site event 🍃The Running of the Leaves (2025) Race Event!

[Moonlight Wane]

"I don't think I've ever been in this part of the forest." Moonlight blows air at his hooves to warm himself up. The trees grow thicker here, and it's hard to see the balloon through the dense canopy. "I thought it would be a little chilly, but this is crazy," he thinks to himself. Titanium has his jacket now, so she at least should feel a little warmer.

He tries to remember any survival books, or more accurately, any survival-related parts in adventure books he has read. He grabs two rocks in his wings, and hits one against the other over a long, dry stick, trying to spark a little flame. "This is how to make torches, right?"

[PrincessPriscillaPT 493]

"Oh boy. Do we need to use our horns for lighting? Oh, wait, I'm not allowed to use my horn. How am I supposed to know which way to go? This feels like a maze!" *Priscilla immediately notices the light fades away while in the forest.*

Edited September 23 by PrincessPriscillaPT

[Samurai Equine 56,547]

@PrincessPriscillaPT
Samurai notices Priscilla getting competitive. At first he is surprised, but then it quickly grows into excitement. "Now that's the spirit, Priscilla-chan! Akiramenaide!" Samurai keeps up this racing spirit, gladly knocking down leaves from trees whenever he gets the chance, but still willing to match Priscilla's competitive spirit with his own. Who will come out on top? Who knows.

However, as they exit the river together, they soon find themselves on solid ground and surrounded by fog. "Now, what was is Dynamo said? Something about not using magic in this race to give yourself an unfair speed advantage? But anything else should be fine. If I remember correctly, then..." Samurai thinks to himself before acting.

Focusing his magic, Samurai lights up his horn, creating a sizable flame at the top of this horn. "I shall assist! Racers behind me, let my light guide you in the darkness!" In doing this, Samurai no longer needs soft flames on his hooves. The flame on his horn will keep him warm and will provide a little bit of help to those who need it.

@Dynamo Pad, @Shiny Silvermoon

Knowing Dynamo still doesn't know who she is, Moushley pulls out a tiny nametag sticker and puts it on her shirt. Dipping her little claw into the the dirt, she writes on the tag. It now now reads "Hi! My name is: MOUSHLEY". With happy little squeaks, she salutes, then pretends to be some kind of monster, runs in a circle while pretending to call for help, draws an image of cheese in the ground, and finishes with a happy dance. ... This is somehow suppose to explain everything. Dynamo will have to figure out what it means, unless Shiny knows how to speak mouse.

[Dusk Haven 236]

8 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

Blinking in surprise as the little mouse had pulled a package of candy, Dynamo's eyes widened slightly as the candy was presented to him. "You mean, this is for me?" As he gained a confirmation from the mouse, the gamer pony smiled as he accepted the generous gift. As he took out a piece, he noticed that it looked like a candy controller or different gaming shapes. Taking a bite, the unicorn hummed in delight despite the rain still falling in a drizzle. "This is some really good candy. Thank you so much! I just wish I knew what your name was." Dynamo says, knowing that he couldn't call his new companion a mouse. While she made herself comfortable on his shoulder, Dynamo chuckled softly as he watched her squeak ecstatically. "It sounds like you are wanting to commentate. I just wish I knew what you were saying, but I can tell that you are enjoying the competition. If I had known, I would have let you go with Starlight and Pinkie as they are doing some commentary as we speak."

As he continued to enjoy his packet of candy, Dynamo's eyes trailed over towards his shoulder. Only to discover that the little mouse was nowhere to be seen. As he looked around continuously to find the little mouse, he noticed that said mouse was rushing along the path that lead towards the race, "Huh. I mean, I wasn't expecting a mouse to take place in the race. If only I knew their name, then I would have tried to give them a number." Dynamo says, squinting his eyes to see that the little mouse was getting someone's attention. Just before she made her way back towards him.

Dynamo smiled as he was happy to see the little mouse's return. That was, until he saw what looked to be a bat had begun to chase her. Once the little mouse made her way towards the unicorn, Dynamo placed her in an available pocket of his jacket. All the while trying to avoid the bat that was flying at him. Not realizing that the bat was love-struck and that his love interest was the mouse in his jacket pocket. "Uh...excuse me. Mr. Bat? I don't think I got your name, but I think you're scaring our mouse friend. Unless you two know each other?" Dynamo pondered as he tried to dodge back and forth of the bat's advances. He wasn't entirely sure of the full story, but he hoped he could try and protect the mouse to the best of his abilities.

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Obstacle Number 3

After you exit the river, you see arrows pointing where to go next, guiding you through several forks in the road. A couple minutes after passing the last one, the forest gets darker, fog starts to form, and you feel the temperature dropping significantly. Being wet from the river amplifies the chill to unbearable levels. Ponies around collectively stop what they're doing and try to find a way to make themselves warmer, meaning that you have enough time to take a break from racing and do the same for yourself, without worrying about your position in the race. It's not about leaves or speed anymore. It's about not becoming a pony popsicle!

Next obstacle on September 29th.

Dusk slowed as the path darkened, the air pressing colder with every hoof fall. There was a wrongness here, a weight that prickled against her senses. Somewhere in the mist, a voice called out—rallying ponies to follow behind @Samurai Equine. A small smile tugged at her muzzle. Their exchange earlier had been brief, but yes… that sounded exactly like him. The others would be safe in his care.

