Princess Luna and her bat wing royal guards, along with Transparent Pie and the 70th VRG must save a train form exploding.
Princess Luna: “We are heading for Appleloosa. We wish to meet with Chief Thunderhooves about affairs of state. Along with some ponies who are censures about a new wind turbine project. Also the town is opening a new cheery packing plant.”
High above Ponyville flew the sky chariot of Princess Luna. Being pulled by her personal bat pony royal guards, Star Dancer and Skin Wings. Luna looked over the side of the chariot and down to the small city below her. Princess Luna could just make out the ponies going about there day to day lives of buying and selling goods and services to each other.
The Princess of the night, smile with pride for her subjects. As she look on, her eyes became very sad, old feeling of being alone started to creep back into soul.
“Hi! Your Highness! How you doing?” The voice shouted into Luna ear. The shout made the two royal guards turn their heads back to see who had said something. Only to bump each others head together as they turn to look. Skin Wings glared at Star Dancer over the simple accident.
Princess Luna also gave a small jump of surprise as she turn to see Rainbow Dash flying along side the chariot. Rainbow Dash, with her blue coat and rainbow mane, was the keeper of the element of loyalty. She made her home in the clouds round Ponyville. Her hobby it seemed was making other ponies jump with surprise.
Regaining her composer, Princess Luna replied. “Hello, Rainbow Dash, we are doing very well today. Thank you. And, how are you?”
“Doing grate! Just keeping the weather clear until after two. Apple Jack needs some rain later for her farm. So, I sent Derpy out with the news to let the other ponies know what going to happen.” Reported Rainbow Dash.
Just the hearing Derpy’s name never failed to bring a smile to Luna’s face. “And how is the Doctor?” Luna asked.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Time Turner, is still working on the crazy blue box of his.” Wanting to get off the subject of The Doctor as fast as she could. Rainbow Dash asked. “What brings you all the way to Ponyville?”
Princess Luna puffed out her chest and held her had high. “We are heading for Appleloosa. We wish to meet with Chief Thunderhooves about affairs of state. Along with some ponies who are censures about a new wind turbine project. Also the town is opening a new cheery packing plant.”
Rainbow Dash looked confused. “Grand openings and affairs of state? Don’t you have other ponies to do that stuff for you?”
Luna hung her head down. “Yes, but” She look at the back of her two royal guard ponies, then back to Rainbow Dash. “I need to get way from Canterlot for a little bit.”
With the bluntness of a hammer, Rainbow Dash asked. “Why?”
At this point Luna had started to lose her royal décor. “In one word: Stress.” Luna felt safe high above the ground and with only Star Dancer and Skin Wings to hear what she was going to rant about.
“You see, Rainbow Dash, being royalty is not laying about all day and doing nothing. There are ponies that bring you their problems, some that you can help with and others you can not. An example would be the new wind turbine project that is going on between Dodge Junction and Appleloosa. Chief Thunderhooves is worried that the project will cut into more of his tribes home lands. The ponies that run the project want me to help them with the native bison.”
Rainbow Dash nodded.
Princess Luna continued. “Then there are some ponies that want the project stopped because they feel that is going to damage the tortoise population.”
Now things were getting personal. After all Rainbow Dash had a pet tortoise by the name of Tank. And the thought of him, or his kind, being hurt by wind turbines did not set well at all. Then Rainbow thought about it, then asked. “How does a wind turbine hurt the tortoise population?”
Luna explained. “They clam that the tortoises will not know how to go around the base of the wind turbines.”
Rainbow Dash hove planted. True Tank did plow into things, but he always recover and went around. Then again, Tank had a magic propelled helicopter rotor harness to his back that Derpy and Time Turner had given to Rainbow Dash that Tank did not know how to use very well. Also what was a helicopter? Way off topic. Rainbow Dash returned to the conversation.
Princess Luna went on about how she and her sister had to deal with other ponies problems all day long. And, they no mater how crazy some of them sounded, each had to be check into and reports written. After that actions had to be taken. All the time being curdiest and polite. Sometimes, the ponies were so upset and so angry they shouted and said curl things. Even claming that nether Princess Celestia or Luna did not care about other ponies, just themselves.
Even Rainbow Dash saw how much that hurt Luna. Rainbow Dash pick up speed and ask the two bat ponies. “Do you guys ever back her up. You know stand up to the bullies? Say a few words of encouragement? ” The two bat ponies just keep their eyes looking ahead. Thou Star Dancer did have a tear in her eye.
Calling Rainbow Dash back, Luna explained. “They can not. See, they were appointed to me by Celestia. The royal guard are not to be friends with us. That is one of the rules.”
“You know, your highness. We are going to have to talk about this later. Right now I got to get back to Ponyville and start that rain for A.J.. But, we will talk.” With that Rainbow Dash took off. Leaving Princess Luna alone. With only two bat ponies guards pulling a over rated sky wagon, the two ponies that had to be with her.
Thou Princess Luna did not say it. She though it very loud inside her mind. “Life sucks!” ***
Princess Luna raised the moon and lower her self back down to the balcony of the Appleloosa hotel. The two royal guards stand on ether end of the balcony, as Luna landed between them. She looked up into the night sky. The stars did not look the same to Luna as they did once. They were now bigger and full of much more wonder. It had only been two years since the four “stars” free her from her excel and the keepers of the Elements of Harmony broke the anger of Nightmare Moon,. Luna’s own sister ask for her return. With in thou two years, Princess Luna had to relearn how to interact with pony kind once more. But, she had also gone on some fantastic adventures. She smile and in a soft voice she said. “Thank you, all.”
