Chapter Five:

Saying Their Goodbyes

Twilight frantically threw everything she deemed necessary for her trip into a medium-sized leather bag. Her books, some of the crappy food from the buffet downstairs (it was better than nothing), and a large packet full of water with a clear plastic tube protruding from it that came up to where Twilights mouth was, a blanket and a soft foam pad for her to sleep on. It wasn't much, but she wanted to travel light. She didn't want to have to haul around fifty pound of weight for three days; she'd be dead tired within a few hours it that was the case. She was wiped out enough as it was, having spent another sleepless night in a filthy, uncomfortable bed. Behind her stood Spike, holding his own little bag of provisions. It was 7:00 am and he was dead tired. He had never been up that early before. Even more so, he was confused.

"I'm at a loss here, Twi. I really am," he said. "Why exactly are you sending me to Canterlot again?"

"I already told you, Spike, I need some alone time," Twilight explained in annoyance. "I need to get away for a while and think things over, that's all."

"Yeah, I know you already told me, but I'm still having trouble buying it," Spike said, starting to sound annoyed himself. "Put yourself in my position: It's three days after the worst tragedy we've ever experienced, we're both really freaked out and depressed, then all of a sudden you decide to run off to have some 'alone time' while sending me off to be babysat by Celestia. Can you blame me for being a little curious about things? Like, where are you going for one thing?"

"I don't know," Twilight answered.

"Well how long are you going to be gone?" Spike asked.

"I don't know," Twilight answered again. "Maybe a week or so. Possibly longer."

"A week?" Spike cried. "We've never been apart for that long! Why can't I come with you?"

"Because this is something I need to do on my own," Twilight replied. "Besides, it's too late now. I already sent the letter to Princess Celestia and she agreed to look after you. The carriage will be here soon."

"Well why Canterlot?" Spike shot at her. "Why do I have to go all the way there? Can't I just stay with Rarity or something? She's closer."

"Rarity's coming with me," Twilight said. "It's gonna be me, her and my other girlfriends. We're just taking a bit of a road trip, alright? We've been through a lot recently and we need to have some time to ourselves, you know, to clear our heads and all. It's a health thing."

Spike just stood there looking somewhat slack-jawed. Twilight had seriously been dreading this. She knew he wasn't going to accept this sudden change of plans has quickly as she would've liked. She had hoped she would be wrong. They stood there in silence for a moment before Spike spoke up again.

"Why do I feel like you're keeping me out of the loop here?" His voice was a bit calmer, though it had lost none of its urgency. "Why do I feel like you're trying to get rid of me? I've had a lot on my mind too! I almost died for cryin' out loud! Why can't I come with you?"

"Because," was all Twilight said.

"Because why?" Spike prodded further, his voice starting to rise again.

"Because I said so!" Twilight shouted at him. He was really becoming a danger to her sanity now.

Spike stomped his clawed foot in rage.

"That's not a good enough answer! I wanna know why I can't come with you!"

That was the line. Her horn glowed as she hit him with a burst of magic, pinning him against the wall. Spikes eyes were suddenly wide with fear as his normally peaceful friend got right up in his face.

"ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME LOSE MY TEMPER?" She roared. "BECAUSE I AM SECONDS AWAY FROM PUTTING YOU THROUGH THE DAMN WALL! YOU ARE MY ASSISTANT, SPIKE! THAT MEANS YOU DO WHAT I SAY WHEN I SAY IT! YOU'RE NOT COMING WITH ME! YOU'RE GOING TO CANTERLOT AND THAT'S FINAL!"

A loud pounding came from the other side of the wall.

"Keep it down in there! It's 7:00 am!" shouted a muffled voice from the next room.

With a roar of frustration Twilight pounded her hoof into the wall inches from Spikes head, almost putting a hole in it.

"GO BACK TO FUCKING YOUR WHORE!" She screamed into it.

The raging unicorn turned back to Spike, who was now trembling with fear. Tears were rolling down his cheeks and he was whimpering like a hurt dog. Right then and there Twilights rage began to fade, replaced by horror and shame at the way she had just acted. She had never been this angry before in her life. She was homeless, jobless, and now on the way to committing an act that would make her a criminal. She had been so caught up in that thought recently that she had forgotten that Spike was just as much a victim here as she was, maybe even more so. As the tears began to form in her own eyes she slowly and gently let him down, and before he could make any movement, she threw her forelegs around him and pulled him into the tightest hug she had ever given. He didn't back, and Twilight didn' blame him.

