Legends of the Mane Six : FIRST BOOK

by Cedric Inuzuka

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 11105

Join Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Mane Six in the adventure of their live. AU Equestria

Join Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Mane Six in the adventure of their live, taking place in a different Equestria where war isn't so far away.

A epic tale of friendship, betrayal, sacrifice and adventure.

You can expect slice of life, aventure, comedy and friendship but also everything the war can bring : blood, dead and hate.( but not after many chapters)

When war broke out, can love bloom ?

And now with a pre reader : kidak

AN : for the romance part this is a TwiDash and RariJack fics, even if it does not start until a lot of chapters, for the rest I have some ideas of pairing but nothing definitive.

Published 2012-11-02 05:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-07 18:13:52 UTC

Prologue

Big thank to Kidak for pre reading this chapter

PROLOGUE:

The story begins.

Three young shadows were trotting into the night, whispers of “we're nearly here... This is our last clue...” could be heard in the dark alleys of the small village, after a while they had reached their destination, the front door of a bar. They took a moment to catch their breath, and then went into the tavern.

The inside was nothing exceptional. The first things that they noticed was the smell of cheap cider and sweating. The bartender was wiping a pint while watching the three newcomers, but after a few seconds went back to his task; towards the end of the room, near the fireplace stood a bard. As soon as the three strangers entered, the minstrel said “come here, come here my little pony but before that, tell me yours names.”

“I'm Sweetie Belle” answered the first one “this is Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.”

“That’s a nice name you have, put your hood down and let me see your face”

“Why? We don't have time for that...”

“And what is it you have time for?”

“The truth about the six mares that saved Equestria in the past”

“You seem a little too old for this tale; maybe you'll prefer something more...”

“Shut up bard” yelled the one called Scootaloo “we know the truth, so tell us what we're looking for.”

“He he he, can't fool you, right? Why don't we go somewhere we won't be disturbed?”

“Like where?” Asked the third one.

“Upstairs to my room, follow me young ones.”

Ten minutes later, they were in the bard's bedroom which was equipped with only a bed, a small fireplace, a table and a door that lead to the bathroom “now that we are far from prying eyes, maybe you can remove your travelling cloak and let me see your face.”

The three young fillies took off their cloaks, Underneath they were wearing leather armor from neck to their hooves, the minstrel stared a little too long their clothes ' hum, it's been awhile since I had seen this kind of leather armor' and asked “so my little ponies, if I remember correctly, your names are Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo but who is who? You the unicorn, are you Apple Bloom?”

“No no, I'm Sweetie Belle” Answered the right filly “Apple Bloom is the Earth pony and Scootaloo is the Pegasus one.”

“Damn right I am” added the young orange mare.

“Yeah a Pegasi who flies like a chicken” whispered Apple Bloom but not quietly enough.

“What did you say apple worm?” Retorted the filly with the purple mane.

“what did you call me cloud hugger?”

“OH, IT'S BUCKING ON!” Shouted Scootaloo before jumping on the light yellow pony.

The bard watched them fight for a moment then turned to Sweetie Belle “You're not going to separate them?”

“No, they'll calm down, eventually.”

“If you say so...”

A couple of minutes later, Apple Bloom was holding Scootaloo on the ground “Heyyyyaahh, this make twenty to eleven, Ah'm still the best.”

“Yeah yeah, can we move on? We're here for a reason and that isn't to see who's the best at wrestling” reminded the unicorn.

“Thus you three want to know the story of the six legendary heroes of Equestria” said the minstrel as if the fight had never occurred.

'I thought that was pretty clear since we entered this place' sighed Scootaloo in a low voice that nopony heard.

“Put yourself at ease, it's a very long story and I don't think you want to stay on your hooves for that long. Why don’t you take spot in front of the fireplace. I must have some refreshments and a light snack too, if you want some.” offered their host indicating the chimney.

"Sure, why not? We had a rough day finding you" said the earth pony, settling in front of the fireplace with her two traveling companions.

“Oh, I'm sure that's a tale of great achievements from your part and I'm eager to listen how you've found me, not that I was trying to hide myself, not too hard, hehe...”

“Yeah, yeah, we know who you are and that if you don't want to be found, nopony can do it. But can we focus on the task at hoof?” Inquired the white unicorn.

“The legend of the mane six isn't it? Hum hum, let's start by remember how Equestria was ruled by the two Alicorn princesses, Celestia the sun and Luna the moon; do you remember how these two defeated the despot Discord and established a regime of harmony? I'm sure you know this story, so let's progress a few hundred years forward in time and begin our tale in the palace of Canterlot with a purple unicorn named Twilight Sparkle...”

And then the story of the Mane Six began.

Before the meeting

Big thank to Kidak for pre reading this chapter

CHAPTER ONE:

Before the meeting

Twilight Sparkle was not worried. She had no reason to be troubled, right? This is not a summons from princess Celestia without any other indication that would make her nervous and playing with the hood of her purple robe was perfectly logical for her.

“I swear to Celestia and Luna, if you move your hood one more time, I'll cut it” launched a sweet voice behind her.

The unicorn turned and saw a golden pegasi. “Oh, it's you Spitfire, are you lost? Again...”

“Because I went to the library one time doesn't mean I was lost.”

“Keep saying that, and maybe one day somepony will believe it.”

“Whatever, were you summoned by the princesses too? And by looking at how you're nervous, you don't know why?”

“I'M NOT NERVOUS!” shouted the unicorn who then spoke with a tiny voice “do you know something about the summons?”

Spitfire took a few moments to answer and simply said “no but I have some suspicions...” she couldn't finish because a purple mare was in front of her and she was forced to take a step back.

“REALLY, please tell me, what is it? The princess isn’t happy with my work ? Did I miss an assignment? Did...” the last question was gently shut down by a golden wing in the muzzle.

“Please sweetie, it is always cute when you're speaking a thousand words a second, but calm down a bit and perhaps I will tell you” Spitfire said, while she withdrew her wing from Twilight's face.

Twilight rubbed her snout with a hoof then asked “don't call me sweetie and what do you mean 'perhaps'?”

“I don't know, to give you free intelligence, it's too easy, don't you think?” answered the smiling pegasi.

The purple mare sighed “right, what do you want in exchange for this information?”

'Yes, finally a chance' thought Spitfire. “Easy, you and me” she said while showing herself, with her right hoof, then Twilight “after the meeting, we going to have a da...”

“STOP RIGHT THERE, PEGASUS SCUM!” shouted a strong voice.

The two mares turned toward the source of the scream and saw a strong and handsome unicorn who was wearing heavy plate armor like it was nothing.

'Darn so close, by the way why is her brother here?'thought Spitfire. “Hey Shining Armor, don't tell me the captain of the paladins, which is the second best platoon behind the wonderbolts, is spying on his little sister ?”

