Attack Of The Changelings.

CHAPTER 2 : HEARTS AND HOOVES [/center
A/N: " Friends For Life" copyright Disney , Fox and The Hound 2
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" OmaiGodOmaiGodOmaiGodOmaiGod!12am! Its hearts and hooves' day ! any plans you girls have in mind today ? Huh ? huh? Huh? "
Rainbow Dash checked her watch strapped around her hooves. It stroke 12 am on the 14th of February .Perfect! Just Perfect!
Her usually hyper friend Pinkie Pie made that big fuss while when they decided to make our pit stop at a shabby, secluded inn during our journey to Canterlot. It was the only refuge for miles spared by the ongoing war , because the inn was located far in the rural area, fortunately not yet discovered by the Decepticons or the warring tribes.
She and her five best friends couldn't sleep for the night , and headed for a drink at the bar .
Of all Rainbow Dash’s friends, The pink colored , hair- looks – like- hasn't been brushed for ages , (most of the time) eccentric earth pony was the least affected by the war. The pony would question about parties , and remember Hearts and Hooves where there was nothing but death and destruction of the war.
It seems like "sadness" is never in her dictionary . That was why the group wouldn't mind having her around. She is always THEIR little sunshine ( as much as they hate to admit it ). Although sometimes she could irritate them as much as she brings joy and laughter.
Rainbow Dash recalled how they started of this journey together and ended up sitting together in that mangy bar.
Ponyville was devastated by a major Decepticon attack. She and her friends decided they had enough of the war and wanted to help our Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to restore peace to Equestria. They packed our bags and what remains of their family on this journey. Ponyville was no longer safe for them . Perhaps , we will somehow return to our village and rebuilt it when the war ends.
The bar was smelly and dark . Dirt and beer spills littered the broken wooden floorings. Couple with loud, out -of -tune - music ( as much as Rainbow Dash loves rock ) it was becoming increasingly unbearable for the group . Despite the unsanitary condition , Rainbow Dash felt that she had no right to complain . At least there was peace , and there was still ponies of different species mingling here together despite the ongoing war outside .
No pony seems to mind an odd bunch : two earth ponies , two pegasi , and two unicorns having their punch at the corner of the bar.
" Pinkie Pie , for the ten- thousandth time , we DO not celebrate hearts and hooves day with this war going on. We just don't have the spirit and time. "
One of the group strained to talk in the midst of the blaring music. Pinkie Pie was taken aback , tears welled up in her eyes at the rude reply she received. Rainbow Dash never seen Pinkie Pie so emotional. She is a fairly easy going pony who threats criticism lightly and never takes anything seriously.
Rarity was the belle of the ball . The most beautiful, ( sometimes airheaded )unicorn in the whole Equestria. That pony is every bit of her name given to her, and seemed to stand out in the dull and dirty pub. Her luscious , beautiful white coat and purple mane never cease to draw the attention of every stallion that wandered into the bar for some chill off.
Much had changed of this white beautiful Unicorn since they embarked on this journey . She used to be a generous and happy soul , drawing out her brilliant and colourful fashion ideas in her fashion scrapbook , and serving her clients with a smile back in her expensive boutique in Ponyville.
As she was flipping through her scrapbook in the midst of the noisy and messy surroundings, Rainbow Dash silently observed the vibrant , cheerful colours gone in Rarity’s design , swapped with dull green, brown and black military outfit sketches she planned on proposing to the princesses :
More streamlined outfits to maximize flight speed for the pegasi.
Bullet proof vest. ( which was her favourite )
Light yet durable rifles designed to be mounted on a Unicorns ,which are easily operated by their magic gift,
And lots more brilliant design from a brilliant brain.
Rarity sensed that If she really wanted to be of service to the princesses, coats and expensive dresses ain't going nowhere in helping the Wonderbolts and the princesses' army, but Rainbow Dash hated to admit she missed the old Rarity.( as much as a tomboy as she is ). She missed the days where she would fuss over her and her band of friends ,dolling them up with proper attire and make-up whenever they are attending the grand galloping gala or any formal functions.
Rarity also have another personal mission for joining the rest of her friends on the journey. Rarity's family had been torn apart by the war. Her parents went missing after sending her younger sister over to her for babysitting. Sweetie Belle (who was then fast asleep in their room) was all that was left of her family. Rarity's goal was to protect Sweetie Belle at all cost , and reunite her family. As a young filly, Sweetie Belle was at the age where she needed her parents the most.
All these , couple with finding out that Prince Blueblood, her secret crush ,was actually a pain in the a**, snobbish , self centered pony , Rarity has lost all hopes and interest on Hearts and Hooves day. He was Princess Celestia s distant cousin, and Rarity had a serious crush on him. She had the chance to meet up with him personally on the annual grand galloping gala just before the war .
It was suppose to be a grand ball and her best night ever , but the meeting turn out to be a total disaster , as the prince wasn't even one percent of the man that Rarity hope he would be.Rarity was a different mare ever since.
