Chapters "Ha! Finally! I'm going to be a Wonderbolt!" I screamed as I wore a smile that could even rival Pinkie Pie's.
I was at Sugarcube Corner, with the rest of my friends. "Well how 'bout that." Applejack commented with a grin on her face.
"Does this mean I can throw a 'Rainbow Dash is going to be a Wonderbolt' party?!" Pinkie said Hysterically.
"I'm indeed impressed that they would let you in Rainbow." Rarity stated with more of a smirk on her face.
I rolled my eyes at that statement. I noticed how Fluttershy hasn't said anything yet. As I turned my head, I noticed that Fluttershy wasn't wearing a smile like eveypony else. In fact, she didn't look that happy at all.
"What's wrong Fluttershy?" I asked with as much sympathy in my voice that I could muster.
At that question, Fluttershy perked up. She didn't say anything, which only aroused my own suspicions.
Before I tried to ask any questions, Pinkie Pie was already making a ruckus in the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner distracting everypony.
No doubt that she was preparing sweets for my party Pinkie Pie was so dedicated to making.
"Lets just leave Pinkie to her work." Applejack said still wearing a grin oblivious of the exchange between Fluttershy and I.
As we walked back from Sugarcube Corner, Rarity said that she has another big order to fill. We wished her off as she walked towards her Boutique. So then it was just the three of us, as we walked back to Sweet Apple Acres.
The apple trees were in full bloom. That wasn't surprising since it is late Summer. Apple-buck season shouldn't be too far away.
Fluttershy and I both wished AJ goodbye. Now, it was just me and Fluttershy.
We walked all the way to her cottage. I figured that it was now or never. "So... I guess I'm a Wonderbolt now." I joked trying to lighten the mood, but failed horribly. While I was saying this, Fluttershy started tearing up.
"What's the matter" I asked in a half-smile. At that moment, Fluttershy stopped crying, and was now staring at me.
"Uhh. Flut-" was all I could say before she exploded.
"Why do you have to leave Rainbow?!" Fluttershy wailed and started crying again.
That question left me speechless. What could I say? All I could do was wrap a wing around her, comforting her.
"I don't want you to go! I don't want to lose you, my best friend, just like Twilight!" Fluttershy stated mourning.
That was a name I haven't heard often. All of us five ponies never brought it up in case of reopening the wound.
"Fluttershy, I'm not going to go off and never come back. I'll try to visit Ponyville as much as I can." I said now almost at tears.
"But, that's exactly what Twilight said." Fluttershy stated being abnormally calm.
"Fluttershy. I'm sorry. But this is my Dream! To be a Wonderbolt! You can understand that, can't you?"
When Fluttershy said nothing, I decided to get back home before the scheduled rainstorm hits.
"I have to go. Talk to you later Fluttershy." I said as I zipped off towards my house. Leaving Fluttershy to her own thoughts.
As I got to my doorstep, it started raining. As I crept in to my dark house to see Tank asleep, I noticed how much things will change in a week. How long will I be gone?
I woke up to what seemed to be a couple minutes. Unfortunately, it was morning. I must have tossed and turned all night considering the condition of my hair.
As I went to my mirror to brush down my mane, I remembered the argument I had with Fluttershy.
Man that was an argument, I don't remember Fluttershy being so disgruntled and confused. Maybe I should apologize...
What? No! I shouldn't apologize to Fluttershy when this means so much to me! I continued arguing with myself when I opened the door to my house to start the day.
"I wish Twilight was around. I could've talked to her about this, and she'd be able to help me out." I said out loud to myself. Then I reminded myself. "I will never talk to Twilight again, after her hurting us all by leaving completely. Especially Fluttershy.
I shook my head. Now because of Fluttershy, I have Twilight on the brain.
Luckily, it was a bright Summer day. I thought as I was flying. Looks like the weather team is doing well without me. Thinking back to two days ago when I resigned as weather captain. "They're fine without me." I said to myself.
I decided to go to Sugarcube corner to check on Pinkie Pie and see when the party is.
"Mornin Mr. And Mrs. Cake. is Pinkie around?"I asked as I went into the store.
"Good morning Rainbow Dash. And yes, she's in the back.
Would you like me to go get her?" Mrs. Cake responded wearing a smile.
"Yeah. That would be great." I replied trying to be polite.
As Mrs. Cake went into the back, it was just me and Mr. Cake. He grabbed something from behind the counter. Some cake in a box.
"Rainbow Dash, could you take this to Sweet Apple Acres? It is an order to Applejack. I would go there myself, but the kids need to be cared for and there's P-" Mr. Cake would have said more if I hadn't interrupted him.
"Say no more Mr. Cake. Sure I could give it to her. I was going to go there anyway today." I spoke interrupting him.
As I took the box containing the cake, Mrs. Cake and Pinkie started to walk in.
"Hey Rainbow!" Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically " I bet you want to know when the party is! It's going to be this evening here!" Pinkie stated still not loosing a hint of enthusiasm. "I wanted it at the Library, but the new librarian wont let us throw parties in there." Pinkie pouted.
I still don't understand why everypony is still calling her the NEW librarian. She's been there longer than Twilight now.
"Yeah. Thanks Pinkie. But, I gotta go to Sweet Apple Acres." I said as I was heading out. everyone said their goodbyes.
"Now off to Applejack's. "
As Shining Armor and I walked the halls of Canterlot Castle, there was an awkward silence between us. Then he must have decided to speak up.
"So... It's been a while since I've seen you." He said trying to be friendly.
"Yeah, I guess I've been really busy." I tried to answer.
