The Last Cutie Mark Crusader 8, Part 3 of 8

No Rest for the Weary

Pibs was sitting near Cloud Blazer on the soft earthen floor of the cave. Her facade of being brave and ready for action had been put aside for the moment. Fear had never left her from the moment they encountered the first timberwolves; it was all she could do to keep herself together. Being around the others was inspiring, and Pibs knew that she couldn’t do anything to let them down. Zecora was going about her foul-smelling healing work, which constantly seemed to be putting her patient in even more pain. After she would delicately move him, there seemed to be a peace come back over his face. The herbs seemed to be helpful, so long as he stayed still. Breathing aside, he didn’t move on his own.

Pibs couldn’t help but think about Cloud Blazer’s friends back in Ponyville, particularly Apple Bloom. She knew exactly how they would feel if he didn’t make it. These friends that she had gained were the first since her family had died. For a long time she had felt dead to the world and everything warm. Then Scootaloo and Cloud Blazer helped her through Canterlot. It was like being reborn. It was a debt she didn’t think she could ever repay.

Sweetie Belle was busy mixing some kind of potion in a cauldron. It also smelled horrible, but in a sickeningly sweet way. The contrasting scents were nearly enough to make one sick, and they brought Pibs back from her thoughts.

She finally asked, "What is that you're making?"

Zecora answered, "If you want to achieve success, you will need some better dress."

"Excuse me?" Pibs asked, confused.

Sweetie Belle smiled, but her face betrayed the concern she felt for Cloud Blazer. “Zecora had me start making this as soon as we stabilized him. It’s camouflage.”

Scootaloo, Sparklefly, and Lightning Dasher entered the cave.

"How does it work?" Pibs wondered aloud.

Sparklefly asked, “Camouflage?”

"Yes," Sweetie Belle said, a little uncertain. "Zecora said that when you drink it, you could stand still, and you look like whatever is behind you. It’s almost like disappearing.”

Scootaloo and Sparklefly exchanged a knowing glance. Pibs knew what it meant. They were going back into the forest. She shivered.

Zecora said, "What we tell you is true; a clever camouflage is that brew."

Sparklefly looked to have a resolve in her face as she asked, "How long until it is ready?"