To New Horizons

Chapters

Act 1 Chapter 1: Definatly a Monday
Act 1: Chapter 2
Act 1: Chapter 3
Act 1: Chapter 4
Act 1: Chapter 5
Act 1: Chapter 6
Act 1: Chapter 7
Act 1: Chapter 8
Act 1: Chapter 9
Act 1: Chapter 10
Act 1: Chapter 11
Act 2: Chapter 2
Act 2: Chapter 3
Act 2: Chapter 4
Act 2: Chapter 5
Act 2: Chapter 6
Act 2: Chapter 7
Act 2: Chapter 8
Act 2: Chapter 9
Act 2: Chapter 10
Act 2: Chapter 11
Act 2: Chapter 1: The Morning After

Act 1 Chapter 1: Definatly a Monday

“Beep, beep, beep” You groan as you roll over onto your belly in your cloud bed, laying there for a few more seconds before regretfully knowing your alarm won’t cease its dreaded noise. You sigh before sitting up and give your alarm clock across your room a glare that could make a gryphon sweat, but it still doesn’t cease its annoying sound.

“If only intimidating it would work.” you think to yourself as you start to make your way off the bed. With a yawn, you stretch your forelegs and wings before looking around your room groggily. Behind you is your cloud bed, more or less pressed up against the wall of your cloud house. It sits under a window facing west. You always did like watching the moon set on the horizon before going to sleep. To the left of you is your nightstand, on it is a half-empty glass of water, a journal and yesterday's newspaper.

One being the Ponyville express and the other the Ponyville confidential. You didn’t trust a thing in there but it was always good for gossip down at your guilds bar. Speaking of which, if you didn’t hurry your flank up you were going to be late to serving drinks! Your eyes shoot open at the thought and you run over to the dresser on your right.

On the opposite wall from your bed was the door out of your room and a small closet where you kept a bunch of old junk you never felt the need to get rid of. You quickly silence the alarm and look at the time. Fifteen past noon, “Shit, I’m going to be late!” You think to yourself as you dash out the door. You run out the door and right down the hall, passing your office across from your bedroom.

Directly at the end of the hallway was your bathroom and to the right of that your staircase down into your living room. You rush into the bathroom and quickly turn on the shower on your right to warm the water. While you let the water run and warm up, you hastily grab your toothbrush and hover a bit off the ground to brush your teeth, inspecting your light brown fur and messy dark brown mane before meeting your own blue eyes.

“Man the guys will kill me if I’m late again. Skyward you really screwed yourself this time!” You scold yourself as you spit the back wash out into the sink. You look to the right at the toilet and the window. “You could just fly out the window to save on time, but it’ll suck to not get anything to eat before work. A little late is better than being a grump to the lot you’ll be serving.” You think to yourself as you quickly get into the shower and start lathering yourself in soap.

Being extra careful with your wings you gently scrub them down and wash out your mane, hastily making your way back to your cutie mark on your hind leg. You’ll never forget how you got that, you and your father were sword training when you were a foal with wooden swords when you finally got a hit out on him. Finally claiming his pirate's treasure. You chuckle at the memory, knowing full well he never just let you win. But you did manage to finally get those thirty bits from his horseshoe box.

Then it happened, a bright flash and you got your cutie mark. An upward sword with Pegasus wings on either side that had the galaxy itself as a background. He said it was a mark of a conquer but you alway tell people it was just your fighting style. You usually fought on your hind legs using your wings as a counterbalance, holding your sword and shield in your forehooves just made it feel that much more useful. You're happy you didn’t go down the path your father wanted you to go.

With that, you finish scrubbing the soap out of your fur and quickly turn off the shower and dry yourself off with a good shake. “I’ll just air dry myself!” you yell to yourself as you rush outta the room and down the stairs, thinking of all the ways Starfire is going to murder you. She always hated pouring the drinks AND serving them. Nor did you blame her for it, it was nearly impossible to just hand out drinks on busy nights, navigating that too must be her special place in Tartarus!

You make it down to the bottom of the stairs and fly over the island counter in your kitchen and into the fridge. You quickly scan the contents of the fridge and the what is on the counter to the left of it. Hastily, you grab an apple and fly over the island again, landing on the other side. You then proceed to run through your living room. Your living room isn't much, just a couch, a coffee table with a TV and a DVR in the corner.

You really have to get around to watching that Daring Do movie you got. But then again you got your own adventures to have. You run up to the front door and grab the keys to the bar on the table next to the door before immediately stopping and looking down. “Shit my necklace!” You yell before flying as quickly as you can back into the living room, your necklace laying right where you had left it last night, on the coffee table.

You quickly inspect it before putting it around your neck again, it was a crescent moon necklace. While most others in Equestria worshiped Celestia you were a proud follower of Luna, her starry sky seems to call your name ever since you were a foal. But no time for those good old memories. You quickly put on your saddle bag by the door and dashed out of the house, closing and locking the door behind you.

You quickly run to the edge of your cloud lawn and make your daily dive. Letting the wind flow around your body as you open your wings and fly. Happily eating your apple as you stuff your keys into your saddle bag pocket, while you sloppily secure said saddle bag around your body. After you do so you leisurely enjoy your breakfast as you slowly watch the rolling plains below turn into sparse farmland and soon city limits. Good morning Ponyville!

Act 1: Chapter 2

Your mind wanders as you fly over the small town, you hope you aren’t late. You may co-own the bar but that won’t save you from restroom duty. You cringe just thinking about it. You let yourself slowly glide to the ground as you make your way past Sugar Cube corner and towards the edge of town. As you walk you look to the sky, to your guess it would be half passed Starfires going to kill you. “Great.” You think to yourself as you make a right turn and see the bar, surprisingly not open.
BY CELESTIA YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO LIVE! You make a mad dash toward the bar, It was a three-story building with a simple old europonyen design with a second-floor balcony and staircase up to it. The first floor being the bar and kitchen, the second was the inn for other adventurers. On non-bar day’s you’d lock the bar door and make sure the balcony door was unlocked.

You didn’t want to kidnap anypony or anything accidentally. The third floor was your guilds floor. Eclipse always slept up there. You thought it was sorta weird but then again, he was always chasing leads to a new adventure after he was done cooking food for everyone. So you really can’t blame the guy.

The bar was named The Skyward Sword bar and inn. Yes, it was named after you and yes, you felt weird about it. Your friends always looked to you as a “leader” but it was a group effort. Nopony really had any weight over anyone else, and if they felt your suggestion was the wrong one, they wouldn’t follow it.

Simple. Just the way you liked it. You slowly approach the door and give it a pull. Locked, strange. Eclipse would usually have the door unlocked by now. You reach back into your saddle bag and pull out your keychain. Welp here’s hoping you weren’t a dumb flank and came by on a non-bar day. You could have slept in until two pm then. You slide the key into the lock and turn it, hoping you weren’t dead or an idiot.

You slowly open the door to see Starfire standing with a cocky smile on the other side of the door. “Yep, definitely dead.” You think to yourself as she eyes you down for a few seconds. Starfire was an Earth pony, toughest pony you ever met, minus AppleJack. Starfire had a light yellow coat and a light brown mane with a stripe of dark brown over her left eye. The cutie mark on her flank (Not that you were looking) was a flaming arrow stuck in a wooden log.

“Well, well, well. The Lunist finally shows up on time! Finally, fix your sleep schedule princess?” She says with more than a hint amount of sass in her voice, at least you weren't dead right? “Har har Star. Could say the same to you for waking up at this ungodly hour!” You reply as you enter the bar and walk past her toward the counter surveying the bar for any changes.
From the right of the door was the bar counter, it was a bar rule not to let anyone eat at the counter. You always told people it was meant for drinking not eating. But the truth was you never really liked watching people chew their food right in front of you.

Behind the counter wall was the kitchen, served anything between salads and meat. Pony’s mostly bought cider but since you were still technically a restaurant you did serve milk and juice for foals. Some local families ate here often but on rare occasion a family of gryphons would eat here, but it was mostly adventurers from all over the known world.

Directly in front of the main door was the dining area, not much to say about it. It could hold about fifteen groups of five and on the back wall was the stairs up to the second floor. On the wall itself was a shield with the Equestrian flag painted onto it, two swords were crossed behind it. All dulled of course, you went a little further and cut halfway through the handle on both of them. So the moment those swords made contact with anything, the hilt and blade would pop off.

You chuckled to yourself over the idea of a drunken bar fight going down and some idiot would grab the sword thinking they were going to win. Only to learn they were screwed. To the left of the main door was a fireplace with a small stage for a couple of performers to play their tunes. The Bar’s policy was a walk in one. If nobody was playing, you can go have a shot. But if you suck the crowd won’t pay you a bit, and you sure as hell weren’t going to pay walk in’s.

Well, you did on occasion. Especially when they played music about the moon and it didn’t suck. You always made sure they’d walk away with something nice, whether it be a few bits or a free meal. You sniffed the air and noticed there wasn’t a scent of food cooking. Yep, a non-bar day. “Couldn't walk away clean huh universe? It's always something.” You think to yourself before looking back at Starfire.

“Think it was a bar day?” Starfire asked with her grin remaining on her face from when you entered. “Damn how does she always see right through you.” You thought to yourself as you gave her a deadpan look while she shut the bar door behind you and locked it. “Unfortunately.” You replied as she walks over to you. “Well lucky you, it is. But as you can see, Eclipse is M.I.A. Figured he was up in the guild hall but I was waiting on you to join me in his harassment.” Starfire stated as she made her way toward the staircase.

“Harassing Eclipse? Together? Never thought I’d live to see the day we could.” You say sarcastically as you follow behind her. “In all seriousness though, what in Tartarus has gotten into him? He’s never late!” Starfire says as she starts to ascend the staircase and pulls out her keychain to unlock the door. “He must have his reasons.” You sigh as you toss your devoured apple behind the counter and surprisingly, in the trash bin behind it.

You silently celebrate your victory as you go upstairs and lock the bar door behind you. The two of you make your way up a second staircase and finally outside the doors to the Guildhall. There are a few chairs there for pony’s who want to offer the guild a job. Whether it be mapping out a small portion of land or finding a lost item in the Everfree. You’d almost always take the job. Almost. Your guild HATES escort missions, so much a wendigo is probably enjoying a buffet of your hatred for them. Really though buck escort missions.

While you were having an escort hating rant happen in your head, Starfire opens the doors to the guild hall and walks inside, leaving the door’s open as per guildhall tradition. As the two of you enter, you kindly grab the little standing sign from behind the left door that says “Please wait here to talk to the Skyward Sword’s guild.” and proceed to place it by the stairs. On the other side of the sign, you wrote long ago.

“If the door is closed please knock. We aren’t psychic.” Too many ponies just wait for hours and don’t even bother actually knocking. It became a real problem to your guild. You turn around and officially enter the guild hall. The hall itself was pretty spacious with a nice green squared rug laying across the length of the room. To the right of the door was the door to the guilds kitchen and a few bookshelves sparcely holding any books and no trinkets. On the other side of the room was another door to a fully outfitted restroom.

Directly in front of the door was what you called the war room table. The table was a sandwich of a wooden base, a map of the known world and a glass covering. Allowing the guild to plan adventures, drink and eat all without ruining your map! It was brilliant! Or at least the three of you thought so. On the left of the hall were Four rooms, Three for the guild members and a fourth for a guest. The first one on the left (that was closest to the main door) was Eclipses, the next was Starfire’s and the one after that was yours.

You long ago, put a sign on the door stating for anyone to enter it to please not touch the cloud bed. You got tired of random ponies wandering in through the open door and trying to lay on your bed. It wasn't even your guildmates who did it. It was random ponies who saw the open door and thought. Wow, I gotta try that bed! Ponies can be invasive at times.

On the opposite side of the room was a massive window that looked out to the east. It allowed for the most natural light in the morning so you didn’t really have to use electricity to light the room. The window can also open so you can easily fly in or out. With a clear lack of Eclipse in the room, the two of you make your way to his door. You try the doorknob, but find it’s locked.

“Whelp, we cornered the scoundrel.” You jokingly say as the two of you look at each other. “Well, what are you waiting for?” Starfire replies as she looks at your hoof on the doorknob. “It's locked.” You reply and she gives you a deadpan look. “He seriously locked his door?”She asks. “Yep.” you reply, taking your hoof off the door and placing it on the floor.

“Well here's hoping the varmint doesn't have earplugs.” She states before banging her hoof on the door. “Eclipse! Wake your flank up you're late for work!” She stops for a few seconds before you hear some movement behind the door. “Eclipse come on! It's not that hard to wake up!” You yell before you hear trotting, it's getting louder.

The two of you wait for a few seconds before the door unlocks and swings open revealing a white unicorn with dark blue eyes and a dark purple mane on the other side, his cutie mark being a pony skull laying on a book next to an ink jar with a quill inside. He looked exhausted as he trotted up to you and stared you in the eyes. “What are you two on about?” He said with annoyance in his voice. “Bar day, go get a shower or something, you look like shit.” You reply as the exhausted looking Unicorn looks you up and down for any hint of humor, finding none.

His eyes go wide before he dashes past the two of you and into the restroom yelling what sounded like a cross between an apology and a scared whimper. You and Starfire laugh at his reaction and begin to make your way down to open the bar for at least drinks.

Act 1: Chapter 3

You and Starfire make sure the bar is properly stocked before unlocking the front door and putting the open sign out on the street. A few ponies make their way in for some cider, luckily nopony’s really looking for lunch yet. Seeing today’s going to be a slow one Starfire decided to go back into the kitchen and at least set everything out for Eclipse.
Not too long after she set everything out for him the unicorn makes his way downstairs and enters his kitchen without saying a word. “What's gotten into him?” You quietly ask Starfire only for her to shrug. After an hour open, pony’s start asking for food. Though it's mostly salads. You already had to enforce the one drink cut off till four on a few ponies, but they didn’t hassle you over it. All round a pretty smooth day so far.

You pour yourself a glass of water and keep it on the lower counter behind the bar, you know from experience that eventually somepony comes to the counter for conversation, and you never really hated it. Speak of discord himself you get what you asked for. Four filly’s enter the bar with a mare wearing a ranchers hat following close behind. “Here’s the regulars.” you think to yourself before taking a sip of water to prepare yourself for the inevitable conversation.
You knew four of these patrons, but one filly was new, and a little scared looking too. The mare was Applejack, An emerald-eyed earth pony with orange fur and light yellow mane. Her cutie mark being three apples. She always ordered an apple cider with a hayburger and some buttered toast on the side.

Apple Bloom is a pink-eyed, red-maned, yellow-furred filly who ordered the same as her sister minus the apple cider and substitute it with apple juice. Scootaloo who is a purple-eyed pegasus filly with a purple mane and orange fur. She always ordered the cheese sandwich with milk. The last regular of today was Sweetie Belle, who is a green-eyed unicorn with white fur and a pinkish mane. She ordered milk and salad. The fourth filly was avoiding eye contact with you, she was a Pegasus with a cyan coat, purple eyes and a blue mane.

The group approached the counter and seated themselves on all four bar stools. “Welcome and welcome back to the Skyward Sword bar and inn! What can I do you mares today?” You hated being so formal with these ponies. Maybe next time you can figure something besides the standard to say. “Oh cut the formality’s Sky, We’d been here ever since ya opened the front door.” Applejack stated with a smile.

“Alright, noted. You lot want the usual? Cause if ya do you gotta get a table.” You tell them smiling right back. “Well ya, but we got something to talk to y’all about.” Apple Bloom said with a semi-concerned look on her face. You shift a concerned look to Applejack and her smile falters a little. “Ya, what do y'all need?” You ask as you take another sip of your water.

“Well you see. Whirlwind here is trying to get her cutie mark. And well, we are running outta things for her to do. So we thought that maybe she’d get it for adventuring. So, I guess what I’m asking ya is to see if she’s up for it.” Apple Bloom says as she gestures to the cyan pegasus. You look at her up and down, causing her to shyly look away. “So you think you wanna be an adventurer aye?” You ask and without saying a word she nods.

“Please mister Sky, please at least give her a chance.” Scootaloo begs as she throws a foreleg around Whirlwind’s neck. You sigh and look at Applejack, who shrugs and looks almost pleadingly at you. “What the hay, get some food and talk to me when you all are done, only then will I see if she’s got what it takes.” You say as you look at the group of filly’s. Whirlwind looks up at you in amazement.

“R-Really mister?” She asks timidly as the group in front of you is in almost shock. “Course, you just gotta go eat your food first, rule four about adventuring is that you eat good when you can.”You reply with a smile across your face, the four filly’s erupt into cheers and run off to a nearby table. Applejack gives you a serious look before speaking. “You ain’t seriously gonna take her on an adventure are ya?”

“Hay no, I’m just gonna have her pick a weapon to practice with and tell her the rules of adventuring.” You reply as you grab a towel and wipe off the counter the filly’s were in front of. “Don’t ya think that's a bit risky with the Crusaders?”Applejack whispers to you while she keeps an eye on the filly’s. “Well, how I figure is that either I teach them right, or they all wander into the Everfree forest looking for an adventure unprepared.” You state matter of factly to Applejack who sighs at your answer.

“Ya, I guess you're right... Business going well?” That caught you a little off guard, she’s never really asked you about the bar before. “Business has been pretty slow as of late. But adventuring season really ain’t for another month. How about you? Apple farm doing well for itself?” You ask as you signal to Starfire to get the usual and you point at the new filly. She catches the hint and goes over to the table to take her order.

“We ‘re doing….. As well as can be.” Applejack states with a forced smile, man did she ever suck at lying. “Ok AJ, what’s got you lying in my bar tonight?” You tease as you lean on the counter with a smile and take another swig of water. She almost jumps at the fact your calling her out. “Oh...It's just, nothing you needa be concerning yourself with. Me and Big Mac will handle it.”

“Come on AJ, we’re friends, your concerns are mine. I’m a big stallion I can handle it.” You continue to tease finally getting Applejack to chuckle and loosen up a bit. “Look, not here alright? Can we talk in your guildhall what’s it after your lesson with the filly’s?” Applejack asked, concern written all over her face. “Ya, of course. That bad eh?” You ask, all joking set aside.

She only nods and starts to trot her way to the table the filly’s picked. “Whatever it is, We got your back Applejack.” You stated as she looks back at you, relief washing over her face as she takes a deep breath and recover’s herself. She then makes her way over to the filly’s and sits down at the table. As if attracted to gossip itself Starfire makes her way behind the counter next to you and taps you on the shoulder.

“What was that whole thing about?” She asks giving a few concerned glances towards AJ’s table. “I ain’t gotta clue, but whatever it is really seemed to upset her.” You say as you drink the last of your water and go to refill it. “Well, I hope it isn't too bad. Should we close up a little early for a guild meeting or ride it out to our usual nine pm closing?” Starfire asks as the two of you look out across the semi-empty bar, making sure nobody’s eavesdropping.

“Well, if we aren’t to busy we’ll close shop round seven. If were packed we’ll go to our normal. Oh and tell AJ the cider’s on the house, she seems like she needs to get the edge off a little.” You tell Starfire who nods before a ding rings from the bell in the kitchen, food’s done for the group.

“Hey, mind helping me wait tables. Doesn't look like your too busy over here.” She asks as she turns halfway to the kitchen. Not like you were doing much anyway, besides wiping down a clean counter. “Sure.” You reply as you two make your way through the swinging door to the kitchen, Starfire using a door wedge to prop the door open. “We really need to install a kitchen window.” You think to yourself as you walk through the door.

You barely enter the kitchen behind Starfire, Eclipse constantly complained about your feathers winding up all over the place. It was a standard kitchen with a few fridges on the left, an island counter in the middle of the room and stoves, fryers and a sink on the right. Ingredients were floating all over the place surrounded with a dark purple aura. It always surprises you how well Eclipse could multitask like this, chopping veggies and cooking hayburgers all at the same time.

No matter, before you knew it you had a warm serving plate on your back with a couple hayburgers and a salad, you raise your wings a little and press them against the serving plate, being sure you won’t accidentally drop it. Starfire grabbed her serving tray with her mouth and you watched as Eclipse magically assembled the food items onto the plate, putting at least two salads, a milk glass and three apple juices onto it.

Seeing the clear lack of cider you knew you’d have to make a second trip to pour her some. Which was fine, it was your job anyway. The two of you started to make your way out of the kitchen but a twine basket with some silverware wrapped in napkins halts your path. You look at Eclipse who looks extremely stressed and annoyed at you for almost forgetting the silverware. You sigh and take the basket handle in your mouth before the two of you proceed out.

The two of you march your way over to Applejacks table and you set the basket down before you use your wing as a slide for the serving tray. Starfire merely sets her serving tray down on the other side of the table and walks over to you. “Sorry, we didn’t have room on the trays for your cider AJ. I’ll go get that now.” You say apologetically as Starfire starts handing out silverware. “No problem Sky, food looks great. Now girls what do you say?” Applejack says as she gives an almost mom look to the CMC.

“Thank you Star and Sky.” Is all the CMC said. You and Starfire chuckle at this. You always laughed at how everyone in the guild had a name referring to the sky. It was almost like the universe was playing a weird joke on you guy’s, or it had absolutely no creativity.

Nevertheless, Starfire replied as you make your way back to the bar counter. “You’re all welcome, hope you enjoy the meal!” With that you make your way behind the counter and grab a tankard with your hoof, getting on your hind legs you pour some apple cider from a barrel tap and secure it in your wing.

Once secure, you make your way back to the table where Starfire is clearing the tray’s off, loading both of them and the semi-empty basket on her back as you approach. You set the apple cider in front of AJ and before she can thank you, you say. “Drink’s on the house. Seems like you need it.” Before she can argue you continue. “Enjoy your meals and talk to me when you're done eating about your first lessons.” You state as you and Starfire quickly make your way away from the table before AJ can attempt to argue against the free drinks.

Once behind the bar counter, Starfire gives you a concerned look. “First lessons?” She asked, looking generally puzzled. You roll your eyes and sigh as you pick up your tankard of water. “Ya, the CMC asked me to teach one of their new members how to adventure, and well. I saw that we weren’t too busy and offered to give them a brief lesson.” You smile sheepishly as Starfire chuckles. “We finally have an official guild and your already taking on apprentices?” Starfire jokes as she lightly punches your shoulder.

“Hey, I’m just seeing if the filly’s got a spirit for it is all. I didn’t promise anything that big.” You reply as you nervously drink some more water. Your still a young adventurer yourself. Taking on an apprentice is a bit ahead of yourself, you still got a lot to learn. “Well, in any case. I think it’s cute.” She says as she shifts her attention between you and the door, making sure no new customers come in.
“Cute enough you’ll cover for me while I go teach them?” You tease with a smile across your face, earning yourself a hard punch in the shoulder. “Don’t use my words against me!” She sarcastically yells as she pretends to get mad at you. You can only chuckle at this until you get an answer. A bell from the kitchen signals you two to get back to work.

“Fine, but you need to pour table five three tankards of Canterlot ale, and they oughta be ready when I come back.” She jests as she makes her way into the kitchen. You nod and happily set to pulling out three tankards from under the bar counter and happily fill them from the barrel of Canterlot ale. You set the three tankards onto the bar counter and await for Starfire's return.

You take this time to look over to table five. “Three unicorns are sitting there enjoying idle conversation, they don’t seem like the adventuring type. Nor the rich stuck up type. Perhaps they’re just getting a little taste of home. You can’t blame them either, even you have a Cloudsdale mead on occasion. But everypony loves Sweet Apple Acres apple cider. It was a top seller at the bar, speaking of which. You gotta set a pre-order for some barrels here pretty soon and hold them until the offseason. ” Your mind continues to wander until you jump at Starfire’s hoof nudging you back to reality.

“You mind putting those drinks on the tray?” She asks as she glances over to the Canterlot ale. “Oh ya sure, sorry.” You reply as you put all three tankards of ale on the tray. The tray had a hay burger and two salads. One of which had sliced tomatoes mixed in, while the other had veggies. “No problem, oh and word of warning. Your apprentice seems like she’s almost done with her meal.” She teases as she walks off to table five.

“She’s not my apprentice!” You quietly shout after her, causing her to laugh. With this, you glance over to table three and see the filly’s patiently waiting on Applejack to finish her hay burger. “Man, they really are serious about this, huh?” You think to yourself as AJ catches your eye. The two of you stare at each other for a few seconds before the sound of hoofsteps catches your attention.

A couple new patrons enter the bar and stop at the door. You nod to them as they enter, both were mares. One was a cyan coloured pegasus with a rainbow mane and purple eyes. Her cutie mark being a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt coming out of it. You’ve seen her in the bar a few times. Not really enough to catch her name. The other mare was a purple unicorn with either a black mane or dark blue, maybe dark purple? You could never really tell the difference between the two being, slightly colour blind and all.

The mare had a strip of light purple going down certain parts of her mane and tail. You think there was another color in there but you really couldn't point it out. Applejack seems to recognize them though and waves them over. They both cheerfully trot over to the table and you grab a couple menus from under the bar counter. You let them have a little bit of idle conversation before you leisurely trot over and place the menus in front of them.

“Welcome to Skyward Sword’s bar and inn! My names Skyward and that's the menu. If you need anything wave me or Starfire down and we’ll happily get it to you asap.” You say with a smile across your face. “Thanks Skyward, I’m Twilight and this is….” The purple unicorn is cut off by the rainbow maned pegasus.

“And I’m Rainbow Dash, the most awesome pony in all of Equestria!” She states in a rather cocky manner while extending a hoof out to you. You take her hoof and shake it as you chuckle. “Pleasures all mine. In any case, I’ll let you mares find something you like. If you need me I’ll be over by the bar.” You start to walk away but Applejack’s voice halts you in your tracks.

“Hold on there Sky.” She says, causing you to return back to standing at the table. All eyes seemingly on Applejack. “What’s up AJ?” You ask as she looks to you then to her friends. “Sky here has offered to have his guild hear out the issue at Sweet Apple Acres, and Sky my friends here have offered to do the same. Does either side have an issue working together?” She asks as she looks to everyone around the table.

“I see no issue,” Twilight states as she smiles back at Applejack. Rainbow huffs and glares at you for a few seconds. “Friends of yours are friends of mine AJ.” Rainbow states seeming not too happy with the extra help. Which was a complete one-eighty from how she acted not even ten seconds ago. Soon Applejacks gaze falls on you and so does the rest of the tables. “Well?” She asks as you pull up a chair from a nearby table.

“The more the merrier, just saying though. I don’t talk shop in the bar and the guild does not under any circumstances do escort missions.” You state matter of factly as you take a seat at the table. “Why is it y’all hate escort missions so much again?” Applebloom asks in her poor naive youth.

“Well, you see. We got a job from this shopkeeper to escort him to Canterlot to meet a wizard to lift a curse, it was something like a prestidigitation curse. But it only activated when he went outside. The moment we stepped outside thirty timberwolves magically appeared in the street where we had just walked down not even five minutes prior. Mind you this was in the center of town here. Anyway, we said screw it and told the guy to find some other ponies to deal with that. He understood and when we left his home again, the Timberwolves were all gone, and that's why we will never, EVER do an escort mission again.” You explain, leaving the group at the table slack-jawed.

“What about the shopkeeper? What happened to him?” Scootaloo asks causing everypony at the table to look at her then back to you. “Well, you see. We weren’t just going to leave the poor stallion to live out his day’s in his home. So we sent an urgent letter to the Canterlot wizarding guild to send somepony down to lift the curse. In the end, the guy was freed from the curse and he thanked us for contributing to his freedom.” You continue with a smile across your face, seemingly defusing any tension the group may have built up over the story.

They almost all seemed to sigh in relief when they learned that you didn’t just abandon the poor stallion. Though during your story you notice Whirlwind was completely enthralled by it. You actually feel a little pride when you notice that. “Maybe she is cut out for this after all.” You think to yourself as Rainbow Dash’s voice snaps you out of it.

“Well that is cool and all, but when CAN we talk about the issue at hoof?” She asked with a little impatience in her voice. “Depends.” You look at Applejack before continuing. “How serious is it?” She ponders this for a second before looking back and forth, making sure nopony’s eavesdropping. “The orchard is at stake and if it continues for much longer, we could miss the next apple harvest.” She replies, causing your stomach to drop.

You whistle loudly to get Starfire's attention and you wave her over. Garnering a few looks from other patrons. After giving them a hard stare they all go back to their own business. Once over she nods to the two new mares at the table. “You call?” She asks you as she gives you a semi-concerned look.

“You got the time?” You ask, knowing that there isn’t a clock in the bar itself. “Ya, it’s round three pm. Why?” She asks still sounding pretty concerned. “We’re closing early tonight, tell Eclipse food and drink stop round six forty-five and we should all meet up in the guild hall by seven.” She nods and makes her way back to the kitchen. You return a look to the ponies at the table.

“Everypony ok with meeting back here by then?” You ask, causing Rainbow to groan, but everypony else at the table agrees to return at the specified time. Including the filly’s who were overjoyed at the fact they were going to get their first lesson today. They all make their leave and you return the chair you took to its original position. You make your way back to the bar and go back to your bartending duties.

Act 1: Chapter 4

The time passes with ease, a few early drinkers came in, got piss drunk, and left with little issue. At the end of the day the bar brought in around three hundred copper bits, the restaurant pulled in about a hundred copper bits and each of you earned about fifty bits copper each in tips. All around not a bad day. For a day cut short. A few folks even rented a room for the night. Another ten bits there for you guys.

Compared to other economy’s you always appreciated the lack of inflation in Equestria. By your calculations, it was about five, ten or fifteen copper bits a tankard, depending on whatever they were drinking. Ten copper made a silver bit, ten silver bit’s made a gold bit, and ten gold bits made a platinum. To pay for the bars expenses at the end of the month you’d need to rake in at least two platinum bits. Or two thousand copper bits. An extra five hundred copper bits for food and drink funds.

Considering it’s only the beginning of the month, and considering you only work Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You should make your marker by the end of the month. Assuming ponies spend this much every night your open. Then you had to factor in the two hundred copper bit guild subsidy and the fifty copper bit subsidy for running a business with friends clause in commercial taxation. You never really understood why the government would give you guys fifty bits each for running a business with friends.

You also wondered why there was no real residential taxation in Equestria. As long as you have a job they don’t tax your residence. It’s probably why they tax the Tartarus outta businesses and totally not because an external force got tired of doing actuarial math to try and work numbers around to make a story work. Nah, has to be a heavy reliance on business taxation.

Anyway ya, you’d easily make this month’s expenses. Any excess bits accumulated by the bar and inn are evenly distributed amidst the guild members, and if it can’t be divided by three, you’d subtract x amount of bits to make it so, and give those extra bits to the next traveling performer that doesn’t suck.

As your working out these calculations on a notepad behind your bar counter you hear a knock on the bar door. It wasn’t locked. Your guild was expecting company after all. You look up and notice that Starfire and Eclipse had already made their way up to the guild hall. Probably for the best, they never liked interrupting you while you handled financial junk. Another knock on the front door to the bar interrupted your thoughts again.

“It's open!” You yell as you finish up the last of your calculations and hide the notepad from sight. The door opens and Applejack peeks her head in while the four filly’s attempt to peer in through a window. “I…. hope we ain’t interrupting nothing.” Applejack states as her, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and the four filly’s walk into the bar.

“Nah, not at all. I was just finishing up boring accounting junk. Lock the door behind you and follow me, i’ll take y’all up to the guild hall.” You say as you finish up your work and begin cleaning the counter one last time. “Finally! I’ve been itching to get that whole waiting thing over with!” Rainbow Dash exclaims as Twilight uses her magic to close and lock the door behind them. You finish up cleaning off the counter and lead the way up to the guild hall. Whirlwind for some reason seemed a little more confident.

“So…. You guy’s travel a lot?” Twilight asks as you all begin to ascend the first staircase. “Oh ya me and Star have been all over the place. But the bar takes a lot of the guilds time, but we do shut the doors once we catch a lead on an adventure we know we can recoup our loss in bar revenue.” You state matter of factly, but still with a small sense of pride. “Oh, so you don’t do it just for the chance of discovery?” Twilight asks, her ears falling to her head a little. This prompts Rainbow to join in. “Or the thrill of adventure!?!”

“Well, of course, we do! It's just that we need to keep the bar and in extension the guild, well. Funded. So we try to sell to the Canterlot museums. Again we’ve mostly been doing local stuff and been getting paid that way. So we really haven’t been able to find anything in the way of artifacts.” You say, realizing just how new your guild really is around here.

You make it to the second floor and wait for everyone to make it up before locking the door behind them. “Well, if you ever come across anything interesting in your travels, feel free to drop by my library. I’ll gladly help you guy’s study it.” Twilight offered with a smile across her face. “I wasn't aware Ponyville had a library. We’ll have to take ya up on that. Where is your library anyway?” You ask as you start walking up the next flight of stairs.

“Oh, I live in the hollowed out tree at the edge of town. It's called the Golden Oak library, you can’t miss it.” She starts walking alongside you now. “Do you by chance have anything related to the basics of old ponish?” You ask, causing Twilight’s smile to grow even wider, she began to giddily hop about as the entire group made it to the top of the staircase. The door to the guild hall was closed and you decided to wait before opening the door.

“Your studying old ponish too!? I never thought ANYPONY in town would be interested in researching anything outta interest! It…. is out of interest. Right?” Twilight asks, causing Rainbow Dash and Applejack to roll their eyes. “Why of course! We’re probably going to run across a lot of old languages in our travels. It's best we be prepared unless we want to….” You almost begin your own little nerd tirade, but a loud cough from Applejack with a distinct, hurry the buck up glare stops you.

You look back at Twilight and then you both look back at the group with an uneasy smile. “Sorry. Let's get this going, shall we?” You apologize as you place a hoof on the door and push it wide open. “Finally.” Rainbow Dash murmurs as you all walk into the guild hall.

Upon inspection, Starfire and Eclipse were sitting around the war table. They were playing cards and already gambling their tips away from today. You can’t really tell who’s winning but your sudden entrance gets them both to look up at you, and with a nervous smile they slide their bits back into their respective coin sacks. You roll your eyes as you notice they both are already in their adventuring outfits.

Starfire was wearing her reinforced leather armor. Instead of tanning it like most ponies did, your guild reinforced your armor with steel and dyed the leather to give each set a unique look to it. This way it allowed for a perfect balance of mobility, protection, and comfort. Starfire’s armor had a little bit of a personal touch to it. She had an emblem painted of the sun on both of her shoulder plates while also having her own cutie mark painted into the steel guarding her flank. The blue dyed leather bordered every steel plate across her body.

On her back she carried her bolts and quiver, her crossbow was left on the table, seemingly being lightly maintenance. At her side was her shortsword. From your sparring matches together you knew the lower part of the blade had an engraving of the sun as well. Eclipse however preferred an even lighter option. He generally traveled while wearing nothing more than a jacket and an assortment of bags to carry back his findings from your adventures.

Luckily this time he’s only wearing his satchel bag. Eclipse didn’t own anything substantial for weaponry, he was the group magician after all. But ever since you gave him a dagger for his last birthday, he’s never let it leave his side on adventures. It’s always made you feel good that he finds it so useful or he’s at least appreciated it so much.

Once inside you shut the door behind you all. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Whirlwind all ran over to Starfire and began badgering her with questions. You chuckle at this remembering the lessons you promised them, you’d have to keep it brief. Applejacks issue took priority for the moment, perhaps tomorrow you can really teach these filly’s something.

You look over to the three mares who were now staring at you, looking a little lost in your guild hall. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get my adventuring gear. Make yourselves at home.” You say as you gesture toward the table. Eclipse being the gentlecolt, used his magic to pull out some chairs for them. “Applejack gets the chair at the end of the table since she is the one who called us all here.” Eclipse states as you make your way into your guild room.

You carefully shut the door behind you as you enter, giving the room a quick once over to make sure nobody’s been going through your stuff. The room was relatively small. The door out was tucked into the left corner of the room. On the left wall was your bookshelf. Where you kept a few Daring doo novels, and a couple trinkets from Cloudsdale. Nothing really special over there. On the opposite side of the wall, you had a desk with a cloud chair overlooking a window out to the horizon.

On the desk, you had a few books about early Equestrian history and another book about Ponyville constellations. After a long day of adventuring, you’d tend to either fly about or relax and watch the stars go by, contemplating why the universe is, well…. The way it is. Nothing truly revolutionary. To the right of that in the corner is really what you're here for.

Your armor on its stand and your shield on the floor nearby. The armor was nearly identical to Starfires minus a few personal touches, first off the flank plate had your cutie mark and the shoulder plate had a crescent moon painted into it instead of the sun. On top of that, you had the leather for your armor dyed red, and you bought a red bandana to easily complement it. Plus your armor had two slits in the back big enough for you to slide your wings in and out of.

Your shield was a small steel cavalry shield. Big enough to provide yourself a little bit of cover, but small enough to not be an uncomfortable burden when you put it on your back during flight.

You trotted your way over to it an looked over to the right side of the room, making sure your cloud bed was truly undisturbed. It wasn’t, your sword was even where you left it too. Leaned up next to the wall mostly in its sheath. It stook out just enough for you to see the crescent moon you had engraved into the blade near the handle. With enough time wasted you decide to gear up.

Act 1: Chapter 5

It doesn’t take long for you to get your armor on, your sword secured around your side, and you shield tightly secured on your back. Everything's set, but for some reason, you feel nervous. But why? They’re your friends. Maybe it’s having to teach a filly about the basics of adventuring? Or possibly making a bad impression on your new friends? “Foal steps Skyward, you’ve got this.” You whisper to yourself before you make sure your bandana is firmly secure around your neck and that your necklace is still there. Taking a deep breath, you finally make your way out into the guild hall.

As soon as you close the door behind you, you notice the room is silent. You look over at the map table and notice your guests are staring at you, almost in awe or concern. You leisurely make your way over to the table. Intending to break the awkward silence you decided to ask a question. “Did I…. miss something?” “NO! No” Twilight nervously chuckles before continuing.

“We’ve just been… waiting on you.” she continues before giving you an awkward smile. You take a seat with Eclipse on your right and Windwhirl on your left. “Riiiight…… in any case. Whirlwind! I will ask you a total of two questions and tell you six important things for your future training to be an adventurer. Assuming you want to continue through with this.” You say in both an attempt to keep your promise, and an attempt to break the awkwardness.

“I am!” She says with a fire in her eyes, reminds you a lot of your youth. But you haven’t promised anything yet. “Now, with the knowledge, we aren’t ready to take apprentices, do you still want me to teach you the general basics to adventuring?” You ask with as much sincerity in your voice as you can. You didn’t want to crush her, but then again you knew you weren’t experienced enough for an apprentice.

