New Assignment

Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x ?

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Story Start

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Deep within the forest a four legged pony was skittering by quickly. Fear filled the moderate purple eyes of the little pony. The little pony whimpered in fear as the foliage in the background rustled with noise. Cuts covered the pale, light grayish olive coat of the filly. Patches of dirt caked her brilliant gamboge man.

“Noi you have to be brave.  Everyone else done it.” The filly murmured bitterly as she rubbed at the stinging welts that adorned her face.  The filly twisted about as her eyes sought out any sign of familiar territory. What she would give to be a Pegasus right not to simply fly out of this nightmarish place.

“Anypony! Somepony? Help!” if she was remembering right, one of the ponies famous for helping bring back one of the princesses lived near her. She let out a startled yelp as something skittered in the foreground.

In her fear the filly fled deeper into the forest, adrenaline pumping through her tiny body. Her frightened mind played up the creatures of the forest. Tripping over an uproot branch the pony was sent flying and crashed into the moss covered body of another tree. Pitiful sobs escaped her lips.

"Anypony out there? Please, I need r help!"   Despite Noi’s please the lack of any familiar voice did not bring her comfort. She was not only tired, but also cold. It was a chilly night, with the moon in its near complete form out. The crackling of dead grass sent cheers down her spine.

Noi picked up her pace again, nearly stumbling as her hooves trashed about over tromped through the muddy pits. The clouds continued to drift through the sky the guide that the faint light of the moon began to fade.

The sound of an indiscernible snarl reignited the little filly’s determination. Noi broke out into a gallop between her and the beast.

Time had passed as the little filly never slowed down, only to look back once. The creature was without a doubt hairy and hunched over, moving with deceptive speed. Whatever its limbs were, the creature lacked hooves.  The sound, which was a mixture of laughing and slithering, escaped its lips.

It was no doubt what this creature was. It was the same creatures that she was told about during bed time. The same creature which was said to gobble up misbehaving little colts and fillies that didn’t listen to their parents. The Bugaboo.

As if claws reached out from beneath the ground and snagged her back legs.  Noi let out a ragged cry of sorrow and horror as the creature drew closer. “Mama, Dad, somepony help.” The little filly begged for her life. “Somepony help!” the little filly sobbed uncontrollably.

The little filly closed her eyes prayed it would be over soon as the smell of its horrible breath and sensation of pain was the last thing the little filly knew. Three days had passed since that time.

Upon being summoned Naruto entered the Grand chamber known as the Throne room. The room had a certain air to it, as if the regality and history of the events that happened within this room had a physical presence, weighing down anypony that was either fortunate or unlucky enough to be permitted access to the room.

The captain of Night entered the room stopping ten paces before the Princesses. “Night Guard captain Naruto Uzumaki, reporting for duty.”

"At ease Captain." Naruto could see why the subjects of Equestria fell in love with the image of Celestia. She was calm, her very voice sweet as honey and she had a calming aura to her.

“Is there a reason I was summoned Princesses?”

Celestia and Luna shared a grim look with each other before Luna nodded.

"Yes there is. As a matter of fact, you are being relocated to Ponyville for the time being.”

“I am?”  Naruto blurted out, unable to mask his surprise. It was true that he had been making multiple trips between the locations over the past few weeks, but there was no preferable method.

“There has been a troubling matter plaguing Ponyville. Going over the history you’ve submitted about your battle experience we’ve decided you were the best pony for the job. And normally, a squad of guards of would be sent to handle matters, but sending a squadron would probably cause a panic and frighten everypony.”

“If I may acquire, what’s the nature of this job?”

Celestia looked to Luna for a second, before turning back to face the Stallion.

“There has been a case of missing foals rising as of late. The only pattern that has been established is that the foals have been disappearing at night around the hours of ten and dawn.  There has also been sightings of a strange hairy creature and smells of coal and graveyard soil. When you arrive, you will talk with the mayor to discuss which safety measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of the citizens. Do you have any questions?" Celestia finished.

"Will this be a solo assignment or will I be allowed to request members from the guard?”