“I'm just protecting her from mare like you” answered the white stallion.

“Like what? A pegasi?”

“You know what I talking about, your reputation with mares must be known in all Equestria...”answered Shining with a sufficient air.

“Wait, what reputation?” interrupted Twilight.

“...Or not.” Shining finished.

Spitfire approached and stood in front of him, even if she was one head and a half shorter, she raised her left wing and slapped him. “Sometimes I wonder how you two are related, but I am also relieved to know that she isn't like you.”

“DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME WITH YOUR FILTHY WING!” Shining shouted, loading his horn with magic. Spitfire, for her part, took off and was ready to dive on him but at the last moment Twilight teleported herself between the two captains.
“I can't believe you two, you're the captains of two respected platoons and you are acting like two foals, but first” said the younger unicorn, who was now facing her brother “you will stop this nonsense...”

“What nonsense?” the stallion interrupted.

“Do I look stupid? Do you think princess Celestia would have chose me if I wasn't smart? Please don't answer and let me finish. I know what you're up to, or should I say what our dear father and mother ask you to do, but for your information and our parents too, I am of age so leave me alone, I'm old enough to know what I'm doing.”

“Of age? Please you're just out of your fillyhood, you're not old eno...” Shining couldn't finish his sentence as a closed zipper replaced his lips.

“Did I say you can talk?” asked Twilight, after one dirty look to her brother, she turned to the other pony. “Now Spitfire, what were you saying before we were interrupted? Something about after the meeting?”

“Oh yeah that right, I was saying that after the meeting we can...”

“TTTTWWWWWWWIIIIIIILLLLLLIIIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHTTTTTT!!!”cried a voice which belonged to a blue tornado whose flight ended just in front of the purple mare. Twilight, surprised by the sudden appearance of the blue pegasi, emitted a small squeal and with a jump went hiding behind Spitfire.

“SOARIN', FOR LUNA'S SAKE!” shouted the golden mare, she was wondering what went wrong, he should have been down for more than half an hour 'and it isn't for lack of trying to hit hard.'

“What?” simply answered the stallion while shoving Shining with his right hoof “and what happened to big bro? Why are his lips are zipped?”

“It's a long story, but where were you? I've been looking for you since after the training session”

“You mustn’t been looking to hard since you had time to put your silver armor on”

“Sorry but when the princesses summons us I will not be wearing my training suit and by the way you can’t speak, you're wearing your armor too.” accused the captain of the Wonderbolts.

“I didn’t wear it for the princesses, I wear it for Twily and our date.”

“WHAT!?” yelled the two mares and one stallion if he could do it.

“MHMHMHMHMHHHMMHMHMHMHM” the white unicorn tried to speak but the spell wouldn't budge.

“What is it big bro? You’re giving me your blessing? Thank you.” said Soarin' then turned towards Twilight or perhaps the trembling part that was not hidden behind Spitfire. “So Twily, what do you think? You and me after the ARGH...” he could not finish his request because a baseball bat met the back of his skull.

On hearing the dull sound of impact, Twilight turned and saw Spitfire with a bat in half in her left hoof and Soarin' on the ground with a bump behind his head.

“What just happened?”

“Oh just something that awaited him for quite some time.” answered the pegasi while she checked her second in command with her fore hoof, just to be sure she didn't hit him too hard or at least she didn't kill him.

“If you say so...” the purple unicorn answered while she turned toward her brother “Shining, I will remove the spell but only and I say only if you will behave, is that clear? Shake your head if you're understand.”

The stallion could do nothing but to shake his head and after a purple flash he could speak again.

“Spitfire, could you wake up your underling so I can put him in jail?”

“What! No way, He didn't commit any crime”

“He tried to have a date with my sister, that make him a criminal in my eyes.”

“You can't send a pony in jail because he tried to get a date with me” interrupted Twilight, “and Spitfire had already punished him, thank you by the way.”

“You're welcome. Hey Shining, where is Cadance? I thought the captain of the paladins will come with the captain of the royal mages?”

“That’s princess Mi Amore Cadenza and don't talk to me like that, you're just a commoner and I'm from one of the noble and oldest pureblood fam...” and for the second time Shining couldn't finish his sentence as a closed zipper replaced his lips.

“Didn't I warn you to hold your tongue, brother of mine?”

“Thank Twilight, I thought I was going to hit another home run” Said Spitfire while she put down the rest of her bat on the floor.
A minute later, the light trot of a newcomer could be heard, it was a mare wearing a blue mage robe and on her head stood a wizard hat, she looked at the two other mares and began to speak “my my, the great and powerful Trixie is a little in early but she isn't the first one, nonetheless she is happy to see you two.”

“Same here, we just have to wait for Cadance and then I think everypony should be here.” said Spitfire.

“So the meeting is for the captain of the wonderbolts with her second, the captain of the paladins, the captain of the royal mages, Trixie...”

“The great and powerful” cut the blue unicorn.

“... and me” finished Twilight. “That’s a lot of high ranking, I mean look, even if Trixie...”

“The great and powerful” cut again the blue unicorn.

“... and me haven't a rank in the army, I am the only student of princess Celestia and Trixie...”

“The great and powerful” cut for the third time the blue unicorn.

“... is the only student of princess Luna, what could be so important that only us should know?”

“I think your over-analysis is something that does not need to be done” said a gentle voice behind them who belonged to none other than the unicorn named princess Mi Amore Cadenza or Cadance like she prefers.

“Princess” said the three other mares.

“Please, when we are only together, you can call me Cadance, no title is fine” she replied with kindness, but when she turned to Shining all of her friendliness was gone “What did you say to your sister? Again I must add. You know what? I half mind to let you like that, maybe you will learn your lesson.” despite his imposing stature, the more Cadance continued her lecture, the more he grew smaller in front of her.

“Psss, hey Twilight...” Spitfire whispered, hoping to attract the attention of the purple unicorn without putting the focus on them.

“Yeah, what is it?”

“How, in the name of Celestia, your brother, you know the one with a stick stuck in his a...”

“I have only one brother.” cut Twilight.

“Only checking.”

“Right, you were saying, my brother.”

“How a mare like Cadance can go out with him? I know that relationships between unicorns are really strict but come on...”

“The great and powerful Trixie was wondering the same.” intervened discreetly the blue unicorn.

“Girls please, the least I know about my brother's love life the better it is” answered Twilight.

Five minutes and some small talk later, Cadence was still discussing with her boyfriend or maybe more like she was the only one talking but other sounds that could be recognized as voices began to be heard along the corridors of the palace, everypony stopped talking and turned their head toward the voices, the thud of metal against marble became louder and louder until he stopped when two earth ponies clad in gold armor arrived in front of the group.

