Shimmering Sunsets

by Evowizard25


WE RIDE TO CANTERLOT! {Shimmerverse}

Dash set a 'slow' pace to Canterlot, taking her time. And by that, she meant only hitting Mach two. She wanted to take the time to get a good look at this Canterlot, see if anything different really stood out.

Far below her, sped the Equestrian Express. The large, golden train was heavily armored with several large and small cannons at each of its sides. It’s imposing nature was a comfort to the citizens, since it easily warded off any and all dangers that dared to try and impose upon it. Some have called it excessive, since it dwells within Equestria, but given the country’s track record, it was understandable.

Around Dash were two large zeppelins, just as armed and deadly as the train below. They hung in the sky with several pegasi at the ready to take off to meet any foe too fast for their guns.

"Bastion of Harmony my flank." Dash muttered. "Bet they can't call it that here. Even their trains are covered in giant muskets." Shaking her head, she zipped on ahead towards the city proper, Hoping to give it a once over to see how the capital looked in this world.

The city of Canterlot was Equestria’s shining jewel of a city. The white stone building were elegant, but firm. Able to withstand any earthquake or bombardment, however unlikely the second was. The edge of the city had several guards posted along the walls, with cannons pointed outwards. Some of them were massive and kept in position on pivots, with a strange, spiraling barrel. The city inside, however, was much more calm and inviting. It didn’t scream ‘mighty fist’ like some other cities did. Instead it seemed to want to share its splendor with the world around it. The streets were filled with vendors and the markets packed with ponies and other creatures native to the world.

"Woah, giant spirally muskets. Wonder if they shoot tornadoes instead of fire?" Dash idly mused as she flew over the wall. She wasn't too worried about anypony trying to stop her. Most ponies couldn't even see things moving faster than sound, and even if they somehow heard her she traveled faster than the sound she made, meaning she would be gone long before they heard her. Then again she can't hear anything either. Operating in the realm of super sonic speed required a whole different level of environmental awareness and reflexes than most creatures even knew existed. As such two seconds after she passed over the wall, she landed in an ally in the markets, and casually wandered out to see what sort of stuff they had for sale in whacky world.

“Dear,” a posh, but familiar voice rang out. “Why ever did you pick such a crowded place such as this? I can barely move my hoof without something stepping on my dress.”

“My love,” a posh stallion responded. “This market has such lovely wares. AH-HA! And I think I see one of them.”

Dash blinked a couple of times. She then rubbed her wingtip in her ears, because she couldn't possibly have heard what she thought she heard.

“This necklace would lovely around your neck,” the stallion said.

“It would wouldn’t it,” the mare sounded giddy. “Oh Blueblood, you certainly know your wares.”

“As do you, my dear Applejack.”

That got Dash's undivided attention, a monumental feat, resulting in the pegasus snapping to look at the speakers so fast she almost got whiplash.

The two ponies were hovering over a small jewelry stand. The stallion was a white unicorn with a golden mane that was obviously well taken care of. He stood proud and tall in a dress uniform of the Equestrian Guard. The mare beside him was an orange mare with a blond mane. She wore a green, frilly dress that fit her just right. Her mane was held in a tight ponytail with several green strands keeping it together. Her freckled cheeks were tinted pink as the stallion put a red necklace around her with his hooves.

“Such a beautiful mare,” the stallion said. “Oh how you make my heart soar.”

“As do you, my love.” The mare nuzzled the underneath of the stallion’s muzzle.

Rainbow Dash's brain crashed at this point. "Applejack? What the hay what?" She was partially aware of the doppelgänger deal, but that was in a more general sense. So far, none of the doubles had been such perfect copies in looks to one of her friends...except that Bon Bon chick, but Sweetie had been right there so it didn't really register that hard. Seeing one of her best athletic buddies wearing a fru fru dress and trying on jewelry with what appeared to be the local version of Prince Blueblood was a bit too much for her brain to handle.

Applejack turned her way and her face pulled back in confusion. “Beloved, I do believe that is Rainbow Dash.”

“The Wonderbolt?” Blueblood looked at her queerly. “She looks different. Perhaps she’s trying out a new look.”

“Perhaps,” Applejack nodded. The two of them walked over and stopped in front of her. She stayed pressed to his side. “I am pleased as sugar to meet you, miss Dash. I have been such a fan of you for ever so long. Why I often have to drag my beloved by the tail to see your shows.”

“She means it,” Blue blood smiled. “It can be a bit hectic, being pulled out of a meeting here and there, but seeing the love of my life happy brings me such warmth. I wish to thank you for that and for what you have done for Equestria.”

"Yeah I, well, thank you, I guess." Dash said, before shaking her head clear. "Wait, sorry, I'm not that Rainbow Dash. Sorry, you just look a lot like a friend of mine, it threw me off."

“I do?” Applejack blinked in confusion. “You’re not her? Oh, of course not, deary. My mistake.”