Skin Wings turn and said. “I am sorry your highness, I did not hear you.”
Before Princess Luna could respond a voice come form the street below. “Back off Daffodil, you and Blood are drunk.” The voice was from a stallion, but that was about all Luna are her guards could make out.
Another voice came up form the street. “And you are going to give us all your bits so we can drink some more!” This stallion sound like he was bigger and very mean. Then the stallion added “AND THE NAME IS DAFF!”
The first stallion then said. “First off, I do not have one bit to give you. I have put all my money in the bank. Next if you hit me, then I just going get the sheriff and he will just lock you two up again.”
This time a mare voice spoke up. “Well maybe this time you wont get up, Dirt Face!”
With that the sound of two hooves stomping the wooden walk way below could be hear, and a soft thud. Then form under the balcony a pony flew into view. A good trick for an earth pony. The pony landed in the middle of the dirt street in front the hotel. He was an earth red with a brighter red mare.
The red pony was starting to get up when two other ponies ran up to him. One, a off yellow with a red mane, started stomping down hard on the fallen red pony. With a blood red mare coming up behind calling out. “Stomp him Daff. Stomp him hard.”
Princess Luna horn glowed with anger. Star Dancer saw what was happening and stated to say. “Your highness you…” Luna then called out. “STOP!”
The booming voice did make Daffodil stop and look to see where the sound came form. Then both he and the mare took a steep back. Luna spread out her wings and order the bat ponies to do the same.
At once the two attackers took off running crying for help because. “ALICORN WING! COMING!”
The princess flew down to see if she could help the wounded pony. Star Dancer and Skin Wings has no chose but to join her.
Luna asked the pony. “Are you alright?” Then rephrased question. “How badly hurt are you?”
At once the ponies started to come out of homes around the town to see what was going on. When they saw the two bat ponies they stated calling for the sheriff.
***
This was new. Of all the place Princess Luna had been to in the past two years, jail was new. She did not even know that a Princess could be arrested.
The sheriff came by and unlocked the door of the cell. “I am sorry, your highness, but it sure looked like you were attacking, Old Dirty.
Skin Wings asked. “Who is, Old Dirty? I thought his name was Dirt Face. I mean the pony I saw was not old. ”
The Princess and two bat ponies walk out of the jail cell, but then saw the two ponies that had attack, the victim, the night before as being lead into the same cell.
The sheriff explained. “That Transparent Pie’s nick name.” The sheriff smile. “I and most of the town has been calling, Transparent Pie, ‘Old Dirty Face’ for all of our lives. See, he has a face and hooves look like they been pushed down in the blacken mud. You know birth marks. He was an Old Dirty Face long before he even got his cutie mark, of a slice of Pie.”
Now it was Skin Wings that voice that show anger. “And, you are still calling him that?”
The sheriff was a little taken back. “Well, not in front of him, no. The two, Daff and Blood, show up in town a few months ago. Said they seen stuff that we would not believe and then started making trouble. They must have hear that, Old Dirty, was a easy target to rob.”
Asked Princess Luna. “Is this pony, that gotten batten last night, is his name Transparent Pie, Old Dirt Face, or Dirty? Seem to me that you do not care what happens to him.”
Star Dancer put her hove down. “What other colorful names do you have for this pony?”
The Sheriff could see that he was out number. “Look, this is just a small town problem. We will work it out. Once more, I am sorry for having to lock you all up over, well Transparent Pie’s little fight. It was just a misunderstanding.”
Skin Wings look eye to eye with the Sheriff. “Well, maybe we like to talk to this, Transparent Pie, pony. Where can we find him?”
“He should be at his bakery, just down the street.” Replayed the Sheriff.
***
Princess Luna and the two royal guard ponies walked down the wooden plank sidewalk of the town. The bakery was not hard to find, it had a sine over the building that simply stated. “Transparent Pie: Bakery”
As the trio walk along, Princess Luna asked. “Why were you getting so angry, Skin Wings?”
“Let me just say I spent more than one night is a jail cell. And, you don’t know how much I hate it.” He replied.
Luna thought to herself. “Try a thousand year on the moon.”
Forgetting her place, Star Dancer said. “I think we have all had a story like this guy.” Then her eyes went wide and said. “Forgive me, your highness. I did not mean to speak out of turn.”
Luna rolled her eyes. “It is safe to say that news of what happen is going to get back to my big sister real soon. I have already broken a lot of rules, and I can take the blunt of what she is going to say and do. You two are in the clear. So, just relax the royal educate, just for today.”
Luna knew that when the moon did not come down in the morning light, that Celestia would know something had happen, and would sent out a company of royal guards to find out what was wrong. Luna was already working on what she would tell Celestia about the beating of a pony and how some pony had to stop the pain. When they walked into the Bakery.
There rapped in bandages around his chest, was the earth pony form last night. He walk behind the glass show case and asked. “How do you do? Can I help you good ponies with something.?”
Skin Wings said. “Do you know who you are speaking too? This is Princess Luna.”
Transparent Pie rolled his eyes. “I know Skin Wings. I know.”
Skin Wings was about to say something and then stop. Then asked. “How do you know me?”
Luna looked at the pies. “Oh I love the pies. We have them at the grand gapping gala each year. They are called…transparent pie?” The look of shock came over each there face as they looked pass the earth pony to the pictures that hung on the back wall just behind the show case. Each of the grand gapping gala, and the prize of being the best pastry of the gala. For ten years the best pastry of the gala was transparent pies from Appleloosa. And as part of the prize was special permission to speak to the royal as equals.”
