The Magic and Mysteries of Friendship

Chapters

Meeting the Crew
The Nightmare Begins
Betrayal in the name of Honor
Trust Exercises
Honesty, how do you Like Them Apples?
Courage in Spades and Thestral
Humbleness, The Doctor is in
Testing the Code of The Royal Guard
Completeing the List
Ridding the Nightmare
That's Not the Ticket
Waxing a Boaster
Ghosts of Times Gone By
A New Family at Last
Solutions abound
All's Fair in Love and Budgets
Prologue-Ill Written Checks
Up the Creek and Safely Docked at Lady Luck's Harbor

Meeting the Crew

Celestia stood in front of a lavender unicorn, with a dark lavender and light pink mane. She had a star cutie mark on her flank and a purple and green baby dragon. Celestia was telling the unicorn that she needed to get away from Canterlot and make friends.

“But…” the unicorn protested. “We have to…”

“No “buts”, Twilight,” Celestia said. “I want you to make friends. I promised your parents that you would.”

“Twilight” sighed and looked at her teacher. Why was Celestia so adamant about “Twilight” making friends? Then again, Celestia had the best interest of her student at heart, which was a relief. “Twilight” looked at Celestia.

“I take it that I’m to use the Royal Carriage?” she asked.

“Well, no,” Celestia said. “I’m to use the Royal Carriage for Royal duties. I’ve arranged for a small train to take you to Ponyville, seeing as the driver was available. I gave a pony by the name of Dragonstorm, a former Plain Clothes Royal Alicorn Regiment Alicorn, who made the rank of Brigadier General. Your to meet him at the station.”

“An Alicorn who isn’t royalty?” “Twilight” asked. “Is there anything else I need to know about him?”

“He has an older brother, named Dangersignal. He was also a former Plain Clothes Royal Alicorn Regiment Alicorn, who made the rank of Field Marshal, or Five Star General.”

“Twilight” eye ticked! Dangersignal was only a myth! He couldn’t exist! “Twilight” wanted to complain, but Celestia showed her a photograph of the two Alicorns. Celestia used her horn to point out a dark red Alicorn, no mane, a fiery orange tail and the same dark red color for his eyes. His horn was the same length as Celestia’s. On his flank was a strange looking thing called a Semaphore Signal, set at a position called “Danger”.

“So, he’s real?” “Twilight” mused. “What happened to him?”

“Keep this quiet,” Celestia said. “I sent him and his younger brother to Ponyville, but me and the guards, including your older brother, Shining Armor, agreed that he had perished when he tried to protect me from Nightmare Moon.”

“Twilight” simply stared, blankly at Celestia. She had come up with a collaboration lie to give this pony a mythological status. What was wrong with the leader of Equestria? “Twilight” knew that Celestia always did things out of the best interest, but something about him made her change to a more vulnerable state, almost like he had been a brother to her and it pained her to lie about him.

“Twilight” wanted to press more, but a knock sounded. Celestia called out for the knocker to come in. The doors swung open to reveal a coal and oil stained earth pony.

“The train awaits,” he said. “Baggage is loaded and all we need are the passengers.”

Celestia nuzzled “Twilight” towards the door, saying that she’ll enjoy Ponyville. “Twilight” wanted to stay behind. She had many questions about Dangersignal, but Celestia said that Dragonstorm would answer them.

The earth pony lead “Twilight” to a ornately designed coach with the word “Pullman” painted on the chocolate stripe at the bottom of the coach. Holding the door, the earth pony said that the journey would be slow, as we’re running with a tank engine and running backwards.

“I thought all engines turned around?” “Twilight” quizzed.

“Not tank engines. They’re good a running both forwards and backwards. They’re not like tender engines,” the earth pony said.

“Twilight” nodded. She made a mental note to see if there were books on this subject. Of course, the one pony who’d know had to be Dragonstorm, or even Dangersignal.

Once in the coach, the door was shut and the earth pony jumped into the engine and waited for the guard’s whistle. “Twilight” stared out the coach window, watching families and friends uniting and even reuniting after being away from each other for so long.

“Just imagine,” The baby dragon said. “You having friends! Wouldn’t it be great?”

“Not really,” “Twilight” huffed. “Spike, get your head out of the clouds.”

“Spike” gave her a side long glance and continued to try and cheer her up. A whistle rang out, followed by a different whistle, then the train lurched into motion. The station slipped away from her sight, the sea of ponies began to shrink until the train reached the tunnel leading down to Ponyville.

“Twilight” could hear “Spike” munching away at gems. She felt out of place, despite her mentor’s assurances that she’d be fine. “Twilight” thought the slow journey would clear her mind and she could actually make good judgment calls about who her friends would be. As she played with the idea, the train seemed to slow even more, then stop completely.

“Twilight” looked out. She saw something glowing red and the driver heading over to a strange box with a large brick base that raised it off the ground. Some time later, he came up to the coach and after entering, he looked at “Twilight”.

“A goods train has come off the rails and a work gang is clearing up the mess,” he said. “We’re to wait until it’s been cleared.”

“Thank you for telling me,” “Twilight” said.

The driver went back to the engine and waited. Time stood still for the waiting train. There came some clanking noises as what appeared to be a train of strange looking open topped steel boxes filled with large black square looking objects shuffled passed. “Twilight” looked at the cab of a strange looking engine, where she had to blink and do a double take.

She thought she saw an Alicorn standing in the cab, which matched the photograph she saw when Celestia bid her farewell.

‘My mind must be playing up,’ she thought.

As she snapped out of her thoughts, there came a clanking noise. She peeked out of the coach to see the red glow change to a green glow. The engine whistled in acknowledgement of the color change and began to move the train. Clanking through the countryside, “Twilight” couldn’t help but admit that the scenery was pretty.

Soon, the engine whistled again and the train slowly clanked over strange tracks. “Twilight” watched as the train slowed down and stopped. She jumped out of the coach and stared. The train was in a bay platform, instead of on a platform with no barrier.

“Why’d we come over here?” she asked the driver, as he aided “Spike” down.

“We can’t block the “through” roads,” came the reply. “This wasn’t a “through” train, so we weren’t cleared for that road. Besides, we need to unload the baggage coach.”

“Twilight” nodded and helped them. A blast of two sounded out and a fast train screamed through the station. That startled the unicorn and baby dragon, who just about fell into the baggage coach.

“Yeesh,” “Twilight” huffed. “Can’t they be decent to somepony unloading their own baggage?”

“That was the Crystal Cannonball,” came a voice. “The fastest train here on the Equestrian Railway network. It’s a through train coming from Horseshoe Bay and ends it’s journey at Canterlot. The original destination of the train was ripped up some thousand years ago, for “reconstruction” purpose.”

“Twilight” wheeled around. Standing there was an Alicorn. He had sea green eyes, bright red coat, fiery orange mane and tail. He wore a lime green pocket vest. On his flank was a sleeping dragon surrounded by a lime green flame aura. He had a smile and had the air of being a pleasant sort.

“Welcome to Ponyville,” he said. “Name, Dragonstorm. Former plain clothes guard from the Alicorn Regiment of the Royal Guard. Made rank of Brigadier General (That’s a one star general), younger brother of Dangersignal and Ponyville’s temporary librarian.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Twilight Sparkle, student of Celestia,” Twilight said.

“And I’m her assistant, Spike,” the baby dragon said.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” he said. “Here, let’s get your bags onto this cart and I’ll take you to the library.”

The two spent their time loading the cart and once Twilight and Spike were resting comfortably in the cart, Dragonstorm harnessed himself up and began to pull it towards the library.

“You seem like a fine sort of Alicorn,” Twilight said. “But pardon me asking, why do you live here?”

“Ponyville is home to all sorts of interesting ponies, but there was no dedicated “odd jobs” pony. Princess Celestia figured that an Alicorn could easily fit the bill,” he explained. “She would have done it, but considering that she’s royalty, it would have been looked down upon, so me and Dangersignal were chosen.”

“That brings to that, how were you chosen?” she asked.

“Shining Armor,” he said. “He said that we could easily pass as Alicorn plain clothes guards, so as not to raise suspicion whenever a Grand Galloping Gala was held in the castle.”

“You actually worked for and under Shining Armor?” she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Yes, he’s your older brother,” Dragonstorm chuckled. “Let me guess, your excited to actually meet a former guard who worked under him?”

“Your correct,” she squeaked in sheer delight. “What was it like? Hard work? Back and spirit breaking?”

“Remember when I said that I was a plain clothes Alicorn guard?” Dragonstorm said.

“Yes,” Twilight said.

“That’s what I was. I worked whatever hours I chose, but he was still my superior, so he could call me at a moment’s notice. He was understanding of any situation and let me make judgment calls based on what I knew. My older brother was also a plain clothes Alicorn guard. After some…unpleasant circumstances, Shining Armor pretty much decided we needed a change of pace.”

“Ah,” Twilight said.

Dragonstorm stopped and pointed to a large oak door. On it was a brass plaque with the words “Ponyville Library” engraved on it.

“We’re here,” he said, dropping the harness. “Why don’t you tour the library while I move your bags inside.”

Twilight agreed and went inside while Dragonstorm unloaded her bags. He made light work of the job and stayed to help her unpack her belongings: quills, ink bottles, brushes, parchment, some of her sentimental toys, several small locked journals, and several of her old school books.

“Thank you for your help,” Twilight said. “Would you mind me asking you-what do you think about having friends.”

Dragonstorm gave her a dirty glare. The unicorn shrank slightly back, surprised by the change in the Alicorn’s normally happy demeanor.

“I take it that the idea of having friends is not a good idea,” she said.

He nodded. Twilight noticed something else, pain. To her, seeing pain in an Alicorn was a surprise. She was also surprised to see him shed tears.

“Can you expand on your experience with friends?” she asked.

“It’s not a happy experience. All my “friends” were only there when they needed something, or when it suited their own needs,” he said. “After a while, I just started to close myself off to having friends. The only time I ever made “friends” was when I was working as a royal guard.”

“Ah,” Twilight said. “Can you explain your “working friendships”? It does sound rather interesting.”

“I worked with Thestrals. Four in particular: Shaydefire, Shadow Prowler, Blazeblade and Darkseige. They knew me well and were also Princess Luna’s guards.”

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” said Dragonstorm. “When Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, the Thestrals were left without work. Many of them left and took refuge in the Everfree Forest, as they would be considered monsters. Those four Thestrals became Ponyville’s police force, after Celestia put in a good word for them.”

“Ah, so they know you?” she asked.

“Yes, after all, I do help with patrols at night, when I’m not out taking mail trains,” Dragonstorm said.

Twilight asked some more questions, which Dragonstorm answered promptly. When all of that was finished, he used his magic, represented by lime green ethereal magic, to grip and pull out a list. Unfolding it, he pulled out some glasses and settled them on his muzzle, now feeling embarrassed that Twilight had to see that.

“Need them to read,” he said. “Diagnosed with nearsightedness when I was a unicorn.”

Twilight wanted to comfort him, but kept her distance. He was a great pony to be around, but all magic textbooks state that lime green ethereal magic is evil magic. However, he seemed to be invested in the list at the moment and it would take a lot to break his thoughts.

She was so far lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear Dragonstorm calling to her. What got her to snap back to reality was something tickling her nose. It was Dragonstorm’s tail.

“Come on, we have to make some runs,” he said. “Celestia wants you to meet a group of ponies. My brother is away until about 11:45 pm. Then again, he’s always away on heavy, slow goods trains, or when not on the rails, he’s on mail duties, weather duties, or odd jobs around Ponyville.”

Twilight said that it must be a great responsibility to be an odd jobs pony. Dragonstorm said that it wasn’t only a great responsibility, but at times could be difficult as other ponies kept telling him to go do regal things. Their reasoning-he’s an Alicorn and they’re often associated with regal duties.

“That’s the misconception,” he added. “Alicorns are just like any other pony, they want to do what they can and they want to be respected by everyone.”

Twilight nodded, then looked at the paper. It was a list, organized by pony type. She then looked at Dragonstorm, who was getting a quill of his own ready.

“Meeting some ponies?” she asked.

“Correct,” Dragonstorm said.

Twilight asked him what was first on the list. He glanced and said that they were to meet the local clothing designer and dry cleaner, Rarity. Dragonstorm rolled his eyes, in a sarcastic manner.

“Rarity is known to be rather peculiar,” he said. “She likes everything to be perfect.”

“Oh,” Twilight said. “I take it she drives her customers crazy?”

“Yes.”

The two chuckled and headed off to the big, ornately decorated purple and white building. It was slightly shorter than the town hall, but circular in structure and looked like a carousel.

“Carousel Boutique,” Dragonstorm said. “Rarity’s place of business and residence. Be careful, the place has a tendency to be in a constant state of “organized chaos”.”

Twilight gave a slightly amused chuckle. Dragonstorm knocked and was told to enter. Pushing the door open, they saw a white unicorn with three diamonds on her flank, purple mane and tail looking over a ponyequin, with tape measures, fabrics, scissors and all sorts of sewing materials coming towards her. Her horn was giving off a light blue ethereal magic glow, which was bringing her equipment to her.

“If we aren’t interrupting anything important, Ms. Rarity, Ms. Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia has arrived,” Dragonstorm said.

Rarity set all her equipment down and rushed over, looking at Twilight with eyes that said she was very much delighted to meet a student sent directly to Ponyville from Princess Celestia.

“My, darling, how nice of you to join us,” she said. “These guards can be quite the bore, always so prompt and not wasting words.”

“Oi!” Dragonstorm said, a cheeky grin on his face. “Not all of us are tight winders like my older brother!”

Rarity laughed and place a hoof around Dragonstorm’s neck and pulled him into a light hug.

“I love giving you a hard time,” she said.

Dragonstorm chuckled and after they cleaned up Rarity’s shop, Dragonstorm and Twilight headed out to find the next pony. Dragonstorm consulted his list and grinned.

“Next is our local bands mare, Soundstar,” he said. “She works with the Ponyville Brass Band.”

Twilight grinned. Music always seemed to calm her down. Dragonstorm explained that he often listened to classical music to soothe himself after dealing with angry passengers, who always get their kicks complaining about everything.

“Really?” she asked. “Like what?”

“Oh, they complain if the train is on time, early, late, slow, fast, delayed, overloaded, under loaded, the engine is too big or too small, the train has too many coaches or not enough coaches, there are dirty trucks on the train, the wrong Alicorn is driving the train, that Alicorns are driving the trains and doing dirty work. The list goes on,” he said.

Twilight looked at him. If he could put up with that, then it seemed that he could put up with anything. As her thoughts began racing around, she wasn’t paying any attention and bumped into Dragonstorm.

She backed up and noticed a large auditorium. It seemed taller and bigger than most of the buildings in Ponyville. On the door was a brass plaque with “Celestial Theatre” engraved in the brass. Dragonstorm chuckled as Twilight shrank back.

“Scared of theatres?” he asked.

“It reminds me of the Canterlot schools,” Twilight said.

“I know the feeling,” he said. “Then again, I took theatre classes when I was a student in Canterlot. Mostly improv, which was one of the deciding factors of me becoming an Alicorn and working as a plain clothes guard. My brother was in the regular theatre classes, and he was able to fill any role without being seen or even notices. "The pony no pony ever notices" he was called. The title certainly fits, as he is often never noticed.”

“Ah,” she said.

Dragonstorm opened the large mahogany doors of the theatre, which lead to a vestibule, where tickets were collected. The sounds of Beethoven’s fifth symphony drifted up to their ears. Dragonstorm gave a contented sigh and pushed open the doors leading from the vestibule to the theatre proper. The interior of the theatre had all sorts of red carpeting, regal blue curtains and royal purple cushion upholstery.

Catwalks, booms, flies, and spotlights decorated the ceiling. The stage was covered in ponies with trombones, violins, trumpets, and other symphonic instruments. Standing there, was a dull egg white unicorn, with a dull olive green mane and tail. On her flank was a star formed from several different music notes.

Her horn glowed an ethereal black magic, which was helping her conduct the band. The two watching ponies took front row seats to watch the performance. Once the music stopped, the unicorn turned around and nearly collapsed in surprise.

“Dragonstorm, you could have said something!” she snapped. “Don’t ever pop in like that and sit here silently! You know I hate that!”

“I didn’t want to interrupt your orchestrating,” he said. “Before you continue in your tirade, here’s Celestia’s pupil, Twilight Sparkle.”

The two unicorns hit it off well and after a few minutes of them chatting about, Dragonstorm and Twilight left.

“”Next up is the unicorn named Amplitude,” Dragonstorm said.

“What does she do?” Twilight asked.

“Repairs instruments and is the local choir master,” Dragonstorm replied.

They met the others in due course. Amplitude had a dull light gray coat, a dark tan mane and tail. On her flank was a sound bar, in the red. She spent her time in the local instrument shop, cleaning the brass band’s instruments.

Aquatis Storm, the first of the pegasi that they were to meet worked in the Gold Pot Pharmacy. He had a dark sea blue coat with a light sea green mane and tail. On his flank was a storm cloud, with lightning, rains and the white outlines of thunder. He had a strange accent, but he decided not to talk about it.

After that visit, they made their way to see Hurricane, who was another stallion Pegasi. He had a dull yellow coat, storm gray mane and tail. He had storm gray eyes and on his flank was a hurricane. He also had a strange accent. He spent his time in the clouds, as did another Pegasus.

Rainbow Dash was clearing clouds as the two ponies walked towards her. She had a cyan coat and wings, a rainbow mane and tail. She had a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt shooting out from the cloud on her flank. She only waved to the Alicorn, who waved back.

The glanced around, in hopes of spotting the other pegasi. It wasn’t long until they came upon Storm Burst. She had a storm gray coat, mane and tail. She wore a light storm gray windbreaker jacket. She too waved to the Alicorn who waved back.

The last pegasi lived in a cottage cut into a large Douglas Fir tree. She had a bright yellow coat and pink mane and tail. To say that she was nervous was an understatement. She didn’t want to see Dragonstorm because she was nervous about his new companion. Twilight felt hurt.

“Oh, that’s Fluttershy,” he said. “She’s always nervous about making new friends. In fact, she and Dangersignal haven’t even seen each other, and she’s nervous about meeting him.”

“Ah,” Twilight said. “But why? I mean, he’s your brother.”

“Well, any pony who shares the exact same height and horn length as Celestia must be important, or misconception number one,” he said.

Twilight nodded. Dragonstorm consulted the list and chuckled. He then turned to Twilight and pointed to a dirt road.

“The next set of ponies on this list are Earth Ponies and one I know well, Applejack, lives just down this road here,” he said.

Twilight just about blank faced. How did he know so many ponies? How many ponies knew him? Questions raced around in Twilight’s mind, which remained at the back of her mind as she followed the Alicorn down the dirt road.

They soon reached a clearing where an orange earth pony with a yellow mane and tail pulled into ponytails. She wore a Stetson hat and a rather pleased smile at the work she did. She turned around to see Dragonstorm standing there with Twilight. The two mares chatted away until Applejack was interrupted by a giant light maroon stallion with a dark blond mane and tail, with a Big Macintosh apple on his flank.

“Pleasure’s mine, and Dragonstorm, tell yer brother to stop hangin round them wagons,” Applejack said.

They headed back into town, where Dragonstorm continued northward. Twilight had to gallop to keep pace and ask him where they were going.

“An orchid growing earth Pony named White Orchid. He’s rather comfortable talking about anything and making friends with any pony who is willing to be a good friend,” Dragonstorm said. “I’d recommend making friends with him. He lives and works in a green house, so we‘re going to his place of residence and work.”

“Ah,” Twilight said.

They soon reached a giant glass building. On the door was a plaque, with the words “Winter Orchids” engraved into the brass of the plaque. Twilight was astounded by the flowers, which all looked pretty. Dragonstorm proceeded to name every single orchid in the building.

“Ah, so I see you brought a visitor,” a voice said.

A white stallion appeared. He had a black mane and tail and on his flank was a Phalaenopsis Aphrodite orchid flower. He wore a dirty smock and had a cross pollination brush tucked behind his ear. He was smiling broadly and offered Twilight a white orchid, to place in her mane.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Your welcome,” he said. “My name is White Orchid, by the way.”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

“That’s a rather nice name,” he said. “Well, I have work to do and you have other ponies to meet. I hope to see you for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

Twilight smiled and followed Dragonstorm to the local bakery, named “Sugar Cube Corner”. He knocked and was let in by a bright pink mare with a dark pink mane and tail, all puffed up like cotton candy. She had three balloons on her flank.

“Hi” she squeaked excitedly. “A new friend?! We must have a party!”

“Not yet, Pinkie Pie,” Dragonstorm said. “I’m introducing you to her. The party will be later, after my brother gets off work.”

Pinkie smiled and introduced herself to Twilight, then they left to see another earth pony while Pinkie went off to make the treats. Dragonstorm made some notes on the list and continued onwards with his task.

They reached a small shop, which tended to gems and cut them if they were way too big for any usage. Rarity had said she made good use of the store and had introduced Dragonstorm to the owner, an earth pony with a dull ruby coat, bright sapphire mane and dull emerald tail. She had bright crystal blue eyes and four gems on her flank. Her name was Gemstone.

Dragonstorm introduced the two ponies and let them chatter away, about some of their aspirations. He listened with keen interest, as it was the only conversation that seemed to have some semblance of substance, especially when they started talking about the Grand Galloping Gala and their dreams of going to it.

When they finished, it was dark and the moon shone brightly as Dragonstorm made their way around the now deserted town. Dragonstorm was on his guard, as the night brought about undesirables. Twilight began to see the Alicorn in a different light, tense and very concerned for his companion.