Blueblood narrowed his eyes. “Yes, a mistake.” He looked her over quickly and quirked an eyebrow. “My, I’ve never seen a pegasus covered in feathers. Tis fitting.”

"Thank you." Dash said, deciding to take it as a compliment. "I do look good don't I?"

“Darling,” Applejack smiled. “You look simply divine. That plumage is so gorgeous. Tell me, how do you keep it so fine?”

"Preening and bathing." Dash responded. "Feather's aren't that hard to maintain. It's a lot less hassle than my mane and tail. I have trouble figuring out sometimes how the rest of your guys put up with so much hair."

“We manage, darling.” Applejack said. “We manage.”

“Might I ask if this is your first trip to Canterlot?” Blueblood chimed in. “If so, my beloved and I would simply love to show you the blessed city.”

“Oh indubitably,” Applejack nodded. “It would simply be lovely to have another mare around as I walked. I love Blueblood to pieces, but a feminine mind would oh so be welcome in our little group.”

Rainbow did her best to keep from bursting out laughing. Which wasn't too hard, she'd always had good control of that. Came with being a prankster. "That sounds nice, I wouldn't mind a tour...but where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself. My name is indeed Rainbow Dash, and no I did not change my name, nor was I named after the Wonderbolt. I'm only three years younger, you don't go naming your babies after three year olds after all."

“Of course not,” Applejack gasped. “Oh dear me, where are MY manners? I have been oh so rude to you.Speaking without introducing myself. Oh poor, inconsiderate me. I am Applejack, heir to Orange Industries, and this is my beloved, Duke Blueblood.”

“Charmed to meet you,” Blueblood bowed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too." Rainbow said, bowing with a slight flare of her wings before straightening up. "So, shall we take a look around the market first?"

“Oh yes,” Applejack nodded. “Do you have anything in mind? I assure you, we can afford whatever tickles your fancy.”

"Woah woah woah, I just met you guys and you're giving me a tour already. I'm not going to ask you for money." Dash said, shocked. "Besides which, I was just planning on browsing today. I don't want to do the dumb tourist thing and blow a bunch of bits on the first shiny and flashy thing you see. It's better to see the options first."

“A wonderful answer,” Blueblood smiled. “I do believe we shall get along swimmingly. I think we could always find Dirtbound. He has quite a few interesting items.”

“Yes, he is rather an...interesting creature,” Applejack said, smiling a bit uneasily. “I don’t hold it against him none though. Perhaps she would rather start at that lovely jewel stand we were just talking about.”

"Well, you're running the tour." Dash said, shrugging. "I'd hate to interupt your own shopping...though Dirtbound sounds kind of cool. Something to write home about, you know?"

“Excellent,” Blueblood said with triumph. “Dirtbound it is. Do please follow closely, miss Dash. The streets can be hectic at the best of times.”

"No problem." Dash said, and soon matched words to deed. For a pegasus who has the reflexes and spatial awareness to make flying at super sonic speeds practical, a crowded street was child's play. In fact, she had enough spare attention to actually surreptitiously observe what a few of the other stalls had for sale, though she was a little disappointed it mainly looked like stuff from back home. Maybe the jewelry had a bit of a different design, but she wasn't sure, as fashion had never really been her thing.

It didn’t take them long to reach the small store. Blueblood had been this way so many times that he knew it as well as his own hoof.

“I have to warn you,” Blueblood said. “He isn’t a normal creature. He is an equine-morph, so do please try to civil.”

"Equine-morph?" Dash asked. She didn't want to be too shocked with whatever that was after all.

“Equine-morphs are sapients that are pony like,” Applejack said. “They may look like us, but they aren’t considered a tribe of pony.”

"Really? What makes them so different?"

“Biologically,” Blueblood stated. “They are far too different to be considered a pony tribe. Some have argued that equine-morphs should be considered tribes, but that viewpoint isn’t popular. Even Vamphirines are considered by some to be equine-morphs since they are so different. I would say there are a dozen or so equine-morph tribes across the globe.”

Dash nodded. "Alright, thanks for the heads up."

“Stick it up yours, splitjaw!” A voice yelled from inside, before a stallion angrily trotted outside.

“I say,” Blueblood cut the stallion off with a hoof. “I do think you should go back in and apologize. That was certainly rude.”

“I’m not apologizing to some freak splitjaw,” the stallion sneered.

Blueblood looked ready to punch his daylights out, before Applejack delicately touched his shoulder. “Dear, he’s not worth it.”

Blueblood sighed and the stallion brushed on past him. And then seemingly vanished.

At one hundred feet in the air, the stalion held up by his tail, Rainbow Dash cocked her head to one side. "I'm sorry, did you say something? It sounded like you were saying "why yes I'll apologize", but I can't be too sure. Care to repeat that?"

The Earth Pony flailed about. “I’m sorry! Oh Celestia, I’m sorry. Put me down!”

