Kid Crusader [AiE]

>You run and dive into a bush on the outskirts of Ponyville.
>Spreading the leaves, you peek out and search for enemy activity.
>Spotting nothing, you lift a tin can with a string on the bottom and put it to your mouth.
"This is code Green. Come in, White. Over."
>You hold the can to your ear.
>"This is White. Go ahead, Green. Over."
"There is zero sign of enemy activity. Over."
>"Roger that. Proceeding with Operation Apple. Over."
>You peek behind you and spot code Orange crawling from a nearby bush, keeping her head low and wings up.
>You wave to get her attention and point to where she should go.
>She nods her head continues moving.
>When Orange is set, White runs past and behind a low wall.
>You break cover and run past White, dive-rolling under a table.
"Activating day vision goggles."
>You shape your hands into binoculars and hold them to your eyes.
"Target spotted," you say into your can-phone.
>The two ponies sitting at the table peek beneath their table curiously, one of them putting herself between you and your target.
>You lower your binoculars to share a silent stare with the mare before she retreats back above the table.
>A voice from the phone.
"Say again?" you ask.
>"I said, commence attack," said the voice.
"Roger that, Orange."

>You crawl on your belly towards White and Orange who are already poised for the assault.
>You reach them and rise to a kneel.
>The three of you exchange glances and nod with determined faces.
>This could go as planned, or very, very badly.
>You may even end up grounded for a day or two.
>Perhaps even a week.
>But this is something that must be done.
>For the good of all fillies and colts everywhere.
>White rears on her back legs and hollars.
>"Charge!"
>The three of you break from cover and sprint at the unsuspecting orange mare at the apple stand.
>"What in tarna-!"
>The three of you tackle her to the ground.
>"We got her!" shouted Orange. "Secure the package!"
>You stand and grab what you came for.
>The filly codenamed Yellow.
>"What's going on?" she asks.
>You set her on your shoulders fireman-style.
"This is a rescue!" you tell her. "Package secure! Retreat!"
>With Yellow on your shoulders, you run away as fast as you can.
>White and orange jump off the apple mare and follow close behind.
>"Applebloom!" she shouts after you in vain.

>Coming to the park, you stop and let Applebloom off your shoulders.
>You bend over with your hands on your knees and breathe hard.
>Applebloom smiles at you.
>"My hero," she says with a kiss on the cheek.
"Gross!" you yell, quickly rubbing your hand on your cheek to get the kiss off.
>The girls laugh at your embarassment.
>You take one deep breathe, calming down back to normal.
"You're heavy, you know that?"
>"And what's that supposed to mean?" asked Applebloom, shoving a hoof in your chest.
"Uh... You're fat?"
>"Say what!?"
>She presses both forehooves to your chest and shoved you to the ground.
>Then with a smile, she extends a hoof to help you back up.
>You accept the helping hoof and get back on your feet.
>It was all in good fun.
>True friends are jerks to each other.

>"Well it looks like covert operations are not our special talent," said Scootaloo, checking her flank.
>You pull your pants down on one side and Sweetie Belle checks her flank too.
>The both of you sigh in disappointment.
"But that went so well..."
>"Well we just need to do something else," said Sweetie Belle.
>"Well how about we go brainstorm at the clubhouse?" suggested Applebloom.
>You, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle trade glances and shrug.
>All four of you start off towards Sweet Apple Acres.
>You always loved to hang out at Applebloom's house.
>Grandma Apple was always so nice to the four of you.
>She would bake pies and stuff for like... no reason.
>Big Mac would poke fun at you sometimes for being so small, but one day, you'll show him how strong you'll be.
>Applejack was nice too, but she was usually too busy to play.

>Arriving at Applebloom's house revealed Grandma Apple rocking in her chair on the front porch.
>She smiled as your group walked up.
"Hi, grandma!" you shout with a wave.
>"Why, hello there, youngins," greeted Grandma Apple.
>"Hi, Granny Smith," greeted the fillies.
"Applebloom? I thought you were working the market stand with Applejack?" asked Grandma Apple.
>"She let me go early," answered Applebloom rather quickly.
>"Oh, alrighty then. Anonymous, your mother came by earlier," said Grandma Apple. "She wanted me to let you know to be home by dark."
>How did she know you would be here?
"Okay..." you say, spirits noticably deflated.
>"Now don't be down, sonny," said Grandma Apple. "I baked y'all some chocolate chip cookies. They're in the kitchen. Feel free to take the whole plate."
"Thank you, Granny Smith," you all shout as you race past her into the house.
>You literally took the whole plate and carried to the Crusader club house.
>"You know, I still find it wierd you call Granny Smith 'Grandma Apple' even though no one else calls her that," Sweetie Belle said to you.
>"I don't mind," said Applebloom. "It's like we're family anyways."
"And besides. She likes when I call her that."
>"I know," said Sweetie Belle. "It's just a little wierd to me."

>"I hereby call to order this meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders," announced Applebloom.
>Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and yourself sat on the floor in front of the podium, the plate of cookies between you.
>"First order of business."
>Applebloom leaned over the podium, her voice going from authorative to worry.
>"How much trouble do you think we're in?"
"None," you boldly declared. "The mission was executed flawlessly. There's no way anyone could have known."
>Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shared a quick glance.
>"Well alrighty then," said Applebloom with a smile, her voice going back to normal. "Second order of business. We need more ideas for cutie marks."
>"I say we just go on a crusading spree," suggested Scootaloo. "We usually get more done faster that way."
>"But if we speed through then we might not do it right and could possibly miss our cutie marks by accident," argued Sweetie Belle.
"She has a point," you say to Scootaloo.
>"I think I have to agree," said Applebloom. "And besides, we have all day tomorrow to try new things."
>You raise your hand.
"I vote we try some of the things you tried before without me. One of those could be my talent."
>"I suppose we could throw in a few as we go," said Applebloom.
>"But what about us?" asked Scootaloo.
>"We have to be willing to help our new members get their cutie marks too," stated Applebloom.
>"That's right," agreed Sweetie Belle. "Even if that means making a few sacrifices."
>Scootaloo crossed her forelegs and pouted.
>"Fine, I guess."

>You spent the rest of the time plotting more ideas with your friends.
>Then a tug on your shirt sleeve.
>"Uhm... Anon?" asked Sweetie Belle.
>You turn your head to face her.
"What?"
>Sweetie Belle points a hoof out the window.
>You follow where she's pointing with your eyes and stare at the horizon.
>Your eyes open wide with horror and your jaw falls open.
"Crap!" you shout, quickly rising to your feet.
>You bolt from the door and quickly descend from the clubhouse and start running.
>"Anon! What's the matter?" shouted Applebloom out of the window.
>Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo joined her.
"I'm late!" you shout back.
"I am so dead," you comment to yourself.
>"He's dead," commented Scootaloo.
>Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gave her a hard glare.
>"What?" asked Scootaloo.

>The moon was quite the ways into the sky.
>You had stopped running soon after leaving Sweet Apple Acres and were now walking in the dark.
>Even on a cloudless night it was hard to see.
>The moon was waning with only a thin crescent left.
>The street lamps of Ponyville were already lit and glowing brightly.
>It wasn't quite time to go to bed, but most ponies were closing up shop or on their way home as their business for the day was concluded.
>You turn up the walk to your quaint little home.
>The porch light illuminated the front door.
>You stop just outside and take a deep breath, assuming the worst of consequences await you inside.
>The door clicks and creaks as it opens.
>"I thought you were supposed to be home before dark!" called a voice from the kitchen.
>The shout causes you to flinch and you go into the kitchen to meet it.
>Auntie Bon Bon was sitting alone at the dinner table with 2 empty set places beside her.
"Where's mom?" you ask her.
>"She's... out," replies Auntie Bon Bon. "Come. Dinner's getting cold."
"Yes, Auntie."
>You take your place beside her.
>Your mom's spot is on the other side of you, placing you between the two of them.
>You like to sit away from Auntie Bon Bon, though.
>She hits you sometimes when you say something bad, but mom will sometimes protect you unless she agrees with Auntie Bon Bon.

>"Did Granny Smith tell you to be back on time?" asked Auntie Bon Bon.
"No."
>Auntie Bon Bon squinted her eyes at you.
>You look down at your plate and say, "Yes".
>"That's what I thought," she said, taking a bite.
>You pick at your food with your fork but don't take a bite.
>"Eat something, Anonymous," encouraged Auntie Bon Bon. "it's alright."
>You take a bite of the casserole and chew slowly.
>As hard as she was sometimes, you know Auntie Bon Bon loved you and wanted to see you grow.
>It's just easy to forget that sometimes.
>"Now why were you late?" she asked.
"I, uh... I just forgot."
>"You forgot, huh?"
>She took another bite.
>"It seems you and your mother share a common trait," she said, pointing to the empty seat across from her.

>Dinner finished without much more conversation besides Auntie Bon Bon asking about your day.
>You question her as well just for the sake of talking, but there really isn't much to be said from either parties.
>She asks you to help with the dishes and you comply by washing and she puts them away.
>About halfway through you hear the front door swing open.
>"Anon-bon!" the voice calls. "I mean, hehe, Anon! Bon Bon!"
>"Sounds like your mother's home," said Auntie Bon Bon, drying another plate and setting it in the cabinet.
>You mom trips and stumbles into the kitchen.
>"Hey, buddy!" she shouts in greeting, walking up and rubbing the top of your head, messing your hair.
>Her breath smelled of alcohol.
"Hi, mom," you greet with a smile.
>"Did you get your cutie mark today?" she asked, tugging on your pants to try to see your naked thigh.
>You laugh and try to push her away.
"Haha, no."
>"Oh, that's a shame. Well there's always tomorrow, right?"
"Yup!"
>"Uh, Lyra? Can I speak to you in the living room?" asked Auntie Bon Bon.
>"Sure thing, Bonnie," said mom with a laugh.
>"Anon, dear. You want to finish the dishes and go to your room for a little bit?" asked Auntie Bon Bon.
"Yes, Auntie."
>"Thank you, sweetie."

