My Little Pony: The Western

by Conglomerate

Rating: teen
Tags: Nightmare Moon, Adventure, Violence, Princess Celestia, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 19638

A familiar tale of friendship, magic, and gunslinging.

A few years back, two sisters came into town. Both of law and order, they reigned supreme over the land, one with honorable law by day, the other with ruthless vigilantism by night. The town and its surroundings lived in harmony for a time, but there came a point where the townsfolk could no longer stand the brutality of the vigilante. A disparity in punishment, and a fairness sought after. Come high noon on one fateful day, and the sisters approached each other in the center of town, they each took three steps back, and drew...

Published 2023-04-26 23:20:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-05-19 02:47:01 UTC

Part 3: High Moon

“Welp, that ain’t going nowhere,” Twilight said, lifting the cart’s wheel.

The axle was split, making it impossible to reattach the wheel in any useful way.

“So what now? We go on hoof?”

“Yup, let’s get ready to go.”

“You expect us to carry all this the rest of the way?” Rarity demanded,

Twilight shook her head, “Just weapons and ammo. Everfree’s not far, we’ll get there before the end of the night for sure.”

“And the cart?”

“Leave it, we’ll come back for it later.”

“What if our stuff gets stolen?” Applejack asked,

“Unless y’all brought something valuable…” Twilight frowned, “Look, do y’all wanna rescue the sheriff or not?”

“Of course, sugarcube.”

“Then this is what we’ll have to deal with. Now stock up, let’s get to Everfree and get our sheriff back!”

“Alrighty then,”

“Hoowee!”

“Yeehaw!”

Twilight nodded, “Expect a fight, so keep an eye out. Let’s go!”

She took off running, the others quickly following behind. Running up the nearest dune, Twilight was quickly able to spot the spire of a building in the distance. She turned, and ran down the slope to the next one.

Every hill they crossed revealed more and more, the spire gave way to a bell tower, and the tips of roofs began to show over the sand. Dark against the night, there wasn’t a single light in the ghost town, just the skeletons of buildings.

Twilight stopped at the last hill, signaling for the rest to stop as well. Applejack and Rainbow Dash arrived first, followed by Pinkie Pie and eventually Rarity. A few minutes later, Fluttershy shuffled up the dune as well, breathing heavy.

“Ya see anythin’?” Rainbow Dash asked,

Scanning the town with her binoculars, Twilight was only able to see shadows.

“Nope, nothing yet.”

Rarity unslung her rifle and looked down the scope. “How do we know they’re even here? We haven’t followed much of a trail since the ravine.”

“It’s logical,” Twilight answered, “We suspect Marauder Moon’s behind this, and the cart was heading North. As far as I know, there ain’t no other towns or camps in the area. There’s nowhere else to go.”

“Okay, then what are we looking for?”

“Anything out of the ordinary, a cart, a camp, anything moving or giving off light.”

Rarity nodded, and the both spent a moment watching over the town.

“I think I got something.”

“Where?”

“Center of town, just behind the left building.”

Twilight moved her view over, spotting the faint flicker of a fire emanating from inside one of the more well off buildings.

“There’s something there alright,”

Rarity lowered her rifle, “Do we know it’s them?”

“Well, I reckon we check- Look!” Twilight exclaimed,

A cart was pulled out from behind the building. A larger, four wheeled one with a tattered cover, two ponies pulled it near the center of town, and a moment later it rocked back and forth as a dark figure stepped out. Rarity gasped, and Twilight adjusted her binoculars to get a better look. They were wearing a long black coat and a wide brimmed hat, a dark veil obscuring their face.

“It’s Ol’ Darkie.” Rarity said,

“Shoot,” Twilight realized, “This was planned for a bit then,”

The rest of the group squinted in the darkness, watching as the figure strode up the road, the cart following behind them.

“What should we do?” Applejack asked,

“Look where they’re going.” Twilight pointed out, “The church. I’m thinking we sneak around, go in quiet, grab the sheriff, then get out of dodge.”

“You think they’re bringin’ the sheriff there?”

“Why else would they be taking the cart?” Twilight responded, “And if she ain’t there, then we go check out the camp.”

“How many are there?” Fluttershy asked,

“Can’t say for sure,” Twilight looked back to the camp, “There’s gotta be more, plus Ol’ Darkie and the two with the cart, maybe more.”

“And Marauder Moon’s gotta be prowlin’ around here somewhere.” Rainbow Dash said,

“I’m willing to bet she’ll be in the church too, if we haven’t seen her already.”

“You think Ol’ Darkie is…”

“It’s crossed my mind, we might have to deal with her.”

“Dealing with the worst outlaw in the West?! How do you expect to do that, sugarcube?”

“There’s six of us, and one of her. We catch her off guard, then get the sheriff.”

They all looked at each other.

“Do you really think that’s going to work?” Applejack asked,

“You got a better idea?” Twilight asked,

“I-” Applejack fell silent, “No, but how do you expect all of us to get to the church without being seen?”

“Hmm…” Twilight brought a hoof to her chin, “Alright, here’s the plan: We’re on the South side of town, we go around the outskirts, get to the church on the North, go in the back, deal with whatever’s in there, find the sheriff, get her and ourselves out, then mosey on back to Ponyville. Job done.”

“What if we get seen?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“Don’t tell me yer afraid to shoot somepony.”

“Not bandits, but if they find us…”

“Then we shoot our way out.” Twilight answered, “Speaking of, what’re yer ammo counts?”

“I’m down to five rifle bullets, but I still have twenty for my pistols.” Rarity said,

Rainbow Dash patted her bandolier, “I got fifteen extra,”

“Eleven for me,” Fluttershy said, “And two slugs.”

Pinkie Pie shook her head, several sticks of dynamite falling out of her mane along with a matchbook. She stuck her tongue out as she counted them before flicking her tail, sending three more out.

“Eight dynamites, hyuck.”

“Just Lucy and Leftie for me.” Applejack clopped her hooves together.

Twilight nodded, “Well I only got six left,” she opened her cylinder to check, “Got any to spare?”

“Mine won’t fit yer gun,” Rarity shook her head.

“Here,” Rainbow Dash passed over three bullets, “Even it out a little.”

“Thanks…” Twilight took them, “Now are we all ready?”

There were some unsure nods.

“Then let’s get going, quietly now.”

She briskly descended the hill, pressing up against the outermost building to peer up the road. There was a bit of noise as the others followed, but there was no reaction from the camp, only the faint shadows cast by the fire. Twilight then turned and motioned for the rest to follow as she slunk over to the next building.

“Deputy Twilight,” Rarity whispered,

“What?”

“Why can’t we just go around around? Not even risk being seen at all.”

Twilight moved over to the next building. “I thought about it, but if they’re taking the sheriff to the church now, then I don’t think we wanna leave her there for long.”

“What’re they gonna do to her?”

“Well, if she ain’t dead yet, then she might be. Let’s go.” Twilight pushed forward,

They snuck around the next few buildings, coming up on the Eastern road. Twilight peered down to the center again, where the camp was more visible. The top of a fire was just visible behind a collapsed wall, and four ponies were immediately visible and after a few moments a fifth and sixth wandered into view. Some wore hats, and some didn’t, but it was too far to tell anything else.

“How many?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“Six at the camp, far as I can tell, that makes it nine total, maybe more.”

“We still goin’?”

“Yeah, lemme go first, I don’t think any of them are looking over here, but I wanna make sure.”

Twilight glanced back over to the camp, waiting for a moment for most of the bandits to focus on something else before dashing across the road. When she was halfway across, the house across the road creaked, and a portion of wood collapsed into itself. She froze, watching and waiting as the plume of dust settled, her gaze whipped back to the camp, but they either didn’t hear it, or didn’t care. Twilight quickly crossed the rest of the road, ducking behind the house to get out of view.

She turned around, looking at the others and motioning for another to cross. Rainbow Dash went next, running so fast she was across in just a few seconds. With a nod, Twilight gestured for the next, and Rarity quietly made her way across, then Applejack, then Pinkie Pie.

When it came to Fluttershy’s turn, it took a bit of beckoning, but she began striding over the road. Her steps completely silent, she moved slowly and carefully, creeping her way across.

There was movement in the house. Something shifted against the floor, and a moment later a grumble came through the wall. Light then shined through the broken windows, and a clanging was heard as whatever lantern inside was moved, the beams mirroring it across the sand.

Fluttershy stopped in the middle of the road, the light stopping just in front of her.

“Come on! Hurry!” Twilight whispered harshly,

Fluttershy shook her head, her hat bobbing. The floor inside the house creaked as something moved inside, and the front door opened, only for it to fall off its hinges.

“Dammit,” A gruff voice said,

They all gestured for Fluttershy to get across, but she remained paralyzed in the light.

A figure stepped out of the doorway, took one look at the mare in the middle of the road, then reached for his side.

“Sonuvah-!”

Bang

He dropped, falling down the wooden steps and collapsing on the road. They all stared at him for a second as Twilight holstered her revolver.

“Go go go!” She shouted, prompting all of them to begin moving.

A quick glance to the rest of camp revealed the other bandits were moving as well, some already running out into the street. Twilight pushed ahead, running over to the next building, then the next, completely forgoing stealth. The others quickly followed, weaving between rundown buildings as they turned straight for the church.

Its bell started ringing, sounding throughout the whole of Everfree.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Twilight complained,

Shouts came from the main road to their side, and Twilight turned to keep parallel with it, watching as light filtered through the buildings.

“Hey Twilight!” Rainbow Dash shouted,

A gunshot came from behind them, and they all ducked, a plank of wood off to the side splintering. Skidding to a halt, Twilight turned and dove behind cover, the rest following suit.

“What?!” She replied,

“We can’t just sneak into the church now! We gotta deal with this first.”

Twilight peaked out from behind her cover, watching as multiple light sources closed in around them.

“Okay! I guess we’re shooting our way in! Get ready!”

She drew her revolver, Rainbow Dash drew hers, Rarity unslung her rifle, Fluttershy hugged her shotgun, Applejack slipped on her shoes, and Pinkie Pie pulled out a stick of dynamite.

“Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, “Cover the flank. Applejack, yer with me. Rarity, yer backup and Pinkie Pie…” She trailed off,

Pinkie Pie leaned forward with a smile.

“Try not to blow us all up.”

“Hoowee!” Pinkie Pie struck a match and lit the fuse, chucking the stick of dynamite towards the nearest light source.

A couple shouts followed by an explosion revealed it wasn’t off target. Sand rained down around them, and Twilight peaked out from behind the wall again. There were three bandits rapidly approaching, completely out in the open. She shot the first, causing the others to break away, aiming at the second, she managed to hit them before they dove behind cover.

A flurry of gunshots came from the other side, then a blast from a shotgun. More shouts filled the air, and the bandits started to fan out, flanking wider. There was a crack from Rarity’s rifle, and Twilight peered around the corner again to shoot. She saw the tip of a bandit’s hat sticking above the wall of a collapsed house and shot through the planks, a flailing pony dropping to the ground told her she hit.

Shots were returned, splintering off the wood and zipping by her head, Twilight ducked back down as Rainbow Dash unleashed another volley on the other side. Another shotgun blast followed, and then another shot from Rarity in the back. Pinkie Pie lobbed another lit dynamite over the building, resulting in an explosion that rocked the wall they were up against. Two bandits were sent flying outwards.

The ground shook, and Twilight frowned, there were large, heavy steps approaching. Turning the corner revealed a gigantic figure slowly making its way to their location. Twilight fired, only for her bullet to ping off a metal plate on the bandit’s chest. Again, aiming higher, and sparks flew from the thick metal helmet they wore.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight called out, “You still got them slugs?”

“Y-yeah!”

“Bring ‘em here!”

She pulled away from the other corner, nervously dug through her dress and pulled out two differently colored shells, large metal balls obviously sticking out the end. She broke open her gun, loaded them, stood behind Twilight and peaked around the corner, only to freeze. The ground trembled more and more as the armored bandit drew closer, his hoofsteps getting louder.

“Now would be a good time to shoot.” Twilight said,

Fluttershy nodded, then pulled the trigger, nearly falling over from the recoil. There was an audible ping as the slug hit, and Twilight peered around to see the bandit stop in his tracks, only to shake his head and continue forward.

“Again,” Twilight ordered,

Shakily reaiming her gun, Fluttershy pulled the trigger again, yet it didn’t fire. She lowered it to check.

Twilight’s ears flicked as the heavy hoofsteps got ever closer, and she bit her lip.

“Give it here!” She practically yanked the gun out of Fluttershy’s grip,

Bringing it up in her magic, she aimed around the corner, pulled the hammer back, then stopped. The bandit was right in front of her.

“Darn,”

He kicked the shotgun upwards, it fired, missing completely as it shot out of Twilight’s magic. She went to pull up her revolver, but the bandit knocked her down.

“C’mere, pretty little lady.”

Kicking against the sand, Twilight pushed herself far enough away to try again. She aimed, pulled the hammer back, and pulled the trigger.

