The Art Of The Kill

Chapters

Prologue / Chapter 1: Premarital Jitters
Chapter 2: Tea Time With The Princess
Chapter 4: The Wedding Day
Chapter 5: The Longest Day
Chapter 6: Intuitive Espionage
Chapter 3: Like Sands Through The Hourglass

Prologue / Chapter 1: Premarital Jitters

Prologue... [Recalling from "Equestria Is Not Enough". To my readers who have not read my previous fic, this is the sequel to "Equestria Is Not Enough". If you wish to refrain from unfortunate spoilers, turn back and read my other fic. But if you already have or do not wish to, then so be it and read (This is why I have prepared the prologue). But you may find the loose ends of this story to come easier if you have read the other story...Enjoy.]

A couple years back, the land of Equestria had just come out of their darkest era since Discord. A dangerous legacy that was on the verge of becoming a reignited war between the Griffins of the Nydeabaen Kingdom, and ponies of Equestria.

The psychotic plan was unveiled by the insanity that was, Nova Sparks. A ruthless and powerful pony who, with his league of banished outcasts, took the land of Equestria for their own in a rebellious and hostile take over of Celestia's power.

After his rise to power, he announced himself as the new dictator of Equestria and vowed to rule with an iron hoof. Along with his No.2 and No.3 stallions, Bradshaw Buckingham and Comet, he commanded an army of burly canines and brainwashed ponies. Soon after his plans for project: meteor were revealed, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash must bring harmony and hope back to their land once more.

They also learn the magic that Nova used was unlike any magic they had ever seen. A dark magic produced by a special meteorite that hit the planet centuries ago, manarite. With his technology and manarite mine, Sparks became nearly untouchable, and unmatchable in terms of magic.

In a matter of days, the land was Nova's to control, and all seemed hopeless. But after discovering that the elements of harmony could prevail, the trio embarked on a quest to free their captured comrades, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike from the clutches of Nova Sparks.

After Nova left the kingdom on "Business", Comet was left in control, and quickly failed as Applejack rescued her family and many other captured ponies...except the ones she was hoping for. And after Twilight delivered a passionate speech of a counter-rebellion to the city of Canterlot, it was written.

Along with a new team of freedom fighters, Twilight, AJ, and Dash were on their way to the canyon to end Nova's reign once and for all. But time was of the essence as they learned that Nova's missile known as meteor was to be launching soon and they were forced to hurry.

Nova explained the meaning of his scheme and everypony learned his missile was meant to spark a violent war between their neighboring mountain kingdom, Nydeabaen, home of the Griffons. As both of their armies would dwindle in sizes, Nova's psychotic mind conjured a counter-assault later on to enslave the mountains and excavate precious ores from inside the mountains. This plot scared the girls and they were motivated to prevail, or all was lost.

While being imprisoned for a such a long time, Pinkie Pie vowed to silence over the death of her former ruler, Fluttershy was left puzzled with her surroundings of a dark dank dungeon inside the manarite caverns. Meanwhile, afraid it may be his last chance, Spike came to terms with his feelings for Rarity and revealed to her that he had loved her since the day they met. Now with death facing them, they must pray something will liberate them.

But as the love story goes on, it is interrupted and Nova later demands the execution of Spike the dragon. Then, Bradshaw Buckingham forced a brainwashed Rarity to do the honors. But to Spike's amazement, Rarity broke free of the trance and the both of them managed to escape and finally reunite with their companions, Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow.

A massive assault unfolded within the mines and the small number of freedom fighters tried to push through the wall of elite forces and various miners. Then later, Rainbow manages to destroy Nova's machinery and break their way into the secret development lab for the missile.

Another brawl ensued with more at stake. To all of the freedom fighter's dismay, the missile was fired and the only hope of stopping it was in mid-air. So Rainbow was sent to fetch it while being chased by the possessed Wonderbolts.

While the conflicts were beginning to boil down, Big Macintosh got into the fight of his life with the stallion who burned down his precious home, Bradshaw. Then when his sister Applejack arrived to help, Big Mac had lost the battle and died next to her with a fatal wound. This unleashed a violent lust for revenge inside the country pony and she was face to face with her biggest fight.

Twilight Sparkle in the meantime had learned Trixie was working with Nova all along and is eventually confronted by her, claiming it was she who had slandered and ruined her life and planned on paying the cost with Twilight's life. But the sympathetic Unicorn tried to talk it out of her.

Dash on the other hoof, finally caught up to the bomb and disabled it along with the revitalized Wonderbolts who promised to reward the brave Pegasus with an honorary membership into the Wonderbolts. The prize at first filled Rainbow with utter glee, but she knew there were more important matters at hoof and must return to the mines. The Wonderbolts followed.

After fighting a handicapped fight with an injured leg, Applejack managed to fight off the southern steed and avenged her brother. Following a brief, emotional moment, AJ came along to Twilight's aide, but was forced to remain out of the conflict as Trixie seemed threatening.

But words eventually calmed the disturbed spirit of the blue mare as she broke down and apologized for her massive ego and treasonous ways of working with Sparks.

Now with Applejack gone to get the other girls, Sparkle confronted Nova one last time and soon found herself in a magical battle and nearly lost until her friends return to rekindle her spirits. And with a friendship powered confidence, the girls used the elements to render Nova's magic useless and blasted him and his magic away.

Sparks' army and empire is defeated and the girls inform Spike to lead the freedom fighters back home as they must quickly disable the missile before anypony else gets to it. But learning that it will take much more effort, the girls decided to take it back to Ponyville in safe keeping...But they are met with their own doomsday.

In the dark sky of Equestria, Nova's airship known as the Supernova was doomed to crash into Ponyville, vaporizing the town, and even Canterlot. But Rainbow Dash's everlasting loyalty shows full force as she decided to take her own life, and was lost inside the ship with Nova as she flew the bomb up to the ship and activated it after a hard fought fight with the vindictive Nova Sparks.

Rainbow's motive was to die and let live and she would be forever remembered for it while she and many other victims of Nova's reign would be honored on a plaque in the town of Ponyville. Declaring closure to a dark chapter and beginning anew. A better life, in Equestria.

Many inner conflicts were resolved; Princess Luna has returned from her forced exile due to Nova's magic, Pinkie Pie is made co-owner of Sugar Cube Corner, Fluttershy came out of her shell of shyness (somewhat), Rarity and Spike announced their marriage, Applejack returned to family life on her new ranch, and Twilight returned to her studies of friendship as she did before Nova had came along. All was fine, Sparks was gone. Rainbow Dash had made the ultimate sacrifice...For Equestria...

Chapter 1 Premarital Jitters

It has been a full two years since the events of Nova Sparks' rebellion took place, and Equestria has never flourished better. With a new era of peace and greater outlook on life, Equestrians are more closer as a civilization. Ponies could honestly say that the incidents a couple years ago never happened and anypony would believe them. With the exception of the still highly respected Princess Celestia. But shortly after the memorial of the honored in what was now known around Equestria as "Victims of the Novan Regime", Princess Luna was inaugurated as her successor.

She later announced and rewarded Twilight Sparkle and Applejack with the high honor of being official members on her Royal Guard. During the times outside her duties, Twilight resumed her studies of friendship as often as she could. Though most of the pressure leaned on Applejack. She still had an entire ranch to maintain, and with Big Macintosh gone, it wasn't easy. But Applebloom was getting older and every Apple family member got their fair share of work at her age. Lately though, all the talk around Ponyville was about the upcoming marriage of Spike and Rarity. An event that they have dreamed about for the longest time, and now finally ready to tie the knot. Away in New Buck City, Rarity and Twilight scampered around in search of Rarity's perfect dress.

"Oooh How does this one look, Twilight?" Rarity asked cheerfully.

The purple pony bobbed her head slowly, "...Looks good Rarity..."

Rarity frowned, "Darling, are you falling asleep?"

Trying to deny it, Twilight shot up abruptly, "No! I'm still awake. I'm just...trying to sufficate a fly with my eye."

Her awkward tone did nothing, "Oh Please Twilight Sparkle, face it. You were nodding off on me."

"Well we have been looking at dresses for five hours, it gets a little mundane after a while." Sparkle said yawning.

The elegant mare nodded nervously, "Well I guess I have been getting a little carried away..."

Twilight cocked an eyebrow, "A little?"

She slammed her hooves down, "Oh Alright I've gone off the rails."

"Couldn't you have just Oh I don't know, DESIGNED your own dress? You forget you design dresses for a living right?" The exhausted mare pointed out.

Rarity nodded while she flicked through more gowns on the rack, "Yes I know but this is New Buck City! Somewhere in this vast city is the dress for me. I won't rest until I find it."

Twilight paused for a moment then facehooved, "You know it took Spike five minutes to pick out his suit right?"

"Oh Trust me Darling. Your gonna be the exact same way when you have your wedding." Rarity chuckled. "Although it's too bad Fluttershy couldn't make it. I mean not to offend you, Twilight, but your not exactly the most fashionably knowledged in Equestria."

"No offense taken." Sparkle smiled happily. "I agree with you 100%."

The white mare flicked through the last few gowns on the rack, then gave up, "Oh Goodness...There's nothing here! Time to hit the next store."

Twilight's eye began to twitch, "Sssssuuuuuure. Let's go to ANOTHER store."

"Oh Calm down." Rarity laughed, "I only want to check one more today. That's all."

With a concealed sigh of relief, Twilight smiled, "Well let's get to it. My hooves are getting sore."

"Oh I just can't decide on what to wear!" Rarity hollered, trotting through the crowded streets.

Twilight gazed around the flashy city and stared at all the wedding billboards, "Hmmm Any of these seem any good to you?"

She shook her head cheerlessly and unimpressed, "Oh Goodness No. We've tried all these shops...I can't believe it's been 5 hours and we STILL haven't found anything!"

Suddenly somepony overheard her predicament and approached her with a solution, "Hello! Forgive me but I overheard your trying to find a wedding dress?"

Sparkle and Rarity nodded happily, "Why yes we are! Can you help us?" Asked Twilight eagerly.

The civilian smiled and pointed to one of the newest billboards, "I think you girls should try Majestic's Jewels. They got tonnes of fancy stuff in there...Although I hope your planning on spending a lot."

"At this point, we'll take anything." Twilight laughed.

Rarity agreed, "Yes yes yes yes YES. Anything will do...Wait, I've never heard of Majestic's Jewels before."

"That's because they just opened yesterday. They've only got two other shops. Actually I heard they might be trying to get one in Canterlot City too." Said the local.

The girls didn't care, they were in a hurry, "Well well, thank you for the help. Happy shopping!" Rarity thanked as they galloped off across the busy streets.

Shortly after, nearly getting hit by a speeding stage coach, the girls burst into the store and immediately took admiration to the abundance of beautiful gowns and jewelry, despite the enormous prices. They approached the clerk's desk to ask for assistance, "Excuse me, could we get some help please?" Rarity asked gallantly.

"Welcome to Majestic's Jewels. How can I help you?" The clerk greeted.

Rarity smiled at the handsome stallion, "Hellooooo. Me and my friend here were wondering if you could help moi find a perfect wedding gown?"

The stallion chuckled and nodded, "Why of course. Miss?"

"Rarity." She smiled.

The clerk exited his booth, "Ah Miss Rarity...Come along you two. I'll introduce you to Mr. Silver. He's the expert on this sort of thing."

He lead the girls through the department store and brought them to an upstairs compartment. They stopped next to an office door and the clerk knocked. A voice was heard from the inside, "Who is it?"

"Ahem...It's me! We have a couple customers here looking for a wedding dress." He called.

Then suddenly the door opened and a white-grey, unicorn stallion dressed in a suit stepped through with a welcoming smile on his face. His mane was blonde and his tail was medium length with measuring tape around his neck, "Ah I'll take it from here...Good afternoon ladies, I am Sterling Silver. Vice President of the Majestic's Jewels franchise. Also tailor extraordinaire."

"Hello Mr. Silver." Twilight greeted cheerfully, "I'm just warning you now, this is a very picky mare to deal with."

Sterling stared at her for a moment, "My friend, I have never met a challenge I haven't conquered. Come along."

He lead them down the halls and came to long rack filled with wedding gowns of all kinds. Then there was a small stage where Sterling placed Rarity for a moment and looked at her. He got her to turn at some moments and fix poses. Twilight was confused, "What are you doing?"

"Examining." He answered, falling back into his work.

After a tedious five minutes of awkward poses. Silver paused them and disappeared into the wall of dresses, "Where is he going?" Twilight asked.