>As promised, you finished the dishes and go to your room.
>Passing through the living room, you see Auntie Bon Bon standing in front of mom who was sitting low in the couch.
>Mom always acted funny when she was drunk.
>Auntie Bon Bon didn't like it too much, but sometimes you wonder if she would be just as funny drunk.
>You get to your room and lock the door.
>There really isn't much to do except sit and draw.
>In fact...
>You walk over to your dresser and lie on your stomach.
>You reach you hands underneath the dresser and pull out several sheets of paper.
>One is a list.
>The other is a note.
>One more is hand-drawn map.
>Sometimes you like to think about what it would be like to run away and go live by yourself just to see what it's like.
>You're old enough, right?
>Even Miss Cheerilee says you're a big boy.
>You take the note, the map, and the list and go lie on your bed.
>Your list has several items on it.
>Food, water, clothes, toothbrush.
>You cross off toothbrush and leave the remaining three.
>Yeah, that's all you need, right?
>The more you sit and think, the more you realize how boring that would be to be by yourself.
>You sit and think about which of your friends you would like to bring.
>Scootaloo is cool, but Sweetie Belle is cute.
>Applebloom is nice and lives on a farm.
>She should know the most of all of you about this kind of thing, right?
>You make a note on the list about possibly bringing Applebloom along with you.

>About an hour later, there's a knock on your door.
"Come in," you call.
>You had put away your notes and unlocked your door some time ago.
>The door slowly opens and your mom peeks in.
>She finds you lying on your stomach on the floor and drawing.
>You look up to see who it is.
"Hi mom."
>"Hey, buddy," she says, entering and closing the door behind her.
>She takes a seat on your back.
>You groan as the weight of her butt presses down on you and your breath escapes your lungs.
"Get off," you say.
>She lowers head and turns her ear toward you.
>"I'm sorry, what?" she asks with a smile. "I seem to be going deaf in my old age."
>You take a breath and say a little louder, "Get off".
>"Oooh. That's what I thought you said."
>She doesn't move.
>You push off the floor a bit and wiggle around to try to make her slip off.
"Mom!" you shout. "Get off!"
>"Nope!"
>Through great effort, you manage to get on all fours and twist your body, making her fall off.
>"Oh, wow!" she shouts.
>You lie back down and go back to drawing, but she comes over and presses both hooves to your cheeks.
>"My little colt is getting so strong!"
"Mom..." you groan.

>She lets you go and takes a seat beside you.
>"So Auntie Bon Bon gave me a stern talking to," she said.
"That's what I thought," you said.
>"You know how she doesn't like me to drink?"
"Yeah."
>"Well what she also doesn't like is us being late for dinner."
>You pause your drawing for a second and go right back to it.
"Y-yeah," you say.
>"Well as it turns out, doing both at once is a big no-no to her."
"Are you in trouble?"
>She rubbed a hoof in your hair, messing it.
>"Me? Naw. But she isn't too happy with me. Mostly because she doesn't like you seeing me like that."
"I think it's funny."
>"That's what I said but you know Auntie."
>Her voice got real deep.
>"You can't be setting a bad example like that for Anonymous," she mocked. "Bon Bon the Destroyer says no fun allowed."
>You both shared a laugh at her impersonation of Auntie Bon Bon.

>"So what'cha drawin'?" asked mom.
"Nothing."
>You had your free arm wrapped around the side of the paper your mom was on to hide it.
>A green aura covered the paper and it slipped out from under you.
"Hey!"
>You reached for it, but she held it away from you with a hoof in your chest to hold you back.
>"D'aww... Anonymous! That's so cute!"
"Give it back!"
>"Hey, Bon Bon! Come in here!"
"No!"
>You manage to snatch it out of the air as Auntie Bon Bon opened the door.
>Auntie Bon Bon raised an eyebrow as you scrambled to hide the picture.
>”Do I even want to know?” she asked.
“NO!”
>”Aw, Bon Bon! It’s so adorable! Our little Anonymous is-“
>You throw a pillow from your bed and hit her in the face.
>She's stunned for a second and slowly turns her head with a menacing look overcoming her face.
>A green aura envelopes the offending cushion as it raises level with her gaze.
>"So that's what it's come to, isn't it?" she asks with a serious tone.
>You grab your second pillow and hold it in front of you.
>You gulp with the ensuing standoff.
>Your mom runs at you, pillow flying beside her.
>"En garde!"
"No mom, no!"
>Her pillow swings around and nails you in the head, knocking you onto your bed.
>You hold your pillow to your head to cushion the blows.
"Auntie Bon Bon! Help me!"
>She laughs and leans against the door frame.
>"Hey, you started it."
>The proceeding pillow fight doesn't last much longer, but it's hardly a fair fight.
>When it's finally time to lie down, your mom helps you fix the bed and tuck you in.
>Auntie Bon Bon appears in your doorway.
>"Did you two brush your teeth?" she asks.
"Yes."
>"Totally."
>Auntie Bon Bon rolls her eyes and leaves.
>With a kiss goodnight, your mom shuts the doors and leaves you to sleep.

--

>A knock on your bedroom door rouses you from slumber.
>Your mom pokes her head in and frowns.
>"Come on, Anon. Time to get up," she says walking to your window.
"Mrrph," you grunt unintelligibly.
>Your mom throws the curtains open, unleashing a torrent of bright sunlight right into your face.
>Even with your eyes shut tight it blinds you.
>You roll away and cover your head with the blanket.
>"Anonymous," says your mom sternly.
"It's Sunday," you mutter from under your covers.
>"You're not sleeping away the day."
>Your mom bites the end of your blanket and rips it off the bed, leaving you exposed.
>You curl up and hug your knees with no blanket to snuggle with and keep you warm.
>Suddenly, a poke to your backside causes you to jump and roll off the bed with a crash.
>Your mom falls onto your bed with a laugh.
>You stand up and fume.
"I hate when you do that!" you shout at her.
>"I know. That's why I did it," she says with a smirk. "Now that you're up, come eat breakfast. You know how Auntie Bon Bon gets when you pet her food get cold.
>She trotted out and shut the door behind her.
>You stood there in just your shorts.
>You contemplate lying back down in bed before finally deciding to just get dressed.
>There's no need to bring about the wrath of Auntie Bon Bon this early in the morning.

>Meeting them at the table, you take your seat and Auntie Bon Bon serves you your plate.
>Two fried eggs, biscuits and country gravy, and buttered toast.
>It looked amazing and smelt even better.
>You would drool but Auntie Bon Bon might smack you.
"Thank you, Auntie."
>"You're welcome, Anonymous," said Autie Bon Bon as she served your mother and then herself.
>When everyone was seated, you dug in.
>Your auntie makes the best food.
>Without question.
>You swear she could be a chef for the nobility, but she would rather stay in Ponyville.
>"Your two would be lost without me," she would say, referencing you and your mother.
>With breakfast concluded, you help clear the table and wash the dishes.
>Then it's shower, brush teeth, and tell Auntie Bon Bon you're off to Applebloom's house.
>"Be back by dark," she said. "Or else."

>The walk there finds them already on their way to Ponyville to pick you up.
>Exchanging greetings, the four of you set off for a full day crusading.
>Already being at Sweet Apple Acres, you do the obvious and first get started by kicking some trees.
>When it becomes apparent you can't get the apples down, you move on to various other activities.
>Scootaloo suggests riding the old bull penned up with the cows.
>"But he ain't much for rodeo," said Applebloom. "That old bull can't run far, much less buck."
>"That makes it all the easier to get our cutie marks!" replied Scootaloo.
>"I suppose," said Applebloom, leading your group to the bull pen.
>The old bull was casually grazing near the fence when you walked up.
>"First!" exclaimed Scootaloo.
>She ran up, jumped on top of the fence, and then leaped onto the bull's back, straddeling it.
>"Woo! Ride 'em cow- ...pony?"
>Scootaloo looked down at the bull, annoyed.
>The bull was uninterested and ignored her presence as it continued to graze.
>"Come on..." groaned Scootaloo.
>"Try spurring it," called Applebloom.
>"Come on!" shouted Scootaloo. "Buck!"

>She brought her hind legs out and spurred it hard in the sides.
>The bull's head shot up, it's pupils contracting into pinpricks.
>It snorted and let out it's roar as it reered back before it started trying to buck Scootaloo off of it.
>"Go Scootaloo!" cheered Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.
>Scootaloo screamed in terror as the old bull kicked and bucked.
>It finally got in one last hard buck, launching Scootaloo off of it's back.
>You three spectators ducked below the fence as Scootaloo flew past you and crashed into a large pile of hay.
>You all traded a glace before rushing over to Scootaloo.
>Scootaloo managed to dig herself out of the hay pile, rolling down from tge top and splaying out on the ground.
>You, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle hovered over her face, just staring at her.
"Well then. I don't think anyone else will be riding the bull," you comment.
>"Did I win?" asked Scootaloo.
>"Uhh... I don't think anyone was even counting," said Sweetie Belle.
>"Did I at least get my cutie mark?"
>You look down at her still-blank flank.
"Nope."
>"Well there goes that idea..." groaned Scootaloo. "Your turn, Sweetie Belle. I'm just gonna lay here for a few minutes..."

>Sweetie Belle pitched her idea for your next cutie mark venture.
>When that didn't pan out, Applebloom pitched an idea.
>And then it was back to you.
>You kept going round robin for much of the rest of the day.
>One particular thing rested on your mind all day.
>After many failed attempts at earning your cutie marks, you were trying on last thing before giving in for the day.
>Currently, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were teaming to try to get their marks.
>Scootaloo had her helmet on and was racing full speed across the field on her scooter.
>The CMC wagon was hitched to the back where Sweetie Belle, also wearing a helmet, was standing with a kite tied to her back.
>You were trying to get your cutie marks in parasailing.
>Lacking a proper boat and parachutes, this was the best alternative.
>While your friends were busy, you and Applebloom sat on the sidelines watching and awaiting your turns.
>You mostly keep to small conversation, but not much else.
"Hey, uh... Applebloom."
>"Yup?"
"I was, uh... I was thinking about something. It sounds like fun and possibly a cutie mark idea."
>"Really? What's that?"
>"Go faster, slowpoke!" called Sweetie Belle as they raced past the two of you.
>"I'm trying! Maybe you should lose some weight!" retorted Scootaloo.
"Well... I've always thought it would be kind of fun to go camping or something."
>"Like scouts? I suppose we could try to-"
"Kind of," you interupt. "I was thinking more along the lines of intentionally getting lost."

