Old Frontier: Pony Style

Sunset had arrived and the last rays of light shined on the circle of ponies as they surrounded the 3 whining, wounded, and whimpering male pegasi. Rainbow Dash was a couple of feet from the scene, a confident grin plastered on her face.

“Anypony else want to challenge me?” Rainbow scanned the ponies that were not part of the circle. As her eyes met theirs, the town ponies immediately looked the other way. Then Rainbow’s eyes fell on Fluttershy and Twilight. Fluttershy suddenly found her hooves to be very interesting as Rainbow Dash looked at her. Twilight, on the other hand, didn’t recoil from Rainbow’s gaze. She merely looked at her with curiosity. Twilight had never met another pony with such confidence. It was practically glowing. Rainbow Dash didn’t just talk a big game; she backed it up with fierce skill. As they were staring at each other, Rainbow noticed Twilights’ Henry Repeater. She opened her mouth, but was cut off by a livid shout,

“What in Celestia’s name is going on?!” Everypony turned and saw the sheriff running toward the scene.

“Oh pony feathers.” cried Dash as she soared to the sky at break-neck speed.

“Get back here!” shouted the sheriff as he aimed his revolver at the fading rainbow trail. Swearing loudly, he walked toward the circle of ponies, who hastily got out of the way, and stood in front of the downed pegasi.

“Don’t you dopes know dueling is illegal?” The pegasi responded with moans. “Get up you idiot.”  The sheriff said as he lifted up a pegasus none too gently. “You two,” he pointed to a pair of stallions, “grab the other bone-heads and help me take them two the doctor’s place.” The sheriff and two stallions half-carried and half-dragged the pegasi and the circle of ponies gradually died out until Twilight and Fluttershy were the last ones outside.

“Well, that was… interesting.” Twilight finally said. Fluttershy simply nodded. The two stood there until Twilight gave Fluttershy a quick shake, “Come on, we better get some supplies.”

The general store was adjacent to the town’s saloon. They entered the store and requested ammunition for their weapons. As the store clerk went to the back to get the goods, Fluttershy finally spoke up,

“Um, Twilight, can I ask you something?”

Twilight mentally sighed; she knew this was coming. Fluttershy no doubt wanted to discuss all of the turmoil the two faced since they met. She would want to confide in her friend all of the stress and fear she faced. Twilight put on a sympathetic smile, “Sure Fluttershy, what do you want to ask?”

“What exactly is a duel?”

Twilight resisted the sudden urge to slam her head on the store’s counter and simply groaned,

“You really were sheltered, weren’t you?”

Fluttershy blushed, “I-I know what it is, I just want some more clarification.”

“Well, a duel is when two ponies try to shoot their opponent first.”

“But why?”

“Can’t really tell you that, it varies. It could be to show off, or to settle something. The settling part could range from a long time rivalry to somepony giving you the stink eye.”

“Couldn’t they just talk it out?”

Twilight gave a small chuckle, “Oh Fluttershy, if only it worked like that. One day, you’ll probably shoot somepony just for saying your name wrong.”

“What?!” Fluttershy cried, “I would never hurt another pony just for that. The very thought of -”

“Relax Fluttershy,” Twilight said as she gave Fluttershy a reassuring hoof, “I know you won’t go buck-wild unless as a last resort.”

The clerk returned with a couple of boxes of ammo and Twilight also bought a couple of quills and ink bottles, a tent, two sleeping bags, and a new map. Her old one was crumbling thanks to age and bullet holes. They stepped back out, their bag of bits now considerably lighter, and Twilight stopped.

It was a cloudless night and Luna’s moon was shining bright. Twilight looked up and found it funny how much she missed its glow. It has been only 24 hours since she saw it, but with almost dying 3 times in that short period, it felt much longer. She began to think of how all this started since she met Fluttershy. Was it all a coincidence, or something more? She began to wonder whether every night will feel the same when Fluttershy’s voice brought her back,

“Are you O.K?”

Quickly shaking herself awake, Twilight said, “Never better; now come one, we better go to the carriage station.”

“We’re leaving already?”

“No, I just want to reserve a carriage for tomorrow. I’d rather not have another life and death carriage ride.”

After arranging the ride for the next morning, Twilight and Fluttershy entered the saloon. Like other saloons in Equestria, it was painted brown in the interior and exterior. It was packed with round tables which were filled with stallions playing poker or hoof-wrestling. To their right was the bartender serving drinks to stallions that were drinking their troubles away. At the other side of the room were stairs leading up to the second floor, where other stallions were being ‘entertained’ by some mares. A pianist was in the back wall, playing some upbeat music.