She squinted through the fog, but the forest was thick with shadow. Even the balloon above hold @Pinkie Pie and @Starlight Glimmerhad vanished from sight. That was fine. She hadn’t felt especially noticed anyway.

Drawing in a breath, she recalled the rules: “No magic, except to light the way—or for survival.” Her horn flared to life, violet light spilling into the gloom. Tiny motes of frost spun off her magic, crystallizing in the air before melting away. Damp leaves and sodden branches littered the ground; no tinder worth the effort to gather. She could dry them with a flick of her magic, conjure a blaze, yet that would be cheating.

The cold had never troubled her—not truly. To her, this creeping chill was less a threat than a memory from nearly 1,900 years ago.

So what was this challenge meant to test? Unity? The will to endure together? To survive, perhaps every racer needed to huddle as one. Or was it a test of resolve—to press on through the dark, even alone?

Her ears flicked back as she weighed the choice. Then she angled her steps, keeping forward momentum but drifting toward the greater herd. Strength lay in numbers, after all. And if the darkness dragged on too long, she would find them. Geometry would see to that. She placed a layered shield about her, in case something wicked felt brave and filled the empty time with thoughts of home, what that meant, and if this world was going to be it or not.

[Shiny Silvermoon]

On 2025-09-22 at 4:09 AM, Samurai Equine said:

Samurai waves at @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla as he passes. "Ganbatte, ojousama!"

Meanwhile, Moushley comes out of hiding behind @Dynamo Pad Dynamo when she sees @Shiny Silvermoon Socrate giving a peace offering. She squeaks and sniffs around a bit before approaching. She takes the the strawberry and sniffs it. ...It's not cheese... She walks up to Socrate and feeds it to him. This is Moushley's way of making a friend. She's not afraid of Socrate anymore.

Surprisingly, Moushey is not even remotely bothered by the thunder in the rain storm.

*Socrate allowed Moushley to feed her the strawberry, while his heart was pounding in his small, fuzzy chest. From his perspective, the tiny mouse was wearing the same dress and having the same hairstyle as the Mona Lisa. The fruit bat's face was bright red and smoke began to sprout out of his large ears, alike a train.*

11 hours ago, Iridescent Edge said:

Iridescent Edge had finally caught up with Shiny Silvermoon (@Shiny Silvermoon), screeching to a halt once he reached the clearing. He noticed Dynamo pad (@Dynamo Pad) was there too, and weakly, momentarily raised his hoof in a greeting-like gesture. "Hi...*pant* Shiny...*pant*" Iridescent leans against a tree for support as he catches his breath. "I see...*pant*...you found...*pant*...your bat..."

*As Shiny was about to leave Socrate, Moushley and @Dynamo Pad behind to return to the race, though she wasn't participating to it, she was stopped by the sudden appearance of @Iridescent Edge.*

"Oh Iridescent! Sorry for leaving you behind but I was too worried about the fate of my little friend! I hope you understand…" *The mare said, worried about him, since he seemed utterly exhausted.*

"Here, have this! It's a concoction made by Zecora that will give you back some of your strength, as well as keep you warm! It's getting colder here, all of a sudden!" *Shiny offered a small vial of orange liquid to the stallion, as a present for his act of kindness.*

"Now, let's get back to the race! Shall we?" *She beamed, before running toward the wrong path indicated by the arrow.*

[Shiny Silvermoon]

8 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

@PrincessPriscillaPT
Samurai notices Priscilla getting competitive. At first he is surprised, but then it quickly grows into excitement. "Now that's the spirit, Priscilla-chan! Akiramenaide!" Samurai keeps up this racing spirit, gladly knocking down leaves from trees whenever he gets the chance, but still willing to match Priscilla's competitive spirit with his own. Who will come out on top? Who knows.

However, as they exit the river together, they soon find themselves on solid ground and surrounded by fog. "Now, what was is Dynamo said? Something about not using magic in this race to give yourself an unfair speed advantage? But anything else should be fine. If I remember correctly, then..." Samurai thinks to himself before acting.

Focusing his magic, Samurai lights up his horn, creating a sizable flame at the top of this horn. "I shall assist! Racers behind me, let my light guide you in the darkness!" In doing this, Samurai no longer needs soft flames on his hooves. The flame on his horn will keep him warm and will provide a little bit of help to those who need it.

@Dynamo Pad, @Shiny Silvermoon

Knowing Dynamo still doesn't know who she is, Moushley pulls out a tiny nametag sticker and puts it on her shirt. Dipping her little claw into the the dirt, she writes on the tag. It now now reads "Hi! My name is: MOUSHLEY". With happy little squeaks, she salutes, then pretends to be some kind of monster, runs in a circle while pretending to call for help, draws an image of cheese in the ground, and finishes with a happy dance. ... This is somehow suppose to explain everything. Dynamo will have to figure out what it means, unless Shiny knows how to speak mouse.

