Prolouge (Revised)

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In the long winding halls of Canterlot a unicorn stallion his coat matt black and his horn shining to perfection as he trotted along. His mane was a perfect deep orange like a sunset and was closely cropped. Despite his confident look his usually serious steel gray eyes gave away the fact he was extremely stressed and frustrated. This particular pony was named Quill Edge and he was not in the best of moods. He strode nervously, pacing his way towards the guards barracks. Today was his first day as a royal guard and mostly it was exactly what he thought it was when he was training. There were hundreds of majestic soldiers clad in gleaming golden armour. All races and creeds had joined these fabled ranks and Quill was glad to serve among them to protect Equestria.

However only minutes into the job and he was already chasing down rogues. His partner in crime or partner in crime prevention as a better idiom was missing from the ceremony where both princesses officially decree them royal guards! He had noticed he wasn’t alongside him when the bell to get up rang throughout the whole barracks. Now he was forced to trek along winding corridors to find him.

“C’mon Jackle you should have been the one waking me up!” Quill muttered. He increased his pace and soon ended up just outside of his teammates dormitory entrance. He had no other means of entry except forceful. Using his magic he carefully twisted the internal components of the lock to the door. Slowly he unlatched the lever that releases the lock and the door swung open.. Entering he found said pony was sprawled out on his bed contently snoring softly muttering slightly as he slept.

Jackle was short for Jackleoquolis a name given to him by his traditional cloudsdale family who seemed to adore old customs and traditions and prefered very unique names to regular ones. Compared to Quill, Jackle was the polar opposite in looks. Jackle had a completely burnished white coat and was a pegasus with his wings currently spayed out in front of him. His long green hair was covering his face which held a set of very oddly colored brown eyes proving his visage complemented his unique name.

In terms of personality they were opposites as well. Quill was very forward in nature. He wasn’t overly impatient but once his patience was tested it became an ugly sight to see.Fortunately only an unlucky few had ever truly tested his patience. He had joined the army to clear the streets of the all the thieving pieces of scum that inhabited it. Jackle was more laid back and preferred to let Quill do the talking. He wasn’t overly shy but he also was not really the most outgoing. He had a knack of managing to persuade other ponies to do things. It was his special talent and while he didn’t talk much when he did it was usually important. Despite his calm demeanor he could also goof around if he wanted as evident in some of his past pranks, However these moments were few and far between.

Most would think them to not have anything to do with each other due to their differences but that was not so. During the training of them both they had sparred to improve their senses. Everyone knew Jackle as an introvert and when they clashed everyone thought Quill would easily beat him as his talent was paralysis spells. But Jackle had surprised everyone by constantly dodging and using his own special talent to break his opponent's concentration

while throwing in small jabs. Eventually the pair both collapsed unable to beat each other. Quill had newfound respect for the quiet pegasus and their friendship soon became a brotherhood. All this showed the fact that friendship can happen even in the most different ponies.

But right now Quill was focussed on the present and the snoozing pegasus in front of him. Jackle suffered from very mild panic attacks, He was not diagnosed with a condition as his attacks could only be provoked by a severe surprise meaning he could still be a guard. Quill really did want to shout him out of bed but the attack Jackle could have would be entirely his fault if it happened. Sighing he reached down and tapped the pegasus on the back. “Ugh… Where are the butterflies calling to?” Jackle murmured while rolling over.

Quill retreated slightly and raised an eyebrow. “Okay that was weird” He thought. Shaking his head he tried again, Letting of a high pitched whistle that would annoy the most emotionless of ponies he succeeded in waking Jackle up. Jackle let off a light groan and sat up. His face reminded Quill of an old play about zombie ponies he once saw. jackle truly looked like someone had just dragged him through a hedge. His mane was stuck up in various directions and his eyes looked dull.

“Wake up call you nonce” Quill said chuckling slightly.” C’mon we have got to go”

“ Go? Go where?” Jackle said as he rubbed his eyes slowly still half asleep.

“You know the initiation ceremony! We were meant to be there five minutes ago! You overslept now hurry yourself up and get your armour on we're going to have to sprint there.” Quill grimaced at the thought of more running.

Jackle merely nodded now fully awake and back to his calm self that Quill knew. Quill who had been wearing his armour the entire time slipped on his golden helmet he had been carrying on his back. His eyes changed to a dark orange and his mane turned from deep orange to salmon pink and blood red in alternating stripes. His coat then lightened to the dark grey of the royal guard. Jackle finished putting his armour on and equipped his helmet. His eyes turned into a icy blue and his mane turned to frost and marine blue in the same striped pattern as Quills.

“Ready to move?” Quill asked.

Jackle nodded and after exiting Jackle’s room and shutting the door the pair flew and galloped to their destination.The pair arrived right when the last of the line was entering the great hall that contained the thrones and the princesses themselves. After a quick pat down and a disapproving look for arriving so late the two ponies joined the back of the line much to the amusement of their fellow guards who were to professional to laugh at them, But still sent some mocking smiles their way.

The line began to move after twenty seconds as the armoured ponies slowly filed into the cavernous hall. Tapestries and divine stained glass windows depicting the most pivotal moments in equestria’s history decorated the impressive and regal hall. The almost guards looked around in wonder never having the privilege of being in the presence of this beautiful room. A long red carpet flawless in every way led to the equally as flawless ornate thrones. Sitting on those thrones were the (As some would say) flawless princesses themselves.

Having never met the princesses before except from small glimpses and other occurrences.All the guards were even more enraptured by them then the great hall they were in. Princess Celestia sat upon her throne wearing a calm but masking expression. She seemed to radiate a complete aura of kindness. The effect was like a muscle relaxant towards the ponies all of them visibly relaxed as they drew nearer. Her face slowly grew into a motherly smile as they grew nearer.

Princess Luna was a different matter however. She looked completely impassive and didn’t even react to the guards. The trained Ponies could tell she was on edge by reading her body language. It was no secret that the princess was still adjusting to modern life and it had been tough on her. Stories of failed friendships and accidental apocalypses due to her had been spread many times over dinner conversation.The soon to be guards all kneeled in a perfect line as they came to the foot of the thrones.

“Rise my faithful subjects” Celestia spoke her voice the pure epitome of calmness.

Celestia and Luna both raised with the guards who each took a solid upright position.

“Today your long hours of pure dedication and work will finally pay off” Celestia spoke again. “Each and every one of you has inspired themselves to push past any trials and difficulties that may come your way in the name of justice. That is what we need from the royal guard. On this day you will go forth and strive to bring peace to the lands in the name of Equestria.”

Luna suddenly spoke up. “There are many dangers outside the castle walls and the land can be perilous even for the most experienced pony. So we give you are blessing to go and protect others.” The royal sisters closed their eyes as magical energy flowed from their horns. Quill gasped, it was like being burnt and frozen at the same time without the pain.

Celestia continued once the energy had disappeared. “We have given you a small part of our magical energy know this will guide you whenever you are in need.

All the ponies present then bowed to the sisters thanking them and at command of their captain filed out in an orderly line. The meeting had been rather short but the princesses were obviously busy ponies and they had other responsibilities.They kept their composure as they walked away. But once they were out of earshot all of the guards broke into chatter and relieved smiles as they made their way back towards the barracks. Quill slowed down and fell into step with Jackle.

“So where do you think we’re going to be posted?” Questioned Quill.

“I don’t mind as long as its less violent than the training we have been through I’ll go anywhere” Jackle replied as he shifted in his armour eyes glancing around nervously. Quill picked up on this nervous tick immediately.

“Something wrong?” He asked.

“It’s just…” Jackle began but sighed halfway through his sentence.

“Just what?”

“What if we get separated? I don’t feel like befriending a total stranger, most likely one I can’t trust. You know how the others are. They all treat me like nothing”

“You know what Jackle, You’re too paranoid, they ain’t gonna separate us. I mean everyone knows we’re a team. Remember when we were accused of colt-cuddling?” Quill laughed.

Jackle chuckled quietly. The memory of seven trainees approaching them and asking if they were colt- cuddlers.

Quill sniggered. “I remember their faces were oddly red when we asked them why they wanted to know!”

“Hmm yeah those were the days” Jackle said quietly.

Still sensing Jackle was worried Quill gave him a light nudge. “Lighten up Jackle we’ll be posted together they would be fools to separate us.”

Jackle sighed again “Yeah I guess you’re right”

The pair trudged towards the duty officers office to receive their assignments. They sat down and waited for a while. Quill constantly fidgeted but Jackle remained still as they waited. Other guards got their assignments until Jackle and Quill were the only two remaining.

After a few more minutes the duty officer called out their names. “Jackle, Quill you’re in ponyville, Its small so you're the only two there. So quit sittin and move!” He barked

“Ponyville isn’t that bad from what I heard” Quill said relieved that they were together for their assignment.

The duty officer sniggered. “You wait rookie, You just wait” He walked off laughing as Quill and Jackle shared a look shrugged and moved off to pack for their trip.

One hour later the pair were fully packed to leave. Few were sad to see them go but some came to share goodbyes. Both ponies said farewell and packed whatever small items they had left after the rigorous royal guard basic training. Now they stood at the canterlot train station as the well maintained steam and magic run train rumbled to a halt in front of them.

A few minutes later Jackle and Quill were on the train heading towards Ponyville. The forests and rivers rich and bright zoomed past as the Guards Ponies their armour in their bags watched the scenery from the windows. Trees seemed to blur at the speed they were traveling and the two guards sat in silence both contemplating their assignment and what life as Ponyville’s only guards would entail.

“I always wanted to work in somewhere like Ponyville” Jackle spoke up suddenly.

“Oh really?”

“Yep, I never did get on with Canterlot to be honest” Jackle said with a smile.

“You're very happy, What's got you in the mood?”

“Just relieved we’re together in this thats all”

Quill shrugged and they passed the rest of the journey in silence the only sound the chatter of other passengers and the slow chugging of the steam trains engine. Quill slowly drifted of to sleep in the rhythmic motion of the train.A couple of hours later Quill was awoken from his nap by someone shaking him. Jackle looked down at him.

“We’re here get up and lets go” Jackle said.

Quill yawned and stretched. “See this should have happened at the initiation ceremony!” He said as he rose making Jackle chuckle slightly.

They both collected their luggage and exited the train. Oddly they were the only two ponies on the train station but it was midday on a work day for normal ponies so it was to be expected. The train’s whistle blew and it sped off into the distance.

Jackle and Quill used their forelegs to shield themselves from the sudden change in sunlight at the open station.

“Hey Jackle something just occurred to me” Quill said.

“What is it?”

“What do we do now?”

Jackle lowered his foreleg and was about to reply when a sudden pink mass assaulted his vision. He yelped in surprise as he was lifted thinking he was being attacked and opening his eyes to see pale blue eyes staring right back at him with a physics defying grin to go along with it.

“It’s just going to be one of those days” Jackle sighed in his mind before his panic attack took effect from the shock and he passed out falling like a puppet with it’s strings cut onto the floor.

Chapter One: Welcome To Ponyville

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Quill was also startled by the flying pink mass that assaulted Jackle. Reacting quickly, he used his magic to detach the pink mass from Jackle and onto the floor next to him. When he looked down his vision was immediately assailed by pink.

“Argh get off!” Quill shouted as he whirled around trying to buck off his attacker.

“Wheee! That was fun do it again, do it again!” A high pitched voice ecstatically called when quill stopped spinning. Quill now realising the pink thing on his back wasn't trying to snap his spine sighed tiredly.

“Miss, would you please get off my back?” Quill said.

“Okie dokie!” Quill straightened out as the weight on his back disappeared. He saw Jackle on the ground he must have forgotten to take his medication in the rush of getting ready to arrive to ponyville. He turned his head to find a young looking mare with a light pink coat and a bubblegum pink mane set in what Quill could only describe as gravity-defying. She looked at him with bright cyan eyes and a wide friendly smile.

Quill felt himself turning red at the prospect of other ponies watching what just happened. Luckily for him there was no one else nearby. Still he couldn't afford to be shown up on his first day so he thought it best to give a little pep talk to the mare.

“Miss do you realise I could have you charged for assault on a royal guard for what you just did?” Quill said his face an emotionless mask.

The pink mares face fell. “Assault? I think you understood me there silly billy he looked lonely so I gave him a big hug to cheer him up!” As she said that she brightened up again and rushed around Quill. Quill reached out a hoof and stopped her.

“I really am going to regret ever coming here” He thought. Sighing he decided to let the mare off she seemed relatively harmless. “Alright Miss you didn’t seem to mean it so I’ll let you off… This time” Quill said to her.

“Ohh wait a sec” She suddenly cut in.“Are you new to Ponyville?”

Confused by the sudden change of topic Quill said “Uh yeah we are.”

“So you're moving to Ponyville?”

“Yes, Is there something wrong?” Quill noticed the mare was now vibrating up and down with excitement.

Suddenly she jumped into the air. With a loud gasp and a shout of “Youneedaparty!” She ran off out of the train station into the town. Kicking up a massive trail of dust as she travelled and insane speeds.

Quill shook his head and just decided it was best not to think about what just happened.

“Uh what happened?” Came a groan from Quills right. Jackle was struggling back to his hooves.

Quill helped him up and said “You were hugged by what I can only describe as a pink demon, Don’t ask”

Jackle looked at him oddly but decided to follow his advice. “Better take your medication Jackle, don’t want anything else like that to happen”

“Yeah thats probably a smart move” Jackle said shaking off his fall. He opened his bag only to fall back again his wings opening and flaring in surprise as it exploded into confetti. Quill jumped and turned around only to find Jackle with multi coloured streamers in his mane. Barely suppressing a laugh at Jackle’s surprise and clueless look he walked over. “You might want to take those out of your mane or the stallions will think you're part of the coltcuddler club!”

“Ughhh” Was Jackle’s only response. Slowly he sat up, luckily not fainting this time and held his head in his hooves. “I’m already starting to regret this” He said quietly.

“I was thinking the same thing” Quill replied. Cautiously he approached the smoking bag and opened it. Jackle’s armour was undamaged, in fact the whole bag was still completely intact from the explosion. Carefully he opened up the bag further to find a glaringly bright pink envelope inside. He laid it out on the ground. It was so pink he actually thought it was slowly affecting his masculinity by looking at it.

He opened the envelope only to jump away yet again as the envelope exploded into more confetti. Jackle squawked and flew to the roof of the train station. Quill looked out from the pillar he was hiding behind to the envelope. It was now just a piece of parchment on the ground. With the precision of a skilled surgeon he approached again and lightly moved it with his magic. It fluttered slightly, no explosions or confetti. Again he picked it up and this time it didn't try to kill him.

Jackle’s head appeared from the edge of the roof. “Is it safe yet?” He said looking ready to bolt again.

“I think so” Quill replied he began to read the parchment.

Hi Mr Quill and Mr Jackle!
Because you're new to ponyville you get a party just for you! I can’t give too much away or that will spoil the surprise! Just move those royal bottoms to sugarcube corner for 6.00 Pm. I really hope you enjoy it here in Ponyville!

From your new best friend!
Pinkamena Diane Pie

Jackle jumped down and also read the party invitation with Quill. “How did she know our names?”

Quill shrugged and then added “How did she know we were in the guard?”

“I don’t know but I’m gonna guess we shouldn't question it” Jackle said.

“Well at least we know who that was, Odd I wouldn't expect her to be called Pinkamena sounds to serious for a mare like that” Quill said looking down at her signature again.

“I didn’t really see her… What do we do now?” Jackle asked.

“Guess we go into town and get settled in” Quill said hefting his bag with his magic.

Jackle also attached his bag onto his body and they both stepped forward into ponyville.

Upon arrival they both noticed how bright the town was compared to Canterlot. The houses blended perfectly into the backdrop of trees and the whole place basically screamed naturalistic. Canterlot was nice but it sometimes felt stuffy and boxed in with all the tall buildings, seems they didn’t have that problem here.

As they proceeded into the town the black unicorn and the white pegasus took in the seemingly peaceful views. The whole place was covered in ponies as they went further in. Some were at the market others walking like they were and others still standing and talking. Pegasi flew overhead while unicorns and earth ponies walked below.Foals played around the older ponies and the whole centre of ponyville was lit up in the hubbub of civilization.

“So where’s the guard station?” Quill asked.

Jackle spread his wings and flew up ten feet to find it. Not so far away he could see the small guard station. He returned to ground and stretched his wings again. “East about 200 meters I think.

“Lets go then” Quill said heading off in the direction Jackle indicated.
As they walked they exited the main square. The further they got the more the houses degraded in quality. “Guess Ponyville isn't the stunning town it appears” Quill observed. Jackle didn’t reply but kept an eye on the ponies who were for some reason paying extra attention to them.

Both looked around nervously as the ponies around them tracked their every move.

Jackle leaned in close to Quill “Lets increase the pace a bit, They hopefully won’t try anything but lets move out of here as fast as possible” He whispered.

“Agreed” Quill whispered back.

Both stallions moved into a fast walk and were soon out of prying eyes and in front of the guard station.

“This place just keeps getting weirder” Quill said as they came to a stop.

“Best if we keep our trips through there to a minimum.” Jackle sighed as he fished out the keys to the door of the station.

The duo entered the station easily finally free of the town. The insides were nice enough if a little dusty from disuse. A desk was right in front of them for inquires and the dreaded bureaucratic paperwork. Behind that lay about half a dozen small cells for their prisoners to stay. If the crime was more simple than a FUI ( Flying Under Influence) or something similar they would have to be taken to the main prison in Canterlot. That would involve painful amounts of paperwork.

A door with the very popular Authorised Personnel Only line on it led to their quarters where they would be staying for their trip.

“Well could be worse I suppose” Quill shrugged as he went to check the quality of the cells. Jackle moved to the living quarters. The beds looked a bit lumpy and there wasn't much personal space but as Quill said before it could be worse and at least they weren’t sleeping on the floor.

Some hours passed after the time they arrived. Once they had unpacked there wasn’t really much to do. around 5:40 Jackle suddenly spoke up interrupting the mutual silence between them. “You reckon we should head down to the party?” He asked.

Quill was silent for a bit the excitable mare seemed harmless and all but she had caused Jackle to collapse and scared the fur off him. But on the other hoof it would be useful for ponies to be able to recognise them and he really did not want to anger the mare he thought was almost insane.
“Yeah lets go can’t be that bad to make an appearance” Quill said. They both got up and checked to make sure the station was in order and checking themselves to make sure they were presentable before setting foot outside.

As they locked the door they turned around to find the sky was on the verge of darkness in the late summer season. The sky had turned an attractive maroon colour that was beginning to blend perfectly into the darkening backdrop of the sky.

Weary of the dark alleyways of the shadier part of Ponyville they opted to walk around in a brisk trot to save themselves from being watched. Despite there being a pleasant warm weather and the comforting sounds of woodland crickets and other fauna, Both felt anything but relaxed as they proceeded to Sugarcube corner.

Soon they reached the square where they had noted the position of the bakery earlier. Oddly the whole square was empty of ponies and only the rustle of the wind through the leaves of trees and shrubbery could be heard.

“Quill…?”

“Yeah I know, Where is everypony?”

“Maybe they're all asleep?”

“At 6 Pm?”

“Okay maybe not”

“Well lets check it out” Quill said as he forged forwards.

As they approached the shop became even quieter even the wind died down. Quill strained his ears, He could just pick out a multitude of voices inside.

“Jackle I think there’s people trying to throw us a surprise party” Quill whispered.

“Really?”

“Listen closely”

Jackle focussed and he too could make out the small voices inside.

