A Boy and his Watch
By TheAlienBrony22

Friendship is Galactic,
Part 3

[Royal Escort Chariot, en route to Ponyville, The day of the Thousandth Year]

Twilight and Spike look over a checklist as two pegasus guards guide the chariot through the air. Celestia has informed Twilight that she must go to Ponyville, to overview how much progress has been made for the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration.

"Ok, so from what the princess has written down, which isn't much, there's only a few things we need to make sure are taken care of before the celebration officially begins. We need to make sure the catering is prepared, we need to make sure the decorations are up to code, we need the skies clear for tonight, we need the songbird serenade, and we need to make sure excitement is high for the pre-celebration party." Spike read out, a bit uncertain on if this was less or more work than it sounded like. "Man, for this not being a lot, it sure feels like it. What do you think, Twilight?"

Twilight looked a bit unsure. She seemed bothered by the idea that someone was out to get her brother, but she also felt royally dumbstruck when she looked at the last minute objective on the checklist. Go and make some friends. "It may sound like a lot, Spike, but there's nothing to worry about. We'll get this all done, and then I can worry about the prophecy regarding Nightmare Moon." Twilight stated, still uncertain about the last objective as the view of Ponyville came into their line of sight.

What bothered Twilight was the fact that there seemed to be a massive fire in the midst of town.

[Ponyville Town Square]

Today was not Ben's day to be a hero. Ben was recently appointed to check-up on the preparations and act as the main form of security for the celebration, should anyone try to cause or enact illicit or ill-willed acts of danger or harm to Princess Celestia, specifically because of his ability to change into these unheard of monsters. Right now, Starburner was trying to deal with a sudden wildfire in one of the buildings, but couldn't seem to redirect or absorb the flames, no matter how hard he tried.

"Why isn't this working!? Usually I can redirect flames and fires like it's the air around me, but for some reason these flames aren't behaving like... flames!" Starburner felt the realization click, like a piece of flint creating a strong spark. "Man, whoever is doing this stuff, this is the third time this week, IN A ROW, I've had to deal with these illusion fires!" Starburner stated in an irate manner.

Starburner stopped trying to manipulate the fires and tapped the badge on his chest, engulfing himself in a green flash of light as a new alien stood in its place. The alien stood tall, nearly 3/4 of the building's original height, clad in a bronze metal suit with splotches of red, maroon and crimson tints blended in. The creature had these strange tubes plugged into the creature's head and into its back, funneling some kind of clear liquid through them. The Omnitrix's badge was smack dab in the midst of the creature's midsection. This was Ben's newest form, Heavy Hydrant.

"Don't worry folks, this'll be over before ya know it!" The alien reassured, his voice sounding gurgled and muffled from within the suit. the creature held out its armored hands, forming them into cannons as he hosed the 'flames' down with some kind of sparkling water-like substance, easily extinguishing the illusion flames with ease, and revealing that the flames didn't damage anything.

"Getting real tired of these stupid illusion fires, I could be doing something important, but someone decided to be funny. Great. Well, crisis averted everypony, please go on with your day, and remember, the summer sun celebration is tonight!" The alien announced.

As the crowd of ponies dispersed, a flash of red light engulfed the alien, replacing it with Ben as he stretched himself out. Ben admired his handiwork, but was still pretty irate that someone had been doing this for the past three days. Ben was definitely sure that someone was trying to sabotage the celebration, but he wasn't gonna take this sitting down.

"Well, I see you're still getting yourself into trouble, Benji." A voice called out in a teasing manner.

Ben whipped around and was ready to transform, but then calmed down and smiled seeing that it was Twilight, with Spike holding onto a rolled up scroll.

"Well, what can I say, when you've been tasked to be security for a celebration, it's like someone in the shadows is always trying to ruin that. Speaking of which, how're things, sis? Celestia's not making you overworked, is she?" Ben teased back, pulling the mare and dragon into a hug.

"Things have been fine, but I don't know how long that'll last. Just a few days ago, I got this letter from someone who may or may not have forged Celestia's hoofwriting." Twilight stated with a slight shudder.