“Stay close to me,” Dragonstorm said. “The night brings out trouble. Trouble that has no rhyme or reason to be there except to destroy property, steal and cause all sorts of trouble for the honest and law abiding ponies. Trust me, I take my job as a guard and officer seriously and don‘t want any ill harm to befall you.”

Twilight saw that Dragonstorm’s wings were tensed up and curled, as if they were holding something. She moved in close to him, and hoped that none of the revenge driven ponies would find them. Five shapes moved around in the night skies. Dragonstorm looked around, his mane, tail and coat all on edge.

Twilight felt both safe and scared at the same time. She wanted to have Dragonstorm’s wing around her to show he was going to protect her, but she realized he needed his wings in case some revenge seeker had a weapon and the Alicorn had to disable that pony.

The shapes stopped and formed a line, with a strange looking pony standing in front. Dragonstorm and the strange pony exchanged salutes. Twilight then noticed that they were Thestrals. They all looked the same-ponies with bat wings and black armor.

Each one gave a salute and reported their rank and name.

“Battery Sergeant Major Shaydefire, reporting in, Brigadier General Dragonstorm.”

“Private Darkseige, reporting in, Brigadier General Dragonstorm.”

“Officer Blazeblade, reporting in, Brigadier General Dragonstorm.”

“Officer Shadow Prowler, reporting in, Brigadier General Dragonstorm.”

“Officer Knightstrike, reporting in, Brigadier General Dragonstorm.”

“Thank you,” came the Alicorn’s reply. “Any news?”

“None, sir,” Shaydefire said.

“That is good, Battery Sergeant Major,” Dragonstorm said. “I need to get my guest back to her residence.”

“Let us accompany you,” Shaydefire said. “She will need you to be ever vigilant and there to comfort her. Fear, at this time, is always prevalent.”

Dragonstorm agreed and they were going to get into ranks when a figure landed in front of them. Twilight blinked again, and this time had to shake her head. There stood the same dark red Alicorn that she had “imagined’ in the cab of a passing goods train.

He looked at them.

“Field Marshal Dangersignal,” Shaydefire said. “We were accompanying Brigadier General Dragonstorm and his unicorn companion to the unicorn’s residence.”

“Glad to see you carrying out your duties,” he said.

He had a deep and gruff voice, which sounded like that of a hunting Timberwolf. He then turned to Twilight, who was now feeling scared.

“Name, please,” Dangersignal said.

“T…tw…twi…Twilight Sparkle. Student to Celestia,” Twilight stuttered out.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. Now, where do you live?” he asked.

“The library,” she said.

Dangersignal nodded. He turned to Dragonstorm and the dark red Alicorn asked the question.

“Did you take her to meet the ponies on Celestia’s list?” he asked.

“Yes, and they’ve agreed to meet us at the location chosen by you, sir,” Dragonstorm said.

“Correct. Carry on. I shall accompany you, to keep our honored guest safe,” Dangersignal said.

Twilight’s brain almost broke. Dangersignal, Celestia’s former guard, was accompanying the group? She must be hearing things. She looked to her right, and there he was, his left wing over her to show he was going to protect her no matter what.

The group made their way to the library when a shape darted passed them in the impossibly darkened ally between Sugar Cube Corner and the postal office. The seven former guards all tensed as an earth pony scampered away with a basket of fruits. Dangersignal checked to see that Twilight was now scared beyond belief and that fear anchored her in place. His horn glowed a dull red ethereal magic and Twilight soon found herself on his back, anchored there by the magic.

“Let’s double time it,” Dangersignal said. “Twilight is scared and needs to be in her home, where it’s safe.”

The group double timed it, with the Thestrals and the bright red Alicorn all taking to the air after sheathing their standard issue Royal Guard throwing knives. Dangersignal galloped along the ground. Taking to the air with his rider would be risky, as she could easily distract him and his magic wouldn’t hold her.

They reached the library in good time and Dragonstorm rush opened the door, frightening the others inside. Dangersignal slid into the library and after the last Thestral entered, Dragonstorm shut the door and locked it. The library’s lights were off, so the only light was the silvery moon shining through the windows.

Shadows and eyes peered at the group. Dragonstorm’s horn glowed it’s trademark lime green ethereal magic and the lights burst into life, revealing the ponies that he and Twilight met. Dangersignal gave a sigh and released Twilight from his ethereal magic. She looked at Dangersignal, who was glancing around at the group.

“About time you made yourself known to us,” White Orchid teased.

“I enjoy my time on the heavy mineral, general and steel goods trains; shunting around the yards and even doing some banker duties on the railway,” he said, with a teasing grin.

Twilight could see a quick change in the dark red Alicorn’s demeanor from a strict guard to a cheeky, happy and even fun loving pony. It was a surprising change, but Dangersignal looked around at the group.

“Are you all clear on tomorrow’s duties?” he asked.

“Clear as crystal, darling,” Rarity said.

“Right, if you guys want, instead of dispersing to your homes, you can stay in the railway ponies spare bunk rooms at the sheds,” Dangersignal said. “This is Twilight’s home and right now, we’re invading her peace and quiet.”

The group agreed, but before they left, Dragonstorm had to let out his cheeky side.

“Can I get a piece of that quiet?” he asked.

“Come on, we’ve got beds with our names on them,” Dangersignal chuckled. “and keep your cheekiness at bay. Your going to be on the balcony where your going to pull the curtains aside to reveal Celestia, in all her glory.”

“Right, well, let’s get going. The Thestrals should go back on patrol,” Dragonstorm said.

It was agreed upon. After leaving the library, the Thestrals took to the air and the rest of the ponies headed towards the railway ponies bunk room, which was just beyond the “down goods” platform. They had tons to do and very little time to carry it all out.

Author's Note

Battery Sergeant Major-Warrant officer Class 2
Brigadier General-one star general
Field Marshal-five star general

Ranks are given for convenience of the reader and to alleviate any question.

Also
Aquatis Storm has a Welsh accent (similar to Rheneas from the CGI rendition of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)
Hurricane has a Scottish Accent

The Nightmare Begins

The next day, the group met outside the pharmacy. Twilight seemed surprised to see that they were short seven ponies.

“Where are the Thestrals and Alicorns?” she asked.

“Didn’t ye hear tem?” Hurricane asked. “T’ere on guard duty.”

“Oh,” White Orchid said. “I guess that makes sense. The Summer Sun Celebration often times brings out the classic thievery of jewels and bits.”

Everyone else conceded the point. After a quick check on to make sure that every pony Twilight was traveling with was accounted for, they made their way to the town hall, which was in a rather decrepit state. Some of the walls had paint flaking off, and even holes. The roof looked ready to collapse and the interior didn’t look any better.

Tattered curtains, some shattered windows and even broken wooden railing was everywhere. Dragonstorm was standing in the shadows, making sure nothing suspicious happened. The Thestrals were taking their positions, with Dangersignal hovering in the air. The former guards all seemed to be focused on their duties.

When the last ponies entered, the doors shut and the sun light poured in through the windows and flooded the room. The electric lights were in need of replacement, so the town hall was using a much more appropriate light source. All sorts of treats had been laid out and prepared.

Ponies clamored excitedly about the celebration and how it was going to be a great day. The guards didn’t share in the excitement. So far, nothing had gone wrong and that was a major red flag. When they worked during the Summer Sun Celebration, things always went wrong-Celestia was delayed, somepony forgot to arrive, schedule shifts, you name it, it happened.

“I’m not liking this, Field Marshal,” Dragonstorm said to Dangersignal when the bigger Alicorn came to get a report.

“I hear you, Brigadier General, but there is nothing to do until the bad thing happened,” Dangersignal replied. “I do not like this as much as you, but it is the way things are.”

Dragonstorm gave a salute and continued his patrol, the shadows concealing him. The bright red Alicorn watched as the ponies milled around. Out of his peripheral vision, he watched the clock as it’s second hand crawled up to move the hour hand to the twelve, so the bells could toll 10 am. The guards turned their attentions to the curtains when the bells gave their signature clanging. Something must have been in the air, because the guards tensed immediately.

Dragonstorm took his position on the balcony. Gripping the curtain’s pull cord with his ethereal magic, he gave it a pull to reveal an empty balcony. The ponies began to gasp and cower as the guards took up looking around.

“Lock down the doors!” Dangersignal barked. “I do not want any pony leaving, as whoever orchestrated this, could be out there waiting for the others!”

Ponies watched as the Thestrals locked the doors. The mayor was up in arms about the guards doing that, but she promptly lost that argument when Dragonstorm gave her a cold glare. He turned to make note of something peculiar on the ground near the wooden railing.

“Field Marshal!” he called. “Can you come here?”

Dangersignal joined Dragonstorm and looked at the floor. They looked at each other and gave an inaudible growl and looked up towards a swirling night blue cloud. The Thestrals didn’t waste time, bucking the doors open, damaging them in the process. The ponies were too terrified to move.

The Alicorns jumped backwards just as the swirling cloud dispersed, showing a rich midnight black Alicorn, with an imposingly long horn and a very imposing glare. She had dark cyanish gray armor, similar to that of the Royal Canterlot Guard. Her teeth resembled something out of a horror story, sharp and jagged, like glass.

She glanced down on the scared ponies. Twilight’s ears fell back, flattening themselves, fear evident on her face. Dangersignal placed himself to face the troublesome brute. She merely smirked and then giggled darkly.

“My, my, being tough when you know your scared,” she taunted. “Scared of the dark, scared of losing control of your life, scared of losing your friends. These subjects of mine do not look upon you with the greatest respect.”

Dangersignal kept himself calm, and with one quick movement, his left hoof slapped the taunting pony hard, rocking her hard to the right. He straightened her up with one from the right. He grinned as two red marks made themselves prevalent, his retort being made known to everyone.

“My points against your taunt have made themselves known. One-I made friends because they want to accept me for who I am. Two-I am proud of my fears and not to proud to ask for help. Three-I know that I am not a monster holding their innocence captive,” he smirked. “Now, come and fight me, no wings, magic or any dirty tricks, Nightmare Moon. Oh, wait, you’re a coward and couldn‘t fight fairly even if your own ego depended on it. Face it, your scared. Scared that I will succeed as well as my friends. Scared that you‘ll lose your precious power.”

Nightmare Moon snarled and was getting ready to charge a spell when she was caught out by surprise. Dragonstorm tackled her, interrupting her spell casting. The other royal guards finally showed up to be used to escort the others out of the building.

Knightstrike helped and stayed outside in case some pony got brilliant notions of being a superhero. The guards and their friends stood their ground, ready to handle Nightmare Moon. She groaned, in angered happiness, which set off bells and whistles of the dangerous variety in all the guards’ heads.

“I await you, for a better test,” she taunted and laughing maniacally, she turned into the blue cloud and slipped through the broken windows.

Rainbow Dash burst through the doors to see the cloud disappear. Hanging her head in shame, she flew back into the building. Eighteen other ponies all looked like they wanted to sort the problem out.

None of the ponies had an answer. The silence was painful and irritating. Finally, White Orchid snapped.

“Can’t we do something?” White Orchid demanded. “I mean we have a group here, with all sorts of magic!”

Dragonstorm was about to answer when Dangersignal’s ears perked up quickly.

“Magic?” he said, turning to the orchid grower. “Did you say magic?”

“Correct, why?” White Orchid asked.

“Meet me at the library in half an hour!” he said. “Twilight, I need you and Dragonstorm to find books.”

The dark red Alicorn slipped a list in his brother’s vest pocket and disappeared to handle some issues in the Ponyville depot. The group, confused, galloped to the library. Once inside and White Orchid had shut the door, Dragonstorm pulled out and unfolded the list.

“The Elements of Harmony?” Twilight asked. “I don’t know anything about them.”

“They were used to banish many evils, including Nightmare Moon,” Dragonstorm said. “Surely, you were taught something about these very important artifacts?”

“Well, not really,” Twilight said. “I mainly studied magic and learned all the different spells that unicorns are supposed to know during their fillyhood.”

Dragonstorm gave the group the fifteen minute lecture about the Elements of Harmony. Spike was taking notes, as he had been awoken by the galloping of the group. He glanced up when the bright red Alicorn finished.

“Excuse me, but there are an undetermined amount of Elements now?” he demanded, incredulously.

“Yes, because after Celestia banished Nightmare Moon, the original Elements: Magic, Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity and Kindness were exhausted and a slew of new Elements took their place: Honor, Diligence, Wisdom, Humbleness, Integrity, Morality, Pride, Respect, Courage, Believe, Sincerity, Virtue and Trust.”

“It says here in this book that after Celestia’s use, their power became too divided, and will only work with the pony that shows that element to the letter,” Twilight said.

“So we’re stuck at the starting line?” Aquatis Storm demanded.

“Not really, Doc,” came a voice.

Dangersignal appeared, with a broad grin. Shutting the door, he looked at the group. The others began to read his face and realize he was on to something.

“Alrecht, spill,” Hurricane huffed. “Ye noo we hate bein kept in teh dark.”

“First, didn’t it seem odd that Celestia knew of us, and us in particular?” he asked.

“Now that you mention it, it does,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Now, how many ponies are there?” Dangersignal asked.

“Nineteen,” Applejack said. “Wait a minute! Nineteen Elements, nineteen ponies. Ya mean that…”

“Precisely!” Dangersignal said. “She knew she could no longer wield the Elements, so she chose us to take up the task because she believed that we each showed one of those elements.”

“But did she say which Element was connected to which pony?” White Orchid demanded.

“She’s a teacher, not a strategy guide to making the perfect superheroes. We’re to figure that out,” Dangersignal said. “I want every single Element written down, so that way we can put the name of the pony who bonds with that element. Also, this is a test and those who have taken tests in school know that this won‘t be easy.”

“Of course!” came the collective groan.

“At least we’re being tested to see if we’re able to save the world, so there’s no pressure there,” Dragonstorm said.

“Oh, thank you,” Soundstar huffed. “Saving the world is no big deal, so we should stand around and look pretty.”

“Not really,” Dangersignal said. “I was giving you all a hard time, as you know me to do. Going into any situation with stress does a pony no good whatsoever. Anyway, we need to know where Nightmare Moon is holding Celestia and I have a hunch, but it needs confirmation.”

“What’s the hunch?” Twilight asked, a book being held in her lavender ethereal magic.

“Ever heard of the Castle of the Two Sisters?” he asked.

“Yes, Luna and Celestia co-ruled Equestria there, and it’s on the other end of the Everfree Forest,” came the reply.

“Predictable villain,” was all the dark red Alicorn could say in an irritated chortle.

“Predictable how?” Amplitude asked.

“Did any pony notice Nightmare Moon’s Cutie Mark?” he asked.

“Yes,” Gemstone said. “A crescent moon. Why?”

“Who else has a crescent moon for a Cutie Mark?” Dangersignal asked.

“Princess Luna,” Twilight said.

Silence once again made itself obnoxiously known as the group stared, their eyes widening. Dangersignal nodded, and looked down.

“Princess Luna is Nightmare Moon,” he whispered.

The others were taken aback by his actions. Dragonstorm noticed that his older brother was showing that he was hurt in ways that no pony could actually connect to. Taking a breath, Dragonstorm looked towards his brother.

“You have something to confess?” he asked. “Normally, you hide everything under lies, but this must be a deep wound.”

“I had given my word of honor that no ill shall befall Princess Luna, but it did,” he hissed through clenched teeth. “I failed her and now, this monster is going to do more harm and it’s my fault!”

Tears of pain and of anger slipped down his cheeks. He was really hurt by letting down his honor and his motivations. He was showing a new side that no pony expected-his vulnerability.

“We’ll sort this out together,” Twilight said. “You didn’t fail her, she did this of her own volition and it’s her beast.”

Dangersignal nodded and after agreeing to a plan, the group split off. However, Dangersignal had his own plans.

“I’ll do this myself. I don’t need any help!”

Betrayal in the name of Honor

The next day, the group met up outside the pharmacy. Dangersignal was no where to be seen, but then again, he was a railway Alicorn who was always away on journeys. They assumed he got called away to handle a heavy goods train and that he wouldn’t be joining them.

If only they knew that behind that complex mass of emotions, logic and hard work was a cold, calculating mind. A cold and calculating mind that made every pony-from the royalty down to the common criminal shake.

A running joke amongst the other guards is that Dangersignal could make any super villain that came into Equestria blush and leave in sheer disappointment. Many of the railway ponies said that he was so cold and calculating that he could easily read a signal with his eyes close.

Of course, when Shining Armor ever talked about Dangersignal, he always praised him for his work ethic. Twilight could recall many conversations she had with her brother about the Alicorn, but something stuck out in her mind.

“That pony’s so bent to protect his honor that he’d stage a betrayal to get even with the pony who damaged his honor.”

‘Nah,’ Twilight thought. ‘He wouldn’t do that.’

All the same, she was slightly puzzled. She barely knew any of these ponies, but it seemed that she could not get a solid grasp on Dangersignal. One minute, he’s bursting used storm clouds, the next, he’s on a steel train from a Smelter’s pit clear up to Las Pegasus.

However, she noticed that the others were lost in their thoughts about the large dark red Alicorn. Something about him rubbed every pony in the group the wrong way. He actions, his demeanor, the way he held himself. He seemed to be hiding a lot more than what was first known.

However, deciding that the Alicorn could be opened up later, like a line of dead questions in a courtroom cross-examination, she pushed Dangersignal out of her mind. Things might have been better if she hadn’t.

The group, once all accounted for, departed for the Everfree Forest. Of course, they all heard tales of the place as foals and fillies. Something told them that this place might not be the worlds most enjoyable place to be.

“Why couldn’t Luna and Celestia have chosen the White Tail Woods for their Castle of the Two Sisters?” Rainbow Dash snarled. “Everypony who has an ounce of brains wouldn’t set hoof in the woods!”

“Extra security,” Dragonstorm huffed. “If you were in their horseshoes, wouldn’t you want to have that extra security? If no pony ever set hoof in those woods, then you’d have no reason to build there. With monsters like Manticores, Timberwolves, and the like, wouldn’t you sleep, knowing your enemies are at bay?”

“Fair point,” Gemstone said. “I know I would.”

The group soon reached the edge of the woods, where upon Rainbow Dash tried and failed at scaring the others. However, the wind whistling through the trees made every pony feel scared now. Dragonstorm looked at them and after letting his lime green ethereal magic surround his horn, he took the lead.

“I’ll act as a light,” he said. “That way we don’t tire out the unicorns. Sometimes, a simple light spell can be tiring to say the least.

As they entered, Rarity looked at the bright red Alicorn.

“What did Nightmare Moon mean when she said your brother was afraid of the dark? I mean an Alicorn can’t be afraid of the dark, can they?” she asked.

“He isn’t as afraid now, because he does night time postal runs and other night trains, but when we were foals, he was born as a Pegasus. He didn't have the same luxury as me and our parents didn't want him tiring himself out flying, so one night, he was coming home from a late night school function and was hit by a renegade fruit cart,” Dragonstorm said.

“That had to have hurt,” Fluttershy said.

“He was in hospital with several broken bones and needed stitches where a handle for the harness had sunk itself into his body, just missing his stomach,” Dragonstorm continued. “During the time he was healing, he only ever had one visitor. Princess Luna. She visited him as often as she could, comforting him.”

“What about your parents?” Twilight asked. “Didn’t they go?”

“No, they had too much to do, being secretaries for the leader of the Crystal Empire. Lucky for us that he healed well,” Dragonstorm said. “For not long after that, our parents gave birth to a baby sister, who had a disease; they were all killed in a train wreck and me and my brother were pulled to safety just as Sombra took over.”

“Wow,” was all anyone could say.

“From there, we became guards and moved quickly through the ranks, until we were suggested for a trial of a new guard regiment, the Plain Clothes guards. We were turned into Alicorns for said trial and basically given this form to try and make up for all the losses we had.”

“Did you guys have any other interesting adventures or misadventures?” White Orchid asked, hoping to get something cheerful out of the Alicorn, instead of misery and pain.

“Well, Soarin and Dangersignal became close friends after Dangersignal managed to get Soarin out from under some deep, deep trouble,” Dragonstorm said.

“Wait, you mean Dangersignal, a simple working type Alicorn, and Soarin, a Wonderbolt, are friends?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Correct,” Dragonstorm said. “Lemme guess, biggest fan of the Wonderbolts and Soarin in particular?”

“How’d you know?” Rainbow Dash asked, staring wide eyed at the bright red Alicorn.

“Anytime you talk, when it’s not boosting your own ego, your always talking about Soarin being your idol,” Dragonstorm said. “Anyone would think your in love with him.”

Rainbow Dash went red with embarrassment and glared coldly at Dragonstorm. She liked Soarin, but wasn’t in love. Now, she was ready to smack both Dangersignal and Dragonstorm. Dangersignal for being Soarin’s friend and Dragonstorm for making a cheeky remark. Before she could do anything, Dragonstorm gave a gesture and started to move forward.

“Come on, we have work to do,” Dragonstorm said.

The group followed the Alicorn, staying close to him and close together. They had heard him say that safety in numbers was a good thing. Carrying on into the woods, Shaydefire, one of the Thestrals joining the ponies on the journey looked towards Dragonstorm.

“What was this trouble that Dangersignal got Soarin out from under?” he asked.

“Two charges-blackmail and extortion. There was a small ring of Cloudsdale pegasi who were the kings of blackmail and extortion. They needed a fall pony and Soarin was chosen, by having his name drawn out of a hat,” Dragonstorm said. “Dangersignal made the courts look like a bunch of uneducated imbeciles.”

