It's been two hours since Lyra and I left Gillette. On the way It was very calming and relaxing. I was happy that we got to meet someone else that survived this stupid fate. But It was time to leave. I looked over to Lyra seeing her read the Hobbit. It amazed me how much she loved that story. But she got pretty bored otherwise because it was pretty much endless farms till we got to South Dakota. It's pretty impressive how close we are to our journey's end. Then I saw the signs of wall drug. Lyra toward her book looking at the sign blinking looking to me. But she was playing her music. It was so haunting and hard to drive without falling asleep. That lyre is so crazy and haunting. I can't understand how she can play and read at the same time.

" What in the world is Wall Drug?" I smiled softly.

" Wall Drug is a very interesting tourist trap I could take you to it there is also Mt Rushmore." Lyra blinks I looked over to her pointing to a sign of what it looks like. " Mt Rushmore is of old leaders of the US. I feel it might be wise to go there to preserve anything we can find my friend." Saying to her with a gentle smile. Lyra smiled she was happy that I wished to spend this time with her.

" How long would it take us to get there?" Looking at the GPS putting in Wall Drug.

" Hmm it will take five to six hours. We can go there to let the dogs run around and bathroom then eat something then look around. I feel it might be wise to then go to Rushmore then take a rest in a hotel in Rapid city. Are you willing to see all this my friend?" Lyra gave a nod. But of course we had to stop again because the silly herds and farms keeping their fences open. So this would take a few minutes so it gave us more time to talk. Turning off the car waiting for the cows to stop crossing the road.

" Tell me Malla. Why were you so respectful to that Chris person but to me when we first met you didn't trust me." Turning my head to look over to her with a smile. I didn't wish to answer but i would have to. Thinking of what to say without hurting her feelings. Sighing and then lifting my head looking back outside hating this when the herds do this.

" Well Lyra I am sorry for that. But I think it's hard to trust someone who knows what is going on. But You have to understand It helped me feel better knowing the fact. I am not the only one left alive in this world. Lyra tell me how would you feel if you felt that?" Looking over to Lyra the cows just keep crossing. This was getting on my nerves but it was needed.

" I wouldn't know Malla. But it's sad to know that you didn't trust me at all. I wish you did trust me but.. If was in your claws. I would be the same way. It's sadly how I would see it to. But you need to understand. I have a deep respect for you Malla. But of course it's not well known. You have told me so much about this world. Even openly told me about how much sex you had. " She said with a wink. My scaled cheeks burned again. Growling deeply I hated when she brought that up. But it was a simple way for her to get back at me for how i treat her at times.

" Lyra please stop bringing that up. It's not wise to. I don't want to suddenly lose my mind and go after you that way. I respect you far too much to do that." I said with a gentle smile. Looking to the cows getting angry this is taking forever it was getting got the point I couldn't stand it anymore. I want to go out there myself to move the cows. But again it's best to let them go on their own.

" I will try Russell but I feel it's wise to keep you on your claws my friend." She said with a sweet smile. Sighing, I took out the book of the two towers This is going to take awhile to get the herd to go. So I felt i would read. Reading the book did make the feel of hours going by. But it was just minutes. Lyra spoke up again. " But thank you for allowing me to come with you.I will be staying after your journey is done. But I still need to search for leaders. I can start helping you get what you wish to do done. Then I must return to my home. Still, I promise to return to see you again just to say hello." She said to me with a gentle smile.

I sighed softly. " I see Lyra well I wish you didn't have to go. I have gotten to the point that I trust you so much that I consider you a sister." When I said those words. I saw tears streaming down her face. I never thought I would get that reaction from her. But I smiled as she sobbed softly I pulled her into my scaled arms stroking her back with my clawed foot allowing her to cry. I feel she needs it I do as well. But at the moment i can't.

" Its okay Lyra I am very sorry for how I treated you. Now.." I hit the horn. Opening the window putting my head out. " Get going you damn cows." They just turned to look at me. I snorted smoke came out of my nose I wasn't going to get used to that. Since I realized sooner or later I will be breathing fire. It's impressive to me how Much I have changed. But then a bull of course started to charge. Hit the side of the door their horn going into the door. The horn of the bull pissed me off when I saw that it caused a giant hole into the door. I didn’t want to hurt the bull

" Oh no you didn't." I got out of the car getting on my back legs hissing growling at the bull. Making myself look bigger with my wings spread out. Fluid drained from my mouth hitting the road hissing. It smoked as it hit the road. But it's interesting how it burnt and melted it. But it seems to be angering the bull more. The bull started to charge me. But I grabbed it's horns and pushed it back with my new found dragon might. Growling and hissing, I didn't wish to hurt them. So I turned their head around while growling in anger. Thumping my tail on the road. My eyes' full of hate for this creature. I just wanted to kill him, but I didn't wish to do this in front of Lyra. So I did my best to push the bull away from us. As it looked away from me snorting and walking with the cows along the road. But why was the herd so big it made no sense to me.Looking towards the field why are so many migrating from that farm over to there? I’m starting to wonder if what happen to me is making the animals of the world a bit smarter than they have been so I am not sure.

