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// Er, surprise? 
// Story: Entwined 
// by janushyde 
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It had been a month since Twilight’s first lesson in Alchemy and much had changed. She had reworked her schedule greatly to allow for time each day for jousting practice, and studying her new magical discipline while also keeping the library running and keeping in touch with her friends and family. For example Twilight no longer stayed up much past nine in the evenings as while she adored late night reading and of course star gazing it was a sacrifice that was needed to make sure she got the sleep she needed for her now very full days.

Her days began slightly before dawn where she would get up and have a quick meal. From there it was over to the lot she was renting to practice her jousting. Being new to it Twilight was far from good at jousting. Of the twenty rings she set up for herself to try and impale on her lance her current best was three. And she only managed THAT once. Normally she only got one maybe two rings and ended up either missing the others entirely, or knocking them to the ground.

After an hour of practicing that she would pack up and return home taking a shower. Then she’d set about tending to the library and doing some reading for fun if she could manage it. Then would come lunch after a quick meal she’d go around town and do any errands she needed to or just talk with her friends. Once that was done she’d return to the library to mind it for a few more hours before closing shop.

Then would come supper and a bit of alchemy before some quick star gazing and finally bed, this was the new routine that Twilight had fallen into. Each week she’d also have a lesson from Zecora on alchemy while also helping her friend to better refine her own studies in equine magic. 

Yet that’s not to say that nightmare moon hadn’t been busy either. Indeed she would often encourage twilight as she practiced her jousting, and alchemy, have small talk with her during meals. She was working on building her vessel’s trust in herself. But along with that she was also subtly trying to convince Twilight to commission Gilda to make a nightmare Moon sculpture to compliment the one that Gilda had made her before. Twilight was none the wiser to this as it didn’t seem to be a big issue and was actually considering saving up the bits to pay for it.

However As twilight was setting up her rings for her first run at jousting today neither the unicorn nor the alicorn spirit she unknowingly played host to would be expecting the day that they would have, it’d shake up more than just their daily grind in more ways than one.

As Twilight was going through her paces over in Canterlot her brother and a friend of his were making their way to the train station Intending to head to the small town Shining Armor eager to visit his sister, as letters while good just weren’t the same, while his friend was in part along for the ride but also to see the small town as part of a day off duty in the royal guard but also to do his best friend a favor.

Yawning, the two stallions made their way from the platform to the train itself quickly finding a small car to themselves. Few patrons took the early train from Canterlot but that was all the better as it gave the two some time to talk on their ride to Ponyville.

Shining Armor was a tall fairly well built unicorn stallion with a white pelt, and two toned blue mane and tail. His cutiemark was a deep blue shield with a six pointed magenta star on it. Signifying not only his ability with combat but also his tendency towards powerful defensive spells like his famed shield spell that while draining was said to be strong enough to encapsulate all of Canterlot. Though using said spell on that scale would likely be past draining and bordering on reckless if not outright dangerous for his health.

His friend Stonewall was one he’d met during basic training for the royal guard. While they had taken different paths with shining quickly rising through the ranks from first castle patrol and up into the brass while Stonewall was still a non commissioned officer and often patrolling the market district of the city and the surrounding area they were still close friends.

Stonewall was an earth pony and a massive one at that. Standing a full head taller than shining Armor and built like a tank he was an imposing sight to behold. A brick red pelt and a mortar grey mane and tail with a mountain cutie mark. Though as impressive as his build was he wasn’t the dumb muscle one would expect. Indeed a fan of both comic books and the opera, along with being an avid baker he wasn’t as simple as he seemed to be.

Even his build was deceptive. For while he sported a rather muscular build and tall height he wasn’t the strongest stallion in the guard, indeed he wasn’t much stronger than the more fit earth ponies. Nor was he slower than most either. No Stonewall stood out for one reason and one reason only. Endurance, he could run for days on end if need be and having a tolerance for pain that was all but unheard of.  He was a soldier more geared for war then the seeming unending peace of his home but that didn’t stop him from doing his job. 

He was something of a liability as he would NOT give up on catching a suspect at all. And considering his size and the decent speeds he could reach that meant that the hazards of an urban environment didn’t hinder his pursuits any. Stonewall jokingly referring to his steamrolling through the city streets as “True parkour” Stonewall had a tendency to cause collateral damage by damaging property in a chase, though injuries were few and far between as it only took a few pursuits before the natives of Canterlot learned to MOVE when they saw the stallion running.

Yet he wasn’t without his faults either. He had an incredibly hard time turning off the stoic persona expected of a guard. Coming off as very distant and cold he was also known for an open distaste for certain members of the Canterlot upper classes and nobility, In particular Prince Blueblood, along with jet Set and Upper Crust. To the point where he refused to believe that any action they took even making charitable contributions were genuine acts and not taken to make them look better. The most interesting of all though was this, for all his endurance, for all of his ability to work through pain… Stonewall was immensely susceptible to magic.

