Equestria Unlimited: My Little Rumbleby steel soulChaptersPrologueChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreePrologueThe way to the throne room always made Rumble feel small and insignificant. He deadpanned. Smaller and more insignificant then he already was. The gray and black colt slowly made his way down the elongated hallway, the shear magnificence of the walkway lost on the contemplating colt. His mind too busy concentrating on his teacher and mentor, the Queen of Equestria, who had summoned him. Though he was busy studying hard (Or as hard as a colt burying his face within a book) he was grateful for the brake, havening been up almost all of last night. Still it was the perfect time to tell her what he had found. After a rather detailed lesson on Equestrian History from a very overzealous pony with a hourglass cutiemark, something very, very odd caught his eye. It was a small mention, barely noticeable if one was not paying attention, yet his keen eyes had saw it. “On the thousandth year…on a given day…The two shall return to take everything away…” The colt let the words slip from his mouth, the oddity of the passage making him uneasy. What did it mean by that anyway? That was way too creepy to just be some normal text book dribble. The young stallion thought to himself. He had tried to get an audience with the princess almost all week, but due to what he has deemed long ago, ‘Rumble Luck’, he had not been able to see her. What’s the point in being her personal student if I can’t see her whenever I want? The colt thought sourly before hanging his head down. Well…She is running a whole country after all; she can’t be everywhere at once. And with the Sunrise Celebration, coming she’s even more hectic than usual. As he spoke his anger deflated somewhat. The brief calm boiled in to indignation as anger rose up within him againOf coarse, that doesn’t mean that the nobles had to block my way each and every time. Bucking jerks. He couldn't help but glower as memories of the nobles, particularly one bulky, white, unicorn playboy, who seemed to have it out for him, and has stopped at nothing to make his life as depressing as possible, crept into his mind. It wasn’t just Blueblood…No…wait…Blue “Balls”! yeah. Blue-balls. It wasn’t just Blue-balls that rubbed him the wrong way. Many of the nobles objected to him even being near the princess, let alone letting a lowly common pegasus becoming the her apprentice. Heck, most of the objections came from the stuck-up, snobby, rude unicorns that dominated the court. He paused. Somewhere in his mind, his contemplation had made him rethink calling Blueblood Blue-balls for some reason. With a heavy sigh, he pushed is way forward down the beautiful hallway towards the large double doors that stood imposeingly in front of himself. With another sigh and a surge of determination, he pushed at the doors, opening one just enough for the colt to slip through. “-Is what I purpose Queen Sparkle.” Rumble raised an eyebrow, catching the tail end of a conversation. "That voice..." He hissed under his breath, knowing exactly who’s heavy Canterlot inflections that tone belonged to. Blueblood turned around as the click of the door opening behind him reverberated across the room, his yellow mane barely moveing as the overused hold spray did its work. “Colt? What are you doing here?” The white stallion said, barely hiding the distain in his tone of voice as he narrowed his eyes at the approaching colt. "Can't you see that there is an important meeting going on here?" “I invited him of coarse.” The sound of the Queen's voice rung steadfastly, yet kindly, towards Rumbles defence. Her pure lavender fur and glowing, swirling mane, sparkling gently within the light of the room as she shifted position within her throne. “I have taken what you had suggested to heart Duke Blueblood and will ponder what I will do with the information.” She looked towards Rumble, a bit of a gentle smile forming on her face. “Now if you will excuse me, I have some business I must discuss with my most faithful student.” Duke Blueblood growled low but bowed deeply, quickly turning on his hoof to make his way out the throne room. As he passed Rumble, a look of intense annoyance crossed his features.Rumble snap of his tail after the stallion an all to smug smile apparent on his face. “Stupid jerk…” Rumble muttered under his breath before a cough from the Qheen caused him to look her way. Her eyes were closed and her head held up high as she sat regally within the seat of her throne, golden crown resting comfortably upon the head. “Is everypony out of the room Sir Rumble?” She would ask in a gentle but commanding tone. For his part, Rumble looked one way, and then the other, and then upwards before smiling brightly. “Yes Queen Twilight. I do believe we are truly alone.” The Lavender Queen instantly slumped before sighing deeply. “Geez, that pony really should get out the thing shoved up his butt. To say such things about the changelings, and openly too. We just got on good terms with them. We don’t need to start in international incident.” Rumble frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck sticking up. “Did he say something bad about the Changeling Kingdom?” He asked. Twilight shook her head before smiling down at her rowdy student. “Not per-say no, but like I mentioned, he is openly against them joining our nation. In fact its the same with the griffins and dear folk as well.” She paused, before her eyes widened in realization. “Wait…are you worried about the kingdom…or a certain little changeling princess?” Rumble blushed brightly before scowling at the Princess. “It’s not like that! I mean…I…She’s just a friend. You said it yourself. Friends are the most important part thing to a pony.” Twilight smiled innocently, her wings unfolding from behind her back. “I did indeed. You are learning your lessons quite well I see. Still... matters about your love life can wait.” She held out her hooves to the young stallion. “Your Teacher would like a hug.” "Fine..."Rumble blushed and rolled his eyes but couldn't help the smile forming on his face. He wrapped his hooves around her frame, her soft warm fur pressing against his own, the smell of lavender assaulting his seances. “It’s been quite a few weeks so I’ll give ya one. It’s not gonna become a habit ya know?” "I'll keep that in mind." Twilight cooed as she ruffled Rumble’s mane. “And I am sorry I've been away for so long. The Zebra’s problems with the Southern Diamond Dogs lasted longer than I expected. I do hope no pony gave you a hard time.” “Not at all my Queen.” He assured, both trying to pacify her and move remove her hoof to stop her from mussing up his mane. When he glanced up he beheld a stern look crossing Twilights features. He looked away before finally replying “Well…No more than usual…” He lamented. Twilight shook her head. “Rumble, I told you to come to me if things happen.” “Nothing happened though. Besides I can handle myself. If they get rough then they'll know the extent of my training first hoof.” "Always quick to violence you are..." Twilight sighed before smiling again. “Now then, as to why you are here.” She levitated a scroll towards Rumble. “I have an important job for you my little colt. I need you to oversee the preparations of the Sun Rising Celebration that is to be held in Ponyville.” “What!?" Rumble blanched. "Really?! Are you sure?” “Of course I am sure." She said before clapping her hooves together happily, a rolled up scroll appearing beside her in a puff of purple magic. "This check list I made for you says so right there. Look see. 'Rumble goes to Canterlot'. I have a cart waiting to take you there in the main launching hall. And since you will be there overnight you will be staying with the town Librarian until tomorrow morning.” Rumble blinked before looking away “No. Thats not it. I mean…Well…I-I mean…Are you sure you want me to do it?” He asked uncertainly. “Of coarse I do.” She said proudly. “I have the upmost confidence in your abilities.” “Mom...” Rumble said with a pout, his tone taking a more pitiful turn. “Remember the Gala two years ago?” Twilight had pull all of her willpower to keep the flood of laughter from busting from her mouth. “Yes I do. It was the most interesting Gala I had ever intended in my entire life. I know General Pie had the most fun out of it to be sure.” “Aside from you and Pinkie, everypony else hated me for it!” he said, throwing up his hooves. “No. As I recall not every pony hated it.” She said tapping her chin. “Actually, now that I think about it, it was almost like you planned that party just for Princess Chrysa-“ “Well would you look at the time!!” He grabbed the scroll in his mouth and quickly made his way to the door. “A party to plan! Ponies to see! Goodbye Princess!” He called out before disappearing through the doorway, the gentle sound of Twilight's laughter following after him. As he flew down the hall way, something in the back of his mind began to itch, as if he had forgotten something important. ~ Deep within the sun and the moon, unbeknownst to all but a few, something dark began to stir. Chapter OneTen Years Ago “Rumble...come on out.” The little colt peaked from behind the Queen’s foreleg, keeping himself hidden as best he could. In front of him and his teacher stood two beings he had never seen before in his life. He stared in awe as his little foal eyes took in all the information that it could muster about the creatures in front of him. One, a tall and regal figure of a pony, stood with their head held high. She, for her scent was most definitely female, held an air of gentle superiority, the likes he had never seen before accept with his own teacher. Her black body shimmered in the warm beams of the sun, adding to her already royal appearance. Her violent mane almost seemed to flow around her, gaining more then enough attention from every stallion that could see her beauty. The oddest thing about her however, where the large holes that littered her legs and and bottom part of her mane, an oddity that in no way diminished her appeal as well as the clear wings that folded in on her on her back. The other one, that stood beside the tall black equine like creature, was much like the taller creature, though she was more to his level of height. A gentle ocean blue mane hung to the side of her, tied into a ponytail with expensive silk fibers. Hey emerald eyes shimmered with excitement as she stared at the colt that hid behind the princess of Equestria. She seemed ready to burst, the way she looked Rumble over more than once. A red glow formed on her black cheeks as she smiled, her little fangs giving her an appearance of a happy little puppy. Changelings he had heard Queen Twilight call them. And these two, in front of him, were the Queen and Princess of the Changelings. Twilight smiled before gently pushing the colt forward, much to his charging and the little Changeling Princess’s ever growing joy. “Don’t be so shy Rumble. We will be seeing them a lot so I want you to make friends.” The lavender mare mused. Rumble blushed and looked away as the little changeling made her way to him. His