Chapters Chapter 1.Saying goodbye.
Newly appointed Royal Equestria Ranger Twilight Sparkle was in her room of her parents house. checking over her gear. She was ready to ride out with her friend and fellow Ranger Spike to Ponyville. It would be thier first assignment. Twilight had just put on her badge. A encircled 5 point star that said in black letters."MINISTRY OF JUSTICE" "ROYAL EQUESTRIA RANGER" and her gunbelt and checked her Colt Peacemaker 44-40 revolver. After ensuring the six shooter had only 5 in the clyinder and making sure the hammer rested on an empty chamber. Twilight holstered her gun on her right. And put her bowie knife in her seath in her left. And put extra ammo in the gunbelts bullet loops.Just then her mother Velvet walked in.
Velvet asked, "Twilight dear. Are you ready??"
Twilight replied, "Almost mom. Where's dad?? "
Velvet said," You father is getting Solaris ready."
Twilight replied," Oh good. "
Then Twilight noticed her mom sitting on Twilights bed and started getting teary eyed.
Twilight sat on her bed and asked, "What's wrong mom?"
Velvet sighed and said, "It's just yesterday, you were my little girl. Now today, you're leaving. Going out on your own. It's makes me so proud, and sad at the same time."
Twlight put her arm around her mom and said, "Mom. I'll come vist, when I can."
Velvet replied, "I know, but It won't be the same as having you here all the time."
Twilight then asked, "Mom. Is this about me leaving for Ponyville? Of is this about me being a Ranger?"
Velvet answered, "Maybe both I guess. I mean You wanted to be a Ranger since you were a little girl. I was hoping you would grow out of it. Once you became Princess Celestias student, but I suppose once you made up your mind. You were going to do what your heart is set on. I just worry about you. That's all. Ranger or not."
Twilight smiled and said, "I love you mom. And I'm gonna miss you and dad and Shining."
Velvet repiled, " I love you too dear. Now come on. I think you dad has Solaris ready."
Twilight then got off her bed and put on her hat and grabbed her Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle.Then both Twlight and her mom went downstairs and Twilight went out side and her mom went into the kitchen.
Twilight walked up to the stable and saw her dad and her unicorn stallion she named Solaris ,because of his blonde mane.
Twilight looked at her father gave him a peck on the cheek and said, "Good moring daddy."
Night Light looked at his daughter and smiled and said, "Good moring sweetheart. Are you ready to go?"
Twilight replied, "Sure am. As soon as Spike gets here and I saddle up Solaris."
Night Light said, "I gave Solaris some extra oats and water.So he wont get hungry out on the trail."
Twilight said, "OK.Thanks dad."
Twilight then entered the stable and saw her unicorn. She walked up to him and scratched behind his ear.Solaris moved his head and gave a friendly snort as he enjoyed the attention.
Twilight said, "Good morning Solaris. Are you ready to go this morning?"
Solaris then looked he nodded. Twilight then brushed hin. Then put on his saddle blanket. Then out her saddle on the unicorn. And put her rifle in the side scabbard and her folding shotgun in a smaller scabbard on the other side. Then Twilight heard her friend and fellow Ranger Spike ride up on his earth horse "Nacho".
Twilight saw Spike and said, "Hi Spike.You ready?"
Spike replied,"Anytime you are Twilight." Then Spike saw Twilights parents come out from the house, he tipped his hat and said, "Moring Mr.Sparkle. Mrs. Sparkle."
Night Light nodded and said, "Morning to you too Spike. So you ready for Ponyville?"
Spike nodded back and replied," I sure am sir.I'm ready to help put desperados in the pokey."
Night Light then said," Well just you two be careful. Remember as A Ranger, bad guys are all around." THen he handed Twilight a wooden box and said, "This is for you"
Twilight opened the box and inside was a Pepperbox pistol shot top break revolver.
Twilight said,"Daddy. This your old Pepperbox."
Night Light said, "It sure is. I'm giving it to you as a back up gun."
Twilight hugged her mom and dad and said,"Thank you.I love you daddy. I'll miss both of you." Then mounted Solaris.
Velvet then handed Spike a couple of things wrapped in paper And a bag and said," Here Spike. Some things for you. A bag of beans. be sure to soak them before cooking. An envelope with Brown sugar. garlic powder. onion powder and thyme.