Rarity shrugged, then no sooner as he left them, he reappeared holding an elegant dress that was Rarity's exact measurements and decorated with diamonds and amethysts. She instantly fell in love with the dress and her eyes sparkled with envy. Sterling smiled, "Personally, I think this dress will do."

"...I...must, HAVE IT!" Rarity beamed with ecstasy.

She flashed into the dressing booth and later reappeared with a perfect fit with colors that matched perfectly, "I don't believe it...It's absolutely marvelous! Oh I'll take it!"

"Hang on!" a skeptical Twilight cut in, "Just exactly how much will this dress cost?"

Sterling reached over at one of Rarity's legs and revealed the price tag, "1,400 bits. Not including the fitting examination I just gave you. This is also our floor model, so we have to ship in another. So there's the order fee, delivery fee. Oh As well as taxes."

The sound of cash registers tolled inside Twilight's head and her jaw dropped, "This dress is going to cost more than most of the wedding arrangements!"

Rarity began to frown, "Oh But Twilight it's so...Me! I simply must have it."

Silver chuckled and shook his head, "Oh It's actually much more convenient than you are assuming. We have an easy-pay program which is perfect for ponies who are not as...Financially blessed as some others are. You can pay this off in lump sums with the minimum being 100 bits a month."

"Hmmm, Well that doesn't sound too bad I guess." Sparkle thought, "Alright, if Rarity says it's fine, then I do too. Ring us up."

Soon, back at the clerk's desk, Sterling wrote down the information and checked through a folder, "Alright, Now that we've got your mailing address and other credentials written down, there is a down payment of 200 bits. After that, I'll have you sign this contract and you can expect your dress in about four days. Does this meet your satisfaction, Miss Rarity?"

She nodded graciously, "No problem at all, Mr. Silver. I thank you very much."

"Please...It was a pleasure, have a wonderful day." He joyfully grinned back.

With her magic, Rarity levitated the feather and signed her name on the contract and trotted out the door with Twilight Sparkle at her side, wearing a gleeful expression of excitement.

Sterling concealed the document into a folder and placed it underneath the counter in a drawer, then smiled even harder as he turned to the clerk, "Meet me in my office after hours. We have a wedding to discuss."

He grinned wittily, "But of course, Mr. Silver. I'd be glad to."

That evening, back in Ponyville, Spike emerged from the library and made his way down to the Town Hall, where he could notice the decorations laid out and positioned around the building, symbolizing the rapidly arriving wedding. He stumbled around the moonlit night, admiring the regal arch, white streamers, and pink and violet roses that were all placed to represent the purity and happiness of the wedding. He sighed.

Then out of the corner of his eye, he noticed somepony trotting towards him. Spike turned around and waved, "Hiya, Applejack. What are you doing in Ponyville this late at night?"

The farm pony giggled, "Just had to deliver a crate of apples. Never mind me. Better question is, what're are YOU doin here, Spike? The weddin's not till next week. Aren't ya a little early?"

The purple dragon laughed nervously, "Yeah I know. I just wanted to come down and see how the preparations were coming along. You and the girls didn't have to do all this for us. I would've been fine with something simple."

Applejack raised a brow and smirked, "Ya know yer marryin Rarity right? With her, it's anythin BUT simple."

With a self-inflicted smack to the head, Spike laughed, "Right."

"You alright Spike? You seem a little ummm, nervous." AJ asked with concern as she noticed his legs quivering.

"Well wouldn't you be too?" He questioned back anxiously, "Me and her will be with each other for the rest of our lives. It's a huge step! I just don't know if I'm ready for it."

"...Sit down sugar cube. It's about time we had a little talk, you and I." Applejack suggested.

They walked over to a park bench and plopped down, and gazed up at the stars. AJ continued, "Now haven't ya'll been together fer over a couple years now? Boy howdy, you two were engaged for a whole year. You see each other everyday and spend nearly every waking moment when ya'll can. How can ya possibly think that yer not ready?"

The puzzled dragon lowered his head into his claws, "It's not the same, AJ. This is marriage. I'll be moving in and like I said, We'll have the rest of our lives together, and I'm afraid to fail her. Family life seems way too difficult."

"This comin from the dragon that practically killed himself liking her?" Applejack joked, attempting to heighten his spirits.

"But what if I DO mess up? I can't turn back time." Spike sighed.

Applejack knew he was depressed, and tried to give him some confidence, "Listen here, anypony, well any dragon in yer case, that can handle the responsibilities of maintaining a library, and show such devotion to their fiancee, I'm sure, will make one great husband...It's natural to feel nervous Spike, and if you don't think Rarity is feelin the same way right now, yer dead wrong."

The dragon nodded slowly, then gazed up at the stars with a smile, "I wonder what Rainbow would say..."

AJ placed her hoof around Spike, "Believe me, she'd tell you to go fer it. Everythin's goin to be fine Spike. Everypony is nervous about weddins. Ya got nothin to worry about. Rarity is a very understandin pony...Most of the time anyway."

Spike laughed and stood up and stretched, "Yeah I see where your getting at. I guess if she feels the same I do, we'll be fine."

"I know you'll be, hun." She winked with a healing smile.

He continued to nod then wrapped his arms around her, "Thanks a lot Applejack, you're a good friend."

"Ah Shucks, simmer down now. Yer embarrassin me." She blushed.

"Well I better get back to the library and clean up." He suddenly said eagerly, "I got a telegram from Twilight and they'll be back from the city tomorrow morning."

"Good night, Spike." AJ chuckled, "I'll see ya'll tomorrow."

"See ya!" Spike waved.

Later that night, aboard the train bound to Ponyville, Twilight was sleeping soundly away in her and Rarity's booth while Rarity herself remained awake, staring up at the moon and humming away to a song. She eventually began to tune louder as she drifted off into her mind, which soon awakened Twilight. Sparkle peeped down from her bunk and noticed Rarity still humming the tune. She rubbed her eyes and checked the clock. Twilight yawned as she turned back down to her puzzling friend, "R-R-Rarity? It's 3 in the morning...What's up?"

Not noticing, Rarity jumped from surprise and briefly laughed it off, "Oh Twilight. I'm terribly sorry. I couldn't sleep so I decided to watch the stars."

"Your doing a lot of humming too." She added wearily.

"Oops Hehe, My apologizes. I'm just thinking about a few things." She muttered as she ascended from her bunk and placed her hoof on the window.

Twilight nodded and stretched back in her bed, "Oh I see. What about?"

Rarity turned back at her with sparkling eyes of worry and wrapped her robe around herself then sat back down next to the chilly window and peered across the night sky, "Do you think I'm ready for this, Twilight?"

"Mmmm Ready for what?" She asked after a long yawn.

"This marriage." Rarity replied as she removed and played with the diamond earrings Spike had proposed with in her hooves.

Twilight Sparkle sat up and glanced below at her with a positive grin, "Well personally, I think you two have given enough time to be with each other for me to answer yes. But in the end, it's you, yourself that has to decide...I think you'd make a wonderful wife, Rarity. You two are perfect for each other. I've never seen a happier couple."

Again her bubbly eyes glistered among the moonlight as she looked up, "Are you sure? Because do tend to notice how I act sometimes. I'm not sure if my Spike will like living with me. I can be very moody and not even try."

"Your going to be fine." Twilight assured, "These premarital jitters are completely natural. You two have practically spent almost every day together anyway. Trust me, your going to be so excited in the next few days, you won't be able to wait to get married."

"Oh I suppose your right." Rarity smiled thankfully.

Twilight smiled back then fell back into her covers, "Besides you already signed a contract and put the down payment on that dress. That's not something you want to just throw away."

Rarity suddenly perked up with joy, "Oh I nearly forgot about the dress! Can't you imagine me in it?"

"I don't have to." Sparkle answered quickly, "You pranced around the store for half an hour before we got to order it."

"Oh I can't wait for next week to get here." The eager bride hopped gleefully.

Twilight laughed, "See what I meant? You two are going to make the perfect married couple. Have you two decided on where your going for the honeymoon?"

Rarity sat down on her bunk then placed her hoof on her chin, "Well were either going to take a scenic tour in a stagecoach for a few days, or spend a week in Canterlot. We simply cannot choose. We may have to draw it out of a hat. But what ever my Spiky Wikey wants, it's fine with me."

With another extended yawn, Twilight smiled down at her, "Those sound like lovely ideas...Now why don't you go back to bed. We have to get up early."

She gladly nodded, "But of course. Thank you, Twilight. It's good to have such an intelligent friend like you around......Twilight?"

Rarity stood up to check on her, then realized she had already fallen asleep. With a subtle burst of laughter, Rarity winked at her friend then went back to bed with a greatly relieved mind and a boost of confidence for the wedding. As she went to close her eyes, she looked out at the moon one last time and sighed happily, "Good night, my Darling Spike...See you in the morning."

[...To be continued]

Chapter 2: Tea Time With The Princess

Chapter 2 Tea Time With The Princess

As the train pulled into the Ponyville Station, Spike was already waiting patiently yet excitedly inside the lobby. When it halted, Rarity and Twilight stepped from the train laughing about something. Then to her surprise Spike jumped up and embraced his fianceé, "Rarity!"

"Spiky!" She exclaimed cheerfully.

Twilight groaned from the corny atmosphere but maintained her positive demeanor, "Hey Spike, your up early...For once." She laughed.

The hyper dragon acknowledged with enthusiasm, "Well of course! You think I'd miss an opportunity to see my future-wife's beauty glow in the morning sun on a sunday morning?"

The purple pony's eye twitched with a seemingly painful smile, "Well isn't that sweet? How about you two catch up. I'm going to head back to the library and unpack. I'll see you later, Rarity."

"Good-bye Twilight!" Rarity waved gracefully.

Spike curiously took a gander at Rarity's notably small suitcase, "Where's your dress to? You couldn't possibly have fit it in there."

"I've ordered my dress." She answered, "It should be here within the next few days. Such a friendly service too. I wouldn't mind going there again actually. They had lots to choose from."

"What shop?" Spike asked as he held her bag and began to walk back to the boutique.

Rarity giggled, "Oh Right. It's called Majestic's Jewels. One of the recent shops to open up. They have fantastic deals. Hopefully they get their place in Canterlot like that local said. I'd be making trips up there every week!"

"A lot there?" The dragon had a humored smiled.

She nodded, "Oh Hundreds of ensembles and possibly thousands of different pieces of jewelry to pick from. I got to order a nearly 2,000 bit dress on an easy-pay program I can pay off every month for as low as 100 bits!"

"Wow sounds like a really neat place." Spike said.

Suddenly Rarity bent down and kissed him, "Thank you for showing up at to see us by the way, and yes we MUST go there again. Now, how's everything coming along with the wedding decorations?"

"Well how about we go take a look? Town Hall isn't too far from here. Come on!" he suggested with an ecstatic smile.

Rarity laughed as he hopped up on her back, "Well I don't see why not. My shop doesn't open for another half hour."

With that, they galloped onward to the Town Square where they entered seeing the white streamers and long banner spread across the outside of the Hall reading "Congratulations Spike and Rarity". Picnic tables were decorated with white cloth and little flowers spread everywhere. Then they admired the elegant white arch built on a small stage where the two would say their vows and tie the knot. Rarity was tearing up of joy, "Oh I can't believe you organized all this! It's spectacular!"

Spike jumped off and kissed her, "Well I can't take all the blame. Applejack built the stage and arch while Fluttershy and I did the picnic tables and streamers. Plus there was another few ponies with us...Just imagine Rarity, in one week, we'll be married. It all seems so...filling. So did you still want to get married by the moonlight? Or do you want to go with the traditional afternoon?"

"I was thinking about that actually." She replied, "Last night the moon was so beautiful, and I thought of you. I think it would be extravagant. We could have the party before hand, then get married around 9 o'clock or so. That way the moon will already be high in the sky. It would be just lovely."

"Then it's settled." Spike clapped decisively, "We'll get married by moonlight...I can't wait, Rarity. This is going to be so surreal. I'm getting married! Your getting married!"

Rarity held him still and leaned in closely then whispered to him softly, "...Were getting married."

Then they kissed a long kiss. They wished it could last forever but knew that all good things must eventually come to an end. But they said their farewells with a positive feel as Spike and Rarity knew that soon enough, the kiss would never have to end, come Sunday evening.

That afternoon, Twilight Sparkle was reading away on some books she bought on her trip while Spike continued his chores. When suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. Spike turned from his work to answer it but Twilight insisted, "I'll get it Spike, you can finish sweeping."

Spike looked puzzled for a second, then had a sarcastic remark, "Oh You're too kind, Twilight! Why would I want to do anything else than spend my day with a dust pan and broom?"