violet eyes would soon stray to her emerald ones, both foals giving not saying a word for quite some time. The silence was broken however as the changeling princess pushed herself into him, giving him a nuzzle. Her felt her warm carapace radiated against his soft fur. He froze, his eyes widening and his cheeks blazing with heat at the sudden affection. “It’s nice to meet you Rumble!” The squeaked, her wings buzzing happily behind her. “My name is Chrysalis. Lets become good friends ok?” ~ Present Rumble awoke from his dreamlike memory with a joult, falling into a heap onto the floor of the chariot, he was riding. He groaned in annoyance before slowly lifting himself up, his eyes peaking menacingly over the rim of the chariot,. His gaze shifted from the green grass and the beautiful looking trees to the ire of his existence for the moment. “Rainbow...A little warning next time would be great…” The one named Rainbow twisted her head around as she took her royal guard helmet off, her namesake of a mane flowing over her magenta eyes as she locked on to his own with a look of innocence. Her lips creased took off the harness of the carriage and stretching her wings out. “Well I had no other choice,” She tried to reason. “I mean you were talking in your sleep for quite some time on the way here.” She pressed her hooves together as she began to a mock impersonation of Rumble’s voice. “Oh Chrysalis! Oh Chrysalis! Wherefore art thou my Chrysalis!” Rumble couldn’t stop his cheeks from glowing red with embarrassment over both the mockery and the spot on pitch of the impersonation. He leaned to swat at the armored covered mare, only for her to jump away causing him to topple over the edge of the chariot,. The level of ticked off raised to level fifty with a twenty percent increase in experience for every patch of dirt he near inhaled. He made a mental note to stop playing P&D with that royal guard 8-Bit. Rumble jumped to his hooves before rushing towards the mare with unrealistic speed. “I’m takeing you down this time Rainbow Dash!!” His hoof lashed out, only to hit nothing but air. He tried to correct his position but it was too late. Rainbow pulled his left foreleg behind him, and locked him into a hold, stopping any chance of him escaping. “You really gotta work on your form dude.” She mused gently, her breath tickling the tip of his ear. Her actions only caused Rumble to blush even brighter, doing his best to struggle from her grasp. She chuckled as she wrapped her free hoof around his midsection. “But I gotta admit, not everyday I get surprised by speed. You get any faster and I may just have some competition.” She purred into his ear, her hot breath making his face become even reader then before. “And nothing makes me happier than having a bit of competition.” Rainbow finished in a sultry tone. “Hey! L-Let got!” He yelped out loud, struggling against the mare harder and harder, an act that only caused Rainbow to giggle. “What if somepony sees us like this!?” She released Rumble, a playful pout crossing her features. “Look at you, getting all worked up over being this close to a mare. Or could it be that you don’t want to be seen with me like this by a certain princess? You really know to make me how to feel a little jealous, what with you thinking of her all the time.” Rumble rolled his eyes as he retrieved his bag from the chariot. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever Captain Dash. Don’t you have a castle to guard or something?” Rainbow laughed as she flew above Rumble in a relaxed like position. “Haha...Dang. Using my full title now. I must have really riled you up good this time.” She watched him slink off at a fast trot towards the town’s border. She watched him leave before landing next to the chariot, a gentle smile crossing her features before she looked down her expression becoming solem. “Twilight…” ~ “Twilight?” The young lavender queen turned to face her cyan guard captain, A gentle smile crossing her features as she did so. “What is it Rainbow Dash?” “You didn’t answer me, Twilight.” Rainbow said taking a step forward. “Why are you making me go with the colt specifically. Any pegasus can carry a chariot. “And I’ve told you, more than once about how much those things chaif.” “You know, you're committing borderline insubordination Captain Dash.” “Oh come off it Twi.” Rainbow said with a growl. “You told me yourself to treat you normaly when were alone.” Twilight blinked before looking away, chuckling. “And all the other times were alone you always call me princess anyway.” “Yeah well you never use to carry Rumble anywhere in a chariot. And you’ve been acting weird all week. What's the deal?” Rainbow retorted. Twilight kept her eyes towards the rainbow maned mare for several moments before Sighing deeply. “No matter how much you prepare, there can always be trouble Rainbow. I know that first hoof.” “Yeah, and I have a whole battalion of guards stationed at Ponyville right now. He can’t be more safe. Besides, with him being under my wing the kids far from being a pushover.” “I know that Dash, its one of the reasons I asked you to train him in the first place.” “Then what is it? What arn’t you telling me?” Twilight bit her lower lip and looked away, her eyes darting from Rainbow to the ground and back again. “I just...Don’t know. Something is off. I just don’t know what it is…Can you just do this favor...for old times sake Dashie” Rainbow rolled her eyes before chuckling. “Yeah...but this is the last one. And don’t Worry Twily. I got Rumble’s back, but trust me when I say you worry too much.” Twilight gave the mare a gentle smile. “Thanks Rainbow...I know I can count on you…” ~ Rainbow sighed before following after Rumble's retreating tail. “Yeah...Nothing can can wrong...Right?” Chapter TwoPonyville… One will never find a place filled with so much kindness and camaraderie as this quant little town. Many mares, stallions, colts and fillies littered the dusty roads, each one going about their daily lives. The normally busy town ponies was especially active today due to not only the upcoming celebration, but also the exclusive appearance of their one and only ruler of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle. It was on this amazing and happy day that the residence of Sweet Apple acres were busy upon their farm, the Apple family happily preparing the food for both tonight's and tomorrow's events. It was also the place that Rumble would start his royal duties of overseeing the perperations for the Sun Rising Celebration. “Wow." The young stallion mused as he stared at the miles and miles of apple trees littering the farm. "That a whole lot of apples in one place.” He smiled as looked around. "Still, a peaceful farm is just what I need to get Rainbow and her dang teasing out of my mind." He paused. "For the love of Cadence...I'm talking out loud again...Really need to put a hamper on-" “YEE-HAW!” Rumble's self ramblings were cut short as he covered both his ears with his hooves, the sound of the most manliest voice he had ever heard leaving a rather intense ringing within his most sensitive of hewing appendages. Rumble looked around as soon as he had fully recovered from the sound assault, his eyebrow rising as he bore witness to an orange-coated stallion in a stetson hat hitting an apple tree with a powerful buck of his hind legs, their dirty yellow mane tide into a messy but workable ponytail. Sweat perspired off the stallions coat, running its corse down his chiseled chest and work legs. To the stallion's right, Rumble could also see a gaggle of mares of all types, rather they be unicorn, earth pony or pegasus, admiring him from a distance, each one swooning by the display of strength the farm-stallion displayed. "Well..." Rumble sighed with a roll of his eyes. "lets get this over with…” The young stallion smiled widely, putting on his best friendly disposition as he neared the older one. After a light cough to clear his throat, the overseer spoke. “Hello, my name is Rumble, and I’m-“ Rumble barely had to to yelp as the stallion was upon him instantly. “Well,howdy there Rumble, name’s Applejack, proud member of the Apple family,” said the farm stallion as he shook his hoof vigorously. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acers! Now, What can Ah do ya fer, Saltlick?” He crossed his front hooves and smiled warmly. It took some time for Rumble to recover from nearly being shaken out of existence. “I...I’ve have come to oversee the banquet the Apples have prepared for the Sun Rising Celebration.” He announced with as much formality and confidence he could muster after going though his earthquake like experience. “Y’all lucky ta come here first then, city slicker,” said Applejack. “Yer just in time fer the Apple family reunion! Come on and meet everypony!” He trotted over and wrung a rather large dinner bell with too much enthusiasm. “SOUP’S ON, EVERPONY!” Rumble chuckled nervously. “Oh...Hehe...No thanks,” he said trying to back away. “I just need you to tell what food you’re serving. You really don’t have to-” Applejack wrapped a hoof around the little stallion's shoulder, pulling him close. “That’s th’ great thing about our family,” Applejack said with pride. “Ah can both at once!” He took a deep breath. “We got Apple Cobbler, Apple Strudel, Caramel Apples, Apple Pie, Apple Cider, Apple Salad-” Applejack began, pointing to each pony as he spoke Rumble listened on and on to the stallion naming each and every last one of the ponies and food before him. Never, in all his life, had he known of so many ways to cook apples. It was both mind boggling, mind blowing to the young stallion if he was being truthful to himself. “And here we have little Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and finally, Granny Smith.” Applejack concluded as he gestured over to a sleeping elder mare. “Come on Granny Smith, we got company!” Granny Smith awoke from her nap to join the festivities mumbling something about disturbing her nap. “Ah think they like ya already, saltlick.” said Applejack. “I’d even say that yer already part of th’ family if I may be so bold! So, how ‘bout a little taste test?” Rumble gazed upon the mountain of food that was on the table, a sweat starting to from on his brow. “Well...I have some things to take care of. I don't think I have the time...” he confessed. The Apple family made an “Awww” of disappointment. The filly that was introduced to him as Applebloom, walked up to him, her eyes near shimmering with unshed tears. “Please stay for brunch.” she said with big, teary eyes. It was a look the Rumble was all to familiar with, what with a certain changeling princess using it to get her way most of the time. It was also a look that he had little to no defence for. “Fine..." Rumble relented with a deadpan look. "Guess a bite wouldn’t be too bad. What's the worse that can happen?” ~ “Never...Again…” Those were the words that Rumble had vowed to uphold for the rest of his life as he left the Apple farm that was named Sweet Apple Acres behind. Never, in his entire life, had he eaten so much food in one setting, dwarfed only by the fact that each and every morsel was apple