From All Fronts

by Cobalt Coda

Rating: mature
Tags: Alternate Universe, Sad, Dark, Adventure
Length: 60420

The ponies of Equestria are being invaded. Nopony knows why they're being invaded, or what united the four forces against them, but they have to fight. Everypony who can fight will fight, for the sake of making Equestria safe again.

War. Such a misused word in the land of Equestria. There hadn't been an actual war in almost 200 years, and almost nopony knew the implications of the word "war". That is until that day, when the ponies of Equestria were invaded from all fronts. There was no buildup, no hostility, no known trigger. Just one day, it happened. Changelings, Griffons, Diamond Dogs, and monsters from the Everfree forest, all attacking at once. The ponies were devastated, and the current army barely drove away the enemy. War began once again in Equestria that day, and the Princesses were forced on the defensive. War changes ponies, and they are all looking for anything: an answer, a ray of hope, a trump card, anything to bring peace to the land once again.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-19 15:34:57 UTC

Zero Hour

It was a gorgeous day in Ponyville. The sun hung in the dead center of the sky, radiating its warm light over the village. It shared its sky with only a few wispy white clouds, which helped occupy the otherwise cerulean sky. The temperature was surprisingly high despite being late in the winter.

The residents of the village were up and about, some still wearing scarves despite the warmer temperature. All the foals were playing with their friends, thankful that the ground was free of ice or snow. They could do as they wished, for they didn’t have school for the next two days. Despite the bustling ponies that could be heard throughout town, it was a rather slow day.

According to a certain librarian, that is.

The Golden Oaks Library was anything but bustling. No foal would go anywhere near the library on a weekend, and every mare or stallion had any book they would ever need already checked out. The only occupants of the library were its owners; a lavender mare, and a purple and green dragon.

The lack of ponies asking to check out books wasn’t what made the mare call it slow day though. No, it was the lack of being ambushed by Pinkie Pie, or having Rainbow Dash crash through her window, or receiving an important assignment from Princess Celestia, or something in Ponyville exploding that made it a slow day. Her assistant was bringing her coffee, waiting for the inevitable question.

“Slow day, huh Spike?” The mare said, breaking the silence.

“More like a slow week." Spike sighed.

The mare turned away from her window and opened her mouth to speak, when Spike interrupted her.

“Look Twilight, you can’t expect Celestia to send you on top priority assignments all the time. You’re a Princess, and your assignment is to study friendship. I mean, all the evils of Equestria are imprisoned, reformed, harmless, or just plain gone. Ok, I’m not sure about Discord, but you get the picture.”

Twilight stood with her mouth open mid-sentence. “…You didn’t even let me finish…”

Spike sighed again. “I knew what you were gonna ask. Besides, you should be happy it’s a slow week. That fire two weeks back was really bad.” Spike cringed at the memory, causing Twilight to lightly chuckle. “Anyway, these days off have given us some much-needed free time, haven’t they? From the way you’re talking, your little project is going great.”

That comment caused Twilight to start grinning ear-to-ear. “It’s going amazing! Just a few more finishing touches and it'll be all done!”

Spike folded his arms and pouted. “I’d be a lot happier for you if I knew what it was.”

Twilight smiled, and then walked over to her assistant and scruffled his head. “I’ll be done today, so long as our slow week continues. You’ll just have to wait and see, Spike.” Spike’s expression didn’t brighten, and Twilight put on a sardonic grin. “Besides, aren’t you busy with your special project?”

Spike’s eyes opened freakishly wide, and his normally purple face turned a bright shade of red. “Y-y-you saw t-those?” He stammered nervously.

Twilight nuzzled Spike’s cheek in a motherly fashion. “Oh Spike, you little poetry writer!” Spike’s already red face got painted two shades darker. “Oh don’t worry, I won’t tell Rarity. You can give her one of them when you’re ready.” Twilight teased.

Spike pushed Twilight away, attempting to hide his embarrassment. “Y-you should go finish your project Twilight. Your coffee is probably cold now too, I think I’ll go warm it up in the kitchen.”

As Spike began to walk upstairs with Twilight’s mug, Twilight shouted up the stairs, “Don’t use too much of my notebook paper, you little poet!”

After she heard the kitchen door shut, she began her own ascent up the stairs to her bedroom. I still can’t believe how big Spike’s gotten. She thought to herself. It seems like only yesterday he could still ride on my back.

She reached her destination and entered her bedroom while continuing her mental monologue. I mean, he’s not huge. He can still fit in the kitchen. But being able to look me in the eyes on all fours is pretty impressive. That and his wings… He just got them and he can already fly! Makes me a little jealous…

Twilight locked her bedroom door behind her. Well, time to get to work. She opened up her dresser, pulled a locked box out from inside, and set it on the floor. If I work nonstop, I should finish it within a few hours. Spike is going to be so impressed with my new invention! With that, she pulled out the parts of her invention, and began construction.

*******

“Twilight, I’m not impressed.”

“…You’re not?” Twilight responded with a despairing tone.

Spike gave her a sympathetic look, and then gestured to the object in his claw. “No offense Twilight, but it’s just a pole. Also, it’s really heavy for its size.” Spike criticized.

Twilight looked shattered by his criticism, but then her expression morphed into an inquisitive stare. “You didn’t push the button, did you?”

Spike looked puzzled, and then began to scan the pole in his hand. After turning over the shiny silver object again, he found a comically large button, that he’d previously assumed was just an out-of-place strip of steel. “Oh. This is a button?” Spike asked sheepishly.

Twilight just nodded, and gestured for him to press it. He gingerly pressed down on it, but nothing happened. “Spiiiike,” Twilight groaned, “You have to put some muscle into it.”

Spike gave her an unamused look, and then turned his attention back to the button. He raised his free hand into the air, and pushed down on the button again. This time, he showed the button no mercy, and put much more strength behind his arm. The button clicked.

What happened next caused Spike to drop the invention, and nearly jump out of his scales. The previously short steel pole suddenly opened on both of its ends, and shot out two equally long extensions from each of them. The pole nearly quadrupled in size. After Spike remembered how to breathe, he looked in awe at the now much longer rod, which was lying on the floor between him and Twilight.

“Whoa…” Spike gaped.

Twilight beamed. “Isn’t it cool? It’s a telescoping pole! It works like a telescope, but it’s longer, and it grows to full size in less than a second!” Twilight explained happily.

Spike picked up the invention in his two front claws and continued to look over it. “So, this is the invention you’ve been working on lately?”

“Yup! I’m surprised no one has made one yet!” Twilight’s horn lit up, and she levitated the pole back over to her. She then pushed it together with her front hooves until it was back to its original size.

“So… what inspired you to make it?” Spike pondered.

Twilight stopped beaming, and began scratching the back of her head with a forced smile on her face. “Eheheh… I don’t actually know.” She said very sheepishly.

Spike raised an eyebrow at the nervous mare. “So one day, you just had an urge to make a… telescoping pole?” He asked accusingly.

“…Yes?” Twilight answered pathetically.

Spike chuckled, and then continued. “Ok, so this wasn’t a secret project from Celestia or anything?”

“…No.”

Spike smirked sarcastically. “And here I thought you were working on some new spell that creates diamonds from thin air, or a replica of the Elements of Harmony, or-”

“Spike, can’t you just be proud of my invention?” Twilight snapped.

“I’m only teasing you, Twilight.” Spike said in a mocking tone.

Twilight deflated and muttered to her herself, “That’s my line…”

Spike laughed at Twilight’s expression, and decided to keep up his teasing. “Hahaha, you shouldn’t let yourself get worked up by a little baby dragon, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight flinched, but then smiled warmly at her assistant. “I’ve told you to just call me Twilight.” She walked over to Spike, wrapped a foreleg around his neck, and started to playfully noogie him. “Also, you’re not a wittle baby dwagon anymore Spike, you’re as tall as I am!”

“Ok, I get it, you can stop now Twilight.” Spike said in a giggly tone as Twilight noogied him. But Twilight paid him no attention and continued. “Um, stop, Twilight!” Spike pleaded, but Twilight grew a mischievous grin and ignored him.

Spike flared his wings up and reared up on his hind legs, causing Twilight to lose her hold on him and topple forward onto the floor. Spike began to giggle again, and soon both of them were on their backs, overtaken by fits of merry laughter. They laughed on the floor, but stopped when Twilight’s stomach growled very noisily.

Twilight offered an embarrassed smile, and then the pair began to laugh even harder.

“Haha…oh… Spike, what time is it?” Twilight asked while she tried to compose herself.

“Haha… oh it’s about… 2:30.” Spike stated after wiping a tear from his eye.

Twilight picked herself off of the ground, and then shot Spike another warm smile. “Hey, are you feeling up to a late lunch?”

Spike rocketed off of the floor and stood at attention. “C-can we go to… that café? The one with the ruby-studded donuts?!”

Twilight giggled and levitated her wallet over to herself. “You know how unhealthy those are, Spike.” She opened her wallet and glanced inside. Hmm… I suppose I have enough. Plus, those daffodil sandwiches are god-like… and Spike deserves a treat once in a while.

“Please Twilight!” Spike begged with his hands clasped together, while standing on one knee.

“Ok Spike. We can go, even though you made fun of my invention.” Twilight said teasingly, as she levitated her saddle-bag onto her back.

Spike shot off of his knee. “N-no I didn’t! Your telescopic-“

“Telescoping.” Twilight corrected.

“Your telescoping pole is the coolest thing ever! You should show it to everypony, they might like it! A-as much as I do I mean!” Spike hurriedly praised.

Twilight snickered and then smirked at him. “Well said, Spike. I think I will, actually.” She said as she put her invention in the bag opposite her wallet. Then she walked over to the library’s front door and threw it open. “Well, let’s go. Those sandwiches and donuts won’t wait forever.”

Spike fist pumped, and then charged out the front door after her.

*******

“Mmm… that was so good!” Spike exclaimed blissfully.

Twilight swallowed a bite of her daffodil sandwich and lightheartedly chuckled. “This really is. You wouldn’t think that they could make such a simple dish so divine.”

Spike and Twilight returned to their late lunches, their waitress eyeing the pair with a dreamy look in her eyes. The duo occupied one of the many tables of Ponyville’s most popular outdoor café. The lunch rush was clearing out, so they had gotten a table with relative ease. At the moment, there were only two other occupied tables; one by a group of two unicorns, who had also worked through lunch, and at the other a group of five foals; two colts and three fillies. They were rather boisterous with their eating, and Twilight smiled endearingly at their childish banter.

“I love this café, Spike. Maybe we should eat out here more often.” Twilight said with a dreamy look in her eyes. “The food is incredible, the atmosphere is so lively, and the service is so friendly.” Twilight continued speaking as she wolfed down the last of her meal.

Spike swallowed another of his gem-coated donuts and then beamed at Twilight. “‘Incredible’ doesn’t do it justice enough. And you should go out more often. Your diet of coffee and grass can’t be enough for all the work you do.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Oh, so stuffing my face here every day is a good alternative.” Spike shrugged and went back to devouring his lunch. Twilight sighed and took another glance around the café, causing her to regain her smile. “Although, it is a good idea to get out of the house. See how the ponies of Ponyville are doing and all.”

Spike glanced behind Twilight, and then gave her a sly grin. “Speaking of the ponies of Ponyville, that friendly waitress you mentioned earlier has been staring at our table for a while now.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at Spike, and then snuck a glance behind her. She quickly picked out her waitress, who was now serving the foals’ table. She was a pegasus the same color as sea foam, and from what Twilight could tell, she seemed like she had just turned old enough to get a job. The waitress turned and caught Twilight’s gaze, then quickly turned the other direction. Understanding suddenly dawned on Twilight, and she gave Spike a neutral expression.

“Oh Spike, she’s just curious.” Twilight told him matter-of-factly. “Even as well known as we are in this town, it must still be strange to be serving a Princess and a dragon lunch at the local café.”

Spike’s sly grin grew wider as he responded, “I dunno Twilight, her attention has been rather focused on you, not our table.”

Twilight felt a slight heat in her cheeks as she shot back, “So what if she’s staring at me? Even if I don't like to admit it, I’m a Princess now, and the Element of Magic. She’s probably just star-struck, like I was the first time I saw Princess Celestia.”

“If you say so Twilight, but I’m an expert when it comes to giving someone a captivated stare, and that’s exactly how she’s been looking at you.” Spike persisted.

The flame in Twilight's cheeks erupted at his suggestion. Spike’s eyes went half-lidded, he leaned across the table, and slowly finished, “Not to mention, she’s been checking you out completely, and has been particularly interested in your flank-”

“Hey Spike! How would you like another plate?!” Twilight frantically asked, her normally purple face now painted three shades redder.

“Well actually Twilight, I’m not that hungry-”

“GREAT! No need to thank me!” Twilight shouted.

“But-” Spike attempted to interrupt.

“WAITRESS!” Twilight nearly screamed.

The sea foam-color mare jumped nearly the height of another pony upon hearing her shout, and then ran over to the table.

“Y-yes?” The mortified pegasus asked, attempting to avoid their gazes. Upon seeing how scared the waitress was, Twilight recomposed herself and offered a calm smile.

“My friend here would like another plate of donuts.” Twilight said completely calmly. The waitress looked up at the two, no longer afraid, and caught Spike’s gaze. He seemed more embarrassed than either of the two mares.

“A-actually!” Spike shouted while raising a hand in the air. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

The pegasus looked at the pair with a confused look, but blushed and turned away when she looked at Twilight.

“But…” Spike said deviously. He then gestured for the waitress to come around to his side of the table. She complied, and Spike leaned in close to her ear, and muttered something to her. The waitress’ face exploded into a bright red color, and her wings flared up, knocking over Spike’s plate in the process. It hit the ground, and split into five glass shards.

“I’m so sorry! I’ll clean that up right away!” The flustered mare apologized.

Spike was doing his best to suppress his laughter, and Twilight glared daggers at him. Then she lit up her horn, and levitated the shards into the air with her magic. “It’s fine, it’s fine.” Twilight assured. Her horn then began to glow a bright magenta hue, and the plate put itself back together. “Here, we were finished eating anyway.”

The pegasus was dumbstruck, and her amber eyes were giving Twilight their undivided attention. Then she tore her eyes away and took the plates from Twilight. “I am so, so sorry for all this. H-have a nice day you two.” The waitress squeaked before sprinting back inside the café’s kitchen.

Spike let out his suppressed laughter, and Twilight turned her glare back to him. “Well, scratch what I said earlier. Now we can never come back here.”

Spike’s laughter died instantly, and he shot Twilight his best puppy-dog stare. “I was only playing around…”

Twilight kept up her icy stare. “Even if you were, it wasn’t funny. I don’t know what you said, and I don’t need to. But look at what you did to that poor mare.”

Spike deflated and cast his gaze to the floor. “I know. I’m sorry, Twilight.”

Twilight attempted to stay angry, but then she sighed and put on a softer expression. “Ok, I forgive you Spike. But you’re going to have to face the consequences of your actions.”

“Ok Twilight…” Spike said dejectedly.

Twilight began to think of what his consequences were. “Well, you’ve caused both me and that mare a lot of embarrassment today, so first things first; you have to apologize to her.” Spike nodded knowingly, and then Twilight grew a devilish grin. “But… that’s a little too easy. I think to compensate for our embarrassment, a fitting punishment would be… I don’t know… reading Rarity one of your writings?”

Spike looked up and shot her a pleading stare. “You wouldn’t…”

“So which one would you prefer Spike?” Twilight said, ignoring his pleas. “‘The Mare of My Dreams?’ Or what about, ‘The Dragon and the Pony?’”

“Twilight! Please!” Spike begged, growing a blush as red as the waitress’ from earlier.

Twilight smiled at him with a condescending look, and then burst into a fit of giggles. Spike shot her a hurt look. “Very funny…” He muttered.

“Oh Spike, I wouldn’t dream of it. But you’re just so easy to tease.” Twilight giggled.

Spike gave her an accusing stare. “So it’s wrong when I do it?”

“I guess we’re both easy to tease.” Twilight said giddily. “But you can’t just tease everypony, somepony might take it the wrong way.

Spike nodded in understanding, and then asked completely seriously, “So, were you serious about never coming back here?”

Twilight burst out into laughter at how serious he sounded. When she calmed down, she grinned at him and said, “Was I serious the last two times?” Spike perked up, but let her finish. “In fact, why don’t we come back tomorrow? You can apologize to that mare then. That and I’m just feeling generous lately.”

Spike gave her another sly grin. “Gonna talk to your number one fan?”

“Haha, don’t push me Spike.” Twilight responded in an unamused voice.

The two both fell into a fit of light giggles, and then Spike gave Twilight an unreadable smile. Twilight gave him a caring smile, and was about to speak, until her ears perked up at a new sound. She heard nervous murmurs around her, and some louder voices from the center of town. Spike heard it too, and they turned towards the source of the noise.

The top of the town hall was noticeable from their table, and at the tip was a large figure. As Twilight focused her vision, she could make out the details of the pony. She was a tall, white pony, with a flowing, multi-colored mane. Twilight’s eyes widened as she recognized the all-too-familiar alicorn. “Princess Celestia?!”

The princess stood at the tip of the town hall with her wings flared, gathering the attention of the ponies that lived in the town. She looked around the town square, assured that she had their undivided attention. Then she spoke, with a tone the entire town could hear; the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! I DON’T HAVE TIME TO EXPLAIN! YOU MUST EVACUATE THIS TOWN! FLEE TO CANTERLOT ON THE TRAIN! EQUESTRIA IS BEING INVADED!”

Evacuation

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.”

Bitter Night

The sun had fallen past the horizon, and the moon now hung in the deep blue sky. The pale light of the moon and stars lit up the wealthy city of Canterlot, and its golden castle. The refugees of Ponyville had long since been hoarded into the castle’s ballroom, and were chatting nervously. The royal guards were standing ever vigilant, waiting to protect their city from any foreign intruders.

In the top of one of the golden towers was a lone blacksmith; a stallion with a black mane, and an anvil cutie mark. He was the pony in charge of the royal guard’s armory; he was in charge of weapon crafting, as well as distribution to authorized ponies. He was very highly regarded by the guards and Princesses, for he was one of the only blacksmith ponies in Canterlot. For that reason, he usually had multiple guards outside of his room, as well as at the bottom of the spiral staircase. Today however, there weren’t any guards outside of his room, for the guards were occupied elsewhere.

There were still a couple of guards at the bottom of the staircase, but those guards had failed to stop a certain mare from entering the blacksmith’s office. An orange mare, who now stood at the opposite end of his desk, glaring coldly at him.

“I need a weapon. Right… now.” Applejack spat bitterly at the stallion.

“I’m not allowed to give weapons to civilians, ma’am. Especially right now. Princesses’ orders.” The stallion stated curtly.

“Oh-ho. I’m sure they will make an exception fer me.” She shot back at him.

“Ma’am, please.” He said in an uncaring voice. “The royal guard is handling this situation-”

“I don’t care!” Applejack slammed her hooves onto the desk. “I am not a filly! I don’t need a lecture! All I want is a weapon, so just fork one over!”

“Ma’am,” The stallion answered calmly, “I know that the present situation upsets you, but I am not authorized to give you weaponry. I don’t even know who you are, and you don’t have special authorization to request any.”

Applejack took her hooves off of the desk, and took a deep breath. “My deepest apologies.” She said in a haughty voice. “My name is Applejack. I’m a Ponyville refugee, the Element o’ Honesty, an’ a multi-time hero of Equestria.”

The stallion tilted his head to the side questioningly. “So you’re the Applejack? The Element of Honesty?” Applejack nodded slowly. “So you, one of the heroes of Equestria, want humble old me to give you a weapon?” He finished sardonically. Applejack nodded again, shooting him a smirk, and then the blacksmith sighed deeply. “I’m terribly sorry miss, but I still can’t help you.”

Applejack’s smirk died, and she began to scowl at him. You gotta be kidding me… She thought furiously. So being an Element of Harmony isn’t enough? “Why not?” She growled.

“I already told you, Miss Applejack.” He kept up his emotionless stare, which would make the royal guards proud. “I’m not allowed to give out weaponry to civilians, and being an Element of Harmony doesn’t change that. In fact, that rule goes double for you.” Applejack’s glare morphed into a confused stare. The blacksmith noticed her stare and clarified, “The Princess specifically told the royal guard to protect you six mares from any harm. And that includes me.” He grew a stalwart expression, and Applejack listened intently. “The Princess needs you, more than me, or any royal guard. And so, by not giving you a weapon,” He pointed a hoof at Applejack, “You, an untrained civilian, I am obeying that order. I am protecting you from poking your eye out, or running out and getting killed.”

Applejack stood on her hind legs, and slammed her hooves on top of the desk. The stallion flinched a little bit, and Applejack shot him a glare that could melt ice. “I… don’t… care… WHAT the Princess told you!” She shouted at him. “I’m not askin’ fer a weapon because I feel like I have to! All I want, is to be able to protect the ponies I love!” Her expression fell remarkably, and she muttered pathetically, “I’ve already failed that goal once.” She gnashed her teeth together, and released the ribbon in her hoof. Then she backed away from the desk, leaving the ribbon in plain sight of both of them.

The blacksmith’s confusion was visible, even through his stone-faced stare. “This is…” Applejack began, all of her anger and confidence melting into misery. “…My little sister’s ribbon. It was…” Applejack grimaced. “…A gift. From our mother.” The stallion’s stalwart stare began to soften, but he didn’t speak. “After my mother passed away, this ribbon was the only thing that my little sis had to remember her by. She never took it off. Not once.” The stallion tilted his head, understanding beginning to dawn on him. “Now, there is an invasion goin’ on in Ponyville, an’ my sister never took off her bow…” Applejack’s eyes began to fill with tears.

The stallion gave her a pitying look as realization hit him like a train. Applejack looked to the floor, and her tears started freely rolling off of her face, and splashing on the ground. I can’t stop seeing it… She thought despondently. The entire scene just keeps happening, over and over, every time I close my eyes…

*******

The sun was near the western horizon at this point in the day. The apple trees were all bucked, and a cool breeze blew through Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was resting underneath one of the trees, with her Stetson covering the front of her face. She was smiling, and she felt elated to finally be able to rest after all of the hard work she had done.

The rest of the Apple family was back at the house, relaxing and laughing, since they didn’t have any work to do. It was a perfectly serene afternoon, and Applejack was wondering what her friends were up to. Maybe I’ll head into town later. She thought to herself blissfully.

Then, out of absolutely nowhere, she heard a screech. Her ears shot up when she heard it. It wasn’t a pony’s screech; it sounded more like a bird’s. She moved her hat out of her face and back onto the back of her head. Then she looked upwards, and began to scan the sky for the source of the sound. She couldn’t see much of the sky from where she was lying, so she groggily got up to take a better look. She dragged herself to a more open area of the orchard, and looked towards the sky again.

For a few moments, there was nothing. She became annoyed, and started to turn away, when the screech sounded again. She turned her head back up, and suddenly something shot through the sky. What the hay was that? She thought perplexedly. Rainbow Dash? Her suspicions were shot dead when three more streaks shot by overhead. They were soaring in the direction of the Apple family’s house.

Applejack’s eyes flared open, and she began to sprint towards her house. What’s going on? She hurriedly wondered. Are those pegasi? The Wonderbolts, maybe? She broke out of the orchard, and into the ground where their house stood. When she did, her heart stopped beating.

Her house was standing where it normally did, but it was all wrong. Her house was encircled by winged, brown and white creatures, in both the air, and on the ground. They were griffons, about twenty of them. Her eyes lit up in a protective fire, and she charged at the creatures surrounding her home.

She was within about twenty hoof-lengths of the house, when she noticed what the griffons were flocking around. About half of the griffons were hovering around a certain spot, pecking at two large objects. When she looked closely, she saw what they were, and instantly wished that she hadn’t.

They were corpses. They were pecking at a pale green, elderly mare, and a brown-furred dog. Granny Smith? Winona? The fire in her eyes flared, and all she could feel was a blazing rage. She looked to her right, saw a group of about three griffons in one spot, and decided to make them her target. She charged at them, but when she saw what the smaller group was pecking at, the fire in her eyes died, and she stopped dead.

The group was flocking around another corpse, but a much smaller one. They pecked at the body of a small, yellow filly. They were peeling off pieces of her, which they devoured greedily. Apple… Bloom…? Applejack couldn’t peel her eyes away from the scene, and she just watched in horror. She wanted to scream, to attack the monsters that were devouring her sister, but she couldn’t find the strength to be angry. She was rooted in place by her own despair.

The sounds of the world began to fade out around her, and everything was replaced by a high buzzing noise. She almost didn’t notice when a screech of agony resounded from nearby. The two smaller of the three griffons eating her sister looked up to see what the sound was.

Very close to them, a griffon’s body flew by and crumpled into a heap, not moving even slightly. The two griffons bellowed in rage in the direction it came from, and Applejack turned to look as well. She saw her older brother Big Macintosh, standing tall and confident, with more emotion on his face than she’d seen in six years. He had a look of pure, primal rage, and was looking right at the two griffons.

The two griffons flew at him with their beaks open wide, and they attempted to grab him, but he was much stronger than they were. He moved much faster than a stallion like him should have been able to, and he caught them both by their necks, knocking the wind out of both of them. He slammed them both on the ground with all the strength of a full-grown earth pony, and he crushed their jugulars. They were dead instantly, and their blood spurted onto his two front hooves. After he was satisfied with his work, he whipped his head around, and charged at an advancing group of three griffons.

Applejack was still rooted in place, and turned her gaze to the large griffon, who was still peeling off pieces of Apple Bloom. He looked up and met Applejack’s gaze. The black scar that was once his right eye seemed to be staring right into Applejack, and she flinched, as she was expecting him to lunge at her. But instead of charging her, the griffon grew a sadistic grin. While still staring into her eyes, he slowly leaned down, and brushed his beak against Apple Bloom’s throat. Applejack slowly shook her head, pleading with the merciless beast, but to no avail. When he was sure that he had her attention, he opened his mouth, and bit down roughly on her throat. He made a display of ripping up her flesh, and took a needlessly long time biting down. Finally, he lifted his head back up, and proudly showed Applejack his prize; a strip of flesh that she refused to identify. Then he tilted his head back, and swallowed the piece loudly and messily.

When he tilted his head back, he gave Applejack a clear view of his work. Fighting back the urge to throw up, she subconsciously looked at her sister. Apple Bloom was covered with bite marks, most of which were still bleeding. Her throat was torn apart, and it was almost unrecognizable. She couldn’t look away, and her eyes drifted to her sister’s face. She was staring right at her, with cold, lifeless eyes. Applejack met her gaze, and regretted the decision immediately. Apple Bloom’s eyes bored into her skull, and turned Applejack’s anger and revulsion into horrible, unending sadness.  She looked into those dead eyes for so long, that she painted a perfect mental image of them, which refused to leave her, no matter how hard she tried.

Applejack felt the urge to throw up coming back, and then the griffon shot her another wicked sneer. He slowly reached towards Apple Bloom’s body. He inched closer and closer to her head, and seemed like he was going to touch her mane. After following his talons with her eyes for what seemed like an eternity, the griffon wrapped one of his claws around Apple Bloom’s ribbon, and brutally yanked it off of her head. Her head bobbed up when he tugged it, and then fell back to the ground with a thud when it let go of her head. Then, he tossed it, and it landed right at Applejack’s hooves. Finally finished with his torturous game, the griffon laughed, a noise reminiscent of a cat scratching on a chalkboard.

She reached down, and picked up the ribbon in her front hoof. She was absolutely frozen, and multiple emotions were fighting for dominance in her head. Her eyes became flooded with tears; tears of sorrow, anger, hopelessness, revulsion, and self-loathing. The tears began streaming down her cheeks like a mountain river, and they splattered on the ground beneath her, as her eyes began to lose focus.

Suddenly, she was lifted into the air, and onto something warm. She felt completely numb, and barely even noticed that she was now moving very quickly. All she felt were the tears streaming down her face, and the ribbon clutched tightly in her hoof. She almost didn’t hear when the thing carrying her shouted to her, “There’s too many, we can’t stay here, AJ! We hafta get outta here!” She spaced out after she heard those words, and the next thing she remembered, she was getting off of a train, and arriving in Canterlot.

*******

Tears were now rolling down Applejack’s face as the memory reasserted itself into her thoughts. “My… my sister is dead.” She said to the blacksmith, trying her hardest to talk past the lump in her throat. “She died because I couldn’t protect her. So… please… just lemme have a weapon. I can’t let anypony else die.”

The black-maned stallion was looking at her sympathetically, but he didn’t falter. “I’m sorry. Truly, I am. But, my orders are my orders, so I can’t give you anything. Please, just return to the ballroom, and trust the Princesses and the royal guard to handle this.”

Applejack looked up and met his gaze with her flooded eyes. “Trust the guard?!” She shouted at him. “Those griffons killed my sister! And as far as I know, they’re still at my house! Am I supposed to just sit an’ wait fer more ponies to die?!”

“Nopony else has to die. You’re not thinking clearly, Miss Applejack. Trust the guard to get rid of this threat.”

“I am thinkin' clearly…” Applejack pleaded. “I can’t just sit here…”

“You have to. I’m sorry, Miss Applejack.” He said dismissively.

Applejack lowered her head and backed off. “…So… that’s yer final decision, then?” She asked in a defeated tone, and then the blacksmith nodded. “Fine, then.” She turned away, and walked over to the heavy doors. “This doesn’t change my mind, though.” She threw open the doors, and stormed down the spiral staircase.

I don’t care what the Princess says! Applejack thought as she stormed down the castle halls. There’s only one thing I want to do, no, that I have to do right now. And him not giving me a weapon won’t change that!

