Blueblood

Earth Writer chuckled at Sugar Apple's greeting as he took a seat beside her. "[colour=#8b4513]Enthusiastic as ever, I see.[/colour]" Hospitalizations amounted to solitary confinement most of the time, both terms of which would prove torturous to a gregarious pegasus. The unicorn couldn't blame her for any heartiness in welcoming a visitor, then, however unsuitable it may have been for the premises. He graciously accepted the apple, remarking, "[colour=#8b4513]I actually like eating the tart ones raw, though most ponies use them for cooking. Of course...[/colour]" Here he winked at the mare, "[colour=#8b4513]I have a liking for the sweet ones too.[/colour]" A writer must be excused for taking the opportunities provided to play with words during ordinary conversation, however much they may border on flirting. But such light considerations were merely preliminaries. Earth Writer soon brought out the notebook stuffed with clippings, laying it out on the bed beside Sugar Apple. "[colour=#8b4513]Mhm, both versions, actually. The clipping was actually published a few days ago, but it's nothing special, just a rundown of events dashed off in time to make the evening papers. The draft is actually for a larger piece that I'm hoping to get into Equestria Geographic. I took the angle of describing a local tradition as if it were something exotic and encountered for the first time because, quite frankly, most readers have probably little experience with Earth Pony season-changing traditions.[/colour]" He nudged it open with his magic, flipping the pages until he got where he'd started the article. "[colour=#8b4513]The key to being a travel writer is capturing experiences unique to a place, and that, like charity, starts at home. the familiar things are sometimes the hardest to see.[/colour]"

For a small town, the Ponyville Hospital is an impressively modern and extensive facility. The reason for this, however, is fairly simple; Ponyville operated as a crossroads of sorts, with both the main East-West and North-South roads and railways meeting here. Any cases that happen to arise in the surrounding area can be brought here quickly and conveniently, making this town a good place to build a regional hospital. Earth Writer, a geographer at heart, could never help making associations and coming up with explanations like that in the back of his mind, even with the rest of it concerned with something else. It gave him good article fodder, or at least context to whatever story the reporter was writing at the time; on the other hand, he would sometimes go on at length about all the locational associations of anything and everything long past the capacity of any normal pony to remain interested. Fortunately, whenever his works were sent to press, they passed through the hooves of a competent editor, who refined them to interesting little pieces that could be discussed around breakfast tables all across Equestria. And that, oddly enough, was connected with the thoughts in the front of his mind, namely, the pony he had come to the hospital to visit: Sugar Apple, one of the members of the extensive Apple family, come down to Ponyville to take part of the Running of the Leaves. That eventful tradition had been the cause of their meeting, their forming a very close friendship over the course of the race, and, less pleasantly, the cause of Sugar's hospitalization, as a result of injuries sustained during a dramatic rescue. Earth Writer had agreed to drop by to visit her, and bring copies of his articles for her to read while she healed up. After checking himself in at the visitor's desk, he got the number of Sugar Apple's room from the nurse, and stepped carefully to it, not wanting to disturb any of the resting patients. Fortunately, Sugar Apple was awake when he arrived. "[colour=#8b4513]Hello![/colour]" The unicorn stallion strode in cheerfully enough, a bulging notebook laid across his back, as he smiled in greeting to the pegasus mare. "[colour=#8b4513]They've been treating you well here?[/colour]" He spoke freely and easily with her, wishing to cheer her up if needed, and share her cheer if she was already so.

A couple of months after sending his letter to Princess Celestia, Earth Writer was settling into his newfound career as a journalist. Having a direct quote from one of the co-rulers of Equestria in one of his early articles had given him quite the leg up, for which he was rather grateful, and he gave her a shout-out in the 20th column he sold to one of the Canterlot Dailys. After some weeks among the reporter crowd, he began to see a lot of the journalists who worked the celebrity circuit, and while it wasn't his own beat, he was fascinated by their tales of how that little corner of the world worked. It was here that the saying arose, "Bad Publicity is Better than No Publicity." Earth never gave it much serious thought, until after Nightmare Night, when he suddenly connected the idea to Princess Luna. Of course, he didn't write her right away. Not only was the subject probably not an easy one for her to think about or discuss, but the way in which he proposed to frame it might prove particularly painful. On the other hand, it was beginning to keep him up at night. In the end, he decided that he ought to at least write the letter, even if he didn't send it yet.