>Applebloom sat silent for a moment.
>"What?" she finally asked.
"Like, in the woods. Or something."
>"... What?"
"Yeah."
>"So what's that, a wilderness survival cutie mark or something? Or camping?"
"I'm not sure. I was still thinking about it. Maybe it could be exploration or something."
>Applebloom sat in silence.
>Maybe you shouldn't have said anything at all.
>Or at least thought of a better way to explain it before trying to tell her.
>"How long have you been thinking about this?" she finally asked.
"A long time."
>"And you said you've been planning it?"
"Well... No, I didn't say that. But yeah, I've written some stuff down."
>That fact that she didn't outright say know leads you to believe she's really considering it.
>"Look out!" shouts Sweetie Belle.
>Your attention is diverted to your friends as Scootaloo wrecks into a small rock.
>Sweetie Belle launches over Scootaloo's head and actually maintains flight for a second before crashing into a bush.
>"So..." started Applebloom, redirecting your attention once more. "How would all four of us just get lost?"
"I was actually thinking..."
>You nervously run your fingers through the grass beside you and starting slowly tearing it from the ground.
"Just the... two... of us..."
>"Why? Why not Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?"
"Well..."
>How can you explain this without sounding like a real jerk?
>You don't think you can.
"I just don't think they would be very good partners. I've thought long and hard and I figure you would be the best one to handle it. They might actually slow us down."

>"Anon, that's-"
>"I told you that wouldn't work!" shouted Scootaloo at Sweetie Belle as they walked over.
>"It's okay, Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle. "It's not like your scooter is broken."
>Sweetie Belle held up the remains of her kite.
>"Although..."
"So I take it me and Applebloom aren't getting a turn today?"
>"I'm afraid not," said Sweetie Belle. "Sorry, you two."
>"That's fine, I guess," said Applebloom. "I'm all pooped out for the day anyways."
>"Me too," said a sore Scootaloo as she stretched and popped the joints in her wings.
"Ow," you comment.
>"Well then I think I'll go home for now," said Sweetie Belle. "Rarity will probably have a fit if I get home too late."
>"I'll walk back with you," said Scootaloo. "You coming, Anon?"
>You shook your head.
"I'm gonna stay a bit longer."
>"Alright then. See you later, Anon."
>"Bye, Anonymous!" said Sweetie Belle.
>Scootaloo jumped on her scooter, Sweetie Belle too a seat in back, and they sped off.
>When they were a fair distance out, Applebloom spoke up.
>"So about that plan of yours."

>The two of you started walking from the fields to Applebloom's house.
"What about them?"
>"You want to go get lost in the woods and try to find our way out?"
"Yes."
>"Just us two?"
"Yes."
>"Will he have any supplies? Like food and stuff?"
"Well... yeah. It'll be like camping. Except we don't know where we are."
>Applebloom thought for a moment.
>"Well I do like camping..." she muttered. "Where would we go? There's nowhere we can actually get lost in."
"I-"
>You stopped.
>You hadn't thought about that.
"Uh... Whitetail- no there's too many ponies around..."
>"The only place I can think of would be-"
>"The Everfree Forest."
"The Everfree Forest."
>It caught you both by surprise you were thinking of the same thing.
>That little fact alone scared you to the point where maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
>You just wanted to go walk around in the woods for a day.
>It never occured to you it would be dangerous.

>You reached her house and stepped up onto the front porch.
>"When were you thinking you want to go?" she finally asked.
"I don't know. Like I said, I was just thinking about it. I didn't think you would-"
>"How about tomorrow?" she asked quickly.
>You nearly choked.
"T-Tomorrow?" you asked.
>"Yeah, why not?" asked Applebloom. "Would you rather go to school?" she asked with a smile.
>Good point.
"Not really, no."
>"Well I want to think on it a little more, just in case. How about tomorrow after school? That way we can still think about it during the day."
"Oh... Okay then. I'll be sure to bring some stuff anyways just in case."
>"That's good. I'll do the same."
>You nod your head and you both stand there in awkward silence.
>"Anon."
"Wha-"
>She leaned over and gave you a quick peck on the cheek.
>"Thanks for picking me," she said with a blush.
"Y-Yeah... No problem..."
>"We'll talk tomorrow then?" she asked.
"Yeah."
>"Okay. Good night, Anon," she said as she retreated into her home for the night.
"Good night."
>You touch a hand to your cheek to wipe it off, but just held your cheek instead.
>After a minute you finally turn and start your way home.

>The walk back was long and slow.
>A bunch of things running through your mind.
>You might as well chicken out.
>You only just realized how scary this little camping trip sounds.
>What if you meet a bear?
>Or a dragon!?
>The more you think about the dangers of the Everfree, the more you want to back out.
>It's still not too late.
>You get home and walk inside.
>"Do you know what time it is!" shouted Auntie Bon Bon who was waiting at the door for you.
>You turn around and check the sky.
"It's not even dark yet!" you groan.
>"The sun is still down," said Auntie.
"But it's not dark," you argue.
>"Are you giving me lip?" she asks in a threatening tone.
>Mom walks up from behind her.
>"Well in al honesty you did say dark. It's still light out," she said.
>"Lyra! Don't contradict me in front of Anon," said Auntie.
>"What? I'm just saying. You said 'dark'. Not 'when the sun goes down'."
>Auntie Bon Bon looked back from you to mom.
>"Well, yeah. I suppose I did, didn't I?" she said. "Anon. Go wash your hands and eat."
"Yes, Auntie."
>You make haste without waiting around in case she flips a switch.
>They soon join you at the table.
>You eat, wash the dishes, brush your teeth, and go to your room.
>You pack up a new shirt, pants, socks, and 2 pairs of underwear, just in case, into your school bag.
>When your mom and Auntie Bon Bon weren't looking, you snuck into the kitchen and grabbed a few cans of beans and a can opener.
>You also fill up and pack a small jug of water.
>You lock your door and reach under your dresser to check the list.
>Minus Applebloom, you believe you're all set.
>You go to bed early, but the anticipation and anxiety of potential events to come the next day keep you up a while longer.
>You finally clock out and drift off to sleep.

--

>You kiss your mom and auntie goodbye as you walk to school that morning.
>You couldn't stop smiling, something your auntie found a bit wierd.
>Your mom just passed it off as a good dream that night.
>You carry your backpack full of the stuff you packed last night.
>Applebloom and your other two friends meet you at school when you arrive.
>Applebloom also has a saddlebag, but the contents are yet unknown to you.
>It was her idea, so you can only assume she has the same stuff you do.
>Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo question the two of you about why your bags are full, but the simple reason of "It's for our cutie marks" is enough to satisfy them and make them giddy as well.
 >The four of you take your seats as class begins.
>You don't really pay attention to the lesson Miss Cheerilee is giving as your mind wanders.
>You doodle on the back of some homework about some cool stuff you can build.
>You can put some logs up and build a small house!
>This is going to be the greatest thing ever!
>You've got this so well-planned out, there's no way you aren't going to get your cutie mark from this.
>Applebloom trades glances with you all morning.
>You begin to scribble a note into your doodles as a knock on the classroom door interupts Miss Cheerilee's lecture.
>Answering the door, the class sees Applejack walk into the building.
>She trades low chatter with Miss Cheerilee, both of them looking to the class occasionally.
>The children all look around in curiosity, also speaking low to each other.
>You look at Applebloom for an answer, but she just shrugs in your direction.

>"Applebloom," Miss Cheerilee calls. "Grab your things. Your sister says she needs you for something."
>"How come Applebloom gets to cut school?" moans Scootaloo.
>Applebloom, just as confused as everyone else, puts her pencils into her bag and walks to the front of the room.
>"Don't forget," she whispers to you as she passes.
>You nod and she gives you a sly wink.
>Applejack doesn't appear to happy with her, but she doesn't say anything in front of the class.
>She holds the door for Applebloom as they both leave.
>Come recess, Applebloom still isn't back.
>You were supposed to talk to her at lunch but she's nowhere to be found.
>Where could Applejack have taken her?
>Did she find out?
>To occupy your time, you play ball with some of the other school children, occasionally looking around to look for Applebloom in case she came back.
>She never did.
>Recess is over and you take one last look around outside, but you still can't find her.
>You feel extremely disappointed that you may not follow through with your plan.
>The day goes on, but her words linger.
>"Don't forget."
>She was talking about the plan, right?
>You rack your brain trying to decifer the message.

>Before you know it, the school day is over.
>You walk outside with your remaining two friends and talk about possible plans for the day or tomorrow.
>They both seem to have things to do today, leaving you alone.
>Tomorrow will be good though as even if you leave tonight, you'll be home tomorrow.
>You say your farewells, but you remain at the school house.
>Giving Applebloom's words some thought, you make your way to the big tree you had planned to meet at.
>If "Don't forget," meant anything about your adventure, surely she would meet you there, right?
>As it turns out, that doesn't seem to be the case at all.
>As you approach your meeting place, there's no one here.
>Just dust and echoes.
>You stand around for a few minutes just to be safe, but after a while you figure that it's not going to happen today.
>With a heavy sigh, you hang your head in disappointment and turn to start home.
>You kick a rock away in frustration as the wind picks up.
>A distinct sounds catches your ear and your look back at the tree.
>The white corner of a flowing sheet of paper barely catches your eye on the opposite side of the tree.
>You walk back around the tree to inspect.
>It's a note from Applebloom that she had stuck to the tree.
>You tear it down and read.
>'Anonymous. If you're reading this, then I am probably late. If you wait for me, I promise I will be there as soon as I can. Applejack is making me work the apple stand as punishment since we ditched her last time. It could take a while, but I promise I won't let you down. We had a plan! And I want to see it through just as much as you do. Until later, Applebloom."
>You turn the paper over to check the back, but it turns up blank.
>Wait here for her, huh?
>You fold the letter up and put it in your pocket.
>You suppose you can do that.
>You take a seat by the tree and lean back, your backpack between you and the tree.
>Your eyes close as time passes.