We haven't seen each other in a year, which is a long time compared to seeing him time and time again with my friends.
As I was thinking to myself, I didn't notice him stop in front of a larger door, and almost bumped into him.
He took no notice however since he was talking to one of his guards outside the door.
"Come on Twily." He called behind his shoulder for me to follow.
As I stepped in, I noticed it really doesn't look to be any kind of barrack I've been to. It has a table in the center, with paintings on the walls... Kinda looks like a conference room.
"Hello Twilight. Sorry I didn't give you better notice, but this happened so suddenly." Princess Celestia said with a monotone voice. As she said that, I could see the determination in her glare.
"It's okay. So where is Princess Cadence?" I asked as I noticed there is one less Alicorn in the room.
"Oh yeah. She still had duties to take care of back at the Crystal Empire. So she had to stay." Shining Armor replied as he was taking a seat at the table.
As I went to get myself seated next to Celestia, I noticed there are a lot of official looking ponies in the room.
There was Mayor Mare, which I noticed first. I haven't seen her since I left Ponyville.
Then there was Spitfire. The captain of the Wonderbolts.
The rest I couldn't recognize. Celestia and Luna usually handles politics while they wouldn't care if I popped in one time or another. But then again, I'm worried of embarrassing Celestia and the whole monarchy if I make a wrong move. So I let them handle those matters.
Celestia gave me a knowing look, "These are all representatives from each city in Equestria." She started.
"This fellow pony next to you is Dusk Glide. He is a rep. from Baltimare." She pointed to a stallion with an indigo mane and blue fur. As she pointed to him, he gave an acknowledged nod.
"The pony opposite of you is Sapphire Sky. She is the rep. from Las Pegasus."
"Over in the corner, we have Rocky Valley. He is the rep. From Dodge Junction."
"Over there," She pointed with here muzzle to the other corner. "Is Storm Glow. He is a rep. from Cloudsdale."
"And over there, is Misty Apparition." She pointed again towards the double doors from which I came in. "She's the rep. from Van Hoover."
"And the last two are from Fillydelphia, and Manehattan. Their names are Radiant Morning, and Blaze Night."
"Then you know the other two. Mayor Mare, and Sheriff Silverstar." She pointed over to the left side of her.
"If you're finished Celestia, I would like to continue." Dusk Glide interrupted.
"Yes. You can continue." Celestia replied
Dusk Glide then continued his speech. "Now the real discussion starts..."
As Dusk Glide continued, I started to wonder why I was here to begin with. Sure I knew a lot about military tactics from my books, but I'm just not familiar with them. I couldn't say anything for the fear of embarrassing Celestia. I just sit calmly while the veterans spoke.
"-And on top of that, we don't even know where these traitors are. They could be among us for all we know." Dusk Glide finished.
"Are you saying my own men could be TRAITORS?!" Shining Armor raised his voice at that.
"No one is saying your men are traitors. But we still have to be cautious." Rocky Valley said with his Dark brown mane sticking out along with his yellow coat.
"What should we do next? Storm Glow asked his now listening audience. "We can't just sit here doing nothing!" He stomped his hoof on the table, silencing the smaller murmurs. With his white coat and grey mane giving him a ghost like appearance. He pointed his other hoof in Spitfire's direction. "Spitfire. Have you gathered up the rest of your Wonderbolts yet?"
"Soarin is out already gathering them all." Spitfire reported.
"Well that's good. At least we won't have to worry about the Airforce." Misty Apparition commented with her always optimistic attitude.
I liked her the most out of the representatives because she is always perky. That, and her gold mane and white coat makes it easy to point her out.
"But, there's one more thing-" Blaze Night began.
"Sir!" A guard ran into the war room only to be stopped by Shining Armor. "What's the meaning of this? What could it be this important to interrupt the meeting?!" Shining Armor ordered.
"Sorry to interrupt but, we captured a traitor from Luna's royal guard a while ago. Now he wants to speak!" The guard answered.
"Bring him in here at once!" Shining Armor commanded.
As I flew to Sweet Apple Acres. I started to think about Fluttershy. I tried to push the thought out of my head, but my guilt got the better of me. I shouldn't have yelled at Fluttershy. I could have taken the blow. But I had to snap back at her. Will she even speak to me again?
As I arrived at the barn, I tried to look for Applejack.
She's probably out bucking apples I thought to myself. Maybe if I just waited, I'll find her sooner or later. But that will just leave me to my thoughts... Locating Applejack it is.
I looked from tree to tree, but I still could not find the orange mare. I then found her, bucking a large tree.
"Need any help?" I shouted down to her.
"Rainbow? I'm fine. But what brings you 'round these parts?" She shouted back.
I decided to fly down to her, wouldn't make sense for us shouting back and forth. I then showed her the box.
"Is that the cake?" Thanks Rainbow." She said filled with gratitude.
"I'm also here to tell you that Pinkie's party is at Sugarcube Corner."
"Well thanks again. Are you going to tell Rarity and Fluttershy also?" AJ asked.
"Yeah. planning on it. I have to go. See you at the party!" I shouted as I started to ascend upward.
Now to Rarity's I thought as I was flying, Rarity's boutique is farther than Fluttershy's cottage, but I want to avoid Fluttershy as much as possible.
"Hey Rarity!" I shouted at the door to the Carousel Boutique.
"Rainbow Dash? Is that you? Please come in." Rarity called from behind the door.
As I opened the door, I found Rarity cleaning up the boutique. Sweetie Belle was with her trying to help.