Click

She was out, and the bandit stepped over her, raising a massive hoof to bring down upon her.

Clang

The bandit stumbled away from her, clutching his helmet as it let out a high pitched ringing. Applejack then jumped over her, practically dancing on the sand as she moved back and forth.

“Come on, big boy! Show me what you got!”

The bandit grunted, then stood to his full height, easily a head taller than all of them.

“Oh, you ain’t gonna like what I got.” He swung at her, but she easily dodged out of the way, following up with another quick hit to the helmet.

“We’ll see about that, now bring it!”

Twilight scrambled to her hooves, so did Fluttershy.

“Here,” She gave the shotgun back, “Why don’t ya go back to helping Rainbow Dash,”

Fluttershy quickly took it, nodded, then hurried back to the other corner, where Rainbow Dash shot another six bullets in quick succession. Rarity fired as well, the sound of an approaching pony falling to the ground came around the corner. Twilight reloaded, realizing she only had the three bullets left.

Plus the sheriff’s revolver.

She patted it in her vest, but shook her head and aimed at the back of the armored bandit’s head. Before she could even pull the hammer back, Applejack sweeped his legs, causing him to tip over and fall to the ground.

“I got this!” Applejack shouted,

The church bell stopped ringing.

“The sheriff!” Twilight exclaimed,

“Go get her!” Rarity commanded, she slung her rifle and brought out both her pistols. “We’ll handle the rest of them! Just git to the church!”

“Ya think-”

“GO!” Rarity interrupted,

Twilight shook her head, then ducked down as a bullet hit the wood above her. She moved away from the wall, running over to the next building and slipping through the back door. A few shots followed her, but they simply impacted the frame around her.

Making her way through the mess of broken furniture and rotting wood, Twilight stepped out the other side of the house, right as the one off to the side exploded. Screams came from within, and flames soon started licking up the insides of the building.

“That bartending, dynamite throwing, bad teeth having…”

She didn’t finish the insult, instead turning onto the main road. With the church now in view, she ran towards it. Its doors were closed, though a large hole in one and several broken windows allowed a partial view inside, not that she could see much, it was almost pitch black.

Distant gunshots at her back, Twilight pressed up against the large double doors. Peering through a crack, there was nothing but faint beams of moonlight inside. She took a deep breath, took a step back, then kicked the doors in. Entering immediately, she checked her corners, noticing a figure in the dark to her right. She fired, the bandit sprawled to the floor. There was movement to her left, and she dove behind a pew as another bandit returned fire.

Splinters showered around her, and Twilight reached up to shoot back. There was a gasp, followed by a choking sound as the bandit fell to the floor as well. She stood up, the church quickly falling back to silence as she frantically looked around. It was dark, with moonlight only illuminating the immediate entrance, a few pews, and an altar behind a lectern all the way at the back.

There came the sound of somepony clapping their hooves together, and Twilight immediately aimed towards the source. Something shuffled in the darkness, and slow steps echoed throughout the church.

“I see my sister’s been recruiting lackeys as well.”

“Marauder Moon,” Twilight said, “Show yerself.”

A single dry laugh, “And how good they seem to be. Either that, or my men aren’t as good as I thought.”

“It’s over, release the sheriff and you may be treated nicely.”

There was a distant explosion, a faint flash of light illuminating the doorway.

“Sounds to me like the fight’s still happening.” Marauder Moon said, “So why are you here?”

“Upkeeping the law,” Twilight answered, “Now tell me where the sheriff is.”

“Hmph. Sheriff, law, they are not the same, I figured even you would know that.”

“I do know that!” Twilight argued, “But the law needs a sheriff.”

“Does it now?”

Marauder Moon finally stepped into the light, her dark form appearing at the back of the church. She kicked the lectern down, standing right where it once was.

“And here I thought the law was of the land.”

Twilight aimed her revolver, watching as the shadows around Marauder Moon seemed to shift, the light bending around her. She only had one bullet left, she couldn’t win an extended gunfight.

“How’s the land gonna enforce it?” Twilight tried,

“Same way it always does, through everypony else.”

Twilight squinted, and lowered her revolver slightly. “I guess Sheriff Celestia was wrong.”

“That makes two of us.”

“She said you understood the way things work now, guess not.”

…

“What did you say?” Marauder Moon’s hat lowered, her voice almost growling.

“Ya heard me. You still don’t know what ponies want.”

“What ponies want…” Marauder Moon repeated, “What ponies want is the whole reason for all of this! Do you know what she took from me?!” She paused to take a deep breath, “Are we gonna fight or not?”

Twilight squinted even further, just barely making out deep blue fur behind the veil. She holstered her revolver, prompting Marauder Moon to rear up.

“Draw.” Was all Twilight said,

Marauder Moon froze, leveling herself again, “You serious?”

“I said draw.” Twilight affirmed,

The veiled hat twitched, and Marauder Moon seemed to flex underneath her coat.

She snarled, “Fine!” She threw her coat open, revealing an abyss of darkness underneath. “You need a count?”

Twilight stared at her for a moment, unable to make out anything in the shadow. She couldn’t see her gun, her fur, or anything for that matter. She didn’t know where to shoot. Taking a deep breath, she answered.

“No.”

Silence followed, completely drowning out the sounds of the gunfight going on nearby. Not even the periodic explosion could pierce the veil, and the two ponies stood there, staring, watching each other for any sign of movement.

Marauder Moon remained a solid black, unmoving, unshifting. Twilight realized she was shaking, and desperately tried to steady herself without making any sudden movements.

She had one shot. She had to shoot first. She had to hit something vital. But what? Where? When? How? She couldn’t even tell if she was wearing some sort of armor, anything that would give her an advantage besides the darkness.

Something glinted in the abyss.

Bang

…

…

…

Marauder Moon recoiled, a jet black revolver flying off to the side and clattering to the floor. Twilight watched for a moment, staring at the display before looking at the smoking barrel of her revolver. She inhaled deeply, then sighed.

“How foolish.”

“What?” Twilight asked, taking another deep breath, “That I disarmed ya?”

“That you think I only carry one gun.”

Bang

It hit her in the chest, all the air in her body leaving immediately. She fell to the floor, clutching the impact area and gasping for breath. Her revolver dropped to the ground, and a second later Marauder Moon was upon her, kicking it away into the darkness.

“She’s not above the law y’know,” She continued, stepping around Twilight as she writhed on the floor, “Nopony is.”

Twilight wheezed,

Marauder Moon laughed, “I’m sure she would say: ‘I am the law!’. Well guess what? So was I, we both were… Until the rest of the ponies thought otherwise.”

Twilight paused for a moment, holding her wound. Though there was a great deal of pain, there wasn’t any blood.

“It don’t matter anymore. I already took back what she took from me.” Marauder stepped away, “And now…”

Twilight patted her vest, feeling the blazing hole where the bullet hit, right on her pocket.

“Should the rest of yer friends die out there,”

She opened it, her watch falling out to the floor, a massive dent in the middle of it, shards of glass dropping from inside.

“Me, and the rest of my men will create a new law of the land! Where ponies get treated how they deserve, no exceptions!”

Twilight finally got a solid breath, then scanned the floor. Her revolver was gone, disappeared in the darkness, she couldn’t look for it now.

“And we’ll take back what they took from us!”

Of course Marauder Moon had more than one gun, fortunately, so did Twilight. She pulled Celestia’s revolver from the other side of her vest and steadied her breathing.

“I would say I’m sorry y’all got caught up in this, but I don’t think ya deserve it.” Marauder Moon finished,

“Yer wrong.” Twilight coughed, standing up.

“What the-!” Marauder Moon whipped around,

Bang

Twilight shot, aiming high. The chambers of the revolver glowed brilliantly, and there was a flash of blue on Marauder Moon’s head. Her hat flew off, revealing deep blue fur with a slightly darker mane. A piercing teal eye showed surprise, the other being covered with an eyepatch.

She laughed, "You missed again!“ then scowled, "Don’t think this is over yet!” She threw her coat open even wider, revealing a multitude of holsters and bandoliers.

The base of her horn glowed, only for the magic to shoot out into light blue sparks from the uneven tip where it was broken off.

Her eyes widened, “You shot… my horn…”

Twilight gave a single nod.

“I’LL KILL YOU!”

Marauder Moon dove forward, tackling Twilight and sending them both sprawling to the floor. They rolled around on the wood, each trying to stay on top. Eventually Marauder Moon found the advantage, forcing Twilight down and punching her in the face. She winced, bringing up her hooves to try and defend before wiggling underneath, causing Marauder Moon to lose balance. Twilight pushed her further, shoving her to the side and giving a punch of her own.

Snarling, Marauder Moon quickly got up, delivering a mean kick to her stomach. Twilight curled up in pain as she wailed on her, kicking and stomping relentlessly. She kicked back, throwing her off enough for Twilight to roll away and stand up herself, albeit a dazed.

Now both up again, they circled each other in the middle of the church for a moment. Then Marauder Moon unsheathed a knife from her shoulder, holding it in her teeth, she charged at Twilight. She took a step back, then dodged to the left as she swung. The knife just barely grazed her, slashing her vest and skin. Blood began to drip from the wound, and Twilight turned to punch again.

Hitting her lower jaw, Marauder Moon remained clamped down on the knife, and she brought it in a downward arc. This time Twilight was able to get out of the way, and she kicked Marauder Moon’s leg out from under her. She hit the floor hard, dropping the knife for a moment before quickly biting back down on it. Twilight kicked her in the head, forcing it out of her mouth again and kicking it away.

She in turn bit onto Twilight’s leg, immediately drawing blood and thrashing wildly. Gritting her teeth, Twilight wrapped around her and brought her other leg up to the first, trying to put her in a chokehold. Marauder Moon realized what was happening, and she began elbowing Twilight in the side, all the while refusing to let go of her leg. Twilight pressed further, wrapping her hind legs around her waist and squeezing her neck.

Marauder Moon bit down harder, blood pouring from her mouth as she kicked in every direction, even slamming her head back. Twilight took a hit to the nose, and she laxed for a moment. Marauder Moon took this opportunity to finally let go, only for Twilight to finish the maneuver, locking her legs around her neck and holding tightly. Marauder Moon gasped out, redoubling her efforts to try and break free, but her movements began to slow, her kicks grew weaker, and her grunts went silent.

She fell limp, and Twilight held her for a few more seconds before finally shoving her to the side. Standing up, she pressed down on the bite mark she left before checking her breathing. It was faint, but there. Marauder Moon was still alive.

Twilight grabbed the sheriff’s gun from off to the side and pulled the hammer back. Aiming it at the unconscious mare, she shook her head, lowered it, then holstered it.

She sighed, stumbling as she turned around to look at the back of the church. A jet black gun lay on the edge of the moonlight, along with the tip of a dark blue horn.

It was then that she realized something. Despite the pulsing of her heart in her ears, it was eerily silent. Not even the sounds of gunfire were present.

Twilight gasped lightly, then turned around to look out the doors, where five figures were making their way to the church. She immediately sighed in relief, then stepped out to wave them in. Pinkie Pie seemed to be the only one walking normally, as Rarity walked with a limp, while Rainbow Dash supported Applejack as she leaned against her. Fluttershy trailed behind as she usually did, but her hat was missing.

“Well?” Rarity called out, “Did’ya find the sheriff?”

“Not yet,” Twilight answered, “Come on in, I need y’alls help.”

They all hobbled into the church, immediately noticing Marauder Moon on the floor.

“Help me strip her, don’t want her to have any weapons when she comes to.”

“You mean you didn’t…?”

Twilight shook her head, “No, I didn’t.”

“Are we going to…?”

“Haven’t decided yet, I figure the sheriff should be the one to do that.”

Rarity nodded, moving over to Marauder Moon and pulling her coat off, revealing that she was covered with weapons. There were guns and knives strapped to her chest, shoulders, legs, back, sides, flanks, and thighs, there was even a blade wrapped in her tail. It took a while to remove everything, which in turn revealed a multitude of scars marking her fur.

“Do we have anything to tie her up with?”

“Not on us, no.” Rarity answered,

“Here,” Rainbow Dash said, pulling the guns out of a few holsters, she then used the straps to bind Marauder Moon’s legs.

“Good,” Twilight said, “Now somepony watch her, we still have to find the sheriff.”

“Where’s the cart? Hyuck,” Pinkie Pie asked,

“Probably ‘round back,”

“Check there first.”

Twilight nodded, then turned to the back of the church again. Lighting up her horn, a door in the corner was revealed. Going over to open it, she was greeted with the cool night air again, and right outside was a four wheel cart with a tattered cover. Twilight quickly walked over to it, opened the back and climbed in.

Inside there were a few worn down crates, a rusted barrel, a few coils of rope, and a large burlap sack.

Which was wriggling.

“Sheriff Celestia?” Twilight asked,

The sack stopped moving, and a muffled reply came back.

Quickly untying the end, Twilight opened the sack and pulled it away, revealing a dirty white mare, bound and gagged. She then untied the bonds and loosened the gag, letting Sheriff Celestia finally speak.

