//------------------------------//
// Chapter 12 
// Story: King: The Beginning 
// by DanishDash 
//------------------------------//

Swift Strike was normally not one to arrive at the barracks so late, but since it was his first day back at the job, he had gotten special permission to do so. That didn't mean he had not been preparing for today, Hazel had been so kind to bring him all of the notes about today's parade and taken his orders and plans back to the regiment and prepare. All he needed to do today was to brief his officers.

As he walked down the halls he was suddenly greeted by his second in command, lieutenant Hazel Nut. "Good morning sir." She said happily. "How's the mrs?"

Swift simply kept walking. "We're not married, and she is fine."

Hazel rolled her eyes and followed him. "I know sir, but if you're going to be parents wouldn't it be better if you were married?"

"Spitfire and I do not believe in being tied down." He said, a little annoyed Hazel would always find a way to be so happy and so annoying at the same time.

"Well, pardon me for saying, sir, but that's a load of horse dung." 

Swift Strike stopped and looked at her, which made her flinch and come to a quick stop. "Excuse me, lieutenant? Care to explain?"

Hazel gulped, knowing she was standing on the line now, and one wrong word could make her cross it. "Well sir, I am simply saying.. She has gotten a more stable position for the foal, you have been offered the same.. Uhm, so.. Well, I think miss Spitfire would love it if you were married..."

"How you figure that?" Swift Strike asked.

"Sir, she's a mare, believe me when I say this. Deep down, we want a stallion who we love to be with us forever. No matter how tough we may seem, we still want a special pony in our lives, and marriage is a great symbol of trust and commitment.." She shuddered a bit. "I get all giddy just thinking about it."

She noticed Swift blush a bit, and a massive grin appeared on Hazel's face. "You HAVE thought about it, haven't you!?" Hazel exclaimed. Swift Strike grumbled and turned around, leaving her behind. She was quick to follow him however. "So do you know how you want to propose?"

"Shut up."

"Like flowers, candles, music, all of that?"

"Lieutenant, i'm warning you."

"Because if it was me, I would want it to be in the night, like full moon, many stars, a picnic on a hill and-"

"One more word and I have you clean the latrines with your wings."


~~***~~


"So what are you going to do in Ponyville?" Dawn asked as she let out a small burp.

Alouette flinched as the Pegasus filly burped right at their breakfast table. "Dawn, if you be so kind not to do that at the table." She said in her very fine Prenciant accent. Since her mother was originally from Prance, she had kind of inherited that fine accent.  What was fun was it got more heavy the more frustrated she got, and sometimes when she got very angry, she would switch language.

Dawn looked to Alouette and smirked. "What's the matter, Alouette? I'm simply enjoying my breakfast."

"Well, this is not simply, YOUR, breakfast. This is Spero's birthday breakfast and we are his guests." Alouette explained calmly, and used her magic to levitate a napkin up to her lips and gently wiped them.

Dawn blushed a bit, remembering she was in fact in the presence of the royal prince and future king. "Uhm..."

Spero noticed the change, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed he smirked. "Hey, Dawn." He called, and the rainbow maned filly turned her head to look at him. He took a moment to prepare, then let out a burp.

Dawn blinked a few times, then she burst out laughing, falling to the floor as she held her hooves to her stomach as the laughter wouldn't stop. Alouette on the other hoof looked disgusted, while Brave Star tried to hide his laughs behind a hoof.

The laughter continued for maybe a minute, and even after much trying, Alouette could not help but to let out a few giggles. As the laughter died down, the door slowly opened and they all turned to see who it could be. As it opened, it soon enough revealed a little filly alicorn, one Spero was all to familiar with.

"Flurry Heart!" Spero exclaimed and got up on all four hooves and ran to her.

"Spero!" She squealed and ran inside. The two met in a tight embrace, though Flurry Heart was the most eager of the two, and so when they met Spero felt himself being tackled to the floor with her on top of him, smiling brightly. Spero felt his air leaving him as Flurry hugged him tighter and tighter. "I've missed you so much!"

"Ergh...air..." He croaked.

"Oh!" Flurry got off him and smiled sheepishly. "S-sorry about that.."

There was a little giggle from behind Flurry Heart, and they all looked at the door again. In came the princess of love herself, princess Mi Amore Cadenza!

The other foals quickly bowed their heads, but Spero quickly moved over and hugged her. "Aunt Cadance!" If they were being truthful, she was his cousin, but with the age difference he preferred to call her aunt, which she also preferred much more .

Cadance smiled and hugged him back. "It's good to see you Spero, happy birthday."

"Thanks!" Spero grinned and noticed his uncle coming in too. "Uncle Shining!" The two of them shared a hug, and soon enough Brave Star came over and hugged Shining Armour too. 

"Uncle!"