"I can see you're busy. So I'm going to cut it short. Pinkie Pie's party is tonight at Sugarcube Corner." I stated. I don't want to stay here for too long because she might try to throw me in some dress.
"Why thank you Rainbow. I think I'll attend the going away party." Rarity replied sounding disconnected.
Before I left, I thought of something. "Hey Sweetie Belle, make sure Scootaloo comes too okay?" I asked.
"Sure thing Rainbow Dash!" She replied looking now excited with now something to do.
As I flew to Fluttershy's cottage, I tried to think of something to say. When I got there, I still could not think of anything. All I could do is knock on her door and hope for the best.
"Fluttershy? It's me Rainbow Dash, can I come in?" As I spoke, I was swinging my hoof in midair. The door swung open, and I was about to knock Fluttershy in the face.
Fluttershy didn't dodge though but tackled me in a suffocating embrace that I thought only Pinkie Pie could do.
"Rainbow Dash! I'm so sorry for being so stubborn could you please forgive me?" Fluttershy pleaded only hugging me tighter.
"Fluttershy... I'm sorry... Too..." Was all I could say for being short of breath from Fluttershy's hug.
She then loosened a little, enough to me to speak clearly.
"I'm sorry for being thick-headed myself. I should have thought that this is what would happen." As I was saying that, I started to hug Fluttershy also.
"The party is tonight at Pinkie's if you want to come." I said to her.
"I'll come. As long as you want me to." She replied.
Well, this turned out better than expected, it's almost sundown, so me and Fluttershy better go to Sugarcube Corner soon.
As we were both beginning to take off, I heard someone call "Rainbow Dash". As I looked towards the sound. I found one pony flying towards me at high speeds. It was Soarin. As he landed next to me, he said, "Come on, we need to go to Canterlot earlier than planned. This is an emergency."
Once the prisoner came into the room, everypony was asking questions. But the only ones he was answering was Princess Celestia's.
"Were you one of Princess Luna's guards?" Celestia demanded.
"Yes." He stated flatly.
"Do you know the whereabouts of Luna?" Celestia spitted out with as much scorn I have ever seen.
"Why should I tell you?" the prisoner said calmly. "I won't crack that easily."
"I should have the right to rip you in half!" Celestia roared loosing her temper.
"If you must know something useful, I still am loyal to the princess of the night." He said more seriously.
"What do you mean 'still loyal'?" Celestia asked now sounding confused.
"You don't get it yet do you. Luna wasn't 'kidnapped' and 'dragged against her will', no. She is in on this plan."
"I... I still don't understand." Celestia now sounding more thoughtful.
"Why would she be 'in' on this? What plan?!"Celestia ordered.
"Luna wants a new order. A new way to run things. And I will support her till the very end." He said triumphantly.
"She already has support in
Van Hoover, Las Pegasus, heck. The entire western sea board!" He shouted maniacally.
"What?!" Sapphire Sky objected.
"I have no word of this! He must be lying!" Sapphire Sky argued with all her might to protect Las Pegasus's name.
"Ha! You think I would come in here to lie to you? Come on! If I lied, I would have my head cut off for sure." He said clearly pleased to disrupt the whole meeting.
"Have him taken back to our jail. Now!" Celestia ordered the guard who brought him in the first place.
"You think this is over because you're sending me back to that Luna-forsaken hole? It's not! We have guards everywhere watching everypony! We are the night, we are the Shadows!" He shouted being escorted down the halls. His words still echoing in everypony's head.
"This changes everything." Rocky Valley said breaking the silence.
"And it appears Canterlot is stuck in the middle of it all." Mayor Mare added on.
"Well. What do we do now? We sort of know the enemy at least." Blaze Night said not breaking the tension in the room.
"If you could excuse me, I have to have some time to think." Celestia said getting up out of her seat.
"Shining Armor can answer for me if you have anymore questions." Celestia said pointing her muzzle towards Shining Armor putting him in the spotlight.
"Yes your highness." He obeyed sitting where Celestia was.
As Shining Armor sat next to me, he said, "you can go with her Twily. I got this. I know you feel out of place. And I think the Princess needs somepony right now."
"You're right. I'm not good with politics even though I am one." I joked getting up and stretching my legs.
As I closed the door behind myself, I heard from Misty Apparition, "now. We need to talk about where they all are...."
"Ugh. Fine we can go to Sugarcube Corner. But then we need to go back to Canterlot." Soarin said urgently looking defeated.
"Thanks. And I promise there is also pies at the party." I said finally convincing Soarin to come with me and Fluttershy.
As me and Soarin started to liftoff, I called out to Fluttershy saying, "try to catch up!" With a smirk.
As me and Soarin flew across the evening sky, I tried to take everything in. It might be one of the flyovers of Ponyville for a while after all. Thinking back to what Soarin said: "We think Luna has been kidnapped, and we need all of Equestria's Airforce to be prepared just in case."
Me and Soarin finally arrived at the party with Fluttershy behind us a couple seconds later. She was panting while me and Soarin were still fresh and ready for more.
As I walk in, I found that the lights were off. Then the lights came to life with everypony invited yelling "surprise!"
"Hey Rainbow Dash! You were surprised weren't you?!" Pinkie Pie spoke rapidly jumping up and down.
"Yeah I was Pinkie." I said with an awkward laugh.
"Oh! Hi Fluttershy! Who's the pony behind you?" Applejack asked as she walked up to meet me.
"Oh. This is Soarin. He's also a Wonderbolt." I tried to explain leaving out why he's here.
"Come on. Make yourself at home Soarin." I called from behind.
"Okay. But we have 10 min. We have a schedule to keep." He said.