In a race like this, 5th place was a proud accomplishment, let alone third and second. The front-liners had given it their all, and had earned their place on the listings. Earth Writer knew this, and felt far from downcast about how things turned out. In this vein, he tried to encourage Sugar Apple. "[colour=#8b4513]Hey, neither you nor Applejack have anything to be ashamed of, alright? It was a tough race out there, but you put yourself among the best. I won't forget that in a hurry.[/colour]" The medicos were not long in arriving after that, along with Greenshot and Rising Star. The reporter meant well, but his hovering over the shoulder of the rescue ponies did nothing to aid them in any way. At least they didn't tell him to buzz off, though, and they didn't seem hindered, either. In short order, the pegasus was loaded onto the stretcher, about to be flown off to the hospital. But before that, she paused to ask if Earth Writer would stop by. "[colour=#8b4513]Sure thing![/colour]" He assented. "[colour=#8b4513]I'll even bring around the first draft of my copy on this race, too.[/colour]" The stallion was blushing himself, and in that moment, something in his head went "click." Without a second thought, he leaned over, and gently kissed Sugar Apple, near the corner of her muzzle. He leaned back suddenly, conscious of what he'd just done, and his blush was now positively luminescent. He sat back as the stretcher was hauled off, still following it with his eyes, so that the sudden shower-bath from the could above took him by surprise. "[colour=#8b4513]Ak-pth![/colour]" He shivered, shaking the cold water, along with the last of the leaves, off of himself. "[colour=#8b4513]Well, that was... right, anyway,[/colour]" Clearly eager to change the subject, he turned to the winner of the race. "[colour=#8b4513]Excuse me, but if I could have a moment of your time, could I get a few words for the paper?[/colour]"

Ah, that's good to know; I had been about to ask myself how to handle in-thread character development, since that's one of the things I enjoy about RP'ing.

After everything that had happened during the race, Earth Writer wasn't all that concerned about the loss of his dignity. The last of it had been jettisoned as deadweight somewhere back in Whitetail Woods, he estimated. And if it would help Sugar Apple deal with her injuries, he'd dye his mane pink. "[colour=#8b4513]Well, I'm afraid I don't know any good jokes,[/colour]" He said in good humor, "[colour=#8b4513]At least, any that are better than this.[/colour]" Indicating his appearance with a wave of a hoof. He'd have gone on in this vein, except that Shanna arrived at that moment, bearing water in many forms. "[colour=#8b4513]Many thanks.[/colour]" He nodded, catching the water bottle with his magic, opening it before setting it down in front of Sugar Apple. "[colour=#8b4513]There you are, drink up, you've earned it.[/colour]" The unicorn waved at Hoss' sister to hold off on the shower for now. He'd wait until the medics arrived for that. Sugar then reminded the journalist of his duties, which did cause him to smile. "[colour=#8b4513]Well, it wasn't exactly solicited by my editor, but I think he'll like the story nonetheless.[/colour]" Rising up, with effort, he peered at the board standings, and then burst out laughing, collapsing next to Sugar Apple again. "[colour=#8b4513]Rising Star wins first place! Wow, ain't that a headline that writes itself? Photo finish too, if I'm any judge. Your cousin Applejack came in a close second, and you right behind! How about that, eh?[/colour]"

As things had turned out, it was really a finish for the books. Not that Earth Writer had been in any position to judge the winner; his little tumble due to the popcorn box had put him at the back of a pack of 5 racers who'd pulled a length ahead of the rest, and the front two, Applejack and Rising Star, had finished up neck and neck, giving the race to the judges. Immediately ahead of him, Gilda had pushed around from the outside, and had been fast on Sugar Apple's tail. The pegasus mare wouldn't be having with that, it seemed, and pulled ahead at the line with a burst of speed that brought her into third place. Unfortunately, that little burst had used up more that she'd had in reserve. Earth Writer was in the perfect position to see her leg give out, and the subsequent tumble seemed to occur in slow motion. The reporter's muscle's twinged in sympathy, causing him to stumble across the finish. He knew that the aggravated injuries would be immensely painful, beyond the ability of a numbing spell to counteract. Abandoning all other thoughts, he scrambled over to Sugar Apple, panting profusely, covered in traildust, sap, and leaves, looking like nothing civilized and not caring a straw for that. "[colour=#8b4513]Sugar, how bad is it? Can you speak?[/colour]" The stallion gave a quick look around, most of the crowd seemed to be surrounding the winner, whoever that was. "[colour=#8b4513]Hey! Can I get a medic over here? And some water, cider-*cough*[/colour]" The dust had done nothing good for his vocal cords, and Earth Writer felt that his legs wouldn't hold much longer. As gently as he could, he set himself down next to the mare, croaking out comfort as best he could. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't worry, help's coming, I'm here.[/colour]"

Huh, things finished really close at the end. With all the great competition, 5th place is kind of an accomplishment. Congrats to the winners!

And it's right down to the wire, too. I don't think I have anything to add, myself. Good luck to all the rest of you!

