Honor, Guts, and Glory

Invitation

“SPIKE! SPIKE!”

Spike started to fall out of bed, catching himself a second before he did. Even though it wasn't hard to do, he wasn't that far off the ground since he slept in a basket and all. Spike quickly rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, not looking forward to waking up.

He considered shouting back in annoyance, until he noticed that it was past 1:30. The sun was high up in the sky, meaning Spike had slept most of the day away. He felt horrible for not doing his morning chores. So instead of moaning a complaint, Spike answered her in his usual manner.

“Yes Twilight? You need me to do something?”

“Yes actually, I want you to find me more books on offensive magic. I'm going out with the girls, I'll be back later!”

Spike heard the door open and shut before he could ask her where exactly they would be. He shrugged it off, they usually ended up going on strange adventures at the most unusual times.

Spike had been pleasantly surprised by the absence of a lecture on being responsible. But why hadn't she woken him up in the first place? Twilight would usually shake him awake in the mornings, have breakfast together, and then get to work. His mind drifted as he focused on trying to solve this mystery.

Spike shook it off, he had a job to do.

“Alright now to get looking for those books, what was it? Something about combat magic? Twilights been studying that stuff for awhile now, I wonder what caused her to become so interested in it.”

Before he could come up with a reason for her sudden interest in combat magic, Spike realized why he wasn't woken up at six in the morning.

It was Saturday.

Twilight walked in the direction of PonyVille. Her and her five friends had agreed to meet up at a local restaurant to eat together.

Twilight started skipping to her destination. She had been so lost in her studies the past week she forgot to make time to hang out with them. Of course she felt guilty about it and thought of this as her chance for redemption.

'Ah-ha! This is the place,'

Twilight entered the cozy-old fashioned diner and searched for her friends. She spotted Apple Jack,  the only one who had arrived besides her, sitting at a table near the far left corner of the diner. At least she wasn't alone this time, usually she was the one who showed up earliest for most of their activities. Such as Winter Wrap up.

Apple Jack looked bored, she had her head on her hand and was playing with the straw in her drink. Apple Jack saw Twilight out of the corner of her eye and gave her a quick, happy wave.

“Howdy Twi! C'mon over here and grab yurself' a seat!”

"Hey AJ! It's been awhile."

Twilight shouted back while she ran over to the table, a smile on her face. She took the seat next to Apple Jack and got comfortable before she continued conversing with her friend.

“Hows the farm Apple Jack? Business been good? How have you been?”

Out of all her friends Apple Jack was the one she missed the most, not because she was closer to her. She just hadn't seen the Element of Honesty in the longest amount of time. Twilight also felt some of her best, and most enjoyable, conversations were with the rough and tough female.

The two friends got to catching up, talking of this and that. Namely about how their personal lives, studies, and jobs had been going.

“Seems like you have been makin lots a progress Twi. Not surprised with how smart ya are. Hear anything from the Princesses lately?” Apple Jack took a sip from her drink, and draped her arm over her chair.

"Actually no, not recently. I'v heard talk of some big monumental event going on in Canterlot soon and all, but I haven't heard about it directly from the Princess. At least not yet." Twilight shrugged, face one of slight disappointment. Even though she knew the Princess would tell her if something was going on, she always worried.

Apple Jack shook her head in understanding. Before she could say anything to comfort her friend, Flutter Shy and Rainbow Dash walked in through the door, greatly enjoying whatever conversation they were currently engaged in. After a short laugh shared between the two of them, they noticed the two of their friends already sitting down at a table.

“Hey guys! What's up?”

Rainbow greeted loudly, dashing over to the table and claiming the seat she desired. Flutter Shy walked over to the table,

“Hi girls, I hope you weren't waiting too long.” She gave both of them a sweet little smile, sitting down next to Rainbow Dash.

“Hey you two.” Apple Jack waved.

“Rainbow! Flutter Shy! Great to see you two again. How's everything been since I last saw you?” Twilight lit up even more at the sight of her friends, perhaps she could hang out with them more after lunch.

The four of them continued to catch up on the past week or so, Rainbow boasted of her abilities and new tricks. Fluttershy told them about her busy week at the cottage, taking care of so many animals was hard work.