“Greeting young mares and stallions, it seem that the royal guards are the last to arrive, but you will have to excuse an old warrior who had some business to attend before this reunion.” said the older pony, his face and body were covered with scars, signs of a life dedicated to the fight and the protection of his country.

Cadance was the first to greet the two newcomers. “Greetings Silver Charger, I see that you were summoned too, and with your new assistant also.” She turned toward the second pony.

“Greetings Winter Heart, it's nice to finally meet you, I've heard a lot about you, younger second in command of the royal guards, and maybe you will be the youngest captain since our Spitfire here?” She finished with pointing a hoof to the golden pegasi.

“Greetings Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, captain of the royal mages, it's also my honor to meet you.” Answered the young mare, she was wearing her golden armor with pride and the only modification she made was the red headscarf on the front.
She stood in front of the rest of the group. “Greeting everypony, since it's the first time I meet all of other leader of the different platoons, I will briefly introduce myself, my name is Winter Heart, I am from the city of Vanhoover near the frozen north and I became the assistant captain of the royal guards just two weeks ago.”

All of the ponies greeted her, only Shining did not, but only because his sister hadn't removed the spell.

“Hum Twilight, maybe you could remove it?” Asked Cadance.

“Okay...” nodded grudgingly the purple unicorn and with a flash Shining could speak again.

“Thank you Princess.” thanked the stallion. He turned toward the two earth ponies. “Greetings Winter Heart, nice to meet you, I would wish you luck but with my master as your captain you will not need it.”

“He he, young Shining it has been a long time since was your master.”

After everyone welcomed Winter, they were trotting toward the courtroom.

The meeting

Big thank to Kidak for pre reading this chapter

CHAPTER TWO:

The Meeting

The group of ponies were waiting in front of the courtroom.

“Colt, whenever I come here I'm amazed by the size of the door. I don't even think a dragon could touch the top.” said Spitfire while looking at said door.

“I wouldn't know since I've never seen a real dragon, only in the books” remarked Twilight.

“Bah, the great and powerful Trixie met a dragon once and she beat him easily”

“Sorry to interrupt Lady Trixie, but I have some trouble believing that, even we, the Royal Guard, must flee on sight and call for the reinforcement of the Wonderbolts and Royal Mages. Isn't that true captain?” asked Winter.

“You are absolutely right my young second, dragons are the worst kind of monster you could encounter in all of Equestria, not only are their powers incredible, their skin is highly resistant to spells and normal weapons, but above all they are smart and cunning.” replied the old stallion by passing a hoof on one of his numerous scars. “What I think Lady Trixie met, was a wyvern, less powerful than a dragon, but better for her because if she had met a real dragon, she wouldn't be here with us and Princess Luna would be without student.”

“Hum, now that Trixie remembers, the monster was blasted with only one of her spells. Even Trixie should have known this was too easy for a dragon.”

“Wait, I was wondering why you didn't mention the Paladins? If you call for reinforcements, why not call them?” inquired Twilight.

“Oh that’s easy to answer young Twilight. It's only because we have a lot of possible scenarios when it comes to a dragon. what my second described is just one of the worst, and the paladins must stay in Canterlot to protect it.”

“Right, that make sense, have you ever fought a dragon?”

“Please Twilight, you start to ask too many questions and master is not here for that." cut Shining.

“Sorry sir Silver, I was too curious.”

The stallion answered with a smile and a nod.

Cadance waited a little then began to talk “That’s strange, I feel like I forgot something but I can’t put my hoof on it.”

“You're right, I have the same feeling.” added Spitfire.

“I think you have forgotten sir Soarin’” answered Winter.

The only answer the golden Pegasi gave was a trail of fire along the corridor.

“It's always amazing how fast she can go. I don't think there a faster Pegasi in all of Equestria.” said Cadance.

“I wouldn't be so sure princess, in all my time as a captain, I have learned that there is always somepony better than you, and for lady Spitfire I heard from an old friend who lives in the town of Ponyville that there could be a faster Pegasi, but I can't remember the name, ah it's bad to grow old sometimes, he he.” chuckled the old pony.

“There is none better than the Great and Powerful Trixie when it comes to pure magical power.” bragged the azure unicorn before another unicorn stood before her.

“How dare you saying such nonsense in front of pure blooded unicorns like myself and my sister.”

When the last word left his lips, the back of his head had the great honour to meet two hooves, courtesy of said sister and his marefriend.

“Did you really want to have your lips zipped up in front of the Princesses, dear brother?”

“I am in favour.” added Cadance with a slight smile.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is also for this.”

“Me too.”

“Master, not you too?” pleaded the white unicorn.

“What? It seems funny. What do you think my assistant?” asked Silver to his second in command.

“Eh, what? I can't, sir Shining is a noble and I'm simply a commoner, I can't be familiar with him, I could end up in jail or losing my rank.” panicked the mare with the white mane.

“Ha ha ha! Don't worry, you have the support of his sister and a princess who outrank him.”

“You have the support of the captain of the Wonderbolts too.” launched a voice a little further. “and even my second when he awoke.” added Spitfire while she landed in front of Winter. “So don't worry and tell us what you think we should do to the captain of the Paladins."

She dropped Soarin' on the floor and took her place next to Twilight and asked. “Miss me?”

A roll of her eyes was the only answer the purple mare gave.

“Well, Winter what did decide?”

The earth pony took a deep breath and began to say. “Firstly for the captain of the Paladins your armor is not in the best of condition. That causes a problem with the discipline of your company because you are not blameless on your outfit. Then I know and I am even sure that everyone knows that your family is noble and pure blood as well that your Genealogy Tree dates back to the founding of Equestria. It would be nice if you acted with nobility some of the time, and finally I vote for having you sister close your muzzle.”

The heavy silence was broken by the intervention of Silver. “And this is one of the reasons she is my second in command. Isn't she at her best when she saying the things everypony is thinking, but don't have the guts to say out loud? Or maybe she is lacking some tact? What do you think lady Twilight?”

“I think, sir Silver that the truth has never been so well said, and now I will close my brother's mouth.”

But this did not take place and the providence for Shining took the form of a guard.

“Greeting, the Princesses await you inside, they sent me to fetch you.”

After a slap behind Soarin' head to wake him, the group entered the courtroom. Inside, the two Princesses were sitting in their respective throne, white for Celestia and black for Luna, they wore their royal robes which had the same color as their thrones. Everypony bowed down before them.

“Stand up my loyal subjects, we will begin this meeting. My sister and I know that you are wondering what this is about. Isn't that right Luna?” Celestia asked her sister.

“You are, as always, correct my sister. Trixie, my prized student, what event will happen in exactly eight days?”

Trixie replied immediately. “This is the summer sun celebration, your highness.”

Luna acknowledged the good answer with a nod then Celestia began to speak. “Starting tomorrow we will begin the preparation for this, and every second in command will go supervise said preparation in different cities.”

