In Defense of Harmony

MLP: Children of Harmony

Chapter 1:

The melody of birds welcoming the rising sun signals the start to another day in the little town of Ponyville. Fifteen years ago, the sleepy town in the shadow of Canterlot was barely known outside of those that lived there. But after the return of the Elements of Harmony, the town gained a reputation for strange happenings, earth shaking phenomena, and six very special girls. In later years, the “Keepers of Harmony” took time out of their busy days of adventure to settle down, get married, and start their own families. And who were the lucky ones to take their hands in marriage?

Well, when you travel the country and face certain death together, the person that catches your eye may be the one right next to you. Such is the case of the two laying in bed in a small cottage outside of town. The first pair of eyes to open belonged to the Element of Kindness and perennial early riser, Fluttershy.  After wiping the sleep from her eyes, she lifts her head from her lover’s chest  and comes face to face with her best friend and wife, Rainbow Dash, her limbs splayed out in a deep less-than-graceful sleep. Of the six, the two of them were the first to be wed, and the first to welcome a child  into the world.

On the outside, the two wouldn’t seem to mesh. Rainbow Dash is best described competitive, brash, and stubborn. Fluttershy can be best described as the polar opposite. Yet as the saying goes in life and chemistry, opposites attract.

And now the two were snuggled into bed, with Fluttershy gently tracing small circles on Rainbow Dash’s cheek as her lover snored away. As much as she would love to stay there in her arms and sleep the day away, she knew the two eager bodies down the hall would bust down their door demanding breakfast before too long. Like it or not, it was time to start the day.

Fluttershy nuzzled her nose against Rainbow Dash’s, then pressed their lips together. Feeling her lover’s touch, Rainbow Dash began to stir to life. Her hands drifted under Fluttershy’s pale yellow nightgown and caressed her bare skin. With minimal effort, Rainbow Dash managed to push her bride onto her back as their lips separated.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Rainbow Dash said before going in for a more sensual kiss that left her lover breathless.

“Morning...Dashie…” Fluttershy replied between pants. Her cheeks were warm with the blush created by the two lover’s good morning kiss. But instead of climbing out of bed, Rainbow Dash flops back down on top of Fluttershy and buries her head into her lover’s shoulder.

“Um...Dashie...uh...I need to start...breakfast…” Fluttershy squeaked. Though verbally protesting, Fluttershy made no attempt to physically remove Rainbow Dash from ontop of her.

“Five more minutes…” Rainbow Dash mumbled. Her hands gently stroked Fluttershy’s sides and back, making the girl gasp.

“B...but….the girls….need to make...breakfast…” Fluttershy protested again, giving a tiny shove with her right hand on her lover’s shoulder.  The promise of food was all it took for Rainbow Dash to release her lover, and slide back to her side of the bed.  Now free of her frisky captor, Fluttershy gave her wife one final kiss before slipping out of bed. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, dropper her head back onto the pillow and was soon asleep again.

Fluttershy knew the best way to get Rainbow out of bed. She walked towards the bathroom and turned around, leaning against the door frame. She put on her sultriest look, and gently brushed the stray strands of her pink hair out of her face.

“Ohhh Daaaashie.” Fluttershy cooed. Rainbow opened her eyes, then sat straight up.. If her wings had been visible on her back, they would have fully extended. Fluttershy was striking the perfect model pose, . The morning light from the window cast her body in almost an angelic like glow.

Fluttershy let out an innocent giggle. “Coming?”

Rainbow Dash would need no further encouragement to get out of bed.

While two lovers basked in each other’s company, across town another family was already underway with morning preparations. Working in the kitchen of her home on the other side of the Carousel Boutique was Rarity, one half of the oddest couple of the three. Rarity was the queen of fashion in most of Equestria thanks to her adventures with the Elements of Harmony. In recent years, the fashion-forward woman had put her talents to work making maternity and child’s clothing for herself and her friends. Some of her more favorite outfits became centerpieces in the new lines created for her friends’ bundles of joy.

