From All Fronts

Twilight, along with all of the other ponies of Ponyville, stood paralyzed. Nopony moved in the café, they all sat and stared in disbelief at their ruler, who was standing atop the town hall. Twilight and Spike were giving each other unsure stares, not even breathing. Princess Celestia looked over the crowd of her frozen subjects, and then took a deep breath, preparing another announcement.

“I REPEAT, EQUESTRIA IS BEING INVADED!” Celestia shouted down to the crowd of ponies, “EVACUATE TO CANTERLOT THROUGH THE TRAIN IMMEDIATELY! MARES AND FOALS FIRST!”

This time, the message had a definite effect. The air of disbelief was shattered, and the ponies in the crowd began to run. Many of them ran straight towards the train station, while a few of them ran the other direction; attempting to bring those from further in the town to safety. Those few ponies could see a small army of royal guards, standing at the border of the town. They were waiting for something, and stood giving their absolute attention to the border of Ponyville.

Twilight looked at the sudden chaos around her, and then at Spike. He looked just as stunned as her, but then he shook his head and shot out of his chair. “You heard her, Twilight! We have to get on that train, now!” He shouted over the screams around them.

The duo shot out of their seats, and began running towards the train station. Spike was staying close by Twilight’s side, making sure to stay together in the mob of fleeing ponies. Twilight stopped abruptly at the base of the town hall, and Spike skidded to a halt next to her. Twilight paused in order to catch her breath, and then tilted her head up to address the Princess.

“Princess Celestia!” She bellowed up to the alicorn. “What’s happening?! Who’s invading us?!”

“I said there’s no time. I will explain everything when I see you in Canterlot.” Celestia said dismissively.

“But Princess-” Twilight began to argue, but Celestia ignored her. Instead, she flared her pearly-white wings and took off in the direction of the town’s border. Twilight gritted her teeth in agitation, and then flared her own wings. She was about to take off, but then she felt a hand grab her shoulder and keep her grounded. She turned around and met Spike’s terrified gaze.

“She said she would explain to us in Canterlot, so chasing her won’t help! We have to get on that train!” Spike shouted at her, fear dripping from his voice. Twilight could see how scared he was, and then lowered her wings. She turned around and nodded at him, and then the pair continued to sprint towards the train, melding with the crowd once again.

As they ran, they looked around themselves again at the mob of screaming ponies. There were still ponies fleeing their houses, and others who were attempting to bring their valuable items with them. Twilight was amazed how a simple command from the Princess could send their town into such a state of panic.

It didn’t take long for the multi-colored train to come into view, along with the just as colorful crowd of ponies attempting to board it. Twilight and Spike were almost in the crowd themselves, when Twilight suddenly stopped. Spike forced himself to stop, and turned to look at Twilight. She had a look of sudden realization on her face, and her mouth was hanging open.

“Twilight, what’s wrong?” Spike inquired.

“My friends!” Twilight shouted to no one in particular. “Oh stars I forgot about my friends! How could I forget something like that?!” Twilight held her head with her front hooves, beginning to panic.

“Twilight, calm down!” Spike assured her, attempting to keep the panic from showing in his own voice. “The others are probably already on the train! I mean, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are much faster than us!”

“But what if they aren’t? What if none of them are on the train?” Twilight shot back, still in a state of panic.

“Then they’re only a little behind us! We’ll see them in Canterlot!” Spike argued back.

“But what about Rarity? Or Pinkie Pie? Or Fluttershy?! They’re not as athletic as Applejack or Rainbow Dash!” Twilight was starting to hyperventilate. “What if they’re asleep? What if something happened to them? What if-”

“TWILIGHT!” Twilight was interrupted by a sudden shout. She looked over to Spike, who seemed just as surprised as she was.

“Spike, who-”

“TWILIGHT!” The voice interrupted a second time. This time, they realized it was a mare’s voice. The two turned their heads towards the crowd of frightened ponies boarding the train, and saw two white unicorns running towards them, one filly, and one mare. The mare ran up to Twilight and Spike, and then hastily embraced them; one hoof around each of their necks.

“Twilight! Spike! Thank heaven above you’re both safe!” The purple-maned unicorn cried out.

“Rarity!” Spike and Twilight cheered in unison, returning the embrace. Then Twilight broke away and looked at Rarity with her panicked eyes.

“Rarity, I’m really happy to see you, but where are the others? Have you seen them?” Twilight asked frantically.

“And where are your friends, Sweetie Belle?” Spike followed, acknowledging the white filly.

“Pinkie Pie is already on the train.” Rarity answered quickly. “She was carrying one of the Cake twins with Mrs. Cake, so she got on with ease. But I haven’t caught a glimpse of the others since I got here.”

