Equestria Under Siege

by Willfire

Chapter 4: Ponyville

Chapter 4
Ponyville

“Nice timing there Pinkie, I was on my last clip.” Rainbow said as she flew alongside the jeep as it raced away from the Quil, the enemy having aborted their assault for some odd reason as they raced for the front lines. After a moment she managed to get Spike into a better position and landed in the moving vehicle with a sigh of relief from her aching wings. “And what in the hay was that you said a few minutes ago?”

“Nah, good writing and nothing to worry about.” Pinkie told her.

“Huh?” Rainbow asked but Pinkie only snorted in laugher.

“Anyway, Sergeant Pinkamena ‘Pinkie’ Diane Pie for those of you who don’t know. I was racing out here to help you out because my Pinkie sense said you needed help.” Pinkie told them. Applejack and Rarity smiled recognizing the mare from their home town.

“Yes, Rainbow and I met Pinkie as we were searching for Twilight here. She saved us from the Lightening discharge from Cloudsdale. I’m guessing she was attacked before she and her dragon could get into the warp point.” Fluttershy told them quietly, though loud enough to be heard over the rush of wind.

Everyone started to visibly relax from the fighting. As Applejack started to open her mouth she saw Rarity looking down at her fatigues. Applejack quickly closed her mouth and covered her ears.

“EEEEEK! Oh this is horrid, terrible a complete disaster!” She yelled.

“What is?” Rainbow Dash asked next to her rubbing her ear from the sudden scream.

“The dirt and grime. This just cannot be. Hold still everyone!” Rarity’s horn glowed and for a second everyone is covered in a light blue aura. Suddenly a flash and everyone is cleaned from the dirt and grime, their fatigues neat as they just came from the cleaners. “There we go Darlings. Even if the fashion is drab we can still look fabulous in the middle of war.”

“Rarity, how in the hay did you pass boot camp?” Applejack asked.

“With flying colors thank you. Do you think my skill in shooting a Quil at nearly 1000 yards is a fluke?” Rarity asked with a huff. Then she giggled. “I know it’s odd. A fashiontista like me on the battlefield? Oh the scandal. But rest assured Darling, I did pass and I did so with my own skill.”

The group, minus an unconscious Twilight and Spike, started to laugh. After a moment the laughter died and Rainbow Dash leaned forward.

“So Pinkie, where are we going?”

“Well…” Pinkie paused as he mane twitched. “First we are going to get back the front lines and from there we are going to Ponyville for the most awesome, wonderfully terrific party we can have because we are all the best of friends now!” She looked over her shoulder at a few odd looks. “Ok, ok we are going to Ponyville for the hospital for Twilight and her dragon there.” She smiled. “Then we can have the party before heading back to the front.”

Rainbow Dash leaned close to Rarity. “Uh, what’s up with this mare?” She whispered.

“Here is a little advice for you Rainbow. That is Pinkie Pie, she is bizarre to say the least but her heart is in the right place. When something happens we of Ponyville called it ‘Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie’. Before the war she was Ponyville’s party planner, she knew everyone in town and threw a party at the drop of a hat. And yes that theory was tested before and it turned into block party.” Rarity told her with a roll of her eyes though she was smiling.

“So you are from Ponyville too?” Fluttershy asked. She was leaned between the seats checking over Twilight and Spike’s bandages.

“Why yes I am along with dear Applejack here. I, Rarity, was the one and only fashion designer for all of Ponyville and before the war I was spreading out to places like Manehatten and Canterlot. But unfortunately the war started.”

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked again. She finished checking the bandages as Rarity finished speaking and pulled back to her seat. Rarity’s smile faded slightly.

“My father was going to join the war. He wasn’t as young as he use to be and I feared that he wouldn’t survive. I don’t know what I would do if I lost either of them so I joined the Armed Forces in his place, after I made him swear he wouldn’t join up after me.”

“Hey, you saved your father. That’s a pretty generous gift there, taking his place. Despite being so prissy, I like you. Your ok in my book.” Rainbow Dash told her putting her hand on Rarity’s shoulder. Then she turned to Applejack. “So what’s your story?”

“Nuthing I want to talk about, maybe later.” She started pulling off her helmet. “Yes I lived in Ponyville, in fact, all mah life. Mah family runs Sweet Apple Acers, best apples in all of Equestria.” Applejack said with a note of pride. Then she looked at Rainbow Dash with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. “You?”

“You are looking at the best flyer in Cloudsdale, Fluttershy and I are from Reaver Squad of the 6th Combat Air Unit. I joined up to show my worth to the Wonderbolts, the greatest most awesome elite assault flyers in Equestria. With my kill count and flight hours logged its only a matter of time before they offer me a position.” Rainbow said, she couldn’t help but to puff herself up with pride at her words.

