“…so, there are no other ways to solve this problem?” wondered young turquoise earth pony, who had been sitting in front of the receptionist’s table.
“No,” Oma shook her head. “Excessive anxiety isn’t a thing which can be completely cured by medicine or magic only. They can only dull the sensations. If you want to worry not so much about various stuff, you have to work on yourself.”
“Oh… So, just make it less? But what…”
“Listen, Minty, you want to become less anxious, right?” Karin intervened.
“Umm, yes,” Minty responded.
“Then there are only two ways: work on yourself or do the following. First, grab your head like this,” said Karin and grabbed the top of her head with left foreleg and her chin with the right, “and then turn it until it clicks.”
Oma shuddered, Minty nervously gulped and became pale.
“Okay, I see. I shall do my best working on myself!” Minty gibbered and after quick “Bye!” left the Castle.
“Very severe, but effective,” Oma spelled.
“Yep. In all the ways,” Karin said gloomily.
“You don’t say. Phew! Being a consultant in the castle of Princess of Friendship isn’t an easy thing!”
Karin gave a nod, then asked:
“Should I call the next one?”
“Bring it,” courageously said Oma.
“Okay,” responded Karin, approached the main doors and opened them. “Nex… Oh, hi, Rainbow!” she smiled when she saw that the only remained visitor was the bearer of the Element of Loyalty.
“Hiya, Pippi!” responded blue pegasus. “How are you doing?”
“We’re fine. Come in!”
Rainbow Dash nodded and walked in.
“I see you are consulting again,” she said, looking at the receptionist’s table.
“Yep, alleviating the fate of the Princess of Friendship,” Oma spelled.
“Haha! You speak just like a theater actress!”
“Having such a job, you must entertain yourself somehow, after all.”
“I see.”
“So, what brings you here?” Karin wondered. “Need a consultation?”
“No, I don’t! I came here to ask you for a favor.”
“We are listening.”
“Well, I’ve already asked you, guys, to come with me on a trip once, and I would like to ask you to do it again. But this time things are different! There’s gonna be big Wonderbolts’ Rally in Applewood in two days. It will be a huge event, and all Wonderbolts and cadets gonna be there.”
“Oh…”
“Yeah, so… since it’s a general meeting, I’d like to make an impression with my arrival, you know, to show everyone my awesomeness.”
“We see,” Karin and Oma gave a nod. They were not surprised – if you know Rainbow Dash, such asks sound pretty obvious.
“And after some thinking I’ve decided that the best way to impress everyone there would be to appear in a really awesome company. To come with somepony who is totally badass. So… Can I go with Berg and Erő?”
“Well, I don’t think that it is possible,” said Oma.
“What? Why?”
“Well, according to the rules, the Castle should be constantly patrolled, and at least one guard should be present in the Castle at any moment of time. Zicht can’t handle both day and night shifts alone.”
“Hey, they both were absent when princess Celestia asked them to come with her!”
“Yeah, but your wish and matters of diplomatic emergency are a bit different thing. Besides, when Erő and Berg were in Canterlot, two royal guards replaced them here. Sorry, but you can go either with Berg only, or with Erő only.”
“Damn! If I come to the Rally with just one, the effect would be different… And other Wonderbolts might consider him to be my coltfriend! I don’t want that! It would be embarrassing! For both him and me!”
“If you want a company so much, then how about the following option: you come with either Berg or Erő and… me! My schedule for the upcoming days is relatively free, so I could go with you.”
“Errr… With you?”
“Why not? Or you have something against?”
“No, no! It’s just… You ARE impressive, but in another way… I wanted to come with somepony… brutal, strong, fearsome… or something like this.”
“Rainbow,” Karin intervened, “allow me to remind one thing. Do you remember what happened during the First Harvest Day, when Big Mac and Bulk Biceps decided to find out who is the strongest? They were beaten by her!” and she pointed to Oma.
“Really?” Rainbow couldn’t believe it.
“The strength test machine clanged one time at that day, and it was because of her! You need strong? She is strong. And fearsome. When other see how strong she really is.”
“I get it! Well then… great! I agree to come with you, Didi and… Erő. I’ve already been on a trip with Berg, so I would like to know other ponies from your gang better.”
“Great! Then I’ll go tell Erő and others about it,” Oma said. “When we have to meet?”
“Tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the station,” Rainbow Dash answered.
“Got it!”
“See ya then!” pegasus waved and flew away.
