This Is Not How I Expected My Week To Go

by TheKing2001

Rating: teen
Tags: Sunset Shimmer, Profanity, Slice of Life, Wallflower Blush, Alternate Universe, Spitfire, Twilight Sparkle, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other
Length: 30226

When shes sent to help set up a town hosting the Summer Sun Celebration with another student of Celestia's, Twilight is forced to tolerate Sunset's jokes and more in order to save Equestria.

When Twilight is sent to Amethyst Harbor to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration by Princess Celestia to meet up with her other student Sunset Shimmer, Twilight is less than happy that her warnings about Nightmare Moon are being ignored. When Nightmare Moon finally reveals herself, Twilight and Sunset find themselves being assisted by two stunt flyers of the Wonderbolts, an artist and a gardener pony.

Cover art is done by a friend on discord.

Published 2024-05-20 01:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-07-17 22:57:18 UTC

Surely the princess will listen to me.....

Twilight groaned under her breath as she leaned against her tree, reading one of the many books piled around her, almost like a fort of knowledge that made her feel comfortable and away from prying eyes of ponies around her.

While Twilight didn’t necessarily hate ponies as a whole, she certainly hated when they tried to force themselves into her personal space like a certain Minuette or Lyra liked to do. She only really knew their names because Princess Celestia continuously mentioned them around her.

“What in Equestria are the elements of harmony?” Twilight muttered to herself as she turned the page of one of the many books she was reading. “I swear I’ve heard of them elsewhere. If I’m gonna have books on it, it’s gonna be in my house. Knowing Spike, he probably already has it somewhere in case I need it or asleep. Probably asleep.”

Twilight levitated all her books around her, stuffing as many as she could into her saddlebags till they threatened to break as she stood up, taking a few shaky steps forward till she was certain she wasn’t going to fall over from the sheer weight of her saddlebags.

Twilight broke off into a slightly faster trot away from the park she spent a majority of her time reading at if the weather was nice enough like it was today, ignoring Lyra and another unicorn wave at her as she continued her gallop.

“Hey Twilight!” Twinkleshine called out as she, Lemon Hearts and Minuette paused in front of her on a bridge Twilight was galloping on. “Moondancer is having a little get together in the west court yard. Wanna tag along?”

The three looked at her hopefully as Twilight inhaled nervously before scuffing a hoof against the road as she pushed down a panic attack. She hated the fact she always got them when being around ponies or the thought of large crowds.

“Sorry girls I uhm gotta put Spike down for bed! And study!” Twilight said as she shifted her weight, eyes flicking up at them as Lemon Hearts glanced at the sun in confusion.

“At twelve in the afternoon?” Lemon asked curiously as she raised an eyebrow, turning slightly to look at the other two.

“Baby dragons and all!” Twilight answered hastily and she inhaled before teleporting away with a pop behind the three, galloping.

Minuette let out a frustrated growl as the three glared at the retreating Twilight.

“I think that mare cares more about books than she cares about friends,” Twinkleshine huffed as she looked away. “Let’s go. She can go be alone and do whatever she wants. I don’t know why Spike puts up with her. She treats him like a slave instead of a baby.”

Twilight groaned as she continued trotting up the long spiraling staircase up to her house next to castle her parents never used, kicking up the door as she dropped her books next to the coat hanger.

“Spike!” Twilight screamed as she slammed the door. “Spike!”

Spike weakly stuck a claw up from the pile of books Twilight had accidentally flung him into. He idly reminded himself not to stand behind doors, especially around Twilight as she levitated him out of the pile with a small smile and set him down.

“Sorry about that. Can you get me a book please?” Twilight asked as she paused and examined the present Spike had stuck on the end of his tail. “The book is Predictions and Prophecies. What’s that for?”

“It was for Moondancer but well, not anymore I guess,” Spike sighed and shook his head as he tossed it off into a nearby trash can. “I’ll give her a gift card to the library or something.”

Twilight rolled her eyes but said nothing as Spike waddled away to search for the book she she had requested, leaving Twilight to her private thoughts.

She didn’t necessarily know why Moondancer had even wanted her or Spike at that party. Twilight didn’t necessarily know the mare but she did certainly respect the mare for her hard work she did. That mare damn near read as much books as Twilight and was her rival but certainly not as intense as some others in the school.

Moondancer did strike her as a bit weird though, even going as far as copying Twilight’s mane style which made her feel slightly uncomfortable around Moondancer. Normal ponies don’t just copy the mane style of a classmate they sit next to every day. That was the main reason she wasn’t going to the party.

“Here you go. Are you okay Twilight?” Spike asked and held out a large book in front of her with a concerned expression.

“Yeah I’m fine Spike. Thanks,” Twilight shook her head to clear her head and took the book with her magic. She opened it and started flipping though as Spike sighed, starting to put away all the books she had dropped in the doorway. “! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Elements of Harmony, see Mare in the Moon?”

“Isn’t that a folk tale or something?” Spike chimed in from his ladder curiously.

“Allegedly. Mare, mare... The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal! Spike! Do you know what this means?” Twilight dragged him down with her magic and squeezed his cheeks with her hooves.

“Uhm, that it’s gonna be dark for a few years?” Spike offered as Twilight gave him an unimpressed look, dropping a letter and quill in his lap. “What’s this for?”

“I need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia immediately. It’s important she knows about this now Spike,” Twilight levitated books and shoved them in their spots.

“I don’t know. Isn’t she super busy with the celebration planning?” Spike pointed out and picked up the quill, eyes never leaving Twilight.

“You’re right. Letter she might miss. We will go see her directly. Hold onto something,” Twilight warned as her horn glowed brightly and Spike groaned.

“This isn’t gonna end well,” Spike grumbled as he and Twilight teleported away with a loud pop.

Spike kissed the ground repeatedly of the throne room floor as Twilight rolled her eyes in annoyance before approaching Princess Celestia tilting her head slightly to the right.

“What can I do for you Twilight?” Celestia gave the two a warm smile as she shifted on her throne, setting her crown down next to her.

Twilight inhaled and told Celestia everything she had found, from Nightmare Moon all the way to the elements of harmony. Celestia sat quietly as she listened, idly watching Spike snore on his back before Twilight nudged him awake accidentally with one of her flailing hooves that she was using to get her point across.

“And you really think canceling the Summer Sun Celebration is the way to avoid this folktales return?” Celestia asked curiously as Twilight nodded. “Thousands of ponies are going there. I can’t just cancel it on a dime. And besides, it’s just a tale. You need to quit reading those dusty old books. There’s more to a mares life than books.”

Spike burst out laughing as Twilight sat down on her plot in shock. Out of all of the things she expected, this was the last thing she saw coming.

“I’m sending you to Amethyst Harbor to catch up with Sunset Shimmer. She’s been there for about a day and a half doing most of the heavy lifting. According to this last letter she sent me about thirty five minutes ago, all you have to do is do some final check ups on the towns work,” Celestia placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder with a smile as Twilight scowled.

Twilight didn’t necessarily get along with Sunset that well. Sunset was fond of her jokes that were borderline very dirty and was lax about her work. Twilight wasn’t entirely sure why Celestia had taken her on as a student before she had found Twilight last year.

“I don’t know why you took her as a student. She’s cocky, loud, makes rude jokes, and takes forever with her work.”

“I know you and Sunset don’t necessarily get along all that well, but she’s a good pony who means well. And she has a lot of potential. I’m quite proud of how far she’s come in life, given her past. It’s actually only you who doesn’t like her. She doesn’t have an opinion on you really,” Celestia explained with a slight frown. “She may be a bit unorthodox in her methods but she always get whatever tasks I ask for done by the deadline, fully completed. Sunset is going to play a large role in Equestria very soon, I’ve seen the signs.”

“I like her a lot,” Spike chimed in as the two glanced at him. “She’s really nice to me and funny. She helped set up my birthday party that one year. And she’s pretty.”

Twilight decided to ignore that as she looked back up at her mentor.

“Fine. I will go see whatever it is Sunset did and pray she didn’t mess up,” Twilight sighed as she stood up. “I still think we should prepare in case.”

Celestia watched as the two left before glancing up at the sun with a sigh.

“Hopefully everything goes as planned,” Celestia muttered and looked at a old window with her and Luna depicted.

Twilight thanked the two stallions that had flown her and Spike from the castle away from Canterlot. Spike had long since fallen asleep an hour into the flight.

Twilight stood and curiously looked around the somewhat small town that had ponies trotting all around, some setting up finishing touches to the decorations before she glanced at the scenery of surrounding area. It was pretty much what she pictured on a post card from a resort town.

“Well, if it isn’t Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight jumped slightly and glanced over at a orange unicorn with a fiery mane leaning against a wall with a confident smile as Twilight scowled at her.

“Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight commented back as Sunset trotted to her slowly, maintaining her smile.

“Been a bit. Hey Spike!” Sunset rubbed his head with a hoof, tossing him a smile as he jumped up to hug her and she eagerly returned it with a nuzzle. “How’s it hanging, buddy?”

“Pretty decent. You’re a sight for sore eyes. Been stuck with book worm all day,” Spike joked as Sunset giggled behind a hoof and Twilight glared at him. “Up high!”

Spike held up his claw as Sunset high hoofed before Spike dropped his claw and she repeated her actions with a grin.

“How was Moondancers party? Told her I was sorry I couldn’t go because I had my orders. She was thankfully understanding. Gave her a gift before I left for this lovely little town,” Sunset gestured around with a smile. “Word of advice.”

Twilight and Spike both were slightly taken aback at her sudden shift in tone from playful to serious in mere seconds.

“Yes?” Twilight asked as Sunset inhaled.

“Don’t go into the woods after dark. It’s really dangerous. A stallion went missing a few days ago in them. I’ve alerted the royal guards and I’ve searched in the day light with em but we haven’t found anything yet,” Sunset stared out at the nearby woods. “I’m not usually scared easily but even I’m a bit afraid of them. Something doesn’t really sit right with me about them.”

Now Twilight was a bit concerned. While she didn’t really see eye to eye with Sunset, Sunset did have a reputation of not being easily scared. If something had her scared or worried, then Twilight knew to be wary. Sunset also had a reputation of being a playful mare who enjoyed making others laugh around her but also was stern and serious when necessary and had an anger issue.

Twilight can only think of a few times when she’s seen Sunset truly mad and it was enough to know she didn’t want to be on the receiving end of the fiery maned unicorns practically legendary ire. Especially Blueblood once he tried touching Sunset’s flanks and she quickly put him and everypony in the room in their place.

Twilight had admittedly found it amusing. She didn’t entirely like Blueblood herself, nor did many in Canterlot.

“Anyway!” Sunset stomped her hooves on the ground. “Let’s get a move on, shall we? I’ll show you and Spike to where I was ordered to take you. Celestia left quite a list of things to do and we are burning day light!”

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight correct instantly with a frown. Sunset rolled her eyes and wagged a hoof carelessly.

“Yeah, yeah! Anyway, let’s go. You can lead the way if you want,” Sunset gestured forward and gave Twilight a mischievous grin. “I’ll just watch your flanks. It’s been a while.”

“Absolutely not!” Twilight snapped as she blushed red.

“Fine fine. You can look at my fine flanks instead then,” Sunset snickered as she trotted forward and swayed her hips more than necessary, causing Twilight to blush harder than before. “And believe me, I know they’re fine. Silvy tells me that often.”

Celestia kill me now, Twilight thought to herself and fought to control her blush.

“Hurry up slowpoke!” Sunset shouted over her shoulder as Sunset looked back at the mare with Spike riding on her back. “You’re a bit behind me!”

Twilight rolled her eyes before hastily galloping to catch up.

She had a feeling this was gonna be a long day.

Drug smuggling and more

Twilight followed Spike and Sunset through narrow alleys, dodging most of the clogged market streets as Twilight glanced out at the harbor where she faintly made out a ship in the distance.

“So what does this town do exactly?” Spike asked curiously as he peered over Sunset’s mane.

“Well, it’s called Amethyst Harbor for a reason because it’s well, a harbor,” Sunset chuckled. “Town makes most of it’s money from ships coming around Equestrian towns and foreign cities. Got a few griffons in town. Town is pretty popular with pegasi due to the fishing that goes around here. It’s a nice town, good culture but there is a pretty big problem with the smuggling.”

“Smuggling?” Spike echoed in confusion.

“Cocaine,” Sunset and Twilight answered in unison. “Bastards love to bring it in from out of Equestria. Pretty heavy royal guard presence at the port due to it but ponies and creatures are smart as hell.”

Twilight nodded absent mindedly as Sunset grinned suddenly, waving eagerly at a white earth pony with a green mane and a red beret, black cutie mark of a music note standing next to a stand of paintings and a chart of prices, a paint brush over her ear.

“Hey Watermelody,” Sunset levitated Spike off. “I’m gonna go say hey to my friend, you two stay here. Or come with, up to you.”

Twilight groaned internally as she sat down on a nearby bench, opening her saddlebags to pull out a mystery novel she was reading.

“So who’s the friend?” Watermelody asked as she leaned over her stand to examine Spike closer. “Woah, a dragon. Don’t see too many of your kind around here often.”

“This is Spike, that boring mare over there on the bench with the book is Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset explained as she leaned on the stand with a foreleg as Twilight scowled over at her.

“I heard that!”

Sunset snickered and rolled her eyes as Spike continued examining some paintings.

“See anything you like? Small ones are fifteen bits, medium sized paintings are twenty and large are forty five. I also take commissions but those are more expensive,” Watermelody pointed to her sign with a hoof. “I always set up here. The tourists coming off the boat always come down this way and I can convince them to buy some paintings or paint them with their family.”

“Where’s this one?” Spike pointed a claw at oil painting of a light house on a hill over a lake with the sun setting behind it.

“Over there,” Watermelody pointed a hoof behind him and Spike turned to look at a tall lighthouse. “It’s a hundred and thirty years old. Been here forever. It’s practically this towns most well known landmark. Named after the pony who founded the town, Autumn Magic. I believe I got a painting I did of him around here somewhere.”

Twilight continued turning a page of her book, her ear flicking as she listened curiously to the other pony talk. While she may not have wanted to interact with her, she did like learning more about the town she was temporarily residing in.

“Here we are!” Watermelody announced as she gently pulled out another oil painting of a grey stallion with a black suit and a thick mustach with a top hat. “Created the town in eighteen ninety four AC. Created by yours truly a few nights ago. He’s buried over there in his family mausoleum. Only one of his relatives lives here and she’s turned down mayor multiple times adamantly which I respect.”

Spike nodded as Watermelody watched him intently before shifting to continue talking to Sunset as Spike examined the harbor. Watermelody flicked an ear instinctively as a roaring sound got closer

“Here comes the flyboys,” Watermelody commented with a bored expression and watched as four pegasi flew overhead in matching blue uniforms with smoke coming from behind them.

“The Wonderbolts are here again? Huh, cool,” Sunset mused as she dropped some bits down on the stand and Watermelody nodded gratefully, pushing them into her register as Sunset picked up the lighthouse painting.

“Isn’t your sister in the Wonderbolts?” Watermelody asked curiously as Sunset grinned proudly. “They’ve been here all week or so practicing.”

“Both of my sisters are in the Bolts. I’ll probably see them sometime today after I visit Tennis Match and Blueberry Cake at the pub,” Sunset said coolly as she watched the Wonderbolts do a loop above them.

“The Wonderbolts are cool. Which ones are you sisters? Over half of them are female,” Spike pointed out as Twilight cleared her throat. “Twilight is getting impatient. We should probably hurry up.”

“She can wait five more minutes or she can be a big girl and come tell me herself,” Sunset shot back with an smile. “And besides, I’m just showing you to your motel that’s all. I tried to get you guys in the library because I know books help calm down her anxiety but the interior is being replaced so I couldn’t. My sway as Celestia’s student only goes so far unfortunately.”

“You’re not staying with us?” Spike frowned as Sunset shook her head and Watermelody turned to assist a mare and stallion in bright floral shirts.

“Nah, I’m staying at my marefriends house. She doesn’t know I’m here yet, been keeping it a surprise. I’ve been staying at Watermelodys house since yesterday. See you two tomorrow morning,” Sunset shrugged. “Head up straight down this road, hang a left on Council Street and you’ll see it after a five minute walk. It’s called Seaside Motel. I’ve already booked your room. Room number seven. Bye Twilight, bye Spike, bye Watermelody!”

Twilight gave a huff as she closed her book, shoving it back into her saddlebags as she jumped off the bench.

“Are you ready to go?” Twilight asked as Spike yawned, idly watching Watermelody close up her stand and start putting paintings away. “Because you need a nap, it’s past that time.”

Twilight caught him in her magic before he could hit the ground, levitating him on her back with a small smile as she started trotting in the direction Sunset had given them. She didn’t necessarily trust anypony except Spike, Princess Celestia, her parents, Shining Armor and Cadence but she highly doubted Sunset would purposely send her away to be hurt or lost.

Spitfire stretched out her wings as she and the other Wonderbolts stood on a large cloud over the empty market as most ponies and other creatures went to their homes for lunch.

Spitfire glanced over the cloud and paused, leaning forward slightly to stare at a orange unicorn with a fiery mane talking to a dragon and a purple unicorn.

“No way,” Spitfire whispered to herself. “She’d have at least sent a letter if we were gonna be in the same town. Blaze, Wave Chill!”

The two Wonderbolts looked at each before trotting over to her, Blaze blowing on some bubble gum with a bored expression as she pushed the gum to the left side of her mouth.

“Hey Sis-” Blaze started and paused as Spitfire tossed her a harsh glare. “Right, no calling you Sis in uniform. What’s up Captain?”

“There’s a unicorn I want you to follow for me. I want to know where she’s staying. Can you two do that without the dramatics?”

“What dramatics do you speak of?” Blaze asked innocently with a grin as Spitfire glowered at her.

“You know damn well what kind I mean Blaze. You too, Wave Chill. I’m serious.”

“Yes ma’am,” Wave Chill tossed her a lazy salute as Spitfire shifted her glare onto him and he visibly gulped. “So who exactly are we following again?”

“Blaze will know when she sees her. And you better cover your ears because Blaze will scream your ears off,” Spitfire warned as she started hovering above them. “Get a move on, she was heading to the eastern side of the town towards the houses over there.”

“What’s that about?” Soarin asked once Blaze and Wave Chill took off toward where Spitfire had pointed. “Spitfire?”

“I’ll tell you after practice. Now come on everypony, we gotta perfect our failing leaf and our stall turn maneuver before the Celebration tomorrow night. Now move it!” Spitfire ordered as she took off with Fleetfoot on her left.

“Sister in town?” Fleetfoot asked with a raised eyebrow as Spitfire spared a quick glance. “You only assign one or two of us to follow her once she is.”

“Yeah she is. And Sunset didn’t even send me or Blaze a letter.”

“Probably super busy. She is one of Princess Celestia’s students after all, remember?” Fleetfoot reminded Spitfire as the two led the other Wonderbolts into a barrel roll. “I’ve heard stories from some royal guards about how Sunset and Twilight work their flanks off following her orders.”

“Yeah true. I just wanna go out for beers with her or something tonight. You know? With us traveling all the time and Sunset working under the Princess, it’s difficult to see her,” Spitfire sighed as she rolled her hoof subtly, watching Soarin and Rapidfire fly inches from each other with Soarin upside down, touching hooves before Soarin dived.

“Can we be there too?” Fleetfoot asked hopefully. “I like Sunset too, remember? We all do.”