“Hey Twilight,” She rasped, “Long time no see.”

“Are you okay?”

“No.” She sat up, showing a large red streak flowing down her face, coming from her eye.

It was gone. The wound was raw, but the blood was dry.

“Are ya going to be okay?”

“Probably,” Sheriff Celestia said, “Thanks for coming for me by the way.”

“Did you know this was going to happen?”

“I had a hunch, didn’t think she’d go this far though.”

“Oh yeah…” Twilight said, “Yer sister.”

Sheriff Celestia sighed, “Yeah, she had it coming though.”

“Pardon?”

“I figured things would catch up to her sometime or another.”

“Uh…”

“What’d she say last?”

“Um, ‘I’ll kill you’, but…”

Sheriff Celestia nodded, “Sounds like her.”

“Sheriff.” Twilight began,

“Yeah?”

“She ain’t dead.”

She did a double take, “You mean you didn’t kill her?”

“No!” Twilight shook her head, “I just knocked her out.”

“Is she still here?”

“Yeah, in the church with my… friends.” Twilight realized,

“Did you just say friends?”

“Um, yeah?”

Sheriff Celestia stared at her for a moment before smiling. “Good on ya.”

“Thanks…?”

Twilight looked away for a moment, her view landing on her holster.

“Oh, here.” She pulled the revolver out and presented it, “You dropped this.”

Sheriff Celestia gave the gun one hard look. “Keep it.”

“What?”

“You’ll get more use out of it than me, so keep it.”

“But... Okay.”

Twilight turned it in her magic, inspecting it more closely. It was the same immaculate gun she always saw the sheriff carry. Opening the cylinder showed five cartridges left, and turning it around revealed each bullet had a different colored tip.

“What’s in this thing anyway?”

“The Bullets of Harmony.” Sheriff Celestia answered bluntly,

“The what?”

“Magic bullets.” She clarified, “They tend to hit things better.”

“Oh…” Twilight looked at the one that was spent, “Are they expensive?”

“They come back,” Sheriff Celestia explained, “Takes time though.”

“Ah, then…” Twilight trailed off,

“What?”

“Well…”

“Spit it out Twilight.”

“What do we do now?!” She blurted out,

“Say again?”

“It’s just that you gave me yer gun, yer sister’s still here, yer down an eye, the fiesta’s over, Spike’s still in Ponyville, I’ve got friends now, and…”

“Twilight, calm down,” Sheriff Celestia thought for a moment, “Don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“What?”

“I said, don’t worry ‘bout it. You should take a break.”

“Right now?!”

“No.” Sheriff Celestia shook her head, “Look, I’m assuming we’re in Everfree, right?”

Twilight nodded,

“Then let’s git back to Ponyville, rest up, and go from there.”

“O-okay.”

“Good, now as much as I want to meet yer new friends, I am parched. Do ya have any water?”

“Not on me no, there might be some ‘round camp, but we left ours outside of town.”

“Darn.” Was all Sheriff Celestia said,

The End.

Author's Note

It's over. It's finally over.

Sorry to say again, but I never intended for this to go past the first two episodes. Once again, I'll leave the rest up to you guys, if you want.

For those who may know of my other works, and are wondering where this came from, I will be elaborating more in a blog post, but for now just know that I had this idea, saw it as a break, then it went on too long, and now it's done. Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Part 1: Fiesta Sunset

“‘Come high noon on one fateful day, the two sisters approached each other in the center of town, they each took three steps back, and drew…’”

Twilight flipped the page.

“‘Two shots, but only one hit. The Bullet of Harmony struck true, exiling the vigilante from the town and every other. Now an outlaw, the wrathful sister took on the name ‘Marauder Moon’, and scours the desert every night, seeking revenge for what was taken from her, and lying in wait for the right moment to take it.’”

She closed the book, its dusty cover leaving an imprint on the wooden desk.

“Well, I reckon that’s a clear and present danger.” Twilight deduced, taking the book and slotting it back into her bookshelf.

Her door clicked open, and Spike entered her office.

“What’s a clear and present danger?” He asked,

“Marauder Moon,” Twilight answered simply, leaning back into her chair,

“The legend? How will something that don’t exist be a danger?”

“Except she does exist, Spike. You weren’t there when it happened, it was the shot heard ‘round the West. I was only a little one when it happened, but everypony knows the duel between Sheriff Celestia and her sister.”

“Right,” Spike leaned against the doorframe, he rolled a wheat stalk from one side of his mouth to the other, “I suppose you wanna tell her ‘bout it then?”

“I’m sure she knows,” Twilight rolled her eyes, she sat up straight, “I wanna know what she’s gonna do about it though.”

“What makes you think this ‘Marauder Moon’ will even make a move after all these years?”

“Because the Summer Sun Fiesta is right around the corner. It’s one of the only days where the Sheriff leaves town. What more opportunity does she need?”

Spike raised an eyebrow, “And the other Fiestas?”

“Have taken place here in Canterlot or in the East. This one’s in Ponyville, just a day West into the desert. I just-” Twilight frowned, and she stared at Spike, “Why are you even here?”

“Oh right,” he said, pulling out a piece of paper, “Sheriff wants to see ya.”

“Of course.” Twilight sighed, she pulled a pocket watch out of her vest pocket, then got up from her chair. “Let’s go then,”

“Lead the way.”

Another sigh, and she walked over to the rack on the wall to pick up her hat. Pulling the stetson over her horn, Twilight made sure it was nice and secure before leaving her office. The wooden floor boards of the building creaked as they walked, at the very least keeping them out of silence.

“Y’know what she wants?” Twilight asked,

Spike shrugged, “Didn’t say.”

“That don’t sound like a good thing.”

“Maybe she just wants to see ya.”

“Doubt it,” Twilight huffed,

They stopped just in front of the sheriff’s door, a golden sun emblazoned on it. Twilight lifted a hoof to knock, but hesitated for a moment.

“Come in Twilight, I heard ya.” A voice came from behind it.

“You wanted to see me, Sheriff?” Twilight asked, pushing open the door,

“Take a seat first,” Sheriff Celestia said, she then leaned to the side to look past her, “Spike, wait outside for a moment and close the door.”

Twilight quickly sat down opposite of Celestia’s desk, and the door closed behind her.

“So?” She asked,

“Got a mission for ya.” Celestia opened a drawer and pulled out a cigar.

“What kind of mission,” Twilight asked as she lit it.

Celestia took a long drag, then tapped the cigar into an ashtray. “The good kind.”

“And here I thought you just wanted to see me.”

She let out a single laugh, “Listen here, Twilight. I need y’all to go to Ponyville for me.”

Her eyes widened, “For the Fiesta?”

“Now yer catching on,” Celestia puffed her cigar, “You have to make sure everything’s tip top.”

Twilight tilted her head, “Not for security?”

“Security? What for?”

“Yer sister, Marauder Moon.”

Celestia leaned back, blowing smoke into the air, “Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.” She chewed her cigar, “She won’t be a problem,”

“How do you know that? Don’t she hate you?”

“I don’t doubt it, but Twilight,” She leaned in real close, “I put her down hard, there’s a certain way of doing things around here, and she didn’t understand that. Now she does.”

“Ain’t that besides the point?”

“May be.” Celestia shrugged, tapping her cigar out again. “Doesn’t change the fact that yer goin to Ponyville, or that the Fiesta’s happening there. Here.” She opened another drawer and threw something across the desk.

Twilight barely caught the belt in her magic, and she reached up to hold it fully. Turning it in her hooves revealed an open pouch on one side, right as Sheriff Celestia placed a revolver on the desk.

“You’ll need this,” She slid it over.

“I thought I wasn’t security.” Twilight said, strapping the holster around her chest and picking up the gun.

“Yer still not, but you’ll need protection. There’s been reports of bandits in the area.”

Twilight looked up from inspecting the revolver, she opened the cylinder, closed it, then holstered it.

“There’s ammo in the locker room, don’t take all of it. And the train’s down, I’ve arranged for you to join a caravan, you can be their security if you want. And don’t be afraid to make yourself some friends along the way.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m tellin ya to make some friends.”

“I have friends!” Twilight defended,

“Uh huh,” Celestia leaned back, “Name one.”

“Y-”

“I don’t count.” Celestia interrupted,

Twilight looked down.

“It’ll do ya some good, now git out of my office, the caravan leaves in an hour.”

Twilight just silently stood up, and moved to the door.

“Oh, and Twilight?”

She looked back.

“Take Constable Spike with you.”

Twilight groaned, pulled the door open, then quickly shut it behind her.

“So, where you going?” Spike asked, leaning against the wall.

“We’re going to Ponyville,” Twilight corrected, “Get yer things, we’re leaving in an hour.”

Spike spit out his wheat stalk, “‘Bout time.”

Twilight turned the revolver in her magic, it was a simple, dark gray, single action pistol. Unpolished, light wear and tear around the cylinder, and a worn grip. It worked well enough, the cylinder didn’t have any resistance, and the hammer worked fine. Twilight dry fired it a few times to make sure everything was working before loading it and holstering it again.

“I see the Sheriff gave you some firepower.” Spike said, watching the whole display.

“‘It’s for my protection,’” Twilight quoted, “Apparently there’s bandits in the area.”

“Yeah, like Marauder Moon!” Spike taunted,

“Quit it, will ya? Sheriff Celestia said she wouldn’t be a problem and I trust her judgement. This is just in case.”

“Do you even know how to use one of those things?”

“Of course I do!” Twilight said, “You don’t just become a sheriff’s deputy and not know how to shoot a gun.”

“What’d you read a book about guns? Doesn’t exactly match real experience.”

“I know how to shoot.” Twilight stated,

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“I have half a mind to show you right now!”

The cart they were riding in abruptly stopped. Spike fell flat on his face, while Twilight just barely caught her balance as a stallion poked his head through the cloth.

“We’re here.”

Twilight cleared her throat, and adjusted her hat and collar. “In any case, thank you sir.”

He just nodded, disappearing back to the front of the cart.

“Let’s go,” Twilight said,

“Yeah whatever.” Spike grumbled, fixing his poncho,

Stepping out into the bright sun, Twilight looked around, noticing they were just on the outskirts of town. Spike then exited the cart and shielded his eyes from the light as the caravan continued into Ponyville.

“You got the checklist?”

“Eyup,” Spike pulled it out,

“Good, what’s first?”

“Ahem.” Spike squinted at the paper, “Make some friends.”

“What?” Twilight asked, ripping the list out of his grasp to look, “It don’t say that.”

“You still gotta do it.”

She slumped, “You heard?”

“Eyup, Imma even make sure you do it too.”

“Ugh, fine!” Twilight said through clenched teeth, “But after the checklist, that comes first.”

“Nuh uh!” Spike shook his head, snatching the list back, “You gotta try to make a friend right now.”

“How?!” Twilight demanded, she looked around again, “There’s nopony nearby.”

“What about her?” Spike pointed behind her.

Twilight blinked, and turned around, where a single pony was walking at the edge of the town. The only thing they could make out at their distance was a pair of overalls and a straw hat, along with a whole lot of pink.

“Okay,” Twilight sighed, “Let’s get this over with.

She approached, Spike following quickly behind. Once they were close enough she coughed into her hoof to get the pony’s attention.

“Howdy there, miss. What’s yer name?” Twilight began,

The pony turned and gasped, intaking so much air that she almost seemed to lift off the ground for a moment.

“Hooo-weee!” She exclaimed before galloping off into town.

…

“Well that was certainly something.” Twilight said,

“Yeah, I didn’t realize the families in Ponyville were so tight knit.”

Twilight frowned, “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Did you see her teeth?”

“Don’t say that!” Twilight smacked Spike upside the head, “I’m sure she’s perfectly healthy, she probably just…” She rolled her hoof, “Eats a lot of sugar or something.”

“Whatever you say,” Spike said, rubbing the back of his head,

“Now, the list?”

“Fine, first thing on the list is transportation. Headed by somepony named ‘Applejack.’”

“Does it say where we can find her?”

“Train station.” Spike answered,

“Good, maybe we can find out why the train’s out.”

They started their trek across the sandy town, the wooden buildings roasting in the midday sun. The train station was among them, located at the other edge of the town, it was immediately clear why they had to caravan, as a steam engine lay on its side by the track, several cars still upright behind it, over the track but not on it. A multitude of workers were gathered around the derailed train, looking to hopefully clear it soon.

Twilight approached one of them.

“Howdy there, pardner. I’m looking for a pony called Applejack, are they ‘round here?”

The stallion sniffed, “Yup, she’s just around back, follow me.”

Twilight nodded, but instead of heading towards the train station, the stallion circled around the tipped locomotive. Somepony was shouting on the other side, and as she got closer she could start to make out what they were saying.

“-onnect the rest of the carts! Lift them back onto the track! Take them back to the yard! And get this engine out of my sight! What do you want?!”

The stallion flinched from around the corner, “Somepony wants to see you, boss.”

“Who?!” The voice demanded,

“Me.” Twilight answered, stepping around the train, she held out her hoof, “Are you Applejack?”