“I do.” She answers with confidence, a little more than what you would expect for a filly. “ Ok, now for my last question.” You say as you slide your sword out of its sheath and place it on the table in front of the young filly. Seeing this Starfire with confidence slides her crossbow across the table and it stops right next to your sword. The table was silently watching your teaching methods. It unnerved you. But you carried on.

Whirlwind looked at the weapons and then back to you inquisitively. “One day, if you feel you wish to truly be an adventurer and when I or another member of the guild are willing. What weapon would you wish to train with? The sword or the crossbow?” You ask as you study her intently. She looks to the weapons and then back at you. “I don’t wanna hurt anypony mister.” She says shyly. “Good, nor should you ever wish to. But being an adventurer is dangerous. If anything you’ll have to defend yourself and others, when the time’s right we’ll happily teach you.” You say sincerely as you gesture back to the weapons.

She looks to Applejack, which causes her to find her voice. “If you don’t want to Whirly we….” Applejacks cut off by Whirlwind. “NO! I want to do this!” Applejack nods to this and Whirlwind look's back to the two weapons. “I choose the sword.” She states hesitantly with newfound courage. “Alright, well. It is now time for your lesson on the six rules of adventuring. Eclipse may I have a parchment and a means to write?” You look to Eclipse as you ask, he nods and floats a piece of parchment out of his saddlebag and over to you with a feather and ink jar.

You proceed to slide those items over to Whirlwind and give her a smile. “I’ll make this brief and then you can run off and play with your friends. But I would like you to study what I am about to tell you. Ok?” You ask, causing her to give you a determined nod as she picks up the feather with her hoof.

“The six rules of adventuring, rule one: Never adventure or travel alone. Rule two: Your companions are your family, you will do anything for them as they would for you. Even if it costs you your life.” She gulps at that as you let her catch up in her notes. “Rule three: When preparing for a journey, bring thrice the supplies. Rule four: Eat well while you can.” You pause again to let her dab her feather into the ink and catch up. You look up and notice even Twilight's taking a few notes.
“Rule five: Always confirm your sources, make sure they are who they say they are.” You let her catch up again and she looks at you. “And the sixth?” she asks as she dabs her quill in ink.

“Its a poem, its called the adventurer's contract. Here it is. For if you find my bones wherever you roam, I request you return them to my faithful home, for in my journal you shall find, my every thought and adventure since the dawn of my time, bring it home to those I hold dear, so they may cherish and sing my song once more.” You watch as she finishes writing the poem and looks too you. You look at Twilight as she two finishes writing down something on a parchment and looks up to you, surprised you noticed her taking notes.

You look back down at Whirlwind with a smile. “You’re free to go, read over the rules of adventuring for the next few days and return if you still feel up for it.” She nods and gives you a smile back as she slowly slides off the chair. “Thank you mister Sky. You gave me a lot to think about. Come on girls, let's go.” She says prompting the CMC to start to follow behind.

“Not you Applebloom, you’re going to wait outside that door till we’re done in here. Alright?” Applejack states with a hint of sadness in her voice, making direct eye contact with Applebloom. Applebloom just nodded and after a few seconds, the CMC left the guild hall, shutting the door behind them. Silence filled the air as you looked over to your guildmates and back to your guests.

You sigh before making eye contact with each of your guilds guests. You decide a bit more of a blunt approach is what the situation needs. “Well, you…” You were interrupted by Twilight. “That poem was beautiful.” She commented, causing another silence to fill the air. “Why thank you. I wrote it myself.” You reply matter of factly. Another silence fills the air before Applejack replies. “You….. wrote that?” she pauses, staring at you awestruck.

You started feeling extremely uncomfortable being the center of attention and you looked over to Eclipse and Starfire for help as you reply. “Ya, it's sorta a code I go by.” Picking up on your discomfort Eclipse chimes in. “You know, it's great sitting here and not saying anything and all but…. You did call us here for something urgent….. Right?” He said that with a subtle bit of hostility in his voice. “What the hay happened while I was gone?” You think to yourself as you glance at everyone around the room.

Everyone was acting on edge, there was a blaring tension in the room and you had absolutely no idea why. “Ya AJ the rest of us would really like to know what's going on.” Rainbow Dash said with her teeth clenched as she briefly glanced over to you and then back at Applejack. That causes you to lose your smile. Something's up, and it ain’t the mission.

Applejack takes a deep breath before speaking. “ For the past few days…. Some Timberwolves have been tearing up trees in my orchard. Now, we have been able to chase them off before... But last night they started to get a little bit more….. Daring.” She explained, purposely avoiding eye contact with anypony at the end of her sentence.

“How so?” Eclipse asked as he took out his journal and began to take notes, prompting you and Starfire to do the same. Something still seemed off to you about how they were all acting, but you decide to drop it till you can get some alone time with your guild. “They… They’ve been making their way closer and closer to the house every night, forcing me and Big Mac to keep an eye on the house while our orchard slowly gets destroyed.” She said with shame in her voice as she looked down at the table.

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner!?!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she continued. “Were your friends! We could have taught those Timberwolves a lesson!” Rainbow Dash slammed the table with her hoof as she finished. “I-I know! I just…. I don’t know! I thought I could keep it a… in-house issue…” Applejack replied as if she was on the verge of tears. She soon continues. “But now it's gotten outta hoof.” with that she then tips her hat over her eyes in an attempt to hide her shame.

You couldn't tell if the shame came from asking for help, or her not being able to keep her family safe. Perhaps it was a bit of both. You’ve never seen her like this. You look to your friends who both look just as sympathetic. You all nod to each other before all three of you slide off your chairs and make your way over to Applejack and her friends. Taking your respective journals with you. You personally sliding it back into Eclipses satchel bag. He hated you doing that. And you loved it.

Rainbow Dash is eyeing you all as you make your way’s over, attempting to calm Applejack a little by gently rubbing her shoulder. Twilight was also keeping her eyes on you, almost curious about what you were doing. Eclipse and Starfire moved to your side as you approached Applejack. She barely notices you as you approach, the room was once more silent as if frozen in a singular moment.

Hesitantly you lift her hat out of her now tear-stained face to look her in the eyes as you speak. “We’ll help ya, and before you say anything, we ain’t taking rewards. Not from family.” You say with a reassuring smile, causing her to wipe some of the tears off her face. “F-family?” was all she could muster to say. You nod as Starfire chimes in. “That's right, and no matter what we’ve got your back.” Starfire ends by giving Applejack a light punch on the shoulder.

“And a threat to your family is a threat to ours!” Eclipse also joins in as he trots a little closer to the now mob of ponies around Applejack. Rainbow Dash gives you a quick glare before looking back at Applejack. “You know I’ll be here for you AJ. Count me in.” Rainbow dash sighs as all eyes make their way to Twilight. “What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help a friend in need. I’m in.” Twilight says cheerfully as she hops off her chair and lands next to her friends.

A few more tears begin to roll down Applejack’s face as she looks around at her friends that now surround her. “Thank you. Thank all of y’all.” Applejack say’s as her tears now flow freely down her cheeks. She then slowly slides off her chair and hugs you. You stand there shocked for a second before you return the hug. “This must mean a lot to her.” You think to yourself as you gently pat her back, fully allowing her to cry into your neck.

“Shhh. It’s ok, you’ve got nothing to worry about. We’ll keep you and your family safe. I promise.” You say sincerely as you both pull away from the hug and you look each other in the eyes. She sniffles and recomposes herself before she speaks. “I’ll hold you to that. Now enough with the tears, we gotta make it back to the farm before it gets dark.” She says with a final wipe of her tears.

Rainbow Dash moves to Applejacks side and gently nudges her toward the door. “We best get going then.” Rainbow Dash says as everypony nods and starts to make their way out. Applejack, Twilight and Rainbow Dash walk in front of you in a small group. Though Rainbow Dash glares at you one last time before resting her right wing on Applejack in a hug. Your group follows behind with Starfire on your left and Eclipse on your right.

Once the doors to the guildhall open, Applebloom quickly trots in between both of your groups and follows closely to her sister. As you all leave Eclipse closes and locks the door behind you with his magic, then quickly catches back up to be by your side. You all walk down the stairs and out of the building onto the second-floor balcony. From there you take the outside stairs down to the street and begin your walk to Sweet Apple Acres.

Act 1: Chapter 6

You walk the streets in relative silence as you keep vigilant to your surroundings. The sun was starting to set on the horizon and almost everypony was at home, save for the occasional merchant’s strolling the street after closing their stands in the market. You look up to the sky, witnessing the beautiful colors of orange and pink that span dusks sky.

The site was almost soothing on your nerves. Almost. The thought of being attacked by Timberwolves tonight made your heart nearly stop. Not to mention the apparent hostility between your guild and Applejacks friends. A tap on your shoulder shakes you from your inner thoughts. Causing you to look down at a very concerned looking Starfire.

“Hey, hang back a bit. We need to talk.” She whispers as she slows her pace a little, glaring at the three mares and filly in front of you. You take a glance over to the three mares as well, only to catch Rainbow Dash taking one-two, hers being a lot more suspicious. Once both your eyes meet, Rainbow Dash returned her gaze forward as she seemingly began debating Twilight.

You hang back a bit, eyeing the situation carefully in front of you. You’ve seen thousands of debates in your time, mostly political. Some turned into a shouting match, and others remained calm with both sides trying to come to a compromise. Even without being able to hear the conversation you can tell just by how tense they were, that this argument was one match away from becoming a powder room bomb.

Poor Applejack seemed completely done with keeping the conversation civil, allowing the two mares to hash it out on their own. In any case, it wasn’t really your concern. Right now the only pressing matter was whatever Starfire needed. Once you slow down and are now side by side with Starfire, you quickly match the speed with Applejack as not to lose or accidentally abandon her.

Eclipse notices the two of you slowing down and soon joins you. You give Starfire a confused look before speaking. “Whats up Star?” You ask failing to hide the concern in your voice. “Sky, that cyan pegasus up there knows who your father is.” She says, with concern in her voice. Those dreaded words making you feel as though your heart was sinking into your chest.

To think you moved all the way out here to Ponyville just to leave that stallion behind you. Only for his horrid reputation to be known here too. “It's true, she was practically begging Applejack to have nothing to do with us. She knows everything Sky.” Eclipse chimed in with his ears back against his head as he gives you an almost depressed look.

You take a deep breath before continuing. “Does she think… I’m anything like that monster?” You ask, as the horrid memories of the stallion you called a father in your youth come rushing back. You remember him introducing you to your “future career.” Showing you the ropes of how to operate an airship, introducing you to his “crew”, and more importantly. Introducing you to the most dreaded flag to all the eighteen known nations around Equis.

The pony skull and crossbones with a black background, more commonly known as the jolly roger. Him and his band of hired cutthroats would mostly raid around the Griffin highlands, a small colony created by the griffin nation of Silvercrest. The reason the town was settled there was because of a major trade network that connected just about every known nation.

Excluding the isolationist nation of Yakyakistan. From your knowledge your father never raided ships bearing the Equestrian flag. He always told stories about sinking Griffin skyships, but until he introduced you to his crew, you assumed the stories were just that. Stories. When your mother discovered what his real profession was, she left. Never to return, forcing your father to raise you in Cloudsdale. You never resented her for leaving, that was understandable. You only resented her for leaving without you, abandoning you to that monster.

He would leave for long periods of time for his “work” but always managed to accompany you to your flying tests during flight school. His name was known all across Equestria, if not for the fact that he was wanted in every surrounding nation for one thing or another. His reputation caused family’s of colt’s and filly’s to tell their children not to associate themselves with you and to be honest. That amount of loneliness stung.

But, one day. After a pretty bad scrap with some colts that bullied you for being “lawless scum.” a gray-coated, blond-maned pegasus sat down next to you. At first, you thought she was just going to kick you while you were down, but instead. She did the one thing that no other pony would. She picked you up and dusted you off.

She was different from the rest of them, ignoring the fact she was a little wall-eyed. It was almost as if she saw you for, you. With a smile, she gave you her hoof and introduced herself as Dizzy Do, or, what her “friends” called her. Derpy Hooves. That's all it took, a simple hoof shake for you two to become best friends, staying that way all the way through the Cloudsdale education system.

The two of you kept in touch through the years, and you eventually discovered she lived in ponyville as well, you’d have to get back in touch and…. Your thoughts are interrupted once more by a hoof shaking your shoulder. “Sky?.... You ok?” Eclipse asks as he gives you a somber look. “What?...... Ya ya, I’m fine sorry. I just sorta got lost in thought there for a second.” You say shaking your head for a second before taking a look at your surroundings.

You were just now reaching the edge of town, so you didn’t space for too long this time. You look back at Starfire who gives you a concerned look. “You’ve been doing that a lot lately.” She states as she lowers her head a little in concern. “Ya…. I’m sorry. I must be coming down with something.” You say before giving her a half smile, trying to put her at least a little at ease.

It seems to do the trick or, at least partially as it prompts her to continue. “Alright, in any case. Ponies around here know about your bloodline Sky, and unfortunately, they’re judging you for your fath….” She briefly pauses before correcting herself. “That monsters crimes.” She states as she looks up to you, still with concern evident in her eyes.

“Not much we can do but prove them wrong.” You chuckle half-heartedly. Wishing for that to at least be the case, but sometimes no matter how hard you try. You just can’t sway every ponies impression of you. Luckily it was rare for anyone to recognize you as Jax Swords son, but when one pony did it wouldn't be long before other ponies started to look at you suspiciously.

“If you say so.” Starfire murmurs with a roll of her eyes. For some reason, this catches your eye. “Not like there is anything else we can do, they’ve got good reason to at least give me a sideways glance. Even if they wanted us to leave, we have a life here, a job that makes ponies happy if only for an hour or so, friends that got us to where we are now, and I for one ain’t leaving that all behind because of ‘public opinion.” You say, adding a little mocking tone to the words “public opinion.”Starfire let out a frustrated sigh, before looking at the four ponies you were following. “Ya, I know. It just pisses me off.” She grunted as she hung her head a little lower to the ground. “Well, as long as it doesn't affect our business, and it doesn’t affect your guy’s lives. It really doesn’t bother me too bad.” You say with a half-hearted grin as you gently patted Starfires right shoulder.

The scent of apples fills your nostrils as Starfire looks up at you, still with her ears low against her head. You roll your eyes and ruffle her mane, causing her to let out a chuckle. “Now stop being all mushy, we’ve got work to do.” You say with a semi-forced chuckle, seemingly causing her to cheer up a little.

“Ya ya.” She says with a small smile spreading across her face as she gives you a good punch to your shoulder, causing you to stumble back a bit with a laugh. The terrain slowly transfers from the outskirts of Ponyville to the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres. The sweet scent of apples fills your every breath as your group continued to follow Applejack and her friend’s up a dirt path.

After a few more steps of trotting, you notice a member of your group has been awfully quiet, you look over to your right and see Eclipse trotting alongside you. He was looking off to his right, staring off into the distance. His eyes seemed as though he was in some form of dull pain, his ears were also lowered against his head and he seemed to be thinking of something.

“Hey, Eclipse?” You say with concern in your voice. The sudden mention of his name causes him to jump a little off the ground. He gives you a quick startled look before taking a deep breath and composing himself. “You’ve seemed to be a bit stressed lately, something up?” You ask as you give your friend a concerned look.

“It's nothing.” Eclipse said as he looked away from you again. You give him a cocky smile that you know he can’t see, as you think of all the interesting ways you can easily coerce the info outta him. Assuming it wasn’t serious, he usually only got this way when he hit a dead end in his studies. Or felt a lead was a false one.

“Oh come on clipsy, you know you can…” You were cut off halfway through your sentence by Eclipse. “Sky, I really ain’t in the mood.” Eclipse frustratingly said as he stamped his hoof and gave you a glare that nearly froze you in your place. Something serious was up. “Hey…” You softly say as you walk a little closer to him, determined to at least try and comfort him from his mystery problem.

“Look, I don’t know what's up. But I’m here for ya if you need me, man.” You continue, giving Eclipse a gentle pat on the back with your right hoof. Eclipse gives you another piercing stare before sighing, his eyes soon slowly soften, as he averts his gaze from yours. “It’s going to be a long night, so we’ll talk later. Alright?” He stated with a defeated sigh. This caused your heart to sink, what’s gotten into everypony?

“Ya, whenever you're ready to talk about it.” You say, giving Eclipse a little space. He briefly looks at you, shame seemingly filling his eyes before he looks back down to the ground. “Thanks.” Is all you can barely hear him whisper as your group continues to walk. You briefly consider trying to make him feel better but end up deciding that he needs to sort through it on his own. At least for now.

For the moment, your group continues to walk down the dirt path to the Apples farmhouse. The faint argument from the four mares in front of you keeps you from finding conversation elsewhere. Perhaps a calm walk is all you need to sort things out yourself anyway. So, with that, you look across the orchard and attempt to clear your mind of worry.

Act 1: Chapter 7

The sun dips below the horizon as your group makes it to the Apples farmhouse. The house itself was a two-story wooden farmhouse with a big red barn close by to it. The farmhouse itself had a porch with an old wooden rocking chair on it, wooden shutters on every window and a hanging planter on a couple of the second-floor windows. The house itself was painted a light tan while the roofing had black shingles, quite rare for ponyville. Residents tended to lay hay over their wooden roofs.

The barn itself was nothing really of note. It was just a big red barn with a white trim to it. You’ve been up here a few times, sometimes to visit Applejack and quite a few others to buy some barrels of apple cider for the bar. You mostly dealt with her in all of your time here, since her brother wasn't really the talkative sort. Nor could you blame him, sometimes it's nice to just wander in your own thoughts for a while.

In any case, you begin to inspect your surroundings as Applejack and Applebloom make their way onto the porch and knocks on the door. Allowing you, Eclipse and Starfire to catch up to them. You all crowd around the porch in a half circle, everypony intently waiting for instructions on how the night was to play out. Everypony knowing there’ll probably be a fight tonight, though you decide to give yourself one last run through your mental checklist.

“Sword secured?” You ask yourself as you push on your sword sheathe a little. “Check, armor?” You continue as you tug at your armor, making it a little more comfortable to wear. “Check, friends look good?” You mentally continue as you look side to side, inspecting both of your friends.

Starfire was going through her own mental checklist as she inspected and promptly tightened the string on her crossbow, while Eclipse was adjusting the saddlebag on his back and moved his right forehoof down to his right hind leg. Right where he keeps his emergency dagger. Though you couldn't directly see the dagger, you knew by the way Eclipse sighed that he did indeed bring it with him.

The sound of heavy hoofsteps could be heard inside but they sounded as though they were nowhere close to the door. Thus prompting Applejack to knock harder. You soon began your nervous habit of gently tapping the handle on your sword as you quietly hummed the lunar lullaby your mother used to sing to calm you down. Your quiet tapping keeping beat with the soothing melody.

This perked a few ears, but nopony decided to either ask you about it or stop you. You were afraid, who wouldn't be. You were probably going to encounter Timberwolves tonight, or some other creature from that damn cursed forest. But hey, you were still standing here with no plans on running away. That means something, right?

With that thought and the sound of a wooden door unlatching you silence yourself, everypony now giving the big red stallion with an orange mane, green apple cutie mark and a harness their complete and utter attention. You do the same and sit back on the dusty ground behind you, sitting at relative attention. Prompting your two companions to do the same on either side of you.

You recognize the stallion as Big Macintosh, he gave you and your guildmates a quizzical stare before transferring that stare over to Applejack, who only responded with a shrug. “Didn't think you’d hire a band of merc’s for this sis.” Big Mac stated as he glanced over at you and back to Applejack.

Before she can answer her brother, you speak. “We’re volunteers sir, not merc’s.” You state politely, attempting to maintain a professional appearance. This causes Big Macintosh to transfer his full attention back to you and your guildmates. “Well we’re happy for all the help y'all can give.” He says with a smile on his face as he looks at everypony in the half circle in the eyes. “This everypony?” Big Mac asks as he looks back to his sister.

“Eup, Rarity and Fluttershy may drop by soon, but with these three here it makes keeping an eye out just that much easier.” Applejack replies as she points a hoof towards you and your guildmates. “Right, should we err…. Wait?” Big Mac asked Applejack, causing Rainbow Dash to shift uncomfortably to your right and let out a loud groan. You glance over and see she has an impatient look across her face and her ears are down.

“Oh, seven ponies against a pack of timberwolves, nah why would we wait for the cavalry?” You think to yourself sarcastically as Applejack seems to ponder the question for a second. “Er. What about Pinky pie?” Twilight asked as she also took a seat on the ground. That name causes you to cringe, you’ve been avoiding that mare ever since you’ve come to town. Especially after your first welcome to ponyville party.

It’s not like you didn’t enjoy the party. It’s just the sound her Celestia damned party cannon that gave you a headache. Plus you don’t even remember half the ponies she introduced you too. “Oh, she was in the middle of throwing a party when I went to ask, so I decided not to bug her.” Applejack replied, causing a wave of relief flow through your body.

“And no, if anypony else shows up we’ll brief them on what we're doing. So, everypony listen up!” Applejack continued, slamming her right forehoof down hard on the wooden deck for emphasis. This causes you to give her your undivided attention. After a few seconds, she looked at the crowd of ponies around her and allowed a smirk across her face.

“Thank y’all for coming, as all of you know the orchard’s got a timberwolf problem. We don’t think there are too many of them, but I don’t want anypony getting themselves hurt because we were reckless. We also have a lot of land to keep an eye on over the night. So, we will be breaking into teams. Sky, you and your guild will set up on the hill in the northern part of the orchard.” Applejack stated as she pointed a hoof over to a hill behind you.

“It’ll allow you to see over the northern part of the orchard and down here to the Farmhouse. Rainbow, Twilight and me will keep an eye out on the southern side of the orchard, and Big Mac will stay here at the farmhouse to keep Applebloom and Granny safe. Any questions?” AppleJack finished as she adjusted her hat.

“What happens if we encounter any Timberwolves?” Eclipse asked as he looked at you then at Applejack. In that time Big Mac took it upon himself to make sure Applebloom got herself inside the small farmhouse. “Well, we’ll just have to figure out some sort of signal.” Applejack replied as she began to ponder the question.

“Doesn’t Pinkie store some fireworks in your barn sometimes?” Rainbow Dash asked as she stood up. “Ya, she does, I think she’s got a crate in there right now too.” Applejack replied with an excited smile. “Great, so we got a means of communication. If we get overwhelmed do we fall back to the farmhouse? Or lead them away?” You ask as you take a look to the northern hill. From what you could see the hill itself is covered with apple trees and foliage, in all honesty, it doesn’t seem like much of a view at all. “It won’t be easy spotting anything from up there.” You think to yourself before your question is answered.

“The moment any of us sends the signal, the other group will have to rush over to assist. If we get overwhelmed, run back to the farmhouse. That takes priority and we’ll have to defend it at all costs. I know I’m asking a lot from y’all. But my family’s in there, and leading the pack away may allow for another group of Timberwolves to stroll in while we’re away.” Applejack replied, giving you a sympathetic look.

You nod and stand up, ready to get this over with. “Any more questions?” Applejack asked, prompting a resounding no from everypony around. “Great, everypony follow me and we’ll pass out the fireworks, we should all take two of them. The first is for spotting the wolves, the second is for the retreat.” Applejack said over her shoulder as she began to walk towards her family’s barn.

You and everypony else follows Applejack. Eclipse keeps close to you on the right while Starfire hangs back a bit, attempting to strike up a conversation with Twilight and Rainbow Dash. This causes you to exchange glances with Eclipse and the two of you raise an ear in an attempt to eavesdrop.

“Looks like your stuck with us for a while longer.” Starfire teased prompting Rainbow Dash to let out a groan of annoyance. You chuckle a little at this and go back to minding your own business. But Eclipse seemingly continues to listen. It isn't that long of a walk but you find your mind starts to wander once more.

What could be up with Eclipse? He’s never been as down like that before. Sure he puts up a front around others and mostly keeps to himself but, why can’t he just talk to you? You let out a sigh as you feel both anger and sorrow well up in your chest. It breaks your heart to see your friend silently torment themselves.

Come to think about it, he’s been acting extra weird lately. Especially since he slept in this morning, he never oversleeps. Plus he did seem a bit overly exhausted and stressed this morning too. But you don’t know whether or not to attribute that to being late for work or not. Perhaps he was up late on a date with a mare or something.

But then again he never really talks about anypony in particular. Come to think of it, neither do you. Perhaps it's because talking about handsome stallions to a stallion would be rather awkward. Plus you have a pretty dangerous line of work, going out and adventuring all over the place.

Getting a gentlecolt to fall in love with you only for you never to return from an adventure is almost cruel. Or is it a romantic tragedy? You ponder this for a few more seconds before banishing that line of thought to the moon. Applejacks voice shocking you back into reality. “Y’all wait out here, I’ll go in and get the fireworks.” Applejack said as she unlatched the door to the barn and went inside.

At this point you notice Big Mac didn’t leave his spot on the farmhouse porch and that you, Rainbow, Twilight, Eclipse and Starfire are just standing in front of the barn. You accidentally make eye contact with Rainbow Dash, who takes the opportunity to give you a death glare.

You only respond with giving her a winning smile before you start to do one more last minute check of your equipment. “Sword? check, armors good, wings…. unpreened. Shit.” You whisper to yourself as you fully extend your wings to look at how bad it is, and honestly. It's not unflyable, this morning proved that. But you, in the very least want to fly with relative ease.

You give your wings a few good flaps before you look at everypony with an embarrassed blush across your face. “I’ll have to put off preening till we reach the hill. At least there I won't be doing it in front of strangers.” You think to yourself as you fold your wings back to your sides and patiently wait for Applejacks return.

“Sooo.” Twilight starts, catching everypony’s attention. “Look, I’ve only just met you three, but you seem like nice ponies, despite what others might think.” Twilight said harshly as she glared at Rainbow, who almost seemed betrayed by the comment. Despite that, she continued. “So, don’t do anything to get yourselves killed.” Twilight finished as the barn door opened again behind you.

“Wasn't planning on it,” Starfire replied as Applejack came out of the barn backward's, dragging a box of fireworks in her teeth. From there she let go of the box and looked at everypony else in the group. “Well, here we are.” She says before reaching into the box of fireworks, pulling out four fireworks with launch sticks attached to them. You trot over and grab two by the stick and hold it in your mouth.

“Now remember y’all. No heroics.” Applejack says giving you and your friends a concerned look as you trot over to Eclipse and put the fireworks in his satchel. “Ya, first sign of trouble we’ll send up the first signal. Things go south we’ll fire the second signal and come back here.” Eclipse replied as he adjusted the weight in his satchel bag.

“Great, alright everypony. Let's get to it, and thank all of y'all again. Me and Big Mac really appreciate this.” Applejack said looked all you in the eyes with a genuine smile. “Anytime AJ.” You say as you start making your way towards your assigned lookout point. “Come on guys let's get this show on the road.” You continue, prompting the rest of your party to follow behind you.

You look back to see Applejack push the box of fireworks back into the barn and watch as Twilight levitates the two remaining fireworks. This prompts you to look over at your companions on either side of you. Starfire had a smile across her face as she was humming a song into the night. Though you don’t recognize it. Eclipse still seemed a little down, or nervous and kept avoiding prolonged eye contact with you.

You begin to feel your nerves build up again as you walk further and further away from the barn. So, after listening to Starfire hum for a while. You decide to join in. Hoping that maybe a small song will calm your nerves on this bright, cool night.

Act 1: Chapter 8

It took your group around twenty minutes, but you finally made your way up the hill and to be completely honest, the view was only good for stargazing. There were too many trees around you to see anything really meaningful, but there were enough gaps in the trees to at least make the spot sort of worthwhile.

On top of that you got a decent view of the farmhouse and in turn, Big Mac sitting guard at the front door. “Shame he’s only into mares.” You think to yourself before you turn your attention back to your companions. Starfire was taking a look around the area you’ve been given to work with, the disgusted look on her face is giving you the idea that you two may have similar conclusions.

Eclipse was sitting down near you, using his magic to set up the fireworks to be easily launched. You trot over next to him and sit down on his left, just watching him as he works. You’ve never really watched him as he worked before. Nor have you ever really took note on how his eyes start to narrow when he’s trying to perfect his work, or how his tongue barely sticks out of his muzzle when he concentrates.

Nor have you ever really noticed that when he can’t get it just right his left ear twitches a little. Which was honestly adorable. After a few more moments, you decide to make this whole situation a lot less creepy and attempt to start conversation. “So.” You start quietly, as not to startle Eclipse to bad. Despite your efforts at being polite, he flinches at the sudden and unexpected noise before he looks at you. He’s always been a little jumpy.

“Oh, hey. What do you need?” Eclipse asked with a forced smile across his face. “You wanted to get something off your chest?” You ask as you extend your left wing and begin preening yourself. Aligning any loose feathers you find. Eclipses face instantly loses the mask he put up as he glances over to Starfire, then back to you. “I sorta meant a just us environment.” Eclipse states as you continue to preen yourself.

“Well, then let's all watch in shifts of twos. Star can get some sleep and we can chat. That sound good?” You ask as you briefly look over to Starfire, and she looks utterly exhausted. There’s a long pause before Eclipse replies. “Sure.” Almost sounding defeated. With that, you let out a loud whistle to catch Starfire's attention and wave her over.

“Whats up?” She asks as she trots up to the two of you. “We’re thinking about keeping watch in shifts. Since you know, you look knackered.” You state fairly bluntly, earning a yawn from Starfire. “Ya well, I guess I can get some shut-eye. At least I’ll wake up at the correct time.” She teases with a tired grin making its way across her face, and you happily match it.
“Oh, you poor naive Solarist. Always willing to miss the most beautiful hours in life.” You tease back, you can briefly hear Eclipse sigh next to you, knowing full well this will become another one of your “Competitions.”

“I prefer not to bask in the stolen light of my god, thank you very much.” She teased again as she laid down on your left. “I prefer the term, frequently borrowed light.” You reply between your preening, earning a chuckle from her as she rested her head on her forehooves. In the meantime, you finish preening your left wing and begin on your right one.

After a few minutes of silence, you can faintly hear Starfires breaths slow as she drifts off to sleep. With this, you look around at your surroundings. But due to your limited view through the foliage, you can’t really make out a whole lot. “Least there’s no signs of Timberwolves yet. Right?” You quietly ask Eclipse as he stops scanning the horizon.

“Ya, the coast looks as clear as it can for now.” He replies as he looks off into the distance and starts scanning the Everfree treeline. “So, were as alone as can be.” You state before you spot and realign a misaligned feather. Eclipse lets out a noticeable sigh before he looks at you. “I have an issue. I guess you could say.” Eclipse replied as he returned his attention back to the edge of the Everfree.

“Who’s legs do I need to break?” You jokingly reply earning a small chuckle from Eclipse. “Nah nothing like that. It's just, I received a letter from my father the other day. I finally worked up the gull to tell him I moved out of Canterlot and joined a band of ruffians to travel the world.” He chuckled as he gave you a nervous smile.

“Oh? Well, how did he take it?” You ask, causing Eclipses nervous smile fade to a frown. “Not well. He actually wants me to return home to Canterlot.” Eclipse replies with a frown as he let out a sigh. “Well. What do you want?” You ask, giving Eclipse a concerned look as you make eye contact with him.

“I want to be here. With you and Star, you know very well if I didn’t want to be here I wouldn't be.” He replies defensively as he moves his forehooves around for emphasis. “Well, then buck him. If you wanna travel the world with us, ruffians, then do so.” You tease with a grin across your face as you wrap a foreleg around Eclipse and pull him into a light hug.

You can see a faint blush of crimson cross his cheeks as you feel his fur against yours, and to your surprise, he leans into the hug. Your surprise slowly fades as you realize how cold he is. You give one last look around the area to make sure a timberwolf isn't sneaking up on you two before you return your attention back to Eclipse.

“Cold?” Is all you ask, causing the unicorn to cuddle up close to you for warmth. “Very, how the hay are you so warm?” He asks as he makes himself comfortable at your side. This causes your heart to skip a beat as you feel blood rush to your own cheeks.

“Well, Pegasi are built to fly high up and really fast. So having a natural ability to not freeze to death is a plus.” You reply, trying to process how to proceed with the situation. On one hoof you have a handsome stallion willingly cuddling up to you. On the other, that stallion is your best friend who’s freezing.

So you decide to take a more bold and middle road option to your situation. Once your sure Eclipse is comfortable you carefully wrap your right wing around him, causing his cheeks to turn a darker crimson. “Better?” You ask, attempting to ignore your heart that's beating a mile a second. “Y-ya.” Is all he replies, as he snuggles up even closer to you. You decide it may be best to return to your job. At least until you can properly sort out your feelings. So you return your gaze back to the treeline.

Act 1: Chapter 9

Time seemingly passes at a crawl as the two of you snuggle close to each other, silently watching over the Apple family orchard. You occasionally glance over to the farmhouse making sure nothing slipped passed you, but all you see is an exhausted red work stallion, standing guard on the porch. You watch him scan the horizon until he does a double take down the path toward town. This prompts you to nudge Eclipse and point over toward the farmhouse.

“Hey, I think he saw something.” You state as the two of you, now look over to the farmhouse. You quickly get to your hooves and fully extend your wings, preparing yourself for a fight. But after a few more moments, Big Mac waves. “Wait. What?” You think to yourself as two mares come into view between the trees. One of the mares was a white coated, purple maned unicorn, who walked almost with an elegance about her. Sorta giving you that “I belong in Canterlot” vibe.

The other mare was a yellow coated, pink maned pegasus. Her mane partially hung over her face, and you got the sense she was fairly timid. Since she kept her head a little lower to the ground than a normal pegasus. You couldn't really catch their eye color. But your sudden movement did catch Big Mac's attention. Only causing him to let out what looked like a laugh, and he motioned his hoof dismissively. Instructing you to go back to what you were doing.

This causes the two mares to look in your direction as they trot to the farmhouse. “False alarm.” You groan as you give Big Mac a winged salute back and return to Eclipses side. “You almost sound disappointed it's a clear night.” He yawns as he gives you an exhausted look. “If we don’t take out those wolves tonight, we’ll have to tomorrow.” Is all you reply before you return to surveying the horizon.

“I guess.” Eclipse yawns as gives Starfire a hard shove waking her up in a start. “Agh! What's wrong?” Starfire shouts as she frantically stands to her hooves, clutching her crossbow with a near death grip. “Your shift.” Is all Eclipse says before he collapses onto the ground and passes out. You could almost swear he fell asleep before his belly even touched the ground. But you had nothing to really back that claim up.

Starfire took a few deep breaths to calm herself before she looked up at you. “So, did I miss anything?” She asked as she grip on her crossbow loosened. “It's been pretty dull tonight, but the cavalry arrived.” You reply as you motioned your right hoof over to the farmhouse. Starfire raises her eyebrows at this and trots over to you to get a better look.

You glance over too, just to see what those two were doing. Big Mac was talking to the two mares and occasionally pointing over to your hill and the direction Aj and her friends went. So it’s safe to assume he’s bringing the two mares up to speed. “Huh, I wonder what they’re jobs are going to be,” Starfire said as she gave you a quizzical look.

“Well, logically he’s either telling them to split up between the two groups, or the poor stallion’s finally going to get some sleep.” You reply, as you leisurely return to scanning the horizon. “Um, Sky?” Starfire asks as she trots over to Eclipse and seemingly inspects him. “Ya?” You ask as you look over to her in acknowledgment. Seeing this, she gives you a sly grin before pointing down at Eclipse.

“Why does he have your feathers in his mane?” She asks as the grin across her face widens into a sly smile. You feel the blood rush to your cheeks, full well knowing what this perverted mare is implying. “He was cold, so I draped my wing over him.” You reply, intentionally leaving out the fact that it basically became a snuggle-fest.

“Oh really? That's all?” She continued to question causing you to feel your face grow even hotter. “Yes, yes it is.” You reply almost too quickly, causing Starfire to add a glare to her sly smile. “And here I thought he loved the flower stand mare.” She states as she slowly trots up to you. “Hey to be fair I still think he is courting her.” You rebuttal as you point your left hoof over to Eclipse.

“Sure you do, now I’m starting to see why you asked to take first watch with him.” Her sly smile continues as she presses her a hoof against your chest. “And your prevailing theory is madame detective?” You ask, worrying full well about the answer this perverted mare will give you. Perhaps it won’t be that bad.

“The two of you totally took that time you were exposed to be on watch and bucked in the orchard. Didn’t you?” She states, poking your chest for emphasis. At this, you feel your face burn hotter than Celestia’s sun and you hear the all too familiar pomf sound as your wings fully extend as if you were about to take flight.

“No! No why would we? Were just friends Star! and he was freezing so all I did was keep him warm, that's it!” You frantically explain, attempting to dissuade this mare from the local candy shop rumor mill. After a few moments of her happily enjoying your torment, she speaks. “Fine, I believe you.” She states as she turns around and smacks you in the face with her tail.

“But from the sight of those wings, it looks like you aren’t opposed of the idea.” She teased as she walked back over to Eclipses side and did a quick scan of the horizon. “Shut up!” Is all you can stammer in response as you force your wings back down to your side. “Looks like I lost five bits to the betting pot.” Is all Starfire could say as she started searching through Eclipses sachel bag for something.

“There was a betting pot about me?” You ask, though it was unsurprising, pony’s did like to meddle in other ponies business a bit too often. “Yep, I place five bits on you and Applejack being a thing.” She stated matter of factly as she continued to practically ransack Eclipses satchel bag.

Oh and did this town love to find reasons to ship two ponies together, it was in fact, your kind of town. “I’m more or less leaning in on the AJ’s a lesbian camp.” You reply earning a chuckle from Starfire. “Ooooh, that betting pool. Ya, looks like I’m gonna have to recoup my losses by betting in the Big Mac and Cheerilee betting pot.” Starfire replies, earning a stifled chuckle out of you.

“Well I guess we’ll see, also why are you digging through Eclipses bag?” You ask, giving Starfire a confused look as you relax a little and briefly scan the treeline. “Well if you must know, I’m looking to see if he brought matches, and it looks like…. he did!” She says as she pulls out a box of matches and held it up into the sky with her hoof.

“Fair enough.” You say, briefly acknowledging her before you go back to scanning the horizon, you give one last idle glance down to the farmhouse and see the pink-maned pegasus slowly making her way towards your hill with a picnic basket held in her teeth.

“Oooo, I think the Apple family’s sending us some snacks.” You state at the sight of the picnic basket. “Ah ya! I’m starving!” Starfire practically yelled in joy as she quickly trotted over to you. The two of you anxiously await the arrival of the timid looking yellow pegasus, though as she approaches you can easily tell she recognizes you from somewhere.

This causes your heart to sink a little, but you take her not calling you a monster and running off with the basket (hopefully) full of baked goods as a good sign. But you do finally notice that her eyes are blue. “Hello miss.” Is all you greet as she draws near to the two of you, though you do glance over to Eclipse just to make sure he hasn't wandered off in his sleep.