“Of course. Meet me at Lacey Silks pub tonight.”

Sunset trotted up to a silver house with purple shutters and a purple roof with an bow and arrow etched into the door, smirking slightly as she lifted her hoof and knocked on it.

“Coming!”

Sunset shifted on her hooves as she waited for the front door to finally open, making eye contact with a silver pegasus with a silver mane and bright purple eyes, a blue cutie mark of a bow and arrow on her flanks.

“I’m home,” Sunset sang with a grin as Silverspeed flung her hooves around her and kissed Sunset. “Somepony missed me clearly.”

“Mhm!” Silverspeed hummed excitedly as Sunset nuzzled her, closing the door behind her. “How long have you been here? You should have sent a letter, I’d have met you at the train station.”

“Just a day. Been busy planning the celebration for the Princess. Got in about five am or so,” Sunset answered as she set her suit case down on the waiting room couch. “It’s good to see you. I love ya.”

“Love you too. How was the train ride?” Silverspeed asked as she and Sunset sat down on the couch, wrapping a wing around her marefriend.

"Long."

It had been a few months since Silverspeed had last seen Sunset but the two sent letters to each all the time, often with explicit pictures of each other.

“So Silver Spoon is off at Diamond Tiara’s house for a sleep over,” Silverspeed said casually as she leaned back on the couch and gave Sunset a lustful smile, narrowing her eyes. “So we have the house to ourself.”

“Do we?” Sunset mused as she matched the look Silverspeed was giving her. Sunset pushed Silverspeed onto her stomach and nuzzled her wings.

“Oh mhh,” Silverspeed groaned softly as Sunset continued preening her left wing, spitting out a broken feather into a waste basket. “You’re good at this.”

“I’ve had practice,” Sunset whispered into Silverspeed’s ear erotically, making Silverspeed shudder slightly as Sunset finished on the left wing, running her hoof over the base of her wing and shifted to her right wing. “You got very beautiful wings, Silvy.”

“I wish I had something similar to say,” Silverspeed mumbled with a blush as she rested her head on the pillow.

“Your wings are in pretty poor condition. When was the last time you preened them?” Sunset asked as she smoothed down a primary feather and Silverspeed lifted her head to look back at her.

“I’ve been waiting for you to come do it,” Silverspeed admitted as Sunset leaned forward and kissed her neck, biting down softly. “Oh, your sisters are here.”

“I know,” Sunset mused as she laid next to Silverspeed and felt a wing get draped over her back. “Blaze and Wave Chill were following me the entire way here and I’m betting they’re watching at the window, about to knock on the front door.”

Sunset raised a hoof as somepony knocked on the front door and Sunset gave a triumphant grin, levitating it open to reveal a blushing Blaze and Wave Chill.

“Called it,” Sunset said smugly as she nuzzled Silverspeed before slipping out from under the wing and held out her forehooves.

“Sunset!” Blaze exclaimed with a grin, shaking off her embarrassment as she hugged Sunset. “It’s been months! What have you been up to?”

“Studying, reading. You?” Sunset asked as she returned Blaze’s nuzzle and hug happily. “Hey Wave Chill, been a while.”

Wave Chill waved at her as Silverspeed stood up and hugged Blaze herself.

“Spitfire and the others are headed to the pub on thirty eighth street. You two wanna come with us? They’d love to see you,” Wave Chill offered and watched the three separate, Sunset shooting Silverspeed a look.

“I’d say yes but me and Silverspeed were taking care of something here,” Sunset answered as she gave Silverspeed a small smile. “And based on your blushes earlier, you two saw everything. Silver Spoon isn’t home and it’s been awhile since the two of us had some adult time alone.”

“We can go,” Silverspeed interjected. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Spitfire. You owe me later though. Big time.”

Sunset nodded as she leaned forward to kiss Silverspeed, Blaze snickering as Silverspeed kissed her older sister back.

“I will rock your world,” Sunset winked and Silverspeed blushed as Sunset laughed, turning to follow Blaze and Wave Chill, flicking her tail under Silverspeed’s nose with a smug grin.

Wave Chill pushed the doors of the pub open, bobbing his head slightly to the loud music coming from the corner as Surprise waved him over to a table in the corner with the rest of the Wonderbolts crowned around with various drinks without their uniforms thankfully.

“Hey everypony, look who we found!” Wave Chill announced and the blue pegasus stepped aside with a grin to reveal Sunset and Silverspeed behind him.

“I’ll be damned,” Misty Fly grinned as she trotted forward after setting her beer down and hugging Sunset. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. Hey Silverspeed.”

“Hey you guys,” Silverspeed said as she and Sunset quickly went through hugging everypony at the table before sitting down next to each other. Sunset and Silverspeed both were damn near honorary Wonderbolts, with Spitfire being the Captain and Blaze being in the team too. Sunset internally felt pretty relieved she was as liked as she was by the whole team. Her and Surprise especially got along well while Silverspeed and Silver Zoom were close.

“Hey Spitfire,” Sunset nudged her sister with a smile. “Sorry I didn’t send a letter. I didn’t even know you guys were here. I was stuck on a train damn near several hours.”

“It’s all good. Happy to see you again Sunny,” Spitfire set down her beer. “And yeah, we weren’t supposed to be here. Princess Celestia herself came all the way to Cloudsdale to ask us to come here instead of performing there. Mayor ain’t happy but Solar Flare ain’t ever happy.”

“It was weird,” High Winds mused as she swirled her wine around. “That doesn’t normally happen with us but hey, we get to be here and see you so it’s a win!”

Sunset chuckled as she and Silverspeed both ordered some drinks from the waiter and leaned against her with warm smiles.

“Where’s Silver Spoon at?” Soarin asked and yawned once he set down his glass.

“She’s spending the night with Diamond Tiara. I don’t really approve of that friendship but Diamond Tiara is really the only friend she has and I needed time away for a night. Kid was driving me up the wall,” Silverspeed complained and took a long sip of her wine once it arrived. “Love her to death but she’s a handful like you wouldn’t believe.”

Sunset chuckled and looked around the table of the laughing and half drunk ponies. While Silver Spoon wasn’t her kid and was a product of Silverspeed’s last relationship, Sunset did try to treat her as well as she would treat her own kid if she had one. Sunset and Silverspeed alike weren’t entirely fond of her arrogant attitude but that was a losing battle to break her out of it seemed.

“Who’s that?” Sunset pointed her whiskey to a light green earth pony with a messy green mane and a cutie mark of a potted plant sitting at a table alone.

“That’s uhhh,” Rapidfire scratched his mane and swayed slightly. “Wallflower Blush I heard? She’s new to town and is starting a flower business. Just got here a few days ago apparently according to town folk. Really shy and skittish but fairly nice once she speaks.”

“Her sister is a bar tender here,” Fleetfoot chimed in as High Winds nodded.

“So what you doing here? Work for the Princess?” High Winds asked as everypony looked at Sunset expectantly.

“Yeah, showing this other student of Celestia’s around. She’s a bit of a jerk but at least her dragon friend Spike is cool. Spike is super friendly,” Sunset said fondly. “Cool dude. Only comes up to my barrel.”

“She knows a dragon?” High Winds asked curiously as Sunset nodded.

“Rumor has it she hatched him herself and her parents helped raise him. I’d be scared if she raised him alone. Probably turn out to be just as an outcast as she is,” Sunset giggled and leaned back in the booth. “I’m trying hard to be nice and shit, but lordy does Twilight make it hard. With her rude comments, if I was allowed to yell at her, I'd do it in a heart beat."

“Now that’s a bit aggressive love,” Silverspeed nudged Sunset. “We’ve talked about your anger issues, not yelling at random ponies even if they deserve it.”

“Fair,” Sunset answered as she kissed Silverspeeds forehead and felt the pegasus wrap a wing around her as the table all let out an exaggerated “awwww.”

The table continued talking and laughing, occasionally ordering more drinks as Sunset kept giving Wallflower concered looks as the earth pony occasionally glanced over and smiled sheepishly, tipping a glass her direction.

Twilight stood outside the window and chewed on her lip, wiping away a tear. A part of her was tempted to join them at least like Princess Celestia encouraged but only a very small part. She didn’t even know why she cared enough to feel hurt by Sunset’s comments she heard through the door.

With a frustrated sigh, Twilight turned around and trotted back to her hotel room where Spike was asleep.

Might as well catch up on reading and being an outcast.

Maybe find a book on how to not be an outcast or something.

Happy places

Sunset yawned and shifted in bed, wincing slightly at the sun shining through the open window. She promptly yanked the curtains closed and nuzzled closer into Silverspeed snoring next to as Sunset felt the wing wrapped around her twitch slightly.

Sunset sighed contently and shifted slightly as she wrapped her tail around Silverspeed’s instinctively.

“You’re doing the tail thing again,” Silverspeed muttered and Sunset glanced at her. “You know what I mean.”

“I know. You secretly love it,” Sunset teased and nuzzled Silverspeed again with a grin. “How did we get home by the way? Last thing I remember was us getting drunk with my sisters and her friends and the rest is fuzzy. I can certainly feel what we did last.”

Silverspeed scrunched up her muzzle in thought and yawned, finally opening her eyes.

“We got escorted home by Soarin and Firestreak,” Silverspeed answered after a moment. “And then we came up stairs and you practically shoved your face between my legs the second we got in bed.”

“So that’s why my hoof is sticky along with our sheets,” Sunset mused and wiped her hoof on her fur. “What? I’m gonna shower today. Or together if you want.”

“Together works for me,” Silverspeed answered and kissed Sunset as Sunset ran a hoof down her messy wings.

“Right after I preened your wings too,” Sunset grumbled and froze as Silverspeed licked her horn with a smirk. “Oh Celestia have mercy.”

“I forgot your horn was your soft spot,” Silverspeed teased and kissed her again.

“Would you two just go fuck in the shower already?”

Silverspeed and Sunset both gave each other confused looks, leaning over their sides of their admittedly bigger bed than necessary down at High Winds and Misty Fly staring up them from their makeshift beds of blankets, blinking a few times with High Winds holding her head with a pained expression. No doubt from her hang over, Sunset suspected.

“Front of the bed,” High Winds pointed with her hoof. Sunset and Silverspeed both looked over the edge down at Spitfire glaring up at them. “Don’t scream. We didn’t join in on your guys adult time but you did let us sleep in here if my memory is correct. We have pretty bad hang overs.”

“And it was difficult to sleep with you two screaming each others names,” Misty Fly scoffed. “I always forget how loud you two can be when you get going.”

“Oh,” Silverspeed rubbed her mane with a blush. “We can take a shower but this was a bit of a mood killer. We really should have shoved them in the spare rooms.”

Sunset nodded and rolled out of bed, narrowly avoiding stepping on High Winds wings as she yanked them closed hastily.

“Sorry!” Sunset muttered and rubbed her head. Sunset trotted to the bathroom, shoving the door open as she dropped to her knees and vomited into the toilet.

“Worst part of getting drunk,” Silverspeed agreed as she stood in front of the sink to brush her teeth. “High Winds gave me these pills, they’re for me and you. Adult strength Tylenol. Straight from the bottle.”

Sunset eyed the pill Silverspeed was holding out suspiciously as Silverspeed rolled her eyes.

“I saw her break the seal on the bottle. It’s safe and besides, do you seriously think one of your sisters teammates would poison you? Your sisters would go crazy in a heart beat,” Silverspeed pointed out flatly. “Spitfire honestly scares me more than Blaze. Remember when I first met them and both of them grilled me for an hour straight about us dating?”

Sunset snorted as she stepped into the shower and closed the curtain before turning the hot water on.

“I remember very well,” Sunset snickered as she levitated the pill onto her tongue and swallowed it. “It was Silver Spoons birthday and I had gotten Spitfire to perform an air show for her. Blaze is the calm one of the family. Give her gum and she will be happy for hours.”

Silverspeed hummed in response as she spit into the sink.

“I’m almost done. When is Silver Spoon coming back home?” Sunset asked and started cleaning her mane.

“Fuck me,” Silverspeed mumbled and Sunset laughed.

“Again? My sister and her friends are here. You’re a bold one,” Sunset teased with a smirk. “I like that.”

“You’re insufferable some days. You know that?” Silverspeed gave a quiet laugh and rolled her eyes.

“Eh I know. It’s part of my charm.”

Silverspeed poked her head around the curtain and Sunset jumped in surprise, covering herself with a hoof.

“Woah!”

“Seriously?” Silverspeed gave her a flat look before she stepped into the shower fully and smirked. “I’ve seen that part of your body multiple times.”

“I like acting surprised. You know that,” Sunset answered and dropped back to all four hooves. Her mane and tail were plastered to her coat in a way that Silverspeed always loved.

“True. We gotta hurry and go get Silver Spoon from the Rich’s mansion-” Sunset rolled her eyes and grumbled a curse word. “The puppy dog eyes aren’t working today. I know you don’t like them all that well and I don’t either really.”

Sunset admittedly liked Filthy Rich, finding him to be the easier of the family to get along with. She was more than happy to get into a hoof fight with his wife if it wouldn’t reflect badly on Silverspeed.

“And later on you can cast that soundproof spell on the bathroom,” Silverspeed said quietly and bit Sunset’s neck before licking the spot.

“When I said fuck in the shower, I didn’t mean it!” Spitfire slammed a hoof against the door. “Or well, not when I’m here at least please. I don’t want a repeat of last night. That was the stuff of nightmares, hearing you two.”

Silverspeed and Sunset both looked at each and laughed.

“Okay fine!” Sunset called back and bit back another laugh. “And I’m the insufferable one?”

“Mhm,” Silverspeed teased with a wink. “Definitely are.”

Wallflower sighed as she rolled out of bed, tossing her blankets onto her bed as she ducked to avoid some leaves of her plants she kept. Her small house she had recently gotten was crowded with them.

She nudged her door open and stepped down the stairs into her kitchen as a black lab stared up at her, wagging his tail.

“Hey Rufus,” Wallflower accepted the dog jumping her and licking her cheek as she gave a faint laugh. “Hungry?”

Rufus barked and Wallflower chuckled as she went about getting his food. While ponies didn’t eat meat, Wallflower was a bit more comfortable feeding her dog meat than others were. It’s not like she personally knew the cow that was killed to provide the food for her dog.

Wallflower scrunched her muzzle as she started cooking the meat she had tossed into the pan and went about her normal daily routine of watering her plants, letting her dog out into the back yard and visiting the bathroom.

By the time she was done, Rufus was back and she shut the stove off and slipped her hoof into a mitt, shoving the steak into his food dish.

“I’ll be back later. Behave and don’t go use the bathroom inside,” Wallflower warned as she moved to the front door and quietly slipping out, inhaling with a smile.

She always liked the smell of the salt water which was the main reason she chose the house she did. It also helped that she got a letter a few days prior at her apartment in Ponyville telling her about the property. But with enough flowers, Wallflowers only real happy places were her house and her shop she had managed to get.

She didn’t know who had sent the letter but she did recognize the royal seal on it, along with directions to the house and a key. Most ponies would be a bit wary about just accepting a key and house from a stranger at the castle but Wallflower personally wanted to leave Ponyville so she and Rufus boarded the next train as soon as they could.

“Hey there.” Wallflower jumped and spun around, making eye contact with a white pegasus mare with a blue mane and bright green eyes. “Easy. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

Wallflowers eyes flicked around nervously as she scuffed a hoof against the dirt as the mare raised an eyebrow.

“I’m High Winds. Sunset tasked me to check up on the floral decorations for her and Twilight. Lead the way?? High Winds gestured with a hoof followed by a warm smile.

“S-sure,” Wallflower mumbled and hesitantly stepped ahead of her, continuing her trot to her store as she occasionally glanced at the pegasus next to her.

“You’re not much for talking, are you?” High Winds broke the awkward silence as Wallflower shook her head slowly and High Winds gave a laugh. “That’s cool. I can respect that. I’m used to pretty chaotic ponies. If you know Surprise like I do, you gotta be ready for her crazy antics.”

“Mhm,” Wallflower hummed in response as she and High Winds stopped in front of a small store. “We’re uhm here.”

“And so is she apparently,” High Winds gestured to Twilight and Spike as Spike froze, staring at Wallflower. “If she becomes too much, let me know and I’ll have her take a few steps back.”

“T-thanks,” Wallflower commented as she shifted in her place. “Why are you being so well, friendly? Most ponies don’t like talking to me because I’m shy.”

“Because I’m nice like that,” High Winds shrugged with a wink at Wallflower before focusing back on Twilight and Spike.

“Woah,” Spike mumbled and High Winds raised an eyebrow.

“What is he staring at?” Wallflower asked nervously and took a hesitant step back. She didn’t know much about dragons, except that they were greedy and could easily kill her in a heart beat if they really wanted to. “He’s not uhm gonna kill me and eat me, is he?”

“Eat you? Of course not!” Spike snorted and jumped off Twilight’s back. “I’m Spike.”

“Wallflower Blush,” Wallflower eyed Spike’s outstretched claw before she hesitantly shook it. It didn’t feel as sharp as she had anticipated it being. “Uhm, I have the decorations all set up Miss Twilight. Do you wish to take them now?”

Twilight eyed the cart full next to the store Wallflower was pointing at with a nod. She did have to admit, she did appreciate hard working ponies and well, Wallflower seemed to care about her flowers based on how well put together each one seemed.

“Yeah sure. Uh thanks,” Twilight scuffed the ground before she levitated the cart behind her and slipped the harness around her with a grunt. “Spike?”

Spike stared at Wallflower as the earth pony shifted nervously and turned faintly red. Wallflower didn’t really do well with attention in general, as she was used to being ignored constantly.

“She’s pretty,” Spike commented and Wallflower blushed more as High Winds laughed.

“Come on Casanova,” Twilight called back with an eye roll.

“H-hey wait!” Wallflower called out and Spike paused along with the other two mares. Wallflower inhaled and trotted forward nervously, hoofing Spike a green rose before she galloped inside her store and slammed the door shut.

“What was that about?” Spike wondered aloud and twirled the flower in his claws as High Winds nudged him with a grin.

“Looks like somepony has a crush,” High Winds sang and hovered above him before she rubbed his head spikes. “Congrats!”

“Why me?”

“Maybe because you called her pretty and your probably the first to ever call her that,” High Winds suggested. “She did say most ponies didn’t even talk to her. That’s what happens when you flirt right out the gate, mares give you gifts. The rose matches your color pretty well too.”

“Alright well we must be going. Goodbye!’ Twilight announced and she levitated Spike onto her back. “Say goodbye, it’s almost your nap time.”

High Winds watched with a frown as she tilted her head to the side before shrugging.

Could be worse at least, she mused to herself as she shifted on her hooves.

“That is one unique mare,” High Winds commented aloud to no pony in particular.

With a frown, she shoved off the ground and took off into the sky to catch up with the other Wonderbolts practicing.

Author's Note

High Winds, for those who don't know. Criminally underrated Wonderbolt.

Laugh it off

Twilight stretched out in her bed and sighed, glancing out at the sun rising. One more day till Celestia arrived. One more day till Nightmare Moon arrived and still nopony took her seriously about it. Oddly enough, the only pony who somewhat believed her was the annoying mare sitting across from her.

“Why exactly do you think this mare in the moon will somehow return tomorrow night?” Sunset asked as she stirred a spoon in her tea and she leaned back in her chair, giggling to herself as she balanced on two legs.

