13. Twilight Sparkle III

Twilight Sparkle

She hoped her friends would come back soon. Ever since she sent Applejack and Rainbow Dash to spy on the organization, she has not heard a word from them. She had been pacing at her door continuously back and forth; waiting for a letter from them. She had told them to send reports, before they left. Whether or not they forgot, is beyond her at this point.

"Twilight, you cant expect them to write a letter that fast." Said Spike, reading another one of his comics.

"I know," She said frenetically, "Maybe they didn't give them access to writing letters, or maybe they set them up for a trap! I know I can't expect them to write a letter fast, but still with all this ronian business and a potential barbaric threat, I think its possible we might be dealing with something bigger than ever be--"

"Twilight! Calm down! Seriously, you're gonna give yourself a heart attack!"

"*sighs* I know, Spike," She admitted, "but E questria is still in mortal danger. With the kaerndallens invading, I suspect we are putting ourselves in what may be history in the making: a war between Equestria and Kaerndal. Such a war would be catastrophic."

Spike had then put down the comic and went over to her. "Didn't you say your friends sided with the 'organization'?" he asked.

"Yes. And I still don't understand why." She replied, slightly angry.

The fact that her friends thought differently about the kaerndallens, reminded her of Shining Armor and Cadence's wedding. The Queen of the Changelings had disguised herself as Cadence to invade Canterlot, and feed off of her brother's love. Her friends did not see past the illusion, and went to comfort her when she confronted her. Even though the queen was defeated, she never forgot about that. What was happening now felt just like that.

"Maybe you could try talking to them?" Spike suggested.

"Spike, the kaerndallens are barbarians! I don't think we could even come to them within a ten mile radius." She argued, "And this organization seems pretty shifty; I just know it! For all we know, they may have imprisoned Applejack and Rainbow Dash!"

"That's just a conspiracy."

*Door bell rings*

"That must be the mail!" She gasped as she answered the door.

Outside her large doors was a lanky brown stallion mail carrier. He handed her her mail--most of it probably junk. She had thanked him, and went on his way. She levitated the letters and started to sort them. As she did so, she found an envelope with a dark blue wax seal. The seal had a crescent moon shape within it.

"Huh? What is this?" She said as she went to open it. It was a letter which read:

Dear Princess Twilight; it has come to my attention that you distrust us strongly. I intended to forge an alliance with you, and you send your friends to spy on us. To be our allies would help our cause to fight back against nezenite tyranny, and boost our infantry's morale. Because of your misdeed, we have enlisted both Applejack and Rainbow Dash into our infantry and will begin their training. It would have been unwise to imprison them; for fear of losing your trust entirely. Our new recruits will live out their new lives here from now on. Your actions were most dishonorable, Princess Twilight, and will not be pardoned in our eyes. Fortunately, we refuse to tell Princess Luna of your misdeed, so be thankful. Should another attempt like this happen again, there will be severe consequences. You are not our enemy, Princess Twilight, and I hated to do this to you but I had no other choice.

Cordially, Jolly Blade.

P.S We are also aware of Princess Celestia sending a message to Commander Thunder Charge, to set up large garrisons of soldiers. As well as have them scouting Equestria for any trace of the kaerndallens. A grave mistake on her part, and yours.

After reading the letter, Twilight was not sure what to feel about it; Anger? Fear? Guilt? She was not sure. She had read the letter multiple times and had gotten more emotional than ever, for different reasons. She had then let Spike read the letter.

"*mutters* 'A grave mistake on her part, and yours.'" He had read. He then put the letter down. "Huh. What could that mean?"

I knew it! she thought haughtily, I was right all along!

"I'm not sure, Spike. But I know that Applejack and Rainbow Dash are captured! We have to do something about this!"

"But Twilight," Spike objected, "Don't you think this wouldn't have happened, unless we joined them?"

"And why, Spike?!"

"Because Rainbow Dash and Applejack wouldn't have been forced into the organization, had you not have sent them to spy! These guys wanted to be our friends, and you just shut them out because they're friends with the kaerndallens! Sorry Twi, I hate to say it but... you kinda brought this on yourself."

She had not expected him to say that. Twilight then turned to face away from him. She then went upstairs into her new bedroom, to contemplate on what Spike had said. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are far from her now, and she doesn't know where the organization's headquarters are either. Thinking about it made her feel sick.

"Could it be true?" She said to herself, a tear trickling down her face, "Could I have done this to them? Is all this really my fault?"