Spike took the items and said, "Thanks Mrs.Sparkle.We'll definitly use them."
Twilight looked at Spike and said," We better get going. I promised my brother and Princess Celestia I would see them before leaving town." She then looked at her parents and said, 'We'll come visit. Bye mom. Bye dad."Twilight then said "Come on Solaris." and turned along with Spike on Nacho.
As the two rode away Twilights parents watched as their daughter rode off with Spike.
A little while later Twilight and Spike rode up to the royal castle, and were let in by the royal guard, since Twilight was Princess Celestia's student. They were met by Twilights brother Shining Armor, who was also Captain of The Royal Guard.
Shining walked up in his blue tunic uniform and said "Twily. Spike. It's good to see you."
Twilight hugged her brother and said, "Hi BBBFF. We just dropped in before heading to Ponyville."
Shining said, " Well. She's waiting for you."
As the three walked into the throne room. Princess Celestia had just finished court for the morning. When she saw her student she walked down and hugged both Twilight and Spike.
Princess Celestia said, "Twilight. Spike. It's so good to see you both again."
Twlight said,"It's good to see you too Princess."
Princess Celestia then said," Let's have some tea and talk awhile."
Author's Note
Here's a new one I dreamed up. Except this time it's a spin on the old west. There will be no friendship lessons or friendship problems to solve. Just hard lives and gunplay.
So here it begins. Twilight Sparkle and Spike are new appointed Roya Equestria Rangers.
As Twilight. Spike and Princess Celestia sat in her chambers having tea. Shining Armor went back to his duties. Twilight and Princess Celestia spoke as Spike eat a sandwhich and drank his tea.
Princess Celestia said, "I still don't understand Twilight. Why you and Spike are riding to Ponyville. Instead of taking the train. I'm sure the train is faster and easier."
Twilight replied,"Well I wanted to spend a few days on the trail,camping before we get to Ponyville.Besides. Spike and I are going to be busy in our work."
Spike then said,"And I get to do some campfire cooking."
Princess Celestia giggled and said,"And I'm sure you'll have fun at it Spike."
After Twilight. Spike and Princess Celestia talked for about an hour anf a half. Princess Celestia said "And now. I have to get readyu for afternoon court."
Twilight said, "Yeah. And we need to get on the trail."
The three walked out to the entrance of the castle and walked down to where Solaris and Nacho were put.Twilight and Spike remounted there horses and looked at both The Princess and Shining armor whom just finshed one of his duties.
Shining took his sisters hand and said,"OK Twily.You be carefull down in Ponyville."
Twilight smiled and said,"I will BBBFF. And say hello to Cadence for me,next time she comes to town."
Shining said," I sure will Twily."
Twilight then reached out to Princess Celestia and said,"Princess. I want to thank you for everything you taught me. I remember the lessons you instilled in me."
Princess Celestia replied,"I know you will Twilight. And please yake care of yourself."
Twilight nodded and said," I will.And I'll see you when I can."
Then both Twilight and Spike turned their horses and trotted to the main gate and soon left the castle and headed to the city limits. After while. Both were just outside the city limits. Bot Twilight and Spike turned and looked at the city they were both born and raised in.
Spike asked,"Hey Twilight. You OK?"
Twilight replied,"Yeah. It's just I'm actually leaving home."
Spike replied,"Yeah. i know what you mean, but this day was coming.I mean. You can't live at home forever.At least That's what I heard."
Twilight replied,"Yeah. Thats true. Come on. I wanna get some distance before sundown."
Spike replied,"I like tha idea."
Twilight and Spike then rode most of the afternoon on The Trail. In the late aternoon they found a spot along the river to stop and camp for the night. After tying Solaris and Nacho to a tree.Twilight and Spike set up camp. They laid down their bed rolls and blankets. And would use their saddles as headrests.
Spike gatherd the rocks and the firewood and kindling. After making a circle with the rocks and placing the firewood and getting the fire started. Spike put the grill and spit.
Twilight grabbed her rifle and said,"I'll be back Spike.I'm going to find some dinner."
Spike nodded and went about making a pot of coffee and began preparing the beans as a side dish. Even if Twilight came back empty handed. They had some salted beef to eat.