Earth Writer was really getting into character now, even modulating his voice a little so it had the slightly tinny sound of a megaphone heard over a distance. "[colour=#8b4513]Greenshot's approaching, it looks like he's pulling up- but wait! Sugar Apple's found just that final bit of speed, and now the finish line is just yards ahead. What a race folks; even with all the injuries sustained, these two just won't give up![/colour]" For all his acting, there was genuine admiration in the Stallion's voice. A wise pony once said that victory belonged to the most persevering, and if that wasn't so in this race, it wasn't the fault of the two Apple Cousins. Caught up in the excitement, the tan unicorn had gotten a few steps ahead, and then turned around, trotting backwards just to get a better view. "[colour=#8b4513]Almost at the finish, Sugar's maintaining a lead with Greenshot just a few steps behind- but who's this pony coming up from the pack? Why, none other than rising Star! It seems this new challenger's not to be let out on the fun, folks! She's keeping the pace, and now approaching the lead! This one's gonna be a photo finish![/colour]" They were now close enough not only for them to hear the crowd, but for the crowd to hear them; that is, right in front of some of them, as the cheering would have drowned out Earth Writer otherwise. He didn't see it, but the bemused faces of some of the audience members betrayed the fact that they had absolutely no clue what was going on with the strange, leafy stallion. They probably took him for a showboater, mocking the tired and injured racers. The reporter didn't notice until one of the more chivalric, if over-enthusiastic, watchers threw an empty popcorn box at him. It wasn't a big impact, but it put him completely off his stride, causing him to rather ignominiously trip over his own hooves, no doubt to the delight of the audience member, convinced he'd given an athletic bully his due. By the time Earth Writer got to his feet again, his momentum was completely shot, and he found himself struggling to take those last few steps alongside his friends.

Earth Writer laughed along with Sugar Apple when she asked if it would violate journalistic ethics to report on a friend winning. "[colour=#8b4513]Of course not, Sugar, otherwise we'd never be able to cover politics![/colour]" For all her laughter, you'd hardly believe that the pegasus was the most injured of the bunch. The stallion didn't want to flatter himself, but if he could play any part in keeping her spirits up, he'd call it a good day's work. And it seemed that both Sugar and Greenshot's injuries had completely failed to dampen their athletic spirit. The reporter couldn't help but feel pleased at that, something of a moral victory over circumstances. Of course, there was always the possibility that this might aggravate the injuries of the Apple Cousins; that was another, unspoken reason why Earth Writer hadn't simply galloped off. Somepony ought to be on hoof in case anything went wrong. With her acceptance of Greenshot's challenge, Sugar Apple plunged ahead, her unicorn cousin trotting close behind. And then Applejack blazed through, galloping after the first prize. Earth Writer couldn't blame her; after all, she was the hometown favorite. Meanwhile, the other two Apples held his attention. He kept pace with Sugar in the lead, winking at her as he pitched his voice like a race announcer. "[colour=#8b4513]And here it is folks, the two pack leaders are coming down the homestretch, and what an amazing race it's been! Sugar Apple is in the lead, but Greenshot's approaching from the outside, with less than a quarter mile to go![/colour]"

Earth Writer heard the finish line before he saw it; all of the spectators who had rather wisely kept out of the rain and wild gathered at the end of the race to cheer the participants. The reporter briefly wondered if his parents were there, of if they were cooking something up to celebrate their son's completion of this event. And for him, simply completing the event had been an accomplishment in itself. Unicorns were hardly renowned for their athleticism, and Earth wasn't one to buck the trend by any means. Even with the relatively steady and measured pace he'd taken throughout the race, with breaks in between, the fatigue was beginning to catch up with him. It hadn't gotten beyond the point of light-headedness added to the ever-present burn in his legs, but the stallion knew that he'd feel it in the morning, all right. That wasn't at the front of his mind, though. Neither was the sudden, beautiful view of the city he now called home, showing through the break in the trees. It was the pack of ponies around him, who he'd run alongside, joked with, rescued, and befriended. He hadn't expected to meet so many friends in an ostensible competition, but that was life for you. He grinned as Risi shouted encouragement to them all, a few stubborn leaves still sticking to his face. There was about as much chance of dislodging the reporter as the leaves, as it turned out. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't denigrate yourselves,[/colour]" He said jovially to Sugar Apple and Greenshot. "[colour=#8b4513]I wouldn't have made this far if I hadn't had you all to encourage me. I'd have choked half a mile back! Besides,[/colour]" he continued, half jokingly, "[colour=#8b4513]I'm pretty sure it violates journalistic ethics to write a story on an event you won.[/colour]" His humorous mood very much resonated with the banter between the two cousins, and when Greenshot issued his challenge, Earth Writer turned right to Sugar Apple, eyebrows raised. "[colour=#8b4513]Ah, a challenger approaches! Are you going to let him get away with that?[/colour]" He asked the mare playfully.