She had continued to weep on her bed until all her tears dried out. Two of her friends were forced into the organization... because of her. The weight of it all was too much for her. Princess Celestia was on the nezenites side, so she allowed herself to be on their side too. But not her friends. They preferred the kaerndallens side, along with the organization. First sabrathanians, and now this. It was just too much.

She seemed to have dozed off a little from crying. She knows crying is not going to solve anything; it won't do her any good. She had gotten herself out of bed and went back downstairs. Spike was sitting there forlornly at the end of the staircase, she noticed. He was notably upset, probably feeling terrible after what he said.

"I'm so sorry Twilight!" He apologized, hugging her, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings!"

She pat him on the head and said, "No, Spike. I'm the one who should apologize. You're right, it was my fault that our friends are there."

"But, What do we do now?"

"Sadly, I can't do anything to get them back." She admitted, "All we can do now, is hope that they're alright."

"And... Twilight?"

"Yes, Spike?"

"While you were napping, there was someponies wanting to see you, so I let them in."

She gaped her mouth open in shock, "Spike! Why did you do that?!"

"Finally! About time." she heard a voice, distinct and unfamiliar.

She turned in the direction where she heard the voice. Out from the corner came several soldiers clad in armor. The pony leading them was a dark grey pegasus stallion wearing silver armor. From the helm he wore, she could tell he had a gold colored mane. His eyes were a silver-ish color as well. She couldn't see his cutie mark with all that armor on him. He came up to her and bowed.

"Uhhh... Who are you?" She asked confused.

"I am Commander Thunder Charge. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, your highness." He had spoken with utmost dignity.

"Y-Y-You're Commander Thunder Charge? Why are you here?" She was absolutely confused now.

"My legion and I, have come here as your personal guard, your highness. As Princess Celestia ordered."

"But weren't you told to set up large garrisons of soldiers?" She remembered.

He seemed amused by what she had said. "Well, sort of. I have only gathered five hundred troops at the least. I know it is not a lot of soldiers, but I had to remind her majesty that the other hundred thousands of soldiers, had to remain at the outpost along the borders in the badlands."

"Badlands." The word reminded her of when Astral Mark spoke to her. "That's right, you commanded the outpost along the borders."

He had sighed deeply and said, "Yes. And I was rather reluctant to leave over a hundred thousand troops behind, without a competent leader. With I and some of my legion here, the risk for an attack at the border could be devastating. I was also told of hostile ronians in Equestria. That alone is disconcerting. But unfortunately I have duties here now, and can't provide for the soldiers back at the outpost who might need it. But I do as the Princess commands regardless."

"I see." She was too speechless to even continue a conversation.

"Scouts were sent to find any trace of the kaerndallens as they are called." He had then reported to her, "So far they have not seen any sign of them as of yet."

"That's good, I guess."

"I suppose." He said, "We aren't sure where they might be lurking, and given we nopony has seen one yet it may make our scout's jobs harder."

The only ponies I know who have seen them, are my friends and the organization. she had thought fearfully, But I can't let them know.

Twilight has accomplished a lot over her years in Ponyville, battling evil and saving Equestria from any threat. She felt it was very unnecessary for Celestia to send her soldiers to guard her. She decided to go tell her friends about the letter and what it says. Going outside was easy on her own, but several soldiers guarding her from all sides made traversing all the harder. She had brought her pack carrying the letter inside. Needless to say it made her feel uncomfortable.

I don't trust the organization at all, but I also can't have these soldiers know anything about the letter, or why I am visiting my friends.

She decided to go to the Carousel Boutique to see Rarity, much like before. She figured it would be best to visit her first, much like before. It was still a bit unnerving to have all these guards around her. Many civilians looked at her curiously, aware of the guards. They all had curious and confused looks on their faces. Fortunately, many of the onlookers ignored her after a while.

She was relieved when she arrived at the boutique. As she came up to the door, so too did Thunder Charge. "Uh... Commander." She said to him.

"Yes your highness?" He said briskly.

"I want you and your soldiers to stay outside." She ordered.

"Don't you want to be accompanied inside?"

"No thank you, Commander. I have to go in alone."

"Are you sure, Princess?"

"I am positive."

*knocking*

She had knocked for a few moments before Rarity finally answered. When she did, she was wearing her pink bathrobe. Apparently she might have took a bath or shower. For what reason, she doesn't know.

"Twilight? Good to see--" Rarity had cut off when she saw the guards, "Um... Twilight... Who are they?"

"Not important. We'll talk inside."

"Talk? Whatever is going on now, Twilight?"