Which made it unfathomable that she would one day find herself married to Applejack; she was as uncouth as they come. She spent more time in the field than on her appearance, and was more than happy that way. The “simple things” in life were all that Applejack needed to be happy: good friends, a happy family, and good food. Believe it or not, she would find all three things in Rarity’s loving arms.

As she slid a pan of biscuits ready for baking into the oven, the thud of boots on the floor brought a smile to the fashionista's face. Soon she felt the warmth of Applejack’s body as her lover’s arms wrapped around her waist.

“I didn’t think you’d be up yet,” Rarity said as she leaned back. Her head gently rested on Applejack’s right shoulder.

“Smelled the food.” Applejack said.

Rarity pouted at Applejack’s words. “That’s it? It was food that got you out of bed this morning?”

“That, and a certain someone who climbed out of bed without even a good mornin’…” Before Rarity could speak she felt herself being lifted into the air and lightly spun around. Her laugh echoed around the kitchen before she spun around and wrapped her arms around Applejack’s neck and leaned against her. Their lips met and time stood still. During the kiss, Rarity carefully lifted Applejack’s hat and placed it on her own head. Applejack huffed as she broke the kiss. Rarity giggled innocently and kissed her wife on the cheek.

“Good morning, Darling. Now, set the table?” She said as she went back to cooking.

“You know, I bought you one of these and you never wear it.” Applejack said as she took her hat from Rarity.. Upstairs in Rarity’s closet was a similar hat, glitzed on in Rarity’s style with violet gemstones embroidered on the edge, and three diamonds stitched into the front in the pattern of her cutie mark. It was a wedding gift from Applejack’s family as a “welcome to the family” gesture. That hat would later become the centerpiece of Rarity’s “Southern Matrimony” line that followed.

“I do too wear it.” Rarity shot back as she started working on a batch of pancakes while keeping one eye on the biscuits in the oven. “I just...need the right outfit for it.”

“You and your outfits.” Applejack mumbled. She thanked her lucky stars that their daughter, five year old Apple Syrup, wasn’t as fashion forward as her mother.

“Ah ah ah, no complaining. I know a few outfits you’d just die to see me in with it.” Rarity said, batting her eyes in her lover’s direction. Applejack just stared off to the side, a scarlet red blush covering her tanned cheeks.

“S-s-shush…” Applejack stuttered as she concerned herself with setting the plates and utensils for breakfast.  Rarity smirked from her minor victory. From the stairs, a loud thump announced the arrival of the littlest Apple jumping over the last few stairs.

“Mornin’ Momma. Morning Mommy.” Apple Syrup’s voice rings out, her speech a sort of pristine, proper country dialect.

“Mornin’, Sugarcube.” Applejack said as her daughter leaped into her arms, nearly knocking the cowgirl off balance. Applejack kissed her daughter’s forehead before she was lifted in a glimmer of purple sparkles into Rarity’s arms.  Rarity held the giggling child in her arms  and kissed her cheek.

“Good morning Apple Syrup, and how are you?” Rarity asked, though she knew the answer already.

“Hungry!” Apple Syrup said followed by a toothy grin. Applejack just shook her head. “I swear, you’re  more bottomless than a parasprite”

“Like mother, like daughter.” Rarity giggled as she placed her daughter back on her own two feet. “Now, take a seat my little gems, breakfast will be ready in just a moment.”

While they settled down for breakfast, the final couple of the Elements of Harmony was already wide awake. In the Ponyville Library, Princess Twilight Sparkle was already taking on the weekly Library reorganization.

The years since becoming a princess had been nothing but one adventure after another for the former student of Celestia. In a short time, the bookworm more interested in reading books than actually speaking to people had become the focal point of the strange happenings of Equestria. From fighting Nightmare Moon to defending the kingdom from a surprise invasion, Twilight Sparkle and her friends were there  for every moment.

