Chapter 7: preparation pt2

Twilight sparkle rushed to and fro packing much needed supplies for the trip, her supplies consisted of mostly blank stacks of paper, inkwells, several journals, stacks of quills, flora and fauna textbooks, magical studies textbooks and more. She was to say the least eager and excited to research a new land, though mostly to get the chance to increase Equestrias knowledge of magic and hopefully make new friends, if there are going to be any. All while she was doing this, Spike sat on Twilight's bed, his arms around his knees as he thought long and hard about the events that transpired in the short amount of time. A slight tear fell from his cheek, a fear welled up inside of him, a fear of loss, of what might happen, he closed his eyes hoping to block out the fear either that or stop himself from crying.

He snapped out of it when twilight called to him “spike can you help find my-” she saw tears in his eyes “-spike what's wrong, are you okay?” her lost item was soon replaced with worry, she’s never seen him this emotional, or shaken up before.

In a quiet droll voice he spoke in a barely audible tone “I don't want you to go.”

Twilight cleaned her ears with her hoof, she didn't catch him on what he said “w-what was that, i couldn't quite hear you”. She leaned a little closer, not noticing the frustration and sadness in his clenched teeth.

“I said I don't want you to go!” tears flowed freely down all of it in a mix of anger, fear and frustration. Ever Since he was told he couldn't go, his frustration mounted, he was always treated like he didn't matter and Twilight didn't even know it, well now she will.

“Spike you heard princess Luna, you can't go because-” she was interrupted by him blowing up on her.

“Because why Twilight, because I'm a baby dragon, because I'm treated like a seventh wheel to your friends! Which is it? I saved your lives in the lab and it's like you don't care, you're chosen by Celestia, by this prophecy of harmony and yet she lets her sister deal with it! I just, I don't want to be some sidekick and seeing you in the dark creature's grip, I don't want to lose you too.” he sighed sitting on a chair after going off on a small rant, it wasn't like him, but he was tired of it. Twilight sparkle stood in bewilderment, his words echoing in her mind and burrowing into it, her and her friends were chosen and they had to like it. Yet Celestia put her on this path and didn't tell her anything about it, it's like she was a tool for Celestia's gain, even when Luna came back she barely cared. Closing her eyes she sighed, she never saw this side of Spike and she was glad he spoke his mind, he was in pain and she didn't do anything, well she will now.

Going over she embraced him “I'm sorry-” she began “-I'm sorry, you feel this way, i didn't know, I'll- I'll send a letter to Luna maybe i can convince her to reconsider and let you come with us.”. Ending the embrace, Twilight went to her desk and began to write the letter, once she was finished she sent it via magic instead of spikes breath, since his fire would go to Celestia.

“Thank you Twilight, this means a lot and if Luna says I still can't go, then I'll be fine with her decision”. Twilight was impressed with Spikes ever growing maturity, yet something still itched in the back of her mind. If Celestia loved her sister then why didn't she care when she came back, as for the elements, why does she store them in her personal vault. She shook her head in thought ‘this doesn't make sense, Celestia's my teacher, yet she's been hiding things from me. Doesn't she trust me?’. She thought long and hard and decided to ask Celestia when she came back.

Luna walked down the halls of Canterlot, at this time she usually rested, but with her sister still recovering she had to pull double duty and right now she needed the energy. Going into the castle's kitchen, she got what she was after ‘coffee’, downing it in seconds, she continued with her midday duties. Trekking near the hospital wing, she decided to check on her sister, but was caught off guard when she heard another voice in the room and it wasn't Radon's.

“Your highness one of our unicorns intercepted a letter directed to Luna, it seems to be a request from Twilight sparkle regarding spike. What would you want me to do with it?”. Luna heard his request and waited for her sister to respond and it didn't take too long for her to reply.

“Pu-put it on my desk, I'll be released tonight and I'll read it then. You're dismissed commander” Luna heard her dismiss her commander, this made her curious, true they had their own personal guard, but not their personal army, something not right does shining armor know? She winced in worry when hoof steps echoed towards her, quickly she casted a cloak spell hiding herself from the commander, when she saw him leave, she couldn't believe who it was.

