//------------------------------// // Guards and Knights // Story: Knights of the Everfree // by Lightning Shaker //------------------------------// Knights of the Everfree Chapter Eight: Dream Dasher sat on his haunches; he was waiting at the home he shared with Lightning Shaker and their guardian Melody Spring for the Guard from Canterlot to arrive. Dream Dasher hated waiting, why was he sitting here waiting by himself? The earth pony looked around, he was bored and wanted to do something, Lightning had been gone for over an hour now. No sign of the Royal Guard either. He sighed, heading back into the house; if he was going to wait around, he might as well have something fun to do. He located a ball and headed back outside, deciding to test his aim by launching the ball at various objects, the real challenge came from being able to catch it afterwards. He was throwing the ball at a tree when he heard giggling. Looking around he found the source, Rare Charmer was heading towards him and talking to another unicorn who was giggling at something that must have been pretty funny. Rare Charmer waved at him as they got closer. “Hi Dream Dasher, you’ll never guess where I found this filly.” She indicated the unicorn next to her. “Umm, Rare I don’t think that’s- ” He tried to say, but was cut off. “I found her in the Everfree forest while I was out looking around, I can see why you and Lightning go there now, it’s so adventurous!” The filly squealed with joy. Dream Dasher looked at the unicorn who was little older than a foal, they shared a look as the unicorn just shrugged and smiled. Dream Dasher sighed. “So where are you from, and what’s your name?” He asked the other pony. “I’m Inspira Flash, I’m from Fillydelphia. I got lost in the woods.” Inspira indicated, pointing at the Everfree forest. “Fillydelphia... you’re a long way from home.” Dream Dasher said, looking at Inspira and frowning. Inspira Flash giggled, bouncing a bit. “It’s great; I bet my parents are furious with me!” Rare Charmer looked at Inspira Flash, shocked. “Why in Equestria would you want that?” Dream Dasher nodded. “Yeah, just be happy you have parents and don’t have to upset a guardian like Lightning and myself.” “Wait, how did you upset Miss Spring?” Rare Charmer asked, looking worried; she had grown close to the mare while Lightning was in the hospital. Dream Dasher shrugged. “I didn’t. She’s upset over Lightning’s hospital bills. The cost of his treatments and stuff they still need to do later is really expensive.” He shrugged again, sitting down. “Between that and this stuff with the Princess now, I think everything is about to become really annoying.” Rare Charmer gasped. “Oh no, I didn’t even think of that! Is she okay!? Does she need anything!?” She asked, a bit panicky. “You mean aside from more bits? Nah, not really I don’t think. Maybe we could do something to cheer her up?” Dream Dasher got up and walked over to Inspira. “What about you, how are we getting you home?” Inspira Flash looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well, usually I send a letter when I end up somewhere strange; I get lost a lot after all.” Dream Dasher facehoofed. “Well the mail-mare has already come, so we can’t send one today. You’ll just have to crash with us.” Rare Charmer smiled. “She can stay with me, no need to put more of a burden on your mom like that. I’m going to stop in and say hello.” She said, going towards the house. Before she made it to the door a whooshing sound followed by the sound of hooves hitting the ground came from behind them. They both turned to see that a pegasus pony, clad in armor, had landed near them. “Dream Dasher, Lightning Shaker?” The pony asked, flipping her tightly braided mane over her withers. She had set down a rather large crate, which was a surprise itself since there were no other ponies or chariot to bring it. The three ponies stared at the newcomer in her shiny armor of the Royal Guard; she was younger than Dream Dasher had figured, maybe a few years older than himself, her coat a pale pink almost white gleamed in the early morning sun. She was looking at him expectantly. “I was expecting an earth pony and a pegasus, is it safe to assume you are Dream Dasher?” “Yeah, I’m Dream Dasher, but Lightning isn’t here right now.” The earth pony said, his face set in a deep frown. Was this really the pony Celestia was going to have train them? Maybe she was just here to deliver whatever was in that box. The pegasus looked disappointed. “We’ll have to find him then. Is this your place here? I’ll need to drop this package off before we go looking.” She grunted as she hefted the rather large crate on her back and began walking towards the house. “One of us could get that for you.” Rare Charmer piped up, her horn starting to glow with a light brown aura. She started to grab hold of the crate with her magic but a shake of the head from the pegasus stopped her. “No I got it. Thank you though.” She said, easily carrying the crate, which seemed like it would be heavy due to its size. Inspira Flash chuckled and levitated some writing supplies, beginning to scribble furiously with an eager smile. Dream Dasher let the pegasus into the house, an amused look on his face; she was strong for not being an earth pony. He watched as she set down the crate, startled a bit as a noise came from inside; like metal clanking. ‘Maybe we will get armor like the Royal Guard?’ He thought to himself. Once the package was no longer weighing her down, and after an introduction to Melody Spring the two ponies went outside again. “Alright, I think introductions are in order. I am Snow Star, a member of Her Royal Majesty Princess Celestia’s Royal Guard. Yes it’s a mouthful, and yes I have to say it like that. Now, the Princess instructed that there would be three of you to train, I know Lightning Shaker is absent, are either of you the other...” She thought for a moment. “Wasn’t the other pony named Little Gear?” She asked, finally remembering. “Little Gear is still in the hospital, we can go see her if you want.” Dream Dasher said, shrugging. Rare Charmer nodded. “That’s where they met was over at Ponyville Medical, and where they met the Princess and she set this all up. Is my name not on the list?” She asked, apprehensive. Snow Star frowned at the knowledge that one of her charges was in the hospital. This would definitely make her job harder. She shook her head. “First things first, let’s find Lightning Shaker. And sorry but no, you aren’t on my list. We can have it remedied if you should be, but I’ll need an okay from the Princess.” Rare Charmer couldn’t hide her disappointment as her ears fell flat against her head, but she smiled and nodded anyway. Dream Dasher got their attention and pointed off towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Lightning said he was heading to the Apple Family farm just over this way. It’s a bit of a walk; the orchard is huge.” Snow Star nodded and they all started off on the road to Sweet Apple Acres. The four ponies chatted amiably along the way, Snow Star seemed like a rather nice pegasus as far as Dream Dasher could tell, certainly not the harsh taskmaster he was expecting. He found out that she really was young, having been inducted into the Royal Guard when she was just a filly as a reward for some sort of heroic deed she was apparently uncomfortable talking about with them. She asked what they had done to gain Celestia’s attention as they crossed the bridge on the edge of Ponyville leading towards the farm. Dream Dasher started in with the tale of how he and Lightning Shaker often went into the Everfree forest. The stories continued all the way to the telling of how they were attacked by the nightmares and Lightning was hospitalized, and finished with Dream Dasher finding the ruins though he omitted mentioning the orb or anything else. The pegasus nickered at the description of the nightmares, her eyes filled with an alarming amount of glee. “We’ll have to see if we can’t find them, clearly they are a danger to the citizens of Ponyville.” She gave Dream Dasher a glance. “And you say you took one out? That’s quite impressive for a pony your size.” A few flaps of her wings had her floating in the air as she ruffled the earth pony’s mane with a hoof. Inspira Flash had been writing the entire time; quill and parchment wrapped in a light cobalt aura, and with the way the unicorn kept looking between the other ponies it was obvious that their stories were being recorded. Dream Dasher frowned ,wondering if he should tell Rare Charmer that Inspira was a colt and not a filly. ‘Nah, it’s funnier to leave her in the dark.’ He thought, grinning at the colt as it scribbled away at the parchment; giggling as Snow Star told a story about a clumsy dragon. It wasn’t much longer before they arrived at the farm, all four ponies laughing as Snow Star imitated a fall in the air, still telling the tales of the clumsy dragon. They tried asking some of the workers harvesting the apples but they were much too busy to talk, kindly pointing out that they were understaffed and to ask Granny Smith. They headed for the house, Snow Star knocking on the door. A moment later the door opened and an elderly mare an apple pie on her green flank greeted them. “Ooh hello, so many visitors today. The farm's not been this popular since last Zap Apple harvest day.” “We’re looking for Lightning Shaker, a pegasus colt. He said he would be here, is this true?” Snow Star asked the elderly mare, her expression one of calm patience despite having heard the nearly indecipherable speech of Granny Smith. “Oh that nice young colt from before. Ah saw ‘im. He was askin’ for work. We’re short staffed this season so ah went ahead and gave the young feller some work; nothin’ too hard though, he’s just a little feller.” She said in her usual fast paced warble. Snow Star looked to Dream Dasher. “Why would he need to work on the farm?” “His hospital bills; they were really expensive and our guardian was crying. I guess he decided he was going to earn the bits to pay for them.” Dream Dasher said, shrugging. He personally could understand the need Lightning felt. “Thank you, Granny Smith wasn’t it? Could you tell us what part of the farm he’s working on, I need to speak with him.” Snow Star asked politely. After getting the information, and with a wave to the mare, they headed towards the orchard to find Lightning Shaker. They found him deep in the orchard, struggling to carry a couple baskets full of apples; his body bowed under the weight of the apples as his hooves dragged along. They walked along next to him, Dream Dasher and Rare Charmer giving waves in greeting. He attempted to smile and wave back, but couldn’t manage with the heavy baskets. “Do you need help with those baskets?” Rare Charmer asked, looking concerned. He grinned and picked up his pace a bit. “No I got this, thanks though.” He looked at Snow Star and Inspira Flash questioningly. The older pegasus took the cue and introduced herself. “I am Snow Star, a member of Her Royal Majesty Princess Celestia’s Royal Guard. Yes it’s a mouthful, and yes I have to say it like that.” She repeated