Chapter 20
I walked down the streets of Canterlot, accompanied by my dog, Churchill.
I had a large cheerful smile on my face. I don't completely know why though.
Churchill had a skip in his step.
Today just seemed like a happy day for some reason.
The night at the school was four days ago. The Princess's clean up crew had cleaned the scene before anypony saw it.
But, I do find it strange how Twilight just shrugged that nights events like it was nothing. I thought she would have at least stressed over it, like I did, but no. She went back to normal Twilight after we arrived back at her house.
Speaking of Twilight, she gave me a few tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. She told me to give them to all my friends, just the bronies.
I've already gave out most of them, but I haven't seen Zane in a while. I wonder where he is.
The Gala seemed kinda boring on the show, unless something goes wrong. And knowing Greg, something is bond to happen. Just two more days till the Gala.
I stopped walking and smiled, I know what to do with Zane's ticket. There's a pony who deserves it more.
I turned about face and started walking towards the Palace.
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Rarity ran to the end of her shop, looking desperately for the right material.
She was in the process of making dresses for her friends to wear to the Grand Galloping Gala.
She had spent the past few days working on the designs and patterns for each dress. After a little consideration, she had decided to go with last years design, just with a few new things here and there.
She levitated a piece of fabric in front of her and quickly cut it into small strips.
Two dress had already been made, Twilight's and Applejack's.
Rarity sighed, she had a lot of work ahead of her, and very little time.
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Greg laughed loudly at the thing that lay in front of him.
A suit, for the Gala. Lance had told him he would have to wear it there.
Greg shook his head laughing. Does Lance really expect him to wear a suit?
He levitated a pair of scissors in front of him. He'll wear it, but only after a little work.
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Captain Barehoof trudged down the roll of bunks in the barracks.
He had just spent the entire day in the Royal Meeting Room discussing an important matter.
It seems the Griffin's are getting anger at the Ponies of Equestria. Because a group of bronies made their way to their land and went on a rampage trying to find a Griffin. They was then captured by the Griffin army and held for questioning.
The Princess tried to get them back, but it seems the Griffin's aren't going to budge on this one.
Years of compacted hate and anger are about to explode, causing a war that Equestria does not need or want. The only solution that the Princess can think of is to send an ambassador over and talk them down.
Two days ago, a group of five were sent to try and talk the Griffin's out of war.
Captain Barehoof sighed as he reached his bunk, he was confident it would work.
As he sat, he saw a note on his pillow. He reached over and picked it up.
It read:
'Captain Barehoof,
I want you to have my last ticket to the Gala. Think of it as a thank you for keeping me and my friends safe.
Sincerely,
Lance'
The Captain pulled out the ticket and smiled. He had never been to the Gala before, just there as a Guard. Lance really was a nice stallion, just like Princess Luna kept saying.
He laid back, for the first time in a long time, he felt happy.
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Zane galloped down the dirt road at his top speed, the blood thirsty manticore quickly catching up.
The thing had been chasing him for over a mile, and didn't look to be letting up anytime soon.
As he ran, he had a thought. Why me? All I want to do is get to New Mane City!
A loud thump came from behind, but Zane didn't stop long enough to look back.
He kept running till he ran clear out of the forest and into a open area, with fields on either side of the road.
He stopped and looked back, no manticore. Strange?
He looked forward, so close now. Just a little further.
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Princess Celestia paced back and forth, a grim look on her face.
What is she to do? Equestria is on the verge of war, and because of bronies.
She can't just send the Equestrian Military into Griffin territory and take back the bronies. Not without starting war.
The Equestria army doesn't even have real combat experiences, just what the trainers put them through.
The trainers would cast a spell on the soldiers, putting them into a combat simulation trance. This was the closest they have ever been to actual killing and war. But it would have to do.
The only comforting though she had was that the Griffin's hadn't made a move to attack, and probably wouldn't.
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"State your name and rank." Said the officer behind the glass.
"Private Dune, 7th Sword Division of Equestria Army." Said Private Dune.
The officer looked up, "Okay Private Dune, your Division is scheduled to go to Manehattan as soon as the Princess gives the order."
Private Dune nodded, "Yes ma'am."
He turned about face and walked down the hall and to his platoons barracks.
They had been assigned to move to Manehattan in case the Griffins decided to attack. Which he knew they wouldn't.
The Equestria Army was not the same as the Royal Guards. Even thought they wore similar armor, they were not the same. The Equestria Army was created to guard against foreign attacks only. The Royal Guard was just for show and protection of the Princess's.
Their armor was not the golden color like the Guards. The Equestria Army's armor was grey with the mark of the sun on the sides. Their swords was also different. Instead of the Sklash's the Royal Guard carried, the Equestria Army had straight swords with double edges.
Private Dune walked into the barracks and was greeted by the happy faces of his team mates.
They where all excited about going to Manehattan, the big city.
Private Dune joined in their conversation about mares. He was going to enjoy himself for awhile. Besides, once they arrive in Manehattan, they will all be able to party and have fun.
That was something to look forward to.