"Cool. Don't forget, you just swore to Celestia to apologize while in the heart of her city." Dash said, taking him back down to the ground quickly. "It's amazing what a little willingness to be polite can do, isn't it?" She smirked as hard as she could without showing off she didn't have fangs. The feathers looked weird enough without showing off to the locals 'surprise, I'm a herbivore!' on top of that.

The stallion nodded. “Whatever you say, featherbody. I’ll apologize.” He ran into the store.

“Miss Dash,” Applejack scolded. “While I do believe he deserved it, wasn’t there another way you could have convinced him of his wrongdoings?”

"Oh there were probably a ton of ways." Dash admitted. "But it was the fastest, and I didn't feel like spending a lot of my time on one jerk."

“Well it worked,” Blueblood laughed. “How about we head on inside? Dirtbound is in need of some good company.”

"Sounds good to me." Dash said, heading into the shop.

The stallion rushed out past them. The group pretty much ignored him and looked around. It was an antique shop with all sorts of items from all over the globe. Weapons, jewels, armor, you name it. They all littered the place.

“Don’t come back here if you know what’s good for you!” A male voice yelled. It had a unique flavor to it, even though it was in near Equestrian. Said voice’s owner was standing in the middle of the store. For the most part, he looked like a pony. He was dark blue with a black mane, but there were differences. Like a red zig zag type of pattern on the sides of his eyes. The stallion had a long, fleshy tail behind him, instead of a usual hairy tail. A row of red, spiky feathers ran along from his hip to the end of his tail where it branched out. His bottom jaw flexed as it was split in two. He was standing on his hindlegs, with his forelegs held up holding a bird-like posture.

Dash's jaw dropped. "That idiot was insulting you? How dumb is he? You look like you could kick his flank from here to Cloudsdale without breaking a sweat...awesome feathers by the way."

The stallion creature known as Dirtbound blinked as he looked at her. “Thanks...Say,” he dropped to a quadrupedal posture. “I’ve never seen a pegasus with feathers like that. Are you another tribe I’ve never heard about,” he then grumbled. As he talked, his bottom jaw split and flexed. “Or ‘equine-morph’...Equestrians.”

"Nope, Pegasus. Born this way." Dash noted. "I think I look pretty awesome." Then a devious little idea came to mind. "Personally, I have a hunch there's something in my family line my parents never mentioned, but I have no proof. Anyway I've never seen your tribe before, what's it called?"

“Tatzlpony,” Dirtbound said. “Though a lot of you ponies think we should change it. You know, not being ‘ponies’ and all.” He rolled his eyes. “You probably haven’t seen a lot of us since we live overseas.”

"True." Dash admitted. "Then again, I'm also a small town girl. I haven't seen a lot of stuff. Speaking of stuff, a lot of the things here look awesome."

“Thanks,” Dirtbound said. “I travel a lot and I tend try and get my hooves on as much as I can. Say, what’s your name? You kind of look familiar.”

Dash smirked slightly. "My name's Rainbow Dash."

“Dirtbound,” the stallion opened up his split jaw and three large, tentacle tongues trailed out. One of them picked up Dash’s hoof and shook it. “Pleased to meet you.” He spoke clearly, even with a tongue occupied.

Dash broke out into a huge grin. "That is so cool."

“Really?” Dirtbound blinked and retracted his tongues. “That’s how we tatzlepony’s greet each other. It helps us get to know other, cause our tongues can remember a lot more than our minds can. Call it ‘memory by taste’. Most other tribes and critters don’t very much like it.”

“For good reason,” Applejack looked a little green. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Dirtbound smiled.

"That's even cooler!" Dash said, flapping her wings in excitement and grinning wildly. "I thought you were just doing it cause you could. I'd totally do that just to mess with ponies. But you can actually memorize stuff by taste?"

“Yep,” Dirtbound said. “And the whole schtick with messing with ponies kind of gets old fast. Well, it didn’t for me until an earth pony decided to be a bit...violent with my tongues.” He moved his jaw about as if remembering it clearly. “Young and foolish I was. Thought I could get away with everything.”

"Wow, that sucks." Dash said, enthusiasm dieing down. "Anyway, my friends here recommended I take a look at your shop while visiting Canterlot."

“They took you to the right place,” Dirtbound laughed good naturedly. “What do you need?”

"Ah, I'm just browsing around today, seeing what's available." Dash said. "Don't want to do the 'blew all your bits on the first fancy souvenir you see' thing." It helped she didn't have any bits to spend, but no need to bring that up.

“Look at that,” Dirtbound said. “A pony with her head on her shoulders. Well, if you’re just looking around feel free to ask about anything. I’d be happy to help.”

"Hmmm, actually, I'm kind of curious if you've got anything that goes with feathers." Dash asked. "The locals don't exactly make a lot of stuff with feathers in mind."

“No they don’t,” Dirtbound tapped his chin with a hoof. “Not a lot of tribes with feathers. Hmmm, perhaps a feather tonic?”

"Feather tonic?" Dash asked. Back home that was something to help with molting, but here, who knew?