"I'm sorry, Spike," she sobbed. "I'm sorry for everything. I-I've just been so angry these past few days. Everythings been happening so fast, and... and I just... I just need some time..." she trailed off.

Now, she began to feel the young dragons arms slowly wrap themselves around her neck. They tightened more and more the longer they stood there.

"I'm sorry too, Twilight," he murmured. "I don't mean to pester you all the time. I-I'm just... scared. I'm really scared."

Twilight let her forelegs fall away from him then backed up so she could look him in the eye.

"I'm scared too, Spike," she said sincerely. "I've never been more scared in my whole life." She paused for a moment. "But... I think this trip is really going to do me some good. And I think in the end it'll do you some good as well."

Spike looked confused again.

"How will it do me any good if I'm not going?" He asked, not angrily.

For one brief moment, Twilight seriously considered telling him what was really going on. She considered telling him that she and her friends were about to attempt an armed robbery at the Bank of Equestria in Manehatten, and that has brutal and cruel as it may be, it would make their lives so much easier in the end. It had to be done.

"Spike," she began. "What if I told you that... that there was a way to solve our current crisis very quickly and efficiently? But... it's a solution that's a little... unorthodox."

The little dragon stared at her intently.

"Just what are you up to, Twilight?" He asked.

And right then and there, Twilight changed her mind. It would do more harm then good if Spike knew what she was planning. He would worry about her the whole time, and Twilight had made it clear to him that she didn't ever want him doing that. And there was always the possibility that he might break down and tell Celestia, and that would simply be the end of everything.

She couldn't tell him, but now she had piqued his curiosity. She had to back out of this some way.

"All I can say is... I have to do this, Spike," she finally said. "Maybe some day, far off from today, I'll tell you everything, and maybe by that point I'll be able to look back on it and laugh. But for now, I need you to just trust me. I promise that things will be better for us when I come back."

Amazingly, that seemed to be enough. Spike just nodded, then looked down into his little bag, checking over everything he was bringing with him. He was still curious; Twilight could definitely sense that, but he seemed to understand by now to just trust her judgement, and that she whatever she did, she did for the best. He looked up at her again after a while. He was once again wearing a look of curiosity on his face.

"Hey, Twi?" he said. "You never did tell me what Celestia said in her letter to you from a couple nights ago."

Twilight sighed. She was hoping he would've forgotten that by now.

"She... said she wanted me to figure out how to solve this on my own," she said hesitantly. "And that's exactly what I'm gonna do."

"So, she's not gonna bail us out of this or something?" Spike asked.

"No, Spike, she isn't. And even if she was, I wouldn't accept it," Twilight lied.

"W-why not?'

Because," Twilight thought for a moment. "I'm a grown unicorn. I'm fully capable of managing myself. And besides... she's not my mother, Spike. It's not her responsibility to... to take care of me."

"I know that," Spike said quietly. "But... we all need help sometimes, Twilight." He thought for a moment. "What about your actual mother? Does she know about this? Couldn't you at least ask her for help?"

Twilight turned away at that question. She closed her eyes, but not in thought. She looked more like she was trying to hide something, and Spike could tell from her slightly trembling lower lip that it was best that he didn't push this subject further.

"The carriage should be here soon," she finally said. "Make sure you have everything you need and we'll head downstairs."

Spike just nodded and gave one more quick glance into his bag.

"I'm set," he said simply.

With that, Twilight backed away to allow Spike room pass her. As he headed for the door, he suddenly felt something soft come into contact with his hind-quarters. It passed under his legs and lifted the little fella off the ground. It was Twilights head, and as she lifted it all the way up, Spike slowly slid down her neck and onto her back next to her leather bag. She continued on out the door and headed down the hallway towards the stairs. As she descended them, she felt the baby dragon wrap his arms around her neck and hold onto her tightly. She assumed he was just worried about falling off, but when she got to the bottom, he didn't let go. He was holding her as tightly as ever, and Twilight was sure he was nuzzling into her as well.