Oma and Karin saw her off, and then senior sociologists went to inform her friends, Twilight and Spike about the Rainbow Dash’s visit and decision they made. Princess and her assistant didn’t mind the absence of some staff members, and other researchers – surprisingly for Oma, who didn’t think that her colleagues would approve her self-will – supported her. Kor was happy to learn about the possibility to get a rest from daily routine, and curators gave their allowance for the mission. “See the city and have a good time! And don’t worry, we’ll take care of things here!” they said sociologist and officer as parting wishes.
Oma and Kor thanked them and began to prepare for the research trip. They expected a lot from it: famous city, warm weather, good beaches, exciting event, beautiful public and other interesting things.
However, the history showed that it was even moreinteresting than they expected.
First, there were no direct trains from Ponyville to Applewood – the only option was train from Canterlot, which went through the town. It was a popular route, so, despite the fact that Ponyville was the next stop after Canterlot, there were not so many free places. Thus, when our heroes asked for tickets, they learned that the only way to travel together was so-called type C compartment for three. That means the compartment has a small bench barely suitable as a bed-place on one side and vast sofa where even Kor and Oma sitting together would have plenty of space on another. Waiting for the next train meant be late for half of a day at least, so, having no other suitable variants, Rainbow Dash and researchers took tickets to this compartment.
The train arrived in few minutes. Our heroes got aboard and started to make themselves comfortable. Very soon they found that the bench is absolutely unfit even for sitting, not to mentions sleeping, so when the train left the Ponyville station, researchers and Rainbow Dash found themselves on the same sofa. Blue pegasus was lying between Oma and Kor.
Such position… it wasn’t uncomfortable – the sofa was soft and had enough space for everyone – but pretty embarrassing. For everyone: for Kor – because of the fact that he might spend a whole night with two mares, and none of them was his girlfriend, for Oma – because of being too close to another mare, for Rainbow Dash – because of being surrounded by ponies who were much bigger than she. So, for some time our heroes were silent – only sounds of train’s wheels were hearable in the compartment – but, eventually, Kor found willpower to say something.
“So, Rainbow, what is this Rally you spoke about?”
“Huh? Oh… Well, nothing special, in fact,” blue pegasus began to tell. “We just gather to discuss the schedule of shows and events, to train a bit and to have some rest for couple of days.”
“So, the Rally is going to be something like a conference meeting?” Oma asked to precise for herself.
“Yeah, something like that!”
“I see.”
“Um, Rainbow, may I ask one more question?” said Kor.
“Sure, ask!”
“If the Rally takes some days, where are we going to stay then?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that! There gonna be some tents near the Applewood flying field, so we’ll have a place to stay.”
“So, field conditions then? I do not mind.”
“I hoped for something more… all-inclusive, but if it is just for a couple of days… Well, fine then,” said Oma.
“Don’t underestimate Wonderbolts, Didi! We use cloud mattresses and blankets – they are so soft and cozy it’s possible to sleep everywhere if you have them!”
“Is that so? Hmm… Sounds interesting.”
“I tell you: just wait, and you’ll see how awesome the Rally is!”
“We hope so,” replied Kor. “No doubt you’re going to be one of the brightest stars there!”
“Yeah, thanks, Erő…” Rainbow Dash spelled and suddenly fell silent. She became meditative, but a bit confused at the same time.
“Um, Rainbow? Is something wrong?” Oma worried.
“Oh, nothing! It’s just…” she looked at Oma, then at Kor, “I’ve just realized… If came with you to the Rally like this… It would look like you are my bodyguards!”
“And what’s wrong with it?” surprised Kor.
“What’s wrong? Maybe I’m just a reserve now, but I’m a Wonderbolt! We always can stand for ourselves! We are the ones who help!”
“But, agree, sometimes you need help too.”
“Well, yeah, but… Argh! Stop! It’s so uncool to speak about such things!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and pouted.
Kor looked at his angry pegasus companion and slyly winked to Oma. She immediately guessed what he was up to.
“Oh, don’t be so sharp, my dear!” Oma smiled and leant to Rainbow Dash.
“Yeah, don’t worry! You are under the best protection!”
“Indeed! We’ll save you from everything, no matter what!”
… and in a second blue – well, at the current moment, light-crimson – pegasus was wrapped in two long fluffy tails.
“Guys, stop it!” yelled Rainbow Dash and tried to break out from the “tail chains”.
“Carefully! Calm down, Rainbow!” Oma worried. “Or else we end tied up together.”
“Seriously?” pegasus was so surprised that she even forgot about her resentment. “Although… Yeah, with such a length it’s pretty easy.”
“Indeed…” Kor and Oma nodded, recalling the first passionate cuddling with their lovers in these bodies. The experience was very awkward.