“I…I don’t know where my friends are.” Sweetie Belle squeaked, while clinging to Rarity and trembling in fear.

“I’m going to go find them!” Twilight declared confidently as she turned back to the town.

“No you will not!” Rarity bellowed as she latched onto Twilight’s shoulder. “The first train still has room on it! Mares and foals first!” Rarity began to pull Twilight over to the boarding sight.

Twilight yanked herself free and turned to face Rarity, anger and panic overwhelming her. “But what about the others?! You said you haven’t seen them!”

Rarity stood her ground. “I’ve only been here for a couple of minutes! They could be ahead of me, or Pinkie, even! And even if they aren’t, I trust that they'll get here! They'll be fine!” Rarity grabbed onto Twilight, and resumed their tug-of-war. “But you need to get on this train this instant!”

“NO!” Twilight shouted at her, wrenching herself free again. Spike and Sweetie Belle stood between the two mares and the train, and were glancing nervously between the two. “Even if the others are all on that train already, which I’ll bet they AREN’T!  I’m not a foal! I’m not a mother! I don’t even have a little sister! I have to let them get on before I do! And we’re wasting time stand-”

“You’re a Princess for Celestia’s sake!” Rarity screamed back at her, causing Spike and Sweetie Belle to flinch. “And you’re right, we are wasting time, so get... on... the... train!” She said the last words pointing in the train’s direction.

“I said no! Why can’t you just-”

“RARITY! TWILIGHT!” A third voice screamed at them. It wasn’t Sweetie Belle or Spike, so the two mares turned in the direction of the voice. They saw a rainbow-colored blur charging towards them. The group braced for impact, but the blur quickly stopped a few hoof-lengths in front of them. Twilight instantly recognized the sky blue mare.

“Rainbow Dash! Have-”

“I don’t have time to talk! You all have to get on that train NOW!” Rainbow Dash interrupted loudly. “And take Scootaloo with you!” Upon saying that, Rainbow Dash reached towards her back, and pulled an orange filly off of her. She set the filly next to Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo turned around and stared at her. “But Rainbow Dash-” She attempted to beg.

“Don’t even think of arguing with me!” Rainbow Dash barked, and then acknowledged the rest of the group. “All of you get on the train NOW!  The doors are gonna shut soon! I’m going to find Fluttershy! We’ll be on the second train!” She quickly turned around, and took off into the air.

“Wait!” Twilight called after her, but she was already gone. Rarity took the two fillies and ushered them onto the train, leaving Spike and Twilight standing in front of it.

“Come on!” Spike called, losing his patience. Then he walked over to Twilight and put his hands on both of her shoulders.

“But-” Twilight stopped talking as she looked in the direction Rainbow Dash had flown off in, and saw something that made her blood run cold. In the sky, hovering around Ponyville’s border, were multiple silhouettes of winged creatures. They were impossible to make out the exact details of, but Twilight could tell one thing; they weren’t pegasi.

“No way…” Twilight whispered. Spike and Rarity looked in her direction, and saw the creatures as well. “I have to-AUGH!” Twilight yelped as she was suddenly thrown into the open doors of the train; by a combination of Spike’s muscles and Rarity’s magic. She hit the wall, and the wind was knocked out of her.

When she stopped seeing stars and her breath returned, the train had already begun moving towards Canterlot. No… They need me! Twilight thought to herself as she shook her head and lit up her horn.

“Don’t even think about teleporting!” Spike shouted from behind her.

Twilight turned to face him and glared. “I told you no, so you shove me into the train? They need me out there!”

Rarity walked in from the next car over and stated calmly, “We did what we knew we had to, dear. There was no other way. And we need you in here as well.”

Twilight looked like she was about to scream, until Spike walked over to her and whispered, “Look around you, Twilight. Look at how terrified everypony is. They need a Princess. They need you.” Twilight closed her mouth and looked at the ground, like a filly does when being scolded by her parents. “If you were to teleport back out there, that would make everypony panic worse than they already are. And what would Princess Celestia say if she found out that you disobeyed her?”

Twilight raised her head with a shamed expression on her face, and then began to look around the brown train car like Spike had told her to. The car was jam-packed with mares and foals. All of the foals on the car were crying, screaming, or just trembling in fear. The mares were either attempting to comfort the foals, or just shuddering nervously themselves. Twilight recognized quite a few of the mares: Lyra and Bon-Bon, Carrot Top and Derpy Hooves, Roseluck and her sister Daisy. As for foals, she saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as well as Pipsqueak and Twist, who were shuddering horribly next to Pipsqueak’s mother.