based. He could almost feel his belly bulge as if it was ready to explode at a moments notice. “Ugh...I won’t be eating for a full week…” The gray pony said before sighing deeply. “Well in any case, the food was good and I’m sure the ponies of this town will love it, as long as its not stuffed down a ponies face. I just never knew there were so many kinds of apples in the world." Speaking of which…” He turned to look to his left, a deadpanned stare aimed at a very familiar yellow earth pony filly. “Why are you following me again...ah...Applebloom right?” The filly in question, a yellow earth pony filly with a bright pink scarf wrapped around her neck and a mane as pure red as an apple, smiled brightly as he acknowledged her. “Thats right Mister Rumble. Y’all are family now so ah thought it would be un family like to leave ya. This is y’all first time here in Ponyville ain’t it? Ah can show y’all around.” Rumble was about to shoo her off, but paused. He hated to admit it but he didn't know his way around town. He had spent the better half of his first hour in town asking for directions from to Sweet Apple Acres, many of the ponies having no idea either due to both them being out of town and themselves. Rumble sighed before smiling at the filly. “You have a point kiddo. Fine, i’ll let you tag along.” “YAY!” The little earth filly cheered, her voice raising more than a few decimals much to Rumble's chargen. “Where to first? You said you had to cheek on the Sun Rising Celebration right? Where are ya going next? Someplace cool?” Rumble pulled out the checklist his teacher had given him. "We need to check on how a pegasus named Scootaloo is doing at clearing the skies it seems." Applebloom craned her neck as she looked up to cloud filled sky, a frown coming on to her features. "Ah know her. She’s one of the local weather ponies here in Ponyville," she commented. “Wonder where she is…?” “Where ever it is, its obviously more important than following an order from the Queen.” Rumble huffed wight a roll of his eyes. Just then, as if his luck was answering his call, something hard, orange and fast slammed into his side. Both he and the object fell into a heap onto the dirt paths, only stopping after rolling for quite some time. The colt that was rammed into groaned as he tried to make sense of what just happened. “The Buck...What the hey just hit me…” Rumble mumbled, doing his best to lift up. Something, however, was preventing from from doing so. His hooves felt around the object, instantly filling the warmth it emanated from its own body. He blinked as he felt fur coarse though his hoof, both soft and toned, yet with just a bit of give to it. "The hey...? “Wow...aiming for second base already there dude?” Rumble's eyes opened, only to widen once he found out exactly what was sitting in front of his face, a mighty blush blasting across his face. A rather nice plot sat in front of him, the wind rustling each and every hair he could see. It wasn't a bad plot by any means. Nice and orange. Actually really well token care of. Must be an athlete of some sort. If he looked up further enough, a purple wheel with a lightning bolt shooting from it could be seen upon her flank. A magenta tail flicked him across his face, causing the stallion to look past the plot into diluted magenta eyes. “Pretty ballsy if you ask me...but I could do a lot worse, I guess.” The mare that sat on him giggled before blowing a bit of her magenta main out of her her eyes. It was then that Rumble’s brain went into overload mode at exactly what his situation was. On one hoof, a really cute mare about his age had landed on top of him in a position that could only be describe a Michael Neigh cliche, plus she was flirting with him. Thats always a good sign for a stallion. Flirting is always a good thing, is it not? On the other hoof however, there was a mare on top of him, and if a certain pony or two saw him in such a position, he would be utterly and royally screwed… He did the only thing sensible thing he could think to do. “Heh...ah...you don’t mind moving do ya?” Rumble asked with a awkward smile. The mare thought for a moment before smiling at him and mewling a “Naww," Escaped her mouth. Oh! And she gave a wiggle of her rear as an emphasis. Panic began to set within Rumble's heart, as well as his already red face becoming even redder then before. “I-I mean-buh-You-I-!” She began to shake with soft giggles before rolling off the stallion and began rolling on the ground, a deep and bellowing laugh escaping from her maw as she did so. “Oh Geez! You should see your face! Dear Cadence is it priceless! BAHH~HAHAHAHAH!” Rumble growled as he picked himself up, brushing the dust off his coat as he cast a glare towards the pegasus. “Ha-ha-ha…you're a riot. You Scootaloo I presume?” Scootaloo smiled as she picked herself up and puffed out her chest "The one and only." Scootaloo ruffled Applebloom's mane as she made her way to her. “And I see you're getting all the mares to fall for you.” “I’m his official royal assistant” Applebloom said, a little miffed that her mane was getting messed up. “And he’s here on royal business from the princess of Equestria herself.” “Official royal assistant is pushing it Kiddo.” Rumble corrected. "But she is right, Queen Twilight sent me to check on the Sun Rising preparations for tomorrow," He explained, "And the princess’s list says that you're supposed to be clearing the sky for said shindig." Scootaloo epped before she pawed at the ground, a sheepish smile on her muzzle, "That's right, ehehehe…” “So...why isn’t it?” Rumble said with a raised eyebrow. “Yeah, why ain’t it?” Applebloom mimicked. Scootaloo looked away. “I, ah...forgot…” Rumble deadpanned. “You forgot?” Scootaloo smiled as she looked at him. “I forgot.” “She always forgets.” Applebloom said shaking her head. Rumble was all but done with her. “And they trusted you to the task of clearing of the sky to you because why exactly?” “Cause I’m the best at what I do!” Scootaloo exclaimed proudly. “Except doing your job…” Rumble said looking away and towards the sky. “Bet I could even do a better job then you.” “Hey! Nopony is faster than me! I could clear the sky in no time at all!” She retorted it. “And I could clear the sky faster than that!” Rumbled said with a smirk. “Oh yeah!” “Yeah!” Both ponies stood with their faces just inches away from each other before Rumble turned to Applebloom. He quickly took off his bag, dropping it into the hooves of the little filly. “Hold my stuff for a bit kiddo...I’m about to show a filly the fruits of royal training.” Scootaloo smirked as she began to stretch out her wings and body. “Yeah? Lets see how well your so called training can do against natural talent.” Rumble cracked his neck before crouching in a low position. “Ready?” Scootaloo pranced in place before acquiring the same position as the stallion. “Steady!” Applebloom raised her hooves in the air effectively tossing Rumbles things in the ail while at the same time yelling much enthusiasm, “GO!” ~ A beautifully designed carriage arrived at the edge of Ponyville. Its making was unlike anything seen within Equestria’s own carriages, even the ones that many of the fancy ponies owned. Its black coating did little to belittle its intricate composition. In fact it enhanced it twofold if anything. Two armor cladded equine like creatures shifted on their hooves as they surveyed the area, their large blue eyes taking in all the strange looks they were given, returning them in spades. Many of the ponies watched with a questioning stare. Others still kept a worried air about them at the sight of the strange ponies with holes in their legs. It was no doubt in any ponies mind that the strangely beautiful carriage was the thing on everypony’s mind. And then the door opened. All eyes turned to the carriage's occupant. Her long blue mane, while having oddly placed holes integrated within it, only helped enhanced the black pony’s beautiful elegance. Her catlike eyes looked too and fro before focusing straight ahead, widening at the sight of a little gray dot flying around in the clouds. Her wings fluttered and she smiled brightly, her small fangs shining lightly within the suns rays. “I found you, my little Rumble.” Chapter ThreePonyville “Done and done!” Rumble exclaimed with a tired sigh, his hoof still waving to the musicians as they made their way to town hall. When they had disappeared behind their doors he cast a glance at the filly beside him, the little mare checking off the last item on the list. “How’s it looking my trusty navigator?” He asked in a mock tone of leadership. “All’s well and good cap’n Rumble!” Apple Bloom mused in a mock salute. “Everything is accounted for The Queen's welcoming celebration!” Both young ponies, tried with all of their might, to keep their stoic stature for a few more seconds before bursting out into laughter. Rumble was the first to overcome from his laughter high, gently messing up Apple Bloom’s mane. “Getting kicked where the sun doesn’t shine aside," He stated, a wince of pain jolting from his groin as he did so, "This was pretty fun.” He told the little filly. “You showed me all the best places to eat. To hang out. To shop.This is, hooves down the most peaceful little town I’ve been to yet. And trust me, I've been to a lot of towns.” He smiled down at her. “Thanks for tagging along kiddo. Though I do kinda feel bad that you're missing your reunion to lead me around. I’m sure that you would have had more fun with your friends and family than with some Canterlot-Stick-In-The-Mud Noble.” “Are y’all kidding me?” Applebloom asked with a giggle. “Mister Rumble, you are anything but a stick in the mud. Besides, ah can see my family anytime. Applejack says that making a good friend is worth its weight in bits.” “Heh, he seems like a down to earth kind of pony.” He paused before smirking. “Pun intended.” "And a horrible one at that. "Apple Bloom giggled before giving him a slight push. “But really, you're nothing like all those stories of snobby ponies ah hear about.” “Well…I think I’m a bit of a different case.” Rumble said with a shake of his head. “How do ya mean?” Apple Bloom inquired with a tilt of her head. The gray colt sighed softly before looking to the filly. “Lead me to the library and I’ll tell ya on the way. I really just want to get some sleep after today.” “Sleep?” Apple Bloom said, eyebrow rose. “Buts it’s just a few hours after noon?” “True,” Rumble agreed. “But that leaves me time to catch a quick nap before having to meet up with the Queen again.” “Oh wow…So ya really are close to the Queen, huh?” Apple Bloom asked with wide shimmering eyes. “Well…if practically being raised by her every own hoof counts as being close to her…” Rumble said with a smirk. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened further. “Wait…Are ya saying that she raised you?” She gasped. “Are you her-!?” Before she could get the rest of the sentence out, Rumble clamped a wing over her muzzle. “Shhhh! Lower voice please, Apple Bloom. And no…I’m not her son or anything like that. I’m just a student under her tutelage.” He said as he let his wing fall from her muzzle. “Besides, when did you even see her married?” “Well…ah do’h know…maybe she got one of those…um…harems?” Rumble’s eyes bugged. “S-She’s not like that!” He near squeaked. "He looked down at the filly. "How do you even know why that word means?!" “Okay, Okay.” Apple Bloom said in a pacifying gesture. “But ya did say she raised ya, right?” Calming down, the gray furred teen gave Apple Bloom a solemn nod. “Yeah, she did.” Apple Bloom wanted to voice another question but soon clamped her mouth back shut. The two ponies walked in relative silence for a while before Apple Bloom spoke up once more. ”Is she as nice as they say she is?” Rumble looked to the mare for a moment before looking back straight. “Yeah…She's the best pony I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Apple Bloom seemed to nod at that answer before falling back into silence, though a small smile played upon her lips. It wasn’t long before the pair happened upon, in Rumble’s opinion, the oddest building he had ever seen, and that’s taking into account the Gingerbread looking building he had passed in he and Applebloom’s tour through Ponyville. ~ Canterlot Castle “All Hooves! At Attention!” At the command of of a rather misplaced pink and poofy maned pony in light brown armor, the troops under her command all stood ridged, each pony’s hoof wrapped around the spear, the weapons tilted in a way that looked as though it was archway like path. “Announcing the Queen of Equestria! Twilight Amilia Sparkle!” The pink mare shouted, her own hoof raised in the air in salute. The aforementioned Queen of Equestria sighed heavily before nodding to two of her guards beside her, their horns lighting up to open the double doors in a glow of yellow and blue magic. Doned in her golden, royal attire , the Twilight Amilia Sparkle regaly cantered to her awaiting carriage, at the end of the spear archway. Beside her, cantered a rather handsome looking grey stallion. His body, slender and elegant, longer of limb that most ponies, though there was a certain masculine look to him, keeping the stallion from looking too much like a mare. If anything, the stallion would be quite the catch to anypony that might fancy him. The only off putting thing about him was his choice of attire. That being a odd pointy blue hat and bell adorned cape that seemed to jiggle with every movement he made. Twilight was more then sure that he was making unnecessary motions with his legs for that to happen. Giving the queen a smile, the thin stallion addressed the her with a cool, yet teasing tone of voice. “You know, My Queen,,” He began in a gentle whisper. “With such a dour look on your muzzle, somepony might think the world is ending soon.” He gave a slight chuckle at his joke, the bells on his hat jingling in tone with his silent laughter. Queen Twilight shot him a quick glare before sighing and folding her ears back. “Okay...You got me.” She said before smiling a bit. “It's just…I don’t know. Something seems off to me. I don’t know what it is though.” “If something is bothering you, then it must be serious.” Starswirl mused softly, tapping his chin with a hoof “Do you want to talk about it, Princess?” Twilight shook her head gently, giving him a warm smile. “No...No, I’m sure it's just nerves.” “But, you love public apparences.” The wizard pony mused. “How could somepony who basically strives on giving speeches ever be nervous about meeting a few of her citizens in the quaint little town?” Twilight gave the stallion the most devastating sideways glare she could muster, though the subtle puff of her cheeks ruined any of the hate factor that the queen was trying to portray. “I don’t strive on giving speeches Starswirl.” The mare held up her nose in a haughty fashion as she closed her eyes. “I’m just really, really good at them.” “Careful my queen.” Starswirl teased. “Your age is showing.” Twilight slightly deflated, though she kept the angered expression on her features. “You're annoying...you know that?” “Love you too, my Queen.” Starswirl said with a smug like smile. Upon reaching the end of the spear made archway, the pink pony in armor saluted with a stern expression upon her features, she spoke with a clear cut, yet somewhat bubbly tone. “Ma’am, your carriage awaits, Ma’am.” “Thank you Captain Pie.” Twilight said with a bow. Turning to Starswirl she addressed the stallion with stern tone. “I take it you can handle things within the palace while I am away?” She asked in a athortorive tone. “But of course my queen.” Starswirl answered with a flourishing of a bow. “Everything will be as it was before you left.” “Good.” Twilight turned to the pink mare with a nod before entering into the carriage, Captain Pie following soon after. As soon as both ponies felt telltale rumble of their ride flying off into the air, the pink pony’s stoic expression dissolved into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. “Hehehe! Wow Twilight! I’ve been waiting for this all week!” She cheered, barely able to control her vibrating body. “I mean do you know how many times the Sunrise Celebration comes in a lifetime Twilight?!” “At least once a hear Pinkie.” Twilight said with a gentle smile, not at all off put by her long time friend’s sudden change in dimuer. If there was something that was always liked about Pinkie, it's the fact that she knew how to do what needs to be done. “Thats right Twi!” Pinkie continued unabashed. “Thats 366 days too long for my liking! I can’t wait to see all the happy faces cheer and play and have fun all the live long day! It’s gonna be great! I’ve never been this excited! Nor this nervous?! Have you?! It's almost like I’m nervouscited! Is that a word? I don’t think it is but I’m gonna make it one! It just flows so naturally and-” Twilight nodded, content to allow Pinkie to talk for the both of them. Her gaze fell to the passing landscape before, a inkling in the back of her mind that something wasn’t right still scraping at the surface of her thoughts. I hope I'm right Starswirl, about it being just nerves. I just really really do... ~ Ponyville “This,” Apple Bloom mused as she ran out in front of the older pony. “Is Ponyville Library!” “This is the Library?” Rumble asked with a tilt of his head. One had to admit, it was an odd design choice by any means. The building in question was in fact, not a house in a tree, but a tree made into a house like structure of some sort. It was very large and wide in terms of size. He was sure that half of town hall could fit within the building easily. As he approached the door, a gently swinging sign caught his eyes. “Sacred Oak Library, huh?” He mused to himself with a smile. “Ya know, I’m half expecting this place to be filled with books made from its very own wood.” “Ah know right?” Apple Bloom said with a giggle. “That’s actually a running joke round these parts.” “No kidding?” Rumble asked giving off a chuckle of his own. “Wonder if it's true or not.” Before he could reach the place of interest, the sound of hooves beating upon the dirt road from a distance began to reach his and the fillies ears. Rumble turned to Apple Bloom “APPLE BLOOM!!” Called a rather shrill voice. Rumble’s wings shot out and he turned to face the one making their way to Applebloom and himself, only for the little yellow filly to rush out in a battle cry of her own. “Diamond Tiara!” Rumble could only watch in both horror and fascination as Apple Bloom rammed head first into another little filly. The newcomer seemed to be as tall as Applebloom, if not a little on the skinny side compared to Apple Bloom’s more well toned (FOR A FILLY MIND YOU) apparence. She was a light pink filly, maybe a few shades lighter then the Captain of the royal Earth Ponies, Captain Pie. Her mane was both white and purple, complementing her fur quite well. The picture of a tiara adored the little ones flank, not that he was looking. It was just there...as it was fall all ponies. “What the hey, Apple Bloom?!” The one that Applebloom called Diamond Tiara said in an accusing tone. “FIrst we take the time out of our busy schedule to make it to your family reunion, only to find you had disappeared. You make us run all about town, ponies telling us we just missed you every time we think we are close. Now we find you in the company of not only a new pony in town but…” She looked to Rumble before slamming her head back into the waiting yellow filly. “A totally hot stallion!” “Wait...What?” Rublem stuttered. “Oh come off it DT!” Apple Bloom said as she pushed the pink filly’s head a bit with her own. “Ah was being neighborly to a pony who needed ma help. Besides, I thought you and ya family was staying the week in Trottingham!” “I was! Till I found out that it was a business trip for my daddy and I begged him for me to stay with Silver and her Family!” Diamond yelled back, as she repeated the other fillies head actions. “Well, ya should have told me!!” Apple Bloom told her. “I was going to when I saw you!” Diamond answered “Well okay then!” Apple Bloom relented loudly. Both fillies kept their angered looks before busting out into laughter, leaving a very confused Rumble very confused. His thoughts were distracted by a tug on his tail. Looking to his side, Rumble found himself staring at the blushing features of a gray filly, her mane s rather nice shade of silver. The bangs of her mane did a very poor job of hiding the lavender eyes of the blushing filly, her gaze always flicking from the ground and Rumble’s own. Leaning down slightly he moved to get eye level with the filly. “Ah...Yeah? Can I help you?” Rumble saw the already blushing filly’s features turn another shade of red as he spoke, her eyes widening and her body trembling. The young stallion barely heard the “ILIKEYOURMANE!” Squeak from the filly before she dashed away in a cloud of dust. “Silvy?” Diamond called out after her retreating friend, her and Apple Bloom’s argument forgotten as she watched the young gray filly disappear down the road. Looking back to Apple Bloom, she would nod curtly, the yellow filly returning the gesture before both filly dashed after the gray one. Leaving a rather confused Rumble, still rather confused. “I...Don’t think I will question it…” He said softly to himself before turning towards the door to the Library. With a heavy tired sigh, Rumble would open the door that was to be his temporary housing, hoping to get a bit a rest, and maybe a bag of ice as well for his still stinging groin. Maybe he could even- *WHAM* As Rumble felt himself tumble into a heap on the ground, he would contemplate where his life went wrong. Sure he wasn’t the most...Good of colts when he was young, but he would be damned if he didn’t say he tried his very best to be a good pony. Maybe it was just his fate to get tacked by unknown ponies today. If it was, it was a very odd fate in deed. Landing on his back, Rumble would groan in pain, the feeling of something pinning his body to the floor the only thing he could register at the moment. As consciousness slowly came back to him, his violet eyes would gaze into a pair of sharp Emerald ones, cat like slits forming the irises instead of a normal circles. “You kept me waiting Rumble.” Said a voice above him, the tone both hurt and sultry at the same time. “So I’m taking my compensation...In spades”