Eventually, researchers freed Rainbow Dash and were forgiven for the teasing. Soon after the late supper was delivered, and the atmosphere in the compartment changed. Our heroes replenished their strengths – especially Rainbow Dash, who, despite her petite stature, ate more than everyone – and thus animated. They felt free, and this emancipation did a little wonder. Researchers and Rainbow knew each other just for several months, but now they were like good old friends: chatting, telling jokes, being silly, having fun. They kept their cheerful conversation up to very late at night, and then fell asleep one by one, snuggling to each other.
So no wonder that when thy woke up tomorrow morning the first thing they felt was embarrassment, because each of them either hugged the one who was near or used him or her as a pillow. They complained for inconvenient design of the compartment – another time – and asked each other for forgiveness. Being friends, to receive forgiveness was not a problem. However, their cheeks were still red for quite a time after this.
Quick breakfast, a little chat – and they heard train driver giving a signal. They were arriving to Applewood.
“The Rally starts at 1:00 p.m., so… Let’s walk around the city, while we have some free time!” suggested Rainbow Dash.
“Sure. Why not?” researchers replied. They did not have so much luggage – only saddlebags – so it would not be a constraint.
In seven minutes train reached its final stop, North Applewood station. It was large building in Mediterranean style, simple but elegant. And, which was also important, not overcrowded. Our heroes passed through the great halls of the station and soon got to vast terrace in the entrance.
From there one could observe a great view on the city. Its center seemed to be densely built, but the suburbs were broad and had plenty of free space. The tallest buildings were twenty floors maximum and usually – from three to five. Applewood shone with whiteness or provided a true delight to the eyes with gentle pastel shades. The streets were full of trees, primarily evergreens. In general, it seemed to be pretty comfortable place to live.
“Shall we go?” asked Rainbow Dash and smiled.
“Lead the way, friend!” researchers smiled in response.
Blue pegasus gave a nod and with a wave of a hoof signaled to follow her. They descended from the terrace and moved slowly towards the flying field. They had enough time, they had no need in hurrying.
Rainbow Dash had been in the city before, on former Rallies, so she knew the city well and could make her way through the net of streets. She leisurely flew ahead, Oma and Kor followed her and looked around.
Well, researchers hadn’t changed the first impression of city’s architecture and style they got while they were walking. Nice to look at, pretty and simple, and, although building density was high, thanks to their low height, wide streets and lots of greenery one didn’t felt uncomfortable and lacking space. The city planning was well designed – Applewood was a new city, it developed when narrow winding streets and chaotic constructions were already out of trend, so architects could use modern rational concepts.
Applewood, being significantly smaller than Manehattan and only a bit larger than Canterlot, being much younger than both of those cities, seemed not to pretend to be great. However, it has greatness, and it could compete with economic and cultural capitals of Equestria. But this greatness was different. In Manehattan and Canterlot everything seemed to emanate greatness. All structures around, ponies walking by – everything and everyone were impressive. In Applewood there was almost no great structures. Its greatness was based on ponies who lived there. Warm climate, wonderful landscape and, not the least, well-developed entertainment infrastructure of a resort and relatively cheap real estate in the beginning became the strongest attraction for various artists, actors and other creative persons. In few decades, ordinary resort became the city of celebrities. In modern Applewood it was possible to notice at least one famous person anywhere and anytime. And ponies, who wanted to become famous, continued to arrive, as well as ones who wanted to show off. Stunningly beautiful mares, handsome stallions in couture clothes regularly passed by. Some of them could make significant competition for Oma – who, by the way, felt nervous. On the other hand, Kor really enjoyed seeing so many beautiful girls in one place.
In three hours they crossed the center of the city and were approaching the flying field, which was situated right between the city and suburbs. Buildings around became lower – it was a true sign that the field is near.
“Well, fifteen minutes, and we’ll be there!” cheerfully reported Rainbow Dash.
“Glad to hear that,” said Oma.
“When we come there, stick to me for some time, okay?”
“To impress everypony as you want? We’ll do it.”
“Yeah, that and one more thing: I’ll acquaint you with other Wonderbolts and show you the place. After this feel free to do whatever you want.”
“Got it… And thank you.”
“Ah, it’s nothing… Oh, damn… Please, forgive me, I forgot to warn you about one thing.”
“What thing?” researchers surprised.
“You see, there is a bad district near the field. So we might run into a pickpocket…”
And a couple seconds later, as if in confirmation of her words, a young stallion jumped from behind the nearest corner, aiming to snatch a saddlebag from a lady.
