Chapter 6: Comfort
CHAPTER 6: COMFORT
Twilight slept in her bed, wrapped in her blankets. It was only yesterday when she and the others were debriefed by the Princess, and here they were, in a spare bunk room in the guard barracks, resting for the day they would begin their training.
She never would have thought that she would be here, resting in a barracks. The thought of joining the E.U.P. Guard had never crossed her mind before, let alone being sent on a quest by Princess Celestia. She had always hoped she would become one of Equestria’s greatest mages.
Many unicorns that she knew had gone to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, including Moondancer and Sunburst. Many of them were now serving in the Guard, fighting the Crystal Empire in many parts of Equestria. Moondancer herself had left to join the Battle Mage Corps, a unit within the E.U.P. Guard army comprised of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria, while Sunburst joined the Stalwart Horseshoe Volunteer Corps, a unit within the army that was known for special operations and reconnaissance.
She remembered the day they boarded the train for the training facility in Galloping Gulch. She had wished them good luck, although she remembered Sunburst’s look of unease when she told him he would be a great wizard. She wondered why he was so anxious when she said that, but dismissed it as simply nerves. But when she thought back on that day, she felt that there was a different reason for it.
Twilight tossed and turned in bed, as she dreamed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a very good one.
“No…” She mumbled in her sleep. “Stop… don’t hurt them… please…”
A soft groan came from the bed next to her, a pony-sized lump moving under the covers. A cyan hoof stuck out from under the covers, pulling them down, as Rainbow Dash awoke. She turned to Twilight’s bed, seeing the purple unicorn tossing and turning, mumbling and moaning in her sleep.
Concern crept over her face as she watched her writhe.
“Twilight?” She whispered.
She climbed out of her bed and walked over Twilight. She nudged her gently. After a few nudges, Twilight awoke. She turned to faced Rainbow Dash, concern in her tired, magenta eyes.
“Captain Dash.” Twilight said groggily. “You’re awake. Sorry.”
The Wonderbolt smiled in response.
“It’s alright,” She reassured. “Are you okay? You sounded like you were having a nightmare.”
Twilight looked down, sadness in her eyes.
“I did,” She said. “I was in the middle of Canterlot. There was fire and smoke. Everypony was lying on the ground, lifeless. And then I saw Sombra. He was standing there, with my family trapped by his magic. He was going to… to…” A tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t bear to say it. However, Rainbow Dash had an idea of where she was getting at.
She placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Twilight,” She said, “It was only a nightmare, and it doesn’t have to come true. We won’t let it.”
“But how do we know we won’t fail?” Asked the unicorn.
“We won’t,” Said Rainbow Dash, “Princess Celestia entrusted us with this mission because she knows we’re the ones who’ll find the Elements. We can do this. I’ve lasted this long because I’m determined to beat Sombra, and it’ll take more than the Everfree Forest to keep me from protecting Equestria. I know you’re nervous. I am, too. But once we’re done training, you’ll be ready.”
Rainbow Dash felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The way she spoke to Twilight reminded her of how Spitfire motivated her after she lost her wing. Twilight looked up at her, tear stains on her cheeks. She smiled.
“Thanks, Captain.” She said.
“No problem,” Replied the pegasus, “And Twilight? Call me Rainbow Dash. There’s no need to be formal.”
Suddenly, they heard a yawn, and turned to see Applejack waking up. The earth pony stretched and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
“Oh boy. That sure was a good night’s sleep,” She said. “Ah haven’t slept like that in a long time.”
She then saw Twilight and Rainbow Dash, noticing Twilight’s tear stains.
“Twi? You okay?” She asked.
Twilight rubbed the tear stains from her eyes, looking up at the earth pony.
“I… I’m fine.” She answered. “It was just a dream."
Applejack, however, was unconvinced. She could tell from the unicorn’s body language that she was upset.
Eventually, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkamena woke up as well.
“Ugh, I thought I’d never fall asleep,” they heard Rarity grumble. “Honestly, you would think they would use much more comfortable mattresses.”
“My bed was pretty comfy.” Mumbled Fluttershy.
“Must have just been yours, Rarity.” Chuckled Applejack, a sly grin on her face. Rarity glared daggers at the earth pony, anger burning in her blue eyes. Her blood was boiling as Applejack chuckled.