Sparkle rolled her eyes and trotted up to the front door and was surprised when she opened it to find two royal guards at her door step, "Oh My. Good afternoon, can I help you?"

"Twilight Sparkle..." One guard greeted firmly, "Her Majesty has requested to meet with you and Miss Applejack."

She wondered why Luna wanted to meet with her, "Hmmm Well I'll need some time to round Applejack up and get a ride to Canterlot."

He shook his head, "That won't be necessary, Miss."

Twilight was confused until she seen the two guards part in the middle to allow Princess Luna to walk in, "Twilight Sparkle. Such a pleasure to meet with you once again."

"Your Majesty." She bowed, "It's an honor. A lovely afternoon isn't it?"

"I'm afraid we'll have to cut petty conversation short." She announced abruptly, "There's been a tragedy."

Twilight's welcoming smile was wiped away, "What's happened Princess?"

Luna turned away, "We shall talk about it at your friend Applejack's estate. We have much to discuss so let us move on."

The purple pony nodded quickly, "Of course your highness...Spike I'll be back after!"

Soon after inside Applejack's house on the Macintosh Plains, Princess Luna got down to the matter at hand, "Twilight Sparkle, Applejack. I have announced this meeting to bring to your attention of something very suspicious."

Twilight and Applejack sat at the end of the dining table and watched as one of the guards slid a document across the table. Sparkle used her magic to open the folder and retrieved the top piece of paper with the photograph of a stallion on the front, "Who is this?"

Luna acknowledged, "His name was Cold Cache."

"Was?" Applejack questioned with a confused tone.

"He was found deceased last night in his bank office." Luna said with sympathy, "He was the coorperate owner and founder of the Royal Bank of Equestria franchise. Said to be the richest stallion in all of Canterlot City...He was assassinated."

"Assassinated?" Twilight replied, shocked.

Applejack flicked through the other papers, soon coming across a seperate folder inside the other, "What in tarnation is this for?"

"That," The Princess acknowledged, "is the transcript of what was recorded in his office before the night of his assassination. It stands by far, as our best evidence on who may be behind this."

AJ scanned down through the script and read it outloud:

Client: So...Where's my cash, Cache?

Cache: Now be understanding, Sir. I haven't been able to come up with the full amount yet but it is coming along.

Client: I've given you three months! I want it now.

Cache: Listen if I go through with this, I'll be putting my entire career on the rocks. I don't think it's worth the gamble.

Client: My friend, you are not making this easy for yourself. If you can't come up with the bits, you're making a lot of work for me. You wouldn't want to do that would you?

Cache: Absolutely not but I could get sued if I'm caught. I can't just dip my hooves into the pot. I've been very loyal to this firm and my corporation overall. Even though I'm more than delighted with your offer, I'm afraid I'll have to decline as of now.

Client: You can't do this to me. I'm warning you now, you are a making a terrible mistake. I'm promising you power beyond your wildest dreams.

*Sound of slight trotting and a door opening*

Cache: I'm sorry. Your going to have to find somepony else. It's too risky for my blood.

Client: General Glide will never go through with this. Your the only pony he trusted. I was counting on you to come through just to gain his trust, then you could go back to your little fantasy world you live in. You must reconsider this. Or else.

Cache: Or else what, Sir? You understand I have my security on standby. So I suggest you leave with the dignity you have.

*Sound of three chairs being moved, followed by the dropping of coins*

Cache: What's this for?

Client: Just a little something I give to everypony who is...unsatisfied with my more than generous offers. But I heed you one thing.

Cache: Yeah? What is it?

Client: Spend the money quickly, Mr. Cache. Good day.

Cache: Likewise, I'm sure.

"Boy howdy, that's some heavy stuff." Applejack concluded.

Luna nodded, "Heavy indeed."

"Who is General Glide?" Asked Twilight suspiciously

The Princess then used her horn to levitate a photograph from the abundance of papers, "General Georgi Glide is his full title and name. A griffin, a senior member of the Nydeabaen Council of Kings. They are a group who act as parliament who run the entire the kingdom. Although the final decision always needs approval from Supreme King, Czar Ivan Clawfeld III. Anyway this gives us reason to believe that the General could be a suspect in this."

"Why in the world would General Glide order the assassination of a bank manager?" Applejack reacted.

"We do not know." Answered the worried Princess, "But this isn't the first of recent crime. We have read through the records and it shows that there have been a series of high stake robberies in the cities as of late. It's a small likelihood but they could be linked...In all the centuries that my sister has ruled our promised land, there has never been an assassination in Canterlot City. Unfortunately the fact remains, there IS a first of everything. Now due to some occasion going on in Lochrest, Glide will not be able to meet with us until late next week. Now until then, We advise you enjoy your friend's wedding. Please give them my sincere congratulations."

With that, Princess Luna rose from her seat and approached the door, "Good day Twilight Sparkle, Miss Applejack. We will meet with you two again, following the wedding."

Along with her guards, the Princess exited the house and left Twilight and AJ with the files. They both looked at each other with a face of worry and intense thought. Could this be the beginning of the spark of a war between the two kingdoms? Or was this a mob of criminals out for selfish wages? This perplexed the girls and they collected up the files for Applejack to store them away until next week. Because for now, they put their work aside and concentrated on the wedding that was soon to happen for their friends.

Later that evening, Spike carefully walked into Sugar Cube Corner as if he was trying to avoid somepony. He crept up to the counter and rang the bell in a pattern. Then seconds later, Pinkie Pie slowly stuck her head out from the side of the door to the kitchen and waved him in. Spike nodded and jumped over the counter. He walked through the swinging door and was pulled to the side by the spontaneous Pinkie and she covered his mouth over, "...Were you followed?"

Spike pushed her hoof away and shook his head with sly smirk, "Nopony...You got the package?"

With a secretive grin, she opened one of the cupboard doors and handed Spike the white box with a violet ribbon wrapped around it. He lifted the lid and held out a gold neck brace with an enormous, sparkling diamond, perfectly cut. The brace was decorated with gems of all colors and came with a certificate of authenticity. Spike's mouth watered with envy but managed to control himself, "I sure hope Rarity likes it just as much I would like to taste it...Ok so how much do I owe you? You want cash, cheque?"

Pinkie Pie stood up and shook her head, "Nothing, Spike. Me and the Cakes were talking about it. Consider this a gift from us for you to give to Rarity."

"Oh Pinkie." Spike sighed, "You guys have done enough for us already. There's no need to go to all this trouble for us."

"Are you kidding?!" The pink one bounced with excitement, "We're happy to help out. Your part of our family too Spike. You've always kept our spirits up, now it's time we help out. So just enjoy your wedding and leave the worries to us."

The dragon knew that he couldn't change her mind so he grinned and hugged his friend, "Thanks a bunch. We thank you, and give the Cakes our thanks too."

"No problem!" Pinkie beamed.

Spike was about to leave the shop with the gift until he was met with Fluttershy and her date, Navy Blue who trotted through the door, "Oh Hello Spike. How are you this evening?"

"Oh I'm fine, Fluttershy. I just came here to pick up Rarity's gift. What are you two doing?" Spike asked back.

Navy put his hoof around her, "We just stopped by to pick up some snacks. Then were going to the park to do some star gazing."

Navy Blue appeared to be a charming Pegasus. He had shining turqoise eyes and a dark mane. Not to mention a navy blue coat. He had told everypony that he worked as a local politician in Cloudsdale, but always found time in his hectic schedule to spend time with his marefriend, Fluttershy. Spike smiled, "That sounds great! I don't think me and Rarity have ever done that."

"We go there all the time." Fluttershy smiled back, "We also got a telescope we borrowed from Twilight so it's going to be just wonderful."

Blue laughed and kissed her, "You bet, so I guess we'll see you later, Spike."

"Sure thing!" the dragon nodded as began to head out then halted at the door, "I have to get home and get some early rest anyway. Me and Rarity are taking the train up to Canterlot tomorrow morning."

"Really? What for?" Fluttershy wondered.

He scratched his head, "Well we finally decided to have the honeymoon there so were going to see what kind of suites they have. We should be back tomorrow night. We only plan to be there for a few hours."

The timid Pegasus giggled gleefully, "Well I hope you have a safe trip. See you."

"Have a good trip, Spike." Navy acknowledged.

Spike waved as he went out, "Bye, you two!"

That next morning, Spike and Rarity rode happily to the station to await their train. As they approached it, they noticed there was a pony holding up a sign with their names on it. Feeling curious, Rarity galloped faster to find out what it was. Spike was the first to speak, "Hello, are you looking for us?"

"Ah Mr. Spike and Ms. Rarity I presume?" The stallion asked.

"Why, yes we are." Rarity nodded.

He laughed and pulled an envolope from his saddlebag, "Your Majesty, Princess Luna has offered the arrangements for you two to spend your honeymoon at the palace. She wants to make you two feel at home with all the services you could ever need. She's even enclosed some money for you two to spend while your out there. It'll be explained much further along the way."

"Wow that's incredible!" Spike exclaimed as he and Rarity looked at each other.

"Oh My, such a generous offer. We'll have to think about it." Rarity determined.

"But of course." The messenger said, "We've also brought the royal chariot down to escort you there, personally."

Out of sheer joy, Rarity pranced around excitedly, not knowing Spike was still aboard getting knocked around, "Ok ok take it easy." He laughed.

With that, the loving couple boarded the gilded carrier and flew off towards Canterlot. Spike and Rarity were overwhelmed with the way things were going. Although the dragon thought it was a little too much indulging, he decided to enjoy it while it lasted. Because family life was not far away. So they sat back and gazed around the sky. The forests down below, the farm fields and apple orchards, beautiful clouds, domineering mountains in the distance and the grand spectacle that was Canterlot City just up ahead.

[...To be continued]

Chapter 4: The Wedding Day

Chapter 4 The Wedding Day

As the clock ticked on, Spike walked back and forth about the library nervously and on edge. The moment he'd finally waited for. His and Rarity's wedding. Everything before Sunday didn't matter anymore. This was the day it was all going down, and Spike could nearly feel his lunch coming up. The sweat poured like a faucet and he found himself spraying on cologne every ten minutes to take the smell from his tuxedo. It was a whole twenty minutes before he would go down to meet with his bride. But the seconds felt like minutes, and the minutes felt like hours.

Finally, he forced himself to sit down and drop his head into the palms of his claws. He was excited and scared at the same time. Meanwhile, walking in from another room was Navy Blue. The Pegasus couldn't help but laugh, "I'm assuming your not taking this waiting well?"

"Yeah." Spike laughed nervously with a shaky voice, "Believe me, your going to feel this way, some day."

"I hope not." Navy chuckled again.

This was irritating the tense dragon, "Hey are you here to be my best man or crack jokes?"

With a dashing smile, Blue sat down beside him and wrapped his hoof around the Groom's shoulder, "Spike, take it easy. I'm just trying to ease you down. I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Your not the one getting married." Spike explained, "You don't know what I'm going through."

Navy nodded, "Your right, I don't know. But I do know that pacing around a room for the next twenty minutes won't ease the stress. I'm sure Rarity is feeling the exact same way right this minute."

"No way." The dragon denied, sighing, "I know Rarity, and this is the day she has been waiting for, her entire life."

The blue Pegasus stared at him for a moment, interested, "You know...The way your acting now, you remind of Fluttershy on our first date. Except at least your talking and not making high-pitch noises that only a mouse could decipher."

"What's your point?" Asked Spike, irritated and anxious.

He shrugged, "I'm just making a comparison. I may not know a lot of the thoughts running through your head right now but for as long as I've known you, you've never been this difficult to talk to. Tell me this, what is changing in your lives that's so traumatic?"

Spike's scales stuck up as the question was asked, "Your joking right? EVERYTHING CHANGES!"

"Like what?" Navy questioned back with no tone.

Then suddenly there was a spark that went off in Spike's mind and he sat dumbfounded, "Like uhhhh...I'll be moving in with her and uhhhh. We'll be spending the rest of our lives together."

"You see?" Navy Blue said grinning, "You may be moving in but everything else will be the same day in and day out routine. Except you'll be sleeping in the same house of course. You two were already spending hours and hours together anyway. There's nothing really changing except the big thing."

"The big thing?" The dragon repeated.

Blue looked into his eyes and placed his hoof on his shoulder to boost his confidence, "You two will become one...spiritually. United in love, for life. She'll guide you and you'll guide her. When one is ill, the other shall care for that one. You see what I'm getting at? With love that is as strong as your's, the two of you will be invincible as long as the love is balanced equally. It's called unity, and you two have it. Don't think of this night as the end of a chapter. Think of it as the beginning of a new chapter."

