The Great Crusade to Canterlot

The creaks from the rickety wagon were joined by the unsettling ambiance of the Everfree Forest. Rustlings along the pathway only punctuated the screeches and guttural yells from within the woods. The mysterious woodlands were known to function on their own without any assistance from the ponies of Equestria. Many believed the forest to be an evil place. It was crawling with Timberwolves and was home to a darkness that few dared to understand. Only a lone zebra made these woods her home. But even though she was harmless, her association with the Everfree Forest had tainted her good name to many Ponyville residents.

“I can barely see anything.” Chase squinted, trying to focus beyond the hazy light of the lantern held above him.

Fluttershy was flapping overhead, with the lamp clenched between her hooves. “If we keep following this path, it will lead us directly into the center of the forest. That’s where the bandits said their hideout was.” She gulped.

“How do you know these woods so well?” Chase continued crunching over the messy trail; if it could even be considered one. The only safe thing about the pathway was that it wasn’t completely overtaken by vines and dense brush like the rest of the creeping forest around them.

“I come in here a lot to check on the animals. Even if they aren’t my pets, I still care about them. It’s the best way for me to learn about nature.”

Pinkie’s eyes grew wide. “That vine! It just moved! The trees are alive!”

“No, that was a snake.” Fluttershy said calmly. “Vines don’t hiss and slither up trees.”

“Oh, right… Snake!” Pinkie shouted.

“Hey! What did I tell you about being quiet! We can’t let them know we brought another pony along.” Chase sighed. “Just make sure you’re behind the cart, Pinkie. When they spot us, we’ll need you to hide in the bushes or whatever cover is available. Follow us to the base and don’t do anything unless we’re in danger. You need to remain concealed at all times!”

Pinkie saluted. “Roger! They won’t even know I’m – another snake!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Nope, that’s actually a vine this time.” Fluttershy corrected once again. “A gust of wind brushed it against the tree.”

“Whoopsie! My bad.” Pinkie grinned and continued hopping along.

“We’re doomed…” Chase wrinkled his face in frustration.

Fluttershy alighted next to him and smiled. “We’ll be fine. We’ve come this far haven’t we?”

“Here’s hoping the bandits aren’t hiding in a vine-covered snake pit. Pinkie will be shouting for days!”

. . . . . .

A hollow piece of bamboo was filling to the brim from a constant trickle of water. Finally, the stalk overflowed and fell forward. The hollow thud of the bamboo against a rock caught the attentive ear of Big Mac. He twisted his head to the source of the disturbance.

Fuji guided the cup of tea to his lips and took a small sip. “There’s no need to worry, my big, red friend. Nothing more than the sound of a device used to scare off wild animals.”

“We’re just a little jumpy is all.” Granny sniffed the tea. “Ya got anything sweet to put in here? Tastes like hot water to me.”

“I suppose tea is more of an acquired taste here in Equestria. My Neighppon brethren all have a deep-rooted love for a fresh batch of tea.”

Fuji, Big Mac, and Granny Smith were sitting under the low roof of a shrine deep within the boundaries his orchard. The babbling creek next to them was often the only sound in between their bits of conversation. Mac was still trying to understand the fancy paper lanterns hanging from the edge of the roof. There were nothing like these in Ponyville. The streetlamps back home seemed like a much more practical structure for illumination, but Fuji had certainly done wonders carving a slice of his own heritage for the Apples to enjoy.

“I hope AJ’s okay.” Mac muttered.

“Not to worry! I wrote a letter to Canterlot days ago and informed them that I was willing to temporarily trade the protection of my orchard for yours. If they can’t guarantee a patrol for every route, I wanted to ensure y’all are at least safe.” Fuji snickered at his attempt to fit in. “With any luck, they already have a pegasus on watch over Sweet Apple Acres and her surrounding territory.” He swallowed another mouthful of the hot beverage. “Tomorrow we’ll leave for Ponyville and finalize the agreement between our businesses. My apologies for the delay. Ever since Canterlot reopened it’s done nothing but cause headaches for the train schedules.”