>"Hey."
>A rough but well-meaning hoof on your shoulder shakes you from your nap.
>You crack your eyes and squint up at the yellow filly before you.
>"What's up?" asked Applebloom.
"Napping."
>"Well... Are we gonna do this thing or not? Because otherwise I'll have to go home before dark. It's a school night after all."
"Have you ever seen my auntie Bon Bon when I come home late? Sometimes she beats my butt with a wooden spoon."
>Applebloom flinches at the thought with an audible "Ooh".
>"Well then we should probably go before they catch on," she says, extending a hoof to help you up.
>You accept her assistance and stand.
>The weight of your backpack causes you to lose balance and you fall back onto your butt.
>You slip your arms through the straps and stand once more.
>You pick up your pack and re-sling it.
"Let's do it."
>With Applebloom at your side, the two of you start walking.
>"So what are we gonna do when we get there?" asked Applebloom.
"Uh..."
>You have read a book on this, so you know what you should do for all situations.
"We need to build a house. Or a fort or something."
>"Can we even do that?"
"Of course we can. We just need to find some sticks and logs."
>"Oh. Okay. And then what?"
"We eat dinner and go to sleep."
>"That sounds like a mighty-fine plan, Anon!"
"This is going to be so much fun."
>"I think so too."

>Thirty minutes or so of hiking down the dirt road out of Ponyville finally reveal the edge of the Everfree Forest.
>The two of you slow you pace as the withered trees come to tower over you.
>You stare up at the canopy.
>There isn't a canopy.
>It's just... dead.
>The skies over the forest become clouded and the air itself felt heavier the closer you came to the tree line.
>You gulp down the lump in your throat as you enter the shadows of the twisted and gnarled trees.
>Applebloom walks right in without flinching.
>She being the more experienced with these woods, you follow her lead.
>"You've met Zecora before, right?" asked Applebloom.
"Once. She came to town and wouldn't stop staring at me. She gave me the creeps. I think she wanted to eat me."
>Applebloom laughed.
>"Of course not, you silly. She would never do that. She's great once you get to know her."
"I would imagine."
>The fog and thick undergrowth hindered your movement.
>It made it easy to get turned around, but you made it a point to go straight.
>You can't go in circles if you only go straight.
>Applebloom didn't mind, but you had to watch your step, lest you sink your shoes into some murky puddles.
>It's not going to be much fun if you have to walk around in muddy and soaking wet shoes.
>There's some sharp sticks and stuff on the ground so going without would be worse.

>Night falls faster in the Everfree than it does in Ponyville.
>But you and Applebloom make great time.
>You find a grassy spot with some tall trees around to stop for the night.
>The both of you take off your packs and stretch, grateful to lose that weight.
>You start checking things off of your mental checklist.
>"I think we should get a fire started," suggested Applebloom, looking up at the small hole in the trees to the sky.
>You follow her gaze and nod to nothing in particular.
"I think you're right."
>You set out to find rocks, and Applebloom goes to look for wood.
>A few fist-sized rocks should be enough the a small circle, you think to yourself.
>"Anon," called Applebloom. "What are we gonna do? This wood is all wet."
>You scan the ground at your feet, and sure enough, the ground was soaked.
>Any tinder is damp beyond use.
>Your sight drifts upwards and you spot some low-hanging tree limbs about your height.
>Grabbing hold, you break off the dead wood with ease.
"Hey, Applebloom," you call. "I found-"
>"Nevermind!" Applebloom called back.
>When you turn around, you see her dragging a small branch from a nearby bush.
"Oh. Nevermind," you say to yourself.
>Your tasks completed, the two of you now sit around a ring of stones and some tented sticks.
>"So do you know this works?" asked Applebloom, her face hovering close to the sticks.
"I thought we just rub two sticks together to make fire?" you inquire, also leaning in close.
>Applebloom walks back to her saddlebags and pulls out a small bow-like instrument.
"What's that?"
>"Watch this."
>Applebloom instructs you to hold the stick while she takes the bow in her mouth.
>Coiling the stick inside at the top, she turned her head side to side, causing the string to rotate the stick.
>You cock your head for a better view.
>After a short time, a small pillar of smoke began to emenate from the sticks.
>Then a tiny flame.
>After letting it build for a bit, you had a cozy little fire burning.

>You just sit across from each other, and bask in the glow and heat of the dancing flames.
"That was really cool," you finally say.
>"Thanks," answered Applebloom. "My sister taught me how to do that."
"Oh yeah. About earlier?"
>"Oh. She wasn't happy about the other day," said Applebloom with a laugh. "And plus they were short on ponies so I had to work the stand while they worked the orchards."
"So what is she going to say when you don't come home tonight?"
>"I told her I was staying at your house," Applebloom replied, looking away with a blush.
>Your cheeks turned cherry red.
"O-oh. Yeah, I said the same thing."
>Applebloom raised an eyebrow.
"About the staying the night thing," you say quickly. "No wait. I mean, me staying at your house."
>Applebloom laughed as you stumbled over your words.
>"That was probably smart," she said. "They'll never suspect a thing, and we get to go camping on a school night!"
>A realization hits you.
>You need a tent.
>You stand and walk to your bag and start sifting through it's contents.
>Aaand... nothing.
>You poke at the bag and move some things around.
>"What are you looking for, Anon?" asked Applebloom.
"Hey, uh..." you scratch the back of your head. "You wouldn't happen to have a blanket or something, would you?"
>"Why? You forget one."
>You look to the ground and nod ashamedly.
>This is your plan, yet you're forgetting everything.
>"No problem.
>Applebloom went into her saddlebag and found a small quilt, big enough for the both of you.
>It looked really warm.

>You run an idea past Applebloom of a tent you could build.
>In mere minutes, the two of you had a small lean-to built out of 5 sticks and some string.
>Some leaves from bushes on top could protect from the rain.
>Building it near and facing the fire created enough warmth for the two of you to sleep on top of Applebloom's quilt.
>Night was already upon you, and with nothing more to do, the two of you broke out dinner.
>You brought over your packs and laid out everything you had.
>Applebloom brought apples and some of Granny Smith's fritters.
>You just got beans...
>Way to make you look like a jerk.
>As if you haven't already made yourself look the fool several times already.
>Applebloom was willing to share half of her apples and 1 of 2 fritters with you.
>In a fair exchange, you opened a can of beans for her as a main meal and handed it over.
>The two of you just talked and exchanged chatter and gossip about family, classmates, and ponies around town.
>It didn't take long before you were both fat and happy with 2 cans of beans and 2 apples leftover.
>Feeding the fire a bit more and placing some dry wood nearby for the middle of the night, the two of you yawn with exhaustion and decide to bed down for the night.
>The quilt kept the two of you warm from the cold, moist dirt of the forest and the fire kept you warm from the cold, moist air.
>Applebloom lied down on one side of the quilt, leaving room for you.
>You bed down right next to her, backs facing each other.
>You take a deep breath in through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth.
>This was fun.
>After a little bit of not being able to sleep, the sound of the soft, slow breathing of Applebloom behind you told she had fallen asleep.
>It was quiet, save for Appleblooms slow breathing and the crackle of the wood on the fire.
>You were just about to fall asleep too, until in the distance, you heard the faint howl of a wolf.
>Your eyes opened wide like saucers.
>You didn't hear it again for the rest of the time you were awake, but before you fell asleep, you made certain to clutch Applebloom tight.

>Morning came with the caw of a distant cockatrice.
>Applebloom noted how they must act like roosters on the farm.
>You have heard stories of the creatures before.
>They sounded scary, but the fact that they were just chicken lizards made you laugh and shrug it off.
>The fire had slowly burnt out in the middle of the night, leaving nothing but charred cinders that occasionally popped as it slowly burnt out.
>You crawl out from your little hut and stretch, Applebloom right behind you.
>She asks your help to shake and wipe the quilt of the dirt before folding it and putting it back in her saddle bag.
>She tosses you an apple and you both eat one for breakfast.
>You take your time, but kept in mind that you needed to get to school.
>It was only a Tuesday morning.
>You probably won't get back until after lunch.
>You will save your last cans of beans for then.
>All packed up, you decide to leave your fire pit and lean-to erected.
>You know, just in case either of you decide to come back.
>You step off back to Ponyville with Applebloom.
>As you walk, you start talking about excuses and alibis for when you get questioned for being late to school.
>You decided on just being sick that morning.
>That sounded believable.
>"Hey Anon, hold on a second," said Applebloom.
>You stop and face her.
"Yeah?"
>"Are you sure we're going the right way?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
"I'm positive. We left camp the same way we came in. And we've just been walking straight."
>"Yeah, I know. But I just have the strangest feeling we got turned around somehow.
"Why's that?"
>Applebloom points past some bushes and trees.
>In a small clearing, was a stone circle with some burnt up sticks and a little makeshift lean-to.
"Uh oh."

--

>"Anon?" asked Applebloom.
"I don't get it. We never made a turn."
>You scratch your head trying to wrap your brain around the situation.
>"My sis' always said the forest was magic."
"Like what, evil magic?"
>Applebloom nodded her head.
"Well why didn't you say something before!"
>"I thought you knew!"
"I had no idea! I thought it was just swampy!"
>You share a quick moment of silence.
"Well what are we gonna do now?"
>The distant howl of a wolf echoes through the trees.
>You and Applebloom cling to each other.
>Your eyes scan the shadows for danger.
>"Maybe we should keep walking," suggested Applebloom.
>You quickly nod your head in agreement.

