> Fall of The Rising
>  by lillytheomegawolf
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One: The Bonds Begin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Everfree Forest...

The mighty trees of the Everfree Forest burned brightly in the midday sun. Sounds of fighting echoed from all around. Griffon’s screeched, ponies yelled and cried out. Explosions rent the air while metal clashed against metal. Two young alicorns ran frantically along, one dark purple alongside her bright white sister with a pink mane. The sisters' parents ran close behind, one midnight blue with stars in his mane flanked a bright sunny yellow mare with a flowing golden mane. Behind the couple ran a fifth luscious green alicorn. He was slightly shorter than the celestial couple but still a full head and shoulders above the two youngsters. Two royal guards in damaged golden armour ran behind the group. One, an earth pony carried a spear while his unicorn fellow had a small blade attached to the side of his right forehoof. 

The group entered a clearing where griffons and ponies fought frantically. It was clear the mostly earth pony group was outnumbered and loosing. Celestia cringed and hugged her sister as one stallion nearby was decapitated by a griffon’s longsword. Luna scrunched her eyes shut as another griffon ripped an earth pony’s neck open with his claws. Several griffons spotted the new arrivals and took to the skies.

The midnight blue stallion powered his horn and sent a powerful shockwave that knocked the group of airborne griffons out of the skies. They crashed into trees and their fellows below. Many ponies capitalized on this, striking their downed opponents with short hoof blades or spears. The bright red of hungry fires further in the forest lit the fresh blood with hungry flickering red. 

The green alicorn lit his horn and vines sprouted up, entangling several griffons. As they struggled to free themselves the ponies they fought took advantage and attempted to strike the still lethal creatures down. While several blades found griffon flesh, many ponies found themselves stuck in deadly duels with enraged griffons.  

“Good job Ivy,” said the dark stallion as he powered up his horn once more. 

“Shut up Midnight!” The green alicorn’s horn lit up once more and he scrunched up his muzzle in pain. One tree appeared to come alive. It stuck several nearby griffons nearby. They squawked angrily and took to the air where they were faced with the dark stallion’s magic. 

Two well-armoured griffon commanders who bore shields readied them, blocking the incoming magical bolts. Each shot sizzled angrily but failed to penetrate the strange dark shields. The other griffons in the air were not as lucky and after dodging several bolts, were knocked out of the skies with a large midnight blue shockwave. 

Ivy cried out in pain as his horn flared then the deep green aura then flickered out. 

“Save your strength,” The sunny mare with a golden mane spoke up. 

“It’s no good.” Ivy fell over as his horn cracked again. “Looks like the madness potion has got me. Just like you, oh queen.” 

As more ponies in the vicinity fell, many griffons turned upon the alicorn group. Magical missiles from Celestia, Midnight Armor and the lone unicorn guard struck five down before the group of around twenty reached the royal party.

Frantic melee broke out as the two guards rushed to the fore to protect their leaders. Celestia screamed in pain as a griffon’s claw raked her side. As the griffon swung for another attack he found himself impaled in the chest by a dark blue horn.  

Luna trembled as she powered her horn and blasted the now dead griffon several hooves away. “No pony touches my sister!” 

“No, Sundance!” Cried Midnight Armor as he shoved aside the griffons who attacked his wife. The rounded on the large stallion who was quick to blast them. Four corpses fell against the hard earth. The two armoured griffons advanced upon the king who lowered his horn and charged. His wife joined his attack, her wings outstretched to propel her toward the black shields. 

Ivy fought with the two pony guards, fending off five griffons in a stalemate, each side wary of the danger the other side posed. 

Two more griffons fell upon Celestia and Luna. The young dark princess powered her horn and slammed the duo into the ground before them. The dazed griffons attempted to stand but were knocked down the pretty white princess charging them. With a cry, Luna leapt upon her fallen adversaries, and her hooves fell frantically till the pair fell bloodied and still. 

Luna froze, horrified at her own violent actions. 

"Sister?" Celestia was torn from her sister's state by the cry of her uncle. She rounded on the griffons fighting Ivy and the guards.

All of a sudden there was a mighty crackle and crash as a griffon landed in the middle of the clearing. The giant beast landed so hard he left a crater. This griffon was larger than the rest and even stood a head taller than the king alicorn. His brown fur and feathers were covered by jet black armour on his chest and back. There were no reflections on this black void, nor any apparent damage. His beak had a golden looking armour upon it. The material was thin enough to allow free movement while also covering and protecting the beak.  A spiky, blood-smeared crown sat upon his forehead. A golden feather stuck up from the crown, its tip deadly sharp and it too was covered in dried blood. His right fore claw was covered in a metallic looking glove that glowed with an otherworldly blackness. Its clawed tips were sharper than any natural claw and cacked softly as he stepped forward. Upon his casually swishing tail hung a tail ring, golden mixed with blood red that swirled around as though alive with rage. 

The griffons fighting the alicorns were quick to peel off at the sight of their master.

The mighty griffon held up his right foreclaw as though in greeting, the black armour glowed a soft red in the distant firelight. His pride-filled deep bass tone rang across the clearing, “greetings weaklings! It makes me glad to see you all in one place.” 

“Warbeak!” Midnight Armor strode to the fore, his wings erect and his horn lit in readiness.

The giant beast laughed. “Hah! Your star magic is nothing in the day! And I see your mate has fallen sick. How sad...” 

Celestia and Luna both tried to advance in their father’s defence but Sundance blocked her children. “No, I want you to both run. Now!” 

This captured the interest of the giant griffon who smiled darkly, “please do, that will make it more fun... for me.” 






3488 years later...


Canterlot throne room

The late afternoon sun illuminated Eight royal griffins who sat in front of Princess Celestia’s throne. The eight bore themselves tall and proud, each as regal and commanding as the alicorn they surrounded. In the deafening silence they stood, the air like an impending storm and none there dared break it. Despite the lack of support, Celestia felt safe in the presence of the carnivorous sky dwellers.

“Welcome, Griffin representatives,” Celestia said with calm sincerity. “I invite you to speak as freely as you wish. Please, do tell me what ails you, and I shall listen. It has been many a year since I was last graced with your presence and as I’m sure you know, I am delighted by your presence here today.”

Chief Grandeur stepped forward. Not only did this griffin wear a small crown to show he was the leader of the council, but he also appeared well built from years of fighting. The scars on his face and sides made that last part clear enough. He was a keen, ruthless ruler in both stature and intelligence. 

“We here have come to bid thee greeting Princess.” The mighty griffin paused for a moment for added effect. “My fellow council griffins and I have asked to meet with you regarding the treaty between our two species.”

A look of mild surprise filled Celestia’s face. “Oh... I remember our treaty. Please go on.” 

Chief Grandeur stood as if in thought for a few moments before he replied. “The council and I have decided that with our two ageing empires we should attempt to rebuild the strong bonds we once shared.”

“That does indeed sound like a sensible idea,” replied Celestia with a slow nod of her head. “Yet I sense this is not the only matter you wish to speak to me about.” 

“It is indeed.” The chief replied with the beginnings of a smug look upon his face. “But I would like to send my daughter as my species selected student. You have a few weeks to find a young foal from your own kingdom to send as the exchange student. It might be a stepping stone to greater things between us.”

At his words, the other council members glanced at one other in surprise. Clearly, this was an unexpected turn of events for them, though none were bold enough to stand their leader up over it.

For the first time since the group had walked in, Celestia regarded them a careful glance. She had no idea what their leader had in store. He was turning out to be more than just the regular violent griffin councillor. 

Celestia hoped that maybe this griffin’s daughter had wished to be the one to travel to Equestria. Because if so, such a griffin could give her a chance to show just how kind and caring all ponyfolk were. Maybe for the first time in well over a thousand years, she would have the chance to show the griffins a better way of life. “Well, I for one agree with you so far. I would be happy to find out who is willing to travel to your lands. I trust your kingdom is where it has always been?”

“That it is,” confirmed Chief Grandeur. “And my chick Gilda is quite eager to see your Equestria. So please don’t delay for too long.”

“That does sound promising.” Celestia allowed a smile to escape onto her lips, there sure did sound like there was hope for a better connection between the two species. 

Chief Grandeur stepped forward as if to further intrude upon the princess’s personal space. He flicked his wings as if ready for action as he slowly but surely advanced upon the lone mare in front of him. He knew what he had to say next would rip the smile right off her muzzle. And he knew he would enjoy every moment of it. 

“Celestia. We feel the treaty is breaking up. Not just some minor threat that you can cover like your other problems. It is nearing a time for a change in leadership, we need somepony who will listen to us... and not just us. There are other creatures out there too. What happened to your Zebra friends? Or the old alliance with the dragon folk? Or even the changeling problem? All factors point to thou... the ruler of Equestria.” The powerful griffin’s talons drummed a steady, impatient beat upon the stonework under claw as he talked.

Before Celestia could answer, one of the other elders in the small group of griffins spoke up to add further detail to his leader’s point. “Yea. You’ve held the throne for thousands of years... and all by yourself too I might add. That’s a lot of power for one pony to hold in their hooves. Too much.” This caused a murmur of agreement to ripple through the group.

“It was not of choice, Griffin Elders.” Celestia’s voice became stony, yet somehow still remained it’s calm. “I had to do so for the good of my subjects and Equestria. However, that is not of this topic. I wish to know in what way I am denying the treaty and what can be done to remedy the problem. I have negotiated with the dragons and have obtained one of their eggs. It recently hatched for one of my pupils too.”

“What you can do is step down before we are forced to resort to more... extreme measures...” The calm tone of the lead griffin held nothing but contempt for the alicorn in front of him. “We feel we can not do business with your kind like we used to. Don’t you notice a distinct lack of interaction between pony kind and all the others who dwell both inside and outside Equestria’s borders?"

Celestia regarded the Griffin Leader with calm, curious eyes. “While I have noticed this lack of contact and I miss it, It would not be suitable for me to remove myself from my current position. Why do you believe it be best that I abdicate the throne as the Princess of the Day, Chief Grandeur? Please, explain.”

With a cunning grin upon his face, he gladly obliged her, kneading the stone under claw with pleasure as he delivered his message.  “Your ponies are weak and poorly managed. Friendship is magic you say... yet I remember the stories of the days of yore when we relied upon our mighty armies to survive. I’m sure you remember the days of my forebears... the everlasting days of Warbeak. Or the times when the divided pony tribes each had their own armies to match our own. Equestria is not just the nice place you paint it to be. Out where you little fillies do not venture is a dangerous land. It creeps closer slowly, beyond the border. To both our land and yours. Yet you do not take action. We feel that your interests have turned inward from your empire to yourself.”

This did raise an interesting point Celestia had not quite thought of and nodded. “I see. Your reasonings are not entirely off the mark, Chief Grandeur. I understand your intentions and I do not fault you for the way you perceive this. There was indeed a time, before the founding of Equestria and even times thereafter in which wars raged upon ponies and other sentient inhabitants of the world. We are indeed none prepared for such invasions and wars, that indeed is true. However, times have changed no such occurrences have come to be in over a thousand years. There is no need to worry about such matters, and the times of war training have passed. It is an old practice that of which very few ponies alive even know.”

The soft clack clack of claws on stone was the only sound in the room for a few moments as the wise griffin contemplated his move. “What of this impending arrival of your sister from her moon prison I hear of? How will your little ponies defend themselves from her? We all know she houses a great deal of...dislike for you.”

“While I do not know how you know such things, how my sister feels of me is her own business...however, that may be. We also have the Elements of Harmony to defend Equestria should any kind of danger befall it.” Celestia spoke calmly, though with an edge in her tone. “The Elements bring upon the power of friendship and overcomes true evil.”

“But thou haven't wielded such items since her disappearance. This leaves more allies than just us wondering if you are still capable of utilizing such items of power yourself. We can’t afford such objects to fall into the wrong hooves.”

The royal alicorn gave a curt nod. “That much is true. I nor my sister are no longer connected to the Elements. They must be awakened by the new wielders should the time come. Whoever those ponies might be. Thankfully as of yet, there has been no need for the elements of harmony.” She glanced out the window for a brief moment before turning her attention back to the griffins. “I understand you may not trust nor believe my judgement, but I hope you will at least see my reasoning.”

A younger griffin stepped forth, unable to contain himself any longer within the bounds of the proceedings. “What if we all do not? You have grown old Celestia. It is time for a change... just like the tales of when your parents stepped down to allow you to rule. Such a time has come again.”

This made Celestia stand from her throne, regarding the Griffins with a calm, cool expression. “It is true that I have ruled Equestria as the Princess of the Day for many a time, and the past thousand years was done so by myself. I raise the sun and the moon. It is not something I am incapable of. Such a day in which both I and my sister will pass down a successor has not yet come to pass.”

“Do you have... foals...? Young to pass your throne to?” The grand master of the griffins once again spoke, highly interested in the alicorn’s answer.

The Princess of the Sun shook her head slowly as if there were a deep sadness within that she refused to acknowledge or dwell upon. “I do not have any offspring to speak of. At least none of whom are still with me... I have only my young student, Twilight Sparkle. She is some way off becoming a fully grown mare, let alone one who is sufficient to take my place.”

“It would appear you have not planned for certain... unfortunate events. Is this...student worthy to take the throne, should you pass on?” Pressed Chief Grandeur, his cruel voice unveiling some small portion of his dislike for the kind ruler of ponykind.

Without hesitation, the grand alicorn responded, “I have sensed a great power and potential within her. She will know of it when she’s truly ready. Though she is still a filly, time and again, my faithful student has proven her worth.”

“Then we respectfully request that you prepare your prodigy for all outcomes. You used to have everything covered.” Chief Grandeur waved a dismissive claw at the alicorn, “but now we fear you are not who you once were.” He slowly turned to lead his fellow council members off, prepared for one last parting comment.

For a moment, Celestia would have refused but paused a moment to think it over. While the training and knowledge of war may have been outdated and no longer needed, perhaps there would be room to at least inform Twilight of it to a certain level. She looked up toward the griffins and gave a single, curt nod.

“Very well. I shall heed your request and see that my faithful student learn the ways of war.” She stated simply.

“It’s not just that Celestia... Should our longest standing ally fade, we need somepony strong who can rule. Both on the fields of death and glory and in her kingdom at home. Since you refuse to allow others to govern alongside yourself, we require that you prepare your special student for when their time comes.” The lordly griffin began to strut out.

“I do dare say that I cannot argue with that,” Celestia replied calmly as she slowly rested upon her throne.

“A queen needs her king... such a shame you never found that... I would so like to deal with a more practical thinking leader.” He grinned a cruel beaky grin back at the lone princess.

Celestia frowned but made no response to that remark. “Unless there is anything else, you are dismissed, Chief Grandeur. As are the rest of you. I shall take all you said into consideration.”

“Then I take it the treaty is still on for now...?” Chief Grandeur continued to grin at the lone alicorn, wings quivering in anticipation.

“Yes. It is,” nodded the Sun Princess. “Of course our treaty still stands.”

“Delightful... I shall send my chick in a few weeks time. You have till then to sort your side of the bargain out.” With his parting comment, he departed, delegates in tow.

In the quiet of her throne room, Celestia sat back with a sigh. “I did almost have a king once... when I was young... It’s my fault he’s gone. But I somehow doubt that he would match your vision of a practical thinking leader.” A light smile played across the princess’s muzzle at her final comment. It took little effort for her to suppress the tears. It had been over two thousand years since she had been forced to seal away the one she had loved. The one who had helped banish Warbeak. Since that time long ago, she had learned to move on, despite the small reminder of her past love.






Cloudsdale, the outskirts. 






Two fillies about the age of eight played together on the clouds without a care in the world. The smaller athletic filly dashed off, out in front and her companion followed to the best of her somewhat less athletic abilities. They leapt from cloud to cloud, laughter and cries of joy rent the air as they did so. After a while Dash smirked at her companion. She ground to a halt and allowed the surprised yellow filly to smack into her.

As they lay in a heap together, with grins that matched the others’ bright smiling muzzle, they stared into each other's eyes. Young eyes that shone like the first summer sun. Nothing else in Equestria mattered at the moment. The lanky, taller filly of the two, a creamy yellow pegasus, reached up to gently touch the cheek of the other filly. A cyan pegasus with a wild rainbow mane, serving a stark contrast to the yellow filly’s light pink mane. Teal eyes meet magenta, both sets of lips still curved into sweet smiles.

The cyan filly lay on top of her yellow companion, happy to remain nestled in a heap, a warm, loving embrace.

“Hey, Fluttershy. Are we friends?”

The yellow filly’s face lit up at the offer. “Yes!” Her soft voice almost cracked with joy as a squee of glee escaped her and she hugged the smaller filly on top energetically. 

With a bright smile, she nuzzled the other filly’s nose. “Friends forever?” Tentatively asked Fluttershy.

“Forever,” Dash confirmed, hugging her friend back. For once, this cyan speedster did not care who might be watching, or that she was doing something ‘uncool’ and sappy.

Tears pooling in her eyes, Fluttershy continued her strong but still gentle hold on the smaller filly in her hooves. She nuzzled the colourful, messy mane, loving its soft feel, giggles escaped her as she relished the moment.

When Rainbow Dash looked to her again with a big grin, Fluttershy beamed as well before leaning in to kiss her on the cheek, then the other cheek, nose, and forehead. “Yay!” The shy filly cheers.





“Gotcha!!” Rainbow Dash yelled out happily as she tackled her filly.

“Noooooo!!!” Fluttershy squealed as was she found herself knocked to the cloud ground, giggling madly, “Not again, Dashie! Let me go!” The pair rolled around in the midday sun with not a care in the world, enjoying each others contact.

“Never!” Dash laughed, tickling her sides with her hooves.

“Nooooooo!!!” Laughed a squealing Fluttershy, giggling and wiggling beneath her. “S-Stop! I surrender!! Hee hee!”

“Then say it! Say I’m the best!”

“You’re...you’re the best! The best in Equestria!”

“Now you’re talking!” Dash laughed triumphantly. She licked her companion’s cheek. Happy in her success, the bold filly extracted herself from her larger friend.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Fluttercry her fillyfriend Rainbow Crash!”

The two turned to see none other than the two regular bullies they dealt with just about every day. It was no secret that the two fillies were indeed social outcasts among their peers, given that Rainbow Dash was a daredevil troublemaker, and Fluttershy was a weak flyer and very shy. In all, they really had only each other to count on.

Said spectrum maned filly immediately leapt into a defensive stance. “I’m not her fillyfriend!” Rainbow Dash glared at the pair who had just insulted the coolest pegasus ever.

Hoops and Billy, the two bully pegasi colts, simply sneered at the pair as they prepared for further insults. The duo wandered forward, seemingly unable to notice the brilliance of Celestia’s day. Instead, they snickered as shy yellow filly hid behind her daring cyan protector.

“What’s the matter, Klutzershy? Gonna cry? You’re gonna cry?” Billy jeered as further laughter burst from the rude colt.

“Yeah, I bet she’s gonna whine and cry like a big foal!” Hoops nudged his friend. He laughed as if he had just made a hysterical joke.

“HEY! You leave her alone!” Dash snarled with anger, pawing at the cloud beneath her.

“Or what, Rainbow Crash?” Taunted Billy. “What are you gonna do about it?”

“Keep making fun of her and find out!” Dash took a step forward, “If you mess with Fluttershy, you’re going to PAY!”

Whimpering, Fluttershy continued to hide behind her defender. She shook with fear and distress. Despite the angry filly being smaller than herself she still managed to use the rainbow-maned pegasus as a living wall of defence. Dash stood protectively in front of her friend, not one to allow the bullies to get an inch.

“All right, Rainbow Crash...here’s the deal. We challenge you to a race!” Hoops said, stepping toward her with a sneer.

“You’re on!” Rainbow replied. Here was one decision that certainly did not require a second thought.

All that mattered was that she could defend her friend from the bullies who had plagued them day in and day out for what seemed like forever.

The small group quickly found their way to the start line of the school’s racetrack. Alongside their enemies, Rainbow Dash was ready. Ready to win this race, ready to defend her best friend's honour. She grinned and slowly licked her lips. Young Rainbow Dash could already taste victory. 

It tasted quite good.

Fluttershy waved the flag with a timid motion. The speedy youngsters took off. Dash blazed past her timid friend, knocking her off her small cloud as the determined filly flew toward victory.

Fluttershy fell toward the ground below, screaming. But nopony could hear or see what had happened or stop the imminent impact with the ground. The vertigo was getting to her greatly, the wind drafted, everything around her fell lower and lower as she went. 

This was it, her young life would be over, no cutie mark, no purpose. She hadn’t even found somepony special to love. Rainbow Dash would probably win this race, but wouldn't have anypony to share it with. This scared her even more. If she died, then Rainbow would all alone! She couldn't abandon her best friend like this! But what else could she do? She couldn't fly to save herself, and nopony noticed what happened.  As tears begun to pool in her eyes she readied herself for the inevitable end. She closed her eyes, limbs flailing desperately yet uselessly in the wind.

No such rude cut off happened. The frightened filly opened her eyes to find she was perched upon a small swarm of butterflies. 

Amazingly, they appeared to have the strength to hold up a filly her size. Yet it didn’t matter, because this was a mind blowing moment she never would have even dreamt was possible. Not only was her life saved, but the youngster found herself in a whole new environment.

The ground below.

Growing up as a filly in Cloudsdale who couldn’t fly, she was told to be very careful to not fall off the clouds and crash-land on the hard ground below. But now, here she was, closer to the ground than she ever had been. It was more than just an ant-sized expansive wonderland. It was a real place, far beyond the clouds, with so much to see, so much to offer!

And she owed it all to the Pegasus Race.

Fluttershy was gently set upon the ground on some grass, to which she eagerly allowed herself to recline upon the surprisingly soft surface. All around her were sweet woodland creatures, which studied her curiously as they gathered. Amazed, she beamed at them in awe, unable to believe that here she was able to see all kinds of wonderful animals! She’d only ever read about them in books! But now here she was, on the ground, close to all kinds of creatures.

“Wow! What a place filled with so many wonders!” She gushed, taking it all in. “The sights, the smells, they’re everywhere and all around! I never felt so good before! This empty place inside of me is filling up, I can't get enough of it! I want it, oh yes, I want it! If I'd had known that I was missing all of this here on the ground... I would have come sooner and never left!”

Her eyes drifted up back to Cloudsdale, where she could still see the rainbow streak coursing along the race track. Unable to breathe she watched as the trail exploded into all the colours of the rainbow. The breathtaking sight zoomed along the track and easily passed the finish line. Her new animal friends, however, were scared from the explosion. It set Fluttershy to work, to comfort them, to let them know it was all going to be okay.

As she managed to console her new little friends, she briefly checked herself out to ensure she was okay too. Down, down, down her eyes travelled, coming to rest at the sight of a cutie mark on her flank! Three small blue butterflies with pink wings. Her little wings fluttered with joy! She buzzed with excitement, after such a poor start to her first ground-based expedition, she had all the animals she could imagine and her cutie mark!

Fluttershy beamed and glanced around again before she allowed her vision to drift skyward, hopeful to be able to make it back up to Cloudsdale and thank her best friend! If not for her, this would never have happened!

She spotted a certain cyan filly flying toward her at great speed and her heart soared. It was Dash! But as the speeding rainbow of a young pegasus drew nearer, and nearer Fluttershy’s heart flittered with a sudden pang of fear. Her friend was clearly moving at such a speed that any impact at all could seriously hurt both of them. But just before her reflexes could enable her to cower properly, the triumphant filly plucked the surprised Fluttershy off the ground and carried her off in style, with the speed of a waning Sonic Rainboom toward home.

“Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped, looking to her best friend with shock. “That was...it was a Sonic Rainboom!”

“I know!” Dash grinned widely, holding her friend protectively in her forelegs as if the shy filly were her bride, “I was out there defending your honour, and then THAT happened! It was wicked awesome! I performed the first Sonic Rainboom EVER!”

Fluttershy gasped “You have your cutie mark too!” The excited filly almost quietly screamed with joy.

With a confused look, Dash turned to check the news. “Awesome!!!” Rainbow yelled happily, grinning from ear to ear, her own cutie mark was better than she had ever imagined. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have done this! Thanks, Fluttershy!”

“N-No...Rainbow...it was all you!” Fluttershy hugged her around her neck, nuzzling her mane, “I didn’t even do anything...all I did was fall... But you...you performed a legendary feat nopony thought possible! And you earned your cutie mark! I’m so proud of you....!”

The heated young athlete grinned at her friend. She softly caressed the back of her head with as much care as her shaking, adrenaline filled hooves could manage. “I guess this proves it. We are made to do everything together.”

This brought a delighted squeal out from the shy filly and Fluttershy nuzzled her best friend again, thankful for everything.

The two fillies touched down on a low cloud, further away from Cloudsdale and the rest of their class, but still fairly high in the sky.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go back and see the other foals? I’m sure they would love to see their champion.”

“No way. All I need is you, Fluttershy. Everypony else here is just...uncool. Like summer heat uncool. You...your subzero awesomeness!”

“...Rainbow...” Gratitude filled tears pooled in Fluttershy’s eyes in response to her best friend’s words.

“You’re my best friend, Fluttershy! And friends stick together to the end!” Rainbow declared, grinning. “C’mere, you!”

The two fillies interlocked in a tight embrace, holding each other tightly. All the while butterflies and woodland creatures surrounded them from far below, observing the sweet scene between them.

As their eyes met, still remaining in their embrace, the two fillies leaned in and kissed each other on the lips. A very strange action, but at the moment, neither of them cared. If there was one surefire way to seal their friendship, this had to be it. They held the position for a small eternity, relishing the touch of each others lips. Fluttershy eventually pulled away from her best friend, she grinning like a filly on Hearths Warming morning who had just discovered the biggest present ever.

Fluttershy gazed into the stunning rosy pink orbs before her and without thinking took a deep breath and leaned in once more to meet their lips. The shock on Rainbow’s face quickly faded into enjoyment as she kissed back. The bold cyan filly eased her friend down into the soft cloud, further melting into the enjoyable and sweet kiss.

Grinning, the two fillies pulled away, both with slow heavy breaths and light, matching blushes. “How was that, Flutters?”

“...Wow....” Fluttershy uttered breathlessly, staring up at her best friend in wonder. “Hee....oh Rainbow...that was quite a kiss...!” She giggled a bit, utterly delighted and also... also something she could not put her young hoof on, not that it mattered at all right now. “Um...thank you...”

The bold pegasus gazed happily at the pony who was her world, mind abuzz with happiness. “No problem, Fluttershy. It was awesome!”

The shy filly pulled back a little, a mix of hope and fear written across her young face. “Um... Dashie?”

Without giving a second thought, the speedster replied, grinning. “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“Are we going to be... together forever?” Uncertainty took over and Fluttershy slowly withdrew further.

With a grin upon her muzzle, the bold youngster donated one last kiss to the timid filly, a light kiss on the nose before she replied, "Yes. Forever.”

Beaming brightly, the young yellow pegasus gently ran a hoof through her little angel’s prismatic mane. If there was ever a moment that she just adored her friend so much more, it had to be now. She nuzzled their noses sweetly before she bestowed a final kiss of her own upon the other filly’s lips.

“Forever, Rainbow Dash... forever.”





Mighty Wing, the capital city of the griffin folk.

Far away from the two young happy pegasi, stood the once noble and strong capital of the griffin kingdom, Mighty Wing. The city stood tall and brooding. Strong like an ancient fortress, yet still clearly in use. The tatty, beaked turrets around the outer wall left little to the imagination as to who resided within. One such southern tower held two griffins. The young energetic female hopped on the spot, eager for the upcoming trip whilst her much older father appeared to be happy to leave all the energy with the young. The Grand Master of the griffins stood, silent and watchful over the land. His mind was on the mighty success of a meeting he had recently endured with Celestia. He knew he had full access to their land and his meeting with said annoying ruler had proved she was as weak minded as ever. 

Even if the rest of the council were yet to know it, here now he, Chief Grandeur had a chance to return their kingdom to its former glory. 

“Dad.”

“Dad!” 
“Daddy!!!”

The cries from his teenaged chick rudely brought the ruler back from his own thoughts. 

“Yes, Gilda?”

“Oh good! I thought you were ignoring me there for a second.”

“I was... thou was being a pain in the flank.” Grandeur replied, aloof, with a cruel smirk upon his face.

“But dad... that’s totally uncool.” Insisted Gilda as she glared at her father.

“Not for me. I’m allowed to do what I like. And if our mission doesn’t go to plan, I will lose my seat at the council of elders.”

Despite the risk, she knew her father was taking over her journey into enemy territory, the young and eager Gilda wasn't about to allow for any of his problems to bother her in the slightest. “But this will be awesome!” 

“My darling pain-in-the-flank chick. Please pay attention for a moment, or I’ll bash your skull.” A claw slowly clenched, raking the stone it rested upon. 

Gilda scoffed at her father’s threat but did as she was bidden. 

Gratified by his daughters' silence, the ruler of the griffin territories continued. “Beyond here, is the land of the ponies... Equestria as they call it. I want to you go. Learn their ways... then come back to me as the greatest griffin who ever lived. I know what we seek is out there... And I am certain you will be the one to find it.” 
“Yes, dad.” Obediently replied Gilda. She tilted her head to get a better glance up at her mighty father. “I’ll miss you, dad.”

“As will I, miss you too my girl. Now... who’s my coolest chick?” 

“I am!” Eagerly replied Gilda. 

“Right you are. Now, I’ll race you to Cloudsedale!” 

“Ohh! So you can take me to where the dweebs live! I thought I had to fly there all by myself.” The young griffin lifted a few feet off the ground, filled with anticipation at the impending fun with daddy. 

“Well... I decided we can do this together. The council can eat their own beaks as far as I’m concerned.” This caused his daughter great mirth and the young griffin rocked unsteadily about in the air above him.

“Now that would be funny!” Gilda decided her best course of action was to land once more, rather than potentially embarrass herself in front of her own father. The last thing she needed was to appear uncool in his eyes.   

Chief Grandeur waited for his prized offspring to land. He lifted off, his mighty talons snagged the younger flier on his way past. A shriek of joy rent the air as Gilda enjoyed the speedy sensation as her father carried her effortlessly through the sky.  

After Grandeur felt he had gained enough altitude, he relinquished his hold and allowed his daughter to spin out of control as she slipped out of his slipstream. 

“Hey! No fair!” The annoyed cry caused Grandeur to smile. He knew nothing would stop his chick catching up with again. She was the fastest youngster he had ever come across. The only problem for her now he knew would be for her to make enough friends to pull the secret mission off.
> Chapter Two: Out and About in Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


10 happy years later

Cloudsdale

The years had drifted peacefully by, as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy grew into young mares. It had been a bit of a trying time for the pair these past years, but together, they made it through as best as they could. Not everything turned out as it was hoped, what with Rainbow Dash leaving flight school before she graduated. Fluttershy continued in her studies, while Rainbow performed little odd jobs to make some money. Thankfully Rainbow Dash’s mother had helped her find a place on the Ponyville weather team so that she could move with her friend to the ground below to move onto the next chapter in their lives. 

“You all packed, Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked as she entered the shy mare’s bedroom.

Fluttershy nodded as she zipped up her saddlebags, “Yes, I’m all packed, Rainbow. Are you?”

The cyan pegasus nodded, gesturing to her saddlebags on her back, “I am! The rest of the boxes finally arrived at the cottage today and I’ve got the last of the stuff from my place here. So we can get going when you’re ready!”

“All right,” Fluttershy placed her saddlebags onto her back, and then trotted over to her best friend, “Rainbow... I have to thank you for this. I’m glad we could do it together.”

“Hey, no need to thank me, pal!” Rainbow nuzzled the pretty pink maned young mare affectionately, “I knew that cottage was right up your alley.”

With a small giggle, Fluttershy smiled, “I know. I’m just grateful. It’s just going to be weird moving out of my parent's house after all these years.”

“Hey, I’ll be right there beside you the whole way.” Dash smiled brightly. 

“You’re right,” Fluttershy said softly, “I’m very anxious to live there, though. Right on the ground, near the animals.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled to herself and shook her head. She knew Fluttershy liked that idea all too well, indeed.


As the pair exited Fluttershy’s family home, Rainbow Dash dropped some of her stuff in surprise. “Dad!?! What are you doing here?”

With a light-hearted chuckle, the purple stallion with a spiky rainbow mane stepped forward to greet his daughter. “Well I couldn’t let my girl go without saying goodbye now, could I?” 

“You never can get enough of my awesomeness, can you dad?” Rainbow Dash bragged with a smile as she stepped forward to greet her father. 

“A dad will never tire of seeing his children... or their awesomeness.” Came the sure reply as the older pegasus’s yellow eyes twinkled in the daylight with happiness.

“Daaaad...” Dash fended off her father’s winged hug. “I’m not your little filly anymore. No hugs.” 

The stallion smirked at his daughter, “too cool for your ol’ stallion now huh?”

“Dad, you know your cool too. It’s just- ugh...”  

“Alright. Everypony else is working. Soarin wanted to come see his little sister, but his fillyfriend has him working too hard. Still, You girls are lucky. At least you have me to send you on your way.” He strode over, picked up his daughter’s fallen pack and threw it onto his own back. “Ready?”

“Of course.” Replied Rainbow Dash with equal vigour. 

“Yes.” Quietly added Fluttershy as she took her place by her friend’s side. 

“Right! Off we go then! I’ll take you to ponyville.” The stallion took off at a leisurely pace, at home in the sky. 

“You’re on it, dad! Come on Fluttershy! This is going to be fun!” The eager young pegasus took to the air after her father without a single glance back. 

Fluttershy took a moment to gaze one last time at her family home before she took too off after the vibrant pair. 





Ponyville, the outskirts.


“This is it! Our new home!” Rainbow Dash declared as she dumped her saddlebags on the floor.

“It’s as wonderful as when we first saw it!” Fluttershy gushed happily.

Even though the cottage was filled with boxes and scattered furniture, it was still a wonderful sight to behold. Their new home, an actual house, was all ready for them to arrange and live in. The cottage was located on the border near the Everfree Forest, a very strange and scary place where monsters and creatures roamed... But within its lesser evil places, it still housed woodland creatures. Perfect for Fluttershy, to be sure.

The cottage had a fireplace, a living room, a kitchen area, a downstairs bathroom, a basement, and an upstairs. There was only one bedroom at the top of the stairs, but it didn’t matter. Both their beds fit perfectly alongside one another, and it wasn’t the first time they shared a room, either. Their days back in Flight School were spent sharing a dorm together, and occasionally even the same bed. More so, although they had their own rooms back at the apartment, it wasn’t a big deal to step back into their old arrangement from fillyhood.

“Well, we do have a lot of unpacking and arranging to do, Rainbow...” Fluttershy said as she gazed around the room. “Shall we?”

“You bet! Start unpacking, I’ll move stuff around!” Rainbow grinned as she nudged her friend lightly with a hoof.

Fluttershy nodded, “Right! Let’s begin!”

The bold mare began to move the various household items roughly into place. Fluttershy turned around to see her friend engaged, slowly shifting the couch along toward the back window. She turned, with a grin upon her muzzle to face her friend. Fluttershy glanced around the room then back to the strong cyan pegasus.

She shook her head. “Um. How about... over there.” She pointed with a delicate yellow hoof to a spot on the opposite side of the room, right between the door the kitchen and the stairs to their bedroom.

“Okay.” The athletic mare complied, moving the couch over toward the other end of the room.

Fluttershy studied it for a moment, considering, and then shook her head, “No no... try moving it to that end of the room.”

“Sure,” Rainbow shunted it to where Fluttershy had indicated.

“No no... over there.”

“Here?”

“Actually, no. Try back where we started it-no! The other side.”

“Fluttershy!!! Make up your mind!!” Rainbow Dash ceased her task of couch pushing. She couldn’t help but verbally lash out, annoyed by her best friend’s indecision.

A soft “meep” escaped the yellow pony as she realized what had occurred. Her ears drooped as she looked down at the floor in shame, unable to believe she had actually been bossing her around. It was just like when they first moved into their apartment, wasn’t it? When she practically ordered the stronger mare around, quick to forget her place, all because of the positioning of furniture. And it happened again, this time to the point of annoying her.

“I’m- I’m sorry, Rainbow. I didn’t mean to get so... bossy.”

Rainbow’s annoyed countenance immediately melted into guilt as she trotted over to her companion. She brought her forelegs around her in a hug, “Hey... hey, come on. It’s okay. I didn’t mean to yell, okay?”

“No no, you were right to me in my place. ...Um...you can put the couch wherever you like,” Fluttershy murmured as she hugged her strong mare back.

With a grin upon her muzzle, Rainbow nodded, quick to recover. “I liked the first place you picked!”

“You know what? I did, too,” Fluttershy smiled.

They spent the rest of the day unpacking boxes and arranging the few pieces of furniture they had. As the sun sank low, all that was left to do was to unpack the rest of the boxes and put those items away. For the time being, they did unpack the necessities needed, such as a few clothes, food, dishes and utensils, and other little items such as writing increments and paper.

As the sun began to drift low on the horizon, Rainbow Dash found her tummy asking for food.

The adorable giggles that escaped from the pink-maned pony near her, let her know her request hadn’t gone unnoticed. “I think somepony needs their dinner.”

“Yeah...” Dash trailed off.

“Well, it is our first night in our new home,” Fluttershy said thoughtfully. “Why don’t we go out for dinner? I still have to unpack our cooking stuff, anyway.”

The cyan mare’s face lit up at the suggestion. “All right, but I’m paying.”

She took off out the door before Fluttershy could protest, forcing her slower friend to sprint after her.





The two newcomers headed out into town, scoping out a place to eat at. Rainbow Dash opted for a diner near the town border, but Fluttershy suggested a closer place they were passing, which was a bakery known as Sugarcube Corner.

The two mares headed toward the door, anticipating a good meal ahead. Dash reached for the handle only to have the entrance burst open, revealing a pink earth pony with a fluffy mane.

“Helloooooooo! Nice to meet you! My name's Pinkie Pie!” Streamers exploded into the air and the party pony held her forehooves up in the air, quick to celebrate her first meeting with the two new ponies.

Fluttershy ‘eeped’ and hid behind her bold friend. Pinkie Pie noticed her effect upon the shy pony and softened. 

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t supposed to scare you two! There’s a party to go on here soon! You two cuties must be new around here! I know everypony in Ponyville and since I don’t know you that must mean you’re new! You’re now invited to the party that’s going to start soon!! It’s going to be awesome! Oh, and what are your names?” The speed rambling mare paused, eager for an answer before she continued her speed talk.

A stunned silence hung in the air for a moment. Rainbow Dash was the first to recover from the verbal assault upon her senses. She blinked a few times to clear her stunned mind before she struck a cool pose as if to indicate herself. 

“I’m Rainbow Dash, of course! Fastest flyer in Equestria! And this is my best friend, Fluttershy!”

A yellow hoof waved a shy greeting as its owner continued to hide behind the living wall of multi-coloured ego.

“Well! Hello Dashie and Flutters! Awesome to meet you! I’m off now! Got a party to plan for. See you two girls in half an hour!! Bye!” The door slammed shut in the two stunned ponies faces.

“Well. I guess this means we need to find another place to eat.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Okay...” Fluttershy trailed off, still unsure over the motives of their soon to be host. “Lead on, Rainbow.”

The two pegasi wandered around town, enjoying each others company as they explored the new environment. The speedster occasionally took to the sky to stretch her wings while Fluttershy provided her with a constant spectator, something she was well versed in doing for her friend. She enjoyed the thrill of watching her bold cyan friend have fun in the late day sun. It was also nice to be able to sit back and admire her friend for how beautiful she really was without the chance of being noticed. 

After a little while, with their rumbling tummies, the two pegasi decided to continue their search for a place to eat. They eventually settled upon the little diner Dash had spotted earlier, the Sweet Briar Rose diner. Apparently, it had quite a good reputation around town, so they decided to try it out. Sure enough, the food was delicious! It was all they needed to hit the spot.





Sometime a little later with time to spare before the impromptu invite to the party, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wandered first around town, before they adventured beyond into the open fields that surrounded Ponyville too. When the cyan pegasus had done a once-over of the area, she had seen all the rural aspects of it and found it to be a combination of boring and yet awesome, since wide open fields meant a perfect place to practice her stunts on and above the ground.

An amazing view of the sun dipping into the horizon was all that Fluttershy needed for an idea of what to do next.

“Rainbow, why don’t we watch the sunset? We used to do that sometimes... When we were fillies.”

“C’mon, really?” Rainbow groaned, shaking her head, “That’s just a boring pastime! C’mon Fluttershy, let’s do something awesome!”

“Please?” Fluttershy pleaded as her gorgeous aquamarine eyes began to water.

No matter what, Rainbow Dash could never say no to that face or those eyes. She trembled, then sighed, relenting.

“All right, fine. We’ll watch the sunset until the party. Happy?”

With a soft giggle, Fluttershy nodded and nuzzled their noses. “Yes!”

They sat down on a little hilltop and drank in the view of Celestia’s sun as it gently dipped into the vast horizon far ahead. It certainly was a bit different than in the past when they observed the sunsets up in Cloudsdale, but no less beautiful. Fluttershy felt ecstatic to experience such a beautiful sight in their new home setting, while Rainbow Dash, who liked sunsets almost as much, felt a bit restless.

But, she was glad she wasn’t alone. Sharing moments like these with her best friend was worth the boredom.

Shifting closer, Fluttershy smiled brightly at her friend, then gently lay her head against her shoulder. Rainbow Dash blushed a bit but welcomed the contact. Nopony else was there, so she didn’t care. She smiled too, leaning her head gently against Fluttershy’s. She even brought a foreleg around the cute pony, happy to hold her closer.

It just made this quiet, peaceful moment even better.

Of course, they still had the upcoming party at Sugarcube Corner and for that Rainbow Dash was grateful. As nice as the company was, it would be great to do something truly exciting before bed. She also wanted to meet her fellow townsponies and see just how many she could impress with her awesomeness.





Two young pegasi stood before the door to Sugarcube Corner. The sweet store looked amazing in the moonlight, surreal almost. They felt slightly apprehensive, after all, who knew what that crazy mare had cooked up for them inside. Fluttershy nuzzled under her strong defender’s wing, quick to relish the sense of security she gathered from the intimate contact.

“Um... Okay. Are you feeling up to this Fluttershy?” Dash asked, concerned by how shy her friend was acting.

They weren't even at the party and Fluttershy was relying upon her for strength. This made the bold mare anxious. What if Fluttershy spent her whole time hiding? What if her friend ran away from the party? Not only would that make her look uncool, but it would impact on Fluttershy as well.

Her worries were cut short by the timid pony’s reply. “I-I’m fine Rainbow. They- They'll all be waiting for us. I don’t want to disappoint everypony.”

“Well, all right. As long as you're gonna be okay.”

Fluttershy nuzzled her friend once more. “I’ll be fine as long as I have my guardian with me.”

This made the bold mare grin at her friend. Dash appreciated the sentiment despite how sappy it was. “Okay. Just don’t let anypony else catch you saying that. I don’t want everypony to think that the mighty Rainbow Dash is some kind of softy.”

“I won’t,” Fluttershy replied before she stepped away from her friend, ready.

With that, Dash swung the door open to reveal a packed room. Everypony inside cried out in greeting as the two newcomers entered. Fluttershy stuck to her position by her friend’s side, while Dash boldly stepped forward, her ego boosted by the attention of the small crowd.        

“Hello, one and all, Ponyville! I’m Rainbow Dash, your new weather pony!” Rainbow announced, grinning widely. “I’m also the fastest flyer out of Cloudsdale! Maybe you heard of me?” She winked with the uttermost confidence in herself.

A few greetings came from some of the ponies, some looking on with excitement, others clearly confused, but still welcoming to the two. Especially to the excitable stand-out, that was Rainbow Dash.

One pony in particular, a grey pegasus with light blonde hair and bubbles decorating her flank, eagerly darted forward. Her crazy eyes were golden, and strangely, crossed. “Hi, Rainbow Dash! Hi, Fluttershy! I didn’t think I’d see you again! It’s me, Derpy!”

“Ohh, hello, Derpy,” Fluttershy said kindly to the other pegasus. “What a surprise. You live here, too?”

“Uh-huh! I’m a mailmare here in Ponyville!” Derpy nodded, a sloppy grin plastered across her grey muzzle.

“That’s... Great.” Dash did her best to look pleased despite the thought of their mail going missing due to accidents.

Breaking the awkward moment with an explosive blast from her party cannon, Pinkie jumped into the air. “PARTY TIME!”

This served to restore the festive mood and several ponies emerged from the crowd to meet and greet the new arrivals. Especially Rainbow Dash, who they thought looked pretty awesome with her rainbow mane. Said mane was definitely unique to Ponyville’s already diverse set of ponies due to showcasing all the colours of the rainbow. Fluttershy more or less remained at her friend’s side, shy as ever and barely speaking to anypony. Then again, not much attention was given toward her. She found this to be a relief as it made the noise of the party bearable.

She was used to standing in the shadow of her friend and felt perfectly fine with it. It didn’t matter that she was always the “shy pony with Rainbow Dash” all her life. As long as she had her friend by her side, that was all she needed.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, loved the attention. Ponyville was, in some ways, smaller than Cloudsdale, yet pretty big in its own way. And in all honesty, she was a bit of a big fish in a small pond, so to speak. She could finally stand out among the other ponies, which was just what she thought would come to be when moving here. It reminded her of the adoring fans she’d had back in Flight School, except a bit different this time from that kind of scenario. That much was certain, and she liked that a bit a better.

But upon noticing how nervous and overwhelmed Fluttershy seemed, her protective instincts kicked in yet again. “Hey, ‘Shy, you want some cupcakes or something? They sure smell good!” Rainbow suggested.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded, “Sure, Rainbow. I’d love one.”

Rainbow Dash smiled at Fluttershy fondly, glad she was at least trying to have a good time.

As if by some unspoken agreement, the pair made their over to one of the refreshment tables. They took in the sight, an assortment of baked goods and other kinds of sweet treats. Cupcakes, muffins, cookies, candied fruit, chocolate, all kinds of sweets that could give an elephant cavities.

Taking one, Rainbow offered it to Fluttershy. With a shy yet delighted giggle, the shy mare smiled brightly and accepted it. Fluttershy leaned on her guardian as they ate, gazing around at the party in progress.

“I think I like our new home. These ponies are awesome!”

“Yes, I’m so glad we found a wonderful place to live,” Fluttershy quietly replied. She found she was beginning to enjoy their quiet moment in the noisy establishment.

Spotting a rather big string of taffy, Dash’s rosy red eyes lit up and a grin invaded her face. “Hey, Fluttershy. Wanna try this? It looks awesome.”

Noticing the size of the coils the yellow pegasus tried to shy away, “it- it looks awfully big. I’m not sure I could finish it.”

“No problem. The awesome Rainbow Dash is here to help.” The big smile on the blue face warmed Fluttershy’s heart.

The bold mare reached for the large bowl and placed it between them. “Ready?”

Fluttershy tentatively nodded back.

“Go!” Rainbow Dash got stuck into the taffy, devouring it as if it were her last meal.

Fluttershy on the other end of the string chose to take her time and enjoy the treat. Unaware of anything else, Dash continued to munch her way along, thoroughly enjoying herself. Here she was, delighting in a very tasty treat with her best friend. Her sense of the rest of the room begun to disappear and the bold mare closed her eyes for the moment, falling into the wonderful taste. Since it was taffy, and very tricky to chew all the way, it took some time to make their way along the coil, but they continued to endure it nonetheless.

Fluttershy buzzed, the sugary goodness filled her, excited her, as the taste danced through her mouth. She saw the cerise eyes before her close in blissful enjoyment and smiled to herself as she continued to chew along the stringy treat. Two best friends, enjoying their first tastes of what Ponyville’s sweet shop had to offer. It couldn’t get any better than this, right? Everypony seemed to be enjoying themselves, especially Dash. Fluttershy noticed that the taffy was about to run out and slowed down further, happy to savour the taste.

Luminous pink eyes fluttered open as Dash took in the sight of the last coil disappearing. Drawn in by the taste, both ponies inched closer as they worked their way toward each other. Two lips met in the middle as they both moved in for the final bite. Mild surprise filled Dash’s face as Fluttershy fell into the unexpected kiss. 

Thankfully, nopony seemed to really notice what was going on. Or if they did see what was happening, no pony spoke about it out loud.

Cheeks on fire, heart alight, and with a mind that felt about ready to explode, Fluttershy stared with wide eyes as their lips met in the middle. She knew somepony had to be seeing this, and that they were, in fact, sharing a kiss in the middle of a crowded party. Yet, her eyes closed as she gently kissed her companion. She relished the combination of the sweet flavour of the taffy, along with the warm feeling of Rainbow’s lips. The feeling compounded when Rainbow Dash kissed her back and engaged the two in a mutual, brief, but very sweet lip lock. 

On any normal day, Fluttershy could do what she had to do in order to suppress her romantic feelings for Rainbow Dash. The longtime crush she'd had on her did surely have moments of taking its toll, but it was usually when they kissed for whatever reason that it would truly arise. She never quite knew why Rainbow was fine with them kissing each other, considering that she had no idea how the cyan mare felt in return. However, the sweet feeling of a genuine effort put into the kiss on Rainbow's part was enough to put her own worries on hiatus for now. At least she liked their kissing.

Rainbow on the other hoof wondered the same. She had been having strange feelings for her friend for some time now, yet was uncertain over what to do with them. After all, this kind of sappy stuff was not what a mighty, future Wonderbolt was made out of, right? But, no matter what lovey-dovey thoughts she had for her friend, all she could deduce was that because Fluttershy was a very sweet and affectionate pony, even willing to share intimate kisses, it made sense. They were so close, having been best friends for several years, and had gone through a lot together. Perhaps maybe even a few too many intimate moments for two fillies, but Rainbow Dash never found that she minded when it came to Fluttershy. It even made the name calling she used to endure worth it for her best friend’s happiness. Maybe she felt that kissing was a deeper way to express how much she cared? Or Fluttershy just plain enjoyed kissing her, because... it felt nice? 

It didn't matter. Neither knew how long it lasted, however brief it was, but they parted all too soon, eyes lost in each other. There may as well have been no ponies around them for they had eyes only for each other.

“Oh my gosh! You two look sooo cute! You know you make such an awesome, cute couple!” Pinkie gushed, effectively throwing cold water on the two mares' close moment.

“What? No!” Dash shot back, defensively as Fluttershy hid behind her own mane in shock and shame.

“I must say, you two dears look absolutely adorable together! How long have you two been dating?” A beautiful pure-white unicorn with deep blue eyes and a stylish purple coiffure mane approached the flustered two pegasi.

“We aren’t dating!” Rainbow Dash continued to defend her position.

This was made extra difficult by the shy pony who just decided the best solution for her embarrassment was to snuggle her crush for support. Rainbow did the best she could to shrug the odd feelings off. What she needed to do now, was convince two ponies who had invaded their special moment that the kiss was nothing special.

“Well, that kiss certainly looked like something. It’s not every day I get to witness such a genuine show of affection,” the gushing unicorn continued to smile at the pair.

“Party for the new couple!” Cried out the pink party pony as she leapt in the air.

“Um. We- we’re...” Fluttershy spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Mmm?” The unicorn looked over at the shy pony curiously, “I beg your pardon, dear, whatever did you say? I can’t hear you.”

“I- I said... we- we’re- we’re not... a couple.” Fluttershy squeaked, shrinking back again. “I-I’m sorry... miss... um?”

The unicorn smiled before extending her hoof, “Rarity. And you’re Fluttershy, correct? I overheard you both earlier. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, of course!”

“Yep, She’s Fluttershy. I’m the awesome Rainbow Dash!” Butted in said mare, eager to turn the conversation away from the funny feelings she had inside. 

“Of course,” Rarity’s expression faltered slightly, but she turned back to Fluttershy, “Aren’t you just darling! Tell me, who does your mane? It’s absolutely gorgeous! You must tell me your stylist!”

“Um... I-I actually style it myself. Sometimes Rainbow will do it for me.” Fluttershy admitted as she rubbed her forelegs together nervously.

Rarity’s eyes went wide before she burst into a smile. “Really! That’s astounding! Oh, then you must join me to my next hair appointment, absolutely! Ooh! Have you ever been to a spa before, Fluttershy?”

“Um... no. We never went to a spa before.” Fluttershy shook her head, still highly nervous.

“You seem to be quick to include your companion in your assessment.” Rarity observed thoughtfully, ever the mare for juicy details and fresh gossip.

“Y-yes. We- we usually do things together,” the shy yellow pegasus admitted.

“Well then. You and your good friend absolutely must come with me to the spa tomorrow! It will be quite a treat for you, definitely!”

“Sorry, I don’t do that sort of lame thing.” Dash disdainfully fended off the offer as it were some sort of disease.

A sad look overcame Fluttershy’s face as her ears drooped. While it was far from a big deal, she almost couldn’t help but feel a little saddened by that. After having done almost everything together pretty much their whole lives since they met, it was almost a bit of a shock to find something new that they wouldn’t try together. 

But why did it matter? It was no big deal. Rarity was making a generous offer to try something new, and there was no reason for her not to take it.

“All right,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“Then it’s settled! Why don’t you come to the Carousel Boutique first thing in the morning!” Rarity beamed, “do you know where it is?”

“Y-Yes, I think I saw it when we came to town today.” Fluttershy nodded.

“Wonderful! I’ll see you tomorrow at ten! Ta-ta!” Rarity winked at her in a knowing way before she trotted off to speak with an orange earth pony with a well cared for blond mane.

Fluttershy glanced at Dash with a pleading look.

“Oh, all right. But you know I don’t like other ponies touching my mane, or my hooves.” A cyan hoof waved in front of the yellow pony’s face as a rough example.

Fluttershy nuzzled her friend. “But Dashie... You always let me.”

“Yeah, I know. You’re- different... special.” Those words set the shy pegasus’s heart aflutter with joy. Her Rainbow Dash had just called her special! Maybe one day, she might just maybe have a chance. A chance to get with her secret crush. 

As a way to fend off the incoming blush, as well as the giddy joy inside, the shy mare instead chose a weak defence mechanism, she knew was sure to fail. “I’m just me... just Fluttershy...”

“I know!” Rainbow squeezed her eyes shut, “It’s just... I trust you, okay? I wouldn’t let somepony I didn’t trust touch my hooves or my mane! That’s all.”

Fluttershy gave her friend an affectionate lick on the muzzle. “Thank you.”

“Right. How about we find something to eat. I’m still starving,” Dash huffed, suddenly eager to get away from all the prying eyes that might still happen to be watching. The last thing she needed was the locals seeing her softer, less cool side. 

“We just had dinner and a whole coil of taffy, you silly!” Fluttershy giggled with delight.

Rainbow grinned widely. “What can I say? I need a lot of food for this stomach! It takes a lot to keep this future Wonderbolt in the skies.”

“You're worse than your brother,” Fluttershy giggled. “And he’s a food bin.” 

“Hey, what can I say, we’re related.” The speedster playfully nudged her companion.
> Chapter Three: New Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville, Fluttershy's house.

Dash awoke to see nothing but pink. The bedmane from her best friend filled her vision. She blinked herself awake then ran a hoof along her muzzle to clear the intruding wall of colour from her vision. Her hoof grazed the sleeping mare who was cuddled up to her causing the shy pony to mumble in her sleep and nuzzle her, tightening her grip.

“Dashie...” Fluttershy mumbled sleepily, nuzzling her neck.

‘Oh great...’ Dash thought, realizing she was just about stuck. Not only was Fluttershy’s grip on her not allowing her to get up, but, she actually didn’t even want to move. ‘She’s not going to start saying sappy friend stuff in her sleep, is she?’

Sure enough, the quiet yellow pegasus whispered, “So cuddly... mmm... so warm and cozy, my dear... my pretty rainbow...”

Fluttershy nuzzled deeper into her friends rainbow mane. With burning cheeks, Dash looked away, wondering what to do. She was used to Fluttershy saying sweet things, but she wondered... nah. Either way, she wanted to get up and fly! But she also couldn’t leave Fluttershy’s comfy bed or her strong embrace.

Much to the horror of the trapped pony, the yellow mare continued her sleep talking. “You amazing pony...”

Unable to take it anymore, Dash licked Fluttershy’s nose causing the sleeping mare to wrinkle up her face. Rainbow repeated her action, hoping to awaken the sleep snuggling pony. Once more, the action caused Fluttershy to furrow her brow and stir a little bit, but she didn’t wake up.

“Mmm... Rainbow my dear... c’mere...” cooed the sleeping pony as she rubbed Dash’s side in a sleepy manner with her hoof.

Where’s this coming from? Dash wondered in shock. She would have fallen out of the bed in shock had it not been for the vice grip she was still trapped in.

“Fluttershy, please wake up.” She nose bumped her friend, giving her an accompanying lick on the muzzle. “Come on.”

“Mmm...” Fluttershy stirred again, sounding a little distraught. She then held Rainbow Dash tighter, even going so far as rolling over and-

Thump!

“Owwwwww!!!” Came the timid mare’s pained squeal.

Rainbow Dash gazed down at her companion in shock as Fluttershy rudely emerged from her slumber. In a flash, she realized she had her friend pinned and hurriedly released the pony before she settled down a safe distance away. 

“Ow...ow...” Whimpered Fluttershy as she rose slowly on her forelegs, she cringed at the pain from the impact as it slowly faded away to a dull thumping. It wasn’t the first time it happened in her life, but it was painful nonetheless. “Oooh... ow....”

She felt like somepony had landed on her too. Said pony reached out a helping hoof to assist her rise and Fluttershy allowed herself to be lifted up onto her hooves. She hung on for a few moments, happy to drift weightless and free. 

“Are you going to stand or do I have to hold you all day?” The annoyed voice of Rainbow Dash rang out and snapped the shy mare back to reality.

Immediately, Fluttershy darted away in shame, her ears drooped and gaze downcast. How could she be so selfish and inconvenience her friend like that? She felt stung but tried to calm herself. Right now she had to wonder why in the world she fell out of bed, and what had just happened. Something wasn’t right, but she just couldn’t place her hoof on it.

“Sorry....” She uttered shamefully.

“Hey...” The soft voice of her best friend broke the shameful silence.

A cyan hoof lifted the ashamed pony’s chin up. Fluttershy’s wings flew up in surprise as her friend planted a kiss right on her cheek. Her cheeks burned, her eyes drifting away in shyness. Just like in her...dream?

“Don’t worry about it, Flutters,” Rainbow chuckled. The bold pegasus grinned as she gently released her, “Sorry you had to fall like that! You just kinda grabbed me in your sleep and-”

“G-G-Grabbed you?” Fluttershy cut her off, her eyes wide, “But... why would I grab you? How did I grab you?”

Brow furrowing slightly, Dash stared at her, “Um... duh, in your sleep, like I just said.”

“Yes, but... how?”

“Fluttershy, hello? Last night? You had a bad dream and I got into bed with you, since you didn’t want me to leave. Remember?”

“I- you...” Fluttershy’s cheeks burned bright red. ‘Last night wasn’t a dream!?!?!?’

Rainbow Dash chuckled at her friend's bright complexion.

“Yep. You seemed to be enjoying yourself quite a lot too. It reminded me how nice you are to sleep with.”

“O-Oh.” Fluttershy blushed heavily, looking down shyly.

With further laughter, the cyan pegasus lifted her friend’s chin to gaze into her eyes. “You have beautiful eyes...”

A look of mild panic crossed Fluttershy’s face.

“What? You do.” The bold mare leaned in and gently licked her friend’s muzzle.

Rainbow pulled away, feeling as hot as Fluttershy’s blush looked, and with a grin like a crazy filly.

“Umm....!!!” Fluttershy looked at the time, she gasped in mild horror. It was nine thirty. “Oh no! We’re going to be late! We have to go!”

She hurried out of the room to get to the bathroom.

With a receding grin, Dash sighed. Her ears and wings drooped a bit sadly. That was a little disheartening, not to mention disappointing. Did Fluttershy really feel that nervous and panicked? What had happened to last night? It wasn’t so much the kissing itself, though their kisses were awesome, but the entire principle of the situation. She couldn’t help but feel a little down about it.

With the soft clop-clop of hoofsteps, Fluttershy re-entered the room, kissed Rainbow on the cheek before she trotted back out again, mumbling an apology as she did so.

Cyan wings shot up and Dash’s grin returned in an instant. Her confident feeling returned once more and the rainbow-maned mare strutted out after companion, eager to face the day.





Canterlot Throne Room

A bold black griffin with a grey face strode through the open door into Celestia’s throne room. The nobles fell silent and backed out of the stranger's way as he marched up to the princess. 

Celestia eyed the intruder carefully, “greetings. How may I be of service?” 

“By releasing the two griffins your guards captured in Baltmare.” 

The pure white mare glanced at her aside, “I think I remember that incident. Two griffins assaulted some of the ponies in the outskirts of the city. They were put in jail for their actions while the ponies involved are still in the hospital because of the injuries caused by those griffins.”

“Yes, well... My chief demands their release. We shall deal with our own kind.” 

“I’m sorry, I can’t do that.” 

“What? Why not!” At the griffins outburst, several guards took a cautionary step forward. 

“They shall be released once they have served the rest of their two-week detention. Our laws clearly state the penalties for assault. You’re lucky they have a light sentence. Had anypony died or suffered worse injuries, the charges would have been far more severe.” 

“I don’t care about that. Your laws are not our laws. I demand you release them to us!” 

Celestia took a moment to pause and stare at the angry griffin. “As I have already explained, I can’t do that.” 

“Discrimination!” The griffin found himself held back by two guardsponies. “My Lord demands you release them at once! We will decide what to do with our own kind!” 

Celestia continued to sit there, calm and serene as ever on the outside. “What I wish to know; it has been about ten years since I met your Chief Grandeur. After a successful reconnection between our countries with an exchange student, I had hoped that the treaty would be upheld. Recent events have caused me to wonder how strong those bonds really are.” 

The angry griffin representative scoffed, “just give us our captives and we will call it even once more.” 

“Captives?” Celestia turned to her aside, “tell me, have our imprisoned griffins been treated with all respect and care that all ponies deserve?” 

“Yes, princess. They are well cared for, fed and watered in their cells.” the earth pony mare confirmed. 

“Lies!” The mostly black griffin pressed against the guards who continued to restrain his advance. 

Celestia sighed, this was getting old. “If you refuse to see the logic, I will ask my guards to escort you out.” 

“If you won’t release the griffin captives, then we will make you.” 

Celestia levelled her gaze sternly at the fluffed up griffin. “I’m sorry, you do not appear to be in a position to make threats.” 

The angry griffin scoffed at the princess. “So you refuse?” 

“Certainly. They shall be well cared for and released once their two-week stay has finished. While in our lands, the law of Equestria stands.” 

“You ponies are weak.” The griffin accused as he turned and began to stalk out. He shot the nobles in the room a dirty look and several withdrew further from the pissed off dignitary. 

In the doorway, the griffin paused and turned to face the ponies, “I shall relay to my lord your refusal. It’s not our fault your ponies are too weak to interact with griffins who are visiting your lands.” The griffin’s wings swiftly unfurled ready for action and he turned and strode away. 

Celestia sat calmly for a few moments as agitated chatter consumed the room. “Everypony.” At the sound of her calm voice, the chatter died down and all eyes fell on her. “Please leave my castle in an orderly fashion. I require some time to think and I wish to have a word with the head of my security forces.” 

All the nobels in the room bowed or curtsied and then made their way out. 





Ponyville, just outside Carousel Boutique.

“Here it is... this must be the Carousel Boutique...” Fluttershy announced as she admired the highly fancy architecture. “It’s beautiful!”

“Yea.” The rainbow maned daredevil felt bored already as she stood next to her excited friend.

The two mares entered the store, where they saw Rarity applying a dark blue fanciful dress encrusted with gems all over the neck and waistline onto a mannequin. A little bell rang, above the door as it opened, catching the unicorn’s attention.

“Ah, Fluttershy, darling! Rainbow Dash! How wonderful to see you two again!” Rarity greeted cheerfully, going over to them. “Shall we get going, then?”

“Oh, yes!” Fluttershy nodded, beaming, “I can’t wait to try out going to a spa! I’d always wanted to, but... we could never afford it...”

“Awww...” Rarity said sadly with sympathy, “I know exactly how you feel, darling. Back when I first moved out of my parents’ home, I too had very little money to work with! I could not afford such wondrous things as I can now! But as I worked hard on my designs and my second job, I managed to come up with enough to not only buy and remodel this shop, but to prosper as well!”

“Wow...” Fluttershy smiled, nodding, “That’s quite a story, Rarity...”

Rainbow Dash simply rolled her eyes. Suddenly an amusing idea popped into her head and she slinked up to her fellow pegasus and draped a wing over her. Sure enough, Fluttershy blushed and let out a little squeak.

“Isn’t it, though?” The unicorn giggled, “Oh, but listen to me! Here we are standing around like fools! Come come, you two! We must depart!”

The three of them exited the store, with Rarity locking up behind them before they set off into town.

Much to the embarrassment of Fluttershy, Dash kept her strong protective wing about her best friend. Fluttershy did love the contact, to be sure, but she didn’t need protection right now. Nopony was bothering them, she wasn’t scared, and Rarity was a very nice, kind, sociable and interesting pony, she was a friend. What was the problem? What could her bold friend be playing at?

“Rainbow! What are you doing?” She furiously whispered to her overprotective friend.

The cyan mare grinned back, fake sincerity written all over her muzzle. “Nothing...”

“All right, then,” Fluttershy sighed and turned back to Rarity.

“Tell me, dear, how did you two end up here in Ponyville?” Rarity queried.

“Oh! Well, we’re from Cloudsdale,” Fluttershy explained, smiling, “ I’ve just finished school, Rainbow Dash here had a new job lined up here as a weather pony, and I had applied to be a vet assistant at the clinic here in Ponyville.”

“Ah! How interesting,” the unicorn giggled, “and wherever did you choose to live now?”

“Well, we found a-” Fluttershy was cut off when she felt a cheeky nuzzle from her friend, “Rainbow!!”

The prankster giggled to herself, pleased at the change of attention. “Yes?”

Fluttershy gave her a look of annoyance, turning back to her newest friend. “We-we moved into the cottage by the Everfree Forest.”

A look of surprise crossed the alabaster mares face. “Well, I never would have imagined a mare like you choosing to live near that ghastly place!”

“W-well... it's not so bad...”

“Yeah! Fluttershy once stared down an angry bear! Spooky woods are nothing.” Dash’s boasting added a fresh blush to her shy friend’s light cheeks.

“Stared down a bear?!” Rarity exclaimed, wide-eyed. “My goodness! How brave of you, Fluttershy!”

Looking away, Fluttershy mumbled sheepishly, “W-Well... I... um... well I...”

“She’s almost as awesome as me.” The daredevil couldn’t help but add as she swept a hoof over her flushed companion's shoulders.

“A barbaric ruffian for a pegasus?” Rarity stated dryly, then turned back to Fluttershy, “Well my dear, I must say that it must have taken you a great deal of courage to have accomplished such a thing!”

“It was... nothing really,” Fluttershy admitted softly, her cheeks still heated.

“Oh, now don’t be modest, darling!” Laughed the fashionista unicorn, “I for one must say that while it may indeed be... foolish to try to stand up to something much bigger and more dangerous than yourself, it is indeed admirable that you can overcome your fears!”

“I- I was only doing it... t-to save my Dash.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow, quiet for a moment, eyeing the protective cyan wing, then smiled, “I see.”

Despite being mentioned, Dash realized that she was, yet again, out of the loop. Fluttershy was getting along with this snooty, nose-high unicorn? How? It didn’t make sense! And for that matter, she never got annoyed at her attempts for attention, which admittedly, deterred her a little. Why was that? Why was Fluttershy so willing to hang out with a posh pony like Rarity?

Rainbow Dash pulled her wing back in temporary defeat. The cheeky prankster glanced around to check for anypony who might happen to be watching. Happy that no pony would notice her perhaps ‘uncool’ antics, a grin appeared on her muzzle. She allowed the pair to continue their unimportant banter as she sidled up alongside Fluttershy, getting right into position to-

“Anyway... here we are," Rarity announced. 

Excitement filled Fluttershy’s eyes while Dash’s filled with an equal amount of boredom in preparation for what was about to come.

With the use of her magic, Rarity held the door open for the two pegasi who entered, side by side. Fluttershy took in the entrance lobby with interest, feeling very relaxed and comfortable already, while Rainbow took everything in with great disdain.

“Wow! This is lovely!” Fluttershy beamed.

“Indeed it is!” Rarity giggled, and looked over to Aloe, “Hello, Aloe! The usual, please! And be sure to throw it in for my two new friends, as well! ...Especially her. She could use some special spa treatment,” she added, gesturing to Dash.

“Hey!” The cyan pegasus protested.

Before anypony could blink, the two spa ponies, by the names of Aloe and Lotus, whisked the trio away for pampering. It all happened so fast, because the next thing they knew, they were in robes, towels on their heads wrapping their manes up, and in bathrobes, no less. They were placed into a sauna, with Lotus pouring steaming water over some hot rocks with a soup ladle.

Due to not being used to the intense heat, it took some time for Rainbow to get her breathing under control. It felt as if she were dehydrating, and fast.

Deciding to make the best of a bad situation, Rainbow Dash wrapped a foreleg grumpily up against Fluttershy, slowly circling her back. She knew that such actions would be the easiest way to get some kind of response out of either of her two companions without annoying Fluttershy. 

With a shy smile, the yellow mare snuggled right back. It was clear that her companion really didn’t want to be here at all, and could only find solace in her. The fact she was actually trying meant the world to her. She felt there was no reason to ignore her... affectionate gestures.

“What do you think so far?” Rarity queried.

“It’s amazing! I’ve never been in a sauna like this before!” Fluttershy beamed from within the firm grasp of her best friend.

“Eh. I’ve seen better.” Rainbow Dash continued to devote all her attention toward the yellow pony beside her.

“That’s wonderful to hear, darling.” Rarity replied to the yellow pegasus, ignoring her insolent companion.

“D-do you come here often?” Fluttershy quietly queried.

Delighted to be on a good topic Rarity became rather animated. “Well... I like to come here at least once a week. If you like, we could do this every week together! Wouldn’t that be marvellous, Fluttershy?”

The mare in question nodded, abuzz with both the joy of getting on well with her new interesting friend as well as the close attention of her longtime companion. This entire little spa trip was turning out to be a lot better than she expected. “That would be great, Rarity! I'd love it!”

“Count me out,” Dash muttered, breaking the moment.

“But...” Fluttershy protested, her smile fading. She had wanted so much to share this with both of them. But, then again, she couldn’t exactly force her crush to do something she clearly didn’t desire to do at all. Sighing, the creamy yellow pegasus nodded, “Um... All right, Rainbow. I understand. If this really isn’t something you want to do with us, then that’s okay. You don’t have to do something you don’t want to for my sake.”

“You really know how to twist my wing, don’t you, ‘Shy.” The affectionate yet annoyed gaze from Dash met her friends' aquamarine eyes. “I'll see how it goes this time.”

“But...! Rainbow no, I wasn’t trying to...” Fluttershy squeaked, looking unsure.

In response, Rainbow Dash ran a comforting hoof down her friends back, "we’ll see, okay? If this time goes badly... I’m not coming back to this place.”

Fluttershy nodded meekly. She turned back to Rarity, who was observing them with curious and keen eyes, smiled, “Well, Rarity, it sounds good.”

“Wonderful! Now then, what was I to say? Ah yes, well, as I mentioned earlier, I am indeed a designer! You saw that dress when you came in, did you not?”

“Oh, we did. It was beautiful! You made it yourself?”

“Indeed I did, darling! I make all of my dresses and I run quite modestly successful fashion lines! Why, I will even take commissions! If you ever are in need of a dress, do let me know!”

“Really? Well, gosh, Rarity! That’s wonderful! I... well, I am okay with sewing, but designing isn’t much of my forte. Well... Um... if you wouldn’t mind... I’ll... take you up on that once I have some extra money...”

Rarity waved her hoof dismissively. “Don’t you mind that. I think I can feel an idea coming for the most wonderful dress for you. I could make you one too if you like Rainbow Dash?”

“Nah. Dresses aren't really my thing. They get in the way while I’m trying to pull off cool tricks,” replied the mare in question as she waved Rarity off with a cyan hoof.

Fluttershy on the other hoof stared at the queen of fashion. “Y-you’re offering to make me... a dress? For free?”

“Of course, darling. Why, I just love a good challenge when it comes to clothing!”

“But... but... I can’t accept that!”

“Nonsense, dear! I insist. It would be my pleasure to make a lovely dress for you!” Rarity waved it off, beaming.

“But-” Once more the quiet pony tried to protest.

“No buts!” Rarity cut her off. “I have made up my mind, darling!”

Giving up, Fluttershy mumbled a soft “okay” before she settled back along the bench.

“Now then,” Rarity said, changing the topic, “Why don’t we move on to the next bit of our treatment? We shall get facials and a hooficure!”

“Oooooohhh!” Fluttershy smiled, feeling better from before. “I’ve never had a hooficure or a facial before! I’ve always wanted to try them!”

“You mean we get to splatter our face with green mud? Neat!” Dash grinned. She wasn’t too keen on the hooficure idea, though.

“Well, I guess that's one way you could put it,” Rarity muttered as she made her way out.

The three mares were taken to another room, where they were placed upon flat chairs and cushions. Aloe and Lotus then applied the facial mask to their faces, along with cucumber slices over their eyes.

“Wow! Mud in our faces and food, too? This is pretty cool!” Rainbow grinned, eating one of the slices.

“Rainbow Dash! They’re not for eating!” Rarity scolded, “The cucumbers go over your eyes in order to prevent puffiness!”

“Oh... don’t mind her, Rarity...” Fluttershy said softly.

Rarity huffed, turning back to Fluttershy, despite being unable to see her, “Regardless, dear, she needs to mind her manners.”

“Hey! I’m right here!” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

Aloe and Lotus returned with a little trolley. It bore small basins, a horn file, and three hoof files along with various little jars of lotions and cream. Rarity looked pleased, Fluttershy excited and curious, however, Rainbow Dash looked as if she were about to come under attack. She suddenly realized what this would mean.

Lotus took the horn file, proceeding to work on carefully filing Rarity’s horn. Fluttershy placed her hooves into the basin of the warm, tingling liquid solution. She pulled them out a few moments later, holding them out, before Aloe went to work on giving her a hooficure.

When Lotus approached Dash with the file in her mouth, the cyan pegasus gulped. She didn’t like anypony touching her hooves. But for Fluttershy, she decided to try it. Nervously, she held one hoof out, while the tip of the file grazed it slightly.

“YAGH! No no no! Don’t touch my hooves! That’s it! I’m outta here!” Dash leapt up and darted out the open window faster than anypony could blink.

“Rainbow-!” Fluttershy cried out to the slowly fading spectrum her friend had left behind. She reached out toward the window in vain. 

“There there, dear.” Rarity did her best to offer a comforting hoof as the yellow pony continued to stare out the window after her friend.

“Sh-she never abandons me...” The distressed animal caretaker complained, her gaze still on the empty sky.

“I take it she’s very loyal to you, isn’t she?” Rarity said gently, rubbing Fluttershy’s back.

With small slow nods, Fluttershy glanced at the unicorn tearfully, “Yes... She’s my best friend...and she’s always been a very loyal pony. I just... well I- I knew she didn’t want to be here. I just- didn’t think this would happen... I mean, I know she doesn’t like anypony touching her hooves... but I- well I should have seen this coming, shouldn't I?”

Thinking for a moment, the fashionista sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “I can’t tell you that for sure, you know her better than I do. I have to say it was incredibly rude of her to just leave like that, especially with how it makes you feel. Pig headed pegasus... Well, I suppose I can’t blame her entirely. I would feel this way if my dear friend from Sweet Apple Acres had dragged me to do farm work! Regardless, dear, you shall have to go and talk to her after this is over.”

“....Okay.” Fluttershy shrank away, it was clear she didn’t want to do any such thing.

“I’m serious, darling. What she did was rude and it upset you. You must tell her that, otherwise, she will never learn.” Insisted Rarity. 

Sniffling, the tearful pegasus nodded, “Okay, Rarity...thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dear,” Rarity smiled, using her magic to levitate a handkerchief to wipe Fluttershy’s eyes, “I must say... she is rather possessive of you.”

“...Possessive? No, she isn’t, that’s silly.”

“I’m serious, darling, I could tell with the way she looks at you, and especially earlier on our way here. Now, I take it you two spend a lot of time together?”

Fluttershy nodded, her cheeks going pink, “Yes. We’re very, very close. Fillyhood friends. Back in Cloudsdale... when we went to Flight School... we were social outcasts. I was always very shy and such a weak flyer. Rainbow Dash was- well, a bit of a prankster, and always had a reputation for being too fast, not following the rules and taking naps in class. Everypony made fun of us, for different reasons, and called us names. We stuck together and were... each other’s only friends...”

“I see,” Rarity nodded, looking thoughtful. “I can see why she may be protective or possessive of you, dear. And why losing out on sharing something with her would sadden you.”

“As I said, we did everything together... even... snuggling...” Fluttershy smiled a slightly sad, nostalgic smile. “And she means so much to me. We have had our tough moments and she can be brash and aggressive, even with me... but... it’s okay. I can handle it. I can handle her.”

“You surely put up with a lot, Fluttershy!”

“I guess I do... but it’s rewarding because she really is a great pony. A very loyal friend and she can be very sweet. Sometimes when I’m sad, she gives me a little treat I like just to cheer me up. She always remembers my birthday and makes it special with surprising me, she’s there when I need somepony to talk to, she lets me cry and would also tell me when I’m crying over something stupid, and... well, there’s so much.” They shy pegasus’s muzzle was becoming rather red once again as thoughts of just how nice her best friend was continued to flood her mind. 

Rarity smiled, she let go of the timid mare and returned to her spot. “That’s lovely, dear. I suppose I truly did misjudge her a lot. But the affection I had seen between you two last night even today was just adorable. You must be very comfortable with that to be able to exude that kind of sweetness with one another!”

“N-Not so much... it’s kind of embarrassing... doing that in public... and yet... sometimes I just don’t mind...” Fluttershy giggled to hide the embarrassment she felt here with her new friend.

“And despite all that, she is not your special somepony?” The alabaster mare leaned closer, eager for answers.

“Oh no!” The pegasus’s yellow cheeks darkened further and she began to feel nervous.

“Well. What would you do if she asked you to be her special somepony?”

Fluttershy’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates and a tiny squeak escaped her. She blushed, heavily, and looked around the room in uncertainty, biting her lip. Yet, after a few moments, she softly managed a reply, “...I’d say... yes.”

Rarity’s brow rose as she smiled a little more. It was all that was needed to be said about how the shy pony was feeling. “Is that right, dear?”

A very bashful nod was the forthcoming reply.

“Well, Fluttershy, then why don’t you ask her?”

“What? No! I could never do that...” 

“Why not?” The designer unicorn queried, tilting her head, “You both seem to be open to the idea, so why not ask her?”

“Because... well... um... there’s something about that.” Fluttershy murmured, her ears drooping. “During Flight School, and even after we moved in together... Rainbow... always... was... um... subject to... being called derogatory terms for a female who likes mares.”

“So...” Rarity went on, turning serious for a moment, “Part of why you’re afraid of such a thing is because you feel that she will be saddened or angered about you assuming she likes mares because of the abuse she has faced of that in the past?”

Hidden behind her wall of shy, Fluttershy nodded.

Noticing the deteriorating state of the timid mare, Rarity softened, reaching over and giving her a calming rub on her back. “It’s okay Fluttershy. How about we try again one day when you are more comfortable with this?”

The mare in hiding’s face slowly lit up. “Okay.”

“Just remember dear, don’t wait too long or somepony else might get in first.”

Fluttershy’s joy was replaced by alarm. Her friend would never do that, would she? But then again, it wasn’t as if she would have the right to be upset or jealous. Rainbow Dash was allowed to live her own life and make her own decisions. If she ever wanted to get together with somepony, mare or stallion, Fluttershy would feel terrible about holding her back from her happiness just because she was jealous and wanted her friend to herself. But she couldn’t have her cake and eat it too. Not unless she...

No. She couldn’t do that to her. Not like this. Yet still, the thought of it plagued her mind and ate at her gut painfully. She just hoped, maybe, she could get some closure about this issue before it was too late.

But for now, she was determined to do her best to enjoy what was left of the spa date with Rarity. Even if the disappointment of her best friend’s departure still remained. Fluttershy decided she had to put Rainbow Dash out of her mind if she were to truly enjoy herself here with her new friend.
> Chapter Four: Of Bunnies and Ponies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot palace

With the noon sun at her back, Celestia stood in her castles war room surrounded by her aside and several high ranking military personnel. The generals’ all wore ceremonial armour that allowed their coats natural colours to shine through. The room was filled with various armours and weapons on racks, while a single window above Celestia provided light from the outside world. 

Her niece was also there on the opposite side of the table to the Celestia, flanked by her own personal guardpony. Celestia was sure said guard was more than just her guard, but was happy her niece had someone to look after her regardless. 

With a quick final glance around the room at the waiting ponies, Celestia took the floor, “it has been brought to my attention that some griffins have been causing trouble for our ponyfolk. While I welcome their presence, as well any other peaceful creature in our lands, I will not stand for violence against our citizens. You have seen the report. It is unknown as to why those griffins became aggressive. This is also not the first time we have seen griffins wandering out land looking unusual.” 

“One would almost think they are up to no good.” A deep brown earth pony general muttered rather loudly. 

“Well, if any try that again, why don’t we just throw them out. That would also satisfy their leaders who don’t want us to punish them.” Bright Lance, the bright white pegasus general spoke up. 

“I disagree,” all eyes turned to the youngest colt in the room who stood, suddenly rather nervously at Cadence’s side. “If we throw them out, who is to say that their leaders will do anything at all?”

“What's your name son, I know I’ve seen you around somewhere.” Bright Lance asked sternly. 

“Shining Armor, First Lieutenant of the Canterlot guard. I’m also Cadence’s personal honour guard.”  The young royal guard saluted promptly. 

“Ah yes. Talented one,” Bright Lance responded in kind. “At ease.” He turned to the two unicorn generals present, “and what does his senior officers think?”  

“Well,” the dark green unicorn stallion with a golden mane that matched his armour spoke up. “I think Shining has a good point. If anything happens again, I think we need to be better prepared. If our guards were any later, we may have wound up with a group of dead earth ponies on our hooves and no culprits.” 

“You make it sound like the griffins attacked on purpose,” the brown earth pony general spoke up once more. 

“We don’t know.” Simply stated the other grey-white unicorn general. “There are so few crimes committed on our lands that it was a real shock to the Colonel in charge of looking after the city. To make matters harder, the ponies who are now in hospital had been drinking at the time, as had the griffins.” 

“Well you can’t expect us to beef up all patrols,” stated the earth pony general. “Everyone would become suspicious and think we are up to something.” 

“What I would appreciate,” all eyes turned to Celestia once more. “-If you all could foster a more watchful environment, especially around any place that has non-pony folk present. Do not make them feel unwelcome, but for everyponys safety, I ask that you work out a system that will allow for a more even distribution of our forces and allow response times to be as minimal as possible.” 

“Yes, Princess Celestia.” Bright Lance spoke up for all present. 

“I would also like your feedback on what you consider fair punishment for both ponies and non-pony folk who visit or live in our lands. As rare as such events are, I will put forth a possible law change to increase penalties for violent behaviour and attacks.” The sunny alicorn’s gaze travelled the room, seeking reactions from the stoic faces. 

“Alright. With your permission Princess, I would like to travel to our outer cities and work with their local military ponies to implement an improved system to ensure that future violence is curbed.” The earth pony general stood at attention. 

“Permission granted, general Ironskull.” 

“Thank you, Princess,” General Ironskull bowed. 

“Inform the other generals of our decision. I will leave it up to you who else travels to make arrangements with the local guard.” Celestia instructed. 

“I’m happy to help there,” Bright Lance spoke up. “After we decide on the most efficient system to move forward with, I can assist in bringing word to the other cities.”

“Thank you.” The pure white alicorn smiled. “You are all dismissed.”  

As the four generals made their way out the door, the pink alicorn and her guard hung around.

“Auntie, what would you have me do?” Cadence asked shyly. “Most of what you talked about is a bit beyond Shiny and me.” 

Celestia smiled at her nieces' pet name for her personal guard. “I would like you to visit some of our smaller towns. You have a gift for spreading love and happiness, please make use of it. I expect you both to be gone for a few months on this mission, but should you return in time, there will be a ticket to the gala for you both.”

“Thank you, Auntie Celestia,” Cadence smiled brightly, delighted to be given a road trip. 

“Thank you, Celestia,” Shining Armour bowed. “I will do everything in my power to keep Cadence safe.” 

“I know. That is why I brought you two together,” the sunny mare smiled brightly. “But please, wait till you return home before you wed. I would very much like to preside over your wedding.” 

“Auntie!” The young couple both sported flushed muzzles at the older alicorn’s words. 

“What? It’s delightful to see the princess of Love has found her prince.” Celestia smiled broadly. 





Ponyville outskirts, the pegasi’s cottage.

Later that afternoon, Fluttershy arrived home after she had lunch with Rarity. Despite the absence of her best friend, she’d wound up really enjoying the spa treatment. She even promised her new friend that she would love to go again, maybe even make it a weekly routine. Overall, she was glad to make a new friend and to find a new activity she liked to partake in.

Upon her arrival home, she found the cottage empty, aside from the boxes and stuff that still needed to be packed and put away. There was a note taped to the stairwell railing, which she read,

Went to work early after I left, so I won’t be home until about five or so. Don’t start without me!
~RD

Fluttershy nodded to the note as if it could respond, then placed it aside. She glanced at the clock, showing it to be 1:43. With a resigned sigh, the creamy yellow mare decided to keep on unpacking the last of the boxes to pass the time until her companion came home.

The rest of the day dragged by as Fluttershy did her best to unpack. Without her bold friend around to liven things up she quickly found herself bored with the dull task.

Sighing, the yellow mare glanced around the messy room, looking for something else to do. But what could she do? Her glazed blue eyes passed the window, taking in the view outside. Two tiny blobs caught her eye. The lead creature was a tiny white rabbit, the larger, grey and white creature chasing it was closing in fast. Fluttershy gasped in shock and took off at a speed normally reserved for Rainbow Dash.

The yellow pegasus swept the small bunny up in her hooves, protecting it like a mother protects her young. “Bad mister raccoon. How dare you chase a poor little defenceless bunny.”

Faced with the glare of the animal expert, the raccoon froze, no creature had ever talked to him like this before. The cheeky bunny peeked out from behind his protector's hoof and poked his tongue out, teasing the petrified creature before him.

“Now I want you to say sorry to this poor little bunny. Go on.”

The raccoon looked all the more guilty before he nickered lightly toward the bunny, twiddling his claws in a nervous manner. The critter who was under the pony’s protection shot him a cheeky look back. This broke the raccoon’s guilt, turning it back into anger toward the small fuzzy herbivore.

Noticing the raccoon’s change Fluttershy butted in again. “Now that’s not how you say sorry.”

The angered creature attempted to storm off only to find his path blocked by yellow hoof. “You’re not going anywhere until you apologize properly.”

In her hold, the bunny blew a raspberry as if to taunt the creature that had once been chasing it. After exchanging a quick death glare, the raccoon faked his remorse for the benefit of his freedom. While the creature below did its best to look sorry, Angel was busy trying not to roll off his ride as he suffered a fit of laughter.

Fluttershy lifted her hoof, glad that both creatures appeared to finally be on good terms with one another then turned to the gleeful bunny in her hooves.

“Now you run along you little angel.” She attempted to shoo the rascal away but he clung to her coat and gave her a pitiful look. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go? Are you hurt? Sick? I am training to be a Veterinarian... I can help you!” Despite her alerted and caring state, her voice was surprisingly loud for a pony so quiet. 

The small creature under her protection eagerly motioned to his mouth in the global language that clearly stated, I’m hungry, feed me.

Fluttershy felt a little put off that bunny was so quick to become demanding but put that aside. ‘He only wants food, that's okay, Dash and I have enough to go around.’ She turned and slowly headed back inside, allowing the mischievous bunny to hop aboard her shoulders.

The duo made their way to the kitchen where the yellow pegasus sat the waiting creature down on the floor. She proceeded to hunt through the assorted bags of shopping till she found what she was looking for.

“How’s this?” She held up a string of lettuce.

The bunny stared, frowning, and shook his head.

“Um... okay.” Her head disappeared once more as she hunted for something else.

Her eyes shone as she reemerged with a small neat package of hay. “Little bunnies just love hay. Don’t they?”

In anger, a tiny paw swiped the package sending it slamming onto the floor. Desperate to get the message across the bunny once again began motioning.

“Um... Okay.” Not entirely sure what the cute little critter was trying to ask for, Fluttershy once more went searching through her bags.

Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.

A tiny foot drummed impatiently upon the wooden floor, reminding the searcher of his need to feed. Fluttershy squeaked, caught slightly off guard by the noise, but nodded as she kept on looking through the bags.

“I’m so sorry, little bunny, I just don’t know what you want! Please, tell me what you’d like?”

Palming his face with his paw, the bunny resigned and hopped over, reaching into the bag himself. He pulled something out, then tossed it at the yellow pony, which bopped off her head and landed at her hooves for her to see. Fluttershy’s face lit up in understanding.

“You want a carrot?”

A tiny head bobbed rapidly, he had finally got the message across!

“Oh... okay.” A shy smile lit the yellow mare’s face, happy to have the problem sorted out.

She nudged the carrot toward the bunny who rapidly devoured it as if he had never eaten before. Fluttershy picked another from the bag, holding it carefully over to the tiny fuzzball who snatched it from her grasp and shoved it into his tiny motor mouth.

As soon as the second carrot was finished, the little creature motioned for more.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to get a tummy ache, maybe you should stop.” She did her best to pacify the demanding creature.

He tapped the floor with an impatient foot, demanding more.

“Okay, but please go easy.” She removed the rest of the carrots then placed them in front of the hungry creature. He ripped into the pile, sending shards of carrot flying in every direction.

“Oh dear...” Fluttershy blinked, unable to do anything else, other than watch the spectacle.

After demolishing the pile, the obnoxious rabbit bounded onto Fluttershy’s back and promptly fell asleep, softly snoring. Resigning herself to being the tiny animal's bed, the defeated mare sighed. She walked over to the couch and plonked herself down upon it. After a period of time passed, the animal caretaker was sure that he was well and truly asleep. She reached up and carefully removed her package, placing him in the care of her forehooves on the couch. She stroked his fur softly cooing to the sleeping ball of white fuzz, “Aren’t you just the cutest little bunny ever. I think I’ll keep you. My little... Angel.”

Fluttershy nestled down, resting her head beside the blissful creature and allowed herself to join him in the realms of asleep.





With a massive yawn, Fluttershy awoke, stretching her limbs as she stood up. Had she taken a nap? She hadn’t even realized that she had done so! But when she looked at the clock, shocked to discover that it was already quarter past five.

She looked around in a panic. Where was Rainbow Dash? Her friend was supposed to have been home by now. Where was she? Was she safe? What if something had happened to her and Fluttershy wasn’t there to help her?

The front door flew open, revealing a grinning Rainbow Dash with a cake box in held by the twine in her teeth, “Honey, I’m home!” She placed the box down next to her on the floor.

“Rainbow!!” Fluttershy exclaimed happily, her cheeks pinkening at the ever familiar joke they always used ever since they started living together. Every now and then, Dash would come home and say that line, just to play with her.

Fluttershy giggled and trotted across to Rainbow Dash. She brought her strong companion into a hug and kissing her on the cheek. Due to her eyes being closed, she didn’t catch Dash’s predatory smirk, and the bold mare turned her head and caught her lips, kissing them.

Fluttershy’s aquamarine eyes burst open in shock, that wasn’t supposed to happen! However, she couldn’t help but allow herself to be pulled into the kiss by her crush. She melted, instantly savouring the tantalizing feel of Rainbow's lips. Fluttershy’s entire body suddenly felt so alive and full of love for her secret crush and best friend. She returned the kiss wholeheartedly, happily engaged in a prolonged kiss almost mirroring what they had done the night before.

Rainbow Dash pulled away, grinning. “How’s my awesome friend? Had a fun day?”

Fluttershy nuzzled her companion, feeling enraptured all over again. “Much better now that you’re here, my guardian angel.”

“You’re too sweet,” Dash chuckled, she kissed the cute yellow pegasus in front of her on the cheek before she released her. “I brought home a cake! Got it from that crazy pony, Pinkie Pie! I was passing Sugarcube Corner on my way home, and decided to go inside and get something sweet for dessert! I go in, Pinkie’s there, as if she’s expecting me, and she gives me this free cake! It looks so awesome!” She indicated to the box.

“Yay! Now we can celebrate our new home. I hope you didn’t mind me unpacking almost everything that was left?” 

“Nah, I don’t care!” Dash shook her head, “Thanks for that, Flutters.”

“You’re most welcome, Dash.” Fluttershy turned, “Would you like some dinner?”

“You bet I do! I’m starved!” The cyan pegasus licked her lips, “Sounds good to me!” the earthquake from the light blue belly indicated her point, causing Fluttershy to giggle. She licked the cyan mare’s muzzle affectionately before she trotted off toward the kitchen.

“Follow me. You sound hungry.”

Dash picked up the cake and followed her friend, eagerly anticipating the coming meal.

“I have some groceries I bought today,” Fluttershy told her, searching the bags, “Is there anything you want? There isn’t much, but I have a variety to work with.”

“Um... what made all the mess?” Rainbow Dash paused, passing a hoof over the carrot shards on the ground.

“Mess?” Fluttershy turned around, following where her friend was pointing, “Oh! That was Angel. I’m afraid I missed all that mess before I had a nap.”

“Angel?” Dash cocked her head, she had never heard of anypony called angel.

“He’s my new bunny!” The yellow pony gushed. 

Without leaving her friend time for a reply Fluttershy eagerly pointed to the sleeping rabbit nearby, “There he is!”

Relief flooded Rainbow Dash’s system, it was only some pet, not a stallion. Indeed, a little white puff of fur snoozed where Fluttershy had pointed.

“Isn’t he adorable?” Fluttershy cooed.

“Yeah, he's cute,” Rainbow smiled a bit, glad to see that her friend had found a new animal to fawn over.

“Can we keep him? Please?”

“Well... I don’t see why not. He- looks okay.” Although Rainbow Dash would have preferred to let the creature go, her companions pleading gaze easily convinced her otherwise.

Fluttershy unleashed a squee of excitement at the acceptance from her friend. She flew into the bold mare, tacked her in a big hug and zoomed into the air in joy.

“Thank you, Dash!! Thank you! You’re the best!” Fluttershy squealed.

“Yep. I’m awesome. Now please, stop choking me.” 

Giggling, Fluttershy smothered her best friend’s face with kisses before she released the cyan mare and dropped to the floor beside her. “Sorry... I’m just so happy! Thank you!”

Dash giggled and gave her best friend a hug and a nuzzle. “Hey, if it makes you happy, that's fine by me.” When she turned to look back toward Angel, she noticed something amiss and frowned. “Hey! Where'd the fuzzball go?” 

“Gone? Why he’s-” The shy mare looked to where her pet had been... only to see that the spot was indeed empty. “Oh! He must have gotten up, I suppose! I’ll go prepare dinner, then, you get yourself comfy. I’m sure you had a long day!”

Fluttershy headed to the kitchen, taking the bags with her to prepare their evening meal. Rainbow stretched her body a bit before heading over to recline on the couch after quite a long day.

A flying cabbage hit the rainbow-maned mare in the back of her head. She spun around to face her attacker. “Hey!”

The bunny, Angel, stood a few feet away, giving her a hard stare. Clearly, he did not approve of her. The annoyed pegasus advanced upon the tiny nuisance, ready to tell him off.

“Oh, there he is! Good! Rainbow, meet Angel Bunny!” Fluttershy reappeared, glad to see her friend was finally able to meet her new pet.

“He hit me!!” Dash rubbed the back of her head, cringing. “He just threw a cabbage at my head for no reason!”

“What?” The shocked animal caretaker looked down at the innocent bunny, unable to believe he would do such a thing. “Angel Bunny, now why did you throw a cabbage at her head? That’s not nice!”

The fluffy white critter shook his head, denying all charges.

“Angel...” Fluttershy’s voice held a warning tone, “I know Dash would never lie to me. Now, why did you do that? It was very rude. She lives with me, after all, and I will not have you treat my friends so shamefully. Apologize. Now, please.”

The tiny nuisance looked horrified, the two were together? Now how was he supposed to have a caretaker? He frowned and shook his head.

“No Angel, she’s my friend.”

Dash slowly approached her friend and gave her a nuzzle. Fluttershy giggled, her anger diminishing, and nuzzled her light blue companion back, a slight blush upon her muzzle.

The minute creature gave the pair a look that said whatever. He hopped off to find something else to chew on.

“I’m so sorry he hit you, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said softly, “I didn’t think he would do that. And yet, he did throw a carrot at me today when he tried to tell me he wanted one.”

“Then why would you keep such a pet? I’d kick his flank out right now.”

“I know... but let’s give him a chance. He’s been out in the wild longer than being a domestic pet, Rainbow,” Fluttershy coaxed, “We’ll just make sure he knows who’s boss in the house.”

“Yeah, me. The awesome Rainbow Dash!”

Fluttershy giggled, “Yes, that’s true. I’m also the boss since he’s my pet. He’ll have to listen to both of us.”

“Good luck with that.” Dash wandered over into the kitchen to try and find what it was her companion had been in the middle of creating.

“Rainbow have faith,” cooed the creamy yellow pegasus as she followed after her crush. “It will just take some time to house train him.”

“Okay. But... why did you call him Angel?”

With a bright smile, Fluttershy trotted over to her companion and nuzzled her sweetly, kissing her on the cheek, “Because he reminds me of my other angel...”

Dash’s cheeks glowed as she caught her friends meaning. “Awwww... Thanks, Fluttershy. But did you really have to name some bunny after my awesomeness?”

“Well, no... but I wanted to,” the animal caretaker admitted, looking away shyly.

The cyan mare’s tummy chose the intimate moment to announce its presence once more.

Fluttershy giggled. “I guess I need to get my angel pony something.”

“You bet! I’m still starved!” The athlete grinned as she watched her friend trot over to the counter. While Rainbow Dash observed, her smile softened as she gazed at the beautiful pegasus, just in awe for a moment. ‘You know, she’s the real angel around here...’

A thought overcame the cyan pegasus then and she realized something. She had ditched Fluttershy earlier that day. Yet her companion hadn’t even brought it up? Did she not care, or was she too hurt? If she was hurt or even angry about it, she was hiding it so well. But then again, while the quiet yellow mare was one to wear her heart on her hoof, she could also cover her feelings under many hard to grasp layers pretty well.

Saddened, Rainbow Dash trotted over to the creamy yellow pegasus and gave her a hug.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy.”

The surprised pony flinched slightly before she melted into her friend’s affection. “Mmm? What for, Rainbow?”

The cyan pegasus took a deep breath, she stepped away from her friend to gaze honestly into the stunning orbs in front of her. “...For ditching you like that. I mean, if I think about it, if we went to a Wonderbolts derby or something and you ditched me just like that, I’d be pretty mad. So, it was stupid of me! I know I don’t like anypony touching my hooves, but I guess I could’ve just told them I didn’t want a hoofi-whatever that was!” She squeezed her eyes shut, looking away from her companion.

But when she felt warm forelegs embracing her body, her eyes shot open and she remained frozen for a moment.

“It’s all right, Rainbow. I forgive you,” Fluttershy whispered softly.

“...You’re too forgiving, pal. I don’t deserve that,” Dash sighed and looked away from the quiet pegasus.

“Yes you do,” the shy pony admitted, and then with bold bravery, leaned in and gently touched their lips together. They both blushed, but prolonged the sweet little kiss, “And I forgive you.”

With a goofy smile upon her muzzle, Dash just hugged her best friend, content in that moment of forgiveness.

“However, you’re going to have to let me at least take care of you, Dashie.”

“...Oh fine, you’re the only pony I’d let touch my hooves, anyway.”

They laughed a bit before sharing another kiss. When Fluttershy pulled back to resume making dinner, Dash sat there on the floor with a lovesick, goofy grin on her face.

That is until Angel tossed a carrot at her head.



 

Ponyville, Market Square

The next day, since they didn’t have to go to work until the afternoon, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy headed off into town to buy some more groceries. With their saddlebags at the ready on their backs, they traversed through the quaint farmer’s market in search for the items they needed in terms of fresh grown food.

One of the stands caught Dash’s attention, which to her surprise, was an apple stand. It didn’t just sell apples, it sold all kinds of apple-made products. Apple pies, caramel apples, apple fritters, dumplings, fries, and even apple juice! Her jaw dropped, and her mouth watered.

“Why howdy’ nice day fer a young couple like yerselves to be around town.”

Fluttershy blushed heavily and hid against her equally embarrassed companion.

“Uh, hey! We’re uh... not a couple! We’re just friends!” Dash protested, her own cheeks fairing no better than her shy companions were.

“Really?” It was clear that the farmer didn’t believe them.

“Duh, of course!” Rainbow grinned, trying to look convincing. “Just a couple of roomies getting some food, you know?”

“That’s okay, but ya’ wouldn’t be the first two in town.” Applejack nonchalantly pointed out.

“Well... um... but we’re... not a couple... Miss...?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Yea. We’re only here to buy some apples,” insisted Rainbow Dash as she held her ground, wishing that her friend would give her a little more space and therefore make both their lives easier. 

The farmer reached out and plucked a bunch of the red fruits from her stall. “Here ya’ go! Ah’ hope ya’ll enjoy your day!”

“Oh, thank you!” Fluttershy reached into her saddle bag to produce her bag of bits. “How much do we owe you miss...? I’m...sorry...what’s your name?”

“Applejack! Pleased to meet you. If ya’ll ever find yourselves in need of some of the greatest produce in all of Equestria don’t hesitate to drop by at Sweet Apple Acres. That’ll be three bits for you miss.”

Rainbow beat her friend to it, tossing the required amount onto the table and giving Fluttershy a quick confident grin. The orange earth pony in front of them chucked.

“Ya sure you two are both just friends?”

“Yes!” With her final answer, Rainbow Dash stalked off in a huff. So much for being the most awesome pony in town. Her shy friend was making her look soft!

Fluttershy stayed back for a moment. She glanced around shyly, “Um... it was very nice to meet you, Applejack... We’ll see you around again, of course.”

“Sure thang, Miss Fluttershy!” Applejack grinned. 

The orange farmer bid the shy yellow pegasus goodbye with a nod. “Ah look forward ta seein’ y’all again! Stop by anytime!”

“We will, yes... thank you...” Fluttershy nodded gratefully then hurried after her companion.

As the two young mares walked off the farmer laughed to herself. “Ah’ think ah’ can see a young couple when ah see them... wonder how long it’ll take.”
> Chapter Five: Hearths Warming Joys
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


 A Few Months later

Ponyville outskirts, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy’s cottage.




It was Hearth’s Warming Eve. A beautiful, bright snowy day in Ponyville, as everypony bustled about to get ready for their pageants and celebrations. Already there were carollers going about the streets with the beautiful traditional carols that were still practiced and sung even to this very day. The town Hearth’s Warming tree was decorated to its full prosperity along with a giant gold star, the entire town was decorated with beautiful ornaments and garlands, and it seemed to be that you could hear jingle bells in the air...

Over at the sweet little cottage near the Everfree Forest, the Hearth’s Warming spirit was just as alive there as it was everywhere else in town and indeed, all across Equestria.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were preparing their holiday meal to share together. It had been a tradition since they’d began living together to spend Hearth’s Warming Eve with each other, and then to share Hearth’s Warming Day with their families, then come back in time for New Years.

“Wow, Fluttershy. This looks amazing.” Dash couldn’t help but lick her lips at the tantalizing sight of their upcoming meal.

“Rainbow.” The chef warned as a stray cyan hoof ventured too close to some of the appealing food before them. “No! No! Bad Rainbow. Down, girl.”

Feeling cheeky, Rainbow leaned across and licked her friend's muzzle. “How about now?”

Fluttershy shook her head as a soft blush settled upon her muzzle, “Noooo. It’s not ready yet, silly filly.”

Rainbow Dash noticed the rising temperature and decided to have some fun. She licked her best friend once more, then followed up with a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Hee... Rainbow, you can help me by cutting up the-oooohh!!” Fluttershy trembled and squealed as a pair of cyan forelegs wrapped around her body from behind.

Fluttershy’s wings bristled as she felt hot breath across her neck. A moment later she felt her bold friend gently nibble her ear eliciting a little squeak. She trembled, the spoon fell from her hoof and into the bowl of pudding she was mixing.

“R-Rainbow, what are you doing?”

“Nothing, just making sure you’re not all tense.” Rainbow Dash smirked, then kissed the back of her neck lightly, “and all that.”

“Ooh...” The shy pegasus trembled, blushing furiously. “Rainbow, stop...”

Chuckling, the cyan mare didn't let up in her ministrations on her best friend. “Sure doesn't sound like you want me to stop, Flutters.” She ran her hooves along Fluttershy's chest and stomach gently. “Do you?”

Excited tingles coursed through her body, her heart pounded, and her legs felt weak. Her wings were struggling to rise up despite being pushed down by Rainbow's body. There was even a strange heat pooling in her stomach as more intimate thoughts ran amuck in her mind. Even to where she hoped that one of Rainbow's hooves would just travel a little lower.

“No... I don't want you to stop... u-unless you do.” Fluttershy uttered honestly, yet she hoped that the bold pegasus would stop before things got... heated.