“It’ll be nice to sleep in my own bed again.” Granny Smith yawned. Her slender forelegs reached up to rub her eyes. “Though I am glad ya were able to give me an’ Mac a tour of your orchard. Y’all treated us like we were part of the family.”

“Granny Smith, any visitor to my home is considered a part of my family. My workers and I do the best to pledge comfort for guests. I look forward to the day when Applejack is able to visit me.” He grinned and rubbed a hoof against his chin. “I’m sure she’d feel right at home bucking trees alongside me.”

“Uh… yeah.” Granny rolled her eyes. “Ya’d really have your work cut out for ya. My granddaughter is mighty picky with who she bucks trees with! The Apples are a picky bunch in general. Get it? Picky! Like pickin’ an apple!” She cackled and slapped the ornamental stone next to her.

“You truly slay me, Granny Smith.” Fuji carefully raised the teacup to his mouth again. “You know, my grandfather always finished his business deals with clients at this shrine. He hated the noise of the city. Nights like these are just too peaceful to waste indoors.”

“That’s one thing we have in common. Right, Mac?”

“Eeeyup.” Mac raised an eyebrow at the sushi roll balanced on his hoof.

Fuji set the ceramic cup down. He used his wingtip to lift the lid from the teapot. “When the last drop of tea was finished the agreement was finalized. Of course now we have paperwork and such to set things in stone. Still, I prefer the traditional ways. You don’t get to know somepony until you sit down with them and share stories. I’m almost glad you were the only two ponies who ventured here for the contract.” He picked up the teapot and poured the remaining mouthful into his cup. “We’ve all had time to think and grow together. I feel confident in your abilities to help with my annual apple trade. Who knows? Maybe there is even more we can do for one another.”

“First thing’s first; we gotta get rid of the bandits,” Granny Smith reminded.

Fuji gulped down the hot brew and set his cup down one last time. “Indeed. That is why I will be personally escorting you back home. I’m sure Cracker and the gang will be nearby. They’re a messy lot, so finding them shouldn’t be a problem. My stallions will team up with the Royal Guard, and we’ll overturn every rock in Central Equestria if we have to!”

The empty bamboo stalk struck against the rock once again. With the tea finished, it was time for Fuji to prepare his bags for the train ride to Sweet Apple Acres.

. . . . . .

Chase froze in front of a sign that read Keep Out or Die. He tapped his hoof against the ground to alert Pinkie. “We’re here’s for a delivery.”

Fluttershy landed in front of Chase. She placed the lantern on the ground next to her. Two shadows entered into the flickering light. The shadows overtook the illuminated brush on the ground, until finally a duo of stallions appeared before them. They both raised a hoof and pointed at Fluttershy and Chase.

Nopony said a word.

Pinkie used this opportunity to sneakily creep behind a fallen tree further back.

“Your business.”

Chase stepped forward. “We’re here’s to sees the leader of the Mirage Gang, Cracker the Beastly. He’s expecting us.”

“Your names?”

“F-Flutter-” Fluttershy winced in pain. Chase’s back hoof was grinding against her leg.

“Speak up!”

“Butterfly Kisses.” Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. Good thing Chase was managing to keep a clear head.

“Foxface Craftypaws at your service.” Chase gently bucked the wagon. “Got the money from Sweet Apple Acres. Now quit holdin’ me up.” He stated in his best sultry bandit tone.

The stallions stepped aside and allowed the imposters access to their stronghold.

Chase attempted to swallow, but was forced to clear his throat instead. Every muscle in his body was tense. If I’m feeling this nervous, then Fluttershy must be close to a nervous breakdown. He turned a corner of his lips up into a smile. “You’s okay, hun? Lookin’ a little green around the gills’s.”

“Um, n-no, babe… I’m just a little… gassy from dinner!” Fluttershy marched forward into the heart of the hideout. Her Ponyville friends would never believe she was heading directly into an enemy stronghold with nothing more than a new persona and a lantern. Thankfully, she wasn’t actually gassy. That would have led to even more noise pollution from their pink lookout.

