The Collected Adventures of Tyro

Chapter 5: Diplomacy

SWEET APPLE ACRES - Midnight

Unable to sleep, Applebloom looked out the window. The midnight sky outside had a certain beauty to it, she thought to herself, as she gazed up at the stars. Then she felt something. A sound, but one she felt, not heard. With it, a ring of darkened colors blossomed across the sky. It reminded her of something she had seen once before, but she couldn't remember what. Shaking her head, she closed the window and went back to bed. There could be only one cause for such an event.

"That's the last time ah have cider before going to bed."

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PONYVILLE LIBRARY - Late Afternoon

Twilight stared at Luna. "So, you're telling me that part of your job is to deal with the other countries around Equestria, like the diamond dogs and the griffins? Who did that when you were gone, then?"

Luna looked bashful. "Celestia is a great leader for Equestria, and she always does what she thinks is right, but diplomacy has never been one of her best abilities. Over the centuries that I have been gone, relations with other countries have begun to fall into disrepair."

"But what does that have to do with us," the unicorn asked, "when it has always been your responsibility?" She looked around at the other Elements of Harmony. "How are we involved with this?"

Luna looked uncomfortable as she explained. "Twilight, you and your friends are national heroes of Equestria. I can only be in one place at a time, but the Elements of Harmony themselves can be just as effective in a diplomatic situation as I can, especially after I've been gone so long. You six have shown before that you can resolve problems: it was you who negotiated the treaty with the buffalo in Appaloosa that prevented catastrophe, and you who were able to convince that dragon to move. Celestia and I need you to help resolve other tensions that have recently arisen as well."

The princess of the night paused before continuing. "And that, Twilight, is why the six of you will be coming with me on this mission, so that you can get a little more diplomatic experience before we send you out on your own. Spike and Tyro will have to stay behind, however; neither is one of the Elements of Harmony, and would not be recognized by any of the dignitaries we will be meeting. Moreover, the dark power Tyro holds could be taken as a threat, which isn't exactly the image we want to display. Tonight, pack whatever you will need for a long trip, and get a good night's sleep. We will have far to travel."

Twilight nodded, albeit with a touch of sadness. She had only just had Tyro restored to her, and now she would have to leave him behind. And Spike... well, was Spike. "I think I understand. We will come with you, then, when you leave first thing tomorrow."

Each of the other Elements exchanged glances. This would be yet another disturbance in their daily lives, but as always, Equestria's needs would have to come first. None of them resented it, but the interruptions were always a bit of a bane to their daily lives.

As the rest of the ponies left, Twilight went upstairs to explain the situation to Tyro. He seemed to take it pretty well, promising to practice his magic while she was gone. That done, Twilight moved on to start a checklist of things to do before leaving, and another of things to bring with her.

Far above, Rainbow Dash worried about different matters altogether.