The mares of Ponyville typically never saw Rainbow Dash fly into the spa, but today was a special day. The girls were going out to party! It was their six month tradition. To go out and just cut loose, and it was Rarity’s turn to treat the girls. Starting with makeovers, after promising to give Rainbow the most basic of looks naturally.
“Hey girls. Am I late?” Rainbow asked.
“Actually Miss Dash, you are early.” Lotus answered with a smile “Unusual, but not unvelcome. You are here for ze reservation left by Miss Rarity yes?”
“That’s right.” Rainbow said with a nervous smile. “Should I wait for the girls?”
“Actually, Miss Dash, ve ver vondering if you vould come vith us. It vould be best if ve could get your messy mane out of ze vay, don’t you sink?”
“Yeah that’s true… would it be cool if I soak in the tub afterwards?”
“But of course. It vould be fine.”
And of course, Rainbow was subjected to the horrors of a thorough shampooing, mane massage, and brushing. By the end of the treatment, her mane had been done up in a prench braid. By the time the Remaining ponies had arrived, the noticed Rainbow’s braided mane, each lock a different color slowly merging with the next sequential color of her mane.
“Oh dear… Darling? Your… here early?” Rarity asked dumbfounded.
“Yeah. Got done with work early, and got bored. I had nothing better to do so yup.” She answered nonchalantly, sinking a little deeper into the tub, and started to nap.
xxXXxx
“Rainbow. Time to wake up.” A voice rang in her ears. Opening an eye, she saw familiar lavender orbs staring at her with a gentle smile.
“Oh man Twi. If you were gay or at least bi I’d totally kiss you breathless.” Rainbow said with a sultry smile.
“Well… if your lucky and I get drunk enough, you might be my first. Even though I don’t swing that way.” Twilight smirked. “But I doubt it.”
“Yeah… besides I can’t take advantage of a light weight.”
“Did Twi just flirt with Rainbow?” Applejack asked.
“I think she did.” Replied a nervous Fluttershy.
“So, where too Rares?” Rainbow asked ignoring the gawking looks.
“A new club is opening tonight, and thanks to my connections with the owner, we have VIP passes.” She explained happily. At that moment, Pinkie shuddered.
“Pinkie sense?” Twi asked cautiously.
“What is it today Pinks?” AJ added.
“I don’t know. I’ve felt doozies before but not like that. However, the twisting in my tummy I know for sure means bad… but that doesn’t mean we should brood over this. Let just go have fun.” Pinkie explained with an unsure, and almost forced smile. Almost.
“She’s right. No sense fighting it.” Twilight sighed.
“Indeed darlings. Let’s have fun before work calls us next week.”
xxXXxx
“Alright. 6 VIPs… come on in.” The burly bounce smiled as he removed the velvet rope. The six mares then proceeded to enter.
“YO! PRINCESS TWILIGHT AND THE CREW IN THE HOUSE!” boomed a loud and familiar voice, of all places, right next to them. To their left, stood the DJ and club owner, Vinyl Scratch. “And look at that! My favorite party planner! How’s it hangin pinks?”
“You know how it goes. Enjoyin the club?” Pinkie asked in response.
“Lovin it! Hey, listen, you six get one of the VIP booths. Don’t argue princess.” Vinyl smiled, pointing at Twilight. “All food and drink is on the house, and any other night you girls show up is half off. These badges will tell the bouncers out front you are always allowed in.” Vinyl then proceeded to pass out six small badge like items. Small enough to fit in a pony’s wallet.
Almost immediately, the group found their booth, and in no time at all, food and drinks were served, jokes and rumors were told, and before long, Rainbow, AJ, and Pinkie felt the need to go play some more.
“So, what do ya think Thunderlane? Wanna go ‘train’ with a real flyer?” Rainbow asked.
“No thanks Rainbow. I got my eyes on another mare. You’re not really my type anyway.” He droned, sipping on his mojito.
