//------------------------------// // The Sendoff // Story: The Girls: Children of Troy and the Sons of the Bear // by Chelis //------------------------------// "So, we have any idea how to stop them?" Trisha asked as we walked down the hall of the Castle. Everyone was thinking, with the exception of Joshua, who was basically a kid in an amusement park. "You will have plenty of time to think of that when you are on the train to Ponyville, but please we must hurry," Celestia replied, escorting us. A few guards joined us as well, making sure nothing happened to us Or are they making sure we are not doing anything? The countless maids, butlers, and officials watched on as we walked by. A few were fearful, most were curious or indifferent. It took a few minutes, but when we reached the entrance to the castle, Celestia stopped us. She used her magic to open the door and into the bright Canterlot morning. It was just how I imagined it, a line of guards clearing a path from the castle to the train station and a row or two of curious ponies watching. Somehow, I expected to Joshua to explode, but he was there, still holding it all in. We were silent because everyone else was soaking the whole 'new world' all in, while I was looking at the faces of the ponies, realizing I was fighting for them. Many of them I've seen before, and knowing them through the show gave me a sense of 'doing it for them.' There was a certain unicorn that Joshua and I had our eye on. The mint one by the name of Lyra. She was there, sitting alone at a table, watching us walk by in curiosity. No freakout, nothing. "I thought she would be excited to see….Well hands," Joshua whispered to me. I did not answer him, only the best condescending face I could mustered. *** The crowds were cleared, and the train was ready for us. No one else was going to Ponyville, seeing how the Princess sent word of the anticipated raid and evacuated the entire town, so we were expecting a ghost town. It was also then we learned that none of the six were joining us, much to the protest of Rainbow Dash, so we had to say our quick goodbyes "Kick them once for me," Dash said before we shared a kiss. Celestia stood at the doorway before the door was to close on us. "On behalf of my subjects, we all are counting on you!" The door closed, but we did not move. Nearly all of Canterlot were in awe as she flew up in the air and spoke. Her voice boomed for all to hear, about the situation, what is at stake, and her plan to protect them. She told them about us, the "Children of Troy." "How did she get 'Children of Troy'?" Jenna asked. We all realized it and turned to Nassir, who was wearing the cardinal and gold "University of Southern California Trojan" hoodie. "That's smart," Jenna said before we continued to listen. The speech lasted for a few minutes, and when it was over and the crowd was cheering, that was when the train started to move and we were on our way. I would be lying if I said that the Equestrian countryside was not beautiful. Rolling hills, grasslands, small railroad towns flying by. "So, lads: how are we doing this?" Jenna asked. "Well, I can only see two ways It can go down: we can talk to them and get them to stop, or we can beat the shit out of them until they leave," Nas said. "I'll take that nonviolent approach," Trisha timidly said. "Pussy. I say we beat the living shit out of them! teach them not to step foot in here ever again!" "Violence is not the answer!" Trisha spoke up. "Why did you guys bring her again?" "Because she is a friend who was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Nassir said. "Damn. Anyway, yeah. I say ass whooping. How say you, brother?" It was difficult. I mean, we could try to reason with them, but at the same time beating people down sounded like a lot of fun. Then again friendship, magic, and harmony….. As you can see, it was a tough call. "How about this: We politely, but firmly ask them to leave, and if they say no, we show no mercy. How about that?" "But what about our needs, dude! what about our urge to beat the shit out of someone?!" Nassir objected. "If these guys are anything like Vegas, I think you will get plenty." "What about the attack plan?" Joshua asked. Jenna spoke up. "Easy, we leave the station, scout around, and we all meet at Sweet Apple Acres after an hour, alright?" Everyone nodded in agreement. I realized Trisha was there was well, so someone had to watch out for her."Trisha, you might want to stay with me, seeing how…" "Na, I'll be going on my own, thank you." "Shit, really? yall don't know how to fight thou," Nassir said. "No, but I got plenty in personal protection!" Trisha had a concealed pink fanny pack, and when she pulled out what was inside, well we were mortified: Mace, pepper spray, stun gun, the works. "I… Uh picked this up from the college. Supposed to protect us from attacks. But they never said not to use it offensively." "Jesu christo they gave you all that? glad to see where my scholarship money is going to," Joshua joked. "How much longer to Ponyville, brother?" Jenna asked. as I continued to stare out the window. "Hour."