Twilight continued past the front desk where she would check out in a little while and headed outside. Twilight sighed in relief when she saw the image of a large golden carriage being pulled by two pegasi off in the distance of the expanse of dimly lit sky and heading right for them. At least now she knew she didn't have to wait long. The airborne carriage circled the inn once then gracefully came into contact with the ground, pulling right up in front of the lavender unicorn and her dragon. One of the pegasi gave a friendly smile to the two.

"Good morning," he greeted cheerfully. "We're here for the dragon, right?"

"Yeah, he's all set," Twilight said.

With her magic she opened the door to the carriage and trotted over to it. She bent her head a little to allow Spike to slide forward through the door. Before sitting down, Spike turned around to make his final goodbye, as well as clear up a few more things.

"So, you're just gonna go wherever the road takes you, huh?" He said.

"Something like that," Twilight replied somewhat ambiguously. "Now, are you sure you have everything you need? I don't want you getting all the way to Canterlot and realizing you forgot something."

"Yeah, I've pretty much triple checked myself by now," Spike said with a bit of annoyance.

"Alright, alright," Twilight said with a bit of a smile. "Just making sure."

The two stared at each other for a few minutes, during that time Twilight had the horrible sensation that she would never see her beloved assistant again. She tried to shake that feeling, tried to tell herself to stop being so pessimistic, but the truth was she had no idea how the events of the next week or so would play out. She knew that no matter how carefully she planned everything out, no matter how meticulously she went over every last detail, anything could happen, anything could go wrong. She didn't want to think about it, but there was a very real chance that she and her friends could be killed, leaving behind family, pets and various other loved ones.

For one brief second, Twilight considered calling the whole thing off. Just saying "screw it" and finding another way. But then she reminded herself that there was no other way, or at least no other way that would work as well as this. She already had her friends backing her up, they were all probably not willing to back out now, they were just going to have to see it through. In the end, with all they had been through, they would probably be glad that they took the initiative to do this.

Twilight just had to stay positive. If she could at least do that, there would be a better chance of her coming home safely and seeing Spike again. Almost instinctively, she pulled the little dragon into another big hug, bigger than any she had ever given him. He hugged her back tightly.

"Everything's going to be okay, Spike," Twilight whispered. "I will save us."

"I know you will," Spike whispered back. "You always do."

The two slowly broke apart, and Twilight took a few steps back from the carriage. Her eyes never tore away from his.

"I love you," Spike said quietly.

"I love you too, Spike," Twilight responded. "And I want you to know that I couldn't ask for a better assistant. I mean that."

Spike smiled vaguely, then went to go sit down on one of the soft cushioned seats inside the carriage. As he got comfortable, he bowed his head and quietly whispered to himself: "Please be careful, mom."

The carriage door swung closed, and Twilight gave one of the pegasi a nod, signifying that they were cleared to go.

"Take care, miss," he said politely.

"I will, thanks," Twilight said with a small smile.

With that, their wings began to flap rapidly, and soon they were taking off down the road. When they hit the proper speed, they lifted off the ground and were airborne again. Twilight watched as they soared over the rooftops of the houses and shops that made up Ponyville. She watched as they were soon hundreds of feet in the air, heading out over the surrounding hills. Soon they were just a black speck on the purplish-blue sky. They descended on the other side of the hills, and they were out of sight.

Twilight stared around her for a moment. She was all alone; nopony else seemed to be up at this time. The street in front of her was completely deserted, and the only sound was the faint whistle of wind blowing through the surrounding trees. Twilight quite enjoyed this silence; it gave her time to gather her thoughts. To just sit back and meditate for a short while. It would do her a world of good to clear her mind before the long, arduous journey that lay before her. She closed her eyes, breathed soundly, and just let her mind be at peace. it was a very effective technique. She sat that way for a few moments before opening her eyes again and straightening herself up again. She just had to check out of the inn now and she would be ready. She knew checkout time wasn't until around 11:00 or something, but she figured if she made enough of a fuss they would just want her out. Luckily, the pony working the desk didn't ask any questions and didn't seem to care at all, and given the state of inn, Twilight wasn't the least bit surprised.