“Ouch,” came the reply. “Hopefully the judge and Celestia came out looking better. I mean, he wouldn’t intentionally make the ruler and the blind eyes of justice look like idiots.”

“Well, he did, when he proved that all the evidence that the prosecution had was manufactured by the culprits and that they were getting away with clean cut extortion and blackmail. He told the judge that if he hadn’t been so half-baked, then the trial would have been suspended until the right culprit was caught. As for Celestia, he told her that if she had actually hired investigators and had cops ready, then they wouldn’t have resorted to breaking a few legs and having to get the ever famous prisoner transport van,” Dragonstorm said.

“He actually gave Celestia a piece of his mind?” Darkseige asked, disbelievingly. “No pony has ever done that.”

“Celestia was most certainly embarrassed,” Dragonstorm said. “But Dangersignal saved her from any more embarrassment and even put right the wrongs.”

“The guy seems like a miracle worker,” Rarity said. “Always mysterious, yet fixing any problem. He must be perfect.”

“Far from it, Rarity,” Dragonstorm chuckled. “I know him all too well, seeing as he is my older brother. He’s headstrong, takes nothing sitting down, cold, calculating, sharp tongued, silent, prefers to suffer alone, closes his feelings to everyone and acts like a genuine tough guy. He does have a softer side and all you have to do is actually show him that there are ponies worth trusting.”

“Really?” came Rarity’s reply. “I never knew that.”

“Yeah,” Dragonstorm said then face hoofed hard. “Augh!”

“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked.

“Remember when I was listing off my brother’s flaws and I said he was headstrong?” Dragonstorm asked.

“I do,” Shadow Prowler, the third Thestral on the team said.

“Well, he knows something about Nightmare Moon and is going to try and handle it alone, which means he’s going to…”

“Betray you to get even?” a cold, hard voice asked.

The group looked around, but couldn’t see anything. Dragonstorm tensed quickly and gave a growl. The other guards took that to mean “Trouble on the horizon. Be at the ready”. Just then, the woods were lit up with a deep maroon ethereal magic and they could see something that froze them to the spot with fear. Dangersignal, with a look of deranged happiness that could make Nightmare Moon blush.

“I knew your headstrongness would kick in big bro,” Dragonstorm snapped. “Your not fighting her alone!”

“I hate to contradict you, baby brother, but I am not here to fight her. I’m here to tell you to back off,” he said. “I have given my honor to Nightmare Moon and I work for her now.”

“Backstabbing little…!” Shadow Prowler roared, launching himself at Dangersignal.

The dark red Alicorn slipped aside and whispered in the Thestral’s ear, “I have a plan, run with this improvised plan.”

The Thestral chuckled in agreement and actually got physical in a few seconds, tackling the dark red Alicorn to the ground, smashing through tree branches and even breaking down a few rotten trees. The group watched the fight and even winced when the two fighting ponies were nailed by falling trees.

“Serves him right!” Rarity huffed. “Betraying us like that.”

The others agreed and when Shadow Prowler returned, the group was heading back on their way. However, they weren’t done with Dangersignal. They might have gone and finished what Shadow Prowler started. Something told them that they were in for a jolly good fight.

Continuing onwards, the group wondered what Dangersignal was planning. They didn’t have to wait long. At a small clearing a third of the way along their journey, there was Dangersignal, standing there, his wings flared out. Standing beside him was Nightmare Moon.

“Ye got tae be kiddin!” Hurricane hissed. “I believed ye were a great friend!”

“He’s chosen the right side,” Nightmare Moon cackled. “He knows where to put his honor and he has made the right choice.”

Nightmare Moon wasn’t paying attention to Dangersignal, who was giving her the cold and calculating look. Shaydefire noticed that his commander was definitely playing it strong with one card. Nightmare Moon walked around the other ponies, shaking her head in a pitiful way.

“Sorry to say this, you are all failures,” she said. “I’d have considered you, but your working for that spoilt Princess Celestia. She’s too perfect and has no remorse for any actions that she took 1,000 years ago. She has no consideration for any pony who doesn’t worship her!”

Dangersignal was now hot under his non-existent mane. No pony ever talked bad about Princess Celestia. However, to prove he was a stallion of honor, he told Nightmare Moon to let him handle them.

“Please, Milady, I can dispense with these pathetic fools,” he said. “I know how to deal with them.”

“Very well. Make it quick,” she said and turned into the same dark blue mist and vanished.

“Get him!” Rarity roared.

The group stood ready and on Dragonstorm’s command, the guards jumped into action. The Thestrals tackled and pinned Dangersignal down, each Thestral holding down one of his legs. Dragonstorm gripped his older brother’s head and held it down by the horn.

“Twilight, your chance to shine!” came the order.

As the lavender unicorn came forward, Dangersignal lurched and shook them off. He then took to the air and stood on a tree branch. Turning around, he glanced around a tree, and the scent of his prey was still in the air.

“Toy with my honor will you, you’ll pay for that!” he snarled and kicked off, only to be slammed hard to the ground by Rainbow Dash, Hurricane, Storm Blast, Aquatis Storm and Fluttershy.

“Your not going at her alone!” Rainbow Dash hissed, glaring coldly at him.

“This isn’t your fight!” Dangersignal bellowed. “I created this monster and it’s my duty to put it right!”

That startled Fluttershy, but that only made Rainbow Dash even angrier. She was about to smack him hard when Gemstone pulled her away. Dangersignal stood up, none too steady and it actually took him time to catch his breath.

“Nightmare Moon is Princess Luna, as I already said,” he explained between gasps and pants. “I gave her my word of honor that…”

“We know all that,” White Orchid said, trying hard to resist smacking the older Alicorn.

“Well, by letting her become Nightmare Moon, I felt like I betrayed my honor and that Nightmare Moon is the monster that I created from that betrayal,” he said, as a tear trickled down his cheek.

“Betrayal of one’s honor is indeed painful,” Twilight said. “But your stunt, we can call “Betrayal in the name of Honor” as you were trying to show that you have honor and are willing to betray us to stop our nemesis.”

Dangersignal said no more. He turned and started off. The group stayed behind, not sure what to make.

“Get moving!” he barked. “We’re not going to stop Nightmare Moon standing about, feeling sorry for ourselves!”

“Yes, sir!” Dragonstorm and the Thestral said, grins spreading across their faces.

“We have our fearless leader back!” Rarity said.

Dragonstorm walked alongside his older brother, comforting him and telling him that he can make amends when all was said and done.

“If I can,” he said. “Betrayal of honor is one thing, but betrayal of yourself is something that can’t be healed quickly, but betraying some pony who looked up to you as an older sibling that they wished they had really stings.”

“Oh, well, if you want help at any time, I’m always here for you,” Dragonstorm said. “You can trust me. We’ve always been there for each other ever since that day.”

“Thank you,” Dangersignal whispered. “I owe you own, youngster.”

“No problem,” Dragonstorm said.

The group noticed that they were somber and quiet. Surprisingly, it was Rainbow Dash who flew up to the two Alicorns and asked them what they were talking about.

“Oh, well “That day” refers to the day that me and my older brother here got some news. Our parents were taking our baby sister, who had some kind of rare disease, to Canterlot when their train rain into a landslide. They were killed in the subsequent wreck,” Dragonstorm said. “Dangersignal basically took it upon himself to be the bigger brother.”

“Oh,” was all Rainbow Dash said.

“At least we got something good out of the deal, new friends,” Dragonstorm said. “Also, high ranks and became Alicorns for a trial of plain clothes guards. Luna and Celestia said that by making us Alicorns, it would at least show us that there were ponies who understood our situations and that they hoped it’d cheer us up, which it did.”

Rainbow Dash smiled and said that it must be awesome to be Alicorns. Dangersignal smiled wryly for the first time since the fight.

“It’s awesome when your having to correct misconceptions of what Alicorns are supposed to do, which I promise to tell you after this,” he said. “My…My word of Honor.”

“I know you’ll keep it,” Rainbow said, kissing Dangersignal on the cheek.

Luckily, he was dark red, so no pony saw him blush.

Trust Exercises

The group continued on, with Dangersignal leading them. He was still conflicted on the inside, with his emotions telling him two things-get even with Luna for becoming Nightmare Moon and get even with himself for letting her down. He tried to forget those cold and disgusted thoughts, but they still hovered around him like angry bees.

The others realized that he was still wanting to get even with Nightmare Moon and that could easily jeopardize the mission. However, he was cold and closed off to talking about it, because of how angered he was.

“I really wish he’d stop being so cold,” Rarity said. “It’s starting to affect him in ways that can’t be good for his mind.”

“Yes, thank you, next time I need a psychologist’s report, I’ll come to you,” Dangersignal hissed. “Leave me to my own blasted ways.”

“Not a chance!” Applejack huffed. “We’re friends and friends stick together.”

“We’re not friends yet,” came the blunt reply. “I only joined in with the laughing to be sociable.”

“Really?” Pinkie Pie asked. “But you enjoyed yourself.”

“I can put on an act, Pinkie Pie,” Dangersignal stated, simply. “It’s easy to do that when you’ve had “friends” who decided that ditch you and your younger brother when you’ve had hardships.”

“Hardships?” the others asked.

“When our parents and baby sister were killed in the accident, our supposed “friends” left us because we no longer had anyone to “borrow” money from,” Dragonstorm added. “Ever since then, trusting others has been difficult, or down right impossible, since they only want us to use us for their needs and leave us when we need them.”

“I’ve heard of “bad order” friends, but this is the literal definition,” Aquatis Storm said. “Anyway, let’s try to look passed that.”

“Yeah, agreed,” Dragonstorm said.

Dangersignal nodded, then suddenly, his wings flared. Those who had trained with him knew that something was up. When he took to the sky, something inside the heads of the former guards clicked and they jumped into action.

“Get clear! The ground’s collapsing!” he roared.

He was right. The ground started to crumble around the hooves of the unicorns and earth ponies. The pegasi, Thestrals and Alicorns had wings to save themselves. Taking charge, Dangersignal barked out orders, like any Field Marshal or five star general would.

“Right, now, follow my lead!” he barked out.

“Sir, yes, sir!” came the reply.

Dangersignal dive-bombed towards Twilight, in hopes to catch her before she fell, but ended up missing the unicorn. Dragonstorm made his way to her while the other pegasi and Thestrals held the group back. Dragonstorm lined up as close as he could to Twilight.

“Let go, I can catch you. Trust me, I’ve done this before,” he called.

“But your flying! It won’t work!” Twilight yelled down.

“Trust in me!” he called back. “I’m a professional! I have years of experience!”

Twilight didn’t want to do it, but the ground she was hanging on to was starting to collapse. The others knew that they couldn’t get to her in time. The clock was now ticking, with failure not being an option. Taking a breath, she let go and plummeted down.

When she was a fifth of the way down from where the ground she had been hanging on to, Dragonstorm’s horn glowed it’s lime green ethereal magic and caught her. She stared as he flew up to safety. He smiled at the unicorn who was still in a state of surprise.

“Okay, now I demand you tell me how you did that?” Twilight snapped. “Normally, Alicorns can’t both use magic and fly. They have to stop one to do the other. The only exception to that rule is Princess Celestia!”

“I told you, I have years of experience doing things like this,” Dragonstorm said. “It wasn’t easy to get to that level, but dedication to the craft and time worked well. Being an Alicorn guard basically meant you had to be able to do both without breaking a sweat.”

“Ah, is that why you kept saying to let me trust you?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” came the reply. “That and this was a perfect trust exercise for you to understand that I can be depended upon. This was a simple exercise, by the old Royal Guard standards and it worked well. It not only helped us build trust with each other, but it proved to the captains that we were able to work in tandem.”

‘That was a basic exercise? Man, I’d hate to see what their definition of “tough love” was.' Gemstone thought.

Nightmare Moon watched from her perch in the shadows. She was shaking her head, in disgust. She thought she had won and the group would leave, but they were showing no signs of quitting.

‘If they aren’t stopped, then my mastermind plans will collapse!' the pitch black Alicorn huffed in agitation.

However, she couldn’t help smiling like a mother and a certain voice struck her hard.

“You’ll always have some pony to lean on, even if they don’t act like that. I have experience with having both sides of the coin-having some pony to lean on and having no pony to lean on at the same time. Remember this, Princess Luna, Princess Celestia loves you as you two are sisters. You may not see it all at once, but she does show it.”

“That’s a lie!” she muttered darkly.

“Lie? No. truth? Yes. You are going to need their help. No pony, even royalty is above asking for help of someone who isn’t on their same level. Every pony has experience that some other pony lacks. Think hard, Princess Luna, guardian and bringer of the night.”

Nightmare Moon couldn’t help but let her old side, the side of Princess Luna shine through for a minute. “Luna” watched the group, a motherly smile crept on her face.

“My trust wasn’t misplaced in Dragonstorm, and Dangersignal’s honor wasn’t broken, I slapped it back in his face,” she said, before turning back into Nightmare Moon.

Honesty, how do you Like Them Apples?

The group continued onwards after the trust exercises. Applejack was glancing around, taking in all the different sights and sounds. She was feeling slightly skittish because of the place she had to travel through.

“I swear this place is haunted!” some pony called out.

“Haunted? By what?” Twilight asked.

“Princess Celestia’s crown!” White Orchid cheeked off. “Nah, mate, we mean ghosts.”

“Ghosts don’t exist!” Twilight huffed.

“For once, I agree,” Dragonstorm said. “Ghosts don’t exist.”

No pony disagreed with them, but something didn’t sit well with the group. They were soon to find out why. Making their way along the woods, they came to a branching path, with two arrows-one pointing to the left and saying “to the Castle of the Two Sisters” and one to the right saying “The Start”.

“Really, they couldn’t be more obvious,” Rainbow Dash hissed.

“The obvious isn’t always obvious in the right way,” Dangersignal said.

“He correct,” Applejack said.

“English?” came every ponies’ demand.

“Well, if we look at that writin, then y’all see it’s upside down and looks like it’s backwards,” she said. “Dangersignal, mind helpin’ me turn them there signs ‘round?”

“Not a problem,” he said and with some good old fashioned elbow grease and lots of grunting, he had the two signs down and with some magic and makeshift tools, he had the signs replaced.

“Always good to have some stallions who aren’t afraid of hard work,” Applejack teased.

Dangersignal gave her a dirty look. She had heard that he was always used to hard work, from his younger brother. Deciding that complaining about that wouldn’t do any good, he offered to take her up into the air to verify her statement.

“Thank ya,” she said and climbed onto the stallion Alicorn’s back and wapped her hooves around his torso after he flared his wings. With a few bats of his wings, he was air born and flying over the left path first to find out it looped back on itself. Making his way back to the junction and they flew over the right path.

“Looks like I was right,” Applejack said.

“Yes indeed,” Dangersignal said.

They soon returned and lead the group down the right path. It seemed that the challenge was too easy. Continuing onwards, they started to notice that something was off about the location. Just then, Shadow Prowler came along side Dangersignal.

“We’re in a rockslide zone,” he said.

“Right, tell the others to keep it down,” came the order.

Shadow Prowler told them individually to keep their voices low, as they didn’t want to set off a violent rock slide. They began to trod carefully through the rockslide zone. Something told the group that something big was coming.

“Look at that!” Rarity cried out.

Every pony glanced up just in time to see Nightmare Moon releasing a ton of weakened rock.

“Let’s see you battle this!” she snarled and disappeared.

Dragonstorm took charge and summoned a dome of lime green flames, which hardened into a shield. Rocks slammed hard against it, causing it to crack and Dragonstorm to flinch. Dangersignal was not going to let anyone get hurt, so with a quick motion, there was a deep maroon shield up in no time.

“Take it easy, little bro,” Dangersignal said. “I gave my word of honor to our parents that I’d protect you if it ever came to extreme circumstances. For the longest time, it was you being there for me, now it’s time I return the favor.”

The others were astounded. Dangersignal glanced through the dark maroon wall and noticed something. Applejack was still on his back, so he prompted her to stand up and look through the maroon shield.

“I don’t know, standin’ on an Alicorn’s back, especially since I’m an earth pony could be risky,” she said.

“Aquatis Storm, Rainbow Dash, act as Applejack’s guide. I can fair up under a great strain,” Dangersignal said. “Right now, I need her to verify something for me and speed is of the essence!”

Acting quickly, the two pegasi propped the earth pony up and she looked through the shield at where Dangersignal gestured with a hoof.

“A clearing!” she cried. “Your not going crazy! We can move under your shield. If I am honest with ya, after we get clear, ya need to rest and save yer magic! I know the ya and yer brother are Alicorns, but we’re gonna need ya both at yer peak.”

“Fair point,” Dangersignal conceded, then barked out. “Double time it!”

The other guards took that at it’s purist and simplest meaning and started to take to the air. The others figured out and while the pegasi took the air, the others galloped through the danger with Dangersignal basically being the shield using Alicorn. Applejack looked back and noticed everyone was accounted for.

Dangersignal’s shield dropped and he just about fell over had White Orchid not caught up to keep him stable.

“I am not Shining Armor,” he gasped. “How he does it, I’ll never understand.”

“His specialty is Shield Spells,” Twilight pointed out. “Haven’t seen his cutie mark?”

“Yeah,” Dangersignal panted. “But it’s tiring work, and he makes it look easy.”

“Well, when you practice shield spells for quite a while, you get good at them,” Twilight said. “Still, you and your brother impressed us with your usage of shields.”

Dangersignal panted some more, and after standing up, he looked at them. Something showed in his eyes as he glanced around at the group.

“I’m starting to see something here,” he said. “Something that our enemy overlooked.”

The others stared at him. He chuckled and looked at each pony before continuing on. He wanted them to have an idea of what he was talking about. It suddenly dawned on them that he was on to something.

“Nightmare Moon is trying to get us to fall as individual ponies. She believes that each element will be rendered useless without a corresponding pony,” he said. “Now think, what has been shown so far?”

“Honor,” Rarity said.

“Trust,” Pinkie Pie said.

“And Honesty,” Fluttershy finished.

“Correct,” Dangersignal said. “Now do you recall anything spectacular about the events surrounding those discoveries?”

“Well, for honor, we saw that you were willing to betray us to not only get at the enemy, but to show that you’re a stallion of your word and are willing to protect us,” Darkseige said.

“Dragonstorm saved me, but had me trust in him to a ‘T’ despite not knowing him,” Twilight said.

“And Applejack showed that she was honest, by showing Dangersignal that she could be honest when he doubted what he saw,” Rainbow Dash said.

The group began to see where Dangersignal was coming from and seeing what he saw. He could read their faces and grinned. He knew what they were doing and grinned broadly.

“Noticing something that makes you happy?” Gemstone asked.

“You guys are starting to read the surroundings, which is something that me and my brother use a lot to tell if somepony was lying or hiding their emotions,” Dragonstorm said.

“But Applejack can tell if someone is lying by our methods, which makes her more of a threat to me and Dragonstorm than any of you if she were to switch sides,” Dangersignal pointed out.

“That must be a good thing, if her element makes the two most experienced guards quiver,” Shaydefire said.

“Correct,” came the reply. “Now, we need to press onwards. Nightmare Moon needs to be stopped. We have her cornered like a rat, but I warn you, a cornered rat will fight. Nightmare Moon is a foe that will put us all to the test, even me and my brother.”

“A test? Bring it!” Rainbow Dash hissed, a broad grin crossing her face.

Courage in Spades and Thestral

Continuing on with their journey, the group came to an impossibly dark part of the forest. Something struck fear into the group of ponies, except the Thestrals. Dangersignal gulped in a nervous way. It must have showed, because Fluttershy moved closer to him. She intended to make him feel safe, but she also wanted to feel safe.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “I still have a slight fear of the dark, but something about this darkness, it almost feels like this darkness is playing with our fears.”

“You’re right,” Twilight said. “But, why?”

“It’s another test,” Dangersignal said. “Nightmare Moon is definitely playing the “Hard Villain” card.”

The others chuckled and glanced at the dark woods. It still struck fear into them, but they needed to get through. While they pondered, Shadow Prowler smirked in pure confidence.

“Come on, you just need to remember that there is nothing to fear,” he said. “A song I was taught as a youngster had one line in it.”

“What was the song?” the group asked.

“Courage comes to those who fight

Face their fears with no ready weapon

Nothing to lean on, nopony to stand by

Feeling alone in the world

Courage acts as a light

A friend that will never leave

Somepony to lean on

Act as your weapon

Courage is always there

Even when all is lost

Courage, you are grand

Courage, there you stand.”

“You had that song tucked away in your memory?” Darkseige asked.

“Correct,” Shadow Prowler said. “My mother taught me that song when I found out that my family had served as Princess Luna’s guard and I was feeling nervous and even scared when I was told that I’d take up the position.”

“Wow,” was all anyone could say.

“A suggestion for us getting through this part, is that we put the men on the outside, with the ladies on the inside,” he said. “The Stallions, despite having fears could actually be the bigger ponies and show their own brand of courage in the face of adversity.”

They agreed to the plan and proceeded with getting in formation. The operation took less than five minutes and the group plunged bravely into the darkness. The air was so still that the two Alicorns could have easily balanced their Standard Issue Royal Guard Throwing Knives in it.

Suddenly, there came a sound of hooves scraping dead leaves. The stallions in the group began to tense up. Just then, off to Dangersignal’s left, as Rainbow Dash was on his right, he saw three sets of eyes. A mouse ran up the Alicorn’s spine and his eyes bulged.