After taking in the horrified looks around her, Twilight and Spike moved on to the second car. She recognized more ponies, but her eyes fell upon a small group of mares and foals. Her eyes fell upon Rarity and the two Cutie Mark Crusaders, who were huddling together in fear. The two fillies were cuddling together, and Rarity was whispering comforting words to them, but she didn’t look any more confident than they did. Next to them were Mrs. Cake and her two incredibly young foals, along with one other mare. The sight of the pink mare caused Twilight to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Pinkie Pie…” Twilight happily whispered to herself. The pink pony was focusing all of her attention on the two crying foals next to her. She and Mrs. Cake were trying their hardest to keep them from wailing and screaming.

“Now now Pound cake, you’re making Pumpkin Cake cry too!” Pinkie Pie scolded, surprisingly cheerfully.

After taking in this scene as well, Twilight felt a pang of guilt. These ponies really do need a Princess right now… She thought somberly. She turned and looked at Spike, who was looking at her expectantly. “Spike, help Rarity and Pinkie calm the foals alright?” She asked sweetly.

“Where are you going?” Spike answered, sounding much more accusing than he meant to.

“Don’t worry, I don’t plan on leaving.” She shot him an endearing smile. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” She said reassuringly, and then shoved him into the vacant spot next to Rarity. Then she turned and began to walk towards the train’s engine.

Spike pouted for a minute, and then looked to his side at the mares and foals next to him.

“Spike,” Rarity asked in an inquisitive tone, “Did Twilight tell you anything about where she is heading?”

Spike looked her in the eyes, and then shook his head. “No, but she isn’t trying to leave. I know that at least.”

“All right, Spike. I trust you two.” Rarity smiled thankfully at him before turning her attention back to the two fillies next to her.

After they had stopped talking, Sweetie Belle spoke up. “Spike, are you scared?”

Spike raised his head up when he heard the odd question. Scootaloo and Rarity looked just as stunned. “Well… why would you ask that?” Spike asked, attempting to dodge the question.

“Because… I am…” Sweetie Belle whimpered, and Scootaloo wrapped another leg around her protectively.

“W-well… you shouldn’t be scared! Everything’s fine!” Spike hurriedly answered. “There’s nothing to be scared of! Right, Rarity?” The last statement came out like a plea for help.

Rarity gave him an unsure look, and then sighed and looked to the floor. “… I don’t know, Spike.” Spike’s eyes grew wider when he heard her response. “I don’t know if there is anything to be scared of…” Rarity gritted her teeth and pulled the group into a tight hug. “But even if there isn’t, I’m afraid too.”

The four of them stayed like that, and Sweetie Belle began to sob quietly. “I’m so scared, Rarity… *sob*… where’s Apple Bloom… where is she?”

Scootaloo pulled her into an embrace of her own. “Hey, all of you stop talking like that! So what if she’s not on the first train? She’ll be here before you know it!” She said with fake confidence. Sweetie Belle kept sobbing, and Scootaloo looked up at Rarity accusingly.

“S-she’s right Sweetie Belle.” Rarity attempted to comfort, trying to hide her scared voice from a few seconds earlier. “She is Applejack’s sister after all. Why I’d sooner believe something happened to Princess Luna herself before I believed something happened to her.”

Sweetie Belle looked up at them, and then nodded. “If you two say so…” She sniffed. “But I'm still scared...” Sweetie Belle resumed her quiet sobs.

The small group of ponies went back to silently waiting for the train to reach its destination, listening to the wails of the Cake twins. They sat in a dreadful silence, nothing but sheer willpower keeping them from bursting into panic themselves. Then, Spike heard something. It sounded like brass clanging against a wall. It was faint, but noticeable.

Suddenly, Twilight’s voice could be heard. “CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE!” Her voice resounded throughout the train, and the sobs and wails quieted down to pay attention.

“PLEASE LISTEN! THIS IS YOUR PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE SPEAKING! CURRENTLY, WE ARE ALL ON A TRAIN HEADING TOWARDS CANTERLOT! I KNOW WHAT PRINCESS CELESTIA SAID, BUT DO NOT PANIC! SHE IS MOVING US TO SAFETY SO THAT SHE CAN HANDLE THIS ISSUE! ONCE SHE HAS, WE CAN RETURN TO OUR LIVES IN PONYVILLE! SO I AM ASKING YOU: REMAIN CALM, AND HAVE FAITH IN YOUR PRINCESSES!” The sound of brass could be heard again, signifying the end of Twilight’s speech.

There was a pause after the speech was over. Spike looked around him, noticing that the mares had stopped shivering, and the foals had stopped wailing. He looked over to Rarity, who returned his gaze with newfound confidence. She smiled and nuzzled Sweetie Belle, who had stopped crying altogether. “You see? We’re going to be all right, darling.” Rarity whispered to her with genuine confidence. After a couple of minutes, Twilight entered their train car again.

