Faulty Hoofcuffs

Deep in the castle of Canterlot, a goddess princess whom had recently been a... guest, lets say guest yeah, of the moon, Luna, was listening to her new found favorite music. She bobbed her head, and tapped on her desk as she made the plans for her Winter Moon Coronation. Her sister, the solar goddess Celestia watched, and could not help but chuckle. She walked up to her sister, lost in the beats, and pulled her head back by the head phones.

"Ah, sister dearest, how art thou?" Luna asked seeing her sister. She was not mad at the treatment, she knew Celestia too well to expect her not to at this point.

"Well, I was just walking down the hall, and I was wondering," Celestia said, rolling her eyes til she meet her sisters and broke down, "Ok, spill, what are you planning Luna?!" She said trying to steal a glance around her sister.

Luna resisted the trap, and laughingly toyed with Celestia for the plans, til she had to speak. "No, dost thou wish to ruin thy surprise?"

"But Lulu," Celestia said referring to Luna's foalhood nickname, "I hate surprises. Just tell me, I'll act surprised," Celestia said with a pout.

"No, you will find out soon dear sister," Luna said laughing at the pouting and pleading solar deity. So Celestia would have to give on this one for once, she was having more fun trying to get the info anyways....

"Give me give me give me," Celestia said rolling with Luna on the floor, the two mares laughing and fighting for the scroll of plans. Finally Celestia won, and redeemed her prize.

"A rave?!" She said, eye's bright, "Oh Lulu, you go girl."

"That was meant to be a surprise dearest sister, thou hast soiled it now. Just like always," Luna said, sticking her tongue out at Celestia for added effect.

"Octavia and Vinyl Scratch?" Celestia read on, feigning innocence, "Oh I see, Vinyl will mix and cut Octavia on an electric cello while playing piano for the main ceremony. Then Vinyl hosts all night. We need Pinkie Pie to help out though... Good thing she is on the way, correct Sister?" Celestia said, looking to her little sister with a smile, happy to receive one as well.

"That is a good idea, yes. Thy hoof was never as skilled at planning parties, just enjoying them," Luna mused, rolling on her back and waving her hooves about. It was a bad habit of hers to talk very animated. But it was just her quirky nature, like her insistence on the olden tongue as well.

"Then I will tell them right away, so they can come prepared, but only them. Let's see how Canterlot likes a surprise rave," Celestia told to Luna, as she left her sister to her work then, and returned to her own. Her boring, boring work. Buck, I wish something would happen around here, She thought.

"Twilight!" Pinkie said as they all gathered on the platform, "Thank you soooooooooo much," The party mare said hugging Twilight so hard that Twilight could swear she heard a pop.

"Hello everypony," Twilight said, placing down her bags as they waited. They had come 15 minutes early, but found every pony else, excluding Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy who were in Cloudsdale, was already present.

"So what are we doing in Canterlot this time Darling?" Rarity asked. She had not heard anything really, but when told Twilight was going, had insisted on coming. Applejack found that odd, but shrugged it off, betting Rarity was thinking of herself again probably.

"The Winter Moon Coronation," Twilight said happily, the opposite of how she felt. "It's Princess Luna's royal raising of the moon, like Princess Celestia and the sun."

"Ah, so I'm guessing that would be a royal party engagement, at the castle, no?" Rarity asked.

"Yep, sure is," Twilight smiled. She loved the chance to see the raising, sure, and the astronomy she could teach Rarity and Scootaloo would be loads of fun, but still, she would have to see them at some point.

"Well I am glad I packed accordingly. I have formal wear, evening wear, garden party dresses, sun dresses, a beautiful snow white and blue cloak I have been dying to wear, some club wear for a little bar hopping, and materials to make some new dresses. Did you all pack a gown for the event? Oh, can I make you all new gowns when we get there?" Rarity asked, much to Twilight's amusement at seeing how happy she got at the idea of getting to make some gowns for her friends and family.

"Um, Rarity, Princess Luna told me to help plan a rave for the after party to the royal event..." Pinkie said, bubbling over with excitement while also sad at telling her friend she didn't need to make any dresses. Only Pinkie could pull off such a combo.

"And I was asked to meet with the Princess about Spike before hoof. Oh Rare, he's growing up so fast, isn't he?" Twilight said with a big smile, hugging Rarity.