Well, now he knew whose bucket he'd tripped over. Seeing the mare huffing and puffing right beside him, though, made it difficult for Earth Writer to be angry at her; it would have felt too much like teasing the helpless, so he tried to be as understanding as he could. This was no easy task, considering her last sentence had all run together into one one word. The reporter wasn't sure, but he thought there was some attempt at an introduction in there somewhere. "[colour=#8b4513]Pleased to meet you, Maple, was it? I'm Earth Writer, journalist.[/colour]" He decided not to task her further, she seemed to have little energy to spare. Meanwhile, his newer, bushier look had attracted the attention of his fellow racers. Hoss, the pegasus who'd shown himself well in the rescue operations, offered to find a cloud to clean him off at the end of the race. The tan (or tan-and-red, now) unicorn gave him a grateful smile. "[colour=#8b4513]Would you be so kind?[/colour]" The apple cousins, on the other, seemed to be on the humorous side of things. The stallion kept a straight face, as he replied to them both.[colour=#8b4513] "If you don't let up on this pun-ishment, I'll just shrub and say 'bucket,' and leaf as soon as I'm maple.[/colour]" It was with great effort that he managed not to laugh at his own groaners, but that was a newspaper pony for you. Nopony could touch them for bad puns.

(Just to clarify, it's only leaves that are coming down on Earth Writer, not entire branches hitting him) Earth Writer probably could have guessed that Sugar Apple was here on a kind of vacation; as far as he knew, there wasn't any kind of program that sent ponies from Cloudsdale to aid in earth pony methods of season change. [colour=#8b4513]*Although that's a pretty interesting idea, now that I think about it; kind of a cross-cultural exchange.* [/colour]He was sorry to hear that she'd forgotten her camera, but he saw the other side of it. "[colour=#8b4513]It's probably for the best; it's kind of hard to race and take pictures at the same time. If I come back next year to do a follow-up, though, I'll see if I can't sign you on as a photographer.[/colour]" Speaking of photographs, it seemed the mare would like to share her own whenever she came around to visit. "[colour=#8b4513]Sure, I'd like that. I was only a small colt when I last visited, so it'd be interesting to see what I remember.[/colour]" By this point, the reporter had pretty nearly forgotten what he was actually doing. The easy pace, the companionship, even the scenery all combined to form an impression that he was just taking a trot with some friends at the end of autumn. The ground still hummed with the sound of hooves, and the leaves still fell, but no suggestion of a race or duty was present. Perhaps that was how it all started, back in the day; the unicorn remembered Winter Wrap-Ups from his foalhood having moments like this too, though it was always kind of ruined after they ran late. These thoughts and more kept him too distracted to notice the bucket in front of him, and by the time Sugar Apple pointed it out to him, it was too late. Earth Writer tripped and tumbled over the bucket, covering himself in the sap, just as another shower of leaves floated down and covered him. He stood there for a second, looking a little like a bush with legs, before looking up at the sky and sighing. "[colour=#8b4513]Of course, it would stop raining just when I'd need a shower.[/colour]" The stallion deadpanned. He blew out a breath, shaking as many leaves off as he could. "[colour=#8b4513]The rest will have to wait, I suppose.[/colour]" He said as he trotted along to keep up with his group. Their attention seemed caught by a newcomer, who's sticky hooves and cutie mark seemed to indicate a syrup-maker. [colour=#8b4513]"Oh hi, I can't say I noticed you before.[/colour]" The unicorn nodded hello, still somewhat covered in sap and leaves. "[colour=#8b4513]These your buckets?[/colour]" He nodded to the sap-gathering apparati around the path.

"[colour=#8b4513]Ah-*put-ptui*![/colour]" One of the leaves had gotten into Earth Writer's mouth, just as he'd opened it to answer Sugar Apple. It was sticky with sap, so it took more than a few spits to get rid of it. He smacked his lips a few times, an odd expression on his face. [colour=#8b4513]"Why do leaves never taste as good as grass? They're almost the same thing."[/colour] He shook his head, dismissing one of the great mysteries of ponykind from his consideration. There were more interesting things to talk about. Sugar Apple didn't seem eager to dwell on the subject of the griffon, and the reporter was content to let it drop for now. He had to smile at her enthusiasm about his own work and ambitions. "[colour=#8b4513]I only just started my journalism work, remember? I haven't traveled farther from here than Canterlot, in a professional capacity. Still, that city has a lot of material for articles, but then, so does this town. I believe all places are interesting, if you look at them close enough."[/colour] He laughed a little. "[colour=#8b4513]Non-professionally though, I've been to a lot of places. I was actually born out west, roundabout Dodge Junction, but my parents moved here to Ponyville when I was little. My family used to go on a lot of vacations, so I've seen most of the cities in Equestria. My sister's traveled more than me, in fact; had a hard time looking for a job. I think she's in Manehattan now; I really liked that city when I visited.[/colour]" Earth spared some attention at this point for Greenshot, who seemed to be distracted with his sprained hoof. It didn't look to be hurting him, though. He asked after him anyway. "[colour=#8b4513]Feeling alright back there?[/colour]"