Twilight stepped out after getting her business at the inn taken care of. It was time to start gathering the troops. For a second, she had the terrifying thought that they had all cut and run in the middle of the night. The thought was dashed quickly though by the sound of a familiar voice behind her.

"Yo, Twi!"

The unicorn smiled. Rainbow Dash truly was the Element of Loyalty. She turned to see the cyan pegasus soaring through the air right down to her, a leather bag similar to her own resting next to her flank. Dash kicked up a small cloud of dirt as she landed, giving Twilight a cocky grin. She looked totally pumped. Twilight managed a weak smile of her own.

"Morning, Dash," she greeted.

"How's it goin', egghead?" Dash replied.

The two gave each other a quick squeeze with one of their forelegs.

"It's going alright I guess. How about you?" Twilight asked.

Dash shrugged.

"Can't complain," she answered. "I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't a little psyched. I mean, who knows? This might be kinda like a vacation or something."

"I guess that's a matter of perspective," Twilight said. "So, are you all set?"

"Yeah, I'm good," Dash replied. "Got Tank down in the Everfree forest a few moments ago. Told him to bite the heads off of any frogs he see's 'cause frogs suck! There's only room for one amphibian out there, and that's him!" She wore a proud look for a moment, which soon faded to confusion. "Or... is he a reptile?" She thought for a moment, then shrugged. "I'll have to ask Fluttershy at some point. Anyway, I'm pretty much good to go. Got enough food to last me a few days. How 'bout you?"

"I just scraped together what I could at the continental breakfast here," Twilight answered. "It wasn't much though, and... well, the food here was pretty terrible."

"I'll share if need be," Dash offered.

Twilight smiled. Dash could be pretty decent when she wanted to be.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," she said.

"No prob," Dash said while giving a long groaning stretch. "So where to first?"

"Rarity's," Twilight replied. "It's closest."

"'Kay," Dash said. "Hope she got enough beauty sleep last night, 'cause I doubt she's gonna be getting any for the next week or so."

With that, the two mares made off for Carousel Boutique. Twilight glanced over her shoulder to take one last look at the ragged Ponyville inn, her former temporary home. She couldn't have been happier that she would never have to put up with it again.

Rarity had originally thrown just about everything but the kitchen sink into her elegant velvet bag. Hey, if she was going to have to travel for three days on her hooves, she wanted to have as much as she could possibly carry on her back. unfortunately "as much as she could possibly carry" turned out to be very little. Sadly, she had to lighten her load significantly. Now only the bare essentials occupied her bag. An extra warm silk blanket, and extra thick foam pad rolled up tightly (she'd have brought her whole bed if she could), some gourmet oats and hay (she wouldn't settle for any less than gourmet), and a camera. It didn't seem necessary, but she did love taking pictures whenever she went to Manehatten. It was such an enormous and beautiful city, and she loved to capture the moments she had there on film. Besides, there was always the off chance that a camera might somehow come in handy.

After a quick once over, the fashion unicorn decided she was set. She used her magic to gracefully lift bag and place it onto her back next to her flank, the strap flung around her neck. She loved the feeling of the velvet against her coat. It was a feeling she would never tire of, and it would do her some good on her long journey. With a small blissful sigh she turned to leave her room for what she hoped wouldn't be her last.

"Sweetie Belle?" she called in almost a sing-song voice as she made her way to the front of her home/store. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah," came a tired and slightly annoyed voice from behind her.

Rarity turned to see her little sister coming downstairs carrying a small bag next to her cutie-markless flank. She looked so tired that she was barely able to stand. She wasn't used to being up that early.

"Well then," Rarity began, "Are you looking forward to spending the next week or so with your friend? I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with her."

"Yeah, I guess," Sweetie Belle answered, not sounding too sure of herself.

Rarity frowned a bit. She had a feeling her sister was trying to put on a brave face, much like she herself was.

"What's wrong, dear?" Rarity asked with concern.

"Nothing," Sweetie Belle shook her head. "It's just... I like being with my friends and all, but... I don't like being away from you for too long. Did... did I do something wrong? Is that why you're leaving?"

Rarity looked shocked.