"Um darling..." Rarity said trying to get Twilight's attention, "We're in public..." She whispered to the lavender mare.

"Oh, hehe, right..." Twilight said sheepishly placing Rarity down.

"So then why are the kids along for the ride Twi? Don't sound like a kids party what with a rave," Applejack asked as she fought off the cold, the temperature dropping a degree it seemed.

"The princess wanted them present. She wants Sweetie Belle there when I talk to her about Spike, and I want to show Scootaloo Canterlot," Twilight answered with a smile, looking down at her charge. "But you're right about the rave. I don't know about that. Wait, how do you know about raves? I thought that was a Canterlot deal?" Twilight asked the gang, surprised they all knew about such a party.

"Well, we have had a few over the years Darling," Rarity said a little sheepishly.

"And we always hold 'em at Sweet Apple Acres," Applejack said proudly.

"They're my favorite type of party, next to birthday parties. Or welcoming parties, welcome back parties..." Pinkie stated, listing off her favorite kinds of shindigs.

"Oh boy, Canterlot!" Sweetie Belle said, playing with the the others, "We can definitely find our cutie marks there."

"Yeah! I can already see us at the celebration, with our new cutie marks," Scootaloo chimed in.

"Yeah girls, this will be the best vacation ever!" Apple Bloom added.

"And I can show you all around Canterlot for my special insiders tour!" Spike said, the girls loving the idea. Spike was acting happy, but something was just a touch off, he seemed, some how older than normal... ("Coltmitzvahs, Tupperware parties, pirate parties, office parties," Pinkie continued to list)

"Well kiddos, y'all will have plenty of time once we get there. Oh, here's the train," Applejack said, making sure the three fillies and the dragon were ready to board. Once aboard, the gang all settled in for the three hour ride, talking shop and gossip, the normal really, til Spike burped out a magic scroll, or so every pony thought.

"What's up Spike?" Twilight asked looking at the little guy, unfurling a newspaper of all things. "Where did you get that?" ("Sexy parties, whipped cream parties, foam parties, d&d parties," Pinkie listed. This was a rather long list, alright)

"I figured out how to get the Canterlot Daily," Spike said skimming the paper. Every pony shrugged, they had never thought of Spike using the messaging system for anything else really.

"Hey, look'it the front page girls," Applejack said pointing to the picture that had escaped Spike's attention. They all looked and saw the familiar costume they had all worn, except Rarity.

"Mare Do Well!" Every pony but Pinkie said looking at the photo. They could not believe it. There lesson for Rainbow had now become a symbol for Canterlot, a symbol of hope and justice. ("Costume parties, frontier parties, search parties... Wait scratch that one... Now where was I?" Pinkie said before she realized what the topic was and joined in.)

"Well ain't that somethin' girls," Applejack said laughing, "We inspired a caped crusader!"

"That costume..." Rarity said looking at the picture, "It's not mine, but is still very well done. Oh I always loved how you looked as the Mysterious Mare Do Well..." Rarity said, drifting off a bit.

"Rarity?" Pinkie asked, not sure what she had just meant, "Whom exactly? Four of us wore the costume."

"Oh, um... " Rarity said, not realizing she had slipped. Twilight was smiling at her, but not a warm friendly smile, her mischievous lovers smile. What does that mare have planned now? Rarity thought. Before she could speak to redeem herself, Spike interrupted with a yell.

"No!" Spike yelled, looking at the paper like it had bit him.

"Spike, what's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"Rainbow Dash is hurt!" Spike said giving Twilight the paper to read aloud for every pony. Twilight was scared to read, but knew her friends needed to hear this.

"Today in Cloudsdale, Famed Flyer Rainbow Dash was- was, oh Celestia no..." Twilight said reading the page.

"What, What is it?" Every pony pressed, fear rising in them.

Summoning all of her strength, Twilight finished the article, "Was injured fighting a migrating Dragon during her tryouts for the Wonderbolt flight team. Rainbow Dash was rushed to the Canterlot Royal hospital along with one of the Wonderbolt's, name withheld, where they are now in stable condition. A witness and personal friend to Rainbow Dash, Miss Fluttershy, was not available for comment, nor has been removed from Dash's side since admittance, since no pony can seem to disobey her," Twilight said, putting down the paper. Tears rimmed her eyes, and for once she at a loss for words. Rarity walked over and sat with her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Then Darling, it looks like our first stop is the Royal hospital," Rarity said to her marefriend, trying hard not to cry herself.