“So they are, What do we do?”

“I can think of something” Quill said an evil grin on his face. Despite their differences and personalities they both enjoyed the occasional prank, Plus it would show the locals they were less serious than the stereotypical royal guard. While most guards would consider being fun heresy Quill and Jackle didn’t share that belief.

Quill moved around to the back doors ready to burst in on the waiting ponies while Jackle flew on the roof to fly in from a conveniently open skylight. Quill readied himself a he gave the signal to Jackle. Quill then burst through the door and yelled “BOO” All the ponies inside screamed to look at him as Jackle fell through the skylight with his own spine tingling howl. That did it for most ponies as the majority stampeded for the door while a few took cover under tables including a particular yellow pegasus.

Some ponies including their pink host froze up in surprise. Quill took one look at their faces and realised he might have gone overboard with that prank. “Sorry about that everyone but we couldn't help it” Quill apologised.

The pink mare who he now knew as pinkamena recovered from the shock first and bounced over towards him and Jackle. “Aww that was so cool! I’ve never had that happen to me before so don’t worry your silly heads I forgive you” She said as she somehow encompassed both of them in a bone crushing hug.

“Thank mpphg you Miss pinkamena” Quill said struggling for breath.

“You can call me pinkie! Also sorry about Y’know making you faint” She sheepishly said to Jackle.

“Quite urk! Alright Miss Pinkie.” Jackle said similarly struggling for breath.

The few other ponies in the room where shaking off their shock as well. A pony with a violet coat and taffy coloured mane stepped forward.

“Um Pinkie, I don’t think they can breath” She said with a small smile.

“Oh, Okay Miss Cheerilee!” She said as she released them.

Both guards ponies almost fell over struggling for breath. They honestly hoped they would never have to arrest this freakishly strong pink demon pony.

When they recovered they both stood up. A few faces appeared around the corner of the entrance.

“Is it safe to come in?” One stallion asked his eyes looking around nervously.

“Yeppers it sure is, Come enjoy the party!” Pinkie replied bouncing towards the music system.

All the ponies that ran outside came back in most laughing about how easily scared they had been. The music started up and all the ponies settled in again and the party started.

Quill immediately blended in joining conversations and fitting in perfectly and easily gaining information on everyone. Jackle looked around mostly content to sit on the edge of the party he never was much off a talker to ponies he didn’t know so he let Quill do most of it. Quill was really the only pony he actually probably spoke to regularly.

However soon enough Jackle noticed a tuft of pink tail shaking beneath a table. Intrigued he went over to find a shaking mare underneath it. She was curled tight into a ball and basically unnoticeable unless you looked hard.

“Um hello” Jackle said.

The mare eeped and drew away making Jackle jump slightly as well.

“Listen if I scared you before I’m really sorry I wouldn't have done it if I knew it would have affected you so bad.

The yellow mare sniffed and looked at him with big, bright turquoise eyes. “Really, You wouldn't have?” She softly asked.

“Yep, To be honest I’m not much a fan of parties I generally let my friend do the talking, Again I’m really sorry for it so if you want me to leave you alone I’ll go” Jackle said.

“Oh, Wait you don’t have to. It’s just I get scared easy.”

“Okay, so how about we put that behind us and start anew. I’m Jackle the new guard here and my friend over there who is called Quill is the other new guard. Jackle said as he reached out a hoof to help her up from underneath the table. She carefully took it and Jackle slowly helped her up.

“I’m Fluttershy, Thanks for apologising” She said.

“No need to thank me I would have been remiss not to. By the way some ponies over there are trying to get your attention” Jackle replied motioning his head to a group off ponies including Pinkie waving to get Fluttershy’s attention.

“Oh, Um do you mind if I…” She said trailing off at the end.

“No problem, Hope you enjoy the party” Jackle said with a smile.

Fluttershy gave him a small smile back.”Um you too” She said turning around and walking off to her friends.

Jackle noticed a slight displacement of air next to him. Quill was standing beside him.

“Seems that you work faster than me in getting to know the locals” Quill teased with a smirk.

Jackle blushed “ I was just apologising and weren't you chatting up those mares over there?”

“Thats true but unlike you I don’t feel embarrassment for doing it.”

Jackle rolled his eyes as they both returned to the party.

The rest of the night passed in a blur no foals were present so alcohol was readily available. No one got to drunk so Quill and Jackle didn’t have to start work early. Somehow despite protests both got dragged into all sorts of various games like pin the tail on the pony and Quill took part in unicorn darts, where they use their magic to throw the darts.

Later on in the party Jackle was sitting by himself casually enjoying the atmosphere when a elegant white unicorn mare with a immaculately styled Violet mane came to his side.

“Hello there I hear you're one of the new guards in town darling?” she said in a accent that reminded Jackle of a canterlot accent except less snobby.

“Uh, yes thats me” Jackle said nervously.

“Well my name is Rarity and I just want a little word with you if thats okay?”

“Okay”

“Do be a dear and go easy on Fluttershy she hasn't had a special somepony before”

Jackle almost spit out his drink all over the table.

“What, I was just apologising!” He said frantically.

“Sure you were darling, Ta-Ta!” Rarity said as she left Jackle sputtering on the table. When he recovered he tried to look for the white unicorn but she had disappeared. He sighed wearily. He didn’t think he had made the best first impression on the town.

Some time later the party began to fizzle out and most ponies went home. Quill and Jackle asked Pinkie if she needed help clearing up. “Nope, You just go on home I can handle this!” She said.

“Are you sure we can’t do…” Jackle began.

“Nopey Dopey!”

“Alright then, thanks for the party Miss Pinkie.” Quill said.

“Oh, You can drop all that Miss stuff I’m your friend now!”

“Okay then goodnight Pinkie” Quill said. Jackle nodded to her on there way out.

As they stepped out the massive temperature difference between the interior of sugarcube corner and outside hit them. It was like stepping out of a sauna into the Arctic. The weather though seemed to outline the sheer beauty of all the stars and faint clouds of nebula that could be seen littering the sky. Each star shining and the almost full moon bathing the square in a brilliant light.

“C’mon lets get home before we freeze up” Quill said. Together they galloped/flew back to the guard station weaving past houses and streets without making a sound.

When they arrived they quickly opened the door sat down and got a lovely cup of Earl Hay each.

“So” Quill said when they had settled. “What do you think about Ponyville?”

“The ponies seem nice if a little… overbearing” Jackle replied.

“Yeah I can see why you would say that, Well at least they don’t seem to hate us for scaring them. Alright it’s pretty late lets go to sleep” Quill said as he downed his coffee stood up and went to their quarters. Jackle did the same and they both yawned stretched and settled into bed.

As they both fell asleep wondering what mess they had gotten themselves into the prospect of meeting tons of new ponies brought conflicting emotions to both. But at least they both knew that their stay in Ponyville was not going to be nice and tranquil.

Chapter Two: First Day On The Job

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Sunlight streamed through the small room that served as Quill and Jackle’s resting place. The entire room was quite disorganised and messy but both the ponies occupying it had different things on their mind right now. Today was their first day of serving as the guard for Ponyville.

Quill was busy strapping his armour on while Jackle was waiting at the door patiently for him to get ready.

Suddenly quill spoke up “So what are you expecting from today?”

“Hmm?” Jackle replied not exactly paying his full attention.

“What do you thinks gonna happen?”

“Hopefully a slow day to begin with I don’t think I can deal with too much today”

Both guards had different areas to comb over. Every day they swapped areas with each other. There main objectives were giving a helping hand with the local populace, sorting out disputes and other trivia. It was actually doubtful there would be many crimes. Quill and been given the North and East of Ponyville. That encompassed areas such as sweet apple acres and the more expensive houses. He also had to make sure nothing evil was coming out of the everfree. According to the other guards who came here before the creatures of the Everfree occasionally left the confines of the forest to search for more food.

Jackle had been given the South and West of Ponyville. Unfortunately for him that included the street they had passed through on the way to the guard station. It was doubtful they would try anything but Jackle thought it best to remain on high guard anyway. Fortunately for him once he finished with that he got to patrol the quiet roads leading towards Whitetail woods and Canterlot. At around 2 Pm they would both join up in the centre of ponyville and patrol around there. They could not afford to be caught slacking on the first day as all the ponyville residents were encouraged to watch their performance and report them if they were useless.

After that it basically stated they were off duty until the next day but they could be called on at any time to sort out something.

So as both ponies finally prepared to leave they shared a meaningful glance at each other before they parted their separate ways.

Quill's POV

As I turned my back to Jackle I heard a rush of air as he took off and began my patrol my mind wondered to what my life would become like in this town. Sure it seemed like the perfect quaint paradise but the backstreets and the energetic residents gave him slight cause for concern.

As I continued on I passed the backstreets and other areas around the guard station. As expected I garnered quite a few stares from the locals but I tried to pay it no mind and walk on.

After around five minutes of fast paced walking I ended up at my first area of my patrol. A suburban street named Stirrup street. I began to walk down the street taking in the houses that seemed to blend in perfectly with the surrounding scenery. It really did seem picturesque and I felt myself loosen off from my tense stance. I still got the odd stare but nothing like I the hateful stares I received back near the guard station.

My peaceful state of mind was interrupted when a grunting sound emanating from the other side of the street reached my ears. I looked over to find a tiny pinto colt with his white coat broken by splashes of brown reaching underneath a hedge and obviously not having much luck at whatever he was trying to do judging from the frustrated sounds coming out of his mouth.

Looking around him I saw he was alone and began to trot over to help. “Here we go” I thought ready to deal with whatever problem the colt faced. Positioning myself behind him I cleared my throat to get his attention. He was so engrossed in whatever he was doing he had no idea I was even behind him. Trying again with slight frustration I lightly tapped his fetlock with my hoof. He squealed and jumped in the air making me recoil slightly.

He landed and looked up at me with slightly scared eyes. Realising I towered over the young colt and my armour probably didn’t help the fact I was scaring him. I lowered myself down and put on my most friendly smile. “You alright you seem a bit troubled?”

Slowly the young colt relaxed and began to shake. I thought it was out of fear until I saw the wide grin on his face. “You look really cool sir!” He shouted as he suddenly jumped up. “I bet you’ve been on loads of cool adventures!”

I was slightly taken aback by the young colts enthusiasm, I shook his head and tried to talk to him. “Listen kid…”

“Have you slayed loads of beasts?”

“Kid…”

“I bet you have!”

“Kid, can you stop…”

“Are you a pirate?”

I felt my patience slowly being worn away. I rubbed my head with a hoof. “Alright I came over here because you seemed to be in trouble. I’m the new guard in town, no I have not slain loads of beasts and I am definitely not a pirate. So no more questions from you, Do you need any help?”

“Oh, Right um… I kinda slipped over and dropped my sword in the hedge”

“You have a sword?”

“A wooden one”

“Oh, Right” I mentally berated myself for thinking the hyperactive colt would carry an actual sword.

Using my magic I focussed my mind to reach that little thing that activated my magic. I searched around my magic casting a faint blue glow in the hedge. Slowly I felt my way around till I could feel an anomaly between the branches. I mentally flexed and grasped the object pulling as I did so. Lo behold out came the wooden sword.

Using my magic I returned the sword to the grasp of the colt. “Here you go kid be more careful next time”

“You can call me pipsqueak, Thanks for the help mister!”

I shook his head as the colt ran off. I might not be saving the town from a ferocious beast but at least I helped improve someones day. Sighing I continued on with his rounds.

Surprisingly most of the rest of the towns patrol went fine. No soul sucking demons or crazed lunatic psychos wielding knives, Just a friendly town full of ponies who actually took the time to smile and wave at me. I felt oddly at ease in the small town and all the calming scenery and bright weather made me think why I even worried about the patrol at all. Even the everfree looked decently peaceful. I had heard stories about the horrors of ethereal monsters that possessed, captured or tore apart any unlucky ponies that dare venture beneath the gilded trees. Yet the forest looked calm.

However while on a out road leading towards sweet apple acres I encountered another problem. Out of the main town I thought I could catch a break. But as I was about to learn breaks were rare here.

I was trotting down the dirt path when a grunting sound hit my ears. Similar to pipsqueaks except the voice was a lot deeper. Curious I rounded the corner to find a cart stuck in a hole. On observation it was a apple cart. It was huge though and looked like it would take ten ponies to pull. Looking down I found that a huge stallion with a coat of a darkish red was heaving to pull it out of the hole.

Figuring I should help the poor guy before he hurts himself I stepped up to him. “Uh sir do you need a hoof?”

“Nope” Came the short reply as the red pony tried desperately to pull it out to no avail.

I tried again to convince him to let me help him. “Listen it would be faster and more efficient if I helped you”

The red pony finally looked over to me. His eyes seemed to examine me closely. Finally with a sigh he muttered “Eeyep”

“Alright then pull when I tell you to and I’ll use my magic to help. Ready? 1…2...3 Pull!”

Both of us now pulled on the cart and the combination of my magic and his raw strength soon had the cart moving. However as the cart finally came out, my back hoof slipped and I fell into a conveniently placed mud puddle with a loud and ungracious thwack.

“Just my luck” I thought while trying to extract myself. The red pony came over chuckling slightly under his breath.

“Maybe ya ain’t so bad partner, here let me help you up” He said as he grasped one of my hooves in his huge one and pulled me up.

“Thanks” I said surprised at his willingness to talk.. “Cart alright?”

“Yep, she’s just fine. Thank ya for that I was wrong about ya”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked confused as I shook myself off.

“ Ah don’t know if ya heard but the other two guards who came here before we're completely useless. All they’d do his laze about and insult others”

“Really, I met them they didn’t seem so bad”

“Pshaw that’s just a facade ta get them ta like ya” He said with a derisive snort. “Ya just lucky most folks around here are more trusting than me. The ponies in the eastern side of ponyville took it badly. Ya see crime was bad down there at one point and the guards did nothing. Waste of spaces those two were. The easterly side of ponyville now resents the guard. They might try something so be careful they probably blame you cause your the new guards.”

“I’ll keep that in mind” I thought intrigued.

“Anyhow thanks for the help, Hope you can redo the damage to the town those two have caused” He said hooking himself back on to the harness of the cart. “If ya ever find yourself looking for somewhere ta drink, Head down to the swingin stallion. Ah owe ya one, Names Big Mac by the way”

“Quill” I replied back to him. He nodded and headed off to ponyville. I looked at myself, I was streaked with mud but that would come off easy enough. “Wonder what else is gonna happen today” I said to myself shaking my head and continuing my rounds.

Soon it was time to meet up with Jackle so I began to head back to the centre of town to find him. As I entered the square he felt something on his back. Jackle was there right behind me. He looked like he had been dragged through tartarus and back. His mane was streaked with grime and his armour had minor scratches on it. His coat and wings were both ruffled and he looked like he might collapse at any moment. There was also an unidentifiable orange stain on his breastplate.

“By Celestia Jackle what happened!?” I exclaimed moving to see if he needed any help. Jackle waved me off with a hoof.

He observed my dirt marred coat.“Bet you my day was worse than yours” Jackle said with a small sigh.

“C’mon lets get you a seat before you collapse, I ain’t gonna carry you everywhere”

We both sat ourselves down on a bench where we could see the entire square to look for funny business. We both attracted yet more attention. Though this time it was probably due to the fact that they looked like two homeless ponies had stolen guards armour. Smelled like it too.

“So tell me then what happened” I asked turning to look at Jackle.

“Um where do I start?” Jackle said.

“The beginning is appropriate”

Jackle gave me a flat look. Then he sighed. “ Guess that's where everything went wrong”

Jackle's POV

As I turned by back to Quill I decided it was best if I took flight. The stares of those ponies unnerved me and I wanted to get past that area as fast as possible.

I flexed my wings in preparation for taking off. Luckily the ergonomic and lightweight design of my armour kept it from interfering in flight. I bent my knees and jumped catching myself in the air and flapping my wings at a leisurely pace as I flew along in a speed similar to a gallop. I began my patrol on the side streets and back alleys of east Ponyville. Sighing to myself I thought it would be best to get it out of the way. Didn’t really feel like Quill ribbing me later because I was too scared to go into the evil, dark most likely demon infested back alleys.

I slowed down as I approached the first street I had to patrol. The street was mainly empty except from a few ponies who as expected stared at me with what seemed like intense hate but I couldn't really read the emotion. I made my way done continuously telling myself they wouldn't try anything. I mean why would they? It’s not like I did anything to them. As I flew I relaxed slightly sure they didn’t seem very welcoming but URK!

My train of thought was interrupted by a massive weight on my back. I fell and slammed headfirst into the ground. I lay there for a bit stunned. I groaned and rolled over. The damage to whatever just happened wasn’t to bad but it hurt a lot. Slowly I got to my feet and tried to piece together what happened. Next to me was a huge rock about half the size of my main body. The aching in my back suggested that monster landed on me.

I double taked as I realized what just happened. “Did someone just attempt to kill me!?” I thought. What for why would they drop it on me? Looking around I saw the street was empty and deathly quiet. I wanted to get out of here as fast as possible. True it was possible that the rock fell by accident but why would it be up there. And on that matter how did they know I would be here?

Deciding to answer these questions later I checked my armour. It was slightly dented and marred but I was unharmed and it had not buckled so it wasn’t pressing on my wings. I figured I might as well just skip these streets. It was unlikely they would report me and I just did have a rock dropped on me so there’s that.

Spreading my wings once again I took flight and flew above the houses and out of the street. Landing further down the road I sighed and shook myself off deciding to discuss the rock incident with Quill later and put it behind me.

I readied myself to continue but before I could I heard a groan behind me. Looking back I saw a mare with a fuchsia coat and mane passed out on the side of the road. Although I did really want to get out of here as fast as possible I couldn't just leave her there. Trying to make myself looking decently presentable I walked up to her and shook her lightly. She moaned and rolled over. Her eyes were completely glazed over and she smelled of alcohol.

“Hey there Hic… Handsome you come to get a piece of berry?” She said as I tried helping her to her hooves. Suddenly she retched and threw up. It happened so suddenly I had no time to move and it hit me in the chest. Luckily my breastplate deflected it.

“That’s going to stain” I thought as I sighed inwardly. I had to sort out this mare before she threw up on somepony else so that worry was for later.

“Ma’am how much have you had to drink?”

“I dunno maybe four, Oh wait no five shots of something” She said almost falling asleep.

“You don’t know what you drank?”

“Can’t remember”

“Well that’s understandable” I thought.

“Listen I’m the new guard and all I need is to make sure you get back home without hurting yourself”

“Mmm you can certainly do that handsome” She replied gazing at me with bedroom eyes.

My mind instantly screamed DANGER! So I quickly cut her off with a question. “Where’s your house Ma’am.?” I asked.

“Over there” She said pointing behind us to the house only five meters away.

“You were passed out in front of your own house?”

“Yeah I got a um… system, So I only pass out in this area after running loads for exercise!”

I was pretty sure that sentence didn’t make sense but with inebriated ponies that was usually the case.

Slowly the mare staggered off on her own swaying haphazardly to her house. She opened the door and looked back at me.

“If you ever get bored you know where to find me!” She said with a wink as she closed the door.

I think I may have been permanently traumatized by that single sentence. Then I noticed a horrible smell. Then I noticed that smell was coming from me. There was still vomit coming down from my breastplate.

“Glorious” I said to no one in particular. I needed to find somewhere to wash this off. I took to the air and headed for whitetail woods. Perhaps there was something there I could use.

3rd Person

Jackle shifted as he finished off his story. “ Then I found a pool in WhiteTail woods, But the stains wouldn't come out so I just did the rest of my rounds and fortunately nothing else happened.”