“No! It can’t be!” he thought. “They’re…!”

Every pony looked over to see an earth pony, unicorn and a smaller earth pony. The group saw that Dangersignal and Dragonstorm were paler than the clouds they had helped to clear. The three ponies that stood in the darkness smiled a comforting smile and slipped into the darkness.

“Who…what…huh?!” Twilight stammered out at last.

“Alrecht ye tae, explain this!” Hurricane snapped, advancing dangerously upon the paled Alicorns.

“Hurricane! Behave!” Rarity snapped, blocking his path.

His wings flared up and he gave her one of the coldest stares that the marshmallow white mare had ever seen. The unicorn shrank back from the Pegasus. Just then, Aquatis Storm, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Storm Burst surrounded him and flared their wings, returning the cold glare.

While the “Glaring Contest” was going on, the others decided to ask the two Alicorns what was going on.

“Those,” Dangersignal said, regaining his breath and composure. “We’re the ghosts of me and Dragonstorm’s parents and baby sister. We’ve seen them around when we went out to clear our heads at night. It seems that now, when we have ponies to be friends with, they’re finally at peace. Something I feel is way too over the top to be believed.”

“Then your unique brain must have failed you,” Aquatis Storm called, not adverting his glare from Hurricane.

“Whatever is left, after you eliminate all the impossible answers, is possible,” Soundstar pointed out. “There are many things I can’t explain, but they’re possible.”

“Thank you. Thank you very much,” Dangersignal said.

Shadow Prowler chuckled. He then used his front left hoof and pointed to a clearing. Making a gesture that the others guards were familiar with, every pony high tailed it out of the darkness and into the silvery glow of the moon.

One word crossed the groups mind as they continued on-Checkmate.

Author's Note

Didn't expect any ghosts? Well, you now have them and you draw your own conclusions of what they're original purpose was.

Humbleness, The Doctor is in

The journey was getting longer and longer. Every pony was now on the verge of having a straight mental breakdown, with the exceptions of the guards and Aquatis Storm. With a glance at the group, Aquatis Storm made his way alongside Dangersignal and asked if they could rest.

“Right, we can break for an hour, but after that, we need to get moving,” Dangersignal said.

The group, relieved, stopped and sat down. Opening his saddle bag, Aquatis Storm took out a stack of small, well wrapped packages. The others, minus the guards eyed the packages curiously.

“What are they?” Fluttershy asked, afraid they were some kind of new evil.

“Rations.”

“Rations?” Twilight asked, looking towards the guards, assuming one of them said it.

“They’re rations, like the kind issued to me from when I worked as a field medic,” Aquatis Storm said. “Alongside these two, when they were in the Royal Guard.”

“Correct,” Dangersignal said. “I always remember you for riding me too hard about extensive training you Ceffylaun Doctor.”

“Ceffylaun?” the others asked.

“He’s from Ceffylau, just beyond Dodge City,” Dangersignal said. “A tiny town, known for it’s two things-Its doctors and its cheeses.”

“Ah, so all the best Canterlot Doctors have all come from Ceffylau?” Twilight asked.

“Not all, but a good percentage have come from there,” he explained. “Also, they have a wide variety of cheeses, from the simple cheddars to the more expensive brands. I’ve actually eaten a “Ceffylaun Delight” sandwich, which contains-tomato, limburger, lettuce, onion, black pepper, red and green bell peppers, carrots, daffodils, and butter on toasted rye bread. Very delightful, especially when it’s cheap and easy to make.”

“Interesting, but how long have you and Aquatis Storm known each other?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“For about twenty years,” The Pegasus and Alicorns said. “He was our *ahem* “assigned” doctor, when me and Dragonstorm became Plain Clothes Alicorn Guards,” Dangersignal said.

“But Aquatis Storm’s a Pegasus!” Rainbow Dash snapped, her curiosity replaced with anger. “Any pegasi would be forced to go to a weather management school, to learn how to handle the weather! HE got a free ticket to med school! What’s the deal?!”

“The “deal” as you put it,” Aquatis Storm huffed. “Was that I had to leave my parents house at the age of twelve! With my father no less! My mother gambled away our house!”

A heavy, almost suffocating silence fell over the group. Aquatis Storm and Rainbow Dash were still glaring at each other, but Dragonstorm could see that Aquatis Storm was still torn up about what happened in the past. Deciding on a line to save a sinking ship, he saw his chance and attacked.

“So, Aquatis Storm, do you like Daring Do?” he asked, trying to defuse the situation.

“But out!” Aquatis Storm hissed. “I don’t need you horning in (butting in) and trying your pathetic excuse of defusing the situation!”

Dangersignal stood up. He trotted over and parked himself between the two glaring ponies and “accidentally” flared his wings, smacking them and sending them onto their seats.

“Pardon my wing stretch,” Dangersignal snapped, with no emotion.

“You can’t keep your fat wings down!” snapped Aquatis Storm.

“Listen, I’m doing this for your own good,” came the reply. “I know your still torn up about your mother’s gambling addiction and the fact that it cost you your home, but to be fair, she wasn’t the best choice for you and only cared about herself.”

Aquatis Storm just stared at the Alicorn who had smacked him. Something had changed in him. He sounded like he cared for the Pegasus, who was now being deemed a “traitor” of Cloudsdale.

“I’ve never fit in, in Cloudsdale,” Dangersignal said. “I was kicked out, despite the fact that I was a Pegasus before I became an Alicorn.”

“Really?” Rainbow Dash asked, after rubbing her jaw, where she had been smacked by Dangersignal’s wing.

“Correct,” he said. “To change the subject real quick, the wing flare was slowed down to prevent serious injury. Your jaws will be sore for a few more minutes.”

“Thank you,” Aquatis Storm said. “For breaking in and stopping us from arguing. I guess that’s why you and I became a small group of friends when you were trialed for the “Plain Clothes Guard” position.”

“Yes,” Dangersignal said. “Those who have been abused or even put in situations that had no positive outcomes at the moment tend to bond and become friends.”

“Wise words from Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“No, I think you were told that I was the librarian of the Ponyville Library?” Dangersignal asked.

“Correct,” Twilight affirmed. “You were.”

“I spent my free time reading books, including one-”The Psychologies and Philosophies of Friendships, Volume 1” by Dr. Hooverton, PHD. It was interesting and I spent my time taking notes,” Dangersignal said.

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Dangersignal said.

Aquatis Storm had been listening and was considering the Alicorn’s words and how he said them. Normally, Dangersignal was good at one of many abilities-disguising his emotions, not showing emotions, choosing his words, being “careless” or remaining cold and silent. To him, quoting a book was a new surprise.

As the sea blue Pegasus considered the words more, he came over to Rainbow Dash and helped her up. Their eyes locked and Aquatis Storm spoke up first.

“Sorry for getting riled up. Here, are you okay? That was a fairly good smack. Hang on, I’ve got the thing right here, an ice pack. Hold still will you? There, it’ll need to be on your jaw for ten minutes before I remove it. Don’t talk, it’ll make your lower jaw hurt more. Don’t thank me, I’m just doing my duties,” he said.

Rainbow Dash just stared at the Ceffylaun Pegasus. Was he simply going to let her not thank him? It seemed odd, but said nothing. Dangersignal watched and smirked. He had finally gotten the doctor to show his humble side, albeit by a rather “ruffled” method.

“What’s got you smirking?” Twilight asked.

“Didn’t you notice Aquatis Storm’s ability to be *ahem* humble?” he asked sweetly.

Twilight really wanted to buck him in the face. His sweet tone was too sweet, almost as if it was laced with 6,000 gallons of honey. It made her sick, but she couldn’t deny he had a point.

Going back to the scenario unfolding, it seemed that Rainbow Dash and Aquatis Storm had grown rather close as friends and even shared some jokes.

“The road ahead is lined with victory,” Dangersignal said.

Author's Note

Ceffylau is a town I created, along with Aberdyhoofy. Both are Welsh Towns and having grown up with books on Welsh Narrow Gauge Railways, I thought having two Welsh towns would be interesting.

Ponaidh is a Scottish town, created to give a little more flare to Equestria.

The towns will be brought up in due time. A challenge for the readers-A Cornish Town (Yes, I would like a Cornish town, where I can run a branch line, that is serviced by an Auto train). For the town, what do they produce?

Winner will be chosen in two weeks time.

Onto other notes

The elements of Harmony have expanded over time, so that's why there are so many
There will be more on Dangersignal and Dragonstorm's past, so do NOT pester me about that
Please enjoy the story

Testing the Code of The Royal Guard

After Dangersignal’s little stunt with his wings, the group were underway after eating the rations that Aquatis Storm packed. However, none of the other ponies were used to the rations and complained bitterly about them.

“They tasted like sugared foam!” Rarity whined.

“They were too small!” Twilight added.

“Enough complaining please,” Dragonstorm said. “They’re called rations meaning that the food is in smaller quantities, because it’s rationed. The way rations work is that there is one large shipment of food, where it is packaged in smaller portions, thereby rationing how much food each solider gets.”

“Ah,” Applejack said. “Then that way, every pony gets something.”

“Correct,” came Dangersignal’s response.

The others took what he said to heart, but complained none the less. Dragonstorm, Dangersignal, Hurricane and Aquatis Storm glanced at each other and rolled their eyes.

“Remind you of anyone in particular?” Aquatis Storm asked.

“Yes,” Dragonstorm said. “Us.”

Once all the complaining had subsided, everyone headed onwards. It was not the easiest thing, as every branch, leaf and rock seemed to be made of a slippery film, which made it hard to get good traction. Dangersignal’s mind registered this and he dug his hooves into the ground, in a bid to get better grip.

“Thank you training,” Dangersignal thought.

The others noticed his stances and tried to mimic that, with the guards doing it by the book. The Pegasi took to the air to ignore the slippery leaves, but the unicorns and earth ponies were pretty much stuck on the ground.

Dragonstorm gave them the point by point instruction, with him demonstrating it.

“Clear a patch, slightly bigger than your hoof; when digging in, place pressure on the back left hoof, then move to the back right hoof, then front right and at last, front left,” he said. “The dirt that surrounds your hooves will grant you traction on the slick leaf surfaces. The dirt grip lasts about forty to one hundred steps and acts like the sand that me and my brother use when taking engines up to Manehattan, which is on a 1-in-101% gradient, and is often slick with water, as it climbs to a bridge that crosses a river. Traction, for a pony is different to that of the traction of a steam locomotive, but good grip is essential.”

“Correct,” Darkseige said.

The others understood, and gave it a good trial and found him to be correct. As they made their way along, the group noticed that the guards were taking it slowly, so as not to slip.

The ground seemed to change under their hooves. Bewildered, the group looked around, and a sinking feeling began to eat at them. Dangersignal looked at the group and they could read ‘Danger! Follow my orders to the letter!’

“Stand at attention!” he barked.

The others flew to obey, with the other guards showing them how it’s done. The reason for this quick change, they were standing on a mockup of “Canterlot”, the training grounds and soldier’s quarters.

“Field Marshal, any other orders?” Dragonstorm asked.

“None at present, Brigadier General,” Dangersignal said.

Just then, they could hear heavy snarling and standing there, in a state of enragement was Shining Armor. He advanced, hissing and snarling about Alicorns and betrayal and uselessness.

“This, Sir, is not you,” Shaydefire stated. “The Shining Armor I know wouldn’t stoop to such lows. The Shining Armor I have worked for has the utmost respect for his soldiers and we return that respect. I see his little sister as a mare version of him, and I am willing to follow orders she gives, alongside our Field Marshal and Brigadier General.”

“Then you are not a true Canterlot guard!” “Shining Armor” snarled.

“Then I ask you,” Darkseige quizzed. “What is right and what is wrong?”

“You are wrong, Nightmare Moon is right,” came the snarled reply. “None of you can carry out your duties without that turning into a complete disaster!”

“But we can, and I am living proof,” Blazeblade said. “The Real Shining Armor knows and has commented on it. I can even prove it to you.”

With that, Blazeblade looked at him and after getting orders to patrol the woods down to a bridge and back for an hour, she did so, carrying out the training manual to the letter. When she finished, a third of Shining Armor vanished. He growled and Darkseige took up the battle of lost wits.

“You, sir, know that when me and the other guards went to Ponyville, you said that I was to do what I knew to be right, as guided by my experience. I always followed your orders, as they were correct and they were morally sound,” Darkseige hissed.

Another third of “Shining Armor” disappeared. One third left and one Thestral left. Shaydefire kept a deadpan look on his face and stepped forward.

“The Shining Armor I respect wouldn’t say anything. Captain Shining Armor knows that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would need protection. Now that I have changed post, Ms. Twilight Sparkle and her friends are in my charge and I will show them how we do things, under the orders of Field Marshal Dangersignal and Brigadier General Dragonstorm,” he said.

With one last hiss, “Shining Armor” disappeared into the voids of the night, along with the ridiculous setups.

“That was…interesting,” Applejack said.

“Correct, Ms. Applejack,” Shaydefire said.

“Be wary, our individual trials maybe halfway over, but the real battle is to begin,” Dangersignal said.

“Yes, Sir!” everyone said.

“Guards! Standard Formation!”

The Thestrals and Alicorns took up their Royal Guard Standard Position-Two leaders, two rear flank protectors, one on the left flank and one on the right flank. The pegasi took up aerial guard. The unicorns armed themselves with protective spells. The earth ponies looked defenseless, but Dangersignal knew better.

“I want the earth ponies to be prepared for any hoof-to-hoof combat,” he said.

“Because?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You never know when a simple hoof-to-hoof battle will be needed and I’d like to see what they can do,” he said.

Completeing the List

“Those guards are something else!” Rarity huffed indignantly. “Telling us how to handle ourselves! They’ve no business butting in here!”

“They mean well,” Fluttershy reminded her. “They’re accompanying us, as it is orders. The stallions are also here, as an added shield.”

“Pah!”

“Come on, be sensible,” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s awesome! Two guards who were in with the princesses! Think of that! And now, we’re friends!”

Rarity considered for only a minute. Knowing them as she did, it wouldn’t be out of place for Ex-Royal Canterlot Guards, especially with the wide range of knowledge that they had, to act as their protections.

Deciding that an argument was going to get her nowhere, she continued on with the group. However she was too far lost in the seas of thought, that she didn’t notice the they had stopped and she ran into Dragonstorm’s flank. He didn’t seem to notice, but she became aware of something.

“Mr. Serpent!” Dangersignal called.

Managing a peek, she saw a river in a state of turmoil and a sea serpent flailing about, wailing over his lost half of his moustache. Dangersignal seemed to have trouble getting him to calm down, despite his rank and pony type.

“How Can a Field Marshal Alicorn NOT control this situation?” Rarity thought.

It was then that she remembered that these trials were not trials for the whole team, but for each individual, as Dangersignal had said on multiple occasions. It soon dawned on her that Dangersignal’s failing to calm the sea serpent meant that this wasn’t his trial and that he didn’t have the tact to handle something this delicate.

“May I?” she asked, coming alongside the Alicorn.

“Be my guest,” he said and bowed himself away to watch the spectacle.

“Such fine scales,” Rarity commented.

“Thank you,” The dragon sniffled, tears streaming down his face.

“That must have been one fine moustache,” she continued.

“Your right!” he said.

“Well, I have a way to fix this fashion crime,” she said.

Walking up, she plucked a scale from the sea serpent.

“YEEE-OUCH!” he bellowed.

“Now you wait a few minutes,” Rarity said. “While your waiting, can you at least answer my friend, the dark red Alicorn’s questions?”

“Certainly,” came the sea serpent’s reply.

Dangersignal took that as his cue. He stepped forward while Rarity checked the scale over.

“What happened to cause you to go into this fit?” he asked, calmly.

“I was minding my own business when a blue mist sliced my moustache,” he said.

“Hang on,” Dangersignal said. “You said that a blue mist came through here?”

“Yes,” he said.

Leaving Rarity to her genius, Dangersignal went back to the others.

“Chaps, we’ve got a villain who’s standing in society is lower than that of dirt,” he said. “She’s getting desperate and from experience, anyone getting desperate is bound to want to eliminate Everypony who stands as a threat to her.”

“Are you saying that we’re the first ones to go if we lose?” Pinkie asked, her eyes widening in horror.

“Yes, but she’s playing it strong with one card, and that one card’s a joker,” he said. “We have a full fledged team and we’re going to see this throw to the bittersweet end.”

“Bittersweet?” Gemstone asked.

“Yes, because we have to hurt a princess in order to save her from her evil side,” he said. “If that makes any sense.”

“It does,” White Orchid said. “But it twists all logic that we have to save a princess from her own evil.”

“Yes,” Dangersignal said.

The group then turned just in time to see Rarity slice off her own tail and intertwine it with the sliced off end of the sea serpent’s moustache. The group was startled, but the sea serpent was pleased and began to thank Rarity to no end. Once all the gratuities were given out, the group made their way to the water, where the sea serpent made himself into a bridge.

“Thank you for helping us,” Rarity said.

“No problem,” the sea serpent said and went back to swimming peacefully.

Rarity shivered and stuck close to Dangersignal for warmth. He told her to hang back with him and let the others go on ahead. She was curious as to why he wanted her to hang back, but she could see what he planning. With his magic, he gripped his utility knife and sliced his own tail off to give to Rarity.

“You’re sacrificing your tail?” she asked.

“I can’t stand seeing you shiver, so, in the name of honor, I give you mine to circumvent the cold. I can take it,” he told her.

“You’re sure?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.

Rarity accepted the gift, then they galloped off to catch up to the group. It didn’t take long at all, which was a surprise, but they were standing around. They seemed to be frozen with fear. The trees had all sorts of faces on them, scaring everyone in the group. Even the guards found them unsettling.

Dragonstorm stuck close to his older brother, acting as moral support as well as being scared. Dangersignal gulped himself, for the faces meant something else to him. Something he was afraid to say or even do-face himself and fight his demons.

Before any of the mages-Alicorns and Unicorns could use any magic to rid themselves of the faces, Pinkie Pie began laughing. Shaydefire raised a brow and looked at Pinkie.

“Don’t ask,” Dangersignal said, chuckling at Pinkie’s randomness. “No pony could understand her mind. It’d drive any sane pony insane in three seconds flat.”

“Well, you’re right,” Shaydefire said. “Wait, why are you chuckling? Don’t tell me-you’ve gone insane trying to understand her?”

“Nah,” he said. “Just seeing her laugh, well, it reminded me of me and Dragonstorm when we were younger. She seems to have captured the essence of his innocence before the tragedy.”

“I see,” he said.

“Shaydefire, Can I trust you with a secret?” Dangersignal questioned.

“Sure, just tell me…” he began, but was cut off by everyone else laughing so loudly, it could have been heard at Horseshoe Bay.

It seemed that Pinkie was really onto something. Shaydefire and Dangersignal both gave a hearty laugh, joining in. In a flash, the faces disappeared and everyone became straight faced and hard set on the mission again.

It was quiet, too quiet for Gemstone, who was not exactly one for stifling silence. It seemed that something was bothering the group, and she realized that the whole thing bothering the group was Nightmare Moon and who she really was.

“I know it’s going to be hard, but a bitter pill is better to swallow than no pill at all and let the pain of your conscious run your life,” she said. “Nothing in life is ever sweet and painless.”

“Wisdom at it’s finest,” Twilight thought.

Something was still bothering the others and Amplitude voiced the thought on everyone’s mind.

“Guys, we only have four unicorns and two Alicorns and the Alicorns are the only ones in with a chance to do any damage to her and even stop her,” she said. “While I know that we have a job to do and we can do it with everyone, and I sincerely know that we can do it, I don’t really believe that Celestia’s mind was working properly.”

“Well, sometimes, my dear instrument fixer and choir leader,” Soundstar said. “Seeing is believing, but sometimes, not seeing or not having the faith to believe is in itself believing.”

“Sincerity and Believing,” Applejack thought.

It was now down to the last few-Storm Blast, Hurricane, White Orchid, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. The tests they had to face would either be easy or difficult, but no pony knew those what those tests were. They’d get to see Storm Blast’s test.

Continuing on to the middle point of the forest, the group could see something that got them thinking that something was off indeed. The weather manager’s office in Ponyville. More precisely, the weather manager’s office a few blocks from the large junction station of Ponyville.

Storm Blast was on nerves and ends. He knew what that meant, and he didn’t like it one bit. Just then, a dull white Pegasus with dark blue mane and tail burst into the office.

“Storm Blast!” he snapped. “You’ve never shown any pride in being a Pegasus. Any good Pegasus would have pride in being a Pegasus from the grandest town-Cloudsdale!”

“I show my pride in my work, sir,” Storm Blast huffed. “You’d know that if you were real!”

Hissing at the sharp comeback, the manager snarled and flared his wings in an agitation.

“I should’ve known you were a failure!” The manager roared.

“I have pride then and now, and my pride is standing behind and beside me-my friends!” bellowed Storm Blast. “They know that I have my weaknesses and my pride dictates that I get help when I need it!”

Everything faded into the darkness of the woods. Once again, the unsettling feeling that they were nearing their greatest battle. With, hopefully, no more time wasted, the group headed onwards and upwards.

The group now came to a small canyon in the middle of the forest and noticed that there was something off as, there was a shadowy shape standing in their pathway. Dangersignal stopped and signaled the group to the same.

“Guys, there is something ahead and it looks like a Manticore, but I can’t be certain of my facts just yet,“ he said.