“Psh. Suit yourself Thunderlame.” She said walking away swatting her own rump.
“Howdy Rainbow. Any luck?” Applejack asked playfully.
“Nah. Not yet. Any suggestions?” the athlete winked.
“Well, Ah can’t recommend Caramel.” concluded the farmer.
“Why? He gay too?”
“Nah. He’s straight. He’s just a lousy lay.”
“Damn… you ever think about tryin out mares?” slurred the drunk Pegasus.
Shrugging Applejack concluded “Sure. Ah’m drunk and we’re both probably gonna be hungover as possums tomorrow, so why not?”
Elsewhere, talks about current world events began.
“Twilight, I can’t believe I’m going to ask, but… can you help sign me up for a firearm?” The dressmaker sighed, causing the young alicorn to sputter and cough into her champagne.
"Would you like to run that by me again?" Twilight asked once she recovered.
"Darling, I'd like some help to sign up for a firearm. Just a little .380, nothing major dear." Rarity repeated.
"Why?" the princess asked bluntly.
"I'm trying to take Applejack's advice and 'be prepared' as it were."
"Oh... she spoke about what's happening in Marelin." Twilight sighed. "Thing's over there are getting pretty nasty..."
Fluttershy set down her wine, and asked "What exactly is happening? I h-haven't been paying attention."
Twilight sighed. "A regime change that's getting increasingly aggressive. That much is common knowledge. If you two Pinkie Promise not to tell a soul, I may tell you more..." she said winking.
"Cross our hearts and hope to fly stick a cupcake in our eyes." they recited.
"There are rumors going around, and I mean just rumors, that the Coalition is plotting to start a war. Nopony knows why, Nopony knows who will be first. Rumors are also going around that, any pony who believe in Celestia and Luna... well... " The Princess explained quietly.
"Ya'll talkin about Marelin?" Applejack asked in a slightly drunken haze. "Ah think ya'll should get ready. It's about to get real ugly."
"Why are we talkin politics at the table guys? I thought we were supposed to be partying." came the scratchy voice of Rainbow Dash. "I mean, with all the crap we've been through, I say we deserve a night to say 'Buck it all!' and drink. Or smoke if Fluttershy's got some good stuff on her." she laughed.
Fluttershy instantly shrank back, hiding behind her mane.
"Sorry Flutters, ya know I'm just teasing." Rainbow chuckled. The alcohol in Fluttershy's system however, had taken control of her mind. just as she opened her mouth however, Twilight spoke up.
"Ya know, I've been wanting to try marijuana." The princess smiled. the other five mares stared at her as if she was a completely different pony. "What?"
"Twilight... why on earth would YOU of all ponies, like to try pot?" Rarity asked first. "And I'm sure I can speak for the rest of us here when I ask that."
"You girls try dealing with a stack of paperwork a hoof and a half thick. Or with the local rich ponies, and even Celestia forbid, Blueblood." she said causing some of the girls to shudder. Rainbow included. "Add in the newest political developments in Germaneigh, I'm at my wits end. The wine doesn't cut it, and neither does 'self service', if you get my drift. I'm looking for something... different."
The girls were gobsmacked. Twilight? Tired of work? Was this really the same mare that had come into Ponyville several years ago, not caring about friendship, turned bff, turned Princess of Equestria? Now here she sat, a fresh glass of champagne, wanting to try pot? Who was this mare?!
"Okay changeling. Give her up." Rainbow said blandly.
"Speaking of, there's a few around here in Ponyville. They've defected from Chrysalis and have chosen to align themselves to us. There's three of them in my castle as staff as we speak." Twilight smiled. "They're actually quite nice." she concluded. Her friends hardly looked convinced. "I'm serious."
Dash couldn't help but blush. Her last drunken fling was with a changeling, and if she were to tell the truth, it was her best yet. He certainly changed her opinion on changlings. Just the memory of what he did was enough to cause a twitch in her loins.