"Quite a lot."

Rarity thought for a moment and then acquiesced. They both went inside, and not much has changed in the boutique. Rarity's cat, Opalescence, was curled up napping in her cat bed. She heard some commotion going somewhere; perhaps Sweetie Belle was doing stuff with her friends.

"Sweetie Belle!" She yelled, "You better not be not be messing around with anything important!"

"We're not!" She heard Sweetie Belle's voice, which came from her room probably.

"I'm dreadfully sorry." Rarity apologized.

"You're fine, Rarity, really."

"It's just been a little overwhelming. Especially considering Scootaloo needed somewhere to stay."

"Scootaloo's staying here?" She did not expect that.

"Well actually, she's staying at Applejack's. After the incident, Applejack offered her to live at her place for a time. Her, Apple Bloom, and Babs Seed are essentially hanging out here for a while. Speaking of Applejack, I have not seen her in a while. I wonder she is."

"I'm afraid I already have the answer." She then warned her, "And you're not going to like this."

"I'm listening." Rarity was now suddenly worried.

She had then lifted her wing up, and used levitation to open up her pack. She handed her the note. Rarity had looked at it uncertain of what to make of it.

"A letter?" She questioned, "From whom?"

"Read it." Was all Twilight said.

Rarity began reading the letter: "Dear Twilight... *mutters* ...nezenite tyranny... *mutters* ...we have enlisted both Applejack and Rainbow Dash into our infantry?!"

"Yes, they're in the organization now."

"Your actions were most dishonorable... *mutters*" She continued reading, getting increasingly upset, "Should another attempt like this happen again, there will be severe consequences. *mutters* Cordially, Jolly Blade."

"Yeah," said Twilight, "Like I said, it's not good news. And Spike read the letter and told me it was my fault."

"Well darling, you did send them to spy. I didn't even like the idea at all!"

"I know! I shouldn't have done that! It's my fault they're in the organization!"

"The organization is not evil! They're allies with the kaerndallens, and after hearing their story I can't help but feel sorry for them."

"'Sorry'?! They killed the Emperor's son in battle, and burned his villages!" She argued.

"Their lands were stolen from them! And worse off, the nezenites slaughtered them, took their wives, and they even took away lands from other ethnicities. And the nezenites also tried to 'breed them out' as Jolly puts it."

Twilight felt even worse now, than when she was coming here. "The Emperor never said anything about that."

"But it's true, Twilight." Rarity cried.

"Why do you believe him? Why do you believe what he says to be true?!"

"I can see it in his eyes. And I can see the pain their eyes--the kaerndallens--they've been through the worst, Twilight, I know these things."

From hearing that, she had to give in. Even though those ronians are allies to Celestia, what could she hope to gain after knowing what they've done? Could her gut instincts be wrong this time? Her friends were forced into the organization because of her.

"I guess there's no use arguing." Twilight half told Rarity and to herself.

"Besides, I'm pretty sure Applejack and Rainbow Dash won't mind it there." Rarity said. "Although without Applejack here doing work on her farm, it could cause problems. However, we can help her by doing her tasks for the time being."

"Rarity, you don't have to do that."

"Darling, I insist! I don't have much going on my schedule, so whatever free time I may have I'll be glad to do any of Applejack chores while she's gone."

"That's very generous of you, Rarity. Applejack does a lot in Sweet Apple Acres, are you sure you can handle her chores by yourself?"

"I can't do all of it by myself!" she said incredulously. "But I suppose our friends can help. I'm pretty sure Fluttershy will be glad to help! Or Pinkie, if she has time to spare."

"I meant are you willing to handle it permanently?"

"'Permanently?'" Rarity gasped, "They're going to be permanent members?!"

Twilight didn't know for sure, but she figured they wouldn't let them go. "I believe so. Are you sure you can handle her chores for that long?"

Rarity seemed a little nervous now, probably believing she stuck her hoof in her mouth. She then breathed deeply and said, "I'll do my best. It won't be easy, but I will try my best."

It was great that Rarity is determined to do Applejack's chores, but it only made her miss her friends even more. She realized the girls had been quiet for some time. What were they doing now? Were they eavesdropping on the conversation? She hoped not. Who knows what they'll do--or say--if they did.

"I just nothing else bad happens anytime soon. With Scootaloo losing her parents, I don't even want to think of what might happen next."

"The same." Rarity nodded. "I'll have to talk to our remaining friends about the chores. Oh! And Twilight..."

"Yes, Rarity?"