"10 minutes? What in tarnation is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked confused.
"I... I'm so sorry. But we have to cut the party short. I'm supposed to meet with the Wonderbolts shorter than planned..."
I tried to explain to everypony why I'm leaving so early. leaving out the "threat of war" part.
"Well I'm sorry to hear it. Come on. Let's make the most of it." Applejack said in a smile.
When it was time to leave, Scootaloo was the first one to confront me.
"Goodbye Rainbow Dash. I'll miss you. I'll also practice flying everyday. And sooner or later, I'm going to become a Wonderbolt too. " She said looking forlorn.
"And I'll miss you too kid. Be the big pegasus while I'm gone. okay?" I hugged Scootaloo tightly in a sister-like embrace.
"We'll all miss you Rainbow Dash have a safe trip you hear?" Applejack said giving me one of our hoofshakes. She was also speaking for Pinkie, who was bawling in the center of the group with a tissue.
"Come on Rainbow Dash. I'm sorry, but need to go." Soarin called from behind her.
"Rainbow Dash!! Wait!" Fluttershy bursted out of the crowd, running towards me. "Please be safe. Can you promise that you'll be safe?" Fluttershy pleaded.
She is the only other pony who knows what the real circumstances of me leaving. I thought.
"You have my word" I said with a determined look. Grabbing Fluttershy close for a hug.
"I'll see you all again. I promise." I said letting go of Fluttershy and making my way to the door.
Soarin gave me a sympathetic look, but he didn't say anything. Then we both took off with cheers being heard behind us getting quieter and quieter.
We made it to Canterlot in great time. Before dawn even. I asked the nearest guard where Spitfire was, and all he said was, "she's in a meeting." Not breaking his expression.
All Soarin and I could do is wait.
I could have been at the party longer without having Soarin on my hooves. I thought.
"So do you know anything more about this Soarin?" I asked. While we were walking back to a waiting room full of chairs. The Academy is too far to fly at night.
"No. That's all Spitfire told me, and I'm pretty sure that's all she knew then." He replied thoughtfully.
We waited in the decorative room until a guard came up to where we were snoozing.
"Sorry to disturb you, but Spitfire is out of the meeting. You will find her near the Barracks, which is on the western wing of the castle." He said diplomatically.
"Thanks. We'll get there as soon as we can. Soarin?" I asked poking him until he woke back up.
"Wha?! Oh. It's just you Dash." He said trying to shake himself into consciousness.
"Hey get up. Lets go to see Spitfire."
As I was trying to find Celestia, I was wondering what to say. I still couldn't think of anything that would really comfort her. But I also couldn't leave her alone so distraught. Then I found her walking slowly and aimlessly towards an unknown destination.
"Uhh. Princess?" I spoke having Celestia turn her head in acknowledgement.
"Twilight, why did you follow me?" She sounded defeated.
"I came to try to help." I answered.
Celestia sat down in some type of waiting room it seemed, with nice looking chairs.
"How could you help me right now? I lost my sister again after trusting her. I wonder if she even cared to begin with." Celestia said.
"I don't know what to say other than I will try to help anyway I can towards the oncoming war." I said quietly.
"I don't see how there needs to be one. We're sisters! We helped each other in the past. But now, I don't know what's gotten over her. Maybe she just waited to gain support from my troops and that's that. She just used me Twilight, and there's nothing else you could say to fix that." Celestia spoke more and more defiantly as she went on.
"I'm sorry Celestia." Was all I could say to the large upset Alicorn.
"I'm sorry Twilight. It's not your fault." Celestia said breaking the silence.
"I need to get back to the barracks. Thank you for trying to help Twilight." She spoke getting up from the small chair.
"You don't need to go back in there though. You were a big help today Twilight. It's almost Dawn. You should get some sleep." She said at a brisk pace back to the barracks.
I'm too tired to go back to my room, and I don't want to explain what happened today to Spike yet. I'll just rest my eyes. I thought before drifting off to sleep.
I don't know what woke me up. It's barely dawn. I shook my head getting the weariness out of my head. I then heard a voice.
I couldn't quite place it until two blue blurs sped past my vision. One light blue, the other was cyan.
It was Rainbow Dash!
"Rainbow Dash! " I called after her through the long hallway. The other pegasus must have heard me because he stopped and called to Rainbow Dash. I took the chance and galloped over to them.
"Twilight?!" Rainbow Dash said confused. Probably wondering what the chances of us meeting at dawn in this huge castle are.
"Hi Rainbow Dash. How've you been?" I asked excitedly.
Rainbow Dash didn't have the same enthusiasm as me. In fact, she looked angry.
"I'm just fine." She stated flatly without showing any emotion. That hurt me more than anything.
"Rainbow. I had to leave. It was the only cho-" was all I could say before Rainbow Dash unleashed her fury. Which probably has built up for a year now.
"Don't you dare call me that! We aren't friends Twilight. Not after hurting me, Pinkie, AJ, Rarity, and especially Fluttershy! You know just as well what Fluttershy was feeling back then!" Rainbow Dash roared breaking my heart to the point of tears.
This isn't what I wanted to find from Rainbow Dash. Not at all.
"Come on Soarin. We're leaving." Rainbow Dash turned away and raced off through the hallways with Soarin having to nod his head toward me before taking off himself.
Leaving me alone in the light of dawn by a stain glass window.
As I raced off leaving Twilight behind and out of sight, I began to calm down.
I just yelled at Twilight. All of my anger released in a couple words. I had to. I kept repeating to myself. It was her fault to begin with. She did something that could never be forgiven. I argued with myself until Soarin joined me by my side.