They both stopped and gawked at the naturally crafted base in front of their eyes.

There were more apples stockpiled here than Chase thought imaginable. Cartloads upon cartloads of every apple under Celestia’s sun were parked beyond the overgrown veil of tree branches covering the bandits’ base. Some carts were organized by the orchard they came from, while others seemed to be sorted by variety. Guards around the perimeter were keeping their watchful eyes on the stolen hoard. They knew they were sitting on a delicious goldmine.

Chase’s gaze left the apples and took in the ponies who were rolling carts from one hollowed out tree trunk to another. The bandits were still hard at work calculating where they would be shipping the goods, as well as how much stock each location would get. A fleet of empty carts read Las Pegasus. This was most likely the next stop for the illegal caravan.

Then Chase saw him.

“Is that…” Fluttershy pressed herself against Chase’s body and quivered.

The one-eyed beast noticed the new ponies and stood from his gnarled, wooden throne. He grabbed an apple from a very familiar looking wagon and chomped into the glistening fruit. His broad tongue licked the juices from the shaggy, brown fur covering his muzzle. Cracker belched and tossed the unwanted core behind him. “And what do we have here?” His voice rumbled within the chest of every pony present.

Easy, Chase. Don’t lose your cool. You owe this to Applejack. Chase grunted and detached the wagon from his back. “Boss, ya forgots already? The money from the Apples’s stand! I swiped it just like I promised.”

Cracker nodded slowly. His good eye narrowed. “I was starting to think you weren’t going to show up. Glad I was wrong.” He jumped onto his dirt-encrusted hooves and stomped toward Fluttershy. “And you’ve even brought a cute mare for me to add to the collection.”

“C-collection?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“When you’re as important as me, ya can have anything your heart desires!” Cracker slapped Chase aside and slung his leg around Fluttershy. “You and I are going to make a cute couple. Just us two under the lights of Las Pegasus!” He growled at Chase, who was rubbing his bruised head. “That’s for making me wait, peon.”

“Sorry, boss. Timing had to be just right. Didn’t want that Jackapple gal to get suspicious!” Chase bit his lip. His eyes were engaged with the trembling pegasus. “But now that you have your money-”

“The raid can begin! Listen up, fellas! ‘Cuz I’m only gonna say this once.” Cracker’s foul breath wafted into Fluttershy’s nose. Her dinner was close to un-digesting itself.

Pinkie was hanging upside-down from a tree limb, keeping a careful watch on her friends. “Jeez Louise! One smack from his hoof sent Chase fa-lyin’! This Crunchy dude must be one tough customer.”

“Tomorrow night we’re taking Sweet Apple Acres out of commission. This wagon here,” Cracker dragged Fluttershy back to the Apples’ wagon, “contains some of the best apples I’ve ever tasted. These’ll sell for a premium. And we know that our disruption to the trade routes have left a lot of orchards with unshipped cargo. Sweet Apple Acres is no exception.”

He’s not as dumb as I thought! Chase watched the burly bandit trot to his next destination.

“These empty carts here are bound for Las Pegasus. We’re gonna fill ‘em and ship ‘em asap. So we go to the storehouse-”

No! Too close to the house! Chase audibly cleared his throat and interrupted the speech. “Whoa’s now! That ain’t really your plan, is it?”

Cracker tensed the muscles in his foreleg and started to accidentally choke Fluttershy. “Excuse me?!”

“All I’m sayin’s is that there’s a whole lotta fresh apples still hanging on them trees. You want the best of the best for Las Pegasus, right? Simple. You got ponies that know how to buck?”

“Course I do!” Cracker motioned his head to the shanty town of tents further down the clearing. “We picked up some volunteers during our travels. They know their way around an orchard. At least they should; they were runnin’ ‘em!” He laughed uproariously.

