Author's Note

I don't own the rights they belong to their respective owners, Oc's either belong to me or were given permission to use. Oc's given permission will be listed in the notes, if you want your oc in the fic let me know and I'll put them in. also let me know about their personality too.

Preperations PT1

Chapter 5: preparations pt1

Celestia’s sun rose signifying a new day in Equestria, Luna panted lowering her moon and raising her sisters sun was tiresome, but rejoiced in the new day, but right now she needed one thing, coffee and lots of it. Walking down the marble hallway she managed to do some digging on the current laws of Equestria and to her surprise the majority of the ‘new’ laws were passed by the council of advisors. Usually the princess would pass these new laws, but this council has, if that's the case then, this threat of noble rebellion has gone deeper than she thought. She needed information, but that will have to come at a later date, now she needs to see Twilight in regards to recent events and bring Celestia's plan to action.

Twilight sparkle yawned and smiled at the rise of a new day, slowly getting up her aching muscles waking up and bones popped from rest as she stretched on the marble floor. Stirring caught her ears, her friends started to wake up too, Applejack slowly woke up, getting out of bed she stretched too, her Stetson and scrunchies on the nearby end table. Twilight sparkle sighed in relief when she noticed Spike in her bed, Luna must have found him in her old home, a sad expression enveloped her face realizing she never thanked him for saving them. One by one everypony was soon up either stretching or in the shower, which would be nice, but she needs to meet Luna and discuss what's needed, slowly Spike awoke.

“Morning” Twilight greeted.

“Morning twilight-”he looked down in shame “-i’m sorry for running away, i didn't mean to scare you.”. Twilight shook her head and embraced him, this in turn confused him, he swore he thought he’d be in trouble.

“No Spike i’m sorry, i should have thanked you for saving us” she ended the embrace, he looked at her with confusion.

“I thought you’d be mad the law Celestia put-” she stopped him, shook her head and flicked her tail in anger.

“That law was made by the nobility, Celestia told me when it was first past, she was undermined and sidelined by those she trusted!” Her steaming comment shocked everypony in the room, Applejack nearly broke the end table her hat rested on.

“Is that why Big Mac ended up in Ponyville jail for protecting Applebloom from a timber wolf!” Applejack was spitting mad at the Canterlot nobles for nearly ending Applebloom's life and putting her brother in jail. Applejack held back tears remembering that day, it was bad enough big mac was jailed, it was worse when Grannysmith had a minor heart attack from the news, Rainbow dash did her best to calm her marefriend down, it worked just a little.

“Good heavens-” Rarity held her hoof over her mouth “- is Applebloom ok” Apple jack nodded to her.

“She’s fine, but she was traumatized, Big mac almost ended up in Alcoltraz after punching a guard when he was booked, thank Celestia he was pardoned by Mayor Mare” everypony looked at her with shock, nopony knew about this law. Fluttershy though was disgusted, worried that the nobility would come after her animal friends next, but it was the beading sweat and her nervousness, fortunately nopony noticed.

“Well I for one am glad Spike saved us.” Rarity replied, rubbing Spike's head, everypony else soon followed either rubbing his head or embracing him in thanks.

The mares jumped when their room door burst open, a guard stood their panic stricken “princess Luna demands your aid immediately!” gasping came from the mares worried Luna might be in trouble.

She glared, that's all she could do, is glare, earlier she was getting ready to speak to Twilight sparkle on matters happening on the western coast. Now plans change, an hour after she rose the sun, a pony she sent on patrol to the west returned battered, bloodied and on the brink of death. With him he carried a message, one that made her blood run cold ‘your highness, w-we tried to stop them, but there were too many’ a town to the west at five in the morning was attacked by half a dozen of these dark creatures. Sadly the pony who sent the message passed away from his injuries, he left behind a mare and foal with another expecting, Luna had had enough, it was then she needed to speak to Twilight now.