As Spike continued to about his work.he heard a rifle shot. He knew it was Twilight's Winchester and he hoped she got something.Twilight returned soon after with a good size rabbit in tow.
Spike said,"Whoa Twilight. You got a big one."
Twilight replied, "Yep. I got when I found this guy. And I know you ganna make him taste good."
Spike said," I'll do my best. And I got some beans cooking, and coffee's ready."
Twilight handed Spike the rabbit and said,"Thanks Spike. I could use some."
Twilight grabbed a cup and poured herself a cup of hot coffee and sat and watched Spike skin,clean and gut the rabbit that Twilight shot and then after preparing it,placed the animal on the spit and placed it over the fire. While the meat and beans were cooking Spike aslo too some Hardtack a biscuit mad with flour water and salt Althought it was hard to chew on. Spike broke some apart, putting it in another plate and adding water to soften it up. Placing it in the fire to make it more eatable.
As Twilight and Spike were eating roasted rabbit,beans and hardtack biscuts and coffee.Spike asked,"So what do you think Ponyville is gonna be like??"
Twilight answerd," I dunno. Just like any other town I suppose."
Spike said," Yeah. I'll we'll deal all kinds of bad people."
Twlight said," Yeah, but we also deal with good people too."
Spike replied,"True, but putting desperados away is why I signed on."
Twilight said,"We'll I won't fault you there."
When they were finished with dinner. The two Rangers went to their bed rolls to get some sleep.The next morning Twilight woke up feeling refreashed. She got up and walked over to Spike as he opened his eyes. He was about to say good morning when Twilight noticed something moving under Spikes blanket.
Twilight said, Spike.Don't move."
Twilight grabbed her rifle and used it to slowly move the balnket away and sure enough. There was a huge Rattlesnake coiled next to Spike.One wrong move and the snake could strike Spike right in his leg and deliver a potent amount of venom.The venomous pit viper saw Twilight and slightly vibrated it's rattle as a warning
Spike asked,"What do I do?"
Twilight replied,"You don't move.The snake crawled in for the heat.So it's gonna crawl out for the same reason."
Twilight took a burnt log from the fire that was still hot and put it in front of the snake. The snake sensed the heat with it's heat sensing pits and silithered away from Spike.When the snake was far enough away.Twilight drew her Colt Peacemaker and fired.
"BLAM!!"
A 44-40 round put a good size hole in the snakes head,killing him.Twilight then took out her Bowie Knife and cut the snakes head off past the neck.Then burying it.Spike breathed a sigh of relief know he was safe.
Twilight looked at Spike and asked,"You OK?"
Spike replied,"Yeah. I'm not bit."
Twilight said."If you dont want to. I'll make breakfest."
Spike said,"No.I'll do it. It'll get my mind off nearly being bit."
Twilight nodded and went down to the river to bathe.Spike stayed in camp.And startred cooking.After Twilight returned finished her bath and got dressed, she returned to the smell of bacon,leftover beans,more hardtack,coffee and something else.Spike had gutted,cleaned and cooked the rattlesnake Twilight killed.
Twilight pored herself a cup of coffee and said,"Mmmmm,everything smells good Spike.Spike then handed Twilight a plate and said,"Help your self."
Twilight looked on the grill and got herself some breakfest. Later after they both ate. Twilight and Spike put out the fire and broke camp. And fed and watered their horses. And then rode off.3 days later. They reached their destination...Ponyville.
Author's Note
Twilight and Spike chat with Princess Celestia. and hit the trail.And head for Ponyville.
Twilight and Spike rode into Ponyville They saw the town was jumping with activity. People were outside walking the streets.Having what appeared to be a good time.Shops were bustling with business. The saloon called "The Punch Bowl" was jumping.
Twilight said,"Wow Spike. I didn't think there would be so many people in town."
Spike replied,"Yeah. This place is busy. What do you think is going on."
Twilight looked around and finally said,"I think I know why."
Spike asked,"What's up?"
Twilight pointed her head in the direction she was looking, and Spike saw it too. A large Gallows was being made ready. Both Twilight and Spike knew what it meant.
Spike asked,"How many ropes Twilight?"
Twilight replied,"I see five ropes."
Spike said,"So five poor bastards are gonna drop. I wonder what they did?"