"You sounded extremely cheesy there...But I think I get the picture." Spike said as he rose and laughed, "Your right. What am I getting worked up for?"

"Exactly!" the Pegasus clopped, "You've got nothing to worry about, so let's just chill out here for the next few minutes. Just think, once you get pass the ceremony, it goes up from there."

Spike happily nodded and felt energetic, "Oh Yeah, I can't wait. This is going to be great...I almost forgot!"

He suddenly flashed around and darted up the stairs. Navy shouted up at him, "What is it Spike?"

"I have to get Rarity's neck brace. I can't believe I nearly forgot that." He called back down.

Then Blue turned around momentarily to gaze at the clock, "Well hurry up! Mr. Cake will be here soon!"

Meanwhile at the Boutique, Twilight Sparkle and other girls ran frantically around Rarity, fixing her dress and fiddling with her veil. Surprisingly, She too, was nervous and antsy about the fast approaching event. As Twilight tied her dress in the back, Pinkie and Fluttershy examined her mane while Applejack kept the time. Rarity tapped her hoof impatiently, "Are you three nearly finished? I'm getting bored just standing here..."

"You want it to be perfect don't you?" Twilight questioned from behind.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie added, "This is the biggest day of your life!"

The Bride moaned, "Oh Please, don't remind me. I've done nothing but worry up to this point and it's beginning to become unbarable. I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my chest."

"Yer gonna do fine, Sugar Cube." AJ assured confidently.

"Oh Your just saying that to calm me down. Well it's not going to work!" Rarity shouted angrily.

Fluttershy was startled from her abrupt reaction. Then Rarity closed her eyes, sighed, then laughed, "Oh I'm sorry, girls. I just can't believe this is all happening. I'm not angry with anything, I'm just a little on edge."

"A LITTLE!" they all shouted loudly.

"Alright, alright, I've been quite rude." She corrected, "But you understand don't you?"

Twilight laughed, "Oh Rarity, of course we do, and you have every right to be acting like this. You'll feel a lot better when the vows are done and over with."

Rarity giggled, "Yeah your probably right. Fluttershy dear, roll that floor mirror over here. I want to see what I look like."

"Of course." The timid one answered as she pushed the mirror.

The three mares backed away as Rarity looked at herself in the mirror, and what she saw, was everything she could ever ask for on her wedding day. She stood proudly and gallantly in her glass horseshoes, showing off her fabulous wedding dress and her diamond earrings perched around her lobes with the veil over her head, covering her carefully prepared mane. She forced herself not to cry as it would cause damage to her make up. Not to mention that she was at a loss for words and couldn't figure out anything else to say when she turned back around and shrugged with an ecstatic look glued to her face, "...It's perfect!"

Following was an immediate five different screams and cheers within the room which made the fur of Opal stand on edge as she hissed angrily. Then among the early celebration, there was a knock at the door and the four others crowded around the Bride. Pinkie Pie called out, "Spike, if that's you then you can't come in! It's bad luck for the Groom to see the Bride before the ceremony..."

"It's me...Rarity's father." The voice assured after a brief chuckle, "It's time."

"Oh Ok!" she replied back.

As the door slowly opened, the girls left one by one with Rarity for last. But before she could make it pass the door, her father lead her back in and shut the door to take a look at her daughter with a proud smile, "Look at this...My little girl's having a wedding. You look beautiful, sweetie."

Filled with joy, Rarity bounced and embraced him, "Oh Thank you, Father!"

With his hoof, Rarity's father lifted her veil to see her face, "Your gonna make a terrific wife, I just know it."

"You really think so?" She asked hastily.

"100 percent." He smiled confidently. Then he stroked her cheek and kissed her, "I've always been scared of the day I'd have to give you away, but I know Spike will take good care of you. Just remember one thing."

The white mare sniffled and looked up at him, "Yes? What is it?"

"You, will always be my little girl." Then he placed her veil back over her face and opened the door, "It's time to go, Rarity."

She briefly giggled then slowly began to walk out of the Boutique. Then as her father followed behind her, he shut the door, then shed a tear. Symbolizing both sadness and happiness, but mostly happiness. Then side by side, they trotted down the moonlit road together as they could hear the commotion of the crowd down at the Town Square. Then what would follow, would be the longest walk of Rarity's life.

Among the Town Square sat nearly all of Ponyville's citizens facing the white arch where a still somewhat nervous Spike stood atop the stage next to his best man, Navy Blue, and Doctor Whooves, who would be presiding over the wedding. There was still much talk as there was still no arrival of the Bride-to-be.

The Town Square was illuminated with lanterns and candles placed everywhere, but what gave the entire ceremony it's radiance and beauty was the full moon hanging dominantly over the sky, beaming it's blue aura over the land of Equestria. An orchestra was performing until Rarity's arrival and to Spike, the classical music could last forever. Every note was like it's own symphony as his heart wanted to leap from his chest and go to Rarity's. He was more anxious now than nervous. But his instrumental focus was soon broken as a mighty bull horn sounded, signalling the ceremony to begin. Then the music stopped momentarily and everypony quieted down.

At last, the wedding music began to tune and everypony turned in their seats to see the three Bridesmaids slowly march down the walkway, wearing their each personalized dress fashioned by Rarity herself. Soon, all three were walking between the rows of seats. First Twilight, Pinkie Pie, then Fluttershy. They were finally arriving at the alter and Spike began to sweat again, and of course he noticed this. But to his relief, Navy retrieved the hankerchief from his suit pocket and handed it over to Spike, "Thanks." He whispered.

Then next to take the walk was the Mare of Honor, Applejack, who was being accompanied from behind by the flower filly's, Applebloom, and Scootaloo. Although they sort of over done it with their excited nature. Then they were followed by the chosen ring-bearer, Sweetie Belle who levitated the small red fabric pillow with the two diamond rings placed neatly side by side in the center. Spike felt like these entrances were taking forever and began tapping his foot on the ground. Navy Blue nudged him, "Take it easy." He said through his smile.

"I'm trying." The dragon spoke back.

At last another loud, more majestic trumpet call was sounded, then Octavia took over the music with others. A pianist, and violinist. Spike stared across the long walkway and seen his soon-to-be wife slowly walking with her father and her head down as she levitated the bouquet of flowers. Each step made their hearts race and Rarity could see Spike through the veil, she was becoming happier and happier with every inch closer to one another. As she looked around, she noticed her mother was crying joyous tears then shifted her eyes back towards her father's and noticed he had been sobbing softly as well. Then up ahead she noticed Sweetie Belle with a cheerful glow of pride and glee. Looking to her left, the Bride took admiration to her maids and smiled through the veil when she seen Applejack at the end of the line.

Then last but not least, Rarity looked face to face with Spike as she and her father finally made it to the alter after the long, painful, yet thrilling trot down the rows of seats. Before Rarity's father let go, he took his daughter's hoof and kiss it once more before he shook with Spike. Now the Bride and Groom were next to each other and as the father sat down, Spike took pride in slowly lifting the veil over her face. Then the walking was finally done with as they smiled to one another, soon turning to the Doctor who wanted to begin.

He raised his hoof in the air to get the attention of the crowd, then began, "Fillies and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to bring these two star-crossed lovers together as one supernova, twinkling in the sky of life. Miss Rarity, and Spike the dragon. Now before I proceed, if anypony has any objection to why these two should not be wed-locked, speak now or forever hold your peace..."

There was nothing and the Doctor continued, "As part of the ceremony, the Bride and Groom have decided to present their own vows. Spike, if you could go first..."

"Gladly." He said softly, "I, Spike, do swear to love and respect my lovely wife with all my heart and stand by her always, even in the face of death, in the threat of war, rain or shine, I will always love her. I will make time for her whenever possible and will never doubt our love, even if the world was to come crashing down. That is all."

Whooves nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Spike. Rarity?"

After a short deep breath, Rarity began with a gentle giggle, "I, Rarity, do promise to love and honor my husband for as long as we both shall live and thrive in this wild thing we call life. Like you said darling, even if the world should come crashing down on us, we will have each other till the very end. We're on an all time high, we'll take all that's gone before...Doing so much more than falling love. Because we have all the time in the world...That is all."

Doctor Whooves nodded again then extended his hoof to Sweetie Belle, "May we have the rings please?"

The little filly marched gracefully to the front and presented the rings. Spike went first. Then as he took the ring and placed it on her horn, he was asked, "Do you, Spike, take Rarity to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, for better or worse till death do you part?"

Spike stared into Rarity's eyes and teared in one eye, proudly, and firmly answered, "I do."

Rarity smiled back as the Doctor repeated the line, "And do you, Rarity, take Spike to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health, for better or worse till death do you part?"

She too, placed the ring on his claw then giggled happily as she said, "I do!"

Applejack and the Bridesmaids began short hops of joy following the short statement, then finally, Doctor Whooves went on to conclude the ritual of marriage, "Then by the power vested in me, by the high order of Princess Luna and with the spirit of Celestia as my witness, I now pronounce you both, husband and wife!...Spike, you may kiss your Bride."

Then the moment they've been waiting for, Spike leaned in to kiss Rarity and as they locked lips, the outro to the wedding music was performed and the crowd of ponies cheered and applauded the spectacular event. When they separated, Rarity looked back at her crying friends, every one of them was proud. Then she turned back around and bobbed her head towards the walkway, "Shall we get this party started, my dear?"

"Let's get do it, sweetheart." Spike smiled back as he wrapped his arm around her.

Then suddenly he pulled back as he remembered, "I almost forgot...This is for you."

Spike retrieved the box from behind Navy Blue and slid it over. Rarity was confused, "Oh My! What is this?"

"Open it." He insisted excitedly.

As she levitated the lid off, Rarity dropped it on sight of the 32 carat gold neck brace, garnished with dozens of tiny jewels. Her jaw dropped and Spike decided to fasten it on himself, "Allow me, Rarity."

Rarity was bewildered and flung her hooves around Spike as soon it was one, "Oh My goodness...I can't believe you could be so thoughtful. It's wonderful, darling...I love you, Spike."

"I love you, Rarity." He said back passionately, "Let's go."

To the side, Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy came together, "I can't believe how well this went tonight." Twilight said, shocked.

"I know." AJ reacted, "But ya'll gotta be happy fer em. They're gonna make a lovely couple."

"You bet!" Pinkie Pie bounced energetically.

Then as a joke, Twilight laughed as she nudged Fluttershy, "Hey, when do you think Navy Blue is going to propose?"

Fluttershy giggled back, "Oh Twilight, I don't think we're that far into it yet. Besides, he's away at work a lot and I wouldn't want to tie up his schedule. For now, let's just enjoy this wedding."

Everypony continued to clop and shout their congratulations as the newlyweds waved to the crowd. The music had changed to a much more lively action and Spike took Rarity by the hoof, "May I have this dance?"

"Of course!" she answered laughing.

Spike lead his new wife down from the stage when suddenly,

*Crack!*

The loud blast immediately silenced the entire area, then what followed were horrified gasps and outcries of horror as everypony stared down below the stage. Spike was down and not moving. Rarity fell into him and panicked, "SPIKE! SPIKE! SOMEPONY HELP!"

An abundance of ponies rushed around his body quickly which was soon halted by Twilight and the girls, "Everypony! Get back! Spike! Spike wake up!"

"Somepony get a doctor!" Pinkie Pie cried out.

There was much worry about the crowd as most of them did not yet realize what had happened. Rarity was hysterical and pleaded to the heavens as she cried horrifically, "Please don't be gone! Wake up, Spike! WAKE UP! PLEASE!"

Navy Blue rushed over and embraced the sobbing Fluttershy. Among the worried crowd, Nurse Redheart broke through and checked him over, "Don't worry. Let me see him. Somepony go get some help. I'm gonna need some assistance here!"

In the middle of the commotion, Twilight and the rest of the girls prayed for the dragon's well being. Then, Applejack heard something from the bushes behind her. She curiously and quickly turned around to see something dart away and flash onto the road, "HEY! GET BACK HERE!"

"What is it, AJ?" Twilight asked worriedly.

Applejack swiftly removed her dress and fixed her hat, "Ya'll stay here to make sure Spike is ok..."

"Why?" She questioned again.

"I think I just seen the pony who just did that." Then before Sparkle could say anything else, Applejack galloped off to chase down the hooded figure that was running a good pace through the dark of the night.