*******

The ponies of Ponyville had been moved to the inside of the castle as night had fallen, and most of them now sat in the castle’s massive ballroom. They were chatting away, trying their best not to give in to panic again.

Twilight sat on the left side of the ballroom, sitting amongst her friends, although most of them weren’t sitting near her. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were sitting further left along the wall. Scootaloo was wearing a defeated look, and Rainbow Dash looked just as broken. To Twilight’s far right were Rarity and Sweetie Belle; Sweetie Belle sniffling miserably, and Rarity stroking her back with a forced look of comfort. Spike was in-between Twilight and Rarity; not speaking, and visibly lost in thought.

On the other side of the ballroom was Pinkie Pie, who was with the Cake family. She was trying to act calm and cheerful, but her deflated mane betrayed how she was feeling. As hard as she tried, Twilight couldn’t see Fluttershy anywhere, as well as Applejack. Even though the latter didn’t surprise her, she was still worried about the two mares. Cadence was the only pony sitting close to Twilight, and she also wore a blank stare.

After surveying the crowd silently for an unreasonably long period of time, she noticed something off about the crowd of ponies. They weren’t just ponies from Ponyville, there were pegasi from Cloudsdale, as well as a few earth ponies from Appleloosa. Why are they here? She thought suddenly. What else is happening right now that I don't know about? This observation, in addition to the lack of moment from her friends, caused Twilight to break out of her idle state. She stood up, and turned towards the stairs leading upward.

“Twilight, where are you going?” Cadence asked, rising to her hooves as well.

Twilight turned her head back to look at her and declared, “I want answers, and the Princesses are going to give them to me. So I’m going to the throne room.”

Cadence padded up to Twilight and pleaded, “Please, let me accompany you. They can’t possibly turn both of us away.”

Twilight nodded, and then began her trek to the throne room. Nopony in the ballroom seemed to care that they were leaving, so they turned and walked up the stairs, exiting the room. Unlike earlier that day, the two alicorns weren’t joking or giggling. Instead, they walked side-by-side in silence. They reached the throne room quickly, since they both walked with purpose. The oversized doors to the throne room were standing tall behind six royal guards; different ones than earlier. The two Princesses approached them, and Cadence spoke.

“Please, open the doors for us. We need to speak with the Princesses.” Cadence ordered them. They complied instantly, and four guards lit up their horns and opened the doors. One of the remaining guards addressed the two Princesses.

“At once, Princesses Twilight and Cadence.” He pointed his spear at the throne room. “Princess Luna and the Royal Advisor are in the throne room currently. Princess Celestia has yet to return, but I believe that she will shortly.”

“Thank you, Captain Longsword.” Cadence answered as she and Twilight strutted past him. They entered the lavish throne room, and even though she had seen them before, Twilight was still impressed by the depictions of her and her friends, in the form of stained glass. There was stained glass of their triumph over Nightmare Moon, the defeat of Discord, and the salvation of The Crystal Empire. She was amazed how the glass had seemed to paint itself after these events had taken place. When she was done admiring the artwork, Twilight turned her head to the golden throne, and the two ponies in front of it.

In front of her was a deep blue alicorn with a wavy mane of stars, and a gold-color unicorn with a pale red mane. The unicorn was wearing an expensive-looking purple robe, which bore a sun symbol on either side, and was giving his full attention to the alicorn.

“…When she returns, we must inform her…” The alicorn spoke, and then noticed the Princesses. “It appears we have visitors. Princess Cadence, Princess Twilight.”

“Princess Luna!” Twilight exclaimed, much more excited than any of the other ponies in the room. Luna grew a soft smile, and addressed Twilight directly.

“I’m happy to see you as well, Twilight Sparkle. I trust that you and all of your friends are safe?”

“Yeah, we are.” Twilight said happily, and then returned to her serious composition. “But, not everypony is unharmed.”

Luna’s smile faded. “So, there’s been an injury… I assume that you didn’t come here just to say 'hello?'”

Cadence stepped closer to the Night Princess. “We came to hear a full explanation. Please, Luna, shed some light on this situation for us.”

The dark blue alicorn nodded in understanding. “Of course.” She turned to the gold unicorn. “Introduce yourself. It’s rude to just stare at them.”

The unicorn stepped over to the two mares, and took a deep bow. “My apologies, Princesses. I am Weaver, or Spell Weaver if you would like my full name. I am the Royal Advisor. I’m very happy to finally meet you two, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”

“Oh, um, nice to meet you too.” Twilight responded awkwardly. “Um… you can stop bowing now.” Spell Weaver smiled and returned to his hooves.

“Of course. Princess Celestia did tell me you were a little awkward about being royalty.” Twilight blushed, and Cadence let out a light chuckle. “So, you two would like an explanation?” The Royal Advisor asked, and Cadence gave him a nod in confirmation. “Ahem. As we all know, we have been invaded. Ponyville has been taken over by griffons, and Princess Celestia has taken it upon herself to evacuate all of the citizens. She has a small army of royal guards with her to make sure that you all get here safely, and I believe that the last train has arrived by now. Meanwhile, she has put Princess Luna and myself in charge of you citizens. So we have deployed the guards that you have seen around the castle to protect all of you.”

After he finished, Cadence tilted her head, and appeared confused. “We already know all of that though. Is that it? A small army of griffons just randomly attacked Ponyville? Because Celestia sounded pretty convinced that we were being invaded by a lot more than that.”

The gold unicorn frowned. “Well… actually…” He began, but stopped himself when he noticed a brilliant flash of light from behind Luna. The four ponies looked in its direction, which revealed the form of a tall, pearly-white alicorn.

“Thank you Spell Weaver, but I will handle the remainder of the explanations.”

“Princess Celestia!” He exclaimed, before taking a comically deep bow.

“Sister!” Luna chirped as she ran over and embraced Celestia.

“Princess!” Twilight shouted, and then composed herself. She attempted to not seem like a star-struck filly, like the so-called Royal Advisor was.

Celestia chuckled, and then smiled warmly at them. “At ease, all of you.” Twilight stood upright, Luna let go of her sister, and Spell Weaver stopped bowing.

Cadence, however, was looking at Celestia with an unimpressed stare. “So, are you going to explain?”

Celestia took a seat in her throne. “Yes, I shall. Advisor, may you please send for some chairs for our guests?”

Spell Weaver bowed deeply again. “At once, Princess.” He replied before he ran out the doors of the throne room, and into the halls.

Celestia chuckled after he was out of earshot. “He really is dedicated, isn’t he?” She turned her attention back to the other ponies, and began her explanation. “As you guessed, Princess Cadence, there is more to the story. Griffons did invade Ponyville, but that isn’t all. Twilight, you noticed in the ballroom, didn’t you? That there were more than just ponies from Ponyville in there?” Twilight nodded, putting pieces of the puzzle together in her head. “There were ponies from Cloudsdale and Appleloosa as well.” Celestia continued, not waiting for an answer. “And that’s because… they were invaded too.”

Twilight’s mouth hung open, and she looked mortified. “But,” Celestia continued in a disheartened tone, “They weren’t attacked by griffons.” Twilight and Cadence looked at her in shock, and Luna’s eyes fell to the floor. “Cloudsdale… was taken by changelings. And Appleloosa… was attacked by diamond dogs.”

“W-what?” Twilight stuttered, her jaw hanging open.

“We’re being invaded… by diamond dogs, griffons, and changelings?!” Cadence shouted in disbelief. Luna didn’t look up, and Celestia nodded sadly.

“…W-why?” Twilight asked in a horrified voice.

“I… do not know, my student.” Celestia answered in a sorrowful voice. “I just do not know. It all happened at once, I was not aware of any reason for all of them to invade us. I do not know what they want, or if they have something against us, but they did what they did.” Celestia raised her head up high, and gave a grin to them that radiated confidence. “But whether we know why they have attacked or not, we do know one thing. They won't be staying. You have nothing to be afraid of, Twilight. Luna and I will show them that ponies are a force to be reckoned with.”

Twilight smiled as she felt Celestia’s confidence. I should have known… She thought, feeling relieved. She’s Princess Celestia, she can handle this.

But then, Luna raised her head, and addressed Celestia. “Sister… I have some upsetting news.” Celestia looked over to her discouraged sister. “Saddle Arabia… was attacked by changelings. All of the residents either fled to another town… or died in the attack.” Celestia’s eyes shot open, as did the other ponies’. “They’re not the only region; the cities of Fillydelphia and Manehatten were also attacked, though none were as severe.”

Spell Weaver chose that moment to burst into the throne room, carrying three plush chairs in his magical grip. “Twilight…” Celestia began, “…Why don’t you go and bring the ponies in the ballroom to their guest quarters? I am sure that you and your friends are all exhausted after today.”

“W-what? But I-”

“I need to speak with my sister and Cadence. Spell Weaver, please escort Twilight to the ballroom.” Spell Weaver nodded, set the chairs next to Luna and Cadence, and then turned to Twilight.

“You need to rest, Princess. Please, let me show you to your room.” Twilight shot Celestia a dirty look, and then followed the unicorn into the hallway. He shut the door behind them, and asked Twilight, “Do you really need me to accompany you, Princess?”

“No, I can walk myself. Celestia just likes to treat me like a filly.” She forced a smile at him. “Thank you, Weaver.”

“Very well, then.” He replied, and turned back to the doors. Before he entered, he said, “I hope that we can have a more pleasant conversation some other time. Please, try to get a good night’s rest, Princess.” Then he entered the doors, and the six royal guards returned to their positions.

Twilight turned away from the guards, and her forced smile melted into an angry pout. She stormed down the long hallway. “Of course they kick me out.” She muttered angrily. “Twilight can’t possibly help us!” She said with a very bad impersonation of Celestia. “She’ll just be a burden! It’s not like she’s a Princess or anything!” She slammed her hooves onto the tile floor. Then she took a deep breath, put a hoof to her chest, and made a swiping motion in the air to calm herself.

Make everypony go to bed, huh? She thought rationally. Well, I guess that is a pretty important job. Not to mention, I’m exhausted. She chuckled pathetically when she remembered how she was just acting. Of course she was right. She’s Celestia.

She rounded a corner, and came across one of the castle’s intersections. She knew the correct path to the ballroom, but something caught her eye down one of the other hallways. She saw an orange pony wearing a Stetson, who was holding a long object in front of her face. Applejack? She thought curiously. What’s she doing? As if she had heard her, Applejack stopped examining the mystery object, and darted down the hallway. She’ll be all right. She’s gonna need time before I can talk to her. Twilight decided to leave her be, and continued down her original path.

She walked the halls, and eventually found herself outside of the castle’s ballroom. Ok, I can put these ponies to sleep. Rainbow Dash always said I was an expert at that. Twilight chuckled at her own joke, and then opened the doors to the ballroom.

*******

The castle halls were infuriating to Applejack. I know that Twilight was heading to the ballroom, but I don’t wanna talk to her. She wouldn’t like what I’m doing. But sweet Celestia, could this castle be any bigger? She continued to dart down the blue tile hallways, down the much lengthier route to the outside of the castle. Even though she was trotting as fast as she could, she was more weighed down than normal.

Speaking of Celestia, she really should have more guards in these halls. She thought accusingly. If you go out of your way, you can avoid all of them. After running through a few more long hallways, she stepped out onto one of the castle’s balconies to catch her breath. She closed the glass door behind her, and leaned her hooves on the pearly white guardrail. She took a deep breath, and inhaled the cool night air.

It’s a good thing there aren’t that many guards hanging around, though. They might tell the Princess on me. She looked down to her sides, and the two swords that were strapped to them. These were just hanging on the wall. Convenient how they were made with grips, so even I can hold them. I'm gonna give them back, but I don’t think that they would believe me if I told them that. She took another deep breath. I just need these right now. I’ll return them as soon as I can.

She sighed and looked up at the starry sky. I wish I was a pegasus right about now… She thought wistfully. I could just fly down to the courtyard from here, I wouldn’t hafta keep running down halls. She sighed again and opened up her saddle-bag. She removed a curved knife from the bag, and she fumbled it in her hooves. Eventually, it fell, and just clattered on the ground.

This one though… I don’t think I can use it. Not like it is. It’ll hafta do, though… She shook her head disapprovingly. This would be so much easier if that blacksmith had just given me what I wanted… She looked into her bag again, looking at its other contents. The other residents of her bag were her favorite rope, and the hot pink ribbon.

Her ribbon… Ugh, it’s happening again. She felt the lump in her throat come back. No, now’s not the time for crying. She shook her head, and pulled the rope out of the bag instead. This knife can still be of use to me. I’m better with my rope anyway. She took the rope in her teeth, and leaned down towards the curved knife. She meticulously took the end of the rope in her hooves, and proceeded to carefully wrap it around the hilt of the knife. It took her a few tries, but finally, she had the knot formed, and she pulled it taut with her teeth. She whirled it in the air experimentally, and the knife stayed attached to the end of the rope.

“Hehe, now this I can use!” She announced proudly. Break time is over. I have to get there without being seen. She stood up, and stuffed the rope back into her bag. When she did, she caught sight of the ribbon again. This time though, she removed it, and held it in her front hoof. I… I won’t forget you. Don’t worry, this ribbon will serve as my reminder of you. Of all of you.

She closed her saddle-bag, tightened the swords at her sides, and then slung her bag over them. Then she reached up towards her Stetson, and tied another knot. After she did, she entered the castle halls once again, and took off like a rocket; the newest addition to her Stetson flowing wildly as she ran.

*******

Twilight was successful in her endeavor, and the refugees were now sleeping away in their guest rooms. Luna’s moon now occupied the sky, letting the ponies know it was time for them to rest. The Princesses hadn’t left the throne room, and were resting in the beds there, save for Luna, who was keeping watch over the night.

Twilight and her friends occupied three of the guest rooms: Twilight and Spike in one, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Pinkie Pie in another, and Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy in the last one. Scootaloo’s parents were nearby, but she had insisted on sleeping with the two mares. Each one of the mares was offered a room all to themselves, but Twilight had instantly rejected the idea. She said there were ponies who needed rooms more than them.

Rarity sat wide awake in her chamber, lying next to a lightly snoring Sweetie Belle. I simply cannot sleep. She thought groggily. This bed is heavenly, but it’s still no use. As comfy as it is, I’m still wide awake. She rolled over on her purple-laced pillow.

No surprise, though. It's a miracle that anypony can sleep after today. She covered her eyes with one of her forelegs. Especially Sweetie Belle. After that… horrid news.  She removed her leg from her eyes and sat up. The look on Applejack’s face… it still horrifies me. And there’s still no sign of her! Rarity got out of her bed, and quietly stepped into the hallway. How can everypony just brush off the look on her face…?

Rarity quietly padded down the hallway, and entered one of the castle’s bathrooms. She used her horn to illuminate the room, instead of the light switch, in order to not draw attention. She used the blue light to look into the bathroom’s mirror. My goodness… I look awful. She thought miserably. My mane has lost its sheen. And these bags under my eyes are putrid.

She used her horn to pick up a rag, and wiped her eyes with it. When she drew it away, the rag was covered in cyan eye shadow and black eyeliner. I messed up my makeup as well. I suppose it’s because I was crying earlier. How unlady-like. She chuckled quietly to herself.

She walked out of the bathroom, and silently closed the door behind her. I really do need to get my beauty sleep. She continued to monologue in her head. She looked down the hallway, and noticed the door to one of the castle’s balconies. Maybe some fresh air will help…

She walked out the door onto the balcony, and shivered in the cold night air. She looked up into the sky, and grew a small smile. The stars are gorgeous tonight. She thought dreamily. She turned her gaze over to the castle’s courtyard, and then all of Canterlot. The city looks beautiful as well, with all of the lights. They look like… twinkling stars… Rarity laughed at herself. Twinkling stars? Come now, Rarity, you can do better than that.

Her eyelids were starting to become heavy, and she was ready to head back inside, when her eyes drifted over to the train station. It was completely abandoned, save for the active street lights. There were no ponies in sight, not even royal guards. I suppose they are all guarding the castle… Wait a moment. Rarity looked at a certain bench underneath one streetlight, and she could make out a silhouetted figure sitting on it.

Is that a pony? She wondered. It’s simply freezing out here! And the castle still has plenty of space! She focused her vision, making sure she wasn’t insane. It is a pony! Is it mad? It could freeze out there! She stepped away from the railing, and scratched her chin with her hoof, having an internal debate.

Well… I probably wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway… She considered. Sweetie Belle is already asleep… and Pinkie is with her… and that poor pony could be frozen! She raised her head up dramatically, even though nopony else could see her. That settles it! I’m going to go talk to that pony, and make it go back to the castle with me! Rarity looked over the guardrail one last time, and stared at her mystery pony. She wiped her eyes and focused her vision again, and noticed that the pony was wearing a Stetson, with a pink ribbon tied around it.

Is that… Applejack?! Rarity leaned over the guardrail as much as she could, and could make out the pony’s blonde mane. What is she doing out there? She could catch a cold, or worse! Wasting no time, she turned around, and ran down the castle hall back to the room she was sleeping in. She opened the door to her room, and lit up her horn. She grabbed her saddle-bag, carefully pulled her pillow off of the bed, and then pulled two blankets out of the closet. She scanned the room slowly, convinced that she hadn’t woken up either of the sleeping ponies.

She crept out the door, shut it behind her inch by inch, and then took off towards the courtyard. She darted down the hallways, but stopped running every time she passed by a door, being courteous of the sleeping ponies. As she finally neared the courtyard, she was pulled over by a royal guard.

“Ma’am, is there a problem?” He asked sternly.

“Oh, no there isn’t.” Rarity sang, and then batted her eyelashes. “I’m just going to the courtyard, I shall return soon.”

The guard looked unconvinced, but then he shrugged. “Very well, ma’am. Have a good evening.” He walked past her, and resumed his patrol.

Rarity continued her adventure, and stepped onto the grassy field of the courtyard. “Brr… I should have worn a coat.” She said to herself. She trotted through the courtyard, making sure to avoid any and all dirt patches. It took her a couple of minutes to reach her goal; the train station.

When she did, she looked around her at the benches. She looked for any that were underneath active streetlights. She had to look for longer than she had hoped, but she found the bench occupied by the hat-wearing pony.

“Applejack? Is that you, darling?” Rarity called out as she slowly drew closer to the pony. The orange mare’s ears perked up, and she turned to face Rarity. “It is you!” My word, she looks worse than I did! She thought to herself. “Have you been sleeping at all, dear? You look simply exhausted.”

Applejack stared into Rarity’s sapphire eyes, and then turned away from her. “Go back inside, Rarity.” She muttered bitterly.

“And why are you sitting out here by the train station?” Rarity asked, ignoring Applejack’s order.

“Waitin’ fer the train.” Applejack said matter-of-factly.

“The conductors won’t be here until tomorrow morning! Applejack, darling, it’s freezing out here! Why don’t you just wait for the train inside the castle?”

Applejack continued to avoid Rarity’s eyes. “I don’t want to. I’m fine out here. Really, just go back inside.”

Rarity lowered her eyebrows in frustration. Stubborn mare… She’s hiding something, isn’t she? She thought angrily. She’s such a horrible liar… Rarity’s eyes drifted underneath the bench Applejack was sitting on, and her eyes went wide in shock. Beneath the bench was Applejack’s saddle bag, and two regal-looking blades. “Applejack, dear… are those… swords?” She pointed underneath Applejack.

Applejack finally turned back to Rarity, and met her eyes with a cold stare. “You shouldn’t be out here, Rarity.” She growled.

“Why do you have swords, Applejack? Tell me!” Rarity yelled at her.

“No.” Applejack answered coldly. “Go back inside.”

“I will go inside as soon as you’ve gone inside as well.” Rarity retorted, holding her ground.

The two mares stared into each other’s eyes for a few more seconds, and then Applejack gave in, and looked down at her hooves. “I’m not going inside, Rarity. I can’t. I have to wait out here. An’ I’m not cold, I’m fine.” At that moment, a cold wind blew through the station. “J-just g-go back inside.”

Rarity glared at the stubborn mare, and then she noticed that Applejack was shivering badly. The poor dear… She really is freezing. But for some reason, she won’t come inside with me… Rarity sighed deeply. “If you insist.” She lit up her horn, and levitated the blankets out of her saddle-bag, and onto Applejack. Then she set the pillow next to Applejack’s head.

Applejack’s head snapped back to Rarity with a look of pure surprise. “Wha…?”

“Stay out here if you must, but I’m not going to stand here and watch you catch a cold.” Rarity looked into Applejack’s emerald eyes and smiled endearingly. “I noticed that you were shivering, darling.”

Applejack tore her eyes away, a rosy blush appearing across her face. She reached behind her, and pulled the blanket over her completely. “…Thanks, Rares.” She said quietly.

Rarity gave Applejack a warm grin, and took a seat next to her. “No need to thank me, dear.”

The two mares both looked at the gorgeous night around them, and they both silently watched the stars. After a few minutes, another cold breeze blew by, and Rarity shivered terribly. Applejack noticed immediately, and quickly covered her with one of the two white blankets. Rarity gave her a thankful smile, and the duo returned to their stargazing. They sat like that, wrapped in their blankets, in a comfortable silence, and were simply enjoying each other’s company for a long time. Eventually though, the question floating in Rarity’s mind refused to be ignored any longer.

“Applejack, where are you going when the train arrives?” Rarity asked, shattering the comfortable silence. “The castle is the safest place to be right now, so I’m curious where you could be heading.”

Applejack sighed, and looked up into the night sky before she replied. “I’m goin’ to Ponyville.”

Rarity grew a worried expression, and it showed through her voice. “Ponyville? But Applejack, aren’t those griffons still there?”

Applejack didn’t meet Rarity’s eyes. “Yeah, I reckon they are.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, and her voice became strained and panicked. “You’re going back? And you’re bringing swords with you? Applejack, are you going to fight them?!”

Applejack turned to look at Rarity, and she was wearing a miserable expression. “You shouldn’t be out here.”

“Answer the question!” Rarity shouted at her.

“It’s really cold out here-”

“Stop trying to push me away!” Rarity shouted even louder.

Applejack sighed deeply. “Rarity…”

After waiting for an answer that didn’t come, Rarity shot off of the bench and glared at Applejack. “You are planning on fighting them! I can’t believe this! Have you lost your head?”

“Rarity…”

“I don’t know how or where you got those swords, and I don’t care. We are both going back inside the castle this inst-”

“Rarity!” Applejack hissed venomously. Rarity looked stunned, and Applejack took the opportunity to keep talking. “I already made up my mind. I’m goin’ back to Ponyville, and ya can’t stop me.” Rarity gave her a hurt look, but Applejack wasn’t swayed. “I really appreciate the blankets, though. Really, I do.” She said in a thankful tone. “And I appreciate how ya kept me company an’ all, but you should really head back inside, an’ get yer beauty sleep.”

Rarity sighed heavily. “I should have known better. If you have set your mind to something, I can’t sway you.” She grinned weakly at Applejack. “Well, if I can’t convince you, I’ll wait for the train with you.”

“No, Rarity.” Applejack snapped.

Rarity looked desperate. “Why… why not, darling?”

“Cuz I know you. If ya stay out here, yer gonna spend all night tryin’ to convince me this is a bad idea.” Rarity flinched. Then Applejack put her hoof on her shoulder, and looked into her eyes. “Listen, Rares, yer sister is still in the castle, an’ she’s waitin’ fer you.” Rarity looked like she was about to object, but Applejack silenced her. “She needs ya, Rarity. She needs you to come back to her.”

Rarity looked down, and then Applejack turned away, and looked at the railroad. “An’ right now, my sister is waitin’ for me in Ponyville.”

They stood in silence, and both of them just stared off into space. I really can’t convince her then… Rarity thought somberly. Then she looked away from the ground, and in Applejack’s direction. “Do you honestly believe that you can win?”

Applejack stood silently for almost a minute, and then shot Rarity a confident smirk. “Who do ya think yer talkin’ to, Rarity? O’ course I can.”

Rarity looked deeply into her eyes. “Please, just promise me one thing.”

Applejack kept smirking, and tilted her head to the side. “Yes?”

Rarity leaned in closer to Applejack. “Please, no matter what happens, just come back.”

She looked absolutely stunned, and then smirked again. “I’ll try my best, Rarity.” She said confidently.

Rarity smiled, and then turned back to the castle. “Alright, then. If you insist, I will head back to my room.” She started to trot away, and then turned back to the orange mare. “Goodnight, Applejack.”

She could hear Applejack chuckle. “Night, Rares.”

Rarity had walked to the castle courtyard, out of Applejack’s earshot, when she had a sudden thought. You let her push you away. She slowed down, and said out loud, “What are you talking about, Rarity? You heard her, she’ll be fine. I would simply be a nuisance to her, so she told me to leave.” Rarity’s inner voice wasn’t quite convinced. Fine? She’s going to fight a small army of griffons. By herself. “So what?” Rarity stopped walking and argued against herself. “If anypony can handle herself, she can!”

You don’t actually believe that. The inner voice shot back. You saw the look in her eyes, she’s blinded by anger. Not to mention, she was lying through her teeth. “Stop it, Rarity.” She scolded herself. It’s a hopeless fight. She isn’t going to win. That’s a one-way train for all you know. She’s going to… “Stop it!” Rarity shouted, helpless against her own doubt.

She going to die. Your friend is waiting for the train to her demise. “No! She’s…” Rarity said weakly. She’s going to die, and you did nothing to stop her. “No…” You just walked away. Her conscience spat at her. “NO!” She screamed, beginning to cry. You coward. The inner voice hissed. “Shut up!” Rarity started to wail. “Just… shut… up…”

She collapsed onto her stomach, and starting sobbing heavily. Any of her makeup that was still on was washed away by the fresh stream of tears. She cried until she heard hoofsteps coming from the castle. Rarity picked herself up, and wiped her tears away with her hooves as fast as she could. She had perfect timing, for a group of royal guards chose that moment to burst into the courtyard. “Ma’am, is something wrong? We heard you screaming!” The lead guard asked worriedly.

“Y-yes, I’m alright. Thank you, gentlecolts.” Rarity put on her best smile.

“Ma’am, it’s very late. Please, return to your quarters and get some sleep.” Another one of the guards advised.

“I will, thank you again.” Rarity thanked them, and then walked past them into the castle’s ballroom.

You didn’t tell them about Applejack. You didn’t tell them to stop her, you just walked away, again. Rarity’s inner voice twisted the knife one last time. Coward.  The voice repeated that one word, as Rarity sauntered miserably back to her room.

Closure

Applejack woke up to the loud sound of birds calling. She pried open her eyes, and looked forward with a sleepy, half-lidded gaze. Mmm… warm… She thought drearily. She curled back up into a ball, and her head rested against something soft and plush. The trees are all bucked… We can afford to sleep a few more minutes, Granny… Applejack’s eyes shot open, and she threw her head upright. I’m on a bench? Where’s Granny… Oh. Yeah… She gnashed her teeth together angrily, as she recalled the events of the previous day. Then she tossed her blankets to the other end of the bench, and pulled herself to her hooves.

Applejack wiped the sleep out of her eyes, and then proceeded to examine her makeshift bed. Her eyes fell underneath the bench, and she grew a faint smile when she noticed her supplies were untouched; her saddle-bag and twin swords. Then her eyes drifted back up to the topside of the bench, which was draped with white blankets, and a lacey pillow.

Oh yeah, Rarity brought me these last night. Applejack remembered dreamily. They were real comfy, and warm too. It sure was nice of her to bring me them. She smiled genuinely as she recalled her friend’s actions. I guess generosity is her element. She reached underneath the bench, and shoveled out all of the items hiding underneath it. I really should thank her for this… Applejack thought wistfully. Her smile vanished as she bent down and picked up her Stetson. The pink ribbon was still tightly coiled around the top of it, along with a few specks of dirt. She brushed away all of the debris, and then placed the hat back on top of her head.

“Thank yous” come later. This comes first. She leaned towards her pile of belongings, and grabbed the swords’ sheathes in her teeth. Then she cocked her head back, and strapped them to her sides. Next, she picked up her saddle-bag. She was going to put it on as well, but her eyes focused on the bench. She chuckled half-heartedly, and then walked over to it, still carrying her bag. Applejack picked up the pillow and blankets, stuffed them into the bag, and then finally slung it over her back.

She took a seat on the bench again, now fully equipped. The train’s already here… Applejack rationalized. So I just have to wait for the conductor. She leaned back into the bench, and took a deep breath. That’s all right though, I can wait all day.

*******

Applejack had sat on the bench for about half an hour when she finally caught sight of the conductors. About time… She thought impatiently as she removed herself from her seat. The three ponies were chattering loudly as they approached the train, and then one of them noticed Applejack.

“Good morning, ma’am!” The leading conductor greeted cheekily.

Applejack didn’t immediately answer, and instead scanned over the three ponies in front of her. She assumed that two of them were conductors based on their uniform, and that the third was the engineer. After a period of uncomfortable silence, she grumpily responded, “Hey.”

The conductor scratched his head nervously, and the pony Applejack identified as the engineer scoffed. “Eheheh…” The conductor continued sheepishly. “So, why are you out here, miss? Shouldn’t you be inside getting breakfast?”

“I’m goin’ to Ponyville.” Applejack snapped at him.

“Are those swords?” The mare behind him whispered a little too loudly.

“Ma’am, go inside.” The engineer demanded in a deep, throaty voice. “The train is not in service right now. We’re picking up the royal guard, and then coming back. I’m sure whatever you left behind can wait another day.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes, and leaned in close to the leading conductor, close enough so that her cold eyes were staring right into his anxious ones. “I’m goin’ to Ponyville.” She replied commandingly. “And yer gonna drive me there.”

