//------------------------------// // A new home // Story: Night Patrol // by Foxgear //------------------------------// Night patrol ch 4 By Foxgear Luna observed the town of Firehorn from above, standing at the fork in the trail she and Applejack had taken to the mine, having come back around on the trail Rawhide and Tough Hide took. Each of them felt a little nervous as they looked at their fifth companion, the Rinin leader Sixes. Who was looking rightfully nervous himself as they were but a stone’s throw away from the town now. Their mission was to bring Sixes down to Allure and hopefully smooth relations between the two clans before the dragons missed their tribute and decided come pay the ponies of Firehorn a visit. A visit from a dragon was never pleasant, especially if it involved tribute. Despite the need for haste she and her little band of ponies were perplexed on how to introduce Sixes to the town and the fact there were one hundred and forty-nine more of his kind up in the mountains. In the right light the Rinin could pass off as a Thestral, but once a pony got close enough to see his scales and other draconic features, a panic would most likely ensue, followed by a lynch mob. Luna’s first idea to ease the towns ponies fear was to have Sixes smile. Once he did and revealed his mouth full of razor-sharp teeth she promptly retracted the idea. Most ponies freaked out when bat ponies showed off their fangs. Ponies would probably mistake Sixes as a carnivore instead. “Perhaps the less the town ponies know, the better. We’ll introduce you as the culprit and move straight to you promising to return what stolen goods remain. We’ll work out the finer details with Allure in private. Is that agreeable?” Luna asked the Rinin, who nodded. Rawhide and Tough Hide flank the Rinin on both sides, while she and Applejack led the way down the mountain to town. Sixes looked like a prisoner, but it was the best way to protect him in case anypony freaked out or wanted play judge, jury, and executioner. Entering the town, they were met with mixed greetings. Ponies were happy to not only see Luna and Applejack return, but also the brothers. Their expressions took a downturn when they saw Sixes, ranging from confusion, fear, and anger. Some made moves to charge the rinin, but a stern look from the brothers made them back off. One pony picked up a rock, prepared to throw it. “Put it down, Truss.” Rawhide drawled. “But he!” The dirty blonde earth pony sobbed, wiping his tears fiercely. “He took our food stores! My younglings have been sleeping with aching bellies, and the missus has been getting thin with foal. I got the right for payback!” Empowered by their friend's grievances, others joined in their anger bubbling to the surface. “Because of him the Dragons will be on us! They’ll torch the town!” “Yeah! We should string up the freak! What’s he need all that food and gems for!” “What the hell is he anyway! Some eviler version of a night devil?” Luna’s eyes snapped toward the one to speak her most hated slur. The pony in question dropped his stone and backed away as the princess marched towards him, her eyes whited out while her hair began to dance wildly. With her magic Luna clamped the ponies hooves to the ground. The pony squirmed and whimpered as the Princess’s snarling muzzle came into clear focused view. Suddenly the uppity stallion found himself alone as his fellow townsfolk evicted the area. When she spoke her voice thundered, “Never speak that phrase in thy presence again! Never! Those you call Night Devils are ponies closest to my heart, my children of the night.” The Princess swirled around, meeting the eye of every pony in sight. Boldly she pointed to Sixes and in the same thundering voice declared, “Though not a child of my night, I hold him in the same regard. He has wronged you, yes, and he has come to right those wrongs. No matter their appearance everypony is entitled to a second chance. I expect any pony that lives under the Equestrian banner to believe the same.” The town ponies muttered quietly, their anger cooled by their fear of the Princess’s wrath. “We’re sorry, Princess. We forgot ourselves.” Truss muttered, meekly stepping out of the crowd. “But you have to understand, it’s not easy living here, and we don’t need a hard life being any harder, ya know?” Luna took a breath, her pupils returned and her hair settled down. She offered the miner a soft smile. “I understand, believe me I do. I may bear a crown now, but there was once a time in my life where I was desperate and unsure when the next meal would come. Words can only go so far, but believe me when I say, whatever you lost I will repay in double.” “What a generous offer, I’ll hold you to that, Princess.” Allure chirped trotting out of her home. The white unicorn let out a long yawn. “Sorry, I was taking a nap when I heard a sudden ruckus out my window.” Allure paused once she caught sight of Rawhide and Tough Hide. She smiled and joyfully galloped to the brothers, completely ignoring Sixes while she pulled them into a firm hug. When she pulled away she gave the two a big warm smile and then… BONK! She hit them right on the head! “That’s for making me worry. Next time come back when your supposed to!” She didn’t give them the chance to apologize, “Never mind that now, did you find our thief?” “Yep, right here.” Rawhide stepped out of the way, giving Allure a full view of Sixes. For a moment Allure was stunned as she just stood there staring, but then she cocked her head and began to walk around the Rinin with a critical eye, she poked his scaled flank, dug her hooves through his mane, played with his draconic tail and opened his mouth not even flinching at the mouthful of sharp teeth. “Are you done?” Sixes asked with mild annoyance. “Right sorry, lost myself for a moment there.” Allure let Sixes’ jaw drop close and she took a step back looking perplexed. “So, your a dragon pony, a handsome one too. I didn’t think your kind existed, so you're our thief?” “One of them, ma’am.” Sixes replied looking perplexed himself. “You’re not scared of me?” “Not really. I’ve dealt with full grown dragons a thousand times bigger and a thousand times less polite.” Allure took stock of her clan. Right now things were calm again, but they wouldn’t be for long. “Alright, down to business, why have you been stealing our food and gems? Just how many of you are there? You took enough food for fifty and enough gems for two full grown dragons to enjoy a decent sized meal for a month.” Sixes nervously glanced at the ponies surrounding him. There was maybe a estimated two-three hundred ponies here. He didn’t want to reveal his clan only numbered one hundred fifty, especially when a third of them were made up of impregnated mares and young foals. “It’s ok Sixes,” Luna assured him. He sighed, the Princess and brothers already knew, even if he said nothing the town would find out. “We number one hundred and fifty, plus me. We have a lot of younglings and foals, and mares expecting with foals.” A loud demanding growl came from his stomach as it tightened painfully. “We gave the