“Twilight, that was awesome!” Spike praised her.

“Very well said, darling.” Rarity added.

Twilight blushed and smiled at the floor. She began to paw at the ground in a manner that would make Fluttershy proud. Then quite suddenly, she was tackled, and collapsed onto the floor in a heap with her assailant.

“Twilight! I had no idea you were on the train too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, now lying on top of Twilight. “I was sooo busy taking care of the Cakes that I didn’t notice you!

“Um, nice to see you too Pinkie. Can you get off of me now?” Twilight begged.

“Oopsie, sorry!” Pinkie Pie apologized as she jumped off of Twilight. “Great speech by the way!” She praised with a beaming smile.

“I don’t know, I just hope it worked.” Twilight responded negatively.

“Are you kidding?” Pinkie Pie shot back with her smile still freakishly wide. “Look around! All the mares have stopped shivering, and most of the foals have stopped crying! Look! The Cakes aren’t crying anymore!”

Twilight looked around the car, and sure enough, the aura of panic was fading fast. “Oh.” Twilight stated plainly. “I guess I did do an ok job.”

“Ok?” Twilight turned around to see Scootaloo grinning at her. “That was awesome, Princess Twilight!”

Twilight blushed again, causing the small group to start laughing lightheartedly. Then she took the seat next to Spike and let her head rest on the windowsill. “I just hope the ride ends soon.”

*******

The train ride didn’t last much longer, for they arrived in the next ten minutes. The train screeched to a halt, signifying their arrival in Canterlot. There was a chorus of relieved sighs upon reaching their destination, accompanied by some amazed “ooo”s from certain foals. As soon as the train came to a complete stop, the conductor’s voice resounded throughout the train.

“Attention all passengers! Please leave immediately! There are still plenty of ponies waiting for me back there!”

Within two minutes, the citizens were off of the train and stepping onto the beautiful streets of Canterlot. The royal guards were creating a path that led straight to the grass covered castle courtyard. As soon as they had left, the conductor immediately began the return trip to Ponyville.

Some of the foals began frolicking in the grass around the castle, suddenly blissfully unaware of their present situation. A few of the mares spent their time gawking at the magnificent gold castle, and all of Canterlot for that matter. The ponies were acting like they were simply on a vacation. All the while, royal guards surrounded the area, determined to keep danger away from the refugees.

While the ponies flocked outside, Twilight and Spike decided to head inside the glorious castle. Before they did though, Twilight turned to the citizens of Ponyville. “If you want to, you can go inside the castle. There’s no need to be shy.”

The castle’s interior looked the same as usual to Spike and Twilight, but the ponies following them were completely in awe. They were amazed by the ornate gold statues, the sky-blue tile floor, the white walls, the massive windows, the beautiful stained glass, and the lengthy hallways. All the ponies behind Twilight stopped to admire the castle’s beauty, including Pinkie Pie, who was being a tour guide to the too-young-to-care Cake twins. They were all flocking to the castle's ballroom, and other points of interest.

Twilight and Spike had a different destination in the enormous castle however, the throne room. They walked the lengthy hallways they had grown to know from Twilight’s time as Celestia’s student, and reached the hallway leading to the throne room. The hallway had incredibly tall windows, and a highly valuable red carpet lining the floor. In front of the doors to the throne room were six royal guards, accompanied by one other pony. The pony was a pink alicorn, with a mane that was a gradient of purple, gold, and pink. I'd recognize that mare anywhere! Twilight thought happily. She was looking right at Twilight, and her previously worried expression morphed into an ecstatic smile. The alicorn sprinted over to Twilight and started squeezing her in a tight hug.

“Oh Twilight, you’re safe!” The Princess sang, tears of joy running down her face. “I was so worried! Oh, thank the stars above you’re alright!” She stopped squeezing Twilight and started looking over her. “Did anything happen? Are you hurt? And what about your friends?”

Twilight met her eyes and smiled. “I’m fine Cadence, and I’m happy to see you too.” Then Twilight put on a pouty face. “But you forgot…”

Cadence looked confused, but then realization struck her, and she grew a playful grin. “Of course, how could I forget about something so important?”

Twilight grinned back at her, and they began their song-and-dance in unison.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” They finished their song, and burst into laughter as Spike face-palmed. They were happy for the moment of childishness, making them forget about the subject at hoof.

After Twilight had calmed herself, she picked herself off of the ground and cast her gaze over to Cadence. “So, what exactly is going on?”