"What? No! No, dear one!" She cried as she went forward to embrace her sister. "You did nothing wrong! Nothing at all! It's just... your older sister need some time to herself to think some things over. You know that things... haven't exactly been working out well for us and the shop recently, don't you?" Her sister nodded, she hadn't embraced Rarity back yet. "Well, my friends and I just want to take a bit of a road trip to clear our minds and decide what we want to do. It had nothing to do with you doing anything wrong. Do you understand me?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. She was beginning to tear up a bit.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered. "I just don't want to think that I did anything to make you mad. I just don't want to be hurt anymore."

Now Rarity gently lifted the little filly's chin so she look her directly in the eye.

"I want you to listen to me very carefully, Sweetie," she began. "Nopony will ever hurt you again. I will NOT allow it... EVER. That's part of the reason I'm taking this little trip: I need to think of a way to keep you with me for as long as possible. Do you understand? Nopony, not those foal service ponies, not a foster family..." she added quietly: "Not even mother or father... will ever lay a hoof on you."

Sweetie Belle sniffled a bit, then finally moved in to hug her sister. They held each other in the silence of the shop for the longest time. After a while Rarity placed a delicate kiss on her sisters forehead.

"You know I love you very much don't you?" She asked quietly.

'Yeah, I do," Sweetie Belle replied, her words muffled from having her face buried in Rarity's chest.

"And you know that whatever I do, I do because I have your best interests at heart?"

"Mmhmm."

And that was that. The sound of a knock at the door caused them to break apart and collect themselves.

"Well, let's be off," Rarity said. "Be sure to say hello to your aunt Twilight."

Sweetie Belle nodded, and the two headed for the door. Rarity opened it and smiled as she greeted the lavender unicorn with a hug.

"Good morning, dear," she greeted.

"Hey, Rarity," Twilight said back to her. "You ready?"

"As I'll ever be, I suppose," Rarity answered. She then noticed with a bit of surprise the rainbow-maned pegasus that was hovering next to Twilight. "Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. I guess we don't have to bother with going to get you, huh?"

Dash chuckled.

"Yeah, the last thing we need for you to get in the air again," she joked.

Rarity rolled her eyes. As long as she lived, she swore Dash would never let her forget that incident. From behind her came Sweetie Belle. She smiled a bit up at Twilight, who smiled warmly back down at her.

"Hi, aunty Twilight," the little filly said.

"Hi, hon," Twilight replied and pulled her into a quick hug.

Sweetie Belle then turned to Rainbow Dash, smiling a little wider at seeing the spunky pegasus.

"Hi, aunt Dashie," she greeted a little more jovially.

"Heya, kiddo," Dash said as she ruffled the filly's mane with her forehoof.

"Well then, where are we off to now?" Rarity asked.

"Sugarcube Corner," Twilight replied. "We'll grab Pinkie Pie next."

And the group headed out for their next destination to get the party pony.

Pinkie Pie zipped effortlessly through the shops kitchen so fast that she was almost nothing more than a pink blur. Mr. and Mrs. Cake watched as she threw almost every last cupcake, sweet bun and pastry she could get her hoofs on into her bag. It may not have been the best travel food she was gathering, but for Pinkie Pie sugar was all she needed to keep her going. She didn't even seem to care that she was getting crumbs and frosting all over her blanket and and padding.

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather put those in zip-lock bags, dear?" Mrs. Cake asked. "Your bag seems to be getting awfully messy."

"Oh, it's okay, it doesn't bother me none," Pinkie replied. "That way if I get hungry in the middle of the night or something, all I have to do is lick some frosting off my pillow and I'll be fine!"

Mrs. Cake gave a bit of an uneasy smile. She turned to look at her husband, who looked even more nervous than her. Pinkie had certainly seemed to perk up a bit since the day before. Her mane and tail were back to being puffy and poofy, and she had been smiling significantly more often. Thought they were happy to see their little baker back to her old cheerful self, they couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong with her. This was a different kind of happiness that Pinkie was displaying. They couldn't quite put their hooves on it, but it seemed almost like a... darker kind of happiness; like she was up to something... bad. It was unnerving for both of them, and it didn't help that Pinkie wasn't telling them much.

"P-Pinkie," Mr. Cake stuttered. "Please... I-I wish you would tell us what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong, silly," Pinkie said with a giggle. "In fact, I feel better than I have in a long time!"