Early in the morning, before Celestia had even risen the sun, Rainbow Dash was stretching out on the Cloudisium grounds, her tryouts were starting in 20 minutes. Spitfire and Soarin had come out to grade her, with Fleet Foot and Rapid Fire there to be her wing ponies during the trial. Fluttershy was there for moral support, happy as ever to be helping her friend, who was as always before performance, a complete wreck.

"I can't do this!" Rainbow Dash squeaked, stroking her tail while curled up now. Fluttershy rolled her eyes, this being the tenth time in the last hour.

"Rainbow," Fluttershy said, leaning in and Staring at her friend, "You will stop worrying and go out there, and be the best flyer they have ever seen, got it?"

The Stare worked it's magic, cause Rainbow just nodded, then bolted out to talk with the Wonderbolts. She was now full of fire, both of confidence and anger. Who does that timid little filly think she is? Rainbow asked herself, Using the Stare, on me! I'm Rainbow Danger Dash. I got this in the bag... Thanks Shy. She thought, admitting the truth. The Stare had been just what she needed.

"Hey there Dash, good seein' ya agian. You ready?" Spitfire asked as Rainbow drew in.

"Sure am. The real question is, are you ready?" Rainbow boasted, bragging a little, but it was well received.

"Alright babe," Soarin said, taking over the briefing, "You will be joined by Fleet Foot and Rapid Fire here. You will start slow, taking it out about 2 miles, then I want you to bank in, which side I leave up to you, and buzz the stadium, after that, I want you to counter roll with both wing ponies. Trackin' so far?" Soarin said.

"Roger, at 2 miles bank hard, going left today every pony, then buzz the stadium. Followed by a counter roll with both wing ponies, ending back in formation lead," Rainbow back briefed to the pleasure of all there. Her professional conduct with the flight patterns was a breath of fresh air compared to some ponies recklessness and one horse show tendencies.

"Good," Spitfire said taking over again, "Then after that, I want you to split off from the group Dash, and pull a loop upwards to a safe distance, because when over the team, I want you to do a sonic rainboom, then rejoin with the team. You are free to fly in formation after that, but the timing of your rainboom is critical, as well as your team up afterwords. Fleet, Rapid, I want you two to drop speed 30% for this, and watch out, no pony has flown close to Rainbow during a sonic rainboom, so we have no idea how this will affect your flight. Every pony tracking?" Spitfire asked the flight team.

"Trackin' boss. You ready to rock Rainbow?" Fleet Foot asked.

"Oh yeah, although I have a request. If you guys are ready for the rainboom, center fly, if not, fly normal. I don't want to risk your safety here," Rainbow said.

"Yeah, we can do that Dash. Now suit up, we fly in 10," Rapid Fire said. Rainbow was giddy putting on the suit, a real Wonderbolts flight suit. It was warm, like flying low and slow on a warm summer day. Her goggles though were her dad's, a good luck charm he had passed down to his girl. She would swing over and see him afterwords. She really missed him now, and had not been by his grave in almost two years. Fluttershy came over, and noticed her friend staring at the goggles.

"Hey Dashie, thinking about him again huh?" Fluttershy said taking a seat next to new long time friend.

"Yeah. I miss him Shy," Rainbow said, even in voice but sad none the less. It had been 5 years since the day when Cosmic Dash, an older pony already when he became Rainbow's dad, had passed on peacefully. Rainbow was heartbroken, but carried on, vowing to him in the hospital that she would make it one day, and be a Wonderbolt. He used to listen for hours to her talking about them, and enjoyed every minute of it. He had always told her to chase her dreams, and she wanted to be just like him. He had been close friends with the old Wonderbolt's, and was even asked to join, but knew his place was with his family, so he helped train the team. The Wonderbolt's honored this, and thus awarded him their highest award they could give, the Loyal Feather.

"He would be so proud Dashie, of everything," Fluttershy said nuzzling her friend.

"Thanks," Rainbow said standing and pulling the goggles on, "Now let's go show them how to fly."

"Yay," Fluttershy said as they walked to the team.

The team all hunched down, wings spread wide, ready for the word from Dash. "Rapid, I'll counter roll with you first, then Fleet. All wings, red con one!" She yelled.

"Fleet Foot, red con one!" Fleet Foot said, ready to feel the wind.