“You claim to have read the same books as me!” Twilight scoffed and rolled her eyes. “On the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape.”

“And do what, Smart one?” Sunset mocked with a raised eyebrow. “Make us all die because we can’t grow food? You really need to get drunk one day.”

“Can you take this seriously?” Twilight snapped and Sunset yawned.

“Sorry, I was busy thinking about better times when I was outside and not stuck inside this stuffy room with you,” Sunset commented with a bored expression. “We could be doing this outside. The whole dark and brooding atmosphere is really not you.”

“Fine. Let’s go outside then. I need to find a place to get a croissant,” Twilight grumbled and rolled out of bed, narrowly avoiding her notes scattered all through the hotel room but missed the books, slipping on one and slamming onto her back. ”Ow!”

“Are you okay?” Sunset peered down at her and was trying hard to not laugh, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. “Pfft.”

“You’re laughing!” Twilight winced as Sunset wiped her lip with a foreleg.

“At least I asked if you were okay first. Laugh it off. Shit happens to the best of us. I fell down the stairs the other day. One time, I fell in the shower ontop of Silverspeed and we got stuck. That was an awkward one to explain to Silver Spoon why we were covered in soap and in the shower together,” Sunset commented idly as she levitated Twilight onto her hooves.

“Why were you two in the shower together?” Twilight paused as she bent over to pick up a book and Sunset grinned wickedly at her as a slow blush spread across Twilight’s face. “Oh ew!”

“Not really. You came from somewhere, after all. What, you think your parents didn’t fuck to create you?” Sunset asked with a grin. “Because I known mine did. Your parents probably enjoyed it too-”

“I so do not want to hear about my parents sex life,” Twilight interjected hastily with bright red cheeks. “The fact you can joke about this is appalling.”

“Yeah, Silverspeed said that once too,” Sunset admitted and scuffed a hoof on a piece of paper. “Now she doesn’t give a fuck. Unless she’s fucking me, of course.”

“I cannot believe I’m having this conversation right now,” Twilight grumbled and Sunset gave her an unimpressed look.

“What, is there a problem with me dating a mare?” Sunset asked and Twilight’s head jerked up as Sunset’s tone changed slightly.

“N-no of course not! I didn’t mean to imply that but well, I’m not your friend so this conversation is awkward for me,” Twilight explained hastily and continued backpedalling till her flank bumped into the wall. She had of course heard of Sunset’s rare legendary rage as had all of Canterlot. Twilight didn’t know much about her but she did know that Sunset’s anger was something she’d really not be on the receiving end of.

“Good,” Sunset said coolly and stepped back from the mare. “I’m hungry and I missed out on breakfast with my partner and Silver Spoon because I had to be interrogated by you. You’re buying.”

And with that, Sunset trotted out the room while Twilight wiped sweat away with a hoof as she sighed in relief.

And she thought her dad was scary when she got grounded.

Twilight trotted away as she and Sunset finished their breakfast, Twilight pausing to toss her cup into a trash can.

“You’re surprisingly cheap, you know that?” Twilight said as Sunset snorted.

“Not the first time I’ve heard that. Now come on, I wanna visit Watermelody. Stay behind or not, I don’t give a shit. I’m in a pretty poor mood today,” Sunset grumbled and crushed her coffee cup in her magic. “I misplaced my book earlier today so I probably missed some messages from Celestia.”

“What does that mean?” Twilight inquired as she fell into step next to Sunset, matching her pace. “Messages from the princess you mean?”

“Sure, whatever you wanna call her. I have a magical book that I can use to communicate with her anywhere, anytime. It’s nice. She is like my mom,” Sunset admitted with a fond smile. “Me and my actual mom don't see eye to eye. She never wanted a unicorn or three kids. Blaze tries hard to get her affection but it’s not easy.”

Twilight oddly felt sympathetic. She couldn’t really relate to her fellow unicorn. Her parents adored her and Shining equally. Twilight may not get along with Sunset entirely due to her constant jokes that are often borderline dirty but she didn’t think anypony should be ignored because they’re a unicorn or their parents didn’t want more kids.

“Anyway!” Sunset forced a smile on her muzzle and shook her head, her fiery red and orange mane swinging around wildly for a few seconds after she stopped. “I’m going to go see my friend. You go do whatever it is book nerds like you do. And don’t forget, you’re required to be at the party tonight. Surprise ordered it and believe, she gets what she wants. Be grateful her cousin isn’t here. Now those two together is a scary sight I’ve seen too many times. How Equestria hasn’t been eradicated due to those two, we will never know. Now bye.”

Sunset abruptly turned around and started trotting away from Twilight without another word as the mare grumbled curse words to herself.

“Talk about rude,” Twilight grumbled to her self. “Not even letting me say goodbye nor let me even ask more about this book. Why don’t I get a book? Where the hay did Spike go?”

Twilight stretched slightly and cracked her spine, groaning under her breath contently. I really need to sleep in bed more, Twilight thought to herself as she shot a glance at the sky and sighed.

Almost half a day till that stupid party downtown she had to go to. Might as well make the most of it.

By searching for Spike of course. Not entirely how she planned on spending her day but oh well.

And once she found him, she’s dragging him straight to the library, repairs done or not, she was gonna get some damn peace and quiet around here.

Author's Note

https://www.deviantart.com/andoanimalia/art/Sunset-Shimmer-being-flirty-towards-somepony-902143845

Name: Sunset Shimmer.

Nickname: Sunny, Sun, Shimmer, Sunshim.

Status: Alive

Age: 26.

Motto: A little laughter never hurt anypony.

Bio (From Princess Celestia's private records): Sunset is the middle child of Stormy Flare and Spring Rain. Her oldest sister is Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts and her youngest sister is Blaze, a corporal in the Wonderbolts. Sunset is a mostly carefree personality, opting to enjoy life and have fun than be serious, which I admire greatly. She is known to pull harmless pranks on the castle staff in an attempt to make their day better. While she is more playful, she has an anger issue and her rage is legendary in Canterlot, making most wary of her when she's angry and most try to stay out of her way when she's mad. She doesn't have a very good relationship with her mom, preferring to view me as her chosen mother(which I'm grateful for and slightly embarrassed by how affectionate she is in public) and is fiercely protective and loyal to me as well as the Crown. Currently resides in Amethyst Harbor with her marefriend, Silverspeed and the mares daughter. Later represents the Element of Laughter. She is strong with magic, as many Changelings can attest too. She shares my fondness for pranks and gets along quite well with Luna. Sunset even took a shot meant for me when Nightmare Moon returned. I'm hoping she and Twilight can teach other, Twilight with how to be more carefree and Sunset with how to be a bit more organized. I'd never tell Twilight this ever in a million years, but I am a bit more impressed with Sunset. I've known her longer after all.
All in all, I'm very proud to call her my student and adoptive daughter.

Element: Laughter.

Abilities: Sunset is a power unicorn enough to rival Twilight occasionally and can teleport long distances. She knows a plethora of spells and can use any of them for offense as well as defense. She might even rival me one day if she continues honing her abilities. I look forward to that day eagerly.

Weaknesses: Her anger is one of her main weaknesses. Some days, even I'm a bit afraid when I hear her screaming in a rage. But if you push her to that point, you deserve it. She has slightly above average strength for a unicorn and a very powerful left hook that makes even me wary about fighting her one on one.

Allies: Myself, Spitfire, Blaze, Luna, Spike, Wallflower, High Winds, Watermelody, Soarin, Misty Fly, Wave Chill, Surprise, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, Moondancer, Lyra, the rest of the Wonderbolts, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Trixie.

Enemies: Chrysalis, Tirek, Nightmare Moon (Formerly), Spoiled Rich, Diamond Tiara, Blue Blood, Twilight (formerly). I'd be lying if I said I didn't end up on this list occasionally when we disagree but we always make up in the end.

Return of darkness part one

Watermelody lazily propped her head up as she watched in boredom at the earth ponies unloading crates off a cargo ship that had drifted in port with a few royal guards checking the manifest and a few crates at random.

She knew the likelihood of one of those crates having drugs in it was pretty high since the whole port was pretty corrupt. She could name a few royal guards who were paid off themselves.

It was rare for the guards to be paid off but money talks, especially for the underpaid. Though Celestia is fairly good at punishing the corrupt when she knows about it.

“Hi,” Watermelody said and waved to some tourists getting off a boat, sighing as they ignored her and trotted by. Her mom always did say life as an artist would be a difficult one. Watermelody was fortunate enough to have a small house she rented on the eastern side of the town. Sure, it may be in a rough part of town but Watermelody was nice enough where she didn’t get fucked with. Benefits of keeping her word and helping her neighbors. “I really should have brought my coffee.”

If only her parents could see her now. Watermelody knew they’d have a lot of words for her and not a lot positive. Ending up in a port town that had a reputation for narcotics slipping into the country, living in a dirtyish part of town by herself with a booth set up in a market selling paintings. It wasn’t necessarily the life her parents imagined for her and honestly, it was the life she had imagined either at first.

But she had to admit, it was a decent life. She couldn’t afford all the rich things like her parents could up in Manehatten but Watermelody got by.

“Busy day, huh?” A blue pegasus asked as he leaned against the stall and Watermelody paused to examine him briefly.

“You could say that. You?” Watermelody shifted into a more proper sitting posture on her bench behind her stall.

“Eh, it’s a bit busy. Keeping Surprise in check can be a chore,” Soarin admitted as he watched said mare doing a triple barrel roll.

“That’s right, you’re one of the flyboys,” Watermelody pointed a hoof and Soarin raised an eyebrow at her.

“The flyboys?” Soarin echoed and a smile tugged at his lips.

“Yeah, you know one of the Wonderbolts,” Watermelody wagged a hoof in the air. “Flyboys. Though most of them are female for some reason. There’s only what, four males?”

“Yeah unfortunately. Spitfire hates when I talk sports with her,” Soarin shook his head with a smirk. “I mainly do it now to annoy her.”

“Uh huh. Aren’t you supposed to be up there with the others?” Watermelody asked with a flat expression and Soarin shrugged.

“Taking a break. And besides, I had to force Spitfire to go spend time with her sister since she’s in town. Spitfire and I fought for hours this morning when I first brought it up. She hates leaving her team or taking days off.”

“Oh, you mean Sunset? Yeah, she’s pretty excited to be back. Though I suspect seeing Silverspeed and Silver Spoon is the highlight,” Watermelody mused and Soarin looked at her.

“Didn’t know you know those two. Yeah, Spitfire hides it well but she’s happy to see Sunset too. She and Blaze both rarely get to see Sunset. Neither of them will admit it but it is pretty stressful on all three of them,” Soarin commented and stretched his wings.

“Trust me, I know.”

“Yeah, me too. How did you get to meet Sunset exactly?” Soarin examined some of the pantings she had on display of various structures and the moon.

“Met her in Manehatten at an art show when she was doing some work investigating something for the princess. Did you know Sunset has police powers specifically given to her?”

“Like all students of the Princess or just Sunset?” Soarin asked as he continued going through the paintings curiously.

“Just Sunset. Twilight turned it down. It was a bit weird finding out Sunset carried hoof cuffs and magic inhibitors in her saddlebags on trips. When I first met her, I thought it was some kink thing. But yeah, that’s how I met her. We both love art and started sending letters back and forth once she left Manehatten. I assume you met her through her sisters?”

“Yeah,” Soarin confirmed and placed a painting of a pie on the booth gently. “I’d like to buy this please.”

“That’ll be thirty bits,” Watermelody said and Soarin nodded before sliding sixty over.

“Keep the change. Can I come by after practice and pick it up?” Soarin asked as Watermelody paused her wrapping of the painting and tapped a hoof against her chin.

“Yeah, that’s fine. You gonna be at that party Sunset was mentioning earlier?” Watermelody asked and hesitantly pushed the bits into her register. She only rarely ever got to keep the change from her customers. Most didn’t want to pay more willingly for the obvious reasons of saving money.

“Yeah. You?”

“Mhm,” Watermelody nodded and placed the painting under her booth with a sold sticker on the packaging. “I’ll see you there.”

“Yeah I’ll uh see you there?” Soarin said weakly and took off into the sky as Watermelody’s eyes followed him briefly before she blushed and shook her head.

“Great. Now I have nopony to talk to. Who buys a painting of a pie? Better yet, why did I make that painting?” Watermelody wondered aloud as her stomach growled and she blushed again. “Oh, right.”

Sunset sat with Silverspeed and Silver Spoon, hiding her beer from the filly as she and the other two listened to loud music playing across park, Sunset occasionally pointing out some constellations to Silver Spoon.

“Why is she always doing that?” Silver Spoon asked once Sunset left to use the bathroom. “It’s weird. She’s always offering to take me places.”

“Because she’s trying to connect with you,” Silverspeed answered and scowled slightly at the filly. “You and her could get along quite well if you gave her the chance, you know? And don’t let her or me hear you talk about her negatively, it’ll hurt her feelings.”

“Yes mother,” Silver Spoon muttered and rolled her eyes.

“I saw that. Now why don’t you run along and go see if your friends are able to play?” Silverspeed suggested with a smile. “I made a lot of good memories of playing with my friends when I was your age.”

Silverspeed watched her trot away to a pink earth filly before returning her attention to Sunset trotting back up with two glasses in her magic and Watermelody behind her.

“I got your favorite,” Sunset bumped her flank against Silverspeed’s and set it down next to her. “Where’d Silver go?”

“Playing with Diamond Tiara. Told her to go be a kid for a few hours. Hey Watermelody. What’s that?” Silverspeed gestured to the box on her back.

“It’s for Soarin. Said I’d bring his painting so here I am. I don’t know why he wants a painting of apple pie but whatever. He seemed nice,” Watermelody answered and gently shrugged it off onto the ground. “I even saw Wallflower here. I’m surprised she decided to come. Not many in town have talked to her. She only leaves her house for food and stuff. Even then it’s kinda hard to see her.”

Sunset hummed in response as Silverspeed nuzzled her, wrapping a wing around her as Sunset smiled slightly.

“I see you’re all having a good time,” they glanced behind them at a white pegasus with a sun cutie mark and Sunset grinned widely.

“Mom!” Sunset exclaimed as she hugged her, Silverspeed choking slightly. “This is Celestia’s disguise but tell nopony. How are you?”

“Good Sunny. I get to finally meet your marefriend,” Celestia smiled at her and hugged Sunset. “Silverspeed, was it? And your friend, Watermelody?”

The two stared in awe and Sunset smugly closed their jaws with her hooves. She had kinda figured that would have been the reaction.

“You talked about me to the princess?” Silverspeed demanded in a whisper with wide purple eyes that Sunset adored. She’d be lying if she said they weren’t the first thing that got her attention that time in Canterlot when she accidentally bumped into Silverspeed and spilled coffee on her.

“Of course I did. She’s practically my mom,” Sunset answered and nuzzled Celestia as she blushed. “Way better than my real one.”

Watermelody and Silverspeed both hastily bowed in front of Celestia as Sunset and the princess both laughed quietly.

“You can stand up now. She’s in disguise, remember? And of course I’d tell her about you two. She knows about my entire life. Mom is my best friend, I tell her everything and she tells me everything. Sometimes,” Sunset teased as Celestia chuckled. “She’s secretive occasionally.”

“Occasionally,” Celestia agreed readily and glanced at the moon. “Almost time.”

“For the sun to rise?” Watermelody asked once she and Silverspeed sat back down, the pegasus wrapping a wing around Sunset with a smile.

“Yes,” Celestia answered after a moment and her eyes lingered on the moon. “I’m going to go to my position now. I’ve been walking around for a bit.”

More like several hours. Celestia always did this at the Summer Sun Festival to ensure ponies were enjoying themselves and not getting into too much trouble. The last time she did this was in a small farm town, chasing after a purple earth pony who was drunk and causing chaos that Celestia had to admit was fun. She idly made a mental note to invite Berry Punch to the castle in the near future.

“Alright bye mom,” Sunset waved with a fond smile as Silverspeed continued nuzzling her.

“You know, you’re full of surprises. You could have told me the princess knew about me!” Watermelody snapped and Silverspeed nodded her agreement. “I sold a painting to that mare earlier in the day. She gave me almost two hundred bits.”

“You’re so getting it later for this,” Silverspeed muttered in Sunset’s ear and Sunset gave her a grin.

“Oh, I’m counting on it.”

Twilight stood next to a light green earth pony in a striped sweater who’s eyes were locked firmly on Celestia, having shed her disguise talking on the stage with a stallion wearing spectacles.

“This is so cool,” Spike commented and a small colt next to him nodded. “Oh hey Wallflower.”

The green mare flinched and glanced over at him, smiling nervously as she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof.

“H-hi Spike,” Wallflower stammered and circled her hoof in the dirt. “How are you?”

“Good but tired. Oh hey boring speech blah blah blah,” Spike waved a claw and Wallflower let out a faint laugh.

“Don’t be rude Spike,” Twilight said flatly as she stared at the moon and her eyes widened when it glowed and the mare in it disappeared with a flash. “Oh no.”

“What is it? Are my plants not good enough?” Wallflower asked nervously and Twilight continued to stare at the moon with a dropped jaw and Wallflowers ears drooped. “I knew my flowers weren’t good enough. I’m uh gonna go home I think. It was nice meeting you Spike.”

Spike watched her leave as Wallflower pushed through the crowd.

“We have a problem,” Spike told Twilight and she nodded slowly, pointing with a hoof at the blue smoke swirling around their hooves and Celestia paused her speech.

“Yeah we do,” Twilight agreed nervously and backpedaled slowly from Nightmare Moon standing in front of her as Sunset and Watermelody’s jaws dropped.

“What the Tartarus is that?” A stallion shouted and Nightmare Moon ignored him, locking eyes with Celestia.

“Sister,” Celestia stepped forward and Sunset watched in stunned silence. “I take it surrender isn’t an option?”

“Of course not,” Nightmare Moon sneered at her. “Surrender is a sign of failure. I’ve come for that crown.”

“Yeah like that’s happening,” Watermelody snorted and Nightmare continued walking past the ponies, pausing at Silver Spoon.

“Adorable,” Nightmare stroked her mane and Sunset pushed Silver Spoon back to Silverspeed and stepped in front of them with a glare.

“Back off,” Sunset warned and internally hoped her voice didn’t crack. She’d be lying if she wasn’t terrified. Nightmare Moon was a bit scarier up close, more so than the old stories Celestia had told her.

“You’re no fun,” Nightmare Moon muttered and rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t going to harm the filly.”

“Likely story,” Sunset scoffed and her horn glowed a light red. “I’d rather trust a Changeling than you.”

“I wouldn’t antagonize her dear,” Silverspeed whispered and gulped nervously as she wrapped her forelegs around Silver Spoon. “I don’t think she’s here to be friends.”

“Who even is this?” A stallion in the crowd complained. “Nightmare Night was months ago dude. Get with the times.”

Nightmare Moon spun around and glared him as he stepped back in fear.

“Did none of you truly see the signs? Did nopony warn you of my arrival?” Nightmare Moon asked and shot a glare at Celestia. “Forgetting those closest to her, as usual.”

“I did,” Twilight announced and everypony parted to reveal the mare standing protectively in front of Spike. “You’re Nightmare Moon.”

“Somepony with a brain at least,” Nightmare Moon said as she stroked Twilight’s cheek and she resisted the urge to smack the taller alicorns hoof away. “So you must know-”

“Don’t drag them into this. This is our fight, not theirs,” Celestia interjected and Nightmare Moon scowled at her.

