//------------------------------// // Ready or Not // Story: Forever and For Always // by ShaD-23 //------------------------------// It was a cool morning as Twilight and Rainbow Dash sat in their car silently. They left on the train early before daybreak from Manehatten, the sun just now beginning to peak above the horizon. Rainbow Dash practiced levitating a glass of water with her horn, trying her best to be careful as a small splash or two came from the floating glass. “You're getting better at that.” Twilight said with a smile, hoping to pep up her friend. “A little tip,” she said softly, Rainbow Dash's face falling “try to really focus on the glass and be sure you've got a hold of it before you lift it.” “Well, you're the expert.” Rainbow Dash said. She was usually the impatient type, but as of late, she had no choice but to be patient and concentrate. She eyed the glass and shot daggers at it. Her horn pulsing, she could definitely 'feel' the glass, but she knew she didn't have a good hold on it. Sweating, she began to lift it slowly, careful not to shake it. Just when it looked like she had it, the glass began to shake, water splashing everywhere. “That's it!” she called, firing a burst of magic for it, shattering he glass and leaving a scorch in the train wall, both Rainbow Dash and Twilight staring in shock. After a moment more of the train rumbling down the track, both Twilight and Rainbow Dash burst into laughter. “That was pretty good, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight howled, flapping her wings with delight. Rainbow Dash huddled over, cackling. “That was a bit more than I thought.” she breathed, her horn still glowing slightly. Neither of them were sure why they found this so funny, but all their troubles seemed to be chased away by their laughter. ===== Everypony in Ponyville was in a fluster. With the word coming out that Ponyville was now relatively safe, evacuated ponies were returning home. Shining Armor was leading the cleanup of the town and most of the wreckage was cleared away already. Still, his heart felt heavy. The ponies of Sweet Apple Acres would be returning soon. He feared the worst for when it came time to tell them what became of Applejack. A screech came in the distance just then. Shining Armor knew the train had come in from Manehatten. He hurried from the town square for the station in a heartbeat, passing more and more returning ponies all the while. Coming to the platform, he saw Rainbow Dash and Twilight both leaving the newly arrived steam engine. “Twili! Rainbow Dash!” he called, waving his hoof for them. Both of them spotted him and walked over to join him as he lead them back to Ponyville. “Everypony's coming back now the Ponyville is more safe... the town seems kinda busy again.” he told them, Twilight and Rainbow Dash both thinking the same thing. “So... I think I'm getting the hang of my horn.” Rainbow Dash said suddenly, trying to change the subject. “I totally blew up a glass of water on he way here.” “It was pretty funny, Shining Armor.” Twilight added. “So what did the princess and Discord have to say?” the stallion asked as they made their way through the square. Twilight noticed that while everypony still waved and nodded to her, they didn't stop in the middle of the street and bow or salute to her. While initially she was certain she preferred this, it still didn't seem right to her. She was a princes now, but everypony still thought of her as the same old Twilight. It was what she wanted, but it still didn't feel right to her for some reason. Shaking her mane, she inhaled deeply. “Discord says we need the Harbinger Blade.” she said, Shining Armor turning to her. “He thinks Tirek isn't acting alone... and neither do I.” Shining Armor looked to the ground, a grim look on his face. “He also said we need to use the Elements of Harmony... he said they could be used like weapons.” “Well, that makes sense.” Shining Armor said. “He said they're to protect Equestria." Rainbow Dash blurted out suddenly. "... and he said somepony close to Applejack needs to put her Element on her to make her regain her memories.” she explained in a thoughtful voice. Shining Armor had to admit, this was some good news. If Applejack could be found before long, they might be able to restore her before her family returned. “'By the way," Rainbow Dash went on. "what in Equestria is this Harbinger Blade?” Shining Armor inhaled deeply, like Twilight did earlier. “The Harbinger Blade is an ancient weapon Starswirl the Bearded made shortly before his passing.” Shining Armor explained. “It was crafted of three very powerful minerals now believed to be completely depleted