"Rapid Fire, red con one!" Rapid Fire said, proud to be flying with the legendary rainboom maker herself.

"All wings, lift off!" Rainbow called. they leapt over the could barrier, diving and pulling up to soar out. They held formation well, Dash calling out all shifts needed as the approached the turn around point. They all banked hard left, and came around to face the stadium again, pulling low and getting ready for the buzz. Rainbow called out to Foot to dress it up, she was off target, forward by a nose. Fire was starting to lag, as expected. The team adjusted, and pulled low for a fast and perfect fly by.

"Text book perfection," Spit fire said writing a note.

"What'd I tell ya, she's got it," Soarin said.

"Way to go Dashie! Cosmic is with you in spirit!" Fluttershy cried to her friend. Or as loud as she could, which was just enough for the two graders next to her to hear, but not even be bothered.

"Wait, Cosmic, as in Cosmic Dash? She's related the Cosmic Dash?" Spitfire said.

"Oh, my, I didn't know she never told you..." Fluttershy said.

"She told me, but wanted me to keep it down. She wants to succeed on her power, not his. And she will if she keeps this up," Soarin said.

"Yeah. She will," Spitfire said looking to the sky again as Rainbow finished her counter rolls.

Rainbow Dash was now climbing hard, her wings ached as they neared the stall, and after a second, she looked down and saw the wing ponies shift to center flight. Rainbow smiled, and poured everything into a sonic rainboom, pulling it off with perfect timing, just over the team. The long rainbow trail she had now was following her as she completed the loop, and perfectly rejoined the team. She had done it. And to absolute Perfection. She cried a bit as she imagined her dad smiling at her. Then the glory faded to horror as she heard the roar. The angry roar of an adult Dragon. It was closing on their tails now. The rainboom had startled it and made it attack. The team split formation, hoping to distract the dragon with multiple targets, but it stayed on course for Dash, her multicolored stream from the rainbow was still streaking across the sky.

"Rainbow!" Every pony in the stadium yelled. Fluttershy was about to have a heart attack as her friend was in mortal danger.

Rainbow bucked hard at her trail, getting it to splinter and diffuse for a second, making a large blot of rainbow in the dragons path. The beast hit the flare of rainbow, dazed for a second. Rainbow took the chance to drop now, pulling a hard dive. Her trail would give her away, so she needed to out maneuver the dragon to live. The dragon was out a second longer than Rainbow had anticipated, giving her a better chance, but it was now in a dive too, and with it's strength was closing fast. Rainbow had no agility at this speed, all of her hope lay only with the maneuvers the dragon would have to strain to keep up with.

"Come to me pony," The dragon yelled, "Let me feast!"

"Fat chance!" Rainbow yelled, as she neared the ground and pulled out hard. She was flying parallel to the floor now, submitting her body to upwards of 80 G's. She could barely see as everything went dark, the blood in her not pumping as well as it should. There was a hot blast as the dragon fired past her. The Bastard, Rainbow thought, He made the turn. Rainbow was in deep, so she cut speed, and dropped her wings to gliding position. The dragon rocketed past, with no chance to match the small ponies aerial moves. Rainbow let her heart give the blood she needed as she closed in on the dragon's tail. The dragon arched high, giving Rainbow her opening. She rocketed out, and struck the dragon right below the left wing, in what would be a pony soft spot, a nerve cluster that would fold the wing if hit. But the dragon was not a pony. The hit only told it where Rainbow was. Rainbow checked her status: pro: Rainbow trail was gone. Con: Dragon was not.

"Rainbow!" Fleet Foot yelled as she and Rapid Fire closed in to help. The dragon turned to the noise and let loose a hot blast, but missed both ponies.

"Thanks," Rainbow called out as she rejoined the team. "Foot, Fire, with me. We're losing the damn thing in the clouds!"

"Roger," Both wings replied. They started the climb now, darting back and forth as the dragon fired at them. But it could not land a upwards shot on such agile targets. The Dragon was now exhausted, having never flown this hard, but it was not over yet. It followed the ponies into a cumulus cloud. The cloud provided much needed concealment, but they could not leave, the dragon would be able to track them. No, they had to wear it out in the ice cloud. It was hard to fly here, even in the suits, the air was so cold it would barely move for them. The ponies had difficulty breathing, but the dragon was not hindered as such, it was a fire breather after all. But it was not great at the hovering part. It lashed out at the ponies, but was losing ground, or rather cloud, fast. It stuck once now with it's claws and felt them strike a pony. That would have to do for the dragon, because now a fast bolt, like a speeding rainbow, struck the dragon on the head. The dragon reeled, and dropped.

