Twilight slowly walked up to her home, still a bit confused about Rarity's reaction but a few minutes earlier. She noticed the door open a crack, and quietly entered. The sight caused her to nearly pass out from shock.
The library was a mess, books had been launched everywhere, and in the center of the room sat Spike, messily tied all the way up to his neck in rope. Beside the dragon, two fillies and a yellow stallion conversed among one another.
“Thou did a fine job capturing this beast for me, 'tis fortunate that you crossed my path, noble hunters,” Tilting Windmills proudly stated.
“Yeah! We did do a great job, didn't we?” Scootaloo beamed, rising her hoof in the air.
Sweetie belle mirrored her friend, and they slapped their hooves in congratulations. Afterwords, the gray filly leaned forward towards her purple scaled friend.
“Sorry Spike,” she whispered.
“I'm still not talking to you,” the dragon replied, a bored and slightly irritated expression on his face.
Twilight continued to watch from the sidelines of the front door, too paralyzed with the beginnings of an anxiety attack over her library's state to speak.
“Hey!” Scootaloo piped up, “Do you think we got our dragon hunting cutie marks?” she loudly questioned.
The two young fillies instantly looked towards their flanks. Still bare.
“Darn. I had a good feeling about that one, too,” the orange filly grumbled.
“I can offer something to both of you that may help, if thou are looking for thine marks,” Tilting stated.
“What's that?” Scootaloo questioned.
“Simple. Thou shall become my Squires, and we shall patrol the outskirts of the town, making sure everypony inside remains safe! Surely something as noble as that shall procure a mark worthy of one able to tame a dragon!” he proclaimed, gesturing to the still trapped Spike.
“Please don't act like it was a big deal. I smelled cookies, and you threw a net over me when I came down to eat them,” the baby dragon argued.
“A Squire, huh? Well... that might be kinda cool, anyway. It's worth a shot,” Scoots indifferently stated, dully looking at her hoof.
“Are there going to be monsters?” Sweetie Belle nervously asked.
“If there are, I will protect you from them! A true Royal guard has no fear in combat, and no mercy of any foul beast who sets out to hurt Squires!” Tilting boasted. “Why, it would be slain faster than the time I defeated a hydra with one broken foreleg, and only my trusty dagger to defend myself with!” the stallion proclaimed, gesturing to a flower he held in his hoof to emphasize his point.
“That sounds like a lovely idea!” a tense voice stated from the front of the library. They all glanced up to see Twilight, wearing a forced grin on her face and her ear twitching wildly.
“Uh, hi Twilight. What's up?” Scootaloo stammered, unsure on how to greet the mare in the midst of all the chaos of the unclean room.
“Hi girls!” the lavender unicorn nearly hissed, still wearing a forced grin. Her eye twitched.
“Well, it's been fun, but let's go outside, get some fresh air!” Sweetie Belle promptly stated, quickly stretching her forelegs over her head, and faking a yawn. She untied Spike, who promptly left out the front door. Sweetie then began pushing Tilting towards the exit.
“I cannot leave yet, young one, I still need to inquire ab-”
“Not while she looks like that, you don't,” Sweetie Belle quickly advised.
“Neigh, filly, I see not-” He stopped mid sentence as they passed the irked librarian, and both heard a light pop as she instantly turned her neck to face them, still bearing that eerie grin.
“-On second thought, mayhaps it can wait until tomorrow. I have never dealt with a possession before, and tonight- no.” He interrupted himself, breaking away from the two young fillies and turning to the irate librarian.
“Lady Sparkle. Thou art displeased, and 'tis my fault. Inside your establishment was a fearsome dragon, and I'm afraid that in the midst of our battle, a few books have been toppled over.” He bowed. “I apologize. You are welcome to punish me as you see fit, later. Now, however, I need to find Steedhelm so I can plot a course for it. Please.” He practically begged.
Twilight's face slowly, meticulously returned to normal, and she deeply exhaled to keep her emotions in check.
“Tilting, I forgot to mention, that 'dragon?' That's Spike. My research assistant,” the lavender unicorn replied briskly.
He rubbed his chin in thought. “That would explain how he's able to read such a peculiar language.”
“Peculiar?” Twilight repeated, “With a few exceptions in my spell books, everything here is in Equestria's common tongue.”
“I cannot read any of thine works.”
“Hmm. That's odd. The translation spell I cast should be applied to the written language too.”
“It has not worked,” He said.
“Hmm... well, I'm sure we can find Steedhelm regardless,” Twilight said, using her magic to bring a large map down from the shelf, and placing it on the table by her side.
“What sort of land are you from? Plains? Mountains? Any towns nearby that you remember?”
“Steedhelm is akin to this town- Ponyville, correct?”
“Yes. That's our town name.” Twilight agreed.
“Steedhelm lays in open plains and Elysian fields, the houses are quaint, like these, save for one. The gem of the country: Castle Steedhelm.”
“A Castle town?” Twilight asked.
“Indeed.”
“Well, there's only a few Castle towns in Equestria, so I guess you're from another country,” Twilight said, talking though her thought process. “And I guess that means-”
“Neigh,” Tilting interjected calmly.
“No? What do you mean, no?”
“Steedhelm is in Equestria, Lady Sparkle. 'Tis the Capitol,” He corrected in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Tilting... Canterlot is the Capitol.”
“Canterlot?”
“Yeah, you know, the precarious looking Castle town up on top of the mountains in the distance?” Kinda hard to miss,” Twilight replied, her voice more demeaning than she intended.
His confusion was evident on his face, he said nothing for several long moments as he tried to process her words. Finally, Tilting's amber eyes narrowed. “Does thou take me for a foal? Steedhelm has been Equestria's Capitol for as long as I have breathed air, I don't know where-”
“Maybe you were hit on the head before you were turned into stone, so I'll repeat myself: there is no Castle Steedhelm in Equestria,” Twilight argued.
Before the argument could escalate, there was a knock at the front door.
“I shall use that as my signal to leave. Have a good night, Lady Sparkle,” Tilting spat, his tone haughty and speaking her name and title with disdain. He briskly went to the door, and paused, noticing a slip of paper at his hooves. He bent down and grabbed a corner of it with his mouth. “Tis a letter for you, I believe,” the stallion said, his tone a step less harsh than it was mere seconds ago. He walked over, and placed it on the table for her.
“I see. Thank you,” She quietly answered as she took it from the stallion. Using magic, she tore the top off the envelope, and pulled out the letter. As she scanned the pages in front of her, the sound of the door opening and shutting let Twilight know her poorly informed guest had left.
Putting that aside, she read the letter in more detail. By the writing, it was clearly from Rarity.
“Twilight,” It began tensely, “In regards to our new acquaintance, I have a favor. Turn to Chapter 10, page 178 of 'Daring Doo and the Princess's Grace.' I'm sure you'll see what I mean. If it concerns you, I have an idea on how to deal with him. Meet me at Sugar Cube Corner at one 'o' clock sharp tomorrow. -R”
“Daring Doo? Huh. Wouldn't expect Rarity to be a fan,” the Scholar pony said to the empty room. She called her magic, and a purple aura lifted a book from the clutter on the ground. She scowled at the mess, promising herself that she'd clean the area up tomorrow morning. When it landed on the table, she cracked it open with her hooves, and began reading.
000
Applejack wiped sweat from her brow as she loaded the last basket of Zapapples onto the cart. Braeburn weakly smiled, and started hauling the goods towards the house.
As she looked over the now fruitless trees in the setting sun, she felt a warm sense of accomplishment pass through her, it caused a weak laugh to cross her lips.
“What's so funny?” Rainbow Dash questioned, limping towards the farmpony.
AJ thought it over. “Ain't nothin' funny, really. Jus' thinkin' how good it feels ta be done, ya know?”
“Speak for yourself. Every part of me hurts,” the cyan pony grunted, rubbing her neck with a hoof.
“Ya'll ain't never gonna be Wonderbolt material if ya can't keep up doin' this,” Applejack teased.
