Drops of Fire

Chapter 3- The city of Applewood

"You have everything packed right? Hairbrush, poncho, water bottles, plenty of snacks....."

Skywatcher staggered to the side as her mother frantically dug her hooves through the heavy bag that was draped across her back. The pink pegasus winced as something hard jabbed her in the ribs and she looked up to see Amethyst holding the map Celestia had given them the night before. "Now you make sure to follow this just like the Princess said, OK?" the purple coated mare gave her a long look that made Skywatcher shiver. But she could hear the note of fear behind her mother's sternness.

"I will," she responded, boosting the bag back unto her shoulders with a puff. "You don't have to worry about me mom."

Skywatcher and her friends were waiting at the station for the train destined for Applewood. The sun shone brilliantly, warming Skywatcher's face and body. She still tried to hide the pulsing excitement that flooded through every inch of her body. She'd been tingling ever since last night, knowing that in less than twenty-four hours she'd be her friend's side, journeying endlessly to save Equestria from the natural wrath that choked it.

But what types of hardships will we face on this quest?

They had all been sent home the night before to rest and pack before the perilous journey to find Umbra. Celestia had explained the plan to the parents, including the fact that Tide Breaker would be accompanying them. Amethyst Moon had not been thrilled about the idea of her daughter would be traveling with a stranger and had argued with the Princesses about every word after that. Skywatcher felt utterly embarrassed by her mother's aloof actions, but she could understand the feelings of fear behind them as well.

"You stick with your friends, you hear me?" Amethyst's stern voice knocked Skywatcher from her thoughts. "I don't want you getting lost, or hurt, or-"

"She'll be fine, Amethyst," broke in Comet Storm, the wind ruffling his dark blue and yellow hair. "It's time for her to make her own decisions and step into the real world." Skywatcher's father gave her a proud stare.

"I know but," Amehtyst responded, twisting her head around to look at her husband. In a more quieter voice she added, "What if she doesn't come back?" the purple pegusus's voice shook on her last words.

"I promise we'll be fine," reassured Pheniox Feather, resting her hoof on Skywatcher. The yellow filly's eyes glowed with excitement, and she was trembling a little. "I'll have her back. Skywatcher will be safe with an alicorn at her side!"

Skywatcher shoved down the prickle of irritation that probed at her belly. "I can look out for myself without alicorn supervision," she spat, giving her friend a glare. Phoenix was about to protest when an exited squeak came from Storm. "The train's here!" the dark brown pegusus announced happily, bouncing up and down.

Sure enough, a long train was quickly approaching the station on fast wheels. Skywatcher's excitement returned as it slowed and with a loud screech and stopped in front of the station. A giant smile crossed Phoenix's face as the wide doors opened with a whoosh. Ponies of many colors trotted out of the cars, all carrying some kind of bag with them. Skywatcher's breath caught in her throat as a beige stallion carried out a load of luggage with his magic, and a group ponies came over to him to claim them.

"Leaving in five minutes for Applewood!" yelled the conductor, who checked his watch before stepping out from the front of the train.

Skywatcher's friends all gave exited squeals before coming over to their parents to say goodbye. Thunder Paw's mother and father helped carry the luggage to the beige pony, who nodded politely to them before carrying the bags back inside for loading. Phoenix hugged her little sister, Honey Feather, then reached for her mother, who had begun to grow teary eyed with emotion. "When do you think you'll be back?" asked Honey Feather innocently, blinking up at her sister with round blue eyes.