vast majority of the food to them. Those of us able bodied, ate gems, we still have a good horde of them left. They don’t perish so we wanted to keep them around in case of an emergency. We’ll return what’s left now and pay the rest back when we can. I’m sorry, we didn’t think we had a choice.” The ponies of Firehorn looked beside themselves. They muttered quietly among each other, some didn’t look persuaded, while others had a bit more sympathy as they looked at the Rinin. With a simple raised hoof Allure brought the chatter to an end. “I believe you. You seem like an honest pony, and the Princess vouched for you. We’ll discuss the finer details of you repaying us for your… appropriating of our food and gems inside my house.” Allure faced the crowd. “All of you, back to work! I’ll take care of things from here.” The crowd mumbled, but they did disperse. “Rawhide, Tough Hide, please make sure everypony stays calm while I sort this out. No pony is to leave the town. I especially don’t want anypony going up that mountain with misguided thoughts. We will resolve this peacefully.” The brothers nodded, and departed from the group. Rawhide picked up a pickaxe and stood guard by the trail while Tough Hide went over to the refinery to keep an eye on everypony. “Please follow me... Sixes was it?” He nodded. “Good, please come with me. You too Princess and you as well Applejack. I’ll serve us some drinks.” Inside Allure’s house, Luna, Applejack, and Sixes sat at the table while Allure stood in the kitchen watching the coffee pot on the stove. Several times Allure would steal peeks at the Rinin, who would awkwardly smile back and reveal his sharp teeth, then promptly hide them again. Luna and Applejack found the exchange amusing. “Seems like somepony may have a crush, what do ya think Luna?” Applejack whispered quietly. Luna suppressed a giggle, imaging Sixes and Allure with little white and black foals running around. “An amusing thought Applejack. What do thou think of fair Allure, Sixes?” She asked the Rinin stallion, who nervously tapped his hoof on the table. “Well…” He began, struggling to find words, “She is gorgeous. Never saw anypony like her before. She’s different from the others, wasn’t scared of me at all. That said, it isn’t right to have feelings for her when I was stealing from her.” Luna and Applejack froze as the reality of things came into focus. After all the tension from outside sitting relaxed around the table was quite the contrast. “There we go. I hope you like your coffee black, Mr. Sixes.” Allure sang as she levitated a tray of cups to the table. “Never had it before, but thank you Miss Allure. I’m sure it will be delicious” Sixes replied politely. “Oh, if that’s the case I should warn you that…” Sixes already took his first sip, his face contorting into various comical expressions as he choked down the beverage. He set the cup down with shaky hooves while doing his best to smile. “Sorry about that, coffee can be a little bitter to first-timers, let me get you some tea instead.” Sixes waved his hoof, “No, no, you’ve been too kind. Let’s just discuss what we must.” “That is probably for the best.” Allure settled down across from the Rinin. “Now I do believe that you intend to repay us for the things you’ve stolen, and I mean no offence when I say this, but you don’t have a bit to your name do you?” Sixes’ blinked. “What’s a bit?” “Right,” Allure turned her attention to Luna. “So, I’m guessing you’ll be footing the bill than, Princess?” Luna nodded. “Good, that’s settles that, just bring whatever gems you have left to town and we’ll call it even for now, Sixes. Even if you only have half of the gems you stole are left it will be just enough pay our tribute to the dragons. Thankfully this matter was resolved before they found out. You by chance haven’t ran into any dragons, have you Sixes?” The Rinin shook his head, Allure breathing a deep sigh of relief. “Oh, thank the gods.” “Alright, Ah gotta ask, what’s going on here? Is Firehorn part of Equestria or not?” Applejack asked. “Rawhide said you’ve been here for generations.” “Four generations to exact,” Allure replied after a sip. “We were miners from the north unicorn tribes from the otherside of Canterlot. When my… lets see… Great Grandfather’s claim dried out he made a bid for some unsettled land, this land here. He bought it from… one of the Noble Blood families of Canterlot, I can’t remember which, but anyway he bought the land here, and then moved the entire clan with several other clans and wouldn’t you know it, there were dragons here! As you can imagine they didn’t take kindly to ponies showing up on their land. Especially ponies that claimed to have bought it from other ponies.” Luna let out a beleaguered sigh, “Let me guess, the pony that sold the land didn’t actually own it.” This event sounded familiar. She would have still been in Canterlot at the time this happened, but the details were fuzzy. It was well over fifty years ago after all. “Correct,” Allure snipped looking peeved. “But my grandfather couldn’t prove that and he had already paid the bank, so it was make do or die. And die was probably what would have happened if my grandfather hadn’t come to an agreement with the Dragon lord. See, as strong and prideful dragons are, they are also very lazy. So we mine the gems, give them a sixty percent cut and they let us collect their shedded scales, which makes amazing armor by the way. As long as we deliver on time, they do not care what we do. In some ways we’re freer than most ponies and in others we’re bottom of the barrel serfs with the constant threat of a fiery death hanging over us.” “Ok,” Applejack nodded slowly. “But that doesn’t answer mah question, is this part of Equestria?” Allure took a long sip of her coffee, “That depends on your point of view, Applejack.” “What the hay is that supposed to mean!” The farm mare retorted angrily, “It’s a simple yes or no question, right Luna?” Luna too took a long sip of her coffee, going through all the legal definitions she knew off the top of her head. “Yes and no, would probably be the most apt answer. While Allure’s ancestors did buy the land and establish an Equestrian settlement, this is still dragon land, so legally speaking Allure is more akin to a renter than land owner. I’d have to look up current settlement codes, but as far as I understand, no, despite being a pony town with Equestrians living in it, Firehorn is not part of Equestria.” “And dragons don’t mind you selling their scales as weapons and armor to ponies? Their not afraid they’ll be used against them?” Applejack pressed. “They can’t be stupid to think ponies wouldn’t use their own scales against them. In fact I bet they’d be outright insulted to know we were using their scales as clothes. I bet they wouldn’t like it if they had found Sixes and his kin sneaking around either.” Allure set down her cup. “No they wouldn’t have taken it too kindly if they had found Sixes and his kin, which is why it’s for the best they leave here. Lucky for us the dragons don’t visit the village often. Now I’ve babbled long enough, let’s