Rainbow Dash scoffed. “Stunts are totally different from this sort of grunt work.”
“Ya say that, but I kinda have my doubts.”
“Stunts you gotta be fast, and stylish, and, and cool! I'm three for three on that! This though, you need to be plain, and muscley, and you gotta do the same thing over and over until you want to pass out to avoid doing it for even a few minutes.”
“Dash?”
“Yeah?”
“'Muscley' ain't a word, sugarcube.”
“Is too!”
“Ain't,” Applejack stated, stomping her hoof on the ground.
“Is!” Rainbow Dash retorted. “I'll prove it! There a dictionary at the house?”
“There is. Wanna put bits where your mouth is?”
“What you thinking?”
“Let's say ya'll are right. That the case, I treat you ta lunch tomorrow, and you get first dibs at a drink durin' cider season.”
“And if I'm wrong?” the pegasus asked, nearly salivating at the thought of cider.
Applejack smirked. “Ya'll gotta work my chores tomorrow, and help the stall sell our Zapapple Jam.”
“Deal. I hope you know I plan on eating you out of house and home.”
000
“You sure the dictionary's current?” Rainbow Dash asked. They had returned home and immediately went over to check the dictionary in the living room shelf. As it turned out, Applejack had been right on a book's contents. For once.
“Last year's when we bought it, sugarcube,” the farmpony replied in a chipper tone.
“Well, maybe it's in this years edition,” The pegasus weakly countered.
Applejack ignored her reply, instead gleefully counting off what needed to be done. “Now, ya'll will need ta check the crops for any sickness, I usually look at the tomatoes first, then go clockwise from there 'round the acres. Afterwords, ya'll gotta slop the pigs. Applebloom can help ya with that, then ya can go man the stall. I think Breaburn's gonna do it till 'round lunchtime, so ya'll can at least keep each other company, then-”
“Ok, ok. I get it, geez,” Rainbow Dash groaned, blowing a strand of multicolor hair away from her eyes. “Remind me to never bet against you again.”
Applejack shot a grin towards her friend, before heading deeper into the house to check on everypony else.
Stopping just inside the dining room and peering over the counter top that separated the kitchen from the room she was in, AJ noticed Grannie Smith and Applebloom were still busying themselves with making jam. If it was anything like last year, they would be working far into the night. The rattling of worn water pipes above her head told her Braeburn was taking a well deserved shower upstairs. As for Macintosh and Zecora, well, they deserved some privacy, Applejack figured with a smirk.
She slowly walked to the dining room and took a seat, facing toward the living room, where Rainbow Dash was still checking the dictionary in a refusal to give up.
Applejack was surprised, Macintosh and Zecora had started to really spend time together as of the last few days. It probably had something to do with Mac saving the medicine mare's life, but they just didn't seem compatible, especially when she considered Macintosh's stoic and quiet demeanor was a direct contrast to Zecora's nature.
She paused in her reflections regarding the zebra. In all actuality, she didn't know the healer or her personality as well as she should, especially with Applebloom being so close to her. Not to mention the amount of times AJ had counted on the striped equine to help out the farm with some form of natural remedy or another, be it Grannie's hip, or a to deal with certain situations that would ruin harvests if left unchecked. Applejack never was downright hateful to her once the zebra showed that she meant no harm to the community, but the orange pony didn't go out of the way to make sure Zecora was doing decent, neither. A growing pit in her stomach made her suddenly feel as if she had failed, as a friend, as a sister and as a symbol of the Element of Honesty. AJ hated the feeling, and so she promised herself that she would try to be more accepting of the zebra and her rhyming quirks.
The sound of a door opening in the living room snapped Applejack out of her musings.
“Hey, uh, Wilting Pinwheels, right?” Applejack heard Rainbow Dash question.
Applejack slowly rose, moving towards the entrance of the room to listen in.
“Neigh. My name is Tilting Windmills, Rainbro Smash,” their guest politely replied.
“We both got a problem, then. My name's Rainbow Dash,” she said. From her tone, Applejack could guess that the pegasus was smirking. “Though I do consider myself just one of the guys.”
Applejack listened intently, but only heard silence from the living room for a moment.
“What? That was a great joke!” the rainbow maned pony argued.
The silence seemed to grow, nearly oppressive in its thickness, its aura nearly billowing out of the entryway.
“Come on! 'Bro' and 'Bow?' That's pretty classic wordplay, dude!”
Applejack held back a giggle.
“I... see...” Tilting slowly said, obviously confused and not understanding the blue pegasus at all.
At that, AJ couldn't hold it in anymore, and the farmpony loudly cracked up, entering the living room in near hysterics as she tried desperately to regain control. Finally, she voiced her opinion, in between hiccuping laughs.
“S-shoot Dash. Ya'll can't tell a joke worth a hoot,” the orange pony cheerily stated, still widely smiling.
“H-hey!” Rainbow Dash countered. “Not my fault this pony ain't in the know. Who honestly doesn't get what 'bro' means?!”
“Sorry 'bout my friend here, she's a bit high strung right now. That girl jus' can't stand losin' a bet, an' she's still a bit sore 'bout it,” AJ teased, giving a pointed smirk at her old companion.
“Whatev.” Dash defended herself with a casual roll of her eyes. She slowly clopped her way past Jack, towards the doorway leading to the kitchen and stairwell. “I'm gonna see if Braeburn's done with the shower.”
Applejack nodded, before turning to her guest. “So, ya'll find out what you need yet?”
He lowered his head and frowned. “Neigh.”
AJ clicked her tongue in thought. “Twilight couldn't find it on the map?”
“Neigh. She could not see it in any of Equestria's land, which is impossible. Steedhelm is the Capitol, after all, and surely t'would be at least a footnote about it.”
AJ blinked. “Do what now? That ain't right, sugarcube. Canterlot's always been our Capitol.”
“So you and Lady Sparkle seem to think,” He doubtfully replied.
“I ain't one for lyin', Tiltin'. Ya'll even remember where 'bouts Steedhelm is in Equestria?”
He stood, biting his lip. “Neigh. Save for it being in the open fields.”
Applejack kept silent for a moment, before adjusting her hat. “Ya think that whatever it was that turned ya into stone... think it mighta messed with yer noggin'?”
Tilting frowned as the conversation mirrored the one he had a few scant hours at Twilight's residence. However, at least this time the conversation was more subdued. Gentler.
“Neigh. At... at least I have my doubts,” he stated, his tone sounding as if he was trying to reassure himself.
“Alright.” Applejack nodded as politely as she could. She paused, and looked over at the pony. “Ya seem to be standin' better than earler today.”
“Indeed,” the yellow stallion agreed. “I have suffered bouts of weakness on occasion during the latter parts of the noontime, but mayhaps my constitution is recovering. I believe the walking helped immensely.”
“I can see that, yeah. I know when I'm feelin' weak, a good meal and a bit of work helps. Roughs up your muscles enough ta get ya goin' again.”
Tilting nodded. “T'would be a wise course of action- awaken the bloodflow, and sharpen the body.” He stopped, putting a hoof to his chin. “Hmm...” he hummed in thought.
AJ raised her brow. “Don't keep me in no suspense, sugarcube. What's got ya'll thinkin'?”
“Jack, if I may ask thou a favor; allow me to assist thine farm on the 'morrow. I shall recover my strength this way, and slightly relieve myself of the burden I have placed onto thine family's estate.”
“Ya'll ain't no burden. It's the Apple family way ta help ponies who need it. We don't expect anythin' in return,” she earnestly said, then continued with a slight smile, “But if ya'll wanna help, I reckon I could get ya somethin' ta work on tomorrow. We need somepony to pull weeds in my Grannie's garden.”
“T'would be an honor,” the stallion promptly agreed.
Applejack cracked a friendly grin. “Glad you're a bit more eager than Dashie was. Hang 'round, I'll get you some overalls ta wear fer tomorrow.”
She left quietly and went up the stairs. Tilting looked at some of the family photographs that adorned the walls, a wistful smile on his face as he gazed at the happy group shots and was reminded of his own kin.