“The allocation of squad members if acceptable. Though thou must keep in mind the number thy chooses must remain small.”

“If that is the case where will they be living? How will we manage our supplies and who will the training of the Royal Guard?"

"All of that shall be taken care of, Captain. The mayor shall supply your soldiers with lodging and supplies to which we will pay for. As for training my sister will be taking a direct role of training during the mean time. You’ll be leaving in the morning.  Are there any more questions?” Celestia inquired, patience and understanding in her eyes.

“I understood Princess.  By your leave?” Naruto requested.

The princesses nodded.  Naruto saluted and left the throne room. He arrived to the barricks where his soldiers were.

“Soldiers to the Lunar Guard, to attention!”  Naruto remarked as the members of the guard lined up. “I have been informed of a rash of disappearances in Ponyville. Reporting of a strange creatures has been cited in the disappearance of the foals involved.” A murmur began to occur among the guardsman. “For the time being I and a few other members of this guard will be relocated for the time being. “ Naruto then began explaining into more detail about what was going on and with that he choose two particular ponies for the job.

One was Raven, a pony with midnight blue coat and Amethyst eyes.  Without a doubt Raven was one of the most enthusiastic ponies he knew. She was a Unicorn who specialized in less than stellar magic. Because Raven’s talents were towards spells often regarded as dark magic there was a stigma of sorts labeled on the surprisingly chipper Unicorn.  Despite her radiant demeanor Raven fell in with the rest of the ponies who also had stigmata’s associated with them.

The other pony Naruto chosen was a licorice coat pony with steel blue mane. He was a rather shy and often withdrawn pony, while nowhere near as timid as Fluttershy the pony didn’t associate with most ponies outside a small sphere. He was a strong flier whose wings were more like ravens then the typical pegasus’s which many of his peers were all too quick to point out.

Seeing as he needed to prepared for his new assignment Naruto dismissed the squad early. With that Naruto created a few kagebunshin to prepare his packing while he gathered his thoughts. Naruto strolled around the castle until he caught sight of Princess Luna who was finishing her usual rearrangement.  She was in her older form. As Naruto suspected Luna often took the other form to conserve her energy as the thousand year seal and purging of the Nightmare Force left her weakened a good deal. It was also interesting how her forms matched the phases of the moon.

“Your highness.”

“Captain Naruto.” She greeted him with a courteous night. “Something thou requires?”

“Nothing in particular Princess Luna. I suppose I’m a bit anxious about this assignment and I can’t sleep. If it doesn’t disturb you, would you care to travel and talk a bit?”

“An interesting offer captain. Let me inform my sister and we shall be off.” And with that, Luna spread her wings and was off. When Luna returned Naruto followed her. After a short journey the two of them settled on the edge of a cliff.   The view was breathtaking. For miles the lush hills and forest of the area can be seen.

“The sensation of the air feels refreshing.”

"Indeed it does Princess."

“Captain, you have seen personal moments that we would be hesitant to share with anypony. You have proven a great an important ally and would like it if you call me Luna, at least in private.” The princess of the night had already chosen Naruto as a confidant, even if he didn’t know it yet.

“Well then Princess Luna, I’d like it if you call me Naruto then.” He responded with a grin. If there were any cues in her words or movements he didn’t notice it. “What is on your mind Princess luna?”

“It is nothing…” she lied, something Naruto picked up on.

“Its about her, huh?”

"Princess Luna."

"I can still feel her presence at times and I fear Nightmare Moon’s emergence may have stirred some of these creatures."

“Creatures?”

“Nightmare Moon’s presence stirred several creatures that night. We fear it may be my fault that the citizens of Ponyville are suffering.”

“Princess Luna, you aren’t the only to have struggled with your dark side. It’s a natural order of life, and what’s important is how you live your life and the good you do. You shouldn’t dwell about the past and your mistakes. I have come to know you strong, intuitive, and fair pony. Nothing like Nightmare Moon.”

"Thank you Captain Naruto… That means a lot." She looked back at him and smiled. Like before the two ponies merely enjoyed the night and the budding friendship that sparked between them.