“And what of you Darling? Why did you join up?” Rarity asked Fluttershy. With a faint ‘eep’ she sunk into her seat. But after a moment she straighten and turned to look at Rarity.

“So many folk were being hurt and killed. I’m not a good flyer as Rainbow Dash or marksmare…” Rainbow Dash snorted at those words with a small smile but Fluttershy chose to ignore it. “but I’m pretty good as a field medic…” Suddenly Rainbow Dash burst out laughing.

“Dash! You shouldn’t laugh at her.” Applejack said sternly.

“I..can’t…help it.” Rainbow Dash snorted between laughs. After a moment she calmed down. “Don’t let Fluttershy fool you. Yes she’s shy, yes she’s meek…not that’s not it uhhh…Humble. That’s it she’s humble and easily intimidated. She use to wear a heavy flak jacket into combat, I made her leave it behind this time. When we engaged the Quil in the skies around Cloudsdale I told her to fly at Combat Speed and she started to fly faster than me because she didn’t have the extra weight, nothing a flier like me couldn’t keep up with but she impressed me. As for her marksmareship, see that pistol sticking out from under her arm there? She doesn't give herself enough credit really. As for her being a simple field medic…I know a number of soldiers and myself included I’m ashamed to say, who owe her their lives. The filly has it where it counts and I want no one else by my side in combat.” As Rainbow spoke Fluttershy started to blush deeper and deeper, sinking into the seat.

“Thank you Rainbow…” Fluttershy said lowly half hiding behind her mane.

Silence fell about the group as Pinkie drove. Ahead of them they could see where the Armed Forces drew their ‘line in the sand’ against the Quil. On the side they were on, the earth lay dead and brown. Drained of the very magic it contained. On the other side, alive and green. The stark contrast was disturbing to those that never seen it before, unfortunately the four mares in the jeep have seen it many times. The Armed Forces hunkered down behind sandbags and trenches as needed, all members on the line keep one weathered eye towards the wasteland of the Quil.

As Pinkie Pie pulled up to a gate to pass through the line Fluttershy pulled out a small bottle from her medical bag and held it under Twilight’s nose. The stallion on guard waved them through as Twilight’s eyes slowly fluttered open.

“Ugh, where am I?” Twilight asked still groggy.

“Hey there Sparkle, glad to see you are still with us.” Applejack told her.

“Good to know…Spike? SPIKE!” Twilight shot up from where she was slumped into the seat and looked around quickly spotting Spike next to her. “Spike?! Speak to me!”
Twilight turned to shake Spike awake when a soft hand stopped her. Turning she saw the yellow mare from Cloudsdale holding her arm.

“Please don’t move too much you still need proper medical attention. Spike is going to be ok, but he is badly injured just like you. How you both survived is beyond me but I’m impressed you did long enough for me to treat your wounds.” Fluttershy said. Twilight nodded and leaned back in her seat.

After a moment, as the jeep passed through the encampment on the line, the mares passed around their names for Twilight.

“So where are we going?” Twilight asked as Pinkie Pie turned onto the road that ran parallel to a set of train tracks.

“According to Pinkie Pie here, we are heading for a place called Ponyville to get you to a hospital to get you checked over. Don’t know why though, granted I’m enjoying the down time for the moment. I just want to make sure you are ok after you saved us.” Rainbow told her.

“Well, thanks, all of you for helping me. I’m glad to see you two made it out alive too.” Twilight said.

“No problem Twilight, just helping out. We are about twenty minutes from Ponyville now so just hang on.” Pinkie said over her shoulder.

Twilight, still settled in her seat looked around at the passing country side. From where they were on the road Twilight could see Canterlot sitting on the mountain side in the distance. She missed her life back in Canterlot. Before the war she was Princess Celestia’s personal student, studying all sorts of magic. In fact her talent was Magic. Her hand drifted to her hip were a small six pointed purple star surrounded by five smaller white stars. It appeared when she was just a little filly, hatching Spike for her entrance exam to the School for Gifted Horned Folk and Celestia’s student. It was a simple yet rewarding life before the Quil appeared. After the Quil appeared Celestia moved her to the R&D Department of the Armed Forces to give her a chance to apply those lessons to helping the war effort. Research was something she was good at, along with studying. Twilight couldn’t help but to wonder, how many Colts and Fillies have yet to find their cutie marks due to this war and how many will never find it.

“Hey Sugercube, you ok? You seem kinda out of it.” Applejack asked her suddenly.

“Just thinking about my life before this war and what I’m going to do now that I’m a part of it.” Twilight looked around. “Did anyone get my weapon?”

“No we didn’t Sugercube, we were kinda more worried about the Quil swarming us.” Applejack said. “Why?”