"W-well, we can see that, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said. "And we're very happy for you, but... we're still just a little worried about you. Why won't you tell us where it is you're going?"

"Because we don't where we're going," Pinkie answered. "We're just taking a little road trip. Wherever we go, we go. It's more fun that way!"

The Cake's both sighed, but Mr. Cake seemed a little more accepting now.

"Maybe this will do her some good, dear," he said to his wife. "I mean, she was so depressed earlier, but now she seems truly excited to get away for a while. Besides, we can manage the shop on our own, can't we?"

"Yes, yes I know," Mrs. Cake muttered. "But... I just can't help but worry about her. She's like a daughter to us, after all. I just want to make sure she's safe. If anything ever happened to her... I'd..."

"Aw, mama Cake," Pinkie cooed as she trotted forward to give her a hug. "You don't have ta worry about me, I'll be fine with the other girls. They'll take care of me. Besides, who knows? Maybe things'll... be better when I come back."

"Oh, sweetheart," Mrs. Cake whispered as she tightly embraced her self-appointed adopted daughter. "Things won't be the same with you gone."

"I'll second that," Mr. Cake said as he stepped forward to hug the two mares.

The three ponies held each other in the silence of the shop for a few minutes. Then, the ringing of a bell at the front door signaled the arrival of the others. Pinkie quickly stretched her neck upwards and kissed her caretakers on their cheeks.

"I'll be just fine, guys," she assured them. "Don't you worry about a thing. Just take good care of Gummy while I'm gone, okay?"

"You betcha, deary," Mrs. Cake said. "Have fun with your friends, and be safe."

And after one more quick hug for both of them, Pinkie headed over to the front of the shop where she was greeted by three of her friends and a young filly.

"Mornin' girls!" Pinkie exclaimed cheerfully.

"Lookin' good, Pinks," Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.

"Aw thanks, Dashie!" Pinkie said cheerfully. "I do feel a lot better now that I know were finally doing something! I mean, this is kinda exciting, isn't it? We've never had an adventure quite like this!"

The mares all giggled a bit uncomfortably, except for Dash, she seemed genuinely amused.

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," Twilight mumbled. "So anyway, are you all set?"

"You betchyer booty, rootie tootie!" Pinkie replied excitedly, leaping up and down in one spot.

"Heh heh, glad to hear it," Twilight said with a bit of an nervous smile.

"Honestly, it's good to see you smile again, dearest," Rarity cooed.

Pinkie smiled gleefully and gave the ivory unicorn a big hug, which Rarity returned somewhat half-assedly. Pinkie then noticed the little filly staring a bit awkwardly at her. Pinkie, who loved little fillies, just squealed in delight and scooped up the cute little unicorn into the biggest hug she could muster.

"Aw, how's my widdle Sweetie Belle?" She said through pouted lips.

"I-I'm okay, aunt Pinkie," Sweetie Belle said, groaning a bit at how tightly she was being held.

The hug ended up lasting a few seconds too long for Rarity, so she stepped forward and gently pried Pinkie off her sister.

"Easy now, darling, we're all a little tired right now," she said calmly.

"Oh, sorry," Pinkie chirped, not sounding the least bit offended.

Twilight giggled a bit at her friends silliness and looked over her ever growing group. She had to admit: seeing all her friends so willing to back her up on this was starting to set her heart at ease. This whole thing was starting to feel more and more possible.

"Alright then," she said with a content sigh. "Let's head for Fluttershy's next."

The others all nodded and headed off out the door. Before stepping over the threshold, Pinkie took one last glance back at the shop. Mr. and Mrs Cake were standing behind the counter, smiling warmly at her. Pinkie smile back and waved a hoof at them, which the married couple returned. Pinkie then turned and headed out the door after her friends. The instant she was gone, the smiles the Cakes wore faded to worried frowns. Neither of them said anything, and they didn't need to, their looks said it all: they were scared. Scared for their little Pinkie Pie... or, were they scared of her? Neither of them could explain it, but there was something... different about the twinkle in her eye that she usually had; something... darker...

