gave a reassuring hug to the trembling mare as she swallowed a large lump in her throat, the stallion cantered to the front door hastily to answer it. “Is Cozy Cloud here!?” A earth pony mare spoke in front of the door sarcastically, features hidden behind a oversized beige hoodie. All except a cream white muzzle stuck out from the lifted hood, her hooves stained near completely black from walking through wet soil all day. She was petite in shape from what he could see, at least half the size of the other mare or Marble for that matter. “I think your friend came by earlier, she asked for Cozy…” Mac lifted a brow in surprise as the mare galloped off into the abyss, without as much as another word she too had vanished. “Do you think everything is alright?” Marble hugged the bottle in her hooves worriedly from beside the fireplace. “I'm not sure, I think maybe those two and this Cozy Cloud are lost in The Everfree!?” Mac gave a defeated sigh into the chill night air. “Why do you look so flustered?” Marble spoke in a fearful quivering tone. “I have to go out there, see if those mare's are fine.” Mac shook his head to the side, lighting up a small oil lantern hung on the wall near the door. “You're going to leave!?” Marble could feel her chest tighten. “I have too, if we do nothing and those mare's get hurt…” Mac lifted the lantern in his left hoof, knowing he could never forgive himself if something happened. “But what if more come?” Marble questioned in a frightened voice. “See if they will come in and wait, they might trust a mare more anyways!” Mac nuzzled Marble on the cheek before he rushed out into the darkness. The cabin felt claustrophobic and darker when inside alone, the candles flickering back and forth in a small draft that found itself within. Marble stood petrified in front of the door praying Mac was back soon, forcing her hooves to move forward deeper into the silence. Reaching the kitchen sink she picked up a dusty metal cup from cobwebs in the corner, twisting the sink knob a gentle stream of water cascaded forth to cleanse the dirt away. Filling the cup to half portions in the dead of night, needing some clean cool water to refresh her sudden case of cottonmouth. A large lanky figure slowly stepped out from the far back bedroom behind the mare, gazing around the empty cabin in curiosity taking each step silently yet carefully. Marble sipping the cup daintily in deep thought, the strange pony behind her walked into the living area checking out a worn photo of Limestone and Marble on the wall. It's head tilted to the side with unblinking eyes hidden behind a dark pair of flight goggles, Marble letting a soft loud huff escape her lips before the front door clicked open unexpectedly. Marble gasped in shock heading over to the door swiftly, the living area behind her empty now just as it always had been. The mare swallowed hard coming close to the frame, keeping an ear out for any noise at all yet just hearing the wind billow. Marble felt the icy chill of loneliness grasp her soul as she clicked the door shut, gazing around the silent room she made her way to the record player. Calmly putting on the old record once again for noise, prancing towards the kitchen afterwards in search of a snack. “When I was just a filly, the world seemed so full. When I was just a filly, is when I lifted the wool. He came from deep in the night, trembling hooves bruised after the fight. Momma told me he'd never treat me right, always distant full of spite. But I still went outside to play, gave him my heart on that very day! Anytime I tried to get him to stay, he'd push away, Celestia he'd push away!” Marble listened to the music with a small sniffle, holding back a few tears of her own as she searched the kitchen. Rising up onto her hind hooves she opened a small cabinet, hidden inside was a small bag of oats and berries. Taking the bag in hoof she flashed a tiny smile, Limestone had hidden these here a bit ago as a secret snack during a layover trip to Ponyville. “Bang, Bang!” A loud bashing noise came from the door, the whole frame nearly exploding off the hinges as the mare screamed in horror. The oats fell across the floor in hundreds of directions, her heart racing wildly in her chest as eyes locked on the door. “Hel…” Marble tried to speak in a worried voice full of anxiety. “BANG, BANG!!” The door shook in place as if somepony were bucking it, a small piece of wood flying off the door into the corner as Marble shrieked in utter disbelief. The record player skipping in place suddenly from the vibrations, Marble unsure what to do as the powerful bucks continued. “Outside...to...play… Outside...to...play… Outside…to...play… Outside… Outside… Outside…. Outside……..” The music scratched across the player wildly in the background. “Go away, your friends aren't here!!” Marble placed hooves over her ears in terror, screaming as loud as she could towards the shaking door. “Outside….to...play…” The music turned to static silence just as the bucking came to a sudden stop, Marble quivered uncontrollably in place. Pale crystalline tears cascaded down her round cheeks softly, tiny hooves taking each step slowly towards the door unsure what was to come. Static poured across every inch of the cabin, sending a cold chill down the mare's backside before she placed her ear upon the wooden frame. The sound of complete isolation her only reply, a gentle tap slowly coming from the window on the right. It was delicate and frail, as if a baby bird had found its way to the cabin lost and in search of aid. Marble taking her steps with care as she slid over to the window, a cute pink curtain hiding away the horrors of the night bravely. Using her hoof she lifted back the frilly fabric cautiously. “BANG!!!” A large lanky yellow pegasus mare smashed her hoof against the window destructively, a crack forming easily across the dusty window. She wore a homemade looking Shadowbolt uniform with dark rose colored goggles, a wild curly untamed orange mane cascaded around her face as an unwavering scowl was plastered across her muzzle. “Ahhhh!” Marble screamed as loud as she could muster, falling back from the window before crashing to the floor with a thud. “Play… Play… Pla… Pl… Ay… Ay… Ay…” The record player sprang back to life in a echoing loop of nonsense, the mare scrambled to her feet the window pony gone from her view. Her body quivering uncontrollably she watched helpless as the front door creaked open wide, Marble flinging herself across the room to slam it shut. Before she could reach it a copper unicorn pushed her muzzle through the opening, face hidden by a red pull up hood of a jacket, dark forest green mane pushing out from the darkness. “Nooo!” Marble tripped smashing onto the floor, her body slid against the door roughly as it slammed shut. The record player stuck in a deafening loop it could not break as Marble watched with tear soaked eyes the living room window shattering open, her screams echoing across the forest as a beige hooded earth pony flashed a smile from the opening. “Leave me alone!!” Marble wept in despair picking up a the nearby cider bottle, tossing it towards the mare as hard as possible only to miss. Glass and cider splashing across the wall in a pungent mess of terror, Marble sobbing into her hooves as the front door exploded open. Icy night air flowed wildly into the cabin as it blew out two candles, Marble dashing off at full speed into the backroom her hoof crunching loudly on a sharp piece of glass. “Help!” She sobbed limping into a dark room with a torn down cot, warm crimson blood dripping over the filthy floor. Whimpering in place she curled up into a small