From All Fronts

Applejack strutted into the castle’s throne room with her head held high, and her long blonde mane flowing gracefully beside her. She still wore a confident grin, and she demanded the attention of everypony in the room.

“Sorry to make ya wait, Princess.” Applejack half-heartedly apologized. “But I needed to do that.”

Celestia got out of her throne, and stood tall over Applejack. She looked down at her, and said in her neutral tone, “You have much to explain, Applejack.”

Applejack bowed respectfully, and replied, “O’ course, Princess.” She then unfastened the swords at her sides, and tossed them in front of Celestia. “I have a lot I wanna talk to you about too.”

Celestia looked down at her hooves, and magically picked up the blades. “Are these the antique swords that were hanging in the left wing’s hallway?” Celestia questioned.

Applejack nodded. “Eeyup. That they are.” She looked up at Celestia, and smirked proudly. “Sorry, I didn’t get the chance to clean ‘em off.” Celestia’s expression didn’t change, and she unsheathed the swords, revealing their gory steel surfaces. “I just needed to borrow ‘em," Applejack carried on. “I prefer my rope anyway.”

Celestia sheathed the blades once more, and set them beside her throne. “So you stole antique swords, and a knife as well?” Celestia accused.

“Well, that blacksmith wouldn’t gimme anythin’, so I… improvised.” Applejack answered cautiously. “To be fair, I brought ‘em back.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, and took a few steps off of her throne, and towards Applejack. She stopped a few paces in front of her, looked down into her eyes, and slowly began, “I have been informed that you took these weapons, and proceeded to slay the griffons that were occupying Ponyville.” Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Applejack, was this report truthful? Or do you have another explanation for the blood staining your coat?”

Applejack didn’t break her eye contact with the Princess. “Uh-huh. That’s the truth, no point in lyin’.”

Celestia hung her head, and sighed heavily. “Applejack, you know how reckless that was. You could very easily have lost your life. You have also no doubt made an enemy of the griffons today.” Applejack looked at her with an uninterested stare, and didn’t reply. So Celestia continued, “I was also informed that not all of the griffons attacked you, and yet you still ended their lives. Is this also true?” Applejack remained silent. Celestia waited for a response, and when none came, she became nervous. “Applejack, what possessed you to do such a thing?”

“Do I really need to answer that?” Applejack barked. Celestia kept watching her with concerned eyes, and Applejack looked to the side, avoiding her gaze. “They invaded my home, an’ killed my lil’ sister, an’ my grandmother. That’s what ‘possessed me’ to kill ‘em.”

Celestia looked at Applejack in a motherly fashion, and lowered her head to her level. “Applejack, I’m sorry about what happened to them, and you have every right to be angry.” Celestia said sympathetically. “But Applejack, murder and vengeance are not the solution. Believe me, I know.” Applejack kept avoiding her eyes, and looked at the ground, like a guilty foal. Celestia raised her head with authority. “While some might see your actions as impressive, this is an intolerable act. However, I see it unfit to punish you for your actions.”

Celestia regained her caring expression. “I truly am sorry about what happened to your family, but I ask you to return to your home. You still have an older brother, who no doubt wants you to come home with him.”

After Celestia finished speaking, Applejack reestablished eye contact with her. “Ya see, that’s exactly what I wanted to talk to ya about, Princess.”

Celestia looked down at her perplexedly. “What do you mean, Applejack?”

Applejack bowed respectfully, and explained, “I don’t want to go home.” She looked up from her crouched position. “Princess, please allow me to join yer guard. Let me help drive these spineless monsters outta Equestria.”

Celestia was awestruck by Applejack’s proposition. She stared wide-eyed at Applejack for a short time, clearly lost in thought. Her internal debate raged for a few more seconds, but then, she reached a verdict. “Applejack.” She addressed the orange mare.

Applejack grinned. “Yeah?”

“My answer is no.”

Applejack’s face plummeted when she heard her response. “Wha?” She muttered.

“Applejack, please return to Ponyville.” Celestia ordered. “The town is safe now, and I will ensure that it won’t be taken again.”

“Wa… Why?!” Applejack demanded.

“There is simply no reason that I should allow you to join.” Celestia retorted. Applejack cringed, and then Celestia elaborated, “You are untrained, and in no way prepared to join the guard.”

“But I could-”

“That’s not all there is to it.” Celestia stopped Applejack. “Being a guard isn’t just about weapon skill. It’s about defending Equestria, and being able to follow orders.” Celestia narrowed her eyes.

“I’m able to-”

“So far, what have you done, Applejack?” Celestia asked rhetorically. “You’ve stolen weapons, snuck aboard a rescue train, and then savagely killed a flock of griffons.” Applejack opened her mouth to speak, but Celestia raised her front hoof to silence her. “I truly doubt your ability to listen to orders, or to leave anything alive if you are required to. I can see that all you want is to kill griffons…” Celestia turned her back to Applejack. “… And that is not the kind of pony that Equestria needs in its guard.”