Despite everything, Rainbow Dash believed Rarity was having it easy . At least there is still hopes that her family is still out there, and she can get over her obsession with Prince Blueblood in due time. Unlike another member of the group. Rarity closed her sketchbook, sipping her drink before turning her attention to her as the orange brown pony voiced up her opinion .
" Yeah Pinkie , in case yah noticed , parties and war just don't mix. Perhaps yah should think things clearly before yah join the wonderbolts. It's not all fun and games. Some pohnies are just not mah.. mature enough to be enlisted in the arh…my."
The mare signed as she blurted out her opinion in her deep cowgirlish accent . She sipped her drink to dull her pain , and then turned her back on the group ,not wanting them to see that she needed to shed some tears. She solemnly took off her brown coloured hat , and buried her face in it for a good cry.
Rainbow Dash had no doubt there was no soul as hardworking or as honest as her friend, Applejack . All her young life was once centered around her tight knit family that consist of her brother, her grandma and her little sister.Few months ago ,she was utterly traumatized when she was called back to Ponyville for an emergency in the midst of signing a marketing deal for her family - made apple jam in Canterlot, only to find Sweet Apple Acres , the orchard she poured her heart and livelihood into, burned down to ashes.
Rainbow Dash remembered how proud everyone was for Applejack , they attended the function together to give her some moral support , and rushed back with her when they witnessed that horrific scene of her orchard been destroyed.
But the worst was not over for Applejack.
Police pony shown her the picture of her grandma , and her brother , laying in a pool of blood. At first , the murder seems out of cold blood , until she was shown the picture of what happened to her little sister, Applebloom . The poor filly was stripped naked , and brutally raped before being strangled to death in her own room .
Her brother and grandmother were obviously trying to protect her younger sister.
Reports found white feathers scattered across the crime scene , but forensics can never be sure the horrific deed was done by either a pegasi , or a Decepticon in disguise.
It's hard to tell when the enemy could change their form into anything , and could use their powers for accomplishing their evil purpose at anytime , anywhere. .
Applejack had not been the same mare ever since, and the mention of Heart and Hooves day brought back painful memories for her. She told Rainbow Dash during a private conversation, that she would not rest until she find out the murderer of her own family. Her mission was to be enlisted into the Wonderbolt army , and while she can be a wonderful cook , her real goal was to study forensic and personally track down the killer of her family.
Applejack dried her tears , turned back towards the group , put her hat back on her head , and shot a fierce glare at Pinkie Pie. Too chock with emotions to form a retort, Pinkie was on the verge of wailing. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her eyes.
It seems everyone was against her , just because she was harmlessly excited of a special day in her heart.
" Applejack! I'm sorry for your lost ! Rarity , I'm sorry for whatever that has hurt you in the past ! Hearts and Hooves is really a day to believe in love, and peace , and maybe even the day that you bump into that very special somepony . Pinkie pie has every right to hope even during THIS war ! And I trust we all do …"
A yellow , meek Pegasus took a deep breath , and pulled up her courage to voice her defense for Pinkie Pie. One look at her , and it was actually surprising that she was able to speak just loud enough for the group to hear amidst the still- blaring music. That short sentence took ALL of her . After finishing what she wanted to say , she collapsed on the table , out of breath and utterly exhausted.
Flutter " Bindi "Shy is the closest pony Rainbow Dash could relate to in the group, and her very best friend. They grew up in the same orphanage in Cloudsdale (a pegasi residential area just above ponyville) together , and they only had each other to depend on.
it is strange how Rainbow Dash and FLuttershy ended up the best of friends… While she always believed she is brave and fearless, Fluttershy is well, shy , and almost always annoy her for her cowardly behavior
But that doesn't mean Fluttershy is a pony who stands aside when her friend been pushed around. Rainbow Dash could been prouder of her voicing out her opinion and being assertive at that very moment , even though is merely for a sappy occasion.
Fluttershy is the residential animal expert of the group. Recently , like Rarity , she had improved herself . She upgraded her knowledge , not only on the area of being an animal doctor, but she also started studying and specializing in pony physiology. Rainbow Dash mused that her friend would make an excellent medic in service of Princess Celestia , if she works hard on her assertiveness and bravery department...
"Thank you so much, Fluttershy" Pinkie Pie managed to mutter a soft reply and gave Fluttershy, who happened to be sitting right beside her, a friendly nuzzle.
"Applejack, Rarity…" The last in the group of friends spoke after keeping her silence for so long.
"Yes ?" both ponies turned their attention to her, followed by the rest of the group.
There was always something comforting whenever the purple colored unicorn made her statement and advice. which everypony could sense she was about to do . It's hard to describe that certain quality about her voice that make the group listen to her and obey her, even for someone as hardheaded as Rainbow Dash.
Last but not least in the group was Twilight Sparkle. Although the group technically did not elect her as a leader ,they all know who to turn to in times of troubles.
Wise with wisdom beyond her years , Twilight is the unofficial leader of the small band .
Twilight had led a life of luxury in Canterlot under the care of her loving parents , brother , and her mentor, Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash wondered how different would life be if us if Princess Celestia had not send her to learn about the meaning of friendship in Ponyville .