I have no idea what to think at all of this. Going back inside the car sighing I felt this was getting to be an annoying trip. I am not even out of Wyoming yet. But I wish to get there now. But yes Lyra wishes to go with me. I wish to take her to Wall Drug and Mt Rushmore. But after almost an hour. The herd kept moving Lyra and I looked bored I felt so damn bored while waiting for the heard to move along. My anger made my claws extend i felt maybe instead of going on a killing spree. I should just sit back and read a book. world felt so empty after I left speaking to my new friend closing my eyes As I felt that this was getting on my nerves.

" Okay that's it." Turning on the car on honking to move the cows out of the way. They did move but along most of the road were cows so we had to stop every few seconds to make sure that i didn't crash into them." DAMN it stupid cows. It's never going to be easy to get to Michigan." I cussed under my breath my eyes full of anger as I felt i had no way to move them. But I was finally able to move the car around them and get back on the road to get to south Dakota but damn this is getting on my nerves. Music, I need music. Grabbing one of the Cds with my clawed hand and put in the music. It was my father’s bluegrass music. I felt my anger going away as my father's taste of music would help me get along the way.

Sighing and my stress went away after all that bullshit.. It's not going to be easy this trip if this keeps happening looking over to Lyra who is so into the books. Smiling but another hour we will finally be in South Dakota. But as we went through the last part of Wyoming it got so beautiful. The beauty of the mountains mixed with the beauty of the farmlands. It's so amazing and impressive to me. It's so lovely and wonderful. I wish It wasn't the end of the world or another version of the end of the world. But it's sad that I will never see this area again. Unless I learn how to fly and come over just to see and try to preserve what I find and see around the land if i can. Maybe that is something I need to do. Preserve the past so who ever takes over the future will know not to fall into the same traps that we fell into.

But of no matter what I am sure humans are still going like humans even if they turn into these creatures. Their still humans and humans are a creature that is known for all the pain they enjoy causing. But down the line we will see and when it happens. I don't even know but I am sure I will see what happens. Looking at the fuel gauge needing to fill it up. Seeing a sign not far from here that leads to a visitor's center. " Lyra I am going stopping here to fill up on gas and you should go to the bathroom." She nodded. Pulling into the visitor's center we saw so many cars. Wow a lot of folks parked here before it happen. After I stopped Lyra trotted off to head inside to go to the bathroom. Thankfully for being a dragon, I don't need to go as much. Turning off the car going to the tarp. Removing two of the gas cans. I left the big tractor one with Chris and Colgate. Opening the fuel door slowly filling it up. Looking to all the cars I doubt it's wise for me to look through some of them just in case. But noticing there are some license plates I don't have so after I filled up car. Reaching into the car getting the siphon. Grabbing California, Florida, South Dakota, North Dakota, Washington state, and New york. Putting the license plates into the car. Then I saw something.

Looking right into one of the cars I saw an Iron giant toy. Feeling that I must preserve the best things of this world. But I also must preserve the bad. Looking over to center seeing the news papers. Breaking into the car taking the Iron giant toy. Opening the gas container of the same car, placing the siphon in waiting for the gas can to fill. Lyra walked out of the center looking happy.

" Hey Lyra..Can you break those open?" Pointing my claw to the news papers. " One of each please." Lyra gave me a nod. Sighing the day the world ended. News papers will be the only thing that might be easy to remember the past. Filling the gas can. Needing to find another car to steal gas from. Going to a mustang ripping open the container bringing the gas out of that for the other can. Leaning on the car listening to the glass shattering of the news paper containers. Something inside of me wanted to look through the rest of these cars. But doubting that it's not the wisest choice to do this. I feel maybe that is a bad idea. I should at least keep some stuff for folks that return if they do. Getting the last of the gas, I put both of the cans on the trailer and putting the siphon in the car. While Lyra does what I asked her to do. Letting the dogs out of the car so they can be fed them as well as give them water.

Taking a very deep breath smelling no smoke from smokers. Hearing no cars go by as well. It finally hit me harder then many would think it would. Chris, me, and maybe some others are still out there but the rest of the human race.. Lost somewhere. It's a scary thought filling me, I'm heading to Michigan were the A-10s and Thunderbirds are stationed. What if some were flying when this event went off. How would they fly back down? That's a bit of a scary thought. Since around that area. It's a big airport owned by Kellogg. " Get back into the car you two." The two dogs looked at me going back into the car. Dumping the water on the ground putting both dishes back into the car closing the door. Seeing Lyra walk over with seven different news papers. " Place them gently on the floor Lyra. Don't you dare step on them." Lyra just stared at me seeing the Iron giant toy i stole.

" Russell." Again cut her off.