Applejack took a step forward. “Princess!”

“Return home, Applejack.” Celestia dismissed her.

“But… But…” Applejack took another step towards Celestia. “But yer short-handed! I heard that some o’ yer guards can’t even find the sharp end of a spear!”

Celestia looked back at her, and replied, “Even if that was remotely true, the answer is still no.”

Celestia turned her head back around, and began walking towards her throne. Applejack gritted her teeth, and slowly hung her head. She made no further effort to resist, and turned around. She began approaching the throne room doors, utterly defeated.

“… May I interject, Your Majesty?” A male voice resounded throughout the room.

Applejack spun back around, and Celestia turned to her left. Approaching her was a golden unicorn, who bowed dramatically when she noticed him. “Spell Weaver, how much of this conversation did you hear?” Celestia questioned.

“Most of it, Princess.” He answered, and then stood upright, causing his pale red mane to fall in front of his face. His violet eyes peered at Celestia from behind it. “And I would like to state my opinion on the subject matter.”

Celestia frowned at him. “Spell Weaver, I assure you that won’t be necessary.”

“Your Majesty, as your advisor, I think that there might be benefits to allowing her to join the guard.” He carried on, ignoring her suggestion.

Celestia looked back at Applejack, who was now raising an eyebrow at her expectantly. Celestia paused for a brief moment, sighed, and then addressed her. “Wait here, Applejack. I wish to speak to my advisor.”

“Take yer time.” Applejack responded. Celestia nodded to her advisor, and the pair walked beside the golden throne, out of Applejack’s earshot.

“Spell Weaver, I know that you’re my advisor, but I don’t believe this is a matter of opinion.” Celestia told her advisor.

“I’m not saying that it is, Princess.” Spell Weaver answered. “I would simply like to go over some ideas with you. I am but an advisor, if your opinion isn’t swayed, I shall not argue.”

Celestia gave him a slightly annoyed look, but then urged him to continue. “As I see it, there are a few upsides to enlisting that mare.” He began. “I can see that you want to protect her, Princess. You don’t want any of your student’s friends getting hurt.” Celestia nodded, and Spell Weaver took a breath. “Unfortunately, it’s too late to protect her.”

Celestia frowned once more. “What do you mean?”

Spell Weaver voice became serious. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, that mare won’t listen to you if you send her home. That look in her eyes tells me that if you reject her offer, she’ll fight anyway.” Celestia’s expression dropped, and her advisor continued, “If you were to accept her offer, you would be able to watch over and protect her, in addition to gaining a powerful soldier. Because she was right about one thing; we are in no way prepared to face three armies.”

Celestia looked incredibly unconvinced, and Spell Weaver carried on, “I know all about her… obsession. If she is enlisted, she must follow your orders. If you were to keep her from any griffons, we gain a powerful asset, and lose her baggage as well.” Celestia’s orchid eyes were unfocused, and she was visibly lost in thought. Then Spell Weaver concluded, “Of course, she’ll still face the risks of being a guard. Like I previously stated, this is your decision, Your Majesty. I have stated my opinion.”

Celestia was now looking at her advisor, no longer completely sure of herself. She looked between him and Applejack, lost in an inner debate. After a short period of silence, she turned towards the bloody mare. She walked with Spell Weaver back to Applejack, and then asked her, “Applejack, is there… somepony who could… testify for you?”

"Big Macintosh!” Applejack replied without hesitation. “Ask him! He’ll vouch fer me!”

Celestia gave her another conflicted look, and then nodded. “I shall go speak with him. Alone. Applejack, please remain here.”

“Alone?” Applejack questioned. “Oh… sure.”

“I’ll make sure that she stays here, Princess.” Spell Weaver assured, while bowing to Celestia.

“This shouldn’t take much time. Both of you just wait here.” Celestia ordered. Then, she lit up her horn, and it began glowing a golden color. A bright light surrounded Celestia, and a *pop* resounded in the throne room. Celestia had vanished, leaving only empty space behind.

Celestia reappeared in one of the castle’s guest rooms, accompanied by a flash of light. She had located her target with her magic beforehand, so her teleport was spot-on. She locked eyes with Big Macintosh, who didn’t seem fazed by her sudden appearance.

“Please pardon my intrusion, Big Macintosh.” Celestia apologized. “But I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with you.”

Big Macintosh bowed respectfully, but didn’t speak. Celestia didn’t waste any time. “Your younger sister is attempting to join the royal guard. She recently slew the griffons that occupied your home. She insisted that you would intercede on her behalf.”

Celestia put on a stern face. “Big Macintosh, should your sister join the guard?” She asked humorlessly.

Big Macintosh didn’t immediately answer her; he stood quietly and stared at her. He didn’t make any facial expression, and didn’t appear to have heard her. Even so, Celestia patiently waited for his answer.

After almost two minutes, Big Macintosh slowly opened his mouth. “Eeyup.”