throughout the entire world... a mixture of mythril, adamantite and orihalcon.” “That's incredible!” Twilight said in shock, Rainbow Dash still in confusion. “Why was it made from such powerful material?” Once again, Shining Armor inhaled deeply. “He crafted it to combat the Alicorn Amulet.” he breathed. “Apparently the amulet appeared almost 1000 years ago... everypony was afraid of how powerful the sword was so they called it the Harbinger Blade, fearing Starswirl would use it to conquer Equestria... so he hid it away in the ancient crystal mines that Canterlot was built over.” They walked on to the library, the sun still rising in the sky, a light breeze ruffling their manes. It was quiet, Spike sleeping soundly on a pile of books. “He must be really tired.” Twilight said. Shining Armor shook his head. “We've been working around the clock to rebuild Ponyville.” he explained. “Spike's been trying really hard, too.” “How come we don't know about the Harbinger Blade?” Rainbow Dash asked quietly. Shining Armor took a seat next to a collapsed bookshelf. “The knowledge of the Harbinger Blade is entrusted only to the royals and the captain of the royal guards.” he explained. “It's a truly powerful weapon.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash both looked down to the floor. They were both thinking the same thing. If Discord thought they would need such a powerful weapon, Tirek must truly be a powerful foe... not to mention if he truly was working under another. Just then, they heard a squelching sound. “Uh-oh...” Spike growled in his sleep, everypony turning to look at him. Suddenly, his eyes sprang open and he gave a great belch as a scroll with the Canterlot seal on it flopped out from his mouth. “Just when I was having a good dream...” the baby dragon groaned, scratching his head as Twilight levitated the scroll closer. “Is it from Princess Celestia this time?” Shining Armor said as Twilight opened it. Reading it, she narrowed her eyes. “No... it's from Discord.” she said. “He says the Harbinger Blade was stolen...” “What!?” “Whoa, no way!” “What's a Harbinger whatever?” Spike moaned, rubbing his eyes. “But,” Twilight read on “he says he knows exactly where it's been hidden.” “Where?” Shining Armor breathed. Twilight closed her eyes in frustration. “He said he will only give us a hint...” she said irritably. “He said it's in a place the used o be 'too hot to trot'.” Both Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash shook their heads at this. “That lousy Discord is always trying to mess with us some way or another.” Rainbow Dash huffed, finally sounding like her old self again. “We'll have to think on what he meant by 'too hot to trot' from his message.” Shining Armor added, Spike having gone back to sleep. Twilight thought hard on this. What did his cryptic clue mean? Just then, she thought of something else. Something she should have thought of in the first place. “Shining Armor.” Twilight said suddenly, making Spike jump but not wake up. “We need to train!” she said proudly. “Let's give Tirek a real surprise the next time he sees us!” she said as she hurried out the door. “Twilight! Where are you going?” Rainbow Dash called for her alicorn friend. “To find Rarity!” responded Twilight as she shot through the town. ===== Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash stood at the outskirts of the town, looking over some bails of hay. “The best way to get your hooves wet is to dive in, Rainbow Dash.” he said in a sharp voice, as if he were talking to his old guard. “You need to get control of that horn and I that's what I'm here to do! Understand?” “YESSIR!” Rainbow Dash sounded, remembering her time at the Wonderbolt Academy. Shining Armor began to pace back in forth before her. “Each unicorn has their specialties.” he went on in his sharp, commanding tone. “For example, I am best at shielding techniques. Rarity is best at handling numerous small objects at once. She would not be able to produce a shield quite the same caliber as my own and I would not be able to levitate the mass number of objects as she could and maintain a steady control over them.” Rainbow Dash clung to every word he said. “According to Discord's words, should you wear your Element of Harmony, it stands to reason that your horn's power should be easier to manage.” he said as he levitated Rainbow Dash's Element of Harmony close by. Rainbow Dash reached for it but Shining Armor quickly pulled it away. “That is why we will be training without it!” he said. “When you can properly levitate it and put it on, then and only then will you be permitted to train with it, do you understand, Rainbow