“It’s tonics for feathers,” Dirtbound explained. “I’ve got ones for molting, keeping a shine to them, and even enchanted ones with other qualities.”

"Enchanted? Really? What kinds?" Dash asked, excited at the idea.

“Feathered creatures usually have a bit of an advantage to the fured and scaled critters,” Dirtbound smirked, waving his tail. “I don’t have a full body of them like you, but I’ve got enough. They’re easy to enchant with a lot of things. I personally prefer earth tonics. I don’t fly, so it doesn’t hurt to be able to smash steel and earth with my feathers. Perhaps I could offer you some flame retardant or lightning resistant ones? Flame retardant makes you fire proof, while lightning resistance makes it where lightning just bounces off your feathers.”

Dash felt a little disappointed. She was already pretty tough, and as a pegasus lightning wasn't a huge concern. However..."Fire proof huh? Is that just normal fire, or magical fire too?"

“Anything up to magical fireballs,” Dirtbound stated. “But if those don’t interest you, then there are other enchantments to choose from. Those are just the basics. Honestly, I don’t think the lightning tonic would sell that well anyways if you were all just covered in feathers. I’m used to mainly furred flyers for that one.”

"Well at least you didn't try selling me a waterproof one." Dash said, chuckling a bit.

Dirtbound laughed. “Alright, that settles it. First one’s on the house. What kind of enchantment do you want?”

Dash rubbed her chin. "Well, let's hear about a few of your other options, you said those were just the basics?"

*****************

Sunset tapped her hoof as the train neared its destination. “Mother, do you really think we can find their world?”

“As long as we have faith,” Celestia nodded. “Wild magic is fickle. It comes and goes, but a being with faith and determination can tame it. I believe we can do it, or perhaps we may not have to. Starswirl had created many portals to many different worlds, before his end.”

"Your Starswirl made World Mirrors as well?" Sweetie asked. "Well, I guess other worlds would be fascinating for the scholarly pioneer type."

“Starswirl was an inquisitive soul,” Celestia chimed. “I am glad I had the honor of knowing him. He taught me much and was a very dear friend.”
 
"Sunset told us your version died. I'm very sorry to hear that." Sweetie noted. "Ours just vanished one day, nopony knows where he went. Theories range from time travel, to lost in another world, to he ascended to a higher plane of existence, to the rather cynical idea that he got fed up with others and just moved out somewhere remote and never visited."

“I would think he would have more faith in Equestria than to simply leave,” Celestia said. “Starswirl loved this nation and I’m sad to know that he would never see it united and strong...However, there has always been the part of me that believes Discord may have bound his soul somewhere. The god of chaos never passed up an opportunity to ‘play’. Of course, I have never found any evidence to support this idea.”

"Starswirl...bound..." Twilight muttered, a smile twitching on her face.

“Yes bound,” Celestia nuzzled Twilight’s head. She was nestled on her left, while Sunset nestled on her right. Spike had left to ‘fraternize’ with the female staff. “Starswirl had a powerful soul. It would have not gone out easily.”

"Um, Celestia, your highness." Sweetie said, blushing slightly, she continued. "I don't think Twilight's thinking of the same kind of 'bound'. In our world Starswirl is...kind of an ideal unicorn sex symbol. Beards are considered massively attractive by our worlds unicorns, and well, beard the size of his body."

Celestia blinked a few times. “Yes….If you would excuse me.” She stood up and walked out of the room….And then a booming laugh could be heard. “Sex symbol? HAHAHA!” The laughter shook the very train and everyone’s being. A god’s mirth was a very strong thing to behold.

“Oh look,” Sunset snorted. “You broke her. I do so hope you’re an avid fixer upper, I’d hate to see what our beloved citizens will do to you now.”

"A little laughter never hurt anyone." Sweetie said, shrugging. "Anyway after all the heavy news of today I figured she could use a little stress relief. I may not be the Bearer of Laughter, but I'd like to think I can do a good job when I need to."

“I was being sarcastic,” Sunset groaned. “Why does everyone take me so seriously?”

“I thought you wanted them to take you seriously all the time?” Spike poked his head in, smirking. His face was covered in lipstick kiss marks.

“Buck you, little bro!” Sunset shot her hoof at him. Spike just laughed.

Sweetie rolled her eyes and turned to Redheart. "Are they always like this?"

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Redheart sent her a comforting smile. “They may fight, but they love each other oh so very much. I still remember how determined Sunset was to find Spike when he was captured by Nightmare Moon. It shook her up so much she was in tears.”

“I was not,” Sunset shot at her. “I was in control of myself at all times. A princess never cries.”

“HA!” Spike shouted, leaving.

Sunset growled and took off after him. “Let’s see if Princes’ cry!” She vanished into the other compartments.

Redheart sighed. “They’ll be at this for a while.”

Sweetie blinked a few times. "I see...hey, where's Pizzelle?"