Celestia’s eyes went wide at his response, and she replied, “What? Are you sure?”

“Mm-hm.” He answered flatly.

“You want your sister to join the guard?” Celestia repeated disbelievingly.

“Nope.” Big Macintosh responded, surprisingly quickly.

Celestia looked confused. “I’m afraid I don’t follow you.” She told him unsurely.

“This is what she wants, isn’t it?”

Celestia looked at the floor, attempting to take in what she had heard. After a few seconds, Celestia regained her composure, understanding washing over her. She stood tall over Big Macintosh, and relit her horn. “I see. Thank you for your time, Big Macintosh.”

Big Macintosh bowed a second time, and a white light enveloped Celestia. She teleported again, and reappeared in the spot where she had teleported the first time. Applejack and Spell Weaver turned around, and looked at her with anticipation. Celestia didn’t talk with them, and instead walked over to her throne, and took a seat in it.

“Applejack.” Celestia addressed her. Applejack’s ears perked up, and she looked up to Celestia. “Come here.” Applejack walked towards her, and Celestia gestured for her to stop at the feet of her throne.

“Applejack, in order to join the guard, you must swear a soldier’s oath.”

Spell Weaver smiled, and Applejack gave Celestia a perplexed stare. “Huh?” She muttered.

“I might have been mistaken in rejecting your offer. If you want to join the guard, you must swear an oath.”

Applejack grinned, and bowed deeply. “Just tell me what to say, Princess.” She agreed respectfully.

Celestia rose to her hooves, and raised her head high with authority. “Applejack, do you promise to follow my orders to the smallest detail?” She queried.

“I do.” Applejack swore.

“Do you swear to uphold Equestria’s peace, no matter how impossible it may seem?” Celestia continued.

“I swear.”

“Most importantly, are you prepared to give your life for another?” Celestia concluded.

Applejack smiled proudly. “I am prepared to give my life for Equestria, for another pony, or if you need me to, Princess.” She recited.

Celestia walked in front of Applejack, and rested her horn on each of her shoulders. “As Princess of Equestria, I welcome you into the Royal Guard.” Applejack grinned, but Celestia gestured for her to remain silent. “You are required to endure training in order to join. But since we are in dire straits, you shall be deployed along with the other guards. Your training will commence as soon as our towns are reclaimed. You have two days to obtain your equipment, and ready yourself.”

Celestia lit up her horn, and levitated a scroll and quill in front of her. She wrote something on the scroll, rolled it up, and placed it in Applejack’s saddle-bag. “Show that to the blacksmith. He should assist you now.”

Applejack shot to her hooves with a wide grin, and saluted. “You won’t regret it, Princess!”

“You are dismissed.” Celestia finished.

Almost as soon as Celestia finished speaking, a door swung open to her far right. “Sister!” Luna’s voice resounded in the air.

Celestia turned to her right. “Luna, why have you awoken?”

“Did you just enlist her into the guard?!” Luna shouted, while rubbing sleep out of her eyes.

Celestia turned around, nodded to Applejack, and then approached her sister. “Luna, please calm down.”

“Sister, what are you thinking?! She's an Element of Harmony!”

“Luna, we have much to discuss…”

Applejack strutted away from the two alicorns, and to the throne room doors. She shoved them open, walked through them, and gingerly shut the door behind her. “Applejack!” Voices called out behind her. Applejack whirled around when she heard her name, and smiled when she saw the familiar faces.

*******

Clouds were obscuring the sun as Rainbow Dash shot towards the castle. The early spring day was cold due to the lack of sunbeams warming the land. The sound of rushing wind was all Rainbow Dash could hear as she soared over Canterlot. She didn’t put any style into her flight, she focused all of her effort into her speed.

The castle came into view quickly, and Rainbow Dash ignored the castle’s gates. She flew over the castle’s courtyard, and into the castle’s highest balcony. She landed on the pearly white surface of the balcony, threw open the glass doors in front of her, and entered a room littered with armor and weaponry. The room’s only occupant looked at her in surprise.

“Who are you?” The blacksmith pony inquired. Rainbow Dash scowled, and flew over to the room’s large steel doors. “Hey, stop right there!” The stallion shouted at her. Rainbow Dash pretended she didn’t hear him, and flew down the large spiral staircase. She darted through the castle’s intricate hallways, searching for a particular orange mare. After flying for some time, almost searching the entire castle, she found her friend. Applejack was outside of the guards’ barracks, and Rainbow Dash glowered when she noticed Applejack’s attire.

Applejack was no longer a bloody mess; she had cleaned herself off since Rainbow Dash had spoken to her. Applejack was still donning her trademark Stetson, but her torso was no longer exposed.  She was clad in shining golden armor: a golden breastplate, and matching greaves. Applejack looked like a royal guard.

Applejack ceased looking at one of the paintings decorating the walls, and turned in Rainbow Dash’s direction. Her eyes opened wide at the sight of her. “Rainbow?” She questioned. “What in tarnation are you doin’ here?”