finish our business, shall we Princess?” Sixes raised his leg, “If I may interrupt, what do you want to be done with the food we still have? It’s not much, and it’s not really fresh either, but…” Allure waved him off, “Keep it, eat it tonight for all I care. The gems are more pressing. Besides, our food stores will keep for a bit longer and with the order from the Princess we’ll have enough to buy more before winter arrives. Providing your willing to pay upfront, Princess.” “I’ll have bank note made as soon as I’m able.” “Good, then I just need to grab a few things upstairs quick, please wait a moment.” The three watched as Allure trotted upstairs and disappeared for a full minute before coming back down again with a stack of papers levitated in front of her. “ Now, if you would please follow me Princess, I can show you my wares and you can pick the style of armor you like, then we can work out a bid for materials and labor. Oh, let’s not forget the contractor to stay at your castle. I’ll let you choose from our finest craft ponies and as an extra thank you for your help. I will let you take one of our ponies with you when you leave so they can start building the facilities we'll need. Now, what currency will you be paying in; Gems, Gold bits, silver bits, or trade?” “Gold bits,” Luna replied, calculating the amount in her head. “I will make a bid after I see your wares.” “Very good, please follow me, princess. Miss Applejack, Mr. Sixes will you be joining us?” “Nah, I’ll stay here,” Applejack replied, visibly relaxing now that all the serious talk was over “Got anymore of this coffee? It’s excellent stuff!” Allure pointed to the pot on the stove, “Over there. There are some brownies over there too if you’re hungry. Would you like to come, Mr. Sixes?” “Thanks for the invitation, but I think I’ll stay here in this comfy pillow. I’ve been sitting on rocks for months so you can understand my reluctance to leave.” “Understandable, you two behave while the princess and I are gone.” Allure winked coyly, giggling softly as the two ponies blushed and turned their heads opposite directions. “Oh they're so cute, don’t you think princess?” “Funny, Applejack suggested you and Sixes might make a good couple as well.” Despite herself Luna tried imagining Applejack and Sixes together as stallion and mare with little dragon pony foals running around them whilst breathing fire. The image, though amusing, didn’t seem to fit, though it wasn’t her place to say who should be with whom. Applejack was a simple kind of pony and Sixes well he seemed too exotic for her. She just couldn’t picture the two in any long-term relationship. Allure chuckled, glancing back towards the other room. “Hmm, an interesting idea, but I’ve somepony else in mind for a mate. Still, it would be interesting to mate with a Rinin. I wonder what it’s like… actually no.” She coughed and looked away from Luna. “I shouldn’t be discussing such things with a customer, let alone a princess.” “Yes, let’s keep to business.” Agreed Luna, dropping the subject. Stranger things have happened, I guess, I’m not the Alicorn of love after all. Luna mused as she followed Allure deeper into the showroom. Hoping the white unicorn didn’t decide to try and play matchmaker. The number of times she’d seen somepony make a mess of things trying to play matchmaker was more than she could count, it was why she voted against arranged marriages, especially when most of them involve her and Celestia’s hooves in marriage. Celestia had been in agreement as well, which was why arranged marriages were no longer as written in stone as they used to be. They still happened, but at least now the arranged couple could appeal to have the union canceled if they wished. “Here we are!” Allure declared as they entered the room beyond the showroom Luna had toured before. This room was different from the last armor room the armors here were plain, very similar in design and very simple. “These are our mass production models. A one pony fits all sort of thing. You can, of course, make your own design. I’m just showing you these as a reference.” Luna nodded and walked around the displays, eyeing each piece with a discerning eye. The armors were very lovely, though nothing to look at for more than a second. This didn’t sit well with Luna. She didn’t want her soldiers to be another mundane army, she wanted them to look… unique. No, that wasn’t it. She wanted them to be HER army, to represent her and everything she stood for. Having armor the same as any other would just not fit that need. Making her way back to Allure, Luna caught sight of something in the darkness of the corner. There hidden away was a lone display with the most unusual of armor. The metal was white as the moon and seemed to shine in the darkness, and when she placed her hoof on it the metal changed color to match her coat. “Allure, what is this?” She marveled. Allure trotted over, “Oh that? That’s a piece my father and a good friend of his by the name of Gadget were developing before… well, you know. It is called the moon phase suit. My father was inspired watching the moon change over time and change colors. Are you interested in it?” Luna ran her hoof along the metal surface. Something just felt right about it. “Yes, I will take it. What is the bid for 200 suits of armor?” “Well…” Allure cringed as she did the calculations. “About one million gold bits for two hundred suits, that’s including delivery, labor, materials, and fittings.” That was too high, there was no way the princess would go for it! Equestria didn’t have the kind of money to throw around! “Very well, we have a deal.” Allure’s mouth dropped, “What? But princess, the royal treasury couldn’t possibly have that much gold on hoof! The taxes you’d have to implement…” Luna stopped Allure's rant short with her hoof, “Who said anything about the royal treasury? Celestia and I were adventurers and treasure seekers before becoming princesses. We have a… sum of loot stashed privately away for our own use. One million gold bits missing wouldn’t even put a dent in our hoard. We have been collecting for a very long time.” “I see…” Allure said dumbstruck, trying to imagine such hoard. “Well then, I shall finalize the paperwork, please fill free to continue to look around or return to the main room for a snack. I shall return when done.” “Thank you, Allure. It has been good doing business with you. Now we believe there is a brownie calling out to be devoured by my royal mouth. We shall wait for you with Applejack and Sixes.” Chuckling, Luna trotted into the main room leaving Allure slightly baffled by her brownie comment. Ponies really need to loosen up. They were always so uptight around her and Celestia, it isn’t good for their health to constantly worry a wrong comment will get them banished to the sun or moon or some nonsense like that. Allure has been one of the better ponies I’ve has dealt thus far. I hope one day we’ll be true friends. Upon returning to the main room. Luna came across an amusing sight, or maybe it was bemusing? She wasn’t quite sure. Either way, Applejack and Sixes were