“...and that’s how Equestria was made?” Pizzelle said as she trotted inside. She looked at Sweetie Drops and smiled. “Oh there you are, deary. I’m ever so sorry for not meeting with you earlier, but when I went to pick up my darling little son, Hikaru, I thought to myself ‘why not try on a few hats’. Rarity just makes the most divine hats, so I didn’t think it would be that bad if I tried on some. Nothing that tickled my fancy, however, but Rarity, oh such a lovely young lady she is, gave me a few darling little shoes to try. Why, I just loved the designs so. I had to have them...and I’m rambling again.”

"Oh that's alright dear. I happen to enjoy fashion. I admit I'm no expert, but still." Sweetie said, waving it off. "Also, I think we have different meanings for the word 'shoe', are you talking about something you pull over your hooves temporarily?"

“Well deary,” Pizzelle said. “I do believe you saw Celestia wear such lovely golden shoes on her hooves. Is that what you are referring too?”

"Ah no, we call those slippers." Sweetie said. "Shoes are shaped metal guards nailed into the bottom of hooves for protection in heavy labor and the like."

“Hoof-guards,” Redheart said. “We have those as well.”

“Mommy?’ A young male voice called into the room. “Are the new ponies in there?”

“Yes, Hikaru.” Pizzelle called back. She then looked to Sweetie Drops. “Oh deary, I haven’t introduced my son yet. How dreadfully rude of me. Oh so very rude.”

"Oh it's no worry dear." Sweetie assured her. "We haven't been together to be introduced. I'd love to meet your son."

“You can come in now,” Pizzelle called out. Just then, a little golden fox with pure blue eyes walked in. He was about the size of a filly or colt and had the usual proportions of that of a young creature. He walked in and nuzzled Pizzelle. She returned it. “Sweetie Drops, this is my son, Aki Hikaru. Hikaru, this is Sweetie Drops.”

“Hi,” the child fox waved at her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Sweetie said, sitting up from her previous laying position. While she was feeling a lot better now, she didn't want to push herself too hard. "So, you look like a big boy. How old are you, seven, eight?"

“I’m almost nine, miss Drops.” Aki Hikaru chimed happily.

"Nine? You are a big boy." Sweetie said, smiling. "Do you help your mommy around the house?"

Hikaru nodded. “Yeah, I’m the stallion of the house...I think. So that means I have to help mommy do stuff, ‘cause it’s the right thing to do.”

Sweetie smiled a pat his head a couple of times. "Well now that's good to hear. Are you doing well in school?"

“Yep,” Hikaru nodded. “Miss Cheerilee is really nice and I have a lot of friends. We even have our own club to get our cutie marks. I know I’m not a pony, but maybe I can get one too.”

"...you're a Cutie Mark Crusader?" Sweetie asked, voice straining slightly. "Well, ahem, we'll I'm glad to hear you have some good friends...they're not on the train are they?"

“No,” Hikaru’s ears splayed back as he looked a little sad. “Did I say something wrong, Miss Drops?”

"What? Oh no no nothing like that dear." Sweetie said, smiling. "It's just that we have some Crusaders back home. They're a...very spirited bunch. I'm just a bit tired at the moment, that's all."

The other ponies chuckled knowingly. “It’s nice to know you have some ‘spirited’ little ones too,” Pizzelle pulled Hikaru gently to her side with a motherly wing. She nuzzled his head. “I wouldn’t know what to do without one. The poor dear needed someone and I needed him. I always wanted a child and since I’m….incapable of having one….” Pizzelle glanced at her stomach and then at Hikaru. “He’s like a prayer answered.”

"Ah. I'm most likely going to have to adopt as well given the...nature of my relationship." Sweetie noted. "From every story I've heard, it's always been a wonderful experience."

“It is,” Pizzelle kissed Hikaru’s head. “Miss Drops has had a long day, Hikaru. I think we best let her have a little rest before we get to Canterlot.”

“Aww, do I have to?” Hikaru pouted. “She doesn’t seem that tired.”

"You should listen to your mommy." Sweetie said, smiling. "She's the grown up for a reason."

“Okay,” Hikaru still pouted.

Pizzelle chuckled and picked him up with her mouth by the scruff of his neck and put him on her back. “There,” she used her wings to cover him protectively. “Nice and cozy. Now, what do you say Hikaru?"

“Bye,” Hikaru waved. “It was nice talking with you...even for a little bit.”

"And it was nice talking with you, even for a little while too." Sweetie responded, smiling and giving a little wave back.

“It was nice chatting with you, deary.” Pizzelle said, smiling. “We have to get together sometime before you leave.”

"That sounds lovely dear." Sweetie said, smiling as she shifted from sitting up to laying down.

As Pizzelle trotted out, Redheart piped up. “I think you would make an excellent mother.”

"Thank you dear." Sweetie said, smiling. "But that won't be for a bit longer. I have to get married first, then tell my wife we're having a kid."

Redheart nodded.

“Who is she?” Coco Pommel chimed in. “I bet she’s lovely.”

"My worlds version of Lyra Heartstrings...our version is a genius." Sweetie quickly added. "She earned five masters degrees over the course of five years."