“I’ll show you.” Twilight’s horn lit up and after a moment a flash of purple light flashed and a SAW appeared in her lap. What was really unique was the fact it was painted purple with her cutie mark on the stock. She handed it to Applejack. “See for yourself.”
Applejack too the weapon, her mind couldn’t help but to wonder how a slim Horned folk could pick up such a heavy weapon. But once it was in her hands she saw how that was possible. It was light, extremely light. “What in the world?”

“I used a bunch of my research to make a really light weapon. To compensate I enchanted a recoil suppressor and to cut my weight down even more the clip is enchanted for self replenishing. No need for extra ammo, I got all I need.”

“Ok, mildly interesting I reckon. When do these babies rollout?” Applejack said as she handed Twilight her weapon back.

“I’m testing now, if they work. They will ‘roll out’ as you put it.” Twilight said with a slight smile.

“So why did you get into the war?” Applejack asked suddenly.

Twilight slowly turned to look at Spike still out like a light next to her. “Because of him. I joined the war effort as a soldier when he did so I can watch over him.” She turned to look at Applejack who was standing on her seat.

“Look y’all, Ponyville.” Applejack called out and pointing.

In the distance they could see thatched roof houses and buildings that marked the town of Ponyville. Smoke rising from a couple of chimneys. Even from where they were on the road they could see a few Winged folk flying through the air.

“Is that a tree in the center of town?” Rainbow Dash asked. Her sharp eyes catching the tree in the center of town.

“You are correct, that is the Golden Oaks Library. I wonder if Ms Decimal is still running the place?” Rarity asked. “Oh I can’t want to see my family, I wonder if Sweetie Bell is home.”

“Me too, well not Sweetie Bell since she is your sister but I wonder how the Cakes are doing, are they doing ok with the shop and I got a letter from them saying that Ms. Cake's foals were bigger now oh oh oh I can baby sit for them yes that’s perfect I can baby sit the kids and have lots of fun and games can’t forget the games…mphm!” Pinkie suddenly was silence by a hand to the mouth by Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah Pinkie, we get it.”

Everyone around missed Applejack slumping back into the seat with a blank look on her face.

Pinkie turned to follow the road as it pulled away from the train tracks heading into Ponyville proper. Slowing her speed the dirt road turned into cobblestone as she moved along.
To Twilight, the peaceful town was a surprise. Every town, city and village had been affected by the long years of war, yet Ponyville seemed to take it in stride. Smiling faces of folks as they walked from store to store taking care of their daily lives. Young colts and fillies ran through the marketplace playing with each other through the busy square. Yet for all of this Twilight did see more than a few of the citizens had weapons somewhere on them. The Winged Folk that was seen earlier turned out to be a mix of weather patrol and military patrols though they were not wearing the colors of the Equestrian Armed Forces. They had to be another of the ‘irregulars’, non military civilians who took some military training to form militias around Equestria. Another puzzling sight she saw in Ponyville was the fact that what few vehicles she could see, all of them were some form of jeep.

{That’s odd…} Twilight thought.

*******************

It wasn’t long before Pinkie stopped the jeep in front of the hospital. As Applejack picked up Spike, Rarity and Fluttershy helped Twilight stumble behind them. It didn’t take staff long to spot the two injured and quickly rushed them back for treatment leaving the rest to do nothing but look at each other in silence.

After a few minutes Applejack spoke up. “I’ma going to store my gear in the jeep then take a walk. Find me when Twilight is out. I need to take care of something.” With that she spun on a heel and walked out.

“Hmm, well Gunny Applejack does have a point. I may not get a better chance than now.” Rarity said after a moment. “Pinkie, be a dear and help Rainbow and Fluttershy around town and find us when Twilight is released. I need to find my little sister and see how she is doing.” Then she too walked out the doors calling for Applejack.

“Okie-dokie-loki.” Pinkie said as she waved after her. Then she turned to Rainbow and Fluttershy and grabbed them both by the arms. “Come on girls let’s find Twilight.” Then she pushed through the doors where Twilight vanished through.

*******************

Applejack found herself walking along the dirt road heading out of town. Ahead of her she could see row upon rows of apple trees. The sight was familiar to her, it was her home before she went to look for her brother. How did the farm fare? It look like it was going strong which was good. A few displaced members of the Apple family moved in to help with the farm, which allowed her to look for her brother without worry. But truly, she was worried. She wasn’t going to lie to herself. How has Granny Smith been? She was an old mare, even if she was full of fire still. And her younger sister Apple Bloom, what of her? It has been nearly three years since she saw her sister.