This fact was kept under wraps by the royal guard. Mainly for security reasons but also for the safety of the pony in question. He was even gifted with a set of armor enchanted to better deflect magic to keep the fact from being known. Though this magic armor was also less sturdy against a blade then the typical armor used by the guard, it was also a deep black rather than gold. Which given his red color gave him a rather intimidating presence and made a number of ponies in the city wary of him.

At the moment though he was free of his armor and just relaxing on a couch on the train with his best friend as their transport began to sputter and hiss as it was readying to depart. “You’re going to owe me BIG for this Shinny.” Stonewall huffed looking less than pleased with his friend.

“Look, I know it’s an odd, request but come on it’s nothing you don’t do every day while on duty anyway. Besides it’s only for a couple of hours at most.” Shining sighed not wanting to have this argument again as they’d covered the topic several times the week before while setting this trip up.

“I don’t care it’s damn disrespectful and I HATE doing it nonetheless. Why else do you think I’m actually making you PAY me for it? Feel like a damn merc.” He replied spitting the last word out.

“I’d hardly call a stack of comic books, some concert tickets, and a couple days off to go see some comic book convention ‘blood money’ though I’ll admit it’s kinda pricey.” Shining said with a shrug as the departure whistle blew.
“That’s the friend discount if anyone else asked for this kind of favor they wouldn’t get such a good deal, I feel dirty for even accepting it.” Stonewall snorted making his disdain for the favor plain to see.

“Look… I just need a distraction so I can actually surprise Sparky rather than have the secret blown wide open. Besides I’m sure there won’t be any hard feelings.” Shining Armor sighed trying to close the conversation for now.

“Hmph, better not be. It’s not every day you’re asked to treat a national hero like a fool.” Stonewall grunted also wanting to change the subject. “Though considering what I recall reading about in the papers this is more than a friendly visit isn’t it?” He asked.

Shining winced, “Yeah… it is, I hate having to ask her about it but knowing how to take down a hydra could be valuable information for the guard.” He grudgingly agreed as the train began to move.

Seeing how uncomfortable the topic was making his friend Stonewall decided to let his friend lead the conversation for the rest of the ride.

It was noon now and Twilight had just finished fixing herself a sandwich and getting some chips for a quick lunch. She intended to finish organizing some of her newest alchemical powders before heading into town to chat with her friends. Ever since Zecora got her set up properly and began her schooling in the art of alchemy she’d been eager to work with poison joke and figure out if it had any productive uses or if it was just a malicious plant whose effects could be tempered with a mineral bath.

So far she’d learned a good deal about the blue flower. Namely that there were two components to it that caused the reaction it did in any being that brushed against it. One was pollen that was near invisible to the naked eye given its size, and the other was an oil it secreted from its petals. While on their own the two components could still cause the effects of inflicting a joke on a victim it would only last for a few hours.

Together however the two formed the longer lasting and much more potent effects that Twilight and her friends had been afflicted with. She was in the process of trying to induce effects she wanted from the plant as she thought a few might have useful applications. For example the shrinking effect that had befallen Applejack might be used as a means to search in confined spaces or to allow for observation of smaller animal and insects on their own scale.

So once Twilight finished up her lunch and put her dishes in the sink she made her way into the basement to finish labeling and storing the first twelve vials of poison joke mixtures she’d made. Come the weekend she intended to test them out, first on inanimate objects, and then later on herself. Seeing how she was only using the pollen for this experiment and would be staying in her own home there was little to worry about, though she was careful to learn how to brew the antidote to poison joke before she even began working with the plant.

Meanwhile the train had just arrived at the Ponyville station and Shining Armor and Stonewall debarked it along with a few other ponies. The latter sighed as he got ready to do his friend a favor while the former was beaming in delight at getting a chance to visit his little sister. Without a word the large red stallion began to make his way to a building that looked to be made out of candy, marked as Sugarcube Corner to get his task over with. While his friend gave him a smile thanks and started towards the library tree in the town square to meet up with his sister.

It didn’t take Shining Armor long to make it to his destination. Maybe five minutes at most. As such when he arrived he was greeted at the front desk not by Twilight or Spike but a sign informing him that the librarian was out to Lunch and would be back shortly. However just as he was about to leave he noted that the door to the basement was ajar and he could hear muffled voices coming from there. Deciding to check out what was going on he made his way to the door and quietly opened it.

Seeing Twilight taking pains to arrange some sort of display of phials on a high shelf while Spike snoozed in a corner mumbling to himself he made his way down the stairs thinking that giving Twilight a little spook might be fun. Once at the foot of the stairs he smirked finding the time right. “Boo!” he said in a slightly louder than normal voice.