"I believe you Twi. Chanelings are cool. You got any guys or they all girls?" Dash asked.
"Well... one of them is male. Clear Glass is his name if I recall correctly." Twilight smiled. "He certainly seemed to praise you quite a bit. I bet you two had lots of fun." she winked.
"Princess Twilight?" an off duty guard asked.
"Yes?"
"Urgent message from Celestia" he said, holding a scroll in his wing tips.
"Thank you sir. Dismissed." she said as she levitated and opened the scroll. quickly reading it, her eyes went wide.
"Whats up Twi?" Applejack asked.
"Germaneigh has just declared war on Prance... Coltland... and Equestria... We're far enough away from the front so I don't think we have much to worry about..." The moment those words left Twilight's mouth, everything in the rave went dark. The power had gone out. The only light sources, turned out to be unicorn horns and glow sticks.
"Guess this ends the night... Girls wanna sleep at my place?" Twilight offered kindly, receiving nods from the other five mares.
"I just hope the girls haven't given Spike to rough of a time." Rarity said.
"Same here."
xxXXxx
At Twilight's home and castle, the girls all yawned, and went to their respective beds. all except for Rainbow, and Applejack.
"Hey, Twi? Where's Clear Glass at?" Rainbow asked plainly.
"You want to sleep with my cook huh?" Twilight teased. "He's probably in his room. I can call him for you if you like?"
"No need my Princess. I'm right here. I was just going to bed in fact." The changeling said in a raspy voice. "It is a pleasure to see you again Rainbow Dash."
"You too..." She blushed. "You, uh... wanna... fool around again?"
"I see your friend there is suspicious of me. You must be Applejack. I can assure you, I mean no harm to you or your friends." he stated.
"We'll see." Applejack said. "Ah'm also am a bit curious at how well ya'll can rut two mares. Given how highly Rainbow praised ya last week."
With a smile, Twilight said "Well, I'm off to bed. You three have fun. And please don't break him. He's one of my best staff." she teased with a yawn. "Night girls. Night Clear."
"Good night my Princess." he bowed.
"Night Twi." Rainbow and AJ said.
"Now, Shall we make for a more 'private' room?" Clear asked, escorting the two mares to a different part of the castle.
"Can Ah ask ya somethin' Clear?" Applejack asked.
"Of course."
"How well does Twi treat ya?" concern evident in her tone.
"You are suspicious of me, yet you care for my well being? I am confused." Clear Glass couldn't help but stop to look Applejack in the eye.
"Look, Ah'm suspicious cuz Ah don't want mah friends to be hurt." Applejack confirmed. "But Ah also don't believe in slavery or servitude."
"Ah. The Princess treats me exquisitely. I feel her love radiate off her like a wildfire. Though she has not given love to me the same way miss Rainbow Dash here has, but I am certainly not complaining. I enjoy her company and I also enjoy helping her learn of our culture." he explained. "Now, how would you lovely mares like my form? Is there a pony you wish to live a fantasy with?"
"I say you be you Clear Glass." Rainbow finally said. "It's better for me at least." she added to Applejack.
"Ah agree. Mah question is, how do you like your love?" AJ teased.
xxXXxx
Elsewhere, Weapons fire resounded throughout the mountains, as whole towns burned, and ponies were slaughtered. above each burned town hall, flew a red and white flag. A half Swastika embroidered in the center. Ponies in uniform, marched en masse towards their objective. With electricity and backup magic generators knocked out, the sleepy town of Ponyville was just a few hours march.
Author's Note
Okay, not an HiE this run. I figure that one was just too much hassle. I certainly hope this one works much better.
Rainbow awoke the next morning feeling a set of hooves wrapped around her mid-section. Content to just lay there, she closed her eyes again.
"RAINBOW! AJ! WAKE UP!!" Twilight screamed in her Canterlot voice, causing both mares to open their bleary eyes wide, and fall off the bed.