“Impressive,” Redheart quipped.

“Oh right,” Coco said. “I forgot. Twilight mentioned it earlier. It’s still a little hard to take in that you two are a couple. I’m sorry, that sounded mean.”

"It's alright dear. There's been a lot going on today, nopony can be expected to remember everything in a situation like this." Sweetie assured her. "You know, out of all of you, I think I've heard the least about you two. Why don't you tell me a bit about yourselves?"

“My name is Redheart,” she said, putting a hoof to her chest. “I am Ponyville’s head nurse and a leading member of the Order Hospitaller. I like to think of myself as a bit of a scientist, though I mainly dabble in genetics. I engineered a new dog breed as a school project when I was a filly.”

"My, it sounds like you were quite the bright child." Sweetie sounded impressed. "Also, you're a knight? From working in a hospital? I guess you guys really do take healthcare seriously."

Redheart threw her head back in laughter. “No, I’m just a nurse. Well, I was just a nurse until I became the Element of Benevolence, your counterpart here. The Order Hospitaller are a group of non-combatants who do their best to keep everypony alive and well. Though, those on the front lines are given means of self-defense, but usually, it’s not needed.”

Sweetie looked concerned. "I would hope not. In our world it's a war crime to attack non-combatant medics."

“To have a ‘war-crime’ you would need a set of rules on how to run a war,” Redheart sighed. “There are none here. While most nations keep it civil and adhere to a sort of ‘code of conduct’ there are many others who care not whether they kill a pony who can fight back or not.”

Sweetie looked horrified. "If you tried that on our world, everything would turn on you so fast your head would spin...shortly before a minotaur cut it off."

“Minotaurs like to do that,” Redheart said. “While there are some minotaurs living within Equestria and other nations in peace, their nation is very….aggressive. At least they have a code of honor, so I wouldn’t worry about them killing me.”

"You wouldn't have to worry about that in our world either." Sweetie noted. "They aren't that aggressive in our world. They are mostly craftsbulls and traders...at least the ones that come to Equestria are. Or they're tourists. The Iron Empire is our rather loud and boisterous neighbor."

“Same,” Redheart nodded. “Not ‘bordering’ us, but very near anyways. We’ve fought with them, but it never lasts long. We don’t really have much ill-blood between our races compared to others.”

"They're on our western border." Sweetie said. "And I don't think we've ever had a war with them. They really like ponies, especially unicorns. They actually named unicorns as their national animal."

“....Animal?” Redheart asked.

"Yeah, that's what more than a few unicorns said too." Sweetie chuckled. "Then they pointed out there was no rule saying national animals had to be non-sentient. And since unicorns aren't plants or minerals..."

“Minotaurs here think unicorns are cowards,” Redheart said. “They use magic instead of brawn.”

"Our minotaurs love unicorns because of their magic." Sweetie replied. "And as Dash would say, flip flop."

“A lot of nations here aren’t trusting of magic,” Redheart said. “Though, we do have a lot that do. I would say the Troa are our greatest allies and love our magic deeply.”

Sweetie nodded. "Besides with the minotaurs, unicorns aren't widely loved by the other races. At best, they're tolerated. Also, we don't have Troa in our world. May I ask what they are?"

“I believe I can show you,” Redheart used her tail to pull out a specialized crystal disk from her saddle bag. Touching it just right with her hoof, a holographic image appeared. In it was a bipedal creature. It was obviously a predator and looked like a cross between a lizard and a bird. It had a large claw held at ready on its feet. It had green feathers over its body with stripes on its back. It’s arms had longer feathers, like small flightless wings. “Their actually species name is Troodon, but they prefer Troa. They might look vicious, but they are very kind and gentle.”

"I see...Twilight, wake up. New magic to study." Sweetie said, looking at the projected image. "Impressive new magic."

"Not now mommy, I want pancakes." Twilight mumbled, rolling over in her sleep.

Sweetie blinked. "Okay, now I'm a little worried. New magic like this would usually get her up and studying in a flash...literally if she teleports in her excitement."

“It could be simply that she has a piece of Celestia within her,” Redheart stated. “She now hold the magic of a goddess within her being. It might be warming its way through her, giving her a connection to the realm of magic as we speak, or….her mom makes really good pancakes.” She shrugged. “She’ll be fine either way.”

"Well our unicorns do recharge their magic with sleep...except for our Sunset, but she's a special case." Sweetie noted. "I guess it makes sense for Twilight to be sleeping for the process."

Redheart nodded. “Coco, would you like to introduce yourself?”

“Well…” Coco seemed unsure. “I don’t want to bore her or anything.”

"Nonsense dear, I am very hard to bore." Sweetie assured her. "I once listened to Twilight give a lecture on the difference between iron dust and iron shavings in alchemy without falling asleep or having my mind wander. I'm sure you're less tedious than that."

Coco sighed. “My name is Coco Pommel, daughter of Upper Crust, Captain of the Mimus Brigade.”