Among local pickpockets this colt was considered to be one of the most successful since he was fast and agile, but, unluckily for him, now he decided to rob girls whose companion was Kor. And Kor, despite his sizes, was very fast.
Thus, less than in one second, the pickpocket was literally nailed to the nearest wall with Kor’s hoof. The robber badly wheezed – officer’s hoof was on his chest, after all – and coughed. Kor moved away his foreleg, and pickpocket fell down with all his legs twitching.
“Holy!.. That was damn fast!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “And harsh!”
“That’s called crime and punishment. An immediate punishment.”
“Should we call police?” Oma worried. “And do something with this guy?”
“Nah!” Kor waved off. “The spine is fine so he’ll get over this. Also, if he calls the police…” officer leaned over the pickpocket who suddenly stopped to twitch and nervously gulped, “…then the next punch will be made with full strength.”
And he went away. Rainbow Dash and Oma looked at each other and decided that it would be better to follow Kor. And pickpocket meanwhile wisely retreated.
In five minutes our heroes finally arrived to the flying field.
“Get ready to be amazed!” smiled Rainbow Dash.
“We’re looking forward!” researchers responded and entered the field after pegasus.
Arrival to the Rally was like passing through a portal. Moment ago you were in Applewood, now you got to Little Cloudsdale. Everything around was white, bluish or rainbow-colored, light and cloudy. It created unique and very comfortable atmosphere. And this was the very thing that made it great – it was a training camp, where ponies usually spend time working hard, but it was so atmospheric it was impossible not to get into this.
Another thing, which made the Rally look like miniature copy of sky city, was its “population” – almost all the camp occupants were pegasi. Looking around, researchers found only three unicorns and two earth ponies – who were from field’s operating personnel, judging by their uniforms – among two hundred pegasi. Because of this, the walk around the Rally camp really felt like a tour to Cloudsdale, for which, however, one shouldn’t fly two kilometers up to the sky.
“Well, well, what we have here?” low female voice with gentle hoarseness came from a side.
Researchers turned around and saw a group of pegasi, led by fiery yellow mare, heading towards them. They were dressed casually, but some of them wore similar leather jackets. It indicated that they were from the same group.
“Hiya guys!” Rainbow Dash smiled.
“Good to see you, Dash!” fiery mare said.
“Ya even managed not to be late?” grinned turquoise mare with white mane.
“Hey!”
“I see you didn’t come alone?” light-blue stallion gently asked Rainbow Dash.
“Oh, right! Sorry” blue pegasus smiled guiltily. “Allow me to introduce you to each other! Guys,” she turned to newcomers, “this is Didinga and Erő, my friends from Ponyville.”
“Excuse me, that Erő?” suddenly asked Soarin’.
“Ehm, what do you mean?” Kor surprised.
“Who once helped Princess Celestia and Canterlot guards when griffin delegation arrived?”
“Well, yes?..”
“Wait, you know each other?” surprised Rainbow Dash.
“I’ve heard about you friend from my cousin, who serves in Canterlot,” said Soarin’.
“Oh… Well then, let’s continue!.. Didi, Erő, say hello to the Wonderbolts!” and, before Kor and Oma even gave a nod, Rainbow Dash proceeded to introducing each member of the squad. “This is Spitfire, our captain, this is Soarin’, this bad pony is Fleetfoot…”
“Hey!” Fleetfoot resented.
Rainbow Dash, however, continued like nothing had happened.
“… this is High Winds, this is Misty Fly, this is Fire Streak, this is his brother Lightning Streak, this is Sun Chaser, this is Wave Chill, this is Silver Zoom and this humble pony is Surprise!”
Surprise gently waved after when she was introduced.
Researchers finally got the possibility to greet the Wonderbolts properly.
“We are very glad to meet you!” they said and bowed.
“Friends of our friends are welcomed here too!” Spitfire smiled and waved. “Come!”
“They’ve already accepted you!” Rainbow Dash turned to researchers and smiled. “Oh, this gonna be so awesome!..”
And our heroes followed the Wonderblots.
“So, you are from Europonia, right?” High Winds asked researchers.
“Yes. It is our names that give us away?” responded Oma.
“Yeah… And light accent.”
“And where are you from?” asked Wave Chill. “I know that there is a lot of regions in Europonia, but I’m not versed in geography…”
“Oh, I’m from Upelia,” said Didinga.
“And I’m from Pusztia,” Said Kor.
“And where these regions exactly are?”
“Upelia is northeastern Europonia, and Pusztia is central,” explained Oma.
“I see.”