in the middle of pushing a plate with a single brownie on it between one another. Both of their faces were covered in crumbs of already eaten brownies, and they seemed to be debating over who should have the last one, both being a bit too kind and generous if there was ever such a thing. “No you take, Ah’d had my share!” “Mine were cut larger, you deserve it!” “No, you!” “No, you!” “We shall take it!” Luna declared dramatically, startling the two out of their seats and allowing her to happily take the last brownie, which was evilly delicious! Rich with chocolate and still warm! Luna didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as her sister, but she did have a soft spot for sweets of the chocolate variety while Celestia was possibility addicted to cake and pasties. Chuckling softly Luna cleaned her lips with a napkin before sitting down opposite of the two. “I hope you two didn’t wait too long for me. Allure is just processing the bill and other official stuff. Once it is done, we will be off. That is after we select a blacksmith to fly back to the castle with us and return the gems of course. “Of course princess, I will go and tell my kin.” Sixes trotted to the door, quickly taking to the air and disappeared into the shadows of the coming night before any town folk could see him.. “So um… what’s this about flying now?” Applejack stuttered, images of falling to ground playing over and over in her mind. Luna, not noticing Applejack’s hesitation, explained her plan. “There are so many Rinin, walking with such group would take too long and draw too much attention. Better to fly and get back to the castle as soon as possible so we can get everypony settled. Now onto another matter. Who do you think we should bring as our personal blacksmith? I was thinking either Tough Hide or Rawhide. They're both dependable ponies and are very skilled. I cannot decide so… I would like you to choose for me Applejack.” “Me?” Luna nodded. She had been clear in her question had she not? “Ah don’t know princess, it seems like something you should do, but Ah guess if want my option. Ah... I'd have to say… Rawhide.” “I see. Any particular reason for choosing him?” Like because he’s an earth pony and Tough hide is a unicorn?, Luna wondered. It was understandable why Applejack would choose a fellow Earth pony, and to her credit, the orange mare accepted the dragon ponies pretty well. It was perhaps too much to ask for Applejack to feel the same about Unicorns, there was so much bad blood between the tribes. The Royal bloodline being one of them Unicorns being the only tribe of the three to have such a thing, the idea of one pony being better by birth wasn’t an idea the Earth or Pegasus tribes accepted. Applejack rubbed her foreleg and averted her gaze from Luna as she answered, and if Luna wasn’t mistaken Applejack was blushing? “Well Ah… Ah… just has a good feeling about him is all. Yelp, no other reason. Yes sir, that’s all!” “I see, well, let us go fetch him then. Then we can be on our way. I’m sure Allure will be finished by the time we get back.” “Sounds good, let’s go!” Applejack said while running out the door. “Now, um... what’s this about flying again?” “Don’t worry Applejack,” Luna assured, “I have a plan!” Getting Rawhide to come with them was surprisingly easy. The red earth pony merely grunted and said a job was a job. “It’ll be good to get out of the mountains for a while, it’s been too long. Last time Tough got to spend three months in… what was it… the Crystal Empire? Somepony there wanted touch up work on their armor. The actual job only took about a month, the other two were just traveling there and back. I think he took the scenic route. Anyway I got those modifications done.” Rawhide pulled tightly on the armor harness Applejack wore, tugging hard on the newly installed heavy steel O-ring on the top of Applejack’s back. “Hmm, maybe I should have installed two?” “Um...are you sure about this Luna?” Applejack asked as Rawhide continued to adjust the harness she was wearing. The rattle of chains made her nervous as Rawhide fastened the links of steel to the O-ring on her back, her body jostled when he pulled to check and make sure the lock was fastened tight. “Everything will be fine,” Luna tried to assure her as Rawhide took the other end of the chain over to two rinin with a similar harness attached to them, but with the O-rings on the bottom of their barrels. One was silver with the numbers 474 and the others two shades of brown with the numbers 5881. “Pardon me for a second boys,” Rawhide mumbled with the chain clenched between his teeth as he leaned under the rinin. Ignoring the awkward situation, Applejack looked to Luna again, pleading with the Princess to reconsider her idea. “Can’t we just walk home? Better yet, I’ll just walk, the rest of you can fly ahead of me.” Luna shook her head. “It’s too dangerous for you to travel alone, if I had my chariot available we could use that to transport you and Rawhide, but it’s back home and I need to return to the castle with all haste. I have business that needs my attention.” Luna explained while slipping a bundle of paper into her saddlebags. “Fear not my friend, I’m certain Rawhide’s crafthoofship is up to par, and there shall be ponies ready to catch you incase of an emergency.“ “All done Miss Applejack,” Rawhide announced, pulling the straps of the harness tight, but not too tight that it would cut off blood flow. “We’re ready to leave when you are Princess.” Rawhide stood beside the farm mare with a harness of his own. “Why do you get two rings?” Applejack protested. Rawhide blinked. “Because I weigh twice or more what you do? Don’t worry, my work is solid as I am right now.” Applejack’s eyes glanced down, her cheeks turned red. “Made ya look.” He chuckled. Luna rolled her eyes. “Thank you Rawhide, and thank you Allure for lending him to us. I look forward to your visit.” Allure, who had been standing silently to the side wiped her eyes with a handkerchief as she choked up with farewell tears. “As do I princess, please look after Rawhide, he does so love to get into trouble, and you take care as well Applejack.” “Thanks,” Applejack replied, shivering as the two Rinin flanking her began to flap their wings. “You take care too Allure, and be sure to stop by for some of mah families homegrown cooking!” Allure smiled, “I will, and Rawhide, do try to behave. Please?” The big stallion chuckled as they hugged each other goodbye. “Ah make no promises, yawl take care of mah brother ok?” “I will. I wish he were here to see you off, it’s rude for him to be working when you’re about to leave for who knows how long.” Rawhide waved off the comment, “Nah it’s alright, better off this way. Neither one of us is one for teary goodbyes and all that. Him working is just his way of telling me he’s got everything under control and that ah don’t have to worry.” “If you say so, goodbye brother, be safe and be sure to write.” With that Allure stepped away as the Rinin started to take off, lifting Rawhide and Applejack into the air. Overhead a massive swarm of Rinin flew over the town