//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty Five // Story: Save The World, Duh! // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// Diamond I stared nervously at the fiery maned yellow pegasus and another unicorn with a red mane next to Sunset. We could all easily see the similarities between the three, mainly mane and coat colors. “So you’re all the new ponies Sunset calls family,” Spitfire said dryly and I had the feeling it wasn’t a question. “Yes ma’am,” I stood still and nodded slowly. She seemed to take no nonsense in any way and that made me nervous. “Walk with me,” Spitfire said coolly as she nodded at us. “You three. I only recognize Scootaloo which is going to be weird.” I glanced back at Mom and Sunset. They both gave me nods as Silver Spoon, Scootaloo and I followed the pegasus down the street. “You know the Crystal Empire disappeared over a thousand years ago?” Spitfire asked as she flapped her wings to hover next to us. “Before then, all of our clan along with Cloudkickers clan was buried here. We’ve served royalty for as long as I can remember. The Shimmer and Kicker clan were one of the few clans to remain loyal to Princess Celestia during the Lunar Rebellion. Non ducor duco.” “Sunset apparently said that during her fight with Chrysalis but I don’t get what it means,” Scootaloo admitted sheepishly as we entered a graveyard. “I am not led, I lead,” Spitfire answered with a faint smile. “It’s our clans motto. Our ancestors coined it. Because we don’t get led, we lead. I’m the captain of the Wonderbolts, Sunburst is the main foalsitter of Princess Flurry Heart and Sunset is the main ally of Princess Celestia and Twilight. She may not get along with Princess Celestia but she is still our ruler. Make sense?” “A bit,” I admitted and stared at the slowly setting sun. “If the Crystal Empire disappeared, where did you bury your dead?” “Canterlot,” Spitfire said simply. “It’s rare for pegasus to get buried but we bury ours. Most get their ashes dumped over they were born which for me is Cloudsdale. We’re the last three remaining of our clan unless you count Aunt Steller Flare which many don’t.” “Why are you telling us this?” Silver raised an eyebrow as we sat down on a bench. “History lesson. Knowing where you come from and how to properly represent that history is important.” That was fair I suppose. Our ex mom drilled that into us when we lived with her and our ex dad. Mainly because of her reputation but meh who cares. “So are you a hothead like Sunset tends to be or not really?” Scootaloo asked curiously with a flutter of her wings. “Sunset never told us any of this.” “Yes,” Spitfire admitted with a smirk. “We used to fight all the time as fillies. It used to be just hooves versus hooves till she learned magic and I could fly. Sunburst then sat us after she turned me into a mouse one day to go over rules like the little pacifist he is.” She rolled her eyes but maintained her smirk. “I didn’t expect her to tell after what she told me briefly about not wanting to show off.” That did sound like Sunset. “So if you all have served the princesses for this long, why did Sunset get chosen by Celestia as her pupil?” I asked and kicked my legs. “Why not?” That was a good answer as any I suppose. “She did tell me about her last few years and all that. When she’s fully healed and if she comes back, gonna knock some sense into her. Aiming to break her nose in fact.” “You’d better not!” Scootaloo snapped angrily as we glared at the older pegasus or well sister I guess the term is? “You have her spirit,” Spitfire chuckled as she quickly looked around her before messing with our manes with a hoof. “Okay, I won’t break her nose but we will fight. I’m her older sister, I’m responsible for her to not act that way. I may fight my siblings but I-” she hesitated and wet her lips as Silvers grin grew. “Love them?” Silver suggested with a wink. “Yes that. Thank you.” “And that includes us, right?” Scootaloo asked nonchalantly. Spitfire sighed and made eye contact. “I guess it does yeah. You three hit it off with Sunburst. He always was better with kids than I was. The only real interactions I have them are at shows and well our worlds Scootaloo,” Spitfire admitted as she fluffed her wings. “You seem to be doing well so far,” Scootaloo commented as Spitfire placed a hoof on her chin. “Ever been flying?” Spitfire asked with a grin. “Let me tell you, there’s no other feeling than the wind in your face and under your wings.” “No I haven’t,” Scootaloo admitted as Spitfire gave us a flat look. “What?” “Seriously? You’ve been here for a few weeks and Sunset hasn’t found somepony to teach you to fly yet she got my Wonderbolt reservists to teach Lightning Dust of all ponies to fly?” “What’s wrong with Lightning Dust?” I asked curiously. I had no issues with the older girl, she’s always nice to me and the others. A bit aggressive when provoked but nice. “She’s always nice to us. Violent but nice.” “I’ll tell you when you’re older. To put it lightly, I’ve made mistakes in my life. Kinda runs in the family I guess. But mistakes are necessary. Mistakes teach us to be better ponies. Being the best should never come at the expense of our fellow ponies,” Spitfire answered with a faint frown. “It’s weird to see Lightning working well with others. Sunset has told me a little and a few things that I can’t say in front of little ears. Something about a rival school?” “Huh,” Silver mused as she looked at me. “Sunset didn’t say anything about Lightning having history with Crystal Prep. She tells us everything.” “Don’t worry about it,” Spitfire shrugged as she slid off the bench and flapped her wings. She grabbed us with a wing and plopped us on her back and took off into the sky as I wrapped my hooves around her neck. “Hang on.” We stared down at the tiny specks that I assumed were ponies and buildings. I don’t think I’ll ever want to come down after this.