Fluttershy held her ailing rabbit in her forelegs as she sat on her little rocking chair, it's gentle creaking being the only noise that filled her dark and quiet little cottage. Angel's breathing was slow yet steady, his ears were drooping onto Fluttershys lap. He looked looked pleadingly up at the yellow pegasus, as if he were saying "Please help me, mother. Please take me out of this pain." It was killing her to see him like this.

"Mommy loves you so much," Fluttershy whispered to him. "Mommy's going to save you, don't you worry. Your pain won't last for much longer, I promise."

Angel seemed to understand her. The two had a connection that nopony could seem to decipher, the kind of relationship that went beyond a pet and it's owner. It was truly something special, and Fluttershy was determined not to let it end like this. If she had to commit a crime to fix things, then so be it. She just didn't care. Angel mattered more to her than bank filled with innocent ponies whom she would have to steal from, and she felt no guilt whatsoever in thinking that way. The thought of seeing her bunny happy and full of life again meant more to her than anything else.

A knock came at her door, and she knew it was time. She lifted out of her chair and fluttered over to the bed she had made for Angel. She gently set the little rabbit into it and made sure he was good and comfy. She then leaned down and kissed his tiny warm body.

"I'll be back soon, my little Angel," she cooed. "And we'll all be happy again."

Angel looked up at her, and for a second Fluttershy could sworn she saw him give her a smile, as if he were wishing her luck. Maybe he knew what she was about to do, like he could sense it or something, and maybe he didn't care, maybe his pain was so great that he just wanted her to do what she could to put him out of it.

Fluttershy kissed him one more time and turned away from the bed. Next to her front door was her bag containing all her necessary provisions for her trip. She stuck her head through the strap on the side of it and let it slide down her neck and rest next to her flank. She breathed nervously for a few moments, trying to mentally prepare herself. When she felt ready she went to the door, opened it and greeted her friends with as much of a smile as she could manage.

"Hi, everypony," she said quietly.

"Hey, Shy," Twilight greeted. "All set?"

"Yes, I suppose I am," Shy replied, unable to hide her fear.

Twilight noticed this and gave her a gentle pat on her neck.

"It's okay if your scared, Shy. We're all a little on edge right now," she whispered to her.

"I'll be fine," the pegasus said quietly yet confidently. "Nothing's going to stop me from saving Angel."

Twilight smiled and patted her again. Even in the darkest of circumstances, this pegasus could still just absolutely make her heart melt. Fluttershy gave friendly greeting nods to the other ponies as well. She was particularily happy to see Pinkie Pie looking more like her old self again; it would definitely make the journey seem much easier with the peppy little party pony keeping her spirits up.

"Alright," Twilight started. "Now we just need Applejack and we ready to get out of here."

Pinkie gave a little whoop whoop, garnering a few chuckles from the others.

"Hopefully she didn't cut and run during the night," Dash said quietly to Twilight. "She was the only one who still seemed to have reservations about this even after she agreed."

"Not Applejack," Twilight said resolutely. "She's the Element of Honesty; she's not gonna sell us out."

The others stared at her for a moment, looking a bit confused, and Twilight understood what it meant. Hadn't she just yesterday disowned the Elements of Harmony? The group seemed to just shrug it off though, and they continued out past the cottage and headed for Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy taking one last look at the animal pens surrounding her yard, hoping deeply that she would come back safely to them, especially her dear Angel.

"Now, are ya sure you can manage ev'rything while Ah'm gone, Mac?" The farm pony asked her older brother.

"Eeyup, absolutely," the stallion answered. "Ah'm a farmer, no amount of work is too hard fer me. Ya'll just do wat'cha gotta do and make sure ya come back safely. Ev'rything'll be fine on mah end."

Applejack smiled admirably at Big Mac. It wasn't until today that she truly began to realize just how lucky she was to have him. She had woken up that morning dreading all the work she was going to have to do before her friends came for her. When she saw that her brother had made breakfast for her and had packed her bag with warm blankets (including some of his own) and the last of the apples that had been salvaged from the fire, she just about broke down and cried. She approached him right there and gave him a huge hug, which he warmly returned.

"Yer too good ta me, Big Mac, you know that?" She said, sounding close to tears.