“Spitfire, tomorrow Soarin' will go to the flying city of Cloudsdale, he has an appointment with the mayor at nine o'clock sharp. Do you have any questions, captain of the Wonderbolts?” Asked Luna.

“No Princess, everything is clear, I will dispatch my unit as soon as the meeting is over.”

Like at every meeting, it was Celestia’s turn to speak. “Cadance my dear niece, for the unicorns platoon, you will celebrate the summer solstice at the city of Baltimare, Shining Armor is expected in the morning at the city hall.”

“Of course my aunt, the fresh air of Baltimare will do a lot of good to him.”

“Now for you, captain of the Royal Guards, since my sister and myself will be outside of Canterlot, your mission will be to guard the city, I don't think I have to worry with you in command?” Asked the youngest princess.

“Of course not your highness, like always my life is yours, I have already reinforced the entrance of the city and starting tonight my men will patrol for the next ten days, only if that is enough for you, your highness.”

A small smile was on Celestia's mouth when she answered. “Like always my dear captain, you have already made your unit's preparation. Like my sister said, we will go celebrate the summer solstice outside of Canterlot this year.” Then she turned her head toward her sister. “Luna, if you want to begin.”

“Thank you my dear sister. Now my greatest student, your mission will be to go to the city of Manehatten and make the preparation for my arrival in seven days, do you have any questions?”

“No your highness, Trixie won't disappoint you.” responded the azure unicorn with pride in her voice.

'If Trixie is going on a mission for Luna, that mean I'm going for my first mission, I wonder where the princess will send me, oh I always wanted to see Los Pegasus or Fillydelphia. Even the city of Vanhoover seems fine.' Twilight was so lost in thought that she almost didn't hear Princess Celestia speaking to her.

“The time has come my faithful student, you're going on your first mission, ah how time flies, this time I will go to the town of Ponyville in seven days, I'm sure the preparation will be over in time ?”

“Of course your highness, I will not fail my first mission.” replied the purple mare.

“Good, I will come to your room later, I have something to give you for your first mission.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

“Everyone has its orders, you are all dismissed.” said Luna closing the meeting.

After the group left the courtroom, everypony began to go toward their platoons for dispatching their orders for the next week. After a little time, Silver turned toward Twilight and Spitfire. “Lady Twilight and Lady Spitfire, can I take a little of your time?”

Both mares looked at each other than with a nod the Pegasi answered. “Of course sir, where do you want to talk?”

“Here seems fine. I don't much to say. Lady Spitfire are you still in contact with Crimson? If I remember correctly he is the chief of Ponyville militia.”

“Sorry to interrupt you sir, but who is Crimson?”

It was Spitfire who answered. “Crimson was going to become captain of the Wonderbolts, but the loss of his left eye during a fight against a griffon made him lose that opportunity, he resigned and since Ponyville is a small town, and don't have regular soldiers he easily became the chief of the militia. I've heard he's doing a good job.”

“And who became the captain of the Wonderbolts?”

“Yours truly here, my dear.” Answered the Pegasi with a wink.

“I think you could go see him when you arrive at Ponyville he could help you for the preparation or at least give you an escort for your first mission.” tell them Silver.

“I don't think I will need an escort but a little help is always welcome, especially for my first mission, So what does he looks like?”

“Hum, his coat is a dark red color, he must have a grey mane by now but before it was very dark, he was as tall as Soarin' and his good eye was also red, this was a reason why he was called the red wind.” Answered the old stallion.

“That is also how I remember him. you put a headband over his left eye and you have it.” added Spitfire. “If you tell him that you know me, I'm sure he will help you.”

“Good, now if you excuse me I have a mission to prepare for and tomorrow I am leaving for Ponyville. I wish you two good luck for the preparation of the summer sun celebration.” said Twilight before going to her room.

A baby dragon was taking advantage of the absence of Twilight for a nap, unfortunately for him the rest was of short duration when said unicorn teleported herself and began to give her orders. “SPIKE, we have no time to waste, I'm finally going on mission, a minor one but a mission nonetheless, prepare my clothes for a period of seven days, maybe a little more just to be sure, find me a book about Ponyville and the surroundings of the town.”

“Nice to see you too Twilight, I see the meeting is over and the princess is finally sending you outside of Canterlot, when do you leaving?”

“We are leaving tomorrow morning.”

“We? I'm coming too.”

“Of course, I will need my assistant for my first mission.”

Two hours later, Spike was still running everywhere to finish packing for Twilight. While she sipped some tea, reading a book on Ponyville's surrounding. 'Near the town stands the Everfree forest, home to many dangerous monsters, but inside there are ruins that few ponies have visited.'

A gentle knock on the door stopped Twilight in her reading. “Come in”

The Princess Celestia entered and with an amused look began to speak. “I see you still working this poor Spike to the bones. The Mayor of Ponyville sent me a list of preparations of the festival here. "With ease, Celestia lifted the list and sent her to Twilight who caught it with her magic.

“Thank you princess, is this is what you were talking in the courtroom.”

“No my faithful student, what I was talking about it's that.” With a flash, a safe stood in front of Twilight.

“What it is?”

“Open and you will see.”

Twilight put her right hoof on the safe and opened it, inside there was a beautiful necklace with a single white pearl. “But princess this is...”

“The necklace I wore at every summer sun celebration, and you will go to Ponyville with it, there are reports of someone will try to steal it, nopony will suspect that you have it and the day I arrive at Ponyville you will give me the necklace.”

“Of course princess, I will guard this safe with my life, Spike too.”

“WHAT?” Shouted the dragon.

“Don't be a wimp, this is for Equestria.”

“I will wish you a good mission and I will see you the day before the celebration, a carriage will be waiting for you tomorrow morning at eight. the mayor wrote me you will be staying at the library. See you next week Twilight.”

“See you next week princess.”

As soon as the princess left the room, Twilight turned toward her assistant “Is everything ready, Spike?”

“Yes, I just finished.”

“Good, tomorrow is a big day, let's get to sleep early.”

When tomorrow came and with the first ray of the sun, a purple unicorn and a baby dragon were leaving to Ponyville.

First day in Ponyville (first part)

Big thank to Kidak for pre reading this chapter

CHAPTER THREE:

First day in Ponyville (first part)

The carriage, drawn by two pegasi royal guards, was flying toward Ponyville, inside a purple unicorn was talking with her assistant, a baby dragon.

“So Twilight, by what we start?”

“I don't know Spike, what do you think of checking the library and then making a checklist?”

“Again, that will make what? The fifth?”

“Detail, Spike. I will make a checklist to finish the preparation the earliest possible.”

“Why? You have seven days to supervise the summer sun celebration.”

