In the space between the three of them, oblivious to the noise of the market, the empire of silence had been established. A collective, reflective silence, as each of those present pondered the meaning of the final finding of that piece. After a few brief moments of weighing their decision, the redhead cleared her throat and interrupted the group's reverie.
-We must find Captain Wildride- She exclaimed firmly, adjusting her hat. Spike nodded.
-The last time I spoke with him, he said he was going with Pound Cake to explore the outskirts of the castle- The dragon raised two fingers to his chin- Maybe he's still at it.
-Good. I'll go find him- The terrestrial chose, then let her hunting rifle rest on the table- You two sugarcubes should set up the radio in the meantime. Go find you know who- Spike hissed with his tongue.
-I'll have to take the ingredients to Pumpkin first. You go ahead, Starlight.
-I'll help you with that and then we can come back, okay?- The unicorn proposed with a friendly tone, to which the green-eyed dragon raised an eyebrow.
-Only if you invite a cup of tea later- Bargained Spike, crossing his arms. The unicorn snorted in disdain.
-How outrageous to see you take advantage of my generosity- She remarked in a "serious" tone, causing Spike to shrug.
-The deal stands.
-Ugh, you should have asked for a cup of coffee instead of that horrible drink- Apple Bloom interjected with some displeasure. The dragon hissed with his tongue, acknowledging that the terrestrial had a point.
-I didn't think of it...
-It's tea or nothing, dear- The dragon frowned for a bit, but then smiled defeated and accepted.
-Okay.
-Great stuff, I'll look for Wildride- Said the redhead, adjusting her hat and turning around, being followed by the gaze of the other two individuals.
-Be careful!- Shouted Spike with concern, to which Apple Bloom looked at him out of the corner of her eye and drew a small, warm smile before disappearing into the crowd. The green-haired dragon sighed in exasperation. He turned his gaze to the unicorn at his side, which had a mocking expression. He blushed slightly, as he tensed his muscles- What?
-Young people are so adorable...
-Tsk! Let's go quickly- Demanded, embarrassed, turning his body around and starting to quickly walk. Starlight giggled and turned her gaze to everything she had gotten on her expedition, her brow furrowed- What are you waiting for?
-I can't leave all of this here- The dragon turned his attention to all the supplies on that table.
-Let's put them all in the backpack, then- The unicorn glanced at the dragon. Those muscles could withstand quite a bit of weight, even with those fifteen kilos of flour on one of his arms. A mischievous gesture took hold of her face for a few seconds before transforming into a pained expression.
-Oh gosh, my back hurts so much from carrying the backpack all the way from Ponyville- She stretched her arms and then caressed her lower back- If only there was a handsome, strong, honorable and kind knight who could help me- They shared a glance. The lilac eyes had a seductive sparkle, as she closed her eyelids repeatedly. The iris of a green hue, on the other hand, remained neutral, with almost no expression at all. That duel of stares lasted a brief moment.
-Isn't it busier today?- Starlight asked, as she looked around. The dragon at her side didn't say anything, so she turned her gaze in that direction, visualizing the dragon's impassive face- What do you think, my most loyal knight?
-I think so- Replied plainly her companion when he noticed he was being watched. The unicorn narrowed her eyes with suspicion.
-Hmm- She looked away- Well, I guess I'll have to throw that can of tuna away…
-T-Tuna?
-Indeed. The Cakes had a can of tuna in their pantry. I dunno the purpose, but it probably was for a frequent client of the cafeteria- The dragon puffed out his cheeks.
-You could…
-I could?
-Y'know…
-Yes?
-It… It wouldn't be bad if you shared it- He commented softly, almost whispering. The unicorn composed a victorious smile.
-If that's what you want, I will- She looked at the watch on her wrist- It's almost time for dinner, let's hurry- The purple-haired unicorn urged. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the kitchen.
-Pumpkin! We have arrived!- The dragon called. They waited a few brief moments while they listened to a slight hustle and bustle on the other side of that old wooden door.