"Never thought I'd see the day that someone yells at a princess. but then again, I could only see you doing that." He joked trying to lighten my mood. It worked.
"Yeah well... She had it coming." Was all I said before racing off to try to find Spitfire with Soarin trying to catch up.
We found her sitting with the other Wonderbolts leaving us to be the last ones to enter.
Fleetfoot, was the mare sitting at the table next to me. She had a white mane with a coat a lot like mine.
Misty Fly was opposite of Fleetfoot. She has a flame-like blue mane with a pale yellow coat.
And there was Rapidfire sitting beside Spitfire. You could barely tell a difference between the two besides Rapidfire was a stallion with a slightly darker mane.
Then there was Crescent Moon, who sat opposite of Rapidfire. His hair was very frizzled from the looks of flying at high speeds. he had a white coat with two shades of blue in his disfigured mane.
There was only two seats left for us on the opposite side of the table of Spitfire's.
"Alright. Now that everypony is here, we will begin." Spitfire announced as we sat down.
"Now. I have some very grave news. Equestria is in a civil conflict. It is the first time since the settlers themselves argued amongst their brethren. Now it is up to the military to put an end to this. And that includes us." Spitfire voiced throughout the room.
Gasps sounded across the room. My own mouth was wide open. I couldn't believe what I'm hearing.
"Who caused this?!" Rapidfire spoke among the wide mouths.
"It was none other than Princess Luna, the Princess of the Night." Spitfire answered with a mocking tone.
"I always knew she was up to no good." Spitfire said confidently.
"I don't know when we'll be called. But we have to be ready." Spitfire announced.
She lightened up after her statement. She then pointed a hoof towards me.
"I have nothing else to announce besides our arrival of the newest Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash."
"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!" The rest of the Wonderbolts cheered. Spitfire tossed the Wonderbolt attire over to me. Seeing its blue and yellow streaks...
It was everything I ever wanted. But now, I felt disconnected. I wanted ALL of my friends to be beside me for this.
I sighed. At the bottom of my heart, I knew I even wanted Twilight with me.
As I walked away from the place where I confronted Rainbow Dash, I felt hollow inside.
One of my friends... Hate me... Do the others feel the same way? I wracked these ideas around in my head until I came to my own chamber.
"Hey Twilight! I didn't see you last night. Is everything okay?" Spike asked looking genuinely concerned.
I dragged my hooves towards my bed.
"I'll tell you all about it later. But first, I need sleep." Part of my sentence was interrupted in a yawn.
"Oh. Ok. I'll wait. I'll also make lunch for both of us when you wake up." Spike declared probably to keep his mind from wondering.
As I rested my body on the bed, the last thing I heard was Spike's feet tiptoeing away from my bedroom.
When I woke up, I realized it was well past morning. I was confused until I recalled everything from yesterday and this morning. The meeting, the oncoming war, Rainbow Dash... I tried to stop thinking of these events. It wouldn't help looking at the past. I then finally got up.
"Twilight! You're awake! I made us lunch. It's on the table in here." He called from the kitchen.
As I walked in and saw the two delicious looking dandelion sandwiches, I realized that I haven't eaten since before the meeting, which was more than 24 hours ago.
I sat down on a cushion while Spike sat on a chair to compensate his height.
"Now do you want to tell me what's going on?" He asked as I devoured the sandwich in a matter of seconds.
*Sigh* "Yeah. I guess. Okay, I was in the meeting concerning Princess Luna. At first we thought she was kidnapped. But then a captured guard of hers was brought in to speak the truth. He said Luna is now against Celestia and has support on her side." I said trying to be carful with my words.
Spike was giving me a blank stare. Saying nothing. I could tell his mind was racing trying to figure out the whole situation.
I sighed again. "This means that there could be a war coming Spike. And as a princess, I'll try to do all I can. Do you understand now?" I asked.
He nodded his head but didn't say anything.
I quickly thought of a change in the subject. "So I saw Rainbow Dash this morning."
"Really?! How is she?" Spike asked snapping out of his trance.
I thought back to the unfaithful encounter and cringed at the scene.
"She's fine. She was in a hurry though so she didn't say anything about the others." I half-lied.
"That's awesome! Why was she in Canterlot though? Is she still here?" Spike said now practically standing on his chair he sat in.
"Uhh... I don't know. Never talked about that either." I said. That wasn't a lie. I can't believe why I haven't thought of why she was here to begin with.
"Well alright." He said sounding disappointed. But he must have perked up at a thought.
"Oh! Do you want me to say anything to Celestia? Or organize any books?" He asked enthusiastically.
"Thanks Spike. But you could take the day off. I need to do some things." I said getting up out of the chair and stretching my wings and hooves.
"Well.. Okay. But could you please be careful Twilight?" He asked sounding more worried than ever at my unknown antics.
"I will be. I said going towards the door. And I expect you to be careful as well."
I closed the door behind leaving me alone I thought back to what the Shadow Guard said. "We are the night. We are the shadows." I really had to be careful. But I shouldn't worry about that now. It's time I found Rainbow Dash.
I woke up to see the dawn sky still trying to lighten up the darkness of night. It wouldn't be long before apple-buck season starts I thought.
I also thought back to yesterday evening when Rainbow Dash took off early. Leaving the party to Pinkie who was still crying and not in the mood for parties. It turned into a disaster when RD left.
I got out of my bed to start the new day in Ponyville.
As I went down stairs, I heard Granny Smith and Applebloom trying to help each other make breakfast.