As she got closer, the wind was blowing against her and the assassin got faster, kicking some rocks back to throw her off but it didn't even make her stir. Then Applejack pushed forward and got side to side with the assailant. Angrily, she swerved into the side of the suspect and tried to knock it down, "Yer not gettin away! I'm demandin that you stop."

Then the hooded pony looked at her. AJ could just barely see the smirk that shined off the moonlight. Then it looked up ahead and ran faster towards a nearby coach on the side of the road. Then AJ too, looked ahead and see two more hooded ponies waiting for their associate. It was at this point when Applejack realized, this was an assassin. To prevent escape, she swiftly bit the cloak and tried pulling back. Then out of despiration, the criminal slowed down and leaned into her. Among the darkness, they could not know which one of them stumbled as they crashed and rolled around on the ground, flailing at one another. Applejack got a couple of good shots in but the short combat did not last as the assassin retrieved a concealed knife and sliced her leg. AJ hollered as the assailant sprang to escape but she didn't let it get the last laugh as she leaped from the ground grabbed on to the cloak. Although to her dismay, the cloak ripped and she painfully scrapped the ground as she looked ahead on the ground and seen the suspect jump into the back of the coach with the two others.

Then as quick as the encounter was, they were gone and Applejack felt pitiful. She sat up in the middle of the lonely, moonlit road and began to sob into her hooves. She cried for Spike, and pleaded that he was alright. But she wouldn't know until she trotted back. In pain, Applejack picked herself up and began to make the long trail back, but before she got too far, she remembered that she had ripped part of the cloak. She turned back and took it with her as it could possibly be used to find out who the attacker was and why they targeted Spike.

[...To be continued]

Chapter 5: The Longest Day

Chapter 5 The Longest Day

What a night it was, AJ thought. A wedding turned into a massive horror show. All that was on her mind was wanting to know if Spike was fine or not. Despite her hope, her guts were telling her that something had gone wrong. Shortly after, Applejack walked into the hospital and discovered her friends in the waiting room. But she noticed that Rarity wasn't there and sat down beside Twilight, "Where's Rarity?"

"She's in with Spike." She answered quietly, "Where were you?"

Then AJ reached to the side of herself and untied the piece of cloth that was around her waist, "I tried chasin down the pony who might have done it. It's our best lead."

Twilight was puzzled, "Are you telling me that somepony tried to assassinate Spike?"

"I'm not sure." Applejack said with a suspicious tone, "But we shouldn't be concerned bout that now. Let's make sure Spike is alright."

Sparkle approved as she stood up and walked up to the counter where the receptionist was. Pinkie and Fluttershy too, followed, "Wait for us girls." Pinkie said teary eyed.

They approached the desk of the waiting room and asked the nurse, "Um Excuse me but, are we able to see Spike the dragon yet?"

"I'm afraid not." The nurse told Twilight, "The doctors are still busy. It was a critical wound and they may have to be examining him all night. We'll be sending his wife out shortly."

The girls looked at one another, scared and lost of their hope. They walked back to their seats, sat around each other...and held hooves, keeping what little hope they had left, alive. Moments later, Rarity walked into the room with her parents and as soon as she seen them, Rarity ran in and prayed with her friends. For the next while, nothing was said. Nothing needed to be said. The silence was loud enough and there was not a dry eye in attendance.

It was early next morning and everypony except Twilight and Applejack were still asleep. The other two had remained awake and was too shook up about it all. They took notice that Rarity was sleeping like a filly and smiling at that. Perhaps she was dreaming that this entire incident was all a dream. But it was not. Applejack stood up to stretch her legs and picked up the torn fabric simultaneously, then sat back down to examine it. Twilight leaned in to see it as well, "What are we going to get out of a simple piece of cloth?" She asked.

The country pony fiddled with it in her hooves, "I jus don't know...Do ya think this is related to the Cold Cache case?"

Then they looked at each other, nervous. There was a chance it wasn't but more than likely it was because nothing like that had ever happened as of late. Applejack tried to deny it, "There's no way these two things can be linked. Were jus worryin too much that's all."

"Yeah...I hope." Twilight frowned.

Then suddenly a door opened from the corridor and a doctor trotted into the room, "Are you two with these ponies?"

Twilight and Applejack shot up like darts and answered hastily, "Yes we are! Is Spike alright?"

Then it was like a magical sentences that made everypony awaken to hear the news. The first one to their hooves was Rarity, "Is my Spiky ok? Please...Please tell me he's ok."

The surgeon looked at them all and his face showed some cynicism, "We just got him out of surgury and we have some good news...and unfortunately some bad news as well."

The discouragement spread over them room as everypony moaned, afraid of what the bad outcome was. They quieted down so the doctor could continue, "The good news is, we've removed the poison from his blood. It was some sort of toxin-filled dart that struck him."

Twilight wrapped her hoof around Rarity, "That's great, Doctor, but what's the bad news."

Then he sighed, and wished he could leave the room at that moment, but forced himself to finish, "As a physician, this is the hardest part of the job so I'll just come out and say it...The venom reached his brain before we could counter-act it, and he has slipped into a coma...I'm deeply sorry. The five of you are welcome to go in and see him but please, keep your voice down."

Rarity peeped her head in the door first and seen the dragon laying lifeless on the bed, hooked to fluids and an ECG machine. The sight made her afraid and she ran in to see him, being followed by her other four companions. They approached slowly as Rarity proceeded to cry into her lover. Twilight tried to comfort her, "Rarity...I'm sorry. I'm sure Spike will be fine."

The hysterical pony shook her head quickly, denying her belief, "Twilight...Spike is in a coma. It could be months before he awakens from this horrible atrocity."

"Rarity." Applejack addressed confidently, "We're gonna find the pony who did this, we promise that. Spike WILL wake up from this. He's a fighter. A fighter who doesn't quit...He's racin through his mind right now, tryin to find his way back to you. His conscience is still with us, and if you think it's over, he will too."

That being said, Rarity looked up from the puddle of tears she had made in the bed and took Spike by his claw and kissed his cheek softly. Then very quietly, she began to sing, "We have all...the time, in the world...Time enough for life, to unfold. All the precious things, life has in store..."

"That's beautiful, Rarity." Fluttershy said sweetly.

Pinkie nodded as well, "It's nice."

"It was our song." Rarity said, her voice still shaky and eyes still flooded with tears, "We were supposed to dance to it last night..."

She began to sing again, and Twilight Sparkle whispered to the others, "I think we better let her be...We should get home. We'll stop by again this afternoon."

The girls agreed and slowly crept from the room. As they were leaving the building, Applejack ran back into the waiting room and retrieved the cloth. When they were out in the morning light, Twilight acknowledged the fabric once again, "Do you really think were going to get anything out of that? I mean it's only a piece of a cloak."

Applejack was about respond to the question until she noticed something in the piece. She folded part of it up and found a tag, and an engraving inside the fabric, "Yeah...It's a piece of fabric with some sorta mark on it. Take a look."

The curious Twilight cocked a brow and levitated the cloth, then spread it out with her magic. The two ponies examined it closer and noticed what the engraving said. Immediately, Twilight suggested, "We better go up to Canterlot. Princess Luna's going to want to hear about this."

"Yer right." AJ approved, nodding, "I'll stop by the farm and get that there document thingy too."

Sparkle nodded back, "Good idea. We'll meet back here in about twenty minutes then, the train will be leaving soon."

"Alright. I'll run up ahead and let Pinkie and Fluttershy know we're goin up to Canterlot." Applejack said anxiously.

"So...There's been another one." Luna stated, concerned.

It was midday, and Twilight Sparkle and Applejack had just made it to the palace in Canterlot. As Princess Luna sat in her throne, Twilight levitated the fabric up to her, "Princess Luna, what do you have to say about this?"

The Princess gasped as soon as she read the engraving, "Oh No! This can't be."

Applejack lowered her head, disappointed and regretful, "I'm afraid so, yer Highness."

Luna took the black fabric herself and read aloud the words engraved in grey, "Property of the Griffin Air Force of Lochrest, Nydeabaen. This was what I was afraid of."

"But why would the griffins send a ground team if it says Air Force?" Twilight wondered.

"I have no clue." Luna replied, "But we must get to the bottom of this. Fair Applejack, what else can you tell us about this assailant?"

She shrugged, "Nothin really...Wait a minute..."

"What is it, AJ?" Twilight glanced over.

"Griffins don't gallop...They don't ride in stagecoaches neither." She mentioned, perplexed.

The Princess's eyes went wide, "There's treason behind this!"

She rose from her seat and whispered to one of her guards, then addressed the girls once again, "I'm afraid we're going to need some answers soon. Whoever is behind this, I'm sure does not intend on stopping yet. The General is officially our prime suspect. I'm sending you two to Lochrest within the hour."

"Within the hour!" they shouted.

"I'm afraid so." Luna confirmed, "My Royal Guard will be more than happy to escort you there."

Twilight Sparkle was confused, "Princess, I thought they were in the middle of some big event."

"Yeah, ya said General Glide is too busy to talk." Applejack repeated.

"That I did." Luna grinned cleverly, "But that does not mean we can't get to him through a more, tactical method. I'm sending you three on a trip to Lochrest. There, you will find what the griffins call, the Hall of the Mountain Kings. This is where these Kings host their meetings. You will find an alternate way inside and confront Georgi Glide in another fashion. We need answers now before another Equestrian bites the dust. This is getting ridiculous. Take the fabric with you, it might clue up a few things. Know that we are not accusing him, we are investigating him...How is Spike?"

They slowly shook their heads. Twilight spoke up with sympathy, "He's fell into a coma...Rarity is taking it pretty hard."

"I apologize, but as members of the Royal Guard, we WILL bring the criminal to justice!" she declared proudly, "Whoever he, she, or they may be."

Luna stepped down from the stage where her throne rested and placed her horn over each shoulder of the girls, "Good luck, ladies. I'll allow the chariot to take you down to Ponyville before your mission."

"Thank you, Princess." Twilight bowed respectively.

Applejack did the same but something went off in her head when she came up, "Wait a minute...you three?"

"Ah, Right!" Luna remembered, "Our top agent will be joining you on this mission."

"Really?" Sparkle questioned skeptically, "Who is it?"

Then suddenly, the doors of the throne room flung open and the guard that had been sent out, returned being followed by a familiar face to Twilight. He was gruff, he was bulky, messy, smudged and spoke a very rough city accent, "Twilight Sparkle. Long time, no see."

"Donut Joe?" Twilight laughed hysterically, "Good one, Princess Luna."

Her Majesty expected that result and raised a smile in the corner of her mouth, "I was counting on your reaction...Guards!"

Two guards on standby tried to cease the stain splotched stallion but as a complete shock to Twilight and Applejack, Joe took one of the guard's hooves and made him jab the other, then he uppercut the guard he held and threw him at the one staggering into wall. Joe positioned himself into a fighting stance and waited for the two guards to come at him again. They decided to charge him at the same time but that would prove useless as the agile steed leaped and drop kicked the both of them. Then as quick as he was, Donut Joe sprang up and kicked both guards in the head, knocking one out and pushing one to submission, "That's enough, Joe." Luna said, raising her hoof.

"How?...But I...That...What?!" Twilight was dumbfounded and astonished, "How long have you been part of the Royal Guard?"

"Well, Twilight." He acknowledged, scratching the back of his head, "In this persona, I haven't."

Sparkle and AJ looked at each other, raising a brow, "What do ya mean by that?" Asked Applejack.

Then with a charming smile from which the girls hadn't expected from his usual accent, Joe removed a comb from his apron pocket and took off his baker's cap to slick his hair back. Then after he established a comb-over, he untied the apron and threw it aside. Followed by the unbuttoning of his undershirt, he revealed an entire tuxedo fashioned with a red bow-tie. He retrieved a watch from the coat pocket and fixed it on his right hoof. At this point, the girls thought they were dreaming. Applejack rubbed her eyes to assure they weren't playing tricks on her. Finally with dashing grin and slick english accent, he fixed his tie and formally introduced himself, "The name's Mane...Con Mane."

"How'd ya change yer tone like that?" Questioned a very critical Applejack.

Twilight added to the question, "Yes and what do you mean your name is Con Mane?"

"Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, it's about time I explained myself." He insisted, "For years, I have been working for the Royal family as a spy of the Royal Guard."

Confused, Sparkle interrupts, "I don't understand, why does that mean you have to have two names?"

"Con Mane is my birth name." He answered quickly, "Donut Joe is simply an innocent persona created to protect me. Because throughout my illustrious and colorful career, those I have compromised always had others linked to them. Therefore I had to create this name to prevent possible assassinations and other forms of attacks that came from those who had been associated and dedicated to my targets...Ladies, I do look forward to working with you both. I know this does appear to come as a shock to you at the moment but I hope we can overlook this and work as a team."