>You get back on the trail you left on earlier and start walking again.
>Straight ahead, no turns.
>Just like how you got here.
>After a short while, you once again end up coming out of the trees at the same spot as before with the camp off to the side beyond some brush.
>Applebloom suggested you walk straight from here as the two of you may have been turned around on your way to camp.
>So you walk straight once more.
>And yet you still manage to come out in the very same spot.
>Your next idea was to try walking backwards from your exit.
>Miraculously, it does nothing to alter your escape.
>Logically speaking, you just made a full 180.
>But that's impossible because you know for fact that you never made a turn.
>You sit with Applebloom and contemplate what to do next.
>Applebloom at last suggests leaving a trail of some kind.
>Like marking trees or something.
>The thing is, you have nothing to use as a marker.
"Would drawing a line in the dirt work?"
>"I suppose it would as long as no one erases it."
>So then you tried that.
>Applebloom lead you through the woods as you walked backwards while dragging a stick in the ground.
>Her job was to keep the both of you walking straight.
>Your job was to make sure the line didn't veer off in any way.
>Everything was going as planned.
>"Anon?" called Applebloom from behind. "Look."

>You turn around to see what Applebloom is talking about.
>Your heart sinks and your motivation takes a huge blow.
>In front of Applebloom is a line dug into the soft forest floor.
>To the side, beyond the brush, was camp.
>You feel your eye twitch in irritation.
"Aaah!" you shout to the sky before sprinting off back the way you came.
>"Anon, wait!" called Applebloom after you.
>You stare at the ground and follow the line you made, looking for any breaks or corners.
>Concentrating solely on the line, you don't notice Applebloom standing in your way as you come into the clearing.
>You slam into and topple over her.
>Your bodies tumble for several feet.
>You groan from the pain as you piece together what just happened.
>Then you see Applebloom lying on the ground.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Applebloom!"
>You run over and help her to her hooves.
"Are you alright?"
>"I'm fine, Anon. Thanks. Did you turn around or something?"
>You look around and find yourself right back to where you started.
>You had somehow gotten turned around and came right back out.
"How does that even happen!"
>Applebloom shrugs.
>"Maybe we're in a magic enchanted part of the forest?"
"I was thinking that too. I don't get it."
>"Is it a puzzle?"
"If it is, I'm stumped."

>You calmly walk back to camp and sit by the fire pit.
>Applebloom takes a seat beside you.
>You fall onto your back and groan in frustration.
>Not only was it your bright idea to go camping, you dragged your best friend along and now you're both lost.
"I'm sorry, Applebloom."
>"For what?"
>You see Applebloom tilt her head at you in your peripherals.
>You remain stoic and continue staring into the dark canopy.
"For getting you lost with me. This was a stupid idea."
>"But it was fun," noted Applebloom.
"Yeah, but now..."
>The needs of your stomach made itself known with an audible gurgle.
>You turn red in the cheeks and roll to face away from Applebloom, holding your tummy.
"But now we're gonna go hungry," you say, finishing your thought.
>An apple drops onto the ground in front of your face.
>You look at Applebloom who was holding a second by the stem in her mouth and smiling.
>She sets it at her hooves.
>"These are my last two apples," she states.

>You reach for yours and wipe the bits of dirt off on your shirt.
"Are you sure you don't want it? I'm really not that hungry."
>Your stomach growls again, totally killing your facade.
>The fact of the matter is, the two of you have been walking around for hours all morning, only having a single apple each for breakfast.
>You were actually starving, but since you accept the blame for being out here, it doesn't feel right to have Applebloom suffer with you.
"Here," you say, holding your lunch in an outstretched hand. "You take it."
>Applebloom shakes her head and tosses hers into the air before catching it in her mouth with one large gulp.
>She happily chews and swallows it.
>The she shakes her head and pushes the apple back at you.
>"We're in this together," she said confidently. "You need your share until we get out of here."
>You smile, and the feeling that you made the correct decision in bringing Applebloom into the woods with you has been reinforced further.
>You dig your teeth into a large chunk of that red, fruity flesh.

>The two of you pass out shortly after.
>Running around all morning and operating on nothing but an apple can wear you down.
>You are sprawled out on your back and snore.
>Applebloom has lied down next to you.
>Despite there being little sun, it was still hot and muggy in the forest.
>It got really cold at night, though.
>But it was still early in the afternoon.
>Your eyes creak open and you yawn deeply.
>You slowly sit and wipe the drool from your mouth that has spilled out as you slept.
>Looking beside you, you spot Applebloom still snoozing away.
>You scan the forest around you to remind yourself just where you are.
>Except something's different.
>You smile and let out a giddy laugh.
"Applebloom! Wake up!"
>You shake the little yellow filly beside you.
>"What...?" she groans as you rouse her from her slumber.
>You point to the trees and she follows your hand.
>Her face lights up as well.
>In a small clearing, just into the forest, a basket of apples sits.
>It almost appears as if a beacon of light breaks the canopy to further annotate it's presence.
"Food!" you shout simultaneously.
>The both of you rise and scramble to the bushel of fruit laid out for you.
>You grab one in each hand and alternate biting into them.
>Applebloom puts her head into the basket and bites one at a time, eating just as many as you.
"These are delicious!" you shout as you take another chunk out of an apple, the juice flowing out of your mouth and down your chin.
>"Yeah!" agreed Applebloom. "There's enough here to last a couple days!"
>The two of you laugh and rejoice.

>And then an ominous presence fills your soul.
>You both freeze.
>Almost literally and figuratively.
>A chill runs up your spine and you shiver.
>You slowly turns your heads from looking at each other to the being before you.
>There stood a tall, slender, black figure.
>It had no legs and just kind of hovered over the ground.
>It resembled more of a shadow than anything.
>It had a white, expression-less mask for a face.
>Solid eyes and a thin mouth were all you could make of it.
>Its very presence filled you and your companion with fear and dread.
>Once shivering from the cold the creature gave off, your whole body now quakes in horror.
>Applebloom reacts the same as you.
>You both scream.
>You split and run opposite of each other through the forest in a panic.
>The shadow man looks left, right, then faces forward.
>It phases back into the shadows of the forest.
>You run as fast and far as your young body can carry you.
>After several minutes, you walk to a stop and bend over to catch your breath.
"I think I lost it," you whisper to yourself.
>A set of teeth reach out from the bush behind you and bites onto the back of the neck of your shirt.
>You feel yourself pulled into the foliage and you scream.
"NO! Please don't eat me, Mr. Shadow Guy! I'm not even that tastey! Ahh-!"
>You shouts are muffled as a yellow hoof places itself over your mouth.
>"Anon! Calm down! It's me!" whispered Applebloom.
>She releases you and you spin around with fury.
"Hey what's the big idea, going and scaring me like that! We could have been killed you know!"
>Applebloom's hoof finds its way to your mouth again.
>"Shh," she hushed.
>Applebloom pointed out from around the tree behind her.
>You follow her gaze and see the apple basket still sitting where it was placed.
>The shadow man was gone.
>"Should... Should we go grab some more apples?" asked Applebloom.
>You shook your head.
"I think it's a trap."
>Applebloom nodded her head in agreement.

>The two of you hide behind the tree for what felt like half an hour.
>There was no more movement from the creature.
"I think it's gone for good."
>You slowly tiptoe out from your cover.
>Applebloom walks right behind you.
>Your little camp was still unchanged.
>The only difference is that cursed apple basket.
>It just sat there, taunting you.
>At least you got several good mouthfuls before that ghost appeared.
>You and Applebloom take your places around the fire pit like you had before you woke up.
>Late in the afternoon, it will be dark soon.
>And even sooner considering this is the Everfree Forest you're in.
>You walk with Applebloom to gather sticks for a fire.
>Applebloom watches your back as you gather wood.
>Applebloom lights the fire, and you take your seats around it once more.
>The flames dance before you, providing you with a bit of entertainment.
>The warmth that emenated help you feel at ease about your situation.
>If you could see the star-lit sky, you would reflect on you experience thus far.
>Not to say you can't do that now.
>You close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose and slowly exhale out of your mouth.
>You open your eyes and smile.
"Well, look at the bright side."
>You voice attracts the attention of a quiet Applebloom beside you.
"It can always be worse."
>A distant rumble in the sky can be heard.
>Applebloom looks from the direction of the thunder back to you with an annoyed expression.
>You give a nervous laugh and rub the back of your head.
>You should have knocked on wood.

>The two of you start to try to weather-proof your little lean-to as best as you can.
>Applebloom places more leafy branches over the top to try to keep the rain out.
>You dig the sticks themselves deeper into the ground to hopefully be more steady.
>It starts to sprinkle before you finish, prompting you to hurry.
>You can hear the wind howl through the leaves above you.
>Thankfully, it's not as strong as it sounds in your little camp site.
>You sit next to Applebloom beneath your shoddy shelter.
>Applebloom's quilt is wrapped around the both of you to try to keep warm.
>You got the idea to set your empty cans out to collect water for later.
>The roof of your shelter dripped a little bit, but kept most of the water out surprisingly well.
>The tree directly overhead also helped, but you think you and Applebloomare just that smart.
>Part of you wants to check your thigh for your cutie mark, but then you would have to leave the warm quilt that encompassed you and your best friend.
>It can wait.
>You watch in sadness as the fire outside the lean-to fought a slowly losing battle against the elements.
>It eventually died out, leaving the two of you alone in the dark.
>"Rain, rain, go away," Applebloom sang softly to herself.
>You get a small chuckle out of it.
"Come again another day," you finish.
>Applebloom gets a quick laugh as well.
>You start reciting some of the children's rhymes you've learned from your families and Miss Cheerilee.
>It helps you forget your situation, but one question sits in the back of your mind.
>Where did that shadow man go?