‘Applejack’ looked her up and down, from her hoof to her hat to her holstered gun to her silver badge on her vest. Twilight did the same, from the orange fur to the stained suspenders to the striped shirt and flat cap.

“Walk with me, lawmare.”

“It’s Twilight.”

“Just follow me,” the mare said, “And the rest of you get back to work!”

The workers around them jolted into action, while the mare walked off to the side away from the group. Twilight followed, and so did Spike.

“You mind telling me why this train isn’t on the track?”

“Why would I know that?” Twilight asked,

“Isn’t that what you’re here for?”

“No, I’m here to make sure everything’s ready for the Summer Sun Fiesta.” Twilight held out her hoof again, “I’m Deputy Twilight Sparkle, and you are?”

“Deputy? Not detective?” The mare raised an eyebrow.

“Correct.”

She sighed, “Good enough. Maybe you can help me figure out who’s responsible for this.”

Twilight tilted her head, “Yer not from around here, are ya?

“You just now noticed?” The mare asked, she took her cap off and wiped her brow with an oily rag, leaving a smudge on her fur. She then finally accepted her hoof, “The ponies around here call me Applejack on the account that I’m from The Big Apple up North,”

“But that’s not yer real name?” Twilight asked,

“It’s the only name you need to know, friend.” Applejack responded, “And I’m in charge of this whole operation seeing as I’m the only one around here that seems to know how trains work.”

“Good, then can you tell me when this will be fixed?”

Applejack waved her off, “End of the day at most, but I want to know why this train was derailed,”

“Was it not an accident?” Spike piped up,

“You tell me,” Applejack said, stepping to the side, “Does this look like an accident to you?”

They both looked to see a hole in the track. Blackened metal bent upwards, a small crater left in the gravel underneath, charred ties surrounding it.

“What in tarnation?” Twilight asked,

Spike ran a claw along the rails, picking up some of the residue. He tasted it.

“You think it’s the bandits?” Applejack suggested,

“Marauder-”

“Hush!” Twilight interrupted, she then turned to Applejack, “Folks do strange things sometimes, you ask around at all?”

“None of the rail workers have seen anything, and there’s nothing from the bar either.”

“Hmm… Who’s the lawmare ‘round these parts?”

“That would be Rainbow Dash,” Applejack answered,
“Rainbow Dash,” Spike answered, looking at the list,

“She’s on the list?” Twilight asked,

“Eyup, number two.”

“Well, I reckon we should go talk to her. Applejack, I still got a job to do, but I can start figuring this out as soon as the Fiesta is over.”

“Ah, well thank you anyway.”

“See ya ‘round,” Twilight waved, she stepped away from the tracks, and began heading back towards the town proper.

Spike stole another taste of the residue before hurrying after her, leaving Applejack to get back to her work.

“You don’t think it were Marauder Moon that did that, do ya?” Spike asked as he caught up.

“No, but… It’s too convenient,” Twilight shook her head, “Something’s definitely up. Where can we find Rainbow Dash?”

“The jailhouse probably.”

“W- I know that!” Twilight said, “Do we know where the jailhouse is?”

Spike squinted at the list again, even flipping it over. “Nope, but you can ask around,”

Twilight just rolled her eyes and turned towards the nearest stranger, “Hey there, mister. Do you know where the jailhouse is?”

“South side o’ town,”

“Thank ya kindly. Let’s go.”

They quickly made their way through the town, easily spotting the building at the edge labeled ‘jail’. Twilight pushed open the door and went inside, only to see an empty desk and better yet, an open jail cell, lock clearly rusted and broken.

“For a lawmare she sure ain’t doing a good job as one.”

There was a gunshot outside, causing the both of them to flinch. Twilight drew her revolver and peered out the front window, yet there was nothing. Another gunshot, and her ears flicked to the back of the building. She nodded to Spike, and they exited the jailhouse to go around back, hugging the wall.

Twilight leaned around the corner, and saw a sky blue pegasus with a revolver in each wing, shooting away from the building and towards a fence with a few cans and bottles lined up.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Twilight put her gun away and walked around the corner, right as the pegasus fired. An empty can fell to the ground.

“Rainbow Dash, I assume.” Twilight announced,

The pegasus turned, pointing both revolvers right at Twilight.

“Watch it!” She shouted, ducking down.

“Oh, whoops, sorry ‘bout that,” the pegasus said, turning her guns upwards before twirling around her wings and holstering them. “But yeah, I’m Rainbow Dash. Officer Rainbow Dash.”

“Uh huh,” Twilight stood, “Well I’m Deputy Twilight Sparkle,” She flashed her badge, “And I need to talk to ya.”

“Woah,” Rainbow Dash gawked, “Nice.”

“Yer in charge of…” Twilight looked towards Spike,

“Security.”

“Security.” Twilight repeated, then did a double take.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head,

Clearing her throat, Twilight continued, “-for the Summer Sun Fiesta, is that true?”

“Yessir, ain’t nothin that gets past Officer Rainbow Dash.”

“‘Cept for bandits,” Spike said,

Rainbow Dash fidgeted, “H-Hey! Them there bandits won’t come anywhere near this town because of me!”

“And the train tracks getting blown up?” Twilight added,

“Uh…”

Twilight held up a hoof, “They may be unrelated, however, I need to know if you can keep this town safe during the Fiesta.”

“I sure can!” Rainbow Dash perked back up, “Outlaws beware of the fastest draw in Equestria!”

“Fastest draw in Equestria?” Twilight raised an eyebrow,

“Darn tootin’! Watch!”

Bang

In the blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash’s right wing was fully extended, revolver facing outwards and smoking. Twilight stared at her for a moment, processing what happened before finally looking downrange.

“You didn’t hit nothing.”

“I didn’t?” Rainbow Dash turned her head, “Aw shucks! Hang on.”

She fiddled with her gun, opening the cylinder and letting all the bullets fall out, spent and unspent. She then pulled six more from her bandolier and reloaded, flicking the cylinder shut, much to Twilight’s chagrin.

“Imma need both wings for this,” She said, folding her right wing around her chest. “Watch!”

BangBangBangBangBangBang

In less than a second, all six shots were fired.

Two cans fell.

Rainbow Dash spun her gun around a feather before blowing the smoke off the barrel, satisfied.

“What do you think of them apples?”

“That was… Almost cool.” Spike said,

“You still missed most of yer shots.”

She scoffed, “I’d like to see you do better!”

“I probably could.” Twilight admitted,

“I’d like to see that too,” Spike said, “You still need to prove to me you can shoot.”

“Yeah! Me too, or…” Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, “Whatever! You said you were the sheriff’s deputy so prove it.”

“I don’t need to prove nothing!” Twilight argued,

“Yeah you do. Y'all can’t just walk into my town and say yer better than me without provin it first.” Rainbow Dash stepped away, gesturing with her wing, “So take yer shot, Twilight.”

She looked between her two opposers for a few moments before stomping her hoof and grumbling.

“Fine! One shot, that’s it.”

“Six. I shot six, you shoot six.” Rainbow Dash said,

Twilight stared at her,

“It’s only fair. And if you lose I’ll follow you around all day, hecklin’ ya.”

“And if I win?”

“I’ll follow you around all day, singin’ yer praises.”

“Great.” Was all Twilight said as she lined herself up with the fence.

She drew her revolver, checked to make sure it was still loaded, and took aim, pulling the hammer back.

Bang

A can fell, Twilight moved to the next.

Bang

A bottle shattered.

Bang

Another can.

Bang

Can.

Bang

Bottle.

Bang

Miss, Twilight winced as she emptied her revolver to reload it.

Spike nodded, “Not bad,”

“So slow!” Rainbow Dash pulled her face with her hooves, “You didn’t even hit all six!”

“I hit more than you!”

“Nuh uh! If I took as long as you did, I would’ve hit twice as many!”

Twilight grit her teeth, “Wanna bet?”

Rainbow Dash squinted, “Yer on.”

The cans that were on the ground quickly raised back to the fence, settling themselves along each rail.

“Six cans each, hit all six first and you win.”

“Easy peasy, what do I get when I win?” Rainbow Dash said,

“If you win…” Twilight thought for a moment, “I don’t know, I’ll put you in for a promotion or something. But if I win, yer gonna git back in that there jailhouse and do yer job!”

Rainbow Dash laughed, “Bad stakes, but I’ll take em. Ready when you are.”

“Spike,” Twilight said, sliding the last bullet into her revolver, “Count us down.”

“Now this is getting fun.” He said, “Three,

Two,

One,

Draw!”

BangBangBangBangBangBang

Bang

Three cans fell.

One can fell.

Twilight inhaled sharply as Rainbow Dash took an early lead, but she still had to reload, allowing her a few more shots.

Bang

Another can

Bang

BangBangBangBangBangBang

One can.

One can.

Rainbow Dash grunted, then quickly went about reloading again. Twilight aimed another shot.

BangBangBangBangBangBang

Bang

One can.

One can.

Bang

Hit

BangBangBangBangBangBang

Bang

Rainbow Dash’s last can hit the ground first, Twilight’s falling just a split second later.

“Yeehaw!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, literally jumping for joy.

Twilight just shook her head, taking off her hat and holding it by her chest.

“Good shootin’, Twilight.”

She looked up, confused, Rainbow Dash was holding her hoof out. She tentatively reached out and shook it.

“You may be slow, but you certainly ain’t bad.”

Twilight furrowed her brow, but dropped it a moment later, she put her hat back on, “I s’pose I should look into getting you that promotion.”

“Psh,” Rainbow Dash waved her off, “Promotion commotion, I don’t care ‘bout none of that.”

“But you won?”

“That’s only half the fun. Yer a riot Twilight Sparkle, I like you. Though, if yer truly serious, could you put in a good word for me with the Wonderbolts?”

“The military branch? I’m the wrong pony to ask for that.”

“Shoot, well it was worth a shot.”

“Quite a few actually,” Twilight said, looking downrange,

Rainbow Dash joined her, and they both watched as the fence fell apart, a plume of dust left in its wake.

“Must cost something fierce to shoot like that.”

“Nah, I got plenty of ammo,” Rainbow Dash said, she felt up her bandolier, revealing just two bullets left, “Or maybe not. Darn.”

She quickly dropped to the ground to sift through the sand, managing to pick up a few more bullets.

“Careful not to waste all yer ammo here, might need it later,” Spike said,

“What makes you say that?”

“Ma-”

Twilight stuck a hoof in front of him, “There be bandits afoot, and with the train tracks the way they are, they might try to make a move or something. Be on guard is what he’s trying to say.”

“Is that why yer here?”

“No.” Twilight sighed, “I’m just making sure everythings ready for the Fiesta. Yer here to protect the town. What’s next on that list, Spike?”

“Entertainment, Rarity.”

“Now there’s a show!” Rainbow Dash said, “You’ll like her.”

“You know where to find her?” Twilight asked,

“Saloon, center of town.”

“We best be off then,” Twilight tipped her hat, “Goodday, Officer Rainbow Dash.”

“I’m comin’ with,” She responded,

“What? Why?”

“I still won, I get to follow you for the day. Besides, I’m due for a patrol anyway.”

“Ugh, fine. Come along then.”

Rainbow Dash just smiled and followed her as they made their way back into town.

By the time the sun was on its way down to the horizon, the three of them found themselves outside one of the corner buildings, the faint sound of a piano coming from inside. Stepping inside, Twilight was met with a well decorated bar, furnished tables and booths, a chandelier, and a small stage with a piano off to the side.

A familiar pink pony stood behind the actual bar, surrounded by bottles and taps of all types. She waved wildly as they entered.

“You want I should buy you a drink?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“Later,” Twilight said, “We should find Rarity first.”

“Yeah well,” Rainbow Dash squinted around the saloon, “I don’t see her out yet.”

“Imma ask,” Twilight walked up to the bar.

The pony tending to the bar was without a doubt the one from the edge of town, but instead of her previous outfit she wore a much better fitting vest and bowtie.

“Evening, what can I getcha?” She asked,

Twilight stared at her for a moment, especially her teeth as she smiled. She then shook her head, “I’m looking for a Miss Rarity, is she ‘round?”

“She’s plenty ‘round. In fact, yer just in time! Hyuck! The show’s about to start!”

Tilting her head, Twilight pulled out her pocket watch again, “The show starts at five?”

“Yessireebob!”

“Well thank ya, and…” Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash and Spike sitting at a table, “Two whiskeys and a water please.” She placed three bits on the bar.

“Coming right up!” The bartender poured the drinks.

Twilight picked them up and headed over to the table, setting the water in front of Spike, and one of the shots in front of Rainbow Dash, saving the last for herself.

“What’s this for?”

“Well, it wasn’t part of the wager, but I figured I’d at least pay for the first round.” Twilight said, “Hold off on more though, I wanna get through this checklist first.”

“So is Rarity here?” Spike asked, sipping his water,

Downing her shot, Twilight grimaced, “Barmaid says she’ll be out during the show at five, we got ten minutes.”

“That checks.” Rainbow Dash tipped back her shot as well, “Yer in for a treat.”