ball near the cot, the loud loop suddenly being silenced by somepony their hoofsteps could be heard coming ever closer. Marble let herself break down completely in fear, tears washing over her cheeks painfully while watching a towering figure enter the room. “Are you ok!?” Mac spoke in a worried tone of voice, rushing to the side of the petrified mare crying loudly. “Mare's! Outside! The window!” Marble spoke in a panic stricken voice unable to catch her breath. “Who!?” Mac looked over the mare for injuries as she trembled uncontrollably, his large hooves caressing her silken mane. “She wore a mask!!!” Marble’s voice suddenly screamed out loudly in a explosion of emotion. “Mask?, What kind of mask!?” Mac scrunched his nose confused. “A BUCKING MASK!!” Marble broke down crying into the shoulder of the stallion for protection. “You're bleeding?” Mac gave a calm reply, his tender strong hoof lifting her own upward. “The glass from them…” Marble sniffled cutely in place her hoof torn open wide, Mac easily pulling the shimmering shard of glass free from her flesh. “Mmhmm.” Marble gave a soft whimper in pain, the stallion grabbed a old rag before tying it firmly around her hoof. “Now Marble, what happened?” He asked in a calm collected voice. 3:15 A.M.3:15 A.M. “They smashed the window and bucked the door.” Marble calmly sighed showing off the damages done to the cabin. “The two mare's I went to find, returned and attacked you?” Mac repeated the phrase to his friend, not completely believing the story which had been told. “Two mares were here, but not the same two!” The mare huffed her cheeks inflating slightly in annoyance. “Right, one was a Wonderbolt.” Mac chuckled aloud shaking his head to the side. “It was a Shadowbolt! Old,worn and stitched!” Marble stomped a tiny hoof on the floor in a pouty voice. “Shadowbolts are a popular Nightmare Night costume, Dash had one a few years ago for pranks!” Mac reassured the mare in a tender tone. “They were not playing Mac, they were trying to hurt me!” Marble gave a shrill yelp as tears were forming in her eyes once more. “Marble, in all the years of Equestria have you heard of ponies harming other ponies?” Mac gave a knowing shrug across the room. “No, but why don't you believe me!?” Marble bit her lower lip as her mane fell over her face in shame. “I do believe that perhaps some ponies are playing a prank, it went too far in the excitement and the window accidentally got busted.” Mac gave a soft smile, using his hoof to brush the mane away from her face. “They've been inside.” Marble took a sharp breath in worry. Her injured hoof lifting upward to the photo on the wall, Mac turning towards it slowly as he inched closer for a inspection. A small muddy hoofprint had been stamped onto the dusty frame of the picture, the print fresh and still damp from the moisture outside. Mac gave a deep frown and sighed loudly, his large hooves stomping down the hallway as he entered a pitch black room to the left. The small room being used as a storage with old brooms and mops scattered around the floor, no windows inside or had anything been moved. Marble watched the stallion shuffle into her hiding room, he checked the windows which were firmly locked and under the bed to find nopony at all. His hooves gaining pace while checking the kitchen, all was in order and all was secure. “Is that your print?” Mac flashed a confused frown to his friend. “Mac!” Marble pouted in shock. “I'm sorry Marble, there just isn't anyway inside!” Mac gave a heavy sigh. Marble batted long lashes in silence, her eyes locked on something outside the shattered window. The stallion turning his head towards the window slowly, outside in the cold night air stood the mare in the jacket. She had a crimson colored hood sown onto the collar, lifted up to hide away her features from anypony in the world. She gently shifted to a sitting position outside upon the damp grass, tail swishing side to side playfully in the pale moonlight. “I'm going outside.” Mac seriously stomped towards the door. “Why!?” Marble lunged to hug her friend's leg, her eyes full of fear. “Because she has to want something, nopony just waits in The Everfree for no reason!” Mac huffed before nudging Marble off his leg and trotting outside. The weather was chilly and damp tonight, a thick hazy stream of fog was slowly working its way across the forest. The jacket mare gazing his way silently while he took his time to reach her, a sense of unease filling the air around him. Mac walked next to a large stump of wood off to his side gently, an old rusted axe dug deep into corner of it after years of neglect. He swallowed a lump in his throat softly, eyes trying to get a decent look at the mare only able to see shadows. “What do you…” The pattering of hooves dashing through the woods behind him, caused the stallion to jump backwards a bit. A flash of beige galloping amongst the trees in a swift manner, Mac starting to take deeper and more worried breaths. Turning to face the jacket bound mare only to see the abyss staring back to him, his head snapping behind him as he noticed the axe was missing from the stump suddenly. “What the buck is going on?” He shook his head in confusion while standing dumbfounded in the night. A shadowy mare in beige lifting on find hooves behind him silently, leaning so softly closer to the back of his neck. Her warm wet tongue lapping across the nape of his collarbone wickedly, Mac jumping back in horror before crashing to the wet ground loudly only able to spot a blur dashing off. He wasted no time climbing up to his feet and running towards the front door of the cabin afterwards, turning around to gaze into the darkness around him. Spotting a old worn down shed in the distance, a few blurs of beige galloping across the forest and a nearby bush wiggling. A small hoof tapping his shoulder gently, Mac gasping in terror as he spun to see Marble standing in the open doorway. “Are they gone?” She asked in a hopeful chirp. “No, they're still here and I don't know…” Mac looked to the wall in absolute horror, the photo of Limestone now removed from the wall completely and missing. “We need to go now!” Mac shook off the numbness from his shoulders, looking to the mare who whimpered scared. “I don't know if I can!” She quivered. “I believe in you, when I open the door just run as fast as you can!” The stallion gave a firm hug to the mare, only to watch her lift her injured hoof towards him. “They'll catch me like this!” She began to sob. “Buck, I saw a old cart near the bushes earlier! Dash to it and sit low, I'll hitch up and get both of us out of here!” Mac nodded to the mare, taking a deep breath before he swung open the door. Both ponies galloped at top speeds to the dinky rotting cart in a overgrown bush, Marble flinging herself into the thorn covered back swiftly. Mac hitching himself to the front in a blur of red color, using his powerful strength to yank the cart free from it's grassy prison. “Ahhh!” Marble gave a piercing scream of terror, before them standing in the moonlight was a scowling Shadowbolt holding an axe near the hilt as if praying. Her large lanky hooves lifting the axe up high before slinging the sharp weapon into the night sky wildly, Marble leaping off the back barely as the axe dug into her old spot, her tiny body hitting the moist earth hard. Mac watched in disbelief as he yelled out to his friend in despair, a tiny earth pony in a beige hoodie suddenly tackling into him from the night. The air being knocked from his lungs as he toppled backwards, his huge frame smashing into the cart as it splintered off into a thousand directions. “Heehee heehee heehee!” The