--

>It was late in the afternoon.
>The sun was high and the weather was perfect.
>Unfortunately, it isn't meant to last.
>Pegasi race across the sky, pushing clouds and gathering them over the surrounding countryside.
>A rainstorm was brewing and the downpour was scheduled to happen in a few hours.
>Lyra and Bon Bon walk down the dusty road leading to Sweet Apple Acres.
>A certain someone was not at home like he was supposed to be.
>Now late as ever, the two parents march to their son's best friend's house to find him.
>Into the front gate and up to the house.
>They climb the front porch steps, Bon Bon's heavy stomping reverberating through the house.
>Bon Bon pounds on the door hard and repeatedly with her hoof.
>An orange mare expediantly answers the door, ceasing Bon Bon's assault.
>"Where is he!" demands Bon Bon.
>Applejack hasn't even had a chance to greet her visitors, but judging by the cream pony's tone, this isn't the time for pleasantries.
>Upon hearing "Where is he", Applejack furrowed her brow and turn her head back inside.
>"Big Macintosh! What did you do!" she shouted through the house.
>"Not him," Bon Bon corrected quickly. "Anonymous. Where is he? We know he likes to come over here and when we find him I'm going to-"
>"Bonnie," interupted Lyra.
>Bon Bon stopped and turned to her friend who maintained her soft composure.
>She took a step back, to which Lyra stepped forward.

>"Hi, Applejack," greeted Lyra in a calm, collected tone. "We were wondering if you've seen Anonymous? He didn't come home after school and we'd like to know if you've seen him."
>Applejack glanced at Bon Bon before looking back to the mint pony before her.
>She shook her head.
>"Nope. Sorry, partner. I ain't seen him all day."
>Big Mac came to the door and walked up behind Applejack to inquire as to why he was in trouble.
>"I ain't seen Applebloom all day, neither," she continued. "I assume they're off with their club on one of their little 'crusades' ".
>"You wouldn't happen to know where they might be?"asked Lyra.
>"No, sorry. I'm not sure if they'll even come back tonight. I figured maybe Applebloom will want to stay over at your house again tonight. Or one of the others."
>"Wait, what?" asked Lyra.
>"Last night," repeated Applejack. "When Applebloom spent the night. I figured they would have another-"
>"Applebloom didn't stay over last night," objected Lyra. "Anonymous stayed over here."
>"Nope," said Big Mac, Applejack now taking notice of his presence.
>"No? What do you mean no?" asked Bon Bon, stepping forward to stand beside Lyra.
>"He never came by at all yesterday," explained Applejack. "And we haven't seen Applebloom since yesterday afternoon when she had to work the stand in town."
>"So not only is he home late, he lied to us as well," recounted Bon Bon.
>"It's looking that way," confirmed Applejack. "And I think I'm gonna have a sit-down with Applebloom as well."
>"So what are we gonna do?" asked Lyra.
>The three ladies and Big Mac stand in silent contemplation.
>"I suppose we can go ask Ms. Cheerilee," suggested Applejack. "Maybe she heard where they were going after school today."
>"That's a great idea," agreed Lyra.
>Applejack nodded her head and turned toward her brother.
>"Tell Granny I'll be back in a little while."
>"Yup."

>A knock at the door rouses Cheerilee from her paper work.
>It's not unusual for her to be at the schoolhouse late due to grading tests and writing out her lesson plans.
>But for someone else to be here after hours?
>Cheerilee steps away from the stack of papers on her desk and goes to answer the door.
>Two worried-looking ponies stand before her, and one looking slightly more angry than the others.
>"Ah! Good evening, ladies!" greets Cheerilee. "How may I help you?"
>"Hi, Miss Cheerilee," greeted Lyra. "We were wondering if you knew where Anonymous would be at this time?"
>"Applebloom as well," piped up Applejack.
>Cheerilee's eyes widened.
>"You mean they're not at home?" she asked in a worried tone.
>"No, they're not," said Bon Bon. "We were hoping if maybe you'd overheard where they were going this afternoon."
>Cheerilee's heart sunk and her face softened into a frown.
>She shook her head.
>"I'm sorry, but I haven't seen them all day. I thought they were home sick."
>A jolt of shock shot through the three mares.
>"W-What do you mean you haven't seen them all day?" stammered Lyra.
>Cheerilee looked into the wide eyes of each mare before her.
>"They didn't come in to school today," she reiterated. "Like I said, I thought they were sick."
>All three visitors stood in stunned silence.
>"Do... Do you want some help finding them?" offered Cheerilee.

>The search party, now four strong, walks through the streets of Ponyville to find the missing children.
>They start by asking friends and any fillies they happen across.
>Then it gets to the point of asking random strangers if they've seen either of them.
>The children say they last saw Anon when they left school yesterday.
>Cheerilee confirms this.
>Several adults around the market said they saw the young apple pony working the stand yesterday afternoon, again confirmed by Applejack.
>But when questioned about anything today... nothing.
>No one has seen neither Anonymous nor Applebloom at all today.
>The anxiety of the situation and concern for the childrens' saftey has become prevelant among the search party.
>They could try to search the surrounding areas, but it was starting to get late.
>They would need a larger search party.
>Stopping back in the town square, the four ponies wait by a park bench.
>Lyra and Cheerilee sit.
>Bon Bon and Applejack stand in front of them.
>Lyra is on the verge of a full panic attack due to the thought her son had been kidnapped.
>Bon Bon is worried for him as well, but thinks this is more of some prank or bad judgement on Anon's part.
>Applejack is as calm as Bon Bon, but she knows her sister can work herself out of any trouble she may be in.
>Applebloom may already be back at the farm.
>Applejack thinks the same of Anonymous, that he's already made his way home.
>Cheerilee just wants to see her students are safe and sound.

>Some childish laughter pulls the ponies from their disheartened state.
>Their attention is drawn to the fountain in the center of the town square.
>Two fillies giggle as they drop two fishing lines into the fountain.
>"Maybe we can be master anglers!" said the white one.
>The orange one is less ecstatic.
>"But a fishing cutie mark? That's so boring..."
>"Those are his other friends," comments Lyra.
>"That's right. I can't believe we didn't ask them first," said Applejack.
>Cheerilee takes the initiative.
>She trots over to the two fillies to greet them.
>"Good evening, you two."
>"Hi, Miss Cheerilee!"
>"Hello, children. I have a question, and I think the two of you can help."
>The other three walk up beside Cheerilee.
>"You two wouldn't happen to have seen Applebloom or Anonymous today, have you?"
>They shake their head.
>"How about yesterday?"
>This question yielded more reaction.
>They smile and lift their heads.
>"Yeah!" responded Scootaloo. "We saw them that morning, but Applebloom left before lunch."
>"Anonymous was there all day, though," said Sweetie Belle. "He and Applebloom spent all morning talking to each other. We didn't see him after we left, though."
>"Wait," interjected Lyra. "Talking about what?"
>"Uhm..." Sweetie Belle nervously stepped in place as she tried to remember. "They didn't tell us."
>"Yeah," confirmed Scootaloo. "But they did have backpacks full of stuff."
>"What kind of 'stuff'?" asked Applejack.
>"Just a bunch of... stuff," said Scootaloo. "Like apples and blankets. They said it was for their cutie marks."

>The four adults turn to whisper amongst each other in a tight circle.
>"Food? Blankets? Backpacks?" asked Applejack. "You don't think..."
>Her thought drags out as she recalls a similar personal experience.
>"No... No I don't think so," said Lyra with a shake of the head. "What would even be the reason for it?"
>Bon Bon felt a pang of guilt and nervously stepped in place.
>"I haven't noticed anything in school to give them a reason," said Cheerilee.
>"It's odd... But that's not out of the ordinary," said Applejack. "I've known my sister to just go on crazy adventures before."
>"You think the two of them set off on some kind of expedition?" asked Cheerilee.
>"Exactly," confirmed Applejack.
>Lyra and Bon Bon sat in relative silence.
>"Well it's getting late. As much as I want to keep looking for them, we can't at night," said Cheerilee. "I'll look around the classroom for any clues I can find."
>"And I'll do the same for Applebloom," said Applejack.
>"We can search Anon's room," said Bon Bon. "He's bound to have left something."
>The group says their farewells and parts their seperate ways.

>Lyra and Bon Bon start their way home.
>Lyra's head was turned towards the ground ahead of her.
>Bon Bon gave her attention to Lyra.
>"You don't really think he ran away, do you?" Bon Bon asked.
>"No. I mean, I don't know. I hope not."
>Lyra looked up to meet Bon Bon's stare.
>"I still can't fathom a particular reason as to why if he did."
>They enter through their front door and start down the hall towards Anon's room.
>"I can think of a few..." muttered Bon Bon dejectedly.
>"That was tough love with good intentions," defends Lyra.
>The mint pony is the first to enter her son's room.
>They search opposite ends of the room for anything they can find.
>"Still. Do you think I was too hard on him?" asked Bon Bon as she peeked into the closet.
>"Of course not," said Lyra as she sifted through Anon's dresser. "You're a great role model. Perhaps I'm just too soft."
>"It's your job as his mother to give him your affections," replies Bon Bon.
>She moves to Anon's toy chest.
>"I find it pretty cute, to be honest."
>"Well if it's not us, what was it?"
>Lyra starts moving the covers off of the bed and pulls the pillow case off the pillows to search.
>"Could it be kidnap? Who would do such a thing?"
>"I couldn't even begin to imagine," replied Bon Bon. "If that were true, that is a horrifying prospect."
>Lyra drops to the floor to peek under the bed.
>They haven't found a single shred of evidence yet.
>Lyra scans the rest of the room while she's low to the floor.
>To the closet, the nightstand, and the dresser.
>She goes to stand, but ducks her back down really fast.
>A small mass of white catches her eye from deep under the dresser.
>Using her magic, she pulls the folded sheets from their hiding place and opens them.
>Bon Bon notices and comes over to investigate.