“Maybe but if I show to princess Celestia that I have finished the preparation for the festival in less than seven days, she will give me more important missions than going to Ponyville, of all the places she could have chosen, Ponyville really.” Twilight ended with a bit of bitterness in her voice.

“I concluded that you are not happy to leave Canterlot.”

“Of course I am, between my parents and my brother who watch all my movement, I'm more than happy to be far from them, but Ponyville Spike, I don't think there is worse place than that and believe me I checked.”

“I'm sure you did?” Spike said with exasperation then he turned his head and saw the town where they will remain for the week. "Look Twilight, we have arrived."

Five minutes later they were landing in front of the library, Twilight thanked the guard who flew back to Canterlot. Inside the building, Twilight put her saddlebags on the floor and opened them. Spike took everything that was inside and placed it on the ground following a specific order, after this he looked at the unicorn.

“Well, it's time to work your magic and regrow your stuff.”

“They are not stuff, these are my robes, quills, papers, books and everything I will need to make this mission a success."

“Whatever, just do it.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and began to concentrate, her horn started glowing a soft purple color and with a flash everything grew to its normal size.

“Now Spike unpack, I will write the checklist.”

Spike answered with a nod and started to work. Meanwhile, Twilight was working on her ultimate checklist, at least that's what she said. 'by which I might begin, let's see …'

After Spike put everything in the room, he returned to the ground floor where Twilight finished her work.

“Just in time Spike, why don't you make us breakfast and after we will begin our journey.”

“Sorry but there nothing in the kitchen, we will have to grab something outside.”

“What? That not possible, this will ruin my schedule.” She closed her eyes and had a idea. “That is too bad but we will have to skip a meal.”

“Hey maybe that's fine for you since you're all grow up but I am a BABY dragon, so I need all of my meals.” he glared at her and folded his arms to make his point.

Twilight took her list and showed to him with her magic. “Look our first stop, is the pony that is in charge of the banquet, I'm sure we can have some samples.”

Spike took the list and read it. “Sweet Apple Acres...” Then he looked at her. “Do you even know where it is?”

“Of course, remember that the mayor sent a map of Ponyville, so what do you think ?”

“Fine, you win. But maybe you should change before going out.”

Twilight checked her robe. “Why? This robe isn't good enough?”

“She is fine enough for Canterlot but here you will stand out. You need something more simple.”

"You're right, I'm going to change and we can go."

Ten robes later, Twilight finally chose a simple light purple dress.

“Why are all of your clothes purple? Your coat is already purple.”

“Because I like purple.”

“Obviously.” whispered the little dragon. “Now, can we go?”

Twilight answered with a nod and opened the door with her magic.

They arrived at their destination, when they step inside the propriety they heard a shout followed by a loud sound.

“Did you hear that, Spike? It came from over there.” She indicated the area where the sound came from. “Let’s go see.”

“Hum, are you sure?” But the unicorn was already halfway to the destination and couldn't hear Spike. “Damn.”

Nothing could have prepared Twilight for what she saw when she arrived on site. She saw an orange coated pony who was applebucking, but that wasn't the only reason she was staring at him. 'Whoa! What a handsome stallion, he is muscular but not too much, a little effeminate but it gives him some charm and because of the sweat, his clothes clings to the body. Oh buck, he saw me, he comes here. Play it cool Twilight.'

The pony in question, was trotting toward the unicorn, a little smile on his lips, he was wearing leather pants, an open shirt and a light brown stetson on his head.

'Oh Celestia, his shirt is open, this should be illegal, and his smile too.' At this point, Twilight was nearly drooling.

“Yee-haw ma’am ah'm Applejack and you are?”

The only answer the blonde pony got was a blush. 'Come on brain, he asked you a question, reboot' after fighting another blush, she regained control of her body. “Greetings sir Jack...” But she couldn't finish.

“Sir? Sorry but ah'm a mare like you”

“What?” The purple unicorn became a red unicorn. 'How is that possible? The first time I find a pony attractive and it is a mare, way to go Twilight.'

"Are you alright, sugarcube?" She walked to her and put her hoof on the unicorn forehead. “you're kind of hot.”

This was the last word Twilight heard before she passed out.

When she began to regain consciousness, she could hear a conversion between her assistant and the mare she met before. 'Hung, I can believe I just passed out.'

“What do ya think about this apple pie, Spike?”

“Perfect, I will keep a piece for Twilight when she wakes up.”

“You don't have to wait, I'm up.” Twilight rose and stood in front of Applejack. “Sorry, I didn't have breakfast and you can see the results.”

“Ah, is not a problem sugarcube, why don't ya join Spike at the table I will bring you something for that.” The pony answered with a wink.

“Feeling better?” The dragon asked when the unicorn sat at the table where some dishes were already there. “You should try the apple juice, it's refreshing.”

“Thanks spike.” She took a sip of the juice and was surprised by the taste. “You're right, it's very good.”

“Thank ya Miss Sparkle.” Applejack placed another dish on the table and sat in front of the unicorn. “Try this and tell me what ya think.”

“Please call me Twilight, Miss Apple.”

“Only if ya call me Applejack or AJ if ya prefer.”

“Deal, did Spike tell you why I am here?”

“Ya are the student of Princess Celestia and came for supervising the preparation of the summer sun celebration, is that right?”

“In a nutshell that is right, but the mayor wrote that it was the Apple family who are in charge of the banquet but you seem to be alone.”

“The rest of the family will arrive by train in two days. The major party comes from Appleloosa. For the moment there's only my brother Big Macintosh, and my grandmother Granny Smith. Finish your food and I'll introduce them.”

After she finished her pie, Twilight met Granny Smith and Big Macintosh, when she saw him she thought immediately of her brother. 'I wonder how Shining doing in Baltimare?'

Shining Armor was doing fine, but was not where he should be since he was wearing a pair of binoculars and spying on his sister. 'Damn it Twily, have you no pride, and what are you doing with this orange stallion? An earth pony, I can't believe you.'

“Hum, Captain.” interrupted a young unicorn.

“What is it, squire?”

“I was wondering if what we are doing is right, sir.”

“Can you elaborate?”

“I mean spying on Lady Sparkle, sir.”

“As her brother, I have every right to do that, it's for her own good, and if you don't make a mistake, she will never know. You won't make a mistake, will you squire?”

“Sir, no sir.” The squire answered with a salute.

“Good. Oh, she said goodbye to this girlish earth stallion, it's time to follow her.”

Twilight was beginning to leave when AppleJack stopped her.

“Twilight, wait a minute.”

“Yes? What it is?”

“Spike told me that ya don't have anything to eat in your kitchen.”

“Yes that's right, we'll have to go shopping this afternoon.”

“Don't ya worry about that, I will bring ya something for the week you're staying in Ponyville.”

“Thank you Applejack, this is nice of you, I can pay you.”