“Oh, um…. Hello.” The pegasus mare gave a muffled reply, but still, a clear enough one to confirm your suspicions, she was the shy type. Sometimes your bartending powers scare even you. “What brings you up to this end of the orchard?” Starfire asks, seemingly recognizing the introvert in the theoretical room and restraining herself from getting inside the mare’s personal space.

The pegasus mare carefully sets the basket down on the ground before replying, “Um, Big Mac figured you…. three” She briefly pauses as she does a quick count of everypony on the hill. “That you three… probably are getting cold and...hungry.” The timid mare barely says just above a whisper as she sheepishly takes a step away from the basket.

“Well thank you kindly, um I didn’t catch your name miss.” You reply politely as Starfire doesn't hesitate to take the baskets handle in her teeth and nearly run off in excitement towards the sleeping Eclipse. The poor mare stutters for a bit before she replies just above a whisper, “Fluttershy.”

“Fluttershy? Well Fluttershy, my names Skyward.” She seems to somehow hide her muzzle in her mane as you state your name, but you continue anyway. “The mare that took the picnic basket is Starfire, and the poor sleeping unicorn over there’s named Eclipse. It's a pleasure to meet you.” You say with a genuine smile as you slowly hold out your left hoof, hoping that if you don’t make any sudden moves, she won’t flinch.

Unfortunately, she flinches back further into her mane and lets out a quiet yelp. This causes you to let out a defeated sigh before you carefully lower your ears, head, and hoof. “Ya, I get that a lot... Have a good night miss Fluttershy, and thank you for the snacks.” Is all you reply before you take your leave and slowly trot back over to your friends.

Starfire gives you an almost pitying stare and frown before the sound of rapid trotting catches your attention, you glance back to see the poor mare running like her life depended on it down the hill and back toward the farmhouse. As you sit down near your friends, you realize Starfire is giving the poor pegasus mare her signature death glare as she runs away.

“Down girl. Mind unpacking while I awake sleeping beauty?” You ask as you attempt to defuse the situation by intentionally throwing out jab material. “Oh, so you do think he’s beautiful.” She teases as her gaze turns to you and her glare melts back into her cocky grin. Hook, line, and sinker. The two of you chuckle to yourselves before she starts unpacking the basket.

You take this time to gently shake Eclipse awake. “Hey, Eclipse wake up, Big Mac sent up some food and junk.” You say as Eclipse only groans in response and rolls over onto his side. “Come on! Wake up!” You continue to shake him, but he remains asleep. You look over to Starfire and give her a confused hoof motion, but she only shrugs in response as she lays out a blanket on the ground and begins to pull out some food.

Well, there's food on the line now. Drastic action must be taken and an old Cloudsdale trick should do this situation kindly. With a few flaps of your wings, you begin to gently hover over your sleeping victim as you gently scoop him up in your forelegs. Making sure he’s safely secured, you can almost hear Starfire’s stifled giggles as you lift the poor unicorn just a half inch off the ground.

You check and double check that the ground is in fact, just dirt with no rocks in it. “Well, I gave you a chance to do this the easy way.” You whisper in his ear, causing it to twitch before you proceed to let go of him, and the moment he began to descend, you could hear him sharply gasp for air as he was suddenly jolted awake.

His hooves hitting the ground not even a moment later as he collapsed on to his belly, flailing around like a fish out of water. This causes you and Starfire to laugh hysterically, prompting Eclipse to stop flailing as his mind slowly catches up to the situation. “Good morning princess, finally ready to eat?” You ask as you hover directly over him with a grin plastered across your face.

His only response to you is a death glare before his horn glowed in that all too familiar dark purple aura, the same aura that seemingly surrounded you and tinted your vision to the same color. This blocked out most of the scenery around you except for the now dark purple unicorn sitting in front of you. Obviously pissed off.

“I’m dead.” Is all you think to yourself before you are magically floated over to Eclipse to look him eye to eye. This causes you to completely give up on keeping yourself aloft, you know from experience that trying to escape it is meaningless, so you just opt to not even struggle in the first place.

“Glad to see your awake.” You say with a nervous smile, trying to hide your unease in your voice as you glance over to Starfire. Who is in fact, just eating a hay sandwich with a smile plastered across her face. You return your gaze back to Eclipse, who seems to have lightened up a little, and had an ever-growing devious grin spread across his face. This is never a good sign.

He slowly levitates you up a couple meters off the ground and slowly rotates you until the ground has been replaced with Luna’s sky and vice versa. You give him one last uneasy grin, and before you can open your mouth to try to smooth talk your way out of the situation, your vision returns to normal and gravity wants to reintroduce you to the cold unforgiving ground.

You briefly flail your legs about, attempting to shift your weight to reorient yourself, but you fail miserably, and you land flat on your back, forcing a particularly hard shield handle to introduce itself with your spine. You let out a gasp in both surprise and fear as you quickly arch your back to minimize the damage.

Luckily for you, your armor absorbs most of the impact, unfortunately, your shoulders and hip take the full force of the fall as well. Causing a fairly painful stinging sensation as you lay there on your back. You groan as your body aches from the impact with your shield handle. “Weren’t shields expose to protect me? Not murder my everything.” You think to yourself as you stare up into Luna’s night sky.

After a few minutes, two concerned ponies faces slowly move into your view. “Sky….. Are you ok?” Eclipse asked as his horn lights up with a dark purple aura and your vision becomes tinted the same. “You could have at least made sure I didn’t fall on my shield’s handle.” You reply, trying to hide the minor pain your back was now in.

Your friend's eyes grow wide at this revelation as you are floated back into the air and rotated so that the ground and sky are back to their normal places. As soon as your hooves touch the ground, Eclipses horn stops glowing and your vision returns to normal as he quickly wraps his forehooves around you and pulls you into a tight embrace, burying his head into your neck as he did so.

“I’m so so sorry! I completely forgot about your shield!” He says, practically choking you with his death grip. “Eclipse. It's fine alright? Armour took the brunt of it.” You reply as you gently wrap your right foreleg around him. You could feel your cheeks heat up a little at how close the two of you were.

If he wasn't strangling you, you’d happily stay like this for a while. But the need for air in your lungs took some priority, that and the rumbling in your stomach. “Now can we please get some food? I’m starving.” You say as you try to gently push the soft white unicorn away from you, to no real avail.

You look over to Starfire for a little help, only to notice her ears are flat across her head and a devilish grin was slowly spreading across her face. She slowly lifts her left foreleg and points at you, before pointing it at Eclipse. She then lifts it to the top of her head and makes a motion as if she was stroking a horn.

You feel your face turn bright red as you use all your willpower to keep your wings from leaving your side, causing Starfire to fall to the ground laughing uncontrollably. This prompts Eclipse to let go of you and look back toward Starfire with a confused look. You take this opportunity to take a step back to compose yourself. Hopefully out of hugging range from the unicorn before he returns he gaze back to you.

“What's up with her?” He asks as he points his left hoof over to Starfire. “It's Star.” You state plainly, thinking of all the ways you could get revenge, perhaps you can short-sheet her bed at the inn. Maybe you could slip some cooked beef into her hayburger. So many possibilities. Seemingly satisfied with your answer, Eclipse cautiously makes his way over to the picnic basket and peers inside to its contents.

You shoot Starfire a glare before you sit down next to the picnic blanket Star set out, your stomach happily awaiting your turn to enjoy the contents of the basket. “Dear Celestia they packed pie in here!” Eclipse said enthusiastically as his horn lit up with a dark purple aura and an apple pie floated out of the basket with three plates and some silverware.

“Hay ya! I want a slice!” You say as you grab one of the plates out of the air with your teeth and set it down onto the blanket. Eclipse then proceeds to sit down as he magically sets the pie down in the center of the picnic blanket. Starfire finally managed to recompose herself as she returned to her hay sandwich, giving you a devious look as she sat down.

The three of you sat in a sort of triangle, with you having your back to the farmhouse and them having their backs toward the orchard. You briefly scanned the terrain behind your companions, just to make sure nothing was sneaking up behind them. In the meantime, Eclipse pulled his dagger out of its sheath and started cutting the pie into eight semi-equal slices.

Act 1: Chapter 10

“Man, you know what sucks about jobs like this?” You ask as an apple pie slice magically levitates its way onto your plate. “What's that?” Starfire replies with a mouth full of hay from her nearly devoured hayburger. “The waiting.” You nearly scoff as you pick up your slice of pie and take a large bite out of it. “You’re getting the itch again. Aren’t you?" Starfire asks as Eclipse cut another slice of pie and levitated it onto his plate.

“And you aren’t?” You shoot back with a mouth full of delicious pie, earning a confused look from Eclipse. “What itch?” He asks innocently as he levitates his slice of pie up and takes a bite out of it. “It's basically caused when you get stir crazy knowing that something going to try and kill you, but you don’t know when.” Starfire explains as she finishes up her hayburger and starts searching through the picnic basket again.

“The itch itself is the…. Meantime for lack of a better word. Ooo they packed us drinks too.” Starfire continued as she pulled out three apple juice boxes and tosses one over to you, which you let hit the picnic blanket in front of you. “Essentially the itch itself is you wanting the quote enemy unquote, to just get it over with.” You say impatiently as you take another bite of your pie.

You never really were a fan of pie, but the apple family sure did know how to make a good apple pie. It was so good you’d say its the best apple pie you’ve had in your entire life. Not like you’ve had many other apple pies to really compare it with. You look up past your friends and scan the treeline one more time, just to make sure the coast was clear.

You carefully scan the foliage, intent not to miss a thing. You nearly call the coast clear before your eyes meet two illuminated emerald green eyes behind barely noticeable wooden snout, the creature was slowly making its way out of the orchard behind your companions, causing your heart to stop as time felt like it came to a crawl.

You’ve never really seen a wooden monstrosity like this, it was a creature in the form of a wolf. But it was seemingly made entirely out of loose logs and twigs. It barely made a noise as it observed you, soon a couple more emerald eyes appeared out of the orchard. All looking at you.

“Eclipse light the damn fireworks.” You whisper in a shocked tone, causing two different reactions from your companions. Starfire slowly grabbed her already loaded crossbow from her side and held onto it tight, looking you dead in the eyes as she positioned one of her forehooves in front of her to get to her hooves quickly.

Eclipse on the other hoof put both of his hooves in front of him and levitated his knife back into its sheath before he carefully looked over to his bag. “I’ve got them.” Starfire said as she carefully picked up the box of matches from her side and held them up to show Eclipse, who carefully opens the box with his magic and slowly levitates a match out of it. “We ready?” Starfire asks, with a slight hint of excitement or fear in her voice as she took a match out herself and struck it.

You gave her a quizzical look before noticing the cloth wrapping around her crossbow bolt, suddenly realizing she’d prepared her bolts to be flame bolts. “Light it.” You reply, with that the three of you quickly spring to your hooves, Starfire and Eclipse quickly ran behind you as you pull your shield off your back with your muzzle. Quickly attaching it to your left foreleg as you fully extend your wings, preparing for a fight.

Starfire wasted no time getting into position to fire, but as she got up to run her match went out. Forcing her to try and pull out another one as four Timberwolves quickly sprang from the treeline and dashed towards the three of you. All letting out haunting howls and barks as they begin to charge their prey.

With this you kick yourself into the sky with your hind legs, allowing you to easily get a few meters off the ground with the help of a few extra flaps of your wings. As you took flight, the all too familiar whize of a firework taking flight followed by a bright and very loud bang filled your ears, the sudden light seemingly slows the timberwolves charge. However briefly.
Taking this opportunity, you grab the handle of your sword with your right hoof and unsheathe it. The action creating that all too satisfying sveen sound as the steel blade leaves its sheath. With this the Timberwolves begin their charge again, breaking off into three groups.

Two of them were attempting to flank around your sides while the other two went straight down the middle towards you and Starfire. “Buck, buck, buck, BUCKING LIGHT FOR CELESTIA'S SAKE.” Starfire frantically yells as you hear another familiar bang. You turn to see that the other group fired a firework as well, signaling that they have encountered some Timberwolves as well.

“Looks like we're on our own!” Eclipse yelled as you dive forward towards one of the Timberwolves. You flap your wings hard to gain speed, and right as the timberwolf pounces to try to ground you, You quickly bank your wings a little to the left and dodge it.

Seeing the opportunity present itself, you easily swing your sword down at the wolf as you pass. Watching with satisfaction as the blade of your sword sinks itself into the wooden neck of the timberwolf with a loud thwack, causing splinters and small chunks of wood you fly off of the wound as your sword cleaves right through the wolfs neck.

“Gotcha wolfie.” You think to yourself as the wolf falls lifeless to the ground. You bank back around to see how your companions were fairing. Your heart skipped another beat at the site, Eclipse was just standing there, watching the timberwolf charge at him, though your fear for him soon subsided when his horn lit up with its dark purple aura and a ball of fire shot from it.

The timberwolf didn’t have time to react before the fireball struck it in its wooden face, the creature let out a loud roar as the fire began to spread across its wooden body, quickly falling to the ground as it slowly burned. Starfire’s situation wasn't much better as she struggled to light the new match as two timberwolves approached her, one from her left and another running directly at her.

As you start to gain speed, racing toward the flanking timberwolf. You feel a brief wave of relief as Starfire finally manages to light the seemingly difficult match, and proceeds lights her flame arrow. Once lit she takes aim at the charging timberwolf. The moment the wolf jumped into the air Starfire released the flaming bolt from her crossbow before she dives out of its way.

The bolt flies true as it hits the timberwolf directly in its chest. The beast barely lets out a roar as it fell to the ground in a burning heap of timber. Star started to pull another flame bolt out of her crossbow as she noticed the final timberwolf slowly circling its fallen prey before either of you could do anything about it, Eclipse fired another fireball at the timberwolf, striking the creature in the side.

The timberwolf let out a similar roar like the others and fell into another burning pile of lumber. With the fight done you let out a sigh as you carefully cut your speed and land next to Starfire, who slowly got to her hooves and gave you a cocky grin. “You jinxed us.” Is all she says as she took slow deep breaths. “Is she having an anxiety attack?” You think to yourself as you take note at the way she’s breathing.

You don’t blame her, anypony would have a panic attack if they’re match wasn’t lighting when a timberwolf charged them. “Did not.” You shoot back playfully in a sorta younger brother imma tell mom voice, attempting to defuse the situation with a little comedy. Luckily it works, or at least it sorta works as it causes the two of you chuckle as you stand there trying to catch your breath.

You felt exhausted. “It's just my luck that they’d attack on my sleep shift. Maybe I did jinx it a little.” You think to yourself as Eclipse briskly trotted over to the two of you. “You two ok?” Is all he asks as he makes his way by your side. “Peachy.” Starfire replies as she scans the treeline once more, and absolute terror fills her eye, prompting you and Eclipse to follow her gaze.

As you gazed into the orchard, you felt your heart stop beating as a dozen pairs of green eyes gazed back from the darkened orchard. “ We’re bucked.” Starfire breathlessly says as you unconsciously took a step back. “We gotta get the hay outta here. Eclipse…” You start to say as Eclipse cuts you off.

“Already on it.” He says as his horn lights up and he magically levitates a match out of its matchbox, quickly striking it before he levitated it over to the final firework and lighting the fuse. A loud growl from the treeline forces your attention back to the wolves as twelve timberwolves slowly make their way out of the orchard.

“Guy’s we need to…” You start to say before Starfire finished your sentence for you. “RUN FOR IT!” Starfire yells, prompting you to quickly turn and leap back into the air as your two companions turn and run for the farm. You quickly flap your wings as you fly close behind them. Your heart began to pound hard as you briefly look over your shoulder, you watched the firework take flight and the wolves crest the top of the hill. All too eager to chase their prey.

The sound of the firework flying into the air was nearly overpowered by the loud fear-inducing howel of one of the Timberwolves as they gave chase behind you. You returned your attention back to the farmhouse in front of you as the firework exploded in the sky, allowing the dark sky to briefly be lit in a pink tinge.

The two mare’s you saw from earlier were idly standing on the farmhouses porch, for a few seconds as they stood there in horror at the sight of what would most likely be your demise behind you. The purple maned unicorn quickly took a defensive stance in front of the house, shouting something back at Fluttershy.

This prompted the pink-maned pegasus to quickly run inside with fear plastered across her face. In a matter of seconds, your group ran down the hill, prompting you to land in front of the porch and take a defensive stance with your companions, who were both on your left. The farthest away being Starfire.

Luckily for you, your group managed to gain a little distance from the pack of wolves, unluckily for you that distance was closing fast with little to no sign of reinforcements from the second group.

Big Mac quickly ran out of the farmhouse a few seconds later, as he gazed across the northern hillside, a horrified expression crawling across his face as he took a defensive stance next to you. Starfire wasted no time as she struck another match and lit another flame arrow.

“Buck we’re going to die here.” You think to yourself as your breath left your lungs and fear slowly wrapped its talons around your heart. You look over to your companions one last time for any form of comfort and manage to make eye contact with Starfire, though the look of absolute terror in her eyes does anything but.

You give each other a final nod and watch as the terror in her eyes turns into fear induced rage. She quickly turns back to the charging group of Timberwolves and takes aim before yelling. “I’M BETTING I’LL TAKING FOUR WITH ME!” Is all she yells before she fires another flaming arrow towards one of the closer wolves. The arrow barely grazed the side of the wolf, though it had its desired effect.

Flames began to quickly spread across the timberwolf forcing the wolf to fall to the ground howling in pain, The light in the creature's eyes soon faded. Showing that the dark eldritch magic was leaving its wooden vessel to be nothing more than burning lumber.

Inspired by this you flap your wings hard enough to start and maintain a one-meter hover, though that's as far as you go before you hear the wooden door open behind you. The Timberwolves were only a few meters away as you quickly look back to see a red-maned filly’s head peering out at you, her eyes quickly filling with fear at the sight of the charging Timberwolves. “Applebloom! Get inside NOW!” You yell as the sound of hoofsteps and a second voice fills your heart with fear.

“Sky lookout!” The voice sounded like Eclipse, and it was urgent enough to cause you to refocus on the matter at hoof. You turn your head back towards the Timberwolves, only to see three timberwolves directly in front of you, the middle one in mid-pounce as its companions move to circle around you. Its mouth opening as it jumps into the air at you.

Thousands of thoughts fill your mind as time seems to slow. “If I dodge out of the way, that thing’s going to go full force into the door where Apple Bloom is. BUCK.” You quickly think to yourself as you quickly raise your shield and pull your wings to your side. It was no longer a matter of if it will hit you, it's now a matter of how hard.

The creatures maw clamped down onto your shield as it retched you from the sky. You hit the ground back first hard, knocking the wind out of your lungs and your sword out of your hoof. Wasting no time the timberwolf quickly takes position on top of you. It’s cold dead emerald eyes looking down into yours as it yanks on your shield.

You quickly grab the shield handle with both hooves, holding onto it with all of your might. Though you can’t help but scream and frantically look around for your sword, only to see it laying a half meter away in the dirt toward Big Mac and the purple maned unicorn.

The two other Timberwolves apparently separated the group, forcing you all alone to what you assume is the pack leader. You could barely hear a filly scream and a wooden door fly shut over the chaotic sounds of spells being cast, hooves meeting timber and a sword clashing against wood.

Fear quickly fuelling your adrenaline as you struggled with the beast. “If I can break its jaw, I’ll only have to worry about its claws.” You think to yourself in a panicked haze as you look at the small calvary shield in your grasp, the only thing keeping the beast's maw from clamping down on your throat.

“Here goes nothing!” You yell to yourself as you start to pry the timberwolf’s mouth open. The beast quickly adjusts to your movements, using its hind legs to push back against your prying. “Buck! Ok, get your head on straight Sky! You just need to take out the hind leg.” You quickly reason, mentally trying to reassure yourself as you twist the lower half of your body.

Once you feel your in a position where it won’t compromise your shield holding, you kick with all your might against the creatures back right hind leg with your right hind leg. Pain is all you receive with every kick as the shockwave of kicking wood bounces back into your leg.

The wolf suddenly shifted weight onto its forelegs, allowing you to continue trying to pry its jaw off. Though any hope at the plan working quickly disappeared as the wolf quickly pushed itself to its hind legs and slashed at you with its left foreleg. You try to pull your shield close to you to no avail, as the beasts clawed appendage hits your shield at its side.

Flinging it and your left foreleg to your side, fully exposing the shields leg strap around your hoof and wooden handle. Taking the opportunity, you pull both your hind legs close you your body and buck hard into the creature’s hip with a loud grunt. Causing the timberwolf to stumble back.

You quickly roll over onto your belly and start to crawl over to your sword, briefly making eye contact with a surrounded Big Mac, despair crossing his face as he looked at the situation you're in and then at the now two timberwolves keeping him from helping you.

You reach your forehoof out to grasp the handle of your sword, but mear moments before you could grasp it. You feel jagged wood pierce your right hind leg and quickly build in pressure. You scream as you desperately reach for your sword but you are quickly pulled back into the Timberwolves grasp. “SOMEPONY! ANYPONY! HELP ME!?!” You scream as you roll back onto your back and attempt to bring your shield back over your body.

But you are quickly denied this luxury as the timberwolf slashed your shield back to your side with its left clawed paw. This time making sure it stayed there by holding it down with its right paw. You could hear frantic hoofsteps as you looked up at the monstrosity. From there it pressed its left paw against your chest holding you down, ensuring you can’t escape.

You could swear it was smiling as it looked down at you with those dead green eyes. Blood. Your blood dripped from its jagged wooden maw as it almost reveled in catching its prey. Your heart was pounding now and the hoofsteps were getting louder, but you weren’t done yet. “I HOPE YOU BUCKING CHOKE!” You yell as you quickly swing your right foreleg at the Timberwolves face, giving it a good right hook that dented its wooden cheek.

Whatever pride it seemingly had, faded in that moment as it looked down at you in disgust, growling as your eyes met. A thousand thoughts pass through your mind as the creature reared up to give its deathblow. “Buck this is it. I’m going to die. This things going to bucking kill me.” You think to yourself as you attempt to back hoof the creature's maw, which at this point it moved far beyond your reach.

“Hang on sugar cube!” You hear a familiar voice yell as the creature opened its maw and began to lung at your neck, but before it could connect you hear a loud ear blasting “Thwack” as the timberwolf flew off you and shattered on the ground next to you. What replaced it was a light yellow tail attached to two orange hind legs. On those hind legs was an all too familiar cutie mark. Three red apples.

You feel your body start to shake as Applejack quickly returned her hind legs to the ground and moved her face into your view. “You ok sugar cube?” She asks as you notice the concern in her voice and face, though she never broke eye contact. “I-I’ll l-live.” You say shakily as you carefully lift yourself onto your haunches and look down at your hind leg.

The Timberwolves bite did a number on it, your crimson blood pouring from the jagged wound. You nearly regret looking at it, as that seemingly caused the burning pain of torn flesh to return in full force. Forcing you to let out a pained groan as you move. Applejack followed your gaze and gasped as she saw your wound.

“Sugarcube that looks bad, you should lay down while I get a medkit or something.” She says with concern in her voice as she tried to get you to lay back down, but you weren’t having it. “I’m f-fine, my w-wings are fine I can still fight.” You shakily say as you carefully push her hoof away and try to stand up on your three non-bleeding hooves.

You briefly survey your surroundings as you drag yourself to your hooves, the battle was still in full swing and thanks to the reinforcements your center line was no longer shattered. Though everypony was still separated into three groups. Starfire and Eclipse were fending off three Timberwolves on the left. Starfire, unfortunately, had to resort to using her sword as she stood flank to flank with Eclipse.

Bolstering the center was Twilight and Rainbow Dash, who were fighting off five wolves and were admittedly handling themselves fairly well. Big Mac and the purple maned unicorn were still outnumbered two to one as they tried to hold up the right flank.

“Don’t be a fool Sky. That leg’s bleeding fast, if it ain’t the Timberwolves that kills ya, it’ll be the blood loss.” She states in a more commanding tone as you test putting weight on the wounded appendage, only to be swiftly rewarded with excruciating pain. Forcing you to quickly lift your wounded leg off the ground and hiss in pain.

“Look I may be wounded but at least I’m walking.” You start as you limp over to your sword and grasp it with your right forehoof. “And I’ll be damned if I let Starfire outdo me.” You say giving Applejack a pained smile as wooden debris flies past you. Applejack only narrows her eyebrows at the comment, but before she could open her mouth to protest Twilight yelled. “Two more from the west!”

This wretched your attention to your two guildmates who managed to take one of the Timberwolves down, but still had four more to go. You give Applejack a pleading look before she sighs and walks toward you. “Just don’t get yourself killed. Alight?” She said, giving you one final pleading look before you respond. “I promise, and… Aj?” You ask as you start to make your way past her.

“Ya?” She asks as she adjusted her stetson. “Thanks for saving my life. I owe ya.” You say shakily as you start to flap your wings and lift off the ground. “Don’t mention it. Now get, before I change my mind and drag you down here to treat that wound myself.” She says with an uneasy tone in her voice as she ran off to go help her brother.

With that you start to fly toward your friends, gaining altitude and speed as you did so. Your wound burned as the cool air rushed past you, but you attempted to push the feeling out of your mind until after the fight. You were sorta surprised Applejack didn’t put up more of a fight with your request. In fact, you were surprised at how non-stubborn she was being. She did tell you she was working on it. But this is almost too much, even for her.

You push those thoughts out of your mind for the moment as you approach your companions. Starfire notices your approach and seemingly lets out a sigh as you land next to them. “Glad to see your ok.” Starfire says as the four Timberwolves start circling the three of you. “Ya, Aj came in just in time. Bugger got a hit on me though.” You say trying to hide the pain from your voice as you go flank to flank with your companions, forming a sort of triangle with Eclipse on your left and Starfire on your right.

This time refusing to avert your eyes from the circling wolves. “Buck. How bad?” Eclipse asked with concern and exhaustion in his voice. “Running off three hooves bad.” You reply earning a quiet swear from Starfire. After a few more seconds of the wolves circling the three of you, one of the wolves charges you.

Assuming it noticed your wounded hind leg, you allow it to gain a little speed as you raise your shield and extend your wings. This time however you were ready for it. You wait until the timberwolf lunges at you before you flap your wings hard, throwing all your weight behind your shield. The timberwolf barely has time to react before you shield bash it, knocking it on its side.

Before it even has a chance to get back up you plunge your sword into the wolves belly, eliciting a loud yelp from the creature before the green light in its eyes fades away. “Not this time!” You pant as you pull your sword from the Timberwolves gut and stumble backwards to your original formation. “I don’t have the energy to pull that off again.” You think to yourself as you feel the ache of exhaustion and the burning pain of an open, bleeding wound.

“Nice one.” Eclipse says as the Timberwolves growl in disapproval at the death of another pack member. Another one of the wolves began to charge the three of you, this time taking aim at Eclipse. Realizing this, he lifted the now dead timberwolf up with his magic and threw it at the charging wolf.

The wolf barely dodges the attack, however, it was enough of a distraction so that Eclipse could run forward a little, pivot on his forehooves and bring his hind hooves close to his body, following up the movement with a hard buck against the Timberwolves face. The impact caught the wolf completely off guard, staggering the beast. With the beast staggered you under hoof toss your sword to Eclipse and yell. “Catch!”

Eclipse gave you a small smile as he caught the sword with his magic and slashed at the beast, decapitating it. With the beast nothing more than a pile of firewood he quickly returned to formation, gasping as he laid eyes on your still bleeding leg. “Sky we need to get that treated ASAP.” He says concern in his voice as he levitated your sword out in front of you.

“We’ll treat it when we can.” You reply as you grab your sword with your right forehoof and return your focus on the two circling wolves. Enraged at the loss of another wolf the remaining two wolves let out an ear-shattering howl as they both charge full speed at your group. Mainly focusing their attention on Starfire.

One of the wolves was running directly at Starfire while the other was charging her right side. Starfire slashed her sword at the timberwolf in front of her, managing to kill the beast before the second creature dove at her from the right side. Eclipse attempted to buck him away, but he bucked too early and completely missed the diving wolf.

Starfire let out a horrified scream as the Timberwolves jaw’s clamped down hard into her back, forcing the yellow coated mare to the ground. Without a second's hesitation, you slash your sword down onto the timberwolf’. Feeling the quick jolt of momentum through your arm as you slice into the back of the wooden creatures head, allowing the now loose assortment of logs and twigs to fall onto the poor gasping mare.

Signifying the death of the beast trying to make her its snack. After a few moments, Starfire slowly emerged out of the pile of loose lumber onto shaky hooves and looked at you with tears in her eyes. You quickly examine her only to realize that the only sign that the timberwolf got her were twelve small dents in her armor. The sight of this suddenly makes you thankful to both the goddesses the two of you bought steel reinforced armor.

You look around at your surroundings, realizing the battle is practically over. The only exception to this was the two Timberwolves trying to limp away from a very pissed off and dirty looking, purple maned unicorn. With the fight over you carefully sheathe your sword and hug your best friend tight as she cries softly.

Gently brushing her mane in an attempt to comfort her, you briefly cast your gaze over to Eclipse who looks equally as distraught. In detail, he looks sick, like he ate a raw fish and is about to puke, sorta sick. “Who knows what could be running through that handsome….” You briefly catch yourself before continuing your internal monologue. “That stallions mind.” You mentally correct, kicking yourself for the slip. Even though it was inside your own head and nopony else could hear it.

You decide to give Eclipse a gentle reassuring smile before nuzzling the top of Starfires head. “Shhh, you're safe now. We won’t let anything hurt you.” You softly coo as you continue to brush the Earth Pony's mane. She only nods as she continues to cry into your shoulder, her body still shaking in your forehooves.

You continue to comfort your friend as the sound of hoofsteps approach behind you. Though you ignore them until a hoof finds its way to your side, letting you know somepony's trying to get your attention. You turn to them in acknowledgment, but your vision was too blurry from your own tears to really make out who was trying to talk to you. In all honesty, you didn’t even know you were crying.

You blink and wipe the tears from your eyes with your left hoof. As your vision clears Applejacks smiling face is what first greets you. Behind her stood Twilight, who’s eyes kept glancing down to your bleeding leg. “Well, we did it Sky. We saved the orchard. Couldn't have done it without you three.” She says with a tearful smile before giving Starfire a sorrowful look and then your leg a painful wince.

“That's great to hear.” You reply with a pained smile as you continue to brush Starfires mane. “Big Mac told me how you got that wound…” Applejack said, wincing a little as she quickly composed herself and continued. “I sent him to get the medkit from upstairs. You could have easily flown out of the way. But thanks for keeping my little sis safe.” Applejack states as tears beginning to flow down her face as she continues to smile at you.

You tighten your hug around Starfire at the mention of Apple Bloom, but you chuckle anyway. “Anytime AJ.” You barely manage to say before two orange forehoves are wrapped around your neck and any airflow you once had in your throat was now closed.

“Really sugar cube. It means a lot to us. After our parents died I… I don’t know if I could have handled the loss of another Apple.” Applejack states beginning to cry in your other shoulder, strangling you all the while. You’re only response is a loud gurgle as you try to get her to loosen her death grip around your neck. Luckily she catches on quickly and loosens her grip, allowing you to gasp for much-needed air.

“S-Sorry.” She apologized with a nervous chuckle as you respond with a friendly smile. “Again Applejack, anytime.” You say as a big red stallion with a white medkit in his mouth approached your group. Though he avoided looking you in the eyes as he set the medkit down next to his sister and poked her side with his left forehoof.

“Got the kit sis, and I’m sorry I couldn't help you before the wolf did.... That to you.” Big Mac say's in an almost melancholic tone, and an ashamed expression across his face as he looked at your bleeding hind leg. Applejack soon let go of you and opened the medkit, examining its contents. “Don’t worry about it Big Mac, things got chaotic when those things separated us. Stuff happens.” You say nonchalantly, though it doesn’t seem to help him much.

“Ya, I guess.” Is all he replies before examining his hooves. Sensing the tension The purple unicorn chimed in. “I’m trained in first aid. So I should have that wound healed up in a jiffy with some magic and wrappings.” Twilight says a little too cheerfully for your liking, as she joined Applejack in examining the contents of the medkit.

“Star. I need to get some dressing’s on my leg. Will you be ok with Eclipse for a minute?” You softly ask as you slowly start to pull away from the hug. “Y-Ya… I’ll be ok.” She replies as she lifts her head up to you so she can look you in the eyes with a smile. Her eyes were still puffy and red, but she seemed to collect herself rather quickly. “T-thanks for that.” She whispers to you before looking over to Eclipse and giving you a wink.

You give her with a confused look before she trotts over to Eclipse and hugs him, obviously doing some comforting of her own. This puts a smile on your face as you limp over to your would be doctors. “Anywhere you specifically want me doc?” You ask as Twilight levitates a bottle of disinfectant and a ragout of the medkit, giving you a warm smile.

“Preferably on the porch, that would be a lot more sterile than… here.” She said as she levitated the medkit up into the air and lead the way toward the Apple family’s porch. You start to limp your way over, but Applejack quickly made her way to your right side, allowing you to lean on her for support. Which you happily accept.

Big Mac, Starfire, and Eclipse follow close behind you as you're practically carried to the porch. Once there, you slowly lower yourself down so you're sitting on your haunches on the edge of the porch. Wincing and hissing in pain as you slowly allow your hind leg to touch the ground. Taking notice that your fur down there was practically stained with your own blood.

“Now, I’m going to have to clean the wound with some disinfectant. So, would you like somepony to hold you down? Cause this is going to hurt. A lot.” Twilight stated matter of factly, keeping a warm motherly smile that was starting to unnerve you. “I know I’m going to kick.” You say bluntly, fully knowing how your body reacts to pain.

“I got his forelegs.” Starfire volunteered, taking a seat behind you before pulling you and your forelegs into a tight hug. You preemptively buried your muzzle into her arms, knowing full well you how bad this is going to hurt. “You bite me, I kill you.” Starfire says with a chuckle. But you only nod to it, feeling your heart rate increase as you brace yourself for the pain.

“I got his other hind leg.” Eclipse says as his horn lit up, causing his all too familiar aura to cover your left hind leg and hold it firmly in place. Twilight very carefully lifted your right hind leg up and examined it, causing you to wince in pain at the movement. “Well, no bright red blood. So the timberwolf didn’t hit an artery.” She said as her horn lit up with an almost pink aura before she began to stare intently at your leg for a long period of time.

For some reason, you could feel your bone in your leg start to tingle, but that quickly ended after a few seconds. “And your leg isn’t broken. So I say you got off fairly lucky. Now, are you ready to get this leg cleaned?” Twilight asks hesitantly, her smile momentarily faltering to an uneasy one. Fear started to grip your heart once more. “Hey, sugar cube. We’re here for you. Alright?” Applejack assured you as she gave you a gentle pat on your left shoulder.

“Buck were you that obvious.” You think to yourself as you nervously give Twilight an approving nod. “Hey, close your eyes and just listen to my voice. Trust me ok?” Starfire gently cooed into your ear. Prompting you to nod your head and close your eyes, trusting in your companion fully.

“Alright, now on the count of three, Twilight’s going to pour the disinfectant and clean the wound best she can.” She continued to coo as she held onto you tight. You let out a small whimper and nod before she spoke again. “Alright, one.” Starfire said as your leg felt as though it was thrown into a meat grinder. Forcing you to let out a muffled scream into Starfires forelegs and jerk back a little.

Though that did little to nothing as Starfire and Eclipse held you down tight. “I know, I know, I’m sorry, I know it hurts, I know.” She cooed, concern obvious in her voice as you started to feel tears roll down your cheeks. “Shhh, shhh. It’s ok. It’s almost over. Shhhh.” Starfire continued as you could feel a towel rub against your wound, Causing you to let out another, shorter muffled scream.

At this point you almost wish the timberwolf killed you, that would at least be less painful. “Shhhh, all we gotta do is close the wound now, just a few more seconds.” Starfire continued to coo, though her voice sounded like her heart was breaking. You briefly wonder if it could get any worse, though you quickly learn that the answer is yes, as you suddenly feel the parted flesh of your wound start to pull together.

Unleashing a pain worse than being skewed on Celestia's horn and roasting like a s'more with her sun as the fireplace. You let out one last scream as your body frantically tried to escape whatever torture your being subjected too. Though Starfire keeps you stationary seemingly effortlessly as you try to struggle and kick your way out of the situation.

“Easy, easy, shhhhhh. Your ok Sky, you're ok. We got you, your going to be fine. Shhhh.” She continued to coo as your frantic attempts at escape quickly died down to nothing less than pitiful crying. The pain soon subsided as you could feel a tight wrapping go around your leg. “Shhh, it's done Sky, it’s done, we’re done. You can open your eyes now, shhh.” Starfire said as she moved one of her forelegs out of the hug and began to gently brush your mane. Though your body was shaking uncontrollably as you continued to cry into her remaining foreleg.

Finally, you opened your eyes to see Applejack was no longer by your side, though she wasn’t too far away quietly crying into her stetson off to the left. Her brother attempted to comfort her, taking the occasional solum glance over to you. Though Eclipse had replaced her, softly smiling with tear-filled eyes as he looked down at you. Soon hugging you, trying to comfort you as you continued to cry.

Directly in front of you sat Twilight, who had wrapped a clean bandage around your wound and was currently stuffing bloody towels into a plastic bag. Behind her stood Rainbow Dash and the purple maned unicorn, who were both giving you uncomfortable pitying looks.

Off to the right, laid the dead timberwolf, somehow it’s head remained intact and it was staring at you with those blood-stained teeth. Your body only started shaking worse at the sight of those jagged teeth, so you decided to just bury your face into Eclipses chest and cry your heart out.

Act 1: Chapter 11

It felt like hours have passed since you started crying, but you soon regained your composure and started to pull away from the warm embrace of your friends. You sit up on your own and bury your face into your forehooves, mostly out of embarrassment for crying in front of so many ponies. You sat there shaking for a few more minutes before the sound of somepony sitting next to you catches your attention.

You look over to see Starfire, her eyes are red and puffy. Probably mirroring your own. Your eyes wander over to the dead timberwolf again and you start to shake at the sight. Her gaze follows yours before she sighs. “Buck… That's haunting.” Starfire says visibly shivering at the sight.

“You’re telling me. Worst of all it’s given me an idea for the bar’s name.” You say before burying your muzzle into your hooves again. “Oh? And what's that?” Eclipse asks as he takes a seat next to your left. “You're going to hate it, but, how about we name it the Timberwolf tavern?” You say eliciting a long pause before Eclipse and Starfire sigh. “The problem is that it has a ring to it… Sure I vote yes.” Eclipse says as he rubs his muzzle with his right forehoof. “Then Timberwolf tavern it is.” Starfire sighs before a purple unicorn approaches the three of you.