-I'm coming!- Someone shouted. Spike and Starlight shared a doubtful look- I'll be damned, he arrived earlier than I expected- The dragon raised his right eyebrow, shocked, puzzled and intrigued by those muffled words. His partner only remained expectant as she was unaware of the whispers behind the door.
-What are we going to do now?- Another female voice behind the door inquired.
-Pumpkin, open up! I don't know if I'll die from hunger or from fatigue- Starlight mentioned with a joking tone, although she did suffer from those affections. Spike, for his part, took more interest in the conversation taking place in that room.
-Act normal. I'll tell him you were here to help me- Indicated the voice that could be recognized as Pumpkin, puzzling the dragon even more with all that mystery.
-What in Tartarus?- He wondered aloud, attracting the unicorn's attention.
-Hmm? What's wrong?
-Nothing, it's just that-
-Excuse me!- The door suddenly opened, dazzling the two individuals outside the room. They were greeted by a unicorn younger than Apple Bloom, with brown skin, short orange hair, and disheveled hair. Her light blue eyes looked anxious, while her chest rose and fell at an accelerated pace. She wore a short-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers, while a brown apron covered much of her clothing- Spike, hey, did you umm…. bring the things?
-... Yes- The dragon slightly raised the bag in his hand- Here is everything you asked.
-Perfect, I was already making the cake- The orange-haired unicorn said, letting out a quiet chuckle that seemed like a nervous giggle to the other two individuals. Starlight narrowed her eyelids.
-You didn't need these ingredients then?- She pointed to the bag that Spike was carrying. Pumpkin nodded stiffly.
-Oh… I, um, I planned to make two cakes, but I didn't have enough ingredients for the second one. That's why I asked Spike to look for it- Justified herself, which was enough to convince the two companions- Go ahead, you can leave it on the table- She stepped aside, making room for the other unicorn and the dragon to enter the kitchen. However, both of them were dazzled when they entered and saw a young terrestrial standing there- Oh, she's Brightsun. She's ummm helping me with the cake- The aforementioned terrestrial smiled with embarrassment while not looking directly at them. She had a light blue skin, long straight yellow hair and elusive dusk orange eyes. She wore a red sweater, a yellow skirt with red borders and finally some dress shoes. She had some cream stains on her neck and shoulders, which was noticed by Starlight Glimmer and Spike.
-Hi…
-Oh, I have seen you before around the market- Starlight said, surprising the other unicorn. The dragon raised an eyebrow and folded his arms.
-Yeah, haven't we seen each other before?- The blonde's posture became more rigid, as she swallowed dry saliva and a nervous grin appeared on her face.
-How could I not see you, Mr. Spike?- Exclaimed Brightsun, making the dragon smile with friendliness.
-It's nice to be treated with such a high esteem- He briefly glanced at Starlight, which in return huffed.
-She's Sunny Daze's sister, so it's possible you saw them together- Pumpkin replied calmly, to which Spike nodded.
-I see, so is that from where I remember you.
-What do you mean?
-Daze owes Apple Bloom some canned goods for the bet she lost the other day- The blonde looked somewhat more distressed, while rubbing her left arm with her right hand.
-I've told my sister to stop betting, but she doesn't listen to me...
The muttered comment made by Brightsun discouraged everyone present. Starlight, however, was quick to act.
-She... She only does that to distract herself, dear- The unicorn assured with a comforting smile. The terrestrial, for her part, showed a hint of a smile for a few seconds. Spike, understanding where his companion was going with that strategy, decided to intervene.
-I can confirm that your sister has beaten Apple Bloom badly- The comments made Brightsun draw a small smile. Nevertheless, they all took that as a victory and tried to move on- I, ehem, Pumpkin.
-Yes Spike?
-What kind of cake were you making here?- Asked the green haired dragon. Pumpkin composed flattened her mouth and her eyes became blank for a brief second.