and dove into the town square to deposit the stolen gems before joining Luna in the skies above town. “To home my ponies!” Luna yelled excitedly as hundreds of wings flapped into the night sky. She flew at the head of the swarm, Sixes acting as her wing pony with Applejack and Rawhide behind them, followed by the rest. Luna kept her eyes moving, searching for any signs of dragons. She could barely believe her luck that they hadn’t run into any yet, and believed they might just get away without having to deal with the fiery beasts. She set a fast pace for the group, wanting to leave as quickly as possible. Just because she had been lucky so far didn’t mean she wanted to push it. While the flyers kept their attention on flying. The two earth ponies made small talk, it was going to be a long flight after all, and it helped to keep their minds off the ground hundreds of feet below them. “So you nervous about flying?” Applejack asked, yelling over the rushing winds and sound of wings. “Yep.” “You worried we're going to fall?” “Nope.” “It’s kind of pretty view, though.” “Yelp.” “Are you just going to keep answering with one word?” “Maybe,” Rawhide says coyly, “You feeling any less nervous? It might help if yah look up. The night sky is always pretty to look at.” Applejack looked up the night sky was indeed pretty, all the twinkling stars and the moon so bright and comforting that Applejack began to feel as if she were in a dream. “Yeah, it sure is pretty. Ah, don’t know why I never thought so before.” “Sometimes we’re all too busy to see the beauty right in front of us.” Answered Rawhide. Applejack looking at him as a strange feeling bubbled in her gut when he smiled at her. They fell into a comfortable silence, staring at the stars. “We are nearly at the border! Hold steady everypony!” Luna shouted from up head. Suddenly the stars were blotted out as a massive shadow passed overhead. An ear shattering roar shook the sky as a flying beast descended upon the group, blocking their path forward. It was a dragon of such size that it made all others small by comparison. “Well, well, well, what do we have here? I sensed a large magical presence in my lands and here I find one of the princesses and… hmm interesting.” The dragon leered down, Luna barely a speck on his muzzle as he plucked one of the rinin from group with ease, “My, my, so the legends my forebearer told were were true, dragons can breed with ponies, a most disgusting discovery.” “I command you to release him this instant! Otherwise I shall be speaking with the dragon lord!” Luna barked, her horn charged for attack. “Do so now and we shall spare you the humiliation of being defeated by a pony.” The dragon laughed, confusing Luna. “What is so funny?” Luna demanded. The dragon reached behind it’s head and pulled a small sceptre with a blood red ruby fixed atop it. “That’s the Blood Scepter… your… what happened to Dragonlord Singe?” The dragon grinned malevolently, “What else? He became soft, decrypted and weak, so I thought it fit that I put him down. I thought it prudent that I, Dragonlord Torch, introduce myself to my new pony subjects. On my way to do so, I sense a powerful being in my territory and thought it fit to investigate and I run into you, and a gaggle of half breeds.” Torch flicked the captured Rinin back into the group. “Being even half dragon, I believe they fall under my rule, so I’ll be taking them with me, Princess Luna.” “You will only lead them to their deaths! I know your kind, they’ll never except them.” “Oh, and the ponies will?” Torch countered. “Better a quick death, then a lifetime of suffering.” Torch reared back, his chest ballooning with air and fire. “No!” Luna threw up a shield, the largest she could manage, the dragon lord's fire collided seconds later and engulfed the shield. “Everypony get back!” Luna yelled as the flames spilled over the edges of the shield. The massive claw of the dragonlord broke through both flame and shield to grasp the Alicorn. “Run! I shall hold him off! Applejack, lead them home!” “We can’t leave you!” The farm mare cried as the Rinin carrying her flew away, they headed towards the ground, flying fast and low towards the canyons. Luna fired a magic beam and shouted, “I’ll be fine!” Her attack barely singed the scales of the Dragonlord. Torch laughed mockingly as he flapped his mighty wings Luna breaking from his grip. “Impressive for a pony, but as I recall it was both you and your sister that beat Singe into submission.” Luna flew higher and grabbed some clouds. “I don’t need my sister to beat a greenhorn like you!” Turning the clouds black Luna molded them into a massive black ball that crackled with lightning. She launched the cloudball, firing a beam after it, Torch merely smirked as the attack approached. The beam hit the thunder ball and a massive blast of lightning filled the sky, hitting Torch dead center in the heart. Or that’s what she thought. The smoke cleared and Torch’s massive claw rested over his heart, the Blood Sceptre pinched between his fingers. “As I said, I saw your duel with Singe. Don’t try the same trick twice little pony. Now...bhag!” Torch stuttered as several streams of fire struck him from behind, he turned towards the chorus of whinnying roars coming from the sky. Five Rinin dived from above with another salvo of fire breath ready. They let loose their flames and flew around the dragon. Torch growled and swatted at them, his massive limbs too huge to hit such small targets. He sucked in a massive amount of air, making his chest balloon. He exhaled a stream of fire so large and so hot it made the nearby mountain tops melt! “Damn little flies. Stay still!” Torch raised the blood sceptre and a wave of red magic exploded from the red jewel, and suddenly all Rinin were frozen in the air. “Hehe, I was curious if that would work, but it seems you are indeed part dragon.” He reached for Sixes, who had lead the charge. before the black Rinin could be crushed between the Dragon lord’s claws Luna appeared beside him and threw up a spherical shield around them. “You will not touch them! I gave them my word I would take care of them!” Torch looked bored as he pressed his claws tighter. “Really? You? A princess would give your life for these half breeds?” “I would! Because I gave them my word I would give them a home and a place to belong for their servitude. They are my soldiers and as their leader I must be willing to give my life for them as they are for me. Even if they part dragon, they are part pony, switch makes them my subjects too!” Torch released Luna from his grip, “Fine, then I want half their weight in gems.” Luna blinked trying to gain her bearings. “What?” “I said I’ll sell my claim to them for half their weight in gems. I don’t want them, but I might as well get something out of letting you keep them. Or.” Torch held up his sceptre, and the captured Rinin began to choke. “I could have them kill themselves right here and be done with it, rip off your wings and toss you back to your sister in shame. Your choice Princess Luna.” Luna bowed her head. Had she the proper equipment