“Sky?” Twilight asks, prompting you to look up at her. “I’d suggest staying off that hoof for the rest of the night and most of the morning tomorrow. My magic healed most of the wound but. Walking on it could reopen some cuts. Don’t worry it won’t scar and I don’t think it's infected, but I do want to take a look at it tomorrow. So if you have time, please drop by the library around noon or so.” Twilight said prompting you to nod.

“Thanks, Twilight, really.” You say in a defeated tone as exhaustion quickly catching up to you. You're about to bury your muzzle again before you see Applejack approach you, her eyes sorta look red but at this point whose isn't. You weren’t even sure why others were crying for you. You aren’t that important. “Hey… Sky.” Applejack started quietly as she looked down to her hooves and idly kicked at the dirt.

“You put out the fire on the hill?” You say bluntly, eliciting a sigh from Applejack. “Ya, Rainbow and Rarity put it out a while ago. Luckily it didn’t spread to any of the trees. But that's not what I’m here about.” She continued, gaining your full attention. “How bad is it?” You ask earning a chuckle from the orange mare. “Nah, nothing like that sugar cube. Was just going to tell ya you look like you need a mug of cider. You all do.” She said with a hint of sorrow in her voice as she motioned to the three of you.

“Ya, I need to get plastered if I wanna sleep tonight.” You state bluntly earning a chuckle from Starfire. “Same here. I’m going to have nightmares about that wolf for months.” She states as she gives you a light punch in the shoulder. “Guess you can count me in then,” Eclipse says rather dully, but you blamed that on the emotional nose dive you all’ve just been through.

“Great, anypony else wanna get wasted on some good old last season cider?” Applejack asked as the Rainbow mare lifted her hoof, along with Twilight. The purple maned unicorn, who you assume is Rarity just shrugs and starts making her way back toward town “Great. Everypony inside who wants a mug.” Applejack says as she made her way past the three of you and inside the farmhouse.

You slowly turn around and crawl up onto the porch before lifting your right hind hoof up. You then start limping to the door, stopping once you realize you can’t really open it without falling down. “Um…” You start, but with the lighting up of Eclipses horn, the door magically opens in front of you. “What a gentlecolt.” You tease, causing Eclipses white coated cheeks to turn slightly crimson.

You and Star chuckle at this as you enter into the small farmhouse, out of courtesy you unhook your swords sheath and carefully lean it up against the wall by the door along with your shield. Prompting Starfire to do the same. When entering the farmhouse, you enter into a sort of hallway where you leave wet clothes from a long day walking back and forth from town in the rain. Though the name of it escapes you.

To your left is the Apple family living room where three ponies were sitting. An older mare was sitting in a rocking chair on the far side of the room, While Fluttershy and Applebloom were sitting on a couch in the middle of the room. Applebloom was silently crying and the Pegasus and older mare were giving you death glares the moment you entered the house.

“Good Morning lady’s.” You say as you look toward Fluttershy, “You two ma’am.” You say with a nod as you address the older mare, who smiles and nods back. “In all my years, I never expected a sword to be so polite.” The older mare said, not only shocking you that she knows your family history. but doing a complete one-eighty from how she appeared not even ten seconds prior.

“W-why thank you ma’am. I try.” You say as Applejack steps out of the kitchen on your right. “Got the mugs all set up, go ahead and… wait. Why wouldn't he be polite? Have you two been listening to the rumor mill again?” Applejack asked as Eclipse and Rainbow Dash peered their heads in. “The rumors are true AJ.” Rainbow Dash stated matter of factly giving Applejack a deadpan look.

“I’m so confused.” You state bluntly as you stand in the ever-crowding hallway. “You know what, let's get it straight from the pegasus himself. Sky. Can you tell us about your family?” Applejack asks, starting off pissed at her friends, but slowly changed her tone to calm and collected as she addresses you.

You let out a deep sigh. “Fine, but I’m going to need a cider first, I’ll need to be good and drunk if I wanna talk about THEM.” You say with no shortage of wrath in your voice as your ears flatten on top of your head. This stuns Applejack for a few seconds before her ears flatten as well. “Sky, If you don’t want too…” She starts, but you cut her off.

“Nope, ponies are going to keep looking at me like a serial killer till I tell them, so let me at least drink half a cider before I’m bombarded with questions.” You state a little calmer as you look Applejack in the eyes. “Alright, let me go get the chairs then and we’ll drink in the living room.” Applejack said solemnly as she made her way back into the kitchen.

“I’ll help.” Twilight quickly said as she quickly followed AJ. You and your companions quietly make your way into the living room, leaving Rainbow Dash to stand alone in the hallway. On the right of the room was a few bookshelves filled with apple related antiques and paintings of a forest, in front of the couch was a fireplace with another painting. This one being of the orchard itself.

Behind you was a window, that looked out to the carnage you all caused defending the farmstead, under that window sat a small corner table and two chairs. Finally to the left side of the room was a couple closed wooden doors and a staircase up to the second floor.

“Just went through the most physically painful moment of my life and now they want me to recount my most emotionally painful one. I’m so getting plastered.” You murmur to yourself as you lower your head a little. Starfire gave you a mournful look before gently patting your shoulder.

The door to the farmhouse opened again a few moments later as Big Mac made his way into the house, forcing Rainbow Dash to leave her spot in the hallway, and make her way into the ever crowding living room. Feeling your exhaustion taking over again, you decided to sit down on the chair furthest from the hallway by the corner table and proceed to blankly stare out the window.

Starfire followed your lead and sat across from you, leaving Eclipse to stand alone behind her. You let out a long sigh as Big Mac takes his leave into the kitchen, leaving the living room in a near silence. The only thing breaking that silence was the muffled cries of Applebloom and the soft coo’s of Fluttershy as she gently tried to calm the crying filly.

“She ok?” You gently ask, trying to keep the exhaustion out of your voice as you look over to Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus gives you nervous glare before replying. “Physically y-yes.” She said in a barely audible whisper. You nod to that before allowing the near silence to resume.

It didn’t take long after that before Applejack, Big Mac and Twilight made their way into the room. Carrying tankards of cider, a barrel of cider and spare chairs for everypony to enjoy. At this point, Applebloom was quickly rushed to bed with a promise of a scolding later from, who you came to realize was Granny Smith.

Once everypony was sorted with a chair and drink, the barrel of cider was set up close by to you for easy access. Since your leg was buggered and all. Briefly, you close your eyes and take a long hard gulp of the frothy liquid. The strong taste of apple's combined with the harsh burn of alcohol easily relaxed you from your stressful day. You then lowered your tankard and let out a calm sigh before opening your eyes again, giving the room a quick once over before speaking.

“Right, what would you all like to learn about this bartender?” You ask as you gently rest your right foreleg and tankard on the table. “Who are your parents?” Rainbow Dash blurted before anypony else could speak, earning a glare from Applejack. “Jax Sword and Cherry Top.” You reply rather bluntly as you take another drink from your cider.

“Ha! Told you!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she practically chugged her drink and pointed at Applejack. “Hush now.” She started, giving Rainbow Dash a hard glare before looking at you with a gentle one. “What did they do for a living.” She asked as she started to drink from her tankard. “My mom was a baker and my dad is a pirate.” You continue rather bluntly. Applejack choked on her cider and Twilight gasped at the response as you take another calm drink from your tankard.

“Come again?” Applejack asked as you lowered your tankard and looked into it, seeing it was about half full. “My mom was a baker up in Cloudsdale, made the best chocolate cake for me as a foal and...” You say, sarcasm riddling your voice in an attempt to avoid the subject, but Twilight cut you off. “No, your father. He's actually a pirate? There hasn’t been anything like that in Equestria for a hundred years.” She says, more than a hint of surprise filling her voice. Though the reaction hardly surprised you.

“Your right, There hasn’t been one in Equestria for a hundred years. He’s raided down in the griffin highlands since…. Gosh… Since before I was alive.” You reply as you try and fail to remember how many years he’s been at it. “Must’ve been plenty hard living with a stallion like that.” Applejack says as she took a sip from her tankard.

“He was the nicer of the two. Never took anything I said seriously and beat the Tartarus outta me during our sword practices. Even taught me how to sail an airship. He even bought me my sword when I finally kicked his flank and earned my cutie mark. Told me it was the mark of a conquer. Sure, cause ponies who’s destiny’s are raiding airships totally have a picture of the galaxy on their flank with their weapon.” You say bitterly as you take another drink from your tankard before continuing.

“Now my mother. Oh boy, if she wasn’t pissed enough that her son was a Lunist, or didn’t blame me enough for her life going to shit, now her son was destined to be a murderer. Cause you know. Murderers totally have a galaxy on their flank. She used me as a verbal punching bag for years after I got this!” You say briefly pointing at your flank. Tears starting to form in your eyes before you continue.

“But hay, least she just, abandoned me and my father in Cloudsdale. Leaving me to be completely alone when my dad had to go out on his “business trips”.” You air quote with your left hoof as you chug the rest of your cider before continuing.

“The only good thing that happened to me in my foalhood was when I met a pegasus named Dizzy Doo. She was my best friend all through school. She accepted me for liking stallions. Tartarus she even scored me a job in her father's land-based caravan company as a caravan guard when I was old enough. So, I took the job, ran off and met Starfire on my first caravan. She was day shift and I was night.” You continue to rant, looking over at Starfire as tears continued to roll down your face.

But you don’t stop yet. “Spent what. Two years on that caravan route?” You ask as you look Starfire in the eyes. “About.” Is all she said, seeming stunned at your actions. But you continue. “We talked and decided to open up an adventuring guild. So we saved our wages and on our last stop through Canterlot, we met Eclipse. He learned what we were doing after our run and signed himself up. A few months later. Here we are…. With the tavern and my bandaged leg….” You finish, leaving the room completely silent as you feel tears continue to roll down your cheeks.

Quickly you fill your tankard again from the barrel and chugging it down. Once your tankard is sufficiently empty again you look Applejack in the eyes before breaking the silence again. “I don’t wanna be a damn pirate. I REFUSE to be! I rather find a lost rusty helmet in some dingy ruin than kill an innocent Griffen for a chest of gold…” You say pointing your tankard at her before you bury your face in your shaky hooves and cry.

You barely noticed the sound of hooves approach you before you were pulled into a warm embrace. Without looking, you lean into the embrace and continue to cry. “I ain't-a killer.” You whimper between your tears as a hoof carefully brushes your main. “I know sugarcube. I know.” Applejack cooed as you cried into her shoulder.

“Now come on…. We’re done asking ya questions alright?” She asks, prompting you to nod and pull away from the hug to look her in the eyes, only to receive a concerned smile from her. “Alright... You and your group drink to your heart's content. I got some ponies I need to talk two.” She continued, adding a little emphasis on the last part as she glared over to Rainbow Dash, who turned away from the glare and casually drank her cider.

“Thanks, Aj.” Is all you can muster as she takes a few steps away from you, tipping her stetson to you before walking over to the rainbow-maned mare. You pour yourself a third tankard of cider before you turn to face Starfire. Eclipse gingerly moves his chair from behind Starfire to the empty space at the table, both of them looking at you with an astonished look as he sits down. His cider levitating in the air next to him.

“You ok dude?” He asked as he looks you in the eyes and sipped on his cider. “I’m in pain, exhausted, and I’m really missing my cloud bed at the guild hall about now.” You say as you take a sip out of your tankard. “I don’t blame ya, it’s been one Tartarus of a night.” Starfire said as she sipped at her tankard. “Who’s staying sober to walk us home? Cause I’m certainly not.” You ask as you continue to sip from your tankard.

“I’ll walk us home. You two need the drink, to be frank.” Eclipse volunteered as he continued to gingerly sip on his tankard. You briefly scan the room, seeing Big Mac and Granny Smith idly chatting with each other while Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were in their own group chatting. Applejack looked a little teed off. But you decide it was best to just let that situation handle itself.

The room had a sense of dread about it like you were at a funeral. But a quick tap on your foreleg from Starfire caught your attention. “Eclipse fill me up, I wanna do a thing.” She says with a devilish smile across her face, prompting Eclipse to levitate her tankard over to the barrel. Filling it with cider before returning it to her. “What do you got in mind?” You ask cautiously. Knowing that smile all too well.

“This mood blows. We’re alive! We should be celebrating, and I got just the song to liven this place up. I just need somepony to improv with me.” Is all she said as she gave you a smile. You don’t know if it was the alcohol talking or not. But you were done crying, time to make a right fool of yourself. “I got your back if you lead.” You say as you match her smile. “Eclipse?” She asks as the two of you looked over to Eclipse.

“I swear the two of you are bipolar. Fine. On you Star.” He replies with a sigh. Prompting Starfire to nod before starting tapping her hoof. The two of you quickly matched it, creating a loud steady beat for the Starfire to start at. “ Let's raise our tankards high! and tell our tales of joy. Lets drink and drink and drink and drink and then let's drink some more! Let's dance and sing and cry until we all fall off our hinds! Cause tonight we nearly died!” She sang, garnering all eyes on the three of you as you started tapping. Though she kept in rhythm to the old drinking song.

“I thought we were all goners on the hill to the north!” She sang, prompting the three of you to slam your free hooves on the table. “The boy’s were all out fighting while I fumbled with my torch.” She continued prompting another hoof slam on the table. “A timber found me easy prey but much to my delight.” She said, allowing a long pause before she continued.

“I fired a flame arrow and I lit the wolf alight!” She finished, chugging her tankard of cider while you and Eclipse yelled “Aye!” “ Let's raise our tankards high! and tell our tales of joy. Lets drink and drink and drink and drink and then let's drink some more! Let's dance and sing and cry until we all fall off our hinds! Cause tonight we nearly died!” The three of you sing, though the hoof beats got louder, signaling a few other ponies joining in.

“I thought I was a goner as I peered into death's eyes!” You sing as Starfire and Eclipse slam their free hooves onto the table. “He had me on my back and I assumed my demise!” You sing as the action repeats, though being a little louder this time as more ponies join in. “But thanks to an orange coated mare with emerald eyes.” You say eliciting another long pause. “I heard a thwack and watched as the timber wolf took flight!” You sing, chugging the entirety of your tankard as the room yells aye.
“ Let's raise our tankards high! and tell our tales of joy. Lets drink and drink and drink and drink and then let's drink some more! Let's dance and sing and cry until we all fall off our hinds! Cause tonight we nearly died!” Everypony in the room now sang, joining in on the song.
“I thought we were all dinner when we ran back to the farm.” Eclipse sang as everypony slammed their hoof on something. “Sky was on his hind again and Star was on the run.” Eclipse continued, earning a chuckle from you and Starfire as everypony else yelled “Aye!” “But despite the odds against us and our luck through the night.” Eclipse sang, earning a long pause.

“The three of you came running and saved all our hinds!” Eclipse sang, lifting his tankard toward group of mares as the whole room yelled aye. He then proceeded to sip on his drink as everypony continued to sing. “ Let's raise our tankards high! and tell our tales of joy. Lets drink and drink and drink and drink and then let's drink some more! Let's dance and sing and cry until we all fall off our hinds! Cause tonight we nearly died!” Everypony sang as you could start to feel the effects of the three-ish ciders you drank. You and Starfire happily giggled to yourselves as the two of you poured yourselves some more cider.

“To the guild!” You yell, holding your tankard up to a toast. “To a long life!” Starfire yelled back meeting your toast. “To a safe walk home!” Eclipse teased, causing you and Starfire to laugh before the two of you chugged your respective tankards. “How many was that now.” You thought to yourself as you started to feel a pleasant warmth flow through your body.

You happily giggle to yourself as you feel your cheeks flush. “We look like idiots.” You giggle, causing Starfire to giggle two. “Good.” Is all she giggled as Eclipse filled your tankards for the both of you. “Last call.” He said with a bemused smile across his face.

“Aww. Come on….. Clipsy….Loosen up.” You slur between giggles as you then proceed to take another long drink from your tankard. “Ya... Eclipse loosen up.” Starfire slurred as Applejack and Rainbow Dash approached your table. “You look like your enjoying yourselves.” Applejack mused with a smile across her muzzle.

“Helllloooooo Aj!” You slur as you continue to giggle to yourself. “Brought somepony who wants to apologize you ya.” Applejack said as she gestured over to Rainbow Dash. “Yaaa…. Sorry for being a jerk and telling ponies about your family. It was uncool of me.” She said, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck as she apologized.

“Water…. Under the bridge.” You slur before you and Starfire down the rest of your drinks. “Ya, But if you….. Do it again…. You’ll have to deal with me.” Starfire giggled as she gently punched Rainbow Dash's shoulder. “Alright, time to go home. Bar rules, no cider when you get touchy.” Eclipse sighed as a dark purple aura surrounded Starfire who was then lifted into the air.

“Noooo I wanna waaaaaalk.” Starfire whined as Eclipse stood up and nodded at the two mares. “You aaaaaain’t a wolf. Are yooou Eclipse?” You tease in your drunken haze, earning a slight blush and an eye roll from Eclipse as your vision is tinted dark purple and you too are levitated into the air.

“Cya everypony.” Eclipse said as he floated you and Starfire out into the cool night air. Despite the tinted vision, you felt comfortable and thanks to the cider you felt warm. “I loooove you guy’s.” You slur as you soon feel exhaustion sweep over your body once more. Before anypony could reply. You slowly drift off to sleep under, Luna’s night sky.

Act 2: Chapter 2

You let out a loud scream as you frantically sit up in your cloud bed, the sudden motion causes a sharp flash of pain to blast through your skull and your right hind leg. But it doesn't deter you from frantically scanning the room around you, your heart beating a mile a minute as you realize where you are. You’re in your bedroom in the guild hall. In a panic you quickly look over to your armor stand, seeing it bare. This causes you to look down at yourself just to see your crescent moon necklace resting against your brown fur covered body. You also take note of the bloodstained bandage around your right hind leg. At this, you force yourself to take calm steady breaths and begin to use an old trick Ditzzy taught you to calm down.

"Three, five, fourteen, twenty-two, two, seven, fifteen." You whisper to yourself as you close your eyes and force yourself to take regular breaths, your voice trembling with fear with each number. Luckily it has its desired effect as each random number begins forcing your brain to focus on the order of the numbers rather than the fear left from the nightmare. Allowing you to relax, if only a little. You continue counting off random numbers to yourself until you feel your heart rate start to slow down to a more manageable rate.

Once you feel you're not about to die from a heart attack, you slowly open your eyes and calmly begin examining the room around you, starting with the armor stand at your right. The stand was completely barren of equipment, which was unusual, seeing that not only were you wearing your armor last night, but Eclipse was carrying you in his magic. "He'll definitely know what happened to it." You think to yourself as you slowly roll off your bed and onto your three uninjured hooves. Your body ached, though it wasn't as intense as your nightmare made it out to be.

Sure, your head throbbed with every tap of your hooves on the wooden floor and yea, the light from your window stun your eyes. But all around, this wasn't the worst hangover you've ever had. Briefly you scan the rest of your room, from right to left you first look out the window to Celestia's cool blue sky, guessing that it is more or less early afternoon. Just due to how bright it is outside. You gaze down to your desk which has obviously been disturbed. "Please don't tell me Eclipse got nosy while I was sleeping." You mentally beg to yourself as you inspect your desk. On your desk, you found your Equestrian history books were all stacked up into a neat pile on the top left corner of your desk and what replaced it in its center was a saddle bag and your adventuring journal.

You start to limp towards the strange saddlebag as your gaze continues left toward your bookshelf, allowing you to see that both it and the door to your room was completely undisturbed. From there, your gaze wanders to the spot next to your bed where you'd typically rest your sword against your bed. Only to see that your sword too was missing. That causes another bout of fear to shoot through your heart at the realization. "Where in Tartarus is my equipment. I'm not this irresponsible while drunk... am I?" You think to yourself as you try to remember past the point you blacked out, only to remember nothing. After a few steps, you reach your desk and give the contents on it a more in-depth examination.

Instantly you recognize the saddlebag as the one you left behind the bar counter downstairs. Briefly, you examine the pockets to the saddlebag, making sure everything was in order. The bag most practically empty, minus your keychain, ink and quill, and your empty canteen. With that, you look over toward your journal and catch an all too familiar silver mass at the hoof of your cloud bed. This takes priority for you and you examine the mass, recognizing it as your dirt covered armor. "One out of three." You whisper to yourself as a smile makes its way across your muzzle.

With a sigh of relief, you carefully sit back in your cloud chair and take your ink jar and quill out of your saddlebag. With a little difficulty, you manage to uncork the jar of ink and carefully dip the point of the quill into it, as you drag your journal over to you and open it to your last entry. Briefly, you spend the next few minutes staring out the window, pondering what you're going to write. After focusing on a cloud for a few minutes longer than needed, you finally settle on a first hoof account of the events of the previous day.

Act 2: Chapter 3

After a half an hour of writing, a gentle knock on your door brings you back to reality. "It's unlocked!" You yell over your shoulder as you finish writing your last sentence and set your quill off to the side, allowing the ink to dry on the page. The sound of the wooden door slowly opening behind you prompted you to turn around and greet your guest. Slowly peering its way around the door was a white muzzle, soon followed by the rest of Eclipses face. His dark purple hair was messy and his dark blue eyes were filled with concern. But his muzzle held a sympathetic smile as he entered.

"Hey, Sky." Eclipse softly spoke, briefly, he scanned your room before fixing his attention back on you. "How are you feeling?" He continued, his soft, delicate voice easily making your heart skip a beat as you gave him a smile in turn. "Better, all things considering." You carefully reply with a shrug of your wings. "How about you? Last night was an ordeal for all of us after all." You continue, briefly motioning your right forehoof for him to enter. Prompting him so slowly enter the room and carefully shut the door behind him with a hind hoof.

"I'm doing ok but... look... we have to talk." He gently say's as he slowly moves towards you, that adorable soft smile never leaving his muzzle along with the look of concern in his eyes. "About?" You ask, failing to hide the concern in your voice as you nervously run a forehoof through your mane. "Last night." Eclipse states plainly as he stops his advance a meter in front of you.

"Yea... look I'm sorry I got super plastered." You start to apologize only to be cut off by Eclipse chuckling and waving his right forehoof dismissively. "No no, before that, on the hill." He briefly pauses as a small blush of crimson spreads across his cheeks. "You know you didn't have to do that. Keep me warm I mean." He continues as he gives you a sympathetic smile. You could feel your cheeks start to heat up a little at both his smile and the memory of last night.

"Of c-course I did, you were p-practically freezing to death." You stammer as he moves a little closer. His smile briefly falters for a second as he looked down at your wounded hindleg. "And here ponies thought you were a ruffian." He sadly teases as you feel your heart beat faster and faster. "Well, in any case, I just wanted to show you my thanks. So when Starfire sobered up, I asked her what your favorite meal was before she went to the market. After a bit of drilling. She told me." Eclipse continued as he leaned closer to you with a toothy smile.

"A-and what did she t-tell you?" You continue to stammer as you desperately try to regain your composure. "Blueberry pancakes. I've never had any myself but... Star told me the recipe, so I made us some." He replies cheerfully with a beaming smile. "You do like Blueberry pancakes... right?" He continues, that nervous look in his eyes returning with a vengeance. "Y-yea. I love y.. them. I love them. Yes." You quickly correct yourself. Mentally bashing yourself for nearly saying something stupid.

At this, Eclipse gives you a bright smile and happily taps his forehooves on the ground. "Great! Well, hurry up and finish whatever you were doing. I already made some and I can't wait to see your face when you try it!" Eclipse says happily as he pokes your side for emphasis. "Ya. A-alright I'll be quick." You stammer as Eclipse give you a warm smile. "Great! I'll leave you too it then!" He cheered as he turned around and happily prances his way to the door of your room, your eyes following the stallions rear all the way to the door.

Only stopping briefly as Eclipse opens the wooden door with his magic, and then briefly looking back towards you with a gentle smile. Quickly, you make eye contact with the stallion, trying your hardest to keep your wings at your side as his joy-filled eyes pierced through your heart and made it skip several beats. "Oh, and Sky?... No matter what ponies say. You really are a nice stallion." He say's with a faint hint of a blush gracing his cheeks before he made his way out of your room, shutting the door behind him.

As if knowing the coast was clear, your wings instantly left your sides. Making that all too familiar Pomf sound as you sat there slack-jawed at what just happened. "Did he just? Did I just?" You thought to yourself as you felt your heart continue to beat at a faster rate than normal. "No... No, I can't fall in love with a stallion from my own guild! There are probably guild rules against this or something." You start reasoning with yourself, knowing full well that the guild rulebook probably didn't exist.

"If by some act of Celestia it did, all three of you were probably drunk when writing it and it's most likely illegible." You think to yourself with a sigh before attempting to recompose yourself. "No, bad Sky. Its just pancakes, sure it was your favorite kind of pancakes, and a handsome stallion will be sharing them with you. But they were still just pancakes." You continue to reason to yourself as you slowly get off of your chair and walk over to your armor at the hoof of your bed.

"Now, I know for a fact you're going to need a good washing." You think to yourself, though you do catch a stray thought that Eclipse could have been the one to undress you, soon followed by the perverse thought of Eclipse giving you a good washing. These rouge thoughts cause an all too familiar heat to grace your cheeks with its presence. "Urgh! Brain why?!?" You groan to yourself as you carefully take the collar of your armor in your mouth and half hazard sling it onto your back, the weight shift nearly knocking you off your hooves and onto your rump.

"Buck me, that's heavy." You complain to yourself as you slowly make your way toward the door of your room and out into the guild hall, where the lovely scent of blueberry pancakes graces your nose, eliciting a small noise of hunger from your stomach. On further inspection into the room, you notice that a certain white unicorn is reading a wide variety of books on the war table while slowly munching on some blueberry pancakes.

In the center of the table is another stack of pancakes, along with silverware, a jug of maple syrup, and two glasses of milk. Though one of them has obviously been drunk out of, so you can easily deduce that glass probably belongs to Eclipse. You slowly begin to trot over to the studying unicorn, though the sound of your hoof steps causes Eclipses ear to twitch, prompting him to look up and acknowledge you. "Hey, Sky..." He starts to say cheerfully with a smile before he stops himself. Briefly as his eyes fall upon your armor on your back.

"Nope, you're not carrying that on three hooves." Eclipse states sternly as his horn lights up and your armor slowly lifts itself off your back in a dark purple aura and levitates itself onto a chair to the left of Eclipse. "We'll handle this, after breakfast. Now come on, sit back and enjoy the meal." Eclipse continued to say as he pointed over to the empty seat across from him, prompting you to carefully take a seat. Briefly, you fumble for a moment, taking extra care not to put any weight on your wounded hoof.

"Heh, thanks. I haven't had blueberry pancakes in... well... a while." You say cheerfully as you reach your right forehoof over and drag the plate of pancakes in front of you. Promoting Eclipse to magically push the glass of milk and silverware over to you as well. "Well, why not?" Eclipse asks with a smile as you grab the jug of maple syrup and liberally pour its sweet syrupy contents onto your pancakes.

"Simple, it's like exposing yourself to a good song. If you listen to it too often, it loses its meaning. So if I eat too many of these, the taste will dull itself." You explain with a smile as you begin eating the delicious stack of pancakes in front of you, which tasted heavenly. The careful blend of your mother's special batter and the blueberry's themselves only left a sweet and savory taste in your mouth with each bite. "Fair enough. But it's the least I can do to thank you for last night." Eclipse says shyly as he levitates his fork with his magic and continues eating his stack of pancakes.

"This tastes exactly how my mum used to make it!" You exclaim joyously as you continue to devour the pancakes in front of you. "So I take it I'm still the master chef of the guild?" He teases as a small smile slowly spreads across his lips. "Was there any doubt?" You tease back as you continue to devour your meal. "You know, I wanted to be a chef when I was a young colt. But when I got my cutie mark in the Canterlot library I thought that dream was dead." Eclipse says as he stared down into his glass of milk before taking a sip of it.

"Perhaps now is a good chance to test the waters." You think to yourself as you swallow another bite of food. "Well, that's the funny thing about dreams, real ones adapt to circumstance." You state softly, causing Eclipse to let out a sigh, though his smile never faded. "Ya, I guess your right. What about you?" He asks softly as his gaze falls on yours, allowing you to better enjoy his cute little smile.

"Believe it or not I wanted to be a librarian." You state softly as you slow down your intake of food. "You? A librarian?" Eclipse chuckles, as he brought a hoof up to his muzzle to stop himself from letting out a full-blown laugh. "I know, I know. Sky, the pony who can barely sit still for five minutes wanted to maintain a place of knowledge. Trust me even I can barely believe it myself." You say with a chuckle as memories of your coltish-self wandering around the Cloudsdale library, assisting the librarian come rushing back to you.

"I spent quite a few summer vacations in that library, studying Equestrian history and such. I guess that's when you could say I first obtained the itch." You continue, smiling warmly as the pleasant memory's flash through your mind. "And here I took you for a ruffian. But here I find the swordscolt has some culture to him." Eclipse teases, letting his Canterlot accent slip for a moment before he took a sip from his glass of milk. You could only chuckle at that as you continue to eat your meal.

"You know, while you and Star were drunk off your flanks last night. She said something that sorta interests me." Eclipse states cautiously as if gauging whether or not to tell you. "Oh? And here I thought you had a thing for the flower mare. What's her name again? Roseluck?" You tease eliciting a faint blush and an eye roll from Eclipse. "No, not like that. Besides, Roseluck's dating Caramel." Eclipse states with a chuckle as he eats another bite of his pancakes. "Then what?" You ask with a chuckle as you sip on some milk. "She kept talking about somepony named Steel something... Do you know who she was talking about?" Eclipse asks with general curiosity as he takes another sip from his glass of milk.

"Steelstocks? You know Steelstocks, he was our caravan leader." You state as you take another drink from your milk. "Oh, the stallion who brings us our food shipments?" Eclipse asks cheerfully as his eyes light up in recognition. "Yea, how have you never learned his name?" You ask with a chuckle as you finish eating your pancakes and sip down some more milk. "I don't know, you or Starfire tend to deal with him more often than not." Eclipse says with a small smile before finishing up his own meal and levitating your plate onto his.

"In any case, what got you curious about him?" You ask with a smile, earning a shrug from Eclipse. "Well, nothing anymore. She just mumbled about traveling with Steelstocks for a while, and I was curious if you knew him" Eclipse says as he levitates both of your plates down towards the edge of the table and moves his book in front of him. "So speaking of. Any reason why Star's absent from the table?" You ask as you unfurl your wing's and after a brief examination, you find and realign a couple feathers before refolding them back to your sides.

"Well, she went out to see if she can commission a new sign for the bar. She said she had a friend that could paint one up by the end of the day." Eclipse answers softly as he skimmed the pages of his book. "Well, that's good to hear. How about you? You got any plans today?" You ask, causing Eclipse to seemingly ponder the question for a moment. "Well, I caught a lead on a possible ruin up north. Though I need to confirm my suspicions in a couple other old books first. I also need to run to the market and pick up some tomatoes and carrots since we're running low. What about you?" Eclipse asks with a small smile across his muzzle.

"Well, I was going to clean my equipment today, but I seem to have misplaced my sword and shield." You say nervously, as Eclipse gives you a dismissive wave of his hoof. "I left your equipment at the Apple family farm. I can't levitate two drunken ruffians and their equipment. So your stuffs still probably there." He says with a shrug as he goes back to skimming his book. "Then I got to visit Twilight to see what she wants to do with my bandaged leg, though I really should go to the clinic." You continue earning an ear twitch from Eclipse. "You have stayed off that leg... Right?" Eclipse asks as he gives you a concerned look.

"Of course. I just hope I can walk on it soon. It makes lugging things around inconvenient." You reply with a smile before drinking the last of your milk. "Well, either way, I suggest you visit the clinic. Just to make sure that wound doesn't get infected or anything terrible like that." Eclipse says cautiously as he levitates your empty glass over to the rest of the dishes. "Ya, I will after I visit Twilight. Hey, do you have the time?" You ask as you slide out of your chair, being extra careful not to put any weight on your wounded leg. Even though the pain in it stopped a while ago.

"It's about nine in the morning. Why?" Eclipse asks as you walk around the table and make your way toward your armor. "Wow, it's really that early? I guess I got some time to kill before AJ wraps up apple bucking for the day. I guess I'll go get this thing cleaned before I head out towards Twilights." You say as you motion your left forehoof over towards your suit of armor, earning a concerned look from Eclipse. "Yea, your still not carrying that. Give me a second and I'll join you." Eclipse says as he levitates your armor out of reach. "Oh shoot! Speaking of, Star's armor is damaged isn't it?" You say with concern as Eclipse levitates the dirty dishes into the air as well and slides himself off of his chair.

"Ya, three plates have that timberwolf's teeth indents in them. She's lucky the two of you bought steel reinforced armor." Eclipse says cautiously as he slowly starts trotting over to the Guildhall door. "Do we have any spare plates in the spare room?" You ask as you glance back to the spare guest room. "Yea, I think so. Mind getting them? We need to clean her armor anyway, may as well maintenance it too." Eclipse sighs as he changes direction toward Starfire's room.

"Sure thing, you need anything else?" You ask as you turn towards the spare room. "Well now that you mention it, I could go for a Canterlot ale later this evening." Eclipse teases with a smile, causing you to roll your eyes and chuckle to yourself. "After an amazing breakfast like that, I think you might just get that ale." You softly say, eliciting a faint yet noticeable blush across Eclipses fluffy white cheeks as you briskly trot over to the door of the spare room. Carefully you open the door with your left forehoof and enter the room, leaving the door open behind you as you begin to inspect your surroundings.

From left to right you find the room was an absolute mess. Which was to be expected, since it was filled with your guilds equipment ranging from the three of your tents, Starfire's saddlebag's, a small grindstone under the window, a small box of parchment, quills, stamps and letter envelopes. The room also had some spare furniture for the bar below, consisting of a couple bar stools, chairs, and a table. In the right corner of the room was the spare bed for guests, though on top of the bed was several spare sheets of bedding for the inn below and a wooden tub at the hoof of the bed. Inside the tub was a metal ringer, some soap and a random assortment of steel plates for all your guilds armor repair needs.

"I really have to get around to cleaning this place out sometime." You groan to yourself as you trot over to the wooden tub and grab the edge of it with your teeth. Slowly you lift it up and onto your back, carefully using your wings to ensure the wooden tub doesn't slide off.

The tub and its contents weren't that heavy compared to your normal adventuring gear, but that didn't mean the weight behind it wasn't unnoticeable. Slowly you began to maneuver around to face the door, only to briefly stop as your eyes fall upon a ragged old blue bedroll. The very one you left Cloudsdale with all those years ago, one of your many constant companions from your caravaning days that had long been replaced.

You let out another sigh before continuing your way back towards the door. "I really need to clean this out one of these days." You whisper to yourself as you carefully make your way out of the room, closing the door behind you as you enter the guild hall proper. After a brief inspection of the room, you could tell Eclipse was still messing about in Starfire's room. "Eclipse! You ok in there? Star didn't booby trap her room again, did she?" You yell as you slowly make your way towards the open door.

"No, I'm fine. You ready to go?" Eclipse asks as he makes his way out of the room, the select assortment of dirty dishes, your armor, and now Starfire's armor all floating behind him in a dark purple aura. It always amazed you that a unicorn could carry an assortment of different objects with near ease, although Eclipse alway's told you it took a high degree of concentration to accomplish that. But with that curious expression on his face, it looks as though maintaining a levitation spell was the last thing on his mind.

"Whenever you are." You say as you trot over to him with a smile. "Let's get to it then" He sighs as his expression shifts to a shy smile and he begins to make his way toward the main guild hall door. Carefully you shut Starfire's rooms door before quickly catching up to the white unicorn and following him outside the guild hall. "How'd you sleep?" Eclipse asks as you shut and lock the guild hall door behind you and follow him down the first flight of stairs. "I had a nightmare last night. You and Star were in it actually." You admit as you slowly make your way down the stairs, being extra careful not to trip or drop the bucket of spare supplies.

"Oh? What happened in it?" He asked curiously as the two of you made it down to the second floor and stopped outside the door to the bar. "Well, to start off, Star woke me up in a panic saying something about Timberwolves sacking the town. She wasn't wearing her gear, and my weapons were missing. So I thought she was pranking me. Then..." You pause, considering your next words very carefully. "Then?..." Eclipse asks as he pulls out a key and unlocks the door. "And then... a couple Timberwolves broke down the guild hall door with your body in tow..." You say hesitantly, causing Eclipses ears to perk straight up as his magic to flicker for a brief moment.

"What?" He asks with fear in his voice as he gives you a concerned look. "Ya... and once the Timberwolves broke into the guild hall they saw me and Star... We both made a break for the window so I could fly us to safety but... They killed Star and one followed me through the window and.... dragged me down to the ground with it. Killing me as well. That's when I woke up." You cautiously say, cringing at the look of horror across Eclipses face. "T-that's terrible! And you just... Woke up like nothing happened?" He practically yelled, causing you to wince and your ears to fall back against your head.

Eclipse's eyes instantly filled with panic before he waved his hoof at you and continued. "No, I didn't mean it like that! It's just surprising, that's all." He clarified as he gently wrapped a forehoof around your neck. His fur was soft and warm, sending your heart aflutter as you leaned into the hug.

"Honestly if I had a dream like that, I might have cast a shield spell as I woke up." Eclipse chuckles as he gives your neck a friendly nuzzle, prompting you to return the affection. "Trust me, I woke up screaming and frantically searching for my sword." You admit, earning a small chuckle from Eclipse as you feel your cheeks start to burn a little. Though you couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or the way he was comforting you. "In any case, I'm sorry you had a nightmare last night." He says as he gives your neck one last nuzzle before he pulls away from the hug.

"Did you have a dream last night?" You ask as his magic aura surrounds the wooden bar door and opens it. "Yep." Eclipse says as he starts making his way down the last flight of stairs, prompting you to close and lock the door behind you as you follow him. The two of you silently walk down the stairway, curiosity gripping your mind as you think more about what he said. "I wonder what he dreamt about last night." You think to yourself as he levitates all the dirty dishes from your meal onto the bar counter. "You'll handle that later." He teases as he looks back at you with a sly grin. "Eclipse?" You ask, garnering his full attention.

"Yea?" He replies as he looks you in the eyes. "What was your dream about?" You ask, prompting Eclipse to lose his sly grin and avoid eye contact as his face blushed furiously, giving you all you need to know. "Oooo, Clipsy have a lewd dream?" You tease, causing his face to turn an even deeper shade of red. "S-shut up and let's go, w-we don't have all day." Eclipse stammers as he starts to make his way towards the tavern door, prompting you to follow close behind. "Sooo. Who was the lucky pony?" You continue to tease, eliciting a groan from Eclipse.