PrologueThe way to the throne room always made Rumble feel small and insignificant. He deadpanned. Smaller and more insignificant then he already was. The gray and black colt slowly made his way down the elongated hallway, the shear magnificence of the walkway lost on the contemplating colt. His mind too busy concentrating on his teacher and mentor, the Queen of Equestria, who had summoned him. Though he was busy studying hard (Or as hard as a colt burying his face within a book) he was grateful for the brake, havening been up almost all of last night. Still it was the perfect time to tell her what he had found. After a rather detailed lesson on Equestrian History from a very overzealous pony with a hourglass cutiemark, something very, very odd caught his eye. It was a small mention, barely noticeable if one was not paying attention, yet his keen eyes had saw it. “On the thousandth year…on a given day…The two shall return to take everything away…” The colt let the words slip from his mouth, the oddity of the passage making him uneasy. What did it mean by that anyway? That was way too creepy to just be some normal text book dribble. The young stallion thought to himself. He had tried to get an audience with the princess almost all week, but due to what he has deemed long ago, ‘Rumble Luck’, he had not been able to see her. What’s the point in being her personal student if I can’t see her whenever I want? The colt thought sourly before hanging his head down. Well…She is running a whole country after all; she can’t be everywhere at once. And with the Sunrise Celebration, coming she’s even more hectic than usual. As he spoke his anger deflated somewhat. The brief calm boiled in to indignation as anger rose up within him againOf coarse, that doesn’t mean that the nobles had to block my way each and every time. Bucking jerks. He couldn't help but glower as memories of the nobles, particularly one bulky, white, unicorn playboy, who seemed to have it out for him, and has stopped at nothing to make his life as depressing as possible, crept into his mind. It wasn’t just Blueblood…No…wait…Blue “Balls”! yeah. Blue-balls. It wasn’t just Blue-balls that rubbed him the wrong way. Many of the nobles objected to him even being near the princess, let alone letting a lowly common pegasus becoming the her apprentice. Heck, most of the objections came from the stuck-up, snobby, rude unicorns that dominated the court. He paused. Somewhere in his mind, his contemplation had made him rethink calling Blueblood Blue-balls for some reason. With a heavy sigh, he pushed is way forward down the beautiful hallway towards the large double doors that stood imposeingly in front of himself. With another sigh and a surge of determination, he pushed at the doors, opening one just enough for the colt to slip through. “-Is what I purpose Queen Sparkle.” Rumble raised an eyebrow, catching the tail end of a conversation. "That voice..." He hissed under his breath, knowing exactly who’s heavy Canterlot inflections that tone belonged to. Blueblood turned around as the click of the door opening behind him reverberated across the room, his yellow mane barely moveing as the overused hold spray did its work. “Colt? What are you doing here?” The white stallion said, barely hiding the distain in his tone of voice as he narrowed his eyes at the approaching colt. "Can't you see that there is an important meeting going on here?" “I invited him of coarse.” The sound of the Queen's voice rung steadfastly, yet kindly, towards Rumbles defence. Her pure lavender fur and glowing, swirling mane, sparkling gently within the light of the room as she shifted position within her throne. “I have taken what you had suggested to heart Duke Blueblood and will ponder what I will do with the information.” She looked towards Rumble, a bit of a gentle smile forming on her face. “Now if you will excuse me, I have some business I must discuss with my most faithful student.” Duke Blueblood growled low but bowed deeply, quickly turning on his hoof to make his way out the throne room. As he passed Rumble, a look of intense annoyance crossed his features.Rumble snap of his tail after the stallion an all to smug smile apparent on his face. “Stupid jerk…” Rumble muttered under his breath before a cough from the Qheen caused him to look her way. Her eyes were closed and her head held up high as she sat regally within the seat of her throne, golden crown resting comfortably upon the head. “Is everypony out of the room Sir Rumble?” She would ask in a gentle but commanding tone. For his part, Rumble looked one way, and then the other, and then upwards before smiling brightly. “Yes Queen Twilight. I do believe we are truly alone.” The Lavender Queen instantly slumped before sighing deeply. “Geez, that pony really should get out the thing shoved up his butt. To say such things about the changelings, and openly too. We just got on good terms with them. We don’t need to start in international incident.” Rumble frowned, the hairs on the back of his neck sticking up. “Did he say something bad about the Changeling Kingdom?” He asked. Twilight shook her head before smiling down at her rowdy student. “Not per-say no, but like I mentioned, he is openly against them joining our nation. In fact its the same with the griffins and dear folk as well.” She paused, before her eyes widened in realization. “Wait…are you worried about the kingdom…or a certain little changeling princess?” Rumble blushed brightly before scowling at the Princess. “It’s not like that! I mean…I…She’s just a friend. You said it yourself. Friends are the most important part thing to a pony.” Twilight smiled innocently, her wings unfolding from behind her back. “I did indeed. You are learning your lessons quite well I see. Still... matters about your love life can wait.” She held out her hooves to the young stallion. “Your Teacher would like a hug.” "Fine..."Rumble blushed and rolled his eyes but couldn't help the smile forming on his face. He wrapped his hooves around her frame, her soft warm fur pressing against his own, the smell of lavender assaulting his seances. “It’s been quite a few weeks so I’ll give ya one. It’s not gonna become a habit ya know?” "I'll keep that in mind." Twilight cooed as she ruffled Rumble’s mane. “And I am sorry I've been away for so long. The Zebra’s problems with the Southern Diamond Dogs lasted longer than I expected. I do hope no pony gave you a hard time.” “Not at all my Queen.” He assured, both trying to pacify her and move remove her hoof to stop her from mussing up his mane. When he glanced up he beheld a stern look crossing Twilights features. He looked away before finally replying “Well…No more than usual…” He lamented. Twilight shook her head. “Rumble, I told you to come to me if things happen.” “Nothing happened though. Besides I can handle myself. If they get rough then they'll know the extent of my training first hoof.” "Always quick to violence you are..." Twilight sighed before smiling again. “Now then, as to why you are here.” She levitated a scroll towards Rumble. “I have an important job for you my little colt. I need you to oversee the preparations of the Sun Rising Celebration that is to be held in Ponyville.” “What!?" Rumble blanched. "Really?! Are you sure?” “Of course I am sure." She said before clapping her hooves together happily, a rolled up scroll appearing beside her in a puff of purple magic. "This check list I made for you says so right there. Look see. 'Rumble goes to Canterlot'. I have a cart waiting to take you there in the main launching hall. And since you will be there overnight you will be staying with the town Librarian until tomorrow morning.” Rumble blinked before looking away “No. Thats not it. I mean…Well…I-I mean…Are you sure you want me to do it?” He asked uncertainly. “Of coarse I do.” She said proudly. “I have the upmost confidence in your abilities.” “Mom...” Rumble said with a pout, his tone taking a more pitiful turn. “Remember the Gala two years ago?” Twilight had pull all of her willpower to keep the flood of laughter from busting from her mouth. “Yes I do. It was the most interesting Gala I had ever intended in my entire life. I know General Pie had the most fun out of it to be sure.” “Aside from you and Pinkie, everypony else hated me for it!” he said, throwing up his hooves. “No. As I recall not every pony hated it.” She said tapping her chin. “Actually, now that I think about it, it was almost like you planned that party just for Princess Chrysa-“ “Well would you look at the time!!” He grabbed the scroll in his mouth and quickly made his way to the door. “A party to plan! Ponies to see! Goodbye Princess!” He called out before disappearing through the doorway, the gentle sound of Twilight's laughter following after him. As he flew down the hall way, something in the back of his mind began to itch, as if he had forgotten something important. ~ Deep within the sun and the moon, unbeknownst to all but a few, something dark began to stir.
Chapter OneTen Years Ago “Rumble...come on out.” The little colt peaked from behind the Queen’s foreleg, keeping himself hidden as best he could. In front of him and his teacher stood two beings he had never seen before in his life. He stared in awe as his little foal eyes took in all the information that it could muster about the creatures in front of him. One, a tall and regal figure of a pony, stood with their head held high. She, for her scent was most definitely female, held an air of gentle superiority, the likes he had never seen before accept with his own teacher. Her black body shimmered in the warm beams of the sun, adding to her already royal appearance. Her violent mane almost seemed to flow around her, gaining more then enough attention from every stallion that could see her beauty. The oddest thing about her however, where the large holes that littered her legs and and bottom part of her mane, an oddity that in no way diminished her appeal as well as the clear wings that folded in on her on her back. The other one, that stood beside the tall black equine like creature, was much like the taller creature, though she was more to his level of height. A gentle ocean blue mane hung to the side of her, tied into a ponytail with expensive silk fibers. Hey emerald eyes shimmered with excitement as she stared at the colt that hid behind the princess of Equestria. She seemed ready to burst, the way she looked Rumble over more than once. A red glow formed on her black cheeks as she smiled, her little fangs giving her an appearance of a happy little puppy. Changelings he had heard Queen Twilight call them. And these two, in front of him, were the Queen and Princess of the Changelings. Twilight smiled before gently pushing the colt forward, much to his charging and the little Changeling Princess’s ever growing joy. “Don’t be so shy Rumble. We will be seeing them a lot so I want you to make friends.” The lavender mare mused. Rumble blushed and looked away as the little changeling made her way to him. His violet eyes would soon stray to her emerald