" What did I say? Look Lyra really I adore you.. But there are times you need to do dirty things to preserve the past." Lyra sighed softly putting the papers in the car getting in herself. Getting into the driver's seat after tying down the tarp looking to Lyra. Who gave me a very nasty stink eye.

"We are going to have a talk Russell right now." Sighing softly to myself. " It's not right what your doing. Stealing like this. You have been so kind to me during this trip but this ain't right Russell. You can't just come up to every car and steal what's in them. The fuel I understand you need it. But stuff like this." Brings up the toy in her magic. " Please ask me before you do that Russell."

Sighing softly looking to her. " When it comes to it..Lyra I can't promise much. This strange impulse comes over me and it's like in my head must have must have. I'm trying harder to do that. Will try even harder for you." About to turn the keys but Lyra grabbed them with her magic staring at me. Her gentle eyes full of anger.

"You have to promise me Russell. If you don't I will toss these keys out there and you will have to search for them. You're my friend but if I have to teach you the hard way I will." A growl came from my mouth. My crest open up she was threatening me. Something inside me didn't like to be threatened. Without realizing it I quickly clawed her drawing blood in her leg. She screamed loudly looking at what I did. " i...I...need to go" Quickly getting out of the car running quickly away.

" Russell!!!" She called after me. Rushing away as far as I could getting onto a hill sobs coming from me. My heart broke I caused another pain. Someone I really care for. Over these stupid instincts. Closing my eyes feeling it start to rain. How funny this is well at least in my mind. But at the moment i'm too broken to laugh. Staying up on the hill near the highway for almost an hour. All I could think of is that I hurt Lyra. But a soft gentle voice spoke.

" Russell." My head didn't even turn. She sat beside me placing her head on my side. " Please I'm alright. It didn't go that deep. Thankfully you stole a medical kit." She blinked looking up to me. I didn't even look at her.

"Someone close to me...got hurt... because of me. Lyra I hurt you..i could have killed you..Th.,..these instincts are destroying me. What happens if..I hurt my dog's or someone else close to me." Lyra on my side nuzzling very gently. Tears fell from her eyes I could feel them turning my head to look at her.

" I'm so sorry Russell. I keep forgetting you're a dragon not a pony. But I'm friends with a little baby dragon. Who is very cute. Very young as well so he hasn't had to deal with what your doing. You have kept me company for just being here Russell. Even though I get extremely upset with you. When you just steal things and act like what is going on here is some kind of joke." Hearing that hit me hard. But yes I haven't been very mature. I've been controlling what she does. But the worse thing is my words of..I don't trust her.

" Lyra I'm so sorry for how I have been treating you. Just I know this has been said many times before from me." She placed her hoof on my mouth nodding.

" Come you promised me to take me to three places. Keep that promise and all is forgiven alright?" A gentle smile formed on my face nodding. Slowly standing back on my clawed feet walking back in the rain to the car. It's such a peaceful walk without all the cars passing us so we can hear the rain.

But she felt like she needed to calm me down. She brought out her lyre. Before we got back into the car and drove off. She wanted to relax me first. So thanks to the music I calmly relaxed and felt happy again. So we left the center.

00000

It's been thirty minutes since we left the center. I followed the signs so i can get use to wall drug but the rain hit the car pretty hard. But it's pretty oddly around this area. But I kept focused to the road placing another CD. The music play it was I'm alive from America. Lyra set down the book when she heard the song. " When the last eagle flies over the last crumbling mountain." On the outside birds flew the water from the rain slowly caused the rocks to fall from it.

" And the last lion roars at the last dusty fountain "

Near us beast of many followed along the road that became a fountain. The drains looking like they have been jammed. But the roads still calm while the rain comes down on the car. On our trek to Wall Drug. A few bumps that caused the music to skip just a moment. But it went back to the right words of the song.

" In the shadow of the forest though she may be old and worn"

Out of the wilderness of Dakota a very old herd of cows cross the road. But being with how calm it is. There is no need to worry about them. The rain moving the herds from other parts of the land. It's going to be a normal thing without the owner's of the cows to return anytime soon. So the herds are controlled by themselves. It's going to be hard to collect the cows when they're needed.

" They will stare unbelieving at the last unicorn "

When the last unicorn was sounded Lyra hit the pause button with her magic. " Who is this last Unicorn?" She asked. I could tell in her eyes she wished to know. " Did a species of my kind come here before me?" A smile formed on my face shaking my head.

" No no nothing like that Lyra. The last Unicorn is based on a book about a unicorn like you. But more graceful like a horse. Smoother long lanky body to. But the thing is in the book and the movie of course. People forget about unicorns. So they only see a white mare. But the reason she is the last because.. A large red bull forced them across the world to trap them."