Encouraged, Dash kissed the back of the yellow mare’s neck again and nuzzled into the soft pink mane while her hooves continued their work. As Fluttershy leaned against her, it thrilled her all the more.

“Ouch!” The projectile bounced off Rainbow’s nose, spinning off into space.

Dash locked gazes with the offending carrot eater. “Why did you do that, you stupid bunny?” Her demands were not met as he blew her a raspberry then took off around the corner.

With the moment over, the thankful yellow pegasus turned back to the meal she had been tending to. Though not without the intent in scolding Angel for his misbehaviour and interrupting the special moment. It was so close! Yet, at the same time, she almost felt relieved. What if something did happen? Would she have even been ready for that? It was hard to tell if she felt relieved or disappointed by the interruption. What was even going to happen, had it actually gone through?

Saddened at the sudden end to her fun and with no bunny there to take her disappointment out on, Dash turned back to her friend. She planted her hind on the floor and settled down to observe the skilled pony was putting the finishing touches on their meal.

‘You know...she really is good looking. Heh heh, she grew to be a really pretty mare. When she’s cooking something up, it’s weird how she looks awesome and graceful doing it. Wonder what’s going on in her-WHY AM I THINKING SAPPY STUFF?!!? Must be the holidays getting to me.’ Thought Dash, a hot blush on her face, glad that her friend’s attention was elsewhere.

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she continued to work, mulling over the different possible ways to get her friend under the mistletoe with her. Tonight was her only chance, after all, since they were to head back to Cloudsdale to be with their families first thing tomorrow... she had to think of a good way to do it.... but how?

She cast a glance at her friend and did a double take. ‘Was Rainbow just checking my flank out?’ A further glance confirmed her thoughts. The clear blush that had formed on the bold mares face told Fluttershy all she needed to know. ‘She is looking...’ An adorable little giggle escaped the shy pony. At last, she was able to return the favour and embarrass her friend.

Fluttershy playfully, though unsure why gave her flank a little wiggle. Sure enough, Dash’s cheeks burned more and this time she looked away for a moment out of embarrassment.

‘But...why was she checking me out? She can’t really... have a crush on me or something can she?’

Dash meanwhile, couldn’t believe that Fluttershy caught her looking. And didn’t even seem to mind! This was getting to be too much. Her hormones were rising again, as were her wings.

Dash trotted out of the room to find something to do and went to the bedroom. Under her bed was a box labelled “magazines”, which was true, it was indeed filled with all kinds of sports and stunt flying magazines, but within the box, wrapped up in tissue, was the lingerie she had recently bought for Fluttershy. Was she actually going to give it to her tonight?

The cyan pegasus gulped as she pulled out the garment. She looked it over for a moment and wondered how had she ever thought this was a good idea in the first place? Fluttershy would indeed look amazing in it, it would enhance her cuteness and her beauty all at the same time. It was perfect for her. The cut and design was sensual and alluring, skimpy even, but it wasn’t dirty nor sleazy. It was just the right kind of idea to showcase a mare like Fluttershy’s more sensual side.

But the question lingered in her mind. Why did she buy it for her? Did she really want to see her in it that much? For future use? How was she going to explain it to her? And what would Fluttershy think when she saw her gift?

Dash shook her head and did her best to clear the annoying thoughts. As soon as she glanced down again, however, she was immediately reminded of how well it would fit her cute friend. She felt her cheeks heat up, then heard hoofsteps approaching. She hurriedly stuffed the lingerie back in the box and pretended to be in the middle of flicking through her magazine collection.

“Dinner's almost ready, Rainbow!”

The cyan mare took that as an excuse to stuff everything back in the box like a filly caught with her hoof in the cookie jar.

“I’ll be there in a minute!” Rainbow Dash hoped her shy friend hadn’t just caught a glimpse of the surprise present.

“All right, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said from the top of the stairs, only able to spot the top of Rainbow’s head considering she was obscured by her bed, “It should be ready in about five minutes or so!” She retreated slowly back downstairs.

With the receding sound of her friend’s soft hoofsteps, Dash sighed with relief. She had nearly been caught. She glanced up to meet the gaze of Angel Bunny.

“What?” Her chilling tone cooled the winter air in the room.

He simply gave her a disapproving look and refused to budge.

“Oh, you’re angry I’m giving her something like that? Come on! Get over yourself! I’m not about to make decisions based on what you approve!” Rainbow shot at the bunny.

Surprisingly, Angel just made a sighing motion and palmed his face with his paw. He then returned his gaze to the pegasus in front of him and gave her a look that was clear about what he was trying to say.

“I’m not giving it to her because I like her! It’s just... something nice for her to wear!”

Angel gestured over to a sweater that was hanging on a chair.

“Well yeah, I know it’s different than something normal to wear, give me a break!”

The bunny pointed at her, then made a pantomime of the likeness of Fluttershy, and then made a swooning pantomime.

“It’s not like that!” Dash hissed. “I know what you’re trying to do but it won’t work! So shhhh!”

A little smirk overcame Angel’s face, clearly stating that he knew something she didn’t. Now that confused her. It happened a lot with Angel giving her these looks in regards to how he knew something she should know yet didn’t. It was a mystery she wasn’t even sure how to approach. Not that she cared, mysteries like that weren’t her thing unless she really wanted it. Did she want to know? Partly, but she had no clues to go on. What was he trying to tell her? That was the real question.

“Look, I have a present for you, okay?” Dash whispered, “But I’m not giving it to you until after dinner. Maybe then you’ll shut up for once?”

Angel gave her an “I’ll consider it” look before he hopped away to go downstairs.

“Rainbow! Dinner time!” Fluttershy called from downstairs. “Come and get it!”

Feeling a mixture of nerves and eagerness, Rainbow answered the summons. She went downstairs and stood by the table, eager for some good food. Since it was a special occasion, they used the good plates and silverware that Fluttershy had inherited from her grandmother years ago. The table had a little assortment of Hearth’s Warming flare, along with two candles, one green and one red, along with a bottle of cider, two special glasses, and all of the food spread out in various dishes along the table.

It looked awesome, a mixture of an intimate setting for two and also a holiday meal.

“Have a seat, Rainbow!” Fluttershy appeared near her and delicately slid a plate of bread onto the table.

“Sure thing Flutter-oh!” Dash was caught off guard upon seeing her friend.

Much to her surprise, Fluttershy wore a beautiful dress. It was green, with a white silky trim, hugging her form perfectly and yet flowing beautifully in a flattering and modest way. She even had some tinsel in her mane set behind her ear, along with a red hair tie set into a bow.

After a few moments, Rainbow Dash realized that she was staring and closed her mouth, trying to act as if nothing was wrong.

“What do you think?” Fluttershy looked at her with a shy, sweet smile as her cheeks flushed a bit, “Do you like it?” She indicated to her dress.

“Fluttershy, you look awesome.” A big goofy grin adorned Dash’s cyan muzzle. She tried not to stare too much, despite how hard it was for her to keep her deep pink eyes from wandering.

With a growing smile, Fluttershy giggled with delight, clapping her hooves a bit, “Oh, yay! Thank you, Rainbow!” She approached her crush, quick to offer a well-received nuzzle.

“D’aww, n-no need to thank me! You went and prettied yourself, I’m just saying what I see!” Replied a very blushy Rainbow Dash.

“I know, but I appreciate it very much,” cooed the pretty yellow pegasus who added a little hug to the already warm glow of the room. “Well... shall we?”

“Yeah!” Dash sat down at one end of the table, Fluttershy took her’s at the other, “Oh boy, this looks awesome! Seriously, you’re the best cook ever.”

Fluttershy giggled, looking down, “Oh... thank you. I’m glad it turned out good.”

“It always does, Flutters! You know that! Now, let’s eat!”

“Don’t you want to make a toast? Like we always do during these special occasion dinners?”

“Oh yeeeaahh.” Dash chuckled, grinning, “All right!” She poured them each a glass of cider then quickly held her glass up. “What should we toast to?”

“Um... well- to our new home, to living in Ponyville, making new friends, and our first Hearth’s Warming Eve in our new home. And... to us, to our friendship,” Fluttershy smiled as she held her glass up as well.

Rainbow Dash smiled too, “To all of that, to my awesomeness, and to you making an awesome meal, Fluttershy!”

They clinked their glasses, took a sip, then proceeded to eat. The meal passed with a sense of bliss, even with Dash occasionally devouring the food happily as if it were her last meal. But eventually, she’d slowed to a more civil pace, even if just to appease Fluttershy. It was already dark outside, with only a few candles lit around the cottage to dimly illuminate it. But also, it was snowing outside, creating a beautiful, perfect image to Hearth’s Warming Eve.

Even Angel had his own little Hearth’s Warming meal over where he sat at a tiny doll-sized table, along with a little sweater and a toque on his head with his holes for his ears. And for a change, he was actually fairly well behaved. Despite the looks he often sent his owners, he didn’t throw anything nor slap them. Whether or not it was because he was indeed a jerk with a heart of gold or if it was because he didn’t want to lose out on the carrots, celery and other treats in his stocking was debatable.

After dinner, Dash helped Fluttershy with the dishes and put all the leftovers away in the fridge. The shy pony then led her friend out to sit by the tree and look out the window at the spectacular view of the snowy landscape, the snow falling from the night sky, the entire sheer beauty of Hearth’s Warming Eve. 

To add to the atmosphere, a fire was lit up in the fireplace to warm up the cottage all evening. Fluttershy let the peaceful moment sink in slowly. Here she was, enjoying Hearth’s Warming Eve with her best friend. The best night of the year, and it was theirs to share as always. She nuzzled her defender, relishing the cozy rainbow mane. She grew delighted when the bold mare nuzzled her back. But as the evening grew warm with the two young ponies embrace, something felt out to Fluttershy. Here they were doing what they had always done, what could be different?

“You know, this kind of thing is usually boring,” Dash admitted, breaking the silence between them. “But I gotta admit it’s awesome with you, you know. I know I’m sappy, but I guess I can get away with it on a night like this, with only my best friend around!”

Fluttershy gave the cyan pegasus a nuzzle of thanks. “Would you like your Hearth’s Warming Eve present?

“Definitely!” Dash grinned. “Gimme gimme gimme!”

From inside her dress, Fluttershy withdrew a large envelope. She was given a quizzical look from her friend.

“Here you go, Rainbow... Happy Hearth’s warming.” Fluttershy smiled, holding it out to her.

“Um... It’s so small.” Dash commented, her desire to open presents thrown off for the moment by this small package. The light blue pegasus quickly realized she had done and a small look of panic crossed her face, the last thing she wanted was to make Fluttershy sad. 

A little hurt by her friend's words, Fluttershy decided to try something “But- um... this-this is only one of your presents. I-I have another one for you too...”

“Okay. Thanks, Fluttershy.” Dash gratefully took the envelope. She tore the top open and pulled out... a group shot of the Wonderbolts, with all of their signatures on it! “WHOA! A signed Wonderbolts picture!?”

The bold, surprised mare rushed her shy friend, hugging her tightly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

“N-no problem Rainbow.” 

“I mean... WOW!!” Rainbow Dash grinned widely, she hugged her friend some more, then let go, abuzz with excitement. “This is awesome!” Dash carried her friend up into the air, pulling off a little loop the loop of joy.

She settled down in the snow, placing her smiling friend beside her. Rainbow Dash was still buzzing, the was one cool present. Fluttershy said she had another one too. Dash grinned, something told her, Fluttershy was saving the best for last.

“Oh Rainbow, it’s nothing. I just knew it would be a great gift for you, that’s all,” Fluttershy mumbled, her muzzle tinged pinkish red as thoughts of the final present took over.

“It was AWESOME! You’re the best of the best, Fluttershy! Thank you! I’m gonna go put it upstairs to frame it later!” Rainbow Dash hugged her best friend once more, and then raced inside and upstairs.

She placed the photo into a plastic sheet for safe keeping then placed the package into the drawer of her dresser for the moment. Nervousness set in as she realized that this was the inevitable moment of... giving Fluttershy the present she got for her.

The nervous mare slowly reached under her bed, Dash pulled out the now-wrapped box. If Fluttershy really didn’t like it, they could return it, right? Yeah... they would do that... But a part of her almost hoped that wouldn’t happen. She really wanted to see Fluttershy wearing it and no! She could not think that. Not like this. The point was giving her a nice present. Nothing more.

Fluttershy sat there, waiting patiently in the snow for the return of her friend. What could her friend have gotten her this year? Hopefully, it wouldn’t be something silly like the last years poorly thought out gift.

“Uh... hey! I’m back! And look at this! I found your present!” Dash grinned nervously as she hovered over to her friend and held out the badly wrapped gift. “Uh... Happy Warming Hearth’s! I mean- Hearth’s Warming Happy! ...Darn it! Just- happy whatever! You know what I mean. Hope you like it!” Her cheeks were flushed by this point, and not just from the climate of the room.

Fluttershy looked at her friend. Her normally bold companion was certainly acting off. ‘It must be whatever gift is in the box. It must be something embarrassing. Extremely embarrassing for her to be like this.’ The shy animal caretaker gently reached out a hoof and tentatively accepted the gift.

Rainbow Dash looked on with wide, almost fearful eyes as her yellow friend ripped off the covering to reveal-

“Rainbow Dash!” The shock in Fluttershy's voice killed any and all thoughts that were running through the weather ponies mind.

“I’m sorry! I'm sorry, okay?!” Dash yelled. She squeezed her eyes shut and madly hoped to Celestia that her friend wouldn’t abandon her in shock. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy! I’m sorry! It was a stupid idea, wasn’t it? I’m sorry! We’ll return it tomorrow before we leave to Cloudsdale! I’m sorry.”

“Dashie...”

Rainbow opened her right eye a crack to see the warmly smiling face of her pretty yellow friend. This sent her mind into a tailspin, she had no idea how to take such a smile.

“Look up.” The soft voice of Fluttershy melodiously rang out, sending the bold mare's heart into a frenzy.

With a glance up, Dash spotted her companions pink tail. She did a double take. ‘Is that... Mistletoe?’

“This is your other present, Rainbow....” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, her eyes gleaming as her smile grew. “A Hearth's Warming Eve kiss.”

Dash glanced nervously between mare and mistletoe, unable to believe her eyes. ‘This is impossible. She can’t do this after such an awful present from me.’

The pretty creamy pegasus closed the gap between them, only to plant a soft but purposeful kiss upon Dash’s lips. Rainbow Dash’s eyes went wide, stunned by the kiss Fluttershy had initiated. But her desires were slowly awakening as she embraced her best friend and kissed her back. Her wings flared open, wrapping around them.

Feeling her friend kiss back, a squeal of joy escaped the timid mare. This was a perfect idea. Passion flooded her system and she held her strong friend, unwilling to let go. She felt her yellow wings open, slowly flaring as a mirror of her desires. She wriggled as a tingling sensation flashed across her as blue and yellow feathers brushed together. This was amazing. She ran a hoof through her friends rainbow mane enjoying the play of it against her hooves.

While unsure of why Fluttershy wanted to kiss, it didn’t matter. Dash was all too happy to follow through with the suddenly awesome Hearth’s Warming tradition of the mistletoe. She ran her hoof through her companion’s soft mane, relishing the feel. As well as that, the warmth and sweetness of Fluttershy’s lips were intoxicating, it weakened her muscles, but she was all too glad to surrender to it all. The smell of her friend was even better, it added to the moment and the warmth they shared in their sweet kiss.

The pegasi held for what could easily have been a couple of minutes, lost in each other. After what seemed like forever, they parted with reluctance and eyed each other fondly.

“I hope my pretty rainbow enjoyed her kiss.” Fluttershy cooed as she lovingly nuzzled her companion.

Grinning goofily, legs weak and her entire body on fire, Dash nodded, “yeah... definitely... awesome.” ‘But why...?’

Returning outside to enjoy the falling snow and the cool air for a few minutes, Fluttershy settled down into the crunchy snow, bringing her multicoloured mare with her. She rolled Dash gently onto her back as she slowly snuggled into the warm tummy. 

“This is a perfect Hearth’s Warming,” Fluttershy trailed off into bliss.

“Oh yeah. Best Hearth’s Warming EVER!” Rainbow Dash grinned goofily in pure bliss, unaware of the cold against her back.

For these two friends at least, all was right in Equestria.
> Chapter Six: Sisters and Lovers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A year and a half later...

Canterlot, Celestia’s private quarters

With the last of the summer sun on her back, Luna took a deep breath and knocked on the sunny emblem on her sister’s ornate bedroom door.

“Enter.”

The slow creak of the ancient door heralded Princess Luna’s entrance into her sister’s room. The lunar princess entered with care. The light blue mane that hung loosely around her shoulders was a sign of her undeveloped powers as an alicorn. Her recent freedom from her prison called Nightmare Moon had left her in a form that stood noticeably smaller than her sister too. The young looking mare was uncertain about the condition of her sister’s current mood and so crept up to her with tepid steps.

“Thou hast summoned me, sister?”

“Yes, I did.” Celestia nodded in reply. “Although I would call it something other than summons. You are my sister and a princess like me.”

“We know.” Luna slowly continued her slow approach toward her ever regal sister.

Instead of making further conversation, Princess Celestia turned to her window and gazed out across the land. The last rays of her sun were upon Equestria, as magnificent as the mare who stood watch.

The blue alicorn sidled up beside her sister and after a quick questioning glance at the near inanimate pony, she too turned her vision upon their land. Luna could feel the time for raising the moon was nearly upon her and quickly started to become restless. She wondered why her sister called for her at such a time when she had better things to do than simply watch the world go by.

More moments passed in silence and Luna itched to get moving, to do something.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Celestia’s voice broke the silence between the sisters.

“Yes. I guess...” Luna replied softly as she wondered where her older sibling was headed with their little meeting.

“I remember the days when we used to do this as a family. We dreamed of the future, what we could make of Equestria through friendship and love... yet not once did I think of just how beautiful it was at the time... how unique.”

“We remember those days to ‘Tia. Are not times better now than they were before?”

With a sigh, Celestia turned to her sister. “I wish I could say yes to you, little sister. A few months ago, I would have said yes without a second thought. However now... now I’m not so sure.”

“What?” The lunar princess did a double take, carefully eyeing her sister. “Does thou mean all is not as right as it appears?”

“I do. There are forces at work, some friendly, while a few are not. They are out there, out in our beautiful domain. While I delight in the power of friendship and all others that exist for good, I worry that the darker powers may try something soon.”

With a concerned look upon her muzzle, Luna turned to gaze out across the land. “Art thou certain? But everypony is at peace. Even the griffins appear quiet, despite the occasional incident. But- but this peace is a peace thou has protected for well over a thousand years... even from me.”

“I know. We may soon need more than simply the Elements of Harmony to defend Equestria. Cadence’s search for the Crystal Empire is going well, as are my guards' attempts at keeping the peace here.”

“Does thou mean that at long last the Crystal Empire has been rediscovered?” Joy sparked inside Luna, she would love to see the Empire again.

“It may have been rediscovered, yes,” Celestia confirmed.

“Is that why we have been called? To venture forth and seek out the hidden Empire?” Asked a now excited Luna.

“No. I have another small task for you. I have selected Cadence to be the Empire’s ruler, should she succeed in releasing it from the spells that hide and bind it. I would have you seek out the part of the key that lives high in the mountains. I must know that it is still safe.”

“As thou wishes. We understand.” Luna’s mood soured a little at the thought of so many days flight by herself out into the wilderness, yet she knew of the importance of the task. “And if it is safe?”

“Then all is well in Equestria for now. If it is gone... Then we must urgently seek to retrieve it. While you go about your tasks, I would have you to listen for any rumours. I am still hopeful that we will come out of this without Equestria passing through any darkness at all. I asked you to meet me here, in my room as it is private. More private than anywhere else and I do not wish for anypony else to bear witness to what may yet be something minor.”

“Not as private as the time you and thy less than handsome prince dwelt in the castle of old. Those were the days we had to stay well away.” A smug grin covered Luna’s muzzle for a moment as she broke the darker mood, glad that their serious part of the meeting appeared to be over.

Upon being met with a stony look from her sister, Luna bowed her head. “Sorry... We-”

“All is fine. You have done nothing wrong.” A white hoof lifted from the floor to rub the back of the night blue alicorn. “It was amazing while it lasted. Although, I can’t ever recall you finding somepony special for yourself.” A happy, encouraging grin covered the solar alicorn’s face as she bumped flanks with her younger sibling.

“Why sister... Thou ought to be ashamed of thyself.” With a huff Luna turned away, her muzzle pointed at the ceiling. “We simply cannot find a mare who takes our fancy. That is all.”

“Oh yes. What sort of mare might my sister seek?” Celestia grinned lightly, glad for the change in topic.

“We are not sure” came the curt reply as Luna continued to pin her gaze upwards.

“I think I sense something here Lulu... are you sure you are telling the truth?”

A sparkling green eye darted briefly toward the sunny alicorn before it returned to its patch of ceiling.

“Or does my sister need to get out more? I can arrange a few days off if that is what you would like?” The pure white mare offered innocently.

“We are fine. Thou hast borne the load for the both of us for long enough. And alone too.”

“I’m sure I can manage one or two more days. If you can tell me what kind of mare you seek... I might even be able to help you find somepony of interest.”

Luna turned her gaze carefully back to her sister. “Thou always wishes to help us.”

“I am your sister,” Celestia continued to smile, doing her best to lighten the mood.

“Thou hast done enough,” quietly insisted Luna.

“But I will always be willing to help, even if you don’t want it.” With this, Celestia moved in for a comforting nuzzle.

The light blue mare breathed a sigh of relief at the contact. A coy smile played across her muzzle for a few moments as she entertained thoughts of a certain young mare she had first spotted when she was still Nightmare Moon.

“We... might have somepony in mind... If the night court were to be suspended for one evening, we could fly out and visit this pony.”

“Then it shall be suspended. But before your visit to this special mare, I ask that you venture out to check on the Talisman of Warbeak. I think a special somepony or even just a good friend will help you greatly. You have much to learn if you are to fully integrate back into society and rule alongside me. As much as I wish for you to do so, you still have many things to learn.”

“Does a special somepony really make such a big difference to thy life?” Luna asked with uncertainty.

“Yes.”

This caused Luna’s cheeks to heat a little. She was thankful for the dark coat that prevented the blush from becoming visible to her sibling,

“Then why did thou never choose a new mate?”

This killed the mood for Celestia, but as her gaze became distant and her wings drooped she chose to answer the question all the same. “I still love him. Even though he is not with us now.”

“He’s in stone.” Luna gave her sister a stony look to suit her comment.

“Yes...”

The light blue mare of the night shot her sister an incredulous look, “you want him out?” 

The sunny alicorn continued to gaze longingly out the window  “...Yes.”

“Then why not just release him?!?” The princess of the night felt almost ready to explode at her sister for not accomplishing the obvious already.

“Luna... I can’t.”

That shut the dark coated princess up.  

Silence returned to the room once more. “We thought thou saith thou moved on after thy daughter disappeared...?”

“So did I.” With that, Celestia turned and made her way across to her bed. “I remember my old bed fitted a draconequus rather well too.” She softly padded the sheets for a moment, indicating the spot where the lord of chaos could join her. The sunny princess kicked off her gold shoes and slipped under the covers. Celestia lay as though the draconequus were in front of her, loosely in her grasp.

Luna looked on in shock as her sister gazed up at her from with the warm sheets. “That... that is too much information.”

“No Luna. If I were to tell you what we did in bed... that would be too much information.” Celestia smiled as repressed memories began to surface of the long nights spent with her special ‘somepony.’

“Sometimes we wonder about thee, big sister...”

Celestia stretched out in bed, relishing the warm contact with the sheets, then she smiled up at her sister. “That is a good thing. I would hate to be as perfect as everypony thinks I am.”

Luna slowly made her way toward the door. Now was the opportune moment to raise the moon, before her sister let slip with any more unwanted information about her past.   Just before Luna was about to open the door with her magic she turned to face her sister for one last parting comment. “Shouldst we bring the statue to thy room, your highness?”

“Oh get out!” Celestia waved her sister away playfully.

“The offer still stands,” replied Luna with a more sombre expression.

Once the door had closed, the princess of the day lay there for a small eternity, unable to move as her brain went for a trip down memory lane.   Her stunning daughter, Chaotic Sunset and her wonderful yet unpredictable Discord. Both gone. Gone for so long that some days it was as if neither had ever existed anywhere but in her heart.

While her daughter was long gone, Celestia knew that it was remotely possible to free her ex-coltfriend. Yet she knew that if he were to be released now, there was no way she could able to ask him for forgiveness, or that he would accept her.

Celestia cast her mind to times gone by. Back to a time when they had parents. A time when the old castle in the Everfree was their home, the pride and joy of their budding country with its united pony tribes.






~Flashback~


Deep in the Everfree forest, far from the castle of the united pony tribes two young creatures cuddled under a tree. Nearby a still pond lay, calm and clear. Birds sang joyously all around, glad for the fine spring day.

A young pure white alicorn with a vibrant pink mane and a blare flank withdrew from the patchwork creature in front of her with a silly grin upon her face. “Why Discord, that kiss was amazing.” Giggles followed the compliment and both young lovers blushed.

“Imagine if our parents could see us,” Discord grinned back. “I bet my father could not even comprehend how delightfully chaotic this is! Sundance and Midnight Armor would have a fit!”

The giddy young alicorn fell against her lover and snuggled in close. “I know. But it feels so right.”

“Mmmm. I think I know what you mean dear.” Discord twirled his mustache with one clawed hand while he materialized a top hat in the other that he placed elegantly on his head.

Celestia giggled some more at his silly face and booped the top hat so it sunk lower to cover his eyes. Said eyes immediately slid half way up the hat to continue to admire the pretty young princess. With a grin, the trickster winked at his princess.

“Very good, Discord.” Celestia impaled the hat with her long horn and flung it off the draconequus.

“Hey! My eyes!” Discord poofed out of existence, reappeared next to his hat and picked up his eyes. He brushed them off on his newly materialized shirt, blew on them then they reappeared on his face.

With a smirk on her muzzle, Celestia lit her horn and appeared behind Discord. Her fluffy pink mane flew into his face with a magical gust of wind.

“Is that better?”

“Mmmm. Tis like cotton candy in here.” To back up his statement, Discord took a bite out of the pink mane.

Celestia flinched away in surprise as he took the rest of her mane off, swirled it around and held it out to her. “Would m’lady like a bite?”

With a giggle, Celestia leant forward and took a big taste. “You know, this could use a little extra something.”

“You’re right my dear!” Discord snapped his clawed hand, a chocolate milk cloud appeared above the couple. “How about this?” He reached up and squeezed some of the sweet drink out of the brown puff.

The pink cotton candy grew a chocolate swirl. Both teenaged creatures eyed it hungrily and quickly set about enjoying the fun sweet. 





Celestia lay in her extra large bed in Canterlot, fidgeting with her mane as her mind continued to roam down memory lane. It was such a shame that relationships between the few draconequus and Alicorns had to eventually break down. If not for having his mind poisoned against her precious ponies, Celestia was sure that Discord would still be by her side, lighting up her day just like he used to. Before he had taken it too far, his chaos was well balanced by her order. 

With a sigh, her mind drifted back to the early days...






~Flashback~


In the central courtyard of the castle, Celestia strode across toward her light grayish-blue sister with a gigantic grin upon her muzzle.  

She thought she caught her fifteen years younger sister eyeing a couple of mares flanks as they wandered past on their way out. A more careful look at her younger sibling confirmed her thoughts.

“Like what thou see oh sister?”

The younger sister spun around as though she was caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to. She pushed her azure mane out of her face and shot a warning look at her older sibling.

“Don’t worry Lulu, thy secret is safe with me.” Celestia smiled.

Luna strode off toward the castle’s main inner entrance on the opposite side of the courtyard. Celestia was quick to follow her sister. The duo passed a pair of guards who bowed to them both as they entered.

“Whatever are our parents going to do with us?” Luna mused as they pushed on inside.

“What does thou mean?” Celestia inquired of her sister as they walked along a quiet hallway toward their quarters.

The younger princess shot her sister another look.

Celestia gave an awkward laugh, “what? I saw the way thou looked at those young mares.”

Luna scowled at her sunny companion. She lit her horn and hurried inside her room.

“What? I did. I know thou never has looked upon a stallion that way.” Celestia added as she entered her sister’s own quarters and carefully closed the door behind the duo.

“Oh, and you have?” Luna seated herself upon her bed and gazed straight up at her older sister.

“Thou knowest about Discord and I. I could never so much as look at a pony that way.”

A sudden smirk appeared upon Luna’s lips. “Quite a pair, aren't we? Neither interested in any of the stallions who have quested for fair lady’s hoof. While I seek an unnatural mate, thou has gone and topped us all with a creature far outside our own species.”

“He gives wonderful cuddles.” Celestia wriggled with delight. “It’s been a whole year already... we still have no idea how to inform our parents though.”

“Crazy young mare. They would react worse than if they discovered my unnatural preferences.”

“Lulu.” Celestia withdrew from her sister.

"Don't thou act that way, sister. Thou knowest we favour the wrong gender."

"Lulu... Tis not wrong to like ponies of the same gender. Tis just different that’s all. After all, I think I can speak truthfully when I say love comes in all kinds of forms."

"Different?”

"Luna. Nothing can change the way I feel about Discord, he's unique. And I assure thee, I would very much like to marry him one day... I only hope you are lucky enough to find your own soulmate one day too, if thou doest, thou will see what I mean."

Luna grinned cunningly. "Well then... If thou should ever witness me kissing a mare, be sure to begin considering a date for my wedding."





Celestia giggled softly to herself. Her sister could be a funny one.

She wondered to herself, now that there was no longer a law against same-sex relationships, would her sister, at last, be so bold as to find herself a partner? And who was it that had caught her sister's eye? Was this mare friend material, or something more?

She shook her head slowly as the image of her sister kissing another mare came to mind. The mare in her mind was deep purple with no other noteworthy features. ‘If ever that day were to come... I would love to plan Lulu’s wedding.’ Celestia smiled to herself.





The following day

Canterlot, Celestia’s throne room

It was a peaceful morning in Canterlot, Celestia had enjoyed her morning ritual of ushering in the new day with her recently returned sister. Now here she sat on her throne, her exterior was as peaceful as ever. On the inside though, her mind was worried. She wondered if her scouts had any further encounters with the griffins. She also wondered what the minotaurs and yaks were up to with their recent reported sightings. Celestia withdrew from her shell at the sight of one of her royal guard entering.

“Princess, Spitfire from the Wonderbolt’s seeks an audience with you,” the armoured unicorn announced.

“Thank you, I am ready to receive her,” Celestia replied.

The guard nodded then disappeared.

Spitfire bowed before her princess upon entering, “your highness.”

“Rise Spitfire.”

The leader of the Wonderbolts rose. A flicker of concern raced across her muzzle. “Our six-monthly meeting isn’t for another few weeks. Is something wrong princess?”

“Correct.” Celestia paused for a few moments to allow her reply to sink in. “It would appear that Relations with many of our neighbouring countries have become strained for one or another reason over the last few years. The griffins have antagonized many and incidents with their kind are on a slow rise. It appears that our treaty with them may soon fail. Some out there such as the minotaurs appear all too keen for a fight. I worry about the safety of my little ponies. That is where your team comes in. While my guard does their best to keep the cities and towns safe, I will need your speed and aerial skills to provide fast aid and protection on those who need it.”

“You mean militarize the Wonderbolts?”

“Correct.”

“That has not been done in hundreds of years,” Spitfire mused. “I’m not sure everypony on my team will be keen on that idea.”

“If war comes to our lands, they may not get the choice,” Celestia replied sadly.

“War?” Spitfire could hardly believe what she was hearing.

“It saddens me to consider it, but yes.” The noble mare sighed. “Ultimately, that is my concern. The griffins are up to something and we need able fliers to best their warriors in the skies. If there are any on your staff who do not wish to fight, then please, do not force them right now. I do not wish to cause ponies to panic.”

“But if something happens and a war starts...?” Spitfire trailed off in a sort of question she wasn’t sure she wanted to be answered.

“Then we shall require every able-bodied pony to defend our lands and the lives of those less able. General Bright Lance wishes to work alongside you. While your team will retain its independence, ultimately you shall find yourself under his command. Am I understood?”

“Understood.” Spitfire nodded, resolutely. “I will speak to my team and prepare. You can count on us, Princess Celestia.”

“Thank you, Spitfire. In three months I expect your team well equipped enough to combat a griffin raiding party.”

“Then we had better get started.” The captain of the Wonderbolts gave a brief bow then strode toward the throne room doors. 

“Oh and Spitfire.” 

The Wonderbolt paused, her gaze once more on the alicorn, “yes Princess?” 

“Please ensure that no creature outside of your team discovered your preparations. I do not wish to spark a war from fears of military action.” 

“Understood.” With a final bow, Spitfire strode out of the throne room.





“Mmmm Pie...”

Soarin unleashed a mighty sigh of content as he lay back upon his cloud.

“You fatty, that's your third pie this week.”

“Who are you calling fatty!?” Soarin put on a highly offended look. “I’ll have you know, the duties of a Wonderbolt require all the energy I can get!”

“Is that why you’re a little softer round the middle?” A grinning Spitfire wandered up alongside her companion and gave him a light jab in the rips.

“It's muscle.”

Spitfire snorted. “Whatever you say, dear. I know who I’m working harder in tomorrow’s training.”

“Or work me harder in bed,” Soarin grinned. 

“I can do that too,” Spitfire playfully shoved her husband. 

“What did Celestia have to say?” Soarin asked.

The sunny mare sighed, “nothing good.”

Concern ripped across her husband’s muzzle. “What?”

“The Wonderbolts are to take back their station of martial duty. We need to start working on aerial reconnaissance, hit and run and build on the units swift response ability. We might have a lot of ponies who require quick aid. Oh, and we might find ourselves fighting griffin raiding parties.”

“But we’re not the royal guard.”

“I know.” Spitfire agreed, “but, it is our duty as the top unit of professional fliers in Equestria to also provide swift assistance in times of need.”

“That’s pretty serious. Did she tell you why?” Soarin sat up.

“Sort of. The griffins appear to be starting some shit and talking with them has failed.”

“Then I guess I better eat all the pies I can now.”

Spitfire snorted, “there will be none of that if we begin active mission work with a possible war on the horizon.”

“Sounds like we need more ‘bolts,” the cornflower blue stallion mused.

“Tell me about it. I’ll need us and Fleet to brush up on combat flying pronto so that we can teach the rest. The princess gave us three months to quietly mobilize.”

“That’s not much. But, it sounds like a plan,” Soarin placed a quick kiss on his mare’s lips. “Now,” blue wings enveloped bright yellow and pulled the powerful mare down. “Quick cuddle then back to work.”

Spitfire smirked at her husband and adjusted herself to better reciprocate the affection.
> Chapter Seven: Love in Bloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



A week later

Ponyville, outskirts near Fluttershy's cottage

Rainbow Dash flew along the bustling streets of Ponyville, on a mission. The athlete had to make sure her best friend was alright.

'Gilda really seemed to knock her about the other day... I just hope she's okay.'

Without stopping to knock, Dash burst through the front door of Fluttershy's house. She came to a sudden halt, upon the sight of her fears confirmed, there was Fluttershy, sitting on her couch, crying. Tears stained her pretty yellow coat and it was clear from the amount of moisture that she had been this way for a while.

"Fluttershy...!" Rainbow wasted no time as she dashed over to her, sitting beside her friend on the couch. "Fluttershy, I'm so sorry!"

"R-R-Rain...bow...?" Fluttershy looked up at her with teary aquamarine eyes and lowering her hooves from her face, "You're... you're here... I- I didn't- I thought..."

"What Gilda's done to everypony was just... ugh! Terrible! Even when Pinkie was trying to be nice to her by throwing her a party! And she just...! And you! How could she be so mean to you...?! I'm sorry I didn't believe you before Flutters, back when were... I'm sorry! And now I see I was blind all this time!" Rainbow felt tears of her own pool in her eyes, but she didn't fight them back. "Darn it! Now I'm crying! Ugh! This is just... look, I'm really sorry!" The distraught cyan mare held out her forehooves, "Can you ever forgive me?"

Sniffling, Fluttershy nodded before embracing her best friend, "Oh Rainbow... of course I do! It's not your fault, it's okay... I-I just... she hurt my feelings and roared in my face... Scaring me and my little ducky friends... I'm sorry you had to see me this way."

"Darn it, don't apologize for something like that!" Rainbow shook her head and held her best friend tighter.

Still moments passed as Fluttershy slowly dried her teary eyes upon Dash's shoulder. Several quiet moments passed with only the sound of the shy mare's sniffing ringing out.

Suddenly, the quiet voice of Fluttershy broke the silence, "remember...we're friends. Forever. Right?"

Looking up, Dash nodded as she wiped off her own tears before brushing a few strands of Fluttershy's mane out of her eyes, "Yeah...! Duh, I remember that. Friends forever. I never forgot that, Flutters."

"Do you... also remember..." Fluttershy blushed a bit as she did her best to summon the nerves to continue. "W-when you... kissed me? ...For the first time?"

Dash's instant reaction made it clear that she did.

While they had kissed quite a few times over the years, it was their first that truly cemented them. The bold mare's cheeks darkened and she no longer looked like her normal overconfident self. Fluttershy hesitated, but as she looked into her longtime companion's beautiful cerise eyes, a warm surge of confidence overtook her mind and heart. They say that sometimes, your heart did things you yourself are scared to do. Well, now was one of those times.

Fluttershy leaned in and kissed her best friend gently on the lips. All her troubles melted away at the touch of the speedster's lips and Fluttershy found the surprised mare kissing back in no time at all, with a passion to equal hers.

Angel bunny's jaw hit the ground as his caretaker continued to make out with her oldest and dearest friend. He then fainted, leaving the two connected ponies to continue on their passionate moment alone.

The impact was even greater for the two ponies involved in the kiss. Fluttershy's world disappeared from around her, nothing mattered, except the cyan mare who was kissing her back. This was mightier than ever before, it was amazing. For some reason, it almost felt like she was kissing a lover and not a friend. Her one true lover.

All the while, Rainbow Dash felt the same feelings return from when they'd shared a kiss back in their fillyhood and every kiss thereafter. Only they increased tenfold at this point. It brought with it a strong and fiery passion she never thought possible outside of her flying. Oh, but Fluttershy awakened that within her, and honestly, she loved it. She wasn't sure why her friend was kissing her, but if she didn’t know better, she would say without a shadow of a doubt that it was because the pretty yellow mare was in love.

Regardless, Dash kissed her with passion, even going so far as to lay the creamy yellow pegasus down on the couch. Much like their first kiss, upon which she had placed her on the cloud. She relished how Fluttershy moaned, bringing her forelegs around her tighter and just kissing with more passion than before!

Daringly, Dash prodded her lips with her tongue, to which Fluttershy opened her mouth to grant access. Their tongues met for the second time in their lives, gently and yet full of fire as they engaged in a little intricate dance.

The two ponies pulled away from each other, both sporting light blushes and breathing heavily.

"Wow..." was all the young lovers could manage. 

That one soft word, spoken softly as a single strand of saliva broke between them like a floating heart that opened both of their eyes to each other’s true feelings.

All Rainbow Dash could think of was one thing. That thing was the mare in her forelegs. Sweet, innocent, beautiful Fluttershy. Giving in to her desires Rainbow Dash gently moved in. She gave her waiting mare a quick lick on the muzzle, confirming her need. With a wild grin of delight, she pressed her lips against Fluttershy's.

The normally timid mare was also burning with desire as she kissed back vigorously. They quickly broke into each other's mouths and began to explore the uncharted territories within. Fluttershy let out a small sensual moan as she ran her hooves through her friend's mane. As the shy mare continued her delicate dance with Rainbow, she ran a hoof gently down the cyan mares back. She reached the wings and began ruffling the powerful flight feathers eliciting a groan of pleasure from her companion, arching her back as tingles ripped along her spine.

In response, Dash reached her own hoof down to stroke it along the base of Fluttershy's wing, teasing the feathers. She growled sensually at the back of her throat at her companion's ministrations. Jolts of pleasure coursed through her body in ways she never imagined, it felt as if she were flying in a whole new kind of way. In any case, it was amazing what Fluttershy was doing to her.

Fluttershy moaned louder between kisses, now spreading her hind legs. She ran her hooves up the daredevil's back, still teasing her wings every now and then. To think that this little event of an apology and taking care of a friend led to a very heated makeout session. She wasn't complaining, this was something she had desired for quite a long time! It was true that she never forgot their first kiss, which in fact, still gave her shivers and tingles whenever she thought about it. Now to have the chance to kiss her again, in this way, with Dash fully responding in kind... it was breathtakingly amazing.

Enraptured, Dash ran both hooves down Fluttershy's sides, reaching her flank, and then going back up again to course through the soft, blossom pink mane. She couldn't believe how far this had escalated, but she was just loving it! A part of her wondered if Fluttershy would ever be up to making out with her again, and more often at that. She hoped so, for kissing Fluttershy was amazing, so thrilling! Not quite to the same level as flying, but still awesome as it always was. It also felt like something at the back of her mind was prompting her, urging her onwards. It was clear, this was much more than just a kiss between friends.

Fluttershy broke away, flustered and breathless. She gazed into those stunning cerise orbs and knew what she had to do. She inched her muzzle closer and closer.

Rainbow Dash grinned down at her, clearly happy to encourage her onwards.

This was it. She could feel a sense of courage within her heart, to finally go after what she dreamed of for a long time. Whatever it was, their kiss, or how tired she was of waiting for herself to be brave, Fluttershy couldn't stop the next words out of her mouth. "Rainbow Dash...? um... I have- something to ask you."

"Yeah? Go ahead, Fluttershy! Ask it!" Dash gazed down at her with a curious grin, butterflies invaded her tummy in a frenzy of nervous activity.

Taking a breath, Fluttershy worked hard to gather her nerve.

She took another slow breath, then another.

Slowly her breathing slowed to a more considered tempo. She could feel the courage she required to ask the biggest question she had ever.

At least she had a moment to breathe and be able to gather the right words. Words that had eluded her right up until this moment. She had to do this right, to make sure she could get her point across but without going too strongly. But then again, considering what had happened between them over the years, it almost seemed silly. They kissed, made out even, flirted with each other, and just barely skirted the lines between friendship and romance on these little occasions.

But now it was time to step beyond that line. Under no uncertainty. Fluttershy was ready for it, moreso than ever.

"Rainbow... You're my best friend... and I... I... I r-really... wanted... to tell you that I... um... well I wanted to know... I..."

"Come on, tell me!" The cyan pegasus urged her, eager, almost throwing her best friend into the air in excitement.

Fluttershy squeaked, but then, just came out with it. "Rainbow Dash, will you go out with me? I mean...! Um... Do you...want to be my special somepony?"

This was not the eloquently created question the daredevil had thought her friend was going to spring upon her and in her surprise, fell off Fluttershy, onto the floor.

"What?" The surprised mare slowly picked herself up.

"Oh my gosh! Dash? Are you alright?" Fluttershy gushed as she leapt off the couch to assist her friend.

"Yeah. I'm... fine." Rainbow gazed into the stunning aquamarine eyes in front of her. "Did you just ask me to be your special somepony?"

A very meek nod was the only answer forthcoming.

In the quiet cottage, nothing moved. Fluttershy couldn't bear to think what would happen next if her best friend said no. It might spell the end of their relationship forever. Now she regretted ever having said anything, wishing she could take it back and pretend it never happened. Losing the chance at them being lovers was better than losing her best friend.

Before her panicking mind could think of anything else, a smirk slowly spread across the cyan trickster's face.

"YES!" Dash soared up into the air Fluttershy clutched tightly in her forehooves.

The duo soared around the room several times, flying at breakneck speeds.

Just before Fluttershy thought they were about to break something, the driver settled down. Dash slowly calmed herself and placed Fluttershy on the couch in front of her.

Realizing her reaction, the cyan mare blushed and rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof, "I-I mean... yes! Yeah! I think. Yeah!"

Fluttershy blinked, utterly taken aback by her reaction. Not only in the fact that she said yes, but also in how she reacted. It barely even registered at first, to which Fluttershy had to take a few moments to recollect her thoughts. Her heart raced, her stomach uncoiled, and a warm wave of absolute joy overtook her body. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. To think it made Rainbow Dash just as happy, if not happier.

With a beaming, dazzling and loving grin, Fluttershy embraced her best friend... no, her marefriend, and giggled with glee. "Oh, Rainbow! I'm so happy! ...Thank you!"

Rainbow Dash affectionately ruffled her new marefriend's mane, wearing a massive heartwarming grin upon her face. "No, Fluttershy. Thank you."

The bold mare enveloped her partner in a loving hug and gave her a nuzzle which Fluttershy was more than happy to return. They slipped into a slow kiss, relishing the taste of each other, the way everything else just... disappeared. The way the world now seemed to make more sense as they kissed and kissed and kissed. The rough week now seemed like a distant memory.

All of a sudden, a loud rumbling echoed from the bold mare's tummy and she broke off from her ministrations to rub her offending belly.

Fluttershy licked her cheek. "Is my special somepony hungry?"

"Err yea. I guess I should have had lunch before coming..." Answered a very sheepish Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy gave her a quick peck on the cheek before walking off toward the kitchen. "Then how about I make my sweetie something special?"

A loud rumble answered the yellow mare who giggled as she disappeared around the corner.

Angel Bunny eventually recovered from having fainted out of sheer surprise. When he got up, he hopped over toward the kitchen where he smelled some food, he came across a very surprising sight. As Fluttershy was cooking, Rainbow Dash was occasionally snuggling up against her and even handing her something when she asked for it. All the while, the cyan pegasus had a big, loving grin directed right at the shy pony.

Angel couldn't believe this development, not in the slightest. His caretaker really did love the rainbow one, didn't she? He figured as much. What with how she talked about her all the time when there were no other ponies around and all. Fluttershy really wasn’t subtle about her feelings around animals. Angel shook his head. 

Oh well. He hoped she wouldn't forget to feed him. At least she was happy.

Regardless, he shot Rainbow Dash a very warning look. The daredevil just gave him a look that was both "Don't worry, I would never hurt her" and also "Watch yourself, buster" all at the same time.

Hm. He had to give her credit for that one.





Somewhere in the wild mountains of Yakyakstan 

With a rush of moonlight, the dark interior of an expansive rough rock cave briefly came to life before it faded into complete blackness once more. The light blue alicorn who had arrived in the middle of the cavernous structure took a few moments to simply breathe and listen for any sounds that might indicate life around her. She realized that the teleport had perhaps taken a lot more of her magic that she assumed it would. The mare scoffed at her own lack of power and scuffed a forehoof on the rough rocky floor. The sooner she returned to her full alicorn form, the better.

After what could have been several minutes, Luna lit her horn and cast her gaze around the dark sandy brown walls of the cave she was in. The roughly hewn walls of the cave appeared even more degraded than last she had graced the place with her presence. 

Satisfied that nothing sentient was observing her, Luna set off at a slow careful pace through the cave. After a few minutes walking in silence, she came to a cave in. Large boulders lay in her path and many smaller stones blocked her path upwards toward the ceiling. The princess called upon her magic and closed her eyes. After she could visualize the cavern up ahead she teleported. The cave fell into blackness once more and peace reigned. 





The princess of the night appeared with a start and felt a tingle of pain from her tail. She turned to find that she had misjudged the extent of the cave in and her teleport had nearly left her inside a boulder. Her heart rate spiked as she fought back visions of the instant death she had nearly suffered. Death... all because the years had led to a dramatic shift in the environment. She steeled herself and took a deep breath. More care was required if she was to make it out of this cave. With a blast of magic, she cut the end off her tail and the shortened strands fell loose, freed from the ends that were still stuck in the rock they had materialized in. 

The light blue alicorn strode away from the rock that had nearly been her demise. With a boost to her horns light, she picked out the old cobbled path that led to the center of the giant cavern she was in. She was close, she could feel it. The fog in the cave prevented her from seeing more than a few yards in front, but Luna could see that the blocked entrance behind her that branched out into a truly massive space. As her gaze returned to the front once more, the princess carefully picked her way along the path. 

Luna paused as a series of flat tiles came into view just in front of her. Light blue wings unfurled and with a blast of stale air, she lifted off and flew over the patch of the pathway that looked a little too well cared for. With a clop-clop of hooves on stone she alighted on the other side and settled her wings. With growing confidence, she set off through the fog as it grew thicker and thicker till she could hardly see beyond her own snout. She brightened her horn’s light and was disappointed to find it offered no further illumination in the dark fog. 

The sound of hooves on stone slowed as the princess took greater care of her own steps. With an eye on the ground she navigated through the windy road and once or twice she spotted the edge. She had no intention of exploring the abyss. There was no telling what monsters were down in their depths. A sense of great evil up ahead drew her head upward. It was there, somewhere close in the fog. She could feel it.

A sharp clack rang out as hoof stuck hardened stonework. Luna winced and withdrew her hoof. She gazed down at the step and cursed softly under her breath. She should have remembered that was there. 

The midnight mare carefully stepped up and reached out for the second step. She continued to slowly, carefully put one hoof in front of the other and she ascended and soon found herself out of the fog. 

A fearful tingle shot up her spine as she beheld a chest on a short pillar. The rusty iron construct was closed but Luna could feel that the item she had come to check on was still inside. 

That was it, she could go. It was here, it was safe. 

Yet as she turned, the once dark mare felt a dormant part of herself drawn what was inside. 

With a few short strides, she found herself in front of the chest and in another instant, it was open. The lone item inside was a smooth golden beak with a wicked sharp hooked tip. The gold was marred by splashes of red. Blood. The blood of Warbeak's long dead foes that had been sealed by his power to enrich the dangerous look this evil golden beak. 

Luna shuddered. This was a bad idea, she should just close the chest and leave this place now. 

Yet she did not. 

The evil talisman called out and something inside Luna answered. 





Ponyville, Fluttershy’s cottage

The sweet twittering songs of birds came to her ears, a soft breeze blew, and the sweet smells of spring reached her nose. Wherever Fluttershy was right now, she didn't want to escape it, much less wake up from it. She had long since left the dream world, now awaking, but still kept her eyes closed. She did her best to go back to sleep. However, that was proving to be futile, despite how warm, so comfy she felt. But then the source of warmth moved, then breathed gently, Fluttershy blinked her eyes open. She found a blue face combined with a rainbow mane just inches away from her line of vision.

Rainbow Dash was with her in her bed, sleeping peacefully, with her forelegs around her in a protective embrace. Then the amazing memories from the day before hit her like a ton of flowers. It was amazing. Fluttershy blushed as the memories of the day before were rushing back to her. It hadn't been a dream at all. Not even the part where she had asked her new fillyfriend to spend the night.

Even though Rainbow Dash had moved out of the cottage after creating her cloud home over a year ago, she still visited often and would spend the night on some occasions. That had frequented a little less in the past few months, especially after Twilight Sparkle had come to Ponyville.

But last night, she remembered...

She remembered how they had spent the rest of the day together, just like old times. To the point that Fluttershy just didn't want her best friend-turned-marefriend to leave.

Fluttershy beamed, giggling at the sweet memory of them having admitted that they loved each other. What a liberating, beautiful feeling it had been! She sighed dreamily, holding her hooves over her heart, and glanced out the window. She could see Celestia's sun had long since risen in the cloudy sky, hear the birds singing, and the soft breeze yet again. It looked to be a beautiful day!

When she turned her head to face her partner, she was surprised to find a pair of cerise eyes looking back at her.

"Oh!"

"Good morning, beautiful." Rainbow Dash lovingly kissed her fillyfriend on the forehead.

Fluttershy sighed dreamily again, her smile returning, "Good morning, Rainbow..."

"What were you thinking of there, Flutters?" Dash slipped up beside her pretty yellow mare, slowly sliding all four hooves past her and locking them both in an embrace once more.

"Oh..." Fluttershy giggled, blushing a bit, "I was just so glad that yesterday wasn't a dream. I feel so happy... I... how long were you awake?"

Dash giggled at the memory. "Not long... You almost went too far there didn't you?"

Blushing all the more, Fluttershy hid her face in her neck, "Dash... are you never going to let me live that down?"

"Well- maybe... but it's so much fun." Dash grinned mischievously at her bashful companion.

The creamy yellow pegasus pouted.

"You are." The cyan mare licked the yellow muzzle in front of her, breaking her marefrined's sad face with a giggle. “And I gotta say... I never expected to get suckled.”

"Um..." Fluttershy began, completely embarrassed by her own daring actions.  
The shy mare looked away a little, unable to meet her mare’s eyes. "W-what do you want to do today, if you're not too busy?"

"Well..." Dash drew her shy companion in with a powerful wing. "I was thinking you and I could go on a little date. We should probably tell our friends too. Then... Well... I'm sure we could find something." The bold pegasus wrapped herself around Fluttershy, tickling her nose with a cyan feather.

Giggles of delight escaped as Fluttershy beamed, "Oh, Rainbow! That would be wonderful! ...Yes, yes, we should tell our friends... Oh, they'll be so happy for us! I mean- well, they've teased us about being a couple a few times now."

Immature giggles escaped the trickster. "I guess they have. How about we prove them right?"

"Okay." Fluttershy delicately licked her mare, wrapping a wing over her too.

"You nervous?"

"A little... but... I have faith in them. They're our friends."

Dash grinned, kissing her beloved on the nose, "That's my cute filly. Be a big brave mare for your marefriend."

Giggling, Fluttershy smiled brightly at her encouragement, "For you, my love... I'll do my best."

Dash leapt out of bed and saucily waltzed out the door, giving her marefriend a sly wink before departing. Fluttershy blinked, but then hurried out after her.
> Chapter Eight: Picnics and Griffins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville

Later that morning, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had joined their friends for a picnic lunch out in the fields near town. It was a little potluck sort of thing, where they all brought the needed materials or food, all set up on a checkered blanket on the grass near a willow tree. Along for the ride was a very happy Spike, glad to be included in their little activities today.

It was perfect timing, considering the events of yesterday and their plans to tell their friends of their new relationship development. At least, when the moment would be right of course.

As was the norm, Fluttershy sat next to her best friend who couldn’t help but grin and sneak the occasional peek her way.

"I just can't believe what a meanie pants she was!" Pinkie exclaimed, having been in the middle of ranting on about the recent incidents with Gilda the griffin. "Not even my super duper awesome party worked!"

"I'll say," Dash agreed, rolling her eyes, "I don't know who she thought she was, but she is not my friend!"

"How did you even meet her, Rainbow?" Twilight queried curiously.

"It was at Flight Camp," Rainbow Dash shrugged a bit, looking toward Fluttershy with a little wink. "Fluttershy and I were still in Flight School, and so for the summer, our parents signed us up for Flight Camp. A lot of flying creatures go to Flight Camp, mostly ponies. But it was kinda rare to find griffins there. Anyway, Fluttershy fell sick with a cold during one weekend, and even though I was trying to take care of her, I got bored and wanted to go outside and do all the fun stuff!"

"Rainbow, you know I encouraged you to go outside even if I wasn't feeling well," Fluttershy encouraged.

With a chuckle, Dash nodded, "yeah, I know! Anyway, so I went out to play, and I saw Gilda showing off some tricks to her group. I thought it was pretty cool, especially since I never saw a Griffin before! So during lunchtime, when I was on my way to bring Fluttershy some food, I found Gilda on the way and told her that her tricks were awesome. She saw my cutie mark, and I told her how I got it! After that, we showed off tricks to each other, teamed up for events, and were just fast friends after that!"

"Considering the circumstances, I'm not surprised!" Rarity said, shaking her head.

"Since she lived far off in the griffin territories, she had to leave after Flight Camp was over," Dash went on. "There were some issues going on, I don't know the details about all that. Something boring about her dad, the griffin tribes and some dumb thing they were looking for."

"Was she always so super meanie weanie?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"Eh, only to those she didn't think was 'cool', really," Dash shrugged. "Yesterday was bad even by her standards."

"How 'bout Fluttershy?" Questioned Applejack.

"Oh." Fluttershy mumbled, "I tried to get along with her, but she was always mean to me whenever Rainbow wasn't around. She said if I told Rainbow... something bad would happen."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash cried out, shocked that she had never heard about any such incidents, "Fluttershy...! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I was scared, and then after... it didn't matter anymore after she left," the creamy yellow pony admitted shamefully, looking down at the blanket.

"Well Ah cain't blame ya there, sugarcube," Applejack said sympathetically, "Sometimes we don't tend ta think o' that kinda thing after it's over. But ya still should 'o told her 'bout it."

"Applejack is quite correct, dear," Rarity agreed, "I think you should have at least told a counsellor or a nurse about it if not Rainbow Dash back then, and you still should have told her anyway."

"I know..." The shy yellow mare admitted, placing her head in her forehooves and staring at the ground. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you... she didn't hurt me physically. She just called me names and told me to stay away from you." Fluttershy admitted as she withdrew a little from her fillyfriend.

"Sure explains why she asked me why I hang out with you." Dash admitted. With a wing, she drew her mare closer and offered a quick nuzzle, "Hey, don't worry about it, pal! You don't have to worry about her anymore, ever again."

"Look at you two there, aren't you both just little darlings. You could make such a cute couple." Rarity commented, her eyes sparkling.

The rest of the gang giggled at the little remark, to which even Twilight smiled at, despite not quite catching on.

"Rainbow and Fluttershy? Really?"

"Well dear, when they moved to Ponyville a few years ago, together I might add, they were usually quite close," Rarity explained, giggling. "It was rather adorable, especially with the chemistry they had. So, you can see we tease them about it from time to time."

"First time Ah saw 'em, they was standin' side-by-side as they walked, glued ta each other, practically," Applejack recalled.

"And they kissed during the party I invited them to!" Pinkie piped up, grinning widely. "They were eating taffy and ate their way along it and then it was kissy time!"

"Hey, chuckleheads, guess what?" Rainbow threw in, smirking, "we actually are dating."

"What?" Rarity stared at the young couple unable to believe what the light blue prankster had just said.

"I was right all along! Party time!" Pinkie almost went into orbit with glee.

"It's about time you two came out. It's been pretty darn clear for a while now you two." Applejack remarked, snickering, "Ah saw it all along."

"Wow," Twilight blinked, taking this all in for a moment, "It's odd, I'm almost not surprised and yet, it's pretty shocking. Well, a lot of ponies wouldn't think it'd work, but I think that's up to you two to decide," she smiled.

"Dear, how long has this been going on for?" Rarity inquired, she just had to have the latest and realizing that they were telling the truth, she couldn't resist delving.

"Um... since- yesterday." Fluttershy admitted, her cheeks flushed.

"Only yesterday?!" Rarity gasped.

"After the whole stuff with Gilda, yeah, I had to make sure Fluttershy was okay," Dash shrugged.

"I remember! She made Fluttershy run away! Oh, I'm sorry, Flutters!" Pinkie now dashed over and hugged her friend. "That was so meanie weanie of her!"

"O-Oh, it's... it's okay now, Pinkie... thank you," Fluttershy managed, patting the pink Earth pony's back gently. "It was also bad memories of fillyhood, anyway."

"You poor thing. Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity asked, joining in the hug.

"Well- Rainbow was so happy to see her old friend again." Fluttershy admitted, digging her hoof into the picnic blanket a bit, "And I didn't want to rock the boat. So I just didn't want to ruin anything. I even- well, thought maybe she changed and was just having a bad day... I didn't want to bother anypony about it."

Twilight smiled and joined the hug too, "Well I don't know about everypony else, but you seem to be fine now."

A soft, sweet blush overcame Fluttershy's cheeks yet again, "I feel wonderful."

"Thanks to yours truly!" Dash winked, joining the hug. "Hey, want to know the kicker? Fluttershy asked me to be her special somepony!"

"Get outta town!" Applejack's jaw dropped, her eyes going wide, "Fluttershy? Ya did?"

"Hee... I did..." Fluttershy giggled meekly, ecstatic as she gazed happily at her friends.

"Goodness, darling! I have to say you surely have come a long way in being assertive!" Rarity said with surprise, and then smiled. "Well, I have to say I'm very proud of you for that."

"Oooh oooh! Did you make the first move, too?!" Pinkie asked, grinning widely.

"...Yes." Confirmed the shy pegasus, burrowing under her marefriend's wing.

"She did, all right!" Rainbow Dash snickered, keeping her wing over the shy and nervous pegasus in a comforting manner, "So yeah, she's mine now! All of those lovesick ponies who want her can SUCK IT!"

"Now really! That's just uncouth! ...Though I suppose I can't blame you for feeling such a thing." Rarity mumbled, shaking her head. "I know how it can be when you are the pony everypony wants!"

"Riiiight..." Applejack mumbled dryly, shaking her head.

"I'm back!" Spike came trotting back, his arms full of gems, "I remembered there were some gems buried out in the field near here! Did I miss anything?"

"A little." Twilight giggled.

"Let's just say Fluttershy and I are together!" Rainbow winked at him, grinning.

Spike dropped the pile of gems he was carrying a mixture of shock and joy radiating from him, "Whoa! Really?! You guys? You and Fluttershy?"

"You bet!" Dash grinned back.

"Wow... didn't see that one coming," Spike admitted, whistling a little.

"Why, Spike! You found some marvelous gems! How delightful!" Rarity beamed, now trotting over and inspecting them. "Mmm-hmmm...yes! They are in wonderful condition!"

"Let me see," Twilight lowered her horn toward the gems, inspecting their quality as well, "Yep! They are in good condition! Good work finding them, Spike!"

"What can I say? A dragon like me likes gems in his tummy!" Spike patted his scaly stomach.

"Ooohh! This one!" Rarity levitated an emerald, inspecting it, "I have been looking for a gem such as this one for a dress I am currently working on, and it's absolutely perfect! Oh, dear Spikey Wikey, may I have this one? If you would like it replaced, I can certainly give you another gem from my storeroom, but this one is unique! I must have it!"

Melting under the delighted gaze of the alabaster unicorn, Spike handed over the requested gem without argument. Fluttershy giggled, you could just about see the love hearts wafting off the infatuated young dragon.

"Thank you, dear Spikey-wikey!" Rarity giggled with glee. "I simply cannot thank you enough! Come by the boutique later this afternoon and I shall have your replacement gem!"

"Nah... you don't need to, it's fine." Spike managed, his cheeks pink.

"Now now, dear, I insist! You were generous to give me such a lovely little gift I needed, I surely see no reason not to repay you!"

A wistful look appeared upon the baby dragons face.

Getting an idea, Fluttershy cleared her throat, "Actually, Spike... since you're going to the Grand Galloping Gala... you're going to need a suit, right?"

Snapped out of his stupor, the small dragon blinked, "Well, yeah. Why?"

Catching on, Twilight smiled, "I seem to remember that your old suit is too small for you, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Spike looked a bit puzzled as to where they were going with this.

"Well, Rarity, would you be willing to make a nice suit for him?" Fluttershy suggested.

Rarity's azure eyes lit up with delight! "Why, yes! That's a brilliant idea! A perfect little favour! What do you say, dear Spike? Shall you come to the boutique so that I may work out a suit that is to your liking? I shall need your measurements and such, of course."

"Yeesss..." Spikes eyes shone, it was almost too good to be true.

"I'll see you then." Rarity slowly waltzed her way back over to her spot on the blanket. She carefully set her new gem down between her forehooves in a protective manner.

"Alright everypony, how about we have some lunch now?"

Out of nowhere, Pinkies party cannon appeared in her hooves, it fired, startling everypony else. She rolled onto the blanket giggling.

"Good gracious, Pinkie!" Rarity cried, having nearly let go of her new gem, "What on earth was that about?!"

"Party cannon fun, of course!" Pinkie grinned widely.

"Pinkie Pie... you're sooooo random!" Dash laughed, shaking her head.

"Random is my middle name!" Giggled the pink Earth pony as she hugged a blushing Twilight.

Covered in streamers and confetti, Spike shook it off himself, "I knew I should've stayed in bed today."

Rarity grabbed the sulking dragon in with a forehoof, and brought him into a loose hug. "There, does that make my Spikie Wikey all better now?"

He gave his crush a hug back. "Heaps better. Thanks, Rarity!"

The two settled down together, sharing the wonders of the collective gem collection as they sat opposite the two relaxed pegasi.

"Ya know... Ah' almost think we might have ourselves two couples here Twi."

The lavender unicorn paused mid-mouthful to glance between the two groups. "Well, that would be a dream come true for Spike. But I'm not sure I can imagine what will happen once he grows up. Dragons get a lot bigger than ponies do."

Applejack looked thoughtful for a moment, biting her lip, "Yeah, yer right. Do ya know about tha growth rate of a dragon?"

Twilight shook her head, "I'm afraid not. But I assume it may be that they too develop at different rates... to an extent. However, he's only a few years younger than the rest of us, in terms of age. If he were a pony, he'd be the same size as us, pretty much. But since he's a young dragon and they seem to grow slower than ponies, that seems to be the factor."

"Ah heard in some o' them there folk tales that dragons live a long time," the farm pony said thoughtfully, "Is that true? Could he outlive Rarity? An' all of us?"

"I don't know," admitted Twilight, shaking her head again, "I wish I understood dragons better, but Spike is the only true source I have."

"Well then... Ah' guess there's really only one way to find out. Ah' only hope it doesn't break the young guy's heart. It's made of gold on that dragon," astutely observed the farmer as she eyed the youngster.

Twilight smiled, it was nice to hear other's say such nice things about him. Especially coming from the element of honesty herself. It helped make all those years of raising him seem all the more worth it.

"Ohh! I know. How about have a massive party tonight!?" Pinkie seemed to spring out of nowhere despite having been securely at Twilight’s side mere moments ago. "We have to have a party for Fluttershy and Dashie. Couples party!" She bounced high into the air.

"Um, Pinkie, don't you think you should consult them about it first?" Twilight suggested, looking uneasy.

"Why would I do that silly? It's not as if they would ever say no to a Pinkie party."

"If ya' say so. But ah' still think ya'll should ask them first." Added Applejack as she watched the pair of lovebirds.

Pinkie bounced over to the huddled up pairs. "Party next week! I was going to hold it tonight, but I'm super busy, and I have so many obligations and other parties this week. But I think I can pencil your couples party in a weeks time!" She overflowed with excitement. "Don't you ponies worry. Your auntie Pinkie will take care of everything!"

Fluttershy, overhearing that statement, rolled her eyes slightly, "I'm older than you, Pinkie."

Ignoring the shy mare's statement, Pinkie bounced off to set up for the big event.

"Well Ah' guess that's one way to break up a picnic." Applejack commented as she selected a sandwich from the food that was laid out in the middle of the blanket.

"I agree with you there," Twilight said, levitating a bagel sandwich over to her paper plate with her magic.

Fluttershy giggled with delight when Rainbow Dash offered her a cherry to eat. She opened her mouth, allowing her marefriend to place it on her tongue. "Hee! Thank you." She ate it, removing the stem from her mouth in doing so.

With a proud grin upon her muzzle, the bold mare reached over and grabbed a delicious looking hay sandwich. She carefully picked it up in her jaws, offering a bite to her fillyfriend. A giggling Fluttershy took a dainty bite, touching noses with her champion in the process. As if to mirror their moment with the taffy, Fluttershy slowly nibbled her way through the delicious morsel, locking lips with a grinning Rainbow Dash. The two fell into a slow kiss that was met by 'awww's from all their friends.

"Oh, do get a room, you two!" Rarity giggled, mock teasing them.

"Don't ya encourage 'em!" Applejack laughed, shaking her head.

Rainbow Dash leaned in to whisper into her lover's ear. "We can get that room later."

Fluttershy giggled as thoughts of what they could do began to pop into her head. Her wings slowly fluttered as an outward sign, causing her to be given a quizzical look from Twilight.

"Are you okay, Fluttershy? Do you need to go flying for a bit?" Twilight queried curiously.

"Y-yes please." The blushing mare slowly pulled herself up. "Um- Rainbow... Could you... um..."

"Yes. I'll come with you." The powerful athlete stood bolt upright, ready for flight. “Your good pal, the amazing Rainbow Dash is always ready for fun in the sky!”

Joy was written all over the pretty yellow mare's face as she stood next to her fillyfriend, gazing at her other friends. After a moment cyan wings spread and Dash motioned for her marefriend to do the same. They took off, quickly leaving the others far behind.

Turning her attention to the young dragon by her side, Rarity offered him a quick nuzzle before speaking. "Does my darling Spikey Wikey want to come back to the shop with me? I'm sure I could make you something absolutely adorable for tonight's party."

The excited dragon turned to his mother-figure, seeking permission.

With a knowing giggle, Twilight nodded, "Of course, Spike. Just don't stay out too late."

"Thanks, Twilight!" Spike lept to his feet, trying to drag his crush up with him. "Come on Rarity. Lets go." As an afterthought, the excited dragon scooped up his small collection of gems, popping one in his mouth as he did so.

The duo headed off, leaving just the two remaining mares sitting side by side at the otherwise abandoned picnic site.

"So Twi... Do you have any special somepony in mind?"

Snorting, Twilight shook her head, "Of course not! I've been too busy with my studies, and I only started making friends when I first moved to Ponyville and met you girls. Besides, I never really had a crush before," she sighed a bit. "I don't even really think about it. Or know what to think about it. I mean, sure, seeing Rainbow and Fluttershy like this, all happy together, is just wonderful. I'm so happy for them! But it's just not something I was considering myself. And besides, I'm from Canterlot... Pretty much every female there places importance on finding a husband and more often than not, having children. That's all well and good if they want that, but I'm not ready for that."

The farmer paused her meal as she digested the information. "Wait... What?"

"What, what?" Twilight looked to Applejack with confusion. "What's wrong?"

"Nuthin. Ah' just almost thought that yer was going to say you were a fillyfooler like Fluttershy and Dash here are."

The lavender unicorn blinked a few times, staring at her friend, before looking down at her food, "I actually don't even know if I like mares or stallions."

Silence passed for a few moments as they both considered the topic at hoof.

"Ya' know... there's only one way to find out." The confident orange mare sounded like she was ready to do something decisive, something that might be a little uncomfortable for the purple unicorn even.

Choosing to set aside her ill at ease feelings, Twilight continued her meal in silence. Applejack meanwhile watched her unicorn friend at the corner of her eye on occasion, but also went back to eating her lunch. Who knew what the future would hold, indeed.





Griffinstone, Mighty Wing

Gilda strutted along the streets of the capital city within the Griffin Territories, known as Mighty Wing. Mighty peaked towers lined the central street on either side of Gilda, a mass of dark brooding browns and greens. Even the windows appeared to be brooding, dark and glazed as they stared out into the world beyond. Many of the windows bore slight cracks in them. Gilda like that, it added a sense of ...danger to the whole place. Although it was a peaceful nation, it was clear that it was not a welcoming one. It was built by griffins, for griffins. Few other creatures were in sight, none of whom were ponies. As Gilda gazed around at the familiar territory, she wondered what could be causing such a fuss. Griffins were hurrying about, many on the wing. All appeared to be on a mission about something or another. Or rather, the leaders were just arguing over nothing again.

The young griffins entered her home, only to be greeted by her father’s servant. She brushed him off for the moment. She didn’t need to be tended to right now, let alone by his minion.

Gilda exhaled, feeling quite bitter about the events that occurred in Ponyville. She'd lost Rainbow Dash, the coolest friend anyone could ask for. What occurred was something she never expected, the very pony she found acceptable and useful had become a dweeb. Most especially in their encounter right before she left.

Not to mention falling in love with the weakest and most pathetic pony she'd ever seen.

~Flashback~

“HEY! Where do you think you’re going, Gilda?!”

Gilda turned, facing Rainbow Dash with a deadpan look, “Listen dweeb, yeah, you’re a dweeb now, Dash, but I have no time for your stupidity. I’m getting out of here.”

“You have a lot of nerve, Gilda! I heard about what you did to Fluttershy!” Dash said angrily, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “What has she ever done to you?!”

“She’s a doormat you dweeb, she's not cool like you used to be.” The angry griffin cut back as she took up a defensive stance, ready to strike out at the pegasus who was once her friend.

“Hey, Fluttershy may have confrontation and insecurity issues, but she’s not a doormat!” Dash yelled, hovering in the air, “She’s my best friend, you know!”

“What are you going to do about it, little Rainbow Crash?” It was the first time Gilda had ever called her old friend such a name. Although it was once unthinkable to call her such things, the angry griffin now saw no reason to restrain her mean streak from lashing out.

“What is your problem?! All you’ve done since you got here was treat everypony like garbage, even right when Pinkie was nice enough to still try to reach out to you even after you made her feel like dirt... you STILL manage to mess that up!”

Brown wings flared in offense to the light blue mare's words. “My problem? They’re all lame little ponies! How can you stand to be around lowlife like that?”

Dash growled angrily, snorting through her nose, “Because they’re my friends! They’re all good ponies in this town! Fluttershy and I had to leave Cloudsdale and we came here! And I’m glad we did because it’s where we met our closest friends! They’re not low-lives!”

The nasty creature below the angry pony took off into the air, pressing her beak against Dash’s nose. “What’s that dweeb? I’m sorry... I can’t hear you above the weak cries of your pathetic friends. I’ll give you one last chance to come back with me and be cool.”

“HEY! You watch what you say about my friends! And by the way, I heard about the way you treated Fluttershy in flight school!” Dash touching down on the ground in front of her ex-friend. “YOU threatened her so she wouldn’t tell on you! How could you?! You’ve done nothing but torment her for no good reason!”

Gilda remained in the sky, feigning despair. “Oh why, how sad... the little filly needed teaching a lesson. She was checking out another filly... that was like... eww gross.” The feathered features of the airborne bully contorted with disgust. It was becoming very clear that in her world, it was not okay to be anything other than straight and cool.

The cyan Pegasus’s jaw dropped. “WHAT... did you just SAY?!!?! I dare you to repeat that!!!” Her eyes narrowed dangerously yet again.

“What? I didn’t need her looking at you like that. It would have made you soo uncool.” Gilda complained defensively, unable to step away from such a dare.

“Looking at...?” Rainbow faltered, looking surprised.

“Yea, it was fun... she stopped pretty quickly once the pain set in... it didn’t take much at all.” The bully reminisced, a giggle of past pleasure escaping as her claws stroked the back of a frightened imaginary filly.

“You! Why I oughta..! If you talk about Fluttershy like that ONE. MORE. TIME. I’m not afraid to use force!” Rainbow threatened, wings flared ready for action.

“Oh come on Dash. It’s not as if she’s important.” Gilda swooped far out of hoof range, doing her best to maintain her cool persona. She landed on a nearby cloud and gazed at her claws, seemingly dismissive of her past friend.  

Dash let out a snarl of defiance, “Oh yeah?! Well, you’re WRONG! Fluttershy is the most important pony in Equestria! Nothing you or anypony says is going to change that! She’s my best friend and I would never leave my friends hanging!”

“Whatever dweeb... go run back to your little fillyfriend, she’s changed you Rainbow Dash... now you just suck.” Gilder dismissed her, slowly flying off.

“Hey! Fluttershy didn’t change anything! HEY! YOU COME BACK HERE! Don’t you fly away from me! HEY! I’M TALKING TO YOU!” The fired-up mare cried out from the ground.

“Goodbye Rainbow Crash. Come see me if you ever get over that useless excuse for a flying pony.” The bully called back one last time before she began to pick up speed, ready for her long trip home.

“I DARE YOU TO COME BACK HERE AND SAY THAT!!!” Rainbow Dash was all to keen to pursue the departing griffin.

Shaking her head at the soft display below her, Gilda muttered to herself  “You’re not worth it...” With a massive beat of her brown wings, Gilda picked up a great deal of speed. It was time to go home.

~End of Flashback~

Looking back, Gilda wondered if she could have done or said more about that. After all, Rainbow Dash, who was once awesome and cool, was actually wrapped around the hoof of a much lamer pony than even Pinkie Pie. ‘Should I have tried to save her...? Bring her back here where she could learn how to be cool again?’

“Miss Gilda, your father is in his study. Do you wish to go see him?” Asked the butler, breaking the brooding beast’s line of thought.

“Whatever...” The light brown griffin stalked on past as if the attendant wasn’t even there. As he began to scurry off she stopped. “Hey! Wait.”

The orderly immediately scurried back to his young master. “Yes?”

“Actually... I think I will see that old featherbag. Tell him I’m back and would like a quick word with him. I have his artifact.”

“Yes, Miss Gilda,” The scrawny young griffin bowed and flew off to deliver the message.

“Right... now that we have that all sorted... Off to go see-” Her musing was cut short by a voice she hadn’t heard in too long.

“Sis!” Came a voice from behind her. A smaller griffin flew ungainly over to her, a big smile on his face. “Oh my gosh, you’re back!” He landed on his rump, right in his older sister’s face.

A small, rueful smile overcame Gilda’s face. “Hey, Glen.”

“How was Ponyville? Did you see Rainbow Dash again? Was she as awesome as you always said she was? Do I get to meet her?” Glen asked eagerly, looking up at his sister with a curious smile as he bombarded her with questions, just about hopping up and down in his eagerness.

Gilda sighed, shaking her head as she patted his head with her claw. “Afraid not, little buddy. Turns out she’s just a big a dweeb as the rest of the ponyfolk. I thought she was cool when we were younger, but she went to the Dweeb Side.”

“Bummer... I always wanted to meet a pony.” The dark tawny feathered hide of the younger griffin hit the floor once more as he came to a dejected rest.

“Even so, she’s a fillyfooler, anyway,” Gilda said, shaking her head again. “And with a lamer pony, no less. I’d rather you not see that, kiddo.”

“Wait? What? How could someone awesome grow up like that?” The younger griffin was clearly perplexed. He had heard so much about the most awesome pony ever and could not believe that something had changed.

“I guess she just spent too much time with that little dweeb of hers...” Gilda deadpanned, trying not to give it too much thought.

Glen looked at his sister sadly and sighed, “That’s too bad, sis. She sounded cool.”

“I know, little bro,” Gilda ruffled her brother’s mane a bit before letting him go.

He scampered off, happy enough in his own world, despite the bad news. It left the older griffin smiling, he always somehow managed to brighten up her day.

“Miss Gilda, your father will see you now,” The youngster in question scrunched up her face. The butler certainly knew how to announce himself.

“Great,” Gilda said, brushing past him to ascend the nearby staircase, determined to not be led along like some royal fool.

Up on the second floor of the mansion, she came to her father’s study just adjacent to the master bedroom. Her father was Chief Grandeur, one of the griffin leaders, a mighty and powerful griffin... when he was in his prime, anyway. These days, while he was old and clearly ageing, but he was still far from weak. Especially in how he had come out of retirement after the assassination of one of the younger leaders recently. She still wasn't sure if it was his claw that orchestrated it all or not. Either way, his presence on the political scene had shaken a lot of wings up. The young griffin grinned, her dad could be super ruthless. It was kinda cool.

When Gilda entered, the old griffin looked up from his paperwork before setting it down on his desk.

“Gilda dear, you’ve returned,” he said gravely, his deep bass voice filling the air. “I take it your...excursion to Ponyville was far from satisfactory, then.”

“Got that right, dad.” The much younger creature plonked her hindquaters down just inside the doorway.

“I had warned you in the past...ponies are nothing but weakness and trouble,” he said, standing from his desk. “But you take after your mother...being as headstrong and independent as always, my dear.”

“You were right, dad. I just wanted to show them what real awesomeness was, in the name of us Griffins.” Gilda said proudly, but then sighed, “I thought one of them was worth it. She was fast, cool, daring, and powerful. ...But I was wrong. She’s as weak and lame as the rest of them.”

“Well, I hope you taught her a lesson... Those ponies need a strong iron beak to rule their soft lives.”

“Believe me, dad, I let them know that. I even let her know that,” Gilda said agreeably.

“Oh good. Did thou find what I asked you to retrieve?” He asked offhandedly.

Gilda dug something out of her travel bag and delivered it to her father. It was wrapped in cloth yet a hint of gold and blood red tones were visible where the pointy part of the artifact had punctured its soft covering. “I couldn’t find it. I kept looking as much as I could, heck, I even discreetly asked a few ponies. They were lame and kept telling me they had no idea what I meant. But this item... I nabbed off a patrol, then gave them your new orders."

A few moments passed in brooding silence. The young griffin began to wonder if her father was going to speak again, or if she should just leave.

Before she could do anything, the old councillor spoke up. “It’s their Princess... she must have more of them than I thought... Oh well. I'm proud of you my chick.” Chief Grandeur went to look out the window, standing with his mighty wings spread, looking contemplative.

“You bet, dad,” Gilda grinned. She turned to the door, ready to leave.

“By the way... should you ever consort with their kind again, I have a special task for you... my dear daughter”

“Yeah, what?”

“Do not hold back in teaching them that very important lesson, my dear. We are superior. Always and forever.” The massive predator paused as if in thought for a few moments.

He took his time once again, after all, nothing moved until he told it to. “Although neither the council nor Celestia suspects my next move, however, they may discover my true motives before we are fully ready. Our scouting party is back out in the pony lands, seeking another talisman. I would like you to do your own searching then join them at your leisure. Above all, should any creature unworthy of our cause discover what you are doing, snuff them out. If the council were to discover what I'm doing before we are ready, they would not take the news lightly. ”

“You got it, dad.” The serious young griffin trooped out of the quiet study.

The ageing griffin trooped slowly back to his desk, slid the talisman into a lower draw then strode over to a wall sized bookcase behind his desk.

“Does m’lord require any assistance?” The butler asked, reappearing seemingly out of nowhere.

“Yes. Guard the door to my study. Do not allow any creature inside. And remember, you hear nothing.” The iron tone of the master was filled with confidence in his loyal servant.

“I hear nothing,” the obedient griffin confirmed.

The door closed, leaving only the brooding council member to his own devices. He turned to face the bookcase. A claw found what he was seeking and slowly pressed a button. With a slowly grinding, it slid back to reveal a small messy den. It was roughly hewn into the side of the room and looked almost as old as the griffin himself. From the ceiling of the small den hung a oil lamp and some odd spiky instruments.

The light stench of death hit Chief Grandeur’s nostrils and he stood for a moment to allow the smell to seep into his system. It made him think of war. War was good, war would purify the lands and erase all ponykind. The smell also reminded Grandeur of the lengths he had to stretch to accomplish the most important of tasks. He alone would succeed where no griffin before him had.

A grin appeared on his face as he stalked in. “Hello again. Sorry to leave you but I had guests.” A cruel claw turned the face of a battered white pegasus stallion to face the griffin, Grand Master.

If looks could kill, this one would set the mighty griffin alight and disintegrate him.

“Oh now don’t give me that face, I would hate to go round three with you.” From the tone of Grandeur’s voice, it was clear he was entertaining the thought of dishing out more pain to his captive.

Stony silence met the words of the cruel ruler. “You know, I don’t want to kill you, you know. You are as noble as my own royal guards... for a pony anyway.” The mighty griffin paused as he savoured the moment. “Now, down to business. I know Celestia has one of my artifacts and I want it back. One way or another, thou will give me what I seek.”

The roughed up royal Canterlot guard kept his silence as he glared at his captor.

“Okay then. It’s on to round three. As your host, I shall be... kind... generous... and all that nonsense... Now, where were we? Ahhh... yes.” Chief Grandeur took a deep breath. As much as he knew most of his fellow councillors were sure to protest against his incoming actions, they didn’t have to know a thing.

After all, what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them, or spoil his fun.
> Chapter Nine: Lovers Bond
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A week later

Ponyville, Fluttershy’s home


It was now the day of the party, the very party Pinkie had promised to throw. A special party celebrating Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy's newfound couplehood. This union had continued to flourish beautifully over the course of the week as the two grew closer than ever. They spent a little more time together when they were free, with Dash usually going over to visit Fluttershy and helping her out at the cottage. The other popular course of action was for Fluttershy to join her new fillyfriend for naps on the lower-flying clouds.

While some things had cooled, the newfound state of intimacy continued to lead to more and more moments that challenged the couples self-control.

Two pegasi currently lay, cuddled up together in Fluttershy’s nice large bathtub. The water was warm and the bubbles smelled of wild berries. 

The athlete rose for a moment to take in the sight of her adorable marefriend. The pretty mare took the bold pony's breath away. The wet mane added to her appeal in their current situation and Dash found her gaze wander down to the spread hind legs of her companion. She spotted her final target and felt her own marehood begin to clench with excitement, mirroring the mare under her. 'No. I must wait...'  She found her eyes glued to the spot. Temptation flooded her system. 'But on the other hoof...'

She leaned in, a crafty smile hovering upon her face. The mare underneath her shuddered with anticipation. Oh yes, she knew what Fluttershy wanted and what she was hoping for. As much as Dash wanted it just as much, she had another plan in mind. After all, Fluttershy had done the same thing. It was her turn to return the favour...

She gazed up at the lovestruck eyes of her companion, it was clear how much Fluttershy wanted it. Wanted her, Rainbow Dash to minister to her in the most intimate way. With a smirk, Dash finished off her move. She swept a hoof under her lover’s hindquarters to boost them out of the water. Her mouth came down upon the perky little buds located above Fluttershy's nether regions. She licked her lips before gently kissing one of them.

Fluttershy gasped, kicking her hind leg a little. Encouraged, Dash gave the nipple a little lick before enclosing her mouth around it. She suckled and even gently nibbled, ‘cleaning’ the slight taste of bathwater from the bud, while her hoof pleasured the other nipple gently, but thoroughly.

"Y-Y-Yes...! Oh, Rainbow Dash...! Aaahhh..." Fluttershy moaned beneath her, trembling. It felt amazing, especially this close to her heated area. Oh, if only Dash would just go a little lower... But regardless, she felt pretty giddy to have inspired Dash to do this after she had given her a suckle the day before.

Feeling her own nether regions start to dampen ever so slightly, Dash realized it was time to stop, or she would be unable to contain her pent-up desires. With one last nibble, Dash gently released her fillyfriend. She gave her creamy bundle of hot joy a giddy grin before reaching down once more.

'Go for it Dash!' Fluttershy almost cried out loud.

To the yellow pegasus's dismay, the bold mare once again stopped short of her marehood, instead, she chose to plant her tongue upon the perky yellow nipple. She then slid Fluttershy along under her, giving the pleasured mare one long, loving lick all the way up, right to her cheek. She then collapsed gently upon the shuddering pony.

"Yeah, you want me, don't you, Flutters? I could tell the way you looked at me, the way your sweet voice begged for it." Dash teased, chuckling as she nibbled her ear. 

“Ye-ah-ss,” Fluttershy fought for control as the clouds of desire fogged her mind. 

“How about we get out of this bath then? Your bed has been in need of somepony to ‘bless’ it ever since you bought it.”

“You mean-?” Fluttershy rose up with anticipation. 

“Sex. I’m talking about sex.” Dash came to an awkward pause, “you know... with you. I know it’s kinda early to be-”

“Ssssh.” A yellow hoof pressed lightly against blue lips. “Rainbow Dash, I would very much like to be intimate with you. I’m glad you don’t mind...” Fluttershy trailed off shyly. 

Rainbow Dash chuckled softly, “I think we’ve both wanted this for a while.” 

Fluttershy nodded, her cheeks flushed slightly.

“Alright. Remember my present?” 

“I do. And I would gladly wear it for you!” 

“Really?” 

“Yes! You’re the only pony I’ve ever wanted to wear such- things for.” 

“Well then,” Dash turned and wiggled her rump in her buttery mare’s face. She made sure to raise her tail and allow her marefriend a nice, clear view of her private area. “How about we get dried off, you change into that lingerie and I’ll see you in your room in a few minutes?”  

“What are you going to be doing?” Fluttershy asked.

“Sitting here... Imagining all the things I’m gonna do with you.” Dash smiled slyly as she planted herself back into the water. 

Fluttershy eep’d as she hurried out of the bath and began to towel herself dry. 





Rainbow Dash slowly made her way upstairs, she hesitated, "Okay, Fluttershy. I’m coming in!” 

The athlete pushed the door open and heard a squee of joy from across the room and opened her eyes. Her jaw dropped open.

There she was.

Fluttershy sat on her bed in what she hoped was a suggestive, sexy pose. The light yellow pegasus gazed toward the blue pony as she entered the room with a loving smile that combined into a suggestive, sultry stare as cerise eyes found their target. Her mane was out of her face, completely exposing herself, and most surprisingly, she wore the light pink lingerie that had been a silly Hearths Warming present over a year and a half ago. The moonlight from the window shone in on her, bathing her in its luminous glow. She looked absolutely stunning and the lingerie only added to her appeal. It was almost too much. Dash felt about ready to faint at the sight of her stunning fillyfriend, completely at loss for words as her heart raced and entire body seemed to ignite on fire. Cyan wings shot up as if she were about to rocket off into the night sky.

"Buuh... whaa..." Her entire brain slurred. The sight in front of her was making coherent thought hard.

There was no way she was going to be able to string a sentence together with that hot pony sitting there like that.

Beaming, Fluttershy blushed and giggled as her smile became more nervous, but still sweet, as she gazed at her lover, "Hi Rainbow... D-do you... do you like what you see?" 

"You- What? Flutters... You look. AMAZING!"

Dash took a tentative step forward. This was too good to be true, it had to be a dream.

Yet something told her this was real. Her Fluttershy was actually wearing her gift.

A delighted laugh came from the lovestruck yellow pegasus, as she smiled more at her beloved. Then, raised her hoof and beckoned her, "Come here, my darling Rainbow Dash... come to me..." she pleaded sweetly and opened her forelegs in a manner of asking for a hug.

With wide eyes, the aroused weather pegasus waltzed forward, utterly smitten by the beauty before her. She reached the bed and a cunning smile crossed her face. She decided to play with the begging pony first.

Rather than using her wings, Dash instead climbed onto the bed, slowly, as she smirked suggestively at her partner. All of her nervousness was slowly fading upon the sight of the sexy, adorable pegasus before her. She felt bold, highly aroused and ready for anything her lover could throw at her. She licked her lips, approaching her like a predator, as her eyes scanned carefully up and down.

"You're all mine now, Fluttershy..." Dash whispered, chuckling as she came to now tower over her partner, gently laying her down.

Fluttershy's wings fluttered. "Yes, Rainbow sweetie... I'm yours."

"And I'm yours," was all the cyan pegasus said before she just pounced.

The two ponies were caught in a tangled mess of limbs, bodies pressed together, lips and tongues clashing. Nothing was held back, they kissed deeply and passionately, more-so than they imagined ever before.

The world disappeared from around them faster than an exploding sonic rainboom. It was rapidly replaced by a haze of passion and love as they slowly rolled around on the shy pegasus's bed, moaning softly as they playfully fought for control.

Fluttershy’s silky lingerie rubbed against heating coats as they worked, adding an exotic sense to the highly sensual atmosphere. The pressure was on the rise and this time, neither mare wished it to stop.

Rainbow Dash turned things up a bit by running her hooves along Fluttershy's sides, enjoying the soft feeling of the lingerie as her hooves passed between it and the precious coat of her fillyfriend. Her hooves quickly found and played with her flared, stiff wings. Moans erupted from the pony beneath her as creamy yellow hooves responded in kind.

The two came to rest, playing with each others wings, cyan on top of buttery yellow. Slow sensual kisses accompanied the sensual exploration. Two flames of love met to form a building inferno of passion.

Feeling all the more aroused, Dash then dared to tread a new territory. She angled one hoof to slide down Fluttershy's flank, then down along her thigh, inward. Then back up along her tummy, only to go lower, and then applied pressure to her sex through the fabric of the garment.

"Y-yes! Dash...!" Fluttershy stammered, fighting for control over her quivering, excited body."

Smirking a little, Dash continued her ministrations, even going as far as to slip her hoof beneath the silk garment. Blue met yellow on the sweet spot. As Dash carefully touched the wet zone she smirked, then pulled it away. This earned a whimper of protest from the aroused mare beneath her.

"You want more, Flutters?" The cyan pegasus cooed to her lover, eyes gleaming.

Fluttershy shot her a pleading look. "Y-yes!"

In response, Dash kissed her once more. “Uh... awkward question... but uh... have you ever ...played with yourself Fluttershy?” 

Bright intense green eyes filled the speedster’s vision as Fluttershy pulled them in close. “I saved myself especially for you Dash. No matter how badly I felt the need for it over the years, I wanted you to breach my entrance. I know it might hurt a bit, but I thought it would be more special if you did it.” 

As the admission sank in, both pegasis’ faces became so flushed, they almost felt as though their cheeks would explode. 

“Wow Flutters... I uh... might not have been so patient,” Dash trailed off, embarrassed. “You’re still the first pony I’ll be doing this with though, okay!?” 

“Ssssshh...” a yellow hoof came to rest upon blue lips, silencing the nervous speaker. 

“It’s okay. I understand. You at least are here, sharing your first time with me and that's all that matters.” Fluttershy withdrew a bit. She rested upon the bed, her gaze fixed upon her lover above. “But-” she took her partner’s forehoof in her own. “Now I’m done waiting.” 

She placed Rainbow Dash’s forehoof on top of the silk that covered her marehood. “I trust you to be gentle with me.”

Rainbow Dash nodded. Her serious expression shifted to a cheeky one as she slipped her hoof beneath the lingerie and carefully applied pressure to Fluttershy's marehood, maneuvering along the wet, soft folds. As she did so, her mouth came to rest upon the left yellow teat and she began to play with it using her tongue. Even though masturbation was not something she herself was a complete stranger to, it felt so different, so strange to be touching somepony else's privates. And yet, she loved every second of it!

Feeling her partner’s wetness, she decided that it was time to enter her mare for the first time. She paused her oral work as she slowly, carefully inserted her right forehoof, light blue slowly disappearing inside bright yellow. Now this... this was truly something else!

"Da-ash...!"





Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner

"Well, it's after eight..." Twilight said, looking at the nearby clock and biting her lip. "And they haven't even shown up yet."

"Wonder what's takin' em so long?" Applejack mused, scratching her hat.

The party at Sugarcube Corner was in full swing... sort of, especially since it was between just the six (or rather, four) of them and Spike. But even well after the designated start time of the party, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were nowhere to be seen. No sign or trace of them at all since they'd left to go about their flying business earlier that afternoon.

While it was not unusual for Rainbow Dash to be late, her fillyfriend was a different matter. Everypony had assumed that Fluttershy would be the one to ensure that they were on time. However, it was clear that Rainbow must have managed to get them caught up in something.

"OH! I know! How about the five of us have a party!" Pinkie suggested as she brought Twilight into a hug, brightening already. "It'll be a Change of Plans Because Our Friends are Late party!"

She jumped up and fired her party cannon, causing everypony to jump. Spike ran up to Rarity and offered her a hand back onto her hooves.

"Thank you, Spike." The ladylike mare softly thanked her helper. "Why did you have to fire that preposterous thing Pinkie? You know I don't like it how you mess up my mane with that canon."

"Don't worry silly, your mane's fine." Pinkie leapt around, undeterred by the annoyed look being tossed her way.

The party pony disappeared, then reappeared with her hooves full of various party foods and wearing a massive grin upon her face. She slipped the first item in front of Twilight before setting off to serve her other friends. 

"Ah say Pinkie. Ya' never cease to amaze us." Applejack chuckled, as she took a sip of her drink.

"I definitely can't argue with that..." Twilight agreed. "Well, Pinkie is right, though. There's no reason we can't still have a fun party together."

Applejack grinned and nodded as she adjusted her hat. "Ah'm with ya there, Twi!"

"I suppose it wouldn't be a horrid thing at all," Rarity shrugged a little. She felt a tap on her foreleg, to which she looked down and saw Spike smiling, holding a cupcake to her.

"For you, my lady! Care for a cupcake?" Spike asked as valiantly as possible.

The snow-white unicorn was taken aback by the kind gesture and giggled. Rarity smiled, nodding as she took the cupcake. "Thank you, Spike! You're very sweet to offer! I would love a cupcake."





Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash lay in each other's embrace. Everything was peaceful and quiet. Fluttershy’s messed up lingerie lay at the foot of the bed the two were cuddled up in, completely forgotten.

The yellow mare suddenly shot up, remembering something important. "Dashie. What about the party?"

"Relax Fluttershy. It's not as if we can go now in the shape we're in." The cyan pegasus pulled her marefriend back down and into her strong embrace.

"But- but... it's our party," the timid pony protested.

"By now I bet Pinkie has renamed it to something crazy and continued without us. Now come on Fluttershy. Just relax." Dash ran a tender hoof through her Flutters mane.

"Oh... okay.” The shy mare gave up and cuddled back up to her mare.

The two lay there soaking up each other's warmth and love. Fluttershy snuggled into her partner's coat. The strong smell of their lovemaking continued to hang in the air, the twin scents mingled seamlessly.

"Hey, you feel all right?" Dash whispered, nuzzling Fluttershy.

Giggling, Fluttershy nodded as her eyes closed in bliss, "I feel wonderful, Rainbow... Amazing. How...do you feel?"

"Me? I've never felt more awesome than this, Flutters! Just you and me. Alone..." She smirked at her lover. "I've still got a few things I want to test out, mind you."

"L-Like... what?" Fluttershy's eyes opened as she looked up at her. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well, I could take you up high and show you. It's a little something I heard of called making it rain." The bold mare snickered softly as rather vivid sexual images of her yellow pegasus flashed through her head.

"You... have weather duties at this hour and need to make a nighttime downpour?" Fluttershy tilted her head.

"Not quite. It involves the two of us on a nice comfy cloud. Alone..." Dash ran a hoof along her mares side, carefully ruffling the yellow feathers. "And no, natural rain is not required."

"Oh... So do we work together to make the cloud rain then?" Fluttershy inquired, still not entirely sure about what exactly her fillyfriend had in mind.

Dash blinked. How Fluttershy managed to still stay so adorably innocent, even after they'd just gone down on one another, and knew all about sex, was beyond her. Undeterred, however, she kissed her deeply, running her hoof along her side some more and then down her flank. Her hind leg even coursed along her inner thighs, barely brushing her recovering marehood.

Pulling away, she smirked at her in a suggestive manner, "Nope. You and I are going to make love on a cloud, Flutters."

"Oh... My Rainbow is so imaginative sometimes." Fluttershy giggled, running a hoof through her lover's mane gently.

"You bet I am! I'm Rainbow Dash, after all!" Dash winked. "Let's just say I've always wanted to test a cloud-" She leaned over to the pretty yellow mare's ear; "with you."

"O-oh. Okay. I take it we don't need a bath before going out then?"

"Nope. It'll be more fun this way." Dash grinned as she traced a hoof along the now fluttering wings of her fillyfriend.

Fluttershy reluctantly rose from the protective, loving embrace of her cyan pegasus. "Well then my naughty Rainbow. How about showing me a new trick?" She smiled shyly at the grinning mare before her.

"Sounds good to me. I guess I can count on you to be my cheerleader?" Dash whispered seductively, narrowing her eyes and licking her lips.

"Yes. I will try." She jumped off the bed and turned to face her stunning companion who was still lounging in bed.

"Awesome!" Now Dash leaped off the bed, opening the window. "Then let's fly!"

“Dash not out the-”

Too late. The speedster had yoinked her lover and sped out the now open window into the evening sky. 





Two lovers landed on a nice big fluffy cloud. There was nothing around, no pony or airborne creature to disturb their private time.

With a swish of her rainbow mane, the bold mare turned to face her companion. "Well, Flutters... What have we learned?" Dash asked, grinning.

"Loss of control..." Fluttershy managed to retain a straight face as she answered.

"Yes. And?"

"Screaming and hollering..."

"And most important?"

"Passion." The animal caretaker nuzzled her companion eagerly.

"Right! Now that you know the elements of a good buck, let's have one!"

Fluttershy turned bright red and let out an adorable little 'eep' then burst into adorable little giggles.

Rainbow Dash advanced on her fillyfriend with a naughty look on her face. Fluttershy met her with a beckoning, loving smile.

Wings fluttering with raw excitement, the grinning mares met in the middle, wrapping their hooves around each other as they smothered each other in kisses. The scent of mating already hung over them, so it took no time at all for them to get "warmed up" for the upcoming big event, so to speak.

Tearing her lips away, Dash leaned further down, kissing and nibbling along Fluttershy's neck. The delighted, enraptured giggles from the pegasus beneath her were all but intoxicating and encouraging.

The delighted yellow pegasus fell, giggling onto the cloud, offering a most intimate view of herself to her partner. She continued to giggle at the sight of her fillyfriend's reaction as the cyan mare's wings shot up to full extension and her eyes began to glaze over with lust.

"You were wanting something Rainbow?" The downed pegasus softly asked.

"You definitely read my mind, Flutters..." Dash licked her lips as she smirked down at her lover devilishly. "I just have one thing to do before we get started."

"W-What is it, Rainbow?" Fluttershy cocked her head to the side as she stuttered, unsure about what the change in plans could mean.

Smirk growing, Dash stood, towering over Fluttershy like a predator. Her hind leg snaked between her legs, rubbing at her nether regions enticingly. A loud gasp came from the aroused creamy yellow pegasus, to which Dash continued stroking her hind hoof along Fluttershy's marehood.

Fluttershy was moaning within a few seconds, overtaken by the little bursts of pleasure that coursed through her. The bold pegasus grinned, she was certainly getting the response she had been hoping for. She slid down a bit, allowing her fluttering wings to brush against the moist area.

"D-da-ash...!" The quivering yellow pegasus cried out as the brush of the feathers threw pangs of ecstatic pleasure though her system.

"Yes 'Shy?"

She received no answer as the pegasus beneath her began to moan louder, completely overtaken by the hot ministrations.

The enticing sounds, mingling in with the scents in the cool night air drove Rainbow Dash's wings to their full extension, whipping along the tender spot on their way up. This caused Fluttershy to wriggle as the sensations drove all other thoughts and feelings from her mind. She wanted her fillyfriend. No... needed her.

"Rainbow!" She caressed the rainbow mane with a forehoof, trying to draw the bold mare in further. "Oh...Rainbow...! Oh, take me! Take me now, Rainbow!"

Dash giggled with a cunning look in her eye. "Does my precious little Fluttershy want something?" She nuzzled up to the aroused pony, giggling as her companion tried to pull her into a more intimate embrace.

Fluttershy looked up at her with pleading eyes. "Yes...! Please! I need you!"

The bold pegasus ran a hind hoof along her companion's marehood as she scooted up to bring their muzzles together. The contact drew a pleasured gasp from the normally quiet pony.

"Gee, Fluttershy, somepony's being awfully loud tonight. I guess I've got you in a good mood there don't I-" She almost collapsed as Fluttershy boldly ran a hind hoof along her own sex.

She sunk into the embrace of her fillyfriend, who immediately laid into her with butterfly kisses all over her muzzle.

The pretty yellow pegasus broke contact, gazing into her companion's shining cerise eyes with a lusty look upon her face. "Please, I need you..." She gently nuzzled the excited cyan pony, her surprisingly intense, strong grip told her partner she was done messing around.

"And I need you, pretty pony..." Rainbow cooed, kissing her nose. She lifted herself off, slowly, since her body resisted it. A set of glistening aquamarine eyes followed her the whole way, impatiently waiting.

Once she sat up, the bold blue pegasus toppled over onto her back, spreading her hind legs wide, using her forehooves to support herself on the cloud. "O-Okay...let's try this..."

Fluttershy gave her a brief look of confusion. Why was she choosing to lie down like that? What happened to using her hoof and tongue?

The cyan pegasus inched closer, slowly, getting them into what could only be described as a scissor position, with both their marehoods in direct contact with each other. Dash trembled, raising her hips to further the contact.

The contact was like nothing the couple had yet felt. Soft, sensitive folds rubbed against each other, cyan mixing with yellow. Slowly dampening as the sexual tension rose within each pony.

Bolts of sensual electricity flew through the two lovers systems, flowing as if over-charged, sending both mares into the realms of ecstasy. Yet as they lay, rubbing their nethers together with vigour, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel as though something on the inside was ever so slowly cooling down. 

This was supposed to be a crazy new thing to try!

The speedster threw in a extra long grind, "d-do you...like this...Flutters...?"

"I-I ...think y-your tongue ... a-and hoof was better...” 

The light blue pegasus gave a harder thrust, “Hmm... I guess you’re right...” 

Fluttershy giggled softly and rested their nethers together. “Dashie... neither of us are stallions. You don’t have the bits to go inside me. It feels as though this won’t be enough to make me come.”

“Does somepony want me to look for a dick spell?” 

Fluttershy sat somewhat upright, her muzzle flushed. “Uh... maybe..? But right now- I need my Dash.” She reached out, daintily took her lover’s face in her hooves. With sudden speed brought on by lust, she thrust her fillyfriend’s face between her legs. 

Blue muzzle met with damp yellow and Rainbow Dash grinned into her fillyfriend’s marehood. Her tongue reached out and slowly entered as best she could before settling on licking the tantalizing clit. As she worked, the speedster felt her own lower section dampen as her own need arose once more. As she worked she slowly turned her body to position her sweet spot above her mare’s face and was rewarded by a set of forehooves reaching up and over her cutie mark as Fluttershy reeled her in. 

Fluttershy could feel it building, the same dam about to burst that ruptured earlier was now threatening a repeat session as she continued to relish the feel of her lover's tongue working on her marehood. She gasped as a hoof entered her and Rainbow Dash repositioned her mouth to continue to work on her clit while the more powerful thrusts of the blue forehoof sent her body and mind into a cataclysmic build of pleasure. 

Dash felt the bubbling volcano too as they continued to pleasure each other. Her mind was completely clouded over now. All that remained was the pony who was performing oral sex upon her. 

Both enraptured mares reached the heights of ecstasy as a few more minstrations did the trick. Fluttershy came first, yelling out a breathy and slightly squealed version of Rainbow Dash’s name as her lovejuices squirted onto the cloud they shared. The buttery mare thrust her hoof into the wet marehood in her face and Dash soon peaked, crying out loudly, followed by an unusually high pitched call of Fluttershy’s name. The couple collapsed on the cloud together. After a few moments of basking in the shared glow of the moment, Dash struggled around to face her lover. She nuzzled up and placed a kiss upon her lover’s cheek. 