Fluttershy and her would probably be minding our own business, even when they cross path with the rest of the ponies. It was Twilight, in the process of learning about friendship herself , that gathered the small , tight knitted group together and shown them the true meaning behind it all.
" Listen, the both of you. Like Flutttershy said, it’s time to put the past behind you on this special day."
Twilight smiled. Her horn lit up in a bright blue color as she focused her attention on the wine glass that Applejack was drinking from.
" What the ha_" Applejack protested as her glass was levitated from her hoofs to the center of the table.. A fuzzy image of a young brown colored pegasi, curled up and sleeping soundly back at the inn, appeared in the red colored waters contained in the glass.
" Applejack , I know you miss your family , but here is Applebloom's best friend , Scootaloo , who needs a sister more than ever since she lost her parents in the Decepticon attack. I know she can't replace Applebloom , but the three form a lasting friendship as the cutie mark crusaders. I trust you are the best for her , and this is what Applebloom would have always wanted . She would want you to care for her friend and help her gain her cutie mark."
Applejack was flabbergasted and too welled up to speak . Twilight , however , wasn't done with her glass of wine. The picture changed, and this time, it was an image of a young dragon, nodding off while doing some late night studies in her room.
"Rarity, I know the prince hurt you bad. Even before this war, you had led a rejected , solemn life after that galloping gala incident. This war just worsens your feelings. You deserve someone better . When you are feeling lonely, know that there is always someone who loves you wholeheartedly. I believe there is a very special somepony destined for every pony, and I know Spike loves you with all his heart ever since the day he met you."
It was needless to mention about the young dragon's crush and admiration for Rarity. Everyone in the group , perhaps even Rarity herself , knew how Spike loves and adores her. Twilight had once told Rainbow Dash about Spike's frustration whenever Rarity spoke of her crush towards Prince Blueblood in front of them, and how frustrated both had been of this issue.
Even magic was helpless to solve her number one assistant problem , and Twilight knew the only way this problem could be ever solved was Rarity loving Spike back with a sincere heart.
The sudden realization hit both ponies hard, The wine glass met the table with a gentle "klang". Out of the blue , Rainbow Dash found myself being enveloped in a BIG group hug . Not so cool on the dignity scale , but definitely 120 % cool on the emotional side. She never felt so happy and relieved being with her friends. They brought so much warmness in this cold and unforgiving war.
" Thank you Twi'. I’ll try my best to love Scooty. I love you." Apple Jack said in the tangle of hooves and manes . She planted a kiss on Twilight's forehead , and the purple unicorn blushed , grateful that she had made a difference in her friend's' life.
" I will give Spike a fair chance in my heart. I love you too"
Rarity said, as she copied Applejack seconds later.
"And … Oh Pinkie Pie, how can we ever forget you , Applejack and I are sorry for what we said. We all love you."
It's normally hard to make Rainbow Dash cry ,she could have sworn it. but the emotion was just too much for even a tough pegasi like her to bear. Pinkie Pie let out a yelp of excitement as the group tighten their hug around her . She was literally squeezed at the center of the group hug. She was in tears , but this time , it was tears of joy and hope.
" Hey Rainbow, you are crying."Twilight was the first to spot her letting out her tears.
" No I am not…" She tried to deny, but even in the midst of the dimly lit bar , she couldn't deny her own emotions in front of my friends.
" …Oh crap … now you guys are getting me all sappy" She signed and let out a chuckle , finding it useless to fight her tears any longer.
" You been awfully quiet all these while Rainbow, don't you have a say for this issue?" Fluttershy chirped.
Rainbow Dash than realize that Fluttershy was was right … She was usually very vocal in voicing out her opinions , but so far , she was too caught up in her own thoughts to say anything.
" I don't believe in that special some pony , or a sappy nonsense known as Hearts and Hooves day …"
She breathe deep as I voiced out my opinion , still trying to keep a tough exterior and coolness in front of her friends, despite miserably failing in doing so.
" ….but I do believe in a well earned rest. I suggest we call a day off tomorrow to chill out .We will spend a day here before we head off to Canterlot."
" AGREED!"
The rest of her friends let out a loud cheer of unison in agreement to her decision.
The blaring music of the awful band suddenly turned into a cheerful country rock . She was quite surprised at how they read our feelings at that very moment. WHat was even more surprising ,
the band actually played something pretty good for her ears!
" …I know if we fall asleep ,
we dream in close harmony…
Cause I come to trust and believe,
God made you just for me .
Cross my heart and , hope to die,
I will never tell a lie,
I will not run away ,
I'll go ahead and say ,
We're not , just two of a kind,
We're friends for life…"
" Happy hearts and hooves girls " Rainbow Dash wished the group , enjoying the warmness of the group hug while her mind continue to be in deep thoughts .
"Hearts and Hooves is really a day to believe in love , and peace , and maybe even the day you bump into that very special somepony…"
It was strange how Flutteshy's word kept echoing in her ear…