With the ravine behind him, Earth Writer and his "pack" had now come into the thick of Whitetail Woods, the brilliant reds of sugar maple leaves giving the sunlight a crimson tint before the rumbling of racer's hooves shook them to the ground. Whether it was the consistent pace they'd managed to keep up through the weather and terrain, or the clear path they'd managed to maintain through the fog without getting too lost, they were all grouped near the front of the racers, to the reporter's amusement. "[colour=#8b4513]Gotta say,[/colour]" he remarked, as they took a gentle corner through a shower of leaves, "[colour=#8b4513]This is more like it! No storms, no rickety bridges, no flooded streams or deep ravines; just the trees, the leaves to remove, and friends to run with." [/colour]He gave an encouraging smile to all of his companions, especially Sugar Apple; given the injured condition of some of them, they couldn't exactly "run" if they all wanted to stay together, and for the tan stallion at least, that took priority over winning. [colour=#8b4513]*What a collection of characters; I wonder if any of them will be back next year?* [/colour] Most of them, Earth Writer included, didn't actually live in Ponyville, and were in this event as guests. Probably, they wouldn't have all met under any normal circumstances, but now, after the dramatic events which had befallen them, they had all become fast-forged friends. [colour=#8b4513]*I suppose that's the reason traditional events like these are still held even today.* [/colour]He reflected. [colour=#8b4513]*They really do bring us all closer together, and reveal strengths that we never knew we, or anypony else, had.*[/colour] Another thought to put in the article, he supposed. In a roundabout way, it led his mind back to the events on the bridge, and he turned to Sugar Apple, asking, "[colour=#8b4513]Did you expect that little act of heroism from the griffon? I have to admit, from your account I didn't see it coming. I think I might owe her an apology when this is all said and done.[/colour]"

(Getting near the end of the last day, so I'm going to wrap this up as best I can. Sorry in advance for any G-modding that might happen due to time crunch). Earth Writer found himself amazed at just how much a gentle touch could ease his troubles, and how much a single look could confirm understanding. To have it happen just following a rescue was natural enough, but when the reporter considered the fact that only a whim three days before had brought him to this time and place... it added something surreal and serendipitous to it. He was too swept up to return Sugar Apple's wink, but he could at least smile, and that he did. "[colour=#8b4513]And I'll be right beside you![/colour]" He answered. Now, of course, to see to the second rescue he'd put in motion. The coordinators were professionals, and Applejack was assured to be in good hands. As for the others... for some reason that was completely beyond Earth Writer's understanding, Rising Star appeared to fear the prospect of flight more than the prospect of falling. Or perhaps it was a measure of pride; who could say? He could only shake his head, half in exasperation and half in admiration. Next, the coordinators came for Sugar, and he waved back as they ferried her over. Three more unicorns awaited ferrying, and then it was Earth Writer's turn at last. He couldn't have said what he'd expected flight to be like, but he always had a vague idea that it would be enjoyable. After all, the pegasi loved it. As he was hoisted between two of them, the tan stallion had the uncomfortable sensation of having left his stomach back on the ground. The flight was short, but all throughout it the journalist was aware of every strain in his muscles as he held onto his carriers, every slight pitch and yaw from take off to landing, and most of all, the height above the ravine floor when he chanced an ill-considered look down. [colour=#8b4513]*All in all,* [/colour]He thought, beathing heavily as he once again touched hooves to earth, [colour=#8b4513]*I think I understand Risi's attitude a little better.*[/colour] Still, he was grinning by the time he'd trotted back to Sugar Apple's side. "That... was something I might get used to." Now that everypony was safe, Earth Writer felt buoyantly happy, and nearly kicked his heels together when he saw the whole group gathered around. Certainly, he no longer felt tired anymore. His new and expansive energy suffused his speech, as well. "[colour=#8b4513]Well, what are we waiting for? We've got a race to finish, and trees to defoliate! Tally-Ho! As they say in Canterlot.[/colour]" And with that, they were off again.

Aw, I thought it made for a dramatic moment... And to be perfectly honest, having that kind of temporal displacement in interwoven posts seems to me to be just a little too confusing.