A couple of minutes passed before either of them could move, or at least, wanted to move. There was just something so beautiful and erotic about their position on the cloud. Smiling with love, Rainbow brought her tired forelegs around her partner and held her close, encasing her into a protective and warm embrace.

"Hey there snuggly, was that awesome or what?" Dash asked, grinning widely at the content pony below her.

"Oh yes..." Fluttershy cooed lovingly, giggling. "That was amazing, Rainbow... although I never thought you would want to try rubbing together like that. It felt good for a little, but was a bit silly..."

Dash giggled softly and placed a kiss upon her fillyfriend’s lips. "Well, I day dreamed on clouds... way too much... I think it was worth a try though."

"Hee...me too," Fluttershy admitted, blushing all the more, if that were possible. “I enjoy trying new things out with you.” 

Her equally heated companion ran a hoof through her now sagging yellow wings as they spread out accross the cloud, softly, relishing the feel of feathers against her hoof.

"Noooo..." Fluttershy laughed, wiggling a bit.

"Yes..." Dash cooed softly, coaxing the feathery appendages to life.

"If you keep doing that...you're...hee hee...going to get me...hee...aroused..."

Dash giggled like a naughty school filly. "We're already wet, what's bit more?"

"I-I don't know if I can take any-oooohhh!"

"You were saying?" Ruby eyes lit up the night as the eager speedster came very close to outright begging for more.

Fluttershy's wings sprang to life yet again, flaring to their full extent. Fluttershy sat up to better stretch and pulled her rainbow into a tight hug. 

"What do you say Fluttershy? Wanna go another round? We can go slowly this time..."

Panting a little, Fluttershy nodded and smiled as she placed their foreheads together, "Yes..."





As the party continued on, unaware of the reason behind the two lovers absence, the two ponies in question continued to lie on their cloud, bathing in each others' love.


Meanwhile, on the borders of Equestria, unfriendly eyes watched, waiting.
> Chapter Ten: Those eyes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ponyville library

As night fell on Ponyville, its local librarian was just settling down in her bed for a good nights rest after the party for their two absent lovebirds, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Spike lay asleep in his bed nearby. 

Suddenly the sound of hooves hitting the balcony outside disturbed the evening air and Twilight jumped at the disturbance. She hurried out of bed and opened the door onto the balcony. Before her stood a light grey-blue alicorn with a lighter blue mane. The mare bore a simple night blue crown upon her head. “Princess Luna!” The purple unicorn was quick to bow in the presence of royalty. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” 

“Arise.” The royal sister appeared uncomfortable. “Though the hour is late, we had hoped to see thee.” 

“You- me?” The young unicorn was at a loss for words. Why was Princess Luna, the incredibly good-looking alicorn she had helped set free, here on her balcony late at night?

“Correct.” Luna noticed how tired the young unicorn appeared and took a step back. “We can depart if now is not a good time.” 

As the shy light blue mare turned as though to depart, Twilight leapt into action. “No! I mean- don’t go. It’s fine. I would love to see you.” 

Luna unleashed a deep thankful breath, “that is most welcome news. We had come in the hopes of thanking thee, Twilight Sparkle.” 

“Why me?”

“Because thou saved us from our darker self and we are eternally in thy debt.”

“I- wasn’t the only one. My friends... they- well, they helped.” 

“While they did offer assistance, twas thy steadfast ways and courage in face of a great evil that won the day.”

Twilight fidgeted with her forehooves. “I- I... I guess.” 

“Twilight Sparkle, thou art an amazing pony. Please, do not ever forget it.” 

“Right...” 

After a moment of awkward silence, the unicorn unleashed a great big yawn. 

“If thou wishes to sleep, we shall depart.” 

“No. It’s- it’s okay. I’m just tired after the day and the party that Pinkie Pie put on for our friends Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.” 

“Why those two in particular?” 

 “Because they are a couple now.” A moment passed before Twilight’s brain caught up with her mouth. “But please don’t tell anypony about them!” 

“Why not?” Luna cocked her head to the side as excitement built within her, “is not finding thy companion an achievement worth announcing to the world?” 

“Well, they are two mares.” Twilight pointed out. “Some ponies still look down on same-sex relationships.”

“Oh. We had heard that the law against same-sex relationships had been lifted by my sister several years ago.” 

Twilight snorted. “Well some ponies, especially those in Canterlot still don’t like seeing two mares or two stallions together. Rainbow Dash has been teased about being a fillyfooler before.”

Something inside Luna sank a bit at the news. It was unfortunate to hear that there were still ponies who refused to accept ponies of her own ...persuasion. “What doest thou think of it?”

“Who a pony chooses as their special somepony isn’t my concern. It’s their life.” Twilight shrugged. “I’ve never really been one for romance anyway.” 

“Then what are thou interested in?” 

“Books... magic... your night sky. I love to learn new things I guess.” The young mare once again shrugged. 

Luna cast her gaze upon her night sky. “Thou likest my night?”

“I love to stargaze, yes.” 

Luna smiled at her companion’s eagerness. It filled her with a special warmth to know that Twilight Sparkle enjoyed her nights. “I look forward to the day I reclaim full power of my night sky. Then I shall truly consider myself the princess of the night once more.” 

“Oh?” The lavender unicorn forught back a yawn, “what do you mean?” 

“This form is not my true form. Twas me in my younger days. Although it is also attainable when one uses too much of their magic. Once my power returns, thou will see.”

“What if I like decide I like this form?” 

“What about it?” Luna asked coyly. 

“Well, I think it makes you look cute,” admitted the purple unicorn. 

A further warmth filled the princess. She was cute? While normally such an expression would be taken as offensive, to hear it from this special mare was... nice.   Luna was broken out of her thoughts by the young mare yawning. “I think thou requires sleep.”

“Normally I can stay up much later than this reading or admiring your night sky,” Twilight defended herself. She blinked her eyes slowly as she gazed up at the spectacular starry night above. Her gaze returned to the mare in front of her and she smiled. “But I guess I am pretty tired, huh?” 

Luna nodded and decided to take a punt. “It would bring delight to my heart if we could keep in contact. Even if just by letters.” 

“You know... I would like that Princess.”

“Thank you Twilight Sparkle, I best be off.” 

“Goodnight Princess.” 

Luna took to the skies, a giant smile upon her face. First contact had been established with her cute saviour. Now all she had to do was maintain contact with their busy schedules and continue to drop the occasional hint. She allowed herself to drift aimlessly through the night sky, her heart filled with delight. She would probably return to her sister tomorrow. Celestia was sure to be asleep and since the griffin beak of evil was safe where Luna had left it, she figured there was no urgency. As her wings carried her along she spotted a lone cloud. She quickly realized that there were two pegasi on it. A yellow and a blue one. They were all cuddled up together, fast asleep.   Luna smiled. It appeared Loyalty and Kindness truly were together. Best to leave them alone. 

Light blue wings beat swiftly as the princess looped around and flew the other way, sort of toward Canterlot.

If Loyalty and Kindness could be together and if- if Twilight sparkle took a shine to her, maybe, just maybe she could court her. 

It made Luna feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Maybe it would be wonderful to have a special somepony. 





Manehatten, past city borders

On a small road to the blissful city, unfriendly eyes watched, waiting. 

Waiting...

Waiting...

Suddenly, something spoke in a coarse voice. “They should be here by now.”

“Shut up! We don’t need some stupid pony taking notice.” Reprimanded another.

The eyes continued to peer out from the roadside, watching the peaceful city of Manehatten. 

Suddenly, a small troop of griffins rounded a corner. They marched slowly along the road as if on their way to the city. They bore no markings to identify themselves and were garbed in light leather armour. They all had no use for weapons due to the extremely sharp looking talons that clacked lightly with each step. 

“Yesss....” Expelled one happy watcher as the group marched closer. 

The twelve griffins came to a halt, not far from the where the eyes were keeping their silent watch. Their leader, a young muscular griffin who wore extra trimming on his shoulder plates stepped forward. 

He glanced around and wondered where the creatures he was supposed to meet were situated. 

Silence. 

Typical. 

They always seemed to enjoy their cloak and dagger games and as much as the young captain enjoyed sneaking about with his unit, he was getting sick of how hard their allies were to find. 

“Sometimes I wonder why the council bothers with those creatures... it's not like we need them to take over Equestria anyway...” One cocky young griffin muttered as the troupe idled in wait. 

“The grand master knows what he’s doing, so shut it, or you’ll get us all killed.” Threatened the pack leader before he turned to survey the landscape once more.

“Birdbrain Volibeak...” Muttered one of the rear troopers.

Before the captain could get violent toward the offending griffin he heard a noise and with flared wings, turned to face the side of the road.

A rough hiss escaped from the bushes causing a grin to cross the griffin patrol leader’s face. He set off at a slow march, motioning for his fellow griffins to follow him. 

The unit stalked into the outcropping to find themselves face to face with a pack of changelings. 

The evil creatures were everywhere. In every bush, tree and shrub they dwelt, leering at the newcomers.

The lead griffin cleared his throat. “I, Captain Volibeak demand to speak to the scaly in charge here.” He demanded as his long claws dragged the soil underclaw with as much menace as he could muster. 

“I am.” Hissed one of the jet black creatures, it’s jade green eyes flashing in the late day sun. “You griffinzess are late...” It added before morphing into a bear, gaining a height advantage over the now smaller griffin. 

Not one to back down, Captain Volibeak took a step forward. “We encountered a few... problems along the way. But... they are ‘fixed.’ Not that you scum would care.” 

“All that matters is that you are late. Our queen grows restless... We hunger for the love within this nation.” Replied the towering bear with a cruel grin upon its face.

“And you can have their love.” Butted in the lead griffin. “We don’t care about that... All I want to know is... have you found the relic?” 

His question was met by an irate glare from the bear as it continued to tower over its ally. 

“Yesss.” 

Silence met the reply as the bear turned and began stalking off as if nothing had happened. 

“Well then, where is it?” Arrogantly asked Captain Volibeak.

“We can show you.” The bear’s form flickered for a moment before it retuned to the jet-black changeling. “But our queen wishes for you lot to be the ones to retrieve it.”

“That is fine by me.” Gruffly replied the irate griffin. “Get a move on then.”

The slinky changling appeared to grin at his ...friend... before it turned, opened it's wings and began buzzing off. The rest of the unnatural looking creatures followed suit, sticking close to the ground as they flew off. The small griffin troop stood in shock as more and more changlings appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, rapidly forming a swarm of death. 

“If this is their scouting party... I would hate to see their war party...” Remarked one griffin as she stood in awe of their allies numbers. 

The lead griffin huffed. “But we are superior creatures. Now move your hides, before I skin them.”

The rest of the small scouting group took off obediently into the sky, flying above the warped creatures below as they allowed themselves to be led along toward their goal.





Ponyville, Fluttershy’s Cottage

Rainbow Dash awoke to one of her favrioute sights in the whole of Equestria. The pretty yellow face of the mare of her dreams glowed, inches away from her own. Soft warm breaths from the sleeping pony sent tingles along Rainbow Dash’s neck as Fluttershy continued to dream. Shining red eyes wandered along the face of her loved one, studying every little detail. 

She slowly began to recall the events of the night before, after many months of waiting for the right moment, the amazing time she had shared with her fillyfriend. It was almost too good to be true. Yet here she was lying on a cloud with her long time crush wrapped up in her forehooves. 

Her body slowly began itching for some action and she contented herself with running a hoof through the messed up pink mane that mingled with her own polychromatic one. She felt both a little tired from the nights activities as well as extraordinarily refreshed. It was an unusual sensation that overall left her felling like a new pony. Something momentous had happened and it made the lack of sleep worth it. The light blue daredevil began to grin slowly, she knew they now had something extra to look forward to doing together. Fluttershy was now well and truly hers and she intended to be the coolest and best fillyfriend ever!

Despite her urges to stretch her wings, she found it easy to remain locked in the cozy embrace. Fluttershy was just so warm and cuddly, it was hard not to enjoy simply idling with her. In fact, it felt like could happily remain in her embrace like this forever! That sounded all too appealing...

Fluttershy stirred lightly, shifting a bit and sleepily nuzzling her fillyfriend.

“Hey there, beautiful... are you awake yet?” The cheeky mare asked coyly. 

“Mmmm... no... don’t wake me up... I want to be with my Dashie.” Fluttershy murmured in her sleep.

“Well how about you stop dreaming about me then, I’m right here...” Rainbow grinned widely as a sense of victory welled up inside.

“No you’re not...”

The bold mare blew gently upon the yellow snout in her face making it twitch in the most adorable of ways. “Oh yes, I am, snuggly.”

“Nopony can call me that but my Rainbow...” The sleepy mare complained, running a hoof along the cyan mare’s head and ruffling her mane. 

“Oh, but I am your Rainbow, snuggles.” Dash snickered, having a ball with her sleepy companion. “So why don’t you wake up?”

“No...” The wistful whine melted the athlete’s strong heart, this was all too cute to be a normal day in the life of Rainbow Dash. 

“Come on.” Dash lightly licked her nose.

“Ee!” Fluttershy squeaked, her face twitching as she brought a hoof up to brush along her nose.

“Is my pretty pegasus awake now?” The cheeky mare asked.

“Fine... I’m awake.” Fluttershy pouted, opening her eyes. She blinked, looking a bit surprised, “Rainbow?”

“Who else but awesome old me?” Beamed the egotistical pegasus, lighting up the sunny mare’s world.

“So... last night was...?” Fluttershy asked hopefully.

“Why do you think we’re on a wet cloud?” Dash giggled like a naughty filly.

“...Oh, hee...” Fluttershy blushed, a forehoof arriving quickly to cover her heating muzzle. 

Dash stroked the shy pony gently, savouring the moment. “Hey, Flutters. How about we go get cleaned up and then I’ll take you out to breakfast? My treat.”

“Oh... okay. Um... I- I should probably tend to my animals first. They are probably all wondering where I’ve gone.”

“You do that, I’ll help if you need it.” Dash winked. She picked herself up, allowing a slow stretch to overcome her body, working all the kinks out.

Fluttershy smiled, before standing slowly and doing as her partner did, “Thank you, Rainbow.”

They flew off, heading back to Fluttershy’s cottage. As it turned out, they hadn’t gone too far, especially since Fluttershy’s cottage was in a remote location, after all.





The two young lovers touched down, right outside the front door. Fluttershy nuzzled her messy companion softly. “Now... how about I start them off and if I need any help, you can join in. I don’t want you to scare any of my cute little critters.”

“You got it,” Dash kissed the still glowing yellow mare on the cheek and strutted off to sit nearby, happy enough to watch and get a few more easy moments of waking up.

Angel came outside, having heard them talking. He looked a mixture of annoyed and slightly confused, especially since he wondered where his caretaker had gone all night. But as he came near, he scrunched up his nose and waved his paw as if to ward off a bad smell.

“What is it, Angel? Is something wrong?” Fluttershy softly asked, approaching her little pet. 

Angel gave her a look as if to say “Are you serious?”.

She lent down to pick him up but he bounded out of reach. The bunny rapidly began pointing first at her, and then at his nose, he then waved his paw as if trying to ward off a bad smell. Then he fell on his back clutching at his throat, pretending to choke to death under the ever so slightly noticeable assault of the musky smell wafting from the two lovebirds. 

“Oh goodness...I’m so sorry, Angel! You’re right... Once I finish tending to everyone, Rainbow and I will take a bath to get cleaned up, don’t worry.” Fluttershy assured as she backed off.

He tossed her an annoyed look, especially appalled by how she could let her mane become such a mess and bounded angrily off to go find his own food. As soon as he made it inside he slammed the front door. There was no way he was letting that randy rainbow pegasus back inside without a bath. Two sweaty pegasi were too much for his poor nose!

“Looks like we should have taken a dip first,” Dash commented wearing a grin upon her muzzle. 

“But I’m sure we can’t be that bad... It’s only like I smell a little of you.” 

Dash giggled. “Yea, I see that little pest likes the smell of me so much, I nearly killed him.”

“Oh, he’s only being overly dramatic, Rainbow.” Fluttershy nuzzled her mare, inhaling the erotic scent that she had already grown to enjoy from her companion. 

“Figured,” Dash chuckled. “But you do look like you need a bath. I’ve given you my messed up mane.”

The pretty pink maned mare slowly turned, a purposeful stride in her step as she moved off to tend to her pets, tail waving coyly in the air. “Well, what if it suits me right now. I’m sure my Dashie needs a bath more than me. I can’t remember the last time I saw you shower.”

“Hey! Not fair!” Complained the speedster. “I do shower, and you know it!”

The buttery mare gave a departing wink, “and when you do, I’m sure you will look even prettier for me.” 

Fluttershy went to work on finishing up tending to her animals. As much as she would have preferred a bath right now with her mare, the strong blue pegasus decided to wait a moment to allow her fillyfriend some time with the pets. Rainbow Dash smirked as she watched her fillyfriend’s hindquarters, feeling her wings rise as she caught a glimpse of what the messy tail hid.

As soon as Fluttershy placed food in the last bowel, Rainbow Dash leapt into action. “Bath time!” The speedy mare grabbing the surprised pegasus in her forehooves as she lifted off into the air. 

The athlete gracefully looped around in mid air, flying right down into the peaceful creek that ran alongside the house. Fluttershy gasped in shock as the cold water impacted with her. 

“How’s that, Fluttershy?” Dash grinned cheekily as she floated under the shocked pony. 

“Rainbow!!” Fluttershy whined, shivering and pouting. “...Why did you do that? It wasn't fair.”

“Nope. You gave me a free shot.” The cheeky mare ran her hoof along said area, causing the shy pony on top to ‘eep’ and jump.

“Dash, you naughty pony!” Fluttershy slapped the offending blue hoof. 

“You weren’t complaining last night...” Rainbow purred, smirking.

“Well- no.” Fluttershy blushed, looking away for a moment. “But this isn’t fair... you killed the mood. Bad Dashie! Don’t do it again, please. I-if that’s okay with you.” As her sentence faltered, her gaze fell to the water in submission.

A guilty look overcame the cyan pegasus then as she brought a foreleg around her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I guess I wasn’t thinking, was I? I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

“It’s okay. We’re still learning...” Fluttershy snuggled into her wet mare. “You’re so much warmer than this stream.” She cooed, gently yet dominantly pressing her pegasus back into the water. 

“Well, I am Rainbow Dash, and I’m on fire, baby!” Dash giggled, allowing her lover to snuggle in close.

Fluttershy giggled as she continued to cuddle into the plush cyan coat. “Now, how about we have a proper bath? I don’t think my stream is made for ponies to wash up after a... special night. I-if that’s okay with you?” 

“What the hay. But you’re taking it with me, Flutters,” Dash smirked.

“I never said I wouldn’t.” And with that, the emboldened pegasus whipped up a wing adding a further layer of muddy water to her already drenched companion’s coat.  

Fluttershy let out a light giggle before leaping ungainly out of the stream and rushing inside with her fillyfriend hot on her trail. 





After their bath, the two mares dried off with Fluttershy’s warm, fluffy towels as they sat on the living room floor. Of course, Fluttershy snuggled close, to which Rainbow Dash happily accepted and cuddled her fillyfriend close.

“...Rainbow?”

“Yes?” Dash asked, a confident grin plastered across her face.

Hesitating with what she was about to ask, the creamy yellow pegasus looked around nervously for a moment. She bit her lip, considering whether or not to go through with it, Fluttershy managed to gaze into her companion’s curious cerise eyes that met her own. She realized now was pretty much as good at time as any. Too soon, maybe, but then again, considering everything else, it didn’t seem like a stretch at all. At least, she hoped it wasn’t.

Heart pounding, muscles contracting, and her stomach churning with anxiety, Fluttershy voiced her little wish in a soft whisper as she looked up at her lover pleadingly. “Rainbow Dash... would you like to move back in with me?”

A massive grin spread across the light blue mares face. “Fluttershy, I’d love to!”

“Really? Y-you don’t mind living here again? I know how much you wanted to get away and have your own, more awesome place.”

“Well, sure! It was my first place too, so I know my way around! Living here again will be cool. I'll even keep my cloud house so we can use it as a ‘vacation’ retreat!” Dash pacified, grinning as widely as her muzzle would allow.

“Yay!” Fluttershy cheered, hugging the smiling pegasus.

“You didn’t think I’d say no did you?”

“Well... no. Um... Maybe?” The meek reply was barley audible, even in the quiet of Fluttershy’s cottage. 

“We have got to work on that,” remarked Dash.

“Work on what?” Asked the shy pony, still recovering from the aftermath of the good news. 

“That... you know. The whole being too shy to ask something. I’ve always been happy to move back in! I just thought that maybe you needed some more space.”

Fluttershy stood in silence for a few moments as she processed the new information. “Thank you Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to me, really.”





Pinkie Pie was working the register at Sugarcube Corner that morning, happily humming to herself as she cheerfully served the customers. Just as always, she was having a super day and felt nothing less than the happy tingles of joy when she managed to make the customers smile upon giving them their desired treats.

The pink Earth pony paused, concentrating for a moment on her Pinkie Sense. She smiled then, knowing exactly what was going to come.

Pinkie giggled to herself. “Dashie’s going to crash into the shop in about five seconds!”

The front door burst open and in flew Rainbow Dash with her elated fillyfriend clutched in her forehooves as if the shy mare were her bride. 

“Guess what, Pinkie! We’re getting married!” Cried a very elated cyan pegasus, trailing her signature polychromatic trail. 

The pink party pony’s jaw hit the floor. A dead, stony silence now filled the bakery for a few moments. 

“You’re what? Dashie that’s amazing!” Pinkie sprung into the air like a shell from one of her canons. “Ooh! This calls for a massive party! Oooooohh!! And I’ll throw your reception and make your cake! Yay!! This will be wonderful!”

“Oh, what will be wonderful, darling?” Rarity queried as she walked into the shop.

“Hi, Rarity! Guess what?! Dashie and Flutters are getting married!”

The alabaster unicorn looked like she had just been hit by a sledgehammer. 

“What?!” She quickly recovered as her mind pieced together the unexpected news. “Oh, darlings! It’s so wonderful to hear!” She rushed up to the two pegasi who were still wrapped in each other's hooves. 

“Well- actually...” Fluttershy began.

“This is marvellous!! Oh, Fluttershy, you must allow me to make your wedding dress! It would be my honour! Rainbow Dash, I will also construct a fine dress for you, too!”

“Um, actually...” The quiet pegasus once again attempted to get a word in.

“Now now, dear! I insist!” Rarity waved her hoof. “I’ll be sure to make dresses for the wedding party, of course! We’ll all have a meeting about it later on!”

Dash let out an immature giggle. Things were getting to be too good!

“But, Rarity...” A very brushy yellow pegasus attempted one last time.

“Ooooooooohhh!!! That sounds nice, Rare-bear!” Pinkie giggled brightly. “Who’s gonna be the bride?!! Fluttershy? I knew it! Dashie, who do you want to be your best mare?! I bet it’ll be Applejackie! Or you can pick me! But wait, nope! I’m doing the reception and helping with catering yummy treats, so Applejackie it is! Where’s Twi-Twi? She can help organize the wedding itself, she’s super duper good at organizing!!”

At the end of the party mare’s raving, Rainbow Dash couldn’t take it any longer, she toppled over onto the floor laughing. A very embarrassed Fluttershy gazed down at her.

“Rainbow Dash! Why in Equestria are you laughing?! This isn’t funny! This is a joyous occasion! I would expect you to take your upcoming marriage to Fluttershy seriously!” Rarity chided.

“That’s exactly it!” Managed the pony in hysterics before she continued to laugh raucously.

“It’s exactly what, Dashie?” Pinkie cocked her head curiously, joy still permeating out of her like a waterfall of chocolate.

“Best... joke... ever!” Cyan hooves pounded the ground, trying to relieve her aching tummy as laughter continued to rack her body.

“I had nothing to do with it... she just- did it on the spot,” Fluttershy admitted, looking away shamefacedly.

“Oh, darling! I’m sorry!” Rarity came up to her yellow friend and offered her a hug. “I never meant to embarrass you.”

Fluttershy smiled, “It’s okay, Rarity. I-I think it was very sweet of you.”

“So... it’s cancelled?” Pinkie whimpered sadly, mane wilting.

“Darling, it was never on, to begin with. It was all just a crazy joke from our town prankster here.” Rarity turned to the grinning culprit, giving her an angry glare. 

“Awww, but Dashie, that’s saddy waddy! You don’t want to marry Flutters? But why not?” Pinkie pouted.

Rainbow Dash resisted the urge to facehoof, instead she wrapped a wing around her shy companion as she rose. “Look, Pinks. Come on, it's too soon!”

Pinkie grinned, instantly recovering. “Okay!”

Blushing, but smiling appreciatively, Fluttershy giggled and nuzzled her lover.

“Sorry about being too fast for you there Fluttershy. I don’t want to push you.” The cyan mare whispered.

Fluttershy placed her mouth at her companion’s ear before she replied, “Rainbow... All you need to do is ask.” 

Dash blushed, looking away with a bashful smile. It was almost hard to resist actually seeing that through. Then again, she wasn’t even sure if they were ready for that. Dash knew she certainly wasn’t ready, even if her shy fillyfriend was. Which was odd considering what had happened yesterday. But still... she figured it better to wait until a more appropriate time. 

Besides, Fluttershy deserved a much better marriage proposal than this.

“I think I’ll pass on that, Fluttershy.” 

For one split second, Fluttershy looked stricken. “...Oh, okay. I'm sorry.”

“But only for now. We should wait. And besides, I'd rather ask you to marry properly. You know... do it in the most awesomest way ever. I'm not so good at being sappy, so that's why I kinda need more time to think about it. What I meant to say to Pinkie was it was too soon. But I do want to in the future.” A little smirk overcame the daredevil's face as she whispered in her ear, “Promise.”

Inwardly berating herself for having doubted Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled her fillyfriend again, nodding, “I understand, Rainbow. You're absolutely right. We should wait.” Turning to their friends, she spoke up. “There is one thing, though. We- well... decided to move back in together.”

“Yay! I still get to throw a party! Moving in party time! Look out, Pinkie Pie coming through!” The party pony bounced ecstatically out into the kitchen. “Party next week! Don’t miss it!”

“We won’t,” Dash replied to the long gone party pony. 

“Well, I guess.” Fluttershy shyly said.

“You two girls missed your party yesterday. I think you at least owe Pinkie that much.” Rarity smiled kindly at the couple. 

“Oh yeah...” Dash grinned mischievously as the memory of what they had done instead of the party sprung to mind.

“Um...! Sorry. We were... well we um. Watching the owls!” Fluttershy gulped. “And lost track of the time.”

Rarity giggled. “Fluttershy dear, you really are no good at lying. Whatever happened must have been good for the two of you to skip out on a Pinkie party.”

“Yep! It was fun.” The mischievous look had yet to leave the cyan mare’s face.      

Rarity raised an eyebrow, but then caught on. “Oh? Well at least you managed to enjoy yourselves,” she giggled.

“So! You two will be there for the Moving In Party, right?!” Pinkie Pie grinned, bouncing up to the pair.

“Yes Pinkie. We will.” Fluttershy promised with a smile. “It's the least we could do for having missed out, and we do apologize for that.”

The spastic earth pony leapt for joy, accompanied by several streamers. “Oh, goodie! I don’t want to find two of my bestest best friends in the whole of Equestria to have bailed again to have sweet kinky pegasus sex! But that's okay, you sillies! I wouldn't want you to show up feeling completely tense, anyway!”

Fluttershy squealed in surprise and hid her face in Rainbow’s mane at the very open declaration Pinkie had made.

“Pinkie! We would never do that!” Rainbow Dash cried out defensively. 

“Oooooh yes you would.” The springy mare bounced closer, a cheeky grin covering her whole face. “Why else would your coats shine and your mane look so nice and your-”

Dash stuck a cyan hoof in the overtalktive pony’s mouth “Okay we get it. Just, please calm down. You’re embarrassing Fluttershy.” She rocked her fillyfriend back and forth comfortingly. By the blush on both their faces, it was clear that Fluttershy wasn’t the only pony embarrassed. 

The door to Sugarcube corner once again opened to reveal Twilight Sparkle, who wore a smile on her muzzle, delighted to see her friends.

“Hiiiiiii Twi-Twi!” Pinkie bounded up to her unicorn friend and hugged her.

“Hello, Pinkie. What is going on here?” Twilight asked with a lost look upon her face. Nonetheless, she returned the hug and patted the earth pony's back.

“Oh, we were talking about things!” Pinkie giggled.

“Things that make such wonderful news and gossip!” Rarity gushed, she couldn’t help herself.

Fluttershy paled at the alabaster mare’s remark. “Rarity, please, no. Don't start spreading this around. I'm not saying it's because we want to keep it secret, but it's just that I don't want anypony else knowing our business.”

“Darling, don’t you worry, I only said it would make gossip. Not that I would actually spread it,” assured the snow white unicorn, patting her friend on the head.

“O-okay, thank you.” 

“Okay, Pinks! Hand over the goods! Yeah, that’s the real reason for here. Food!” Rainbow spoke up then, motioning to the pink earth pony.

“Okey-dokey-lokie!” Pinkie nodded before she bounced off to the kitchen.

Twilight blinked a few times, looking around the room. “So... what is going on?”

“May I?” Rarity asked the new couple.

Fluttershy glanced up at Rainbow Dash who grinned down at her lovingly. “It’ll be okay. She’s only Twilight.”

“I know, and of course we can tell her,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Well, dear,” the alabaster unicorn turned back to Twilight, “Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are moving back in together!”

“Really?” Twilight’s confused look broke into a smile, “Aww, that’s great, you two! I guess it’ll be nice to be living together again, won’t it?”

“Yep, it’ll be awesome!” Rainbow Dash replied as she held herself proudly by her fillyfriend’s side. “Fluttershy and me are going to have so much fun!”

“Oh,” Fluttershy giggled, flattered by her sweet compliment. “Well yes. It’s going to be lovely.” She gently nuzzled her fillyfriend, enjoying how open her affections were around their friends. 

“Okay, get a room you two,” Twilight said, cutting into their moment of intimacy.

“Don’t ya’ll encourage ‘em!” Applejack laughed as she came into the room from the kitchen. “Howdy, y’all! Ah was just helpin’ out in the kitchen since Ah have some free time this mornin’!”

“Hey there, AJ!” Dash waved at her farmer friend. 

“Oh don’t worry Applejackie.” Pinkie appeared alongside the orange mare. “They’ve already gotten really close and kinky! Dashie told us all about it! Theres not much more that they can do.” She giggled as Fluttershy hid in utter embarrassment under the wing of the cyan pegasus next to her who looked as if she wanted to deck the loudmouthed party pony. 

Applejack’s jaw dropped as she whistled, “Weeeellll doggy!”

“Pinkie. I don’t need everypony knowing about my love life. I’ve got a reputation of awesomeness to keep and that won’t help it.” Rainbow Dash complained, slowly advancing upon the cheeky mare.

“As one who must upkeep a reputation of her own, I certainly concur,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “It would be best if we were not to broadcast such things.”

“Don’t y’all worry, Ah won’t tell anypony,” Applejack promised.

“OOhhh! Silly me!” Pinkie disappeared super quick with a comical swoosh.

“What is she all about?” Twilight asked, feeling completely lost again.

“Breakfast for everypony!” Pinkie yelled as she boldly re-entered with a cart bearing some breakfast dishes. Cereal, milk, eggs, toast, waffles, fruit, and pancakes.

“Oooohh! Yummy!” Fluttershy smiled brightly, feeling hungrier than she thought and emerging completely from her lover’s protection.

Dash’s tummy announced itself as she allowed herself to be herded toward the tray of food by her hungry fillyfriend. 

“Hope y’all enjoy! Pinkie an’ Ah prepared it!” The proud farmer announced, trailing her fellow earth pony. 

“It looks great, Applejack, Pinkie! Let’s eat!” Twilight added last before she joined in, horn aglow, ready to take her serving. 

The 6 mares took a dish each, settling down, two per table. Fluttershy immediately settled down next to her mare, settling into her morning meal. Rainbow smiled broadly as the attack of warm fuzzes assaulted her system, yellow feathers brushing against light blue. 

Getting a cute idea, Fluttershy took her spoon and took a small helping of fruit salad, holding it out to Dash for her to take.

Dash looked at her for a moment, a big blank look upon her face. She blinked a few times as if wordlessly asking what was going on. 

Fluttershy gave a grin between the spoon she held in her teeth.

Dash’s lips formed a small “o” as realization hit her. A blushing Fluttershy slid the offending spoon into her mare’s mouth. The speedster quickly ate the offering, grinning uncertainly at the blushing pegasus.

With a sweet, loving smile, Fluttershy placed the spoon down and then leaned forward to nuzzle their noses.

Raucous laughter hit them as Pinkie Pie hit the floor, falling into a fit of giggles. 

“Darling, that is the cutest display I have ever seen.” Rarity chimed in, trying to ease the tension a bit.

Dash gave an annoyed scowl and looked away. But when Fluttershy snuggled up and lay her head on her shoulder, she found it impossible to keep the smile off her face.





Canterlot, Palace Throne Room. 

Celestia unleashed a giant sigh as the last of the daily petitioners left. She continued to sit in silence till the light clopping of hooves finally broke the spell. A light blue alicorn slowly approached her.

“Art thou alright sister?”

“I could be better,” the sunny princess admitted as she stood from her throne. 

“What happened? Have the griffin’s done something violent toward ponies in our lands again?” 

“Griffins? No. Nobles and their problems.” 

“Surely if that was all, thou wouldst have strode out and greeted me?” 

Celestia sighed, maybe she should share with her sister and get it off her chest. After a moment longer she, at last, broke her silence, “a minotaur. Highly unusual for them to come into our lands, but this one claimed the griffins had stolen something from him while on the border of our land and the offending griffins escaped deeper into our territories. He demanded we tell him where they fled to so he could hunt them down and exact vengeance. I could not help him.” 

“Surely tis not our problem?” Luna wondered aloud. 

“He claimed to have in his possession a powerful artifact.” 

The smaller alicorn shot her sister a careful look. After scanning the set white jaw and the serious expression in her eyes, Luna blanched. “Does thou think the griffins are collecting powerful artifacts for nefarious reasons?” 

“It’s more than that Sister. I worry that some griffin has discovered tails of Warbeak.” 

“Surely it could not be one of Warbeak's Talismans?”

“That sister, is what I hope it is not.” After a moment’s silence, the elder sister posed another question. “And what of this trip of yours? I trust from your relaxed entrance that it was successful?” 

“We found it. There had been a cave-in which forced us to teleport into the cavern itself. This will make it harder for others to find.” 

“Thank you sister,” Celestia changed the topic as a coy smile slid across her lips, “so... how is your first friend doing?”

“We wish we had more spare time to spend with her,” Luna admitted with a sigh. “Yet both our duties and hers keep us apart.”

“Care to share who this pony is?” The sunny mare bore a twinkle in her eye.

“We do not wish to be teased, dear sister.” 

“Is that a no?” Celestia pouted. 

The light blue mare stuck her nose up and away from her elder sibling. 

The sunny ruler laughed at her sister’s antics. “My dear Luna, this must be quite some mare for you to act this way. Does my sister think she’s found the one? Should I set up a place in our gardens for you to take her on a date when you both finally do find a moment to share?” 

“She is truly amazing. That is all for now.” The light blue princess of the night strode resolutely off. After a moment of grinning in silence, Celestia followed. 

As the pair trouped down the hallways toward the royal dining room the mood settled down and the sunny alicorn spoke up once more. “I think I’ll inform Spitfire of this theft. If any of her team can find any griffins who look suspicious we may be lucky and discover if this minotaur was carrying a dangerous talisman or not.” 

“Good idea.” Luna seconded her sister, “although I have a feeling that we might be too late.”
> Chapter Eleven: Nightmare Night Suprises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Seven months later... at the defeat of Discord

Canterlot Palace

Celestia smiled as the element bearers were cheered on by the multitude of ponies in her throne room for their victory over Discord. While the ruling mare felt happy for her loyal element bearers, she also felt a little hollow inside. The surprise release of her old flame had left her shaken, yet she did what she did best and put her mask on and smiled radiantly for the benefit of her subjects. 

As the cheering subsided, Twilight cast her gaze up at her longtime mentor and gave her a special smile, “thank you, Celestia.”

The elder mare could read by her protégée's expression that there was more to the sentence, somewhere along the lines of; ‘thank you for leading me to my friends. Thank you for your guidance, without you, none of this would have happened.’ 

“It has been my pleasure.” 





Canterlot Gardens

One lone alicorn’s horn flared slightly as she carefully placed a rather frightened looking statuesque form of Discord back where he belonged in her garden. Her heart tore at the fear on his face from his final moments when he realized his trickery had failed him. That moment before the magic of friendship consumed him and returned him to his stone prison. 

As soon as the stone creature was secure, the pure white alicorn turned and hurried off, afraid that somepony might catch her with her mask broken by pain. 






That Evening...

Canterlot Gardens

In a private corner of the moonlit Canterlot gardens, there was a small stream that meandered from a water fountain, through the grove then disappeared through a hedge.  A pure white alicorn lay with her hooves in the cool water. Her eyes were closed as a trickle of tears ran down her cheeks. The river of sadness dripped off her muzzle and peacefully joined the running water that passed through the white hooves, void of their golden horseshoes. 

“Sister, We came as quickly as-” A darkly armoured hoof carefully entered the stream at the edge of the royal mare’s vision. “Sister?”

A shuddering breath was drawn from the alicorn then slowly released. All the colours of the rainbow entered the water and swirled slowly around as Celestia’s head dipped lower till it rested in her forehooves, her mane almost entirely in the water. 

The intruder, dark as night and armed for battle, took a single step closer then lent down a bit to examine her grieving companion. “Cele?”

The big white mare shook her head and turned away from her companion. 

“Celestia?” Luna stood tall in her imposing steel midnight armour as she examined her sibling. After a moment of quiet sniffles, she used her magic to remove the leather fastenings and with a clank, the set of armour was tossed to the side. The dark blue alicorn knelt down at her sister’s side, then placed a wing carefully around her back and drew her close. 

The pair sat with only the trickle of the stream to break their peace. 

After a few moments, Celestia, at last, spoke; “he showed no signs, Luna. None. It was as though I meant nothing to him at all.” 

“What?” Luna withdrew slightly to gaze at her older sister. 

“He made fun of me for being so boring but that was about it. He then made a silly riddle for the girls to find the elements then left. It was like this game was more important than I was to him.” 

As the younger alicorn processed her sister’s words, Celestia continued softly; “I had hoped ...that- if ever he broke free that maybe ...he might remember. Or- or care. Yet when he put on his game face and I wore my mask it almost felt as though we had only ever been enemies.”

Luna found herself wishing she had been there to support her sister, or at least challenge the master of chaos and attempt to break his facade. 

“Putting him back there- as a statue this afternoon hurt Lulu. I wish I had been brave enough to go after him myself, yet I failed to leave my castle. I watched from my throne room, safe while Canterlot fell to his madness. I should have done something. I should have tried to help my little ponies. But- but...” the tearful alicorn’s tone dropped, “But I just sat there in the hope that Twilight and her friends would save the day. And they did...” A wet white hoof whipped at her muzzle as she turned to face her dark sister. 

“Oh Cele...” Luna trailed off as she embraced her sister. 

After several moments, the two sisters withdrew. 

“Shall We take over for a few days? Give thou a chance to recover?” 

The sunny mare turned her gaze to the beautiful surrounds once more, “I will be fine.” 

“But thou art not fine.” 

“Do not worry about me, dear Luna. Once I get a good night’s sleep, I’m sure I’ll be fine. This is not the first time Discord has broken my heart.” 

The younger alicorn scoffed, “do not try and brush me off. I know thou art skilled at hiding your pain from your little ponies, but we can see through thee, sister.” 

Celestia wiped her muzzle with a wet forehoof and turned to face her sister. “I’m serious Lulu. I think I feel a bit better already. Having you by my side once more does wonders when times are hard.” 

“Then we shall stay here till thou art fit for duty once more.” 

“Thank you.” 

Luna once again gave her sister a tight hug then the duo relaxed a bit, to share the remainder of the evening together. 






A week later

Canterlot Palace

With the moon freshly in the sky, the two sisters stood for a moment at the balcony where they often performed their celestial duties. The sunny alicorn cleared her throat and spoke up. “Remember Nightmare night?”

“Yes,” Luna responded uncertainly. 

“I have been thinking... since it is coming up, why don't you take a trip to Ponyville for that evening and visit your special friend.” A bright smile appeared on the sunny mare’s muzzle. 

“What makes thee think my friend is in Ponyville?” The younger alicorn answered defensively. 

“I have my sources.” Celestia’s look became all knowing and cheeky. “Something tells me she would like to see you too, especially now that you have been restored to your full power.” 

Luna shot her sister a guarded look, did Celestia know? Surely that was impossible? 

“As thou wishes. I suppose it is time for us to at last show thyself to our subjects once more.” The dark alicorn sighed, this was going to be tough.

“I know you can do it, I believe in you.” 

“Thanks, Cele.” 

“Lulu... Should I write to your friend to inform her of your visit, or would you prefer to make a surprise entrance?” 

The dark mare shot her sister a warning look. “We shall arrive when and where we shouldst chose, thankee very much.” 

A pure white hoof booped the dark blue snoot. “Then remember, have fun and don’t be late to your own event.” 

“We shan't.” Luna headed for the exit but paused as her sister shifted as though she wished to say one last thing. 

“No, I shouldn’t,” Celestia smiled brightly as though she had the full set of aces and knew it. 

“Shouldn’t what?” 

“It will be more fun for you this way, just go.” The sunny mare waved her sister playfully off.

“What?” Luna stood her ground, certain that her sister was simply teasing her. 

“Today I have received a very excited letter from my student, Twilight. Her costume is right up your alley.”

Luna decided to play her sister’s game. If Celestia somehow knew about her connection to Twilight, she may as well have some fun with it. “Pray tell, what does Twilight’s costume have to do with anything?” 

“You see... This friend of yours.” Celestia’s hoof coyly drew circles on the stone underhoof. 

She does know!?! A tingle of panic shot up Luna’s back.

“I fully approve of you two, by the way,” the sunny ruler met her sister’s eyes and continued to smile with delight. 

“But we haven’t even done anything! We have not had so much as a chance to send her a letter this whole month.” 

“Ah, so it is Twilight then,” Celestia’s smile grew victorious. “You know Luna, that explains a few things. But I’ve said too much already. I should let you discover this on your own.” 

“Thou wouldst pair thy student with thy sister?” 

The elder mare shrugged. “What the two of you decide to do to with your relationship is not my business. But I can see how she might be the mare you have been seeking all these years.” 

Luna huffed. 

“Good luck.” Celestia waved at her younger sibling, “and please, don’t chicken out, you might find you enjoy both the festival and her company.” 

“We shall see.” 

“Oh and Lulu.” 

The younger alicorn once again paused, about to exit once more and shot her sibling a guarded look.

“I trust that should you ever take her for a roll in the hay, there is no need to share the details with me.” 

“Why!?” Luna exclaimed, hardly able to believe what her companion had just said. “Sister, how could you even say such things about a filly you put so much effort into raising?” 

The pure white alicorn relaxed against the stone railing, “I remember how you never enjoyed me sharing my stories.” 

“Yes...” Luna deadpanned, “Still. Remember what I said when we were younger?” 

“Yes I do,” Celestia nodded, “you told me that if I ever caught you kissing a mare, that I was to begin planning your wedding.” 

“Well. Since thou remeberst that, surely thou knowst that there is no need to worry about what thy sister may or may not be doing with her student in bed. For we are not even betrothed.”

Celestia grinned, “well then. I assume that should I ever catch you kissing your special mare that I shall begin planning the wedding of two mares of the night. 

“Don’t get thy hopes up,” Luna warned. 

“Why not? I can put in a good word for you.” 

“Sister, if we are to make an honest attempt we shall do so without thy intervention.” 

The sunny mare shrugged. “My offer still stands. Goodnight, Lulu.”

“Goodnight, sister.” The door closed behind the dark blue alicorn.

Celestia turned her gaze to the magnificent night sky above and couldn't help but grin to herself. 






A weeks later

Ponyville, Twilight’s library

Twilight collapsed onto her bed with a massive smile upon her muzzle. What an amazing Nightmare night that was!

And she had the opportunity to bond with Princess Luna! 

While it had come as a shock to her that the pretty, small alicorn had transformed into a much bigger, more intimidating alicorn, what had surprised her the most was how Luna herself had acted. She had never expected the full form of an alicorn to come with the royal Canterlot voice, something she had only ever read about in old stories. But on top of that, despite her position of power, Luna had continued to be highly awkward around other ponies. It almost reminded her of well... herself when she first came to Ponyville. Although the way the princess dealt with foals was totally adorable! Who knew that such an imposing mare could be so gentle and timid. It brought a big silly smile to Twilight's muzzle and she hugged her pillow joyfully. 

Twilight felt like Luna had come seeking acceptance from her subjects and was glad that with her help, their effort had been successful. Once Luna overcame her inner doubts and reservations for scaring ponies, it was clear that she had enjoyed herself. 

The young mare rolled over to gaze out the window to the stars beyond and smiled at the view. What an amazing artist Luna was! It was almost a shame she had to leave so early once the main proceedings were over. 

Twilight was glad that she had reconnected with her. Maybe their letter exchanges could become more constant now and if she was really lucky, Luna might even want to spend more time with her in pony. 

Oh there was so much she wanted to ask her, about her night sky... and what sort of ancient magic she knew. There were also many things about old Equestria that Luna was sure to remember better than her sister, thanks to having been away for so long. But, there was also something else between them, but it was hard to put her hoof on it and say what that was. Twilight knew it was there and could tell that whatever was between them both was special. None of her friends appeared to have bonded with Luna as she had. 

Twilight simply knew that Princess Luna was special. Maybe that's what it felt like to be friends with the matron of the night? After all, neither princess appeared to have many real friends. With that thought, Twilight determined that she would be the best friend that she could be to Luna. 

With a yawn, Twilight settled down in bed, a big smile on her face.  

Yes, she would love to see Luna again.





The skies near Canterlot

The regal form of Princess Luna sped across the night sky toward Canterlot. 

Her wingbeats quickened with excitement. She just couldn't wait to personally tell her sister about the most wonderful experience she just had. Nightmare night had not only redeemed itself, but she had gotten to personally know more about the star student her sister often talked about. The mare she had tried to talk to over letters while in her lesser form. 

Her ...crush. 

 What a silly name for it. It’s not like she wanted to crush Twilight.

Luna barreled through the front castle doors in the most unbecoming of ways, she almost smacked into several startled ponies on night patrol who immediately threw themselves down, bowing to the princess of the night.

She ignored the lot and thundered onwards, her hoofbeats like thunder as she sped around corridors to meet her older sister. The younger alicorn rushed into her sister’s room and skidded to a stop in front of the small ornate writing desk her older sibling currently occupied.  

"Sister. Thou hast no idea how wonderful my Nightmare Night hast been!"

Celestia smiled warmly at her younger sister as she turned to greet her and abandoned the paperwork she had been attending to. She laughed quietly at her sister’s roughed up appearance. 

"So I can see. My, my Luna, you look like you fought gale force winds to get back here."

Luna checked her appearance in the reflection and realized how messed up she appeared, wings partly extended, mane split into multiple sections. Wait, wings!? She shuffled them back into their neatly folded positions by her sides and did her best to calm down. 

"Did Twilight and her friend’s treat you well Lulu?"

Luna turned to once again face her sister. A smile stretched all the way across her midnight blue face.

"Well… at first, twas horrible. Everypony was frightened of us. But Twilight Sparkle was amazing. She took us under her care and refused to give up on us. By night's end, even the foals were not afraid of us. Twas more fun than we have had in millennia!"

"The others helped too, I would guess." Celestia couldn't help but smile at the exuberant display before her.

"Yes. Though it was mostly thy gifted student who showed us the way. She's amazing."

"Yes, she is." Looking at the dark, star-studded face before her, Celestia decided that maybe introducing more Twilight into Luna’s life would be a good thing after all.






The following Day

Canterlot Palace Throne Room

Morning in the castle brought with it the usual sight of the princess on her throne. However, her morning was disturbed by a light red wonderbolt stallion as he rushed in, out of breath, escorted by two royal guards. 

“Princess Celestia.” The Wonderbolt stallion almost faceplanted as he bowed in the face of royalty. 

“Arise. What is the matter?” 

The light red stallion arose and with a slight shake, stood tall.  "We... wish to inform you that our unit responded to an incident last night. Some ponies on the road outside Baltmare were found dead last night. They were still dressed up in their  Nightmare Night costumes. The wounds they bore were clearly caused by a  mix of claws and blunt trauma weapons such as might be sustained by  maces or a thick club."

Celestia was shocked at the news, but did her best to hide it. "You mean to say that some creature attacked these ponies?"

"We strongly suspect it was a unit of griffons acting with intent to kill."

At this, Princess Celestia straightened and her serene attitude shifted to one of guarded anger. "That is a serious accusation. Are you sure the  perpetrators were griffons?"

"We are. All that's left is four earth ponies, two of whom were young. All appeared to have been slaughtered in cold blood. They were less than a mile away from the city, just inside the woodlands. A guard stumbled upon their corpses past midnight and reported it to us. We found no further trace of any griffons in the area. We suspect from the way the family had been dragged off the road that the perpetrators were in the middle of attempting to hide their crime when something chased them off. However,  what concerns me is that one of their family photos depicted a third foal. That young pony is missing, presumed dead."

"This is most concerning. Thank you for your diligence and your speed. Rest up. Then return to your unit. I will speak with Spitfire and the head of the royal guard as it appears were are forced to increase security on our borders to keep our lands safe from rogues. Then I shall organize an  envoy to visit this griffin lord."

"Yes, Princess." The stallion bowed then made a prompt exit.

Celestia sighed to herself. This was not going to be fun.






That Evening...


Canterlot Palace, Celestia’s quarters

“Yes.” The regal white alicorn turned her attention back to the landscape outside. “It would appear that being locked away for a thousand years has allowed for certain politics to slip through your hooves dear sister. Are you aware of the unrest within the griffin lands?”

“No.” Luna did her best to ignore the part about her locked away. Those were all memories she could do without. “But we have heard rumours. Rogues and the like. Art thou seriously implying that they are true?” 

“I fear that some of them are. My guards tell me of a recent attack upon a family of ponies out past Baltmare. None survived and what's more, it appears that a foal from their family was possibly taken. For what reason, we do not know.”

Luna could hardly believe her ears, yet here she was, listening to her sister tell of the unthinkable happening in their own lands. “Art thou certain? There has been no such occurrence for generations.”

Celestia maintained her vision upon her lands in refusal to face her sister. “I am grieved to say it but I am certain of it. This happened the other evening on Nightmare Night. To top it all off, this evening I received confirmation that the safehouse that contained the dark griffon tail ring has been broken into. When? We do not know, but it appears as though this breach happened many moths, if not a year or two ago. The artifact has been stolen. My officers suspect it is the griffins, or a strong rogue unit of their kind.”

Deep green orbs gazed with cation at the pure white alicorn beside her. “But that... that is impossible. How could anypony alive know?”

“I somehow doubt it was a pony who told our less than friendly friends. We have to remember, the griffins keep their own records too. If they are able to reunite the pieces of the key, I fear the power of friendship will struggle to hold back his power for long.”

“But we banished him!” A deep blue hoof slammed against the stone floor of the bedroom. 

For a few moments, a shocked silence invaded. A highly indignant Luna stared at her passive sister who lent upon the windowsill. The alicorn of the sun slowly turned to face her sister.

“Both you and I know remember those times. We could not win alone. The power of harmony saved us that day. I am glad that the artifact that you checked on was still safe and appeared to be caved in, for it means that they are unlikely to secure all six talismans of Warbeak. However, should it come to that again, we had better hope Twilight and her friends are up to the challenge."

Luna nodded solemnly. She didn’t like the idea of her amazing young mare being forced to face a tyrant such as Warbeak. “Sister, shouldst such a time come... thou know where I shall be.” 

“Lulu, we both know you are a warrior at heart. I would expect nothing less from you than to stand at your mare’s side.” 

The dark alicorn felt her cheeks heat at the mention of Twilight as her mare and her gaze wistfully shifted to the window and the world beyond. 

“Luna.” The serious tone of the pure white alicorn drew the younger siblings' attention once more. “I want you to speak of this to no pony."

"Why?" 

"Just for now. I will visit this griffon lord and seek answers. In the meantime, I shall require you to rule here, alone.” 

“But surely, if we went in thy place, fewer of our subjects would have cause for worry!” 

“That is true. But you have been absent for many years sister.” 

A sour look flashed across the dark mare’s muzzle. “I can do it.”

The two stood, scanning each other’s faces in silence for a few moments before Celestia nodded slowly. “As you wish. But take your fastest thestral guards with you and allow me to quickly prepare you a few notes.” 

Luna nodded and headed out. A few paces from her sister’s room two night guards appeared at her side, “Nocturn. Please bring me Swift Strike and Dark Claw. Then I require you two to rest up in preparation of my return.” 

“Yes, mistress.” The batpony commander bowed then slunk off into the shadows.

The dark mare's mind drifted off to the artifact she had found in the caved-in cave. She knew it had been a poor decision to reach out and touch. Yet what could she tell her sister? That she couldn't help herself? That some part of Nightmare Moon was in fact still inside her and this artifact called out in such a way that she could not say no? 

No.

It was far better if every creature believed that talisman of Warbeak was still in its place, deep down in that cave.
> Chapter Twelve: Revival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The next day, moonrise

Mighty Wing border, Griffonstone 

Luna’s horn lit with celestial power as she brought forth the moon. She left many of her stars asleep as she wished for a darker kind of night.

Swift Strike, the bat pony commander on her right glanced up and grinned, “I like it.”

“Thank you,” Luna smiled back. “Ah, we see company. It appears my little stunt has found an audience.”

As the armoured griffon guards flew closer the toughest looking one with a chest piece of blacked steel called out; “Halt! State your intentions!”

“I Princess Luna, matron of the night and co-ruler of Equestria hereby call for a meeting with thy counsel. It is an important matter and cannot wait,” the dark princess stated.

“At this time of day?”

“Tis my hours and this is a matter of urgency.”

One of the younger guards scoffed.

The boss griffon of the pack shot the younger guard a warning look. Then he bowed to the dark alicorn as best one could with wings still beating. “As the princess wishes. Follow us.” Turning to his fellow guards he dished out the orders, “alright you lot. I want you to break up and summon the closest four chieftains then meet us at the Chief’s Nest.”

“Yes sir,” the other four guards put on a burst of speed as the unit broke up.





In a flurry of wings, the group landed upon the rough stone courtyard outside the Chief’s Nest, a large stone structure that protruded out of the side of the cliff. The tall trees that were scattered around all bore an armed griffon in their upper branches. All eyes were on the intruding party of ponies as they glanced around. 

The commanding griffon turned to Luna, “now we wait.”

Swift Strike wandered over to the bunker-like structure and plonked himself down, resting against the rough rock and closing his eyes.

“Long flight?” The griffon with the black metal plate armour asked.

“We flew with only short breaks from Canterlot, yea,” Dark Claw replied.

“I see. This really must be important then.”

“Does thou know anything of what goes on beyond thy borders?” Princess Luna asked the lone griffon guard.

“No one tells me nothing.”

“Ah,” Luna nodded slowly. “So if say, there was an unwarranted attack on some ponies in our lands, thou would know nothing of such things?”

“If that was griffins, it sounds like rogues I’m afraid,” the guard sighed. “We got enough problems without a rogue sect making our lives harder.”

“So it has been a problem for you lot as well?” Dark Claw asked.

The griffon removed his helmet and ruffled his head feathers, “oh, you have no idea... Things have been crazy here for a few years now. I just wanna keep my family safe, you know?”

“Yea, I know that feeling,” Dark Claw agreed solemnly. “Say, what's your name? Got something better for me to call you rather than just griffon.”

“Crownquills.” As the relaxed thestral cracked a smile the griffon waved a claw at him, “I know. Dumb name. My idiot dad named me.”  





Well over half an hour drifted by before the first of the griffon leadership arrived.

A large tough griffon with blackened steel armour with fine gold trim across his breastplate along with other adornments touched down a few paces away from the group. He carried a scar on his white face and a keen look in his eyes. Luna had a bad feeling that this was a dangerous creature.

The powerful griffon smiled disarmingly at the alicorn. “Ah, this must be Princess Luna. I had heard rumours of thy return. Your sister’s quite the soft touch isn’t she?”

The dark alicorn fought to keep her gaze neutral. “And thou art?”

“Oh, where are my manners?” The griffon smirked, “I am Chief Grandeur. I rule over Griffonstones’ capital, Mighty Wing. My fellow chieftains from the closest cities should be here shortly.”

“Thank you,” Luna curtly responded.

Time continued to drift by, the one chief kept his silence and Luna was not in the mood to attempt to talk to such a creature.

After what could have been another half hour a griffon in a hooded cape that covered his grey hide and wings touched down. He was flanked by two guards in similar garb. “What is the meaning of this, who disturbed my slumber?”

“Tis I, Princess Luna.”

“Oh,” the older, hooded griffon cast his gaze between his fellow chief and the alicorn. “I’m surprised your authority is recognized here, Nightmare.”

“You will address her majesty as Princess Luna,” Dark Claw was quick to cut in.

The grey griffon scoffed, “it appears I have annoyed the half-breed. You know- I remember when ponies were actual ponies. Not this-”

“Please, do not insult my night guards,” warned the dark alicorn.

“Or what? You’re on our land pony.”

“I raise the moon.”

“So?” The older chief turned to his fellow, “oi scumbag, how long have you been waiting here?”

“An hour, give or take.” Chief Grandeur calmly responded with a snide smile.

“That’s it. No one else is coming tonight. It’s been too long. You can’t call a meeting with only two council members. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Alarm shot through the alicorn, “but-”

“Don’t care. If it’s so important, it can wait until we have at least five of the eight. I’m gonna find a spare nest to crash.”

Chief Grandeur smirked at his disappearing fellow chief. “Oops. Better luck in the morning pony. I take it you all can sleep on clouds alright, our city is closed to your kind.” With that, he took off into the darkness.

Only the guard they first met remained. He almost appeared sheepish, although it was hard for Luna to tell what with him being a griffon and all. “I’m sorry about that lot. I’ll take you up and out of griffon airspace. Don’t want an international incident because you slept on the wrong cloud.”

“Thanks. It appears as though you are the only friendly griffon,” Swift Strike commented as he stood and stretched.

“We’re griffons, not ponies.” Crownquills shrugged. “We are who we are. Follow me.”





Princess Luna awoke on her cloud to the pull of her moon. After a quick yawn, she dipped into her magic and lowered the moon and stars. She smiled to herself as a few moments later she saw her sister’s sun peak over the horizon. Good old Celly... always on time, like clockwork.

The alicorn glanced at the bat ponies on the two clouds nearby and smiled. Swift Strike sat alert and ready while his companion slept.

“Time to try again, princess?”

“That it is.”

“Good. I think I’ve seen two important looking bags of feathers arrive with their guards. I hope the others hurry up.”

“As do I.” As Luna took off she felt a sense of foreboding settle on her. She really hoped the griffons would be helpful, but something told her that was unlikely to be the case.





After another two hours of waiting Princess Luna at last found herself surrounded by all eight griffon chieftains inside the large stone bunker that they called chief’s nest. The only light came from a skylight that was barely big enough to fit a griffon, cut into the roof. The rough stony rock walls were bland and the sturdy circular wooden table in the middle was large enough for eight griffons to sit comfortably around, outside of talons reach from the chiefs on either side. Because there was so much space around the table, the royal mare was able to find a place too, closest to the door. Her guards, along with the griffons own filtered outside to leave their leaders in peace.

As the door swung shut a short creamy brown griffon with a light purple mane slid a barrier across the door to lock it. With a cruel grin, he turned to face the newcomer then slowly sauntered back to his place at the table.

A black griffon with a white head and beak stained white cleared his throat, “It has been many a year since a princess has visited our lands. If it weren't for your presence, I would have slept in today. I do hope that whatever you have to say is of importance.”

As Luna was tired of waiting, she decided to cut straight to the point; “We come asking for thy help. Tis primarily concerning an attack on a group of ponies outside of Baltmare-”

“Where’s that?” the short creamy brown griffon on Luna’s left butted in.

The dark alicorn shot the rude griffon a look, “tis on the coast across from thy shores.”

“Well we don’t care about ponies in Equestria,” the creamy brown griffon continued.

“If thou wouldst let me continue.”

“Yes, shut your beak, Chief Stewie,” an older grey griffon with a hood was quick to add.

The shortest griffon there shot his fellow chief a deadly look as he sat back on his haunches. “You shut up, Patrick.”

“That’s chief to you, young blood.” The eldest griffon slammed his tallon down on the sturdy wooden table in the middle then turned to the alicorn, “continue.”  

“Thank you,” Luna tensely said. “As we were saying... we come because a family of ponies were killed outside of our city Baltmare by a group of griffons-”

“Ha,” scoffed  Zeke the Untamable, a rough looking griffon chief with red painted patterns on his creme face. This mostly brown griffon had one foreclaw half plated in rough steel, presumably due to losing one or more of his digits. He pointed this menacing sharp talon at the lone pony. “That sounds like a pack o’ weak ponies who couldn't defend themselves from th’ wild. How do ya know that this has anything to do with us griffons?”

“Because of the claw marks on the corpses along with other clues,” stated Luna with rising tension.

“If it was griffons, it sounds like a pack of rogues,” added a tough brown and black griffon with a face so tattooed and covered in blue and red warpaint you could not tell its original colour. He waved a red painted claw, “this sounds like nothing to do with us, you are wasting our time, pony.”

“Yea,” Luna’s attention was drawn to the griffon to her right. “This hardly sounds like an international incident or anything close to what would require all eight of our tribes to meet as we have.” Chief Saxon, a strong northern griffon with a rich orange-brown coat flourished his mottled green cloak as he spoke up.

Luna shot the latest speaker a barely continued glare, “we came because the perpetrators escaped and had also captured a foal. Evidence points to griffons, we ask that as one Equestria’s allies that thou support us in seeking out those who broke many laws of our land.”

Chief Stewie once again spoke up from beside Luna, “Poor babe. But that is not any of us. So why should we help you?”

The princess fought back her anger as it bubbled up inside like a great angry beast, asking to be unleashed upon the blockheaded griffons. “Because it was a pack of griffons who clearly are no longer in Equestria and because thou art supposed to be the ones in charge of thy own folk.”

“If I remember correctly,” Chief Grandeur spoke up from across the table to Luna. The powerful griffon stroked the scarred area of his face in thought for a few moments as he held the attention of those present. “Thou did not permit us to take the griffons who had done wrong in thy land before. Why should we care what a band of rogues does now? Tis thy land pony. Sort out your own problems and don’t come begging to us, wasting our time.”

Frustrated, Luna stopped a forehoof, “if thou don’t help us, relations between Equestria and Griffonstone will be at risk. They are already under stress and if thou are not willing to assist us and teach thy citizens to respect our ways when in Equestria then we may be forced to go so far as to temporarily close our borders to all of thy folk.”

“Who cares about some old treaty,” Chief Grandeur shrugged. “You failed to help us, so...” he trailed off as he sat back on his haunches.

“Yea,” agreed Chief Saxon. “I don’t like you coming into our lands and accusing our griffons of things we did not do.”

Luna took a deep breath, this was not going at all as she had hoped, “but what if twas not a band of rogues. How do we know it was not one of you who ordered this attack.”

Chief Phaethon sat forward, the black griffon scowled at the offending pony, “don’t you dare accuse us of such wrongdoing. None of our tribes would be so stupid as to openly attack your lands. We keep mostly to our lands, you keep to yours.”

“Yes.” The last of the eight who had till now remained silent spoke up in his shy tone, “we have no reason to attack such a peaceful nation.”

"Then doesn't thou see our intentions are pure? We had made peace with your tribes long ago. A family hath been slain by rogue griffons! Surely thoust much capable of helping of us track them down. Please, if the treaty between our our nation's means anything to thou all, aid us."

“Not this tribe,” Zeke the Untamable sat back with contempt.

“Alright, I will consider it.” Chief Grandeur leant forward with a keen smile and studied the mare of the night. "What do you think, Chief Ebonfeather?" The chief of Mighty Wing turned to the quiet griffon leader.

“Me?” The quietly spoken ebony griffon cast his gaze from the more dominant chieftain to the alicorn who sought their assistance. “I believe no griffon here would stupid enough to attack you and your ponies, oh princess of the night. I have heard stories of the Nightmare Moon... I see you still carry a fire inside. With respect to your power and the honesty of your request, my tribe shall honour the treaty and ensure that if the rogues who did this are anywhere near our tribe, swift justice shall be delivered. I can also send out some of my guards to ensure the land around is clear.” 

“You gotta be kidding,” laughed chief Stewie, he slammed his claws down on the table next to Luna, “if there are any rogues near my clan, we’ll kill em! But I’m not sending my grifs out on some stupid mission far away from home.”

“No help from my tribe shall be offered. We have kept out of stupid games in the past and will continue to live aloof in the spires of our home,” Chief Patrick stated as he pulled his grey hood down and withdrew a step from the table.

Chief Phaethon scratched his white beak, “as carrier of the law, I too will keep a lookout. These are troubled times and I don’t wish to have more rogues roaming our lands.” 

“Thank you,” Luna relaxed a bit. Maybe, just maybe this meeting might render some good results after all. 

“Alright Night-mare, I Chief Harrison, will also support the search for the griffons who unlawfully killed the family of ponies. If they exist and if they be in our lands we shall rip them limb from limb and return this foal to you!” The tough brown and black griffon with the blue and red warpaint smiled as his painted red talons raked the table, ready for action. 

Rage at being referred to so wrongly bubbled up inside the princess yet she forced herself to relax and stay seated. Another supporter was at least a good thing and she needed relations to improve right here if they were to stop the degradation between their two nations. 

Chief Grandeur clicked his talons against the tough tabletop, “the griffons of Mighty Wing shall be at thy service too then. What was that griffon who aided thou?” 

“Crownquills?” Luna offered. 

“That’s the one, yes. Since he has already interacted with your kind, his unit will be better equipped in the event that we find this lost foal and their captors. I will put him in charge of seeking out those who attacked our peaceful neighbours. I shall also utilize my daughter’s aid here, as Gilda has been to thy lands and even made friends among ponykind. I’m sure she will also be keen to help. ”

“That sounds reasonable, thank you.” The princess of the night replied. 

“Oh, you’ll help?” Chief Patrick rounded on Chief Grandeur.

“I’ll do better than you, old blood.” 

“Will you now?” The two griffons butted beaks and their talons clashed together as they faced off at point blank. 

A mottled green cloak fluttered across Luna’s vision as Chief Saxon soared across the table with a blood-curdling screech. 





A day’s flight later...

Palance throne room, Canterlot. 

Two alicorns stood alone in the throne room of the two pony sisters. The afternoon sun painted pretty pictures on the floor through the stain glass windows. Despite the serene environment, the mood of the two pony sisters who were currently alone at the head of the room was anything but. The younger dark alicorn paced back and forth in front of her sister who sat calmly on her throne.

“...The rest of the meeting dissolved into fighting and pointless squabbles. Honestly, We shalt be lucky to receive the aid of three tribes of the eight!” Luna concluded with her recount of the meeting with the griffon chieftains. “We cannot believe just how hostile these brutish creatures have become!”

“Then we must be on our guard,” Celestia responded. “If the griffon tribes are unable to unite then rogue griffons and other attackers who seek refuge beyond our lands will find theirs an easy safe haven. This Chief Grandeur I have met before and he appeared to be a griffon of his word. Although I suspect that he has ulterior motives for everything, if he says he will aid us then let us hope that he will be true to his word.”

Luna turned her sister with fire in her eyes, “but what if they were lying? Or there is more to it? What if one or more of them was involved in this attack on our lands?”

“Wait and see sister, but I fear that if it is more than just rogue griffons, we are in for hard times. I will see to it that our royal guard are informed our outer cities are strengthened.”

“In that case, We desire to depart and train for a day.”

“You are most welcome to, feel free to pass on anything you feel could be useful in combating clawed opponents to our military sorcerers.” 

“We shall,” Luna agreed then swiftly left the sunny alicorn’s presence. 

Celestia turned to gaze up to the stained glass windows and allowed her mind to wander as she mentally prepared herself for another meeting with her head officers. 






A Month later, one week after Spikes rampage...

Carousel boutique, Ponyville. 

Spike wandered slowly through Ponyville on his way to Rarity’s Boutique. His recent episode as a large and terrifying dragon, greedy for stuff, along with the moment he shared with Rarity once he was back to normal made his mind spin. She had not only stopped him from admitting his feelings, but she also gave him a kiss. Then she got stuck straight back into her work while her shop was being fixed. It was confusing. One moment it felt like what they had shared back there was something special and profound, but the next...

Spike almost felt like she had brushed him off and given him a thank you kiss, nothing more. Nothing special.

For the last week, all he could think about was the beautiful unicorn with gems on her flank.

...And it was driving him nuts.

He had to know. Did Rarity feel the same, or did she, like most other ponies, know about his crush but-

...but not feel the same way?

Spike knew, no matter what, he would never find another creature like Rarity. No pony, indeed, no dragon could ever come close to her and what she meant to him. He knew it had started off as a young crush. But it was well over half a year now and those feelings had only continued to build. He felt like he was at breaking point. If he didn’t ask her point blank and receive some sort of answer, he would go mad. On the other claw, he knew that if her answer was ‘no’ it would probably make things awkward between them.

The young dragon was pushed out of his own world by his head impacting with the boutique door. He stumbled back a bit, rubbed his noggin then strode toward the door and knocked.

“One moment please!” The voice of an angel melodiously called out.

Spike smiled, even muffled by clothes and a solid door, she still sounded amazing.

The door gracefully slid open to reveal the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria and Spike couldn’t help but grin like a lovestruck idiot.

‘What was I here for again?’

“Hey, Rarity.”

“Why, good morning Spike,” greeted the alabaster unicorn as she allowed her companion into her shop.

“It looks great in here now that you’ve managed to get it all rebuilt.” Exclaimed the young dragon.

“Yes it does, doesn't it?” Rarity agreed wholeheartedly.

“Um... sorry about breaking in and damaging your shop like that.”

“Nonsense darling.” Rarity waved him off, “you were not in control of yourself so quit apologizing to me. Besides, I’m very proud of you, what with how you managed to overcome your hunger for more and save me!”

The young dragon smiled, satisfied that she really did seem to forgive him for his mistake.

“Now, I’m terribly busy today, I have lots of orders I am still catching up on, but if you could be a dear and put some tea on then you are most welcome to help me while I work.”

“Sure thing Rarity,” Spike replied as he toddled off, eager to help his crush.

As he poured water into the jug, the unwanted pain of uncertainty whipped at his insides once more. Was he doing this because he was her friend? Because he was being led along and was easy help? Or did she ask his help because she truly enjoyed his company, just like he did hers?

‘Gaaaaagghh!’ He raged internally. This was getting to be too much. He HAD to know!

With great effort to contain himself, he poured the now boiling water into a teacup for his lady and watched the teabag swirl around, just like his insides.

The purple dragon was quick to pour himself a drink too and he carefully headed out to join his crush. “There you go, Rarity.”

“Thank you, Spikey Wikey,” the radiant mare smiled.

Spike couldn’t help but smile.

She paused for a sip, then placed the cup down. As her horn ceased to glow light blue, she turned to her companion. “I would hate to impose myself upon you. So while I could really use your help, if you’re here for something specific then there is no need to stick around and assist me.”

“Well- I’m free all morning... if you want my help.”

“Of course, Spike. I would love your help.”

The young dragon grinned at this. Love? He couldn’t seriously have a chance now, could he? Or was she simply using love as an expression? She was probably just using it as an expression.

The drake rubbed his claws together, “what does my lady need help with?”

“Well-” the alabaster mare turned to her sewing machine and continued her work on the dress she started. “If you could find me my finest light blue fabrics for a start while I finish this section, that would be appreciated.”

The next half an hour sped by, aided by the dedicated young drake, Rarity made excellent progress. Spike on the other claw had felt his insides continue to explode he wondered, did Rarity see him the way he so loved her?

Just as it was beginning to get unbearable for the young dragon, his muse turned to face him. “For finishing touches, I just need-”

“Rarity?” Unable to take it anymore, Spike had cut his crush off.

The surprised mare withdrew the hoof she had been about to point with as she spotted the serious look on his face.

The room fell dead silent.

“Yes, Spike?”

The young dragon took several deep breaths to steady his suddenly racing heart. “Rarity, I- I... would you ever go out with me?”

“What?”

Silence.

The slight creak of Rarity’s chair was the only sound as she shifted to fully face her young suitor. “Darling, did I hear that right?”

The purple dragon took a deep breath and nodded slowly, “yes. Rarity. I- I love you.”

Shock rippled across the young mare’s face.

“I-I know it all started off as some crush, but over the last few months, I’ve realized you really mean something special to me. That whole thing where I got big and captured you, I put your life in danger an- and it tears me up inside to know that you could have died because of me!” Panic began to seep into the youngsters being and he took a few deep breaths to try and calm himself. “Nothing could ever replace you or how I feel about you.”

Rarity gave him a blank look, then glanced off into the distance. When her gaze returned he had both his claws clutched together for dear life, as though her response was the most important thing in the world to him. With her head light and her heart uncertain, she responded; “are you sure you love me?”

“Of course!” Spike insisted. “With all my heart, I love you Rarity. There is no other pony or dragon who is as amazing as you are.” As he confessed his heart, he knew there was no going back now. Something was going to come from this shocked unicorn and he suddenly found himself dreading her answer.

“Well... I’ll be honest with you Spike, I enjoy having you around. I love seeing you and you are a great friend. However,” at her pause, the young drake’s face fell. Rarity lifted his chin with a hoof to continue to stare into his eyes, “however... if you are sure that what you are feeling is more than a simple crush, then give me some time to sort out how I feel and we might give this a go.”

  “Really?” Fireworks went off inside the young drake and his tummy became full of butterflies. This was incredible!

“Really really,” Rarity smiled back at her hopeful young suitor. “Now... Just to be clear, my answer is maybe. Not no. But it’s also not a yes. Now, back to work. We have plenty of orders to work on and then I wish to make a few changes to your suit. I dare say you will need it if you are to accompany me out anywhere.”

Spike glowed, “thank you, Rarity!”





Two mares, one pretty yellow with a flowing pink mane and one bright blue with a multicoloured mane flew toward the bulge in the great Canterlot river that flowed west of Ponyville.

“Come on Fluttershy, faster!” encouraged Rainbow Dash as she slowed her flight to face her fillyfriend.

“I’m flying as fast as I can!”

“No you’re not,” scoffed the speedster. “I remember you flew a lot faster than that last week when we rescued Rarity.”

Fluttershy pulled up alongside her mare, “yes... but that was an emergency. Rarity was in danger and we had to save her.”

“Oh, so if my filly is to fly fast, there needs to be an element of danger?”

“I didn’t quite say that...”

“You kinda did.”

Before the duo could continue their little conversation, a rather large unit of Wonderbolts in uniform sped past the couple in a dive toward the river.

“Hey cool! Fluttershy, look!”

Fluttershy turned to face the display just as her mare made a snap decision to join in.

Rainbow Dash sped off and fell in beside the pegasus up front, a cornflower blue stallion with a darker blue mane. Despite the wonderbolts outfit, Dash realized she had accidentally found her big brother and idol. She smiled with delight. This was gonna be awesome!

They swerved and flipped around, then the large unit pulled off a sharp bank and sped off into the open skies above the large flowing body of water. Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, she had not anticipated this maneuver and quickly found herself way off course.

Knowing her fillyfriend was watching, she grit her teeth, pumped her wings and with her signature rainbow trail, soared back into line at her brother's side.

“Halt!” The voice of Spitfire called out and the large unit of uniformed pegasi came to a swift halt.

“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?” Soarin turned to his sister who had fallen out of line with the unit again.

“What am I-? What are you guys doing here? This is cool! When did you get so many new ‘bolts?”

The sunny yellow captain of the Wonderbolts zipped out from behind the lead colt to face the unexpected visitor. “Alright everypony. Keep going with the maneuvers. Fleetfoot, take over. I’m gonna take Soarin and have a little chat with this pony who intruded on our practice.”

“Yes captain,” saluted an arctic blue mare. “Alright everypony, follow me!”

The large unit sped off downriver, leaving the group of three alone.

Spitfire turned on Dash, “alright, I want to know why you saw fit to put my team at risk by joining in our training without prior permission.”

“Because you guys were totally awesome. Plus, your group was a lot bigger than normal so I figured it was like some extra large group exercise and ...and I maaay have wanted to show off to my fillyfriend, Fluttershy.” A blue hoof indicated the shy pegasus in flight, quite some way away.

“Wait, you finally asked Fluttershy out?” Soarin grinned.

“What do you mean finally? And no. She asked me.”

“So much for my little sister not being into fillies huh?” The stallion grinned cheekily.

Rainbow Dash shot her brother a look. “Soarin, you’re super cool and all but don’t.”

“How about we find a cloud? With Spitfire’s permission, there are a few things I would like to discuss with you.”

“Oh. Okay,” Dash agreed.

"Alright pie boy. Lead on," Spitfire seconded the weather pony.

With Soarin in the lead, the trio headed toward the bank that led toward Ponyville. They passed Fluttershy who slipped in beside her mare with a questioning look. They soon found themselves on a cloud above the bank. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash faced the two Wonderbolts.

While Soarin relaxed onto the cloud, his boss sat with military precision, her gaze on the one who intruded on their routine practice. “I gotta say Dash, that was quite a display for one who had never drilled with us before.”

“Thanks,” Dash glowed with the praise from her idol.

“You do realize that we don’t allow outsiders to join in our practise sessions, right?”

“Oh... Yea?” The usually charismatic pegasus wilted under the stern gaze of the Wonderbolt captain.

“Please don’t do that again. There are very serious events unfolding and we need every worthy pegasus to be at their best.”

“Well if you need fast ponies, why not let me join? I’m the fastest mare alive,” Dash boasted.

Soarin scoffed. “Sure you are sis. But I’ve told you before that it takes more than speed to be worthy of joining the Wonderbolts.”

“Give me a chance and I’ll show you I can do it,” insisted the young speedster.

Soarin shared a glance with his mare. After a few moments tense silence Spitfire was the one who answered; “are you sure about that?”

"Yes," Dash adamantly shot back. "Plus, it's been my dream since forever to join the Wonderbolts!"

“Then meet us next week and we will see if you have what it takes,” Spitfire offered.

“Sweet!” Dash cheered, this was almost too good to be true.

“Before you go and get all wound up with how cool this is, I want to ask you something,” Soarin spoke up, his tone sombre.

“What?” Dash asked, her gaze darted between the two older pegasi in front of her.

 “Did you wonder why we were drilling a unit of 12 Wonderbolts?” Soarin asked slowly.

“Because your training up some rookies?” Dash guessed.

“They are all full-time Wonderbolts,” Spitfire corrected the younger mare.

“Wait, really?” Dash could hardly believe her ears. “But if they got in, how come I never got offered a job?”

“Because it's dangerous and you already go around saving ponies as one of the element bearers.” Soarin sighed, “Look, don’t tell anypony this, but... I didn’t want my little sister to be hurt. We are no longer just a unit of show ponies who get called on for emergencies.” With a careful glance at his boss, he continued, “the Wonderbolts are once again a military organization too. It’s because there are increasing dangers and Celestia needs us to respond to an growing number of incidents around Equestria.”

“Isn’t that the job of the royal guard?” Dash was rather surprised by this new information.

Spitfire shook her head, “they guard and fight the battles. We are the first responders. Both Soarin and I have seen some nasty things in the last few months.”

Dash suddenly realized that her mare had pressed up against her. A blue wing lifted and she pulled Fluttershy in close.

“It sounds dangerous out there,” murmured the shy pegasus.

Rainbow Dash gave her mare a comforting nuzzle. It did, but Dash was determined that her dream and the safety of other ponies was worth the risk and challenge. 

“Are you sure you want to join us now?” Spitfire asked.

“Yes, I can fight!” Exclaimed the multicoloured speedster.

“Look, sis. I know you can fight, but this is more than a schoolyard scrap. We are training to fight other winged creatures in hoof to claw raids and save ponies from monsters”

Dash sat up straight, “that sounds like something I can do.”

Soarin nodded slowly, “okay, you know what... if you’re so sure the best use of your time is with us, then meet me and Spitfire in Cloudsdale next week on Saturday morning eight am sharp, Wonderbolts HQ. If you pass, you’re in and will be a rookie ‘bolt.”

“Okay. Fluttershy and I have a trip to Canterlot in four days time. We should only be gone a few days. Then I’ll back in time to show you how awesome I am.”

Spitfire smiled to herself and shook her head. “Alright. I expect this to be good.”

Soarin cracked a smile, “now that business if over, how are things between you and Fluttershy?”

“Good.”

“I would say they are more than just good,” grinned the cheeky blue stallion as his eyes wandered between the two pegasi.

“How are things between you and Spitfire?” Dash shot back. “Last I saw you guys it was your wedding like... six years ago and I’ve barely seen you since!”

“Yea, well... the Wonderbolts, or should I say Spitfire’s dedication to her job keeps us both busy.”

The fiery leader of the Wonderbolts turned on her husband, “hey, somepony promised on our wedding day, he would be my support.”

“And I meant it, Sunshine,” Soarin wrapped his stoic mare in a winged hug.

Spitfire playfully fought her stallion off. Fluttershy cracked a smile and a slight giggle while Dash fought back a grin at the sappy display.  

“What?” With his green eyes shining bright, Soarin pulled his wife in closer. “We are in the presence of another couple. It’s fine.”

“We should be practicing,” the sunny wonderbolt reminded her lover.

“You’ll keep me back anyway, let me catch up with my sister first.”

“Fine. You do that, I’ll rejoin the squad.”

“Okay, I’ll see my beautiful Sunshine soon then.” Soarin kissed his wife on the cheek and grinned as gave him a quick peck back then shot off.

“Wow, you two used to be like super discreet,” Dash commented with a cheeky edge.

“Yea, then I decided that life is short and we might get killed in a raid, so what does it matter if the team and my baby sister knows that we are married?”

Dash’s eyes grew wide, “you really mean it about the dangerous stuff huh? Is it really that bad?”

“Yes, Rainbow Dash... I do. This is serious, each time we fly out, we do so knowing that not all of us may come home, but we do it because our families and Equestria are worth it.” Soarin replied his face set and determined. “That is why I want you to give it serious thought and don’t just rush in like you usually do.”

“Alright.” Dash nodded solemnly, she glanced at her mare for support, “I’ll talk it over with Fluttershy, but you’re probably still going to see the most awesome pegasus next Saturday.”





The frozen north

Snow billowed around in an endless storm that stretched off into the hills and far away. Visibility was at a constant near zero. There was a touch of some kind of menacing magic in the air that ensured this storm would never end or subside. This made the frozen north a highly inhospitable place. 

A pink alicorn and her white unicorn companion fumbled along as best they could through the snow. They both wore heavy winter gear that concealed almost their whole body from the outside world. Underhoof there was large patches of something solid, most likely a long lost road.

Shining Armour lit his horn and the snow on the road in front of them was blasted away to confirm, they were on an old crystal pathway. They had made it to the lost city! As they trudged down the road, all signs of their progress vanished into the wind as the clear path behind them quickly became snowed in.





Shining Armour came to an abrupt stop as tips of a shiny crystal structure hidden under a mountain of snow came into their limited view. As the unicorn guard gave the structure a blast of magic they briefly saw a door in front of them and shiny sides that stretched off into the snowstorm. This brief glimpse immediately had falling snow begin to cover it once more, turning it back into a frozen mountain. From the sheer size of the pony-made dwelling under the snow, it felt large enough to be the place or another building of note. “Cadence! Do you think this might be it?”

“I hope so!”

The couple picked up the pace and as soon as they came before the crystal door, Cadence attempted to open it with her magic. The old door wouldn’t budge. “It’s stuck!”

“Want me to try?”

“How about together?”

Shining Armour smiled at his marefriend’s words, that sounded like a plan. “Okay!”

In unison, they lit their horns and pulled.

“Harder!” Shining cried out.

They tugged harder and harder, till all of a sudden there was a mighty creeeeeaaaak!

The pair gaped for a moment at the darkness beyond. The stallion quickly made a move and hurried inside, his fillyfriend was quick to follow.

Once inside Shining Armour used his magic to close the door and it slammed shut. The duo shook the snow covering off then the guard pony once again lit his horn. It shimmered with purple light, bright enough to light the dark hallway they had found themselves in.

“Where are we?” Cadence asked, her voice small.

“I don’t know honey, but it looks like we, at last, might just have stumbled into the middle of the crystal empire.”

All of a sudden, the pink alicorn's horn lit and a scroll appeared before her.

"What the? Now?" Shining asked, his eyes on the royal seal before them.

"I guess auntie has something urgent for us," Cadence reasoned as she unrolled the scroll.

Greetings Cadence and Shining Armour

How goes the search for the Crystal Empire? Have you managed to penetrate the frozen wasteland yet?
After a less than successful meeting with the griffons' leadership
Luna and I have decided to increase guardspony numbers in outlying cities.
Regardless of the success of your continued search, I ask that you both abandon what you are doing and make haste to the Galloping Gorge to
take command of the three units there. Vanhoover and the surrounding
areas have reported suspicious activities. I ask you both seek out the units camped out in the Galloping Gorge not far from the train station and provide them assistance in discovering what is going on in the Gorge.

Princess Celestia.

The couple glanced up at each other and shared a look.

"Princess Celestia really has the best timing, doesn't she?" Shining Armour asked, rather miffed that their chance to explore the large crystal building had been disrupted.

"I guess we should reply to Auntie then find our way back to the train." Cadence replied.

"Yea... I hope we make it in time for this afternoon's ride."






That Night...


Somewhere in the outskirts of Equestria. 

She awakens. She sensed that her father was still ...sleeping but that he recently had given Equestria a wonderful blast of chaos... In the darkness, one bright sunny yellow orb came to life while her left eye glowed a luminous deep purple. A long horn that spiralled ever so slightly lit with pure white magic.

The light bounced off the four plain stone walls the creature was in. The impossible creature appeared to be an alicorn, but at the same time, she was not. The unnatural eyes flashed with blackness as they became filled with rage and power. Her head was white and matched her glowing horn: A tufty rainbow mane stuck out, almost covering her yellow eye like a crazy unbrushed fringe. The pure white body of the strong young mare ripped as she stretched. Her wings, one alicorn, one blue batwing was tucked neatly at her sides. Her tail was short and tufty. Two lions paws kneeded the stone, their brown fur cascading up her forelegs till it met her pristine white barrel. Her hind legs were that of a normal pony and the two hooves were tipped pink. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia’s flank. 

The creature smiled then released a satisfied sigh.

“Free at last...” her light tone broke the silence. “I wonder what mother is up to these days?”

Dark magic pulsed around her middle. Moments later, dark magic began to stream from her horn till it hit the walls of her prison. Feelers leeched out as the mostly alicorn mare felt out her surroundings. She could feel that she was somewhere far under the earth. A snarl escaped, this was probably where her mother had placed her!

After a few minutes of dark magic reaching out, she discovered the ground above. Freedom!

With her desired location set, the talon rose. In the light of her horn, she admired her unusual foreleg. Then she grinned and clicked. The sort-of-alicorn appeared with a flash out in the open air. She immediately took a deep breath and after several more, slowed her breathing and glanced around.

She was in the middle of a forest.

If her instincts were not mistaken, it must be a very large forest.

Time to go out searching. An evil cackle rent the peaceful night air.
> Chapter Thirteen: A New Adventure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Two days later...

Galloping Gorge

Amidst the trees and the long drop to the gorge below, three units of eight ponies were camped out. Tents hung from massive trees for support while the twenty-four guards and their commanding officer went about their early morning routine. One unit was earth pony, one of pegasi and one of unicorns. All aside from the sentries above were camped out on the ground with no fires.

The lieutenant in charge of the three units yawned as he exited his tent wearing just his undershirt. Hopefully, Colonel Shining Armor would be here soon and allow them to get a move on. He glanced around, satisfied that everything was in order for the morning and their pegasus sentries were mildly bored looking. Bored was good, bored meant everything was in order. Providing they were paying attention that is.

Suddenly the sentry perched in a low flying cloud above the collection of camps perked up. “Sir, ten ponies approach, ten o’clock!”

“About time.” The lieutenant grumbled under his breath as he hurried to grab his full uniform.

Shining Armor, Cadence and an accompanying unit of 8 guards, half earth pony, half unicorns entered the camp as the lieutenant once again emerged in full uniform. The two officers saluted.

Shining Armor was the first to speak, “at ease lieutenant Quick Strike. Sorry, we are so late, you won’t believe how bad the storm out there was.”

“That’s okay sir, it’s wonderful to have a couple of such prestige here. It’s been dead for the last three days but there have been several reports of unusual activity between here and Vanhoover. We even spotted a pair of griffons on the wing four days ago and fought off some troublesome rogues, mostly of the large cat genus last week.”

“Any casualties?” Shining Armor asked as he glanced around the camp.

“None, thankfully,” lieutenant Quick Strike replied, “and only a handful wounded.”

“Alright, good. Pack this here camp up so that we can move out.”

“Yes sir. Mind if we have a quick meeting while they do so?”

“As long as it allows us to walk and talk,” Shining Armor replied. “I want to get a good look of this gorge.”

“I can show you the gorge from a good vantage point, sir,” confirmed the lieutenant.

“Thank you.”  

As the small group was about to set out a shout rang out across the camp. The pegasus on the cloud had spotted something but his cry turned into a gurgling scream as an arrow pierced his throat.

“Watch out!”

“Attack!”

“Everypony to arms!”

Shining Armor immediately powered up his horn and cast a large dome shield around their leadership group that settled as low as eye level, protecting them from the skies. Cadence leapt to his side as several arrows bounced off the bubble.

Shining pointed with his hoof toward where the arrows came from, “two o’clock, attackers at two! Unicorns, return fire!”

Shining’s unit promptly split, the four unicorns returned fire from under the light blue dome while the earth ponies raised their shields and provided a physical wall while their fellow unicorns fired over their shoulders.

The other three units worth all scrambled into battle readiness, shields, both magical and physical were deployed while eight pegasi extended their forehoof blades and took to the skies.

Yelling filled the air, both from ponies and their attackers as heavy footsteps beat upon the earth. Within moments, several large felines made it into the camp and were immediately shot down with magic. A mixture of more heavily armoured pigs and felines followed, their shields bent under the fire of angry magic directed their way. Arrows passed overhead as archers hidden behind trees continued their barrage. One of the pegasi fell from the skies, a shaft in his wing. The mace of the pig smote him as he struggled to rise. Several guardponies retreated at the sight of such brutality as no pony wished to be in the receiving end of such a heavy weapon.

“Shoot, shoot! Hold your ground!” Shining Armor cried out as he maintained his bubble shield above the groups head.

Cadence lit her horn and frantically tried to trip the leading beast. The boar caught itself and bellowed angrily. The unicorns slew the mace-wielding pig then took cover behind nearby trees to save them from the continued barrage of arrows. The other large armoured creatures hurled past the downed boar and rammed straight into Shining Armor's shield wall just as he dropped his bubble shields cover right to the ground. Cracks appeared in his bubble as three large cats and two large boars smashed away, trying to get to the ponies inside.

 Shining Armor grit is teeth and poured more magic into his shield as the attacks continued. One of the large felines attacking their command group tired of attacking such a solid defence and turned to have a go at the other ponies. This was spotted by the other unicorns under the bubble who used their magic to throw the beast into a tree, knocking him out. Under the pressure of continued attacks, Shining Armor did his best to check how the rest of the guards were doing. A boar beheaded an earth pony only to be shot several times in the head by the nearby unicorns. Just as Shining began assessing what they could do to assist, a large mace slammed into the bubble shield right in front of his face. His attention jolted right back to scarred boar who yelled as he delivered another blow.

“Quickly, we must take these creatures out if we are to assist the other units under attack! I’m going to expand my shield on three!”

“Yes sir!” The unit under the bubble replied the unicorns readied their horns.

“Three, two, one!” With the final count, Shining Armor rapidly expanded his dome shield. The force pushed those attacking them back till they collided with nearby trees. The ponies under the forcefield leapt into action, the unicorns fired off attack spells while the four earth ponies leapt at their stunned foes and impaled them with their blades. From there, combat became a bit of a blur as they fought for dear life in wild melee.

Shining Armor found himself panting with exertion over the corpse of a large boar. Cries of retreat rang out across the forest as the few remaining foes fled as fast as they could.

“So we chase them down sir?” the last airborne pegasus asked as he took wing.

Shining nodded as he made a quick decision, “take the unicorns and see if you can. Try to take one alive, but don’t go too far!”

As Cadence sidled up to him, Shining Armor did a quick headcount. They had three dead pegasi, two earth ponies and one unicorn. All remaining pegasi appeared badly injured and in need of special attention. Many of the others also sported wounds and damaged armour.

The pegasus guard zipped back into camp, "sir, there's more waiting in the trees! Three o'clock!" 

Two of the three unicorns who had followed rushed into the camp hot on the pegasus's tail. "Unicorn down! Now they're following us!" 

"How many?" Shining Armor asked.

"At least fifty sir!"

Shining Armor grit his teeth and shed his saddlebags, he grabbed his hoofblade and strapped it on.

Lieutenant Quick Strike grabbed his spear from his tent as he leapt into action. "Drop everything you don't need for battle. We can't fight that many out here! Into the gorge!" 

Shining Armor lit his horn and lifted the saddelbags off his fillyfriend's back. "Just run dear!" 

"But our stuff-"

"Is just stuff, now move. Please." 

Cadence nodded grimly and followed her husband-to-be as he rushed off at the tail end of the party. In front of them were the wounded, helped along by their fellows. An arrow landed in a tree right next to Cadence's head as they ran and she jumped. Light blue magic pulsed as the powerful unicorn once again lit his horn and deployed a barrier behind them to try and protect their progress as they fled into the gorge. Shining was sure he spotted a minotaur trying to throw an axe at his shield as they did a mad dash through the bush. Battle cries of several other creatures rang out in the air. They surely were being followed by a lot of armed and dangerous rogues. 

A large monkey swung from the trees into the middle of the group and stabbed the pony he landed on into the ground. Several unicorns fired as they ran and felled it. A parrot-like rogue leapt down, flanked by two more, right in Shining Armor’s face. He dodged their swords, dropped his shield, fired a quick magic blast at the lead bird like rogue and rolled out of the way as the remaining pair attacked him again. They leapt at the Colonel again and Cadence frantically blasted the pair off her husband. The attackers picked themselves up and grabbed their weapons. Cadence quickly grabbed her to-be-husband and took flight,  frantic to catch up with the guards who had left them behind. As they soared along, close to the ground Shining spotted several minotaurs,  lizard folk and large boar-men right on their tails.

What a wonderful start to the mission...






2 days later...

Ponyville , Fluttershy’s Cottage

Fluttershy descended toward her cottage. Angel was in his little house outside, with a carrot in his paws. When he saw her coming, he stopped short and gave her a look. Clearly, he had been hungry waiting for her but had got carrot himself. He always preferred her to do the legwork and deliver his noms and this had left him in a rather foul mood.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Angel... I was preoccupied again. But don’t you worry, I promise you that I will make a much more concerted effort to still care for you and all of our animal friends!”

Rolling his eyes, Angel went back to eating his food, even going so far as to turn away from his caregiver. He knew that ever since the speedster moved back in, Fluttershy had been less attentive toward him. So what promises could she make that Rainbow Dash couldn’t cause her to break?

“Don’t worry, Angel Bunny,” Fluttershy giggled. “I’m going to tend to the laundry before we head to Canterlot. Can I ask you to take good care of the rest of the animals while we are away?”

The bunny shrugged, whatever.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy gave her pet a big hug then trotted inside to fetch the laundry hamper.

The small animal gazed after his mother figure, wondering why she could possibly wish to go gallivanting off to outside lands. Deciding it must be the rainbow pony’s trickery. He knew that there was no way he could steer her away from that pony, not after all these years. With a shrug he wandered off, happy enough that his caretaker was at least safe. Even if she did go, the soft pegasus was sure to be back to baby him later. He could always prank that silly turtle!

Fluttershy quickly gathered the laundry, washing everything then took it all outside to hang on the clothesline.

She hummed gently to herself as she worked, clipping a few pegs to her wings for quick access. One of the items was the lingerie nightgown they’d had fun with for a second time the night before. She giggled as she hung the dainty piece up on the clothesline. Oh, she would never forget how hot Rainbow looked in it! Maybe they could buy other types, too... The creamy yellow mare giggled at the thought. Or even have Rarity make something for them. Once they had a few they could even swap around each night for fun rather than just swapping the single garment between them.

A couple of her bird friends came to help, taking both ends of a sheet in their talons and placing it over the clothesline. Fluttershy thanked them, pinning the fabric to the line with a couple of clothes-pegs. The birds chirped sweetly, continuing to help her out by taking some of the garments from the basket, ready for her to hang.

“Okay, I should be done in a bit... thank you, my friends!” Fluttershy smiled warmly at the birds, “Hopefully I’ll make it back to Dash’s place before she wakes up... Hee... not that it would matter too much. Oh, isn’t it wonderful? I still can’t believe how amazing these last months have been...”

The creamy mare took a moment to rest her hooves upon the line, adding the last few garments before her planned flight back to her fillyfriend.

“Hello there, hot stuff.” Dash floated down upon a small cloud, grinning madly at the pegasus who still had her hooves propped up on the line.

Fluttershy jumped at the unexpected sight, “Oh... Rainbow. Hi... I was just getting ready to leave.”

“Hey don’t stop. I’m enjoying the view...” The grinning prankster's eyes slid down the pretty yellow pony’s body, cheeks heating slightly as the red globes came to rest upon their final destinations.

“O-Oh...!!” Fluttershy blushed as she realized exactly where her lover’s line of vision stopped. She almost felt self-conscious, about to cover herself with her hooves. But what good would that do? They’d already explored every inch of each other many times now. As the initial surprise melted away, she smiled a bit.

“Hee... oh, Rainbow... you naughty thing...”

The bold mare hopped off her cloud, slowly continuing to make her way toward the shy pony on hoof. “Well... Do you mind?”

She came to her fillyfriend who was still propped up on the clothesline and nose bumped her.  Fluttershy giggled, smiling more at her. Dash smiled in return, nose bumping her again.

“No... I-I don’t mind...” The creamy yellow pegasus admitted softly, her cheeks pinkening.

“Oh good,” Dash lightly kissed her on the cheek. “Just watching you do things can be awesome, especially with a little extra special benefit.”

“Rainbow, don’t be silly...”

“Nah, I can handle it when it comes to you,” Dash flew around. She came up behind Fluttershy and hugged her around her torso, nuzzling her head on her shoulder.  “You’re worth every little boring moment. Sometimes, when I think of everything we’ve done, I gotta admit, I think of the more boring moments,” she whispered into her lover’s ear, a grin upon her muzzle.

“...Really?”

“Sure! I don’t know why, but when I think of the times where nothing happened, I gotta admit, they’re nice. Easy... like our cuddles on clouds during my nap time.”

Fluttershy let out a small squeak of joy, tuned and cuddled her companion. “Oh thank you!”

Dash chuckled and nuzzled her, “No need to thank me, Flutters! I gotta make sure no pony else ever is snooping on my mare. Come on, don’t get mushy on me.”

“Too late,” the pink-maned pony giggled and kissed her muzzle.

Dash pulled away grinning, “all right, now you’ve asked for it!” She dived straight back in, planting a quick flurry of kisses all along the giggling pegasus’s muzzle.

“No. no- Dash!” Fluttershy managed in between giggles as the soft assault continued.

“Oh yes!” The bold mare laughed back, bringing a hoof around her mare’s back.

Fluttershy took flight, still giggling under the bubbly assault. “Now Rainbow, we both have to make it to Canterlot. I would very much like to get my date before you get too cuddly.”

“But that would ruin all the fun.”

Fluttershy continued to hang in the air out of her reach.

“Okay. How about I race you there?” Ever one for a race, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but offer.

“B-but I can’t hope to keep up with you dear.” Fluttershy began to sink

“Trust me Fluttershy. I’ll swing round and give you a lift if you start to fall behind. But you do have wings and I need my pegasus to know how to use them.” The speedster zipped up to the same height of the floating yellow mare. “Remember, Spitfire and Soarin said there’s more dangers around now, so I need you to be able to out fly whatever it is.”

As much as Fluttershy could fly no problem, and even have decent speed, there was that persistent underlying fear. Of being too slow for somepony so fast. Even though she was reassured time and time again, the fear still persisted her. What was worse, the thought of needing to flee from some dangerous creature only made her want to run and hide.

“...You’re right,” Fluttershy murmured, trying to keep a brave face. “And I can use them just fine, so I really don’t know what the problem is, either.” She bit her lip but decided not to let her nerves get the better of her. “Then let’s do it. I can do this! I think...”

“Awesome! Come on Flutters, follow me!” The rainbow-maned daredevil took off, leaving her signature trail behind her.

Fluttershy sighed. ‘What have I just got myself into?’ With less gusto than her companion, she flew off in loose pursuit.

As expected, while the pair flew off toward the majestic, mountainside city of Canterlot, Rainbow Dash was far up ahead, while her pink and yellow companion lagged behind in pursuit. It was almost embarrassing, to which the latter hoped nopony could see them. Regardless, she knew it would be better to try than to give up, which still did sound like a better option. But she had to remember, just had to remember, that Rainbow Dash loved her no matter what. It was pretty much the best motivation she had in all of this, which did help things along. Maybe not so much her speed, but at least it kept her in the game.

The leading mare glanced behind herself to take a peek at her loved one. Deciding that the precious yellow pony was now too far behind, Dash came round in a tight loop and rushed at her surprised fillyfriend.

It was all Fluttershy could do to get out of the way as she began falling like a surprised earth pony, screaming at the top of her lungs as she plummeted toward the ground below.

Spotting the oversight in her flawed plan, Rainbow Dash swooped down and plucked her lover from the clutches of gravity. “Gotcha!”  

A blush coating her cheeks, Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile and bring her hooves around Rainbow’s neck, gazing at her with adoration. It was very reminiscent of the past when they were fillies, and Dash had come down to the ground and scooped her up after her victorious Sonic Rainboom. A wonderful memory that to this day remained close to her heart.

The victorious mare continued to fly with her charge in her forehooves and a grin upon her face. Although she didn’t plan on carrying her fillyfriend all the way there, now seemed like a good time to allow the pretty pony to have a quick break.

“I hope you’re getting those wings warmed up again Fluttershy. I want to be able to cruise the next part with you.”

“R-really?” The soft voice of unbelief reached the bold pegasus’s ears.

“Yes ‘Shy. As cute as you are in my forehooves, it’s much easier for me when you fly along by yourself.” Rainbow paused for a moment to allow the words to sink in. “Plus... I might want to show off to my aerial spectator.”

“Oh... Of course,” Fluttershy smiled. “All right, you can let me go, then.”

“I didn’t say I wanted to let go of you yet,” Dash purred, nuzzling her nose.

Fluttershy giggled, “Hee... Oh, Rainbow.”

“Yes yes. Suck it up while we’re alone snuggly. The snobs in Canterlot don’t like fillyfoolers as far as I heard.” Cerise eyes gazed around thoughtfully.

“That’s okay, we'll be fine as long as we're together.” Fluttershy cooed softly. “Besides... you don’t normally like being too affectionate in public. Maybe they will think we are still just friends.”

“And awesome! You can never forget the coolness, Flutters. Everypony knows I’m hot stuff,” Rainbow Dash boasted.

“Yes...” The quiet mare fell into silence, happy to simply enjoy the feeling of her fillyfriends powerful movements as they cut through the air.

After a little while, they neared the city skyline and Rainbow Dash released Fluttershy. The two pegasi cruised along together, enjoying the warm glow of the sun on their backs and the wind in their manes. Rainbow Dash chose to stick close to her fillyfriend as she didn’t want anything to happen to her while they were so far from home. They continued their leisurely flight together, occasionally brushing wingtips and giggling like school fillies sharing silent jokes.

The day was surely continuing to get better and better. Both ponies couldn’t wait till they arrived.

Rainbow Dash paused as she caught a dark form flying high in the sky further above them. She looked after it for a moment, but then shrugged it off. It was probably nothing to get concerned about, anyway.





Galloping Gorge

Though heavy rain a dark form fluttered through the cavernous expanse of the Galloping Gorge. It soared over great crevasses and in and under mighty archways. The dark form swooped down into a large chasm in the gorge. With a thud the armoured pegasus landed heavily in front of lieutenant Quick Strike and two earth ponies who stood guard over the entrance to a small cave. “Weather is stuffed, but I don’t see anything threatening moving through the skies. It’s impossible to see far enough to scout the forests themselves.” 

“Good job Sky Slash. At ease.” Lieutenant Quick Strike matched his dark scout’s salute. “In another day the other pegasi should be in good enough condition to join you. Thanks to Princess Cadence’s magic they are coming along well.” 

“That’s good to hear, sir.” 

“Alright. At ease, I don’t need you freezing stiff out here.”