ones, both foals giving not saying a word for quite some time. The silence was broken however as the changeling princess pushed herself into him, giving him a nuzzle. Her felt her warm carapace radiated against his soft fur. He froze, his eyes widening and his cheeks blazing with heat at the sudden affection. “It’s nice to meet you Rumble!” The squeaked, her wings buzzing happily behind her. “My name is Chrysalis. Lets become good friends ok?” ~ Present Rumble awoke from his dreamlike memory with a joult, falling into a heap onto the floor of the chariot, he was riding. He groaned in annoyance before slowly lifting himself up, his eyes peaking menacingly over the rim of the chariot,. His gaze shifted from the green grass and the beautiful looking trees to the ire of his existence for the moment. “Rainbow...A little warning next time would be great…” The one named Rainbow twisted her head around as she took her royal guard helmet off, her namesake of a mane flowing over her magenta eyes as she locked on to his own with a look of innocence. Her lips creased took off the harness of the carriage and stretching her wings out. “Well I had no other choice,” She tried to reason. “I mean you were talking in your sleep for quite some time on the way here.” She pressed her hooves together as she began to a mock impersonation of Rumble’s voice. “Oh Chrysalis! Oh Chrysalis! Wherefore art thou my Chrysalis!” Rumble couldn’t stop his cheeks from glowing red with embarrassment over both the mockery and the spot on pitch of the impersonation. He leaned to swat at the armored covered mare, only for her to jump away causing him to topple over the edge of the chariot,. The level of ticked off raised to level fifty with a twenty percent increase in experience for every patch of dirt he near inhaled. He made a mental note to stop playing P&D with that royal guard 8-Bit. Rumble jumped to his hooves before rushing towards the mare with unrealistic speed. “I’m takeing you down this time Rainbow Dash!!” His hoof lashed out, only to hit nothing but air. He tried to correct his position but it was too late. Rainbow pulled his left foreleg behind him, and locked him into a hold, stopping any chance of him escaping. “You really gotta work on your form dude.” She mused gently, her breath tickling the tip of his ear. Her actions only caused Rumble to blush even brighter, doing his best to struggle from her grasp. She chuckled as she wrapped her free hoof around his midsection. “But I gotta admit, not everyday I get surprised by speed. You get any faster and I may just have some competition.” She purred into his ear, her hot breath making his face become even reader then before. “And nothing makes me happier than having a bit of competition.” Rainbow finished in a sultry tone. “Hey! L-Let got!” He yelped out loud, struggling against the mare harder and harder, an act that only caused Rainbow to giggle. “What if somepony sees us like this!?” She released Rumble, a playful pout crossing her features. “Look at you, getting all worked up over being this close to a mare. Or could it be that you don’t want to be seen with me like this by a certain princess? You really know to make me how to feel a little jealous, what with you thinking of her all the time.” Rumble rolled his eyes as he retrieved his bag from the chariot. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever Captain Dash. Don’t you have a castle to guard or something?” Rainbow laughed as she flew above Rumble in a relaxed like position. “Haha...Dang. Using my full title now. I must have really riled you up good this time.” She watched him slink off at a fast trot towards the town’s border. She watched him leave before landing next to the chariot, a gentle smile crossing her features before she looked down her expression becoming solem. “Twilight…” ~ “Twilight?” The young lavender queen turned to face her cyan guard captain, A gentle smile crossing her features as she did so. “What is it Rainbow Dash?” “You didn’t answer me, Twilight.” Rainbow said taking a step forward. “Why are you making me go with the colt specifically. Any pegasus can carry a chariot. “And I’ve told you, more than once about how much those things chaif.” “You know, you're committing borderline insubordination Captain Dash.” “Oh come off it Twi.” Rainbow said with a growl. “You told me yourself to treat you normaly when were alone.” Twilight blinked before looking away, chuckling. “And all the other times were alone you always call me princess anyway.” “Yeah well you never use to carry Rumble anywhere in a chariot. And you’ve been acting weird all week. What's the deal?” Rainbow retorted. Twilight kept her eyes towards the rainbow maned mare for several moments before Sighing deeply. “No matter how much you prepare, there can always be trouble Rainbow. I know that first hoof.” “Yeah, and I have a whole battalion of guards stationed at Ponyville right now. He can’t be more safe. Besides, with him being under my wing the kids far from being a pushover.” “I know that Dash, its one of the reasons I asked you to train him in the first place.” “Then what is it? What arn’t you telling me?” Twilight bit her lower lip and looked away, her eyes darting from Rainbow to the ground and back again. “I just...Don’t know. Something is off. I just don’t know what it is…Can you just do this favor...for old times sake Dashie” Rainbow rolled her eyes before chuckling. “Yeah...but this is the last one. And don’t Worry Twily. I got Rumble’s back, but trust me when I say you worry too much.” Twilight gave the mare a gentle smile. “Thanks Rainbow...I know I can count on you…” ~ Rainbow sighed before following after Rumble's retreating tail. “Yeah...Nothing can can wrong...Right?”
Chapter TwoPonyville… One will never find a place filled with so much kindness and camaraderie as this quant little town. Many mares, stallions, colts and fillies littered the dusty roads, each one going about their daily lives. The normally busy town ponies was especially active today due to not only the upcoming celebration, but also the exclusive appearance of their one and only ruler of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle. It was on this amazing and happy day that the residence of Sweet Apple acres were busy upon their farm, the Apple family happily preparing the food for both tonight's and tomorrow's events. It was also the place that Rumble would start his royal duties of overseeing the perperations for the Sun Rising Celebration. “Wow." The young stallion mused as he stared at the miles and miles of apple trees littering the farm. "That a whole lot of apples in one place.” He smiled as looked around. "Still, a peaceful farm is just what I need to get Rainbow and her dang teasing out of my mind." He paused. "For the love of Cadence...I'm talking out loud again...Really need to put a hamper on-" “YEE-HAW!” Rumble's self ramblings were cut short as he covered both his ears with his hooves, the sound of the most manliest voice he had ever heard leaving a rather intense ringing within his most sensitive of hewing appendages. Rumble looked around as soon as he had fully recovered from the sound assault, his eyebrow rising as he bore witness to an orange-coated stallion in a stetson hat hitting an apple tree with a powerful buck of his hind legs, their dirty yellow mane tide into a messy but workable ponytail. Sweat perspired off the stallions coat, running its corse down his chiseled chest and work legs. To the stallion's right, Rumble could also see a gaggle of mares of all types, rather they be unicorn, earth pony or pegasus, admiring him from a distance, each one swooning by the display of strength the farm-stallion displayed. "Well..." Rumble sighed with a roll of his eyes. "lets get this over with…” The young stallion smiled widely, putting on his best friendly disposition as he neared the older one. After a light cough to clear his throat, the overseer spoke. “Hello, my name is Rumble, and I’m-“ Rumble barely had to to yelp as the stallion was upon him instantly. “Well,howdy there Rumble, name’s Applejack, proud member of the Apple family,” said the farm stallion as he shook his hoof vigorously. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acers! Now, What can Ah do ya fer, Saltlick?” He crossed his front hooves and smiled warmly. It took some time for Rumble to recover from nearly being shaken out of existence. “I...I’ve have come to oversee the banquet the Apples have prepared for the Sun Rising Celebration.” He announced with as much formality and confidence he could muster after going though his earthquake like experience. “Y’all lucky ta come here first then, city slicker,” said Applejack. “Yer just in time fer the Apple family reunion! Come on and meet everypony!” He trotted over and wrung a rather large dinner bell with too much enthusiasm. “SOUP’S ON, EVERPONY!” Rumble chuckled nervously. “Oh...Hehe...No thanks,” he said trying to back away. “I just need you to tell what food you’re serving. You really don’t have to-” Applejack wrapped a hoof around the little stallion's shoulder, pulling him close. “That’s th’ great thing about our family,” Applejack said with pride. “Ah can both at once!” He took a deep breath. “We got Apple Cobbler, Apple Strudel, Caramel Apples, Apple Pie, Apple Cider, Apple Salad-” Applejack began, pointing to each pony as he spoke Rumble listened on and on to the stallion naming each and every last one of the ponies and food before him. Never, in all his life, had he known of so many ways to cook apples. It was both mind boggling, mind blowing to the young stallion if he was being truthful to himself. “And here we have little Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and finally, Granny Smith.” Applejack concluded as he gestured over to a sleeping elder mare. “Come on Granny Smith, we got company!” Granny Smith awoke from her nap to join the festivities mumbling something about disturbing her nap. “Ah think they like ya already, saltlick.” said Applejack. “I’d even say that yer already part of th’ family if I may be so bold! So, how ‘bout a little taste test?” Rumble gazed upon the mountain of food that was on the table, a sweat starting to from on his brow. “Well...I have some things to take care of. I don't think I have the time...” he confessed. The Apple family made an “Awww” of disappointment. The filly that was introduced to him as Applebloom, walked up to him, her eyes near shimmering with unshed tears. “Please stay for brunch.” she said with big, teary eyes. It was a look the Rumble was all to familiar with, what with a certain changeling princess using it to get her way most of the time. It was also a look that he had little to no defence for. “Fine..." Rumble relented with a deadpan look. "Guess a bite wouldn’t be too bad. What's the worse that can happen?” ~ “Never...Again…” Those were the words that Rumble had vowed to uphold for the rest of his life as he left the Apple farm that was named Sweet Apple Acres behind. Never, in his entire life, had he eaten so much food in one setting, dwarfed only by the fact that each and every morsel was apple based. He could almost feel his belly bulge as