hooded mare giggled in front of him cast in shadows, her tiny frame running in place proudly as if ready to tackle again. Mac rolled to his side in horror while his body burned in pain, quickly dashing to his hooves as he helped Marble up from the wet soil. Both ponies running back inside the safety of the cabin, the sound of the tiny earth pony hopping onto the cart debris crushing the remnants of the wood filling the air. 4:00 A.M.4:00 A.M. “We need to defend ourselves!” Mac let a loud groan of pain escape his lips, the upper side of his chest a deep purple bruise. “Why are they doing this?” Marble shivered in place uncontrollably. “I don't know! Do you have any weapons here?” Mac rushed over to his friend, hooves holding her shoulders in place roughly. “We're going to die here…” Marble began to weep in place, tears rolling down her cheeks slowly. “Marble, stay with me! We need to focus, I need something to protect us!” Mac let his brave strong eyes lock onto her frail one's. “Crossbow, atop the bookshelf. Lime hid it here in case of Timberwolves…” Marble sniffled before curling into a small ball on the floor. Mac was quick to pounce onto hind hooves, reaching out of sight for the hidden weapon atop the bookshelf. His body wincing in pain as he stretched his bruised ribs outwards, hooves barely grasping a old dusty crossbow and lowering it down. “This might work but I need bolts.” Mac lifted and inspected the small black single fire crossbow in his hooves. “I have no idea where she hid them!” Marble sobbed in place, her tiny frame a broken deflated mess on the floor. “Listen to me Marble, we're not going to die here!” Mac walked over to the mare annoyed, lifting her to her hooves sternly his voice serious. “Peek-a-boo!” The beige hood giggled from the shattered window, peeking her muzzle into cabin sarcastically. Marble let a loud scream echo through the cabin, a sharp axe smashing through the front door unexpectedly. The stallion pushed his friend aside as he ran over to a nearby desk, using his strength to shove it across the floor and in front of the door. A large hole being carved out of the old wooden frame as the axe continued to chop down the door, the beige hood smirking as she began to crawl in through the window easily. Marble spotting her placing a hoof inside, the mare grabbing a large book on self defense from the floor and tossing it hard. Pelting the beige hood across the skull as she flopped backwards out the window with a thud, the axe completely chopping the top of the door out of the way before it began to slam into the desk. Mac casting a hateful glare to the large Shadowbolt outside the hole chopping her way inside, his instincts telling him to lift the empty crossbow towards the mare. The Shadowbolt spotting the weapon in his hooves, swiftly rushing back off into the darkness with her axe. “We need to hide in the back now!” Mac motioned the mare to follow him towards the storage room, both ponies galloping into the dark room with no windows. Marble nestled into a cold icy corner behind the stallion as he towered over her protectively, his dark green eyes gazing down to his feet spotting a large box of bolts under a mop. “Now we're talking!” He sighed triumphantly in relief, his strong calm hooves loading the weapon with ease before it clicked into place. “You're going to kill them?” Marble watched her dream stallion take on a colder darker edge. “Only if they force me.” He lifted the crossbow high atop his spare hoof to steady his aim, locking his eyes on the open door in a headshot. The sound of hooves crawling in through the shattered window echoed through the claustrophobic cabin, Marble placing her hooves over her ears before squeezing her eyes shut tight. Hoofsteps of multiple ponies walking around in the living room could be clearly heard, the sudden skip of the record player springing to life filled the whole cabin with deafening music. Any sound of hoofsteps drowned out with ease, they now had complete run of the cabin locking the music on a loop. A delicate synth-driven song echoing deep into the night. “ Well he was Canterlot based She lead a rock farm life He used to fly weekends It was the easy life But then it turned around And he began to change She didn't wonder then She didn't think it strange…” 4:15 A.M.4:15 A.M. Limestone slowly walked down the foggy narrow path deep into The Everfree, her pale green eyes full of annoyance and deflation. She thought about waiting till daybreak to pick up her little sister, would serve her daydreaming little rump right for running off so suddenly during the busy season. Yet the more she dwelled on the subject her stony heart grew heavier with pity and sadness for her sister, those dumb feminine driven things called emotions forcing her hoof to travel into the night to pick her up. “I thought I saw him smooching up a mare, but do you believe me!?” Limestone kicked a nearby rock, setting it forth deep into the abyss. “Of course not, you run off to follow your heart like a jackass!” She let her muzzle blow out a loud raspberry into the icy night air. “But when Mr.Stallion breaks your heart, who is walking into the night to pick you up!?” Her tiny hoof smacked a stick deep into the shadowy bushes. “Sure as hell is not his overfed ass, it's your best damn sist…” Her rant cut off short as an axe smashed deep into a tree mere inches in front of her. “Holy buck!” Limestone fell backwards onto rump frightened, splashing into a murky puddle of mudd roughly. “Love Flying over Equestria! Oh-a-whoaaaa! Ohhhhh-a-whoa! Oh-oh-ohhhh! Oh-oh-ohhh!” A industrial synth beat thundered across the sky, the mare noticing it clearly as she was smashed out of her own thoughts. Her ears folded back in worry, the axe gleamed brightly in the pale moonlight before her. Her eyes searched the wilderness around her for a culprit, but only found the emptiness of nature to greet her. “Marbles, answer me baby sis?!” Limestone yelled out into the bleak night gathering her courage, her eyes spotting the cabin dimly lit a few feet ahead of her. With gritted teeth she snorted loudly into the air, her hooves lifting out of the dirty water and making a dash for the cabin. Galloping a few feet before a unicorn wearing a jacket hopped out from behind a tree, dark crimson magic forming over all four of her hooves before they snapped sickeningly in place. *Ahhhh!* Limestone could feel her bones push out from each of her hooves, a loud crash sending her onto the filthy ground in agony, tears rolling down her cheeks. The jacket unicorn blinking down to the hurt mare, her horn lighting up as the crimson magic lifted the pony weakly off the pathway. Neatly positioning her under a large oak tree on her rump, Limestone cursing aloud as blood trickled out of her legs and onto the cold soil. “Ahhhh! Buck, help me!” The injured earth pony screamed, the unicorn simply walking away with a playful hum into the night. “Buuuuuck! Marbles, Luna damn it help me!” She winced with tear soaked eyes, her voice yelled for help yet was drowned out by the loud loop of music. “Need to ahhhh! HELP!!!!!!” She could feel warm blood ooze out under her quickly. “Somepony, anypony…” She tilted her head to the side frightened, the Shadowbolt standing tall over her on her right side. “What the tartarus!?” Limestone could feel her chest tighten, the pegasus silently taking a seat beside her under the tree. “Who are you!!? Is Marble ok, did you ahhhh!” The mare vomited a small bit onto the grass from the blinding pain. “And after he found a new mare in Canterlot the nights passed by She tried to trace the past The way he used to look The way he used to laugh I guess