Rainbow Dash ran over to Applejack, and looked furiously into her emerald eyes. Then, she raised her front hoof, and clubbed Applejack’s head with it, knocking her hat off.

Applejack glared angrily up at Rainbow Dash. “What the hay was that for?!” She shouted.

“You’re lucky I didn’t hit you harder!” Rainbow Dash retorted.

Applejack leaned down, and put her hat back on. “Sheesh! Why are ya here, anyway?” She demanded.

“Oh gee, great question Applesack.” Rainbow Dash answered sardonically. “Why am I here… Oh yeah! Maybe cuz you blatantly lied to us! Some Element of Honesty!”

Applejack blinked at her, completely relaxed. “And how did I lie to ya?”

Rainbow Dash threw her hooves into the air in frustration. “Do I hafta spell it out?” She insulted. “You said you were coming back to Ponyville after you got some rest, but guess who never left Canterlot?”

Applejack calmly shook her head. “I ne’er said that.”

“What?” Rainbow Dash growled through gritted teeth.

“I said that I would be back in Ponyville, and that ya’ll don’t need to worry ‘bout me. I ne’er specified when.” Applejack explained nonchalantly.

Rainbow Dash’s face started turning noticeably red. “That’s still lying, Applejack!” She screamed. Applejack didn’t so much as flinch, and Rainbow Dash pressed her muzzle close to hers. “On top of lying, Applejack, I learn from Big Macintosh that you’re joining the army. Do you think we’re stupid? Did you think we wouldn’t find out?” She fumed.

Applejack looked straight at Rainbow Dash, and ever-so-slightly grinned. “I knew ya’ll would find out. I just needed to buy time so you wouldn’t change Celestia’s opinion ‘fore I joined.”

Rainbow Dash smacked Applejack’s head again, harder this time. Applejack lifted her head back up, and glared daggers at her. “Hit me again, I dare ya.” She threatened.

“What is wrong with you?!” Rainbow Dash scolded. “I know what happened to your sister, but joining the army?!” Applejack opened her mouth, but Rainbow Dash didn’t wait for her. “That’s not even the problem!” Rainbow Dash shouted. Then, she started to calm herself with multiple deep breaths. “We’re supposed to be friends, Applejack. Friends are supposed to trust each other, and support each other. Obviously you don’t trust us, if you would try to keep something like this a secret.”

Applejack sighed heavily. “You’ve got it all wrong, Rainbow.” She responded whole-heartedly. “I trust all o’ ya, with all my heart. Trust ain’t the reason I kept this from ya.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, and Applejack took a step towards her. “I kept this from ya, so that ya’ll wouldn’t get wrapped up in this mess. I need to do this, but I don’t want any o’ ya getting’ hurt.”

Rainbow Dash wore an unconvinced face. “So you lied to us? So you kept this a secret?”

“I’ll do whatever I need to to protect all of ya.” Applejack answered caringly.

Rainbow Dash was silently thinking of a retort, but she couldn’t find one. So instead, she broke eye contact, and turned her back on Applejack. “Whatever. I didn’t come here to talk to you anyway.”

“Wha?” Applejack muttered in surprise.

“I just hope you have a better explanation when the others come to chew you out.” Rainbow Dash ended her statement, before she flared her sky-blue wings, and charged down the hallway.

“Wait! Rainbow Dash!” She heard Applejack call after her, before her voice was drowned out by rushing wind.

Rainbow Dash bolted through the castle, leaving a very noticeable rainbow vapor trail behind her. She flew past multiple royal guards during her flight, and after a series of wrong turns, she was flying in the hallway to the throne room.

Rainbow Dash charged at the oversized throne room doors. The two royal guards standing guard rushed to stop her, but they were too slow. She flew between them, and burst through the doors legs first. The doors offered little resistance to her flying kick, and she flew into the throne room, and landed on the red carpet in front of Celestia.

Celestia and the two guards beside her were completely dumbfounded. The two guards raised their spears at Rainbow Dash, and Celestia chuckled loudly. “A spectacular entrance as always, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia complimented, and Rainbow Dash took a deep bow. “At ease, you two. You are dismissed.” She addressed the two guards. They looked back at Celestia, nodded, and then walked past Rainbow Dash, and stood at the door.

“Aside from giving my guards a heart attack, why are you here, Rainbow Dash?” Celestia queried. “Has something become of Ponyville?”

Rainbow Dash regained her serious composure, and looked up at Celestia. “No, Ponyville’s fine.” Rainbow Dash reported. “I’m not here because of anything like that, Princess.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes wandered around the throne room. “By the way, where’s your sister?”

Celestia pointed to a door to her far right. “Luna is currently resting. She is going to act as the commander-in-chief of the army tomorrow.” Celestia explained. “So I shall be watching over the night today, as well.”

Rainbow Dash grimaced. “Eww. Don’t you need to sleep?”