The reaction was not what he’d expected at all. Twilight yelped and lost her balance falling into a sitting position. While the phial she’d been handling with her mouth flew up into the air and bounce off the ceiling. It didn’t shatter but it did crack causing the glittering blue powder it contained to spill on Twilight. Before his very eyes his sister began to shrink! In less than a second she went from four feet tall to a meager six inches. The cracked vile sitting beside her the labeled PJ-P-09 meant nothing to him, though he didn’t really care what the label meant as his sister’s welfare took center stage in his mind.

Whoever caused this is so getting a smack to the back of the head when I get a chance Nightmare grumbled as she took in her new point of view. Though at least we know which powder works. So this isn’t a total waste even if we have to restock it. She noted.

“By Celestia’s beard Twilight are you alright!” Shining yelled as she dashed over to his sister stopping a few feet away from her, the commotion waking up Spike who gasped at what he saw and quickly made his way over as well.

“Twilight are you okay?” Spike asked as he tried to shake the sleep from his mind. While also coming to grips with what his eyes were telling him was true.

Twilight smiled at her adoptive little brother. “Yes Spike I’m fine, though if SOMEONE hadn’t scared me I’d be even better.” She told him only mildly annoyed by what had happened as she now knew that one of her formula’s worked. Besides she’d be back to her normal size in a few hours. Add the visit from Shining and the positives far outweighed the annoyance of being small and needing to replace the cracked phial.

Shining had the good sense to look sheepish. “Eheheh, sorry. I didn’t know that you were handling anything like that. Otherwise I wouldn’t have scared you.” He apologized. “This isn’t permanent is it?” He added worried about how his sister would get through life at the size she currently was.

Luckily for you it isn’t. Nightmare thought to herself not caring that it was Twilight’s brother who caused this as being this small put the mare in great danger.

“No, it’s not; I’ll be back to normal in a few hours.” Twilight reassured him with a smile. “Though mind telling me why you didn’t give me any advance warning about this visit? I could have cleared my calendar for the day to spend it with you.” She asked relaxed now though still somewhat annoyed about what happened.

“Well for one I wanted it to be a surprise visit.” Shining Armor began. “And for two while I‘m eager to meet your friends I wanted to have a sometime where it was just the three of us before we got swept up into some party by your friend pinkie pie.” He explained.

Oh yes, little miss bard. Good call she’d defiantly botch any plans you had to slip in unnoticed. Nightmare agreed though still annoyed.

“Hey yeah, how’d you sneak past her anyway?” Spike wondered as Pinkie’s pension for being a spanner in the works came to mind.

“That’s easy; I used a decoy, namely Stonewall.” Shining replied with a shrug.

Twilight and Spike winced in sympathy for the large stallion as dealing with Pinkie pie could vary between annoying to painful at times, especially when Pinkie Sense got involved.

“Was it something I said?” Shining wondered.

“Not, really it’s just, well Pinkie can be… very persistent in getting people to smile and well From what I Recall of Stonewall he’s not in for a lot of fun right now.” Twilight explained.

There’s an understatement for you. Nightmare chuckled to herself.

Meanwhile as Shining Armor was making his way into the basement of the library Stonewall had made his way to Sugarcube corner. The pastry shop was fairly busy given that it was lunch time. Many regular customers were there to grab a bite to eat for lunch and chat. However there were only two figures of note to Stonewall.

The first being pinkie Pie. The mare he had to distract so Shining Armor could surprise his sister and get to have a bit of sibling bonding time with her before pinkie pie found out he was in town and pulled a party right out of nowhere for everyone to enjoy. Much as he didn’t like giving her the cold shoulder he intended to d so. However things were complicated by who the second pony of note was, Rarity another element of harmony and national hero, not to mention a very attractive mare that he had a crush on. Sighing in resignation as he figured that his soon to come cold demeanor would torpedo any chances he had with the white unicorn he got in line so he could get to work on his task, and grab something to eat as well.

There were only four ponies ahead of him in line. So while he had a bit of a wait it wasn’t too long. Besides the longer he could put this off, the less time he had to be cold to her before Shining finally made his appearance and let him end the charade. Hopefully neither Pinkie Pie nor Rarity would hold it against him for doing a favor for a friend.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! Welcome to Sugarcube Corer how can I help you?” Pinkie Pie asked in a bubbly tone as Stonewall made his way to the counter to place his order. Rarity was sitting down a few feet to the side enjoying a light lunch and talking with her friend between orders.

“Yes, you may, I’d like to order, two bear claws and a caramel hot chocolate.” Stonewall began in a neutral tone brushing off Pinkie’s warm welcome and giving her the same blank stare he used while standing at attention on guard duty.