Lyra blinked at this. " But if this happen what happen really?" A smile again formed on my face. Lyra like a child when it came to things like this. It made my heart soar from how happy I was. I had to think of the best way to tell her. It's not easy to tell a unicorn that humans already knew in a way about magic. But magic that they thought was fake as well. Sometimes the human imagination can bring out the best in all. So I had to think on what to say to her. It's not going to be very easy either to think on it. So at the moment i had to think hard.

" Well the story goes that she did go on the journey to find what she wished. But on the way she met some that didn't even know who she was. Some tried to capture her. Some tried to learn about her. But then she fell asleep along the road. A old women captured her for her circus but the women could see what she was. So could the wizard. But the issue here. The wizard faked it so he didn't think he could. Now the unicorn brings hope to those in some parts of the world. Lyra. it's how it's sadly worked. But think of it this way. You brought hope to me when you showed up"

Lyra smiled softly "I'm happy i did Russell you also brought hope to me because. Well it's how I wished to be of help. I am in a world that I know nothing about. i see these cars you have. You have shown me so much. But not all. I know you wish to avoid some topics like many things. But at times I feel you do a good job telling me what is wrong." She gave a nod.

" Alright let's see ah yes. In the cages the creatures that look like creatures of myth. Are really old close to death creatures. The Manticore was nothing but a toothless lion. Most of them were just figments a spell. But the harpy the one of death wasn’t. The wizard goes to get the key. But when he frees the unicorn. She wishes to free the harpy. Now the Wizard is unsure about this. I would be to wouldn't you a large big creature. Able to fly and tear out your very heart?" I gave a nod.

" Well it sounds like the unicorn was a little to trusting. I'm not of course. " She smirked

" Oh really?" I asked "You trust me right off the hop Lyra. I could have been an evil dragon. That would have eaten you up for dinner. " Giving her a smirk and Lyra blushed gently. " Of course I wouldn't have. Anyway now they release the harpy. Then along the way it girls the old women. But it's hard to explain. Lets just say along the way she meets one and falls in love. Her kind don't know love. They don't grow old and die like mortals do. But she is the only one of her species to know love. It's kind of like a very said thing and yes it is. So what happens your kind of they find love. Are you unicorns immortal?"

Lyra thought on that a moment. " No. Ponies may be well interesting creatures but we do last long. But with love. Love to us a moment that we wish to share with everyone we meet. Even those we care for. Like I do love you Russell but as a friend. Your like a little sister to me." She smiled at me I found that surprising after i hurt her so many times she thinks of me as a sibling.

" Lyra again I was way out of line with how i treated you. You never deserved that at all. I know you have forgiven me but it hurts me that I did that to you. It's just hurts so much. I look back on that and think I could have handled that better. I could have stopped myself from scratching you. But there are a lot of ifs and do's but no one ever does know the full truth of the matter. I am sure you know this well yourself Lyra it's a hard thing to see and how hard it is to know."

The two of us were silent awhile after that conversation she went back to the book. But I didn't turn the music back on. I just looked outside seeing the lovely world. Without all the cars going by it was so peaceful. it reminded me of how it was back when I was born. Before all this new tech started flooding the world. But yes I'm old at heart young at mind. Some things you do need to accept down the line. But it's always very hard to do such a thing. Accepting is always hard. Like accepting that i look like this now is very hard. I don't know if anyone else would have accepted this right away. I do care for the fact that my world is like this now. But what would happen to the world if this happen during a war? Maybe peace?

Thinking hard on that and shook my head. Sadly no even if this happen during a war the human race would have found a way to start another war sadly. But that is normal for us. It's how most of us see it in the end. I'm not trying to defend my species or my former species. But there are times I do look back and hope that we would have found better ways to handle things. Looking over to Lyra who read her book calmly but she turned to look at me.

" Lyra I do wish to go deeper into the world with you. But alto of what i will tell you is not peaceful not easy to hear. Are you willing to listen to me on what will I be telling you? Because somethings are very harsh and could make you feel very bad. But that will be a topic for another time. For now we will keep speaking about the last unicorn. Now unicorns in the stories found virgins to protect."

Lyra blinks her cheeks turned bright red. " But but I speak to everyone even those who already had sex. It's odd that would be how you see us." A laugh came from me a soft feminine laugh. " What's so funny?" She asked.

" Lyra it's a story of how some write it. To some Civilizations the unicorn means wisdom is here. I look at you, I ...I see...a unicorn that doesn't really doesn't have wisdom but is wise of course. Well wise in a way....Not really...No. But you have heart and the power of loving all those around you." Saying with a smile. " You have to understand the world vanished suddenly a unicorn shows up. How do you think people would act? Some would think oh it's not the end of the world. But God has sent an angel to help me along the way."

Lyra chuckled softly. " Do you think of me as an angel hmm?" She said batting her eyelashes at me..

" Okay no trying to flirt with me when I am driving okay please. No need to have a crash with me trying to keep the heat between my legs stopping me from driving." Lyra laughs softly.