***
“Well this day went well.” Groaned, Skin Wings.
Star Dancer reach into the box of pies and picker herself out one to eat.. “Well, we got some free transparent pies. So, it not all bad.”
Back in the hotel room, laying down on the bed, Princess Luna look up at the ceiling, as her personal guards made themselves at home. After what did it mater now, thought Luna, may as well let the guards have a little brake.
She, though back to the gala, and yes it was the same pony. The same smiling pony, Transparent Pie, that show her the best way to eat a transparent pie. He had been smart and funny and, well, made her blush. Other ponies are always trying to make Princesses feel special, but Transparent Pie had made Luna feel special by not trying to make her feel special. Transparent Pie was just himself, and Luna like that in him. It also help that his was very nice to look at.
“I wonder when Celestia’s army is going to show up?” asked Luna.
Skin Wings took out a pie himself and looked it over before taking a bite. “Oh, I say the Wonder Bolts will be the first to show up. And that is a long flight from Canterlot, even for them. ”
Luna cover her face with a pillow. “Not the Wonder Bolts. This does not need to be a bigger show.” The muffled words came out.
Eating her pie, Star Dancer said. “Well, you got your meeting with Chief Thunderhooves out of the way.”
Another groan come from under the pillow.
Skin Wings than side. “Well, okay. Transparent Pie sort of did most of the work for you. I mean he is a really nice pony, and he seem to know who to talk to Chief Thunderhooves.”
Princess Luna recalled the events of the day. How after she and her royal guards bat ponies stood dumb struck by the fact that Transparent Pie had been given royal permission, by Princess Luna herself, to address the royal court in a simple but proper manor filling his whim (To talk to them like equals). That Transparent Pie had framed the royal decree and placed it upon his bakeries wall, along with picture of he and Princess along with Star Dancer and Shin Wings..
Only to have Chief Thunderhooves come into the bakery himself and ignoring Princess Luna altogether. The native bison Chief was more worried about baker, and how badly he had been hurt.
Only after Chief Thunderhoove was satisfied that Transparent Pie was alright, except for a few bruised ribs. Did Chief Thounderhooves even look at Luna. And, then he was not impressed. It was only after introductions by Transparent Pie did tension in the room brake and the talks could begin.
The next few hours were spent in talks, looking over maps and eating pies. As the bakery makeup table had somehow become the summit meeting place. With Transparent Pie somehow becoming the host. In the end, the group of ponies and native bison, came to a resolution and everyone ate a peace pie.
Princess Luna lifted the pillow and looked over at the two bat ponies and asked. “How can you two keep eating those pies? We have been eating them all day long.” In truth, poor Luna was so full of pie, she sort of felt sick. Star Dancer finished her bit, and said. “The things are addictive. I lost count on how many I have eaten.”
Luna just lowered the pillow once more and grown some more then asked. “Could you save me two for latter?”
The moon was set in place and Princess Luna was once more coming down form the sky. She had taken a short nap and her stomach had stop being upset, so she was feeling better. When she saw that her two guards were not at their post. She looked around and found them. Fighting in the street?
Princess Luna went into a dive to find out what was going on. She was shocked to see that Daff and Blood were out of jail. Daff was fighting Skin Wings and Transparent Pie. Star Dancer and Blood were in the middle of there own battle, and Star Dancer was losing. Luna powered up her horn and let out a lunar war cry. Letting go of the magic sell that pushed Blood half way down the street. Blood fell end over end, until come to a stop in a heap.
Luna then stomped on top of Daffs head, before landing to check over Star Dancer. The two stallions kicked Daff in the gut and face, knocking him out cold. Transparent Pie used his own bandage to tie Daff up before checking on Skin Wings.
“What happen?” Asked Luna. Star Dance try to focus and answered. “We were jumped form behind. They broke our wings. Stomped on us.” Then Star Dancer pass out herself. Luna looked over to Transparent pie, who said. “I was walking to the bank, when they all dropped form the side of hotel balcony. I think Skin Wings is real bad hurt! HELP? Some pony, help!”
***
Transparent Pie hove planted, and Princess Luna asked sheriff Silver Star to explain his action once more. Just to make sure that she did not hear him wrong. “They sober up, said they were sorry, and that they never hit Dirty again. So, I let them go.” Said Silver Star.
Princess Luna just stood there with her mouth open, looking at the sheriff in total disbelieve. Her shock was broken when Transparent Pie said. “Well, they did keep there word. I did jump in, after they started the fight with your guards. So, they did not hit me, until I hit Daff first.”
“Well.” Said the sheriff. “Maybe I should lock you up for fight in the streets also. It is only fair.”
Luna’s horn glowed and her eye set upon the sheriff with total contempt. “When my sisters army shows up. I hope they run you out of office. Now, unless you want me to put you up on charges of high treason and personally send you to the moon, right now. I would wipe away all thought of putting me or Transparent Pie in jail form your mind.”
“I was just joking.” replied the Silver Star. “We all pick on Dirty….” “HIS NAME IS TRANSPARENT PIE!” shouted Princess Luna. She then turned to the dirty face pony and said. “By royal decree, I Princess Luna Victorious Equestria name you Transparent Pie as my personal protector. Kneel pony.” At once Transparent Pie drop to his knees. Luna then tip him on each shoulder with her glowing horn and said. “By order of the lunar laws of Equestria I dub the Sir. Transparent Pie. Keeper of the order and laws of our land. Rises as the moon in the night sky, good and noble sir. You are now a Knight of the Order. Now come, Sir. Transparent Pie.”