“NOW!!” she shouted.
“We’re up, consarnit!” Applejack yelled. “Ya’ll right sugarcube?” she asked.
“Yeah… landing on stone floor hurts more than wood is all.” She replied. “Come on. Lets go see what ‘her highness’ wants.”
Both mares trudged down the stairs, only to see Twilight staring a stern glare, struggling to hold back a smile.
“Would you both mind telling me why my chef is limping, and having muscle spasms in his legs?” she growled. Rainbow completely ignored her and walked into the kitchen.
“What’s her problem?” Rarity asked quietly
“No coffee yet…” Rainbow grumbled, pouring herself a large mug of coffee.
Just then, Pinkie walks in, looks directly at Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, only to fall over laughing?
“What is so funny Pinks?” Applejack drawls, not in any mood for insanity.
“You and Rainbow are covered in dried Changeling spunk!” She laughed, causing the other four mares to burst out laughing. “And by the look of it, he has quite a load! I think he even has Big Mac beat.” At the mention of her brother and sex in the same sentence, Applejack paled.
“H-how would you know?” the farmer asked.
“Oh we had a fling a few years ago. Wowie I haven’t felt so full in ages. Now we just have a ‘friends with benefits’ thing.” Pinkie answered.
Moments later, a groggy spike trudged down the stairs, a scroll in claw.
"Twi... letter..." he grumbled, before turning back up the stairs. Twilight took the scroll, and began to read, her eyes turning wide.
"Well, whats it say Twi?" asked a now awake Rainbow Dash.
"Several towns between Equestria and Germane have already fallen... Ponyville is next... we have an official order to stand and fight... or evacuate immediately...." she said quietly.
Without pause, Rainbow Dash turned, and flew out the window towards her house. Applejack however had decided to take a quick shower before dashing home, immediately followed by the remaining ponies quickly following suit. Everypony, much to AJ's and Twi's persuasion,
"Spike! Wake up! It's an emergency!" Twilight yelled.
"Equestria better be in danger..." he grumbled back.
"Equestria's at war, and Ponyville is about to be invaded!"
"I'm up!" he shouted running back down the stairs, slinging a camouflage backpack onto his back. "72 hour bag ready to go." he saluted.
"Good. Now we gotta-" she began before Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity, all appeared with their sisters. Pinkie had arrived with Inkie and Blinkie, as well as Pound, Pumpkin, Carrot and Cup Cake. Rainbow and Applejack, both dressed head to hoof in camouflage, Rainbow in Equestrian Woodland, AJ in Germanian Flektarn. both wearing top of the line helmets a civilian can purchase, and armed to the teeth. Rainbow carrying an I.M 416 mounted in a Battle Saddle, the standard for the Royal Army, and Applejack preferring a Germanian Stg 97. Rainbow often teased AJ for chooseing such a weapon. But given that it was the standard for the now invading army, her choice suddenly made much more sense.
"Twi... we may have a problem..." Applejack said.
"Ponyville has been surrounded. Probably happened last night. They're moving in as we speak. Suggest we move to Secondary safe zone." Rainbow said with a salute.
"The Diamond dog mines." Rarity said gently.
"Yes ma'am. That area hasn't been overrun yet. We must leave now." Rainbow droned urgently as a diner on the far side of town exploded, and erupted in weapon fire. "Now's the time guys!" she shouted as she saw Twi load a Maresberg 500 shotgun and .357 Magnum, only to reholster them.
"Wait, Where's Big Mac and Granny!?" Applebloom asked.
"Eeeyup." came the low tone of their brother behind them, sounding a little winded.
"I told ya i can walk myself youngin!" Granny yelled. "And why does Applebloom have a gun?! Shes WAY too young and irresponsible for that!" she continued.
"Nnnope." he said shaking his head.
With that, they ran. Other ponies running with them. All of them screaming and shouting, wondering what was going on and why nopony other than Twilight got the warning.