“That’s enough, you two,” Said Rainbow Dash, sternly. “It’s too early in the morning for this argument. Let’s get ourselves dressed and head for the throne room. Chances are the Princess is already awake and waiting for us.”
“As a matter of fact, Captain Dash,” said a voice. “She is.”
The girls faced the direction of the voice, and saw lieutenant Iron Vigil standing in the doorway.
“Lieutenant Vigil,” Said Twilight, surprised by the guard’s presence. “How long were you there?”
The unicorn stallion smirked. “Long enough to see you already awake,” He answered. “Now, you girls get dressed. I’ll be waiting outside if you need me.”
The girls nodded and Iron Vigil closed the door behind him. Rarity’s horn glowed a blue color, and the closet on the other side of the bunk room, opened, revealing the girls’ clothes and Twilight’s cloak. One by one, Rarity levitated the clothes out of the closet and laid them neatly on her bed.
After a few minutes, the girls were dressed. Rarity then glanced at Rainbow Dash, or rather, her uniform. A prideful grin stretched across her face. Despite its simplicity and its utilitarian design, there was something timeless about it. She never did have time to admire her work at the factory, but now that she saw Rainbow’s uniform, she had to admit it was her finest work. It must have been the color.
Rainbow noticed the unicorn staring at her.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Rarity snapped out of her state and cleared her throat.
“Um, just admiring your uniform,” She said. “It’s simple, practical, and yet the colors are an excellent blend. I never did have time to admire the Wonderbolt uniforms I’ve designed in my career. They say that only the Wonderbolts can have the best suits, and I must say, I’ve certainly designed the best.”
Rainbow simply stared. Clearly, this pony wanted to converse with her due to being a Wonderbolt. Then again, it couldn’t be helped. The Wonderbolts were believed to be the E.U.P. Guard’s best Air Cavalry squadrons, so it was understandable that ponies would want to talk to them. Of course, many pegasus ponies even wanted to join them. She would know. She dreamed about joining them back when she was a filly. And she did. Just not the way she imagined.
The cyan pegasus could also tell she was holding her uniform in high regard. Seeing that she was a seamstress, Rainbow imagined she never had time to admire her handiwork. But now that she was out of the factory, she had plenty of time to take pride in it.
Rainbow Dash had to admit, the uniform was impressive. Comfortable, too. Much more comfortable than wearing heavy metal armor like the Canterlot Royal Guard.
After a few seconds of silence, she spoke.
“You did well,” She said. “This armor’s saved my life more times than I can count.”
Rarity beamed. She spent hours making uniforms for the Wonderbolts, and to be complimented by one filled her with pride.
Rainbow Dash then walked over to Twilight, who had already placed her saddle bags on her back. The lavender unicorn turned to see the Wonderbolt approaching. Twilight was nervous. She was already trying to figure out what to say to the one-winged warrior.
Rainbow seemed to notice.
“What’s up, Twilight,” She asked, “Cat got your tongue?”
Twilight snapped out of her state.
“Uh sorry,” She said, “I guess I’m still anxious to…”
“Be in the presence of a war hero?” Dash finished.
Twilight nodded slowly, smiling nervously. Rainbow chuckled.
“I’m used to it, by now,” She said. “Although, considering what we’re being trained for, you might wanna keep your nerves in check.”
“Right.” Answered the unicorn.
“Ah hate to interrupt yer conversation, girls,” said a voice. The two ponies turned around to see Applejack, fully clothed. “But we better get goin’. Don’t wanna keep the princess waitin’.”
Twilight and Rainbow nodded as Rarity opened the door. The six ponies exited the room in single file, Iron Vigil standing in wait. The unicorn smiled when he saw them. Rarity couldn’t help but feel weak in the knees seeing such a charming smile. Applejack noticed this and rolled her eyes, annoyed by Rarity’s love struck condition.
Oh brother, she thought, same old Rarity.
“Ready?” Asked Iron Vigil.
The girls nodded, and they followed the guard down the hallway. Soon enough, they arrived at the doors leading to the throne room. Twilight swallowed, already feeling the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself.
The doors opened, and the ponies stepped inside. The Princess was inside, sitting atop her throne, while Shining Armor and Stratos stood at her side. If Twilight felt nervous before, she felt really anxious now.