“Okie Dokie Loki coming right up!” She began giggle. “And speaking of up wow you’re tall! The only pony I’ve seen who’s taller then you is princess Celestia! It must be great to be so tall! You can reach higher shelves and see farther, and get better view at the movies!” She prattled as she took his bits to pay for his order.

“Yes, it does have its uses, though I find I tend to stick out like a sore hoof because of it.” He droned not breaking his dull expression as he waited for his order to be prepared stepping to the side so the next pony in line could get to the register. “It can also be slightly annoying getting through doorways as well.” He added with a shrug.

“I bet! It’s no fun to hit your head on a door frame, or have to bend your neck way down to do so!” Pinkie Pie chirped up as she was putting the finishing touches on his drink. She then set the pastries on a tray next to the cup and offered the tray to him. ‘Here’s your order mister… mister…!” She trailed off unable to name the stallion and then gasping deeply as the realization dawned her that she’d never met him before.

“Oh my gosh you’re NEW! I’ve got to throw you a party so you feel welcomed and can meet everypony and make lots and lots of friends!” Pinkie gushed in one long breath.

“N-no that won’t be needed miss,  I’m only in town for the day no need to go to all that effort for me.” Stonewall replied a bit disturbed by her large gasp then her quick rambling. But he didn’t break his disinterested look at all as he moved his tray to his back and began to look for a seat away from Rarity. However there didn’t seem to be any. 

He was feeling lucky so far that the elegant mare hadn’t seen fit to join in on the conversation. However he wasn’t sure if that would last if he had to take seat at her table and he really didn’t want to destroy what little chance he had with her. Yet… the only free seat was next to her and if he was going to have the best odds of keeping Pinkie Pie here, he’d need to stay in the building. So with a mental sigh of defeat Stonewall approached Rarity. “Excuses me my lady, but would it be okay if I sat next to you everywhere else is full?” Stonewall asked kindly with a bow, though still kept his current expression as Pinkie was still around apparently pondering over what to do for him seeing that he was only in town for the day.

“Not at all dear,” Rarity greeted with a smile as she turned her attention to the tall stallion. “Though I wouldn’t mind knowing your name if it’s no trouble.” She continued.

“How rude of me, my name is Sar- I mean Stonewall, and thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company.” Stonewall replied he was blushing now but his fur was hiding it. The fact that he nearly gave his rank in the guard had caused him to stutter. While it wasn’t a big issue if pinkie knew he was in the guard she’d brush him off and thus could ruin Shining’s plans.

“And I’m Rarity and really darling it’s not trouble at all.” Rarity replied in return.

“Yeah Rarity’s really nice and friendly!” Pinkie Pie piped in as she took another customer’s money. “I bet you two would be friends if you’d just give it a shot.” She continued beaming expectantly.

“We very well could Pinkie.” Rarity replied with a giggle.

“I’ll take your word for it my lady.” Stonewall said a bit downcast as it looked like he really was going to end up ruining his chances with Rarity. “After all I’m only in town for the day and it’s more for business then pleasure.” He finished before taking a sip of his drink and digging into one of his pastries.

“Oh really what kind of business are you here for? Is it super secret? I bet it is! Why else would you have a frowny face in a town as friendly as Ponyville!” Came Pinkie’s bubbly statement.

“Yes what business brings you to town sir?” Rarity wondered.

“Oh, I’m doing a friend a favor, but he asked me not talk about it much.” Stonewall said softly brushing the matter aside. Then he turned his attention to pinkie Pie. “The bear claws are quite good Pinkie, I dabble in baking myself and I’ve never had much luck with them on my own.” Stonewall said slipping her a sad smile at his admission of not being able to get bear claws to turn out right, though his compliment was honest.

“Really! Cool! I worked super hard on them every day! I could give you the recipe if you want!” She replied eager to try and cheer up the dour seeming stallion.

“Ah no, please don’t go out of your way for me, You’ve got other customers to tend to.” Stonewall replied politely but also a bit distantly while mentally kicking himself for agreeing to this in the first place. “Besides I’m pretty amateur when it comes to baking, simple cookies, and biscuits are about the height of my skills, well and cornbread, a nice sweet cornbread is fool proof enough that even I can’t muck it up.” He added taking a shot at his inconsistent baking skills in her dull tone hoping that would dissuade Pinkie from going out of her way to help him.

However the few articles in the paper ad the letters Shining Armor let him read weren’t nearly enough information to go by for a normal mission much less one involving Pinkie Pie. “Hey no need to be so down! Just let your auntie Pinkie Pie make it all better!” Pinkie began a very large very toothy grin spreading across her muzzle as an idea came to her on how to both cheer up and befriend the stallion. “I’m going to teach you how to bake won’t that be fun!” She gleefully declared bursting with energy.