The pegasus guard nodded to his superior and followed him into a small cave in the side of the gorge. Inside the small cave was a ring of sixteen ponies around the wall, each doing the best they could to relax with the little they had. Many lounged around polishing their damaged armour as they waited for the order to move out. In the middle of the room was a Minotaur, his hands tied behind his back to a stake. 

“Has the prisoner said anything useful yet?” lieutenant Quick Strike asked sourly as he attempted to shake some of the water from his coat and armour. 

“Nothing at all,” replied the guard who watched the well-built creature. 

“I have nothing to say to useless ponies like yourself because you're soon going to be dead!” The roar of the Minotaur resounded through the small cave as the creature began to laugh. Several guards shot the creature hard looks. 

The angry lieutenant strode right up to the minotaur and shoved his face up close. “I am fed up with your attitude, how about you tell us who hired your group to attack us and I don’t kill you?” 

The minotaur sneered back, “kill me. I failed my task and am good as dead anyway. It makes no difference. When the changelings come, you are all dead out here anyway."

“Changelings?” Shining Armor shot up from Cadence’s side and carefully approached the prisoner. 

“The fancy pony has ears that work,” the minotaur scoffed. He strained against his bounds for a few moments before he smirked. “I would clap my hands. But somepony tied them too tightly for me to do so. I’m sorry, your applause will have to wait.” 

“What do you know about the changelings?” Shining Armor ignored the bulky creature’s cheek.

“Nothing that a pony like yourself needs to hear.” 

"Alright. As much I disagree with the lieutenant's request to beat you, I am getting tired of you." Shining Armor returned to his place at Cadence's side. 

After a few moments tense silence, the minotaur relaxed, “actually. I’ve decided... since you  all dead anyway... and it’s almost mid day too right?” He smirked up at the high ranked unicorn who still stood in his face, “A certain ally to the changelings hired us to drive you out of the forest and into the great gorge! Our plan has worked brilliantly. There's about half of your left and they will find you soon! Every one of you is going to die!” The minotaur laughed uncontrollably. “This is going to be so much fun to watch!” 

The lieutenant’s horn lit and the minotaur’s head snapped back and hit the solid stake so hard it made a resounding crack.

Shining Armor shot his companion a look, “you didn't need to kill him!”

Wide-eyed at his own excessive magic burst, the lieutenant shot his superior officer an apologetic look, “ah... I bet he’s only out cold.”

Shining extracted himself from Cadence's wing and strode over to the downed minotaur. “We could have made use of whatever else he had to say, it sounded almost as though he was in the middle of a victory brag.” 

The lower ranked officer shot his superior a look, “so? That would be bad for us.”

“If it was their intent to send us down here, it bore them great cost,” Shining Armor commented. “How long would it take to get everypony out of here and up into the forest land again?” 

“An hour to the nearest climbable slope. Or fifteen minutes and a lot of luck if we try and lift ponies out with a mix of unicorn magic and pegasus wing power. We can hardly see out there already. But if the storm gets any worse, that fifteen minutes could stretch out a lot.”

Shining Armor set his jaw in thought. “It might be worth a try...”

“Sir...” the guard who had been assigned to watch the prisoner spoke up as he touched the neck of the minotaur and checked his pulse. “He’s dead sir.” 

“Yea?” Lieutenant Quick Strike shook his head, “sorry Shining. I just have a very bad feeling about what that beast had to say, I feel as though we might be dead too if we aren’t careful.” 

“Changelings though?” Shining Armor wondered aloud. “They’ve been playing it awfully quiet for many years now.” 

“Yea." The lieutenant replied thoughtfully. "Now imagine if they are out there in the gorge in great numbers. If we go out the wrong way in this weather we don’t know if they are in one side, the other or both.”

“Call your guards in.” Shining Armor quickly replied, “and make sure the inside of this cave looks clear from the outside.”

“It’s only a small cave,” the lieutenant replied sourly. 

“Yes, and if we get mobbed by a hundred changelings down here then Equestria may lose a princess. I cannot let anything happen to my fiance. I would also like to see all of you brave ponies make it back home safe too.” 

The two guards rushed inside, “sir. Movement in the rain.”

“Everypony, get down!” Shining Armor hissed. The stallion rushed toward his fillyfriend and shoved them both up close and personal with the side of the cave. 

The guardsponies rushed to obey their commander and within moments a tense silence fell upon the group. Now it was a waiting game.   Shining Armor hoped to Celestia that the two guards had not been spotted by whatever it was out there. He suddenly found himself agreeing with his fellow officer. 

...This could be very bad. 





Canterlot, edge of the city

Two young lovers landed at their destination, Canterlot. The outskirts near the train station seemed to be a perfect pick for two ponies who wished to go unnoticed as the crowd appeared to have somewhere to go or something to do. No eyes lingered upon either mare, a fact that Fluttershy was thankful for. After all, crowded places were not really her thing. But while she felt nervous, the quiet mare felt it best that they at least make their presence known to the Royal Guard as they were Element bearers.  

The pair walked side by side toward the main city and kept their wings to themselves to dissuade unwanted attention.

Rainbow Dash kept her wings to herself for other reasons too. As the fastest flyer in Equestria, she did not wish to appear a softy or uncool. As the bolder and more excited of the two, Rainbow Dash led her fillyfriend along confidently toward the palace. She paid no heed to the snobbish ponies they encountered, content to keep her ego to herself. She wondered why they had to wear such silly clothes, it wasn’t like there was a special event going on in the city. She snickered when an especially overdressed-for-Rainbow Dash-couple walked past. The stallion shot her a dirty look earning a smug grin in return.

Fluttershy meekly followed her best friend and lover, intrigued by the sights and intimidated by the sheer amount of ponies around her. She began to wish she was back with her animals instead of allowing herself to be dragged out into public by an attention seeking pegasus.

“All right Fluttershy. Your surprise is coming up.” Rainbow Dash declared as the pair rounded a corner to face the majestic sight of the palace.

Looking to her companion curiously, Fluttershy mulled over what it could possibly be. A beautiful sight? Most likely, what else could she have possibly been able to set up?

The bold cyan mare broke her friend’s trail of thought, “coming right up pal. I just don’t want you to go around telling everypony what we are about to do.”

“Oh... okay.” The shy pegasus wondered what kinds of trouble her fillyfriend was planning for them.

“You trust me, right?” Rainbow paused, ready for take off. “Because you’re going to love it.”

“Of course I trust you Rainbow. You just make it sound like we’re about to do something dangerous...” Fluttershy trailed off, still nervous.

“But, you’re keen to give it a go?” The eager mare asked, a hopeful grin upon her mug.

After a moment’s consideration, Fluttershy nodded slowly. “I’ll do it, um... whatever it is.”

“Alright! Come on, I’m sure you won’t regret it!”

Fluttershy smiled shyly she followed her fillyfriend to one of the walls of the palace. She spotted the cyan mare scanning the walls, checking for signs of guards. Happy that the coast was clear, Dash nodded to her with a smile.

“Um... Rainbow. What are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked, feeling a wave of butterflies impact with her tummy.

The bold cyan mare motioned up at the wall, still grinning like a filly about to fly into the out of bounds zone on the flight course.

“But why? Can’t we just ask nicely to be allowed in?”

“If we were coming for a boring visit I would have marched right up. But I’ve got something exciting to show you. It’s like the most awesomest pet I’ve ever heard of!”

This new piece of information caused Fluttershy to have a change of heart and her nerves and fears quickly disappeared. A pet that was cool enough to make her mare excited, must surely be an amazing specimen.

“A pet? Ooooh...what kind of pet?”

“You’ll see! C’mon, Flutters!” Rainbow Dash lifted off, offering her fillyfriend a hoof with a slight snigger.

Fluttershy accepted the offer, propelling herself carefully upwards alongside her friend. They flew along the palace walls, avoiding detection from the Royal Guards, as Rainbow searched for a specific window to view into. It took some time, even a couple of circles around, as she tried to locate the one she was looking for.

“In here.” Dash motioned with her free hoof.

Fluttershy mutely nodded and allowed herself to be guided inside through the window. Right near it, on a perch, was a majestic and beautiful phoenix. Bright fiery red feathers, yellow accents, a strong beak, wise gleaming eyes, and talons that looked both sharp and yet majestic all at once. Fluttershy was stunned. Philomena. She had not seen her since the day Celestia showed up in Ponyville. That fateful day she had mistakenly tried to take care of what she thought was an animal in need. “H-hello Philomena. It’s lovely to see you again.”

The majestic bird squawked once in greeting but otherwise held her perch as though awaiting something important.

Giggling from the pegasus beside her broke the moment. “Oh dear, sweet Celestia... You should have seen your face... You look so adorable...” The bold mare managed between suppressed giggles.

“Rainbow...” Fluttershy giggled back, looking embarrassed, “But how can I not be? I’ve not seen Philomena in a while now! Oh, she’s gorgeous! Look at her!”

“I know! I didn’t expect such a cute filly face when you saw it.” Dash nuzzled her, filling the shy mare with a warm buzz inside.

The creamy yellow pegasus giggled, overtaken with affection and awe all at once. “She seems to be waiting for something.”

“Yea?” Dash grinned. “Well, in that case, we better go before-”

“Hello, my little ponies. It’s so good to see you again.” The majestic form of Princess Celestia entered the room behind the pair.

“Meep!” Fluttershy squeaked in fright and jumped into the hooves of Rainbow Dash.

“Princess Celestia!?! We um... were... just here to... um...” The guilty blue pegasus glanced around trying to find an excuse for the couples’ seemingly random appearance.

Princess Celestia giggled, smiling at them warmly, “There is no need to be afraid, Rainbow Dash. I was coming to feed her, and I overheard your voices. Hmm, I don’t know why you couldn’t simply come to me and ask to see Philomena again. I’m sure she would have been delighted.”

“You really mean it?” The timid mare crept out from her lover’s hold as delight in the new pet returned.

The princess held out her hoof and Philomena flew and perched onto it. Then Celestia nodded and the phoenix flew up to Fluttershy. Nervous, the yellow mare held her hoof out as well, to which Philomena gently landed to perch on it, happy.

“It’s times like this Fluttershy that your love of animals pays off, all right! That is cool!” Rainbow Dash grinned as she took in the regal sight of her mare with the fiery bird perched upon her outstretched foreleg.

“I do not mean to pry, of course, but I do ask simply because I’m curious, what brings the two of you to Canterlot?” Celestia asked as she held out her hoof for Philomena to return to her, which the phoenix did so.

“Well, I wanted to show Fluttershy that nifty bird you have there! And I guess for a change in scenery. Then I dunno, maybe we could head to someplace else that is cool too? But really, we’re just making it up as we go along!” Dash declared happily, completely missing the point that she had broken into Canterlot’s palace to do so.

“I see. Does this mean that I am able to entertain two of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony for the evening then?”

“Oh n-no, we could never impose upon you, Princess!” Fluttershy replied humbly.

“Don’t be silly, you two. It would bring gladness to my heart to spend time with the two of you if you would like.” The smiling princess lit the room with her radiant smile.

“Hey, that’d be cool! Sure! We’re in!” Rainbow Dash promptly agreed.

With a massive grin upon her muzzle, the blue pegasus turned to her loved one. “This is going to be great Fluttershy! You’ll get to see more of this awesome phoenix and then we’ll get to stay in one of these massive rooms together.”

“Of course,” Celestia added, placing Philomena onto her perch. “Should you two wish to stay the night, I would be glad to offer you a room.”

“I- I... um... all right. Thank you, Princess...” The reply from the yellow pegasus was barely audible, yet caused the already bright smile to expand.  

“Yes please!” Rainbow Dash cut her quieter companion off before the quiet ramble could continue.

“Splendid, then. Oh, and I had forgotten to mention, Twilight Sparkle is here as well. She came this morning to study on some subjects she had wished to catch up on, due to not owning the books that she can find here in the palace library,” Celestia informed them.

Both mares looked at the princess in surprise then at each other. “Twilight?”

“Yes. I had my sister join her. Poor Luna is more reclusive that even Twilight used to be. And I know they get along very well,” Celestia smiled knowingly.

“Oh. I’m sorry.” Fluttershy said softly. “It’s- very nice of you to let them work together.”

“If you like, we can go and find out.” Celestia gave them a kind smile before turning and starting to walk off.

“What the hay, sure! C’mon, Fluttershy! Let’s go see what this shindig is about!” Dash eagerly waved for her fillyfriend to follow.

Celestia led the way out, she briskly clopped off down the hallway. It was clear she knew the pair would be hot on her tail.

Just before the couple were about to leave, Rainbow Dash leaned in close to whisper in the yellow mare’s ear. “Imagine what we could do in a bed in this palace... it must be huge.” The cheeky cyan pegasus pulled away, she wore a grin from ear to ear. It was clear she had a few ideas in mind.  

“Oh...” Fluttershy blushed and looked away. “T-that sounds...fun.” She allowed a wing to brush against her lover’s side.

Tingles raced through both pegasi as they walked out of the well adorned room into the hallway.

“Of course it will be.” Giggled Dash. “I’m sure I’m not the only one with ideas too.”

Fluttershy smiled back shyly, she did, in fact, have a few things in mind, none of which she felt willing to share anywhere near other company.





Mighty Wing, Griffonstone

Flanked by two armoured griffon guards, Chief Grandeur strode down a bleak looking tunnel under his home.

“Sir, another good news is that one of my units have found the item referred to as the alicorn amulet. They intend to kill the pony who appears to have just discovered it.” Scrafty, one of the pair informed his boss proudly.

“Is that so? I do hope that you manage to hide the body properly this time. We don’t want another incident now do we?” The chief strode forward then paused, his gaze briefly upon the duo behind him. “I would hate to have to send our own griffons out on a search party for our own loyal griffs now. Doest I makest myself clear?”

“Yes sir. No body. No trace. The mare and her wagon will disappear.”

The mighty leader nodded once and continued on his way as if nothing had happened. After a few moments, they came to a dead end. He slotted one claw into a solid looking patch of stone and stepped back. The sound of stone grating on stone echoed around the hallway. Moments later, silence reigned once more and the path forward was clear. The griffon smiled to himself, now came the fun part.

He stepped forth with measured steps and the senior guard flicked a switch on the side of the wall. Grating stone echoed from behind him, signalling that his secret entrance was closing behind him. The armoured griffon rounded a sharp corner and picked up the pace as flickers of light bounced across the walls. He rounded another corner and came upon his cavern.

The large cavern was at least thirty griffon paces long and twenty wide. There were tables scattered everywhere and armed griffon guards on raised platforms on each corner. Their platforms were covered with spikes on the outside and griffons carried a sort of crossbow, designed for their claws able use. At the tables worked twelve zebras and two aged earth ponies. They were all bound with their hind legs in chains secured to the floor near their workstations. They were working on a variety of armours, spears, swords and pikes. One small group at the front consisting of the two earth ponies alongside two zebras were working some sort of potion that flowed red through various tubes and fell bubbling into a beaker at the end. There were a collection of artifacts strewn around the room and a few blackened zones on both benches and walls that indicated recent explosive accidents.

“How goes progress, my friends?” Chief Grandeur announced his entrance with a flourish.

Murmurs and looks shot around the room, none of the prisoners liked his appearance.

“I would like to inform you all that we have successfully deployed the first wave of items and their battlefield testing has been more successful than I could have dreamed. The zebras loved it!"

The zebras at the benches shrank with despair as the lead griffon continued joyfully, "but don't let that give you any ideas. We have thy families and remember... any attempts to sabotage our schedule shalt give me a most excellent meal. Now, who has  something new ready for testing?"

The boss griffon was met with nervous silence.

"No?" Claws rapped on hard stone. "No one? How about the project for my little pet?"

The two earth ponies and their zebra companions up front shrank back a bit in fear.

The guard to Chief Grand Grandeur's right coughed. "Sir. They appear to be in need of a test subject."

"Another?" A keen eye turned between the guard and the scientists up front. "I can bring thee a test subject. But please, don't blow this one up. I'm  warning you."
> Chapter fourteen: Griffon at the Gate Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Canterlot Palace

Flanked by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, Celestia walked along the corridors in complacent silence, nothing but the sound of hooves on polished floors to announce the progress of the three mares. They quickly made their way to the grand library and Celestia motioned for them to stop outside.

“While I understand that Fluttershy will have no troubles with the rules of the library, I would like you, Rainbow Dash to please remember that this is a quiet zone. Ponies from all over Equestria are here reading and researching and will not appreciate it if somepony interrupts their quiet time.” Celestia addressed the couple, keen to ensure that they understood.

“That’s, okay, Princess... I’ll be quiet.” Dash nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ve lived with Fluttershy for years, you do get to pick up on these things!” She made the motion of zipping her lips, a cheeky smile played lightly upon her face.

“That is good. I hope you understand, but I just had to make sure.” The snow white alicorn turned to the grand doors and upon contact with her powerful magic, they swung gently open revealing shelves upon shelves of books.

Rainbow Dash had to fight to stop her jaw from hitting the floor. The was an unbelievable amount of literature. What's more, inside were more eggheads than she had ever clapped eyes on in her life, and they were all in one huge room together!

Although not a reader to Twilight’s level, Fluttershy couldn’t help but get lost in the amazing sight. What it would be like to spend a day in the royal library, with all kinds of books on just about everything! She wondered what animal books they would have, and couldn’t help but scan a few of the titles as they three of them walked along.

“Please... follow me.” The alicorn turned and silently paced down a side aisle.

The trio came across two mares, buried in their reading as they studied, side by side. Twilight was completely absorbed by her material while, beside her, Luna’s tail twitched.

Although having seen her recently on Nightmare Night, Rainbow and Fluttershy were amazed at the sight of Princess Luna again, especially by how relaxed she appeared.

“Twilight, Luna? Do pardon the interruption, of course, but your friends wished to see you,” Celestia said in a very soft voice.

Twilight glanced up, surprise ripped across her muzzle. “Oh! Rainbow, Fluttershy? What are you girls doing here?”

Princess Luna glanced up as well, studying the two pegasi, “Greeting. Tis our pleasure to see thou both once again.”

The lavender unicorn placed her book down, “what are you two doing around here? I didn’t think Canterlot was really your cup of tea, especially you Dash.”

“Sure it’s not! But I wanted to show Fluttershy a change of scene and take her on an adventure!” Dash shrugged, speaking a bit louder. Catching herself, she began to whisper, “You know... to try new exciting things! New discoveries!”

Both Twilight and Luna exchanged looks and shrugged while the alicorn of the sun let out a small giggle.

Celestia quickly broke off her laughter. “You mean you came here to see my pet phoenix and other palace animals, Rainbow Dash.”

“Yea... of course,” confirmed the confident athlete. “I sure did come here to let my fillyfriend see your pet. Also, I was thinking of taking a look around... you know.” ‘And maybe a few other fun antics that are only for those in the Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash club...’  She added silently to herself, feeling rather smug.

The dark alicorn’s gaze shifted between the two pegasi for a few moments as the library fell back into silence, “I wouldn’t mind asking you both a few things later.”

“Okay, sure.” Dash shrugged as she turned to eyeball Fluttershy. She could see that her fillyfriend also had no idea what the princess might ask them, so she put it aside.

“Thank you, now if thou don’t mind, we have a book and excellent company to return to.” Luna smiled as she picked up her book once more.

Rainbow Dash turned to her fellow pegasus. “How about we go for a nice flight, maybe see some more animals. Then I’ll take you out for a feed.”

Fluttershy nodded. It probably would be better to leave the two to their studies after all.

“Okay... we’ll see you two eggheads later.” Rainbow Dash grinned as she turned to leave with her marefriend.

Luna burst out laughing, while Twilight did her best to not look too offended.

“Have fun then, you two,” Celestia offered kindly. “Would you like an escort, or would you rather go on your own?”

“Thanks for the offer, Princess, but that’s okay! We’ll be back later!” Dash grinned, leading Fluttershy out, waving at them. “See ya, Twilight!”

The unicorn waved goodbye to her friends then turned to the bringer of the sun, “I didn’t expect to see them here. Please may Luna and I get back to our studies? I feel as though I have made great progress.”

“Absolutely, Twilight. I should be getting back to my duties,” Celestia nodded. “Luna, I hope you’re doing well, and I will see you later.” She smiled at the two in a knowing manner before she headed to leave the library.

The two mares resumed their studies almost as if nothing had happened and Luna's tail immediately began swishing around again. It roped the idle dark purple tail of the smaller mare and entwined with it. With the two deep night shades entwined, the princess ceased her restless action. A small grin played upon the face of royalty as she continued to read happily. Every now and then she would pause when she thought the other mare wasn't looking and peek across to admire her.

Twilight caught her companion looking and smiled back at her. The pretty lavender mare giggled as the princess’s tail promptly disengaged from its hold and its owner sat up, pretending as though nothing had happened. With a playful smile Twilight slipped a little closer, almost to the point of snuggling up and ensnared the alicorn’s tail with her own.

“I win,” Twilight whispered softly then returned to her book with a light smile upon her muzzle. Their tails were still entwined.

Luna sat there stunned for a few moments. What just happened?





Canterlot Palace

Rainbow Dash flew slowly around the outer courtyard of the castle. Out here in the open skies with great views and her mare by her side, it was bliss.

Fluttershy wore a wide grin upon her muzzle as she enjoyed the breeze. She flew alongside her companion in silence, with a curious mind as to what they would be doing next.

“Look, Fluttershy! Something awesome’s below!” The call of the mighty cyan mare called Fluttershy’s mind to attention.

“What is it, Rainbow?” Fluttershy turned her gaze down toward the greenery below. “Oh... you think there are some cute animals down there?”

“Well duh!” The cheeky cyan responded, flipping in the air. “Want a cool Rainbow Dash landing to greet your new pals?”

“Um... no... that’s... that’s okay... I’d... I’d rather just land on my own... I don’t want to... um...well, erm.” She tried to think of a way to put it lightly. “I don’t want to interrupt them.”

Rainbow Dash did her best to put on a sad face but knew it looked fake due to the residual smile. “Awwww.”

“No... I... no... I don’t mean it that way.” Fluttershy bit her lip.  “...All right... we can do that. But please do it quietly?”

“Na... It’s okay, you can pay me back for it later if you like.” The speedster grinned, knowing her partner had misinterpreted her.

“But...”

“And I said we can roll with your plan. Come on.” insisted Rainbow Dash, not about to allow her marefriend to back down.

Fluttershy exhaled, why did she keep ending up offending or disappointing everypony at the worst possible time? At least Dash didn’t seem to mind that she was being a bad marefriend. She just nodded and mutely headed down toward the ground level of the palace garden, trying to keep her mind off everything and hoped that seeing all the plants and animals together would be nice enough to lift her spirits.

Rainbow Dash stayed in the air while her animal lover landed. “You go... I’ll just scare them with my awesomeness.”

In truth, Dash knew that her presence would be best spent in the skies rather than below. Rainbow Dash knew she could never possess such patience and peace of mind to keep herself from scaring them.

Yet the speedster remained in the skies for a few moments longer. Her eyes were still set on the flank of the mare of her affections and she really didn’t mind. Fluttershy had a hot flank and as her fillyfriend, Rainbow Dash figured she had all the right in Equestria to spend as long as she liked admiring it, even from afar. A silly grin settled on her face and she knew it was time to fly off before certain thoughts took over and her wings stiffened too much to maintain a fast, agile flight.

‘Imagine that... the great Rainbow Dash, killed by wingboner...’ She shook her head, yep, it was definitely time to go. Such a fall would be totally uncool. ...Yet hilarious in all the wrong ways. Her eyes travelled up the well-groomed coat of her lover to meet her stunning aquamarine eyes.

Fluttershy looked back up at the pegasus above. Was Dash checking her out?

From the distant smirk and the way the blue pegasus dipped slightly with slower wingbeats, she could almost hear the thoughts that were going through her mare’s head. Of course Dash had taken the opportunity to ogle her. A light smile graced her face, it was nice to know that she was that appealing to somepony else. She flicked her wings then tail as she turned, knowing Dash would be drawn into thinking about what was hidden beneath.

As Fluttershy crept slowly toward where a group of bunnies sat, she found it easy enough to accept that they both did still have their differences and this would allow them a bit of time away from each other. She’d done this a thousand times before on her own; it was no big issue. Although times such as the butterfly migration where Rainbow Dash had stayed by her side had been extra nice.

“Hello...” She greeted a couple of bunnies, albeit a bit nervously. “I hope you’re all doing well. I’m Fluttershy... I hope we can get along...”

The bunnies sniffed her curiously before they smiled. It was easy for the little critters to tell, this new pony was kind. A squirrel came scampering over, while a few robins landed on the branches of a tree above, watching the scene.

Fluttershy smiled, glad to see that they warmed up to her so easily. Things weren’t always straightforward when it came to new animal friends, but it also was far from difficult. Since she came from a whole different area than they, she had a feeling it would take a little bit more coaxing than usual.

“Well, everyone, I'll be here for a bit, so why don't we get to know each other?” With a yellow hoof, she beckoned for more creatures to join her.





Canterlot Palace Hallways

Flanked by two royal guards, the sunny ruler of Equestria strode down the hallway away from the library on her way to the throne room. The stained glass windows coloured the gold and creme floor all manner of colours and the royal mare couldn’t help but admire a few of them. Celestia paused as the tip of something outside, far below caught her eye.

Oh yes, she was at this part of the palace, wasn’t she? A few tentative steps carried her closer to the window. There stood her old flames statue. The poor creature was caught in a horrible position, mid realization that his marvellous, chaotic plan had failed. A hint of fear, clear to the sunny alicorn even from the height of several stories up.

Her mind drifted to Twilight and Luna. Oh, how close they appeared to be getting. It was wonderful, she wondered to herself if they could become a bit more...

Judging by the war of the tails, a heightened relationship might yet develop. It would be beautiful for her sister to discover true love. Like she had...

A stab of pain lanced across her system as her eyes refocused on the statue below.