“I'm glad you all have had a great past couple weeks. I'm sorry I haven't made time for you recently. Busy finishing up my studies.” Twilight stared down into her drink, and took a sip.

“Oh come on Twilight! We knew you were just busy with something important. Besides we all need a break from society every now and then.” Rainbow Dash assured her they were not upset at her for it- at least she wasn't.

Twilight smiled at her, while Flutter Shy and Apple Jack voiced their agreement with Rainbow Dash.

“Thanks girls. I appreciate your understanding.”

"Of course we understand." Dash answered as she shoveled their appetizer into her mouth. AJ rolled her eyes at Rainbow's gluttonous appetite.

Everyone turned to their menus, they were here to eat after all.

AppleJack leaned closer to Twilight. “Don't you think those two are, closer recently? I mean not just hangin out wise, but haven't those two been more touchy feely recently?” AJ whispered in Twilights ear, Rainbow and Fluttershy were busy talking about what they should order.

Twilight's face became thoughtful. She looked over to her two other friends. Rainbow Dash had her arm around Fluttershy's shoulders, she quickly removed it.

“Eh no not,really.  Maybe a little bit..."

"I mean, Rainbow Dash walked here with Flutter Shy."

" That is a bit odd. They have been friends for a long time.”

"True, but on top of it all, Rainbow is actin all sappy with her!" Apple Jack looked to see if the other two were listening.

"Everyone has their days, ya know?"

Apple Jack shrugged. “Ah don' know. Maybe ah'm just tired.”

AJ was unconvinced, but her train of thought was interrupted by non other than Rarity the popular fashionista. Her hair was a mess, and she was sweating bullets.

“Forgive me ladies, I lost track of time while I was busy styling my mane, and left a tad late. Not only that, on my way over here I ran into Pinkie, who just had to tell me how excited she was to eat lunch with us. Over. And over. And Over.

Anyway, the two of us ran the rest of the way. But she went far too fast and I have no clue where she disappeared to, so instead of entering the diner I have been trying to find her for the past fifteen minutes. Has she not arrived? ”

“Yeah, no Pinkie Pie. On the other hoof, you look out of shape Rarity. Your boutique is only about a five minute run from here you know.” Rainbow Dash teased her sensitive friend, not worried about Pinkie. She would show up sometime or another, who knew what Pinkie could be doing.

Rarity huffed in response, and prepared to make a comeback, when unexpectedly the very pony they were talking about, appeared from behind the fashionable Equestrian and yelled out in excitement-

“Hey girls! I got distracted by the sweet shop next door and just had to go buy some candy! I can share it with you all if you want.”

None of them replied immediately, still surprised at her sudden, and unexpected entrance. Pinkie just continued speaking after observing her friends reactions.

“Okay sounds good. Hope I didn't get here too late, I mean, Rarity was behind me by a lot so I thought I had time.”

"It's fine Pinkie. You arrived just in time." Twilight smirked at her friends eccentrics.

Of course, not missing this opportunity, Apple Jack ,accompanied by Rainbow Dash, slowly began to comment

“More importantly, did she just-”

“Come out of Rarity's-”

“GIRLS! That's so distasteful! And just plain out disgusting! Why would you think of something so vulgar?!” Rarity interrupted before they could finish.

The four girls held in their laughter, Twilight and Flutter Shy doing a much better job of it than the other two, Rainbow Dash held her stomach with both arms and bit her lip. Pinkie seemed to be unfazed from what had been said, lightly giggling at her friends antics.

"You didn't let me finish! I was gonna say handbag!" AJ and Rainbow Dash exploded into laughter. Rarity on the other hand, sat down in embarrassment.

For the next ten minutes the six of them caught up on recent events. Rarity talked of how everything at her boutique was going quite well. She was slowly becoming more and more successful, her boutique much more well known compared to previous years. Pinkie, well she talked about anything, including having a party to celebrate the end of Twilights week long study session.

The waitress interrupted their conversation and joyfully asked them what they wanted to eat and drink. She definitely enjoyed her job. Some people can be happy with anything.

