Pure Rage

Twilight walked out of her Library with Spike on her back, ready to do her duty. Spike looked out in the distance to Canterlot, suddenly suppressing a gasp as he just noticed the city, seeing smoke pluming from within it's walls.

"Woah, what's going on up there?" He asked, shocked.

"It's not anything you should worry about Spike," Twilight assured him, trying to get him calmed down, and to make him feel safe."But if you really want to know, then I'll tell you. There's been a new disease discovered. We don't know much about it, only that it spreads fast, and it's highly contagious. We'll be okay, though." Spike was getting worried again.

"What if it comes here? Why is it so bad?"

"You don't have to worry, Spike. A detachment of specialized royal guards, including my brother, are coming to Ponyville. The disease probably won't leave Canterlot anyway. The city has been sealed up."

"Wait, so you mean they just sealed away those ponies to their fates? They aren't going to save them?" Spike looked angry.

"Not exactly. You see, the disease is... really serious. It isn't safe for the ponies around them. A lot of healthy ponies did get out, though, and Princess Luna is bringing them here. Everything is going to be alright." Twilight said reassuringly.

They approached the town square, and walked into the town hall building. Sitting at a desk was a pony who seemed to be in her own world within her mind, as she just stared at the wall with an emotionless expression.

"That's kind of creepy," Spike said.

"Spike, don't be rude," Twilight scolded him, and trotted up to the desk. The pony took notice of her, and quickly snapped out of her daydream.

"Oh, Princess Twilight, I didn't see you walk in, heh...," She said with a nervous expression.

"Please, just call me Twilight," Twilight said to her.

"Yes, Pri-" The pony faked the most obvious fake cough ever. "Yes, Twilight. What can I do for you today?"

Twilight tried to hide her smirk. "I need to speak to Mayor Mare. It is of the utmost importance."

"Of course, I'll go get her now." The pony quickly got up and trotted through a door.

"She must be new to this job," Spike commented. Twilight was about to voice her agreement when Mayor Mare walked in.

"Ah, Princess Twilight!" Mayor Mare smiled, seeing Ponyville's hero.

"You don't have to call me that. Just Twilight is fine," Twilight said again.

"Okay, Twilight. What did you need me for?" Twilight prepared herself for what she as about to say. She hoped the mayor would take it well. Of course she would understand why.

"Mayor, I , under direct orders from Princess Celestia, am taking charge over the town of Ponyville. You are to step down until the event at hand blows over." Twilight held her breath.

Mayor Mare never expected this day would come. It was a part of the job, that in the event of an extreme crisis, a princess could appoint a pony to take charge over any given settlement. She wondered what kind of event would call for this.

"Of course, I understand. Tell me, why? What is the problem that this is required?" She asked Twilight with a worried voice. Twilight exhaled, glad to see that she had some notion. She explained.

"There has been an extremely lethal outbreak of disease in Canterlot. There is a possibility that Ponyville can be the next to get the disease within the town, so a detachment of royal guards, equipped with special equipment and training to make sure Ponyville and it's residents are safe. Ponyville will also be converted to house refugees from Canterlot."

Mayor Mare was shocked. " Then I'm more than willing to appoint my position to you, Twilight. This sounds serious. I will still be here, if you need any help."

"Thanks for understanding," Twilight smiled at the mayor. She went into the main room, and gathered all the couriers to inform all Ponyville residents to meet in front of the town hall.

Soon enough, all the ponies of Ponyville had gathered, and her friends were in front of the crowd.

"Attention, Ponyville residents. I have news on the events overtaking Canterlot. There has been a serious outbreak of an extremely lethal disease in the city. Luckily, it has been quarantined, and we will not have to worry about the sick escaping. A specialized battalion of guards led by Shining Armor himself will be arriving today to help us prepare for our most important job, aiding the refugees from Canterlot. I ask that we all remain calm and hopeful in these times, and that we all work together. I, under orders from Princess Celestia herself, have been appointed to rule over this town. I will try to the best of my abilities to make sure that we all stay safe. Thank you."

The pony's mouths were all agape, eyes wide in shock. Many of them started running back to their homes. Others started talking to each other, and others looked panicky. Two familiar ponies to Twilight looked very panicky.

"Twilight!" Applejack galloped up to Twilight, looking as if she was extremely troubled.

"What's the matter, Applejack?" Twilight asked her, wondering what the issue was.