“Bah don't worry, what are friends for?”

'Friends...' With a nod, Twilight and Spike were leaving for their next destination.

When they arrived at the fountain near the town hall, Spike turned toward the unicorn. “Hum Twilight, you have been silent since we left Sweet Apple Acres, is something on your mind?”

“No, nothing important, I must have eaten too much pie. What is our next destination my brilliant assistant.”

“Let's me see.” Spike took the list and read it. “ We going to see this Crimson, he's in charge of the security and also of the weather team for the festival, you need to give him the letter Spitfire gave you this morning before we leave.”

“Oh yeah this letter with a seal, she didn't say what this was about, but this couldn't be bad since she was smiling when she give me this letter.”

Both were talking and did not see the pony that they collided with.

“houf, I am so sorry I didn't pay attention in front of me.” Twilight apologized immediately.

“WHAAAAAAA.” This was the only answer the pink mare gave before she ran away.

“She's crazy.” Twilight said while she turned toward Spike. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, everything is alright. Did you notice something about her?”

“Apart her coat was pink that she has a pink robe, blue eyes and was a earth pony, I don't notice anything else.”

“Right, let's go see Crimson.”

Somewhere in Ponyville, Shining saw everything. “What this pink pony think she was doing, shoving my sister like that, she's lucky that I must stay hidden.”

“Herm, Captain?”

“What is it, Squire?”

“You seem upset, sir.”

“That is maybe because I am.”

The time Shining finished to talk, Twilight was inside the militia's barracks and was knocking on Crimson's door.

“Yeah, come in” Answered the old stallion.

When Twilight stepped inside the room and saw that Crimson was exactly like Silver and Spitfire described him, strong, red coat, one red eye, a grey mane with some black lines and he was also wearing steel armor.

“Well well well, what do we have here?” His voice was strong and commanded respect. “Another younger who wants to try their luck in the militia? What is your name? You do have a name, right?”

“Yes sir Crimson, my name is Twilight Sparkle and I am...”

“... The student of princess Celestia, I know. The mayor told me that you will be coming but I didn't think so early, the celebration is only in seven days, the pegasi have already taken their orders for the weather, do not worry and the security for the princess is top notch even for a little town like Ponyville, I will be her personal bodyguard for the day, trust me there is none better in all Equestria except for the captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire."

“Yes, she told me about you...”

“In good I hope.” Crimson joked with a little laugh.

“... And she gave me this letter for you.” She sent him the letter with her magic.

“Oh the seal of the Wonderbolts, it must be important.” He took the letter, removed the seal and started reading, the more he read, the more he looked preoccupied, and when he finished the letter he left the room without a word leaving a worried Twilight and Spike.

“What happened, that doesn't look good Twilight, what di Spitfire write to make him like that?”

“ I don't know but I hope that doesn't concern us.”

Crimson came back five minutes later, he looked calmer. “Sorry about that Lady Twilight, I miss all of my duties. Would you like something to drink? I have some fine cider from the Apple family, I don't think Canterlot can match this? If you don't want alcohol I have apple juice.”

“I will take an apple juice, and you Spike?”

“You don't have some gems? No, I will take an apple juice too.”

Crimson served his two guests and took a glass of cider. “So Lady Twilight, what do you think of Ponyville so far?”

“That it is a nice quiet little town, very different from Canterlot.”

“He he, I'm sure. What do you still have to do for the festival? You already meet those responsible for the banquet and me who is in charge of the weather and the security, what else you need to do, Lady Twilight?”

“I still have to meet the pony in charge of the music, and I have to meet the pony that makes my robe because he must take my measurements, and I have to try her before the festival.” During the conversation Twilight was trying, and failed, not to look too much at the scar and the head band who covered the dead eye of Crimson.

“That not very polite, Lady Twilight.”

“I'm sorry Sir Crimson.”

“Ha ha ha, I'm joking, that's fine. I'm proud of my scar, I have less than Silver.”

“That true, Sir Silver didn’t want to have them removed.”

“I'm sure he told them that's for him to remember his mistakes, right?”

“How did you know?”

“We, old warriors are all the same, too much pride sometime, ha ha ha.”

The conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Come in.” The stallion answered.

“You asked to see me, Crimson?” A raspy voice asked.

The owner of the voice was a blue mare wearing leather armor but the detail who shocked the most Twilight was her mane which had all the colors of a rainbow.

'What a unusual color for a mane, I wonder what sir Crimson want with her?'

“Let’s cut the presentation short. Lady Twilight, this is my second in command Rainbow Dash.”

The mare in question answered with a nod.

“Starting right now and for the next seven days, she will be your bodyguard.”

“WHAT!” the two young mares screamed at the same time.

First day in Ponyville (second part)

CHAPTER FOUR:

First day in Ponyville (second part)

Every war veteran will tell you that you can feel it when something bad is coming, like the calm before a storm, a forest without the sound of animals or a clear night without a star and that was exactly what Crimson felt with the electrically charged air around the horn of Twilight Sparkle and the heat emanating from Rainbow Dash. He knew without a shadow of doubt he was five seconds away from something bad. 'What did Spitfire make me do? The room will never survive something like this'

...Then five seconds passed...

Twilight was the first to recover and started her verbal assault. “A bodyguard? Why do I need a bodyguard? Who do you think you are to tell me I need a bodyguard?”

“But...” Crimson couldn't finish because an angry pegasus was forehead to forehead with him.

“You know I want to become a Wonderbolt, I need to be in awesome missions! Babysitting a snobbish unicorn is not awesome.”

“What did you call me?” The purple mare asked while turning toward the light blue pegasus.

“Oh, and you're also deaf.” Rainbow answered, turning toward Twilight. “ I said, you are a SNOBBISH unicorn.”

“How you can say that without knowing me.”

“Because you...” Then the pegasus air-hoofed. “...the unicorns...” And finished her sentence normally. “...are all the same.”

“What maturity. You said you want to be a Wonderbolt. Pfffftt, don't make me laugh.” With every word Twilight was moving closer to the other mare until she was face to face with her.

“Oh yeah, wanna take this outside? I will kick your flank in ten seconds flat.”

“STOP IT!” Crimson was at the end of his patiences, his yell was loud enough to freeze the two mares and make them turn toward him.
“Good, now that everyone has shut her muzzle, listen to me carefully, but first I need to talk with Rainbow Dash.” The stallion said sternly.

With a more gentle tone he looked toward the unicorn. “Lady Twilight if you could wait outside, this will not take long, why don't you take the time to visit the barracks, but don't go too far I will finish this quickly.” The stallion finished his talk with a dark look toward the other pegasus who didn't acknowledged him.