Rushing sounds of hooves brought her out of her stupor “princess Luna, we came as soon as we could!” Twilight's voice was frantick, worried something happened to Luna, or worse Celestia and her brother.

Luna turned towards the mares and dragon with a worried look on her face “everypony i have some dire news-” the mares listened intently waiting for her to continue “- early this morning equestria was attacked, the attackers were more of these dark creatures.” Gasps of horror erupted from the mares, they weren't expecting news of more creatures let alone an attack.

“Is anypony hurt? Are they okay?!” their hopes were snuffed when Luna shook her head.

“A small patrol I sent a day ago was killed this morning, the pony who sent the message died earlier today” again they gasped, Fluttershy lightly sobbed, Rainbow dash soothed her with her wing draped over her back.

“So why are we here?” Rainbow dash asked, eager to kick the flanks of those who hurt that patrol.

“I asked you to come here, because it was Celestia’s plan in the beginning-” raising her head high she spoke “-the ship that crashed had a plethora of information on it the things that weren't waterlogged we managed to scavenge. In the scavenging we found a map, its name was smudged from the water, but it’s still legible.”.

“What does that have to deal with us, shouldn't we help the ponies that are threatened now?!” Rarity replied, her friends agreeing to her statement, Luna smiled at this, but that's why they were called.

“You will be helping everypony, which is why Celestia requests that she wants you to head to this new land and find out what's going on. I know it's a dangerous task, which is why you will be escorted, that is if you accept it you won't be seen any less if you decline.”.

The mares huddled together and began to discuss what they had just been proposed “So what do you think ya’ll-” applejack began she wanted too, but she had to think about her farm “-ah don want ta say no to the princess, but ma farm needs me”. Twilight noted this, she didn't want to upset Luna, but Applejack's farm was important, if she recalled the apple fall harvest is coming up.

“Who’s going to take care of my animals” Fluttershy spoke, she too had a good argument, but she could always ask Zecora, or Treehugger, though Zecora might be a better option.

“I can't leave Sweetie belle behind, or my boutique, somepony will have to watch them!”. Twilight mentally, grumbled another good point, with the gala over Rarity’s shop will swarmed with requests and ponies wanting the latest fashion trends.

Out of everypony Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy all had good arguments, everypony else didn't really say much, Rainbow dash just shrugged, Pinkie pie eagerly awaited to go on this trip, with fall coming up the cakes didn't have much baking to do. Twilight thought about it too, she wanted to help the princess, but with her magic and friendship studies she didn't see how. Although researching this new world would grant some hefty commemorations in Equestrias magic university, and may change the view of magic as a whole, she had to go. Talking it over with Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy she managed to convince them of coming on this expedition, they were considerate, but out of all of them Applejack was the least bit happy.

Returning to Luna, Twilight spoke making the decision “we’re going to help you Luna, we were a bit divided, but we all agreed Equestria needs us! So when do we leave?”

Luna smiled, glad to have the bearers ready and eager to help “you won't be taking the friendship express, where your going is western lunar coast, to the town of Sunfalls”. Luna finished the last of the sentence with dread and for good reason, though she herself liked it there, those who support Celestia not so much.

“Sunfalls, that town sounds familiar” spike replied, he was eager to go and couldn't wait to leave, but when he saw Luna’s distraught face, something was wrong.

“I’m sorry Spike, but you can't go” she replied, she didn't want to do this to him, it broke her heart to see him saddened, he just went through the emotion of almost losing Twilight.

“W-what do you mean i can't go?!” tears slowly formed under his eyes, he didn't want to cry, but his emotions were running raw at the moment.

“It's too dangerous-” she said, the danger would be far more terrifying to his psyche, it could easily break him, leaning down she whispered in his ear “-besides, i need to speak with you in private. I’ll return you to ponyville once I'm done okay”.

He nodded “yes your highness”.