Before anyone could say anything to give the Alicorn a solid answer, there came a roar of pained anger and out jumped a creature with the head and body of a lion, lion’s paws, a scorpion’s tail and dragon wings.

“Definite answer to your idiot question,“ Rarity snapped at Dangersignal who was looking flustered and had one thing going through his mind-“Me and my big fat mouth. I need to get better at not opening my fat trap at the wrong time.”

Of course the group went into fighting stance, with Fluttershy looking concerned. Dragonstorm could see that Fluttershy knew the problem, but she was having a bigger problem-getting the group to listen to her, but because of her timid nature, no pony took her into consideration.

“Fluttershy, why don’t you let me do the attention grabbing?” Dragonstorm said. “At least I can give orders, being a Brigadier General.”

Fluttershy agreed and Dragonstorm conjured up two ear plugs for Fluttershy to use. Once they were sitting comfortably in her ears, Dragonstorm used his Royal Canterlot Command Voice.

“STAND DOWN!” he bellowed.

The group didn’t even notice the order. Dragonstorm grinned to himself and Fluttershy watched his horn glow lime green and she watched at the others were pressed to the ground. Dragonstorm gestured to Fluttershy to take out her ear plugs. She did so and walked up to the Manticore.

“Oh, please, calm down,” she said. “I can help you if you calm down.”

The Manticore stopped thrashing around and growled uncomfortably. She inspected the front left paw of the Manticore, which had a giant black thorn stuck in it.

“Hold on, this will hurt a little bit,” she said. “But it’ll be better than driving it deeper into your paw.”

The Manticore braced itself. The others, being held down to the ground, watched in horror. Fluttershy pulled the thorn out with no trouble at all. The Manticore roared and gripped Fluttershy and began licking her gratefully. Once the Manticore wasted thirty minutes of their time, it flew off and the group was soon let up and they continued on.

“Who was that who used the incapacitation spell?” Twilight demanded.

“I did,” Dragonstorm stated. “Because you didn’t listen to my order of “Stand Down”.”

“Oh…uh…well…we…erm…uhm…ehh…oops?” Twilight said.

“Anyway, we now have two more known elements,” he said.

That was agreed to, heartily and with pleased cheers. Now, they needed to get the last elements and quickly. However, they were going to get the last elements in no time at all. As they headed onwards, there stood a lonely cloud.

Hurricane stretched his wings and prepared to take off when he was stopped by Applejack. The Pegasus snarled at the earth pony and after getting his tail free from her mouth, he once again prepared to take off and get rid of the cloud when she was stopped again, by Rarity.

“Cannae ye let me dae mae job wit’out interferin wit’ mae werk ethic?” he demanded.

“We appreciate the fact you want to take care of that cloud, but it has the appearance of being tampered with,” Storm Blast said.

“Ye’ve gone mad!” Hurricane retorted.

Dangersignal went up to the cloud.

“Get back! This thing’s gonna strike a random target!” he called.

The group ran back. Dangersignal bucked the cloud and the lightning bolt struck the Alicorn with a fury like no other lightning bolt could ever muster. The blast was enough to knock him for a loop and send him spiraling into a tree.

“DANGERSIGNAL!” the group cried and galloped over to where the injured Alicorn lay.

He was a sight. Singed fur and wings, black eye, several bruises and several cuts. Aquatis Storm came up to him and began to tend to the injured Alicorn.

“Either you’re the bravest hero or the most perilous dunce we have ever had the pleasure to know!” he chuckled.

“Watch it, mac,” Dangersignal teased back.

The doctor wrapped a bandage around the Alicorn’s injured wings and gave them a light yank, making the Field Marshal wince. Once all was done, the Pegasus gave Dangersignal some pain relief medicine and a flask of water.

“We’ll have to keep you at the back of the group,” Aquatis Storm said. “Any more beatings and you’re as good as buried.”

“You mean that if he sustains more injuries, he’ll die,” Dragonstorm said.

“Yes,” Aquatis Storm said. “You two already lost your parents and baby sister, so I’m pulling out all stops for you and your brother to stay together!”

“Thank you,” Dragonstorm said.

Aquatis Storm accepted the gratitude with pleasure, then ordered that Applejack and White Orchid stand alongside Dangersignal and catch him if he falls over. The orchid growing stallion decided to ask if Fluttershy could walk in front and act as a catcher if he should fall forward.

“I want to make sure he doesn’t fall straight over, and this should help. I do care for him as well,” White Orchid said. “His loss would leave deep wounds on us all. I want to help him in any way possible. I know it may seem wrong to have a young lady act as a front cushion, but it’s the best course as a stallion would be too hard and would be an instant discard. I’m not chancing it. Fluttershy, will you?”

“Of course,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to lose him either.”

“Virtue, by showing that he was right in taking action to protect his friend,” Twilight thought.

That left Rainbow Dash and by process of elimination, Twilight figured that Rainbow Dash must be loyalty, but how was she going to prove her theory? Where could the trial be? What could the trial be?

Her thoughts were rudely interrupted when she saw a castle in the distance. Her eyes widened in surprise and then in happiness.

“There it is! The castle!” she cheered and ran forward, only to find herself dangling over a cliff edge.

Applejack pulled Twilight to safety. Everyone looked at the gap and noticed that the bridge was down on the other side.

“I’ll go across and tighten the bridge,” Rainbow Dash offered.

The group agreed and the cyan Pegasus charged off, dived down and followed the bridge to the moorings on the other side. As she got the end in her mouth, voices spoke out from the mist surrounding the other end. Just then, three pegasi appeared.

The wore dark purplish blue flying suits, similar in principle to the flying suits worn by the Wonderbolts. Their goggles were a bright yellow and they wore malicious smiles.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” the leader said. “We’ll consider you for our team.”

“Really,” Rainbow Dash said. “Let me do this one task, then I’ll chatter with you.”

“Ignore them!” the leader snapped.

Back with the group, they could see that things didn’t look good. The leader of the knockoff Wonderbolts didn’t like the feeling that they were being watched and that Rainbow Dash’s friends were encouraging her to make the right choice. Her goggles twinkled and her eyes narrowed, summoning a thick fog to mute her friends’ cheers.

“Now, who will it be?” the leader demanded, getting in Rainbow Dash’s face.

“You…” she began. The leader smiled, but Rainbow Dash held up a hoof to stop the leader.

“You need to think,” she said. “My friends need me more right this minute, so I’m going to have to decline your offer. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”

With that, Rainbow Dash pulled the bridge rope taught, which raised the downed end and made it safe to cross. She then tied it off, to keep it from dropping down. The knockoff Wonderbolts, or Shadowbolts disappeared and Rainbow Dash used the heavy fog to mask her arrival. When it cleared, there stood a very proud Rainbow Dash.

After telling the group that she’d never leave her friends hanging, which caused the group groan in playful disgust at the bad pun, but she flew over to Dangersignal and stood beside him. The others looked and grinned, teasingly.

“Your in love?” Rarity asked, giving them a teasing smile.

“Not in love,” Rainbow Dash said. “We’re close friends and have been for a long while.”

“Anyway,” Dangersignal said. “We have work to do. Now let’s get going. Celestia needs us.”

The group made their way across the bridge, in a single file line and were soon across. Now, the only thing that stood in their way was the castle’s walls and stairs. They knew that once they were conquered, they’d finally put an end to Nightmare Moon’s games.

Ridding the Nightmare

The group finally reached the castle and stared up at the crumbling architecture. Dangersignal let out an impressed whistle and gave a slight chuckle. Memories of all the secrets came back to him and it made him smile when he remembered the times he gave his brother a scare from several secret passages.

“Well, fillies, gentlecolts, mares, stallions, ladies and gentlemen, here is the Castle of the Two Sisters,” he said, in his best butler impression.

“Ah, very good Jeeves,” White Orchid said. “I take it the Master of the Castle is out?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll give the Master your message,” Dangersignal said.

The others laughed at the banter. Once the mood was lightened, Dangersignal placed Dragonstorm in the lead and told them to head inwards. Dragonstorm lit up his horn and acted as a light source again. Everyone was grateful for that.

“Thank you,” Rarity said.

“Not a problem, Ms. Rarity,” Dragonstorm replied.

The others followed on. Two feelings made themselves obnoxiously know-Fear and Victory. The fear that they could fail and the Victory that they had overcome all their obstacles.

“I want to know what we do when we get the elements?” Twilight said.

“I wish I had an answer for you,” White Orchid said.

They soon reached a stairwell which curved upwards. Shadow Prowler was on edge. Dragonstorm asked him why.

“The fact that the stairs spiral upwards and there is no way to see above or below, because of how narrow they are and the fact that they have a low ceiling to prevent the use of wings to those who are professional fliers,” he said. “The perfect destruction zone for Nightmare Moon.”

“Your right, but we have no choice,” Dangersignal groaned, the pain from his encounter with the rogue bolt washing over him.

Aquatis Storm gave him some more pain relief medicine and acted as a brace to his friend. The others began to see that while they took Shadow Prowler’s viewpoint, they realized that they had no other option. They had failure, but that would result in things that weren’t pretty.

“Let’s not consider failure right now!” Dragonstorm said.

“Right, onwards to victory!” everyone cheered.

The group made their way to the stairs, with Twilight taking the lead this time, to give the Alicorn a break. Dangersignal leaned against the wall for support and was on the tail end. He was slower than the others, but he knew that all he would have to fight off Nightmare Moon was his mouth, which always got him in trouble.

“Better not to say anything at all and take in the slander,” he thought.

The group reached the place where the elements were waiting. Eighteen stone orbs were laid about the room. The unicorns moved them into place and Twilight tried to conjure the elements, but that was rudely interrupted.

Nightmare Moon appeared and levitated Twilight away from the elements and after tossing the unicorn towards the stairs, only to be caught by Darkseige, Nightmare Moon walked over to the elements and reared up. She brought her front legs down and the elements smashed to bits before the group.

“NO!” Twilight thought.

“Admit defeat?” Nightmare Moon sneered.

Twilight didn’t know what to think. She stood with her mouth a gap in defeated horror. She wanted to say it was all over, but a bandaged body appeared in front of her.

“We’ll never give in!” Dangersignal snapped. “Quitting is only for those who haven’t the stamina to go on!”

“My, my,” Nightmare Moon sneered again. “Such brave words from a broken guard.”

“Broken?” Dangersignal sneered at her. “I’m not broken, only hiding one thing from you-your demise!”

Nightmare Moon hissed and lunged. Dangersignal side stepped and gave a sharp blow to the back of Nightmare Moon’s neck, sending her crashing to the ground and sliding along to the door where the stairs were.

“Dirty tricks won’t save you this time!” Nightmare Moon hissed. Dangersignal rolled his eyes.

“Quit hissing, your not a snake,” he cheeked off. “Oh, wait, you are!”

Nightmare Moon was about to charge when a blinding light filled the room. When it disappeared, there stood the eighteen ponies with the broken bits of the elements floating around them. Twilight smirked at Nightmare Moon, who was standing with her mouth hanging opened. A look of disbelieving shocked horror had taken all control of her face.

“As Dangersignal would say-Checkmate!” Twilight said.

Just then, there came an orb, with a giant star in the middle of it. Every pony closed their eyes and the broken shards encircling each pony disappeared in a bright light. When the light disappeared, the group was surrounded in a white aura and a rainbow appeared. It twirled around for several seconds before it made a straight line for Nightmare Moon.

“YOU CAN’T BEAT ME!!!! I’M PERFECT!” she shrieked.

The rainbow ignored her and continued to wrap around her until it turned into a funnel. The funnel swirled about for a further twenty minutes before everything disappeared into a bright flash of light and a resounding “BANG!” then darkness swept over everybody.

“Ugh. Any pony get the number of that apple pie?” Dangersignal slurred out, trying to stir himself to full awakeness.

He glanced down to see the others all blacked out. He was surprised to be the first riser, but he thought of the usage of the Elements of Harmony and then it came to him. Exhausted from first time use. However, he didn’t seem to be that tired out by the use.

“Maybe I have impeccable training skills?” he mused as he rubbed the back of his head and felt something.

Using his hoof, he carefully moved a strand of hair to his eyes and they showed a look of pleasant surprise.

“A mane, Golden Ochre in color,” he said.

He then glanced back to see a tail in the matching color. He smiled then noticed that his neck felt funny, as if something was dangling off it. He glanced down and saw a pendant, in the shape of his cutie mark.

“Well, that’s a change,” he said.

He then felt something tight on his wings. Using his magic, he carefully undid the bandages and flexed his wings. They were in working order and the wounds he sustained had healed, meaning he was back in service.

“HA! HA! I feel like a new pony indeed!” he mentally cheered.

“Ugh. Hhhnnn.”

Slowly the others came to and groaned. Dangersignal helped them up and acted as a brace while each pony gathered their bearings. He couldn’t help but chuckle when he came to Battery Sergeant Major Shaydefire, who was last on the list.

“I didn’t know a necklace were so befitting of a Battery Sergeant Major Thestral, who’s male,” he said.

“You must be joking,” Shaydefire huffed. “I am not wearing a necklace!”

“Look, come here, see this old mirror?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, I see…what?!”

“You are indeed wearing a necklace, sir Thestral,” Rainbow Dash teased.

Shaydefire went as red as an apple and said nothing more. Every pony looked in the mirror and noticed that they each wore a necklace, with the exceptions of Dangersignal, Dragonstorm, White Orchid, Aquatis Storm and Hurricane; who all wore pendants around their necks.

“Erm, not to be rude, Dangersignal,” Rarity said. “But…”

“I have a mane, Golden Ochre in color, right?” he asked in a bored tone.

“Yes,” she said. “You know, having a mane is really befitting of a fine stallion like you.”

“Also, your wounds are gone and you look to be in working order,” Aquatis Storm stated.

“Your right there, and I intend to stay in working order for at least another four hundred thousand years!” Dangersignal said.

“Don’t we all?” Twilight teased.

Dangersignal didn’t respond, but turned and hot hoofed it over to where a light shaded dark blue Alicorn lay in the midst of the armor of Nightmare Moon. The armor slowly, but steadily rusted away to dust, since it had no pony to bond to. Dangersignal, instead of walking the light shaded dark blue Alicorn through the armor, he levitated her over to him. She opened her eyes and glanced at him.

“Dangersignal?” she asked.

He nodded. She jumped up, burying her face in his neck, much like how his brother did when they were told their parents had been killed. She cried in his fur coat, while he comforted her and held her comfortably.

“Princess Luna, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you from the ill harm that befell you and turned you into Nightmare Moon,” he said. “I feel guilty for letting that happen.”

“It’s okay,” she said. “I still look at you as an older brother, who’s always there for any pony who needs them. I am humbly grateful to you for that.”

He sighed, then glanced at the pendant. He closed his eyes and was going to take it off, when Luna stopped him. He looked at her.

“I am not worthy enough to be an Element of Harmony,” he said. “I failed you as a guard, I failed myself as your friend, I let down the Royal Guard and to top it off, I failed Celestia, as her subject. This was and is my only real success. Four failures in a row speaks loudly.”

Luna hugged him and began to cry again. She was deeply upset by what he was saying. After a few more minutes of sobbing, she glanced at the dark red Alicorn and smiled.

“I want to ask you a question, my loyal friend-the failures you listed. Are they really failures, or are they steps to improving yourself?” she said.

“I consider them failures, but I know that you consider them steps to improving myself,” he said. “But I have to ask-how can you have such faith in me?”

“Because I never doubted you for a minute,” she said. “For all your faults; you are a gentle, sweet, caring, happy, trustworthy, honorable and smart pony, who’s always willing to see the best in the worst situations. You saw that the outcome of this battle would return me and it did.”

He smiled. For the first time in years, he smiled a self satisfactory smile that proved Luna’s point. He then looked down at the pendant.

“Maybe I am an Element of Harmony because my friends can bring out the best in me,” he said. “I’ll give it a go. Hopefully, I can find the best in any bad situation, despite how stacked the deck is.”

“Exactly,” Luna replied.

The others watched the two talk some more, but something became readily apparent. Celestia wasn’t there. The Sun Princess wanted to make amends with Luna and she wasn’t there. Dangersignal looked over at Luna.

“Tell you what, why don’t we go back to my place and I’ll prepare dinner,” he said. “On me.”

They agreed and Dragonstorm used a teleportation flame spell and the group appeared in Dangersignal and Dragonstorm’s house. Once inside, Dragonstorm showed the guests the bathrooms and to the guests rooms, where they could rest and even unwind.

Dangersignal was in the kitchen and was slicing tomatoes for hay bacon, lettuce, tomato sandwiches, spaghetti, soup (Split pea and vegetable noodle), salad and several different drinks. He was feeling sore with Celestia, who had promised to come and repair bridges with Luna. To him, a promise is a promise and must be honored.

“I’m going to let her have a piece of my mind!” he thought as he finished preparing dinner.

Getting it laid out, he could see a white Alicorn coming towards the house. He knew who it was and opened the door. She stopped a few steps short of the door and bowed her head.

“Sorry for the delay,” she said. “I had sent Courier here with a message saying I had been called away.”

“At least you arrived,” he said bluntly. “And at least your willing to make things right. I’m sure you remember what I told you? That you’ll be there for her?”

Celestia nodded in silent agreement. After a few minutes passed by, Dangersignal moved aside and let Celestia enter. Excusing himself, he went up and found Luna conversing with White Orchid about orchids. Being careful, he asked if he could borrow Luna for a few minutes.

“Certainly,” White Orchid said and Luna joined Dangersignal.

“Your sister is here to make things right,” he said once they left White Orchid.

Luna wanted to stay hidden, but Dangersignal placed a reassuring wing on her and told her that things would all work out in the end. She wanted to say he was wrong, but soon realized he was right.

Celestia looked at Luna, tears of happiness flooding her eyes. The two sisters galloped towards each other and embraced, which warmed Dangersignal. His brother soon came and the two watched, with Dangersignal placing a hoof over his brother’s neck and pulling him close.

“Being siblings may never be easy,” he said. “But it provides you a leg up.”

Celestia and Luna missed that, but they were pleased to be back with each other. That, of course, made everything all right in the end. The Summer Sun Celebration resumed four days later and after that, a private party was held, in celebration of Celestia and Luna reuniting.

Peace at last.

That's Not the Ticket

“My Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle,

I send you nineteen tickets for you and your friends to attend the Grand Galloping Gala. The date of the event is Sunday, The fifteenth day of March. The Gala starts at 9:00 pm and will end at 7:30 am.

Luna has agreed that you all deserve something special from all the trouble you went through. I agree with her. Please use these tickets. If a problem arises, then write me at once.

Sincerely

Princess Celestia”

“Well, that was nice of her,” White Orchid commented after Spike finished reading the letter.

“I agree,” Rarity said. “I can’t believe we actually got tickets! I must simply make every pony here new tuxedoes and dresses!”

“Woah, there,” Aquatis Storm said. “Your getting ahead of yourself. We need to synchronize calendars.”

“He’s right,” Darkseige said. “Also, we need to make sure every pony can attend. It’ll be an experience for one. Thestrals have never attended a celebration this fancy.”

What none of them knew was that Dangersignal was listening and feeling dejected. He was to work that day. Clearing skies, postal deliveries, banker duties from Ponyville to Canterlot, police patrols and station duties.

“Well, if they’re going to have fun, let them.” he thought.

He left them to their partying and went off to accept duties from the stallion on duty at Ponyville East Signalbox. Being an Alicorn certainly had its advantages, allowing him to fly to the landing instead of climbing the stairs and using his magic as well as his hooves to set the points and signals.

The signal stallion-Frame Lock, was one stallion who always left detailed instructions about which trains he passed into block and what trains were next to be passed through. He knew that Dangersignal could keep things moving.

The changeover was smooth and Dangersignal belled the appropriate code to the signal boxes in the front and rear of his box that control of box had changed hooves and was now being staffed by the signal stallion on duty.

Five minutes later, he got the bell code to let a fast goods barrel through. Dangersignal belled that the line was clear, as it was and accepted the fast goods. Ten minutes later, it blasted through and the tail lamps had hardly disappeared when there was a metallic snapping noise.

Something whizzed upwards and shattered a window. Dangersignal dodged and set all his signals to Danger and belled that there was a divided train in section, followed by Obstruction Danger, then he took off to see what had happened.

It wasn’t hard to see what had happened. A wagon’s coupling had strained itself and when the wagon behind the weakened coupling jolted across the points, it snatched at the coupling, finally breaking it and sending it flying into Dangersignal’s signalbox.

The Alicorn took charge and ordered flag stallions and mares to go a good ten miles up and down, holding red flags to all approaching trains. Only work trains would be allowed into the station. With both lines blocked, there was no way trains could get through.

Dangersignal flew back to his box and made calls to the signal boxes in the front and rear, letting them know of what happened and that until the mess was cleaned, all trains were to be held. Of course, the delays made things worse and the Station Mare was up in Dangersignal’s face about the delays.

“I can’t help that,” he told her calmly.

“Listen to me, Ali-corny,” she hissed. “You’re a perfect pony. Now make this perfect!”

Dangersignal sighed in defeat and went out to watch the rescue operation. While he had magic, it there was no magic strong enough to move a wagon at it’s load maximum. That irritated him as it meant he couldn’t live up to the perfection every pony demanded of him.

After he saw that the clean up was well under way, he returned to his box, where he called up to see if any trains had been belled through. The signal boxes in the front and rear told him that they hadn’t sent any trains through.

“Thank you,” he said and hung up.