With that Princess Luna walk out of the sheriff office. But, Transparent Pie asked as he got off the floor. “What does all that mean?” Sheriff Silver Star replied. “You just got deputed.”
***
After another full day of talking with the Tortoises Protective Ponies (TPP) and the wind turban ponies. Princess Luna had a head ache. She had Skin Wings, and Star Dancer moved to the bakery, so that they could be with her as she held talks with the two groups around the make up table in the back of the bakery. Unlike the native bison, the Tortoises Protective Ponies (TPP) were, in a word, crazy. The protective ponies keep saying the same thing over and over that the tortoises would not be able to find there way around the wind turbans. Also they wind turbans would knock tortoises upon there backs by hitting them on top of there shells.
The wind turban ponies pointed out that wind turban blades did not sweep that low as to hit something on the ground. As for the 'blocking each path of the tortoises' accusations. The wind turban ponies were willing to make path ways for the tortoises thought the turbans. The train ponies did the same thing with the train tracks when they were lay down
In the end Princess Luna told both sides that she would study the problem, but she saw not reason to stop the building of the turbans. This lead to the TPP to threading to take there case to Princess Celestia, the real protector of Equestia.
Now, after all the insults and allegation, Luna had to place the moon into the sky. It was not hard work, and some fresh air would help. But, she just keep thinking over and over about how badly thing have gone on this trip, and what Celistia would say.
***
Transparent Pie lock the front door of the bakery and close the blinds of the windows. He then counted out the days cash draw and recorded the information in his counting book. Then he checked on his gust.
The rooms over top the bakery is where Transparent Pie lived. The only rooms were the bakery office, a bath room, and a very big living/bed room. All of the food was prepared in the bakery below, and was eaten around the small table that was also use by the customers for snaking. So, there was no reason to have a dinning table and kitchen on the second floor. Transparent Pie had a lot of room to live in, but no pony to share it with.
This was where Skin Wings and Star Dancer were take to lay down and heal form their fight. Both of them had been beaten very badly, but Blood had spent a lot of her blows upon Star Dancer face. Star Dancer’s left eye had pop out and had to be put back inside her head. Her left wing had been broken in two places, along with lot of deep hove cuts.
Skin Wings looked over to Transparent Pie form his cot. “You should have help her first. I will never forgive you. She is far more important that I am.” Skin Wings had three broken ribs and both of his wings were broken in four places. His spin had been cracked, and had he had internal bleeding.
“I am sorry.” Was all that Transparent Pie could think to say. However, Star Dancer, rebuked. “Your life is just as important as mine, Skin Wings. We are the only two of our kind that I know of, and we are all that the other has. I don’t want to be alone.”
“Alone?” Asked Skin Wings. “You were never alone. Your family only hid you way for other ponies. Only letting you out at night to fly around. I was abandon at a school. No mother or farther, just me and me alone. Now you come in as a royal guard and give me a sob story about being lone. Please.”
Transparent Pie then side. “I bet they call you names, and push you down in the mud all the time?” “Aye” said Skin Wings. Transparent Pie then said. “I bet they told you that you were a freak, and hit you all the time.” “ Aye” Skin Wings again. Transparent Pie held Star Dances hove. “Ponies say things about your mother. And when you told a teachers, they said that it was all just growing up and that you had to learn how to deal with others..”
“That right.” said Skin Wings. Then Transparent Pie said. “So, you when your cutie mark show up, you put all your energy into becoming the best pony. Walling yourself off form other pony just by working. That way they could not hurt you ever again.”
Skin Wings then thought. “Oh are you going to tell me that your dirty face makes us the same? That this bakery is your bat wings?”
“No.” Said Transparent Pie. “But, how much do you want to bet that Star Dancers life is just that way? I bet that her farther call her mother all sort of names, maybe even batten her for having a freak child?”
Skin Wings turn his head to see Star Dancer crying. He once more looked at Transparent Pie. “I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!” Shouted Skin Wings at Transparent Pie. However, Transparent Pie, took Skin Wings hoof and place it on Star Dancers hoof. Transparent Pie then said. “Your rejection of her is hurting her more than I ever could. All because you have the same sort of life.”
The two bat ponies held each others hooves as Transparent Pie walk away to the window. There Princess Luna, who had once more place the moon into the sky, and had return in time to hear the story that Transparent Pie had told Skin Wings. As she came back in to the room by way of the window, she hugged Transparent Pie. Then she whispered in his ear. “That is also your story. I can tell. Just like it is also mine.”
Chapter Four The Seventy Volunteers Royal Guard. (70th VRG)
The train pull in station right on time. Luna knew that the royal guard would be on that train, but she did not understand why the Wonder Bots, or some other Pegasus unit had not show-up earlier. Not that is mattered.
Luna had order (well asked) that Transparent Pie stay at the bakery to take care of Star Dancer and Skin Wings. Also, Luna need some time to review all the events that had happen over the past few days.
Princess Luna had completed all the missions that she had been sent on. That was good. So, she was going to report to the commander officer and explain what had happen. Then, with her wounded ponies bat guards she would board the train, and return to Canterlot.
However as a flat car pull up to the loading platform. Princess Luna was suppressed to see a colonel of the volunteer army jump off the train. Upon see Princess Luna, the colonel ran up to her and bow. “Your Highness, I am colonel Arrow with the 70th Equestria Volunteer Royal Guard.”
Colonel Arrow was a tail thin Pegasus pony with a deep blue coat and no main, however his tail was red in color. His wings were also red, something unique in Pegasus ponies. Luna said. “Rise Colonel and bring me news. Is something wrong in the land?”