 Discord...  

~~~ Flashback ~~~

A sunny white alicorn with a pink mane lay with a young draconequus in a pink and white four poster bed in the alicorn’s elaborate bedroom. Around the walls hung tapestries and other ornaments. A large balcony led out from the wall at the foot of the extra large pony bed.

The young mare sighed blissfully and nuzzled into her companion who smiled back. The draconequus snapped his tail and a drink of chocolate milk appeared in his outstretched lion paw. “A drink for m’lady?”

Celestia rose slightly, enough that she could easily take a sip of the offered drink. “That’s wonderful Discord. Tis even funnier when you do it with your tail too.”

“Clearly my practice has been paying off then. Watch this-” the young lord of chaos drank from the glass and instead of the milk draining, the glass did. With a snap of his tail-

The floating liquid splashed down upon his lover’s coat.

Celestia shot up in surprise while he flushed, “oops.”

“Well practiced?” Giggles overtook Celestia and she fell back onto her lover. “Oh my young lord of chaos, clearly someone still needs a few more lessons from his father about tail snapping.”

“I will manage myself, besides... how doest thou know that it wasn’t intentional. After all, that there was certainly the most chaotic of outcomes.”

“But not one thou intended,” a pure white hoof playfully prodded the patchwork creature’s tummy. Celestia unleashed a big sigh of contentment as she pressed herself up close to her lover, “now thee has the stain of thy chocolate too.”

“Fair enough,” the draconequus gave his mare a quick peck on the cheek as he cuddled up closer once more.

“I love thou, Discord,” The pure white mare murmured, almost at a purr, to her partner.

“Oh, I think I love thee more,” the cheeky creature replied with a king-sized grin upon his face.

“Really?” The sun might as well have been shining from the young mare’s muzzle as she beamed with delight. “I’m sure I love thou more.” A knowing look crossed her muzzle as those words left her mouth.

“How much more?” Discord wondered out loud.

“Enough to have your foal.” Celestia playfully chided him. He gave her a blank expression, all signs of breathing left the shocked creature. He began to turn to ice, his face blue.

“Breathe Discord!” Celestia shouted quietly at him as she shook his frozen form.

The sudden rise in volume appeared to have revived the patchwork creature and the ice that had developed across his serpentine form began to thaw. He gazed cautiously at her. “What… Did... Thou... Just... Say..?”

“You heard me,” a giggle escaped Celestia as she stretched out under her lover, filled with love for the strange creature.

“I’m… I’m going to be a father?” Discord contemplated. “Really? But how could this have happened?”

Celestia wasn’t sure if her partner was serious, still in shock, or simply unaware of how foals were conceived. “Art thou serious?”

The draconequus looked rather unsettled. “But, I’m no pony.”

“Clearly love found a way.”

“B-but then I must marry you... Even my father would look down upon us should we conceive a foal out of wedlock.”

“Then I expect a positively chaotic proposal,” Celestia smiled as she lay down the challenge.

“Oh really? We shalt see about that.”

The room fell silent as the couple went back to cuddling. It was clear from the thoughtfully look upon Discord’s face that he was still processing the new information too.

Discord slowly reached out and placed his clawed hand on his lover’s belly. “Hm... well then. Maybe after our first born has popped out, maybe I should get you pregnant, with me as a pony. Give us one orderly offspring to balance out the chaos we have produced.”

“Art thou sure thout okay with this? Thou wantst more? But can thou knowst that which we have conceived is chaos?” Celestia lay back, shocked that he appeared to be okay with this all. Nay, it was more than that, did he really want ...another?

“I can feel it,” Discord wagged his fingers playfully across the pure white tummy. “Ho boy, now that I know what to look for, my chaos senses are going wild. Our daughter is going to be truly something!”





“Princess?”

The sunny alicorn gave a start as she realized there were two concerned guards gazing at her. “I’m sorry, I simply was lost in thought for a moment. Do not worry about me.”

The pair nodded and returned to their places behind her.

With a final glance down at her husband’s statue, Celestia forced herself onwards toward the throne room. Yet she couldn’t help but wonder what happened to her firstborn who was long lost to chaos. Did her precious little Chaotic Sunset still exist in any of the worlds, or had she truly been taken away from the lands of the living? Had Celestia ceased looking before all options had been truly exhausted? As a hint of pink flickered across her vision from a passing window, Celestia’s thoughts turned to her second born daughter. The one she tried so hard to hide the truth about, that she even lied to herself. There was no way she could admit now that she had a younger daughter. No pony had to know, not her subjects, not the guard... certainly not her own flesh and blood. Not even Luna had to know. 

Her secretary approached with a stack of papers and her mind once again was drawn to things far off. Her letters. 

Her most recent letter was yet to receive a response. She hoped her ...niece was okay out there. The sunny ruler slowed for a moment as the doors to the throne room came into view. Time to suppress her thoughts of family. Her niece would be fine. Of course, she was. She simply must be tied up for the last few days. That was all. 

Besides, it was work time again. Time to be the perfect princess all her little ponies knew she was. Celestia nodded for the doors to be opened. She smiled happily as a multitude of ponies came into view. Day court looked busy. That was good.

She took her place on the throne and prepared to commit to helping the subjects before her.

...But what was that young mare doing out there with her fiance?

She had better be okay.





Forest of Canterlot mountain, North-east of Canterlot.

Captain Volibeak, a tawny brown griffon with a white face and black tail feathers pumped his wings and relished the feeling of power and he raced toward his target, a lone zebra who was in a mad dash through the dense bush toward the city far in the distance. The griffon took a swipe and cut through a thick bush to quicken his progress toward his prey. He swerved around several trees as he reached out a claw. His claw clamped over the hindquarters of his prey and he grinned as he slammed it roughly into the earth.          

Volibeak landed roughly on top of the downed zebra and slashed at its face with his free foreclaw. A white female griffon with red accents ploughed into the zebra’s side. The zebra screamed in pain as the white griffon bit his neck and tore a chunk out.

“This-” The female griffon ripped another hunk of flesh from the zebra whos cries turned into frantic gurgling. She swallowed her large bite and turned to her companion who took a bite of zebra too. “This is great!” Her coarse, high pitched tone was filled with her excitement.

“See Mistwing, I told you,” Volibeak grinned back as he tore more flesh from the writhing creature.

“That’s hot. Do it again...”

“What? This?” Volibeak tore into the zebra’s flank with a flourish.

A gurgling scream rang out. Mistwing’s blood red tallion latched onto the bleeding neck and with a final set of convulsions, the zebra lay still.

The pair chuckled darkly as they turned their glances from their prey to admire each other.

Volibeak allowed his gaze to wander down his blood splattered companion a bit, “that blood looks really dark on you too, hot stuff.”

Mistwing fluttered her eyelashes as she reached out and tugged the dead zebra closer to herself. “Yea? In that case, I bet you won’t mind being the one to search its saddlebag for that item while I enjoy a quick meal?”

Volibeak laughed to himself. “Quickly then. Don’t want the others to interrupt our fun.” His eyes remained fixated on his fellow griffon as he dug through the satchel with a bloody foreclaw.

As he latched onto the lone item inside the satchel Volibeak smiled. He lifted the gem out for them both to admire. The sparkling red gemstone that rested in his foreclaw glowed with an otherworldly light. The gem felt... hungry.

“Such a pretty blood ruby...” Mistwing drooled with a hungry grin.

“Not as beautiful as you,” Volibeak smirked back.

“Oh shut up.”

“If I don’t?”

“Then I’ll cut your hide open and screw your brains out.” Mistwing tugged the zebra’s corpse closer to herself.

“Better make those threats less appealing there,” Volibeak commented as he reached down and ripped a hunk of flesh off their kill. “But are you sure you want to damage the merchandise?”

“All I need is your face, wings, and dick. For everything else...” the grinning female ran her claws along the flesh of the dead beast and left a deep cut in her wake.

Volibeak forced himself not to flinch. Hopefully she was bluffing, otherwise, he would be a total mess before they made it out of the pony lands.

“You know, we probably should hide the body before the other’s catch us,” Mistwing yanked the dead zebra from her companion’s clawed hold.

“Don’t want to go introducing too many griffons to sentient meat?”

“It’s illegal.”

“So?” Volibeak thrust out his beak and managed to take a small bite as the white griffon tugged their kill further away.

“What in all of Griffonstone are you two idiots doing?” Private Chein, an older brown and black griffon asked, clearly shocked by the bloody scene before him

The pair spun around to face the intruder. Several other griffons came into view

“We found the blood ruby.” Volibeak held up the item. “Now help us hide the corpse.”

None of the new arrivals moved a muscle to help as the leader of the squad shoved at his kill.

“You are in deep shit when we get back, you know that.” A pure black griffon shook his head in disgust.

“When we get back, our lord, Grandeur will be in charge. It won’t be a problem,” Volibeak smiled back.

“You mean that two-faced beast eats meat too?” Another griffon asked. Shock radiated from several members of the scout squad as the words sank in.

Volibeak rounded on the speaker, “you know what is missing from our diet? Meat. You know what I am brave enough to eat? Meat. Not stinking fish! Red meat! What can our kills provide us with? Food. Get the picture, stupid?” Volibeak contemptuously took a bite out of his shared kill as he glared daggers at his squad.  

“You know what, let’s just get back home. I’m sick of this shit.” Private Chein flicked his wings, disgusted by his leaders' consumption of the zebra they had been seeking.

Mistwing yanked the dead zebra from Voilbeak’s hold. “I see movement. Help me hide this, dimwits!”

Volibeak smirked back at his beautiful white griffon, covered in blood. He hurried to hide the body under nearby bushes with her, then turned his attention skyward. There were indeed two guards flying high above. Thankfully, the duo were only small in the sky, probably about eighty griffon lengths up and did not appear to be monitoring the ground closely.

Still, the young griffon commander was glad to note that his squad had taken cover just in case. It would not do to be discovered. Especially with blood on his claws. Volibeak gave a start as he felt something sharp prod him in the side. Mistwing withdrew her red tallion then dug it right back in, almost hard enough to break his skin. Instead of flinching or telling her to stop, he reached out and ran his foreclaw through her coat against the grain till he came to rest on her skull. He roughly massaged her head and smiled as she melted under his ministrations.

“Alright. They appear to have moved on,” one of the scouts spoke up.

“Good. Move out, take the blood ruby and go. Mistwing and I will bury the body and meet up with you all.” Volibeak held out the gemstone, a smirk upon his face. 

“Whatever flankhole, just don’t spend too long rutting your mate there,” private Chein roughly snatched the blood ruby from his leader and shot the new couple a look of contempt.

Volibeak smirked at the offending griffon. “Get gone featherbrain before I bash your face in.”

The older griffon shot his leader a death glare but did as he was told.

“I think I’ve just decided who my mate is gonna be.” Mistwing murmured slyly as she ran a claw down the brown griffon leader’s side and poked him sharply in the ribs. “I’m sure those idiots won’t mind if we take a bit longer to ...hide this body properly, will they?”

“They better not,” Volibeak smirked happily back at his new mate as his insides tingled pleasantly. This was going to be a fun afternoon!





Ponyville

It was a bright sunny day in the town of Ponyville. The birds were chirping, the pegasi were flying free and the ground bound citizens were out, enjoying the lovely day.

A mint green unicorn sat on a bench in the park next to an earth pony with a beige coat and two-toned mane. The pair were simply enjoying each other’s company out in the sun.

Pinkie Pie bounced past and waved at the couple. “Hi, you two!”

Before either mare could respond, Pinkie’s tail wigged out, her ears flapped, her mane frizzled then her whole body wobbled wildly as though she were jelly.

“Ooooh! That one was a doozey!”

“Um... what’s wrong Pinkie?” Bon Bon tentatively asked.

“I wish I knew. I’ve never had that one before!”

“Okay?” Lyra spoke up.

The pink mare snapped to attention as another jolt ran through her body. “Something isn’t right!”

  “What do you mean Pinkie?” Lyra asked.

“I don’t know, I’ve never had this combination before. It’s like it’s telling me something is wrong near Canterlot. Like- really bad! But that’s where Twilight, Dashie and Fluttershy have gone to.”

“I have something I need to check on,” Bon Bon spoke up urgently.

“What do you need to do?” Lyra asked inquisitively.

“Don’t worry honey, I’ll be back soon. It’s just... something at home I need to check on all of a sudden.”

“Okay..?” Lyra lyra took half a step but paused as her fellow bench-sitter took off in haste. 

“Now she’s acting weird.” Pinkie observed. She bounced twice then turned to face the lone unicorn. “Don’t you think?”

“Uh... for Bonny, yes. What are you going to do about your Pinkie sense?”

“Hmmm...” the party pony thought for a moment. “Oh! I know! I’ll round up Appejackie, Rarity and my party cannon then take them on an adventure! I must help whoever it is that needs the Pinkie Pie’s help!”

“Alright, good luck Pinkie.” Lyra waved goodbye to the party pony and sat back down on the bench like one of those mythical creatures ... a human would. She smiled a bit at the thought of getting their strange posture correct. On second thought, maybe she should investigate her mare and find out what got her so alarmed.

Aware that snooping was probably a bad idea, Lyra rose from the bench and trotted off toward the home she shared with Bon Bon.
> Chapter Fifteen: Griffon at the Gate Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot

Two young lovers strolled through the streets of Canterlot. To all the world, they appeared as friends, happy to walk in each others company through the well-kept roads. The posh ponies they passed paid no heed to the two lower-class strangers. The occasional mare or stallion would recognize the two element bearers and greet them, but they were otherwise left alone.

The bold mare paused her stride. “So Flutters, where do you want to go? It’s on me!” Rainbow Dash waved her left forehoof to indicate the various venues up ahead.

“What? But, Rainbow! It’s... these places are all out of our price ranges! I’ll pay for us....” The shy mare was shocked that her mare wanted to go to such a high and lofty eatery.

“Don’t worry girl! It’s my shout. I’m the big shot and if anypony is going to play gentlecolt, it’s me.” The cyan mare wore a charismatic grin, there was no way she was about to allow her fillyfriend to play the role of the colt in their relationship, especially in public.

“But... you don’t need to pay for a meal to be one, Dash... and besides I don’t want a gentlecolt... I want my Rainbow.” The buttery mare giggled softly.

Fluttershy’s gaze came to rest upon the furthest building. It appeared to be a restaurant more akin to the ones in Ponyville than a large well endowed city like Canterlot. The finely crafted outer stone wall was embellished by a sign, ‘The Pink Pegasus.’ This was a simple hoof carved sign in the shape of a pegasus mare in flight.

“How about that one, Rainbow?” Fluttershy pointed toward her choice.

A delighted grin lit the cyan mare’s face. “Sweet! See... it wasn’t that hard.” She nudged her companion and took off toward her goal.

Fluttershy smiled sweetly at her lover. She allowed herself to admire the curves of that cyan flank, the swish, swish of the colourful tail as Rainbow Dash ambled up to their destination, happy to lead the way. A light blush covered her muzzle as the mare of her dreams met her gaze. A smirk covered Rainbow’s muzzle and she poked out her tongue, happy to tease. Fluttershy blushed more. She had been caught.

The shy mare trotted to Rainbow Dash’s side, suddenly eager to exit the streets of Canterlot.

“I was tempted to give you a wiggle there, Flutters...”

That was not what Fluttershy wished to be met with. Her muzzle heated up a little more.

“Rainbow...stop.” The buttery pegasus pouted, she felt oh-so-ready to find a table and get on with their good meal. “We are in public.”

“What? We’ve been discreet so far. See... no pony is even looking.”

The still flushed mare glanced behind her at the ponies on the road behind them. None paid the two ‘friends’ any heed. “See... we’re just two friends having fun in the big city.”

“That’s good,” the shy mare mumbled. “Just... please don’t be too cheeky, I don’t want anything bad to happen.”

Fluttershy took a final glance around at the others on the street. The passing ponies were still too busy with their lives to notice strangers. With a deep breath for courage, the shy pegasus took the lead and headed inside. The interior of the restaurant was filled with floral arrangements on the pink and white walls. Above the bar in the middle there hung a stylized pink pegasus with a frazzled mane made of wood. Fluttershy spotted a table in the far corner off to the right and made a beeline for it. The obedient silence and clopping of hooves told her that her partner had heard her. The U shaped booth had walls decorated with an array of flowers on either side of the U. The table in the middle was big enough to fit a group of five ponies with ease. Fluttershy slid right into the middle of the U seat and did her best to relax.

The bold blue mare sat herself down beside her shy one and they shared a comfortable silence. Dash glanced around and did her best to look awesome and cool in the hope that they could get served faster. She was hungry after mucking about in the sky and was confident that they could get served quickly. The cyan pegasus waved a hoof at a light pink pegasus attendant who was flittering between tables tending to guests and congratulated herself for her own efforts when the mare noticed them.

“Rainbow Dash...” Fluttershy nudged her lover, “we can wait. If she’s busy serving other ponies, let them go first.”

“Nonsense. There’s gotta be other staff here to serve those other ponies,” Dash settled back happily as she awaited the arrival of their attendant.

The young light pink pegasus, with a single white blossom stuck into her braided snow-white and blue mane approached.

“Hello, fillies! Welcome to the Pink Pegasus. What can I get you two cuties for lunch?” A light grin crept across her face as pulled out a notepad, ready to take their order. “Can I get you two a drink to start off?”

“Um... I’ll have water, please...” The shy pegasus trailed off, smiling appreciatively.

“Cider for me!” added Rainbow Dash with a confident grin.

The hostess giggled, nodding as she scrawled it down on her notepad, “Sounds good, coming right up. You two get comfy, but... not too comfy. I’ll be back soon.” She winked at the pair before she trotted off to retrieve their order.

“There, you see? Easy.” Dash lay back against the soft U shaped couch.

Fluttershy followed suit, allowing herself to sink toward her lover as the contours brought the pair of lovebirds together in bliss. They allowed the chatter of the busy restaurant to wash over them. Rainbow Dash allowed herself to relax, her eyes closing and her breaths slowing.

Before the lazy pegasus could drift off, the light clopping of hooves alerted her and she opened her eyes. The light pink hostess had returned with their drinks on a tray. She set them on the table and gave them their glasses. A careful glance was given to Fluttershy.

“And what would you like for your main?” The pink pegasus asked.

“Um... well...” Fluttershy looked at the menu. “I-I don’t know. I don’t want to spend too much... but it all looks yummy.”

“Fluttershy, don’t worry about how many bits it all costs. I’ve got it covered.” A light blue hoof encouragingly caressed the yellow forehoof for a moment.

“But Rainbow...”

“Never mind that, what do you want?”

“Um... I want... the vegetable goulash.”

“Awesome. I’ll have...” Dash quickly eyed the menu, “the Lost pegasus waffles please... yea those sound good.” Rainbow promptly added. She bumped a hoof against her fillyfriend’s shoulder whilst a grin shot across her face.

Fluttershy smiled appreciatively and settled back again.

“Are you two cuties together? Or just very good friends?” A giggle escaped the pink pegasus who stood at the edge of the table, notepad still in one hoof.

Rainbow Dash shot upright in surprise. “No. She’s my best friend, that’s all.”

Fluttershy slipped and found herself awkwardly pinned between the strong blue back of her fillyfriend and the couch. A small ‘eep’ escaped her and she fought to sit back upright.

“Well... maybe.” Dash glanced guiltily down at the pretty yellow pegasus as she assisted her.

“We... we are. I-if that’s okay with you,” Fluttershy added, almost inaudibly.

“It’s fine, don’t you worry. Just good to know I’m not the only mare in this city who is like yourselves.” The pink mare’s voice was almost a whisper at this point and she glanced around to make sure nopony else had heard.

“Oh... Well, what is it with everypony here then? If it’s so bad, why not just move out?” Dash asked, a hint of annoyance entering her voice.

“I can’t. You see, I kinda own this place and it’s... nice.” The pink pegasus trailed off, still a little nervous.

“W-well, what’s your name...? I-if you don’t mind me asking,” Fluttershy piped up.

“Me... Oh, I’m just a nopony. Working my own place, nice and quiet... Name’s Snowflake if you must know though. Anyway... I’m off.” With a swish of her snowy blue tail, Snowflake turned and trotted off toward the kitchen.

In the absence of any reason to talk, two young lovers settled down to wait patiently as the sounds of kitchenware and ponies busy with their meals filled the air.

After several moments of peaceful silence, Dash slipped a hoof up and around her fillyfriend’s shoulders. She made sure to rest her hoof on the headboard of the U seat so as to make it appear to others that she was simply reclining. She smirked as Fluttershy inched closer and extended a yellow wing just enough to tickle the light blue side.

Dash grabbed her cider and took a good swing. The sweet mixture washed through her, refreshing and delicious. She finished her mug all too soon and set it down with a small clank. Her eyes wandered the slack wings of her beautiful fillyfriend and she couldn’t help but give in.

“Hey, wanna kiss?”

“I thought you said we were to be discreet?” Fluttershy shot her fillyfriend a look.

“No pony’s looking at our little booth and we are in a restaurant owned by a fillyfooler.”

“You really like to push the boundaries, don’t you, Dash?”

“Makes it more fun,” the speedster grinned back.

The buttery mare allowed herself to relax and slide a bit closer to her love.

 With a careful look around the few filled tables, Dash decided no pony was looking and went in for a quick kiss.

A big, sweet grin overcame the shy pony’s face as she remembered the first time they had kissed, so long ago in their fillyhood. She brought Rainbow Dash closer and whispered, “you have always been the best kisser I've ever known.”

“Fluttershy... I’m the only pony you have ever locked lips with! I made sure of that... a long time ago...” The cheeky mare grinned back, mischief written all across her cocky muzzle.

Fluttershy gazed into the wonderful eyes of her companion, a question forming on her lips, mirrored on her face. “Y-you made sure? B-but the only time I ever tried to kiss somepony else was that time I tried to date a colt.”

“He was awesome to prank,” giggled the culprit of the long-ago incident. “put him off my filly really good.”

“...That was you?” Fluttershy’s jaw dropped.

“Well duh. I couldn’t just let my best friend kiss some idiot who clearly didn't like you for who you were.” Rainbow Dash playfully nudged her stunned companion.

“O-Oh....” Fluttershy flushed and her wings quivered slightly. “Well, I did think whoever did that was a bit of a jerk, but um...”

The speedster grinned at her fillyfriend, “you calling me a jerk there, Fluttershy?”

“No. Um... maybe? ...If it’s okay with you?” A few moments of silence passed as the pair mulled over the past. Fluttershy fought a mental battle with herself for a few moments as another memory surfaced from later in their fillyhood. “Well, I-um... have a confession to make, too...”

“And what might that be?”

“Do you remember that one filly, Blazing Comet, who was trying to ask you out? Well, um... when I overheard her saying that... I-I... went and told her, you and I were dating so she would leave you alone,” Fluttershy confessed, turning pink.

“Oh, yea... she was kinda cool,” the cyan pegasus giggled softly. “Wait... you did what?” Dash gazed at her fillyfriend, surprised.

“Yes. I- oh, I was so jealous! She was much better-looking and so interesting and fast and daring like you... I was being selfish and trying to keep her away from you! ...I’m sorry...” Fluttershy looked down at her hooves in shame. “I did it because I was so jealous... even though she was a very nice pony and I knew she would treat you right.”

“It’s okay. I heard she wound up happy with her old friend Moon Dancer from Canterlot.” Dash mused, offering a nuzzle for support.

“But- but you could have missed out! And I had no right to do that since I was too chicken to tell you how I felt! I had no ownership over you! I lied about our relationship and then I was terrified you would find out and- and- and... I tried to ask you- i-if you might go out with me... but I was too scared...” a nearly inaudible sob escaped the buttery pegasus.

“Come on, Flutters. I’m so happy you did that! She was maybe too much like me anyway. I need somepony like you to hold me down from time to time.” The cheeky prankster giggled at the double meaning of her last part. “Like that time you politely asked to hold me down in front of our friends. That still makes me giggle.”

Looking up, Fluttershy wiped her eyes and flushed scarlet, “I... I wasn’t meaning it like that. Not when you were um... not you an-and Discord was running around like that... and our friends were so close by.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged, “would have been quite an experience to wake up to though. Hey, maybe you should try that sometime.”

Fluttershy ‘eeped’ and hid behind her mane. After a few moments she decided to change the topic, “you really mean it? A-about Blazing Comet?”

The speedster shot her mare a dry look.

“Oh, why am I asking... I don’t think you’d be with me if you didn’t feel that way...” Fluttershy trailed off, her voice nearly a whisper.

“Well duh. Besides, you’re the only pony I’ve ever had some seriously naughty thoughts about.” The light blue pegasus chucked. She ruffled her companions feathers with her own wing and sent jolts through both their bodies. “I know you know what I mean.”

“I suppose...” The creamy yellow pegasus giggled a bit, a faint blush appeared on her muzzle. “Um, just- how did you manage that prank, Rainbow?”

“That’s for me to know. I am the master of pranks after all.” Dash boasted. “You were my friend and special to me. It just took a while for me to see that ‘special’ meant this...” Rainbow Dash trailed off, motioning between them.

A few comfortable moments passed with both ponies going for a walk down memory lane.

The sound of hoofsteps caused them both to glance up at the incoming pony. “Sorry this took so long you two,” Snowflake slipped their selected dishes from her back onto the table with her wings.

“O-Oh, no problem. We hope nopony felt rushed... after all, Rainbow Dash here was a little bit... pushy.” Fluttershy mumbled, twiddling her hooves nervously.

The server laughed softly. “Oh no. Don’t you worry about that. Enjoy.”

“Thanks! That’s real swell, Snowflake!” Dash grinned, eyeing her plate with a hungry tummy to call her onwards.

“Sweet as you two. I’ll be just over there if you need anything else. Or you can holler! Just don’t make a mess.” Snowflake winked and walked off again.

“Wow... She’s really quite a nice mare, isn’t she?” Fluttershy confided to her partner, softly, as if being afraid of getting caught talking about the waitress.

“Are you kidding? She probably is the most normal pony in this entire Snobville!” Dash laughed, ruffling the timid pegasus’s mane. “Now come on! Let’s eat!” She immediately went to work on devouring her meal. Slower than usual, but still with her usual vigour.

Fluttershy joined in the giggle. “Okay, Rainbow.”





The meal was delicious and disappeared all too quickly for the speedster to feel like she could fully enjoy its delights.

As soon as the pair had finished, Snowflake reappeared. “Thank you, girls. I’ll take it from here.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow leapt up, ready to leave.

“Thank you, Snowflake.” Fluttershy reached for her money bag, intending to pay at least part of the bill, only to be stopped by a blue hoof.

“I told you, Fluttershy. It’s my shout. So, let the gentlemare pay.”

“Oh come on...” Fluttershy pouted. “Okay.”

“That’s my filly,” grinned the happy polychromatic pegasus.

Dash turned to the smiling serving pony and held out the bits, “here you go, miss.”

“Wonderful, you two,” The snowy pink pegasus accepted the bits. “Now, you two have fun out there.”

“We will, thanks,” Dash called as she walked off, ready to continue their awesome day together.

“T-thank you,” Fluttershy quietly murmured as she followed her lover out.





Wonderbolt HQ, Cloudsdale

Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot entered Spitfire’s simple office. The rather tired looking lead Wonderbolt was quick to take her seat with a long drawn out sigh. Her loyal stallion took his place at her side rather than on the other side of the table. She shot him a look but he smirked back as he laid a wing over her shoulder. He knew exactly what he was doing. Cheeky stallion.

The arctic blue mare from across the desk smiled at the couple. “Awww, aren’t you both the cutest pair of bosses a mare could ask for!”  

“Can it, Fleet, this is a serious meeting.”

“I know. But this is also lunchtime,” the grinning mare relaxed a bit. “It’s still nice to see you two at last openly sporting the couple look. Does this mean you might, at last, consider having a foal?”

“If things ever calm down, maybe I will. Or maybe I’ll be too busy dealing with a war and smart remarks from ponies like you.”

“Then poor Soarin will never get to be a dad,” Fleetfoot shot the stallion a sad face.

“Including Rainbow Dash, how many new Wonderbolts are we auditioning over the next week?” Spitfire asked as she completely ignored her fellow Wonderbolt’s cheek.

“Fifteen I think,” Fleetfoot answered. “I might grab High Winds and go visit Las Pegasus. See if we can round up any more speedy rookies.”
  
Spitfire nodded, “good idea. Losing Bright Skies to raiders from Kludgetown was a blow we really could have done without and filling his place on the first responder list will not be easy.”

“Let me repeat myself boss... there was nothing we could do,” Fleetfoot responded, her expression soured and she scuffed a hoof against the cloud floor.

“It’s the second casualty this year and we aren’t even at war,” Spitfire fired back. “I say that’s not good enough.”

“Well, considering how dangerous some parts of Equestria have become, I would say that’s actually not as bad as you keep making it out to be!” Fleetfoot replied with an attempted smile, trying to lighten the mood.

The lead Wonderbolt huffed and settled back. Soarin cuddled up a bit, his wing tightened its hold on his wife's shoulder and she allowed herself to be pulled in closer.

“Celestia has asked me to increase our numbers in the outer regions, especially closer to Griffonstone. She doesn’t trust them as far as she can throw them and neither do I.”

“To be fair, Celestia could probably throw a griffon quite far with her magic,” quipped Fleetfoot.

“You know what I mean,” Spitfire replied dryly.

“So, that’s a not very far then?”

Spitfire graced her cheeky friend with a dry look, “uh, huh.”

“Then we really do need a lot more ‘bolts,” Fleetfoot replied. “My lot are spread out thin as it is.”

“Who do you think we should send out there?” Spitfire asked as she shuffled a few papers.

“I think we could send Second unit. They could use some experience on the front line,” Soarin replied.

“What about Third?” Fleetfoot injected. “I flew with them yesterday and they seem ready for a bigger slice of the action.”

Spitfire shook her head, “no can do. I want them to fly out to Las Pegasus for their next rotation.”

“Send two then.” Fleetfoot thought for a moment, “oh and hows the budget to build that outpost five minutes out of Filly Delphia?”

“Approved this morning.” Spitfire dug around on her desk for a few moments, “here's the paperwork to approve it. We should have a team of pegasi starting construction of the cloudstuff barracks within the next few days.”

“Sweet,” Fleetfoot nabbed the paper and folded it, then tucked it safely in her small saddlebags. “I’ll pass this onto Blazing Comet. I’m sure she will love to get a move on and see some action out there.”

Soarin snuck a quick kiss onto his mare’s cheek. Fleetfoot grinned at the cute display.

“Is somepony feeling left out?” Spitfire asked without turning to face her husband.

“Who me?” Soarin grinned innocently.

“No. Some other big lug trying to suck my face off.”

“Ouch,” Fleetfoot giggled softly.

“I’m just wondering if you’ve finished with the admin stuff,” the light blue stallion snuck another kiss in.

Spitfire turned and gave her snuggly companion a big kiss. “There. Now calm your nuts, we’re nearly done here.”

“Then you’re all mine,” Soarin whispered.

“I think I heard that,” Fleetfoot playfully called out across the desk.

“Oh yeah?” Spitfire turned to her longtime friend. After a few moments, she nestled in close to her husband to whisper in his ear. “After this crazy long week, I could really use a good buck.”

Soarin grinned madly.

“Geeze you two!” Fleetfoot cried out, “I would say get a room, but now I don’t think I need to encourage you.”

“Somepony asked for it,” Spitfire shot back. “I’ll see you at this afternoon’s weapons training.”

“Alright, have fun with your lunch break you two.”

As the ice blue mare exited the room, Spitfire turned to her husband. “Give me ten minutes for the paperwork, then I expect you to be ready for action.”

“What if I give you five minutes and a massage?” Soarin offered as he shuffled over a bit to sit behind his lover.

Spitfire ripped into her paperwork with speedy precision, “better start that massage you promised.”

The light blue stallion grinned as he set to work on his wife’s shoulders.

“That’s better...” Spitfire sighed, “right. Cuddles in five,” she murmured as she continued with the paperwork.

“Cuddles? I thought you meant we could have-”

“No sex at work. You know what happened to my office last time.” Spitfire was quick to cut her husband off.

The stallion’s efforts faltered yet a knowing grin shot across his face. “But you said-”

“I know what I said. Fleetfoot had it coming. We can have all the sex you want right after our Friday night drinks tonight. Okay?”

“Alright boss,” Soarin rolled his eyes as he set to work massaging his missus once more.

“Hey, I’m your wife.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“You bet your arse it is, especially at work,” Spitfire smirked at her stallion.





Ponyville, Bon Bon’s candies

With the sun beating down mercilessly upon her back, Lyra arrived at the sweets shop she called home; Bon Bon’s candies. With a deep breath, she readied herself for anything.

Despite the closed sign, the bright green unicorn pushed the door open with ease and carefully made her way inside. The cozy shop was dark, the shelves, normally filled with all manner of treats was empty. Lyra heard shuffling upstairs and felt nervous bubbles filter through her system. She took a deep breath and once again reminded herself that it was fine. Bon Bon probably just forgotten something and had to rush home, that's all.

Against her better judgment, Lyra found her hooves moving slowly and carefully as they carried her quietly behind the counter then through the door to the part of the dwelling that was their home. As she carefully closed the door, the mint green mare thought she heard two ponies talking upstairs.

Bon Bon had company?

The surprised unicorn quickly ascended the stairs and came before the couples bedroom door. Rather than open it, she pressed her ear against the wood. Who was that pony her darling was talking to?

“-but I’m telling you, it was a Pinkie sense warning and she said something bad was going to happen close to Canterlot. I worry that it could be the bugbear we captured or another large menace.” The mare’s voice was slightly muted thanks to the door in the way, but it was certainly Lyra’s love in there.

Bugbear? Lyra scrunched up her muzzle in confusion, what bugbear? What was her marefriend talking about?

“That mission never happened.” The gruff voice that addressed the earth pony inside the bedroom gave Lyra extra cause for concern.

A stallion?

What was a stallion doing talking to her Bonny in their bedroom?

“Look, I’m telling you, as one of your best agents, please don’t ignore this. If the recent problems with the griffons head toward war then we really don’t need more dangerous creatures roaming about out there.”

Lyra shot the door a look, what was Bon Bon talking about? War? More dangerous creatures? Agent???

Just as the green listener was about to bust in and see who her mare was talking to and what exactly was going on, she heard the strange stallion speak once more:

“You’re right. I’ll have a talk with my superiors. Please come to Canterlot at once and meet with the head of our new organization. Either way, this is on you, agent Sweetie Drops.”

“That name died when we were closed down,” snapped Bon Bon.

“That clearly didn’t stop you contacting me today because some pony’s body jingled.”

The candy maker growled in annoyance, “for the third time, Pinkie sense isn’t made up, even though no pony can understand it. This is-”

The stallion cut the candy-maker off, “then you will meet us in Canterlot in our old room in three hours.”

“Me? But... what am I to tell everypony here?”

“I don’t care what you tell everypony, I’m sure Celestia will want to see you too. It may even be asked of you to head the team sent to find this menacing creature.”

A moments silence reigned down hard upon Lyra as an ever increasing barrage of questions shot through her head. What was her marefriend talking about? Who was this strange stallion? What organization? And who in Equestria was Sweetie Drops?!?

“Alright,” Bon Bon finally spoke up. “I’ll see you in three hours, I’ll just have tell my marefriend I have had something important come up in Canterlot. Then I’ll be right over.”

“Confirmed. Over and out.”

“Yes sir. Over and our.” Bon Bon sighed loudly, a pop and fizzle followed then everything went quiet.

Lyra slumped against the door in shock. What was going on? Just- just...

What?

All of a sudden the door opened and the leaning unicorn fell side first into her marefriend. The confectioner yelped in surprise and fell back. The two mares fell onto the bedroom floor and lay there in a heap of surprised pony.

“What are you-?”

“Lyra?” Bon Bon gaped, “w-what are you doing here?”

Lyra shifted her muzzle to better gaze at her lover below, her mind a wild mix of confusion while her limbs refused to work properly. “I came to check on my precious candy-maker, then I hear something strange that makes my head hurt. Bonny, what’s going on? What’s this about a secret agent? And who’s this Sweetie Drops?”

The creme mare on the bottom sweatdropped. “Uh... how much did you hear?”

“Enough to make me wonder who it is that I lay with each night. Was our whole relationship a lie?”

“I’m sorry, Lyra. I couldn't tell you for your own protection.” Bon Bon reached up and slowly ran a hoof through her precious unicorn’s white and cyan two-toned mane.

Lyra shook her lover’s hoof off then placed a hoof on the floor to better support herself as she continued to gaze into the panicked eyes of her Bonny, “w-wh... But the lunches... the long talks... the benches we sat on... None of that real? Have I been making love to a stranger, Bon Bon? Or should I call you Sweetie Drops?” A teardrop fell upon the earth pony on the bottom who flinched at the sudden waterworks.

“Lyra, you’re my very best friend. You’re even the best marefriend and lover a girl like me could ask for. I’m still me. I used to be Sweetie Drops until-” a hesitant pause rent the air. A few moments later the creme earth pony slowly continued, “-until the Bugbear we captured escaped Tartarus. Princess Celestia demanded complete deniability. They shuttered the whole operation and gave all of us new names. I’m Bon Bon, okay?”

“Well, what about that stallion I heard? Have you been seeing somepony behind my back? Am I not good enough for you?”

Bon Bon recoiled as though stung, “eeeww, no! You’re the first pony I ever dated. I don’t think I could even see a stallion like that. Especially after meeting you!”

The mare on top slowly shrank back as she sat up. “I- I don’t know what to think now...”

Bon Bon lay on the hard wooden floor for a few moments, gazing up into her lover’s eyes. Pain and betrayal radiated from the golden orbs that normally were such a source of wonder and joy. A pit formed in her stomach as she dreaded the damage she had just inflicted on their relationship. Maybe it would have been better to just ignore the warning from Pinkie and continue to live blissfully with her Lyra.

 But no. Pinkie sense was not to be ignored unless you wanted something really bad to happen. In fact, something bad had probably already happened. Now it was up to her to respond quickly before whatever it was got worse. With a slight shake to her voice, Bon Bon, at last, managed to respond, “then I guess you heard that I’m summoned to Canterlot.”

“Yes.”

At the stony look on her lover’s face, Bon Bon sighed. “This is probably a bad idea, but please... come with me. I- I’ll explain everything on the way there.”

The mint unicorn eyed her lover cautiously. “You mean it?”

“Yes.” As Lyra was about to respond Bon Bon continued, “but. But I’m still the same pony okay? I’m Bon Bon.”

Lyra nodded slowly, her expression guarded. Hurt and anger swirled behind a curtain of uncertainty.

Bon Bon slowly continued, “I want you to promise me that you will not speak about this to anypony else. My past with the agency is so top secret that as far as anypony is concerned, those four years of my life never happened. Okay?”

“Four years?”

“Yes.”

“But I thought we knew everything about each other!” A hint of more tears threatened to escape from the unicorn as her anger at being deceived by her loved one escaped. “I-I thought I knew you! You were my amazing candy mare! What about making Bon Bons as a filly? What about you growing up, always moving around thanks to your dad's job?”

“It happened.” Bon Bon was quick to confirm. “The story of how I got my cutie mark is as true now as it was when I first told it to you, okay?”

“And when you came to Ponyville and told me you had worked as a travelling confectioner all across Equestria?”

The creme mare sighed, she really had to get moving if she was to make the next train. “That’s a long story, I’ll tell you on the train. Okay?”

The mint green unicorn nodded slowly, still uncertain. Her lip trembled as a few tears escaped.

Bon Bon slowly extracted herself from the floor and stood. The ex-secret agent tentatively held out her forehooves. The musician propelled herself into the warm loving hold of her special somepony, almost knocking them both over once more. There Lyra cried quietly for a few moments as she nuzzled up close and held on for dear life. The candy-maker simply held her most precious pony and allowed the emotions to escape, torn between her shaky heart and the need to get moving.

As the tender moment faded, Lyra withdrew and rubbed a forehoof across her eyes to try and dry them. The mint green unicorn went in for a quick kiss but paused as she realized what she was about to do. Should she really kiss Sweetie Drops? She still felt like her Bonny... With a shuddering sigh, the unicorn pulled back. No kiss.

“Lead on. Please tell me the truth- the whole truth this time about your past.”

“Four years, the rest is all true,” Bon Bon nodded slowly, the pit in her tummy filled with foreboding and guilt. Now, what was she going to tell her superiors? Were they even her superiors still? Did her marefriend even trust her anymore?

Ugh... this had turned into one big mess and she wasn’t even out of Ponyville!

Bon Bon slowly led the way downstairs, Lyra grabbed her lyre from the couch as they passed through the lounge and out the door to the front. 

This was going to be a long ride.





Forest of Canterlot mountain, North-east of Canterlot.

Blood stained the earth of the otherwise picturesque forest floor near where two griffons stood. Down the mountain, several miles away lay Canterlot in all its glory, half hidden by all the trees. In the little clearing where the two griffons stood, splotches of blood led to a thick patch of bushes that had been well tramped. A white griffon with more than a little blood on her beak and body stood proudly over her work.

“So, are we gonna see some action or what?” Mistwing eyed her target as she patted the spot the zebra was hidden.

The tawny brown griffon turned his attention from his companion as he spotted movement on the road a good distance from where they stood in the bush.

“Hey, what are you looking at. I’m here featherbrain.”

“I see movement...” Volibeak stated calmly as he settled down to avoid drawing attention to himself.

Mistwing gave her flank a wiggle, “yea, I’m moving, doofus.”

“Not you, them.” The tawny brown griffon pointed out of the forest at the road from Canterlot.

“Oooh... You know what I’m thinking?” The white female fluffed her red accents and licked her beak as her gaze flittered between the pair of ponies and her to-be mate.

Two pegasi wandered down the road side by side, blissfully unaware of the watchful eyes that tracked them.

Volibeak grinned. “Remember our Chief’s words?”

“Which ones?” Mistwing asked as she moseyed up close to her chosen mate and jabbed him in the ribs for fun.

“What he said about the bearers of harmony. One yellow pegasus with a pink mane and a blue pegasus with a rainbow mane. I think we’ve found Gilda’s old friend.”

“Let's kill them,” Mistwing replied as she prepared to rush out of cover and attack.

“Cool down, let them get closer...” Volibeak grinned. “If they get close enough then and only then we take them!”

“Why wait so long, they are far enough from the city.”

Volibeak shot his companion a hard look. “No. We must not let any pony from Canterlot see. Who knows what would happen if we start the war earlier than our master has planned.”

Mistwing thought for a moment, “what if I strip you down then watch the show? I can make you look like a ...rogue griffon or something. They apparently have been causing problems. Then you don’t get us all in trouble if you accidentally get spotted by a guard.” Sharp eyes drifted up and down the unit leader’s form as she eyed him hungrily.

“A backup plan in case we do get caught?”

"What if I want to see my handsome mate kill two pegasi without wearing any protection?"

Volibeak smirked back as he began to shed armour as carefully and quietly as possible, “help me out of this.”

“With pleasure...”





Smokey Mountain

Dappled light shone through the trees creating pretty patches on the path that Trixie walked slowly along. Her harness pushed lightly against her barrel as her home moved along the slight downhill stretch of bushland. To her right was the steep downhill slope of the mountain that fell off into the bushlands below. In the distance one could see Smoky village. The performer knew that beyond that village lay the city of Vanhoover in all its glory. Trixie turned to gaze to the left to eye the forest that lined the road. It grew dense quickly as the slope slowly increased.

In front of the azure unicorn lay the path as it sloped gently down the mountain before it wound off toward the village in the distance. With a contented sigh, her gaze returned to the forest on her left. Wait. Something moved in the foliage far off. Something with a hint of brown was it?

“The great and powerful Trixie is not being followed,” she reminded herself. “After all, we saw no pony following us when we discovered the long lost amulet.”

Her thoughts fell to the unusual amulet she had found. It felt so full of raw power, so willing to give her all she could ever ask... Trixie had been a bit too scared to put it on quite yet. However, she was sure it would help her beat Twilight and prove that she was the greatest. She was the great and powerful Trixie after all.

All of a sudden a strange sensation washed over the unicorn. She was being watched. Somehow, some creature had found her, high on the mountain. With a shudder, she silently wished it was something peaceful. It had better not be a wild beast, watching her with hungry eyes. Or- or a stallion who wanted to have his way with a lone mare. Trixie bristled. Whatever it was, if they tried anything, they would discover they had another thing coming. She was not as defenceless as she appeared. For she was the great and powerful-

An explosion threw her thoughts into disarray. Her harness shoved roughly against her as the shockwave followed and threw the young mare against the road.

“Ow, what in the-” She was cut off as something jumped on her and slammed her roughly back onto the cobblestones. A claw raked against her back and she cried out in pain.

The performer frantically powered up her horn and shoved her attacker off. She hastily undid the straps of her broken harness only to take a step back in shock.

Before her stood a dark brown tawny griffon. It was clothed in leather, protectively covering most of its body whilst leaving plenty of room for its wings, head and legs to move freely.

Before she could process anything else, a pair of brown wings unfurled and propelled the griffon right back into her face. It pounced on her, she panicked and poured a great deal of magic into her horn. The magical blast sent the griffon tumbling into the nearest bush on the forest side of the road. The door to her home burst open as a dark grey griffon headbutted its way through then squawked angrily at her.

She shot a blot of magic at the intruder, he narrowly dodged it and the bolt burned a hole the wooden caravan. The griffon pulled something out of a pocket on his small bag and threw what looked like a little black rock at the unicorn. Despite her attempt to dodge, it honed in and stuck to her horn.

Trixie retaliated with another blast of magic only for her horn to splutter, spark and send out a blast of magic so small the griffon simply stood there while his fur ruffled in the breeze. The unicorn’s limbs suddenly felt dead with terror, the stage performer stumbled back a step toward the steep mountainside. “What have you done!?”

The griffon in her doorway turned to face the inside of her cart and yelled; “keep looking, we know its in there somewhere!”

Whoever was inside yelled back, “you were the one who went and blew a hole in the side to get in, now everything is everywhere! Kill the mare, I’ll keep looking!”

The dark grey griffon smiled keenly at the lone pony. Trixie felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her system as a fresh wave of panic filled her system. She was so totally gonna die!

Why, oh why would something like this happen to her? She was the great and powerful Trixie! She was supposed to be adored, looked up to by loving fans. Not... this!

The griffon she had repulsed strode toward her across the road and shook his head groggily. “I’m sorry, but no survivors are allowed.”

The grey griffon in the doorway stepped out of her home, “run. Please. It will make this more fun.”

With one quick, fearful look back at her poor home, Trixie leapt off the road and made a break for it. She rushed down the mountainside, her hooves slipped as the terrain became steeper. She heard the rustle of wings as her pursuers glided after her. Twin shadows passed overhead as she leapt over a rock and almost smacked into a tree. With unsteady hooves, she forced herself to keep running, faster and faster down the slope. Trixie broke into a less dense spot. One of the griffons took the opportunity and swooped down toward her. She saw the shadow grow, but due to her speed, could do nothing to avert the collision. Time slowed down as sharp claws raked across her back. Pain blasted her system and she barely was able to force her hooves to hit the ground and not fail under her.   Searing hot pain radiated from her back as she continued to sprint helter-skelter downhill in a mad dash. She felt another attack might be incoming and did her best to power up a shield. Claws scratched along the dome that stuttered under the control of the panicked unicorn. Her magic once again failed and the weak bubble broke. The black stuff on her horn burned with an intensity that made her eyes water. Desperate to still the spinning sensation that followed, she forced herself to keep looking ahead as she stormed onwards. There had to be cover somewhere, anywhere!

The griffon circled off somewhere overhead. Trixie tried to slow her descent as she thundered into a thick grove and slammed mercilessly into a tree. She fell to the ground, groaning softly. Stars spun across her vision while her whole world burned with brutal, searing pain.

This wasn’t right!

She was not supposed to endure pain!

She was Trixie!

The great and powerful Trixie!

Laughter broke her internal tirade. Her head snapped up to face the grey griffon as he alighted at the edge of the grove. As his companion touched down beside him, he strode into the grove. His posture was that of utter assurance. He knew he had her. This was it, it was the end.

“Thank you for finding the alicorn amulet. Our master will reward us greatly for your success, please, die knowing you have done us a great service.”

The mage struggled to rise, to escape, but realized one of her forelegs was wrong. Something was broken.

Trixie charged up her horn, tried to attack, to do anything! But between the pain, the black stuff on her horn and the fear, all she managed was a small blast that singed the griffon’s leather armour. Trixie flailed desperately as the griffon leapt at her, talons outstretched, ready to end her life.
> Chapter Sixteen: Griffon at the Gate Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Palace

Two mares walked the hallways of the Canterlot palace. They were flanked by a set of night guards with stoic expressions. Luna strolled with a lazy pace, happy to enjoy the company of the pretty unicorn at her side.  

Twilight smiled ecstatically up at the larger mare as she trotted along, “thank you for the use of your telescope last night Luna, it was wonderful getting to admire your work so close up!”

The princess of the night smiled back at her companion who walked eagerly by her side. “Twas my pleasure. I would gladly do it again for thee in a heartbeat.”

“Oh, well...” the studious unicorn trailed off for a moment, “might I be allowed to borrow it again tonight, once our findings have been presented to Celestia?”

“Only if thou allow us to accompany thee. There is a certain star we enjoy watching while thou admire my night sky.”

The bookworm thought carefully for a moment. “Oh, really? I didn’t know you could see your stars like that without using some sort of device to enhance your view. How do you do it?”

“I look at thee.”

Twilight scrunched up her muzzle, “Luna, your not making any sense, I’m not a star. Anyway, back to the topic of magic. Do you see why I think friendship is such a powerful kind of magic? I mean... I’m still only learning it myself, but that’s what makes it so amazing. Part of the fun is making new amazing friends, like you.”

‘Only friends? Has this beautiful young mare not realized that We have been leaving her hints that We art interested in courting her?’ The dark princess realized that she should probably respond to the eager unicorn at her side before Twilight asked her why she was so quiet. “So then, we shalt report to our sister of our findings,” Princess Luna announced to Twilight as if she needed to know.

Walking alongside Luna in the grand corridors of the palace, Twilight nodded, “It’s all part of getting you used to spending more time in the company of other ponies. And, well, being her student, I guess it’s no wonder she wanted me to help you and report your progress.”

“Would thou have spent today with me if my sister had not asked thee to?” Luna asked softly, her gaze fell upon the stained glass windows and the world outside, anything to avoid the pretty unicorn at her side.

“Of course I would have. You’re my friend and I think you're really special. But I’ve noticed, you do have a habit of doubting yourself. I’m at most only ever a letter away and you can teleport them especially to Spike. There’s no way I would neglect to respond or help you.”

“Mayhaps that is part of what led to me becoming... well... uh...” Luna trailed off. The darker part of her mind was quick to remind her that she had recently felt the power of the nightmare. ‘Didn’t it feel wonderful, dear Luna?’ The dark alicorn shuddered slightly at the inner nightmare’s voice.

Twilight spotted her companion’s distress, “It’s okay. I- I think I understand, but she’s been banished. You’re my friend, Luna, remember?”

‘Tell our little prize the truth!’ Luna fought back at the shadows of her mind and shot back her own retort; “she is not a prize!”

“Who? What?” Twilight gazed up into the eyes troubled cyan eyes of her pretty companion.

“D-did we say that out loud?” Luna stuttered as she came to a halt.

“Um, yes?” Twilight circled around to better face her companion.

Luna slumped, “Please pretend thou didn’t hear anything.”

“Why? Who were you talking about? Are you okay?”

The darker mare hesitated, to tell Twilight would be to admit that all was not okay. Yet to open up to her would also show her a heightened level of trust. “Can we tell thou after meeting with my sister?”

Twilight continued to gaze at her, concerned. “Are you sure you want to wait? If it's important, I’m sure she won’t mind if we spend a few minutes more talking before we go in.”

“Please do not worry about me, I’ll be fine. We do not wish to burden thee with our problems.”

“Look, you’re not a burden. I’m your friend and hopefully a special one at that. I’m here for you whenever you need me and it doesn’t matter what that is. Okay?”

“Okay.” ‘Special?’

The younger mare nodded, clearly not entirely convinced. However, she was not about to further question the princess though. If Luna said not to worry, then that was how it was going to be. She would just have to try and wait till she decided to talk. Twilight reared up on her hind legs and gave the larger mare a big hug, “okay Luna. But when you want to talk, I’ll be right here for you. Remember, I’m your friend and your very important to me.”

Luna stood stock still in shock for a moment before the fluttering in her chest told her to reciprocate. She sat down and slowly wrapped her ...friend... in a hug. Oh, this felt wonderful! The princess felt like could twirl her magnificent companion around with joy and hug her close for she was MINE!

Luna stumbled back.

Twilight, who still had her hooves wrapped around the larger pony’s neck fell forward and the pair collapsed onto the hard polished floor. The purple unicorn hurried to extract herself, full of mumbled apologies, her muzzle flushed.

“Tis okay, I’m the one who should be sorry,” Luna spoke as she lay on the ground.

“You look like you could use another hug,” Twilight tentatively commented as she assisted her companion’s rise.

“Yes,” dark blue enveloped lighter purple as the pair hugged once more. Night blue wings enveloped her precious unicorn and there Luna held her. Oh, she wished she could just tell her how amazing she was, how wonderful she felt and how much she wished to be loved back. But she could not. She was a danger to Twilight as long as the dark part of her mind persisted. She would not let the Nightmare harm Twilight.

As the moment stretched on, the lavender unicorn relaxed her grip, only to find that her companion continued to hold on for dear life. “Um... Luna?”

The alicorn in question realized that the moment had dragged on too long and hurriedly pulled away. Luna was thankful for her dark coat for it masked her flushed muzzle. “Sorry, we-”

“It’s okay Luna,” Twilight lightly cut her companion off. “If you think you need a hug, just tell me. Or better yet, feel free to hug me.”

The midnight blue alicorn nodded hurriedly, “our sister is expecting us.”

“Yes, she is. Lead on.”

The dark alicorn hurried to do so and decided to change the topic, “our sister receives thy reports by letter. We must admit, it certainly must be lovely to receive.”

“Well yes...” Twilight blushed slightly.

“May we read them?” Inquired the alicorn.

“Oh, sure! I don’t have a problem with it. I don’t think Princess Celestia will mind, either. Why don’t we ask her when we get to the throne room?”

“Thank you for your generosity Twilight. We will be sure to study your letters well.”

Twilight smiled a bit more as she looked at the midnight blue alicorn, “I don’t doubt that, Princess-...sorry, I mean Luna. I have to say it’s great how you’ve been studious and retaining the information we’ve learned so far as well as you have. I’m sure you’ll have a lot to learn as well when it comes to friendship.”

“Yes. And we hope that you will continue to grace us with your company. It...it helps, having somepony who understands,” the alicorn trailed off into silence.

“Well, then I’m glad to be of help to you in that also,” the lavender unicorn replied kindly.

“We must admit though... we are not normally able to study as well as we have today... Methinks it has to do with the company.” The alicorn brushed a wing against the mare beside her.

Twilight blushed a bit, especially when, to her surprise, the dark wing draped over her back. Much in the way Rainbow Dash draped her wing over Fluttershy’s back. Did Luna know what this action might imply?

Luna smiled down at her flushed companion. “Is my wing appreciated?” She asked hopefully.

“W-Well... I never had this happen before... except when I was a filly, and Princess Celestia used to do the same to keep me warm and protect me.” Twilight admitted. “But... yes. This is nice, Princess.”

The royal mare smiled happily, so far things were going much better than she imagined they would. Here she was with a friend, who seemed to understand her better than anypony else, other than her sister. She was kind, powerful and had the most amazing- ‘Thou must stop there. Such inference has only led to trouble in the past.’

“Mayhaps I might be allowed to take you up and show you my night sky in a more personal way sometime?”

The idea immediately sparked Twilight’s interest as she looked at the midnight alicorn. “Really?! Wow! That would be wonderful! I’d love that! Oh, I’d have to bring my notes along, to document everything I find! What do you have in mind?”

“A cloud at midnight. I can enchant thee to walk on clouds while I take us high into the night sky, as far up as a pony dare fly on a cloud.”

“Gosh... Princess... that’s really nice of you, I’d like that a lot, really! Thank you. It’s a date then!” Twilight’s excitement bubbled up inside and bounced slightly while still under her companion’s wing.

“It’s just Luna,” Said alicorn smiled kindly down at the pretty mare who kept pace alongside her. ‘If I understood that right, does she really mean date as in to court me?’

“Right! Of course, Luna.”

The two found quickly themselves at the throne room. It was an average day at work for Princess Celestia who was seated at her throne, overlooking a few samples of paperwork she would later be taking into her private study. She lowered the papers down with her magic and smiled warmly. The ruler noted to herself how her sister had a wing draped over her student and couldn't help but wonder if some kind of announcement was imminent. “Ah, there you two are. How did it go?”

“It went really well, Princess!” Twilight said eagerly. “We had a pretty good time just studying and even talking about things!”

“Thy student has the most divine flank,” Luna commented, as a delighted grin emerged across her muzzle.

Celestia’s eyes went wide for a fraction of a second before her lips curled into an amused smile. That was not the announcement she had expected.

Twilight, on the other hoof, went slack-jawed. Where had that come from?!

Noticing her student’s discomfort, despite how amusing it was for her sister to say such a thing, Celestia returned to stern mode, “Luna... While I am glad you finally managed to express levity, I will say that that was highly inappropriate. I do apologize for your discomfort of that, Twilight.

“We are sorry Twilight. Could thou ever forgive us?” Luna asked, blushing, despite how truthfully she had meant it, the princess realized it was entirely out of place to publicly announce just how smitten she was by Twilight, even if the only other pony in the room was her sister.

“I-it’s okay... I’ve just never had anypony say such things about me before. I’m only an average unicorn.”

Luna’s eyebrows rose. “Never? Thou art serious? Hmm... We can only wonder why nopony has noticed.”

“Um... yes?” Twilight replied, still shocked that anypony could think her good looking.

Celestia spoke up, “I think it’s because she has only ever lived in the library or around ponyfolk who are too reserved to talk so openly about such matters.” The princess looked thoughtful for a moment. “Hmmm... The moon and her stars... That could be delightful.”

“Sister, surely this must be changed!” Luna drew her companion in closer and threw out a forehoof in exclamation, “for dear Twilight Sparkle is but a lovely specimen and should not-”

“A-Anyway!” Twilight interrupted, clearing her throat. “So, uh, I do have a friendship report!”

“That's good, Twilight.” Celestia accidentally let out a little giggle unbefitting of royalty. “Would you care to share it with us?”





Galloping Gorge

Rain fell heavy and fast outside the cave the group of eighteen ponies hunkered. Most of the party kept a wary eye on the entrance of the cave, least any changeling or other unwanted creature enter and give their perilous position away.

Shining Armor felt his fiance slump against his side and realized that after two hours of fearful watch, she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He shifted slightly to better accommodate her weight against his side. The young stallion snuck a look around to make sure no pony was looking. Glad to see no eyes on himself, the white unicorn snuggled up to his pink lover as best he could in his armour.

“Hey, sir,” the whispered tone of the light blue earth pony on Shining Armors other side sounded all too loud despite the pouring rain outside.

Shining Armor shot the speaker a questioning look.

“Where’s a mare for me to cuddle,” the light blue soldier grinned at his superior.

Several other nearby guardsponies suppressed snickers.

Shining Armor flushed ever so slightly as Cadence mumbled something in her sleep and snuggled up closer.

“Do you have a mare back home?”

“That I do,” the light blue earth pony nodded slowly.

“What’s your name soldier?”

“Bluestreak.”

“Well then, Bluestreak... that is where there is a mare for you to cuddle. I want you to make sure you make it home safe to her.”

“Yes sir,” with a wide grin, a blue hoof snapped up and saluted.

“Movement!”

Immediately everypony who was awake scrambled back as far as they could against the poor protection of the cave wall on either side of the entrance.

Several moments passed with nothing but rain. Shining Armor realized that in his haste to shift he had awoken his fillyfriend. She groaned softly and he quickly clamped his lips against hers. Light purple eyes flew wide open and she relaxed and kissed him back.

A changeling emerged from the storm. Black as night with green tipped wings. The creature shook itself then froze in shock at the sight of those it had been seeking. A spear flew and lodged itself in the creatures head. The dead changeling tumbled backward till it lay pinned into the hard earth of the cave entrance.

“Quick! Get that thing in here!” The lieutenant ordered, his voice clear and urgent above the storm.

Several unicorn horns lit and lifted the corpse and spear inside. The changeling was placed behind the dead minotaur and the mound of dirt that covered its side closest to the cave entrance.

“Good shot,” lieutenant Quick Strike congratulated his soldier.

The earth pony who had thrown the spear smiled grimly in thanks as his spear was returned.

“Now to hope none of its friends wonder where it went,” Shining Armor spoke softly, his voice barely audible over the pouring rain.

Cadence shivered as her eyes briefly met with the mound of dirt that now hid two dead foes from the easy view of the outside world. Shining Armor felt her distress and pulled her in for a hug. He lifted her face to his with a gentle forehoof then place a dainty kiss upon her lips and nuzzled her softly. “I’m here... it’s okay. Just... don’t look over there, okay?”

The pink alicorn nodded slowly then cuddled up to her protector and love. She really wanted to be home safe or even in the Crystal Empire about now. Just about anywhere was better than here.

None of the ponies in the cave gave the pair any smart remarks or looks. The princess was not a warrior like them.





Fluttershy’s Cottage.

Angel Bunny stood proud at the windowsill of his caretaker’s bedroom as he overlooked the backyard and all the animals contained therein. With fluttershy out on an adventure with that rainbow rascal he was left in command.

The rabbit turned and spotted that tortoise just as the slow creature alighted at the top of the stairs. As Tank’s propeller finished spinning, Angel leapt across and landed lightly upon the shell.

“Onward mighty steed!”

“Chill - out - dude.”

“Hurry up you useless turtle, we need to get outside! There’s animals to feed and cages to clean!”

“I’m - a - tortoise. You-”

Angel rapped on the side of his companion’s shell. “Don’t care. Get moving.”

Tank smiled up at his companion. “You’re - even - funnier - than - last - time.”

Angel sighed, maybe he should just walk. “I’m not trying to be funny you silly thing. Fluttershy left me in charge here, not you.”

“Rainbow - Dash - told - me... not - to - listen - to... you.”

The rabbit shot the grinning tortoise a look. “But I’m in charge. I’m the coolest, fastest and smartest! Mom put me in charge.”

Tank kept smiling happily up at his companion, content to enjoy the moment. “Totally - cool - dude. You - be - in - charge.”

The bunny was almost tearing his fur out at the complete lack of speed of his companion’s speech. Rather than continue to try and get the silly tortoise to be his free ride, Angel bounded off and rushed down the stairs. He paused as his eyes met his food bowl.

Great.

He had to do that himself.

His first lunch in... forever that his yellow caretaker had not been there to provide for him.

She had only been gone for what, a few hours? He already wished she was back so she could pamper him.

He heard loud tweeting and twittering outside. The rabbit sighed to himself. Guess there were others that needed his care too.

Way to make it even better.

“Dude - wait - up!”

Angel turned and spied the slow creature at the top of the stairs. “No, I’m done waiting for you.”

The tortue smiled back, “then - I’m - sure - you - would - love - to - take - care - of - all - the - animals - outside - while - I - get - our - food - ready - in - here.”

“Pfft. I need feeding first.” Angle bunny bounded off to find his salad.

Just as his first carrot came within paws reach there was a knock at the door.

Angel bunny sped out to open it and couldn't believe his eyes. There hovered Tank, the door open and on the porch, Pinkie Pie. ‘What does that pony want?’ Angel groaned silently.

“Hi you two!”

Tank slowly smiled in greeting.

Angel scowled up at the party mare. Something was wrong. She wasn’t smiling as widely as she normally would.

“So I’m here to drop Gummy and Opalescence off. Me, AJ and Rarity have to go off to Canterlot.” The pink earth pony deposited the tiny alligator and cat in front of her.

Angel cocked his head, this was rather sudden... ‘why did they have to rush off and leave him with more idiotic creatures?’

“So yea, don’t worry. Everything is totally in control. It’s not like there’s any problems, nope, none!” The now wide grin upon the mare’s face was a little too big. After a few moments, she appeared to realize this and toned her grin down, “anyway. Have fun together. Bye!”

With that, she was gone.

Tank landed, “greetings - please - come - in.”

Angel tapped his foot against the floor, the new arrivals forgotten. ‘What was going on here?’





Galloping Gorge

Amidst the cover of heavy rain, a lone grey unicorn crept back into a moderately small cave somewhere at the bottom of the gorge.

“Sir.”

“Yes?” lieutenant Quick Strike turned to face the unicorn.

“I think it’s clear out there. The last of the movement vanished over ten minutes ago. No changelings have since appeared on my magical radar spell. That's at least fifty clear meters on either side that no creature is moving so we should have enough space if we head straight up, sir.”

The lieutenant turned to Shining Armour. “Okay. Let’s get out of here. We don’t want to be here if the changelings come back. We are to make for the city of Vanhoover as quickly as possible. Sound good?”

“I am happy for us to make that an order,” Shining Armor agreed. “Alright, pegasi.” The dirty white unicorn turned to his fellows, “I know most of you are still recovering. But we need able wings to lift ponies up to the top of the gorge above. Who is willing to carry other ponies up to the top?”

“I am.” Sky Slash, a white pegasus with a light blue mane that stuck out from his damaged helmet in tufts stepped forward. 

Two of the three wounded pegasi also stepped forward. Their dirty coats were tinted with spots of red yet the held themselves with pride. One of the two placed his helmet slowly on his head, “both our wings are okay so we wish to be of service.”

“Glad to hear it,” Quick Strike nodded.

“I can help fly ponies up.” Cadence softly spoke from her coltfriend’s side.

Shining Armor turned to face his mare, “only once the coast is confirmed.”

“I agree,” Quick Strike nodded.

“I volunteer to scout a place for us to fly up to,” Sky Slash spoke up. “That way it can speed up the transportation of everypony as soon as I return. If I’m not back in five, assume I’m dead or captured.”

“You know the risk?” Lieutenant Quick Strike asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I expect to see you back soon.” Shining Armor replied solemnly.

Sky Slash saluted his two officers then took off into the rain.





The bright highway, outside Canterlot

A happy pegasus couple meandered along the wide road from Canterlot, otherwise known as the bright highway, buttery yellow alongside vibrant blue. Celestia’s warm afternoon sun shone upon their backs. The company they shared together filled their hearts with joy. To their right was the cliff face that fell off to the wide open lands below. If you looked carefully enough you could just spot Ponyville tucked away peacefully amidst the rolling landscape. To their left, scattered trees grew in density as the mostly flat fields met with the steep mountainside. The occasional pony passed them on the road, heading into the city. As Fluttershy cruised along, her partner occasionally took wing and pulled off small tricks for fun. All in all, it was a bright easy day that left them wanting for nothing.

Growing bored, Rainbow Dash leapt up and soared over to the waterfall. She landed at its bank and gazed out across the land below. Far in the distance lay Ponyville surrounded by bushland. So far away. So peaceful.

Fluttershy touched down beside her lover and couldn’t help but be awed by the spectacle. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Yea,”

“Wanna go a bit further, or head back?”

“Well...” Dash thought for a few moments. She turned to face the forest on the other side of the road. “How about have some fun on the mountain? You can try spot a few critters, I’ll have some fun flying around the trees.”

“As long as you don’t hit any,” Fluttershy cautioned.

“Hey, I’m me. There’s no way I would do that.” Dash drew back, a hoof to her chest as she shot her lover an indignant look.

“I know nibbles. But you can be crash prone.”

“Is Snuggly asking for it?”

“For what?”

With a smirk, Dash picked up her partner bridal style and took off like a rocket toward the trees. She zig-zagged through the loose outer trees then continued to dart with speed and precision into the dense bushland.
 Fluttershy clung on for dear life, her eyes shut and her tummy felt like it was left somewhere far behind. All of a sudden the duo slowed and the animal caretaker stumbled out of her lover’s hooves onto the soft earth.

“Am I cool or what?” Dash bragged, “See Fluttershy, even carrying you I’m too good to hit a tree. Not a scratch.”

The buttery mare shook her head slowly as the world continued to sway slightly. “You didn’t have to do that Dash.”

The speedster caught a hint of something in her partner’s voice and paused, “I- uh... I went too fast didn’t I?”

“Yes.” The lanky pegasus hid behind her pink mane, “If- that’s okay of course.”

“Pft, duh. Of course, it is. Thank you for actually telling me and not keeping quiet and all shy like. See, we are getting better at this whole talking thing.” Dash waved a blue hoof between them both before she settled it over her mare’s shoulders and drew her in for a quick hug.

Fluttershy smiled lightly and offered a nuzzle as she snuck in closer to her lover’s side. “I’m so thankful that you listen and try to improve for me.”

“Does that make me the most awesome fillyfriend ever?”

“It makes you my only fillyfriend ever Dash, I don’t need any other as long as I have such a loyal, loving companion.”

The speedster pecked her lover on the cheek, “of course. And I think it's pretty cool that you are comfortable enough to speak out like this, cause I know you didn’t use to do so without my thick head realizing there was something wrong then prompting you out of your shell. Sorta like how shy you still can get around strangers.”

The light yellow mare ducked her head, “yes well... lots of other ponies can be scary.”

A blue hoof carefully settled under the soft buttery chin and raised it till pink eyes finally met cyan. “Okay, well I guess you still gotta work on the whole being bolder thing then.”

Fluttershy nodded slowly. As she drew herself up she spotted movement in the edge of her vision. Something stalked closer in the bush over her companion’s shoulder. Two somethings! Fear welled up inside and choked at her throat and her eyes grew wide like dinner plates.

“D-Dash...?”

“What did I just say about the nerves?”

The somethings picked up the pace and Fluttershy tumbled backward in fearful shock.

“What?” The speedster huffed then turned from her lover to look over her left shoulder.

Dash spotted an unusual sight that made her blood run cold. She was confused, suspicious, and even had a slight tinge of anger upon the sight that she saw.

Two griffons rushed toward the lone ponies. They did not look friendly.





Canterlot Express Train, five miles out of Ponyville

The brightly coloured train that transported ponies between many of the major Equestrian cities jostled its occupants with a loud clack-clack as it shot over the switch that directed its speedy progress toward Canterlot.

In one of the smaller, more enclosed cabins of the carriage, Lyra and Bon Bon in silence.

It was an unusual silence for the normally close, relaxed couple. There was an unsettling air between the two mares.

Bon bon was nervous, very nervous. She glanced over at her marefriend for what could have been the hundredth time and second guessed her decision for inviting her fillyfriend along.

The mint green unicorn grew tired of the silence and broke it with a sigh. “Bon Bon?”

The earth pony in question jumped, “Uh- yes?”

“What happened...? How did you get into a top secret agency and become a ...whatever it is you were?”

“Well... when my father kicked me out of the house for coming out as a fillyfooler and refusing to bow to his wishes and date a stallion, I found myself at a gay bar in Winnieoplus.”

“You... found a what?”

Bon Bon responded to her marefriend’s concerned look with a deadpan stare. “No, I didn’t hook up with anypony. You’re my first... everything, okay! But I did find an annoying yet attractive mare who tried to hit on me. She kept insisting that I would do well and find a good place to run a sweets shop in Vanhoover. On the road I-”

“Hi you two!” Pinkie Pie bounded into the personal cabin, her persona all too cheery for the days events. “What are you doing on this train?”

“We’re on our way to Canterlot.” Bon Bon replied cautiously.

“Funny that, Rarity, Applejackie and I are also on our way there.”

“Pinkie, what are you doing over there?” Rarity’s voice carried over from the more open section of the carriage.   

The hyperactive pony turned to her friends as she lightly bobbed up and down on the spot. “Guys, you’re not gonna believe this, Lyra and Bon Bon are going to Canterlot too!”

“Really?” Applejack called back

“Oh, I know!” The party pony turned back to the couple. “Do you two want to sit with us I’m sure spending the ride with more friends will help make it more fun.”

“Yea... About that...” Lyra trailed off.

“We don’t wish to impose.” Bon Bon added hastily.

“Pft- Nonsense, come on out you two.” Pinkie Pie invitingly waved to the pair to come out.

“We would prefer to just say here and enjoy each other’s company.” Lyra shuffled closer to her marefriend and gave her a loose hug.

The party pony deflated a little. “Oh.” Then she perked up, “oooh. I get it... enjoy you two.” Pinkie bounced off with a giggle.

Bon Bon sighed, “we could have just gone.”

Lyra gave her lover another hard look, “no. I want to hear this story about four very important years of my marefriend’s life that she somehow failed to tell me about. Don’t think I’m not still mad at you, Bonny.”

The light earth pony sighed. “Okay, as you wish.”





The bright highway, outside Canterlot

Two griffons rushed toward the lone ponies.

A white griffon in leather armor with red accents on her feathers prowled behind a powerfully built male. The tawny brown griffon in the lead with a white face and black tail feathers smirked as he approached. He wore nothing. His fur was mushed up a bit and he had dried blood on his beak.

“Hello bearers of friendship. Nice to see you in the woods... so far from Canterlot too. If I’m not mistaken, do we have loyalty and her fillyfooler kindness? I’m Volibeak and this is my mate, Mistwing. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Fluttershy’s eyes darted to the city a good few miles away. From their slightly elevated position on the tree-filled mountain side she could see level with the high city walls. It made her wish she behind them, safe.

“Fluttershy. Stay behind me.” Rainbow broke the quiet as her wings extended and she crouched slightly, ready for fight or flight. Something about the pair of griffons just felt... dangerous. 

“W-what?”

“Please, just do it.” At the tone of Dash’s voice, Fluttershy complied, slowly moving to a protected position behind her marefriend. Dash glared with defiance, he continued to stride toward them, undeterred. “How do you know who we are?”  

“Why should I tell gay trash like yourself?”

The polychromatic mare growled back at the grinning griffon. Fluttershy sank lower behind her protector.

“How did filthy, horrendous fillyfoolers such as yourselves ever find yourselves in a position of power I will never understand. Most especially that weak, pathetic excuse for a flying creature behind you. Hiding there like the little coward I see she is,” scoffed the unarmoured griffon.

Rainbow Dash went livid. She hoofed at the ground and snorted through her nostrils with an angered glare. “What did you just SAY!?!”

The griffin scout smirked with triumph, smug and amused, “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I strike a nerve? It seems that I have. Well, not that it matters, though I must say that you ponies getting angry is quite entertaining. You have nothing on griffins, not even you so-called powerful battlefield oriented pegasi. And that pathetic creature behind you, I cannot believe you would call that a pegasus. It’s shameful to think.”

“LISTEN YOU... don’t you EVER talk about my marefriend like that! Oh, you can insult me all you want! Go ahead! There’s nothing I can’t take! But you do NOT mess with Fluttershy! Otherwise, you’re going through me!” Rainbow growled in pure anger as she crouched low on the ground. “I dare you to insult her again, you jerk! Go on! I dare you! One more time... and believe me, you won’t like me when I’m angry!”

The muscular griffin stepped forward. “This is going to be good. I haven’t had a fight with a fillyfooler before. I wonder what that ugly yellow mare behind you tastes like?”

“Get away from her!” Yelled Dash, hovering in the air now, “Fluttershy, get out of here, now! Go find Twilight, the Princesses! Get going!”

“N-no... Rainbow... I-I could never leave you!” Fluttershy stumbled backward in retreat through the forest, her wings locked in fear.

“I said go, Fluttershy! I’m not letting you get hurt!” Rainbow yelled, “now! Move it!”

The white female griffin gazed at Fluttershy as if she were but a meal laid out for her pleasure and licked her beak in anticipation. “I have a new idea. I want to eat the yellow one. You get the idiot in blue.”

“Fine by me. She looks easy enough that you can watch some of this too,” Volibeak swaggered forward as he shot his mate a cocky grin.  

The white predator smiled widely as she turned her whole attention from her eye candy to her prey. Mistwing stalked toward the petrified pegasus who cowered on the ground, licking her chops as she went.



 

Galloping Gorge

Shining Armor hugged his fillyfriend tight as one minute became two. This was not looking as promising as he had hoped.

Rain beat down solidly on the stone outside, its steady beats filled the air and echoed slightly around the small cave.

“Where is he...?” Whispered a nervous earth pony guard as he eyed the dead changeling.

Time dragged on. 

Tummies rumbled. Most of the ponies who were awake wished they had some of their supplies.

There was no sign of the scout. Nothing but the pounding of the rain outside along with the occasional blast of thunder to liven up the white noise.

Sky Slash swooped back into view and landed with a light squelch in the cave entrance. Several guards jumped, only to relax as they realized the stallion was friendly. He quickly shook himself then hurried inside.

Shining Armor slowly lowered the cautionary hoof he had held up to halt all movement.

Lieutenant Quick Strike stepped forward. “When did we first meet?”

“Huh.. where’s this coming from?” The white pegasus scrubbed a hoof through his sodden blue mane.

“Answer me.”

All eyes shifted from the uptight officer to the soldier. “Uh... in the barracks. You uh... walked in on me banging my girl.”

Snickers erupted and even Shining Armor failed to hide a slight grin.

“Correct. Good to know you’re not a changeling.” Lieutenant Quick Strike nodded, a wiry grin covered his muzzle. “You hear that everypony?” The Lieutenant spoke a bit louder, “if you have a misuses... don’t have sex with her on military grounds. I don’t care if she’s your wife or a hooker. Ask ol’ Sky Slash here what happens if you get caught.”

A couple of ponies laughed softly.

The lieutenant snapped back into serious action, “alright. First teams are up. Move it everypony, I want us all up there within the next fifteen minutes.”

Shining Armor turned to Cadence, “are you sure you can carry me all the way up in the rain?”

The princess of love gave her stallion a peck on the cheek, “sshh honey. Hop on.” She crouched down and allowed Shining Armor to carefully mount her. A couple of wolf whistles rang out through the cave, followed by the Lieutenant's hushed order to shut up. Shining Armour shot a grinning earth pony a look then placed his forelegs around Cadence's neck in a sort of hug and wriggled a bit to ensure he didn’t block her wings.

A few nearby ponies snickered at the couple.

“Hey, think I can get a ride like that?”

One of the flight able pegasi laughed as he scooped the speaker up in his forehooves. “No chance.”

The other pegasus who felt ready stood next to Sky Slash as they too picked up a fellow guard each.

Sky Slash turned to face the three other flyers who would be joining him. “Follow me.”

Shining Armor lit his horn and cast a small bubble in front of Cadence’s face to protect her from the falling rain. He could feel that she was already straining under their combined weight, yet she set her face with grim determination and flew on. He tightened his hold as they continued upward and he realized just how far he had to fall if something were to go wrong. The couple trailed the other, stronger flyers as they navigated their way up, up and up till finally, they reached the top.

Sky Slash hastily made his way over to a large tree that was near a rocky spire. He set his unicorn down and turned to the others in the group. “Three down. Ten more. Princess Cadence, you can say up here with your fiance.”

The young princess shook her head as she panted, “no. I can help. I’m sure I can do one more trip.”

The white stallion shook his head, “save it. One or both of my boys here might get real tired after another trip or two and it would be great to have backup. This is going to take us about four more trips anyway.”

“Then you best be off, good luck.” Shining Armor saluted the pegasi. “Go, I’ll keep an eye on things up here. If Cadence is needed, I’ll let her go. But not till then.”

The trio of flyers saluted their officer and flew off into the gale.

Cadence rounded on her lover, “Shining, I’m not yours to command.”

“I know. But as your future husband, I want you to listen to me and out here... just... trust me. Okay?”

The pink mare sighed, “alright.”

“You three, set up a perimeter. None of us can see much in this rain and I don’t want us caught out. But stay in line of sight.”

The trio saluted then snuck off into the surrounding trees to watch for danger.  

Even though things were running surprisingly well, Shining Armor could not shake the feeling that danger was close by. “While normally I love that my fillyfriend is a bright pink... you do stand out in a forest honey.”

“What are you trying to say?” Cadence softly asked.

Shining Armor guided his mare closer to the tree and settled them down against the hard wood of the trunk. He snapped off a low hanging branch and placed it haphazardly beside Cadence then wrapped her in a big hug. “Now we’re less likely to be seen.”

After a few moments Shining Armor spoke up softly in his lover’s ear, “I still have a bad feeling, like something is out there. That’s why I want us all to be very careful.”  

Cadence nodded then cuddled up closer.





The bright highway, outside Canterlot

Mistwing grinned widely as she leapt, her wings opened and she put on a huge spurt of speed toward her victim. Her foreclaws opened as the timid yellow mare before her shrunk back in fear.

Dash swooped in from the side and struck the white griffon in the face with her hoof. Mistwing crashed into the undergrowth, close by. Rainbow Dash looped sharply around and returned to her fillyfriend. Relief flooded her system as she saw the shaking pony was otherwise okay.

With an angry growl, the white griffin rose and turned her attention to the cyan pegasus as red tipped wings flared ready for action.

“You’re going to regret attacking my mate,” Volibeak announced as he swooping toward the blue speedster.

Rainbow flew toward him, her signature trail behind her. She gritted her teeth as she dodged his first well-timed strike. A full meal before a fight was not going to work in her favour. But she had to defend her fillyfriend, regardless of any consequences. Besides, if she could take Gilda, she could take this ruffian. As the griffin lunged toward her again, claws ready to sink into soft flesh, the athletic pegasus immediately dodged with a burst of speed. She pulled up behind him and landed a swift kick to his back with her hind leg.

An ear-splitting screech rent the air as the angry griffin rounded on his attacker, massive wings flared in glorious preparation for his next attack. There was one thing he saw, this pesky pegasus that required extermination. And it was going to be fun!

A terrified shriek rent the air as Fluttershy narrowly dodged Mistwing’s red claw.

“Fluttershy!” Dash swung around and nabbed her fillyfriend as the white griffon pounced once more. “Arrgh!” Pain lanced across Dash’s back as Volibeak ploughed into them and ripped out a few blue feathers.

Fluttershy was forced out of Dash’s grip as she frantically fought off the snapping beak and razor-sharp claws that scratched at her. The pair fell heavily onto the grass as they fought berserkly for control. Amidst all the sharp things in her face, Dash lashed out with her hooves and even a headbutt. She grinned as a hoof collided with the griffon’s ugly mug and he stumbled back.

Volibeak licked his right claw and smiled. “Your blood is sweet, let’s have some more.”

The scratched up pegasus growled. Dash used her wings to propel herself right at her attacker. Her forehoof connected with his shoulder and he flipped over from the sheer speed of her attack.

The rainbow trail soared through the woods as Dash frantically dodged trees at crazy speeds. She wheeled around and sped back toward her lover. Bright blue smashed right into the leather armour of the white griffon who stood over Fluttershy.

Mistwing tumbled at high speed into a bush. She rose with an angry cry to face her attacker.

“Fluttershy, are you okay?” Dash frantically asked her mare, who nursed a bloodied right side of her muzzle.

“I- I-”  That was all the timid mare managed before red talons filled her vision. Dash once again tried to buck the white griffon off her lover but was pounced upon by Volibeak who slashed at her face then barrel. She screamed in pain and lashed out. The speedster’s blow missed totally and Dash almost flipped over from her own momentum as the griffon arched away. Rainbow Dash felt her foe bear down upon her once more. Desperate to save her lover, Dash darted out of the way and smashed into the white griffon once again. Frantic blows rained down on the white griffon’s face as Dash sought to knock her out.

With a harsh tug to her tail, the speedster found herself pulled off her target then swung around and around. She crashed into a berry bush and only just had time to frantically raise her hooves and block the claws that slashed down at her. Light blue hooves locked with golden brown claws as the pair wrestled for dominance. Dash rose to stand on her hind legs as she slowly forced the clawed beast back. Both parties powered their wings, trying to push the other off or gain some form of advantage.

The speedster spotted her other foe on the rise, slow and groggy from the beating she had endured. “No! Fluttershy, go!”

The normally pristine coat of her lover bore red lines across it and the pretty pegasus quivered. Tears ran freely down her muzzle as she slowly rose.

Dash tried to push the tawny brown griffon away but this time he held on, his claws painfully tight around her hooves. The sharp beak tore at her upper chest like sharp fire. She headbutted him back and saw stars as her skull collided with his. Rainbow Dash roughly shoved again and this time she managed to throw him off. She immediately took to the skies with unsteady wingbeats. Her missing feathers caused the wind to flow across her in an odd, unsettling way and she had to fight to keep airborne.

Rainbow hovered above the tree line as she desperately fought against the cloud of pain that bore down upon her mind. As the tawny brown griffon took off once again, she looped round and round the larger flying creature. The smaller flyer rained blows upon the powerful griffin’s back causing him to emit an ear-splitting screech of rage. The pair exchanged a series of quick attacks which both sides easily dodged. They looped around each other swiping with hoof and claw, narrowly missing trees as they fought. Each side tried desperately to gain an advantage over the other.

Anything. Anything at all that could lead to victory. She spotted her lover as Fluttershy stumbled through the woods and hoped desperately that she would run faster or fly.

Rainbow Dash knew that speed was the key. It always was. It was something she could do well. With an added spurt she powered around tree after tree then looped around and plowed into the pursuing griffin’s side.

The power of the blow caused the multicoloured mare to spiral out of control and crash into a nearby tree. She lay there dazed and bloodied as she fought to keep in full control. ‘Darn wings! Why did I have to lose a few feathers?’

The multicoloured pegasus shook her head. The spinning sensation only got worse so she stopped. Dash could feel a blackness as it dragged at her mind, a way out of the pain. Her chest no longer hurt, yet when a hoof came to rest upon it, she could feel something sticky and warm. She was clearly still bleeding. But there was no way she could give up, Fluttershy depended on her!

The Volibeak rammed into Rainbow Dash and shoved her into the ground. The speedster cringed at the attack she knew was coming. However, a whoosh filled the air and something forced the griffon off her.

An authoritative voice rang out across the forest, “stop at once!”

“Ohhh... canned food.” The tawny brown griffin shook himself as he turned to face the pegasus guard who had defended his prey. “Do you want a piece of me too?”

“No. But if you touch either of those ponies again I will be forced to stop you.” The guard replied in a resolute tone as he hovered in front of the munted blue pegasus, hoofblade drawn and ready. “There are more of us on the way and you will do well to cease your attacks.”

Borne aloft by his big, powerful wings, Volibeak paused to consider his situation. Although he had been ordered to avoid contact with guards at all costs, the element of loyalty in front of him needed to be dead. Besides, he wasn't going to miss out on the fun, especially after Gilda had stolen his thunder last time. 

The tawny griffon spotted something white moving behind the guard and smiled as pleasantly as he could. “Let me just have my fun, then I’ll be on my way. I promise.” 

“Back down, I will be forced to take you out.” The white guard warned.

Volibeak snorted. The griffon held a cocky grin upon his beak, he knew he could finish the blue mare off before anypony would dare break up his fight. He was assured victory and he knew it.

Mistwing quickly crept up behind the lone guard and launched herself into the air. Her beak met the back of his neck and a blood-curdling cry rang out. She came crashing down onto the forest floor with one dead guard in her talons. “Tinned food on me! Kill that blue one, I’ll finish off the yellow one!”

Volibeak laughed. Since that threat dealt with, the cocky griffon swooped down, ready to latch onto his prey.

Cerise eyes carefully watched the incoming attack. Dash fought to keep the shock of such a sudden death from overwhelming her. The blue pegasus closed her gaping maw and prepared for more action. She didn’t want to suffer the same fate as the poor guard! As the talons extended, Rainbow Dash thrust herself up, her damaged wings took over and she propelled herself into the sky. Claws raked her back as she barely evaded the deadlock. A haphazard rainbow trail shot into the clouds before it plummeted back toward the forest below. A determined look wrote itself all across the speedster’s features. She forced the pain and blackness back. Losing was not an option!

The loud wingbeats of the pursuing griffon grew in volume with each passing second and Dash forced her wings into overdrive. The two airborne fighters zipped through the trees. Just before Rainbow Dash was about to collide with an especially large tree, she veered off to the side rapidly and was rewarded by a loud smack as the birdbrain behind her smashed into it.

The bold pegasus panted as she grinned back at her adversary. Now to save Fluttershy. She zipped back to where the white griffon was flying and smashed into Mistwing’s back. The angry griffon screeched as she tumbled off the cowering mare.

Dash pushed her fillyfriend up. The exertion caused stars to lightly fill her vision. She saw her bloodied lover was crying and her heart broke at the sight. “Come on Fluttershy!”

“I- I can’t!” The kind pegasus wailed. She favoured her left foreleg, her right wing was at an odd angle and her muzzle bled.

“The guards are on their way, you must run!”

“But I need you!”

“Go! I love you.” Dash pecked her lover’s bloody muzzle and shoved the timid mare into action. She spun around as she heard an angry screech.

Mistwing was back up and she looked pissed!

Dash hoofed at the earth, “don’t you two ever go down?”

The white griffon smirked. “No. That would be no fun.”

Volibeak landed with a slight stagger beside his mate, “we must kill them quickly. I see more guards.”

“Darn it!” Mistwing swore. “I’ll go after the runner.”

Rainbow Dash rose into a defensive position slightly above the forest floor. Despite her unsteady beats, she was certain that she could hold long enough for the guards to arrive and save them both. Black spots wandered across her vision and she was sure there were suddenly two of each of her attackers. 
No. She could not go down like this!

A nasty grin covered Volibeak’s bruised face. With a mighty thrust of his legs, he propelled himself at Rainbow Dash and knocked her out of the air. The griffon circled around his downed foe. He unleashed a deafening screech, time for victory!

Stunned, Rainbow Dash lay on the forest floor. The world spun. Everything burned. This was not cool!

Volibeak shot down toward her and Dash frantically forced her limbs to move.

Before the speedster could extract herself from the ground, the mighty beast was in her face. She narrowly dodged his claws and forced her burning wings to work. The pair shot into the sky and Dash spun away. Panic welled up inside as she nearly smacked into a tree. Not cool, not cool at all!

Her fuzzy vision returned to her opponent who grinned and span off to the side to meet her. The harsh beak collided with the soft blue coat. An instant later a claw wrapped around Dash’s forehoof and she quickly found herself pinned to the soft forest floor. She lay there on her side, dazed from the impact and unable to respond in any way.

The griffon buried his claws into her and ripped out a hunk of flesh with his beak which he promptly devoured with pleasure. Before the cyan pegasus could react, a swift punch was delivered to her face, almost knocking her for a loop. A smack to her stomach knocked the wind out of her, along with any fight that may have been left in the once proud pegasus.

A spear impaled itself in the griffon captain’s thigh and he unleashed a shriek of pain. Volibeak took off into the sky once more, prey held firmly by the neck in a foreclaw.

Held firmly in the talons of Captain Volibeak, Rainbow’s world swirled around her in a sea of meaningless garbage. She needed air, and soon! The blackness filled her rapidly as her system begged for oxygen. Just one breath, just a whiff of her lover. Anything!

Shouts rang out, more guards had arrived! Something was in front of the mean griffon, but Rainbow Dash could no longer make anything out. 

She had failed her Fluttershy - her one true love - and now both of them were about to pay for it with their lives. That other griffon had probably recovered enough to attack her lover again and this time, she was not there to help. Her wings cracked softly as she was scraped across branches, guards in hot pursuit of the griffon as he fled. Dash screamed in agony. All remaining sense of vision disappeared beneath the crushing torrent of pain and numbness as her precious connection with her wings and lower body disappeared. Try as she might, he was far too strong for her now. His deathlock on her neck continued to drain the life out of her system as every inch of her body begged for air.

She had no idea where she was anymore and no clue where her love was. It was over.

She would never get to see her Fluttershy or any of her friends ever again.

She would never get to show off her awesome moves or invent new ones.

Her life was over, just when it felt like it was truly beginning.

Before she passed out, Rainbow Dash felt the deathlock on her windpipe cease. The faintest sensation of a downdraft told her fading mind that her attacker had taken off without her for some reason. Maybe the guards had finally chased the evil griffon away. Maybe her Fluttershy might find her, save her before her body failed. However, in her world of pain, all Dash could do was lie there and accept her fate.

The last thought to cross her mind before darkness claimed her and she succumbed to her wounds and lack of oxygen was of Fluttershy. Dash even thought she heard her mare cry her name from afar.

But that was probably just her failing mind playing tricks on her.

Fluttershy....
> Chapter Seventeen: Shock Waves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Palace

"That's good,  Twilight." Celestia accidentally let out a little giggle unbefitting of royalty. "Would you care to share it with us?"

"I would," said the unicorn, looking relieved to have the subject veered away from  her...apparent attractiveness. "I learned that sometimes when you make a  new friend, they can sometimes need a little help with certain matters.  But when you be patient, work with them, meet them halfway and just be there for them, you can really see how much of a good friend they can be. Because you gave them a chance and helped them when they needed a  little nudge in the right direction."

Twilight jumped as a midnight blue wing ruffled her mane affectionately. "Thou art a great orator too, Twilight."

"Sister...  sometimes some ponies need to learn when to hold their tongues or keep their wings to themselves. Now is such a time..." Celestia required the alicorn before her with a light, amused smile upon her lips.

Luna exhaled but nodded. Maybe she had been a bit too forward. "We suppose thou art right, sister. We do apologize Twilight Sparkle."

"Once again... it's-" Twilight was cut off by the doors to the throne room as they burst open.

The trio turned, looking to see the surprising sight of a mangled  Fluttershy carried on the back of a guard. The yellow mare was a bloody heap with both her forelegs cut open while her lower chest looked as though some sort of large beak had ripped into it. Two pegasus guards rushed into the room behind the new arrivals, one bore a scratch across his muzzle while the other carried a battered blue pegasus in his forehooves. Rainbow Dash appeared lifeless and pale as her limbs hung over the guard. The two guards who flanked the party appeared to have been in a fight and many bore claw marks across their armour where they had been raked by attacking griffins.

Twilight gasped and rushed to her aid. "Oh my gosh, Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash! What happened?! Who did this?!"

"Two griffons in the forest outside the city. We fought them off your highness, but they got away," one of the guards informed the shocked mares with a grim look upon his face.

Celestia rose from the throne and strode over to the group, she bore a grave and serious expression, "I will take them both to be healed and cleaned up.  Twilight, Luna, please follow me."

"A-are they going to be okay?"  Twilight shuddered at the sight of her two friends in such a state. Luna hurried to the distressed unicorn's side and placed a wing comfortingly over her. It partly blocked the bloodied pegasi from the young mare's sight.

A light golden aura surrounded the pegasus couple and removed them from the guards hold. "Thank you all for your help, we must  depart now."

The guards bowed solemnly. With her precious charges safely in her magic, Celestia made haste to the palace hospital.

Twilight bit her lip, looking to Luna with nervous eyes as they followed the sunny ruler. "Luna... do... do you think they'll be alright?"

"We are unsure," the night princess replied softly.

"...I hope so... they both looked pretty beat up." Twilight murmured, biting her lip again.

Twilight peeked around Luna's feathers to look at Fluttershy, feeling her heart sink. She had never seen any of her friends this damaged before. Both mares looked on the brink of passing on. Twilight's head spun as she retreated beneath the safety of her friend's wing. It was terrifying to think that either one of them might not make it.

The young mage did her best to suppress the worry that swirled around inside like a  raging hurricane. How did they both get into such a state? Gilda hadn't seemed that bad... Was it really two griffons? What were such violent creatures doing so close to Canterlot? She shuddered. Hopefully, no other ponies would be unfortunate enough to meet those griffons.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Luna's restraining hold as her guide slowed to a stop. She looked up to see Celestia enter the palace hospital door.

Luna withdrew and shuffled her wings uncertainty as her eyes remained on the double doors her sister had disappeared into.  "We must let our sister work. She is one of the greatest healers in the  land and if anypony can help your friends, tis her."

Twilight nodded numbly.

"How art thou feeling?"

It took the unicorn a few moments to realize that she should probably respond. Twilight shook her head and turned to face her companion. "I  feel like this is a bad dream or something. Only a few hours ago they were both so lively. I had hoped to show them both more of the  castle..."

"And you will, once they awaken." Luna softly replied.

"Does that mean they will be okay?"

The alicorn princess sighed heavily, "I do not know, Twilight Sparkle... It would seem that this grievance makes it hard to think of anything else,  does it not? Perhaps thou may have a suggestion?"

"Yes...  Um..." Twilight's cheeks heated as she thought of one idea... "M-may  I...um... well you see your wing... and it was so comforting before  somehow..." She trailed off awkwardly.

A small smile overcame Luna's face. She lifted her left wing slowly and motioned for the unicorn to draw close.

Twilight complied, moving over to snuggle into the larger mare's hold. She sighed with relief as feathers enveloped her. Her panicked mind slowed a  little bit and she nuzzled into the soft coat of the pony she was pretty sure was trying to court her. It was weird, but still nice. With a  blush still covering her face, she lightly hugged the alicorn back in thanks.

A nurse opened the door and spotted the pair. "Erm... may we borrow Princess Luna for a moment?"

"Of course thou mayst," Luna replied softly.

"Thank you. Your sister requests your aid in boosting her spell work."

Twilight's eyes widened. This could not be good.

The alicorn of the night noticed her companion's distress and gave her a  quick kiss on the forehead. "Do not worry my star. The best healers in all of Canterlot are sure to be in there assisting Celestia. I join them in the hope that we can ensure the survival of thy friends. Please,  leave this space and try to find someplace that will take thy mind off the current situation. We are sure to find thee as soon as we are  finished."

"I can help too."

"Please listen to me and do as We have told thee."

Twilight numbly nodded and watched as Luna strode off.

The double doors to the hospital ward swung shut with a soft slap and Twilight sighed. Where to go?

Perhaps the library..?

She turned and began to wander aimlessly.

Fluttershy...

Rainbow Dash...

What did those griffons do?

After an unknown time of wandering mindlessly through the shining hallways, Twilight found herself a pair of dark blue doors with an emblem of the moon upon them. The walls around were decorated with elegant dark blues and blacks.

The solo night guard who had spotted her wandered over. “Do you wish entrance into her highnesses' personal quarters?”

“I- I shouldn’t...” Twilight mumbled. Why was she here? This was nowhere near the library.

The thestral nodded and stood at attention beside the door.

Twilight sat, half ready to keep walking. Her eyes on the insignia on the door. The crescent moon. Thoughts of Luna calmed her panicked mind a bit as she tried and failed to not think about her two friends on the brink of death, their coats natural colours lost under the shade of red.

“A-am I ...allowed in?”

The guard nodded. “Her Highness, Princess Luna has given express permission for you to enter her chambers anytime should you wish."

'Did she really?'

“I- is it okay for me to enter ...now?” Twilight tentatively asked.

“Of course.” With a forehoof, the guard opened one of the double doors and offered her entrance with his spare hoof. The inside was all decorated with ornaments shaped like the moon and stars. The single alicorn bed had supports on the sides that were shaped like the crescent moon and painted a faint golden white. The crescent supports almost touched the roof and held aloft silk that fluttered above the bed in some magical wind.

Something drew Twilight inside and once the door closed she somehow found herself within the calming big blue sheets. Her gaze roamed the painted stars on the ceiling. After a few moments, she realized there was something moving. The stars... The moon... there must be some kind of magic to give the princess of the night’s room life. It was pretty...

The light purple silk above Twilight was decorated with a single star. It was six-pronged with another six smaller points in white. Twilight's distressed brain noted it was like her own cutie mark. 

With a shiver, Twilight cuddled up to the princesses pillow and shut her eyes. Images of her two friends filled her mind and she quickly reopened her eyes and rolled over to face the ceiling once more.

She wished that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would be okay.   Hopefully, the damage wasn’t too life-threatening. Healing spells, while often amazing could only fix ever so much. The beak marks in Fluttershy’s chest gave the lavender mare worry. Could Celestia repair a set of holes that were so large?

And Rainbow Dash...

Despite the brief glimpse Twilight dreaded to think of all the places that mare had taken serious damage. It looked like she had been smashed around by several angry griffons. She trembled as she tried to fight off the violent images that haunted her.

Twilight nuzzled into the dark blue pillow. Oh dear...

Please be okay. A few tears escaped and were quickly dried by the soft pillow. 

She didn’t know if the world would ever be the same without her two friends. Rainbow Dash’s cocky attitude, smiles and speed. Always there when you needed her. Fluttershy and her kind, caring nature and ability to help any creature in need. She was such a peaceful creature who never meant anypony harm. Together they really were a powerful couple.

Now...

She dreaded to think that they might be gone.

No!

She had to stop thinking about this.

Think about...?

My studies...

My... my spells...

Luna?

Did that mare really desire to be more than friends?

Her mind drifted back to the happy moments, just before the guards had entered and delivered the hard news.

Luna had suddenly dropped some rather large ...hints. It appeared that the gorgeous princess of the night not only found her attractive but to be great company.

But how did she feel in return?

Twilight thought back through the years, she had always been too busy with her studies to consider dating. That was for ...normal ponies. Dating required a lot of time and effort. Then there was also the problem of what did you do if it didn’t work out and you both broke up! All that time wasted when you could be better investing your time in something long-standing, such as the search of knowledge.

But what if Luna was the right one?

Twilight had always assumed that being a mare, she would, of course, be interested in stallions. One day she would find a suitable stallion. Probably a scholar like her. A fellow unicorn. Just not ever in present times. No... She was too busy for romance today and well... for every day so far. It had never really been important.

But what if it was not a stallion. What if it was the princess of the night herself?

Ccan I even date royalty?

Would Celestia allow it?

What if she forbids me from seeing Luna once she finds Luna likes me?

What do I do!?

Thoughts of what her longtime mentor was doing right now, at this very moment battered its way into her head once more and Twilight nuzzled into the soft pillow. Fresh tears seeped forth.

Go away... she just wanted to know that they were okay.

They had to be okay.

They just had to be.

The drawn-out shuddering sigh escaped the young mare as she lay in the chambers of the pony she might like. After all, Luna was a great friend. Friendship was a necessary foundation for long-lasting relationships.

Luna hadn’t just been her friend to get close to her right?

That would only be something a stallion would do when he finds a mare he wants to have his way with. Right?

Surely Luna could not be that shallow. She was her friend. Right?

...A friend who was right now, helping try and save two of her other friends.

Blood and broken bones flickered across her mind. Busted wings and torn bodies etched across her closed eyelids. 

Her friends... mortally wounded and probably dying. They hadn't even had a chance to officially celebrate their togetherness or create a family. 

What would she do if one or both of them passed away? 

The visage of an angry griffon attacking filled Twilight's mind and she cowered in bed, her head under her princess's pillow. The beast grew, its talons larger than life and its eyes red with hate. She could almost hear her friends cry out in pain. 

Oh, this was hopeless!

How was she supposed to try and think of other things, like if she liked Luna back when thoughts of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash just kept coming back to haunt her!

In frustration, Twilight cast a quick sleeping spell on herself. Her head hit the pillow before she had even finished the full cast. As she faded into blackness she prayed that her dreams would be kind.





Train to Canterlot

The train to Canterlot bucked as it ran over the switch that split the line from Ponyville to other places of civilization. Inside the middle carriage sat a group of friends, all nervously awaiting their arrival to Equestria's capital. 

Suddenly Pinkie Pie spazzed. She landed on the seat, her mane still frazzled and carefully felt her own mane. Everypony in the room turned with concern to the earth pony who had just suffered yet another attack of Pinkie sense.

“That was a little doozie!”

“Yea. Any idea what this one might mean?” Applejack asked as she sat up beside Rarity.

“Nopesies. Well... not exactly. I think this one is something to do with Twilight.”

“What?” Rarity asked with trepidation. Surely their scholarly friend would be safe, right? 

The party pony rubbed her chin carefully. “I don’t think that it means she’s in trouble. I think she cast a sleeping spell of something on herself.”

Applejack scoffed. “Now why in tarnation would she do that?”

Pinkie shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe it means something else then. Maybe she’s in Princess Luna’s room all horribly distressed and in need of our help! Maybe she just witnessed her friends being rushed to hospital. I dunno...”

“I’m not sure I like any of those options, Dear.” Rarity commented softly. “But I guess we shall find out as soon as we arrive.”





Canterlot Palace - Hospital

White walls surrounded the group of ponies that stood over two hospital beds in the center of the operating theatre. A tired looking unicorn pushed a cart bearing various bloodied surgical instruments away from the group. Luna unleashed a tired sigh as she stepped back to admire her sister’s handiwork. She shook her head to clear the dizziness that crept in from pooling her magic with another mage.

“Thank you everypony,” Celestia spoke up from the head of the two hospital beds.

A purple doctor spoke up, “I will ensure they both are both cared for in the next phase of their critical treatment.” 

“Thank you,” Celestia nodded. “Sister. It is time for us both to rest. We have spent much magic to help the two elements of harmony. It is sure to be a long night once news spreads.”

“We are happy to help,” Luna spared a glance at the two pegasi who lay, now covered in a white sheet each. It was hard to imagine that hardly an hour ago, they had entered the room clinging onto life.

“Could you please let Twilight know we have been successful in stabilizing them?” Celestia asked as she headed out from the operating theatre.

“Of course.” Luna nodded and followed after her sibling. As she was about to leave the hospital and reenter the main palace hallway a warning sensation shot through her.

It was her connection to the dreamscape. Somepony was not only sleeping during her sister’s day but was suffering a nightmare!

With a shaky breath, Luna closed her eyes and willed her spirit into the dreamscape. The mare of the night felt her way through the star-studded realm and quickly found herself in front of a door she had passed many a time but never entered.

The door to Twilight Sparkle’s dream.

What was Twilight doing asleep at this hour?

The princess cast her thoughts aside as worry took over and she forced open the door then established a mental link with the pony inside.

Luna appeared before a grieving unicorn who cried before two graves. The sky flashed blood red and the menacing laughter of griffons echoed around. The names etched in stone were the two elements of harmony whom Luna had been alongside mere moments before in hospital. Before the matriarch of the night could utter a sound, the scene flashed bright blood red. Ghastly figures with long claws and giant beaks tore into two pegasi, one bright blue and one sunny yellow. With another flash, the violence continued before it merged with a scene of the duo collapsed on a black ground. Several dark demonic figures ripped into the flesh of the downed heroes with gusto. Veins pulsed in the air, filled with blood and rage. Red lighting flashed and guttural laughter rent the air. Around them was nothing but a chilling blackness. No terrain of note and no sky. Terror radiated from the scene like blast waves from a mighty explosion. The graveyard scene flickered half in, half out of the demons who relentlessly tore into the fallen couple. 

“Twilight Sparkle!” The Royal Canterlot voice boomed out. A midnight night horn powered up as Luna banished the dark foreboding night with its creepy blackness. She replaced the whole scene with a light fluffy cloud and a clear moonlit night.

The purple unicorn jumped in surprise as she realized there was another creature by her side. “Princess!?!” 

Before Luna could reply she found herself wrapped up in a tight hug by a weeping young mare. "I-it was horrible! T-thank you for saving me!"

Luna fought back tears at the heartbreaking sight of her crush so distraught. She hugged her back, nuzzling her softly. “Of course, We had to do something to assist thee.”

The pretty young unicorn shook herself vigorously within the hold of the larger mare. “Thank you. That was horrible. They died Luna, they-”

“Are okay,” Luna spoke calmly and forcefully as she gave her precious pony a light squeeze and extended her wings to add further shelter. “They are okay. Thou will be okay.”

The librarian was quick to shut her eyes as a few tears continued to leak out.

“Where did you fall asleep?”

Nothing but the sound of Twilights shuddering breathing filled the dreamscape as the younger mare considered her words. “Um... I kinda found myself... maybe kinda outside your room and a guard of yours said I could go in so I’m maybe in your bed right now asleep- please-don’t-be-mad!” The unicorn withdrew, her gaze fearful.

Luna smiled down at the pretty unicorn, shocked but also rather pleased that her crush had somehow decided to seek out her room rather than a library in such a time of trouble. “I have an admission. I don’t mind the mare of my dreams sleeping in my bed.” The dark alicorn lent down to kiss her beautiful companion but caught herself halfway. No, that would not be the right thing to do. Twilight was in enough stress right now, she should not take advantage of her. Instead, she nuzzled the surprised unicorn and drew her in once more for a light hug.

“Would thou likest me to awaken thee, or shall we allow thee to sleep?”

“I don’t want any more nightmares...” Twilight mumbled into the dark soft coat of her companion.

“I can provide thee with any kind of dream thou mayst wish.”

“Oh... well-” the young mare withdrew to properly face the larger pony. “This cloud is kinda nice... and I do like your night sky. This a wonderful dream, especially with you here.”

Luna couldn’t help but smile. “Thou do not mindest my presence?”

Twilight withdrew and shot her companion a warning look. “You know I enjoy it. But what I didn’t realize is that you were attracted to me.”

“How does that knowledge make thou feel?”

"I-" Twilight paused. She took a few steps away then collapsed on her back, her gaze upon the stars above. "I really don't know. It's weird, I  guess..." As the alicorn's expression fell the unicorn was quick to add; "B-because of what's going on... I just- really don't know what to do or think. Also, it never occurred to me that a mare might like me in that way. Hopefully once Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are better I can  give you a proper answer."

Twilight slowly stood then approached the crestfallen alicorn and offered a quick nuzzle. “But I do know that I think you’re special. Just please give me some time to work it all out.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

Luna hesitantly wrapped her wing around Twilight and once the smaller pony gave her a loose hug back the duo turned their gaze to the stars above.

After a few peaceful moments, Luna remembered where her body was. “We should probably return to the waking world.”

“Why? Is something wrong?” 

Luna couldn't help but smile at the slightly scrunched up muzzle of the young mare who was trying to figure out what could cause the sudden change in her. “No. But We were in the middle of a hallway when I sensed somepony was in need of my assistance.”

“Oh.”

The princess of the night withdrew slowly. The two shared an awkward silence as they sort of gazed at one another. “I guess We are off then.”

“Y-you are welcome to come back. If you don’t have anything else that you need to do.” Twilight stammered out uncertainty. “Otherwise please wake me up in an hour. I uh... I didn't think to add a part to my spell to cause me to wake up early and I would rather not sleep till tomorrow.”

“We shall be seeing thee then. An hour in thy presence would be most joyous.” Luna replied as she faded out.

With a start, the slumped form of the princess of the night lurched to her feet. The two night guards nearby leapt to their hooves, ready to provide assistance. Luna waved them both away. “I am about to teleport to my quarters. Thou art to await my awakening in an hour’s time.”

“Yes, princess,” the two thestrals bowed.

With a flash of moonlight Luna vanished.

With a moonlight glow, the darker alicorn sister appeared in her  personal chambers. Her gaze was immediately drawn to her bed. She  couldn't help but smile at the cute sight of her crush cuddling her  pillow. How amazing it would be for Twilight to hold her like that. Then  she noticed that the dark blue sheets had been tossed around and hung  half off the bed and half wrapped around the unicorn's middle. That must  have been from the nightmare... Luna's heart ached at the thought  Twilight's distress. She resolved to do everything in her power to keep  her best friend safe, even if they never became lovers. She quickly  corrected the bedsheets, careful to not disturb her sleeping companion.  The midnight mare smiled to herself as the unicorn snuggled right back  up to her pillow. Two purple forehooves wrapped around it. Twilight  rolled over to the further side of the bed, the pillow still snuggled in  her forehooves. The sleeper nuzzled into the pillow. A soft, contented  nicker escaped. Luna's wings fluttered.

Down. 

Bad wings. 

Now was not the time to get excited.

Why did two griffons have to attack?   If they had kept away like they were supposed to then Twilight might even have agreed to court her this day. It had taken months of hints right up to the rather strong words she had let slip today for the realization to set in. It was adorable really. Her crush could be so intently set upon something that her brain could miss out on so many other things. Although Twilight also seemed like the kind who was oblivious to romance. Maybe she would make a good princess of friendship just as her sister had mentioned...

Luna let loose a deep breath and her horn glowed softly. A light shimmer of light passed over her body from head to tail. As the magic passed over her coat it revealed spots. They started with a smattering on her muzzle and grew to larger dapples down her neck and barrel. What would Twilight think if she saw her like this? Should she even let her see this? It had been many years since even her own sister had seen her dapples. A soft snort escaped the midnight mare, they were most un-warrior like... but what if Twilight liked them? 

Luna strode carefully up to her bed and settled down in the one alicorn bed alongside the smaller mare. She lay behind Twilight and without her pillow, simply allowed her head to rest on the solid cloudstuff-like mattress below. She was tempted to cuddle the unicorn who lay in front of her. Her hooves were already touching the soft purple coat. Despite her temptations, Luna forced herself to resist and relax. With her heart racing at the close contact, she swept herself into the dreamscape once more.

With a flash of moonlight, the matron of dreams appeared outside Twilight’s door. Her form shifted between spots and no spots until she finally settled for her standard look. She tentatively opened the door to the younger mare’s dream and flew inside. The alicorn smiled at the sight of the unicorn, lying on her back on the fluffy cloud, her gaze upon the dreamscape of stars. Luna had made sure to copy her night sky, sure that Twilight would realize if something were out of place.

...Actually, that could be a fun prank, change something subtle in her dreamscape sky and see if the studious unicorn would realize something was different. With a cheeky smile at her thoughts, she alighted on the cloud and smiled down at the dreamer.

The purple unicorn tilted her head back to smile thankfully up at her saviour, “hi Luna, thank you for this dream.”

“Thank you for not turning me away.”

“Well... I don't think I like mares," Twilight confessed as she continued to gaze up at the alicorn. “But I’m willing to find out if I like Luna.”

With a nod in thanks, Luna lay next to her precious pony and allowed a contented silence to take hold.





Canterlot Throne Room

With the late day sun filtering through her stained glass windows to warm the throne room, Celestia took her place up the front. The room was packed with nobles, at least fifty plus a few guards. Everypony was expecting her to make an announcement.

“Good afternoon everypony. I know there have been rumours circulating about events earlier this afternoon. I am here to put those rumours straight.”

A hushed silence fell as Celestia readied herself to continue. “At two o’clock this afternoon, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, two of the element of Harmony bearers were assaulted by two griffons in the forest outside Canterlot. Had it not been for the rainbow trail left by Rainbow Dash, my guards would never have known anything was amiss. The couple sustained numerous wounds in the fight against the two griffons and likely would have died out there had it not been for the speed and courage of the royal guard who investigated. They were brought back here just in time to be tended to by myself along with several of the best surgeons in Canterlot. They are now stable in the hospital wing. Silver Wing, the first brave guard on the scene lost his life when he tried to intervene.”

Soft whispers followed the princess’s words. Everypony hushed once more as she lifted a hoof. "Following this attack, all griffons are barred from our lands. I will send a messenger to Griffonstone to deliver this message and to offer an ultimatum. Either they meet to resolve these supposedly rogue attacks and keep out of Equestria's borders for a whole year to prove their good intentions or they will no longer be welcome in our lands. If we are required to close and defend our borders, we shall. Any griffons  discovered within Equestria will be detained until such a time as we can  safely return  them to outside our borders."

"But what happens if they attack more ponies?" One of the nobles tentatively asked.

Celestia eyed the speaker, "if they chose that path, the royal guard and the Wonderbolts who are tasked with the defence of Equestria will be ready to fight them. My sister and I will also assist wherever we are able." 

Blueblood nervously cleared his throat, “um... does this mean that if they decline and keep trying to attack ponies that we will be ...at war with the griffons?”

Celestia sighed, “that is a possibility, yes.”

Urgent whispering followed the sunny ruler’s words. None of the nobles liked the thought of war. From the growing sounds of chatter, Celestia picked out a few voices who were not going to stick around should a war break out. Celestia sighed. “My little ponies.”

Silence slowly fell as everyone realized who it was that had spoken.

“I do not. I repeat, do not want a war with the griffons. They are dangerous creatures when they want to be. However, war is an option should they not back down from their current course of action. I will not stand for ponies disappearing or being attacked within my borders. Hence, I ask any and all willing ponies though Equestria who are willing to fight, please enlist and accept training. We will accept both stallions and mares. I would hate to resort to forced conscription if the state of affairs turns against us.”

“We are of noble birth, we are not conscripts!” One indignant unicorn was quick to retort.

Celestia sighed, this was not going well. “This message will be relayed to all major cities and towns. Please understand, I would rather we are ready for an attack that never happens than fall under attack and find ourselves unprepared. I am off to send this message to other towns and cities then I shall retire for the day. I bid you all a pleasant afternoon.”

Many alarmed shouts rang out as voices filled the air, each desperate for a response. Yet the sunny alicorn paid them no heed as she stepped off and strode away, her loyal guards at her flank. 

As Celestia exited the throne room, Spitfire and Soarin approached her from another door further down the hallway. “Princess!”

“Yes?” Celestia paused to greet her two loyal Wonderbolts.

“We volunteer to deliver the message to the griffons.”

“I have already selected a guard who was willing and able to make the journey, you two should remain here to seek out and train more Wonderbolts.”

“No.” Spitfire was quick to respond. “I mean no offence Princess, but we are a lot faster than any of your guards. We can fly there and back and evade any trouble faster.”

“And-” Soarin spoke up. “Two are better than one. Spitty and I have been watching each other’s backs since we were foals.” The proud stallion placed a light blue wing across his wife’s barrel. “Besides. Fleetfoot and High Winds are already on the lookout for more newbies. They can handle it for a few days.”

Celestia cracked a slight smile. “Alright. But please be safe. We don’t know what sort of reception the griffons will give you and worst comes to worst, they may try and kill you.”

Spitfire scoffed. “They can try.”

“Two of them nearly succeeded in killing Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.”

Both pegasi soured.

Soarin shuffled his wings and shot back a reply; “I know neither of them had combat training, but my sister is one of the fastest pegasus alive. I bet if she wasn't protecting Fluttershy, she could have taken them.”

“Well, she nearly gave her life in the defence of her marefriend. I hope that neither of you are required to give up your life in the defence of your spouse. There is no war yet. But I feel Equestria will need you both.”

“Understood, princess,” Spitfire responded.

With a flash of her magic, Celestia summoned the scroll she had written up. “This is the message. Deliver it with all the kindness and honesty Equestria has to offer. You are welcome to stop off over Filly Delphia on the way back. There is a new experimental airship of mine about five minutes flight inland that you both might be interested in checking out.”

“Thanks, princess.” Soarin accepted the scroll and placed it in his small saddlebags. “I’m off to get a quick pie, then we fly.”  

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “I’ll make sure we don’t take too long at the bakery.”

“It is a long flight. Make sure to pack enough food.” Celestia smiled a bit couple as they bowed then headed off.

She realized two of her guards had witnessed the whole exchange and turned to them both. “Please relay the message to my commander. Spitfire and Soarin are delivering the message. He can stand his aerial ace down.”

“Yes, your highness.” The duo strode off on their mission and Celestia began her slow trek to the royal dining room alone. Without the need to keep her mask of perfection, white wings slowly drooped and a sigh escaped. 

She needed cake.

Now.





Canterlot Train station

Pinkie Pie was out the train door like a speeding blast of magic. She bowled over several snobby ponies who had been waiting to get on. Her friends yelled at her to slow down as she bounced over yet another surprised unicorn. She realized that they probably should approach the palace together and slowed down.

The party pony turned to who two friends who hurried after her, “hurry up girls! Twilight, Fluttershy and Dashie need us!”

“I know, but after a long train ride, I don’t think another minute will make much difference so please slow down.” Rarity huffed.

Lyra and Bon Bon pushed past the small group and Pinkie eyed the couple suspiciously as they cut down a side street and vanished. “Where are they going?”

“Who knows, Bon Bon has been acting a little odd.” Rarity responded thoughtfully as she drew up alongside the pink pony.

Pinkie Pie turned and continued to hurry onwards, her friends right on her heels.

As they pushed through into the main plaza, the glamour of the circular space was lost on the pink pony as she instead noticed how ...less happy many of the ponies were. Something was wrong here. Or had gone wrong. More ponies should be smiling and she did not have time to put together a giant party to make them all smile again. She needed to see the princess and her other friends.

Rarity hurried after her friend on a mission. Normally one to take it slow and enjoy the wonderful city of Canterlot, she knew there were more pressing things than sightseeing. It was a shame, here she was, in the most spectacular city of Equestria and unable to pursue her dreams. Her eyes were drawn to something passing overhead. A giant white airship, adorned with the golden insignia of Celestia’s royal air force. It appeared to be on its way to the northwestern docks. Rarity forced her eyes from the spectacular sight as she hurried onwards.

Applejack kept pace alongside Rarity, allowing the party pony to lead. She had some idea where they were going but since cities really were not her thing, she was happy to allow somepony else to lead. As the airship’s engines faded the farmer had a feeling something was up. If she could feel it, no wonder Pinkie Pie had been almost going crazy with her Pinkie sense.





Canterlot Castle

Twilight awoke suddenly to the strangest of sensations. It was as though something had gently pulled her out of her delightful dream with Luna into a warm cocoon. It was almost as though something was holding her carefully from the back and giving her a little cuddle. She hadn’t awoken to such a warm, wonderful sensation since she was a little filly. It was... well, kinda nice.  

Then her slowly recovering mind realized that whatever bed she was in, it sure was comfy. It felt so nice... It was so warm and relaxing. Twilight felt as though she could just lie here forever and pretend that the griffon thing was all a bad dream. She let out a slow breath, this sure was-

Dark blue feathers ruffled softly in front of her face and Twilight jumped in surprise.

She was in Luna’s bed!

Oh right!

She fumbled as she spun around to face-

“Luna! You- I- we-”

The panicking unicorn was silenced by the dark alicorn’s laughter as Luna continued to lie there. Her horn finished flickering softly as she responded, “We assisted with thy dream remember?”

“Right! yes... but... what are you doing in- well... in your bed with me?”

The larger mare slowly sat up with a joyful smile upon her lips. “When I joined in thy dream once more, I had to find a suitable location for my body. What better place than mine own bed?”

Twilight flushed a darker shade of purple. Once you put an alicorn in, the large bed suddenly felt a lot smaller. “Right...”

An awkward silence settled on the pair.

“Thou desired to be woken after an hour. So... here we are.”

“Right.” Twilight shuffled her hooves around in the bedsheets. “Uh... were you um... cuddling me?”

“Twas not the intent... but we suppose that you could refer to our position as such.”

“Right...” Twilight nodded and slowly got out of the dark blue bed. She faced the alicorn who still inhabited it, “um... it- it was nice. We should do it again sometime. -the meeting in my dreams thing! You know what I mean. It was nice to spend more time with you like that. ...if you don’t have anything else that requires your attention of course!”

Luna smiled at the cute flustered mare before her. “I think I understand yes. Now, would you like to see thy friends?”

“Yes please.” Twilight nodded.





Somewhere in the Foal Mountains...

With the late day sun on her back, a young deep rosy red unicorn with a broken horn strode through the rocky mountains side. She wore black plated armour with a blue two-horned emblem over the spot her cutie mark was. An illusion of rock and earth flickered around her as if angry at being discovered. The young unicorn smirked to herself. Whoever did this was very powerful, this nearly fooled even her. They were sure to have other defences up ahead. The deformed mare unleashed a bolt of lightning that arced deeper into the cave and bounced off thin air less than ten paces ahead. The bolt rebounded and struck the pug-faced hedgehog that followed her. She smiled ever so slightly as he yelped and almost dropped the torch he was carrying.

The pug-faced hedgehog emerged from the illusion to stand at the pony’s side, his eyes wide. “Woah. You’re amazing, you know that? I would’ve totally walked past that rock wall.”

“Sure, whatever. Now give me that magic dampener.”

“Yes boss,” Grubber’s one free hand fumbled with the round device as he hastened to action and threw the small device at the field in front of them.

The small sphere glowed light blue for a few moments before a small shockwave blasted the pair and Tempest Shadow smiled to herself. 

Another line of defence was broken. This felt like alicorn magic. Whatever was in here, it sure must be good...

“Hey, after this can we get pie?”

“Sure Grubber, whatever.” The unicorn replied flatly as she strode off, her horn at the ready.

Within thirty paces the pair made it to the back of the cave and came upon something wrapped in cloth, hidden behind a few small rocks.

Tempest powered up her horn and blasted the spot where the strange item lay. Nothing.

How unusual. 
Whoever simply left this here with a shield and an illusion to guard it must have been extremely confident in their spell work, or in an incredible hurry.

“Hello, what do we have here...” She trailed off as she blasted the cloth wrapping from the item. It tumbled toward the pair and came to rest within reach.

“Woah... what is that?”

Tempest ignored her companion as she admired the artifact before her. A smooth golden beak with a wicked sharp hooked tip lay before her. The gold was marred by splashes of red. Blood. Blood that flickered with a deep darkness in grubber’s torchlight.

Tempted smiled down at the cruel object. This looked like something from the griffon tribes. What was it doing in pony lands? And why had an alicorn, of all creatures, placed protections over this?

She shoved all that from her mind. What was important here was the fact that she had found a device with which she could continue her rise to power. The deal was her servitude and the eventual control of the alicorn’s magic for her horn back. But what if she also bargained with the griffons for their long lost treasure?

But what could they possibly have to give her?