“M-ma’am please.” The conductor stuttered. “Don’t make me call the guard.”

“Ya mean the guard that ain’t here?” Applejack responded condescendingly. The conductor flinched, and then Applejack leaned even closer to him, giving him a look colder than the dark side of the moon. “Listen here, sir. I am Applejack, the Element of Honesty, and I am much closer to the guard and the Princesses than you are. All ya need to do fer me, is drive me to my home town. That’s it.” She backed up, and pointed a hoof at the train. “So just go, an’ do yer jobs already.”

The two conductors looked at each other anxiously, and were both silently questioning how to respond to the stubborn mare. Then the engineer groaned, and walked past the other three ponies. “We don’t have the time to argue with her. Come along if it makes you happy.” He grumbled. “Jus’ don’t think it’s cuz you’re special or anything.”

Applejack smirked victoriously, and the two conductors ran after him with mortified faces. “But, sir-”

“If you two would like to stay here and have a debate with her, be my guest.” He barked without breaking his pace. “But I’m heading to Ponyville. And from the sound of it, she is too. So hurry up, we’re wasting our time.”

The two conductors looked back and forth between each other and the engineer. Eventually, the male conductor ran forward onto the train, and the female one scowled and turned to Applejack. “Come on, miss. We’re burning daylight.”

Applejack followed the mare onto the train, and the door shut behind her. She took one of the many vacant seats in the car furthest from the engine. She could hear the two conductors talking in one of the nearby cars, but she ignored them. The train was already moving by the time she took her seat, and Applejack looked out the window idly as the mountains sped by.

The rhythmical bouncing of the train was making Applejack’s eyes grow heavier and heavier as she watched the trees and mountains fly by. I’ll be there soon, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom… She thought drearily, as she drifted into a light sleep.

*******

“We’ve arrived, ma’am.”

Applejack was lifted out of her light sleep by the gruff voice of the engineer. He watched her get up, and continued speaking when he was sure that he had her attention. “I won’t ask why you’re here, but try to make it quick. We’re piling the guards onto the train, and then getting out of here. If you don’t come back in ten minutes, you’re stuck here. Understand?”

Applejack stood up, brushed past him, and headed toward the door. “Do what ya want.” She muttered sourly. She walked out the door, and onto Ponyville’s streets. She took a look around the train platform, and noticed a very small army of royal guards, who seemed incredibly relieved to see the train.

Several of the guards were sporting injuries, and a few of them were even unconscious. The select few that were unharmed were standing guard over the others, and were alerting them of the train’s appearance. As soon as the train had arrived, the guards began filing into it.

Applejack watched them trot by, and then pulled over an unharmed guard, who currently wasn’t doing anything important. “What happened here?” She asked him assertively.

The guard turned to face Applejack, and she noticed that he was incredibly young. “It was the griffons.” He answered without hesitation. “They ambushed us; we weren’t even slightly prepared.” He hung his head, like an ashamed colt. “We thought that we would be able to handle it, but we were overconfident. We only brought a group of twenty guards, and even those twenty barely knew how to fight with a spear.”

He looked up at Applejack with a look of defeat. “The other guards are off in Appleloosa, or Cloudsdale. We’re the rookie guards. We thought that we could drive off the ten griffons that we heard were here…”

The stallion’s gaze dropped like a rock. “But then, their reinforcements arrived. We were outnumbered two to one. Us, the rookie guards.” He sighed sadly. “So long story short, we failed. Miserably.”

He turned his head to look at the train, and then beckoned to Applejack. “I don’t know why you’re here in the first place, but it’s not safe here. Come on, the train is heading back to Canterlot.”

Applejack nodded, and then turned in the opposite direction. “Thanks fer the info.” She replied, before she began to trot down the streets of the town.

“Ma’am, where are you going? Please, come back!” The guard pleaded.

“Head back to the castle. Don’t mind me.” Applejack called to the stallion, as she ignored him, and continued her march.

Her trek from the station to her home didn’t take long; she knew the route by heart. Along the way, she glanced around her at the deserted town. It seemed very eerie, even though it was a thriving town not even two days ago. Seeing the Golden Oaks Library completely abandoned, as well as Carousel Boutique, Sugarcube Corner, and the town’s large marketplace, hardened Applejack’s resolve even more.

Applejack reached her home quickly, even though she took a few detours through the streets. She stepped onto the fields of Sweet Apple Acres, and took a deep breath. She could see the griffons flocking around her house, even from where she was standing. She began sauntering through the orchard of bucked apple trees, and to her occupied house.

As soon as Applejack broke out of the orchard into the clearing where her house stood, she drew her rope-knife from her saddle-bag, and bit down on the end of it. She noticed the flock outside of her home once again, and began to approach them.

She was fifty hoof-lengths from the house when the griffons noticed her. The group turned to face her, and their mouths all gaped open at the sight of her. All of them except one. One griffon watched her steady approach, and began to laugh heartily; a griffon with a black scar over his right eye.

“Look everyone. She came back.” The large griffon taunted. “It’s the pony who ran away last time. I’m surprised that she would show up back here.” His voice sounded like two rocks being ground together. Applejack met his good eye with a look of unbridled malice, and then she slowed her walk to a halt. The scarred griffon laughed again, and then rocketed down towards her. He landed ten paces in front of her, with two of his guards close behind him.

“Ooo, what do you have there?” He pointed to the rope in Applejack’s mouth, and grew a cocky grin. “Are you planning to-?”

The griffon yelped in surprise as Applejack hurled the rope-knife at him. It wrapped around him, and ensnared him, wings and all. Without even batting an eye, Applejack grabbed the rope with her left fore-hoof, and yanked it with both her hoof and her mouth. The griffon sailed through the air, and landed at her hooves face-up.

Applejack looked down at the tied-up griffon, and raised her right hoof into the air. The scarred griffon’s good eye widened in fear, and he instinctively tried to extend his wings, but to no avail. Applejack was gritting her teeth, and glaring down at him, with a leer that could make King Sombra flinch. She waited one more second, and then stomped her hoof down, right on top of his head.

It connected with his head with a sickening crunch, and his skull shattered under the force of the blow. The attack had made his head visibly flatter, and his blood leaked out of any possible exit. Even though she had already made his brain a thick paste, Applejack raised her hoof a second time. She slammed it back down, and snapped his beak when she did. Blood spurted out of his face, and began coating Applejack’s hooves. But even then, she raised her hoof, and slammed it down a third time. And a fourth time, and a fifth, and a sixth…

After a ninth strike, Applejack lowered her horribly bloodied hoof. The griffons’ head was now a puddle, and his blood covered the hard ground underneath him. Applejack began panting heavily, and all the anger and malice left her eyes.

That… She thought somberly. Wasn’t nearly as satisfying as I thought it would be. She backed away from the corpse, and steadied her breathing. It didn’t help. I thought that killing the one who killed her would make me feel better, but it didn’t. I feel just as empty.

Applejack sighed deeply, and turned back to her house. The rest of the griffons were all watching her, and they all wore horrified stares. Applejack scoffed, and turned her back on them. She surveyed the rest of the area, and her eyes found what she was looking for. They fell upon three piles of bones, which she identified as her family members, and pet. Time to do what I came here for… Applejack thought miserably, as she began trotting over to the corpses.

“Hey!” A voice screeched from behind her. Applejack turned her head around, and noticed that the voice came from one of the griffons flying over her house. “What are you doin’ you idiots?! She killed the commander! There’s forty of us, and only one of her! ATTACK RIGHT NOW! KILL HER!” The griffon commanded.

Twenty of the remaining griffons responded to his command, and they flared their wings. Then they took off, and began careening towards Applejack. She whirled around, and then drew one of her two swords with her right hoof.

Maybe it wasn’t enough to kill that one… She thought furiously, and took the rope-knife from her mouth with her free hoof. Maybe I just need to kill all o’ ya! Her emerald eyes blazed with a fiery rage, and she launched her knife at the nearest incoming enemy. You all killed my family… I won’t let you walk away! It’s time for you all to suffer the consequences of what you’ve done! Applejack entered a defensive stance, as her rope-knife hit its first mark.

*******

“You still haven’t seen her?”

Twilight was sitting at one of the tables in Canterlot castle with four of her friends: Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. “None of you have seen Applejack since yesterday?” Everypony shook their head, and Twilight deflated. “So she still hasn’t shown up… I’m really getting worried about her.”

“I’m with you there, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash agreed. “It really would be nice to know where she decided to wander off to.”

“I hope nothing happened to her…” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Me too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “When she gets back, I’m gonna throw a party for her! That will make her feel better!” Rainbow Dash groaned, and Twilight and Spike face-palmed. “What kind of party should it be?” Pinkie Pie continued. “Big? Or small? And what should the theme be? ‘We missed you?’ Nah… ‘Sorry about your sis-’” Pinkie Pie stopped herself mid-sentence with her fore-hooves. “Uh… On second thought, ‘we missed you’ sounds fine.”

The other ponies sighed, and returned to their breakfast. As the air was taken up with the sound of slurps and clattering spoons, Rarity suddenly approached the table. She had her own plate in her magical aura, and had noticeable bags under her eyes. “Good morning, girls.” She greeted her friends in an exhausted voice.

“Good morning.” The rest of the group responded in unison. Rarity took one of the vacant seats that the table had, and set her plate down on the table. She picked up her spoon in her magical grip, and scooped up some of her soup with it.

“So, are you all still upset about yesterday’s news?” Rarity asked casually, as she began slurping down her meal.

“Rarity,” Fluttershy asked in a disheartened tone, “Have you seen Applejack?”

The spoon dropped out of Rarity’s grip, and her soup splashed onto the table. The other ponies’ heads all snapped to her, and to them, Rarity looked like she had just been stabbed. “I… I… You mean she’s not here?” Rarity whispered in a terrified voice.

Everypony was eyeing her with their undivided attention. “Rarity,” Spike questioned slowly, “Do you know anything?”

Rarity began trembling in place. “… I… I…”

“Rarity, where is Applejack?” Twilight demanded.

“I… I…” Rarity stuttered, and then buried her head in her hooves. “I tried to stop her!” She wailed loudly, and the entire room fell silent around her.

“What was that?” Rainbow Dash asked quietly.

“I tried to stop Applejack!” Rarity cried out. “She wouldn’t listen! She told me to go back inside!”

“Rarity, where is she?!” Twilight shouted.

Rarity picked her head up from her hooves, and met Twilight’s eyes. “She went back to Ponyville.” The group collectively flinched, and Rarity laid her head back onto the table, and covered her eyes. “She told me that she was going back for her sister, but she isn’t! She’s going to fight the griffons! She had swords with her!”

“Those were swords?!” Twilight shouted in disbelief.

“Is she crazy?!” Rainbow Dash yelled angrily as she shot out of her seat. “She can’t fight them! She doesn’t even know how to use swords!”

Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane, and Spike asked calmly, “Are you sure you saw what you did?”

Rarity lifted her head up slightly, and nodded once. “Yes… I talked to her. I brought out blankets for her, and she told me everything that I’ve told you.” Rarity lifted her head completely, and her eyes were becoming lined with tears. “And… I just walked away.” She lamented. “I could have tried harder to convince her, I could have tried to force her, I could have even called the guard… But I didn’t.”

Rarity buried her head back in her hooves, and started to cry. “I just walked away like the miserable coward I am!” She sobbed, her tears flowing out of her eyes like fountains. “I let her go! Applejack could be hurt, or worse! AND IT’S ALL MY FAULT!” Rarity screamed.

Fluttershy started silently crying, and the rest of the group shifted closer to Rarity. “No, it’s not all your fault.” Twilight comforted. “None of us tried to stop her.” She sighed heavily. “And I let her go twice.”

“There’s no...*sob*... excuse!” Rarity wailed, as Twilight stroked her back comfortingly. “I should have stopped her! I should have *hic* tried harder! She *sob* could be... *sob*... dead!”

“Don’t think like that!” Spike scolded her.

“That idiot!” Rainbow Dash pounded her hooves on the table angrily. “Running off like that! Doesn’t she know how worried we are about her?” She snarled.

“I’m… sorry… everypony…” Rarity continued to bawl. “I’m sorry… Applejack…”

Twilight and Spike continued to comfort Rarity, while Rainbow Dash fumed angrily. Then, Pinkie Pie’s ears perked up. She bounced onto the table, and everypony cast their gaze to her.

“Ooh! Lookee!” She chirped, with a beaming smile. “The train just came back from Ponyville! Applejack probably realized that she was being silly, and came back!”

“Um… Yeah!” Twilight played along with forced confidence. “She’s probably getting off the train right now!”

“Yeah! Let’s go there right now!” Spike added with a happy guise.

“Come on, Fluttershy! Come on, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie sang, as she began to bounce away.

“Let’s go, everypony!” Twilight exclaimed, feigning cheerfulness.

“…Okay.” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Yeah. Let’s.” Rainbow Dash remarked, lacking the others’ cheer.

They all began to follow Pinkie Pie, and then Spike turned back to Rarity. “Come on, Rarity.” He pleaded with the despondent unicorn.

Rarity didn’t answer him, but she stood up, and started to follow the rest of the group. They all reached the train quickly, and watched the small army of royal guards flood out of it.

Twilight approached one of the uninjured guards, and pulled him out of earshot of the rest of the group. “Sir, do you have a minute?” She asked the stallion.

“Princess Twilight!” He exclaimed, and then saluted. “Of course! What do you need?”

Twilight scanned the guard before replying, and made a quick mental note of how young he looked. “Did you see an orange earth pony in Ponyville? Most likely wearing a Stetson?” She queried. The stallion dropped his salute, and his expression fell dramatically.

“Yes Princess, a pony like that did arrive on the train.” He reported dejectedly.

“So Applejack did go to Ponyville?” Twilight thought out loud.

“You know her?”

“Yes, but that’s unimportant.” Twilight replied commandingly. “Where did this pony go once she got to Ponyville?”

The guard dropped his gaze to the floor, and shuddered. “She didn’t tell us, ma’am.” Twilight frowned at his response. “But she walked away, and didn’t show up at the time the engineer had given her. So we took off.” He gathered the courage to look Twilight in the eyes again. “She’s still in Ponyville, and the engineer is going back to search for her.”

Twilight’s ears drooped, and she grew a downcast expression. “Oh… Well, thank you for answering me.” Twilight concluded, and turned away from the stallion.

“…Wait!” The guard called out, and grabbed Twilight’s shoulder. She whirled around and met his gaze. The guard was trembling, and he gave off an aura of fear. “Princess, that mare is out of her mind.” He continued in a shaky voice. “She brought swords with her, and she stormed off in the direction of the griffons. There are over thirty griffons back there, and we guards couldn’t beat them. And she’s going to fight them by herself.”

Twilight’s mouth hung agape at his statement. “So Rarity was right…” She whispered to herself.

“Like I said, the engineer is going back to find her.” He carried on, regaining his stone-faced composure. “If that pony has any brains, she’ll have turned back, and be waiting for the engineer. But if she didn’t… N-never mind. I’m sorry to trouble you with this knowledge, Princess.”

Twilight shook her head vigorously, and shot him her best charismatic smile. “No, don’t be. Thank you for giving me the full story. I’m sorry to waste your time, you must be very busy.”

“Not at all, Princess! It was my pleasure!” The guard quickly complimented, and then bowed. He then turned away, and rejoined his ranks.

After he was gone, Twilight’s mask shattered, and her face plummeted. “Oh sweet stars…” Twilight prayed. “Please, just let her be at that train station… Please…”

*******

An air of silence hung over the fields of Sweet Apple Acres like a heavy fog. The orchard of apple trees was devoid of life; nothing moved, save for the swaying of the trees themselves. There was no life on the fields either, the only area that contained living creatures was the Apple family’s house.

The field to the left of the house was no longer its normal, lively green color. Instead, it looked like a battlefield. The field was flooded with fresh blood, and was littered with corpses. Twenty-three griffons lay motionless on the grass, their blood flowing down the hill like a river. In the center of the circle of corpses was a formerly orange pony, whose orange coat was now met with a crimson color as well. Applejack’s hooves were soaked in griffon blood, and the remainder of her body didn’t look much better. Her legs were stained with spatters of the red fluid, which were met with the blood running from the cuts along her torso. Not even her head was untouched, as a few specks of crimson were scattered across her face. The bloodied earth pony could barely breathe, and was using most of her strength just to remain standing. Her eyes were wider than usual, and her hair-tie had fallen off, letting her blonde mane flow freely.

The remaining griffons stood mortified in front of Applejack’s house. They waited and watched the bloody mare in front of them, who was clutching her rope-knife in her left hoof. None of them drew attention to themselves, and they watched her every movement with anticipation.

Applejack attempted to steady her breathing, and inhaled the metallic smell around her. Now that… She thought triumphantly. Felt much better. They all had it coming. She let out a raspy laugh, and then turned around to face the remaining griffons. They’re still here… She thought angrily. Look at them. They’re all terrified of me. She turned her head back to the remains of her family members. I could probably just let them fly away…

Applejack looked back and forth between the remains of her family and the unmoving griffons. Then, she took a deep breath, and wiped the blood away from her eyes with her less bloody hoof. She closed her eyes, and sighed deeply. Then again… Suddenly, Applejack spun around, and flared her eyes open. She leered murderously at the flock of griffons, and began slowly and methodically padding towards them.

The griffons watched her approach, and one of them began to tremble. “Dudes, she’s coming this way.” He warned in a shaky voice.

“Yeah, she is.” Another replied angrily.

“Guys, we should retreat.” The first griffon suggested.

“Why?” A third one questioned.

“You saw what she did to the other guys! There were like, twenty of them dude! And that freak just wrecked all of them!”

“Retreating is an embarrassment.” Another griffon piped up.

“Besides,” A fifth butted in, “She’s not gonna get away with what she’s done.”

Applejack was about fifty hoof-lengths away from the flock, and the frightened griffon stepped a few paces back. “Dudes, I’m not doing this. I’m out. If you all wanna get killed, go ahead. But I’ve got a family I need to get back to!”

“Later, then.” The griffon leading the flock scoffed. “But I’ll be sure to tell the king how cowardly you were.”

“And I’ll be sure to tell him that you all chose to die in vain!” The terrified griffon retorted. Then he unfurled his brown wings, and took off in the opposite direction of the house. Applejack stopped walking, and watched him fly away. She didn’t feel any anger towards the fleeing griffon, and she followed his path with her eyes. After he was out of sight, she turned her attention back to the flock.

Applejack counted the remaining griffons, and found that there were sixteen of them. Of those sixteen, ten of them were glaring at her with fiery eyes. They radiated anger, and looked ready to pounce on her. The ones behind them were the ones that caught her eye, however. The remaining six looked unsure of themselves, and some of them looked terrified. While still watching them, Applejack stopped walking altogether, and glared icily at the flock in front of her.

“She stopped.” One of the scared griffons whispered.

“Listen up, pony!” The leading griffon shouted at Applejack. “I hope you enjoyed killing our subordinates, cuz now you’re dealing with the real deal!” The griffon beat a hand on his chest as he shouted, “And I’m a little pissed at how you killed my associates, so I’d be lying if I said this won’t be painful.” He turned to address his fellow griffons. “Everyone, CHAR-ULK!”

While the griffon was giving his pep-talk, Applejack had hurled her knife at him. She directed it with extreme dexterity, and the curved knife pierced through his throat from the back of his neck. “Hck! Glgh…” The griffon sputtered. Then Applejack jerked the rope, and tore the knife out of his throat. The griffon hacked one more time, before he fell limp in front of his comrades.

The other members of the flock stared at the formerly confident griffon with dumbfound faces. Then they turned to Applejack, and their shocked looks melted into either a look of pure, fiery anger, or unsure, panicked terror.

“Stop standing there like nervous sheep!” Another griffon broke the silence. “CHARGE!”

This time, nine of the griffons spread their wings, and charged towards Applejack. She watched them soar towards her, and her rage caught fire once more. Her eyes flared angrily once again, and she bit down hard on her rope-knife. She shifted back into her defensive stance, and then drew one of the gore-spattered swords at her side. She shifted her hoof into the grip of the blade, and held it out in front of her. The griffons didn’t wait, and they were upon her as soon as she had drawn the blade.

One griffon reached her before the others, and he lunged at her with his claws outstretched. Applejack nimbly sidestepped out of the way of the attack, and brought her sword down on his back. It cut into him, but not enough to be fatal. He howled in pain, and jumped away from her. A second griffon caught up and tried to claw her, but she easily evaded him. She snapped her head to face him, lashed out with her rope-knife, and ensnared him. The first griffon leaped at her a second time, but he was clumsier this time. After Applejack sidestepped him again, she swung her blade along his side, flaying him open. The griffon cried out in agony, and collapsed on his side, his blood leaking down his torso.

Without even breaking her stride, Applejack gave her rope a hard jerk, and sent the caught griffon sailing towards her. It landed at her side, and she smashed its head with one of her hind legs. As its blood sprayed onto her leg, she quickly pulled her rope loose from around its body.

She wasn’t quick enough, however, as three griffons had already taken up the attack. She instinctively leapt to the right, and managed to evade two of them, but the third was waiting for her. Applejack felt its two razor-sharp talons tear into her back, and then it jumped away. Her own blood began running down her sides, and started to stain her saddle-bag.

Her anger and hatred exploded, and in less than a second, she had drawn her second blade. She dropped her defensive stance, and sprang at the griffon that had cut her. She swung her swords wildly at him, and he couldn’t avoid all of them. One of her swings connected, and she sliced the griffon’s foreleg. It flinched and yelped in pain, and Applejack took the opportunity to take multiple swings at him. Every one hit its mark, and she diced the griffon like raw beef. It bellowed in rage and anguish, and toppled over onto its back.

Applejack whirled around, and instinctively ducked under the other two griffons’ attacks. She spun around to face them, and flung her knife at them. The first one saw it coming, and veered upward to avoid it. The second turned around too late, and the knife reached him. Instead of ensnaring him, the knife struck his chest. It hit him dead on, and the curved knife punctured the griffon’s heart. He hacked up blood once, and then fell limp to the ground.

The remaining griffon was already arcing back around to attack her, and she didn’t have time to retrieve her knife. Faster than the griffon could react, Applejack pivoted on her front hooves, and bucked him with both of her hind-legs. Years of hard labor and bucking apple trees had toned her leg muscles, and the griffon’s ribcage crumpled under the force of the kick. His bones shattered on impact, and his body spiraled away from Applejack.

After her three assailants were all lying cold around her, Applejack sheathed the sword in her left hoof, and ripped her knife out of the dead griffon where it was stuck. She turned away from the new corpses, and leered at the remaining flock of griffons. She didn’t wait this time, and she charged right at them with murder in her eyes.

Two of the remaining griffons started backing away, and they flared their wings. “I-I’m outta here!” One shouted in terror.

“That pony is like something outta Hell!” The second added in, before they both flapped their wings, and flew away.

Another griffon screamed in rage, and charged directly at Applejack. Three griffons joined him and lunged at her, while the remaining four stood rooted in place. Applejack leapt into the air, and landed her hooves on one of the advancing griffons. She latched onto his head, and brought it onto the ground, shattering it. As if she were dancing, Applejack twirled around, and threw her rope-knife at another one, once again hitting a vital organ. Without breaking her whirlwind pace, she released the rope from her mouth, and swung her sword at the next griffon that was lunging for her. She cut him down in a couple of seconds, and rotated to her final assailant. He was caught off-guard by how fast his comrades had fallen, and Applejack tackled him. She towered over him, and without waiting, she began brutally pounding his head into the ground. She mercilessly assaulted him, and his head was a thick paste when she was finished.

Not even slowed down, Applejack stood up and retrieved her rope. Then she spun towards the remaining four griffons, and began marching towards them, the murderous fire in her eyes not dimming even slightly. The griffons flinched when she turned to them, and their eyes were wide with terror.

“The others were right!” One of them called out in horror. “We gotta get outta here!”

The remaining griffons spread their wings, and took off in four different directions. Applejack’s face contorted into an evil sneer, and she muttered, “Ya’ll ain't gettin’ away that easily.”

She twirled her rope-knife in the air with her mouth, and picked out her target. She picked out the griffon closest to her, and lobbed the knife at him. Miraculously, it wrapped around his back leg, and stopped him in his tracks. Applejack grinned cruelly, and brought him down to the ground with a pull of her mouth. As soon as he hit the ground, Applejack pounced on him, and raised one of her hooves into the air. She looked down at her victim, and he did something that both surprised her, and extinguished the flame inside of her.

“Please…” The griffon begged in a pitiful voice. “Don’t kill me… Please…”

Applejack grimaced, and stood over him with her hoof raised, not moving at all. “Please… I won’t hurt anyone else…” He continued to grovel, tears forming in his eyes. “I’ll never come back, I swear! I just need to get back to my family…” The griffon began openly crying at her hooves. “What will my daughter do without me? Please, I just want to see her again…”

Applejack gritted her teeth, and closed her eyes; she couldn’t stand to look at him anymore. Tears began falling out of her eyes as well, as she hovered over him, and listened to him beg for his life. “Please, miss. Just let me go…”

After she had hung over him for what seemed like an eternity, Applejack hung her head low, and lowered her hoof. The griffon stopped crying, and a glimmer of hope shined in his eyes. He smiled weakly at her, and waited for her to get off of him.

But then, in the blink of an eye, Applejack reached to her side, and grabbed her curved knife. Before he could even comprehend what was happening, Applejack had raised the knife, and then quickly and forcefully stabbed it down on his neck. It pierced all the way through him, and dug into the ground below. He didn’t even have a chance to feel anything, for the blade had pierced both his esophagus and spinal cord.

Applejack stood over his dead body, clutching the bloody knife, and panting heavily. She looked down at the griffon she had just killed, and into his lifeless eyes. She felt like retching when she looked into them, so she closed them with her free hoof. Then she shut her own eyes, and pulled the knife out of his neck. It slid out with a sickening “shllk” sound, and his blood began to pool underneath him.

Applejack stood up straight, and backed away from the deceased griffon. She tucked her gore-spattered knife into her saddle-bag, and sheathed her bloody sword. Then, she turned her head around, and surveyed the land that was once Sweet Apple Acres. The ground was painted red with blood, and covered with bodies. Looking over her home, Applejack finally started thinking rationally.

She began breathing heavily and irregularly, and she looked down at her gore-spattered hooves. Then she took another look around her, and realized fearfully, I… I did this. Me. She started hyperventilating, and collapsed onto the ground. “I… I killed them.” She thought out loud. “I killed thirty-four griffons in cold blood.” Only now that she was sitting did Applejack realize how badly her back was bleeding. “I’m… Bleedin’ badly. And I’m drenched in their blood. I’m not an Element of Harmony…” Applejack looked once again at her bloodied hooves. “I’m a monster…”

After that statement, Applejack broke down, and started crying in the cold silence of her home. She was disgusted with how red her hooves and torso were, and every time she looked at one of the corpses around her, she started a fresh wave of bitter tears.

After she had nearly cried herself dry, something brushed against Applejack’s face. She wiped her eyes and picked up the object, and found herself holding Apple Bloom’s ribbon. She stared at it for a few seconds, and then she gnashed her teeth together. She picked herself off of the ground, and wiped her tears away.

“No…” She declared defiantly. “I’m not a monster. These griffons attacked us, and they killed the most important people in the world to me. They are the monsters.” She spit on the ground. “They deserved what they got. Every one o’ them. I shouldn’t be wastin’ my tears on them.” She turned away, and began walking over to the three piles of bones. “At least, not while ya’ll are still here…”

Applejack stopped in front of the three piles, and confirmed that they were what she was looking for. “Granny Smith… Apple Bloom…” She muttered dejectedly. Without wasting any more time, she walked into her house, and returned with a shovel. She somberly trotted back to the piles, and began digging two holes. She had to stifle her tears multiple times, for she was trying to be strong. After she had dug two holes, she shoveled the remains of her family into them. But then, she remembered that there were three piles of bones. She quickly dug a shallower grave, and shoveled the bones of her pet into it. “You always were such a good dog…” Applejack whispered. Then she proceeded to refill the holes with dirt, burying the remains.

Applejack almost felt proud of her work as she looked upon her makeshift graveyard. She stared at her handiwork, and took a deep breath. “Granny Smith…” She began miserably. “You raised all o’ us after mom an’ dad died. You were always there for me, for all o’ us. You were the wisest pony I knew.” Applejack hung her head bitterly. “I was prayin’… Prayin’ that you would pass peacefully. I never would’ve wanted… this… Rest peacefully, Granny Smith.”

Applejack raised her head, and turned to the third mound of dirt. “Apple Bloom…” Applejack continued, starting to choke up again. “This shouldn’t have happened. Not to you…” She spoke through the lump in her throat. “You were so young, and so full o’ energy. You were so bright, so happy. Always playing with those friends o’ yours. You three were so strong-willed. So determined to find yer… Cutie… Mark…”

Applejack couldn’t hold back any longer, and the dam in her eyes burst. She couldn’t form words through her sobs, and just lay down and wept. Her tears washed some of the dried blood off of her face, and also helped wipe off the blood from her hooves. Eventually, she managed to form coherent words through her wails.

“Oh Celestia… You never got it… You never got your mark…” Applejack buried her face in her hooves, all energy drained from her. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… Apple Bloom…” She stared at the grave through her blurry vision. “I… I never said this enough. I love you, Apple Bloom. I love you so much…” She cried to herself. “I don’t care what I said, or anythin’ we disagreed on. I love you, sis. I’ll never stop lovin’ you…” Applejack broke down a second time, and began weeping loudly. “…I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… All of you…”

After her speech, Applejack lay down in front of the graves, and cried her eyes out. She lost track of how long she sat there, and she let all of her sorrow flow out of her. When her eyes had no tears left, she picked herself up off of the ground, and wiped her eyes. Finally, she turned away from the graves, and towards the streets of Ponyville.

