Dwindling Hope

The ponies had salvaged all they could and moved into a cave nearby where their castle used to stand. Twilight was lying in a bed of soft leaves, grass, and hay. The girls and spike took turns looking after her.

"She's getting weaker. I don't know what to do. She can't drink if she is asleep all the time." Bow Tie was discouraged.

Spike snapped. "Quit talking like that. She is going to get better! Megan will know what to do."

Silence from the girls told Spike they weren't so sure.

Glory ran out of the cave into the darkness.

Medley called out to her. "Glory, come back! We don't know what is out there."

Moondancer sighed. "Have you looked at Twilight? Whatever is out there could kill us at any time. It doesn't matter if we are together." She took off after Glory.

Cotton Candy nudged Medley. "She's just stressed, Medley. Don't take it personal."

Medley shook her head. "No, she is right. They didn't kill Twilight when they very well could have. I'm just scared."

Applejack had been quiet since they found Twilight but she spoke up now.

"We are all scared but the most important thing is getting through this together. I think we have more strength then we realize. We can do anything if we work together. Remember when we defeated Tyrek?"

They all nodded in agreement.

Outside the cave Glory was crying.

Moondancer licked her cheek trying to cheer her up.

"They don't sense her pain like we do, Moondancer. They aren't unicorns. It is killing me to be around her because I can feel her pain in my heart. I can't stand to see Twilight in such pain."

"I know, but we can't let them see that. Hope is all we have at this point. Ember is out there and I can't imagine how afraid she is or what they are doing to her."

"Look at me." Her tone was serious

Moondancer looked into Glory's eyes.

"We may have to use our powers before this is all over with and I need you to stay in control. You can't let your emotions get in the way."

Moondancer was defensive.

"That is easy for you to say. Your power can't kill everyone if something goes wrong. I can't handle that pressure."

"Then you should start practicing. Twilight did and she got better at controlling it."

Moondancer looked away, angry with Glory and saw Firefly and Megan coming.

"They're here! Megan's back!"

All the ponies came out of the cave to greet Megan.

"You're a sight for sore eyes." Applejack called out as she walked toward them.

"I'm happy to see all of you. I'm sorry it is because of such awful circumstances. Where is she?"

They led her to Twilight.

When Megan saw her she gasped and had to hold back tears.

She immediately opened her heart locket and let the rainbow free.

"Please, rainbow. Heal our friend."

The rainbow circled Twilight but her bruises weren't going away. Her eyes didn't open.

Spike groaned. "The rainbow didn't work!"

Moondancer and Glory smiled. "Yes it did. Her soul is no longer suffering. The rainbow has numbed her pain. The rest is up to us. We must help her heal."

Megan fell to her knees in relief. "Thank you, rainbow."