Luna looked to the bearers “as for the rest of you, I suggest you head home and pack your essentials, your journey will be long and take time, so pack what's needed. As for your ride, the only train that goes to sunfalls is the nightmare express, but you won't be the only ones, several others will be joining you per Celestia's request-” she and the bearers turned to leave, but soon recalled something most important to Twilight.”-oh and twilight, your brother woke up yesterday and he wanted to see you.”.

Twilight perked up after the great news “oh that's great you highness! I’ll go see him now! Be right back girls!” Twilight called to her friends just ahead of her, they
Knew how Shining armor was to twilight and didn't get in the way of how important her brother is to her.

“We’ll meet you at the train sugarcube” applejack called back watching Twilight leave for the royal hospital, once Twilight was gone they headed for the train.

Twilight sparkle, overjoyed, rushed towards the royal hospital, she hasn't seen her brother since the attack and was worried if his injuries caused permanent harm. Turning down the hall and into the hospital she nearly slammed into Doctor Radon, who in turn jumped at her sudden appearance.

“Please be more careful, Miss Twilight, this is a hospital.”. His small lecture caused her to quickly apologize.

“I’m sorry doctor, but I was told my brother was awake” Radon nodded, accepting her apology, he could tell by her smile she loved her brother and gave her directions.

“Second door to the left, he’ll be in bed three” she quickly thanked him and quickly trotted towards her destination, Radon simply smiled as he enjoyed family visits.

Entering the room Twilight looked to and fro for Shining armor and in glee she found him, he sat in bed eating jello and reading the latest reports of equestrian military, looking up he smiled.

“Twily!” she rushed over, embracing her older brother, all the while minding the bandages across his head.

“Oh shiny, I'm glad you're okay!” tears flowed from her eyes as she lightly sobbed in her brother's fore legs. She looked up regret on her face “Shining I, I'm sorry I didn't know what to do! When you and Celestia were knocked down, I- I-” she sobbed her guilt upon remembering what happened that fateful day.

She felt his hoof on her shoulder and motioned her to come over, the two embraced again crying in his arms “sshh sshh, it's alright Twilight, you're okay it's not your fault. Nopony knew this would happen, the dark creature's strength caught us off guard” she slowly relaxed in her brother's embrace, his words calming her down, soothing her tormented mind.

Releasing her, she wiped her tears, glad to have finally visited her brother and glad her brother eased her pain, but a question still eluded her, what went wrong? Everypony in magical studies knew if there was a potentially dangerous creature, unicorns were to put a shield gem into the cage's magic conduit, but there was none. This could only lead to one conclusion, sabotage, the cage must have been sabotaged and Luna seems to know this, she just hopes she can find out who it is.

“It's good to see you again Twilight, but I know about your mission, Celestia filled me in on it before you arrived. I wish I could go, but Celestia stated I must stay here, that is why she requested one of the best to escort you and I spoke to him before you arrived. He seems capable, but I told him I don't want to see a scratch on you, of course he didn't take that well when I said I'd demote him, who knew you could say cock, mouth and ass all in one sentence, he had a fiery mouth on him. Anyway I shouldn't keep you waiting-” he embraced his sister “-see you soon Twily.”. After the parting embrace, Twilight sparkle made her way towards the castle exit, and soon the train.

Meanwhile earlier Spike watched Twilight leave to see her brother shining armor, while he was teleported to Luna's room, he didn't know why he was in her room, but surely it had to be important. She arrived minutes later after the bearers left the castle with twilight, going over to him she began to explain her actions.

“Sorry for all the secrecy Spike, I don't know who to trust nowadays, but I assure you I have my reasons,” she replied, her worry seen on her face by Spike, who was a bit concerned now.

“Princess what's going on, why am I here?!” clopping over she addressed his concern and explained.

“Spike i’ll be straight with you, there's a plot happening in Equestria and i have reason to believe the nobility are behind it along with several other parties!” her wariness showed, she was far more alert than ever, but her claims confused spike, ‘what plot is happening in Equestria?