Shining grinned and hugged both the colts. Spero and Brave Star had been friends for a long time, and since they were both related to Shining Armour and Cadance, they felt like brothers at times. Brave Star looked to Cadance and hugged her as well. 

Flurry Heart made a pouty face. "Hey, Brave Star, i'm here too you know!"

"Oh, sorry.." Brave Star said a little embarrassed. "Hey Flurry Heart, it's great to see you again." He smiled and trotted over and shared a hug with her.

"What are you doing here so early?" Spero asked. "I thought you weren't supposed to arrive before later today?"

"I wanted to surprise you!" Flurry Heart announced happily.

"And she couldn't wait." Shining said with a small grin. 

"Well you five have fun, and behave yourselves." Cadance smiled. "And Spero, remember to come down in an hour, your mother wants you to be ready for the parade."

Spero sighed and nodded a little. "Okay.." He always hated the parades, sure it was fun, but he did not like to be the center of attention. He hadn't even done anything, and yet he was praised and cheered like he had moved both the sun and the moon at the same time.

When Cadance and Shining had left and closed the door, an ice cold voice spoke up. "Hello, Flurry.."

Nopony said anything as Flurry Heart slowly turned to face, HER. "Hello, Alouette.." She replied, equally as cold. Dawn looked confused as she almost started to feel the room temperature drop in the air as the two fillies looked at each other.

"It's good to see you again." Alouette said with a small smile, but her eyes remained cold.

"You too." Flurry said and suddenly pulled Spero close and hugged him tightly. "I could not leave MY cousin hanging on his birthday."

"Ergh.."

"Well." Alouette continued and grabbed Spero's hoof and dragged him close, holding his head close to her chest. "Well, you can sit at the kids table, since me and Spero are gonna spend time together, princess." She said with a small smirk.

"mmfh.."

Flurry Heart glared at Alouette. "I'm eight now! And you are barely a year older than me!"

Alouette continued to smirk. "But still older, and most certainly more mature~."

"Grrrrr!" Flurry Heart growled.

Dawn leaned closer to Brave Star. "Are they always-"

"Like this? Yes, yes they are, but would you think they are actually also best friends?" Brave Star replied and sighed, not bothering to look over as the fillies started to pull on Spero from each side.

"Wow.." Dawn said and winched a little. "Poor guy."

"Eeyup."


~~***~~


Swift Strike looked at all of his officers as he finished his speech. "And that is the plan for the parade, is there any questions?" He gave them a moment to think and raise their hooves, but none came. "Good, then let us move onto the royal visit to Ponyville. We will-"

Hazel, who was standing next to the podium cleared her throat. "Ahm, sir, you might not have heard, but.." Swift sent her a look, not only did he hate being interrupted, but he hated the news that there was something he had not been told. "The princess has ordered there is to be no escort.."

Swift raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"Well, he will be accompanied by headmistress Twilight Sparkle, Captain Rainbow Dash and be visiting Sweet Apple Acres.. She did not want him to be crowded.. As I understand it, at least.." She said carefully, seeing Swift Strike having that look of utter irritation. 

He looked to the rest of his officers. "You're dismissed, ready your squads." A union of confirmations rang out before the officers left the room. Swift was quick as he walked to Hazel. "What do you mean by there is to be no escort?"

"W-well I-" 

"It is the wish of my sister." Luna's voice said, and both of them turned to see her standing in the doorway. "I'm happy to see you back on duty, Captain."

Both of them saluted the princess. "I am happy to be back, princess." Swift Strike replied firmly.

Luna nodded. "Indeed." When she came up to the podium she looked at the nervous Hazel. "If you will please excuse us lieutenant."

She nodded and gave a quick salute. "Mam!" 

When Hazel had left and the door closed Swift got right to the point. "I don't like sending his royal highness to Ponyville without any protection."

Luna always appreciated his candor, it was one of the many reasons why she trusted him as much as she did. "I know, but, i'm afraid I must agree with her decision." She noticed the look of confusion on his face, and she had to stifle a giggle as it was not often she saw him confused, or lost for words. "Spero is used to be the royal prince, it sets him apart from a normal life other foals have.. To have him go to Ponyville, explore, be with friends in the free, it is what he needs. To not feel like a prince, but just a foal."

Swift sighed, still not liking it, but he knew she had a point. "At least allow me to send a squad out to be ready in case of anything.."

"I would expect nothing less from you, Captain." Luna nodded with a satisfied smile. "Now, have you thought anymore about your promotion?"

"Uhm.." Swift sighed and looked away. "I simply don't know your highness.. The promotion is a big thing, and I am honored, but the regiment, I'm not sure I could leave it.. My duties would fall to Hazel, and to be honest, she is not ready for those."

Luna nodded. "Well, I understand your point, and I may have a solution to it." She looked at the clock on the wall. "But now you must hurry, the parade will start soon enough. We will speak more of this later." Luna smiled and in a flash, she had teleported herself out of the room.