“So you’ve said,” Twilight leaned back, “While we’re waiting, who’s next on the list?”

“Uhh…” Spike pulled it out, “One Pinkie Pie, in charge of drinks.”

Twilight turned in her chair, looking back at the pink pony at the bar, “You don’t say? I guess we’ll talk to both of them after the show.”

“Good luck with that,” Rainbow Dash said, “It’s gonna get purdy crowded in here.”

True to her word, ponies began trickling in, filling up the tables and booths steadily while they waited. Soon enough the place was full, and not long after a familiar face walked in.

“Mind if I sit here?” Applejack asked, pulling out a chair,

“Go ahead,” Twilight said, “We’re just waiting for the show.”

“I see you’ve met Rainbow Dash.”

“Officer Rainbow Dash,” She corrected,

“Right,” Applejack rolled her eyes, “Are you two going to talk about the tracks?”

“We could,” Twilight began, looking at Rainbow Dash,

She shrugged, “Sure, what do we know?”

“Well, it happened just yesterday,” Applejack said, “There was an explosion, and the next moment the train going out was on its side. There’s no witnesses or suspects, and no clear motive either.”

Rainbow Dash nodded,

“Some sort of explosive were used,” Twilight added, “A small one.”

“Do any of y’all know what it was?”

“Dynamite,” Spike answered, licking his lips, “Weren’t no TNT or gunpowder.”

“Were it bandits, where would they even get access to that sort of thing?” Twilight asked,

“I doubt they bought it, and there’s only one pony ‘round town with access to dynamite, and that’s-”

Rainbow Dash was interrupted as the piano sharply picked up. They all looked to the stage as the chandelier dimmed overhead, leaving just a single light to illuminate it. Red curtains closed, and the piano changed its melody to a faster, upbeat tempo. It then finished its verse, and the curtains opened, revealing an extremely well dressed pony. Frilly dress, long sleeves ending in poofy cuffs, a dazzling necklace, curly blue hair peeking out from a bonnet wrapped in lace, and a saccharine smile. She began to sing along with the music.

“A smart and stylish girl you see,
Belle of good society
Not too strict but rather free
Yet as right as right can be!
Never forward, never bold
Not too hot, and not too cold
But the very thing, I'm told,
That in your arms you'd like to hold.

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!

I'm not extravagantly shy
And when a nice young man is nigh
For his heart I have a try
And faint away with tearful cry!
When the good young man in haste
Will support me round the waist
I don't come to while thus embraced
Till of my lips he steals a taste!

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!”

Some of the crowd joined in on the chorus. Twilight began to nod along with the music.

“Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!

I'm a timid flower of innocence
Pa says that that I have no sense,
I'm one eternal big expense
But men say that I'm just ‘immense!’
Ere my verses I conclude
I'd like it known and understood
Though free as air, I'm never rude
I'm not too bad and not too good!

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!
Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!”

The pony on stage struck a pose, and all the patrons clapped and stomped, some even whistling. The cheering continued well past the curtains closing, and even as the lights returned and the piano returned to its regular tune.

“Some show,” Twilight said, “I guess we know that don’t need checking,”

“We can still talk to her though, right?” Spike asked,

“If the opportunity presents itself,”

“She sings almost every night, makes quite a lot of tip money I hear.” Rainbow Dash said,

“You know her?”

“Not personally, but I come here every now and then.”

“Same here,” Applejack piped up,

Twilight nodded, “That just leaves Pinkie Pie then, and she’s doing a good enough job as is,”

They all watched as she zipped around the bar, taking orders, pouring drinks, and serving them all in the same turn.

“Yeah, we’ll probably have to wait till it clears out before we can talk to her.”

“I’m fine with that,” Twilight said, leaning back, “Looks like everythings in order for the Fiesta.”

“‘Cept you still got a job to do,” Spike said,

Twilight froze.

“And it seems yer doing well enough. I’ll leave ya to it.”

“My my, I thought I saw some new faces in the crowd,” A voice came from behind her.

She turned, seeing the pony from the stage walking up to their table, “You Rarity?”

“Why yes, I am. Why, you heard of me?” Rarity pulled out a fan to fan herself.

“Just today, but you do some mighty fine singing.”

Her smile dropped a bit, but she covered it with her fan, “Well thank you kindly. Who might you be?”

“Deputy Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh my! It isn’t every day somepony like you comes into town, though I suppose it makes sense with the Fiesta tomorrow. May I sit with y’all for a bit?”

Twilight looked at the rest of the group, then she and Rainbow Dash scooted out of the way to make room. Rarity then pulled up a chair, inspected it, then exchanged it with a cleaner one from underneath one of the other patrons.

“So, am I right in my assumption that yer here for the Fiesta?”

“Just about, I’m making sure everything’s fine and dandy for it. You were actually next on my list.”

“Well I hope my performance speaks for itself,” Rarity said,

“It does, I don’t have a doubt in my mind about yer part, nor Pinkie’s at the bar.”

Rarity looked over, “She is quite good isn’t she?”

“We were hoping to talk to her after it quiets down a bit.” Rainbow Dash said,

“Y’all could probably get her to close early, folks’ll be much more thirsty tomorrow than today.”

“We’ll give it a moment,” Twilight said, “Care for a drink?”

“Oh, no.” Rarity shook her head, she pulled her bonnet off and placed it on the table, “I have more to sing tonight, though since yer offering… Pinkie, sweetie!” She flagged her down with her fan, “Could ya get us four whiskeys and a water please?”

She nodded, and a moment later all five drinks were on the table. Rarity took the water for herself, then passed a shot to everyone else, including Spike. He glanced around, then carefully reached for it, only for Twilight to pull it out of his grasp.

“Oh no you don’t, yer not old enough for this.”

“Please, Twilight, can’t I have something stronger than water?”

She squinted at him, “Fine,” she turned to Pinkie as she raced past, “Do y’all have any milk?”

“We sure do, hyuck. Straight from Shy Ranch!”

Spike just crossed his arms as she ran off, but accepted the glass anyway when she came back.

“Who wants this?” Twilight asked, sliding the whiskey to the center of the table.

“I’ll take it.” Rainbow Dash reached forward,

“Hold it right there, officer.” Applejack intercepted her, “You’re both two down already, this one’s mine.”

“Says who?” Rainbow Dash unfurled a wing.

“Says me.” Applejack reached for a pocket

“Fellas,” Twilight interrupted, “It’s Applejack’s, it’s only fair.”

Rainbow Dash grumbled and folded her wing, while Applejack quickly downed the shot.

“Hold on a minute.” Rarity said, “Officer, Deputy, and you work at the train station, right?” She pointed to Applejack,

She nodded,

“I’m not interrupting business talk, am I?”

“Not current business,” Twilight answered,

Applejack exhaled loudly, but didn’t say anything.

“Good, then who’s this handsome young fellow?” Rarity asked, leaning over the table.

“W-Who, m-m-m-me?” Spike asked, he quickly wiped away his milk mustache.

“Yes, you,” Rarity fluttered her eyelashes, “I’ve never seen the likes of you before.”

“That’s Constable Spike, and he’s assisting me with my work here.”

“Oh my, a deputy’s assistant, you must be quite the helper.”

“I am, it's true.” Spike blushed,

A strange thumping came from behind him, and Twilight looked over to see his tail wagging through the chair.

“Yes…” Twilight rolled her eyes, “With his help my job’s almost done for the day, which I guess just leaves the train tracks.”

“It would be nice to get back on that.” Applejack said,

“If you two could stop arguing over a shot, you act like there ain’t none left.”

“There ain’t none left!” Pinkie Pie announced, ringing a bell, “Rest o’ it’s reserved fer the Fiesta! Come back then!”

A wave of complaints and groans came from the crowd, and half of them immediately sat up to leave.

Rarity placed her head in her hooves. “There goes my audience for the night, thanks Pinkie.”

“Yer welcome!” She replied, zipping by to begin clearing tables.

“I suppose that fixes that,” Rainbow Dash said, “Now we can talk to her at least.”

“It sounds like everything’s in order,” Twilight tilted her head, “Why do you want to talk to her?”

“It was as I was saying earlier, the only pony ‘round these parts with access to dynamite is Pinkie.”

“Are you telling me she’s the one that blew up the tracks?” Applejack slammed a hoof on the table.

“That don’t sound like something she would do.” Rarity said,

“No, I’m saying she might know where the dynamite came from, and who had it.”

“‘S a good lead,” Twilight nodded, “Knowing where it came from’ll narrow it down.”

“You are talking business,” Rarity realized, standing up, “Well I won’t keep ya.”

“Wait!” Spike shouted,

They all looked at him, and he quickly covered his mouth.

“What if you know something?” He murmered,

“About dynamite?” Rarity asked, “I’m sorry, honey, I don’t believe I would.”

“Hold up, he may have a point.” Twilight said, “You seem to have a knack for noticing faces in a crowd. Has there been anypony unusual through recently?”

“Well…” Rarity thought for a moment, “Unsavory characters pass through town all the time, but… Now that you mention it, there haven’t been as much for a few days.”

“What about Ol’ Darkie?” Pinkie Pie popped in then hurried away to another table.

“Ol’ Darkie?” Twilight asked,

“Yes,” Rarity nodded, “Yes, just a few days ago a real strange pony came in. They sat in the corner booth right after noon and stayed there until closing time, didn’t even order anything.”

“What did they look like?”

“I haven't the foggiest, they were dressed entirely in black, I couldn’t even see their mane or tail, and they had something covering their face too. Pinkie says they were staring at every customer that walked in, and that they were winking the entire time.”

“Winking?”

“And they weren’t carrying any dynamite, were they?” Applejack asked,

“You’ll have to ask Pinkie for the details. She’s the one that got a better look.” Rarity sat back down and sighed, resting her head on her hoof, “I think I’ll have that drink about now.”

“Aren’t you gonna sing?” Twilight asked,

“To who?” Rarity gestured around the saloon, all the other patrons had cleared out. “You? Not unless yer paying.”

Spike quickly began checking his pockets.

“What’s there to drink anyway? Ain’t there nothing left?” Rainbow Dash wondered,

“Oh Pinkie never really means that. Well she does, but that’s only for the stuff at the bar. The stuff in the back is reserved for after hours.”

“What's she got in the back?”

“Nothing good, just… ugh…” Rarity covered her mouth with her fan,

“My Papi’s Moonshine!” Pinkie Pie slammed a jug down on the table, she squeezed a chair between Twilight and Spike and sat down. “So did y’all wanna talk to me ‘bout dynamite?”

“How’d you know?” Twilight asked,

“I been listening, hyuck. Wanna buy some?” Pinkie Pie shook her head, and a red tube fell out of her mane.

It rolled across the table, stopping dangerously close to the candle in the center. They all leapt out of their seats, Spike falling backwards in his chair while Twilight whisked away the stick of dynamite away from the open flame. Applejack stumbled out of her own, and Rainbow Dash dove for cover behind another table. Rarity ducked beneath their current one while Pinkie Pie just sat there, smiling.

“Careful!” Twilight yelled, she quickly extinguished the candle before cautiously setting the stick back down. “Have you been selling dynamite to whoever asks?!”

“Nosiree!” Pinkie Pie grabbed the stick and pushed it back into her mane, “No no, my papi taught me to make sure I never sold to nobody who’d use it for bad.”

Rainbow Dash peeked up from behind the other table, “So yer saying you didn’t sell the dynamite that blew the tracks?”

“Mm-mm, nope.” Pinkie Pie shook her head, everypony flinched, but no more dynamite flew out, “Course, there was that break in a few nights ago. Papi’s been booby-trapping the house ever since, hyuck.”

“Of course, somepony stole it.” Applejack said,

“So it were bandits!” Twilight deduced,

“Marauder Moon!” Spike shouted from the floor, “You gotta warn the sheriff!”

“I’m gonna warn her regardless! Bandits with dynamite ain’t something you just ignore.”

“Marauder Moon?” Applejack asked, “Isn’t she just a legend around here?”

“The realest legend you’ll ever know.” Rainbow Dash said, “Everypony knows the shot heard ‘round the West.” She turned to Twilight, “Is she really back?”

“I was hoping not, but things are lining up too well. We could have a serious problem on our hooves if things keep going the way they are.”

“Hey Twilight?” Spike asked, getting up from the floor and pushing his chair back up, “When’s Sheriff Celestia due to get here?”

Twilight put a hoof to her chin, “Since the train’s down, she’ll be caravaning like we did. If she left today, then she’ll get here by next sunrise at least.”

“And what if her caravan gets hit?” Rainbow Dash brought up,

Twilight sucked in a breath through clenched teeth, “Ain’t much we can do about that, but this whole thing seems to be just happening around here. I figure the sheriff gets here, we get to her first, then skidaddle back to Canterlot.”

“Except the train isn’t down,” Applejack interrupted, “The track was fixed earlier this afternoon, and we sent a train not long after. It should be coming back tonight, if the sheriff is on it…”

A single gunshot came from outside.