-I- She stopped herself from continuing what would be a rant, instead recognizing what his friend was trying to do, so even if it was a dumb question for her, she played along- I was making a simple one with cream and apple... It's not like I have many ingredients around here- Pumpkin exclaimed, but even with all of her effort, her voice sounded enervating, longing for that time when she never had to say those words. Starlight sketched a confident gesture, preparing to save the day with her triumphant find.
-I... I was trying to help her, but I'm not very good- Brightsun said abashedly, scratching the back of her neck.
-Yes, we noticed by the cream on your neck- Both of the young gals tensed up, while the blonde's breath got caught in her throat for a few seconds. Pumpkin let out a nervous laugh.
-She didn't clean herself up well after the... mixer disaster- The unicorn excused. Starlight huffed, almost giggling, but managed to contain herself.
-Oh, young people these days- Muttered, while checking the backpack in the left shoulder of the dragon- Surely it was for that… Anyway, I brought this- She showed the two cans of chocolate pudding- How much of that cake does this guarantee me?- The purple-haired unicorn asked with a smirk. The orange-haired chef raised an eyebrow and approached to check the can. Her pupils contracted when she noticed what it was.
-By Celestia!- That exclamation caught Brightsun's attention, who approached and was also dazzled- Where did you get this?!- Pumpkin Cake inquired, disoriented by the find. Starlight's confidence and smugness suddenly faded, replaced by concern and even regret as she realized that now she had to confess.
-...I got it from-
-From the Castle- Spike interrupted serenely- I told her that in the pantry of the castle there was probably some food left, so she went looking for it- Added, locking eyes with Pumpkin, who frowned slightly.
-Hmm... Very well then. I'll make good use of this- She said with a certain skeptical tone, distrustful of the dragon's testimony- This would guarantee you at least half of one of the cakes... No, I think the whole cake.
-… Well, make it half for me and give the other half to Spike- Starlight smiled jocklingly- At least I know that it's going to be put in a better use than I would.
Everyone shared a small chuckle in that place, with the tense atmosphere that had formed for a few seconds completely vanished. After chatting for a few more minutes, the purple-haired unicorn and the green-haired dragon left the place.
-Something was definitely going on before we got there- Starlight said. In response, Spike giggled, nodding.
-I agree… But as long as they finish their job, I have no problem with that- The unicorn snorted in response.
-Yeah, but… playing with cream? That's something even I didn't do back in my day- Spike raised an eyebrow.
-Back in your day? Oh, so you admit that your days are over- He inferred with a mocking expression, unsettling his companion- It must be hard to accept the fact that you're an old unicorn.
-Ha, Ha, very funny- Starlight hit the dragon's arm gently. He exaggerated an expression of pain while rubbing the area of impact, the two of them then sharing a joint chuckle- Thanks for covering for me back there, Spike- Starlight suddenly said, making the dragon tense up. He, however, quickly regained his composure.
-I know you shouldn't talk about that place with Pumpkin. It brings back a lot of memories for her, some very ugly- He argued firmly, solemnly. She, meanwhile, smiled warmly.
-You always worry about everyone here- She whispered, affectionately, while the dragon blushed and turned his face away, embarrassed.
-They're the only thing I have left in this world, so I guess it's my duty- Starlight hugged Spike's left arm without warning, surprising the dragon.
-Twilight would be proud of you Spike- With that short statement both of them just enjoyed the moment. They could feel it. Their connection was stronger than most relationships. They went through so much together and against one another, from foes to friends, just to end up together against madness, against death itself… The two continued to walk in silence, with Starlight remaining close to the arm of the dragon. He eventually started to get worried when they reached the market. With discretion, he tried to slip his arm away from Starlight's embrace, but she noticed it almost instantly, smiling teasingly- Hmm? Are you afraid that you will break some hearts when everyone sees us like this?- Spike blushed hard and huffed with embarrassment, now removing his arm with great shame.
-Shut up.
-You're so adorable- The dragon coughed a bit, trying to deviate from the subject. He remembered something important.