Celestia chuckled. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.” She said proudly, and then asked, “If you don’t mind me asking a second time, why are you here, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash frowned. “I’m here because of Applejack.” She announced flatly.

Celestia smile faded. “So, word truly does spread quickly.”

Rainbow Dash gained her own unhappy look. “Princess, why did you let Applejack join the army? She’s out of her mind.” She queried.

Celestia sighed dejectedly. “I am aware of her intentions.” Celestia answered, staring at the ground. “But even so, she and my advisor brought up valid arguments. Her weapon skill will be a valuable asset to the guard. She also nearly begged me to enlist her.” Celestia looked up, and slightly smiled. “It shall also be much easier to keep track of her this way. I can easily keep her from any and all griffons, keeping her temper in check. That is why I enlisted her.”

Rainbow Dash was silent, and Celestia rose from her throne. “You need not fear. I shall ensure her safety to the best of my ability.” She assured.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, and then asked unsurely, “So, you enlisted Applejack because she’s good with weapons and she asked you to?” Celestia didn’t answer her, and Rainbow Dash stared at her. Then, she started laughing.

Celestia tilted her head in confusion, and Rainbow Dash smirked at her. “In that case, this next part should be easy.”

Celestia looked absolutely lost, and Rainbow Dash raised her head proudly. “If you’re short-handed enough to recruit Applejack, then I’ll join the guard too.” She declared.

Celestia’s composure shattered, and her face was awestruck. Rainbow Dash continued, “Unlike AJ, I’m not out of my mind. Not to mention, I’m the top athlete in Ponyville. If you accepted Applejack, you’d be a blockhead to not take me too.” Rainbow Dash flipped her mane, and smirked at Celestia expectantly. “Well?”

Celestia was in shock, and was staring into space, searching for an answer. After soul-searching for a few seconds, she looked down at Rainbow Dash, and spoke. “Rainbow Dash, you understand that we are entering a war, correct? This isn’t a contest.”

Rainbow Dash scoffed at Celestia’s words. “I know it isn’t! I want to help defend Equestria!” She retorted.

“You are an Element of Harmony, Rainbow Dash. Your survival is critical to Equestria. It is unwise for me to willingly endanger you.” Celestia persisted.

“I know that I’m an Element! Isn’t it like, my job to protect Equestria?” Rainbow Dash shot back.

Celestia sighed. “Rainbow Dash, while I have no reason to reject your offer, is this truly what you want?”

“I came to you, didn’t I? So yeah, this is what I want.” Rainbow Dash replied smugly.

Celestia narrowed her eyes. “You will have to follow my orders.”

“I know.” Rainbow Dash responded.

“You are required to go through training.”

“Mmm-hm.”

“The guards are being deployed tomorrow-”

“Look, Princess.” Rainbow Dash interrupted her. “I know the risks of being a guard, and the requirements. I’m not changing my mind, so can we please get on with this?” She ranted impatiently.

Celestia glared at the pegasus dissapointedly. But then, she smiled at her. “Impatient, aren’t we? Very well then, if this is what you want.”

“It is.” Rainbow Dash answered bluntly.

Celestia took a breath, and put on her authoritative look. “Rainbow Dash, come over here.” Rainbow Dash complied. “Rainbow Dash, do you promise to follow my orders to the smallest detail?”

“Ok.” Rainbow Dash said apathetically.

“Do you swear to uphold Equestria’s peace, no matter how impossible it may seem?” Celestia continued her routine.

“Uh-huh.”

“Most importantly, are you prepared to give your life for another?”

“Yeah-yeah-yeah, can we just get on with it already?” Rainbow Dash answered demandingly.

Celestia looked annoyed, but then took a breath and shrugged. Then she walked in front of Rainbow Dash, and rested her horn on each of her shoulders. “As Princess of Equestria, I welcome you into the guard.”

Rainbow Dash grinned proudly, and sprang into the air. “All right!” She exclaimed, while hoof-pumping. Then she looked back down at Celestia. “So, what happens now, Princess?”

Celestia was, at the moment, writing on a scroll. “Now, you go make yourself ready for combat.” She rolled up the scroll, and levitated it to Rainbow Dash. “Show that to the blacksmith.” Celestia ordered.

“Can do, Princess!” Rainbow Dash responded eagerly, and then took the scroll in her mouth.

Celestia gave Rainbow Dash a concerned look. “I hope you know what you’re getting into. The guards are being deployed tomorrow.”

“Eh, I can handle myself.” Rainbow Dash assured apathetically. “You made the right choice.” Celestia smiled at her self-confidence. “And don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Applejack for ya.”

“If you can truly handle yourself, then you are dismissed.” Celestia finished.

Rainbow Dash saluted, and then turned to the doors. But just then, Applejack entered the throne room. “Princess. Rainbow.” She acknowledged the room’s occupants.

Rainbow Dash smirked, and flew over to her. “Hey Applejack, guess who’s the second mare to join the royal guard?” She gloated.

