time before bat

Day 2
Solar Night Dust had been awake all night.

He could have sworn he heard a bat pony cry out in pain. The sound had come from far away, in Ponyville, too distant to investigate. Still, it lingered in his thoughts, casting a shadow over the quiet night.

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon, Solar Night Dust shook off his unease and turned his attention to the group. "Come on, everyone, up!" he called, his voice steady but firm.

"Okay," Little Foot mumbled, his voice groggy. He yawned widely, stretched his small legs, and wandered over to a patch of grass to munch lazily.

“Little Foot is the first up—he gets to rest first,” Solar Night Dust said with a chuckle.

At his words, the rest of the dinosaurs groaned softly, their eyes popping open one by one. Soon, they were all up, grazing on the dewy grass with quiet determination.

"Thank you," Solar Night Dust said, his voice warm with appreciation as he watched the group.

Nearby, Zerrcoa was sorting through a small pile of berries she had collected. She nudged a portion toward Solar Night Dust with her hoof. "These berries—only you and I can eat them," she said, glancing at him.

“Thank you, Zerrcoa,” Solar Night Dust replied. He used his wing to carefully pop one of the berries into his mouth. The sweetness was a welcome burst of energy after the long, restless night.

“Is everyone ready?” Solar Night Dust asked, scanning the camp.

Zerrcoa nodded. “Yes. The fire is put out,” she reported efficiently.

“I need help putting on my cloak,” Little Foot piped up, his voice small and hopeful.

“I’ll help you,” Solar Night Dust said without hesitation. His horn lit up with a soft glow as he gently draped the cloak over Little Foot’s shoulders, fastening it securely. He then carefully placed the necklace around the young dinosaur’s neck, ensuring it sat just right.

Little Foot looked up at him with a bright smile. “Thank you!”

Solar Night Dust straightened up, looking around at the group once more. "Anyone else need help?"

“No,” came the chorus of replies from the dinosaurs, who were now fully awake and ready to move.

“Good. Let’s pack up and head out,” Solar Night Dust said. He turned to Zerrcoa. “Lead the way.”

With the camp cleared and the group in formation, they began their journey, stepping into the warm morning light. Though Solar Night Dust’s mind lingered on the distant cry he’d heard in the night, he kept his focus on his companions, ready for whatever lay ahead.

The group had fallen into an uneasy silence as they continued through the forest, the tension thick in the air. Even Little Foot, usually full of questions and energy, stayed quiet, his small legs working hard to keep pace.

Suddenly, Ducky, her voice small but hopeful, broke the silence. “Um… Mister Dad?”

Solar Night Dust glanced over his shoulder, his serious expression softening. “Yes, Ducky?”

“May we… may we sing a song?” she asked, tilting her head shyly.

Solar Night Dust’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “Of course. A song might be just what we need right now.”

Ducky’s face lit up with joy. She glanced at the others, her enthusiasm infectious. “A one, two, one, two, three!” she said, her voice chiming like a bell.

The group hesitated for a moment, exchanging unsure glances, but then Ducky started humming a familiar tune. Her light, cheerful melody drifted through the air, lifting the group’s spirits like sunlight piercing through the trees.

Little Foot was the first to join in, his small voice harmonizing with Ducky’s. Soon, the other dinosaurs joined, their deeper voices blending together in a rich chorus. Even Zerrcoa hummed softly under her breath, though she tried to hide her smile.

Solar Night Dust walked at the back, his wings relaxed as he listened to the makeshift choir. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly as Ducky led the group, her tiny frame bouncing with excitement as she sang the words:

🎵 Through the trees and over the hills,
We walk together, we face what thrills.
No matter the storm, no matter the fight,
We’ll keep on marching, morning to night! 🎵

Ducky's voice was bright and cheery as she continued, bouncing slightly as she led the tune. The others joined in, their voices blending into a warm, harmonious melody.

🎵 Step by step, we take the trail,
With friends beside us, we’ll never fail.
The road is long, the night was cold,
But with our song, we’re brave and bold! 🎵

Little Foot sang with enthusiasm, his young voice rising above the others. His tail wagged slightly as he added his own spin to the next verse:

🎵 Look at the sky, the sun shines bright,
Together we’ll make it, we’re bound for light.
Through forest deep and rivers wide,
Our strength is growing with every stride! 🎵

Cera, who had been humming quietly, finally joined in with her low, steady voice:

🎵 The winds may howl, the trees may sway,
But nothing will stand in our way.
We’re brave, we’re strong, we’re here to stay,
Together we’ll greet the brand-new day!🎵

The dinosaurs stomped lightly in rhythm, their movements turning into a playful march. Even the forest seemed to hum along, the rustling leaves and distant bird calls weaving into the melody.

Ducky, ever the leader of this cheerful moment, twirled slightly as she sang the next verse:

🎵 With berries sweet and grass so green,
The world is brighter than we’ve seen.
A journey shared is a journey grand,
With every hoofstep, hand in hand! 🎵

Solar Night Dust, who had been quietly watching with a soft smile, finally added his voice—a deep, steady bass that gave the song a grounding presence:

🎵 So onward we go, through thick and thin,
With hearts of courage, we’ll always win.
No darkness can break the light we hold,
With friends beside us, we’re brave and bold! 🎵

The group’s voices rose together for the final chorus, their harmony ringing through the trees:

🎵 Through the trees and over the hills,
We walk together, we face what thrills.
No matter the storm, no matter the fight,
We’ll keep on marching, morning to night! 🎵

As the group’s laughter echoed through the forest, Solar Night Dust smiled and slowed his pace. “Okay, everyone,” he called out, his voice carrying over the din, “time for lunch.”