“Commander Sabre Shield” she mumbled to herself, she looked upon the earth ponies brown coat and white main, she caught a glimpse of his cutie mark to make sure it was him and sure enough it was. His cutie mark resembled a saber sword striking a shield, but what got her attention the most wasn't his cutie mark, but his armor. It wasn't gold plated steel like standard guard armor, his armor was plate and chain with orange, red and yellow cloth strips hanging off his armor, his helmet being open faced was too made of plate and chain and had a orange plume atop his helmet, his hoof plates too were made of plate and chain. As he walked past she caught sight of the insignia on his armor bathed in orange were two fanned out wings crossing each other, in the center stood a horn with what appears to be a red sun over an orange horizon. Luna's blood froze at the emblem's sight, ‘it can't be!’ she thought, curious more than ever she followed the commander, she had to get that letter, she’ll most likely retrieve it in Celestia's room.

Luna followed the commander to Celestia's room in the solar section of the castle; it took her about an hour of stealth to reach her sister's room on the third floor, a major difference from the hospital wing on the ground floor. Luna has never really seen the solar wing, since she's been up in the midday to night, while her sister is up in the morning till midday. It saved them some much needed rest in the early hours in the day. Luna looked around the solar quarter while keeping an eye on the commander, silk flags waved gently from a nearby breeze with the same symbol tailored on them, while wall sconces were lit in areas that needed light. A thought etched in her mind for a plan, in case she needed a distraction. Waiting for a guard to pass on patrol she snuck her way to a corner and watched the commander speak to one of his subordinates. She couldn't tell what he was saying, but she didn't need to as he began to walk in the room only to walk out seconds later with a salute.

Now was her chance, she had to distract the guard, seeing he has the same armor as the commander, minus the red plume adoring his helmet, she decided to be a bit subtle. Making it look like the wind caused it, she shallow nudged one of the banners towards a wall sconce, in seconds the cloth lit up, quickly she snuck away near the door waiting for the guard to move. Fortune favored her when he rushed over after smelling smoke and calling one of his friends over, this was enough for Luna to go in and retrieve the letter. Entering her sister's room, she silently closed the door behind her, since it was still day out she didn't need a light to see what her sisters room looked like. In the middle of the room stood a queen sized bed. Its sheets were made of the finest silks in Equestria and colored a white gold, with a gold trim. Across from her bed stood her dresser made of fine mahogany and a mirror made of crystal, on it were small jars of makeup, picking one up, Luna almost had a heart attack after reading who it was made by. ‘D’or Brume ’ Canterlot beauty expert from Prance, his best seller in Luna's magic ‘L’alicorne doree’ costs five thousand bits a jar. Shaking her head for almost being light headed, she put the jar down and continued to look around, everything she's seen so far were expensive items of material gain, ‘what has Celestia been doing this last millennia’ she thought.

She smiled as she caught sight of Celestia’s desk and sure enough the letter to her was laying on it, going to it, she opened the scroll and began to read and what she found surprised her.

‘Dear princess Luna

I write to you on behalf of Spike and his part on our venture to the new land and requests to take part in our expedition, since it has come to my attention he feels alienated as if he’s the seventh wheel to my friends. I would greatly appreciate it if Spike came along with us. His heroism to us is important and he’s strongly worried for us. Please, I implore you to reconsider and let Spike come with us.

Sincerely yours Twilight sparkle

P.S: Is it true Celestia chose us, or was she just following a prophecy for her own gain? I only write this for the concern of my friends, I don't want to think we're just chosen for the sake of being chosen.’

Putting the letter down, Luna sat on her haunches thinking on the very thought of whether or not Spike should go with them, but something in the back of her mind told her to do it and do it she will. Using her sister's quill and ink she took a sheet of paper and began writing her response. After a while she was done, she was going to send it, but stopped, if her sister found out about it she would have a fit, but if she allowed her sister to send a response first, she could swoop in unnoticed. Holding onto it for now, she stood up and was about to leave when a file on the desk caught her eye, having the same symbol on it, she opened the file and what she read shocked her. It was the thing she feared the most and what she hoped Celestia abandoned and the many reasons why Nightmare moon was formed, project: Flare. Just seeing that name made Luna's blood run cold, in the past millennia project Flare was just talk by Celestia as an empty threat, but seeing its plans now, seeing its formation worried her. Just remembering the name brought old thoughts back and one of the thoughts was about a young colt she was with all those years ago. She couldn't dwell on it though, she may have had feelings for him, but that was a millennia ago, now she has feelings for somepony else, or somedragon.