Earth Writer's smile did not so much fade as drain when the old woden bridge across the ravine was revealed in all its ricketiness. After all that business that the group had just finished in the gully, this was a situation that broguht the most unwelcome prospect of a repeat. The unicorn heaved a sigh; if they had to do it, at least he couldn't think of a better set of comrades to have by his side. He signaled to Hoss, "[colour=#8b4513]You'd better be first across to test the soundness of the bridge; your wings can get you out of trouble if there's any.[/colour]" He probably didn't need to have bothered saying so, seeing that the bay pegasus was already trotting onto the planks, but it might discourage any recklessness on anypony else's part. The last thing he wanted to see was any of his new friends getting hurt again, especially Sugar Apple. She seemed to have the same notion, given that she asked him about an alternative route. Earth Writer frowned in thought. "[colour=#8b4513]That would be a good idea, except that there isn't any other way across that I can think of. I don't think this is a well-traveled route, or they would have kept the bridge in better repair.[/colour]" [colour=#8b4513]*And then they routed a race over it. Who's dumb idea was that?*[/colour] The reporter did not speak this last sentence aloud, though his sentiments were echoed in more forceful tones by Rising Star. The stallion gave her a "[colour=#8b4513]Here, Here![/colour]", feeling that he owed her something for having the courage to call out the racing coordinators for not at least reinforcing the bridge. Still.... "[colour=#8b4513]I think they're going to make it.[/colour]" He said to Sugar Apple. [colour=#8b4513]"If we trot gently, and don't shake the bridge too much, we should be fine. We'll just have to go one at a time.[/colour]" It seemed he wasn't the only one that hit upon this notion, given that Clockwise, Greenshot, and another newcomer were also holding back. Earth Writer didn't mind the delay himself; it gave him a little more time to stay and think, about the blush on Sugar Apple's face, among other things. It was beginning to dawn upon the journalist that he'd developed a strong bond with the purple pegasus in a very short amount of time, something of a record with the unicorn, who took a while to develop any strong friendships at the best of times. He didn't know what that would mean for the future, but all things considered, it looked pretty good- And then came Applejack and Gilda, barreling straight through the gathered ponies. Their sudden appearance had caused the tan unicorn to jump straight into the air, though that was nothing to the shock he got when he saw the farmer mare take the bridge at full speed, and break straight through one of the planks. His breath caught for a moment until he saw that she had caught herself with her tail, and was now calling for the griffon to help her. Earth took one look at Gilda, and figured that if this was the same griffon who'd rushed through the first bridge at the brook, Applejack couldn't expect anything much from her. And that moment was when he officially became fed up with the whole situation. "[colour=#8b4513]Alright, nuts to these horseapples![/colour]" He stalked straight over to the edge of the ravine and called down to the pegasi below. "[colour=#8b4513]You get your flanks straight up here, and see to it that Applejack makes it across safely. After that, you will personally ferry each and every single racer here across this ravine, and if I hear any backchat about how it isn't 'sporting', the entire event staff are gonna get in the snoot for reckless endangerment in every paper in Equestria! [/colour][colour=#8b4513]By name![/colour]" The rescue pegasi could see at once that it was more than their job's worth than to argue, and set about the good work immediately. Earth Writer volunteered to go last, just to make sure everypony else made it across safely. He was panting when he got back to Sugar Apple, and closed his eyes as he apologized. [colour=#8b4513]"Sorry for losing it there, I've just seen too many get hurt already, and I couldn't stand it if... you...[/colour]" The stallion felt something in his throat, preventing him from finishing the sentence as he opened his eyes to look into the mare's.

With the extraction of Rising Star from the ledge, the rescue operation was officially complete. Earth Writer couldn't help but feel proud of how well everypony had handled the situation; this was a feel-good story if ever there was one. Certainly, there were few present who could have felt more on top of the world than the unicorn stallion right now. He whispered back at Sugar Apple as the healer saw to her wing and bruises. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't worry, I won't forget.[/colour]" The journalist's good humor managed to quickly overcome any resentment towards the coordinators for being tardy. They could hardly be blamed, after all; this was just the sort of place where they'd be stretched thin. "[colour=#8b4513]I wouldn't have routed through here myself.[/colour]" He agreed. "[colour=#8b4513]You want professionals for dangerous places like this, or at least clear weather. I'll probably put in an editorial to that effect, least I can do.[/colour]" While the healer was busy with Sugar Apple, Earth Writer took a look over everyone else. Greenshot looked tired, but not so exhausted anymore; he'd probably be back on his hooves in a minute or two, barring any aggravation of his injury. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't rush,[/colour]" the tan unicorn told him, "[colour=#8b4513]Take what rest you need, you earned it, buddy.[/colour]" He would have patted him on the head, but felt that might be slightly patronizing. He gave Hoss a salute as he passed over to Risi, which brought him back around to Sugar Apple again, as the unicorn was currently apologizing to the pegasus. Sugar, of course, was telling her not to worry about it, and Earth Writer felt like putting in his own two cents. "[colour=#8b4513]It really isn't your fault if you got lost; not in this fog.[/colour]" Indeed, the mists had only continued to gather around the group, making visibility even more of a limited field. But that didn't seem to be discouraging anypony right now, especially not Sugar Apple. Earth Writer had the biggest grin across his face as he helped her up. "[colour=#8b4513]I figure so, Sugar.[/colour]" The reporter looked around at the gathered pegasi coordinators. "[colour=#8b4513]I say, you couldn't mark out the path forward by clearing the fog, could you? It might prevent more accidents.[/colour]" The coordinator, clearly a sporting fellow, nodded. "Good idea. We were about to do that ourselves, now that everypony's out of danger." After one last check over the group, they flew off, using their wings to clear a path through the mists. "[colour=#8b4513]Ready everypony?[/colour]" Earth looked back at them all, Sugar, Risi, Hoss, Greenshot, and Clockwise, seeing that they all were. "[colour=#8b4513]Forward![/colour]" And he lead the group of new forged friends at a trot down the trail, towards the bridge over the ravine.