"Princess Twilight! Wait up!" came a familiar voice.
"Thunderlane?"
"Please, take these foals with you." He said motioning to the children behind him. "Go with the Princess kids. she'll keep you safe." behind him, stepping forward were Twist, Tootsieflute, Dinky, and Pinchy, just to name a few.
"C'mon kids. We need to hurry." Twilight urged.
"Nithe Rifle Applebloom." Twist lisped, eyeballing Applebloom's .22.
"Thanks..." Applebloom answered, unsure how to respond.
"You too Rumble. Take your baby sister." Thunderlane added, as Rarity gently levitated the baby filly.
"I'm not going anywhere without you brother!" Rumble shouted.
"Rumble, listen. We've already lost mom and dad-"
"No thanks to Dawn." Rumble groaned.
"Not cool Rumble. I'm not loosing you two. We are all we've got. I trust Rainbow, and I trust the Princess. You should too. I'll meet you-"
"Hören Sie königliches Schwein auf oder werden Sie darauf angezündet!" shouted a beige earth pony soldier. Twilight, naturally being the bookworm, and now Royalty, quickly and swifty realized the words shouted, roughly translated as 'Stop royal swine or be fired upon!'. Twilight raised her Maresberg shotgun, and Thunderlane raised his E.M 1 rifle in response. Immediately there was a loud Tat-tat-tat-tat, and Thunderlane quickly fell from the air, his rifle landed right next to him, four bullet wounds now graced his chest.
"Brother!!!" Rumble shouted.
Rainbow was notoriously fast on her hooves, wings, and her mind. but here, before she could even realize what happened, another set of gunfire graced the air. 'Tat-Tat-Tat-BWOOM!'
The soldier's eyes widened as he fell to the ground, gasping loudly for breath, a large pool of blood and gore emerging from his chest and neck, his eyes fixed on the lavender alicorn, levitating her massive smoking shotgun. Next to her stood Applejack on her hind legs, her forelegs supporting her rifle, and her mouth on the trigger, it's barrel also smoking.
Fluttershy was quickly trying her best to heal the wounded grey pegasus, but the sounds of German shouting, gunfire, and explosions was proving too much of a hindrance.
"Don't worry Rumble." Twilight began as she levitated his bleeding body. "He'll be fine. I give you my royal promise." Twilight said sincerly as Rainbow picked up his gun.
"Wes Move" AJ said around the mouth grip of her rifle, carefully balancing on her hind legs.
"Applejack, remind me to tan yer hide for learning how to use such evil stuff." Granny smith growled from Big Mac's back.
"Granny, Ah've always hated yer political views, but respected and loved ya the same. Now fer once in yer stubborn life, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF, SO AH CAN GIT YA OUTTA HERE ALIVE!!!!" Applejack screamed, her resolve snapping. Granny smith's jaw fell open so quick, it was a full second before her dentures fell out, only to be caught by her eldest grandchild, who was also giving her a stern glare. Twilight, now levitating both Thunderlane and his rifle, took one quick moment to gather her composure.
"Alright everypony listen up!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Applejack will cover the 3 to 9 o clock. I'll cover the six. All ponies without a gun, and foals in the middle. Twilight, guard the foals. Applebloom, only use that thing if it's absolutely necessary. Like, last ditch necessary. Lets move out!" She ordered.
"Ya know that dern video game ya always play? Fallout, was it?" Applejack asked as Rainbow joined at her side, her I.M 416 battle saddle waving between the left and right.
"Yeah. What about it?"
"Ah may not have played the game but Ah have read the book. I guess what they say is true." A.J said somberly.
"What's that?" asked Rainbow.
"War never changes. Can't say Ah've heard anything that rings more true than that..."
"Aint that the- Shit! Target! 12 o clock high!" Rainbow shouted, quickly aiming her battle saddle upwards, only to hesitate as it was Cloudchaser and her twin Flitter. Flitter however was wounded and falling to earth, her sister desperately trying to catch her. "Hold AJ. Friendlies."