Everypony drew. Twilight her revolver, Rainbow Dash her two, Applejack reached fully into her pocket and pull out a pair of horseshoes, Spike unsheathed a knife from his side, Pinkie pulled a stick of dynamite from her mane and lit a match, Rarity flicked her hoof and a derringer zipped into her grip. They all aimed at the door, watching and waiting for any sign of movement

Silence. Complete, and utter silence.

Twilight gave a single nod, and they all rushed to the saloon doors. She peered out over the top, but only saw the empty street, illuminated only by the rising moon and the light coming from behind her. Pushing out the doors, Twilight checked the corners, and swept the entire area.

Nothing.

Except for a glint in the center of the road. Twilight glanced at it, then slowly began moving towards it, checking every angle around her. Once she was close enough, she could see exactly what was laying in the dirt.

A revolver, pearly white grip, golden inlay, and a sun emblazoned on the cylinder.

“Oh no…”

She picked it up as the rest of the group stepped out of the saloon. Opening the cylinder revealed all six bullets, primers still intact.

To Be Continued…

Author's Note

I didn't forget Fluttershy.

Copyright is fun. Cool thing though, anything published in the United States before 1924 is public domain, Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay was published in 1891.

Part 2: Road to Everfree

“She’s dead! The sheriff’s dead,” Spike shouted, “What’re we gonna do?!”

“Will you quit hollering!?” Twilight shouted back, “She ain’t dead, just missing is all!”

“But that’s her gun! She ain’t never leave it behind, she’s dead.”

“She ain’t! If she were, why weren’t she on the ground with it?”

Spike immediately fell silent.

“I reckon she’s been ponynapped.”

“By who?” Rarity asked,

“Marauder Moon’s my guess, or bandits, or I hate to say it, both.” Twilight said, “But she ain’t dead, now help me look for clues.”

She dropped low to the ground, inspecting the sandy dirt. There was an indent where Sheriff Celestia’s gun lay, and a plenty of hoofprints around it, but there were hoofprints and cart tracks all over the road, it was impossible to discern any single direction.

“Do any of y’all have a lantern I could borrow? I need some light.”

“Coming right up, hyuck.” Pinkie Pie said, disappearing back into the saloon.

“What about the gunshot?” Applejack asked, “Was the sheriff the one shooting?”

“No,” Twilight shook her head, “She’s the one who got shot,” She turned to Spike again, “Still don’t mean she’s dead.”

“So where is she?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Twilight squinted in the darkness,

“Here ya are.” Pinkie Pie returned holding a lantern.

“Thank ya,” Twilight lowered it to the ground as well.

There were dark spots speckled across the sand, starting out small near where the revolver was, and increasing in size as they led to the side of the road. Shining the light over them revealed a dark red color and a small crater in the sand around them.

“That’s blood alright.” Twilight sniffed, “And it’s going that way.”

She followed the trail, noticing drag lines in the sand that looked to have been kicked over. They led to the edge of the intersection near a corner store before disappearing. Bringing the light up, Twilight saw wheel tracks pulling away from the side of the road and continuing down it.

“What’d you find?” Rainbow Dash walked up beside her.

“It was a trap,” Twilight deduced, tucking the immaculate revolver into her vest. “The sheriff was surrounded, shot, then dragged away to a cart. It looks like they took her that way.”

Twilight shined the light down the road, illuminating a pale figure walking towards them. They walked with slow, even steps, hooves just barely visible under an off-white dress. An incredibly wide-brimmed hat obscured most of their face, made even worse by the fact they were looking down. They froze in the light, and Twilight slowly drew her revolver again.

“Hold up,” Rainbow Dash blocked her with a wing, “I know her. Lemme talk to her.”

Twilight opened her mouth to respond, but stayed silent and watched as Rainbow Dash walked up to meet the figure. Once she was close enough, the mare looked up, revealing the bottom of a long, pink mane and a coat that was almost the exact same color as her dress. Her eyes and face remained hidden from view.

“Who’s that?” Spike asked, coming up to her side.

“Apparently Rainbow Dash knows her, she almost spooked me when I saw her.”

“Almost?”

“Shh.” Twilight shushed, she perked her ears to try and listen to their conversation, but she couldn’t hear their whispers.

Rainbow Dash nodded and shook her head as they talked, but the other mare remained almost motionless, her hat wobbling giving away her slight movements. Eventually, Rainbow Dash turned around and headed back to the group, while the mare stayed her distance.

“What’d she say?” Twilight asked,

“She knows where they went.” Rainbow Dash answered, “The cows saw everythin’.”

“What?” Twilight tilted her head,

“That’s Fluttershy, owner of the dairy farm North of town. She says her cows saw a cart headin’ further North.”

“Is there anything North of Ponyville?” Applejack asked,

“Everfree.” They all answered at once.

“Excuse me?”

“A ghost town,” Twilight continued, “Abandoned since the sheriff’s duel. If she’s being taken there, then I don’t doubt that it were Marauder Moon who shot her.”

“So that’s where we’re going then?” Applejack asked,

“Pardon?”

“Yeah, hyuck!” Pinkie Pie joined in, “If’n we wanna get our sheriff back, then we gotta go to the place the bandits are going.”

“Uh… Forgive me for saying this, but y’all hardly seem qualified for something like this.”

“Hogwash, sugar,” Rarity said, “I won’t sit idly by while the sheriff is taken right from under our noses.”

“But this ain’t a job for townsfolk, we should be going there with the full extent of the law!” Twilight argued,

Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her shoulder, “And how long will that take?”

Twilight stayed silent,

“Yer gonna need backup, and we’re all yer gonna get, whether you like it or not.”

Twilight bit her lip as she looked at the ponies around her. A singer, a city slicker, an explosive bartender, and an inaccurate lawmare. She pulled her hat off and looked at Spike, a deputy and a constable, against a bunch of bandits and Marauder Moon.

“Fine! Fine. But don’t go blaming me when you get shot.” Twilight said,

“Yeehaw!”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

“Hoowee! We’re gettin that dynamite back papi!”

“Alright, enough!” Twilight stomped her hoof, “We gotta get ready to head out soon if we wanna get there in time. Everfree is only half a day away, right?”

“Give or take.” Rarity answered,

“Then we’re gonna need supplies, food, drink, a map, guns and ammo, and a cart.”

“I have a cart.” A soft voice came from Twilight’s side.

“Holy-!” She jumped up, dropping the lantern and drawing her revolver again.

Fluttershy flinched, and quickly hid under her hat. Twilight stared at her for a moment before holstering her gun.

“Sorry.” She cleared her throat, “Fluttershy, right?”

She gave a weak nod.

“You have a cart for us to use?”

She gave a weak nod.

“Are you… okay with us using it?”

She gave a weak nod.

“Alright then,” Twilight turned to the rest of the group, “Gather your things, whatever weapons you have and plenty of ammo. Meet back here in an hour, we’re leaving before midnight.” She checked her pocket watch, “Make that forty minutes.”

The group broke away save for Twilight, Spike, and Fluttershy, who pulled her hat even lower.

“Let’s go get that cart of yours.”

“...This way.” Fluttershy murmured,

She began walking back up the road, with Twilight and Spike following suit, only to find themselves quickly outpacing her. Twilight turned and gestured with her hoof, but the action was lost behind the hat, Fluttershy just kept her steady, careful pace.

“Er… I hate to say this, but could ya hurry it up a little?” Twilight asked, “We don’t have a lot of time.”

Fluttershy paused for a moment, “Oh, right.” She started walking faster.

“Thank ya kindly.” Twilight nodded.

The next few moments were spent walking in silence, save for the light crunch of the sand beneath them and a distant cricket. Twilight moved the lantern forward, rattling it slightly, the road ahead was just as clear as it was before.

“So, uh… What brings you to these parts?”

Fluttershy’s hat tilted, and Twilight saw the bottom of an eye flash for a moment,

“Cattle,”

“Been in the business long?”

“Whole life,”

“Enjoy it much?”

”Yeah,”

“You do anything else?” Twilight asked,

Fluttershy only gave a faint whimper.

Twilight tilted her head, realizing they had slowed down to a crawl, she looked over to Spike.

He just shrugged, “What kind of cows you have?”

Fluttershy looked over in his direction, and appeared to do a double take. A small gasp came from under her hat.

“Are you a dragon?”

Spike blinked, “Yeah?”

“A genuine dragon?”

“I ain’t no gila monster if that’s what yer saying.”

“No no,” Fluttershy squealed, “I just ain't never seen the likes of you, what’s it like?”

“Being a dragon?”

The hat bobbed up and down.

“It’s okay, I suppose.” Spike put a claw to his chin, “I like being in the sun, digging in the sand, and playing with cactuses, ain’t gotta worry bout no spines,” He flexed his fingers.

“So you like being in the desert?”

“Best place I’ve ever been,”

“It’s the only place you’ve ever been,” Twilight butted in,

Fluttershy gasped, “Does that mean there are more dragons in the desert?”

“Not that I know of,” Spike said, “Never met another in my whole life.”

“Yup,” Twilight said, “His egg found its way to the Sheriff a few years back, didn’t hatch till I came along. We think it were being smuggled,”

“Smuggling dragon eggs?” Fluttershy asked,

“I can tell you the whole story if ya want.” Spike replied,

“Please do.”

“Well,” Spike emphasized with his hands, “They say my egg fell from the sky…”

Twilight rolled her eyes, tuning out his story in favor of just walking.

“This is it?” Twilight asked,

“This is it.” Fluttershy answered, “Help me get the pails out,”

Twilight pursed her lips, “Better than nothing, I suppose,” She lifted a few milk pails out of the back, “Leave one, we can use it for water.”

Fluttershy nodded, picking up a pail and giving it to Twilight, “Here, there’s a spigot out back.”

She just passed it along to Spike, who awkwardly wrapped his arms around it and carried it behind the barn.

“You got a cover for it?”

“In the barn,”

“What about a second harness?”

This time Fluttershy paused, “I don’t know, lemme check.”

She hopped down from the cart, allowing Twilight to give it a better look. It was a simple cart with two wheels, a single harness up front, and a back that opened up. Perfectly suitable for a single rancher going about their needs, not so much a team of ponies and a dragon about to travel.

The barn doors then opened, and Fluttershy came back out dragging another harness.

“I do got another, I need help with the cover though.”

“Gotcha,” Twilight said, she walked over to the barn doors, saw the cover folded on the wall, and easily lifted it out with her magic.

She slotted the wooden arches into the sides while Fluttershy attached the second harness to the front. It was then that Spike came back around, dragging the milk pail behind him.

“I got yer water.”

“Good,” Twilight floated it out of his grasp and into the back of the cart. She then turned to Fluttershy, “And thank ya for letting us use yer cart, I promise I’ll get it back to you when we get back… or repay you should something happen to it.”

She shook her head, “No,” then murmured something.

“Pardon?” Twilight leaned closer,

“I’m coming with,”

She blinked, “What? Why?”

“Rainbow Dash told me what happened to the Sheriff,” Fluttershy said, “And if them there bandits are apart of it, then I wanna come.” She lowered her voice, “They been using my cows as target practice.”

“Okay…” Twilight replied, “You got a gun?”

“Just my daddy’s shotgun, I ain’t never used it before.”

“So ya don’t know how to shoot?”

Fluttershy recoiled, “...Not well…”

“But you still wanna come with?”

She nodded,

Twilight just stared at her for a moment, “Fine, but the same goes as the others, don’t blame me if you get shot. Now let’s get back to the saloon.”

“Thank ya,” Fluttershy said before walking briskly to her homestead,

Spike walked up to Twilight’s side and yawned, “She coming with?”

“Guess so,” Twilight answered, checking her pocket watch again,

By the time they got back to the saloon, all the others were gathered there, a multitude of boxes and bags waiting nearby. Twilight and Fluttershy pulled the cart to the side and unhitched themselves, and Spike hopped off the back.

“Y’all get everything y’all need?” Twilight asked the lot,

There were various affirmative responses,

“Alright, well I can say for certain that not all of it’s gonna fit.” She turned to Rainbow Dash first, “What you got?”

“Some ammo and food and a sleepin’ bag.”

“And you?”

“About the same,” Applejack answered, “I don’t have a gun though, so no ammo.”

“Right,” Twilight turned to Rarity, “You? I hope you have more than that little pistol.”

“Of course, sugarcube,” Rarity said, unslinging a scoped rifle from her back, “That, and I do have two of them,” She patted her other sleeve.

“And what else are ya bringing?”

“Oh, y’know, the basics, food, water, ammo, a tent, a change of clothes,-”

“Imma stop you right there,” Twilight held up a hoof, “Yer not gonna need another dress, and we need to conserve space. Only bring what’s necessary.”

Rarity pouted, “Fine, give me a moment.”

Twilight nodded and turned to Pinkie Pie, “What you got?”

“Two things, hyuck!” She placed down a crate of dynamite and set a jug of moonshine on it,

Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Nothing else?”

“I don’t got nothing else.”

“Well alright then,” Twilight said, “Let’s load up what we need and get moving!”