Quill seemed slightly taken aback by Jackle’s story. “Well you definitely had a worse day then me”

“So what did you do?”

“Fell into some mud made some acquaintances and helped some ponies. Now I think about it apart from the mud it was just fine. I think that will probably constitute our average day now. I just can’t believe someone threw a Celestia damn rock at you”

“Me too but I didn’t see who it was so there’s not much we can do”

“Let’s just avoid that area then”

“Agreed”

They sat in silence for a while until a sound burst out all over the square from the bell tower signalling the end of their work day.

“Good this armour was getting stuffy” Quill said as he began to walk away to the station.

“Hey you want to get something to eat quick after this day I could use something sweet” Jackle said motioning towards sugarcube corner.

“Yeah, I suppose I could, I’ve still got some spare bits I think” Quill said turning back to sugarcube corner. Jackle followed him.

The sun was now starting to set causing the sky to turn a sunset orange that melded perfectly with the fluffy white clouds dispersed here and there. Luckily no storms were needed for a while so they wouldn't have to patrol in the rain.

As they entered the shop a bell rung above their heads. Inside a fluffy pink head stretched itself round the corner. Pinkie, Upon seeing her “Newest bestest friends” Immediately squealed and leaped towards them. She grabbed both of them and with her supernatural strength hugged them both much like the first time she met them.

“Hello Pinkie” Both stallions said in unison as she hugged them.

“Ooh this is so exciting, Did you come over here just for me huh, didja didja?” Pinkie said letting them go and bouncing around.

Both stallions couldn't help but smile at her crazy antics as she bounced around seemingly with limitless energy.

“It is good to see you Pinkie, But me and Jackle have had a hard day and could do with something sweet. Think you could fix us up with something?” Quill said.

“Yeppers you bet your wizened old grandma I can! What d’ya want fellas?”

“Anything you suggest would be fine Pinkie” Jackle said.

“Ooh I know just what to get you!” She said as she reached behind her main and pulled out two chocolate cupcakes from nowhere.

“Take em!” She said holding them out.

“How much do you want for them?” Quill inquired.

“First ones on the house!” Pinkie said bouncing again.

“Thanks” They both said as they received them.

As they turned to leave they both bid Pinkie goodbye.

“You fellas stay safe!” She said waving as they left.

When they exited the sky above them was now a burnt rusty orange fading to blue. It was getting later. “We better get back” Jackle said as he took his first bite of the cupcake. His eyes widened as an explosion of tastes washed over his tongue. The cupcake was perfectly sweet and tangy, done with no mistakes. Quill was similarly enraptured with his cupcake and they were both gone in a flash.

“Those things should be illegal” Quill said resisting the urge to lick his hooves to get more of the taste.

“Remind me to give Pinkie a tip next time we take something from her” Jackle said licking his lips.

Both ponies walked casually back to the station while carefully avoiding the streets where Jackle was attacked. Upon entering both ponies were so tired they didn’t bother doing much except for locking up.

Quill pulled of an enormous yawn as he settled into bed. Sighing he thought “Just what have we got ourselves into?”

Chapter Three: Deathclaw in the Everfree

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The next few weeks passed easily. Both Quill and Jackle helped around the community and made a name of themselves town and while the locals alway had one problem after another the duo always managed to handle themselves with the grace and dignity one would expect from a royal guard. Despite many encounters with drunkards petty thieves and other rabble they’re spirits were high when they turned in to sleep each night. Fortunately that precious sleep had not been interrupted.

That was until the one fateful night which truly made them reconsider about if joining the guard was a good idea in first place…

The night was in full swing over Ponyville. Not a single chirp could be heard as the peaceful and recluse evening air washed over the houses of all the residents. Clouds dotted the sky and what looked like a small stormfront peeked it’s way over the horizon. However that tranquil setting was soon interrupted by the thumping of hooves on soil.

The pony who took ownership of those hooves was currently dodging around all the obstacles on the road ahead. A low stump, broken off branch and large puddle were all evaded in the ponies haste of movement.

“C’mon speed up I can’t just leave them there!” Thought the fleet footed earth pony who then proceeded to travel at ludicrous speeds to get to her destined location. Eventually the pony, now panting slightly arrived at the freshly painted door that marked where she needed to be. Foregoing any sense of decorum the pony loudly banged on the door with a mud shodden hoof.

Loud crashes could be heard from inside as a light flickered on inside. The easily noticeable snow white and green combination of Jackle’s coat and mane came into few as he opened the door.

“Is there a problem?” He mumbled half asleep but trying to shake off his drowsiness.

The pony at the door stepped forward revealing the grime and tear streaked face off AppleJack. Her mane wasn't done up in it’s usual braid allowing it to flow down her face but the tresses could not disguise the fear easily visible in her green eyes.

Jackle straightened up immediately his face taking up a look of concern when he saw the state AppleJack was in.

“Ya could say that” She said with a mirthless chuckle. “Listen I need you and Quill right now. The cutie mark crusaders went wandering off into the forest and I don’t know when they did or where they are but I gotta find em before anything happens!” AppleJack said her tone rising in

pitch as she began to panic.

Quill had now overheard the argument and was downstairs fully alert. “I don’t know about you two but we should go, preferably now!”

His words were enough to break AppleJack out of her stupor and the guards both donned their armour and went out with AppleJack to locate the trio of missing fillies.

As if to add to the pathetic fallacy the moment the wind picked up and the small stormfront from earlier had somehow found it’s way over ponyville, Rain began to lash on the ground causing it to turn into a hazardous mudslide.. Very typical of Everfree weather.

The three ponies made their way down the winding streets of the town running and flying as fast as they could.

Over the wind Quill shouted “Do those fillies even realize what time it is?”

AppleJack replied “Ah dunno but mating season is definitely not the best time to go into the Everfree, Ah hear all the creatures from deeper in come to the edge of the forest. They should know not to go into the forest anyway, Those three have had enough experiences in that tartarus pit”

“Best we hurry then” Replied Quill.

“Eyup, Ah got Mac to get the rest of the girls ta meet us there, But he’s gotta stay ta make sure granny doesn’t worry too much”

“Having the elements of harmony in a fight is a definite bonus, But don’t you think it will be too dangerous for all of you to go maybe me and Quill should go alone” Jackle said nervously.

“Poppycock! Where one of us goes we all go especially if ma sister is involved!” AppleJack shouted back in frustration effectively ending the conversation. All three ponies then went back to running and flying to their destination.

The three made good time to the edge of the forest, Reaching it in about twenty minutes. There at the edge waited five other pony’s each of whom were nervously pacing around. Rainbow Dash approached the trio putting on a brave face but still unable to hide the uneasiness and worry in her eyes.

“We still haven’t heard anything from the forest, We need to go into the in there now!” She determinedly.

“But what o-of all the c-creatures in there?” Came a quiet voice from the shaking form of Fluttershy.

“Listen none of you have to go in there me and Jackle are capable of handling it” Quill said again hoping to dissuade them.

“Well I don’t know about you but I reckon you're going to need all the help you can get in there we’re going no matter what!” Twilight asserted.

All the six mares gave noises of appreciation to her comment and even Fluttershy gave a small nod.

“Well if you are going we best not waste any time” Jackle said moving to the edge of the forest. All the ponies nodded and broke out in a sprint with Rainbow and Jackle taking to the air as they began to search. The rain lashing down on them.

“I mean, What's the worst that could happen?” Dash mentioned as she took off into the inky blackness of the forest.

Some distance away the CMC with capes attached were striding through the forest eager to explore.

“I mean it’s gonna be awesome if we see some epic, rare creature!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Just don’t come running to me if we get into trouble, Apparently it’s really dangerous at mating time for the creatures of the Everfree.” Sweetie Belle nervously said. Her eyes flitting towards every shadow that seemed to leer and change to grotesque shapes in front of her.

“Ya need ta lighten up Belle, They’re probably too busy with lookin after their babies to get us. This only happens once in a year, we’re big ponies we can look after ourselves” Applebloom reassured her.

“Yeah I can always use my awesomeness to save us!” Scootaloo laughed striking a pose.

Applebloom gave her a flat look” Not what ah meant”

The three were soon broken away from their argument by scratching sound to their left. Intrigued the three looked towards the source of the sound. A bush was what met their sight”

“Wonder what that is?” Scootaloo said walking forward slowly.

Applebloom followed her while Sweetie Belle stayed where she was. “Scootaloo be careful!” She whispered quietly while they went forward.

Scootaloo moved forward moving the branch out of her way. Suddenly the ground beneath her disappeared under her hoof and she tumbled forward hitting her head on a rock at the bottom of the hole she had tumbled down.

“Scoots!” Applebloom shouted as she and Sweetie Belle peered over the edge of the hole. Scootaloo groaned and felt her head with a hoof. It came away specked with dark red blood that mixed with the dirt in the rain turning it almost black. She had sustained a nasty head injury.

Slowly she struggled to her feet. Some blood fell onto the ground in a quiet dripping noise. She turned around to see Applebloom trying to find a safe way done. Sweetie Belle was shouting at her but she couldn't hear what she was saying. Suddenly she heaved and threw up on the ground the contents of her stomach dripping with the blood.

She felt scared, A huge change from her mood earlier. Was she going to die? She began hyperventilating but she closed her eyes and used a breathing technique that Rainbow had taught her once that flyers use to deal with nerves.. Her hearing cleared up with the breathing and she opened her eyes again.

She could now hear that Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were both trying to get her attention. They were both waving their arms and shouting “Behind you!”

Confused Scootaloo turned around to see a large clutch of eggs laid around her. But what what really caught her attention was the large and pale maw reaching out from behind her white eyes narrowing in anger and an ominous hiss escaping from it’s throat.

Scootaloo screamed in fear. Her fear gave her the strength to move on though and she jumped using her wings as a propeller and an egg as a springboard as she leaped out of the pit. AppleBloom and Sweetie Belle turned and ran right after her as the beast let loose a blood curdling howl that reverberated through the trees and scaled the wall of the pit giving chase to the fillies who dared disturb her clutch of eggs.

Back near the entrance of the forest the elements of harmony and the guards were calling out the names of the fillies getting more distressed as they proceeded further into the forest. Suddenly a howl of the likes none of them had heard before ripped through the forest stopping all of them dead in their tracks and awakening birds which flew into the sky cawing as they went.

“What was…” Rarity began but was soon cut off by Pinkie.

“Shh listen” She said uncharacteristically serious as she strained her ears. The others did the same as her listening for any sound. Faintly screaming could be heard in the distance. It sounded like filly screams. It soon faded out and the sound of the rain slowly took over.

All of them looked at each other. Without a word everyone flew or ran as fast as they could towards the noise foregoing any sense of preservation as they tore through the forest.

Quill headed the charge, Using his magic he determined all of the obstacles and dodged them with ease and his physique allowed him to run ahead of the ponies on the ground and the ones dodging trees in the air.

The screams were clearly audible now and they definitely were ponies in danger. The pitch made Quill certain they were from the fillies. Suddenly he came to a tiny clearing. Huddled into a ball were the three fillies but when Quill looked at the thing towering over them.

It was a Deathclaw. They were created a long time ago when a botched spell created the peaceful creatures of a far away land into bloodthirsty monsters completely insane and impossible to reason with. The monster towering over the fillies was obviously no exception to that. Well over fourteen foot tall the deathclaw was hunched over preparing to attack. It’s long sinuous body was marred with scars and dark marks from many previous engagements while it’s head contained a mouth filled with rows and rows of teeth designed to crush and shatter bone. It’s milky white eyes showed no emotion as it began to leap intending to kill the fillies.

Knowing he had no time to stand or reason with the Deathclaw, He used his body as a battering ram his magic propelling him into the Deathclaw before it could reach the fillies. They smashed into a tree creating vibrations that were clearly audible. The deathclaw snarled and swatted Quill who was injured from the crash but rolled away avoiding the large claws tipping it’s hands.

The other ponies arrived at the clearing. The CMC immediately ran and hid behind them. Wasting no time both Jackle and Rainbow flew towards the Deathclaw bucking it in the face and causing it to stumble. It recovered quickly and swung at Rainbow’s wing clipping her but not knocking her out of the sky. She landed on the ground awkwardly holding her wing which was bending at an odd angle from the strike.

The Deathclaw turned it’s attention back to Quill who was still on the ground winded. It stalked towards him focussed on bringing him done for what he had done. It ignored the rocks, magic energy and party supplies thrown at it from the other ponies and positioned itself to bite through Quill’s neck.

“HEY YOU!” Came a shout from behind it. So surprised by the sheer ferocity of the shout the Deathclaw turned to see Fluttershy standing behind it with a look of determination in her eyes.

“WHAT YOU JUST DID WAS NOT VERY NICE!” She shouted to the DeathClaw. All the ponies were gawking at her especially Quill and Jackle who had not seen this side of her before. The Deathclaw cocked it’s head like a confused dog and stared at her.

“DO YOU THINK IT’S NICE TO ATTACK PONIES WHEN YOUR CHILDREN NEED YOU MORE?” Fluttershy continued.

By way of answer the Deathclaw roared and sprinted towards her. Immediately Fluttershy lost her confident look as the massive beast ran towards her arms outstretched undeterred by her intimidation tactic.

All the ponies gasped but it seemed like they would be to slow to get there in time. Just when the creature was looming down on her, A loud thwack stopped it in it’s tracks. It skidded and stopped right in front of her. Blood was slowly dripping from it’s nose as it stopped. The white and golden form of Jackle flew upwards and circled around ready to finish off the DeathClaw, But it saw him coming.

Whipping around the Deathclaw caught Jackle in it’s large mouth and began to bite down. It’s teeth crushing his armour with ease. His bones cracked as his ribs broke and he began to scream. But that was stopped when his lungs and mouth filled with blood and it came out as a strangled gargle as the blood spewed onto the ground.

Twilight quickly recovered from the shock knowing if she didn’t act now Jackle would be crushed under the weight of the massive jaws the Deathclaw was currently using to it’s full advantage.

Using a massive amount of energy she plucked a rock the size of the Deathclaw from the ground and hurled it at the beast’s abdomen. It struck the Deathclaw with a force they could feel through the ground. It released Jackle who flew through the air and landed with a wet slap on the ground. Fluttershy and a now recovered Quill were immediately by his side.

The Deathclaw toppled over and hissed in pain. It quickly righted itself and glared at the ponies who faced it. It hissed one more time looking directly at Twilight and growling before it stalked off. The battle was too much for it and it gave up returning to it’s hole.

All the ponies quickly arranged themselves around Jackle. Looking as he lay there. All the fillies were hugging their sisters with Rainbow trying to stop her tears while she held Scootaloo but failing as everyone else openly cried tears streaming down their faces.

He was lying in a pool of his own blood slowly coughing. His golden armour was crushed and his helmet had been wrenched off and lay on the ground near him. Fluttershy had his head i laid in her lap crying softly. Quill was kneeled beside him, His own injuries forgotten as he took Jackle’s pulse. It was weak but still there.

“He needs to get to the hospital now!” He exclaimed nervously looking at Twilight. She was exhausted but she had to stay strong. Gathering her strength she began to teleport. As she did so she couldn't help but think if she had been a second to slow. Sniffing she teleported everyone out of the forest hoping that Jackle would survive...

Chapter Four: Recovery:Part One

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Jackle’s POV

I fly right into the Deathclaw’s head delivering a swift buck to its head. As I maneuver back upwards I can almost feel the glare of the Deathclaw on my back. I can’t let it

recover and take advantage of everyone’s weakened state. I gather my faith and prepare to charge once again. As I swoop down I notice a change in the Deathclaw’s poise. It has it’s eyes locked onto me. I know it’s expecting me. Realising my mistake I try to roll out of the way but to no avail.

It catches me in it’s cavernous jaws. I can’t see it from my position but I can feel my armour crumpling and my ribs shattering. I open my mouth to scream but a thick liquid suddenly fills my mouth. I spit it out finding it to be dark red blood that splatters heavily on the ground. My mouth fills up with blood again. Desperate I begin to struggle only to find the Deathclaw shaking me trying to snap my spine.

Just when I feel like accepting my fate a large black object finds its way into my vision. I can’t tell what it is as blood has now restricted my vision but whatever it was it smacks into the Deathclaw with a bone crumpling force. I feel myself flung from its grasp and sent flying through the air like a ragdoll.

I lay on the grass unable to move. Although I know I am dying I don’t feel to bad. Dangers of the job, I knew what I was getting into. Two objects enter my tunneled vision. One I can tell is yellow while the other is ashen gray. My mind is completely befuddled but I can still recognise Fluttershy and Quill next to me. I feel Fluttershy prop my head up and now I can see what damage the Deathclaw has done. My entire chest had been rent from my stomach almost up to my trachea. The whole area is a mess of crumpled armour and blood soaked fur.

One of my wings was actually in good condition, It had probably been hanging out of the Deathclaw’s mouth. But the other was almost torn off hanging by small threads of ligament and bone. Somehow one part of my armour is decently clean. I can see my face in it. The only damage I received there is a cut over my forehead.

The adrenaline in my body begins to wear off and I can’t move my head anymore. I feel something wet hit my face. I use the last of my strength to look up. I can barely distinguish it but I can tell. Everyone is crying, All of them even Dash and Quill who are the last I would expect to show emotion. I feel weaker now. I let my head fall back into Fluttershy’s lap. I close my eyes and the last thing I see is a bright flash of purple light.

My vision comes to. It’s blurred but I can see lights flashing overhead and messy blobs which must be ponies. They're not facing towards me. One finally turns and notices me. I can vaguely hear a gasp then a small and comforting blue light shines and I fall asleep again.I regain consciousness only to pass out again more times than I can count until finally I wake up for good.

“Ugh” I let off a small groan when I wake this time. I open my eyes. My vision is yet again blurred and I am blinded by the bright lights that assail my vision. Carefully I open my yaa adapting to the light levels. Slowly details come into focus. The room I am in can only be described as sterile. The whole area is stark white and there is no distinguishing features. My senses suddenly start working again. My mouth is dry and all I can feel in my lower body is a dull pain. One of my eyes is covered in a thick bandage and so is the rest of my body with the exception of one wing.

Feeling groggy I try to raise myself only to fall back down as the dull ache turns into a burning pain. The heart rate monitor beside my bed explodes into frantic beeping as I struggle. The door on the other side of the room opens and three ponies in white coats enter. Two hold me down while another injects me with something. The pain finally fades away and the feeling of burning disappears.

I fall back panting heavily but remaining conscious. Two doctors leave while the other sits at the side of my bed. I remain in my position still in shock. I see a hoof wave in my eyesight. I turn to see the doctor looking at me with a concerned expression. He must have been saying something.

“Are you alright?” He asks me still looking at me with his concerned expression.

I look up at him and clear my throat. My mouth is so dry I can barely speak but I manage to choke out the words “ What happened?”

The doctor’s expression changes to a more professional mask upon seeing I was not in pain anymore, He gets up from the side of the bed and retrieves a clipboard.

“You were in a terrible state when your friends brought you here” He begins to explain.” Your ribcage was rent open and you had severe internal bleeding from multiple cut veins and arteries, Also your head had suffered trauma and we had to remove three teeth from your abdomen. Also your wing…” He trailed off after he said wing, adopting an awkward expression.

I looked over to find my wing placed in an intricate system of bandages and stabilizers. My heart went all the way to my throat. I knew the damage had been bad when I had caught sight of the wing before after I had landed. “How bad is it?” I asked fearing the worst.

