The Reign of a Queen

The battle of Ponyville had taken its toll for everypony. Many lives were taken. Big Mac, Rarity, Lyra and Bon Bon were among the only few who were confermed dead. It was hard to tell who had died, who was simply captured, and who went AWOL mid-battle.

While Zecora was in charge of the camp inside the Everfree forest, she didn't like being called that. Instead, she insisted two other ponies rule with her. Two ponies that helped her build the camp. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie tried to cheer everypony up all the time. She held parties, played with the young, and generally looked after the camp. Fluttershy wasn't the weak pegasus everypony knew. She was a stronger flyer, and led all counterattacks that were needed. Zecora was left to make any potions they needed. All three met up daily to talk about ways of strengthening security, and making life easier.

Whenever Rainbow Dash came around, often every moon at most, she brought information about others around Equestria. Some good. Some bad. The pegasus was able to sneak around due to her speed, making her an ideal spy for the pony rebels. Zecora told Rainbow Dash to come infrequently, and to avoid comming if she suspects being watched. This caused Fluttershy to grow uneasy with every passing day.

You couldn't blame Fluttershy, really. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had lived together most of their life, and Fluttershy had some feelings for her pegasus friend. Zecora tried using this to make Fluttershy a better fighter, making her believe she was fighting for herself and Rainbow Dash.

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It had been a fornight since Rainbow Dash's last visit. Her visit was a relief for Fluttershy, who was fearing Rainbow Dash being dead. But still...

A woosh went past where Fluttershy was. This meant one thing, as a changling could never go that fast. Rainbow Dash had returned.

Fluttershy abandoned her post to meet her pegasus friend. Pinkie Pie and Zecora were aleady there, chatting with Rainbow Dash as if it was only yesterday she had left.

"Rainbow Dash, so glad you could come! -" Fluttershy had come up close to the cyan pegasus, and began hugging her. "- Any news?"

"Just the one..." There was a faulter in Rainbow Dash's voice. Zecora knew at once what had happened.

"If Luna has been killed, then an army we must build." Zecora's voice was strong, although she was stunned by the news.

"True, but something is wrong with the map. It seems black crystals are sprouting in North Equestria." Fluttershy had seen the map only hours ago, and noticed the change, however only considered it as a minor detail.

"Does this mean..." Pinkie Pie started to speak, but found it hard to finish. Both Zecora and Rainbow Dah knew what she meant, and meerly nodded their head.

"Like a china shop with a bull, problems will come from this war triangle." Zecora was sure of what they had to do. "Go and find out more, Rainbow Dash, but be sure to not be rash."

"Sure thing Zecora!" Rainbow Dash was ready and rearing to leave, but agreed to stay for the night, as she was tired fro her flight.