"....I recognize none of those names I'm afraid." Sweetie said. "I'm sorry about that dear."

“It’s okay,” Coco sighed. “Not your fault. The Mimus Brigade are a group who ride Mimids, long legged dinosaurs, into battle.”

Redheart touched the device again. This time, it showed a dull gray feathered creature, much larger and bird like than the other, even with a beak like mouth. Of course, it didn’t have the ‘killer claw’ on it’s foot. It was wearing armor and gear like that of the Royal Guard who sat atop it. The armor was sleeker and allowed much more movement.

Sweetie got a very serious look on her face. "You can never show this to our Rainbow Dash. She'll want one. Buck, she'd probably just take one whether we were willing to let her or not. They look like they're "too awesome" to ignore."

“She might have already seen one,” Coco said. “My mother lives in Canterlot and she adores her Gallimimus. She takes him out to run in the country with our pet manticore in hoof.”

"...so you have a pet manticore?" Sweetie asked, desperately ignoring the possibility that Dash might be planning on how to acquire a dinosaur. "That's amazing. The only 'tame' manticore I know is our Fluttershy's friend, Manny."

“That’s our pet’s name,” Coco looked taken aback. “Well, now that I think about it, it’s a pretty easy name to give a manticore. I shouldn’t be surprised...I’m sorry.”

"No need to apologize dear." Sweetie smiled. "You're starting to sound like what happens when our Sunset runs into our Fluttershy."

Coco blinked for a few times. “Ummm….”

“Just finish telling her about yourself, Coco.” Redheart said. “I think we already get it. Flip-flop.” She chuckled at the term. “A little hard to believe Sunset and Fluttershy being timid.”

"Oh it's worse than that." Sweetie said. "They both have self esteem issues and blame themselves for a lot of things. It's devolved more than once into the two just saying "I'm sorry" over and over again to each other."

“...Why does that sound like me?” Coco sighed. “Oh dear, I’m sorry for saying that. They’re probably braver than me.”

“The mare who talked down Discord?” Redheart said. “I don’t think so.”

“I just got angry….” Coco blushed in embarrassment. “He was being mean to me and all those ponies….”

"You talked down Discord!?" Sweetie was amazed. "That's I don't even how?"

“He was stealing children,” Coco said. “He was taking them away from their families to be his ‘friends’ and so he could torment the adults in peace. I just….I just couldn’t take it. i could have hid, but...I stood up to him.”

"That was very brave indeed." Sweetie said, smiling. "So...how much longer until we arrive? Dash isn't very patient. I'm worried she may stir up trouble if left on her own.”

“We’re here,” Celestia came back into the room. The train started to slow down and eventually came to a complete stop. “I do apologize for the lengthy travel. The Equestrian Express is relatively new. All new machines are temperamental. I remember how much trouble the first train gave us, all those years ago….” She chuckled at the memories.

"It's no problem." Sweetie said. "It's still much faster than the Friendship Express back home. Also, Redheart and I came up with a basic theory as to why Twilight is suddenly sleeping so much. Unicorn magic is tied into their sleep cycle on our world, so it makes sense her body would try incorporating magic while she sleeps."

“A logical deduction,” Celestia said. The train whistle flared. “That’s our cue to depart. Our Canterlot may be different, but I do believe you’ll find it to your liking.”

"I'm sure we will." Sweetie said, sliding to her hooves. "And I wish to thank you again for the gifts. It would be a lot harder just moving around for me without this. I didn't really get how much things weighed until I didn't have magical aid. I'm going to have to remember that the next time my marefriend complains about the size of my shipment loads."

Celestia nodded and led the ponies out of the tain. For the most part, the train station of Canterlot was like any other. Well, except for its grand presence and the giant armored ponies who stood almost as tall as Celestia herself. Large swords and other weapons were at their sides as they stood at attention. They shouted “Hail Princess Celestia, goddess eternal’. The rest of the ponies bowed, offering up prayers.

“Now, now,” Celestia smiled kindly to them. She used her magic to place Twilight safely on her back. “I am in a hurry. Please do carry on, my little ponies.” The ponies heeded their ruler and went on their way.

"Wow...that's a lot of horses." Sweetie noted. "Did they move here from Saddle Arabia?"

“Those are ponies,” Redheart said. “They are magically enhanced to be, for a lack of a better term, super soldiers. They are Equestria’s Knights.”

“WHERE’S THE BUCKING PRINCESS, YOU FEATHERING CUNTS?!!!” A harsh voice shouted out.

“...And that’s an Angry Knight,” Sunset groaned. “Great.”

"What's he so angry about?" Sweetie huffed. "And he should really watch his language, there are children about."

“Angry Knights are always angry,” Sunset rolled her eyes. “The magical concoction in their training makes them like this.”

Just then, a large stallion pushed his way through the crowd. He wore thick yellow armor with red, angry faces over the pauldrons and his cutie mark area. He wasn’t as large as the other stallions, but he was still pretty big. Around Big Mac’s size. “PRINCESS BUCKING CELESTIA!” He bowed. “Where’s the new cuntnuggets?”