“Lunch!” Ducky chirped, bouncing with excitement. “I’m hungry, yep, yep, yep!”

Little Foot wagged his tail eagerly. “Me too! I hope we find some really good grass this time!”

Zerrcoa gestured toward a sunlit clearing just ahead, where the trees thinned, and the grass was lush and green. “That spot should do,” she said, leading the way with her usual steady composure.

The group settled into the clearing, each finding their preferred patch of grass or shade. Little Foot immediately began munching on the fresh blades, his tail swishing happily. Ducky and some of the smaller dinosaurs formed a circle, chattering as they ate, their earlier silence replaced with playful conversation.

Solar Night Dust scanned the area with a practiced eye, ensuring there were no threats nearby before settling near Zerrcoa. She nudged a small pile of berries toward him, the same sweet variety they had shared earlier.

“You need to eat too,” she said firmly. “You’ve been up all night.”

Solar Night Dust chuckled softly. “You’re right,” he admitted, taking one of the berries with his wing. “But I can’t help it. There’s something about that cry I heard last night… I can’t shake the feeling that someone’s in trouble.”

Zerrcoa tilted her head thoughtfully. “If it was as far as Ponyville, it’s beyond our reach for now. We have to focus on the group and getting the flower for rartiey.”

Before Zerrcoa could respond, Ducky bounded over, her mouth full of grass but her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “What are you two talking about?” she asked, her words slightly muffled.

Just something I heard said solar night dust.

“How’s the grass over there?”“ Solar Night Dust said, ruffling her head gently with his wing.

“It’s yummy!” Ducky declared. “And the sun feels so warm!” She turned back to the others. “You should try it, Mister Dad! Yep, yep, yep!”

Solar Night Dust is just being cautious, as he always is said zerrcoa.

Ducky nodded slowly, her trust in Solar Night Dust evident in her expression. “Okay, Mister Dad. But if it comes close, I’ll help you protect everyone. Yep, yep, yep!” she said, puffing out her chest proudly her mushroom hat blocked her view for a minute making the dinos laugh.

Everyone ready to go?” asked Solar Night Dust.

“Yes!” the group replied in unison.

“Let’s go,” Solar Night Dust said, his voice resolute. With Zerrcoa leading the way, the group began their journey, stepping into the warm morning light.

back to ponyville

Rarity hummed softly to herself as she descended the stairs to begin her work.

“Where are my machines?” she asked aloud, noticing their absence.

“Fluttershy borrowed them,” Sweetie Belle said, peeking her head into the room.

“Could you ask her to return them, please?” Rarity asked with a polite smile.

“Yes, I will,” Sweetie Belle replied before heading out the door.

A pegasus entered the boutique, gliding effortlessly on roller skates.

“You must be the famous Rarity,” the pegasus said warmly.

Rarity blushed slightly. Ever since Princess Cadance’s wedding, so many ponies had come to visit her boutique. “How can I help you?” she asked graciously.

“Mommy, wait for me!” a small voice called out.

A little bat pony rolled into the shop on roller skates, trailing after the pegasus.

“A bat pony?” Rarity said, her voice tinged with surprise.

“I found her in the Everfree,” the pegasus explained.

The little filly grinned. “I’m super fast!” she exclaimed before zooming out of the shop and back in an instant. “Whoosh!”

“Why are her bat wings covered in fabric?” Rarity asked, her curiosity piqued.

“The magic from her birth burned them,” the pegasus explained solemnly.

“May I examine them?” Rarity asked the filly gently.

“Yes,” the little bat pony replied, her voice small and hesitant.

Rarity used her magic to carefully unwrap the wings. Beneath the fabric, there were patches of scarred skin where the wings should have been.

“What is your name, little one?” Rarity asked softly.

“Golden Dust,” the filly replied.

“And yours?” Rarity asked, turning to the pegasus.

“Golden Crown,” the pegasus answered with a warm smile.

Golden Crown are you sure you want to do is said Rarity.

It will hurt said Golden Dust.

But then ponies will stop calling me a freak said Golden Dust.

Rarity’s expression hardened as she listened to Golden Dust's words. She placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder and spoke gently, though there was a steeliness in her voice.

“Golden Dust, you’re so much more than what those bullies say. But I understand how hurtful their words can be. We’ll fix this together, but I also want you to know—you’re not a freak. You’re unique, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Golden Dust looked down, his ears drooping. “But they don’t see it that way. They just see someone who’s broken.”

Rarity’s eyes softened, though her resolve grew stronger. “I know exactly who those ponies are,” she said, her voice gaining a sharp edge. “They’ve hurt others before, including my Sweetie Belle. I won’t stand by and let them continue this cruel behavior.”

Golden Crown frowned. “I didn’t know about Sweetie Belle,” he admitted. “I’ve been so focused on my daughter’s struggles that I didn’t realize this ran deeper.”

Rarity nodded. “Bullying has a way of spreading its poison. But let’s not lose focus. Golden Dust, your well-being is our priority. You’re incredibly brave for taking this step.”

Golden Dust looked up at her, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “Do you really think I can look normal again?”

Rarity smiled warmly. “I believe we can make you feel like yourself again—whatever that means to you. It’s not just about looking normal. It’s about embracing who you are and being proud of it.”

Golden Crown stepped forward, her voice firm but supportive. “Let’s go deal with those bullies.”

“Let’s,” Rarity said, his voice filled with new determination.

Together, Rarity and Golden Crown locked hooves and left the shop, ready to face whatever came next.