Equestrian Wars: A Fixed Pathway

Author: Evowizard25

Chapter 2

The two siblings walked, until they were right outside Ponyville. Once there, Big Mac stopped in his tracks. Applejack hadn't paid attention his stop, so she walked on a few steps before looking back. "What's the hold up?" she asked.

"I think we oughta hide this here critter," Big Mac said, motioning his head back to their passenger. "Don't want to spook the others."

"Right," Applejack said, going over to the back of the cart. The only blanket there was the one right underneath the creature. She sighed. 'Well, Pinkie Pie did teach you that one trick,' she thought. She grabbed the blanket with her mouth. 'Of course, that was with tables, not carts.'

The Earth pony closed her eyes and quickly pulled. Luck wasn't with her, as the creature came with it. It slumped to the ground. Applejack stared at it in pure horror. 'Horse apples!' she thought. The creature started to stir, so she did the one reasonable thing. She raised a hoof and knocked it out cold.

"He's gonna feel that one in the mornin'," Big Mac said.

"How do you know it's a he?" Applejack said, putting the creature back into the cart. "It could be a girl."

"I got a feelin' for these things," Big Mac simply said.

Applejack just stared at him for a moment. "You've been spending way too much time with Fluttershy," she said.

"Eyup," Big Mac said, chuckling.

Applejack rolled her eyes. She placed the blanket over it. "There," she said, before starting to walk on. "Come on, Big Macintosh. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can get back to bucking those apples."

"I can't wait," Big Mac said, pulling along the cart.

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Nurse Redheart was busy fixing up the sheets. She hadn't had any patrons in her clinic for a while now. 'Thank Celestia for that,' she thought.

One of the other nurses came over to her. "Applejack wants to talk to you," she said. "She said it was very important."

"Alright," Nurse Redheart said. 'What kind of trouble did that pony get into now?' she thought. "Bring her in." The other nurse bowed her head, before departing. Another couple of minutes past before Applejack walked in. "Ah, Applejack, you wanted to see me?"

"I did," Applejack said. "I was wonderin' if you'd look over a critter I found. He's in poor condition."

"Well," Nurse Redheart said. "I don't normally do check-ups on animals. I believe that's in Fluttershy's department."

"Well, he's too much for her." Applejack said. "I don't want Flutershy gettin' hurt."

"Well, if that's the case," Nurse Redheart said, concerned for Fluttershy. "Then fine. I don't see the harm in it."

Applejack smiled. "Bring him in." She said, addressing someone outside.

Big Mac walked in, pulling along a cart. A large bulge could be seen under the tarp. "What is in that cart?" Redheart asked. She could hear some ragged breathing and could even see the tarp moving up and down.

Applejack walked over to the side. She pulled the tarp back, to reveal some sort of feathered dragon. "I suppose you've never seen one of these critters before," she said.

Nurse Redheart simply shook her head, staring at it. "What in Celestia's name is that?" she asked, in awe of the creature.

"I don't know, but it's hurt really badly," Applejack said. "I was hoping you could take care of it."

"Why didn't you leave it at your farm?" Redheart asked her. "I could've taken care of it there. That thing could start a panic."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "And leave that thing around Apple Bloom and Granny? I ain't gonna do that!"

Redheart sighed. "Very well," she said. "Bring him to a bed." Applejack unlocked the cart from Big Mac, so he could help her move the creature. "Be careful. I don't want him harmed any further than he already is."

"Got it, Doc," Applejack said, putting him on the bed.

"I'm a nurse, not a doctor," Redheart corrected her. "The only Doctor in town isn't exactly one to perform treatments on patients."

"He is a strange one," Applejack said, "though Twilight is fascinated with his Tardis, or whatever he calls that box of his..." A groan from the creature stopped their conversation. "Is he awakin'?"

Redheart shook her head. "He'll be out for a while," she said. "He's received a nasty blow to the head. I expect not to wake for several hours." Applejack couldn't help but blush with embarrassment when she mentioned the blow to the head. Redheart noticed her blush. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"Well…He's got big teeth!" Applejack exclaimed, pointing at the creature. The nurse shook her head. "I couldn't just let him get up and try to take a bite out of me!"