-Did it work?- Spike asked suddenly, unsettling the unicorn for a few seconds. She quickly recovered her composure, clearing her throat and taking a step back from her friend.
-No- He exhaled all the air in his lungs, discouraged- I recorded the symptoms I felt, but they were the same as always.
-Good Celestia, give me patience…
-Hey, we'll get it eventually, don't get discouraged- She exclaimed seriously, but the dragon could clearly distinguish the doubt behind those words.
-It's getting harder and harder for me with the precedent of 48 failed attempts, Starlight- Spike replied pessimistically, a defeated smile. Starlight snorted in disdain.
-And we will overcome this and discover some cure or some spell to reverse this cursed infernal enchantment, but we cannot sink into despair with each failure- She approached the dragon- We will succeed, have some faith.
-The only reason I keep trying is because I have faith, Starlight... But ever since that day, nothing is the same…
-Spike…
-Losing her was devastating… She could have figured something up by now…
-…
-... Sometimes, at night, I relive that day... Everything was chaos. I didn't understand what was happening. Madness spread between all people. It didn't matter what race you were, or what name you had… It only wanted to consume your life… We were lucky to be transported to Canterlot by you… But if only we had been more careful, maybe she would still be alive... and he wouldn't have fallen into madness- Starlight frowned with that enervating story. She could perfectly recall it. She could perfectly and unfortunately remember all of it.
-Those early days were horrible for everyone. We lost many loved ones… Ponyville was in disarray, everyone infecting everyone…
-…
-When I sleep, I sometimes return to that day. I was scared, horrified. People that I knew filled with blood, their eyes gushing red, rabid beasts that no longer knew anything other than to eat and kill… I can remember when the Canterlot shield collapsed. Thousands of them running and flying through the streets, with no one to stop them- They left the market and entered another room. Behind them, the hustle and bustle was left behind; only their firm footsteps could now be heard- We should have been more prepared.
-How so? No enemy had ever being that cruel, nor that brutal…
-But still…
-We did the best of what we could… And Twilight was prepared. She organized the evacuation to Canterlot… She's the main reason we're here- Spike smiled faintly.
-Yes... she always wanted to be prepared for anything...
-...
-...
-I miss her- Starlight felt her heart skip a beat at those simple but powerful words. Taking a better look at Spike, his body seemed to be trembling slightly. His green orbs looked anywhere else in the hallway, watery. He seemed like he wanted to cry- I miss them all- It was the dragon's must vulnerable moment… And even is she herself wanted to cry out loud, cry till her throat dried up and her eyes had no longer tears to spare, she swallowed all of her emotions and hugged the dragon, who surpassed her in height.
-You're so strong and so brave, Spike… But you're still so young… It's so unfair that you all have being denied your best years of life- She caressed the hair of the dragon, who let the unicorn do as she pleased, seeking comfort for the sorrow in his heart.
-I miss them so much… Dear Celestia, I want to see them again…
-I miss them too, Spike… I miss them too…
They stood there for a couple of minutes, hugging, trying to undermine the burdens that deepened and flooded their minds and hearts. The hallway just heard a couple of frigid, muttered whispers. When they were ready, they took a step back.
-Are you feeling better?
-I think so...
-Great, let's go see her then.
-Oh, but I'm already here- Both of them shuddered and turned around, facing a white-skinned unicorn. She had a long, straight purple and white hair that reached her lower back. She was about the same height as Apple Bloom. She wore a simple white and gold patterned dress that reached her knees. Finally, behind a pair of red glasses, her green eyes had a mocking glint shared in a smirk on her lips- You looked cute together.
-Sweetie Belle...
Hello, its Silicio, reporting in with a new chapter! We discover more and more of our few survivors. The Everfree forest, a place ruled by itself, now is the last bastion for the residents of what was once Ponyville. If you like the story, consider following it. If you have something to say, leave a review, its free! We that being said, I say goodbye... for now.
Hasta la vista!