“Yeah…” Spike stumbled behind her, yawning, “Let’s go get the Sheriff back.”

“Spike,” Twilight turned to look at him, “Why don’t you stay behind?”

He blinked, “What? But the Sheriff!”

“I know, but we also need somebody to hold down the fort here, tell the townsfolk why the Fiesta ain’t happening. Besides, yer bringing a knife to a gunfight, pardner,”

“What about Applejack? She ain’t got no gun!”

Applejack stopped loading items to look at him, “Have you ever been shot before, kid?”

Spike shook his head,

“Thought so, it isn’t fun. I can handle myself in a fight, can you?”

Spike gulped, “I-I’ll stay behind,”

“Thank ya,” Twilight said, “And I don’t think we coulda even fit ya in the cart anyways.”

“Well where do I go?” Spike asked,

Twilight looked over to Pinkie Pie, “Can he stay in the saloon for a bit?”

“He sure can, hyuck,” Pinkie Pie replied, she dug in her vest pocket and pulled out a key, dropping it into Spike’s claws, “Room’s are on the second floor.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“We’ll be back in hopefully a day or two, if not, then go back to Canterlot and get the rest of the law.”

“We’re loaded and ready to go.” Rainbow Dash called out,

Twilight and Spike looked at her for a moment.

“Can ya do this for me?” Twilight asked,

Spike nodded.

“Good, now take care of yerself ya hear? And make sure to get some shuteye, it’s almost midnight.” Twilight turned to face the group, “Now who wants to take first shift with me?”

“I’ll do it,” Rainbow Dash replied,

“Then git yerself strapped in, we’re leaving now.”

She stepped down from the cart and moved to one of the harnesses up front, Twilight did the same, but not before looking back at Spike one more time and nodding. She slid the harness over her head and tightened it, as did Rainbow Dash, and together they pulled. The now much heavier cart lurched forward, its wooden wheels squeaking as they moved. They began picking up speed, evening out at a walking pace on their way out of town.

Rainbow Dash huffed, “Where we goin’?”

“Everfree,” Twilight responded, “But I figure we should at least get out of Ponyville and settle down for the night. Wanna be ready for tomorrow.”

“You don’t wanna go all night, try and catch up?”

“Maybe, but do ya think we can all go that long? If we run into something plumb tired then things might not go our way.”

“But we could catch them bandits off-guard, and they’ll be tired too.”

Twilight thought for a moment, “Let’s just get out of town first, see what we see and go from there.”

“Gotcha,”

“See anythin’?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“Nothing yet,” Twilight said, “What about you, Rarity?”

She sighed, lowering her rifle, “No, the road’s clear, but something was definitely on it, I can see the tracks from here.”

“Yer right,” Twilight traced the lines in the sand as they crested a small hill and dipped behind it, “They must’ve made it into the ravine already.”

“Should we follow them in?”

“No, if they had any sense of being followed, they’d be waiting to ambush us. We’ll set up camp here tonight and continue tomorrow.”

“Fine by me,” Applejack said, “I don’t know about you all, but I’ve been working all day. I want to go to sleep.”

“You could have some dinner first, hyuck,” Pinkie Pie said, she pulled a small tube out of her mane and ignited it with a match. Dropping it into a pile of wood, it crackled and popped before bursting into flames, and a second later a skillet was placed over it, a can of beans following soon after.

“I’ll have some, if yer offering.” Twilight said, “I haven’t eaten since this morning.”

“Come one, come all,” Pinkie Pie shrugged, “Soup’s on.”

There was a distant howl, followed by a chatter of yips and barks. They all looked over to see a multitude of shapes moving across the dark landscape.

“Coyotes.” Fluttershy announced, “Shouldn’t come near unless they’re desperate.”

“Y’know if they are?” Twilight asked,

“Can’t say for sure, best keep an eye out.”

The sun rose, and they continued up the road. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy pulled the cart while Twilight and the others sat in the back.

It was silent, save for the noises of the cart.

Twilight took a swig from a canteen before setting it back near the water pail, she pulled her hat over her eyes and leaned back to listen to the outside.

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash broke the silence, “Hooves up, who’s taken a bullet before.”

Peeking from underneath her hat, Twilight saw everypony else raising a hoof.

“Why are you asking that?” Applejack asked,

“Somethin’ you said before, you been shot?”

“Yeah?”

“Why?”

“Do you really want to know?”

“If it’ll pass the time.”

Applejack exhaled, “Okay fine, I was shot in the flank,”

“Yes, but why, sugarcube?” Rarity asked,

A grumble, “It was back in the city, a couple gangsters bet against me in a boxing match. They didn’t like it too much when I won, so they cornered me in an alley to get their payback. I guess they forgot I just beat the crap out of a stallion twice their size, and I did what I do best. Turned out one of them had a gun, and on my way out to the street they shot me.”

“Oh my, I hope you got back at them.”

“I kind of already did,” Applejack said, “But I still went back and broke both of their jaws before going to the hospital.”

“Wow, what about you, Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“Who me?” She replied, “Well, it was a few years back. My family had just come to town, and I started work in the saloon. Apparently one salted stallion liked me more than the rest, and he followed me to my room to hopefully, ‘get it on’. He didn’t take too kindly to my refusal, but he left me alone nonetheless, for about five minutes. He decided that since he couldn’t have me, nopony could, so he came back in waving his gun around, threatening to shoot me and such.”

“So he shot ya?”

“More or less. I’m not as dainty as I may sing, and I tried to wrestle the gun away from him. We fell to the floor and it went off, right into my shoulder. He sobered up real quick after that, but I still sent him packing, and he hasn’t been to the saloon since.”

“Does he live in town?” Applejack questioned,

“He sure does, I’ve seen him ‘round. He certainly doesn’t look me in the eye.” Rarity said, “I still have the scar, and it’s why I carry these ‘round wherever I go.” She flicked both her wrists, both guns sliding into her hooves.

“Makes sense,” Rainbow Dash nodded as Rarity reset her sleeves.

“And what about you?” Applejack asked,

“Huh?”

“You raised your hoof as well, so how did you get shot?”

“Oh, y’all have much cooler stories than I do.”

“Well what happened?” Rarity asked,

Rainbow Dash mumbled something.

“Speak up, sugarcube,”

”I shot myself.”

“You what?”

”I shot myself.”

“You shot yourself?” Applejack asked,

Rarity let out a single laugh, “Lemme guess, it was during one of them fancy tricks of yers.”

Rainbow Dash sighed, “Yup,”

“Are you going to tell the story?”

Twilight lifted her hat slightly.

“Well, I just got my first gun, and I wanted to see what I could do with it. I spun it around, and shot myself. In the hoof.”

“I bet you won’t do anything like that again,”

“N-nope.” Rainbow Dash awkwardly cleared her throat.

The next few moments were spent in silence, only the creaking of the cart accompanied them.

“What about you, Twilight?”

“Pardon?” She sat up, putting her hat back on.

“Have ya ever been shot?”

“Did I raise my hoof? No, I’ve never been shot.”

“Well, deputy…” Rarity joined in, “Have you ever shot anypony?”

“I… have,” Twilight pursed her lips, “Ain’t much of a story though.”

“What, did you just shoot somepony in the street?” Applejack asked,

“Sort of… There’s more to it.”

“Well tell us then.”

Twilight glanced at them individually, they were all eagerly listening.

“Fine, it was when I just became a deputy. It weren’t no criminal or outlaw, just somepony badmouthing the sheriff in the middle of town.”

“So ya shot em?”

“I’m getting to that,” Twilight retorted, “I was on patrol, caught wind of what they were doing, and went over to investigate. She was criticizing the sheriff’s law, arguing with whoever disagreed, and threatening to shoot those that persisted. I felt I had to keep the public safe, and to defend the sheriff’s honor, so I came up and called her out on it. She took one look at me and challenged me to a duel.”

“Did ya win?”

“Does it look like I lost?”

“Maybe.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, “No, the crowd cleared out, and we got ready to draw. I was aiming for her gun, try and resolve it peacefully and the like, but when the time came to shoot, something flashed in my eyes. When I opened them again, she was dead on the street.”

“And you call that not much of a story,” Rarity said, “That’s plenty interesting.”

“If it were true.” Rainbow Dash interrupted, “How do we know it is?”

Twilight glared at her, “I can tell ya the name of the pony I shot, along with the names of her family, which I paid my condolences to.”

“Oh yeah? Who then?”

“Sunset-”

The cart jolted to a stop, nearly causing them all to fall over. A moment later Pinkie Pie appeared through the folds in the cloth.

“We’re at the ravine, hyuck.” She said, “Should we go in?”

Twilight righted herself in her seat and glanced at the others. “Let’s take a look around first, wanna make sure we don’t walk right into a trap.”

She climbed out the front of the cart, tipping her hat to block the morning sun. Looking around, steep rock faces surrounded them, a single, tight gap in front of them. A multitude of loose rocks and boulders lay around the entrance to the ravine, a layered mix of oranges, browns, and even the sparse red or white stripe in the stone.

Applejack then made her way out of the cart, and Twilight stepped down to let her pass.

“Yeesh, do we have to go through this chasm?”

“It’s the fastest way through the mountains, if we wanna get to Everfree in time we gotta go in.”

Twilight peered down the ravine, the curved path quickly disappearing around a bend. It was relatively flat, and just wide enough for the cart, but there was an endless amount of hiding spaces inside. Inspecting the ground, another pair of cart tracks led in, no hoofsteps in the slightest.

“I reckon nothing’s right inside, but we’ll have to keep looking further in.”

“Hey Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash called from the back of the cart, “Is that one of them coyotes?”

Fluttershy looked back, unhitching herself from the cart and walking around it. Both Applejack and Twilight followed.

“Oh, consarn it.” Fluttershy mumbled, “That’s a scout.”

They all looked back, where a lone figure sat atop the sandy hill, staring at them.

“What does it mean?” Rarity asked,

“It means they’re interested in us, and the rest of the pack’s not far behind. We better keep moving.”

“We gotta move anyways,” Twilight said, “Who’s taking next shift?”

“It’s my turn,” Applejack stepped up,

“Who else?”

They all looked at Rarity.

“Oh, um…” She flipped out her fan and fanned herself, “I’m not much of a cart-puller.”

“Really?” Twilight raised an eyebrow, “I thought you didn’t want to ‘sit idly by,’”

“I don’t.” Rarity argued, “It’s just… Dirty,”

Pinkie Pie raised an eyebrow.

“And hot.”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.

“And the harness won’t fit well with my dress.”

Though it was hard to tell, Fluttershy raised an eyebrow.

“Alright fine, but later, I wanna make sure I don’t pass out in the sun.”

“Sure…” Twilight said, “Guess I’ll pull then.”

She and Applejack moved back to the front and hitched themselves to the cart, the rest getting in the back. As they started forward, Twilight looked back one more time. The lone coyote stood up from the hill, and made its way down it as they entered the ravine.

“Are we just going in then?”

“For the moment, yes, but keep an eye on the ground, I’ll watch above.”

“Got it,” Applejack said, pushing forward,

Together they pulled further into the ravine, quickly disappearing around one of the bends.

It wasn’t long before they came across their first obstacle. As the sun appeared directly above them, it lit up a boulder blocking their way. It sat in the middle of the path, a large indent off to the side revealing where it once lay.

“I guess they don’t wanna be followed,” Twilight said,

She lit up her horn, then grunted as she slid the boulder back into place, easily clearing the way.

“Won’t stop us none.”

“Wow, nice.” Applejack said,

They moved the cart forward, only to stop a moment later, another boulder in their way.

“Great.”

“Do you want some help with this one?”

“Nah, I got it.” Twilight strained as she rolled the boulder off to the side,

“Are you going to do that for every one?”

“Depends on how many there are.” Twilight stepped forward, stopped, and groaned.

There were two more boulders, smaller ones, but they were still blocking their way.

“Wait a minute,” Applejack said as Twilight removed the first one.

She didn’t stop, instead picking up the second one.

Something snapped, and there was a clang of metal as a spring flew up into the air. There was a scratching sound, followed by a hissing as a spark traveled up the newly revealed fuse going up the side of the ravine.

Twilight set the boulder down, “Darn.”

“Should we get going?”

“Yup. Run!”

They jolted forward, the cart creaking loudly behind them as they picked up speed. There was a rattling inside, followed by a thump and a shout. Rainbow Dash poked her head through the cover.

“What gives?!”

She was answered by an explosion on top of the ravine behind them. A shower of rubbled fell around them, and loose rocks began tumbling down the sides.

“Gotcha,” Rainbow Dash ducked back inside, “Hang on everypony!”

Twilight and Applejack continued forward, skidding around a bend as another explosion rocked the ravine. The rock wall to the side cracked and started to shear off, the cart just barely shooting by. Larger rocks started to fall in front of them, and Twilight used her magic to push most of them off to the side.

The cart kicked off of a rock, causing them both to stumble for a moment. They flailed to the side, trying to steer the cart around another bend. It swerved to the side, smashing into the rockwall right as a third explosion rang out behind them, causing a massive rock above the ravine to tip over into it. It fell in front of them, getting wedged between the walls above the ground. Twilight and Applejack made it under, but the cart did not.