Dash?” “YESSIR!” she called with a salute. On the other side of Ponyville, Twilight and Rarity stood at the top of a tall platform, overlooking a large landing area filled with hay. “I'm going to help you get those wings in shape, Rarity!” Twilight cheered. “If I can learn how to fly, so can you!” Rarity smiled and shook her mane. “Twilight,” she began in her dignified tone “You forget I once flew, no?” she said in a haughty voice. It had been a long time, but Rarity did fly quite gracefully once when they visited Rainbow Dash in Cloudsdale. “Alright, then this should be easy for you.” Twilight said as she spread her wings and began to glide in circles, her navy mane flowing in the wind as she slowly reach the hay covered ground. “All I want you to do for now is try gliding, Rarity.” she called up as she came to a soft landing, Rarity giving a small laugh. “It will be easy for someone so poised and astute as moi.” she said, spreading her pure white wings. Leaping off into the rushing wind, she fell through the air in into the cushioned ground, shaking her head and sputtering out bits of hay as she resurfaced. “Mm... maybe it's been longer than I suspected?” Rarity said sheepishly, Twilight giving her a smug grin. ===== The sun was beginning to set as a cold chill began to float through Ponyville. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were both absolutely exhausted as they lumbered away from their respective training sites. Rainbow Dash was dizzy and lightheaded while Rarity ached from dropping to the ground so much. “How did Rainbow Dash do?” Twilight Asked Shining Armor after they two were out of earshot. The Stallion took a deep breath. “She's determined.” he said. “I thought she'd give up and just ask to use her Element, but she's trying to tough it out... she's working her way up with levitating things.” The two walked on to the library where Spike sat on the floor coloring, humming to himself. “What about Rarity?” he asked, taking a seat. “Rarity's got gliding down... but she can't stay in midair for too long-” “Aw, she'll get it.” Spike cut in. “Don't forget, she flew once before.” grinned the dragon. “Rarity said that.” Twilight sighed, Spikes grin falling. “Heh... maybe it's been longer than she remembered?” Spike said with a laugh. “She said that too.” Twilight groaned. Spike's face reddened slightly and he turned back to his picture. “Well, they both seem focused.” Shining Armor said. “No need to be so glum, right?” Twilight wasn't sure. ===== As the week went by, it seemed Rainbow Dash and Rarity had a strong curve. Rainbow Dash had gotten a strong hold on her levitation power while Rarity was now flying about Ponyville with ease. Shining Armor and Twilight were both pleased and Spike loved watching Rarity fly. Ponyville was almost completely rebuilt, Fluttershy's animal friends helping to repair he damaged buildings, Pinkie Pie preforming and entertaining the exhausted townsponies every night, despite still being very saddened over Applejack's disappearance. Everypony was doing their part to keep each other going. “Okay, Rainbow Dash!” Shining Armor said in his sharp, commander tone. “You seem ready to learn some more practical capabilities.” Rainbow Dash nodded, her horn pulsing as she grew excited. “Rarity is well skilled in multitasking. My expertise are in shield spells. But according to Twilight,” he said, pulling several large targets into view “you seem to be cut out for offensive magic.” Stepping away from the targets, Shining Armor saw the blue unicorn's eyes locked and narrowed on the middle target. “When you can hit one target dead center, then you can have your Element to train, Rainbow Dash.” “YESSIR!” she said, spreading her hooves and lowering her head, pointing her horn straight for the middle target. With a giant burst of blue light, Rainbow Dash obliterated the center target, looking quite smug. “Oh yeah! How 'bout that?” she cheered. “Fine,” her stallion mentor said “very fine... now do it again with restraint!” “What!?” Rainbow Dash blurted as she watched Shining Armor reassembled the target in front of her. “You cannot use your full power and overexert yourself!" he stated. "Use a miniscule amount and hit the center-” “But it's just a tiny dot-” “Hit the bulls-eye!” Shining Armor called with a loud stomp. Rainbow Dash huffed and turned back to the target. Narrowing her eyes, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, she sent a small stream of blue for the target, leaving a tiny scorch on the far left side. “Good shot.” Shining Armor said smiling. “Now, do it again.