Swift Strike sighed, knowing this was a big decision that would involve not only himself, but Spitfire, their foal and Hazel. Not to mention the prince. "Buck..."


~~***~~


The parade had begun, hundreds and hundreds of ponies had gathered in the streets, standing to the sidelines to allow the soldiers, the band and of course the royal carriage to move by. The ponies all cheered, waved and threw confetti as they came by.

First came the band, then a platoon of royal guards, then a carriage with Spero, Celestia and Luna. Spero sat a little in front, his closest family right behind him, all of them smiling and waving gracefully. 

Spero did as he had been shown, smiling, waving, but not to wildly. He was happy to see so many ponies had come out, cheering at him, telling him happy birthday. He still felt awkward about all of this, to have so many ponies cheer at him when they did not know him. He knew they had great respect for his mother and for his aunt, and he was proud to be here, excited to serve them.

Though, he still felt quite nervous. He mostly paid attention to the foals, waving back at them for the most part, mainly as he could relate to them the best, kinda. They seemed excited whenever he locked eyes with them, waving a bit more, sending them a smile or a nod. It was a little embarrassing at times, but he was just happy they were so excited.

Meanwhile up in one of the stands made for the nobles, Blueblood could only look on in annoyance. "The prince certainly is popular." A stallion next to Blueblood said.

"What a dreadful sound commoners make when they're happy." He replied with a certain amount of disgust. "The colt has barely done anything, and yet the commoners sing his praises."

The stallion next to him chuckled. "You forget, these ponies are the ones paying tax, they are the ones paying for your lifestyle."

"But of course." Blueblood said. "It's the least they can do, I have averted many diplomatic crisis's, being a skilled negotiator is just part of my many talents." 

"Indeed." The other stallion smirked. "But I guess you're not the biggest fan of your royal cousin."

"Hardly, he is a wild savage." Blueblood huffed. "You should see him when I tried to teach him about the finer details of court, he seemed more interested in the guards training, had no thought to what I was saying and even at some point he ran with the guards in the training yard!"

"Well how did he get there? If he was in court, how did you get to there?" 

"The little savage ran off multiple times." Blueblood grumbled. "This is what I get for looking after that spoiled brat." The other stallion looked like he wanted to say something, but wisely decided not to point out his hypocrisy.

The carriage with Spero passed, so did the one with princess Flurry Heart and Cadance, it was not the one that interested Blueblood though, but the carriage coming up behind it. His eyes widened a little as he saw the ponies inside. There was three adults, ponies he knew all to well. Twilight Sparkle, headmistress of the school for gifted unicorns, then a captain in the Wonderbolts rapid responds team, Rainbow Dash. Then lastly of the three was Fleur De Lis, wife of his greatest rival. 

Though again, this was not what caught his interest, instead it was the foals with them, one in particular. "Isn't that the daughter of Fancy Pants?" Blueblood asked his friend.

The stallion looked closer, then nodded. "Yes, young lady Alouette, I believe her and the prince are close friends."

Blueblood felt his heart stop for a second, had he really been so blind to that simple fact? True, he did not like his cousin and he rather avoid him, but, it seemed his rival had taken that chance to strengthen his position. Blueblood growled. "Smart move.." 

"Hm? What do you mean?" He asked and tilted his head.

"Don't be so stupid, clearly Fancy Pants has placed his daughter close to the prince in the hopes of a marriage alliance." Blueblood said, keeping his voice down. "If he can get his daughter to marry my cousin, then it means he can enter my family, if that happens then he will be even closer to the princesses than even I am."

"Uhm, I'm pretty sure they are only friends, Blueblood. They have known each other since she was born." 

"You idiot, nothing in court happens by chance, this is just a long term move, and I need to find a way to stop it." Blueblood looked back at the carriage, more specifically, at Alouette.


~~***~~


When the parade finally stopped, Spero slumped down onto the floor of the carriage and sighed. "Urghhhh..."

Celestia chuckled. "Well, you're certainly popular, are you not?"

"Not funny mom.." Spero said as he blushed.

"Yes, I agree sister, clearly his biggest fans are in the carriage behind us." Luna smirked.

Spero blushed more and stood up. "Aunt Luna!" Both the princesses started to giggle and Spero rolled his eyes. "That's it, i'm leaving." He moved over and jumped down to the ground, but only to then be tackled by Flurry Heart once more.

"That was so great, cousin!" She squealed. "Did you see how much they cheered at us?!"

"...air..."

"Oh! S-sorry.." She smiled a bit again and got off him. 

Spero had forgot this habit of hers. As he got up to dust himself off, Twilight Sparkle, former student of his mother, came walking up with the rest of the group. "Well, that was fun, how about we get ready to go to Ponyville?"

Spero's eyes went wide. "Really!? Finally!" 