" Oh I am just fooling with you Russell. Knowing from experience what heat feels like. But mostly doing it to get a reaction out of you. I have some pony I care deeply for back at home. But there is something I can teach you to beat the heat. Now it will be heart to listen since it might get you hot."

Calmly I listen putting the car on cruise reaching behind the seat for the basket of water bottles. Taking one just in case. " Alright..." I said gulping " Go on."

" Now as a mare I'm not sure how the heat works for you. But you have what I have of course. Of course back in may you were a male human. So you had the other part heh. Now how some mares stop themselves from getting plowed by a stallion they step in very cold water thinking of dirty plants up in there. But again sometimes the only way to stop that feeling is to allow it to happen. Now for me I have been through it many times. Without getting a foal thankfully but that was because I couldn't control myself. That's the issue with heat. It takes control of your mind." Nodding my face started to burn grabbing the water bottle keeping another so I could turn. Drinking the water down trying to remove the heat from my body. It didn’t work why didn’t it work?! " Forget the stallion going in and out it helps make wonders. Then oh the rush of the flow of what comes after" She giggled. Stopping the car getting out rushing to hide in a ditch for a quick moment. Opening the water bottle dumping the water between my legs it felt so hot. But it also felt better. Slowly taking the lid of the bottle screwing it on and staring at her.

" Thank you Lyra. Now I know what a stallion feels like in a way...Oh thank you so much." Lyra laughed. " Now let's get back to the trip. I'm going to be thinking of that for hours now. Thank you oh so much Lyra." She laughed loudly as I growled getting back into the car with her calmly closing my eyes and getting back onto the trip. The trip then remained silent again. While the trip was going to be insane to me. But I do care for Lyra. Watching her read that book with such wide eyes. Feeling that she would love this world even more. But again. She did tell me that she will be leaving after she helped me.

0000

We got close to Wall Drug the signs just kept coming it got to the point I couldn't stand it anymore. But again i wanted to take her to many places before she leaves. She is my friend now I need to remember that she will be here till I don't need her any longer. But thinking about that breaks my heart a bit. It's not something I am looking forward to being alone again. I wish I never would be alone again. But who knows. I might find more folks that had changed. But I doubt that still eh who knows.

We saw a giant Dino before we went into Wall Drug. That's the sign that you are close to wall Drug and smiled softly. "Almost there Lyra."

Finally we got into Wall Drug the large village like story bar so on. So getting out of the car letting the dogs out as well. Lyra put down food and water for them. As we both looked around. It was calm and like a ghost town. But it's bound to happen because no one will ever return maybe. But maybe they will down the line. Looking towards the door that said free water. I doubt I would be able to get free ice water.

" We are mainly here to check the store. But if you want to see the rest. I could try to get the Dinosaur roaring." Lyra blinked at me hearing the word Dinosaur. " Oh you don't know that those are. Hmm lets see lets see. Maybe I can show you." Going to one of the doors. I noticed I'm a bit too large to get through here. So i would have to find a way. Smashing through the door breaking a bit of the doorway with my large new dragon body. We allowed the dogs to roam we will find them again later. But when we got inside it was hot a stifling Lyra had issues breathing it was easy to tell with how hot it was. But smiling at her she relaxed even if it was hot.

" Great am I going to smell you the entire trip?" Lyra blushed a bit looking away. " I am kidding Lyra it happens of course I don't know if dragons sweat really. If they did it must take hotter weather to do so."

" No Russel. Dragons in my world can even swim in lava. It's kind of fun to watch them do that." She said with a grin. Blinking Dragons can swim in Lava? That scares me a bit. I find it a bit odd to I am not sure how that will work. Thinking a moment about it. It oddly sounds good to me like a hot tub. A powerful hot tub. But yes now the Dino. Ah yes there he is. Now how will I do this? OH i know.

" Lyra stand in front of that." Point to the Dino. She blinked and nodded while I found a way to get behind it. Grabbing it and moving it back and forth with my wings . I made it sound like a drum and roared loudly like a Dinosaur moving it back and forth but of course. The tracks its on weakened, it flew off the tracks roll right into the wall. Lyra looked to me laughing softly. " Oops" I said She laughed loudly giggling at that.

" Good thing that no one was here Russel that would have hurt some pony." She said with a gentle smile. A soft chuckle came from me. But It's not something I'm happy about looking at the Dino the poor thing will fall apart here without someone to take care of him. Looking to the gift shop.

" Come along Lyra lets see what we can steal. I mean steal since no one is here to buy anything from. Also I am going to get you a gift. So pick you what you want." Lyra gave me an angry look but then she understood that it's not going to be easy to give money to buy something from someone. Because if it was there would be someone here to buy it from. Looking through the shelves there is a lot of interesting things to buy. But I grabbed a shirt and she did was well placing it on herself. So it's impressive that she will wear that back to her home. I even put a hat on her head.