Cadence met Twilight’s gaze, and took a moment to collect herself. Then she replied, “I honestly don’t know myself. Celestia told me that we’re being invaded, but you already know that don’t you?”

Twilight nodded. “So, you don’t know the details either?”

Cadence sighed. “No, I don’t know any more than you do at this point.” Twilight sighed, and then waited for Cadence to continue. “She said that Princess Luna and I should take care of protecting Canterlot, and you ponies.” Cadence pointed to the guarded throne room door. “Luna is in there, along with Celestia’s advisor. They’re handling the deployment of the royal guards, as well as discussing the matter of you ponies.” She let out a half-hearted laugh. “To be honest, I feel kind of left out.”

Twilight let out a knowing sigh. “Tell me about it.” She muttered sardonically.

Cadence gave Twilight a warm smile. “Well, why don’t we head back to the courtyard for now? I’m sure the sight of two smiling Princesses should calm those ponies’ nerves.” Twilight brightened her expression and smiled back, and then Cadence turned to Spike. “Not to mention, a big, strong dragon too.” Spike shot her a toothy grin. Cadence began to lead Twilight and Spike in the direction of the courtyard, and then she turned to address the six royal guards. “I’m trusting that you can guard the throne room in my absence?”

“Yes ma’am.” The guards chanted in unison.

Cadence smiled charismatically at them. “I really appreciate it.” Then she gave the guards a playful wink, and turned back towards the courtyard. One of the royal guards chuckled, only to be jabbed in the side by a fellow guard. Twilight and Spike shot Cadence a questioning look, which she just responded to with quiet giggles.

The trio sauntered down the long halls of the castle, all the while trading stories of Ponyville and the Crystal Empire. Their lighthearted laughter and playful jokes lifted the mood of the otherwise dreary castle corridors. They reached the courtyard after about ten minutes of slowly trotting and laughing down the castle's halls.

“…So that’s how the bowling alley exploded!” Twilight finished as they stepped out of the castle’s ballroom, and into the courtyard.

“Wow. Your town makes the Crystal Empire seem tame.” Cadence replied with an amused tone.

“I dunno Cadence,” Spike replied with a bubbly voice, “That time when one of the maids looked into Sombra’s door sounds pretty bad!”

Cadence let out another cheerful giggle. “Oh, it wasn’t as bad as you think. Those friends of yours seem like they can be quite the handful though.”

“You have no idea.” Twilight answered with a weary voice.

“Look! It’s Princess Cadence!” One of the mares in the courtyard shouted out before she bowed respectfully.

“And Princess Twilight!” Another mare shouted before she followed suit and bowed.

Very quickly, everypony in the courtyard was bowing to Cadence and Twilight. Spike looked around awkwardly, before bowing to them as well. Twilight started to feel heat in her cheeks, and Cadence let out an audible giggle.

“There’s no need for you all to bow to me. Please, return to your activities.” Cadence ordered in a charismatic tone. The ponies complied, and returned to what they were doing, with a serene air to them. Cadence, Twilight and Spike then sauntered over to a spot on the grass where Pinkie Pie and Mrs. Cake sat. They were also accompanied by the two mares, Lyra and Bon-Bon, who the cake twins were currently sleeping on.

“Oh! Hi Twilight! Hi Spike! Hi Princess Cadence!” Pinkie Pie called out as she waved to them.

“Hi Pinkie. Hi Mrs. Cake, Lyra, Bon-Bon.” Twilight addressed the four mares.

“Hey Twilight!” Lyra and Bon-Bon both called out.

“Hello dear.” Mrs. Cake responded. Twilight smiled, happy that some ponies were treating her like another pony, not like a Princess.

“Come now, don’t I get a 'hello?'” Cadence asked with mock hurt in her voice. The three mares all floundered around with their words at once, causing Cadence to chuckle.

“So, what’s up?” Spike asked the group.

Pinkie Pie beamed. “Oh! So you see, me and Mrs. Cake were taking care of the Cakes, but they started to get a little out-of-hoof, so Lyra and Bon-Bon offered to rock them to sleep! And look, it worked! They're fast asleep!” She pointed at the two foals happily.

“You two are really good with foals, you know.” Mrs. Cake praised.

Bon-Bon grinned proudly, and Lyra blushed and offered a weak smile. Twilight smiled again, glad that Cadence was right about them calming the ponies' nerves.

“Ah-ha, there you all are!” Rarity called from across the courtyard. She quickly trotted up to the group. “I’ve been sitting with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo for quite a while now, waiting for the second train to arrive. Would you like to join me, Pinkie, Twilight, Spike?” Rarity pointed at her three friends, and then flinched horribly when she saw Cadence. “Princess! Oh, I’m sorry, how rude of me, I simply didn’t see you there!” Rarity bowed hastily. “Would you like to join us as well, Princess Cadence?”