"I need to stop telling you stuff." He groans as he unlocks the tavern door and opens it with his magic. "Was it an earth pony, a unicorn or a pegasus?" You ask, flaring out your wings for added effect and earning a small tail twitch from Eclipse as a reward."W-we're not talking about this." He whines as the two of you made your way onto the street, making sure to close and lock the tavern door behind you.

"Ooo, so it was a pegasus?" You tease, giving Eclipse a gentle nudge with your right wing as the two of you walk down the cobblestone street toward town square. The small town of Ponyville was quite in the early hours of the morning, something you've never really realized before, seeing that you've always been a night pony. The gentle sounds of hooves on cobble coupled with the wooden creak of market stands opening their wares to the public set a calm but busy atmosphere for the small farm town. The cool morning air gently nipped at your nose, as if winter itself was giving everypony one last farewell kiss before it left for the north, allowing spring to make your acquaintance once more.

The air carried with it the sweet smell of sweets and baked good, most likely coming from the small bakery down the road known as Sugarcube corner. "W-will you stop?" Eclipse pleaded, temporarily pulling you from your observations. "Aw, but you love it when I tease you like this." You tease as you gently ruffle the unicorn's mane, earning a quiet huff from the other party. His face was still beet red, though a smile remained on his face, telling you he was probably enjoying the attention.

"I can never win with you. Can I?" Eclipse asks as he looks you in the eyes, his smile never fading along with his rosy cheeks. "Only when I want you to win, now stop diverting and tell me about that dream of yours." You reply, earning a small groan from the unicorn. You may have only known him a few months, but you learned quickly he favored more subtle ways to divert your attention. "Fine, it was... A pegasus." He finally admitted, his ears falling back in defeat as he diverts his attention back in front of him. "Mare or stallion?" You ask, causing him to let out a small groan as the two of you continue to walk past the small bakery and towards the small bridge that leads over the Ponyville river and into town square.

Town square was practically empty, minus the few stray ponies on their way to work or the market. Town square was more or less town circle, considering the plaza around town hall was well. A circle. For a brief moment, you wondered if the fountain on the other side of town hall was operational yet. Surprisingly you've never seen a working fountain in your life, and you're sorta curious about what made a fountain a fountain. Although that's not uncommon for some pony who lived in Cloudsdale for most of their life.

"I hate you." He says with a slight hint of compassion in his voice, once again breaking you from your train of thought. "See, I knew you loved this." You continue to tease, earning a groan from the poor stallion. The two of you continue to make your way to the bridge, only to divert your path before crossing it. Stopping at the riverside to the calm waters of the Ponyville river. Once stopped, you gently remove the wooden tub off your back as Eclipse rests the two floating sets of armor next to the tub. From there you remove the spare metal plates and Eclipse levitates the tub into the river, scooping up some water before bringing it to your side. With that, you picked up Starfire's armor and began to scrub.

Act 2: Chapter 4

After an hour or so of cleaning, both your armor and Star's practically shined. Eclipse was relatively silent most of the time, though you just attributed that to him either focusing on cleaning your armor or trying to keep you off the whole dream topic. Nevertheless, your time spent cleaning Starfires armor finally allowed you to better inspect the damaged plates. As advertised, some plates were damaged beyond repair with the four obvious dents around where a pony's spinal column would be, not to mention the twelve or so small dents that lined the sides of the armor, spreading across three separate metal plates.

You cringe at the sight as you use your right forehoof to lift up and detach one of the plates, allowing yourself to better examine the damaged metal. "The timberwolf that bit down on Star was millimeters away from breaking through the armor, and from where it bit her and taking into account how the Timberwolves attacked the lot of us. I'd say that when Timberwolves attack multiple targets, they separate and immobilize their prey unless their prey puts up a fight, then they might go straight for the kill." You think out loud as you continue to examine the damaged plate, though you were more fascinated by the result of Timberwolf nature than the steel plate itself.

"What?" Eclipse asks, giving you a confused look as he was dumping out the soapy water from the washtub, his cheeks still held a faint hint of a blush, though it was fading rather quickly. "Huh? Oh! I was just thinking back on last night and realized that." You quickly say as you drop the steel plate out from embarrassment. "Why did I say that out loud? Why would anypony say anything like that out loud!?" You mentally chastise yourself as you return back to removing the damaged plates from Stars armor. Eclipse quietly hums to himself as he seemingly ponders what you said for a few seconds before levitating the plate you dropped and begins examining it.

After a while longer, his eyes fall onto where the plate came from. From there, his tongue slowly peaked its way out the side of his muzzle as he trots over to the armor set and began to examine it closely. "Goddesses. He's cute when he gets into the zone like that." You think to yourself as your cheeks warm up a little and a small smile crosses your muzzle. He proceeds to levitate the damaged plate back onto the armor set, seemingly examining where the Timberwolf bit down.

After a few more minutes of his examination, he used his magic to remove the damaged plate once more and looks you dead in the eyes. "You know what? I think you're onto something." Eclipse says as he levitates the damaged plate over to where you placed the other two ruined plates. "Has anypony studied the nature of Timberwolves before?" You ask as you reach over to the basket of unused steel plates, and start to sort through it for the pieces you need. "I'm not sure. Why?" Eclipse asks as his horn lights up and he levitates each individual steel plate up in front of you.

"Cheers, and well. All I'm saying is if nopony's done it before... Perhaps that's one way we can start making a name for ourselves. You know?" You say with a shrug as you inspect the steel plates floating in front of you. In total there were about eighteen separate plates in front of you, all surrounded with Eclipses dark purple aura. Four of which were shoulder plates to protect the foreleg joint of a pony. Six were mid guard plates to protect the barrel of a pony. four were rear guard plates for the section of armor just above a ponies tail, and finally, you have four hind guard plates. Specifically made to protect the upper hind leg of its wearer.

The blacksmith that sold you and Starfire your armor called it a light calvary set, allowing the wearer to have greater mobility without the fear of being too weighed down by heavy armor. Each calvary set consisted of two shoulder plates, nine mid guard plates, (Three plates on each side of the wearer and three to guard the back). Two rearguard plates, and two hind guard plates. Both of said hind guard plates tended to have the wearer's cutie mark painted on it. Although, you've heard rumors that some sets of armor have magical enchantments in their hind guard plates to magically project the wearer's cutie mark. Although rumors like that on a caravan route weren't uncommon.

Most of those rumors tended to be untrue. Nothing more than lies to trick rival caravaners off on a fool's errand to obtain such fictional items for sale. Unfortunately, in Starfire's case, her armor had two left mid guard plates damaged, and one right mid guard plate absolutely ruined. Suggesting most of the force in a Timberwolves bite comes from its lower jaw. No matter the case, you carefully collect three spare mid guard plates from Eclipses magical aura and assemble them into a small pile on your right before beginning to attach the spare plates onto Starfires armor with relative ease.

"I think that's all I need, thanks." You say with a smile, prompting Eclipse to return the gesture and magically levitate the remaining spare plates and its carrying basket into the wooden tub. "Anytime, and I'll do my research into whether or not we can pioneer some scientific observations." Eclipse teases as he gives your shoulder a playful shove. "Yea, yea." You reply with a hearty chuckle and a dismissive wave of your hoof before returning to the task at hoof. It only takes a few seconds to attach the new plates onto the leather fitting.

"Hopefully this will be a good enough reason for her not to kill us for entering her room." You say as you carefully push the armor aside and lay back against the grass to stare up into the morning sky. "Here's hoping, I really don't want to get on the wrathful side of THAT mare." Eclipse said with a sigh, earning a small chuckle from you. As you lay there you close your eyes and allow yourself to really enjoy the gentle warmth of the sun on your fur, it felt nice. Like a loving hug from a caring mother. The loud chirping of birds sorta ruined the moment, but you could easily ignore them. The two of you laid there, enjoying the moment, as the sun's warmth was persistently attempting to lull you to sleep.

In an attempt to not fall asleep by the river, you decide its best to strike up a conversation. "You know... You never answered my question." You say as you continue to enjoy the sun's warmth. "What question?" Eclipse asks cooly as you could hear the gentle taps of hooves on cobble walk to and fro across the small town. "Mare or Stallion?" You gently ask, earning a small groan from the unicorn and the sound of shifting to your right. You open your eyes and look over to see Eclipse sitting up a little and giving you an annoyed look. "You're not going to drop that are you?" He asks with a small hint of anger in his voice.

"Honestly... At this point, I'm more curious about your preference." You say with a shrug as a gentle breeze blows past the two of you. Eclipse gives you a hard stare for what feels like forever until he eventually lays back down with a loud sigh. "Promise not to tell anypony?" He asks, giving you a concerned look. "Only my journal." You say honestly, earning a soft smile from the unicorn stallion. "Least you're honest... Fine." He sighs before leaning in a little closer. "It was a stallion... In my dream I mean." He carefully whispers in your ear.

"I'm sensing a but coming along." You gently say as you return your gaze back up toward the sky. "I just... I don't know what I want anymore, you know? I mean... Yea, I catch myself staring at stallions and all, but I don't know if that's what I want. I know my family wouldn't approve of their son being a stallion bucker." Eclipse says with a sigh as he sits up and stares at the calm river below. "They don't seem to accept a lot of decisions you make." You try to say diplomatically as you sit up and follow his gaze.

"No... They don't... And they're still expecting that letter containing the date I return to my boring life Canterlot permanently or a letter where I give that up forever... and this... this is THE LAST thing I need right now... To question everything about myself." He says with a sigh as he buries his head in his forehooves. "I don't know what to do." He continues to say as you let out a sigh and scoot a little closer to him before draping your right wing and forehoof around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Look... I don't claim to know what the whole parent issue entails. But I can at least give you a little bit of advice." You say as you gently slide your left forehoof under Eclipses chin and gently move his head so his eyes meet yours. "Don't be afraid to change aspects of your life that are making you miserable. If you decide to leave whatever life you had before us behind, great. Me and Starfire will have your back till the very end. If you decide families more important, great. Just... send a letter every once and a while... Alright?... Don't sacrifice who you are to make others happy. Family or not. ok?" You gently say, earning a careful nod and a gentle smile from the teary-eyed unicorn before he pulls you into a warm embrace and buries his face into your neck. You gently wrap your forelegs around the stallion's neck, deepening the hug.

"I'm here for you Clipsy... Me and Star will always be here for you, no matter what you choose. You know that right?" You quietly ask as you hold him a little tighter, earning a careful nod from the stallion. You let out a sigh and give his cheek an affectionate nuzzle before pulling away from the embrace. "But this is a decision that you and you alone can make." You gently begin before looking Eclipse in the eyes, stopping as you notice the small tear rolling down his left cheek. You've seen a lot of ponies cry throughout your life, and when it was your friends it always felt as though somepony was plunging a dagger into your very soul. But for some reason, when it was Eclipse crying. It felt as though a pack of timberwolves were tearing you apart.

"Hey... Smile will ya? There's no need to cry about anything." You say quietly as you gently wipe the tears from his eyes with your right forehoof. As you do so, Eclipse gently leans into the brief contact and gives you a gentle smile, his cheeks were as soft as a cloud yet warm like a nice day in spring. You decide to keep this brief. "Now... I need to go down to go see Twilight. So we should probably get our equipment sorted." You gently say as you pull your hoof away from Eclipses cheek and start to stand up.

"It's fine... Go and see Twilight about whatever it is you need to get done. I.. I think I need to be alone for awhile." Eclipse says as he gives you a gentle smile. "Are you sure? I can at least take my armor if you..." You start, only to be quickly cut off by Eclipse once more. "No. You're not carrying anything else on that leg. Now go do what you need to do." Eclipse says with a sniffle before carefully wiping his eyes with a forehoof. "Well... Alright... See you at the guild hall later?" You ask as you slowly start to shuffle away from Eclipse.

"Yea... And if not, then I'll see you at work tomorrow afternoon... Now go or else you'll be late." Eclipse says with a dismissive wave of his forehoof, prompting you to look up at the sky for the time. The Sun was nearly at its peak in the sky. "Buck your right... I'll make my leave then." You say as you give your wings a few good flaps and take to the sky. You give Eclipse one last concerned look, earning a small wave from the teary-eyed stallion as you fly off in the general direction of the Golden Oak Library.

Act 2: Chapter 5

It only took five minutes to see the blatantly obvious tree near Ponyvilles residential district. It didn't surprise you that your mind only took it as just another tree. At a glance from a couple hundred meters up, it would be nearly impossible to make out the windows sticking out of the hollowed tree. You begin to slowly glide toward the library, being extra careful to land with your forehooves first, allowing you to transfer your momentum into a brisk jog towards what was hopefully the library's front entrance. Although out of habit, you unconsciously put weight on your bandaged right hind leg.

The painful sting coupled with a sudden impact from your left side drew a gasp from your muzzle as it sends you tumbling down to the ground. After a few seconds on the ground, you let out a small groan as you attempt to lift yourself to your hooves, only to find an extra weight on your back. "Oh, I'm sorry mister! I didn't see you there." A familiar mare's voice said as the weight on your back quickly disappeared.

"No miss. It's my fault, I wasn't looking where I was going." You explain as a pain of guilt seeps into your heart. "You really gotta watch where your landing Sky." You think to yourself as you slowly lift yourself onto your three hooves."Miss Doo! Are you alright?" A stallions voice asks as hoofsteps rapidly approach you. "Doo?" You ask yourself as you turn towards the pony who you bumped into.

The pony you ran into is a pegasus mare, sitting back on her haunches, staring at you in shock with her golden eyes. She had a grey coat and a slightly ruffled yellow mane, and her cutie mark was a series of bubbles. "Miss Doo are you ok?" You hear a stallion ask as you stand there in shock. The Earth pony stallion rushed to the pegasus's side, briefly examining her before turning his attention toward you. He had a slide back messy dark brown mane and a light brown coat, with ocean blue eyes and a sand hourglass on his flank that was seemingly running out of time.

You notice he also wore a green bowtie around his neck as your eyes meet his once more before your gaze returned back to the mare you knew. "Now whats your rush mister..." The stallion starts, but you cut him off. "Ditzy?..." You say in nearly a whisper, causing the stallion to look at you in confusion and the mare to remove her forehoof from her muzzle. "Sky?" Ditzy asks as tears start to form at the corner of her eyes, only to be soon followed by a small smile across her muzzle.

"Wait, you two know..." The stallion starts to ask, but is instantly cut off. "Skywhy!" She yelled as she quickly wraps her forehoofs around your neck and pulls you into a warm embrace, which you return the affection without hesitation. "Ditzy, it's been ages! I've been meaning to write you more and... It's great to see you again Muffin." You say with a smile as you give the mare an affectionate nuzzle. "You should have told me you'd be in town. I would have made you muffins!" She replies as the two of you pull away from the embrace with smiles across both your muzzles.

"What, I can't surprise my sis every now and again?" You say as you put the mare in a loose headlock and ruffle up her mane a little. "Hey! No fair!" She laughs as you let her go. Earning a light punch on your shoulder for your mischief. "So what are you doing here.... any...way." Ditzy starts, but her smile quickly shifts to shock as her eyes catch your bandaged leg. "Sweet Celestia! Sky! What happened to you!?!" Ditzy asks as she looks at your leg in horror.

"Really Ditzy, I'm fine. A Timberwolf just caught me off guard. Really, I'm fine." You try to reassure the poor mare, only to watch as her eyes dilate in horror and the stallion's eyebrow raises curiously. "Sky your not fine! There's blood all over the wrapping!" Ditzy hissed as she made her way to your side and started inspecting your wound. The poor mare was always the worrying type, especially back in the Cloudsdale educational system. She was always like an older sister to you, and you tried to be there for her as much as she has for you. But it's hard to compete against a mare with a heart of gold.

"Ditzy, I'm fine. Really, Twilight patched me up nice and good. Even asked me for a follow-up visit. Now... who's your colt friend?" You say with a chuckle in an attempt to change the subject, only to earn a dirty look from Ditzy. "Oh! Right, where are my manners? My names Time Turner. But my friends call me The doctor." The stallion said as he held a hoof out toward you. "I'm Skyward Sword, Co-owner of the Timberwolf tavern, resident swords colt, and the co-founder of the Timberwolves adventures guild. At your service sir." You say as you balance yourself on you right forehoof and left hind hoof before using your left forehoof to briefly shake his hoof.

"Well I must say, I've never met a... swords colt before." Doctor Turner started to say, only to chuckle briefly to himself before continuing. "I have so many questions for a stallion of your profession." Doctor Turner finished with a smile, and you returned one in kind. "As do I Doctor Turner. Might I ask what you're a doctor of? Your cutie mark's an hourglass, So I presume you're a physicist?" You ask with a smile as Ditzy carefully pokes at your bandaged leg, causing you to wince.

"A physicist of a sort. I must say, I was unaware Ditzy had siblings." Doctor Turner stated with a smile causing you to chuckle. "Oh no. We aren't blood relatives or anything like that. Her and her family helped me out in my youth and we grew close because of it. We considered each other as good as family." You say with a smile as Ditzy stood to your right and gently draped her left wing around your barrel. "And you cause me no shortage of worry because of that." She says with a small frown as you gently drape your right wing around her back, causing her expression to shift into a small smile.

The mare's eyes slowly returned to their original cross eyed nature. From your time spent with the mare, you knew that if she concentrates hard enough, she can briefly keep them from going cross-eyed. Although from how she put it in her letters, it was mentally draining for her to do so. You give her a soft smile before gently nuzzling her cheek. "And for that I'm sorry." You say apologetically as Ditzy returns the affection.

"You can make it up to me by telling me where your little tavern is." She teases, earning a small chuckle from you. "Right! That's what I was going to tell you. Me and my guild mate's have set up shop on the southern end of town, you two have to stop by tonight, I'd love to introduce you to them." You say joyously, earning a smile from the grey mare. "You're a Ponyville resident now? For how long!?" She asks as she gives your shoulder a gentle punch. "About three months. I wanted it to be a surprise, I was sorta hoping you'd enter the bar on your off time, but you never came. So now I gotta tell ya." You say with a chuckle, earning a small happy squee from Ditzy.

"I would love to meet your friends! Especially that Starfire mare you've told me about! How about you Doctor? Do you wanna tag along? It could be a learning opportunity." Ditzy says playfully as she hugs you, giving doctor Turner an almost knowing look. "I think that sounds lovely. Count me in." Doctor Turner says with a smile as you carefully break away from Ditzy's embrace. "Excellent now, I'm sorry to cut this short Ditzy. But I really don't wanna be late for whatever Twilight has planned. I heard she can be a little... Unstable when confronted with tardiness." You say nervously, as you try to say mentally insane in the nicest way possible.

"Oh. Of course, we'd hate to keep you from your duties." Doctor Turner says as you slowly start backing away towards the library. "What time should we arrive at the tavern?" Ditzy asks, causing you to stop for a moment. "Try to stop by around seven or eight. The guild hall's on the third floor, can't miss it. Just knock and say who you are. My guildmates should know you by name." You say cheerfully, earning a smile from the grey coated mare. "Seven or eight. Gotcha." She says with a wink before doctor Turner takes his place on her left side.

"See you then Ditzy, Doctor Turner." You say cheerfully, giving the two ponies a nod before turning around and making your way up to the wooden door of the oak tree building. Carefully you give balance yourself back on two hooves and knock firmly on the wooden door with your left forehoof. After a few moments, the sound of soft thumps slowly makes their way toward the door.

Act 2: Chapter 6

After a few more seconds, you hear the doorknob click and watch as the door slowly opens to reveal a small dragon on the other side. The dragon has purple scales and yellowish underbelly scales. Does he have green eyes and a green spiked mane? Or are those scales two? The small dragon's voice breaks you from your internal monologue. "Howdy. Can I help you with something?" He asks with a small smile across his face, you heard dragons tended to be mean. Guess that's just a stereotype. "Hello. Twilight asked me to drop by today. She home?... Or well... At work I guess." You ask as you look up toward the Golden Oak Library sign with a confused look.

It always confused you how some ground-based ponies live where they work. That's not really a thing in Cloudsdale. The old librarian you used to help; lived on the other side of Cloudsdale from the library. "Ya, she's in the other room doing some research into a new spell. Come in and make yourself at home while I go get her." The small dragon says as he opens the door and steps to the side, allowing you room to enter the room.

"Thanks. I don't believe I've properly introduced myself. My name's Skyward Sword, at your service." You say as you enter the small library. The library entrance only had five proper bookshelves, six if you added up all the stray shelves around the room. In the center of the room was a table with a raised center with four wooden chairs surrounding it. On the raised center was a wooden bust of what looked like an equine from Saddle Arabia, although it could just be a cool chess trinket for all you knew.

In the back of the room was a staircase seeming carved into the wall, leading further up the tree. To the right of that was a door to another part of the structure. While inspecting the room a little more carefully, you noticed the light in the room was coming from two sources, one being a window about a meter above eye level, and the other coming from an engraving in the roof. The engraving looked a lot like Celestia's cutie mark, and the light in the center was to your best guess, magical in origin.

"My names Spike. I'm Twilight's number one assistant. I'll go tell her you're here." Spike says as he makes his way toward the door next to the stairs. You take it upon yourself to inspect some of the books available on the shelves while you wait. At a glance, the books were all organized alphabetically by subject, for example, apothecary, anatomy, and astrology books were all in the same section. Which was a decent way to organize a bookshelf if anypony asked you.

The faint sound of a door opening caught your attention and you flicked your ear up to try to hear what was going on. You could hear a faint conversation, although you really couldn't make out any of the words to it. Spike's slightly deeper voice remained relatively even while a lighter voice, which you presumed belonged to Twilight or an associate; was starting to grow increasingly... rushed? No, you would probably call it frantic. The door soon shut and the sound of Spikes footsteps slowly made their way towards you.

"She'll be a few minutes." He says, prompting you to turn around and give him a brief smile. "No problem. I've got nothing planned till later this afternoon anyway." You say with a smile before remembering what Twilight said last night. "You're studying old Ponish too?" Her voice rang in your head, suggesting she already had some old Ponish books in her possession.

"Now where would that be?" You think to yourself as you turn your search toward the O section. "Shesh. How'd you get that wound?" Spike asks as you scan the books in the section. The O section barely had enough books to call it a "section." Making it fairly easy to find the book you were looking for. "Old Ponish for old ruins." Was the title of the book, and with that, you proceeded carefully pull the book out with your teeth and nestled it between your right wing and your body.

"Timberwolves, to put it bluntly." You say with a sigh as you make your way back toward the center table. "Oh. You're that pony. Ya, Twilight told me all about last night. You're lucky she's been practicing more healing spells. From the way she described it, you might not have made it to Ponyville general." Spike says as he follows behind you. You nervously chuckle and place the book on the table before sitting down in a wooden chair. "I wasn't bleeding that bad." You say with a forced smile as you look down at your leg. Admittedly, it did look pretty bad last night. But you know for a fact you could have made it to the hospital. Right?

"Well still, it looks like it hurts a lot." Spike says as he grabs a chair and takes a seat next to you. "Only when I use it. But yea, I'm going to need to do something nice for Twilight for helping me. She's the studying type right?" You ask curiously earning a confused look from Spike. "Yea... Why?" He asks as confusion and curiosity plagues the young dragon's face. "Well, don't say anything. But if I find anything in my travels I'll definitely bring it to her to examine... Assuming she'd enjoy that." You say with a smile, earning one from the dragon.

"Yea, I think she'd enjoy that. Don't worry, I Pinkie promise I won't tell her." He says as he does a series of motions that left you absolutely dumbfounded. "Right... Well, what about you? I haven't seen too many dragons around this town. What's your story?" You ask as you examine the book. The book was a pretty simple blue hardback book, giving it the dull appearance of an old dictionary, the back of the book didn't have a summary of contents. But the spine of the book did tell you who wrote it. It read. "Published by the ministry of education." Good, so this is an academic book.

"Not much to say really. Twilight hatched me from an egg and raised me ever since. We use to live in Canterlot before we moved to Ponyville." Spike says with a shrug as you open the book to the table of contents, giving it a brief glance over. From what you could tell, it had everything from old Ponish sentence structure, vocabulary, chapters dedicated to interpreting the cryptic language and so on. Which brought a smile to your muzzle.

"Never would have taken you two as the Canterlot type. But then again, seeing as your here. I'm guessing your not." You say with a chuckle as you close the book and give the dragon your undivided attention. "Well, it's a long story. It all really starts with..." Spike starts but is quickly cut off by the sound of a wooden door creaking open. The two of you divert your attention to the side room door, where a purple unicorn mare was carefully peeking her head around the door, her horn was glowing with a purple aura. Showing that she was actively casting a spell of some sort.

"Ah, you're still here. Good. Sorry for keeping you waiting, I wasn't expecting you for another ten or so minutes." Twilight says as she makes her way into the room with a small potion bottle filled with a mysterious red liquid floated behind her. "Not a problem ma'am. I don't have to be anywhere, in particular, to be until late this afternoon." You say with a smile as she approaches the table. She briefly gives Spike a nod of acknowledgment before she takes a seat next to your right. From there she sat the potion bottle onto the table and returned her attention to you.

"I see you've wasted no time enjoying the library." She says with a chuckle as she looks at the book you picked out. "Why of course, although I didn't get to read much. But I did enjoy a lovely conversation with your assistant." You say with a smile as you gently tap on the wooden table with your right forehoof. Twilight's smile seems to widen a little as she leans to look around you. "Making new friends I see. Well, I hate to interrupt the meet and greet, but can I have you start organizing the back room? I need a few moments alone with our guest." She says in an almost motherly tone as the young dragon chuckles and slides from his chair.

"On it Twi. It's been nice meeting you Mister Sword." Spike says with a small bow. "Nice meeting you too Spike." You say with a nod before Spike made his way toward the side room door and made his way inside, shutting the door behind him. As soon as the door closed you give Twilight your full attention. "So, how's your day going ma'am?" You ask with a smile, causing Twilight to chuckle.

"Sky, you don't have to call me ma'am every time we talk. Just call me Twilight or Twi. Most of my other friends do, and to answer your question, I'm doing alright. I've been testing out a lot of spells as of late. How about yourself? Did my treatment help at all?" Twilight asks with a smile as you lean back in your chair. You alway's wondered what it was like to have magic, to cast spells and summon familiars at a will sounds amazing. That being said, you would never trade your wings for it.

"Alright. Twilight." You say hesitantly, allowing your brain to get used to saying the name before you continue. "Yea, I'm doing pretty well, your magic closed the wound right up. Though my leg still hurts like Tartarus when I try to put any weight on it." You say with a shrug, causing your smile to falter a little as you look down at your bandaged hind leg. "That's what I was worried about... and why I asked you to check in with me today. From what it sounds like, the spell I used last night didn't heal the nerve damage your leg suffered. But don't worry! A friend and I did some studying last night just in case... and we found an easy solution to that problem." She calmly says as she slides the small bottle over to you with her magic.

You carefully inspect the small bottle before looking back at her. "Well that's great, but... what is it?" You curiously ask as you carefully swish the red liquid in the small bottle. "Well, I was able to get the recipe to a health potion from a friend of mine... Guaranteed to heal any wound within moments. With the right amount of ingredients of course." She cheerfully says as she carefully swings her right forehoof in a salespony manner. "Wow... Did this take a lot of ingredients? I can pay you back if its..." You start to say, but Twilight cuts you off.

"Sky. Don't worry about it. This bottle's got no strings attached. But first, do you mind if we take a look at that wound? It looks like your wound may... have reopened." Twilight nervously asks as she points down to your blood stain on the bandage. "Yea... That might be a good idea. But hey, If this potion does what you say it does, we might be able to see its effects right in front of our eyes." You say with a nervous smile. Trying to look at the bright side of the situation as you put the potion bottle down and start trying to unfurl the bandage.

Twilight's eyes widened at your words as if in revelation before her horn lights up and she levitates a small box from a library shelf over to the table. From there she magically opens the small wooden box and pulls out a few sheets of paper, an ink quill and an ink bottle from it. "That's true, I don't think I have an in-depth description on the physical effects of a health potion. This will make excellent study material! With your permission of course." Twilight says starting out cheerful and enthusiastic but ending with a nervous chuckle as she scratches the back of her neck with her forehoof.

You, however, wince as you attempt to unravel the masterwork of a medical wrapping. You'd been in a couple of scrapes in your life, but this bandage was on there good. "Sure I'm fine being the guinea pig. But... can you help me get this off? It's on here pretty tight." You say meekly as you give up trying to take the bandage off altogether and carefully move your leg towards her for your request. You hated asking for help, but you knew better than anypony that magic tended to be better than hooves.

Twilight only sighs, although the smile never left her face. "Sure. Glad to see nurse Redheart's lessons were worth it." She says with a chuckle and without another word, Twilight's horn lights up a little brighter, casting a purple magic aura around your hind leg. With the utmost ease, she manages to tear a small part of the blood-stained bandage near the top of the wound and starts magically slicing her way down the material. You let out a small sigh as you feel your leg decompress a little, though fear grips your heart at what you might see underneath. Last night you had the morbid luxury of blood hiding the full extent of the wound. However, today you knew you weren't going to be so lucky.

Once the bandage was cut straight down the middle, Twilight carefully levitated it out of the way on the floor, allowing the two of you an unobscured view of your leg. To put it mildly, your leg was sickening to look at. There were three obvious teeth marks that had obvious signs of being yanked on in the form of torn flesh down toward your hoof. However, the torn flesh was held together by what seemed like small magical stitches, if that was the way to describe them. It was as though the torn flesh was fused together in some way, and the sight of it made you nauseous.

From there Twilight carefully begins to examine the wounded appendage with her right foreleg, taking her time to roll your hoof around and take in the full extent of your wound. Which, you are not ashamed to say, you looked away from. The sight of it made you nauseous if nothing more than, reminding you how close you came to becoming a Timberwolves meal last night. After a few moments of examination, she quickly dips her quill into the ink and begins to scrawl something in her notes.

Briefly, she looks up at you and makes a small noise of intrigue. Causing her quill to move faster on the page, as if she was taking notes on more than just the wound, but the "subjects." reactions as well. But, that was your best guess, seeing that you can't read what she's writing. "Would you like to remain anonymous?" She gently asks with a small smile. Which you only reply with a shrug. "I don't really care Twi... I just... I just want to get this over with... If its all the same with you." You reply nervously, attempting to make eye contact with Twilight while also averting your gaze from your wound.

"Of course. I just need to take a few more notes and then the potions all yours." Twilight says with a smile as her quill quickly dabs itself into the ink. Only to return to her notes with increased fervor. For a brief second, you were impressed that she could multitask so well. You still couldn't believe magic required any concentration at all, unicorns always made it look so effortless. But then again, they have been doing it all their lives. So maybe it's more of a practice thing. Still, you found a strange need to pick up a book about magic, if nothing more than to...

Your thoughts were interrupted by an intense pain radiating from your right hind leg, forcing a loud yelp to escape your muzzle. Your gaze instantly falls upon your wound, only to find Twilight's hood pressing down it before she gives you a nervous look. "Sorry... Just gagging how painful it was..." She apologizes with a nervous smile as she continues to write in her notes. "It's fine! Just... Give me a warning next time ok?" You say as with a pained sigh. You then turn your attention away from the wounded area.

"A bit squeamish?" Twilight asks as she continues her examination. "I just don't want to look at it." You reply nervously, only to earn a small chuckle. "I figured an adventurer like yourself wouldn't mind a few scratches." The librarian teases as her horn lights up and her magic aura surrounds the small potion bottle. "In all honesty, I can deal with blood. But once the blood's gone and all that's left is the... wound... itself. I just get unnerved ok?" You say as that strange nauseous feeling returns.

"Well, in that case. I'm ready when you are." Twilight says with a gentle smile as she levitates the potion bottle in front of your face. You hesitantly take the bottle of red liquid into your hooves and carefully biting down on the cork and opening the contents to fresh air. Once off you carefully set the cork on the table and proceed to sniff the bottle. It was an old habit of yours, and you never really knew why you did it.

But this "drink" wasn't going to get special treatment. As you carefully sniffed the bottle, you found the potion had a sweet, almost rosy scent to it. However, there was another scent in the mixture that gave you pause. "Garlic with... something gamey. Bitterroot?... No. What is that?" You think to yourself before looking up at Twilight, who was giving you a curious look. "Well?..." She prompted with a concerned look and a gentle; go on, hoof wave.

"Right, sorry." You say with a nervous chuckle before closing your eyes, pressing the bottle to your lips and lifting it like a flask, pouring its contents into your muzzle and down your throat without a second thought. To your surprise the potion tasted really sweet for some reason, you were honestly expecting it to taste bitter, if anything. "At least I can enjoy some medicine for once." You think to yourself as soon as you finish chugging the potion a soft mystical wind chime sound fills your ears, prompting you to open your eyes to find its source.

Upon opening them you find that a soft golden light was starting to form and spin around you. You quickly look to Twilight for reassurance, only to find her gaze rapidly shifting from you to her paper and back to you. The light passes by your vision once more, almost beckoning you to watch it as it slowly glows brighter. Like a ray of sunlight breaching the horizon at dawn. The light slowly circles you a couple more times before gently swirling down to your right hind leg.

From there the light gently covered the scarred tissue of the wound from sight. Like a magical bandage, only to began to produce a gentle warmth. Almost akin to a ray of sunlight gracing your fur, but more... lovingly. Within a few seconds after that, you could feel your torn flesh shift, although it didn't hurt like you thought it should. But that only made you feel more anxious. Shouldn't this hurt in some way?

Before you could question the feeling any further, you felt the gentle warmth slowly begin to fade and with it, the light slowly began to dim. Leaving a scar in its place. You sat there with your mouth agape for a few moments before you gently press your right forehoof against the scarred tissue. Only to learn there wasn't any pain anymore. "Sweet Celestia..." You gently swear to yourself as you continue to stare at what should have been a temporary bum leg.

This didn't last too long, however. "I've never seen anything like that! How did it feel?" Twilight eagerly askes, effectively breaking you from your thought. "It felt like warm sand. With my leg being the sand and the.... whatever that was as the sun. And I felt it... move." You say in a half daze at what you just saw. Could magic really be so godlike?... You'll have to get a couple books about magic to really grasp what in Tartarus just happened to you. "Move?" Twilight asked with a curious look on her face. "Yea... It felt like something was moving the wounded flesh back to its proper place but... I didn't feel any pain." You try to explain as a thousand more thoughts rush through your brain.

"Interesting." Twilight says as she quickly takes some notes. "And does it hurt anymore?" She continues, prompting you to slowly slide out of your chair and stand on all four legs. You take this moment to properly stretch and jump a couple of times before you slowly walk around the wooden table once. After successfully performing this minor task with no pain, you find a small smile to grace your muzzle. Deciding to truly put this potion through its paces, you speed up into a brisk trot and do another lap around the table.

Finally, moving to a full-on sprint. Earning a small chuckle from Twilight as you skid to a stop next to her. "I guess that's a no." She teases as she writes down some more notes. "No ma'am! It's as good as new." You say with a stupid smile across your face, earning a gentle smile from Twilight. "Well, I'm glad to see Zecora's brews never fail." She chuckles as she carefully corks her ink jar and leaves all her unused writing materials on the wooden table.

"Zecora? I don't recognize the name, but please tell them I owe them a drink at the bar. It's the absolute least I could do." You say with a smile, seemingly causing Twilight to gain a small look of horror on her face. "Oh, no no no. I wasn't supposed to tell you that." She says as she puts a hoof up against her muzzle. "Um... Why not?" You ask nervously, causing your smile to slowly fade from your face. "Why would someone you didn't know want their name hidden." You think to yourself, only to have your train of thought broken by Twilight.

"She's just... Reclusive, and a few ponies in town still don't really trust her." She says as she nervously scratches the back of her neck. You're going to have to pull out some minor interrogation tactics if you'll want any more information. "Did this pony do anything to warrant the distrust?" You ask, giving Twilight a hard inquisitive look that could almost feel like a father's disapproval. Which does the trick to an extent. "No, she'd never do anything to hurt anypony or anything like that. Ponies around here just don't understand herbalism like she does and they go on to call it witchcraft." Twilight frantically retorts, earning a small chuckle from you.

"A herbalist you say? Heh, yeah I can see how that profession can earn you a couple weird looks. Please, next time you see her tell her that if she needs some herbs or plants from far off lands not to hesitate to ask. I'm expecting to travel all over the place, and I wouldn't mind picking up the odd basket of plants for her. She'll just have to introduce herself to me over a cider first." You say with a smile, feeling determined to at least try and repay the favor to the mare.

"Yea, I'll pass the message along." She sighs and rubs her forehead with a foreleg before continuing. "In any case, I need to go refine these notes a little. Care to join me? Or do you have other plans you need to get to?" She asks with a friendly smile. "Depends on what time it is now." You reply with a smile of your own as Twilight leisurely walks over to a window and looks out. "It's about noon proper. Why?" She asks with a curious look.

"Yea, I wouldn't mind helping you refine your notes. As long as you can give me some pointers within understanding Old Ponish. I won't be able to stay for too long though. I'll probably need to get going around one or two, I really need to talk to Applejack about something before her family sits down to eat." You reply with a hearty chuckle smile as you idly glance down at the Old Ponish for old ruins book.

"Of course! I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties for too long. But before we get started, can I ask you a personal question?" Twilight asks with a friendly smile as she makes her way over toward you. "Sure, what do you need to know?" You ask, feeling a small amount of dread well up in your chest at the thought of a question pertaining to your family. But, you ignore the dread and take a seat at the wooden table once more.

Twilight leisurely takes a seat to your right and scoots a little closer to you before replying. "What was it like working as a caravan guard for so long?" You let out a small sigh of relief as Twilight spreads her note across her work area. "Getting an itch for wandering?" You tease, earning a small chuckle from the purple mare. "No, nothing like that. I'm just curious." She replies as she uncorks the ink jar once again with her magic. You lean back in your chair a little and ponder the question for a little while before replying.

"Well, I got lucky and was assigned to a personality friendly caravan." You reply with a small smile as you lean forward once more and open the book to the first page and begin to read. "You're assigned to a caravan? I thought ponies owned their own caravans." Twilight says inquisitively, causing a small chuckle to leave your muzzle.

"Most are, and only new caravan guards are really "assigned" to caravans. You see companies sometimes contract out or flat out buy independent caravans to serve more. Steam lined transportation. For example, the caravan company Hooves to Roads, contracted mercs and caravaneers alike to run wood and basic supplies down to Appleousa while the settlers were well... Settling the area. The caravaneers would pay a decent amount of bits to the company for the needed supplies, and the company would use that money to pay for more supplies and security for the caravan. Once the supplies make it to their destination, caravaneer's would tend to double the price and earn their own pay." You happily explain with a smile
as you reminisce on your first time in a caravanner's recruitment office.