The top of the canvas clipped the boulder, the wooden supports snapping from the force and causing the cover to fold over backwards. There were some muffled complaints from the ponies inside, but they were otherwise fine.

A fourth explosion, then a fifth, and the rock walls surrounding them started to crumble, sand and gravel flowing into the ravine. They kept going however, the exit now within sight.

A sixth explosion went off, and ahead of them the walls collapsed, filling the gap and blocking them in.

“Shoot!” Twilight dug her hooves into the sand to try and slow down,

Applejack kept running, “There!” She pointed,

Off to the side, an incredibly steep slope connected the bottom of the ravine to the top, easily manageable by a pony, not a cart. Twilight shook her head, but started running again, turning the cart to the side and lining it up with the ramp.

They jumped onto the rock, the wheels of the cart smashing into the slope. Their speed only took them halfway up, and they struggled to get the rest of the way as a seventh explosion lit up their trail. Twilight grunted and stomped her hooves, and a few more inches were gained. An eighth explosion, closer. Applejack strained against her harness, hooves scraping across the rough stone.

Nine explosions, the ground shook beneath them.

They crested the ravine, the cart leveling out behind them as they continued forward, straight down the other side, crashing into the sand below.

A tenth explosion, right where they once were. They both scrambled up and pulled the cart even further away from the cliffs. An eleventh explosion, on the other side, quickly followed by a twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth as they continued back down the ravine.

“How much-” Twilight gasped for breath, “Dynamite did those bandits steal?!”

Pinkie Pie crawled her way out from under the canvas, “‘Bout four crates, hyuck.”

There was more movement from the cart, and Fluttershy slipped out the back.

“Is it over?” She whimpered, reaching back in to grab her hat.

She jumped as more explosions sounded off in the distance.

“We’re clear.” Twilight lifted the cover off the cart, “For now anyways.”

Rarity shakily stepped off the cart, while Rainbow Dash simply fell out the back to the ground.

“How ‘bout we rest for a minute or two?” Twilight asked, “Then get back on the road,”

“I do believe a lunch break sounds delightful.” Rarity said,

“We need to fix the cart too,” Applejack added,

The sun began dropping from the sky, and the cart trundled onward. With Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie pulling, the cover remained half collapsed, the shoddy repair job leaving it to wobble with every movement. The others were crammed in the back, though Twilight remained half out the entire time.

“How much further we have to go?” Rainbow Dash called back,

“Not far,” Twilight pulled out the map, “We’re past the ravine, that just leaves the rest of the desert and Hoodoo Ditch. So ‘bout halfway there,”

“I thought it was only gonna be half a day, hyuck.” Pinkie Pie said,

“Well, we ain’t exactly traveling the fastest.” Twilight replied,

“We can go faster if ya like.”

“I’d like to, but I ain’t so sure ‘bout the others, or the cart.”

“Can we get there by sundown?”

“Sun’s already setting,” Twilight pointed out,

“Fine, by midnight then?”

“If we hurry, but we can’t go too fast now, I think the axle took a hit in the ravine.”

“Fine by me, let’s git goin’,” Rainbow Dash said, she pushed ahead, Pinkie Pie quickly following suit.

The cart complained from the speed, but they were making their way through the desert faster now. Twilight gave a nod, then shuffled back through the cart. Looking out the back, she scanned the horizon, quickly coming across a figure in the sand.

A coyote, it was walking briskly to keep up with them, but it was still only trailing, watching.

Twilight looked to the left.

There was another, doing the same.

“Shoot,” She said aloud, “We must be really interesting to them.”

Fluttershy then stood up to see as well, she sniffed, “We can’t camp out tonight. We’re gonna have to find someplace to spend the night.”

“There ain’t no place between here and Everfree though.” Rarity said,

“We’ll get there by midnight,” Twilight reassured,

“Won’t matter,” Flutttershy shook her head, “As soon as that sun goes down, the rest of the pack’ll come out.”

“I’m assuming we can’t go faster?” Applejack asked,

“I don’t wanna risk breaking the cart more.” Twilight answered, she turned to Fluttershy, “Sorry ‘bout that by the way.”

“It’s fine.”

“I reckon it’ll be better to have the cart during the night than to be stuck without it.”

“You think we can outrun an entire pack of coyotes?” Rarity asked,

“I think we’ll be in a better position to do so. Unless ya want to run the rest of the way to Everfree, you’ll just have to hope we make it.”

Rarity bit her lip, “I hope we do.”

The sun began to dip below the horizon, creating long shadows across the desert. Twilight looked at the sunset, then behind them at the coyotes. There were three of them now, and as the light darkened around them, their curious cantor turned to a creepy stalking as they weaved through the dunes.

“We’re almost to Hoodoo Ditch!” Rainbow Dash announced, “Once we get through we should be able to go straight to Everfree.”

“Then let’s go.” Twilight said, “It’s almost dark out and we don’t wanna be out any longer than we have to.”

“How’s the coyote situation, hyuck?”

“There’s three on our tail now,”

“Four.” Fluttershy called back,

Twilight winced, “We need to go faster,”

“What about the axle?” Rainbow Dash asked,

Twilight grit her teeth, “We can’t risk getting stuck out here, just keep going and… We’ll see.” She turned back into the cart. “We’re not gonna make it, how do we deal with the coyotes?”

“You shoot them?” Rarity tried,

“We definitely don’t have enough ammo for that.” Applejack said,

“No, she’s right,” Fluttershy said, “We just need to…” She paused, “Shoot... enough of them and the rest should back off. But we need to get them before they get us.”

“And how do we do that?” Twilight asked,

“Don’t let them surround or separate us.” Fluttershy said, “Pick off the closest ones and keep moving.”

“How many do we have to shoot?”

“Depends on how big the pack is. Which…” Fluttershy looked to the horizon, where the sun just finished disappearing, “We’ll find out right about now.”

A cacophony of howls filled the air, soon followed by incessant yips and barks. Rarity lit a lantern and held it out, revealing hundreds of eyes glinting in the dark. They bobbed up as they rapidly approached, the sound of panting soon reaching the group’s ears.

“Shoot, shoot, shoot shoot shoot!” Twilight shouted, she almost tripped moving back to the front of the cart. “Run, now!”

“But the axle!”

“Don’t matter! They’re already here. Go go go!”

The cart lurched forward as Twilight drew her revolver, she turned and aimed it out the back of the cart. The others did much of the same, Fluttershy leveled her shotgun while Rarity unslung her rifle, Applejack simply slipped on her horseshoes. Everything in the cart started rattling, the canopy overhead wobbling with every motion, threatening to collapse again at any moment.

“How much ammo y’all have?!”

Fluttershy immediately fumbled her shotgun, “F-fifteen shells, t-two slugs.”

“Twenty rifle, twenty pistol.” Rarity answered,

Twilight checked her own and grit her teeth, “Twenty four for me.” She took a deep breath, “Alright! Pick yer targets, call yer shots, and don’t miss. Hopefully we won’t have to shoot too many.”

She pulled the hammer back on her revolver, Rarity pulled her rifle’s bolt back, and Fluttershy pulled her hat down. They steadied themselves against the rocking of the cart, setting the lantern to swing wildly off to the side. The pattering of countless pawsteps followed behind them, and a mess of shapes danced and weaved in the dark.

“Here they come!” Twilight shouted,

A single tan snout came into the light.

“On the left!” Twilight called out,

She fired, and the coyote let out a surprised whimper before dropping to the ground and disappearing. The rest howled and barked in response, nearly deafening due to their proximity.

“Right!” Rarity called out, firing her rifle,

Another coyote fell away, it’s whine drowned out by the others.

“Center!”

Bang

“Right!”

Bang

“Left!”

Bang

“Left!”

Bang

“Right!”

Bang

The coyotes drew closer to the cart, more and more entering the light from all sides. Some ran further ahead, running up alongside the cart as well.

“Center!” Twilight called out,

“Center!” Rarity repeated, firing as well.

“Left!”

Twilight flung her cylinder open and dropped the casings, quickly bringing up six more bullets, she slotted them in and closed it. Cocking the hammer back, she aimed to shoot, but hesitated.

Only two of them were shooting.

Looking to the side, Fluttershy held her shotgun in a shaky grip. She was aiming right at the closest coyote, switching to another when it fell behind, but she had yet to actually fire a single shot.

“Right!” Rarity announced,

“You gonna shoot?” Twilight asked,

“I-” Fluttershy shook her head, “I don’t wanna!”

“What?!”

“Center!”

“Why not?!”

“They’re just animals. They’re only doing what they know.”

“So? So are we. What difference does it make?”

“Center!”

“But we’re ponies! What business do we have meddling with their hunt?”

“Because we’re their hunt!” Twilight put a hoof to her face, “Don’t get philosophical with me now! Do ya really think they’ll give ya the same just because yer a pony?”

“Right!”

Fluttershy shrank underneath her hat.

“It’s us or them.” Twilight finished,

“I could use a little help here gals!” Rarity exclaimed,

They both turned to see multiple coyotes running in the light, some were getting close enough and brave enough to start nipping at the cart.

“Pick yer side.” Twilight said, aiming her revolver and shooting the closest one.

It crashed into the sand, but was quickly replaced with another. It was at that point that the cover above them came crashing down, the thick fabric almost smothering them.

“Screw it!” Twilight yelled,

With a flash of magic, she heaved the canvas off the cart and threw it to the ground behind them, hitting several coyotes. The lantern went with it, leaving them in darkness as they ran, dozens of coyotes still following.

Twilight squinted, staring at the dark landscape as the breeze whipped her mane back. She checked the sides, where darker shapes were making their way forward, coming dangerously close to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

“We got another light?” She called out,

“Not a good one!” Rarity answered, she flashed her horn, giving off a dim light that just barely illuminated their surroundings.

“Right side!” Twilight said, firing into the darkness,

A short whine revealed she didn’t miss.

Lighting her own horn, Twilight took up the other side of the cart, shooting at anything that came into her vision. Unlike before, not all her shots hit.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash jumped, causing the cart to jerk to the side, “What are y’all doin’ back there?! I got a coyote on my tail!”

Twilight grunted, then turned fully to the side, “Rarity, watch the other side! Fluttershy and Applejack, keep them off our back!”

“We’re almost to Hoodoo Ditch, hyuck!” Pinkie Pie shouted, “I can see it from here!”

Twilight glanced forward, seeing pillars of rock rise above the horizon in the darkness.

“Is there a road?”

“Maybe?”

“Stay on it! We’ll try to lose them in there.”

She turned and shot another coyote, causing it to crumple to the ground and trip another. With a small smirk, she emptied her chambers and reloaded, but before she could aim her next shot, the cart jostled, throwing her off. A large shape flew past the cart, and the coyotes weaved around it, falling back slightly. Lowering her gun, Twilight looked forward again, where more spires lay in front of them on the sides of a winding path.

The pack diverged away from the cart, leaving just the ones in the back to keep chase. The sand below turned to harder rock, causing the cart to bounce around even more. Twilight shuffled to the back again, watching as the coyotes squeezed together on the road. Increasing the intensity of her horn, the pack was cast in magenta light.

“Light them up!”

A series of gunshots, Rarity aimed high while Twilight shot low, taking out coyotes in the front and back. Fluttershy finally fired, the flash of her shotgun nearly blinding in the dim light.

“Sorry!” She exclaimed,

Coyotes fell in pairs, yet they still pursued, tailing them through every turn and bend of the road. They got closer, brushing up against the cart, snapping at the wheels and biting at the wood. One of them jumped up, only to be kicked back off by Applejack, it yelped as it was sent back to the ground.

Another came up, and met the other end of Fluttershy’s shotgun. She fired, winced, then broke it open and loaded two more shells.

Twilight also reloaded, grimacing at the fact that she was down to her last six bullets.

“I’m almost out!” She said, “How many more we gotta shoot?”

As soon as she said that, Fluttershy fired two more shots, eliciting a chorus of howls and barks from the coyotes. The pack slowly peeled away, thinning out as they stopped chasing. The last few stragglers slowed to a stop, staring at them as they congregated back on the road.

The group sped off, giving minor cheers as they too slowed down, though they didn’t stop until the last coyote was well out of sight. Twilight let out a sigh of relief, holstering her revolver and looking around for a moment.

“We did it,” Rainbow Dash said, breathing heavily, “Now who’s takin’ next shift?”

Rarity watched the road for a few more moments before slinging her rifle back over her shoulder, “I suppose it’s my turn then?”

One of the cart’s wheels popped off, sending them all tumbling off it.

To Be Continued...

Author's Note

So, third chapter is coming, I was not expecting it to get this long, just rewrite the first two episodes and be done with it. Sorry to disappoint, but this idea never went past the series premier, I'll leave that to you guys.

Hoodoos are a thing, I've actually been in and around quite a few. Goblin Valley State Park in Utah, got to see the arch there as well.