“It’s rude to interrupt,” Nightmare Moon growled and fired her horn at her. Sunset and Watermelody locked eyes and they both galloped towards Celestia, jumping in front of the blast.

“Sunset!” Silverspeed screamed as the unicorn went rolling across the ground with Watermelody, the two laying in a pile with dazed expressions.

Celestia glared at the other alicorn before she fired her horn, striking Nightmare Moon in the chest and watched as she tumbled to the ground.

“Lucky hit,” Nightmare Moon admitted and stumbled to her hooves. “It won’t be happening again.”

“So many birds,” Watermelody moaned and gestured with a hoof. “Just look at them all.”

“And for you all,” Nightmare Moon glared at them as her horn glowed and Twilight cast a shield around herself, Sunset, Watermelody and Spike.

Twilight opened her eyes and stared at the snoring ponies. Silverspeed was hugging Silver Spoon and Celestia was snoring next to them, Sunset shakily running to the pegasus and earth pony.

“What happened to them?” Sunset demanded angrily as she started shaking them. “And Celestia.”

“It’s obviously a sleep spell to get us distracted,” Twilight answered from Celestia’s side. “Take care of them. I have to go.”

Sunset gawked as she hugged the two sleeping ponies and sighed.

“What is going on down there?” Spitfire fumed as she paced back and forth, her goggles hanging around her neck. She and the others had been posted up on a hill, awaiting Celestia’s signal to fly over but nothing came. There was muffled screaming but they had all assumed it was just normal excited ponies seeing royalty.

“I don’t know Cap,” Lightning Streak commented and set down his binoculars. “There’s a weird blue mist and shit.”

“Blue mist?” Spitfire echoed in confusion. “That wasn’t part of the show. Give me those.”

Spitfire’s jaw dropped slightly as she watched Sunset and another pony get shot in the chest, going flying as Celestia watched with a horrified expression that Spitfire was sure she was wearing herself.

“Sunset,” Spitfire whispered and sighed in relief when she saw the mare moving. She really didn’t want to watch her sister get executed, especially not with her just doing nothing. She personally would never forgive herself. She may argue with her, but she loved Sunset a lot.

“What is that?” Soarin asked and pointed a hoof at a blue wave coming at them rapidly and Spitfire’s eyes widened.

“Down!” Spitfire shouted and she faintly made out some thudding bodies behind her as her eyes locked onto Blaze standing still with a confused expression. “Blaze, move!”

Spitfire inhaled and launched at her as Blaze collapsed and started snoring, kicking a hind leg occasionally as Spitfire slowed in shock before getting tackled by a white blurr.

“She’s gone,” High Winds held down Spitfire. “I don’t know why we aren’t.”

“What the hell just happened?” Spitfire fumed as she startes shaking Blaze. “Why won’t she wake up?”

“I don’t know but Fleetfoot and Soarin are out too,” High Winds answered as she started dragging Fleetfoot next to Spitfire. “What do we do? This is far from our job description!”

“Relax damn it. Breath in. Then we find Sunset. She’s a smart unicorn. If anypony knows what to do, it’s my sister,” Spitfire reasoned and watched as Misty groaned. “Misty, you okay?”

“Feel like I got tossed in a washer but I’m good. What the hay happened?” Misty answered and gasped at the other Wonderbolts sleeping around her. “Woah.”

“Misty, stay here and look after the others. Make them comfortable. High Winds and I are going to find Sunset,” Spitfire ordered and Misty nodded before saluting quickly, watching Spitfire pick up Blaze. “We’re taking Blaze to Sunset. I’d take the others but we don’t have enough of us to carry them all. And we all three can’t carry Soarin.”

Spitfire nuzzled Blaze briefly and wrapped her forelegs around the mare.

“Where to?” High Winds asked as she followed behind with Surprise drooling on her back. “Hopefully soon because I can feel Surprise’s drool.”

Spitfire winced slightly and landed on Sunset’s door step, nudging it open with her back as Sunset looked up from draping a blanket over a sleeping Silverspeed and Silver Spoon.

“Oh Blaze,” Sunset sighed and trotted forward to kiss the mares forehead. “I’m sorry. Is anypony else with you?”

“No. Misty stayed behind to look after the others. There was this blue wave thing of magic and everypony passed out. Except us and Misty. We got to our stomachs in time. They’re out too?” Spitfire asked as she nudged Silver Spoon, watching the filly roll over. “Shit. Are you okay? I watched you get shot. What was that?”

“I’m kinda sore, but I’ll be okay. I’m more worried about them, you all and Celestia,” Sunset answered and Spitfire froze.

“What happened to the princess?” Spitfire asked slowly and idly watched Twilight tucking Spike into a bed in the corner. Sunset’s grimace and look away told Spitfire everything she needed to know. “Fuck.”

“The sign. No cussing inside unless Silver Spoon is away,” Sunset pointed a hoof to a wooden sign in the kitchen. “Silverspeed had it made by Oak Wood.”

“Where is the library?” Twilight demanded and they all looked up at her. “I need to find the elements of harmony.”

“And just what the hell are those?” Spitfire snapped and took a step forward. “Why don’t you try to find a way to wake everypony up? My team is passed out and won’t wake up, my sister is passed out in my hooves and my other sister is standing above her girlfriend and daughter. Why don’t you do something about it, bookworm instead of looking for a book for some stupid shit I don’t even understand!”

Twilight was cowering on the floor with Spitfire standing over her, glaring down before High Winds hastily pushed her back.

“Easy Spitfire,” High Winds warned quietly as Spitfire inhaled. “Breath in and out like you said.”

“Okay,” Spitfire allowed High Winds to pull her away.

Twilight shuddered and stood up to face Sunset and Watermelody pacing back and forth, Sunset occasionally stopping to stare at Silver Spoon.

“Where’s the library?” Twilight said finally and Watermelody paused her pacing.

“Downtown near my house. I go there often when it’s not being repaired. Why?”

“I need to find a book about the elements of harmony,” Twilight answered and Sunset gave her a confused look.

“Why?” Sunset commented and her eyes widened slightly. “Of course. Celestia used them to banish Nightmare Moon back then. They can probably be used to banish her now and fix everything. Good idea.”

“How do you know all this?” High Winds asked as the two pegasi joined the group, Spitfire slightly less angry.

“Benefits of knowing Celestia. But they aren’t here in town. They’re miles away from here,” Twilight answered and shook her head.

“Actually that’s not true,” Sunset interjected with a frown. “Celestia had them moved. She didn’t think I heard her talking about it to Kibitz. There’s a castle nearby in a forest nearby. An extension of the Everfree. Goes for miles and miles.”

“Why did she not tell me this?” Twilight muttered and sat down. “I’m her star student!”

“I’m going to ignore that insult and allow you to keep thinking that,” Sunset glared at her with a scowl. “I’m going to this stupid castle, with or without you.”

“I’m going too,” Spitfire stood in front of the doorway with her wings spread to block Sunset. “Like hell you’re going alone after bring shot point blank. Let’s get a move on.”

High Winds shifted nervously on her hooves before coughing into into a hoof. She didn’t necessarily like going into the woods, especially not the Everfree but if the others were she might as well follow.

“I’m going as well,” High Winds said finally and Watermelody nodded her agreement, rubbing her side that was definitely going to be bruising soon.

Twilight rolled her eyes and watched Sunset kiss the two on the couch foreheads before doing the same to Blaze.

Twilight hesitated as she looked at Spike sleeping on the floor before galloping off after the other four.

“So where to?” High Winds asked and started to unfurl her wings. She and the others stood at the base of the Everfree, shivering slightly at the growling and other noises coming from inside.

“Inside,” Watermelody answered with a large grin and was practically dancing on her hooves. “This is exciting. Think about all the works going to be done about us!”

“What is she talking about?” High Winds asked in confusion as Watermelody grinned widely, flinging a hoof around the other pony’s neck.

“We’re gonna be famous! Everypony will know our name and line up to get our autographs. There’ll be countless epics about our efforts, our struggles to victory with an epic, heart wrenching soundtrack! There will be tears, there be death and there will be sacrifices made by the hero trying to win the heart of a fair stallion! Ponies will be dressing up as us for Nightmare Night and we will be adored by all of Equestria for what we are about to do!” Watermelody exclaimed with a dreamy expression and stars in her eyes before shoving a hoof foward to the forest. “Onward, to victory!”

The others stood in stunned silence as Watermelody galloped into the forest with a cry and Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Rousing speech,” Spitfire broke the silence and smirked.

“I’d say,” High Winds agreed and Spitfire started following Watermelody into the woods, following her hoof steps. A green earth pony stood at the path Spitfire and Watermelody had just gone down before with Sunset and Twilight moving that way. “Wallflower?”

The mare jumped and paused tightening her saddlebags. They were a light green with a potted plant stitched into them with a few buttons of miscellaneous bands.

“O-h hi,” Wallflower mumbled and continued closing her saddlebags. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just going into the scary woods to go defeat an evil mare of darkness. You?”

“Uhm going into the woods after said mate. She destroyed my garden,” Wallflower snarled and High Winds recoiled slightly. “Nopony destroys my hard work that I spent months on. I want an apology.”

“I uh don’t really think she’s in the mood to be giving out apologies anytime soon unfortunately. How about this, I’ll help you rebuild you garden if you come with us?” High Winds offered with a smile.

After a moment of contemplating, Wallflower nodded with a small smile.

High Winds watched the smile and together, the two caught up to a waiting Sunset.

Author's Note

https://www.deviantart.com/grapefruitface1/art/Wanna-Join-Me-Watermelody-MLP-FiM-852855301

Name: Watermelody.

Nickname: Water, Mel, Melody.

Status: Alive.

Age: 26.

Motto: Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Bio: Watermelody is a friendly earth pony who got her cutie mark in a elementary school play and is fond of dramatics, occasionally irritating the other elements and her family with her antics. She spends most of her time at the docks selling her paintings and is easily bored. Originally from Manehatten, Watermelody left the town to find her own path in life and rarely goes back to visit. Watermelody is closest to Soarin, Spitfire, Blaze and High Winds of the Wonderbolts and is fond of Soarin personally due to his appreciation of her work. She currently resides in Amethyst Harbor for the last five years and represents the Element of Loyalty for taking a shot meant for Princess Celestia alongside Sunset. You will always see her up at odd hours of the day and night, most likely working on some painting or a special project. She lives in the eastern side of town in a small house and is wary of most of her neighbors. Twilight often is loaning her books about art and drama from the library she resides in, and is often late in returning them. Watermelody is one of the more philosophical of the elements and can be found in heated debates with Twilight occasionally due to opinions but they both greatly respect each other for their differing views and often teach each other.

Element: Loyalty.

Abilities: Watermelody is good at acting and painting, often falling into character seamlessly. She has average strength for an earth pony and is intelligent.

Weaknesses: Watermelody often gets distracted from her tasks by the opportunity to paint landscapes and attend plays.

Allies: Sunset, Spitfire, Blaze, Luna, Spike, Wallflower, High Winds, Celestia, Twilight, Soarin, Wave Chill, Rapidfire, Lightning Streak.

Enemies: Chrysalis, Tirek, Nightmare Moon (Formerly).

Return of darkness part two

Twilight stepped over a overturned root as she idly listened to the mares around her making casual small talk. How they could be friendly at a time like this was beyond her.

“So where’s this alleged castle at?” High Winds asked as Watermelody ducked under a branch with a grin, holding it up for Wallflower.

Wallflower was silent the entire way and it made Twilight uncomfortable slightly. She could occasionally feel the mare staring at her but whenever she looked back, Wallflower was staring at the ground.

“Good question. I don’t know,” Sunset admitted and Twilight gave her a flat look.

“So you’re telling me you just had us run into a forest without even checking where it is? It might not even be in here!” Twilight flung her forelegs up.

“Excuse me for not getting the chance to do so,” Sunset shot back as the others looked back and forth between the mares.

“How about we take a break?” High Winds suggested and sat down on a log. “We’ve been walking for a bit. Wallflower here looks exhausted and we can use this opportunity to learn about each other!”

“We really don’t have time for this,” Twilight interjected but the others were already sitting down.

Clearly defeated by a majority vote, Twilight sat down against a tree and closed her eyes for a moment.

“How’s the side?” Spitfire eyed Sunset and Watermelody. “That seemed like a nasty shot you two took earlier.”

“Hurts,” Watermelody admitted and Sunset nodded. “I’ve never been shot by a unicorn or an alicorn before. It was pretty painful, especially crashing on top of Sunset.”

“Agreed. Kinda sore and not in the fun way,” Sunset sighed and shook her head, Watermelody blushing slightly. “So Wallflower. Any hobbies?”

“Gardening,” Wallflower said softly and looked up finally. “I like to garden. It makes me feel safe.”

“Uh safe from what?” Spitfire asked after a moment and Wallflower shrugged.

“I uh really don’t like interaction. I’m not good at it. I shut down pretty fast and gardening is easy. Makes me forget about the outside world for a few hours, if not all day.”

High Winds found herself nodding to that. She was pretty shy at times herself. It used to be way worse before she became a Bolt at Soarin’s encouragement. She and him had known each other since college.

There was that very brief moment they were asked if they were siblings and they both had to admit, they looked very similar. They had never really thought about that before and were glad that wasn’t the case. That would have been awkward, having very briefly dated in college before they both agreed they liked being friends better.

It had originally been her idea to see if anything more could come from it and well, it was nice for a month. Nothing against him, but she really didn’t do relationships often. Her last one was in kindergarten with the colt next door.

“Anyway,” Wallflower brushed aside some of her curly mane. “You?”

“I’m a Wonderbolt so flying is my main hobby. But if I had to say a different one, I’d say helping out at orphanages. All the fillies and colts get so excited to see me. The smiles on their faces make me happier than any stunt or show I could do with the Bolts,” High Winds answered with a fond smile and stretched her forelegs. “It’s a fulfilling thing. Fleetfoot sometimes comes, Soarin does, Surprise once and a while. They really like Surprise.”

“I don’t have any real hobbies,” Spitfire shrugged once the others looked at her. “Being a captain takes all my time away from other activities. But I guess before my big promotion, I used to go skiing a lot. I took Blaze and Sunset with me up to the Maralachians up north for a week as a sisters trip. That was a good time.”

Sunset smiled fondly and shifted on her log. She had been the one who sucked the most at skiing, falling off her skis more than her sisters. Blaze and Spitfire had found it quite amusing and reminded her all week about.

But that was back when Spitfire was still a sergeant in the Wonderbolts and Blaze was just a rookie. They hadn’t done anything like that as siblings in a good few years.

“Yeah that was fun,” Sunset agreed and stretched out her hind legs.

“I guess I’ll go next. Sunset already knows a good amount about me, but you all don’t. I’m from Manehatten and attended an art school for about two years and got my degree in art and acting. Moved out here for the scenery. I just spend a lot of time painting or attending plays. I go to a lot of art shows and festivals around Equestria occasionally,” Watermelody said and the others eyed her minus Twilight who still had her eyes closed.

Silence fell over the group and Twilight opened her eyes in confusion to find everypony staring at her expectantly, even Wallflower.

“Why are you all staring at me?” Twilight asked and High Winds shrugged in response. “What does that mean?”

“We all went around the group. It’s your turn. Where are you from and what’s your hobbbies?” High Winds explained.

“Like High Winds is from Cloudsdale, Watermelody is from Manehatten. Blaze, Sunset and myself all three come from Cloudsdale,” Spitfire continued and Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“Sunset is a unicorn,” Twilight pointed out in confusion. “How is she from Cloudsdale? I thought she was from Canterlot.”

“Stormy Flare’s labor started in Cloudsdale. Ended in Canterlot which Cloudsdale was conveniently over at the time. So due to boundaries, I’m from both legally. But we all just say Canterlot because I grew up on the ground. I tend to stay away from Cloudsdale,” Sunset explained with a shrug. “Easier that way. From the moment I came out to now, I’ve been on the ground.”

“I don’t really have any hobbies except studying, experimenting and taking Spike to his comic book stores he likes,” Twilight shrugged. “I just stay in the house all day and read. No real point to go out unless there’s a need for more books, which there always is in my eyes.”

The others all sat there and stared at her for a moment before Spitfire coughed into her hoof.

“You really need a life,” Spitfire broke the silence and everypony excluding Twilight laughed.

“I have a life,” Twilight shot back with a scowl. “Says you. You just stay in your office doing paperwork.”

“Actually not really,” Spitfire corrected with a frown. “I’m up leading the Wonderbolts all the time along with training recruits, breaking up the occasional fight between Fleetfoot and Misty.”

“Those two go at it a lot,” High Winds commented as she settled down and started to preen a few of her out of place feathers. “I don’t even think they really like each other all that much.”

“I don’t know,” Spitfire admitted after a moment. “They respect each other and fly well. Their personal problems only become my problem when it affects the team or working together. They’re big mares and can solve their own issues.”

“I suppose but I wish they wouldn’t be so well, aggressive to each other. The amount of times I’ve heard Fleetfoot call Misty a bitch is insane,” High Winds shook her mane.

“Can we get a move on?” Twilight asked finally and everypony looked at her. “No offense, but I highly doubt us sitting around will- where’s Wallflower?”

They all paused and froze, looking around for the mare.

“Split up,” Spitfire ordered after a moment. “High Winds, go with Twilight. Watermelody, with Sunset. Find Wallflower.”

“Yes Captain!” High Winds snapped off a salute before she took off with a slightly worried Twilight.

“Let’s go,” Watermelody jerked her head to the opposite direction and Sunset agreed with a frown. The two started trotting further away from the group as Spitfire searched alone. “Wallflower!”

“Where do you think she could be?” Sunset wondered aloud, crushing a stick under her hoof. “I pray she didn’t get taken away by a monster without us noticing.”

“You’d have heard the screams,” Watermelody commented dryly. “And the sounds of her being eaten.”

Sunset’s stomach turned over in disgust as her face turned green. She really didn’t want to think about her new friend being killed, especially without her knowing. She didn’t know what was worse, hearing Wallflowers screams or her being eaten.

“Found her!” High Winds shouted distantly. “Come on back!”

High Winds wrapped a wing around Wallflower and leaned against her as Wallflower turned red. Twilight followed behind with a frustrated expression on her face. They had found Wallflower sitting around tall trees and flowers with a peaceful smile, occasionally resting a hoof with a worried expression against a tree.

“Next time, don’t run off when you decide to check out a tree, k?” High Winds smiled slightly at the blushing earth pony next to her.

“I understand,” Wallflower mumbled. “Sorry.”

“You’re good. Let’s just keep moving when the others get back. No time like the present!” High Winds announced and examined Wallflower. “I’ll let you borrow some of my books when we get back once we win. Got a few tree books but not many.”

“You’d actually let a stranger just borrow your things?” Twilight interjected with a startled expression. “I do occasionally but I always worry they will be destroyed or something.”

“Of course!” High Winds chirped and smiled. “I always like sharing with my friends.”

Twilight recoiled at the word friends but decided to not argue. There’s no time for that she mused internally.

She would be lying if she didn’t entirely hate the idea.

Author's Note

https://derpibooru.org/images/1278986

Name: Silverspeed.

Nickname: Silv, Silvy, Archer, Speedy.

Status: Alive.

Age: 26.

Motto: There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is all the same.

Bio: (From Sunset's diary.)