An army mules called out, as she got off the train. “You mean why did your sister only send us, and not regular solders?” She was a middle age molly.
Mules. The most loyal minority of Equestria. Hard working like Earth ponies, but with short tempers and out spoken opinions. There was a strange freedom in mules because that did not have cutie marks.
“Be polite, Sergeant Major.” Said a young John mule captain. However an older John mule shouted at the young captain. “You do not talk to your mother like that, youngster.”
“Dad!” Cry back the young mule captain.
In the meantime a young unicorn pony started unload the flatbed train car. Only to be told by an older Earth pony, who also was a sergeant major, to stop and line up first. “Things in order, Fishy, things in order.” said the Earth pony sergeant major.
Princess Luna simple could not hold back the hove face plant. These were ponies that were ether to young or to old to be in the rank and file of the Royal Guard. Along with naturalized citizens like zebras and camels. Why did Celestia send them? Not that it mattered, Luna reminder herself, all I need them to do is bring Skin Wings and Star Dancer to the train and head back home.
“Would you like to inspect the troops?” Asked colonel Arrow. Princess Luna nodded and started looking over the line of ponies, mules, and one camel.
As Princess Luna looked over the small group, finding them very well disciplined, she once more asked. “Why did my sister send you and not the regulars guard, colonel?”
Colonel Arrow reported. “Well, Seem the free flying Dragons and the Griffons are in a air space dispute, and Cloudsdale is sort of in the middle of the front lines.”
Princess Luna turned to colonel Arrow. “What? You mean that the Pegasi have gone off to protect Cloudsdale? Where is my sister?”
Colonel Arrow said. “Princess Celestia is with her forces in Cloudsdale. She is trying to head off a war before it starts.”
Princess Luna had to let the news sink in. At last Luna said. “Alright, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are in control of Canterlot?”
Shaking his head, Colonel Arrow said. “There are wild fires in Meighagra Fall forest. All Earth Ponies have been move to fight the fire.”
“Why?” Asked Princess Luna, forgetting all about the inspection of the troops.
“Queen Chrysalis may have set the fires to draw out the guard ponies. With a dispute in Clooudsdale skies, she knows that she can weaken the Royal Guard by over exceeding our forces. Earth ponies are still the majority of the guard.”
Princess Luna nodded her head. “And, all the unicorn ponies would be needed to protect the capital and Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
Colonel then added. “Whom we will be picking up in Ponyville once we have you on board the train.”
Princess Luna eye went wide. “You are telling me that Prince Blueblood is running the government?” This day just got better and better. “And, the only princess quailed to rule is still in Ponyville?”
Sweating with worry, colonel Arrow reply. “Our orders were to find out why you did not raise the moon two nights ago. All the other orders happen as we were under way.”
Luna looked over the 70th VRG and saw no dragon with them, but that did not matter at the moment. She started handing out order. “Colonel, we need two medical starches. My guards were attacked and wounded in battle. Our first priority is to see to there needs. Your mission is to retrieve them and return to the train, for our return to the capital. I will show you where my guard are bedding.”
Colonel Arrow turn to the group. “All right! You hear the Princess. Sergeant Ned, you take point. Sergeant major Big Guy, make room on one of the cars for the wounded. March!”
The Sergeant major call out. “Skyline! Cuz! Help me clean up this mess. Fishy! You go with Ned and lesson to what he tells you.”
The camel also started talking. “Wild Hair, Fishy, Buck-E. We are going to need your magic to move the starches..”
***
Sergeant Ned the camel walk very slowly down the street of Appleloosa. His long legs over taking the trotting unicorn ponies with grate ease.
Princess Luna asked. “You are the 70th VRG doctor?”
Ned smiled with his head held high. “Sure am, been at it for going on 30 years now.”
Luna then looked over to the very young unicorn. “Your name is Fishy? Is that right?” The unicorn blushed and nodded his head.
Ned said. “Youngster. When a princess says something to you. You speak, you do not just bob your head about like there nothing inside.”
Fishy then said. “Yes mama. My name is fishy. I know all about fish and I can swim real good too. I even talk to sea horse one time. Mama.”
Luna smile, she was beginning to like this strange group of solders. “Open question, and feel free to just talk to me as a pony and not a princess. What make each of you join the volunteer guard?”
Ned lead the replies. “Oh, for me it was a way to get through medical school. This I fell in love with the guard and stay on to long. Now I am just to old to know better.”
Fishy was next. “I want to be in the real guards some day. I just have to get my cutie mark first. I hope it is a sword mark.”
The next unicorn to speak was named Wild Hair. “Females dig a buck in uniform. How about you Buck-E?” “You know I am in this for the adventure, Wild Hair.” Said Buck-E in a very fake deep voice. Luna thought that he was also to young to be in the regular guard.
The group was in sight of the bakery, when they saw that it was surrounded by buffalo tribe braves. At once Luna flew over to the chief, with the unicorns and Ned left behind.
“Chief! What happen?” Asked Luna. Thunderhooves said. “We hear you were going to the train station and wish to say good-bye to a new friend. As we walk pass the sheriff office, I see thought the open door, that sheriff Sliver Star laying on the floor. When we go in to help, crazy red pony fight us. She was trying to open broom closet. The crazy red pony run to bakery. She shouts to big yellow pony and they both run away.”
“Where is Transparent Pie?” Asked Luna. “Star Dancer! Skin Wings!”
“I am okay.” Said, Transparent Pie. “When I saw that Daff had gotten out of jail and coming down the street. I lock the door and got out my rolling pin. Star Dancer and Skin Wings are safe.”