*The more Shiny Silvermoon progressed on the path indicated by the arrow, the more it became foggy and dark to the point where she could barely see her own hooves. However, it wasn't the biggest of her concerns, since she was completely damp, from the rain, and the temperature was dropping quickly.*

"N-N-Now I know what @Wizard Titanium felt like, w-w-when I froze her hooves, during the previous race…" *The unicorn stuttered, her teeth clacking repetitively together.*

*Suddenly, the obscurity was pierced by the warm glows of @Samurai Equine and @Dusk Haven's horns. Shiny felt compelled to join them so she rushed in their direction, until she was running next to them. Once on their side, the mare's horn started lighting up, as well, without her knowing why it was happening. The cozy light emanating from her horn was keeping her from hypothermia.*

[Silverspark]

 

Silverspark and Brightspark passed around hot chocolate in warm cups, along with freshly baked cookies. They set up a stand with a self-serving pump for more hot chocolate, allowing others to add their preferred extras. As they worked, both twins noticed the dark woods around them and the rain drizzling down onto their coats. Although Silverspark had been through woods like this before, she had a unique way of using her magic by lighting up her horns. She pulled out two headlamps and handed one to Brightspark.

“Okay, we’re covered in the light department,” she said, “now let’s find a way to keep the rain off us.”

Brightspark looked around and suggested, “We could use leaves or hide under branches and then knock the leaves down.”

Silverspark had a brilliant thought, "Wait, Bright, what if we use a sponge to cover us and whatever water was filled, we can fill empty water bottles, "she said 
Brightspark shook her head, "Then the sponge can still get soaked, but even sponges cannot take that much water. We could hide under the older ponies, but then again, I don't wanna be squashed, "she thought about it  

Silverspark, looking at it, "You know what, let's just run through it. Besides, it's just a little rain, plus we gotta show the grown-ups that we gotta run through it. Also, tag your it "before running from her 

Brightspark's jaws dropped, "Oh, you did not just tag me. "Before long, she ran after her as the two ran straight through headlamps on and everything  

[Dusk Haven]

Dusk dimmed her horn when the glow of @Samurai Equine’s light reached her. Ice crusted along her wings, forcing her to spread and shake them now and again. Even her flowing mane and tail, normally ethereal as dusk itself, sagged heavy with water and frost. She hardly noticed. She’d been soaked too many times in her life to care.

Ahead, the group huddled close, steam rising from mugs of hot chocolate and laughter bright even in the cold. A plate of cookies had been prepared by the @Silverspark184 Spark twins. The sight tugged at her—but when she tried to lift a hoof toward them, it froze in place. In her own world, things had never ended well when she mingled with too many ponies. That memory haunted her still.

She stood at the edge of the glow, torn. She missed her world, yes… but this one called to her in ways she hadn’t expected. She turned to leave—then stopped, Luna’s words she had spoken before I went on sabbatical echoing in my thoughts. “Go. Live a little. Try friendship, Little Star. It will ease your spirit.”

With a long sigh, Dusk turned back and stepped cautiously toward the circle of ponies fighting the cold together.

[Moonlight Wane]

"Okay, this doesn't work." Moonlight looked up from his poor attempts to make fire. He then noticed other ponies in the group doing much better. Unicorns were using their horns to light the way and create an area of warmth. Oh, and was that a hot chocolate dispenser?

With a sigh, Moonlight threw the rocks away, approached the group, and poured himself a cup of hot chocolate. He also got a cookie from @Silverspark184, which he gladly accepted.

"This is so weird to make us go through such a cold place right after the river." He said to nopony in particular. "Is this even the right way? The path is barely visible, and I haven't seen any arrows in a while. I'm gonna have to talk to Dyny after the race."

[Dusk Haven]

4 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Okay, this doesn't work." Moonlight looked up from his poor attempts to make fire. He then noticed other ponies in the group doing much better. Unicorns were using their horns to light the way and create an area of warmth. Oh, and was that a hot chocolate dispenser?

With a sigh, Moonlight threw the rocks away, approached the group, and poured himself a cup of hot chocolate. He also got a cookie from @Silverspark184, which he gladly accepted.

"This is so weird to make us go through such a cold place right after the river." He said to nopony in particular. "Is this even the right way? The path is barely visible, and I haven't seen any arrows in a while. I'm gonna have to talk to Dyny after the race."

As Dusk moved among the gathered ponies, listening to their scattered conversations, one voice stood out. A batpony spoke his thoughts to the air, unafraid to give shape to his unease.

She stepped closer, her hoofsteps soft, and lowered her voice to @Nitobit. “You may be the first to say it aloud,” she murmured. “I fear this year’s Running of the Leaves has grown into more than anypony expected. Hold on to that vigilance of yours—it may serve you well should something wicked stir.”

[Iridescent Edge]

“Thanks, Shiny ( @Shiny Silvermoon).” *Iridescent drank the potion, gagging slightly at the bitter taste. But after a few seconds, he could feel the potion’s effects settling in. He sprinted off to the proper path of the race. It did take a while, and Iridescent was still behind the other racers, but he eventually did make it back to the track. He resumed his strategy of bucking trees as he felt the cool air wash over him, sending a shiver down his spine.*

[Moonlight Wane]

1 hour ago, Dusk Haven said:

As Dusk moved among the gathered ponies, listening to their scattered conversations, one voice stood out. A batpony spoke his thoughts to the air, unafraid to give shape to his unease.

She stepped closer, her hoofsteps soft, and lowered her voice to @Nitobit. “You may be the first to say it aloud,” she murmured. “I fear this year’s Running of the Leaves has grown into more than anypony expected. Hold on to that vigilance of yours—it may serve you well should something wicked stir.”