Finally, the farmpony returned, carrying a pair of well-worn navy blue work duds on her back.
“Ain't the spiffiest lookin' things in Equestria, but they did their job jus' fine back when Macintosh was yer size.” Applejack said, before grabbing the article of clothing in her mouth, and tossing it over to Tilting. He fumbled, and dropped the overalls on the ground, before slowly picking it up with his hooves, his amber eyes wide open in amazement.
“'Tis a fine piece, this armor. Built by a grand smith, one wholly in love with their craft. I would be honored to represent thine Home in the upcoming battle, friend.” Tilting whispered, looking at Applejack as if she were less of a near stranger, and more of a comrade at arms in a war that was waging only in the yellow stallion's head.
The farmpony remembered her promise to treat Zecora better, and decided to extend the olive branch to the newcomer too.
“W-well... I was thinkin' less of a battle, and more 'long the lines of the weeds- like we was talkin' bout earlier.” She nervously chuckled.
As she spoke, he already had turned around, and headed for the door, overalls clasped tightly in his mouth.
“Where ya'll goin'? It's startin' ta get late.”
Tilting turned his head slightly as he stood by the front door. “To stand vigil over this divine armor, so that it may grant me its boon and protection in the battles to come.”
So saying, Tilting Windmills left the home, leaving a confused Applejack scratching her head with a hoof in bewilderment.
000
Dinner came soon afterword, and though normally the Apple family was more than keen on cooking their own meals, none of the ponies currently there wanted to disrupt Applebloom or Grannie Smith while they were making the Zapapples into jam. So, they did something unusual: they gathered a few bits from between all of them, and coaxed Rainbow Dash to make a brisk flight into town before the shops closed. The cyan pegasus came back with egg rolls, rice, and duck sauce.
Grannie Smith and Applebloom came to the dining room, and everypony had a great meal. Everypony, that is, save for Tilting Windmills, who had yet to return from his 'vigil.'
After eating, Applebloom yawned loudly and rubbed her eyes.
“Seems like somepony needs ta get upstairs and grab a bit a shuteye.” Braeburn smirked, before yawning himself.
“Eyup. I reckon so,” Big Macintosh said to Braeburn, his stoic demeanor only showing a slight glimmer of enjoyment at the other stallion's sense of humor. “But Braeburn's right, Applebloom. Ya'll get some rest, ya got school tomorrow, and we ain't gonna let ya take off like we did today.”
“B-but I ain't even sleepy,” the filly said defensively, rubbing her eyes once more. “An' Grannie needs my help.”
“Do not fret, my little one. I will help your Grandma with the fun,” Zecora said with a wink.
“Mighty kind of ya, Zecora.” Applejack nodded approvingly as she gathered the trash from the meal. As she grabbed Macintosh's plate, she looked out the window by his seat, and frowned.
“Let's go, Applebloom. If yer nice ta me, I'll read ya a bedtime story.” Braeburn laughed.
“I ain't little, I don't need no story read ta me.” The filly pouted.
“Ah. Well, in the case, ya reckon ya'll could read one ta me?” the cowpony questioned, as he picked up Applebloom from her chair, and sat her down on the ground by him.
“Maybe...” she reluctantly agreed, as the two walked up the stairs together.
Macintosh watched them with a slight nostalgic smile, before slowly turning to Applejack. “I couldn't help but notice our new friend ain't 'round. Somethin' happen?”
Applejack shrugged, putting the trash in a nearby wastebasket. “Beats the heck outta me. He went outside jus' a bit 'fore Dash shot off ta Ponyville fer the grub.”
“His fault for missing it,” Dash replied bluntly, tossing the last eggroll in the air and catching it in her mouth, chewing loudly.
“Ya want me to look fer him?” Mac questioned, ignoring Rainbow Dash for the time being.
“Naw. Ya get rested up, I'll want ya manning the stall come 'round noontime,” the farmpony dismissed. “I'll see 'bout findin' him.”
000
Applejack stepped out of her home and into the night, her path illuminated by the bright face of Luna's moon and the stars the Dark Princess showered onto the night sky. She took to scanning the area around her. The road leading out of the estate had nopony traveling it, nor did it have any recent hoofprints. She continued looking across the horizon. Something caught her eye on the northern side of the acres, past the rows and rows of green trees baring apples, and up upon a grassy hill. There was a small campfire, its glow just barely visible from the distance. With a sigh, she started towards the light at a brisk canter.
She arrived near the base of the hill ten minutes later. She groaned, the earlier work plus her quick pace here did nothing to help her tired muscles. Briefly, she stood by the closest tree she could find, and listened. On top of the hill, a stallion's cultured voice spoke, as if in conversation. Normally, she would be up the hill and talkin' already to the pony, but curiosity got the better of her. She silently crept up the incline, taking care as she moved her powerful body in a style reminiscent of a predator; cautious. Subtle. Ready to strike at a moments notice.
As she nearly rose to the apex of the terrain, she could finally hear Tilting Windmills voice clearly.
“...Love not what thou art or have been, only what thou may become. Live life the same in the sun as the nighttime. Hope.” He took a breath filled with emotion. “Always hope. With every ounce of your heart.”
Applejack rose slightly to sneak a peek. Tilting sat with his back turned away from the fire, and fixed his gaze upon his 'armor.' The stallion sighed, and turned his head north, gazing upon the faraway hills that housed Canterlot.
“Is there something wrong with me? I recall those mountain ranges, at least, in the recesses of my mind, I have.” He put a hoof to his temple. “Neigh, neigh, I must have seen their features, but the city that sits upon them? 'Tis nothing I have encountered before.” Tilting began to rub his temple with a hoof. “Mayhaps Jack was right. Mayhaps Discord indeed changed me, trifled with my mind or thoughts...”
Discord.
That name made Applejack rise from her hiding spot, to be in clear view of the yellow pony.
“Tiltin',” AJ stated, announcing her presence and snapping the stallion from his thoughts.
The pony in question turned towards her with a welcoming nod. “Jack. I had not expected you to grace mine presence until the 'morrow's rooster called thou awake.”
“We ain't seen ya'll since before dinner. I got worried.”
The stallion smiled. “Your kindness is appreciated, friend.”
“What ya doin' out here? We got a room ready,” AJ asked, buying time as she thought about how to politely phrase her question regarding the God of Chaos.
“Neigh. I shan't sleep tonight, Jack. 'Tis a duty of a Knight Errant to guard over the blessing of new armor for its first night, and reflect upon his life during that time.”
She glanced down at the torn and patched overalls he sat by and quirked a brow, remaining silent, before a particular word caught her ear. “W-wait,” Applejack stammered, confused. “A Knight Errant?”
“Indeed,” He proclaimed. “A Royal guard pony that has been ordained by Celestia and Luna of Steedhelm to go about the land and keep order, and to battle the wicked back to whence they came. I am one among eight other ponies who have made it our duty to protect the Royalty and defeat its foes.”
Applejack kept her mouth shut, but just barely. Sometimes, being the Element of Honesty really didn't help a situation any. Nothing he was saying made much sense to the farmpony.
For one, she knew that the Princesses were in Canterlot, none of that Steedhelm business. Secondly, unless it was some sorta fancy Canterlot term, AJ had never heard of a 'Knight Errant.' Not even to mention that if Tilting was a Royal guard, he was the most scrawny one she'd ever seen. There was clearly something wrong with the brown manned pony facing her, and he seemed to be on the borderline of noticing it himself.
“Tiltin'.”
“Yes, Jack?”
“I overheard ya before I started talkin'. The name Discord is familiar ta me. How do ya know 'em?”
The stallion froze, clenching his teeth in a deep scowl. “That foul beast has decimated our fellow guards, and is holding Castle Steedhelm and her bounty under siege. I attempted to battle him with sword and shield, but I was injured by one of his troops, and suffered an affliction of stone he conjured upon me.” He looked away from Applejack, toward Ponyville. “In addition to transporting me towards an area I only have the slightest knowledge of. That's why, Jack, I must locate Steedhelm upon a map, and travel there with haste. The Princess of Dawn and Dusk are both in danger.”