Celestia sighed. “I will tell you as I’ve told your station for over a thousand years. Please watch your tone.” The stallion huffed. “There are here with me and I expect you to treat them with as much respect as you can muster. Am I clear, Captain?”

"Also," Sweetie chimed in, "you should try to watch your language mister. There are children present! Language like that is shameful at the best of times, but in front of children? That is just unacceptable."

“Who the hay do you think you are?!!” The stallion sneered, taking a few threatening steps forward.

“A friend of myself and your goddess,”Sunset stepped in between them. “You will remember that, or we will put you on the chopping block. Am I clear?!!” The stallion took a step back in fear of the unicorn’s anger. “Good, now keep your mouth shut and go.”

“I’m supposed to protect you feathering cunts.” The stallion growled.

"I told you not to use such language sir." Sweetie growled back. "Do so again and I will do something about it."

“Buck me sideways, you have a bucking spine.” The stallion said.

“Which you won’t have in a second,” Sunset lit her horn up.

“ENOUGH!” Celestia voice rung out, stopping everyone in their tracks. “You are members of MY army. You are the protect MY nation, so you must follow MY rules. Those under my watchful eyes will be treated well. I do believe you have some Diamond Dogs on the eastern side of our nation to take care of.” The stallion bowed his head and departed. Celestia sighed. “Angry Knights do their job well, but they are by far the worst at socializing. Though, they can be quite friendly to some, myself included. Their foul mouth, however, will never leave them.”

Pizzelle, who was covering Hikaru’s ears with her wings, sighed as she took them off. “Just thank goodness he’s gone. I never did like those brutes. Oh no, they are very rude. Very rude indeed.”

"Their language is foul enough on its own" Sweetie agreed "but doing it knowing there are children around? Shameless. Now then, where are we taking Twilight?"

“To the castle infirmary,” Celestia said. “There she will be treated by my top physicians...Ah, and there is our escort.”

“Princess Celestia,” a germanic mare’s voice chimed out happily. Out of the crowd, which had pretty much thinned out thanks to the Angry Knight, came several soldiers. At the lead was a musketeer holding quite the lengthy barrel. She was no ordinary musketeer. She was a Vamphirine. A brown mare, standing a little taller than a regular stallion. Her ears were more pointed and fluffier. Her large, bat-like wings stayed at her side. Her cat-like eyes smiled as did her fanged mouth. “I apologize for not coming sooner.” She and her soldiers stopped and bowed before Celestia. “I meant to warn you about some Angry Knights in the capital...again.” She groaned.

“That’s alright,” Celestia smiled. “Sweetie Drops, I would like you to meet the Captain of Canterlot’s forces, Captain Rip Van Winkle.”

"A pleasure to meet you Captain Winkle." Sweetie said, smiling.

“Charmed as well,” Rip said. “Now, let us be off. You have a wounded mare, ja?”

“Not wounded,” Celestia said. “Merely resting. However, I want her watched and monitered until she awakens, in case of any...complications.”

Ja,” Rip Van Winkle nodded. “Then follow me, Princess.” The soldiers took their places alongside the group. She clicked her hooves as she performed a perfect about face. “FORWARD MARCH!” She shouted at her soldiers. The group moved along at Celestia’s pace.

Sweetie walked along, then thought of something. "Captain, do you know where our friend is? She should have arrived in the city a while ago."

Ja,” Rip Van Winkle nodded. “I saw her fly in. Got to admit, she’s fast. I sent a few soldiers to track her.”

Sweetie blinked. "You saw her? That's impressive. Normally a lot of ponies have trouble even seeing her when she starts going faster than sound."

Frauline Sweetie,” Rip Van Winkle used her hoof to tap between her eyes. “I am a Vamphirine. We have excellent vision. Nothing gets by us.”

"Impressive dear." Sweetie said. "So, how are your soldiers going to track her?"

“Tracking spells,” Sunset piped up. “The grounds of Canterlot are rigged with little spells that we can use to track her. We’ll just send word to the castle and just like that, we find Rainbow.”

"...the ground is enchanted." Sweetie notes. "When we're dealing with a flap happy pegasus."

“She’ll touch down eventually,” Sunset said.

“If not,” Rip Van Winkle chimed in. “I’ll shoot her down.” She chuckled at the disapproving glance Celestia gave her. “Joke, it’s a joke.” She put a hoof to her mouth to stifle her laughter. “I’ll find her myself, if we have to.”

Sweetie groaned slightly. "Just don’t joke like that around Rainbow dear. She might take it as an actual threat, and you seem like such a nice girl."

Captain Rip Van Winkle grinned, showing off her bone crushing, dagger like teeth. “Oh, I won’t hurt her. She’s the Princess’s guest….” She snorted and looked away.

Sweetie didn't have the heart to tell Winkle that if it did come down to a fight, Rainbow wasn't the one she'd be worried about.