"Seriously? Must be some Anti-Celestia group, those have been in abundance here when the celebration comes around, from what Pinkie told me, at least." Ben stated.

"Yeah, thing is, they wanted me to get something from you. I'm not here for that, so don't worry, you're my brother, and nothing will change that. Celestia actually has me down here to oversee how preparations have progressed for the celebration tonight." Twilight explained.

"Oh really? Well, I can get you to where you need to go. I know where everything is, in town at least, plus, I've been meaning to just have a conversation." Ben offered.

"That'd be so cool, Ben! Maybe you can even show me that new guy again when we're done?" Spike asked, referring to Heavy Hydrant.

"Oh, him? He's actually a VERY new guy. I didn't think I'd unlock anymore guys, but this thing just loves to surprise me. I call him Heavy Hydrant." Ben stated with a smile. Spike was in awe. "I was originally gonna call him Overflow, or Power Wash, but Heavy Hydrant just seemed to roll off the tongue more."

"Well, you two'll have more than enough time to talk about all of that, but right now, I need to get this done. Ben, lead the way to... Sweet Apple Acres, did I say that right?" Twilight asked.

Ben chuckled and set Spike on his shoulders as he and Twilight walked alongside each other, all the while a transparent figure follows close behind.

"Benjamin Tennyson..." it exhaled in a near silent hush tone as it retreated from sight.

[Sweet Apple Acres]

"Is this it?" Spike asked, looking at the never-ending field of lush apple trees.

Twilight glanced up at the large old wooden sign stating that the farm was Sweet Apple Acres, before looking at Spike.

"What? I'm not as observant as you." Spike retorted.

As the three walked down the path, they admired the farm with intrigue and amazement. Twilight saw plenty of farms back in Canterlot, but they never looked as awe-inspiring as this. The spanning field of apple trees, the smell of crisp and fresh country air, the beading sun shining down, it was like something out of one of their mom's novels, or something from one of her favorite novellas. There were plenty of smaller structures, such as chicken coops, pig pens, cow stables, but the prominent thing was mainly the apple trees. There was a farmhouse on one side, and a huge red barn on the other. The farmhouse looked like it could house around five, six, or maybe even seven people. In the distance was a neighboring farm, with someone focusing on pears and carrots.

"YEEEHAA!!!" shouted a voice.

Spike and Twilight looked over to the sound of the voice, while Ben just chuckled and watched what happened. Applejack galloped over towards a nearby apple tree, and held her head high as she slammed her hind legs into the tree, causing the apples within it to fall into a few pre-placed wooden tubs. The mare tipped her stetson and sported a satisfied pose, smiling as she looked over at Ben, and two newcomers to the land.

"I'm in for a world of crazy, aren't I?" Twilight asked quietly, looking at Ben. She saw the smile on his face, and seemed to have gotten her answer. She groaned and let out a sigh. "Ok, let's get this over with."

Twilight walked forward as Ben followed. "Good Afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and I-- Gerrk!"

Twilight winced as the mare grabbed her hoof and started to shake it like she was trying to empty a barrel full of trash. The hoof shake was violent enough to lift Twilight off of her other three hooves as she started to bounce in place a little bit from how much she was starting to jitter from the shaking.

"Well howdy do Miss Twilight, a pleasure making your acquaintance. I'm Applejack." the mare paused as she let Twilight's hoof go and she steadily jittered in place. Twilight hadn't felt this literally shook up since Ben volunteered to use Fourest Fighter to get her to and from home to Celestia's school and back. "So, who's that little feller on your shoulders, Ben?"

"These are my siblings. Applejack, meet Twilight Sparkle, and Spike Sparkle." Ben introduced. Spike just smiled and waved.

"So you two're related to Ben 'ere? I ain' got not one quarrel with family ties, but... how in tarnation does this work?" Applejack asked.

"Simple. Sometime during Twilight's entrance exam to be a student of the princess, and hatched a dragon egg, which had Spike inside it. I came from parts unknown to me, so me and Spike were like brothers to Twilight, and younger brothers to our older brother, Shining. Basically, we're adopted." Ben explained with a saccharine smile.