Rainbow had flown high during the dragons attack, and looped back to hit him at speed. Right before she entered the cloud again, she saw a figure drop out of the cloud. She doubled speed, and connected with the dragons head. The dragon dropped, but Rainbow was still in her dive. She had to catch them. But she was exhausted, having pushed to much for the power drop. She was closing on the unconscious pony, just a few more feet. Blood drops were slashing Rainbow, seeping from a deep gash in the pony's side. This was not good.

Rainbow was too close to the ground, bottoming out was inevitable, but she had to try. She wrapped her legs around the figure and pulled them in tight, tucking and rolling with impact. Rainbow felt several bones break, and heard a rather unsettling pop that was her left shoulder. She lay on the ground, the cold snow stinging every inch of her as she started to go numb. She barely saw the three others drop down, and the little yellow one rush her into a hug. She was out now, but breathing.

"Rainbow!" Every pony said as they entered the hospital ICU and saw Rainbow laying in bed, out cold with Fluttershy and Soarin right beside her. Soarin was asleep, his head on Rainbow's bed as he waited.

"Hey girls..." Fluttershy said looking up at them.

"We came as soon as we heard, The paper had a complete break down. How is she now?" Twilight asked.

"She's going to be fine," Fluttershy said, making every pony there exhale. "But the same can't be said of Rapid Fire. The dragon tore his wing tendon. He will never fly again."

"Poor Rapid Fire..." Applejack said, holding back a tear. Twilight didn't know why, but every pony else did, and left it at that.

The ponies all sat with Rainbow and Fluttershy, talking about this and that, and even getting Soarin up to chat, til Princess Celestia turned up herself.

"Greeting my little ponies. How is our hero?" Celestia asked.

"She'll make it, she's a strong pony," Soarin replied, looking down to his slumbering marefriend.

"Good. I would hate for my friend and the newest Wonderbolt to be out of commission," Celestia said with a smile.

"She will be excited to hear that Princess, thank you," Soarin said with a small smile as he stroked her mane.

"Soarin, it ain't yer fault, there was no way to join 'em in flight with out endangerin' em all," Applejack said to the guilty looking stallion.

"I know, but still..." Soarin said, his usual flare and chipper long gone as he just sat and waited.

"Twilight, if you, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Spike would please join me for a minute, I'm afraid our talk can not wait," Celestia said to the group, the chosen ones following her out into a private waiting area. "Twilight, I called you here because Spike will now begin his growth to his true form, allowing his destiny to take shape."

"What do you mean Princess?" Twilight asked as the others all looked at Spike, wondering the same.

"Spike was given to us as an egg as part of the pony/ dragon treaty. They wanted a dragon in the royal court. I was able to convince them to let us hatch the dragon we would include, and thus made that the entrance exam for my protege, and the advanced magic academy. Twilight, you were the first student to ever actually hatch the egg. Most ponies could do nothing with it, or just warp it a bit. Some were closer to making the egg hatch, but only you could do it, and so much more. So you were selected as my protege, and Spike's guardian," Celestia reveled, answering the question of Spike's mysterious past.

"Last year you all learned about greed growth," Celestia said beginning the delicate part of the talk. "But what Spike is getting ready to enter now is called heart's growth. Most dragons grow through greed, and as such are the beast we know today. But a select few chose love over greed, they grow into the rulers of dragons, Imperial Dragons. We always hoped Spike could become one, and last year we almost lost that opportunity, but now we believe that he is well on his way. Spike, your magic has even gotten stronger lately, a good sign," Celestia said looking to Spike, who was a bit stunned into disbelief.

"Magic? I have my own magic?" He asked in wonder.

"Of course Spike, how else did you think you sent me the letters?" Celestia replied with a warm smile.

"Oh, hehe, yeah... " Spike said.

"Princess," Twilight opened in the lull, "Did you say Imperial dragon? Like Draconian royalty?"

"Yes. Spike is a dragon Prince. Or he can be when he turns 150 years old. Dragons only allow the strong to lead, and he is not eligible to compete for power before then," Celestia said with a sorrowed glance at Spike. "I hate to think of a friend of mine doing anything so barbaric, but it must be done."