" Lets see what else there is." Looking through the halls we saw all the Photos of people who have been here. I forgot the miles that I came from but I just put my name with a claw into the wooden wall drawing in Kilroy was here." Before you ask who that is Lyra old joke." I said looking to her with a smile. But she was mainly focused on the photos of the people who have been here. I could tell she was close to crying. Sighing softly to myself.

" Russel this...is so sad... These people... All these people vanished because...I can't tell you. But i'm starting to wonder if it was the right thing. I don't know anymore. I see you here alone and I care so deeply for you. But then I learn about this world. Maybe it was a good idea. So maybe it's how we don't look at it. But I can't stop." She calmly started to sob. Sighing to myself why is she crying now. Calmly I wrapped around her to hold her close with one of my front claw we both sat on our hanuces

" Lyra whatever happen. I'm sure it was for a good reason. We can't allow it to break you just because you see photos like this. Of all the people that have been here before. You need to be strong. I know this is not going to be easy for you. Sadly there is more i can't show you here. But we should get going. " Lyra didn't move from the spot but she looked like she was thinking. Preserving this place is not going to be easy to do. Noticed a metal like sign that you could buy and hang up. Wall Drug it said on it. Taking it heading outside to the warm weather. Placing the shirt and the hat I got for myself in the very back of the car. Calling out to Toby and Luna. " LUNA!! Toby come on." Getting on my back legs since it's easy for me to see things now with my long neck. Saw them running towards the car looking back inside seeing that Lyra was still sitting near the wall. Sighing softly letting the dogs in the car closing the door.

Sighing heading back inside she is reading each photo of miles and people. " Lyra lets go please. I wish to get you to Mt Rushmore before that storm hits us." Lyra looked up to me a weak smile forming on her face. She slowly followed me into the car. " That's my girl. I mean that's my friend." Sighing at my words. Since it's the silly mind of a dragon trying to break through many things. Getting into the driver's seat and placing MT Rushmore in the Gps. " This is pretty far out there. We will have to stop at Rapid city. We will need to go there to check for gas. Well I don't think we really need gas. But there we can rest a bit then head our way on the 29th."

000

We have been back on the road for an hour. We passed Rapid city twice to get to where we need to go. It's interesting how that works. But Lyra wanted to see what she could before she was forced to head back to her world. Whatever world that is of course. Turning the radio back on playing the same CD from where it was before it was paused.

" When the first breath of winter through the flowers is icing "

The world so peaceful no ice but clouds the sun peaking out a bit. But even some rain. So gentle of a breeze outside. It's a wonderful state of peace. The grass of the land slowly waves in the very wind. But without many cars going by it looks to be nature trying to retake the road. Every time we had to slow down for Deer to cross. But they walked didn't rush like they normally did. A turtle slowly walked along the road, so needed to move just a bit.

" And you look to the north and a pale moon is rising "

Looking to the clock it would be four in the afternoon. Driving back it will be night. But hopefully it will be a peaceful night. But for the moment the drive is far to peaceful. It made me feel happy but also very unsure. The fact no cars came by so weird to me. I'm far too used to Semi trucks coming up beside me or other cars rushing to get ahead of you. Just the feel of no police rushing past us to find someone. Then again it hit me hard. I let it go beyond me for a bit. I'm in an empty world. Maybe not fully empty. This has hit me every time i think of something. But this time...I'm not crying. I don't feel like crying for my world. It's time to move on. The human race had its chance. Now it's time for a second chance. Well set in different bodies. Lyra noticed the look in my eyes. She paused the CD looking towards me. Keeping my eyes on the road.

" Looking at my world now, without all the distractions. I finally can see what I have been missing. The human race Lyra is all about.. Getting there getting there. Not about.. this lovely world. It's the first time I took time to look at the beauty of the world. Now not every human was like this. But I did fall in that state. Want to get there..want to have fun. Just want to be entertained." Closing my eyes a bit breathing deeply. Opening them again to watch the road. " Some forget that we just rent this world. We don't own it. We live we become known. Then we pass on. But looking at it all now. We did it wrong I think. It's not easy though. Because without the distractions I can see everything. Well I am not reborn." Chuckles. " Oddly in one way I am. Just need to let my mind accept this. Not allow the dread to fill me." Sighing softly turning to finally get to where we have to go. Man this is so out of the way it might be the next day before we get into Rapid city. I will have to let Lyra sleep and feed the dogs as well.

Oh damn my back hurts. I need to stretch when we get there.

0000

It's now five in the afternoon it's still light out. So it would be easy to see what we wished to. Slowly parking and we finally able to see it but we did have to walk up there. Walking up the stairs and Lyra finally saw the sight. MT Rushmore. " This Lyra is MT Rushmore of the few memorable presidents of this united states." I sighed closing my eyes ‘The former united states’ I softly said in my mind. I opened up my eyes looking around to see it again. Looking up to a flagpole. " Lyra is it alright if I take that?" Pointing my claw up to the flag. Lyra gave a nod. Grabbing the rope of the flag slowly lowering it down.