The doctor chewed his lip then sighed. “It’s not as bad as you think you will be able to fly again, But… But we had to insert metal plates into your wings to stabilize them. You will fly again but not for a couple of months and flying is going to be painful and tricky at best”

He paused for a second to let the information sink in then he continued. “Your wing was only connected by a few ligaments and shards of bone. You are exceptionally lucky to even be alive let alone have your wing and be able to fly again”

I wanted to reply, To tell him I was thankful I was still alive but I couldn't. Flying was a vital piece in being a pegasus. If you couldn't fly well you were considered an outcast by the militaristic and perfectionist pegasi of cloudsdale.

The doctor realising I had stopped and was not going to reply quietly slipped out of the room. I barely noticed him leave. What was everyone going to say? Was Quill going to shun me, My militaristic parents disown me? I started to panic and my heart rate slowly increased. I got ahold of myself and calmed down slightly.

Still my mind was racing with ridiculous scenarios. To anyone watching it would seem like I was frozen unable to move. Slowly I laid my head down as I got as comfortable as I could without straining myself. In the cold sterile room of the hospital one tear fell from my eyelid as I wondered what my future would hold with my new injury.

I awoke some time later. Groggily I rubbed my eyelids with my forehooves. Then I glanced out of the window. There was not a clock in here but judging from the lack of activity and light it was night time.

Slowly I reached forward with my left forehoof, Which was the only one not covered in bandages towards my stomach. I could feel the line where they had cut me open to reattach my veins and arteries then sewn me back up. The line was long reaching all the way up my abdomin. I winced slightly the rough line hurt to touch. It occurred to me I was on medication and the pain was only going to get worse. I sighed and laid my head back down hoping sleep would give me some relief.

I have had some weird dreams. Sometimes I reenact things from my past and other times I have nightmares for no specific reason, But the dream I had in the hospital really took it as the weirdest dream of all.

I yawned my bones feeling tired as I stretched out my wings. Wait aren’t my wings broken? I look back to find my wings perfectly intact. There are no bandages anywhere on my body as a matter of fact, I seem perfectly fine. Know I realise I’m not even in the hospital anymore but an inky black plain that seems to go on forever.

Faint star constellations litter the sky providing enough light to see by. In all honesty it was a spectacular sight to see but I was more concerned about why I was here. Suddenly I hear a light knock on the ground behind me. In my state I yelp and jump into the air turning around as I do so. As I turn I see who has startled me. Princess Luna was standing there with a concerned expression.

“Are you alright? My apologies I did not mean to startle you” She said in reassuring tones.

I begin to bow wondering what she was doing here and why she had bothered herself with me.However she seems to sense my intentions and stops me with a hoof.

“There is no need to bow. I care naught for such things. Come, We have much to discuss.” She said walking away motioning for me to follow.

Left with little choice and confused out of my mind I had no option but to follow her.As we walked the scenery around us changed to a more comforting vista then the inky darkness. It was a simple room with two chairs in it. Not much but for whatever she wanted to talk about it was enough.

She stopped and motioned towards a chair. “Sit” She told me. I did so waringly as she sat opposite.

“Now, I have information that you are Jackleosis?” She began.

“Yes your M-majesty, But everyone calls me J-Jackle” I said nervously.

The princess adopted a warm smile. “Please call me Luna Jackle” She said. “So, the attack of the Deathclaw is what I wish to discuss. From a report the elements of harmony gave me I learned that you and your partner Quill each showed valour and guile in defending the elements and three young fillies from a Deathclaw attack. Not only does this show initiative and bravery but you personally saved the element of kindness when she failed to befriend the beast.”

“I only did what anyone else would do” I replied blushing slightly from the praise.

“Ah but no one else did do it” Luna said a glint in her eye. “So, Me and my sister have given you a new task. We believe you are both strong and competent to do this” She continued. “The elements of harmony are in constant danger. Assassin's, rivals and others would all like to harm them. So I ask you two both to protect them. You are already good friends with them all. I am only asking you visit them from time to time personally. Any problems they have be it social or something of a more dangerous variety I need you both to solve. The elements need to be in top condition at all times, They are the main defence of Canterlot and without them we are lost. So can I trust you on this?”She finished looking me in the eye.

“Yes of course Prince… I mean Luna” I replied.

“Good, I have already informed Quill, He will see you tomorrow. Also I am truly sorry you had to undergo something as terrible as this.” She said with genuine compassion in her voice.

“I cannot fully heal you, But I can speed up the process and dull the pain” She said.

The room began to blur as she finished her sentence. I felt lightheaded and began to close my eyes. Before I blacked out I heard Luna utter five more words.

“May luck be with you”

Chapter Five:Recovery: Part Two

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Jackle gasped loudly as he came out of his lucid dream. He breathed very heavily, His head felt like someone had a hammer and was repeatedly bashing him in the side of the temple with it. However he noticed the strange lack of pain in his right wing. Wincing slightly from his migraine he turned to the right to view it. The wing was still bandaged and suspended to aid his recovery. The lack of pain was odd because even with pain medication he had always felt a slight ache present in the wing.

Deciding to trust in princess Luna’s words when she said she would help him heal he flexed the wing straining it against its bonds. He watched in anticipation only to be surprised when the wing moved in a perfectly normal way. There was a slight sting and it wasn’t healed enough to fly on but it wouldn’t drastically hurt if he moved it. Looking at the rest of his body he found similar results to his wing. All his injuries had healed by a considerable amount but none were fully healed.

It seemed as if Luna had kept her word about helping him heal and now that the ever present pain was gone he could finally relax. Leaning back against the relaxing warmth of his bed Jackle closed his eyes with a smile on his face and for the first time that night fell into a deep and relaxing sleep.

He woke up again hours later when a object shook his shoulder. Yawning he did opened his eyes to find a nurse hovering above him. Her coat was stark white much like his own and her mane was a fiery red colour that stood out against her pale coat.

“Sir, It’s time for your medicine replacement” She said in a pleasant tone.

“Mm… Okay” Jackle mumbled still half asleep.

The nurse went over to his IV bags to replace the fluids and give him more pain medication when something caught her eye. The heartbeat monitor attached to his bedside was beeping at a faster rate. She remembered working with this patient and only one week ago he was a lifeless husk lying on the surgical table. His heartbeat shouldn't be that rapid.

But then she remembered that he had just woken up and the sudden rush of energy might have been enough to cause his heart to beat faster. Deciding to chalk it down to that she changed the drips and returned to the front of the bed.

“Sir, Today we will allow you to have visitors in your room” She said.

“Why couldn't I have them before” Jackle asked confused.

“Your condition was not stable and they could have accidentally contaminated you with something that could affect your recovery speed.” The nurse replied. “Is there anyone you wish to see first?”

Jackle thought for a second. Luna had informed him Quill had the same dream he had and he needed to talk to him about it. “Yes could you send Quill Edge up here alone please?” Jackle said.

The nurse frowned for a second. Why would he only want to see one pony when a good dozen wanted to see him? She was trained to listen and try to make the patient as comfortable as possible so she replied with “Of course I will get him sent to you as fast as possible”She then exited the room leaving Jackle on his own again.

A couple of hours passed and Jackle was still waiting. He had long ago turned to boredom but refrained from asking the doctors for something to do. The entire town seemed to be sick or injured at the moment and they had enough on their plates.

Suddenly a swishing noise brought him back from daydreaming. The door to his room opened and in walked Quill. His armour was off and he looked like he had run a marathon.

“Hey Quill are you Urk!” Jackle began but was cut off when Quill enveloped him into a hug. Jackle awkwardly sat there while Quill hugged him. Quill backed off after a much too long hug and retreated slightly.

“Um… Okay what was that in aid of?” Jackle asked.

“Do you have any idea… What happened to you?” Quill asked panting slightly.

“Yes I’ve got a good recollection of the events” Jackle said unsure of where Quill was going with this.

“You almost died! How are you so calm!” Quill exclaimed.

“Well for starters Luna”

Quill calmed down a bit. “ I know she helped you but I thought you would be a bit more distraught about what happened” He said tiredly.

Jackle chuckled slightly “ Well I’m fine now.” More seriously he said “Has everything been okay with everyone else? I can’t imagine it was just me that was affected”

Quill now completely calm sat back down. “ Not really, All of us apart from you, Scootaloo and Rainbow were fine physically. She broke her wing when the Deathclaw slashed her. Everyone else was affected in other ways. Like Luna asked I’ve been keeping tabs on them all.

“ Twilight and Rarity have taken their work to new levels after the event. According to Spike Twilight works non stop and barely sleeps and so does Rarity. Pinkie went depressed for a bit. Her mane was constantly deflated for a few days then she seemed to cheer up slightly and I think she is starting to turn back to her normal self”“ Rainbow Dash got quite emotional when she saw the state Scootaloo was in. She took special care of her and visited her with Scootaloo’s parents every day. She’s still in hospital I think.”

“ AppleJack was one of the worst affected. As you know she is protective of AppleBloom and she has been constantly distracted. So much in fact that I went to help them when Big Mac asked me to”

“Big Mac asked you for help?” Jackle said surprised that the proud and stubborn work pony would do that.

“Only for a bit while AppleJack collects herself. Big Mac also was a bit off when he learnt he could have lost both of his sisters”

“ What about Fluttershy?” Jackle asked.

“I haven’t really seen much of her. I knock on her door to ask how she is doing but she almost never answers. When she does she usually asks if she can visit you. She isn’t doing very well either, Nobody sees her anymore and she never comes out of her cottage and when I do see her it usually seems like she has been crying”

Jackle slumped back into his bed. The news that everyone was affected by the encounter proved to be a stinger in his mood. Looking back up he asked “ What about you, How have you been doing?”

“You made me go through quite a lot” Quill smiled. “ I had to revisit Canterlot and talk with our senior officers about what happened. They're not happy and they were thinking about pulling you out of Ponyville and placing you somewhere else but eventually they decided to let you stay”

Quill got up after he had finished his sentence and checked around to make sure they were alone then he closed the blinds to the room.

“But we need to talk about what Luna told us” He said.

“I know, What do you think she means by protecting the elements?” Jackle asked.

“ I know she wants us to protect the girls but that means we will have to go with them whenever they leave town, Which is quite a lot.”

“ Perhaps she doesn't want them to know we are protecting them” Jackle said.

“Hmm?” Quill said deep in thought.

“ Well if they were to know we would always be around it might make them uncomfortable and it would be easier if no one knew we were there to give us the advantage if someone were to attack them”

“I suppose that is true but it would have been easier if Luna had just made things easier”

“Well at least we know what to do” Jackle said relieved.

They both sat silently for a minute contemplating the various scenarios they had found themselves in over the past few weeks. Quill suddenly spoke up after the moment of silence.

“ Hey I don’t know if you're feeling well enough but the elements have arranged a picnic together and asked if you would like to go if you feel up to it” He said.

“Are you sure I’m allowed out of the hospital?” Jackle questioned.

Quill smiled. “ Seems Luna came through for us, Earlier she sent a royal decree to allow you out for an hour providing you were fit enough. The doctors could barely believe how fast you healed but everything was sorted out in the end. That was half the reason I was so late getting here. So are you up for it?”

“ Yeah, alright lets go” Jackle said.

They got in a group of doctors who helped remove Jackle of his various casts and other obstacles in the way of him getting up. Many were still amazed to see his wing could move almost perfectly with one week ago it being almost detached.

All was not well however when they saw what lied underneath the casts and bandages. True Luna had speed up the healing process by a considerable amount but many ugly scars laid clustered around his right wing and upper chest. A very large scar where he had been cut open extended from his shoulder blade down towards his left hind leg. Thankfully they seemed to be very light pink almost white in colour and when fur grew back over the cuts they would not be as noticeable especially with his armour on but for now they were a grim reminder about what had happened.

Jackle sighed and almost teared up when he saw the state of his body but held it together and stood up supported on all sides by the doctors and Quill. He was shaky from lying down for so long but his motor control eventually came back to him.

From there Quill and Jackle both exited the room and then the hospital. Unfortunately for them it was definitely not the last time either would visit the sterilized walls. But for now Jackle could enjoy being out in the sun again.

Chapter Six: Society

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Supported by Quill, Jackle exited the hospital and stepped into the crisp and warm air of late summer. Despite the fact he was cleared to walk free of the hospital he was still covered in bandages and had a basic sling around his wing.

“ How’re you doing?” Quill asked breaking Jackle’s reverie.

“ Fine for the moment, How far do we have to go?” Jackle replied with a bit of difficulty.

“Not far… You might want to prepare yourself, Everyone thought you wouldn't make it out of there”

“ I thought they knew I was alright.”

“You didn’t see yourself when we got you to the hospital” Quill sighed and began retelling what happened the moment Jackle was brought to the hospital.

QUILL'S POV

I look up just in time to see Twilight’s horn flash with an ethereal purple light. Suddenly the whole area around everyone crowded around the body of Jackle warped and disappeared. All that was left in the clearing where the battle took place was a burnt black ring and the odd specks of blood scattered around the site.

A moment passes where it feels like I am floating. I know this is the sensation of teleporting, Twilight must have teleported all of us a very talented feat. But as quick as it came the sensation went and my sight materialized into a hospital waiting room.

I stand up and look around. The room fortunately for us is empty. Some medical staff nearby look at us in complete shock as we stand there covered in blood. However they recover fast and begin to approach us. I recover as well and approach the first doctor.

“What in Celestia happened here?” He asked his eyes wide with shock.

“Deathclaw attack” Is all I can say.

He seems to collect himself now knowing what he is dealing with.

“ Alright, Sunny get me a stretcher! Redheart get a crash cart just in case! Come on everyone we have limited time!”

I look back to where Jackle is laying. It seems like he wasn’t moving. His head is still laying in Fluttershy’s lap. She isn’t moving but tears continuously streak down her face. I move over to them but a stretcher arrives first. They move carefully but efficiently, Slowly carrying him into the stretcher careful to avoid jostling his injured wing and head. They rush him out of the room leaving a dark red blood trail behind them.

I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest. I sit down and hold my head in my hooves. Suddenly my chest starts hurting. The pain is not overwhelming but it is annoying. Carefully I remove my bent and scratched armour. My chest is so bruised I can see it through my black coat. However it just seems badly bruised and my range of movement range is fine.

I am distracted by my thoughts by a hoof on my shoulder. I look up to find the face of a doctor above me.

“Are you alright?” He asks.

“ Yeah” Came my short mumbled reply.

He gives me a sympathetic look then moves on. I decide to stop moping around and see how everyone else is. Straining slightly I get up the pain in my chest flaring. I see Twilight and Fluttershy both being hugged by Pinkie. Her face has lost all of its normal cheer and her eyes had gone dull with tears slowly leaking from them. Her mane had gone flat and I had been in Ponyville long enough to see what that meant.

Rarity was seated near them and for once was not being overly dramatic. She clung to Sweetie Belle like a lifeline. They both seemed relatively unharmed except from a few scratches and both their manes being ruined.

Across from them were Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo both being seen to. Rainbow was having her wing fixed and checked. A unicorn could fix the break relatively easily. Her neck was craned over watching Scootaloo to see if she was okay. Scootaloo’s face had now been cleared up revealing a deep red cut, Somehow she was still conscious and the doctor seeing to her was giving her some sort of injection. Most likely some sort of adrenaline in case she had a concussion.

However the two that caught his eye were the apple family. AppleBloom sat in AppleJack’s lap asleep her small chest heaving slightly with each breath as her eyes fluttered. AppleJack herself was still her eyes red but no tears fell from them. I slowly limp over to them.

I stop in front of them lowering my head until I was close to eye level with AppleJack.

“Hey AppleJack” I say softly. She looks up at me with her big emerald eyes. I wasn’t very good at this type of situation. “ How are you doing?” I say awkwardly. I grunt as she hugs me without any warning. She doesn’t say anything just hugs me. At first I’m surprised but I slowly return the hug laying my head against hers in silence.

About two minutes pass and I feel AppleJack slump against me. Surprised I pull away from the hug and check on her. I see her eyes have closed and she is sleeping soundly. Sighing in relief I put her down laying her carefully down next to AppleBloom. AppleJack’s hoof automatically goes around AppleBloom and pulls her close against her as a small smile graces her face. I let myself have a small smile as well and sit down next to them.

All the doctors had disappeared now. Scootaloo and Rainbow had gone as well. It seems everyone was in a similar situation as AppleJack. It seems Rarity and Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep and everyone else was struggling to stay awake.

About ten more minutes passed when I heard a faint clip clop of hooves on the floor. Looking up I found the rugged face of Big Macintosh looking down at me. Both of us respected each other as hard working individuals and the over the month I had been here had become casual friends despite our busy work schedules.

It still unnerved me how large he was. I had more muscle than your average stallion but he still towered over me and I had to crane my neck to look him in the eyes. Despite the mask of emotionless feeling he wore on his face I could tell by his eyes he was worried and the sweat dripping off his coat meant he must have run from sweet apple acres.

“She’s okay, Only Jackle was badly injured” I said answering his unsaid question.

“Mite sorry ta hear that” Big Mac said in a genuine voice. However I could tell he wanted AppleJack back to the farm where he could keep an eye on her and AppleBloom. I could understand why, Long ago he lost his parents to a situation similar to this but with a manticore instead of a Deathclaw. If he had lost his sisters as well who knew what would happen.

Slowly I maneuvered both of his sisters onto his back with my magic. I was exhausted but I took care to make sure they were comfortable. When they were placed safely Mac gave me a look of sorrow and a nod of thanks and stepped out into the sodden and wet ground outside heading for home.

More time passed and everyone began to file out. Spike arrived a few minutes after Mac had left. Twilight left with him quietly explaining what had happened. Spike’s face fell when he heard and he shot me a look of sympathy as he left. Like with Macintosh, me, Jackle and Spike had become friends over the many times we had seen him wandering around town or when we had been to the library.

Next Rarity left with Sweetie Belle hugging everyone including me before she left, giving words of encouragement. Then Fluttershy who was practically catatonic left with Pinkie supporting her both giving me a tentative whispered goodbye.

I sat by myself for a while contemplating on what I should do. I thought about staying here until I got some news about Jackle’s condition but I realised me being here would make no difference.

I stepped outside slowly my chest still hurting but it was manageable. The sky was still slate grey. It occurred to me how ironic that was. The weather perfectly matched the day. Sighing I began the walk home not bothering to react to the stares I got as I walked past the less wealthy areas.

When I got back to what I called home I tried to sleep but not knowing if Jackle was going to survive plagued my mind. Scowling I got up from bed and began pacing, I don’t know how long I was doing it but the next time I looked up it was now almost midday.

Sighing I made my way downstairs to fix something up to eat. Luckily I was on break today so I wouldn't have to work anyway. I figured I would check on Jackle and then check on everyone else to see how they were doing.

Four days passed and the I was feeling slightly better. Everyone was affected by the incident but I think we were all starting to recover. Jackle had been through many surgeries to keep him stable. When I visited their were often other’s there. Jackle’s calm and approachable demeanor had led him to becoming popular and it seemed as if the whole town was worried about him. I often saw the elements there as well. They all visited at least once in the four days.

We also visited Scootaloo. She had a concussion and had twenty five stitches to stitch up the large wound on her head. Luckily it would be covered by her mane when it grew back as the doctors had to remove a portion of it. Rainbow’s wing was recovering well and soon she would be able to fly on it again.