A loud buzzing sound snapped her out of her musing. Looking up she saw what looked to be a young orange skinned Winged folk filly with a short purple mane and tail on a scooter racing her way. Her wings, smaller than normal for her age of about 14, were the source of the buzzing sound as she used them to propel the scooter forward. Behind the young filly was a wagon where two more fillies sat. One was a white skinned Horned folk filly with a light purple hair with a white strip. The other one made Applejack’s breath catch in her throat. She was a yellow skinned Earth Folk Filly with bright red mane and tail with a large red bow in her hair. All three were wearing shirts and overalls, dirty from farm work but laughing as they skimmed along the ground. Applejack danced aside before she would become road kill from the breakneck speed the trio were traveling. As they passed, her eyes and the eyes of the Earth Folk Filly locked.

“Applejack…” The filly breathed. “Scoots wait! It’s Applejack!” The orange filly slammed on the breaks, her wings shifting to provide reverse thrust. The white filly was thrown from the wagon with an oof as Apple Bloom dived off before it came to a complete stop. “APPLEJACK!!” She raced for her sister and threw herself into Applejack’s arms. “Oh sis, Ah missed you! Are ya home for good?”

“Sorry Sugercube. Fate may have brought me home, but fate will make me leave it again. Ah still haven’t found Big Mac, but I had to see mah family.” Applejack told her as she hugged her sister. “Land sakes you have grown Apple Bloom, and your friends too. How’s the farm?”

Apple Bloom’s joyous face fell slightly at Applejacks’ words but quickly brighten. “We are doing great for now. With so many of the family running from the Quil many came here to help keep the farm alive.” Then her face grew serious. “Ah did what you asked AJ, Ah kept the farm going. Ah took charge and did mah best. Ah did the work and made sure Ah could do it all before Ah asked anyone to do it.” She let go of Applejack and looked to her friends. “Ah nearly lost them, the rest of the Crusaders because Ah felt Ah had to do it. But the family, they know Ah’m still just a filly and gave me the chance to keep my friends.” She laughed then turned back to her sister. “The family kicked me out to have some fun with them.”

Applejack laughed. “Ah’m proud of you sis, mighty proud. Ah need to see Granny Smith so you little fillies have fun.”

“Hey, we ain’t little!” The orange filly called out.

“Scootaloo, Hush! Apple Bloom is talking with her sister.” The white filly said with a small glare.

“Oh you hush Sweetie Bell, we ain’t little.” Scootaloo told her.

“Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo, my stars you have grown too.” Applejack said as she looked at the other two. Then something clicked in her mind. “Sweetie Bell, your sister is in town too and looking for you. She’s somewhere in town.”

“Rarity?! Come on Scootaloo we need to get into town fast! Spend time with your sister Apple Bloom, we can do this later!” Sweetie Bell said as she dived back into the wagon.

“You ok AB?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yeah, Ah’m fine we can do this later. Thanks for all your hard work over the weeks.” Apple Bloom said with a small smile.

“Take care!” Sweetie Bell called out as the wagon took off. Both Apple Sisters waved back as she zipped off for town. Once they were out of site Apple Bloom looked at Applejack.

“Come on AJ, let’s see Granny Smith.” Apple Bloom said as she pulled her sister along.

The two of them walked in silence along the white fence that marked the properly line of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack saw many trees were still full of fruit but she knew that it was Apple Bucking season and they wouldn’t stay that way for long. As she got closer and closer to the main gate she could feel the years of fighting just melt away from her shoulders.

“It’s good to be home…” Applejack said as they walked through the gate only to have her good mood drop from shouting coming from the nearby trees. “What in tarnation?”

“Oh boy, sounds like the twins are at it again.” Apple Bloom said as she changed course to find out what the problem was.

“Twins? Oh, Red and Green Apple huh?” Applejack said as she followed her little sister towards the shouting.

“Yeah, those two work well together but…they easily get distracted.”

Entering the rows of trees they found two staillions arguing about where to places the baskets. One was red skinned Earth Folk with a short green mane and the other was a green Earth Folk with a red mane. Both wore overalls like Apple Bloom.

“What in the name of apples are you two arguing about now?” Apple Bloom yelled at the two arguing stallions. Applejack hung back to watch how Apple Bloom dealt with this.

“Uh, Bloom…we thought you left.” The Red asked shocked to see the little filly walking up to him.

“Ah did. But something brought me back. Now spill.”

“Yeah…we was arguing about the placement of the baskets…” The Green started.

“There is nothing to argue about, you know how they should be placed so place them!” Apple Bloom told them half shouting at them. She paused a moment then turned to look at Applejack. Red and Green Apple followed her gaze. Their eyes widened to see Applejack standing there, her arms crossed and leaned against a tree. “Aj, want to see if you still got it?” Applejack’s eyebrow rose slightly. “These two need to learn the placement of the baskets again. Ah say they place and we buck, you get that row.” She said pointing to the row of trees where Applejack leaned. “And Ah get this one. Winner finishes the row first.” She crossed her arms with a sly smile. Applejack looked at the rows then back to Apple Bloom.