>"Food, water, clothes," says Lyra as she reads it off.
>"He would cross out toothbrush," remarked Bon Bon as she read the list over Lyra's shoulder.
>"And Applebloom," finished Lyra.
>The two share a glace and Lyra puts the list behind the other 2 sheets.
>It's a letter written in crayon.
>"Dear Mom and Auntie Bon Bon," read Lyra aloud. "If you're reading this, I..."
>Lyra choked on the next to words. "Ran away... to go live in the woods by myself. I love you, Anonymous."
>Bon Bon read the note over for herself and gave Lyra a concerned glance.
>The unicorn stood frozen.
>All the moved were her eyes reading the letter over and over again.
>"Lyra?" Bon Bon finally spoke.
>It must have snapped her out of her trance because Lyra started flipping the page over looking for more clues.
>Nothing else was on the sheet.
>She rotates the letter in the stack and comes upon a very crudely-drawn crayon map.
>The panicking mother can make out Ponyville on the map.
>Some lines depicting a field to the north and black scribbles to the west probably represent the Everfree Forest.
>Sweet Apple Acres is shown with trees to the east.
>And then Whitetail Woods to the south.
>A wavy line from the house marked with a circle snakes its way across the map before coming to rest with an X over Whitetail Woods.

>Lyra takes the three sheets and reads them as she walks into the kitchen.
>Bon Bon follows her out and they take a seat at the table.
>The papers are set down between them.
>"I wonder how long this has been on his mind..." asked Lyra.
>Bon Bon grabs the list and reads it over again.
>"However long, I wish he'd have put more time into it," she comments.
>"Bonnie, this is serious!"
>"I am being serious," she says in a calm tone. "But having a freak out is not going to help anything."
>Lyra drops her head to the table and hides her face in her forelegs.
>On the verge of crying, Bon Bon's words of wisdom clear her impending tears away.
>Bon Bon studies the rest of the papers.
>This crayon map was useless except that it gave them an idea of where to find Anonymous and Applebloom.
>"At least they chose a decent place to go," comment Bon Bon.
>Whitetail Woods was a relatively safe area to be and only a few hundred acres in expanse.
>"I guess now we go tell Applejack and Miss Cheerilee," Lyra mumbled into her legs.
>"Right. But like Cheerilee said, we can't search at night. We can go tell them, but we can't begin our search until morning."
>Lyra grunted in confirmation and stood up from her seat.
>The two take the three pieces of evidence and make their way to the schoolhouse before going out to Sweet Apple Acres to inform Applejack.

>Cheerilee joins the two mares to the Apple's home and they now sit around the kitchen table.
>"They what!?" exclaimed Applejack.
>She snatched the letter from out of the air as Lyra levitated it in front of her.
>Applejack read it over and checked Anon's list.
>Applebloom's name on the list almost infuriated her.
>"Are you telling me Anon has been planning this?" asked Applejack in a raised voice. "And that he dragged MY sister into it as well?"
>"Hey! Don't you go throwing around accusations like that!" defended Lyra. "For all we know, Applebloom talked him into hiding those in his room!"
>Applejack pressed her forehead against Lyra's an glared into her eyes.
>"What did you say? How dare you think-"
>"Girls! Ladies! Please!" pleaded Cheerilee to the two mares staring each other down.
>They both gave Cheerilee a glance before backing down.
>Applejack turned her head down, her stetson hiding her face.
>Big Macintosh was beside her and placed a concerned hoof on her shoulder.
>Bon Bon scowled at Applejack, but helped to comfort Lyra as well.
>Cheerilee, satisfied the bickering was resolved, spoke up again.
>"So have we figured out a motive yet?"
>"We haven't got a clue," replied Bon Bon. "We think we might have a reason, but we're not sure."
>"Do tell," said Cheerilee.
>"Well," started Bon Bon. "We, or I, rather, believe I have been just a little too... hard on him. Like curfew, chores, etcetera."
>"You think he's grown disdain for the household?" asked Cheerilee.
>"Something like that, yeah."
>"I see... And Applebloom?" asked Cheerilee, directing the question towards the Apples.
>Big Mac just shrugged his shoulders.
>Appleack sniffled, a noticable tear falling to the ground from under her cover.

>"It's just not like her," Applejack started. "And it's the wrong way to resolve things. I know from two personal experiences."
>"You ran away twice?" asked Lyra.
>Applejack nodded.
>"Once when I was a filly. I felt out of place and wanted to search for my place in the world. I set out to the city, but realized it's not the place for me. I realized my place was here, at home. I got my cutie mark because of it."
>"And the second time?" asked a concerned Cheerilee.
>"The second time was running away from a problem that didn't exist," continued Applejack. "I didn't want to come home a failure and disappoint those who were counting on me. As it turns out, none of that was true to begin with."
>"And this applies to Applebloom... How, exactly?" asked Bon Bon.
>Applejack finally looked up from behind her hat.
>"She knows the story of how I got my cutie mark. She may have got the same idea of finding out were she belongs. And also... I feel she might be a little angry after I made her work the apple stand yesterday. I let her go to Anon's house because her debt was paid. No hard feelings on my part. I thought she'd have felt the same..."

>The group sits in silence.
>"So the plan for tomorrow," Cheerilee finally spoke. "Is to search Whitetail Woods and locate the children."
>"Yup," said Big Mac.
>"Unfortunately I will not be able to participate," continued Cheerilee. "Instead, I will stay at the school as to not worry the children about anything."
>"Good idea," said Lyra. "It'd be terrible for their little friends to find out about this too soon."
>Bon Bon nodded in agreement.
>"Alrighty then," spoke Applejack. "I'll round up a posse in the morning. We can start at the edge of town on the road leading to the forest. Bright and early."
>"Okay," agreed the others.
>Standing and exiting the kitchen, Cheerilee doesn't wait to say goodbye and makes her way back to Ponyville.
>Bon Bon and Lyra stop at the door.
>"We'll find them," Bon Bon said to Applejack. "They're going to be just fine."
>The low, distant rumble of thunder caught Applejack's ear and sent a shiver down her spine.
>She looked up and saw the dark clouds overhead.
>"I sure hope so," she commented.
>Bon Bon leads Lyra away from the farmhouse, Applejack not looking down from the sky to say goodbye.
>"I sure hope so," Applejack repeated.

--

>The weather had taken a turn for the worse.
>Yourself and Applebloom were clutching tightly to each other as the forceful wind and rain pounded your little lean-to shelter.
>The leaves and sticks you used for the roof were blown away with ease.
>The two of you sit close and old the quilt over your heads to keep the water off.
>It soon becomes completely saturated and the water starts to leak through.
>It has also become considerably heavier.
>Neither of you know what to do.
>There's no solid shelter to be found, so you're both forced to cope however you can.
>The thick leaves and branches of the tree over you do little to protect you when the wind is blowing the rain in sideways.
>You're cold, and you fear the both of you will end up horribly sick if you stay out here for much longer.
>A gust of wind picks up and throws the basket of apples at you from across the clearing.
>This very same gust of wind also steals away your shelter.
>You have to duck to avoid getting beamed by one of the fruity missiles.
>But hey! Food!
>You and Applebloom sieze the opportunity to snag several armfuls of apples and stuff them in your bags for later.
>Sucks for that mystery ghost, haha!
>But now you're in serious trouble without a solid roof over your heads.
>You need to move, and now.

>You grab your bags as quickly as possible.
>Applebloom requires some help from you to stuff the wet, heavy quilt into her own pack before you can shove off.
>You already know that escaping this place is futile, but perhaps with luck you can find a cave or something.
>The two of you start running through the forest.
>The wind howls and the hard pounding of rain on the trees and ground make hearing each other difficult, even when shouting.
>The forest floor was also turning into a thick mud, prompting you to be careful where you tread, else you might get stuck.
>It's not long before you bypass the usual spot by the campsite when you attempt to leave the area.
"Just keep running," you shout to Applebloom over the deafening downpour.
>It's pitch black out and visibility is made even worse with the dense fog and hard rain.
>'This is out of a nightmare,' you think to yourself.
>Oh how wrong you are to say that prematurely.
>You need to start carrying around a block of wood with all the bad luck you're having.
>Literally right out of the clouds pops that dreaded shadow.
>It gives off an ear-piercing scream, halting you and Applebloom in your tracks.
>You both scream and veer off away from the figure.
>Again it pops out, causing you to turn again.
>This keeps happening, forcing you to turn left, right, or even right back around.
>The pouring rain hides your frightened tears well and you're sure Applebloom is just as terrified.

>As you're running, the fog seems to clear up just a bit.
>You stick to the path it seems to make so you can see what's ahead of you.
>What you really don't need right now is to fall into a pit of quicksand or slam into a tree.
>The shade pops out once more.
>You hit the brakes, but manage to slide until you were almost underneath it.
>It must be really protective of it's apples!
>You manage to scramble to your feet with the help of Applebloom tugging on your collar and book it before it tries to grab you or something.
>The break in the fog clears up a little more and just ahead you can seea small cave in the side of a cliff.
>It's not deep at all, but more of a bowled cut into the rock face.
>Nonetheless, it's completely dry underneath!
>Applebloom is ahead of you and has spotted it as well.
>You follow her and practically dive underneath the rock overhang.
>You were now safe from the rain and the wind was blowing sideways across the opening as well.
>The idea of starting a fire comes to mind, but you quickly shoot it down.
>With all this water, there would be no dry wood to be found.
>Not to mention the fact that you'd need to venture out into the forest where that... thing is waiting for you.

>"Anon! Here!" calls Applebloom.
>You feel around in the dark until your hands find her head.
"Oh, here you are."
>"Anon... That's my butt."
>You quickly retract your hands and brush them furiously on your wet shirt.
"I-uh... I'm sorry."
>"Look at this," Applebloom says again.
>You can't really 'look' right now, so you feel around on the rock floor for what she's talking about.
>Miraculously, you find a small pile of dry sticks and leaves.
"How lucky!" you exclaim. "Let's try to get a fire going before that monster comes back!"
>The two of you begin to work hard and diligently to get this flame burning.
>One, it'll keep that ghost away.
>You see how it stays away from the fire.
>And two, you need to dry your clothes off and it's going to get really cold soon.