Not wasting any time, she took several sheets of paper and used a magic copying spell on the file and its contents, along with several other files that looked important, the ones she couldn't get were magically sealed. Satisfied she went to the door, cracking it open a bit, she cursed her luck upon finding the guard back at his post, thinking she could just knock the poor bastard out, but this was a stealth mission. Instead she went for the balcony door, opening it and silently closing it behind her, she spread her wings and took flight.

Applejack trotted alongside Rainbow dash and it has been awhile since they left the farm, the two were happily chatting away, that is until Applebloom showed up. Aj loved her sister don't get her wrong, but when she heard that her big sister was going on a trip, she pleaded with her to let her come.

“Absolutely not” Applejack replied in a stern voice, she already went over this with her sister back at the house and a new world like this is no place for a filly.

“Ah come on applejack, please” Applebloom pleaded, this time using her puppy dog eyes in hopes to get Applejack to let her come, but she reeled back when Applejack sharply bellowed.

“Celestia bucking Damnit, Ah said no!!” she was quite fuming at this point, but what disgusted her was she just bellowed at her sister, but who could blame her she was trying to protect her sister, but when she cooled off she saw the hurt in her eyes. Realizing what she did, she was going to apologize, but Applebloom took off crying before her sister spoke a word and she wasn't the only one who was upset.

Rainbow dash gave a firm glare to her marefriend, how could she just yell at her sister like that, it's true she may be too young to go to this new world, but applejack didn't need to swear to her. If that was Scootaloo she would have explained it to her, she does have sympathy for her, seeing as she might be an orphan, or just wishing for a big sister. What she doesn't understand is why Applejack is so strung up and so overprotective of her sister, she recollected an incident when she was younger, Granny Smith shared a portion of the tail, stating it was the worst attack in centuries. To yell at one's sister over something like that just goes to show Applejack's scars and she doesn't like showing her scars, what's worse, she doesn't like showing her tears.

“Applebloom wait!” applejack turned, she hoped to talk to her sister and explain why, something she should have, but it was too late, Applebloom was long gone.

“I hope you're happy!” Rainbow scolded, she could clearly see the shame in Applejack as she lowered her head and shook it after words, giving her answer to the pegasus.

“I’m sorry, I- I didn't know what came over me, I just wanted to protect her” Applejack tried to find an adequate excuse, but everypony knew she was a bad liar, but knowing Applejacks protective instincts, it wasn't much of a lie, it was more fear.

“Protect her!? Aj you can't protect her all her life, what are you going to do if she wants to move or join the army? Follow her. I understand with this mission the princess gave us, but swearing at her wasn't called for.” Rainbow dash let Applejack hear it, she knew Rainbow was right, she couldn't protect her all her life and knew deep down she needed to fix what she did.

“APPLEJACK!” Both mares looked behind them to see Big Mac stomping over to them, Aj’s ears fell flat to her head to the point they nearly melted in, he was furious and by the look of it may have a few choice words with her. Rainbow Dash, seeing this, didn't want to be a part of this and stepped aside, knowing Big Mac, he’s a no shit taking stallion and she didn't want to be in his line of fire, all she could do was watch and it didn't look pretty.

“Mind bucking explaining to me why Applebloom was crying and what she said you swore at her! WELL!!” Applejack hung her head in total shame, with her brother here he’s going to let her have it.

“Luna gave us this mission regarding the creature that was found-” she explained what happened in Canterlot that day all under the fuming guise of her brother, fortunately he listened. When she finished her story regarding a dream she had of her parents and protecting Applebloom he sighed, he took a breath thinking on what he was going to say, but Applejack knew what he was going to say.

“Applejack y'all need ta stop balmin yerself, ah did tell ya it’ll get ya into trouble an look what happened. Now seeing granny didn't tell me, she just said ya’ll goin away for awhile, so when ya get back yer goin ta need to apologize ta Applebloom. I'll tell her why she couldn't go, like you should have, but once ya come back yer goin to tell her what happened.” Applejack tried to protest, so she wouldn't tell Applebloom, but Big Mac just stared daggers and once he did that it was final. Believing he got through to her, Big Mac began to walk away. He loved his sister truly, but she can be stubborn as a mule in heat with a cold sore, yet he couldn't blame her nopony knew what would happen that day.