" Russell how did they create this?" Looking up to the mountain. Took the flag she took it from my claws and folded it into a great moveable flag. Had to think a bit on how it took and how long it took.

" If I remember correctly they used sculptors as TNT in some spots, forming it with that. It wasn't easy either. But they picked these ones because they did amazing things. George Washington he fought in a war that was to free this land from another land's rule. But sadly when I had teachers telling all this stuff. It wasn't a very kind way of teaching. Most of the time I was told they had slaves were racist and stole from others. So yes I sadly don't know much about them. But this will last forever. But please Lyra take the flag back to the car. I'm going to see what's in the gift shop." She nodded walking back down the path. Her hooves clomped along the stone. Sighing looking back up to the Mountain " Thank you for your sacrifice." I said softly. Walking back down the stairs finding the Gift shop. It was an old building. If i was ten times bigger then now I might smash it. Grabbing the door forcing it open. Slowly going inside looking around not much here to buy. But grabbing a button as well a few post cards. Getting down to the car Lyra already sitting in the passenger's seat. Opening the door putting the Button and the postcards in the glove compartment. Sighing a bit.

" Russell we can just stay here awhile if you feel you can't go on." Looking up to Lyra. My eyes looked tired but my body wasn't tired. Maybe I was crying I did feel that way. " You look so drained and out of it Russell please don't over do it again." I gave Lyra a gentle smile trying to look strong. I could tell Lyra meant well. But I don't think she understood how a dragon feels. In fact this is so new to me. That the instincts are making me feel strange.

"It's these instincts, These instincts are strange to me. I hear things I never thought I would before. The sun warms me up to the point I want to sleep. The scent of smell amaze me and my eyes get odd when the sun starts going down. But I'm learning Lyra I'm learning." Lyra opened the cooler of the meat cooler there is still some ice left mostly water now. She hovers in her magic bacon I stole back at the start of my journey.

" Try eating this." Blinking at it taking the bacon in my claws. Opening up the package eating it like it's cooked. My sharp razor teeth, Broke through the ice covered raw meat with little issue. Chewing slowly on the bacon savoring every sensation. Feeling my taste buds dance at the taste of raw meat. Swallowing the chewed meat feeling my instincts slowly leave me. Taking a bite of the rest of the meat feeling every moment of the issues i have been having leave me. Could I have been hungry or did..my instincts need to be kicked with a little meat? A burp came from my mouth it stank from how Lyra waved her hoof putting it on her nose. Closing my eyes feeling my dragon body finally go back to normal.

" Thank you Lyra.. I feel so much better. Having no idea what was wrong. But i'm guessing that even I'm not hungry my instincts will relax when I at least have some meat." Sighing closing the door cracking my new dragon back groaning. It felt wonderful but also painful at times. But slowly getting back into the car making sure everything is here. Turning it on looking at the gas. " We will refill when we get to Rapid City." After that bacon I feel myself being able to control myself again. Turning on the car leaving behind the Mount Rushmore heading back to Rapid city.

0000

It's been close to ten minutes everything was very silent. But Lyra started speaking. " Russell." I didn't say anything I just focused on driving. " Malla!!" Blinks turning to look at her. "Are you okay?" Sighing looking back to the road nodding.

" Well Lyra it's hard to talk about it. I feel stronger as well as powerful. But I also feel that my back is going to hurt me the rest of my life for sitting like this." Laughing softly. " Of course cars were never made to be driven by a dragon. So that's something else. I'm going to be in pain so much." Lyra chuckled softly.

" But you seem to have so much on your mind Malla. Like what is bothering you?" Thinking a moment on what is bothering me. I'm extremely unsure what is bothering me. Putting on cruise control to move my tail and wrap it around me. Keeping my eyes on the road.

" I have tons of things on my mind Lyra. I'm going to be heading to my birth home. My grandparents home, I'm going to taking all my grandfather's tools. But the thing is Lyra I have so much on my mind. Because I am going to be seeing things. I haven't seen for years. Michigan is the state I love so much. But the biggest reason i love it. Is because of the people. But without the people it's going to be harder to want to be there." Closing my eyes remembering everything about Michigan the hot air balloons every summer. The snowbirds that came from Canada to give us a wonderful show. Then the Thunderbirds to give us another show of wonder. But really Highly doubt it. But maybe. " Thing is my dear Lyra I feel that I will never see anything I loved again. But maybe that is a good thing. But Of course my friend. Maybe It's best for this world to get used to the fact that the old world is gone.

Lyra sighed. " Well Malla i'm sorry for how you feel. But I hope you will be alright. But maybe this new world will be a good thing for your kind. Now I know it suddenly happen. But from my point of view. You're giving me a tour of your world. Just by taking me around in this car." Saying with a giggle.