However on the fifth day a particular letter in the post caught my attention. It was stamped with the dual heads of Luna and Celestia indicating it was from Canterlot. I opened it with my magic inside it read…

Dear Mr Quill Edge

Regarding the recent event involving your co-worker you have been summoned to the main guard barracks to retell the events that transpired four days ago. Please meet me in office 1C6 at 12.00 PM sharp tomorrow. A train to Canterlot has been arranged and will arrive at 8.00 AM on that day.

Hoping you are well

Captain Sharp Eye

I groaned slightly the last thing I needed was more publicity about the event but I had to go. Sighing I sat the letter down and went about my day.Tomorrow came to quickly and I was soon aboard the train for Canterlot. The whole town knew what had happened and all gave me looks of sympathy without talking to me. Not that I minded as I settled down into a seat and prepared for the three hour long trip to canterlot.

The three hours went faster than I expected and the train soon pulled up against the sation of canterlot. I was not on duty and therefore was not wearing my armour. As I walked into the city I got even more stares. A few were from the snobby and snot nosed residents of Canterlot who looked at me with indifference. But the majority were from the guard, The cutie mark along my side was like a spotlight.

News travelled like a wildfire in the guard society and cryptic looks were shared between the guards as I passed. Non spoke out however and a few even let their faces fall into a sympathetic look.

The guard barracks were where I was trained. Harsh memories of rigorous activities to make me into a guard had happened behind those walls. However the damp mustiness I smelt when I stepped inside was a smell I had grown to love. This building dealt with all the guards stationed everywhere in Equestria.

An attack like this on a guard was very rare. Unless a war was going on which had not happened in years there was only one guard fatality per year. Most of those were accidents and murder was virtually unheard of in pony society.For a guard to be attacked like this would have severe repercussions around the country.

The halls were empty and quiet at this time of day as everyone was out to get lunch or was on patrol. I thanked Sharp Eye in my mind for arranging the meeting now. He was at the same rank as Shining Armour the famous prince of the Crystal Empire was in the military. He was a bit old for active duty and instead trained guards who passed through Canterlot. I knew him to be stern but fair and he had a kind heart unlike the other training instructors.

I walked briskly to office 1C6 just a few minutes early on the time. Raising my hoof I knocked on the door three times. After a few moments a voice that sounded like steel being grated came from the inside. “Enter”

I did so opening the door into the small but comfortable office. On a chair behind the desk sat the pony himself. He was an earth pony with gray eyes like me, His mane was marine blue and his coat was rust orange. Despite his old and wrinkled visage he was limber and moved like a pony half his age as he rose.

“Quill, Glad you could make it. I know this must be hard for you.” Sharp Eye said. He had lost friends as well in his long career and had drooped the formalities as well.

“Captain” I said.

“Please sit” He said.

I did so seating myself opposite him settling into the hard chair.

“I know you want to be here for as little time as possible so just tell me everything that happened on that day” He asked me his voice surprisingly soft.

He put his hoof down on a black object causing it to glow a faint green. It was a recorder. powered by unicorn magic they were a recent invention that proved useful in capturing confessions of criminals.

I went through the story telling him of the late call by AppleJack, Then of the frantic dash through the forest finding the fillies and the battle that followed. Finally I reluctantly recounted the injuries Jackle had sustained. Throughout the entire explanation Sharp Eye cut in with several questions.

At the end Sharp Eye cut of the recording. “ Alright I have what I need. I have notified the mayor of Ponyville saying you will not be on patrol for the next few days.”

“Thank you sir” I said trying to not be sullen.

“ We were going to pull Jackle out of Ponyville…” He began.

“What!?” I exclaimed.

“Let me finish” He said holding a hoof up.

I sat back waiting for him to continue.

“But the princesses overruled the statement. I don’t why they did it but Jackle can leave Ponyville if he wants to but we can’t force him out”

I sighed in relief my heart my heart beating fast at the prospect of him being thrown out.

“You may go now Quill all I can offer you are my condolences, But when I was in training with Jackle I knew the kid was quiet but he had a heart like no one else he’ll be fine” Sharp Eye said the familiar rustiness returning to his voice.

“Thank you sir it means a lot” And it did. I hadn't probably spoken to anyone in four days and having this conversation helped. We shook hooves and I exited the office closing the door behind me. The corridor was now full of ponies who like everyone else looked at me. Wanting to be out of here as fast as possible.

I exited the barracks and moved through town fast but not overly speedy. I soon made it to the train station with time to spare. I sat down waiting for the train to arrive.

Soon boredom set in as I waited. I was getting sleepy and my eyes were half lidded. Suddenly out of the corner of my eye I saw a shape moving in the darkness. A face flashed and was quickly gone. I jumped up searching for the face but it was gone. Had that been? No what would Princess Luna have been doing here? Putting it down to a illusion I shook my head as the train came around the corner. I entered and soon enough he train rumbled back to Ponyville.

PRESENT TIME

“Then I had that dream that you had with Luna. I think it was probably similar to yours” Quill said finishing the explanation.

“Everyone was really that worried?” Jackle asked.

“Yeah you really caused a stir amongst us you silly fool” Quill said in amusement.

Over the course of the explanation the pair were now close to the site where the picnic was. All the main six plus the CMC and spike were there. To Jackle’s eyes it looked like they were worse for wear but they all looked neat and didn’t seem to be in distress.

The first to see them coming was obviously Pinkie. She pointed with a hoof towards the duo and everyone got up and flew/galloped towards them. everyone was asking questions when they arrived and it was all a little too much to take in. After a few seconds of noise Quill whistled silencing everyone. Well almost everyone.

“And then I was like oatmeal are you crazy?” Pinkie said after everyone else had stopped.

We all looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“What, Every other author is doing it so why shouldn't the one writing this not have to? She said.

Everyone blinked and decided to pass it off as Pinkie being Pinkie.

“Alright listen. Yes Jackle is here, Yes he is injured and yes he is fine for the moment.” Quill said addressing everyone.

“ Glad your okay sugarcube” AppleJack said with a smile as everyone else nodded in agreement.

The whole party sat down underneath the shade of the tree. The CMC and spike played some games making sure to take it easy because Scootaloo was still hurt. The older ponies gossiped and ate everyone taking time to speak with Jackle.

AppleJack and Rainbow both thanked him for protecting the foals. Twilight had a conversation that somehow ended up on the fine workings on the details of hooke’s law. Something that Jackle had never even heard of. Rarity too thanked him and then asked how the room was in the hospital. When I told her how drab it was being Rarity she made a dramatic scene saying it was now her mission to make the hospital “Fabulous”. Pinkie asked if he wanted a “ Not dead yet” party to which he politely declined. Fluttershy spent the longest with him thanking him for saving her directly. Despite the fact neither of them talked that much they had a nice conversation in the late afternoon sun.

It was nice to see that while everyone was affected they were recovering and the incident hadn’t scared them permanently. Soon it was time to pack up and everyone soon left as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. In a few days Quill would be back patrolling and hopefully nothing overly dangerous would happen for a long time. Unfortunately life had a way of surprising you...

Chapter Seven: Autumn Break

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One month later since the picnic the whole town of ponyville was now in the thrall of autumn. The leaves on the trees had turned a brilliant shade of yellowish brown and the warm and heavy air of summer had now been replaced with bracing winds that had a small chill in them. Ponies littered the pathways leading into forested parks enjoying the crisp weather and beautiful scenery.

Overall everything was well in ponyville. Now the fast paced shock had worn off. The elements of harmony and the guards went back to their normal lives. Jackle was still injured but over the month he had recovered well. He had started to patrol again, thankfully with no more surprises.

However the town itself was more busy then usual. The running of the leaves was nearing and preparations had to be made. The whole event started years ago back when Celestia was naught but a little filly and Luna was not even a glint in her mother’s eye. Back then less magic flowed through the air and Equestria needed a little help changing seasons. So ponies ran through the trees with horseshoes enchanted by unicorns to release a large amount of energy when they hit the ground. The shakes from the ponies caused the leaves to finally tip from the trees allowing trees to prepare for the colder weather.

Over the years magic was now flowing through the air in great amounts and the running was not needed. But they kept it as a celebration and the running of the leaves was still done all over Equestria, but now it was more of a competition.

Quill and Jackle were both roaming around with a nervous energy. They worked ten hours a day seven days a week, the life of a guard was not an easy one. However they had all holidays off. So hearths warming eve, nightmare night and many others could be enjoyed. They were both set to head down to the track that the running was held on at midday and both were distracted. Back in Canterlot there were hardly any trees so the running was never held. This would be their first.

Although the town was bustling with activity the disturbances were low. Quill and Jackle had little to do until the race so they sat down at a cafe watching the ponies go by.

“Are you going to run the race today?” Quill asked suddenly.

“I don’t know” Jackle replied. “ I’m going to ask my doctor if I can but he can be stubborn so I think he will say no. I’ll just watch if that happens”

“ Suit yourself” Quill said.

The pair sat for a while simply enjoying the weather until the large bell tower above them chimed indicating it was quarter to twelve.

“I better get going see you at the race and try not to whine too much when I beat you” Jackle said with a smile.

“I’ll be saying that to you in a couple of hours” Quill shouted after him as he left. Getting up Quill walked to whitetail woods. Just before the main entrance to the woods a little dirt track split from the path leading up to the racetrack. It was filled with ponies all excitedly talking about the event.

The start of the race was buzzing with activity. Ponies from all around town had showed up to compete and watch. Quill stood in the background waiting for Jackle who had not arrived there yet. He saw him when he turned right. Jackle still had a cast over his wing but all his bandages had been removed and he looked more spritely then he did before, his scars had now faded but were still visible as faint pink lines dotting his skin.

“So?” Quill asked quirking an eyebrow as Jackle came near.

Jackle shook his head. “The doctor said it would be dangerous to try and run, even if I take care my wing will keep hitting my body and I may injure myself”

“ Oh well looks like I will have to beat them without your help” Quill said with a cocky smile.

“I’m sure you will, but I don’t mind not running I never had much stamina.” Jackle replied.

Quill shrugged his shoulders. “ I heard Pinkie, Fluttershy and Twilight are sitting this one out maybe you can go with them”

“What about Rarity?”

Quill laughed, “You didn’t hear? She and her sister got into a fight and Rarity is doing this to show she can handle a little uhh… what’s the word she used? Oh yeah filth”

The pair walked up to the starting line where the racers were stretching themselves off. Except from Rarity who was in a deckchair fanning herself for some reason. They approached the non racers standing next to them.

“ Hey Quill you better get ready looks like the race is starting soon” Jackle said.

“Alright, see you” Quill replied nodding as he walked to the starting point.

Jackle continued on and searched the crowd until he found the three ponies he was looking for. Along with Spike and the CMC.

“Good afternoon everyone” Jackle said catching their attention. They then exchanged hellos.

The race was close to starting when Pinkie suddenly appeared in front of Jackle after he blinked. Used to her antics he jumped slightly but recovered quickly.

“What do you need Pinkie” He asked with a smile.

She took on a huge grin. “ Well I saw that you couldn't race and I was setting up my balloon so I can commentate and then I was all like, Aww I bet Jackle feels all lonely! So then I came up with this brilliant idea to ask if you wanted to go too! Soo do you want to go on the balloon with me and Spike?!” She said all in one breath.

Jackle took a second to process the information then he nodded. “Umm sure why not”

“Great!” She said.

Suddenly Jackle found himself in front of a massive purple balloon. He didn’t really know how Pinkie had taken him at least a hundred metres in under a millisecond, but he knew it was better not to question Pinkie. He heard a rustle beside him and he saw Spike lying beside him. He looked like he was about to throw up and if he had been on the “ Pinkie express” he couldn't blame him.

“Uhh what happened?” he said in a daze.

“No time!” Exclaimed Pinkie. “ All aboard!” she said as the large balloon inflated.

“Wait, what about the others don’t they want to go?” Jackle asked as Pinkie climbed into the basket below the balloon.

“Nah, Fluttershy is scared of heights, Twilight swore she would never go into something crafted by my brilliant hooves and the CMC didn’t feel up to it.” Pinkie said. “Now mush your tuccus! The race is starting!”

Shaking his head slightly, Jackle reached down and slipped Spike who was still on the ground onto his shoulders. He then jumped into the balloon using his good wing to provide a bit of lift. Once inside he laid Spike onto the wicker basket and turned to Pinkie.

“You ready to see where Ponyville takes out its frustration?” Pinkie said to him.

“ What?”

“ HaHa! The running of the leaves is like the most violent thing we ever do! Ponies push and shove and use all those underhanded tactics to win!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“ Well let’s hope this one wasn’t like last years” Spike grumbled standing up.

“It’s only a race” Jackle said.

“ I mean what’s the worst that could happen?”

Chapter Eight:Golden Race

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Quill trotted away from Jackle towards the starting line where the competitors were finishing up their stretches. He thought it best to do some stretches of his own to limber himself up. Just as he was finishing his second set of torso twists he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see AppleJack and Rainbow standing there, both had a competitive fire in their eyes.

“You ready to get beaten into the dirt?” Rainbow smirked looking confident.

“ What makes you so sure you're going to win? Last year I heard you came almost last” Quill retorted.

“ Well… No… Oh Urgh!” Rainbow said walking away.

AppleJack sniggered. “She’s still sore about losing the race to twilight.”

“Well maybe I’ll let her win out of the kindness of my black withered heart” Quill said with a small smirk.

“Ah doubt that… In fact come to think of it, you are the only other unicorn ah know who is some sort of an athlete. Twilight couldn't run if her life depended on it an Rarity may be runnin but ah don't think she’ll get very far” AppleJack said.

“C’mon the race is starting, we better get into position” AppleJack motioned her head back to the track as she began walking back.

The starting point was a wide stretch of path that could easily accommodate the twenty or so racers. Quill looked around to find a few faces he recognised. He knew Thunderlane, Noteworthy and Blossomforth from his patrols and they were present on the track. A few other familiar faces such as Big mac were there as well. Applejack and Rainbow were both stretched forward ready to begin. Rarity had gotten up and taken her position right next to Quill. She did not seem very happy to get her hooves covered in mud but she wasn’t complaining… Yet.

The pony who was about to start the race began counting down. The racers became taut as he got closer to zero. Time seemed to stretch as he counted and to Quill it felt like an eternity. Eventually the pony waved a flag and he heard Pinkie shout “It begins!” in the distance. The race was on.

Quill sprang forward covering a large distance in a short time. His natural fitness from being a guard would give him the advantage over most ponies in the race. Suddenly something caught his leg. It felt like another hoof had got trapped between his own. He twisted coming to a stop while the other racers speed ahead. He looked behind him to see Rarity covered head to hoof in mud. She had tripped over his hoof when they had started and had fallen into the perfectly placed mud puddle in front of the start.

“ My beautiful mane! You horrid beast!” She wailed.

“Oops, sorry Rarity! Let me help you up” Quill said sheepishly.

She fixed him with a death stare that made him stop and feel like it would burn him into nothing if the stare was a real weapon.

“ Darling you had better start running, because when this race is finished I will look for you, I will find you and I will DESTROY YOU! She shouted.

Out of the corner of his eye Quill swore he could see half the spectators run away. Without another word he turned and ran away after the other racers who were now far ahead.

Jackle braced himself as the balloon lifted off the ground. They reached a good height to spectate the race. Jackle looked to see the racers ready to start. A pony waved a flag in front of the racers. “It begins!” Pinkie shouted, her voice amplified by a microphone that had not been there a few seconds ago.

He saw Quill almost trip over and Rarity fall into a puddle. He winced inwardly as she landed. Quill turned back and looked like he was offering to help her up. Then something happened that made Jackle’s spine erupt into Goosebumps that shivered down his back. Quill looked terrified for a moment then he ran away. The balloon went on before he could say anything so he kept his attention on Quill.

Ten minutes in and Quill had caught up with the pack as his stamina kicked in. He was now fourth in the line only behind Thunderlane, AppleJack and Rainbow. The girls were neck and neck and were trying to desperately trying to push one another off the course. Jackle watched with bated breath as Pinkie and Spike continued to commentate on the race.

Quill raced ahead dodging through ponies as he emerged from the stampede that made up most of the racers. He saw Thunderlane a few meters ahead of him. The pegasus looked to be coping well with the running and Quill knew he needed to overtake him now while the track was flat. The rules for the race and overtaking were simple. No wings or magic and nothing overly violent. Apart from that anything goes and the only limit is your imagination.

Quill sped up coming hoof to hoof with Thunderlane. The pegasus locked eyes with him. Quill gave him a small shove to see if he would move. Thunderlane held fast and returned with a much stronger shove. Quill gritted his teeth. He noticed ThunderLane's posture was tilting to his direction and he had an idea.

Using his flexible body, Quill vaulted over Thunderlane using the beefy fetlocks of the pegasus stabilize him. He landed on the other side of Thunderlane changing sides in under a second. He gave a huge shove to Thunderlane. The pegasus had not expected a shove to come from his left. Because he was leaning to the right to brace against Quill’s attacks the shove on his left shoulder caused him to overbalance and fall down on the track.

Quill smiled in his triumph and sped on. He could just see Rainbow and AppleJack crossing a stream in the distance. He continued to run determined to catch them.

Jackle watched Quill dispatch of Thunderlane from the balloon. “Ooh that looked painful! Better luck next time Thundy!” Pinkie shouted beside him. From his vantage point on the balloon, Jackle could see leaves falling down on the track. They were covered in water and the sunlight’s reflection off them made them seem like the runners were running on gold. It was a breath taking spectacle and easily worth coming up on one of Pinkie’s “Experiments” to see.

The race continued on for another ten minutes. All the racers had fallen behind the ponies in third, second and first and were no longer visible. Spectators gathered on the track edge continued to cheer as the balloon went by. AppleJack and Rainbow were still fighting to secure first place, neither of them could secure the advantage. Quill had caught up with them and was only ten meters behind them.

Suddenly Rainbow seemed to give a particularly enthusiastic shove to AppleJack. AJ lost her balance and almost tipped over. She managed to keep on her hooves but she lost a lot of speed. However Rainbow, not expecting AppleJack to move overbalanced much like Thunderlane had and face planted on the ground. Jackle saw Quill jump and just clear Rainbow’s flailing body. He then used AppleJack’s loss of speed to catch up with her.

Quill gritted his teeth and pushed his muscles to breaking point. He was running alongside AppleJack who seemed to be having the same difficulties as he was.

“Any… chance o-of lettin me win outa the kindness of yer h-heart?” AppleJack said breathlessly.

“ S-sorry AJ b-but Nope!” Quill said trying to surge forward.

They were neck and neck as they approached the finishing line. The finishing line was also the start line as the whole circuit was a loop. Both ponies strained harder as they approached the finish.

“Ya ain’t g-gonna win so back d-down” AppleJack said.

Quill turned to face her. “No chance” He said.

“W-well that's good”

“Why’s t-that” Quill asked still looking at her.

“Cause you ain’t looking where ya are goin!” AppleJack said pulling away from him.

Quill turned to look in front of him.

Then he ran headfirst into a pole.

Chapter Nine:Farm

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Quill blacked out for a second. He awoke to the sound of cheering coming from all sides. He grumbled, slowly getting up. His head was on fire and it was only his pride that stopped tears from forming in the corners in his eyes. He had run into one of the poles that held up the chequered flag that signified the end of the race.

He took a moment to catch his breath from the physical exertion of the race. All the ponies who were at the finishing point were congratulating Applejack who looked just as tired as he did. Quill felt the top of his head for an injury and found a large bruise that was swelling up fast. There was also a small cut located at the centre of the bruise, but it was not very large.