“You’re tall, I must say…” Fleetfoot spelled, looking at researchers.
“Well, average Europonian is bigger than average Equestrian, and it applies to both stallions and mares, and to other species as well,” said Oma.
“However, there are exceptions,” continued Kor. “For instance, I’m too big even for Europonian, and our friend Pippi is as high as Equestrian teenager, although she is from Fjordenland, the region known for the height of its citizens.”
“And what do you usually do?” wondered Lightning Streak.
“They are Twilight’s Castle squad!” grinned Rainbow Dash.
“Really?”
“Well, I’m one of the day guards, and Didi is a Castle receptionist,” explained Kor.
“You must be a pretty good guard…” spelled Misty Fly, smiling.
“You don’t say,” sighed Soarin’. “My cousin told me what he and his friend are capable of. It was hard to believe in.”
“Um, like what?” Surprise wondered.
“He was able to shoot down a really tough pegasus by throwing a helmet at him.”
“What? Seriously?” other Wonderbolts barely could believe it.
“Well, there was such case,” Kor confirmed it.
“Heh, nicey…”
“Yeah. Now I have no doubt in the anti-airsquad defense of princess Twilight’s castle,” said Soarin’.
“Thank you,” Kor bowed to him.
“You’re welcome.”
“Well, here we are!” Spitfire said, pointing to the complex of tents. “Our “temporary base”. Make yourselves comfortable and relax! Oh, and Erő, Didinga, feel free to ask anypony if you need help.”
“Sure.”
“Dash, your tent is #12. And your companions… they might settle in the guest tent #5, I guess.”
“Pardon me, ma’am, but can we live somewhere together?” wondered Rainbow Dash. “I kinda worrying for my friends since they are new here.”
“Sorry, Dash, but here it is not possible. Our Wonderbolt’s tents are small, each of them is just for one pony. Guest tents are designed for three ponies, but… Pardon me, but your companions are so big it might be cramped even for two of them.”
“Oh, I see…”
“Don’t worry, Rainbow!” Kor cheered her up. “Tents are near each other, the field is not vast – I don’t think we can get lost here.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Great!” Spitfire smiled. “Dash, get ready to the first training. Your companions may explore the area meanwhile.”
Rainbow Dash and researchers gave a nod and began to settle down. A half of an hour – and their tents were tuned in comfortable temporary dwellings. Now they had some time of rest before the main activity of the Rally will start.
And, as it happened many times before, adventures began to meet our heroes from the very beginning.
While Rainbow Dash in company of researchers and some fellow Wonderbolt was walking to a snack stand, Fire Streak couldn’t help notice that blue pegasus standing between Kor and Oma looks just like a superstar with her bodyguards. Rainbow Dash, obviously, resented. Very actively. However, for her greater frustration, other Wonderbolts supported Fire Streak. But few ones, like Lightning Streak, – with a minor qualification: they said that Oma is too beautiful to be a bodyguard. A bit later the issue would resolve by itself, but, unfortunately, Kor entered the conversation. He said that in case of Oma looks can be deceiving and gave an example: once she broke down the door he couldn’t. Wonderbolts couldn’t believe it: how this graceful slender mare can possess such immense strength? Oma, hearing what others spoke about her, felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable and decided to intervene and clarify. It caused a turmoil among the ponies and soon the events took absolutely unpredictable turn.
“How did it end up like this?” sincerely wondered Lightning Streak, looking at how his old and new friends had been making litter from straw in front of him and at Oma, who now was very intimidating.
“Well, you’ve asked for it yourself, in fact,” said Kor. “You wanted the proof of that Didi can be a guard, and now you’re going to have it.”
Lightning Streak cursed himself for being so mouthy.
Meanwhile the creation of litter was finished, and Spitfire, who was appointed the judge, declared: “Ladies and gentlecolts, we gathered here to find out is our new friend Didinga able to be a bodyguard. In order to prove it both Didinga and doubting subject Lighning Streak will be given several tasks. Lightning Streak, your task will be flying around the litter ten to fifteen steps above ground. You may fly as fast as you can and do all the tricks you want. Didnga, your task will be to catch Lightning Streak.”
“Got it,” spelled Oma.
Lightning Streak nervously gulped.
“Wonderful! Let’s start then!”
Yellow-haired pegasus gulped again and slowly flew up. He was given an order from his captain, he had no other options. So he took a deep breath and flew towards his own doom.
