Dead-Pony Rising

Princess Celestia paced back and forth, sweating, muttering to herself. What was going on? This wasn't right. They should all be back by now, or should have at least sent her a message. As the door slammed open, the Princess flinched and looked up to see Rainbow Dash zooming in and stopping right in front of her. The rainbow colored mare saluted the Princess at an attention stance. It looked like she was confronting a war general.

“You called for a hero, princess?” Rainbow Dash said with a reference wink.

“Good one, Rainbow Dash. Please listen--”

“Where's everypony else?” Rainbow interrupted, looking around the empty throne room.

“That's precisely why you are here, Rainbow. Let me explain. There has been odd activity sightings in a town not too far off by the name of Trottingville. I had sent Luna and her guards over there to cover-- I mean to secure the area. I have not received word from her, so, while you were on your vacation, I sent your five friends. There has been no word from them either. I can't even communicate with Luna via my magic. I'm starting to run out of options. I need the strongest, bravest pony to go find what's going on in that area.”

Rainbow gave a determined smile. “Well, it's a damn good thing I got back here on time, eh? Just let me handle it, Princess.” Rainbow said as she bowed.

“Now hold on, Rainbow. I want to know everything that goes on there. Take this with you, you'll need it. Take a picture of everything that may be important, I don't care what it is.” Princess Celestia said as she handed Rainbow a photography camera.

“...Everything?” Rainbow asked. “Even dead stuff?”

Celestia flinched for a moment, but shook her head. “Yes, Rainbow, even dead stuff. Be careful, Rainbow Dash, who knows what might await you there. Let's hope those unnatural disappearances don't happen to you, too.”

“You can count on me, Princess Celestia! I'll find Luna, AND all of my friends! I won't let you down! I AM the element of loyalty after all.” Rainbow said, putting a hoof over her chest.

“I'm glad I can rely on you. Trottingville is just north of Apploosa, about two miles, can you remember that? It's critical.”

Rainbow made a “duh” face at the Princess. “Pshh... that is NO problem for me! I'll fulfill your mission! I'm Rainbow Dash of course! Let's rock!” She cheered as she lifted out the window and flew out. About fifteen seconds later, she came back in and asked. “How many miles north of Apploosa again?”

The Princess face-hooved and laughed. “Let... Let me just write it down for you, Rainbow.”