“Goodbye, everyone. I won’t forget you.” Applejack finished. “And I won’t forget who did this to ya. Granny Smith, Apple Bloom…” She took one last deep breath. “Wait fer me, all right?”

When she was finally finished with her speech, Applejack began walking back towards the train station. When her home was out of her range of vision, she spoke. “That’s enough cryin’, Applejack.” She thought out loud. “What’s done is done. I know what I hafta do now. I hafta protect the ponies I love.” Applejack grinned smugly. “I sure do hope the train comes back fer me.”

Applejack tightened the ribbon around her Stetson, raised her head up high, and smirked confidently. Then she took off, and continued her trek to the train station.

Homecoming

“Applejack, you idiot.”

The city of Canterlot was bustling with activity, as it was every day. The wealthy ponies were carrying out their daily schedules; they wouldn’t let themselves get distracted by anything that didn’t concern them. The nobles were so enthralled by their own routines that they didn’t even seem slightly fazed by the royal guards patrolling the city.

The mountainside castle stood watch over the noble city, and protected the pony refugees who occupied its own halls. The corridors were filled with anxious chatter, and were haunted by mournful cries. Twilight and her friends were among those wandering the halls, talking anxiously about their missing companion.

Rainbow Dash was making herself quite comfortable on one of the puffy cumulus clouds hanging above the city. Her rose eyes were staring aimlessly at the open, cerulean sky, and she had her hooves wrapped around the back of her head. Her prismatic mane was messily strewn around her head, and was becoming plastered to the puffy surface underneath her. She sighed heavily, and continued her idle search of the sky.

“How could she just run off by herself like that?” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself. “Not saying anything to anypony. Doesn’t she know how worried everyone else is about her?” She sighed a second time. “Pinkie is sitting by herself in the courtyard, Twilight’s pacing like a nervous wreck, Rarity’s crying with her sister, and Fluttershy won’t even talk to me.”

Rainbow Dash removed her hooves from the back of her head, and laid them across her chest. Then she reclined against the cloud, and took a deep breath. “You better have come to your senses, Applejack. You’d better be on that train. I’m gonna beat some sense into you when you decide to show up.” She ranted wistfully. “ …Don’t you dare not come back.”

With that declaration, she shut her eyes, and let the slight breeze blow over her sky-blue fur. The cool wind, accompanied by the sun’s warm rays, lulled her into a tranquility that she hadn’t felt for the past two days. The chirping of birds returning from their migration calmed her, and helped her shut out all of the stress she had just been stewing in.

“I wonder what everypony’s thinking right now…” She whispered to the breeze. “As soon as that train shows up, we’ll find out what’s up with AJ.” She sighed heavily. “If she’s even there…”

Rainbow Dash leaned even further into her cloud-pillow, and let the serene atmosphere take her in once again. The calm sky lulled her, and soon enough, sleep captured the blue pegasus.

*******

Rainbow Dash’s nap was brought to an abrupt end by the faint noise of a train whistle. She drearily blinked her eyes open, and stretched out her leg muscles. She extended her wings as well, and then scanned the ground below her. She wiped her blurry eyes, and made out the sight of the multi-colored train rapidly approaching the castle.

“It’s here…” She whispered, almost sadly. I should be excited, but she might not be… She sighed dejectedly. “I… should go get everypony else. They've waited long enough.”

Rainbow Dash stood up, stretched her wings a second time, and then leapt off of her cloud-bed. She spread her wings to their full span, and caught a strong air current. She pointed herself toward the castle, and began flapping her wings vigorously. She took off like a rocket, and began soaring towards her destination.

As Rainbow Dash shot towards the castle, she looked above her, and noticed that the sun had moved a few feet to the west. Guess I was out for a while. She surmised. Within only a few seconds, she had arrived in the castle’s grassy courtyard. She kept up a constant flapping with her wings, allowing her to hover a few meters above the ground.

While hovering above the courtyard, Rainbow Dash searched the area for anypony she knew. Unfortunately, a pony she knew found her first. “HI RAINBOW DASH!” A voice screamed in her ear.

“GAH!” Rainbow Dash cried out in shock, before collapsing onto her back. She heard a snicker from beside her, and then outright laughter.

“Pfft… HAHAHAHAHA!”

Rainbow Dash returned to her hooves, and took note of the pony standing above her. Ugh, who else would it be? She thought scornfully. “Pinkie!” She shouted disdainfully. “Ya nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“HAHAHA! You should’ve seen the look on your face!” Pinkie Pie continued to cackle.

Rainbow Dash glared at her pink friend, and then cracked a small smile. Well, at least she’s ok. She thought thankfully.

“So, where you been, Dashie?” Pinkie Pie inquired, after she finished her wave of laughter.

“Ah, ya know me. I was napping on a cloud above the city.” Rainbow Dash replied apathetically.

“Ok!” Pinkie Pie chirped. “Ya know, you could’ve hung out here!” She continued accusingly.

“Oh, well, hehe.” Rainbow Dash answered sheepishly. “I kinda… wanted to be by myself.”

“Oh, well that’s all right!” Pinkie Pie instantly perked up. “That’s what Twilight said too!”

“Oh, really? Where is she, anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“She’s in the ballroom!” Pinkie Pie pointed towards the castle. Then she turned back to Rainbow Dash, and tilted her head to the side curiously. “So… If you’re here, does that mean…”

Rainbow Dash looked into her eyes, and then nodded deeply. “Yeah. The train’s almost here.”

Pinkie Pie beamed and sprang into the air. “Oh goodie!” She exclaimed. Then she whirled around, and called out, “Hey! You hear that, Fluttershy? It’s almost here!”

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash questioned. She looked behind Pinkie Pie, and saw the aforementioned pegasus strutting towards them. How long was she sitting over there…?

“Did ya hear, Fluttershy? Did ya? Did ya?” Pinkie Pie continued to hassle.

“…Yes. I heard you.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Are you EXCITED?!” Pinkie Pie shouted at her, while still baring her incredibly wide grin. “Applejack will finally be back with us!”

Or she could not be there at all… Rainbow Dash thought negatively.

Fluttershy didn’t answer her, and she just looked at the ground. “Hey, Fluttershy, you doin’ all right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Fluttershy didn’t react to her question, and just stared off into space. “Fluuuuutershyyyyyy!” Pinkie Pie called out to her. Fluttershy snapped her head upright, and looked like she had just woken up out of a trance.

“You feeling ok, Flutters?” Rainbow Dash queried in a concerned tone.

“Um, yes! I am…” Fluttershy replied quickly.

Rainbow Dash took the opportunity to look into Fluttershy’s eyes. They were red and swollen, and her eyelids were struggling to stay open. Fluttershy… She thought worriedly. “Well, glad to hear it.” Rainbow Dash answered her smugly, hiding how she felt. “I’m gonna get Twilight and Rarity. Just stay with Pinkie. Got it, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy simply nodded in response. “Yay! Let’s go Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie chirped, and then began bouncing closer to the train station. Fluttershy hung her head, and followed the pink pony.

Rainbow Dash watched her walk away, and then sighed dejectedly. Applejack, I swear… She extended her wings, and glided over to the castle doors. She pushed open the ballroom door, and walked onto its red carpet. She surveyed the room for Twilight, or anypony else she knew. Luckily, both Twilight and Rarity were in plain sight, at the top of the ballroom’s stairs.

“Twilight! Rarity!” Rainbow Dash called out, as she zipped through the air towards them.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight responded in an anxious voice.

“Hello, dear.” Rarity replied calmly.

Rainbow Dash landed a few paces in front of the two mares, and attempted to speak. “Are yo-”

“Is the train here?!” Twilight interrupted frantically.

Rainbow Dash was taken aback at her tone, and then answered, “Oh, yeah. It’s on its way right now.”

Rarity looked forlorn, and murmured, “So, it’s already time…”

“Come on!” Twilight beckoned towards the ballroom door. “I don’t want to miss her this time!”

The moment of truth. Rainbow Dash thought nervously, as she began flapping her wings again.

“Applejack…” Rarity whispered, and then began trotting to the courtyard. The three mares all moved quickly and silently, and soon joined their friends at the train station. They had only stood for a few seconds when the train’s whistle blew, signifying its arrival.

The colorful train screeched to a halt in front of the five ponies, and quickly opened its front door. Here we go…  Rainbow Dash thought apprehensively.

Much to the group’s surprise, the first ponies to leave the train were royal guards. They were forming a tight semicircle, as if they were escorting somepony. There seemed to be about four ponies taking up the back, though they couldn't tell for sure. Then, seeming to not pay any heed to the five mares, the guards began moving forward, very slowly.

Annoyed by her lack of vision, Rainbow Dash flew slightly higher to get a better viewpoint. When she did, she noticed that one pony was wearing a Stetson with a pink ribbon tied around it. Applejack is here! She came back! Rainbow Dash exclaimed in her mind.

Rainbow Dash’s added efforts were made pointless though, as the circle of guards soon stopped next to the group of mares. The guards who were previously obstructing their view moved forward, and gave them a clear view of Applejack. Every one of their mouths gaped when they saw the horrible condition their friend was in.

Applejack could barely stand, and was leaning on the closest guard for support. She was looking right at her friends, and was breathing heavily. Her body was liberally coated with cuts and dried blood, and her hooves were especially soaked. The swords at her sides as well as her saddlebag were completely gore-spattered. All the while, looking straight at her friends, Applejack was grinning triumphantly.

Wha… Wha… What the… Applejack?! Rainbow Dash thought dumbfoundedly as her mind shut down.

Applejack continued to stare, and none of the other mares could form any coherent words. After standing silently for a few more seconds, Applejack chuckled. “Howdy, everypony.”

After another period of uncomfortable silence, Applejack shrugged. “Don’t worry girls, we’ll all catch up later. Right now, I gotta go chat with Princess Celestia.” On that note, the guards encircled Applejack, and escorted her into the castle. Every guard except for one. One young guard stopped walking, and turned to the group of mares.

“Um… Princess Twilight. We found her.” The stallion reported.

Upon hearing his voice, Rainbow Dash swooped down onto the ground a few paces in front of him. “What’s going on?” She demanded. “Tell us everything! Why is Applejack covered in… blood?!”

The guard jumped when she approached him, but then he saluted and answered. “M-ma’am. As I previously told the Princess, the engineer was going back to Ponyville to search for that mare. A few other guards and I went with him as well. When we arrived at the station though…” The guard dropped his salute, and cast his gaze to Twilight. “…That mare was waiting for us, much to our surprise. And well, you saw how she looked.”

Twilight stepped forward towards the guard. “So, she didn’t tell you where the blood came from?”

The stallion shook his head and then took on a grave tone. “No, she was barely conscious on the trip back here. But… we found out where it came from ourselves.” The stallion shivered and removed his helmet. He looked at the ground, and his short gray mane fell around his head. “We were… curious. About what happened to her. So, against our better judgment, we returned to the land where the griffons were.”

The gray-maned stallion shuddered once again. “We expected to find them circling the fields… But… they were all dead.”

The five mares jumped at his statement. “They were all dead?” Pinkie Pie asked, uncharacteristically seriously. “What happened to them?”

I have an idea… Rainbow Dash determined. But there’s no way…

The guard shuffled in place nervously, and then addressed Twilight. “Uh, Princess Twilight, does your friend have a… violent streak of any kind?”

“D-d-does he mean…?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Out with it already!” Rainbow Dash ordered.

The stallion looked her in the eyes, and then flatly stated, “Well, it appears that your orange friend killed them. All of them.”

The six ponies all went dead silent, and all seemed confused. The news wasn’t sinking in; their minds couldn’t accept the information. “Excuse me?” Twilight murmured disbelievingly.

The royal guard looked down to the floor, and started quivering in place. “Well, she had swords with her… And the griffons…” The guard whimpered.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Oh brother… How did this guy become a royal guard?

The guard shook his head, and then went on, “The griffons… were horribly brutalized. They were either cut to pieces, skewered, or beaten to a pulp. And I mean that literally.” The guard took a deep breath, and the group started to realize the truth of his report. “When we found your friend, she was coated with blood, as you saw. Especially her hooves. The griffons that I mentioned earlier were clearly smashed with an earth pony’s hooves, and your friend was the only pony who could’ve gone to that farm…” The stallion regained his stone-face, and finished, “I’m sorry everypony, but the only logical conclusion is that your orange friend did it.”

As the stallion finished his report, the ponies were forced to accept reality. Rarity held her front hoof to her forehead. “I feel light-headed…” She whispered in a far-off voice.

“Oh my…” Fluttershy squeaked while holding a hoof over her mouth.

“Whoa…” Rainbow Dash gaped.

Pinkie Pie and Twilight were both caught in a bewildered silence, and then a loud thud resounded throughout the courtyard. The group whirled around, and saw Rarity lying unconscious on the grass. “Rarity!” Twilight called out, and then all the ponies ran to her side. Fluttershy and Twilight attempted to wake her.

“Unnngh…”

“Oh dear, are you all right, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked frantically, as she helped her half-conscious friend to her hooves.

“Oooh… I’m alright, darling.” Rarity assured her. “I… must have fainted.”

“It’s ok, Rarity.” Twilight whispered soothingly. “Everything’s fine, just take deep breaths…”

“Yeah, except the fact that Applejack is a genocidal maniac!” Rainbow Dash blurted out.

Rarity’s eyes rolled into the back of her head as her body went limp a second time. Fluttershy supported the white unicorn’s weight this time, and Twilight scowled at Rainbow Dash. “Are ya sure you’re all right, Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked as she skipped over to Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Y-yes, I said I’m fine.” Rarity replied as she regained her composure.

“Ma’am, please allow me to escort you to the infirmary.” The royal guard offered.

“No! I’m fine!” Rarity insisted. “It’s just a tendency of mine, I’ll be ok.” She let go of Fluttershy, and held herself up on her own hooves. “We need to go talk to Applejack.”

“Our apparently psychotic friend…” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight hissed.

“Stop being silly, Dashie!” Pinkie Pie chirped. “I’m sure that Applejack has an explanation!”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure she does.” Rainbow Dash retorted sardonically.

“Either way, I’d like to hear Applejack’s story. If that’s ok with you, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight growled.

“What did I do?!” Rainbow Dash shot back.

“Hey! Bastion!” A new voice called from across the courtyard. The gray-maned royal guard next to Twilight raised up his head, and locked eyes with the source of the sound, a lunar guard.

“You need me, Overcast?” The first stallion asked.

The lunar guard playfully wrapped his foreleg around the solar guard. “Well, Bastion, I was gonna treat you to an early lunch since you missed breakfast…” Overcast smirked at the group of mares. “But I see you’re having a pleasant time flirting with some ladies.”

“Gimme a break…” Rainbow Dash groaned as she face-hoofed.

“I wasn’t flirting!” Bastion quickly shot back, and then cleared his throat. “Besides, shouldn’t you show a liiittle more respect to Princess Twilight?”

Overcast raised an eyebrow at him, and then turned back to the five other ponies. “Princess… Twilight?” His eyes grew wide, and he instantly saluted. “P-Princess Twilight! Private Overcast reporting!”

Twilight face-hoofed, and Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. You know, we all saved Equestria with her…

“Um… pleased to meet you.” Twilight greeted awkwardly.

“Ahem.” Bastion cleared his throat. “So you were saying about an early lunch?”

Overcast cautiously dropped his salute, and then turned to Bastion. “Oh, yeah. C’mon, let’s get going. I’m treating Flash Sentry as well.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. “You know Flash Sentry?” She inquired.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. Here we go…

“Um, yes. We were put in the same unit.” Bastion answered. “Do you know him?”

“Me? Yes. Uh… kind of. Not really, no.” Twilight stammered.

“Oh.” Overcast replied in a confused tone. “Then why…”

“Twilight has a crush on him!” Pinkie Pie chanted giddily.

“She does?” Overcast asked, and then Twilight’s face erupted.

“No I do not!” Twilight hastily shouted.

Overcast groaned and put a hoof over his face. “Maaaan. Flash always gets the good stuff.”

“Well, he does outrank you.” Bastion stated smugly.

“Don’t ignore me!” Twilight shouted at the two guards.

Overcast quickly spun around and stood at attention, but then he noticed Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash struggling not to laugh behind her. He gave them a confused stare, and then he smirked and turned away. “C’mon Bastion. Let’s go get lunch.”

“Huh?” Bastion responded. “Oh, um, sure.”

“Hey! Pay attention to me!” Twilight ordered the two guards, but they had already turned around.

“Don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word for you, Princess!” Overcast taunted, and then trotted away. Twilight hung her head in embarrassment, and then Bastion shook his head at Overcast, and began calmly walking away.

“Wait.” Fluttershy stopped him. He turned around and met her teal eyes. “Your name is Bastion, right?”

“Yes, it was. Er, is. Ma’am.” He fumbled with his words.

Fluttershy smiled warmly at him. “You’ve been very helpful to us, so thank you, Bastion.”

The royal guard’s face flushed at her praise. “No-no, I was just doing my job.” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie began giggling again. “Uh, haha, I don’t wanna keep Overcast waiting. It was my pleasure, all of you.”

As soon as he was done talking, the royal guard spun around and sprinted into the castle. Rainbow Dash looked over at the still blushing Twilight, and began laughing out loud. She was soon joined by Pinkie Pie, and the two mares laughed heartily together.

“I’m gonna have you all executed…” Twilight murmured, causing the mares to laugh even harder.

“Ahem.” Rarity cleared her throat. “Pardon me, everypony, but isn’t there something we should be doing right now?”

Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash pulled themselves to their hooves, and they regained their serious composures. “Right.” Rainbow Dash declared. “Let’s go find Applejack.”

*******

“Rainbow Dash! Rarity!” The group was ambushed as they entered the ballroom by the two fillies, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Hey, kid.” Rainbow Dash greeted Scootaloo. They don’t look any better than they did yesterday… She thought pitifully. Actually, Sweetie Belle looks worse.

“Where were you?” Sweetie Belle demanded from Rarity.

“We were all out in the courtyard, Sweetie.” Rarity answered calmly. “Waiting for Applejack.”

Suddenly, Spike appeared behind Twilight. “So is she here?”

“GAH!” Twilight screamed as she jumped in place. “Stars above, Spike! Where did you come from?!” She scolded her assistant.

“I’ve been looking for you with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.” He quickly explained. “But enough of that, is Applejack here?”

Twilight gave him an unsure look, and eventually nodded.  “Yeah, she arrived a little while ago.”

Spike breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew, that’s a relief. So, where is she?”

The five mares all grew guilty expressions, and avoided eye contact. “Yeah.” Sweetie Belle said accusingly. “Where is she?”

“You saw her, didn’t you?” Spike questioned a second time.

Twilight pawed at the ground, and didn’t meet Spike’s eyes. “Well… Yes, we did see her.”

“Well why didn’t you bring her with you?” Sweetie Belle accused.

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity interrupted, “Why don’t we-”

“Stop. Treating. Me. Like. A. Foal!” Sweetie Belle blew up at her sister, her voice cracking in the process. “Twilight! What are you hiding from me? Why didn’t you bring Applejack with you? Is she even here, or are you lying to me?” She fumed. “Isn’t she your friend?!”

Twilight flinched at the filly’s words, and then looked into her eyes. She took a deep breath, and calmly began, “Well… You see…”

At that moment, the ballroom went completely silent around them. Confused, Rainbow Dash and Twilight looked around themselves, and saw that all of the ponies around them were gaping in the direction of the ballroom stairs. Following their eyes, Rainbow Dash looked at the stairs, and at the mare who was now standing atop them. Applejack was standing proudly, and had obviously not washed herself off since she had last encountered the group.

Spike, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle had looked in her direction as well, and their mouths hung open at the sight of the bloody mare. Well, I guess there’s no better way to explain than this. Rainbow Dash thought.

“Ponies of Equestria!” Applejack spoke to her dumbfound audience. “Ponyville is once again safe to go home to. Ya’ll can go home as soon as ya want to. I’m not orderin’ ya to, but when ya feel homesick, ya can go on back. As for the rest o’ ya’ll, yer towns ‘ll be safe to return to soon.” After she finished speaking, Applejack ginned, and stated, “That’ll be all.” Then she turned, and walked back up the stairs to the castle’s hallways.

The ballroom exploded into questions and nervous chatter after she left the room.

“She said we could go home!”

“But what if it isn’t safe?”

“Did you see the blood on that mare?”

“Mommy, can we go home now?”

Spike looked back to Twilight. “Was Applejack covered in… blood?” Twilight didn’t answer, and just slowly nodded.

“So that’s why you ignored her…” Sweetie Belle murmured.

“We didn’t ignore her!” Pinkie Pie chimed in. “She just said hi to us and walked away!”

Twilight looked towards the stairs, and then towards her friends. “Well, she isn’t getting away this time. Come on, everypony.”

Before the group could start moving, Sweetie Belle clung to Rarity’s chest. “Rarity, I wanna go home.” She cried miserably.

“Me too…” Scootaloo whined.

Rainbow Dash sighed, and then pulled Scootaloo into an embrace. “C’mon kid. Let’s go find your folks.” She looked over at Twilight. “Guess I’ll catch up?”

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash, and then at Scootaloo, and then at Sweetie Belle. She sighed, and then declared, “No, no more splitting up. I’m not heartless, we’ll all just make a detour.”

The group began moving as one towards the other ponies in the castle. You better have a good alibi, Applejack… Rainbow Dash thought angrily.

********

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.”

Princess 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…”

*******

“You know where she is, Twilight?” Spike questioned. The group had long since found Scootaloo’s parents, and left the two fillies with them. Spike, however, had insisted on coming with the mares.

Twilight nodded at her assistant. “Before she left, Applejack said she was going to see Celestia. So she should be in the throne room, or at least nearby.” She explained.

The group was travelling down the castle’s hallways, nearing the hallway to the throne room. “I’m surprised you two know this castle so well.” Rarity complimented.

“Heh, well, we did grow up here.” Spike gloated.

“What was it like to live here?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Pretty much the same, I guess.” Spike answered apathetically. “Except Twilight was even bossier.” He added mischievously.

“Ha, that’s impossible!” Rainbow Dash butted in.

“Hey, I’m not bossy!” Twilight barked.

“Whatever you say, boss.” Spike added childishly.

Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. The group entered the hallway to the throne room, and scanned it for the orange mare. It seemed as if the corridor was empty, but then the doors to the throne room opened. Out of the doors came Applejack, who gingerly shut the door behind her.

“Applejack!” Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all called out at once. Applejack whirled around when she heard her name, and smiled when she saw the familiar faces. She began sauntering towards them, and greeted them:

“Howdy, everypony.”

The group immediately sprinted over to where their friend was standing, and surrounded her. “There you are! Found you!” Pinkie Pie chanted.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Jeez, she really is covered in blood.” Spike thought out loud.

“Applejack…” Rarity whispered, lost in thought.

Applejack chuckled. “Calm down, ya’ll.” She said dismissively. “I’m happy to see all o’ you too. But, I think I should go tidy up a bit-”

“No!” The group barked at her. Applejack flinched, and Twilight continued,

“Do you know how long we’ve been waiting to talk to you?” She ranted. “You’re not going to just walk out on us again!”

“And you better have a damn good explanation for us!” Rainbow Dash yelled, losing her patience.

Even under her friends’ angry stares, Applejack stood her ground. “I’m just bein’ courteous. I figure ya’ll don’t wanna see me like this.” She justified. “’Sides, I haven’t been sleepin’ very well lately. I think I might go take a nap on one o’ those newfangled-”

*SMACK*

An incredibly loud smack resounded throughout the hallway, and was followed by an awed silence. The group stood with their eyes wide open, except for Rarity, who was now lowering her front hoof back down to the floor. Applejack was flabbergasted, and her head was cocked slightly to the left, and was now displaying a large red mark on her left cheek.

“How dare you just run off like that?!” Rarity berated her. “What were you thinking?! You could’ve been killed!”

Rarity took a step towards Applejack, who instinctively took a step backwards. Applejack had a look of genuine fear on her face. “I-I, uh, I-” She stuttered.

Rarity was now standing right in front of Applejack, and was glaring into her emerald eyes. Then, the anger fled from Rarity’s sapphire eyes, and the anger was replaced with tears. “Do you have any idea how worried we all were about you?” Rarity chided her, no anger left in her voice. “How worried I was about you?”

Applejack’s face flashed from fear, to surprise, and then settled on an incredibly guilty frown. “…I…”

Rarity cut Applejack off once again by wrapping her forelegs around her, and hugging her tightly. “I thought you were dead…” Rarity blubbered. “Don’t ever do that again…” She buried her face on Applejack’s bloody shoulder, and began to cry.

Applejack was once again exasperated, but after a few seconds, she looked down at the white mare clinging to her. She closed her eyes, and returned the embrace. “I’m sorry if I made you worry ‘bout me, girls.” The stubborn mare finally apologized. Then, she looked at Twilight. “Alright, you win. Gather ‘round everypony. It’s story time.”

*******

“…And after I made that announcement, I went straight to Princess Celestia. Honest.” Applejack finished her tale.

Rainbow Dash whistled. “Whoa. Never knew you had it in ya.”

Applejack chuckled unenthusiastically. “To tell the truth, I didn’t either.”

“So you killed exactly thirty-four griffons? By yourself?” Twilight queried in disbelief. Applejack nodded once in response.

“And so that’s who’s… er, blood… you’re wearing?” Spike continued.

“…Yeah. It is.” Applejack replied wearily.

“So I guess you’ve practiced with swords and knives before, huh?” Rainbow Dash questioned sarcastically.

In response, Applejack sighed dejectedly. “I’ve never used a sword before. And I’ve never used a knife like that.” She looked down at her hooves, and continued in a distant voice, “I didn’t really think about what I was doin’. I just did whatever… worked.”

After her statement, the group went quiet. They all waited for somepony to break the silence, and eventually, Rarity did.

“...So, they all attacked as soon as they saw you?” She inquired from Applejack’s side, attempting to stir conversation again.

Applejack shook her head, and recalled, “No, they didn’t all attack me. One came at me when I walked onto the field. After he went down, about twenty or so flew down next. An’ after I killed those ones, I charged whoever was left.” Her friends all shivered at her serious composure. “Some of ‘em even had the nerve to fly away. I only managed to get one of ‘em, the rest got away.”

“You killed a fleeing soldier?!” Twilight shouted at her.

Applejack flipped her mane out of her eyes, and smiled evilly. “Yeah. I did.”

“Applejack!” Rarity cried in disbelief.

“Oh dear…” Fluttershy whimpered.

Applejack’s smile faded, and she replaced it with an icy glare. “I did the world a favor. Those griffons deserved to die. After what they did to my family…” She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t regret a single thing that I did.”

Silence overtook the group once more, and Applejack didn’t let up her cold gaze. After the mares stared at each other for a little while, Applejack shook her head, and smiled. “I wasn’t kiddin’ earlier though. I really could use a nap. And a bath.”

Pinkie Pie instantly cheered up. “Ponyville’s safe now, right? Why don’t we all head back home?”

“I second that!” Spike chimed in.

Applejack laughed nervously, and then answered, “Well, girls… I kinda look like a murderer right now. I’d prefer to clean up here instead.” She made a shooing motion with her front hoof. “But, ya’ll don’t need to wait up fer me.”

“Haha, you can’t ditch us that easily, Applejack!” Rainbow Dash said accusingly.

“I’m not tryin’ to.” Applejack calmly replied. “But all o’ ya’ll need to get back to Ponyville. Twi, you’re the Princess, so it’s a darn good idea fer ya to lead the first trip. Rarity, you need to bring yer sister home. Fluttershy has all o’ her animals, and I’m sure Gummy misses ya right now, Pinkie.”

“Oh no! I almost forgot!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Wait, what about me?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“I’m sure Scootaloo wants ya to come home with ‘er.” Applejack answered matter-of-factly. “So ya’ll can head home, and I’ll go get some much-needed shut-eye.”

“I don’t like this…” Twilight muttered.

“Come on Twi, I’m the Element o’ Honesty. Can’t ya trust me?” Applejack cheekily asked.

Rainbow Dash glided over to Applejack, and looked into her eyes. “So you swear you’ll come back to Ponyville?”

Applejack smiled. “I’ll be there.”

Rainbow Dash backed off, and then nodded. “All right then.”

“We’re trusting you, darling.” Rarity added.

“Ya don’t hafta worry so much about me, sugar-cube.”

“Group hug!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, and then tackled Applejack and Rarity. Applejack laughed heartily, and returned her embrace, which the rest of the group soon did as well.

After hugging for a few seconds, the ponies released each other, and exited the throne room hallway. They walked side-by-side to the courtyard, where Applejack split from the group to pursue her rest. Twilight and her remaining five friends gathered Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and anypony else who wished to return to their hometown. Finally, they gathered on the multi-colored train, and sped back to their home, Ponyville.

*******

Rainbow Dash was stirred by a sunbeam shining itself over her eyes. She pried open her crusty eyes, and lifted herself into a sitting position. Mornin’ already? She thought sleepily. She jumped out of her cloud-bed, and stretched herself out. “Sheesh, that might’ve been a new record for how long I’ve slept.” She commented to herself.

“All right, time to drop by Sweet Apple Acres.” She decided out loud. “Maybe I’ll help Applejack clean up the bodies.” She snickered. “Maybe.” She spread her wings, and flew out of her bedroom into the guest room, where her pet tortoise lived.