"This whole situation is terrible! I can barely believe it!"

"Applejack, you don't have to worry. Everything is going to be fine. We'll have the best guards, and the refugee's will be good business for your farm!" Twilight said with a smile. Applejack glared at her.

"Twilight, Applebloom is up there! She was on a class trip to the Canterlot museum!" Twilight's smile disappeared instantaneously. She tried to think of things to make it sound better.

"Don't worry Applejack, I'm sure she's safe. Besides, Cheerilee is a very responsible pony. I doubt anypony would be left in harm's way with her."

"I just can't imagine what I would do if somethin' were to happen to Applebloom."

"You don't have to, because I can bet that she's just fine. I bet they're on their way as we speak."

"Thanks, Twi."

Rarity listened in on their conversation.

"This is The Worse Possible THING!" Rarity cried out, levitating her chaise longue, and collapsing onto it. Even though Rarity often said this in no significance at all, this time, she really meant it. "My dear Sweetie Belle is out there, surrounded by disease!"

"Rarity... Like I told Applejack, they're fine. You don't have to do this to yourself, you know."

"Oh, Twilight, I hope you are right. If only I could be there with her."

"You will be soon, Rarity. Don't worry about it." Twilight wanted to believe herself, but all she could do was hope she was correct. Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced up to Twilight.

"Hiya Twi! I was just wanderin' what you'd think if I were to throw a super duper welcome to Ponyville for all of those new ponies!" Twilight actually thought it would be a good idea. It would probably raise there spirits.

"Sure, Pinkie. Just don't over do it." Twilight replied.

"Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie zipped away in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner.

Twilight got Spike back up on her back and galloped back to her Library.

"Sir, the town is in site. What are your orders?" Shining Armor's chariot squadron were approaching Ponyville.

"Tell the other chariots to land near the hospital and begin distribution of all equipment. Land our chariot by the Library."

"Yes sir!" The pegasi flew to each chariot, telling their carriers to land by the hospital. He returned to his seat next to Shining.

"Good work. Now, let's just enjoy the rest of the ride."

There wasn't much of a ride left to enjoy. Soon enough, the chariot was bracing and landing in front of Golden Oaks Library. Shining climbed out of the chariot and trotted up the the door. He pushed it open, and the bell rang.

"Shining!" Twilight trotted up to her brother and gave him a hug. She felt something unfamiliar pressing against her. She just noticed that he wasn't wearing his usual captain's armor. Instead, he was wearing a padded suit, with a respirator around his muzzle, and goggles high on his forehead. She also noticed that his padded suit had purple trimming with a big purple star on each of his shoulders.

"Twily, it's good you see you. We've arrived, and are ready to distribute the necessities at the Ponyville hospital."

"Necessities? Like what you're wearing?" Twilight wondered if they would all have to wear those awkward looking suits.

"No, these are just the guard uniforms. We will distribute dust mask and goggles to all residents, and arriving refugees. You need to get the ponies gathered there so we can get them the equipment."

"You got it!" Twilight galloped out of her library, determined to do her job. Shining trotted out the library back into his chariot, instructing the pegasus drivers to fly them to the hospital.

Twilight, with the help of her friends, informed all the ponies of Ponyville to go to the hospital. She could already see ponies trotting around, wearing the mask and goggles. She eventually got to the hospital. She could see guards ponies and hospital staff handing out the equipment. She walked up to it, only for Rainbowdash to land in front of her.

"Twilight, do we really have to wear these?" She had her goggles and mask around her neck. "They're so uncomfortable."

"Yes, Rainbowdash, you d-" She was cut off by Rarity, who had joined the conversation suddenly. She had her equipment on.

"These things look horrid. They make everypony look akward." Twilight was about to speak again, only for Rainbowdash to speak instead.

"They don't actually look that bad. I think they look pretty cool. it's just that they feel really uncomfortable."

"The feel okay to wear, I don't see what you're talking about. They just look so dull and boring." Twilight had enough of the two yapping.

"Listen, girls, you have to wear this equipment. lives depend on it!" Raindbowdash quickly put on her gear, and both their faces were surprised.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell like that, but this is serious. We can't be goofing around with silly concerns like these." Twilight said, seriousness in her voice.

"I understand, Twi. I'll catch you later." Rainbowdash said, and with that, she dashed off, knocking Twilight and Rarity back slightly.

"I'm still going to go make these look presentable." Rarity walked off towards the Carousel Boutique.