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and gave a few more shots to the target. Meanwhile, Twilight and Rarity stood at the top of Ponyville Tower overlooking the Everfree Forest, the wind blowing briskly. “Applejack's still out there.” Rarity said solemnly. Twilight nodded. “So... are you certain this is safe?” she asked. Twilight only scuffled her hoof. “I never said that.” the alicorn princess said, spreading her lilac wings. “But this is the best way I know to really test your flying capabilities.” she announced as she leaped from the tower, soaring gracefully over the thick woodlands. “And if I can't do it?” Rarity asked as she leaped and glided behind Twilight. “I'll be sure to get you out of here, then, Rarity. You'll be safe with me.” she said, comforting her friend. The winds were oddly light as the two soared and swooped over the Everfree Forest. They could see great footprints in the groves they passed and huge amounts of trees uprooted and torn about, a scant few of them scorched and burnt. As they flew over the swamp, Rarity noticed something very odd. “Twilight!” the white pegasus called, flapping her wings, picking up speed as she came up beside her friend. “There's no animals anywhere.” she breathed. Immediately, Twilight curved her wing and rounded back over the forest. Sure enough, there were no animals or birds anywhere. Even if Applejack rampaged through the forest and scared them off, the animals would return eventually, and even if she did possibly eat some of them (Twilight getting a sick feeling at the very thought), there's no way she could have gone through all the animals. The two flew on and on throughout the forest until the sun was high in the sky, making the Everfree quite muggy and humid. Rarity was beginning to lose momentum, and Twilight could see this clearly. “I think it's time to head back.” Twilight said, Rarity sweating as she flapped her wings to keep up with her friend. The two flew on through the forest, still seeing no sign of Applejack or any of the animals. Coming to the edge of the Everfree, they both spread their wings wide and glided through the fields leading up to Ponyville. Rarity had never loved the feeling of a cool breeze so much. Coming to a landing in Ponyville square, the two saw Rainbow Dash looking quite sweaty and fatigued, drinking a large canteen of water, Shining Armor sitting with her. “How the training going, guys?” Twilight asked as Rarity walked off to get herself some water. Rainbow Dash only shook her head, her rainbow mane waving about. “Horrible!" Rainbow Dash groaned ."I can't even hit a measly-” “She's doing great.” Shining Armor said, Rainbow Dash's eyes widening. “Considering she's only had her horn for barely a week, she's progressing brilliantly-” “That's not what you said all day long!” Rainbow Dash sputtered, a mixed look of confusion and irritation on her face. “He's captain of the royal guards, Rainbow.” Twilight explained. “He's supposed to be tough on you.” Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to argue, but she knew Twilight was right. She had just been through the Wonderbolt Academy. It was almost exactly the same. “I guess I am doing better than I thought...” she said sheepishly, Twilight and Shining Armor both giving a giggle. Just then, they all heard someone calling their names. Turning, the three saw a tiny purple shape at the far end of one the lanes. Spike was running for them. “Guys! Guys!” he breathed, waving another scroll for them. “It's the princess!” “We've been getting a lot of mail lately.” Rainbow Dash sighed as Shining Armor and Twilight hurried to meet with Spike. “What's wrong with the princess?” Shining Armor asked. “Is it Tirek?” Twilight added. Spike shook his head. “She wants you both and Rarity to come to Canterlot for the Grand Galloping Gala.” Spike explained, panting slightly. Both Twilight and Shining Armor gave the baby dragon a look. “Is this really the time for that?” Twilight asked. “We're busy trying to ready ourselves for anymore danger.” Shining Armor said. Spike shook his head again. “She wants Twilight and Cadence there to raise morale for all of Equestria.” Spike said, pointing at the parchment. “She also wants Shining Armor to come and keep an eye out over the festivities.” Shining Armor scuffed at the dirt with his hoof. He wasn't sure if he should leave Ponyville. “Oh,” Spike said suddenly, shaking everyone from their thoughts “she also wants Rarity to make dresses for everypony... not that I can blame her.” Spike said blushing as he thought of Rarity's skills. Twilight bowed her head. The Gala last year was such a bore, but she did want to raise the hopes of Equestria. Maybe this is what she needed. To raise the spirits of Equestria. “I think we should go.” “But Twili-” “I said we should go.” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Spike, stay here in case Ponyville needs to send us another message.” she said, Spike opening his mouth to protest. Before he could say a word, however, Twilight was off. “Think she's gone to find Rarity?” Spike asked. Shining Armor shook his head. “I think she's had a lot on her mind lately.” he said, Rainbow Dash narrowing her eyes. “She's probably going to just clear her head. Rainbow," he said turning to the blue unicorn "can you keep an eye on Ponyville?” he asked. Rainbow Dash saluted silently. Sighing, Shining Armor started off to find Twilight. ===== It was uneventful in Canterlot. Everypony was indoors readying themselves for the festivities. Even Celestia and Luna were working around the clock for the Gala. Twilight spent the days mostly just walking through Canterlot castle while Rarity worked feverishly on the dresses. That morning, however, Shining Armor had disappeared. “Cadence comes here tomorrow evening for the Gala!” Twilight said as the guards presented her the news. “Where could he have gone?” she said in a fluster. Before she could continue, however, one unicorn guard sent a piece of torn paper whizzing for her. Looking at the slightly untidy scrawl, she could see that Shining Armor had written the note, saying only a few words; 'I know where the Harbinger Blade is. Don't come looking for me. I will be back before the Gala.' That was all that was written. Twilight could feel her face growing hot with anger. Shining Armor was so reckless. Growling, she torn the letter into pieces and stormed off through the door and made her way up to the tower. The sun was only just rising as she made her way to the summit. She thought of Spike. She thought of Shining Armor. She thought of how everything was all happening to fast. She was growing angrier and angrier just thinking about it, rage creeping up on her like a whisper. That evening, Rarity insisted on having the princesses fitted for their dresses. Celestia and Luna were both present with Twilight, but she thought it best not to speak of the recent happenings. They likely wouldn't want to talk in front of Rarity. While Rarity tended to their gowns (Twilight's being a puffed, pitch black gown with shining blue and lilac stars), Twilight watched the moon in the sky. Luna was imprisoned on the moon not long ago... and Twilight had a slight twinge of fear just thinking about it. What could have driven Luna to revolt against Celestia? Was it Zerus or something else? “Twilight?” Celestia said suddenly, causing Twilight to jump, Rarity giving a small gasp as she nearly poked herself with a needle. “What's on your mind?” Twilight did her best to hide her bubbling emotions. “N-nothing.” she lied, knowing neither Celestia nor Luna believed her as Rarity returned to her needle work. The next morning as Cadence arrived, Twilight felt furious with herself. She had finally had a moment the night before to speak with Celestia (who was still absent) and she blew it. It had to be everything that had been going on as of late, she thought to herself as she and a garrison of guards greeted her. It had to be Tirek's attack, Applejack's disappearance and the calamities that were befalling Equestria. That day also went in a haze as Rarity and the servants sent the four princesses around, having their dresses finished, having them at their positions to receive guests and the festivities enter their final planning stages. Twilight felt like a blank slate. She didn't want to be here. She wanted to get back to Ponyville and find Applejack. She wanted to be with all of her friends again. The sun set and the fireworks were set off, illuminating Twilight's emotionless face. As Cadence received the guests for them both (dressed in the same gown she wore when the games inspector visited the Crystal Empire, Celestia and Luna (dressed in beautiful red and navy dresses respectively) stood watch outside the main gates, a large garrison of guards flanking them as they met with each carriage that entered the city limits of Canterlot. Shining Armor still had not returned, and there was no word from Spike as to whether or not there had been any activity at Ponyville. Just then, as the final guests had entered, both Celestia and Luna turned to the pitch black horizon to see a burst of fire. “What is that.” Celestia said sharply, narrowing her eyes. Luna, however, powered her horn, her dress replaced with shining, golden armor. “What you were afraid of, Sister.” she said, a mass of dragons on the rise. Canterlot was under attack, just like Discord warned the princesses it would be.