Her ...master... the Storm King though... He said he could give her horn back. Fix her somehow. If the power radiating from the artifact before her was any indication, this might be a highly useful tool. A tool that could be used to help get her horn back.

“Pick it up,” Tempest ordered.

“You want me to pick that up?” The short creature asked, his voice thick with uncertainty.

“You heard me. Or you can feel what it’s like for me to use my horn again.”

“Alright, alright. I’m moving!” The stout creature rushed forward and carefully picked up the artifact. Grubber nervously stood there, the beaks tip facing away from his body as he gazed at his leader.

“Good. Let’s go.”

With that Tempest strode out of the small cave.

Grubber hurried to keep pace with his leader, “so this means we get pie, right?”

Tempest rolled her eyes. This creature was insufferable. But, with this little victory... maybe a quick stop for food might be okay. She stepped through the illusion and back into the sunlight. With a deep breath, she smiled. The day was looking up. As long as they got out of the mountain fast enough to not be discovered by whoever had placed the spells on the cave, they would be fine.
> Chapter Eighteen: As the Hour Grows Late
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Canterlot Royal Barracks


Lit in the glory of Celestia’s late day sun, the Canterlot Royal Barracks was alive with activity. Ponies went this way and that, each seemingly on a mission of their own. Many carried an assortment of blades in holsters on their forelegs and spears slung over their backs. Many of the earth ponies even carried crossbows as they hurried along on their way.  

The rather out of place mint green unicorn cast her eyes around the busy atmosphere of bright, golden and white buildings as she walked slowly along. With a start Lyra realised Bon Bon was no longer at her side. She saw her mare’s cute flank as it disappeared inside the officers building, ‘looks like Bonny wasn’t joking after all...’ She sighed, her head sinking low. After a solemn moment she rose up then gaze turned to the courtyard she was in. Lyra noticed there were two earth pony stallions who watched her like impassive hawks, their crossbows ready in case of trouble. Lyra decided it would be better if she went elsewhere. Maybe now would be a good time to go visit some friends?


Inside the cramped office space, a deep red earth pony stallion with a black mane sat behind a neat desk. He lent back and smiled at the creme mare who entered the room.

“It is a pleasure to see you again. Bon Bon, was it nowadays?” The deep, heavy voice of the officer was laced with pleasure at seeing the mare before him.

“Yes. That’s right, Captain Dark Lance.”

“You’re just in time.”

“For what?”

The captain sighed, “there has been a griffon attack on two of the element bearers in the Canterlot forest.”

Dread crept down the earth pony’s back as she tried not to think about what a griffon attack on Pinkie Pie’s friends might mean. “That’s why Pinkie’s Pinkie sense kept going off!”

The officer scowled at the mare before him. “Yes, well. Celestia has declared our borders closed to all griffons and I have been asked to revive the program and return to hunting down dangerous creatures across Equestria. That’s why I’m glad you came. We need all our best agents back on the job and ready for action.”

“Okay.” Bon Bon sat back in her seat and thought for a few moments. “But why now? What makes dangerous creatures so bad now that we are looking at hostilities with the griffons?”

“I think that they might be a useful tool should war break out.”

“What?”

“Do you not agree?” The stallion lent forward, his keen gaze examined the mare before him. “Unleashing several dangerous beasts against the griffons in their own camps could save the lives of many ponies. Best of all, it would keep them from troubling us. It would almost be like all the times we rehoused creatures.”

“That’s hardly fair to the beasts.” Bon Bon sourly.

“Come. Walk with me.” Dark Lance stood and without waiting for the candy mare, headed for the door behind his desk.

The two walked in silence for a while as Bon Bon contemplated where they might be headed. Then her mind began to wonder what her marefriend might be up to.

The duo turned into a larger meeting room and Dark Lance closed the door behind them. “One moment please.”

The officer left the earth pony alone in the room and Bon Bon took a seat at the long table. Just as she was about to let her mind wander back to her sweet Lyra, the door at the opposite side of the room opened and a pegasus mare poked her head through.

Bright blue wings shot out in surprise, “oh my gosh, it is you!”

“Hey! I’m now Bon Bon,” the creme earth pony half rose.

“Well, my name is now Cinnamon Flare. But, I still do the odd job for the military. Couldn't quite make myself quit after it all went bad, you know?”

Bon Bon nodded in understanding. “Yea, I guess I was one of the few who wanted out then?”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. You might have been one of our toughest, craziest agents but that didn’t mean it was your calling. Did you get to follow your calling once you left?”

“Oh did I ever...” Bon Bon sat down with a blissful sigh. “I opened a small candy store in Ponyville and I supply the local bakery with many of their specialist sweets. I also met the mare of my dreams, Lyra.”

The bright blue pegasus smirked as she took a seat next to Bon Bon, “don’t go checking me out. My husband might not like it. He often works with me, you know... to keep an eye on me.”

“Oh hush you,” laughed Bon Bon. “I only have eyes for Lyra.”

“Was that the green unicorn that accompanied you to the barracks?” Dark Lance asked as he reentered the room.

Bon Bon gave a start and turned to face the deep red stallion. “Yea. She insisted upon coming with me after she overheard some of our conversation. She... wasn’t happy that I had been keeping secrets about my past job here.”

“I see...” The stallion took a set near the head of the table. “I’m glad you had at least kept your quiet up till now.”

The door once again opened and another two stallions filed into the room. One grey burly earth pony and a white unicorn in shiny silver armour with a light green mane. They nodded in greeting to Bon Bon as they sat and everypony turned to the commanding officer.

“Thank you all for coming. Sadly, Celestia is unable to be here. She had hoped to meet you all herself like the good old days. However, the facts are as follows; after today’s attack on two of the bearers of the elements of harmony, no griffons are allowed into Equestria. It no longer matters if they claim to be rogues or not. It is suspected that the griffons seek artifacts and other objects of power and means to take what they desire with any force necessary. Celestia refuses to strike a preemptive blow against Griffonstone. However, she has sent a team of two pegasi to deliver a final warning: Leave us alone for a full year and prove to us that no harm is meant. If this is ignored, our time of peace with them will officially come to an end.” The stallion glanced around at the set jaws and contemplative faces.

After a moment to process, he slowly continued; “further to this, I am investigating other candidates for the supporting roles to our core team. We will have been given our own small airship with crew. This will assist with locating and capturing of beasts that threaten Equestria. If war breaks out, our goal will be to deliver our payload to strategic targets and attempt to disrupt the griffons as much as possible. It will be dangerous and all of you are likely to be in near constant danger. However, you were the best of my original team and I know that if you are willing, then we can do this. It will save pony lives and I believe the end justifies the means. Who is with me?”

Bon Bon felt everypony else in the room raise a forehoof almost immediately. She sat back in her seat and tried to think as her commander's words circled around in her mind. “But what about my Lyra? I can’t just leave her...” The candy mare realized she had voiced her thoughts out loud and her gaze shot up to the commander.

Dark Lance lent forward, “do you believe your fillyfriend could be a military asset to the team?”

Bon Bon gave a dry laugh. “She’s a musician and a real sweet oddball. I don’t know if there’s one killer bone in her body. I-I want to help. Even though I’m concerned about what you mean to do... but... Lyra is the best thing that ever happened to me and I don’t want to just leave her and go disappearing off on an airship in search of dangerous beasts.”

“Then you must decide what is most important to you and what you can offer in defence of others. Keep in mind, when not in action, we will be based right here in Canterlot.”

The two toned mane bobbed slightly as Bon Bon nodded. “May I have a day to talk to Lyra and think about it?”

“You may.”

“Can I ask my hubby if he would like to join?” Cinnamon Flare asked. “He's a good fighter and could keep a watch on the airship while we subdue the monsters.”

“I will consider him,” Dark Lance nodded. “Alright. Meeting adjourned. I expect everypony who is on the program to be here at six hundred hours sharp for training.”

Bon Bon rose slowly. What was she going to do? What would Lyra say? She slowly squared her shoulders and nodded to her old officer as she left the room.





Canterlot Palace

With the late day sun filtering through the palace windows, Twilight and Luna arrived outside the hospital wing, the purple unicorn heard the sound of several hooves approaching from further along the corridor.

“Twilight! There you are!”

Fast as lighting Pinkie Pie appeared before the duo and gave Twilight a big hug.

“Hi Pinkie, what are you girls doing here? Did Celestia ask you all to come? Wait- how did you get here so fast?”

The party pony stepped back from the purple unicorn and smiled uneasily at her. “It was my Pinkie sense. It’s never been this crazy before! So we caught the first train to Canterlot and here we are!”

“Yea,” Applejack agreed. “Ah’ve never seen her Pinkie sense explode like it did so, we figured it must be pretty serious.”

“Are you okay? You don’t look so good Twilight.” Spike spoke up. 

The full weight of the situation returned to Twilight once more and she sighed. “It is pretty serious. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were attacked by two griffons in the forest outside Canterlot and if it weren't for the rainbow trail that Dash leaves when she flies fast, none of the guards would have found them or made it in time.”

Rarity nervously took a step back, “I’m not sure I like where this is going, darling.”

“They both nearly ...were... uh...” Twilight choked on the words and fell silent.

A dark blue wing fell upon the purple unicorn and she leant into the strong side of the princess of the night.

Pinkie Pie’s eyes flashed between the duo before her. “They are okay, right? Please tell me my Pinkie sense didn’t mean that they passed away!”

“Never fear,” Princess Luna spoke up. “They both are inside the hospital wing in a stable, if critical condition.”

The pink mare deflated at the news and let out a massive sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness. I don’t know what I would do without those two.”

“Ah’ think you speak for all of us there,” Applejack agreed. “Do you think they’ll let us see them?”

“That depends,” mused Luna. 

“On what?” Rarity asked.

“If the medical team have finished.”

“Right.”

“This way, we shall inquire as to their condition and with luck, you four will be allowed to see them both.” Luna’s magic opened the small double doors to the Canterlot royal hospital and she stepped inside.

The other ponies were quick to follow. They arrived at the main desk in silence. The newcomers' gaze was temporarily stolen by the simple golden and yellow trim that decorated the walls. The air smelled crisp, clean and clinical. The reception area was neat, tidy and dead quiet, save for the clop clop of the newcomer's hooves. There were enough chairs for ten ponies to wait by the wall off to their right, each currently unoccupied.

The light blue earth pony mare behind the desk glanced between the group before she settled on Luna. “Do you wish to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes.”

“I will ask their nurse if they are able to be seen and return shortly.” The mare bowed then trotted off down the hallway.

Luna felt a tug and startled. Impossible!

No. That was impossible. No creature could see through her illusion spell! Something had just broken a spell she had placed in the Foal Mountains... And there were only two spells she had bothered to place there. “We must leave thee. One of my spells tripped a proximity warning and We must check it out immediately.”

Twilight spotted the look on the larger mare’s face, “which one? Where? I could come too. I can help you.”

“This is something we must do alone. Tis not far and we shan't be too long.”

“Okay.” Twilight shot Luna a cautious look. “Well, I guess... you take care out there, Luna.”

The alicorn nodded then made a hasty exit.

“What was that about?” Rarity asked as Twilight turned from the entrance way to face her friends once more.

“I don’t know. But I think we should take a seat and wait for the receptionists return.” Twilight led her friends as they headed to find a seat along the wall opposite the reception desk.  

As they settled awkwardly down in the otherwise empty waiting room, Pinkie Pie deflated into a chair.

“You alright there, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked as she settled down next to the party pony.

Pinkie shook her head.

“You may see her now.”

Four ponies glanced up to see the receptionist as she stood in the doorway that led to the wards.

Twilight stood slowly while Pinkie Pie bounced up. Rarity and Applejack shared a glance before they too joined the party and headed off into the pristine white hallway beyond. They walked in silence behind their guide, each uncertain about what they would discover when they arrived.

“This is Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash’s ward.” The mare paused beside a set of double doors. Room seven. “Although neither are awake, I ask that you try and remain quiet.”

“Thank you, we will,” Twilight replied as she slowly pushed the door open with her magic.

The small group stepped inside and drew back the large curtain to reveal two hospital beds right next to each other. Pinkie Pie zipped up to the blue form and loudly gasped silently. There was only a small amount of blue visible from under the casts and sheets. It appeared that her wings were bound, her forelegs were in a cast and her lower body was hidden under the white sheet. Her muzzle was mostly hidden behind bandages too.

Twilight walked slowly over to the yellow form and spotted signs of bandages around Fluttershy’s barrel. Her right foreleg was in a cast and her left was hidden beneath the spotless white bedsheet. Her face was hidden behind bandages with two small holes for her to breathe.

The clearing of a throat drew the girls attention to an older unicorn stallion who sat in the corner with a clipboard levitated in his magic. “Greetings, I am doctor Silverlight. I have been in charge of caring for you two friends.”

“Hello, thank you for looking after them. Err... how are they?” Rarity asked as her gaze flittered between the doctor and the two downed pegasi.

“Very lucky.” The unicorn rose and paced over to Fluttershy’s bed. “I was worried that either one might not make it, but they are lucky that those guards found them when they did.”

“Right.” Rarity managed, her gaze flickered between the two pegasi and the doctor. “How long will they be like this?”

“Hard to say exactly. Maybe a month. Thanks to her knowledge of healing, Celestia was able to heal most of the internal damage suffered by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Our unicorn surgeons also managed to heal a lot of the damage done to Fluttershy’s face and lower barrel where a griffon took several bites out of her. Neither are perfect heals and I would be very careful touching her anywhere on her barrel as she needs time to let the magic set and for natural healing run its course. Her muzzle will be very sensitive for at least the next three weeks. Her right foreleg was broken and she has lost several feathers, but once those grow back, she should be able to fly again.” The stallion turned his gaze to the other-bed bound mare. “Rainbow Dash appears to have been the primary fighter and as such as sustained a lot of small cuts and bruises. As we were focused on healing her major wounds, the smaller ones are left to heal by themselves. She had both her forelegs broken and some bruising to her ribs but thankfully those appear to have protected her vital organs. Her face was not in the best shape either, but we expect her to make a full recovery with only scars left to tell of this incident.”

“So... once all... that... heals-” Twilight cautiously asked. “They will definitely be okay?”

“They will live, provided there are no complications with their bodies accepting the magic.”

Pinkie Pie deflated. “Oh thank goodness!”





Mighty wing, Griffonstone

The tawny brown hide of Grandeur was spotted slipping between the shadows of buildings. His grey-white head bore the crown he enjoyed wearing and an intent gaze was set upon his face. As he came before a bleak stone building he smiled to himself. The chief strode up to the door where a tough black and white griffon wearing a black cape stood guard. “I’m here for my drink, now let me in.”

“Entry is six bits.” The guard stared back, unafraid at the imposing figure before him.

“I’m the chief, let me in.” The white chest feathers fluffed as Grandeur added emphasis to his demand.

“Six bits, or get lost.”

“I’m sure you only charge other griffons two.”

“For you asshole, it's six.” The guard locked eyes with his leader, unflinching. He shoved his own beak into his chief's, “now pay up or get out of my face.”  

The cocky royal griffon scoffed. “Whatever.” He grabbed five bits and offered them to the guard.

The black and white griffon flinched the bits but failed to move from the door.

“Well, move.”

“By my count that was five. Sir.” The guard remained impassive in the fact of his impatient leader.  

“I’ve paid you, fool, now move!”

“One more bit.” The guard unsheathed a dagger he had hidden. “Or leave.”

Grandeur took a half step back, shocked at his underling’s audacity. “You would attack me?”

“I attack any creature who fails to pay or get out of my face. This pub is for higher-order only. I can’t just let any scum off the street in here.”

“I’ll get you fired, is what will happen.” Chief Grandeur reached into his bits bag and flicked the lone bit at the bouncers face.

The griffon was quick to pluck the money out of the air and pocketed it. He stepped aside and slid his dagger back under his cloak. “Get out of my face.”

The chief did as he was bidden, he shoved the door open and strode into the well adored inside of the pub. Now he really needed a hard drink.





Mighty Wing, Griffonstone

Inside one of the thatch huts in the outer rim of Mighty Wing, a group of musicians were gathered.

Echo scratch, a unicorn with a blue coat and fuzzy white mane revealed his latest creation, a new electric guitar. This one was a seven string beauty with red fire painted along the sharp body and up the smooth neck. The old six string it was placed beside looked rather plain in comparison. Echo smiled proudly at the members of the griffon metal band he had been cultivating. Each creature wore a wide grin as they eyed the latest addition to their musical arsenal. All in the group either wore spikes on their foreclaws and pauldrons. Each band member also had their hair and feathers styled to be spiky.

“That looks so badass... a shame we don’t get to test it out with you tonight.” A tough black and red griffon who wore a leather jacket with a spiked collar and shoulder pads carefully picked up his new instrument. “I would have loved to have you sound check this baby...”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Echo Scratch glanced around the group, uncertain as to why he could not attend the show he had helped put together.

“You don’t understand. Rumour on the street says war is coming. Chief Grandeur, the great big flankhole that he is, is said to be preparing to kill ponies on a mass scale. That scheming rat has something planned. You won’t be safe with us here anymore. When he takes absolute power in the next few days, there is nothing any of us can do to stop the guards from killing you.”

“But- I’m only like a musco. Like, come on.”

Lynx, the only female griffon in the band stepped forward and placed a blood red claw comfortingly on the pony musician. “We know you rock, but as far as our leaders are concerned you are a pony. Nothing more to them.”

“But... I had been looking forward to seeing you try out my new creation on stage tonight...” Echo Scratch took the seven string guitar in his magic, caressed it then carefully placed it in a stand where he eyed it mournfully.

“I know. But your safety is more important. Maybe we can play loud enough that your little pony ears will hear us from the border.” The tough black and red griffon sniggered as he reached out and loving picked up the new guitar. He carefully ran his claw across the painted fire that embellished the body and neck of the guitar. “I love this design. I bet it sounds even more epic than it looks.”

The unicorn nodded slowly, “alright. I’ll go. Guess I can give my daughter a big surprise. But I want you lot to promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“Keep safe. If war really does start, I don’t want to come back one day to find you all died.”

Gryo scoffed, “other ponies might be dweebs, but we aren’t really interested in killing any of your fellows. I for one would rather make some ears bleed rockin’ it out on stage than actually killing.”

Gerwalt nodded his painted red and black head as if in time to some heavy music. “Shit yea man. But we want you to keep that weeny body safe too, okay?”

“Thank you. I will do my best.” Echo nodded with a slight smirk.

“Alright, who’s gonna fly this runt out of here?” Gerwalt cried out.

The tough black and red griffon placed the guitar upon its stand and removed his neck spikes. “I can. You lot need more practice with the riffs and screeching. I’m sweet as for tonight.”

“Thank you, Red.”

Gryo walked over to the new guitar and carefully ran a claw along. Red was quick to snatch the offending claw and bent it over the yelping griffon’s back. “That’s my guitar. Go play with your bass!”

“Ow, ow, screw you asshole, I just wanted to touch!”

Red scoffed and relinquished hold on his bandmate. He then ran his claw lovingly along his new guitar, his eyes transfixed by its flawless beauty. “No touching. I’ll know if my girl has been tampered with. Alright, let’s go, horn face.”

Various mutters followed the pony and large griffon out.





Skies above Equestria

With mighty wingbeats, Luna flew over the city of Canterlot on her way to check the hidden griffon artifact. The glow of the capitol caught her eye and she couldn’t help but marvel at her sister’s work in creating such a mighty city.  

After a few moments, she tore her gaze away and honed in on the distant mountains of her destination. What if she was out of time? It felt rather... quiet... What if it had been a false alarm?

But what if some creature had managed to stumble through her illusion and break the shield and found the artifact? That would not be good. ‘You should have been more careful...’ With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she powered her horn and teleported.

With a blast of moonlight and a frantic beat of her wings, Luna reappeared. The Foal Mountains were much closer now. Her gaze fell upon the middle mount and with her next target in sight, she once again powered up her horn. With a flash of moonlight, the wild skies fell silent once more.





Canterlot Palace, royal dining room

Celestia settled down at her place on the royal table.

Today had been taxing both emotionally and magically. She was looking forward to a more calorie orientated meal this evening.

...Basically, a meal centred around cake.

Blueberry, an earth pony mare with a light blue coat and purple mane, entered the room with a cart laden with a variety of cakes. “Are you sure you require cake first?”

“I am, thank you.”

Golden magic captured the cakes and placed them down on the table in front of Celestia.

The server bowed then made her exit as the lone alicorn prepared to enjoy her selection of cakes.

Celestia bit into the first and her eyes fluttered closed with a sigh. This was better...

She took a second bite then a third and before she knew it, she was onto her second cake. As she ate, she wondered how her daughter was holding up. Should she send her another message soon? Or would it seem a bit odd that her ‘auntie’ was sending another letter so soon?

As the princess bit into her second cake, her mind wandered to the two element bearers who were in the care of her hospital. She was thankful that with the help of her staff, they had managed to stabilize the couple. The couple had taken a beating but clearly had something to live for. That would be sure to help them.

She smiled to herself. Celestia was thankful that even with times becoming rougher, love could still flourish. Almost like her sister and rather oblivious student. Those two had been rather quiet for the last two hours. Maybe they were off spending some time together after the brutal surprise.

“Your highness.”

With half a cake suspended in her magic, Celestia side eyed the guard who had snuck into the room. Despite the fatigue that still played her system, she rose to her full height and placed her wonderful morsel down. “Yes?”

“Um...” The guard paused then carefully continued, “we kinda... lost the griffons but I think we found out why they were so close to Canterlot.”

“Why might that be?”

“We found a dead zebra, mostly eaten under some foliage. One of the guards had the unpleasant experience of tripping over it after investigating a bloodied area of bush.”

Celestia couldn’t help but cringe at the mental image. If they ate that zebra, her little ponies were also at risk. Maybe it was a good thing to close her lands to the griffon tribes...

“We think this zebra was on the run and being chased. But because of the condition of the body, we can’t tell anything else about the poor creature.”

The pure white alicorn sighed. “Please prepare a messenger and escort. I want them to be ready to fly to the Zebra tribes homeland with haste. I will prepare a message, asking if this poor soul might be one of theirs and if they have suffered any attacks from griffons.”

“Yes, princess.”

The white stallion turned only to pause as Celestia lightly cleared her throat. “I think it might also be an idea to contact the hippogriffs. I wish to see how our allies are faring.”

The white stallion bowed then exited the room on his mission. The large mare eyed her food regretfully. There was no way she could enjoy cake right now. This was because of those griffons. Were they becoming antagonistic toward all creatures? Was there even such a thing as griffon rogues? Were they under orders of some griffon? Grandeur? He was a dangerous case for sure, but was he so evil as to desire conflict? Or could it be one of the other griffon lords? Zeke the Untamable had always been a rough character and rather warlike as far as griffons went. Maybe it could be worth sending a few scouts to discreetly check on the griffon tribes?

Yes, she would be sure to send her best operatives into their lands, just to check for sure. It was no longer worth leaving anything up to chance and good faith. 

Today good faith had its face torn off by two griffons. Now was a time of action and sacrifice. 

If there were griffons on the move in her land, her daughter might no longer be safe. With a pang of fear, the regal mare teleported her ink, quill and paper to her and began to write.

Once the scratching of quill on paper finished Celestia was quick to send the scroll off on its way. She hoped that a response to her simple message would be forthcoming soon.

The princess sat in silence.

Time dragged on slowly and the scent of cake began to call to her once more.  A keen pair of eyes came to rest upon the delicious specimens before her.

Celestia’s cake tummy called out for more sustenance.

‘Maybe I should check to see how Lulu is doing?’  She pondered to herself.

The smell of Cake called once more. The cake tummy rumbled. It demanded to be satisfied. 

Celestia had to do something before her situation became critical. 

Hungry eyes fell upon a two layer chocolate sponge cake. It was a simple thing. Chocolate swirls on top, two layers filled with chocolatey goodness. Perfect for a ruler who was worried about what the new day might bring.

Before she knew what she was doing, the cake glowed softly and rose into the air. A dainty bite was had and a sigh escaped her lips. It was perfect. She took a second, less dainty bite. That was better...

All too soon, that cake had also vanished.

Celestia felt out to the sun as it lay low in the sky.

Surely Cadence would have read her message by now.

Her ...niece was always fast at replying.

What was going on?

‘I knew I should have investigated the use of tracking spells on ponies...’ Celestia eyed another cake, one layer, white and blue with rainbow sprinkles on top.

She knew she should step away and seek out healthy food.

Her horn lit and the chosen cake slowly rose into the air.

On second thoughts, cake was good. Comfort food was perfect when your only remaining daughter was out in dangerous territory, not replying. Maybe in trouble... or worse, discovered by griffons and attacked like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had been.

She picked up a large glass of wine and downed the lot. No. No thinking like that. Cadence was strong. Cadence had Shining Armour, her best guard at her side. They would be fine.

They had to be fine.

Maybe it was time she sent another letter, this time to insist upon a reply? But what if they were in danger and another flash of a scroll appearing could attract unwanted attention.

This waiting business was hard when it was your ...niece out there.

Just as the light blue attendant approached, Celestia’s magic took hold of another cake.

“Would you like your glass refilled, your majesty?”

With her mouth full of cake, Celestia nodded slowly. Blueberry studiously refilled the large glass, bowed then retreated.

Celestia took another long drink. She had a feeling that she was in for a hard night ahead.





Foal Mountains

With a flash of moonlight Luna appeared on the slope of the rocky mountainside of the Foal Mountains. She took several deep breaths to steady herself. Multiple teleports to reach the location with haste had been rather taxing and not something she had put herself through in some time.

However, somepony had definitely triggered her spells warnings. She took flight and soared up the mountainside toward the magical cliff face she had made. She flew through the illusion and landed roughly inside. With a flick of her wings, the dark mare strode deeper into the cave and froze in alarm as she reached her shield.

It was not there.

What!?!

Why?

What had happened to her barrier?   No creature should have been able to see through her rock face illusion. Worst case scenario, no creature and certainly no griffon should have been able to break this barrier so quickly. Something was wrong.

The long dark horn lit with moonlit magic as the alicorn advanced carefully through the cave. Something skitted about in the shadows. Luna jumped slightly and blasted the spot.

The alicorn of the night strode toward the small crater. Nothing of note was there.

Luna took off at a trot toward the back of the cave and quickly came before the location of the griffon artifact.

It was gone.

“No. This can not be...”

Something dark welled up inside. It met the sinking feeling of doom and exploded. The dark alicorn staggered back several paces.

Frantic, Luna ran for the exit. Her illusion spell faded as she rushed through it.

The illusion spells failure revealed a blasted rock cave entrance. In the middle of this entrance stood a half black, half midnight blue alicorn. The darker side of her muzzle sported a fang while her horn crackled with dark magic. As she stumbled along, Luna flickered between nightmare and her regular self.

“Where is it?! It’s mine!”

“Mine!”

All of a sudden the dark magics broke, leaving a tearful midnight mare in their wake. Luna collapsed upon the rough rocky ground and covered her face with shame as she wept. It was too much to take in. Something was very wrong. 

“W-what is happening to me?”

The thought that maybe she should have brought Twilight crossed her mind. As Luna felt a darkness well up inside she flailed about on the ground as though to try and strike some attacker.

“No- stay away! You were defeated!”

The sudden fading sunlight broke the internal struggle with the realization that she had to raise the moon. She had to do it now or raise the suspicion of her sister. That would not do. There was no way Celestia could know! 

With a shaky breath, Luna reached deep inside herself until she felt her moon. The night called out to her, gave her strength and made her feel calmer. With a burst of lunar magic, she flooded the sky with stars and her moon crept out above the horizon. There, all better.   

Then a second realization hit. It was dinner time. Twilight and her friends would be having dinner about now and she was missing a chance to spend time with the pony she wished to court.

‘You can’t just leave! Where is the artifact! They can’t be allowed to steal my artifact!” Luna clamped her mouth shut. Somehow that dark thought had done more than simply cross her mind.   But the nightmare was banished?   How could it suddenly use her mouth to speak?

This was disturbing. Yet as Luna lay there, she had no idea what to do. She should tell her sister. Or Twilight.

Celestia would demand to know why she had moved the artifact. Cele would also take some kind of action to counter the rise of the nightmare.

‘She will banish us to the moon again!’

“No. I am her sister. She promised...”

‘She lies...’

Luna shook her head as she stumbled to her feet. Twilight! She would have to tell Twilight.

Twilight would know what to do! Or at least, she would panic with her as they worked out what to do together.

Yes. 

That is what she would do!

And best of all, it would allow her to spend time with her twilight. Somehow she did not like the way that Pinkie Pie had looked at her when they had arrived to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Luna hoped that the party pony had not tried to seduce Twilight while she was gone. Luna was not she what she would do if she lost Twilight's heart. 

No. She would not lose Twilight!

Moonlight lit the cave entrance. With access to her full power, Luna called on her moon to teleport her home.
> Chapter Ninteen: Growing Fires
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastern Foothills of Foal Mountain

With the last of the sun's rays peeking above the horizon, nine griffons flew down toward a peaceful looking clearing in the middle of dense forest land.

“Gee bird brain. Why did you have to go start a fight? Now those guards are out looking for us.” Muttered one of the griffin patrol as they landed. “If that airship had found us we would have been dead and they would have figured out we weren't just rogue griffons.”

“Yea, ya’ just made it harder for all a’ us.” Added another annoyed scout.

Captain Volibeak was quick to verbally lash out, “I’m in charge here. You fools were all bloody useless! Ok? They were outside the city and they ran into us! You should have come back to help when you saw guards were coming. If we quickly killed those guards we would have two dead element bearers right now!” 

One of the other griffons muttered rather loudly; “sorry boss, but we weren't gonna go back there when we thought you was screwing Misty.”

Several griffons sniggered. Mistwing span in a circle to try and spot the griffon who had just called her Misty. She locked eyes with a lean grey and black beast and dived at him. The scout dodged and Volibeak laughed as she came in from behind and slammed him into a tree. The victim squawked angrily as leaves and twigs flew everywhere.

“I think that confirms angry’s status. I don’t wish to be scarred for life just because she decided to rut him.” A griffon murmured from behind Volibeak.

“Hear that boys, ol’ Voli here isn’t even enough of a male to rut his mate, she has to do him.” Several griffons laughed at the comment.

“We were told not to bother with the blue one.” Another leered, “as one of the fastest pegasus in the land, our boss had a special surprise to deal with her properly. Now they will be looking out for trouble thanks to you.”

“What does it matter, I bet she died. She looked worse off to me than a chick in a whore house filled with raging cocks.” The heavy, coarse tone of a tough jet black griffon filled the air as he landed heavily on a tree, his claws dug deep into the wood to hold him and he smirked, his eyes locked hungrily upon Mistwing. “I might have happened to glance back at what our hot-headed leaders were doing once or twice.”

The only female griffon in the squad felt her insides churn as the predatory all-black creature eyed her up. Even with the fading light of the sun, she could feel his heavy gaze. She shuffled closer to her mate and felt one of his talons carefully place itself on her back as though to claim ownership. “And yet you didn’t help us.”

The jet black griffon shrugged casually, “why should I?”

“Just because you can’t find a mate doesn't give you permission to look at mine.” Volibeak felt anger building inside. He was not here to be disrespected and Mistwing was for his eyes only!

The black griffon cracked off a large branch and hurled it at the couple. Volibeak smashed the large bough out of the air then leaped at the grinning griffon. The pair crashed out of the tree, landing heavily on the soft earth underneath where Volibeak pinned his antagonizer. The griffon on the bottom struggled against his hold. “Back down Blackout, before I make you.”

Blackout gave a shove then relaxed into the plants he had landed in. “You’re not the only beak our lord favours. You better watch yourself.”

Volibeak chose to pretend Blackout no longer existed as he strode off toward Mistwing and brushed roughly up against her white side. 

She grinned at him and nuzzled him back. "That was kinda hot..." 

One of his less than pleased followers spoke up with a sneer. “Oh yeah, and you forget the council... they are gonna skin you alive when they find out you almost started a war. We were not to go attacking ponies! The way those airships are flying around, you may as well have just tried to attack the princess herself!”

“I give the orders here. Now shut your traps! No one is to say or do anything without my permission.” The wounded leader rounded on the patchy grey and brown speaker.

Oh, how he would have loved to continue the fight and teach those pesky ponies the meaning of pain. But being outnumbered and with his patrol of nine griffins having disappeared, he had no option but to retreat. For the pathetic, insolent little creatures that they were, those pony guards had put up a greater fight than Volibeak had imagined they would. They had even forced him to drop his lunch. And he had so been looking forward to the taste of pony ever since he had been introduced to the illegal delicacy by his superior, the chief, Grandeur.  

“Why did you have that blue pony in your claw boss?”

“What pony?” Volibeak snapped to attention, stiffening, ready for an all on verbal war. Did his whole unit see the fight and choose to leave him?

“We saw you with that pegasus in your claws. Were you going to eat it?” An older griffin asked, advancing on the captain.

“What if I was?” Captain Volibeak replied to his inferior, scowl met scowl as eyes locked in a battle of wills.

Mistwing brushed against her proclaimed mate. “It was so hot too. We nearly had us a meal of element bearers. They were lesbian pegasi too. I’ve never tasted a gay pony before. I only got a brief bite out of the yellow one. She was delicious. Mmmmmmm...”

Several murmurs passed through the small company as they faced their leader in a stand-off, none of the guttural murmurs were nice and all were directed at the griffon couple in the middle of their camp.

Captain Volibeak turned to face the only griffin who stood with him. “Thank you Mistwing. Good to know one griffin is dependable. However, I was not going to tell every griffon here about the joy of pony meat quite yet.”

“Huh, you ‘ave already gone on rants about meat before! What's new!?” Snarled the oldest in the pack, his deep, raspy voice full of hate toward his fellow griffin. “I’m sick of your antics. You keep overstepping the line. If it weren't for Chief Grandeur, you would be dead meat. Although, as war approaches, I’ve heard that he is becoming less popular again these days. So maybe your time will be up soon.” The older griffin prowled up to the younger, wounded captain and glared up at him.

“Shut it, private Starclaw! If I wanted your opinion on something, I would have told you what it was!” ordered Volibeak.

“Whatever. After you have reported your failure to the council, I will be challenging you for command of this scout group. And you will lose to me.” Starclaw declared before he rammed his beak into Volibeak’s.

“It’s you who’s dead.” Snarled the captain as he did his best to forget his still stinging wounds. “Soon as I see the hospital, you are done.”

The older griffin chuckled as he turned away. “Sure. Soon as you’re gone, I can stop listening to those dumb schemes of the master and I won’t have to obey that Gilda either.” The older scout relished as he strutted back toward his place amongst his loyal companions.

Before the cocky older griffin could reach his comrades, a claw latched into his side and flipped him on his back. The larger Captain Volibeak was on his challenger before anyone else could respond. With harsh deep breaths, he leered down at his older companion.

“No... I don’t think I will be going anywhere.” With a vicious swipe, he knocked his struggling opponent out with one blow.

To add to the wound suffered by the downed beast, the lead griffin raked a claw through the primary flight feathers on his foe's right wing. Stunned silence rang out across the camp, you could hear the faintest insect noise above the hushed breaths of the group.

“I might be h’injured, but I’m not weak...” spat the captain as he glared down at his downed challenger. The leader of the small scouting group turned to face his other companions. “Look here. I’m still stronger than some of you. But I’m the boss, you will do as I say and no griffin will argue. We camp here for the night. I’m off to make a decision. We might fly home, but I suddenly find appeal in the challenge of breaking into Canterlot and making sure those two element bearers are dead. Am I understood?” The iron tone of the commanding griffin ran out across the clearing, the only answer he received was muted nods from all those under his command. “Good. This one here is your problem now. I’m off.”

Satisfied, Volibeak stalked off. As much as he would have preferred to have run his unit with no internal conflict, he was sure they were loyal to him again; at least for now. How those ponies managed to seemingly live in peace was beyond him. At least for griffons, brute force and a keen mind was an ever successful way of retaining command.

Moments after her leader’s departure, Mistwing picked up the only bag of healing supplies they carried and sauntered after her boss, happy to leave her fellow scouts in preference of her captain’s company.

Tense, quiet moments passed as the small company prepared to camp for the night. Many shot dirty looks toward where their captain had disappeared off to, while others contented themselves with the fact of his iron beaked leadership.

Several griffins burst out laughing as squarks rent the late day air. “Looks like ol’ Starclaw was right!” Screeched one of the scouts as he fought back his hysterics. “It’s gonna be a long night for those two!”

Laughter followed, then near silence as the unit calmed down once more. Apart from the odd cries of a complaining griffin getting his wounds tended roughly to, the silence persisted.

“I hope she mauls him. Then we are sure to go home. I’m getting sick of these woods. Equestria makes me sick.” Spat Blackout as he tended to Starclaw’s wounds with concern.

“Well, you're paid to think. But not like that. So shut it.” Advised another as he settled down for the night. "Besides, look at what he did to poor Starclaw's wing. That was brutal. No flyer want's their primaries clipped." 

“Strix, your watch.” Commanded Blackout without looking up from his fallen comrade.

“Fine. But ya’ is second.” The griffin in question took off to find a nice vantage point to keep guard from, his tawny brown wings propelled him upwards with expert ease.





Somewhere in Equestria...

As Celestia’s sun slid below the horizon, two shapes darted along unopposed though the open skies on their way from Canterlot out toward Filly Delphia and the griffon kingdom beyond. The two Wonderbolts blazed through the high clouds, cutting though any that happened to be in their path. The couple were so high up, they were mere specks to the few creatures that actually spotted them from below. None took any notice of the speeding dots. 

Neither athlete pulled off tricks or flashy maneuvers as they raced along. They were on a mission and time was of the essence. Soarin carefully felt the left side pouch of his saddlebags and couldn't help but smile. The pie in there appeared to be safe and sound. Therefore, the trip was all good so far. 





Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna’s Bedroom

With a flash of moonlight, Luna appeared. As the magics dissipated, the night themed bedroom fell silent. The distressed alicorn strode to her bathroom and proceeded to carefully wash her face until she felt cleaner. Once done, she dried herself then took a deep breath. Time to face the music. Time to see Twilight and her friends.

But not Celestia.

There was no way she could speak with her sister now.

 Celestia was too... scary? 
No. That was not entirely correct. Luna knew she loved her sister dearly, but there were some things that she could simply not share with Celestia anymore. They had grown apart in the last millennia and it seemed neither knew how to bridge the gap. 

With a deep breath to steady herself, Luna approached the double doors to the hallway and stepped out. The two bat ponies on night shift slipped in behind her as she strode along. Beyond being thankful for their presence, the princess paid them no heed as thoughts ran rampant around her head. 

‘What can we say to Twilight? Dost we walk up and demand to speak with her alone?’

Luna shook her head, no. That would not work well, both Twilight and her friends would worry. She needed to find a way to discreetly have a moment with the cute unicorn.

The ruler of the night’s mind wandered as she walked till suddenly she found herself in front of the door to the palace dining hall. Luna could hear the banter of the ponies beyond the door and couldn’t help but smile. It was so good to hear them be happy and animated. It was such a contrast to her own dark thoughts.

‘Well go on, open it.’

Luna was reminded that she had probably been standing in front of the door awkwardly for more than a few moments. She glanced at her accompanying guards. “Thank you for accompanying me, thy services are no longer needed while We dine with friends.”

“Yes, princess.” The duo saluted then marched off.

Luna smiled. Her thestral guards were nice to have back in service. As her thoughts slowly turned from her guards, Luna knew she was staling. For what?

The longer she waited, the longer it would be till she had to open up and speak to Twilight Sparkle. Maybe if she waited long enough, they would finish their meal and she would miss them?

Or maybe it was best that she simply enter now before she lost her chance and her courage?

Laughter from the party pony drew her attention to the door once more and Luna couldn’t help but picture a laughing Pinkie with one foreleg around her Twilight. A jealous fire lit inside the alicorn.

No. She could not lose Twilight. 

She would not lose Twilight. 

The princess's horn lit light blue as she telepathically reached for the door.





Somewhere still within Equestria...

 Under the rising moon, two pegasi sat on a cloud that floated over dense forest land. They were sharing a pie side by side as they lay at ease. Soarin took the last bite then sighed in contentment.

“That was amazing... Totally worth carrying all the way from Canterlot.”

“Yea,” Spitfire couldn’t help but grin at her husband’s delight. “I hope you can adjust to basic food too though, we aren’t carrying a whole bakery.”

“You know I’ll be fine.”

“Even if we have to eat plain grass for a bit?”

The blue stallion’s happy demeanour soured. “I thought you said we had enough food for the trip?”

“We do. I just have this feeling...” Spitfire trailed off in contemplation.

“What kind of feeling?” Soarin prompted softly.

“I dunno... it's like... something bad is gonna happen.”

“Awww, don’t say that Spitty.” A light blue hoof fell comfortingly upon yellow then he drew her forehooves closer.

“Well, that’s just how I feel.”

“Alright, alright. Should we have brought something more than just food?”

A vibrant yellow muzzle shook from side to side slowly, “I don’t think weapons would help. We are trying to be ambassadors here.”

“Yea,” Soarin half heartily laughed. “By telling them to buck off for a long time. That will go down well.”

“Hey, I don’t want ponies lives put at risk because of either a bunch of rogues or one of their tribes deciding to have a go at us. Do you?”

The light blue stallion gave his wife a cautious look, “ you know the answer to that. Don’t worry, worst comes to worst, we just give them the message and fly outa there so fast they lose us. We’re Wonderbolts.” Blue wings extended then fell slowly till the one over Spitfire covered her in a protective fuzzy layer. 

“You make that sound easy.”

Soarin shrugged. “In my mind, it is." After a few peaceful moments he continued with confidence; "we fly up, we tell them how its gonna be. They say yes, or no. If yes, we know they are cool. If no, bad things will happen and we gotta high tail it back to tell Celestia. Either way, we fly back safe cause no slow griffon can catch us.”

"I like the sound of that."  Spitfire rolled on her side as she settled down upon the cloud for a quick moments rest. There they floated for a few, untold minutes of peace.  

Spitfire eventually rolled over onto her back and gazed playfully up at her lover. “Oh, best husband of mine...”

“Spitty, I had better be your only husband.”

“Exactly, that’s why your the best.”

The stallion puffed out his chest proudly, “yes, my amazing wife?”

“Give me a massage. All this distance flying is giving my back a cramp.”

Blue ears perked up, “does that mean I get something too?”

“Depends,” Spitfire settled upon her tummy. Her wings relaxed at her sides and she waited.

With a shrug, Soarin straddled his spouse. A cheeky grin lit Spitfire's muzzle as she shuffled backward, arched her hindquarters and brushed against his lower section. Blue wings shot up to full display.

Spitfire settled down as though nothing had happened. “Well, you gonna start or what?”

“Because of somepony... my brain is telling me to give you a massage while another part of me wants to be inside you.”

“Stop thinking with your dick and rub me with your hooves.” Spitfire couldn’t help but grin as she delivered her order.

“Cruel...” Soarin grinned as he rubbed a certain lower part of himself carefully along his wife’s back.

“That’s a mighty weird hoof on my back,” Spitfire commented casually. Despite her attempt at remaining stoic, she couldn’t help but grin once more at how easily her husband was turned on.

“Oh yes... yes it is.” Soarin grinned as he continued to lightly grind on his wife’s lower back, trying to emulate hoof motions with the rather less solid body part.

“This won’t help your chances, pie boy.”

“But I’m giving you a massage, just like you asked,” Soarin grinned back. “...With my er- fifth leg.”

“Really?” A light yellow wing lifted and Spitfire angled her body so that it carefully brushed against said ‘fifth leg.’

“Yea,” Soarin nuzzled his wife as he continued his work below.

A sunny wing flicked harder. “Use your proper hooves or I won’t return the favour.”

“Awww, but Spitty...”

Spitfire rolled over and pulled her rather excited husband into a loose embrace. “I’m going to roll over again and I expect a proper massage with no more silly surprises.”

The excited stallion took a deep breath then nodded slowly though the building haze of his desire.

Spitfire made sure to not antagonize her spouse further as she returned to lying tummy first on the nice soft cloud.

Soarin dutifully began to massage his mare’s upper back. “Hey uh... any chance you might be able to help me shoot for the moon after this?”

Spitfire moaned softly in pleasure and stretched as light blue hooves found more knots in her back. “Keep this up and I might...”





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion

Gilda sat around the dinner table with the rest of her family. They all ate in silence, tearing the flesh from what they were eating at speeds that would leave other animals fearful of the mighty beaks. Beside Gilda sat her younger brother, Glen. Chief Grandeur sat at the head of the table. He wore a black suit with slits to allow for his mighty wings. It could be that he had plans later that night that required formal attire. It was also possible that he simply wanted to show everyone that he was the boss. Either way, no one felt like conversing with the tense griffin chief. On his left side, sat his mistress, a light brown griffin by the name of Gretelda. Across from her sat the elder patriarch of the family, the very father of Chief Grandeur himself, Gigan. This was an ancient griffin who was almost bald on his face while the rest of his coat was entirely grey. Despite this beast’s age, he bore himself tall and proud as he continued to devour his meal.

“Hey, dad, when do you get to send me out there again?” Gilda asked as casually as possible. Despite her casual appearance, it was hard for her to keep the eagerness completely out of her voice.

“Oh, me too this time please dad! I wanna do something awesome and cool for once!” Piped in Glen like a little chick.

Chief Grandeur calmly faced his children as he wiped his beak with a napkin offered to him by his mistress. “Glen... I will require you to take up more training before I will allow you out there. You must be strong willed and a formidable fighter to face those who oppose us.”

“Would that allow me to get a cool title like yours dad?” The youngster asked, seemingly ignorant of the meaning behind his father's title and the hard work involved in obtaining it.

“Absolutely, son. Much as I and my father before me.”

The elder Chief merely nodded solemnly before he resumed eating.

Gilda shot her father an expectant look but he ignored her. She huffed and tore into the leg of zebra she had been enjoying.

The family’s butler appeared. “Sir, there is one of your scouts here to see you.”

“Let him in.” The Chief replied with kingly authority.

A scout entered dressed in dark cloth, he shoved the butler roughly to one side as he barged in. The messenger was bedraggled, his deep brown feathers were ruffled and his chocolate brown pelt wet from impacting with too many rain clouds.

“Sire, we have reports from your operatives in Manehattan and Baltmare.” The messenger griffin announced without meeting his master's hard gaze.

“And...” Chief Grandeur’s menacing tone made it clear that failure was not an option he wanted to hear.

"They report that no artifact is present in either city. They also wish to tell you, Manehattan is still poorly defended. However, there is an increase in military movement both there at Blatmare. We were unable to get close enough to fully examine their operations due to the number of guards. Airships also come and go at an increasing rate." The messenger bowed his head in respect for his leader as he awaited a response.

Chief Grandeur settled down, his expression neutral. “Conclusion?”

The messenger glanced hesitantly up at his chief. “Ugh... um...”

Gigan slammed a claw down on the table and roared; “don’t just stand there yammering like a cowardly slave! Speak!”

The bedraggled scout jumped in fright. He eyed the angry old griffon nervously, frozen in place.

Grandeur sat back in his lavish chair, tired of how slow the progress of information was. “Father, speak like that to our slaves. Not our fellow griffons.”

The old beast took a swing of his strong drink then threw the goblet at his son. Grandeur ducked with expert ease while alcohol drenched the tapestry on the wall.

The chief smiled lightly, “continue. What is the conclusion from the scouting party? Is there something we must be concerned over?”

The scout nervous eyed his master. “Um... Maybe. It’s almost like the sun horse suspects she is being lied to. Our scouting party was even warned off a patch by guards. They aren’t as friendly toward us as they used to be.”

Grandeur rubbed his chin with a claw thoughtfully. “Pull everyone out and go into hiding. No further attacks, no raids. Nothing. I shall take full control of the council tomorrow at noon. Keep all signs of thy presence hidden till three days thereafter. For tonight, feel free to take as much slave meat as you wish for your scouts to enjoy. The latest batch, though weak on brains are at least making for a good meal."

"It shall be done, boss." The messenger bowed then licked his chops as he eyed the illegal meat on the table.

The chief rolled his eyes. “Butler. Give this loyal griffon some meat.”

"Yes, sir. Does m’lord require anything further?" The butler asked from his place by the door.

"No. Leave us." Grandeur waved the servant away.

The butler motioned for the scout to follow and the duo left the room.

The door closed quietly, leaving the family in peace as the head of the table surveyed his house. "Gilda. I would like you to meet with me come dawn. It shall be in my office as per usual."

"Okay. That sounds cool dad," grinned Gilda.

"Can I come too please, dad?" Glen begged.

“No. Gretelda, take care of my son. See that he is kept from trouble,” Chief Grandeur instructed as he adjusted his suit. “Father, we shall depart. I shall summon our followers for a meeting.”

The griffin mistress in question nodded in obedience to her mate before resuming what was left of her meal.

“Lame, Dad... Can’t I come tonight too?” Gilda rolled her eyes knowing her question would only be met by a no.

“Come on, Dad! Let me come too! Then I can learn the ways of the lords!” The energetic young griffin almost bounced into the air with excitement.

“Son, your enthusiasm is greatly valuable. But now is not the time.” Chief Grandeur chided his son. The mighty griffin went to leave, but paused, turning to face his children. “...Actually my daughter... I have a use for you tonight...” The mighty griffin paused in thought. “I want you to summon our followers.”

“Aww... yea!” The excited youngster hopped up rushed to her father’s side. “Thanks, dad! I’m sure you won’t regret getting me to help.”

Glen sighed, “okay... whatever dad. Just don’t leave it too late. I don’t want to take over from some old bag of feathers who can’t teach no more...” The young griffon glumly headed out, disappointed that he was about to miss out on such an excellent chance to see his cool father in action, leading others and whatever else he did while he was out. “Guess I’ll just go check out that metal concert.”

With a single nod toward his son, Chief Grandeur paid no further mind to his family as he led his father out of the room.





Canterlot Palace, Dining Hall

Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity and Spike sat toward the head of the palace dining hall. They were sharing a meal together, courtesy of Celestia’s staff. A warm, fuzzy head suddenly nestled into Twilight's shoulder. The corner of her eye caught sight of a pink curly mane, confirming that it was none other than Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, Pinkie. Are you doing okay?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie smiled and gave her a hug, "Of course, Twilight. I'm just worried about Dashie and Fluttershy. I can't believe some meanie-weanie griffin attacked them like that!"

"I know... It was rough seeing them brought in, I can’t believe Rainbow Dash had to fight off two griffons like that." Twilight replied with a frown before she turned back to the pink earth pony. "But, I'm really glad you girls all came. I think it'll really help a lot."

"Well duh! Of course we were going to come and make sure Dashie and Fluttershy were okay!" Pinkie told her with a grin. "We all made sure to come as soon as my Pinkie sense went haywire! Don't worry, Twi-Twi! We'll be here till they both get all better!"

A heavy sigh escaped the unicorn as she lent against Pinkie for comfort. "Thanks."

Pinkie Pie suddenly shot the door a look. With a cheeky grin, she nuzzled Twilight, hugging her more. "Flutters loves Dashie! They belong together like icing on a cupcake! As long as they are together, I’m sure they will both get all better."

"...Right, yeah..." Twilight hugged Pinkie back. She found herself warming up to the sweet comfort the party pony was offering. Even her scent was nice, a mixture of sweet baked goods and sugar. She supposed it was because of the attack on their friends that Pinkie was acting so cuddly with her. She brushed any deeper meanings off as silly, Pinkie was a good friend of hers, maybe even her best, most odd friend. "Well, I guess all of us being here should help Rainbow and Fluttershy a lot. I hope it will."

"It will, Twilight!" Pinkie nodded, her gaze once upon the door to the hallway outside.

After a few moments of sedate silence, Spike settled down a little closer to Rarity, sighing. "Well I guess it's a case of ...and now we wait."

"Yes. I hope my Spikie Wikey won't get too bored," Rarity wrapped a hoof around the tired eyed dragon.

"Nah, I'll be fine." Spike smiled a bit at the snow-white unicorn in appreciation. "I guess I'm just worried. I had a feeling something like this would happen, I just didn't know when."

Rarity gave a nod, smiling sadly, "I’m certainly glad we had Pinkie Pie to warn us."

Spike nodded, looking around at the other ponies, then down at his claws, "I just hope that they will be able to recover and be themselves once again. None of us have ever been so badly hurt before and I can’t help but worry."

Applejack reached over and petted his head, making him giggle. "Believe me, sugarcube, Ah have a huge family, an' yet ah've never experienced something like this before."

The farmer sat down beside Rarity and quickly found herself leaning against the soft white coat of her friend. It was warm and inviting, but she knew she could go no further when said unicorn had a dragon in her forehooves. She let out a sigh as the group sat in thoughtful silence.

Applejack glanced across to Twilight who continued to snuggle with the baker. From where she sat, she decided they looked rather cute together. As her mind wandered, aided by the welcoming presence at her side, a thought struck her. Could this mean their group of six was about to divide up as they found their special somepony was someone they already knew? Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had each other, as did Twilight and Pinkie Pie it seemed. Although what was that with Princess Luna? However, Spike was maybe getting on too well with Rarity for her liking.

Applejack stiffened. Where did that come from? Was it because it would mean she would be left alone while the rest of her friends shared a special connection with somepony else in the group? Was that a sudden pang of jealousy she felt? The farmer felt as though she could do nothing but watch and be happy for her friends. After all, as a well brought up mare who was a part of a hard-working family. None ever sought after same-sex relationships in her family so of course, she liked stallions, right? Therefore there was no reason to be jealous of Spike. The seamstress cut the farmer's thoughts off by leaning on the tense earth pony. The added weight of the soft mare at her side caused Applejack to slowly relax.
 There was nothing to worry about.

"All I can say is that there was one time a couple of years ago: my dear darling Sweetie Belle fell ill to pneumonia. If not for having been taken quickly to the hospital, it was likely she would not have survived..." Rarity murmured sadly, her gaze downcast at the young dragon in her forehooves. "It really does open one up to the gradual possibility of losing somepony you care for."

"Sorry, Rarity," Spike gave her a little hug. "I uh...well, don't really know first-hand what you went through or... Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash now, but you know, I'm still here to help if you guys need it at all."

Rarity smiled warmly, "Thank you, dear. It's very compassionate of you. I think we all very much appreciate it."

"Hey-” Spike was cut off by the door behind him opening suddenly.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight jumped up, “hi- what happened to you?”

The princess failed to respond, her gaze bored into the pink party pony who was attached to her mare.  

“Uh... Princess?” Applejack spoke up as she turned to face the ruler of the night. “Hello?”

Luna shook herself out of whatever trance she was in and was quick to back up. “We art sorry for interrupting thy meal together. We must depart.”

“But you only just got back!” Twilight stood and motioned to her left where there was a free spot with no party pony. “Please, you are welcome to join us.”

“We-” Luna took a deep, careful breath and reminded herself of why she returned to Canterlot. “Can we speakest to thou alone, Twilight Sparkle?”

“Uh... okay?” Twilight glanced around at her friend’s for support.

None of them had any clue what the mare of the moon might be after. Twilight evicted herself from her seat then made her way around the table.

Luna shot Pinkie one last warning look before she turned and strode off, purple unicorn in tow.

“What was that about?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone once the door closed.

“About what?” Applejack asked.

“Oh come on, surely you saw the way Princess Luna was looking at Pinkie.”

“Uh... yeah. That was kinda hard to miss,” Applejack responded with a roll of her eyes.

“What about it?” Pinkie Pie pipped up.

Rarity turned to her brightly coloured friend. “Darling, I think Princess Luna has a crush on Twilight.”

“Pfffft,” Pinkie giggled. “That’s silly!”

“No, it’s not. And the way she’s acting, I would be very careful.”  Rarity stated then resumed her meal with a finality that made everypony else do the same.

Pinkie Pie gasped. “Oooooh! I hope she will be nice to Twi-Twi. Twilight deserves somepony extra nice!”





Canterlot Castle Hallway

Some way from the dining room, two mares walked in silence. They passed gently moonlit strips of the hall which projected light rainbows on the duo thanks to the stained glass. This mixed with the warmer tones of the torches on the opposite wall to create a dreamy feeling that calmed the princess of the night’s racing heart.

Twilight would occasionally glance up with concern at the mighty alicorn at her side. Luna looked okay now. Yet back in the dining hall it was almost as if some small part of nightmare moon had appeared for a moment. It was actually a little scary.   But what could have made Luna so angry?

The princess, for her part, simply continued to walk slowly. The scent of magic mixed with oil as it burned on the torches further mixed with the scent of the young unicorn at her side. It was... nice. Calming even. She needed silence ...and Twilight after what she had witnessed. That had been the wrong time to gather the required courage to open the door to the dining hall. But had there been any good time? It looked as though that pink pony had been dominating Twilight for some time. Now she had saved her. Her Twilight was here, safe.

Twilight jumped as a wing caressed her back and Luna pulled her close. “Uh- Princess?”

“Please- refer to us as Luna. We art thou friend, right?”

Twilight gazed up at her friend with concern. “Yes. And as your friend, I’m worried about you.”

Luna paused as they came to an open balcony. “Beautiful, is it not?”

Twilight slipped out of the winged hold of her companion to wander to the balcony’s ledge. “Your stars look very beautiful tonight.”

“The stars yes... but we were also referring to... some...pony else.”

Twilight tore her gaze from the brilliance of the night sky and immediately noticed Luna had not moved. More importantly, she was pretty sure the alicorn's eyes rested upon the wrong star. Despite the cool breeze, the unicorn felt her cheeks flush. “Right. Uh... about that.”

“Yes?” Luna tensed, her gaze shot up from the bookworm’s flank to meet her eyes. This had better not be about that pink pony.

“About your comments earlier today... and all the other things we have done today right up to now with you looking at my flank.”

The princess of the night strode up to Twilight and sat down beside her. Afraid of meeting her gaze she instead turned to vision toward the night sky. “Yes?”

“Remember how I told you I was trying to work out if I like you in that way or not?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not making it any easier.”

“But We desire thee with all mine heart.” Luna turned from her night to gaze into the captivating eyes of her crush.

Twilight fought the urge to hide her flushed muzzle. “Ugh... look." A purple hoof raised and prodded the night blue princess in the ribs. "That’s not helping either. I know you like me. And ...it’s flattering. But this whole putting your wing around me like I’m your special somepony or something... A-and my parents would kill me if they knew I had slept in the same bed as another pony who I’m not married to! We aren’t dating, or courting... whatever you want to call it! At least not right now... so please, just... give me some space and stop reminding me how nice you think my butt is or how much you love me. I’ve worked that out now. And don't even think about telling me how long you’ve felt that way about me. I just... It's too much. Okay?”

Luna crinkled her brow at this. While she could understand Twilight’s angle thanks to the traditional background she herself had been raised with, it was still disheartening the way Twilight was speaking. It almost as if Twilight did not feel the same way. Maybe her attempts had backfired. Had she come on too strong? In old times, when a stallion tried for a mare's hoof in marriage, this sort of thing was not unusual. You had to make sure they knew you were interested. There was rarely time to muck around, especially with nobility. Why, the only missing step in Luna's mind was venturing forth to ask Twilight's parents for permission to court her. Luna’s heart began to sink like the moon below the horizon after a long night. This was not good. She felt like she was close to losing Twilight and the mare was right beside her! The alicorn’s attention was once again drawn outward to her companion as the pretty purple unicorn continued.

“Look, I like you. You’re a great friend. We might even work well together as a couple, who knows. But right now, I feel pressured. And you should know how well I handle pressure."

“But Pinkie-”

“Is my friend.” Twilight frowned, quick to cut Luna off. “And you will be nice to her, or we will not work.”

“But-”

“No buts Luna. She was comforting me. Today has been hard for us all and Pinkie is a great friend to anypony and every pony in need.”

Luna hung her head. “We were concerned...”

“About what?” Twilight asked, then it occurred to her. “Wait... you didn’t actually think Pinkie Pie was trying to make a move on me, did you?”

“We- I... perhaps...?”

Twilight groaned. “You just have to go and be the jealous type... don’t you?”

Princess Luna wasn’t sure how best to respond to that. It was true. After an awkward moment, she turned her gaze upon the stars once more.

Twilight realized the wing had returned to her back. Had Luna even been listening? With a side glance at the dark alicorn, she turned her gaze to the stars and decided to ignore the wing. “So...  how was your trip?”

“That is what We meant to speak to thee about.”

“Okay?”

Silence.

Luna tensed. How best to tell Twilight that she had lost a valuable artifact and was concerned about the return of the nightmare?

“We...”

Silence.

Twilight shifted around under the warm feathers and gazed at the tense alicorn who was clearly struggling with how to continue. “You could start with why you left? Maybe?”

Luna closed her eyes and did her best to summon all her inner courage. “Some time ago We checked on a highly dangerous griffon artifact.” Luna glanced at Twilight and sure enough, her audience was attentive, yet concerned. “For reasons unknown, We decided twas best to remove it. We found it a new home. In my haste, we only laid two defensive spells before returning home. One, an illusion and the other, a shield should any creature wander into the cave protected by the illusion.”

Luna took a deep breath and fought back the greed that demanded she locate the artifact now! “We rushed off because my shield triggered an alarm. Some creature had broken through and when We arrived, the artifact was missing.”

Twilight looked at Luna as though the royal mare had grown a second head. “But if this new place was so unsafe, why did you move it in the first place? Surely it had been fine?”

“That brings me to a concern I wish to share with thee...”

“Okay?”

“On one condition.”

Twilight gave her companion her full attention. “Is this something that you haven’t even told your sister?”

“Correct.”

Twilight sagged slightly. That was not something she wished to hear. It also meant Celestia was unlikely to know about this missing artifact, whatever it was.

Luna tentatively spoke up once more, “does thou still wish to hear?”

Twilight returned her attention back to her companion. “Are you only telling me because you have a crush on me?”

“Nay. Thou art my best friend as well.”

Twilight’s ears flattened against her head and she hunkered down low to avoid her companion’s gaze. Her head began to spin. ‘Luna must be crazy in love with me to trust me with something that she won’t even tell Celestia...’

“Tis also because-”

The soft words drew the young scholarly unicorn’s attention back to the taller mare.

“Because We see in thee a kindred spirit. Somepony We can open up to in ways We- I... am unable to with anypony else. But should We continue, We would wish to know...” Luna fidgeted slightly.

Twilight was quick to notice and jumped in, “if I’m a kindred spirit and your friend? Or if I love you back?”

“The first would suffice.”

Twilight nodded slowly, thankful that Luna appeared to at least hold her friendship in such high regard. “I do consider you to be a very good friend Luna. I also think we share a special connection and a love of your night. If that is enough for now then I am glad.” She shuffled her hooves and tried to lightly brush the wing aside. “But I still don’t feel ready for a romantic relationship with anypony.”

Luna closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She was careful to completely purge her lungs before she took a deep breath to calm herself. Yet as she opened her eyes and her mouth to speak, no words came forth. She tried to speak, to tell Twilight that the nightmare had survived, that she was dangerous. Yet no words came out. She faltered and fell into silence. At a light nudge, Luna realized her wing must have at some point extended once more to cover and protect her Twilight. She withdrew it. Twilight had made it clear such gestures were unappreciated.

“You... were going to tell me something?” Twilight prompted as she gazed up at the nervous looking matron of the night.

“Y-yes... you are a good pony, Twilight Sparkle. Don’t ever be as stupid and selfish as I. We- uh... yes. Goodnight.”

Then in a twinkle of moonlight, Luna was gone.

“No, wait!” Twilight sighed in defeat. “Why did she go? I thought she wanted to tell me something important...”

The young mare recalled the talk about the missing artifact and her mind raced desperately. Make that a second something important. She needed to tell Celestia! Now!

 As she hurried into the hallway she froze. No. Wait! Luna had confided in her. She had to keep Luna’s confidence.

‘But Celestia needs to know! And something is wrong with Luna, I need to help her.’

Indecision ate at Twilight as she hovered between rushing off to her mentor's room and hoping that Celestia would be there, checking Luna’s room or...

Or she could brush it all off and return to dinner with her friends. They would be wondering where she had wandered off to by now.

She could find Luna and fix this mess in the morning. Celestia would know soon enough. There was no need to add more bad news to her day, was there?

Still uncertain over her own actions and torn over betraying Luna’s trust, Twilight rushed off to Celestia’s room. Maybe she had returned from the final duties she had mentioned and had a moment to talk.





Canterlot Castle, Luna’s bedroom

Luna appeared in her bedroom in a twinkle of moonlight. The mighty ruler hung her head low as she approached her bed and collapsed upon it. Total failure. That’s what that was. She had failed.

She had lost a dangerous and valuable artifact all because it called to her darker side. 

What's worse, she had been unable to win Twilight over.

Twilight did not love her back. She was unable to tell Twilight that she had messed up and that was why the artifact was still out there somewhere in the hands of some creature powerful enough to quickly break one of her magical barriers.

‘Should We go out there and look for it? The night is mine.’

The darker reaches of the princesses mind called for her to find the artifact and punish those who had stolen it. Another part of her just wanted to curl up in bed and cry herself to sleep.





Canterlot Royal Hospital

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

The doctor who stood in front of the pair of heart rate monitors turned his gaze to the two bedridden pegasi. While the readings were solid he was still concerned about how well their bodies were taking to all the magic they had been pumped full of. He lit his horn and gingerly felt out to the yellow mare. A simple, non-invasive spell scanned her and the stallion was quick to note down what he discovered. He then cast the same spell on the blue pegasus. This time he scrunched up his muzzle a bit before he scribbled down a few notes. He held the spell active as he carefully felt around her magically repaired sections.

“Hmm...”

The scratching of pen on paper fought with the beeping of the heart rate monitor till the beeping won and the doctor placed his pen down and cancelled his spell.

The stallion sat back for a few moments in thought before he left the room to make his report.

One yellow hind leg kicked at the blankets as its owner tried and failed to roll over in her sleep.





Canterlot Castle, Celestia’s bedroom

The moon had risen a bit further into the sky and it was now time for all sensible creatures to be at rest. Celestia would have liked to be one of those sensible creatures.

The mighty ruler of the day lay her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes. She tried to blot out the worries that circled her like timberwolves. No matter how she ignored them, they persisted and grew till her eyes snapped open. No, she would not be defeated so easily. Her eyes closed once more and she willed herself to sleep. Sleep...

Sleep...

The royal alicorn forced herself into sitting and sighed. As expected, the night continued to be rough. Even the quick meeting with a few potential spies had dragged on.

Celestia’s eyes wandered her room as her mind raced for ways to find sleep. Much searching revealed all of nothing. Maybe it was time to try a sleeping spell?

Or...

With a stretch of her wings, Celestia left her bed and teleported to a little unofficial sanctuary of hers.

The wonderful white alicorn found herself before a certain statue. She approached it slowly till she came into contact and laid her head against his lower body. No reaction.

As expected.

“Discord, I do wish you were still with me... You would be able to find our daughter. You would have done something crazy enough to find her and bring her back, just like you saved her the first time. I worry that she’s in danger, but I can't send her another letter... not yet.”

The statue of her long lost lover continued to stand tall and proud. No answers came forth, yet Celestia couldn’t help but feel a little better in his presence.





Outlying countryside, many leagues from Filly Delphia

A black alicorn appeared in the middle of a small camp of guards. Everypony leapt to their hooves and grabbed their weapons as they realized the pony who stood before them was not one of the known rulers of the realm. This alicorn was not entirely an alicorn. The guards found themselves staring at the beast who radiated mischief and power. Her right eye was a dull sunny yellow while her left was dark, almost black purple. Her mane swirled with colour as though it was a river of candy and rainbows. While one wing was normal, the other looked like it belonged on a bat pony. In place of her forehooves the mare had lions paws. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia.

“Hello, my little ponies.” The condescending voice of the mare broke the nervous silence.

“Who, or what are you…?” a strong sense of confusion was evident in the tone of the guard pony with embellished armour as he strode to the middle of his patrols campsite.

“You need not know little one.” The jet black alicorn smirked darkly. “The time of my mother’s reign has ended. A new age dawns. You all shall join me or die.”

“We are loyal to Princess Celestia,” one guard spoke up. “And nothing you say will shake our faith in our princesses.” All eight armed ponies advanced upon the unarmed strange alicorn thing that had entered their camp.

“So be it.” The jet black mare’s horn lit up with a menacing deep red glow.

A bolt hit the guard who had spoken. He cried out in sudden pain then collapsed upon the ground, dead. The others took a fearful step backward.

The lead unicorn lit his horn and a small shield shimmered to life. “We don’t fear you, beast.”

The sort of alicorn smirked back and lit her horn once more. Weapons clattered to the ground all around as her magic took hold. This was followed by the clank of seven armoured equine bodies as they joined their weapons.

The alicorn glanced around at the transfixed group. A collection of ponies that had moments ago threatened her. A dark grin lit her lips as she continued to hold her spell active. A ghostlike flare inched its way up her horn. It pulsed blood red and a deep ghosty purple as it crept into the air. The once beautiful surrounds of the forest seemed to wither and die to the malice this unnatural flame exuded.

The angry red glow of magic faded from the horn of the alicorn. As the source died, the hovering flame exploded. Tendrils snaked toward each of the stunned ponies as the dark alicorn leisurely made her way over to the tent in the middle of the camp to check out its interior.

Small fitful cries of ponies fighting dark magic penetrated the otherwise dead silent atmosphere of the campsite. Limbs flailed every which way while eyes bulged as each and every one of the once strong stallions wriggled and writhed as they fought an impossible battle with the evil that was taking over their minds. Each and every pony appeared to slip into insanity until they lay still like dolls. Eyes open, bodies paused in wait for their first order.

One unicorn rolled over. He was not done fighting! His horn flared with magical exertion and his limbs fell slack as he finally managed to free himself. Long hard breaths drew the attention of the dark mare.

The dark alicorn turned and strode slowly over to face the powerful unicorn soldier.

“You’ll never kill the princess!” spat the guard before he fell back panting desperately for breath. The whole time his defiant gaze never left that of his new enemies’.

“I wouldn't be so sure of that… my little pony,” the evil smirk on the youthful muzzle twisted as her horn lit. The stallion screamed as he began to convulse and continued to do so until he collapsed in a heap. The dark mare’s smile disappeared. “Now rise.”

With clunky motions, the guard rose to his feet and stood glassy eyed. His six fellows followed suit.

“I Chaotic Sunset, am your new master.”

“All hail Chaotic Sunset.” Droned the seven enthralled ponies.

Evil laughter rent the night air. “Pick up your weapons and follow me.”

At the instruction of the dark alicorn, the seven ponies trod mechanically after their new leader as she headed into the thick forest.
> Chapter Twenty: The Cover Of Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mighty Wing, Griffonstone

Angry riffs and harsh vocal cries boomed out across the air as the four piece griffon metal band known as Blazing Beaks cracked into their third song with a thunderous roar. Flames licked at the sides of the sage and blasted into the night sky as the pyrotechnics crew went nuts. A roar erupted from the pleased, bloodthirsty crowd as many began to swish their heads around, feathers askew as they moved to the beats. Many of the headbangers wore longer feathers tucked into their crests that swished around like mini-tornadoes in the night.

Red shot his three companions’s a smirk as he picked up the pace on his new electric guitar. Gryo was too busy headbanging as he played his bass to notice. Lynx smirked back as she smashed out the beat on her drum kit. Centre stage, Gerwalt stood tall and proud, wings erect. His red and black painted head and spiked shoulders shone deadly under the stage lights as he screeched like a daemon into the mic he held in his right foreclaw. His deep, coarse cries along with the thrashing beat drove the crowd into rage filled fits.

Squarks rent the air and feathers flew as a horde of griffons slammed against each other in the mosh pit directly in front of the stage. The song kicked into its next phase with a mighty crashing of cymbals. Those in the mosh pit grew even rowdier as Red joined in the singing.

A terrified young griffon stood, buffeted on all sides in the outer ring of griffons near the back of the audience. Glen jumped, his wings shot out and he took into the air as a claw slammed into his face. Those around laughed at the skittish behaviour of the young griffon. He rubbed the stinging area. This had not turned out to be a good idea. In fact, it was looking like a dangerous waste of thirty bits. He knew there was no way to get the money back. So, it was either stay and try to enjoy the show or go home and look like a total idiot. At least he had not wound up in the mosh pit filled with crazy griffons upfront. 

A claw yanked at the brown tail of the young griffon. With a surprised cry, he fell from the skies and landed on another griffon. “S-sorry!” Glen was quick to stand but immediately found himself pinned against the ground by the griffon he had fallen on. She was ginning intently as though she knew exactly what she wanted from him. Whatever it was sent an excited chill down his back.

“Well! Aren’t you a cutie!” Yelled the young female grey-black griffon over the booming music. She had her face painted half blood red and wore a tattered leather jacket. She looked rough and tough and ready for action.

Glen withdrew from the beak in his face. The female smirked and drew even closer. “Dance with me!”

“What?” Glen was sure his poor ears had heard wrongly.

But nope! The young griffon found himself dragged up and pressed against the crazy female. She began to sway wildly, wings out, one foreleg around her frightened companion as the song smashed on. 

Glen held on for dear life as his companion thrashed around, completely immersed in the music. As one terrifying minute smashed its way into the next, Glen found himself wishing for release from this crazy chick! Despite his terror, Glen found himself roaring along with his bold companion as the final cries of the song faded and a blast of fire and light erupted from the stage.

The crowd cried out for more as the band members took a moment to recompose themselves in readiness for their next item.

“Alright, shuddup!” Red roared into his mic.

Many griffons in the mosh pit shouted abuse back at him as they demanded more.

“Do you want more!?” The guitarist cried out.

Affirmative cries, some more colourful than others, broke out in response.

“Then shuddup for a sec! You’ll we’ll get that blood pumping and ears bleeding again soon!”

Some fell quiet, eager for more action. The more engaged and enraged griffons continued to shout abuse back at the bandleader.

“We just gotta dedicate this next song, friendship is mighty, to our good friend Echo Scratch. It’s because of that pony that we all are here tonight for our second concert!” Gerwalt took over with his deep husky tone, a grin on his black and red painted face.

The crowd roared, hungry for action at the conclusion of the painted speaker's declaration.

Lynx and Gryo shared a cautious look. They hoped that none of the chief’s cronies were present. The magic of friendship and ponies were two things that were unpopular out in general society. However, this bunch looked so pumped for blood that they could sing about love and butterflies and none would notice. Hopefully, no griffon would attempt to cause any damage to them or their equipment... 

Red spotted the looks, “don’t worry. I’m sure those idiots won’t be able to understand half of Gerwalt’s singing!” The big tough griffon guitarist rounded on his lead singer, “alright let’s see how many griffons we can put in hospital!”

His bandmates sniggered back.

"Here, watch this..." Gerwalt sniggered as he turned back to the rowdy crowd. "Friendship! Blood!”

"Friendship! Blood!” The crowd roared back. 

Gerwalt noted his bandmember's pleased expressions as he took a step toward the crowd, wings extended in a show of dominance. He roared even louder into his mic; "friendship! Blood!”

"Friendship! Blood!” The roar of the crowd disintegrated into griffons shouting for blood and action. 

“Yeah! Friendship! Blood!” The young female who tightly held onto Glen yelled out, totally pumped.

“Uh… W-what are you doing?” The tawny brown youngster timidly asked.

The lean young female turned to the griffon she held with an eager grin. “Call me Ripclaw. And who might you be, cutie?”

The tawny youngster stuttered she ran a claw slowly through his chin’s plumage. “G-Glen…”

“Awww, my future mate should be bold. Especially around me.”

“M-mate?” Glen could hardly believe what he was hearing.

“What else?” Ripclaw batted her eyes and nuzzled up to the shocked teen.

“B-but I’m only seventeen.”

“Same. Looks like we got lots of time to get to know each other!” Ripclaw giggled as she pecked her proclaimed boyfriend on the cheek.

The opening note from Red thundered into a suspense-filled second. The whole crowd held their breath in anticipation. The skies turned red as fire erupted from the sides of the stage. The drums thundered and cymbals clashed violently before they were joined by the bass guitar, low and threatening. The ground vibrated with every booming low note infusing the crowd with its energy as they began to move to the beat.

With a twang of his new seven string electric guitar, Red joined his band members and the music took off with a series of complex low riffs that rose louder and higher till they dropped to a deep roar.

Cries of approval rent the air as those in the mosh pit led the action with this new song.

Gerwalt and Red began to screech out the lyrics, death growl style singing about the power of friendship. Their singing was punctured by the cymbals speedy clashing beats.

From their place near the back, the young couple turned to see the action as the song quickly picked up.

“Can you understand what they’re singing about!?” Glen yelled at his companion as she pressed up close.

“Can’t you!?” She cried back with a wild grin. 

“This griffon’s crazy…” 

  “What was that!?!” Ripclaw yelled back.

“Nothing!” Glen was quick to yell.

A predatory grin ripped across the female’s beak. “Then let’s dance!”

A squark of surprise escaped Glen as he was roughly wrenched up onto his hind legs. His wings shot out to balance himself as Ripclaw held onto his foreclaws with her own as she gyrated and shook to the rapid beats.

With wide eyes and adrenaline coursing through his system like fire, Glen began to shake himself in time with the frantic music. His wings worked overtime as they batted against other bodies in the wild mix. The youngster was frightened of falling over or getting scratched up by all the claws that were everywhere. Just as he began to get accustomed to the crazy movements, Glen tripped over a fallen griffon. Ripclaw wrenched him back up quickly with a wild grin before she continued to lead their dance with reckless abandon.

As the chorus hit Gerwalt roared his deepest most bloodcurdling roar. It was mirrored thought the whole mosh pit. Talons and beaks shone in the light that ripped across the moshing griffons. Gerwalt was sure he even saw some real blood. He couldn’t help but grin to himself as he continued to sing. What a shame their good friend Echo Scratch had to flee the city.
Hopefully, their music was at least loud enough that whatever scheming Grandeur had going on would be disrupted, even if only for this night.



 

Griffonstone

Echo Scratch smiled to himself as he hurried along through the dark bush. With Luna’s moon hidden behind a bank of cloud, it was pitch black in the shadows. Dark enough that the unicorn had to be very careful where he placed his hooves. He was pretty sure he could very faintly hear the drum beats of the metal concert as it raged onward. Even from here he could tell his quick setup of the sound system was rocking the griffon world.

A dark shape dropped from above and Echo jumped, horn lit at the ready.

“Woah, there. It’s just me.” A black hippogriff with a silver-white mane landed within a few paces of the on edge unicorn.

“Silverwing?”

“In the flesh.”

“I thought you lot had all fled to the bottom of the ocean over a year ago.” Echo shot back.

The hippogriff scoffed. “And I chose not to.”

“Oh. And?”

“I’m not allowed to discuss it.”

“Storm King been that bad huh?”

The hippogriff nodded solemnly. "How do you know of the storm king?" 

“Well, that sucks.” Echo replied. He fell into silence rather than answer the question posed by his friend. 

After several moments of just looking at one another in the darkness, Silverwing began to walk off. “Why’s a pony like you sneaking about while there’s music?”

Echo sighed softly as he trotted alongside his larger companion, “if the griffons find me, I’m dead. Or at least the band I started all say that.”

“I would believe them, bro.”

Echo searched carefully in the dark for details on his friend’s face. Although it was very dark, the unicorn could still see his friend was as serious as his voice sounded. “Then I could use some help to get home.”

“Think your daughter will still be there?”

Echo shrugged as the pair forded a stream. “Dunno. I hear-.”

“Ssssh!” Silverwing hushed his friend and dived for cover.

Echo was quick to hide as best he could too.

Time crept by. The silence grew, penetrated only by the twittering of the few nocturnal creatures. Echo glanced over at his friend questioningly. Silverwing motioned for him to keep low.

Neither pony nor hippogriff moved. Echo’s right shoulder began to itch. Just as he was about to raise a hoof to scratch it the soft sound of feathers on the wind broke the silence and he froze.

Voices. Griffons. The speaker sounded board. Then the voice fell quiet once more. All of a sudden there was a rustle above and Echo spotted four shadows of griffons as they winged it slowly overhead.

“Can’t see shit tonight…” One of the patrol griffons mumbled angrily. 

"Yea, how are we supposed to find those zebra if we can't even see anything?" Another complained. 

"Shut up!" The griffon who sounded like the boss cut in. "We won't find them if you keep yapping. Now move your fluffy butts!"

"Whatever..." The first griffon replied sourly.  

Echo grinned as the shapes vanished over the tree tops. At least there was one upside of the moon being hidden tonight. The unicorn glanced over at his friend who remained stone still.

Echo’s right shoulder itched.

Very slowly the unicorn lifted his hoof and scratched the itch. Echo closed his eyes and suppressed a sigh. That was better…

When he opened his eyes, Silverwing was gone.

Echo frantically looked around. Suddenly he spotted movement and sighed. It was alright, Silverwing had started moving and was motioning carefully for him to follow.

With a smile, Echo Scratch trod after his friend. As he walked, he couldn’t help but wonder… how did Silverwing find him and why did this hippogriff come into a place he clearly knew was not friendly?





Mighty Wing Streets

A lone figure snuck along in the night, the griffin stopped at seemingly random doors along the bleak road in Mighty Wing. Thanks to the rather loud music that echoed through the city the customary single knock was forced into several before the door would open and words exchanged. Sometimes the griffin inside would appear to dispute the orders given to them and a harsh, conversation would take place. Every encounter resulted in the lone figure strutting off successful. 

As one particular piece of music begun, the lone griffon couldn’t help but pause and thrash her head up and down in time to the beat. After a brief headbang she shook her head then took off into the night. 





Galloping Gorge

Seven ponies tumbled into a forest cave. Dregs of moonlight lit the outside with an eery sense of dread as the moon peaked out from behind its cover. They were out there. 

Changelings. 

Griffons. 

Rogue felines, minotaurs and more. 

And they all wanted the princess.

After many painful moments in paranoid silence, a bloodied young colt in stained armour turned to his pretty pink fillyfriend. “Are you okay, Cadence?” 

“I- I think so...” Her voice was very small. Afraid. She huddled up to her coltfriend, uncaring what the other five survivors may think. 

One pegasus pony sat there preening his wings, the two unicorns and two earth ponies beside him watched the entrance to their little mossy cave carefully. Each pony was shuffled as far back as they could go, hopeful that any creature passing would miss spotting their battered group. 

One of the two unicorns lit his horn and a light shimmer covered the cave entrance. “Since this is just small, that might make it look overgrown. I’m not very good at these kinds of spells, but it should keep anything dumb out as long as they can’t smell us.” 

“And if they ain’t dumb?” The earth pony guard with a black mane in stark contrast his bloodied white coat and silver armor quietly asked. 

The caster chuckled darkly, “you really don’t wanna hear an answer to that, Buckshot...” 

“Hey, I know it’s a bit late, but can everypony please whisper the passphrase in my ear?” Shining spoke up. 

Buckshot nodded. He led the five as they one by one whispered the passphrase into the ear of their colonel. Shining Armor’s horn glowed a faint blue as each spoke, creating a tiny bubble around their faces that cut off any chances of the words being overheard. After the five had passed, the young officer settled back. “Thank you.” 

“What about Cadence?” Buckshot asked. 

“What about her?” Shining replied defensively.

“You gotta ask her too, right?” The pegasus's reply was more of a statement than a question. 

Shining Armor opened his mouth with a retort but was silenced by Cadence’s horn as it lit with a flash of green. The dragonfire letter spell! 

Everypony cringed, both unicorns swore quietly. 

“Dam your horn, princess.” The pegasus hunkered down, his hoof blade out and ready for trouble. 

“I know, I’m sorry... I’m-” 

“Ssssh...” Shining Armor nuzzled his fillyfriend comfortingly. “That proves you’re you. And besides... I think we’re safe this time. You might want to open the others too and see what has gotten Celestia writing us so many letters.” 

Cadence nodded. With her magic, she pulled out a crumpled letter from her torn saddlebag and cringed. “Um... I think I lost one of them while we were running...” 

A sigh escaped Shining Armor, "well... I hope they don’t find it. Do you mind if I read the ones you have with you?” 

“Of course. I really hope there wasn’t anything important on that other scroll...” 

The couple began to read quietly and Shining Armor’s gaze hardened as he read. 

 Cadence pressed nervously up against her coltfriend. “Poor Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash...” 

“Yeah...” Shining Armor mumbled. “What does the new one say?” 

With a deep breath to steady herself, Cadence opened it and the couple continued to read in silence. 

“Poor Auntie... I wonder what she could want to talk to me about?” 

“Well, whatever it is... it will be very important if she’s asking to see you as soon as you arrive back.” Shining Armor finished he tore his gaze from the letter to his fellow soldiers. “This isn’t good. Celestia says two of the element bearers have been attacked by griffons and were nearly killed. They also found a dead and half-eaten zebra in the wake of the griffon attack. All griffons are now barred from our lands and any who refuse, we have the authority to lock up and deport. She also asks us to make haste back to Canterlot as safely as possible. Our mission out here is aborted.” 

"Those sickos eat meat?" One of the unicorns recoiled in disgust. 

“Griffons?” Buckshot asked. “We had better tell the princess about the scumbags we saw today. We don’t have a hope in shifting them outa here.”

“Not since the last attack, no.” Shining Armor agreed softly. 

“Do you think we should write back to Auntie now?” Cadence spoke up quietly. 

“Yes, I think we should tell her everything,” Shining agreed. “I’ll help you write it.” 





Equestria...

A small ball of light flickered softly as it hovered in the air. It illuminated a draconequus, a pure white alicorn with a flowing pink mane and a very young, bright pink alicorn filly. The flickering illumination touched tall ancient trees that spread out into the darkness beyond. No movement was seen or heard in the night. 

The forest was dead silent. 

The filly hugged the pure white alicorn's forelegs. “I don’ want to go Mom...”

“We know honey.” Celestia softly tried to placate her daughter. “But this is the only way to keep thee safe. We could not bear to have thee suffer like thy sister.” 

“Daddy...” The young filly turned to the patchwork creature as he stood awkwardly beside Celestia. 

“Mothers right.” Discord cut any further pleas off. “But tis just a quick snap of my fingers. I promise thee, the next thing thou knowest, thou will be in a new age, safe from all this.” 

“But what if the mean old baddie wins?” The pink filly’s lower lip trembled and tears threatened to escape from her eyes as her gaze hovered between her parents. 

“He won’t,” Celestia softly spoke up once more. “Cadence... honey, close thy eyes.”  

Discord’s lion's paw hovered in readiness to snap.

The eight year old alicorn rushed under her mother’s wing and nuzzled up close. “But I don’ wanna go...”  

“Honey, We shall find thee.”

“But I want to say here with thee...” 

Tears began to trickle down the muzzle of the white alicorn as she turned to her lover and nodded. “Now, before I change my mind again.” 

Discord hesitated. 

Celestia saw him glance at their girl as she trembled under her mother’s wing. The young lord of chaos sighed. He began to focus and Celestia could feel the levels of chaos in the air rise. There was a loud snap as finger met thumb. Celestia’s wing shot up and she jumped away from her daughter as though blasted by a lightning bolt. A black hole appeared in the air where the young filly had stood. With a crackle of chaos magic, the hole in reality began to mend itself. Discord slumped against the nearest tree. 

“Well... I’m not doing that again...” 

“Art thou alright?” Celestia rushed to her lover and carefully scooped him up with a wing. 

“Yes, yes... Just drained. You know...” 

Celestia nodded in understanding as her companion began to wrap himself slowly around her for support. She had no idea how much energy was required to send another being forward in time. “Does thou know where our daughter was sent?”

“That-” A grin tugged at Discord’s lips. “Is the fun part. I don’t know.” 

“What?” Celestia rounded on her partner. “What does thou mean?”

Discord laid a comforting hand on his lover. “I used all the power I could to get her out of here safely my love. Don’t worry. She will be safe. She should appear in this location... but... uh... the use of chaos means that I don’t know when that might be. She might pop up in five years time, but it also might be six hundred and thirty-two years. All I know is she will not be coming back until this war is over.” 

Celestia groaned softly. That was not the answer she had expected. Typical Discord. He always left something out until they had committed to a given course of action and it was too late to pull out. “But she’s safe?” 

“That she is... she might forget a day or two if she’s put far enough forward in time, but apart from her little filly memory, nothing should happen to our little princess.” 

“Thank you.” Celestia hugged her draconequus as best she could, given he was still mostly wrapped around her. 

With a flash of hot angry white, Celestia found herself on scorched earth. 

The sun hung low, huge and bright in the sky. The very hairs on Celestia’s back felt like they were drying out from the sheer heat of her celestial body in such close proximity. Her normally multi-coloured mane burned like fire, hungry and alive. Before the sunny alicorn, smoke rose into the hot sky. Fires big and small urged on by the continual heat of the sun burned throughout what was left of Griffonstone. A griffon ran screaming as the last standing watch tower of stone fell. The creature caught fire as they took wing and fell. The ball of fire and feathers landed with his fellows, blackened bones upon the scorched earth.

Yet this fiery alicorn stood tall and proud as the world continued to burn around her. Celestia knew she had to do something. Something to save her little ponies. Something to stop the rest of the world burning too. Yet the darker side of her simply stood and watched as though everything was right in the world.

Power.

All that power.

It was all hers.

Her sun burned sharply at her irises. It was so intense that she could feel herself slowly going blind to its rays. There was no way any normal creature could retain their sight for long under such intensity.

The fiery alicorn watched as black smoke rose in the heat of her day.

She slowly pushed at her sun and felt it respond in kind. If she asked, it would withdraw.

Instead, she drew it a little closer.

Her mane burned brighter and angrier. It felt so good…

The mighty ruler of the sun stood tall and proud over the land she had conquered.

It would become a dessert. Nothing could live here anymore. Her ball of fire in the sky had seen to that.

Celestia watched the heatwaves rise. They mixed with the smoke into an endless haze that stretched out to the horizon.

There was no night. Night had fallen, overthrown.

Daybreaker reigned.

Celestia shot up in bed with a sharp intake of breath.

"No!"

Not again!

Her back was drenched with sweat and her chest heaved violently. It took several moments to regain control of herself as the feeling of dread seeped out of her body like poison.

With a heavy sigh, she fell upon her soft bed.

Not again…

‘I hope Lulu didn’t feel that. Hopefully, Luna was too busy with Twilight to notice I suffered another nightmare.’ A shudder wracked the powerful form of the alicorn.

‘But it would be easy… unleash the power of the sun. Burn them to the ground!’

‘But surely not all griffons are evil. Nor do they warrant an immediate death sentence!' Not to mention it would kill all life in a massive area and make their homeland uninhabitable. It could also cause a great deal of damage to Equestria too. The sun, while a giver of life and mighty weapon, was not subtle.

‘think of all your little ponies… do you want them to die in a war that you can prevent?’

Celestia rolled onto her side did her best to look out the window and enjoy her sister’s night sky. It was nice. It was-

‘Just bring it closer!’

“No!” Pure white wings shot outward as the large white mare rose. Bedsheets fluttered down to the floor as she stepped out of bed but paused as her chamber doors opened.

“Princess! Are you okay?” Two concerned guards stood in the doorway, their horns lit and spears ready.

Celestia turned to her faithful guardians, “I am, thank you. You may resume your duties.”

The pair bowed, “as you wish.” With a care laden glance back they both exited the room slowly. 

Alone again, the ruler of the day trotted to the balcony. She stepped slowly out till she was looking right over the edge at her palace grounds and the city beyond. It was ever so peaceful down there. Celestia could picture it, little fillies and colts all tucked up in the beds, resting peacefully.   Adults doing what stallions and mares did at night; resting, reading, eating, partying, copulating…

White cheeks tinted pink. Yes… Discord did have a way of making her feel… rather special in their younger days. Even when he turned into a pony for fun.  Scenes of the many chaotic ways she and Discord had become one flashed through her mind like pleasurable lighting. Her wings fluttered. She forced them back to her sides. Those days were long gone and their only surviving daughter, evidence of such escapades was out there somewhere in the wilds of Equestria… not responding to letters.

The sunny ruler's gaze fell upon the lone statue far below. Large wings fluttered to life once more and she took flight. Celesia floated down, down, down. A lazy, large corkscrew that ended with hooves touching down directly in front of the cold hard statue. A sigh escaped the lone pony.

Why did she bother to come down here? It wasn’t like he would speak with her. Or cuddle or even fight her. He could not interact with her in any way.

But this was her Discord.

Celestia lent against the statue. He was as she expected. Cold, hard and unmoving. The lonely mare sighed.   Tomorrow was going to be a long day. She really should get back to bed.

Moments slid into minutes and a chill slowly spread up the large pony’s spine as she continued to lounge against the still cold statue. Despite the creeping cold and boredom associated with not doing anything when one should be sleeping, Celestia did not move.

'You could bring him back you know...'

Suddenly her horn lit up golden and a scroll smacked her on the muzzle. The startled alicorn found herself clinging to her old flame, halfway up his cold sinus form.

Since when did she get so antsy?

With a dry laugh, Celestia released her hold and with open wings, descended softly to the ground.

Dragonfire spell. 

Cadence. 

The princess ripped open the unsealed scroll with all haste. She was greeted by the horn writing of both Cadence and Shining Armor. 

Dear Auntie

I am sorry to have taken so long to write back to you. Shining Armor and I have been on the run for our lives. 

It was here the horn writing changed and Celestia could tell it was now Shining Armor who was writing to her: Since meeting the three units you asked us to, we have come under attack by Changelings, rogues from Kludgetown and griffons. We have suffered extreme casualties and are down to seven, Cadence and I included. Since the mission is full abort, I will lead us to the closest train stop between the Galloping Gorge and the Unicorn Ranges in the hope that we can hail a train and sneak abroad the soonest one bound for Canterlot. 

Auntie. A bittersweet smile split Celestia’s muzzle. It was clear her daughter had claimed the quill once more: I will gladly speak with you privately once we are back about whatever this important matter is. I was going to do this in pony, but would you allow me to marry Shining Armor? He has been amazing and I would not be here without him. It’s so scary out here and he’s been so brave.

I know this might be rather sudden, but I feel the need to know now.

Cadence. 

White wings twittered with joy and Celestia couldn’t help but spring up and down then do a little dance of joy. She had called it!

 They were perfect together! Of course, she would allow the two of them to marry.

Then the rest of the letter sank in the mighty wings sagged as the alicorn hurried back to her letter. ‘I would not be here without him.’ A dead weight settled on her heart. She head nearly lost her only remaining daughter. How many times, Cadence did not say. That was probably for the best though. Celestia was not sure how much her poor heart could take in a day. 

 And more griffons attacking ponies? 

How many attacks had gone unreported? 

A reply was in order. Celestia lit her horn. With a flash, the mighty alicorn appeared in her room in front of her writing desk. She hoped that her daughter, Shining Armor and the other survivors were in a safe location. She worked quickly to write up a reply. With trepidation, she sent it off. Hopefully, it would find her daughter before any enemies would. 

Celestia felt her eyes drawn to the scroll on her desk. Changelings, rogues and griffons.   The changelings were bad news. Rogues were likely involved because of money, but who could pay them? The Changelings didn’t deal in bits and the griffon folk were too stingy to let go of their money without great reward. 

With a sigh, Celestia plonked herself on the side of her soft bed. 'How deep did this alliance run?'

It was too much for griffons to attack both zebras, her own element bearers and assault her niece in one day without something dangerous afoot. The griffons and likely the other groups too were planing something. The ancient alicorn could feel in her bones that there was no longer a real chance for peace.   Spitfire and Soarin were wasting their time. They would either get attacked or be told no, the griffons would not withdraw peacefully. 

Time to contact her allies once more. It was time to defend her own land. Her ponies.

Equestria. 

Fragments of her dream returned, unbidden to mind. Celestia shook herself. No. She would not burn the griffon kingdoms to the ground. She could not risk the lives of innocents along with the wider lands of the planet. 





Griffonstone, Mighty Wing

The dungeon-like room was lit by a single candle in the middle of a simple black circular table.  A small group of seven griffins sat around the table. At the head sat the leader of the group, Chief Grandeur. He appeared as smug as always in his better than thou manner that left the others in the room with no question of who ruled the roost. There was a distant rumble of bass alongside screeches from the metal concert that raged onward outside someplace not all that far away.

A single long talon traced along the table as the chief continued to talk, louder than normal to be heard by every grif.  “...I would very much like to see them after this meeting,” requested Grandeur. “I have some missions in mind for your operatives, Lynx.”

A hooded griffon in black with a dull black and brown face bowed low. “As you wish, my lord.” The dyed red beak gleamed in the candlelight as the operative smiled with pleasure. 

“So,” a gruff bass voice spoke up. “We are halfway there. But are you sure now is a good time to start the war? We would look like fools if our plan were to be revealed too soon and Celestia prevents the summoning.” A dark grey and black griffin with deep blue wingtips scowled at his leader. He was the only best in the room who could compare to the mighty chief in size and strength. He stood a full head taller than his lord, a true giant of his species. Upon his strong shoulders, he wore black and dark red armour that snaked round to cover his muscular chest and sides. Upon the shoulders of the dark metal, there sat a winged shield insignia, the sign of the black guard. Grandeur’s personal armed forces had been ordered to cease operations many times in the past, yet here stood the commander of the forbidden unit, ready for action. 

“Commander Dark Wing... now is the perfect time. I am well aware of the risks. But should we assassinate several of the members of the pony bearers of harmony, we shalt be well on the way to victory. That tree and those artifacts are a bigger danger to us than the pony sisters. At this very moment, they will be in Canterlot, summoned by their princess to see their friends whom a captain of mine either killed or injured.” 

“Wait. Celestia isn’t the biggest threat?” Spoke up one of the hooded griffons near the back. 

“How do you know this?” cut in a snow white female with a black beak. “And isn’t Canterlot too well guarded for any assassination attempt? ...Especially now they know we are hostile?” 

“Sasha,” smiled Grandeur. “Good question... yes. And that is aided by an insider or two I know of. Seeing the developments, I hope to use them to our advantage.” Claws clacked against the hard surface of the table as the leader of the meeting took his sweet time.
“We all suspect that Celestia hid several of our talismans of Warbeak. Now that my captain has so dumbly alerted her to our search I am sure she shall send scouts to check on any talismans she personally knows of. The element bearers too shall be used. Should she send them out without their two downed companions, I wish for them to be killed. As brutally as possible then left, half eaten for her dumb guards to find.”

“You want them to show us where the last of our Warbeak talismans for us?” asked Lynx. “My fellow operatives will love this...” 

“What?” One of the other hooded griffons asked rather loudly. “Speak up idiots!” 

“Precisely,” the soft reply was accompanied with a nod. Chief Grandeur smirked to himself as he completely ignored the griffon who had just spoken up. “Then your scouts will kill them!” The griffin chief smote the table then turned to his faithful blackguard who stood at the table on his right. “Commander Dark Wing, while the assassins keep silent watch, I wish for your griffins to make themselves seen once the council is underway. That way, they will know I still hold the true power of the griffin colonies. Volibeak, my captain who is not here, will see to the scouts. They will side with me. Sasha, we shall require thy services. Every important griffin under my command will need armour and weapons imbued with the zebra’s potions and magics, fit for war.” The snow white female griffin grinned with pride and nodded in reply, allowing her leader to continue. “Fowl Claw. I need you to make sure that your fellow commanders in the guard do not try and stop the black guard's entry into Primal Beak. The meeting between our colonies chiefs must not be disrupted, even if it tis me who is under attack.”

“Yes, Chief.” Bowed the chocolate brown griffin, his red stained beak curled open in pleasure. 

Chief Grandeur turned to the dark grey hooded griffin to his left. “I want you, unknown, to do what you do best. I want thou to become active in Equestria once more. Join our spies... find out when it is that Celestia is to send her elements in search of our talismans and where they are destined to go. Immediately inform Lynx and his assassins for they shalt be waiting in the wing to strike.”

“I shall venture forth with pleasure...” the slimy voice of Unknown cut through the deep rumble of the concert as deep scarlet eyes gleamed with dark pleasure from within the hood unnerving every beast around him. 

“Good. Depart now,” the chief dismissed his chief spy with a casual wave of his claw. 

“What of the changelings? How goes progress in the west?” A rich brown griffon with a spiky tuft on the top of his head spoke up. 

The chief sighed. “I had hoped no one would mention them.”

“But we gave them assistance!” Another griffon spoke up. 

“As have some from Kludgetown and the surrounding badlands.” Grandeur reminded his fellows. “Those... bugs are attempting to set up for an attack on Canterlot, with or without us.” 

Murmurs of displeasure ripped across the room loud enough to compete with the light thunder from the metal concert that continued outside in the city beyond. 

The chief turned to his father, who sat at his right claw. “Thou art been oddly silent father. Is there something on thy mind?”

“Speak up!” Rasped the elder.

“What are you thinking, old beak!?” Powerful wings flared slightly as the chief loudly addressed his sire. 

The elder griffon rammed his beak up close and personal in his son's face. “I’m not deaf! It’s that stupid concert, it makes it hard to concentrate when you talk soft! Do you want me to bash your beak in!?”

Several griffons exchanged looks in the dark, candlelit space. None dared speak up, for they knew how quick to anger the old griffon was. 

Grandeur eyed the raised claw then lifted his own to carefully force his father into submission. “Do you have something to contribute, or shall we continue to talk too soft for your worn out ears?” 

The elder griffon scoffed at his son. “Kill the element bearers! Should we succeed in removing their elements... nothing will stop us... that includes Celestia and her precious partner of old, Discord!”

The mention of the lord of disharmony caused everyone to fall into an odd, uncomfortable silence. The faint clash and boom, boom of the metal concert filled the space. While the draconequus had focused his threat upon ponykind, all griffins present knew the kind of chaos that came from the one known as Discord. Although he was merely a story to most griffins, the more learned knew of his past deeds and what he was capable should he be freed from his stone prison once more. The only escape in history had led to a very strange day to night cycle and many other problems that no griffon wished to have visited upon them again. No griffin warrior wanted to be forced to fly upside down in battle or worse. 

After a few moments of catching his breath, Chief Gigan continued. “I am sure thou all remember the stories I have told thee... Celestia is not the only reason we lost last time. However, should he return... We have answer! No more element bearers! No more alicorn magic! No more Discordian chaos!” An ancient gnarled claw reached up and dug into the table in malice. “But, I wilt personally oversee the execution of any who hinder our quest. That includes any of thee.”

The elder's words rilled several griffins, all of whom considered themselves forever loyal to the chief and his father’s cause.

“Give me the three...” commanded the ancient griffin. His claw opened, demanding payment. 

His son, Chief Grandeur turned to face the elder griffin. “What are you going on about, you old fool!?” 

“I said, give me the three!” 

“Father, thou sure about this? Surely it should be me to-”

“Mine!” raged Chief Gigan, completely intolerant of his son's objections. 

“Why?” asked an annoyed Chief Grandeur, angered that his father was standing him up in front of his most important followers. 

“Because...” The grey with age beast took a deep breath to steady himself as adrenaline surged through his ancient system, fuelled by his own anger toward his hard headed son. He decided to drop a bomb in the form of information no other beast had been privy to as of yet. “The one who bears the six must give his life that his lord may return. Thy talismans do grant power... but the only true control any have is the power to summon the griffin of war. They only have one master and he wilt not relinquish them. This is my dream!” Bloodshot eyes pierced the gloom as the aggravated elder glared at the younger griffins. 

In response to the unexpected information, the golden claw of power was hastily tossed to the elder griffin who snatched the offering without thanks. 

Gigan turned expectantly to his son. “Well?” 

“Well what?” Grandeur shot back, his feathers ruffled. He towered over his father and did his best to look intimidating to his elder. “I will look after them until it is thy time. Don’t you think I too have heard stories? I know what the talismans can do.”

Without warning, the ancient griffin lashed out at his son. His right claw struck the bigger griffin right on the bottom of his muzzle and left a gash all the way up the side of his face. Grandeur held his ground as his father left with his single acquired talisman of Warbeak. 

“Dam, boss. You okay?” asked Dark Wing, his gruff bass tone brought everyone out of the shock of seeing their master attacked by his own father. The monster of a griffin took a step toward his Chief, left foreleg outstretched to offer help should it be needed. 

“I’ll be fine,” insisted Chief Grandeur bitterly. “This shall make me look nice and pretty for tomorrow.” A cruel grin appeared on the face of the chief as he imagined the impact his latest scar would have on the council tomorrow. 

The larger griffin took a step away from his dangerous boss. He nodded respectfully as he sat at his place once more. “I never said a thing. Continue, chief.” 

“I think I’ve told you all enough for one night. You lot know what you need to. The final pieces are now set and we are ready to play.” The leader’s face hardened. “Final question... Who art with me?”

Squarks of support and approval rang out across the dungeon like room. The Chief smiled, delighted that all his followers were still so readily on his side. “And now... I shalt see thee all tomorrow at noon for the next phase.” The only griffin who wore a suit then turned stalked moodily out as blood leaked down his face. Lynx, Sasha and Fowl Claw were all quick to follow. 

The clashing music erupted in volume as the bloodied leader left the sanctuary of the stone building and strode out into the street. “I may yet have a use for that bloody racket!” 

“Are those nuances playing, the ones who opposed our movement?” Sasha asked loudly. 

“Yes, sir.” Lynx was quick to answer. “Shall I have them silenced?” 

“No. I think I have a better idea...” Grandeur smirked darkly. 

“Oh? Do share...” Sasha couldn’t help but find her leaders smirk infectious. 

"It goes like this..." Grandeur began.





Equestria

A watcher in the night looked over the griffon camp with beady red eyes. At the sound of rather loud squawking, the creature’s gaze was torn toward two griffons some way off. They were busy ...probably mating. With a shake of its head, the watcher turned it’s gaze back to the main camp. As the griffon on guard duty strode to the side of the camp closest to the watcher in the trees, the creature vanished into the branches. A hint of a sharp beak could be seen under the starlight, but it too vanished as its owner quietly soared off. The watcher pulled out a vial filled with a dark liquid. The griffon played with it in it's claw briefly before it landed, threw the vial on the ground at it’s feet and in a puff of black smoke, vanished into the night. 





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion

Gilda walked along the passageways of her home, alone. She was tired from playing messenger and her legs had a dull ache in them from all the walking in confined areas. Claws clicked against the solid stone as she made her way up toward her father’s study. The passageway was poorly lit, only by the occasional candle. After all, this section of the house was off limits after dark. Between the darkness and the rugged hallway, a hostile atmosphere hung in the air. It was as if the walls themselves were telling Gilda to turn back for fear of death. While the sense would scare many creatures away, this young griffin was on a mission and she was determined to see it through.  

The young griffin soon reached her destination. She carefully pried open the door. “Where are you....?” she muttered, unwilling to be kept out from her father’s room and true plans for much longer.

Sure enough, the intimidating office was deserted, just as it should be at such a time. Given his workaholic ways, he was definitely still out, running his mouth while his cronies listened. Gilda had no idea how long the meeting would take or what kind of information her dad would hide from her upon his return. The cool youngster sighed and quickly moved over to a few filing cabinets behind her father’s desk. She rifled through several, muttering to herself about papers.

One file in particular, which she had to wonder why it wasn’t stored in a secret place, labelled GRIFFIN COUNCIL, DIE, she pulled out.

“Same old Dad. Secretive, impossible to nail down... but... I know how your mind works...” she smirked as she flicked through the contents.

The papers inside consisted of information regarding, as she discovered, the treaty between the Griffins and the rest of Equestria itself.

“Wait... There’s a treaty like this?” She questioned out loud. “I thought that was just some dumb story dad fed me when I was a chick to make me go into dweeb land...”

The youngster pulled out the first paper to better read it. Her eyes travelled quickly down the page, then onto the next. “No way... Dad... you sneaky griffon.” Gilda stared at the section in shock. No such treaty was taught at any of the schools in the griffin tribes. Aside from the odd mention by her father of a treaty that was supposed to bring false peace between all species in and around Equestria, nothing had ever been mentioned. She smiled.

“Why would they hide this, I wonder...” she mused.

She carefully repacked the treaty and placed it away in its place. As she was about to shut the draw she spotted something else of interest to her keen eyes. She always had known her father must be hiding something. But it was beginning to appear as though she had just walked in on a treasure trove. She pulled out the second sheet.

This was a rather torn piece of paper. The scrawling upon it was clearly her father’s claw. Some blurb around infiltrating a boring pony city.

She moved on. 

Her claw reached another piece of torn paper. As she skimmed it, she spotted mention of the talismans of warbeak. ‘No wonder he was always pushing for me to find another talisman of Warbeak. Those things must have some serious power. They sound cooler than the ponies lame elements of Harmony too...’ Another search of her father’s desk drawers led to the discovery of one particular notebook. Which had a lock on it. Where the key was, she didn’t know, but this had to be some top secret information all the more. Her nose could also faintly smell something. It smelt like salted meat. Of course, her father may keep an emergency stash of food up in his study. He did spend all day in here sometimes, after all, Gilda reasoned to herself.

Gilda shook her head, her father needed to learn to be more subtle sometimes.   Then a thought struck the searching griffin. If her father kept all this information hidden away, maybe he kept his talismans somewhere dumb too.

With a grin, the cocky youngster began a new search. She shoved the drawer closed and began hunting through other draws on her father’s work desk. The solo griffin’s claws made quick work of sifting through the rubbish and random papers that littered the insides.   After several tense moments of wondering if the items had been taken out by the Chief himself when he went off to his meeting, her thoughts were halted. Gilda’s claws scraped the bottom of the right hand draw and felt a small steel hook. With a grin, she grasped the hook and slowly forced the hidden compartment up. It was empty! 

Most likely her father had taken the artifacts with him this night. A shame. Gilda had almost hoped to steal one of them. 

A muffled slam of a door echoed down the halls. Gilda jumped, wings out in shock. 

‘Dads home? Already!?!’

Gilda frantically shoved the secret compartment closed, jammed the rest of the papers back in then fled the study as quietly as she could in the opposite direction to the sounds of the incoming griffon. Hopefully, her father would not notice anything amiss. 





Dreamscape

Twilight lay on a soft cloud under a bed of stars. Little tiny dots covered her vision, each and every constellation had come out to greet the unicorn, led by the moon which hung centrally in the young mare's vision. The night sky was perfect. Not even another cloud. Twilight was sure Luna had set her up with a dream specifically to please her. Hopefully, she was not still trying to actively win her over. That would sour an otherwise sweet gesture. 

After an unknown amount of time, Twilight stretched out a bit and felt feathers brush against her barrel. The young mare leapt up in surprise. Two magnificent purple wings burst open. 

"What the-" Twilight gazed in wonder the feathers that were apparently hers. "But if I'm dreaming... I'm supposed to be how I see myself. I don't see myself with wings. As... an alicorn..." She lit her horn and yes, it still functioned. So... alicorn. 

Why was she an alicorn in her own dream? 

Or was she an alicorn because Luna had crafted her dream? But... why would Luna view her as a young alicorn? 

Had Luna's obvious infatuation led to this change in perception? It wasn't because Luna viewed her as an alicorn in the hopes for an eternal partner, was it? 

The beautiful stars twinkled overhead. Twilight sighed in frustration as the moon captured her attention once more with its stunning gentle rays. "Luna." 

No reply. 

Of course. She was probably off tending to other dreamers. But could Twilight summon her, or trick her into thinking she was suffering from a nightmare? 

The studious winged unicorn awkwardly unfurled her wings and settled them at her sides. She then closed her eyes and began to focus on less peaceful thoughts. 

"Think bad things..."

'Discord. Mean griffons... Missing griffon artifact... My library burning down!?' As a mental image of her library on fire filled her mind, she lit her horn and projected the fear outward into a state of reality inside the dream. She held onto the terrible vision for an agonising moment after moment as horror filled her being. Just as Twilight was about to cancel her spell she heard a poof. 

"Twilight art thou alri- Twilight?" 

The young mage jolted out of her horror inducing magic and collapsed upon the soft cloud. The sky immediately returned to its peaceful setting once more as Twilight collected herself. She rolled over to face the stunned matron of dreams, “what aren’t you telling me?” 

"How didst thou turn my peaceful setting to one of such horror and why?" Luna demanded.  

"To see you." 

Luna took a step back as though struck. "But we thought thou wished for time apart?" 

"Why are there wings on my back?"

"Because in this dream thou art an alicorn. Is that not clear to thee?" 

"It is." Twilight agreed with a straight face. "But this is not how I see myself." 

The purple mare noticed her companion appeared suddenly nervous, although Luna was quick to hide it. "Well?" 

"Did thou at least enjoy the dream I crafted for thee?" 

"Yes, I did." Twilight cast her gaze to the stars beyond. "But, I believe I would only be an alicorn right now if the one who made the dream saw me as such and their will was stronger than my own."

"Mayhaps... tis close to the truth," Luna admitted softly. "Will has less to do with it, for I doubt I could match thy will." 

Twilight scrutinized her companion. "Seriously?" 

“Does thou trust thy brother?” 

“Of course.” Twilight quietly wondered where such a question came from, unless it was a way to lead into-

“My sister...”

‘Right...’

“Although We have returned, there have been many days where it is hard to forget the past. Hard to forget how I have hurt her and she me. We worry that the nightmare was not entirely vanquished and what my sister may do if she ever found out. Twilight... We do not wish to ever be banished to our own moon ever again. Yet when I first checked on this artifact, it called to me in a way that made me realize... the nightmare is me...  a part of me. No matter what stories may say... Nightmare Moon is... me..." 

As silence fell between the duo, Twilight sat in contemplative stillness as her brain raced. Celestia needed to know this! Celestia could fix it! They could work together to find a solution

“Why couldn’t you have just told me this while we were awake? I want to help you!” Twilight leapt up, wings out, into the night mare's face. 

Sheepishly Luna turned away. “We know- it’s just... hard. We are used to being alone...” 

Twilight sighed. “Well, you're not alone, not anymore.” She leant in and hugged the lonesome alicorn, noting how they appeared to be of almost the same statue here in the dream world. “I’m here for you and I will be for as long as I can. Okay?” 

Luna glanced at her dreamscape companion. 

The silence stretched out into many awkward moments as Twilight continued to loosely hug her companion. "Luna?" 

Finally, the mare of the night broke out of whatever trance she was in. "Sorry... what was that?"

Twilight broke her hold on the pretty dark blue alicorn and seated herself on the soft cloud. "Do you see me as an alicorn? No- wait. I think we've already established that by your own admission. Why do you see me like this?"

"I... really can't say..." Luna faltered as she sat down. 

Twilight groaned softly, her companion had better not be obtuse. "Why?" 

"I... I think thou- you... Twilight make a very pretty alicorn." Luna tentatively replied. 

A louder groan of annoyance broke from the younger alicorn's muzzle. "I thought I told you... you're not making it any easier or better by doing any of this. You can't make me love you. In fact, you're making me even more annoyed at you!" 

Luna's head sunk low then she began to fade from the dreamscape. "Then I shall leave thee be." 

"No wait!" 

Much to Twilight's surprise, her companion did, in fact, listen this time. 

"Look. Please... just see me in the morning. I need to think. Thank you for coming into my dream, seriously. And thank you for sharing your problems with me." 

Shock flashed across the mare of the night. "Thou art not off-put by the burden I shared with thee? Nightmare Moon is both a great shame to all I am and a threat to Equestria." 

"Then why don't you tell Celestia? I'm sure she can help." 

"As We have said... We- I... have not reconnected well with my sister. We both are haunted by events over a thousand years ago. We have also grown into two very different ponies..." 

Twilight picked herself up, closed the gap between the two and awkwardly laid a wing over her darker companion. "Look... uh... I haven't read many books on romance... so I have no idea how to approach us... but, if you are okay with me continuing to treat you as my best friend, then I want to help. Please, let me think for the rest of the night. I'll do some research in the morning to try and help, you're even welcome to join in while I research and try figure out a plan on what to do about finding this artifact and quietening this part of you that you say is the Nightmare. Okay?" 

Luna nodded solemnly. A tear escaped her eyes and fell to the cloud underhoof. "Thank you so much... I shall go now." 

Unsure what else to say as panic continued to rise deep inside, Twilight nodded briskly. 

With a flash of moonlight, Luna was gone. 

Feathers brushed against Twilight's side. She quickly turned only to be reminded of the wings attached to her body. "Right. I forgot to ask her to change the wings thing. I guess one night as an alicorn should be okay though... What to do about the Nightmare and this artifact?" A  sudden burst of anxiety overtook the young alicorn. The artifact! Nightmare Moon! Luna's sanity! What to do... what to do..?

Several deep, nervous breaths later and the young mage was no closer to her answer. She was, however,  somewhat calmer. Maybe the dream was helping calm her down? Twilight knew such err... Twilight... moments usually lasted a lot longer. What else had Luna done to her dream in an attempt at pleasing her? 

The purple alicorn sighed. 

Both problems would have to wait till morning. Twilight turned her gaze to the heavens. She had a dream to enjoy. Or at least, to try and enjoy.  She flapped her wings once. Maybe she could even attempt flight?

Without her books? Or any reference material before her first flight?  Nervousness welled up inside. Maybe she should just stay here?

Her wings fluttered to life. It felt like a good time to try and fly. At least any accidents here would be harmless to her real body.

Decision made, Twilight took off into the beautiful night. Maybe some flying might help clear her head too.





Luna's eyes shot open as she sent herself into the waking world of the night. She was in her own bed in her personal chambers. Everything was just as it was when she had left the waking world. At least that meant the Nightmare was probably not taking hold of her body when she was absent from it. 

Twilight's words came, unbidden to mind; 'Do you see me as an alicorn?'

'Yes.'

Of course she did. Deep down, Luna wished to see her precious pony transform. Did Twilight not know Celestia was planning to help her become a princess too? That Twilight had been groomed by her sister to one day take over the ruling of Equestria? That it was in her future to ascend. Luna snorted to herself. No. Of course not. Celestia loved her little games far too much to tell anypony anything more than what she felt they needed to know. Despite this, the prospect of a lover who would not leave her due to old age and death was a temptation all of its own. Far too many ponies with promise had faded, yet here and now she had a chance with somepony who would not grow old and frail.

The mare of the night lay down on her soft bed once more and closed her eyes. A smile cracked at her lips as she remembered Twilight's request to see her in the morning. They could still study together! Twilight had also called her... her best friend! 

Maybe, even with the griffon attack, she might have a chance. Luna felt a tug from the dreamscape. Another poor pony was suffering a nightmare. Time for action!

With that, Luna's body relaxed in bed as her mind entered the realms of slumber.
> Chapter 21: Wake of Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere in Equestria

A pink alicorn foal, barely old enough to be called a filly bounced along as fast as her little legs could carry her. Despite her erratic pace she barely kept up with her much older sister, Chaotic Sunset. A white tufty mane stuck out from this mare’s grey head. A black mane covered her ears as she flittered joyfully along. Her blue wings, one alicorn and one bat wing shot out to steady herself as she leapt over a log that her sister teleported through. Her left lion's paw grappled a fallen tree trunk that collapsed inward. Her three hooves landed hard on the soft ground and she daintily shook her left forepaw to dislodge the decaying bark.

The pair quickly reached a cliff that overlooked a small settlement below and the older alicorn turned to her companion. “Ok sis, jump on.”

The foal teleported with a flash onto her sister's shoulder and gurgled affirmative.

With a smirk, the older alicorn pumped her wings and the pair spiralled into the skies then dived with a gigantic woosh down into the town below. The pair laughed as they dodged houses, ponies and the occasional cart. All of a sudden the duo found themselves faced with a wall. The babe cried out in alarm while her sister morphed into a glob, almost like Mr. Smooze and splattered harmlessly against the wall. The young foal found herself safe in the large glob as it slid slowly down and became a giant puddle on the ground.

The pink alicorn splashed around happily for a few moments till her sister reformed and she found herself wrapped up in a powerful set of wings. The foal chuckled happily then lit her horn. The pair vanished in a flash of light.

With a cry of shock, Chaotic Sunset appeared, her sister still held protectively in her wings. “Wha- Don’t do that!”

The itty bitty alicorn in her care giggled softly. “Uh... if you make us appear on the other side of Equestria again, mom and dad will kill me!”

More happy little filly noises were the only reply. The older sibling sighed. “At least you only took us home. I guess...”

 A strange flicker passed through the world and suddenly the tiny alicorn found herself in the hold of a flickering creature that grew to become a towering monster, twice as large as a horse. “Hello, sister.”

The evil tone sent a wash of panic through the mare’s body and her now fully formed pink wings shot out. She tumbled to the dark ground and lay there, frozen in terror. Pink eyes flickered up and met with mismatched glowing irises. She tried to fly yet remained fixed to the ground in front of the dark mostly alicorn creature before her. Behind the mare, a small town burned and ponies with red glowing eyes walked slowly out of the flames. “Be warned, for I have discovered changelings wish to dispose of thee. Say where you are. Your big sister is coming for you...” The dark alicorn demanded then began to laugh maniacally.

Shining Armor was jolted awake as something tightly ensnared his barrel. Pain lanced through his right foreleg as something sharp poked into his flesh. He lifted a hoof to repel the dawnlight attacker and faltered as his eyes focused on the pink pointy thing and the mare tied to his chest. Cadance! His fillyfriend wimpered loudly as she nuzzled into his upper chest, her horn once again sharply poked his foreleg. The pain faded from all relevance as realization set in like a blast of lightning. Cadance was in trouble and he had to help!

As Cadance softly cried out in the still morning air Shining Armor began to gently shake her. “Cadance, honey... wake up... Please!”

The young officer forcefully nuzzled the pretty pink head up and began to caress her softly as he continued to softly plead; “please wake up... it’s only a bad dream... Cadance!”

With an almighty shudder, the young princess broke from the realm of sleep. She whimpered, tears broke from her clenched shut eyes while her whole body shook in fear.

Shining Armor’s own eyes watered from an accidental smack from a rather solid pink horn.

The young mare began to cry softly as her coltfriend held her. “Th-th-thank goodness you’re here... I a terrible dream...”

“Shhh- it’s okay Cadance... I’m here. You’re safe.”

One of the guards shot his officer a warning look. Shining ignored it. He had to help Cadance.