Silverspeed is probably one of the best ponies I've ever met, outside my family. She's helped me out a lot with sorting out drama with Stormy Flare, especially when Blaze and I got disowned by her in favor of Spitfire. She's super friendly and hard working. She's got these gorgeous purple eyes that I can't help but get lost in. And don't even get me started on her wings or her flanks. She's got a super athletic body that exploring is pretty fun. Don't even get me started on how soft her hooves can be and believe me, i know very well from experience from late nights in bed. Anyway, before I get too far and accidentally make this entry a bit R Rated, my favorite thing about her is her personality. She's just got this way about that's hard to describe. She's pretty damn forgiving considering how we first met I accidentally spilled coffee on her five years ago in Canterlot. Silverspeed has a daughter named Silver Spoon. Silver Spoon is a product of Silverspeed’s last relationship. That filly is well, complicated to say the least. Some days she hates me, others she loves me. She's all over the place and has an attitude problem. I blame Diamond Tiara for that. She was only four when I came into her life and somehow remembered her dad. It's a whole fucking mess man. Anyway, Silverspeed is pretty impressive and I'm not saying that because she's my girlfriend. She's hardworking and is a talented flyer. Super laid back too. Most of our dates are just us cuddling on the couch with candles and a movie after Silver Spoon is asleep. Occasionally sneaking upstairs after and me using my soundproofing spell but eh, no biggie. I'm running out of space on this page but I'll finish this with she definitely made me a better pony. I'd probably have ran away and been a power hungry bitch without her. I'm the lucky one here.

Abilities: Silverspeed is a strong flyer, coming out with a wing speed of twelve point five. She's got an bow and arrow for a cutie mark. She is impressive with a bow, able to hit her target from a long distance. Twilight hasn't exactly figured out how far she can't reach but I'm certain we will find out one day. Silverspeed is a very talented flyer and good at math, boasting an impressive wing power of twelve point five. Even Spitfire said it was impressive after she watched Silverspeed blow past Lightning Streak.

Weakness: Honestly, her only weakness is Silver Spoon. Not saying that's a bad thing but it's hard for Silverspeed occasionally to punish her only daughter and occasionally spoils her. I get it though, she's her only kid and all. Silverspeed has bouts of depression about her but I have my ways of making her forget about it. Mainly just hugs. I love her wing hugs. Anyway, weaknesses. When she has to lay down the law with her daughter, believe me she does. Silver Spoon goes quiet quick when Silverspeed gets angry enough. Even I stay silent.

Allies: Myself(obviously), Silver Spoon(again, obviously), Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Spitfire, Blaze, Wave Chill, Misty, Fleetfoot, Soarin, High Winds, Wallflower, Watermelody, Spike, all the Wonderbolts.

Enemies: Nightmare Moon(Formerly), Lightning Bug, Hard Hat, Speed Trap, Cinnamon Swirl, Music Bluegrass, Walnut Cherry, some unnamed stallions from an incident I'm not entirely comfortable speaking about yet and yeah, I think that's about it.

Mind control is a bitch

Twilight eyed the dark woods around her nervously, listening to the sounds of animals and snapping branches. She refused to give the others (mainly Spitfire) the satisfaction of knowing she was terrified.

This place wasn’t natural and every inch of her pony instincts was screaming for her to flee for her life and get back to her motel room. Back to Spike and presumably safety.

And for some reason Twilight didn’t entirely understand, a tiny part of her liked the forest. It was admittedly pretty in some spots, like those yellow flowers as Twilight took a step to them.

“Hey!” High Winds dropped in front of her and grabbed her shoulders. “What in Equestria are you doing? You almost fell of that cliff edge to your death.”

Twilight stared in shock at the cliff she was mere hoof steps from tumbling off of before she rubbed her eyes with a hoof.

“Woah thanks,” Twilight muttered as she stepped back and looked around in confusion. “Where did the flowers go?”

“Uh what flowera?” Watermelody asked as she and Sunset looked back at Twilight.

“The yellow one that was right in front of me,” Twilight answered and tilted her head. “Didn’t you all see it?”

“Uhm there was no flowers,” Wallflower said after a moment of silence. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine,” Twilight insisted as the others gave her concerned looks. “Let’s keep going. It has to be around here somewhere.”

She pushed past Wallflower and after a moments hesitation, the others followed her, all of the mares missing the gold eyes and purple smoke watching them from the tree line.

Wallflower eyed Twilight nervously as the earth pony continued following silently through the woods. The unicorn was muttering to herself, occasionally shooting Sunset distrustful glares.

Wallflower didn’t entirely know anypony here except for maybe High Winds snd even then, she barely talked to the mare except that one time and at the party earlier today. Tonight? Didn’t matter.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Wallflower asked quietly and recoiled slightly as Twilight glared at her. Her eyes weren’t that deep purple color anymore and were instead a gold color. “O-oh my. Ohm guys?”

“Stupid mare,” Twilight grumbled and her eyes locked on the unsuspecting Sunset who had her back turned. “Bet she’s trying to have princess Celestia get rid of me so she can be the only one.”

“And as I was saying,” Sunset continued obliviously with a shrug. “Naturally I- gah!”

Twilight blasted Sunset in the back and the mare went tumbling to the ground with a cry, smoke rising off her back as the others spun around in shock, Spitfire glaring at Twilight with a murderous look.

“Wait don’t!” Wallflower tried to interject as Spitfire tackled Twilight and the pair went rolling across the dirt with Spitfire ending up on top, her hooves wrapped around Twilight’s mane as she lifted her head and slammed it against the ground.

“What in Equestria is wrong with you attacking her like that?” Spitfire snarled as High Winds knelt down to help Sunset up. “I’m gonna kill you!”

“It-it wasn’t me!” Twilight begged as her eyes turned purple again and Wallflower sighed in relief. “I’d never just attack another pony like that. I could see everything I was doing but I couldn’t stop it. Please don’t kill me.”

Spitfire paused as the others watched silently with nervous expressions before Spitfire inhaled and let go of Twilight, stepping off her hoof before extending a hoof.

“She’s telling the truth,” Spitfire declared and Twilight eyed the hoof. “It wasn’t her fault.”

“How in Equestria do you know that?” Watermelody snapped as she gave Twilight a wary look. “She just shot Sunset for no reason! Imagine if she killed her next time. Or Wallflower or me or herself! Remember, she almost killed herself an hour ago!”

“Just a gut feeling,” Spitfire answered and yanked Twilight up. “I don’t say this often so don’t get used to it but I’m sorry. For trying to kill you there.”

“She’ll be fine. What the hell was that though?” Spitfire wondered and Sunset gave a low groan.

“Mind control probably,” Sunset grunted and Spitfire caught her with a wing. “Thanks. I’ve been hearing things recently right when Twilight tried to jump off the cliff. Like how I’m better than you all and should crush you under my hoof. It’s giving me a migraine and it’s really hard to fight off.”

“It’s the forest,” Wallflower mumbled and everypony focused on her. She blushed and scuffed a hoof. She didn’t mean to speak that loud. “Sorry for speaking so loud.”

“Don’t apologize,” High Winds smiled warmly before trotting over and nuzzling her. “You’re part of this group after all, remember?”

“Anyway, what do you mean it’s the forest?” Watermelody asked and stepped closer to Spitfire who still holding up Sunset.

“Nightmare Moon,” Wallflower answered after she pressed a hoof against the tree. “She turned it against us. My special talent is all things to do with plants. The tree is suffering. I can hear him. He says she is trying to turn us against each other or have us kill ourselves. Something about a purple smoke and golden eyes in the woods.”

They watched in silence as Wallflower closed her eyes and the trees leaves lifted up slightly, the tree looking healthier than it had before.

“Twilight had golden eyes,” Watermelody pointed out after Wallflower opened her eyes. “So the smoke is what exactly? A ghost or some shit?”

“Or Nightmare Moon,” Sunset chimed in and took a shaky step. “I’m fine Spits. Thanks. What about the tree?”

“We beat her up,” Wallflower growled and hugged the tree as the others gave each other startled looks. This was probably the most angry Wallflower had ever looked all day. Granted, they didn’t know her well but still. “I call dibs on using my beating stick.”

“Your beating stick?” Twilight echoed in confusion as Sunset stood next to her.

“Yes,” Wallflower nodded solemnly and picked up a large fallen branch. “Behold, the beating stick.”

Twilight and the others stared before Twilight giggled with Sunset slowly falling afterwards.

“What?” Wallflower pouted as the others laid on the ground laughing excluding Spitfire who had a large grin on her face. “What’s funny?”

“That stick is almost as big as you are!” High Winds wiped a tear away before she started laughing again. “Oh Celestia have mercy on my soul.”

“That is actually kinda adorable,” Twilight admitted as Spitfire let out a quiet snickered. “She looks tiny compared to the big branch she has.”

“I’m never living this down,” Wallflower grumbled and turned bright red as she chose a smaller (but still painful looking stick). “Is this better?”

“Yes,” Sunset snorted a laugh as she shakily stood up off the ground. “Ow my back. Word of advice, don’t get shot by Twilight. Shit hurt like hell. I’ve been shot what, three times tonight?”

“Two I believe,” Twilight corrected before her ears flattened against her head. “I’m uh really sorry about that by the way.”

“Think nothing of it. Shit happens,” Sunset shook her hooves with Twilight. “Forgiven.”

“We’re okay, just like that?” A stunned Twilight and Sunset nodded with a shrug.

“Yeah we cool.”

For one of the first times in her life, Twilight accepted a hug from a pony that wasn’t her brother, parents, Celestia or Cadence, idly wiping her tears away.

Author's Note

https://clashoftheskylanderswithponies.fandom.com/wiki/Wallflower

https://derpibooru.org/images/2233169

Name: Wallflower.

Status: Alive.

Age: 22.

Nicknames: Wally, Wallflower, Blush, Blushie, Plant Mare.

Element: Kindness.

Bio: Wallflower Blush is a reclusive and shy mare, preferring to stay at home in her chair with a book next to a fire than be out and about. She is the youngest sister of Berry Punch, Cheerilee, Fuchsia Blush and Cherry Blossom. Wallflower is the current element of kindness and is known by all for going out of her way to help anypony in need once she gets going. She often finds herself envious of the more popular and social Berry Punch. Wallflower was always the one who didn't get much attention around at school, opting to go straight home afterwards and garden, to Cherry Blossoms slight frustration. Wallflower was defended by Berry Punch and Cheerilee often, with Berry Punch being the more physically violent one while protecting her sister from the rare bully Wallflower did encounter. Wallflower is the current love interest of Spike and is secretly in love with the dragon. She was very briefly killed alongside Sunset, Silver Zoom and Fire Streak during a future potential world ending event.

Motto: A moment of indecision can be your last.

Abilities: Wallflower has the ability to talk to plants and can heal injured trees and other plant life. She is physically very strong and is the strongest of the elements though she doesn't display her strength often. She can occasionally turn invisible due to be related to unicorns but it takes a lot of energy to do so.

Weakness: Wallflowers shyness is her greatest weakness along with her fear of being noticed by her enemies. She often finds herself getting distracted from her tasks by healing sick plants she sees and is surprisingly stern about doing so when confronted by others.

Allies: Sunset, Spitfire, Blaze, Luna, Twilight, Soarin, High Winds, Spike, Cherry Berry, Cherry Blossom, Berry Punch, Cheerilee, Ruby, Celestia, Fuchsia Blush, Rupert.

Enemies: Nightmare Moon (Formerly), Tirek, Chrysalis, Discord(Formerly), Changelings, Hard Hat, Cold Stone, Green Ivy.

The least known Wonderbolt

High Winds hovered a few inches above the ground next to Sunset, idly watching the mare grimace as she took more steps. High Winds enjoyed pony watching. You can learn a lot about ponies just by sitting somewhere quiet and watching the ponies around you. High Winds preferred the clouds so she could watch down.

She did suppose that technically made her a stalker but it’s not like she ever followed the ponies home. Most of the time. The only ones she followed were the ones she decided needed a friendly face or a gift. Most of the time, they were donated anonymously. Usually to poor families or kids orphanages. It always lifted her spirits seeing their confused yet grateful faces when they brought their food or other items inside.

And boy, did she learn a lot about Sunset in these past few hours. Sure, she knew her okay High Winds guessed but Spitfire’s family was something the captain kept close to her chest. High Winds suspected if Sunset hadn’t been introduced by Blaze to them all as her sister, they would have never met her.

Sunset shared a lot with her two sisters, High Winds idly noted. Spitfire’s same determined look she occasionally got when faced with a risky trick or Blaze’s snarky attitude. Though technically Blaze got that from Sunset but minor detail.

She may share a lot of traits with them both but Sunset was definitely her own mare. Not even Spitfire would continuously refuse the others offers to look at her back where Twilight had shot her. The fact that Spitfire may have once done that is a completely different conversation. She had pretty quickly learned her lesson and decided to set a better example.

High Winds hated to admit it, but she partially agreed with Watermelody on the fact that Twilight was still technically a risk. But if Spitfire said she believed Twilight, then High Winds was going to believe her until she had reasons not to.

“Are you okay?” High Winds asked as Sunset glanced back at her. “You made a painful sound just now.”

“I’m fine,” Sunset grumbled and rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why everypony keeps asking me that? It’s just a simple laser blast. I took a shot from a supercharged Nightmare Moon, I think one from a simple unicorn won’t harm me much. But if it’ll make everypony stop asking, you can check it out.”

High Winds paused and glanced down, brushing Sunset’s coat aside to examine the bruise better before wincing herself.

“It’s not bad per se buts it certainly good looking,” High Winds said after a moment. “I’d get it looked at after this.”

“Silverspeed will,” Sunset shot back and stepped away. “I don’t really like being touched like that by other mares. No offense.”

“None taken,” High Winds bumped into Spitfire, the orange pegasus gazing into a ravine with a frown. “Sorry!”

“It’s okay,” Spitfire said without looking as Twilight peered down before kicking a rock over the edge. The six looked at each and waited for several minutes before the rock made a very distant sound. “We have to find a way around. Too far to jump and we can’t go through it.”

“We can use the bridge,” Watermelody peered over the edge and pointed. “Or you could carry us across.”

“Fine. I’ll go get the bridge and bring it back up here,” Spitfire spread her wings before High Winds dove over the edge. “High Winds! What the hell?”

“I can easily do this just as good as you,” High Winds called back before the mare bit into a rope and started dragging it to the other side with a wave. “Oof heavy. Why’s it so foggy all the sudden?”

High Winds shuddered slightly as the temperature dropped, tensing slightly as two mares and a stallion in a dark purple uniform galloped into the clearing.

“What the hell?” High Winds muttered aloud and rubbed her eyes. “Who the hay are you all?”

“The Shadowbolts,” one of mare said simply and High Winds eyed her suspiciously.

“Why do you look like Fleetfoot?” High Winds asked with a raised eyebrow. “As a matter of fact, why does he look like Soarin and why do you look like Spitfire?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Not Soarin rolled his eyes.

“He’s right,” Not Spitfire agreed as she circled High Winds. “You’re a very talented flyer.”

“And very generous too,” Not Fleetfoot chimed in as she examined High Winds mane. “The other Wonderbolts really don’t deserve you. You’re the best out of them all.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” High Winds shot back and fluttered her wings slightly. “But thanks I guess? I mean, I wouldn’t be a Wonderbolt if I couldn’t handle myself out there. I’m no slouch on the track after all.”

“Precisely,” Not Soarin added as she turned to face him. “We’re the best in Equestria but we need a captain.”

“Isn’t Not Spitfire the captain?” High Winds shot her a confused look.

“Oh no. I pale in comparison to your greatness,” Not Spitfire admitted and pressed a hoof to High Winds chest, the pegasus recoiled slightly at the cold feeling. “We need you.”

“Captain High Winds does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Not Fleetfoot whispered in her ear. “You could lead your own team, do things your way. You’ve been in the shadows for far too long.”

“Thanks but no thanks,” High Winds glared before she pressed her hoof against her chest and shoved it outwards. Her mom had always told her that gesture would ward off evil but she never really had a need for it till now. “I’ll work my way up in the Wonderbolts my way. Not by backstabbing or leaving my team behind.”

High Winds turned her back as the three disappeared and trotted across the bridge to the waiting ponies as Spitfire eyed her with a raised eyebrow.

“What took so long?” Spitfire asked as High Winds folded her wings on her sides.

“It was nothing. Come on,” High Winds avoided the question. She was mainly trying to convince herself it was nothing. She knew she wasn’t the most well known Wonderbolt and probably had no fans in comparison with the more popular Soarin but she enjoyed her job.

She silently lead them across, staring for a moment at where the Shadowbolts had once stood before shaking her head and sighing.

“What?”

She turned and stared at Spitfire staring at the same spot with a flat look.

“It’s nothing,” High Winds grumbled and cracked her neck. “I’m gonna go look for the castle in the sky. You stay down here.”

She hovered a few inches and started to fly off before she jerked back, giving Spitfire a startled look as the pegasus continued holding her tail in her mouth.

“Hey!” High Winds snapped and Spitfire continued dragging her. “Where in Equestria are you taking me?”

“Here,” Spitfire spit out the other mares tail and pointed a hoof on a tree stump. “Sit. Now.”

“Fine,” High Winds grumbled and started to twist her tail before sitting down. “Got your spit in my tail. Disgusting.”

“It’ll wash,” Spitfire shot back and ran a hoof over her tongue before spitting out some hair. “Bleugh. I know you’re lying. What the hell happened when you were over here? It doesn’t take that long to tie a bridge. It’s my job to make sure everypony under my command is one hundred percent and that includes you last time I checked. If you’re not, you could get injured and injure others now spill.”

High Winds paused before telling everything to Spitfire. Spitfire sat silently and waited for her to finish, her only reaction her eyes widening.

“And yeah that’s all that happened. No big deal,” High Winds concluded and Spitfire raised an eyebrow.

“No big deal my flank. That’s some bullshit right there. I should have gone and not you. It’s clearly still fucking with you,” Spitfire sighed and looked down. “I’m sorry.”

“I wanted to go, remember? That’s not on you.”

“You may not be well known but you’re still valued,” Spitfire shot back and stood up. “You’re a sergeant for a reason. Just like how Surprise is one too. I wouldn’t have promoted either of you if I didn’t think you deserved it High Winds. Don’t let them get to you. Remember, Wallflower said that Nightmare Moon was using our own thoughts against so really you were facing your own thoughts. You’re a kick ass mare and a damn good flyer. I would go to Tartarus and back for you. I would do that for any of my Bolts.”

“You’re right,” High Winds muttered softly as the white pegasus shifted on her tree stump, the others pointedly giving them space. “Thanks for the advice Captain.”

“Spitfire,” Spitfire corrected with a frown. “We’re not on any official business as of now. Call me by my real name please.”

“Okay Spitfire,” High Winds gave a small smile and nodded. It felt a bit weird to be using anything other than Captain or Captain Spitfire but she supposed she could adapt. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime. My door will always be open,” Spitfire promised and tensed as High Winds hugged her. Spitfire stood there for a moment before hesitantly hugging her back. “Okay, I hugged you back. I’m not too into the touchy feely stuff so please let me go High Winds or well, Sergeant High Winds I should say.”

High Winds complied with a sheepish blush as she watched Spitfire trot back to the group.

High Winds glanced back at where the Shadowbolts had once stood and used her wing to give the spot the finger.

Satisfied, High Winds galloped to catch up with the waiting group.

Author's Note

Name: Spitfire.