Applejack looked at her confident grin, and then at the scroll at Rainbow Dash’s hooves. Then, she sighed dejectedly. “So, you let her into the guard too?” She asked sadly.

Celestia looked at the floor, and Rainbow Dash pouted. “I expected you to react different than that.” She complained.

Applejack shook her head. “Actually Rainbow, yer the third mare to join the guard.” Rainbow Dash gave her a confused stare, and opened her mouth to question her friend. But then, her question was answered in the form of a mare walking through the doors behind Applejack.

The pony was donning golden armor, identical to Applejack’s. Rainbow Dash did a double take when she got a good look at the mare, however. She was a light pink mare, with a pink mane similar in appearance to cotton candy. She wore a beaming smile, and her light blue eyes seemed to twinkle when they saw Rainbow Dash.

“Hiya, Dashie! You joined the guard too?”

Rainbow Dash’s mouth gaped at the sight of her friend. She was absolutely stunned; her mouth couldn’t form coherent sentences. Then, her disbelief exploded in the form of a yell.

“YOU LET PINKIE PIE JOIN THE GUARD?!” She screamed at Celestia.

Celestia held her ground. “Yes, I did.”

“Why?!” Rainbow Dash continued to shout. “She’s not suited for this! Just look at her!”

“Aw, c’mon Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie whined. “We’ve taken down plenty of bad guys before! Like Nightmare Moon, Discord-”

“We had the Elements of Harmony!” Rainbow Dash hissed. “And this isn’t like Discord or Nightmare Moon!”

“Actually, I agree with ‘er. We’ve been worse off than this.” Applejack chimed in.

“How are you ok with this?!” Rainbow Dash bellowed at her.

“Rainbow Dash, may I speak with you?” Celestia interjected calmly. Rainbow Dash whirled around to look at Celestia, and Celestia beckoned to her. She trotted to the left of her throne, and Rainbow Dash flew after her. Rainbow Dash looked at Celestia demandingly, and Celestia began, “At first, when Pinkie Pie offered her service to me, I reacted like you did. But Rainbow Dash, you must believe me when I tell you this, she is shockingly adept at combat.” Rainbow Dash tilted her head disbelievingly, and Celestia nodded to ensure she wasn’t joking. “She improvises weaponry from objects that appear harmless. I have no idea how she does it, but your friend is dangerous.” Celestia looked over her shoulder at Pinkie Pie fearfully. “I wish you could have seen her practice targets… or what remained of them.”

Rainbow Dash shuddered, and turned towards her pink friend. Pinkie Pie waved at her, and Rainbow Dash sighed. “Her weapon skill isn’t the only reason I think this is an awful idea.” She muttered to Celestia. Then she began walking over to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, why do you even want to join the army?” She asked in a concerned tone.

Pinkie Pie smiled cheekily. “Duh!” She exclaimed. “Somepony has to protect Applejack!”

Applejack frowned, but Celestia smiled at Pinkie Pie’s statement. Rainbow Dash looked frantically between the three mares, and after attempting to come up with an argument, she took a deep breath to steady herself. “Well, now I have two ponies to keep an eye on.” She concluded. Pinkie Pie smiled, and Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Pinkie, I hope you’re as strong as the Princess says. I’m going to see the blacksmith.”

Rainbow Dash picked up her scroll from the ground, and Pinkie Pie made a shooing gesture. “You don’t need to worry about me, Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash was unconvinced, but even so, she nodded, and took flight towards the throne room doors. She bowed once to Celestia, opened the doors, and charged towards the castle’s largest tower.

*******

Rainbow Dash flew up the large spiral staircase, the royal guards no longer attempting to stop her. She reached the blacksmith’s door, and jerked to a halt in front of it. She slowly reached towards it, and gingerly pushed it open. The large door creaked open, and she leisurely walked through it.

The blacksmith pony was sitting at his desk, and watching her enter the room. When she saw that he noticed her, Rainbow Dash stopped walking, and set her scroll on the floor.

“Hey.” Rainbow Dash greeted him.

The black-maned stallion raised an eyebrow. “Hey?” He repeated gruffly. “You flew into my tower without permission, and all you have for me is ‘hey?’” He chastised.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Friendly, aren’t ya?” She retorted.

The blacksmith put his head in his hooves and groaned. “How did she even get past the guards? Are they that sloppy?” He mumbled. He then picked his head up, and glared at Rainbow Dash. “Why are you even here?” He questioned roughly.

Rainbow Dash flipped her prismatic mane to her right. “Well, the Princess told me that you would help me out.” She answered smugly. “You’re doin’ a great job, by the way.” She insulted.

The blacksmith snapped to attention. “Princess?” Rainbow Dash pointed to the floor, and he followed her with his eyes. His eyes were caught by the scroll that Rainbow Dash had set down, and his eyes widened. “An acceptance letter? You’ve gotta be kidding me… She’s joining the army too?” He thought out loud.

Rainbow Dash smirked, and mock-saluted. “Yep. You’d better believe it.” She announced proudly.