After a lull, the young princess of love continued softly; “It was scary... I- in my dream... It felt... like my big sister was angry. At first, she was playing with me when I was a filly. I saw things... Beautiful fields that look nothing like any part of Equestria I have ever seen. She took me flying and pulled off some fun... crazy magic. But suddenly she changed. She was really mean and had some ponies following her like zombies. This ... creature... looked at me and ...and called me sister. She said something strange. Why would I dream of her? I don’t even have a big sister?” The pretty, light pink alicorn shuddered as she huddled up to her coltfriend.

“Well, unless there is something Celestia isn’t telling you, it sounds like your imagination is doing crazy things because... because you’re so tired and stressed?” Shining Armor offered softly as he continued to caress his tearful mare. “None of this makes any sense to me either.”

The colt began to hum softly as he rocked back and forth. Cadance hugged her coltfriend back, her breaths deep and unbalanced.

“Sir. I think we should prepare to move as soon as we can.” Sky Slash spoke up as softly as he could. The dirty white pegasus scratched at his light blue mane as it stuck out of his helmet in a ragged mess.

“Alright.” It was at this point the young officer noted it was barely past dawn and there was fresh dew at the mouth of the small cave.

Sky Slash whispered back: “I can go take a look now, see if any creatures nearby heard you two.”

“Do it,” Shining nodded in affirmation.

The white pegasus saluted and took off, careful not to disturb the layer of moisture on the mouth of the cave.

“Shining?” Cadance softly murmured.

“Yes, honey?” Despite how discoloured her coat was from all the mud and rain, the young stallion could not help but feel his breath taken away as he gazed at the beautiful alicorn in his care.

“Might I be able to write auntie a quick letter? I think I should ask her and Luna about my dream.”

Shining nodded, “okay, you-”

A thud startled Shining Armor into silence as the pegasus landed roughly and rolled into the cave with a pained grunt. “Changelings! Get down everypony!” The whispered command from the guard caused everypony to dive for what little cover they could.

With a wince, Sky Slash hauled himself over to his commander, “sir... I think I saw six ponies not far off, one of them flickered and I saw a changeling. I don’t think I was spotted.”

A tense silence fell upon the small group.

“Should we move?”

Shining Armor contemplated the question. He turned to Sky Slash. “Are you sure they didn’t see you.”

“I- hard to say, sir.”

The white unicorn felt his pretty pink fillyfriend huddle up a little closer to him for support. He found himself wishing, and not for the first time that they were home in Canterlot, safe. “Everypony at the ready. If they come looking for us, we take them out quickly. If five minutes pass without trouble, I want us to head for the nearest train stop or station. We’re going back to Canterlot.”

The other soldiers nodded in affirmative and readied their weapons.

Time ticked slowly, painfully by as the ponies waited, ready.

Cadance startled and rose slightly as she recalled some of the words the alicorn who claimed to be her sister had uttered. How did that pony know there were changelings nearby? The fur on the back of her neck bristled. Something creepy was going on. If that evil-looking mare wanted to keep her safe from the changelings, what horror did the bug-like creatures have in store for her?  
And come to think of it, what did that half alicorn want from her after all?





Canterlot Royal Library

Twilight stifled a yawn as she strode purposefully into the quiet palace library. Rows of books sat on pristine shelves, ready and waiting to share the knowledge they held within to any who came searching. One such seeker of knowledge sat on a cushion in the open central section of the room with three books suspended in the dark blue glow of her magic. The middle book was open, its pages turned as the alicorn read at great speed. Dark crystal eyes flicked down page after page of content while tendrils of magic worked the pages to keep up.

Twilight froze at the sight of the starry mane that floated effortlessly above the mare’s shoulders. It contrasted rather stunningly with the rest of the silver and golden sunny design of the room.

Luna is here already?

The central book shut with a light poof. “Greetings Twilight.”

“G-good morning Princess.”

The matron of the night eyed the unicorn who currently looked more like a stunned bunny than a mare. “Luna, please.”

“Err- Right.” Twilight hovered, uncertain about to approach this particular pony. “So... What... brought you here this early in the morning?”

Luna smiled lightly, “tis a princess not allowed to enjoy a good book while she awaits the presence of her-” she visibly caught herself, then continued slower, “of thyself.”

“Nothing wrong. I just didn’t take you for a morning pony.”

“A good pot of coffee goes a long way,” Luna shot the rather attractive mare in front of her a wiry grin.

At last, a smile broke out across the purple muzzle, “you’ve discovered the wonders of coffee too?” Twilight relaxed somewhat as she, at last, took another few steps toward the darker mare.

“Yes.” Silence fell upon the duo as Twilight stood awkwardly, a few steps away from the princess of the night.

After a few moments of silence, the young mage piped up once more, “I don’t think I’ve seen any pony read faster than me before. It looked quite impressive. You were reading, right?”

“Correct,” a smile tugged at the dark princess’s muzzle. “It sounds to me as though somepony could make a most wonderful reading partner too.”  

Twilight glanced away at the rows of nearby books as though for inspiration. “Look... about the dream last night...”

Hope flickered across Luna’s eyes as she met the younger mare’s gaze.

“I think we should tell Celestia.”

Three thuds rang out through the quiet library. Twilight rushed to check the books and sighed with relief when she saw that they were all still ok from their brief skydive. “Luna? How could you do that to those books!?”

The panicked alicorn replied in a voice more akin to a mouse than a princess; “please do not tell my sister. At least, not yet.”

“Why not?”

Luna suddenly found something on the floor to be of great interest. Silence took hold.

A purple tail swished impatiently.

Dark blue wings flicked as though trying to dispel uncertainty.

Twilight sighed. She sat down beside the older mare and wrapped the closest dark blue forehoof with her own. That got attention fast. “She can help us.”

The dark alicorn turned her nose up at the declaration. “We do not need our sister’s judgment.”

“She won’t judge you.”

Luna side eyed the beautiful unicorn who held her hoof. “How canst thou be so sure?”

“Because-” Twilight’s voice failed her as she realized it was hope, not certainty that gave her the boldness to claim that Celestia would not judge her own sister. “Well, I mean... I hope.”

Luna turned her attention from her treasured mare to the tomes in front.

Twilight thought for a few moments. With a careful look around to ensure they were alone, the young unicorn slowly returned her gaze to the hard-headed alicorn before her. Time dragged on into awkwardness till the young mare tentatively spoke up: “Look... if I went on a date with you, would you agree to talk to your sister? We can even speak to Celestia together, you don’t need to do this alone.”

Shock radiated from Luna as her head snapped up to meet the keen gaze of the scholar who held her hoof. The fact that such an offer had been made, slowly sank in like a boulder into the world’s slowest quicksand. Luna fluffed her wings then lowered her gaze to the books in front of her. The matron of the night sighed, “art thou sure? We do not wish to court thee simply because of a bargain.”

“Yeah, but... even though I’m pretty sure I’m more interested in stallions... or something... I could give you a go. Wait, did that come out wrong? I mean, like date uh- it would be nice to try and do you if you agree to talk to your sister about both things.” Twilight cringed as she realized what she said was probably still wrong. “I- I mean-”

“But... The nightmare.” Luna cut her crush off. Her wings twitched with eagerness and something inside blossomed with desire causing her cheeks to heat up. “As much as we- I might like to court thee, we art sure Celestia has no magic that will help us, beyond sending us to the moon once more.”

Twilight cringed, “about that... I know I haven’t had much time to think about it, and none whatsoever to research, but I think I can help. If the nightmare is part of you, maybe you just need more time with friends, like me to help.”

Silence fell as Twilight lent in closer, eager and hopeful that her offer was being seriously considered.

“I might like that, very much.” Luna nodded thoughtfully. “Surely it cannot be that simple?”

Twilight settled back a bit as she regarded the lunar princess. “Well... I still think you should tell Celestia. You never know.”

“If you would give... us... courting... a go?” Luna replied slowly.

Twilight took a deep breath and thought carefully for a few moments. At last, she levelled her best serious gaze up at the hopeful alicorn. “Yes. A date. Not like... as a couple or anything. I still need to how I feel about this and right now, my tummy feels as though it’s going to war with my head and my brain is all a confusing mess as though I’ve lost all my notes on the most important test ever. Oh, and I think we should do some research before we bring the nightmare thing to her. Although... I’ve just realized something on my way here.”

“And that might be?”

Twilight glanced around. The librarian at the far side of the room was carefully avoiding the pair and there were no other ponies about. After a careful breath, Twilight lent in close and spoke softly: “This artifact. Did it disappear the day you left me in the hospital to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?”

“Correct.”

“Then we really need to tell Celestia about this now. It’s probably already too late to catch whoever stole it!”

Luna’s muzzle fell in shame, “but Cele will kill me if she realizes that we art directly involved in the loss of one of the talismans.”

Twilight wriggled closer till their bodies came into contact. “No pony’s killing you, Luna. Besides, they will have to go through me to do it.”

Midnight wings ruffled and pleasant surprise shot across the alicorn’s face. “Truly? We had attempted to mean figuratively. Or is my grasp on modern language worse than we had thought?”

Twilight cracked a grin, “it’s fine. I guess I just take things literally sometimes.”

A sly, pleased grin slid across the midnight mare’s muzzle. “Oh. We shalt keep that in mind.”

“Good.” Twilight stood slowly, “I think we should first of all check on Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy and then see Celestia. After we see Celestia, I would like to study again.”

“But you only just arrived here.”  

“I know. But I also really want to see how my friends are doing.”

Luna stood slowly, “would thou mind if I do this as we walk?” A dark blue wing fell across Twilight’s withers.

The studious unicorn eyed the wing then the dark alicorn attached to it before she responded: “Only if we tell her everything.”

Fear clashed against excitement within Luna. Her heart demanded that she sweep the cute unicorn up and carry her off, ready to do anything she asked just for a real chance to win her heart. Her brain reminded her of the consequences of talking to Celestia. The two really had not been on the best of terms of late, beyond their meetings over the troubled times and Twilight’s progress. And what if Twilight turned her down after one date?
No. That must not happen.

Twilight would never do that to her, could she?

Yes, she will. 

Luna felt her coat bristle. Just accept her offering, it’s the only way you will ever have a chance. The darker corner of her mind, the nightmare called to her. Luna shook her darker self off and was met with the concerned gaze of her crush. ‘How long have I been in mine own mind?’

“We- I agree to thy terms.”

“Alright then.” Twilight picked up the books and was quick to shelve them before she set off. “Let’s go.”





 Canterlot Royal Hospital, Canterlot

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

A yellow hoof reached out to turn the alarm clock off. A gentle swipe found nothing. A groggy pegasus rolled over with a grunt and swiped for her alarm clock again.

Still nothing.

A bleary eye cracked open. Why did the world feel so strange...?   Why was everything so fuzzy and grey?

The pegasus slowly blinked a few more times and the darkness shifted.   Dark? It was still night time?

As clouds continued to slowly evaporate from her mind, Fluttershy realized the room was actually white. It almost looked like a hospital somewhere.

She tried to lift her right forehoof to rise from the bed and realized something was attached to her limb. It was a-

An IV drip?

Fluttershy blinked a few times at the strange thing in her foreleg.

Pain shot through her body and she eeped!

“Oww...”

For the first time, Fluttershy’s gaze fell to the rest of her body and she realized her barrel was wrapped in bandages. A phantasmic claw swung at her in the darkness. With a scream she fell off the bed and onto the hard floor.

Griffons!

Griffons everywhere! 

Big, mean, nasty griffons!

Fluttershy lay prone, her body on fire as everything erupted with pain. She could feel every spot the griffons had hurt her. A hoof tenderly fell upon her covered upper chest and she sighed as she felt solid flesh under the covering. The animal caretaker lay upon the cold floor panting as the pain receded and her magically healed wounds slowly calmed. The smaller scratches and several bruises all stung like fresh wounds.

“Mrs. Fluttershy?”

Light exploded throughout the room. The downed pegasus squealed and covered her eyes with her right foreleg while her retinas continued to burn. The sparkling and whiteness gradually lessened but the foreleg remained, shielding her face.

“Here, let me help you up.”

The light yellow pegasus felt herself being lifted up with magic till her hooves touched cold hard tiles. “T-thank you... uh, can you please turn the light off?”

“Oh, why yes, of course. Although it is almost eight-thirty in the morning.” The nurse unicorn lit her horn and closed the blinds once more. The room returned to its darkened state. “I’m so very glad to see you up, but please try and be more careful. Your body needs time to let the magic set.”

“I’m sorry.” Fluttershy opened her eyes and spotted the nurse in the darkness.  “I- I think I might be okay now, you can let a little bit of light in...”

“Okay.” The unicorn’s horn lit once again and blinds adjusted slightly and the brilliance of Celestia’s morning burst into the room.

Fluttershy closed her eyes, shocked by how sensitive she was to something as minor as sunlight. After a few tender moments of light against her closed eyelids, she cracked her peepers open once more.

The buttery yellow pegasus slowly surveyed the rest of the room. A gasp escaped as she spotted the bed next to her own.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Fluttershy fumbled over to her fillyfriend’s bedside, her movements dulled thanks to lying on a bed for what felt like weeks.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash... What have they done to you?”

“Careful!”

Despite the nurses warning, Fluttershy nuzzled up against her mare with vigour. “Rainbow....wake up…” Fluttershy’s plea escaped her lips, badly audible.





“Rainbow....wake up...”

“Five more minutes….” mumbled the speedster to herself, unwilling to open her eyes.

But it was for naught, since Rainbow Dash woke up moments later. Her eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, she was taken off guard when she saw where she was. Where was she? It took a moment to register, but she felt her body relax. It was only Fluttershy’s cottage. Their cottage. Their home. Their bedroom.

Next to her in bed, Fluttershy beamed happily with a bright smile. “Hello, my love...”

With a delighted chuckle, Dash leaned over and kissed the beautiful pegasus on the nose. “Morning, sunshine.”

Fluttershy giggled before wriggling out of bed. She headed over to her dresser to brush her mane in front of the mirror. Rainbow sat up in bed, watching with admiring eyes. Little sweet moments like this in the morning were always such heartwarming gold. The cyan pegasus extracted herself out of bed as well and trotted over to join her love. She patiently watched as the shy pegasus continued to brush her mane.

An idea sparked in the champion speedster’s mind. She took the brush from Fluttershy, motioned for her to sit, then continued the job of brushing her mane. Of course, she added a little Rainbow Dash flare to the mix as she worked... but that was all part of the fun. Fluttershy giggled and leaned back against her. The sweet action quickly escalated into snuggles between the two despite the efforts to get the pretty pink mane brushed.

Afterward, Fluttershy carefully picked up a piece of jewellery from the dresser and placed it around Rainbow’s neck. A pendant on a strong but loose-fitting chain. Rainbow grinned, doing the same by taking a similar piece and placing it around Fluttershy’s neck. Pendants of each other’s cutie marks; with Fluttershy wearing the pendant of the powerful rainbow lightning bolt striking from a cloud while Rainbow wore the pendant of the three pink butterflies.

Both mares shared a nuzzle. The warm fuzzies erupted around them. The lovers shared a sweet kiss, pouring their love for each other into the simple, enjoyable action. With smiles on their faces, they turned to gaze at a framed photograph sitting on the dresser. A wedding photo.

“Mom! Mommy! Yay!” A yellow coated, rainbow maned filly barrelled around the corner. She collided with her parents in a ball of rainbow and sunny yellow at their hooves.

“Good morning, Spectra.” Fluttershy helped her filly up and into a family hug.

“You’re acting just like me there squirt. Just try not to crash into everything next time.” Dash giggled as her daughter nuzzled her.

“Mommy’s right… slow down before you hurt yourself, sweetie,” Fluttershy gently chided.

“Awww, come on! But Scootaloo taught me a cool trick!” Spectra pouted.

“You bet I did!” Scootaloo entered the parents’ bedroom as well, a broad grin upon her muzzle.

Dash chuckled, she looked from her adopted daughter/sister to their own filly, “Really now? Would you care to share it with the class later after I get back from work?”

“Yes!” Spectra nuzzled her parents before wriggling away. “C’mon, Scoots! Time for school!”

“Not until after we eat!” The orange pegasus reminded her.

“Well,” Fluttershy smiled at her family before she headed to the stairs, “Then I suppose that means duty calls. Let’s get you all some breakfast.”

An excited Spectra chased after the motherly mare, full of hearty giggles and wearing a cheeky grin. Scootaloo watched after them, turning back to Rainbow Dash. “Any cool tours with the Wonderbolts coming up, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow paused, for some reason, she could not remember anything about her next tour with the Wonderbolts. In fact, a lot of things, though present in her life and mind, seemed to be a strange mystery she couldn’t piece together. But it was probably nothing, anyway, just overthinking everything. The question at hoof regarded her lifelong idols, the Wonderbolts. The cyan pegasus still kept a poster of her group on the center wall of the bedroom.

“Nah. Nothing I can think of. Just weather jobs for now for me.” Dash smiled. “I’ve got a family now, and I’m not about to leave my friends or my family hanging! Besides, I’ve had my run going out far and wide. There should be something coming up close to home soon… I’ll need to check.”

“Okay!”

As the pair of youngsters vanished down the stairs, Dash turned back to her lover and shared another quick nuzzle.

Next thing Dash knew, breakfast was over and her girls were trotting out the door off to school.

Rainbow Dash moved to the door next, with her own saddlebags as she prepared to depart for another day of weather duties.

“Have a good day, my love,” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, offering a nuzzle.

Grinning, Dash swept Fluttershy into an intimate embrace and gave her a long, loving kiss. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise, but was quickly kissing her back vigorously. They parted, looking to each other with flushed, half-lidded smiles, remaining close to one another.

“Come home for lunch, Dashie,” Fluttershy whispered in a sultry tone.

A suggestive smirk overcame Dash’s features as she licked her wife’s lips, “You read my mind, Flutters. Think... you might want to throw a little bit of that cute lingerie you have?”

“Hee, of course.” The shy pony didn’t even try to hide the blush that now completely covered her muzzle.

They kissed once more, nuzzling each other warmly.

“Love you, Fluttershy.” Dash smiled as she headed outside onto the path. “So much.”

“And I love you too, Rainbow,” Fluttershy beamed, blushing. “I’ll see you later.”

Elated, the cyan pegasus headed out and flew off into the waiting sky. However, in doing so, she felt a very strange feeling. It was warm and loving as if enveloping her completely in a strangely familiar way. It almost felt as she was carrying her loved one with her and somehow Fluttershy was still snuggling her. She could feel Fluttershy’s care, her love, her soul, yet she knew that the pretty yellow mare was at home waiting for her triumphant return.

After a quick glance around, Rainbow Dash shrugged the odd feeling off. It must be nothing.

The bold mare quickly completed her weather duties for the day, the strange presence helped her all the way. Cloud by cloud disappeared under precise, well practiced assaults. Her clear speed was amazing. Today was truly a great day to be a pegasus! She fell into practising for the next performance with the Wonderbolts. Next thing Dash knew, it was time for lunch.

“Time for lunch! Oh boy, I wonder what Fluttershy’s got in store!” She wondered as she flew along. “I wonder if she’ll let me try that stallion potion again... heh...”

“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head...”

Rainbow Dash almost fell out of the sky in surprise, ears perking. “Fluttershy?” She looked around, up and down, and behind her. But there was no sign of Fluttershy or anypony for that matter.

“Weird... I swear I her singing... But what the hay is going on?! Fluttershy’s at home and I’m pretty sure I’m not imagining it! Oh, whatever...”

She hummed and whistled, trying to get her mind off the strange occurrence from just moments ago. Nothing to worry about, anyway.

Something quick as lighting darted by, startling the speedster out of her lovestruck flying pattern.

“What the hay?!” Dash exclaimed, hovering like a stunned pegasus.

Another projectile rocked past her, slamming into the road below, sending shards upwards. The athletic pegasus dodged the incoming shrapnel.

“Nothing’s going to bring Rainbow Dash down that easily...” She muttered as she boldly sped off.

The Wonderbolt evaded several more falling rocks, swerving out of the way with well practised ease. The strange sensation of Fluttershy never left her. It felt as though the shy pegasus was cuddled up to her tummy. It was odd, but filled her with hope.
Dash knew she would succeed in this new, bizarre challenge. A grin entered her face, nothing could stop this pegasus. Suddenly a new thought entered her head. ‘Fluttershy! I hope you’re alright!’ The Wonderbolt put on an additional burst of speed and plowed onwards through the deadly storm. She glanced up to appraise her position and her eyes widened in fear. The biggest hunk of rock she had ever seen was headed right for her.

“Oh buc-” Dash’s breath was torn from her as the flaming projectile smashed into her. ‘This is it... this is the end...’ She closed her eyes, small tears formed despite the otherworldly forces exerted upon her.

The blue pegasus hit the ground, her rainbow tail pinned beneath the rock. Try as she may, she couldn’t move. Her mane and tail were caught and taut, and the rock was far too big and heavy for her to move, especially since she couldn’t adjust herself to the right angle without pulling hard on her tail. There was no way she should have survived the fall, yet somehow, here she was… still alive.

“No! No!! I have to get home to Fluttershy...! I have to help her...! Help our kids...! Uggghh, come on, tail!!” Dash yelled out, trying hard to pull her tail out, but with no success. “No!!”

All around, far and beyond, Dash could hear meteorites impacting with the land around. If not for the completely hopeless and terrifying situation, it would’ve been an amazing spectacle. Rainbow Dash could hear the screams coming from Ponyville, the air raid sirens screeched. There were even mild tremors along the ground. It was clear that this wasn’t the only big rock to make an impact.

The lone pegasus trembled, tears in her eyes. There was nothing she could do to protect her family, who were likely terrified, especially Fluttershy, who was at home with the animals. Spectra and Scootaloo were safe at the schoolhouse, especially since they had each other for comfort. But it still didn’t help that she was trapped and somepony could get hurt, especially her friends and family.

“Rainbow… Rainbow, my dear... It’s okay...you’re going to be all right...” Fluttershy’s soft, sweet voice reached her ears.

“Fluttershy! Fluttershy, thank Celestia you’re okay! But you shouldn’t be here! It’s dangerous!” Dash cried, looking around, but found no sign of her wife. “…Fluttershy? Fluttershy, where are you?”

“I’m here, my love… I’m here… and I won’t leave you…” Despite the bold mares cries, Fluttershy sounded like she couldn’t hear anything Dash said.

Nothing was making sense.

‘How am I not dead?’

‘How Can I hear Fluttershy?’

What is going on?!?’

A warm comfort washed over her once more. Dash had never felt so warm and safe before. As death rained down upon the world, one pony enjoyed the safety afforded by her true love. She closed her eyes in defeat as the world around her died. Inside she could still feel Fluttershy. She held onto the feeling, made it all her mind thought of, all she existed for.

As Dash lay in the fetal position on the scorched earth, her back became warm and cozy. It felt as though she had become the little spoon to her Fluttershy. The soft touch of yellow fur against blue, pink mane merging with all the colours of the rainbow. It felt like a wing had just desended upon her heaving side, protecting her. She could hear whispers, soft as Fluttershy’s quietest pleas and sadder than the tears she cried over every animal lost.

Time passed. Dash didn’t know how long, but after a while, everything just stopped. Bright red eyes cracked open.

She stood in the center of Ponyville town square. Around her, ponies went about their day. She could see Applejack selling her produce to Lyra and Bon Bon. Nothing was out of place nor damaged, which was odd. What had happened? Had she just imagined Ponyville’s destruction?

“Rainbow...” The soft tone of her wife drifted as if on the breeze.

“Fluttershy? Where are you!?!” The solitary mare cried out, startled.

Suddenly, the sense of peace turned cold. The whole world appeared to slowly lose its colour as on the far horizon, a winged creature appeared.

The winged pony rapidly descended with otherworldly grace and soon landed in front of the part time Wonderbolt. The sight of the mare took Dash’s breath away.

Before her stood an impossible creature. This ...mare? appeared to be an alicorn, but at the same time, she was not. Dash found herself staring at the captivating eyes, unnatural orbs that glowed with mischief and power. Her right eye was a bright sunny yellow while her left was deep purple. Her head was grey and matched her glowing horn: A white tufty mane stuck out, it almost covered her yellow eye like a crazy unbrushed fringe. Past her brown ears fell a light black mane which fell like darkness upon the pure white body of the strong young mare. Her blue wings, one alicorn, one batwing was tucked neatly at her sides and a sky blue tail that looked like it belonged on a draconequus waved around lightly in the non-existent breeze. In place of a left hoof, she had a lions paw. The whole left leg was a light brown that suddenly cut off as it met her perfect white coat. Her right forehoof was deep brown and like the lion’s leg, it too retained its colour right up to the pristine, pure white coat. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia.

She was as beautiful as she was bizarre.

“Wha-“ Dash began, filled with awe.
 
The regal alicorn cut the stunned pegasus off with a wave of her forehoof.

Although her voice was cheeky and light, the message she carried was anything but:

“If I were a filly of any sort,
I’d leave Canterlot and travel forth,
for only fools seek the griffin talismans of their Lord.
Look past the land of crystal and yak,
Where the sea meets the shore,
Rock stands sentinel evermore.
The one of magic who cannot fly,
The beast of fire who cannot roar,
He who lies deep beneath the beasts’ mouth.
For there in caverns vast shall the seed of freedom be found.
Return this seed to thy home.
For there our lands’ beating heart,
This seed must find its home.”

The regal pony fell silent, her face lit up in a gleeful smile before she remembered the contents of the riddle she had just delivered. Her face quickly became sombre yet she retained the cheeky look in her eye.

Dash stood before the strange alicorn, unsure what to do or say. She felt as though there was no place for her to go, or to hide. She was rooted to the spot. Before this creature, in this fading world of white, all Dash could do was stare.

“Wha- who are you…?” Rainbow Dash eventually managed.

The stranger let out a giggle. “Who me?” Her horn lit up with powerful magic and she spread her wings wide. “You’ll find out… or maybe not… I don’t know yet. Mother will be soo angry when she sees what I’ve become…” The strange creature sighed.

Darkness flickered across her frame. “It looks like she’s waking up now. This is not good... Find me, before I find my sister. Quickly!”  With a mighty flap of her wings, the mostly-alicorn mare took off into the nothingness of the sky above.

Darkness closed in on the speedster as she raised her wings in a panicked attempt to flee. Rainbow Dash felt the warm presence of her lover return like a nice blanket on a cold winters night. Suddenly things were not so bad.

“Fluttershy…” smiled Rainbow Dash, thankful that she wasn’t quite so alone anymore.
> Chapter 22: Shaking the Nest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle

The early morning peace was broken by the clip-clop of hooves as Luna strode out of the library, Twilight Sparkle half a pace behind. The beauty of the hallway was lost on the ruler as it sparkled in the sun.  
 
Luna froze mid march. “Wait. Somepony is in need of me.”

“What?”

Twilight turned just in time to catch the slumping princess in her magic. “What? Luna?”

‘She must have gone into the dreamscape!’

The young mage suppressed her rather sudden eagerness, now was not the time to follow the princess of the night. If Luna had to help somepony with a nightmare now, then it must be a bad one!

The lavender unicorn carefully placed the princess down upon the cold hard tiles. Twilight did her best to position the regal alicorn so that the return to her body would hopefully not lead to her smacking her face into the floor or anything else embarrassing.

Once the majestic form of Princess Luna was laid upon the cold floor in a loose resting pose, Twilight took a deep breath. How long would it take to help somepony caught in a nightmare?

The studious unicorn allowed her gaze to wander the downed mare. It occurred to her that Luna was rather pretty.

Not that she was attracted to mares.

No...

It was at this moment that Twilight realized something.

Cute dark spots had appeared with a light dusting on the bridge of the princess’s nose. The newly appeared freckles made her look adorable!

The young scholar suddenly noticed that more dapples had appeared between the mighty dark wings and the ethereal mane. With a slight blush upon her muzzle, Twilight lifted the princess of the night in her magic. Her inquisitiveness was sparked and she could not help but wonder if there were more of these cute spots. She slowly turned the alicorn over as one may roll a barrel. No spots on her tummy. However...

There were a few cute darker spots around the crescent moon cutie mark. These dapples bubbled up toward her back and tail. Because the dapples were lighter than the black around the moon, the new additions to Luna’s flank were rather easy to pick out now that Twilight was looking for them.

The blushing unicorn levitated the darker alicorn further away from herself. She realized that Luna was sideways now and a few dark feathers were touching the floor. If she were awake right now, she would be in a very uncomfortable position. Yet she continued to hold the unconscious pony at eye level as her eyes continued to explore the new sights. Twilight could clearly see the dapples that meandered between the base of Luna’s mane and her wings. The spots around her cutie mark didn’t quite meet at the top of her rear.

It made the princess of the night look cute.

Yes, Twilight agreed with that statement and did her best to file it away in the archives of her mind with the rest of her scientific research. Because after all, that was all this in fact was.
 Wasn’t it?

With a gasp, Luna’s conscious returned to her body and she lurched.

Twilight cried out in shock, her magic failed and the mighty princess of the night crashed to the floor with a loud thud.

Several expletives in old equestrian escaped the felled alicorn who rolled slowly onto her back, legs in the air and her wings splayed out either side of her. She glared up at the mare who had held her. “Pray tell why thou dropped this body of mine!?”

Twilight took a step back as the sheer volume of the princess’s words hit her. “I- I’m sorry...”

The dark princess rolled over then staggered to her feet and flicked her wings in exasperation. She shot the smaller mare an annoyed look, “Why were thou holding us?”

“Uh...” Twilight faltered, her gaze locked upon the cute smattering of freckles that spread from the bridge of the dark blue nose to under those shining eyes.

“Do we have something on this face of mine?” Luna exhaled slowly.

“Uh... W-well, maybe. They look really cute on you.”

“What?” Luna blanched. “They?”

Twilight was left alone in a puff of moon dust. She gaped at the empty hallway for a moment before it occurred to her where the majestic mare had most likely fled to.

Without a second thought, she felt an eruption of magic as her horn pulsed with power and she appeared in the bedroom of the mistress of the night.

Before her, the darker royal sister stood, her gaze transfixed upon the large mirror above her nightstand. “Um... princess Luna. Is something wrong?”

Stunning green eyes met light purple. The matron of the night lit her horn. Light blue magic cascaded down her form. Each dapple the light met vanished. The magic continued to work its way down till it met her tail and fizzled out.  

“Like what thou seest?”

 Twilight startled and realized her eyes had followed the trail of magic. Unfortunately for her, she had failed to remove her vision from the rear of the princess who stood with a rather pleased look upon her face.   The two mares held each other’s gaze in the mirror for a few long moments before Twilight, at last, managed a reply: “You hid your dapples? Why?”

The regal princess of the night stood tall, a pleased smile playing at the sides of her lips. “Why indeed. They are an insult to my image. Tis only because of the sudden, unexpected exit We made from this vessel that my cover failed.”

“But they’re cute!”

The coy smile slipped out of hiding, “thou thinkest them cute?”

“Well... I mean- objectively of course. Not that I’m trying to say- uh... well... yes. Fine. They kind of- really do look cute on you. Okay?”

Luna settled into a seated position upon her polished floor, her rear still faced her crush as she gazed at the cute unicorn behind her in the mirror. “May we continue this discussion in a few moments? I encountered something unusual in the dreamscape with Rainbow Dash.”

“You mean it wasn’t a nightmare?”

“Nay. It was. But it turned out to be more than a nightmare.”

Twilight sat up, rather perturbed. “More? We should check on her then!”

“And we shall,” Luna’s horn filled the room with a flash of light.

The two mares appeared in the lobby of the royal hospital. Luna cast a quick glance around, “Rainbow Dash is in ward seven, correct?”

Twilight nodded. “We must check on her.”

“Ooooh, sounds like a plan!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she popped up between the duo.

Luna’s wings flared in shock and a strangled cry escaped her. “What unholy-! How did thou appear so?”

“Like this?” Pinkie effortlessly zipped around the alicorn and waved her forelegs, “easy!”

“She’s just being Pinkie Pie,” reasoned Twilight. “Where are the others? I think Rainbow Dash might be in some kind of trouble.”

“They’ll be here any moment, don’t you worry,” Pinkie grinned back.

“Thanks, Pinkie,” Twilight replied as she took off at a swift trot down the hallway.

Luna slipped away from the party pony and hastened to her mare’s side. She was quick to reason that Twilight was, after all, her mare. She gave the bouncing pony a cautionary glance as Pinkie kept pace.






Canterlot Castle, hospital

At the bedside of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy sighed. The mare had no idea how long she had been sitting there, clutching onto her lover’s hoof for dear life. She was sure the nurse had come and gone to check on them both. Other than that... life felt as though it had been paused as she waited in silence for her beloved to return.

  Her tummy itched a bit and she rubbed a forehoof against one of the spots where the griffons had punctured her skin. She was reminded of how she had been told to be very careful. The buttery yellow mare sighed.

 Fluttershy rose slowly. Her right wing itched from within its bandages. She grit her teeth and tried to fight off the feeling. The lonely mare stretched and a few light pops and cracks rang out. As she worked a few joints loose her mind wandered. When would Rainbow Dash wake up? Was she okay? Was she dreaming?

A knock at the door caused the timid pegasus to jump in surprise, “eep! Who’s there?”

“Hiiiiii!” Pinkie Pie burst into the room in an explosion of party streamers. Two light blue and pink balloons floated in after her.

Fluttershy almost hit the ceiling from the sheer volume. How her Rainbow Dash remained out cold was a mystery.

“Pinkie, you were told to be quiet,” Twilight’s reprimand preceded the mare as she entered.   Princess Luna remained at the rear of the small party.

“Sorry, I guess I was just really really really excited see Fluttershy awake,” the party pony faltered.

“But still,” Applejack spoke up from the hallway outside, “please try tone that down.”

The somewhat annoyed farmer entered the room, “we do still have one unconscious pony here.”

“Yep.” Pinkie turned to recovering pegasus, “it’s wonderful to see that you’re awake. I’m sorry I scared you.”

“Oh, it’s okay.” Fluttershy smiled as she leant against her fillyfriend’s bed. “I’ve only been awake for a little while. Rainbow Dash might still need more sleep before she wakes up. She did... try and defend me... all by her self...”

Rarity paused in the doorway, Spike by her side as she digested the solemn words.   

A few tears glistened in the bright green eyes of the animal caretaker as she tenderly beheld the face of her lover. “She was so brave...”

Rarity hastily approached and threw her forelegs around the quivering mare. The other three friends quickly joined in the hug.

Luna stood near the doorway, awkwardly watching the mob of ponies crowding the downed speedster’s bed. Her gaze was fixated upon the mare who lay there, breathing slowly and ever so peacefully. 

Spike glanced up at the powerful alicorn as he too hovered at the edge of the group. Seeing her transfixed upon the bedridden Rainbow Dash, he settled for slowly approaching Rarity and Twilight as they broke from the hug.

The mare of the night paid no heed to the chatter of the group of friends as they settled beside Rainbow Dash’s bedside. The princess lit her horn and with a rush of magic, felt the downed pony before her. Her magic confirmed that the mare was, in fact, alive and recovering. The magically healed wounds had been accepted well enough that she should wake, well but weakened.

Yet something bugged at the princess of the night. She felt as though she had missed yet another important detail. Something. She huffed. Luna realized there was a lavender hoof waving in her face. She cancelled her magic and straightened up. “Sorry.”

Twilight gazed up at her date in concern. “Are you okay? You seemed vacant. And why were you using magic on Rainbow Dash?”

“Is she okay?” Fluttershy spoke up then ducked back shyly as Luna paid attention to her. “Sorry, just that’s my Rainbow Dash you were... um...”

Luna quirked a brow at the shy pegasus who had trailed nervously off. “Thou art within thy rights to ask. We were merely assessing her vessel. It appears that my sister’s magic, along with the work of hospital staff is well received.”

“You think she might wake up soon?” Fluttershy replied hopefully.

“That is not for me to say, We do not wish to get thy hopes up.”

“But she is okay?”

“Correct,” Luna affirmed. “Weakened, but okay.”

“Thank you,” Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief and gave her fillyfriend’s hoof a light, supportive squeeze.

Twilight leant in closer toward the dark alicorn, “is something wrong?”

“Tis nothing. Just something I wish to discuss with mine sister.”

“Oh,” Twilight accepted.

“Want us to bring you something nice for breakfast?” Pinkie Pie enthusiastically offered the yellow pegasus.

“Um... I guess. I’m pretty sure I have to stay here all week and I want to be here, right next to Rainbow Dash. I want to be right here for her when she wakes up.”

“But what if it isn’t until tomorrow, or two days later that she wakes up?” Rarity asked. “If you need rest, surely you should be on your own bed resting. You don’t want to be a mess when she wakes up.”

Fluttershy turned to her mare, “I might ask if it’s okay to have our bed’s moved close together so I can hold her hoof.”

  “We can ask a nurse to do that,” Luna offered.

“That would be wonderful if you could, thank you.”

“In that case We shall visit the nurse, then we must see Celestia,” Luna replied then set off out of the room.

“Want to have breakfast with us?” Pinkie offered Twilight.

The lavender mare hesitantly shook her head, “sorry. Luna needs me.”

“Okie dokie,”

“Go on dear,” Rarity spoke up as she noticed the uncertain look cast their way by her fellow unicorn. “We can stay with Fluttershy for a few more minutes before we head off to breakfast.”

“Okay, thanks, girls.”





Canterlot Castle, Throne Room

Two mares appeared in Celestia’s throne room with a light twinkle of moonlight that dissipated in a soft cloud into daylight.

Two regal looking unicorn stallions span around to face the pair who had appeared behind them.

From her throne, Celestia eyed her sister inquisitively. “Yes, sister?”

“We must speak with thee immediately,” The dark alicorn announced.

“Is this matter unable to wait until after court?”

“Nay sister.”

“Understood.” The solar alicorn turned to the two nobles who sat before her. “I am sorry, but I must speak with my sister. If you could please wait outside while I speak with her. Our session shall resume once I have spoken with her.”

“Yes, princess.” The pair bowed low then strode out. As they passed the two newly appeared mares, one of the stallions shot Luna a reproachful look.

Twilight noticed and tracked the haughty stallion’s progress right up to the door. She relaxed as the large doors slammed shut.

“What’s wrong, dear sister?” Celestia spoke as the echo of the door faded.

“Rainbow Dash vanished from the dream realm.”

“When?” The concerned solar princess hurried down to meet her sister and student.

“About ten minutes ago.” 

  “But we left her in a stable condition at the hospital yesterday.”

“We know, but that’s not all. On the way here, she had a nightmare. We entered the dream realm to help her and as we fought to enter her dream, her door faded and the connection to her soul disappeared. As we tried to find out what happened, she reappeared, her soul quiet and still. I returned to my body then Twilight and myself rushed to her bedside. She is alive and recovering but not awake.”

“I have never heard of ponies souls disappearing from your dream realm unless they are deceased. Please, correct me if I’m wrong.” Celestia replied sternly.

“Never,” Luna confirmed. “Except it has. One other dreamer this morning.”

Celestia cast her sister a guarded, inquisitive look.

“Thy daughter.”

“What happened?” Shocked and concerned, Celestia towered over her sister. It felt like the mighty alicorn gained an extra hoof or more in height.

“I didn’t- I thought...” Luna stuttered.

“You have a daughter?” Twilight exploded, her eyes wide as she gazed up at her mighty mentor.

“I do. Although I have kept her a secret for many years... until my sister announced it.”

Luna shrank back a step from her older sibling, “I’m sorry, but-”

“Is she safe?” Celestia once again rounded on her sister who shrank back.

“Yes. I think so. She was dreaming of-” Luna shot Twilight glance. “Chaotic... We only noticed because I was passing her spirit. The door to her dream grew dark then vanished. I- I had no idea what to do. While it is most unusual for her soul to be hidden from me, her soul reappeared before my panic grew enough for me to seek thee out.”

Luna sighed, her head hung low. “I was unsure how to pursue the matter further. But when Rainbow Dash’s dream did the same just now... We realized... some creature may be invading my dreamscape.”

A tense silence filled the throne room.

Celestia’s mighty wings flexed. The largest wingspan in all of Equestria extended to full display then settled. The intense solar princess stood tall, “Luna, I want you to find out why my daughter and Rainbow Dash disappeared from your dreamscape. Then I want you to find the creature responsible for invading your realm and I want them in my throne room for judgment. You have my permission to seek Twilight’s help but please don’t let this news spread further than us three.”

“Yes, sister.”

Twilight gazed between the pair of alicorns, wide eyed. What just happened?

Celestia relaxed as she turned to her loyal student, “Twilight, please come and see me at lunchtime in private. There is something I must tell you.”

“Okay, sure.” The young unicorn apprehensively replied. “But there is one more thing.”

Celestia sighed. “Is it about the griffons, or another missing artifact?”





Canterlot Castle
 
“Well... that went well...” Twilight huffed as she walked along through the palace hallways toward the library. A dark blue alicorn walked in step alongside her, a concerned look upon her muzzle.

“Surely thou realized before that thy pegasus friend, Rainbow Dash was unlikely to awaken so soon.” Luna offered softly in consolation. “At least your other friends were there to visit too?”

“I don’t mean that. It was wonderful to see Fluttershy awake.” Twilight groaned as she shot her friend a pointed look. “I mean Celestia.”

Luna nodded stiffly, “oh. Yes. I do wish the topic of divergent personalities had been kept till later.”

“How was I supposed to know she would ask me something like that? We can’t just lie to her, can we?”

Luna’s head sank with shame, “No. We- I... guess not.”  

Twilight sighed. “Now, thanks to my big mouth she wants to speak to me alone and I feel as though I just failed something important.”

Luna slowed to a slow walk, her gaze fixated upon the pretty unicorn at her side. “Pray tell why thou thinkest this way?”

Twilight shot a pointed look at the dark alicorn at her side as she slowed to match the alicorn’s dawdle. “I don’t know. It might have had something to do with your wing when it settled on my back as though I belonged to you. Or maybe it was the whole, losing an artifact thing. Her first question was direct enough. Or maybe it was the inner nightmare, or even whatever is going on in your dream realm.”

Luna wilted under the annoyed glare of the young scholar. She faltered to stop and Twilight was forced to calm her marching pace.

The purple unicorn sighed as she realized her words probably caused a great deal of hurt to the sensitive alicorn. Luna was not her sister... ‘Sensitive matters with her clearly require somepony with a lot more tact than me. Could somepony so touchy really be right for me?’ Twilight forced her doubt aside as her eyes rose to meet the distraught alicorn. 

A hunchbacked Luna was sullenly looking out the window toward the gardens below.

“Look, I’m sorry... I’m still working on this whole, talking to other ponies thing. I- books are so much easier.” Twilight spoke softly as she tentatively approached the sad alicorn.

“We understand. But tis I who should be sorry is it not? We lost one of the few safe artifacts and there is darkness inside me...”

Twilight’s heart broke at the hurt tone and the way Luna sniffed and stifled her tears. Without a second thought, the lavender mare closed the distance between them and delivered a firm hug to her companion. “We all make mistakes Luna, many of mine are marked out in ink. Black and white... friendship reports to Celestia haven’t always been all that flattering.” 

  “As are my own mistakes,” Luna added solemnly.

“How- how about we go and study?”

The dark alicorn nodded briskly and wiped her muzzle with her right forehoof. Both mares shared a quiet moment before Luna stood. She continued resolutely toward the library, Twilight in tow.

“Tis a shame we will only get a few hours before my sisters’ summons take thou away.”

“Hey...” Twilight awkwardly leapt at the larger mare and hugged her as best she could. “I’ll be back. You could even join my friends in the city this afternoon.”

“And have everypony fall prone at the mere sight of me? I thinkest not.”

The lavender unicorn huffed. “Fine. Stay in the library then.”

“Twill give me time to plan.”

“What for?”

“A date with the most amazing mare I know.”

Twilight eyed the alicorn at her side. It was clear from the sudden burst of joy along with the way Luna almost seemed to be prancing on air that truly was looking forward to the date. “Just one, remember.”

All swagger vanished from the delighted mare. “But- it could lead to more?”

Twilight sighed. “Yes. It might, but I don’t want to promise you anything.” ‘You’ve already made this hard enough for me...’

“We understand. I- I guess, the best we could ever hope is the promise that thou shall try. We shall also be keeping a keener watch over the dream realm I wish to discover who has broken in.”

“Do you want my help?” Twilight tentatively asked, a hint of bubbling excitement in her voice.

“Tis dangerous.”

Twilight shrugged, “so are a lot of the other things I’ve done.”

“Then we shall be glad of thy help.”





Mighty Wing, Chief’s Nest

Under the brilliance of Celestia’s noon day sun, seven tough griffins sat impatiently around the round table in the Chief's Nest. This was their parliament house, the place where all major decisions were made. Decisions that would have implications across the whole of Griffonstone. The sturdy sandstone walls were bare. It was a bunker. Near impenetrable save for a small, slitted skylight above and the solid front door. Mid day sun shone through the slits above, a reminder that time was moving on.

Grandeur strode from the freshly closed door to the large table. He casually took his place at the head where he faced the seven other chieftains.  

“You’ve got some balls showing up like that,” growled Chief Stewie, a short creamy brown griffin with a light purple mane. He placed a claw on the table and looked ready to pounce on his fellow chief.

“Intended,” grinned Chief Grandeur. “That’s why I have two children and thou have none.”

A venomous hiss escaped the chief of the southern isles beak. “What did you just say?”

“I said...” With a loud slam, the mighty claw of the city's chief hit the ancient circular table.

All eyes settled on the proud beast as he rose. “I am here to claim what is mine... I expect you all to give thy allegiance to me. I call for a vote. Let us vote for who shalt take the mantle of high chief.”

“Well you're stupid then, aren't ya,” scoffed a grey griffin from the only other major griffin city. “I will never vote for ya, or my name’s ain’t Zeke the Untamable, chief of all who live in East Wing.”  

“I had hoped for as much...” murmured Grandeur to himself. He smirked arrogantly back at his fellow chieftain.  

“An’ what if I say you can go to Tartarus. Right now?” Zeke the Untamable challenged. He kicked aside his stone seat and rose tall and imposing, ready to pounce.

The supremely confident tawny brown griffon settled into his seat. “What was that? All I hear is a coward mewing like a little babe.”

Zeke squawked angrily, “your dead meat Grand-dad.”

Chief Grandeur grinned smugly at the angry beast before him. He rose regally and placed his foreclaws on the stone table. “Try me, deadbeat.”

A screech erupted as the grey griffin of East Wing leapt across the table, propelled by mighty wings.

Claws clashed and beaks snapped as the two chieftains tore at each other. Loud squawks rent the air as the pair battled for supremacy. They fought with raised forelegs, vying for an opening against each other. Claws ripped at the air as they circled each other on the table that suddenly felt far too small for the two large male griffons. After several more quick swipes, the pair of adversaries leapt away from each other, panting lightly.

Five of the six other griffons in the room unleashed various cries for blood. Squarks and cheering echoed around the small room as the battling chieftains circled each other on the tabletop.

Grandeur lapped up the racket as though it were the highest of praise. He stood tall and proud. Confident, despite the fact that more than half the griffons present were calling for his death.

“I’ll get ya’ this time!” Zeke the Untameable cried as he lunged at the ruler of Mighty Wing.

Claws met and quickly locked, wings flared and a brutal struggle for dominance began as both griffins attempted to push the other over. All the while beaks zipped around, seeking an entrance, to rend and tear flesh.

Despite his bluster, Grandeur found himself tiring under the constant assault of the younger and fitter griffin chieftain. Suddenly his back paws slipped on the hard stone. Distracted by his traitorous hind legs, the mighty griffin used his wings to steady himself. In the split second required to regain balance, his adversary’s beak found its mark on the soft neck tissues of the cocky ruler. Once, twice, a third time the predatory beak lashed out. Each time the surprised Grandeur took the blows to his face and neck. He swiped madly and grinned maniacally as his claws cut flesh.

Chief Grandeur unleashed a squawk of pain and fell back upon the hard floor. His forelegs curled reflexively around his neck, ready to shield from further assault. He could feel his rage settling upon him. Rage was good, it was powerful. He loved the sense of power it gave. He smiled up at his opponent as Zeke strutted toward his fallen opponent as if he were prey.

Zeke the Untameable scoffed at his downed opponent. “Come and get me you pathetic excuse for a city chieftain.”

Chief Grandeur continued to lay on the ground grinning like a cheshire cat.

One claw slipped into the small bag the chief of Mighty Wing had tied to his side. “Try me.”





Two Wonderbolts touched down in front of a pack of griffons.

The leader of the five griffons, a lightly armoured beast, strode up to the two ponies. “And wot are youse two doing in our lands?”

“I didn’t know there was a law against ponies in Griffonstone.” Spitfire scoffed back.

Soarin’s wide eyes levelled on his wife who delivered him a deadpan look back.

“Fiesdy ones, huh?” The lead griffon laughed. “Look, we have no problems wid youse kind visiting. I jus’ ad no idea wot youse are doin’ here.”

“That’s easy,” Spitfire replied cooly. “We are the personal emissary of Princess Celestia, here to deliver a message to the griffon council.”

The patrol leader laughed, “an’ wot could be so important as to needs their time, huh?”

“We were instructed to deliver this message directly to your leaders. Now please take us to them.” Spitfire requested as she took a step toward the lead griffon.

The patrol leader scoffed. “Youse do know dat only chief Grandeur live ‘ere right? Da uver chiefs ‘ave der own flocks.”

“Yeah, but the other chefs are in town for a big meeting of the tribes.” Another griffon piped up helpfully.

The leader slapped the offending speaker with his tail. “Shut up, ijjit. I wos dealin’ wid the horses.”

“Can we please talk to them?” Soarin spoke up. He noticed the sour expression on his wife’s face and pressed on, “I promise we won’t take much of their time.”

The lead griffon sighed. “Whatever. If youse got bits, I’ll take youse.”

“Or you can just take us ponies there,” Spitfire shot back.

“Dat not how it works ‘ere. Bits. Now. Or piss off!” The griffon clicked his claw and motioned for the money to be deposited upon it.

“Just... pay him, I guess.” Soarin shrugged.

“Are you sure?” Spitfire turned to her husband.

The blue colt nodded. “Yea, I guess. I’ll do it.” He hoofed over a couple of bits.

The griffon snatched the offering, felt the coins, pecked at them, then briskly pocketed the lot. “Foller me.”





“You murderer!” Chief Phaethon roared. The large tough griffon stood, shocked that anyone present would dare kill another member of the council in their special meeting space.

Crackling dark red magic receded from the master of Mighty Wing as he stood tall over his fallen foe. He flicked at his fur, dispelling droplets of his own blood. His neck was already scabbed over and looked right ugly on the grinning beast. “What was that? Oh, I’m sorry. But I have the talismans of Warbeak.”

The other griffons in the room glared at the delighted chieftain as silence descended upon the room.

Chief Grandeur continued, filled with confidence: “Therefore... As his heir by blood and a chieftain on the council of the eight tribes, I hereby claim the title of high chieftain over all griffins. Now, you can either vote me in or I’ll collect the other talismans from whence I have hidden them and show you why I claim to be lord of all Griffonstone.”

“Was this why you summoned us? To just take control?” asked Chief Patrick. The council elder sounded really miffed off and dug his claws into the round table in anger at the seemingly careless attitude his fellow chief had chosen to display. “You. Can’t. Just. Do that…”

“Why yes... thou art right,” nodded Chief Grandeur smugly. He tucked the two talismans in his left claw safely away once more. “You all know what the confirmed existence of the six talismans of Warbeak mean. It is our duty to sweep aside the weak excuse for creatures that is ponykind and claim the lands in this world that are rightfully ours. Now is the time I tell thee. Rise up... Support me and I will see to it that griffins emerge victorious. As you all have just witnessed... I, as heir of Warbeak the mighty am able to use his talismans. Therefore... I speak truth. Join my cause, dedicate your clans to me and together we shall not only cleanse the ponies from this land, but all others as well. It has already begun with the zebra tribes who live closest to our borders. We also have a ...pet... If you will, almost ready to be used in aid of our cause to wipe out the weak ponies.”

The soft clack, clack of a single griffin clapping rang out across the stunned room. Chief Harrison continued to applaud Grandeur as a highly awkward atmosphere settled upon all. “You finally have my support for supreme Chieftain of all the eight griffin tribes.”

The tough brown and black griffon had a face so tattooed and covered in blue and red warpaint you could not tell its original colour. He dragged a blood red claw across the stone table. A painful screech, like nails across the chalkboard, echoed around the bunker. Everygrif present cringed. “Well played. You scheming flankhole…”

“And Ah too,” added Saxon, a brawny brown and black griffon with a strong northern accent.  “Ah will vote for ye. Oh Grand master.”

Chief Ebonfeather, a tawny brown and black griffin who had remained silent chose to speak up too. “Alright... You have convinced me. My tribe is yours o merciless Grand Master…”

The quiet leader’s glare betrayed his sour feelings as he settled back. “You had better not get my tribe killed. We have little interest in your squabbles.”

At the conclusion of a third vote of confidence in the ruthless chief, Stewie unleashed a throaty growl. “Screw you. Neither I, nor any in the Southern Isles will support such scum. Can you not all see? He will get us all killed! I want a war, but not one that we will lose.”

Grandeur simply smiled back at the antagonistic griffin. He expected the short creamy brown griffin to reject his authority.

“Phaethon?” asked Chief Grandeur as he turned to the tribes’ law keeper.

All eyes turned to the black griffon with a white striped head. The chieftain sighed, “I won’t condone your actions... but you leave my tribe no choice. I will allow you to be high chief on one condition. You leave me in charge of my own tribe at all times. If I am to follow, I demand this of you.”

“Fine. Thy wish is granted,” shrugged Grandeur.

“And you will not get away free with the murder of one of our eight,” added the master of the law as he paged through an ancient looking tome. “In fact, if you give me a minute, I’m sure I can find an entry in here that dictates your sentence for fighting in this room.”

Grandeur shrugged. “Save it for after we win against the ponies. Then I don’t care what you do with me.”

“Thou is a liar and a cheat and a murderer... What a sorry arse of a ruler we have,” Chief Patrick muttered. 
“I’d burn thy tail and skin the feathers off thou wings if I were able. I see thee only have two of the six... Does this mean we are to be set on a wild goose chase? Or do you actually have more?” The council elder leaned forward intently, his gaze bored into the griffin who was about to become high chief of all Girffonstone.

“Yes, I do have more,” Chief Grandeur smiled keenly back.

“Then you have been doing a lot behind our backs...” muttered Patrick. Murmurs of agreement followed his comment.

Grandeur solemnly, “yes. War is upon us. Changelings, dragons and more have turned their eyes upon Equestria and the lands around. If we do not act, we will lose what is ours. I am coming down with an iron claw on rogue griffons who raid our lands, loot nests and kill for riches. I am making use of such beasts. Our internal strife is coming to an end. With me, we shalt rise. We can claim everything from Manehatten to Cloudsdale for ourselves.”

The mention of the magical city in the clouds spiked a positive response. Many a griffin had visited the cloud city. Everyone loved it. The only problem was its inhabitants.

“I offer thee it all,” added a victorious Grandeur.

“Buck it. You’ve got us. No wonder I saw a changeling so close to home.” Stewie stalked over to his new boss and glared up at the scarred face before him. “Because you’re workin’ with them, aren’t you?”

“Oh council...”

Creepy laughter rang out across the room. It echoed in a surreal way that caused all present to stiffen up at the unwelcome sound.

“Hello griffins,” the alien voice of the queen of the changelings rang out across the room once more. It sounded almost double pitched and full of mocking glee.

Fur bristled and feathers stood on end as everyone turned to face the intruder from above.

A guard flew down from the skylight. Somehow this creature had fitted through gaps too small for a chick to fall through. He stood before all, proud and tall on the sacred round table. The creature quickly morphed into the alien form of the changeling queen. Queen Chrysalis stood before all, her jet black form held an unreal sheen to it that unsettled the council even further.

"So nice of you all to welcome me here on such an important day." Her condescending tone remained as she addressed the chiefs.

"What is she doing here?" demanded Chief Patrick.

"Well she wasn't invited..." muttered Chief Grandeur. "State thy purpose. For no one is welcome at a council of the tribes save for the eight who rule.  

"I've come regarding the war." At her words, almost half the griffins in the room tensed, the impending war wasn’t the most popular topic in the roost.

"Then speak of this to me later. For soon this shall be over." The mighty chief of the griffins motioned to his fellow griffins in the room.

“Oh, but I think now is a perfect time...” Chrysalis almost purred with glee.

“I’m so delighted you failed to tell your fellow chieftains of our agreement.” The changeling sadistically smiled at the new ruler of the council. “May I enlighten them?”

Chief Grandeur felt like ripping the changeling to shreds. Just as he had won his fellow chieftains over, his secret ally was about to damage his already shaky reputation. “Fine!”  

Insect like wings buzzed as the queen of the changelings fluttered over to the grand master’s side. “As you all should know. We all are about to invade Equestria. I need their love, and-”

Before the queen could continue, the front doors burst open to reveal the blackguard. Two masked griffons dressed in black advanced quickly toward the changeling queen.

The changeling shrieked in surprise and fear. Her form flickered briefly.

“Stop all of you!” ordered Grandeur before any could reach his temporary ally.

“Chrysalis... Queen Chrysalis, is a friend... Our… ally.” He spat the word out as if it were poison. Then the grand master griffon noticed something was wrong.

Grandeur slowly rounded on the lone queen. “Where’s the real queen?” 

  “What do you mean?” Chrysalis asked.

A tense silence filled the room. Chief Grandeur stood tall and wiped at his bloodstained face. The guards who were now in the middle of the cramped room hesitated as they stared at the creature who for the briefest of moments, had been a much smaller changeling.

The other chieftains in the room wore various scowls and glares. Chief Phaethon clutched his precious lawbook, clearly at a loss over what to do.

Chief Harrison rose slowly, his wings erect in surprise. “I am sure I saw you flicker. Little changeling.”

The tattoed warbird strode up to the now quivering ‘queen’ and sneered at her. “Well?”

“S-she is busy. I... Ocellus am her protege... I was told to deliver her message while she captured and impersonated the princess of love.”

“She’s doing that already?!” Chief Grandeur roared.

“Yes. We tracked her down and found her ahead of time. Chrysalis has ordered us to move forward with our plans and I was to tell you all that we attack at the end of the week. The timing with events in Canterlot is too perfect.” 

 “I told her to wait! We need another two weeks!” Grandeur exploded. 

The figure of Chrysalis flickered out and warped into a meek looking young changeling, who was at most in her early teens. Several griffons in the room sneered at the poor youngster who cowered under their combined scathing gaze.

“She told me you were too slow. We... the mighty-” Her gaze flickered nervously around the room of bloodthirsty looking griffons. “Changelings will take Canterlot and remove Celestia from power by the end of this week. Um...”

“That was not the plan... We still have three more weeks. Not five days. All things are not in place yet.” Chief Grandeur seethed as he took a rage filled step toward the small changeling.

Ocellus turned into a rat as a stone seat was thrown at her. It crashed into the wall and fell to the floor cracked. The bunker bore a few minor cracks but was otherwise unharmed by Grandeur's rage. The young changeling shifted back into herself as the fuming master of the roost strode up to her.

“You get back there and tell your queen to wait. We agreed to coordinate our efforts! Can’t you love hungry slime balls wait? There are some dangerous ponies that we need to kill before we can have a serious chance.”

“I-I can inform the queen...” Ocellus shook fearfully before the enraged griffon, her body quivered tense and expectant that he would lash out again.

“You do that. And-”

“Wait, wait wait!” Cheif Stewie cut his fellow chieftain off as he strode up to stand beside the tattooed warbird, Harrison.

“You know what. I think I like that idea. I want to hear more. You sneaks take Canterlot... get rid of that dammed sun horse. We get slaves, more land for our broods and even better, Cloudsdale!” Chief Stewie replied, a sadistic grin on his face.

“What?” Several shocked griffins turned to the usually antagonistic griffin leader.

“That bug will make our war easer… Then I presume that our giant cunt Grandeur has a plan for moon pony and the six element bearers. Kill those seven and its game. We win!” The short, creamy brown griffon cheered. He relaxed against the cold stone wall, grinning at his fellows.

Chief Phaethon sighed. “It’s not quite that easy. But... Oh my lord, high chieftain... do you, in fact, have a plan to remove the lunar princess and the six element bearers from power?”

“I do.” A grin spread across the mighty griffon lord’s beak as he withdrew the claw talisman. “We are well placed to collect the last two talismans. Then we can summon Warbeak. ”

The hackles of most griffons in the room rose at the sound of that name.

Chief Saxon relaxed back against the cold stone wall of the bunker as he pointed at his long time accomplice with a sharp foreclaw. “Ya sneaky lil’ shit. Ah’ only knew of three of them.”

Several griffon chieftains shot the grinning brown and black griffon surprised glances.  

The relaxed catbird laughed, “what? Ya all knew I worked with Lord Asshole. What’s th’ shock? Oh... this is prime comedy this is... What’s next? You managed to tame that dragon Ah helped you catch?”

“As a matter of fact... I did.” Chief Grandeur replied, his left foreclaw pressed against the chitin of cowering changeling. “Now... before this little sneak hears too many of our plans...”

Anger flashed through the high Chief as he rounded on the poor young changeling once again. “You get back out there. You tell that queen of yours to wait two weeks or I will leave her to burn when she gets beaten by the very ponies she is trying to steal love from. You got it!” 

The roar of the angry grand master echoed around the small bunker.   Chief Grandeur backed the small princess shapeshifter into a corner, his tail lashed like a whip while his wings stood erect, ready for action. He pressed his beak against the cowering creature’s forehead as she nodded briskly. “Good... now get out of my sight.”

With a fearful ‘eep!’ the young changeling shapeshifted into an eagle and fled the room with frantic flapping.

  Chief Harrison broke out into laughter, followed by the other chieftains. “Good one. I wanted to skin her alive. But I think you got the message across.”

The smirking lord of all Griffonstone rounded on his now lesser chieftains, “yes. I did.”

Chief Ebonfeather spoke softly as he found his place at the table once more; “what’s this about a planned strike against the ponies? I want you to tell us everything.”

“Everything?” The high chieftain replied coyly. “Do you doubt me?”

Silence. Rough, angry silence took over in the absence of the changeling messenger.

“Looks like someone has to come clean…” stated Chief Phaethon. “And I don’t care if I just voted you as my leader, I will gut you like a fish if you are found to be lying to us again!”

“Yes. Tell us everything.” Ebonfeather spat. “And I can’t help but wonder why your so-called ally decided to try and move the attack forward..?”

From the immediate physical response by his fellow chieftains, it was clear they all wished to hear what had been hidden.  

“I shall… after thou all swear allegiance to me,” replied Grandeur as he brushed more blood off his coat. He tenderly felt at his neck where the now dead chief of East wing had attacked him. It hurt, but somehow was not bleeding. He grinned. That was a nice surprise. This was certainly a moment to remember.

As his fellow chieftains continued to talk around and to him, the new lord of all griffins congratulated himself for such a perfect plan. Nothing could stop what was about to happen. A sharp claw found the corpse of Zeke, the chieftain truly had been untamable. Grandeur took a moment to consider the best replacement for the deceased chief of the city, East Wing. Whoever they turned out to be, they would just so happen to be a loyal supporter of their new master.

The greying beast smiled to himself. The next few days were sure to be a lot of fun. “Do any of you know how our ancestors killed alicorns?”

The six other chieftains in the room stared blankly back at the grinning high chief. “No?”

“What do you mean, killed alicorns?” Harrison spoke up, a growing smile spreading across his beak. “I thought the sun horse was forever.”

“Now there, you are wrong...” Cheif Grandeur smiled back. “The royal sun horse was not always the one to raise the sun. Allow me to give you all a little insight...”
> Chapter 23: Shockwaves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle, throne room
Mid day.

Twilight stood stock still, her whole body in shock as Celestia paused her monologue. After many painful moments, Celestia at last continued softly:

“-Warbeak as he called himself...  He poisoned the magic of the alicorns and our kin died terrible, horrific deaths. The few remaining draconequus fled this world. My husband tried to save our children. He succeeded with our youngest... but- but...” Celestia trailed off as tears ran down her white cheeks and fell like tiny sparkling gems to the floor. 

“Princess...?” Twilight took a step forward to hug her mentor then froze. She stood stock still in shock as the weight of her mentor’s words sank in. Husband? Children? Not one... but two foals?!? It felt as though a giant tub of freezing cold water had just been dumped on her as she stood there. Twilight had no idea what to do with this new information.

The mighty princess Celestia had children?

...And lost one of them?

The young unicorn closed the gap and gave her mentor a tight hug. “I- I don’t think I can even imagine how much that must have hurt... did- did you lose your husband too?”

“He-” Celestia glanced outside, tearful as she hugged back. “He fell to the very devices he thought would save him.”

“Oh. What about your younger child?”

The mighty alicorn took a few deep, unsteady breaths. “She is safe.”

 “Is- is she still alive? Where is she now?”

“Far away from here, but alive." Celestia paused for a moment, as ancient painful memories returned unbidden to her.





Firey tongues of wrath licked at pure white hooves. The fire coursed along the young mare’s bloodied white coat and up her multicoloured mane. Two of the largest wings to ever grace a young alicorn extended as a pillar of flame shot out of her horn and into the sky. The beam of white fire faded and left a blazing alicorn in its place. As Celestia touched down the earth under her hooves blackened and all plants nearby withered and burned under the red flames that sprung up. 

Celestia staggered for a moment as the weight of the sun settled on her mind. She made sure the connection to her celestial body was strong then allowed her focus to shift to the outside world. A surprised looking giant griffon who stood as tall as three, clad in royal purple silk and wearing golden armour touched down the middle of the clear felled valley.

Luna picked herself up from an alicorn sized crater in the bushes some way off. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of her sister. Celestia nodded to her sibling once. A dark blue bubble of magic flickered weakly into existence to shield Luna from the unwelcome heat. Luna watched in silence as her older sister continued to stride toward the grinning giant griffon, unafraid.

Around the large clear felled section of forest, mighty trees continued to stand. Within their bounds, griffon’s clashed with all three races of pony kind. Explosions, clashing of steel and cries carried out from the forest line. 

The gargantuan griffon laughed as he flew further away from the heat to rest on a fallen log. “Nice party trick. Don’t tell me, thou can talk to the sun now?”

“We art the sun!” The young alicorn’s voice boomed out.

The griffon flinched at the mere volume of the royal Canterlot voice. “Oh please. Thou art only alive because thou realized what my little ...gift... did. Oh and mine favourite part... thou were too late to save thine parents.”

“And for thine actions, thou shalt burn!”
At Celestia’s declaration tongues of white and blue fire shot from her form toward the griffon lord.





“Celestia!”

“Princess, are you okay?”

Celestia realized that a purple unicorn was shaking her. She was in her throne room. That purple pony was her student. Oh.  
“Twilight! I’m fine.”

Twilight gazed with great concern at her mentor, stunned that the alicorn she knew as calm, collected and in control could break down in front of her so much. “Princess, a-are you okay?”

“I will be alright, thank you.”

The young scholar backed up a little, “W-well uh... then. Are you sure?”

Celestia stood tall and strode to the stained glass window depicting the elements of harmony and their bearers. She gazed out over her lands below and took several deep, slow breaths. “Do not worry about me Twilight, I am alright. Sometimes thousands of years worth of memories catch up with me and I require a moment to relax and let it pass.”

Twilight crept closer to her mentor, “oh. Well... if you don’t mind telling me... What was your family like?”

“Delightful...” A faint yet pleasant smile crossed the white mare’s face. “Chaotic, yet the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me.”

“Might I be able to meet your younger daughter sometime?” Twilight asked with trepidation as she sat beside her teacher.   

A faint smile lit Celestia’s muzzle. “You may, yes. I hope that she is safe out there, somewhere the griffons cannot touch her.”

The lavender unicorn’s face darkened. “The griffons... what are we going to do about them? They don’t seem to be very friendly.”

“Alas, they do not appear interested in friendship, no.” After several pensive moments, the princess continued: "My sister and I hid the griffon’s artifacts. We erased their memory from history books. No creature could contain the evil the malicious elements carried, nor could we destroy them. Warbeak was cast into the depths of Tartarus. A spirit without form. I fear the griffon leaders may have plans to bring his spirit back into this world using the six artifacts."

"Can I do anything to help?" Twilight tentatively asked.

Celestia glanced down at her loyal student with a sombre smile. "Study. Try to learn a collection of spells that could be used in a fight."

“I can do that,” hope crept into the unicorn's tone. “Do you think we can avoid a big fight?”

Celestia’s gaze was drawn to the outside once more, where her precious ponies were going about their days, hopefully still carefree. “Possibly. But a thousand years of peace leaves us few true warriors and I am no master of war. I like peace and order. To see all creatures grow and thrive under my sun. My greatest hope for stopping this madness is in one of the three griffon elements I hid.”

“That means we are safe, right? If they can’t find that one, they won’t be able to summon him... Warbeak? RIght?”

Celestia replied softly. “Beautiful, is it not?”

Twilight gazed up at her mentor, down to the city then back up. She was clearly wondering where Celestia was leading the conversation. “Yes, Canterlot is a very beautiful city.”

“It is for them I will fight if I must. I foresee a rough month ahead, but if preparations continue as well as they are currently proceeding, I expect to allow our citizens to continue to enjoy their way of life.”

Twilight gazed hopefully up at her teacher, “so you think the griffons can be persuaded to back down?”

Celestia nodded slowly. “They will, if they witness the correct show of power.”

“Oh.”

Celestia sighed. Her gaze dropped to the inner sanctum of her castle, inside the wall where her personal staff and guards were busy preparing for the worst. "I have been meaning to tell you something for a while now..."

"Um... okay?" A sense of foreboding fell upon Twilight. She didn't like the tone of voice or the way Celestia appeared to zone out.

Although the ancient alicorn stood tall and proud, a look of sadness filled her features as she turned to her loyal student. “Ever since you were a little filly I have been training my possible replacement."

The news hit Twilight like a ton of bricks. She almost fell over. The young scholar felt like running away, to hide or simply evade the underlying implications of why she had been raised as the mighty alicorn's replacement.

"When you were young, the griffon council and I met here in this very throne room. They were angry. They required that I find a successor. Although I promised them I would teach you at least some of the art of war, in the years since I chose not to. After all, ponies need a wise leader, not a warrior.” The mighty princess sighed, “it now appears that my actions bear a cost. You see Twilight, when the time comes, you are to be the new princess of Equestria. It is time to take the next step to fulfill your destiny."

Twilight stood in shock as she slowly digested the news. "But... but... what...?" She stammered. "A princess...?"

"Yes."

"Does this mean I won't be your student anymore?" The young mare’s voice rose in both volume and pitch, filled with worry.

"I will still be here for you, to see you take your final steps to become the new leader Equestria needs. It is clear to me that my time as Princess is ending. It shall come to an end, regardless of if I’m ready or not." Princess Celestia's motherly gaze never left her student and despite the shocking news, the mighty alicorn did her best to exude calm.

"Is... is there a book or something that I can study on how to be a princess?" Twilight fumbled as she fought to calm herself from the sudden rush of nerves.

"It is not something books can teach. But, Luna is happy to help you."

"Luna knows? I-I well... I would be honoured to have her as my teacher as well. But- Princess... I've been wondering... Why not just send Luna or the guards out to retrieve these 'griffon elements' then keep them here, safe?" The future princess asked, eager to take the conversation off the topic of her impending coronation.

"The absence of one of the princess's or a number of my personal guard would attract too much attention. We here in Canterlot are being watched. Even one so reclusive as Luna cannot go unnoticed for too long. Besides, the one griffon artifact that I am certain remains safe is in the claws of Spike’s father. He would be swift to inform me should his lair be invaded by any creature."

Twilight gaped at the regal mare, “Spikes dad? You know Spikes father?!?”

Twilight gazed up at her mentor with wide eyes. Maybe Spike could visit his father? “You say he looks after it? But- if it’s just in the dragon kingdoms-”

“It is not in the dragon kingdoms,” Celestia firmly cut her protege off.

“Oh. Do you know where he is then?”  

“I do,” Celestia nodded then returned her gaze to the outside world. “And none are to know where he resides, else he may find himself attacked and that which he holds, taken.”

“Oh. That’s a shame, I’m sure Spike would love to see his real dad.”

A faint smile ghosted the lips of the mighty alicorn. “That he would. You are most welcome to inform him that his father lives.”

“Do you know about his mother?”

“I do not.”

Twilight nodded somberly, “okay.”

Silence fell.

Celestia gazed out the window toward the garden that held the statue of her Discord. Although she could not see him from here, the knowledge of his presence helped calm the ache in her heart.

Twilight shifted her weight between her hooves, “Uh... anything else? Or should I ...head back to Luna?”

Celestia turned to her student once more while the many cogs in her mind span rapidly, weighing her words with her own plans. She could tell her student right now about becoming an alicorn. Yet she was sure that would do more harm than good. But she also needed to expedite Twilight’s path. Her ponies did not have two years. They had until this proposed meet with the griffon council, if she was lucky. Worst case, they had four or five days according to some of her spies. She could see the trepidation written plainly upon Twilight’s face as she gazed up at her. Celestia took a deep breath, her mind made up. “One last thing. I have a book for you.”

The young mare brightened at the mention of literature. “Will it help me become a princess?”

Celestia nodded, “yes, in a sense. It is a spellbook and inside there is one Starswirl himself could not finish.”

“Starswirl? You’re giving me one of his spell books?” Twilight’s excitement went up in smoke as the rest of the sentence sank in. “How am I supposed to finish one of his spells? He’s Starswirl the bearded!”

“Do not be so fast to put him on an unreachable pedestal.” Celestia cautioned. “I had planned on giving it to you in two years time, yet the griffon threat forces it upon you now.”

“So you’re expecting me to what, to finish the spell? What does it do?”

“That, you will have to discover for yourself. Although since time is short, I recommend you ask for my sister’s help.”

“Why can’t you help me, especially if you know what it does?” 

  “Because this journey is yours to walk Twilight and I have a war to prevent, even if it means I am no longer fit to rule.”

“What? How could you possibly not be fit-”

“Do not concern yourself with me.”

“But-” 

  “Twilight.” Celestia’s tone was firm, yet still motherly. “I have told you more than enough already. Please trust me.”

Twilight slowly released air through her nose in a drawn out huff. Yet try as she might be annoyed with her mentor, the prospect of working on Starswirl’s work was exhilarating. “Okay, when can I get this book?”

Celestia smiled. “I shall personally deliver it to you after court.”

“Okay.”

Celestia offered the young unicorn a hug, which Twilight accepted. The scholar gazed up at her mentor as large white wings enveloped her. “Are you okay with me dating your sister, it’s not weird is it?”

The mighty princess of the sun smiled down at the nervous unicorn. “I think it would do then both of you good. Should you decide that is what your heart truly wants, you have my blessing. But please, look inside yourself and make sure this is what you want before you proceed. I fear that allowing Luna to lead you both on could do great damage if not handled properly.”

Twilight gulped. Not good. “Noted. Thank you... I’ll- this is a lot to process...”

“Yes, it is. I am most sorry to place such a large burden upon you now.”

Twilight nodded, her mind spinning in many different directions at once. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know.” Celestia smiled.

Twilight nodded again, haltingly then turned and slowly trekked to the large double doors that led out.

The regal alicorn turned from her student and strode to her throne where she sat.

Twilight paused at the door and span around to face her mentor. "Oh and Princess... I'm so sorry to hear that you lost a daughter."

Celestia smiled a sad smile as her eyes met the bright shining orbs of her students'. "Thank you."

Twilight trekked through the main double doors and turned left toward the library, her breathing erratic and her mind jumpy like a bunny under fire. “Princess... me? Celestia’s daughter... kids..?”

Twilight leant against a pillar in the hallway for a few moments as the inner pressure continued to rise till it became unbearable. She had to find somepony now!

The unicorn took off at a frantic gallop past a pair of guards and off toward the library.

Celestia spotted two guards entering from the main door and unleashed a final sigh before allowing her serene exterior to return.

“Princess, we have ten ponies outside who seek an audience with you.”

“Let them in.” Celestia’s calm reply set the guards into action. If somepony were to approach Celestia now, they would have no clue that anything was ever wrong.
Inside, Celestia felt as though the sun was at war with her darker self. 





Griffonstone, Mighty Wing

Outside the griffon’s parliament house Chief Grandeur paused. He stood tall as a griffon guard landed in front of him in the middle of the street.

The solo griffon stepped forward nervously to meet his master, “sir.”

“Yes?”

“Two dignitreees of Celestia arrived. Dey wished ta see youse.”

The chief sighed, “I will not see any ponies.”

The captain glanced behind himself before he tentatively returned his gaze to the chieftain. “Uh... I told dem... Uh...  we tries to tell dem but dey insisted...”

Grandeur rubbed his temple. “You what?”

“We have a message for the griffon tribes,” Spitfire announced as she rounded the corner, her husband hot on her heels.

“I will not be seeing ponies today.” Grandeur stated coldly.

“This will only take a moment of your time, sir.” Soarin reminded as he strode to his wife’s side.

The chieftain sighed and rolled his eyes, “away with it. What does your princess want?”

Soarin fished the scroll out of her pack and presented it with a bow.

Chief Grandeur scoffed. He deftly plucked the scroll from the blue pony and began to read.

A tense moment settled upon the group. Once Grandeur finally finished reading he slowly lowered the letter and smiled at the two ponies before him. “I will gladly meet with your princess.”

A hit of surprise ripped across the light blue stallion. The yellow pegasus stood by his side, cool and collected.

“Thank you,” Spitfire gave a hint of a bow. 

Grandeur smirked, pleased by the stallion’s response. “Tell the princess. I don’t mind if they both come.” 





Thousands of years ago, somewhere in Central Equestria

The griffon lord Warbeak took to the skies and narrowly dodged the young princesses’ fire. He landed, singed and clearly pissed off.

Fire lashed out, frantic and unchecked from Celestia. Both griffon and pony soldiers ran for their lives as the forest land around them burned. The enraged princess bearly registered their screams or her sister’s cries as the dark alicorn took to the sky.

All that mattered to the burning alicorn was the destruction of the large griffon who dared wage war against her precious ponies and family.   The beast summoned some kind of shield that sprung from his forearm just in time to block another blast of fire. He swooped down toward Celestia and the young princess barely escaped the rake of his talons.

The singed giant griffon continued to exchange frantic blows, both magical and physical as the two combatants took to the skies. The land below continued to burn unchecked at a speed that caught many souls, both friend and foe in its fury.

Each near miss of Warbeak’s huge talons struck fear into Celestia’s heart. Her head began to pound with the weight of the sun’s oppressive link. It made it hard to focus as she ducked and dodged, frantically evading his aggressive assault. She threw another fireball, narrowly missed then found herself locked horn and hoof against razor sharp claws. She stared at the beast in her face who dwarfed her. Despite the fire, he grinned back. 

As his talons dug into her armoured hooves she felt a weight lift as he cut the molten gold from her. Celestia roared in pain and blasted the towering griffon with fire. The gargantuan beast swooped off and sent a blast of pure, dark energy barreling toward her.   The dark orb collided with Celestia and the explosion threw her from the skies like a rag doll. She crashed into the burning earth below and lay there, her world hazy as the link to her sun faltered. She snatched back mental connection and felt the ball of fire dim ever so slightly in the sky. As the griffon lord bore down upon her, Celestia mustered everything she had left in herself and vanished into the sunlight.





Canterlot Palace

“...As you can see Princess, our request meets all your requirements. We were hoping you could facilitate our needs to see this project attains success quickly.”

“I’m sorry.” Celestia gazed at the last two unicorns who stood before her. She realized she had no idea what their request was. “Please repeat your request. My mind wandered.”

The two stallions glanced at each other then bowed low. “As you wish,” the light blue stallion to the right replied slowly. “We have come-”

The princesses’ mind once again began to wander like a lost earth pony in the Everfree forest as the pair before her once again laid out their request.

The fire. The rage. She had hurt both pony and griffon alike that day. Celestia remembered her quiet promise, to never again use the wrath of the sun in battle. As a part of her mind paid attention to the unicorn’s request, the back of her mind continued to wander.

The royal alicorn could still see that valley, dead and scarred for over fifty years till the magic left.

Celestia remembered hiding the artifacts with her sister. She remembered going to the dragon lords and the promise she made in exchange for hiding the last talisman.

Her mind wandered further afield to the griffons... what plan were they cooking up? They had something. Her scouts were unable to determine exactly what, but something had given them the courage to consider the prospect of conquest once more.

The mighty alicorn jolted. Something horrible had just happened. Her mother’s sense was never wrong. It had to be Cadance!

The pair of guards along with the two posh unicorns in the room gazed at their princess in shock.

“P-princess?” 

  “I am sorry. I must see my sister this instant. Please see me tomorrow.” With that, Celestia teleported out of the throne room leaving four gobsmacked ponies behind.





Griffonstone, Mighty Wing

Once the pesky pegasi had become dots on the horizon, Grandeur turned and began to laugh as he walked toward his home.

The guards nearby shared cautious glances.

“Ah... silly ponies.”

“Sir?” The black guard captain asked carefully as he approached his boss.

“They can have their little peace meeting, but I can play this to our advantage. Are the pets ready?”

“Yes sir.”

Grandeur smiled a deadly smile. “Good. You have two weeks to ensure there are no behaviour disorders of any kind. I’m going to call the Storm King.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“I wonder... where is that Crysalis hiding...” Grandeur mused to himself as he continued to stride through the city as though he personally owned every part of it.





Somewhere between the Unicorn Range and Galloping Gorge

Five fresh cocoons jiggled about in the tree tops as a train sped past, less than a quarter mile away. A score of changelings in the tree tops tended to the captives who had been so close to a safe trip hope.
 As the nearby tracks, less than a quarter mile away became cold and silent once more, a large black changeling strode out from behind cover.

Chrysalis sighed, her gaze lingered on two pods in particular and she smiled victoriously. “So much love...”





Canterlot palace, Celestia’s bedroom

Luna jolted up in her sister’s bed as she returned with a rush to the waking world.

“Is she okay? Can you sense her?” Celestia almost jumped on her sibling, filled to bursting with anxiety.

“Aye-” Luna chocked as white hooves constricted her windpipe. 

The darker princess unravelled her sister’s grip, “she lives. Cadance appears to be okay.”

Celestia almost collapsed under the weight of her own relief. But what triggered her maternal sense in such a way?

“Although tis odd, I discovered both her and Shining Armor to be in dreamless sleep.” Luna mused with mild concern.

Anxiety rippled across Celestia’s muzzle once more. “But it’s past midday.”

“That it is.” Luna agreed thoughtfully. “Perhaps they are resting someplace safe?”

“They may have made it to the train...” Celestia mused. “I hope she made it to the train. Maybe I’ll send her a message and check.”

“Sister. Would a message best be sent once she is awake?”

The solar princess caught herself and nodded, “you are right. Please keep an eye on the dreamscape and inform me when she wakes up.”

Luna nodded. “I shall.”





 Canterlot Castle, hospital

Fluttershy quickly sat up in bed and winced as the door to her ward slammed open and Pinkie Pie bounced in like a loose spring. “Hiiii Fluttershy!”

“Hello Pinkie Pie.”

“We’re going into the city! I said to everypony, we must visit Fluttershy first, sooooo here we are!”

The light yellow mare smiled thankfully.

Rarity, Applejack, Spike and a rather rattled looking Twilight walked into the room, each greeting the bedridden pegasus.

“How are you feeling?” Twilight asked.

“I’m... okay.” Fluttershy sighed wistfully as she gazed at her love. Rainbow Dash lay beside her within hooves reach thanks to the two beds being beside each other. The shy mare daintily traced a hoof along her precious blue mare’s foreleg. So light was the touch of the yellow hoof one could almost mistake the blue mare for brittle glass. “I just wish my Rainbow Dash would wake up.”

“I’m sure she’s going to be alright,” Rarity glanced at her friends for support. “I mean... she did have the princess and many other of the most talented medical professionals operate on her.”

“I know...” Fluttershy settled down somewhat into her bed. “But it feels like forever since I last saw her... I miss her so much...”

The visitors glanced between themselves before returning their attention to the distraught pegasus.

“Is there anything we can do to help, darling?” Rarity offered as she approached the yellow mare’s side of the joined beds.

Fluttershy glanced up from the bandaged up form of Rainbow Dash and did her best to smile back. “Um... no. I don’t want to be a burden to anypony.”

Applejack strode up to the bed, “shucks, you ain’t being a burden. We’re here to help. Want us all to come back and spend some time with you as soon as our trip is over?”

Fluttershy nodded meekly.

“Well alright.” The farmer smiled. “An’ what if we jus’ stay here with you now?” 

“Oh, no... Please, enjoy yourselves. I want you to have some fun and explore this city.” Fluttershy insisted softly. 

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked carefully. 

The bedridden pegasus nodded briskly. “Please. I’ll be okay here.” 

“Only as long as I get to make you both a great big party once you’re both better.” Pinkie Pie added. 

“Isn’t that a given?” Rarity shot the ever happy party pony a somewhat dry look. 

“A party sounds loverly, Pinkie. Thank you.” Fluttershy quickly spoke up. 





Canterlot

The airship docks on the north-western side of the city were bursting with activity. The current focal point was three large blue and grey skiffs. Earth ponies and unicorns worked alongside the occasional pegasus to haul various cargo boxes onboard. 

Lyra and Bon Bon strode up the gangplank of the largest airborne craft. The mint green unicorn was wide eyed, filled with wonder as she gazed around in awe. Bon Bon kept her eyes ahead, a mare on a mission. The couple made their way on board and followed a few other unicorns and pegasi into a solid looking wooden room that had the command deck above.





Griffonstone  

Spitfire and Soarin flew with great speed over the border of the griffon’s kingdom. In front of the couple, the Celestial Sea sparkled. At Spitifre’s direction they angled toward one of the few large clouds around and with a small ornate loop, they landed.

Soarin carefully deposited his small saddlebag in the center of the cloud. After a quick kiss, he set to work, shaping the cloud into a more suitable platform for two pegasi his wife leapt off the cloud and began to shove it along. The cloud quickly left the griffon’s land behind, making a beeline across the sea toward central Equestria.

 Once the couple was high in the clear sky with only the ocean far below, Spitfire allowed the large cloud to drift. Soarin finished his cloud shaping while his missus watched, enjoying the sight of his lean muscles working. The sunny yellow mare spotted a suspicious cloud some way off toward Griffonstone. Both said cloud and the shoreline were many miles away. An idea occurred to Spitfire as her gaze returned to her husband’s hindquarters. She resumed her task, shunting the cloud along, ensuring they were as far away from land as possible without losing sight of important landmarks required for her sense of direction. 

The moment Soarin was done with his careful task, Spitfire leapt aboard. She tackled her husband, flipped him over onto his back and immediately began to make out with him. Spitfire drew close enough, tummy to tummy and felt the well endowed stallion was absolutely delighted by her action.

She began to rub her lower region against his and was rewarded by feeling him poke back. With a grin, Spitfire broke the kiss and gazed down at her husband. His green eyes were cloudy with desire as he gazed lovingly up at her.  “You think that scared them off?”

Concern ripped across the blue stallion’s muzzle. “We’re being followed?”

“Maybe...” Spitfire mused, her mind torn between safety and the desire to make sweet wonderbolt love with her husband. Her body screamed at her for action. Her mind was fighting a losing battle of wills. She knew it would take very little trying from this loverly stallion to throw them into a passionate moment between husband and wife.

“Gonna need a lot more than kisses then...” Soarin smiled hopefully. “I think I know how to scare them off before we send that message...”

Spitfire glanced down below her husband’s tummy. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what her stallion had in mind. “You sure, in a place like this?”

“Come on... I know you were watching my arse while I worked. Why do you think I gave you a few wiggles.” Soarin snuck a quick kiss in at the completion of his sentence.

“You sneaky colt.”

“That a yes? We are very high up, aren't we?” Blue wings settled on either side of the downed stallion as he lay there, hopeful.

Spitfire smirked at her lover, the call for some some mind blowing intimacy had won. “Just a cloud in the sky, stud.”

Soarin tenderly looped his forelegs around Spitfire’s neck and pulled her back down. Their kiss made many parts of his body tingle. Soarin’s heart and mind soared high in the sky with pleasure and joy as they continued to relentlessly kiss. He loved how vigorously his wife moved against him, how she kissed him with such passion. It gave him a buzz greater than any Wonderbolts show. Her hungry kisses made his heart swell with love and pride, he could feel how much she wanted him, needed him. He gladly continued, eager to forget the feeling of danger that had followed them throughout Griffonstone. They were far out into the ocean, safe now. 

Soarin felt the troubles of the day fade into the background as they continued to kiss and explore each other’s vessels. He couldn’t help but grin as they broke apart for a moment. Now he had a chance to show his love just how precious she was to him. The light blue stallion snuck a quick kiss onto her pretty yellow snout.

Spitfire smiled back and lay a string of butterfly kisses along her husband’s blue neck. She felt him press a kiss onto the top of her head. With a smirk, she playfully nipped his collarbone.  

The rising desires from both pegasi were so strong they could just about see the hearts wafting around the cloud. The air was alive with their wants and desires. The couple resumed their tongue to tongue exchange of love they began to roll around on the levelled out section of the large cloud. Yellow and blue hooves wandered along well known parts of each other’s bodies as they enjoyed the feeling of their spouses loving touch. A few times they bumped against the lip Soarin had made in the sides of the cloud to stop them falling off. Each time they bumped the sloped wall, the couple took a moment to lovingly snuggle against the soft cloud, a break from the heated exchange of kisses and touches. They allowed themselves to simply lie there together, so close to being mostly intimately joined, but not there yet. Each sweet moment was soon cut short by the desire for more action as it bubbled just below the surface, pure sweet love mixed with the need to share it in the most intimate of ways.

The rather excited stallion took top position as they continued to snuggle, sunny yellow entwined with light blue. Soarin and Spitfire gazed into each other’s radiant eyes, enjoying the feeling of holding the one who was most precious.

With rising passion and soft moans of building pleasure, they continued to playfully tease one another. Hooves touched cutie marks, manes and other, more intimate areas. Soarin managed to capture a brilliant sunny yellow wing. Spitfire allowed him to set her tummy down on the cloud as he carefully began to tend to her weathered wings. He ran his tongue along the soft feathers, preening as he sought out the sensitive areas closer to her body. Her soft moans of pleasure and demands for more strengthened his own building desires. His wings, erect in the soft sea breeze were a clear sign of what was below. As he moved onto her other wing a blue hoof snuck down to wet folds underneath the powerful mare’s fiery tail. Spitfire’s tail swished erratically as a rather loud cry of pleasure escaped.

Pleased that he was able to elicit such a response from his lover, Soarin removed his hoof, ran it daintily along her cutie mark and up her side. With shaky light blue hooves, he began to flip his wife onto her back. Spitfire hastily wiggled around and grabbed her husband in a tight hug as she kissed him hungrily. The sunny mare grinned into the kiss as she poured all the love she could into the sweet action. Suddenly, the couple broke off panting.

Spitfire was now on top. She gazed lovingly into gleaming green eyes below. “I love you, Soarin...”

“Love you too, Spitty...” Soarin lent up and quickly nuzzled his wife. “Y-you know I want you now...”

The sunny yellow mare giggled softly and playfully nipped the inviting blue neck of her lover. “I know... I like seeing you wiggle.”

She ground her lower section against his as she continued to leave love bites along his shoulder and lower neck. She took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of her excited husband. Once her lungs were full, she lowered herself and slid down him. Her coat tingled with their contact all the way till she broke off, in range of her target, right between his legs. She paced her mouth close and breathed out. True to form he writhed around and unleashed a wheezy laugh. Before he could recover, she leapt back onto him and nuzzled up close. 

Sweet, innocent nuzzles quickly were invaded by more sensual exploration. A quick kiss from Spitfire was rewarded by an inquisitive, teasing poke from her well endowed husband. Spitfire moaned softly as pleasure shot through her system like lighting. She shook her head as he nearly became one with her. Soarin nodded and trembled a little bit. Spitfire couldn't help but giggle. She could see how badly he wanted her and it made her feel wonderful.

With green eyes hazed with deep love and desire, Soarin began to tease with his not so secret weapon against the musky wetness of his wife. In desperation to keep the kisses going for just a little longer, Spitfire grabbed her lover and began to roughly snog him as though life depended on it. The energetic mare could immediately tell that her aggression was enjoyed as the powerful blue stallion broke off his efforts and reciprocated her actions.  

Spitfire found herself on her back, sunny wings spayed out on either side. Soarin positioned himself above her, his own wings erect, ready and eager to physically unite with his wife. A light blue forehoof travelled down to her left teat and began to play with it.   A moan escaped Spitfire as her body arched, filled with pleasant tingles. She gazed hazily at her grinning husband as he leant down and gave her a light nibble on the neck. 
His right forehoof switched target. She grabbed her husband and brought his face up for more kisses, desperate to taste his lips once more. Spitfire needed Soarin to know just how much she loved him now, in case anything happened to them in the Zebra homelands.   

Soarin wrapped his wife tenderly with his strong blue wings as they continued to exchange kisses and teasing touches here and there. As they parted, panting once more, the pale Wonderbolt tested the waters once more.

This time Spitfire nodded, quickly, desperately. She cried out in pleasure as they joined as one, husband and wife. Soarin took a moment to better position himself while maintaining their intimate connection. He leant down and kissed his wife deeply as he began the final grand act of their lovemaking.

Ecstatic cries, shouts and moans of pleasure rent the afternoon sea air as the couple continued to physically show their love and affection.





Shores of Girffonstone

A stunning flat sandy  beach on the coast of Griffonstone with vast ocean views and a calm tide currently was host to a pack of newcomers. Changelings. Ten jet black changelings stood around one smaller, younger bug on the beach. They paid no need to the wash of the tide over their hooves or the soft caress of the ocean air. They stood still, as though they were sunning themselves under Celestia’s mighty sun. Not a single bug moved a muscle as they idled in bliss. 

A rather young changeling licked her lips and rolled onto her back. “So much love...”

“It’s like a love bomb went off out to sea... shall we investigate it?” One of the hive members asked their young leader.

Ocellus considered their offer for a few moments then nodded. “Yes. If we can catch whoever it is with so much wonderful love, they can be used to help feed the hive.” 

The ten black bugs bowed low then took off into the sky. 

Ocellus watched them for a moment, suddenly uncertain over her own command. Maybe they should just head straight home. The free, long range snack had filled her reserves rather nicely. 
But no. The order was given. She powered her own wings and sped off after the older changelings as best she could. Whoever had this much love was sure to be an easy target. 





Soarin lay on his side, tummy to tummy against his wife, spent. He nuzzled up to her, enjoying the blissful feeling of their united afterglow.

Spitfire lay content, her uncovered wing was across her husband’s barrel like a shield. She held him close, for he was precious. She nuzzled him slowly back, happy to ignore the world for just a few sweet minutes more.

Just as Spitfire was about to let her mind drift away she heard something that caused her heart to leap to her throat. “Soarin. Soarin, get up!”

“What- huh?” The groggy stallion dreamily smiled at his wife. “Round two already?”

“Don’t you hear that?”

Two blue ears perked up and suddenly yes, the stallion could hear the buzzing of rather large insect wings. He gazed at his wife in shock. “Can’t be...”

Spitfire peeked over their cloud and spotted small black insect like creatures. They were close enough to see the evil green glow of their eyes. The pack had clearly spotted the couple on their cloud and were mere seconds away. “Changelings! You push!”   

Soarin scampered off the cloud so fast he tripped on the sloped edge. Despite the hiccup, the stallion managed to correct his trajectory. Blue hooves met soft cloud and the Wonderbolt accelerated so quickly his abandoned saddle bag almost flew out of his wife’s hooves. The stallion felt two bugs latch onto his hindquarters. With expert precision, he span around, delivered both bugs a kick to the face then flipped back and kept flying the cloud. 

  “Head for Equestria!” Spitfire cried out as she bashed another bug in the face as it tried to tackle her. The Wonderbolt captain strapped her spouse’s saddlebag to herself then took to the skies. 

The champion flyer narrowly avoided three more changelings and managed to punch one square in the face in return. She looped around and spotted a pair of bugs trying to pin Soarin to the cloud. A red cloud of passionate rage descended upon the fiery mare. She collided full speed with the two foes, freeing her husband. 

Soarin was quick to abandon their cloud. He noticed a smaller changeling land on his cloud. He grit his teeth and sped toward the diminutive bug. “Get off our cloud!” 

The young changeling smiled back and transformed into a manticore. 

“Shit!” The speeding pegasus left a blue trail as he narrowly avoided an impact with the large winged beast. It swiped at him but missed completely. 

Spitfire found herself faced with three black bugs who shapeshifted into the form of her blue stallion. After a moment’s surprise, she smirked at them. “Really? Come on then!” 

The first blue imposter who flew at her was punched so hard in the face it immediately returned to its back form and fell like a stone. The other two imposters glanced at their ally who was headed for the deep ocean below. One barked an order and the other hurled toward the ocean, hundreds of feet below. 

Spitfire smirked at the remaining imposter as it continued to falter. “Seems your- oof!” 

Fangs dug into the mare’s back as a changeling attacked her from behind. Spitfire cried out in pain as the sharp maw was wrenched out. The weakened mare lost altitude but managed to catch herself. Spitfire smiled as she spotted her husband beating the living tar out of the bug she assumed had bitten her. 

Flying full tilt like a crazy pony, the enraged Soarin kept bashing away at the bug in his left forelegs grip. Suddenly the raged fueled stallion realized his right hoof was smothered in sickly blue blood, several shades darker than his own coat. With one last smash to the changelings bloodied face, he released the pummeled creature. The doomed bug fell like a dead beast toward the sea below. The pale blue Wonderbolt seethed. “No pony hurts my Spitfire!” 

The angry stallion realized he had veered away from the cloud and his wife. He used the space to fight for even greater speed. With his outreached forehooves and a rather large blue trail, the speedster collided with another bug who was trying to sneak behind his missis as she darted around. Soarin heard the juicy snap of chitin breaking as his hooves impacted with the creature at high speed, the changeling was thrown like a ragdoll from the sky. 

Spitfire dodged two fake Soarin’s and one doppelganger of her own. 

“Hey,” Soarin zipped in front of the trio, snuck a quick kiss onto his mare’s snout then chased after another Spitfire. 

The real Spitfire stared at her husband in shock for a second then smirked. “That means you lot fail.” 

With a faint yellow trail, the wounded Wonderbolt shot toward the copy of herself. It lashed out with a bright yellow foreleg, missed, then Spitfire slammed into it with her forelegs. The winded changeling morphed back and tried to bite her. Fangs nipped at her forelegs as she fended the angry creature off. Face to face with the dark hungry beast Spitfire executed a tight spin and flipped away. She banked hard and sped toward it, unwilling to lose sight of the slippery creature. It morphed into her lovely blue stallion just in time for the senior athlete’s forehooves to impact with its head. 

In a flash of green, the black changeling tumbled toward the sea below. 

Spitfire pulled up and eyed up the three Soarins who were headed toward her. 

“Watch out honey!” The one on the left cried. 

The one in the middle stared at her intently while the stallion on the right pulled a dumb face. Spitfire smirked. Too easy. She dodged the middle stallion and rocked toward the one on the left. Pain erupted from her back like a volcano as she flew but the veteran athlete used her anger to blot it out.

“Woah, it’s me!” Soarin cried out as his wife slammed into him. 

“Nope!” Spitfire frantically lashed out with her forehooves. Her husband tumbled and began to fall. 

“Help me!” Soarin cried as he began to fall. 

Spitfire huffed. This felt totally wrong. But that was not Soarin, she was sure of it. With a burst of speed, the fiery pegasus bashed the stallion then span around, swiftly delivering a double kick to his face. Blue blood erupted into the sky. With a flash of green, the changeling began to fall, unconscious toward the ocean far below. 

The small changeling on the cloud unleashed some kind of panicked cry and the other two changelings rushed to assist the falling comrade. 

Spitfire sagged. Her back hurt like crazy and she suddenly wanted to lie down. The wind was knocked out of her as the firey mare found herself in her lover’s forehooves. “Thanks...” 

Soarin pulled another silly face. “Thank you for not attacking me, hot flank.” 

Spitfire chucked. “I’ve never seen any other creature pull off your dumb faces. But, I think we need something from me too so that we can identify one another if we find more of these buggers.” 

“Agreed,” Soarin panted. “Cause I don’t think we can count on sexy time as a marker for making you stand out.” 

“Please tell me you weren’t looking ...there at them..?” 

Soarin gaged, “no way! Just you. Trust me. I have like... a wife tracker.” 

Spitfire closed her eyes and settled down for the short ride. It pleased her to know that her husband could somehow keep track of her in such an odd way. Especially if he did not need to check other mares. 

The masterful Wonderbolt alighted on their cloud and placed his wife down carefully. He immediately began to search the saddlebag that was askew on his wife’s side. The hopeful blue face fell and Soarin sighed when he saw the condition of the bag. A long gash ran the length of the fabric. The tip of a quill was poking out. 

“We almost lost our writing stuff,” Soarin commented as he ripped open the top to reveal the quill and parchment. 

“Did we lose anything?” 

“Yep...” Soarin sighed. “The emergency meds. Food...” 

“Dam...” Spitfire winced as more pain lanced through her back. “That bite stings too...” 

Soarin eyed the rough twin gashes left from the changeling’s bite. The marks were just below her wings. Blood seeped out of the wound and made Soarin wince. “Oh... poor Spitty... I shoulda done something sooner... I shoulda seen-” 

“Shut up and lick it or something! Try cleaning it... anything to stop it from stinging!”

Soarin gulped. “Okay, yeah... let’s... you uh... don’t mind-” 

“Just do it, ya wimp,” Spitfire replied as she began to tenderly lick her own left forehoof. “And pass me that parchment. I’ve gotta tell the Princess about this.” 

“Okay.” Soarin used his mouth to quickly pass his wife the small ruffled scroll and quill. The stallion shot a disgusted look at his own right hoof, stained sickly blue with changeling blood. The sight of such alien blood caused him to rush to the edge of their cloud. 

The stallion spotted a large Roc in flight just above the waves below. He was pretty sure there were small black dots on its back. His brain noted that they at least rescued their own kind. Soarin turned around and beheld his beautiful wife. 

Her back was smattered with her own crimson blood that led to the bite mark below her wings. Her feathers and mane were badly ruffled and he cringed as he spotted the scratches on her forelegs. Her tail was matted and he was sure he could still sense evidence of their lovemaking. Soarin sighed, why did that suddenly feel like they had mated hours ago? Hadn’t it been less than ten minutes since they had lain on this very cloud, entwined? 

The wounded mare gave her right foreleg one last tender lick before she began to write. Spotting her lover’s distress she motioned for him to come closer. 

Soarin gingerly approached his precious Wonderbolt. She laid down the quill and did her best to smile up at him. “We got through it. That’s what matters okay? You did your best, I did my best. I got hurt because I got sloppy. I made a mistake. Not you. Okay?” 

“But if I had just noticed a second earlier-” 

“Soarin. You will not have that luxury in a full scale battle. There’s too much going on in a big fight. You hear me?” 

The light blue stallion wilted under his wife’s hard gaze. “But I should be protecting you... I failed...” 

Spitfire sighed. She unlatched the damaged saddlebag from her side and placed the writing equipment back inside. With as much tender care as the wounded mare could manage, she took three small steps then nuzzled up to her husband. He returned her affection and they shared a brief kiss. 

The strong mare lifted her husband’s muzzle up to face her own. “As long as we are both alive, we are winning. You hear me?” 

The tearful blue stallion nodded briskly. 

“Right. My back hurts, my hooves hurt... between my legs hurt. The last one, in a pleasant kind of way.” A cheeky smile lit Spitfire’s lip as she snuck another quick kiss in. “I wonder if it was our lovemaking that alerted them to our presence here, high in the sky.” 

“You think?” Soarin gazed back at his wife, shocked. 

“They feed on love... what else could it be?” Spitfire shrugged. 

“True...” Soarin nodded in agreement. The thought of those black creatures feeling off his emotional high disturbed him greatly. “You did take us up high. So, it's kinda creepy when you think about it... Does that mean we can’t have sex anymore?” 

Spitfire scoffed. “I don’t think you can last a week without mounting me.” 

“Ten days,” Soarin shot back, his expression dead serious. 

Spitfire grinned coyly, “really? Wanna try me?” 

“It’s you who can’t last a week, Spitty.” 

Spitfire laughed. “Let’s wait seven days and find out then. Go clean your right hoof in the sea then come back and clean my back. It’s hurting worse than that time we collided with blue team in Wonderbolt’s training.” 

“That bad?” Soarin’s concern was palpable. 

Spitfire smirked back. “Yeah... I think so. Now hurry up, that blue blood stinks.” 

“Okay, stay safe.” 

Spitfire gave her stallion a quick peck on the cheek. The light blue Wonderbolt dived off the edge, on a mission to clean his hooves in the salty waters below. 

Spitfire steeled herself as fresh pain lanced through her back. She let memories of her most recent union with her husband flood her mind. Good times. “Why do I miss that big lug already...” 

With a sigh, the commander of the Wonderbolts settled down on the cloud and withdrew the scroll from the damaged saddlebag once more. She stared at her first line for a moment before she settled down and began writing once more. 

As she finished her letter, soft wingbeats filled the air. Her husband had returned. 

With a flashy twirl, Soarin burst past the cloud and spiralled around several times before he looped around and landed with ease behind his wife. “Prepare to be rear-ended!” 

Spitfire giggled. “Prepare to feel my hoof in your face.” 

Soarin smirked back at his wife as he settled down on a bit of an angle over her hindquarters. They enjoyed a brief cuddly contact as Spitfire quickly checked her letter over. 

Spitfire briskly rolled the letter up and blew on it. Green fire erupted across the one use enchanted scroll as it vanished into the wind. "Good old dragon's fire..." 

Soarin's attention was quick to shift from the magical flame back to his wife. "All done then?" 

"Yep, Celestia's soon going to know the griffons accept. I also told her about the changing attack." 

"You didn't mention that it might have been cause we were having sex, right?" 

Spitfire scoffed and shot her husband a stern look, "of course not." 

"Oh good." Soarin sighed. The stallion's gaze settled upon his mare's wounds and his gaze hardened.  

A now clean blue hoof wrapped around the yellow barrel in a loose hug and he began to carefully lick her wounds. The light blue stallion made a face after the first few licks. “Ewww...” 

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “You saying you don’t like how I taste?” 

“No, no... I love how you taste.” The blissful statement left the stallion grinning like an idiot. “Bood on the other hoof... bleh...” 

Soarin lent down so that his head was near his wife’s fiery mane. He poked his tongue out and waggled it around, right where it should be at the edge of her vision. 

Sure enough, Spitfire spotted his cheeky action and lightly flicked her mane. Soarin withdrew as bright orange hair cascaded past his tongue. 

“Keep going stud. You’re making me feel better.” 

“Okay, good. I’ll do you. Then I’ll push and you relax.” 

Spitfire rolled her eyes and again, “My wings work fine.” 

“I’m not letting you have this one Spitty. You’re staying on my cloud. I wanna check out your arse while I fly us home.” 

“How noble. But we must visit the Zebra too, remember?” 

Soarin sighed. “Even though you’re hurt?”

“I can make it an order?” Spitfire challenged with a level tone.

“Okay. I’ll fly. You rest. Then if we run into trouble one of us will be ready to go.” 

“Okay.” 

“Okay.” 

A moment of silence filled the skies. 

“Get licking stud.” 

“Okay, okay... I was just checking.” 

“Checking what?” Spitfire turned enough to look at her husband from the corner of her eye. 

“You’re arse... the other goodies down here...” Soarin ran a blue hoof tenderly along the firey cutie mark then down, down, down till it was dangerously close to slipping under the orange tail. 

Spitfire shook her head and flicked her tail. Sure enough, green eyes lit up at the sight she revealed and Soarin lent back for a better view. It was nothing he hadn’t seen before but his excited reaction did make her smile. He could be so easy to please. “Alright, you’ve had your look.” 

“Thank you.” Soarin grinned as he leant down and kissed his wife’s right cutie mark. Without a further word, the stallion settled to work cleaning his wife’s wounds with his tongue as best he could. Soarin knew he had a long flight ahead, but he also knew that they had to find out if the Zebra tribes had been touched by the Griffons. He was not looking forward to the answers they might find.
> Chapter 24: The Sun Sets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle, Throne Room

Celestia sat in the throne room, the early afternoon filtered through giving a nice warm glow. Fancy Pants and Fleur stood before their princess along with Blueblood and three other noble ponies. No guards were present in the room while the nobles had their personal meeting with the princess.

A bright green fiery swirl halted the conversation as a scroll materialized in front of the princess. It looked as though it had been through a fight or two.

As Celestia began to unravel it Blueblood cleared his throat rather loudly. “Um, princess. About the matter at hoof.”

The princess paused, her gaze upon the speaker, “I’m sorry, but this is a one use magical scroll sent to me by two high ranking military ponies. I am about to learn if my offer to the griffon lords has been accepted.”

The collection of nobles warily eyed the floating letter as though it might explode at any moment.

“And... what if it has not been?” Fancy Pants nervously inquired.

“Do not worry. Patience and I will tell you.” Celestia unravelled the letter with her magic and began to read in silence.

The eight unicorns shared nervous glances as their princess read in silence. She may as well have been reading a light, pleasant story, for her face betrayed nothing beyond its natural calm.

Yet, for Blueblood in particular, the time dragged on slowly. He began to fidget and several others soon to copied him.

Finally, Celestia lifted her eyes from the letter. Her expression was soft but flat. “The Griffons accept our offer to meet for peace talks.”   A collective sigh escaped the gathered ponies.

“That’s good,” Blueblood spoke up. “Therefore our businesses are free to continue as usual?”

“Nay, my decree for increased security still stands,” Celestia replied. “And I must depart to speak with my sister.”

The assembled ponies glanced among themselves, rather perturbed by the apparent need for heightened security.  
“Celestia just said the griffons accepted... I wonder what’s going on here...” One of the unicorns near the back commented as the small crowd began to disperse.

“I hear that she had to leave the earlier court session too, apparently to see her sister.” Fancy Pants commented. “How interesting…”

Blueblood shot his fellow an inquisitive glance, “really?”

The light grey stallion nodded, “oh yes. It makes a fellow wonder just what the cause for alarm could be.”

“Indeed…” Blueblood agreed as he turned and began to stride out of the throne room.





Canterlot, Central City

A group of five friends wandered through central Canterlot. Twilight’s mind was filled to bursting with questions as she strayed to the back of their small group.

Rarity, Spike and Applejack led with Pinkie Pie bouncing happily along behind them.

While the prissy unicorn was enjoying the glamour of the big city, her mind and eyes were constantly drawn back to her fellow unicorn.

“Darling... are you sure you’re alright?”   

Twilight snapped out of her thoughts, her mind took a moment to catch up to her ears and she put on a quick smile. “Yes, of course.”   

Rarity and Applejack stared back at the scholarly mare with dry looks.

“I mean, no- I don’t know! Aargh...” 

  Rarity was quick to notice that the outburst had attracted the attention of several passers by. Eager to dispel the angsty mood she hurried over and gave her purple friend a loose hug. “Whatever could be the problem?”

“Dounugt Joe!” Spike’s eyes lit up and he pointed further down the street toward the establishment he so loved.

“Yeah, let’s go there,” Twilight added quickly.

Rarity gazed from the young dragon to the purple unicorn, “only if you tell us what is wrong.”   

“I will... uh, once we are inside?” Eager to leave the street, Twilight beat a hasty retreat into the doughnut store.

With a shared glance, everypony else followed except Rarity. 

  “Spike.”

“Yes, Rarity?” The young dragon halted, quick to turn his attention to his crush.

Rarity pensively eyed the door as it closed behind Applejack. “Do you know what is wrong with Twilight?”

“Besides having a date with Luna tonight-”

“She what?!?”

Spike’s eyes grew wide at Rarity’s outburst. “Forget I said that. Come on, I’m sure she’s about to tell everypony anyway.”

“Of- well of course...” Stunned by the latest information, Rarity allowed herself to be led inside.

The duo spotted Twilight as she took a seat at a square table in the far corner of the shop. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were at the counter, still placing their orders. Rarity chose to forego food, her legs transporting her closer to her fellow unicorn without a second thought.   

Rarity slipped into the chair on Twilight’s left and leant toward her friend to whisper. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Princess Luna?”

Panic raced across Twilight’s face and her form went ridged. “How do you know?”  

“Spike, after you ran in here.” Rarity pointed out, still not quite able to believe the news.

Pinkie Pie landed gracefully in the other chair next to Twilight, scooted around the table corner then wrapped a hoof around frozen purple shoulders. “What’s this problem that your auntie Pinkie can help with?”

The contact seemed to snap the scholar out of her daze and she gazed around their small gathering, her breathing deep. “Celestia. She’s been training me to replace her. She want’s me to learn how to become a princess.”  

“Say what?” Applejack gave the lavender unicorn a blank look as she stood, about to take her own seat on the other side of their small table.

A grating sound caused everypony to turn to Spike as he slid a chair up alongside Rarity. The young drake leapt up onto the seat and rubbed his claws together. “Our doughnuts should be here soon, Joe even has that special gem topping I like.”

It was then Spike realized all eyes were upon him. “What?”   

Rarity lent toward the dragon, “Twilight is apparently going to be a princess. And here I thought what you told me was the surprise.” 

  “What did Spike tell you?” Applejack asked cautiously. 

  Twilight sighed, “Luna.”

  “Princess Moon?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “What have you been up to with Nightmare Moon?”

Twilight shot the party pony an annoyed glare. “I’ve already told you, she’s not Nightmare Moon anymore. Okay?”

Pinkie Pie giggled, “of course, we all know that.”

“Good.” Twilight turned to eye her other friends before she continued carefully; “because… I’m also dating her.”

“You’re dating Princess Luna?” Doughnut Joe asked tentatively as he slid their ordered cup cakes onto the table. 

  “Uh- um!” Twilight was quick to panic.

“You can keep a secret, right Joe?” Spike quickly spoke up, desperate to cool the tension.

“I- I mean, sure.” The stallion glanced between the mare and her dragon, a pair he had served many times over the years. “I find it strange. But for two of my oldest and most loyal customers, not a word will leave my lips until Twilight decides to make it public. If it goes anywhere.”

Twilight collapsed into her chair. “Thanks, Joe... Tonight will be my first date so I’m kinda nervous.” 

  “Kind of?” The baker scoffed, “you look about as bad as those times you study for big tests. From experience, I can tell you, the first date will be memorable. Do try to enjoy it. Should you ever bring your special somepony here, I would gladly serve you both.”  

“Thanks.” Twilight gave the stallion a shaky smile as he turned and strode back to the counter.

Pinkie Pie swiped a doughnut and bounced up and down on her chair. “Does this mean I get to throw you two lovebirds a huge party? I could give you a massive congratulations on finding a special somepony party! Then another one for becoming a princess!”

Twilight wilted. “But what happens if I don’t want to become a princess? I- I’m not princess material.”   

“An’ how do you know that?” Applejack spoke up. “Ah’ think you would make a great leader.”

“Really?” Twilight shot back, confused. “But I’m just me?”

The farmer snorted. “Just because Celestia is a princess don’t make her her own pony too.”

“I know. But... me?”

“Darling, think of all the good you could do? Especially with rumours going around... travellers getting attacked by thugs and ruffians.” The prissy unicorn paused, “besides... I think you and Princess Luna could be rather cute together.”   

Twilight’s muzzle flushed, “thanks. Uh... but there’s one other thing.” The young scholar glanced tentatively around. Seeing that they were currently the only ones in the room she lent toward her friends.

With a shared glance, Spike, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie lent closer. 

The party pony snapped up a doughnut then grinned at her friends. “These are really good... continue.”

Twilight gave her eager companion a thankful smile. The smile faded as she contemplated her next words. “Well, has any pony ever heard of Princess Celestia having a family?”

“She has Princess Luna.” Rarity replied. “Although at a guess, I assume you mean like... parents?”

Twilight shook her head. “Celestia was married and had foals.”

A super loud gasp escaped Pinkie Pie who promptly fell from her chair with a comic thud. With a loud booing! she shot back up. “No way!”

“Really?” Rarity stared at her fellow unicorn as though Twilight had suddenly sprouted a third horn.

“Yes, she told me herself.” Twilight paused as she fiddled with her forehooves. “Well, Luna said something about her daughter then Celestia... well, she told me about her family. I still can’t believe one of her children is alive and I never knew!”

“Now that is quite the revelation.” Applejack spoke up as she took a chocolate doughnut from the small pile. “Wonder who that royal pony might be an’ why no pony knows about them?”

Spike quickly snaffled the two gem encrusted delights and stuffed one into his mouth. “Yeah. It would be funny if they were somepony Twilight’s already met.”

Rarity smiled at the thought. Her eyes settled on the still rather flustered unicorn. “That certainly explains why you looked shell shocked. Have you told your parents about your date?”

Two purple ears stood up then flexed backward as Twilight cowered. “My parents... right...”





Royal Canterlot Gardens

Luna glanced up from her preparation for the evenings’ special date as Celestia strode out from the castle.

The midnight mare noticed her sister’s expression and the ruffled up letter and stiffened. “What now, sister?”

“News from Griffonstone,” Celestia replied. The mighty mare of the sun glanced around. Spotting no other creatures about she strode up to her sister and sat down on the open grass. “I have Spitfire’s report.”

“And they said no?” Luna curtly replied.
 A smile spread across Celestia’s face. “Griffon Lord Grandeur will meet us.”

  Luna carefully tried to read into her sister’s expression, something was clearly amiss. “But?”

Celestia offered the letter to her sister. The damaged parchment found itself ensnared in the darker magic and drawn up to reading height. Luna’s brief smile vanished as she spotted the mention of the changeling attack. As soon as she finished her gaze returned to her older sibling. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I am concerned by Changelings on griffon land.”

“Were those visitors allies or enemies to the griffon folk?” Celestia responded softly.

Luna nodded. “True. I don’t like this. What if they are working with the griffons?”

Celestia considered the question for a moment, “then I worry about this peace talk. Chrysalis’s power has grown greatly in recent years.”

“Another threat that thou failed to deal with?” Luna shot her sister an irked scowl.

Celestia shrugged, “my faithful student Twilight and her friends should be able to handle her. I had expected her to try something in the next year or two, although recent events probably changed their plans as much as mine.”

Luna bristled. “Thou would put my mare in harms way?”

A coy smile erupted across Celestia’s muzzle but was promptly banished. “She was my student first. Although recent events lead me to believe I may need to revise my plan.”

A victorious look crossed Luna’s muzzle and she stood proud. “Because I have claimed her?”

Celestia scoffed. “Because if she falls in love with you, the changelings may use that against you both.”

A dark blue forehoof stomped the soft ground angrily. “No creature may harm Twilight Sparkle as long as I live!”

“That is quite a claim,” Celestia noted, her tone level. “And if you continue to yell, I will need to take this conversation indoors, I do not wish for ponies to overhear us.” 

  The younger princess glanced around, becoming sheepish as she noticed there were in fact other ponies some distance off in the gardens. “Sorry. Was there something else thou wished to discuss?”

“That depends if you can spare a moment.”

Luna glanced at the ornate table she had placed under a large tree. It was already decorated with a midnight theme and had the candle in the middle, ready for action later. She nodded, “absolutely.”





Sparkle Family Home

In the lounge of the Sparkle family home, Twilight sat before her parents who reclined upon the central couch. Her friends wandered into the room and Spike was quick to occupy the small chair in the corner.

Twilight took several deep breaths then levelled her gaze upon her parents. “Mom, dad... I have a date tonight.”   

Two unicorns shared a shocked glance before they returned their gaze to their daughter. A giddy shriek escaped Twilight Velvet and she promptly enveloped her daughter in a big hug. “Oh, that’s wonderful dear. Who’s the lucky stallion?”

Rarity and Applejack shared a concerned glance as they stood off to the side.  

Night Light joined in the hug too, “did you find somepony who loves literature  as much as you do?”

“Well, yes...” Twilight replied rather quietly, her muzzle flushed as she withdrew from her parents. “She and I share many similar interests.”

Shock flickered across Twilight Velvet’s face. “What!?”

“What?”

Twilight Velvet quickly composed herself as she withdrew from the close contact. “Please tell me you meant to say ‘he’.”

Twilight shank back a bit, “uh… no. She isn’t a stallion… I’m pretty sure I would know..?”

“But-“ Twilight Velvet glanced quickly around the group of ponies present. “But we raised you to be an outstanding mare… and mares don’t go after other mares like that.”

Twilight glanced awkwardly at her friends. After a shared moment, it quickly became clear that no pony was going to mention two missing friends who just so happened to be dating. The purple unicorn returned her gaze to her parents. “Well, we just kind of got on really well… both love books and the night sky and she kinda asked me out.”

“Who is this pony?” Night Light spoke up, intrigued.

Twilight took a deep breath faced her father. “Princess Luna.”

Night Light cracked a grin. “Well, that’s a-”

The stallion was cut off by his wife who strode toward her daughter. “That is it! I’m off to have a word with this midnight charlatan!”

Twilight backed up toward the door and blocked her mothers’ path as the mare tried to shove past.

“Twilight, let me pass!” Twilight Velvet tried to shove her way past but was met by fierce resistance.

Night Light hurried after his wife, “But honey, that’s the princess you're talking about!”

  “I don’t care. I don’t want our daughter dating a ten thousand old mare!”

Twilight clutched at the doorframe, her horn clipped the wood as her mother delivered another aggravated shunt. “Mom! Calm down, please.”   

The elder Twilight faced her daughter, “out of the way!”

“No.”

  “You disobey your mother?”

“I’m not a filly anymore!” Twilight stood her ground, defiant.

“Night Light, help me out here.” Twilight Velvet rounded on her spouse. “Get her to see that this is a mistake.”

“But honey, what if Luna is the right pony for our little girl. Even if she is… well, a she.” Night Light trailed off.

“But- that’s not possible…” the shocked senior mare backed up several steps from her little girl.

Twilight rolled her shoulder, still able to feel where her mother had impacted with her side. “She really does care for me though.”

“But… what about Nightmare Moon?”

Twilight shot her mother a dangerous look. “What about Nightmare Moon?”

“Are you sure she’s safe? She did try and overthrow her sister and hurt you!”

“Of course she is safe!” Twilight retorted. “She’s been nothing but a great friend ever since we connected on nightmare night.”

“Is this true?” Velvet turned to her daughter’s friends.

“Sure is.” Applejack quickly responded. “The two sure hit it off, like a barn on fire.”

Spike sniggered.

Concern rippled across Twilight Velvet’s face. “So she is dangerous?”

Twilight poorly resisted the urge to facehoof. “No mom.”

“What about previous relationships?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s only Celestia who’s had those…” Twilight muttered.

“I-“ The light grey mare froze as the sentence hit home. “Excuse me?”

 Purple eyes grew wide. “Nothing.”

Twilight Velvet turned to her husband, “Love. Did my ears deceive me or did our daughter just tell us the great princess has had relations before?”

“I believe she did…” Night Light agreed, clearly as shocked as his missus. “Twilight, how have you become privy to such information? Do you know the history behind just one or both of the princesses?”

“Well…” Twilight nervously paused to consider her next words. “As far as I know… Luna has never had a special some pony even though she’s about four thousand years old. Celestia was married and apparently has children.”

  “What!?!”

Twilight cringed from the sheer volume of her mother’s shocked exclamation.

“Well, I’ve never seen word of that in any of the history books...” Night Light trailed off.

Twilight Velvet took several deep breaths, then refocused upon her daughter. “But, you’re sure Luna is pure? And has no more of the nightmare?”

“Uh…?” Twilight glanced at her friends who looked lost under the current line of enquiry. “Where is this going?”

“Is she?”

“Yes?” Twilight apprehensively responded. “Why?”

Mrs. Sparkle processed her daughter’s words. Everypony else in the room waited with varying degrees of patience as she thought. Finally, the grey mare held herself high and proud, although her eyes betrayed the inner turmoil. “I would like to meet this Princess Luna. If I like her, you may date her.” 

Twilight gawped at her mother,   “okay..?”

“Come along now.” The senior Twilight trotted past her daughter.

Twilight and her friend’s shared baffled looks. The young Sparkle dutifully followed her mother out.

Spike glanced at Night Light as the stallion plonked himself down on the couch. “Are you coming too?” 

“I think I’ll sit this one out...” 

“As you like,” Spike shrugged then followed Rarity out. 

The stallion turned his gaze to the window and the outside world. “Both our kids are dating royalty... I gotta be the luckiest father in the whole world...” 





Equestria, not far from Dodge City

As Celestia’s sun sank low on the horizon, the landscape of Equestria glowed golden. The forests to the east of Dodge City were especially beautiful to take a stroll at this time of day. In fact, the occasional pony could be spotted, out for an evening stroll.

A small group of griffins flew silently along in the breeze, indifferent to the beauty below. The winged beast in the lead somehow managed to retain the hood he wore to cover his face. His beak was pained red as were the beaks of his team.

Deep scarlet eyes penetrated the surrounding landscape in search of unwanted company.

As the group left the forest behind, a lone pony city came into view far below amidst the fields. The eight flying figures took to even greater heights.

Eight forms disappeared into two large clouds. The fluffy white constructs began to move along the horizon faster than before as if propelled by a strong breeze. They kept about a quarter-mile between the two clouds. To all below, nothing was amiss.

The ponies of Dodge City failed to spot anything odd in the sky as the pair of clouds far above began to pass over the city. A trio of pegasus guards flew past the two clouds. The hidden griffons ceased to propel their rides and the clouds began to drift in the mild breeze. One guard landed on a smaller cloud nearby. The pegasus scrutinized the larger cloud for a few moments before his gaze wandered to the city below.

Those hidden within the larger white puff waited. Their leader, the only one of the four with a peephole held a claw at the ready to signal to increase the pace once more. Time ticked by at a crawl as the griffons waited for the lone pegasus to move.   

The spotter saw the pegasus call something out and wave as though signalling his companions. The griffon watcher breathed a sigh of relief. As his claw rose to give the signal to increase speed the four griffons inside the cloud were almost pushed out the bottom of the soft cloud. 