Applejack lowered her head in shame, her sister’s upset with her and now her family’s mad at her, ‘maybe big mac is right-’ she thought ‘- maybe i need to see it in another way and come to terms with it’. She felt Rainbow dash’s wing fall over her back, looking up she saw pity and remorse on the cyan mare's face. Dash may have been upset, but if they are to work out they need to be open with one another. Mentally nodding she decided to tell Rainbow dash later on the train, looking up to her she kissed her.

“I’ll tell ya all on the train Rd, you have a right ta know, but right now let's go see our friends”. Walking together the two headed for Golden Oaks library where Twilight wanted them to meet later and seeing how the train would arrive later in the day meant they had roughly five hours to hang out.

Twilight for the most part spent time with Spike, sure she needed to pack the rest of her things for the research expedition, but after finding out Spike is in need of support , she had to help him. Right now she sat with him as they both drank some tea, he was still a bit down, but he was better for the most part, twilight was about to take another sip when knocking was heard at the door. Spike was about to get off his seat and get it, but Twilight stopped him, got off her chair and went to answer it, opening her door, she was greeted by her friends.

“Hey girls!” she smiled as she hugged them.

“Sup twilight”. Rainbow greeted with a hoof bump, which twilight accepted.

“Afternoon Twi” applejack tilted her hat in greetings.

“Hi Twilight” Fluttershy shakingly greeted, of course she isn't shy around her friends for the most part, she was downright terrified of this trip, evident to her nervous shakes.

Pinkie pie rushed over and hugged twilight while speaking a mile a minute “Are-you-excited-Twilight-of-course-you’re-excited-we’re-going-to-another-nation-we’re-going-to-have-parties-play-games(gasp)-maybe-even-make-new-friends-oh-im-so-excited-i-could-just-scream(scream)!!” Twilight chuckled at Pinkie's antics, sure she was one of her best friends, but her excitement can make ponies question if she drinks coffee twenty four seven, or is just insane.

Rarity levitated pinkie off Twilight so she could breathe “pinkie darling. It's only for three days, we’re not going to be there to party or anything. Speaking of Twilight, are you packed for your trip? I've brought all the essentials”. Looking outside, Twilight gawked at the wagon full of Rarity’s things, it's only a trip for three days, not three years.

Twilight sighed “no i got distracted-” she said waving to her friends to come on in her home “-i was about to go out to lunch with Spike actually” she informed wanting to show Spike what he means to her.

“Really darling!-” this surprised Rarity. She's never seen Twilight act like this, she's usually more persistent with her studies. “-what's wrong did something happen, Spike okay?!” Her cause for concern made the others worry as well, soon after she told them what Spike said and were shocked.

“He really doesn't think that-” Rarity began “-does he!” she looked at her who all had a guilty look on their faces, some were even in deep thought.

“Well-” Rainbow began “-he has been treated like a third wheel, even under Celestia's rule non ponies were treated harshly. Remember when I referenced the diamond dog skirmishes, that single event made ponies question Celestia's rule.”

“Ya’ll still need ta tell me what happened, Rd” Applejack replied she still doesn't know what happened, but rainbow did say one of her cousins was involved with this event.

“Trust me applejack-” Twilight began “-you don't want to know” Twilight recalled what happened and just thinking about it made her sick to her stomach, but rainbow dash was right, there have been some tensions with non ponies under Celestia's rule.

“Tell me about it-” Pinkie replied, sticking her head out of a drawer “- i saw some ponies wearing some armor with orange and red coloring demanding to relinquish any thestrals.”.

“Theswhat” Rainbow raised a brow, she's never heard of a thestral before.

“Thestral-” twilight started and began to explain “-they're bat ponies, many of them are believed to be cursed with Nightmare moon's influence, or were cursed pegasi”.

“Thestrals! I thought they were a myth to scare foals to behave” Rarity replied, remembering what her mother and father told her if she wasn't a good filly, albeit a bit worried now since she told Sweetie Belle the same lie.