“Wait what? Don’t you have customers to worry about? A-And besides I-I’m not sure this’ll turn out well!” Stonewall tried to protest while still keeping his somber on duty persona up. However he failed to realize that by protesting and not lightening up he was only adding fuel to the fire.

“No way gloomy Gus! We’ve got to turn that frown upside down and make you feel welcome and what better way than to help you be a better baker and introduce you to all your new friends in Ponyville!” Pinkie began. “Now quite stalling and let’s get cooking!” She added wrapping an arm around Stonewall’s shoulder and dragging him off into the kitchens.
“H-help!” Was all he managed to get out before he was drug away by the peppy pink party pony to perfect his patently pathetic pastry problem.

Rarity giggled as she finished her meal. “Good luck Stonewall! And have a good day Pinkie!” She called as she got up from her table to return to her shop and get back to work herself.

“Well, all that aside it’s really great to see you both again. You and your friends should try to get up to Canterlot more. “ Shining Armor began. “I’d like to see you two more often and I know Mom, Dad, and Cadance would love to meet your friends as well.” He added trying to push back the less pleasant aspect of his visit for as long as he could.

“Well, while train tickets aren’t too pricy the main issue is finding a day when everyone’s able to take some time off for a trip. Plus, well Canterlot’s a very bit city and I’m not sure how well Fluttershy would take to the activity there as compared to the more relaxed Ponyville.” Twilight began. “Though maybe I can start planning something and we could arrange for another trip before that Gala, though I don’t know if we can swing it.” She pondered trying to shuffle dates around in her head.

Oh yes, the Gala, the perfect way to help show you why the ‘nobility’ don’t live up to the meaning of the word at all. Nightmare snarked. Still… Rarity did incredible work on that dress, and it’d be a shame if it was only worn once. She mused picturing Twilight in the formal gown and smiling wide at the thought even though no one but her knew it.

“I can’t believe that you’re actually going to the Gala for a change. I don’t think you’ve ever attended anything formal aside from prom and mom basically had to drag you kicking and scream to that.” Shining chuckled at the memory.

“Oh this from the colt who somehow managed to trot on all of Cadance’s hooves at his own senior prom, even though he could lead a five mile march blinded folded?” Twilight playfully teased in return recalling her old foal sitter telling her about the dance and yet still enjoying every minute of it.

"Okay, so I needed some lessons ‘badly’ but I’ve gotten a lot better since then.” Shining admitted. ‘Speaking of new hobbies, I’ve heard you took up jousting recently how’s that going?” He asked both surprised and delighted to hear about Twilight’s new hobby.

“I’m making slow progress, but I like it, it’s great exercise and it’s helping with my balance and co-ordination a lot.” Twilight replied somewhat sheepishly.

“How bad?” Shining asked Spike.

“Well, last I heard three out of twenty is still her record. But she does seem to be able to trot faster and tire slower now.” The dragon replied with a shrug.

“Huh well maybe we should head over to your tiltyard and I can give you a few pointers?” Shining offered happily.
“I don’t know if Davenport would like that.” Twilight mused.

“Davenport?” Shining replied confused. And a hint worried as well

“My tiltyard is in a rented lot behind his store I don’t know if he’d want us practicing this time of day as he’d have customers.” Twilight explained.

“Oh that’s a relief, for a moment I thought he was a spring partner and I’d have to have words with him about him eyeing my sister during practice and not getting ideas about seeing her muscles rippling and covered in sweat.” Shining sighed having dodged a bullet as he really didn’t want to ruin the visit by having to go all over protective big brother on somepony.

… Maybe I can convince Twilight to shift her practice time to either sunset or right before bed. Nightmare thought to herself the picture shining Armor painted being oddly appealing to her. Perhaps once she’d got herself a body she could better teach Twilight how to joust.

“Wait you what?” Twilight asked baffled while Spike chuckled at the look on Twilight’s face when Shining finished speaking.

“Well, what did you expect? I’m your big brother and anyone who wants to date you has to have my seal of approval to do so!” Shining explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Oh yes, the same big brother who scarred his sister while she was dealing with potentially fatal experimental compounds, your judgment is truly sound. As if I’m letting you anywhere near Twilight once I’ve got a body of my own. Nightmare growled to herself Not liking how much control Shining claimed to have over Twilight’s dating life. After all she was to be Nightmare’s arch mage, and companion she’d have no need of her brother’s protection with Nightmare Moon watching out for her.

“Shiny why would you say that? Don’t you trust me to make the right choices in life?” Twilight asked still a bit taken aback by her brother’s statement.