“I’m goin’ to my friend’s place. You gonna be all right without me?” Rainbow Dash asked her pet. After his inevitable silence, she smiled, and carried on, “What am I worried about? You can handle yourself, Tank.”

After she was done speaking to her tortoise, Rainbow Dash opened the nearest window, and soared into the open air over Ponyville. “Looks a little cloudy today.” She thought out loud. “Weather team was probably slacking off. I’ll fix that in a lil’ bit.”

Rainbow Dash did a loop-de-loop in midair, and then barreled toward Sweet Apple Acres. She corkscrewed, zigzagged, and put as much style into her flight as she could, even though nopony was watching her. Even with the added flair, she arrived in mere seconds. She hovered a few yards above the ground, and looked around her at the barren landscape.

Ugh, it smells like total death here. She cringed at the smell. And it’s really quiet… She sighed pitifully. So they really are dead, huh… She hung her head. “No, no tears, Dash. Your friends need you to be strong.” She took a deep breath, and began flying over the fields, looking for any familiar faces.

She hadn’t gone far when she spotted Big Macintosh, who was hard at work gathering the griffons’ corpses into a pile. Rainbow Dash calmed herself, and then rocketed down in front of him. “Hey, Big Macintosh!” She greeted him. He looked back at her, and simply nodded. “Uhm, so…” Rainbow Dash awkwardly responded. “You, uh, gathering bodies?”

“Eeyup.” He slowly replied.

“You need some help?” She offered sweetly.

“Nope.” He answered in his monotone.

“Oh! Well in that case…” She took the opportunity to ask, “Could ya tell me where Applejack’s at?”

Big Macintosh threw another body onto pile, and turned to her. “AJ’s not here.” He flatly stated.

Rainbow Dash’s forced grin changed into an annoyed glower. “Why not? Where is she?”

“Yer pink friend was here earlier. Didn’t she tell you?” He inquired.

“Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash pondered. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her for a while…” She gave her full attention to the red stallion in front of her. “Tell me what?”

Big Macintosh grabbed another body, and hurled it onto the pile. “AJ never left Canterlot.” He simply replied.

Rainbow Dash pounded her hooves on the ground angrily. “That idiot!” She raged. “What, did she oversleep or something?”

Big Macintosh turned to Rainbow Dash, and looked gravely at her. “Applejack’s joinin’ the army.”

Pathways

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.

Reality

The sun was once again sharing its warmth with the ponies of Equestria on the bright spring day. The Golden Oaks Library was standing proudly, one of its three occupants currently up and about. At that moment, somepony was slinging on her saddle-bags, quietly opening the front door, and attempting to sneak away from the building.

“You’re leaving already, Twilight?” A voice called out to her before she escaped. Twilight stopped in her tracks, and turned to face her purple assistant.

“Yeah.” She responded sadly. “I can’t wait here forever, Spike.”

Spike sighed, and followed Twilight out the door. “I don’t see why you need to go all alone.” He complained.

Twilight sighed as well, and then walked over to Spike and patted his head. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but I don’t think you would be much help, Spike.” Spike hung his head, but Twilight lifted it back up, and gave him a soft smile. “Stay with Rarity and Fluttershy, all right? They need you more than I do right now.”

Spike looked into her purple eyes for a few seconds, and then brushed her hoof away. “Ok.” He agreed, and then looked to his side nervously. “Just come back soon, all right?” He whispered.

Twilight looked at him endearingly, and then wrapped her forelegs around him. “I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.” She assured.

Spike remained in her embrace for a short while, and then shoved her away. He turned away from her, and then walked back into the library. Twilight watched as he disappeared into the library, and then tore her eyes away. She readjusted her saddle-bag, and began her trek through Ponyville.

Ponyville had been repopulated since Twilight had left the castle, and the streets were once again bustling with activity. Foals were once again frolicking with their friends, but now, their parents were keeping a watchful eye on them. The marketplace was filled with the shouts of merchants and their customers, and the streets were littered with colorful ponies getting back into their daily routines. But as normal as the town appeared, a thick air of anxiety hung over the entire town like a sheet. Twilight strutted straight through the anxious streets, and paid little attention to the on-edge townsfolk as she headed straight for her destination.

As she quickened her pace, Twilight’s saddle-bag rammed into her torso, knocking her off-balance. She steadied herself, lit up her purple horn, and opened her left saddle-bag. She lifted a peculiar object out of the bag, a thick pole with an oversized button on its side. Twilight squeezed the button with her magic, and the pole extended to about four times its size. Oh yeah, I forgot I had this with me. Twilight reflected. She pushed it back to its normal size, and put it back into her saddle-bag. With all that’s happened, that’s not surprising. I’ll put it back soon. Once I’m done today…

“Twilight, dear, is that you?” A voice called out to Twilight. She turned to the voice, and mentally slapped herself for not realizing where she was standing, directly in front of Carousel Boutique.

“Yes. It’s me, Rarity.” Twilight answered her friend. Rarity stepped outside of the Boutique, shut its door behind her, and slowly padded over to Twilight.

“Where are you going, dressed like that?” Rarity asked after taking in Twilight’s attire. Twilight refused to acknowledge the question, Rarity, however, appeared to make the connection herself. Her eyes narrowed, and she hung her head sorrowfully. “You’re going to Canterlot, aren’t you?”

Twilight narrowed her own eyes, and nodded. “I’ve already waited long enough.”

Rarity miserably shut her eyes. “That’s where Applejack and the others are, correct?”

Twilight nodded again, and turned away from the white mare. “I need to get going, Rarity.”

“Wait!” Rarity stopped her. Twilight looked back to her, and an overwhelming feeling of pity washed over her. Rarity was looking right into her eyes, her face paler than normal, and her legs beginning to tremble. “Twilight… Fluttershy and I have talked about this…” Rarity dropped her gaze back to the ground. “…Our friends shouldn’t be there. They shouldn’t be fighting. They shouldn’t be going to war…” Tears began to patter against the soil, rolling quietly down Rarity’s cheeks. “Please, just bring them back, Twilight… I don’t want them to… Just please bring them back… Please…” She begged pathetically.

Twilight looked at her crying friend with sympathetic eyes, and then hugged her tightly. “I promise I will. I won’t come home until every last one of them is with me.” She promised wholeheartedly.

Rarity didn’t return the embrace, and continued to stare bitterly at the dirt. She refused to meet Twilight’s eyes, and gently broke her embrace. “Off you go, then.” She somberly dismissed her friend. Rarity then turned away, and returned to her home, slowly shutting the door behind her.

Twilight felt a lump in her throat as her friend walked away from her. Why do I feel like crying? She scolded herself. She’s counting on me. Twilight pried her eyes away from Carousel Boutique, and began trotting towards Canterlot. I’m going to bring them back. She steeled herself. I just hope I’m not already too late. She despaired. After that thought flooded over her, Twilight broke into a run through the streets of Ponyville.

*******

Rainbow Dash awoke to the sound of clanging armor outside of her bedroom door. She immediately shot upright, and threw her blankets off. “Finally!” She shouted. She jumped out of the castle’s purple guest bed, and slipped into her golden greaves at its foot. She had been exhausted the previous night, so she had fallen asleep wearing her armored chest plate. After her greaves were securely in place, she flew to the wall where she had rested her helmet. She slammed it onto her head, grabbed her weapons from beside the door, and strapped them to her torso, slightly under her wings. When she was fully armored, she threw open the bedroom door, and excitedly leapt out of it.

Waiting for her in the hallway were Applejack and Pinkie Pie, both of them wearing matching gold armor, but neither of them wearing helmets like Rainbow Dash. Applejack was wearing her Stetson, pink bow still tightly coiled around it, while Pinkie Pie was wearing nothing at all. “We’re bein’ deployed, Rainbow.” Applejack told her bluntly.

Rainbow Dash smirked at her two friends, and glided over to them. “I know that. If you’re scared, you can always go home, Applejack.” She taunted.

Applejack glared at her humorlessly. “It’s not too late for ya’ll either. You two can still quit.” Applejack reminded them in a cautionary tone.

“Nope!” Pinkie Pie boisterously answered.

Rainbow Dash grinned smugly. “You kiddin’? After I got such awesome weapons?” As if on cue, Rainbow Dash descended to the ground, reached to her side, and drew one of her freshly-crafted swords. She extended the gleaming white blade in front of her, making sure that her friends got a good look at the rainbow lightning insignia on the side of the blade.

“Oooo.” Pinkie Pie gawked at the sword.

“He might not be a good guy, but that blacksmith sure does his job. It feels like I’m holding nothing at all!” Rainbow Dash complimented.

Applejack gazed at the short, lightweight sword in front of her, and its counterpart at Rainbow Dash’s side. She took in the design of the blade, and then smirked at her. “Sleeves, huh? I guess ya can’t hold ‘em very well.” She teased Rainbow Dash.

“Hey shut up!” Rainbow Dash shot back at her, and swung her blade through the air. “I can too hold them! The sleeves are just here so that they don’t fly away when I break the sound barrier with ‘em!”

Applejack raised an eyebrow sarcastically, and then snapped back to reality. “Fer yer sake, I hope yer serious. I already checked the deployment list; me an’ Pinkie are headin’ to Appleloosa, an’ yer headin’ to Cloudsdale.”

A look of fear briefly crossed Rainbow Dash’s face, but she quickly shook it off. “I’m goin’ alone, eh? Well now I don’t hafta look after you two, then.” She stated cockily, and then sheathed her sword.

“See ya in a few hours then, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie chirped, and then began bouncing down the hallway towards the castle’s ballroom. Rainbow Dash spread her wings to follow her, but Applejack stopped her.

“Rainbow, Pinkie’s in my unit, so I can keep an eye on ‘er…” Applejack whispered, locking eyes with Rainbow Dash. “I don’t know what yer tryin’ to prove here, but I can’t stop ya. Since I can’t watch out for ya, I can only tell ya…”

Fear and anxiety shone in Applejack’s eyes. “Don’t die, Rainbow Dash.”

Uncertainty returned to Rainbow Dash’s face when Applejack spoke those four words. Despite her fear, she forced herself to shake her head, and shot Applejack a look of false confidence. “Do you even know who you’re talkin’ to, AJ? I’m gonna come back without a scratch on me!” She boasted.

Applejack lowered her head, disbelief overcoming her, and she walked past Rainbow Dash. “Come on. They’re all in the ballroom.”

Rainbow Dash nodded, and then began walking beside her friend. The two walked to the ballroom in silence; they had nothing more to say to each other. When they walked down the carpeted stairs into the ballroom, they found multiple divisions of guards, each one being deployed to a different town. The experienced guards held their stone-faced expressions, not allowing their fear to show, but the newer guards were looking around themselves nervously. Pinkie Pie was standing in the division heading to Appleloosa, and unprofessionally waved to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The two mares joined their respective ranks, and stood quietly as the remaining royal guards streamed into the room.

After patiently waiting for a few minutes, the room went utterly silent. Rainbow Dash peered past the guards in front of her, and saw what had cast a spell of silence over the guards. Standing atop the red stairs at the front of the ballroom was Princess Luna, who was donning pitch black battle armor, which stood out amongst the golden armor of the royal guards. She wore a cold look of confidence, and after scanning the room with her eyes, addressed the crowd of armored ponies.

“ROYAL GUARD!” She began at the very top of her voice, emphasizing every sentence. “TODAY, WE STAND AT THE BRINK OF THE FIRST WAR IN OVER 200 YEARS! MY SISTER AND I HAD HOPED THAT WE WOULD NEVER SEE ANOTHER, BUT OUR ENEMIES HAVE MADE THEIR INTENTIONS VERY CLEAR!”

Luna paused for a brief moment, and took a good look at the battalions in front of her. “I KNOW THAT THIS IS A FRIGHTENING CONCEPT FOR ALL OF YOU, BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED FOR! YOU ARE THE ONES WHO MUST PROTECT YOUR HOME, YOUR FRIENDS, AND YOUR FAMILIES!” Luna dramatically held her front right hoof in front of her. “THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO FIGHT FOR OUR PEACE! GO! RECLAIM OUR TOWNS, AND END THIS WAR BEFORE IT BEGINS! FIGHT! FIGHT FOR THE PEACE THAT WE KNEW NOT ONE WEEK AGO! OUR FATE LIES WITH YOU, SO GO! SHOW OUR ENEMIES HOW MUCH OF A MISTAKE IT WAS TO ATTACK US!”

As Luna’s rallying call came to a close, the guards erupted into confident cheers. Rainbow Dash’s confidence came back in full force after she heard the Princess speak. She followed the battalion of pegasi assigned to Cloudsdale, who flew out of the ballroom, over the courtyard, and into the clear blue sky. They didn’t fly for very long, as they regrouped on a nearby bed of clouds. The pegasi guards all landed on a large bed of clouds hanging above the regal city of Canterlot. Rainbow Dash looked around herself, and was shocked to see how few guards were around her. There’s only about 100 of them… She thought, her anxiety returning. It looked like there were so much more of them in the ballroom…

“Fellow pegasi.” One guard calmly addressed the others. Rainbow Dash faced him, and assumed that he was a captain based on his purple-and-gold armor. “Cloudsdale was the home of most of us, if not all of us. It’s being held right now by Changelings. It’s time we took it back.” He spoke with little emotion, and then pointed his deep gray hoof towards the group of guards to his left. “I shall lead these troops into the city with me. Wait ten minutes, and then advance yourselves. You should be able to flank our enemies that way. Am I understood?”

“Yessir!” The guards replied as one.

“Um, Captain?” One stallion fearfully asked.

The captain turned his black eyes to the stallion. “Yes?” He asked emotionlessly.

The lone guard swallowed nervously, and then questioned, “The Princesses are just being overdramatic, right? The changelings wouldn’t actually kill us, hahaha… right?”

The captain stared at the stallion, not changing his cold expression. “This is what you signed on for.” He answered. The lone guard’s eyes widened, and the captain turned away from him. “Best of luck to all of you, then.” He finished, and then took off towards Cloudsdale, half of the pegasi guards following close behind him.

The guards who remained behind stood still, just waiting for the eerily long ten minutes to pass. Ugh, I hate waiting. Rainbow Dash complained to herself, as she sat down on the plush cloud underneath her. None of the other guards stopped her, and they all remained rooted in place.

A tense silence clouded the air for the next ten minutes. As Rainbow Dash stared at the fluffy white ground, her mind began wandering, eventually repeating Applejack’s words against her will. ‘Don’t die, Rainbow Dash.’ ‘Don’t die Rainbow Dash.’ Rainbow Dash wrapped her forelegs around herself comfortingly. She seemed so… scared… She thought nervously. Am I… gonna die? She began to feel her body tremble. I can’t die…

After counting out another minute in her head, Rainbow Dash took a look around herself, and noticed a few of the guards were watching her. They were looking at her with pitying eyes, and some of them looked terrified themselves. No… Stop being scared. She yelled at herself, as she returned her hooves to the ground in front of her. You’re Rainbow Dash! Element of Loyalty, top athlete, soon-to-be Wonderbolt! Whoever’s in Cloudsdale should be trembling in fear of you!

Rainbow Dash sprang to her hooves after her inner pep-talk, confidence once again radiating from her. She shot a cocky grin to the guards who were watching her, and they turned away, among them the guard who had questioned the captain earlier. The next few minutes seem to pass by much quicker, and before she knew it, one of the guards announced, “It’s been ten minutes. Let’s move up.”

The guards all spread their wings once more, and took flight off of the cloud bed. They sped towards Cloudsdale, and within minutes, were touching down on the clouds of the airborne city. Look out Cloudsdale, Dash is back! Rainbow Dash thought confidently. As soon as she landed, she began scanning her hometown for signs of the battle. Without warning, a loud, insect-like hiss was heard from a little way’s away. Without giving it a second thought, Rainbow Dash shot towards the source of the sound.

“Wait, Cadet!” A guard called after her, but she was already gone. Rainbow Dash was flying as quickly as she could, and she found the skirmish easily. She charged closer, and closer, and closer, until her eyes suddenly locked onto the ground below her. The sight made her stop dead, and caused her eyes to dilate in horror.

Scattered on the ground below were multiple crumpled, battered, and decimated changeling carcasses. Their green, insect-like blood flowed from their shattered exoskeletons, and some of them were unrecognizable. Even worse, however, were the other corpses. Scattered amongst the carcasses were corpses. Pony corpses. One guard was coated in scratches and bite marks, crimson fluid trickling out of each of them, while another had only one injury on his chest, and blood was pouring out of it onto the formerly white clouds. The most revolting one was a stallion whose neck had been brutally torn open, and now bled out into the clouds.

The sight was too much for Rainbow Dash to take in; she could barely even move. T-t-t-those guards… They’re… They’re… dead… As a form of automatic self-defense, Rainbow Dash’s mind began shutting down, refusing to accept the reality of the scene before her. Thoughts upon thoughts crammed themselves into her mind as she hovered in place in the air. They’re dead…? No… I knew that ponies could die here… Why am I surprised…? Move… What’s going on…? I wasn’t ready for this… I think I’m gonna hurl… Run away…

While Rainbow Dash was frozen in place, a changeling began advancing on her, unnoticed by the sky-blue mare. The changeling leapt at her with its mouth wide open, and its shark-like teeth reaching right for her. Rainbow Dash finally saw it when it was about two wingspans away from her. She didn’t have any time to react, for it was already upon her.

But just as the changeling was about to bite into her, it was smashed to the ground by a royal guard’s mace. Rainbow Dash’s heart started beating again, and her savior gave her a furious glare. “What are you waiting for?” He snarled at her. “Draw your swords! I won’t be here to save you next time!” With that, the guard picked out his next target, and charged at it.

Rainbow Dash hovered in place, her forelegs now trembling in fear. Draw your swords. Her rational mind instructed her nervous self. She drew the blades with shaky hooves, and meticulously strapped them into place. Even after the swords were thoroughly strapped in place, her body continued to shake.

If you don’t fight, you’re going to die. Her inner voice reminded herself. At that moment, a changeling left the main battle, and picked Rainbow Dash as its target. As she watched it approach, her forelegs stopped trembling, and only one thought echoed throughout her mind. If you want to stay alive, kill them. With that one thought in her mind, Rainbow Dash allowed her body to enter auto-pilot. She charged the approaching changeling with her swords extended in front of her, waiting to rip it to shreds.

*******

Twilight arrived at Canterlot castle while the sun was nearing the eastern edge of the sky. She stood on the lush grass of the courtyard, her wings aching from her flight over Canterlot. She had been forced to resort to flight since the trains had been shut down that day. Twilight looked up at the castle towering above her, and realized how much further she’d need to walk in order to reach the throne room. Instead of walking, Twilight inhaled the cool winter air around her, shut her eyes, and lit up her horn. She mentally set her destination as wherever Celestia’s magic was, and vanished.

As the purple light dissipated, Twilight looked around herself, and recognized the throne room. But instead of Celestia, Princess Luna was sitting atop the gilded throne, and Celestia was nowhere in sight. Twilight also noticed that she was standing in front of a large purple door, and she was to the far right of the throne.

“My sister is resting right now, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Luna spoke formally. Twilight turned to face the dark blue alicorn, and bowed respectfully. “You are a Princess as well, Twilight. Please don’t bow to me.” Twilight rose back to her hooves, and Luna smiled happily at her. “I’m pleased to see you again.”

Twilight returned the expression, and began approaching the throne. “I’m glad to see you, too.”

Luna left her throne, and met Twilight at the foot of it. “What brings you here, Twilight Sparkle? Do you need us for something?” She feigned ignorance.

As Twilight recalled her purpose, her smile morphed into an angry scowl. “I’m here because your sister shoved me away last time.” She growled. Luna’s smile faded as well, and she watched Twilight with an emotionless expression. “So you’re going to tell me everything that I want… no, what I deserve to know.” She demanded. “Tell me: what exactly is happening? Why are so few guards at the castle? Where are Cadence and Shining Armor? …Why is Celestia hiding things from me?”

Luna rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder to calm her, and then she began. “If these are your questions, I won’t hesitate to answer them. You deserve an answer.” She took a breath, lowered her hoof, and looked straight into Twilight’s expectant eyes to ensure her sincerity. “In the order you asked, what’s happening is that we are being invaded from three sides by changelings, diamond dogs, and griffons. Those three forces seized every single one of our towns, with the exceptions of Canterlot, Ponyville, and Manehatten. Saddle Arabia wasn’t seized, however.” Luna’s blue eyes narrowed. “It was destroyed. Most of its citizens were killed.”

Twilight cringed at the new of Saddle Arabia’s fate, but continued to take mental notes. Luna, unfazed by her news, carried on. “There are so few guards here because they have been deployed. They were divided into thirteen units, and were sent to each captured town to reclaim it.”

Twilight simply nodded at her words, which, for some reason, greatly surprised Luna. But she continued, “I myself am not completely aware of your brother and step-sister’s location, but I assume that they are in the Crystal Empire, rallying their own forces.” Luna softened her expression. “And my sister has kept this from you because she doesn’t wish for you to concern yourself with this. War is an ugly matter, and she doesn’t wish for you to become involved. It isn’t a matter that can be solved with friendship or harmony.”

Twilight took no comfort in the Night Princess’ words. So she doesn’t want me getting in her way… She thought dejectedly.

“Are you displeased with my answers, Twilight Sparkle?” Luna questioned, taking note of her somber demeanor.

Twilight shook her head. “No, you answered all of my questions. May you please just tell me where my friends are?”

A look of apprehension flashed across Luna’s face. “…I already told you.”

Twilight tilted her head, confused. “What do you mean?” She questioned.

Luna was silent, and turned her head away from Twilight’s curious eyes. “Twilight, all of the guards were deployed today, recruits or otherwise. And unfortunately… that includes your friends.”

The news hit Twilight like a speeding train. Her curiosity and confusion shattered like glass, and misery gripped her like a serpent. Her eyes dropped to the floor, and her legs felt like they were made of jelly. “So I was too late…” She muttered.

Luna turned her head back to Twilight empathetically, but didn’t move from where she stood. “As much as I wish I could, I cannot console you, Twilight Sparkle. All I can do is inform you that one of the units is returning shortly, and one of your friends was in it.”

Twilight didn’t acknowledge the Princess’ words, and began padding beside the golden throne. “Then I’ll sit, and wait for her.” She declared, and sat down. “It’s all I can do right now…”

Luna gave her a sympathetic look, and took a seat back on her throne. “I would send for a chair for you, but we are lacking in guards to relay the message.” She told Twilight, who didn’t acknowledge her. “Would you prefer to sit beside me?” She asked timidly. Twilight once again didn’t speak, but this time, she stood up, and walked around the throne, taking a seat beside the deep blue alicorn. Luna began reaching out to comfort her, but then decided against it, and retracted her foreleg awkwardly. The two Princesses sat staring at the throne room doors, waiting for them to swing open with the news they were dying to hear.

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie are all fighting right now… Twilight began thinking. Are they capable of it? Her heartbeat began rapidly increasing. Three of my closest friends could be dead right at this very moment, and all I can do is sit here and do nothing until eventually something decides to happen. Twilight shut her eyes bitterly, and her breathing became erratic. I’m sorry, Rarity, I’m sorry, Fluttershy… I might not be able to keep that promise I made…

“Twilight Sparkle.” Luna firmly broke the silence. Twilight turned to face her, her breathing growing heavier. “Calm yourself. I know what troubles you. Your friends shall return. My sister wouldn’t have allowed them to go if she didn’t trust them with all her heart. If my sister trusts in them enough to allow them to fight a war, then you must trust in them as well.”

Twilight gripped the sides of her head, panic surging through her veins. “But what if… Maybe they… They could be…” She stammered.

“She speaks the truth, my faithful student.”

Twilight and Luna turned to their right, and noticed a tall, pearly-white alicorn approaching them, a purple door magically closing behind her. “Sister, you should be resting.” Luna chastised the third Princess.

“I cannot bring myself to sleep at a time like this.” Celestia answered defiantly, and turned her attention to the panicking purple mare beside her sister. “Twilight, do not fear. Every last one of your friends is going to return today.”

Twilight glared fearfully at Celestia. “How can you be so sure of that?! They’re untrained mares! Like me! Like Rarity!” She shouted, terrified.

Celestia walked onto the golden throne, and lowered her head to Twilight’s eye level. “I know that they will return, because I know all of you, Twilight. Your friends are stubborn, I don’t think they could get hurt if they tried.”

“You all have bested opponents that even we could not.” Luna added on.

“But you told me that this was different!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Twilight.” Celestia silenced her. “After all this time, do you still not trust in your friends?”

Twilight was taken aback by the question. “Of course I trust them, but-”

“Then prove that you trust in them. Wait here for them with us.” Celestia finished confidently.

“When they return alive, you may attempt to convince them to return home with you. We shall be more than happy to relieve them of duty.” Luna said with a smile.

After receiving assurance from both sisters, Twilight’s breathing began steadying. What is wrong with me? She berated herself. “Yes… Thank you. I’m sorry that I almost lost my head, Celestia.”

Celestia and Luna wore a look of slight confusion, and then Twilight realized her word choice, and covered her mouth. “I-I mean Princess! I’m sorry Princess Celestia!”

Celestia began chuckling giddily, and Luna rolled her eyes. “You are a Princess as well…” She stated matter-of-factly.

“I-I’m sorry! I meant no disrespect!” Twilight blabbered on.

Luna face-hoofed, and Celestia continued to laugh at her student’s dismay. But, all of a sudden, Celestia’s laughter ceased, and her ears perked up. The sound of hoofsteps and clanging metal were resounding just outside the throne room doors. Celestia silently sat down in her throne, and Luna took a seat beside her. Twilight quickly jumped out of the throne, and sat down beside it as gracefully as possible. After a few moments, the doors creaked open, and three pegasi guards entered the throne room. They bowed to the Princesses, and then one of them stepped forward, his satisfaction showing through his toothy grin.

“Captain Longsword reporting from Cloudsdale, Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight.” The Captain said eagerly.

“How did the operation fare, Captain?” Celestia inquired.

Longsword chuckled quietly. “It was an absolute success, Your Majesties. The changelings have fled from Cloudsdale, every last one of them.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. They… did it?

“Well done.” Luna praised him. “Now, how much damage was caused?”

Longsword chuckled again. “No structures in Cloudsdale were harmed. Thirty-five changelings were killed, and the rest fled. Unfortunately, we have twenty-two with minor injuries, and five casualties.”

Twilight flinched, and covered her mouth with her hooves. Five ponies died? Oh sweet stars… How can he say something like that so happily?

“That’s excellent, Captain.” Celestia congratulated him. Twilight looked at her in shock, but Celestia took no notice. “Thank you for the good news. You are dismissed. Take a rest, Captain.”

“With pleasure, Your Majesties.” The captain bowed once more, and then exited the throne room.

After he left, Twilight glared furiously at Celestia. “‘Excellent?!’ How was that ‘excellent?!’ Five ponies just lost their lives!” She yelled angrily.

Celestia turned to her, clearly surprised. “Yes, only five casualties is a good thing. Considering how many were deployed-”

“But five guards still died!” Twilight shouted in defiance.

Luna slowly walked off of the throne, and approached Twilight. “Twilight, they could have all lost their lives. They could have failed, they could have demolished Cloudsdale.” Luna narrowed her blue eyes. “But they didn’t. Isn’t all that enough of a reason to celebrate?”

Twilight was furious, and stared angrily back at the Night Princess. “But what if one of those five was somepony I knew? Somepony you knew?” She asked bitterly.

“All of the guards who were sent to Cloudsdale should be back in the castle. Why don’t you go check if your friend is back?” Celestia dismissed her in an infuriatingly calm voice.

Twilight didn’t hesitate, and she sprinted out of the throne room. Panic and anger were overwhelming her, and she began desperately searching the castle for any sign of her friends. She passed dozens of guards, constantly accelerating the more she passed by. The guards’ barracks yielded no results, and she was bombarded with questions around every corner. Her search eventually led her to the castle’s guest rooms, which were primarily filled with refugees from Appleloosa and Cloudsdale. Down the hall, one pony was entering an open room, and Twilight only caught a glimpse of the pony before it disappeared from her sight. Was that her? Twilight thought frantically, as she sprinted towards the closing door. She screeched to a halt in front of it, and her breathing began to steady as she looked inside.

“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight weakly addressed her friend.

Rainbow Dash had just removed all of her armor and weapons, and placed it all behind the door. She was holding her right hoof in front of her face, and was absentmindedly staring at it. There were specks of dried, green fluid along her forelegs, and had a bandage around her left hind leg. Upon hearing her name, Rainbow Dash’s eyes flicked to the side, although she didn’t turn her head around. “Twilight…” She murmured. “Could we do this later? I… need a while.”

Twilight wore an emotionless stare, and she walked into the guest room, shutting the door behind her. “Well?” Twilight asked, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s request. Rainbow Dash sighed, and took a seat on the large bed, gazing at her hooves. Twilight noticed that her eyes were sunken in and spacey, but her sympathy was overrun by cold anger. “Do you feel like a hero? Did you prove yourself?” She asked scornfully. Rainbow Dash continued staring at her hooves. “You saw them, didn’t you?” Twilight continued chastising. “Bodies. I can tell you saw them. The lifeless bodies of ponies.” Rainbow Dash clenched her teeth together, and began trembling. “Was it glorious, Rainbow Dash? Was it?”

Twilight stopped talking, waiting for her words to sink in, and Rainbow Dash kept shaking. As Twilight waited for her answer, her anger began to fade away, and she began feeling great pity for the pegasus in front of her. Twilight spoke again, putting on a much kinder tone. “It was awful, wasn’t it? You weren’t ready. As brave as you act around everypony, it horrified you to see actual corpses.”