“Madam Mayor, thank you for welcoming us.” Naruto remarked as he, along with Raven and Nighthawk found themselves in the mayor’s office.

“The citizens of Ponyville are happy to help Equestria’s finest.” Naruto had only seen the mayor on a few occasions but never met her. She was an older mare with light grayish amber and cornflower bluish mane and phtalo blue eyes. “The law enforcement has been notified to aid you to the best of their ability and we set up a temporary housing for your stay complete with utilities within the town. There has also been issued a curfew for ponies under a certain age.”

“Thank for your cooperation mayor. Will make sure to put a stop of these disappearances and will report back if we get any leads.”

“Good luck Captain. Hopefully you and your soldiers will quickly find the devious fiend behind these disappearances.”

With that the three of them left the office. “So what are we doing first captain? Are we going on patrol? Will be questioning? Are we going on a rip roaring assault in the forest?” Raven fired question after question. She had found it difficult to stay quiet and patiently wait. She was a mare of action and it showed by the fact she could barely stop herself from skipping.

“We’re doing interviews.” Naruto said as he placed a hoof on top of the bouncing Unicorn’s head. “We’re going to the police station and picking up the files on the missing fillies and colts. We’re then going to review the families and then we’ll check where they were last saw.”

“Ok captain.” By the drawl in her speech it was obvious that the Unicorn wasn’t happy about that. Naruto couldn’t help but smile, seeing a lot of himself in the mare. He chuckled remembering his more hyperactive days, but he had grown out of that. Sure he was still quick to action when people he cared about were in trouble, but it had been knocked into his head more than once to rely on others and to plan things out a bit more.

With the files in hand the three ponies split up. Naruto began making his way through the town. Coming across a flier for a unicorn and hearing grumblings about a Unicorn. Naruto glanced at the flier and merely dismissed it. Since the library was nearby he figured he could talk to Twilight about an idea he had for defensive seals.

Meanwhile within said library.  "Spike get ready for the next spell." Twilight watched as the dragon prepared himself already decked out in a tuxedo and top hat, her horn glowing with a grayish orchid tint, as hair began to sprout on the scales of her assistant's upper lip taking the form of a mustache. "Spell 38 check. Now maybe one more before I go on to spell 39.”

Suddenly a knock on the door drew her attention. Twilight went and opened the door. “Naruto…I thought you were back in Canterlot.” She was surprised seeing as the blond told everyone he wouldn’t be around the next few days.

“Change of plans.” He remarked.

“Well come in.”  she invited Naruto in. “I was just practicing some spells.”

“Hi Naruto.” Spike greeted as Naruto began to wave and did a double take.

“Hi Spike…spell or puberty?” not like he knew much about dragons.

“Spell.” He answered.  “So what brings you back to town.”

“Official business. Some foals have been reported along with sightings of a strange creature. They think it might have been a creature from the Everfree Forest.”

Twilight gasped and covered her mouth with a hoove. She couldn’t imagine how the parents felt.

“Either way I’m going to be questioning parents soon. I brought two members of my Guard with me; I’m hoping to introduce you to them later. We’re stationed in town for the time being as we investigate what’s going on. I’m probably going to visit Fluttershy as well later seeing as she lives near the forest.” He was definitely going to make sure he had clones patrolling there at all times. “Anyway I was hoping you could do the penmanship of some seals I have in mind.”

“What would the seals do?”

“Its part of a barrier system I’m trying to create. The theory is that the seals with alert me to those with certain intents and it’ll warn me. I unfortunately only know of the concepts that were used and wasn’t able to replicate the techniques I’ve read about in practice.”

“Wow, this barrier system kind of sounds like one of my brother’s spells.”

“Your brother?” Naruto asked, now that he thought about it he never asked Twilight about his family.

“Shining Armor. He’d the Captain of the Guards, have you met him yet?”

“We’ve met, but haven’t had a formal conversation.” He answered earnestly.  “Anyway I’m sorry if this is sudden, but I should go to this interview. We can talk later.”