such as her armor and other artifacts, she could maybe, maybe, take the Dragonlord down. But with just her star blades and nothing else? That was impossible. Even for her. Especially if Torch used the sceptre to summon the other dragons. Even three more would be enough to overwhelm her and he could summon them all. Hundreds if not thousands of dragons would come racing to the Dragon lord's aid, even if they wanted to or not. Not even her and Celestia both could stand up to such might. “Fine, I will pay you tribute.” Torch leaned down his claw cupped around his ear. “What was that? I swear some indignant mare was mumbling in my ear. Please speak louder and with a little more of that royal tongue.” Luna bristled and blushed. “I, Princess Luna of Equestria, Ruler of the Night, and Keeper of Dreams, shall pay thee, Dragonlord Torch, tribute.” The dragonlord leaned back, looking pleased. “Did you hear that everyone? We’ll be eating the Princess’s gems next week!” From the mountains to the west the hoops and hollers of several on looking dragons could be heard. Further humiliating the alicorn as they shouted slurs at her. “Hey Princess if your such a dragon lover come over here and I’ll give you a filthy half breed!” One particular vagor dragon shouted. Luna bit the inside of her cheek to keep from chewing the dragon out. Torch looked smug and pleased, perhaps the Dragonlord wasn’t has dumb as he looked. He played her. He humiliated her and in front of his subject, no doubt solidifying his support against any others who thought to try and take him out. “I expect those gems by next week, Princess. Also I feel the desire for a new bed of gold to lay on, so I’ll be adding a thirty nine percent tax to that order you made with Allure. Make sure you have that ready too.” With a loud mocking laugh the Dragon lord flew away, his entourage of dragons following in his wake. When he was out of sight, the Rinin were released from their magical bonds. The five Rinin looked at Luna has she tried to hide her face under her hair. “I suppose you think me a push over now, right? Sitting back and taking his crap like that.” Sixes patted her on the shoulder. “You got us out of that alive. That’s what’s important.” The others emerged from the canyons. Many of them cheering for their continued survival. “Come,” Luna brushed her mane out of her face. “Let us go home.” It was early morning when Luna and the Shadowbolts landed in the courtyard of the castle. They were tired, hungry, and exhausted. Luna wanted nothing more then to crawl into her bed and sleep. Her body sagged with relief as the door of the castle come into view. Sweet, sweet relief was soon to be hers. Then she noticed a crowd around the door. The Apple Clan. She approached with the Rinin behind her, Applejack and Rawhide at her side, all of them equally tired and hungry. Luna prayed, prayed to whatever gods were left in the world that the two clans wouldn’t kill each other on site. It seemed no gods remained as the the stallions of the apple clan exited the castle on their way to the orchards just as they landed in the courtyard. Once the ponies saw the Rinin they stomped their hooves and snorted viciously, forming defensive lines. Figures they wouldn’t start off on the right hoof. Deep breaths, you can do this. You have to do this. “Please, ponies of the Apple clan, you do not need to fear these ponies, they are friends!” Luna grinned. Her smile was weak, her vision was blurry, and she was far too tired to deal with anything right now, especially blind fear from a crowd of ponies that just encountered a new breed of pony. “Please,” She stressed, trying to liven up her smile, “ You have my word. The ponies with me mean you no harm.” The mares and foals of the Apple clan began to file out to check out the ruckus, all too soon the mares let out a horrified shrieks once they caught sight of the Rinin and began pulling their foals close. The stallions puffed up their chests, their defensive instincts kicking in. Applejack ran ahead of Luna and shouted. “I know they look strange! Their Rinin, dragon ponies, but that don’t mean their bad ponies! Well, they were stealing food, but that’s because they were only trying to feed their mares and youngins too, look! Their just like us!” A big brawy stud stepped foward from the Apple’s lines. “Applejack, it’s best you get over here.” Applejack gritted her teeth. “No, Uncle Bailey, I won’t.” Bailey slowly exhaled through his nose, looking sour. “I’m sorry Princess, we came here to get away from monsters, and now you’ve brought monsters here. As the eldest of my clan, I can’t permit them to say here with these… creatures. As this is your home, we shall take our leave.” “That’s fine by us!” A big orange Rinin in a cloak barked as he stepped out of the crowd. “Didn’t want to stay in a place with rude ponies like you anyway.” “Say that again, freak!” One of the Apples shouted back. “Freak, huh? I’ll show you a freak!” The Rinin began to shake off his cloak when two more cloaked Rinin appeared at his side. Both of a slender stature. A green and white leg rose from under their cloaks as they blocked the Orange Rinin, Sixes landed in front of the three and glared at the offender. “Don’t,” Sixes commanded harshly. “Things are already bad enough.” Suddenly a rock flew through the air and everypony watched it hit a certain red Rinin square on the nose. The Rinin growled, his hooves morphing into claws as he dropped down into an aggressive stance, ready to pounce. Several others joined him, their chests beginning to glow with fire. In between the two groups stood Luna, who looked from the Apples to the Shadowbolts, never imagining things could go so wrong, so quickly. She hadn’t expected rainbows and flowers, but this was before either group could sit down and actually speak to each other! “All of you calm down! There is no need for…” She stopped short of saying ‘violence’ upon looking at the red Rinin’s nose. “...further violence!” Neither side was backing down. In fact the Apples were beginning to march towards the Rinin, whose nostrils were beginning to smoke. If she didn’t do something she’d have a bunch of barbecued ponies on her front lawn! She ground her teeth, her temper rising fast, “I command both of you! Stand down! Stand down now!” Her words fell on deaf ears, both sides to focused on the other to hear her. She cast the voice amplificator spell on herself, her eyes blazed as her frustrations from Torch’s humiliation of her and her exhaustion reach it boiling point. “I SAID STAND DOWN! WE ARE NOT IN THE MOOD FOR SUCH TRIFLES!” Luna slammed her hoof into the ground, making a hoof deep hole. She snorted angrily, growling at both sides that had suddenly halted their aggressive actions. “Applejazz get back here!” Bailey screamed from the Apple’s side. On the Rinin side, a pregnant blue Rinin pushed her way through the lines. “Little one! Get back here! 8122! I’m serious!” Luna looked down, her anger sizzling out when she saw the young Apple filly standing in front of her with a little red Rinin filly standing opposite of her. Everypony's desire