Twilight chuckled. "It's been a while since you were there last, huh?"

"Indeed." Celestia said and walked up behind her son. "It's been a few years, so please take good care of him Twilight, let them have some freedom and some fun."

Twilight tilted her head. "You're not coming, princess?"

"I'm afraid not, I do have some duties to perform i'm afraid." Celestia replied. 

"We shall stay as well." Cadance replied.

"We will?" Shining asked before getting a hard nudge by his wife. "Oufh! Y-yes we will."

"We can handle it, don't worry, the kids will be as safe as a coin in, uhm.. The bank!" Rainbow Dash smirked. "Come on kiddos!"

All the foals let out a cheer and hurried after Rainbow Dash. Twilight stayed behind, waiting to they had all left before looking back at the group. "Princess, why are you staying here? Applejack will be more than happy to see you."

Celestia nodded. "I have no doubt Twilight, but, if we all came, then the royal guard would be forced to secure the whole city, all sort of press and ponies would flock around the town, giving my son and his friends no space or opportunity to just play and relax."

Twilight was about to say something, but stopped herself. She had a point, it was enough only Spero and Flurry Heart was there, if the entire royal family were to show up, the chaos would be enough to bring Discord out, wherever he was hiding these days.

"I understand princess." Twilight nodded.

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash called from outside. "Come on, hurry, or we are leaving your flank behind!"

"Oh! C-coming!" She called and ran out quickly. Celestia and the other shared a laugh at the display.


~~***~~


The trip to Ponyville was pretty exciting, a few Pegasus guards flew the carriage through the air, led by Rainbow Dash. Dawn wanted to fly too, but the trip was to far for a filly her age, instead she and Spero were forced to stand by the window and look out.

"So how much has changed?" Spero suddenly asked, still looking out the window.

"Hm?" Twilight looked at him. "What do you mean Spero?"

"Like the town, and you know, you and your friends.." He said and looked at her. "I've read about all of your adventures, but I was simply wondering.. You got to be a teacher, Rainbow Dash a captain, but Applejack stayed a farmer."

She nodded a little, understanding what he wanted to know. "Well, some things have changed. Fluttershy is still in Ponyville, just like Applejack. She has though opened a little animal hospital too. Not a big one, but if somepony needs some help with a pet, Fluttershy is the pony you go to." Spero nodded, waiting for her to continue. "Applejack as you know has stayed a farmer, I don't think she could imagine herself doing anything else."

"Yeah, it's pretty cool." Dawn smirked. "Her and my mom is still competing over weird things."

"Pinkie Pie." Twilight continued, giggling a little as Dawn was right, they did still take bets and compete, some things never changed. "She is out traveling the world with her husband and daughter. Spreading laughter, as she calls it." Brave Star and Dawn shared a small laugh with Twilight as they knew what that meant. "As for Rarity, she still lives in Ponyville, but she does travel at times, she has opened up a few stores around Equestria you see. I think she is the one who made most of your outfits too."

Spero had met Rarity a few times, she was kind and charming, but he never had much chance to speak with her. He looked back out the window.

"We're still great and close friends." Twilight suddenly said, and Spero looked back at her. "True friends will always be there for you, in here." She smiled and placed a hoof over her heart. "No matter the distance, our hearts are always connected."

The foals all smiled, and Spero found himself smiling too, looking back at all of his friends who looked back at him. He hoped he could have with them what Twilight had with her friends. Friendships that lasted forever, that was truly the most precious gift he could receive. 


~~***~~


"Ma! Ma!" Macoun ran with great haste towards the farm house. Applejack came out, looking confused for a second as she saw her son running towards her. 

"What's wrong sugarcube?" She asked him.

"It's the royal carriage, ma. It's heading this way." He panted a little after having run across the entire field.

Applejack smirked. "Well then, looks like they are early." She looked at her son. "Go get your father, and make sure he looks presentable."

"Yes ma!" Macoun nodded and ran back into the orchard. Applejack smiled as she looked on as her son vanished into the apple field.

It did not take long after that for the carriage to dive down from the sky and soon land on the ground. It had barely done so before Rainbow Dash flew over and hugged Applejack. "How have you been you Apple Fritter?!"

Applejack chuckled and hugged the Pegasus back. "Well enough, Rainbow Crash, now, will ya let go, I have to receive royalty."

Not long after the door to the carriage opened, Twilight and the foals all came out. When Spero exited the carriage Applejack bowed. "Ya royal highness, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres." 

Spero smiled. "Thank you, but Spero is fine.." He said a bit shyly.

"Understood, Spero." Applejack smiled before turning to Twilight. "Twilight!" She exclaimed and the two mares shared a hug. "So nice to see you again, and howdy to you guys!" she greeted the whole group and they in turn greeted them. "Well, you're a bit early, but that's alright, Macoun should be back with Noble any time now."