"All the fancy schmancy magic mumbo jumbo aside, I can accept that. After all, family isn't limited to those you're related to by blood, it goes deeper, it's like a bond. My granny can explain it much better," Applejack explained. "Anywho, what brings you fellers here, especially since preparations are finished?"

"Well, I was sent here by orders from the Princess herself. I'm to oversee and check-up on the preparations. Ben was being kind enough as my brother to help me find my way around, so I can do this properly," Twilight explained. "So, are you in charge of the food?"

"We're as sure as sugar about that. As a matter of fact, Ben was willing enough to help lend a hand with everything, even if he struggled a bit at first." Applejack said with a wry smirk on her face, causing Ben to chuckle nervously.

"In all fairness, I'm only good at kicking butt, not kicking trees." Ben specified with a sheepish grin.

"Would ya'll like to sample some? We had to adjust the recipes a little bit, but everything turned out just fine." Applejack offered.

"As long as it doesn't take too long, then sure, what the hay." Twilight stated. Soon enough, Applejack rushed off and started to ring a bell like crazy.

"You two are in for a surprise about her family." Ben said with a cheeky smile.

"SOUP'S ON, EVERYPONY!" Applejack called out.

The ground began to shake, the thundering of hooves sounded as a stampede of ponies made their way to the front of the farm. Before Twilight could react, Ben set Spike on her back and stepped out of the way of the incoming country chaos.

"Twilight, remember when you brought me into a haunted circus on Nightmare Night when we were eleven?" Ben asked nonchalantly.

"Yeah, you refused to leave your room for a couple weeks while we had fun," Twilight stated. "Why?"

"You know I have a fear of clowns... Consider this payback!" Ben stated with a smile.

Before Twilight could reprimand Ben for being petty, she and Spike were swept up in the herd and dragged along through dust and mayhem as they were sat down at a picnic table.

Applejack popped up right next to them. “Now, why don't I introduce ya'll to the Apple family?” The mare waved a hoof as Spike and Twilight were surrounded by very expectant ponies.

"Thanks, but you really don't have to--" Twilight's words fell on deaf ears.

"This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Rhede Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp,” Applejack paused taking a deep breath. "... Big Macintosh, Braeburn, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.”

Ben stood by Applejack's side during the introduction as tons of dishes began to pile up to the point where Ben couldn't see Spike or Twilight beyond it. Not for a lack of trying, because there was so much food.

"Up and at 'em, Granny Smith! We got guests." Applejack called out to an elderly green pony asleep in a rocking chair.

"Heh, classic Granny Smith, always asleep in the rocking chair." Ben commented with a laugh.

The wrinkled mare slowly rose with a grumble and shifted forward, as she blathered some incomprehensible complaints or another.

"Ah'll have you know sonny boy that ah can still wallop your tail end, whether or not if ahm nappin'!" Granny Smith remarked, glaring up at Ben, who had already stopped laughing.

“Dun worry about her.” Applejack whispered.” She jus don't like being woke up from her naps.”

Twilight coughed out the remains of the apple, taking a moment to breath before deciding that it was time to move on. "Well that's umm, very nice and all. I see things are in order here, so we're just going to go check on the next thing...”

"Aren't ya gonna stay fer brunch?" asked a small voice. Twilight and Spike looked over to the little yellow filly with the red hair, and pink bow that was nearly the size of her head. She had the biggest most watery sad eyes they had ever seen, and the faint quiver in her lower lip as she pouted, it could make a stone statue weep with sympathy.

"Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do... I'm sure if we have enough time, however, we could at least make it up to you and join you for dinner, maybe?" Twilight asked.

A collective sound of disappointed sighs and hopeful cheers filled the unicorn's ears as she and Spike made their way off the farm. Applejack looked at Ben, who seemed a little lost in thought.

"Hey, pardner. Better go catch up with yer siblings, they'll be wanderin' around like lost puppies without a guide." Applejack remarked, nudging Ben as he snapped back to reality.

"Oh, right. Thanks Applejack, I'll see you at the celebration tonight!" Ben called out as he ran after Twilight and Spike.