she'll never know What exactly she did wrong She couldn't make it out Just couldn't take it all…” The pegasus spoke not a word, a permanent frown of sadness frozen upon her muzzle eerily. Limestone watched in horrific pain and confusion, thinking the pegasus was if anything enjoying the music blaring loudly. Limestone's heart freezing in fear, the Shadowbolt allowing her hoof to lift up an old photo of Marble and herself into view. Those emotionless dark goggles gazed deep into the happy memory, Limestone casting a glare of anger towards the pegasus. “Don't you BUCKING touch her, she's just a kid!” Limestone watched sickened as the Shadowbolt traced her hoof across Marble on the photo slow and silent. “Ahhhh! Listen you don't have to do this, you can just stop nopony is hurt!!” Limestone howled in discomfort, the pegasus tilting her head to watch her wiggle in pain curiously. “Just let my sister go, please don't hurt…” The earth pony watched as the Shadowbolt stroked the mane of her little sister on the glass frame tauntingly. “She had the saddest eyes The family had ever seen She used to cry some nights Wishing she lived in her dream Where she could hold him close…” “You piece of garbage, mother-bucker!” Limestone hissed in a swirl of anger, disgust and pain, the Shadowbolt squeezing the frame as it cracked loudly into the dark. “Ahhhh! Ahhhhhh!” Limestone screamed in frustration attempting to lift up only to fall back in agony. Her attacker removing a sharp pointed shard of glass from the frame with her hoof, holding it high into the air, those blank goggles locked onto her victim while she inched ever closer. “Marble, I love you!! I…” Limestone gasped the figure plunging the glass deep into her chest, she struggled painfully in place the hoof digging it deeper. The weakened mare letting out a exhale for oxygen, warm crimson trickling down her chin slow. The hoof suddenly stabbing the glass completely through her heart, Limestone blacking out as her head fell limp towards the ground. “In the dark she saw his face It was then she knew the truth Love Lost In Equestria! Oh-a-whoaaaa! Ohhhhh-a-whoa! Oh-oh-ohhhh! Oh-oh-ohhh!” The Shadowbolt pulled the long shard out of the lifeless mare with a soft tug, goggles studying the bloody glass for a second with a unwavering scowl. Gently lowering the shard back into the frame, as if it were a puzzle piece, she clicked it back into place. Her head tilted up to the sky eerily without a word, enjoying the music as it suddenly clicked to a close from inside the cabin. Followed by complete silence.
The Final Destination.The moonlight danced across the narrow path of the forest softly, pale blue light covering the tender beauty of nature in a protective veil. Marble Pie let her tiny hooves carry her across the dew ridden grass much like a feather, her head held down in utter shame of the disaster that took place tonight. The large red stallion walking behind her in deep thought, his dark green eyes watching the gentle sway of the mare's backside in pity. This night had been a huge mistake for both of them, Big Mac bit his lower lip roughly searching for the right words in his mind. “Mmhmm.” Marble squeaked as she came to a stop at their final destination. “Eeyup!” Mac nodded as his gaze landed upon a small old cabin deep within The Everfree. The side was covered in dark violet vines outlined in thorns, the front overflowing with dust and debris of various forest creatures. The small two bedroom cabin felt chilled and icy, the touch of love far gone leaving it indifferent. Marble had spoke that this cabin was an old trading post created by herself and Limestone Pie, though the family Rock Farm had never expanded enough to make use of it. Now it sat in silence within the forest patiently, waiting to be taken back by nature once more. Mac knew this place was horrible to leave a delicate mare such as Marble alone, he quickly puffed his chest forward proudly walking to the mare. “I can't leave you here alone at night.” His voice was strong and reassuring. “Lime sent a telegram she will be here by morning, I'm used to being alone.” Marble spoke in the softest whisper, ears folding back as she tried to force open the front door. Mac watched the tiny mare struggle before him, gentle whimpers echoed into the night sky as she fought so hard to hold back sobs. Taking a deep breath he pushed ahead behind the mare, lifting a mighty hoof he simply pressed the door open with utmost ease. “I'm staying until your sister arrives.” He nudged the side of his friend with his muzzle, Marble sobbed loudly as she rushed inside shivering across her frail frame. Mac knew this night would be a long one, walking within he noticed the cabin was in disarray beyond repair. He took time to clear off the coffee table and some counters, getting to work swiftly to start up the fireplace afterwards. Marble could feel her tears burn her cheeks painfully, rushing into the bathroom at top speed she was quick to turn the tub faucet on to cover her sorrows. Curling up on the edge of the tub she cried, watching the water swirl down the drain in a whirlpool of melancholy emotions. Hours Earlier. “I just wanted to say Macintosh, I love you...I always have.” Marble blushed a bright pink hue, her monotone hair cascaded over her face shyly. It had taken so long for her to utter those simple words to her dream stallion, but she planned this night just for them two. A sweet date between friends to the Farmer's Market followed by a picnic, leading to this one moment under a giant oak tree during sunset. Marble could feel her tail swish in utmost excitement for his reply, her heart no longer cast in cold stone but alive with the wild rhythm of love. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light towards her stallion, his face that of shock and disbelief at his situation. “I already have a special somepony…” His words shattering the heart of the mare before him. She had no idea. She had no words. She had nopony. She was utterly ashamed. Present. Marble let her tears roll into the clear warm water of the tub, the tiny wet mare soaking her sorrows in the gentle embrace of a long bath. She wished to be a unicorn at this moment, to teleport far away from this place and hide within the abyss. Her heart was in more pieces that ever could be repaired, the shattered chips of her love turning to stone once again. She had to face her fate in life, she was destined to be alone forever. Big Mac was in shock of the night to say the least, he knew Sugar Belle would understand completely and hold no resentments. But it was Marble that caused him worry, she had become so distant in such a short time. Would she be able to move on and find her own happiness, or simply give up and wallow in a growing river of desolation? He drug his hooves across the wooden floor, connecting a nearby battery operated record player in the corner beside the fireplace. Music would do them both well at this moment, perhaps give him a few ideas on stallion friends of his. If he gave it his all he knew he could find a stallion that was perfect, who wouldn't want a lovely, sweet and elegant mare to find love with? Searching among the wall of dust covered books to his right, he spotted just one old record of Coloratura atop a faded magazine of Canterlot. He nipped it between his teeth carrying it to the player, soon the cabin was filled with a soft spoken song of love and loss while a dim orange glow radiated from the fireplace. He had nothing much else to do but sigh aloud, galloping across the room in search of perhaps a bite to eat. The cupboards dusty and bare except for an ancient bottle of hard