Big Macintosh followed me downstairs to the dining room we have set up. On the table, there was enough Applefritters and Apple cider to make your mouth water. Applebloom came to the table with Granny Smith. We then gathered around the table for breakfast. I started our prayer that we say each morning. "Thank you Celestia for letting us have a prosperous year of fruits and vegetables and years to come forth." We then started eating.
"So Applebloom, what are your plans today?" I asked.
"Well.. Oh! Me, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are going to try to get our rock climbing cutie mark again." Applebloom said excitedly.
"Well if that don't work out, you can help me sell the remaining apples we have at our apple stand in the middle of town." I said knowing that rock climbing won't work out for the three crusaders.
"Okay. But wait and see, because I'm going to get my rock climbing cutie mark." Applebloom said so seriously it almost made me chuckle.
"What are you doin' today Big Macintosh?" I asked still keeping breakfast from stopping. I like to see our family together.
"Well. I was goin into town later. And check on the apple blooms on the trees." He said in his monotone voice.
Well that sounds like an easier day than usual. Can I call you to help with the stall if Appleboom doesn't come?" I asked.
"Eeyup." He said simply.
"Well okay. I'm off to find Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle." Applebloom called getting up from her seat and running out of the door. I still could not understand how those three have so much energy.
"I guess I'm off too." I said getting up slower than Applebloom. "See ya Granny Smith and Big Mac."
I left the table to go through the door Applebloom ran through and looked at the rising sun.
Maybe I should see how Fluttershy is holding up. I thought to myself making a turn in the road to go towards the Everfree forest.
Once I was to her cottage, I finally came up with what I was going to ask. I then knocked on her door.
"Fluttershy? You around?" I called.
"Applejack. I'm over here." Fluttershy said barely more than a whisper. She was around back.
"Hi there Fluttershy. I was wondering what you're doin' today." I asked finally seeing Fluttershy, who was tending to some nests for birds.
"Well... Really nothing. After I'm done with this of course." She said not taking her eyes off of the nests she was trying to fix.
"I thought you might like to come along with me into town." I said making Fluttershy's head perk up.
"That would be great Applejack. Just let me finish this nest first." She said then getting focused on the nest and quickly try to fix the nest.
Once she was done I asked, "Are you ready? Lets go."
I walked down the halls trying to first think of why Rainbow Dash is here to begin with. I couldn't.
Maybe I should try to talk to some guards to see if they've seen her I thought. Now knowing where I need to go rather than walking the palace halls aimlessly.
I came up to a guard who was posted at the entrance to the South Wing, which held both mine, Celestia's, and Luna's rooms.
"Ah. Princess Twilight." He addressed me as I came up to him. I still get agitated when people call me that, but I noticed that it's who I am and the people can't change.
"I need to know if you know who entered the castle near dawn. Two pegasi if that would help." I addressed.
"Sorry Princess. I'm not the pony to talk to. Maybe the guards by the main entrance knows." He said cautiously as if he'd be in trouble for not knowing.
"Okay. Thank you for your time." I said walking away towards the throne room which leads to the entrance.
As I got to the thrown room, I saw many ponies. It must be time for the daily hearings.
I saw Celestia holding her head high to the oblivious citizens on the floor unaware of the ongoing crisis.
I figured she doesn't need any help yet. I need to talk to Rainbow Dash again. I crept the outskirts of the crowd and made my way through the long hallway to the main entrance.
"Well hello Princess Twilight. What brings you here?" A guard on one side of the door asked sounding friendly.
"I'm looking for someone. Two Pegasi came in here at about dawn. Do you know why they were here?" I asked hoping he would have an answer.
"Yeah. Two Pegasi did come through here. One was Soarin, the other was Rainbow Dash. They said that they needed to talk to Spitfire." He said so casually like he's used to questioning.
"Spitfire? Why?" I asked remembering Spitfire at the meeting.
"Well one was a Wonderbolt after all." He chuckled.
The realization hit me. Soarin was one of the Wonderbolts Rainbow Dash couldn't stop talking about. I need to really stop and think on these things because it was twice today that someone pointed out something I should've thought of.
"Thank you. But one more question. Could you point me where Spitfire could be?" I asked now just begging for him to say yes knowing I'm so close.
"Yeah... Uh... I don't really know for sure. Sorry. You can try your brother. He'd know." The guard said breaking his smile to look more apologetic.
"He's still in the barracks last I've heard." The other guard finally spoke up knowing what my next question would be.
"Thank you both." I said now running towards the West Wing.
I had to stop running to not cause a scene because seeing a princess running at full speed is something you don't see everyday.
"Finally." I said with a sigh seeing the door I used to get to the meeting last night.
"Shining Armor?" I called into the room.
"Twily! I'm over here." He said through a door from the Barracks.
"Hi Twilight. What are you doing here?" He said dismissing one of his guards.
"I was wondering where Spitfire is. I need to see her." I said.
"Her quarter is over by Canterlot garden." He replied now looking curious.
"Why do you need to see her? Is there something wrong?" He asked now worried.
"No. Rainbow Dash supposably saw her." I replied.
"Oh. Well it's always good to see old friends." He said smiling. He's completely oblivious of what has happened between me and my friends.
"Sorry Shining, but I need to go. I've been looking everywhere for her so I can't wait." I called now from behind me because I was already going for the door.
I started running and didn't stop until I came near her door. On the side of the hallway, there was a window. And luck was with me. Because I saw Rainbow Dash and Soarin talking below in the garden. I then made my way to the door to outside. Ready to confront her again.