Golden Noble was Applejack's husband, he was a big strong stallion, kind of like Big Mac. He however was not a farmer, he worked as a carpenter or construction worker. He had helped make the barn when Big Mac was away, and one thing led to another, and now ten years later they had a family.

It did not take long before she said it, when a little yellow colt with a blonde mane and tail came running with a big stallion behind him. they stopped not far from them, and as the dust settled it revealed a massive stallion, a light green coat with a blonde main and tail just like his son. A hammer and nail as his cutie mark, and big brown eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't see the carriage.." The stallion panted.

Applejack rolled her eyes and trotted over to her husband. "This here is my goofy husband, Golden Noble, but we just call him Noble." She said and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Noble, this is the prince, Spero and princess Flurry Heart."

Noble froze in place as he saw the little alicorn foals. He quickly bowed, but he managed to do it so fast his forehead hit the ground. The foals could not help, but to laugh a bit and even Applejack chuckled a little. "Oh, come here." She kissed the forehead of the large earth pony. "Good thing ya as thick as a fence post."

They all shared another laugh, even Noble. Then as the laughter died down he looked to his son. "Macoun, how about you show the royals and their friends around Ponyville?"

Macoun looked a little worried, but he then nodded. "Sure thing pa."

"Uhm, you sure that's a good idea?" Twilight asked and looked to the foals, then back at Noble and Applejack. "The princess did not want them to be crowded."

"It will be fine Twilight." Applejack promised. "Besides, this is Ponyville, probably the safest place besides Canterlot. Now come in and get some tea, I've prepared some pie too." She looked to the foals. "When you guys are done, come in and get some snacks."

"Well, alright then. Be careful and stay out of trouble." Twilight said before her and Rainbow Dash followed Applejack and Noble inside the farm house, leaving Macoun alone with the rest of the foals.

There was an awkward silence between them, though Brave Star and Dawn was the ones who broke it by going over to Macoun and giving him a hug. "Nice to see you again!" Brave Star smiled.

"Why, it's good to see you two again." Macoun  answered.

"You gotten any stronger?" Dawn smirked wanting to challenge him at something again soon.

"You bet." Macoun grinned and then looked at the three remaining foals. "Well, suppose I should introduce myself first. I'm Macoun Apple."

Even though Spero and Flurry Heart knew that he knew who they were, they might as well be polite and introduce themselves. "I'm Spero." He said with a friendly smile.

"And i'm Flurry Heart." The other royal introduced and nodded to him. "It's nice to meet you Macoun."

"Yes, it is quite a pleasure." Alouette said with a most charming smile. "I'm Alouette."

"Welcome to Ponyville, now how about I show you around town, then we can do something fun?" Macoun suggested, to which they all nodded. They left Sweet Apple Acres, not seeing the mysterious figure in the shadows, watching them.


~~***~~


Day court was important, but today Celestia had cancelled it, she did that every time there was a special event. Today however, she awaited a very special visitor. She sat in the throne room, other than the guards, she was completely alone.

About a month ago, she had sent this stallion a letter, asking him to come to Canterlot, asking him to help her with something she trusted nopony else to do. So when the doors finally opened and the guard announced his arrival, she felt a sense of relief.

In came a tall, muscular unicorn, he wore leather armor, an old cloak that was torn a few places here and there. On his side he had two blades strapped to his belt, and his overall appearance made him look harsh. He had a black coat, a blonde mane and tail, blood red eyes, and as cutie mark he had a coat of arms with twin swords crossed over a shield.

Celestia smiled. "Valiant Charge.. It is good to see you again."

The stallion stopped not far from the steps to the throne. He knelt down and bowed his head low in respect to his princess. "Princess Celestia, it is me who is honored. I came as soon as I got your letter." Standing up again, he moved the hood back from his head and looked up at Celestia. "You said it was urgent and you had a job for me?"

"Indeed I do. You may have heard that I have a son now?"

Valiant nodded. "Indeed, congratulations princess."

"Thank you Valiant. Though, I do have a favor to ask you, and I know you have other plans, but I really need your help in this.." Celestia said with a small frown.

Valiant frowned a bit too, it was not like her to frown, not in front of ponies like him, not in front of ponies who were not family or close friends. Though what shocked him even more was the thing she said next.

"I would like for you to become my son's instructor in the arts of combat."

"Wha?" His eyes widened a little. He had certainly not expected that. "Princess I.. Why me? It takes years to become a decent warrior, and I... Why me?"

"Because I fear I would not be the right teacher for him, neither would my sister or any other for that matter." Celestia sighed. "My son must learn combat, it is part of royal law my mother drew up. I cannot train him because I fear I would go to easy on him, like my sister. Any other officer we can find will probably not put their heart into it either.. So, I wrote to you, I know you would have no problem striking a noble, so why would you hesitate here?"