“Okay, I look forward to it.”

Nightwing’s interview didn’t take that long. After about an hour he find himself traveling through the streets. A large crowd and stage drew his attention.

"Mares and Gentlecolts! The great and Powerful Trixie is here." The crowd blew up as fireworks began to shot off from the wagon everypony loving the vibrant colors and display of shapes, something that brought cheer regardless of the age of whoever watched it. Trixie as she introduced herself was a azure mare with cornflower blue mane and dark grayish eyes.

"Trixie has traveled all across Equestria, and thus my hooves bring her here." the crowd watched as she walked out on stage. "Trixie has beaten the foul Ursa Major and saved the denizens of Hoofington from a debilitating loss." The gasps of the crowds to her white lies made things relieved any stage fright she was holding back. "Trixie will now prove she is the best showmare in Equestria by doing anything you ponies will do I can do better." Nightwing sighed slightly. He was never a fan of the showy types.

"Who is the first to challenge Trixie, be quick and decisive as Trixie's time is something nopony can afford to spare."

"I reckon since nopony is gonna shut ya up, I'm obliged to do it for the sake of everypony here in ponyville." Nightwing turned and saw an orange Earth Pony with a stetson hat.

"Oh, may Trixie have the name of the Earth pony that thinks she is Trixie's better."

"Ya' darn tootin' I'm better than y'all if you keep bragging like that. My name's AppleJack miss showmare."

"If you are so much better than Trixie, then go ahead and prove it by all means."

Nightwing watched as AppleJack dazzled the crowd with her rodeo rope tricks, each little trick she performed getting an ooh and awe out of her audience. "Now lets see you top that little miss magic." The mare showed no hesitance as her horn began to glow, letting the rope spring to life. "It's hypnotic dance mesmerizing the earthpony as it coiled around her legs, slowly tying itself with each loop it made. The crowd erupted in laughter as the rope's dance ended with Applejack hog-tied.

"Does anypony else want to prove they are better than Trixie?"

"Tch, if you wanted the coolest in ponyville then you got it." The Cyan pegasus smiled as the crowd cheered for flying daredevil.

"Oh my another pony questioning my talent, no matter Trixie shall prevail as Trixie always does."

Nightwnig watched as the dazzling rainbow the mare pulled off was nothing when the unicorn brought it to life, to further embarrass the competition. "Does anypony else want to test themselves, perhaps someone with any magical talent." The crowd stayed silent as he arrived at the front of the crowd, each wondering who would at least topple the showmare.

Nightwing’s attention was drawn when of all things a baby dragon mentioned something about another unicorn challenging Trixie, something about equal grounds. The orange and cyan ponies  agreed with him wholeheartedly but the other unicorn didn't, explaining that she was above such ruffian tactics.

"Ooh, what's the matter? Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?" Trixie taunted, earning a ferocious glare from Rarity.

"Oh… It. Is. ON!" Rarity spat out.

‘So much for being above it.’ Nightwing thought.  The white unicorn then stated that a unicorn needs more than just muscle but style as well. Using her magic, she grabbed a nearby curtain and spun it around her at dazzling speeds, cutting off any view of the white unicorn they had. A moment later, Rarity appeared with a breathtakingly beautiful dress and a hairdo to match. Nightwing felt his jaw drop involuntary, her beauty stunning him momentarily. Without a doubt the White Unicorn was a lady.

It didn't take long for the stage to light up again as Trixie used her magic, her horn glowing a cool blue color.  The unicorn started to panic, asking for a mirror to look at her now dark green mane. Nightwing couldn’t help but feel bad for the mysterious beauty. Her hair was now seaweed green in color with a couple of actual rat tails poking out at random intervals. For all Nightwing cared this Trixie was like the bullies that plagued him when he was younger.

It seemed no one from that little group was going to volunteer. The butterscotch looking pony was nowhere in sight and the poofy haired pink pony seemed a bit on the gray side.

"Hah, you think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all!"

When the other unicorn among the group refused Trixie began badgering her.

"Well Twilight, guess it's up to you. Come on, show her what you're made of." Spike insisted.