At first he was very hesitating. Later, however, he found some courage and thought “If I will fly as fast as possible doing tricks all the time, she wouldn’t be able to catch me!” and rushed forward. He accelerated tenfold and made his flight path extremely difficult. Turns, loops, zigzags… Watching him one might get dizzy. Wonderbolts began to doubt that Oma will be able to catch Lightning Streak.
“Are you sure you can do this?” Rainbow Dash asked her friend.
“Just give me some time…” Oma responded, continuing watch the pegasus.
She gradually got ready to pounce: lifted her front, bent her hind legs… Lightning Streak flew above her like overpowered tipsy fly. It seemed that he barely controlled his own flight. But he was permanently aware and kept the maximum allowed altitude.
But, as history showed later, it didn’t help him. Making another turn and getting ready for a dash, he distracted for a moment – just one moment – and didn’t find Oma at the place she was. He looked forward and saw the mare right in front of him, fourteen steps above the ground. He was about to make a sharp turn, but it was too late: Oma grabbed him with her long forelegs, and together they fell down on straw.
“Yay, you did it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Congratulations, miss Didinga!” smiled Spitfire and Soarin’.
“Thank you,” responded Oma.
“Um, miss Didinga, I apologize for what I’ve said and admit that you are not just beautiful, but very skilled and strong too. So… I beg you, please, release me!” uttered Lightning Streak.
“You know, what… No. I never let my prey go,” said Oma
Lightning Streak felt doomed for sure, but a bit awkward at the same time too. The mare who held him was stunning, but, also, was bigger and stronger than him, and now she was giving him her best predatory smile.
“Didi, release the poor pony. Be a good girl,” Kor said to her friend.
“Fine,” Oma muttered, blushing, and let Lightning Streak go. If she refused, Kor would continue, and, knowing how much of a manipulating troll he can be, it would be extremely awkward for her.
The case was eventually closed, and Wonderbolts admitted that both Oma and Kor can be good bodyguards. Again, for Rainbow Dash’s great resentment.
After this they finally got their snacks and had a late lunch. When it was finished, ponies separated. Male Wonderbolts flew away to get everything ready for the first training, girls of the squad went away with Didinga to chat about their girly business, and Kor remained alone. He slowly finished his coffee and decided to have a little walk.
However, he didn’t get far from the snack stand – he felt something odd and stopped. It was like someone watched him. He turned around and saw Misty Fly looking at him.
“Umm, miss Fly? Do you… need some help?” he spelled.
“Oh yes, I do need help,” she smiled dreamily. “With one… particular thing.”
“What thing?”
“You know, mister Erő, that you are a pony who makes strong impression at the very first sight?”
“Well, I must admit that it is so. A giant like me surely impresses many ponies.”
“Indeed. Especially mares…”
Kor began to guess what kind of “help” Misty Fly needed.
“Errr, miss Fly?”
“Oh, call me Misty, my dear Erő. My dear, incredible Erő… So tall, so muscular, so tough… You are like a living dream for a mare…”
“Eh???”
“So, would you like to come to my tent, #7, this night and “help” me?”
“Miss Fly, I think… you’re just jumping to conclusions.”
“Huh? Why?”
“You see… When it comes to romance… I’m actually very bad at it.”
“Oh, is that all?”
“I often don’t watch what I’m saying, and can actually offend the person I’m talking with. And, also… I’m a cynic, and it doesn’t help to be romantic.”
“Oh, those are minor details… It is not important.”
A really critical situation was brewing.
“Madam! I’m an old soldier! I don’t know words of love!” Kor exclaimed. He just didn’t know what else to say.
“Huh?” surprised Misty Fly.
“Um, Misty?” suddenly both pegasus are researcher heard the voice of Rainbow Dash. “You know, Erő actually has a marefriend.”
“What?” exclaimed Misty Fly and looked at Rainbow Dash, than at Kor. Kor nodded intensively.
“Aawww!” yellow pegasus sighed. “Why every time when I meet a good stallion, he already has a marefriend? Me and my ill luck…”
“Don’t be upset, Misty, you’ll find your happiness some day!” Rainbow Dash assured her friend.
“I hope so… Well, thanks… And… Excuse me, mister Erő, please!” and she flew away.
Rainbow Dash looked at Kor.
“Why didn’t ya tell her that ya already have a marefriend?” she exclaimed.
“I tried to be gentle!” Kor tried to explain himself.
“Ugh!” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Europonians and their etiquette… And what was that ‘I’m an old soldier!’ You are only eight years older than me!”
“Actually, 463 years older,” Kor said to himself, but told nothing to Rainbow Dash. He just looked down.
“Erő, Erő…” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Come on!” she waved. “The training will start in twenty minutes!”
