June 2023 Event: Aiding the Infected

Velvet sighed as she flew over empty city streets, her mind abuzz with thoughts of the affliction and the infected. Her muzzle pulled into a soft snarl as she swooped low to land, flapping the frost from her wings before pulling them tightly to her sides. She pranced in place for a moment before letting out an audible growl of frustration.

 

What in Equestria was going on here?! Her ears pinned back as she felt her normally calm demeanor ripping away.. Anxiety, frustration and fear bubbled up in its place- Why was this place so cold?! She shut her eyes tight and leaned her head back, taking slow and controlled breaths in a vain attempt to reign in her temper.

 

Her eyes cracked open as she slowly lowered her head to look at the homes around her. Empty, barren, there were tools and toys scattered in different yards. Makeshift fences were placed in front of stepping stone paths and before she knew it, Velvet had flown over and landed on a doorstep. This entire situation hit too close to home.

 

This was exactly like the Moonwidow. Her frame bristled as she took another breath, holding it before letting it out slowly - the steam wisping and disappearing behind her. These ponies were innocent, now they were trapped - except instead of being devoured by a giant arachnid and her children, they were going to become entrapped in crystal.. Were they still aware of their surroundings? Able to hear? See? She frowned and made her way to the door of the home, bringing up a wing and gently rapping against it with a dactyl.

 

Her ears perked at shuffled movement from within the home, mixed with some albeit disturbing sounds that reminded her of grinding glass. The door slowly cracked open as a face slowly peered through. Their eyes were tired, the eyes of somepony who had given up and Velvet’s anger spiked in her chest.

 

“H-hello, dear,” she began, voice strained as she tried to remain calm. “My name is Velvet Wing, I came with others from Equestria to help.” Her introduction was met with a tired scoff.. A response she was expecting. “How are your food supplies?” She asked, watching the mare behind the door as she squinted in response.

“Did you see the fence?” She asked coldly, the quiet grinding sound was heard again as a crystalline leg and hoof gestured towards the fence that Velvet had clearly either climbed or flown over. Velvet glanced back at the fence then at the mare’s leg.. Crystals were encasing it. Seeing her staring, the mare pulled her leg from view. “You’ll get it too if you try to help-”

“I don’t care.” Velvet stated flatly. Her deadpan stare caused the mare to be taken aback, an opening she knew she couldn’t waste. “Please..” Her tone softened as she gave the mare a reassuring smile. “Let me help you like so many were able to help me and my town..” The tone shift caused the mare to eye the bat pony, her lips pulling into a thin line before she nodded.

“We’ll.. Need more food soon, but..” She glanced down the street. “I know that two houses over, Sky Star could use more help.. His filly, Sugar Snap, needs medicine, but everypony is afraid of these crystals.” Velvet followed her gaze to the home that must’ve been Sky Star’s and she frowned, nodding.

“Then I’ll start there.” She looked over, giving the mare another reassuring smile. “After that, I’ll be back with some food, ok?” The mare nodded and Velvet turned, unfurling her wings and taking off back towards town square - she had a job to do.