He saw the balloon that held Pinkie,Spike and Jackle land on the other side of the track. All the contestants had now made it past the finishing line and almost all of them flopped down onto the ground in exhaustion.Quill walked through the crowd towards the garish pink and purple balloon. When he was in the middle of the crowd a brown hoof caught him by the ear and with surprising force dragged him away from the crowd.

When he stopped he came face to face with a very muddy and very angry Rarity.

“C’mon Rarity I’ve already been punished enough, I don’t need you to lay it onto me as well” Quill moaned straightening out when Rarity let him go.

“Oh boo hoo!” Rarity exclaimed. “Do you know how long it’s going to take to get this out of my coat? Days, that’s how long!”

“Let him breath Rarity he took a nasty hit” Applejack said as she came up behind them along with the rest of the elements and Jackle.

“That was a nasty hit you took, you sure you’re okay?” Jackle asked.

“I’m perfectly dandy, thanks for asking” Quill said sarcastically.

“Ain’t no need fer sarcasm sugarcube. Here lemme take a look” Applejack said.

Quill huffed in frustration and lent down, allowing Applejack to view his head.

“Yeah you took quite a knock. Best if we bandage ya up” she said.

“I can’t recall if they have any bandages here, at least I don’t think so” Twilight said.

“Um I have some in my cottage” Fluttershy said.

“Nah the farms closer, I’ll take him up there. Ya okay with that Jackle?” Applejack asked.

“ Yes that’s fine. Better than having him collapse halfway back.” Jackle nodded.

“Then it’s settled. See ya’ll later!” Applejack said.

Everyone began to leave. Quill went over to Rainbow and stuck out his hoof.

“No hard feelings?” He asked.

She sighed “ Guess not” She said as she shook his hoof.

But as Quill began to let go she tightened her grip. “But make no mistake, I will get you back” She said narrowing her eyes.

“Same goes for me darling, it is so on!” Rarity said mock glaring at him as she walked past.

Rainbow let his hoof go and she left with Rarity.

“Seems like everyone hates you at the moment” Twilight sniggered.

Quill sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Rainbow was way too competitive and he knew she was going to have her revenge. As for Rarity he wasn’t sure. Her mood swings might mean she would let it go or come at him with a knife. He began walking to the farm with a huff.

“See ya Twilight” Applejack called.

“Bye Applejack and good luck dealing with him. He’s probably as stubborn as you!” Twilight called back.

Big Mac, who had also competed in the race walked with Applejack and Quill back to the farm. No one spoke on the walk back as Quill was still grumpy and Mac hardly ever talked anyway. A couple of minutes before they reached the farm Quill suddenly felt light headed and almost fell over. He was walking next to Mac who quickly overcame his surprise and supported him. Quill’s head hung forward limply and Applejack came in to check his pulse. It was a little slower then she would have liked and on closer inspection she could see the bump on Quill’s head was a lot larger then she thought. The cut on his head wasn’t big but it looked deep.

“We better get him ta Granny Smith as fast as we can” Applejack said with a worried look to her brother.

“Eeyep” Mac said and without another word slung Quill over his torso and took off in a full sprint with Applejack right behind him.

“ Ugh” Quill groaned as he awoke from being knocked out for the second time that day. His head felt like it was on fire and he felt weak. He looked around. He was in a smallish room that was entirely made of wood. Wooden bed,wooden ceiling and wooden furnishings. But it felt very homely and comforting.

Reaching up he found his head covered in bandages. Stretching out he got up out of the bed. He suddenly felt light headed when his hooves touched the ground and he almost threw up again. But he managed to keep his composure. The doorknob suddenly jiggled and the door swung open. Standing there was the old green matriarch of the apple family herself Granny Smith.

“What are ya doing sonny!” She exclaimed. “Ya should be in that bed an restin up! Applejack told me ya had quite a nasty crash.”

“Don’t worry yourself Miss Smith I’m fine” Quill said.

“All you young stallions, always thinkin they're invincible! AJ come and beat some sense into ya silly friend. Anyway that’s Granny Smith ta you. None of that fancy stuff here” Granny Smith said as she walked out.

AppleJack quickly took her place in the door.

“C’mon Quill” She said rolling her eyes. “Ain’t no time ta be all masculine ya need rest”

“ Alright fine” Quill gave up as Applejack helped him back into bed.

“Ah told Jackle what happened. Guess he was right when he said you would collapse. What is with you two an gettin hurt anyway?” Applejack asked as she checked the bandages around Quill’s head.

“Danger of being a guard. We always get hurt” Quill said wryly.

“ Well ya better stop. Ah won’t always be around ta save yer behind” Applejack joked.

“ Now you stay there an don’t move ya need to recover” AppleJack said as she locked eyes with him.

“Yes ma’am” Quill smirked.

“Now don’t be smart or I’ll let Rarity and Rainbow in here to exact their revenge”

“Alright then. Goodnight Applejack.”

“Goodnight sugarcube”

Chapter Ten:Boredom

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Applejack yawned, slightly stretching her legs to distill the feeling of numbness that had crept its way into her legs over the night. She had an internal alarm clock that she had honed over the years to wake her up right before dawn. Getting up Applejack glanced out of the window. The sun’s golden rays had yet to break over the hill that usually obscured the sun during the early morning, but she could see the wisps of light from behind the hill. This signified the start of the day as it had done for the past twenty one years.

She walked carefully out of her room to the communal bathroom. She took care when she placed her steps as to not cause a lot of noise. Mac and Granny Smith should already be up by now, but Applebloom took a few extra hours of sleep. She was young and was still growing so she needed it. When she entered the bathroom she brushed her teeth and took a quick short shower. When she was done she dried off and stood in front of the mirror. She had been doing this routine for so long now it was almost subconscious and she could afford to let her mind wander as she plaited her mane and tail with a two red bands into her signature style.

Her morning routine finished, she headed back to her room to get her stetson hat. But as she went down the hallway she was interrupted by a very heavy snore. She froze, that snore was much too deep for it to have been Appleblooms, but then she remembered. Quill, the brave if a bit foolhardy unicorn was in the guest room. He had run full steam into a pole. She had taken him mostly because they were friends but also because she felt guilty because it was partly her fault he ran into the pole.

She had no idea what to think of those two guards. Sure they were a lot more friendly and helpful then the two who came before, but they both had a penance for getting themselves injured, not only that but they had been spending more time with her and her friends. The change was subtle and Applejack thought she was the only one who had knew. She didn’t mind it, In fact Applejack enjoyed their company and it seemed the rest of the girls seemed to as well. But it just a bit odd. But she was probably was just overreacting. Part of her element was detecting lies in others after all.

She shook her head. Her mind always went to weird places when she had just woken up. Chuckling slightly at her own ridiculous paranoia she decided it was best to wake Quill up to see how he felt.

Using her head, she nudged the door open and light flooded the dark guest room. Quill was lying still in his bed, occasionally letting loose a rumbling snore. A small string of drool had attached itself from his mouth to his pillow and he looked so peaceful Applejack almost felt bad about waking him up.However she needed get to work soon. She went up to him and shook him awake with a hoof.

“C’mon ya lazy varmint time ta get up” She said with a smile.

Quill groaned and rolled to the side sweeping the covers over him as he did so.

Applejack almost face hoofed. All stallions were the same in the morning. The few times Mac did sleep in, he was almost impossible to get out of bed. But due to Mac Applejack knew when she was faced with a lazy stallion who would not get out of bed. It was best to go all in. Sighing she raised her right fore hoof of the ground and smacked him across his exposed ear. Ponies have very sensitive ears and a good flick or smack to an ear would wake anyone wake up.

Just as she expected Quill sharply sat up, his head was still swollen and his eyes were slightly puffy but nothing too terrible.

“ Did you have to wake me up? I was having such a nice little dream.” Quill said sleepily.

“Yes ah did. Now keep yer noggin still” Applejack said as she lent forward and began unwrapping the bandages around his head. The wound itself wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t look too terrible.

“Alright you look fine. But ah’m gonna keep ya in that bed fer a day. Jackle will understand that ya need one day off work” Applejack said leaning back.

“ You don’t need to I’m fine” Quill said attempting to rise from underneath his sheets.

But Applejack quickly pushed him back down. “Ah know you're almost as stubborn as me, but ah ain’t budgin on this. ah’ll get Granny Smith ta cook ya up somethin if ya get hungry. Now get some more shut eye, ponyville can survive one day without ya.”

“ Fine, have a good day Applejack” Quill resigned settling himself back down.

“Alright, and don’t leave this room ya hear!?” Applejack said as she backed out of the bedroom. Quill heard her hooves creak on the wooden floor as she trotted away.

Time was passing far too slowly for Quill’s liking. Granny Smith had come up and served him a very fine and hearty breakfast, but that felt like it was ages ago. Now boredom set in as Quill couldn't sleep. The sun streamed in through a tiny crack in the curtains and Quill could hear the sound of birds through the window. It was a perfect day outside, one to be spent outside not cooped up inside.

Quill huffed quietly. He wanted to take a run like he usually did in the mornings but he didn’t want to provoke Applejack's wrath. But she never said anything about getting up and having a stretch inside of the room. She only said he couldn't leave the room. Quill slowly got up. He knew he was injured and getting up fast may cause an unpleasant accident.

He felt a bit lightheaded but he got to his hooves. His legs were a bit stiff. After a few paces he worked out the kinks of discomfort in his legs. Suddenly A small crash came from downstairs. Quill strained his ears to listen. Applejack and Macintosh were probably out on the fields right now. The noise was probably Granny Smith. Quill sighed, the little bit of sunlight in the room seemed to be begging him to bask in the full glory of celestia’s sun.

Well Applejack was out in the fields and wouldn't be back for a while as would Mac. He was pretty confident he could sneak past Granny Smith, so he nudged open the door to the room with his muzzle. The hallway was completely clear and there was no noise.

He slowly made his way down the wooden stairs. He peaked through the banisters into the apple family kitchen. He knew Granny Smith was usually there. But she was absent. Quill could see the doorway from here. Granny Smith’s pair of saddlebags was missing indicating she had left the house. This gave Quill an opportunity, but only a quick one.

He cantered to the doorway looking left to check through a door to make sure no one was there. He saw it was clear and turned back to the door.

“Howdy there Mr Quill whatcha doin?” Came a high pitched voice with a southerly accent.

Quill jumped about five feet in through the air. He landed his eyes wide with surprise as he came face to face with the innocent eyes of Applebloom. If it wasn’t the fauna or the environment that killed him, it would be the ponies popping out of random places that might.

“ By Celestia Applebloom, you almost gave me a heart attack!” Quill said breathing heavily.

“ What are ya doing outta bed? Ah thought Applejack said you would be staying there all day” She asked.

“Oh, um just going to the toilet!” Quill said giving her a fake smile.

Applebloom narrowed her eyes. “The toilets upstairs” She said matter of factly.

“ Uhh yeah I know I was just…” Quill stammered while Applebloom gave him the same raised eyebrow look her older sister had given him before. She was not a fool despite her young age.

Quill finally gave up and sighed. Persuasive talking and twisting the truth were more Jackle’s thing. It was amazing how he could convince ponies with his honeyed words. “Alright fine you got me. All I want is just a bit of fresh air”

Applebloom dropped the stern look and gave him a small smile. “ Ah can understand that. When ah got sick Applejack wouldn't let me outside fer two weeks. She can be just a tad overprotective”

“Don’t I know it” Grumbled Quill causing Applebloom to giggle slightly.

Her face suddenly lit up. “ I know! You're bored ain’t ya?” She asked.

“Yeah I guess so”

“So how about ya come with me and the rest of the CMC and we can go crusadin? It would really help ta get someone with a cutie mark of their own ta help us. Ah mean helping others is kinda ya job ain’t it?” Applebloom said excitedly.

“I don’t know…”

“Oh come on! Ah know ya are bored, we can stay near the farm incase Applejack or Mac come back and we won’t do no runnin cause of ya head. Plus Granny Smith has gone to some apple convention down in Appleloosa, she won’t be back today” Applebloom moaned giving him the big puppy eyes.

Even Quill in all of his masculinity could not resist the abnormally large eyes of the filly.

“ Alright then I’ll go” Quill conceded.

“Yay!” She exclaimed while reaching up to hug his foreleg. “C’mon lets go. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo should be here soon!”

She quickly exited through the door motioning Quill to follow. Quill thought he was going to regret this later, but at least he could prevent the girls from hurting themselves when they were pulling off one of their hairbrained schemes so he quickly followed her.

She led him towards a patch of clear area not to far from the house that bordered one of the apple tree fields. The other two members of the CMC were already there and waiting.

“ Hey girls! I brought Mr Quill along cause he got bored, hope you don’t mind” Applebloom said.

Neither of them did and they all exchanged hellos.

“I saw you run into that pole, Tough luck, that looked like it hurt” Sweetie Belle said to Quill.

“You think” Scootaloo said. “I don’t think even Rainbow Dash could just stand up after a blow like that”

Quill decided to break up the girls before they started arguing. “ So what are you three doing today” He said.

“ Were going to be Cutie Mark inspiration drawers!” Sweetie Belle squealed.

“Oh? Seems a bit tame for you three”

“ Not everything we do is crazy you know” Scootaloo said.

“ Yep. Told you it would be nice and simple.” Applebloom said retrieving three pieces of paper and three pencils from her saddlebag.

“Oh shoot! Sorry Mr Quill but I forgot yours” Applebloom said.

Quill chuckled. “Don’t worry yourself I’ll live. I can just watch.”

Applebloom nodded and the three girls set around the clearing, looking for something to draw. Quill leaned back and sat down against a tree trunk. The midday sun was bearing down upon him making the heat of the day turn him sleepy. He kept his eyes open as best as he could but the comfortable grass underneath him and the hot sun above him was too much. Coupled with his injury his body soon fell asleep.

He awoke some time later. The sun was still high in the sky but it was blocked by a very large black object. Quill cleared his eyes to find the traditional raised eyebrow and firm mouth of Applejack looking down at him.

“Just couldn't resist going outside eh?” She said shaking her head but smiling at the same time.

Quill looked down. The CMC were all splayed out near him sleeping. They still had their papers which were now covered in drawings but it seemed the lazy weather had caused them to fall asleep as well.

Applejack woke the three fillies and sent Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo back home. She then walked right by Applebloom and Quill as they headed back.

“ You must have known I was going to go out” Quill commented.

“Of course ah knew. Just didn't expect ya to go with the CMC. Did they give ya the puppy eyes?”

“ Unfortunately yes they did”

“ Don’t worry yourself. Many stalwart ponies have fallen prey to those eyes. Now c’mon lets get back. An this time ya are staying in that room” She said.

“ Don’t worry yourself I’ve had my moment of freedom” Quill said.

The moment they got back to the farmhouse the three exchanged goodnights and entered their respective rooms. Not really in the mood for fussing about his appearance , Quill simply laid his head down on the plush pillow and fell asleep.

Chapter Eleven:Wonderbolt

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The early morning passed much like you would expect it to. Quill woke up feeling much better than the day before. That wasn’t to say he was not in pain, it still felt like something was trying to force its way out of his head, but at least he could concentrate and see a bit more clearly now.

But today was not the most exciting day of the year. The running of the leaves holiday had officially ended and Quill had to get back to work. He could take a day off work but that would mean a mountain of paperwork and Jackle would definitely not show favour of him bunking off. And so with heavy bones, Quill obeyed Applejack’s command to “Shove yer tuccus off the bed!”

Quill looked at himself in the mirror on the desk inside the room. He looked like a complete mess. His head was wrapped thickly in a bandage and his face looked rough. The fur on his body stuck up in weird places as well giving him the appearance of someone who had been having a rough night's sleep.

Slowly,using his magic Quill undid the bandage around his head. The swelling had gone down and the cut had fully scabbed over and was barely visible. Overall it didn’t look so bad but it was still quite painful.

Shaking his head at the haggard reflection in the mirror, Quill made his way out of the room and downstairs. He could hear voices talking softly in the kitchen so he checked for other ponies there.

Jackle was already there standing by the door in full armour leaning slightly against the doorframe. Applebloom had gone off to school and Mac was working the fields. Applejack was sitting at the table eating one of her trademark red apples.

“Well look at that! Only half an hour after ah called ya!” Applejack chuckled.

Quill offered a small grunt in her direction.

“To be honest neither of us are that good in the mornings” Jackle admitted rubbing the back of his head with his hoof.

“Did you bring my armour?” Quill yawned.

Jackle raised an eyebrow. “Good to see you as well. Yes I have it, are you ready to get back to work?”

“ Yeah lets go” Quill said stretching his neck and shoulders. “Thanks for putting up with me Applejack”

“Anytime Quill, hope ya feel better soon” Applejack replied.

“You and me both” Quill said as he put on his armour.

The guards bid goodbye to Applejack and left the Apple family house. They both began walking down the road back to ponyville and they struck up a conversation to pass the time.

“So, did anything interesting happen when I was laid out?” Quill asked.

“Not particularly, But it finally seems as if most ponies have warmed up to us. Or at least most of them are treating us with indifference.” Jackle replied.

“Well lets hope it stays that way”

They walked for a bit until a strange whooshing sound caused Jackle to stop in his tracks.

“Do you hear that?” Jackle said motioning for Quill to stop.

Quill strained his ears to listen. The whooshing sound seemed like it was getting louder.

“Where is it coming from?” Both of them said in almost perfect unison.

Now the whooshing sound focussed into what seemed like screaming and it sounded like it was coming from above. Both guards looked towards the sky just to see a blue tinged missile heading straight for them.

Quill reacted quickly using his magic to slow the object down. Both guards leaped out of the way as the blue shape hit the ground.

“Uhhh… remind me never to do that again” Spoke the blue shape.

Both guards looked at each other in confusion, then the shape stood up out of the dust of the impact to reveal a muscular but linth blue pegasus.

“ Sir, are you alright?” Jackle questioned.

“Gah!” Yelped the blue pegasus jumping a few feet in the air. “Don’t do that dude!”

“Are you okay?” Quill repeated Jackle’s question.

The blue pegasus blinked like he didn’t understand the question. “Yeah I’m fine” He eventually answered, his voice more normal now he had gotten over his surprise.” Sorry about that, I was trying something new and I guess it didn’t really work, thanks for saving my ass though. I’d probably be nothing more than a flat pancake on the road if you weren’t there.”

Jackle noticed something odd about the pegasus. The way his mane was styled and the shade of his eyes seemed like someone he had seen before, but he couldn't put his hoof on who.

“Alright as long as you don’t go doing any more insanely ridiculous stunts thats fine” Quill said.

The blue pegasus looked at Jackle’s chest. “Hot damn dude how did that happen?” He asked.

Jackle looked down. He could see the red lines underneath his coat where he had been cut.

“I had an unfortunate run in with a deathclaw” Jackle grimaced slightly as the memory came back to him.

“Sorry about that” The blue pegasus said offering a sympathetic smile.

Suddenly Jackle had an epiphany about who the blue pegasus was. He definitely knew that smile. Also this would help change the subject to something less awkward.

“Are you by any chance… Soarin?”

The pegasus looked at him with wide eyes. “ Damn how’d you figure that out? Literally no one recognises me with my suit off.”

Quill raised an eyebrow.” Soarin? What are you doing down here?”

“Well I’ve got a show on in Cloudsdale. We just finished doing a full tour of equestria and I was thinking this would be a cool place to try out some new moves” Soarin answered.

“Must be thousands of ponies going there” Jackle mused.

“Yep, it’s always going to be busy when we’re in town.” Soarin smiled.