“Okay-” Spike began he wanted to hear it from the beginning “- start from the beginning princess what plot are you talking about?”

Luna explained herself further “when I returned to Canterlot for the first time after being reformed, I noticed some strange occurrences happening in the city and throughout Equestria-” she started, making sure Spike was listening. “-these strange occurrences began with the nobility, then the new laws that have been in place, followed by ponies with dark robes. I informed my sister on the matter, but she insisted that everything was fine, in my thoughts I concluded Celestia was blind to the whole situation. For a thousand years in my absence, she ruled, yet in my absence she grew lonesome and in those thousand years corruption set in and she was none the wiser and it all started with the nobles. Spike that's why I need your help, you're the only one I can turn to, everypony else could be a spy, or worse an assassin.'' Finishing her explanation, Spike thought about it. He noticed strange things happening around Ponyville, higher taxes, more noble ponies, new construction plans, even threats to the Apple family and same sex lovers. What worried him most however were these new laws such as: no tithes to the needy, mandatory worship at the sun towers, foals of five years are to work in coal and iron mining, no same sex relationships of any kind, self defense is outlawed, animal ownership is to be registered at every registration center: the list goes on and on.

Turning to her, Spike nodded “I'll do it!”

Smiling Luna was grateful for his decision “thank you Spike your help is most needed, but that's not all. Before the harmony era we’re in, Celestia and I had consorts and I don't know if that position is still around. If it's not I'm willing to bring it back, Spike by my right as princess of Equestria I hereby name you baron consort of the night! Congratulations.”. Spike couldn't believe what he heard, he has just been named baron consort by Luna, a title rarely given to those not of royalty. To say he was speechless, though consorts didn't really do much, but dukes on the other hoof were part of a high nobility, which was extremely rare for a non pony. What confused him was why though, consorts are usually with the wife or husband, unless Luna has an ulterior motive.

He bowed “thank you your highness, but why’d you name me a consort, aren't you supposed to be married first” Luna looked at him confused, she’s always named her ponies consorts, unless it was supposed to be advisor, but a part of her wanted him to be a consort yet she didn't know why. That's when it hit her there nearly the same, he’s a dragon in a pony nation and she was recently reformed, on top of that her thestral bat ponies are viewed as unnatural or abnormal. To top it all off her heart was beating heavily when she first spoke to him, could it be she has feelings for him, if so does he feel the same, on top of it all how could she love him, he’s a dragon and she’s a pony. Her hope lies with asking him, but how would she bring it up, she would have to be careful, ‘damn-’ she thought ‘-I'm rusty at this’.

Her throat ran dry as she tried to find the words “I named you consort because I-”

-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-

“Princess Luna-” a royal guard called “-princess Celestia’s awake and wants to see you”.

She looked back, saved by the knocking. She needs more practice, she’ll express her feelings, but now Celestia needs her “okay thank you for the update!” she called, Spike stood curious on what she had to say.

“I’m sorry spike-” she apologized “-Celestia is awake and needs my company, don't worry I'll send you to Ponyville”.

“Oh okay-” Spike said “-but before you do, I- I want to thank you, you've always been there for me and i just want to say- thanks” a small blush formed on Spike's cheeks, fortunately Luna didn't see it, her mind was somewhere else. Poor Spike nearly had a heart attack for what happened next, Luna in a quick rush kissed his cheek and in a flash teleported him to Ponyville.

In a flash Spike stood outside the golden oaks library, his face redder than one of Applejack's apples and stared in shock and bewilderment, Luna just kissed him, a pat on the back would be fine, but a kiss?! Ponies passed him as he tried to comprehend what happened, what should he do, kiss her back, this has never happened to him, sure he has a crush on Rarity, but now Luna has a crush on him and he her. Two crushes two mares, one a unicorn, the other an alicorn, one has a crush on him, the other he doesn't know, a love triangle has formed and he’s in the middle. He had to think, going into the library, he looked around, it's only been thirty minutes and the train hasn't arrived, this will give him plenty of time to think, but first a nap.