Rainbow Dash stopped shaking, and lifted her head up slightly. Twilight began to feel guilty for chewing her out, and then crawled onto the bed in front of her. She looked down at Rainbow Dash’s speckled hooves, and then looked into her sunken, emotionless eyes. “…You… you took lives today, didn’t you?” Twilight asked, her voice no higher than a whisper. Rainbow Dash appeared to ignore her question. “You killed someone, didn’t you Rainbow Dash?” She repeated.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes flew wide open, and she held her hooves out in front of them. Her breathing became heavy and erratic as her memories flooded back through her mind. “The… Changelings… Their… Bodies…” She panted, her voice wracked with trauma. “They didn’t have a chance… They just… cracked open…” She buried her eyes in her hooves. “Green blood… everywhere…”

Rainbow Dash started panting erratically, and she looked ready to vomit. Twilight pulled her closer, and hugged her tightly. She stroked her back comfortingly, and whispered, “It’s ok. It’s over, you’re safe.” Rainbow Dash rested her head on Twilight’s shoulder, and closed her eyes, allowing herself to calm down. As her friend gently caressed her, her breathing started to slow down, and she let her fear and trauma flow out of her.

Twilight began to calm down herself as she held Rainbow Dash. Hugging the pony she thought was dead put a small, loving smile on her face. “You’ve already proven that you’re brave, Rainbow Dash.” She whispered into her friend’s ear. “When we get home, you can vent to me all you want, all right?”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up, and she removed her head from Twilight’s shoulder. “What did you say?” She breathed absentmindedly.

“I said I’m taking you home, and then we can talk more there.” Twilight replied without hesitation.

“Take me… home?” A fire exploded in Rainbow Dash’s ruby eyes, and she shoved Twilight away. “No.”

Twilight’s happiness vanished without a trace, and she stood up on all fours. “Why not?!” She shouted angrily. “War is horrible, right?! Why would you want to stay here?! You’re not proving anything!”

“Shut up!” Rainbow Dash silenced her, and then jumped to her own hooves. “If that’s why you’re here, you should just head home!”

“WHY?!” Twilight screamed, her eyes starting to water.

Rainbow Dash turned her back on her friend, facing the wall. After a long period of silence, she looked over her shoulder and spoke. “I’m loyal to more than just you, Twilight.” Twilight’s teary eyes widened. “I’m loyal to Equestria, and to the Princesses too. I couldn’t go home knowing that there are ponies risking their lives for us.” She continued, and then looked to the floor. “Especially not after what I saw…”

“So you feel obliged to? That’s ridiculous!” Twilight chided her. “The only reason you’re even a guard is because you begged Celestia to enlist you! Even then, look in the mirror! You can’t stand killing! You’re not suited for this!”

Rainbow Dash gave out a hollow chuckle, and turned away again. “As soon as all our towns are reclaimed, I have to go through guard training. I’ll have plenty of time to cope then. I’ll be ready for next time.”

Twilight slammed her hooves on the white bed, and her eyes began flooding with tears of rage. “YOU’RE. NOT. PROVING. ANYTHING!” She screamed violently. “You’re not invincible! You’re not a warrior! You’re our friend! You’ll die out there!”

Rainbow Dash turned back around, and, much to Twilight’s surprise, she smiled. “Could you tell Fluttershy not to worry about me? Tell her I’ll be gone for a while.”

“Rainbow Dash!”

“Could you get out now? I need to sleep.” Rainbow Dash ignored her.

Twilight gnashed her teeth together, and lowered her head in defeat. “Please… Rainbow Dash…” She begged.

Rainbow Dash turned around, and put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight’s teary purple eyes looked back up into Rainbow Dash’s. “Sorry Twilight, but I’m not leaving.”

Completely shot down, Twilight brushed the hoof off of her shoulder. She jumped off of the bed, and stormed out of the guest room without a word. She began to drag herself towards the throne room, for she didn’t know where else to go. Her anger melted into dismay, and bitter tears welled in her eyes as she walked. I couldn’t convince her… She thought bitterly. “AAGH!” Twilight cried out in rage, and she punched the wall nearest to her. “Why is she so duty-bound?! She’s Rainbow Dash! Since when has she cared about…?” Twilight stopped midsentence. “Oh… Loyalty.”

Twilight hung her head. “What am I supposed to do?” She despaired. “She won’t listen to me, and Celestia won’t do anything. And on top of her is Applejack, who I know won’t listen to me…” Twilight snapped her head upright, a sudden thought occurring to her. “Pinkie Pie!” She exclaimed to herself. “She can’t possibly want to stay and fight! She’ll help me drag Rainbow Dash and Applejack back to Ponyville!” Twilight picked up her pace towards the throne room, hope reignited in her. “I have to find out where they were deployed to, and then make sure to find them when they get back.”

If they’re still alive… Twilight’s inner doubt whispered to her. Twilight’s hope dwindled briefly. Why did this have to happen? She forced herself to stop thinking, and continued trotting towards the throne room.

*******

Night had descended upon Ponyville, and the townsponies were locking their homes, worried over the possibility of another invasion. The Golden Oaks Library had been closed all day, and nopony had bothered to see why. Inside the library, Spike was lying on Twilight’s bed, his head resting on his scaly arms. He was too anxious to move, and he was lost in his bitter thoughts.

“Why does she always leave me behind?” Spike grumbled. He opened and closed his claw in front of him, mimicking a pony’s mouth. “‘Stay behind with Rarity and Fluttershy, Spike.’ Hmph. She thinks I’ll get in the way, doesn’t she?” Spike loudly exhaled through his nose, and rolled onto his side. “Why are all of my friends joining the guard…?” He questioned the empty room. “I should’ve said something to Applejack. Things could’ve been different…” He then pulled Twilight’s deep blue blanket over himself. “I can’t believe Applebloom’s gone…” He whispered. “Applejack’s fighting because of her… Is that… really… the right thing to do?” Spike curled into a ball underneath the blanket. “But… what would I do, if somepony precious to me got taken away…?”

“Hoo?” An owl’s voice called out from the windowsill.

Spike groaned, and tucked his head under the blanket. “Not now, Owlicious…” He mumbled, and shut his eyes. I haven’t slept in this bed since I was a baby. He recalled. What would I do if… Twilight had died that day? Spike curled up tighter. She’ll come back. She’ll be back with the others. Soon, everything will be ok. Soon… He assured himself.

As night fell upon the land like a blanket, Spike felt a disturbance in his stomach. He rolled onto his back, and threw off his blanket. He inhaled once, and then belched up a mass of purple-and-green flames. The flames gathered into one spot, and then materialized into a scroll.

“A letter.” Spike declared to himself, and then deftly caught the scroll in his right hand. He unraveled the scroll in front of him, and began to scan through it. Spike stared at the letter for a long period of time, and then gnashed his teeth together. He angrily threw the scroll onto the ground, spread his scaly purple wings, and flew out the window into the night sky.

*******

“The operation was successful, Princesses.”

Dusk had begun descending by the time the soldiers from Appleloosa had returned. Twilight had found out from the Princesses what unit her remaining friends were in, and she sat waiting in the throne room along with Celestia and Luna. “Very good, Lieutenant. How is the damage?” Luna questioned the guard before her.

“We have a reported sixty-five wounded… and zero casualties.” The Lieutenant reported.

Twilight beamed at Celestia, who ignored her, and merely smiled at the guard. “Excellent work. Dismissed.”

The Lieutenant stood, saluted, and quickly exited the throne room. Twilight breathed a huge sigh of relief, and laughed lightheartedly. “They’re alive… All of them…” She told herself elatedly.

Celestia turned her head to her sister. “I suppose those guards were extra cautious.” She joked.

Luna frowned, and sat back in the throne. “Zero casualties… Sister, tell me I’m not the only one who finds that strange?” She queried.

Twilight turned her head to the Night Princess. “Why is that strange?” She asked accusingly. “That’s incredible news! Why aren’t you happy about it?”

Sensing an argument, Celestia silenced Twilight. “My faithful student, aren’t there two mares you wanted to speak to right now?”

Twilight’s eyes shot open, and she leapt to her hooves. She nodded once to the two alicorns, and then started trotting to the doors to go meet her friends. But just then, the heavy doors flung open, and two mares entered the room. Twilight’s heart began beating faster, and she stopped in place. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were standing in the doorway, both donning identical golden armor, and both virtually unscathed.  Applejack’s hat was casting a shadow over her eyes, and she walked straight past Twilight, while Pinkie Pie skipped right over to her.

“Hiya Twilight!” Pinkie Pie sang.

Twilight stared awestruck at her boisterous friend, and then threw her forelegs around her. She squeezed the pink pony in her embrace, growing a relieved smile as she did. Pinkie Pie beamed and returned the embrace, blissfully unaware of what was troubling her friend.

Meanwhile, Applejack walked over to the other Princesses, and quickly bowed. “If I may, Princesses, I’d like to make my own report.” She declared.

Luna narrowed her eyes. “Your unit has already reported, Applejack.”

Applejack stood defiantly. “I’m bettin’ he left out some important info, though.” She pressed.

Twilight released Pinkie Pie, smiled at her, and then turned her head to Applejack. “Carry on.” Celestia permitted.

Applejack tilted her hat back, and Twilight finally caught a glimpse of her eyes. She looks… so… Twilight observed. …Angry.

“Nopony died in Appleloosa. They told ya that, didn’t they?” Celestia nodded, and Applejack narrowed her flaming, emerald eyes. “It wasn’t cuz we were strong, or careful, or anythin’ like that. We didn’t kill a single Diamond Dog. We barely even scratched ‘em.”

Luna and Twilight were stunned, but Celestia calmly demanded, “No casualties on either side… What is your point, Applejack?”

“My point is that they weren’t even tryin’ to kill us.” Applejack spat bitterly. “They had absolutely no drive to, unlike the others we’re fightin’. It was like they were just toyin’ with us, and there was nothin’ we could do ‘bout it. We just beat them back until they decided to quit.” Applejack turned, and began walking away. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again…”

“No, Applejack. You will not be fighting for some time.” Celestia stopped her. “Your training will begin as soon as possible, so you shall remain in the castle.”

Applejack turned her head, and gave Celestia an icy glare, which she returned in full force. Applejack held her gaze for a little longer, and then turned back around. “Right. I’ll head back to my room, then.”

“Wait, Applejack!” Twilight called out to her friend.

Applejack continued walking, and didn’t so much as look at Twilight. “If ya came to bring me back, Twi, just leave.” Applejack read her mind. “No matter what ya say, my answer’s no.”

Twilight stared forlornly at the orange mare, but made no attempt to argue with her. Instead, she turned to her last resort. “Sorry Twilight, but Applejack’s not leaving! Maybe you can ask Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Twilight put on a caring smile. “Pinkie Pie, surely you will help me convince these bullheaded mares to come home with us?” She pleaded.

Pinkie Pie pulled a clipboard and glasses out of her mane. “Hmm… let me check my schedule.” She scrolled down the clipboard with her eyes. “Nope, sorry Twilight. Between guard training and this whole ‘war’ thing, I don’t have time to help you.”

Twilight’s right eye began twitching. “So then… you’re staying here too?”

“Well, yeah!” Pinkie Pie chirped.

Twilight’s façade shattered, and she grabbed Pinkie Pie by the shoulders. “What is wrong with you ponies?!” She screamed. “What has gotten into your heads?! First Applejack, then Rainbow Dash, now you?!”

Applejack sighed, and shook her head. “This is why I left ya back home…” She muttered.

Twilight looked back and forth between her friends, and the two Princesses, who were watching her idly. She released Pinkie Pie, and defeat sunk in. I can’t even convince one of them… She despaired.

“Um, Twilight, I’m gonna go back to my room now, ok? You could come with me if ya want to.” Pinkie Pie dismissed herself.

Twilight hung her head. I failed… I’m sorry, Rarity. I don’t think I’ll be able to bring anypony home…

“Go home, Twilight.” Applejack ordered. “We’re all right as rain. Don’t get all worked up o’er us.”

I can’t just leave them here… Twilight internally monologued. But if they won’t leave, I have to go to plan B…

“See ya later, ok Twilight?” Pinkie Pie said goodbye.

Suddenly, Twilight raised her head, and turned to Celestia. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, allow me to join the ranks of the Royal Guard.” She demanded.

Celestia flinched in shock, as did the other three mares in the room. “W-What?” Celestia gaped.

“Please allow me to go through guard training, and become a soldier.” Twilight repeated.

“Twilight’s gonna join too?!” Pinkie Pie cheered excitedly.

“What’re ya doin’?!” Applejack shouted.

“Twilight Sparkle, I don’t understand!” Luna declared. “You were just attempting to bring your friends home! Why are you attempting to join the guard?!”

Twilight turned her gaze to Applejack. “Because I promised that I would bring them home with me.” She explained. “If they won’t come home with me… Then we’ll all come home together, after we’ve ended this war.”

Celestia was lost in her own thoughts, staring vacantly in front of herself. “Twilight…”

“No.”

The five mares all turned to face the new voice. The doors were being held open by a teal magical aura, and a very anxious Princess Cadence was sauntering through them. The doors slammed behind her, and she marched straight up to her sister-in-law, her lavender eyes burning with a protective fire. “Cadence! When did you get here?” Twilight gaped.

“Twilight, you will not join the guard.” Cadence ordered. “I don’t care what you say, you will not join the guard. Now, or ever.”

“But Cadence!”

“No ‘buts.’” Cadence silenced her. “Celestia, Luna, do not take her request to heart. She was speaking rashly.”

Twilight gritted her teeth, and Pinkie Pie nonchalantly pulled up a chair. “You can’t just order me around like that!” She shouted defiantly.

Cadence raised an eyebrow. “I’m your sister-in-law, I’m older than you, and I’m one of the three ponies that outrank you. I can absolutely order you around.”

“Cadence!” Twilight pleaded, completely crushed.

Cadence leaned in closer to Twilight, and whispered so that only she could hear her. “I refuse to let you get hurt. I don’t know why your friends are endangering themselves, but I will not allow harm to come to you, Twilight.”

Twilight was torn, and she looked away. “Cadence…” She muttered quietly. “I appreciate how much you care about me… but…” She glared at the pink alicorn. “I won’t just go home, and leave them here!”

Cadence stared at her blankly. “So you want to help them? No matter what?” She asked calmly.

“Of course I do!” Twilight shouted at her.

Cadence smiled. “Well there are other ways you can help them besides fighting.” She proposed. Twilight gave her an urging stare, telling her to explain. “Instead of going out onto the battlefield, you can do what me, and the other two Princesses do. Be a leader, Twilight. Be a diplomat, direct the guard, whatever Equestria needs from you.”

Hope rekindled in Twilight’s eye. She turned to the other alicorns, and muttered cautiously, “Princess Celestia?”

Celestia smiled in approval. “You should’ve been a leader from the beginning. I approve wholeheartedly. Please rest here tonight, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Sister…” Luna murmured disapprovingly.

“Hush, Luna.” Celestia replied.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, and turned back to her sister-in-law. Cadence was relieved herself, and chimed, “Well, if that’s all settled, I’ll be on my way.” She then spun around, and quickly began walking away.

“Wait Cadence!” Twilight called after her. “Where is Shining Armor?”

Cadence stopped dead in her tracks. “He’s in the Crystal Empire.” She answered, not turning around. “Why?”

“Well, I just want to make sure he’s all right. Could you tell him I want to see him?” Twilight requested.

Cadence didn’t turn around or answer for a few seconds. She stood motionless, and suddenly looked at Twilight, a bubbly grin spread across her face. “I’m heading back to the Empire right now. I’ll send him to you soon, all right?”

Twilight grinned back at her. “Ok. Stay safe, Cadence.”

“I will.” Cadence assured, and then turned and exited the throne room. As she left, Twilight turned back to her friends.

“Just because I’m not fighting by your side doesn’t mean that I won’t-” Twilight stopped herself, as she noticed that somepony was missing. Pinkie Pie was sitting in a foldable chair, but Applejack was nowhere to be seen.

“Applejack left a while ago.” Pinkie Pie clarified. “She seemed pretty upset about something.”

Twilight sighed. “Well anyway, I’m going to be watching over you three. Understand, Pinkie?”

“Got it!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

“Be careful out there.” Twilight ordered her, her voice dripping with concern.

“Okey-dokey-lokey!” Pinkie Pie chanted, folded up her chair, and then bounced out of the throne room.

Twilight turned around, and opened her saddle-bags with her magic. “So, I’ll be staying here for a while… I guess, I am fulfilling my promise…” She monologued sadly. From her bag she produced a quill, and a piece of parchment. She held it in front of her in her magical aura, and proceeded to write a letter addressed to her home.

Dear Spike,

I’m going to be staying in Canterlot to help the others. Please look after everything in Ponyville while I’m away. I’ll be home before you know it.

Thanks a million,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight rolled up the parchment, and cast a simple spell on it, transporting it to Spike. She then turned and addressed the other two Princesses, who had been oddly silent. “I’m going to go find a bed. Goodnight, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.”

“Sleep well, Twilight.” Celestia dismissed her.

With her loose ends tied up, Twilight turned around, and began her search for a vacant guest room.

*******

The moon shone in the late night sky, and most ponies were sleeping soundly under its warm light, with the exception of the two alicorn sisters, who were sitting in Celestia’s bedroom. “I’ve received reports from every unit, sister.” Luna began. “They were all successful, with minimal to no casualties.”

Celestia shut her eyes. “All of them were successful…” She thought out loud.

“Also, we had repeats of the battle of Appleloosa.” Luna continued. “Every battle with the Diamond Dogs resulted in zero casualties on either side.”

Celestia rested her head on one of her hooves. “Isn’t it odd, Luna?” She asked rhetorically. “They all retreated so quickly…”

“It seems too easy.” Luna agreed.

Celestia sighed, and looked wearily at her sister. “There’s definitely going to be more, Luna. We both know that.”

Luna’s face showed her somber disposition, and she looked out the room’s window. “I know, sister… But something else troubles me…”

Celestia looked over at her sister. “Is it Twilight?”

“Yes. I would have preferred if we could have talked her down completely… But I suppose Cadence’s solution is acceptable.” Luna spoke her mind.

“I know. I was a little surprised by Cadence’s sudden appearance, but I’m glad that she appeared when she did.” Celestia smiled. “Twilight makes a much better leader than a fighter. She should relieve our burden at least a little bit.”

“Yes…” Luna responded somberly, and turned back to Celestia. “I was just hoping that we wouldn’t need to fight another war, Tia.”

Celestia stood, and nuzzled the Night Princess. “We’ll pull through, my sister. We always do.”

Luna gave her a weak smile, and then sauntered past her. “I know we will. But sister, now that Twilight is with us, you need to rest. Regain your energy.”

Celestia smiled lovingly at her. “I think I shall. Good night, Luna.” She bid farewell.

“Good night, Tia.” Luna responded.

“I love you.” Celestia finished.

Luna smiled. “I love you as well.” She then quietly opened the purple door, and exited Celestia’s bedroom.

After Luna left, Celestia flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. “I must be prepared.” She instructed herself. “I feel this is but the calm before the storm…”

Declaration Of War

“We need to do something, Rarity!”

The early morning sun glistened off the adolescent dragon’s scales, and the Ponyville spa grew hushed as he raised his voice. The two mares bathing in warm spa mud in front of the dragon turned their heads away, lost in thought. “…Let me see the letter again, Spike.” Rarity calmly requested.

Spike handed the parchment to Rarity, who picked it up in her blue magical aura. She quickly read it over, and then sighed and reclined into the mud. “Does it really say that, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

Rarity sighed wearily. “Indeed it does, dearie.” She replied. “It says to stay and watch over Ponyville, and that she’s staying in Canterlot.”

“Yeah, ya see? We have to go after her!” Spike declared, already spinning towards the door.

“No, we don’t, Spike.” Rarity quickly retorted.

Spike spun his head and gaped at Rarity. “What? Why not?!” He shouted at her.

“Calm down, darling.” Rarity ordered him.

“Don’t you two want to see them again?! They could die!” Spike screamed.

Rarity rose slightly out of the mud. “Spike.” She stated calmly. “Twilight promised me, promised me, that she would return with everypony.” Rarity stared accusingly into Spike’s green eyes. “I trust her to come home, and so must you.”

Spike flared his nostrils angrily. “What’s gotten into you?!” He continued to fume. “Do you just expect everything to blow over? Or is just sitting here and getting a spa treatment more important than helping your friends?!”

Mud splattered all over the sparkling spa floor as Rarity furiously shot to her hooves. “What else can we do, Spike?!” Rarity exploded, losing her temper.

“We can go bring them back!” Spike shouted.

“No we can’t!” Rarity defied him.

“You don’t know that!” Spike stood his ground.

“What are we Spike?!” Rarity screamed. “A dress designer, a dragon no older than Sweetie Belle, and an animal caretaker! How could we do what Twilight couldn’t? Or would you prefer to go get yourself killed?!” Spike took a step backwards, but Rarity closed the distance. “Spike…” She growled, and then lowered her head. “…There’s nothing we can do. We’d simply be a… a burden to them.”

Spike stared wide-eyed at Rarity, shocked beyond belief. Rarity’s stance had been made crystal clear, which Spike soon realized. His shock quickly turned into a cold, angry silence, and he began to back away. “Spike…” Rarity called out to him, but he didn’t care. He turned around, clenched his fists, and began storming out of the spa. “Don’t leave!” Once again Spike ignored her, and threw open the spa’s door, walking away in a cold silence.

Shame overtook Rarity, and she turned back around to Fluttershy. As she did, she noticed the awestruck spa-goers who were watching her intently. “Ahem. Nothing to see here, everypony! Carry on with your day!” She declared embarrassedly. The other ponies continued watching her, and she awkwardly clambered back into the mud bath. The spa ponies then broke out of their nervous trance, and proceeded to wipe away the mud Rarity had tracked on the floor.

As Rarity melted sadly into the mud, Fluttershy raised her head to look at her. She then spoke, so softly that Rarity almost didn’t hear her. “…Are you sure, Rarity?”

Rarity met Fluttershy’s eyes. “Sure about what, dear?” She whispered, equally hushed.

“Are you sure that there’s nothing we can do? That our friends will be ok?” Fluttershy asked anxiously.

Rarity took a long, steadying breath, and smiled weakly at her friend. “I heard that all of Equestria’s towns were retaken yesterday. This ‘war’ is probably all just a few ruffians trying to make a statement to the Princess. It will wash over soon, darling.” She comforted.

Fluttershy looked at her skeptically, and dropped her eyes to the mud. “But… Rainbow Dash…”

“I know, Fluttershy.” Rarity soothed her. “They will be fine. Besides, after Twilight brings them back, we’ll force all of them to come here with us. Applejack and Rainbow Dash included.”

Fluttershy let out a barely audible giggle. She was going to speak, but before she could, Rarity clopped her hooves together, catching the nearby spa ponies’ attention. “I’m terribly sorry for the interruption. May we please continue our treatment?” Rarity requested.

“But of course, Miss Rarity!” One of the mares chanted, and then ran off to get her supplies.

Rarity reclined once again into the mud, and smiled at Fluttershy. “Everything will be alright, Fluttershy. Just enjoy your treatment.”

Fluttershy seemed conflicted, and looked around anxiously, before one of the spa ponies came around to her, and placed cucumber slices over her eyes. Nearly in sync, another spa pony did the same to Rarity, enveloping her in a comfortable darkness.

But, even though her body was bathed in warm, soothing mud, Rarity couldn’t relax. ‘Do you expect everything to just blow over?! Or is just sitting here and getting a spa treatment more important than helping your friends?!’ Spike’s words danced in her head. ‘We’d simply be a… a burden to them.’ Rarity gritted her teeth. I had to tell the truth… But… She began to feel choked up. I’ve never had a harder time speaking in my life. Rarity sighed, quietly and dejectedly. Hope for it to blow over… It’s all I’m good for… Twilight, Applejack, everyone… please, come back to us.

*******

“Rainbow Dash! Wake up! You’re late for training!” Twilight shouted, while rhythmically pounding on the castle’s guest room.

The sound of scrambling hooves could be heard from the other side of the purple door, and after a few moments, Rainbow Dash kicked the door open, her sky-blue fur once again concealed by her golden armor. “Ugh… You’re worse than any alarm clock ever.” Rainbow Dash groaned, rubbing her eyes.

“Well somepony has to make sure you don’t sleep in again.” Twilight chastised.

“I didn’t realize I was going back to school…” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Well rise and shine.” Twilight ordered. “Applejack and Pinkie Pie are eating in the dining hall. Get a move on!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Rainbow Dash said apathetically, and then yawned loudly. She stretched her entire body, and then looked up at Twilight. “Ok, let’s get moving.” She declared.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Sorry to keep you waiting…”

Rainbow Dash shut the guest room door, and began sauntering down the hallway. Twilight started walking beside her, and the two mares carried on towards the dining hall. “Man, I haven’t gotten nearly enough sleep these past three days.” Rainbow Dash whined.

“Maybe you should go to bed when you’re supposed to.” Twilight scolded unsympathetically.

“I didn’t know guards had to wake up early!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I thought they just followed the Princess around and hit stuff!”

Twilight gave her a very chastising look. “Maybe you should have looked into your job of choice before you demanded to join.”

“Hmph. Whatever.” Rainbow Dash scoffed. “You wanted to join too, you just got rejected by your step-sister.”

“Well I wouldn’t complain about basic protocol.” Twilight chided. As she continued to walk, Twilight yawned loudly, quickly stuffing her hoof over her mouth, too late to hide it.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, forced Twilight to stop, and looked over her. She shook her head disapprovingly. “Who are you to yell at me about sleep? Have you slept at all these last few days?”

Twilight quickly turned away, attempting to hide the very noticeable bags under her eyes. “I don’t need sleep.” She stated emotionlessly.

“Um, yeah you do. Especially if you’ve already barked at me about it.” Rainbow Dash pressed. “You’re not fooling anypony.”

“Ok, I’m sorry I scolded you. Let’s just get breakfast already.” Twilight insisted, and started walking again.

“Twilight, your body looks a little weak right now.” Rainbow Dash accused. “Have you been eating?”

“I’m fine.” Twilight dismissed the idea. “Let’s move already…”

Rainbow Dash flew in front of Twilight, and pressed her face close to hers. “You’re almost as bad of a liar as Applejack.”

Twilight looked down nervously, not wanting to converse any longer. “I’m not lying…” Rainbow Dash didn’t budge, and continued staring straight at her. Twilight shuffled through her thoughts, and then, she met the pegasus’ gaze, an evil smile spread across her face. “Hey Rainbow Dash… Did you know that the cafeteria serves free cider to royal guards?” She laid her trap.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “You think I’d fall for that? You need to step up your game, Twilight.” She jeered.

Twilight continued to smile. “It’s going to be such a shame when Pinkie drinks aaall of it by herself, again.” She taunted.

Rainbow Dash seemed to be cracking, but she narrowed her eyes. “Twilight, I’m concerned for your health. I’m not going to just bolt away because of the promise of cider.”

“We’re going the same way, aren’t we? You can scold me as much as you want. I just figured you wouldn’t want to turn down the opportunity of free, delicious, mouth-watering cider while waiting for poor, tired old Twilight.” Twilight carried on.

Rainbow Dash’s mental struggle raged, as the promise of her favorite drink taunted her relentlessly. Finally, she broke, and she turned away, growling angrily. “This conversation isn’t over… I’ll find you at the dining hall…” She muttered, and then took off like a rocket down the castle corridor.

Twilight chuckled to herself, ecstatic that her plan had succeeded. She turned around, and began retracing her steps. “Time to get back to work.” She said to nopony in particular. But as she trotted back through the castle, her eyelids began to feel heavy, and her body followed suit. “Ok… Maybe I’ll just teleport there.” She decided. She then closed her heavy eyes, and began to seek out the throne room with her magic, which was much more strenuous than she had anticipated. When she did find it, she allowed her magic to envelop her, and she vanished in a flash of purple light. She reappeared in Celestia’s throne room, but to her surprise, she could barely remain standing. She suddenly felt very lethargic, and she began panting heavily.

Celestia and her two white guards took notice of Twilight’s appearance, turning to her in unison. “Good morning, Twilight.” Celestia greeted her. “Did you sleep-”

“Yes.” Twilight snapped. Celestia seemed taken aback, but then shrugged it off. Twilight brushed off her nausea, and carried on, “What’s our status, Princess?”

Celestia lost her upbeat tone. “Nothing has changed. No sign of our enemies, just like the past two days.” She sighed distantly. “I’m beginning to believe I overreacted. Perhaps their ‘invasion’ was but a large band of extremists.”

Twilight gave her a defiant frown. “No, you couldn’t have been wrong. A band of extremists wouldn’t have demolished Saddle Arabia. News of the next attack will probably burst through the doors at any minute.”

Celestia’s expression didn’t lighten. “I hope that we are both wrong, my student.” She declared ominously.

The two stone-faced guards nodded to each other, and then stepped a few paces away from the throne. They wordlessly looked to Twilight, and beckoned for her to sit beside the Sun Princess. Twilight awkwardly looked at Celestia, who smiled affirmatively. Twilight sauntered up the red carpet stairs, and collapsed beside Celestia. “Are Cadence and Shining Armor still in the Empire?” Twilight worried out loud.

“As far as I know, yes.” Celestia confirmed. “Are you quite all right, my faithful student? You’re breathing quite heavily.”

“Yes.” Twilight shot back with no hesitation. “I’m just… worried. I have to stay focused on the situation.”