The two girls thought about for a while, then smiled and nodded as they shook hooves, "I hope so too." Twilight said.

"Can't wait to see good ya are on the road." AJ added proudly.

As they were leaving the room, Luna addressed them one last time, "And need I remind you three that you all have a licence to kill...So please, do not abuse it. Good luck."

The trio saluted gallantly, then scurried off to soon take part on their mission to sneak into a kingdom, find a highly protected building, find a way in and confront their top suspect, General Georgi Glide.

An hour later, the girls were escorted by the Royal Guard back down to Ponyville to say their good-byes to their friends. Already knowing where everypony would be, Twilight and Applejack galloped over to the hospital as quick as they could. The two scaled through the hospital in a hurry but carefully trotted into Spike's room where they found Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and of course Rarity who was slowly caressing the scales of her fallen spouse. Applejack broke the silence with a warming smile, "How ya'll doin? Is our little fighter still goin?"

"But of course." Rarity smiled back, bittersweetly, "Where have you two been?"

"We just got back from an early trip to Canterlot. The Princess needed us." A concerned Twilight replied.

Pinkie felt agitated, "What could possibly be more important than Spike's condition at this moment?"

"Tryin to find out who did it." Applejack answered quickly with a more angered tone, "You outta know that we would never abandon our friends, Pinkie Pie. Me and Twilight here have come to say our good-byes."

A quiet Fluttershy stuck her hoof up for attention, "Oh, Where are you going?"

"Believe it or not but we have to make a trip to the griffin capital in Nydeabaen." Said Sparkle, "Princess Luna wants us to find a griffin named General Glide. He's our prime suspect."

"However do you girls expect to make it there?" Rarity questioned, "That's a very long trip."

Twilight pointed out the door, "The Princess's Royal Guard is escorting us there in the chariot. We should make it there in a few hours or so...We'll miss you girls."

Everyone of them stood up and formed a circle. Then each one of them place a hoof in the centre of the huddle. Finally they all looked at Spike who still lay motionless as Twilight spoke up, "Remember, we have to keep hope alive."

Then she suddenly remembered their encounters and incidents with the demented Nova Sparks, "He kept our hope alive once, now we have to return the favor. We'll be back, girls. Take it easy, Rarity."

"Thank you, Twilight. Good luck, to the both of you. Please return safe and sound." She requested, smiling the first confident smile she had in the past 24 hours.

Applejack and Sparkle nodded, then saying nothing, they left the room. As they trotted down the hallways of the hospital, the girls felt their hearts begin to ache, yet their courage began to grow.

Soon after, Twilight Sparkle stopped into the library to retrieve a few items for the journey. She collected a couple books, some money, and some winter clothing. As the items lay on a table in the library, Twilight went in search of her saddlebag, "Hmm, Where did I put that?" She thought.

After ten minutes of rummaging through her drawers, closets, and cupboards, Twi found it beneath her bed, collecting dust. She brought it down the stairs and placed it on the table along with the rest of her belongings. Then something told her to look up. Curiously, she peered at her window, and noticed the dormant chuck of manarite ore that lay in the light of the sun on the sill of the glass pane. It stuck to her as a reminder of what determination, friendship, and unity had help them to accomplish. They once defeated a vindictive foe even after he had taken the kingdom and kidnapped their friends. If they could do it once, they could do it again. At last, Sparkle thought of Rainbow Dash. Her never give in attitude started to scream at her and she got the picture. Twilight laughed, "I know, Rainbow, I know."

The last stop to make was Macintosh Plains. Applejack stepped into her bedroom and began packing some of her belongings in her own saddlebag. She packed two lengths of rope, the torn fabric, the document, a more winter-friendly hat, and some food. She trotted over to her dresser where AJ placed a lockette around her neck attached with a necklace of string. She opened it up and smiled down at the photos of Applebloom and Big Macintosh that were inside. After she closed it up, AJ tossed the bag over her flank and made her way to Applebloom's room.

"Applebloom?" She poked her head in through the crack between the door and the wall, "Ya in here?"

The filly looked up from her homework, "You bet. What's...Hey what's with the saddlebag?"

Applejack laughed nervously, "Uhh, That's part of the reason I needed to talk...I have to go away on some work fer the Princess."

The little one expressed worry and leaped from her seat to hug her sister, "Oh Applejack...Your not really goin are you?"

AJ stroked her mane, "I have to, Sugar Cube. Princess Luna needs me to go. But don't you worry. I'll be back in a few days. Do you trust me?"

Then Applebloom looked up at her and noticed the lockette. With that, the little one calmly sighed and smiled proudly, "I do, big sis. Only a few days right?"

"A few days, that's all." She assured.

Applejack left her house shortly after and made her way out to the road. There, she met with Twilight and Con Mane who were inside the chariot being pulled by four of the royal guards. Sparkle called out to her, "How did Applebloom take the news?"

"Better than I expected!" she hollered back, "Ya'll ready to take off?"

"Well as soon as your in, we will." Mane snapped back hastily.

Applejack neared the carrier then tossed her bag in the back with the others, "Yeah, yeah, keep yer tux on."

At last, she climbed in next to Twilight then Mane notified the guards to begin take off. They started galloping and quickly accelerated. Applejack waved to her sister in the window and turned back ahead to find the chariot taking altitude as they lifted over the trees and rocket-like, into the sky. Twilight looked around, fascinated, "This is amazing. I forgot how everything looks from way up here."

"Quite a view, I must say." AJ nodded, chuckling.

Moments later, the trio flew through an array of clouds and noticed ahead of them, the collossal and domineering mountain range of the griffin's Nydeabaen standing ominously in the distance beyond the canyon. Their mission had begun.

[...To be continued]

Chapter 6: Intuitive Espionage

Chapter 6 Intuitive Espionage

It was almost dusk and Con Mane and the girls were fitting into their stealth gear for the siege on top of a secluded cliff on the outskirts of Lochrest. The royal guards pulling the chariot waited for Con to give them their leave. He retrieved his saddlebag from the back of it and threw over two watched, "Take these, they'll come in handy in a pinch."

"What are they? Besides a watch." Applejack asked dangling it with her hoof.

The spy used his magic and fixed the watch on her hoof to explain it's abilities, "It has three functions; an intermediate powered laser beam, good for cutting through wires and creating openings inside of metals. Second, a decoder. Capable of getting pass any security system or bypassing any and all password systems. Third, an identifier. All you have to do is fill in some of the traits of somepony you're looking for, then it will search the database to find a match. This watch has saved my life from time to time and I doubt it won't do the same for you two."

"Great!" Twilight replied happily, "Everypony ready?"

Equipped and dressed, they were prepared. Each of them dressed in a black hooded stealth suit and equipped with everything they'd need in their saddlebags. Con Mane nodded as he heard some commotion in the short distance, "I believe so...Give me a moment, I'm going to climb over that hill there and see how tight security is."

Quickly and quietly, Mane glided over the ice and snowy terrain with his stomach almost touching the ground and peered down form the top of the hill. There he stared down into the city of griffons and found guards at every corner. He groaned and thought to himself, "If we keep going around the boundaries of the city we should have no problem making it to the compound no later than an hour."

He scurried back and found the girls stirring up a conversation. Without delay he trotted over to the guards and alerted them to go. As he watched the chariot disappear around a corner, Mane padded the girls on the back to get their attention, "Alright ladies, listen up."

The stallion withdrew a map of Lochrest from his saddlebag and discussed the plan, "Where to first?" AJ asked almost whispering.

Con glided his hoof over the map as he explained, "We're going to travel around the perimeter of the city until we make it to this corner right here. From there we'll climb this building and go over the roof tops until we finally make it to what they call the Red Square. That's where the Hall of the Mountain Kings is located. More than likely it'll take us about forty-five minutes to trot around. I mean the Square isn't too far away when we get to this point here."

"Sounds good." Twilight Sparkle grinned, "Let's get going."

Con Mane folded the map back up and returned it to his saddlebag then lead them up the hill, "I almost forgot. Watch out for aerial forces. The griffons are right in the middle of an election and they will not tolerate outsiders."

"General, your views on our economy is simply farfetched. You do not realize the true validity of the relationship between our governments. Our comrades are suffering and you are suggesting to open the trades with the Equestrians? If our civilization elects you another term, it may be the end of the mighty griffon empire as we know it!"

"That's quite enough, comrade Milova. Your response?" The debate moderator turned to a half-built middle-aged griffon with a military uniform over a shirt and tie.

Glide took a moment to peer around at his fellow candidates and smirked at his main rival, Talon Milova. The half-lion fixed his podium then cleared his throat, "Comrades the Union has been through a terrible resession as of late but for nearly fifty years we have been sent an abundance of letters from Equestrian Royal Family. All wanting to close our century long silence. I see no downfall from approving this. This can decrease exporting costs and flourish the international market. Not to mention unite our two kingdoms once and for all. I find this typical silent treatment childish! Equestria posts no threat to us. They are land folk, we are mountain folk. Comrades, I have been a Mountain King for twelve years and I have watched this economy suffer and suffer into a depression. Comrade Milova is suggesting to raise the taxes and close military posts in other regions of war. Not only is that a very dangerous option, it is economic suicide! I repeat, opening the import and exports to Equestria will break barriers and bring forth a recovery within a matter of two years or less..."

After a long pause the Hall exploded with cheers and applauding from other griffons. Georgi saluted with a smile full of pride and even noticed the Supreme King of Nydeabaen himself was nodding his head in agreement.

Following the debate the candidates departed and went their separate ways. General Glide began making his way to his office when he was met with Milova crossing a four way intersection in the hallway. They stared at each other briefly then shook claws, "Great show out there tonight, General. You put an impression on King Clawfeld."

Glide chuckled as he continued to focus on his competitor's eyes. He knew Talon was losing in the polls and was trying to get on his good side. To please his opponent he went along with it, "Thank you, comrade. I'll say that these debates can bring out the worst in men. But it brings out the best in politicians. I know there are nine seats available but only one PM. I'm sure I'll see you on the council. Just don't count on making Prime Minister, Dr. Milova."

"Count your blessings, Georgi." Milova warned with a cocky smirk, "This election is far from over."

With that they concluded shaking claws once more and went their own ways. As he watched his opposition go around a corner, General Glide shook his head, "Common deceiver..."

"Alright girls, we're just about there." Con Mane whispered.

The girls carefully crouched down and the three of them peeked over the hill to find soldiers marching up and down the street and an alley ways just ahead of them. They sat for five minutes pondering up an approach until Twilight finally noticed an entry point, "Look down there. The soldiers are coming from that street, and it looks like there's no more after this little rush. That should give us one quick minute to get across."

"Are you sure?" Applejack questioned critically, "This could end really badly if this all goes wrong."

"Oh Don't fret, Applejack. Twilight knows what she's talking about."

Sparkle grinned, "Thanks, Rarity..."

The trio looked puzzled for a moment. They turned around and shock spread over their faces when they found Rarity right behind them. Applejack crouched down next to her, "How in the hay did you get here?!"

"And WHAT are you doing here?" Twilight added.

"Calm down!" she whispered loudly, "I just HAD to come."

Twilight shook her head with worry, "You shouldn't be here. It's too dangerous!"

Annoyed and angry, Rarity forced her down and covered her mouth over, "Now listen to me! All of you! Spike is my husband. I want to find out personally WHO was behind the attack. Before you left, I got my possessions packed and climbed into the back of the chariot under the blanket. I jumped off as they went around that corner and have been following you three for the past hour. I'll also add that there is absolutely nothing that will change my mind. I'm not leaving. This ruffian that hurt my Spiky is still out there and I won't rest until he or she is dealt with...Any objections?"

As she was ranting, Rarity had held up AJ by the coller and she was breathing heavily. Twilight and Applejack were slightly intimidated by her intense passion for vengeance. Rarity assumed they were fine with her there after an awkward pause. Then suddenly Mane whistled over and waved them to come up, "Ladies let's get going. We have an opening."

Without hesitation the girls including Rarity picked themselves up and climbed over the steep hump of the hill. Con Mane looked back and forth one more time to assure nopony was coming then counted down, "Alright on three. One...Two, Three!"

All four ponies slid stealth-like down the snow drift then galloped across the street as fast as they could. They ducked into the alley shortly after, exhausted. Applejack pressed her hoof against her chest. Her heart was about to leap out of her body, "Boy howdy! That was nerve rackin."

Then unexpectedly, Mane wrapped his hoof around AJ's shoulder and laughed panting, "Believe me my dear. This is nothing. First timer?"

