Sweetie clung to the rockface, feeling her hands growing tired. "Just... A little... More." She muttered. She and Button were now trying to climb up a rock wall. And unlike the rock walls she recalled going to a fun party events, this one was made using more indents in the rock and no harness. She pulled herself upwards, seeing the top just one more grab away. Her arms were so tired though. Button managed to reach up first, pulling himself on before turning back and placing his hand down. "Grab on, I got you."

She smiled and took it, happily feeling him help to pull her up the last leg. They both collapsed, out of breath. Their jumpsuits were still on and very damaged. Sweetie could feel the rock like floor through her right thigh and bare back. She glanced over, seeing a sliding door now open nearby. "What do you think the odds are that this next room is a break room?'

Button stood up. His shirt was torn in several places, he was missing his entire right sleeve and the fabric that would cover his right leg below the knee. He shook his head. "I would say high normally, but it feels like they are really throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us lately. I am pretty sure the only reason we got help last time was due to just how rough those robo-cats were."

She took in a deep breath and got up, gesturing to the door. "Shall we see what they throw at us next?"

Button nodded and the two went on in, following a small corridor that zigzagged for a few steps before opening up into a loud roaring room. The two nearly fell over as a draft blew past them. Wind could be felt as trees, sticks and leaves blew by. A Speaker next to them spoke up. 'Well you are close. Next room is the break room. This room will test your metal and determination. Trying not to get hit by anything. If you perish, your checkpoint exists below the wall so you will have to climb all the way back up. Best to avoid that if you really did not enjoy that climb. I am impressed with you progress if it is any consolation."

"I really don't care." Button said flatly, the speaker turning off.

Sweetie put hand on his shoulder. 'You alright?"

"Yeah... Just really tired is all. I think these recent tests are starting to get to me. It was fun or least interesting at first but these have been brutal lately. That next room better come with a hot spring at least. My back is aching big time."

She nodded, clearly seeing the fatigue was starting to get to him. They really should have taken more time to rest but something drove them to press on after a little bit of fun. She vowed to really take her time with him and make sure they both were well equipped mentally and physically to handle what ever came next after this wind tunnel. She glanced in, feeling the powerful air force her hair back. She could see the end, just had to fight a little more, walk about the length of an average warehouse, then they could finally rest.

"Lets do this, I promise we are going to enjoy ourselves after this."

Button smiled, a tired but still slightly more determined look in his eyes. The two walked in, nearly getting blasted off their feet as the wind tore against them. Button had to duck as a large branch flew over him. He reached out his hand. "Don't let go unless absolutely have to." He called out over the roar. Sweetie nodded as he began to step forward, her moving close behind him.

They both ducked again as another large branch flew by, this time catching on Sweetie Belle's shoulder, nearly causing her to fall over as it yanked hard against her. She felt her shoulder part of her suit tear open and off as her sleeve went with the branch. She watched it crash against the far wall, then fall past a railing out of sigh. She gulped and turned, moving once again.

The two made it almost half way across when suddenly a large tree came tumbling towards them. Button barely had time to duck as did his partner as the top part of the branches flew around them, tearing at them slightly, but thankfully mostly brushing past them for the most part. At least, that is how it looked for a second before Button felt a branch catch the back of his neck, gagging him slightly as it flung him onto his back.

Sweetie gripped him tightly trying to keep him from moving backwards. The tree continued on, a part of the top of his jumpsuit still clinging to it. Button was now exposed from the belly up. He quickly stood up, just in time to see a large branch coming towards them.

Sweetie was still looking at him. There wasn't time. He stepped out in front of her, taking the brunt of it as he was knocked off his feet again.

Sweetie cried out in surprise before bending over to check on her friend. He was out cold, the branch having collided hard with his head. She gripped him by his arm and underneath this shoulder, half dragging and half pulling him the rest of the way. Thankfully, she could see the door. One last branch flew past and managed to snag her left arm. She felt it get yanked back but managed to remain where she was. Her left arm was now bare as her grip returned to Button, pulling him the rest of the way into the doorway, it shutting behind them.

She gasped and fell forward, her arms and legs threatening to give way. She grit her teeth, grabbed Button by the arms and continued to drag him the rest of the way. She soon entered into another forest like area. There was a small cabin, a small spring with steam coming off of it and the area was mostly dim, a sort of sunset feel to the area.

She glanced down at Button, examining his head. She only saw a small bump so hoped that he was alright. She still did her best to put him onto her back and carry him into the cabin. It was a one room cabin with a fire place, large bed, small kitchen area and what looked like a curtained off bathroom area. She carefully dropped him off against the wall, leaning him up next to the fireplace. The mare checked the kitchen and found a first aide kit, pulled out some bandages and began to wrap some around Button's head. She then checked herself for any further damage. Aside from some minor cuts along her left arm, she was fine. Her suit was very damaged though, with cuts all over the legs and the only thing holding it up in the front was the somewhat damaged collar. Her arms, back and shoulders were now bare.

She sat down on the bed, feeling exhausted. She wanted to pass out, but a part of her was driven. She was tired but also angry. This adventure had hit is course. She could go no further. Not until she got some answers. She glanced down at Button; when he wakes up, she is going to be screaming for answers soon. But she dare not ask when she knew he needed to hear them too.

It did not take long thankfully, Button soon stirred and gripped his head. Sweetie managed to find some ice in the freezer and make a makeshift ice pack out of a pillow case, filling it with ice. She twisted the top then handed it to him. He put the mess over his head, sighing in relief.

She then stood in the middle of the room. "Alright, I know you are watching Selene. We have both had it up to here. What is the point of all this? Why are you making us do this. I don't care if we signed up for this, I don't remember doing that."

A blue almost see through image of Selene appeared on a nearby chair. Her lab coat almost made her look like a ghost. She crossed her legs. "Well, you sort of signed up knowing there was going to be some complications. Though admittedly, even that became complex with time. You are the only two left, have been for a long time now. So you are special to us. I will also admit, it has been awhile since I last went over these trials so I am with you in agreement that this is all just a bit much. These are meant to test you, not run you all into the ground."

"If we are important enough, then I request a vacation. We need time to recoup and recharge. We cannot keep going like this." Sweetie Belle placed her foot down in defiance.

Selene nodded. "I agree. I cannot have my best test subjects running themselves ragged. So I will provide food and everything you require here while you take some time to yourselves." She glanced over at Button. "Oh and I ran a few quick tests, no concussions, just some minor damage. You earth ponies tend to heal up fast."

Sweetie Belle let out a sigh of relief. "So how much farther do we have to go?"

Selene thought for a moment. "Tell you what. You get through the next two rooms with flying colors, and I will fast track you to your final test. Sound like a deal?"

The mare nearly held out her hand but decided to keep it. Pretty sure she could almost see through Selene meaning that she wasn't actually here. She had seen a few science fiction movies to guess that this was some kind of projection. "S-sure. Deal. But we will need a few days though."

"Of course, I may even come in person to check on you both in awhile. Until then, enjoy the time off." With that, her image vanished.

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded, before passing out onto the bed.

***
Log Entry (???) Lost count due to recent error.

What in the world? I don't recall these challenges being this difficult. Am I losing my touch or have some of these rooms simply become harder with age? There is so much to keep track of, I have done my best. But it seems I have slacked in many places. I may need a vacation soon. This is almost becoming too much for me as well.

Author's Note

Health issues suck, but I am going to do my best to at least finish this story.