Cadence smiled warmly at her. “Please skip the formalities, Rarity. I’d love to.”

Pinkie Pie began bouncing in place. “Yay! Let’s go!” She froze in mid-air. “Oh, wait.” She returned to the ground and turned to Mrs. Cake. “Will you be all right without me, Mrs. Cake?”

Mrs. Cake made a shooing motion with her front hoof. “We’ll be fine, dear. Now run along with your friends.”

Pinkie Pie grinned, and then the group walked over to Rarity’s spot at the train station. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were already there, sitting quietly. The group of five took their places next to them, with Spike and Cadence sitting beside Twilight. Sitting together, they began waiting for the next train to come. “I'm sorry for earlier, Twilight. I was acting very unlady-like.” Rarity apologized suddenly.

“It's fine, Rarity. Like you said, you did what you had to." Twilight responded in a forgiving voice. Rarity smiled at her, and then turned her eyes back to the fillies next to her. As they sat, the group fell victim to the same tense silence that held the two fillies.

As silence ruled the station, all of Twilight’s previous anxiety came back in full force. What if… As the worst case scenario began to play out in her head, she began to tremble in place. She ceased her trembling though, when she saw a pink wing drape itself over her. She looked up at Cadence, who was giving her a comforting smile, like the way a mother smiles at her filly when she had a nightmare. Twilight smiled back, and shifted closer to Cadence. Then she turned back to the railroad tracks, bracing herself to wait for hours for the train to arrive.

*******

Twilight’s initial estimate was completely inaccurate, for the train arrived in only twenty minutes. Upon hearing the train’s whistle, the group of seven jolted to attention and jumped to their hooves. Cadence looked at Twilight and nodded expectantly, then turned back towards the train. She looked in its direction, and put on her best charismatic smile. Twilight caught on, and put on her own smile.

The ponies on the second train were kicked off of the train just as quickly as the first, and they looked just as panicked. When they saw Cadence and Twilight however, their expressions brightened considerably. Cadence began to wave to them, and gestured for Twilight to do the same. Twilight complied, and the Princesses sent their desired message: “You’re safe now.” Their message had the effect they wanted; panic faded from the civilians’ expressions.

As the mob of ponies trotted past them, Twilight began to search the crowd for her friends. She looked through the mass of ponies multiple times, but couldn’t see any of the ponies she was looking for. The first feelings of panic began to grip her again, until she heard the train door shut, and start its return trip. She turned back in its direction, knowing that all the occupants were off of it.  When she did, she spotted a pair of pegasi walking towards them; one of them clinging to the other like a filly does to her mother.

Twilight’s fake smile became genuine as she finally spotted the ponies she was looking for. She stood and was about to call out to her friends, but was rudely interrupted by a pink blur zipping past her.

“Dashie! Fluttershy! You made it!” Pinkie Pie cheered as she assaulted to two unwitting pegasi with a tackle-hug. Fluttershy yelped, and Rainbow Dash cried out in surprise.

Twilight chuckled, and then skipped over to the pile of her friends, the rest of the group close behind her. Rainbow Dash had managed to pry herself away from Pinkie Pie by the time Twilight had reached them.

“…Jeez Pinkie, did ya have to attack me like that?” Rainbow Dash barked in an agitated tone, but softened her expression when she looked at Pinkie Pie’s beaming smile. “Stop smiling at me like that, it’s impossible to be mad at you.” Then she noticed the rest of the group trot up to her spot. “Hey everypony. Ya miss me?” She said with her usual confident smirk.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo shouted as she threw her forelegs around her.

“Heh, I’ll take that as a yes then.” Rainbow Dash teased. Then she pulled Scootaloo off of her and scruffled her purple mane. “Missed you too, kid. Sorry for earlier.”

“Fluttershy, darling! Are you hurt?” Rarity asked as she embraced the yellow pegasus.

“Y-yeah. I’m not hurt. Just a little scared, I guess.” Fluttershy whispered, half of her face hidden by her pink mane.

“Thank Celestia, I was so worried about you!” Twilight exclaimed.

“We all were!” Pinkie Pie chirped, as she pulled them into a group hug.

While the mares were exchanging greetings, Sweetie Belle was looking around them, disappointed by the lack of a certain yellow filly.

I wish we could just stay like this...Twilight thought as she pulled away from her friends’ embrace and cleared her throat. “Ahem. Not to kill the mood, but I have to ask a few questions. What’s happening? Is anypony hurt? And where is Applejack?”