"Get yer hooves off me!" she coiled back angrily.

"No need to snap back at me like that." He defended with a dashing grin.

Twilight Sparkle and Rarity waved ahead, "Never mind that! We have to get going."

"Agreed." Con nodded as he approached a nearby ladder, "Up here. We'll be able to see the hall from there."

As they began ascending, Applejack noticed something, "Hey is it just me or is this thing made of marble?"

"Every building in this kingdom is made of marble rock." Twilight answered up ahead, "The griffons are famous for their artistic skills with sculptures and architectural structures."

Soon after they had all made it to the top of the building they were scaling, they found Twilight's analysis true. As vast as the city of Lochrest was, every single figure around was made of marble. Everything looked the same except some structures that were taller than others. The four ponies trotted across the roof and jumped to the next, and soon they noticed something a little off in the distance. Standing portentously in all of it's glory was a statue of a griffon placed atop the roof of the building that was the Hall of the Mountain Kings. Twilight pointed to it, "That's where we'll find the General."

"Looks like we're finally gonna get some answers." Applejack acknowledged eagerly.

"Let's get going then!" Rarity whispered impatiently as she ran and jumped another roof.

The others swiftly followed behind her in hopes of soon getting to the bottom of the investigation. They bounded over thirty rooftops to eventually reach their goal. It had taken them nearly twenty minutes due to breaks along the way. All four of them, especially Rarity felt dragged out when they arrived at the Red Square, "My poor hooves are absolutely exhausted. This is no way for a lady such as myself to be going on like this."

"Oh Pipe down, Rarity." AJ snapped, annoyed and agitated, "Ya didn't have to come with us y'know."

The white Unicorn snickered, "Well aren't we fussy? Angry that I got here before you did?"

"Nooo I'm jus not in the darn mood to be puttin up with yer foalish attitude!" Applejack whispered loudly.

To prevent breaking their cover, Twilight stepped in, "Girls. Stop it. This is no way to be acting right now. I know we're all a little on edge right now but that doesn't give us reason to jump down our friend's throats."

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Your right, Twi." Applejack frown with humiliation.

Rarity agreed and let her ears sink back, "I am too. My apologizes, Applejack. I should know better."

Again, Con Mane spoke up from the commotion, "Girls over here, there's another ladder."

Hastily they scurried over and met with their charming ally, "Ok what's next?" Rarity pondered.

"Alright here's the plan. Once the coast is clear, we're going to slide pass the security and enter the building from behind. From there our maps will not help us. We'll have to find Glide ourselves. He should have an office in there, somewhere...Come on, let's go."

Very quickly, Con and the girls climbed down and made their way across to the building as they seen six guards walk around a corner. The spies moved ahead and glued themselves to the wall and began sliding across it until they arrived at the corner where they watched the six griffons pass. Twilight and Mane peeked their heads over and found the six guards waiting outside the backdoor. Two of them were striking up a conversation while another three relaxed. The remaining one was smoking a pipe. Suddenly it began to snow...fast. It turned the sky brown and made lights around the city brighten as it reflected and illuminated off the falling snowflakes. It caused Con to smile as he reached into his saddlebag, "Perfect."

"What's perfect?" Twilight asked curiously.

The spy didn't reply as he retrieved a small black ball from his bag. He moved Twilight aside to focus on the guards. Then with keen smirk, Mane threw the ball and retreated back around the corner. Sparkle grabbed him by the shoulders and whispered loudly, "Are you crazy? Your going to get us--"

"Quiet!" the stallion interrupted, covering her mouth.

The four carefully peeped around the corner and seen the ball roll up to them. It managed to tap one of the guard's talons as he was doubting his pipe. Then he picked it up and notified his colleagues. They spoke a foreign language that Mane and the girls couldn't translate. Then as the six guards were examining the ball, it created pours in itself and released a gas that took each of them by surprise. After inhaling the substance they dropped the ball and reached for their weapons. But as they looked around their vision became blurry and shortly after, all of them fell to the ground unconscious. The girls' jaws dropped. Con laughed with a witty response, "Well who ever smelt it...fell from it. Let's go ladies...After you, Ms. Applejack."

AJ huffed as she went ahead of him. They approached the guards. Twilight having an idea, spoke up, "Take their uniforms."

"But won't the griffons notice anyways? We ARE ponies after all." Applejack pointed out.

"Well just turn and face the wall when someone walks by, they won't notice the difference." Sparkle suggested.

Con Mane agreed, "Hurry up, the gas is only good for a half hour."

So Mane and the girls took the coats and hats of the guards and placed it on themselves. Then they opened the back door and entered in through the Hall. The girls were astonished with the inside of the building. That rough, cold, marble exterior contained a beautiful, hard wood floor with artwork, red walls, majestic flags, and portraits of old kings. It was a palace for the Mountain Kings.

The four tried to act normal as they marched down the long halls. Con Mane was having no trouble, but the girls were scared they'd be captured. Rarity's hooves shook, Applejack sweat uncontrollably, and Twilight's teeth jittered. Moments later, they walked pass a series of columns that followed into a massive court room...with griffon folk everywhere. Mane whispered to the girls as he pointed to a balcony on the second level, "You see that there? That's the throne of the Supreme King. Ponies say that he does not tolerate well with espionage so we better be careful."

Then Applejack looked around and noticed around twenty podiums set up on stage, "What're those for?"

"I told you there was an election in progress." Con reiterated, "There are only nine seats available and twenty griffons want one. Georgi Glide is in the middle of defending his own. He's been a Mountain King since his late-twenties--"

His explanation was interrupted by Twilight who pointed ahead of them, "Look guys, a directory!"

Meanwhile, General Glide was finishing up some paperwork in his office when suddenly there was a knock at his door. He looked up out of surprise and put his pen down. He sipped his coffee then removed his glasses as he rose from his seat. In case it was a journalist, he looked in a mirror and fixed his feathers and straightened his tie, "Hold on one minute!"

The griffon took a deep breath and opened the door. His political nature relaxed as he smiled happily at an unanticipated guest, "Colonel Spektor!"

The two middle-aged griffons chuckled as they hugged one another. Glide stepped out of his office to speak with his friend. The Colonel was more wise and more feeble looking, but around the same age and physique. He acknowledged the King, "Please Georgi, stop with this Colonel nonsense. You're like family to me. Call me Nikolai, please."

The General laughed back, "Ok. ok, you got it. Let's go for a little walk."

"So comrade, do you expect to defend your seat this year?" The Colonel asked as they walked through the tunneling hallways.

Glide nodded with confidence, "Easily, Nikolai...If I were running for regular seat."

Spektor stared at him for a moment, "Are you implying what I your implying?"

"If that means Prime Minister, then yes!" he smirked, laughing through his smiling teeth.

"Well it's about time." Nikolai added, "You've been on this council for years...Is Milova running?"

He gave a lengthy nod, "Ohhhh Yes. That feather brain has been trying to throw me off for years. I respect him as a candidate, but his beliefs for what's right for this kingdom is absolutely preposterous. He's jealous. But I'm not worried in the slightest. The polls are favoring me right now and do not intend to lose to this libertarian."

"I heard you were suggesting to grant the end of silence between our government and Equestria's." The older griffon acknowledged.

Georgi nodded, "I am...Nikolai, this plan will make our economy great again. Nydeabaen has been declining for the last ten years. I'm sick of what the former Prime Minister is putting us through. It doesn't surprise me why I am beating him in the polls as well."

Nikolai laughed and put his arm around his long-time friend's, "There will be celebrations in the street when you win, comrade. You'll be a bigger political leader than the last PM. Maybe even bigger than Joseph Talon."

"I might not be bigger." He replied, "But I sure will be a lot more respectable than he ever was."

Colonel Spektor chuckled along as he pointed ahead, "Well it looks like this is where we part ways, comrade. I'll let you get back to your work."

"Very good. When will you be back in Lochrest?" Glide questioned curiously.

He waited to answer the question until they reached the door, "I'll be in for the next couple weeks, comrade. Military convention!"

"Splendid!" he shouted surprised and happy, "After I finish my work, how about I pick you up from your hotel and we go downtown and have a night on the town huh? Like old times."

"A couple of old time vets like us are gonna shake up the city." Nikolai laughed back hard, "I'd love to. Here's my hotel card."

He took the card from his pocket and handed it to his friend, "Thank you, Nikolai. See you in a couple hours."

The Colonel waved as he walked away, "Good-bye for now, comrade, and good luck!"

General Glide chuckled yet again as he opened his office door. He stepped through and flicked on the lights to turn around and hang his jacket on the hook. Then he remembered...He never turned the lights off. Carefully and slowly, the General shut the door and turned around meeting with Rarity in the adjacent corner, Con Mane standing next to a bookshelf, and Twilight and AJ behind the desk. Georgi began to quiver and he spoke in a very stern voice, "What is the meaning of this intrusion? Who are you?"

"Never mind who we are." Rarity replied hastily, "We've got to have a little chat, General."

[...To be continued.]

Chapter 3: Like Sands Through The Hourglass

Chapter 3 Like Sands Through The Hourglass...

As Rarity and Spike stepped from the chariot, they gazed around. Although they were there many times before, Canterlot never failed to wow them each time they arrived. The messenger too, stepped off and proceeded to lead the way, "Now momentarily, I will be leaving you in the hooves of Her Majesty's Royal Guard who will have the pleasure in escorting the two of you to the palace where Princess Luna herself will give you the grand tour. But now that I'm looking at my watch, were quite ahead of schedule. So if you two would like, feel free to venture off for about an hour or so. But be sure to meet back with us here no later. We don't want to keep the Princess waiting."

Rarity nodded gracefully, "Oh Of course, good Sir. Come along Spike, let's go visit some of the shops."

"Right behind you!" he called as the joyful Unicorn galloped ahead.

With that, they ran off dreaming and pondering how their honeymoon would fair out. They visited every store they came across and each time, found something they wanted to have at the wedding whether it was a candle set, flowers, an add-on to their attire or just simple party favors. Eventually they found themselves in the heart of Canterlot City where businesses were booming with customers, even at 9:30 in the morning. They trotted through the business district and soon came across a new shop that was set to open later that afternoon. To Rarity's surprise, it was the rumored Majestic's Jewels the New Buck local had mentioned of. Rarity was stunned, "My goodness! We MUST come back here this afternoon. Spike this is the shop I was talking about."

"Really?" He asked with a look of slight interest, "Neat. I don't see why not."

They decided to look through the window and were shocked to see the abundance of elegant crystals and other bits of fine jewelry that filled the cases. Filling with envy, Rarity scrapped her hoof down the glass, "I...must...have!"

Spike looked at the time and tried to haul his Fianceé from the window, "Ok Rarity. It's time to go...Princess Luna is expecting us. Come...on...Rarity. We'll come back here this afternoon."

Finally, she gave in and forced herself away from the sight, "Oh If I must. But we ARE coming back here."

"Of course." The dragon laughed as they rode back to the golden chariot where they'd be waiting for their tour of the castle.

Meanwhile back in Ponyville, Twilight walked around the Town Square with her checklist and directed her volunteers around, "Alright that needs to be more straight...This should be white, NOT silver...Why is this table wobbly?...Carrot Top, there should be more flowers than this...The banners to be just a little higher..."

"Twilight!" Applejack shouted with an annoyed tone, "Don'tcha think yer bein a little inconsiderate? We're tryin our darndest."

"Boy are you sensitive this morning." Sparkle muttered with surprise, "You've been in a bad mood all morning, AJ. What's wrong?"

The country pony looked up momentarily then back down at her work on the wedding arch, "It's not important..."

Out of concern, Twilight laid down her papers and approached her friend, "There's obviously something important if your acting like this. Your usually cheerful this time in the morning."

"Twi would ya jus leave me alone? I'm fine." She defended angrily.

"Not until you tell me what's going on." Twilight demanded.

AJ was getting fed up, "It's jus a little personal issue I want to figure out myself. It's none of yer business."

Knowing she was distraught, Twilight decided to back away and give Applejack her privacy, "Well alright...If you need somepony to talk to, you got me and the girls."

She got no response as she went back to her work and levitated the checklist once again. Shortly after, an unfamiliar stagecoach rolled into Town Square with a mailpony riding it. As soon as his coach came to a stop, the stallion riding, disembarked and opened the door to retrieve a package. The stallion levitated the package with his horn and then began to look around his unfamiliar surroundings. Twilight had been watching him and decided to lend him a hoof, "Good morning. Can I help you?"