The accident was cleaned up and the work ponies were now inspecting the track bed and making sure things were up to code. It was another six hours before the lines could be declared open and fit to run on. He sighed and called the signal boxes in the front and rear to let them know that the line was opened, then he started by accepting a passenger train on the express line and a goods on the slow line.

Back with the others, they were unaware of the predicament and had all synchronized their calendars to the day and made sure everything worked out well. That night, Dangersignal had handed the box over to signal mare by the name of Lockbar and headed off to the railway ponies hut to have a cup of herbal tea and sleep his worries away.

Time flew by and at long last, the great day came. Rarity had made tuxedoes for all the ponies and was now waiting for Dangersignal to collect his. It was half passed eleven in the morning and she was becoming rather impatient. The others were also become impatient and cross with the Alicorn.

“Maybe he’s busy today and just forgot,” White Orchid said. “I’ll deliver his tuxedo if he hasn’t collected it by 8:30 pm. Our train will be waiting, seeing as all the chariots are either busy or in for repairs.”

“Thank you,” Rarity said.

The others went about their daily routines, not noticing that a certain Alicorn of interest was busily shifting clouds about to create a drizzle. It seemed that every one of the Elements of the Harmony kept missing their fearless leader and he kept missing them.

At 8:30 pm, the group were on the platform, all in their best dress. White Orchid had delivered Dangersignal’s tuxedo to the Alicorn’s house, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He had joined them just as a slight breeze washed over them. Glancing at where the breeze came from, the others turned to see a forlorn Dangersignal accept the box from Frame Lock.

“Ah, he’s working, and…” Rarity began, but was cut off as the Alicorn dropped from view.

“Come on!” White Orchid cried. “He’s not doing well!”

They were going towards the box when the Station Mare cut them off.

“He’s fine!” she said. “Just lazing about!”

“NO!” Twilight shouted. “HE’S BLACKED OUT!”

“No, lazing about,” came the obstinate reply.

“Darkseige, Shaydefire, go to the box and check on him!” Dragonstorm ordered. “We’ll handle this poor excuse for a station staffer.”

The Thestrals took to the sky and dashed towards the box. At that moment, a fast express blasted out of the tunnel and roared through the station. The driver had been signaled through before Dangersignal’s collapse.

Shaydefire bucked in the door and Darkseige flew over to see Dangersignal laying on one side. He had bags under his eyes and was breathing slightly fast. The two Thestrals moved him to the couch and Shaydefire reported back to the group.

“He’s blacked out from exertion,” the Thestral said. “He’s in no fit state to go anywhere, except bed.”

The Station Mare snarled and made threats that were as idle as an oar out of water. Aquatis Storm went to the box to check on his friend. Frame Lock and Lockbar came up to take duties.

“Get him to his bed,” Lockbar said. “He needs down time.”

That seemed to be the most sensible and pleasing reason. It took the two Thestrals and Pegasus to move the heavy Alicorn. White Orchid and Hurricane had a cart prepared and once he was loaded into the cart, the others joined in, leaving the heavy hauling to White Orchid and Hurricane.

“Thank you for helping him,” Twilight said.

“No problem,” White Orchid said.

The group soon reached Dragonstorm and Dangersignal’s house and Dragonstorm let them in. Moving carefully, they got the blacked out Alicorn into the “Healing Room”-directly to the left of the front door. It was so named because either one of the Alicorns used it to heal up after spending time in the hospital.

Twilight watched and went off to find quill and parchment. Aquatis Storm told the others to wait in the front room. It seemed to be ages, but the two ponies returned to see the others.

“How is he?” Rarity asked.

“Overworked and the strain took it’s toll on him,” Aquatis Storm said. “I propose that we take it in turns to look after him. As for his jobs-postal duties, weather duties and railway duties, well, we’ll need some ponies to cover them.”

“I believe that the railway ponies he worked with could cover his jobs,” Amplitude said. “It’d be better than having a pony with no experience at the helm.”

*Ahem* Dragonstorm cleared his throat. “I work on the railway. I have experience.”

“Sorry, Dragonstorm, good catch. Now that we have that sorted out,” Aquatis Storm said. “Now, who wants to cover his postal duties? I’d recommend working in pairs for that.”

“Lae ta me,” Hurricane said. “I can dae it, wit’ the help o’ Sturrm Blast an’ possibly tae graund ponies.”

“I can spare myself,” Soundstar said.

“So can I,” Gemstone added.

“Right, now we need weather duties,” Aquatis Storm said.

“Leave that to me,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright, but you know that I’d like you to work with some pony else,” Aquatis Storm said. “I don’t want a repeat of Dangersignal.”

“Uhm…I can help,” Fluttershy said nervously.

“Please do,” Aquatis Storm said. “As for the rest of you, I’d like you to take it in turns to check on him. Twilight, can you stay here to admit whoever calls?”

“Certainly,” she said and the others left.

Twilight decided to check on Dangersignal, who was sleeping peacefully. Smiling, she gently shut the door and wrote her letter to Princess Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I must apologize for returning the tickets on such short notice. Dangersignal was going to miss out because of work and he completed the gang that defeated Nightmare Moon and brought back Princess Luna. He’s a good stallion, really, and deserves such good friends as me and the others, but if he can’t go, then it’s for the best that the tickets return.

I also learned something valuable in the way of friendship. That no matter how you feel on the inside about having friends, that there is always somepony there to tend to you. I could sense that when the others offered to take up his jobs (minus Dragonstorm, who has worked on the railway).

I also would like to make a proposal, seeing as you are my mentor-May I stay here and learn all there is about this “Friendship”. It seems that there is much here to be learned and much for me to desire in the way of knowledge.

I await your reply.

Twilight Sparkle.”

She then rolled the parchment up with the tickets inside and waited. Twenty minutes later, Amplitude appeared to check on Dangersignal. Twilight asked her if she could fetch Spike.

“Of course,” she said. “Sending a letter?”

“Yes,” she said and explained all.

“You really think things through,” Amplitude smiled and departed.

Half an hour later, she returned with Spike. The baby dragon grumbled dreadfully, but Amplitude gave him a prompt hoofsmack and pushed him into the living room. Twilight had him send the letter and then stay, in case the princess replied.

“Ugh, where am I? What’s going on?” a voice called out, just now waking up.

The two unicorns trotted towards the room, where Dangersignal was laying on his stomach, rubbing his eyes with his foreleg. He definitely looked like a real disaster, his mane spread every which way from Sunday and his eyes looking bloodshot. He yawned and groaned.

“Why do I feel like some pony just smashed me over the head with a trash cart?” he asked.

“You blacked out inside the signal box,” Twilight said.

“Are my jobs being covered?” he asked, concerned.

“Yes, the doctor told you to relax,” Amplitude said.

He lowered his head and closed his eyes, finally gaining the well earned rest he deserved. As for the Station mare, when Celestia and Luna found out about her rude treatment of Dangersignal, they urged the railway board to let her go and she now handles the rubbish carts. That shows you, doesn’t it? As for Twilight's request, Celestia granted it, on the grounds that Twilight sent a letter explaining her lesson on friendship after she learned it, or sent a letter stating that there wasn't any friendship lesson for that week.

Waxing a Boaster

Sun, singing birds, and fresh air from a new day was what the doctor ordered. Aquatis Storm was out, waiting for a delivery of medicine from Canterlot when he saw a caravan pull in and stop. His curiosity was piqued and so was the rest of Ponyville apparently. However, he saw that White Orchid, Soundstar, Amplitude, Hurricane, Storm Blast, the four Thestrals and Gemstone were not so keen on this guest.

“Oh, here comes trouble!” Shaydefire hissed.

“Don’t tell us…Trixie?” the others asked.

He nodded. The others groaned. Aquatis Storm joined them and asked them what was happening.

“Trixie, the voice of trouble in Canterlot became a traveling stage mare,” White Orchid explained. “Let’s just say, ever since she was a filly, she was a right terror. Always bragging in her magical powers and creating all sorts of problems and relying on somepony else to sort them out.”

“Best thing is to ignore her and keep your distance,” Gemstone added.

Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie showed up while the others were talking. They were intrigued by what they heard and were somewhat curious as to why a large group of ponies hated Trixie. As they trotted over to the group, Dragonstorm flew in after finishing his morning mail route.

“Oh, the “Great and Powerful” Trixie is here,” the Alicorn huffed. “that one trick pony is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. She’s gifted with magic, much like Twilight, but she doesn’t use it to sort any problem out and leaves it for others. I have experience having to sort out her messes.”

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes!” Dragonstorm snapped. “She once summoned a group of large spiders that she had somehow made magic proof and that meant I had to go and create fire the old fashion way and smoke them out of Canterlot and I lead them to the Frigid North, where they froze solid and were shattered by a snowflake.”

“Why’d you lead them?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Let’s just say these spiders had a taste for Alicorns and were planning to go for Celestia, which forced my hand too soon,” he growled. “Trixie then tried to pin the whole fiasco on me! Thankfully, Celestia understood and she basically told Trixie that she’d better be gone within 125 hours and put me on clean up duty. Take a wild guess as to what the clean up duty was.”

“Cleaning up spider webs?” Rarity asked.

“Cleaning up spider webs, freeing ponies that the spiders intended to snack on, rebuild a good 9/10ths of Canterlot, tending to the injured and rescuing those trapped in the destroyed buildings,” Dragonstorm spat. “She never learns her lessons and wants to always get even with those who fixed her mess. She also steals the credit of those who fixed her mess.”

The others were now paler than a bed sheet. Rarity noticed that the Alicorn wanted to blow a blood vessel and promptly wring Trixie’s neck. The unicorn lead the stallion Alicorn to a local restaurant, where she told him to order a strong herbal tea. However, that plan was wrecked when they heard a voice.

“Ah, the Great and Powerful Trixie sees somepony she despises,” it said.

“Just ignore her,” White Orchid said.

However, Trixie teleported in front of them and placed a hoof on Dragonstorm’s chest. She gave him a dirty and malicious grin as she forced him towards the stage. He glared at her and locked his hooves hard, causing her to slip and slide while she tried to push him.

“Trixie, don’t even try to get me on that stage,” he told her darkly. “After your escapade in Canterlot, I’m surprised you haven’t been jailed yet.”

“I have changed, young stallion,” she said, tauntingly. “That is, if your man enough to face me.”

Dragonstorm looked down at her. She looked up at him and grinned again, this time trying to pour on the charm. He lowered his eye lids and curled his upper lip.

“I despise you,” he said. “You’re nothing but trouble.”

She glared at him, but he sidestepped and lead his group of friends to the restaurant, where he had them order lunch and he paid for it. As they ate, he gave more information on Trixie, including the fact that she also has something against Twilight and that something is that Twilight was selected to be a student under Celestia’s own Tutelage.

The others were confused as to why Trixie would hate Twilight because of that, but Dragonstorm explained.

“Twilight’s always had better control of her magical powers and showed a greater use of it and that was what attracted Celestia’s attention while our little Element of Magic attended “Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns”. Dangersignal ended up being Twilight’s teacher for some spells while Celestia had to attend to some very important meetings.”

“Oh,” Twilight said. “I didn’t know Celestia would let anypony else teach me.”

“Well, the “going to an important meeting” was an excuse. She wanted him to teach you a simple spell that he used quite often, which would allow the caster recount an entire conversation complete with voices and their pauses, without straining the vocal chords,” Dragonstorm explained.

“Oh, that sounds like a fun spell,” Rarity said.

“It is, since it helps if said pony tries to reword what they said, you can have a full account, with what they actually said,” Dragonstorm said. “It’s helped us catch many criminals, as well as weed out conspirators and corrupted guards.”

“Wow!” everyone else said.

“Yes, but remember, I am not bragging about my brother’s accomplishments, I am merely telling you things he wouldn’t tell you for fear that he’d come off as a braggart,” Dragonstorm said. “He’s too modest and will say things like: “It’s nothing”, “No trouble at all”, “My pleasure”, and so on down the list.”

“Seems like a good guy, really,” Twilight said.

“He is, especially since we’ve been saddled with a secret, but I see Trixie approaching,” the Alicorn said.

Everyone turned to face her and glare, as the wizard hat and cloak wearing unicorn came up to them. She was furious that Dragonstorm ignored her and refused to take the stage and make a monkey out of himself. It became apparent that his biting comment about despising her hadn’t sunk in.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands that you come on stage, you poor excuse of an Alicorn!” she snapped.

“Listen, sweetheart, your in no position to make demands,” Dragonstorm said. “The last time you tried that, you almost got Celestia eaten by spiders.”

“That was a mistake that any useless pony, such as yourself could make,” Trixie sneered.

Dragonstorm didn’t even bother with a response. Instead, he continued to talk with his friends. Trixie was now livid and ready to fire off when a voice spoke up behind her.

“Trixie, be a doll and do us a favor. Put an egg in your hoof boot and beat it!”

She wheeled to see Dangersignal standing behind her, with Big Mac, Soarin and Spitfire. The four of them were going to join the others for a game of poker and didn’t want to be bothered by this sad clown.

“I’ll get your poor excuse of an Alicorn brother on stage,” Trixie snarled. “Then we’ll see who’s great!”

Dangersignal shook his head and raised a hoof.

“I said beat it!” he snarled. “Or would you like me to propel you?”

Trixie snarled again left them alone. The larger Alicorn stallion looked as his large group and smiled politely. Big Mac and Soarin looked at each other and chuckled.

“He’s definitely a stallion worthy of a large group of friends,” Big Mac whispered to Soarin.

“He is, indeed,” Soarin whispered in reply.

Dangersignal pulled out three decks of cards, all with the same markings and shuffled the decks together after pulling out the jokers. He asked if any pony had a preference in what card game they played. It was universal-Five Card Stud, Deuces Wild.

“Right then,” Dangersignal said. “Let’s get started.”

They played for three hours, with Rainbow Dash winning most of the hands and chuckling. Dangersignal looked up at her while he dealt out the final hand.

“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid,” Dangersignal chuckled.

Rainbow Dash gave a mock pout and the game resumed. This time, Soarin won and was promised a fresh apple pie. Dangersignal then promised everyone dinner, seeing as he had a successful haul in terms of profit and was willing to treat them nicely. Trixie watched them and decided to try and show them up.

“I’ll get back at them tomorrow,” she huffed.

That night, the group slept soundly and when the morning came, trouble came a-callin’. Trixie was back and this time stirring up more trouble than a rainstorm made mud. Luckily, every pony in the Elements of Harmony group had their jobs to tend to and it made Trixie’s job more difficult.

Dangersignal was on registered parcel delivery, Dragonstorm was on shunting duties in Ponyville Junction Goods Yard, White Orchid was to catch a train to Canterlot to pick up a load of Dendrobium Amabile, Rarity was waiting on a special shipment of fabrics and gems from a town called Aberhoofi and the others were busy with other chores.

Trixie was not exactly happy with her prospects. The two Alicorns were proving more difficult to catch than a bee loaded with nectar. It became clear that they were avoiding her, so she went back to performing, and bragging about being able to banish an Ursa Major.

Twilight could hear her boasting about that and roping the audience in, including two rather stupid looking stallion foals. It seemed that they were absolutely taken with how brave she was. However, if the others hadn’t been taken by her incessant boasting, they would have realized she was putting on an act.

“I smell it ending in tears,” came a grunt from alongside her.

Storm Blast had finished his morning’s weather duties and was now as free as a canary. Twilight looked at him and decided to pop a question that had been plaguing her for some time.

“Storm Blast, seeing as we are friends, be honest with me-do you see me becoming Trixie at all?” she asked.

He shook his head and grinned at her.

“Nah, I see you taking up being a new princess, but that’s just my eyes telling my brain what they see in you,” he said.

Twilight giggled and gave him a light shove. He smiled and bowed like a gentleman. It became apparent that Princess Celestia hadn’t made any mistakes in choosing the ponies that Twilight now hung out with.

As for the others, they were busy with their tasks and managed to get together for a fancy dinner at Canterlot’s well hidden Restaurant-The Golden Needle. According to White Orchid and Dragonstorm, the restaurant had the best meals any pony could ever eat.

“Their “Chocolate and Cream Coconut Stuffed Pastries” are simply to die for,” Dragonstorm said. “Also, their Slow Roasted Vegetable stew and Slow Grilled Apple and Pineapple soup is rather delicious. I found the place during one night, when a train was due to take down to Ponyville was held up due to severe weather conditions and several hotboxes.”

“Okay, I have to ask you this,” Twilight said, looking at the younger Alicorn. “How many ponies do you know? How many ponies know you and how do you know all these places?”

“To answer your first question, I know tons of ponies and tons of ponies know me from my time in the Royal Guard and I know all these hidden gems because I often went out while my brother handled the castle guard,” Dragonstorm said. “If the Grand Galloping Gala was going on, I stayed to help him out.”

“Oh,” was all anyone of the group could say.

“Yeah,” Dragonstorm said. “In my former line of work, you met all kinds of ponies-Assassins, Lawyers, Detectives, Cops, Chefs, Loonies, Nurses, Doctors, House Call Surgeons, House Call Doctors, Changelings, Vamponies, Bat Ponies, Celebrities, you name it, me and my brother have dealt with them.”

As he listed his accomplishments, Trixie continued to boast and not show any remorse. He started to feel sorry for her and after excusing himself from the group, he made his way to the stage, to watch. Of course, Trixie saw him and he followed her on stage and grinned inwardly. He was going to show her the power of boasting in what you have done, versus what you haven’t done.

“My dear Trixie, it is an honor to be here on stage,” Dragonstorm said. “But I needn’t sweet talk. My fine improvisational skills shall do the speaking for me.”

With that, he stood stiff and gave a hearty jolt forward, as if lunging at an invisible loony. Trixie seemed slightly bemused, but the group of friends were watching with awe. As if on cue, Dragonstorm changed his lunge into a slide as if to catch a falling infant.

Trixie began to glare as he upstaged her more and more, but he continued until he dislocated his front left shoulder. Aquatis Storm took to tending to him and Trixie came to face him.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to know why you did that?” she snapped.

“Simple, I boasted in what I could do and followed it up with my actions, letting people see that I don’t make empty boasts,” he said. “I was an Improv theatre student for years and that was the one thing I was taught, rather painfully I might add.”

Trixie looked at him, and at the group, who were ready to throw things at her and make a mess. Dragonstorm said that if any pony threw anything, he’d have them booked for disturbing the peace so fast that they wouldn’t have their head on their body when they landed in a cell.

“Trixie fell into the usual trap of any traveling performer,” he said. “She boasted in what she couldn’t do, in hopes that it would make her feel better about herself. This isn’t true. If you boast in what you do, then people will like you better than if you boast in things you don’t do at all.”

Twilight was in awe and Dragonstorm lead Trixie off the stage and over to the café to treat her to lunch and give her some tips. Her persona off the stage was different-she seemed to be apprehensive and scared. Dragonstorm laid a reassuring wing over her and told her that no matter what, he’d be there for her and that he enjoyed her shows and the work she did.

Later, in the library, Twilight asked Dragonstorm to take a letter, as Spike was busy dealing with some books that other ponies had returned. He had to reshelf them and log them into the roster that Twilight kept in the back cabinet.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I learned some rather interesting things today from Dragonstorm. He said to a traveling performer named Trixie that if she boasts in her accomplishments, then ponies will like her for who she really is. He was also of the mind that if some pony doesn’t like you for boasting in what you do, then they do not matter.

He also showed that he cared for her and saved her from embarrassment. He showed her how to boast in her accomplishments and back it up with actions that follow the boast. He showed her that he has no problems befriending any pony who shows their true selves. He also showed that if you accept yourself first and foremost, then you can accept others.

His lesson to me, which I report will be in shorter terms-accept yourself, boast in your accomplishments and show others that you care. Some things I never thought would be used to judge the quality of friends.

Your faithful student

Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike was soon free to send the letter off and then the group split up. Dragonstorm went to his house, where Princess Luna was waiting. She was slightly afraid of being accepted by the others, but he comforted her and treated her just like the little sister he never had: laughing and joking around. As for the next plan, that is another story.

Author's Note

The line-Here's lookin at you, kid is a famous Humphrey Bogart Line that he said to Lauren Bacall while they played Poker and was a last minute add in, in the movie "Casablanca".

That line has since gone into and out of popular usage, so it's only fitting that a former Royal Guard would use it, as he is older than Rainbow Dash, in much the same way that Bogart was older than Bacall.

Yes, I love Casablanca and any references made to that movie always brighten my day.

Ghosts of Times Gone By

Author's Note

Yes, I know that I can get depressing, but I assure you that happier times are ahead. I always find writing the "facing the demons of the past" easier to write first, then the happy times had by all following onwards.

Also, I draw inspiration from something called the real world, and the runaway train slamming into a passenger train was something rather common, but made famous by John Axon, who fought to control a runaway goods train.. Drivers being late and being real hardnosed are also a thing.

Also, if any of my characters seem to forgiving, that's because they are loosely based on me, and I was way to forgiving when I was younger and occasionally, I still have bouts of being overly forgiving. To me, a perfect character is what the character faces on the inside, and not their outer appearance.

Ghosts of Times Gone By

One thing that plagued Twilight and the others was Dangersignal and Dragonstorm’s behavior whenever any pony mentioned Ponyville North Platforms. They’d clam up and avoid the pony talking about it at any cost. Most ponies thought it was slightly strange, but said nothing about it.

Ponyville North Platforms had been closed for years, following a very tragic accident. Not every pony knew of this accident, nor understood it’s significance to the history of this quaint little town. If they knew, they would soon want to forget it and quickly.