Status: Alive.
Rank: Captain.
Age: 29.
Element: Honesty.

Motto: I am not led, I lead.

Bio: Spitfire is the current captain of the Wonderbolts and takes her position seriously, often viewing the Wonderbolts as a collective and not an individual, occasionally hurting those under her like Soarin. Spitfire would probably never admit this but she extensively beats herself up about that in private. She is often bluntly honest and leaves her door open for the Wonderbolts if they need somepony to talk to. Spitfire has a tendency to beat herself up over mistakes she makes and once passed out drunk on Wallflowers couch after the death of one of her teammates. Spitfire is extremely loyal to her sisters, friends and teammates, often fighting against her higher ups in their defense or their shared enemies. She often struggles on maintaining a professional relationship with her sister Blaze even though Spitfire firmly believes she could be her replacement one day. Spitfire once disowned her mother in favor of Sunset and Blaze once Stormy did the same gesture to her sisters and is currently not on speaking terms with her in the future. Spitfire is secretly extremely fond of Spike and often looks out for the dragon, especially after his grown up rampage. Spitfire has a fiery personality and a fierce temper that she uses to her advantage when fighting her enemies or at the Wonderbolt academy. She often finds herself bored in her various defense meetings she occasionally has with Celestia. She led the Wonderbolts and other pegasi against Tirek and was the first element of harmony to fall against him.

Abilities: Spitfire is a strong flyer and has a wing speed of 19.9. She can break the sound barrier with little effort and often does so to disorient her enemies. She has a stylized Phoenix as a cutie mark and allows her to make tornados out of fire. She is physically very strong.

Allies: Blaze, Sunset, Soarin, Misty, Twilight, Spike, Wallflower, High Winds, Raindrops, Watermelody, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Rapidfire, Silver Zoom, Surprise, Rainbow Dash, Cloudchaser, Derpy, Dinky, Amethyst Star, Dizzy Twister, Parasol, Bulk Biceps, Meadowflower, Sassaflash, Merry May, Sprinkle Medley, Cloudkicker, White Lightning, Discord, Stormy Flare(formerly), Lightning Dust, Celestia and Luna.

Enemies: Tirek, Chrysalis, Nightmare Moon (Formerly), Discord(Formerly), Stormy Flare, Lightning Dust(Formerly).

Weaknesses: Her temper is and ego are her only real weaknesses. No known physical weaknesses.

The most dramatic pony

Watermelody bit onto a tree branch with her mouth and used it to swing over a large creek. Or well, the large creek that existed in her mind. In all reality, it was barely even deep enough to get her entire hoof in.

The others simply stepped through the water as Watermelody jumped onto a rock and posed in what she imagined a heroic pose would look like.

“Onward my compatriots!” Watermelody cried and flung a hoof forward. “For victory is over thatta way!”

“I have a weird choice in allies,” Twilight muttered under her breath and Wallflower giggled before stopping to heal another tree.

While it did slow them down, none of them dared to intervene in Wallflower insisting to heal every sick tree the group came across. The large stick Wallflower had strapped to her saddlebags was a pretty good warning of what would happen if they tried to stop and none of them really wanted to find out if she was serious about using that thing to fight somepony with.

“You really think they’ll make plays about us?” Wallflower asked hesitantly as her brown eyes flicked to Watermelody. Wallflower preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

“Yes! There will be heartbreak, death-” Wallflower shuddered as Watermelody continued staring ahead at the castle in the distance. “We will be taken hostage and our superior officers head will be cut off with a chainsaw by a damned Saddle Arabian chief-”

“Watermelody!” Twilight snapped and pointed at Wallflower hiding behind a tree. “You’re scaring her!”

“And there’s not even Saddle Arabians out here thank Celestia,” Spitfire grumbled and snorted before kicking her hindlegs in frustration. “Stupid bastards.”

“What’s your deal with Saddle Arabians?” High Winds asked curiously before she slammed a hoof into her muzzle. “I forgot about the Saddle Arabia incident a few years ago.”

The what? Twilight thought to herself as Watermelody looked around sheepishly before she trotted over hesitantly to Wallflower and sat in front of her.

“Hey,” Watermelody said quietly and tapped on Wallflowers foreleg. “I may have gotten a bit carried away there. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Nopony is getting uh that sort of treatment. None of us would let that happen, especially not to you. They’d have to kill us all first before they got to you.”

“Are you sure? Who knows what could be here watching us? Maybe some manticore with drool waiting to eat me, a pony that could be eaten in three bites!” Wallflower snapped and shuddered slightly and Watermelody internally cursed at herself.

“I’m absolutely certain. And besides, I’m a pretty strong pony. I can take a manticore. And we got two unicorns and two Wonderbolts. We can easily handle anything the forest throws our way,” Watermelody reassured her with a warm smile. “Now come on, we got a evil pony to defeat.”

“Are you sure? What makes you think we will even be successful?” Wallflower asked hesitantly and eyed Watermelody.

“Hope,” Watermelody said simply and snorted. “Sounds super cliche I know but it’s true. I just have hope that we will win. We have a lot of ponies counting on us. And I’m not planning on letting them down. I may not get along with my parents much, but I don’t want them to be kept in an eternal slumber. And your sister Fuchsia is back there sleeping too if I remember. Don’t you want to help save her?”

“Yes,” Wallflower answered finally and chewed her lip slightly. “How are you not scared? Of all of this. The woods and our potential impending death? If Nightmare Moon easily took out Celestia, what chance do we and these element thingies stand?”

“I’m terrified,” Watermelody admitted softly and nuzzled Wallflower. “It’s easier to deal with when I’m with my friends. And between the two of us, I tend to get a lot more dramatic when I’m scared. Coping mechanism and all.”

“I usually just hide around my plants. They calm me down. Or sitting with Fuchsia,” Wallflower muttered and scratched her neck with a confused expression. “Why am I awake? I was at my house when the sleep spell hit. Why wasn’t I affected but the Wonderbolts who were further away got affected?”

“I got a theory about that,” Twilight interjected and shifted on her hooves cautiously. None of the others had wanted to really interrupt the moment but Twilight wasn’t gonna turn down a learning moment. “A few actually. One is your house helped block the spell which is probably the most likely. I saw a few other ponies hiding inside houses when I was running with Spike and Sunset. Spitfire said she, High Winds and Misty got down fast enough to get away from the brunt of it which explains why the two are simply drowsy. Second is you were protected by something or your willpower kept you from falling asleep. That’s about all I’ve come up with at the moment. Won’t know more till I can do more testing later at the lab.”

They all fell silent and Twilight found herself holding up a yawning Spitfire. Twilight was planning on extensively researching sleep spells. She only knew basic ones to help Spike sleep when the dragon was having nightmares. Now that she thought about, she was probably going to have to use plenty of those tonight on Spike and herself to sleep. If she didn’t die tonight of course. Bit hard to cast spells when you’re dead.

“What do you think Misty Fly is doing right now?” High Winds asked suddenly and Spitfire shrugged.

Misty Fly trotted back and forth inside Sunset’s house after dragging the rest of the Wonderbolts to the house, narrowly avoiding stepping on a sleeping Wave Chill and Lightning Streak.

“It’s too quiet,” Misty Fly mumbled to herself and paused to pull a blanket over Fleetfoot and Soarin. “Oh Soarin. What I wouldn’t give to have you or Fleetfoot awake with me right now. I’d never admit this if you were awake but I’m scared. That evil mare could come back at any time. I’m practically a pyschiatrist. I’m always there for the others but I can never vent to others. Sounds stupid doesn’t it? And I’m still talking to myself. If Surprise saw this, she’d call me crazy.”

Misty paused her trotting to wipe some drool off Rapidfire’s muzzle with a yawn and a tired expression before she slumped over next to Surprise, nuzzling her friend.

“Listen to me, it’s like I’m mourning a bunch of dead friends. You guys are just simply sleeping. Spitfire will solve this. She and the others. I don’t know the others, I only know Spitfire, High Winds and Sunset but they are determined ponies. They got this,” Misty Fly mused aloud and her ear flicked as Spike wrapped a claw around her hindleg and she smiled at the small dragon and wrapped a wing around him protectively. “You’re kinda cute, in a weird way. Like a sibling. I hope they got this at least.”

Misty Fly pulled the sleeping pony and dragon into a hug before stifling a yawn herself.

Misty stretched out on her back and smiled slightly at the two hugging her back and she nuzzled them both.

With a final yawn, Misty closed her eyes and felt sleep take her.

Author's Note

Name: High Winds.

Age: 27.

Status: Alive.

Rank: Sergeant.

Element: Generosity.

Bio: High Winds is one of the lesser known Wonderbolts but that fact doesn't bother her any. She is a sergeant in the Wonderbolts and spends most of her town with her fellow teammates. She is a generous pony who often goes overboard around the holidays and birthdays for her friends and family. Contrary to popular belief, she is not related to Soarin even though the two look very similar. She is friendly with most ponies and attended flight school with Surprise as a filly. She is charge of the third flight team of the Wonderbolts, which consists of Dizzy Twister, Surprise, Parasol, Silver Zoom and White Lightning. High Winds took part in defending Canterlot during the Canterlot Wedding and was the second of the elements to be defeated. She was led against Tirek by Spitfire and was the second element of harmony to fall against him. She has a cutie mark of a feather and wind currents. She is a talented flyer and occasionally assists with the weather when requested. Her calls callsign is Hoof in Mouth after she accidentally walked into the hoof of a Wonderbolt statue. High Winds was one of the first ponies to help Wallflower get out of her shell and open up.

Motto: Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.

Abilities: High Winds is a generous pony and firmly believes in her element she represents. She has a wing speed of 15.8. High Winds is quick to follow orders and is capable of leading the Wonderbolts when Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin and Blaze are absent. High Winds is highly intelligent.

Weaknesses: High Winds is one of the weaker elements and is more comfortable at staying away from conflict. She will engage in combat when necessary.

Allies: Spitfire, Blaze, Luna, Twilight, Spike, Wallflower, Watermelody, Sunset, Soarin, Misty Fly, Surprise, Parasol, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Rapidfire, Silver Zoom, Dizzy Twister, Fleetfoot, White Lightning, Celestia and other Wonderbolts, Discord, Rainbow Dash, Roseluck, Daisy, Lily.

Enemies: Discord (Formerly), Tirek, Chrysalis, Stormy Flare, Lightning Dust, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse.

Notable quotes: "I enjoy cooking. You should try it some time Lightning Streak and skip the Hayburger. Maybe you'll have a nice frame like me"- future story.

"You should try to be more generous Silver Spoon and you'll have more friends"- future story.

"You really need to be more careful. That Changeling almost ripped your wing out of your socket and killed you"- after the Battle of Canterlot, said to Soarin.

Return of darkness part three

Misty Fly sat up with a start, staring out at the moon with a sigh, rubbing her eyes with a hoof. She had almost been convinced this was all a bad dream and that she was gonna be woken up at the call of reveille by her alarm: Surprise bouncing around the bunks of her fellow Wonderbolts excitedly.

“I hate how I don’t even know if it’s supposed to be day or night yet,” Misty Fly growled to herself and untangled herself from Spike and Surprise.

“Same here,” Spike admitted and Misty gave a startled yelp. “Scaredy cat much?”

“Sorry I uh forgot you didn’t get hit with that sleep spell thingy,” Misty rolled a hoof in the air. “Are you okay?”

“Kinda hungry but good I guess. You got any gems?”

“I got this,” Misty tapped a hoof against a purple gemstone hanging around her neck that she always wore under her uniform. “It’s amethyst. It’s my birth stone.”

She hoofed it to Spike and the dragon examined it before licking it to her confusion.

“Tastes fairly good,” Spike commented and started to put it in his mouth before Misty’s eyes widened.

“H-hey wait don’t!” Misty pulled the necklace away from him and stared at him warily. “What the Equestria was that all about? I gave it so you look at it, not try to eat it!”

“Oh sorry. I’m a dragon. Eating gems is what we do,” Spike shot back and Misty inhaled to calm down.

“So uh dragons eat gems? I thought you guys all hoarded gems and whatnot,” Misty commented and brushed her light blue mane down. “I don’t know much about dragons. The only one I’ve met is you. We don’t really go to the Dragon Lands.”

Spike hummed in response before he stretched and walked around briefly, cracking his neck before sighing.

“No Twilight yet?” Spike peered out the window and Misty Fly shook her head after a moment.

“Nope kid. Sorry. What’s your relation to her, anyway?” Misty asked curiously as the mare examined Spike. She wasn’t really on speaking terms with any dragon. She didn’t think anypony except this Twilight apparently.

“She’s my mom I suppose. Sister works too,” Spike answered and Misty choked on air for a brief moment. She tossed Spike a grateful look as he smacked her on the back and she coughed a few more times before regaining control of her breathing.

“So you mean Twilight and a dragon....” Misty trailed off and quickly shook the thought from her mind, tossing it into a deep part of her mind, locking it and throwing away the key so she never had that thought ever again. “Never mind.”

“She hatched me from an egg for her entry exam at Celestia’s School for gifted unicorns,” Spike clarified and Misty gave a slow nod.

“I see. So you’re telling me Celestia just had a dragon egg randomly sitting around?” Misty quirked an eyebrow and laid down on her back.

“I guess. Pretty lucky for me, huh?” Spike asked with a shrug. “I’d rather be alive than be stuck in some dusty storage closet for years.”

“Fair enough of a point,” Misty conceded and tilted her head as Spike continued staring at her wing. “You want to sleep under my wing again, don’t you?”

“Maybe? Twilight normally hugs me to sleep even if she acts like she hates it. She’s always had a soft spot for me,” Spike admitted.

Misty nodded and unfurled her wing as Spike laid under it and Misty closed her wing around him as Spike nuzzled her chest fur.

“Comfortable?” Misty asked with a small smile.

“Mhm.”

“Good,” Misty commented quietly and looked around the sleeping ponies before she bit onto a neaby blanket and dragged it over herself with a content sigh. Being a pegasus gave her a bit of a heavier coat than the other tribes to account for lightning and weather work so she didn’t really need a blanket for her but most if not all pegasus used blankets strictly for the comfort feeling. After all, who doesn’t like being cocooned in a blanket like a filly or a colt occasionally? “I can’t wait for this to be over.”

Misty waited for Spike to comment and glanced down at the snoring dragon with a faint smile.

“Wow this is more rundown than even I had imagined,” Twilight commented as they all stared up at the ruins of a castle. Conveniently, a piece of rock from the upper tower chose then to fall and shatter upon hitting the ground, elicting a startled gasp from Wallflower.

“Is this even safe to go inside of?” Watermelody asked hesitantly and took a cautious step on the crumbling steps and jumped as it cracked under her weight. “I’m not so sure about this one girls.”

“We came too far to just throw in the towel,” Spitfire growled and stepped up the stairs, ignoring the cracking sound of it as she continued forward with Twilight behind her.

“She has a point,” High Winds said after a moment and rested a wing on Wallflowers back. “Come on, nothing in there will hurt you. You got two very powerful unicorns, two pegasi and Watermelody.”

“Damn right,” Sunset chimed in and eyed the castle warily. “I will admit, I’m a bit worried myself but I got Silverspeed, Silver Spoon and Blazey to think about. I love them all, especially my little sister.”

Wallflower inhaled and took a step inside, looking around curiously at the paintings and drapes haphazardly hanging around them. A large pedestal stood in the middle of the room with stones in the middle and Twilight’s eyes lit up.

“The elements!” Twilight breathed in awe and Sunset started levitating a few down as Spitfire and High Winds each picked one up. “Carefully you guys. We don’t want to risk damaging them at all.”

Spitfire gave a noncommittal grunt as she set down a stone in front of Twilight, Wallflower examining it curiously. She didn’t know much about rocks but she did know these looked like plain old boring stones.

“I don’t really see anything too special or unique about these,” Wallflower mused and Twilight honestly found herself a bit inclined to agree with the mare.

“I’m gonna try something. I’d stay back, I don’t know what’ll happen,” Twilight warned and the others took a few wary steps back.

“Come on, let’s go outside and give her some space with her magical rocks,” High Winds jerked her head aside.

They all quietly trotted outside as Twilight closed her eyes.

“What do you think will happen after this?” Sunset asked as she stretched out in the cold grass. “I mean, once she gets the elements sorted out?”

“I don’t know,” Watermelody admitted and started drawing a circle with her hoof in the dirt. “I wasn’t really thinking about that. I guess we go back to our lives, I guess? Painting and attending plays for me. I want to go see a play in Manehatten again one day.”

“We have to go back to Cloudsdale where the HQ is,” Spitfire answered and Sunset’s face fall. “We can always visit. We’ve managed pretty decently these past five years.”

“Yeah we have. I just hate us not being close to each other anymore. The three of us used to do everything together as fillies. Me, you and Blaze tagging along on my back. God, I love that mare.”

“Yeah Blaze is pretty unique. She’s somehow managed to keep both our egos in check,” Spitfire agreed with a fond smile. Blaze always did beat the two of them at hide and seek. Benefits of her having been smaller at the time. Now she was a few inches shorter than the other two, but still had a younger sounding voice. She sounded almost ten in all honesty but nopony mentioned it due to how embarrassed Blaze gets by it.

“And I got my flower business. Maybe I’ll go visit my other sisters in Ponyville in the future,” Wallflower mused and laid on her back, rolling her beating stick next to her.

“How many sisters you got?” High Winds asked curiously from her cloud she had brought to the ground.

“Let’s see. There’s Fuchsia, Cheerilee, Cherry Blossom and Berry Punch so four. Then we go past sisters and I got Cherry Berry as a cousin, Pinchy as a niece or Ruby depending on who you are. That’s about it,” Wallflower received a few stunned looks as Watermelody whistled dramatically.

“Damn girl. How did your mom and dad manage that all?” Watermelody asked and Wallflower glared at the sky. “Uh, Wally?”

“Dad died shortly after I was born so he never really knew me. Anyway as for mom, she was a jerk. We never really had much or a lot to eat. She usually ate her fill and we got what was left. My older sisters always put me first. Berry Punch used a bit more aggressive methods and usually shook down kids for their lunch money to get us all good after. Mom is still alive but none of us are on speaking terms with her. Even Cheerilee hates her and Cheerilee is super kind. She taught me a lot.”

Watermelody wrapped a hoof around her and nuzzled Wallflower slowly with a frown. She didn’t really get along with her own parents but they were nothing like that.

“I’m sorry for asking,” Watermelodys ears flattened against her head as Wallflower shrugged.

“Honestly, it felt a bit therapeutic to get out. In a weird sorta way,” Wallflower admitted with a small smile. Her smile faded to a frown as she and the others heard a shout from Twilight inside followed a bright purple flash at one of the undestroyed towers.

“Twilight!” They called out and jumped to their hooves.

“Come on!” High Winds kicked her cloud away.

With a single nod to each, the mares galloped inside.

Author's Note

Name: Blaze.
Age: 21.
Rank: Corporal.
Status: Alive.
Nicknames: Blazey, Hydrant, The Shrink.

Motto: To stop me, you have to catch me first.