Chase had to fight back the bile rising up his throat. He has ponies held captive? Oh, Celestia… “G-great! Send them in to buck and load up the wagons. I spent more than enough time learning them Apples’ schedules. That orchard will be yours by…” The guard pegasus… he flew over around midnight. “All yours by eleven thirty! You won’t have any interruptions either! Everypony’ll be sound asleep by then. And I can lead you to the biggest and best apple tree in the orchard. You wanna make some bits? You’ll be swimmin’ in coins!”

Cracker released his grip on Fluttershy. “You really did your homework… Alright, updated plan! We’ll take a few hours to buck the apples from the orchard. And we’ll block the roads to and from Sweet Apple Acres, with a few ponies scattered in the forest bordering Everfree just to be on the safe side. Most of the militia will remain here to guard the stockpile. Once we have the apples from Sweet Apple Acres we’re leaving for the west immediately! Understood?!” He barked.

Good. You’ll get caught red-hoofed, you monster! The Royal Guard’ll slice through these buffoons like a knife through a fresh muffin! “Sounds goods to me!”

“Tomorrow night, get your things and drop them off at the schoolhouse. The forest ain’t too thick there, so when we’re done, you and that gorgeous piece of flank can meet up with the carts leaving Ponyville. I’ll even leave some guards to keep an eye on your things.” Cracker licked his lips and stared into Fluttershy’s terrified eyes. “I’m a nice guy, so you can have one last night with your stallion. But after that, those kisses are all mine, Butterfly. ”

“Oh… yay?” Fluttershy’s nose twitched from his pungent breath. “That’s a great…” She trailed off.

“Eh? That’s a great what?”

“Great…” Fluttershy couldn’t find a single redeemable quality within this stallion. He was ugly, coldhearted, and deceitful. Not to mention he probably hadn’t touched soap or toothpaste since he was born. “That’s a great, big club you have! Such a strong stallion!”

Cracker nodded and tossed her aside. “Save the compliments for later, toots. We got work to do on our end.” He turned to Chase and pointed a hoof at him. “And if you try anything funny, I’ll make sure I have a spare cart for your bones and the bones of everypony living on that orchard!”

. . . . . .

Applejack was busy reading the newspaper and enjoying a cup of coffee, while the roosters cock-a-doodled in response to the rising sun.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“Whew, sure’ve been a lotta mornin’ visitors lately.” Applejack stretched and slid from the kitchen chair. Her lips smacked together. The flavor of morning was still heavy on her taste buds. Her mane and tail weren’t even brushed! Now that the harvest season had come to a close, she had no need to rush into the orchard to buck. The yawning mare yanked the door open and was surprised when stray, blue feathers twirled into the living room. “D-Dash! You’re back!”

“Howdy, partner!” Rainbow mocked in AJ’s usual drawl. “You’re looking, uh… great!”

Applejack pulled the door open and stepped to the side. “Yeah, yeah. Harvest season’s over, so I’m movin’ much slower in the mornin’. Hay, they cows are probably still snoozin’!”

“Then do I have some good news for you! You can sit that apple-covered flank of yours at Rarity’s theatre tomorrow! And before you ask – yes, I have tickets for everypony! Whaddya say? Up for a last minute vacation day?” Rainbow pushed a yellow envelope stuffed with tickets into Applejack’s chest.

Applejack fell onto the couch and shook her head in disbelief. “Easy now, ya just said a mouthful!”

“Duh, that’s ‘cuz I’m excited! We’ll get to see Twilight and the gang! C’mon! Pack an overnight bag! We can catch the play tomorrow afternoon and then spend the night at the castle! You can’t possibly say no to this!” Rainbow hovered in place and crossed her forelegs. She was ready to drag Applejack to Canterlot if needed.

“Well, sure! I definitely wanna go! It’s just…”

“I know what you’re thinking.” Dash plopped onto the couch. Her wing unfurled and crept behind Applejack, until the distraught pony was treated to a feathery embrace. “But it’s better we all go to Canterlot together than for you to watch him board the train alone, right? Buck up! We’ll have a mares’ night out tomorrow and you’ll feel a lot better!”

Applejack nodded slowly. “Shoot, I’m sorry, Dash. I’m sulkin’ like a sow even after hearing all this good news!”