Kor gave a nod and followed her. At the training field Rainbow Dash joined the rest of the Wonderbolts, and Kor with Oma joined the group of spectators.
The training began soon. It was a mere practice, a warm-up, but Wonderbolts wouldn’t be themselves if even a training wouldn’t look like an entire show. Maybe it wasn’t so spectacular and grand, but, in some moments, watching a training was better than watching a show. First, if you are a fan, watching the training you have an opportunity to see your idols for much longer. Second, while Wonderbolts usually show each trick only once per show, at the training one could see each trick for several times and notice all the nuances. Wonderbolts usually alternate the tricks they practiced, so it was not boring – neither for spectator, nor for flyers.
They have been practicing for five hours. In the end all members of the squad were tired, but glad: they honed their skills, so now there would be no problems during performances. Now it was possible to have some rest. And our heroes immediately proceeded to it. They gathered behind Wonderbolts’ tent site, made a fire, sat around it and began to tell stories, play music, sing and roast marshmallows and toasts.
It was simple open-air little party, which even seemed to be quite monotonous, but it was very atmospheric and comfortable. It didn’t even matter that the party itself gradually transformed into the best tale contest, because none of all the stories told was boring. Each pony in the group has rich experience and could share quite a number of occasions from his or her life, which were able to made even the gloomiest person smile. Academy time stories from both Wonderbolts and researchers were a huge success – one could hear their laughter from all corners of the flying field. Just sitting and listening was very interesting, and no one wanted this joy to end.
However, another day of training and the first important discussion awaited, so it was necessary to be well-rested and full of strength before they start. Thus, in a couple of hours after the sunset Wonderbolts thanked everyone for great time, chocked the fire and went to their tents to have some sleep. Researchers saw everypony off, and, after quick cleaning of the site, went to bed too. It was a good day, and they hoped to have another such one after peaceful calm night.
But, as it turned out, their hopes were not destined to come true.
In an hour after when they fell asleep, their communicator activated.
“Kor, Oma, wake up!” Edez – in the form of holographic projection – exclaimed.
“Huh? Wha? What?” surprised and frightened researchers immediately woke up.
“Edez? What happened?” worried Kor.
“Something really, really bad. Ktaumea have learned about our mission.”
“WHAT???”
“Quiet!” Edez hissed. “And, moreover, they have sent significant task force here.”
“Damned isomorphs…” Kor swore.
“When are they going to arrive?” Oma asked.
“As the Headquarters expects… less than in one supramoment.”
“Oh dear…”
“They expect the battle will take place in space, but some spacecrafts might be hit and fell on the planet. We are moving to the ship in order to teleport to crash sites immediately after. But, since you are not present, and we cannot teleport you back… Surroundings of Applewood would become your area of responsibility.”
“Got it.”
“Brace yourselves, my friends. It’s gonna be a hell of a night…”
An hour later, in Canterlot…
Princess Celestia was walking down the gallery which led to the tower she lived. It was a hard day, full of stresses, so now she dreamt only about soft bed and good healthy slumber. From time to time she looked at the sky through high and wide windows of the gallery. Altitude of the Castle allowed to have the best view on the star placers of the galaxy. It was truly marvelous sight, the source of inspiration for hundreds of artists and the very thing for her dearest sister to be proud of.
And, speaking about Night Princess, it turned out so that she was near: when Celestia was already approaching the entrance to her tower, she found Luna watching the sky far above Everfree Forest through an opened window in one of the side corridors. Blue alicorn seemed to be completely preoccupied by the observation. Celestia smiled and decided to sneak up to her sister. She stood behind Luna and looked at what she had been watching. A first it seemed that she watched an ordinary part of the night skies, but then a dim arrow of light pierced the heavens. A meteor. In a couple of seconds another, brighter one appeared. Right after it – one more arrow of light… “Luna made a meteor shower!” white alicorn thought. She smiled again and decided to watch the creation of her sister for some time to appreciate it.
Meteors continued to fall. White arrows streaked across the sky, leaving fading tracks of light. Some of them were dim, other were bright as the largest stars. Few ones seemed to be bigger than other, so they exploded in the atmosphere with tiny fireworks. It was truly magnificent. Celestia was proud of Luna for such incredible creation.
“You surpassed yourself, my dear sister,” Celestia said. “It’s one of the most beautiful meteor showers I have ever seen in my life!”
But Luna didn’t move or even say a word.
“It is not me,” she spelled after a long pause. “And it is not a meteor shower.”
“What? I don’t understand you, Luna,” Celestia worried.
“Look closer to those “meteors”, sister.”