to fight seemed to cool as the two fillies who were supposed to be in the back and safe were suddenly in the cross hairs. “Hiya, what’s your name?” Jazz greeted, extending her hoof out to the Rinin filly. “I’m AppleJazz Apple.” The Rinin filly meekly replied, “8122.” Jazz cocked her head to the side, “Really? Yawl were serious about that?” The Rinin filly nodded. “Well, 8122, you got a good looking red coat, just like me, shining like a ruby as my mama would say.” The little Rinin’s eyes lit up. “I look like a ruby?” Jazz smiled and nodded, “Hmmhmm.” “I like rubies, their delicious! Especially when you throw them in a blaze and heat them up! They pop in your mouth when you chew them!” Luna looked up to see how the adults were fairing, and much to her surprise, both sides had snuck up on her. They were now within ten feet of each other, and more importantly, the mares and foals of each groups were in front this time. Slowly the children of the Apple clan left the protective sides of their mothers and extended their hooves to the nervous foals of the Rinin and faster than greased lightning they began to talk, followed quickly by the mares. “What’s your name dearie?” “How far along are you?” “Is that your child?” One apple mare asked Aqua Frost. “I’m Aqua Frost, and no, I’m not. I just look after them, we all do. We don’t have any idea who their mothers are, or our mothers. We all just woke up in a mine together. I was…” Aqua patted her belly. “I was already like this when I woke up.” Her stomach along with several others rumbled with hunger. “Oh you poor dears. Come in side, we’ll get you some food, and blankets.” “Clivia …” Bailey rumbled, only to get a whack on the nose by the mare in question. “Oh hush, what ya doing getting so hot blooded after breakfast and treating’ these pony ponies in need like that! I know your mama raised you better.” Bailey grumbled incoherently. “Now drop all this nonsense about leaving and go to the orchards. Have a better attitude when you get back for supper.” Bailey and the other stallions snorted, but the glares from their mates brought them to their senses. The stallions looked to the foals and fillies playing between their legs, the gaunt bodies of the other clan and the pregnant mares. Realization hit them like a wave and they all looked away to hide their shame. “We’ll be sure to bring back extra tonight.” Bailey mumbled, “Sorry for the fuss, it’ll take some adjusting, but… if these ponies are your guests as well, we’ll make peace. For the foals at least. It’s been awhile since they’ve been around another clan’s children.” The Rinin cleared the road, allowing the Apples to pass. As they did the two sides exchanged short greeting and apologies. When they were gone Applejack let out a deep sigh. “Thanks for the help Aunt Clivia.” Clivia waved her off, “No problem dear, Bailey’s heart is in the right place, but he’s a bit set in his ways. Hard enough to trust the Pegasi and Unicorns, let alone some new tribe that shows up out of the blue. Please don’t find this rude Princess, but a little warning would have been appreciated. I’ll admit even I was a bit faint of heart myself.” “My apologies, my mind was on other things. I should have been more considerate to my guest.” Luna said, feeling awful for leading everyone into such an unexpected situation. I really need to go to bed. “I hope going forward we can all be friends, hopefully the castle won’t be too cramped now.” Clivia smiled, “We’ll get by, now come along Applejack, help me make these hungry ponies some breakfast.” Luna let out a relieved sigh as both clans began to slowly make their way into the castle. A sudden red blur flew by, she followed it to see the little red Rinin from earlier fly happily to Aqua Frost. “Aqua, Aqua! I have a name! Jazz gave me a name!” Curious, Luna wandered over to the two as Jazz trotted beside her, looking proud of herself. “What name did she give you little one?” Aqua Frost asked as she tugged the little filly towards the castle with the others. “Ruby Blaze!” She beamed. “That’s a fine name, Ruby.” Aqua chuckled as they entered the castle. “I am grateful your kin are so accepting Applejack. You Apples are certainly a different kind of pony.” Luna praised while overlooking the Rinin as they ate in the dining hall below. It was nice to see the two clans sharing a meal. The best friendships were made at the dinner table. Luna blinked, struggling to stay awake. She wished she could go to bed, but she needed to make sure the Rinin were settled in properly. Wouldn’t do to have them accidentally evict the Apples. The castle suddenly seemed much smaller now, and Luna hoped there were enough rooms in the castle for both clans. Adjusting her Stetson hat, Applejack spoke in a subdued tone, “To be honest, Ah wasn’t sure what their reactions might be. Things did look like they were about to take a turn for the worst there for a minute, but I’m mighty proud of them. Give it some time and I’m sure we’ll be the best of chums.” “Yes, you have much to be proud of Applejack. By the way, how is Rawhide settling in? I hope placing him in the room across from yours won’t be any trouble. I must say I didn’t expect his hooves to be so… loud. I do hope he’s not prone to any late night pacing.” “Nah, “Applejack said, “It’s fine. The funniest thing, turns out he’s growing feathers as well. Maybe that will soften his steps. Course he might start tripping all over the place if they grow that long.” They share a quick laugh at the image of Rawhide tripping over his furry hooves and shaking the entire castle. “A funny jest Applejack, but now I’m afraid it is time to be serious again.” Applejack saluted before following Luna away from the chatter of the dining hall. “Since we’ve met I have had some things come to my attention about how my sister and I run things. For a long time now I have been leaving the politics to Celestia as it was not my cup of coffee, but I can no longer ignore my duties to my ponies. However, I will be doing things my own way, and I just want to make that clear to Celestia and the nobles in Canterlot. I would feel much more… reassured if you were to company me to Canterlot.” Applejack made circles in the stone floor as she mulled the idea around in her head. Her in Canterlot? The thought had never crossed her mind before in her entire life. Truth be told, she’d rather stay as far away from the city of ‘horn heads’ as possible. However, the pleading in Luna’s eyes made her reconsider her tolerance of the unicorn city, even if she didn’t like it. Luna was her friend, and needed her right now. “You know you can count on me, Luna.” Applejack assured the princess, giving Luna her best smile, “But no more flying by harness, ok?” Luna smiled and laughed, “Very well, we shall take my chariot. Sixes and another Rinin can pull us. Now go rest up. We will leave on the morrow.” “Alright, good night Luna,” Applejack yawned as she began to trot towards her room. Flying down to the main hall Luna gathered Rawhide and Sixes. She saw how tired she looked in their eyes, nonetheless she needed to power through, just a