Applejack shook her head in disagreement, but did decide to reassure the pony. “I still ain't got no clue why ya think Celestia and Luna are at this Steedhelm place, but ya can rest easy. Discord's taken care of, believe me.”
At this, Tilting Windmills took a breath of air, his grim countenance from earlier melting away. “'Tis joyous news to hear that blight has been erased from the lands. What about his master?”
At this, Applejack frowned. “His what now?”
“His creator,” Tilting elaborated.
Applejack scowled. “Now yer just yankin' my chain, pardner. Either ya don't know what yer talkin' bout, or-”
“Jack, please,” the pony argued. “I am far from one for lying. I am a humble Knight Errant, t'would be unseemly for me to speak falsehoods. If he still draws air, I mus-”
“-Yeah. An' I'm sure the fact that Steedhelm ain't on no map just shows how little ya'll 'speak falsehoods,'” she snapped, before briskly turning. “I'm headin' back inside. Ya got a bed waitin' upstairs, if you get tired watchin' that 'armor,'” the farmpony spat, already heading downhill.
Applejack slowed down at a row of apple trees about halfway to the house, her flash of anger already gone, and the fatigue of the earlier day's work wearing her system down considerably.
The farmer always had what Macintosh called 'a short fuse,' but it burned out quickly, and left her usually with the pang of regret in her veins.
AJ really shouldn't have snapped at the stallion, despite the impossibilities he kept spewing forth from his mouth. Tilting couldn't help it; in his mind, he surely was a just and honest guardpony, just as Discord made her a liar and Big Macintosh a dog. There had to be a way to bring him back to the real world, and tomorrow, she knew just the pony to talk to about it.
000
Tilting Windmills squinted his eyes into near slits as the sun began to rise upon the distant horizon. His small fire had burnt out and his body was soaked in the morning dew, but he had accomplished what he set out for. His armor awaited him and he responded in kind, donning it briskly. It was slightly loose, but he knew that it would be a reliable piece of equipment in his coming tribulations. He would need to thank Jack for presenting such a glorious artifact from Ser Macintosh's personal armory.
Briefly, his thoughts returned to the mare. He had upset her last night somehow, and he, being a Royal guard of the highest caliber, would need to do the honorable thing and make it up to her in some way. But first, he had made a vow to that very mare that he would take care of a gardening issue.
Why she wanted him to do that while fully armored was another question. He rubbed his chin in thought.
Unless she is more than appearances would suggest.
He nodded in agreement at the errant thought. It made sense; why would a simple farmpony hold such a potent set of armor? Perhaps gifting it to him served as a subtle warning, wordlessly letting him know that he needed to be on his guard, even in such peaceful looking lands and while performing such simple tasks. Tilting smiled grimly. He expected nothing less from a pony like Jack.
Ever since he awoke inside their home, he could sense something in Jack and Macintosh, a sort of radiance and resilience not found in normal farmers. The 'Knight' could only conclude one thing: They were Royal guards too, affected by Discord's vile powers of darkness, and made to speak lies in an attempt to sway his heart away from the truth.
His brow narrowed. Perhaps Lady Sparkle was in a similar position. It would explain the altered language on her books, and her inability to find Steedhelm.
The earth pony grit his teeth in frustration. If that were the case, he was in just as bad of a position as when he first awoke from his slumber. Even worse than when he awoke, he suddenly realized.
The spell he willingly let Lady Twilight cast on him so he could comprehend this foreign tongue. Maybe it wasn't as innocent as it first appeared.
Sweat began to bead along his forehead at the thought before he shook his head in disagreement. Applejack had given him such a reassuring gaze as the spell touched his body that he doubted her insincerity. She was a strong one- that had to be it- fighting against Discord's power, the beast's attempts to turn her must have been only partially successful.
There may be a way to return Jack to his side, to the way of truth. He just had to think of how to do it.
With this belief in his heart, Tilting earnestly returned from the fields and began the arduous job of weed pulling.
000
Rarity awoke from her bed with a gasp. Clutching her heart with a hoof, she rose partway and looked frantically around her immediate area for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Spotting nothing in the golden rays of Celestia's dawn, she slumped back onto her mattress with a weary groan, and wished she could shut her curtains without the need to rise. Inspiration stuck, as magic shot out from her horn and shut the offending curtains.
Last night's dream was particularity vivid, filled with strange, frightening creatures of fur and fangs, and even stranger lands of rust and dirt that she was already trying to sort through and process in the methodical, no-nonsense manner she used in her dealings with clientele and their typically picky orders. Knowing that sleep wouldn't come to her, she picked herself up with an exasperated sigh.
Rarity slowly walked out of her room, and took the flight of stairs down, before barging into the kitchen. The unicorn started up a pot of coffee, and moved to her design room for a moment. As she jotted down the contents of last nights dream, the beep of the coffee maker alerted her to its ready state. The unicorn rose and moved back to the kitchen, preparing herself a cup. As she drank the strong, black beverage, her thoughts turned towards her days plans.
She had until precisely twelve-fifty to work on clientele, then she had to leave her home to promptly arrive at Sugar Cube corner in order to discuss the important matter of Tilting Windmills with Twilight. She estimated that meeting to last until two-thirty at the latest. Afterward, she was in desperate need of gemstones, and would see if the Liberian would be willing to let her number one assistant join her on the hunt for the precious minerals. After she returned with enough gems to last her for several weeks, she would have a cup of tea and brainstorm for a new pattern to wear at a Canterlot soiree a few weeks from now.
Her eyes shot open at the thought of the soiree, as it turned her thoughts to tomorrow. She knew Pinkie Pie had a party planned in the evening, but Rarity had completely neglected to pick out a suitable dress to wear! She put a hoof to her forehead at the shock of forgetting something so important, and felt the start of a dizzy spell take over her body as she sat in her dining table chair.
000
It was late in the morning when Applejack strode into Ponyville, grateful for the unexpected day off, thanks to Rainbow Dash not knowing when to give up. It was quiet for this time of day, due to a large amount of the population actually crowding near the farm gates to buy Zapapple jam. AJ checked the throng of ponies waiting for the stall to open, but the mare she needed to speak with wasn't there, at least not yet. The farmpony was far from surprised though, as the mare in question wasn't really the quickest to wake up.
Finally, Applejack came to her destination, and she knocked at the door of Ponyville's library.
It wasn't but scant seconds later when a bleary eyed and slouched Spike opened the door. He winced at the light of day, and gestured inside, wordlessly inviting the farmpony in.
“Ya'll look like a train hit ya, Spike.”
“Had a whole box of ice cream before bed,” the dragon groaned, clutching his head.
“Well shoot lill' guy. Surprised Twilight didn't put a stop to that,” the orange mare chuckled.
“You kidding? She was up all night studying. Again.” He grunted, before wincing slightly. “I'd kill for something to take care of this ice cream headache.”
“Raw egg an' orange juice,” Applejack replied.
“What?” the dragon asked, unsure that she heard him right.
“Get a glass'a OJ, an' a raw egg, then chug both'a them down. Mac says it works wonders when he's had a few too many the night before, an' I reckon it'd be the same for ice cream,” she reasoned.
Spike looked unsure. “Have you even tried it?”
“Yep, Macintosh let me have some whiskey before, let me tell ya, that stuff bur-”
The suffering dragon's unamused glare silenced her in a heartbeat.
“Heh. Ya meant the treatment,” She realized. “Nah, can't say I ever have. Worth a shot, though.”
The dragon glumly agreed. “Yeah. I think I'll head over and try it. Twilight's upstairs if you're needing her.”
So saying, Spike walked past the stairwell leading upstairs, and entered the kitchen. Applejack climbed up and entered the unicorn's room.
Twilight was already up and pacing, taking a furtive glance out the window every now and again. This fact surprised Applejack, as normally her studious friend would still be in slumber for at least another hour.
