Night Wither closes the palace doors behind him. He lets out a small sigh. He knew he should be happier. He was accepted to be the personal guard of THE Princess Twilight Sparkle!

Yet he can’t help but be utterly confused with his first mission.

I have to make friends? Night thought. What kind of mission is that? Make friends? What is the point? Shouldn't she send me off on a task that's more important?

Night shook his head. No point in complaining, he is now a royal guard and no matter what he is given, he will do it.

Question is, who would bother to be friends with a Changeling?

“WATCH OUT!”

Night was immediately taken out of his thoughts by something, or someone, slamming into him and making him eat dirt.

“Ugh...” Night groaned. He tries to get up but something kept him down.

“Oh, sorry about that”, a voice said. He feels the weight leave him, allowing him to stand. He is suddenly pulled to his feet. “I was trying to do this new...”

The voice trails off. Night soon regains his focus and gets a good look at who crashed into him. She is a cyan colored pony. She is a pegasus, as shown by the fact she was hovering over him, her strong wings flapping. But what really caught his eye was her rainbow mane.

“Um...” Night stuttered, unsure of what to say to her. The mare placed her goggles on her forehead, letting him take notice that she’s leering at him. She closes her wings and lands in front of him.

“Who are you?” the mare didn’t so much ask as much as demand, with distrust in her tone. Night sighed, he isn’t surprised that someone would be suspicious of him being here.

“My name is Night Wither, I’m a new guard of Princess Twilight”, he answered professionally, hoping this will calm her down.

“That right?” she responded. “Didn’t think a Changeling would join that quick. I mean it’s cool and all. Just... weird”

If she was trying to be tactful, she’s failing.

“Well I’m here on a mission for the Princess”, said Night.

“And that is?” the mare questioned. To this Night had no real answer. Who would believe that making friends is an assignment for a royal guard? But it’s obvious that if he didn’t give her something, she won’t let him leave. He gritted his teeth in annoyance and narrowed his eyes.

“She wanted me to make friends”, he mumbled, but clear enough for her to hear.

“Not with that attitude”, she scoffed.

She’s one to talk.

Night simply stayed quiet. The mare took this cue to smirk.

“Relax, I believe ya”, she said. “Only Twilight would give such a cheesy mission. But hey, it looks like it’s one you really need. Lucky for you, you met me and I know just how to help ya out.”

“And how are you going to do that?” Night asked, not believing her in the slightest.

“Well, besides fixing your mood, I can show you how to approach the town ponies here.” she said. “No offense, you’re gonna scare them. But not when you got me hanging with ya.”

Am I supposed to be honored?

“Well, with that knowledge, how could I say no?” said Night.

“Exactly!” the mare swiftly agreed. “Name’s Rainbow Dash, the best Wonderbolt in all of Equestria! Congrats, you’re officially now awesome.”

“Um... thanks?” he said before being suddenly pulled and carried into the air. He flails a bit as Rainbow flies with amazing speed.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive in the middle of town, within a market place. Night was then dropped onto the ground carelessly in front of a stand.

“What the hay!?” an accented voice yelled out.

“What’s up AJ! Hard at work? That sucks”, said Rainbow with a grin. Night got back on his feet, rubbing his forehead as he noticed an orange colored mare with a blonde mane and a country hat.

“Um, you okay?” the same voice asked awkwardly.

“I’m fine”, Night answered plainly. He could see this mare was not comfortable with him. In fact, he could feel a bunch of stares on him. It was surprising that there wasn’t a panic honestly. Maybe being around Rainbow Dash really did help. Not that Night will ever admit that.

“Don’t worry, they’re weirded out but they won’t hurt ya”, said Rainbow, nudging him. “They know a bunch of guys from other kingdoms will end up coming here, they’re just surprised a Changeling came so early. I think anyone would be. Uh, no offense”.

“Don’t mind Rainbow, she doesn’t know when her hoof is in her mouth”, chimed in the orange mare. “I’m Applejack, welcome to our small little town. I’m guessing you’re one of Twilight’s new knights huh?”

“Yeah, I just joined, my name is Night Wither”, said Night respectfully. Well, she adapted quickly.

“A pleasure making your acquaintance”, said Applejack with a tip of her hat.

“Look at that, you already made an acquaintance! Good job!” praised Rainbow, patting Night’s back rather roughly. Night rubbed his shoulder. “You’re learning a lot faster than I thought”.

