Bubbles lie next to Twilight trying to keep her warm. It was so cold and wet in the cave that she wasn't sure it was helping. Somehow Twilight was able to get some rest. Bubbles couldn't help but be jealous because she couldn't keep her mind straight and all she wanted to do was sleep. The guilt of leaving Medley and Cotton Candy behind and their safety were plaguing her mind. The constant sound of the waterfall and the dripping from the ceiling was also driving her crazy. She needed to get out of there.
It had been a few hours but Bubbles was too afraid to leave. She did not want to sacrifice everything Medley and Cotton Candy did because she was anxious, but she was so cold and wet. Bubbles loved water but not being miserable in a dark cave without a chance to get dry.
"I'm sure that if I was seen I could out run them, plus Twilight is hidden behind a waterfall. No one would think to look here. Oh what should I do?"
Bubbles stared at Twilight for awhile and made up her mind. She gave Twilight a gentle lick on the cheek and carefully and slowly made her way over the wet rocks on the side of the waterfall. When she made it out the sun's beautiful colors blinded her adjusting eyes. The sun was going down and the sky was lit up with pink, orange, and red. It was a beautiful ending to an awful day. She slowly made her way to the previous cave making sure to scan the surrounding area for wolves or crows.
Her heart fluttered when she saw Applejack in the distance.
"Applejack!" Bubbles called out with a smile. She didn't care if any wolves were in the area. She was just grateful that someone else was alive.
She started galloping to her and embraced her.
"I'm so happy to see you. Where is everyone else? Are they all right!? I've been sick thinking about it."
Applejack's face told Bubbles that everyone was not ok.
"Please tell me." Bubbles was trembling and trying to hold back tears.
Applejack tried to talk but her voice cracked with grief.
"They weren't as bad as Twilight but Medley is pretty hurt and Cotton Candy was beaten badly."
Bubbles nuzzled Applejack's neck again. "It will be ok. I just want us all to be together. Can we do that please?"
Applejack tried to smile. "Yes, that sounds fine to me."
The two giggled despite the hard time.
Bubbles informed the group where Twilight was and Firefly went to get her.
Later they all sat in the cave as Megan silently read the book to herself. Habbit was awake now and sat in Megan's lap. Spike and the ponies waited patiently but were starting to get anxious. They wanted to know why so many people were trying to kill them. All they had was a location and a name, but they had never heard of either.
Megan closed the book with a loud snap that made everyone jump. She sighed and ran her hands through her hair.
Spike grabbed her arm and shook her like a toddler would.
"What does it say? Tell us, tell us."
"This book tells us a way to strengthen the rainbow. Mr. Moochick planned to do it someday but couldn't make the journey by himself. He died to protect it and Habbit, here saved us."
Habbit nodded and pointed to the map.
"What's he pointing at Megan?" Bow Tie asked.
Megan turned the map around for everyone to see. "We need to go to all these places. Dragon's Gate is the last one on the list. This Queen Malice didn't want us to get this for a reason."
Firefly stomped her hoof. "Then we need to follow this book." She looked at the Twilight, Cotton Candy, and Medley. "For their sake and Ember's."
Applejack nodded. "Firefly has the right idea, ya'll. We got to be ready for this journey."
"Where do we go first, Megan?" Glory asked.
Megan read from the book and then stared at the map. "It is called The Black Forest and the Horn of Leaves is the item we seek."
Moondancer came to the middle of the group. "I bet this Malice lady has got people guarding it as we speak. Which of us are going and which ones are staying to protect the hurt?"
Applejack agreed. "Good thinkin, Moondancer. What do you think we should do, Megan?"
Megan was thinking. "Well…the book said that the forest has death traps and there will probably be a lot of enemies. I think Firefly, Bow Tie, Moondancer, and Spike should come. Glory, Applejack, and Bubbles can stay back and protect the rest. Will you stay here with them, Habbit?"
Habbit nodded solemnly.
Megan put her hand in a fist. "It is time we start taking things into our own hands. Let's go!"