"Go git em! Ah'll cover." Applejack responded, balancing on her hinds again, as dash bolted into the sky.
"Flitter!" Cloudchaser called as her wings beat harder and harder, trying desperately to reach her fallen sister. only for a gust of wind and a rainbow trail to fly in front of her face causing her to be blown off course.
"Gotcha! Cloudchaser! Come with us! I got Flitter. She's gonna be- LOOK OUT!" Dash shouted as she shoved Cloudchaser aside and fired on 3 pegasi soldiers. Severely wounding all three. Cloudchaser then took her sister onto her back, and landed in the middle. Back on the ground, several doctors from the hospital, as well as other ponies from around town, looking to the princess for instruction and help.
"Just follow us! We have a safe zone set up. Lets go. Dr. Stable? Can you help these two ponies?" She asked looking at the doctor and nurses.
"Yes we can but not here in the open! it's too dangerous!" Nurse Redheart shouted over the explosion of Quills and Sofas. The stored contents raining out over the street in a blaze. Twilight's horn then charged, and immediately teleported the injured, as well as the doctor and nurses to the caves.
"Why couldn't you 'ave just teleported us all to the safe zone?" Pipsqueak asked in his heavy Trottingham accent.
"Too many ponies. I can only teleport so much at one time. It'll be about an hour before I can teleport you foals there and we may as well be there in half the time if we keep running." she explained quickly as she began to leave. The group quickly falling back into place.
As they ran, they picked up two more foals. Both of whom Applebloom immediately pointed her little rifle at.
"Watch where you point that thing blank flank." Diamond Tiara sneered.
"Give me a good reason too..." AB growled in response.
"APPLEBLOOM!" Granny smith shouted. "Ya'll should know better than to point guns at ponies who hadn't done nuthin!"
"Eeeyup!" Big mac agreed.
"Haven't done anything!?" Sweetie Belle barked.
"Those two bully the entire town! Me for my accent!" Pip said.
"Me for not being able to fly(yet)! They even said I was an orphan living in Applebloom's clubhouse! I'm not an Orphan(anymore!)!" Scootaloo added.
"Me for my... inability to use magic and cook!" Sweetie Belle sneered.
"And me for claimin Ah'm an inbred hick! Sayin Applejack is mah Ma and Big Mac is mah Pa!" Applebloom finished.
Just then, Diamond Tiara's father appeared along side Silver spoons mother. both of whom were cut up and bruised but not severely hurt. However both of whom were glaring daggers at their daughters, only to grab them both by their ears and drag them into the group.
"In that case Applebloom, forgit what Ah said." Granny growled. "Mister Rich? If those fillies come and bully mine again, She has all authority to shoot at yours!"
"Hopefully it'll teach her respect better than I can." Mr Rich agreed through his teeth still clamped around his daughters ear, his eyes glaring into her soul, immediately terrifying her. He let go, gave her a swat on the rump, and ordered her to march, staying directly in front of him, as Silver Spoon's mother, Silver Platter had done the same.
As they reached the top of a hill, over looking Ponyville. Places of business, homes, clubs, all were burning. Most was left intact as the invading army amazingly tried to put the fires out, as well as try to stop hostilities. It was but a moment as they realized that they wanted the town intact, with as few fatalities as possible, but still, the sounds of automatic weapons and explosions were very prominent. Many were still getting over the horrors that they witnessed before joining the Princess' entourage.
"We need ta leave before the're air power gits here." Applejack said. The moment the words left her mouth, loud wooshing was heard overhead. looking up, were what appeared to be craft made of both metal and clouds.
"Hawks..." Dash muttered. "We need to leave. Now!"
Falling back into formation, tho ponies continued on wards to their bug out camp, still hearing aircraft fly overhead, now broadcasting in Equestrian, and poor equestrian at that, motivation to surrender, and not put up a fight.
