“Calm down, Luna. It will be okay,” Celestia tried to calm her sister.
“Calm down?” Luna said indignantly, “How can I calm down when those things are out there?”
“Because I've already sent the Wonderbolts to find them, and take care of them,” Celestia stated.
“Oh please, what are show ponies going to do against monsters like those?” argued the moon princess.
“Excuse me, but I didn't have any trouble with them,” informed Trixie.
“Yes, but... I'm sorry. I'm just worried for our ponies.”
“As am I, but it will be fine,” Celestia gave her sister a warm smile, “If they're scouts they won't engage unless in defense. Now try to compose yourself. I don't want Twilight to think the world is ending just because she was gone for a few hours.”
As if on cue, the air began to ripple with energy. In a flash of light and a sound like thunder, Twilight appeared with a shocked look on her face.
“Twilight, did it work?” Celestia asked, bringing the unicorn from her stupor.
“Uh, n... not yet,” she answered, “Princess, what did you do with the Alicorn Amulet?”
“Oh, come on, Twilight!” Trixie shouted indignantly, “It's been six years. Can we forget about that?”
“Trixie? Why are you... never mind,” Twilight shook her head to get back on track, “It was made for me.” Twilight explained what Starswirl told her about the way it would work.
“So, when I used the amulet, I was possessed by a fragment of your Nightmare?” Trixie asked, “So, everything I did was your fault?”
Twilight rolled her eyes, “You wish. I assume you got my letter?” Trixie smiled and nodded, “I take it you're happy?”
“Not at all,” Trixie growled, “I wanted to be more powerful by my own hard work, not some abomination's sick desires. That... Katuth!”
Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Using draconic curses now? You could just call him a fuck face like I do.”
“One foul mouthed pony is enough, Twilight,” Luna deadpanned.
“Twilight,” Celestia began, “Before I forget, thank you. What you taught me that day was one of the most important lessons of my life. Now go get ready for the Alliance ambassadors. I'll need you to be present.”
“Yes Princess,” Twilight gave a small bow, “Oh, and before I forget... I totally kicked your ass.” Twilight laughed and flashed to her room.
“I'm missing something, aren't I,” Trixie asked.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
The gleaming white craft seemed to float down from the heavens like some divine being. The gathering of royal guard, diplomats, officials, as well as the Princesses of Equestria, and representatives of Griffany and Wyr stood in awe of the grand spectacle. Only Twilight, and Seth were unfazed by the display. The great metal beast touched down with a grace that belied its size. With a hiss, a platform lowered onto the welcoming carpet set in the field. The crowd of curious citizens gaped from a safe distance as a contingent of Human, Aviva, and Korg, the three main races of the Alliance, descended to greet the leaders.
The one leading the procession, a human, stopped and gave a respectful bow to Princess Celestia, “Greetings on behalf of the Alliance of Planets. I am its representative, Admiral Andrew Gibson.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Admiral Gibson, I am Princess Celestia co-ruler of the nation of Equestria. My student has told me of your kindness to her. I am grateful for what you've done for her.”
Luna stepped forward, “I am Princess Luna co-ruler of the nation of Equestria. I too would like to thank you for protecting my dear friend.”
The griffin was next, “I am Penelope Longfeather, Senator of the ninth district of the nation of Griffany. I thank you for protecting the one responsible for curing my homeland of a terrible plague.”
A dragon, only slightly larger than Celestia approached, “I am Valkut, son of Azi, Grand Chief of Wyr.”
“Before we begin,” the Admiral stated, “I would like to say that regardless of what happens here, the Alliance will help push back the incoming Dratali fleet. It's the least we can do to repay everything Lieutenant Sparkle has done for us.”
“We thank you,” Celestia gave a thankful nod, “Now, if you will follow us, my sister and I shall direct you to the meeting room.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
The sound of steel cutting air and the labored breathing of a certain cyan pegasus was the only sound to be heard in the clearing in the Whitetail Woods. Rainbow Dash swung her steel bladed wings with the speed she was known for. The lightweight weapons were strong but flexible enough to allow flight to be maintained, though at a reduced speed and maneuverability.
“Not bad, kid,” a familiar voice came from behind the blue pony.
“Who you calling kid, grandma?” Dash replied before turning around and giving her older friend a hug, “How've you been, Spits?”
“Not bad, my team is off on a mission right now, so I figured I’d find out where you were training at. I got a little gift for you,” Spitfire pulled out a small cylinder with a two pronged fork on one end.
Dash's eyes widened, “Is that a bolt thrower?”
“That it is,” said the fiery pegasus, “It was mine, but...” she flared a pair of stumps on her back.
“Oh, right, I forgot about that,” Rainbow winced, remembering the article from three years ago about that particular accident.
“That's alright, my sister said she thinks she's close to a breakthrough in finding a way to replace them.”
“Whoa, really? 'Cause, I’ll be honest, losing my wings is my biggest fear. I used to have nightmares about having my wings torn off by a huge dragon.”
“You know, they say dreams are windows into an alternate universe. Maybe in another Equestria you did. Anyway, back to the bolt thrower. You know how to use this?” asked the former stuntmare.
“Yeah, you put the trigger in your mouth and bite down.” Rainbow Dash explained.
“That's right, and the faster you fly, the faster it charges. Somepony with your speed could keep a constant stream going if you wanted to. Here, I'll show you how to put it on.”