The six ponies approached, bowing before Celestia in reverence. Celestia stood up, looking down upon them.
“Rise,” She said, her voice gentle but commanding.
The six stood up straight, gazing upon the Princess. Out of the ponies, Rainbow Dash and Pinkamena were the ones who showed no hint of anxiety. In Rainbow Dash’s case, it was because of what happened back at Rainbow Falls, when Celestia saved her from Sombra. Since then, the pegasus felt she was indebted to her.
“I trust you had a good rest?” Asked Celestia.
“Yes, Princess.” Twilight answered.
“Good.” Said Celestia. She cleared her throat.
“As you are probably aware,” She began. “This day is the first day of your training session. However, your training will be much different from that associated with the Guard. You will be taken to the Citadel of Courage. There your natural abilities will be tested, as will your abilities to work as a unit. This mission requires all six of you to work together. Captain Shining Armor, Commander Stratos, and Sergeant Iron Will shall serve as your instructors.”
She turned to Shining Armor and Stratos’s direction.
“I trust you’ll train them well?”
“You can count on us, Princess.” Replied Shining Armor, saluting.
Celestia smiled. Shining Armor’s enthusiasm was something she admired in the young stallion. Twilight smiled as her older brother stood tall with pride.
The princess then returned her attention back to the six mares.
“Shining Armor and Commander Stratos will take you to the Citadel,” She told them. “It’s fifty miles from the city, so you will have to take a train. I have the utmost faith that you will succeed in your training.”
“We’ll try our best, Princess.” Said Rainbow Dash as she saluted.
With that, the six ponies followed Shining Armor and Stratos out of the throne room, the doors closing behind them. Waiting for them at the foyer was Stratos’s squadron. Flash, the blue-maned pegasus stallion, took notice of Twilight, and blushed. Twilight saw him, and her cheeks turned bright red.
Rainbow noticed her lavender companion’s state, and nudged her in the shoulder.
“Twilight? You alright?” She asked.
Twilight snapped out of her state, and turned to face Rainbow. She shook her head with embarrassment.
“I’m fine.” She said.
The pegasus raised a brow, unconvinced. Twilight swallowed nervously, feeling Rainbow’s inquisitive stare.
“Really,” She said. “Because it looks like you were making goo-goo eyes at one of Commander Stratos’s troops.”
Twilight’s cheeks turned beet red at Rainbow’s comment. She tried to speak, but she could only manage to stutter nervously. Rarity tried to suppress a giggle at the spectacle.
Stratos walked next to his young subordinate.
“Lieutenant Flash,” He said. “Concentrate. We must continue.”
“Uh, yes, sir.” Replied Flash, snapping out of his state. He turned away from Twilight, facing directly ahead of the corridor, Starchaser sighing to himself.
Twilight sighed, but then heard Rainbow’s voice again.
“Oh, I see. So you do have a crush on him.”
The lavender unicorn’s eyes widened like pinpricks when she heard what the pegasus said. Already, she could feel her heart racing. However, she took a deep breath and glanced back at her prism-haired companion.
“With all due respect, captain,” She muttered, “Do you mind not sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong?”
“Fine, fine,” Said Dash casually. “Not that it’s any of my business.”
*************************************************************
It took the group several hours before they reached the train station at the Epona District. The station was already packed with ponies arriving in Canterlot and departing for other parts of Equestria. Most of those arriving were refugees from settlements threatened by Sombra, while other ponies departing were new recruits for the Guard, boarding the trains to the training facilities.
Dark gray locomotives embarked and disembarked from the station, passengers climbing aboard and stepping off.
The air was filled with a cacophony of chattering ponies, blowing train horns, and chugging trains. Propaganda and recruitment posters were spread across the walls, some even scattered across the ground. Twilight observed her surroundings, watching ponies pass by, wearing grim expressions.
Then she noticed several ponies staring at her, whispering to each other. When she listened in, her heart sank.
“Is that the Canterlot Outcast?”
“I don’t believe it.”
“What in Equestria is she doing here?”
“Is she joining the fight?”
“She’ll do more harm than good…”
“… Couldn’t even get in Princess Celestia’s School. She’s useless.”
“Celestia help us all if the future of Equestria rests in her hooves.”
She wanted to fade away. She wanted to disappear. She just couldn’t bear hearing their words. Her ears drooped as she raised her hood over her face.
