Chapter 3
It took Apple Jack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike just about half an hour to reach Cantor Lot by Train. Apple jack whore a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up above the elbow, blue jeans, her cowboy boots, and her favorite hat. Rarity was wearing a white long sleeve shirt and a dark blue skirt, and shoes. Pinkie had her same outfit Twilight saw a few days ago. Spike looked like every pony else as well, he looked like he was fourteen or so. He wore a purple and green jacket with purple and green pants, shoes, and a purple shirt that went with his new green hair.
Apple Jack had been interrogating Black Feather for a while hearing his story. She resembles the Element of Honesty so she can tell if some pony is lying some times. Every pony else was waiting in Twilights room. The Princess’s left to tend to the matters as finding a way to retrieve the Elements of Harmony from whoever took them.
Apple Jack had entered Twilight's room and closed the door behind her. “So, what is it” Twilight asked.
“He’s telling the truth; I can see the determination in his eyes when he said it” Apple Jack said.
“Then if it wasn’t him then it was the other Griffon that tried to kill him” Rainbow said.
“But why steal the Elements of Harmony, they can’t be used by anyone except us” Twilight said. Everyone shrugged their shoulders. “We should go tell Princess Celestia” Twilight said.
“The guard that escorted me is already doing that” Apple Jack said.
“Then we’ll wait till the Princess’s need us”
Sooner or later Celestia sent word for Twilight and her friends to meet with her and Luna. They were told by the guard that the sisters had formulated a plan to retrieve the Elements of Harmony.
The mane six, and Spike, walked into the council hall where the Princess’s had a map of all the countries of the world. “Twilight good you’re here” Celestia said.
“What is it Princess” Twilight asked.
“Luna and I have made a plan to return the Elements back here to Cantor Lot, it will be dangerous but we believe that you and your friends can do it” Celestia said. She nodded to Luna who began describing the plan.
“You six will sneak into the Empire, head towards the capital, Griffonton, infiltrate Griffon Palace, find the Elements and get them back here to Equestria” Luna said.
“The rendezvous point we have selected is the Great Plains that boarder us from the Griffon Empire. We will meet you there with the Royal Guard to prevent any Griffon soldiers that might be chasing you from crossing into our lands” Celestia said.
“This seems really complicated, are you sure we can do it” Twilight asked.
“Knowing you my faithful student I know you can do it” Celestia said reassuring Twilight.
Twilight, Spike, and the girls went back to Ponyville to gather up all the supplies they would need for the trip and would meet at the train station the next day.
Twilight and Spike were packing all of Twilight’s travel stuff such as some books, her parchment, and some quills. Spike pact some of his elements he thought would be useful in this trip. “Spike once again I really feel that you should stay here” Twilight said.
“Sorry Twilight but I’m coming with you, you never know when you might need to send Princess Celestia an urgent letter that only I can do” Spike said partially praising himself.
“Well alright, but stay close ok”
“Yep”
Flutter Shy was packing her things and saying goodbye to her animals, she had never been on a mission like this before and she was very afraid. “Ok Angel, you take care of everyone here ok, I’ll be back before you know it” Flutter Shy said. All her animals were crying but they kept their heads up.
Rainbow Dash was finishing her stuff and was telling Soarin of the Wonder Colts about this and that she’d be on leave for a while. “So, that’s what’s happening so tell Spit Fire I’m sorry that I’ll be leaving so soon” Rainbow said.
“Hey don’t worry, she’ll understand, you just make sure that you bring back the Elements, you and your friends back safe ok” Soarin said.
“You got it” they fist bumped and she left but not before saying. “Watch over Tank for me ok”
Pinkie Pie had finished packing her supplies and was ready to head out the door when she spotted Gummy looking at her. “Aw Gummy, mommy will be back in the Knick of time” She picked Gummy up and kissed him goodbye. “So, you better stay good ok, Mr. and Mrs. Cake will watch over you. Bye” She waved bye and ran out the door.
Rarity was still backing her bag when and just finished when Sweetie Bell came into her room. Sweetie Bell had the same height as Spike did now, she and her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders had the same height and hair and same things missing as the older ponies. “What do you mean you’re leaving” Sweetie Bell said in shock.
“I told you about what happened to the Elements of Harmony, I have been tasked to go get them and bring them back” Rarity said.
“But you could get hurt” Sweetie Bell complained.
“And if I don’t get the Elements back many other ponies could get hurt. Sweetie Bell I’ll be fine, Apple Jack’s family said they’d watch over you, now come give me a hug” Sweetie Bell hugged her sister tight.
“Please be safe” Sweetie Bell said. Rarity nodded and left.
Apple Jack had finished packing and was saying good bye to her family. To nobody’s surprise Apple Bloom was having the biggest fit about her leaving. “No, I won’t let you go” Apple Bloom was holding onto her sister very tightly and had no thoughts of letting go.
“Aw Sugercube, you know that without the Elements I have no way to protect you or any pony else” Apple Jack said. Apple Bloom was in tears.
“I know but, I’m just scared you won’t return”
“Hey, you know I will right, now don’t you worry. Sweetie Bell will be staying here with you until we get back ok” Apple Jack said. Apple Bloom nodded. “Watch over them ok Big Mac” Apple Jack said to her big brother.
“Eup” He said. Apple jack gave everyone one last hug and left.
The girls and Spike arrived at the Train station early after spending the night at Twilights so they could all go together. Princess Celestia was meeting them before they went off to wish them luck and give them something she thought would be helpful.
“Hey y’all I see the train coming” Apple Jack said. Every pony else looked towards the direction Apple Jack was looking to see the train approaching. It stopped as it arrived to the station. As the doors opened two royal guards exited and then Princess Celestia exited the train after them.
“Princess Celestia, you said that you had something you thought would help us” Twilight said.
“Not something Twilight, someone” Celestia motioned for someone on the train and the girls and Spike could never have guessed it. Black Feather exited the train still in chains but he looked ok with it. He wasn’t in his armor but a black shirt and a short sleeve button up shirt without any buttons buttoned, pants and shoes.
“Wow, wow, wow, what is this” Rainbow Dash said. Celestia looked at all of them and said.
“Black Feather is officially an ex courier of the Griffon Empire. He has traveled all around the kingdom. I believe he is the best guide that we have now to get you safely inside the Empire boarders” Celestia said.
“And besides, I owe Ms. Shy for taking care of me while I was wounded” Black Feather said.
Flutter Shy just blushed. “Still I have my doubts that this was all planed, but Black Feather has my trust and again I believe he can help” Celestia said. “As long as I can get to Iron Wing I’ll do whatever you say Princess” Black Feather said.
Two more royal guards came off the train caring some bags. They looked like they were normal tourist. “These two men will accompany you as far as the boarder, there they will wait until Spike gives them the signal to head the Great Plains” Celestia said. Twilight nodded and everyone going on the mission started to set off on an adventure that would reshape Equestria for good.