Twilight answered with a nod, but before moving to the door she threw one last glare at the other mare who replicated with a glare of her own, the brawl of glares didn't last long before the only stallion in the office cleared his throat, just as a reminder for the two mares that they aren't alone in the room. After that Twilight and Spike went outside.

When they were outside, the unicorn began to complain. “Seriously, a bodyguard. I never needed one when I was under the tutelage of the Princess, why now?”

“Hum, I don't know. Maybe because we are OUTSIDE of Canterlot?” The baby dragon replied ironically.

“Please Spike, I'm in no more danger in Ponyville than I was in Canterlot.”

“If you says so...” He knew it was useless to argue with her when she was in one of these moods so he tried to change the subject. The baby dragon took the time to look around and saw the barracks was mostly made of wood, but he remembered that the outside was made of stone, the floor creaked at every step he took. After a short time, he found a hallway decorated with paintings, he came closer and noticed that the paintings were in fact framed pictures, there were six hung along the corridor. “Twilight, come here, I found something interesting.”

“What it is, Spike?” Twilight asked when she arrived in the hallway.

“Look at this picture.” he showed the framework that was at the right end of the corridor.

Twilight looked at the picture and saw that it was a group photo with about ten ponies wearing leather armor and who were saluting the camera. She noticed, at the right of the group, were standing two pegasi she knew, Crimson and Rainbow Dash. 'At least she's smiling.' She also observed the mare looked a little smaller than she looked when she was inside the office.' She looked as tall as me, yet when I look at the photo and I compare her with Crimson who is next to her, she looks much smaller, maybe she had not finished growing when the picture was taken.'
Twilight looked at every member of the militia and see they were at least fifty percent of earth ponies, forty percent of pegasus and the rest of unicorns. 'They don't have many spellcasters and definitely less healers since this is one of the more difficult branch of magic.' Finally she saw that each of the ponies had a embroidered badge on their armor, probably the symbol of the Ponyville's militia.

“Did you see?” Spike asked while showing a golden plate in the bottom of the frame.

Twilight looked and read.

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1999

'We Will Rock You'

“Hum, they are the graduates of this year but what a strange name for a promotion? But my brother's one was even more bizarre, do you remember, Spike ?”

“I was a little too young to remember when Shining Armor finished his Paladin training.”

“Right, but now I'm curious what the other promotions looked like.”

Twilight moved herself to the left and watched the picture of last year graduates, she noticed the same thing as last year, there wasn't more than ten ponies and the presence of a single unicorn, while looking a little longer at the unicorn she saw another detail. “Spike, look at the white unicorn.”

Spike looked at the picture. “Wouha, she is pretty.”

The purple unicorn rolled her eyes. “ Look to her right.” She showed with her right hoof the pony in question.

“Hey, it looks like...”

“Applejack and by the look she is sending to the unicorn, she doesn't seem to like her very much.” Twilight cut Spike off. who sent a jaded look and crossed his arms in sign of unhappiness. “Oh look, Rainbow Dash is still here and she has the emblem on her armor but she's smaller than the last picture, do you think you can be inside the militia without being of age ?” She asked her assistant who was wondering if he could ignore her.

“Maybe, remember the militia isn't composed of regular soldiers, you could ask Rainbow later.”

“Yeah, like she will answer any questions I will ask without starting a fight.” Twilight sighed. After she looked at every detail of the photo, she watched the golden plaque at the bottom of the frame.

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1998

'We Are The Champions'

“They aren't very modest, let's see the year before.” She moved toward the frame to her left and looked at it. 'Funny there is only pegasus in this year promotion, hum Rainbow Dash isn't wearing the armor or the emblem but just pants and a jacket, what a tomcoltish mare. If I understand well she would have joined the militia the year following this photo,so why is she on it?'

“Twilight,you have the same look as when you are faced with a problem, is something wrong?” The baby dragon asked with a little fear in his voice, because he know what the unicorn is capable of for finding a answer to a problem.

“Nothing major, just a little curiosity.” She answered but you could hear the wheels turned in her head.

“Sure, if you says so.” He wasn't very reassured.

Since she couldn't come with an answer, she looked at the golden plaque.

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1997

'Spread Your Wings'

“At least this one is fitting for a pegasus promotion.” And like the three other pictures she moved toward the next one, situated to her left. Unlike the last one, this time there were only unicorns on the photo. 'A promotion with only unicorns. Oh my, Rainbow Dash looks frightened, she is trying to hide behind Crimson, the poor dear she looks so small next to him but what's her problem with my kind.' As no response came to her mind, she looked at the golden plate.

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1996

'A Kind of Magic'

“A kind of magic, really?”

“That seem right for a unicorn's promotion, since you... well, use magic.”

“Thank you, mister obvious.”While she rolled her eyes she moved toward the penultimate frame.

This time she saw, like in the first picture, that the three kind of ponies were present. 'And like in the other photos, I have Crimson and this time a filly sized Rainbow Dash, she was kind of cute when she was younger, wait a minute, who is this pony hiding behind her ?'

“Spike, Do you see this? There is a pony behind Rainbow Dash, maybe a earth pony since she doesn't have wings and knowing her aversion to unicorns, this is the only answer.”

“Or a pegasus since we can't see if she has wings, maybe they're under her dress.”

“Do you know many pegasus who hide their wings ?”

“C'mon Twilight, you can't draw such a conclusion with only a single photo.”

“And why not ?”

“Because, Miss Twilight Sparkle, you know a grand total of two pegasus...” He emphasized his explanation while showing two claws. “...Spitfire and Soarin', who take pride in being in charge of the Wonderbolts, so of course they will show their wings.” He crossed his arms when he finished his explanation.

“Okay maybe you are right.” She turned her attention toward the golden plate in the bottom of the frame. 'Let see what we have here.'

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1995

'The Show Must Go On'

She stayed a little longer on this plate than the others. 'I know this sentence, where did I heard it before ?'She searched her memory but nothing came therefore she turned toward Spike who raised a eyebrow when she looked in his eyes.

“Yes, Miss Twilight Sparkle ?”

Twilight rolled her eyes but didn't correct the baby dragon. “ Does the sentence 'The Show Must Go on' mean something to you?”

He began to search his memory but like the unicorn, nothing triggered. “Sorry, doesn't ring a bell.” He turned toward the picture. “ But I feel sad when I heard it.”

“Sad? What do you mean sad?”

“It's strange but when I read it, I feel like something bad happened but you have to move on with your life.” He was still looking at the picture and he showed a random pony on the frame.
“Look at him, he doesn't smile like the ponies in the photo of the year after. Look, it's the same for all the ponies, they are all sad, no one is smiling.”

“You are right, even Crimson is too serious. Something bad must have happened five years ago, before this picture was taken, I will look at the archive when I have finished with the preparation of the summer sun celebration.”

But the biggest surprise was when Twilight looked at the last picture on the wall, the one who was six years olds. “Spike, there are so many...At least three times more than on the other photos.”