"Spike, I'm not afraid," Sweetie said stepping up next to the purple dragon, "I want to help you. Rarity once said you need love in your life, so I'm here for you, no matter what."

"I... Thank you Sweetie Belle. I...I-" Spike started but could not finish. He just looked down at his feet, felling ashamed.

"What's the matter Spike?" Rarity asked the little guy.

"I'm torn. I've loved you for a long time Rarity, but I love Sweetie Belle too... How do I go on like this?" Spike said. Celestia smiled at the dragon, and walked over to him.

"Spike, you are growing up. You have made this choice already. You just need to dig deep," Celestia said, palcing a kind hoof on the dragons back.

"Sweetie. I love Sweetie..." Spike said as he realized it. "I said that, but it never sank in how much I did til-" Spike was cut off by the little unicorn throwing herself on the dragon, kissing him once again, long and deep.

"Spike," She finally said, "I love you too. I love you," She said as she cried tears of joy into the dragons shoulder. Spike wrapped his arms around her now, content, with no more confusion clouding his soul.

"Rarity," Spike finally said, "I hope things are still cool between us..."

"Yes Spike, we are 'still cool' my little Spikey Wikey," Rarity said placing her hooves on Spikes checks and rubbing them around.

"Now Spike, I need to speak with Twilight and Rarity in private," Celestia said as the two kids walked out, leaning into each other. Rarity and Twilight stood flank to flank as they looked to their ruler for her next point to talk about. "First, congratulations. You two are such a cute couple," The ruler remarked with a sly grin, making both ponies blush a bit. "Second, the more Spike loves Sweetie, the bigger and stronger he will get. He should remain small as long as he feels she is safe though. Dragons heart growth only happens when they need to be big enough to protect their love, so it will be awhile. But to be on the safe side, don't let her hang out with any pony that Spike might feel is a treat to his spot as her love."

"Of course. We will do what we can Princess. Spike will be a very good prince I believe," Twilight said with a nod from Rarity.

"Yes, he will because of the love and friendship you have given him. Now the Third point, the most crucial, I want details. Rarity," Celestia said with a stern look to the fashion mare, "What is Twilight like in bed?" Celestia asked plopping down on the floor, her head supported by her hooves and a wide grin, eyes eager as Rarity and Twilight rolled their eyes and begrudgingly told the Princess every last detail. Twice.

Twilight and Rarity came back into the ICU now, some what exhausted after their talk with the Princess. But they perked up seeing Rainbow was finally awake. Soarin was not there, he had gone to check on Rapid Fire now.

"Hey gals, have fun?" Rainbow asked as they entered. Applejack shot them a dirty look, and Pinkie was just looking on in awe. Spike and Sweetie were looking down, guilty.

"What hap-" Twilight started before Applejack cut her off.

"Y'all are a piece of work, ya know that!" She yelled, storming out.

"Okay, really, what did we do?" Rarity asked.

"Um Twilight, I'm sorry," Spike said, "I thought they would take my news well, but it seems dragons are not that popular right now, what with one hurting Rainbow and Rapid Fire," Spike said.

"Oh no. Scootaloo, Spike, stay with Rarity. Apple Bloom, let's go find your sister," Twilight said.

"I'm coming too," Pinkie said, "I have a bad feeling about AJ alone out there. Pinkie sense calls for a dozy."

"Thanks. I appreciate the help," Twilight said as they all left.

Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash who was smiling. The kids all went out to the waiting room with Fluttershy so that Rainbow could talk to Rarity in private real fast. Rarity thought it was about Rapid Fire and Applejack back in high school.

"So guess what Fluttershy told me in Cloudsdale yesterday, something about a new couple, Rarelight," Rainbow said, grinning mischievously.

"Wait, you know!?" Rarity stammered. She did not know what was more shocking, the fact that Rainbow was so open or that Fluttershy blabbed. Rarity shot Fluttershy a glare, but gave up on holding the grudge, Fluttershy would have told Rainbow, they were like sisters. "So what does this mean?" Rarity asked, trying to plan how to go forward from here.

"What does what mean? For you and Twi, I wish you the best. Oh!" Rainbow exclaimed as the thought hit her, "You girls already have a kid even. Scoots!"