“What do you mean? I'm nothing special.” Twilight dismissed herself. The fear of her friends grouping her with the showmare coursed through her.

“Yes, you are! You're better than her!” Spike argued as he tried to coerce the unicorn.

“I'm not better than anyone.” She began to panicked. This was different from the other situations where her friends showed quite blatantly they did not like Unicorns who showed off.

“Hah! You think you're better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you've got. Show us all.” The showmare taunted as she began closing the gap between them.

“Who, me? I'm just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh... I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.” Twilight lied as she quickly sped off.

“Twilight?” Spike called after the unicorn.

“Ha! Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Huh, was there ever any doubt?” the unicorn arrogantly boasted.

Back at the library Spike was trying to reason with Twilight. "Twilight, would you put down that book and just listen to me?"

"Didn't you see how they hated Trixie's bragging, Spike? If I go out there and show off my magic, I run the risk of losing them as friends." Twilight said as she still looked at her books.

"It's not the same thing, Twilight. You'll be using your magic to stand up for your friends!"

"No, Spike, it's exactly the same." Spike stubbornly rebuffed.

"Come on, Twilight, any one of these tricks, even the teeniest, would be enough to show up Trixie."

"I don't want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie." Twilight then made a spell that formed a door in front of Spike. Spike then opened the door.

"But you're the best!"

"Uh. Please, Spike, I said no!"

"If that's the way you want to be then fine." Spike closed the door again. A few seconds later, Spike went out the door and went to find Naruto. If there was anyone who could talk some sense into her it was the guru of friendships.

In another side of town.  Here's your smoothie you asked for, with extra hay, just how you like it." A portly coat with grayish opal coat and orange main said as he brought Trixie the smoothie.

"Mmm, hay.” A dim amber coat with turquoise mane springy looking colt added said. As Trixie began drinking her smoothie she noticed the two colts were still there.

"Yes?" Trixie inquired with a hint of annoyance.

"Ooo, tell us another story Great and Powerful Trixie." The portly colt pleaded.

"Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the Ursa Major." The skinny one added.

"Guh! Trixie is far too exhausted from performing feats beyond imagination. Begone with you until morning." Trixie dismissed the colts in an air of superiority.

"Oh, of course, Great and Powerful Trixie." Snails said.

"Anything you say. We are at your beck and call." Snips said. As Trixie went back inside her wagon, Spike arrives.

"What are you two doin'?" Spike asked. The colts were far from anyone that Spike would regard as intelligent.

"Just bringin' the Gee an' Pee Tee a..."Snips began only for  Spike to cut him off.

"The what?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie." The cult bothered.

Spike merely rolled his eyes and blew smoke out of his nose with a heated exhale.

"Just bringin' her a smoothie."

"How can you fall for her lameness? She's just a show-off. Unlike Twilight, who..."

"The Great and Powerful Trixie vanquished an Ursa Major. Can your Twilight claim that?"

"Oh really? Were you guys actually there?" Spike countered with an air of certainty and hint of smugness.

"Well, eh, uh... no, but"-

"But nothin'. The proof is in the pudding." The dimmer of the two cults laughed.

"I like pudding."

"Look, unless an Ursa Major comes waltzing up the street for Trixie to vanquish, I am not gonna believe a word she says, and neither should you!" Spike remarked as he took up to find the orance pony.

"Hm, an ursa walkin' up the street, hey? Snails! Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Snips asked his fellow friend.

"Why is it they call it a flea market when they don't really sell fleas?" Snails asked Snips.

"Yeah, uh... oh, come on!" The two then ran off. During this the two of them were unaware of the fact that someone had took notice of them running off.

“Hey! There’s a curfew!” Raven shouted after them from her spot above one of the roofs. Raven had taken a moment to rest her eyes, and totally not nod off when the sound of galloping stir her from where she was not sleeping. When the two colts continued on into the forest Raven let out a growl. Those silly little colts. Did they want to be gobbled up by the monster in the forest? With a leap Raven dropped down to the ground and chased after the colts before they got themselves hurt.