“Nah, forget about it. It’s been a rough harvest for ya. Not to mention you were foal-sitting for a couple weeks. That’d tire anypony out! Where is Scoots anyway?”

“She’s out with Apple Bloom gettin’ snacks for later. Pinkie’s hosting a sleepover for the kids. Don’t say anything to Rarity, but Chase is bringin’ Sweetie Belle’s coltfriend up to Canterlot too. They have some crazy scheme goin’ on with the play. He tried explainin’ it to me, but it was a lot to follow.” Applejack sighed. “More like he’s hard to follow when he gets excited.”

“Hate to miss a sleepover with Pinkie, but I gotta fly back to Cloudsdale and hook up with Skye. Quick meeting regarding the Weather Tour, but then we’ll be back in Canterlot waiting for everypony!” Rainbow clapped her hooves together. “It’s like a Ponyville reunion! So. Awesome!”

Applejack tilted her head back and smiled. “You’re absolutely right, Rainbow. Seeing everypony is just what the doctor ordered. Can’t wait to put this crazy harvest as far behind me as possible!”

Dash was already waiting to zip away from the front door. “Sounds good! See ya tomorrow! Give Scootaloo my best!”

But an ordinary day for Applejack was leading to the most dangerous night of Chase’s life.

By the time the sun had fallen, Pinkie couldn’t help but look out the window toward the orchard every now and then. She was in charge of keeping watch over the house. It was her job to smile and maintain the illusion of security. Taking her mind off Chase and the bandits was her only hope to stay indoors. But it didn’t help that Button bragged nonstop about the high score Chase helped him earn at the arcade.

Apple Bloom tossed a pillow and knocked Button to the ground. “We get it! He’s a game dork like you are!”

“D-dork! I’m, like, an expert! Look how good Sweetie’s gotten at Mineshaft!” Button straightened his red plaid pajamas. “I said I was willing to teach you!”

Pinkie threw a hooffull of popcorn into her mouth and laughed. “Maybe when Scootaloo’s fly!”

“Hey!” Scootaloo grimaced. “Sensitive topic!”

“Y’all are comin’ down into the cellar for a game of horseshoes! Let’s see how your hooves handle a real game, Button.”

“Game on, Bloom!” Button hopped to his legs and grabbed a bag of his chips with his mouth. “Then root beer floats, Pinkie!”

“Don’t gotta tell me twice!” Pinkie dumped the rest of the popcorn into her mouth. She patted her bloated stomach and belched. “Made some room!”

Button and the fillies noisily stomped down the stairs.

Pinkie looked at the clock. Only an hour until Chase and Fluttershy followed the bandits into the orchard. This had been the most excruciating sleepover she had ever planned. The foals were happy, and Applejack was getting ready for bed. So why was she feeling so glum?

Pinkie lips curled into a pout. “Jeez, I’m only here because I wanted to put a smile on your face! Like I said, everypony else has a smile except for you! I thought maybe you weren’t having a good time.” She squeed.

“I just have a lot of stuff on my mind.” Chase moved his eyes back to the Timberwolf, who was now running around with a colt on his back. “Forget it; I don’t wanna trouble you. It was nice to meet you Pin-“

Pinkie smushed Chase’s muzzle with her hooves and formed a smile. “You look a lot cuter when you’re smiling! Say, what was your name again?”

Pinkie took a deep breath and sighed. “Hope I get to see that smile of yours again, Foxie.”

. . . . . .

“Okay, move out!” The loud whisper commanded.

That order was all it took for the cart-carrying ponies to emerge from the tree line. The safety of the forest vanished behind them. They were now officially trespassing on Sweet Apple Acres. Clouds of dust billowed from the wake of the carts. Chase was banking on the patrol pegasus to spot at least one of the obvious signs of theft.

The crafty stallion had just finished dropping his own wagon off near the schoolhouse. Most of the items he brought with from New Jockey had been discarded. There was no way he could make a getaway to Canterlot with an overstuffed wagon if things went sour. He had only the bare essentials remaining.

