The Garedion Conflict

Twilight looked at herself in the mirror one more time as she ran the brush through her mane. Ordinarily, she wouldn't have bothered, but as the newest princess of Equestria, there were certain aesthetic standards she had to uphold; one of which was making sure her mane was just right. Rarity, she reflected as she looked into the mirror, would have no issues with such a thing – she was overly concerned with her outward appearance, and this would have been little more than rigmarole for the white unicorn. It wasn't for Twilight, however.

She sighed as she levitated the brush down onto the marble sink, turning the faucets and lightly splashing her face with gelid water, which did little for the dark circles around her eyes. She would have slept in, if possible – but earlier that morning, at practically the break of dawn, Spike had barged into her chambers and woken her. Initially disgruntled, her disposition changed when he held up a scroll bearing the royal seal of Celestia. The old princess hadn't been sending her much as of late, so it was with curious eyes that she read the message contained therein.

Celestia had requested her presence in Canterlot, claiming it was of the uppermost importance that she, as well as her five friends, arrive as soon as possible. Not being one to keep the princess waiting, she responded to the letter immediately and rolled out of bed, instructing Spike to notify her friends. He saluted and marched out the door, allowing her some privacy with which to get ready.

She turned off the sink and rubbed her face dry with a soft fuzzy towel, then returned to her large and commodious chambers. Twilight walked over to the nightstand by her bed and slid open a drawer, levitating her tiara and resting it atop her head. She glanced at herself in the mirror, then grumbled something about how stupid her crown looked. She took it off, setting it back on the nightstand, then, after a moment's consideration, decided it would be best if she wore it. Though she didn't think it was necessary, this was an official meeting with the ruler of all Equestria, and she was now considered royalty; it was best for her to look the part.

Three succinct knocks came from the entryway downstairs, and she meandered her way out of her room and down the pallid blue steps. She wondered which of her friends was the first to arrive, and when the knock came again, this time sounding like an oddly familiar drum-beat, she had no doubt in her mind as to who it was. Grinning, her horn lit up as she swung open the doors. A bright pink pony bounced into the antechamber, pulling her friend into a hug that almost knocked off her tiara. Twilight readjusted it atop her head, then chuckled lightly. “Pinkie, it's great to see you.”

“And it's great to see you, Twilight!” she replied, bouncing around the room excitedly. Twilight rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. “So what's going on?”

The lavender alicorn bit her lip, not entirely certain herself. Celestia hadn't included many details in the letter; she only said that it was extremely important. “I'm not really sure,” she said, walking over to a small vestibule that overlooked the street. “But apparently it's urgent.”

“Oooh, that sounds exciting! Maybe it's like some super secret mission, or a dangerous adventure. Ooh, I love secrets, and danger, and adventures! Maybe it'll be all three, or maybe it won't be any of them at all, or maybe, maybe—” Her blathering was cut short when Twilight placed her hoof over her mouth, though she couldn't contain her excitement. The pink-furred pony was practically shaking with enthusiasm. Twilight removed her hoof, then chuckled.

“Twilight, I have to plan a party for this!” Pinkie said, bouncing around some more.

The princess smiled. “I'm not sure we have time. Once the others are here, we should catch a train to Canterlot right away.”

“Okie dokie lokey!”

“Hopefully Spike makes it back in a reasonable amount of time, though I don't know why he didn't just send messages to everyone.”

Pinkie shrugged, trying to prevent herself from pulling the tapestries off the wall. As much as she wanted to play with them, she knew Twilight would be upset. “I don't know,” she said. “It's not like his exchange with me was really rushed before he ran off in the direction of Rarity's shop or anything.”

Twilight blinked, a look of worry on her face.

“What? Oooohhh...”

After a pause, Twilight's features relaxed and she laughed softly. “I'm sure he won't tarry, but that's probably it; he wanted to see her before we all left.”

“See who?”

“Rarity.”

“Oh yeah,” she chimed, “I knew that.”

“I know you knew that.”

Pinkie drew herself eye to eye with Twilight, squinting at the alicorn. “I know you knew that I knew that!”

Twilight grinned and shoved her playfully. “Okay, you win.”