Twilight said," I don't know. "
As they kept riding into through they were looking for The Royal Equestria Ranger Office. Then they saw two othe girls riding on horseback,one was on an earth horse and the other was on a cream colored pegasus ride up to them.
The blond on the tan Earth Horse said,"Howdy. Would ya two be the new Rangers sent down?"
Twilight said,"Yes. I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike."
The blonde said," Well I' m Ranger AppleJack. And this here's Ranger Fluttershy. The Captain sent us to meet ya'all when ya enter the town."
Spike said,"Nice meetin you two. Are gonna take us to the office?"
AppleJack replied,"Sure are. Right this way."
As they all rode to The Ranger office.Twilight asked,"So. Is there a hanging about to happen??"
Applejack replied,"Yep. Five SonsaBitches are gonna drop tomorrow morning. 10 sharp."
Twilight asked,"What did they do?"
Applejack replied,"3 are hanging for cattle rustling.They hit a cattle drive.Killed 2 ramrods and wounded the trail boss.He lost his leg to a shotgun blast. 1 for murder,tried to rob a bank.And 1 for knifing somebody in a drunken bar fight."
Fluttershy said,"Mayor Mare,who is also our local judge,sent them all to the rope.They're being held in the jail till tomorrow morning."
Spike said,"Yeah. And everybody loves a good hanging.
Applejack said,"Yep. Right now The Captain is watching them.Along with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie-Pie. They are 2 other Rangers we work with and good friends."
Soon the four arrived at The Ranger Office.As they tied they're horses AppleJack said,"Them there are some fine lookin animals ya'all got there.What are they're names?"
Twilight said,"Thanks. My Unicorn's name is Solaris. He was a gift from Princes Celestia. She gave him to me on my 16th birthday a few years back."
Fluttershy said,"You know the Princess?"
Twilight replied,"Yes I was her personal student,because of my high IQ.She taught me a lot.I went to her school."
Applejack said,"Wow.That's amazin and what about you Spike?What's your horses name?"
Spike said,"His name is Nacho. When he was a colt he ate a whole plate of nachos i left near him, hence the name."
After tying off their horses on the hitching posts. All 4 walked into the office and saw another female Ranger with rainbow colored hair and another one with fluffy pink hair guarding the prisoners in the cells. And their was a lone male Ranger sitting at his desk looking over some paperwork.
AppleJack said,"Capn. We brought the new Rangers they just got here."
The Captain looked up and saw Twilight and Spike and stood up and said "I see. Welcome to Ponyville. I'm Captain Palmer. Your commanding ranger."
Twilight said,"Thank you sir. Rangers Twilight Sparkle and Spike. Reporting for duty."
Captain Palmer shook hands with both of them and said,"Glad you're here.So. What do you think of Ponyville so far??"
Spike said,"Interesting so far sir."
Twilight said,"Yes.We thought more people lived here,until we saw the gallows."
Palmer said,"Yeah.Something about a public hanging.Brings in people from all over.In fact there isnt a room avalible anywhere in town. and I'm sorry to say the Libary where you two are gonna be living in,is being rented out for the night."
Twilight asked,"So where can we bed down tonight?"
Captain Palmer replied, "Theres a room with cots in the back. That should hold everyone till morning, but we're all gonna be here all night anyway."
Spike asked," Why's that Captain?"
Captain Palmer said,"Well we all have to babysit the prisoners till thay hang in the morning. The Royal gaurd is sending a a squad of troops, but they wont get here until dawn. Until then we're it." Captain Palmer then asked." And by the way has anyone seen Belle?"
Applejack said," A'hh think shes over at The Punch Bowl. Depriving some miners of their money."
Captain Palmer then said,"Well go and get her. We need her here. And take Sparkle and Spike with you."
Applejack looked at Twilight and Spike and said," Yes sir. Allright ya two come on."
Twilight. Spkie and Applejack all left the office and walked down the street and entered The Punch Bowl Saloon. And they're were people. Drinking and or gambling. Then they saw a purple haired girl at a table with 5 other men, playing cards.
Applejack said,"That there is Rarity. When she dosen't have Ranger duties to conduct. She also owns a botiuqe. And when she aint doin that. She indulges in her favorite hobby. Poker.