“Red Apple goes and sets baskets for you, Ah get Green Apple.”

“Deal.”

Apple Bloom and Applejack went to the start of the rows of trees followed by the twins.

“On yer mark.” Apple Bloom called out. She started to stretch her legs a little. Almost a mirror image of Applejack as she did the same.

“Get set…” Applejack called as she finished. She looked over at Apple Bloom. “Let’s see what you got sis, Ah’m not holding back.”

“Same here sis, same here.” Apple Bloom said. She saw a few of the other members of their family collecting to watch having heard the arguing brothers earlier.

“GO!” Applejack and Apple Bloom yelled out sending Red and Green Apple shooting ahead to start placing baskets.

The mare and filly paused until Red and Green were a few trees away from them before they started themselves. Applejack trotted up to a tree as she watched Apple Bloom’s technique.

Apple Bloom ran up to her first tree and kicked out with a forward heel sending only about half the apples to the ground. Before the apples were even half way she spun on her heel still on the ground and gave another kick, a spinning side kick into the tree clearing it out. With a laugh the filly moved to the next tree. She did the same thing only with her other leg.

{She’s good with either leg. Good form and land sakes a strong little filly. Ah’m impressed.} Applejack thought. {But time to show her who the better bucker is.} She turned to her first tree and kicked it hard on the side clearing the tree in a single kick.

As she ran for the next one she saw Apple Bloom had gained two more trees in the time she got one. But Applejack smiled to herself as she kicked the next tree again clearing it with one kick. Apple Bloom couldn’t keep that pace up forever and they had a lot of trees still to cover. Applejack started to move faster. On her side, years of experience along with trained power honed to a fine point. She knew exactly how much force was needed for each tree. On Apple Bloom’s side, youth and raw power. The little apple was strong, no doubt about that.

As the two of them raced Applejack caught up to her little sister who was bound and determined to show just how much she learned for her elder amidst the whooping and hollering by the growing members of the apple clan as they were drawn to the race by all the commotion. Despite the noise the only thing the sisters saw were each other as they raced. Their smiles were broad as day as they pushed themselves to their limits, never backing down until finally it came to the last tree.

Apple Bloom was tired, she knew it and her body was telling her so harshly. But she ran forward. One more tree and she would win. Applejack was not only impressed she was beaming with pure pride at her sister’s work. All she needed was one more tree and she would win. She knew that Apple Bloom light frame would help her make the move quicker so she decided to play a trump card. Instead of trying to kick the tree Applejack lunged the way her Armed Forces training taught her and landed a strong punch to the tree as Apple Bloom spun for her second kick. The resounding double thwacks resounded throughout the orchard as everyone held their breath to watch for the final apple to drop. And when it did, no one made a sound. As far as everyone could tell the final apple for both trees landed at the same time.

“Well what do you know, a tie.” Applejack said with a smirk through her heavy breathing.

“Guess so sis.” Apple Bloom gasped between breaths as she held out her hand to her sister who promptly took it.

“Ah’m mighty proud of you sis, you did great, better than great! And imagine you are only a filly. You could be better than me!”

Apple Bloom could only smile at her sister’s praise as the apple clan around them started to cheer.

“Ah’hem.” A gravelly voice called out causing the cheering to suddenly die out in a sudden second and Applejack stiffened into attention stance out of instinct.

“Uh oh…” Apple Bloom said more to herself than anything. She and Applejack, turning on one heel, turned to see an elderly green Earth Folk mare standing there with the support of a cane, her mane white with age. Her eyes narrowed at the mare and filly before her.

“Now anyfolk want ta explain ta me why Ah’m looking at mah granddaughter and no grandson in sight?” She said. Applejack relaxed a little.

“Hello, Granny Smith. Ah’m not really back, I kinda ended up here in Ponyville after getting my flank rescued by Pinkie Pie. And of course she came here. Ah…Ah had to come by and see mah family. Ah’m a Apple to the core and Ah wanted to see mah family.” Applejack told her causing the elder Apple to raise her eyebrows and her gaze solften.

“Durn tooting you are. Give your Granny a hug.”

Applejack needed no further bidding as she rushed over and gave her granny a gentle hug.

***********************

Twilight was sitting on the side of the bed as the Horned Folk doctor, his horn a glow as he looked at a clipboard in his hands. Twilight could feel the magic from his horn scanning her as he wrote something down.

“So Doctor, how is Spike doing?” Twilight asked as she watched him write on the clipboard. Her fatigue jacket laid over a chair as she sat on the examination table in a olive tank top leaving her arms bare.