If that patrol pony doesn’t see the carts, then he’ll definitely see all the ponies bucking trees. That should be enough evidence to warrant some type of royal intervention. And if that fails… I’ll be with the big guy himself in the clearing by that Macintosh tree! Chase exploded from the trees and looked in each direction. A wooden sword was sheathed and dangling at his side. It looked to be a larger version of the blade Reynard used to dispatch the frenzied Timberwolf when they first arrived in Ponyville. “Hanging in there?”

Fluttershy slowly flew from the branches to bask in the moon’s light with Chase. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“We have a lot of things working in our favor tonight. They won’t go near the house, and there’s no way these jokers will go unnoticed when the guard flies overhead.”

Fluttershy descended to the ground and tucked her wings away. “And if anything bad does happen…”

“You fly to the barn and get everypony as far away as possible. No worrying about me or Reynard. We can handle ourselves.”

Fluttershy wrapped her forelegs around Chase and shook her head. “Of course I’ll worry about you two! Without you we never would have been able to get Applejack’s wagon fixed.”

Chase closed his moistening eyes. “Yeah, but look at what I got you involved in. I’m okay with my life on the line, but not everypony else’s.”

“Friends help friends no matter what. That’s the most important thing I’ve learned from Twilight and the others. It doesn’t matter if a pony is a new friend or somepony you’ve known for your entire life; you always do your best for them!”

Her powerful words were the final blow to the emotional dam cracking inside Chase’s mind. He fell forward and slammed his hoof into the grass. “Stop it! Just… stop. I appreciate the help, but I’m not in the mood for a pep talk. Alright?”

Fluttershy’s wings propelled her away from the mourning stallion. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help…” Her ears lowered.

You weren’t supposed to make friends here, Chase! You weren’t supposed to fall in love with somepony! They aren’t coming with you to Canterlot! This could be the last time you ever see them!

“And next time ya kiss me, make sure ya wipe all the crumbs off your lips!”

That was the only kiss you’re getting from Applejack. Deal with it. Once her family comes home she won’t need you hanging around anymore! Chase covered his face and sobbed into the dirt. “Fluttershy, just go. I’ll catch up with you.”

“I’m not leaving you here by yourself!” Fluttershy said in her most assertive tone. Perhaps she had kept a few tips from Iron Will’s seminar after all. “I know this is hard on you, but you’re not alone! Pinkie’s keeping an eye on Applejack and the others just so that you have one less thing to worry about. So stop thinking you need to do everything by yourself!”

Chase lifted his dirty muzzle. The back of his foreleg brushed across his face to wipe away the sadness draining from his nose. The glimmering moonlight shone against Fluttershy’s determined stare. It was an odd turn of events. But like she said, friends help friends. When somepony falls down, you lend a hoof and dust them off.

She reached her foreleg down and wrapped it around Chase’s front hoof. “This isn’t easy for me either, but I trust you with my whole heart. I’m sure Applejack would too.”

Chase steadied his body and exhaled. “Thanks, Fluttershy. I’m glad I have you with me. And you’re not too shabby at this motivational thing!”

“When things get rough, time to show your stuff!” Fluttershy giggled.

The operation went off without a hitch. Apples poured from the trees, as some of Equestria’s finest orchard owners bucked their hearts out. Sadly, they had been reduced to nothing more than slaves under Cracker’s severe rule. They knew running wasn’t a good idea. The unruly stallion had already racked up more accounts of ponyslaughter than Canterlot wanted to recognize. He was a demon through and through. But his violent behavior had paid off so far.

The only thing standing in his way was one very anxious earth pony.

“This tree’s enormous!” Cracker roared. “Forget the apples; I can make one sturdy club from this trunk!”

“N-no, you don’t wanna go knockin’s this tree over, boss!” Chase stammered. Oh no, you are not destroying Applejack’s favorite tree.

“Shuddup!” The scarred skin over his missing eye stretched with the ferocity of his yell. Cracker placed his hind legs on the trunk and readied to strike.

