The Ambassador

Pop and Fizz bounced cheerily down the road. The two lemon-yellow Earth Ponies whistled a joyful tune in sync, grinning widely. It had been a long time since they had visited their hometown of Ponyville. They had been meaning to come back from Manehatten, but never really found the time.

But once they heard the news that Princess Twilight Sparkle was assembling a crew to venture to Earth, the twins knew that this was the time. The brothers signed up immediately, both surrendering their projects to rival party ponies.

They continued down the street, taking in all the changes. In reality, nothing had really changed at all. It was still the same cozy Ponyville they remembered. Pop and Fizz approached the titanic crystal castle, with its doors open hospitably. They were a bit surprised to see that the Princess stood in the main hallway, awaiting them.

“Your Highness,” the brothers bowed humbly.

Princess Twilight smiled amiably. “Good morning, boys. I’m glad to see that you made it. Most of the others arrived last night.”

Pop chuckled sheepishly. “Sorry if we’re late. We had a lot of parties to cancel and re-schedule.”

“It’s no trouble at all. In fact, we still have a week before we undertake our expedition.” Princess Twilight dismissed casually. “Come on in. Everypony else is having breakfast as we speak.”

The Earth Ponies followed the Princess, dipping their heads respectfully. Deeper inside, the brothers discovered that the dining hall was absolutely packed with ponies. There was a mix of about 30 Unicorn, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies. All of them scattered around the room, eating and chatting.

Pop and Fizz scanned the room, looking for familiar faces.

They immediately recognized Blazing Skyward. The jet-black Pegasus with her cyan blue mane was a reserve Wonderbolt. She was famous from the moment she was born, being the great-granddaughter of Rainbow and Soarin Dash, two legendary Wonderbolts.

Lightning Strike, an old playmate of Pop and Fizz. The electric green Pegasus and his father had previously worked with Mr. Bishop to guarantee the safety and performance of Equestrian motor technology. It was no revelation that he would be present.

Quick Fix, a grey repair pony who lived in Manehatten. Despite how others teased the Earth Pony for his name, Quick Fix had never once downed so much as a cup of hard apple cider. That buck was resilient.

Dubstep, a forest green Unicorn. He was an aspiring musician (as was expected, being the descendant in a famous line of musical artists). Pop and Fizz couldn’t quite understand why he was there.

Crabapple, a dusty brown Earth Pony mare who worked on a local ranch.

There were a few others they recognized as well. Pop and Fizz exchanged grins. This was going to be a real party.

~~~

Twilight drew in a breath. Everypony was present now. Let’s get this over with. She cleared her throat.

“Attention everypony.”

All heads turned to face Twilight.

“As I’m sure you’re all aware, the final ambassador from Earth has been delayed for reasons unknown.”

All ponies listened in, taking in everything the Princess said.

“This has given reason for concern, as the final ambassador was obviously an essential part of the human plan to investigate into Equestrian society. I suspect that an accident has occurred, either on Earth or in Mr. Bishop’s homecoming trek.

“As close associates with the humans, we must hold ourselves responsible to our friends.”

Twilight sucked in another big breath of air.

“I have decided to travel to Earth to discover the reasoning behind the disappearance of the last ambassador and the sudden loss of communication between us. For this reason, I have called upon you to assist me in my venture.

“I am so grateful to all of you, as I request something that may be hard for you. When I journey to Earth, it will take many moons to arrive. There is no telling how long I will stay to accomplish my goal. I will be there to ensure the well-being of our allies, and may enact a rescue mission for the ambassadors.

“The trip will take a year, at least. I do not, however, want to rip you from your lives. If anypony wishes to stay, I will completely understand.”

Nopony breathed a word.

“Since we will be gone so long, I have arranged to depart in a week, to give you time to say goodbye to your friends and families.”

Twilight shifted uncomfortably. “With that being said, the humans are probably simply facing manual or technical issues, and we will be home in time for next year’s Grand Galloping Gala. Either way, this is an exciting chance to witness the humans’ homeworld.

“Again, I can never thank you enough. I will guarantee that your efforts will be thoroughly compensated upon our return home.”

The dining room was filled with noise as the ponies cheered in unison. Twilight knew that most of these ponies would probably go with her anyway, reward or not. She truly was fortunate to have them with her.

~~~

Twilight sat perched on the balcony overlooking her kingdom. She had been motionless for quite some time, deep in thought. She hadn’t noticed Spike standing to the side, gazing at Twilight thoughtfully. She jumped when he finally broke the silence.

“You know, I wasn’t being serious.”

Twilight folded her wings. “I realize that, but you were right nonetheless.”

Spike frowned, unconvinced. “You know, you really don’t have to do this. We don’t know what the humans are going through. They may want to be left alone.”

“Exactly why we have to go. We don’t know what’s going on. In order to be decent companions, we need to find out what happened.”

Spike paused, before replying. “You really are going through with this.”

Twilight looked up at Spike in annoyance. “Why wouldn’t I? Do you have some sort of agenda against it?”

Spike’s eyes widened. “No, I just think it’s unnecessary, is all.”

“It very well may be, but that’s not the point.” Twilight sighed.

“Then why? Why go?”

Twilight turned to go inside, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You know why.”

~~~

Twilight stood outside the ship. The massive vessel was the size of ten homes, powered bi-partly by natural fuel and Equestrian magic. It had taken since Roman’s arrival to finish construction. Each new ambassador offered more accurate views of human technology, and revisions were made to it often.

But now that it was done, Twilight was glad to see it finally in action. Once she bid Spike farewell, she led her band of volunteers into the Badlands, where the ship awaited them. Twilight learned from experience that the empty Badlands was the best place for ships to launch and land in Equestria.

The ponies boarded swiftly, chattering amongst themselves excitedly. Twilight had to admit that she was also eager to see Earth. Now, it was time to go. No more time to reflect. As she guided herself up the ramp, Twilight recoiled upon hearing a voice call out from behind her.

“Wait! Don’t leave without us!”

Twilight whipped around. Who had she forgotten? She had been quite certain that everypony was there. Twilight couldn’t have made a mistake that big already.

She gaped as she saw the two ponies, a mare and a stallion, galloping at full speed towards her. As they came into view, Twilight could instantly recognize them. The mare, a grey Pegasus with playful, innocent cross-eyes, and yellow mane. The Earth Pony stallion with a brown coat and darker brown slightly frizzled mane, a scarf wrapped around his neck.

“Impossible.”

The ponies halted before her, panting. Twilight ogled as the two ponies regained their breath.

“Good to see you again, Twilight!” The Earth Pony gasped.

“It’s not possible,” Twilight repeated in disbelief.

The stallion just grinned. “You never thought it possible, but here we are!”

Indeed they were. Twilight realized that standing before her, without the help of Unicorn magic, were Doctor and Derpy Whooves.