"Thanks, I will be cautious. I'm Moonlight Wane." He reaches hoof to shake or to bump. "You were the one who threw that rope in the river, right? That was very smart. Using a part of the course to help fellow racers. In hindsight, I should've used it, hehe." He laughs sheepishly. "But I don't like making things too easy for myself. Although, if the course gets harder, I might have to start using any advantage I can get."

[Shiny Silvermoon]

12 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Okay, this doesn't work." Moonlight looked up from his poor attempts to make fire. He then noticed other ponies in the group doing much better. Unicorns were using their horns to light the way and create an area of warmth. Oh, and was that a hot chocolate dispenser?

With a sigh, Moonlight threw the rocks away, approached the group, and poured himself a cup of hot chocolate. He also got a cookie from @Silverspark184, which he gladly accepted.

"This is so weird to make us go through such a cold place right after the river." He said to nopony in particular. "Is this even the right way? The path is barely visible, and I haven't seen any arrows in a while. I'm gonna have to talk to Dyny after the race."

"He's right, you know!" *A voice interrupted the conversation between @Nitobit and @Dusk Haven. When the duo turned their heads to look in the direction of the voice, their eyes met with Shiny who was holding a cup of hot chocolate, in one hoof, and, in the other, a cookie. Her horn was still shining with an icy blue gleam, as she took a sip of the warm drink. Nobody saw or heard the unicorn arrive but, somehow, she was right there.*

"Howdy, Nitobit! Long time no see! And I see that you're in the process of forging friendship with a mysterious alicorn! I wonder if she's a princess!" *Shiny said to the batpony, while taking a few steps closer.*
 

"What was I saying again? Oh yeah! You're right, we indeed didn't take the right path! Look!" *The mare quickly finished eating the cookie to get her hoof free. Then, she sticked her newly empty hoof into her mane, before pulling it out with a map of the race's route. She held it close to Nitobit and Dusk Haven's faces for them to see.*

"The path that we were supposed to take is this one but, instead, we took this one! Getting lost in the woods sounded like a fun adventure, until it wasn't anymore because of the darkness and the cold… Anyway, some participants were too far for me to warn them and I didn't want to give the others an advantage in the race. I apologize for not warning anypony sooner but I kind of forgot, while fighting against hypothermia." *She explained to them, before taking another sip of her hot chocolate.*

"What should we do?"

[Dusk Haven]

9 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Thanks, I will be cautious. I'm Moonlight Wane." He reaches hoof to shake or to bump. "You were the one who threw that rope in the river, right? That was very smart. Using a part of the course to help fellow racers. In hindsight, I should've used it, hehe." He laughs sheepishly. "But I don't like making things too easy for myself. Although, if the course gets harder, I might have to start using any advantage I can get."

She pressed a hoof lightly to @Nitobit raised hoof, her tone warm despite the frost clinging to her. “I’m Dusk Haven—a stranger in these parts. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her gaze wandered briefly over the makeshift encampment before returning to him. “Yes, that was me. I’ve a knack for listening to the water, for feeling its natural flow, even when it's raging. I thought—if I could cross and didn’t lend a hoof, what sort of pony would that make me? No victory is worth another being hurt.”

She gave her wings a brisk shake, scattering ice from her primaries, and flicked her tail, sending a small cloud of frozen powder into the air. Her violet eyes softened. “And you—you don’t strike me as one to shy from a challenge. That is admirable. But we’ve yet to see what form this darkness and frost will truly take. Hold fast to that spirit of yours, and know this: if you should stumble, I will be there. As I trust any one of us in our group would be for the other.”

[Dusk Haven]

2 hours ago, Shiny Silvermoon said:

"Howdy, Nitobit! Long time no see! And I see that you're in the process of forging friendship with a mysterious alicorn! I wonder if she's a princess!"

Dusk chuckled. "No, I have never felt the need for a crown or to rule. In all of my 2,000 years, I've managed to avoid it. The closest I have come is 'Princess Consort', and even that's not an actual Princess. You get it through marrying a Royal. You may call me Dusk Haven, or Dusk for short.

 

2 hours ago, Shiny Silvermoon said:

"The path that we were supposed to take is this one but, instead, we took this one! Getting lost in the woods sounded like a fun adventure, until it wasn't anymore because of the darkness and the cold… Anyway, some participants were too far for me to warn them and I didn't want to give the others an advantage in the race. I apologize for not warning anypony sooner but I kind of forgot, while fighting against hypothermia." *She explained to them, before taking another sip of her hot chocolate.*

"What should we do?"

Dusk lit her horn, casting violet light over the map. “Hmm. I see your point… but this path feels wrong, almost forced.” She traced a hoof over several spots where markers should have been. “We should have all noticed these signs. Either they were tampered with—or something darker is at work.”

Lifting her gaze, she studied their surroundings. The sun barely pierced the canopy here, leaving the forest hushed and heavy. The silence pressed on the ears; no birdsong, no rustle of small creatures. A shiver crawled along her spine. “Listen. There’s hardly any life at all.”

Above them, slender branches sagged under new ice, the rainwater hardening to crystal before their eyes. Dusk’s expression tightened before she turned back to @Shiny Silvermoon

“I think we should let the others gather and weigh in before we act. For now, stay close—and keep warm. We don't want to cause alarm just yet. Does that seem fair to you?"