Everypony thought about what Twilight said about Spike, sure Celestia was a good princess in the past, but is she now? The whole thought brought no conclusion to their predicament, it didn't make any sense, they all supported Celestia, for tartarus sake Twilight was her student, yet when she thought about it, was she just being used as a weapon. All of this didn't make sense, Spike was a brave dragon, he stood up and protected his friends, yet he’s still treated differently under Celestia's rule, when she gets back she’s going to get to the bottom of this and help spike.

Ponies trotted to and fro, happily speaking to their friends, or spending time with loved ones, Twilight sparkle was one of those ponies, with enough time to waste until the train arrived, she and her friends all agreed to take Spike out for lunch. What they all agreed on was the hayburger, a recently built restaurant new to Ponyville and it was becoming a very popular spot, though not as popular as sugarcube corner. Entering the restaurant, they were met with a waitress who greeted them kindly and led them to a large round booth, after being seated they began to converse.

“So spike-” Rarity began “- we noticed you stay behind with the princess, please you must tell us and don't leave any detail out” everypony looked at spike, blushing nervously he wasn't sure he could tell them, unless they pinkie promised.

“Okay-” Spike exhaled getting ready to tell them, the mares knew he was nervous and waited patiently, well all except Rarity of course, he was nervous to tell her since he had a crush on her. Now he thought about Luna and how she showed affection towards him, something Rarity didn't do and now he’s about to tell his crush, he hopes she takes it okay. “-princess Luna(exhale) she made me her consort”. One by one the mares looked at him with mixed reactions, astonishment, shock, disbelief and for Rarity jealousy.

“W-g-b- WHAT!” Rarity couldn't find the words, she just couldn't, Spike, a dragon who had a crush on her from day one was going to become Luna's consort, who does she think she is?

“Please you have to keep this a secret-” Spike pleaded, ever since he first laid eyes on Luna at the gala, he felt as if he saw Rarity again, but in the moonlight, just thinking about her made his heart flutter, does he actually love her? “-if Celestia found out about this, she would be furious”.

The mares just looked at eachother, still not believing what they heard, but one by one they agreed to keep his forming relationship with Luna a secret, but now they want to hear more and if he truly loves her.

“Spike-” twilight spoke in a serious tone “- i may be difficult with your relationship with princess luna, but we got to know more, why did she make you her consort?” This question sparked interest in the group, even a jealous Rarity was curious.

“I don't know-” he replied, “-she was going to say why, but she was interrupted by a guard. I think! I think she was going to say she loves me, but in all this she also named me a baron consort”.

“A baron-” pinkie pie giggled “- oh spike you can't be a baron, you're not dirt” twilight just rolled her eyes, ‘typical pinkie’ she thought and began to explain.

“Pinkie a baron is a title of nobility given by either king, queen or princess and usually given to those who were either in the military or did an honorable deed-” she looked over to spike “-I'm quite proud of you spike, but you still didn't answer why she made you a baron consort, that title is rarely given”. Her friends too wanted to know, ever since he saved them they realized his potential for being a seventh member of their group, but to hear he’s to be nobility made them even more proud of him.

Spike from there on began to explain why Luna made him a baron “she wants me to look into the strange things happening in Equestria, she also wants me to look in on the corrupt nobility and figure out who's leading them”. This made much more sense, but also showed how dire the situation is and how dangerous it could be.

“Spike, what Luna’s putting you through is dangerous, i'd go against it, but if i went to Celestia it could have serious repercussions, all i can say is be careful, the nobility won't take kindly to snooping”.

“Don't worry Twilight i’ll be careful”. All the mare could do was nod, yet she still felt uncertain and it worried her. Sure Spike is a brave dragon, but the nobility are dangerous, but if anypony can figure out what's going on, it's Luna.

After eating and paying for their lunch, the mares and dragon made their way to the train station where they were to meet their escorts and transportation to Sun Falls. On the way they enjoyed the stroll and sights of Ponyville, deep down twilight felt this will be the last time she sees Ponyville and a slow walk through town made sure she’ll remember every bit of it. Their light stroll was soon interrupted when Spike flame burped a letter, letting fall in his hand, he read it allowed for his friends to hear.

“Dear Twilight

I received your letter, but I'm sorry to fulfill your request. You, along with your friends, have been tasked with this mission. I have noted Spike's bravery and he’ll be rewarded for it, but he is no bearer of harmony, I'm sorry, I will make sure he is well taken care of.