“Howdy, Twi,” AJ cheerfully drawled.
“Mor-” Twilight yawned, cutting herself off. “-Morning.”
“Not much sleep last night?” Applejack guessed, moving over to Twilight's bed, and taking a seat on it. Twilight moved over to the ledge by the window, and leaned against it, crossing her forelegs.
“Barely even a wink,” the unicorn said.
“Somethin' up?” the orange mare questioned, eager to help her friend, if she could.
“You first,” Twilight shot back casually. “Normally you don't come around here until late in the afternoon, unless you got a problem.”
Applejack took her hat off, and started to slowly fiddle with it. “Tiltin' Windmills told me ya couldn't find Steedhelm,” the farmpony quietly stated.
The unicorn uncrossed her forelegs and rested them at her sides. “I could not find it on the map, no,” she replied, cautiously.
Applejack seemed to take more of an interest in her hat, dusting the top off with a hoof. “But there's more to it, ain't there?”
“Applejack... what do you think of him?” Twilight asked, slightly bracing herself for the news.
“Still wonderin' bout that myself,” AJ drawled. “On one hoof, he's helpin' round the house with odds 'n' ends, not to mention that he seems downright polite.”
“On the other?” Twilight encouraged.
“On the other, that pony's done nothin' but confuse me since wakin' up. He done told me he's some sorta Knight- a high ranking Royal guard member, accordin' ta him- but he clearly ain't built for fightin'. As ya know, Tiltin' said he's from Steedhelm, a place ya'll don't have on a single map in here, but here's the kicker: He told me that the Princesses are from there.”
Twilight paused. “That's new. He never mentioned anything to me about Celestia or Luna. Did he say anything else?”
“Well, Tiltin' told me Discord turned him into stone.”
The scholar chewed on that. “That part is feasible, at least I think. We still don't know how the powers of chaos effected Equestria in the long term sense. Most things were reverted after we returned him into his prison, but a few things did require direct intervention on a unicorn's part.”
The earth pony still looked troubled, she brought her hat back to her head, and rested it low on her face, as she debated speaking her mind.
“If there's more, Applejack, please let me know. We just need to make sure his isn't going to be a threat to himself or others,” Twilight gently coaxed, moving to AJ and putting a hoof on her shoulder.
“He ain't the type to hurt anypony, least I think,” Applejack defended with a shrug. “But I get what yer sayin'.” She frowned. “He said somethin' to me. Somethin' that actually got under my fur and made me mad. Somethin' that I know ain't true.”
“Go on, what's this 'something' you keep mentioning?” Twilight urged.
“Well, he said Discord was assultin' Steedhelm right now. That's why he wanted back there so urgently. I told him the bare bones truth; that Discord had been taken care of. He seemed happy, fer a bit. Then he asked me if his Master was defeated.”
The lavender unicorn thought this information through. “It would make sense, him thinking that. His peculiar eccentricities are supplying him a boost in ego, making him feel invincible, and blowing innocent situations out of proportion. If Discord has been defeated, and not by his hooves, then in his mind, that would mean the God of Chaos was a pawn, and Tilting would have his chance at regaining honor by defeating something even grander than-”
AJ shook her head. “That ain't what matters, none of that fancy analyzin' stuff does. What matters is, deep down in my heart, I felt it.”
“Felt, uh, what, exactly?” Twilight slowly asked.
The orange pony took a breath, and narrowed her green eyes in thought as she adjusted her hat to its normal position. “That there may be some truth in his tall tales. That maybe... maybe there is more to it than Tiltin' being crazy.”
Twilight could hardly believe her. “You're joking, right? Have you seen how that pony acts?”
“Twi,” AJ said. “Ya'll know who your talkin' to?”
“Of course I-”
“Applejack, the Element of Honesty. The loyalist and most dependable a ponies,” she interrupted. “An' let me tell ya, sugarcube, I can tell when somepony's yankin' my chain good. Tiltin' honestly thinks that somethin's up, I can tell that. An' as I'm sure ya know, all sorta lies start out with a grain a truth in 'em.” Applejack frowned, looking intently at the unicorn before her. “Twi... there's gotta be a bit a truth in him.”
000
Tilting Windmills finally finished the task Jack had requested of him, and he rose from his near prone position, dusting his 'armor' free of the garden's dirt.
As he pondered what to do for the rest of the day, the sounds of a crowd drew his ears. Granted, he had heard them most of the day, but now that he had finished and won his battle with the weeds, the crowd was akin to a siren's call, one he was compelled to investigate.
It turned out, at the edge of the property, by the dirt road that led to Ponyville, there was a line of ponies as far as the eye could see, and they were all standing patiently, waiting until they could stop by a booth selling a rainbow colored substance in a mason jar, sold by Braeburn and Rainbow Dash.
Tilting moved over to the side of the stall, to not impede the throng of ponies passing by.
“What manner of concoction is this?” the yellow stallion asked, gesturing a hoof to the stack of jars.
“Well pardner, that there is Zapapple jam!” Braeburn replied, grinning. He turned away from Tilting to sell a jar of jam to a light brown stallion, and then turned back to the 'Knight' after the transaction was complete. “It's one of the best treats ya'll ever taste. One thing I wish Appleloosa had the means ta grow.”
“Well shoot, Braeburn, if you could make it there, you'd never have a reason to come back to Ponyville,” Rainbow Dash quipped, before yawning.
“Ain't that the truth!” Braeburn agreed as he sold another jar of Zapapple jam to a customer.
“So, this jam, what does it taste like?” the yellow stallion asked.
Dash put a hoof to her chin in thought. “Well... kinda like blueberry and apples, with some cherry, and a bit of blackberry to give it a kick.”
“That's 'berry' true.” Braeburn grinned.
The cyan mare scrunched up her face in disgust. “That pun was 'berry' bad,” she groaned in pain as she served another customer.
“Is there anything that either of you would request of me?” Tilting inquired.
“Nah, we're about ready to swap with Macintosh and Zecora, anyway,” Dash dismissed, waving a hoof.
“Very well then, Lady Dash,” the 'Knight' replied, with a flourishing bow.
“Hey now, none of that 'Lady' stuff with me, I hate those sort of girly things,” the rainbow maned pegasus insisted.
Braeburn grinned. “Aw, shoot Rainbow, Applejack sent me a picture of the dress ya wore at that Gallopin' Grand Party thing-”
“Grand Galloping Gala. And I only wore it because Rarity spent so much time on it,” Dash argued. “Any other time, you wouldn't catch me dead in a dress.”
Tilting turned, and started to return to the farm proper, when a familiar filly's voice called to him from the line of ponies waiting for jam.
He approached, and his eyes widened in recognition upon seeing a purple maned filly squeezed between two larger ponies.
“Hey there!” the orange filly called, waving a hoof to Tilting.
“I recognize thou! You are one of the dragon hunters I met in days past! One I dubbed my Squire!” the yellow stallion
exclaimed, pleased at their chance encounter.
“Huh? Days past? We met yesterday. I'm Scootaloo, and the other was Sweetie Belle,” the pegasus replied.
“'Tis a fine thing to see you here, in these lands. Has thou acquired thine cutie mark yet?”
“Nope. That's what I was gonna ask you about,” the young one said. “Remember how you said we could walk around town with you?”
“Indeed. However, we would be more than aimlessly wandering. We would be patrolling the area, steadfastly guarding the innocent that live upon these lands.”
“Um... yeah, sure,” the filly slowly replied. “And you think it'll get us a cutie mark, for being such great patrollers?”
“It is indeed possible, Squire Scoot.”
“Great!” the young filly exclaimed. “Tell you what, let's do that patrol thing after school, with Sweetie Belle- oh! And can Applebloom join us too?” she quickly asked.
“I know she is a sister to Jack, but does thou believe her to have a good heart? One that will uphold the knightly code of conduct and forsake all earthly pleasures for the betterment of Equestria?”
“The what now?”