"

[Samurai Equine 56,547]

On 2025-09-23 at 9:28 AM, Shiny Silvermoon said:

*Socrate allowed Moushley to feed her the strawberry, while his heart was pounding in his small, fuzzy chest. From his perspective, the tiny mouse was wearing the same dress and having the same hairstyle as the Mona Lisa. The fruit bat's face was bright red and smoke began to sprout out of his large ears, alike a train.*

 

Moushley looks at Socrate confused. She waves her paw in front of his face to make sure he is still paying attention. She even does a little spin dance for some reason. Then she remembers the race. She points to it starts squeaking, becoming a race commentator once more. She points at the lights in fog, the racers she can barely see, and the random cloud in the sky that looks like a wedge of cheese.

 

On 2025-09-23 at 9:51 AM, Shiny Silvermoon said:

*The more Shiny Silvermoon progressed on the path indicated by the arrow, the more it became foggy and dark to the point where she could barely see her own hooves. However, it wasn't the biggest of her concerns, since she was completely damp, from the rain, and the temperature was dropping quickly.*

"N-N-Now I know what @Wizard Titanium felt like, w-w-when I froze her hooves, during the previous race…" *The unicorn stuttered, her teeth clacking repetitively together.*

*Suddenly, the obscurity was pierced by the warm glows of @Samurai Equine and @Dusk Haven's horns. Shiny felt compelled to join them so she rushed in their direction, until she was running next to them. Once on their side, the mare's horn started lighting up, as well, without her knowing why it was happening. The cozy light emanating from her horn was keeping her from hypothermia.*

 

Samurai looks back for only a moment, glad that his light has inspired others. However, he gets a strange feeling...

Which is interrupted when he sees @Shiny Silvermoon Shiny Silvermoon. "...Eh?! Naze da?! Shiny-chan? When did you get here? And how did you catch up to me so fast?" This is their first time reuniting in this entire race.

 

22 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

Dusk dimmed her horn when the glow of @Samurai Equine’s light reached her. Ice crusted along her wings, forcing her to spread and shake them now and again. Even her flowing mane and tail, normally ethereal as dusk itself, sagged heavy with water and frost. She hardly noticed. She’d been soaked too many times in her life to care.

Ahead, the group huddled close, steam rising from mugs of hot chocolate and laughter bright even in the cold. A plate of cookies had been prepared by the @Silverspark184 Spark twins. The sight tugged at her—but when she tried to lift a hoof toward them, it froze in place. In her own world, things had never ended well when she mingled with too many ponies. That memory haunted her still.

She stood at the edge of the glow, torn. She missed her world, yes… but this one called to her in ways she hadn’t expected. She turned to leave—then stopped, Luna’s words she had spoken before I went on sabbatical echoing in my thoughts. “Go. Live a little. Try friendship, Little Star. It will ease your spirit.”

With a long sigh, Dusk turned back and stepped cautiously toward the circle of ponies fighting the cold together.

20 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Okay, this doesn't work." Moonlight looked up from his poor attempts to make fire. He then noticed other ponies in the group doing much better. Unicorns were using their horns to light the way and create an area of warmth. Oh, and was that a hot chocolate dispenser?

With a sigh, Moonlight threw the rocks away, approached the group, and poured himself a cup of hot chocolate. He also got a cookie from @Silverspark184, which he gladly accepted.

"This is so weird to make us go through such a cold place right after the river." He said to nopony in particular. "Is this even the right way? The path is barely visible, and I haven't seen any arrows in a while. I'm gonna have to talk to Dyny after the race."

 

When Samurai notices @Dusk Haven Dusk and @Nitobit Moonlight catching up, he slows down a little so they can all be closer. Since @Shiny Silvermoon Shiny is here too, he gets an idea. "Forgive me if this sounds random, I don't mean to invade anypony's personal space, but would any of you care for a hug?" Samurai asks. But considering how big the roaring flame is on his horn, it's not just for friendliness alone. He's offering so they can all warm up in this cold fog.

But even as they run though this path half blinded, Samurai still cannot shake the feeling he is getting. A feeling that is keeping him on edge.

[Moonlight Wane]

8 hours ago, Shiny Silvermoon said:

"He's right, you know!" *A voice interrupted the conversation between @Nitobit and @Dusk Haven. When the duo turned their heads to look in the direction of the voice, their eyes met with Shiny who was holding a cup of hot chocolate, in one hoof, and, in the other, a cookie. Her horn was still shining with an icy blue gleam, as she took a sip of the warm drink. Nobody saw or heard the unicorn arrive but, somehow, she was right there.*

"Howdy, Nitobit! Long time no see! And I see that you're in the process of forging friendship with a mysterious alicorn! I wonder if she's a princess!" *Shiny said to the batpony, while taking a few steps closer.*
 

"What was I saying again? Oh yeah! You're right, we indeed didn't take the right path! Look!" *The mare quickly finished eating the cookie to get her hoof free. Then, she sticked her newly empty hoof into her mane, before pulling it out with a map of the race's route. She held it close to Nitobit and Dusk Haven's faces for them to see.*

"The path that we were supposed to take is this one but, instead, we took this one! Getting lost in the woods sounded like a fun adventure, until it wasn't anymore because of the darkness and the cold… Anyway, some participants were too far for me to warn them and I didn't want to give the others an advantage in the race. I apologize for not warning anypony sooner but I kind of forgot, while fighting against hypothermia." *She explained to them, before taking another sip of her hot chocolate.*

"What should we do?"