if it was ready to explode at a moments notice. “Ugh...I won’t be eating for a full week…” The gray pony said before sighing deeply. “Well in any case, the food was good and I’m sure the ponies of this town will love it, as long as its not stuffed down a ponies face. I just never knew there were so many kinds of apples in the world." Speaking of which…” He turned to look to his left, a deadpanned stare aimed at a very familiar yellow earth pony filly. “Why are you following me again...ah...Applebloom right?” The filly in question, a yellow earth pony filly with a bright pink scarf wrapped around her neck and a mane as pure red as an apple, smiled brightly as he acknowledged her. “Thats right Mister Rumble. Y’all are family now so ah thought it would be un family like to leave ya. This is y’all first time here in Ponyville ain’t it? Ah can show y’all around.” Rumble was about to shoo her off, but paused. He hated to admit it but he didn't know his way around town. He had spent the better half of his first hour in town asking for directions from to Sweet Apple Acres, many of the ponies having no idea either due to both them being out of town and themselves. Rumble sighed before smiling at the filly. “You have a point kiddo. Fine, i’ll let you tag along.” “YAY!” The little earth filly cheered, her voice raising more than a few decimals much to Rumble's chargen. “Where to first? You said you had to cheek on the Sun Rising Celebration right? Where are ya going next? Someplace cool?” Rumble pulled out the checklist his teacher had given him. "We need to check on how a pegasus named Scootaloo is doing at clearing the skies it seems." Applebloom craned her neck as she looked up to cloud filled sky, a frown coming on to her features. "Ah know her. She’s one of the local weather ponies here in Ponyville," she commented. “Wonder where she is…?” “Where ever it is, its obviously more important than following an order from the Queen.” Rumble huffed wight a roll of his eyes. Just then, as if his luck was answering his call, something hard, orange and fast slammed into his side. Both he and the object fell into a heap onto the dirt paths, only stopping after rolling for quite some time. The colt that was rammed into groaned as he tried to make sense of what just happened. “The Buck...What the hey just hit me…” Rumble mumbled, doing his best to lift up. Something, however, was preventing from from doing so. His hooves felt around the object, instantly filling the warmth it emanated from its own body. He blinked as he felt fur coarse though his hoof, both soft and toned, yet with just a bit of give to it. "The hey...? “Wow...aiming for second base already there dude?” Rumble's eyes opened, only to widen once he found out exactly what was sitting in front of his face, a mighty blush blasting across his face. A rather nice plot sat in front of him, the wind rustling each and every hair he could see. It wasn't a bad plot by any means. Nice and orange. Actually really well token care of. Must be an athlete of some sort. If he looked up further enough, a purple wheel with a lightning bolt shooting from it could be seen upon her flank. A magenta tail flicked him across his face, causing the stallion to look past the plot into diluted magenta eyes. “Pretty ballsy if you ask me...but I could do a lot worse, I guess.” The mare that sat on him giggled before blowing a bit of her magenta main out of her her eyes. It was then that Rumble’s brain went into overload mode at exactly what his situation was. On one hoof, a really cute mare about his age had landed on top of him in a position that could only be describe a Michael Neigh cliche, plus she was flirting with him. Thats always a good sign for a stallion. Flirting is always a good thing, is it not? On the other hoof however, there was a mare on top of him, and if a certain pony or two saw him in such a position, he would be utterly and royally screwed… He did the only thing sensible thing he could think to do. “Heh...ah...you don’t mind moving do ya?” Rumble asked with a awkward smile. The mare thought for a moment before smiling at him and mewling a “Naww," Escaped her mouth. Oh! And she gave a wiggle of her rear as an emphasis. Panic began to set within Rumble's heart, as well as his already red face becoming even redder then before. “I-I mean-buh-You-I-!” She began to shake with soft giggles before rolling off the stallion and began rolling on the ground, a deep and bellowing laugh escaping from her maw as she did so. “Oh Geez! You should see your face! Dear Cadence is it priceless! BAHH~HAHAHAHAH!” Rumble growled as he picked himself up, brushing the dust off his coat as he cast a glare towards the pegasus. “Ha-ha-ha…you're a riot. You Scootaloo I presume?” Scootaloo smiled as she picked herself up and puffed out her chest "The one and only." Scootaloo ruffled Applebloom's mane as she made her way to her. “And I see you're getting all the mares to fall for you.” “I’m his official royal assistant” Applebloom said, a little miffed that her mane was getting messed up. “And he’s here on royal business from the princess of Equestria herself.” “Official royal assistant is pushing it Kiddo.” Rumble corrected. "But she is right, Queen Twilight sent me to check on the Sun Rising preparations for tomorrow," He explained, "And the princess’s list says that you're supposed to be clearing the sky for said shindig." Scootaloo epped before she pawed at the ground, a sheepish smile on her muzzle, "That's right, ehehehe…” “So...why isn’t it?” Rumble said with a raised eyebrow. “Yeah, why ain’t it?” Applebloom mimicked. Scootaloo looked away. “I, ah...forgot…” Rumble deadpanned. “You forgot?” Scootaloo smiled as she looked at him. “I forgot.” “She always forgets.” Applebloom said shaking her head. Rumble was all but done with her. “And they trusted you to the task of clearing of the sky to you because why exactly?” “Cause I’m the best at what I do!” Scootaloo exclaimed proudly. “Except doing your job…” Rumble said looking away and towards the sky. “Bet I could even do a better job then you.” “Hey! Nopony is faster than me! I could clear the sky in no time at all!” She retorted it. “And I could clear the sky faster than that!” Rumbled said with a smirk. “Oh yeah!” “Yeah!” Both ponies stood with their faces just inches away from each other before Rumble turned to Applebloom. He quickly took off his bag, dropping it into the hooves of the little filly. “Hold my stuff for a bit kiddo...I’m about to show a filly the fruits of royal training.” Scootaloo smirked as she began to stretch out her wings and body. “Yeah? Lets see how well your so called training can do against natural talent.” Rumble cracked his neck before crouching in a low position. “Ready?” Scootaloo pranced in place before acquiring the same position as the stallion. “Steady!” Applebloom raised her hooves in the air effectively tossing Rumbles things in the ail while at the same time yelling much enthusiasm, “GO!” ~ A beautifully designed carriage arrived at the edge of Ponyville. Its making was unlike anything seen within Equestria’s own carriages, even the ones that many of the fancy ponies owned. Its black coating did little to belittle its intricate composition. In fact it enhanced it twofold if anything. Two armor cladded equine like creatures shifted on their hooves as they surveyed the area, their large blue eyes taking in all the strange looks they were given, returning them in spades. Many of the ponies watched with a questioning stare. Others still kept a worried air about them at the sight of the strange ponies with holes in their legs. It was no doubt in any ponies mind that the strangely beautiful carriage was the thing on everypony’s mind. And then the door opened. All eyes turned to the carriage's occupant. Her long blue mane, while having oddly placed holes integrated within it, only helped enhanced the black pony’s beautiful elegance. Her catlike eyes looked too and fro before focusing straight ahead, widening at the sight of a little gray dot flying around in the clouds. Her wings fluttered and she smiled brightly, her small fangs shining lightly within the suns rays. “I found you, my little Rumble.”
Chapter ThreePonyville “Done and done!” Rumble exclaimed with a tired sigh, his hoof still waving to the musicians as they made their way to town hall. When they had disappeared behind their doors he cast a glance at the filly beside him, the little mare checking off the last item on the list. “How’s it looking my trusty navigator?” He asked in a mock tone of leadership. “All’s well and good cap’n Rumble!” Apple Bloom mused in a mock salute. “Everything is accounted for The Queen's welcoming celebration!” Both young ponies, tried with all of their might, to keep their stoic stature for a few more seconds before bursting out into laughter. Rumble was the first to overcome from his laughter high, gently messing up Apple Bloom’s mane. “Getting kicked where the sun doesn’t shine aside," He stated, a wince of pain jolting from his groin as he did so, "This was pretty fun.” He told the little filly. “You showed me all the best places to eat. To hang out. To shop.This is, hooves down the most peaceful little town I’ve been to yet. And trust me, I've been to a lot of towns.” He smiled down at her. “Thanks for tagging along kiddo. Though I do kinda feel bad that you're missing your reunion to lead me around. I’m sure that you would have had more fun with your friends and family than with some Canterlot-Stick-In-The-Mud Noble.” “Are y’all kidding me?” Applebloom asked with a giggle. “Mister Rumble, you are anything but a stick in the mud. Besides, ah can see my family anytime. Applejack says that making a good friend is worth its weight in bits.” “Heh, he seems like a down to earth kind of pony.” He paused before smirking. “Pun intended.” "And a horrible one at that. "Apple Bloom giggled before giving him a slight push. “But really, you're nothing like all those stories of snobby ponies ah hear about.” “Well…I think I’m a bit of a different case.” Rumble said with a shake of his head. “How do ya mean?” Apple Bloom inquired with a tilt of her head. The gray colt sighed softly before looking to the filly. “Lead me to the library and I’ll tell ya on the way. I really just want to get some sleep after today.” “Sleep?” Apple Bloom said, eyebrow rose. “Buts it’s just a few hours after noon?” “True,” Rumble agreed. “But that leaves me time to catch a quick nap before having to meet up with the Queen again.” “Oh wow…So ya really are close to the Queen, huh?” Apple Bloom asked with wide shimmering eyes. “Well…if practically being raised by her every own hoof counts as being close to her…” Rumble said with a smirk. Apple Bloom’s eyes widened further. “Wait…Are ya saying that she raised you?” She gasped. “Are you her-!?” Before she could get the rest of the sentence out, Rumble clamped a wing over her muzzle. “Shhhh! Lower voice please, Apple Bloom. And no…I’m not her son or anything like that. I’m just a student under her tutelage.” He said as he let his wing fall from her muzzle. “Besides, when did you even see her married?” “Well…ah do’h know…maybe she got one