Luna looked around. “Sergeant Ned! Check on the sheriff! Transparent Pie, find the doctor and tell him what is happing. 70th unicorns, you will find the wounded up stairs. Load them and take them to the train station. I am going to fly back and tell colonel Arrow what is happing. Thank you Chief Thunderhooves, I wish I had time to thank you for what you have done.” With that Princess Luna took to the sky.
Once in the air, Princess Luna, saw the train pulling away form the station, and going backwards. She landed near colonel Arrow, and asked. “Colonel? What going on?” However colonel Arrow only said. “I sent mule captain Sunny and sergeant major Big Guy to find out.”
With in a few seconds, the mule captain and sergeant major pony return. The mule said. “A conductor told us that a yellow buck and red mare jump on to the engine and took over. I do not think they know how to drive.”
“What to know? The train is on a track.” Said Luna.
The sergeant major replied. “That may be true, you highness, but if do not know the track or how to handle the train. Well, you could derail or blow up the engine. And, if that happen, say in Ponyville, then your looking at killing lots of ponies.”
Then the mule captain added. “Also there were passengers on board some of the cars. At the speeds thou two were going. A lot of ponies are already in danger. Then there the fact that we do not know if the tracks are clear of not. That train took off going the wrong way.”
By now the 70th VRG and Transparent Pie had show up with Star Dancer and Skin Wings.
Princess Luna said. “We have to get a message out to Ponyville. Maybe they can clear the track and evacuate ponies around the area.”
Colonel Arrow looked to Ned. “Sorry, but she is right.” Ned looked sick. “I has to be done.”
Buck-E pulled out a paper and pencil form his haversack. Then wrote a note and then held it up to Ned. Looking hard at the note, Ned then ate the note and belched, saying “Your message has been sent.”
Luna stood there with her own mouth open in shock. The Sergeant Major explained. “We do not have a dragon.”
The voice of one of the army mules came form the back of the train station. “Look! We found a pump car!”
Soon the pump car and a small maintenance flat car were rolling after the runaway train. The Earth ponies, mules and Transparent Pie were pumping the seesaw like beam in the center of the pump car. As unicorn ponies use there magic to make the load as light as they could. Ned took care of Star Dancer and Skin Wings who were lay down in the center of the small flat car. Colonel Arrow, Sky line, and Cuz flew with Princess Luna just ahead of them.
As they went along, the Luna spotted some pony by the side of the tracks. She pointed to him and Colonel Arrow nodded. Giving hove orders, Sky line dove down.
Sky line did not like what he found. It was the engineer. After picking up the engineer and placing on the flat car, Sky line, return to Luna and Arrow and reported.
“Your Highness. Colonel. The two fugitives just dumped the engineer off the train. The engineer said that he would not make the train go faster, so they pushed him off. He said that that the train is near exploding form over stoking. At the speed they are going, if they do not jump the tracks, the train will blow up in the town center of Ponyville. Ned spat up some news for us. Ponyville got our message and has clear the track ahead. They are also clearing out the town. But, Seem that there is a massage for you Priness Luna. Your sisters is heading for Ponyville also. Seem she was able to bring peace between the dragons and griffons. So, she wanted to see you and talk about what been happening.”
Princess Luna shouted. “IT IS OFFICIAL! THIS DAY CAN NOT GET WORSE!” Not only did princess Luna have to save a train with ponies trapped inside, and Ponyville. But, now she had to save Celestia also.
Sky line then asked. “Colonel, is this a bad time to tell you that along with our own ordnance, the train had a load of dynamite.” “WHAT?!” screamed Luna. Somehow it could get worse.
Landing softly on to the ground of Ponyville. Princess Celestia was still in her battle armor. By her side were the wonder bolts.
The leader of the wonder bolts, Spitfire, looked around. “What going on?” As Ponyville was the seen of total panic. Ponies running from place to place. Picking up what they could and taking away form the train tracks. At the train station Princess Twilight Sparkle, and her dragon Spike were sending messages. Poor Spike looked sick from the number of scrolls he had burned and spit up.
As Celestia was trying to take in all that was happening. When a pink pony jump up into her face. “HI! PRINCESS CELESTIA! WHAT YOU DOING! WHAT YOU DOING! WHAT YOU DOING!” Pinky Pie was stop by Derpy Whooves. Who all but jump onto Pinky’s head. The two of them then bow low, along with Time Turner.
“What is going on Doctor?” Asked Celestia. Time Turner said. “Nothing of my doing, your highness. The train is a runaway, and we have been asked to evacuate the town. I am just sorry to say that some ponies have taking up trying to save what they can before the train explosion. The problem is that we do not have a plan, and poor Princess Twilight has been trying to get one together as fast as she can.”
Princess Celestia then said. “IT IS OFFICIAL! THIS DAY CAN NOT GET WORSE!”
***
“Rope!” Shouted Wild Hair. “Rope!” Shouted Fishy.
“Let fly! Lasso!” Shouted the Sergeant major, as he pump the small car along with the other Earth pony.
The two unicorn let the lasso go, and they found the Center Coupling of the train. Wild Hair, called back to the Earth ponies. “We have ropes tie to the train. You can stop pumping.”
The Sergeant Major then order. “Alright! Start pulling. I want to take that train back!” The ponies and mules all grabbed the ropes and started to pull themselves closer to the train. As Ned push on the pump cars brakes.
The train pony reminded them. “We have to get to the whistle! That the presser releases valve for steam in the boiler. If the boiler builds up to much steam it will blow up.”