"Aaa! Shiny! When did you get here? Also hi, nice to see you." He looks at the map. "Hmm. So it was a mistake. I knew Dyny wouldn't do something like that on purpose."

6 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

She pressed a hoof lightly to @Nitobit raised hoof, her tone warm despite the frost clinging to her. “I’m Dusk Haven—a stranger in these parts. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her gaze wandered briefly over the makeshift encampment before returning to him. “Yes, that was me. I’ve a knack for listening to the water, for feeling its natural flow, even when it's raging. I thought—if I could cross and didn’t lend a hoof, what sort of pony would that make me? No victory is worth another being hurt.”

She gave her wings a brisk shake, scattering ice from her primaries, and flicked her tail, sending a small cloud of frozen powder into the air. Her violet eyes softened. “And you—you don’t strike me as one to shy from a challenge. That is admirable. But we’ve yet to see what form this darkness and frost will truly take. Hold fast to that spirit of yours, and know this: if you should stumble, I will be there. As I trust any one of us in our group would be for the other.”

"Thank you, Dusk. I'm sure we can count on these ponies if anything happens."

6 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

Dusk chuckled. "No, I have never felt the need for a crown or to rule. In all of my 2,000 years, I've managed to avoid it. The closest I have come is 'Princess Consort', and even that's not an actual Princess. You get it through marrying a Royal. You may call me Dusk Haven, or Dusk for short.

 

Dusk lit her horn, casting violet light over the map. “Hmm. I see your point… but this path feels wrong, almost forced.” She traced a hoof over several spots where markers should have been. “We should have all noticed these signs. Either they were tampered with—or something darker is at work.”

Lifting her gaze, she studied their surroundings. The sun barely pierced the canopy here, leaving the forest hushed and heavy. The silence pressed on the ears; no birdsong, no rustle of small creatures. A shiver crawled along her spine. “Listen. There’s hardly any life at all.”

Above them, slender branches sagged under new ice, the rainwater hardening to crystal before their eyes. Dusk’s expression tightened before she turned back to @Shiny Silvermoon

“I think we should let the others gather and weigh in before we act. For now, stay close—and keep warm. We don't want to cause alarm just yet. Does that seem fair to you?"

"2,000 years? Oh, right. I forgot how long alicorns live. Still, I don't know any other alicorn who has been around for so long, not counting the Princesses." He turns his attention back to the map.

"Anyway, staying close together is a good idea. Maybe we should press forward until we find a gap in the canopy, so we can hear if Starlight and Pinkie have anything to say. I was thinking about turning back, but some participants have already gone further into the forest. We can't just leave them. And speaking of leaving, I wonder where Titanium is."

55 minutes ago, Samurai Equine said:

When Samurai notices @Dusk Haven Dusk and @Nitobit Moonlight catching up, he slows down a little so they can all be closer. Since @Shiny Silvermoon Shiny is here too, he gets an idea. "Forgive me if this sounds random, I don't mean to invade anypony's personal space, but would any of you care for a hug?" Samurai asks. But considering how big the roaring flame is on his horn, it's not just for friendliness alone. He's offering so they can all warm up in this cold fog.

But even as they run though this path half blinded, Samurai still cannot shake the feeling he is getting. A feeling that is keeping him on edge.

"Oh, absolutely. I would never deny Samurai a hug." 

[PrincessPriscillaPT 493]

On 2025-09-23 at 12:48 PM, Samurai Equine said:

Focusing his magic, Samurai lights up his horn, creating a sizable flame at the top of this horn. "I shall assist! Racers behind me, let my light guide you in the darkness!" In doing this, Samurai no longer needs soft flames on his hooves. The flame on his horn will keep him warm and will provide a little bit of help to those who need it.

I'm following you, Samurai! Also, I didn't know you could use your horn to light up. 

[Dusk Haven 236]

2 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

 

When Samurai notices @Dusk Haven Dusk and @Nitobit Moonlight catching up, he slows down a little so they can all be closer. Since @Shiny Silvermoon Shiny is here too, he gets an idea. "Forgive me if this sounds random, I don't mean to invade anypony's personal space, but would any of you care for a hug?" Samurai asks. But considering how big the roaring flame is on his horn, it's not just for friendliness alone. He's offering so they can all warm up in this cold fog.

But even as they run though this path half blinded, Samurai still cannot shake the feeling he is getting. A feeling that is keeping him on edge.

Dusk smiled at @Samurai Equine. “A hug would be lovely.” She waited for her turn and, when it came, wrapped him in a firm squeeze. The heat radiating from his horn melted the last trace of chill clinging to her coat.

Up close, she felt his aura—not just strength, but protection. It wrapped around her like a blanket on a winter’s night, shutting out the ice pressing at the door.

“Thank you,” she murmured, a little surprised at her own words. “I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

1 hour ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"2,000 years? Oh, right. I forgot how long alicorns live. Still, I don't know any other alicorn who has been around for so long, not counting the Princesses." He turns his attention back to the map.