Twilight and Fluttershy went up to the bartender and ordered two bottles of sarsaparilla and a dozen slices of raisin bread. With their food, they scanned for a vacant table. Soon, Twilight pointed toward a table in the far corner with just one occupant: Rainbow Dash.

Twilight started to walk toward her but was stopped by Fluttershy.

“What’s wrong?”

“Um… maybe we should look for another table. I don’t want to disturb her.”

Twilight rolled her eyes good naturedly, “Don’t worry Fluttershy, everything will be alright.”

Ignoring Fluttershy’s small eep, Twilight walked toward Rainbow. She was leaning on the chair, wearing her sunglasses and a calm expression. Strange for somepony who was currently being hounded by a sheriff, whose office was right around the corner.

“Excuse me.” Twilight asked. With those glasses on, Twilight couldn’t tell if Rainbow was looking at her, “Do you mind if me and my friend could sit with you?”

“Sure, knock yourselves out.” Rainbow said.

Twilight said her thanks as she sat opposite to Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy, with an expression of utmost relief, also joined them. The two set their drinks and food on the table and Twilight also set the map.

“O.K Fluttershy, we are-” Twilight started but was stopped by a strange sound. She looked at Rainbow, whose face was still composed, but her stomach was visibly growling.

Twilight and Fluttershy looked at each other and stifled a giggle.

“Um, Ms. Rainbow Dash, would you like some food.” Fluttershy offered.

“No thanks, I’m not hungry.”

Twilight levitated the tray of bread and held it to Rainbow’s face, “You’re not fooling anypony. Just take some.”

Rainbow Dash pointedly looked away from the tray. After it became clear Twilight wouldn’t lower the tray, Dash stared at the food, “I’m kind of strapped for bits right now, so I won’t be able to pay you guys back.”

“That’s O.K.”

There was a small pause before Rainbow lifted up her sunglasses to show eyes filled with appreciation, “Thanks, you know, you guys are alright.” She then proceeded to scarf down the bread with as much dignity a starving pony can.

Twilight and Fluttershy smiled and returned to the map.

“O.K, as I was saying, we’re here,” Twilight pointed at the center of Equestria, “and we need to get here,” she pointed to the edge of the map, “so give me a second while I create the quickest route without using a train.” Twilight took out a quill and ink bottle and began to draw lines on the map. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, who has become keen in the two mares’ conversation, watched for a couple of minutes until Twilight stored here writing utensils and looked up,

“O.K, based on my calculations, we will be in Coltifornia in a month.”

“Well, that’s not too long,” Fluttershy said, “I thought it would at least take us 3.”

“You guys are going to Coltifornia?” Rainbow interjected.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” Twilight inquired.

“I’m also going to Coltifornia. I’m gonna join,” she pulled a crumbling poster from her vest and laid it on the table. Twilight and Fluttershy saw that it was 3 pegasi, each holding two revolvers, “The Wondershots.”

Fluttershy was confused while Twilight said, “The Wondershots?”

“Yep,” Dash said with a confident smile.

“The fastest and most accurate gunslingers in Equestria. The greatest marksmen during the Sister Wars, and after the war, became a traveling show that entertains countless ponies and are world renowned.”

“The very same.”

Twilight couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“What’s so funny?” Rainbow Dash said, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing, it’s just that you have set a very arduous goal. The Wondershots have only accepted one new recruit since they formed.”

“Looks like I’ll be the second then.”

Twilight only chuckled some more. It has been a long time since she met anyone so confident and hard-headed.

Rainbow smiled confidently, “If you want I can show you how good I am.” She slowly went to grab her revolver.

“Sure,” Twilight returned the smile, “it might be fun.” And she grabbed her repeater.

“NO!” Fluttershy cried, which caused many heads to turn. Blushing slightly, she spoke quietly, “Don’t duel! You’ll end up only hurting yourselves. Or worse!”

“Don’t worry… um,” Rainbow Dash paused.

“Fluttershy, and I’m Twilight Sparkle by the way.”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, we won’t hurt each other… much.”

But Fluttershy’s imploring gaze slowly crushed Twilight’s and Rainbow Dash’s resolve to duel that they simply sighed, “Fine.”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy smiled.