You were nervous as all Taurus, even though Ditzy's father, Breeze Carts, practically guaranteed you a job in his trading company. The old grey pegasus with blue eyes lead you right up to a secretary and worked your name on the Cloudsdale employee's list. That secretary's name will forever escape you though, not because some otherworldly being was tired of Bsing names. Nah, it was because her name was just too generic. However, Twilight's voice pulled you back to reality.

"I'm surprised caravanners don't just hire their own guards and buy from local industries," Twilight remarks, causing you to chuckle. "Some ponies do, but you have to have a keen sense to where the coins flowing. The monthly paycheck of one inexperienced merc is about one hundred bits with free food and a place to sleep at night. After a couple months that paycheck rises to about two hundred and fifty bits. Hay, I've even heard some mercs charge nearly four hundred bits for their services, although they were heading down south near the badlands... and creatures down there are far scarier than a few Timberwolves here and there." You finish cautiously as Twilights quill stops moving and her jaw drops.

"Four hundred bits per guard!?! That's insane!" The purple unicorn shouts, causing you to give her a hollow chuckle. "Trust me, when you're bringing a caravan through dragon country, no sane pony would go through there for less than three hundred bits... A lot of the time caravans don't come back, and if they do... There always somepony missing from it... So pay is usually in advance." You continue solemnly as Twilights face changes from disgust to understanding.

"I see... Was your caravan anything like that?" Twilight gently asks as she rests her quill in its ink jar and gently places a forehoof on your shoulder. "Nah. The Quills and Crates trade company mostly operated across central and northern Equestria and was leagues better than the other trade companies. Quills and Crates absolutely refuses to send ponies on suicide missions like that... But that doesn't stop the odd greenhorn from deciding to travel into dragon country for a few extra gems and valuable ores." You reply with a careful nod as you gently tap the old Ponish book.

"Sounds like the company you worked for was a little hooves on." Twilight says as she orients herself towards you with a concerned look on her face. "Nah, the company I worked for gave caravans full autonomy. They told their caravan masters. "Go, be free! Just pay us thirty percent of your profits, so we can pay for your guards and the odd trade inside." And well, after I was assigned to Steelstocks's caravan with Starfire. Let's just say me and Star hit it off instantly and we declared Vaurear." You say with a small chuckle, earning an even more confused look from Twilight. "Vaurear?... Now, where have I heard that before?" Twilight asks curiously with a small tilt of her head.

"I'm surprised you've even heard about it. The Vaurear is an ancient pony tradition where two ponies swear to only fight along each other's side. The crown even protects this practice under the law, making it illegal for companies, military bands and even mercenary bands from separating those two ponies in any form of conflict." You explain before giving Twilight a smart-flank smirk. "Now it's my turn to ask a question." You continue, giving Twilight a devilish look. A look of surprise quickly crosses the unicorn's face before she replies.

"Why of course, it's only fair." She says gently and with a small smile. "Can you help me understand this?" You ask with a chuckle as you point your right hoof down at the Old Ponish book. Twilight facehoofs briefly before responding. "Right... Got sidetracked again. Here, let's start with the basic sentence structure." Twilight says as she opens to the first chapter of the book, officially starting your lessons on the old language.

Act 2: Chapter 7

After what felt like hours... although it was probably only one. You managed to survive one of Twilights famous lectures. To be fair, you did ask for it. But you were unaware that she would bring out a chalkboard and testing material. In all honesty, it made you feel as though you were back in the Cloudsdale educational system. But you have to admit, you did at least learn how sentence structures worked for old Poinsh. Unlike Ponish today, old ponish was, to say the least, less literal in its meaning and more subjective.

Twilight was nice enough to give you a small leather-bound notebook to write down your notes on the language in and encouraged you to use the journal as a directory or cheatsheet of sorts as you continue to learn the language. Which, you couldn't argue with the logic behind it. You finished writing your last paragraph of notes when Twilights voice brought you back to reality. "And, that concludes an in-depth study on old ponish sentence structure... and just in time too. Looks like it's around one in the afternoon." Twilight says with an eager smile as she briefly glances out the window to check the time.

"Looks like I should be going then. Really Twilight, thanks for the lesson on this stuff. Without you, I'd honestly be completely lost." You reply as you eagerly get out of your chair and stretch your legs. "I'm happy to help! It's always nice to see other ponies actively trying to learn something new for a change... Not to seem rude or anything but." Twilight says as she trots over to you and conspiratorily leans in and lowers her voice to a whisper. "Hardly anypony actually visits the library unless they have some major issue they need to solve." She finished before leaning away with a concerned look.

"Well, that's a shame. I quite enjoyed the lesson, though I must ask. Is it alright if I check out this book to take some notes on my own? I'd love the new reading material." You say with a nervous smile, silently praying to both the goddesses that you didn't accidentally offend the purple unicorn. "Of course! Just, try to bring it back by the end of the week in one piece. I had to order a new copy of the last book I lent. Somepony decided that eating a strawberry jelly filled donut while reading a mystery novel was a great idea." Twilight says with a smile earning a small chuckle from yourself.

"Well, I swear I'll treat it with the utmost care." You say as Twilight levitates your notebook and the Old ponish book into the air, which was soon carefully placed into a small cloth bag taken from under the wooden table. Twilight then proceeded to levitate the cloth bag over to you, which you responded by taking the bag's handle in your teeth before carefully sliding the handle over your head and safely around your neck.

"You better, I don't want to have to revoke your library privileges for damaged property." Twilight teases as the two of you start to leisurely trot over toward the libraries entrance. "Well, with those stakes I'll definitely be thrice as careful with it." You tease back, earning an eye roll from the smiling purple mare. Twilights horn lights up with its purple glow as the two of you approach the door, covering it in the same glow as it gently swings open. Revealing the cobblestone street outside, and allowing the gentle sounds of the small yet busy town to enter the library.

It amazed you at how well insulated a tree house could be, though now that you think about it. It makes sense that solid oak walls would be fairly insulated. "Well, if there's anything else you need to study. I'm always happy to help a friend." Twilight says with a genuine smile as she stops just inside the libraries door, allowing you walk outside and turn around to properly address the kind mare.

"In that case friend, if you ever need an artifact dug out of a dingy old ruin. Just point the way and I'll gladly recover it for you." You reply with a smile. Twilight giggles to herself briefly before responding. "I might take you up on that one day. Now if you excuse me I'm expecting..." Twilight starts but is soon cut off by a loud belch sound as a bright green light flashes behind her. Twilight quickly twirls around as you look past her into the library proper, only to see Spike holding a rolled-up scroll, held together by some sort of goldenseal. "A letter." Twilight finishes as you look to her, and her assistant.

Barely trying to hide the expression of confusion that must be plastered across your face. "I've never heard of letters arriving by green flashes." You tease earning a small sigh from Twilight and an annoyed look from Spike. "You mean dragons fire. Not a green flash." Spike quickly corrects you, earning another sigh from Twilight. "My apologies. I've never seen a letter delivered via dragons fire before." You correct yourself, seemingly turning Spikes expression from dour to a small smile.

"Very few ponies actually use this method of postal delivery. It uses some pretty intricate dragon magic and horde placement to even get it to work... Only high-class mages and nobility really use it." Twilight dolefully explains as she uses her magic to levitate the scroll into her hoof. Her demeanor changing from cheerful to extremely uncomfortable. This allowed you to get a better look at the scroll. The scroll was held together with a red ribbon with a golden encrested C as a button of sorts.

Quickly you start getting the feeling you weren't meant to see that, and you gently rest your left forehoof on Twilights right shoulder. "And you didn't want me to know about it did you?" You ask bluntly, earning a small almost ashamed nod from the purple unicorn. Her eyes slowly went from the scroll in her hood to your eyes. "I'm sorry... I hate to be rude but I have to read this letter as soon as possible and it's... private. I'll explain all of this away later alright?" Twilight says with an unsure look.

"Course. If you need me, you know where to find me right?" You ask as you try to reassure the purple mare. "Right." She says quietly and returns her gaze onto the scroll. "Alright. Thanks for what you did today Miss Twilight, I hope you have a great rest of the day. Same for you Spike. It was nice meeting you, and have a great day as well." You say with a fake half smile as you nod to the both of them and begin to walk off the small steps to the library. "You too Sky." Twilight says before gently shutting the door behind you.

From there, you leisurely begin walking down the cobblestone street as you start to examine the area in an attempt not to dwell on what just happened. Houses lined the quiet street as ponies leisurely trotted to their unknown destinations. A young earth pony couple around your age, a blue-furred, dark blue maned stallion and a white-furred, red-maned mare were walking close to each other's side.

As you passed them on the street you recognized the stallion. He was a construction pony if your memory serves you right. He sometimes came in on his lunch break and ordered a hay sandwich heavy on the tomato, light on the mustard. How you remembered his usual order and not his name was beyond you. But you gave them a friendly nod, which the stallion returned with a toothy grin and a wink as you passed each other. Putting a smile on your face. "He must have said something about asking a mare out." You thought to yourself as you continued to walk down the road.

As you approach an intersection in the road, a couple of Ponyvilles resident guardsmen emerged from the right street. Stopping in their path as you approached. Like every town, the guardsmen's armor was always a unique sight. For Ponyville the guards wore steel light calvary armor, with the Ponyville flag draped across their barrel where a saddlebag would lie. You recognized these two stallions instantly as regulars. The white pegasus with a dark, nearly black mane on the left caring a spear is Cloud Hopper. From memory, the dark blue-eyed stallion had two crossed spears in an x as a cutie mark. Yes, you remembered that because you were staring one night.

But the other guard was Rocky Night, and his name doesn't lie. This light purple unicorn with a light grey mane and light blue eyes is built like a rock, and under that armor on his admittedly eye candy flanks, was a pony casting a shield spell cutie mark. "Evening Sky. You opening the bar tomorrow?" Cloud Hopper asked in his thick Manehatten accent with a friendly smile.

"If nothing comes up. Why? You looking to get plastered again so soon?" You tease, earning a chuckle from the two stallions. "You know it. There's nothing to do in this down until the festivals come back around." Cloud Hopper continues as you approach, and you watch as their eyes fall on the new scar on your hind leg and wince. "Sheesh, what happened to you as of late? Have a bad crash?" Rocky night askes in his usual bassy voice. You briefly glance back at your leg and lift it up to show it off a little. "Nah, timberwolf got lucky last night. But Twilight patched me up real nice." You say with a dry chuckle as you re-establish eye contact with the stallion.

"Sweet Celestia, that was your crew up at the orchard? Heard it was a right mess up there." Cloud Hopper states, as he nervously adjusts his helmet. "Yea, it was. Wouldn't have made it home last night if it weren't for AJ. I'm going to give that lass free drinks for a lifetime for what she's done I swear." You say as you run a forehoof through your mane. "You should've come and got the guard. We've been itching for a good Timber raid for a while now." Rocky Night says with a cocky smile.

"Yea, but we might get our wish soon enough. There have been reports that the Timberwolf attacks are starting to ramp up. Only a matter of time till the crown rounds up a warband to finally raze that Celestia damned forest to the ground." Cloud hopper chimes in, causing you to chuckle a little. "Well, when they do, give my guild a call. I'd love to wipe that nightmare of a forest off the map." You reply, earning hearty laughs all around.

"One day. Anyway, We'll see you later Sky, we've got to finish our patrol." Rocky Night says, prompting the two to walk past you and down the street. "Right, don't wanna keep ya. See you, two drunkards, tomorrow." You tease, earning a hearty chuckle from the two guardsmen. With a new found spring in your step, you finally start your way towards Sweet Apple Acres, fully intending to retrieve the last of your equipment.

Act 2: Chapter 8

The quiet streets of Ponyville slowly grew louder as you made your way through the market. Ponies of all kinds were happily traveling from stand to stand as they bought groceries and various other products from the merchants on the street. You briefly examine the merchants, trying to see if Steelstocks or anypony you knew was in town selling their wares. But you couldn't recognize a single face behind any of the stands. Well, besides the local street merchants. However, you did see that the Apple family stand was closed. It was odd to see them shut their doors like that. But after the ordeal last night, you couldn't blame them for taking the day off to recuperate.

As you walk you start to play a little game Steelstocks taught you through your travels, and start trying to focus on a random conversation in the crowd. One voice is easy for you to pick out as you pass a fruit stand. The voice belongs to a disgruntled stallion. "What do you mean...Those melons were cheaper seven.... !?!" "But sir you..." A mare's voice tries to respond, but the stallion cuts her off. "I don't have to........ My stand has been.... bandits too. But you....!!" You freeze in your tracks at the word bandits catches your attention. You try to overhear more of the conversation, but the conversation either ended or the sound of the crowd overpowered their voices.

"Bandits in central Equestria? What the hay's coming to this world?" You think to yourself as you continue down the cobblestone path. Making a mental note to inform Star about this bit of gossip when you see her again. Sure, bandits have always been a problem around the outreaches of Equestria. But central Equestrian roads were always safe thanks to royal patrols. It's always possible a raiding party managed to sneak past a patrol or two, but you've never heard of that happening before.

Although, if they're just hitting the odd caravan and not well-established towns, that would suggest they don't have the numbers to do anything too serious and seeing as this is the first central Equestrian raid you've heard of. The guard should be able to track them down fairly easily and put an end to their raiding career before it really takes off. Or at least you hope so.

The familiar scent of apples on the wind coupled with the feeling of dirt beneath your hooves rather than stone drew you from your thoughts and back to reality. A quick look around at your environment revealed that you were on the pathway right up to the Apple family orchard. "Sky my boy, you need to really stop spacing out." You scold yourself as you give your head a good shake.

A quiet yipping causes your ears to perk up as you look down the dirt path. As if on a mission, you instantly spot AJ's faithful canine companion Winona barking and running right at you. Winona was a Collie with white and brown fur, and the friendly look in her eyes and the happy wag of her tail, instantly let you know you were about to get jumped on. You never understood why, but for some reason, Winona always preferred using you as a mode of transportation rather than a pony she could guilt into giving her food.

But you never minded it, you were always a pony that's had a soft spot for animals. "Hey girl!" You shout as Winona skids to a grinding halt in front of you, happily wagging her tail and jumping about as you attempt to pet her. "How's my favorite Collie today?" You ask in a higher pitch tone than usual, earning a happy lick and bark from Winona. You chuckle to yourself at that, as Winona starts to happily run around you barking and yipping like she usually does when she gets rilled up like this.

"Yea, yea. It's great to see you too you silly dog." You happily say as give the small Collie dog a friendly nuzzle, earning a small lick and bark from the dog in return. "Can't stay long pup, gotta find your owner before lunch." You say, earning a small whine from Winona. "I promise we'll play fetch next time or something ok?" You say as you carefully pet Winona's head with your forehoof. This news seemingly returned the cheer back to Winona and she happily barked in response. This put a smile back across your muzzle, as you continue your way down the path. Winona happily following close behind you as you walk.

As you start to reach the end of the dirt path, the Apple family homestead and barn start to come into view through the orchard. And as the trees made way for the farmstead proper, you decided to examine the area thoroughly. The yard in front of the farmstead was littered with timberwolf corpses. Both burned and shattered beyond what any dark eldritch magic could repair. You allowed your gaze to follow the path of devastation up to the farmhouses porch where Miss Smith was sitting in an old rickety rocking chair, watching you approach with a kind and gentle smile. "Afternoon Miss Smith. How are you today?" You say with a kind smile as you approach the mare.

"I'm as well as I can be, with my yard a mess like this. How about you mister Sword? Did the liquor catch up to ye this morning?" The elder mare asked with a wicked grin as Winona laid by the mares hind hooves, earning a small chuckle from yourself. "I got off lucky with a minor headache this morning and Twilight fixed my leg up. So I can't complain ma'am." You say with a smile as you wave your right hind leg out a little for her to see. Earning a small huff from the mare.

"Unicorns and their fancy magic. Back in my day, a bite like that took months to heal!... But I'm glad to hear your doing better mister Sword. Your friend... Oh, what's her name? Starfire? Came up here not too long ago looking for your kids' weapons and stuff. I assume you're here for the same thing?" The elder mare asks, getting relatively straight to the point. "Why yes ma'am. Did she already pick them up?" You ask, earning a slow shake of the older mares head.

"No sonny. Just as I told your friend. I had Applebloom, and her friends go clean them up as a punishment for making a mess in the kitchen this morning... Again. Even asked Big Mac to sharpen them up when they're done. They just left an hour ago so I don't think they'll be done for a while yet." The mare explains with a small grin, causing you to give her a small chuckle. "Well, that's mighty kind of you, ma'am. Do you by chance know where Star ran off too?" You ask politely. Causing the mare to bring her forehoof to her chin in thought.

"I think she went with Applejack and her pegasus friend Rainbow Dash not too long ago. Said something about needing a ref for a contest in the southern field. I swear I never know why those two have so many competitions. Anyways, you should find her there." Miss Smith says as she carefully pets Winona with a shaky hoof. "Sounds fun. I guess I'll be there too if you need me, ma'am." You say with a respectful nod, earning one in kind as you start to walk away. "Oh, mister Sword?" Miss Smith asks, prompting you to turn around and address her.

"Yes, ma'am?" You ask politely, earning a small grin from the older mare. "Thank you, and your friends for your help last night." She replies with a kind smile. "Any time ma'am." You reply with a small grin as you continue to walk around the small farmhouse and make your way toward the southern field. As you walk, you leisurely guide yourself onto one of Sweet Apple Acres cart trails. Figuring that if they were to be anywhere in this orchard, they'd probably be near a road.

It didn't take long, about fifteen minutes before the southern path opened up into a small clearing. Revealing the ponies you were looking for. The clearing itself was fairly unremarkable, besides the two piles of wood and a couple carts in the center of it. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were standing next to the wood pile, staring daggers at each other and yet they were both sharing a competitive grin. Starfire had her back toward you, as she stood next to the two ponies, Seemingly unaware of your approach. You almost instantly notice the brown bit bag strapped to the left side of Starfires barrel. Instantly reminding you that you were going to have to reimburse her for the tavern sign. But that would have to be for later. Right now, you have to do Discord's work.

"All right, everypony ready?" Starfire shouts as you carefully sneak up behind her with a devious grin. "Eyup." Applejack responds. "Count it down Star." Rainbow Dash pitches in, earning a giggle from Starfire. "Right. On your marks!" She shouts again, prompting the other two mares to lean in a little closer, intensifying their stares. "Get set!" She shouts as you make it right behind her and take a quiet breath before yelling. "GO!" Causing all three ponies to yell in surprise at your sudden appearance.

"S-sweet Celestia Sky don't do that!" Starfire yells, giving you a hard punch on the left shoulder. But you only chuckle to yourself in response. Earning a dagger-like glare from the mare. "You should be back at the tavern and off of that hind leg..."Starfire starts to chastise you, but she soon stops as she stares down at your leg in near shock. Causing the other two mares to do the same.

"How in tarnation?" Applejack asks as she and Rainbow Dash look at you in shock. "H-how did... But your leg was... How?" Starfire stammers as you give her a gentle hug with your left foreleg. "Twilight used some magic thing to fix me right up." You say with a smile as Applejack's and Rainbow Dash's faces quickly turn from shock to understanding. "That makes sense, she's had to patch me up a few times too." Rainbow Dash says nonchalantly as Starfire looks at you in confusion.

"So... Your fine now?" Starfire quietly asks as she pulls away from the small embrace and looks you dead in the eyes. "Yep. I'm fine." You say with a small smile. Causing her expression to shift from confusion to minor joy. "Fine enough for a little practice later?" Starfire teases with a cocky smile, causing one to mirror across your muzzle. "Like you have a chance." You tease, earning a scoff from Starfire. "I don't even have to try to best you!" Starfire brags as she lifts her muzzle toward the sky and holds a forehoof over her chest.

"Then it's settled. You two referee our competition, and we'll ref your's." Applejack bud's in, with a wide smile and a tip of her stetson. "That's an awesome idea! What do you say? Is it a deal?" Rainbow Dash asks with an almost wicked grin as she holds out a forehoof toward you. You and Starfire quickly make eye contact with each other as a devious grin crosses your muzzles. "Deal." Starfire says as you take Rainbow's right forehoof in your right forehoof and shake it.

"Then it's settled! Surgarcube, we're gonna need to explain the rules to you real quick." Applejack starts as she moves to your right side and faces the carts. "Now. Today we're doing a test of strength and agility. When either of you say go. Me and Rainbow are going to throw all of our logs from our designated piles into our own carts. So, all we need you two to do is ensure there's no funny business. From there we're going to do one lap around the edge field as fast as we can starting at that stump and moving left." Applejack explains as she points to a tree stump at the southern edge of the field.

"First one to finish a lap wins. Got it?" Applejack asks with a smile as you return one in kind. "Understood. No funny business and the first pony to make it one lap around starting and finishing at the stump, wins." You repeat back earning a playful punch on your right shoulder. "Ada boy. Now, let's get this thing started like an Applousan hoedown!" Applejack happily yells as she and Rainbow Dash move back into position. Staring each other down with a competitive grin.

"Mind doing us the honor's Star?" You ask playfully, earning another playful punch in the shoulder from the mare in question. "Fine. Just don't scare me this time." She says with a smile before returning her attention back to the other two mares. "Is everypony ready?" She asks, with a new found pride in her voice. "Ready to lose Aj?" Rainbow Dash says with a cocky smile, earning a disapproving huff from Applejack. "Not even in your dreams Rd!" Applejack replies, causing you to let out a chuckle. "Sounds like they're ready Star." You say jovially.

"Get set!" Starfire says with a smile as she sits down next to you, prompting you to do the same. The two competing mares lean in a little closer as their stares turn dagger-like, to the point their noses touched. "Go!" Starfire shouts, causing the two mares to spring into action. Rainbow Dash was the first to turn around and attempted to chuck a heavy looking chunk of timber, but she stumbles and drops the wood. Apparently overestimating either her own strength or underestimating the weight of the log. She recovered quickly but it allowed Applejack to take the lead, allowing her to throw her first two chunks of timber into her cart.

The two mares rapidly chuck the loose assortment of lumber into their respective carts at a rapid pace, leaving both you and Starfire in awe at how determined both ponies were to win. "Now I don't think I've seen ponies chuck lumber that fast before." Starfire remarks although you're unable to take your eyes away from the sight. "Me neither." You reply, watching in awe at the two rapidly disappearing log piles. Applejack was still barely in the lead, but Rainbow Dash was quickly catching up.

Applejack was the first to finish throwing all of her lumber into the cart and rushed as fast as she could to hook herself up to said cart, although this part was seemingly where Rainbow Dash shined. In a flash of color, Rainbow Dash had hooked herself into the carts harness and had begun running her way over to the stump just as Applejack had finished tying herself in. Forcing Applejack to lose her lead by a couple seconds as she started to pick up speed.

Rainbow Dash was the first to make a left at the stump with Applejack quickly gaining on her. Slowly gaining speed as she pushed herself in an attempt to correct her two-second delay. "Halfway there!" You cheer as the two ponies passed the halfway point. Both ponies were neck and neck as they raced around the final two turns of the lap, both sweating profusely as they competed for first place. As the two ponies reached the final turn, even Starfire couldn't contain herself as she too began to cheer for the racing ponies.

"Come on, you can do it! Final turn!" She yelled, seemingly driving the two ponies to put their all into the final turn. The two competitors remained neck and neck right up until Applejack expended the last of her energy to pull ahead at the very last second, securing her victory as the two mares passed the stump and began to slow their carts to a safer speed. "And the winner is Applejack!" You cheer as you and Starfire rush over to the now worn out mares. "You... Cheated." Rainbow Dash barely manages to say between gasps.

"Aw, don't.... be like that sugar cube. Refs would have.... called me out if I did... Right, you two?" Applejack asks between labored breaths as the two mares try to catch their breath. "We would have declared a winner prior to the stump if one of you cheated." Starfire said with a friendly smile. "Yep, everything was above board in this competition. Sorry to say miss Dash." You say with a smile, only to have the exhausted cyan pegasus to blow you a raspberry in response.

"So Sky, not that I'm complaining but is there a reason why you came all the way out in the field looking for us? You could have just stayed back at the farmhouse with Granny until we got back." Applejack asks as she wipes the sweat from her brow. "Actually there is something I wanted to talk to you about. I overheard a couple things in the market that could affect any apple trading. If your farm does any trading outside of town." You say with a small frown, catching the full attention of all three mares. "That I do. Why? Apple prices dropping or something?" Applejack asks as Rainbow Dash pulls a canteen out of one of the bags on the side of AJ's cart and takes a long drink of it.

"Not exactly, apparently the watermelon trader ordered a shipment from a caravan company, didn't catch the name of the company or where it was coming from. But apparently, she says some bandits sacked the caravan." You say wearily, causing Rainbow Dash to choke on whatever she was drinking, forcing her to spit it out. "Bandits? In central Equestria? Are you sure?" Rainbow Dash asks breathlessly as her ears flattened against her head.

"It's just a rumor I heard passing through the market. It could be true, or it could be a convenient excuse for why the trader raised some prices. Either way, I'm going to write a few letters to some ponies I know in the business and see if I can confirm it. I just wanted to give you a heads up, just in case you were planning on an apple delivery somewhere." You carefully explain, earning a small hum from Starfire. "Usually Canterlot patrols mop up any would be bandits in central Equestria. I'd wager the traders lying about something." Starfire calmly states as she gives you a skeptical look.

"Like I said, it's probably nothing. but I just wanted to tell you just in case it was something." You say nervously as you feel your ears lower slightly. Applejack proceeds to give you a gentle smile and gently rests her right hoof on your right shoulder. "Thanks for telling me Sky. We haven't had issues with that sort of thing on the paths up to Timbercreek and Rabbitfoot pass. But if your sources say there are bandits up that way. Then the Apple's will keep a wide berth. Assuming you'll keep us in the loop?" Applejack says with a sad smile.

"Of course, you'll be the first to know when I hear about it." You say with an uneasy grin as Rainbow Dash pulls her cart to the left of Applejack's and gives her a concerned look. "I think we should head back to the farmhouse and get you two sorted for your "Practice." Whatever that means." Rainbow Dash states impatiently as she starts walking down the dirt path. Causing Applejack to look up at the position of the sun. "Yea Rainbow you're right. It's getting to be about supper time and I'm starving." Applejack replies with a brief chuckle as you Starfire and Applejack quickly follow behind the rainbow maned pegasus.

"Oh, speaking of supper, Star. My sister's dropping by the Guildhall tonight with her...Colt-friend. If you don't have any plans tonight she'd love to meet you." You say playfully, instantly catching Starfires attention. "Ooo. So I'll finally be able to meet the famed Ditzy Doo? I'd love to meet her and this stallion. Although I don't recall you mentioning her meeting a stallion." She shoots back with a knowing smile as you continue to walk down the dirt path.

"I didn't know either until I literally ran into them outside of Twilights." You reply, earning a small chuckle from Applejack. "Well, good for her. Everypony needs somepony to love." Applejack says as she gives Rainbow Dash a cocky smile, causing Rainbow Dash to turn away. "Speaking of somepony to love. You totally got a soft spot for Eclipse. Don't ya flyboy?" Starfire teases as she punches you hard in your left shoulder. Causing you to stumble as a blush crosses your cheeks.

"I d-don't know what you're on about." You quip back, earning a small snort from a certain rainbow-maned pegasus. "Oh come on Sky, anypony with a shred of common sense can see it a mile away." Starfire continued to tease, making your cheeks feel as hot as Celestia's sun. "L-look, love's a strong w-word for it alright? I... just appreciate...him." You reply incredulously as you turn your head away from Starfire in an attempt to hide your blush. Only to look Applejack directly in the eyes. Which caused her to give you a knowing grin.

"Aw shoot sugar cube. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Applejack says with a gentle smile as she places her left forehoof on your right shoulder. "We're your friends Sky. Well, at least me and Starfire are. You can tell us anything and I promise we won't go running off to tell the rumor mill like highschool fillies. Right Star?" Applejack continues, giving Starfire a stern look.

"That's right. Besides, we haven't talked about any cute stallions ever since he joined up. Which mean either you haven't had a stallion catch your eye since then. Or you let a certain white unicorn take your heart. So which is it. Huh?" Starfire says with a mischievous grin on her muzzle as she walks a little closer to you. Causing you to stare at the ground and allow your mind to ponder the question.

"Do I really love Eclipse? Sure I like him... if "like" is the proper way to describe it... and yes my heart skips a beat every time he smiles. I'm happy that he's happy. And when he gets into the zone and his tongue sticks out of his muzzle, it's cute." You think to yourself before allowing yourself to come back to reality. "He's cute." You softly say as your cheeks feel as though Celestia herself was channeling all the sun's heat onto them.

"He's cute, kind, and capable... and I hate seeing him cry... I want him to be happy. Every time I see him cry I just... want to pull him close and tell him everything will be alright and hold him until everything's alright again... I wouldn't call it love. It's too early to call it that. It's just... an attraction." You continue to say as a smile crosses your muzzle and a warm feeling wells up in your chest. Briefly, you look over at Starfire, who is mischievously smiling right back at you. "D'aww sugar cube." You hear Applejack comment sweetly as you see an all too familiar glint in Starfire's eyes. "And?" She asks, causing you to roll your eyes. "Well, he does have a nice flank." You say, earning a loud snort from Starfire and Rainbow Dash, along with a hearty chuckle from AJ as you feel the tip of your ears start to heat up.

"I knew you were looking! Feels good finally getting that off your chest. Right?" Starfire happily asks as she gives you a friendly nuzzle on the cheek. "You know what. It does." You reply as you return the affection 'How about you Star? Anypony catch your eye yet?" Applejack asks with a mischievous grin on her muzzle, causing a wave of relief to flow through your body. You were happy the spotlight was finally off you and on somepony more... deserving. She did want to talk about stallions after all.

Feeling a mischievous grin make its way across your muzzle, you turn back to Starfire. "Yea Star, who's flank have you been staring at?" You ask as you give the mare in question a playful punch on the shoulder. Which caused her to chuckle nervously. "Oh, nopony in particular honestly." She says, sounding slightly downtrodden as she averts her gaze from the group. "Really? No pony at all?" You ask in surprise. In all two years, you've known this mare, she's always had her eyes on a stallion or the occasional mare.

"Haven't really found anypony my type, no offense. But this town is sorta filled with ponies who only wanna settle down and start a life for themselves. Granted I want that in the long run and the taverns a great start for it. But it's also an excellent place to rest for a few days after an adventure or contract. Which right now, I want to do. I want to go off and nearly get killed for... lack of a better phrase. "A rusty old helmet in some dingy ruin." She says, with a shrug as the four of you continue to walk.

"With your line of work, I can see why that would be an issue." Rainbow Dash says nonchalantly as she continues to avoid eye contact. "I think somepony just volunteered to divulge their crush." You tease, earning a nervous look from both her and Applejack. "Me? I d-don't really..." Rainbow Dash starts but Applejack cuts her off. "Hey Rainbow, race ya to the barn!" Applejack yells rather abruptly as she starts to run down the dirt path. "Hey, no fair!" Rainbow dash yells back and begins chasing after her. Leaving you and Starfire in the dust with a confused look on both of your faces.

"What's gotten into them?" Starfire asks as the two of you watch the two mares run into the distance, disappearing around a bend in the orchard. Which only put a mischievous grin on your face. "And you wonder why I put bits into the Aj's a lesbian betting pot." You say knowingly, as you happily enjoy the sight of your companions face shifting from confusion to realization and finally into that devious smile you knew and loved. Her ears stood tall on her head, and her tail gently wagged as she walked a little closer to you.

"How long you think they've been rolling in the hay?" The perverted mare asked conspiratorily, earning a small chuckle from yourself. "To be honest, probably long before we arrived. Word around town is that ever since the library opened up, those two have been hanging out more often than not." You reply devilishly, earning a small hum from Starfire. "Think there's a correlation?" She asks as the two of you make brief eye contact. "Nah, I think that's just how ponies around here recount events." You reply, earning a confused look from Starfire. "They don't go by the moon standard?" She asks curiously, prompting you to shrug before responding.

"It's Ponyville, so many different events and disasters happen around here. It might be easier to reference the last bugbear attack instead of the last lunar phase." You reply with a small grin. Which earns you a chuckle and a barely noticeable eye roll from Starfire as she turns her head away. The two of you walk in a comfortable silence for a few minutes before Starfire speaks up. "Speaking of recent events." Starfire begins with a sigh, prompting you to give her your full attention. Her ears were completely flat against her head, and she gave you an "I'm going to have the scolding of the lifetime look." foals give their angry mothers.

"Let's not beat around the bush Sky, I failed you last night. I wasn't keeping an eye on you like we're exposed to for each other and... that nearly got you killed." Starfire starts to say, pain or shame was obvious in her voice, although it did seem like she was trying to hold it back. "Star, stuff..." You start to say in an attempt to console your partner, but she cuts you off. "Damnit Sky don't you dare say STUFF HAPPENS!" Starfire yells as she moves in front of you and hits your chest hard with her right forehoof. Stopping you in your tracks.

"We swore nearly two years ago that we'd watch each other's backs no matter what. And I failed you." Starfire hisses as tears start to appear around her eyes. "Star..." You try again, only to be cut off. "That timberwolf was an inch away from ending your life Sky! You were pleading for your life and I DIDN'T HELP YOU! I COULDN'T SAVE YOU... and when the moment came where I needed rescue... You didn't hesitate for a second... I'd understand if you'd want to revoke your Vaurear oath and... find a new partner." Starfire finishes with her head hung low and tears openly falling down her cheek. You stood there in shock for a few moments only to have that soon replaced with anger.

"Now Star, don't you ever and I mean EVER suggest there is anypony else in all of Equestria... No, in all the WORLD, that would guard my back better than you." You start to say sternly as you press your nose against her's. "Was last night a mess? Absolutely. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that not even YOU could have fought through all those timberwolves to save me... And I certainly don't blame you for anything that happened last night... You forget, I nearly lost you too." You pause as a heavyweight seemingly tugged at your heart at the thought. Only to see the mare you call your sword sister looking at you, seemingly in a state of fear or shock through her tear stained eyes.

After a few seconds, you sigh, feeling the rest of your anger subside as you do so. Leaving only a deep sorrow in its place. From there you give the mare a sympathetic smile, as you start wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I trust you with my life Star. An' one hundred bad luck nights will never change that opinion." You say sweetly, causing a small smile to cross her muzzle before she wrapped her forelegs around your neck and pulled you into a warm embrace. "What about a hundred and one?..." She whispers as she chuckles between fading sobs.

"There's the Starfire I know and love." You think to yourself before replying. "Well, then you're going to need to buy me some mead before you attempt an apology." You reply sweetly as you wrap your forelegs gently around her neck and nuzzle the mares right cheek. A small smile crossing your muzzle as she hugs you a little tighter. "Cloudsdale... I presume?" She asks as she briefly pulls away from the hug to look you in the eyes. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but there was a smile on her face, and a sense of humor in her voice. "Aw, you do remember." You tease, earning an eye roll from the mare, and a light shove as she breaks the embrace.

"Doesn't take a genius to know you like that rubbish." She quips back with a smile as she wipes the remaining tears from her eyes. "Now come on, enough of the sappy stuff. Let's go get your plot kicking over with so I can meet your sister." She continues, as a competitive fire seemed to spark in her eyes. "Yea, yea. You say that now, but you'll be changing your tune when I best you." You say with a cocky smile as you start walking again. Prompting Starfire to walk alongside you to your left.

After a few minutes of walking, Starfire breaks the silence in an unusually timid voice for her. "Sky?" She asks, prompting you to look her in the eyes once more. "Yea?" You respond. "Thanks... I really needed to get that off my chest." She softly says as she casts her gaze down towards the dirt path. "She really is that same caring mare you met all those years ago." You think to yourself as you give the mare a gentle smile before carefully reaching your left wing around her, and pulling her into a feathery embrace. Which you follow up with a friendly nuzzle to the side of her head. Which elicited a quite yip from the yellow coated mare. "Anytime partner." You reply with a gentle smile, as the two of you continue your walk back toward the Apple family farmhouse.

Act 2: Chapter 9

The walk back towards the Apple family farmhouse was a pleasant one as you and Starfire enjoyed the calming atmosphere of the orchard together. Birds were singing, the sun was warm on your fur, and the calm dirt path allowed you to remember those not so distant times where you were traveling on caravan routes. Steelstocks was always regaling his tales from when he first started his forehoof as a traveling merchant. You sigh at the realization that the roads seemed way safer back then.

The older stallion with brown eyes, a light blue coat, and a greying dark blue mane taught you a lot on your travels. Sure, most of it was how to gather intel from local gossip and how to keep a caravan safe on the road. By knowing how to spot potential bandit hideouts, monster lairs and admittedly Starfires occasional boobytrap. He even trained you to have a silver tongue so you could try and talk your way out of a bind. You definitely wouldn't say he set you on this path of adventuring, but he did teach you how to stay safe during it. And those skills will definitely help you further along this path you were on.

A gentle hoof prodded your left side, pulled you out of your thoughts to see the smiling mare carefully covered under your wing. "You're lost in thought again Sky. Care to let it out, or is it a private thought?" She asked, giving you her signature perverted grin. Causing you to chuckle before responding. "This road just reminds me of the old caravan routes we were on is all." You reply with a blissful smile, eliciting a gentle hum from the yellow coated mare.

"I suppose I can say the same. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the wind carries the last nips of winter. The world just feels... peaceful again. Honestly, this town reminds me a lot of Rabbitsfoot." She gently replies as she pulls away from your winged hug and walks in front of you. Only to turn around and begin walking backwards down the path. Presumably to maintain eye contact with you.

"How so?" You ask just as gently, feeling as if the entirety of the world was just this one path in front of and behind you. "All ponies here want to do is settle down. Start a life and a family, but they're friendly and actually care about one another. Instead of seeing each other as neighbors, they see each other as friends. Friends they want to grow old together with and enjoy telling tales of their youth with when they have foals." She replies with a gentle smile. "Yea, Ponyvilles kind of nice that. Never knew Rabbitsfoot was the same way. Speaking of, you never really talk about your home much... or your family outside of a couple stories from your youth..." You reply with a semi-concerned look. Earning a sigh and downcast look from the mare.

"Yea well, the ranching life wasn't for me, nor did I really feel at home there. Ever since I was a filly, the horizon called my name, beckoning me to follow its call and discover a world unknown. That call eventually lead me to you." She says with a gentle punch to your shoulder with her foreleg. "Now my family... I'd rather not talk about it." She says sounding defeated. "Bad blood?" You ask as the Apple family farmhouse comes into view and Starfire starts walking on your left hoof side again.

"No, we're still very close, and my father and brothers still send me letters once a week. It's just... regrets more than anything. Necessary ones I needed to do for myself, and for them." She replies with a sorrowful tone in her voice. "Not your mother?" You think to yourself briefly before deciding not to pry. "You know you can tell me anything that's eating away at you. Right Star?" You say, causing the mare to give you an almost sympathetic smile. "Of course. I promise I'll tell you all about it eventually. But right now, I need to hoof your flank over to you." She replies as her sorrowful smile turns into a seemingly forced cocky one.