A smile forms on my face yes I was showing my new friend around. I felt very happy that I had this to share with someone. Well she called herself some pony. So it's amazing to me that it's happening. But well hopefully She will be around long enough that I can learn more about her.

" Promise me Russell when we get to this city you take a day to rest. I will go to places you ask me to find supplies. With watching you long enough. I can get you more fuel and find more MREs. Are you willing to trust me?" Sighing maybe she is right I need a break from driving and relax at least a day. " Russell please. When we get there find a hotel break into a room and get some sleep. I mean it i'm tired of seeing you like this. During this I will take the dogs for a walk." Nodding.

" Alright Lyra I will do what you want. Will find a hotel and rest."

00000

We finally made it to Rapid city but I was focused on finding Hotels. The gas was almost empty parking in the parking like the comfort hotel. Getting out of the car putting gas in. Setting down two and half gas cans. Setting the Siphon on one of them looking to Lyra. " There is a target and a Sam's club here. I think it's best to go in the morning. But go ahead and fill up the gas cans, let the dogs wander around as well. Then place them back in."

Lyra stared at me. " Russell I think it's best that we both rest. I will bring the dogs with us. Then you stay resting." Sighing nodding opening the back for the dogs to get out. The two went to go sniff around and do their thing. Lyra lifted both of the bowls putting dog food and water in them. The two of us went inside the hotel with the two dogs behind us. I didn't care what room we would find. So I didn't need a key either. Stay in the lower level going to a door grabbing the latch with my claws prying it out. Letting Lyra and the two dogs in. Lyra set the bowls down. I just got into the bed laying my head on the bed and just fell right to sleep.

000

Lyra's eyes

Watching Malla sleep I have never seen her so tired. Here's hoping in my heart she alright. Looking to the two dogs eat laying in the bed beside Malla's oh this bed felt amazing. The two dogs jumped up and cuddled with me. Closing my eyes to sleep. But I woke up in the middle of the night hearing crying. Looking over to Malla. She was sleep talking. " No....No...don't leave me..please." Slowly got out of the bed. " Please.." I could see tears falling down her face. But I didn't wish to wake her. Deep sobs came out of her dream. " Oh Luna please free this mind from her nightmare." Gently before going back to bed I nuzzled along Malla's back. Then got back into my own bed falling right to sleep.

28th

Well since not to much happen on the next day. I'm keeping what mostly happen in the journal here. Malla is still asleep. I don't dare wake her up. But the dream has at least stopped. First thing I did I took the bowls back into the cars with food and water for the dogs. But now I needed to fill the gas cans up. Lifting all three gas cans in my magic doing what she told me to do. Now it took me awhile to break the caps off the cars to get the gas. But it worked. Now never put your nose in the hole were the gas goes, the smell is awful. But I filled them all up putting them back on the trailer. So wanting a peaceful walk. Now she told me to go to Target and the sam's but leaving the rest alone.

Using the lock spell that Chris helped me learn. I used my magic on the tumblers but of course they exploded with magic causing the doors to open. When I went into the target there was no nasty smell. But I had no idea why she wanted to come in here. While i was walking through here I got lost six times. But I found something called video games, dvds, and music CD's. Looking through the music CD's maybe this is why she wanted me here. I noticed a CD called Creed lifting that in my music as well as a large pile of others so Malla can look through them. Carrying them out of the target looking around it was pretty late now. How long was I in there? Taking the CD's back to the car. Now heading to that Sam's Club. I don't know she wishes me to go there. But while writing this I still don't know. But walking down to it. Now this door took longer than I was hoping it would. I didn't get the idea to just buck the door. I thought brute force would work. But of course the door was so tightly closed it didn't work.

So i did the next best thing.Using the way i was shown again. The lock slowly opened but pushing with my magic after it was unlocked. Causing it fly open and shatter. But as i did the smell of rotting food hit me hard. Tears filled my eyes but I needed to come in here to find MREs even though we have tons of them. But I'm wondering if Malla is over prepared. Slowly going inside coughing from the smell ignoring or at least trying to ignore it. Looking around at all the isles but I found the MREs. Looking through each MRE I found some meat ones and Veggies grabbing the large cases. Carrying them out of the store. But the smell got so bad I felt I was going to pass out. But following my fuzzy vision back outside. Breathing deeply coughing. Groaning slowly going along the road back to the hotel. But I feel lost..

Looking around I had no idea where to go. yes... I got lost what do you expect? I am a pony not from this world. I had to remember the road that i came down from but then I remembered. Getting back to the hotel placing the MREs in the car stroking the head of the dogs. They look so board but.. I didn't wish to let them out. I don't trust this city.

That's all that happen today.. So I am going to get some rest and hopefully we will be on our way tomorrow. Setting down the Journal getting into the bed near Malla's I didn't wish to fall asleep just yet. I played music on my lyre before I went to sleep. Opening my bags looking at a photo of my wife Bon Bon I miss her so much.