She had to admire her friend's antics. When she had first come to Ponyville, all she had wanted to do was get away from everypony, Pinkie especially. They were certainly different to anything she was exposed to in Canterlot, and thus it had taken time – a lot of time – to become acclimated to them. But now that she was used to it, Twilight wasn't sure how she would live without any of them. They brought a mirth to her life that didn't used to be there. Through all the books she read, and all the adventures she experienced through the pages, nothing compared to the wamrth she felt when she was around her friends. It was an experience quite unlike any other. It was, in a word, magic.

Several minutes passed by, Pinkie bouncing around and Twilight sitting on one of the antechamber's crystal benches, which was not entirely comfortable, when the door opened again to reveal Rarity. She was dressed up in the most regal-looking attire Twilight had ever seen her in, though she wasn't about to object. Rarity would always be Rarity, after all. “I hope I'm not late,” she said, stepping into the room. “I came as soon as I heard; right after Spike and I had some tea and I got dressed, of course.”

Twilight grinned. “It's okay. Pinkie's already here—”

“Hi!”

“And I'm sure the others will be here shortly. Until then, we'll just have to wait.”

Rarity nodded, taking a seat on a bench and running her hoof through her mane. She quickly returned to her hooves, though. “Twilight, you simply must get some cushions. I don't know how you can stand these bare benches.”

“It's simple; I stand.”

Rarity blinked at her, and Pinkie was trying her best not to crack up. “Twilight, that's just horrible.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “I know. Anyways, maybe you can help with the cushions when we return?”

“I'd love to! You know how I enjoy decorating for royalty.”

“What about decorating for a friend?”

“That too! Oh Twilight, you know the whole royalty thing doesn't really matter. You are my friend first and foremost.” She smiled, pulling her into a hug which Twilight returned.

“Group hug!” Pinkie exclaimed, hugging them both. They all shared a laugh, rubbing noses with each-other.

“Girls,” Twilight said with a smile as the hug ended, “don't you ever change.”

Applejack grunted as she bucked the last apples off of a tree. A dozen of the red fruits fell, plopping down into her baskets. She huffed, moving onto the next tree. Rearing, she slammed her back hooves against the tree. The upper branches shook slightly, but these apples were holding on tight. Agitated, she kicked harder this time, causing a couple of apples to fall. One fell into her basket; the other thudded onto the ground and rolled down the hill. With one last kick she brought down several apples, filling her baskets to the brim. Smiling, she left the tree and moved towards her rustic home, trotting at a sprightly pace.

She nudged the door open and stepped inside; the place was as quaint as ever. With hay piled up in some corners, jars of cider stacked on thick wooden shelves, and large oak beams holding up the plank roof, it was the perfect picture of a modest country home. A thick and lovely smell permeated the air, like apples baking. She glanced over and noticed the oven was on. "Mornin', sis."

Applejack turned around to see Big Mac alighting from the stairs. He smiled at her and ambled over. "Howdy there, sugarcube. Mind givin' me a hoof?" She nodded towards the baskets.

"Sure thing." He reached over and grabbed the baskets one at a time, slipping them off her leather girdle and placing them on the counter. "There y'are."

"Thanks a bunch! So, whacha cookin'? Apple pie?"

"Nope."

"Apple fritters?"

"Eyup." He smiled at her and walked over to the oven, reaching up and switching it off. He nudged open the oven door, revealing a tray full of crisp brown apple fritters. Carefully, Big Mac reached in and grabbed the tray with his teeth, resting it on the table and shutting the oven with his back hoof.

"Whew," Applejack said, mouth watering at the sight. The fritters sat there, glazed and steaming in the tawny daylight. She licked her lips, moving forward for a nibble. Her brother placed a hoof on her chest, impeding her progress.

"Not yet."

Applejack grunted, slightly tiffed. "What do you mean, 'not yet'?"

"I mean 'not yet'." He chuckled. "Granny Smith is gonna wake up soon, and I figured it'd be a nice treat."

"Aw, that's mighty sweet of you." Her face lightened up.

"So," he said, looking at her baskets of apples, "those ours?"

"Nope! I'm just taking a breather. They're for the Cakes."

"You stickin' around?"

Applejack bit her lip, glancing at the apples and then the clock. It was still early, and she could probably spare half an hour. "Sure thing! I do love me some apple fritters. Would be nice to see Granny Smith, too."