They all began to order their meals, this took longer than usual because of Pinkiepie's unusually large appetite. Afterwords the Six Elements talked about whatever came to mind. Telling each other stories, cracking jokes, and they even started planning to do something more together after lunch. This all changed in the next second as Spike came running in to the diner, nearly knocking over a waiter

"Twilight! Twilight! I have a letter from the Princess! " Spike handed Twilight the letter. He knew Twilight had been looking forward to getting a letter from her mentor, he decided to be considerate and give it to her.

It was a success, Twilight's face lit up once she was handed the letter, she started opening it immediately.

"Oh, thank you so much Spike! You didn't have to run all the way here to give it to me, you could have just waited till I got back you know."

"I know. But you've been waiting to hear from her for a while now." He replied, puffing out his chest

Twilight proceeded to look over the letter he had just delivered.

The others silently waited for Twilight to begin reading. You could hear the clock on the wall ticking, Rainbow shifted impatiently, AppleJack popped a fry in her mouth, Fluttershy sneezed, and then the moment of truth finally arrived-

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Greetings my dear and faithful student! I have some news I just know you will want to hear!

You, the other five elements, Spike and The CMC are all invited to come and stay in Canterlot Castle for the duration of The Official Canterlot Combat Tournament. Warriors, Mages, and all different kinds of fighters from all over the world will be attending! I'm sure you will find it quite exciting.

Not only that, your brother Shining Armor and my lovable sister, Luna, will be participating in the tournament. I am sure they will both appreciate it if you all come to cheer them on!

It is the first tournament of its kind to be held in over eight hundred years, it is a monumental point in Equestrian history. Be sure to pack for at least a month, and be here by tomorrow, so as to avoid getting stuck in the crowd.

From Princess Celestia. "

Each of them were silent as they processed the information in the letter. Rarity spoke up first, obviously because Canterlot was involved.

"Oh my! An invitation to stay in Canterlot for such an extended period of time! And for such a, uh, big event? Twilight dear, I am quite ecstatic about going to Canterlot and all, but I never knew the Princesses held competitions like this before."

Twilight gave Rarity a sympathetic look, why was it that she was the only one who knew every little detail about the past thousand years of Equestrian history?

She is the only one who reads for fun, constantly, among her six friends.

Already having an answer prepared in her mind she opened her mouth to give a detailed and enlightening, explanation.

"A-"

"Well it's like it said in the letter, nothin like this has happened for eight hundred years. Of course most of y'all wont know about em."  Unknowingly, AJ interrupted her friend, giving her own simple answer to Rarities question.

Rarity narrowed her eyes at Apple Jack's remark.

"And I suppose you know what this is all about? Why don't you fill us in then my dear Apple Jack?"

"For a matter of fact, ah do. Granny Smith used to tell me stories, that were told to her by her parents, about em when I was just a little Filly. Really- its just what it says, a tournament held in Canterlot, made to determine the strongest warrior in the world. Its supposed to take place every year, but was cancelled two hundred years after Luna turned into Nightmare Moon if Ahm correct. Because of the War and all." AJ looked off in the distance remembering the days she used to sit on Granny Smiths lap and just listen to her tell wonderful, unbelievable tales till she fell asleep. No one else in Ponyville could tell stories quite like she did.

"Actually, you both should have learned at least a little bit about it when you were in school. On the other hand, I'm surprised Granny Smith would tell you stories like that while you were just a little filly. Most of them contained lots of blood and violence from what I remember. " Twilight smiled at both Rarity and Apple Jack.

Rainbow Dash interrupted noisily, losing patience with all their historical talk.

She slammed her hands down on the table. "Who cares about the details, they told us what we need to know already! It sounds awesome! I mean come on, we get to watch people beat each other till the other falls to the ground in defeat! PLUS, Luna and Shining Armor are competing, AND we get to stay in Canterlot castle for a whole month! Maybe longer!"

"Yeah! I bet there will be some fun parties that we can have a great time at too!" Pinkie bounced around in her seat.

The others laughed at Pinkies comment. She was right, though they probably weren't the type of parties she was thinking of.

"Ah would think so, this being such a big event and all." Laughed Apple Jack.

Interrupting their excited chatter, Flutter Shy's soft voice reached their ears. Twilight and Rainbow Dash's comments did not help her look forward to this trip.