“While I am more worried about you I can say that your friend is going to make a full recovery. He suffered from lacerations, some trauma to his wing and severe blood loss. But other than that he is in stable condition and should be out in a day or so. He should be lucky that Dragons are so resilient.” He looked at Twilight. “You on the other hand are not so much. You got a major laceration on your side just above your cutie mark, your mana levels are low and not to mention the multiple points of blunt force trauma all over your body from when you landed. No offense to your friends who brought you in, but you were marehandled a little to roughly for my liking. But I tip my stethoscope to the medic that patched the two of you up.”

“I’ll be sure to pass along. Am I cleared to go?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, you got a clean bill of health. Your body responded very well to the magical healing so you should be good to go. Since you are a soldier, I’m not going to try to tell you to be safe just…try not to die out there.” The doctor told her.

“As much as I would say ‘I will’ we both know I don’t have that luxury. Thank you doctor, will you contact me as soon as Spike is released?”

“I will, and don’t worry Ponyville is a small town it won’t be had to find you.” He said said as he opened the door to the examination room and motioned for her to leave. But Twilight wasn’t watching the doctor she was staring out the door at Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looking in. All three of them with embarrassed looks on their faces as they slowly toppled over into the examination room.

“Uh, hi Twi, you ok…well yeah you are according to the doc here.” Rainbow Dash sheepishly.

“Do you ladies mind? This is a hospital examination room not a waiting room. IF you are here for your friend she is free to go. Check with the nurse on your way out please.”

“Okie-dokie-loki.” Pinkie Pie said with a grin. She got up and grabbed Twilight and threw her over a shoulder. “Come on silly, it’s time to show you the town, someone grab her jacket.” Then she was out the door with a yelling Twilight over her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy glanced at each other then jumped to their feet. As Fluttershy grabbed Twilight’s jacket the two of them followed Pinkie Pie out of the hospital.

Once outside the two of them saw Pinkie Pie throwing Twilight into the jeep. “Come on girls, first stop Sugercube Corner!”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy climbed into the Jeep avoiding Applejack and Rarity’s equipment as Pinkie Pie fired up the jeep and took off. Despite the fast take off Pinkie didn’t drive like a mad mare through the streets.

“What is this ‘Sugercube Corner’?” Rainbow asked.

“Just the best place to go to for sweets and such. I’m sure you could use some after Cloudsdale. And I hear it’s hard to get supplies up there too.” Pinkie said.

“Oh that sounds lovely. I haven’t had anything sweet for a while now.” Fluttershy said.

“I guess I could use some too.” Twilight said from the passenger seat. “In fact I could really use something sweet right now.”

The trip went in silence as Pinkie waved at a few folk she knew. Other’s called her name happy to see their friend again and soon they pulled up to what looked to be an over sized ginger bread house. Twilight could only stare as Pinkie pulled up in front of the building and hopped out. She took a moment to throw her helmet and jacket into the back.

“Come on girls, and stand down everyone. This is Ponyville and it is as safe as we are going to get.” Pinkie told them. If her grin could get any wider it would cut her head in half.

“Pinkie…we are only a few miles from the front. If anything happens Ponyville won’t stand a chance we can’t afford to relax in the slightest.” Twilight told her.

“Maybe, but Ponyville made it a point that as long as nothing happens anyone can and will feel safe here. So stand down Sergeant Sparkle and be just Sparkle for a bit.”

Twilight hung her head at Pinkie’s words then sighed. “Find, my weapon and jacket is already back there.” She pulled off her helmet that she kept on the entire time and tossed it to the back. “Will our equipment be safe out here?”

“Of course it will silly. I want to say hi to Mr. and Ms Cake.” Pinkie said already half way into the building. Twilight looked at Rainbow and Fluttershy.

“Why not?”

“I can think of a dozen reasons why not…but none of them are making sense so let’s go.” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk. She pulled off her jacket, helmet and threw it all into the back. “Come on ‘Shy, let’s see what is so special about this place.”

“O-okay.” Fluttershy followed suit and climbed out with Twilight as the two of them joined Rainbow by the door.

Once inside the three of them paused at the smells that assaulted their noses. It was heaven on earth and each of them couldn’t help but to drool slightly. The tables didn’t have anyone in them but at the end of the room was a cash register where Pinkie Pie stood talking to a blue skinned older mare with a pink and white mane curled on the top of her head like frosting. She wore a yellow dress with a white apron and she looked up to see the three standing by the door.

“Come in, come in. You must be Pinkie’s friends she was telling me about. Come in and look around. I’m Ms. Cake and my husband and I run Sugercube Corner.” Ms. Cake said as she waved them in.

As the three of them approached the squealing of tiny voices rang out coming from the stairs not far from the register leading to the upstairs living area.

“Pinkie! Pinkie! Pinkie is back!” Two voices called out. From the stairs a yellow skinned horned folk filly and a light brown winged folk colt came racing down the stairs both were wearing a blue and pink shirt respectively and pants. Well the filly was running the colt flew down the stairs and banked hard to the left to crash into Pinkie with a hug, his sister only seconds behind him.