Princess Luna

P.S: you have been chosen by the elements, i didn't choose you”.

Lowering the letter Spike just stood their tears streaming down his eyes, the mares just stood there furious for what the letter said and appalled by the princesses response. Yet something was off, taking the letter Twilight looked over at the writing and sure enough it was Celestias. Twilight hasn't had the chance to view Luna's letters, but Celestias, she knew her writing and this was Celestia pretending to be her sister, when she gets back she’s going to have a little chat with her teacher.

“Princess Luna has some nerve” Rainbow dash spat, she was livid and wanted to tear the princess a new one, stating he was no bear of harmony didn't matter to her, Spike showed bravery with or without an element.

“She has no care” Applejack agreed, though that letter sounded fishy, being the element of honesty she could spot out a lie and that letter is a written lie. ‘What is the princess hiding?’ she thought.

“Don't worry spike, I'm here for you-” Rarity cooed rubbing spikes head “-you don't need some careless princess, now do you my little spikey wikey” that name drove the dragon up a wall and over it, it sounded as if Rarity was jealous of Luna.

“Keep it behind your tail Rarity!” Rainbow spat, she could tell Rarity was buttering up spike, so she could keep him all for herself, she knew she dated stallions who only wanted her or had other mares chase after them. Rarity had some nerve to do it to Spike.

Rarity glared at the cyan mare and stormed over, everypony knew Rarity and Rainbow had a thing for open arguments, and this one might take it to the next level. “Why do you care for Spike, miss loyalty, he's done nothing for you!” Rarity tried to defend her actions towards Spike, she doesn't want to lose him to a nightmare that is Luna.

“He saved us, he saved Applejack and what were you doing hiding behind Twilight, huh, enjoying the view!” shocked gasps came from her friends Rainbow didn't just go there.

“Excuse me!!?” Twilight stormed up to her, spitting mad Rainbow insisted that Rarity was enjoying the view of her marehood “Rarity wasn't enjoying any view under my tail, while she was hiding I was being choked to death by whatever that thing was!!!” Twilight practical screamed out her rant, loud enough a crowd of ponies formed. Twilight wasn't proud of what she did, she just yelled at one of her friends and worst of all added fuel to the fire, to which it was heating and Twilight backed off.

“You want to go their Rainbow, okay I'm game, do you want to know who's view you enjoy-” what Rarity would say next would light the powder keg “-Fluttershy!”. Rainbow dash was beyond livid now, Rarity accused her of enjoying Fluttershy's company, by sleeping with her friends. Quiet sobbing caught the ears of both mares, Rarity couldn't understand what she did all because of Spike and her jealousy of Luna, but Rarity brought it on herself and now Rainbows ultimate came forward.

The cyan mare smiled evilly “do you wanna know why Spike chose Luna over you, do? He chose her because you don't have a body like her-” the entire crowd gasped, Rarity’s mouth fell in shock, she did not just go there. Rainbow continued her assault “-I'm surprised how your stomach’s not on the ground from all the ice cream you eat”. A silence fell upon the town nopony dared to call rarity fat and Rainbow dash just did, if Nightmare moon saw Rarity’s face she would surely hide under a rock.

In quick succession Rarity tackled Rainbow dash before the cyan mare could dodge, it was on, both ponies brawled, punching and kicking each other. Rainbow dash was brutal in a fight, but Rarity was ruthless, throwing a punch her hoof met Rainbows muzzle, with Rainbow doing the same thing and striking Rarity’s muzzle. Both mares were soon grabbed by their friends, Applejack and pinkie pie held Rainbow, while Twilight and Fluttershy held Rarity, evidently both cooled off, but the bitterness was laced in their voice.

“You call yourself the bucking element of loyalty, yet you beat one of your friends and for what to defend a princess who doesn't show love to her subjects!” Rarity was already throwing the accusations out, if she only knew the pony she was talking about wasnt far.

“Little miss generosity, please, you call yourself generous yet you lead ponies on for your selfish gain!” Rainbow's accusation, though a bit more accurate, was met by cheers from a few stallions, one of whom was Thunderlane, a pony Rainbow knew dated Rarity.

“ENOUGH!!!”ponies looked towards the voice of the one who bellowed and were shocked to see Luna standing amongst the crowd, her face contorted in anger and disgust.