Hours past Applejack trotted to her home Sweet Apple acres, she and her friends arrived in town five minutes ago and Applejack wasn't too happy, for one it was the fall harvest, secondly Big Mac hurt himself- again. Turns out one of the apple trees Big Mac bucked had a broken limb and said limb decided to make friends with one of his hind legs, with it some colorful language was spoken. Of course Applejack shouldn't be too angry, Equestria was being threatened by some unknown creatures and honestly she'd rather help Equestria and find out what's going on. She sighed, with the fall harvest coming up and Bic mac out, that left her sister Applebloom and Grannysmith and neither of them were capable of apple bucking.

Reaching sweet apple acres, she was waved to by Granny who sat in her rocking chair on the porch reading an old book. Applejack smiled warmly finally reaching home, but now came the hard part, explaining to Granny the whole situation, minus the fact that she and Rainbow dash were a thing now.

Stepping up to the porch she greeted the elderly mare “mornin Granny, is Apple Bloom here?” Granny looked up from her book.

“Mornin Applejack, Apple Bloom playing with her friends, with Big Mac injured ah sent a letter to Braeburn an his kin to help with the harvest.-” she marked her chapter and closed the book “- ah figured with Mac out ah get some help for ya.”. Applejack bit her lip, Granny looked at her with worry “is somethin wrong dearie?”

Applejack sighed “Granny ah won be here for the buckin”. The elderly mare looked confused, Applejack loves to buck apples, yet she won't be here for the fall harvest.

“Why? Is something wrong, did something happen?!” Applejack sadly nodded and began to explain what happened in Canterlot, she explained everything minus her and Rainbow dash. When she was done, she watched her grandmother's face contort into understanding, nodding as she Accepted her granddaughter's dilemma.

She was about to speak but Granny Smith raised her hoof and stopped her “sugar plum ever since your parents died, you, Applebloom and Big Mac have been the light of my day. I promised them I would take care of you, but with your bravery, honesty and courage I realized when I made that promise, it wasn't me who made that promise it was your father. When you became one of the elements of Harmony, we knew you’d be looking out for not only Equestria, but your family as well-” she put her hoof on applejacks cheek, her granddaughter tearing up “-your parents would be very proud of you, now go save Equestria ah’ll let yer sister know your here”.

Applejack sighed, Granny smith supported her one hundred percent, not because she’s a bearer of harmony, but because of her parents, smiling she remembers them well, but at times she couldn't recall certain memories. As she walked up to her room she remembered the last moment she saw them, Applebloom was one at the time and she barely remembers them at all. There were times she asked Granny what happened and when she did Granny would break down in tears, Applejack doesn't blame her, after all she remembers what happened and it's been four years since.

Reaching her room she exhaled a breath stopping herself from tearing up. It worked, but now not only is the old memory fresh in her mind, she needed to pack for this expedition and she started with the essentials. Applejack wasn't really a picky mare, not like Rarity who would bring a dress to Appleloosa in a hundred degree weather, no she was more down to earth and would ruff it any day of the week. Since they were going to go by boat for the majority of their journey, Applejack was prone to get seasick, she was fine after leaving the port in shallower water, but open water the floodgates open. Going to the bathroom she looked in the cupboard and took out her seasickness pills, putting them in a small duffel bag she began to pack other things: extra scrunchies, her apple field journal if their were any new apples, a quill and ink, survival knife, flint and steel, three gallon water jug, dried apple slices, two pony tent and some erotic reading material. Whenever she was on long trips her special reading material always entertained her, though it was mostly a magazine than an actual book titled ‘play pony’, she got into it after Big mac showed her his stash. After packing a few more items she decided to rest a bit, laying down, she took a quick nap. It was going to be hours before the train arrived, so it wouldn't hurt to freshen up.