Rainbow Dash noticed her lavender companion’s action. She was about to ask what was wrong, when she noticed several ponies staring at Twilight, whispering things. Bad things. It brought back memories of her foalhood. Memories she’d rather not remember.
“We’re doomed for sure if Twilight Flunkle is supposed to be Equestria’s savior. We might as well surrender to King Sombra now.”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and she’ll bore him to death.”
“She’s a disgrace to Canterlot. She’s supposed to be adept at magic, and she couldn’t pass an entrance exam.”
“Hmph. It’s for her own good, anyway. Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns probably has too many rules and not enough nap times for her.”
That did it. Rainbow Dash growled under her breath and spun to face the crowd of ponies.
“Leave her alone!” She shouted. The crowd instantly ceased their murmuring and set their eyes on the pegasus mare. A hush fell over them as their minds processed who was in front of them. It took a while, but just by looking at her blue flight suit and armor, scarred eye, and metal wing, they recognized her as the Hero of Equestria.
“Is that anyway to talk about Equestria’s saviors?!” She called out. “Princess Celestia has given us an assignment to end this war once and for all, and she”- she gestured to Twilight with her hoof- “Is part of that assignment. If she was so useless, do you really think the Princess would have chosen her for this mission?!”
The crowd stood in silence, as Rainbow Dash glared at them, blood boiling in her veins. However, she composed herself, her gaze unwavering.
“If Princess Celestia believes she has what it takes,” She said, “Then so do I.”
There were five seconds of silence, and then the crowd resumed their murmuring. However, this time, there were a few of them whose opinions proved more favorable.
“Do you really think she can do it?”
“The Iron Pony herself thinks so. Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all.”
Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Twilight, whose face was now hidden beneath the hood of her cloak.
“Are you okay?” She asked.
Twilight nodded slowly, indicating that she heard her. However, her eyes were filled with sorrow. Despite Rainbow Dash’s words, the self-doubt in her heart still lingered. She felt a hoof resting on her shoulder, and turned to see Applejack.
“It’s alright, Sugarcube,” She said. “Pay no mind to ‘em. They don’t even know what they’re talkin’ about.”
“No,” Whispered Twilight. “They do know what they’re talking about.”
Applejack’s smile dropped, her reassuring look giving way to one of concern.
“Whaddya mean?” She asked.
The lavender unicorn heaved a sigh and turned to face them.
“Let’s just say I’m not exactly the most popular unicorn in Canterlot,” she said. “The ponies here really value success, and well…”
“Yeah?” Pressed Applejack.
Twilight’s eyes shimmered, and then she looked away, staring at the ground. Applejack’s ears drooped. She didn’t know why the words of those ponies affected Twilight so much, but she couldn’t help but pity her, regardless. Rainbow Dash, however, had an idea why. After all, she had gone through the same thing when she was a filly.
As she pondered, the young ponies arrived at their train. The locomotive was painted gray with army green, and the passenger cars were a dull brown. The initials E.U.P. were emblazoned on the side of the engine, indicating that it belonged to the E.U.P. Guard.
“Here it is,” Said Shining Armor. “The train to the Citadel of Courage. Come on, let’s get on board. We don’t wanna be late for training.”
He noticed Twilight looking down on the ground.
“Twily?” He asked. His little sister looked up at him, her eyes filled with sadness. “You okay?”
“I’ll be fine…” Twilight mumbled in response.
Shining Armor decided not to pry any further. Soon, the doors opened and the ponies stepped inside. Ones the doors closed, the train began to chug its way out of the station, making its way to the Citadel.
Twilight looked outside the window next to her, watching as the train passed by. She wore a sad look on her face, the memory of the crowd’s belittling words still fresh in her mind. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, but it kept coming back. She thought she would have been used to the teasing and name-calling by now, but becoming one of Equestria’s most powerful mages meant everything to her, and failing the entrance exam had broken her. Thus, whenever it was mentioned in her presence, the memories would flood her mind. She sighed.
“Twilight?”
The young unicorn was stirred from her thoughts and turned to the direction of the voice. She saw Captain Dash sitting right next to her. Her lavender eyes widened seeing the war hero next to her.
“You seem a little tense,” The pegasus continued. “You haven’t been talking since we got on board. What’s up?”