"Yes, but next time, try not hitting so hard," Redheart said.

"I'll try next time." Applejack said, laughing nervously. "Well, I gotta go get Twilight," she said. "I think she might find this rather interestin'." Redheart didn't notice her walking off. She was just staring at the creature on the bed.

'How am I supposed to care for this thing?' she thought, looking it over constantly. 'I'm a nurse, not a vet, but I have to admit. This creature is fascinating. I'd love to study him.' Said creature growled, bearing its fangs. 'If it bites me, I'll have Applejack's head for this.'

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Twilight's eyes slowly opened. 'What happened?' she wondered, before remembering last night. She tried moving, but her body ached, so she stayed there in her bed for a few more minutes. Finally, she was able to will herself out of bed. 'I've got the worst magical hangover, ever,' she thought. 'I shouldn't have tried that spell.' She started to walk downstairs. As she came into the front hall, Owlowiscious was on his perch, attentive as ever. "Good morning!" she said.

"Who," Owlowiscious said.

"Why, you of course," Twilight said, before realizing she was talking to an owl. "Never mind." She started to head for the door.

Spike, however, blocked her exit. He crossed his arms. "And where do you think you're going?" he asked.

Twilight just stared at him for a moment. Her mind was still a little frazzled. 'Where am I… Oh, the spa,' she thought. "I'm going to the spa," she said.

"But shouldn't you be resting?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.

"And shouldn't you stop asking me questions?" Twilight retorted, getting a little annoyed with the dragon's questions.

"Well, I'm not the one who messed up a spell!" Spike said, in a rather harsh tone.

Twilight sent him a glare. "Oh, you did not just use that tone on me!" she said, bobbing her head back and forth. She raised her hoof and pointed farther into the library. "Go to your room!"

"But Twilight—" Spike said, raising a scroll.

"Not now, Spike," Twilight said, shaking her head. "I need a little relaxation."

"But it's from—" Spike said.

"It can wait!" Twilight said. She started getting woozy. Her little talk with Spike had already drained some of her energy. Her knees wobbled a bit. "I just need to relax. And Spike," she lowered her face to his level, "please don't raise your voice at me again."

Spike looked away, looking ashamed. Twilight sighed and patted him on the head. "I'll be sure to get a few gems on the way back," Spike smiled. She walked out the door. "I'll be back soon!"

Once she closed the door, Spike turned around and fist pumped. "Oh, yeah!" he said. "Did you hear that Owlowiscious, she's getting gems just for me!"

"Who," Owlowiscious said.

"Me," Spike said, pointing to himself.

"Who," the owl said again.

"Me, Spike," The little dragon said.

"Who," the owl said.

"Spike, the dragon!" he yelled, waving his arms in the air.

"Who," the owl said once again.

Elsewhere, Twilight was walking over to the spa. Suddenly, a pink blur appeared before her. Twilight took a step back, to see Pinkie Pie smiling at her. "Hi, Twilight!" she said. "Good morning! Don't you think today is super fantastic? I do! The sun is pretty today, I could just stare at it!" She looked up at the sun for a moment.

"Um, Pinkie Pie," Twilight said, concerned for her friend. "That's not healthy for your eyes."

Pinkie Pie just giggled. "Oh, you silly filly!" she said. "A lot of people look at that sun, of course, they aren't ponies."

"Huh?" Twilight said, unsure of what she meant.

"Besides, I want to throw a party!" Pinkie Pie said, jumping around her. "Today is so wonderful I thought I could make it even more so, with cake and presents and…"

As Pinkie went on and on, Twilight couldn't help but feel light headed. 'Okay, I need to get out of here, now,' she thought. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gummy standing a few feet away. She looked back to Pinkie, who was too busy talking. She levitated Gummy all the way on top of Sugarcube Corner. Twilight feigned horror, rather poorly actually. "Oh, look," she said, pointing at him. "Gummy is on top of that building."