Valiant raised an eyebrow. "He is a bit young isn't he?" Then again, Celestia was not asking him to go full on training mode right now, but yes, the time would be good, it would help him grow stronger as he grew up. Though it meant he would be stuck here in Canterlot for a few years, it meant leaving his adventuring days.

"He is, but I trust that you know how to train him with the proper care he needs." 

"Hm.." Valiant took a moment to think. "Well, i'm not cheap, but I guess that won't be a problem." He said and looked up at Celestia. "I will do it, but I wont have any pony interfere with my training. I'm a tough task master, but I will be fair and make sure he'll learn how to fight." He promised.

Celestia nodded. "You have my word.. It's a deal then?"

Valiant smirked a little. "When do we start?"


~~***~~


Macoun exited the bakery, waving goodbye to the cake twins behind the counter. The group came out right behind him, all licking their lips from the cupcakes they had just enjoyed. "So that was Sugarcube Corner." Spero smiled. "I've heard and read about it, but I have never been here."

"Well, they make the best cakes in town, I can assure you of that, prince." Macoun smiled.

"That certainly was a tasty treat." Alouette agreed. "The Cakes know their craft, I'll give them that."

Macoun nodded and started to walk down the street with the group following him. "So, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself Macoun." Flurry Heart smiled.

"Well, there is not much to tell." He said with a shrug. "I'm the oldest sibling in my family, I have a little sister called Akane. Uhm, a uncle and an aunt." He said and shrugged, then frowned. "My great grandmother died a few years back.." He sighed a little. "But still have the rest of my family." He said, trying to cheer himself up a little.

"So where is your uncle and aunt?" Spero asked.

"Oh, well my uncle Big Mac is visiting some relatives, and my aunt is overseas with her friends."  

Spero nodded. "I see."

Brave Star was the next one to speak. "So, what now? We have seen everything worth seeing, though I still think we should have stayed longer in my mother's old library.."

"What?!" Dawn exclaimed. "No way! You can go and be an egghead on your own time, we are here to have fun!" She flew closer to Macoun. "So, any new exciting places we should go?"

Macoun sighed. "Well, we can always go see my uncle's cabin, it's closer to the forest and it is pretty fun to go visit, but he is not at ho-"

"That settles it!" Dawn smirked. "We go there, at least we have some place to explore!"

"That sounds interesting." Brave Star nodded as he adjusted his glasses. "Macoun, do you think you could be our guide in this matter?"

"Didn't you hear what I just said? My uncle is not home, what would be the point?" Macoun asked confused.

"Come on!" Dawn said and looked at him. "It's not like we have anything better to do right now, and if it sucks we just go back to the farm and get some more cake."

Macoun sighed. "Alright fine, follow me then."


~~***~~


It did not take them long to reach the cabin, down a few small roads, a shortcut through the apple orchard and they were there. The group all stood in awe as they saw the cabin, it laid in the shadows of the ever free, overlooking the many fields of Sweet Apple Acres, like a lone protector.

The cabin was small and simple, there was a work shed, and a wood working area. 

"This is where my uncle lives." Macoun said, still not understanding why they were here when his uncle was not even home.

"Oooooh, creepyyy~," Dawn smirked as she made her voice ghostly.

"So, he lives here alone?" Spero asked and walked closer to the house. "I thought he lived with you at the farm?"

"Oh he used to, but he didn't want to take up space, and he likes the quiet, so, he moved out here." Macoun explained. "He still works at the farm, but he does travel a lot, I don't know where, he never really talks about it."

"I see." Spero nodded, understanding. As the group started to explore, Spero thought he heard something sharp, yet faint. "Hm?"

"What's wrong?" Dawn asked as she flew down to him.

"Uhm nothing, I just thought I... No, never mind, sure it was nothing.." He didn't sound convinced, and as he spotted Flurry Heart, he could tell she had heard it too. Did someone whistle at them or something?

"You sure?" 

"Uhm, yea I think s-"

They all stiffened as they heard somepony scream. Spero quickly turned to where the scream had come from, it had come from behind the cabin and Spero already knew who it was.

"Alouette?!" 

He quickly turned, spreading his wings and flew along the cabin with the others quickly following behind him. As soon as they rounded the corner they all came to a full stop, there, on the ground laid Alouette, she was shaking in terror, her leg was bleeding, not to badly, but badly enough. And there, standing over her was a massive, growling timber wolf.





It's green eyes glowed slightly and Spero could see it got ready to snap it's jaws at her again. Alouette was to scared and in shock to do anything, so just before it got close enough, Spero blasted the creature with his magic.

He had not been shown combat magic, so his blast was not very effective against the massive wolf, but it did the trick.  He quickly leaped forward, flying in and scooped up Alouette in his hooves. He managed to grab her, fly back to his friends and yelled. 

"RUN!"