"Well, luckily for you, you won't have to wait long to get bested once more." You tease as the two of you reach the back of the farmhouse and start walking your way around it. You notice that all the dead Timberwolves have been removed from when you were here last. Leaving behind various impressions in the dirt where they once laid. The only thing new you could really see on the ground was a couple pair's of wagon tracks, so it didn't take a siege engineer to tell you what probably happened to the remains.

"I'll make you eat those words!" Starfire playfully growls as the two of you round the corner of the farmhouse and get into view of the front yard. On the farmhouse porch, Granny was still rocking in her rocking chair as she idly chatted with Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Sweat coated both of the younger mares fur, and they also seemed fairly out of breath. You allow your eyes to quickly scan the rest of your surroundings as you approached the group.

Allowing you to notice the two wagons, they packed full of timber and ran off with. Was now parked in front of the Apple family barn. Granny was seemingly the only one to notice both you, and Starfire approaching behind the younger mares but continued to speak with them. The conversation sounded more like a scolding than anything else, but you couldn't really hear what was being said. You decide to politely clear your throat with a subtle cough to let them know you were there. But that nearly sent Applejack and Rainbow Dash into orbit with how comedically high they jumped. Which caused you, Star and Granny Smith to laugh from the sight.

The second the two mares hit the ground, they quickly turned around to confront the two of you. "Sweet Celestia! You two have to stop sneaking up on ponies like that!" Rainbow Dash yells with an annoyed look on her face as she takes off into a hover. Only causing you and Starfire to laugh a little harder. "Well, in our defense we weren't trying to sneak up on you." You say between breaths, only to earn annoyed glares from the two mares and an amused smile from Granny.

"Right... Well, now that we're all here. What exactly does your practice entail?" Applejack asks almost suspiciously. "Yea, cause we're going to need some details if we're going to ref this thing." Rainbow Dash says as she idly waves her hoof about for emphasis. "Well, it's pretty simple. Me and Sky are going to have a little sparring match, and we just need somepony to keep us honest." Starfire says with a confident smile, as Applejacks and Rainbow Dash's eyes grow wide. "Sparring? With real swords. Are you sure that's safe?" Applejack asks, prompting you to wave your hoof dismissively.

"Don't worry Applejack, we do this sorta thing all the time." You reply confidently, earning an eyebrow raise from the farm pony. "We graduated from wooden practice swords ages ago. As experienced swords ponies, this will remain perfectly safe as long as we're careful and abide by the safe word." Starfire says smoothly with a confident smile. "And that word is?" Applejack asks with a cautious yet curious look.

"Mercy." You and Starfire both say at the same time without a second thought and with a wide smile. Causing both Rainbow Dash and Applejack to exchange worried glances. "Alright... and what are the rules to this little sparring practice?" Rainbow Dash asks with a concerned tone in her voice as she makes eye contact with you again. "Whoever can get their partner to call mercy three times after the practice motions, wins." Starfire continues with a smile across her muzzle.

"And before you ask, we're not prideful ponies. If something's wrong or feels off we'll call mercy." You pitch in, earning a small nod of acknowledgment from Starfire. "Well, if you two say so. I'll see if Big Mac and the crusaders are done in the barn. Play nice Rainbow." Applejack starts off uneasy, her voice only turning sharp when she addresses Rainbow Dash. Who looked almost betrayed. "Me? I don't know what you mean." Rainbow replies sarcastically, earning a hard glare from Applejack that seemingly removed any smugness in her features. "Yea, I'll behave." Rainbow Dash states as she gently lands back on her four hooves.

"Ah, yep, now I see it." Starfire quietly whispers in your ear causing the two of you to chuckle a little. "And the same goes for you two as well." Applejack snips causing you and Starfire to look up in attention. Applejack gave the two of you a glare that could make a griffin quake before making her way over to the barn. "Yes, ma'am." The two of you say before you snap out of caravan guard mode.

The four of you stand around in awkward silence as you watch Applejack slowly makes her way over to the barn door and goes inside. "Sooo." Rainbow Dash starts, causing you to give her your full attention. She was idly rubbing her neck with a forehoof as she gave you an almost nervous look. "No, hard feelings. Right?" She nervously asks as she holds her right forehoof out toward you. "Yea, we're alright. Nor do I blame you for being cautious, my recent family history deserves as much." You say with a nervous chuckle as you carefully shake hooves with the rainbow-maned mare. "Recent? What do you mean?" She asks curiously as the two of returned your hooves to the ground.

"My grandfather was Silver Sword, Commondre in the Royal Navy. Forth fleet, in charge of the Eighth squadron. He ironically hunted for pirates along the same trade route my father plunders. He was so good at his job, he even had the honor of meeting Princess Celestia while escorting her to the Griffin highlands for a diplomatic visit." You say with a soft smile as memories from your youth come rushing back to you. You were about four or five when your grampa started regaling tales of his times aboard an airship. He even showed you an old black and white photograph of his ship, the Marathon with his crew standing in front of it. That old frigate ship sunk fifteen pirate vessels in its day, and grampa had the metals and rank to show for it.

Even though he died a few months after sharing some of his stories with you, you still can't help but say he gave you the moral compass you live by today. He even decided to leave you that photograph and his old log book, just so you could read about his adventures long after he was gone. Without him entering your life, however brief. You don't know where you'd be today without his care. You only hoped you were doing him proud, and that thought left you the all too familiar warm feeling of love in your chest. "Really?!?" Rainbow Dash says in surprise before giving a contemptuous sigh. "And they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." She murmurs, causing you to chuckle.

"It didn't. My pa's sailing like all our ancestors have. He's just... sailing under a different banner. Me?... Well... I'm the one to break tradition." You say melancholically, earning a sympathetic look from both Rainbow and Starfire, and a neutral look from granny. "You wish you were up there... huh?" Starfire asks sympathetically as she gently rests her right forehoof on your shoulder, prompting you to let out a scoff directed at nopony in particular. "What pegasi wouldn't want to be up there? Above the clouds, free to fly in any direction. Where your only constraints are the supplies you can carry and the friends you can bring along." You say as you feel a smile cross your muzzle as you look up toward the sky almost longingly.

"Did he know before he died? Your grandfather I mean." Granny asked somberly, prompting you to return your gaze from the sky and make direct eye contact with the older mare. "Sadly I think he knew... Instead of following tradition and passing down our families captain logbook to his son... He gave it to me.... I haven't added anything too it though. Just doesn't feel right for me to. So it just sits on a shelf at home gathering dust... But I did finally get to read the rest of his stories... So that could also be the reason he gave it too me as well." You reply as a pain of sorrow strikes your heart at the thought of your poor grandfather learning about your father's actions. Starfire gave you a gentle pat on your back as you watched granny's eyes shift from ones of sorrow to ones of understanding.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth as if to speak, but was promptly interrupted by the sound of creaking metal hinges. Forcing you to recompose the flurry of emotions welling up inside you. As the Apple family's barn door slowly creaked open, and Applejack slowly made her way outside followed by five other ponies. Applebloom, who had Starfires unloaded and a freshly cleaned crossbow strapped across her back. Scootaloo, who was balancing your freshly polished shield on her back. Sweetiebelle, who proudly held Starfire's quiver full of bolts in her magic. Big Mac, who was caring what looked like Starfire's sword on his back, and finally Whirlwind, who looked more chipper than the rest of the group as she carried your sword, which was almost properly strapped across her back.

Upon seeing you, her smile turned to that of ecstatic joy before she started to run over toward you. "Mister Sword!" She yelled as she ran over toward you, nearly tripping a couple of times under the weight of the weight of the sword she carried. You can't help but smile as you and Starfire turn to address the excited young filly as she skidded to a stop in front of you. "Good afternoon Whirlwind, how are you today? And please, call me Sky, mister Sword is my grandfather. You say with a light-hearted chuckle. She sure didn't seem like the shy little filly you met last night.

"A-alright Sky. I'm doing amazingly! Big Mac taught me how to polish and sharpen a sword!" Whirlwind happily exclaims, as the rest of the group leisurely made it to the front porch. "She was really persistent to help and she picked up the craft well enough. So, Big Mac here, let her sharpen your sword Sky, I hope that's alright." Applejack says with a smile that faintly held some pride. "And, she did this herself?" Starfire asked with a motherly tone, as she gently tapped the sword sheath on Whirlwinds back.

"Eyup, made her sharpen some of the farm's old blades first before getting to the real thing." Big Mac chimed in with an equally proud smile as his sister. "Well then, let's take a look at your work." You say with a smile as you hold your right hoof out toward Whirlwind. Her eyes instantly went wide and her hooves started to shake as she unlatched the sheathes strap and carefully placed the sheathed sword in on your hoof. Whirlwind gave you a worried look as you carefully sit back on your haunches and began inspecting the sheath. The sheath itself was a standard leather one, with little signs of damage. But, those were all there prior to the Apples care.

You then carefully wrapped your right hoof around the handle of the sword and used your left hoof to hold the swords sheathing as you carefully slid the sword out of it protective cover with a quiet "sheev". Only to let out a bewildered gasp at the sight. The blade on the sword was polished so fine that it easily reflected your own image. You don't even believe you've seen a sword so well polished, and once fully out of its sheath, you take a couple steps back and give it a few good swings through the air.

Causing the blade made a whoosh sound as it cleaved through the air with ease. "Sharp, shiny and balanced. Whirly really has a future for blacksmithing if she can't make it in adventuring. But then again, if she can handle the basics of weapon maintenance without your guidance. What could she do with it?" You think to yourself as a small smile crosses your muzzle. Another whooshing sound drags your attention from your sword to Starfire. Who looks equally amazed at the kid's craftmanship under big Mac's watchful eye. She proceeded to give you an ecstatic smile and a careful head motion over to Whirlwind before she continued inspecting her sword.

She could alway's read you like a book, and sometimes that was a bad thing. You promptly return your gaze toward the nervous looking pegasus filly as you slide your sword back into its sheath. "Whirly, this is honestly the best maintenance work I've ever seen. Are you sure you want to be an adventurer? Because I know a great blacksmith up in Cloudsdale that would mentor you in a heartbeat." You say, finding yourself unable to hide the disbelief in your voice at how well of a job she's done.

"T-thanks Sky, b-but I think I'd rather be an adventurer." Whirlwind stammered as what looked like a wave of relief washed over her. "How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" You ask as you carefully strap your sword back to its proper place on your left side. "Fifteen, sir." She politely replied with what looked like a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Ah, so this is will be your last year in the education system right?" You ask as Starfire gives you a curious look before making her way over to you.

"Y-yes sir." She replied as she nervously rubbed her left foreleg with her right one. It didn't take a scientist to tell you what was really going on here, and it extended past a young filly trying to obtain a cutie mark. Around the end of a foals time in the Equestrian education system, they have a choice to either go into the higher education system, or they could attempt to gain a three-year apprenticeship under a guild, local business, etc.

There they would learn certain aspects of a trade that could only be taught through hooves on experience and not through another lecture. "Tell you what. If you finish your last year strong and your teacher confirms it. By the end of the year, the guild should be accepting apprentices and well... I'd be happy to teach you to do more with a sword than just maintaining it." You say with a smile as you watch Whirlwinds expression shift from an unsure yet hopeful look to pure joy as she got up and hugged you in the blink of an eye.

"Really!?! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I promise you I won't let you down!" Whirlwind rapidly exclaimed before letting go of you and happily prancing around you and Starfire. Who proceeded to give you a playful punch on your shoulder. "Knew she was your apprentice." Starfire teased playfully, as the two of you watched Whirlwind continue to prance around with a smile.

"Not yet, but she's got potential. Now come on, I wanna get some practice in before dinner." You whisper to her with a humorous chuckle as you collected your shield from Scootaloo, and Starfire collected her crossbow and bolts with a "Thanks kids. And I hope you all learned your lesson, especially you Applebloom." Who nodded sorrowfully at the minor scolding. The two of you then proceeded to place all your equipment except your swords down on the Apple's family porch. Which included Twilights library book. Before the two of you then proceed to a safe distance away from everypony and give the judges a confident nod. Who returned one in kind before the two of you drew your swords from their sheaths, and lift yourselves up onto your hind hooves.

"So, standard motions before the free for all? Or are we skipping right toward the sparring match?" Starfire asked with a gentle smile as you gave your scarred right hind hoof a couple testing taps. "Let's play it safe and start with some standard motions before the fun part." You say as you better your stance before the fight. "Whatever you say. You ready?" She asks as her expression turns cool and almost predatory as the two of you started to focus on the matter at hoof. "Ready." You say as the two of you tap swords with a loud clang. "High!" Starfire yells as she raises her sword above her head to strike, prompting you to raise your sword to block it.

The two swords soon clash together with a satisfying clang. "Oh, sweet Celestia I missed that sound." Starfire says with a satisfied look on her face. The same one a pony would give when having some overly delicious food. "Back and slash!" You yell as you push Starfire's sword back, causing her to briefly stumble back before she regained he hoofing, and in one swift motion. You use the momentum gravity put behind your sword as you let it fall, and make to slash across Starfire's barrel. Causing Starfire to make a loud yip as she jumps back, out of your blades reach.

Starfire gave you a hard glare as you took a more defensive stance. "You know I hate slashes." She says before shouting. "Low to medium!" as she charged at you, swinging her sword toward your hind hooves. Forcing you to use your wings to help you jump over the swing. Using the momentum of her swing, Starfire twirls around. Barely allowing you to hit the ground before forcing you to stop her slash with a clang of your swords. The two of you give each other a competitive smile before you open your muzzle to speak.

"I know, but you've gotten pretty good at dodging it." You tease before shouting. "Shove to medium!" You yell as you shove Starfire hard in the chest with your left forehoof, knocking her off balance before raising your sword to strike. Although when Starfire didn't recover from the stumble backward's and fell onto her flank, you stop your swing before it even starts. "What was that about eating my words." You think to yourself as you lowered your sword and give her a cocky smile. You knew better than to taunt this mare. But that's not to say it stops you from doing it, even if it was internally.

"Shut up." She says with a fierce glare before getting back onto her hooves. "I didn't say anything." You say with an amused smile across your muzzle. "You're thinking it though. So allow me to wipe that smile off your muzzle." She quips back as she takes a defensive stance once more and holds her sword out toward you. "Ever the firecracker." You say with a tinge of humor in your voice before taking a similar stance and continuing. "So, I take it practice is over?"

"Yep, you ready for the real thing?" She asks, losing that competitive drive for a brief second to reveal your best friend inside. "Yea, I'm ready, judge's mind counting us down?" You ask as you and Starfire give the group of bewildered ponies a questioning look. Big Mac, Whirlwind, Applebloom, and Scootaloo looked as though they were enjoying the show while Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle looked concerned with the present situation. But Applejack and Rainbow Dash still nodded in confirmation.

"Well, come on ladies, start us off. I wanna see what these youngins can do." Granny Smith said as looked almost amused at her grandkids unease, giving Applejack a light smack on her flank with her cane when she didn't start counting down. Causing her to let out a loud yip. "Alright! No need for the encouragement!" Applejack started as she promptly moved out of granny's cane whacking range. "From the count of three." Applejack says, giving the two of you one last concerned look before you and Starfire made eye contact with each other.

"Three!" Applejack starts, prompting Starfire to give you a competitive glare, one you returned in full. "Two." Applejack continues, the nervousness in her voice now palpable. There was a brief pause, that allowed you to better gain your hoofing before Rainbow's voice chimed in. "One, go!" She yelled, prompting you and Starfire to tap your swords together for one final confirmation. Officially starting the sparring match.

You instantly went on the offensive as you advanced forward with a quick slash. Forcing Starfire to go on the defensive and block it with a clang of your swords. But you didn't let up. With your left forehoof, you give Starfire another hard shove in the chest. Forcing her on to her flanks once again, and as you raised your sword she called. "Mercy!... Celestia dammit! I bloody hate it when you shove me like that!" She yells, prompting Applejack to chime in. "One point for Sky!"

You to lower your sword and hold out your left forehoof toward her to help her back up. "It is called a defense breaker for a reason." You tease, allowing your signature sass to shine through your voice. Which prompted Starfire to give you a hard glare as she accepted your help up. "That's it. I'm going to start leaving bruises now." She snaps back, causing you to chuckle heartily. "If you so wish." You reply with a cool smile as you get into position for another round, and Starfire does the same.

Without a moment of rest, the two of you tap swords and start the second round. Once again you take the offensive and advance forward. Slashing once more toward her barrel, which she promptly blocks with her sword. However before you have the chance to move forward to push her back onto her haunches, you see Starfire give you a cocky smile as you feel a sudden painful pressure only an Earth pony hoof can cause, in your left hind knee, causing you to fall onto said knee. Once there and before you can really process what's happening. Starfire quickly shifts her weight onto the same hoof that she used to kick your knee, and raised the other one up into a high kick.

One that firmly planted itself on the side of your head and sent it spinning as the ground rose up to meet you. "Mercy! Mercy!" You yell before Starfire could get her revenge any further. Which prompted Starfire to chuckle to herself as you hear the congratulatory stomping of hooves from the small crowd. "One point for Starfire!" Rainbow Dash yells sounding more enthused about the situation. "What? It's called an offensive stopper for a reason." Starfire says mockingly, and although you weren't looking at her, you swear you could hear the cocky smile that was probably on her muzzle.

You gave your head a quick shake before you slowly made your way back onto your hooves. "That's one Tartarus of a one-two." You say as you give the side of your head a tentative rub with your right hoof, which causes Starfire to chuckle to herself as you look around to find where your sword went too. Only to find it right next to where Starfire laid you out. Once the world stopped spinning, you carefully picked up your sword and looked Starfire in the eyes. Her grin was just as smug as you imagined. "After a hit like that, are you sure you want a round three?" She teases, causing you to chuckle.

"Oh, but what kind of an example would I be if I backed out after taking one bad hit?" You ask as you get yourself into position for another round. "You sure Sky? That looked like a doozy." Applejack comments worry ever prevalent in her voice. "Trust me, this is me going easy on him. He's taken worse hits before." Starfire teases with a cocky smile as she gets herself into position. "That's an understatement. You ready?" You ask, earning a small nod in agreement from Starfire before the two of you tap swords and begin round three.

This time she takes the offensive with a slash toward your hind hooves, forcing you to retreat back a few steps before she made a near frenzied leftward slash toward your barrel. Seeing the opportunity present itself to gain an advantage you block the strike with your sword and in one slick motion. You punch her forehooves as hard as you can. Causing the Earth pony mare to yip in pain and drop her sword. Causing it to hit the ground with a soft thud.

Upon realizing her error, and the cocky grin you had plastered on your muzzle. Starfire gave you an annoyed glare as she raised her hooves above her head in mock surrender as she says. "Mercy." In a dull defeated tone. You return the gesture with a playful show of your tongue and a goofy wink. Which prompted Starfire to roll her eyes as Applejack yells. "Two for Sky, One for Star!" The crowd of ponies behind you proceeded to stomp their hooves in appreciation as you lower your sword and take a couple steps back, allowing Starfire to recollect her sword. "What's wrong Stary? Lose your grip?" You tease, causing Starfire to give you a death glare as she picks her sword back up.

"I'll make you lose something else if you call me that again." She murmur's her threat as she briefly inspects her sword for damage before returning to her sparring position. You chuckle to yourself at the idle threat and take your sparring position once more. "Come on Stary, it's all in good fun." You say playfully, as Starfire's eyes turn almost predatory. "And who said killing you wouldn't be fun?" She says cooly, her features expressing not an ounce of humor on them as she tightens her the grip on her sword. Prompting a small pang of fear to flow through your heart and apparently your features. Which prompts Starfire to drop the act and chuckle sadistically to herself at your apparent reaction.

"What's the matter Sky? Scared?" She asks with a devilish grin across her muzzle. Now, let it be known that you have a "healthy" fear of Starfire. But you weren't about to let her use that against you. You quickly attempted to compose yourself as you mask your fear behind a cocky smile. "Nah, I'm just worried I'll have to go easier on you butter hooves." You quip back, earning a small eye twitch from the yellow furred mare as her devilish grin turns into a sincere one.

"There's the big mouthed pegasi I swore Vaurear with. You ready?" She asks, her as smile instantly causes your fears to be put at ease. "Whenever you..." You start to say, only to be interrupted by the sound of wood colliding with a loud thwack, causing you and Starfire to look over toward the sound of the noise. Only to see Whirlwind and Scootaloo play fighting using two wooden sticks as "Swords." Their stances mirrored yours and Stars, although they were obviously leaning on their front hooves rather than their back ones. Leaving them both open to being leg swept.

You and Starfire both chuckle to yourselves at the sight before exchanging mischievous glances. "We're terrible examples for fouls." Starfire whispers to you as you both retake your positions. "You know it. Ready when you are Stary." You chuckle in response as you compose yourself, and give the mare a cocky smile. Prompting Starfire to immediately tap swords with you, officially starting the fourth round. Starfire starts off on the offensive with three quick slashes toward your barrel. You manage to easily block the first attack, but the two subsequent attacks force you to take a few steps back in an attempt to evade. But she doesn't let up her attack as she slowly advances toward you, forcing you to stay engaged. A cocky smile slowly crosses her muzzle at her realization that she's absolutely overwhelming you.

In a desperate attempt to turn the tide of the fight, you wait until Starfire does one more quick slash across your barrel. Where you, block the attack and quickly lung at the mare to close the distance. But, as if she's prepared for this, she reaches her left foreleg around your neck and directs your lung past her on her right. Causing you to trip on your own momentum and forcing you to throw your sword off to the side. Just so you wouldn't accidentally land on it as gravity plants your body muzzle first into the dirt.

After a few seconds of laying on the ground in defeat, you cautiously roll onto your back, only to see a green-eyed, yellow coated, and brown maned Earth pony mare with a cocky smile on her muzzle and her sword pointed directly at your face. Slowly, you raise your forehooves above your head, being sure to keep them on the dirt. "Mercy." Is all you say, failing to hide the defeated tone in your voice as ponies stomp their hooves in approval at Starfires victory.

"Two for Star and Two for Sky!" Rainbow Dash yells with a cheer as Starfire chuckles, sheathes her sword and drops back onto all four hooves before holding her right forehoof out toward you. One you graciously accept. "When in Tartarus did you get so aggressive in your fighting style?" You ask as Starfire helps you back onto your hooves. "Oh, come on Sky, we've been sparring with each other for nearly two years. I know your entire shpeal is being aggressively up close and personal. And, I also know from those two years of practice, your defense is terrible when you're without your shield." She says, emphasizing her point with a firm jab to your chest with her right forehoof.

"You rely too much on that darn thing, you know." She continues with a look of concern on her face. "Well, when you grow up training with something, it's sorta hard to adjust to fighting without it." You say nonchalantly before Starfire gives your chest another hard jab. "Sky, I'm serious, it's going to get you killed one of these days if you can't learn to live without it." Starfire continues to lecture you, giving you a hard glare. "I know that Star! Why do you think I've been practicing without it lately?" You reply as you give Starfire a deadpanned look before quickly locating your sword and leisurely recollect it. Causing her to roll her eyes.

"Yea, alright I'll let you off easy this time. But I'm just warning you, I'm not gonna let you use that shield of yours in our next practice fight. You gotta learn to use that mobility you've gained without that shield." Starfire starts, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves before continuing. "Now, how about we call that our last sword fight for today and finish off with a little hoof to hoof practice?" She asks, prompting a small playful grin to cross your muzzle and a chuckle to leave it. "Sounds fun, but I think you're going to have to ask the judges about that." You reply playfully before sliding your sword back into its sheath.

"Well? Care if we change things up a little oh glorious judges." Starfire says with a whimsical tone in her voice as she gives Rainbow Dash and Applejack an exaggerated bow. Which causes them to roll there eyes in exasperation. "Fine, just tell us the rules and let's get on with the show, we're on the edge of our seats here!" Rainbow dash rapidly states, prompting you to look back at the small crowd of ponies. Only too see smiles on each and every one of there muzzles.

"Perfect, rules are simple, first to pin the other wins the competition, no second chances and definitely no weapons, we're going hoof to hoof only, and it sorta beats the point of a destresser when the local guards start chasing ya for murder." You say coolly with a small grin across your muzzle. Which earns a small chuckle from Starfire as the two of you make your way past the group small group of ponies to your equipment piles. "Fair enough, no flying either alright? I really don't want to accidentally hurt your wings by yanking you outta the sky." Starfire says in a semi-concerned tone as the two of you carefully place your sheathed swords in their respective piles.

"Of course, as you said, I need to be quick on my hooves. Can't do that if I'm in the sky." You say with a competitive smile as you gently bump the mare's shoulder with yours. "Aww, you do listen to my advice." She teases as she playfully bumps you back, prompting the two of you to start moving back over to you're impromptu practicing grounds.

"Alright you two, I want you to keep it clean and fair, on the count of three we'll start alright?" Applejack says with an infectiously cheery smile across her muzzle. Prompting you and Starfire to both give her a nod in acknowledgment before the two of you get into position. Both of you dawning competitive smiles on your muzzles as you both stand up on your hind legs within forelegs reach of each other.

Both of you raise your forelegs up into a fighting position, and you start to prepare your stance almost on instinct. Putting most of your weight on your back right hind leg, while your left hindleg stood out a little, readying you to either dodge a hit from Starfire or lung at her. Starfire took a similar fighting stance, except knowing her, she'd probably start off the fight with another "offensive breaker". You'd have to be quick on your hooves if you going to win.

Briefly, you look over to where Whirlwind and Scootaloo were sparing earlier while Starfire continued to adjust her stance a little. Only to see them taking similar but admittedly more inexperienced stances. Like how Whirlwind wasn't defending her muzzle and was seemingly putting most of her weight on her most forward hind hoof. While Scootaloo had a terrible posture and looked more like she was trying to copy a failed karate style rather than something you'd actually find being taught in a dojo.

This prompts you to look back to the small crowd of ponies gathered around the Apple family porch, only to find that none of them were really keeping an eye on the fouls nearby. You let out a sigh, realizing you'd have to be the responsible one in this situation and speak up. "Hey, Scootaloo, Whirly. How about you two go back over to AJ and Rainbow Dash. Me and Star sorta get really into it when we hoof fight." You say with a gentle smile on your muzzle, prompting Starfire and the rest of the crowd to look their way.

"Yea, wouldn't want the two of you accidentally getting hurt and all." Starfire says after the two of you exchanged quick glances. In all honesty, you just didn't want the two of them to accidentally hurt each other, hooves are not only harder but sharper than sticks after all. "Aw, but I wanna try and fight. Just like you." Whirlwind says with a disappointed tone in her voice as her ears droop a little.

"Now we ain't having none of that here now, sticks are one thing. But throwing hooves without knowing a thing about fighting is a whole nother issue. Now come on, if ya really want to learn how to hoof fight, me and Mac can show you how to fight like our pa did. You're getting to that age anyway where somepony should teach ya. Now come on. Let's go." Applejack says as she briefly leaves her spot on the porch and starts to carefully coax the young foals back to the group.

The two foals let out a heavy sigh before saying their okays and moving back to the porch. You quietly mouth the words "Thank you." to her. Only to earn a gentle smile and nod from the mare before you and Starfire returned to your fighting positions. "You two ready?" Rainbow Dash asks as Applejack, Whirlwind, and Scootaloo take their seats. "I'm good to go here." You say to Starfire who gives you a cocky smile before replying. "I'm always ready to go." And with that, a tense yet competitive feeling fills the air, as the anticipation of an oncoming fight starts to settle in.

"On your marks." Rainbow dash starts, prompting both you and Starfire to do a few last minute adjustments to your stances. "Get set." Applejack continues, slowly prompting you to mirror competitive smile creeping its way onto Starfire's muzzle. "Fight!" The small crowd of ponies yell, prompting Starfire into action and swing the first punch with her right hoof. Forcing you to quickly move back out of her reach. She quickly returns to her original stance and the two of you square off for a few seconds, allowing you to think of a way to get Star off of her balance.

Starfire is a pretty experienced fighter in your opinion. The only time she ever leaves herself open is when she's on the offensive. "So, if I can just grab hold of her arm mid-swing. I could totally pull her off balance and pin her. Or I could attempt to rush her when she's not expecting it. That could also work." You think to yourself as you give her a cocky grin. On, that she returns in kind before she rushes at you and quickly falls onto all fours, putting most of her weight onto her forelegs and pulling her hind legs close to her body as it twists to face you.

"Now or never." You hastily think to yourself as you take another step back just in time as Starfires hind legs kick out towards you, stopping mear centimeters from your barrel. With the opportunity presenting itself, you quickly catch both of her hind legs with your forelegs before they hit the ground. This causes Starfire to yelp and looks back at you at what was apparently an unexpected counter. You give the mare a quick cocky smile before throwing her hind legs up and to the right into the air.

Causing Starfire to quickly attempt to regain her balance on her forehooves, but before she can do so you quickly charge the mare. Raming her with all the force you can muster, sending Starfire head over hooves and onto the ground with a loud yelp, as she landed perpendicular to you. This action seemingly causing the small crowd of ponies behind you to cheer. And before Starfire could recover, you quickly tackle the mare, in an attempt to pin her to the ground.

But, raw strength was always an earth ponies game, and even though Starfire didn't look it. She could buck a decent sized dent into a tree if she really wanted too. This wasn't going to be easy, not by a long shot, and the second your body landed on hers, an all too familiar forehoof planted itself right into your side as she attempts to struggle out of your grasp. Causing you to instinctually flinch back from the brief but agonizingly sharp pain to the afflicted area.

You recover from the hit relatively quickly and manage to hastily secure her forehooves as you move to stand over her. Your both panting from the brief exertion of energy, as Starfire glares up at you. A glare you can't help but smile at. "It's over Star!... Just give up!" You say between labored breaths as Starfire you look down at the now smiling mare. "Wait, why is she smiling." You think to yourself before feeling two hooves slide underneath you.

Before you can even react, Starfire replies between labored breaths. "Not a chance!" And kicks her hind legs up into your gut, briefly sending you airborne before planting your back right into the dirt with a loud thud, stunning you. All as the crowd continues to cheer and stomp their hooves in appreciation as you swear you could see clouds circling around your head.

Slowly you start to get up and return to the fight, but as you sit up and level your vision back to the ground. All you can see is a green-eyed, brown maned and yellow coated mare diving right at you. "Well, buck." Is all you can mutter before Starfire tackles into you, quickly pinning your forehooves and hind legs to the ground as she stands triumphantly over you. Giving you a cocky smile as you try and struggle out of her grasp.

"Oh come on Sky, it's over. Just give up." Starfire says through labored breaths as she looks down at you with almost pleading eyes, prompting you to stop struggling. Your defeat was assured at this point anyway. "Fine." You start to say as the adrenaline from the fight starts to fade, allowing you to feel the pain and exhaustion from the fight start making its way into every tendon and muscle throughout your body. Mostly centralizing around where Starfire kicked you. "You win." You finish, prompting cheers and applause to fill the air. Allowing for a proud, cocky smile to make it's way onto Starfire's muzzle as she lays down on top of you.

"So... What was that about besting me once again?" Starfire teases as gives you an almost sultry look. Causing you to roll your eyes and chuckle as a grin makes its way onto your muzzle. "Yea, yea. I mouth off a lot, we both know that." You say as your grin turns into a smile. Causing Starfire to chuckle happily to herself before responding. "Oh, I know. But..." She starts, briefly pausing as she stands up and steps back a little. Allowing you room to get up if you so, please. "It just makes it all the more satisfying when I beat you." She concludes as she starts to do her end of practice stretches. First starting with her legs and neck.

"Don't get too cocky Stary, it'll just hurt your pride all the more when I beat you next practice." You say with a chuckle as you roll onto your belly and make your way back onto your hooves. Prompting Starfire to giggle coyly before starting to stretch out her back. "Keep dreaming lunar colt." She says as the sound of approaching hoof steps and wing beats catches your attention. Causing you to turn and see Applejack and Rainbow Dash approaching the two of you as you start your end practice stretches.

"Well I'll be, you two were..." Applejack starts to say, only to be interrupted by Rainbow Dash. "Awesome! I never thought sword fighting would be so cool! Especially how you two were all like. Ching, chang." Rainbow Dash excitedly says as she makes sword-swinging motions in the air. Before continuing to speak. "And then Starfire was like. Bam!" Rainbow Dash yells with a smile on her muzzle as she does a downward spin kick in the air. Causing her to land on the ground with a loud thud.

Which causes Starfire to chuckle before replying. "Oh, that was nothing. You should see our full training routine." Starfire says with a cocky smile across her muzzle before giving your right shoulder a gentle punch. "Y'all do more than this?" Applejack asks a little too eagerly, prompting Whirlwind and subsequently the rest of the Cutie mark crusaders to gather around. Just behind the apple farmer.

"Oh, yea. We've got to stay in relatively decent shape if we're going to survive out there in the wild." You reply as you start to stretch out your wing's and back. "Yep, we get together about once or twice a week to train together." Starfire says with a smile as she gently punches your right shoulder. Prompting you to stand up straight. This causes Applejack and Rainbow Dash to exchange curious glances before Rainbow Dash breaks the silence. "And... Out of curiosity what exactly do you two do during these training sessions." Rainbow Dash asks, prompting you and Starfire to exchange glances and cocky grins before Starfire responds.

"Why? You two interested?" Starfire asks as her grin turns into a devilish smile, followed by a quick flick of her tail off to her left. "Let's call it being curious." Applejack says hesitantly, as she eye's you and Starfire up suspiciously. "Well, usually we start off with a five-kilometer jog in full gear through the woods and out to my house. Starting from the tavern. Since you know, we keep our gear there." You comment, pausing to make sure the two mares are following along, and once they both nod their heads, Starfire continues.

"Then after that, to cool off Me and Sky set up some targets under his house, and I practice my archery while Sky does some flight endurance training in his armor." Starfire says with a couple waves of her hoof for emphasis. Prompting you to pick up the tale. "Yep, then we finish off our little practice session with another five-kilometer jog back to the tavern to drop off our gear and grab ourselves a couple drinks." You say with a smile before your stomach lets out a low rumble of hunger. Prompting you to chuckle nervously before continuing. "Speaking of, I could go for something to eat. How about you Star?" You ask as you look over to your partner with a gentle smile.

Who returns the gesture with a toothy grin. "Finally, I'm practically starving over here. Come on, let's grab our junk and see if Eclipse needs something before the market closes." Starfire says over her shoulder as she starts making her way over to the Apple family porch. Prompting you and the rest of the group to start following her before replying. "Oh, yea, Eclipse and I talked about that earlier. He said we were low on tomatoes and carrots. You say as Starfire makes her way onto the porch and swiftly puts her right foreleg inside her quivers belt strap. Only to sling it over her shoulder and onto her back.

"Tomatoes and carrots? Easy enough." Starfire says before tightening the quivers strap and secures it to her back. "Well shucks you two, Y'all can stick around for dinner if you're that famished. Celestia knows we cook more food than we can possibly eat. Plus we've got some spare tomatoes and carrots Y'all can have if ya can't live without them tell the market opens in the morning." Applejack says with a smile on her muzzle as she tip's her hat up a bit. Revealing her golden bangs hidden underneath.

"Aw, that's real thoughtful Aj, I really appreciate it. But my sister's coming over to dinner and well, me and her have some catching up to do after I introduce her to the guild." You start to say sorrowfully as make your way to your gear pile and start recollecting your items. Being sure to emphasize your point by strapping your sword to your left side, under your wing. Before giving the mare a sympathetic look and continuing. "I'm really sorry to say."

"Aw, Surgercube there ain't nothing to be sorry for." Applejack says gently as she wraps her right forehoof around your neck and carefully pulls you into a warm hug. All with a smile on her muzzle. "We Apple's know how important family is. Even if they ain't blood. Right, Y'all? Applejack asks as she directs your gaze over to the rest of her family. Who all vocalize their agreement with a "Darn tooting." From granny, a "Definitely." From Applebloom, and a deep and relaxed "Eyup." From Big Mac.

"So we won't keep you any longer than we have'ta." Applejack says as she pulls away from the one-legged embrace, only to walk in front of you to give you a determined smile as she quickly adjusts her stetson. "Just know, me and the rest of the family wanna invite you and the rest of your guild over to a proper Apple family dinner. And we ain't taking no for an answer down the road." Applejack says with a warm friendly smile and a firm hoof jab right into your chest. Causing you and Starfire to chuckle warmly.

"Well, we'll have to arrange something like that later. But..." Starfire pauses as she carefully slings her crossbow across her back and straps her sword to her side, only to quickly reattach her bit bag back to her side. "Right now there's some whiskey calling my name!" Starfire sings as she starts to slowly make her way off of the Apple families porch. Encouraging you to grab your shield in your mouth before gently placing it onto your back. Prompting you to carefully raise your wings up a little to keep it from sliding off your barrel. "Plus, Eclipse needs stuff from the market, you drunkard!" You jokingly say after Starfire as you sling the cloth bag full of the studying materials you got from Twilights back over your neck. Causing Starfire giggle before replying. "You're one to talk!" She playfully yells with a warm smile on her muzzle as she stops just a hoof step away from the porch to wait for you. Which causes you and Applejack to chuckle.

"Well, since you two are heading back to town, can I ask a favor of you two?" Applejack asks as her stetson tips back down over her bangs, causing the apple farmer to readjust it again. "Sure Aj, anything you need." You say warmly, causing Applejack's smile to practically beam warmth and joy. "Can you two make sure the fillies get back to town alright? That competition me and Rainbow had really made me hankering for some apple pie and fritters. And..." Applejack starts to say, only to be interrupted by Scootaloo.

"But I thought Rainbow Dash was going to take me home!" Scootaloo whines, prompting Applejack to give her a stern glare and you to make your way slowly over to Starfire and out of Applejacks way. "Now Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash is going to be joining us for dinner tonight. And you and the rest of the Crusaders are still in trouble for what Y'all did to the kitchen. And in light of all that's happened I just plum don't feel right letting you fillies walk back to town on your own. You hear?" Applejack says sternly before turning back to you and Starfire with a gentle smile.

"So, is that alright with you two?" Applejack asks with a gentle smile. Prompting you to return the gesture. "Yea, that's fine with me. Star?" You ask as you look over to your partner. Who has a similar smile on her muzzle. "We'd be happy too. Just as long as you're ok with us leaving right away." Starfire says with a warm smile, earning a couple of groans from Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and an excited whinny from Whirlwind.