Rainbow Dash smiled at her. “I knew you’d have questions.” Twilight glared at her, and then Rainbow Dash took on a very grave tone of voice. “So we all know what’s happening, we’re being invaded.” The other ponies grimaced, but then Rainbow Dash grew a cocky smirk. “The good news though, is that I overheard some royal guards. Nopony is hurt. Not one. At least, none have been reported. And as for Applejack, I saw her in line for the next train, so she’ll be here soon.” She looked to Sweetie Belle. “I didn't see Apple Bloom anywhere, but I'm sure she's with Big Macintosh or something.”

Every single pony, including Cadence and Spike, beamed at her remarks. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day!” Cadence exclaimed.

“Buck yeah it is!” Rainbow Dash cheered, and the other ponies did the same. “Oh, hey Cadence.” She stated, lacking any and all formality.

“Hi Rainbow Dash.” Cadence responded with her beaming smile.

Everypony beamed at each other and cheered, until Spike inquired, “So, did you see them?”

The group stopped cheering and turned to him. “See what?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You know… what’s invading us?” Spike answered.

Her expression plummeted, and Fluttershy began to tremble next to Rarity. “Yeah, I saw them. We both did.” She looked at the ground and took a deep breath. “Griffons.”

Everypony flinched at the word, and all the cheer in the air was struck down. “Griffons? Like, Gilda?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Yeah. Like her.” Rainbow Dash retorted flatly.

As silence started to rule the train station again, Cadence spoke up. “Hey, Applejack is coming on the next train right? We waited for you all in this spot, so why don’t we all wait for her here?”

“…Yeah. Let’s do that.” Rainbow Dash answered, and took a seat next to Fluttershy and Rarity while staring angrily at the ground. The rest of the group sat where they had before, and they all mentally braced themselves for the horrible minutes of anticipation they were about to experience. Twilight sat down, and both Spike and Cadence huddled up next to her. Cadence draped a wing over Spike and Twilight, drawing them both very close to her so that they could both fit underneath it. The trio looked towards the tracks, and braced themselves for the coming hours.

*******

About an hour passed by as the group waited for the train to return. The sun was now nearing the edge of the sky, and the previously warm day was starting to become a chilly night. Even with the good news from Rainbow Dash, the group was still trembling in anticipation. The worst part wasn’t the waiting though, it was the silence. The tense silence hung over the group like a thick fog, and nopony was brave enough to break it.

Eventually though, they heard the familiar whistle of Ponyville’s train. Compared to the tense silence, the whistle sounded like something from heaven. The group jumped to their hooves with eager grins on their faces.

“See? Here she is!” Rainbow Dash attempted to say in a cool voice, but couldn’t contain her own excitement.

The train doors opened, and the expected wave of ponies swarmed out. Like the last time, Cadence and Twilight smiled and waved at the passing crowd, brightening their moods significantly. They noticed that this time, there were some stallions amongst the crowd, along with some more elderly ponies. Twilight smiled as she realized that the next train was probably going to be the last one.

Again, like the last time, the pony they were waiting for was the last one they could find. In fact, the last member of their group was the very last pony to get off the train. The group simultaneously turned their heads towards Applejack, who was just getting off of the train, with painfully slow steps. The group got up and began to trot over to her. Almost as soon as they did, Applejack stopped walking. She had only gotten far enough away from the train so that it could leave, no further. After she was far enough away, she  just stopped.

“Applejack! I-” Twilight stopped herself when she got a closer look at Applejack.

“Applejack, darling! What took you-” Rarity stopped as well, along with every other member of the group when they got a closer look at Applejack. When they saw her, Cadence turned away and stopped walking, and Spike did as well.

Applejack stood completely still, with her mouth hanging slightly agape. She wasn’t breathing very regularly, and her head was tilted towards the ground. Her head was tilted enough so that her Stetson and mane covered some of her face. Enough of her head was covered so that the group couldn’t see the rest of her face from where they stood, but just seeing her standing idle was enough to drain the enthusiasm from the ponies. Applejack? Twilight thought to herself, unnerved for some reason. Then the remaining seven ponies stepped forward to get a closer look.

As they grew even closer, Applejack still didn’t move, didn’t acknowledge them, just stood still. “Applejack?” Pinkie Pie called out desperately, with no response.

Finally, Twilight and Rarity got close enough to see the rest of her face, and their hearts skipped a beat when they did. Applejack’s eyes were wide open, and her pupils had shrunken to a third of their normal size. She wasn’t blinking very much, if at all. Her eyes were unfocused, as if she was staring off into space. All the while, her mouth hung open, with her head tilted towards the ground.

Applejack looked dead.