Looking form the air, Luna and Arrow, study what was happening. Luna said. “Lucky for us that the land grad is going up. The Sergeant Major Big Guy has ropes tie to the train. I can see they are pulling themselves closer for boarding.”
Colonel Arrow reported. “Sergeant Wild Hair and Private Cuz have the railroad switch working. Now it is up to me to un-couple the passenger cars form the train.”
With that Colonel Arrow went into a dive. As he went down he looked to his side. With him was Princess Luna. “PRINCESS?!” Princess Luna shouted back. “YOU ARE GOING TO NEED ME TO KEEP THEM OFF YOUR BACK AS YOU WORK!”
Colonel Arrow know this was going to hurt, but he closed in his wings and dropped between the coal car and the first box car. He then stuck his legs out and grabbed the side of the two cars. His horse shoes grinded into the side of the wooden box car, but sparks flew from the side of the metal coal car, making for an uneven stop. He had to push harder on the coal car side of his body to stop. And he was right, that hurt. Now he had to grab the linking pen with his teeth, of the coupling clamp to come apart. Two problems came up. First he had stop just short of the pen, so colonel Arrow was going to have to work his way down. The second, he was still not sure how he was going to hang on after the two cars were un-coupled, and he lost his grip. Just then some lump of coal started raining down on him.
Blood was picking up coal and throwing down between the two train cars, but she had only gotten to toss three lumps when hit by a magic spell. Blood looked up and saw Princess Luna firing magic pushing spells form her unicorn horn. Not thinking Blood started tossing the lumps of coal at Luna. But, Luna say out of reach of Blood throws.
Daff shouted back. “What are you doing? We got ponies coming up form the front of the train!”
Blood look to the front and saw that Transparent Pie was walk up to the side of the train by way of a small platform on one side of the train, and Sergeant Major Big Guy was doing the same on the other side. “You fight them, I got my hooves full back hear!” Just as Luna hit Blood with a pushing magic sell, sending Blood almost off the side of the coal car.
Colonel Arrow thought to himself. “ONE-MORE-GOOD-PULL-AND-YOU-ARE-FREE-!” Just then a lump of un-aimed coal came down on him and hit Arrow between the legs. The shock and pain gave him that last yank he needed. But he fell as he lost his grip on both the coal car and box car, hitting his head on the linkage. It was all the colonel could do was grab on to the first thing he could find, and hope that he did not pass out form the pain.
***
Sergeant Wild Hair and Private Cuz were standing by at the switching point. “I sure hope this works.” Said Private Cuz.
Sergeant Wild Hair nodded. “All we got to do is count the cars and though the switch right after the box car. The train cars and passengers will go on to Ponyville, but the train will take this new track.”
“I understand that, but we are going to have be real fast in switching tracks. That what I am worrying about.” Said Cuz.
Looking down the tracks, the two solders saw that there comrades had succeeded in un-coupling the cars form the train, and that the sergeant major was making his way to the engineers cab. All they could to do was pray that the gap between the train cars and the train engine would grow.
Closer and closer the train come on to the switch post. The brakes of the small pump car grinded and sparked as Ned held them in place slowing the train engine. Transparent Pie and the Sergeant major worked their way closer to the engine cab. Wild Hair and Cuz looked on as the caboose went by them, then the first of two passenger cars. “ALL MOST!” shouted Wild Hair to Cuz. “NOW!” The trick switch was pulled and the engine took on a new path.
***
The conductor was worried. He knew he had to slow the train, but he was the only train pony on board. There were no brake ponies, and the brakes had to be set more or less at the same time. He was hoping that if he set the box car brake first then work his way back to the caboose then maybe the train would not tear itself apart. The conductor was about to start his clime over the first box car when look up and saw Derpy. “Can we help?” she asked. The gray Pegasus mare was with Rainbow Dash and the Wonder Bolts. The conductor explained how to turn the brake wheels on each train car and that they had to be turn at about the same time or the train would pull it self apart or crash into itself.
Each of the Pegasus ponies took off and hover over one of the brake wheels. But, then Derpy dove after something. The Wonder Bolts and Rainbow Dash look at each other until, Soarin, point to the last box car. “PEGASUS IN TRUBLE!” Colonel Arrow was still just hanging onto the train coupling. As Derpy try her best to keep him form fall off. Rainbow Dash went into a dive and was next to Derpy in a hear beat. The two of them pick up colonel Arrow and set him on top of the box car. Then each of the Pegasus ponies return to the brake wheels and started to slow the train.
Slower and slower the train cars started to come into the Ponyville train station. Princess Celestia and Twilight were on the platform as the passenger cars came to a stop at the station. Ponies all but ran out to the cars wanting only to get away form the terrifying ride. Only one stay on board, protesting. “BUT MOM, I WANT GO AGAIN!” Buttons Mash’s mother would only say. “MOVE IT, MY LITTLE PONY! NO MORE TRAIN TODAY!”
Princess Celestia called out. “Sister?! Luna!? Where are you?” It was then that Celestia hear Derpy call out for a doctor to help her. Fear drove Celestia as she ran to the last box car, and found colonel Arrow with Derpy and Rainbow Dash caring for him as best they could. Princess Twilight joined Celestia. And, just looked at the wounded colonel.
The doctors started treating colonel Arrow at once. Soon he was ready to go into an ambulance wagon. When Princess Celestia had to ask the colonel. “My sister? Where is Luna?” Arrow replied. “She went with the train and is fighting. Your highness.”