"Do you think they will be okay? I mean well, um, it sounds v-violent and dangerous." Each one of them turned their attention to the kind girl, her face etched with worry.

Flutter Shy received a gentle smile from Twilight.

"Of course they will be okay! It will be dangerous, violent, and kinda brutal but still. Shining can take care of himself and Luna, well lets just say I would be more concerned for the safety of whom she fights. Besides, it's not like any one is going to die, it's just a rough competition. These people are highly trained, so I doubt anything horrible will happen."

"She's right, they also have some rules to follow. It'll be kinda similar to something like the Best Young Fliers competition. Except it will be fighting instead of flying. Besides, most of them will be bound by some code of honor or something, you know?"  Rainbow Dash spoke up to try and help ease Flutter Shy's worries, knowing all she needed was a little encouragement from her friends.

"They are correct darling, It may be a tad barbaric but considering the fact that it's an official tournament held in Canterlot by the Princesses, it can't be all that bad." Rarity placed a hand on her shoulder.

Their words seemed to do just that. Her features visibly relaxed and became much calmer.

"So, every pony wants to go?" Not one of them even had to think about her question before giving her their answer.

"OF course we do! Any pony that says they don't is just being silly!" Pinkie responded energetically.

Everyone agreed with Pinkie Pie, Twilight laughed at their enthusiasm.

In the middle of their excited discussion, an important detail from the letter came rushing back to Rarity, reminding her that it might not be as relaxing a trip as she had hoped.

"Wait, are we going to be taking our sisters? The letter mentions the Cutie Mark Crusaders."

Twilight looked the letter over a second time, paying close attention to the names of those who were invited.

"Hmmm,Yes they are invited as well. It would be nice to bring your sisters, AND Scootaloo. I think it would be a fun, educational experience for them," She had almost forgotten that RD was not the Fillies older sister.

"We just need to keep a close eye on them is all." Twilight rolled up the letter, and put it in her bag.

"Guess we should ask em if they wanna go. As long as they don't get any stupid ideas like 'Cutie Mark Crusaders Tournament Champions yay!!' Everything should be perfectly safe." AppleJack laughed at her own joke.

This earned a couple giggles from the other five present. Rarity sighed before voicing her distress, she wasn't looking forward to watching the eccentric little Equestrians.

"I guess it wont be as relaxing as I hoped it would be. My sister will want to go and it wouldn't be fair not to ask her. Oh, I hope she doesn't set the Castle on fire, or give the Princess some of her poisonous food."

"I'm 120% sure a filly cool as Scootaloo will want to see something this rad. Especially if her friends are going!" Rainbow Dash proudly spoke up for her number one fan.

"Don't forget about me! I'm going too!" Spikes voice interrupted their exchange. They had almost forgotten he was there since he had been so quiet and reserved.

"Of course we wouldn't forget you Spike. Why would we forget about my number one assistant?" Twilight patted Spikes head, and gave him a fry.

"Well I hope so." He mumbled.

They all laughed at his answer.

"I'm guessing this means I have to tell the Princess all ten of us will be attending?"

She received nods from each of her friends, sealing the deal.

"All right! I'm so happy we get to all go together! I have read up on the old tournaments, and they are supposed to be spectacular. Lets hope this one is as good as they were! Just with better security. And less death. Now all I have to do is write a letter to the Princess to let her know every pony will be going. Including the little ones. Remember to pack tonight, we leave tomorrow!"

"Well ah guess this means Rarity has to start now. Since she has to take her entire house with 'er." AJ put a hand to her head, mimicking her friends dramatic actions from the past.

Rarity huffed,

"Well of course Apple Jack, after all if I don't pack for more than one person, you wont have anything to wear, or a toothbrush to use with how little you pack."

The others laughed at their friends back and forth conversation, any future comments were interrupted by the waitress. She had finally come out with the hungry Equestrian's food. Apologizing about the length of time it took for it to be finished.

For the rest of the afternoon the six friends, plus Spike, talked of the next few weeks. Each one of them placed bets, all agreeing Luna would win the entire competition, and Shining would place relatively high. Perhaps even second.

Every single one of them had no idea just how dangerous the next few weeks would become, but until then they could enjoy the peace and serenity, of enjoying lunch with close friends.