“Good.” He nodded, oblivious to Scootaloo's answer. “You have my blessing. Henceforth, thou three shall truly be my Squires, and will promote chivalry's code of conduct to everypony that thou meets,” Tilting announced, putting a hoof on one shoulder, then the other, then finally resting it on her head.
“And here I was afraid he'd ask why I cut out of class early,” she mumbled under her breath.
“We shall begin the patrol shortly. Come and contact me when thou are ready,” he said, already moving towards the Apple family home.
“Oh boy... these cutie marks better be worth dealing with him.” Scootaloo groaned.
000
Rarity arrived at Sugar Cube corner with precisely two minutes to spare before one 'o' clock, and informed Mr. Cake that she wanted a patio seat today. He briskly moved away from the counter he was watching, and escorted her over to a table outside, relativity secluded near the side of the building and under the shade of a large umbrella. She requested a glass of hot tea. After jotting down her order with his mouth and a notepad, he departed.
It wasn't but a few scant minutes later when Twilight cantered around the corner.
“You're late,” Rarity sniffed, then noticed Applejack following a few hoofsteps behind. “And you brought company.”
“Twilight said ya might be interested in hearin' bout what I know,” the farmpony stated, taking a seat at the table while Twilight followed suit.
“About what?” Rarity sweetly asked, batting her eyes innocently.
“Ya know what I mean.” AJ scowled. “'Bout Tiltin' Windmills. Twi said ya might have an idea on what ta do with him.”
“Of course, darling. Did Twilight tell you of everything so far?”
Applejack shrugged. “Nah. We both jus' agreed he needed some help.”
“Well. I'll start from the beginning then. Steedhelm, it's-”
“I already know that part, sugarcube. Twi couldn't find it anywhere.”
“Actually... there's more to it than that,” the lavender unicorn finally spoke up. “When we found it, well, that's where things got interesting.”
“But ya said-”
“Nowhere on a map, AJ,” Twilight quickly stated.
“Where'd ya find it, then?”
“I took a look, and it was in a book.” Rarity smugly grinned. “More precisely, Daring Doo and the Princess's Grace. That's where Daring was born.”
Applejack pondered this for a beat. “So, he's actually from a pretty famous town?”
The farmer heard a slap and turned, noticing that Twilight had put a hoof to her face.
“No, Applejack,” Rarity groaned. “We're saying that the stallion is lying about where he's from.”
“I don't think he's lyin',” the orange pony defended.
Rarity started to talk, but Twilight intervened. “He might not be intentionally. But, it just seems convenient that he's from such an uncommon town name.”
“Uh, well, I guess.” Applejack diplomatically shrugged.
“It gets even more 'convenient' from there.” Rarity continued. “Everything. Every story he's mentioned in passing is from a Daring Doo book. His battle with a Wendigo?” She nodded to Twilight. “Daring Doo. The fact that he's an earth pony in the Royal guard? Daring Doo and the Chapel's Challenge. One of Daring's companions is an earth pony that's an honorary member of the guard.”
“Was there a book where Daring fought Discord?” Applejack asked.
Rarity turned to face the blond maned pony.
“When did he say this?” the fashioned focused pony questioned, raising her eyebrow in surprise.
“Last night. Said Steedhelm was under siege by 'em.”
Rarity pondered on this. “Well, I know Steedhelm does get attacked in Princess's Grace, but it wasn't by Discord, it was by Daring's archnemisis, Ahuizotl.”
Twilight finally spoke up, leaning her forelegs onto the table, and putting her hooves together in thought. “He could be altering events in his head, creating a sort of living illusion. Perhaps he associates the helplessness of how he felt when Discord attacked with the overwhelming army of Ahuizotl as he marched onto Daring's home. It's the only thing that makes sense to me.”
A slight shuffling noise from the umbrella drew their attention.
“Unless he's actually from the books, and he somehow got Discorded over here!” a familiar mare's voice chirped. Pinkie's upside down face slowly appeared from above the umbrella, and she laughed to herself when her whole head finally came into view.
“Pinkie, darling, when did you, uh, arrive?” Rarity daintily questioned.
“When you three were talking about maps,” she cheerfully said, leaning forward more until she was hanging halfway over the umbrella's edge.
The party pony reached to the top of the umbrella and produced a cup of steaming tea, which she sat down in front of Rarity with an almost unnatural grace. After setting it down, she reached back up on top of the umbrella. She held in her hoof a small notepad.
“And what sort of super-duper-awesome-possum scrumpastic things can I get for you two?” Pinkie queried.
Twilight stole a glance among her friends. “Uh, a daffodil sandwich should tide me over until dinnertime.”
“Okie dokie loki!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Applejack?”
The farmer thought, but only briefly. “Been a bit since I had beans and cornbread with a nice glass of milk. If ya can, that is.”
“I can! Be back in a moment!” the pink pony called, quickly retreating to the top of the umbrella. In seconds, it was noiseless and Twilight got up from her chair. She rose onto her hind legs, and peered on top of the umbrella.
“Not a trace of her,” the scholar said to herself in shock as she returned to her seat.
The white unicorn cleared her throat. “As I was trying to say before Pinkie was, well, Pinkie, I have an idea on how to deal with Tilting Windmills,” Rarity said.
“I'm listenin',” Applejack drawled.
“Well, Tilting is either one of two things; either an excellent liar who is hiding his true motives and reasons for his stone imprisonment, or he's actually delirious, due to some form of disease, or through Discord's influence. Can we all at least agree upon that?”
“I reckon,” AJ cautiously replied.
Rarity glanced between her two friends. “What does a pony do to prove a liar wrong?”
“You present solid evidence that contradicts their view,” Twilight said.
"And if somepony is in a state where they can't differentiate between reality and fantasy, how would a pony possibly get their mind back to normalcy?”
“I- I'd say show them what is, and what ain't,” AJ stated with a nod.
“Good.” Rarity beamed to her two students as she lifted her tea up to her lips with magic. “Delicious,” she said under her breath. “Anyway, here's what I believe would be an excellent plan; Twilight, we need to utilize your study habits. Can you be a dear and research something for me?”
“Of course, what would you like me to look at?”
“The entire Daring Doo series. At least the more intense segments in each book, something that Tilting could boast about.”
“So you want me to read through one of my favorite book series again? Do you even need to ask?”
“Somehow, I had a feeling that would be your reaction, darling.” Rarity laughed. “As for you, Applejack, you have the privilege of being bait.”
“Do what now?” The farmpony blinked.
“Tomorrow at Pinkie Pie's party, you will be the one to steer the conversation towards dangerous ground. As soon as he states something we know for a fact that it's from Daring Doo, we will have him cornered. Then it's just a matter of piling on contradictions until we hear that pony speak the actual truth.”
“An' then he'll be right as rain? He'll actually be kicked outta whatever's wrong with his noggin'?” AJ asked, hope in her voice.
“A mental shock would be the best course of action, I believe. Admittedly, I don't know quite as much about the brain and disorders as I should, but there's only so much reading one can do in a day,” Twilight enthusiastically said.
“So, we are in this together?” Rarity questioned the two, putting her hoof towards the center of the table.
“In,” Twilight simply said, placing her own hoof over the tailor's.
“Eyup,” Applejack nodded casually, putting hers on top.
“Same here!” an excited voice nearly shouted, placing a pink hoof on top of the other three. Pinkie Pie stared blankly at them while she hung upside down over the table's umbrella.
She grinned from ear to ear. “So, uh, what exactly did I join?”
000
The noontime hour found Big Macintosh and Zecora manning the Zapapple stall, the sales still as brisk as they were that morning.
As Zecora passed a jar of jam to a mare, the zebra spoke to her large friend. “Ponies from all over the land seem to have taken a liking to your stand.”
“Eyup,” Macintosh agreed, nodding in thanks to a mare who had just purchased two jars of jam. He stole a glance over to his striped friend. “Yer cuts an' the like doin' any better?”