"That's fine." Applejack says with a smile before turning to address her sister. In this time, Big Mac carefully starts helping Granny Smith inside their house, much to her apparent displeasure. "Now say goodbye to your friends Applebloom and make your way inside for dinner, and be sure to sure to wash your hooves before you sitting to eat." Applejack instructs her younger sister with an almost motherly smile before she quickly addresses you. "And I'll see you around Sky." She says in a whisper, as she moves past you and carefully opens the door for her brother and the Eldar mare. "Yea, I'll talk to you later." You say with a smile before suddenly feeling you're in the middle of a chaotic sea of motion, prompting you to quickly make your way off the pouch and stand next to Starfire. Allowing the situation to resolve itself unimpeded.

Which Applejack reply's with a tip of her hat before addressing her sister once more. "Come on Applebloom." "Alright." Applebloom replies sorrowfully before turning to the rest of the crusaders as the rest of her family, including Winona, make their way inside. Leaving you, Starfire, the crusaders and Rainbow Dash outside, who promptly takes a seat on the porch. "Seeya at the clubhouse tomorrow girls?" Applebloom asks as Whirlwind rushes over in front of you with a cheerful smile on her face before speaking.

"Your practice fight was amazing! Especially how you wield your swords with your hooves and not with your mouths. Like a griffin! Did a griffin teach you to fight?" Whirlwind cheerfully asks as she looks up at you with a puppy-eyed look and her tail wagging back and forth. Prompting you to nervously glance over to Starfire, who only returns the gesture with a knowing smile.

You give Whirly a smile before responding. "No, actually my father taught me. And he was a pegasus." You say with a chuckle as Whirlwinds eyes seemingly grow wider from your response. Causing you and Starfire to chuckle, but, you still manage to overhear the rest of the crusader's conversation in this time. " Yea, sure. We'll be there." Sweetie Belle starts before the group glances over to Whirlwind. "Or most of us will be at least." Scootaloo says jovially, prompting a smile to cross the crusader's muzzles.

"Great, well, see you later girls." Applebloom says as she turns and starts making her way to the farmhouse front door, managing to make her way past Rainbow Dash before earning a reply. "Seeya Applebloom." The rest of said in near unison as Applebloom makes her way up the farmhouse door, opens it with a gentle creek of old hinges, and makes her way inside. Prompting Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to turn and start making their way over toward you. only to be stopped as Rainbow Dash quickly gets up, and trot's in front of Scootaloo.

"What am I? Chopped liver?" Rainbow Dash asks in mock offense with a cocky smile on her muzzle before hugging Scootaloo and ruffling her hair. Causing Scootaloo to laugh and hug Rainbow Dash back. "Seeya later Rainbow." Scootaloo says between laughs as Rainbow Dash lets go of her, revealing a genuine smile on both of their muzzles. "Seeya squirt." Rainbow Dash says as she carefully attempts to fix the young mare's mane before allowing the two fillies to continue on their way.

"Alright everypony. Let's head out." Starfire says with a gentle smile as she turns and starts leisurely walking down the Apple families dirt road. Prompting Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Whirlwind to quickly trot to catch up to her, leaving you and Rainbow Dash still standing there. "I'll see you around miss Dash, and I hope you enjoy your dinner." You say with a smile as you slowly start backing up down the dirt path. Prompting Rainbow Dash to share a genuine smile with you as she turns and starts to leisurely make her way toward the farmhouse.

"See you around bar colt!" The Rainbow maned mare says happily over her shoulder, prompting you to turn around with a smile and gallop to catch up to Starfire. Who was looking back at you, the three fillies walking behind her as she leisurely walks down the dirt path. Allow you to catch up fairly quickly. Once you return to your place at your side, she gives you an almost knowing smile before rolling her eyes and letting out a gentle huff as she diverts her attention to her left. Causing you to chuckle to yourself as you turn your attention forward, down the winding dirt path that leads back to town.

As the five of you walked down this path, however. You spot Twilight walking up it, levitating some scroll in front of her in her magic, seemingly reading it rather than paying attention to her surroundings. However, as you continue down the path, Twilights left ear quickly twitches, prompting her to look up from her scroll with a shocked expression on her face. Upon the two of you making contact, she quickly rolls the scroll up in her magic and tries to hide it on her right side. Allowing you to see the scroll had the same golden seal with the red ribbon the scroll in the library had.

As you pass each other on the path, you and Starfire give the mare a friendly smile before you speak. "Afternoon miss Sparkle. Lovely day ain't it?" You ask with a gentle smile. Seemingly prompting the mare to return the gesture with a nervous smile and a small increase in speed, as she goes from walking to trotting. "Afternoon everypony." She says awkwardly as she quickly passes the five of you. Prompting Starfire to give you a confused look once she's out of earshot, before leaning close to you and whispering in your ear. "What do you think's got her so spooked?" She asks before the two of you turn and watching the librarian hurry down the dirt path with unusual fervor.

"I'm not sure." You whisper back as a sudden dread starts to fill your heart. "You didn't ruin things... Did you?" You think to yourself as you return your gaze back down the dirt road leading to Ponyville, the clopping of hooves against dirt and the smell of apples on the wind doing little to calm your nerves. Briefly, you look to the sky, finding the sun hanging a quarter of the way down in the sky... Signaling to you it was around five or six in the afternoon. Slowly giving way, to allow Luna's domain to reign over the land once more with her graceful night.

Act 2: Chapter 10

The walk back to town through the orchard was fairly peaceful, all things considering. You and Starfire remained mostly silent, as the two of you escorted the remainder of the Cutiemark crusaders back to town. Applejack was right to worry about timber wolves after all, and Luna damn you if you weren't going to take your job seriously. Even if it was just escorting a bunch of fillies down a dirt road... But you still prayed silently to both goddesses that a pack of timber wolves or worse, a cockatrice wouldn't magically appear down the road a way's.

But, besides your debatably reasonable paranoia, you and Starfire shared a fairly comfortable silence as the two of you idly scanned the orchard as you walked. Allowing Whirlwind, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo to have their own hushed conversations in relative safety. Which you had to admit, made you feel a small amount of pride that you were proving your mother wrong about your mark... You quickly shake the thought of your mother from your mind, knowing full well that those memories, only lead down one dark road and instead you go back to focusing on the horizon, and trying to eavesdrop the crusader's conversation.

While you couldn't make out what was being said, Whirlwind sounded the most excited out of the group, while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belles tone of voices frequently ranged from sounding interested in what Whirlwind was saying, to sounding insistent. Then back to sounding bored or like they're trying to convince her about something obvious. After a few more minutes of this, Whirlwind briskly trotted up on your left side, between you and Starfire, leaving Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to their conversations before addressing you.

"Um... Sky?" Whirlwind spoke in a near whisper, prompting you to give her your full undivided attention. "Yea Whirly? Whatchya need?" You ask with a gentle smile before really looking at Whirlwind. Who once again seemed extremely timid, with her ears flat against her head and wings tucked protectively around her sides. Not to mention the fact she was avoiding eye contact with you. Prompting your smile to fade instantaneously, only to be replaced with concern.

"Something the matter kiddo?" You continue, failing to hide the concerned tone in your voice, which seemingly prompts Whirlwind to finally look up at you with a nervous smile. "No, nothing wrong it's just... can you walk me and Scoot's home? It's getting late and well..."She says timidly, before briefly pausing, only to nervously look around, before dropping her voice back down to a near whisper to a near whisper and continuing. "I don't want a timberwolf to get us." She says nervous, with a fearful look in her eyes. Which causes you to return the look with a soft chuckle.

"Sure thing kid. Me and Star will make sure the two of you get home safe." You say confidently, as you ruffle her mane a little with your left forehoof. Causing her to chuckle and gain a small smile before you continue. "But, that means you two will have to accompany us to the market." You pause briefly to look back at the two fillies behind you with a smile, as you make eye contact with Scootaloo and continue. "That ok with you kid?" You ask, prompting her to nervously smile back at you and nod before replying. "Sure, it's fine with me..." She pauses before breaking eye contact with you and looking at Whirlwind.

"T-though I d-don't know w-why you'd be scared Whirly... T-timberwolves m-make it past the g-guard." Scootaloo continues to say nervously, causing you and Starfire to give the young fillies a reassuring smile. "Still, you can never be too careful, a timberwolf on its own is timid and easily spooked. But get a pack of them..." Starfire briefly pauses to let out a soft puff of air for emphasis as she turns her gaze back to her front, her tone turning dour and cold.

"Then they get bold, calculated and extremely aggressive. A small pack like the one last night will start hitting ranches and orchards for food and lumber to bolster their ranks. Giving them the confidence to attack the occasional unlucky trader that crosses their path. But, if they get big enough, and hunters can't thin their numbers well enough, they could easily rampage through a small town like this with ease." Starfire says in an uncharacteristically grim tone as she averts her gaze to the horizon, looking like she was watching something unfold for the thousandth time. Her ear's flat against her head as she does so, causing you to give her a concerned look.

But, before you could ask if something was the matter, Whirlwind's shaky voice breaks the silence. "D-do you t-think they will?" She says, causing you to return your attention to the fillies, and cause Starfire's ears to perk up as she does the same. Concern prevalent on her features as the two of you see three trembling fillies, which causes you to shoot a glare at Starfire, who nervously chuckles before replying. "Nah kiddo, I don't feel like they'll be coming around these parts for a long while. Especially after the thrashing we gave them last night." Starfire says gently as she gently pats Whirlwinds mane with a forehoof, seemingly calming the fillies before her expression turns stern and she continues.

"But, if Timberwolves do come through Ponyville, just get yourselves to safety secured in a basement or something and let the guild and guards handle it. Killing timberwolves is my special talent after all." Starfire says with a pride-filled smile, the information causing the fillies to completely lose the nervous expressions on their muzzles, only to quickly be replaced by looks of awe and wonder, followed by a resounding "Woah." from the fillies, as the faint sound of sounds of voices, hoof steps on cobble and the rolling of cartwheels start to fill the air. Slowly growing louder with each step towards the Ponyville market.

"How did you manage to get a mark doing that?" Scootaloo asks as the dirt beneath your hooves slowly starts to turn to cobble and the orchard starts to open up to the outskirts of the market, where the sound of the market intensified drastically as if you were walking out of the hallway inside a dreadnought into its engine room. ponies were walking too and fro, picking up groceries and various other goods from some local vendors as the idle drum of conversation and general activity fills the air at long last.

Starfire smiles proudly at the questions as she speaks. "Well, I got it killing my first timberwolf of course. I was right around you fillies age as a matter of fact." Starfire says as she raises her muzzle proudly to the sky, without breaking general eye contact with the fillies. Which causes you to chuckle to chuckle as the fillies practically shouted in unison. "Please tell us!" as they jumped in place. Bringing the group to a stop in the middle of the market street, causing you to playfully roll your eyes at Starfire, who responded by theatrically turn to face the fillies with a smile, as she briefly prepared herself for the story she loved to tell. One you've heard a thousand times before.

"Well, there I was, eating breakfast at home with my three brothers, Axel, Brush, and Chip. Daddy had already left for the morning to tend to the cattle after assigning us our daily chores. Axel was expose to fix the wheel on the family wagon, while my younger brothers were expose to tend the wheat fields and get them ready for the coming harvest. Daddy though wanted me to meet him out by the pasture for a "lesson." or so he put it." Starfire says with a few theatrical waves of her right forehoof before continuing.

"Anyways, once we were done eating we all set out to do our respective tasks. The sun was just starting to crest the horizon and... as I made my way toward the pasture, I noticed there was the distinct smell of iron in the breeze." Starfire says as she with a subtle scrunch of her nose, as if she was reliving the smell for a second before continuing. You quickly glance down to the three fillies, who were all sitting on their haunches, practically captivated by the story and never breaking eye contact with Starfire.

But, Starfire shakes her head a little and continues. "Which out there, usually means one of two things. The first being butcher day for some of the older cattle, or... something got to the cattle." Starfire pauses dramatically as the fillies, and after letting the suspense hang in the air for a bit, she continues with a smile and a chuckle. "Personally, I thought pa wanted to teach me how to butcher the cattle. Seeing that I was the last in my family to get my cutie mark. But, I was in for a shock when I crested a small hill overlooking the pasture and saw Pa... standing next to three absolutely mangled young calves, and their mother." Starfire continued as the fillies gasped again.

"So, I quickly made my way over to pa, and noticed that there was something fairly peculiar about what pa was holding. Let alone wearing." Starfire pauses briefly, to make sure the foals were listening before continuing. "He was wearing this old looking steel armor, the straps and plating looked as though they have been through several scrapes, and in his hooves were two very distinctive weapons. One, being the sword he used for killing some of the older cattle to be butchered... and the other." Starfire starts to say as she carefully takes her crossbow off her back brandishes it in her forehooves before continuing.

"And the other, a crossbow, which he hoofed over to me... along with its accessory. Saying that "This crossbow and quiver was your mothers. Back when she was still around, she was one Tartarus of a shot... Now Star... I won't be around here forever and well... somepony's going to have to look after the farm when I'm gone. Now come along, it's time you learned how to do such things." Starfire said as she started to gently caress the stock of her unloaded crossbow with a smile, as she continued.

"So, he brought me up into the woods, and over the next couple hours, he taught me how to decern timber wolf tracks from other critters. How to tell how many there were, and most importantly, how to safely load a crossbow and fire it. When night finally fell across the land. He did the one thing that terrified me to my core." Starfire said as she looked up from her weapon, her gentle smile turning into a neutral expression. Prompting the fillies to all ask "What was it?!?" in near unison.

Causing a small barely noticeable grin to cross her muzzle before she continued her story. "He took me on my first hunt." Starfire said vaguely, giving the fouls a teasing smile, letting you know she probably did that on purpose. "Well, what happened?!?" Scootaloo practically begged, causing you to chime in. "Come on Star, you can't be that vague." You say with a chuckle, causing her to playfully roll her eyes and dismissively wave a hoof at you with a pff. "Oh, shush. It's called building suspense." Starfire replies with a chuckle as you roll your eyes in response as you feel a smile spread across your muzzle.

"Now, where was I?" Starfire placed a forehoof on her chin in thought for a second before continuing. "Oh yes. So, that night, Pa packed a couple saddle backs full of the essentials, water, dried food, bandages. You know, that sorta thing, and we set off into the night. " Starfire said as she waved her left forehoof for emphasis before she continued

"The night carried with it a bitter chill, as me and my father trecked into the woods. I won't lie... I clutched my crossbow tight to my chest and practically jumped a mile high at every small noise out there, while my father stayed calm. He kept scanning the ground and treeline with this... gaze. Like he had done this a thousand times before. Like he had seen everything out there, monster and beast and nothing surprised him anymore. And... well... his composure was the only thing that kept me from running off back to the ranch.

It didn't take long before my father held his right forehoof out and stopped me in my tracks. His eyes briefly shot to me before he whispered. "Look, Stary. These are what timberwolf tracks look like." As he motioned to the ground in front of us. I gulped and followed his gaze to see various square indentations in the mud with three sharper indentations in front of it. My father then whispered. "Imagine a crate sized box in your mind Stary, and lay that box over the tracks, then tell me how many paw prints you count." And so I did, and I continued four.

So I whispered. "Four, Pa, I count four prints... but what does that have to do with anything?" "Well Stary, he replied in a hushed as he turned toward me with a gentle smile across his muzzle and continued. "Timberwolves only have four paws and usually travel in a column like formation if they aren't hunting. Along with that, their strides tend to be about a crates length in size." Pa whispered before looking back at the tracks and continuing.

"Looks like we got lucky, these tracks seem to be from the pack scout. If we hurry, we might be able to keep the rest of the pack from hitting the rest of the livestock for a while." He whispered as we started to carefully follow the tracks deeper into the woods." Starfire said with a genuine smile across her muzzle as she regaled her tale, moving her hooves around for emphasis. But, as she took another breath to continue, Whirlwind spoke up.

"Pack scouts? Timberwolves have scouts?" Whirlwind asks with more curiosity in her voice than fear, causing Starfire to look at her with a gentle smile. "She alway's loved it when ponies asked questions about that story." You think you yourself with a smile as Starfire replies.

"Yep, timberwolf packs send out omega's to find area's suitable for their beta's to raid. If the omega's don't return from an area, the pack avoids the area for a while. If none of the omega's return, they send small packs of beta's out scouting, and if none of those come back, it forces the alpha out of hiding." Starfire said with a smile as she unholstered he unloaded crossbow and idly held it in her hooves.

"So... the Timberwolves that attacked the Apple family orchard last night were beta's?" Sweetie Belle asked, seeming more fascinated than afraid. "Yep, they were. Now, if nopony has any more questions left..." Starfire said sweetly with a gentle smile, as the three fillies shake their heads in response. "Great, so me and Pa cautiously followed the Timberwolves trail through the brush. Pa was scanning the treeline for any sign that the Timberwolf doubled back while I pre-emptivly pulled the string to my crossbow back." Starfire said as she pulled the string back on her crossbow and secured it before she continued.

"But I still followed Pa's example and continued to look for further signs of timberwolves. Scared to see a pair of glowing green eyes staring right back at me. Eventually, after what felt like hours, Pa reached his right hoof out again and stopped me, only to instantly motioning for me to be quiet and get down as he laid down on his belly. Prompting me to quickly do the same. Once down and out of sight, Pa pulled me up to him and whispered into my ear. "Do you see it?" as he motioned to a small brush patch across a small house-sized clearing in front of us.

I shook my head no and he whispered again. "Watch and listen, keep a close eye on the brush ahead, but don't ignore your surroundings." So, I did. I focused in on the brush, and at first, I thought Pa was seeing things. But, after a few seconds, a brief rustling in the brush brought my attention towards it as it stepped out into the clearing. I had alway's imagined timberwolves as big hulking dogs of wood ready to tear a filly like me to shreds and to be honest, it matched my worsed nightmares, and I froze. Everything from it's haunting eldritch eyes to its timber fang's and claw's mesmerized my gaze as it looked about the clearing.

It was apparent it hadn't noticed us yet, but Pa wasted no time in bringing me back from the edge of fear as he whispered in my ear once more. "It's ok to be afraid my little Stary, but tonight, let's do something about that." And then he proceeded to slowly, and carefully pull out one of the wrapped fire arrows we made earlier from my quiver and held it out to me. I looked at it, then him in shock, but... he gave me this cool smile that just reassured me everything would be alright before he whispered and motioned his muzzle to his sword. "I don't worry, I won't let any harm come to you. Go on. I'll help guide your shot."

And with shaky hooves, I carefully loaded the arrow into my crossbow, and Pa whispered into my ear again. Saying "Now Stary, this is very important. When you take the shot on a creature such as this, focus on where the arrow is going to go, and breath. These monster's catch fire easily, so all you need is a glancing hit." He proceeded to pull a lighter out of his saddlebag and hold it in his forehooves before continuing to whisper. "Now, when you stand up, I'll light it for you and draw my sword, but you have to take the shot, understand?" To that, I nodded. I was scared out of my wits but Pa never failed to keep me safe.

He then whispered again. "Hey, I love you Stary." and caressed my cheek with this proud smile across his muzzle that filled me with all the courage I could ever need and so I stood up and took aim." Starfire said as she took a firing position, and aimed her unloaded crossbow over the fillies toward the orchard, prompting the fillies to look up at her in amazement as other ponies in the market who were eavesdropping now turned to watch out of curiosity. Undeterred by the sudden attention, she continued her performance.

"Pa quickly lit my arrow with his lighter and clambered to his hooves as well, drawing his sword as the Timberwolves eyes met mine. Fear once again clawed at my heart, threatening to paralyze me but... The thought of this wolf going back to its pack to tell them of my family's ranch... gave me all the resolve I needed.

So, I took a breath." Starfire said as she took in a noticeable breath of air. "And as the Timberwolf made to charge... I fired." Starfire continued as she pulled her crossbow's trigger, causing the sting to fly forward, only to be stopped in its place by the raiser. Causing the fillies and a couple of other ponies to gasp. But she continued undeterred. "And my arrow struck true, landing right in the Timberwolves shoulder, instantly catching the monster a fire, forcing it to the ground. Dead, in a bonfire of wood and twigs.

Then, suddenly there was a flash of light, as my Pa sheathed his sword, and when it faded and I looked at him, he gave me the pride-filled smile I've ever seen and hugged me. Saying "I'm so proud of you my little bonfire." and when I looked at my flank, I had my cutie mark." Starfire finished with a joyous smile on her muzzle as she tapped her cutie mark with her crossbow, causing the now gathering crowd let out a couple of sweet "Aww's", fillies included while a few of the crowd's member's clapped their hooves together for the regaled tail, and you promptly did the same with a smile on your muzzle.

"That was amazing!" Whirlwind yelled as the three crusader's got to their hooves. "Yea! You were so brave against those Timberwolves! I hope one day I can be as brave as you." Sweetiebelle exclaimed, causing Starfire to chuckle. "Alright, alright, settle down now, we've got to get you fillies home, and I don't wanna explain why three fillies are rilled up and late." Starfire said with a motherly tone as she looked you in the eyes with a soft genuine smile, but before you could speak, Scootaloo chimed in. "Can we at least hear Sky's cutie mark story?" Scootaloo whines, prompting you to chuckle as you look down at the fillies.

"Maybe another time kids, time to get you home." You replied, causing the three fillies to whine as a stallion calls out from the market. "Twenty minutes till market closes! Twenty minutes!" The stallion called, causing you and Starfires eyes to widen. "Ok, change of plans," Starfire says rapidly as she slings her crossbow back over her shoulder. "Sky, you take the fillies home and I'll grab stuff at the market, we'll meet up in town square alright?" Starfire rapidly said as she slowly started to back up towards the market stalls.

"Not an issue, come on kids. Let's get you home." You say as you start to usher the foals along down the main road into town, prompting Starfire to take off into the market and Whirlwind and Scootaloo to groan. Sweetiebelle quickly chimes. "I actually live at the carousel boutique with my sister, Rarity. So is it ok if I walk there myself?" Sweetie Belle asked as she pointed her right forehoof in the direction of the boutique, which was the toward the east of town from the market.

"Your sister ok with you wandering around by yourself?" You ask quizzically as you give the filly an eye raise. "Yea, she's fine with it as long as I stay within the town limits." She says with a cheerful smile as you give her a gentle smile in return. "Well, alright. But if I get a complaint from your sister or Applejack about this I'll be rather cross." You say with a chuckle, causing Sweetie Belle to snicker. "Don't worry mister sword, I'll be alright." Sweetie Belle said with a polite smile. "Alright, have a nice rest of the afternoon Sweetie Belle." You say with a smile as you turn to the other two crusaders.

"Come on you two, let's get you home." You continue, allowing the Crusaders to quickly say their goodbye's before Sweetie Belle briskly trots away, while the last two crusaders continue walking down Ponyvilles main road with you close behind.

Act 2: Chapter 11

The walk down the cobbled street was peaceful, or well. However peaceful a walk through town could be, Ponies walked too and fro throughout the small town's streets. Some carrying carts of goods with them to the market to sell, while others galloped along with friends or family, happily chatting away as they made their way to destinations unknown. That's not to say the streets were crowded, It was just loud. Something that you weren't sure you'd ever get used to. Especially being from a city that didn't have street's to roll carts along. You took particular notice that one of the carts being pulled by a light grey stallion adorned an orange merchants banner, signaling they're a member of the Scolding roads trade company.

"Well, that's new." You think to yourself as you continue to keep Scootaloo in the corner of your eye, making sure not to lose the fillies. "Usually Scolding roads sticks around the southern trade posts, it's pretty rare to see somepony from there in central Equestria. Maybe a spice merchant trying to expand their route? A bit late for the market today friend." You continue to think to yourself as a voice quickly draws you back from your idle observations and directs your attention to your right side. Only to see Whirlwind now walking at your side while Scootaloo continued to lead the way.

"Do you alway's space out like that?" Whirlwind asked with a concerned look on her face as the two of you continue to follow Scootaloo. "I'm not spacing Whirly, merely observing our surrounding's, and acknowledging a rarity before our eyes." You say as you motion towards the merchant with your head as he walks past. Causing Scootaloo to glance over and respond. "That's just a merchant, they come by all the time." She says with a scoff and a little eye roll. Causing you to chuckle.

"No, no. That Caravan was from the Scolding roads trade company. They're pretty rare to see this far into central Equestria." You say with a soft smile, seemingly catching the young fillies full attention. "How'd you know where the caravan was from? He wasn't wearing anything special." Whirlwind asks as she takes another glance behind the group. Presumably to look at the caravan. "Caravans have little banners on them that signify what trade company they belong too." You pause briefly and gently rub your chin in thought as you continue to walk down the cobbled road.

"To my knowledge, there are at least five major trade companies across Equestria. Six if you account for the one that comes down from the Crystal Empire." You state with a smile as you return your forehoof back to its previous task of keeping pace with the fillies. "Really?" Scootaloo asked curiously as she turned left down a small side road near the center of town, prompting you and Whirlwind to follow. "Yep, one for each major region in Equestria." You say with a bright smile.

"What do they all trade? Is it really fancy stuff?" Whirlwind asks as she excitedly hops a couple of times alongside you. Causing you to chuckle before responding. "Well, let's see." You ponder on the question as you think back to your time in the Canterlot markets. "Well, the Scolding roads trade company usually trades spices and exotic minerals. Like crystals, gold, silver, etcetera. That was the merchant we just passed. Quills and Crates had a purple caravan banner and traded basically whatever they wanted. Didn't really specialize in anything. Central Equestria is a bit mixed developed, so it wouldn't make sense to specialize in anything." You briefly paused as Whirlwind gives you a confused look.

"You know, mixed developed. Like, some parts of it are farmland, others are mines and city centers?" You say, earning a long "Oooooh." From Whirlwind. Causing you to continue with a chuckle. "Now, let's see... The trading company to the east is called the Pristine Seas, land and seas trade company. They adorned a blue banner on their caravans and merchant ships, and they usually trade in exotic items from the Zebra's homeland and Griffon kingdom... I... Can't remember the name of the trade company to the west. But I know they have a green banner and trade agricultural stuff. Like wheat, lumber, etcetera. You know basic agricultural stuff.

The two trade companies up north are The Crystal trade way, and Frozen highways, both ship relatively the same thing. Ores, warm clothes, exotic crystals. Anything that can be mined from the earth really. Frozen highways has a white banner with a blue snowflake embedded in it. I honestly couldn't tell you for certain what the Crystal trade way's flag looks like." You finally finish as the three of you continue to walk down the lonely residential street. During your speech about how to identify trade companies, Whirlwind was seemingly paying attention with a wrapped interest on the subject, while it seemed as though Scootaloo just tuned you out. Only giving you the occasional head nod, as she looked at the homes passing by.

Which you didn't mind, you were known to ramble on quite a bit. "Huh... what's it like being apart of a caravan?" Whirlwind asked with a curious yet determined look in her eyes, causing Scootaloo's ear to twitch. "Looks like someponies listening again." You think to yourself with a chuckle before responding. "Hard, but nice. You're alway's on the clock, but there are perks to the job." "What kind of perks?" Whirlwind asked as Scootaloo tilted her head back towards you curiously.

"Well, meals and sleep accommodations are on the caravan masters dime, and getting paid to travel is really nice." You say with a soft smile before continuing. "The only downside I really found was getting attacked by timberwolves occasionally. But those weren't usually a big problem." You gently say as Whirlwind smiles up at you. "I really hope I can travel Equestria one day, just like you." She said gently, causing you to chuckle as the warm feeling of pride to rises up in your chest. All as the group started to slow down to a snail's pace, signifying reaching your destination. But you ignored it for the moment.

"Speaking of, I am going to have to talk to your folks pretty soon about the matter." You say with a gentle smile as you look around your general surrounding, only to have that smile instantly erased. The joy you once felt swiftly replaced with heartbreak as you realize exactly where you were. Exactly where the fillies had led you. The three of you stood outside of a large, stone brick, two-story building with black shingled roofing, and a metal fenced in yard. The cobblestone path branched out to the double wooden door of the building, with a sign engraved above it that instantly made you regret your words. "Ponyville Hillside Orphanage."

You gulp in an attempt to settle the thousands of thoughts screaming at you for your carelessness, as you slowly look back towards Whirlwind, only to see a frown now adorning her muzzle. "I... don't live with my parents any...more." Whirlwind timidly says as her ear's fall back against her head, and she begins gently pawing at the ground with her right forehoof. "I see... I.. I'm sorry." Is all you can stutter as your heart broke for the fillies in front of you. "It's fine... I didn't really know them anyway." Whirlwind replied as she continued to paw at the ground, only for Scootaloo to chime in.

"Least you've met them, I've never even met my parents. Madame Rain Blossom has been caring for me for as long as I can remember." Scootaloo says matter of factly, causing your heart to break in your chest. Sure, you might not like your family, but, at least you were lucky enough to have them around to form that opinion. But, before you could say anything further, the front door to the orphanage slowly swings open, as a mare, seemingly a little older than you, makes her way outside and down the orphanage's path.

The mare looked as though she was in her thirty's, and had a light blue coat with a dark blue mane. Her magenta eyes were soft and caring, but one feature of her's made you cringe internally. Her left wing was horribly scarred with burns, along with a part of her lower left forehoof. Leaving the wing completely featherless. You give the mare a sympathetic look as she approaches you, but she returns it a small understanding smile before speaking.

"There you two are. Hurry up inside, dinner's just about ready." She says with a soft, almost motherly tone. Prompting the fillies to action with a smile. "Yes, Madame Blossom!" And, as the two fillies started to run past her, Whirlwind briefly turns around and yells. "Thank you, mister Sword for walking us home!" Prompting Scootaloo to yell. "Yea, thank's Sky!" Before the two of them swiftly make their way inside. Prompting you to and Madame Blossom to chuckle. "Any time!" You yell after them, knowing full well they probably couldn't hear you.

Madame Blossom sighs with a soft smile on her muzzle as she watches the fillies make their way inside the orphanage, only to chuckle sweetly before turning to address you. "Thank you for making sure those fillies made their way home. I assume Applejack sent you in her stead?" Madame Blossom said with a gentle smile. "Yea, It's dinner time for them over there, and she really pushed herself today. So, since I was heading this way any way she asked me to make sure they got home alright. I hope that's ok." You say with a gentle roll of your hoof for emphasis.

Which causes the mare to chuckle. "As long as my foals get home safe, I see no issue with it... Mister Sword was it?" She asks curiously, although her warm gentle smile never faded, even for a second. "Oh, please, Mister Sword was my grandfather. My name's Skyward Sword, at your service." You say with a chuckle as you hold out your right forehoof, one which she promptly takes in her own.

"Well, it's good to meet you Skyward, my name's Rain Blossom, although, the fouls have taken to calling me, Madame Blossom." She says with a brief chuckle as the two of you shake before she continues. "Whirlwind has spoken a lot about you as of late." She finishes, causing you to chuckle as the two of you return your hooves to the ground once more.

"Yea, it seems that the crusaders believe she'll find her cutie mark in adventuring. If you'd believe it." You say with a soft smile, as Rains expression turns to that of concern, briefly causing her smile to falter. "Adventuring huh? Sounds a bit dangerous for a young filly such as herself..." Rain Blossom says, desperately struggling to keep her soft gentle tone of voice as she speaks, which causes you to quickly amend. "That's why I've been hesitant on what to do exactly. It would seem that she seeks an apprenticeship with my guild... And she does seem to have taken a keen interest in the trade. But, I won't proceed with a thing without your blessing, of course." You say quickly, seeming to lessen the mares concerns a little, as she lets out a long sigh.

"Of course... What would an apprenticeship entail for her?" She asks, worry still plain on her face with a slight hint of fear in her eyes. "Nothing too dire, she'd just be joining me and my partner Starfire out on our weekly training sessions. Hike out toward the training grounds, practice with a wooden sword for a while, teach her the basics about such things." You start, and Rain Blossom nods as you continue. "Now, the guild isn't going to be taking apprentices for a while yet, so you have a while yet to talk to her about it... If it helps, I've noticed she's picked up the craft of sharpening steel fairly well... and I do know of a blacksmith up in Cloudsdale that might be looking for an apprentice... The lass has options." You add with a nervous chuckle, which seems to put the mare at ease.

"Thank you, Mister Sword, I... think I'll talk to her tonight about it... Might I ask, are there any terms to gain an apprenticeship with your guild she would have to follow?" Rain Blossom asks as her expression still looks anxious. "Oh, you know. Just the standard have good grades at the end of the school year, study the guild rule, hoopla." You start to say as you rub your neck with your right foreleg before chuckling. "Honestly, we haven't really come up with anything. We're a newer guild, and as I've said, we aren't taking apprentices yet. So we really don't have a set... thing." You say with a nervous chuckle, causing Rain Blossom to giggle herself.

"I see, I must..." Rain Blossom starts, only to be cut off as the Orphanage door swings open behind her, and a young earth pony colt with a black coat and a blue mane yells out. "Madame Blossom! We've set the table! Are you coming for dinner?!" The young foal yells, prompting the mare to instantly brighten up and turn around with a chuckle, giving the foul a soft smile before replying. "Of course! I'll be but a moment!" She yells before turning to you and giving you a joyful smile. "Seems my foals require me at once more. It was truly nice meeting, you Mister Sword." She says as she holds her right hoof out toward you, prompting you to shake it with your own as you reply.

"You as well Madame Blossom." You barely finish before the young colt at the door yells again. "Do you want us to start making plates?!" Prompting Rain Blossom to turn with a chuckle and start walking up the path with a spring in her step. "No, that's quite alright. I'll pour everypony their soup and after we eat we'll all head to the park for some games." She replies back with a hint of genuine joy in her voice as the young colt gains a wide smile. "Really!?!" The young colt says starting to hop in place as Rain Blossom approaches him and gently rubs his mane.

"Of course, now come along." She says sweetly before glancing back at you with a smile and gently shutting the door behind her and the colt as they make their way inside. Leaving you to stand there dumbly for a second, before turning around, and leisurely starting to make your way back down the cobbled street toward the main road. Letting your mind wander and your soundings fade as you pass by the same rustic style of cottages that make up the small village of Ponyville. Going on autopilot, as you turn left and make your way to your meeting spot with Starfire. Ponyville town hall.

Act 2: Chapter 1: The Morning After

A loud repeating knock on wood slowly draws you from your drunken slumber. Carefully you roll over on the cool yet soft and fluffy material beneath you as you try to ignore the annoying sound. Though it remains persistent, each knock on the wooden material causes a shockwave of pain to ripple throughout your head. Reminding you why you hated getting drunk in the first place.

Soon the rhythmic knocks on wood turned into loud frantic bangs joined by what sounded like Starfire's voice. She yelled something that only came out muffled through what was most likely a door, which you were too hungover to pay much mind to. Knowing she won't stop until she breaks down your door, you let out a sigh and lazily open your eyes, briefly scanning the room around you.

Your vision was blurry, making the room nearly unrecognizable. But slowly you blink away the haze from your vision and get a proper view of the room. You were laying on your cloud bed in the guild hall, though it did look as though somepony went rummaging through your things. Most notably your sword wasn't where you’d usually leave it, nor was your armor and shield on the armor stand.

Feeling a familiar weight to yourself, you look down to see you're still wearing your armor, as bloodstained and dingy as it might be. But a crimson-stained bandage on your right hind leg catches your eye, reminding you to why you drank so much last night. With a sigh you slowly roll out of bed onto all three uninjured hooves and briefly try to put weight on the wounded one, only to yelp as pain shoots up your leg, forcing your hind leg back up against your body.

The frantic knocking continues as you slowly limp your way toward the door. “This better be good.” You whisper to yourself as you unlatch the door. “I already feel like death incarnate thanks to last night, and Star has to go and bang on my door at what?” You murmur to yourself before briefly looking out the window at the other side of the room, only to be greeted by an orange hazed sky.

“Morning?” You continue as you fling open the door to see a light yellow coated mare with green eyes and a light brown mane that has a dark brown stripe over her left eye. “Star you better have a damn good…” You start to chastise her, but stop once you notice the fear in her eyes.

“Sky… there are…. The Timberwolves are trashing the town.” She says between breaths, though her breathing starts to quicken as if whatever adrenaline she had used to get here was starting to fuel her anxiety. On top of that she wasn't wearing her armor, nor did she have her crossbow on her. “Then where’s Eclipse?” You ask simply, not knowing whether to take this as a well-executed prank or a serious situation.

“H-he’s waiting outside the guild hall door, he said…” Starfire was tried to explain between breaths before the loud crack of shattering wood directed both of your attention toward the guild hall door. Standing in the place of the once sturdy door was two very bloody Timberwolves, one of them growled in delight at the sight of two new prey.

The sight of what was in the second's teeth caused your stomach to fall into a pit, and Starfire to scream. In the jaws of the second timberwolf, was the bloodied corpse of a purple-maned, white coated stallion unicorn. Blood dripped from the stump where his left foreleg should have been as he dangled in the mouth of the timberwolf.

Though at the sight of you and Starfire, the timberwolf tossed Eclipses corpse off to the side of the room, where he landed on his back, giving you the full view of his dark blue eyes, once filled with joy and life. Now vacant and cold. The first timberwolf began its charge at the two of you, prompting you into action. “Bucking run!” You yell as you try to run out of your room and to the left towards the big window. Though you can really only manage a fast walk on three hooves.

You look over your shoulder as Starfire screams again. She stumbles to turn around to follow you. However, the Timberwolf wastes no time closing the distance on the poor mare, biting down on the mare's midsection with the loud crunch of bones and flesh. Crushing the mare's lungs, and turning her loud scream for help into a silent plea, as she makes eye contact with you.

The light, slowly fading from the young mare's eyes as blood begins to seep out of her muzzle. Briefly, she manages to raise her left forehoof out toward you before mouthing the words “Help...me.” as she weakly struggles against the Timberwolves maw, the second wolf at this point decided to join in the action and charges you.

Tears start to make their way down your face as you run for all your worth. The sound of the second timberwolves wooden paws on your guild hall floor only encouraging you to run faster, lest you meet the same gruesome fate as your friends. It only takes seconds for you to make it to the window, the world seemingly begins to blur around you, only to be filled with the horrific sounds of wooden paws on the guilds rug and the occasional slosh of tearing flesh behind you.

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, you dive through the window. Glass shattering all around you, cutting into your now unfurling wings. Briefly, you get a view of the small town of Ponyville, once a quiet hamlet in the shadow of Canterlot, now a burning pyre of the dead or dying. Packs of timberwolves patrolled the streets below, chasing ponies trying to flee their ravenous pursuers while some cottages and shops burned nearby.

This brief moment of freedom, however, was short-lived as the all too familiar feeling of jagged wood tore into your hind leg followed by an overwhelming pull that began dragging you down to the ground below. Against your will, you let out a blood-curdling scream as you quickly looked back to what was dragging you down.

The timberwolf that killed Eclipse was firmly clamped onto your leg, apparently, it made the dive after you, ensuring both of your demise as the ground quickly rose up to meet you. “See you two soon.” Is the last thing you think to yourself before your body impacts the ground with a loud thump.