The most memorable, however, was her starring in the second Royal wedding. Her co-star in love? The now proclaimed “Duchess of Party”, Pinkie Pie. Though the day will be remembered for the thousands of rolls of streamers left littered around the castle, and Pinkie playing the roles of wedding planner and bride almost seamlessly, Twilight was overjoyed to join as one with the energetic pastry chef. Pinkie Pie brought an air of eagerness and joy to Twilight’s life that even the unicorn herself would admit she needed. Being with Pinkie wasn’t boring by any means, but it was tiring, in more ways than one.

Currently, Twilight’s thoughts were placed squarely on locating a missing row of books from the science section. There hadn’t been any withdrawals from that area this week, and any previously loaned out books had certainly been returned. Twilight had triple checked. Which left only one more possible lead: the  sleeping  child at the kitchen table, her brown skin cast in shadow from the tower of books piled next to her.

Having her nose buried in a book was a common occurrence for young Starchaser. Intellectually, the unicorn was already on top of her class and reading above their level.  Her reading material of choice was astronomy. Starchaser found herself drawn to the stars, and would spend her nights on the balcony, using her mother’s telescope to examine the innumerable shining orbs that dotted the night sky.  But she also had her mother Pinkie Pie’s party side locked within, ready to burst out at a moment’s notice. With that came the side effect of a huge sweet tooth, developed while helping her mother bake.

In the here and now, Starchaser was snoozing. Twilight giggled to herself as she approached the table. She remembered the times of her own youth when she would fall  asleep with a good book. Though the book was usually covering her face as she slept instead of being used as a pillow to rest her head.

“Starchaser, wake up honey.” Twilight gently shook her daughter’s shoulder Starchaser groaned as she was roused from her slumber. When she saw her mother’s face she smiled weakly, and blew one of her stray bangs out of her eyes before hugging her.

“Good morning, Mom,” Starchaser said.

“Good morning, Starchaser.” Twilight answered and kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Late night?”

Starchaser nodded. “I wanted to finally get through my star chart research without Windy Belle interrupting me and fell asleep.”

“Honey, it’s not a race. You should enjoy your books.” Twilight said as she used her magic to put away the books her daughter had intended to read.

“I know, but the movement of the st…” Starchaser’s voice trailed off as she fell back against her mother’s stomach and fell asleep briefly before jumping back awake.

“I know honey, you can tell me after you get some rest.” Twilight said. Though Starchaser would argue that she was fine, a long bellowing yawn betrayed her.

“Yes Mother…may I take a book with me?” Starchaser’s eyes lit up with the request. Twilight wanted to get her rearranging done, but her daughter’s pleading eyes always tugged at her heart strings just enough for her to get her way.

“One book.” Twilight said. Starchaser squeed and hugged her mother tight, before grabbing “A beginner’s guide to Astronomy II.”

“Thanks Mom! Good night! Uh...morning!” Starchaser said as she scampered up towards her room.

“Good morning to you too dear….oh, Starchaser?  Where’s your mother?” Twilight asked.

“Mommy had to run to Sugarcube Corner, she had a surprise party order to fill!” Starchaser said quickly, the ends of her hair sticking out wildly as she slammed the door shut behind her.

With her daughter snoozing on her bed instead of the table, Twilight continued again with her weekly ritual. However, that ritual was broken for the second time when the front door crashed open. Twilight turned around and saw Pinkie Pie standing in the entrance, her unruly hair springing in all directions. Bits of sprinkles and frosting stuck to her skin and clothes, and the classic Pinkie Pie smile firmly on her lips. Twilight and Pinkie Pie stared at each over for several minutes before Pinkie squealed and leaped into the air, tackling her lover to the ground and showering her with kisses.

“P...Pinkie!” Twilight laughed between kisses.

“Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi!” Pinkie chanted before planting one final kiss on her wife’s lips and snuggling against her.

“G...good morning, love.” Twilight patted her lover’s head. “Early morning?”

“I’m soooo sorry! I didn’t mean to leave without saying but I got a call from Mrs. Cake and said, ‘Hi Mrs. Cake”’ and she said ‘Hi Pinkie, could you come in for a little bit this morning?’and I thought that was weird because usually we don’t do any baking on the weekends BUUUUUUT they got a surprise orderforabirthdaypartyandithadtobedonebythisafternoonand….”