  The lone guard landed on the large cloud and was surprised to find his landing was not as soft as he thought it would be. As he rubbed his flank he was sure he heard a whispered curse from under his hooves. He reached for his spear but fumbled as four griffons burst out from under him. A claw latched over the poor pegasus’ mouth, blocking the cry of pain.

The scuffle was over in moments. The dark lead griffon franticly checked to ensure there were no other flying ponies around. He sighed in relief.

The skies were clear. 

  Although, their cloud was now painted crimson red with one poor soul’s blood. The griffon captain sighed as he gazed into the unseeing eyes of the fallen creature. 

  One of the red beaked griffons reached out to take a bite out of the fallen pony.

“No eating him.” The black, hooded captain hissed.  

“But captain, the boss said-” 

“He ain't here.”   The black lead griffon carefully peaked out over the edge of the large cloud. 

 Satisfied that they were temporally in the clear, the captain rounded on his three fellow hooded griffons. “An’ we share the food with the other four. Stash the meat and let’s haul ass nice n easy so they don’t suspect anything. We gotta be gone before this one’s friends discover he’s missing.”

“Fine.” The middle red beaked griffon gazed longingly at his next meal but did as he was bidden.

The other two griffons set to work and the cloud gradually picked up speed once more. The lead griffon ducked low on his blood splattered ride and signalled for the other cloud to speed up too.

Two fluffy, innocent large puffs of vapour passed over the rest of the city and picked up speed toward Foal Mountains and the mighty city of Canterlot.

Far below in Dodge city, an alarm sounded and several armed pegasi took to the skies.

No one found the missing pegasus.





Lower Foal Mountain ranges, Five miles inland from FillyDelphia

With the warm glow of the setting sun on their backs and a rising chill in the air, Spitfire and Soarin crossed from sea to forest. Spitfire lay at peace on the cloud while her husband pushed. With one final heave, Soarin let go then spiraled through the air and landed heavily on the cloud.

“Told you- I could do it...”

Spitfire eyed her spouse with a playful quirk to her muzzle. “The way you’re huffing and puffing, somepony might think I was heavy or something.”

The pale blue pegasus shot his wife an unamused look, “no. But pushing a cloud for hours with no break is still work.”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “I did ask if you wanted to stop for a break.” 

  “And I told you, I can do it. And I did. We reached the mountains. Next stop, Canterlot. Then... Farasi and hopefully see some zebra.” Soarin puffed out his chest.

Spitfire smiled and lay back as though she were a princess, “I guess I appreciate the break.”  

“And I appreciated the sights.”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Yeah well... while you were looking at my ass, I remembered something important that was lost from our damaged saddlebag.”

“The food?” 

  Spitfire snorted, “one particular kind of food, yeah.”

Soarin scrunched up his muzzle, “well we already ate the pie and sweet pears. Did you pack something tasty without telling me?”

The firey mare sighed as she shook her head then side eyed her husband. “No doofus. My moon cakes.”

The pale blue stallion pulled a face. “Those are nasty.”

A dry snort escaped the fiery pegasus. “They aren’t supposed to taste good.”

Soarin wilted, “but its food...”

Spitfire giggled, amused by how childish her spouse could be at the mention of food. “They are only made to prevent me from getting pregnant to your silly willy... you know, like when we were teens.”

Soarin shot his wife a look. “Yeah okay, okay. I know... oh boy... What a time to lose those.” A wistful sigh escaped the stallion and his eyes wandered to the horizon. “I really hope our daughter is gonna be okay.”

Spitfire gazed out toward where she knew central Equestria lay. “Yeah. A shame they never told us where she got adopted to.”

“Yeah...” Soarin agreed softly. “Hey... uh, wanna go another round, since you’ve already lost the moon cakes?”

“You do realize that would guarantee that I’m pregnant?” Spitfire held her enquiring gaze steady and firm.

Soarin shrugged. “I mean, yeah... but I figure you probably already are?”

In thought, the mare rose slowly. She turned face the long mountain range of Foal Mountain. Far in the distance lay Canterlot, the capitol of Equestria. The tough pony carefully surveyed the land as she considered her options. In a few days they were sure to be visiting Zebra and that could go any number of ways. 

The vibrant yellow pegasus turned to her hopeful husband. “You know what... I think I might like that. How about we fly into Canterlot first thing in the morning?”

With a tender smile, Soarin wrapped his wife in a big hug. “Sounds good to me. How about we start with one of my favorites, cuddles?”

“Not gonna complain.” Spitfire pecked her husband on the cheek as she snuggled up close. “I sure hope there’s no changelings around.”

“Want me to push us higher?” Soarin scanned the surrounding forest.

“I’ll help.” Spitfire rose and slapped her partners flank playfully. The athlete dived off the cloud before her surprised blue stallion could respond.






Skies north of Canterlot

Two large, colourful airships cut northbound through the evening skies.  Aboard the lead ship, Bon Bon strode to the front of the craft. Her fillyfriend followed timidly behind.

Lyra glanced over the side nervously. “Are you sure it’s a good idea? I’m not sure how useful I’ll be when we find one of these monsters…”

Bon Bon grinned at her mare. “You will be great. Just having you close by makes me feel like I could take on all the creepy beasts in Equestria and beyond!”

“Okay.” Lyra reached out and gave her fillyfriend a hug.

The couple settled into a comfortable silence, content to hold one another as their ride cruised along through the open sky.





Baltimare

“Hey…”

A black and grey pegasus turned to his earth pony friend. “Yeah?”

  The delicate blue earth pony observed two pegasi in armour fly overhead then turned to his friend. “Do you feel like something’s going on?”

“Haven't you heard?” 

  “Heard what?”

“Roads aren't safe anymore. There’s been some weird creatures and rogues sighted.”

The blue earth pony sighed. “Well, that sucks. I hope Celestia and the elements can fix it. I mean… they sorted out other recent threats, didn’t they?”

The pegasus eyed his mate, “I dunno… They are just six mares and one princess.”

The blue earth pony grinned, “that white unicorn is pretty hot though, aye?”

The two toned pegasus rolled his eyes and gave his friend a shove. “Well yeah, but that isn’t gonna save her if some brute attacks her now will it?”

The earth pony was clearly shocked at the mere thought. “Well- well... If its rogues and weirdos, shouldn’t the guards be out there and not ya know… in town?”

Black wings flicked as the pegasus shrugged. “I dunno, I reckon there’s more to it than what they are telling us.”

With a quick glance around, the blue earth pony took a step closer to his friend as they continued to walk through town. “Think we should take our girls and leave town?”  

 “Maybe.”





Foal Mountain ranges, Five miles inland from FillyDelphia

Two pegasi lay together under Celestia’s setting sun, enjoying their shared afterglow even more than the epic view of the forest and hills below.

“Hey… Spitty, I’ve been wondering… how come you’re all of a sudden totally okay with getting pregnant?”

“Because…” Spitfire nuzzled into her husband’s warm coat. “I wanted to feel your love and our little session made me forget our troubles for a moment...”

Soarin smirked. “Oh, so it’s an escape is it?”

“Sure is, stud.” Spitfire mirrored her husband’s cheeky smile as she pecked him on the cheek. “Nothing wrong with shagging my husband as much as I want is there?”

“What about in eleven months' time?” A hint of worry was clear in the stallion’s voice as he responded.   

Spitfire’s smile softened. “A bundle of joy will arrive… and our talks about more little wonderbolts will be over.”

The mare rose slowly, like a predator with her cornered prey. “Least now I can pin you down whenever I feel like it.” Spitfire flipped her husband over and pinned him to their cloud.

Soarin grinned up at his wife with a lovestruck grin. “You’re making this sound way too appealing…”  

“Oh, really?” Spitfire darted in and locked lips in a fiery kiss. Her wings shot out in full display.

The invigorating make out session build to a climax with both pegasi’s wings extended. The passion faded as Spitfire’s lips departed from their landing place. Soarin pouted at his wife who simply grinned down at him.   

Spitfire turned and gazed out over the landscape for a few moments before she settled back down beside her lover. The light blue stallion was quick to roll over and place his wing over her barrel.

Moments of peace turned into a session of nuzzles, kisses and cuddles.

Soarin eventually broke the peace with a playful taunt; "I told you, you couldn’t go a week without sex.”

Spitfire giggled, “more like you lose, you mounted me first.” 

  An indignant look flooded Soarin’s muzzle. “I’m the stallion. What do you want me to do?”

Spitfire chuckled happily as she pulled him into a close snuggle once more. “Well, I guess we both win then.”   

“Sure feels like it.” Light blue met yellow as Soarin kissed his wife on the cheek. He used his wing to draw his precious pegasus even closer till they were pressed tightly together. 

  Spitfire hummed contentedly as she closed her eyes, happy to have her husband shielding the last of the sun’s rays from her face. It made it easy to drift off to his strong stable breathing as his tummy pressed against her side. She snuggled in closer and was delighted to find the warm blue coat shift as Soarin rolled onto his side. Spitfire was quick to place her head against his chest right where she could hear his heartbeat. Between the solid thump, thump, thump and his breathing Spitfire found herself at peace.

“Hey, Spitty...”

“Yeah?”  

“What do you think we will find in the zebra lands?”

Spitfire considered her husband's question. “Something bad. I think we should stop off in Canterlot first though.”  

“Right.”  

“Enjoy this while you can. Now, shut up. I was enjoying the sound of your heart beating.”

Soarin smirked. “Gotcha.”





Celestia’s Bedroom

“What are you saying?” Celestia’s wings quivered as she stood, transfixed, gazing at her sister.

“Your firstborn. I’m sure We felt her. But it was weird. Almost as though she was a corrupted version of herself.”

Celestia’s eyes glazed over.   

Chaotic...





Celestia smiled as she watched her daughter run. The little white creature with a frizzy rainbow mane had a pair of lions paws in place of regular hooves and her right wing was a bat wing, much like her fathers. Her horn was slightly spirally and glowed as it shot forth a variety of colours toward the ceiling. The young, mostly alicorn warped into nothing then appeared at the opposite side of the courtroom. With a swish of her pink mane, Celestia leapt toward her teenage daughter.

Chaotic Sunset gleefully shrieked as her mother approached and the pair found themselves crashing down into soft grass. They were now in the palace gardens. The flowers around the pair sparkled pink and purple. 

The young white alicorn’s wings, feathery and one blue batwing beat furiously till she ascended to a small cloud. Her lion like forepaws kneaded the cloud as her hind hooves, tipped pink, sank slowly. Her rainbow mane sparkled in the sun and Celestia felt her breath leave her as she admired the beautiful young creature she had been blessed with. 

“I say...” Discord mused as he appeared beside his wife. “That was a wonderful display of chaos my dear.”

Celestia jumped in surprise, her wings flared. At the sight of her husband, a smile broke out. 

The filly giggled, “thanks dad!”

The mighty mare of the sun tacked her draconequus, “sneaky beast.” 

“Pretty pony.” Discord grinned back. 

Celestia laughed. “Has thou been teaching her?”

A grin crept across Discord's face, “why of course.” 

The noodlebeast circled around in the air booped his daughter on the snout.

The white filly’s nose sparkled for a moment. She rolled onto her back on her cloud and giggled rather loudly. “Do it again!”

With a smile, Discord tapped a bat wing and snapped his fingers. The young filly squealed with excitement. “I’m!-”

“A crystal pony, because why not?”

The filly leapt up and briskly gave herself a once over. The excited youngster began to run around the gardens, almost running into other ponies in her haste.

As the joyful cries receded Celestia turned to her husband and nuzzled him.





The peace of the young Everfree Forest was disturbed by the presence of three royal alicorns as they appeared in a swirl of sunny magic.

A young adult Chaotic Sunset was quick to gallop off into the trees, her mother not far behind. The mighty white alicorn’s mane blew in a non-existent breeze. A tiny pink filly on her back tried her best to grapple the elusive mane.

“There he is!” Chaotic Sunset cried out as the patchy alicorn spotted her sire.

The draconequus vanished into a puff of smoke as his daughter leapt at him.

The part noodlebeat tumbled into the soft grass and found herself in a pool of chocolate milk.

Celestia laughed heartily as she drew up alongside her daughter. “Almost.”

Discord reappeared, wrapped around Celestia’s barrel. He ticked his youngest daughter who broke into a high pitched giggle.

“Sister?”

“What?” Celestia froze as her families laughter faded into the background and the forest turned grey. 

“Sister!” 

Celestia realized she was being shaken by her sister.   “Lu-?”

“Thou art back!” In her heightened tense state, the midnight mare dipped into old Equestrian as she hugged her white sister.

Celestia sat there stunned. “I’m... quite alright Luna.”

“Why did thou space out so?”

Celestia smiled ruefully at her sibling as the smaller alicorn broke the hug. “The mention of Chaotic... You- you said you felt her, my baby girl.” 

  “She is long past childhood,” Luna replied.

“Even if she were five thousand years old, she would still be my baby girl,” Celestia replied with a far off look. Her gaze slowly refocused on her sister, “do you really think you might have seen her, somehow?”

“We are most certain this pony who invaded the dream realm just now has done it before. And we remember thy- your daughter... Our Niece has the most unique soul of any.”

Hope erupted through Celestia and she drew close to her sister, tense but excited. “Do you know where she might be? Is she okay?”

Luna raised a forehoof. “All we know is what we felt. It was her.”

The elder sister visibly relaxed.

“But she had a strong sense of darkness about her.”   

At Luna’s words, the white mare tensed. “Darkness?”

“You remember what they did to her, right?”

Celestia shuddered. “I try to forget.”

“How does the creature who did this still exist!?” Luna almost exploded. “And now the griffon folk are trying to bring him back!”

“I know!”

A dark hoof stomped in anger, leaving a crack in the once pristine floor of Celestia’s room. “Then why did you not let us destroy him!?”  

“Because.” Celestia turned from her angry sibling, distressed.

“Because why?” Luna confronted her sister muzzle to muzzle. “Drop the scheming sister. Some creatures are evil. No good in them. Why is he still imprisoned while thy own flesh lives in darkness?”

“Because banishment was easier than his destruction! Because we were so close to losing that day. Because I- I thought...” The mighty alicorn of the sun bit back tears, “I thought… it was the only way.” 

Celestia took several deep breaths before she continued. “After that first advent where I connected with the sun, I was afraid. I did not wish to burn this planet in order to kill him. But I also couldn’t bear to see my sister fight him either.”

Dark nostrils flared, “We are not weak.”

“I never said you were.” Celestia attempted to capture her sister in a winged hug but found her efforts rebuffed.

“If this creature comes back we must destroy him. And the griffons who summon him.”

The mighty white alicorn sighed, “yes. Kill him. But please... try to keep Twilight from witnessing such a-”

“You know We-” Luna took a deep, careful breath. “That I can not promise anything.”

Celestia gazed at her sister for a few solid moments in silence before she finally nodded. “I know.”

“Alright then.”

An awkward silence fell upon the two siblings, Luna was clearly anticipating leaving. Although the younger sister continued to hesitate, one hoof slowly rose then fell with a click on the floor.

White wings crept out and enveloped midnight blue. The younger sister did not fight her elder off this time as Celestia went in for a hug. “Thank you for telling me Luna. It feels wonderful to know that you trust me enough to share such information. I know Twilight was the one to kick start our discussion, but please... know that I am truly thankful. Please keep a careful watch at night. If anything happens to Cadance, I want to know. I also want you to try track down my eldest. If it truly was her-”

“It was. And don’t worry, I will.” Luna nodded solemnly. 

“Maybe... maybe Discord’s magic sent her somewhere safe after all?”  

“We can but hope.”

Celestia nodded, a hazy smile upon her lips. “Now go. You have a date to enjoy.”

Luna gazed at her shaky sister. “Are you sure? Will thou be alright?”

The smile upon the white mare’s lips solidified and joy began to shine forth. “Luna, I think I might just be the best I have been in hundreds of years. Especially if there is a chance I can have my whole family back together again.”

“Even Discord?”

Celestia nodded slowly, still overwhelmed by the possibility of her firstborn’s return. “Even Discord. Remember, kindness is the key.”

Luna half turned, froze. Dark wings rose as the matron of the night span to face her sister. “Kindness, as in the bearer herself?”

Celestia nodded, smiling like the sun. “Fluttershy. Yes.”

The dark alicorn cautiously eyed her sister then shook her head. “Sometimes I worry about thee sister. Thou schemes too much.”

“But you have to admit, they work. Now how about I help you with that date as thanks for this unexpected news?”

“In what way could you assist? Tis almost time.”

Celestia lit up with a suddenly playful smile. “Well for one, this big sister would like to make sure her little sister looks her best for her first ever date!”

A smirk ripped across Luna’s face. “Big is the operative word, yes. I see how much cake you can devour, fat flank.”

A laugh burst from Celestia. “Indeed, little Woona. Now quickly, we must perform our celestial duties and then I insist upon getting you ready for your first date!”





Somewhere in Equestria...

Chaotic Sunset, the mismatched once-white alicorn stood frozen as though in a trance. Around her darkness set in as the sun vanished completely from the sky and the moon rose slowly. Despite the lack of light, the whole camp of dark armoured ponies and storm beasts remained transfixed, waiting for the mare to move. A few captives huddled together near the alicorn, watched over by pitch black unicorns in dark armour.

Tempest Shadow strode between tents till she came to the center of the campsite. The dark purple unicorn was quick to spot the black alicorn who had center stage.

Grubber hurried to the unicorn’s side. “Hey Tempest, these ponies we captured have the best cake and-” 

  “Shut up Grubber, you might disturb the chaos mare.”

“Oh, right...” The hedgehog-like creature fell into silence and he eyed the mismatched creature. He inched closer to his boss and quietly asked, “y-you sure we can trust her?”

Tempest huffed and shot her assistant a dark look. “How do you know she didn’t hear you?”

“But she’s in a trance.”

With a deep breath, the alicorn’s wings spread and she staggered back a few steps. “Curses! That no good night horse found me and pinky isn’t going back to sleep now. Where is Cadance?!?”

The captive ponies shrank back from the fierce alicorn. “We don’t know.”

The dark alicorn rounded on the terrorized speaker with an enraged roar. “That pink princess! The pony with the heart on her butt. Where is she?”

The earth pony fell backward in terror. “I don’t know!”

“Do none of you fools have any idea where she could be?” The alicorn’s lions paws dug into the soil as her anger simmered. 

The entire collection of ponies, both normal as well as those under the influence of darkness backed away. No pony appeared to have any answers. The storm beasts sure didn’t have a clue either.

Tempest Shadow held her head high as she approached the angry alicorn. “None of the rogues or storm beasts have seen her in two days. We think she escaped to Canterlot.”

“No. Something’s happened to her.” Chaotic Sunset glared at Tempest. “Are you sure none of your attacks damaged the target? I need Celestia’s daughter alive and well.”

“I have personally overseen it,” Tempest replied with a level stare. “The storm king requires her alive to remember.”

The mismatched alicorn huffed. “I know.”

“We mita seen a changeling or two.” Grubber piped up.   

Tempest bristled. Shit.

Chaotic Sunset turned her attention to the small creature with sudden interest.

“And pray tell... when was this?”   

Grubber glanced at his boss and completely missed the dangerous hint in her eyes. “Uh... What, two days... maybe even yesterday, right Tempest?”

The unicorn resisted the urge to shock her assistant. “Yesterday. But they are of no concern.”

“Oh no, they are of great concern to me.” Chaotic replied. “If they get to pinky first they will threaten my whole agenda.”

“What could some bugs do when a griffin army, the storm king’s army and your forces are preparing for war?” Tempest asked. “Do you know something that we do not?”

A dark laugh erupted from Chaotic Sunset. “Oh, sweet little pony... I know many things you do not. Changelings pose a great deal of concern for me.”

Tempest Shadow eyed the large alicorn mare with a critical eye. “Why do you care so much about this young alicorn? She’s just a winged unicorn and a good source of power.”

Chaotic Sunset smiled keenly back. “Oh ye of faith. Take your warships and depart. You may yet see what my kind truly have to offer.”

Tempest Shadow huffed and turned away from the larger mare. “As you wish.”
> Chapter 25: Moonlight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot Castle, outside Twilight’s room

Twilight found herself pushed out the door, into the castle hallway by Rarity’s magic. The lavender mare was wearing an elegant blue silk dress that was form fitting. Since the moon had recently risen, the hallway was lit by torchlight causing the amethyst around her neck to sparkle.

“Alright, I’m going, sheesh...”

With a rather loud ‘boiiing’ Pinkie Pie bounded off down the corridor toward the hospital wing. “Bye Twilight, have fun!”

For whatever reason, the way Pinkie Pie sang the final two words made Twilight blush.

Applejack and Spike followed after the party pony. Spike lingered for a moment, his eyes upon his sister figure. Rarity quickly caught the young drake's eye when she waved a forehoof at him, motioning to keep moving. He wandered up to Twilight and placed a hand on her side. Spike looked as though he had something to say but after a moment awkwardly nodded then toddled off.

Rarity smiled graciously as she turned to the highly nervous unicorn by her side. “Do try to relax dear, you will be fine.”

“But what I mess up? What if-”

An alabaster hoof rose and Rarity shot her friend a warning look. “None of that. I assure you, she will be just as nervous as you.”

“But she’s a princess.”

“And a pony, please try to not give her too much credit. Just go.” Rarity forcefully prompted.

“But-”

Rarity sighed, exasperation setting in. “Now Twilight. Or do I need to bring your mother back here?”

“Alright, I’m going, I’m going.” The purple unicorn hurried off, guided through the gleaming halls by a bat pony.

“Good. We will be with Fluttershy!” Rarity called out as she headed off in the same direction Pinkie Pie had vanished.

Twilight gulped down the flood of nervousness that wracked her system and strode off. A night guard led the nervous mare along without so much as a glance in her direction.

“It’s fine... you’re going to be fine...” Twilight breathed, trying to calm herself.





Celestia’s bedroom

Luna stared uncertainly at her own reflection in the full body mirror in her sister’s rather large bathroom. The delicate spots that graced the bridge of her nose trailed under her eyes and down her back. The dapples met her cutie mark with a light smattering like the stars around the moon itself. The dark mare huffed, “but sister, these spots are most unbecoming of a mare of my stature.”

Celestia smirked at her younger sibling. “You did say Twilight liked them.”

“Yes but-”

“Then trust me.” Celestia smiled as she removed her sister’s regalia from its pace around her neck. The larger mare stepped back to admire her work.

Luna sighed. Her eyes closed and she took a few moments to compose herself. "Fine."

"It has been ever so long since I've seen you like this too."

"Yes. Well-"

A knock broke the siblings from their conversation. "She's here," Celestia smiled.

The large white alicorn strode back into her bedroom and proceeded to open the large doors. "Greetings Twilight. My sister is finishing up."

"Okay." Twilight hesitated in the doorway like a foal faced with an angry dragon.

From within the shining confines of the solar princess's bathroom, Luna took a deep, shaky breath. She could hear her sister and date exchange a few pleasantries. Luna knew she had to make an appearance soon. Her gaze returned to the mirror and she gazed at her spotted cheeks. This was most unbecoming of a princess to bear such marks. It made her feel like a school filly.

’But Twilight likes them...’

Green eyes widened. Not the nightmare. Not not. 

Luna shivered. “Go away...” 

The hissed words, though quiet, rattled around her brain like a thunderstorm. 

‘What happens if we desire the young princess for ourselves?’

Luna tore her gaze from the large mirror and backpedalled till she almost fell into the large bathtub. 

Celestia wandered into the bathroom just as large blue wings flew wide open. “Are you alright?” 

The panicked princess promptly righted herself. Celestia rushed over and began to fuss over her sister. “It’s only Twilight.”

“We- I don’t think... We can do this...” Luna’s gaze was distant and unsettled. 

Celestia retreated a step then examined her sister with concern. “Was it the nightmare?” 

Luna nodded shamefully. 

Sunny yellow magic smoothened the dark mare’s coat and realigned her ruffled feathers. “There. Now, in all seriousness do you feel you are an immediate threat to other ponies?”

Luna’s stature shrank, “We don’t know.” 

Celestia nodded thoughtfully as she continued to examine her sister. “Do you think you can still enjoy yourself with Twilight?” 

“Maybe?” 

White hooves enveloped the smaller alicorn in a supportive hug. “Then go to her. I’m sure you will feel a lot better once you see her. She does look rather good.” 

Luna scowled. 

Celestia laughed. “Don’t give me that. You know I see her more like a daughter.”

Meanwhile, Twilight continued to sit awkwardly in the doorway to her mentor’s room. One part of her wanted to enter and find out what was taking so long. Another, fairly large part of herself wanted to run and hide.

Just as she amassed the courage to go forth, Celestia returned. “She’s ready at last.” 

Luna tentatively stepped into the bedroom. 

Twilight beheld her date and her eyes grew wide. “I feel overdressed.”

“Thou appear most divine,” Luna relaxed as she admired the lavender unicorn in the doorway. A tender smile crept across her muzzle as she strode across the room to properly greet her mare.

As the mare of the moon moved, Twilight spotted the light dapples that graced her.  A squee of delight erupted from Twilight. Purple hooves quickly covered her lips and her muzzle heated with embarrassment.  

Celestia chucked.

Twilight ducked. “I’m sorry- I-”

“I never knew you could make such adorable noises.” Luna smiled, flattered by her date’s reaction. The mare of the night took the awkward moment’s silence to admire the way the pointed star faintly showed through the silk dress on Twilight’s flank.

“I have never heard such a nose from her either,” Celestia added. “This is why I advised my sister to go as herself.”

“I still feel overdressed...” Twilight mumbled as her gaze returned to the dark alicorn.

“Nonsense,” Luna insisted. “Truly, Rarity has found the perfect dress for our first date. Please at least wear it for our dinner.”

“Well… okay.” Twilight agreed, her eyes still upon the cute dapples that graced her date’s dark form.  

“Good night you two, do enjoy your date.” With a parting smile, Celestia turned and closed her door, shunting Luna out into the hallway.

That left two ponies with night themed cutie marks alone in the hallway.

The pair glanced at each other only to hastily turn away.

“Truly though, thou look divine, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight scuffed her left hoof against the marble floor. “Princess...”

“I have already asked thee to refer to me as Luna.”

“I know.” Twilight glanced at the dappled alicorn. She really was very cute. A light blush settled upon the unicorn’s muzzle once more. “Um… where is this… dinner, uh place?”

Luna giggled softly. “Nervous?”

“Really. Yeah.” Twilight took a deep breath and almost felt like her head was about to explode under her pent up nerves.

Luna flicked her wings nervously. “I promise to relax and reduce the compliments if thou will try to relax and try to enjoy this evening.”

Twilight nodded. “I- Sure. That would be appreciated, thanks. Shall we, uh… get going?”

“We- I would love that, yes.” Luna felt her heart flutter as she turned and strode down the hallway. ‘Nightmare, stay away.’





Canterlot Palace, Hallways

“You!” Rarity stood stock still in the middle of the hallway. Her path to the royal hospital was blocked.

Ahead of the alabaster mare stood none other than Prince Blueblood. He did not look happy to see her. “What are you doing here?”

“The princess herself invited my friends and I.” Rarity shot back. “What are you doing here?”

“This is one of my places of residence.” 

The two white unicorns stared daggers at each other in silence.

“Um... this is awkward.” Prince Blueblood muttered.

“We can improve on that if you move.” Rarity huffed.





Canterlot Palace, Hallways

Luna led her date in silence toward the palace guardians. Neither pony knew what to say. After the initial exchange, the pair had found comfort in the other’s company. The clip-clop of four sets of hooves on the polished floor echoed through the night air. The final two sets of hooves were the bat pony guards who followed the couple at a respectful distance.

Luna would occasionally admire the mare at her side. Her wings twitched with both angst and anticipation. The occasional ‘accidental’ brush of feathers against her partner’s side was a reminder that yes, Twilight really was there. They really were about to enjoy a night together on a date. She could even feel the darker presence at the back of her mind receede. All around, it was amazing.

Twilight giggled as feathers ticked her side. She shot the princess of the night a curious glance. It was almost as if Luna couldn’t control her wings. Did she have an itch?

“Princess- err, Luna?”

The mare of the moon froze with her right wing extended half way toward her target. “Yes?”

“Are your wings feeling itchy? I think I have a spell. It helped Rainbow Dash when her wings were all itchy and kept standing out.”

Luna glanced at her partly extended wing then back to her date. “My wings are currently in fine shape, thank you.”

Twilight examined the dark feathers as they settled. “You do realize you keep brushing me with your feathers?”

“I-” Luna hesitated as she glanced at her companion. “Possibly.”

“Do they have a mind of their own?”

“Sometimes,” one of the guards spoke up, a hard smirk upon his muzzle. “But our wings usually are a sign of what’s going on inside.”

Twilight couldn’t help but shoot the larger mare a cheeky smile. “What’s inside?”

The matron of the night shot her guards a quick warning glare. “Well… mayhaps I never expected this night to ever eventuate.”

Twilight quickly closed the distance and gave Luna a quick hug. The small group came to a halt as Luna accepted the gesture and even laid a wing upon her date.

From underneath her feathery cover Twilight smiled, “I did say accept. I am interested to see where this goes. Come on, even my mother decided she was willing to give us a go.”

“True.”

“Then let’s go.”  Twilight smiled nervously as she broke contact and began to pace down the hallway on a mission.





Canterlot Palace Hallway

After a moment Rarity gathered herself, “you are most certainly correct. I never expected to see a pig such as yourself again.”

Horror crossed the prince’s muzzle. “I am no pig. I am Prince Blueblood.” The stallion stood tall and proud as he looked down his nose at the mare before him.

“And is that how you treat all mares, prince?” Rarity glared daggers at the stallion who continued to stand tall and self important.

The pristine white stallion huffed. “Just commoners who infringe upon my personal space."

“Commoners?” Rarity huffed. “I’ll have you know that I am a mare of style and one of the elements of harmony.”

Surprise flickered across Blueblood’s face. “Yes well, how was I to know that some mare from a small town had ascended to a position beyond her birthright?”

“One’s status at birth does not determine their life. In fact- no. You know what. You are not worth my breath.”

“Good. And you are not worthy of my time.” Blueblood raised his chin as if to dismiss the mare before him.

“The feeling is mutual.”

“Glad to hear it.”

The two continued to glare as though trying to set the other alight by gaze alone.

Finally, Blueblood took a step backward. “And... I… will be going. Good day.”

“It will be nicer when you are gone!” Rarity called out after the departing prince. “Goodbye!”
 




Canterlot Palace Gardens

In a secluded spot in the Canterlot Place gardens, a small table for two had been recently occupied. A single candle filled the space between them with light, illuminating the meal before them. It consisted of a variety of very well presented greens as well as other assorted vegetables. The trees nearby had been decorated with dark blue and purple silk that fluttered gently in the cool nighttime breeze.

Twilight gazed up at the stars above, freshly visible in the young night.

In the silence, the two ate slowly. Twilight would gaze up into the evening sky then back to her date before quickly looking away again. The lavender mare again tentatively chanced another look at the stunning matron of the night. Luna’s mane and tail glowed softly in the dark. It was clear from the blissful look upon Luna’s face and the relaxed way she held herself that she was content. Vibrant green eyes rested upon Twilight and after holding the visual exchange for a few moments, Twilight’s vision fell to her food. Despite no longer looking at the other pony, she was sure that Luna continued to admire her.

A faint blush began to dance upon Twilight’s cheeks leading to a purple hoof rising and brushing the warm spot as though trying to dislodge a speck of food.

Luna snorted with suppressed giggles at the cute display and a chuck of carrot shot from her mouth. Blue hooves rose to block the flying projectile but it was too late.

Twilight jumped as something orange hit her chest. She brushed the moist spot left over from the carrot’s impact, her cheeks on fire. Her gaze rose to meet the embarrassed alicorn before her.

Twilight watched as a night blue hoof touched just below the first dark spot on Luna’s muzzle. As the hoof fell away, purple eyes were drawn up the bubbling dapples then down Luna’s back. Twilight was quick to stop herself as her eyes sank below the large wings that were tucked at Luna’s sides.
The princess continued to sheepishly hold her silence, green eyes unwilling to lift. Truly, Luna was too cute. Soft dorky giggles broke the silence as Twilight’s own embarrassment turned into mirth.

 Vibrant green eyes darted up, shocked. Twilight laughed openly.

A grin split the mare of the moon’s lips and Luna found herself joining in.

Awkward laughter quickly turned into full blown joviality as both ponies unleashed their tensions till their sides hurt.  

“I am most sorry…” Luna choked out amidst her laughter.

“It’s fine!” Twilight shot back as her mirth subsided and she almost collapsed into her meal.

Large wings shot out as Luna stabilized herself. A dark hoof fell heavily on the table as her laughter also faded. The mare of the night sat there, her breathing laboured as she fought to settle herself. The dark spots on her nose and upper cheek appeared to dance in the candlelight while her mane fluttered behind her like a banner.

“You’re so cute!” Twilight exclaimed as she clutched at her sides.

A beat passed then the younger pony realized what she had uttered. “I- I mean, your dapples-”

“Thou are most divine yourself,” Luna smirked. “Are you sure it’s just my spots?”

Purple eyes flew wide open as Twilight covered her mouth with her forehooves. “Well…”

At the muffled word, Luna continued to smile adoringly at her date. “We have no shame in naming thou the most beautiful pony We- I… have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

The blushing unicorn placed her two hooves back on the table and took a deep breath. “Okay. I admit it. You are beautiful. There. I said it. The dapples help accentuate your beauty and uh… I guess you’re even nicer to look at that any of the ponies in the stories I’ve ever imagined as- I’ve uh… read. Yeah. Um…”

Luna giggled as her date sheepishly gazed at her hooves. “Flattered. I’m sure. Thank you, my star.”

Twilight’s head snapped up to meet the alicorn eye to eye. “What did you call me?”

The princess of the night faltered, “um… my star?”

“Right.” Twilight returned to her meal with a vengeance, fully recovered from the shared laughter.

After a few moments, Luna realized she was being pointedly ignored. With a flick of her mighty wings, she tried to settle down. The alicorn took a deep breath then returned to her metal, her eyes ever upon the mare who had captured her heart.





Deep beneath Mighty Wing, Griffonstone

Dubaku and Jelani, two scarred male zebra shamans sat side by side in a cramped room with a dozen other prisoners. Most of those in the cramped cell were zebra, although there was also a grey pony and a pink hippogriff.  Before each zebra lay a cauldron and a variety of herbs and liquids. Each of the dozen zebra bore a number branded onto their flank. Several of the numbers between one and twenty two were missing. The other two, non-zebra creatures were also hard at work in front of their bench with a variety of potions within reach.

As the harsh clack, clack of claws on the bars above their cell faded, Jelani turned to his friend. “I hope they let us out to see our wives soon…”

Dubaku snorted grimly. “No way. Those buggers want us to finish that awful concoction first…”

A yawn escaped Jelani and he almost face planted into his bubbling cauldron. The stallion caught himself just in time and sundered. “No way man… I need to cuddle my girl. I’ve had it.”

Dubaku side eyed his striped companion, “don’t you fall in.”

“Did you hear anything I said?” Jelani shot back as he stretched. His outstretched hooves bumped the other stallions around him and he attracted many wary stares from the other prisoners.

“I give up.” Jelani span around and laid against his cauldron. “I’ll sleep here if I have to.”

“Oi!” The prisoners all jumped as a beak rapped against the iron bars above them. “Get back to work.”

Jelani continued to lounge against his station too tired to move. “Man, I’m too stuffed! I can’t work no more today!”

“You ain’t done yet. Now get back to work!” 

Jelani recoiled fearfully from the griffon above, “but-“ a massive yawn broke the zebra’s speech. “I- just can’t…”

The griffon’s beak retreated, “you lot! Open that door and remove shaman five!”

Jelani shot up, “no! If you would just let me back to my wife, I promise I work good in the morning!”

Two tough griffons barged into the packed cell. The zebra shamans in the way hurried to huddle against the wall. The pony was too slow and screamed in pain as he was trampled over by the two guards. The pair grabbed Jelani just as the guard above poked his beak back into the cadge.

“Hold it!”

The order rattled around the cell causing everyone to freeze. All eyes shot up to the griffon in charge who smirked. Jelani quivered with fear, he could already feel the incoming beating. The large red griffon gazed hungrily down at the fearful captives.

“You know what… I’m suddenly feeling generous. Last chance. Keep working, or I’ll enjoy me some flay time with your girl… I’ll even let you watch, hows that?”

“I- I’ll keep working…” Jelani continued to shake, unable to meet the beast’s gaze.

“Let him go.”

The pair of guards nodded then tossed the tired zebra against the stone floor. He lay prone as the guards retreated, this time missing the trampled earth pony on their way out.

“Get back to work! Once I’m satisfied then I’ll let youse back to your wifes.”

“Yes…” Dubaku nodded then resumed his work, alongside all but two of his companions.

As soon as the sound of claws on steel retreated once more, Dubaku hauled his friend up and held a small vial to his lips. “Here drink this…”

Jelani nodded.

Dubaku squeezed past his friend and hurried to the pony who now favoured his right foreleg. “You too.”

“Wha- what will it do?”

“Ssssh! Not so loud, friend. This will help, I promise.”

The grey pony nodded mutely and accepted a quick sip of the pungent drink.

Dubaku hauled ass back across the room as the sound of claws on metal resounded off the hard stone walls.

The griffon passed the prisoners over once more. Stiff shoulders all around the room relaxed ever so slightly as the resounding clack, clack faded away.

Jelani lent in close to his friend. “Is that new?”

Dubaku nodded. “Today’s batch.”

Jelani yawned. “Well… I don’t feel so sore anymore… whatever you made… I hope those griffons don’t get their claws on it like the rest of our stuff.”

“But what are we here for?” Dubaku dryly shot back.

“Empower those bastards?”

“Mmmm…” Dubaku trailed off as he realized the guard was incoming once more.

The griffon captain paused above his captives and scanned the poor souls who worked fervently at their tasks. “All right you lousy lot. Twenty more minutes. Then we all go home to our wives. In the meantime… I want to witness some progress…”

The red griffon captain settled down on the cold metal bars. “Or you know… someone could share. I’m sure someone has something I would love to see…”

The two friends shared a fearful look.

Knowing they were being watched, Dubaku returned to work at his cauldron, desperate to find something other than the medical brew he had created.

The watching cat-bird sidled over to the veteran shaman and poked his beak down through the bars. “What about you? Do you want out? I’m sure it would be a lot nicer for you if you was a part of the brewing team. They just moved that lot to a very nice place… lots of food, an room to make the special brews you invent here. Youse even git to be with your mare. All’s you gotta do is make something my lord likes. Think you can do that?”

Dubaku felt his fur bristle as the griffon continued to breathe on him.

“Aww… no need to be like that…” A claw reached through the bar to stroke the fearful shaman’s mane. “Number one…”





Canterlot Mountain

Twilight and Luna lay on their backs under the stars on the peak of Canterlot Mountain. Luna had her wings spread out as she star gazed. A perk to this particular occasion was that there was an even greater star close by. A smirk crossed her muzzle as she discreetly admired the pointed star on the flank of the pony beside her.

Twilight no longer wore her dress and was enjoying the soft grass against her back. Purple eyes were wide with wonder as she drank in the clear night sky. “This is amazing Luna. The sky is so clear tonight!”

“The perfect night for the perfect pony.”

Twilight snorted at how corny the reply was as she rolled over to face her companion. It was then she noticed luna’s chin shoot up and the larger mare adjusted her position to better meet her face to face. It’s was almost as though Luna was caught eyeing something lower… Twilight glanced downward, her hind legs had been up in the air. So maybe my… legs?

The unicorn carefully eyed the beautiful alicorn beside her and realized that Luna may be blushing, if ever so slightly. “Were you just… looking at my… uh, hooves?”

“Yes! Of course I was.” Luna hastily replied.

“Why?” Twilight squinted in the dark. Did Luna look relieved?

Dark blue hooves began to fidget. “Because… thy hooves are- um… nice.”

Twilight briefly checked her right forehoof. Yep. Same normal forehoof. “But there’s nothing special about my hooves.”

“Fine. We were admiring the stars.”

Twilight gestured toward the brilliance of the sky above, “so why weren’t you looking up?”

“Because.” Luna smirked, “maybe there is an even brighter star on thy flank.”

Twilight bashfully covered her muzzle with her forehooves. “No…”

“Am I not permitted to enjoy thy beauty?” Luna wondered.

“Too much? We agreed. Oh, I don’t know… I’m still not sure about this whole… thing. And you’re still not helping by laying all this praise on me. I’m just… me. An average looking unicorn.”

“A special enough mare to claim my heart.” Luna was quick to reply with a devoted smile.

Lavender forehooves lowered and Twilight ventured a glance at her star gazing companion.

“Alright. Does…” Twilight trailed off as her mother’s earlier questions came to mind. “A- are you, uh… pure then?”

“Pure?”

“Yeah.” Twilight nodded. 

“That depends on thy definition,” Luna responded as she lay back and gazed into the vast expanse above. “I have been tainted by chaos and many years battle. Also, by my own feelings of jealousy… the nightmare. No, We art no pure young mare…”

“Well, uh…” Twilight inched closer. Luna retracted her wings and Twilight wordlessly continued to venture closer. Once within hugging distance, Twilight rolled onto her side to better appreciate the mare who appeared to be making an honest attempt at courting her.

As purple hooves brushed against dark blue Twilight tried to relax and continue. “You see… I think my mother was more thinking along the lines of uh… have you ever been with any pony else… sexually?”

Green eyes shot wide open and Luna regarded Twilight with reservation. “We art almost four thousand years old. Does thou honestly believe a pony can endure such time without a lover?”

Twilight fiddled with her forehooves, abashed. “Well, I- I… I mean. No. Celestia had foals. But what about you?”

Luna kept her gaze skyward, “is this thy mother asking or you?”

Twilight’s gut twisted. Was it just her mother? Did it matter? Luna was right, after all, thousands of years was a long time. The young adult mare took her date’s left forehoof and held it close. “Well… I’m just happy that you’re here and that you are comfortable enough to be enjoying this evening with me.”

Luna nodded, still clearly deep in thought. Her sister had been right. The nightmare had thankfully retreated or been chased off for now. Twilight was clearly a special pony. One to keep around for more than just romantic reasons. Her mind wandered from the past back to their current talk. The hooves that held her own forehoof were wonderfully warm, as were the spots where their barrels touched. 

After a comfortable silence in thought, Twilight gulped as uncertainty washed over her. “Although… I am curious. Have you ever you know… done it before?”

Luna rolled over to face Twilight, her face was deadly serious. “No. And in old times one was looked down upon for being a filly fooler. So We dreamed and wondered about what love and intimacy could be. If you must know, the most We- I have felt is mine own hoof and magic to quell the urges.”

Twilight held her silence, a hearty blush upon her muzzle. She had not expected Luna to be so blunt or open. Yet she was also enamoured by the hints of the past and the pain it caused such a beautiful pony.

“But…” Luna’s gaze softened. “Now I think… we may be beginning to understand this thing called love.”

“Does it feel like… friendship, but deeper?” Twilight asked tentatively.

Luna nodded. “We have felt many a forbidden desire for another in the past. But never true love like this. Tis different from the love I have for Celestia. She is my sister and though I love her dearly, what I feel for your is something... something else entirely.”

Twilight rolled onto her back, tears tugged at the edge of her eyes. “Do… you love me?”

Luna rose to a seated position and her wings flared. “Yes. We would do anything for thee. We will fight for thy protection and be devoted to thee till the end of time and beyond!”

A purple hoof wiped the moisture away. After a deep breath, Twilight turned to face her companion who continued to tower protectively over her. “How about we return to our star gazing? I- I feel like I need a moment to process… well, everything…”

Luna nodded briskly then settled down. “May we… cuddle?”

Twilight glanced over at the nervous alicorn. “I guess.”

The couple shuffled closer.

A pained cry from Luna rent the evening air and an owl in the nearby tree took off, frightened by the sudden outburst. “Watch the horn.”

“Sorry!” Twilight used her left forehoof to quickly shield her horn from any further impacts with her date’s side.

Without warning Twilight suddenly found herself pulled half up onto the larger mare’s chest and cradled between dark forelegs. It was like Luna was now her pillow.

“Thanks.”

“Thou art most welcome…”

“What was it that you called me over dinner?”

Luna smiled, “my Star?”

Twilight smiled as she nuzzled the warm underside of her date then clutched Luna’s left foreleg. Anchored to her special somepony, Twilight smiled up at the stars. “I think I might just be able to get used to that…”

Luna unleashed a delighted squee. The unicorn on top almost bounced off the excited mare’s tummy. “Woah Luna!”

“Sorry!” 

Twilight sighed with relief as deep blue hooves held her protectively. With the utmost care, Luna drew her precious pony back to rest between her forelegs.

“Silly.” A giggle escaped Twilight.

“We are most sorry-”

“Don’t worry about it.” The smiling unicorn cut her date off and slipped in a quick nuzzle under the fuzzy blue chin.

Luna lay there frozen with euphoria as her precious unicorn resumed admiring the night sky.

After several moments of peaceful star gazing, Twilight caught on. “Relax moon butt.”

“What did you just call me?” Luna ignorantly shot back.

“You don’t like it? Sorry… it’s just you already have a pet name for me and I thought that since Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash call each other silly names when they think they are alone, maybe I could call you something… silly?” Twilight bashfully gazed upside down into the vibrant green eyes of the pony she rested upon.

A smile slid across the mighty alicorn’s face. She tenderly touched horns, a most intimate gesture then allowed her chin to slip from her dark blue coat. The night sky returned to sharp focus and Luna wriggled a little to better position her lover’s horn. “My Star can be as cheeky as she likes. But I know where your dreams are.”

Twilight hummed in agreement. “Well, I guess if we are dating… you could always enter my dreams.”

Luna blinked a few times, shocked by such an open invitation. “Are thou sure?”

Lovers’ eyes met, bright under the starry sky.

“Yes. In fact, I ask that you do… as often as you can, please.”

“With pleasure.” A smile slipped out across Luna’s muzzle. 

Peaceful silence fell upon the couple as they lay at peace. Twilight would occasionally point out a constellation and they would talk stars till the comfortable silence fell again.

After one such discussion, Luna suddenly realised her date’s comment about a beat was because Twilight had her ear pressed to where her heart was. Luna’s precious unicorn had fallen asleep listening to its steady rhythm.

The knowledge that she could make Twilight feel safe enough to simply drift off without a care in the world filled Luna with joy. Suddenly Luna felt light enough to float right up to her moon. 





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s Mansion

Night covered the Griffonstone city of Mighty Wing in its dark embrace. Flickers of torchlight shone from the windows of several houses as families enjoyed their evenings as best they could.

Chief Grandeur strode into the ornately furnished master bedroom and immediately spotted his mate lying on the hard bed in a rather provocative position, she had clearly been waiting for him. The griffon lord was quick to notice the rope and various bindings in a pile next to her bedside. He clenched the golden beak talisman in his foreclaw, shielding it from the hen’s predatory gaze as she sized him up like a hunk of fresh meat.

“I have been waiting,” Gretelda stated. 

Grandeur snorted. “So?”

The mighty hen of the house rose, “I want sex. Now.”

The tawny brown griffon strode up to the small table on his side of the bed and placed the talisman down carefully. His eyes wandered across every little nook and cranny on the beautiful artifact. “I’m busy.”

“You always get it when you ask. Well, now I demand sex!”

The Chief tore his gaze from the talisman. He realized that yes, his mate was in fact desperate for some action and too proud and devoted to him to look elsewhere. Her devotion filled the cock with burning pleasure. He smiled as he advanced toward his wife. “And I accept.”

“I want it rough!”

“And I need to walk in the morning.”

“Did you hear me!?” The enraged female grabbed one of the ropes, hooked her mate’s foreleg and yanked him onto the bed.

The master griffon grinned up at his mate. “Oh dear, I appear to be captured.”

Grandeur’s free foreclaw lashed out and slapped his mate square on the flank. The mighty hen unleashed a pleased shriek. With a hefty tug on the rope that bound him, the large male pulled his mate into a rough kiss. He forced her onto her back. The couple struggled for power, claws and beaks clashing. The mighty cock of the house unleashed a warcry as he pinned his mate down long enough to snatch the collar beside the bed.





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion

As a warlike screech rang out through the house, Gilda cringed. It sounded like two griffons were trying to rip each other’s throats out. But she, unfortunately, knew better. Much better...

The young adult shook violently as mental images flooded her mind. She turned to beat a hasty retreat from the house and paused. If her parents were busy screwing, that opened up a golden opportunity for her to ‘borrow’ anything she desired from her father’s study.

Gilda rushed down the dark halls. She hoped the creepy butler was busy somewhere, else he would ruin her fun.

The young tawny griffon paused as she entered her father’s study and grinned. Not only had the screeches been muffled by the extra distance from her parents’ bedroom, but it looked as though everything was laid out for the taking. It was a good thing no other griffin was ever bold enough to venture into this room. Her father was too easy to steal from. Gilda knew there was no way her father would punish her like he would any other invader. After all, she was his prized chick. If anything she was doing him a favour by making use of one of the talismans of Warbeak.

She was safe. Safe to ‘borrow‘ a talisman she only just had discovered.

With an excited grin, Gilda whipped open the left draw and opened the hidden compartment. A predatory grin crept across her beak as she beheld the two artifacts inside. Perfect...

The young griffon reverently picked up the golden tail ring. “Looks like your mine now...”

Her gaze fell to the blood gold feather in the draw and she paused in thought.

She could totally steal a second one!

But what if this was her father’s only remaining one? He would go bonkers if he lost both. Her gaze fell upon the ring in her right foreclaw. “Hmmm... I bet I only need you to wreak a village of weak ponies. Right?”

Gilda thought for a few moments, then nodded to herself. “Right.”

The thief hurriedly closed the hidden compartment and slammed the drawer shut. She slipped the hefty ring onto her tail and gasped at the sudden weight that strained her poor tail. Pain shot up her back as the tail ring slowly slid along her tail till it came to rest, three quarters down, close to where her tuft was. Just like that, the weight vanished and the tail ring shrank a bit.

The young griffon stood stock still in the middle of the room, unable to believe her own eyes. This talisman was creepy. If it was already adapting to her tail did that mean it accepted her as its new owner? Would she be able to get it off?

The tawny griffon gave her tail a tentative swish and found the golden ring stayed in place. “Okay... that’s only a bit weird...” Gilda took several deep breaths to steady herself then left the room in haste. She had to get out of the house now.

Gilda raced down the hallway, then down the two flights of stairs to the grand entrance of the mansion. She spotted the family butler coming out of the kitchen and pulled her tail up close to try and hide the shiny new addition. As the robed griffon continued on his way into another room, the thief relaxed. 

The proud young griffon strode to the front door. Time to have some fun.

The front door swung open to reveal two griffons outside. “Hey sis!” The unexpected call made Gilda shriek and almost hit the roof in surprise.

The suddenly extra-paranoid griffin promptly hid her tail against her underside. Her heart beat like the drums from last night’s metal concert as she glared at her younger sibling. The last thing she needed was for her loudmouth brother to tell her dad she had just stolen one of his artifacts!

“Don’t ever do that to me again, pipsqueak! It’s something important here and I don’t want to get caught!” She squawked angrily at him.

Glen retracted, wide-eyed, “Sorry, sis... I didn’t mean to. I just got back.”

Gilda relaxed a little. It was then she realized there was a young female griffon at his side. The brown griffon shot the unexpected new addition a death glare. “What is this trash doing here?”

The young hen smirked. “I’m Ripclaw. Glen’s mate.”

“You’re what?” Gilda retorted as she eyed the female as though this creature was a daemon from Tartarus.

The young hen smirked back as she played with a few messed up feathers.“Yea, he totally made me his mate...”

“Tell me she’s joking.” Gilda stared at her brother in shock.

“I- we... her father already gave permission and if our dad says yes too... yea... um... yea. Surprise?” The young male shrank under his sister’s unamused glare.

“You know what, I’m out of here. You two enjoy. Our parents are ripping into each other anyway.”

“Your parents are fighting?” Alarm shot across the hen’s grey-black face.  

“You mean, the thing... don’t you?” Glen asked softly as he squirmed on the spot.

Gilda made a retching sound but nodded.

The young brown griffon took a step back from his sister. “Then I’m going to take my mate elsewhere. Thanks for the warning, sis.”

“Yea, no problem Glen.” Gilda smiled at her brother then shot the young female at his side a warning death glare. “You watch yourself. I will skin you if you aren’t good to my brother.”

Ripclaw shrugged. “Nice meeting you two, hag.”

“Bye Gilda!” Glen darted in for a quick hug. Before his sister could react and shove him away he took off into the skies. Ripclaw was hot on his tail and Gilda quickly found herself alone in the doorway to her family’s mansion.

“Well... I guess that fixes my brother...” A grin ripped across her face. “Now to find Gallus and fleabrain.”





Canterlot Castle Hospital

Fluttershy settled down to sleep. The light flickered off as the nurse left the room.

“Oh Dashie... I hope you know how much I love you... please come back to me...”  Fluttershy nuzzled the comatose form of her lover.

In the dark of the night with a fresh moon above Fluttershy could barely see the pony she was snuggled up beside. She was careful not to touch her companion’s bandaged sections. It made for awkward snuggling, but something was better than nothing.

The shy mare lent in and placed a kiss upon Dash’s snout. As she withdrew, Fluttershy smiled sadly. “Oh Rainbow Dash... you still are the most beautiful pony I know. Please give me a chance to tell you properly. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, you know...” 

The soft sound of Rainbow Dash’s breathing was the only response to the demure pony’s words. Fluttershy sighed wistfully. 

“If you wake up... I think I will offer you one of my primary feathers...” The quiet mare trailed off thoughtfully as she continued to admire the pegasus who had long ago captured her heart.






Canterlot Palace, Luna’s Personal Balcony

“So tired…” Twilight wandered right in and collapsed onto the large alicorn sized bed. The bed had a crescent moon sideboard that reached almost to the ceiling. It’s currently creased sheets were deep blue with pointed stars.  

Luna sidled up to her bed and gazed down at the beauty who lay at peace.

“I can return you to thy own bed if-”

“Warm…” Purple forehooves stretched out, seeking to be reunited with the special presence from the star gazing session.

“What?”

“You’re so warm… I wanna sleep with you. Pleeeease.”

“But- I promised thy mother… and my sister, nothing would happen.”

A solo purple eye cracked open. “Nothing’s going to happen. We’re both girls… Now, I want cuddles….”

Twilight continued to get comfortable in the middle of the large bed. Purple hooves shoved the covers to one side and the tired unicorn once again relaxed.

Despite the tempting offer, Luna hesitated. “T’would not be right for me to share a bed with the mare I am dating. Thou are not my wife.”

“Yet.”

Luna froze, her shocked gaze locked on the mare who had claimed her bed. “What?”

Twilight splayed herself out on the large bed then nuzzled into the pillow that smelt wonderfully of the pony she desired to snuggle. “I said... yet.”

“But what does thou mean?”

A lavender hoof beaconed for the standing alicorn to join her.

Luna took a tentative step closer. “Still, I am not sure we should sleep together.”

Twilight yawned as she stretched out on the large, single alicorn bed. “But you’re so warm and we’ve kinda slept together once already...”

Now standing right next to the bed, Luna gazed uncertainly down at her date.

Twilight smiled up at the uncertain alicorn. “Pleeeease…”

With a deep breath and her mind high in the sky, unable to believe the current turn of events, Luna gently shifted her precious pony further into the bed. With great care, Luna slipped into bed and immediately found herself snuggled by a very sleepy, beautiful unicorn.

“Verily, the promise of relations must wait until marriage. But thine body doth give me ideas that cause me great worry.”

Twilight giggled as she continued to snuggle right up against the soft warm side of her special pony. “Well, we’re both mares so I don’t see what kind of relations need to wait. Unless you don’t want to snuggle?”

“Thine snuggles are most wonderful.”

“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Twilight smiled as she closed her eyes and relaxed against the matron of the night.

Luna stared down at the unicorn who had so wonderfully and absolutely captured her heart. Right here, right now… Luna felt alive. She felt wonderful. Like she needed to sing from a high cloud or shout from the moon.

‘Twilight Sparkle is mine!’

Giddy with joy, Luna gave her cuddly bed buddy a light squeeze then cast a sleeping spell on herself.

Time to enter the dream realm.
 




The tawny brown fur of Chief Grandeur was buffeted by fierce winds as he stood floating in nothingness before a titanic griffon. This beast was at least twice the size of a regular griffon.

The beast floated at ease over a volcano. Rivers of red ran beneath the duo and Grandeur felt himself become light in the head from the heat.

“This is a weird dream...” The chief griffon noted.

The beast grinned. “Ah... tis no dream my little hatchling.”

Grandeur’s brown wings shot out, “You!? It speaks?”

“Well of course Warbeak can speak.” Rolling thunderous laughter filled the space. “My kind must really have taken a fall if thou no longer remembers who I am.”

“Of course I remember you.” Grandeur shot back as he stood tall, a task made somewhat hard by the weird floating over lava.

“Really?”

“Well, I have five of your six Talismans.”

A sly grin crept across the giant griffon’s muzzle. “That explains why I found your dream. You didn’t sneak a talisman into thy place of rest by any chance?”

“I- yes.”

A sudden rush of air almost knocked the smaller griffon down. The large beast seemed to absorb the strong winds. He sighed blissfully as the torrents subsided. “You know... Now I can feel your vessel. Have thou been wounded in glorious battle?”

The chief was suddenly glad that his cheek’s skin was well covered by fur. He could not remember the last time a blush had set his cheeks on fire. “Of course.”

“Hesitation.” A booming laugh rent the air. “My mate enjoyed it rough too.”

Grandeur's eyes grew wide. “Mate? There’s more than one giant?”

The sly grin crept back into the titanic griffon’s beak. “Aye... there was in times of old. You must finish collecting my talismans then find me a sacrifice worthy of summoning me from the depths of Tartarus.”

Grandeur flinched backward, shocked. “You’re in Tartarus? I thought you were dead.”

The giant griffon gracefully flew closer. "If you do not. I have already found a creature most alluring." 

"What does that mean?" The grand master of all griffondom suddenly felt very small as the ancient griffon drew level with him.

Warbeak smiled, “find my last talisman. But do not invoke the magic of all six until the moon has waned.”

“But what happens if it would be most opportune to attack in two weeks time?”

The titanic griffon shook his head. “That is under the full moon. I do not wish to fight the sister of the night at her full power.”

“Are you telling me a pony can match the great Warbeak?” Grandeur scoffed.

The temperature rose to a point where Grandeur almost felt his brain explode. His skin blistered and feathers felt ready to burn.

“No. I desire those ponies to be at a disadvantage. The real fighter is the one of the night.”

“Okay... just... lower the heat already!”

Laughter echoed from the large beast. The unbearable heat subsided slightly and Grandeur took a deep breath of cooler air and glared at the ancient beast. “How can you do this in my dream?”

The titanic griffon turned his back and began to fly casually away. “I also want you to find the Bewitching Bell.”

“The what?”

“You heard me.” The giant griffon rumbled sternly back as he continued to slowly drift away. “Tartarus calls. Find the bell and my last Talisman! Then show me your patience!”

Everything faded to blackness.

The mighty ruler of the current griffons found himself in a void. “Stupid Warbeak. Could have at least given me a pleasant dream.”

With a rush, everything span and Grandeur sat bolt upright in bed. Upon his beak was the rough bloody gold talisman of Warbeak. The heavy gold beak suddenly felt as though it was a ton of bricks, crushing his face. Grandeur fought franticly to remove the talisman. Claws clattered against the solid gold surface as the griffon intensified his efforts. Blood flowed from the griffon chief's face onto the ancient talisman.

‘Can’t breathe!'

Drowning under the tidal wave of panic Grandeur's struggles became that of life and death. He thrashed around, desperate to free his beak. Distant swearing filed the air as his hind paws pushed against something soft and warm. With a crash, Grandeur found himself on the floor.

He tried to scream as his lungs burned for air. He scrambled woozily around on the floor and smashed his head into the soft hay mattress. The bloody golden beak Taliman shot from the griffon chieftain's face and cut through the bed as it fell to the floor.

Grandeur's gurgled as he screamed and collapsed coughing against the bed. His breaths came staggered and raw. It was then he became aware of his wife’s presence by his side. She hauled him onto the bed and gazed at him with wide fearful eyes.

“What in all Tartarus was that?!” Gretelda swore as she tried to brush some of the blood from his beak.

“Help me.” Grandeur spluttered as he clutched at his face. Had his beak just been wrenched off? It was hard to tell. The world span with blistering pain and he felt like throwing up.

The cock found himself hauled out of the roost. Unable to see anything clearly through the darkness and firey pain he smacked his barrel against the stone wall and swore.

“Glad to hear your beak still works. Stupid cock.” Gretelda remarked, her thick with underlying fear.

The sound of rushing water filled the air and Grandeur sagged against his mate. Gretelda ran a shaking claw across the wounded griffon’s side and up his back.

Each time the hen touched the fresh scratches from their earlier session, painful tingles shot forth. Her claw came to rest upon the back of Grandeur's head. There it rested for a moment as water continued to flow.

Gretelda nuzzled her mate, shaking like a leaf in a gale. “Don’t you ever do that again. I thought you were going to die! Here.”

The mighty cock’s wings flared as he found himself suddenly dunked into the large washbasin. Bubbles flew past his cheek fur. Panic flushed the pain away and he threw his head out of the freezing cold water.

“Cold!”

“You’re looking less uggly yourself. Hold your breath.”

Grandeur quickly gulped a breath. The claw that clutched the back of his head thrust him down into the water. He felt his mate’s free foreclaw tenderly brush his face. After an agonizing underwater spell, the chief was once again released into the world of pain.

Water flew everywhere as Grandeur emerged, his breathing laboured. “Thank you. ...I no longer feel as though my face has been ripped off.”

“Ripped off?” Gretelda’s eyes glinted in the darkness. “How in Tartarus could anything rip your fat face off?”

“The talisman!” The brown griffon rushed back into the bedroom and froze at the sight of the hole in the bed.

“What?” Danger was alive in the hen’s tone as she crept into the room. “You brought one of those in here?”

Grandeur paid his mate no heed as he rushed to the bed and thrust his claw through the hole. The bloodied talisman glowed softly in the darkness.

“Why is that thing in my bedroom? Get it out!” Gretelda cried.

Grandeur cringed at his wife’s tone. “Yes, of course!”

The mighty cock hurried out with the heavy gold talisman. His face and beak stung, his frame smarted from bondage. With the talisman once again in hand, the world began to spin and he leant against the stone hallway wall to support himself.

“You’re never to bring one of those into my presence again!”

The mighty tawny griffon rounded on his wife. He stood tall and imposing in the hallway. “I’ve just had the privilege to meet Warbeak. I may have happened to touch this as I fell asleep, but I have no idea how it got onto my face.”

“It nearly killed you!”

Grandeur smirked. Thanks to the dim illumination from the bloodied beak he could see his wife wriggling with revulsion at the sight of said artifact. “Yes. Now, where’s that damn butler?”

“You called sir?”

The chief was suddenly aware of a robed form by his side. “Yes. Wrap this up put it back in my study.”

“Am I to wash it first?”

“Correct. Clean my blood off it but be careful not to let this golden beak get close to your face.”

“It will be done.”

“Good. That will be all.”

The robed griffon bowed to his lord, took the artifact then vanished into the night.

Grandeur smirked. “There it’s gone.”

The mighty griffon lord stepped back into the bedroom and was immediately accosted. Gretelda gave him a massive bear hug and pinned him to the wall. Grandeur tentatively wrapped his wife in a hug and noticed that she was still shaking. Eager to escape the stinging pain and sensation of losing his beak, Grandeur slowly tightened the hug.

The ageing griffon couple held each other in the darkness. Two racing hearts slowly calmed as they continued to idle.

Gretelda slowly withdrew from her mate. “Wash your face. I’m going to clean the bed.”

A chuckle escaped the tawny griffon as he strode toward their personal washroom. “Then I want to forget this pain.”

The mighty griffon lord could feel his mate’s grin. “I’ll do better than that for you. But don’t ever do that again!”

“Oh, I won’t...” Grandeur remarked rather sourly. The griffon chieftain shook himself then doused his face with water once more.
> Chapter 26: Wake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outer Griffonstone Wild lands

 Sometime past midnight, Gilda, Captain Volibeak, Mistwing and Gallus reclined in a forest clearing. Between the four griffons, a small fire burned. Forms of other griffons shifted occasionally in the background, shadows amidst the trees.

Gallus poked the fire with a long stick as he yawned. “Remind me why we had to flee like a bunch of thieves in the night?”

Gilda flicked her tail into sight. The gold ring glowed red in the firelight in place near the base of its tufty end. “This. Dad will be pissed when he finds out I stole one of the talismans of Warbeak.”

“So you are a thief. Great. Why did you have to steal that?” Gallus stared with great concern at the ring. “I’ve heard a lot of bad things about those.”

Gilda grinned back. “Because I’ve seen and heard dad’s plans. There’s this village that is to be attacked as a test.”

“A pony village?” Volibeak’s attention was peaked. “That one my unit discovered?”

“Exactly, Our Town.” Gilda nodded.

Gallus snorted. “It’s about to be our town.”

“No. That’s its name.” Volibeak lent forward and met the younger griffons gaze, a smirk upon his beak.

“Yeah, it’s super lame,” added Gilda as she relaxed.

“Our town… it’s our town… where ponies run and scream.” Volibeak sang jokingly.

Mistwing cuddled up close to her mate giggling. “Then after we are done killing them all, you can make me scream.”

Gilda shot the other young hen a grossed out glare. “That is not information I need to hear, thanks for ruining the joke dumbass.”

“Hey, what about Gallus?” Mistwing grinned suggestively as she flicked her eyes between Gilda and Gallus all the while, she continued to brush herself against her mate.

Gilda glanced at her fellow griffon. “What about Gallus?”

  “Yeah, what about me?” Gallus quickly perked up.

“Well you know… there’s a shortage of griffons that Gilda trusts and well, you ain’t too bad for a young cock… maybe you should fuck her.” Mistwing tenderly stroked her mate’s cheek, her grin coy.

Gallus flushed red, “oh, ewww… no. I’m not shagging any griff. Especially not Gilda!”

“Why not, she isn’t that bad looking is she?” Mistwing countered as she slowly mounted her mate.

“Just take Volibeak off to a cloud and buck him already.” Gilda growled. “We got a long day’s flight tomorrow and I don’t want you two pulling any crazy stunts in battle because you're too horny or whatever.”

The couple shared a dangerous grin.

“Battle at last…” Volibeak flexed his talons, enjoying the way the firelight danced off his claws.

“Yes, a fight.” Gallus shot back as he massaged his forehead. “All this sexual tension is making me want to puke. Where are we going with this?”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Look. All going well, one of the big pets and its handlers will meet us once we cross into pony land.”

Mistwing perked up, “I like the sound of that.”

“But what about this meeting between Celestia and our boss?” Volibeak spoke up. “We don’t want to ruin the chief’s plans.”

“If we strike hard and fast, that will not be a problem.” Gilda asserted, her gaze hard as she eyed her fellow hen. “And I trust each of you to get in there and kick pony butt.”

“And what if these …pets… don’t show up?” Gallus asked.

Gilda shrugged. “Then we don’t attack. It has to be all over before they know what’s happening or it will ruin the big surprise.”  

Volibeak stared at Gilda, his wings flicked with the pleasant tingles from his mate’s actions. “That would be boring. Surely we can still do it ourselves. We have numbers.”

“Don’t worry,” Gilda tried to dismiss the battle hungry cock with a wave of her claw. “I’m sure they will show up. I got a special friend of my dads on board. Ya know that creepy zebra?”

“Zebra?” Sudden clarity hit Gallus and he tensed. “You brought Kaikura into this?”

Gilda smirked back. “So what if I did?”

“I wanna eat him.” Volibeak licked his beak.

Gilda rolled her eyes. “I would love to see you try… but maybe wait till after we flatten this pony village.”

Mistwing knocked her mate over, “sounds like a plan to me. Now, I’m off to find a place where Volibeak and I can have some fun.”

“Yeah, get lost. Just make sure you two come back in the morning.” Gilda kneaded the ground, her temper running thin. 

  As hasty wingbeats faded Gallus turned to Gilda. “Why must you encourage them?”

The young hen shrugged, her pent up frustration dissipating. “Because it gets… that… out of their system now. Long as they do their job, I don’t care.”

Gallus threw a stick into the fire. Sparks flew into the night and for the briefest of moments you could see the outlines of their fellow griffons, camped out in the surrounding bush. As the treeline faded into darkness once more he stood and stretched. “Well, I’m going to try get some rest.”

“Don’t like sleeping in the presence of other griffons?” Gilda smirked and patted the grass beside her. “What about female griffons? This fire is nice and warm.”

“Eh, I’m just used to the cold.” Gallus shrugged and wandered over to the closest tree.

“You’re not gay are you?” Gilda called out quietly.

“Shut up and go to sleep.” The blue griffon did his best to settle down for rest beside the large tree.

“I could ask a few of the guys. You are kinda cute.” Gilda laughed and rolled onto her side.

Gallus glared back. “And I would rather bone a hippogriff. Now goodnight.”

“Ooooh…” Gilda smirked, enjoying the way the firelight danced along her companion’s blue coat. “Now there’s a thought.”

Gallus groaned and hid his face, curling up to better avoid the other griffon.

Giggles erupted from Gilda as she too settled down for the night.





As Gilda drifted off to sleep she found her regular dreams of flying were overtaken by darkness.

Laughter erupted from the void and there appeared a titanic griffon. “Ah… Finally. A griffon worthy to bear my talisman! Greeting chick.”

“Woah… who the heck are you?” Gilda gawped as the large tawny beast flew closer.

The mighty griffon landed in front of the young hen. “I am Warbeak.”

“Woah…. So you do exist!?”  

Warbeak nodded. “In Tartarus. Yes.”

“Wow…” Gilda breathed.

“Who is your sire?” 

“My sire?” Gilda pulled a face. “For your information, my dad is chief Grandeur. He’s cool.”

Booming laughter erupted from the large griffon. “Ha! He is unworthy! I spoke with thy sire this eve.”

“You spoke with dad? Don’t tell him I have your tail ring!”

The giant griffon smirked. “I will share what I choose to. I require thee to assist thy sire in sourcing the Bewitching Bell.”

Gilda stared at the faint outline of a strange bell that floated beside the large griffon. “The what bell, why should I?”

“Because I have instructed thee to do so.”

Gilda huffed. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

A searing pain ran up the young griffon’s tail, she yelped and leapt into the air.

The large beast laughed. “You will find such attitude to be most disadvantageous.”

Gilda examined her tail and found the small ring alight with a phantasmic fire. “What did you just do?”

“Obey me, and I will give thee power. Ignore my commands and suffer.”

Gilda gazed up at the large griffon. Fear crept up her back. She suddenly felt as though the whole plan to steal her father’s ring was a huge mistake. “What do you want from me?”

The large griffin smiled keenly. “To obey.”

“Okay… you know, you could just make part of the order be to attack this pony village. That would be like super cool.”

Warbeak scoffed. “Why should I?”

“Because we have a few pets to test out. Plus, no creature will notice if we destroy it.”

“Are thou sure?”

“Uh… yeah.” Gilda tried her best to put up a brave front.

“Hmmm….” The large griffon thought for a few moments.

“And what are you doing in my dream anyway? I thought I was supposed to have cool dreams of flying tonight.”

“Attack this village. Leave none alive. Then find the bell. Your father will find my last talisman.” With that, the large griffon faded into blackness.

“Hey, wait!” Gilda cried out in the darkness. “Aw… come on!”





13 days until the peace summit…

Royal Canterlot Hospital

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Dawn’s first light cut through the curtains in the hospital ward where Fluttershy lay curled up next to Rainbow Dash. The slight beeps emitted from the heart rate monitor mocked the pony who lay awake. It reminded her that her love was taken from her. Forcibly and without mercy.

Yet Fluttershy did what she could to ignore the annoying noise as she lay there, snuggled up against her bedridden fillyfriend. She was just relieved that most of the life support equipment was no longer needed, except for a few basics in order to fill her body with nutrition.

No movement or sound emitted from the comatose pegasus, but at least her recovery was well underway. Fluttershy almost felt like it was going too well, and that soon, something might break that path to recovery.

As the early morning sun snuck into the hospital ward, Fluttershy felt hope as well as a sense of impending trouble.

A golden ray of sun fell upon the face of Fluttershy’s lover. “Rainbow…” she whispered.  

“Dashie… I know you are in there… Please come back to me… I-if that’s ok with you, love.” Her cheeks flushed with colour. She felt nervous about voicing the desires of her heart. There was a feeling, like some pony would walk in on her in the middle of pouring her heart out. It gave her the jitters.

Her green eyes fell upon the lips of her mare and her breath caught. She smiled lightly and lent toward the lips that were unknowingly offered up to her. The blue coat of Fluttershy’s lover rippled lightly as her breath caressed the muzzle of the pony below. With utmost care, she licked the muzzle before kissing it.

Fluttershy gazed lonely around the room. It felt sterile and dead. After a few moments she turned back to the pegasus she loved. As she admired her mare, her right forehoof began to stroke the rainbow mane gently.

“Come back to me Dashie...please...” Fluttershy’s pleading tone reached the ears of the comatose mare, once again appearing to have little effect upon her.

Offering a loving nuzzle, Fluttershy settled down into a close embrace with her lover, resting protectively on top and gazing around as if somepony might be watching. If Rainbow Dash wasn’t going anywhere then neither would she. The soft slow beating of the blue pony’s heart called to the yellow pegasus, reassuring her that everything would be okay.

After a few moments of less than peaceful rest, the shy equine nuzzled up to meet a cyan ear. “I know my Rainbow can’t hear me... but...” She wrapped her wings around the sleeper. “You are so nice to cuddle up with... even when you can’t snuggle back.”

Feeling bored and more than a little burned out, Fluttershy gently rolled over to the side and snuggled up to her comatose lover. She kissed Dash’s cheek, gently running a hoof through her mane.

“I love you, Rainbow... Please wake up soon…”





Canterlot Castle, outside Twilight’s room

Golden and red touches of dawn light gave the castle of the pony sisters a wonderful warm glow. The stained glass windows shone vibrantly and created patterns on the pearly white walls. Despite the early hour, there were already several palace staff up and about.  Twilight Velvet strode with purpose through the large corridors. The mare on a mission was flanked by her husband and Spike. Although the guards remained stoic, the occasional pony greeted the trio.

Twilight Velvet nodded in greeting to a bright blue unicorn then turned to her husband. “Maybe I was too harsh on them yesterday.”

“Well, it was quite a surprise.” Night Light smiled nervously at his wife, “I mean, I was half expecting our daughter to never be romantically interested in other ponies at all.”

Spike laughed then caught himself. As the two adults glanced his way he smiled sheepishly back, “well yeah, I mean… Twilight does love books. And, ever since moving to Ponyville, her focus has been friendship.”

Twilight Velvet nodded in agreement, deep in thought. “True. And I guess that as long as this Luna has common interests and is good for her, then I guess it is worth at least trying to forget the age gap…”

“And this way, both our kids are dating royalty…” Night Light added proudly.

“You know,” Velvet eyed her husband rather dryly. “If I didn’t know better, I might mistake your motives for seeking elevated social status dear.”

“Heh, yes well… It’s exciting, right? Besides. I bet Luna took Twilight on quite a date yesterday.” The blue stallion was quick to reply.

“I don’t think Twilight has given Luna’s status much thought,” Spike spoke up.

“Well, while our girl may innocent to such, I for one am still processing everything. Providing their date went well and our daughter was treated perfectly… I suppose I will continue to give Princess Luna a pass.” Twilight Velvet replied, her words even and measured as her mind continued to work.

Spike lit up as a certain bedroom door came into sight, he toddled boldly up and knocked.

The two Sparkles stood patiently behind the young drake, ready to greet their daughter.

The trio waited. 

Nothing.

The two elder Sparkles shared a glance.

“Maybe she’s still sleeping, I’ll check!” Spike offered and pushed the door open.

The room was neatly prepared for use of one unicorn. However, beyond the saddlebag that rested beside the bookshelf, it was clearly untouched.

“Are you sure this is the right room?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“Well yeah,” Spike wandered in and quickly checked the bags. “These are Twilights. I’m surprised the bed looks so neatly made though.”

The elder Twilight strode up to the luxurious bed and upon critical examination, she became rather concerned. “Spike.”

“Yes?”

“How often do the bedsheets in the palace get changed?”

The young dragon glanced between the bed and the mother mare. “Uh... I have no idea.”

“Daily?”

“No way.”

Night Light wandered up to his wife. “So...?”

“Our daughter has not slept in this bed.” Twilight Velvet continued to examine the room with rising apprehension.

Night Light nodded in agreement. “But she’s been here a few days now.”

“Exactly. Where has she been sleeping?” The mare was quick to spot the look of realization that crossed the young drake’s face. “What?”

Spike tried and failed to casually meet the grey mare’s gaze. “What?”

“You know where she’s been sleeping.”

“Well.. you see... since I’ve been allowed to sleep in my own room I kinda haven’t been keeping an eye on Twilight’s uh… nocturnal activities.”

Twilight Velvet gave her adopted son a dry look. “Spike. Stop avoiding my question.”

The young drake sighed. “I think… she had a rough night two nights ago and slept in Luna’s room. Maybe they stayed out star gazing or something and had a sleepover again.”

“Luna promised me...” The troubled mare wandered out into the shining hallway and strode right up to a solo guard on patrol. “Where is Princess Luna’s bedroom?”

“Uh...?” The stallion awkwardly met the mother mare’s gaze. “Do you have permission to seek the princess out?”

Spike strode out the door, “yeah. I’m staying with Twilight Sparkle and we think she’s with Princess Luna.”

The white stallion eyed the trio, “Celestia’s protegee?”

“That would be my daughter, yes.” Twilight Velvet replied.

The stallion suddenly became nervous. “Right this way.”  





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion
 
Early morning hung across the Griffonstone. Dawn was upon the rough, mountain city of Mighty Wing. Celestia’s sun was yet to fully rise upon the land and for most, it was still a time of rest. There were, however, three who were awake in the residence of Chief Grandeur. The chief and his mate were being served their morning meal by their robed black butler. As the dark cat-bird stepped back to allow his masters to enjoy their meals an excited voice rang through the hallways.   

“I’m home! And I brought you someone special to meet!” Glen rushed into the large feasting room and almost barrelled into his parents.

The excited barely adult griffon bounced around like a chick high on sugar. “Mom, dad! Meet my mate... Ripclaw!"

A crash rang through the room. Gretelda stared at her son as fragments of destroyed plate fell from her claws. “What?”

“Your what?” Grandeur gawped.

A young grey-black griffon marched into the room like she owned the place. “Hi! We were gonna stay over last night when your daughter totally told us you were banging, so we found somewhere to bang too! I’m totally this cutie’s mate now! Although I gotta say, it looks like you enjoy it even rougher than me. I’m inspired!”

The two elder griffons glanced in shock at one another.

“I- son. I did not even know you had it in you.” Grandeur took a bite out of his meal. “I am most impressed.”

Gretelda rounded on her mate, “what do you mean impressed? He picked some chick up off the street, screwed her then claimed her to be his mate?”

Grandeur cringed under his ragged mate’s verbal assault.

The hen of the house rounded on her son, “I’m disappointed in you Glen.”

Glen cowered, “b-but mother! I did it properly, I asked her father... we did the little ceremony and then mated. What’s wrong with it?”

Gretelda sighed, still highly strung. “Are you sure you did everything in that exact order?”

“Yep, totally did.” Ripclaw puffed herself up proudly.

Gretelda shot the younger female a deadpan glare. “I’m talking to my son. Now shut it before I break your beak.”

Glen gulped as all eyes settled on him. “We did, okay? We met at that metal concert. Mom... Dad... I know things have moved quickly... but we both figured... why not? Love is love and life is short... so yeah...”

“Oh, it’s short alright...” Grandeur muttered sourly. “Just be careful with my son and I won’t make your life even shorter.”

Ripclaw shrank under the stern gaze of the griffon lord. “Y-yes sir...”

“Good. Now, come with me little hen. My family are yet to decide if we want you.” The chief strode off, his fresh cuts and bruises proudly on display.

“When can I get her back?” Glen timidly piped up.

The mighty cock pocked his head back into the room, a smirk upon his beak. “You will get her back… if I take a liking to her. Gretelda, you are most welcome to accompany us.”

The mighty hen of the house was up and at her mate’s side with surprising speed for one so large. “You’re dam right I will. If I don’t like his hussy, I’ll be the one to fix her…”

The two young griffons shared a fearful final look as Ripclaw was frogmarched out of the room.





Canterlot Place, Princess Luna’s bedroom

Twilight Velvet erupted furiously into the princess of the night’s bedroom. The angry mare was followed by Night Light and Spike both of whom were giving the mare a wide berth as she strode right up to the moon themed bed.

Upon Luna’s bed, Twilight and Luna hastened to untangle themselves from each other.

“Mom!?”

“What’s going on here and why is my daughter in your bed?!” Twilight Velvet glared at the couple before her.

The still dappled Luna recoiled, “what art thou doing in my chambers?”

“Demanding to know why you have taken advantage of my little Twilight!”

“Mom! Calm down, this isn’t what it looks like!” Twilight tumbled out of the bed and was hastily grabbed by her agitated and furious mother.

“Oh really? Did you not in fact just sleep with the princess of the night?” The light grey mare angrily commanded an answer.  

“I mean… yes, I did sleep with Luna. But I was super tired and- and Luna was so soft and warm... it just kinda happened.” Twilight trailed off, embarrassed. Unable to bear her mother’s shock, the young mare’s gaze sank to the floor.

“She took advantage of you because you were tired?”

The younger Twilight recoiled. “No! I asked if I could stay.”

The elder Twilight turned her fury upon the sheepish alicorn who hid behind the moon shaped sideboard on the bed. “And you let her? You have magic for Celestia’s sake! You could have teleported her to her room. Or- or something!”

“What the meaning of this?” The stern tone of Celestia caused every pony to freeze.

Twilight Velvet span around to face Celestia. “Princess! I caught your sister bedding my child!”

“Truly?” Celestia rounded on her younger sister. “I thought you said you would wait till marriage.”

Luna shark further behind the crescent moon sideboard of her bed. “I did. We are…”

“Yeah, it’s not just Luna’s fault!” Twilight rose, fearful yet determined. “Nothing can happen, we’re both girls.”  

“Do you mean nothing happened, or that you do not anticipate any long lasting effects such as pregnancy from your night together?” Celestia asked as she keenly examined her sister.

“Truly, many a snuggle happened. Nothing further.” Luna clarified, both highly embarrassed and offended by the accusations.

“Is that right Twilight?” The angry mother mare rounded upon her terrified daughter.

“Yes…” Twilight continued to cower, “it was like a sleepover with my friends…”

“But she’s romantically interested in you!” Velvet shot back, exasperated.

“And?” Twilight wondered out loud. 

The elder Twilight huffed, ready to return fire at her daughter. Upon spotting how truly lost her little girl was, she stopped. Velvet took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “Because… this… You sharing a bed with Princess Luna is like your brother and Princess Cadance. You aren’t just friends. She is romantically interested in you. Love. Not just friendship.”

Twilight nervously glanced at her date, realization dawning. “I… I never thought about it like that. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable Luna.”

“Tis fine. Truly.”

“If I may,” Celestia spoke up.

All eyes turned to the great white alicorn.

“You two are clearly very comfortable together. While I think it is cute that you have both found a special companion, I advise caution. Please refrain from sleepovers or sharing a bed, regardless of how innocent your intentions are. As bad as it looked to all of us when we walked in minutes ago, if other ponies discovered that my sister and my student are not only together but enjoying sleepovers… I fear this information would be misused by the press and nobility. Everypony here would not have a pleasant time.”

Twilight Velvet nodded in agreement with the solar princess’s words. “Agreed. Twilight. A word in private please.” 

  Twilight Sparkle glanced around the room before meeting her mother’s stern gaze. “Okay…”

The grey mare strode out of the night themed room with purpose, her daughter a few paces behind.   As the double doors closed Celestia sighed. “I really wish you had thought about the consequences of your actions before you let Twilight stay. And um… your spots.”

“Oh!” Dark magic ripped down the midnight mare and her dapples once again became covered.

Night Light blinked a few times, only truly registering the dapples existence once they had vanished. Spike gazed up at the still partly concealed princess in shock. “You have-?”

“Nevermind mine dapples.” Luna clumsily extracted herself from the midnight bed and tentatively strode up to her big sister.  “It was hard to say no to a tired, cute wonder in my bed. I did try…”

Celestia gazed back at her sister in thought.

 “Well,” Night Light Spoke up. “Hopefully now that Twilight realises this is a lot more than a sleepover between friends or innocent cuddles… Well… She will at least return to her own bed. I think she may just have been tired and feeling very comfortable around you. Take that as a compliment, Princess.”

“Thank you.” Luna nodded in thanks to the stallion. Suddenly she brightened up. “Oh and sister, I almost forgot.”

“Yes?” Celestia met her sister’s excitement with a rather more reserved steer.

“Your daughters, I felt them wake up this morning.”

The room fell silent as Celestia perked up.   The elder Sparkle stared at the sunny alicorn like she had sprouted a second set of wings.

“Daughters? You have- well… real daughters?” Night Light spluttered in disbelief. “How is this possible?”

“Luna, I wish you had waited just a few more minutes before telling me.” Celestia sighed then turned to the other ponies in the room. “Yes, I have two daughters. Both of whom were born a long time ago and strange events prevented me from raising them both as I would like in ages past.”

“So they are here, right now?” Night Light spoke up in awe.

Celestia shot her sister an annoyed glance. “No. I do not know where they are, hence asking my sister to help me locate them.”

“How old are they?” The blue stallion ventured carefully.

“Technically, a few thousand years each. Although my youngest is more like thirty five.”  

“Because of whatever happened to them?” 

  Celestia nodded. “Yes. Now, please… I ask that you leave us in peace. I wish to discuss a few things with Luna and Twilight.”

“Okay… well… I’m off to get breakfast and try to forget this,” Spike spoke up as he headed out.

The young drake opened the door to reveal the two Twilights walking along the hallway. As they approached, the creatures in the room were able to see that the younger mare appeared sheepish but more relaxed than previously. Her mother, though still tense, was speaking quietly to her daughter. The young Sparkle nodded a few times.

As they drew close to Spike, Twilight smiled. “Good timing Spike, thank you.”

“Of course. Is everything okay now?” The young drake asked apprehensively.

Twilight Velvet sighed, “about as good as it can be about now. My mind should stop spinning by the end of the week at least.” 

Spike nodded and vacated the doorway, opting to head off for breakfast.

Twilight Velvet stood in the doorway. She eyed the taller mare night for a few seconds. The room fell silent and awkward. The grey mare turned to leave then span around again. “I’m warning you. If I even so much as think you have taken advantage of my daughter or cast a spell upon her… or done anything underhoof… I will ensure that you never see her again.”

Luna stared back with wide, shocked eyes then quickly nodded. “Of course.”

“Come on Night. We’re leaving before my brain explodes thanks to any more weird revelations.”

Night Light shot Celestia one last look of disbelief then ambled after his wife. “Be glad you missed what Luna said to Princess Celestia.”

The doors closed on the older couple and Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry, I’ll make sure I sleep in my own room and mom doesn’t want me left alone with you for the next two weeks.”

  Luna glanced at the closed door then back to her date. “Oh. Would the presence of my personal guards be accepted?”   

Twilight Sparkle shrugged. “Sure.” 

  “Good.”

As the room fell into silence, Celestia spoke up; “I thank you both for accepting the input of your family. I hope you know how much we love you. I still think you both are wonderful together.”

“Thank you, sister.” Luna approached her sister and gave the sunny mare a hug.

Twilight was quick to join in. As they broke apart Celestia smiled. “Now for breakfast. I have organized quite the spread!”





Two miles out to sea beyond Mount Aris

“Dive!”
“Airships!”
“We got Storm King airships!”
“Everyone take cover!”

The pale turquoise form of Terramar jetted past Silverstream as the cries from the watching seaponies above carried through the underwater realm.  Long shadows ripped across the water, cutting the daylight’s contact as they passed over. From the shadows crawling pace it was entirely possible they were carefully searching for signs of life below.

The pink young seapony shrieked in fear and swam for home as though the Storm King himself were on her tail. Silverstream missed the doorway and slammed into her mother. The mare helped her shaking daughter inside.

“Mom, why do they keep coming back?”

“I don’t know dear, but I promise you they will not be able to find us.” Ocean Flow replied resolutely as she enveloped her daughter in a tender hug with her flippers.

Terramar dived in for a hug from his mother too, “But they did-“

“That was last week. We are better hidden now.” The sapphire-blue form of Sky Beak entered the room. “And I just got the kitchen set up, so I can still make all your favourite foods.”

“A-are you sure?” Silverstream gazed at her father, fighting back the fearful tears that threatened to break free.

“Yes honey. I’m sure.” Pale blue flippers enveloped the stallion’s family in a protective hug.





Canterlot Castle Barricks

Celestia shook herself lightly as she emerged from the confines of the castle and beheld ranks of the royal guard, ready to serve. The princess of the day smiled, glad to see her faithful ponies. As the alicorn strode along she spotted something that broke her mornings’ review of her royal guard.
Out of the night guard barracks strode a young bat pony. On his head, he wore a golden helmet, clearly taken from the solar guard armoury. He froze at the sight of the long intimating line of pegasi and unicorns who stood at attention before their princess.

“Hello there,” Celestia smiled like the sun as she slowly approached the tiny wide eyed colt.

“Woah… so pretty…” The foal’s blue eyes sparkled as he beheld the radiant alicorn.

Celestia giggled softly as she knelt down before the foal. “I’m Celestia, what’s your name?”

The colt retreated a bit then softly mumbled something.

“Pardon? You will have to speak up.”

“Pterus, princess. And… um… when I get big like them-” A dark grey hoof pointed at the white guards who continued to stand at the ready. The bat pony colt grinned, “then I wanna get big and- and strong and a guard pony and be the bestest best guard.”

A playful chuckle escaped the large white mare. “Is that why you are wearing one of my day guard’s helmets?”

“Uh huh!” The tiny colt nodded so energetically that the helmet slid and covered his face. With the weight of the comparatively huge helmet upon him, the colt collapsed.  

The mighty mare of the sun’s magic quickly righted the young bat pony then aligned the helmet to better sit upon his head. “Would you like to help me inspect these noble guards?”

The youngster glanced behind him then back to the princess, “me?”

“Yes.” Celestia nodded.

Blue eyes widened in surprise. “Oh boy! Would I!?”

The colt tripped over the super large helmet when he attempted to run. Under the watchful gaze of threescore ponies, Celestia’s magic again corrected the foal’s course.  

“Good!” The colt nodded to the first pegasus guard and his helmet again tipped over his eyes.

Celestia chuckled as she stepped up alongside the energetic youngster. “That you are, thank you.”

Pterus quickly corrected his helmet then carefully crept along to stand before the next guard. “You look good too, mister!”

A hint of a smile played across the stallion’s lips.

“Did I tell you you can smile?” Pterus cried out, quick to notice the lapse in professionalism.  

“No sir,” the unicorn wiped the smirk from his lips and shot his princess a quick questioning glance.

The noble alicorn nodded then placed herself next to the aspiring guard. “How about we continue?”

Pterus gave the guard before him a quick examination. Pleased that the white unicorn was serious once more, he set off along the rest of the line up.

After a few tentative moments, Pterus relaxed and passed one pony at a time as though he was their commander. Celestia walked alongside, her gaze as much upon her guest as it was upon her guards.

As the duo reached the last three ponies the door to the night guard quarters burst open.

“Have you seen our- princess!” Two bat ponies galloped out into the open, only to freeze at the sight of their son walking alongside Celestia.

“Son, what are you doing!?” The back pony stallion exclaimed.

Pterus grinned at his parents, “looking at the big ponies! I’m their boss looker!”

Celestia giggled, “he’s assisting my morning inspection of the guard.”

“He’s not being a nuisance?”

With a glance at her assistant, Celestia smiled brightly. “Nay, his dedication is admirable and he’s cute.”

The tiny bat pony puffed out his cheeks, offended. “I’m not cute!”

Several guards cracked smiles and the princess giggled. “Would you like to finish the inspection?”

Pterus immediately brightened up. “Yes!”

With that, he was off again. Celestia cast a final glance at his relieved parents then wandered along behind the youngster.





Mighty Wing, Chief Grandeur’s mansion

In his personal study, Chief Grandeur settled down in his chair, ready for the days work. As his wings settled, he realized something was out of place. The large griffon examined the space and realized his papers had been disturbed. “Most interesting… I did not disturb you… My mate, my son and his fine new mate all would not have touched you… Gila perhaps?”   

The griffon lord’s musing was cut short when his gaze fell upon the draw with the secret compartment. “Maybe it was Jeeves? he did put Warbeaks beak back after all…”

  The draw was swiftly opened and the secret compartment accessed. The blood gold feather lay beside the bloodied beak. There was no tail ring.

The mighty griffin’s heart stopped. This was impossible.

He had been robbed.

“Gilda!” His rage filled cry rang out as he realized who the offender had to be.

It made perfect sense. She must have stolen from her very own father then fled, fearing his wrath.

The offending drawer was flung against the filing cabinets behind him. The chief of Mighty Wing proceeded to take his rage out on everything within claw range.

“What in Tartarus are you doing!” Gretelda stormed in.

“Robbed! I’ve been robbed!” The mighty griffon lord hastily picked up the two fallen artifacts. “Where’s the tail ring!?”

“Well, I never touched it.” Gretelda tut-tutted.

Grandeur boiled with anger. “It must have been Gilda! That no good little shit will get herself killed if Warbeak decides to use her!”

Horror blossomed across Gretelda’s face and her wings shot out. “What?”

“Why do you think I let my father take one? If the old fool were to be accepted as the sacrifice-”

Gretelda slapped her mate’s muzzle so hard, two small trails of blood began to run down the male’s face. The shocked griffon lord stared at his wife as her fear turned into rising anger.

“Are you telling me, our daughter could die if Warbeak wants her?”

“Yes,” Grandeur spat back.

“Summon your spies! Get the dragons! Find her! The only griffon I want to see with them artifacts is Giggan! Do you hear me!?”

Grandeur nodded hastily, “yes! Dammit, yes! In fact, you can come with me.”

That seemed to throw cold water on the angry hen. “M-me? You never take me along-”

“You heard me. Let’s go!” Still seething, the griffon lord barged past his mate and out into the hallway. “Jeeves! Get those dam talismans and give them to my father!”

The robed black griffon was quick to meet his master, bowed then vanished into the study room.

“And hurry up you fat dodo! I don’t have all morning!” Grandeur yelled. The cock smirked as he put on a burst of speed, spurred on by the clatter of claws approaching from behind.





Badlands / Forbidden Jungle border.

Two black changelings flew low along Macintosh hills. The pair entered the badlands and continued to seek cover in their flight where possible. Despite the wonderful morning, the duo could already feel the sweltering heat radiating from the parched lands up ahead.

“Why must I get stuck with you?” Pharynx grumbled.

“Because I’m your brother and the dragon lands can be dangerous?” Thorax offered, oh so helpfully. “Wait… do you see that?”

“A dragon?” Pharynx bristled. “Quick, change into-“

“Oh, I know!” The younger changeling transformed into a young adult looking emerald green dragon.

“Wait!” Pharynx’s cry was unheeded as his brother swiftly flew off. With a grumble, the lone black bug transformed into a tough red dragon and followed.

Thorax was quick to catch the stranger’s eye and the stunning cyan dragon veered off to meet him.

The cyan dragoness with a turquoise belly smiled keenly at the emerald green stranger. “Hello, how come I’ve never seen you before?”

“Oh me?” Thorax faltered. “I guess I don’t get out much.”

The dragoness smirked. “And who’s that?”

“Pharynx,” Thorax helpfully supplied. “And what are you doing out here?”

The red dragon shot his green brother a death glare.

Ember regarded the duo thoughtfully, “me? Patrols. Knocking other dragons into shape. There’s been some- you haven’t happened to spot anything weird have you?”

“Me? No...” Thorax hurriedly replied. “What’s your name?”

“Ember. Well, you two be sure to chase off any strange creatures you see, alright?” The dragoness turned to fly off, finished with the exchange.

“Y-yeah, of course.” Thorax smiled back. “Say- if I was to come looking for a good looking dragon such as yourself later, where might I find you?”

Ember turned slowly then strode boldly up to the emerald dragon who stood half a head taller than herself. “Is that an offer for some action?”

  Thorax took a step back. The fiery female was surprisingly imposing up close. “Well, you see-“

“We could go to the lava fields now if you’re serious?”  

Thorax glanced nervously at his brother and realized his fellow changeling was staring at the female dragon, rather shocked.   Pharynx quickly composed himself and gave a slight shake of his head, motioning for them to leave.

Thorax met the fiery young adult dragon’s eyes once more. “I- I mean, sure.”

“Wrong!”

Thorax jumped as a cyan finger was thrust into his face.

“If you want to hang out with me, you will need to be more assertive than that. Try again.”

Thorax took a quick breath to try still his racing heart. Was this really such a great idea? “Can I accompany you to the lava fields?” He tentatively held out his right hand, offered to her.

Ember chuckled and smacked his claw away. “You got some weird ideas there. Almost like you grew up in pony land.”

“Well, what happens if I did?”

Ember rolled her eyes. “Then you really need to come with me.”

Pharynx snorted. “I’ll be off, feels like I better leave you two alone.”

“What? Why?” Thorax rounded on his brother who simply smirked back.

“Enjoy. Don’t get burned, little brother.” The red dragon flew off leaving just Thorax and the daughter of the mighty dragon lord alone.

Thorax gulped as he refocused on the dragon before him. “Lead the way.”

Ember regarded her companion keenly for a few moments. “Alright. But don’t expect me to go easy on you just because I’m a girl.”

“Oh, I would never dream of it,” Thorax replied as he hasted to follow the departing dragon.





Girffonstone, coastal forest land

Two airships cut through the morning skies over the forest lands of Griffonstone. The massive dark airship in the lead was Tempest Shadow’s. It was held in the sky by a streamlined dark purple balloon. The top of the balloon was guarded by spiny armour that ran from the plated head-like front right to the rear. The head of the armour bore two jagged bolt like strips that glowed cyan, almost as if they were the mechanical beat’s eyes. The purple tail fin of the vessel angled as the airship turned toward the griffon’s capital city.

This massive airship was accompanied by a smaller wooden skiff. This airship looked more like a traditional sailing boat with an oval balloon in place of sails. The faded swamp green balloon had a dull golden frontage to it that looked like a tucked up beak.

Tempest Shadow watched from the deck of her personal airship as they entered the airspace of the sprawling city of Mighty Wing. It was a rough looking city that covered the gently sloping mountainside that built upward toward the peak where the city centre sat tall and imposing. Armoured griffons on patrol flew up from the city to greet the flying ships.

“Alright cut speed.” The scarred unicorn called out.

Her crew of storm beasts hastened to her bidding. The ship slowed to a crawl and a unit of eight griffons navigated around the finned underside, looped around and up onto the deck where they landed. The leader of the unit, a weathered looking grif stepped toward the solo pony.

“What business do you have in Mighty Wing?”

“Live cargo for the Chief. Straight from the plains of Farasi.” Tempest replied.

“Oh, you’re right on time then. The boss has been looking forward to this shipment.” The griffon smirked. “Good job, scarface. I still dunno why we are told to just let the cracked horn through for free. I feel like the entrance for this vessel is worth at least fifty bits.”

Anger bubbled up like fresh lava and blue lightning lanced from the unstable unicorn’s horn to the offending griffon. He squawked in pain and thrashed about on deck.   The other griffons were quick to back away from their boss, eyes wide and fearful at the show of power from the defaced pony. 

  “Tempest! Calm down, I think he’s had enough!” Grubber cried out as he raced to the unicorn’s side.

With a huff and a final blast, Tempest cut her magic off and the griffon collapsed onto the deck.

“Dammit pony!” The griffon screeched as he stood, frazzled and angry. “I’ll get you for that next time!”

The leader of the griffon patrol bailed, followed closely by his squad. Tempest shook her head, relishing the feeling of the remaining anger as it sank into the recesses of her body. The tough pony strode up onto the command deck and spotted the bird crew of the smaller wooden vessel. 

  “Everything okay? Can we get rid of this load yet?” Captain Celaeno called out.

“Almost, follow me!” Tempest replied. “Full speed ahead to the drop zone!” 

  The rough unicorn smiled as she felt the world move under her hooves. They were moving at full speed again. Good.

From her vantage point, dusty stone and dry earth roads blended together to form a harsh looking expanse far below. They passed market places, and rough hewn dwellings. The patches of grassland were dotted by trees and large wooden nest like homes. There were a few larger open spaces that appeared to have griffons drilling for combat. A keen smile slipped across the pony’s muzzle. Good. It looked good.

After a few peaceful minutes of passing over the old outer city, the landscape began to change while the mountain’s gentle slope became a more noticeable incline. The two airships sailed into the gated, tough looking inner sanctum of the griffon’s kingdom. Here the cityscape was dotted by wooden and stone towers and dark stone constructs. Even the homes bore a well defended, imposing feeling. This section was clearly a more recent build than the older city that claimed the lower levels of the mountain.





Canterlot Royal Hospital

Rainbow Dash stood in a void. Her family was gone. Cloudsdale vanished. All that remained was a warm touch against her side as though Fluttershy were snuggling her.

In an instant, the darkness exploded into white.

It was white all around her. Everything felt different. Warmer. Happier. It felt as though she had entered a land where hope existed. Hooves rose to try and protect from the light but it was so bright, Rainbow Dash could not even see the blue of her own fur. It felt as though she had been blinded.

Then, the world began to swirl in on itself. Then it all stopped.

Stunning, puffy clouds appeared once more in the blue peaceful sky. Below, green hills dotted with trees returned. Ponyville, untouched, slowly materialized below Dash. She realised she was sky-bound and with a surprised jerk, her wings opened.

“I’m- I’m. Awake?”





Mighty Wing, Central city.

In a brightly lit stone room, a black zebra with white stripes that had been dyed red lounged around in front of a small cauldron. He wore an ornate feathered headdress painted blood red and fiery orange. The woven cloth base was decorated with small triangular patterns that crept below his ears and faded into his blood red painted stripes. He was well groomed, especially considering he was a zebra in griffon lands. His supplies, herbs, spices and a variety of enhanced substances lay nearby. Before him, the room opened up into a tall cylinder that rose for a good two stories before it opened up to the heavens. Beside him stood a bored looking armoured griffon who glanced between the bubbling cauldron and the other zebra in the room.

 The round open section of the room had three female zebra shamans and one young male. The young stallion sat beside his cauldron mixing up batches of potions. Two of the females stood beside two larger cauldrons that appeared to contain the same brew. They were carefully applying their brews to armour that looked made for griffons. One would dunk chest pieces into the large cauldron in front of her, wait a few moments then pull the armour out and lay it aside. The other was dipping smaller items in her own cauldron and brushing the mixture onto any spots missed by the dunking. A young griffon hen removed a completed breastplate, wrapped it up in white cloth then wandered out of the room. The third and final female sharman was mixing herbs in her mid sized cauldron.

The sharmans mates sat nearby, sharing a meal and watched over by another bored looking guard. The three males watched their wives work. A young mare sat apart from the trio, her black and white mane cut short and her fearful eyes darting around. She picked up a carrot in her mouth and with a glance at the griffon guard, took off toward her husband and offered the morsel to him.

With a thankful nod, the colt accepted his mare’s offering as he carefully mixed a few small gems into the bubbling hot brew. He then dipped a spear tip into the mixture and a coarse hissing sound filled the room.

The black and red painted zebra from across the room eyed the spear as it was removed from the mixture. “Looks like you got that batch wrong!”

“No, I swear, it’s exactly the same as the one I made yesterday!” The colt tossed the melted stone aside. “I need more metal tips! It works better on those!”

“You’ll get those soon.” The red painted sharman ran a hoof through his feathered headdress as he turned to the watchful griffin by his side. “I believe the next batch is about to arrive. I’ll be back soon.”

“Alright. Get lost Kaikura.” The guard motioned toward the door. “And bring me back some real food, will you.”

“You know I don’t touch meat.” Kaikura shot back.

The griffon smirked. “Awww… silly me. I forgot.”

The red and black mane swished as Kaikura shook his head, “you are a forgetful box of feathers. I’ll see if your wife isn’t around. She might be able to treat you with something.”

The guard straightened up and grinned. “You do that and I’ll have to bring you something special tonight from the new blood.”

“Alright. See you soon. You lot!” The red zebra faced his fellow equines. “Keep up the good work and I’ll make sure we all have a great feast tonight!” 

  With that, Kaikura strode out. Grumbles filled the air from the remaining zebra. The guard who stood over the shamans mates’ smacked the dainty mare across her hindquarters. She yelped in pain and rushed back to her mate.
“Shut up. And keep working. I’m not soft like that painted fool.”

The guard who idled beside the vacated cauldron scowled at the group. “And I want to see some faster progress.”

The air heavy with tension, the shamans returned to their work. The three males evacuated their meal space to assist their mates and keep further away from the guard with a twitchy spear arm.





Canterlot Royal Hospital

Fluttershy shot up so fast she almost hit the roof. She squee’d!

Her delight at hearing her lover’s words filled the quiet room. “Rainbow my love! You’re awake! Oh, thank Celestia!!”

Flutteshy hugged her lover as though her life depended on it. Tears of joy ran down her muzzle and soaked into the soft blue coat she was nuzzling.

“H-hey Fluttershy! Woah there girl! I’m back!” Without thinking, Dash planted a sloppy kiss on her mare’s forehead. She lay in her lover’s embrace, groggy from such a long time out cold.

Fluttershy began carefully coating her beloved’s face with kisses. “Oh Rainbow...you’re alive...thank Celestia...I was so worried... So scared... I could barely leave your side...”

Dash eagerly hugged her mare as best her bandages allowed, “I’m glad you’re here. I had some really weird dreams.”

Sniffling a bit, Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow Dash before snuggling more into her. “Oh, Rainbow...”

“Missed my awesomeness have you?” The prismatic mare giggled immaturely.

Tears sprouted from the creamy yellow pony as she held her beloved tightly. “I missed you so much....! I was afraid you would die and never wake up again!”

“Me, die? And leave the most awesome mare in Equestria behind?” Dash shrugged the fear off, kissing her loved one.

“Yes… it was horrible…” Fluttershy murmured as she tenderly caressed her lover’s mane.

“You know... while I was- away… I had the most awesome dreams. We had two super cool little fillies of our own and there was this warmth... it felt like you were cuddling me. Even when you weren't there, it was... I dunno…” Rainbow Dash thought for a few moments as she relaxed. “Yeah, it was all sappy and cuddly...”

Fluttershy smiled like the sun through her tears. “Really, Rainbow...? That’s so beautiful... What were our fillies like in your dream? They must have been wonderful.”

“Spectra was our youngest and she was a real hoof-full. She was just like shy me! You know, when we have our own I want our first filly to be called Spectra!”

Fluttershy beamed, kissing the pretty blue face again. “That’s a lovely name, Rainbow. Sure. We’ll name our first born Spectra. I- wait…. Did we adopt her? Or did one of us give birth to her?”

“Well…” Rainbow Dash thought carefully. “She was rainbow maned with a darker coat from you. Scoots was also ours. She made a cool big sister.” 
Dash giggled softly as she imagined what having the young scooter rider in the family would be like.

“How in Equestria did we conceive a foal? I- wait, Scootaloo? We… awwww! Oh, Rainbow, that’s so sweet!” Fluttershy beamed. “Adopting Scootaloo!? Oh, I love that idea!”

Rainbow Dash nodded she lay back. “I’m serious! She was... awesome! But I don’t think I’ll make a good nursemaid for you.” Dash cringed as she nuzzled into her companion.

“But why? What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say I don’t do foalbirth. Even the thought is…” Rainbow Dash trailed off, clearly put off by the mental images in her mind. Pink eyes met vibrant green and the blue mare smiled. “But I will support you!”

“Oh...” Fluttershy understood now, and smiled warmly, nodding. “Rainbow...I would gladly give birth to our children.”

“Then they too can be in the Wonderbolts just like their mom and uncle... speed runs in the family. I hope my snuggly wuggly can handle it...” The speedster giggled lightly, fondling the soft yellow wings that lay extended on the bed.

“I’ve handled you all these years.” Giggled the creamy yellow pegasus, smiling more. “I think I can work to handle our children.” Her wings fluttered and rose in response.

“Awesome!” The grinning pegasus on the bottom kissed her lover on the nose. “Now... can any of these come off? I feel like I’m a prisoner, all bound up.”

All joy faded from the demure pegasus, “oh… well. I don’t think that would be wise. You had a lot of magic used to heal you and they say your body hasn’t yet fully accepted all the changes.”

“Dang…” Dash lay back with a sigh. “Darn. I guess that means more snuggles…”

“Double couple party time!”

Both pegasi jumped in shock as Pinkie Pie raced into the room.

Pinkie Pie bounded eagerly up to the bed bound pegasi. “So good to see you again Dashie!”

“Yeah, it sure is Pinkie.” Dash grinned back as she relaxed.

“You’ve missed a lot of things in the last two days.” Pinkie quickly added.

“What sorts of things?” Rainbow Dash eyed the hyper pony as her free forehoof once again found contact with her lover.

Pinkie Pie glanced toward the door. “Well for one, we now have another couple in our group!”

“Really?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Twilight and Princess Luna.”   

“Egghead?” Dash giggled. “I thought she would be the last one to get a date.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence.” Twilight dryly replied as she walked into the room with the rest of their small group of friends.

Rainbow Dash was quick to notice how Luna strode in and placed herself protectively beside the purple unicorn. She snorted. “This is great!”

“Thank you,” Luna smiled.

Rainbow Dash snickered. “We got Egghead and Moonbutt!” 

  “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight exploded as her bandaged friend continued to laugh rather loudly.

“Little sis?” Soarin burst into the hospital ward. “There you are!”

“Soarin? Dash sat up a bit, “what are you doing here?”

The blue stallion grinned. “Spitfire is getting treated. Hopefully tomorrow we fly to Farasi.”

Rainbow Dash blinked twice and shared a quick glance with her friends. “Where?”  

“The zebra’s homeland.”

“You get to visit the zebra’s homeland?” Twilight perked up.

“Yeah, it might be rough though.” Soarin glanced around. “Spitty and I were attacked on the way home by some changelings and you all have heard about that poor zebra…”

The other ponies in the room all shared somber looks.





Central Badlands lava fields

Two dragons spiralled through the skies toward a series of bubbling lava pools. With the sun on their backs and a strong tailwind, the pair made quick, fun progress. Ember would playfully dive at Thorax who in turn, narrowly ducked out of the way and then tried to chase her. The slightly larger emerald dragon often proved too slow for the nimble princess.

Just as he finally caught her, high above the radiating heat of the lava fields, Ember grinned at him. “You’re not half bad when you open up. Not many dragons can catch me.”

“Well, I’m not just any dragon,” Thorax replied with a smile. He had been in dragon form for easily half an hour and it was beginning to weigh on his mind. His body was begging to return to its natural state. However, to do so would put his own life in danger due to the proximity of the dragoness who had just slipped out of his claws.

Before he knew what hit him, Thorax found himself falling through the sky.

“Garble!” Ember cried out.

Thorax panicked as his form flickered. He dived toward the lava field and landed heavily. With another flicker of his form, Thorax rushed into a small cave. The changeling quickly transformed into his old self. The black bug took a deep, unsteady breath then forced himself to again take on the form of the vibrant dragon.

With deep panic filled breaths, he rushed outside expecting to be under attack.

Instead, he found two dragons arguing.

“No, he’s not my boyfriend. You get yourself a boyfriend, you idiot!”
 
Garble, the red dragon laughed.

Thorax almost collapsed under the weight of his own relief. Maybe neither of the dragons had seen his loss of form. Surprise attacks were very bad for concentration! He shook his head, returning his attention to the conversation above just in time to notice Ember breath a fireball at the offending red dragon.

Thorax spotted a small boulder nearby and an idea came to mind. As the two dragons above exchanged blows the fake dragon took to the skies, stone in hand. As he drew close he lifted the large rock above his head and tossed it with all his might. The small boulder missed both dragons and landed with a splash in the lava below.

Garble span around to face the emerald green dragon, claws ready and teeth barred. “Are you throwing rocks at me?”

“Maybe…” Thorax faltered. “Could you maybe… just leave us alone and go somewhere else?”   

“What if I don’t want to?” Garble shot back. “You two can go find your own lava pool.”

“I will kick your arse out of the sky if you don’t move.” Ember threatened.

“Oh, little princess thinks she can beat me?” Garble laughed.
 
“Come on then!” Ember charged at the laughing dragon who swiped and missed her lithe form. She punched him in the gut then tail swiped his head.

Garble spiralled down and righted himself fifteen feet from the lava. He roared angrily then spotted two other dragons. A smirk crossed his face. The first dragon was a long white beast with pink spines. The second was a skinny dark brown dragon with green spines. “Hey you two, help me chase princess and her boyfriend off!”

The pair both yelled affirmatives and banked toward the trio who hovered high in the sky.

“Come on Thorax, let’s kick their butts!” Ember dived toward the cocky red dragon.

Thorax watched, eyes wide as blue and red clashed. The fake dragon flinched as Ember received a blast of fire to her face. Angered and singed the princess ducked away, Garble quick to follow.

With a deep breath to steady his nerves, Thorax decided to help his new friend. He dived toward the fight and blocked the path of the two newcomers.  He determined to speak but discovered claws in his face. “Woah!”

“Come here!” The white dragon cried out as he again tried to strike the nervous emerald dragon.

“No way!” Thorax twisted, dodged and accidentally clocked the dark brown dragon in the face with his tail.

Enraged, the green spined dragon unleashed a spurt of fire that licked Thorax’s right shoulder. The changeling cried out in pain.

Both aggressive dragons froze in shock at the unexpected result of the attack.

“Are you a pussy or something?”
 
Thorax panicked. Maybe it was time to run away. He cast a brief glance toward Ember. His heart leapt into his throat as she got smashed in the face by the red dragon’s fist.

“Hey!” The brown dragon shouted.

The duo charged toward the emerald dragon and thorax fled toward his new friend. He felt bogged down by his large body and heavy wings. It was so tempting to change back into his normal form. The white dragon grabbed him and pinned his right wing down. With a cry, Thorax began to fall.

Boiling lava rushed to meet the struggling pair and blind panic filled Thorax. In a flash of light, the emerald dragon vanished from the white dragons’ claws. The black changeling darted upward while the shocked white dragon splashed down. The changeling came face to face with the brown dragon, now wide eyed.

“You’re a-“

Thorax transformed into his emerald dragon form and lashed out with his hardest punch. “That’s right.”

The brown dragon reeled backward then roared in anger.

Realizing his cover was well blown, Thorax flew frantically toward the duelling pair. He barred right into Grable and kept right on flying.

“Hey!” Ember called out.

Fearing that she would turn on him, Thorax ignored her voice and chose to keep flying as fast as his draconic wings would allow.





Griffonstone, Mighty Wing

On the top of the mountain city of Mighty Wing, a mostly black airship landed. A wooden skiff with a brown balloon hovered in the skies nearby, unable to land while the large airship commanded the space below.

Two-score zebra, chained together in four lines, were herded off the dark Storm King vessel. As their hooves touched down on the flagstones in the open courtyard, they were greeted with a true Mighty Wing welcome. Armed griffons surrounded the large airship, their spears, crossbows and swords at the ready. The fearful groups’ gaze was drawn to a lone red and black striped zebra sharman who stepped toward them in greeting. This zebra seemed at ease, smiling as though all were right in the world.

“Greetings, welcome to Mighty Wing. Don’t mind the griffons, they are in fact quite nice when you get to know them!” Kaikura slowly waved his red and black forehoof from one side to the other, pointing out the many griffons, many of whom looked more like they wanted to maim the newcomers.

The group of prisoners continued to cower, shocked by their welcome. The storm beasts gave the mob a final push into the grim looking courtyard then withdrew. A few of the couples cuddled up, terrified and helpless. Some of the stronger looking zebra stared back at the sharman with varying degrees of hatred and dislike.  

Tempest Shadow strutted down the ramp, Grubber at her side. “Where are your griffon masters?”

“Them?” Kaikura’s gaze lingered hungrily upon two of the terrified zebra. “The Chief should be around in due time. You have done a good job. I like this batch.”

Tempest eyed the painted sharman, “and I do not deal with pawns.”

Kaikura met the scarred unicorn’s gaze and grinned. “I am far more than a mere pawn. Who do you think discovered these secrets and-” 

  “Honestly, I don’t care.” Tempest’s gaze shifted beyond the painted zebra, uninterested in further talk.  

Kaikura stepped back and shot the unicorn a highly offended look.

The sound of wingbeats filed the air and moments later a rather ruffed up Chief Grandeur, Gretelda and a small escort of ornately armoured griffons alighted before the pair.

Tempest noticed the fresh cuts and bruises on the griffon couple. “You’re late.”

The chief fluffed his wings then settled them at his sides. “You have the additional supplies we requested?”

“In the ship above. Do you have what we requested in exchange for the livestock and additional supplies? This group was partially problematic to acquire.” 

  “Yes.” Grandeur smiled back. “See anything you like Kaikura?”  

“Indeed. Two.” Nodded Kaikura, a keen grin upon his lips.

The large tawny griffon laughed and motioned with his foreclaw toward the storm beasts. Four griffons came forth bearing a large chest and dumped it before the defaced unicorn. Grubber was quick to open the chest enough to take a quick peek and his eyes sparkled as he beheld the contents. Tempest nodded and he dropped the lid. 

  “Nice to see you honour your side of the bargain too.” Tempest motioned for the storm beats to retrieve the chest. “Take this aboard!” 

  “Ah, enough of this!” Gretelda exploded, her thin patience at an end. She rounded on the red painted zebra sharman. “The pets are missing! I need Blue now!”

“You told me today was for testing.” Kaikura casually drawled, his eyes upon the chieftain.

“I demand you recall it! My daughter needs to be returned!” Gretelda stomped her feet, seething.  

“Your daughter?” Kaikura scoffed. “Mommy and Daddy worried because their favourite chick is about to have her first fight?”

Tempest cracked a smile for the briefest of moments and Grubber laughed.

“No you fool. Wait what-?” Grandeur was cut off by his wife as she shoved him aside and strode right up to the cocky zebra.

“I want those dragons back here!” Gretelda snapped.  

Kaikura retreated, his eyes wide and fearful as the large hen’s beak narrowly missed his face. “Woah, keep your bitch on a leash. She might bite.”

“I’ll do more than bite.” Gretelda smashed the zebra onto the hard stone. “If we don’t find Gilda she will get used by Warbeak!”   

Kaikura winced and touched his bleeding muzzle. “You still need that old bird to get sacrificed, right?”

“Yes!” Gretelda shrieked so loudly that many of those in the courtyard winced.

“Can we take this inside?” The rather on edge Chief Grandeur eyed the watching crowd.

Kaikura laughed like a crazy pony. “This is great! Little chick didn’t tell her mommy! I lov-OOF!”

The red painted zebra was silenced by a headbutt to the chest. Gretelda stood over the downed sharman with a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Kaikura simply smiled up at the pissed off hen. “Don’t worry. It’s all part of the plan that your husband and many other great minds made up. I’m just helping things along a little. After all, who was I to say no to such a nice young chick?”

“What are you saying?” Gretelda glowered, her claws raked the hard stone while her beak pressed up against the bloodied muzzle of the sharman.

The bloodied zebra simply smiled. “I’m saying she wanted some action, the violent kind, not the fun kind. So, of course I helped her a little, she took an artifact then left. Do not worry, she has Blue and your best scouts to protect her.”

Chief Grandeur shoved his wife off the downed zebra and placed a warning fore claw upon his chest. “Because of that talisman, she is in danger. Now, where did she go?”





Central Badlands lava fields

A black changeling crashed into red dusty earth. A blue dragoness pinned him down, her claws at the ready and her fangs bared. The pair struggled but Thorax found himself thoroughly subdued. The black bug gazed fearfully into the angry eyes of the fiery beast.
 “Please, don’t hurt me!”

“What are your kind doing here? Trying to infiltrate our lands?”

“No. No, I swear!”

Ember pressed harder against the quaking bug’s windpipe. She heard the sound of incoming wingbeats. Keeping her quarry pinned down, she turned her head and spotted Garble and his cronies. “I’ve got the changeling! You three can go.”

“What happens if I want to interrogate the changeling?” Garble challenged.

“Then you can go back to your lava pool and leave us alone. I’ve got this.”

The red dragon landed and eyed the pair before him. The black bug continued to cower, pinned down by the young princess. Garble scoffed, “huh. He looks boring.”

“Exactly. You can leave.” Ember continued to glower at her unwanted guest. 

Garble huffed and folded his arms over his chest. “You’re sure you can handle it?”

“Go away Garble.” Ember’s warning tone was accompanied by a death glare.

Garble glanced at his companions who shrugged. “I guess. But not because you told me to. Come on you two.”

 With a final glance, the trio of dragons departed, leaving Ember and her prisoner.

 The dragoness rounded on her pinned down changeling. “That other dragon, was that a bug too?”

Thorax choked, gurgled then found his neck released. He collapsed sideways. His gaze slowly rose to meet the fiery female. “Yes, but I’m not like the others!”

Ember scoffed. “Like I would believe a changeling. Don’t your kind feed on love?”

“Yes.”

“Then what do dragons have to offer you?” 

  “I’m not after the dragons. And I’ve told you, I’m not like other changelings. I kinda saw you and- and had a good feeling…”

Ember blinked. “What?”

His heart and mind racing Thorax tried to think of something plausible to add. Just as he considered changing into a small bug and trying to flee again, his changeling senses tingled. The black bug tensed.

“Well..?” Ember appeared to recover from her shock and once again pinned Thorax down.

A black foreleg flailed pitifully but Thorax forced himself not to fight back. Violence would not help here. He took a deep breath, “well… you know, I think my brother sensed something between us and decided to leave us alone.”

Ember growled and shoved the black bug against the hard ground. “There is nothing between us. I am a dragon… and you- you are an ugly black bug.”

“That… hurts.”

“My claws are sharp, they are supposed to hurt.”

“No. Your words...”

Ember scoffed at the cowering bug. “Are all changelings cowards? Or just you?”

“I’m not a coward. I just don’t like hurting other creatures…” Thorax trailed off, his gaze sank to the ground and he sighed. “The others have always been teasing me but you- you were nice. And fun to fly with.”

Blue claws forced the bug to face the young dragoness. She stared intently into his face, unable to read his expression beyond the fear. “Oh yeah?”

“Truly.”

Ember settled back, uncertain. Thorax slowly sat up, careful to make no sudden movements that might result in more pain.

Still regarding the black bug with caution Ember sat by his side, ready for action. “So… why didn’t you change into something small, try escape me when I pinned you down?”

“Because… well, I don’t know… I thought about it.”

“Transform back into that dragon.”

“What?” Cyan eyes flickered to the dragoness. 

“The good looking emerald dragon. Turn back into him. Now.”

Shocked by her request, Thorax hurried to comply. In a swirl of light, his body morphed into the larger draconic form. The emerald dragon was back.

Ember stared at the green dragon as he sat meekly beside her. “You know… I really don’t know how to feel about this.”

“What might help?”

“Tell me everything. Why are you really in the badlands?”





Griffonstone, Central Mighty Wing

Gretelda screamed and lashed out, claws scraping against the stone beside the downed zebra as she unleashed her anger against the flagstones. Everyone stood stock still watching as the mate of the grand chieftain continued to yell and scream.

With several deep breaths, the hen composed herself. “If any creature goes behind my back again, I’ll kill them!”   With one last slash at the red and black mane, the angry griffon stormed off.

Grandeur raised a claw to warn his guard from following.

“Why did you let that crazy bitch here?” Kaikura cried out. The stallion continued to lie in the fetal position, poised to defend from any final strikes.  

“Results. Although she could have chosen a better spot.” The mighty griffon ruler yanked the zebra up and hoisted him onto his shoulder. “Is your old friend still down in the cells?”

“Like he wants to see me. Now put me down!”  

The chieftain’s hold tightened. “How far is Gilda and how soon can you remove the tail ring?”

“Don’t worry about her.”   

Grandeur stormed into the closet building and dumped the wounded sharman on the stone floor. “Let no creature in until I’m finished here.” 

  “Yes sir!” The pack of armoured griffons hurried outside, slamming the door behind them.   

Grandeur slowly turned to face the wounded sharman. With his voice low and dangerous he addressed the zebra. “Now you will tell me everything I need to know or you will not make it out of this room alive.”

“Do that and you will lose your daughter.”

“That will be a problem for another time. I have, after all, more time.”

Kaikura sucked in air through clenched teeth as he fought against the flaring pain. “Gilda can wear the tail ring right up till you find the final talisman. I have almost finished something that will allow her to remove it. But don’t let her have more than one talisman or Warbeak’s hold will become too strong.”

“Alright. Now quickly explain why you went behind my back and quickly.” The griffon lord glanced out the small window and spotted a rather colourful bipedal bird walking down a wooden ramp with a large box. “I have much to do thanks to you.”

“Are we still allies?” The zebra sharman tried to rise but found the griffon lord’s claw blocking him.

 Grandeur levelled his gaze squarely into Kaikura’s eyes as he stood tall and imposing. “That depends on your honesty… you do still want the whole of Farasi, do you not?”





Canterlot Throne Room

Upon her throne, Celestia glanced up at the sound of the grand double doors opening. The mighty alicorn did a double take.   Before her stood Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. White bandages bound the speedster’s barrel and right wing.

Fluttershy smiled meekly up at the royal alicorn. “Rainbow Dash wishes to speak with you, if that’s okay.”

A sunny smile lit the mighty alicorn’s muzzle. “It would be a pleasure to speak with you both. How are you, Rainbow Dash?” 

  “Me? Great. Although you know… these bandages suck.” Rainbow Dash’s bound wing gave a slight twitch.

Celestia nodded. “I can imagine. You did take quite a beating.”

“Heh, I gave it back to them too,” Dash smirked. “It was crazy.”

At Fluttershy’s gentle winged prompt, the proud blue mare seemed to remember something. “But that’s not why we rushed over here.”

Celestia quirked an eyebrow in interest. “Indeed. I would gladly have visited you both.”

Rainbow Dash glanced at her fillyfriend. The softly spoken pegasus nodded encouragingly and gave her a quick nuzzle. The proud speedster melted into the affection but froze as she remembered they were not alone. “Yeah. Right. It was kinda weird. But Fluttershy and I agreed that it sounds important so we wanted to let you know right away… how did it go again?”  
“Leaving Canterlot and going past crystal and yak. Remember?” Fluttershy softly prompted.

Rainbow Dash brightened up. “Yeah, that’s it! So I had this dream… vision… thing?”

Clouds of uncertainty passed over Celestia’s face. “And what is so unusual about this dream that you felt you had to talk with me and not my sister?” 

  Rainbow Dash smirked, “aside from her being busy with a certain book loving unicorn? I met this strange alicorn in my dream. She reminded me of you... but with a lions paw and one strange wing.”   

Celestia perked up.   

Dash playfully nudged her marefriend. “See ‘Shy? I told you it would be a pony Celestia knew.”

The royal alicorn nodded. “Yes, I believe I know the pony you met. Did she happen to say anything?”

“Yeah, that’s the weird thing. I get these words come to mind… they were fragments at first. But now I think I remember them all…” Dash looked the mighty alicorn right in the eyes and took a deep breath. “She said;
if I was a filly of any sort,
I’d leave Canterlot and travel forth,
for only fools seek the griffin talismans of their Lord.
Look past the land of crystal and yak,
Where the sea meets the shore,
Rock stands sentinel evermore.
Uh… Then it was… The one of magic who can’t fly,
The beast of fire who can’t roar,
He who lies deep beneath the beasts’ mouth.
For there in big caverns will the seed of freedom be found.
Return this seed to your- I mean, our home?
For there our lands’ beating heart,
This seed must find its home.”

A multitude of expressions crossed the mighty alicorn’s face as she fell into careful thought.

The two pegasi gazed expectantly up at their ruler who remained deep in thought.

 As seconds dragged into minutes and minutes dragged into three, Rainbow Dash’s itch became critical. “Do you know what any of that means?”

“That is entirely possible, yes.”

After a few quiet moments, Rainbow Dash took a breath then prompted; “and…?”

“Please, do not sneak past my staff. If they find your room empty it will worry them greatly. I will give these words more thought then advise you and your friends. It sounds as though you may have an upcoming adventure, once you have recovered.”

 Rainbow Dash perked up. “Sweet.”

Fluttershy shrank down a bit, “I guess... if it’s important then, okay.”

Celestia nodded, her gaze turned to the outside world. “Thank you. I must ask that you both return to your ward now.”

The couple shared a glance. Dash shrugged. “Sure.”

As the double doors closed and left Celestia alone with her guards once more, the mighty mare turned to the window, her eyes hazy. A ghost of a smile slid onto her muzzle. "She's really out there." 

"Pardon, princess?" 

"Nothing." Celestia settled back, a wider smile. "Just an old mare considering the words of somepony most dear."