A sigh suffused with gratitude had met Sugar Apple's admonishment that Earth Writer eat his apple. "[colour=#8b4513]We do get exhausted if we're not in training. Same with athletic endurance, really, except that it doesn't build muscles.[/colour]" Bruised or not, the apple was still good. Of course it was; Sweet Apple acres had its reputation for a reason, after all. Still, with the kind looks the Pegasus was favoring him with, the unicorn figured he could name the sweetest Apple. He reached up to meet Sugar's hoof with his foreleg, giving her anot[colour=#8b4513]her smile. "I can't help worrying about my friends when they're hurt. Dunno what sort of stallion I'd be if I didn't, really. My mother taught me to err on the side of sympathy, but...[/colour]" He began to grin at the plucky mare. "[colour=#8b4513]If you feel up to going on, I'll stick with you all the way.[/colour]" Earth Writer got to his hooves as the coordinators arrived, and watched them work as he finished the last of his apple. It didn't seem that the pegasi would do any better at extracting Rising Star than Hoss right now, but the Unicorn medic was timely enough, and very kindly accepted the stick from Clockwise to split the wing. He also floated the idea that the other coordinators fly her back to Ponyville, though the Journalist could have told the healer that that was a lost cause. There was something immensely admirable about Sugar's perseverance, he thought. [colour=#8b4513]*I'm going to have to write to her, after I go back home to Canterlot. She's definitely a friend worth having.*[/colour]

Earth Writer hadn't realized that he'd been holding his breath while Hoss was carrying Sugar Apple until he had finally brought her in for a safe landing. It all came out in a rush, then, leaving him lightheaded with relief. He stumbled over to her, still somewhat tired from his exertions, offering his last apple, only to find that Hoss had already given her one from his saddlebags. It stopped hims short, a nonplussed expression on his face. "[colour=#8b4513]Oh, I was about to give you this...[/colour]" He held up the bruised apple with a weak smile, a blush already showing through the tan parts of his face. The unicorn shifted his look to her broken wing, and bit down on his lower lip. "[colour=#8b4513]Ouch, that's gotta hurt. I'm sorry I'm not a healer, I can't imagine where they are right now.[/colour]" He sat down close to her, glad to just rest for now. He wasn't thinking about the race, the leaves, or even the story right now. He found himself just too tired to think of anything except what war right in front of him right now. All the momentum he'd built up during the course of the day had halted, leaving him painfully conscious of the fact that he'd gone into this thing with barely adequate preparation. He didn't even have a water bottle with him now. [colour=#8b4513]*At least I have this apple.* [/colour] He smiled a bit at the thought, before biting into the bruised fruit. Greenshot was currently with Rising Star and Hoss; it seemed the pink unicorn would soon be out of danger herself. Earth Writer smiled even wider, nodding towards Clockwise. "[colour=#8b4513]Good job, everypony. All in all a successful rescue operation.[/colour]" With a sigh, he lay back on the ground. Looking up, he could see the approach of the racing coordinators through the air. "[colour=#8b4513]About freaking time![/colour]" He shook his head, turning to look at the pegasus mare. "[colour=#8b4513]You think you'll be up to continue after they finish patching you up? You don't have to push yourself too far just for the sake of my journalism copy, you know.[/colour]" He had a slightly guilty look on his face as he said that.

Sweat poured down Earth Writer's face as he strained to remove the rocks burying Sugar Apple at the bottom of the ravine. He soon abandoned lifting them outright; it was just too much energy to do so over so long a distance. It was much easier to roll them off to the side, or simply to scatter them when they were the wrong shape to roll. Greenshot and the pink unicorn on the ledge seemed to have also figured this out, sparing the stallion the effort of calling out instructions. His silence allowed him to hear when pegasus mare called out from under the rubble. "[colour=#8b4513]Yes, I'm here, Sugar. Don't move yet, just wait and we'll get you clear.[/colour]" That was easier said than done, since all three of them were beginning to look exhausted. Only to be expected, of course; they'd all been running for the past few hours, and none of them were what you could call star atheletes. Thankfully, reinforcements were soon to arrive. Earth Writer was breathing heavily when a jingling, stuttering unicorn arrived, offering what assistance he could, with a bay pegasus close on his hooves. With a rather tired wave, the journalist greeted them both. "[colour=#8b4513]By Celestia, am I ever glad to see you. Here, Clockwise, you can help us shift the last of the rubble. Hoss, you go down and see how bad Sugar's hurt. Do you think you'll be able to left the mares up?[/colour]" He hadn't forgotten Risi's predicament, though she was relatively in a better position. It was but the work of a few moments more to uncover the purple pegasus, and all of the unicorns were glad of the break. While Hoss was checking Sugar Apple for injuries, Earth Writer was looking over his injured companion, who looked even more exhausted. Suddenly, the tan stallion remembered: He still had three of the apples from earlier in the race! After carrying them around in the race, they'd gotten quite bruised, but he felt that his companions wouldn't mind. He gave one to Greenshot, and floated the other down to Rising Star, keeping the last one for Sugar Apple when she was brought up. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you.[/colour]" He called down to the pink unicorn, as he waited for the injury report from the bay pegasus below. [colour=#8b4513]*What a story this is going to make. My editor's hardly going to believe it.*[/colour]