Shining sighed but it was best to say this now rather than later. “Sparky… I think you’re the smartest mare I’ve ever met and you tend to have very good judgment most of the time. But romance is a whole other field then what you’re used to and I just don’t want to see you get hurt by some pony who’s good at putting up an act. You’re a beautiful and intelligent mare who anypony would be lucky to have. But you’ve got no experience in this field at all. Add in how close to Princess Celestia you are and someone might try to get close to you just to use you because of that and I just don’t want to see you hurt.” Shining said in a serious tone. 

He has a point but that’s still no reason to act like he did. Sometimes things can only be learned the hard way and often times… love and romance is one of those things. Nightmare thought to herself. She had no intentions of letting Twilight get hurt but she knew that trying to protect her from everything would do more harm than good in the long run.

Shining cleared his throat. “Anyway there’s something else I need to talk to you about before we go and find your friends.” He began deciding to just get it over with and then try and focus on the fun he’d have getting to know his sister’s friends.

“Really what’s that?” Spike wondered while Twilight was still pondering over what Shining had just told her.

“I… I really don’t want to bring it up as it seemed that your friends and even Princess Celestia didn’t take it well… but we need to talk about you killing that hydra.” Shining explained somberly.

“R-really?” Twilight asked a bit meekly fearing her brother might have some harsh words for her on the subject.

Oh you’re just a barrel of laughs aren’t you? Nightmare snorted to herself expecting the same.

“Yes really. Though don’t worry I’m not upset.” Shining replied with a small smile and a sigh. “In fact I’m impressed more than anything.” He continued.

“Huh?!” Spike and Twilight asked together dumbfounded.

“Yes, I’ve never heard of a group of ponies taking out a hydra before much less a lone mare.” Shining began pride plain to hear in his tone. "When I heard about the whole ordeal I’ll admit I was terrified at how close I came to losing you two without even knowing about it. However hearing that you not only got yourself and your friends away safely but made sure that hydra wouldn’t be a threat to anyone else I was bursting with pride and relief.” He explained.

“Granted I know that you’re not one to take a life likely and I would prefer if you never had to raise your horn in a situation like that again I’m still proud of you for doing what you did. Though being in the guard I know that sometimes you have to take a life to save yourself and others…” He trailed off sighing as he dreaded having to ask Twilight this next part. “This is why… I need you to tell me how you brought it down. It could be very useful information for the royal guard to have and as much as I hate ruining a visit like this by bringing it up I’d much rather ask you in person then hear from a letter, and today’s a far better day to ask then at the Gala.” Shining finished sober hoping they could get through this quickly so he could return to enjoying the rest of the day with Twilight, Spike and their friends.

Hmm a valid point, but still a mood killer. That settles it, three backhoofs to the head when I get a body of my own. Nightmare said to herself with a nod.

Twilight let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Beyond grateful that her brother didn’t hold the whole mess against her as princess Celestia seemed to when they last met and while her friends seemed to understand they never really mentioned ordeal and almost seemed to pretend it didn’t even happen. “O-Oh, well there really isn’t much to tell… but okay.” She agreed nervously.

“You already know why I was there from my letters and such. But as for how I took it down? Well it was actually dumb luck to a degree.” Twilight began. “From the moment it began to chase us I noticed that one of its four heads acted differently than the others, slower more cautiously then they did. So I figured that if any of its head was the mortal one, the one that if taken out would fell it. It was that one.” She continued.

“I also knew from what grandpa Comet Trail told us that a hydra’s heads should never be cut off as it’d only grow two more and come back three times as mad. So I figured I had to take it out without taking the head off. And well, it had pretty big eyes and like I recall from studying combat magic with you… if something can go through the eye it’s got a clear shot at the brain. So… I picked up a rock and threw it at the hydra with all my might.” Twilight explained Wincing as she recalled what was to come next.

“I-it went so f-fast it made a sound louder than any cannon could and it… it tore out the back of the hydra’s head and sped off to who knows where. I-I hope that’s enough I really don’t want to talk about this anymore.” She finished looking a bit green at having to recall the incident.

“Hey, its okay you didn’t do anything wrong.” Shining said gently as he leaned down and nuzzled his sister to comfort her. “We don’t need to talk about it anymore. I’m sure I’ve got plenty to work with to devise an anti hydra strategy now.” He added trying to further reassure Twilight. “Now… why don’t you hop on my back and we can go rescue Stonewall from Pinkie Pie and I can get to meet your friends okay?” Shining offered glad to finally get this over with. Now that he’d addressed that issue he could enjoy the rest of his visit hear and hopefully cheer Twilight up by meeting her friends. Plus he had a feeling that stonewall was in need of some help given he’d been left to handle pinkie pie for a while now.