The stallion’s face turned pale, and he rocketed out of his chair, knocking it over in the process. “I-I see! Please forgive my previous behavior!” He stammered embarrassedly.

“I’ll think about it.” Rainbow Dash replied curtly.

The stallion opened his desk, and pulled out measuring tape with his teeth. “Come on, we don’t have forever! You deploy tomorrow!” He urged through his teeth. Rainbow Dash sauntered over to him, and he stopped her in front of him. He deftly wrapped the tape around her hooves, her torso, and finally, her head. He seemed slightly surprised when he retracted the tape. He then proceeded to set it back on the desk, pick up a quill in his teeth, and scribble three numbers on a slip of paper.

“Don’t move.” He ordered. “I’ll be right back.” The blacksmith took the slip of paper, and disappeared behind racks of weaponry, the sound of clanging metal resounding from his position. After about a minute, he reappeared, carrying a full set of golden armor on his back. He set it down in front of Rainbow Dash, and pointed to it. “See if it fits.” He said authoritatively.

Rainbow Dash looked at the gleaming battle gear, and proceeded to put it on. She slipped into the greaves, slung the chest-plate over her back, and donned the helmet. The blacksmith stood beside her, and adjusted the chest-piece to her body. Huh. This fits surprisingly well. Rainbow Dash thought perplexedly.

“I thought it would fit.” The stallion commented proudly.

“How did you have armor in my size?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

The blacksmith smirked at her. “We’ve had stallions much scrawnier than you join the guard before.” He jested.

Rainbow Dash grinned proudly. “Well, could I get a mirror?” She requested.

The blacksmith rolled his eyes, and then pointed to a door to his right. “In there.”

Rainbow Dash flared her wings, and took flight towards the partially opened door. She had difficulty taking off however, and she nearly fell back to the ground during her flight. Jeez, this stuff’s heavy! She whined to herself.

The room she entered was small and circular. It was rather empty, save for an anvil, a furnace, a table, and a full-size mirror. Rainbow Dash landed in front of the mirror, and gazed into it. She whistled at the sight of her own reflection. “Heh, I look awesome in this armor!” She struck a pose, and brushed her rainbow mane underneath her golden helmet.

“Yeah, you look gorgeous. Can you get back here already? We’re wasting time.” The blacksmith called to her sardonically.

Rainbow Dash turned around, and took off towards him. She had already begun to adjust to her additional weight, and she took off with ease this time. The blacksmith was waiting for her amongst the aisles of weaponry, and Rainbow Dash touched down next to him. “Your armor fits rather nicely, so now you need a weapon.” He analyzed. He then held out his hoof to the wall of weapons behind him. “Take whichever one you like.”

Rainbow Dash pulled her helmet off of her head, and handed it to the blacksmith. He begrudgingly took it from her, and Rainbow Dash began searching the armory. Hmm… She pondered. Now what screams, ‘Rainbow Dash?’ She scanned through the columns and rows of knives, halberds, maces, and a few odd weapons. Sickles? Rainbow Dash questioned. I wonder if anypony actually uses those. Or maces, for that matter.

After searching through a few aisles of weapons, her eyes drifted to a pair of blades hanging on the wall. They were expertly crafted, and they seemed to glimmer when she looked at them. A grin spread across Rainbow Dash’s face. Aww yeah. That screams ‘me.’ She flew over to them, and began unhinging them from their position. If Applejack can use ‘em, so can I!

Rainbow Dash pulled the swords from the wall, and cradled them in her front hooves. She reached towards the handle of one of them, and ended up shoving it away. She fumbled with both of the swords, and dropped them onto the ground. They clanged together loudly, and Rainbow Dash stared at them in an embarrassed silence. She looked around nervously, and when she looked behind her, she locked eyes with the blacksmith, who was shaking his head disappointedly. He walked over to her side, and looked down at the blades.

“So you chose swords.” He observed. “Quick, sharp, lethal weapons. I had the slightest feeling that you would.”

Rainbow Dash flipped her mane, attempting to hide her embarrassment. “Yeah, I did. You really should hang your weapons up better, though. They attacked me when I tapped them.”

The blacksmith rolled his eyes, and scooped up the fallen weapons. “Whatever you say, ma’am.” He said in an amused voice. “I do find it amusing how you attempted to wield swords designed for unicorns.”

Rainbow Dash’s mask shattered, and she scratched her head embarrassedly. “Those were… made for unicorns?” She asked innocently.

The blacksmith lightly chuckled. “Yes, they were.” He pointed to the blade’s handle. “See how thin the handle is? Your hooves are too big to hold onto anything this thin; it was designed to be held with magic.” He explained.

Rainbow Dash turned her back on him, once again attempting to mask her shame. “I knew that.” She shot back at him.

The blacksmith sighed, and hung the swords back on the wall. He then trotted behind another weapon rack, and reappeared a few seconds later, holding another pair of blades. He extended them to Rainbow Dash, and told her, “Try these ones. They have grips, so you can hold onto them easier.”

