13. [Audio]

[brodakota]

[North's voice comes over the network, sounding rather panicked. Surprisingly so, especially to people who know him for his quiet, patient demeanor.]

Is anyone else in Ponyville right now? 

If you are, have you seen Theta? 

It's really important that I find him, and I think it's getting dark.

[That's new...and all the more worrisome.]

Comments

[unrecovered]

[It doesn't take Wash long to get there - Melody was flat-out sprinting following the scent back, and he galloped behind her, keeping pace as best he could. North was anxious, Theta even more so, and the sooner they could resolve this situation, the better.]

[Melody came to an abrupt stop and Wash put on the brakes, dodging the suddenly still cat and trying to slow down a bit more gradually. No use throwing Theta now that they've finally arrived.]

[guerriera]

[ While under normal circumstances she'd have no problems leaving others in the dust, North had escorted the younger mare into the forest to join the search party - she wasn't so far gone from taking responsibility to simply leave her behind. No matter how competent a fighter the child might be.

This is why Carolina shows up a short while after North's madcap gallop, pace moderated to a canter in order to ensure Xion is able to keep up. She's alert and aware, and Tobin the Tamasheep looks most putout as he puffs back into existence at her side. ]

[raisethemoon]

[Luna loped along easily behind Wash, her longer legs giving her a certain advantage in speed. She was still toting a squirming Theta shadow along with her magic, completely ignoring its struggles. It seemed about thick enough that she gauged the other copies had probably all been destroyed, reforming with this one, but she could wait to reattach it until Theta and North had their reunion.]

[skysmirror]

[While Xion was a capable fighter and normally could keep up with most adults, Freelancers were a special case. Try as she may to keep up with North's pace, she couldn't. Carolina's thought in setting a more moderate pace was appreciated.]

[brodakota]

[North arrived shortly after Wash did, skidding to a halt in front of him.]

Theta?

[The dragon looks up from Wash's back, his expression lighting up and he slides off Wash's back to run towards him.]

North!

[North is doing his best to hug the dragon, a little hard being that he's a pony, but he's doing the best he can. There's a long while with just mumblings of apologies and reassurances before North looks up at Wash.]

Thanks.

[unrecovered]

[Wash hunkers down a little so Theta can get off his back more easily. Aside from that, he doesn't really move or say anything. It's not his moment, after all, and he feels no need to make it his moment.]

[Melody has no such qualms and trots back to her person, rubbing against his leg. They did good.]

You're welcome.

[What else is there to say? He wasn't about to just leave them separated.]