Celestia silently draped her large white wing over Twilight, smiled, and looked into her eyes. “You must remember to rest, my faithful student. I need you well-rested in order to assist my sister and I.” Twilight blushed, and shied away from her gaze. Celestia turned her head back away, and changed the subject. “Twilight, have you seen Spell Weaver?” She asked.

“Your advisor? No, I haven’t.” Twilight muttered. “Has he been-?”

As if on cue, the doors to the throne room burst open. Twilight jumped in place, but Celestia just shook her head. Twilight then groaned when she recognized the intruder. “Who else would it be…?” She murmured to herself.

“They did have free cider! They were out of it! Pinkie drank it all!” Rainbow Dash wailed upon entering the room.

Twilight put her head in her hooves, embarrassed for her friend. “Why are you here?” She groaned. “And why can’t you just open the door? Next time the guards will probably attack you.”

Rainbow Dash smirked at her friend after taking in her situation. “Sorry, did I disrupt your snuggle time with the Princess?” She replied sarcastically.

Twilight blushed intensely, and Celestia just shook her head. “Shall we remove this intruder, Your Majesty?” One of Celestia’s guards questioned.

“No, she is a companion of Princess Twilight.” Celestia apathetically answered. “Rainbow Dash, are the guards not training today? It should have begun by now.” She queried.

“I dunno, Princess.” Rainbow Dash answered casually. “The guards weren’t barkin’ orders at us today. I didn’t see much of them. Applejack and Pinkie are still sitting in the dining hall.” She smirked proudly. “Maybe they already passed us.”

I doubt that… Twilight thought negatively.

“I don’t believe so.” Celestia echoed Twilight’s thoughts. “But then, why would the guards not be training today?”

Nopony in the room had an answer, and it fell silent for a few moments. “Sooo, anyway, I came to finish talking to Twilight.” Rainbow Dash carried on.

“Hold that thought.” Twilight silenced her. “We were wondering where Spell Weaver is. You know, Princess Celestia’s advisor? Have you seen him by any chance?”

“The yellow guy?” Rainbow Dash impatiently answered. “I saw him walking out of the castle yesterday. So anyway-”

“He left the castle?” Celestia asked. “I didn’t assign him any duties outside of the castle…”

“Yeah, he walked right out.” Rainbow Dash answered.

“…Wait a second, Rainbow.” Twilight quieted her friend. “Listen. Do you hear that?”

The lack of sound made it painfully obvious that somepony was rapidly approaching the throne room. Without a moment of hesitation, the pony entered the room. A white royal guard stood before them, bowing briefly before relaying his message. “Your Majesty!” The royal guard exclaimed. “Griffons are approaching from the East! Hundreds- no, at least a thousand of them!”

Celestia immediately retracted her wing, and sprang into action, while Rainbow Dash and Twilight sat awestruck, processing the information. “Gather the guards! All of them!” Celestia ordered. “How close to the border are they?”

“Almost to Baltimare, Princess!” He reported.

“Have the guards advance there immediately! Use whatever method you see fit!” Celestia shouted.

“Yes ma’am!” The guard responded, and turned to fulfill his orders. But just then, a blue unicorn guard stormed through the throne room doors.

“Princess! Changelings are storming the South! They’re nearly in Appleloosa already! Your orders, please!” He requested, panic setting in.

Celestia’s eyes flew open wide, and Twilight’s heart began pounding rapidly. “What?!” The first guard shouted. “Another attack?! Now?!”

“Another attack?!” The unicorn guard yelled back.

“Send word to Cloudsdale! Tell them to send word to the Wonderbolts down in Appleloosa!” Celestia commanded the blue unicorn guard, and then turned to the white pegasus. “Send a third of the guards, preferably the elites, as an initial force to Appleloosa. A few Wonderbolts must still be in Manehatten, send word to them as well.”

“At once, Your Majesty!” The two guards saluted in unison.

“It’s happening again…” Twilight whispered, voice wracked with despair. “No, it’s worse than before…”

“Sister, why do you shout?” Luna asked, emerging from her bedroom.

Celestia noticed her sibling, but didn’t face her. “I will explain shortly, Luna. You two, please move quickly!” She ordered the guards again.

“Princess Celestia!” A new group of voices shouted from behind the doors.

“Oh, please, no…” Twilight whispered. Rainbow Dash remained silent.

In unison, three more guards charged through the doors, a solar guard, a lunar guard, and a crystal guard. Twilight recognized the three stallions, and they froze at the sight before them. “Uh… Is this a bad time?” The black-maned lunar guard asked sheepishly.

“Yes.” Rainbow Dash growled.

“Pardon the intrusion, but this is vital information.” The solar guard insisted, his hooves trembling in fear.

“Speak your mind then, Private Bastion. We don’t have any time to spare.” Celestia demanded.

Bastion choked up, and then shoved the lunar guard forward. “Go ahead, Overcast.”

“Oh! Sure! Well, ya see…” Overcast stuttered, also visibly scared.

Overcast was cut off when the third guard placed his yellow hoof on his shoulder. “Let me handle this.” He whispered calmly.

“Flash Sentry…” Twilight whispered, so quietly nopony heard her.

“There’s Diamond Dogs coming from the West. Near Las Pegasus, actually.” His blue eyes narrowed. “So, what do we do?”

Twilight’s heart stopped, and from what she could tell, so did Celestia’s. “The Diamond Dogs? Are you kidding?!” The unicorn guard gaped.

“Why would we joke about that?!” Overcast screamed.

“The point is, we need guards to head to Las Pegasus! Now!” Bastion added in.

“But we need guards to fight the changelings and griffons!” The first guard countered.

At his comment, the entire room went silent. “…What…?” Flash Sentry breathed. All seven of the guards, including Celestia’s bodyguards, slowly turned to her, silently pleading that she knew what to do.

Celestia said nothing, her eyes slowly moving around the room, thinking intently. All three? Now? En Masse? Twilight despaired. Stars above, help us… She looked to Rainbow Dash, who was clearly struggling to keep her composure. Even she’s scared…

“Send a third of the guards to Las Pegasus.” Celestia reluctantly ordered. “All three factions must make do with what they have.”

“Yes ma’am!” The seven guards saluted, and then turned away.

Luna had wiped the sleep from her eyes, and decided to make her presence known. “Royal Guards, follow me! I shall lead the factions from the frontlines!” Luna declared loudly, and started towards the doors.

“Luna!” Celestia shouted, much louder than anypony had anticipated.

“You may not be able to leave the castle, but I can, and I will!” Luna yelled back at her.

Celestia began to give chase, but then stopped herself.  Remembering that her guards stood before her, she unhappily put on a calm expression, and pleaded, “Keep yourself safe. All of you… Please.”

“We will.” Bastion declared, and then quickly turned away again.

The two guards who were guarding the throne nodded to each other, and then walked after the small group. “We shall go as well.” One of them said emotionlessly.

“Lead the way, Princess.” Flash Sentry spoke.

Twilight watched as the eight ponies walked away, never once looking back. She was still taking in the new information, and her exhausted body couldn’t process any emotions. Not fully conscious of her actions, Twilight jerked out of the throne, charged after the small group, and clung to Luna’s shoulder. “Wait!” She ordered, and all of the ponies turned to her. “There has to be another way! You can’t fight them like this! This is suicide!” She screamed, and instantly regretted her choice of words. Oh Celestia, why would I say that? She covered her mouth with her hoof, as if it would take back her words. She looked fearfully at the eight ponies before her, and waited for them to break down in fear, to tremble, and to scold her. But they never did. To her incredible surprise, they smiled at her.

“Suicide? No operation is suicide, Your Majesty.” The blue unicorn guard said with confidence.

“Come on, have a little bit of faith in your guards, Princess.” Overcast joked.

“We’ve been trained for this.” Bastion chimed in.

Twilight was stunned, and then she felt a hoof on her own shoulder. She met eyes with Flash Sentry, who was grinning like a fool. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll watch over those two for you.” He promised.

Luna looked down at Twilight as well, a proud smile strewn across her muzzle. “Have you forgotten who is accompanying them, Twilight Sparkle? Or do you doubt my abilities as well?”

“No! I…” Twilight stammered, and then lowered her head. “Just…”

“We shall be safe.” Luna assured her, and removed Twilight’s hoof from her shoulder. “Let us move.”

The guards all nodded, and then followed suit, leaving the room. This time, as Luna and the guards walked away, Twilight felt a small, barely noticeable smile spread across her face. However, that smile faded as soon as her friend reminded everypony of her presence. “So, where do I go?” Rainbow Dash broke the momentary silence. “Appleloosa, Las Pegasus, or Baltimare?”

“None. You will remain here.” Celestia shot her down.

“What? But I’m a guard now! I’m supposed to help!” Rainbow Dash insisted.

Celestia faced her with an uncharacteristically cold stare. “These aren’t scout forces, like what you’ve faced before. These are invasion forces. They have tactics, greater numbers, and overall more experience than you. I refuse to allow you to throw your life away.” Rainbow Dash began searching for a retort, but Celestia didn’t let her. “I don’t have time to argue. I have orders to give.” She dismissed her.

Defeated once again, Rainbow Dash flew to Twilight. “So what’s your plan?” She inquired.

Twilight glared daggers at her. “Since when were you so eager to fight again?” She asked venomously. Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew distant, and she never replied to Twilight’s question. Twilight eventually looked away, and exhaled sadly. “I don’t have a plan.” The two mares continued sulking in the throne room, feeling utterly useless.

Celestia ignored them, and began furiously writing on multiple pieces of parchment she had warped to herself. A few minutes had passed, and Celestia had sent her third letter when Twilight felt a pressure around her. She felt like space was rending where she stood, and she leapt back instinctively. Gold light flashed in front of her, and where she had just stood, a battered gold unicorn now appeared. He appeared exhausted, as if he had just traveled a major distance.

“Spell Weaver?” Celestia acknowledged him. “Where have you been? You were needed here.”

“Princess…” Spell Weaver panted, now gasping for breath. “Everfree Forest… Manticore… going to… attack… Ponyville… send help…” After his message was delivered, he collapsed.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight turned to face the Sun Princess, waiting for her to decide what to do about the new threat. But Celestia didn’t calmly decide how to handle the situation. Instead, Twilight and Rainbow Dash witnessed a sight they thought they would never live to see; Celestia’s calm façade shatter like glass. The pearly-white alicorn’s composure was gone, and she made no attempt to hide her frustration. “Why now… We have no guards left!” She hissed. Rainbow Dash and Twilight stared wide-eyed at their ruler as she lost her control. What am I supposed to do?! We have nothing left!” She ranted. “If Luna hadn’t left, or if Cadence was remotely near here, I could use them, but they’re not! I have nothing!”

“P-Princess?” Twilight stammered in fear.

Celestia seemed to have forgotten the other two mares were in the room, and she turned quickly towards them. Her fiery lavender eyes became cool and controlled once more, and she made no mention of her temporary breakdown. “My faithful student, would you send for a medic for Spell Weaver?” She asked, forcing her calm appearance. “I must tend to a new matter…” The white alicorn turned away, and began speaking her options aloud to herself. “Would Cadence’s guards be able to make it there in time…? No. But what other options do I have…?”

Disturbed by Celestia’s previous rant, Twilight struggled to regain her own composure. When she did, she seized the opportunity when it presented itself to her. “We’ll take care of it!” She declared.

Celestia shot Twilight an icy stare, no longer in a tolerant mood. “Twilight-”

“Listen! Fluttershy has dealt with Manticores before! She can handle this! And the rest of us will have a backup plan in case for some reason she can’t!” Twilight hastily explained.

“Twilight Sparkle-”

“You said it yourself! What other option do we have, Princess?!” Twilight cut her off.

Celestia was prepared to shoot her down a second time, but she paused. She cast her gaze to her unconscious advisor, and the empty throne room. She was forcing a calm expression, but it was obvious that she was screaming on the inside. “I’m truly grasping at straws.” She sighed wearily. “I hate to force you into harm’s way, but I must. Go on, Princess Twilight Sparkle. You haven’t any time to waste.”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash beamed confidently. “We won’t fail!” They shouted in unison.

Much to Twilight’s surprise, Celestia gave her the first real smile she’d had in some time. “I know you won’t.” She agreed, her voice soft and motherly.

Twilight was momentarily stunned by Celestia’s rapid tone change. She quickly turned to Rainbow Dash, and gripped her armored shoulder. “Stay close to me, and shut your eyes.” She instructed. Her friend made no complaints, and she did as she was told. Twilight shut her eyes, and mentally reached for her magic. Focus on the dining hall… focus… Her horn began to glimmer, and a purple light engulfed the two mares. The rift disappeared from the throne room, and then dropped off its passengers in the dining hall with a loud “pop”. Rainbow Dash and Twilight landed on one of the center tables of the dining hall, and were attracting the attention of the guards who were hurriedly being moved to their units.

“Let’s hurry and find-” Twilight began barking, until her legs buckled underneath her, and she collapsed onto her knees, her adrenaline running out.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash called out, and then quickly wrapped Twilight’s foreleg around her neck, and lifted her to her hooves.

“I’m… o… k…” Twilight forced through her now erratic breathing. I feel like I’m suffocating… What just happened? She contemplated groggily.

“Twi! Dash!” Another mare’s voice called out, which proved to belong to Applejack, who then bolted up to them, Pinkie Pie in tow.

“What’s goin’ on?” Pinkie Pie questioned, uncharacteristically worried. “The guards are all freakin’ out! …Hey Twilight, you ok?”

Applejack began supporting Twilight’s other side without any instruction. “You don’ look so good, partner.” She observed.

“The… invasion.” Twilight panted, struggling even to keep her head up. “It’s…”

“It’s happening right now!” Rainbow Dash finished her sentence. “Griffons, diamond dogs, and changelings! A whole lot of them!”

“What?” Applejack looked baffled. “But then why were we ordered to stay put?!”

Rainbow Dash scowled. “We have a different job right now! A manticore is makin’ its way to Ponyville!”

“WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie screamed and leapt straight up in surprise, her heavy armor not hindering her in the slightest.

“Horsefeathers…” Applejack swore. “Let’s hoof it then! Fluttershy is closer to the forest than anypony!”

“Let’s go!” Pinkie Pie cheered, quickly accepting their mission.

“Right!” Rainbow Dash agreed, flaring her wings.

“All of you… Come here.” Twilight requested. “I can… teleport… us…”

“Oho, no you won’t.” Rainbow Dash chastised. “You’ll drop dead if you teleport again. We’ll just hoof it.”

“No…” Twilight tried arguing.

“Every second we waste here, I reckon that manticore is gettin’ closer!” Applejack angrily declared.

Furiously, Rainbow Dash ripped Twilight from Applejack’s grip, and slung her over her back. “Then I’ll carry her! You two should be able to keep up with me!”

“Rainbow-”

“No more arguments!” Rainbow Dash shut her friends up. “We need to go! Now!” She flapped her wings with all her might, and took off towards the courtyard. Applejack growled, but then gave chase to the rainbow blur, Pinkie Pie close behind her.

As the terrain underneath the mares’ hooves changed from the castle’s marble floor to the lush grass of the courtyard, Twilight began to squirm, but she was so weak that Rainbow Dash barely noticed. “Nngh…” Was the only sound that escaped her lips. We’re wasting time! She screamed internally. I should just teleport us anyway! My life isn’t worth all of Ponyville! Twilight then stopped squirming, and bitterly gritted her teeth together. This is all my fault… She realized. All I’ve done for the past week is work myself to death… I’ve done nothing but use magic and stress out over everything… I’ve been running on adrenaline and magic for the past three days… Why am I so…? Twilight stopped thinking, closed her eyes, and rested her head against Rainbow Dash’s neck fur. No, there’s no time for self-loathing.

Rainbow Dash suddenly screeched to a halt in midair, and she swung her hooves in rage. “Crap! I forgot we were in the castle! There’s a whole mountain in our way!” She cursed her luck.

Twilight jerked her head upright, and then began to put her mind to use. Think… If magic and the train are out, what’s our fastest way to Ponyville? Think Twilight…

Applejack briefly put her hoof to her chin. “Could ya just fly us to Ponyville?”

“With all three of us toting armor and weapons, and Twilight out like a light, I doubt it. Unless you want a taste of the mountain.” Rainbow Dash begrudgingly answered.

Applejack scowled. “Well what’s yer idea?”

Twilight mentally hit herself over the head. Think! Cadence always warned me about something here, somewhere you would move extremely fast…

Pinkie Pie pointed to the nearby cliff. “Why don’t we just take the mountain?”

Suddenly, a memory asserted itself into Twilight’s thoughts. That’s it! She quickly scanned the area, and locked her eyes on a clearing on the mountainside. “There!” She shouted, her voice regaining its energy. The other three mares turned to her, and she shot off of Rainbow Dash’s back, her legs slightly buckling. “That clearing! It’s an old settler’s road! It’s a straight shot down the mountain!”

“An’ how will that help us?” Applejack queried.

“Cadence used to warn me about it because it’s become so slick that it’s nearly impossible to stop once you start down it, hence why it was put out of use. We could run down it in a matter of minutes!” Twilight explained.

Pinkie Pie marched over to the ancient road, and looked down it cautiously. “I dunno, it looks pretty dangerous.”

“And you’re in no position to walk! Let alone run down a freakin’ mountain!” Rainbow Dash scolded.

“And our alternative?” Twilight questioned rhetorically. Her friends remained silent, and Twilight scoffed. “That’s what I thought.” Twilight then sprinted to the clearing, and leapt past Pinkie Pie, onto the slick mountain road.

“Twilight!” Pinkie Pie cried out after her.

“Are you insane?!” Rainbow Dash yelled. As Twilight began to sprint out of view, Applejack silently leapt after her, sprinting insanely fast. “You maniac…” Rainbow Dash muttered, before following suit, and charging down the mountainside.

The clear path was quite slippery, and the steepness of the mountainside propelled Twilight forward at an alarming speed. Entire forests zipped by her as her hooves clattered against the hard earth, faster, and faster, and faster. Twilight felt her breath begin to become frantic, and she realized how much she was straining her tired muscles. Stay calm. I need to slow down. She instructed herself. She began to strafe, and shift her body in order to slow her rapid descent, but the smooth surface below caused her legs to slip. As she attempted to slow herself, she realized that she was at such a steep point of the mountain that she could just allow her hooves to glide along the smooth surface underneath her. She was beginning to ever-so-slightly slow down when her three friends zipped by her.

“Slow down!” She called after them through the rushing wind.

“‘Ain’t we supposed to be movin’ fast?” Applejack countered.

Twilight shifted her legs sharply to the left, making sure to avoid straying from the clear road. “Yes, but-”

“Hey Dashie! Race ya to the bottom!” Pinkie Pie randomly declared.

Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head to the pink pony. “Oho… No you didn’t.” She warned.

“Pinkie, I swear to Celestia…” Twilight growled.

“Ya gotta promise you won’t use wings though!” Pinkie Pie ignored Twilight.

“Hahaha… whenever you’re ready.” Rainbow Dash laughed cockily.

“Readysetgo!” Pinkie Pie cheered, and kicked off her hind legs, breaking into a sprint down the steep mountainside.

“You can’t be serious!” Twilight attempted to stop her.

Rainbow Dash folded her wings back, and grew a competitive smirk. “There is no way I’m letting you outrun me!” She challenged, and gave chase at full speed.

“Do you two have a death wish?!” Twilight screamed, straining her throat in the process. “Heaven above, it’s like I’m babysitting you two!”

Twilight heard Applejack slow her pace down, and run beside her. “Don’t strain yourself, Twi. They’re not that stupid. They’re just tryin’ to keep calm. Celestia knows at a time like this we all have to.” Applejack turned to look at Twilight, her hooves still flying down the mountain. “We should catch up to ‘em, we are on a mission right now. Ya want me to carry ya?”

Twilight thought to instantly reject the offer, but her aching legs told her that she should. She argued with herself, and despite her sore body, she straightened herself out, and began to run again. “Thank you, but no. You’re right, we need to move as fast as we can. I’ll collapse later.”

Applejack sighed. “Don’t hurt yerself, sugarcube.”

Twilight and Applejack quickened their paces, and began to see Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie again, but only for short moments, as they were running at a breakneck pace. The four mares continued to glide down the mountainside, sprinting past forests, waterfalls, and many wild creatures, although they couldn’t make out much due to the rushing air around them.

After nearly six minutes of strenuous running, Twilight noticed the cliff beginning to level out. She began to strafe, and let her hooves slide along the flat surface. She caught her fleeting breath, and commanded, “All right, everypony! Slow down! We’re nearing level ground!”

Since she was moving at a less ridiculous pace, Applejack swiftly turned her body, and began sliding her hooves along the mountainside. Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up, and she flared her wings, taking flight and landing at Twilight’s side, a proud smirk stretched across her face. She was panting heavily, and liberally caked in sweat. “Heh…” She bragged through her heavy pants. “I blew Pinkie out of the water!”

Twilight shook her head chastisingly, and then tilted her head towards Pinkie Pie. Confusingly, Pinkie Pie wasn’t slowing down, or even looking behind herself. “Pinkie! Slow down!” Twilight yelled, hoping that her friend had simply not heard her.

But then, Twilight’s fears were realized, as Pinkie Pie looked back at them with a look of terror, a look of absolutely unparalleled fear. She can’t slow down… She’s going too fast! She doesn’t have wings to stop herself! Twilight realized. She looked down the mountainside, and her eyes widened in fear. A few meters in front of Pinkie Pie was a large, jagged rock, with which she was on a direct collision course. “PINKIE!” Twilight screamed.

Pinkie Pie began to scream as well, and she began flailing her legs, desperately trying to slow herself down. But the smooth, hard mountainside prevented her from getting a grip on anything, and her panicked flailing only served to accelerate her towards her demise. Twilight emitted a loud, dreadful shriek. “NOOO!” She attempted to take flight, but her exhausted body wouldn’t allow her wings to lift her off the ground. Her heart sank, as she realized she had no way to save her friend’s life.

All of a sudden, Twilight heard the sound of unsheathing metal. She didn’t even have time to look to her left before Applejack made an incredible leap down the mountain, her glimmering chain-knife gripped tightly in her teeth.  She landed a few meters to the right of Pinkie Pie, and in less than two seconds, pivoted on her forelegs, and hurled her chain-knife at the pink blur to her right. The blunt edge of the chain miraculously wrapped around Pinkie Pie’s hind leg, and without a moment to spare, Applejack yanked her away from the jagged rocks with all her might, and towards her outstretched foreleg. She pulled Pinkie Pie into a tight embrace, and then leapt off of the mountainside, her fierce momentum carrying her through the air. Predicting a crash, Applejack tucked in her legs, and collided with the grassy land at the base of the mountain. She and Pinkie Pie tumbled across the field, and then lay completely still. Twilight and Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt at the bottom of the trail, and sprinted over to them.

“Applejack! Pinkie!” Twilight cried out in despair.

The two mares lay still for the next twenty seconds, not showing any signs of life in them until Applejack sputtered, and rolled off of Pinkie Pie onto her back. “*Cough* Well, now we know our armor’s effective.” She joked, and then forced herself up, and prodded Pinkie Pie with her hoof. “You all right there, sugarcube?” She worriedly asked.

Pinkie Pie’s eyes were staring vacantly at the sky, and she appeared lifeless. Applejack prodded her harder, praying that she would respond, panic gripping her like a vice. After enough prodding, Pinkie Pie’s eyes blinked, and she took in her surroundings. When she regained her ability to move, she tackle-hugged Applejack, tears cascading down her cheeks. “Oh Applejack! I thought I was gonna die! I could kiss you for this!” She sobbed.

Applejack roughly shoved Pinkie Pie off of her, and rose to her hooves. She glared down at her with eyes full of contempt, and with a tone that would frighten a nightmare, she growled, “How ‘bout instead of makin’ out with me, ya think ‘bout what yer doin’?! Yer foolhardy race nearly got ya killed!”

Pinkie Pie’s joy flushed out of her, and she shamefully lowered her head. Rainbow Dash jumped to Pinkie Pie’s side, glaring at Applejack. “”Hey, lay off her AJ! Have a heart! She nearly died back there!”

Applejack instantly turned her malicious glare to Rainbow Dash, her anger increasing in its fiery intensity. “Don’t you get high ended with me, Dash! Ya went along with her stupid idea! An’ not only that, ya left her careenin’ towards her death!”

Twilight had been watching her friends scream at each other, and she decided to intervene. “Girls-” She began, when suddenly her body locked up. Her sentence was cut off, and she collapsed limply onto the ground, somehow unnoticed by her three friends.

Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a glare so furious it could melt ice. “You think this was my fault?!” She protested. “I thought she was fine! And with Twilight constantly screaming at us to slow down, I figured I should come back! I didn’t know that she couldn’t stop!”

“So it ne’er crossed yer mind to tell her yerself?!” Applejack chided.

“Well what-”

“And even then,” Applejack interrupted, “Once ya saw she couldn’t stop, ya didn’t do anythin’! Yer a pegasus! You can fly! And ya didn’t even try to help her!”

Rainbow Dash froze. Pinkie Pie began quietly sobbing, and Twilight’s unnoticed body remained silent. “Why, Rainbow?” Applejack questioned, her anger subsiding.

“I-I…” Rainbow Dash stuttered.

“Why didn’t ya do anythin’?” Applejack demanded. Rainbow Dash’s eyes became spacey, and she began to inhale deeply. “Why…?”

“I don’t know!” Rainbow Dash responded, her voice cracking with guilt. “I froze, ok?!” She held her head in her hooves, tears starting to well in her eyes. “I tried to help her, I did! But my body wouldn’t move!” She shook her head miserably, her tears beginning to fall. “I’m sorry! I couldn’t move! I… I…” She shut her eyes, and gritted her teeth angrily. “I was scared!”

Applejack began slowly approaching Rainbow Dash, who collapsed onto her knees, hitting herself in bitter anger. “I was scared, and she almost died because of it! I’m sorry! I… I…”

“It isn’t her fault!” Pinkie Pie yelled. “I started that race! Not her! I’m sorry! I just thought that it make us go faster so that we could get to Ponyville, but I almost hurt myself and you!” She sobbed.

Applejack quietly wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, and embraced them tightly. The two mares were stunned, and Applejack’s relief began to show through her rage. “I don’t care. I’m just glad yer both alive.” She whispered.

Rainbow Dash felt pathetic, and she weaseled out of her friend’s embrace, turning away in shame. “I’m sorry. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

“It ain’t about that, Dash…” Applejack consoled her. “It’s alright, I’m glad you’re ok. Honest.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t turn around. “No it isn’t.” She muttered. “We have to get going now. I won’t screw up again.”

“Rainbow Dash, it wasn’t your fault…” Pinkie Pie murmured.

Applejack sighed. “Can ya walk?” She addressed Pinkie Pie.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine, thanks to you.” Pinkie Pie stated, and wiped her eyes.

“Good.” Applejack began turning around. “We hafta get-Twilight!” She exclaimed, and sprinted to her friend’s limp body. She shook the unconscious mare vigorously, until Twilight emitted a low groan.

“I’m fine…” Twilight moaned, painstakingly pulling herself back to her hooves. “We need to… Need to…” She cringed in pain, and she held her head with one of her hooves. “We need to move. We’re halfway there.”

Applejack looked at her exhausted friend with pitying eyes, and then made a decision. She turned to Rainbow Dash, and nodded to her. The sky-blue mare nodded back, and Applejack turned back to Twilight. “Twi… We can’t risk any more stupid stunts like that last one…” She began.

“What… Do you mean by that?” Twilight breathed.

Applejack scratched the back of her head nervously. “Well Twi, ya see, you can barely stand up, an’ well…”

Rainbow Dash pushed Applejack out of her way, and stood in front of Twilight. “Twilight, I can carry Applejack to Ponyville from here, even with her armor.” She bluntly finished for Applejack. “I think that you and Pinkie should stay and rest here, and we’ll go deal with this monster.”

Twilight slammed her hoof on the ground, and gnashed her teeth together. “NO!” She screamed in defiance. “You will not leave us behind!”

“Yeah! I’m right as rain!” Pinkie Pie declared. “I know Twilight’s a complete mess, but why do I have to stay here?”

Twilight slowly turned to Pinkie Pie, a disgusted look on her face. “Thanks…” She grumbled.

“Cuz I said we can’t pull any more stupid stunts.” Applejack explained. “Rainbow Dash can only carry one o’ us. And Twilight could drop dead if she keeps goin.’” She narrowed her eyes. “No matter how much ya’ll pretend yer fine, I can tell yer both shaken up. Are ya’ll really prepared to fend off a manticore?”

The group fell silent, and a cool breeze blew over the grassy field they were occupying. As the wind blew against their bodies, Twilight finally realized how badly she was sweating. I feel queasy… But… My life isn’t all that’s at stake here… She resolved.

“We can’t waste any time. We should go.” Applejack dismissed herself.

“Go ahead, then.” Twilight agreed, much to the other’s surprise.

“What?” Pinkie Pie yelled.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Glad ya see it my way.” Applejack stated smugly. “Dash, let’s move.”

Twilight walked over to Pinkie Pie. “You two should head right to Fluttershy’s house. We’re going to Rarity’s place.”

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash muttered a second time.

“We’re teleporting to Rarity’s house. If you fly as fast as you can, you can be at Fluttershy’s seconds after we’re at Rarity’s.” Twilight declared.

Applejack slowly turned her head to Twilight. “Sugarcube, if ya teleport again, you’ll die.”

“No I won’t.” Twilight began to explain. “We’ve already cut half the distance from the castle to Ponyville, and since you two are flying, that’s half of the load gone. I’ll only need to use a fourth of the magic I would’ve originally used to teleport to Ponyville.” Twilight took a deep breath, and stood up straight. “I’m actually feeling better since I didn’t teleport down the mountain. I should have enough magic left to make the jump.”