Bio: Blaze is the youngest sister of Spitfire and Sunset. Blaze is the calmest of the three and often finds herself playing peacemaker with the two when they get into their occasional fights. She is a corporal in the Wonderbolts and is content with her position. She has a cutie mark of a heart surrounded by orange flames. She and Sunset were disowned by Stormy Flare in favor of Spitfire. Blaze is a brave and determined pony. She, High Winds and Surprise attempted to corral Spike during his rampage, cutting off his head spikes. She is in charge of the seventy sixth squadron consisting of Cloudkicker, Cloudchaser, Bulk Biceps,Thunderlane and Fire Streak. Blaze took part in the Battle of Canterlot against the Changelings and she temporarily assumed command of the Wonderbolts when Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin and High Winds were occupied elsewhere in the city at Wave Chill and Misty Flys encouragement. Blaze is Sunset's biggest fan, looking up immensely to her older sister and often goes to her for advice. She considers Sunset to be the coolest pony she knows and was known for following Sunset around as a filly. She assisted Sunset, Trixie and Twilight in Manehatten chasing down a jewel thief. Blaze was lead against Tirek by Spitfire and was one of the few Wonderbolts to successfully hit him. Blaze is the closest friend to Lightning Streak and often can be found at Soarin's bar. Blaze is one of the few ponies who Sunset and Spitfire confide in and is known for keeping their egos in check when necessary. Has a burning heart for a cutie mark. Blaze gets depressed often after feeling like she lives in Spitfire's shadow and often gets called Spitfire in the street by civilians.

Abilities: Blaze is one of the few Wonderbolts who spends most of her time reading and is highly intelligent. She has a wing speed of 17.5 and can be found with Fleetfoot reading history books. She can get most ponies to open up easily.

Weaknesses: Blaze's attempts to impress Sunset often end up with her getting injured by crashing into various objects and hasn't gotten the idea that Sunset is already impressed by her and is loved by the unicorn. Her need to be viewed as an equal to her sisters occasionally makes her depressed.

Allies: Sunset, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin, Misty, Twilight, Spike, Wallflower, High Winds, Raindrops, Watermelody, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Rapidfire, Silver Zoom, Dizzy Twister, Surprise, Parasol, Rainbow Dash, Derpy, Dinky, Amethyst Star, Celestia, Luna, Discord, the other Wonderbolts, Stormy Flare(formerly), Cloudchaser, Cloudkicker, White Lightning, Cotton Cloudy, Bulk Biceps.

Enemies: Tirek, Nightmare Moon(formerly),Discord(formerly), Stormy Flare, Wind Rider, Lightning Dust, Sombra, Rough Diamond.

Notable quotes:

"Wonderbolts, attack!"

"Talk about needing a lot of bug spray, right?"

"Push forward, don't let them regroup!"

"Why me? I don't know the first thing about leadership or being in charge!" to Misty Fly and Wave Chill during Battle of Canterlot.

"Behold, the first ever Blaze Fan Club! With one member....me."

"Of course I idolize Sunset. She's brave, strong, funny, kind and amazing older sister. What's not to idolize? She's cool! I love Big Sis a lot."

"How could you do this, Spitfire?" to Spitfire after the Mare Do Well incident.

Well, that happened

High Winds and Wallflower galloped behind Sunset and Spitfire up the stairs with Watermelody closely behind her, following the bright flashing lights coming from the tower.

“Twilight!” Wallflower shouted and they all skidded to a stop, staring in stunned silence at Twilight staring at Nightmare Moon mere inches from the unicorn.

“Oh no!” Watermelody cried out and held a hoof to her head. “The evil mare has killed our friend!”

“Not helping!” Wallflower snapped and Watermelody shot her a look.

“What? I’m just hyping us a bit before we beat that mare up,” Watermelody scoffed and rolled a hoof. “You always gotta have a little bit of dialogue before a massive fight. Ya know, an epic speech and all about how right beats wrong and we refuse to surrender to this bi-”

Wallflower stuffed her hoof in the other mares mouth as Watermelody gagged slightly, before spitting out the hoof and glaring at Wallflower.

“Ew! Your hoof tastes like dirt! And mud! And grossness!”

Wallflower giggled slightly as Watermelody started wiping her tongue off with a hoof and gagged again.

“Are you two done yet?” Spitfire asked with a bored expression and jerked her head to Nightmare Moon. “I think we have bigger things to worry about than how Wallflowers hoof taste.”

“Oh. Right,” Wallflower giggled again and yawned before scowling angrily at the tall alicorn. “You harmed plants so now I get to harm you.”

“Wow. It almost sounded like thee meant that,” Nightmare Moon said with a smirk. “I already bested Celestia and destroyed them elements. What chance do thou stand?”

“Technically you just used a sleep spell on her,” High Winds interjected with a thoughtful frown and tapped a hoof against her chin. “I’m not entirely sure if that qualifies as you besting her but go off.”

“I did best Celestia damn it!” Nightmare Moon stomped a hoof hard enough to crack rock and one of her eyes twitched. “That mare stood no chance against the night. The night will last forever!”

“Can we quit talking and get to kicking her plot already?” Watermelody asked with a bored expression as she looked on and crouched slightly. “The dramas they are bound to produce about us needs an epic fight of good versus evil.”

“So be it,” Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes and shifted slightly on her hooves. “Death it is.”

Twilight glanced up at Wallflower shaking her and her eyes widened, jumping back at the magical laser that was shot at her.

“Thanks,” Twilight shot Wallflower a grateful look. “Seriously. I was so busy with the elements I could have died.”

“Can we save this for after?” High Winds snapped as she kicked Nightmare Moon in the jaw, watching in satisfaction as the taller mare tumbled to the ground. “I work out a lot. You’ll be feeling that in the morning.”

Twilight stared with wide eyes as Sunset sent a fireball at Nightmare Moon, sending her tumbling against the wall. Spitfire did a loop to narrowly avoid Nightmare Moon swiping at her before stomping a hoof down on the other pony’s wing, elicting a furious cry.

“Enough!” Nightmare Moon screamed, slamming a hoof on the ground once her head stopped spinning and everypony around Twilight went flying, her included and she groaned ontop of some rock shards. “I’m not going to be bested by six insignificant lowlifes! Not even Celestia could beat me!”

“It’s been nice knowing you all,” Twilight gulped at the furious looking alicorn glaring down at them. “Nopony I’d rather die with than you all.”

“Agreed,” High Winds licked her lips nervously and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry I broke your door that one time Spitfire. I fell into it.”

“That was you?” Spitfire shouted and whapped High Winds with a wing followed with a furious glare. “I thought it was me after I tried walking home drunk that one time!”

“Hey you remember that stuffed doll you loved as a filly?” Sunset asked suddenly and Spitfire gave her a confused look. “I buried it in the sand on vacation that one time as a filly because you pissed me off one day and broke my wagon.”

“You stole Sir Stuffy?” Spitfire fell on her haunches with a frown. “I always did wonder what happened to him.”

“Sorry.”

“Ow!” Nightmare Moon screamed as Wallflower slammed her stick against her kneecap. “Stop hitting me!”

“You hurt nature!” Wallflower screamed back and smacked her again on the side. “I speak for the plants and they’re pissed!”

Twilight and the others sat up in shock, watching Wallflower continue to hit Nightmare Moon with a furious expression as Twilight forced herself to swallow.

“For a pony that values kindness, she’s surprisingly violent,” Watermelody whispered with wide eyes.

“Easy girl!” Spitfire caught Wallflowers foreleg, the stick falling to the ground. “I think you got her.”

“I have weird friends,” Twilight said to herself and her eyes slightly widened as she examined the mares around her. She never considered anypony a friend before.

Twilight watched with wide eyes as Spitfire glowed a bright orange with some of the shattered rocks flying around her neck and making a necklace that resembled her cutie mark.

“I’m so sorry,” Wallflower mumbled and sat down next to a groaning and bruised Nightmare Moon. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t need the elements because they’re right here,” Twilight gestured around her and Nightmare Moon weakly looked at her. “Spitfire represents the Element of Honesty. Believe me, she’s brutally honest. I found out that the hard way.”

“Ugghhhh.”

“Wallflower represents the Element of Kindness. The entire way here, she forced us to stop just so she could heal sick plant life and just offered to help you after beating you,” Twilight continued as Wallflower glowed a green color, the mare pressing a hoof against her own necklace in the shape of a potted plant curiously.

“Pretty,” Wallflower whispered. She never really got into jewelry much but she always did have a fond appreciation for them. Mainly plant shaped ones.

“Watermelody represents the Element of Loyalty,” Watermelody gave Twilight a confused look as she glowed white. “She took a shot for Celestia when she could have easily sat by and did nothing. And Sunset represents Laughter. The entire time I’ve known her, she’s always been cracking random jokes that are more often than not dirty to lighten moods.”

Sunset wore a slightly smug grin as she glowed a fiery red before brushing a hoof against her cutie mark shaped necklace.

“And High Winds represents generosity when she offered to help Wallflower rebuild her garden.”

“After you destroyed it,” Wallflower grumbled under her breath and lifted Nightmare Moons wing with a grunt.

“But thee still don’t have the last one,” Nightmare Moon pointed out smugly and smacked Wallflower aside as the mare gave a startled cry, falling into Watermelodys waiting hooves. “I know all about the elements. They can’t work unless are present. You’ve still failed Equestria and your dear princess.”

“I don’t know a lot about friendship but I do know books. And all the books I’ve read at the library tonight said a spark is needed to activate the sixth element. You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element, the element of magic,” Twilight answered and glowed a bright lavender before her eyes flicked to the crown on her head. She turned and faced the others with a small smile. “I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all are my friends.”

Twilight and the others levitated in front of the stunned alicorn, closing her eyes as a rainbow hit her and Twilight fell ontop of a confused looking High Winds.

“What just happened?” High Winds moaned with a wince and the pegasus rolled over slightly on her side, watching a dazed Spitfire and Watermelody rub their eyes. Twilight wet her lips before looking around, blinking a few times before answering.

“I-I’m not sure.”

Author's Note

Name: Twilight Sparkle.
Age: 27.
Nicknames: Twily, Twi, Sparkle, Sparkles, Dictionary, TwiTwi.
Element: Magic.

Bio: Twilight Sparkle is the daughter of Twilight Velvet and Nightlight. She attended Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns and graduated at the top of her class. She is the current element of magic. Twilight is Spike's caretaker and later adopts him as her son officially. Spike is one of her closest allies and is her best assistant. Twilight is the other student of Celestia's and lives in a library in Amethyst Harbor. She is highly intelligent and often stays up for days at a time studying. She secretly looked up to Sunset, once finding herself jealous of the more likable unicorn. She quickly became Sunset's friend after the events of the Summer Sun Celebration and got over her jealously. She is the sister to Shining Armor and is his best friend. Twilight is often seen around Amethyst Harbor with Wallflower and the other elements solving problems and later goes around Equestria solving friendship problems. Twilight was the last of the elements to fall against Tirek and destroyed half of the nearby grasslands in her fight. Twilight accidentally switched her friends cutie marks around once. Twilight assisted in the Battle of Canterlot against the Changelings and is responsible for a majority of their casualties alongside the royal guards, Cloudkicker, Sunset, Spitfire, Blaze and the other elements. She held her first ever sleepover with High Winds and Watermelody that often had arguments till she got mad enough. She got knocked out by Sunset when Twilight attempted to stop Sunset from giving herself up to save Silver Spoon.

Motto: Logic is the ultimate weapon.

Abilities: Twilight can teleport long distances and is always learning new spells and more random facts. She can defuse most situations easily and is a kind mare.

Weaknesses: Twilights anxiety and panic attacks are her main weakness. She often overthinks situations and has the occasional self doubt.

Allies: Spike, Nightlight, Twilight Velvet, Cadence, Celestia, Luna, Sunset, Watermelody, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Rapidfire, Silver Zoom, Spitfire, Blaze, Wave Chill, Misty Fly, Fleetfoot, Soarin, Surprise, Wallflower, High Winds, Shining Armor, Discord, Flurry Heart, Rainbow Dash, White Lightning, Raindrops, Sassaflash, Merry May, Sprinkle Medley, Cloudkicker, Parasol, Lightning Dust.

Enemies: Stormy Flare, Tirek, Lightning Dust (formerly), Discord (formerly), Chrysalis, Sludge, Hard Hat, Speed Trap, Cinnamon Swirl, Music Bluegrass, Walnut Cherry.

Notable quotes:

"The fate of the world doesn't revolve around friends."

"Spike!"

"I don't even know where go begin or what to think about that Watermelody."

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, daughter of Nightlight and Twilight Velvet. Who are you?"

"A little while ago, my teacher and mentor Princess Celestia sent me to live in Amethyst Harbor. She sent me to study friendship, which is something I didn't really care much about. But now, on a day like today, I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I've made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship, and for that, I will always be grateful. Today, I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you, friends."

"I'm an awful pony. I don't deserve friends after what I did to Sunset. She has every right to hate me."

"I'm so sorry Sunset. I never wanted to hurt you. I just want my friend back. P-please?"

"I love you Spike. You're a son to me and I'd give up my life for you if I had to."

Return of daylight

Misty Fly shifted and yawned, her eyes slowly opening as she covered her eyes from the shining sun with a growl.

“Can somepony kindly tell Celestia to turn down the sun by ten degrees? It’s too damn early for this,” Misty Fly grumbled and paused as her eyes widened. “Wait what? Spike, wake up.”

“Five more minutes Twily,” Spike mumbled and nuzzled further into Misty’s wing.

“Wake up!” Misty rolled her eyes and shook the dragon. “And look outside.”

Spike grumbled and shrugged off her wing, sitting up as he rubbed his eyes as the other Wonderbolts groaned.

“What in Equestria happened?” Rapidfire moaned and laid on his stomach as Silver Spoon looked around cautiously at all fhe strange ponies lying in random spots around her mom’s house.

“Momma? Who are these ponies?” Silver Spoon whispered to the older pegasus she was curled up next to as she eyed the Wonderbolts suspiciously.

“Sunset’s and my friends. You can relax dear,” Silverspeed nuzzled the filly and looked around for the amber unicorn. “Where is Sunset at anyway?”

“Nightmare Moon,” Misty answered as she helped Fleetfoot sit up. “She, Twilight, Spitfire, High Winds, Watermelody and Wallflower went after her into the Everfree.”

“What?” Soarin repeated as he and Silver Zoom stood quickly. “Where’s the Everfree start?”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” Surprise commented from the window as she peered outside. “Speaking of which, my Surprise Sense is telling we should probably go outside.”

“Her what?” Spike asked as they all looked at the dragon and quickly shook their heads.

“Don’t ask,” Blaze warned with an eyeroll. “You’ll save yourself a headache.”

Sunset and Spitfire trotted around some ponies hugging as the two watched for a moment before continuing to search for Blaze, Silverspeed and Silver Spoon.

“There’s way too many ponies here for my liking,” Spitfire grumbled with an eye roll. Sunset gave a low chuckle and allowed a colt to run between her forelegs. Spitfire always did hate large crowds. She preferred to be in open areas that Sunset suspected her pegasus blood was to blame for that. Blaze was somewhat similar, just toned down a lot.

“Hear hear,” Sunset chuckled and poked her older sister teasingly in the side. “You get to fly away lucky bastard. I’m stuck down here on the ground.”

“That’s bs and you know it,” Spitfire frowned slightly at her. “I’ve seen you walk on clouds before. I’ve also seen you teleport to Canterlot and back from Cloudsdale.”

Sunset gave a low chuckle and stood behind Silverspeed, tapping the mare on the shoulder with a tired smile.

“Hey,” Sunset said casually as Silverspeed turned around and hugged her, coughing as she started to turn blue. “I need air!”

“I was worried. It’s not like you to just run off into the woods,” Silverspeed nuzzled Sunset as the unicorn blushed before nuzzling her back.

“I had good company,” Sunset winked at Wallflower a few feet away talking to Spike and Misty Fly. “I’ll catch up. I got these two to talk to. Let Blaze know I want a hug as well.”

Spitfire nodded slowly as Sunset levitated Silver Spoon onto her back before nuzzling the filly. Spitfire trotted away, leaving the three hugging ponies as she paused at two other Wonderbolts talking quietly.

“Hey Lightning? Where’s Blaze at?” Spitfire nudged the stallion with a wing and he shrugged as he paused his conversation with Rapidfire.

“Last I saw, she was talking to High Winds over there near the drinking fountain,” Lightning Streak pointed over to the two as a few ponies stepped out of the way to allow Spitfire through.

“Thanks.”

Spitfire walked through the crowd, occasionally flying above some ponies before dropping behind Blaze, waiting patiently and tapping a hoof.

“It was a bit scary yeah but there was a good amount of us. And besides, I know I’d miss my best friend if you stayed in an eternal slumber,” High Winds snickered as she and Blaze bumped their flanks together with smiles. “Oh hey Spitfire.”

“Sis!” Blaze spun around and flung her forelegs around Spitfires neck and hugged her as she tossed in a nuzzle.

Now, Spitfire didn’t necessarily consider herself the most touchy feely pony in Equestria but even she had to admit she was glad to get one. Most of the hugs she received was from Surprise, Blaze and Sunset.

She only really accepted Surprise’s because she knew even if she told her to let go, the mare most likely wouldn’t listen. Surprise was a toned down version of her cousin in Ponyville that Spitfire had honestly forgotten the name of.

Spitfire wrapped a foreleg around Blaze’s barrel as she returned the hug, offering a nuzzle of her own in return as Blaze leaned against her.

“I’ll give you two some space,” High Winds coughed into her hoof as the other pegasus shifted on her hooves. “I think I saw a food stall nearby and I’m pretty hungry. I’ll see you around Blaze. You too Spitfire.”

Spitfire nodded subtly as High Winds flew off around the corner as Spitfire let out a sigh, Blaze tightening her grip slightly.

“Where’s Sunny?” Blaze asked suddenly and Spitfire gestured with her head back.

“With her girlfriend and Silver Spoon. I decided to give them some much needed space. Especially after I glanced back and saw Silverspeed kissing Sunset. I love my sisters and all, but I’m not into watching them make out with their partners.”

Spitfire gagged slightly as Blaze snorted back a laugh, releasing her older sister as she sat down on a bench and tapped a hoof. Spitfire sat down and folded her for forelegs under her as she watched the crowd of ponies disperse.

“So,” Blaze commented casually as she folded her wings on her side, her hoof gently brushing against Spitfire’s necklace that the older mare had honestly forgotten she had on. “You saved the world and got a necklace? Jewelry doesn’t really seem your speed.”

“I know. According to Twilight, it’s some super powered element thingy. We all got one. Or well, the other five who went with me. Sunset got laughter which is no shocker there. That mare can turn anything into a joke if she gets the chance,” Spitfire admitted as she and Blaze examined her necklace, Blaze laughing quietly.

“Yeah that she can. So what’s yours represent, sis?”

“Honesty,” Spitfire answered idly and watched Twilight talking to Princess Celestia and, Princess Luna standing next to the two quietly looking around curiously with wide eyes.

“Now that’s a surprise,” Blaze remarked sarcastically with a grin as she rolled her purple eyes. “Never would have guessed that.”

Spitfire shot her a flat before whapping her upside the head before grinning slightly at her.

“I get it, jeez!” Blaze grumbled as Spitfire readied her wing for another head smack. “You would think I’m Windwalker instead of myself with how often you smack me upside the head.”

“It’s my job to do stuff like to you. Sunset gets it too. Probably gets it more honestly. The amount of comments I have to hear from her and the others about Soarin is through the freaking roof.”

Blaze hid a grin behind a hoof as Spitfire rolled her eyes. While the group did enjoy teasing the two, Surprise especially, they all knew Fleetfoot had her eyes on the stallion.