“Pound Cake, Pumpkin Cake! Oh I missed you little sillies.” Pinkie said with a laugh as she hugged the two little ones.

“They asked about you a lot while you were gone.” Ms. Cake said.

“And I missed them too.” Pinkie said as she looked at them fondly.

“Are you back?” The filly, Pumpkin Cake, asked.

“Just for a day or so. I need to show Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy around town too.” The foals faces fell. “Aww don’t worry we will still have a chance to play then I need to go back and teach those Quil a lesson.” They perked up at that then ran up stairs yelling they will hold her too it.

“You seem to be good with kids.” Fluttershy told her with a small smile.

“Yeah, I use to live and work here before I joined the Armed Forces. I would foal sit the twins too.” Pinkie stood up and dusted herself off. “I joined so I could make the future safe for them.” She turned to Ms. Cake. “Anyway, this is 1st Sergeant Twilight Sparkle, Staff Sergeant Rainbow Dash and Sergeant Fluttershy. I kinda helped bail them out of a sticky situation.”

The three mares behind her waved at their names. Well Twilight and Rainbow waved, Fluttershy hid behind her mane.

“A pleasure to meet the three of you. Here, on the house, some cupcakes for each of you.” Ms. Cake said as she pulled out three chocolate cupcakes for them.

“Oh yeah, sweet!” Rainbow Dash said as she grabbed a cupcake. “Looking good Ms. Cake.”

The three of them took a bite and gave a faint moan of happiness at the taste.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Ms. Cake said with a smile.

Behind them, the door opened to the sound of more voices. Turning around they saw Rarity and two fillies wearing overalls walking into the store.

“Oh hey girls.” Rarity said with a grin then led the two with her to the counter. “Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo these are my friends. This is Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. And of course you both know Pinkie Pie. Girls, this is my little sister Sweetie Bell and her friend and fellow crusader Scootaloo.”

“Hello girls.”Twilight said with a smile. Then she grew puzzled. “Crusader?”

“Yep we are two of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. We are Crusaders for our Cutie Marks.” Sweetie Bell said. She pulled her shirt up on her side and showed her blank hip as Scootaloo did the same. “Us and Apple Bloom do what we can to earn our cutie marks.” She looked at Scootaloo with a smile as Rarity covered her ears.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS YAY!” The two of them shouted with a high five to each other causing everyone else in the room but Rarity to flinch.

“Well it’s good that you three fillies are doing their best to find your destinies.” Fluttershy told them quietly.

“Of course!” Scootaloo said.

“So why not join us Rarity, you girls too. We are about to enjoy a few good cupcakes.” Twilight asked.

“Can we get them to go? We can take some to Apple Bloom and her sister Applejack?” Scootaloo asked. “Today was to be her day off so why not take some to her. It’s the least we can do for her.”

“You know, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Rainbow said. “As much as I like this place, I want to see an Apple Orchard.” Everyone looked at her. “What? Applejack said she use to work at an apple orchard.”

Twilight couldn’t help but to laugh. “Sure why not, I wanted to see one too.” She turned to Ms. Cake. “Can we get a baker’s dozen?”

“Sure thing sweetie. Give me a moment.” Ms. Cake turned and walked back into the kitchen. A few minutes later she walked back out with a box of cupcakes. “You girls have fun ok.”

“Oh we will. Thanks Ms. Cake.” Sweetie Bell said as Twilight took the box and dropped a few bits on the counter. “Let’s go we can show you where Sweet Apple Acres is.”

With waves and calls of good by the group stepped out. The first thing they noticed was the wagon and scooter parked next to the jeep. Sweetie Bell hopped into the wagon and pulled on a helmet as Scootaloo jumped onto the scooter.

“What is this?” Rainbow asked as she watched Scootaloo pull on her helmet.

“This is our scooter.” Scootaloo said. She spread her small wings sheepishly. “As you can see I can’t fly…” She folded her wings back embarrassed and hung her head. Silence hung in the air. Scootaloo raised her head when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“So you use your small wings to propel that scooter along pulling your friends with you. You any good?” Rainbow asked her.

Scootaloo smiled at that. “I’m the best!”

“Really?” Rainbow asked an eyebrow raising. There was a smirk fighting to take over her face. Everyone else had already climbed into the jeep but Fluttershy placed a hand on Pinkie’s shoulder keeping her from taking off. “In that case, prove it.” Rainbow’s wings started to flap pulling her into the air. “I’ll race ya there.”

“You don’t even know where Sweet Apple Acre at. It would be an unfair advantage.” Scootaloo told her. Her wings were starting to buzz in excitement at the idea of the race.