After we all got out of the meeting, I decided to have some free time. There was nothing to do. Couds were clear thanks to the Canterlot Weather Patrol. I couldn't see Twilight. It was way to soon for that. I pondered the idea of what to do until Soarin came flying down towards the Canterlot Castle grounds.
Maybe I could race him or something. I thought. I then flew over towards him.
"Hey Soarin. Wanna race?" I asked him.
"I don't think that's a good Idea Rainbow Dash. What if we over exert our wings?" He asked looking over to me.
"That sounds like an excuse. You're just afraid of losing to the fastest flyer in Equestria." I taunted him with a smirk on my face.
He played along and said "fine. First one to the other side of Canterlot is the winner." He wore a smile on his face, which turned into a determined glare once I started the countdown to go.
"...2...1... Go!!" I yelled zooming up into the sky with my rainbow trail being left behind me.
Soarin was fast though. He wasn't left in the dust, no. He was right beside me. So I decided to go even faster pushing my limits.
I then did a giant Sonic Rainboom to break the sound barrier. But that still wasn't enough for he was still going just as fast as me.
Both of our trails started turning into the iconic smoke trail the Wonderbolts have from going so fast. The other side of Canterlot is now in view after only seconds of racing.
We must have tied from what I saw. Next time we race, we'll have to hire somepony to spectate. I thought.
We finally slowed down and settled down near some hayfield below Canterlot's mountain.
"Yes! I won!" I cheered happily.
"I was right... beside you. We... tied." He said in between breaths.
As soon as he got his breath back, he said, "Come on. We can't be this far away from Canterlot. We might miss some news." He then started to hover upward using his wings and slowly gain altitude.
I then followed after him and went ahead from him being so slow.
"Hurry up slow... poke." I was calling him when he suddenly burst and came up higher than me.
"Who're you calling slowpoke, slowpoke?" He teased.
"Oh that does it." I said now playing along. "First one to the top of Canterlot Castle is the winner."
"3...2...1... Go!" He said as him and I gained speed gaining altitude quickly.
We both ended up tie-ing again. Which I thought was a complete miracle.
We settled down in the Canterlot Garden which was outside of Spitfire's quarters apparently.
"This is a nice garden." he commented.
"Eh. It's okay. It's too quiet for my liking. Too peaceful." I said looking around the garden to see birds and different kinds of animals. I also remembered the Grand Galloping Gala where Fluttershy had gone insane over them.
"So do you have a family Rainbow Dash?" He asked suddenly.
"Yeah. I don't see them too often though..." I said now looking at him.
"Do you?" I asked.
"Yeah. I try to see them, but it's hard with being a Wonderbolt. I have a little brother, he'll be starting flight school in a couple weeks. He looks up to me... Do you have anypony like that?" He asked now getting more personal with the questions.
"Yeah. I took a filly under my wing, and we're like sisters." I replied thinking of Scootaloo.
"You need to understand that having big roles for yourself means you're not going to see your friends or family as often." He said, which seemed like a thump to my chest. He wants me to understand what Twilight did was the only thing she could do.
"Yeah. Well I will at least try to see them." I said giving him a stern look warning him not to pry.
"Sorry." He said with his head down.
"Should we go see if Spitfire has an assignment for us?" I asked breaking the tension.
"Sure. That sounds g-" Soarin was cut off by somepony shouting my name.
As I turned around, I recognized the pony. It was Twilight.
"So... How are you feelin' sugarcube?" I asked trying to break the awkward silence as we walked to town.
"Oh I'm fine. It's just that I hope Rainbow will be alright." She said with her quiet voice.
"Don't worry none. She'll be fine. It's not like she hasn't faced worse things than being without her friends for a week or two." I reassured her.
"While we're on our way, we could stop by Rarity's and see what she's up to." I said now walking toward the boutique with Fluttershy by my side.
"Hey Rarity! You in here?" I called out to her door outside the boutique.
"Applejack? Come in darling. I'm just making a dress at the moment. Sweetie Belle? Could you open the door for our guest?"
I heard hoofsteps towards the door. The door then opened to reveal Sweetie Belle.
"Hi Applejack." She said sadly.
"Well hello. What's wrong?" I asked coming in with Fluttershy behind me.
"The rock climbing didn't go as planned." She said.
That made me smile and almost laugh out loud. I guess l'll be seeing Applebloom at the stand today.
"Well I'm sorry to here that Sugarcube." I said trying to hide my smile so I'm not offending her.
"Hey sis. and hi Fluttershy." Applebloom called appearing behind Sweetie Belle.
"So rock climbing didn't work out huh?" I said apologetically.
"No. Scootaloo was the only one to not fall and get scratched up. Only because she had wings." Applebloom pouted.
"I'm sorry to hear that sugar." I said.
Rarity then came to the door with her levitating some ribbon. "Come in. Come in. I can set my order aside for now." She said opening the door fully to see a room with different kinds of fabrics on the floor and random sketches of drawings for dresses.
"I know it's a little messy. You can call it organized chaos." She said looking sternly at Sweetie Belle as if she had something to do with this.
"Sorry Rarity. But I have to go to my stand and sell my remaining apples." I said pointing to Fluttershy to back out of the doorway. "Are you comin' lil. sis?" I asked.
"Yeah. Bye Sweetie Belle. We'll try to get our cutiemarks in baking tomorrow." Applebloom said to Sweetie Belle.
"Alright. But please do come back again." Rarity said looking disappointed.
She shut the door behind us leaving Fluttershy, Applebloom, and I walk to town square.
"Come on. Look around Fluttershy." I said as we got to town square. Today's Sunday. Every Sunday around here, some ponies set up food carts and sell their products.
