The Search

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"One." she replied, stretching her wings.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong gave her a quizzical look, "You really think you can carry my heavy ass self over this river?"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Only one way to find out." She replied, wrapping her forelegs around Strong's chest.

 

"Hold on!"

 

Ali took off, barely struggling, as she began to carry Strong across the river.

[Strong Hooves 289]

"Oh crap!" said Strong as he was carried across, slowly but surely. He held her forelegs tightly, hoping she could do this without dropping him.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Ali's muscles were straining by the time they got to the bank. She dropped Strong on the ground and collapsed in the grass.

 

Gasping, she said, "I guess I need to work on my stamina."

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong got up, walking to Ali with a smile. "Still impressive." he said. "But right now you should rest". He then proceeded to lift Ali onto his back, carrying her as they continued their trek.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Thanks." Ali said, slowly catching her breath.

[Strong Hooves 289]

They walked for what seemed like ages, a new trail had been found and this one seemed a little more fresh. As he walked, Strong could see smoke in the distance, and upon further inspection saw the smoke was coming out of a chimney if a single house. "Hey Ali... I think were here"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Not a sound came from Strong's back, for Ali had silently fallen asleep along the way.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong noticed she was asleep and smiled, he walked up to the house, knocking on the door and waited. He had decided to surprise Ali when she woke up.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"George? Is that you? We won't need supplies for another week or so." said the resident, opening the door.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong supressed a chuckle as he said "Uh sorry, not George, I'm looking for an Arty Sail and a Taira Paper. You know them?"

Edited May 6, 2012 by Strong Hooves

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"And what exactly is your reason for looking for them?" The pony replied.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong looked down at the pony and replied, "Because a certain Ali Finish is here to see them"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Ali.........Finish?" The man said, leaning on the doorstop for support.

 

"Did you say Ali Finish?!"

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled and put a hoof to his lips, "Shh, she's asleep" he said quietly, turning to show the sleeping mare on his back.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"A...Ali...." The pony said, a smile spreading across his face.

 

"Tara........ Tara, come here. Our daughter is here."

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled, looking back to gently nuzzle Ali awake, "Ali... Ali wake up... see who's here Ali" he said.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Hmmm?" She slurred. "Who...."

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled as she woke up, "Ali... meet your parents..."

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"..My... my parents?" She asked, before looking at the two ponies by the door.

 

"Tara?..... Arty?"

 

They nodded.

 

Tears welled up in the Finish family's eyes as they all embraced in one hug.

 

"We've..... found you..... we've finally....... found you." Ali said, between sobs.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled as he saw the reunited family embrace, and at the same time, he felt... sad. <she's gonna want to stay with them. I can't hold fault to her for that> he thought. He took a couple steps back and gave the family their space, diverting his attention out toward the trees.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

The father looked up at Strong, studying him.

 

"What's your name?" he asked.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong looked back at Arty and replied, "My name is Strong Hooves. Nice to meet you sir."

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Arty Smiled. "Thank you for bringing her home. Please, come in for dinner."