Twilight continued trotting back up towards the table, seeing Dr.Stable hoofing out some equipment to a pony. He was wearing a respirator mask, like the guards. All the hospital staff were. It was her turn. She walked up to greet him, and he smiled at her.

"Ah, Princess Twilight! I have a special mask for you." He hoofed a respirator to her.

"I get one of these fancy masks? Why?"

"Special orders from you brother." Twilight didn't think she needed a special respirator while everypony else had dust mask, but it made sense for her brother to be protective of her. She appreciated how he looked out for her. She pulled the respirator on, and pulled the goggles over her eyes. She pulled out some of her mane that was caught underneath the goggles. She felt awkward, but at least she wasn't the only one wearing them.

"The refugees are coming!" A pegasus guard from above Twilight suddenly shouted, startling her. Some of the guards began galloping towards the bridge that the refugees were suppose to cross, Shining included. Twilight saw Applejack and Fluttershy talking to each other. Trotting over to them, she asked them to come with here to greet the refugees.

"Sure I will. I wanna be there to make sure Applebloom is okay."

Fluttershy just nodded quietly with a smile.

"If you don't mind, I wanna get Rarity to join us. I'm sure she'll want to see Sweetie Belle." With that, they set off.

Waiting by the bridge, they could see Princess Luna at the forefront of the crowd, leading them to the bridge. She stopped in front of Twilight.

"Twilight Sparkle." Twilight looked up to Luna." I assume tho-You... have prepared Ponyville for the arrival of the refugees?"

"Of course, Princess Luna. We are all set, but first, I'd appreciate it if you would keep the refugees here until we can fit them with their own gear before entering Ponyville."

"Good idea, Twilight. We will await the guards." Twilight turned her attention to the crowd of refugees. There were so many. She didn't know if Ponyville could accommodate such a high population increase. She decided to walk into the crowd, in which her friends followed.

Twilight looked around at all the refugees. They were all scraggly, mangy, and not a single one of them had anything close to a smile. Some of them could barely stand. Many looked at her with pleading eyes.

Twilight felt her own mood drop just by making eye contact with a pony. It only got worse. Some of the ponies had bandages wrapped around their limbs. Many had coats stained with red, what she could only assume to be dry blood. Many of them had soaked cheeks, or were still crying. She could only imagine what actually happened up there inSom Canterlot. She hoped whatever Pinkie had planned would actually work.

She became more and more doubtful every second she watched them. Her friends weren't any better. Applejack was looking around franticly, and Rarity was looking around carefully. Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen.

Surprisingly, Twilight managed to spot Cheerilee among the crowd before Applejack and Rarity could. Twilight quickly trotted over to Cheerilee, needing to confirm her words.

"Cheerilee!" Twilight called out to get her attention, and she turned her gaze to meet Twilight's. Twilight could tell she was shaken up, and a look of sadness was on her face.

"Twilight... " Cheerilee didn't know what to say to her.

"Are they safe?" Twilight asked, referring to the class. Cheerilee understood. She didn't want to answer. She looked away, hoping Twilight would leave, but when she looked back, she was still there. Cheerilee sighed, and answered.

"No, Twilight. They aren't. Some of them are. They're right here." Twilight's ears fell back, and a frown appeared. She scanned the group of traumatized children to spot the three fillies she knew so well. She couldn't miss that giant bow from a mile away.

"Applebloom!" Twilight trotted up to Applebloom, who noticed her. At some point, Applejack had trotted up the them.

"Applejack!" Applebloom noticed her older sister, and galloped over to her, jumping onto her into a big hug.

"I'm so glad you're safe, Applebloom, I was so worried for you, thought you would never come back!" Applejack sat on her haunches and held Applebloom. Normally, Applebloom would protest to this kind of treatment, but not now.

"Me too." Applebloom replied. Applejack noticed something.

"Where's Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?" All the happiness that Applebloom had felt suddenly caught on fire and the ashes blew away in the winds of pain.

"They didn't get out with us."

"What do you mean, they didn't get out with you?" Twilight asked, panicked.

"The guards closed the doors before we could all get out together. They were left behind." Applejack and Twilight's faces were a blend of the same emotions.

"Are you going to tell Rarity?" Applejack asked Twilight.

"I'm going to have to. I can't believe this." Twilight looked at Cheerilee. Cheerilee looked back at them, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

"I'm so sorry..."