“Hey I think I kinda owe you two for saving me” Soarin said using his wings to open a saddlebag that was blended to his coat colour and so thin neither of the guards had noticed it before.” The printing press had done a few to many invitations for the show so I was tasked to get rid of them and I haven’t gotten round to it yet.”

Soarin finally searched what for what he was looking for and pulled out two glossy silver tickets.

“I know it might not be your thing but if you want to go these are yours for free” Soarin said offering them to the two guards.

Quill and Jackle decided to take them. They did not want to seem churlish and it would be very rude if they didn’t accept.

“Well I gotta split or Spitfire will rip into me for being late, see ya!” Soarin said as he took off leaving a faint blue trail.

When he had gone the guards inspected the tickets.

“What do we do with these? We can’t really take the time off work.” Jackle asked.

“ Well these things are rarer than finding your royal highness in the bathroom tucking into a slice of cake. I know Rainbow loves the wonderbolts and she probably won’t have any tickets. We can give them to her and she can find someone to go with.”

“Alright then” Jackle said as the two ponies began walking again, the sky above them shimmering as the sun began to burn the dew off the leaves paving the way for a new day.

Chapter Twelve:Sisila

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“Yes,yes,yes,yes,yes!” Rainbow exclaimed as she took flight clutching the two tickets. She eventually came back down with a big smile on her face. “Guys do you know how rare these are? The moment tickets are available they all get taken. Wonderbolt shows hardly ever come around and these babies are priceless. How’d you get them?”

“We had a little run in with Soarin, saved him from a nasty fall and he gave us these as thanks” Quill replied.

“But why are you giving them to me? I mean don’t you wanna go?” Rainbow asked as she landed her celebration finished.

“Both of us can’t really afford to have time off with all the injuries we’ve been having recently, We know you enjoy the wonderbolts so yeah, they're yours” Quill said.

“Ahhhh! This is beyond cool! Imma go see if Fluttershy wants to join me!” She exclaimed. Suddenly she rushed down and gave the guards a quick hug and took off into the air leaving zig zag of rainbow in her wake.

With that taken care of Quill and Jackle began their rounds. Autumn was in full swing now and nightmare night would is just around the corner and the air around Ponyville had the crisp bite to it that reminded everyone who passed it was slowly getting colder.

Quill had to patrol around the westerly side of Ponyville today. Even now he had been in Ponyville for a while now the whole place still set him on edge. It was always dead silent and it constantly felt like someone was watching him. Jackle had these feelings to, but so far no one had even walked by him on that road, let alone actually spoken to him.

It was almost the end of his patrol only one more street. As Quill walked down the cracked paved sidewalk of the street he noticed it sounded quieter than normal. It was never the most lively street, but he could always hear scuffling or the occasional hushed voice. Today nothing… the only sound was the wind blowing through the trees rustling the few remaining brown leaves.

Quill breathed out heavily, it was a bit unnerving but he had definitely seen worse. He put one hoof in front of the other and began walking forwards. He was trotting quite fast and soon reached the halfway point of the road.

But he was stopped when he saw a flash of brown hurtling his way at a tremendous speed. Using his reflexes, now honed by the gruelling royal guard training process he plucked the brown flash out of the air stopping it right before it brained him. He quickly turned his head to see what the object was, it was a brick, calloused and riddled with cracks, but it still could have caused huge damage if it had hit.

Then he saw something he didn’t expect, eyes, they had a strange greyish tint to them. But just as fast as they had appeared they vanished down an alley. Not wasting a second Quill dropped the brick and gave chase, using his powerful bulk to gain momentum as he skidded around the corner to the alley.

His target was obviously not a very good runner as they were only twenty or so metres in front of him. Quill saw the figure, which he could now identify as a pony in a grey shawl, squeeze into a gap bypassing a fence that blocked off the alley. Quill was rapidly approaching the fence and had to think fast. He couldn't fit in the tiny gap at the bottom,so he decided to go over the top. His horn lit up with arcane light and he flicked his head upwards. As he jumped a strong pushing force materialized on his stomach providing him the lift to clear the fence.Quill managed to land on all four hooves running and he continued the chase.

After a few more seconds he was almost on top of his target. They were a lot smaller then he was so instead of using a full body tackle, which might have squashed the pony in question, he simply reached out with a hoof and plucked them off the ground and dug his rear hooves into the ground to kill his speed.

The mysterious pony was kicking and struggling with what seemed like all their strength. But Quill could barely feel it. He couldn't do much with one of his hooves occupied so he shoved the pony down to the ground pinning them with one hoof and with another hoof he pulled back the shawl tearing it from the pony and revealing the shape underneath. As surprising as seeing the eyes earlier this easily topped that.

Under the shawl was mare, she didn’t look fully grown but, but she was larger than a normal filly. A teenager perhaps. Her coat would have been a dusky golden colour similar to honey but Quill couldn't really tell. Her coat had hundreds of little spots where there was no fur and the rest of it was matted and covered in filth. She was exceptionally thin and her ribs were slightly visible as indents and nubs under her coat, it was obvious she was malnourished. Her mane was complete black but that might not have been her natural colour, again the dirt made it hard to tell and it had a golden horn sticking out the top of it’s messy and unkempt frame.

But the most striking thing about her was her grey eyes, similar to his own. They were filled with hatred and disdain. She glared at him as she struggled desperately to break free of his grip.

“Listen I’m not going to hurt you just calm down” Quill said as the mysterious pony wriggled.

Her response was to simply start beating at the hoof that held her down to no avail.

“You know you could have easily knocked me unconscious or killed me with that little stunt you pulled.” Quill tried again going at a different angle.

The mysterious pony stopped struggling and looked up at him. In a voice that sounded like she hadn’t used it in months she whispered. “Good you two deserve it for what you have done to me”

Quill sighed, well at least she was talking now. Wait, did she just say you two?

“What do you mean you two?” Quill asked her as she began struggling again.

“The other one of you guards. I actually thought I had killed him for a second when I dropped a stone on him but I guess not” She said chuckling darkly.

Quill was at a loss at what to do. Normally ponies her age would be at school, not attempting to injure royal guards. He definitely couldn't just let her go free.

He decided to take her back to the station and consult with Jackle about it. But first he thought it would be useful to get her name to contact her parents.

“Whats your name?” He asked.

The mysterious pony refused to answer this time and glared at him with defiant eyes. Quill realized this wasn’t going to go anywhere fast so he played a different card.

“Being silent isn’t going to help. You attacked both me and my fellow guard and whichever way you look at it this isn't going to swing in your favour. Cooperate and make this easier for everyone.” Quill said giving her a little shake to prove his point.

“Ssla” She grumbled not willing to tell him.

“Speak up” Quill commanded.

“Sisila” She spat.

Quill had all he needed now he just needed to take her back to the station. Using his magic he brought out two pairs of hoofcuffs and a magic nullifier. He changed the ring size on the hoofcuffs to almost it’s lowest setting to fit her skinny legs. When was the last time she had eaten? Quill thought as he affixed them to her legs. He then put the magic nullifier around her horn to cut off the energy supply. It wasn’t easy, Sisila had resorted to struggling again but she was overpowered. The hoofcuffs and magic nullifier could only be removed by him or another guard.

“On behalf of the supreme lunar and solar courts I hereby place you under arrest. You have the right to remain silent and anything you say can be used against you in court” Quill said as he leaned off her and rose up.

Sisila growled as he uttered the words and slowly tried to stand up. However walking and standing with hoofcuffs is rather difficult and she fell back down, only to be righted by Quill’s hoof.

“Don’t touch me” Sisila hissed as she shrugged off his hoof.

Quill raised an eyebrow and took a position by her side.

“Follow me” He said.

Sisila made no move to run seeing it was useless and she begrudgingly followed him out of the alleyway.

Quill led her quickly. To preserve her dignity he walked along the path with the least ponies on it and used his bulk to shield Sisila. Still the occasional pony stared eyes wide and mouths agape. Quill could hear voices and whispering behind him but paid it no mind as he came near the guard station.

As Quill approached he could see the lights were on indicating Jackle was already there. He banged on the door three times while keeping a watchful eye on Sisila. The door creaked open slowly and Jackle’s face appeared.

“Quill” He greeted. Then he noticed the small golden pony right behind Quill.

“Who’s that” Jackle asked.

“The pony who dropped a stone on you and almost brained me with a brick. Her names Sisila” Quill grunted worn out from the day.

Jackle’s face went from confusion to grim disappointment tinged with a bit of concern when he saw the state of Sisila.

“Well come on in then” Jackle said.

Sisila didn’t say a word and looked to the ground not even bothering to notice Jackle. Quill led her to the back of the station where the small amount of cells where located. He opened the cell door and stood to the side.

“In” He said.

Despite how angry he was with Sisila, Quill couldn't help but feel pity and a bit of sorrow for the young unicorn as she shuffled into the cell.

“Front hooves up here” Quill said motioning to a small point of the cage that wasn’t covered in bars.

Without a word, Sisila put up her hooves and Quill removed the hoofcuffs from her front legs and back legs. She then went to the back of the cell and curled up on the cot. Quill sighed and shook his head then walked out.

Jackle fixed Quill with a questioning gaze as he came back in.

“I’ll tell you in a bit, I've just got to get her some food and water first” Quill answered Jackle’s unspoken question.

“I’ll take your word for it, but you might want to take a look at this” Jackle said.

Jackle held a scroll with a blood red seal adorning it. Quill could easily tell it was the royal seal. Unfortunately it was known amongst guards that a royal seal meant massive trouble. Even if it was good news it meant a lot of work. Deciding to get it over with Quill took the scroll from Jackle and broke the seal with his magic holding it out in front of them.

Dear Mr Quill and Mr Jackle

I am sure you are aware of the upcoming wonderbolt show in Cloudsdale. I know you both showed kindness and generosity by giving the tickets to Rainbow Dash, and I hate to ask this of you but I need one of you to watch over Rainbow Dash and whichever pony she chooses to go with. The show will most likely be packed and it could be the perfect opportunity for an attack on the elements given there is time to prepare before the show begins. I apologise for not being able to give a warning not to give the tickets to Rainbow Dash but my duties were abundant at that time.

One of you needs to stay here and perform rounds for the day. You two have had a large amount of leave and we don’t want anybody becoming suspicious. to whichever one of you goes to Cloudsdale there is a ticket enclosed in the scroll and remember, keep to the shadows and do not let either of the ponies you have been charged to protect out of your sight.

Good luck to you both.
Luna

Chapter Thirteen:Talk

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“Damnit, what now?” Said Quill as he put down the parchment from Princess Luna on the nearby table.

“I guess one of us has to deal with Cloudsdale and the other with Miss Sisila” Sighed Jackle. “I guess since I’m a pegasus I’ll go up to the show.”

“Makes sense, I don’t really think a unicorn will fit in with all the pegasi up there.”

Silence reigned the room for a while as they both reflected on their current situation.

“What exactly happened with you and Miss Sisila?” Jackle questioned taking a glance down the hallway to the cells. She was too far away to hear what the guards were saying but it was still a bit unnerving to Jackle to have someone actually arrested under their watch.

“Simple, she tried to hit me in the head with a rock which I managed to deflect. We had a little chase, I caught her easy enough but she fought hard against me. It’s weird, it was almost like she had a grudge against the whole royal guard not just me” Quill explained rubbing his hoof against his temple in mild frustration.

“We can talk about it later, right now I need to find her family and get her some food” Quill said as he moved across the room and entered the kitchen. Jackle followed him in.

“I saw how thin she was… I didn’t realize the poverty down there was so bad” Jackle shuffled his hooves together awkwardly.

“Yeah, it seems this place isn’t all sunshine and rainbows after all” Quill said darkly and with a hint of anger in his voice.

“Jackle quickly picked this up.” You are alright? If you want I can do”Jackle began.

“No I’m fine” Quill replied cutting him off. “Just a bit tired and strung out I guess. You can go if you want, I’ll handle her” He said as he began cutting up some mushrooms to put into a soup.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah I am, try and find out who Rainbow is taking to the wonderbolt show, it would be good if you got prepared for the job”

Jackle nodded and silently went out of the door. With a faint swish he opened his wings and took off, Lightly kicking the door behind him to close it.

Quill waited silently until the mushroom soup was brought to the boil. Neither him nor Jackle were brilliant cooks so they mostly ate simple things like salads or sandwiches. Celestia knows what would happen if they were professional cooks for a day.

When the soup was hot and steamy Quill took it off the hob and poured some into a large bowl. He made some extra for himself and Jackle so there was a lot left over. Sisila looked unhealthily skinny so Quill made sure the bowl was full. Finally he took a glass from a cabinet and filled it full of water. Using his magic he procured a spoon from the crockery draw and placed it into the soup. Satisfied Quill levitated the objects and took them around the corner into the small cellblock.

Sisila was still in her cot at the back of the cell. Quill could hear her mumbling to herself, though he couldn't make out the words escaping her mouth. To get her attention he loudly cleared his throat. Sisila looked up from where she was lying and fixed her steely gray eyes on him. She snorted and put her head back down.

Quill furrowed his eyebrows. “I have some food for you” He said unsure of what to say.

“I don’t want anything from you, leave me alone.” Came her short reply.

Quill felt his anger rising slightly at the filly's stubbornness.

“You need to eat, stop being difficult it won’t help you at all” He said.

This time Sisila didn’t even bother acknowledging him. Quill decided if she wasn’t going to cooperate then he might as well leave her to it.

“Fine then, I’ll just leave it at the bottom of the cell.” He resigned.

He elevated both objects through the gap in the cell where Sisila had her hoofcuffs removed and placed them on the floor. Sisila paid him no heed.

Quill gave her a look that was a mix of anger and pity and began to leave the room. But when he crossed the threshold to the main room of the station he heard a sequence of soft pats from the cell where Sisila was and then a loud slurping noise.

He quickly went back to the cell room to find Sisila muzzle deep in the soup, drinking it like she hadn’t eaten in days. She noticed him looking at her and she quickly withdrew from eating with an almost unnoticeable blush on her face.

Quill finally cracked a faint and amused smile. “Want a refill? There is plenty left”

Sisila opened her mouth and it looked like she was about to argue with him. But right at that moment her stomach let loose a very loud grumble. She shut her mouth and simply nodded.

Quill levitated the now empty bowl out of the cell and returned back to the kitchen.

“Well its a start at least” He thought as he began to refill the bowl.

Jackle was flying quite leisurely through the air. He often went for a walk or went flying after the stress of the day was over. Although he was walking and flying most of the day, doing it without heavy armour on was a nice relief. He decided to go over to the south of town. There was a large swath of clear fields with the occasional tree dotting the landscape and it was comforting to fly or walk there.

However tonight he couldn't seem to get relaxed. Sisila and the upcoming wonderbolts show were constantly on his mind. If Rainbow took another pony, which she would most likely do, he had to keep an eye on both while remaining hidden.Although he had not even heard Sisila talk, he knew she disliked him. Quill was right when he said she had a grudge against the royal guard.

Jackle was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn’t even notice that something was tapping him on the shoulder. He turned his head to find Rainbow Dash’s face right in front of his.

“Yoo Hoo! Anyone home?” She asked waving a hoof in front of his face.

“What?” Jackle asked confused.

“Finally! Dude, me and the others were trying to get your attention but you weren’t even paying attention to us!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Sorry, I’ve got some things on my mind at the moment didn’t even notice you” Jackle replied sheepishly.

“Yeah no kidding. C’mon down and walk with us for a bit” Rainbow said.

Jackle nodded and the pair of pegasi flew back two hundred metres. Applejack,Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity were all walking( or in pinkie’s place bouncing) along a path that led through the fields.

“Evenin Jackle, thought you’d gone deaf for a second” Applejack greeted. All the others said hello as well.

“Had something on my mind, sorry about that” Jackle said.

“No need to apologise darling” Rarity smiled.

The seven ponies talked for a while as they walked. The sun was beginning to set and the light levels were dropping by quite a bit.

“And that’s how Equestria was made!” Pinkie concluded.

“Um… wow” Fluttershy said.

“ Well that was weird, even by your standards Pinkie” Twilight said.

“All one hundred percent true!” Pinkie said as she continued to bounce whistling a happy tune as she went.

“Anyway, did you guys know I’m going to see the wonderbolts!” Rainbow said quickly changing the subject.

“Yes we know, Ya haven’t stopped talking about it” Applejack said.

“But I hardly ever see the wonderbolts, how else am I going to show them I’m the fastest flier ever?” Rainbow protested.

“Well I do hope you thanked Quill and Jackle for giving you those tickets so you and Fluttershy can go” Rarity cut in.

Jackle had quietly been listening to their conversations as they had walked. At least he now knew who was going with Rainbow.

“Of course I have Rarity, I do have some manners you know!” Rainbow retorted.

As Rainbow and Rarity talked, Jackle noticed Twilight dropping back to walk by his side. She looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t particularly want to.

“Something on your mind?” Jackle asked softly.

“How’d you know?”

“You're looking a bit nervous thats all” Jackle said.

“Unfortuantly there is something I do want to talk to you about. I saw Quill with a young unicorn in hoofcuffs earlier” Twilight whispered as to not draw that much attention.

Jackle sighed. “ She threw a brick at his head and we are keeping her in the station until we can find her parents. Try not to spread this around to much, it doesn't need to be made a big thing” He deliberately kept out her unwillingness to cooperate and how skinny she was. No need to make Twilight fret more.

Twilight looked shocked, but she simply nodded and the pair walked in silence together.

Half an hour later and the group was back in ponyville after their long walk.

“Its kinda getting late, I’mma go hit the hay” Rainbow said yawning.

“I think I might go back as well” Fluttershy added.

The rest of the group said goodbye and they all disbanded, Twilight looked back and gave a little nod to Jackle. She seemed like a trustworthy pony at least. It was doubtful she would spread Sisila’s story around.

Jackle flew leisurely back to the station. The sun had completely set now and the whole town was covered in inky blackness save for a few spots that had lamps illuminating them.As Jackle flew he still couldn’t stop thinking about Sisila and the show. Well hopefully Quill made some headway with her but that was doubtful.

Jackle sighed and increased his speed eager to get to bed and end the day.

Chapter Fourteen:Strife

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Skipping forward to the next day and the Wonderbolts show was on the doorstep. It was at about six in the morning and sunlight was starting to filter through into Jackle and Quill’s shared bedroom. The two stallions, well adversed to waking up early, were woken by the change in light. Both rose and did their morning activities without a word. It was all so routine by now they could most likely do it in their sleep.

But today was anything but a routine day. Not only was the Wonderbolt’s show on but Sisila remained a niggling problem. Quill had made some effort of trying to track down her parents but to no avail.

“I better get going if I want to get to Cloudsdale on time” Jackle said after both had finished breakfast.

“Alright, remember keep out of sight and for the love of Celestia don’t let anything happen to them” Quill said sleepily.

Jackle nodded and without another word slipped on a pair of white saddlebags with the tickets inside. There wasn’t much point in taking his armour. It would only slow him down and he would stand out by a mile. Cloudsdale had its own army and therefore it had its own guard who had a completely different uniform to the royal guard.

Within a second of leaving Jackle was in the air. Although the sky was clear and the sun’s rays covered the land it was still cold enough that Jackle could see his own breath in front of his face. Winter was definitely on its way.

Cloudsdale was quite the distance from Ponyville. So much so that most rented a chariot to get there. It would be a few hours of flying, but Jackle didn’t mind. He had always preferred when it was cold and the views over whitetail wood were breathtaking.