Pinkie Pie gasped. "I'll save you, Gummy!" she exclaimed, racing inside. Twilight sighed, before turning around. The moment she did, she jumped up in the air in fright. There stood Pinkie Pie, holding little Gummy. "I saved him!"

"But how did you—" Twilight said, looking at her, to the roof and back again. 'She's Pinkie,' she reminded herself.

"Now, how did you get up there?" Pinkie Pie asked her pet, staring into Gummy's eyes. They were emotionless, as usual.

"Uh," Twilight said, rather nervous of Pinkie finding out the truth, "I have to go. The spa awaits!"

"Okie, dokie, lokie!" Pinkie Pie said before trotting inside. "I have to throw an 'I saved Gummy' party anyways. Be sure to be there!"

"I will," Twilight said, before sighing. 'That was close,' she thought. Just then, as she passed Rarity's door, she felt someone drag her in. "What the…"

Rarity turned her to look her in the face. "Twilight!" she said, cheery as ever. "I knew you'd come!" Twilight just stared at her. "Didn't you get the letter I sent you?" Twilight face hooved. 'The letter,' she thought. "Oh, never mind. You're here and that's all that matters."

"Uh, Rarity," Twilight started.

Rarity, however, was already looking through her stuff. "I just want to see how it looks first. Now, where is it?" she asked, searching around.

Twilight quietly walked out the front door. Finally, Rarity found what she was looking for and turned around. "Now, this dress will look beautiful on you!" The store was empty. She pouted. "How rude."

Twilight sighed as she neared the spa. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash appeared in front of her, making her come to a stop. "Twilight!" she said. "I'm glad that I found you. I need someone to race against, and since Applejack is busy…"

"Okay," Twilight interjected. "We'll start right here." Rainbow Dash smiled and readied herself. "1…2…3." ON three, the Pegasus flew off. Twilight just stood there, before moving back to the spa. 'Man, she's easy to fool,' she thought.

As she got to the door, a small voice spoke up. "Uh, Twilight," Fluttershy said, coming up to her.

A strand of Twilight's hair popped out of place. Her left eye twitched. "CARROT TOP!" She yelled at the yellow pony on the other side at the street. "Help Fluttershy!"

"But…" Carrot Top started.

Twilight glared at her. "NOW!" she yelled, startling her and Fluttershy. They took off in fear. Twilight sighed. 'Now, for some relaxation,' she thought.

"Uh, Twi?" she could hear Applejack say.

Twilight turned her head. "What is it?" she asked, her voice trimming with venom.

"There's something you gotta see," Applejack said, cringing a bit under her gaze.

"It can wait," Twilight said, holding in her frustration. 'Just open the door,' she thought, putting her hoof on it.

"But it's really important," Applejack said. "I haven't seen anything like it before."

"Wow," Twilight said, rolling her eyes. Of course, Applejack couldn't see her expression, since she was facing the other way. "What a surprise."

"Hey!" Applejack shot back, rather offended by her friend's actions.

"It can all wait until later," Twilight said. "I need some alone time." She turned to face Applejack. "You know, me, myself, and I. Time to think. Some relaxation. I'm aching all over. And I think I deserve some of that, don't you?" Applejack was silent. "Good, now excuse me." She moved to open the door.

"Muffin?" Ditzy Doo said, appearing before her. She was carrying a basket filled with muffins, while wearing that goofy smile as always.

Twilight couldn't hold in the frustration anymore. "NO!" she screamed, accidentally letting out a spell that knocked the basket out of Ditzy's hands. It went soaring into town. "I don't want any muffins! Right now, at this moment, I hate muffins!" She turned to look at Ditzy. "Good day to you, miss!" She slammed the door shut.

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Ditzy Doo was in tears. She looked at her hooves, where the basket used to be. Applejack patted her back, trying to calm her down. 'Man, Twilight does need to relax,' she thought. 'Though that's not a good excuse for snapping at Ditzy like that.'