"Wait you support us? And Twilight is only the foster parent for now. But she does seem happy to be raising Scootaloo," Rarity said, looking out to the waiting room where the kids were talking to a nurse to see if they could get first aid cutie marks, Scootaloo resembled a mummy, so Rarity thought no. But she smiled, thinking of her and Twilight raising the filly, together.

"Buck yeah. Every pony thought I was gay for the longest time, so I know how it feels. You're still the same Rarity we know and love. And now you're a happy Rarity, so it's all good. And I hope you girls adopt Scoot, I feel bad that I never even asked her about her family situation," Rainbow said looking up at the ceiling.

"Spike told us actually. The little guy is going to be a great leader one day," Rarity said, smiling at the little dragon that was helping to tear the gauze off of Scootaloo.

"Twilight," Pinkie asked as they wondered the streets looking for Applejack. She could not have had that much of a head start, "I was wondering, what's it like?"

"What's what like?" Twilight asked, not focusing much on the conversation.

"Having all that magic inside of you. You hatched a dragon, a feat no other pony has ever accomplished," Pinkie said.

"Oh, Pinkie, it's... well it's... Just who I am, really," Twilight said as they continued on.

"Are y'all done, cause we need to find my sister," Apple Bloom said.

"Oh, hehe, yes of course," Pinkie said.

Two streets over, wondering down a dark ally, was Applejack. She walked along, head hung low, not caring where she went as she tried to work the mental puzzle. Rapid Fire, my old high school sweet heart. Hurt by a dragon. And now they want me to be happy for Spike, as he is about to grow into a big princely dragon, and hurt the girls. Ah ain't gonna stand for that. Ah'm lost. In both terms. Ah should head back, Ah left Apple Bloom there. Applejack was turning around to leave when she bumped into some pony.

"Oops, sorry bout that," Applejack said with a kind smile.

"Now why did you have to go and bump my friend like that Missy?" Some pony standing next to the bumped said.

"Da, was most impolite. But maybe you can make nice, hmm?" The other said in a thick Moscow accent. They were bigger that Applejack by a head each. But she could take them both. Then they changed the game, one was a unicorn, his horn hidden til now in shadows. The magic pinned Applejack to the wall, and try as she might, she was no use against magic.

"Ung, no. Take my money. Ah don't want any trouble now," Applejack said, fear rising.

"Well cutie, I am the thief, so I will help myself to your bits. But my friend here," Cooed the unicorn motioning to the other, an earth pony, "Is only interested in your... private bits. Do be kind and oblige him as well."

"No, No, Help! Mmph! RRRRR!" Applejack yelled as she was gagged magically, thrashing about as she tried to break free. But it was no use. The earth pony crept up and placed both hooves against the wall, ready to have his way with Applejack, when out of nowhere, there was a noise. Just a sound of glass rolling across the stones, but it was enough.

"What was noise?" The earth pony said, sacred. Applejack was still fighting for freedom, not caring what it was, as long as it helped

"She's just a myth Ivan, now hurry up and get your rocks off, I don't like this..." The unicorn said. Ivan was still scanning the street when suddenly he was off Applejack. She had not been looking, but now watched as he was drug into the darkness by a enchanted rope around his neck and left foreleg. Nice ropin! Applejack thought. The partner was scarred, and turning this way and that to try and see the attacker. He started to yell at the darkness. "Come out here and face me like a stallion!"

"Eh hem," Applejack cleared her throat behind him. He had let the spell drop. He turned and caught a signature Apple family buck to the chest, and went flying. He crumpled against the back wall, but was quickly on his hooves, making his retreat. He had even been nice enough to leave Applejack her coin purse. A figure stepped out of the shadows, and Applejack felt a flood of relief.

"Are you alright?" The Mysterious Mare Do Well asked.

"Yes, Ah am, thanks to you," Applejack said. Her heart was still racing, but she was fine.

"I know you, you're one of the elements of harmony," The masked mare said.

"Eeyup. Names Applejack. Ah thank ye," Applejack replied with a smile

"Just doing my duty," The masked mare said as she started to back away into the darkness. Applejack spoke up though, She didn't know why, but Applejack didn't want to say good bye just yet.