As he flew he wondered how he should approach the situation. He recalled on what he had learned of Rainbow and Fluttershy from his time with them. “Well, Fluttershy generally gets nervous around crowds so its unlikely they would be splitting up. And Rainbow might actually get there early to buy Wonderbolt merchandise. So I guess my best bet if I get there early is to check the Wonderbolt gift shop.” Jackle mused to himself.

His first location sorted out, Jackle thought about Quill and how he and Sisila were getting along…

Back at the guard station Quill was checking up on Sisila. Just as he expected she was fast asleep, giving off light snores as she lay curled up in her cot. Quill lightly hit the cell bars a couple of times to rouse her.

He heard a slight grumble as Sisila shifted in her bed but otherwise did not move. Sighing Quill hit the bars again this time saying “Come on get up, unless you want to go hungry” he said holding out the plate stacked with toast that dripped with honey.

Sisila’s ears twitched and she sniffed slightly but she still refused to move. Quill set the plate on the ground inside of the cage sensing that she would eat if he wasn’t in the room. He swiftly left and just like yesterday he heard her scuffle and eat what was on the plate with gusto. Just how hungry had she been?

When the noises stopped he came back to find the plate completely clean. Sisila was sitting on her haunches looking at the ground. She blinked and then licked her lips. Honey was a ponies main weakness after all. None could resist the sweet taste of it.

Quill suddenly had an idea of how to get her to talk. bending down,Quill positioned himself next to the cage and waited. At first Sisila ignored him, but after a bit she cast him the odd glance. Eventually she had had enough. “What do you want?!” She snapped.

Quill smiled inwardly. “How are you feeling?” He asked pleasantly.

Sisila blinked in surprise and confusion but regained her composure quickly. “I’m fine, now would you kindly get out of my face and leave me alone?” She said.

“As I said before being difficult isn’t going to help you here” Quill replied standing up.

“I have a few questions for you then I promise I will leave you alone for a while” Quill said.

Sisila narrowed her eyes and huffed. “Fine then” She finally conceded.

Quill nodded calmly, but inside he was a lot more happy. Finally she was going to speak to him! Unfortunately what she had to say might not be what he wanted to hear.

“Alright, Miss Sisila, can you tell me why you threw that rock at me in the first place?” Quill asked putting on a professional mask and using a flat tone.

“All you guards are the same!” Sisila exclaimed surprising Quill with the loudness of her voice. “Sure you seem all nice at first but then you just do nothing but demean us!” She yelled. She went on like this for a while, Quill had no idea what he had said to set her off.

“Sisila calm down” He said trying to be heard over her. She paid him no mind and continued to shout. Quill was on the verge of losing his temper.

“SISILA” He shouted.

She stopped in mid sentence looking at him with an odd expression.

“Now, what are you talking about and please speak a bit quieter this time” Quill said rubbing his head with a hoof.

“You don’t know about the other guards do you?” Sisila asked quietly almost sincerely.

“I’ve heard of them, what does this have to do with why you attacked me?” Quill asked.

“How have you not heard of what they did?” Sisila asked.

“Wait a second, is that why you hit me? Because of them?” Quill asked incredulously.

Sisila gave a small sigh, suddenly she seemed tired. Nothing like the fiery mare who had first attacked him.

“Well maybe I should fill you in, I suppose” She said.

“But don’t think this automatically makes us friends, I still don’t like you” She said sharply.

Quill was somewhat relieved when she said that. She still had that same attitude as before.

Sisila cleared her throat and Quill sat down ready to hear what she had to say.

“I guess it started a couple of years ago now. I was about thirteen or twelve I don’t really remember. We had never had any guards before, but a lot of bad things had been happening around here. Nightmare Moon came and that was an annoyance then after the changelings invaded Canterlot we found a few stray ones around Ponyville.”

“Then we had two guards come in to Ponyville, their names were Redstone and Ishby” Sisila said the names with obvious resentment and disgust. It was like even saying their names was taboo.

“Redstone was a unicorn and Ishby was an earth pony. At first everyone liked them. They didn’t really come down to my part of town. I didn’t care, honestly I preferred it that way. But I didn’t have anything against them”

Sisila then took on an angry tone “ Then, after about a year or so, they started to change. I don’t know why they did but they did. All they did was slouch around and never help anyone. Again I didn’t really care but it got worse. They began getting ill tempered and I heard that they wouldn't pay for any food they brought and they were just an annoyance”

“I guess everyone just wussed out on reporting them. Then again they were big ponies. And although they didn’t really hit anyone they were more than capable of it. It got even worse after a while. They started to come down to where I was at the time. They threw bottles at us, insulted us and even started to sexually abuse some mares”

“There wasn’t much we could do. So we put up with it. We hoped they would leave. But eventually it all reached a peak.”

“ They were doing the normal thing of taunting us. When they went to pick on a mare, she fought back. Hit Redstone around the face. She didn’t stand a chance against them. They beat her so badly she almost died. She was almost paralyzed because they broke her spine. Then they sexually abused her as well. No one would testify against them because they were so scared.”

“All this doesn't explain why you hate everyone in the guard” Quill intervened.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Sisila asked.

“Not really”

“That mare that was almost killed… was me”

Jackle was almost at Cloudsdale. It was within easy viewing distance now. Another couple of minutes and he was there. The sky and the ground was packed with Pegasi of all creeds and colours. Trying to find Rainbow and Fluttershy in that mess would be like a needle in a haystack.

So instead of going into the massive crowd, Jackle flew left to the Wonderbolts gift shop. He had passed it before but had never truly been inside. The gift shop as soon in sight and it was quite busy but not overly so. The actual show wasn’t due to start for a while and right now was the prime time to go in.

Jackle flew down in a shallow dive keeping a watchful eye out for any sign of a Rainbow mane that would tell him where the pair were. Jackle landed and skidded slightly attracting a bit of attention in the form of a view stares. But the other ponies quickly moved on about there business.

Jackle quickly opened the door to the shop. The inside was stacked with shelves containing Wonderbolt memborella. The store was very large and stretched back quite a bit. Jackle walked fast, keeping himself moving but not going to fast as to not attract attention.

He weaved his way around many different ponies of all ages but none were the two he was looking for. Then he heard something interesting.

“Oh my god check this out! That is beyond cool!” Exclaimed a scratchy but definitely female voice.

“Oh… that is very striking I have to admit” Said a more quiet and demure voice.

Jackle knew those voices. He peered around the corner and was met with a reassuring sight. Rainbow was hovering and holding a large poster of the Wonderbolts Soarin, Spitfire, Fleetfoot and Surprise. At the bottom were four large signatures. Standing to Rainbow’s right was Fluttershy, who was standing on the ground and also looking at the poster.

Jackle let loose some of the tension he had been holding for a while. At least he had found them. One of his main concerns was that he would be unable to spot them with the many others going.

“Aw yeah I am totally getting getting this!” Said Rainbow as she flew down the aisle towards the cashier.

“Wait don’t leave me here!” Said fluttershy as she trotted after the prismatic pegasus. Jackle made sure to stick to the other side of the store as he followed them down the aisle. He suddenly felt very self conscious of his green mane. Luckily it was quite a dark shade but the contrast made him quite visible. At least his mane was short.

He took up an angle where he should be able to see both of them but they shouldn't be able to see him. He made himself look busy by checking out objects near him. He soon had to move but as he was doing so he stubbed the end of his hoof on a corner. It made quite a loud sound and of all ponies to look around Fluttershy’s ears perked up and she turned his way.

Jackle did the only thing he could. He fell backwards into a closet he had seen just a second ago. The cloud door was already open and Jackle was in there only a few milliseconds after Fluttershy saw him. He panicked for a few second until he heard two sets of hooves coming towards him.

“It could have been a bird. They do sometimes get caught in shops made out of cloud. I can’t just leave the poor thing there” Came Fluttershy’s voice.

“Alright, just hurry up I’ll wait for you outside” Said Rainbow.

Jackle looked for an escape amongst the wide closet that he now realized was more of a small storage room. The whole area was dark but he couldn't hide on the floor he would easily be noticed. He looked up and saw two pipes running parallel across the ceiling.

Thinking fast he leapt up, flapping his wings to give himself a boost, then landed on the two pipes. He quickly positioned himself and not a moment too soon. Fluttershy appeared at the door.

“Um… Hello is there anything in here?” She asked timidly coming further into the room.

Jackle was starting to tire. The position he was in was not good. He hung upside down hooking his legs between the pipes. He hadn’t really had the time to get a proper position.

“There’s no need to be afraid, I won’t hurt you” Fluttershy said in a more calming voice.

She was now right below him. How she had not seen him was a mystery. But then he noticed something. The space behind his ear was getting moist. He couldn't rub it to dispel the sweat. It grew worse and soon there was a drop hanging. Jackle inwardly prayed for the drop to stay still.But physics proved him to be the fool and the drop fell right next to Fluttershy.

She looked at the drop confused then tilted her head up to look right at him...

Chapter Fifteen:Trouble

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When Fluttershy looked up to him, Jackle did the only thing he could to avoid detection. He dropped from the ceiling pipes and spread his wings hoping to obscure her vision. Unfortunately for him instead of obscuring her vision it seemed to her a demon from tartarus had dropped from the ceiling and was coming to eat her.

She let out a high pitched scream and tried to run out of the door. Again it seemed luck was not on Jackle’s side as he almost collided with her as he too tried to exit. He pulled up at the last second and flew as fast as he could out of the shop and into the morning air.All the other ponies in the shop saw was a blurred mark of white and a screaming mare hightailing it out of a cupboard.

Understandably they were all a little bit confused.

Not wasting any time, Jackle fled behind another shop on the other side of the street. His heart was hammering in his chest. Had she seen him? Did he accidently hurt her while making his hasty escape?

After a couple of seconds of waiting Jackle poked his head above the curved rooftop he was currently behind. Disgruntled shoppers were trying to fix their manes as the large gust of wind he had produced when flying had blown everyone askew. A pony who seemed like the shop manager was standing just outside of the shop he had blown through and was searching the skies for the perpetrator. After a moment he gave a shrug and disappeared back inside.

“Wait, where are they?” Jackle thought, nervously scanning the ground for any sign of the two pegasi he was meant to be watching. The majority of ponies on the street had now moved on and the whole area was covered with what seemed like hundreds of different ponies. Jackle made the quick decision to head into the crowd. Diving head first, he landed in the midst of the throng and began searching.

Luckily he was a bit taller than the average stallion, like most royal guards were, and he could see over the heads of many others. But he still couldn't see them. A couple minutes later and he was starting to get worried, he thought his best bet was to go to the stadium where he knew they would eventually be. Jackle took off and flew through the air, that was slowly transitioning from the cold air of the morning to the lukewarm air of midday. The line in front of the stadium was made up with ponies who had not guessed that getting there early meant freezing half to death.

Jackle was just about to join the back of that very long line when he heard something that filled him with dread and relieve at the same time. He thanked Celestia that Rainbow had such a unique voice and he quickly hid himself behind the line of ponies while ducking his head down to avoid detection.

“So you really think it could work between us?” Came the voice he recognised as Fluttershy’s.

“Yep, I mean you never really know until you ask him. What’s the worst that could happen?” And there was Rainbow.

“I wonder what they are talking about?” Jackle mused to himself.

“We’ll talk about it later, damn there are a lot of ponies here. Lucky we don’t have to wait in line to buy these!” Said Rainbow brandishing the two wonderbolts tickets.

Jackle mentally sighed. He had completely forgotten about that. Most tickets were sold right before the show was going to start at the stadium.He already had one, this automatically gave him a fast track. With a smile on her face, Rainbow led Fluttershy down the line, many giving them looks of annoyance to which Rainbow responded with a face eating grin that simply said “Have a nice time waiting!”

Jackle waited until they had disappeared into the stadium before he moved again. He didn’t have his tickets out so no one gave him the evil eye as he passed. Quickly getting to the front as to not allow Fluttershy and Rainbow get too far ahead he discreetly slipped his ticket out of his saddlebag and showed it to the clerk who nodded and ordered the beefy security guards to stand aside.

He walked down a dimly lit corridor and came out at the exact bottom of the stadium. The whole stadium was in a large open oval shape. The ground was covered in soft but thick grass.( Just in case one of the wonderbolts fell they would at least land on something soft) There were hoops and other obstacles littering the field as well. The sides around the field were covered with seats that rose high up off the ground. There must have been seating for hundreds or even thousands in the Cloudsdale stadium.

Jackle looked at his ticket. SECTION C ROW 16 SEAT 15. That is where he was sitting. He decided to get to his seat before anything else. Fortunately the stadium had easy to follow directions and he easily found it. He only just realised what a good spot it was. The seat was high up and gave him a clear view of the stadium. Even better, he could see Rainbow and Fluttershy at their seats. They weren’t the only ponies to get early access and the seats between them were smattered with ponies. He hopefully wouldn't stand out.

All that was left to do now was wait.

About ten minutes later and the stadium started to fill up. Soon the trickle of ponies turned into a flood as the stadium erupted into a frenzied cacophony of noise. “Thank Celestia I got here earlier” Thought Jackle. Soon the amount of ponies coming through the tunnel decreased and an ebony skinned, ageing stallion took his place beside Jackle. The noise level didn’t decrease though.

The show started shortly after and after a short announcement the flying began. Jackle alternated between checking on Rainbow and Fluttershy and watching the show. But to be honest it was kind of difficult not to be entranced by the wonderbolts.They flew in perfect unison, creating complex shapes with fumes that trailed behind them. Jackle was amazed that the seemingly clumsy and goofy pegasus ,Soarin was such a careful and talented flyer.

Finally the show ended when the lead wonderbolt, Spitfire, arched her back and folded her wings pushing herself into a deep dive. About twenty meters off of the ground she quickly whipped her body upwards and pulled up creating a huge blast of wind that affected everyone in the arena. Jackle now knew why Rainbow admired the wonderbolts so much. The finesse and muscle required to pull that off was almost impossible for a pony to get. Yet Spitfire did it without breaking a sweat.

When all the wonderbolts had disappeared the crowd cheered and stomped their hooves in approval.Jackle restrained himself from being in awe of the wonderbolts. He still had a job to do. He could still see Fluttershy and Rainbow and he quickly moved across the aisle politly excusing himself as he shuffled past cheering ponies.

Fluttershy and Rainbow had gotten the smart idea. They had both left their seats like he had and were getting out of the stadium before the main rush started. Tailing them would be a bit more difficult with the lack of ponies on the streets so he decided to take to the air and hide on the buildings.

The moment he was out he did just that. However due to the quietness of the virtually empty streets was in stark contrast to the stadium and he could hear every word the pair said.

“Aw yeah! That was even better than I thought it would be!” Said Rainbow.

“It was quite spectacular” Fluttershy added.

Their conversation continued like that for a while. Rainbow continued to rave about the show while Fluttershy made the occasional small comment.All in all Jackle was a bit confused about why he had to follow them. The most danger encountered was him almost colliding with Fluttershy and knocking them both flat.

It seemed like the two would soon get on a taxi down to ponyville and Jackle would be able to leave. The streets were completely empty this far from the stadium and the air was nice and warm. It looked like it was going to be a pretty good day. The houses were rather clumped together around here and the street branched off into many different little side alleyways. But it didn’t undermine the overall beauty of this pla…

“Help,please!” Shouted a voice that shattered Jackle’s thoughts like a sharpened spear.

Jackle felt an involuntary rush of adrenaline as he saw a mare standing at the end of one of the alleys near to where Rainbow and Fluttershy were standing. She was covered in blood and had one eye swollen shut.

“Please you have to come and help me! My husband and I were attacked and he’s really hurt please help!” She said to Rainbow and Fluttershy before dashing down the alley.

“Hey wait up!” Shouted Rainbow as she dashed down the alleyway swiftly followed by Fluttershy.

Jackle was immediately suspicious. As much as he wished he hadn’t, he had seen a lot of blood from accidents and training injuries in his time. That blood seemed just a bit too shiny to be real and that swollen eye looked to dark. Whatever hit her had way more force than what a pony could generate and even if that did happen she should be out with a concussion.

Without a seconds hesitation he leapt from his building and landed on one with an overlook of the alley the mare had disappeared down. He saw Rainbow and Fluttershy standing a good fifteen meters away from him with their backs turned to him.

“Um… where are you we want to help” Fluttershy said nervously as the whole area became silent again.

Without warning shapes moved all around the two pegasi. Some stood in front of them and some behind.

“Well Well looks like another pair of gullible mares” Came a rough voice. The shadows stepped forward to reveal themselves as ponies.

Unfortunately they were all huge. All five of the ponies were pegasi males and the smallest was about the size of Jackle while the largest was around the size of big Mac.

“Surely you two weren't stupid enough to believe that was real. I thought you would’ve known” Said the largest pegasus in a mocking tone. He was all muscle and had a pair of sharp wing blades attached to him, as did the other four.

His cronies laughed and Jackle was tensing up ready for a fight. So was Rainbow who positioned Fluttershy, who was practically paralyzed from fright behind her and against a wall.

“What in the hay do you want!” Rainbow demanded angrily.

The large stallion laughed. “You must have read enough books to know what happens next. Hand over your saddlebags and valuables and I might consider not mounting your head over my fireplace.” He said as his followers closed in on the two mares.

Jackle prayed for Rainbow to do what they ask. If she complied they wouldn't dare to hurt her. Outright murdering another pony was taboo even by scum like these ponies standards. But if she fought them they might use force and even a half hearted punch can hurt a pony if done right.

Rainbow snorted and spread her wings. “Fat chance of that happening” She said.

The lead thugs eyes widened for a second. He obviously wasn’t used to backtalk. But he recovered quickly.

“Alright, you’ve got some fight in you. One last chance and if you don’t comply then I’ll make sure you never fight or walk again” The thug said. He was rather convincing but Rainbow was not going to be intimidated.

Maybe hoping to get the element of surprise she smacked the large thug in the face with a hoof. His snout cracked and blood spurted from his nose.

“Ah,you bitch! Fucking Kill her!” He shouted losing his composure and clutching his nose.

The other thugs came in quick and tried to grab Rainbow. Jackle had to act now, despite how much he hated violence it was unfortunate he was so good at dealing it. He launched himself from the building so fast he was a simple blur to the ponies below. The thugs friends were all standing in a line to box Rainbow in further.

Jackle used his momentum and twisted his body upright and parallel to the wall of the alley and hit all the four thugs in the chest or chin knocking them across the alley also knocking Rainbow down with the force of his attack. He quickly leapt over to her before she recovered and whispered to her in a fake deepened voice and used vocabulary he wouldn't normally use so she couldn't tell it was him “ Take the other mare and fly you fool”.

He then turned around to see the massive leader getting back to his feet. Jackle leaped forward, ducked the thugs strike and used the bendy but tough joint of his elbow to smash the thugs face. He did a graceful little pirouette and fell without a word.

Jackle took off as fast as he could and looked back just in time to see Rainbow grab Fluttershy and run away. He then flew as fast as his wings could carry him away from the bloody incident.

Ponyville Guardians

by Natura

Prolouge (Revised)

Chapter One: Welcome To Ponyville

Chapter Two: First Day On The Job

Chapter Three: Deathclaw in the Everfree

Chapter Four: Recovery:Part One

Chapter Five:Recovery: Part Two

Chapter Six: Society

Chapter Seven: Autumn Break

Chapter Eight:Golden Race

Chapter Nine:Farm

Chapter Ten:Boredom

Chapter Eleven:Wonderbolt

Chapter Twelve:Sisila

Chapter Thirteen:Talk

Chapter Fourteen:Strife

Chapter Fifteen:Trouble