“But where is Crimson and Rainbow? I can't find them.”

Twilight searched for the two pegasus but where they were usually, stood proudly an earth pony, she could see he had a red coat under his armor and below a brown stetson he had a blonde mane, she was mesmerized by his dark green eyes and his dashing smile.

“Hum, Twilight? Are you all right? You're red.”

“Uh...yeah...everything is all right, I totally wasn't staring at the big, strong, handsome and dashing stallion.” The more she continued, the more she blushed.

“What?” The baby dragon asked while raising an eyebrow.

“*cough* I mean don't you think this pony makes you think of someone?”

Spike took his time to look at the stallion. “Now that you say it. He look like a older Big Macintosh with a blonde mane. Hey maybe this is his father ?”

It was Twilight's turn of watching Spike with a unconvinced look. “And now? Who draws such a conclusion with only a single photo ?”

He didn't answer, he just showed something on the picture with his left hand. The lavender unicorn followed the direction and saw two young ponies, a red colt and an orange filly, they were standing a little to the left of the big stallion.

“AWWWWW! Look how Applejack and Big Macintosh were cute when they were younger.” She tried to change the conversation but the dragon wasn't convinced. “ Fine, you were right. Happy?”

“Quite. But if the father of Applejack was the captain of the militia six years ago, what have happened to change that ?”

Twilight was forced to give the answer she hated the most. “ I don't know.” 'For now, but I will' Her eyes sought an answer in the photo but they finally settled on the gold plate in the bottom of the picture.

GRADUATES OF YEAR 1994

'Who Wants to Live Forever'

“That pretty sad too, isn't it?” Spike asked while looking at the plate.

“Yes, but that doesn't help me to know what happened five years ago. Unless...” Twilight began to charge her horn with magic and with a purple flash she duplicated the six pictures. “... and now to send them to my room.” With a spell she mastered some time ago, she sent the photos to her room at the library.

“What are you doing ?” Spike wondered.

“I'm sure some answers are in these pictures, I will study them tonight.” She looked from left to right. “Now,I need to find something to keep me busy until Crimson finished with Rainbow Dash.”

“Don't worry about that.” A raspy voice said but when Twilight and Spike turned toward the voice there was no one. “I'm up.” They looked upstairs and saw a laughing Rainbow. “Hahaha,it works every time.”

“You seem of better mood than when we were in the office.” The unicorn asked with a suspicious look.

The pegasus had a embarrassed smile and she scratched behind her head before answering. “Yeah about that...” Every time she tried to speak, her muzzle moved but no word came out.

Twilight, being the intelligent pony she was, knew exactly the problem she had. “Fine, I'm sorry too. I think we started on the wrong hoof, I'm Twilight Sparkle.” she held out her right hoof.

Rainbow landed and shook her right hoof with the unicorn. “And I'm Rainbow Dash, second in command of Ponyville's militia and weather team, fastest pegasi alive and most important, future Wonderbolt.”

Twilight,while continuing to shake her hoof, added. “I think you forgot to add the most boastful pony throughout the land of Equestria.” When she finished her sentence she felt that Rainbow added more strength to her grip. 'Oh you want to play this game.' In turn, She clenched harder.

Spike could hear slight crackling from their hoofshake and he thought he saw lightning passed between their gazes. He knew he had to intervene before the situation escalates. He just had to clear his throat to draw attention to him.

“WHAT?” Both mare shouted at the same time. This action made them release their hoofshake.

In a small voice he said “Maybe we should continue with the preparation for the festival?”

“You're right Spike.” Twilight answered with a little smile, then she turned toward the pegasus. “Goodbye Rainbow Dash it was a pleasure to meet you.” She couldn't have made more than ten meters before the pegasus landed in front of her.

“Sorry but Crimson was very clear, I'm your bodyguard, whether you like it or not.”

“I don't need a bodyguard! I going to see Crimson.” She began to trot toward his office.

“This is a waste of time, he went out.” Rainbow smirked.

Twilight turned toward the other mare, anger on her face, and with all the calm that remained, asked. “Where?”

“To see the mayor. He also said we will have lunch with them at the café.”

“What?” She turned toward Spike. “Did I write lunch with the mayor on the schedule for today?”

“Let me check.” He looked at the list and he saw at twelve o'clock. “Yes, you have lunch with the mayor.”

The lavender unicorn sighed and looked at Rainbow. “ And you will follow me whatever I decide?”

“Yeah.” She answered with a winning smile.

“Fine, Let's go. What is our next destination?”

“Next stop is 'Carousel Boutique', this is where the robes for the festival are made and you have to try on yours.”

“Oh joy, the day just got better. And after that?”

“Lunch time.” The baby dragon answered with a smile.

“Bouahahhahaha, don't be like that Twi', you get the coolest bodyguard that Equestria has to offer, You can even go so far as to say that I'm twenty percent cooler than any other bodyguard.”

“It's funny, I'm tired and this is just the beginning of the day, I wonder why ?” Twilight said sarcastically.

“Maybe you ate something bad or you didn't have a morning nap, that happen to me all the time.” Rainbow replied innocently without noticing the sarcastic tone of the unicorn.

'And the worst is that she said it with such innocence' thought Twilight. “Since we have nothing left to do here, let's go to Carousel Boutique.”

The moment the group left the barracks and went outside, Rainbow flew off.

“What are you doing ?” Twilight asked.

“My job.” The pegasi answered like what she was doing was obvious.

But for the unicorn this wasn't. “And how are you going to protect me when you are so high in the air.”

Rainbow began to get closer to Twilight. “ Like you know something about bodyguarding?”

“But yes I know, since I had a bodyguard as soon as I could walk, courtesy of my family.” She finished with a little venom in her voice.

“Oh yeah ?” And like many times today, the unicorn and the pegasus were forehead to forehead.

“Yeah.”

Spike wondered how long the seven days will going to be with the two mares and how Ponyville will survive.

Somewhere in Ponyville, hiding behind some barrels, two unicorns were watching the exchange.

“What my sister doing so close to that pegasus?” Shining Armor was wondering.

“Hum Captain.” The Squire was trying to attract the attention of his superior.

“Could this me, my own sister...”

“Hum Captain.” The Squire tried again.

“... It may be a deception...”

“Captain, this is really important.”

“... And when the pegasus least expects it...”

“CAPTAIN!”

“What it is Squire ? I listen, you don't have to shout.”

“I think he tried to warn you about me.” A third voice announced.

“Cadance.”

Author's Note

What the... ? A update ?

I hope everyone had a good holiday and that you will like this chapter.

Good reading.

Ps: If after reading the name of the promotion you want to listen to Queen,it's normal. And for 1998 this was when France became world champion in football ;-)

Cédric