“S-sure.” Twilight agreed still a bit down even though her brother’s reassurances were helping some. “Spike w-would you mind closing the library early for the day so you can join us?” She asked not wanted to be away from either of her brothers given how she felt at the moment.

“Not a problem Twilight!” Spike greed figuring she’d need a bit of extra support plus it’d be a chance to see Rarity again With that the dragon gave Twilight a careful hug and after a few minutes of just holding her headed up stair to get the closed sign and such ready so they could head out for the soon to come party.

Once Spike left Shining picked Twilight up with his magic and set her down in his mane. The hair being just tall enough to hid her from sight so she could have a bit more time to collect herself. Once he was sure she was secure he began to make his way of the stairs, going a bit slower than normal so he didn’t risk overbalancing Twilight. He wasn’t about to drop her given her current state.

Much as I hate to admit it I think talking about this with her brother might have done some good. Now however it’s up to her friends to help cheer her up. I also wonder how this Stonewall fellow has been holding up under the bard’s assault on his sanity. Nightmare mused to herself.

Stonewall was having a hard time keep his stoic persona up at the moment. Though given the situation he was in that was understandable. At the moment the stallion was clad in a vibrant pink apron with had the text “Sweet succulent cheesecake” emblazoned across it’s front in a font reminiscent of what was often used for the titles of dime store romance novels.

At the moment he was pulling a pan of muffins from the oven of the bakery under pinkie’s supervision. Ever since she’d dragged him back into the kitchen she’d been teaching him how to “bake” Pinkie Pie style. Witch consisted of fast paced annoying catchy tunes used to illustrate her rather… artistic style of cookery, with each pastry and sweet having its own little high energy ditty.

With Pinkie’s high speed work they’d managed to make a number of delectable treats; brownies, cookies, muffins, lemon bars, popcorn balls, bear claws, cakes, fudge and finally cupcakes. The guard stallion’s left eye was beginning to twitch from being the sole target of Pinkie Pie’s tutelage as she seemed to need less the a second to attend to any customer’s needs and thus focused the brunt of her time on him.

He’d given up on sneaking out of the kitchen when her head pooped out of a salt shaker to ask him why he was ditching class. He was honestly considering just bust down the back door and bolting for the train station after he set the pan of freshly baked muffins down however it seemed that fate had decided to take pity on him as the service bell rang once more.

“I’ll be right back and then we can get started on making those cinnamon buns!” Pinkie pie chirped as she bolted towards the counter. Once she made it to her destination Stonewall heard the odd gasp she made when she realized she hadn’t met him before and he figured he was saved as Shining armor must have finally gotten his rump in gear and come to rescue him from this pink nightmare.

Sure enough a moment later Pinkie Pie returned “You’ve got to see this!” She squealed in delight as she once more hauled him around by the shoulders as if he weighed no more than apple fritter. 

Still once he was dragged to the front half of the store he let out a sigh of relief. Shining Armor was indeed there along with a small purple dragon he guessed was Spike. However the surprises didn’t stop as standing on the counter was a pony he clearly knew to be his friend’s little sister. However she was downright tiny at only a half a foot tall. “Huh?” Came his less then intelligent reply.

“It’s a long story, though I got to say, lovin’ the apron there Stonewall.” Shining snickered.

“Yuk it up pretty boy, just for that I’m doubling my price.” Stonewall snapped back finally dropping his stiff persona.

“Doubling the price?” Twilight asked confused.

"Hey why are you so grumpy?” Pinkie Pie wondered.

“Oh I could explain it but I figure Shining should do it considering this whole mess is his idea.’ Stonewall grunted.
At that Twilight Pinkie and Spike turned their attention to Shining who had the god grace to look a bit sheepish.

“Well you see, Stonewall here is a friend of mine. He’s also part of the royal guard. I wanted my visit to be a surprise however I didn’t want to risk running into you first Pinkie, so I convinced Stonewall to do me a favor and distract you by acting like he does while on duty though he doesn’t much like doing that.” He began

“Add in that you six are basically national heroes for defeating Nightmare Moon and getting that dragon to leave without causing any trouble so he was even less fond of giving you the cold shoulder so I had to arrange a deal to get him to play along.” Shining concluded a bit upset with himself for how he’d treated his friend given how Stonewall’s time must have gone if he was in such a foul mood. 

“I’m more annoyed then I am angry but yeah, we’re re-negotiating a price once we leave town. Now if you’ll excess me, I’ve got to put Cup Cake’s apron back up.” Stonewall sighed the anger starting to drain from his face now that he’d gotten Shining to admit to the whole mess and his impromptu cooking lessons was over and left to go do as he said.

“Okay that explains why he was so grumpy but why’s Twilight so tiny?” Pinkie asked her curiosity returning.