“And I’m awesome enough that I could use a handicap. Besides I saw it from the north of town, I know where I need to go. In face I’ll stay below the roof line and stick to the streets. So you up for it?”

“Your on Rainbow Dash, you are on!” She looked behind her to Sweetie Bell. “Hang on Sweets, this is going to be a bumpy ride.”

“Oh boy…” Sweetie said as she grabbed the sides of the wagon. Rainbow hovered over Scootaloo as Pinkie cranked the engine.

“On your marks…get set…GO!” Rainbow yelled.

Scootaloo’s wings started to buzz as she kicked off sending the scooter and wagon barreling down the street drawing a worried scream from Sweetie Bell. Rainbow right over her head neck and neck as the Jeep pulled up behind.

“Whoa, she’s fast.” Twilight said from where she sat in the back.

“Oh yes Darling, Scootaloo has never been able to fly but somehow found out that she could use her wings to power that scooter of hers. She has helped the Crusader’s get around town with that.” Rarity told them.

“Rainbow is holding back.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“What do you mean Darling?”

“I see Rainbow go much faster before. She’s giving that filly a chance. I think Rainbow likes her.” Fluttershy said with a small smile.

*********************

Rainbow Dash glanced down at the filly powering that scooter. It was pretty impressive at what she did and if she lost that wagon she would be even faster. This little filly had a fire in her, a fire that should be nurtured and Rainbow Dash was just the mare to do it. But if this little filly was going to win, she was going to work for it. The group was nearing the edge of town and Sweet Apple Acres loomed ahead of them.

“I can see the farm from here Scoots, you are going to have to step up your game if you want to win.” Rainbow called out and started to pull ahead.

“Time to bring my A-Game then.” Scootaloo yelled back. She leaned in a little more, her wings started to buzz faster catching up to Rainbow Dash in short order.

“Then try to keep up squirt!” Rainbow increased her speed again. “Push it, you need to push it to get better. Come on squirt!” She glanced down to see the filly pushing herself to try to keep up. She could hear the little filly yelling trying to push herself harder. Rainbow slowed just a hair, bring herself even to Scootaloo. Before them they could see the main gate of Sweet Apple Acres. “Main house Scoots, Finish line at the Main house. Twilight, we need a door mare!”

Behind them Twilight stood up from her seat to see the gate. After a moment her horn glowed along with the gate that suddenly swung open allowing the way for Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash to zip in. As they passed the gate Rainbow lowered to fly side by side with Scootaloo as the house drew near. Both, at an unheard command, hit the brakes hard. The scooter jerked to one side and into Rainbow causing both to crash in a pile of limbs and pieces. The wagon tongue, at the sudden brake, jabbed into the ground catapulting Sweetie Bell over the pile up with a yell. As she neared the ground she closed her eyes expecting the pain of the earth meeting her as her horn bust into a mulberry glow. Sweetie cracked her eyes and saw the ground an half an inch from the ground, her vision tainted by a mulberry glow and suddenly disappeared, dropping her to the ground with an oof. Behind them the Jeep slowly pulled up to the house as Rainbow and Scootaloo untangled themselves.

“Guess we can call that a tie huh?” Rainbow asked as she sat on the ground. She stuck her hand out towards Scootaloo.

“Yeah, I can call it that. Until next time.” Scootaloo said breathing hard as she took the offered hand. As the two of them shook the door to the house opened.

“What in tarnation is going on here?” A voice called out.

Everyone looked up to see Apple Bloom looking at them from the porch taking in the sight of a jeep with four mares, each wearing partial uniforms of the Equestrian Armed Forces, and another mare sitting in a crashed heap with Scootaloo, also wearing a partial uniform, and Sweetie Bell picking herself up off the ground. She was the first to speak.

“Scootaloo and our new friend Rainbow Dash were having a race and crashed.” Sweetie Bell said dusting herself off. “Standard for her right now.”

“Ah noticed. Come on in we are about to have Lunch.” She turned to the door. “Sis, your friends are here!”

“Ah’m coming, hold your horses.” Applejack walked out and saw everyone starting to walk up the porch and gave a quick salute towards Twilight.

“At ease we are far from any front or any true superior officers.” Twilight told her with a wave.

“Hehe, sorry. Come on in, lunch is ready and we can all use a break. And do you three have a place for tonight?” Applejack asked motioning for them to go in.

“Not yet, to be honest I didn’t think we would be here over night.” Rainbow said. She stood up and helped Scootaloo to her feet.

“Good ya’ll welcomed to crash here for the night. How’s Spike?”

“He should be out in a day or so. Otherwise he’s in good shape.” Twilight told her. She passed the box to Applejack. “Here’s a baker’s dozen of cupcakes. Got them from Sugercube Corner for the group of us.”

“Well that’s mighty kind of you. Come on in.”