I’m going to assume that was meant to be a compliment.

“Thanks... I guess”, said Night. To this, Rainbow let out a laugh.

“Oh Applejack!~” a voice cooed nearby. Night turned to see a mare with a pure white coat and a very stylized purple mane walking over with grace. She was GORGEOUS. Night felt himself freeze up from the sight.

“Hey there, whaddya need?” Applejack asked the white mare with a smile. The mare gets close and speaks.

“I would like an apple fritter to g-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Only to suddenly scream the moment she laid eyes on Night.

Well... there goes my self-esteem...

“CHANGELING! RAINBOW! DO SOMETHING!” the mare panicked, hiding behind the pegasus and pushing her forward.

“Whoa whoa! Rarity it’s cool! He’s Twilight’s new guard!” Rainbow quickly assured. At this the mare, Rarity, stopped screaming and covered her mouth in utter embarrassment.

“I am so sorry!” exclaimed Rarity, guilt clearly showing. “I just... I did not... I am still not used to Twilight’s decision to include non-ponies in her royal guard. I... I certainly did not expect a Changeling so soon too...”

“Yeah, that’s what I said”, Rainbow added.

“It... it’s fine... really”, spoke Night. It honestly WASN’T fine but he knew that this will be an issue he would have to deal with for a while. Besides, he couldn’t blame her considering what Queen Chrysalis has done. Impersonating an Alicorn Princess? Just insane.

“No, I was wrong to make a scene that way”, said Rarity, offering her hand in a very formal manner. “I want to welcome you to our town. I am happy to see Twilight’s words have reached more people than I thought possible. If there is anything you may need, please do not hesitate to ask me”.

Night couldn’t help but blush from her sincerity. She had a way with words. He takes her hand and shakes it, which makes her smile.

“Ah see? You just made another friend! You’re on fire!” shouted Rainbow.

“I thought Applejack was only an acquaintance”, said Night. Applejack raises her eyebrow at that.

“Same difference”, Rainbow answered without missing a beat. “And it’s about to get even better!”

“What do you mean?” Night asked.

“Cause I’m officially now your friend too! Congrats new guy!” Rainbow yelled out.

“Charming as always dear”, Rarity quipped.

“Like a cart crash into a lake”, Applejack jabbed with a smirk.

“Thanks!” said Rainbow before coming to a sudden realization. “Not cool”.

This made the other two mares snicker. Night watches their interaction.

They are very close...

Is this what the Princess meant...?

“Alright, we won’t keep ya Night” Applejack suddenly spoke up. “We know you got a mission to finish and you got a whole town of ponies to meet!”

“And we assure that you will be delighted to get to know them and them you!” Rarity added.

“You already got us!” Rainbow reaffirmed. “And knowing me will get everypony here wanting to hang with ya! You’ll have one hell of a report for Twilight!”

“I...” Night was at a loss for words momentarily before gathering himself. “Thank you... I am... I am honored that you’d do this...”

“My my, so polite. The mares in this town will certainly like that”, Rarity teased with a wink which made Night blush.

“Here, take this on the house”, said Applejack as she gave Night a plate with a pastry on it. “Our famous Sweet Apple Acres apple pie! Consider this a welcoming gift.”

“Oh um... thank you”, Night said.

“Now go on! You got some friends to make kid!” shouted Rainbow.

And with that, Night waved goodbye and walked more into town.

He wasn’t sure how to take this. Three ponies just happily decided to be friends with him, despite being suspicious at first. This is a strange feeling...

He supposed he should just be glad that it happened. After all, he was sure that no one would even bother to give him the time of day. Clearly he was wrong. Perhaps the Princess knew this would happen? He did not know.

What he did know that this ‘apple pie’ smelled DELICIOUS!

Night noticed a fork and picked it up. Yep, he was definitely glad. With a growing smile, he reached down to take a chunk of the pie.

...

Only to poke at air.

What the...?

Night then heard munching and quickly turned to the sound. There he saw a rabbit hunched over.

It was eating his pie!

“Hey! That’s mine!” shouted Night. The rabbit jolted up from his voice and gave a scowl, as if angered it was interrupted. The rabbit simply grabbed the plate and hopped away.

And so the chase begins.

Author's Note

Italicized words represent thoughts

Speaking of thoughts, be sure to comment yours on this new chapter. It would be much appreciated! (Was that cheesy?)