"I was saving some of those muffins for Dinky!" Ditzy wailed, sniffling.

"I know," Applejack said. "Twi' is just cranky this mornin', that's all." Ditzy Doo wiped her nose, starting to relax.

Suddenly, sad music started to play. The Earth Pony looked over to see a brown stallion with a gray mane playing a violin. The pony stopped playing, when he notice their stares. "I though the moment needed it." He said. She sent him a fierce glare, to which he smiled, apologetically. He then put his violin back into his satchel and ran off.

Just then, Pinkie Pie appeared behind them. "Why are you crying?" She asked, concerned. "What happened? Tell me!"

"My muffins," Ditzy Doo said. "I was saving some for Dinky and…"

"Oh, you mean these muffins!" Pinkie Pie said, reaching behind her to reveal a basket full of them. "This basket fell on my head, and I was all like 'Ouch! A basket of muffins! These must be Ditzy's!' So, I wanted to give them to you!"

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "How did you know where she was?" she asked.

Ditzy, however, just hugged Pinkie Pie. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said repeatedly. She then picked up the basket and started to fly off. "Little Dinky will love these!"

"Now, I got to talk to Twilight," Applejack said, going inside.

"What about?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"I found some strange creature this mornin' on the farm," Applejack said. "He's over at the hospital. He had somethin' with him and Twilight might just know what it is." They entered the spa.

Lotus, one of the spa ponies, came up to them. "What will you have?" she asked.

"Uh, nothin'," Applejack said, waving a hoof in the air to dismiss the idea. "I'm lookin' for Twilight Sparkle."

"Ah, she just came in," Lotus said, nodding. "She's taking a hot bath."

"Well, it's going to have to be cut short," Applejack said. "Isn't that right…" She turned around to find Pinkie Pie gone. She sighed. "Never mind."

They walked on into the bathing room. Twilight was about to get into the water. "Hold on there, Twi'."

The unicorn turned around to look at her. "One hour," she said. Her hair was on the fritz and her lef eye was twitching. "Just give me one hour of relaxation. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?" she yelled the last part.

Applejack and Lotus both jumped back. "Well…" the farm pony said, taken aback. "Once you're done, come straight to the hospital. I got something to show you."

Twilight sighed. "Alright, but not until I'm done," she said, getting into the tub.

Applejack could see that look of relief wash upon her, as the hot water worked its magic. She shook her head as she departed. "She is one high strung filly."

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_'What was Applejack on about this time?' Twilight thought. She had just finished her spa therapy and was actually feeling better. 'Though, I do owe Ditzy an apology. Maybe a gift for little Dinky.'

As she neared the hospital, Pinkie came out to greet her. "Hi, Twilight!" she said. "Come and meet our new friend!"

"New friend?" Twilight repeated. She still didn't know what was inside. 'Maybe something from the Everfree forest,' she thought, walking inside. All of her friends were standing around some cot. Carrot Top and Nurse Redheart were there too. "Okay, what do we have—" She stopped when she saw what was on the bed. 'A feathered dragon!'was her first thought.

"I found him right at the front of my house," Applejack said. "He fell flat as a pancake the moment he laid eyes on me."

"Oooh, looks like someone has a crush!" Rainbow Dash said, before laughing.

Applejack glared at her. "Now, shut yer mouth," she said. "Anyways, that's not all."

Twilight found it hard to wrench her eyes away from the creature. But when she did, she was in for a surprise. It was some silver, elongated, cylinder of some sort. "What is this?" she asked, using her magic to lift it up.

"I have no idea," Applejack said, shaking her head. "And Fluttershy can't seem to identify this here critter."

"Well, remember the parasprite incident?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy couldn't help but blush with embarrassment. "I think we both know she doesn't know them all."

"Uh, guys," Fluttershy said, stroking the creature's neck. "I think he's waking up."

Carrot Top jumped back with fright when she said that. Nurse Redheart stood beside her. "Don't worry," she said. "We're safe." Then, the creature lifted its head. "I'm sure..." Her voice trembled as she spoke the words

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