Earth Writer was determined not to leave his partner behind, which was why his progress to the top of the hill was painstakingly slow. Neither stallion was able to see what was going on, which left them at a bit of a blank as to what they would do when they arrived. They hadn't any rope with them, unlike Hoss back at the brook, and would probably be relying on raw magic to fish anypony out of trouble. [colour=#8b4513]*And that will be exhausting.* [/colour]In fact, it was doubtful if they'd be able to finish the race after expending that much energy. Any regrets the unicorn might have had about that, however, were dispelled when he heard the sound of Sugar Apple's voice... and her scream as she was caught in the rockslide. It went straight through his ears like a blade right down into his core, and it was all he could do to keep from galloping like a madpony to the crest of the hill. [colour=#8b4513]"Easy, easy,[/colour]" he said to himself. [colour=#8b4513]"Don't get caught yourself; you can't help anypony if you pitch off the ledge."[/colour] Earth Writer called ahead again, a little softer so as not to cause another landslide. [colour=#8b4513]"I'm here. What happened?"[/colour] By now he'd reached the crest of the hill, and the sight that met his eyes was a grim one indeed. One pale pink unicorn mare, one the journalist hadn't met yet, was trapped on a ledge just over the hill. Sugar Apple was nowhere in sight, but down at the bottom of the ravine- "[colour=#8b4513]Oh, no...[/colour]" Earth Writer was starting to hyperventilate with worry, and had to take deep, gulping breaths to keep in control. "[colour=#8b4513]Right."[/colour] He called down to Risi in as firm a voice as he could muster. "[colour=#8b4513]We're going to help you shift the rubble. We're going to have to go carefully, we don't want the pile to crash down on Sugar and..."[/colour] A few more deep breaths. "[colour=#8b4513]Anyway, I've got another unicorn with me, her cousin. We'll get you both out, alright?"[/colour] The stallion couldn't have said if he was as confident as he sounded, but right now he had to be the calming influence. It was the first time he was really in any position like this, and the thought scared him a little. So much was riding on him now- [colour=#8b4513]*But I'm not alone right now.* [/colour]He nodded, clearing his head. It was time to get to work. Reaching out with his magic, he began to carefully and methodically disassemble the pile of rubble that trapped Sugar Apple beneath it.

[colour=#8b4513]*Now with the peaceful glade behind us, we the racers enter the deep woods, where treacherous landscapes lurk behind heavy tree cover, and one false step may lead to disaster...*[/colour] Once again, Earth Writer was composing the story in his head. He was actually quite grateful for the leisurely pace enforced by his accompanying of the injured Greenshot; it gave him the luxury to think while trotting, while still leaving him time to react to any change in the path. And quite a lot of changes there were! Earth Writer was geographically knowledgeable, in a general sense, but once again he found himself indebted to Greenshot's studying of the local terrain, which he expressed vocally. [colour=#8b4513]"Don't worry about it! This isn't the sort of place I'd like to go through alone myself, four good hooves or no."[/colour] The unicorn gave a nervous look around him, nickering softly. [colour=#8b4513] "There's a huge ravine somewhere near, but the woods grow right up to the edge of it. We must be vigilant, else-"[/colour] He paused in his talking, cocking his head to listen. [colour=#8b4513]"Though I heard somepony cry out..."[/colour] He shook his head. [colour=#8b4513]"I can't see anypony from here, but they could be right in front of us. Keep a look out, just in case they've fallen into trouble." [/colour]Earth Writer remained silent after that, still listening out for any voice. The silence gave him time to reflect on the advantages of bringing up the rear. Not being focused on winning meant that he could focus on his work, true, but it also gave other opportunities. If the more athletically focused pushed on ahead, ignoring any cries for help, the rearguard had a chance to be heroes! And, of course, there was always the reason for the whole "Running of the Leaves" in the first place. Some of the trees still had stubborn foliage clinging to them as the pair of unicorns passed. Earth Writer gave one a kick, dislodging the last of its leaves. As he did so, he caught an echoing cry, clearer than the last time. "[colour=#000080]Somepony, help-elp-elp..[/colour]." That was unmistakeable. Earth Writer turned to his racing partner. "[colour=#8b4513]That's coming from over the hill up there.[/colour]" He nodded forward. [colour=#8b4513]"If we step carefully, we may be in time to render assistance." [/colour]No sooner said than done, he was leading Greenshot in a careful climb to a vantage point, calling ahead. "[colour=#8b4513]We're coming! Hold on![/colour]"