“I’ll explain that once everyone’s here so we don’t have to repeat the story five different times.” Shining replied. “Now why don’t you go round up your friends so we can have a party and get to know each other while Stonewall and I are still in town?” he suggested.

“Okie Dokie Loki! I’ll be back in a flash!” Pinkie Pie agreed as she darted up to round up the rest of the girls for a party at sugarcube corner.

“So, how much did he ask for at first?” Spike wondered.

“A stack of comic books, tickets to a concert and a few days of to go to some convention called ‘Comic Con’ over in Sandmargo.” Shining replied. “Though I’m betting he’s going to add a few things to the list and frankly I don’t blame him, Pinkie Pie’s high energy personality didn’t seem to sit well with him, especially given how he was likely in a foul mood to begin with given he had to give her the cold shoulder.” He mused.

“I don’t think she’ll hold it against him, Pinkie isn’t the type to hold a grudge.” Twilight noted as they waited for their Pink friend to return.

Before Shining could reply the door to the kitchen opened and Stonewall walked out sans apron and looking to be in a better mood. “Well that’s something at least.” He said as he made his was from behind the counter to join Spike and Shining Armor. “I’d rather not be on her bad side national hero or not. She seems nice enough, a bit over eager to make sure that everyone’s happy but really there are worse things in life then trying to spread joy.” Stonewall sighed as he stretched a bit to get some kinks out of his back.

The four made some small talk over the next half hour or so while Pinkie Pie was out gathering the rest of the girls Luckily the bakery didn’t have any customers while Pinkie Pie was out and about. Of the four mares Fluttershy and Applejack took the most time to convince to come over. The latter because she didn’t want to slack off on her work at the farm ad the former because of how nervous she was about meeting new ponies.

Still between Pinkie pleading with Applejack and Angle Bunny being his typical blunt self the whole gang was brought together at the bakery at last. Once they were all there an some baked goods and drinks had been gathered for the small celebration Shining began to explain to the rest why Twilight was currently as tiny as she was.

“… So, yeah when the dust settled, well you can see the results for yourself.” He finished rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof awkwardly at having to tell the tale.

The reactions were varied but not unexpected Rainbow Dash and Pinkie were having a good laugh about it, The former because she found it funny that the one time Twilight slacked off on following each and every step on her list one of her ‘egghead’ experiments blew up in her face. While Pinkie was just amused by how the whole thing was an accident.

Rarity tittered a bit at how silly the whole ordeal was, and Fluttershy and Applejack had their own reactions while both were concerned for their friend’s safety Applejack was less then amused by it all. “Ah hate ta say it Twi, but it kinda serves ya right. Ya know it was too soon to be messing with that stuff. Seeing how you’ve only been learning about alchemy fer about a month.” She huffed.

“I know I should have been more careful. But poison joke needs to be studied, Not just so we know what effects it can have and whether or not they can have positive uses. But also to see if it has other properties that we aren’t aware of yet.” Twilight replied a bit sheepishly.

Before Applejack could reply a blue glow began to surround Twilight and soon she began to grow her body rocketing back up to its normal high. Nearly making her fall off the table she’d been sitting on the whole time she’d been having her conversation with her friends.

“Well that was abrupt.” She mused as she quickly climbed down off the table onto the floor thankful that she hadn’t ruined anyone’s food as there had been nothing but her on said table.

“I’m sorry we didn’t meet under the best of circumstances and I hope you won’t hold it against me.” Stonewall apologiesed to both Pinkie Pie and Rarity feeling a bit down over the whole mess.

“Hey it’s no big deal! You were just doing your friend a favor, and now I know why you were being so grumpy! It’s just an act and one you have to do all the time! Its no wonder why you’re so good at it!” Pinkie replied brightly brushing the matter off.

“Indeed Stonewall, it really wasn’t anything personal and really I don’t see any fault on your part, You were just trying to help out a friend and were caught in a bit of a rough spot because of it.” Rarity agreed with a nod.

From there the party went on without much more excitement, However all too soon Shining Armor and Stone wall needed to leave to catch a train back to cantelot. So the party wound down and Twilight and the rest saw them off promising to see them again soon. From there the group went their spate ways. With Fluttershy returning to her home, Applejack to the farm, Rainbow Dash to a cloud to get some sleep and Rarity to her shop. Pinkie walked with Twilight and Spike until they reached Sugarcube corer and then had to bid them goodbye as well.

Once Twilight and Spike were home they locked up the library and began to get ready for bed. It had been a long day and they were all tired, Eager to get some rest to start the next day. With Nightmare Moon ready to try and convince Twilight to get that sculpture commissioned once more figuring that the visit from her brother would put her in a better mood and thus she might be more receptive to the idea in the morning after jousting practice.