“Rarity, Rainbow dash, your actions not only disturbed the peace, but the harmony of this land as well.-” she looked at the fashionista with disdain “-Rarity I am deeply ashamed and appalled that you think I don't love my subjects.”. She then looked at Rainbow dash “ and I too am ashamed by your actions Rainbow, a bearer of loyalty-” she looked back at Rarity “-or generosity wouldn't have stooped so low”. Being let go they both bowed, ashamed by their actions.

“We apologize your highness, it won't happen again” Luna shook her head, it wasn't her they should apologize to.

“Don't apologize to me!-” she glared “-apologize to each other!” Both Rainbow and Rarity looked at each other, then back at Luna who waited, but grew tired after several minutes of no apology, yet understood they needed time to apologize and she would give them that time.

“Alright, I'll take it, you need time and you’ll get it! Twilight i have a letter for you-” she handed the lavender mare her response regarding Spike “-this is my response to your letter on Spike”. Quickly she took it and began to read.

“Dear twilight

After reading your request, I've decided to let Spike go on your expedition to the new world, however my sister Celestia must not know of this decision, for she has been through enough. As for your house, the golden oaks library, I'll send your brother over once he’s been discharged from the hospital.

Sincerely yours Princess Luna

P.S: this last part was written on my way here after finding out the train’s going to be a day late after suffering a few broken train wheels. It will arrive at noon tomorrow.”

By the time Twilight finished the letter most ponies had already disbursed and all that stood was Luna and her friends with shocked expressions. Their shock was not because of Spike, but the fact Luna went behind her sister's back and allowed Spike to tag along. Although when they heard the train was going to be late and arrive tomorrow, everypony was a bit peeved, but some decided not to dwell on it. Luna however wasn't done, before she left the castle one of her spy’s reported some findings in Ponyville that would interest her. Now she needs to see Spike and send the bearers to a motel, since she needs to use Twilight's house for a ‘project’ of hers.

“The news came as quite a shock to me as well, but the train is old and came from the western coast, but I digress. Twilight i need you and your friends to rest in a motel, near the station, we can't miss this train, it never comes out this far and we need you and your friends ready, got it,” Twilight bowed understanding the urgency.

“Yes your highness, let me get a few things and we’ll head to the motel” Luna accepted and allowed the unicorn to gather her things, looking over to Rarity she noticed the large wagon full of stuff she didn't need “miss rarity, i suggest offloading some of that stuff, you don't need all of it, just the essentials.”

The fashionista to her annoyance saw to it and grumbled all the way back home and offloaded some of her stuff back in the house, to her surprise Sweetiebelle wasn't home. Shrugging it off, after she finished she went back to help with twilight with her things, only to see Twilight carrying her saddlebag to the motel, ‘guess she was almost done’ she thought, adjusting her saddlebag so it doesn't chafe.

Luna watched the bears leave, which prompted her to turn to Spike one they were out of sight and the house was empty, walking up to him Spike knew she wanted to speak with him.

“Second time today-” he said jokingly “-you’re spoiling me” Luna lightly chuckled, true she did speak with him a lot and her heart fluttered when she was near and speaking to him. Not now though this was serious.

“Now's not the time for joking Spike, this is serious. The nobility has a house here in Ponyville and I need your help.” Spike raised his brow, surprised the nobility are here in what they call a ‘backwater town’.

What do you need help with?” He asked hoping to help in any way he can, he may not be a hero like his friends, but he will do whatever it takes to protect Equestria and if that means becoming a hero. Then so be it.

Luna smiled glad Spike is willing to help, looking over both her shoulders making sure nopony was listening, can't be too careful she leaned in and whispered to him. “Meet me in the Golden Oaks Library at midnight and make sure you’re not followed.” Tuning away Luna disappeared in a flash teleporting back to Canterlot, leaving Spike in the near middle of town puzzled on what she had planned and why she was so shady, guess he’ll find out later. Fortunately he likes to sleep a lot, so what better way than to do his chores and nap till he isn't tired because something tells him he's going to need the rest.

Author's Note

I don't own the rights they belong to their respective owners, I had a lot of fun with this chapter when it was typed up, please let me know what you think of it and as before the oc's are either mine or were given permission.