Twilight turned away, facing the window once more.
“Nothing.” The answer came in a soft, depressed whisper. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. She could tell something was up.
“It’s about those unicorns back at the station, isn’t it?” She asked.
Twilight’s ears perked up. Suddenly, she began to cry softly. Rainbow’s stone-cold expression softened, her heart filled with sympathy. Twilight looked back at her, tears streaming down her face.
“Yes…” Came her answer in a soft, heartbroken whisper.
I knew it, thought the pegasus, her suspicions confirmed, although she wasn’t proud of it. She originally thought Twilight was anxious about joining the war. Turned out it was the crowd’s harmful words. Rainbow Dash scooted closer to the young unicorn.
“Wanna talk about it?” She asked.
Twilight was silent for a moment, and then she sighed as she told Rainbow everything.
“You see,” She began, “When I was a foal, I admired Princess Celestia and many unicorn mages from the past, especially Star Swirl the Bearded. Ever since I saw Princess Celestia raise the sun for the first time, I put everything I had into learning about magic. Out of all the foals in my class, I was the best at casting spells. There wasn’t a spell, enchantment, or charm I didn’t know. Eventually, because of my magical potential, my parents enrolled me into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. That was the happiest day of my life.”
She closed her eyes and smiled, reminiscing on the day. She then looked back at Rainbow Dash.
“I managed to amaze all of my teachers,” She continued. “Then came the day of the entrance exam. The test they gave me was to hatch a dragon egg with my magic. I tried to use my magic, but, I got so nervous, that I couldn’t cast a spell. I kept trying, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Her ears drooped and she stared at her hooves, as the memory of that day came back. Rainbow Dash wore a sad look on her face. She felt guilty for having to make Twilight remember that day.
“So that’s why those ponies talked about you like that.” She finally said.
“They’ve been doing that for years,” muttered Twilight. “Ever since I failed, most of the ponies in Canterlot have belittled me, called me things like the Canterlot Outcast. Like I said, the unicorns here value success, and to fail at getting into Celestia’s school is one of the worst things that can ever happen.”
Rainbow continued to wear her sad gaze, pity in her eyes. Hearing Twilight’s story reminded her of her own past. In her youth, she had boasted about being the fastest pegasus in Cloudsdale, and admittedly, she always did think of herself that way. But in truth, it was mostly to comfort herself for her own shortcomings. When she looked at Twilight, she saw a bit of herself in her. Her thoughts then dwelled back on the egg in Twilight’s bag.
“That egg in your bag,” She said. “That was the same one from the exam, wasn’t it?”
Twilight slowly nodded, not even looking back. Rainbow rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, drawing her out of her sad state.
“Don’t listen to ‘em, Twilight,” She comforted. “They just don’t understand you. Their words can only hurt you if you let them. I know we just met yesterday, but I understand what you’ve been through. Besides, Princess Celestia has faith in you, right? If she thinks you’ll be a great mage, then so do I. Besides, I think it’s pretty great that you want to be the pony who hatches a dragon egg with your magic.”
Twilight felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. Once again, the legendary Iron Pony was there to comfort her. It lightened her mood knowing that Rainbow Dash believed in her.
She smiled as she gave her heartfelt reply.
“Thanks, Rainbow.”
The pegasus mare smiled, and then leaned back in her seat, resting. Twilight did the same. Soon, her eyes closed as sleep overtook her, the two ponies sleeping as they made their way to the citadel, where their training would begin.
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Hey there. Thanks very much for getting the next chapter up. I really appreciate you going to the effort. It took a while, sure, but was well worth the wait. Once again, excellent job on the exchanges, emotional content and future chapter set-up in all the right places. And, yeah, I can understand Twi's nightmares AND I especially liked the others (ESPECIALLY Rainbow) comforting her when they found out how the other Canterlot ponies (with obvious exceptions already mentioned in earlier chapters) have never let Twi live down her failure (especially with that taunt VERY MUCH like the one that one of Rainbow's old bullies used). At any rate, I will definitely be looking forward to more of this as soon as time and inspiration will allow.
7676467 Thank you.
7490291
What makes you say that?
7676488 It's just so fitting. Plus, he always was an egotist.
Please write more. I love the alternate universes, and can't find enough Sombra-war stories.
9456567
I can't. I lost interest in the story.