He didn't need to tell them twice, as soon as he came to them they all turned around and started to run. However as they rounded the corner a and was about to follow the road back towards the farm, two more wolves jumped out while the first one was hot on their tail.

In a panic they all looked around for a solution. It was Brave Star who found it. "Everypony, in here, quick!"

All of them turned around to find Brave Star at the door to the work shed. Again, not needing anypony to say it twice, they all ran and flew in there as quick as they could. As soon as they got in they slammed the door shut! And just at the nick of time as they heard and saw the door shake violently as the three wolves had leaped at them.

"That door wont hold forever!" Macoun said.

Spero was for now more concerned for Alouette. He placed her on some blankets, she was whimpering and Flurry Heart quickly looked over her leg. "Thank Celestia.." She said. "I think it's just a scratch.." 

"So what do we do now?" Brave asked as he tried his best to ignore the growling coming from outside.

"Well great job Brave! You trapped us in here, there are no windows or anything we can use to call somepony for help." Dawn said with a mix of irritation and fear.

Brave glared back at her. "Well why didn't, YOU, fly away to get some help?"

Dawn growled, but then looked away from him, not able to answer.

"Guys, this won't help us, we need to get Alouette out of here and go see a doctor, quick." Spero said as calmly as he could, but like them, he was scared. "We need a plan.."

"Great, but what do we do then?" Macoun asked, a little irritated, mostly at himself for bringing them here when his uncle was not home.

"Well.. We..." Spero closed his eyes and tried to think, they had to do something, the doors would not hold forever, and Alouette needed to get out of here. He thought back to the race he had with Dawn and then suddenly an idea popped into his head. Turning to Dawn he smiled a little. "How about another race?"

"Huh?"


~~***~~


The timber wolves kept growling as they walked around the shed, trying to find some sort of way in there. Suddenly, shocking all three of the beasts, the door flew open and out came two foals, flying right past the three wolves before they had time to react.

The door to the shed slammed shut with some light purple magic, and wolves turned around again to see the door, but before they understood what had happened one of them felt something hit it. The three wolves looked over at what had hit them, and they saw two foals flying in the air, throwing tools and whatever else they had found.

Spero felt his heart pound fast, but not as fast as Dawn's. 'Step one, distract them.' Spero thought as they continued to throw things at the wolves.

The wolves growled and suddenly leaped at them. Both Spero and Dawn dropped everything they had and started to fly towards the orchard. The three wolves were quick to follow them, barking and growling angrily.

"Step two, stay low and make sure they follow us."

This plan depended on the two of them using their flying skills to keep up speed while avoiding the many trees. Both of them were excellent flyers for their age, but that didn't mean this was not hard as buck!

The wolves were more experienced running through a forest however, so they kept coming closer and closer. When they were close enough Spero send Dawn a nod, and she nodded back. At the very last second before the wolves could get their tails, they split up, flying to the sides, making the wolves break, then splitting up as well to get them both.

'Step three, split up and force the wolves to do the same.'

Luckily, or not, he noticed two of the wolves were following him instead of Dawn, which meant she only had to avoid one of them. He kept moving through the trees, trying his best to stay out of their reach, but his body was getting tired. A mix of adrenaline and his Alicorn stamina could only handle so much, which meant it had to be worse for Dawn.

Figuring it was time for the final parts, he flew up into the air, made a loop, flew back down above the wolves and continued the way back he came from. That earned him some angry growls, but they kept following him just as he counted on. This time he made sure they were allowed to be hot on his tail, which wasn't hard since he was getting more and more tired. "Just a little... More..." He said through his clenched teeth.

As he sped through the trees, he soon spotted Dawn heading towards him, her wolf right behind her. 'Great, now if they could just! YES!' 

They passed each other, even managing a quick hoof bump. As soon as they passed each other they flew upwards to avoid the wolves, but thankfully things went perfectly according to plan. The wolves hardly got a chance to bite at them before they crashed into one another.

'Step four, turn, pass, crash.'

Dawn and Spero flew up to meet one another. "You think.. They.. Had enough..?" Dawn panted.

"No.." Spero replied as he saw the wolves starting to get untangled. "Let's finish this.."

"Right!"

Both of them flew down towards them again and the wolves glared up at them, ready to leap at them. Instead the two foals split up again, moving around them quickly before meeting around. Making the wolves confused, but they quickly turned and followed their two pests.

Spero and Dawn made sure to speed up, forcing the wolves to speed up as well. Soon enough they saw the cabin come into view, which meant it was time for; 'Step five, spring the trap!'

"NOW!"

Both Spero and Dawn yelled as they passed between two trees and came back into the clearing in front of the cabin. Before the wolves could react, Macoun, Brave Star and Flurry Heart pulled a rope they had tied to one of the trees Spero and Dawn passed. The looped it around the other tree a few times before pulling it, now a line had been suspended between the trees, just enough to make the three wolves trip and fall.