little longer. “Come with me you two, I have some jobs for you.” The two stallions quickly finished their food and followed the princess to the library, where she explained her plan to travel to Canterlot. “What do you need us to do princess?” Rawhide asked. “While Applejack, Sixes, and I are away, I would like you to start training the Rinin in hoof to hoof combat, conditioning them, and teaching them how to use weapons. Up on the mountain, I saw your skills and given your experience with organizing ponies I believe you would make a wonderful drill Sergeant. Can you do it?” “It’s not what I signed up for, but if that’s what you want, consider it done. Also if you don’t mind, I would like to start some renovation projects on the castle.” “Do whatever you need to and charge any materials you need to me.” “Consider it done Princess, I’ll be sure to go through you first, before any deconstruction or construction.” Luna nodded, grateful for his consideration. “Very good. Sixes, I want you to find another pony to help pull the chariot for Applejack and I, as well as act as my bodyguards. Not that I actually need any, but it might make a good impression. You can use the armor we have here in the castle until the new armor arrives. it’s a little dated, but it will work for what we need.” “Understood princess. I have the perfect pony in mind. Your already kind of familiar with him anyway, number 0413 or Fierce Fury as he likes to call himself. Out of all of us, he is the most skilled fighter and is the one who wounded Rawhide. Sorry about that.” Rawhide snorted and begrudgingly said it was fine, “He’s a bit wild, but he is reliable.” Luna scrunched her brow. “He wouldn’t happen to be the red Rinin, would he?” Sixes nodded, “Oh, umm… that’s a… is there somepony else you could pick?” “I know he probably didn’t make the best first impression, but take my word, he’s a loyal and protective pony. He’s not nearly as hostile when somepony is invading our home.” “I see, I’ll take your word, if you vouch for him. You two are dismissed. Go rest up. There is much work to be done, and we will all need our strength.” The two stallions bowed and took their leave, but before he turned the corner Sixes stopped and looked back at Luna. “Almost forgot.” He said, “Clivia is helping us get settled in. Said something about you needing sleep." “Yes, I am very tired.” Luna replied, rubbing her eyes, “Tell her I said thank you.” “I will, goodnight Princess.” Sixes bowed once more and left. Worriedly Luna entered her bedroom, her thoughts a discorded mess as she made her way toward the balcony. How will Celestia react? Will she support me or seek to disrupt my efforts? We have grown so distant that I can’t even trust my own sister as much as I used too. Curse those damn nobles for filling Celestia’s head with their advice and damn Star swirl for dumping the shackles of royalty on us and damn us for foolishly agreeing! Luna took a deep breath to calm down. This wasn’t the first time she’d had such thoughts, and it wouldn’t be the last. Most days Luna wished they could return to the time before fighting Discord and becoming princesses. The days when they ran wild and free, traveling anywhere and everywhere they desired and could solve any problem with hoof and magic. Now she and Celestia couldn’t even have breakfast together nearly half the time. Yes, part of it was her fault for shrinking away from the summons to Canterlot, but Luna couldn’t take all the cloak and dagger business, all the trickery, deceit and political games. Where even the simplest gesture could be seen as favoritism or taking a bribe. The gifts had been the worse, no, scratch that, the marriage proposals had been the worst. Smashing her hoof against the table, Luna choked back tears. The days trails weighing heavy on her. Her humiliation from Torch dug up dark memories, memories she’s been burying for a long time. The memories of her last humiliation resurfaced and she remembered her shame as she ran from Canterlot. A single tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t break down! Not now. Not ever. Ponies needed her, she couldn’t let self-pity overtake her. She had to be strong for the Apple clan, for the Rinin, for everypony that needed protection from the night. She had made a vow to protect them and she would. No, I’m thinking too small. Luna wiped the tears from her eyes as she marched onto the balcony, taking comfort in the moon's glow. As she looked out in the direction of the Griffon Kingdom and the lands beyond her thoughts turned to Equestria military. Dealing with monsters was one of the duties of their soldiers, but if they couldn’t deal with monsters, how would they deal with an invading army? What if the current Dragon lord was suddenly overthrown by amore conquest driven one and the dragons began attacking their lands again? For a brief moment Luna saw what could be and it terrified her. They weren’t ready. Not for monsters and certainly not for invading armies or dragons. If Celestia and the council wouldn’t field the forces necessary to protect their ponies and Equestria, then she would! She would be strong, she would protect her little ponies, and no pony would stand in her way, not the nobles, not Star Swirl, not even Celestia! She would defend her subjects alone if needed! A rush of power surged through her, dark motes dabbed her coat as it darkened to an inky black. The feeling, the energy, it was fantastic! “Luna?” A voice called out, snapping Luna out of... whatever that was. “Yes Applejack? Is something the matter?” She asked upon spotting the earth mare's head poking through her door. The earth mare shook her head. “No, no, Ah just wanted to wish you a good night.” Luna blinked, surprised and touched by the gesture. No pony other than Celestia and her parents had wished her a good night. “Th-thank you Applejack,” Luna stuttered, then coughed to cover her stutter, “Good night to you too, I shall ensure you have sweet dreams tonight.” The two share a giggle, knowing it was true. Applejack yawned, “Sounds nice, just nothing weird, please. Also, ah just wanted to tell ya, while I’m really nervous about this whole Canterlot thing. Ah want you to know ah got your back, and that you ain’t in this alone. Ah… Ah, mean we're all behind ya.” Applejack nervously played with her braid. “Ah know that’s kind of corny, but it’s true.” Luna shook her head, struggling to keep her emotions in check and stop herself from pouring all her fears and worries onto Applejack. Instead she put on her best smile, “No, it’s perfectly fine. You’re words, I mean, they mean a lot to me. Now, we have a long day tomorrow, you and I should get to sleep.” “Is it that late already? Time sure does fly. Well, see ya tomorrow Luna!” Applejack waved goodbye, and trudged off to her room. Luna climbed into her bed, the exhaustion of their adventure and emotional worry finally catching up with her. It's ok. She told herself. She would be ok. “Thank you, Applejack, you have no idea how much that means to me,” Luna whispered and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be better.