her line from earlier. Snow Star looked at Lightning, frowning. “You know you don’t need to work off your hospital bills. We can probably get the funds from the castle.” Lightning shook his head, still trudging along with the baskets. “This is my mess; I got hurt, I’m going to pay for the medical bills. I don’t need to go begging for money.” “Perhaps we can help then, it’ll be a good way to gauge your strength, and the quicker you are done the sooner we can get to some actual training.” Snow Star suggested. Lightning Shaker looked between them and nodded. “From what I understand I’m supposed to do what you say either way, so I suppose I can’t argue Who’s this other filly though?” He asked, pointing at Inspira, who just chuckled. Rare Charmer grinned. “This is Inspira Flash, we ran into each other when I was in the Everfree forest.” Lightning Shaker looked at Dream Dasher. “You took her into the Everfree forest?” The earth pony shook his head. “No, I’ve been at the house since you left, waiting for our Royal Guard trainer. These two showed up while I was waiting.” He said, pointing at the two unicorns. Lightning shook his head and sighed, his back hurt especially where the straps for the baskets were rubbing up against the damaged area between his wings in just the right way to be really uncomfortable. He pushed on, despite being tired and in pain. “Alright, fine. But Rare, how about you take the filly into town and do something fun? She’s a bit young and I won’t have you working like this.” Rare Charmer deflated a bit. “But I want to help. I can help, you know.” She insisted. Lightning smiled at her, though it was clear he was very tired. “I know. And I thank you, but I can’t have you doing this. This is my burden.” He thought about it a moment, continuing to trudge towards the barn to deliver his baskets. “Actually, you could do me a huge favor. I would really appreciate it if you could help out our mom back at home; keep her company.” The unicorn perked up a bit at this idea, her smile returning. “She’s fond of you, and I am really worried about her. Just knowing someone is keeping her company will make me feel better.” He grunted, lowering the baskets now that they had made it to the cellar where the apples were stored. “I can do that, if that’s really what you want.” She said a little meekly as she ushered Inspira Flash to follow her. Snow Star gave Lightning Shaker a glance. “I’d prefer it if she helped here, so I can gauge her strength, even if it’s for her magic; but I suppose there’s time for that later. You know, it was really nice of you to send her off to take care of your mother.” Lightning blushed as they went to work; he showed the other two what to do. Not surprisingly Snow Star and Dream Dasher were sturdier than Lightning, but being injured and not an earth pony did make him the weakest there. With the three of them working together, the part of the orchard assigned to Lightning was done with relative ease; at least by comparison. With the job done and the daylight waning, they headed back to the house for the evening. Snow Star praised the two colts for doing well as they went, pleased that they were at least capable physically of pulling their weight. As they arrived back at the house they heard frightened shouting coming from inside. Finding a new reserve of energy, Lightning Shaker ran forward; the other two close on his heels. Bursting through the door, they found all three ponies huddled in a corner, trying to get as far away from the crate in the middle of the room as possible; Rare Charmer’s horn was glowing as she had been pushing the crate away from them. To Lightning’s surprise, coming from the crate was a loud banging sound as it wobbled despite the force of the unicorns magic pushing against it. “Lightning, help there’s something in that crate she brought!” Rare Charmer yelled, relief replacing the panic in her voice. Lightning Shaker ran forward and started shoving the crate towards the door glaring at Snow Star. “What did you bring in this? Is it some kind of monster you were going to test us against?” He shouted as Dream Dasher came to help him push. The crate really was very heavy. Snow Star chuckled. Putting a hoof on either pony to stop them, she smiled reassuringly. “No it’s nothing so bad, I should have explained, but I was impatient to find you so that I could begin your training.” She knocked once on the crate and the noise inside stopped. Motioning for the two colts to back up she proceeded to unlatch the hatch of the crate with a deft flick of the wing, pulling the latch and opening it revealing its contents to the surprised ponies. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to leave you in there so long, got caught up doing some stuff and was away for a while.” Snow Star said, smiling apologetically to the sole occupant of the crate. “You should be more mindful, if you can’t watch over me, how are you going to watch over the ponies you're supposed to be training?” The gruff voice of a small but bulky creature said, its body seemingly covered in a layer of armor. She smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I’m really sorry about that. Everypony, this is Mercury. She’s a dragon, and will be your main source for keeping in touch with the Princess during your training.” Snow Star announced as the dragon — about half the size of a pony — stepped out of the crate, her aqua eyes scanning the ponies gathered in the room. Inspira Flash started scribbling notes on a piece of parchment as the others responded in their own way. Dream Dasher feigned a