“So what now?” Blaze asked and stretched her hooves above her head. “We go back to Cloudsdale, don’t see Sunset for another three to four years?”

Spitfire opened her mouth to speak as Celestia coughed in front of them with Wallflower, High Winds, Watermelody, Twilight and Sunset with Silver Spoon on the unicorns back with Silverspeeds wing around the two.

“Princess Celestia,” Spitfire hastily pushed off her bench and bowed with Blaze. “How may we be of service?”

“You’ve been enough service reuniting me with Luna as well your past seven years of service and Blaze’s three years. Twilight wishes to stay behind here with Watermelody and Wallflower,” Celestia smiled at Twilight next to a nervous looking Wallflower before shifting her gaze to Sunset. “And Sunset, I already know how you’ve wished you could stay here with your partner and her filly.”

Sunset sheepishly looked away as she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. She didn’t necessarily like being always away from Silverspeed or her filly but she did know she was Celestia’s preferred pony when it came to checking on the towns and reporting any issues with the townsfolks.

“Yeah, I do,” Sunset admitted after a moment and made eye contact with the taller pony. “I always enjoy being here, especially with these two and Watermelody.”

“Which is why I’ve decided to permanently allow you and Twilight to stay here. Twilight will reside in the library if she desires and I’ve already paid for an apartment nearby for you Sunset. I’ve left the address in Miss Silverspeeds house,” Celestia shot the two a small smile before turning to the three Wonderbolts. “And as for you three, I’ll be moving the Wonderbolts headquarters to here.”

“The mayor of Cloudsdale won’t like that,” High Winds chimed in with a frown and scuffed a hoof on the ground. “Having the Wonderbolts in Cloudsdale for the past sixty years has been Wind Gust’s pride and joy. You know as well as I do every election he uses that fact to get votes. There’s no way in Tartarus he’d just allow us to up and move our headquarters, training grounds and more halfway across the country. Or well, halfway for a floating city considering it’s over Trottingham right now.”

“Pity,” Celestia mused as she tapped a hoof against her chin. “That I am one of the rulers of Equestria and decides on these things. The mayor and I will discuss this further later.”

Oh this should be good, Twilight thought internally to herself. Getting into the whole politics surrounding that was something Twilight did not want to get involved in. Based on the expression on Celestia and Spitfire’s faces, nor did they.

“The royal guards could always use some help here too,” Celestia continued and glanced down at Spitfire. “You have my authority to assist them however they need. We don’t have a real fire department around here either, just volunteers. I’ll have some ponies from Canterlot and Manehatten show you all the ropes if you are okay with this, Captain Spitfire?”

“Of course,” Spitfire nodded and stood up. “As you order.”

“So I get to actually see my sister more than every few years?” Blaze asked eagerly as she shifted her weight from her hooves. “Heck yes!”

“What about her?” Wallflower asked shyly and pointed to Luna watching quietly next to a colt and filly. “What happens now?”

“She rules alongside me. I will be spending the next few months catching her up on everything she’s missed. We were meant to rule together as sisters, not as enemies fighting to the death. Twilight and Sunset are the only two who truly know how difficult life has been for me without Luna,” Celestia stared down as Twilight nuzzled her foreleg with a small smile.

“We may have not know she was her sister but it was a bit obvious something was wrong. Especially when she raised the moon,” Twilight nodded as Celestia hugged her. “That was one of the few times in the past Sunset and I agreed to work together to figure out what. Not that we got far.”

“I’m very proud of you all. Look after each other and Spike, keep Twilight out of trouble please,” Celestia looked at the snickering dragon as Twilight blushed and rolled her eyes. “We are heading to Canterlot now. I’ll be expecting a letter each week based on what you learned about friendship Twilight.”

The group watched as Celestia and Luna started to fly away as Watermelody cleared her throat.

“So what now?” Watermelody looked around and Twilight shrugged.

“Guess we go about our lives?”

“As friends,” Wallflower agreed as she nuzzled Spike with a blush and set the dragon on her back.

“What, do we have a choice?” Watermelody asked with a teasing smirk as the other earth pony bumped Wallflower playfully.

“No.”

“Sounds good to me. But I got a filly to help put to bed,” Sunset smirked back as Silverspeed took the snoring Silver Spoon in her hooves. “Not that it’ll take much I see.”

“I’m gonna go celebrate!” Watermelody flung a foreleg with a grin into the sky as she adjusted her beret. “Alcohol is calling my name and I’m gonna get wasted!”

“I have to round up my Bolts and get them up to date,” Spitfire glanced at Blaze and High Winds. “You two can go get acquainted with our new home. Stay together and look after each other. Check out the real estate here or something.”

The two nodded and started to trot away as Spitfire spread her wings as she prepared to take off.

“I have to go find Fuchsia. She’s probably worried sick,” Wallflower commented and shifted Spike off. “I’ll be around. I have to go garden soon anyway. My shop won’t run itself.”

“Same with my painting stall. I gotta make sure nopony ransacked my lock box of bits other wise then I’ll be very mad,” Watermelody growled and turned to leave. “Then I will get drunk!”

Twilight stood with Spike as the others all went their separate ways.

“I’m ready to go,” Spike gently tugged her tail as Twilight pulled it out of his grasp with her magic.

“Yeah me too. Let’s go find out where the heck Silverspeeds is. You left your blanket behind.”

Spike blushed faintly before he followed Twilight.

Author's Note

Organization name: Wonderbolts.

Members: Spitfire, Soarin, Fleetfoot, Blaze, Rapidfire, Lightning Streak, Wave Chill, Silver Zoom, Misty Fly, High Winds, Surprise, Sunchaser, Windwalker, Wind Rider(formerly), Fast Clip, Lilac Sky, Spring Step, Whiplash, Angel Wings, Bulk Biceps, Sky Stinger, Vapor Trail, Cloudchaser, Cloudkicker, White Lightning, Raindrops, Sassaflash, Merry May, Sprinkle Medley, Parasol, Dizzy Twister, Feather Twirl, Icy Rain, Lightning Dust (formerly), Meadow Flower, Midnight Strike, Mountain Haze, Orange Swirl, Wild Fire, Rainbow Drop, Rainbow Swoop, Sightseer, Star Hunter, Starburst, Starry Eyes, Stormfeather, Warm Front, Whitewash, Rapid Storm, Rainbow Dash, Thunderlane.

Motto: We're there when you need us.

Bio: The Wonderbolts are a fast flying team that travels around Equestria. They are lead by the brave Spitfire and are a military unit. They have been activated as part of the royal guards several times against Tirek, the Changelings and other instances. They specialize in air assault, search and rescue and more. Upon their headquarters moving to Amethyst Harbor, the Wonderbolts have accepted more police and other first responder roles in their new found home and community. They are more akin to a family, often having family like fights amongst themselves. The second in command is Soarin while Fleetfoot is the third in command. The Wonderbolts can often be seen flying early in the morning for their practices or speaking at the occasional school. The group once lost a member, collectively mourning in their own way. The Wonderbolts was temporarily lead by Blaze in the other commanders absences. The Wonderbolts answer directly to the princesses. They also answer to Sunset Shimmer and Twilight occasionally due to their status' as Princess Celestia's student. The group rallied around Blaze and Sunset when the two were disowned by Stormy Flare, agreeing reluctantly to keep it a secret from Spitfire and the other elements. They may argue with each other but they are a very close knit group that is very loyal to one another.

Abilities: The group has military powers Equestria wide when required and ordered by the Princesses. They combine their own unique abilities and play to each of their strengths under Spitfire's leadership. When in Amethyst Harbor, they have police powers.

Enemies: Nightmare Moon (Formerly), Tirek, Chrysalis, Changelings(formerly), Spike(accidentally when grown), Starlight Glimmer(formerly).

Weaknesses: the groups occasional family bickering is their main weakness.

https://www.deviantart.com/quoterific/art/Wonderbolt-Names-917485290

Four days later

Spitfire sat in the middle chair, Soarin and Fleetfoot flanking her as the three stared out at a few reporter ponies, Fleetfoot adjusting her sunglasses.

Spitfire didn't necessarily like dealing with the press as a rule. They reminded her more of vultures, taking any small thing and blowing it way out of proportion. Like how Spitfire had dinner with Wavechill one night as friends and immediately the next day the newspaper talked about Spitfire and an unknown stallion dating.

"Alright, we only have enough time for a few questions so go ahead," Spitfire waved a hoof and idly watched Soarin straighten his commander bars on his uniform. The three didn't necessarily wear their dress uniforms unless it was important. Half of the team never even wore them unless they were ordered to or at special events. "You in the front row, brown stallion."

"Could you answer how the mayor of Cloudsdale took to you and the Wonderbolts moving to Amethyst Harbor?" Note Pad asked as Spitfire shared a look with Fleetfoot.

As Spitfire had suspected, he had taken it poorly. If it was up to Spitfire, she would have told him to shove it up his plot but she had let Whitewash handle it. He did focus more on the politics of the Wonderbolts, more so than Spitfire truly cared enough to.

"He and Princess Celestia worked out an agreement. I am not currently fully of aware of said agreement and that is up to the Princesses to share," Spitfire answered and took a sip of her coffee. "Blue mare in the back."

"Daisy Eclipse with the Canterlot Inquiry. Can you give us any update about the search for that missing stallion that got lost in the Everfree before the Nightmare Moon incident and how much the Crown is spending on the search and rescue?"

"I can answer this one," Soarin chimed in and Spitfire gave him a subtle nod. "Currently, we have teams still searching the Everfree along with ground teams led by Twilight Sparkle. We have notified his family he is missing and we won't be releasing his name at this time. As for the money question, we cannot attribute a monetary value to search and rescue cases, as the Wonderbolts do not associate cost with saving a life."

Daisy frowned slightly before she wrote down something on her notepad and sat back down, idly watching Spitfire point to a stallion in the crowd.

"Since you're currently one of these elements of harmony as they are called, will that be affecting your tours? How does your sister, Sunset handle being a element as well and do you two have arguments over them?" He asked and Spitfire was grateful she had her sunglasses on to cover up her rolling her eyes.

"We will be proceeding with all scheduled tours unless something from high up changes things. And my other sister handles it well. We are siblings, we argue. That's just a simple fact. Blaze is the peacemaker of the family," Spitfire answered and tilted her head at the confused look she got.

"Who is Blaze?" He asked and Fleetfoot raised an eyebrow.

"Her other sister? Her youngest? Corporal in the Wonderbolts?" Fleetfoot pointed out as the reporters all looked at each other and shook their heads in confusion.

With a scowl, Spitfire and the other two answered a few more questions before standing up and leaving.

Twilight glanced down at the sleeping Spike, snoring as she read a book with the dragon curled on her lap as she faintly smiled. Twilight always did enjoy whenever they sat like this though she often didn't say that. Twilight internally made a note to bring it up to him when he woke.

"Sleep well Spike," Twilight levitated him onto his bed next to hers before she stood up and stretched. She hated to admit it but she was bored. She had spent all day with Spike organizing the library and searching for any secret rooms. And spiders but that was mainly Spike standing on Twilight's back with a broom anytime he found one.

And everytime he found one, Twilight easily knew because Spike would let out a very feminine shriek that was very difficult for Twilight to not burst out laughing at everytime.

Twilight pulled some blankets over the dragon and snuck outside. She didn't necessarily know where her new friends lived but supposed she could always check in the town directory.

Twilight levitated the book down from her face as she stood in front of a modest looking house that had a white fence going around. Twilight peered around the fence and looked curiously at a white shed covered in various paint splotches, easels and other painting supplies visible from the window.

Twilight stepped to the front door and raised her hoof to knock. Before her hoof even made contact, the front door swung open and she found herself muzzle to muzzle with Watermelody, her breath smelling of various alcohols that made Twilight internally gag.

"Twilighttttt!" Watermelody cheered and flung a foreleg up around the mare. "How's it hanging sister?"

"Good I suppose," Twilight answered and paused to sniff the air. "How much have you had to drink?"

Watermelody shifted to hide the piles of empty cider bottles behind her as she gave a lopsided drunken grin at her friend.

"Not enough!" Watermelody giggled and leaned against her for support. "We defeated a mare with a heart as dark as night. That calls for celebration! Wooh!"

"I think you've celebrated enough," Twilight pointed out with a frown as Watermelody wagged a hoof dismissively with a grin. "And besides, that happened four days ago. Are you really still celebrating that?"

"Hell yeah!"

Twilight rolled her eyes as Watermelody swayed slightly on her hooves as she resisted the urge to pass out right there in her doorway.

"Hey Twily?" Watermelody slurred and focused on Twilight.

"Yes Watermelody?" Twilight asked warily and her eyes widened as Watermelody kissed her. "Hey!"

"Goodnight bestie!" Watermelody giggled and waved a hoof goodbye as she slammed her door shut and Twilight watched from the front window as Watermelody collapsed on a couch followed by quiet snoring.

"What in Equestria just happened?"

"Okay so Watermelody is clearly busy at the moment," Twilight commented to herself as she glanced at the moon. "And it's one am. Sunset is probably staying the night at Silverspeeds, Spitfire is asleep according to the very angry sounding note she left on her door at their new headquarters downtown. High Winds is asleep too. If Sunset is busy, I suppose I could pay Wallflower a visit?"

Twilight approached a two story white house with a silver arrow and a blue bow decorating the door that she recognized as Silverspeed's cutie mark.

Twilight jumped at a loud scream coming from inside as she tensed up before running to the stairs.

"Sunset?" Twilight called out and gently pushed the front door open. She let out a slow exhale and warily trotted up the steps, pausing only to check an empty large bedroom that she suspected was Silverspeed's room.

She continued to another room, gently pushing it open and raised an eyebrow at Sunset and Silverspeed hugging Silver Spoon.

"It's just a nightmare kid. No Nightmare Moon here," Silverspeed said quietly as she nuzzled Silver Spoon with a warm smile.

"I'd beat her up before she even got to you," Sunset offered with her trademark smile that normally warmed up whatever room she was in. "I helped beat her once. I can easily round up the others and do it again."

"Are you sure? She was scary and had really sharp teeth. Diamond Tiara said she wasn't afraid of her at school yesterday but I think she was lying," Silver Spoon mumbled as Sunset joined in the hug.

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid. Hay, I was afraid and I'm me," Sunset chuckled and levitated a blanket over the three. "The two of us won't ever let anything happen to you, right Silverspeed?"

"Mhm!"

Twilight quietly retreated before the three noticed her at the door, silently shutting it with her magic before she teleported outside.

She shut the front door and after a moments of contemplating, she locked the door and turned away.

"Hopefully Wallflower has less going on. Even I know when to not intrude of private moments like that."

Twilight trotted up to a small green house with plants growing on the side, pausing to sniff some lilies with a faint smile.

"Can I help you?" Twilight jumped and looked up at a bored looking fuchsia colored earth pony with three flowers on her flank and bright blue eyes that seemed to drill into Twilight as the pony leaned out of her window.

"Oh uh I'm here to see Wallflower? I'm Twilight, Twilight Sparkle."

The other mare brightened up slightly as her frown disappeared.

"I see. I'm her sister, Fuchsia Blush. I'll let her know you're here. I just assumed you were some random pony in her lawn," Fuchsia rolled her eyes and disappeared back inside.

Twilight waited patiently at the door, examining some of the flowers curiously as she occasionally sniffed them.

"Oh hi Twilight," Wallflower said quietly as she opened the door and smiled slightly. "I didn't know you'd be coming by. Is uh Spike with you?"

"No it's just me. Needed something to occupy my mind. And no, Spike isn't here with me. He's asleep at home," Twilight shot her a knowing grin as Wallflower blushed a bright pink and rubbed the back of her head. "I got a bit bored at the library and I'm not really sure about how to be a friend. All the others are busy or asleep or in Watermelody's case, drunk enough to kiss me and then pass out."

"She does that. When I'm not with Trixie and Lavender on our magic shows, I'm tending a bar part time in town. Watermelody loves her bourbon," Fuchsia appeared behind Wallflower. "Let her in. I made you tea as you asked."

"O-oh right. My apologies. I'm not really used to many guests," Wallflower stepped aside nervously. "Please come in."

"Thank you."

Fuchsia held out a hoof and blocked Twilight as Wallflower walked further into the house.

"Just so you know, my little sister doesn't make friends often. You're probably her first one in years. Hurt her and you'll have me to answer to. We clear?" Fuchsia scowled at Twilight as the unicorn took a startled half step back.

"Crystal," Twilight promised after a moment of tense silence.

"Excellent now I hope you like mint tea because it's Wallflowers favorite."

After a moment as she watched the earth pony trot into the kitchen, Twilight followed with a smile.

Author's Note

Name: Soarin.
Nicknames: Soar, Clipper.

Age: 30.

Rank: Commander.

Callsign: Clipper.

Bio: Soarin is the second in command of the Wonderbolts, serving under Spitfire. He is a friendly pony and often plays the role of therapist along with some others in the Wonderbolts, leaving his open for anypony who might need him. He is one of the closet friends of Spike, often spending time with the younger dragon. The two share a fondness for Ogres and Oubliettes. He once was briefly replaced by Spitfire and Fleetfoot once he got his wing injured. Soarin was sent down into the catacombs of Canterlot with Fleetfoot to search for the missing Lyra, Twinkleshine and Minuette during the Canterlot Wedding. He assisted Spitfire against Tirek and managed to get a hit before losing his flight. Soarin isn't without his faults, once accusing Rainbow of sending Spitfire away to fly with Wind Rider. He quickly turned on the stallion along with the others once the truth came out. Soarin is obsessed with all apple related products, especially apple pie and it's a fact that the others who know him are all too happy to bring up. He later opens a Wonderbolt bar downtown with Sunchaser and Rapidfire that the others often gather at where he often gave the younger Whiplash advice.

Motto: If at first you don't succeed, keep trying.

Abilities: Soarin is naturally talented at talking to ponies and can offer decent advice. He often assisted Whiplash personally. Soarin is a strong flyer and enjoys spending time with others.

Weaknesses: Soarins main weakness is caring too much about ponies and often doesn't take care of himself because of his focus on helping others around him. And apple pie.

Allies: Spitfire, High Winds, Fleetfoot, Blaze, Rapidfire, Surprise, Sunchaser, Sunset, Watermelody, Twilight, Spike, Wallflower, Raindrops, Thunderlane, Wonderbolts, Celestia, Luna, Applejack, Discord, Pinkie, Fuchsia, Lightning Dust, Rainbow Dash, Thorax, Silverspeed, Silver Spoon, Rarity.

Enemies: Wind Rider, Lightning Dust (formerly), Discord(formerly), Nightmare Moon(formerly), Tirek, Changelings (formerly), Chrysalis, Lightning Bug, Hard Hat, Speed Trap, Cinnamon Swirl, Music Bluegrass, Walnut Cherry.

Notable quotes:

"Stupid magic stealing centaur."

"I think they're pretty pissed Fleetfoot. We should probably run."

"Stupid wing, stupid Spitfire. Stupid Fleetfoot."

"She's right. We're Wonderbolts. We look out for each other. Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?"

"Fall back!"

"What happened to Sunset was not your fault. She was lucky to have you as an older sister Spitfire."

"I'm to blame too. I didn't see the signs just as much as you did. His death is not on you alone. It's on all of us." to Spitfire after a Wonderbolts death.

"Apple pie!"

"Shush up. Apple pie is a gift from Celestia."

"My door is always open if you need somepony to talk to!"