Rainbow Dash looked at him skeptically, and then took one of the swords from him. This sword had a much wider handle, and was attached to a sleeve, which sported a leather strap at its edge. Rainbow Dash slipped the sleeve over her right hoof, and then tightened the strap around her fetlock. The sleeve fit like a glove. She adjusted it until it was completely snug around her foreleg, and then grabbed onto the sword’s handle. She could grip it much easier, and she sliced it through the air experimentally. She found that the sleeve and the sword stayed strapped to her, even when she swung it through the air.

“Well, I can at least hold this one.” Rainbow Dash remarked. “But it’s a lot heavier than the unicorn sword.”

The blacksmith sneered. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that it was too heavy for you.”

Rainbow Dash flailed the blade in the air angrily. “I’m holding it aren’t I?!” She shouted at him. “You said that swords should be quick and lethal right?! I’m just saying it would be nice to fly without any unnecessary weight slowing me down! Is that ok with you?”

“Calm down. I was just making sure that the straps could keep the blade attached to you, even if you swing it angrily like that.” The blacksmith calmly replied. Rainbow Dash scowled at him, and then he placed a hoof on his chin, thinking deeply. After a few seconds, he met Rainbow Dash’s rose eyes. “Tell you what, I’ll make you a custom set of blades.” He offered on a whim. “I’ll make sure they’re both durable and lightweight.”

Rainbow Dash’s anger instantly turned into admiration. “Aren’t I deploying tomorrow? Do you really have the time to do that?” She queried.

The blacksmith’s ruby eyes gleamed with pride. “I’ll make it a rush order. I will send for you when they’re ready. They should be done by this afternoon.” He promised.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, and then smirked at him. “All right, if you say so. Don’t disappoint.” She prodded him childishly.

“I could say the same thing to you, kid.” The blacksmith retorted. “I still have orders to watch over you and your friends, so I’ll make sure that your equipment is fit to protect you.” He assured.

Rainbow Dash smiled, nodded, and then unstrapped the sword from her hoof. She carefully handed it back to him, and he gave her back her helmet in return. She placed it back on her head, and saluted the blacksmith. “Later.” She concluded.

“Give the Princess my regards.” He said dismissively, and then entered the small room to his right.

Rainbow Dash waited for him to disappear, and then spread her wings. She flapped them vigorously, and shot like a rocket towards the spiral staircase. She was adjusting well to the weight of the armor, and could almost reach her normal velocity. I look like a guard now… She thought wistfully. Applejack… Pinkie… I hope you both know what you’re getting into.

Rainbow Dash soared down the stairs, and towards the castle’s nearest balcony. She flew into the cloudy sky, and began searching for a comfy-looking cloud to rest on.

*******

“Ya called me, Princess?” Applejack questioned after Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had left the throne room.

Celestia sat in her throne, and her horn began shining with a golden aura. “Indeed, I did. Your request has been fulfilled.” She explained. Applejack grinned like an excited filly, and bowed to Celestia. Celestia picked up Applejack’s saddle-bag from beside her on the throne, and levitated it to her. “The blacksmith advised you to not poke your eyes out.” Celestia joked.

Applejack flipped open her saddle-bag, and smiled devilishly. She reached inside of it, and pulled out its only occupant, a chain-knife. The chain was as long as Applejack’s rope, but was much sturdier, and even more flexible. Spaced apart at regular intervals along the chain were large metal fangs, which were hollow enough to not weigh down the chain. What truly caught Applejack’s eye, however, was the tip of the chain. At the tip was a large, curved knife, which was designed for piercing. A red apple was engraved onto both sides of the curved knife, and the insignia shined when it came into contact with sunlight.

Applejack took the handle of the chain-knife in her mouth, and twirled it in the air experimentally. To her surprise, the chain formed a lasso just as easily as her rope did. But unlike her rope, the chain’s steel teeth formed a tight ring of shifting blades inside of the lasso. Applejack grinned evilly at the sight of her new weapon, and she put it back into her saddle-bag.

After Applejack had taken in her new weapon, Celestia addressed her. “Applejack, by accepting this weapon from me, you are sealing your oath.” She warned her.

Applejack bowed once again. “I’ll say the oath again if ya need me to.” She replied without hesitation.

Celestia shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.” She said dismissively. “You are deploying tomorrow. Make yourself ready, and rest. You are dismissed, Applejack.” Celestia finished.

Applejack rose to her hooves, nodded, and walked out of the throne room. She shut the door behind her, and began trotting down the castle’s corridors. Along the way, she opened her saddle-bag to make sure that she wasn’t hallucinating. When she saw the chain-knife still occupying her bag, she sneered. Now I’m ready. She thought excitedly. Rainbow, Pinkie… Applejack grinned. I hope ya’ll can handle yourself. With that thought, Applejack began descending down one of the castle’s staircases, readying herself for the coming battle.