“Boss!” Not only will he destroy the tree, everypony will hear this thing crash down for sure! Change of plans!

“What did I say?!” Cracker reared up. The trunk stood no chance against his strength.

“I told you to stop!” Chase unsheathed the sword with his mouth. He moved with the speed of his vulpine companion. A green light shimmered from the blade as he swung across the bandit leader’s chest. The muscles in his neck strained as the blade made contact with flesh and fur.

A splatter of blood sprayed onto Chase’s panting muzzle.

“You! How dare you! Have you forgotten who I am?” Cracker grabbed the twisted club from his back and sunk his teeth into the handle. The splintered wood pierced his gums and caused a trickle of red to stain his teeth. “Looks like I’m gonna have to stay true to my word and crush every last bone in your body!”

An erratic flapping of wings caused both of their eyes to shift upward.

The Royal Guard’s patrol pony was right on schedule, and judging from the panicked flailing of his appendages, he had seen more than enough.

The sound of wings grew further away; toward the direction of Canterlot.

Every single vein in Cracker’s forehead was bulging to the point of near eruption. Hot air snorted from his nose and vanished into the frosty temperatures around him. “Clever colt. I knew you were up to no good! But it doesn’t matter now. You don’t have a chance in Tartarus of stopping me.” The club in his mouth was replaced by a hoof.

A shrill whistle echoed across the landscape.

Chase’s scanned the nearby trees, waiting to be jumped. But nopony appeared. Had the surprise attack backfired? “Looks like your soldiers aren’t coming to your aid after all.”

“You think you know everything. We’ll see how cocky you are when my Timberwolves bring your Apple pals here piece… by… piece.”

The Timberwolves! I forgot about them! “Reynard! Back to the house now!”

The fox jumped down from the Macintosh tree and landed next to his comrade. His sword was also drawn and ready for action. The original plan of fighting Cracker two-on-one needed some instant revision. A sleeping household of ponies would be torn apart in seconds by a surprise pack attack of rampaging Timberwolves.

Especially when the wolves were under the control of a bloodthirsty murderer.

“Listen to me! Apple Bloom and the others are in trouble! You need to protect them! You can come back for me after those wolves are nothing more than a bundle of snapped twigs!”

Reynard stalled as long as possible. He was mentally torn. Stay with Chase or protect the homestead? The fox’s whimpers were left to deaf ears.

“Go!” Chase shouted. I’ll hold him back for as long as I can. The tears were welling up in his eyes. As he watched Reynard scurry away, he realized that now he truly was alone. Fluttershy wasn’t even close enough to lend a hoof.

“Heh, I’ll even have a new pelt tonight. You’re just the stallion who keeps on givin’, ain’t ya?” Cracker heard the stampeding of Timberwolves in the distance and smiled. “Though I’ll give you some credit. You’re the first pony dumb enough to stand up to me in a long time, kid. You know why they call me Cracker the Beastly, right?” He raised the club into the air and stomped his front legs on the ground. “Because once I start a fight I don’t stop until a pony’s skull is in pieces!”

Chase lowered his ears as a stallion twice his size readied to grind him into powder.

. . . . . .

“Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight!” A guard’s hoofsteps clicked down the hallway and screeched to a halt at the open door to Twilight’s room. The guard braced himself against the door and wheezed. When he lifted his head he saw Role Play and Skye Shot sitting on the bed playing cards. “Where’s the princess?!”

Role shrugged. “I dunno. She just stepped out for a minute. What’s up?”

“Sorry, royal business! Not permitted to tell a commoner.” The guard huffed.

Role hopped off the bed and stomped over to the guard. “You either waste your breath running around the castle searching for her, or speak up and let me help! I’ve been working alongside Princess Twilight long enough for you to trust me with some information!” He snorted into the guard’s face.

The stallion cowered and backed away. Angering a dark mage wasn’t the best idea; even if this particular mage was on a short leash. “It’s C-Cracker! He was spotted at Sweet Apple Acres! There’s an entire group of bandits raiding the orchard furthest from the farmhouse! Princess Twilight is in charge of this case, so we need her to give the official order to send the guards out to intercept the thieves!”