>With teamwork, you get the blaze going in record timing.
>Finding two large branches just outside the cave entrance, you get a sort of screen set up in front of the cave entrance.
>You ring out and hang the sopping quilt to try to dry off but also to act as a screen to keep the rain from coming in and also keep in some heat.
>You also strip down to all but your underwear and ring out your clothes as well.
>Applebloom squeezes the water from her bow, mane, and tail.
>She shakes herself of the rest of the water on her coat.
>You get mad at her for getting you wet, but also because she could have accidentally put out your fire.
>Applebloom apologizes, and the two of you take a seat around the fire and get ready to pull an all-nighter here.
>Before you fall asleep, you decide to munch on an apple or two to fill your empty bellies.
>You clutch your arms around yourself and shiver.
>Applebloom gets and idea and comes over to sit beside you.
>She rests her head on your shoulder and wraps a leg around your back.
>Goosebumps break out even worse at the touch of her cold and damp fur.
>The feeling soon goes away; replaced by a soft, warm sensation.
>You understand what she's trying to do and return the gesture and wrap an arm around her body and pull her close.
>You fall asleep sitting up; too scared to lie down for fear of losing the shared warmth of your bodies.

--

>"Anon," whispered Applebloom.
>Applebloom gave you a nudge.
>"Anonymous."
>You groan at the pain in your lower back from sitting up all night.
>When you crack your eyes open, you notice that your fire had burnt out.
>Small beams of sunlight also filter into your little den from in between and around the leafy branches you blocked the entrance off with.
>What's with this girl and rising with the sun?
>You yawn and smack your lips as you continue to stare blankly at the charred remains of the firewood before you.
>An apple invades your field of view.
>Turning your head, Applebloom smiles as she offers you your breakfast.
>You give her an approving nod as you take the red succulent fruit and chomp down.
>"Hey Anonymous," piped up Applebloom.  "I just thought of something."
>You face her again and raise an eyebrow since your mouth is currently full of apple flesh.
>Applebloom takes another bite of her own apple and swallows before she speaks again.
>"You remember how we were trapped in that little area before?"
"Yeah?"
>"Well look where we are now."
>You look around the tiny dent in the cliff wall where the two of you were currently squatting.
"We traded the open air for a small cave?"
>Applebloom stared out you with a face that just read, "Seriously?".
>"No," she replied with a facehoof.  "We've broken out!"
"Where?!"
>You jump up from the floor and check your face and inside your pants for any signs of a rash.

>Applebloom grabs you and smacks you across the face to calm you down.
>Tears start welling up in your eyes after being struck.
>"Sorry," she says.  "But what I mean is, we can go home now."
>You wipe your eyes with the sleeve of your arm and towards the entrance.
>Crawling quickly to the light, you push the branches out of the way.
>As promised, you really were out of that wretched campsite to freedom!
>You cheer and run out just beyond the entrance.
>Applebloom follow right behind you.
>The two of you cheer and dance that you finally made it out.
>You grab Applebloom her front hooves and spin with her standing upright.
>You both eventually collapse onto one another and laugh.
>The joy of the moment ceases when a dark shadow blots out the sun.
>Noticing the sudden change of lighting, you both sieze up immediately.
>Turning your heads slowly, your facial expressions turn to horror when the monstrosity from the previous nights stood tall over you.
>You clutch each other close and scream bloody murder up into the canopy of the forest.
>Birds scatter at the sheer volume of your cries.
>Despite it all, a playful laughter catches each of your ears.
>The cries stop and your eyes move to the source of the laughter.

>Applebloom squints her eyes and tilts her head slightly.
>Standing before you, wearing a plain ceramic mask, was a very familiar zebra.
>"Zecora?" asked Applebloom.
>The mask lowered to the ground and, with the help of a hoof, was popped off of her face.
>Zecora smiled wide.
>"I'm sorry, little ones.  I just thought I would have a little fun," she said.
"Wait a minute.  That was you!" you shout at her.
>You run up to her and throw your fists around above your head.
"Are you crazy, lady?  You could have killed us!"
>"Anonymous, calm down," said Applebloom as she steadily lowered one of your arms with her hoof.  "Zecora, why did you keep us trapped in the woods?"
>"You young ones should have known better than to go off all alone."
>You and Applebloom ashamedly looked to the ground and kicked the dirt.
>Although despite her seemingly harsh chastizing, Zecora held a smile the entire time.
>Her voice never felt like it was angry or disappointed either.
"So if you were the monster this whole time, how did you keep us trapped in the campsite like that?"
>"Nothing more than a trick of the light that was used to give you such a fright."
>"Oh, I get it!" piped up Applebloom.
>You don't understand, but it's better to just nod and smile so as to not look like the odd one out.
>You weren't very good at putting up a facade as Applebloom and Zecora saw right through it.
>"She means she just got us turned around without us realizing it," explained Applebloom.
"Oh...  Okay."
>You still don't get it.
>You decide to bend down and pick up the ceramic mask to inspect.
>Applebloom prods Zecora in the leg with a hoof.
>"Um... Zecora?  Could you please help us get out of the forest?"
>Zecora gave another short laugh.
>"Yes I will, child.  You two have spent more than enough time out here in the wild."
>She started to walk away.
>Applebloom stopped midstep to call your name as you were unaware of their departure.
>You hurry to catch up.

>The creatures of the forest chirp, howl, and buzz as your group wanders through to Ponyville.
>You almost cling to Applebloom who in turn sticks close to the foreign zebra leading you.
>Zecora trudges through the mud and the muck without much difficulty.
>The dense underbrush proves to be of no obstacle for her as well.
>You and Applebloom, however, were having some trouble what with your shorter stature.
>When you finally emerged from the Everfree Forest, you ran ahead and kissed the first patch of green grass you found.
>When the other two caught up, you continued to walk in Zecora's step.
>She was gracious enough to lead you both all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres.
>Zecora stops at the gate but you and Applebloom walk a few paces past her.
>Applebloom stares at the quaint little farmhouse and breathes a sigh of relief.
>"Thank you, Zecora," said Applebloom as she turned to face the zebra.  "Thank you for-"
>You look back as well and find that the mystical shaman had vanished.
>"Leading us home," finished Applebloom in a quiet voice.
>You just shrug.
"Well that was weird."
>"You're telling me," replied Applebloom.
"So do you think they noticed we were gone?  How much trouble do you think we're in?"
>Applebloom waved a dismissing hoof at you.
>"I bet we can walk right in there and,"
>The screen door of the house closed shut, catching both of your attentions.
>Applejack stood frozen on the front porch.
>Then her brow furled and her face turned dark red.
>"Applebloom!" she shouted so loud you could practically feel her voice rocking your body.
>"Or not..." muttered Applebloom.
"Well good louck with that!  See you later, Applebloom!"
>You ran off as quickly as you could to avoid any associative wrath by Applejack to her little sister.
>"Anon, you jerk!" Applebloom shouted at the dust trail you left in your wake.

>As you make your way along the path back to Ponyville, you can't help but think of what kind of punishments await your female companion.
>Then your mind quickly transitions to the horrors and atrocities that Auntie Bon Bon 'The Destroyer' has in store for you.
>You stop in your tracks and seriously contemplate escaping back into the Everfree Forest.
>Taking a deep breath, you ultimately decide to brave the storm and proceed back home.
>Ponies take notice of you, having not seen you in several days, but are still largely unaware of your's and Applebloom's disappearance.
>You face the ground as you walk, but you can still feel their eyes upon you.
>The memory of that spooky shadow creature that Zecora made up was still fresh in your memory.
>You shudder.
>Your house was coming up and again you think about running off again.
>Better to face your fate now then later, you suppose.
>Taking a deep breath, you start the final steps up the walk to your front step.
>At that moment, Mama Lyra comes out of the house with tears running down her face.
>You both freeze when you make eye contact.
>Your mom breaks the moment when she rushes at you as fast as she could.
"No wait!" you shout as she dive and tackles you.

>Instead of being beaten, however, your mom cradles you in her forelegs and kisses your face repeatedly.
>"Anonymous!  My sweet baby, Anonymous!  You're alive!"
"Uh... yeah.  I missed you too, mom."
>Your mom continued to cry and rock you in her iron grip as passing ponies gave her scene strange looks.
"Mom..." you groan.  "Ponies are watching."
>"Shh," she hushes.  "Mama needs the loving."
>You sit in silence for a few more minutes as she wipes her tears on the back of your shirt.
>She finally releases you and stands tall before you.
"Anonymous, where have you been!" she demands.
>You've never heard her shout at you before.
>It was almost scary.
>Not Auntie Bon Bon scary, but still a little scary.
"Me and Applebloom went camping," you tell her.
>Perhaps it's best to not tell your overprotective mother how the two of you almost died or how Zecora was just trying to teach you two a lesson.
>"For three days?" she asked.
"Yes."
>Without warning, she pulled you back in for a lung-collapsingly tight hug.
>"We were so worried about you!" she cried again. "Oh!  That reminds me."
>She let you go.
>"Your Auntie Bon Bon said she's gonna tan your hide when you come back."

>You flinch and take a step back, hands on your rear.
"W-Where is s-she now?" you stammer.
>"ANONYMOUS!!!" thunders an angry roar the likes of which this dimension has never known.
>"Inside," answered your mom.
>The front door was kicked off the hinges as Auntie Bon Bon leapt out.
>Her eyes were bloodshot red and it looked like steam was blowing out her ears.
>In her mouth...
>You gulp and take a pre-emptive step back.
>It wasn't a wooden spoon this time...
>She had a large wooden paddle.
>Drilled with holes.
>"Get you butt over here, mister!  NOW!"
>Your mom leans in and whispers into your ear.
>"Run."
>You turn and bolt as the train of destruction gives chase and flies past your mother.
"No, Auntie!  No!  I'm sorry!"
>"The more you run the worse it's going to get!" threatens your Auntie.
>Lyra watched the chase unfold around the house and the street.
>She gave out a little laugh.
>Perhaps it might be best for her to sit this one out and let you get disciplines.
>Bon Bon swung and shattered a wooden fence post as you continued to flee.
>Although perhaps she should stop Bon Bon from totally destroying her nephew...
>Needless to say, you'll never pull another stunt like this for quite some time.