"You might." The delivery pony said very gruffly, "I'm looking for a...Ms. Rarity? I have a package from a one, Sterling Silver at Majestic's Jewels."

Sparkle smiled warmly, "Oh It must be her dress. Is it alright if I hold on to it for her? She's away in Canterlot right now."

"Well since you seem to know her, I don't see why not. Just don't tell my boss." He requested humorously.

She reacted with a giggle, "Not a problem."

In the meantime, Spike and Rarity had made it back to where they split with the royal messenger. But to their surprise, he and the gilded chariot were gone. Confused, they gazed around and eventually noticed a coach with guards on the reigns. They appeared to be waiting for somepony, "That must be us." Spike said eagerly.

The couple approached the carrier and was acknowledged by a guard, "Spike and Rarity I assume?"

Rarity bowed, "Yes, I do believe me and my darling are here to meet with the Princess."

"That's correct." Nodded the guard smiling, "Her Majesty is waiting, let us board."

Following a brief, ten minute ride in the stagecoach, Spike and Rarity rode into the front courtyard of Luna's castle, the most regal and enchanting palace in all of Equestria. They halted and stepped from the coach to be greeted by the Princess herself who stood waiting for them outside the front door, "Good morning."

As Rarity bowed down once again, Spike kissed her hoof, "We can't thank you enough for such a generous offer, Princess."

Following a giggle, Luna pulled her hoof away, "No need to show humiliation my friends, you are my guests, and I want you two to feel at home here. Come along, I'll show you to your quarters."

They followed the Princess all through the palace until they came across a pair of decorated double doors. Approaching the room, they could see the high set of double doors were made of mahogany and gold designs painted in. The Princess pointed her hoof, "Well, here it is. Your honeymoon suite I have prepared as a personal gift. I hope you two will have a gallant time."

Spike smiled at her thankfully as he held his claws on the knobs of the door. Then with a deep breath he pushed the doors open and he and Rarity nearly dropped from the elegance of the room. A royal red room with a king-sized bed, two massive stain glass windows, indoor spa, crystal chandeliers and a buffet table. Then exiting from a walk-in closet was another pony wearing a suit, "Who's that?" Spike questioned.

"Ah." Luna replied, "Renard here will be your own personal bellhop and chauffeur to take you around where ever you need to go."

Rarity was astonished and jumped on to the bed, "Oh This room is simply devine! Thank you ever so much your highness."

"Your plenty welcome." Luna smiled happily.

The Princess called on one of her guards and got him to retrieve a small coin purse from his saddlebag and tossed it over to the dragon, "I almost forgot. Here is 1,000 bits. Spend them the way you want."

"Oh Your Majesty, this is just too much." Rarity declared.

Spike was as shocked as anypony to hear her say that but played along, "She's right, Princess Luna. You didn't have to go through all this trouble just for us."

Luna laughed as she held the door open, "I always believed that everypony should have it all on their wedding day. Even if it means going to as much trouble as this. Now come along, it's time for brunch and I have had my servants prepare a quite delectable meal.

A couple hours, after they left the castle, Rarity and Spike trotted back downtown to venture into the new Majestic's Jewels shop that had opened that afternoon. As expected, there was an abundance of ponies inside admiring the low prices of such valuable jewelry. The two walked through each tiny isle, scanning over the rings, necklaces, studs, earrings, chains, etc. Then suddenly they walked by the counter and met with a familiar face, "Mr. Silver!" Rarity beamed gladly.

Sterling took a moment to remember her, "Excuse me?...Hey I know you. Your the mare from Ponyville that ordered a wedding dress. Rarity, right?"

The Unicorn nodded gleefully as she presented Spike, "Speaking of weddings, this is my husband-to-be. Spike, this is Mr. Sterling Silver. He's the one who helped me pick out my dress."

"So I've heard." The dragon replied as they shook, "Nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure, Mr. Spike. So what do you two think of the new place? We certainly improved from New Buck City." He chuckled.

Rarity's face enlightened, "I absolutely adore the idea. It definitely makes it more convenient for a pony like me. Which reminds me. As I was going through the beautiful gems you have on display, I couldn't help notice the small costs on all of them. How can a store like this exist with such low prices?"

"Well." He laughed, "That's a company secret. But we manage, that's what matters."

Then suddenly, the shining-grey stallion's face went straight as he put his hoof to his ear then turned as he muttered something under his breath. Rarity was perplexed, "Mr. Silver? Are you alright?"

Sterling turned back with a smile, "It's nothing, just a little headache, comes and goes. I've been stressing out over all this hectic travelling...Uh If you two can excuse me, I need to go my office, I have to take my pills. I do hope to see you two again sometime."

He kissed Rarity's hoof and shook with Spike once more, "It's been great meeting you. Have a great wedding."

Rarity smiled kindly, "Thank you again for assisting me with my dress. I'd probably still be out in that forsaken city if it weren't for you. Come along darling, we have a train to catch."

"Sure thing." Said the dragon as they headed for the glass door, "Nice meeting you, Sterling Silver."

"Back at ya!" he shouted as he rubbed his temple in slight discomfort.

"Are you still there?"

Sterling made sure the two were away from the shop then pulled his hoof away and fiddled with a device that appeared to be placed in his ear, "Yes, yes, what?" He replied, annoyed.

"Who was that you were talking to?"

"Surprisingly it was Miss Rarity again. This time she brought her soon-to-be husband." The steed laughed.

The mysterious voice pondered, "How intreguing."

Silver was curious, "Tell me something, boss. Why are you so hooked on this customer?"

There was pause following the question, then a sigh from the anonymous being, "Let's just say it's personal."

"I see." Silver nodded, "One more thing, I won't be able to make the trip to Lochrest. I need to keep an eye on the new shop. I hope this won't interfere with the first phase of operation Shockwave."

Suddenly the pony cringed as there was a high-pitch noise on the other side. The voice then shouted, "Do not discuss the plans among the public! I'll contact you again later on tonight. If it weren't for that damn Cold Cache, we wouldn't have to go through all this...But we dealt with him good. Good-bye."

"Alright then." Sterling answered, "Good day."

Later that evening, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack were finishing the last bits of the wedding decor just as the sun was going down. Twi never wanted so much sleep all her life until now, and after spending an entire day with a sour Apple, it didn't make it easy. But as the Unicorn double-checked her list, she noticed AJ didn't seem agitated and angry anymore, she looked depressed and it burned a hole in her friend's heart not being able to know what was going on. She tried not to be nosy but all day it picked at her bit by bit and it she couldn't stand it anymore. Twilight slammed down her clipboard and abruptly grabbed Applejack by the shoulders, "Now listen to me! You've been mad at something all day and as your friend, I'd like to know what's happening with you so I can help!"

Applejack said nothing, only stared at her. Then Twilight began to feel guilty as she noticed the tears collect in the rancher's eyes. Immediately she apologized, "Applejack...I'm sorry, I'm just worried and..."

The depressed pony pushed Sparkle away and ran off with the pitiful cries following. Twilight's ears buckled back as she dumbfoundly smacked her hoof on her forehead, "Why did I do that?"

Finally, she decided to leave well enough alone with the issue and never bring it up again, to prevent anymore heartaches like the one that had just occured. She retrieved her clipboard and proceeded to walk home.

When she arrived, however, she was relieved to find that Spike had made it home. Although was surprised when she noticed Rarity there cleaning the library, "Rarity, what are you doing?"

"Oh Twilight!" she laughed, panting, "You startled me. Spiky was so tired when we got back that I decided to let him nap while I took on his chores for him."

Twilight giggled warmly, "Well I'll take it from here Rarity, thanks. How was Canterlot? I heard the Princess is going to let you two stay at the palace during your guys' honeymoon."

"Oh It was marvelous!" she hopped brightly, "And you'll never guess what shop JUST opened up there."

"Really? What is it?" She asked.

Rarity paused for a moment then answered with excitement, "Majestic's Jewels! That wonderful shop where I ordered my dress. They just opened! I absolutely cannot wait until we go up there again. So many good deals on gems. I simply MUST go there on the honeymoon. But enough about my day, how was yours?"

With subtle groan, Twilight threw her checklist on to her desk and sat down angry with herself, "It was going pretty well until a few minutes ago."

"Oh?" The white mare reacted with concern in her voice, "What happened?"

"Well me and Applejack were finishing up some work down at the Town Sqaure. Then I became a little concerned because for the entire day, AJ had been depressed about something so I decided to confront out of the good of my heart. But I think I over did it when I asked her what was wrong when I already bothered her about it. So she ran off on me, crying. Now I feel like a total jerk." Twilight frowned with her head resting on her hoof.

"Oh My goodness." Rarity replied with worry, "I must go speak with her."

Sparkle shook her head, "Rarity, I think it's best if we let her figure this out on her own."

Ignoring her request, the elegant Unicorn grabbed her things and headed for the door, "I'm sorry, Twilight. But I must find out what's troubling her. I know a girl trouble when I hear of one."

Later at the Macintosh Plains, Applejack was getting ready to rest up for the night when she heard a knock at her door. The energetic Applebloom rushed to the door, "I'll get it!"

The little filly opened the top part of the barn door to find out it was Rarity, "Hiya Rarity. What can I do ya for?"

She smiled kindly, "Hello Applebloom, is your sister around?"

"You bet! C'mon in." Applebloom insisted.

As Rarity trotted in through, AJ appeared from a corridor and was surprised to see her, "Oh Uh Howdy, Rarity. What're ya'll doin here this late at night?"

"Good evening Applejack." She acknowledged, "I'm not going to waste time with small talk so I'll cut straight to the chase. Twilight told me you were having some concerns this afternoon. Now I was suggesting we could sit down and..."

"There's nothin to talk about." AJ interupted, "Applebloom go up to bed."

"Uh Sure thing." She answered.

After the little one was out of sight, Applejack held the door open for Rarity, "I'm mighty sorry ya had trot all the way down here but I'm fine."

Rarity shook her head and tried to explain, "Oh Please, Applejack there has to be something wrong. I know your not exactly a dramatic type so I can understand why you don't want to talk but believe me, it's the best way to get something off of your chest."

"Rarity...I jus can't." AJ responded as she could feel her eyes begin to water once more.

"I insist darling. I know it's hard but you have to do it or else you'll feel miserable for as long as you have this problem."

Knowing she wasn't going to give up, Applejack sighed and shut the door. Then she lead Rarity into the family room, "If ya really want to know...Then sit down."

"Of course. Take your time." Rarity suggested with a caring grin.

Applejack removed her hat, then sat down beside her, "I don't know exactly how to say this but, when I see you and Spike or Fluttershy and Navy Blue, it makes me jealous. I guess you can already tell what my problem is, sayin that..."

"Your having stallion troubles, correct?" Rarity questioned still with a sentimental smile.

"Well look at me." Said Applejack as she flailed her front hooves apart, "I'm lil ol country girl who's never had much of a life outside the farm...To tell ya the truth...I've never dated a stallion."

The Unicorn's eyes went wide and she became curious, "Never?"

AJ shook her head frowning, "Nope...Not one. That's why I'm gettin so darn emotional lately."

Her voice was beginning to shake and Rarity tried to calm her friend's nerves, "Applejack, darling there's nothing to fret about. Your a very desirable young adult with a distinctive personality. I mean you got all the time in the world. Don't you worry about it. Someday I'm sure that the right pony will come along. Take me for example, I was about to give up on love for good when Spike came along and swept me off my hooves. Now, our wedding is on Sunday and I couldn't happier. Keep the faith, Applejack. In time, your special somepony will be there at your side. Ready to take on anything."

Applejack was touched by her friend's caring words and embraced her, "Yer a mighty good friend, Rarity. I sure hope your right."

Rarity hugged her back and laughed, "I know I'm right. Now go and get some rest, the wedding is only days away and there's still a lot to be done."

AJ laughed back and stood up, "Yer right. Tomorrow's Tuesday so that gives us five days to get everything done. Tomorrow I'll get to work on all the catoring that needs to be done."

"Perfect." She answered happily. Rarity skipped to the door to leave when she thought about something, then turned back around to tell her one more thing, "Oh Applejack. I've just made a decision."

"Hmm? What's that?" The country mare asked as she began to climb the stairs.

"I want you to be my best mare." Rarity told her, "What do you say?"

Applejack said nothing at first. But then she trotted back down the stairs and put her hoof on her friend's shoulder with a proud grin, "Rarity...I'd be honored. Thank you."

Rarity smiled back, "Your quite welcome my friend. Good night."

They separated and stood on opposing sides of the door, "Good night, Rarity." Applejack concluded as they went their separate ways that evening.

[...To be continued]