cider, flipping it onto the side to see it was branded by his farm before he chuckled. He gently slid the bottle onto the filthy kitchen counter in silence, the damp hoofsteps of Marble suddenly echoed into the air behind him. Her coat moist and mane neatly washed clean, the mare taking dainty steps around the cabin to light multiple candles. Soon the cabin radiated with calming orange light, the small cramped space became more cozy and welcoming. Both ponies slowly taking seats opposite of each other at the kitchen table, locking eyes after a few seconds as silence grew thicker between them. “I'm perfectly fine.” She broke the lingering awkwardness with a delicate voice. “I'm sorry about tonight Marble, I had no idea you felt such feelings…” He huffed in dismay. “It's my fault, I should've asked if you were single to begin with.” Her eyes fell to the floor embarrassed. “No, I should've told you from the beginning!” He placed a large hoof atop her tiny one. “Why didn't you?” She batted long lashes towards the stallion innocently. “I guess I saw you more like a sis…” A loud knock echoed across the room like thunder, both ponies jolting to attention as they gazed to the front door in shock. “Is that?” A thunderous knock made the mare yelp softly in place. “Who would be in The Everfree at like midnight?” Mac scrunched his muzzle before looking to the wall on his left, the small clock ticking silently reading 1:10 A.M. The knocks would not cease just a continuous line of noise from behind the wooden frame, gathering his courage Mac stomped heavy hooves towards the door, swiftly he swung the door open to the abyss outside. “Is Cozy Cloud here?” A soft shy voice of a unicorn spoke from the darkness, a mare wearing perhaps a jean jacket stood off in the shadows of the night. Her mane in a high standing ponytail with bangs over her left eye, cast in a inky black hue of the night. It was hard to make out much other than her horn, the mare hidden away from the warm light within. “Can't say she is?” Mac spoke in a confused tone of voice, taking a step towards the mare only to have her step backwards. “....” She stood straight giving a hollow stare. “If you're lost, you can come inside with my friend and I till morning.” Mac backed up inside offering entry into the cabin. “...” She stood in silence never moving. “Is everything alright?” Marble spoke in a soft whisper, walking up behind the stallion with a frightened yet curious gaze. “...” The unicorn simply galloped off into the darkness, her hoofsteps quickly faded away into the distance. “Hope she'll be fine…” Mac felt a chill run down his backside, gently clicking the door shut behind him. Turning around he came to the view of Marble pouring two faded glasses of cider at the table, the stallion taking his seat before smirking towards the hostess of this drink. She let herself flash a cute smirk, tiny hooves picking up the glass before taking a large swig. Mac was impressed at the large drink taken by the mare, he figured she was the delicate type to nurse a drink for a few hours instead. With a hearty chuckle he lifted his own glass to the sky, toasting his friend with a knowing wink before he slammed down the cider in one gulp. Marble burst into a fit of melodic giggles at the sight before her, happily pouring them each another glass of cider from the large bottle. Her tail swished once more in a sense of excitement, she had thought things might be forever awkward from now on, yet he still was the same even now. “Mmhmm!” She chugged her glass in one shot, wincing with the utmost adorable face afterwards. “Eeyup!” Mac slammed a second glass, laughter soon filled the cabin joyously.
2:10 A.M.2:10 A.M. Mac laid upon his side in front of the roaring fireplace silently, dark green eyes lost in a sea of flames of this moment. Wondering how Sugar Belle was doing tonight, if Bloom and Jackie were in any need of assistance as well. “Whatcha thinking about?” Marble crawled up onto the side of her friend's body, quickly deflating atop him holding a half drunk bottle of cider in her hooves. “Family. Home.” Both gazed longingly into the dancing flames before them in silence, the ponies choosing their words wisely. “Me too.” Marble yawned aloud with a cute squeak. “I was wondering Marble…” Mac lifted his head to face the little mare. “Mmhmm?” Her voice hummed. “Perhaps we could still be friends? You are dear to my heart, I'd hate to lose you.” He flashed a tender smile to the petite mare. “You'd still enjoy my company?” She spoke in a shocked tone of voice, her eyes lighting up almost as brightly as Celestia's sun. “Of course Marble, you're like a sister to me!” He chuckled aloud before he rolled the mare off his side playfully. Her squeals filled the room as she giggled in happiness, embracing her friend with the largest hug her tiny frame could muster. “Thank you.” She whispered into his ear lovingly, nuzzling his cheek with her muzzle. She was beyond happy to still have him in her life. Thundering knocks exploded from the front door suddenly, Marble squealing aloud in complete surprise of the noise. Mac gave a reassuring hug to the trembling mare as she swallowed a large lump in her throat, the stallion cantered to the front door hastily to answer it. “Is Cozy Cloud here!?” A earth pony mare spoke in front of the door sarcastically, features hidden behind a oversized beige hoodie. All except a cream white muzzle stuck out from the lifted hood, her hooves stained near completely black from walking through wet soil all day. She was petite in shape from what he could see, at least half the size of the other mare or Marble for that matter. “I think your friend came by earlier, she asked for Cozy…” Mac lifted a brow in surprise as the mare galloped off into the abyss, without as much as another word she too had vanished. “Do you think everything is alright?” Marble hugged the bottle in her hooves worriedly from beside the fireplace. “I'm not sure, I think maybe those two and this Cozy Cloud are lost in The Everfree!?” Mac gave a defeated sigh into the chill night air. “Why do you look so flustered?” Marble spoke in a fearful quivering tone. “I have to go out there, see if those mare's are fine.” Mac shook his head to the side, lighting up a small oil lantern hung on the wall near the door. “You're going to leave!?” Marble could feel her chest tighten. “I have too, if we do nothing and those mare's get hurt…” Mac lifted the lantern in his left hoof, knowing he could never forgive himself if something happened. “But what if more come?” Marble questioned in a frightened voice. “See if they will come in and wait, they might trust a mare more anyways!” Mac nuzzled Marble on the cheek before he rushed out into the darkness. The cabin felt claustrophobic and darker when inside alone, the candles flickering back and forth in a small draft that found itself within. Marble stood petrified in front of the door praying Mac was back soon, forcing her hooves to move forward deeper into the silence. Reaching the kitchen sink she picked up a dusty metal cup from cobwebs in the corner, twisting the sink knob a gentle stream of water cascaded forth to cleanse the dirt away. Filling the cup to half portions in the dead of night, needing some clean cool water to refresh her sudden case of cottonmouth. A large lanky figure slowly stepped out from the far back bedroom behind the mare, gazing around the empty cabin in curiosity taking each step silently yet carefully. Marble sipping the cup daintily in deep thought, the strange pony behind her walked into the living area checking out a worn photo of Limestone and Marble on the wall. It's head tilted to the side