“Pinkie…” Twilight placed her hand over her lover’s ever moving mouth. “Slow down.”

“Silly Twilight, I WAS speaking slowly.” Pinkie giggled, making Twilight sigh and place her hand to her forehead.

“Pinkie…” Twilight began

“Yes?” Pinkie answered innocently.

“I love you.” Twilight said.

“Awww, I love me too.” Pinkie said playfully, making her wife shake her head. “Seriously though, I love you too Twilight.” The two shared another kiss before moving to the couch to continue their morning cuddle session.

Meanwhile, in the throne room of Canterlot Castle, a very different set of morning rituals were taking place. The Royal sisters, Celestia and Luna were  putting in place a plan to protect Equestria’s treasured six from a set of increasingly disturbing threats from afar. According to several intelligence service memos, Princess Twilight,  her “Court of Harmony”, and their offspring  were all marked for death. The most alarming part of the news was where the threats were coming from: The Crystal Empire.

A mysterious group had appeared suddenly, inciting rebellion and staging attacks on military and civilian targets. Rumors about how large and how strong their force was created fear within Equestria’s security wing. Worst of all, a series of messages had been intercepted, detailing the group’s future plans. Those plans included the elimination of Princess Twilight, her friends, and their families.

In response, Princess Celestia and Luna agreed that the safety of Equestria’s newest Princess should be priority number one. Princess Luna called on the elite units of the Royal Guard Special Operations division. Their mission: Defend the Princess, her friends, and their children. With their lives if necessary.

In an office in the back rooms of the castle, The Princess of the Night was briefing her appointed leader for this mission. Her flowing hair sparkled with the stars of her night.. Sitting before her was  Major Tornado, his brown skin was barely visible in the dim light of the office. The grey baseball cap that normally covered his short black hair head sat in his lap, underneath a dossier file that was open on his lap.

“This mission must be executed with the utmost secrecy” Luna explained. “Ponyville has seen enough headaches to last several lifetimes.”

“I’ve worked in these sleepy towns before,” Tornado replied. “Make a cover story, do nothing out of the ordinary, and no one’s the wiser. Kids are going to be an issue though.” His brow furrowed as he turned the page. “They tend to run their mouths.”

“I’m sure their parents will be able to keep them quiet.” The Princess assured him. Tornado  didn’t respond to her as he continued to read. His silence was not in disrespect. In his mind, Tornado was formulating his plan of action. Attention to the finer details made him a perfect selection for sensitive missions.

“What’s the status of my team?” He said as he finished reading and snapped the folder closed.

The Princess of the Night nodded her head. “Your fellow operatives have been recalled from their previous duties. They will return to the capital by this evening. However,I do not understand your insistence on only three guards to assist you.”

“A small force can enter the town and provide security without stirring up too much trouble.” The Major said with a smirk. “Besides, the four of us are a lot. We can handle it.”

Though Tornado was confident, Princess Luna did not share his enthusiasm.

“Do not underestimate this assignment, Major Tornado. Princess Twilight and her friends are integral to the security of Equestria. The death or incapacitation of the Princess or her Court would leave us dangerously vulnerable.”

Luna looked grim. She left her seat, and walked over to the shuttered blinds of her office window. She pulled one of the blinds down with a finger and stared out at the courtyard below. “We are standing at the edge of an uncertain fate, a fate that has now been placed in the hands of you and your fellow guardsmen.” Luna turned from the window and faced the Major.  “Do NOT let anything happen to them, do you understand?”.

Tornado nodded, his thick framed glasses reflecting the dull light. “Don’t worry Princess Luna, we won’t fail.”

“See to it you don’t.” Princess Luna turned back to the window “My sister and I  will travel to Ponyville to inform Princess Twilight personally of our plan. Once your team has arrived, you are to travel to Ponyville, meet with the Princess and the other elements, and begin operations. Dismissed.”

Tornado stood and saluted the Princess. He folded  the dossier that was open his lap closed and tucked  under his arm. He placed his hat back on his head and made his way out of Princess Luna’s office to prepare for the mission ahead.