"What do you think Jolly meant when he wrote: 'A grave mistake on her part, and yours'?" She asked.

"Somehow, I think it's something we won't know just yet." Twilight couldn't give a straight answer.

It had been a long while until she left the boutique. She still felt slightly uncomfortable being surrounded by her guards. Ponies were still looking at them curiously. It had mostly been quiet for a time, so she decided to start a conversation with the commander. He seemed to have more to say than any of the other soldiers.

"So um... Commander?"

"Yes your highness?" he replied.

"How much combat experience do you have?"

"Well considering my military rank, I have had a lot of experience in battle." He seemed pretty intrigued by her question. "For many years I have fought countless battles! Celestia has had many great victories over the years. Needless to say, I've enjoyed sinking my spear into my enemies. Quite an art that I've perfected, might I add."

"That's..." She tried hard to find the right words, "Fascinating. Well, I mean, I don't really have much to say."

"Fascinating indeed, Princess." He was rather pleased with himself when he said that.

When they finally reached her castle, Twilight felt less stressed out now. She could finally retire to her bedroom and sleep well for now. Even though she cannot do anything about what had happened to her friends, at least they weren't going to harm them. She could write to them, apologizing for what she did.

"I'm glad to have you, Commander." She had thanked him.

*Shink*

She heard the metallic sound of swords unsheathing. The soldiers that had guarded her were arming themselves with swords, and spears. And even the Commander drew his sword, levitating it somehow and pointed it at her.

"Wha-wha-wha-?" She stuttered. "What are you doing?!"

"According to plan," He said menacingly, "Your highness."

Green aura wrapped around him, as his body seemed to morph into a black insect-like form. His mouth had now bared fangs, his wings transparent, and a curved horn grew at the top of his head. His eyes were blank and blue in color, and his legs had multiple holes through them. The other soldiers also started to morph as well.

"Changelings!!!"

*Hissing*

How did she not see this coming? Her guards, were all changelings. But how did they get here? Whatever reason, it did not matter, they are here and she's not going to let them kill her.

This is must be what Jolly Blade meant when he said "A grave mistake on her part, and yours."

One of them tried to lunge at her with his spear, yet she evaded him easily. She charged up for a magic blast. Several came to attack her, aiming to slice at her with their swords. Twilight was quick to fire.

*Fires blast*

The blast shot through the middle of them. Changelings were flying from the force of the blast, and there was an explosion of green fluid where she had shot; which indicated that the soldiers in the middle were definitely dead. There were still more changelings left for her to face. The changeling who disguised as Thunder Charge, went after her next. She couldn't avoid some of his slices, which left deep cuts all over; she forgot to use her magic shield. He really was experienced after all. She had to be at a further distance. She remembered her teleportation spell, and used it.

She teleported a few feet away so she can get a better idea of what to do. She was in a lot of pain from her lacerations, so she needed to act fast. The remaining changelings dashed toward her. The Commander's impostor flew upward, as if to gain an advantage. Since she was an alicorn, she too can fly, so his attempt was feeble. She flapped her wings to fly upwards to face him, only this time she knew she had the advantage. A few other soldiers flew up beside him.

He's good. she thought, But I've got better!

Using her magic, she lifted the weapons from the fallen soldiers. They could see her horn's aura--which was raspberry color--but they couldn't see the swords and spears below them. They dashed forward, flapping their insect-like wings fast. As they got closer, she pointed the swords and spears upwards, and struck them. The bladed weapons shot like arrows; piercing through them like shish kabobs. The weapons hit all but one: the impostor. He continued to dash forward, sword aimed directly at her. She had flown back down to avoid him. Twilight came back down to the ground, but her cuts still stung. He was now about to dive bomb her like a hawk. However, she knew what to do next.

"This'll be easy!" He hissed, "Prepare to die, Princess!"

"Not yet." she said to herself slowly and quietly.

Her horn had glowed profusely from so much power. The spell's power was now at full capacity. He dived down toward her... Now was the time to end it.

*Fires blast*

The beam of magic obliterated the changeling to nothing. She heard a deafening *eeeeeeccccckkkk* when it him. She did it. She killed him. This reminded her of when she first killed that sabrathanian, only her blast completely disintegrated him. She had then heard the doors of her castle open.

"Whoa!!!" Spike exclaimed, "What happened?!!"

He went over to her. Twilight still felt sharp pain all over, blood trickled down her cuts. She was now mostly covered in her own blood. Fortunately, they were not fatal; it still hurt all the same.

"This is worse than I thought!" She said frightened, "much worse!"