"Ain't no such thing as bein' too good to mah sister," Big Mac replied. "'Sides, ah know yer lookin' out for me as much as ah'm lookin' out fer you. Jus' gotta balance it out, that's all."

Applejack smiled, squeezed him tighter for a moment, and then finally broke away. The large stallion smiled warmly down at his sister and gave her a reassuring nod. He was always so proud of her, and he knew whatever it was she would be doing out there in the wide world, it would be for the best.

Applejack then turned down to little Apple Bloom, who had woken up early to see her older sister off. The farm pony approached the little filly and placed her fore hooves onto the sides of Applebloom's forelegs.

"Now, you be a good little girl while ah'm gone," she began. "Ya mind yer brother and help 'im out whenever he needs it. Be sure to take care of Granny Smith, you know she ain't been too well recently. Have fun with yer friend, but remember that yer responsibilities come first, ya hear?"

"Ah will, sis," Apple Bloom said as she hugged her sister.

Applejack then went to collect her bag and stetson. She flinged the the strap of the bag around her neck and placed her hat firmly on her head. She looked ready... ready for whatever the coming week would throw at her. She was still scared, and a part of her still believed that this whole thing was wrong. But she had to put those feelings aside for her family, especially her brother, who had done so much for her and supported her no matter what she did. Her will to see her family happy and thriving again outweighed any and all other feelings. Especially Granny Smith, who had not left her bed for the past few days. AJ was beginning to fear that her time was running short. She wanted to make sure that in what may very well be her last days, she could see her beloved farm restored to it's beautiful former self.

After a moment of reflection, she turned around and saw that Winona had padded up to her, panting and wagging her tail happily. Applejack smiled down at the border collie and patted her on the head.

"Ya gonna take care of m'family, hero?" she asked.

Winona gave a jovial woof and licked at Applejacks hoof. The farmer laughed ruffled the back of her pets neck.

Then came the knock at the door, and AJ sighed. It was time. She went to the door and gave a meaningful yet slightly weary greeting to her friends. Seeing as they were probably already tired from the long walk out to her farm, she invited them in to rest up a bit before they headed out. Her friends graciously accepted and stepped inside. They all crowded themselves onto the large couch in the living room, each carrying out individual conversations with each other.

Fluttershy explained to Big Mac a few little details on taking care of her animals. What to feed them, when to feed them, when Angel need his pills, how many pills he needed to take and so on, as well as thanking him profusely for his kindness. Rarity gave Sweetie Belle one last goodbye hug and reminded her to stop by Carousel Boutique to feed and water Opalesence every day. She then let her go off to join her fellow Cutie-Mark Crusader in her room. Rainbow Dash and Twilight, who had just now for the first time witnessed the devastating remains of Sweet Apple Acres, offered their condolences to Appplejack, as well as their further assurance that they were going to fix things. Pinkie Pie meanwhile was just sitting upright and excited on the couch, smiling gleefully, raring to go. If her friends had been aware of her, they most likely would've been a bit creeped out by the vaguely sinister undertone to the smile she wore.

Finally, when they all felt rested and ready. The mane six all bade Big Mac goodbye, receiving a friendly nod and "Take care, ya'll," in return. They headed outside into the much brighter morning and warmer morning air. It was now 8:30 and Celestia's sun was beginning it's ascension over the hills to the east. Twilight had to admit she was pleased with their timing. She had wanted to start the journey by at least 9:30. This may not be as hard as she originally thought.

The six ponies stared off into the east; the direction of Manehatten.

"So this is it..." Twilight said ominously.

"No backing out now," Dash added.

"So begins the first steps of our noble journey," Rarity murmured.

"Ah jus' hope it all counts fer somthin'," Applejack sighed.

"If we stick together, we can do anything," Fluttershy stated confidently.

"It'll be just like a party, a big big party," Pinkie said airily.

And with those words, they took their first steps down the road. Big Mac, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle watched them from the house, smiling faintly, blissfully ignorant of what was really going on.

Well, I guess by now you're all starting to think that Pinkie Pie is going to be the loose cannon of the group or something (seriously, it's almost becoming clichéd to make her a psychopath). Still, I think I'm gonna have some fun writing her character in this little story o' mine! Thanks for reading. Don't stop reviewing! It makes for great encouragement! More soon!