It looked very nasty as all three wolves had no time to react, and soon enough they flew forward, hitting their muzzles on the ground and slid, rolled and flew several meters forward before crashing into the work shed, demolishing it instantly.

Flurry Heart had of course with the help of the colts gotten Alouette out of there before all of this happened. Now all three wolves laid sprawled on the ground, confused and exhausted. This seemed however to work, the wolves had lost their appetite and as soon as they were able, stood up and ran back into the forest.

Spero and Dawn landed near their friends, they all cheered, but Spero was more worried about Alouette. "I can't believe that crazy plan actually worked!" Brave Star laughed.

Dawn squealed. "Did you see me fly!?" 

"How am I gonna explain to my uncle I've ruined his shed?" Was Macoun's only comment.

Spero placed Alouette on his back and stood up."Hey guys, we should get back to the farm before they get the idea to come back with their friends. We also need to get Alouette some help."

Alouette could only blush as she was carried by Spero, Flurry Heart would normally say something, but since Alouette was hurt, and she was more concerned about that right now, she let it slide this time.

The group started to walk away, still not seeing the dark figure in the trees watching them. "Dammit... So close.." The figure mumbled before vanishing into the Everfree.


~~***~~


They did not expect a hero's welcome when they got back, they were all exhausted and tired, so when their families saw them come up to the farm house, looking the way they did, there was quite a lot of scolding.

At least that was until Macoun explained what had happened, thankfully, being as honest as his mother, his story quickly calmed the adults down, not that Spero particularly cared right now. He stayed by Alouette's side as Twilight tended to her with some help from Applejack's first aid kit.

"Is she going to be alright..?" Spero asked with a frown.

Twilight smiled gently and nodded. "She's gonna be fine, it's just a scratch, but that can still hurt quite a bit." She looked to Alouette who was still a bit shaken up about the whole thing, but had calmed down a lot too. "Just get some rest, okay?"

"I will, thank you.." The filly mumbled in reply.

Spero smiled at Alouette, who was quick to blush and then smile back at him. Macoun in the meanwhile finished his story, and this time his mother's outrage was not directed at them, but the guards that had supposed to protect Spero and Flurry Heart, and by extension, the other foals.

"Well, mom just gonna have a few words with those guard when they get back here.." She growled, but then let out a sigh and looked at Spero. "Ah understand you did some quick thinking there."

Spero looked over at Applejack, then looked down. "Y-yes.. I'm sorry, it was a stupid plan, but I just thought that I-OUFH!" Before he could say any more he was suddenly consumed by a strong bear hug from the female apple farmer.

"Thank you for saving ma boy and your friends!" She explained. "Ya welcome here any time you wish Spero, as an honorary member of the Apple family!" 

Before Dawn could sneak away, she too was snatched up by her own mother. "That's my girl! No wolf can catch a Rainbow!" 

"Moooom!" Dawn whined, but despite her protests, she hugged her back, like Alouette, she was still a bit shaken too.

Twilight nuzzled her son who nuzzled her back. "I'm so proud of you, Brave Star."

"Thanks mom." He smiled and moved in and hugged her.

"....air....."

Noble patted his son on the back. "Atta boy Macoun! You did good tripping up those bucking wolves!" He laughed, but then stopped as soon as Applejack shot him a glare for using a curse word.

Alouette giggled a little, then looked over at Flurry Heart. "Hey... Flurry..."

"Yeah?" Flurry asked and moved over to her friend.

"Thanks for helping me.." She said with a small smile, putting out her hooves for a hug, which Flurry Heart quickly moved in to give.

"....air....please....."

"Huh?" Applejack looked down at Spero who was still held very tight by her. "Oh!" She quickly let go of him. "Sorry about that sugarcube, I was just so happy you see.."

Spero took a few deep breaths as he moved back a few steps. "It's.. Okay, just happy that my friends are alright.. All of them." He said and shot Dawn and Macoun a look, who both smiled back at him.

Then suddenly he heard Alouette say from behind. "And thank you Spero, for saving me." She said almost in a whisper as she leaned closer, and then to his surprise, kissed his cheek.

His cheeks became pink.

"H-Hey! Not fair!" Flurry Heart scolded and moved closer to Spero. "Thank you for saving us Spero!" And with that she too placed a kiss on his cheek, which made his face turn from pink to red.

Dawn growled a bit, then finally walking over to the prince. "Dude, you're the best flying partner I had, and, you know.." she blushed too, then to his shock, she bend over and kissed him on the other cheek.

Now his white fur turned as red as Big Mac's coat, and Brave could swear he saw steam coming off his friend as he heated up. The pressure seemed to have been to much as Spero proceeded to slump down against the floor, still as red as Applejack's brother, and more.

All the adults started to laugh while Brave Star sighed. "Poor guy.."

And Macoun responded with a single. "Eeyup." Then they two burst out laughing.