"Anyway, staying close together is a good idea. Maybe we should press forward until we find a gap in the canopy, so we can hear if Starlight and Pinkie have anything to say. I was thinking about turning back, but some participants have already gone further into the forest. We can't just leave them. And speaking of leaving, I wonder where Titanium is."

“Eh, that’s a long story—mirror portals and the like,” Dusk said with a faint smile. “But know the Princess' and I are not related. I’ve just walked the world as long as Luna has. Celestia, to my knowledge, is the eldest to us all.”

Her expression shifted as she noted several ponies pressing on—bravely, or perhaps foolishly—into the deepening dark. It was likely colder further in. “If we go further, we’ll need to stay close,” she cautioned.

Her horn flared, violet light spilling stronger against the shadows, bright enough to see several yards further. She turned toward @Nitobit Moonlight, voice low but steady. “Do you see them?”

[Moonlight Wane]

6 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

“Eh, that’s a long story—mirror portals and the like,” Dusk said with a faint smile. “But know the Princess' and I are not related. I’ve just walked the world as long as Luna has. Celestia, to my knowledge, is the eldest to us all.”

Her expression shifted as she noted several ponies pressing on—bravely, or perhaps foolishly—into the deepening dark. It was likely colder further in. “If we go further, we’ll need to stay close,” she cautioned.

Her horn flared, violet light spilling stronger against the shadows, bright enough to see several yards further. She turned toward @Nitobit Moonlight, voice low but steady. “Do you see them?”

Moonlight looks into the woods, his bat eyes piercing darker corners of the forest with ease.

"Most of them are already hidden by trees, but I can still see some. Looks like everypony follows whoever's in front of them, so they all should be forming a line. I'm guessing those in the lead must be lost and freezing, so we should be able to catch up with them, as long as we keep warm. If everypony's ready, I'm good to go."

[Starlight Glimmer 151]

On 2025-09-22 at 9:42 PM, Pinkie Pie said:

Pinkie Pie’s bouncy grin slowly melted into a thoughtful, curious look, as her ear twitched. 
 

“My Pinkie sense is going banana right now,” she whispered, lowering  her voice with a small frown. “And I really really hope it’s not something we have to be super-duper worry about … I mean, the rain already crashed our parade! But I think you’re definitely onto something… something’s fishy… the weather’s has been  acting a whole lot more doozy-woozy- than usual.. mmmmm. What do you have in mind Starlight?”

 

Pinkie knows they have to set their worries aside for now, as she redirected her attention back to the current situation. Her smile return immediately as she has a lot of different scenarios already playing in her mind.

 

”ooooh don’t get me started Starlight! I got gazillion ideas about what we might see in the next stage- like”

Pinkie’s ears perked up at Sliverspark’s mention.

”HOT CHOCOLATE?!” Her voice squealed, nearly bouncing  out of the air balloon.

 

“Yes yes yes! Chocolate is totally the number bestest way to  warm up and get all snuggly-cozy with your pals! Don’t you agree Starlight??!!

With Pinkie's ponder, Starlight turned towards her co-commentator to gauge her thoughts. "I don't think that's ever happened before. Twilight did tell me one that you were having a doozy, but was it ever like this?" She pondered, growing concerned for Pinkie, while also equally concerned about the race at hoof. "I really hope not either. It's just not adding up, but there's got to be something that will lead to an explanation." She started, before nearly hesitating. Not that she didn't want to say, but more so on almost finding it difficult to believe. Her eyes darted from side to side to make sure that nobody was listening to them, before leaning in as her voice dropped to a whisper. "I almost want to say that it's Discord that's doing this. He did add some shenanigans in the race from last year, but some of this doesn't feel like this is Discord's doing. Normally, he'd be popping out to announce his surprise. Yet, there's been no sign of Discord anywhere." It didn't add up, but she wondered if he would appear or if this really wasn't Discord's doing. As she leaned back to keep up with the commentary, she raised an eyebrow at the mention of hot chocolate. "That sounds like a fun kind of event. Especially a great way to warm up with the raining and river crossing. I just wonder where you'd get hot chocolate at a time like this."

"With our racer's entering the forest, it looks like it'll be difficult for them to navigate the area. It's not next to the Everfree forest, but it still looks like a tricky location to overcome." Starlight squints her eyes to try and get a better visual of the racer's. "It looks like Moonlight is trying to start a fire to help warm up, as well as make what looks like torches." She says, before she felt that she had to do something in order to help. Taking a deep breath, she leaned slightly over the balloon to help project her voice. "Just a reminder to our racer's about the rules. You're allowed to use magic to help light up your way, as well as helping to defend yourself." She announced as she recalled the earlier explanation of the rules that Dynamo had announced.

What she thought was a glimmering light in the darkness, Starlight smiled as she thought she had seen Samurai. "It looks like contestant Samurai is using his magic to light the way! In addition, it seems like his friendly rivalry with Priscilla continues to stay strong!" 