Rarity was at the table lokking at the other players and said,"Allright gentlemen. The game is 5 card draw. Jokers are wild. I open at 20bits."
All the other player put in their bets. And Rarity delt the cards. And the pot kept growing as players were seeing and raising the pot. And exchanging cards.
Rarity and a miner were loking at each other. And miner said. "I call. I'll bet 50bits."
Rarity said,"I'll see your 50. And raise 100."
The player on the right said, "I'm out."
The player on the left said,"Thats too rich for my blood."
The last player a miner part of an outfit called Diamond Dogs looked at Rarity,pushed the rest of his chips and said,"I'm all in."
Rarity looked at the miner and said. "Allright. Lets see what you got."
The miner put his cards down and said,"Full boat." (2 kings. 3 eights.)
The miner was just about to collect the pot about 750bits. when Rarity said," Oh I'm truly sorry darling, but I am afraid you lose." Rarity put down her cards. (4 Aces.) "4 bullets. And they just sank you full boat."
Rarity then said, "I thank you gentlemen for you most genrous contributions."
As Rarity reached for the pot she won. A hand came down and went on top of Rarity's right hand.
The miner said." That was 4 hands in a row you won. I say you cheated."
Rarity sneered and said," How dare you call me a tinhorn. I have never cheated in my life. Now kindly let go of my hand."
The player on the right said,"Friend. If I was you I'd move that hand."
The miner looked at him and replied,"Mind your business old man. This got nuthin to do with you." As he reached for his own gun. Twilight and Spike saw this and knew Rarity couldn't reach her Colt Peacemaker .45 on her right hip. And were about to help, when Applejack said, "Uh-uh. Watch this"
Then in a flash of quickness. Rarity drew a Colt Model 1851 Navy Cap and Ball. In .36cal.Nickel plated with ivory grips and a short barrel which she had in a holster on the small of her back, and put the muzzle right in the miners face. The only thing he heard was,
CLICK-CLICK.
The player on the right then said," I tried to warn you friend. That there is Ranger Rarity "Diamondback" Belle. And they don't call her that for nothing. She can draw a gun faster than a Rattlesnake strikes."
Rarity glared at the Diamond Dog Miner and said,"Now. I never cheated at cards in my life. If you lost. That is your problem. Now kindly move your right hand off your gun. And then move you left hand off mine. Or do you want a bullet in the head??"
The Diamond Dogs two friends were about to move on Rarity, when Applejack and Twilight both drew and cocked thier Colt revolvers and Spike drew his Volcanic lever action pistol, twirl cocking it and all three pointed thier guns at the miners
Applejack said."I wouldn't. Just keep'em holstered."
The other 2 miners complied. Just then another man entered the saloon wearing a badge carrying a shotgun.
He looked at Applejack and asked "Everything OK here Applejack?"
Applejack replied. "Howdy Cranky. Everythings fine. A sore loser tried ta call Rarity a cheat and Ah'h think he was gonna try ta shoot her and take the money back. However. He learned nearly the hard way why she's called "Diamondback". Not ta mention his two comprades were gonna try somethin too."
Marshal Cranky Doodle looked at the miners and said. "All of ya. Out. Get on your horses and ride out."
One Diamond Dog said,"But Marshal. We is here for the hangin."
Cranky replied,"Not anymore yer not. Now git on those nags of yers and get. Or I'll lock ya'all up for tresspassing."
The 3 complied and left The Punch Bowl. As they were heading to their horses The one miner who called himself Rex said,"I'm gonna put a bullet in the bitch one of these days."
The other miner called Spot said,"Are you talkin crazy. No one ever killed a Ranger and lived to talk about it."
Rex slapped spot and said,"Shaddup,ya yellow belly.Let's just ride out."
The miners rode out of Ponyville. With Rex still angry and vowing revenge.
Back inside "The Punch Bowl" Applejack introduced Twilight and Spike to Rarity. Spike was instantly smitten by Rarity's beauty.
Twilight leaned over and told Spike, "Down boy."
Rarity said, "Well I am very pleased to meet both of you. And It is about time Headquarters sent down some more Rangers."
Applejack then said, "Speakin of which. The Cap'n sent us ta come fetch ya. Wants us all back in the office ta babysit the prisoners fer the night, till they hang in the mornin."