The next hour or so was uneventful. The saloon was still lively as ever. Twilight had decided to take out her book while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had a one-sided conversation with Rainbow being the speaker. Twilight was only able to catch a couple of fragments from the conversation,

“… and then I turned around and pistol-whipped the guy in the head…”

“… they thought I was down and out, but I was just pretending…”

“… long flights on the beach, apple cider, and joining the Wondershots, in that order…”

Twilight was continuing her reading when she heard hoofsteps approaching and the sudden smell of hard cider. She looked up from her book and saw a stallion giving her a drunken smile.

‘Oh great’ Twilight mentally sighed before returning to her book. This wasn’t the first time she had to deal with a situation like this.

“Hey there,” the stallion said, “I saw you from across the saloon and thought to myself, ‘this is the mare I’m gonna marry’.”

‘Wow,’ Twilight thought, ‘this guy must have had an excruciating day to drink so much.’

“What do you say you put the book down and I take you through the town.”

“No thanks.” Twilight said flatly, not taking her eyes from her book.

“Oh come now, don’t be like that.” the stallion said, leaning closer.

“She said no.” Rainbow Dash spoke up, looking at the stallion with detest, “now why don’t you just back off.”

The stallion laughed, “Whoa, my bad, didn’t know I was talking to your girl. I didn’t realize you played for the other team. Then again, you do act like you do.”

“What?!” Rainbow Dash said, now fuming. The stallion then proceeded to turn his attention to Fluttershy, “Hey there.”

“Um, hi.” Fluttershy said timidly.

“That’s it,” Twilight finally looked up from her book. She had grown tired of the stallion, “I’m gonna ask you to leave now.”

The stallion laughed and took Twilight’s sarsaparilla, “And what exactly are you gonna do if I don’t?” He then took a swig of the drink, which caused him to almost lose his balance. As he was fumbling around, he dropped the sarsaparilla and it spilled all over Twilight’s book. Once the stallion regained his balance, he saw the state of the book and laughed.

“That’s karma right there; you refused my offer and look what happened.”

Twilight was doing some critical thinking at that particular moment. Her book, a great classic which almost cost her life to obtain, was now in ruins. By a drunken idiot.

“Fluttershy,” Twilight said in a toneless voice, “time for your next lesson: How to deal with idiots.”

“O.K…” Fluttershy said cautiously

“First, hand me your sarsaparilla bottle.”

Fluttershy hesitated for a moment but then complied.

“Now what Twilight?”

Twilight was silent with the bottle in her hand, and then she smashed the bottle by hitting it over the head of the stallion. The whole saloon instantly became quiet, except for the sound of Rainbow’s laughter,

“You guys are such a riot!” she laughed.

“You little…” the stallion said as he got up.

“Here,” Rainbow Dash told Twilight, “let me show you how it’s done.” She then jumped over the table and tackled the stallion. Another stallion, no doubt the drunken one’s friend, started running toward Dash with a knife. Twilight than used her magic to levitate a chair and throw it at the assailant, who then crashed into another pony. And with that, a chain reaction started. Soon everypony in the saloon, except for Fluttershy, the bartender, and the pianist, were in an old-fashioned brawl. The pianist shrugged and resumed playing the piano.

________________________________________

“And stay out!” the bartender yelled as 3 of his cronies threw Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash out of the saloon and into the night.

“This isn’t fair,” Rainbow, now sporting a swollen cheek, yelled at the saloon door, “it was that stallion’s fault.”

“There is no use arguing Dash,” Twilight said, who had a cut lip, “they made up their mind. We better find somewhere to camp.”

Fluttershy, who was unscathed and reproachful of Twilight’s and Rainbow Dash’s actions, followed quietly as Twilight lead them to the outskirts of the town. They decided to make camp at an area filled with tall grass. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy started to pitch the tent while Twilight worked on the fire. The minutes passed as Rainbow and Fluttershy watched Twilight’s ordeal of starting the fire. She kept striking the two pieces of metal, but no spark produced.

“Um… Twilight?”

“Not now Fluttershy, I have to concentrate.”

Finally, a small ember was made. Twilight beamed, until a strong breeze came and extinguished the fire. Twilight screamed in anger and tossed the pieces of metal.

“Here Twilight,” Fluttershy walked forward, “let me try.” She produced from her saddlebag what looked like a bow for arrows, and picked up a stick. She then stood the stick in the middle of the fire pit and wrapped the string of the bow around the stick. She moved the bow with her mouth until a healthy fired was created.