with unblinking eyes hidden behind a dark pair of flight goggles, Marble letting a soft loud huff escape her lips before the front door clicked open unexpectedly. Marble gasped in shock heading over to the door swiftly, the living area behind her empty now just as it always had been. The mare swallowed hard coming close to the frame, keeping an ear out for any noise at all yet just hearing the wind billow. Marble felt the icy chill of loneliness grasp her soul as she clicked the door shut, gazing around the silent room she made her way to the record player. Calmly putting on the old record once again for noise, prancing towards the kitchen afterwards in search of a snack. “When I was just a filly, the world seemed so full. When I was just a filly, is when I lifted the wool. He came from deep in the night, trembling hooves bruised after the fight. Momma told me he'd never treat me right, always distant full of spite. But I still went outside to play, gave him my heart on that very day! Anytime I tried to get him to stay, he'd push away, Celestia he'd push away!” Marble listened to the music with a small sniffle, holding back a few tears of her own as she searched the kitchen. Rising up onto her hind hooves she opened a small cabinet, hidden inside was a small bag of oats and berries. Taking the bag in hoof she flashed a tiny smile, Limestone had hidden these here a bit ago as a secret snack during a layover trip to Ponyville. “Bang, Bang!” A loud bashing noise came from the door, the whole frame nearly exploding off the hinges as the mare screamed in horror. The oats fell across the floor in hundreds of directions, her heart racing wildly in her chest as eyes locked on the door. “Hel…” Marble tried to speak in a worried voice full of anxiety. “BANG, BANG!!” The door shook in place as if somepony were bucking it, a small piece of wood flying off the door into the corner as Marble shrieked in utter disbelief. The record player skipping in place suddenly from the vibrations, Marble unsure what to do as the powerful bucks continued. “Outside...to...play… Outside...to...play… Outside…to...play… Outside… Outside… Outside…. Outside……..” The music scratched across the player wildly in the background. “Go away, your friends aren't here!!” Marble placed hooves over her ears in terror, screaming as loud as she could towards the shaking door. “Outside….to...play…” The music turned to static silence just as the bucking came to a sudden stop, Marble quivered uncontrollably in place. Pale crystalline tears cascaded down her round cheeks softly, tiny hooves taking each step slowly towards the door unsure what was to come. Static poured across every inch of the cabin, sending a cold chill down the mare's backside before she placed her ear upon the wooden frame. The sound of complete isolation her only reply, a gentle tap slowly coming from the window on the right. It was delicate and frail, as if a baby bird had found its way to the cabin lost and in search of aid. Marble taking her steps with care as she slid over to the window, a cute pink curtain hiding away the horrors of the night bravely. Using her hoof she lifted back the frilly fabric cautiously. “BANG!!!” A large lanky yellow pegasus mare smashed her hoof against the window destructively, a crack forming easily across the dusty window. She wore a homemade looking Shadowbolt uniform with dark rose colored goggles, a wild curly untamed orange mane cascaded around her face as an unwavering scowl was plastered across her muzzle. “Ahhhh!” Marble screamed as loud as she could muster, falling back from the window before crashing to the floor with a thud. “Play… Play… Pla… Pl… Ay… Ay… Ay…” The record player sprang back to life in a echoing loop of nonsense, the mare scrambled to her feet the window pony gone from her view. Her body quivering uncontrollably she watched helpless as the front door creaked open wide, Marble flinging herself across the room to slam it shut. Before she could reach it a copper unicorn pushed her muzzle through the opening, face hidden by a red pull up hood of a jacket, dark forest green mane pushing out from the darkness. “Nooo!” Marble tripped smashing onto the floor, her body slid against the door roughly as it slammed shut. The record player stuck in a deafening loop it could not break as Marble watched with tear soaked eyes the living room window shattering open, her screams echoing across the forest as a beige hooded earth pony flashed a smile from the opening. “Leave me alone!!” Marble wept in despair picking up a the nearby cider bottle, tossing it towards the mare as hard as possible only to miss. Glass and cider splashing across the wall in a pungent mess of terror, Marble sobbing into her hooves as the front door exploded open. Icy night air flowed wildly into the cabin as it blew out two candles, Marble dashing off at full speed into the backroom her hoof crunching loudly on a sharp piece of glass. “Help!” She sobbed limping into a dark room with a torn down cot, warm crimson blood dripping over the filthy floor. Whimpering in place she curled up into a small ball near the cot, the loud loop suddenly being silenced by somepony their hoofsteps could be heard coming ever closer. Marble let herself break down completely in fear, tears washing over her cheeks painfully while watching a towering figure enter the room. “Are you ok!?” Mac spoke in a worried tone of voice, rushing to the side of the petrified mare crying loudly. “Mare's! Outside! The window!” Marble spoke in a panic stricken voice unable to catch her breath. “Who!?” Mac looked over the mare for injuries as she trembled uncontrollably, his large hooves caressing her silken mane. “She wore a mask!!!” Marble’s voice suddenly screamed out loudly in a explosion of emotion. “Mask?, What kind of mask!?” Mac scrunched his nose confused. “A BUCKING MASK!!” Marble broke down crying into the shoulder of the stallion for protection. “You're bleeding?” Mac gave a calm reply, his tender strong hoof lifting her own upward. “The glass from them…” Marble sniffled cutely in place her hoof torn open wide, Mac easily pulling the shimmering shard of glass free from her flesh. “Mmhmm.” Marble gave a soft whimper in pain, the stallion grabbed a old rag before tying it firmly around her hoof. “Now Marble, what happened?” He asked in a calm collected voice.
3:15 A.M.3:15 A.M. “They smashed the window and bucked the door.” Marble calmly sighed showing off the damages done to the cabin. “The two mare's I went to find, returned and attacked you?” Mac repeated the phrase to his friend, not completely believing the story which had been told. “Two mares were here, but not the same two!” The mare huffed her cheeks inflating slightly in annoyance. “Right, one was a Wonderbolt.” Mac chuckled aloud shaking his head to the side. “It was a Shadowbolt! Old,worn and stitched!” Marble stomped a tiny hoof on the floor in a pouty voice. “Shadowbolts are a popular Nightmare Night costume, Dash had one a few years ago for pranks!” Mac reassured the mare in a tender tone. “They were not playing Mac, they were trying to hurt me!” Marble gave a shrill yelp as tears were forming in her eyes once more. “Marble, in all the years of Equestria have you heard of ponies harming other ponies?” Mac gave a knowing shrug across the room. “No, but why don't you believe me!?” Marble bit her lower lip as her mane fell over her face in shame. “I do believe that perhaps some ponies are playing a prank, it went too far in the excitement and the window accidentally got busted.” Mac gave a soft smile, using his hoof to brush the mane away from her face. “They've been inside.” Marble took a sharp