A few hours passed and the sun was high in the sky signifying it was mid day, window knocking woke Applejack up, looking out Rainbow Dash Waved to her. Getting up she went over to her window and opened it, inviting Rainbow dash in.

“Sorry to wake ya Aj, I wanted to see if you were ready.”. The cyan mare replied she was quite excited to go on this expedition, mostly because she and applejack would be with her friends and have some ‘alone time’.

While applejack began to finish packing she listened while Rainbow began to talk about them “you know Aj last night was good and all, but do you think it will work out between us?” applejack looked at her curiously, she knew where she was going, the law in Equestria that prohibits same sex marriage is a bit daunting.

“Of course I do sugarcube-”Applejack replied, for a while now both mares had feelings for each other, it just blossomed when they first proposed in the castle. “-all we have to do is keep our relationship a secret, most ponies won't understand and that's all right. What scares me is what Granny Smith and my family will say, especially one certain pony in my family.”. She remembers him all too well, Bloodapple, he is a pony that has been kicked out of the family reunions on multiple occasions and not just for getting drunk off cider. The last time he was here was during the last reunion before Twilight Sparkle arrived, he had to be kicked out for forcibly trying to have his way with Appletart, fortunately Big mac stopped him and the two went at it, big mac eventually won. This last incident permanently excluded him from any more reunions, but that didn't stop him from stepping on Applejack's property the day after, was he there to apologize, no he was there to insult and try to flirt with her. To this day, many apple family ponies have requested to kick Bloodapple out of the family, but it's not that easy, hes been known to have his ways.

Applejack finished up, went over and kissed Rainbow dash “i assure ya hun it will work, yall have ma honest word.”. She kissed her again, but was caught when Applebloom walked in on them, she stared at the two not sure what to do.

“Uh Applejack why’s your mouth on Rainbow dash” Applejack ended the kiss while blushing profusely, she was completely embarrassed at that moment, luckily for her rainbow dash knew what was going on and helped her out.

“Applejack had a hair stuck in her mouth, she wanted me to get it out” Rainbow dash lied, applejack looked at her not believing rainbow lied to her sister, the cyan mare lipped ‘you owe me’.

Taking part in the white lie Applejack played along “yea ah has a nasty hair lodged in ma mouth been there for hours, that's why ah asked Rd to help me get it out”. The two mares smiled nervously, but were relieved when Applebloom just shrugged it off.

“Anyway Granny Smith said yall were going on a trip, mind if i tag along and bring my friends, we could explore and get our cutie marks!” Applejack shook her head, she didn't like it one bit, where they’re going is far too dangerous for any foal to explore at.

“Absolutely not, where we’re going Applebloom is not for young fillies, this is from the top from the princess Celestia herself!” Applebloom sighed, sad she couldn't go, but if it came from the top then it's far more important than her and her friends cutie marks and hearing it now in her head meant that this mission is far too dangerous even for her. Disappointment leaving her she perked up, maybe she could have applejack bring her something back from where she was going.

“Well that's okay, can you bring me something back though as a souvenir” she smiled hoping her big sister would say yes.

Applejack rubbed her sisters hair and bow tie “sure ting sugarcube I'll get yall something. Anyway RD and i need ta get going train will be arriving shortly and we don't want ta miss it-” Applebloom bounced in joy excited to get something from another land, before applejack left however she leaned in towards her sister “-say hun mind if ya keep this here secret about the ‘hair thing’ from everypony else, including your friends” Applebloom nodded she could keep it a secret if it was that embarrassing, then she’ll help her sister.

Leaving the farm house they waved back to Granny smith and Applebloom, both of them wishing the two mares well on their journey, once they were out of view Rainbow dash wrapped her wing around Applejack. They were both excited, once they hooked up with their friends they’ll begin their journey, unaware the mares didn't know the dangers they were going to face.