One cold and rainy July night, Dangersignal and Dragonstorm finished the 9:45 pm Canterlot to Ponyville local train. However, the train was diverted into Ponyville North Platforms. Standing at Platform 3 was an express passenger train, hauled by a GWR King class from someplace called the Human World.

The trains that now ran on the Equestrian Railway Network were all from the Human world. These trains also included goods wagons, which were rather uncommon in Equestria. In fact, all trains came from a place called the United Kingdom. Unlike the newest wagons, these had mechanical brakes, meaning that a pony known as a shunter had to set the brakes on the wagon.

These kinds of wagons are often referred to as “unbraked” wagons and any pony not trained in handling them will be taken for a wild ride. Dragonstorm and Dangersignal had trained themselves to handle these types of wagons on trains weighing anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 tons, with some heading upwards of 9,000 tons.

Unbraked wagons have a distinctive chatter and as the two Alicorns looked at the King and it’s train in the closed down platforms, there came the distinctive unbraked wagon chatter. The way the wagons rocked and pitched over the joints told them that the train was out of control and it was weighing 8,457 tons.

The locomotive’s chatter was that of a Stanier 8F and Dragonstorm turned to see a goods train blast out of the tunnel portal. The brakes on the locomotive screamed in pain and horror. A station stallion waved a red flag and was screaming at the overrunning goods train to stop.

Dangersignal and Dragonstorm moved their train out of the platforms as quickly as they dared. As the last coach cleared the platforms, there came an earth shattering crash, followed by the sounds of a crackling fire and a violent explosion. Dangersignal turned around and stared at the flaming wreckage that was supposed to be two trains.

“I’m going to help!” he called to his brother, leaping off the footplate and making his way to the accident. “You move the train over to the Junction station and wait there until I return!”

Dragonstorm did just that and waited for the better part of eight minutes. Twilight and the others ran over to Dragonstorm, who was anxious. He was keeping one too many secrets and it seemed that time was not on their side. Luna and Celestia had come down from Canterlot after Dragonstorm had helped Luna see more about her sister and how much they had in common.

However, this scene had brought them down and it was their turn to be concerned for their former guards. Normally, they never kept secrets, but this was something that needed to be addressed and quickly. Dragonstorm looked up, missing their eyes and saw his brother flying towards them, slightly pale.

“You okay?” Rainbow Dash asked after he landed.

“Fine,” he said.

Luna shook her head and looked at them. She glanced over at her sister and whispered in Dangersignal’s ear that they’d like to have a conversation, in the privacy of the two male Alicorns’ home. Dangersignal agreed and the group headed off home after they moved the coaches into a carriage shed and set the engine into a berth of the yard’s engine facility.

Once the door shut, Celestia turned to the two male Alicorns, who were fixing everyone a stiff cup of herbal tea. Whatever happened at Ponyville North Platforms had spooked them hard. Darkseige had some idea of what happened and was careful to broach the subject.

“It’s that time,” he said.

“Yes,” was all the two stallion Alicorns could say.

“It’s that time for what?” White Orchid asked.

“You all don’t know?” Darkseige said.

They nodded. Darkseige found a newspaper from many years gone by. Carrying it over, he flipped it onto the table, with the headline showing. Luna peered at the headline:

“Runaway Goods Plows into stopped passenger train, Killing all on board”

“Oh,” Luna said.

“Yes,” Dangersignal said.

“That accident must have been something hard to swallow, seeing all sorts of bodies, mangled wreckage and a roaring hot fire,” Celestia said at last.

“Well, the accident ripped two second cousins from us,” Dragonstorm added. “Now, this next thing is very sensitive. Will you keep this between us all?”

Everyone agreed, with Pinkie wanting to make it a Pinkie Promise, but White Orchid told her no. Before the topic could get out of hand, Rainbow Dash broke it up.

“What is this secret?” she asked.

“Well, our second cousin, Clear Path-A Batpony/vampire hybrid married a prince, named Solar Knightmare, a Unicorn. Our other second cousin, Dashing Clouds married a pony named Harmonious Bell,” Dragonstorm said. “Dangersignal also married and he had a kid-a batpony/vampire/Alicorn foal named Stanier Five. His wife’s name-Phantom, because of her snow white coat. Clear Path, Phantom and Dashing Clouds were pegasi from Cloudsdale.”

“Well, that’s hardly a secret,” Rarity said.

“The fact that his wife and our second cousins and their spouses were in the wreck, leaving Dangersignal to care for his son while keeping him hidden in the poor section of Canterlot, for fear that somepony would want to bring harm to him,” Dragonstorm said. “That’s one part of the secret. The other part is that Hurricane and Aquatis Storm are Clear Path and Dashing Clouds’s brothers.”

“Ouch,” Twilight said.

“Yes,” said Dragonstorm said. “We haven’t told you the honest truth because we didn’t know how far we could trust you all. If you want to break off relations, go ahead.”

Rarity decided to hug Dragonstorm while Fluttershy hugged Dangersignal. Twilight shook her head and said that it was okay, because they had their reasons. Rainbow Dash suggested that the son lives with his father and that the others could take it in turns to watch him.

“He’s seventeen and has enrolled in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns to learn all sorts of magic, but he takes night classes, and so that way he stays out of every ponies line of sight,” Dangersignal said. “He’s been hearing about you, but is afraid to travel for fear of having something done to him.”

Celestia promised to make arrangements for Stanier Five’s safe transport. Luna was still confused as to the fiery explosion that was heard and felt. Dangersignal looked down.

“The events of this accident are rather simple to follow, because no pony has to dive into any minds,” the large male Alicorn said.

“The driver of the 9:45 pm goods train was running twenty minutes late leaving the Crystal Empire with a heavy mixed train, behind a Stanier 8F #48170. The train consisted of six fish “bloater” vans, eight well wagons, six China Clay slurry tankers, twelve coal wagons, nine salt vans, four bogie bolster flatbeds of fresh cut lumber, two kerosene tankers, eleven single vent vans and a brake van.

The driver, an Earth Pony named Steam Pipe was known to be rather hard nosed and ignore all signals. I worked with him and we nearly slammed head on into a local passenger train, had a signal mare not set the points away from the train. I refused to work with him and after that he got a new firing pony named Clinker Bed, who was worse.

When they worked the train into Canterlot, they were now forty minutes behind and had to wait while a load of six CCT Vans full of mail were shunted onto the tail of the train. The driver didn’t even wait for the guard’s flag and once the wagons were connected to the train, he opened the regulator and the train fired off.

Now, during the day, there had been excursion trains running all day and one was running from the Crystal Empire. It was full of families who had never been outside of that particular Empire. It was a way for them to see more of Equestria. This particular train had stopped to allow the travelers to taste the local places-Sugar Cube Corner and the Hayburger.

It was 12:52 am when the goods train burst out of the tunnel, over running all the signals set against it. The signal mare tried to divert the train away from the passenger train, but it was too late. Hot coals spread all over the wreckage and to add fuel to the flames, the two kerosene tankers ruptured and sprayed the flammable liquid over the burning coals.

It took about two days to put the fire out, but like the accident that claimed our parents, there were no survivors. Stanier Five was at school when the accident happened. i had to break it to the young kid that his mother was dead. I swear I must have no emotion, as I couldn’t bring myself to cry or even request time off.

He knew I loved him and that I had to work the wreck and emergency duties, even though I hated it with every passing moment. That stupid driver had to go and break every rule and over run the safe-guards. Even though we may not be of blood relations, I take your safety seriously and don’t want to lose you as I lost my wife, parents and sister. You mean a lot to me and I am grateful that you all are my friends.

This is a history I don’t care to think about and it’s an event that could have been a repeat of my own history, leaving my kid without a mother and father. While he’d have his uncle, my younger brother, I really wanted things to look up,” Dangersignal said.

Silence hung in the air. Luna looked at Celestia, who was ready to cry. She realized that her banishment of Luna was a light slap on the wrist compared to Dangersignal and Dragonstorm. To her, any pony who hated wreck and emergency duty shouldn’t have to be on that duty. Her nerves were telling her to not ask, but her curiosity was piqued.

“I’d like to know…Why’d you work on that particular duty if you hate it?” she asked.

“After being in the guard and spending most of my time removing dead bodies from any battle field, you get used to seeing death on a large scale and after a while, you believe that you’ve seen it all. When there’s a train wreck on this scale, and you see things that you never thought possible,” Dangersignal said. “I’ve learned to deal with it.”

The others just stared at him while Dragonstorm fixed everyone another cup of tea. However, they refused, as they couldn’t stomach that at all. He offered water and had that turned down too. He drank a cup of tea and suggested that they at least drink something and water wouldn’t make them sick. They finally conceded and he handed out water glasses. They drank in silence and looked at Dangersignal, who was feeling low.

He had done two things that were completely opposite of each other-he was and wasn’t there for his son. Rainbow Dash offered to stay with him, seeing as she had no other duties and Dangersignal had the next day off. Dragonstorm said that it’d be best to let them alone and that he’d like to have company to collect Stanier Five.

Dragonstorm pulled out a photograph. In it was a Batpony Alicorn, pitch black coat with red mane and tail. Male body structure with thin red stripes around his neck and his legs. Red eyes and a cheerful smile. Behind the young pony was Dangersignal and a Pegasus with a snow white coat, dark ice blue mane, light ice blue tail and blind in her left eye.

Celestia took one look and started to cry. Luna comforted her as best as she could, being the younger sibling. Dragonstorm helped as well, and they soon had her soothed. Rarity, Twilight, Aquatis Storm, White Orchid and Shaydefire offered to fetch Stanier Five and bring him down. Celestia agreed while she laid down and cried some more, this time crying into Dragonstorm’s chest, much like how he cried in his big brother’s chest years ago.

Sadness was there, laughing maniacally. The sadistic twerp was definitely enjoying seeing every pony suffer. Rainbow Dash and Dangersignal went into his room on the second floor. When the door shut, he began to cry. He was feeling lousy for having to hide so many secrets and VMH or Very Much Hurt. Rainbow Dash soothed him and let him rest. She smiled and kissed him upon the cheek and crept downstairs to see Celestia curled up with Luna, both sleeping peacefully.

Dragonstorm was laying on the couch, looking over the sleeping regal sisters with a contented smile. Rainbow Dash trotted upstairs and followed Luna and Celestia’s example.

Meanwhile on the train to Canterlot, Twilight was not sure what to think. Aquatis Storm told her that friendships often times have to cover the painful and downright wretched parts of life. She wanted to cheer up Dragonstorm and Dangersignal. To her, they were more than Alicorns, they were friends and good ones at that. While they weren’t exactly perfect, they at least knew their business.

“I hope this cheers them up,” Rarity said.

“It will, rest assured,” White Orchid said. “After all, they’re dealing with many ghosts and need some cheering up.”

A New Family at Last

Canterlot station was packed beyond belief. Twilight remembered when she left Canterlot Station to meet the ponies she now calls her friends and are the Elements of Harmony. The station was somewhat crowded when she left and she hadn’t realized that what she saw, with families reuniting, would soon be one part of her task as a good friend.

White Orchid managed to squeeze his companions onto the platform, then they made their way to the poor section of Canterlot and looked at the addresses until they found the one they needed. The door looked like a perfect imitation for Swiss Cheese. The windows were painted on the front of the house and the mat on the front of the door was completely frazzled and overly muddy.

“Wow,” Rarity said. “I feel sorry for Dangersignal’s son.”

White Orchid knocked on the door, only to have it collapse under his first knock. The others were starting to feel sorry for Dangersignal’s son and the choices that they had to make to keep him on the down low. Hopefully they can fix this and really make sure the son and father actually bond again.

“Who’s there?!” a voice demanded.

The voice sounded scared. Rarity walked into the dully lit room to see a seventeen year old batpony Alicorn. He looked exactly like the photograph Twilight had with her, the only exceptions being that he wore a fedora and a black blazer. His red eyes were wide with fear.

Rarity was the first to speak.

“You’re Stanier Five?” she asked.

He nodded, as if that would get rid of her.

“Darling, your father sent us to bring you down to him,” Rarity continued. “He would have come, but he’s broken up about having to do what he did to keep you safe. I’m a friend of his and my name’s Rarity. The stallion Earth Pony with me is White Orchid and the stallion Pegasus is Aquatis Storm. The mare Unicorn is Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia.”

Stanier Five stared. His father was sending “Friends” to take the youngster to his father. He tried to comprehend it all, but couldn’t. Rarity asked him if he needed to pack, and he said that he needed to get a suitcase, as he didn’t have many things to pack.

Twilight fetched a suitcase and Stanier Five packed his three replacement blazers and fedoras, all eight school books, fifteen notebooks, six ink bottles, twelve quills, seven sketch books and his family photographs. Twilight stared at the packed bag, as it was only half full.

“Don’t you have any more to get?” she asked. “This seems strangely light?”

Stanier Five rushed to his closet and pulled out a rather clean medium sized package box and shoved it in the suitcase. That finished filling up the suitcase. White Orchid tenderly loaded it onto his back, with Aquatis Storm and Twilight keeping an eye on it. Stanier Five walked alongside Rarity and asked all sorts of questions about his father.

Rarity answered them promptly and truthfully. Stanier was surprised to hear that his father was scared when it came to telling his friends if he had a family, and the reason was that he didn’t know how ponies would react to him. Rarity said that she’d be glad to befriend him just on one principle-Stanier Five reminded her of his father.

“I take after him to the letter?” Stanier asked, chuckling slightly.

“Not to the letter, but you do share some of his traits,” Rarity said. “You and he are both caring, have suffered great losses and have true friends to lean on in times of need.”

Stanier Five smiled weakly. Rarity paid for his ticket and they managed to catch the 5.15pm train to Appleloosa, calling at Ponyville Junction. Stanier Five’s ticket was a one way ticket to Ponyville, first class, while Rarity, Twilight, White Orchid and Aquatis Storm had first class round trip tickets.

The train jerked into motion just as Rarity shut the door after all were in the coach. Moving around carefully in the cramped compartment, White Orchid slid the suitcase on the floor and carefully tucked it under the seats and then sat down, with Aquatis storm joining him. Stanier Five, Twilight and Rarity sat on the opposite side of the coach and they talked about pleasant things.

The journey was slow, seeing as it was a slow train they caught. Had they caught an express, they would have had to wait six hours longer for another local train to Ponyville Junction. Since they wanted to spend the least amount of time healing wounds, the slower train was the only option they had, seeing as teleportation could easily break or lose Stanier Five’s suitcase. Besides, the train trip would give them time to fill in on all that had happened.

Instead of Rarity breaking any ground on family matters, Aquatis Storm did that, explaining that he and Hurricane were Clear Path and Dashing Clouds’s brothers, and second cousins to Dangersignal and Dragonstorm. Stanier Five felt happy knowing that Aquatis Storm wasn’t just a friend, but a member of family. Rarity smiled and after some more chatter, the train reached it’s intended destination.

The guard opened the carriage door and the five ponies popped onto the platform, with White Orchid handling the suitcase until they reached the exit of the railway station, where a cart was waiting. White Orchid lined himself up with the cart and allowed Aquatis Storm and Twilight to carefully load the suitcase into the cart.

White Orchid attached himself to the cart and the others climbed in. The residents were startled and some even panicked when they saw a batpony Alicorn, as they have never seen one before and thought he was a messenger of doom. Mayor Mare was not going to have some panic raiser in her town and made a real scene.

Having had enough of her lip, Aquatis Storm glared down at her and gave her a full tilt dirty look. Once she backed down, the group continued on, but many of the weather, railway, mail, and decent working ponies saw what had happened. That night, at the Stiff Signals Tavern, all the Ponyville Working Class Ponies were holding an indignation meeting.

“I don’t like this behavior,” Frame Lock snapped. “That Batpony Alicorn is Dangersignal’s kid, and he’s been away from home for a long time. This is the happy return he was expecting? Well, my dear friends, I have a proposal and here’s what we’ll do.”

Frame Lock laid her plan out and the others agreed to it.

“We’ll do it tomorrow!” they cheered.

The next day; there were no trains, no weather ponies did their jobs, mail was left undelivered and general duties were neglected. Every working pony was at the Tavern playing cards, throwing darts, reading books and slouching about. Mayor Mare flipped and she along with the town residents who were looking for jobs marched to the Tavern and demanded they go back to work.

“Sorry, but in case you didn’t get the memo, we’ve gone on strike,” Frame Lock smiled sweetly. “Your two faced behavior yesterday cemented this strike.”

“WHAT?!” Mayor Mare roared. “OUR BEHAVIOR?!”

“Yes, the way you treated that young Alicorn,” came the signal mare’s reply. “That was Dangersignal’s son. Dangersignal’s wife and that young Alicorn’s mother was killed in the infamous “Ponyville Northern Platforms” accident. Your promise was that you’d make him feel welcome and you went back on your word. Nice of you to do that, you poor excuse of an authoritative figure.”

Mayor Mare and the others were now stunned. They had made that promise, and made it as a Pinkie Promise no less. Now that they broke it, they were left feeling empty. At last, Mayor Mare asked how they could fix it.

“You can attempt an apology,” A Pegasus named Thunderlane snapped. “However, it probably won’t be accepted.”

As if matters couldn’t be made worse, Celestia arrived to see a full blown strike in action. She grinned to herself and passed Frame Lock a sly wink, then took off for Canterlot Castle. When the towns ponies finally collapsed under the fact that they were supposed to “Love and Tolerate” but failed to show that and that no pony in the right mind would move there, they agreed to apologize to him.

The day after the strike, all the working ponies were back in service and everything was moving. As for the town ponies, they apologized and said that they’d try to be a little more understanding. After all, they didn’t want another strike. Dragonstorm simply looked at Frame Lock when he accepted the box from her.

“Next time you decide to go on strike, make sure you do it when Celestia isn’t visiting,” he said.

“That’s okay. After all, we managed to sort out the problem with Stanier Five,” she said.

He rolled his eyes and continued on with belling stopping trains into the station and belling through trains through the station. As for the other Elements, they were making good progress in making friends with the Alicorn teen. He proved to Twilight that he was much more agile with his magic than most unicorns, but where he really accelerated was in mixed duties.

“Can you explain what you mean by “Mixed Traffic Duties”?” Pinkie asked.

“It means that I can do just about anything,” Stanier Five. “My Cutie Mark is a chalk white outline of a Stanier Class 5 or as humans called them “Black 5’s”. These engines earned the title of “Go anywhere, do anything” and often times did. Then again, there were 842 built between 1934 and 1951 and they were relatively successful, minus a few faults. I earned this Cutie Mark when it was found that I could do just about any job and go just about anywhere.”

“Really?” White Orchid said.

“Yes,” Stanier Five said. “I can do mail deliveries, rubbish collection, some weather duties *mainly rain and snow*, I do know some magic *mainly simple grab it spells with a few teleportation and offensive spells*, I’m skilled in music and can easily play a symphonic song from memory and speaking of memories, I had taken up a job as a detective, where I had trained myself to recite a seven hour long conversation between five ponies without missing a comma. That is a common thing amongst detectives in Canterlot, but down here, it’s considered freakish.”

“Well, that’s just down here, in the backwaters,” Darkseige said. “We could use someone like you on the force.”

“Thanks, but I have a slight confession to make,” Stanier said. “I’ve kind of become a free lance detective.”

“Really,” came a voice.

Stanier turned to see his father there, beaming. Stanier returned the grin and even gave a slight chuckle.

“Well, you don’t become a free lance detective without picking up a few tricks,” Stanier pointed out. “Blackmail, coercion, interrogation and even getting into fights which involve weapons. Trust me, roughing up scoundrels is fun and often times gets you information you need.”

“Does it bring bad news?” Applejack asked.

Before Stanier could answer, Dragonstorm barged in.

“Applejack, I bring you bad news.”

Solutions abound

Stanier Five smirked as their prisoner was loaded in a hidden cell. Once done, he walked over to a hidden “shanty”, where a large group of ponies waited.

“Right then lads, it's Hardball time.”

“Excellent,” said a voice from within the confines.

A large group of ponies stood up and stretched, before stepping out into the sunlight. One of the group was a large, armored Changeling. They watched from the shadows before taking up positions and even identities. The smaller Changelings took up the identities of Applejack, Amplitude and Fluttershy.

“Be careful,” Stanier warned. “These bull headed fools are going to try something.”

“Something?” asked one of the thestrals.

“Yes, Bladed Star,” Stanier replied.

“What sort of something?” another pony asked.

“Something criminal, my dear, dear Chickpea.”

“Smooth criminals,” came a sarcastic tone.

“Watch it Skyla. I know you and your partner in cheek are the royal daughters of Celestia and Sombra. I'd push you, but I've got too much respect for you.”

“True, but where's dad?”

“He's out there somewhere, banished by the other Sombra. I can try to find him, but I have a better feeling he's closer than we think,” Stanier pointed out.

They agreed and moved out. One of the Changelings took up the form of Applejack and made herself well known. The others hidden themselves well and watched from the shadows. It seemed to be forever, but soon, too soon for everyone's good, the bulls were back and aiming to cause more trouble.

“Well, there goes the farm.”

“Don't say that yet.”

“Zip it you two.”

Silence fell and they watched the bulls. They had axes and all sorts of fire starting equipment. It dawned on them that these characters were going to burn the city to the ground.

“Party time over.”

They rushed from the shadows and tackled the bulls. Soon, it became a full blown battle, everyone vying for control of the situation when a voice behind them growled out.....

“Just what is going on here?”

They blinked. A dark slate gray unicorn, with pitch black mane and ruby Cutie Mark stood there. To everyone there, he wore kingly regalia and stood tall.