breath in worry. Her injured hoof lifting upward to the photo on the wall, Mac turning towards it slowly as he inched closer for a inspection. A small muddy hoofprint had been stamped onto the dusty frame of the picture, the print fresh and still damp from the moisture outside. Mac gave a deep frown and sighed loudly, his large hooves stomping down the hallway as he entered a pitch black room to the left. The small room being used as a storage with old brooms and mops scattered around the floor, no windows inside or had anything been moved. Marble watched the stallion shuffle into her hiding room, he checked the windows which were firmly locked and under the bed to find nopony at all. His hooves gaining pace while checking the kitchen, all was in order and all was secure. “Is that your print?” Mac flashed a confused frown to his friend. “Mac!” Marble pouted in shock. “I'm sorry Marble, there just isn't anyway inside!” Mac gave a heavy sigh. Marble batted long lashes in silence, her eyes locked on something outside the shattered window. The stallion turning his head towards the window slowly, outside in the cold night air stood the mare in the jacket. She had a crimson colored hood sown onto the collar, lifted up to hide away her features from anypony in the world. She gently shifted to a sitting position outside upon the damp grass, tail swishing side to side playfully in the pale moonlight. “I'm going outside.” Mac seriously stomped towards the door. “Why!?” Marble lunged to hug her friend's leg, her eyes full of fear. “Because she has to want something, nopony just waits in The Everfree for no reason!” Mac huffed before nudging Marble off his leg and trotting outside. The weather was chilly and damp tonight, a thick hazy stream of fog was slowly working its way across the forest. The jacket mare gazing his way silently while he took his time to reach her, a sense of unease filling the air around him. Mac walked next to a large stump of wood off to his side gently, an old rusted axe dug deep into corner of it after years of neglect. He swallowed a lump in his throat softly, eyes trying to get a decent look at the mare only able to see shadows. “What do you…” The pattering of hooves dashing through the woods behind him, caused the stallion to jump backwards a bit. A flash of beige galloping amongst the trees in a swift manner, Mac starting to take deeper and more worried breaths. Turning to face the jacket bound mare only to see the abyss staring back to him, his head snapping behind him as he noticed the axe was missing from the stump suddenly. “What the buck is going on?” He shook his head in confusion while standing dumbfounded in the night. A shadowy mare in beige lifting on find hooves behind him silently, leaning so softly closer to the back of his neck. Her warm wet tongue lapping across the nape of his collarbone wickedly, Mac jumping back in horror before crashing to the wet ground loudly only able to spot a blur dashing off. He wasted no time climbing up to his feet and running towards the front door of the cabin afterwards, turning around to gaze into the darkness around him. Spotting a old worn down shed in the distance, a few blurs of beige galloping across the forest and a nearby bush wiggling. A small hoof tapping his shoulder gently, Mac gasping in terror as he spun to see Marble standing in the open doorway. “Are they gone?” She asked in a hopeful chirp. “No, they're still here and I don't know…” Mac looked to the wall in absolute horror, the photo of Limestone now removed from the wall completely and missing. “We need to go now!” Mac shook off the numbness from his shoulders, looking to the mare who whimpered scared. “I don't know if I can!” She quivered. “I believe in you, when I open the door just run as fast as you can!” The stallion gave a firm hug to the mare, only to watch her lift her injured hoof towards him. “They'll catch me like this!” She began to sob. “Buck, I saw a old cart near the bushes earlier! Dash to it and sit low, I'll hitch up and get both of us out of here!” Mac nodded to the mare, taking a deep breath before he swung open the door. Both ponies galloped at top speeds to the dinky rotting cart in a overgrown bush, Marble flinging herself into the thorn covered back swiftly. Mac hitching himself to the front in a blur of red color, using his powerful strength to yank the cart free from it's grassy prison. “Ahhh!” Marble gave a piercing scream of terror, before them standing in the moonlight was a scowling Shadowbolt holding an axe near the hilt as if praying. Her large lanky hooves lifting the axe up high before slinging the sharp weapon into the night sky wildly, Marble leaping off the back barely as the axe dug into her old spot, her tiny body hitting the moist earth hard. Mac watched in disbelief as he yelled out to his friend in despair, a tiny earth pony in a beige hoodie suddenly tackling into him from the night. The air being knocked from his lungs as he toppled backwards, his huge frame smashing into the cart as it splintered off into a thousand directions. “Heehee heehee heehee!” The hooded mare giggled in front of him cast in shadows, her tiny frame running in place proudly as if ready to tackle again. Mac rolled to his side in horror while his body burned in pain, quickly dashing to his hooves as he helped Marble up from the wet soil. Both ponies running back inside the safety of the cabin, the sound of the tiny earth pony hopping onto the cart debris crushing the remnants of the wood filling the air.
4:00 A.M.4:00 A.M. “We need to defend ourselves!” Mac let a loud groan of pain escape his lips, the upper side of his chest a deep purple bruise. “Why are they doing this?” Marble shivered in place uncontrollably. “I don't know! Do you have any weapons here?” Mac rushed over to his friend, hooves holding her shoulders in place roughly. “We're going to die here…” Marble began to weep in place, tears rolling down her cheeks slowly. “Marble, stay with me! We need to focus, I need something to protect us!” Mac let his brave strong eyes lock onto her frail one's. “Crossbow, atop the bookshelf. Lime hid it here in case of Timberwolves…” Marble sniffled before curling into a small ball on the floor. Mac was quick to pounce onto hind hooves, reaching out of sight for the hidden weapon atop the bookshelf. His body wincing in pain as he stretched his bruised ribs outwards, hooves barely grasping a old dusty crossbow and lowering it down. “This might work but I need bolts.” Mac lifted and inspected the small black single fire crossbow in his hooves. “I have no idea where she hid them!” Marble sobbed in place, her tiny frame a broken deflated mess on the floor. “Listen to me Marble, we're not going to die here!” Mac walked over to the mare annoyed, lifting her to her hooves sternly his voice serious. “Peek-a-boo!” The beige hood giggled from the shattered window, peeking her muzzle into cabin sarcastically. Marble let a loud scream echo through the cabin, a sharp axe smashing through the front door unexpectedly. The stallion pushed his friend aside as he ran over to a nearby desk, using his strength to shove it across the floor and in front of the door. A large hole being carved out of the old wooden frame as the axe continued to chop down the door, the beige hood smirking as she began to crawl in through the window easily. Marble spotting her placing a hoof inside, the mare grabbing a large book on self defense from the floor and tossing it hard. Pelting the beige hood across the skull as she flopped backwards out the window with a thud, the axe completely chopping the top of the door out of the way before it began to slam