“All right, go Fluttershy!” Rainbow said, giving Fluttershy a pat on the back.

“How did you learn to do that?” Twilight asked.

“My dad taught me. He couldn’t teach me to shoot, so he taught me to survive in the wild.”

The fire’s warmth was very much appreciated as the 3 mares lied down and watched the twinkling stars. Twilight was in complete bliss. No one was trying to kill them at that particular moment and after a day full of that, this was a much needed break. They relaxed some more in silence until Fluttershy broke the silence,

“Twilight, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“Ask away.” Twilight said, feeling that at that moment, nothing could ruin her heavenly experience.

“Why are we going to Coltifornia?”

Almost. Almost nothing could ruin her heavenly experience, but Fluttershy struck gold. Rainbow Dash looked away from the stars, also curious of why Twilight was heading east. It was very quiet until Twilight said in a strange tone,

“To see an old friend.”

Fluttershy smile, “Oh, that’s nice. What’s his name.”

“Sorry Fluttershy, but I’m currently having trouble remembering his name.” Twilight said rather quickly.

“That’s O.K.” Fluttershy was completely oblivious to Twilight’s discomfort. After a couple of minutes of silence, in which Twilight wasn’t as blissful as before, Fluttershy told the girls goodnight and entered the tent. A couple more minutes, Rainbow Dash spoke up,

“So, this friend of yours, which type is he? The real old friend that you want to catch up with, or the old friend that you need to settle something.”

Twilight didn’t respond for a moment. And then, “The latter.”

Dash simply nodded and said, “Twilight, who exactly are you?” For that one, she got no response. Eventually, the two entered the tent and began to drift off into to sleep. Or at least, Twilight tried. As she laid there, listening to Fluttershy’s quiet breathing and Dash’s obnoxious snoring, she thought of who she was and what she was doing. She thought of her past, and how every choice she and those around her made, affected solely her. She also pondered what she was doing, and what she will and must do. It took a long time until Twilight finally drifted to sleep, only to soon be awoken by the sound of many hoofsteps outside.

She immediately sat up along with Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy was still slumbering as Twilight slowly opened the front of the tent. In the distance, she could see a large group of ponies, possibly 15 in total, heading toward them. Twilight could also see that each one was armed.

“Fluttershy wake up.” Twilight said urgently as she shook Fluttershy.

“What’s wrong?” she said groggily.

“Quickly grab your saddlebag and guns. We have to get out of here now.”

“W-what!” Fluttershy said, alarmed, “Why?”

“There is a large group of ponies with guns coming toward us. They may or may-not be bandits, but I don’t want to take that chance.”

Twilight quickly grabbed her bag and repeater. She turned and saw Dash and Fluttershy were set. They quietly and quickly got out of the tent and hid in the surrounding tall grass. By the time the ponies made it to the camp, the girls were a good distance away. They were still able to hear what the ponies were saying.

“Boss the tent is empty, but it looks like she only recently left.” Said a voice that the girls recognized as the drunken stallion.”

“Well find her,” the leader of the group barked.

“Yeah, we’ll show her.” Said another pony.

“No one messes with us.” Exclaimed another.

“Oh my Celestia.” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“What is it?” Fluttershy asked.

“It’s those three idiots that I dueled this afternoon.”

“Are you telling me you willingly dueled 3 bandit leaders?” Twilight exasperated.

“Well, in my defense, he did say I was an arrogant imbecile.”

Twilight simply facehoofed at this revelation as the bandit leaders said, “Spread out, we’ll search all night if we have to.” The stallions quickly made their way through the tall glass in search for their prey. The girls backed away as quietly as possible.

“What do we do now?” squeaked Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash looked at both Twilight and Fluttershy and said, “I’ll flank them to draw their attention while you two get the buck out of here.”

“No way.” Twilight immediately said.

“Twilight, there isn’t any time. I’m faster than both of you put together. I’ll zip through the air before they even notice.”

“Oh really?” Twilight looked around and levitated a large rock. She then levitated it a good distance away before launching it in the air. It was immediately shot at with a barrage of bullets.

“That way!” somepony shouted, pointing to where the rock was.

“See that Dash, the moment you go up in the air, you’re history.” The stallions were slowly advancing toward them.

“See that Twilight, any second now, they will find and kill us all.” Rainbow Dash growled. She then turned around and walked away, only to be stopped by Twilight and Fluttershy.