[Pinkie Pie 685]

4 hours ago, Starlight Glimmer said:

With Pinkie's ponder, Starlight turned towards her co-commentator to gauge her thoughts. "I don't think that's ever happened before. Twilight did tell me one that you were having a doozy, but was it ever like this?" She pondered, growing concerned for Pinkie, while also equally concerned about the race at hoof. "I really hope not either. It's just not adding up, but there's got to be something that will lead to an explanation." She started, before nearly hesitating. Not that she didn't want to say, but more so on almost finding it difficult to believe. Her eyes darted from side to side to make sure that nobody was listening to them, before leaning in as her voice dropped to a whisper. "I almost want to say that it's Discord that's doing this. He did add some shenanigans in the race from last year, but some of this doesn't feel like this is Discord's doing. Normally, he'd be popping out to announce his surprise. Yet, there's been no sign of Discord anywhere." It didn't add up, but she wondered if he would appear or if this really wasn't Discord's doing. As she leaned back to keep up with the commentary, she raised an eyebrow at the mention of hot chocolate. "That sounds like a fun kind of event. Especially a great way to warm up with the raining and river crossing. I just wonder where you'd get hot chocolate at a time like this."

"With our racer's entering the forest, it looks like it'll be difficult for them to navigate the area. It's not next to the Everfree forest, but it still looks like a tricky location to overcome." Starlight squints her eyes to try and get a better visual of the racer's. "It looks like Moonlight is trying to start a fire to help warm up, as well as make what looks like torches." She says, before she felt that she had to do something in order to help. Taking a deep breath, she leaned slightly over the balloon to help project her voice. "Just a reminder to our racer's about the rules. You're allowed to use magic to help light up your way, as well as helping to defend yourself." She announced as she recalled the earlier explanation of the rules that Dynamo had announced.

What she thought was a glimmering light in the darkness, Starlight smiled as she thought she had seen Samurai. "It looks like contestant Samurai is using his magic to light the way! In addition, it seems like his friendly rivalry with Priscilla continues to stay strong!" 

Pinkie’s tail twitched like crazy when Starlight mentioned Discord. Her jaw practically dropped as all the pieces clicked together- the wild uncontrollable weather and that tricky draconequus!

”Discord’s behind this shenanigans?! Ooooh that totally makes a whole lotta sense Starlight!!” She beamed, her voice bouncing with excitement.

Oops! Pinkie quickly clamped her hooves over her mouth hoping the participates didn’t hear her outburst. 
 

She knew just how much Discord loves causing trouble and chaos. And while Pinkie usually loved making the race fun and zippy, this weather? That’s a whole different kind of challenge, definitely not fun. 
 

“If you’re right Starlight,  I hope Discord have a good reason for it.” Pinkie said, puffing out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout.

 

”On the bright side, the runners are totally allowed to use their magic, not to help themselves around the super tough forest but to lead  a hoof to the ones without magic! And that’s really something! And hey, speaking from an earth pony’s perspective—you’ve gotta give credit to the ones without magic for all their hard work too! Like Moonlight here—he really gave it his all trying to get that fire started! The sparks twins? Oh-ho, their hot chocolate hospitality is keeping everyone warm and happy! @Iridescent Edge finally got his strength back from Shiny Slivermoon’s medicine! And don’t forget , Dusk Haven using her magic to guide the group safely this terrifying forest!”

[Samurai Equine 56,547]

17 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

"Oh, absolutely. I would never deny Samurai a hug." 

15 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

Dusk smiled at @Samurai Equine. “A hug would be lovely.” She waited for her turn and, when it came, wrapped him in a firm squeeze. The heat radiating from his horn melted the last trace of chill clinging to her coat.

Up close, she felt his aura—not just strength, but protection. It wrapped around her like a blanket on a winter’s night, shutting out the ice pressing at the door.

“Thank you,” she murmured, a little surprised at her own words. “I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

 

Samurai gladly hugs Moonlight, then Dusk. "Thank you, my friends. Though some of us have only met through this event, I am honored to share this race with you. No matter who wins, we stand together!"

 

17 hours ago, PrincessPriscillaPT said:

I'm following you, Samurai! Also, I didn't know you could use your horn to light up. 

 

Samurai looks over and sees Priscilla. "Would you also care for a hug?" Samurai offers, giving her a chance to warm up in this cold fog.

 

9 hours ago, Moonlight Wane said:

Moonlight looks into the woods, his bat eyes piercing darker corners of the forest with ease.

"Most of them are already hidden by trees, but I can still see some. Looks like everypony follows whoever's in front of them, so they all should be forming a line. I'm guessing those in the lead must be lost and freezing, so we should be able to catch up with them, as long as we keep warm. If everypony's ready, I'm good to go."

 

"Careful, Moonlight-san. I don't know why, but I have a deep suspicion that something dangerous is waiting for us somewhere in this fog. And my hardened battle senses have never let me down before. Please, allow me to proceed first. Let me be the shield that protects everypony else." Samurai offers, more than willing to be a protective guardian.

[Silverspark]

Silverspark listened as she and Brightspark caught up with the others. Silver jumped and kicked a tree, knocking down whatever she could, while Bright helped. Her ears perked up, catching snippets of the conversations around them.

 

Brightspark stopped and grabbed her sister by the tail. "Silver, stop! I think we should stick with the group. I don't believe we know this forest well enough.". I don't believe we know this forest well enough.". I don't believe we know this forest well enough.". I don't believe we know this forest well enough.". I don't believe we know this forest well enough.". I don't believe we know this forest well enough."

[PrincessPriscillaPT 493]

3 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Samurai looks over and sees Priscilla. "Would you also care for a hug?" Samurai offers, giving her a chance to warm up in this cold fog.

Yeah, sure, why not? Too bad that I don't have my jacket on because I would be just fine until this section here.