into the desk. Mac casting a hateful glare to the large Shadowbolt outside the hole chopping her way inside, his instincts telling him to lift the empty crossbow towards the mare. The Shadowbolt spotting the weapon in his hooves, swiftly rushing back off into the darkness with her axe. “We need to hide in the back now!” Mac motioned the mare to follow him towards the storage room, both ponies galloping into the dark room with no windows. Marble nestled into a cold icy corner behind the stallion as he towered over her protectively, his dark green eyes gazing down to his feet spotting a large box of bolts under a mop. “Now we're talking!” He sighed triumphantly in relief, his strong calm hooves loading the weapon with ease before it clicked into place. “You're going to kill them?” Marble watched her dream stallion take on a colder darker edge. “Only if they force me.” He lifted the crossbow high atop his spare hoof to steady his aim, locking his eyes on the open door in a headshot. The sound of hooves crawling in through the shattered window echoed through the claustrophobic cabin, Marble placing her hooves over her ears before squeezing her eyes shut tight. Hoofsteps of multiple ponies walking around in the living room could be clearly heard, the sudden skip of the record player springing to life filled the whole cabin with deafening music. Any sound of hoofsteps drowned out with ease, they now had complete run of the cabin locking the music on a loop. A delicate synth-driven song echoing deep into the night. “ Well he was Canterlot based She lead a rock farm life He used to fly weekends It was the easy life But then it turned around And he began to change She didn't wonder then She didn't think it strange…”
4:15 A.M.4:15 A.M. Limestone slowly walked down the foggy narrow path deep into The Everfree, her pale green eyes full of annoyance and deflation. She thought about waiting till daybreak to pick up her little sister, would serve her daydreaming little rump right for running off so suddenly during the busy season. Yet the more she dwelled on the subject her stony heart grew heavier with pity and sadness for her sister, those dumb feminine driven things called emotions forcing her hoof to travel into the night to pick her up. “I thought I saw him smooching up a mare, but do you believe me!?” Limestone kicked a nearby rock, setting it forth deep into the abyss. “Of course not, you run off to follow your heart like a jackass!” She let her muzzle blow out a loud raspberry into the icy night air. “But when Mr.Stallion breaks your heart, who is walking into the night to pick you up!?” Her tiny hoof smacked a stick deep into the shadowy bushes. “Sure as hell is not his overfed ass, it's your best damn sist…” Her rant cut off short as an axe smashed deep into a tree mere inches in front of her. “Holy buck!” Limestone fell backwards onto rump frightened, splashing into a murky puddle of mudd roughly. “Love Flying over Equestria! Oh-a-whoaaaa! Ohhhhh-a-whoa! Oh-oh-ohhhh! Oh-oh-ohhh!” A industrial synth beat thundered across the sky, the mare noticing it clearly as she was smashed out of her own thoughts. Her ears folded back in worry, the axe gleamed brightly in the pale moonlight before her. Her eyes searched the wilderness around her for a culprit, but only found the emptiness of nature to greet her. “Marbles, answer me baby sis?!” Limestone yelled out into the bleak night gathering her courage, her eyes spotting the cabin dimly lit a few feet ahead of her. With gritted teeth she snorted loudly into the air, her hooves lifting out of the dirty water and making a dash for the cabin. Galloping a few feet before a unicorn wearing a jacket hopped out from behind a tree, dark crimson magic forming over all four of her hooves before they snapped sickeningly in place. *Ahhhh!* Limestone could feel her bones push out from each of her hooves, a loud crash sending her onto the filthy ground in agony, tears rolling down her cheeks. The jacket unicorn blinking down to the hurt mare, her horn lighting up as the crimson magic lifted the pony weakly off the pathway. Neatly positioning her under a large oak tree on her rump, Limestone cursing aloud as blood trickled out of her legs and onto the cold soil. “Ahhhh! Buck, help me!” The injured earth pony screamed, the unicorn simply walking away with a playful hum into the night. “Buuuuuck! Marbles, Luna damn it help me!” She winced with tear soaked eyes, her voice yelled for help yet was drowned out by the loud loop of music. “Need to ahhhh! HELP!!!!!!” She could feel warm blood ooze out under her quickly. “Somepony, anypony…” She tilted her head to the side frightened, the Shadowbolt standing tall over her on her right side. “What the tartarus!?” Limestone could feel her chest tighten, the pegasus silently taking a seat beside her under the tree. “Who are you!!? Is Marble ok, did you ahhhh!” The mare vomited a small bit onto the grass from the blinding pain. “And after he found a new mare in Canterlot the nights passed by She tried to trace the past The way he used to look The way he used to laugh I guess she'll never know What exactly she did wrong She couldn't make it out Just couldn't take it all…” The pegasus spoke not a word, a permanent frown of sadness frozen upon her muzzle eerily. Limestone watched in horrific pain and confusion, thinking the pegasus was if anything enjoying the music blaring loudly. Limestone's heart freezing in fear, the Shadowbolt allowing her hoof to lift up an old photo of Marble and herself into view. Those emotionless dark goggles gazed deep into the happy memory, Limestone casting a glare of anger towards the pegasus. “Don't you BUCKING touch her, she's just a kid!” Limestone watched sickened as the Shadowbolt traced her hoof across Marble on the photo slow and silent. “Ahhhh! Listen you don't have to do this, you can just stop nopony is hurt!!” Limestone howled in discomfort, the pegasus tilting her head to watch her wiggle in pain curiously. “Just let my sister go, please don't hurt…” The earth pony watched as the Shadowbolt stroked the mane of her little sister on the glass frame tauntingly. “She had the saddest eyes The family had ever seen She used to cry some nights Wishing she lived in her dream Where she could hold him close…” “You piece of garbage, mother-bucker!” Limestone hissed in a swirl of anger, disgust and pain, the Shadowbolt squeezing the frame as it cracked loudly into the dark. “Ahhhh! Ahhhhhh!” Limestone screamed in frustration attempting to lift up only to fall back in agony. Her attacker removing a sharp pointed shard of glass from the frame with her hoof, holding it high into the air, those blank goggles locked onto her victim while she inched ever closer. “Marble, I love you!! I…” Limestone gasped the figure plunging the glass deep into her chest, she struggled painfully in place the hoof digging it deeper. The weakened mare letting out a exhale for oxygen, warm crimson trickling down her chin slow. The hoof suddenly stabbing the glass completely through her heart, Limestone blacking out as her head fell limp towards the ground. “In the dark she saw his face It was then she knew the truth Love Lost In Equestria! Oh-a-whoaaaa! Ohhhhh-a-whoa! Oh-oh-ohhhh! Oh-oh-ohhh!” The Shadowbolt pulled the long shard out of the lifeless mare with a soft tug, goggles studying the bloody glass for a second with a unwavering scowl. Gently lowering the shard back into the frame, as if it were a puzzle piece, she clicked it back into place. Her head tilted up to the sky eerily without a word, enjoying the music as it suddenly clicked to a close from inside the cabin. Followed by complete silence.