“My body surely has seen better days,” she laughed; a deep, throaty sound that reminded Macintosh of molasses- rich and sweet. Zecora continued. “But my injury's effect me little now; I am not fazed.”
“That's dandy,” the red stallion said. “I ain't too bad now neither.”
He briskly thanked a stallion for a jam purchase, before continuing. “I plan on takin' off these bandages after we're done here.”
“An idea I can agree with myself, Mac. I miss the freedom of movement those in bandages lack,” she said sourly, shooting a glare at her still wrapped torso.
“Might be a good idea for us ta stretch a bit after we take 'em off,” he suggested.
Zecora quirked a brow. “What exactly would you want to do? Care to give me a clue?”
“A clue, huh?” He smugly grinned, adjusting the straw of hay in his mouth. “How's this: You. Me. A picnic basket, an' the Whitetail woods.” His smile dried up, as a look of almost boyish timidness graced his features. “I know I promised dinner, an' this ain't all that fancy, but I figured a walk like this might be good for us. A way ta talk some.”
“That's an idea I can get behind. A walk in the woods sounds divine,” she agreed promptly.
Macintosh's face seemed to almost light up, and he smiled, staring deeply into Zecora's eyes, before a quiet, diminutive cough crossed his ears.
“Excuse me... I, uh, hate to interrupt your conversation, but...” A small, timid mare's voice trailed off from the front of the line.
Mac's eyes widened as he turned back to the crowd. “Shootfire! Here I am talkin' the day away when there are ponies to serve. Sorry Fluttershy!” he quickly apologized to the timid pegasus.
“N-no. It's fine, Macintosh, really,” she gently said, giving a kind, knowing smile towards Zecora.
000
Tilting Windmills yawned, the sleepless night finally catching up to him. He numbly walked the streets of Ponyville with his Squire, noticing nothing but his hooves in front of him.
“Uh, yeah. You alright?” Scootaloo questioned, waving a hoof in front of his bleary eyes.
He snapped to attention with a startled gasp. “Indeed, Squire Scootaloo,” he bluffed. “Tell me, when shall we encounter the others? Did thou not say they would join us promptly?”
“Yeah. School should be out in just a few minutes, and- aw nuts,” she said, before suddenly realizing her gaffe.
Tilting shook his head in disappointment. “Thou shouldn't abandon thine lessons, Squire. That is the first step towards the lofty goal of becoming a Royal guard.”
“Uh huh,” Scootaloo replied, automatically tuning his lecture out.
“Now, granted, I am far from a scholarly pony, but 'tis best that thou know why you carry a blade, true?”
“Yep,” she said, looking around the square for a moment.
“The young need to know what is just and honorable, correct?”
“Sure, sure.” The orange filly nodded, keeping a low profile as they passed by Rarity's shop, just in case the owner saw her skipping classes.
“Ergo, one can acquire that knowledge from historic tomes, instructors, family. Each one is a well of information, young Scootaloo, one thou should drink deeply from, lest ye become paralyzed with indecisiveness at a later date,” He stated with a raise of his hoof, to illustrate his point.
They reached the school gates; Scootaloo decided to continue the bluff. “I see. I never thought of it that way. Thank you, Tilting. Golly, I'm sure glad you set me straight!” she said, presenting the widest false smile she could muster.
“I knew you would see the rightness in my words, child.” The 'Knight' nodded sagely as a bell inside the school rang.
After the bell finished its loud cry, Scootaloo winced, bracing for impact.
Fillies and colts erupted out of the small building, eager to escape the oppression of school. If they noticed the stallion and filly by the gate, they paid them no mind, rushing past them like a river and nearly knocking Tilting to the ground.
“Applebloom! Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo called out to the massive wave of ponies.
“Comin', Scootaloo!” the twangy voice of Applebloom responded.
The three mares reunited just by the gate into the schoolyard.
“Did you skip again?” Sweetie Belle asked, adjusting a small satchel she had around her waist.
The orange pegasus grinned, saying nothing. Both her friends sighed simultaneously.
“So, why are you here? If Miss Cheerilee spots you, you'll have detention for like a week,” Sweetie Belle said.
“'Cause we're gonna get our cutie marks today, girls!” Scootaloo smugly stated.
“How?” Applebloom questioned. “I thought we'd tried jus' 'bout everythin'.”
The pegasus tilted her head towards an overall wearing stallion standing alongside the fence, who was watching some of the other foals running off.
The youngest Apple sibling blinked. “Him? That's the feller who's stayin' at our house. Shoot, I didn't expect he'd want ta help us.”
Scootaloo beamed. “Well, we DID capture a dragon yesterday, didn't we, Sweetie?”
“Uh-huh!” the unicorn agreed proudly.
“I miss everythin',” Applebloom complained. “Was the dragon scary?”
Sweetie Belle shook her head. “No, it was only Spike.”
“Well, that don't count. Spike ain't much of a dragon,” the yellow filly stated indifferently.
“It does to! He's just as much of a dragon as any of those ones Rainbow Dash fights!” Scootaloo loudly argued.
“Does not! Spike ain't mean like those others!” Applebloom countered, her voice increasing in volume.
“What art thou bickering amongst one another for?” Tilting Windmills asked, drawn to the noise.
“She's just jealous that we captured a dragon yesterday!” Scootaloo said.
“Am no-” Applebloom started, but was cut off by Tilting.
“Fear not, young Bloom! We shall be patrolling the outskirts of this sanctuary in but a moment. Mayhaps we shall discover a dragon for you to test thine mettle against!” The stallion loudly proclaimed, drawing the looks of several ponies that had came to pick up their children.
Realizing they were making a scene, and, more importantly, that if Miss Cheerilee came out right now, she was dead, Scootaloo gestured quickly away form the school. “Yeah, sounds great! Let's go, let's go,” she pleaded, suddenly realizing that her teacher normally would be heading towards the market around this time to buy a magazine; giving her something to read while she watched the crowd in detention.
“Thou seem eager to begin, 'tis a noble trait to have,” Tilting said.
“Yeah. Eager. That's me,” she replied, already jogging in place in an effort to get the others moving.
“Well then, let's go. We shan't keep Squire Scootaloo waiting,” The eldest of the four agreed, going at a steady canter south that the other three could keep up with.
“You got luck,.” Sweetie Belle quietly said, sticking out her tongue towards her winged friend.
000
They traveled to the outskirts of town before Tilting frowned.
“Is something the matter?” Sweetie Belle questioned.
“Neigh,” he promptly replied, yawning. “I just an a bit perplexed on where to start our travels.”
“Well, how 'bout startin' at Whitetail Wood? It's south a ways, an' if we go counter clockwise, we'll end up at Sweet Apple Acres in the end,” Applebloom suggested.
“'Tis a wise course of action, sister of Jack.” Tilting nodded.
“Who in all a Equestria calls my sister 'Jack?' Honestly,” she dryly asked under her breath, watching as Tilting continued south, already several hoofsteps ahead of the Crusaders.
“Come, fillies! We shall make sure these woods stay free and pure!” he spoke easily.
“Does he realize Whitetail's one of the safest parts of Ponyville?” Scootaloo asked the others quietly.
“Ya kiddin' me? I'd be surprised if he even knew what day of the week it was,” Applebloom muttered.
000
Whitetail woods was, as expected, clear of any abominations or demons. That didn't stop Tilting from leading them on a march through the gentle roads that crossed the lightly forested area. He finally brought them to a stop in a clearing that sat only about a hundred or so yards away from a pristine lake, and wiped sweat from his brow.
“We shall rest here until we have recovered from the strain of travel.” He panted, nearly gasping for air.
The three Crusaders looked amongst one another, not noticing any of them showing fatigue.
“Uh, sure, Mister Tilting,” Sweetie Belle said. “You just go and sit, we'll watch out for any, um, danger.”
He smiled fondly towards the filly. “You three will shape up to be excellent Squires, I'm sure of this fact.”
The yellow stallion moved over to the base of a tree, and sat down, leaning against it. It was but a few moments later when he shut his eyes and began snoring.