After the rest of the group got a good look, Fluttershy began to whimper, and Pinkie Pie’s hair deflated slightly. Twilight was about to reach out and touch her, and call out again, but she stopped when she heard Rarity gasp in shock. Noticing that Applejack still hadn’t moved a muscle, Twilight’s eyes drifted downward to Applejack’s hooves, and then she gasped as well. Oh sweet stars no…

There, clutched tightly in Applejack’s front hoof, was a hot pink ribbon. A very familiar hot pink ribbon. I’ve only seen that in one place before… No…

Everypony else followed Twilight’s eyes to the ribbon. The ribbon, Applejack’s dead expression, and Rainbow Dash's earlier remark about Apple Bloom told them the whole story. Realization washed over the ponies all at once, and the news sunk in. Fluttershy ran back to the castle courtyard with tears welling in her eyes, and Sweetie Belle began to wail loudly. Pinkie Pie’s hair deflated completely, and she collapsed in a heap on the ground. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth and looked at the ground, while Twilight and Rarity stood frozen in place. Suddenly, as if she was broken out of a trance, Applejack closed her mouth and blinked. Then she started slowly trotting towards the castle, acting as if the small group around her didn’t exist.

“Applejack…” Twilight called weakly after her, but Applejack ignored her and continued to walk. No, don’t go… She thought to herself pathetically.

“Applejack!” Rarity shouted after her, but with the same result. “APPLEJACK!” She screamed at her, with tears beginning to appear in her eyes. But her scream had the same effect as her first plea. “Applejack…” Rarity collapsed to the floor, unable to hold herself up anymore.

Scootaloo looked at the scene unfolding around her, and then she watched Applejack walk away. She had a look of complete naivete. “I don’t get it, why isn’t Applejack talking to anypony? And why does she have Apple Bloom’s ribbon?” Everypony cringed at those words, and Rainbow Dash began to grit her teeth together even harder. “And, where is Apple Bloom?” Rainbow Dash grimaced again, and Sweetie Belle began to sob even harder.

After nopony responded to her, Rainbow Dash spoke, in the most defeated tone Scootaloo had ever heard. “She has Apple Bloom’s ribbon… because Apple Bloom isn’t coming.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo asked, her voice now cracking with desperation. “Why not? Where is she?!”

“Rainbow Dash, don’t…” Twilight pleaded, but Rainbow Dash paid her no mind. She’s just a filly! Twilight wanted to shout at her.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth and replied, “Apple Bloom is gone.”

Scootaloo screamed at her, “Gone where?! What happened to her?!”

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth so hard that they almost shattered, swallowed the lump in her throat, and then spoke in a flat, defeated voice.

“Apple Bloom is dead.”

Time stopped. The wind stopped blowing, and no one made any noise. The voices of the ponies in the courtyard were like background noises; quiet and unimportant. After a few incredibly long seconds, it was like a dam burst.

“D-d-d-dead?” Scootaloo stammered, tears cascading down her cheeks. “What do you mean ‘DEAD’?!” She shouted, blatant denial dripping from her voice.

“Scootaloo…” Rainbow Dash muttered, now on the verge of tears herself.

“NO!” Scootaloo screamed, causing Sweetie Belle to begin wailing louder than anypony thought was possible. “No! She’s not! She can’t be… dead! She just can’t be!”

Rainbow Dash broke down, her tears now falling freely, and began to squeeze Scootaloo in a tight hug. “I’m sorry… I am so… sorry…” She couldn’t contain herself any longer, and began to cry over Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“No! She isn’t… no… she’s… not… dead…” Scootaloo sobbed, and then began to wail as loud as Sweetie Belle. “No…”

Why… Celestia, why? Twilight couldn’t look anymore, she turned away from the scene and walked over to Cadence and Spike, where she let her own silent tears fall. The ponies continued to cry, their sobs now being the only thing occupying the air. Just as the feelings of panic and dread had vanished earlier, the feelings of happiness were erased now. But panic wasn't what conquered the air now, it was overcome with sadness, and emptiness.

*******

Applejack pushed open the heavy gates of Canterlot castle’s armory. She walked incredibly slowly, clutching the ribbon in her hoof as if her life depended on it. She paced herself, and didn’t allow herself to think. She couldn’t. Not yet.

She began her ascent up an incredibly long spiral staircase. She padded along slowly, brushing past the royal guards that stood in her path. Some of them called out to her, but she ignored them. They didn’t matter right now.

Finally, she reached her destination, and pushed open another set of heavy doors. She walked in with no invitation, and saw a lone stallion, working at an iron anvil. When she closed the doors behind her, he stopped what he was doing and walked over to his front desk.

“Yes? How may I-”

“Don’t talk.” Applejack snapped at him bitterly. “Just listen to me. I need a weapon. Right... now.”