Spitfire attached the weapon to the slot on the right wingblade, securing it tight. She then strapped the trigger to Rainbow's foreleg where it could be easily used.
“Alright, let's try it out,” the Wonderbolts’ manager declared, “Take the trigger in your mouth,” Rainbow placed it between her teeth, “Extend your wing and take aim at that rock over there. Now squeeze.”
The fur on Dash's neck stood on end, her natural pegasus storm senses warning her of lightning nearby, as a stream of high powered static electricity split the air. The large rock was showered with sparks as the weaponized lightning struck it, leaving a scorch mark.
“Whoa! That was awesome!” decreed the cyan pegasus.
“I know, right?" Spitfire agreed, “Just be sure you watch your aim. There's a reason civilians aren't allowed to have these. Speaking of which, you didn't get this from me.”
“Don't worry, I got them from some seedy looking pony in a trench coat in Manehattan.”
“Ha, this is why you're not the Element of Honesty.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
It was late when the train arrived at Canterlot station. Several ponies poured out, heading in the same direction. Almost everyone on board were volunteers from across the country, and not just ponies but minotaurs, griffins, diamond dogs, and even a few changelings. Applejack couldn't remember seeing so many different kinds of folk in one place at the same time. She started making her way toward the palace when somepony ran into her rather hard.
“Oh my, I'm so sorry,” said a familiar, soft voice.
“Fluttershy? What're you doing here?” asked AJ.
Fluttershy 'eeped' and jumped back at the sound of her name, “Oh, Applejack, you startled me. I want to do something to help. I thought with my medical knowledge, I would be useful.”
“Why, that's mighty thoughtful of you, sugarcube,” the orange mare smiled at her friend, “Ah'm sure you'll be a big help, considerin' how much you've patched up mah brother and me.”
“Oh, I don't think I'd be a big help,” Fluttershy hid her blush behind her mane.
“Quit bein' so modest,” the farmer patted her friend on the back with a little more force than necessary, “You'll do fine. You see anypony else from Ponyville?”
“I saw Lyra, Nurse Red Heart, Golden Harvest, Parry Riposte, Berry Pu-”
“Wait, did you say Parry Riposte?” AJ interrupted her friend.
“Y-yes, he was in the same car as me, why?” asked the shy pegasus asked.
“Ah'm gonna kill'em,” Applejack fumed, “How dare he do somethin' like this with a foal on the way!”
“Foal?” Fluttershy was taken back, “What do you...” she gasped, “Isn't he Applebloom's coltfriend? Is Applebloom pregnant?”
“That's right, and now that little peanut brain is gonna go and get himself killed!” the cowpony stormed away, looking for the young stallion, “Imma beat some sense into him!”
Applejack pushed through the crowd, Fluttershy pleading with her to calm down. After some time searching through the crowd she stomped away, cursing him under her breath.
“Applejack, please just try to calm down,” Fluttershy continued.
“Like hay Ah'm gonna calm down! Does that little jerk even know what he's gettin' himself into?” Applejack turned toward the gentle pegasus with tears in her eyes, “What if somethin' happens to him? If he gets himself killed, Applebloom'll be left all alone to raise her foal by herself!”
“That's not true, she'll have you, and Big Macintosh, and Cheerlie, and the rest of us,” Fluttershy reasoned.
“Big Mac and Cheerlie have their own foal to worry about, and we ain't guaranteed to survive either,” Applejack said weakly, “Ah ain't worried 'bout mahself getting killed so much as makin' sure mah family is safe.”
Fluttershy shared her friend's somber mood until an idea struck her, “Let's go. I have a plan.”
“What?” AJ followed her flighty friend, “What're you talkin' about? Plan for what? Fluttershy?”
Seeing she wasn't getting answers, she followed in silence. They made their way to the guard office and went inside. Fluttershy, her timid nature left behind to help her long time friend, flew up and requested to speak to the pony in charge. After a moment, a green pegasus stallion came out to greet them.
“I'm Captain Cook, what can I do for you lovely ladies?” he asked.
“I'm Fluttershy and this is Applejack,” the captain's eyes widened as he recognized the names, “And I need a favor. There's a young stallion coming to volunteer, and we need him assigned to Applejack.”
Said rodeo champ gave her friend an understanding smirk as the officer answered, “I'm sorry, Ms. Fluttershy, but that's not something I can really do.”
“Oh, but you must,” Fluttershy pressed, “It would mean an awful lot,” She broke out her secret weapon; her eyes widened in a desperate, pleading, pitiful gaze... “please?”
“Y-y-yes... o-of course... what... whatever you need,” the officer caved like a tin can under a boulder, “Wh-What's the name?”
“Parry Riposte, from Ponyville,” Fluttershy said quickly.
After a few notes on a form he looked back up at them, “O-okay, he's as-assigned to Applejack. Do you need anything else?”
“Thank you so much. You're such a kind stallion,” Fluttershy smiled and gave him a small peck on the cheek and flew out the door.
The moment they were out of sight Fluttershy pressed against the wall, clutching her chest and hyperventilating, “Oh... my... gosh... I... can't... breathe.” All the panic she was holding back came rushing out like a flood.
“You alright, Shy?” Applejack asked in concern.
“I'll... be fine... give me... a moment.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
“Uh... Captain?” his assistant poked the petrified pony only for him to collapse to his side with a stupid grin on his face.
“Em ay oope, heheheheeeee,” he uttered.
“I think he's broken.”