“Why?”
“Just look,” she insisted and after some time asked. “See?”
“Umm, what?”
“A meteor shower has only one radiant in almost all the cases. These “meteors” have about twelve radiants. And some of them fly from one radiant to another.”
Celestia looked closer. And shuddered. Luna was right.
“Oh goodness!” Day Princess uttered. “What is it? What can it be? It’s… just incomprehensible!”
“I do not know, sister. I do not know…”
Meanwhile in the central part of Caterlot…
Gray stallion woke up from his slumber and looked around his dark and poorly decorated room. He had no need in sleep, actually – it was just a measure for energy saving – but it felt good to have some rest. He got up from his bed and slowly walked towards the window, like he did many times before in previous nights. He looked at the sky and saw exploding meteors. He watched them, how bright they were and where did they fly, for some time. Then he quietly spelled:
“I guess I’ll have to hurry…”
He lifted his foreleg and tried to clench it. It barely cooperated.
“…and find some recharge,” he added, looking at his limb.
Tomorrow, before everyone woke up, researchers returned to the Rally site. The night was tough indeed. The base ship had to stand against dozen of Ktaumea battle cruisers. Myriads of drones from both sides fought to death. Watching it was extremely stressful: you could see your comrades fighting with fierce enemy in the sky, but you couldn’t do anything to help them, and, at the same time, you had to keep your eyes open for spacecrafts which might be shot down.
Luckily, during the battle only four crafts fell on the planet surface. Teams all over the world could find the crash sites and eliminate enemies quickly.
One of the Ktaumea spacecrafts fell in Equestria, twenty miles away from Applewood. Thanks to the base ship’s observation systems, it was possible to calculate trajectory of the downed vessel and define the exact area where it hit the ground. Because of this Oma and Kor we able to arrive to the place just a couple of minutes after the crash. They pretended to be local citizens, who just were wondering what happened, and when two pilots finally got out from their ship… Kor ripped aliens’s throat with his jaws, and Oma stomped on another one and broke his spine and ribcage. After this, researchers activated the self-destruction device of the ship and run away. Less in a minute annihilative shell turned the site into two-hundred-meter-wide crater.
Researchers were completely exhausted after all this, so, when Wonderbolts woke up and saw them, they said that didn’t sleep well, so they are going to take a nap now and will miss the training. Wonderbolts said that they understand them and do not mind. Researchers thanked the flyers and went to bed.
They managed to calm themselves down and have some rest in the first half of the day. Then they finally joined Rainbow Dash and her teammates again. They weren’t allowed to participate in discussion, but it did not matter – they could have a good dinner and supper with new friends, have a good time like they did yesterday.
The night was awful, but the day brought brightness and long-awaited peace.
When members of the Second Department of the Special Service of Equestria came to their headquarters, they found the leader of their group sitting at his workplace. He was extremely pale and looked very frightened.
“Chief! What happened?” worried Cloudbreaker and Dim Silhouette.
“Have you heard about what happened the last night?” Hidden Path uttered after a pause.
“Umm.. and what happened last night?” wondered Grace.
“Ponies could witness quite specific meteor shower. Some of meteors exploded. The shower has several radiants, and many meteors were flying from one radiant to another.”
“What? But… it’s just not possible!” exclaimed Razor Edge.
“Indeed. Because it was not a meteor shower at all.”
“Huh?”
“Just look at this: a trace of light appears at one point and then comes to another, where it vanishes or explodes. Then the same trace appears in the second point and flies to the first. What do you think it is? It’s a firefight, where energy cannons are used, that’s what!”
“It can’t be…” mares uttered.
“Can’t be? Huge crater in the Everfree Forest, strange murders, strange behavior of ponies who seem to be ordinary… Something out of this world is on Gaia, it is evident! And now those meteors! Now it has no doubts! Our world has been invaded, dammit! And we still cannot connect everything with each other…”
“So… what should we do now?” Dim Silhouette asked in trembling voice.
“Oh… Grace, go to the Castle and tell princesses about results of our investigations and our suspicions on that all the events might be connected. Don’t tell them that we suspect princess Twilight’s castle staff.”
“Got it!” Grace nodded.
“Cloudbreaker, you and I will return to Ponyville. We’ll find the proof that those nine are not from this world…”
“Understood,” pegasus replied.
“And you,” Hidden Path turned to unicorns, “you’ll have to make an agreement with the Castle Defense Service.”
“Um, agreement on what, sir?” asked Razor Edge.
“Agreement on installation of additional spell in the defense system of the Castle. Something tells me that it might come in handy…”