Applejack took a step towards Twilight. “An’ what happens if ya don’t have the magic to teleport there?” She queried nervously.

Twilight’s eye’s narrowed. “If I don’t, then the teleport will use my physical strength to make the jump instead. And considering how I can barely stand right now…”

Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash for her opinion. “Twilight, even if you think you can make it, is it worth the risk?” Rainbow Dash questioned unsurely.

“That manticore is already in Ponyville by now.” Twilight justified. “Ponies could be being eaten right now, including Rarity and Fluttershy. I can’t wait here, knowing that there’s something I could’ve done to prevent it. And I refuse to allow you all to endanger yourselves because I was too scared to use my magic.” Twilight proudly raised her head, in a manner mimicking Celestia. “Nopony will die today if I can prevent it. And if somepony must die today… It will be me.”

The field fell silent once more, as Twilight made her stance perfectly clear. Applejack trotted over to Twilight, and threw her forelegs around her, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie joining in seconds later. “If ya really feel like that Twi, then reach out fer yer magic.” Applejack uttered into Twilight’s ear. “But promise me that if ya feel like ya can’t, then just forget about it. Can ya promise me that at least?” She pleaded.

“…I will.” Twilight promised, and then broke the embrace. “Hurry. We’ve wasted so much time here already.” She ordered, and then turned away to face Pinkie Pie.

“Let’s go, Rainbow.” Applejack called, and then jumped onto Rainbow Dash’s armored back.

“Ugh… You’re heavy!” Rainbow Dash complained.

“Shut up.” Applejack barked.

Rainbow Dash spread her wings, and began flapping them vigorously. She and Applejack lifted off the ground, and the flapping of her wings caused a wind large enough to ruffle Twilight’s mane. “Good luck, you two.” Rainbow Dash forced out.

“See ya in a few minutes!” Pinkie Pie chirped, and waved them off. Rainbow Dash nodded unhappily, and took off at a breakneck pace. Pinkie Pie turned to face Twilight, whose foreleg was now wrapping around her neck.

“Um… are you sure you can handle this, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie worried.

Twilight ignored her question. “Close your eyes, Pinkie. This could be unpleasant.” She warned, and Pinkie Pie immediately obliged.

Twilight shut her eyes, and took a very long, deep breath. Rarity’s house… Rarity’s house… Twilight searched through her mind for her destination, but her mind was completely black, and she couldn’t locate anything. Focus! An image of Rarity’s front door appeared in the black abyss, and Twilight quickly reached for her magic. She felt a pitiful amount of magic flow through her horn, and she began to doubt herself. Do I have enough left? It’s at least two miles… Twilight opened one of her eyes, and stared at Pinkie Pie. The pink pony had her eyes shut tight, completely relaxed. She trusts me… Twilight thought wistfully, shutting her eye again. No. Whether I have enough or not, I’m going to do it.

A familiar purple light surrounded the two mares, and Twilight felt the energy being siphoned from her body, in addition to her magic. But she didn’t care. She cast the spell, and the light consumed them, dragging them into the wormhole leading to Ponyville. They were kicked out of the rift at the very foot of Rarity’s house, and the closing hole emitted a loud “crack”, as opposed to the usual “pop” sound. Twilight instantly collapsed, steam now emanating from her body. The magic was drained from her completely, and the spell had taken its remaining toll from her body.

“Twilight!” Pinkie shouted, attempting to bring Twilight to her hooves, but she hadn’t the strength to stand.

Twilight was drifting in and out of consciousness, and she only vaguely heard Rarity’s door open. “You’re back… You came back…” A female voice breathed from inside the door. Twilight could only look straight ahead of herself, and she made out the legs of Rarity and Fluttershy standing before her.

“Rarity! Fluttershy! No time to explain!” Pinkie Pie blabbered. “There’s a manticore attacking Ponyville right now!”

Rarity gasped in shock. “A manticore?! We need to evacuate!”

Pinkie Pie violently shook her head. “No! Uh, well, see, we need to stop it! It’s gonna hurt everypony if we don’t! It’s already…” Pinkie Pie stopped talking, and looked around Ponyville. All of the colorful ponies were going about their daily lives, occasionally giving her a confused stare. “…Its not here yet?” She asked.

“No! Should it be?!” Rarity yelled at her.

Pinkie Pie turned back around. “Oookay, then I have a little time to explain. There’s a manticore approaching Ponyville, and Rainbow Dash and Applejack are probably finding it right now!”

“Applejack’s here?” Rarity asked wistfully.

“And Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy spoke up.

Rarity sighed elatedly. “So you all did come home…” She whispered.

“Yeah! Well, not really. I mean… We have to stop the manticore!” Pinkie Pie declared quickly.

Twilight forced her head to the left, and then to the right. Is it here? No… It isn’t. She attempted to gather her thoughts. There’s still time…

“Why must we stop it?” Rarity queried. “Why don’t the royal guards handle this?”

Pinkie Pie looked around herself, attempting to dodge the question. “Long story, but the guards are all busy right now. We’re kind of the only hope right now.”

“Busy?” Rarity gaped. “How can they all be busy?!”

“I told you it was a long story!” Pinkie Pie avoided the question.

“Twilight, are you feeling ok?” Fluttershy finally acknowledged the weary mare.

“She wore herself out!” Pinkie Pie explained. “She’s been teleporting all day, and she hasn’t been sleeping well, and we ran down a mountain on our way here… I think she used up all her magic on her last teleport here!”

“Did you say you ran down a mountain?” Fluttershy asked, but she was promptly ignored.

“Out of magic? Forcing teleports?” Rarity worried. “Good heavens, dearie! You’re lucky to be alive right now! You need a doctor!”

Twilight forced her head upright, and stared up at Rarity and Fluttershy from her prostrate position. “We need to move.” She attempted to sound assertive, but her voice came out in a cracked whisper. “I’ll… I’ll explain everything once we’ve… *gasp*… stopped the manticore.”

Fluttershy grew a look of fear in her teal eyes. “But… how could we…”

“Your way with animals.” Twilight panted. “It’s possible that this is the same manticore that… that you dealt with when we first met.”

Fluttershy gulped. “I-I… I have to stop it?”

“That’s the plan!” Pinkie Pie confirmed.

“Plan A, at least.” Twilight commented. “Don’t be afraid… We’ll be there with you, Fluttershy.”

Suddenly, a rush of wind blew from directly above Twilight. Her mane was tossed over her eyes, obstructing her vision, so she couldn’t make out what was above her. All of a sudden, she felt something grab her from behind, and lift her into the air. She couldn’t resist whatever was holding onto her, and she simply went limp. She was about to scream, when she was gently placed onto something cold and smooth, and she heard her friends let out an annoyed sigh. Twilight opened her eyes, and they were met by a layer of smooth, shiny, purple scales.

“Good heavens, Spike! Make your presence known next time! I thought you were some kind of monster!” Rarity chastised.

Twilight was dumbfounded. “When did you…”

“I flew over here after your teleport woke me up.” Spike clarified. He shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head jokingly. “Honestly, I think it woke the dead… Anyway, I overheard you all talking. I’ll carry Twilight to the forest.”

“You’re willing to go along with this, Spike?” Rarity continued to worry. “Is this truly the best plan?

“Yup!” Pinkie Pie answered without a thought.

Fluttershy took a step backwards. “Um, I don’t know if I…”

Before she could finish, a blood-curdling roar resonated from the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy squeaked, and cowered behind Rarity, while the group stood rooted in place. After a few seconds, Spike shook his head, and spread his large purple wings. He leapt into the air, and charged towards the Everfree Forest. Pinkie Pie nodded at Rarity and Fluttershy, and then turned away, and sprinted away after Spike. Rarity inhaled deeply, reluctantly grabbed Fluttershy with her magic, and began running after them.

The citizens of Ponyville silently stepped out of the way of the parade charging through the town. They watched them run by, every bit as curious as to what had caused the ear-splitting roar. Since they were running at top speed, they arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage in a manner of seconds. The chickens at the cottage were up in arms, the birds were chirping loudly and repeatedly, and all the animals inside were tearing it apart, clamoring to be let out. All of them had been scared out of their simple minds by the chilling roar. Fluttershy stopped in front of her cottage, and started comforting the rowdy animals.

“Shush, shush, it’s ok, little ones…” She whispered.

Pinkie Pie stopped herself, and tapped her hoof impatiently in front of Fluttershy. “Uh, Fluttershy? I think there’s something important we need to be doing right now.” She said accusingly.

Fluttershy snapped to attention, and started following the group to the edge of the forest. As soon as Spike neared the edge of the forest, Rainbow Dash and Applejack burst through the dark green bushes.

“Applejack!” Rarity called out.

“Shssh!” Applejack hissed. She was panting, and she slowly took in the sight in front of her. “Good, ya brought everypony.”

Rainbow Dash brushed off her armor, and turned to Fluttershy. “It’s right through here, Fluttershy. We can’t stall it anymore.” She whispered.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “So then…”

Rainbow Dash seemed genuinely worried. “You’ve done this before. It’s just angry. Do you think you can calm it down again?” She asked, her voice dripping with dread.

Everyone turned to Fluttershy, awaiting her answer. Under the watchful eyes of her friends, she began to tremble in fear. Her eyes shot back and forth, searching for an excuse, another solution, anything to get her out of her situation. Her eyes met Rainbow Dash’s, and then, for some reason, calmed down. “Yes, I can.” She decided.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her. “Let’s go, then.”

Twilight painstakingly lifted her head off of Spike’s back. “Everypony else, be ready to protect her if something goes wrong.” She instructed.

“Thanks fer the vote o’ confidence.” Applejack murmured.

Twilight glared at her, but then looked forward. “Let’s move.” She declared, and rested her head back down.

Everyone nodded in acknowledgement, and entered the forest through the bushes, Applejack and Rainbow Dash leading the march. The unpleasant stillness of the woods soon surrounded the group as they moved deeper and deeper into the dark, living forest. Every snapped twig caused them all to jump in place, and their march was shrouded in tense silence.

Every step felt like an eternity for the group, but they had only walked for a minute when Rainbow Dash extended her wing, and whispered, “There it is.” She pointed to a slight clearing in the dark woods, and sure enough, hunched over in front of a tree was the silhouette of a large manticore. The rest of the group took notice of it, and Rarity had to stop herself from gasping. Even when shrouded in the darkness of the Everfree Forest, the mares could tell that the beast was at least twice the size of a pony. Its dark orange lion body alone was twice as large as Spike, and its red batwings simply dwarfed him. Its deep red scorpion tail was slowly flicking around, and from its hunched over position, the manticore’s red mane was barely visible. Its face was invisible from where the group was standing, and they made sure to avoid its line of sight.

“You all ready?” Twilight asked, her voice barely louder than her breathing. She looked around herself from her elevated position, receiving nods of confirmation from the rest of her friends. “Begin plan A.” She ordered, utterly serious.

“Wait.” Rarity whispered. “Are we truly going to make Fluttershy do this?” She asked skeptically. “We can’t-”

At that moment, a twig snapped a few paces in front of Rarity, and she yelped in surprise. A few paces in front of her was Fluttershy, who was walking straight towards the monster, all traces of her fear vanishing. “Hello, Mister Manticore?” She fearlessly addressed the beast. Its pointed ears stood up, and it turned its head slightly. “Do you remember me? I took that splinter out of your paw a few years ago.”

Rarity was nervously watching the scene before her unfold, starting to breathe heavily. “She’s fine.” Rainbow Dash whispered into her ear assuringly. “She’s dealt with dragons in the past. She can handle this.”

“What’s upsetting you, big guy?” Fluttershy soothed, as she closed the distance between herself and the manticore. “You can show me. I might be able to help you…” She placed her hoof on the manticore’s back, and its heavy breathing stopped. Fluttershy smiled comfortingly. “I know you’re not a bad monster…” She whispered.

Everypony let out a quiet sigh of relief when Fluttershy was touching the manticore. The group stopped whispering amongst themselves as they awaited the manticore’s response. “Mister Manticore?” Fluttershy asked calmly.

In less than a second, the manticore spun around, causing Fluttershy to flinch. Before she could react at all, the monster lashed out with its paw, and smacked Fluttershy away. The calm silence was brutally shattered, and Rainbow Dash instantly flared her wings and took flight. “Fluttershy!” She screamed, racing to catch her. She was fast enough to intercept the yellow pegasus mid-flight, and the pair tumbled through the air. Rainbow Dash powerfully flapped her wings, managed to cancel their velocity, and came to a stop in midair.

Rainbow Dash’s scream had alerted the manticore to the rest of the group, and it turned to face them, finally granting them a look at its face. Its eyes were glowing a bright green color, and purple vapors were leaking from them as well. Its glowing eyes were wide open, and its mouth was curled into a vicious snarl. It gnashed its teeth together, grabbed its head with its paws, and screeched violently to the sky.

The rest of the group was still in shock from the sequence of events. “So, uh, what’s plan B?” Pinkie Pie questioned anxiously.

The sound of unsheathing metal resounded from beside Twilight, and everyone turned to face it. “We kill it.” Applejack declared, her chain-knife clenched in her teeth.

Adrenaline now coursing through her veins, Twilight leapt off of Spike’s back, and began to assess the situation. Her legs nearly buckled when she landed, but she didn’t allow her body to give out. Rainbow Dash descended to the ground, cradling Fluttershy in her forelegs. “She’s still conscious. She just got the wind knocked out of her.” She told Rarity, and then rested Fluttershy on a nearby tree. Fluttershy’s eyes and mouth were wide open in surprise, and she was barely breathing. Rainbow Dash angrily drew both of her blades, snapping their sleeves into place around her hooves. “We can’t let this thing near Ponyville.” She growled.

“You can’t fight a manticore!” Spike shouted.

Rainbow Dash turned away from the group. “Watch me.” She muttered defiantly. “Pinkie! AJ! Let’s go!”

Applejack didn’t hesitate, and she leapt forward, hurling her knife at the large creature before them. Rainbow Dash spread her wings, and bolted forward. Pinkie Pie smiled at Rarity and Twilight, and then wordlessly drew an oversized hammer from her saddle-bag, and charged forward.

The manticore roared once more, and leapt nimbly away from Applejack’s chain-knife, which clattered to the forest floor. Rainbow Dash charged at it from the air, bringing down her blades on it. Her attack left no impact however, as the manticore quickly swiped her away. Pinkie Pie attempted to flank it, but its massive red tail lashed out at her, forcing her to leap backwards. Applejack closed the distance between her and the manticore, and once again hurled her knife at it, this time striking from its right side. It curved in midair, and struck the manticore’s right arm, piercing it deeply. Black blood spurted out of the injury, and the manticore bellowed in rage. It rushed at Applejack, much faster than it should have been able to run. It bowled over her, launching her into the nearest tree. All of the air in her lungs was forced out of her, but she forced herself back up regardless.

Twilight and Spike watched in horror, as Rarity tended to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy! Stay with us, darling!” She frantically yelled.

“They really can’t fight a manticore…” Twilight gaped. “Applejack was lucky she had armor to protect her right there…”

Fluttershy violently gasped for air, and hacked loudly. Rarity held her in her forelegs, and ordered her, “Don’t try to move! You could be injured!”

Spike looked over at Twilight expectantly. “What should we do?” He questioned.

Rainbow Dash charged the manticore from its left side, faster than it could react. She swung her twin blades, and sliced through the beast’s orange shoulder. It howled in pain as a small amount of black blood trickled down its arm, and it brought down its sharp claws on her. Her golden armor protected her from being cut open, but the force of the blow still sent her spiraling away. She crashed into a line of bushes, and her helmet was knocked off of her head. Before the manticore could recover its senses, Pinkie Pie leapt into the air, and brought her hammer down on its head, stunning it for a brief moment as it cried out violently.

They can’t beat it like this. Twilight thought hopelessly. What do we do? Think, Twilight!

The three mares took a moment to brush off their own injuries, and jointly moved to attack the monster. They converged on it, all of them swinging at once. Unfortunately, the monster was ready for them. It unexpectedly flared its red bat wings to their full extent, and slapped Rainbow Dash out of the air with them. “Damnit!” She gritted her teeth in frustration, as she spiraled away from her target. In sync with its wing flare, the manticore quickly rotated to its side, and, using its scorpion tail, hit Pinkie Pie mid-jump out of the air. She yelped in surprise, as she was rocketed back to the ground, but managed to save herself. With its attention no longer divided, the manticore turned to Applejack, whose knife was now mere inches away from its left side. This time, the manticore batted the knife away with its thick left paw, expecting Applejack to stall. But, to its surprise, she let her knife fly away, and simply charged at the manticore, ramming its injured shoulder with her armored one. Black blood oozed out of the freshly ruptured injury, and the manticore screamed in agony. Applejack couldn’t back away after her attack, and the manticore slashed her with its claws, piercing straight through her armor, and raking her orange chest. Blood leaked out of Applejack’s chest as she tumbled away, the hard ground further injuring her. The manticore’s glowing green eyes were lit up with rage, and it roared once more.

Spike gaped at the spectacle, and once more turned to Twilight. “Twilight! What do we do?!” He shouted in panic.

The gears in Twilight’s head continued turning as she frantically thought of what to do. Her eyes widened as she received a sudden impulse, as if something was calling to her. She gritted her teeth as she realized what she had to do in order to save her friends. “Come on, Spike.” She demanded, and then turned away from the battle before her.

Spike whirled around, and shouted accusingly, “We’re running away?!”

Twilight ignored his accusation, and ran up to Rarity and Fluttershy. “I need you two to get up. Do you need Spike to carry you, Fluttershy?”

“Where are we going?” Rarity demanded. “She’s in no condition to walk and neither are you!”

“Would you prefer to leave her here? With a rampaging manticore?!” Twilight silenced her angrily. “We need to head deeper into the forest! Now!”

“What?!” Spike shouted, not understanding anything.

“Hurry! Do you want everypony to die?!” Twilight shouted rhetorically.

Heeding Twilight’s words, Fluttershy forced herself to her hooves. “…I can walk.” She whispered, and then violently coughed.

“Fluttershy!” Rarity cried out.

“I’ll explain as we go!” Twilight promised, beginning to sprint deeper into the forest.

Spike immediately gave chase, but Rarity and Fluttershy hesitated, taking another look at the ensuing struggle. The manticore was charging at the wounded Applejack, until Rainbow Dash rammed into its right side. “I’m over here!” She taunted it.

“…Be careful…” Rarity whispered, and then gave chase to Twilight, Fluttershy right behind her.

Twilight and Spike continued to sprint through the dark woods, never changing direction, which caused Spike to grow unsettled. “Twilight, where are we going?!” He yelled between his breaths.

Twilight didn’t answer for a few seconds, but then flatly stated, “The Tree of Harmony.”

Understanding washed over Spike immediately, and he screeched to a halt and spread his wings. “Go on ahead! I’ll be right there!” He shouted to Twilight, and then took off into the sky. Twilight made no attempt to stop him, and soon, Rarity and Fluttershy caught up to her, which caused her to pick up her pace.

The three mares continued moving as quickly as possible, Fluttershy flying alongside the others as they ran. They were forced to weave through familiar obstacles, such as chasms and rivers, but they were able to pass them easily. Eventually, they came to the giant staircase leading downwards, with a wall of black to its left side. The group knew what awaited them at the bottom, and without so much as catching their breath, Twilight and Rarity galloped down the staircase, Fluttershy flying beside them in case they fell. Upon reaching the bottom, they finished their journey, and stood before the blue, radiant Tree of Harmony.

Twilight approached the Tree, and suddenly felt that something was wrong. The Elements of Harmony were hanging halfway out of their sockets, and the tree itself was giving off a much dimmer light than before. It looks like it’s… rejecting the Elements.  In fact, the whole tree feels off… Twilight observed. Were you what called me here?

“Twilight!” Rarity panted behind her. “Now will you tell us what we’re doing here?”

Twilight shook off her thoughts, and turned to her friends. “Help me grab the Elements of Harmony!” The other two mares gave her baffled expressions, so she quickly explained, “For some reason, the Tree of Harmony isn’t stopping the monsters in the forest anymore. If it won’t stop the monsters, then we have to. And in order to do that, we need the Elements back.”

“But we haven’t needed the Elements for years!” Rarity argued. “I thought just being together caused the Element’s power!”

Twilight shook her head. “I’m not really sure, but I’m pretty sure we’ve been able to use our powers because the Tree of Harmony was shining brightly with the Elements. It doesn’t seem that way anymore, so at least for now, we have to go back to the old-fashioned way.” Rarity and Fluttershy nodded their heads in agreement. “The Elements are already loose, so I should be able to pull them out.” Twilight focused her magic on the Element of Magic and the Element of Loyalty, and attempted to light up her horn. But as she did, she felt a tidal wave of exhaustion wash over her, and her head began throbbing. She abandoned the spell, and gripped her aching head with her hooves, panting heavily.

“Allow us, darling.” Rarity requested, and then lit up her own horn. Fluttershy flew up to the Tree, and began pulling out Elements of Harmony. Rarity grasped four in her magical grip, and Fluttershy held one in each hoof. The spaces in the Tree of Harmony resealed after each respective Element was removed. The two mares regrouped around Twilight, who was recovering from her spontaneous exhaustion. “So, we’re using these against that monster?” Rarity inquired.

“Yes.” Twilight responded. “We have to hurry up. I can fit two Elements in my saddle-bag.”

“And we can both carry two.” Fluttershy stated.

“Then let us move!” Rarity chanted, and stuffed two of the Elements into Twilight’s saddle-bag. She began to run up the large staircase, Fluttershy flying beside her. Twilight was about to run as well, but she stopped, and took in the Tree of Harmony one last time.

Something about the Tree agitated Twilight, and she continued to stare at it for a few seconds. She forced herself to look away, and told herself, You’ll sort this out later. You need to run. She then started to gallop up the large staircase as fast as she could, quickly catching her two friends. The three mares ran even faster than before, Elements of Harmony in hoof, letting the thoughts of their friends fuel their movements. They ran, and ran, and ran, so fast that they returned to the battle in a matter of minutes. The small group was promptly intercepted by Spike, who was panting every bit as much as they were. Twilight grinned when she noticed what he was cradling in his arms, the five necklaces and one tiara for the Elements of Harmony. Twilight nodded to him, and he wordlessly nodded back, both of them understanding what they had to do.

Spike and Twilight turned to their right, and charged through the bushes in front of them, reappearing on the battlefield of the manticore. The battle was still raging, and the three armor-clad mares were currently dancing around the beast, trying their hardest to avoid its massive paws. Applejack’s chest was bleeding badly, but she seemed to pay it no mind as she jumped about. Rainbow Dash was sporting multiple minor injuries around her body, while Pinkie Pie was only covered in a few small bruises. Wasting no more time, Twilight took her tiara from Spike, removed the Element of Magic from her saddle-bag, and placed it into the tiara’s slot. She placed it on her head, and cried out, “Rainbow Dash! Applejack! Pinkie Pie! Quickly!”

Her three friends snuck a glance at her, and their eyes widened when they saw her tiara. After taking a few seconds to process the sight before them, they sheathed their weapons, and sprinted to Twilight’s side. The manticore howled in anger, and gave chase. Quick as a bolt of lightning, Spike dropped the necklaces onto the ground, inhaled deeply, and spewed green fire in between him and the manticore. He continued exhaling fire until he had formed a solid wall of purple-and-green flames around the group. Primal fear overpowered the manticore’s rage, stopping it in its tracks, giving the ponies the time they needed. Spike wiped his mouth, and shouted to the group, “Hurry! Those flames won’t last forever!”

Rarity and Fluttershy had caught up with the others, and laid the four Elements they had on the ground next to the necklaces. The five mares were scrambling to put their necklaces together, while Twilight and Spike watched the firewall before them. “Hm.” Rarity muttered. “It really has been a while since we’ve used these, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Mine’s the lightning bolt, right?”

“No, it’s the apple.” Applejack spat dryly. Fluttershy had her eyes on her respective Element and necklace, but she patiently waited for the others to get theirs. Applejack pressed her orange apple gemstone into its slot, and slung the necklace around her neck. “Done.” She declared.

Pinkie Pie was staring intently at the ground, her blue eyes squinting in concentration. “All right, joke’s over, which one of you swiped my Element?”

“Why would anypony steal your Element at a time like this?” Rainbow Dash scolded her.

“Maybe somepony thinks it’s funny, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie shouted accusingly.

Rarity pressed her purple diamond gemstone into place, and put on her own necklace. “Finished.” She reported, and then levitated Fluttershy’s necklace to her.

Sweat beaded down Twilight’s face as she watched the fire begin dying down. “Hurry up!” She screamed behind her.

“I can’t find it!” Pinkie Pie began panicking.

“Did… Did I drop it?” Fluttershy despaired.

Pinkie Pie started frantically searching around herself, and then she froze. A look of embarrassment spread across her face, and she stood up. In the spot where she had been sitting was a blue balloon gemstone. She grinned sheepishly at her friends, who were glaring murderously at her. “Who cares right now?! Just put it on!” Rainbow Dash ordered before gliding over to Twilight. Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy simultaneously followed suit, with Pinkie Pie bringing up the rear. The five mares lined up beside Twilight, who, noticing her friends, readied herself.

“Get ready.” She warned everypony. They all braced themselves, waiting for the wall of fire to die down. “Focus. Remember why Celestia chose us. Why the Elements chose us.” Twilight turned her head around, and gave a wholehearted smile to her friends, remembering what was most important to her. “Remember that we’re friends. No matter what. All of us.” All of the mares smiled back at her, and Twilight turned back around. She shut her eyes, concentrating. For them… For my friends. She clung to that thought, as she began to feel the Elements’ magic coursing through her. The other five mares did the same, as Spike watched his flames.

As the last of the purple flames faded away, Spike screamed, “NOW!”

Twilight opened her eyes, which were now blazing with a white light. She and her friends were lifted into the air by the power of the Elements, and a radiant white light surrounded them. The manticore was frozen in place once more, and didn’t move an inch. With their attention focused on the monster, the Elements of Harmony launched a rainbow into the sky, which arched in the air, and fell towards the manticore. The rainbow washed over the manticore like a tsunami of colored light, and a visible shadow was ripped from its body, which evaporated into the air. The manticore let out an ear-splitting scream as the darkness was torn from it, being drowned out by the Element’s power. With its task completed, the rainbow then rocketed into the sky, and Twilight and her friends were lowered back to the ground.

The mares started panting heavily, the toll of the Elements adding to their already exhausted bodies. Twilight smiled, and she looked forward, eager to see the Element’s handiwork. But her heart stopped beating, and her eyes widened as she saw the manticore stand back up on all fours, and slowly begin approaching them. “No…” She whispered.

The manticore slowly headed past Twilight, and started approaching Fluttershy. Fluttershy saw the beast walking closer to her, and she forced herself up. She began to back away, and Rainbow Dash struggled to pick herself up. “Fluttershy… no…” She murmured.

The manticore continued to close the distance between itself and Fluttershy, who scrambled backwards, never taking her eyes off of the approaching danger. She backed away further and further, until her back collided with the thick trunk of a tree. Her body froze up in fear, and the manticore continued to inch closer to her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were trying as hard as they could to force themselves to their hooves, their heavy armor causing them to constantly stumble and collapse with every attempt. The orange monster closed all further distance between itself and Fluttershy, now standing on its hind legs directly in front of her. After a few seconds, it reached out, and grabbed Fluttershy with its paws. The remaining five mares froze up, and watched the scene in awestruck terror.

Then, suddenly, the beast opened its mouth, and began licking Fluttershy lovingly. Fluttershy’s eyes lit up in shock, and she began laughing fearfully. “Um, nice to see you again?” She whispered, bewildered by her situation. The other mares heaved a sigh of relief, as the manticore continued licking Fluttershy. Eventually, the manticore purred, and set her down. Fluttershy smiled at it, and cooed, “I knew you weren’t a bad monster.” The manticore purred again, and then looked over itself, and was shocked to see that it was oozing black blood. “I’ll come and bandage those wounds in a little bit, ok?” Fluttershy promised it. The manticore smiled, nodded, and then walked away from the group, deeper into the Everfree Forest, blissfully unaware of the events that had just transpired.

Rainbow Dash flew over to Fluttershy, and swept her into an embrace of her own. “Whew! I thought we were done for there!” She cheered hysterically.

“We… we did it.” Rarity stammered, and then collapsed onto her hind legs.

Applejack smiled at the white unicorn. “We sure did, sugarcube. Ya really came through fer us.”

Pinkie Pie leapt into the air, her bouncy energy making its return. “Woohoo! Another monster to add to add to our bestiary!” She cheered.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy broke their embrace, and flew back to the group. “Actually Pinkie Pie, we didn’t really beat it…” Fluttershy whispered.

“Besides, ‘manticore’ is already in our bestiary.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Pfft! I dunno what you’re talkin’ about! That manticore ran away with its tail between its legs!” Spike bragged.

The mares chuckled, and Rarity smiled at Spike. “You were very brave, Spike.” She praised him.

Spike grew a toothy grin, and struck a ridiculous pose. “Yeah, I’m pretty awesome.” He gloated.

The five mares all burst into hysterical laughter, which continued for quite some time. The jokes and silly faces continued on, as the group celebrated their victory. At that moment, they were all just happy to be alive. But as her friends continued to celebrate, Twilight struggled to remain standing. Her body had exhausted all of its energy, and her magic was completely gone. She tried as hard as she could to remain standing, but the Elements of Harmony had siphoned the last of her stamina. Her legs collapsed under the weight of her own body, and she fell limp to the ground, no longer moving as she lay cold on the dark ground of the Everfree Forest.