"Ya know, my friends and Ah started Mare Do Well back in Ponyville, I wore the uniform a year ago myself," Applejack said blushing a bit. Why am ah blushing, Ah ain't embarrassed, this pony's a hero with the idea we started.The mare stepped close, and lifted her mask just over her snout, revealing a lavender pink snout. She moved right to Applejack, their lips just inches apart. Applejack's heart was going a million miles an hour, but not for fear, but desire. She liked the warm breath on her lips in this cold ally, this unknown mare and her, in the snow and cold. It was somehow just what she wanted.

"Then let me thank you properly," the mare said putting her lips to Applejack's. This was heaven, Applejack thought. The kiss was the best she had ever had, the unknown mare sliding her tongue in gently to Applejack's waiting mouth. But this time, Applejack would not be just taking a kiss, she drove on herself, pulling the mare deeper into the kiss. The mare responded by pulling in as well, knocking their hats to the ground. Applejack, for the first time ever, did not care. She was loving the feeling of the mare's lips on hers, their breath forming small clouds as they gasped and drove on, with more and more passion. Applejack felt the hooves sliding down her and spoke out.

"Please," She begged of the mysterious masked mare. The mare pushed Applejack into the wall and kissed her, long, sweet kisses, while her hooves worked Applejack's chest and flank. Applejack let the mare slide her kisses down her neck, enjoying the feeling of teeth against her now and then. Applejack wanted this, more than she had ever wanted anything. Then in an instant, it was over. The mare had pulled away.

"Not like this. If it is meant to be," She said as she quickly kissed Applejack again, "Then we will meet again. For now though, your friends are here," She said as she picked up a hat and vanished into the darkness. A second later, appearing at the mouth of the ally was Twilight, Pinkie, and Apple Bloom.

"Applejack!" They all cried rushing to her. Apple Bloom hugged her sister tight, burying her face in the blond mane.

"Thank goodness you're alright," Twilight said before looking a touch guilty. "AJ-" She said but was motioned to stop.

"Ya don't need to Twilight. Ah just didn't think. Ah even left Apple Bloom back there," Applejack said with a small chuckle.

"Are you okay AJ?" Pinkie asked tilting her head.

"Yeah, Ah'm fine Pinkie," Applejack said putting the hat back on her head.

"Cause that's not your hat," Pinkie said making Applejack look. She was wearing the hat of Mare Do Well! Well, Ah guess we will meet again, Applejack mused.

"Yeah, it ain't. It's a friends. One Ah hope to see again very soon," Applejack said to no pony in particular, just staring at the darkness.

"AJ, about Spike..." Twilight said, to be cut off again.

"Ah know, Ah just need time Twilight. Spike will be a dragon prince some day, but Ah can't let 'em hurt any pony. Ah want ya to promise me this Twi, that Spike will never hurt any pony," Applejack said looking at her friend. "Rapid Fire was my old high school sweet heart Twi. Ah just don't want to have another dragon hurting some pony Ah care about," Applejack sniffled out as she began to cry for the first time for her old love.Twilight just walked over and pulled Applejack into a hug, whispering encouragement. Pinkie joined the hug to, happy that nothing bad had happened, guessing her Pinkie sense had been wrong for once.

Back in the hospital, Rarity and Fluttershy were talking now. Dash had gone back to sleep, as had the kids, they had had a long day. Soarin was getting some drinks for every pony after hearing about the 'dragon apple storm.' The two mares discussed things, so much having changed so soon.

"I'm sorry darling, that must have been absolutely terrifying for you," Rarity said placing a concerned hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.

"I was more scarred for Dashie to tell the truth..." Fluttershy said looking to her friend in the bed.

"As are we. Does she know?" Rarity asked.

"Know what?" Fluttershy said with a confused tone.

"You know, that you have these feelings for her," Rarity said, waving her hoof about.

"Oh, I don't have feeling for Dashie. She is my best-est friend, since I was a foal, I couldn't love her," Fluttershy said looking a little deflated. She really wished Rarity would stop trying to guess and just let it be.

"Oh come now Darling, it's obvious," Rarity said with a small chuckle, afraid she was wrong again.

"I love her as a friend, but not in that way. I love-" Fluttershy started but was cut off by the others coming back in. Both mares decided the talk would happen later. Fluttershy hopped much, much later.

"Applejack, what is with your hat?" Rarity asked as Twilight magically lifted the sleeping Apple Bloom off of Applejack's back.

"It's a friends," Applejack said, and left it at that.

"You girls suck, Shy was just getting to the good part," Rainbow Dash said, having been faking sleep.