Skye’s wings splayed out. “Chase! He’s still there!”

Role grabbed the guard and shook him. “You’re positive about this? I don’t want to give Twilight false information when I find her!”

“I swear on my life! I saw it with my own two eyes! I flew over the orchard and saw dozens of ponies and wagons and… and this bulky stallion with a club the size of three foals! He looked at me and all I could do was run!”

“Skye. We’re leaving.” Role Play grabbed his hoodie from the chair and slung it over his head. He popped his forelegs through one at a time. “You wait here in case Twilight comes back! We’ll check the castle.” He placed a hoof on the guard’s shoulder. “You did the right thing by telling me, my friend.”

The guard nodded. “Understood. Thank you for hearing me out, Role. My apologies for doubting you!”

Role Play and Skye Shot barreled down the hallway away from the Royal Wing. After a few minutes of twists and turns Skye started to realize something was off.

“Role… Where are we going?”

“The chariot hangar.”

Skye lost control and almost smashed into a wall. He straightened his flight path and continued hovering overhead. “What?! Why would Twilight be in there?”

“She won’t be. Pretty sure her and Dash were on their own raid in the kitchen for a bite to eat.” Role hopped into the stairwell and continued his gallop uninterrupted.

Skye turned his body and twisted down the spiral staircase behind his friend.  “You’re not-”

“Going to find Chase? Yep, that’s the plan!”

“You’re not allowed to leave the castle! You’re going to get us in big trouble!” Skye panicked. Guilt by association was still considered guilt in Equestria.

The two stallions nearly ran into a troupe of guards entering the base of the stairwell. Role ignored Skye’s commentary and made a quick right turn into a huge room. The far wall of the room was open to the night sky. The hangar was filled with chariots for both recreational purposes as well as royal duty. Ponies of all types were scattered about, inspecting harnesses and testing the durability. It was good to know that Canterlot could mobilize the Guard at any second. Unfortunately, the Royal Guard only listened to the commands of their princesses.

“Yeah, so stealing a chariot will be the least of my worries.” Role’s white grin broke the grey of his muzzle. “And I already know who’s pulling the chariot!”

Skye groaned as a harness was fastened over his body. The golden glow of magic faded after the straps were tightened. “This is humiliating. For the record, I’m only doing this to help Chase. I don’t want to ever hear this brought up again. No matter how much cider you drink. Got it?!”

“Quit whining, flyboy.”

“No, no, no! You’re already on thin ice with me! The least you can do is show me some respect!” Skye continued his tantrum.

Role Play grabbed the reigns in his forelegs and snapped. “Onward, boy! To Sweet Apple Acres!”

“I hate you!” Skye shouted. He gritted his teeth and started his gallop through the hangar bay. A few of the chariot technicians tried to stop them, but Skye opened his wings and lifted off into the twinkling atmosphere. The trip to Sweet Apple Acres wasn’t far at all via flight. It was a straight shot to the orchard.

Back in the room, Twilight and Dash excitedly appeared in the doorway. Held between their hooves was a tray of sliced apples and strawberries along with bowl of melted chocolate. A midnight snack fit for a princess and her visitors.

“Hope you boys are hungry! We brought some… food?” Twilight blinked. “Huh?” Only a lone guard was spotted playing cards on the bed.

Spike slapped a claw against his face. “You two scared them off with your girly snacks!”

Dash’s beaming smile faded when she realized Skye was missing. “Uh, flyboy? Where’d ya go? We spent a lotta time cutting this fruit!” She growled and opened the closet door. “If you’re hiding, you better come out now! Not in the mood for a prank!”

A flurry of playing cards flew into the air. The guard sprung to attention. “Princess Twilight! Praise Celestia you’re here! Role and his friend went looking for you. The bandits were spotted at Sweet Apple Acres! The orchard is being raided as we speak! Do I have your order to mobilize the troops, milady?”

The tray of snacks crashed onto the floor.

/) To be Continued (\