“Woah. He was tired, wasn't he?” Scootaloo asked.
“Guess so,” Applebloom agreed. “Now what are we gonna do?”
“You kidding? There's a lake. I'm going swimming.” The orange filly smirked, walking towards the water.
“How 'bout a compitition?” the farm filly offered, a sly grin of her own forming at the corner of her mouth.
“...I'm listening,” Scootaloo replied casually.
“Sweetie Belle, ya got a bit?” the red maned pony asked.
“Yeah. I don't gotta go to Rarity's unti-”
“Naw, naw. Ain't that kinda bit. Money,” Applebloom explained.
“Oh.”
The mare focused, and managed to use her magic to unbuckle the pouch at her side. Sticking her tongue out in concentration, she fished through the bottom of the pack, and pulled out a coin with magic.
“Got one!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, levitating the money into her waiting hoof.
Applebloom explained the game briefly to the other two ponies. “Alright, here's what I'm gonna do. I'mma throw that into the lake. Scootaloo goes first an' has ta find it in the water.”
“That's easy! I'll have it found in ten seconds flat!” Scootaloo boasted, trying to emulate her role model.
Applebloom gestured for the coin, and Sweetie Belle put it gently into the mare's hoof.
“Alright Scootaloo, ya ready?” the farm mare asked, rearing back.
The pegasus nodded. “When wouldn't I be ready, is the better question.”
Sweetie Belle, as if following an unspoken rule, decided to referee for the event. “On your mark...”
Scootaloo crouched down, eying the flat stretch of grass that gave way easily into gentle sand.
“...Get set...”
Applebloom blew on the coin, as if that would somehow make it magically go farther.
“Go!” Sweetie Belle cried out.
In one fluid motion, Applebloom chucked the coin out into the lake, just as Scootaloo lept into the lake, her wings buzzing and flapping furiously, launching water behind her. The coin landed on the far side, making rings on the surface as it submerged. Scootaloo identified quickly where it had landed, and she ducked into the water as she approached that area.
After a few tense seconds of the other two thinking she was in trouble, the orange pony nearly burst out of the water, gasping for air as her messy mane tumbled about her head. Catching her breath for a moment, she dove under once again. A few failed dives later, she emerged triumphantly, holding the coin up in the air.
“What was my time?” Scootaloo questioned as she returned to her friends.
“Three minutes, two seconds,” Sweetie Belle replied.
“Yeah!” The orange filly cheered, pumping her hoof in excitement.
“I'm gonna mop the floor on that time!” Applebloom argued.
“We'll see about that,” Scootaloo countered.
The three took up position around the lake; Applebloom crouched down low, preparing to spring into the water. Scootaloo clutched the coin like a lifeward, and Sweetie Belle looked at the two contenders with her game face on.
“On your mark...” the gray coated pegasus squeaked.
Applebloom gave a taunting grin to Scootaloo, confident in her abilities.
“...Get set...”
The orange filly was already rearing back on her hind legs, ready to toss the money as far as she could.
“Go!” Sweetie Belle cried out.
Scootaloo arced the coin too much, and it landed in the middle of the lake with an ungrateful plop.
“Easy!” Applebloom called, already diving into the water.
The filly swam vigorously toward where the coin landed. Taking a deep breath, she submerged herself.
The lake was deeper in the center than she expected, the bottom barely a faint outline in the murky water. Below here, there was a mound of basketball sized stones surrounded by a dense collection of seaweed. Her eyes scanned the area for any gleam of gold. Just as she was rising to get a breath of air, she saw it, fallen under a few rocks. She rose, anticipating the easy win once she resubmerged.
Popping out of the waterline, she took a few deep breaths and held one, diving once again.
She rocketed to the bottom, and reached the stones. It looked like the money had landed on another rock underneath the higher part of the pile, and she poked her hoof between a few of the stones on top, straining to reach. She almost came to it, but nudged it slightly, knocking it deeper into the pile. Applebloom wasn't going to give up on it, and she reached in deeper, all the way to her torso.
Finally, she felt the bit, and nearly cackled with joy, this was going to be one contest she'd win, hooves down. Only, there was a problem. She tried to pull her hoof out, but it was stuck. Her eyes widened in alarm as she tugged again, to no avail. Applebloom frantically tried to lift a stone so she could pull out, but she lacked the strength. Her struggle sent dozens of bubbles floating towards the surface as she began to panic and lose air.
000
The ponies anxiously watched the surface of the water after Applebloom dove down again, both mentally counting how long she had been under.
“She's been down there for a bit...” the unicorn said, chewing her lip nervously as she spoke what both were thinking.
“I'm sure she's fine. Just playing a joke or something,” Scootaloo replied, trying to sound confidant.
They both watched the calm face of the water suddenly erupt with bubbles, breaking its tranquility.
“If it's a joke, I'm not laughing,” Sweetie Belle crossly replied, moving towards the lake.
Scootaloo quickly raised a hoof to stop her. “I'll take a look for her. I'm the stronger swimmer.”
“O-ok.” She nodded.
Scootaloo dashed forward and rocketed across the water, coming to the center and diving.
The filly saw Applebloom, still struggling in the water and pulling on her hoof. The pegasus dove farther downward and reached the filly. Scootaloo grasped one of the stones trapping her friend, and lifted with all her might.
Her strength wasn't enough- the stones were too heavy. She grimaced, barely keeping her fear intact as she rose to the surface, leaving her helpless friend.
She nearly jolted out of the water as she broke to the surface.
“Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo screamed. “Get Tilting! She's in trouble!”
The unicorn turned around and dashed off to find the stallion as Scootaloo dove under once more.
000
Tilting Windmills awoke slowly, taking in the tranquil atmosphere as he stretched his forelegs above his head. The yellow pony gazed up into the green leafs and azure sky above. His thoughts turned to home, and the family and friends that waited for him there; provided he could figure out how to return. As he became more fully awake, he started to glance around the area. His Squires Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were watching the lake.
After a moment, Scootaloo dove forward, racing towards the center of the lake and diving. The filly stayed underwater for quite some time until she suddenly burst out, and shouted something to Sweetie Belle that he couldn't hear. After speaking, she dove once again, and Sweetie Belle began to run towards Tilting Windmills, calling his name loudly.
As she came closer, he nodded. “Squire Sweetie Belle, what is the matter?”
“A-Applebloom!” she shouted, on the verge of tears. “She's in trouble! Help her!”
His heart nearly jumped out of his chest. “Fear not, child, I'm coming!” the overall clad pony cried back, sprinting past Sweetie Belle and towards the lake. Without a second thought, he dove forward and started to clumsily swim towards the center, just as Scootaloo arose from the water, gasping for breath.
“Where is she?” Tilting asked.
“Down below. Hurry.” the orange filly tersely responded, coughing loudly.
Tilting Windmills took as deep of breath as he could muster, and dove.
He reached the filly, who seemed to be on her last leg- her glazed over eyes didn't regard him whatsover. The stallion noted the stones trapping her, and he landed in the seaweed, reaching over and hoisting the heavy rocks. He grunted from the weight, and saw his own precious air supply vanish upward.
As he lifted the last one holding her hoof down, she began to float upward, Tilting reached out to grab her. His rising to meet the filly was cut short when he felt a tug on his back legs that stopped him dead in his tracks a few feet above the lake bottom.
The stallion glanced down and saw that the seaweed he had landed in was tangling him up. He pulled and pulled against it, but that only served to wrap him up even worse. Above him, Scootaloo had dove once again, and grabbed the filly. She paused at seeing Tilting's problem, but the stallion waved her urgently up. She nodded, and rose, leaving the Knight down below.
Tilting continued struggling against the weeds, but felt his strength waning. His vision began to darken, and his hearing started to fade. The fire in his chest that cried for air was transforming into nothing more than a few stubborn embers. Strangely enough, his last thoughts were not of home, his family or friends, nor of his princesses or fellow Knights. They were instead of a farmer mare in a stetson hat who held a power inside far greater than she realized.