"She'll be down in five."

"All right." The mare looked up at the jars of cider, licking her lips idly. "Say Big Mac, could you pass me a cider?"

The stallion smiled at his little sister. "Eyup." He reached to the top shelf and slid off a glass jar of cider, placing it on the table.

Returning the smile, she twisted the lid off the jar and gulped down the tepid, bittersweet liquid. "Whew," she said, pushing the jar to the side. "I sure needed that."

"Don't mention it."

"It don't get much better than this," she said. "Lovely weather, a good harvest—" She cantered over to Big Mac's side "—and my big brother!" If he blushed, it didn't show through his crimson coat.

"Aw, shucks." He glanced away. "Good to have you too, sis."

A sudden knocking on the door drew their attention. The two siblings raised their eyebrows. “That's odd,” Applejack said. “Don't remember anyone saying they were going to stop by today.”

She walked over and nudged open the door, then glanced around. “Huh, doesn't seem to be anypony.”

“Down here.”

She looked down, descrying Spike. The small dragon was panting lightly, conspicuously exhausted. “Oh, howdy there, Spike! What brings you here?”

“Twilight got a letter from Celestia. She's requesting you guys meet her in Canterlot as soon as possible.”

Big Mac looked over her shoulder at the dragon, curiosity lining his features.

“Did she say what it was about?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “All she said was that it was extremely important.”

Applejack bit her lip, then turned to Big Mac. “Sorry, seems like duty calls.”

“Eeyup,” he said with a sigh.

“Tell Granny Smith I said hi...oh, and could you take those apples down to the bakery? I'm not sure the cakes want to be kept waiting.”

“Eeyup, I'll do that.”

“You'd better hurry,” Spike said, “Most of everypony is already waiting at the castle; I still need to get Fluttershy, though – so see ya!” With that, he scampered off towards the forest. Big Mac and Applejack watched him go, then looked at each-other, sharing a smile. Suddenly, the red stallion pulled her into a hug. “Be safe, lil' sis.”

The orange pony grinned. “I will.”

The train for Canterlot left a couple of hours short of noon with the fare negated due to royal business, and all of them had met up at the depot near the edge of Ponyville. Everypony, aside from Pinkie, was a whit nervous due to the ordeal. Whatever the reason for their summons, they doubted it was simply for planning another gala. Twilight knew when something was wrong, and this was definitely one of those times.

Soon, they were within the mountain beneath Canterlot, the train steadily making its way up the switchback rails that were placed there several decades ago. They emerged back into daylight, the tall stone buildings of Canterlot towering above them. Pinkie had her nose pressed to the glass, awed by the sight. Below them, the verdant land of Equestria stretched away for miles, where it eventually met with a glistening blue sea.

Twilight stepped off the train into the cool autumn air, her friends trailing closely behind. A stallion caparisoned in red plating with gold filigree met them, doffing his hat and giving a short obeisance. “Princess Twilight and company,” he said with reverence.

Twilight smiled, doing her best not to blush. She still wasn't used to getting the royal treatment, and wasn't sure if she ever would. “It's good to meet you, sir...”

“Just Ruby please, Princess Twilight.” He smiled mirthfully.

“Well Ruby,” she said with a grin, “your name suits your garments.”

“And what fine garments they are!” Rarity said, stepping forward to examine them further. “Who designed them, if I may ask?” Rainbow Dash couldn't help but roll her eyes.

“You know, I'm actually not sure. But if I find out, I'll let you know.” He winked.

“It would be most appreciated.”

The stallion chuckled softly. “Anyhow, if you all would be so kind as to follow me.”

Ruby led them down the cobblestone street, several pedestrians staring as they passed by. A few birds flew overhead, chirping their sprightly songs. Eventually they reached the steps in front of Celestia's castle. Two guards were stationed in front of the tall oak doors, and upon descrying Twilight and the rest, they quickly scrambled to get the doors opened. They bowed their heads as the group passed.

Within the entryway, the halls were tall and wide, made of polished marble. Several stained glass windows lined the walls, the light producing a motley of colours and patterns that shone upon the white floor.

Ruby smiled, looking back over his shoulder. “Princess Celestia is this way,” he said as he led them around a corner.