“Just who are you, fatface?” one of the bulls demanded.

“King Sombra III, Ruler of the Crystal Empire, aide to the Royal Princesses of Equestria and head of the police in these lands,” the new comer said.

Of course, vulgar words were used. Sombra said nothing, but pointed to the sheriffs that were behind them.

“The sheriffs that reside here are ready to run you in for disturbing the peace, kidnapping, extortion, attempted vandalism with intent to commit harm....the list goes on. Want to add to it harming royal students and a prince and princess?” Sombra asked sweetly.

They charged at him and as if he was a straight out of a Power Ponies comic, handled them as though he was some kind of superhero. Once they were beaten and sitting, stars and canaries dancing around their heads, the sheriffs arrested them and placed them behind bars. After that was done, he was shown into where the leader was kept and after worming Chili Pepper's location out of him, he walked out.

“I need four fearless volunteers,” he said.

He got them in four out of the five Thestrals. The five disappeared and soon found what they were looking for and returned with a rather battered earth pony.

“They had him in a cavern hidden from view so they could make trouble and he wouldn't stand in their way,” Sombra said.

“I see,” Amplitude replied.

“I'll send a doctor as soon as I can,” Sombra replied.

They thanked him and headed out, catching the next train to Ponyville, where things would go even more wrong.

All's Fair in Love and Budgets

As the gang stepped off the train at Ponyville, a certain landmark was missing.

“Where's the library?!” Twilight cried.

The library was indeed gone. All that remained of it was a hole in the ground where it once stood.

“I don't like this,” Soundstar said.

Just then, a very unusual sight came hurrying towards them. A Changeling, looking flustered, angered and hurt.

“Woah there speedy,” Amplitude said, as Sombra III summoned a chair and the Changeling sat down. “What's got your rockets at full thrust?”

“Those....those....incompetent dunces called the “City Council”,” came the bitter reply. “Making a “Budget” and cutting all unnecessary expenses. The library was the major cut. It wasn't earning enough to pay it's way forward.”

Twilight slumped, ready to cry. What was, in essence, her new home, was now gone.

“We'll work something out,” Soundstar said, soothing Twilight.

“I've a spare room,” White Orchid offered. “It's kept ready for guests and the like.”

“That's kind,” Twilight muttered, feeling broken.

“This isn't the first time they've done this,” The Changeling huffed, starting to get wound up.

“You mean, they've pulled this in the past?” Aquatis Storm asked.

“Yes,” came the hiss. “It happened when ponies complained the Town Hall was falling apart and the “Council” voted to not spend the money to repair it, seeing it as an unnecessary expense.”

“I can see,” Sombra III said, glancing at the Town Hall as a wall caved in.

“There's nothing we can do to change their minds,” the Changeling muttered. “Any suggestions are seen as us making unwelcome ideas.”

“Oh,” Sombra III said. “That kind.”

To change the topic, Rarity asked if there was a place where their royal guest could rest. The Changeling raised a brow.

“No,” he said. “The owner set fire to his hotel, for an insurance payout.”

“Idiot,” Hurricane huffed. “Dinnae wurry, he can stay wit' me.”

Sombra III was grateful. The Changeling then departed, to catch the next train to Canterlot to tell the news to the Royal Archivers.

“Poor fellow,” Somerset said. “Having to report this whole thing to the council in Canterlot.”

“Agreed,” Dorset replied. “Who was that anyway?”

“Prince Thorax,” Dr. Aquatis Star replied. “The King of his Changeling Hive is King Smoke and the Queen is Queen Mirror.”

“Oh?” the others turned to the doctor. “What of this Queen Chrysalis character?”

“She's been dead for 350 years. She was tyrannical and her own hive overturned her and the two I mentioned took over and have been running the Hive in peace, even allowing their Changelings out in to the world to intermix,” he explained. “It's taught in Equestrian History 205. Anyone take that class?”

“Nope,” came the reply.

“Figured,” he replied. “Basics, she tried to host an attack while Luna was on the moon, trying to remove Celestia and take over. Her hive didn't like the idea and overthrew her, then had her burned at the stake.”

“Sounds like the appropriate punishment,” Sombra III said. “It's standard whenever there's a royal in charge who does things that do not please the common ponies.”

The others nodded, finally grasping at what was said. After agreeing to meet up for dinner, the group split off with the guests going with their respective hosts. As they split up, Thorax returned. He cursed under his breath and made his way to where Dragonstorm was sitting, sipping tea.

“Hello, Prince,” Dragonstorm said. “What's up?”

“I wanted to see Twilight,” he said. '

“About what?” the former guard asked.

“Her sleeping arrangements,” the Changeling Prince said.

“She's staying with White Orchid for the time being.” the former guard replied.

“That's good,” the Changeling prince said. “That reminds me, I must pick up some roses. Anyway, thank you for the information.”

The two bid farewell and parted ways. Dragonstorm hoped things wouldn't get worse. They did, as per the usual with “Budget” running ponies.

This time, they were planning to open up all sorts of new art museums and planning on cutting the school back even more.

“This is getting out of hoof!” Thorax huffed at dinner that night.

The group had been kept up to date on all the latest moves. If things got any worse, or these “Budget” cuts put essential businesses at risk, then a “Royal Vote of No Confidence” would be called.

The difference between a “Vote of No Confidence” and a Royal Vote of No Confidence” is in where the main vote is carried out. A “Vote of No Confidence” can be called by the ponies should there be no trust put between the residents and their elected officials.

A “Royal Vote of No Confidence” is where the royals in Canterlot get involved. If they see the elected officials doing things that are of a questionable nature, they step in and hold a vote to replace them with appointees until an election can be called.

Thorax had relayed that there might be a “Royal Vote of No Confidence” if these officials don't stop.

“Isn't that a bit extreme?” Twilight asked.

“Depends. Do you remember the “Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures” phrase?” Thorax quizzed.

“Never heard it,” Twilight replied.

Thorax explained, while everyone else ate in silence. Once he finished, Twilight said nothing and ate in silence. However, the embarrassment of being given a lesson showed in her reddened cheeks.

“Hey,” Dangersignal said. “We've all done embarrassing things.”

“Not knowing a common phrase?” Twilight asked.

“Yours is a bit lighter. Your brother hasn't forgotten when I set his wedding Tuxedo on fire,” Dangersignal told her. “Simply because he said he was “On Fire” when he struck a date with Cadence.”

“You set fire to Shining Armor's tux?” Rainbow asked, trying to clarify what she heard.

“Yes,” Dangersignal replied.

Everyone howled with laughter. Thorax, who managed to catch his breath asked what Shining Armor plans to do to get Dangersignal back for his stunt.

“Oh, he's waiting for me to sleep in the castle as a guest,” Dangersignal replied. “He's gonna do something, but I don't know what.”

“I hope you survive,” Thorax said.

“I survived foalsitting Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle,” Dangersignal said. “Considering Cadence managed to burn down the kitchen trying to bake cookies.”

Everyone was soon talking and laughing like old friends. Even Thorax was enjoying himself immensely. Once dinner was done, everyone went their separate ways, hoping the next day would be better. Boy they were wrong, when more “Budget” cuts came in and completely ruined the enjoyment from the previous day.

This time, all choir and band events were cut due to them “not being profitable enough”.

“Great!” Soundstar snarled.

“They can't be that greedy!” Thorax huffed, exasperated.

Knightstryke turned to see, to his horror, several places, including Sugar Cube Corner being shut down.

“Lads, I think we need Canterlot's interference,” he said. “They just shut down several businesses that are the livelihoods of many ponies.”

As they stood, a member of “council” came up.

“They aren't paying their way,” he said. “We can't have dead branches kill the tree.”

Dragonstorm sighed and made his way to the station to catch the next train to Canterlot. While the journey itself was uneventful, he certainly wasn't going to be diplomatic when it came time to let what was on his mind loose.

“This is going too far too fast,” he muttered.

Leaving the train, he made straight for the castle. The guards let him pass after he explained he was here to seek an interview with the princesses. Once inside, he looked around before spotting Luna, who was reading a book. She glimpsed up and smiled.

“It's been years, young Dragonstorm,” she replied. “However, you seem troubled. Pray, speak what's on your lips.”

Dragonstorm told her everything that was going on in Ponyville. Luna's expression turned to one of horror.

"I'll see what I can do, but I can not make promises,” she said.

He nodded and returned. As he stepped off the train, he found the group looking at a sign in the park.

“45 bits for a picnic?!” Aquatis Storm roared.

Dragonstorm looked at the sign. Indeed it had a picnic price and even prices for just strolling through the park.

“They'll fine anything,” he sighed.

A few minutes later, they made their way back to their new meeting place, Fluttershy's house on the edge of the Everfree. Once inside, Dragonstorm gave his report, which didn't help lighten the mood.

“That's dandy, just dandy,” Thorax huffed.

“They can't work miracles that fast,” Dangersignal said. “They still have to jump through hoops.”

Thorax simmered down, but they soon heard raised voiced and peeked out the window to see Celestia, with Canterlot Financiers, standing before the Ponyville Council and the financiers were waving papers in front of the council.

“You haven't been keeping up with production because of your cuts!” one barked. “Tourism here has been down!”

“Because it doesn't pay it's way!” came the retort.

“Our returns show the opposite!” the other nearly shrieked with rage.

An argument broke out, which Celestia quelled easily, then said plaintively, “I am putting these financiers in charge and they will report to Luna or Me directly, should you cross your boundaries.”

The Ponyville council groaned. Celestia gave them such a look. That shut them up and Celestia turned to look around, before finding the team in Fluttershy's house.

“Princess,” they group said, bowing.

“Please, stand,” she said. “No need to bow, as we are one in the same."

“I don't know what you mean,” Twilight said.

“Strip the title away and what am I at the end of the day?” she asked.

“A pony?” Thorax said.

“Exactly,” Celestia smiled. “Titles are simply labels.”

“Excuse me, Princess, but you don't normally pay visits to citizens,” White Orchid pointed out.

“I know, but I have come to say, things will sort themselves out,” Celestia said.

The group breathed a sigh of relief.

“When will these changes take effect?” Tintin asked.

“Wait and see,” replied Celestia sweetly.

Author's Note

Listen to this as you read this chapter. It'll help make the chapter understandable

Prologue-Ill Written Checks

Celestia paced in the conference room in Canterlot Castle in agitation, muttering under her breath. Things didn’t look too good for the main ruler of Equestria. She had to banish Discord, the overall Lord of Chaos; Tirek, the close minded; the overlord of all discontent in the Crystal Empire, Sombra, and her own sister who became a monster.

Right now, her mind was clouded with different thoughts and her heart was clogged up with different emotions-Anger, hurt, loss and so on down the list.

However, she was starting feel like there was no one for her to lean on. No relative or older sibling. As she continued her agitated pacing, there came a knock at the door.

“Come in!” she called, her mind too far lost in the sea of her thoughts.

Two Alicorns stepped in. One was the same exact height as Celestia, with a dark red coat, no mane, a fiery orange tail and the same dark red color for his eyes. His horn was the same length as Celestia’s. On his flank was a strange looking thing called a Semaphore Signal, set at a position called “Danger”.

He wore a dark tan trench coat and had a concerned look on his continence.

Standing beside him was another Alicorn. The same build as the dark red one, but roughly half the height of the dark red one. He had sea green eyes, bright red coat, fiery orange mane and tail. He wore a lime green pocket vest. On his flank was a sleeping dragon surrounded by a lime green flame aura.

“Dragonstorm and Dangersignal, thank you for appearing on such sort short notice,” she said. “I have summoned you because you two have experience in burning bridges.”

“Ah, you want to know what to do because you ended up making out some ill written checks,” Dangersignal said.

“Correct,” she said. “Normally, I know what to do, but in this situation, I am the one in need of advice.”

The two male Alicorns looked at each other. Their boss, the mainstay princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria was asking them, simple Plain Clothes Alicorn Guards for advice, then again, they had more experience in making ponies angry. Celestia read their faces and noticed that they were not best pleased at this prospect.

“Look, Princess, me and Dangersignal don’t mean to be sharp tongued, but this is your own doing. At the moment of banishing your little sister, you knew that it was right, in order to protect your loyal subjects,” Dragonstorm said. “We can’t fix your problem without the other pony involved being here.”

Celestia’s eyes widened, tears starting to trickle down her cheeks. She wanted to know how to fix her mistakes right now. The looks on Dangersignal and Dragonstorm’s faces told her that there was no immediate fix that they could supply her.

Dangersignal walked over to Celestia and let her cry on his shoulder. He comforted her in the same way he comforted his younger brother when they heard that their parents and baby sister were killed in a railway accident. Celestia could feel the warmth of his soothing growl, which told her that she could let her feelings flow.

Dragonstorm left to take up guard duties, while Dangersignal stayed with Celestia. He did all he could and was able to explain why he couldn’t instantly fix the problems between her and Luna.

“You mean, I have to ask for her forgiveness?” Celestia asked, as Dangersignal wiped a tear away from the Princess’s eye.

“Correct,” he said. “Also, you need to let her know that while the other ponies may not like her or like what she has to offer, that you’ll be there for her. If you want, I can tell you something.”

“Please,” Celestia whispered.

“Your sibling is your closest friend and ally,” the Alicorn said. “Meaning you have somepony to constantly lean on when things get rough.”

Celestia smiled and asked him about Discord, Tirek and Sombra. Dangersignal looked at her.

“Discord, I don’t know about; Tirek and Sombra, too far gone. There maybe a chance that Sombra may change, but I doubt it. He too has some ill written checks,” Dangersignal said. “Tirek has way too many ill written checks and there is just no hope.”

“Why do you say that you don’t know about Discord?” Celestia asked.

“Because he doesn’t have any ill written checks, or even ill intentions,” Dangersignal said. “At least that’s my impression upon first inspection. Nopony will know the truth unless we can have a simple chat. That’s what matters the most right now-the truth.”

“The truth,” Celestia repeated in a hurt whisper. She glanced at Dangersignal, who gave her a comforting smile and placed his wings gently around her head, and let her sink her face into his chest and cry.

“Your confused and it hurts,” he said. “I’ve been down that path before. Having somepony to lean on helps.”

Celestia thanked him and after he dried her tears, he looked at her and offered to stand guard outside her door or if she wanted to, he’d be willing to stay the night with her to make her feel like she had an anchor in the troubled seas of confusion. She said that she’d be fine and that he should return to his duties.

“Shining Armor’ll want to know what kept you longer than your brother,” she said. “I suggest…”

“I already have a line to give him, I was staying behind to help you catch up on backdated letters and acting as a stand in professor to Twilight Sparkle,” he said. “Of course she doesn’t know it’s me.”

Celestia grinned and thanked the guard, who turned after smiling and marched out. After carefully shutting the door, he smiled again and quick marched out to the grounds to take up his usual sky patrol. After all, Celestia wasn’t the only one with ill written checks waiting to be cashed.

The dark red Alicorn sighed and let his mind play back to something that he told Luna some time before she became Nightmare Moon.

“On my honor, Princess Luna, bringer of the night and rest, I shall see to it that you come to no ill harm.”

The words played over and over, each time the phrase repeated, a sharp knife, held by irony, stabbed into his conscious and his heart. The pain brought tears to his eyes. He promised to keep Luna from ill harm and yet, it befell her.

Some days later, Celestia called the two guards into her chambers, where she said that they had done admirably as guards and it was time for them to move beyond being guards. They agreed and after having their goods packed, they left for Ponyville and for the continuation of the books that each of them were writing-The books that followed their lives.

Author's Note

Having an "Ill Written Check" (A phrase I use a lot) means that you have good intentions in the moment, but when you try to make good on those intentions, you find that the person who you harmed or completely messed over isn't ready to forgive you.

Up the Creek and Safely Docked at Lady Luck's Harbor

“What bad news?!” Applejack demanded, turning to Dragonstorm.

“Your family in Canter Creek have been hassled by some roughs, who have decided to kidnap your Uncle Chili Pepper, steal all their food, blackmail his relations and destroy all he had done,” Dragonstorm said. “In fact, I can produce something here.”

Out of his mail saddle bag, he produced a letter. It had the appearance of being handled poorly and was covered in all sorts of dirt. The label was scrawled out in a hurry and barely legible. Stanier Five noticed something about it and took a closer look-no return label.

“Ah, traditional Blackmail letters,” he said and with some permission, he carefully extracted the letter via his magic-a blood red ethereal magic and unfolding it, read.

“Applejack,

If you want to see your Chili Pepper again, bring 40,000 bits to Canter Creek’s local tavern at midnight, two weeks from now.”

“Well, that’s something interesting,” Darkseige said, trying to control his anger.

Shaydefire saw something of interest in the letter and glancing at it, he saw something funny.

“Okay, they want 40,000 bits in two weeks,” he said. “Any Blackmailer with brains that could fill a teaspoon would give a date.”

“Not at all, my dear Thestral,” Stanier Five said. “These are instructions.”

“Instructions?” the others chorused.

“Yes,” Stanier Five said. “Blackmailers fall into two categories-Instruction givers and precision planners. In the former-they give instructions via unsigned letters and leave these letters in obvious places, where the pony they are blackmailing can see them and read them. In the latter, they have everything planned out to the detail-delivery locations, amounts, the day it’s due, everything. The precision planners know that they can’t push for more money, but the instruction givers always push for more money.”

“Something you read in detective fiction?” Twilight asked.

“Something I learned from at least 45 of my 842 clients,” Stanier Five said. “Many blackmailer types who always go for the instruction givers have a lust for money and are willing to rob their blackmail victim blind. From the context between the lines, these guys have already hit for low amounts and figure they could go for the big amount.”

“Any plans?” Shadow Prowler asked, an itch to fight hanging on every word he spoke.

“We’re going down, with the 40,000 bits that Applejack’s supposed to have and we’re going to play a game of “Back room interrogations”,” Stanier Five said. “The writing is a buffalo captain, who’s bent on carrying out every instruction.”

Every pony was amused by Stanier’s deductive skills. He galloped up to his room and returned with a bag. Inside was the 40,000 bits. Applejack looked at the Batpony Alicorn with a startled and scared eye. Stanier was smiling confidentially and gave her a reassuring pat on her head.

“Don’t you worry,” he told her. “We’ll get him back.”

On that cue, Dangersignal burst in. He had a bulky envelop in his ethereal magic and he was checking his list. Once all was done, he looked at the others.

“I have tickets for us all to catch the next train to Canter Creek,” he said. “When we get there, I can arrange for us to stay in a hotel.”

The others agreed and once all were ready, they trudged to the station, where a small four coach train waited for them. Dangersignal ushered them into the coaches, then made sure the driver knew that they were going straight to Canter Creek. The driver acknowledged the orders and once the Alicorn hopped into the front coach, the train left the station.

Dangersignal looked at Stanier Five and saw him explaining his plans to the others. He had to smile at his son, who had taken after him in the planning department. Dangersignal moved silently towards them, when Stanier Five looked up at him and grinned.

“Ah, pops, I have a job for you when these jokers come after us,” he said. “I want you to dig a pit to hold them. Make sure it’s at least fifteen feet deep, as I don’t want them climbing up. With magic and wings, you shouldn’t have any trouble. Also, cover it so it looks like no one disturbed the grounds.”

“Right,” Dangersignal said. “What’s the plan for the rest of you?”

“Simple,” he said. “We’re going to use Applejack as live bait, seeing as these clowns want to kidnap her next. She’s going to lure them to the pit and from there, I’ll levitate her over the pit while they crash into it. It’s planned out to the smallest detail.”

The others were treated to jam and apple tarts, tea and slow roasted hash browns by Dragonstorm and White Orchid. The journey was slow, so the former guards decided to play a game of Five Card Stud-Joker’s wild. The others chatted with Stanier Five about his schooling and backgrounds, which seemed to entertain them. One pony was having doubts and that pony was the resident Apple Farmer herself.

Soundstar, the unicorn musician, noticed that Applejack was preoccupied. Trotting over to her, Soundstar called her name and managed to get her attention.

“You okay?” she asked her friend.

“Not really,” came the reply. “I’m afraid that we may fail.”

“Applejack, do you remember my Element?” Soundstar asked.

“Believing,” Applejack said.

“Ever heard the phrase “The magic is believing”?” Soundstar asked.

“No,” the farmer said.

“Well, there are two kinds of magic here,” the musician said. “The magic that Earth ponies like you have and the magic that comes from believing that things will turn out for the best. The magic of believing is in every pony and my job as the Element of Believing is to make sure that every pony sees that in themselves.”

“Ah,” Applejack said.

“Do you see the magic of believing in you?” Soundstar asked.

“Yes,” she said. “I see it clearly, or as clearly as I can with these muddled thoughts.”

“Don’t worry,” Soundstar said, hugging her close friend. “This’ll sort itself out. Come on, lets talk a bit.”

The two began to chatter in a light hearted manner and even arranged to have lunch at the local café when this was all over. As they had a light laugh over some of their mistakes, the train drew to a halt. Stanier Five glanced out of the coach window, noticing a group of fifteen buffalo standing there.

“Guys, it’s time for a fight,” Stanier called out.

Every pony readied themselves and once the carriage doors swung open, the station became a free for all boxing ring. Blows landed left, right and center. Some of the buffalo tried to grab Applejack, but were stopped by ethereal magic from unicorns and Alicorns alike.

It was some time before the fighting stopped and the roughs left. However, the roughs forgot one thing: Their leader.

“Game, Set, Match,” Stanier Five thought.