lack of interest, though kept an eye on the dragon, Rare Charmer still looked fearful but calmed down a bit, Melody Spring seemed relieved by Snow Star's speech. It was Lightning Shaker who eventually spoke up. “She’s a dragon? I thought they were supposed to be huge?” He said, moving closer to Mercury, who growled in response. “Yep, she’s a dragon alright; she’s just a baby though. She’s pretty friendly, but will take some getting used to.” Snow Star answered, patting the dragon on the head. “How will she help us stay in contact with the Princess?” Dream Dasher asked, his expression skeptical. “For one, she can speak for herself.” The young dragon stated shortly. Snow Star chuckled at the dragon, being used to her slightly off-putting nature. “She can also use her flames to send letters directly to the Princess; it’s a magical effect. Perhaps we should demonstrate.” She added after a moment. Inspira Flash giggled, pulling out a fresh sheet of parchment, and wrote something down quickly before rolling it up into a scroll and levitating it to the dragon. Mercury grunted, and finally got up off of all fours. Standing on her hind legs, she took careful aim at the note. Drawing in a deep breath, she released a plume of blue flame which immediately ate the letter, dissolving it in seconds. Inspira Flash clapped and giggled excitedly before going back to writing again. Meanwhile, Princess Celestia was just settling down for some tea in her chambers when a plume of blue flame came in through the window, forming a scroll for her. Catching the scroll with her magic, it glowed with a golden aura as it unfurled. Celestia chuckled as she read the note. Hi Princess, I’m Inspira Flash! Back at the house, Snow Star had moved the crate to a corner where it would be out of the way until she could do something proper with it. While she moved it, she explained the situation and routine that her trainees would follow. “Each day will start with breakfast because that’s important, and then we will do some physical training and a bath to clean up, followed by school if you have it. Lessons with me will be a daily routine. Doesn’t matter if you have school or not, there are many things I’ll have to teach you.” Snow Star ran down her mental checklist, stopping once the crate was securely out of the way. “So wait, we have school twice on some days?” Dream Dasher grumbled. Snow Star nodded to him. “Yes, I’m going to have to teach you proper etiquette when dealing with royals and noble ponies. Also, we will be getting into your combat lessons of course.” Just then Mercury looked uncomfortable before belching out a plume of flame, which formed into a letter. Opening it up she read aloud. Dear Inspira Flash, Pleased to meet you, Princess Celestia. Inspira Flash stopped writing, looking wide eyed. “That is so cool.” The unicorn said, mesmerized. Melody Spring finally decided to join in the conversation as she spoke up. “Well it's getting late. I suppose you will be staying with us? Boys, how about you go get cleaned up while I prepare some dinner?” Lightning Shaker and Dream Dasher nodded and headed off to wash up. Snow Star grinned a bit sheepishly and excused herself outside to get washed up as well despite the protests from the older mare that she didn’t need to head out for it. Mercury grumbled something about being out of the way as she turned stumbling a bit and made her way to the crate to curl up on a cushion followed by a suddenly grinning Inspira Flash. “I can help with dinner.” Rare Charmer offered, following Melody Spring to the kitchen. A short while later, all the ponies were gathered around a table. Everypony was clean and ready to eat; Snow Star had left her armor near Mercury’s crate, occasionally stretching now that she no longer had the gear weighing her down. Snow Star looked at the food laid out for the collection of ponies; nodding to herself she looked up at Melody Spring. “We’ll go on a trip to the local market tomorrow for food, I know Mercury and I will be adding a couple more mouths to feed while we’re here but don’t worry, I have funds from the castle to buy food so I’ll take care of the bits where that is concerned.” The mare smiled at her, the nervous look she had fading. “I’m glad to hear it, I didn’t realize how many extra mouths I would have to feed all of a sudden. Not that I mind, it’s just that things are going to be a bit tight for a while. Also what does the dragon eat? I didn’t know what to prepare for it.” “Well she eats most of the same stuff we ponies eat, with a few exceptions, but she usually gets that stuff herself. She likes to eat her special foods in privacy.” She explained, looking to the crate where a pair of aqua eyes watched, glowing from the darkness. Once everypony was done with food and the dishes cleaned – Snow Star and Rare Charmer helping the colts with the latter – Rare Charmer bid them a good night, carrying a sleeping Inspira Flash on her back as she headed home. Melody Spring offered the Guard-pony a place to sleep but she refused, saying a blanket would be enough for her to sleep in the main room. Once she was set up with the blanket laid out not far from where Mercury dozed quietly she motioned to the boys. “Get some sleep; we have a big day tomorrow. When you wake up, your training will begin.” She said, smiling at the eager grins on the faces of the two colts. She watched as they headed off to bed, Melody Spring waving as she went to her own room. As she settled down to sleep on the blanket, she thought to herself. ‘Tomorrow your new lives begin, boys. I hope you’re ready.’