"Well. Alright. But I'll be ba-" Fluttershy was cut off by Applebloom. "Look! Are those Royal Guards?" She asked.
"Applebloom! It's not polite to interrupt anypony, and it's also not polite to point." I scolded Applebloom.
"Sorry sis. It's just so weird. Why are they in Ponyville? Is Celestia in town?" Applebloom asked not flinching from my scolding. I let it go.
"Hmmm. It does seem a might odd. I'll go and talk to them. Go look around with Fluttershy." I told Applebloom.
I walked over to the nearest guard. His armor was a little different than the other normal gold. His was also gold but, it had a symbol resembling Celestia's cutie mark.
"What's goin on 'round here?"
"Well miss, we're here for protection purposes. I could say this to you, for I very well know you must be an element."
"Why in tarnation do we need protection?" I asked making him uncomfortable. He must know something I don't.
"I'm sorry ma'am. But I can not tell you. You'll know soon enough. There will be an assembly in town around here all about it this evening."
He then walked off to talk to some of the other guards. All bearing Celestia's cutie mark.
I went back to my stand to sell some of the last harvest we had last year. Thanks to Rarity and her magic, they're all preserved.
Finally Applebloom and Fluttershy came up to my stall. Which seemed to take forever for how slow business is going.
"Hey sis! Did you talk to that guard?" Applebloom spoke up first carrying a bag of what seemed to be fruits for Fluttershy presumably.
"Hey. Applebloom. Could you take control of the stall for me? I have to talk with Fluttershy silently." I waited for Applebloom to object, but luckily, she thought better of it.
"Okay. But tell me when you come back." Applebloom said to me before going over to the Apple family stall.
I walked farther away from the stall to be sure Applebloom wasn't within earshot. I then spoke up.
"Fluttershy, I need you to tell Pinkie Pie and Rarity that there's going to be a big announcement this evening." I said hoping that she would just say yes.
"What's the announcement?" She asked looking in the direction of some guards.
"I'm not sure. But it's bound to be something why the royal guards are here." I answered best as I could.
"Okay. I'll do it. Are you going to tell Applebloom?" She asked.
"Not plannin' on it." I said flatly looking towards Applebloom.
"Then I'll tell Rarity not to tell Sweetie Belle." Fluttershy agreed.
"Alright. We'll meet again 'round here Sugarcube."
I then went back to the stall and did not say anymore than I had to to Applebloom. I now will wait till evening I told myself knowing this is going to be a very long day.
After my coronation, everything was going to plan. But later, I had to see my friends less and less due to me being a princess and making appearances. I figure it's for the best to cancel them out completely. Even though it hurts me, it hurts them even more only seeing me for a couple hours a week and leaving. I don't think it's fair to them or me. It's for the best.
Now I am a supervisor for princess Celestia. when she settles disputes in court, I usually help. I don't see how I could be any help when Celestia has more than 1000 years experience while I only have now going 2. I help mostly with more minor of debates. I'm glad Celestia trusts my judgement enough to not interfere.
But today, in court, something bizarre happened. Some of princess Luna's own soldiers came for an argument to settle. It wasn't about princess Luna, no. It was about the whole Hierarchy of Equestria! They're saying how unfair we are to the citizens and subjects especially Celestia. Celestia wanted nothing to do with this matter however and sent them away. Princess Celestia always tries to help anyone that has come into the High Court! Me and Celestia both agree that this isn't over. It has only begun.
"Today is a new day." I thought to myself as I got out of the comfortable bed. I'm still not used to this bed. I miss my old bed back at the library. It seemed... Right.
It was now one whole year that I stopped seeing my friends.
"Hey Spike. Wake up. " I whispered into his ear. as he awoke, I still think he hasn't gotten over the whole abandoning Ponyville thing... I stopped myself.
"I haven't abandoned Ponyville, have I?" I whispered half to myself.
"Twilight, what are you talking about?" Spike grumbled stifling a yawn.
Man. I've been thinking about Ponyville non-stop now. I thought to myself.
"Oh. Nothing important." I answered not looking very convincing. Luckily, Spike is still half asleep.
"Well what did you wake me up for?" Spike asked sounding more awake after shaking himself.
"For one, it's morning." I stated flatly. "And two, Princess Celestia asked for you to contact Princess Luna."
"Well why didn't you say so?" Spike asked with a smile lightening the mood.
"What do you want to say?" Spike asked as he got out an inkwell and scroll.
"Request that she should see Celestia and I at once." I proclaimed. "And be cautious about the loyalty within your guards."
Once I finished talking Spike gave me a worried look. "Is this serious?" He asked wide eyed.
"Everything is going to be fine Spike." I reassured him.
Once Spike sent the letter to the princess, I got ready for what today may hold.
Once I got to Celestia's throne, I realized that the whole room is empty. There was no one around but one guard. Not just any guard, the captain of the Royal Guard. My own brother, Shining Armor.
"Twily!" Shining Armor yelled happily across the room.
As I walked over there to meet him, I asked, "where is everypony?"
He answered with his grin vanishing from his face. "They went to the Barracks." He replied.
"Why are they at the barracks? Did I miss something?" I asked.
Shining Armor then started to get agitated. "Princess Luna didn't raise the moon last night. Celestia had to. And after hearing the events from yesterday, I think some of her own guards kidnapped her." He stated gritting his teeth.
I realized that he wasn't mad at me, but mad at some of his own guards.
He must have realized his mistake and started to grin again. "Come on. I'm here to escort you to the barracks."