[Ponyville Town Square]

"Let's see... Food's all taken care of, next is weather. How you holding up, Twilight?" Spike asked. Ben looked down to see Twilight slumping and slowing down. Ben could recognize when Twilight acts like this, and it's usually because of her dedication to studying becoming more of a hinderance.

"Oh for Celestia's sake, have you been doing overnight study binges and running solely on coffee again?! Twilight!!" Ben reprimanded, as he picked the exhausted unicorn up in his arms, and continued to carry her as he walked alongside Spike.

"She's been doing that a lot as of late. I think she's under stress, but she keeps saying she's fine," Spike comments. "According to the list, there should be a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash working on clearing the skies. She's been doing it a lot these past few days, so she might just be resting."

Ben looks up at the numerous clouds in the sky, some of them darker than usual. "Unscheduled rain showers... Cloudsdale needs a better schedule manager," Ben remarked.

"Seems like she's not doing a good job, is she?" Twilight added.

Before any of them could react, Ben had gotten slammed into as Twilight flew and slid to Spike's side. Ben groaned and got himself up, only to see that he's covered in mud and gunk.

"Uh... heh, 'scuse me?" A voice called out, followed by sheepish laughter.

"Nice to see you too, Dash," Ben remarked, dusting himself off as he saw the mud and gunk cling to his clothes. "Coulda been a bit easier on me, though."

Rainbow Dash laughed a bit, seeing a small smile on Ben's face. "I'll try to next time. Here, lemme help you out a bit."

Rainbow Dash zipped away and brought back one of the dark clouds and proceeded to jump onto it repeatedly, letting a huge torrent of rain water wash away the gunk and mud, while completely drenching Ben in the process.

"Ehh, a little overdone, but it's no big deal." Ben stated as he shook his head vigorously, getting the water out of his hair as it flew everywhere.

Twilight got up and rolled her eyes at the pegasus. "Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash."

"The one and only, why, ya heard of me?" Dash asked.

"Guess introductions are in order, again," Ben stepped forward and stood by Twilight and Spike. "Dash, these are my siblings, Twilight Sparkle and Spike Sparkle. They're here to oversee how progress has come along for the celebration tonight, ordered by the princess herself."

"Ahh okay, well don't worry, I'll have the clouds cleared out in a jiffy. Just as soon as I finish practicing before I do." Dash stated.

"Practicing? For what?" Spike asked.

"She's trying to become a Wonderbolt." Ben stated.

"What Ben said," Dash stated excitedly, "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"

"The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?" Twilight asked. Ben looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "What? I study more than just magic, you know! Besides, They'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day."

Rainbow Dash looked at the unicorn and felt challenged. "Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat. I know I can."

Twilight smirked confidently, "Prove it."

Rainbow Dash seemed a bit irritated by Twilight's challenge, as she never had someone challenge her skill before, but her eyes narrowed as she launched herself from the ground as she tore across the sky like a blistering light-blue hued blur dissipating clouds with hardly any effort. Ben's wet and wild hair whipped about as the blur tore back and forth across the sky, showing a clear sunny sky without a single cloud in sight.

Dash did one last loop dropping through the final cloud before landing with a grin. ”What did I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging.”

"That was awesome! I bet the Wonderbolts would've loved to see that!" Spike said.

"Y'know, you guys are alright. I was already cool with Ben and his wicked cool shapeshifting stuff, but you guys aren't that bad either. I'm definitely gonna have to hang out with you some more. Later!" Rainbow Dash grinned and bolted off as she flew away into the sky.

“Well, at least we know she cleared the sky, so check that off the list, Spike," Spike checked it off the list as the things to do got smaller and smaller. "Let's see, what's next?"

"Decorations." Spike said.

"So, we're going to Rarity next, fantastic, we can head to her boutique! C'mon!" Ben said as he ran in the direction of the next place to go.

"I feel like Ben's gotten more energetic as he's gotten older... I'll have to figure that out after all of this is done. Come on, Spike, otherwise we'll lose him." Twilight stated. Spike hopped on her back, and the two chased after Ben.

Author's Note

Those of you not in the know, Heavy Hydrant is essentially my interpretation of Overflow, that big red alien from the Ben 10 reboot.

Figured I'd incorporate one Reboot alien into the story, because why not.