They ascended another flight of stairs and passed through an archway into a commodious room. On the far side of the room sat Celestia in her red-cushioned throne. Upon seeing them, she smiled amiably and rose to greet them. “Here they are,” Ruby said as he turned to take his leave.

“Thank you, Ruby.” She approached the ponies and smiled. “It's good to see all of you.”

“And you, Princess Celestia,” Twilight said with a light bow of the head. The others offered their various greetings as well. “We came as soon as we could.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” She giggled softly. “I wish we were meeting on better terms.”

Twilight bit her lip, frowning slightly. “So something is wrong, then?”

“I'm afraid so.” She ambled over to a long wooden table and took a seat. She motioned for the others to follow suit.

“What exactly is goin' on?” Applejack asked as she took a seat.

“Yeah, this a little weird and all. Uh, no offense,” Rainbow Dash said as nonchalantly as she could.

“Is this about pie?”

“Is there a fashion crisis?”

“Are there animals...hurt?” Fluttershy winced and receded back into her seat, suddenly terrified of the possibilities.

Celestia laughed and shook her head. “I'm afraid it's not that simple. As you know, as Princess it is my duty to oversee the safety of my subjects. That is why I have called you all here.”

Twilight leaned forward in her chair, resting a hoof on the table. “What's happened?”

The princess took a deep breath and averted her eyes, seemingly embarrassed. “Nothing yet.”

“'Nothing yet?'” Rainbow Dash said incredulously, voice raised a whit too high. Twilight gave her a stern glare, one she took the meaning of well enough. “Er, sorry...I mean, if nothing's happened, then why are we here?”

Celestia smiled at her. “As I said, nothing has happened yet – but I would not call you here without a purpose. Something is brewing on the horizon, something terrible.”

“That's a little ambiguous,” Twilight said skeptically. A smattering of agreement came from the others.

“I know,” she said with a sigh. “But I have felt it in my heart, and Luna has been having nightmares as of late. If anything, this has only served to corroborate my fears. I spoke with her and she agrees that something terrible is coming, even if we cannot yet say what.”

“N-nightmares?” Fluttershy said, visibly shrinking back into her chair.

Celestia nodded, glancing towards the yellow pegasus. “She speaks of fire and bloodshed...perhaps even death.”

At the mention of death everyone present began whispering amongst themselves, Fluttershy and Rarity looking the most perturbed by the information. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were glancing at each-other with a hint of unease.

Twilight looked at her former mentor with her brows furrowed. “So what does this mean?” she said hesitantly, finding the strength in her voice had failed.

“It means,” Celestia said, looking at them all solemnly, “that we must be ever vigilant. I will have the number of active Royal Guard bolstered, and Luna and I will attempt to keep an eye out in Canterlot. You girls must defend Ponyville, should things go awry.”

“I don't get it,” Applejack said. “Who would attack Ponyville?”

“Some meanie mean pants, that's who!” Pinkie said, slamming her hooves on the table, causing Fluttershy to yelp in surprise. “Sorry!”

“I-it's okay...”

Twilight sighed, glancing at all of her friends. “We'll be prudent.”

Celestia smiled at her. “That is all I ask of you.”

“You can count on us!” Rainbow Dash said with a salute.

“If there's any troublemakers, we'll find 'em,” Applejack added.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. “We will?”

Twilight smiled and rested a hoof on hers. “It's okay.”

The yellow pegasus looked at her friend and nodded. “A-all right.”

Celestia cleared her throat, placing her hooves together. “I am sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused you,” she said with a smile.

“No inconvenience,” Twilight assured her. “It's like you said; you wouldn't have called us here if it wasn't important.”

Celestia smiled at her. “Thank you for your understanding. You are all dismissed.”

Everyone nodded and stood up from their seats, bid the princess farewell, and made to leave the room. As they approached the large chestnut door, Celestia called out to grab their attention. Twilight turned, her brows raised slightly. “Yes, Princess?”

“Please, be careful.”

Twilight smiled at her. “Don't worry.”

With that they began the trip back to Ponyville, shaken by the meeting. Later, as the train made its way back down the mountainside, Twilight looked out the window at the sparkling blue sea, thinking about what Celestia had said.