of those…um…harems?” Rumble’s eyes bugged. “S-She’s not like that!” He near squeaked. "He looked down at the filly. "How do you even know why that word means?!" “Okay, Okay.” Apple Bloom said in a pacifying gesture. “But ya did say she raised ya, right?” Calming down, the gray furred teen gave Apple Bloom a solemn nod. “Yeah, she did.” Apple Bloom wanted to voice another question but soon clamped her mouth back shut. The two ponies walked in relative silence for a while before Apple Bloom spoke up once more. ”Is she as nice as they say she is?” Rumble looked to the mare for a moment before looking back straight. “Yeah…She's the best pony I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Apple Bloom seemed to nod at that answer before falling back into silence, though a small smile played upon her lips. It wasn’t long before the pair happened upon, in Rumble’s opinion, the oddest building he had ever seen, and that’s taking into account the Gingerbread looking building he had passed in he and Applebloom’s tour through Ponyville. ~ Canterlot Castle “All Hooves! At Attention!” At the command of of a rather misplaced pink and poofy maned pony in light brown armor, the troops under her command all stood ridged, each pony’s hoof wrapped around the spear, the weapons tilted in a way that looked as though it was archway like path. “Announcing the Queen of Equestria! Twilight Amilia Sparkle!” The pink mare shouted, her own hoof raised in the air in salute. The aforementioned Queen of Equestria sighed heavily before nodding to two of her guards beside her, their horns lighting up to open the double doors in a glow of yellow and blue magic. Doned in her golden, royal attire , the Twilight Amilia Sparkle regaly cantered to her awaiting carriage, at the end of the spear archway. Beside her, cantered a rather handsome looking grey stallion. His body, slender and elegant, longer of limb that most ponies, though there was a certain masculine look to him, keeping the stallion from looking too much like a mare. If anything, the stallion would be quite the catch to anypony that might fancy him. The only off putting thing about him was his choice of attire. That being a odd pointy blue hat and bell adorned cape that seemed to jiggle with every movement he made. Twilight was more then sure that he was making unnecessary motions with his legs for that to happen. Giving the queen a smile, the thin stallion addressed the her with a cool, yet teasing tone of voice. “You know, My Queen,,” He began in a gentle whisper. “With such a dour look on your muzzle, somepony might think the world is ending soon.” He gave a slight chuckle at his joke, the bells on his hat jingling in tone with his silent laughter. Queen Twilight shot him a quick glare before sighing and folding her ears back. “Okay...You got me.” She said before smiling a bit. “It's just…I don’t know. Something seems off to me. I don’t know what it is though.” “If something is bothering you, then it must be serious.” Starswirl mused softly, tapping his chin with a hoof “Do you want to talk about it, Princess?” Twilight shook her head gently, giving him a warm smile. “No...No, I’m sure it's just nerves.” “But, you love public apparences.” The wizard pony mused. “How could somepony who basically strives on giving speeches ever be nervous about meeting a few of her citizens in the quaint little town?” Twilight gave the stallion the most devastating sideways glare she could muster, though the subtle puff of her cheeks ruined any of the hate factor that the queen was trying to portray. “I don’t strive on giving speeches Starswirl.” The mare held up her nose in a haughty fashion as she closed her eyes. “I’m just really, really good at them.” “Careful my queen.” Starswirl teased. “Your age is showing.” Twilight slightly deflated, though she kept the angered expression on her features. “You're annoying...you know that?” “Love you too, my Queen.” Starswirl said with a smug like smile. Upon reaching the end of the spear made archway, the pink pony in armor saluted with a stern expression upon her features, she spoke with a clear cut, yet somewhat bubbly tone. “Ma’am, your carriage awaits, Ma’am.” “Thank you Captain Pie.” Twilight said with a bow. Turning to Starswirl she addressed the stallion with stern tone. “I take it you can handle things within the palace while I am away?” She asked in a athortorive tone. “But of course my queen.” Starswirl answered with a flourishing of a bow. “Everything will be as it was before you left.” “Good.” Twilight turned to the pink mare with a nod before entering into the carriage, Captain Pie following soon after. As soon as both ponies felt telltale rumble of their ride flying off into the air, the pink pony’s stoic expression dissolved into a fit of uncontrollable giggles. “Hehehe! Wow Twilight! I’ve been waiting for this all week!” She cheered, barely able to control her vibrating body. “I mean do you know how many times the Sunrise Celebration comes in a lifetime Twilight?!” “At least once a hear Pinkie.” Twilight said with a gentle smile, not at all off put by her long time friend’s sudden change in dimuer. If there was something that was always liked about Pinkie, it's the fact that she knew how to do what needs to be done. “Thats right Twi!” Pinkie continued unabashed. “Thats 366 days too long for my liking! I can’t wait to see all the happy faces cheer and play and have fun all the live long day! It’s gonna be great! I’ve never been this excited! Nor this nervous?! Have you?! It's almost like I’m nervouscited! Is that a word? I don’t think it is but I’m gonna make it one! It just flows so naturally and-” Twilight nodded, content to allow Pinkie to talk for the both of them. Her gaze fell to the passing landscape before, a inkling in the back of her mind that something wasn’t right still scraping at the surface of her thoughts. I hope I'm right Starswirl, about it being just nerves. I just really really do... ~ Ponyville “This,” Apple Bloom mused as she ran out in front of the older pony. “Is Ponyville Library!” “This is the Library?” Rumble asked with a tilt of his head. One had to admit, it was an odd design choice by any means. The building in question was in fact, not a house in a tree, but a tree made into a house like structure of some sort. It was very large and wide in terms of size. He was sure that half of town hall could fit within the building easily. As he approached the door, a gently swinging sign caught his eyes. “Sacred Oak Library, huh?” He mused to himself with a smile. “Ya know, I’m half expecting this place to be filled with books made from its very own wood.” “Ah know right?” Apple Bloom said with a giggle. “That’s actually a running joke round these parts.” “No kidding?” Rumble asked giving off a chuckle of his own. “Wonder if it's true or not.” Before he could reach the place of interest, the sound of hooves beating upon the dirt road from a distance began to reach his and the fillies ears. Rumble turned to Apple Bloom “APPLE BLOOM!!” Called a rather shrill voice. Rumble’s wings shot out and he turned to face the one making their way to Applebloom and himself, only for the little yellow filly to rush out in a battle cry of her own. “Diamond Tiara!” Rumble could only watch in both horror and fascination as Apple Bloom rammed head first into another little filly. The newcomer seemed to be as tall as Applebloom, if not a little on the skinny side compared to Apple Bloom’s more well toned (FOR A FILLY MIND YOU) apparence. She was a light pink filly, maybe a few shades lighter then the Captain of the royal Earth Ponies, Captain Pie. Her mane was both white and purple, complementing her fur quite well. The picture of a tiara adored the little ones flank, not that he was looking. It was just there...as it was fall all ponies. “What the hey, Apple Bloom?!” The one that Applebloom called Diamond Tiara said in an accusing tone. “FIrst we take the time out of our busy schedule to make it to your family reunion, only to find you had disappeared. You make us run all about town, ponies telling us we just missed you every time we think we are close. Now we find you in the company of not only a new pony in town but…” She looked to Rumble before slamming her head back into the waiting yellow filly. “A totally hot stallion!” “Wait...What?” Rublem stuttered. “Oh come off it DT!” Apple Bloom said as she pushed the pink filly’s head a bit with her own. “Ah was being neighborly to a pony who needed ma help. Besides, I thought you and ya family was staying the week in Trottingham!” “I was! Till I found out that it was a business trip for my daddy and I begged him for me to stay with Silver and her Family!” Diamond yelled back, as she repeated the other fillies head actions. “Well, ya should have told me!!” Apple Bloom told her. “I was going to when I saw you!” Diamond answered “Well okay then!” Apple Bloom relented loudly. Both fillies kept their angered looks before busting out into laughter, leaving a very confused Rumble very confused. His thoughts were distracted by a tug on his tail. Looking to his side, Rumble found himself staring at the blushing features of a gray filly, her mane s rather nice shade of silver. The bangs of her mane did a very poor job of hiding the lavender eyes of the blushing filly, her gaze always flicking from the ground and Rumble’s own. Leaning down slightly he moved to get eye level with the filly. “Ah...Yeah? Can I help you?” Rumble saw the already blushing filly’s features turn another shade of red as he spoke, her eyes widening and her body trembling. The young stallion barely heard the “ILIKEYOURMANE!” Squeak from the filly before she dashed away in a cloud of dust. “Silvy?” Diamond called out after her retreating friend, her and Apple Bloom’s argument forgotten as she watched the young gray filly disappear down the road. Looking back to Apple Bloom, she would nod curtly, the yellow filly returning the gesture before both filly dashed after the gray one. Leaving a rather confused Rumble, still rather confused. “I...Don’t think I will question it…” He said softly to himself before turning towards the door to the Library. With a heavy tired sigh, Rumble would open the door that was to be his temporary housing, hoping to get a bit a rest, and maybe a bag of ice as well for his still stinging groin. Maybe he could even- *WHAM* As Rumble felt himself tumble into a heap on the ground, he would contemplate where his life went wrong. Sure he wasn’t the most...Good of colts when he was young, but he would be damned if he didn’t say he tried his very best to be a good pony. Maybe it was just his fate to get tacked by unknown ponies today. If it was, it was a very odd fate in deed. Landing on his back, Rumble would groan in pain, the feeling of something pinning his body to the floor the only thing he could register at the moment. As consciousness slowly came back to him, his violet eyes would gaze into a pair of sharp Emerald ones, cat like slits forming the irises instead of a normal circles. “You kept me waiting Rumble.” Said a voice above him, the tone both hurt and sultry at the same time. “So I’m taking my compensation...In spades”