“Why won’t you to just let me do this?” Dash said angrily.

“Because you’re our friend,” Fluttershy stated, “and we won’t stand around and watch our friends get hurt.”

Dash stared at them and slowly smiled. Then she put on her sunglasses, took out her two revolvers, and said, “Likewise.” She then rushed past the two with surprising speed and began to circle around the stallions.

Twilight and Fluttershy stood in silence as Dash got closer to the ponies. After a pause, the girls looked at each other and nodded in silent agreement. They stood up straight, aimed their guns, and fired. Four stallions instantly dropped before they knew what happened.

“RUN!” Twilight shouted as the stallions returned fire. Twilight and Fluttershy ran and kept shooting behind as they were being chased by pissed off stallions. Soon, a rainbow trail appeared in the night sky, and with it, a hail of bullets.

“GET HER!” the 3 pegasus leaders said and they took to the air, chasing Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash began to zigzag in the air, dodging the bullets with ease. She turned around and shot her opponents, but her mind was elsewhere.

On the ground, Twilight was reloading rapidly when a bandit appeared from the grass. Twilight raised the repeater, but the stallion had his revolver to her head. Panic instantly swept over her.

‘No,’ she thought, ‘not yet, not now.’

Her fears were put to rest when there was a loud bang and the stallion crashed to the floor. Twilight turned and saw Fluttershy holding her shotgun, a scared and crazed expression on her face.

“Twilight, are you hurt?”

“I’m O.K.”

Suddenly, another pony appeared from the grass and fired. Twilight managed to grab Fluttershy and threw themselves to the ground. But not before the bullet grazed Twilight’s left cheek. On the floor, Twilight picked up the shotgun and fired at the pony, who drop-dead on the spot.

“Get up Fluttershy, we’re not done yet.” Twilight handed Fluttershy her shotgun and readied her repeater. The two then began to fire at the now bumbling ponies, whose leaders were still trying to catch Rainbow Dash.

Twilight and Fluttershy were eventually able to take out the disorganized bandits in a minute or so. Once the last one fell, they immediately aimed toward the sky, ready to assist their friend. That proved unnecessary as the moment they looked up, there was the sound of three gunshots and the leader’s limp bodies came crashing down. Dash descended with much more grace, but sporting an arrogant smile.

“Told you guys I’ll be O.K.”

“Only with our help.” Twilight pointed out. Rainbow Dash was about to say something else, but was stopped when she saw Twilight’s cheek bleeding freely.

“Oh no,” she cried, “you’re hurt. Here,” she reached into her saddlebag and produce a towel and a box of bandages. She held the towel to Twilight’s cheek until the bleeding stopped and place two bandages on it.

“Thanks” Twilight said, surprised how quickly Rainbow Dash went from arrogant to worrisome.

“I’m so sorry Twilight. I should have paid better attention. If I did, you wouldn’t have gone hurt.”

“Don’t worry Rainbow.” Twilight said

“Yeah, we know you were too busy dealing with the leaders.” Fluttershy added.

Rainbow Dash blew a raspberry, “Please, those guys were easy. The only reason I didn’t finish them sooner was that I was too worried for your safety that I couldn’t aim straight.”

There was a moment of silence after this revelation, then,

“Awww!” Twilight and Fluttershy were touched by this and they both hugged Dash.

Dash’s cheeks turned slightly red and gave an awkward laugh, “O.K guys, you could let go… guys… you could let go now… hello?... *sigh* fine.” And she returned their hugs, unable to hide her smile.

________________________________________

The next morning, the mares returned to town and made their way to the carriage station for their ride. If the pony in charge found it strange to see 3 mares with bags under their eyes and messy manes, he didn’t say. He pulled the carriage in front of them, ready to take them to the next town.

“So,” Twilight said, turning toward Rainbow Dash, “I guess this is it. We’re gonna miss you.”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, “What are you talking about? I’m coming with you guys!”

“What?” Both Twilight and Fluttershy gasped.

“Yeah, I mean, it makes sense. You guys seem to get into trouble a lot, so I can lend a helping hoof. Also, we’re both going to go Coltifornia, and traveling alone has been a drag.”

“You forgot one thing,” Twilight said

“What?”

“We’re are also friends.”

“Well, that goes without saying.”

Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash laughed as they piled into the carriage, all of them excited for what’s to come.