In the distance a train whistle cried out in a long single note. The conductor who was near by said with out thinking. “Train in trouble.” Princess Twilight turn to the conductor and asked. “What do you mean?” The conductor explained. “One long cry on the whistle like that means that a train is in trouble. Maybe even jumped the tracks.”
Princess Celestia had all she could take. “TO ARMS! ALL MY SOLDERS TO ME! I WILL FLY TO MY SISTERS AID. WHO WILL STAND WITH ME!”
Then the train whistle change it’s tone. Three short blast of song. Repeating it self over and over. The conductor than called out. “All clear! All clear! The danger is done. The train is in the clear!”
Daff was ready to fight. He knew that ether Transparent Pie or that sergeant had to be the first to jump into the cab. And, he had the coal shovel in his mouth and was ready to smack who ever poke there head in first. There was no way they could all attack at once.
Just then the whistle of the train stated to blow. Transparent Pie had worked his way to the top of the engine cab and was pulling the whistle cord for all it was wroth to take steam pressure off the boiler. Daff looked up and in doing so drop the shovel. That is when the Sergeant Major Big Guy and other members of the 70th VRG jump on top of the yellow pony and tie him up.
Blood just gave up. Not only did she have to fight Luna, but Sergeant Wild Hair and Privet Cuz had joined in. Taking on three flying ponies was just to much. Each had planed one hard hove hit on top of the other. Blood’s head and back were bloody and battered.
The engineer took over the whistle and started giving the all clear signal. “We are going back to just pulling the train by pony.” He exclaimed.
***
The train slowing puffed it’s way into Ponyville. The bell sounding happy that the trip was done. The wounded members of the 70th VRG lay about on the small flat bed car as Ned looked over each of them.
Princess Luna spotted her sister. And, once the train had stop, she jumped out and ran to her. The two of them niggles each other and even rapped themselves in hugs. As the wounded were taking off the small flat bed car and placed on the loading platform of the train station.
The army mule captain order the formation of the troops. And the Sergeant Major saw that the order were carried out. “Look snappy! We got royalty. Keep it neat!” Once the member of the 70th VGR were on line the sergeant major took his place and reported. “Captain. Only the colonel is missing and uncounted for.” Privet Fishy wept softly at the loss.
Princess Twilight said. “Your friend is in the hospital. Our mail mare, Derpy, save him form falling off the train.” As she pointed out the little gray Pegasus. Derpy blushed, as the sergeant major ask for three cheers. The 70th then cry out “DERPY! DERPY! DERPY! YAY!” Rainbow Dash folded her hooves, and said under her breath. “Well, I help, too.”
Princess Celestia then ask. “Luna, are you alright?”
“Oh, sister.” Luna started. “I well tell you all about it, but right now I just want to get all the every pony back home and make sure they are safe.”
It took a little work, but soon the last of the ponies were loaded onto a new train that was heading to Canterlot. Only Transparent Pie was staying behind. He had to return to his bakery back in Appleloosa.
Princess Luna looked at the dirty face pony. “You were very brave today.” She said.
“Well.” Said Transparent Pie. “I think you were also very brave and we all work together. But, thank you for saying that.” He stammered. He could feel the blood rush to his face and he knew what was happing. But, it had been some time sense he had felt this way around a mare. Let alone a Princess.
Luna on the other hove, did not care. She wanted to be close to the nice looking Earth pony. “Well, I have to go back to the Capital. But, I can return as soon as my guards are feeling better.”
Transparent Pie started to sweat. “Well, um. You do have to come and get your sky chariot.”
Luna started to laugh. “I forgot all about that thing.” The two ponies started to laugh together. But, it was a short lived laughter.
The two of them just let the feeling go, and let themselves kiss. “See you soon?” Said Luna. “I hope so.” Said Transparent Pie.
Princess Luna boarded the train and took her place next to her sister Celestia. “We need to talk sister.”
“I know, Celestia, but I did complete my missions, and I just wanted to help the other ponies. I am sorry.”
“Luna.” Said Celestia. “All that aside for the moment. You can not just kiss other ponies in public like you just did.”
Princess Luna’s eye grew big as the train started to pull away form Ponyville. “My first kiss and I just miss it?”
“Luna? How could you miss kiss another pony?” Celestia wanted to know.
“Sister, I was so rap up in the feeling and thoughts. That I just sort of, somehow, just like it to much?”
Rainbow Dash was napping on her crowd when a voice call out. “What you doing?”
Rainbow shouted back as she turn over to look. “Pinky Pie! You and thus balloons….OH!”
There flapped Princess Luna. The smile on her face was wide and bright. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash. I had to get even with you for sneaking up on us the last time we came though Ponyville.”
“Good one, Princess, but I got to ask. Why do you always say ‘we’ when it is just you?”
From behind Rainbow Dash came another, deeper voice. “What are we? Crowds?” Asked Skin Wings. Star Dancer also voice in. “Oh I think, Rainbow Dash, is just not that good at counting.” As she pop up form behind another crowd. Star Dancer still had an eye patch over her left eye, but was healthy other wise.
The four of them laughed. Then Rainbow Dash said. “I thought you told me could not be friends with these guys? You know rule and all.”
Princess Luna smile. “I still believe in rules. But, sometimes the rule have to change. I need my friends and they need me. If you got the time, would you like to come with us to Appleloosa and get my sky chariot?”
Rainbow Dash smile herself. “And, maybe see some pony special?”
“Well, if he happen to be there. I mean I only mail, Transparent Pie, a few days ago. So, it’s not like he does not know I coming. So, time will tell what happens.” Said Luna.
The four new friends took for Appleloosa, enjoying being together, because friendship is magic.
