Prologue (Improved version)

My Little Medic

Prologue

“...and that is the reason behind this particular phenomenon where a normal cloud can turn into a rain cloud upon contact with pegasi.” Spitfire finished before grabbing a glass of water with her wing as that long-winded explanation of cloud manipulation sure left her throat dry. After taking a well-needed drink, she placed the cup back onto the table and continued her lecture. “Unlike unicorn magic that is controlled and managed on will, our magic is released in the air around us and can be affected according to our mood. For example, unleashing rage and anger will force even a small cloud to shoot lightning, while a depressed pegasus may cause it to rain.” After noticing one particular hoof lifted, she asked, “Do you have a question Twilight?"

Twilight, who was sitting on a table, quickly climbed onto a book about pegasus’ anatomy. Standing on her rear hooves she spoke, “Not really a question, but I just wanted to point out that unicorn magic is also affected by emotions. To a certain degree, anyway.”

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

Twilight cleared her throat before raising her left foreleg while placing the right one behind her back, her eyes closed and nose raised proudly. “The best example is dark magic that feeds on a user’s fear, anger and hate. Of course, every unicorn with enough skill, knowledge and raw power can control it. But only by focusing one’s emotions into a spell will it reach its’ full potential. That is the main reason why using dark magic is banned unless one has signed permission from the Captain of the Royal Guards or the Princess herself. After all, we wouldn't want dark mages driven by malice running rampant, right?” Twilight cleared her throat with a cough before continuing, “The same applies for the love and light magic that Cadence and Princess Celestia taught me. Those with good character, kindness, and compassion can use them with the best results."

Spitfire didn’t dare take her eyes away from the tiny unicorn as she proceeded to be lectured. For the past few weeks she had been teaching the Princess’s protege about pegasus’ magic and anatomy, and much to her astonishment, the little unicorn absorbed it like a sponge. But considering how much she herself learned about unicorn magic and spell casting made her wonder who the real teacher was. After a quick shake of her head, Spitfire put the chalk onto the table while her wing grabbed a very small white cloud that quickly turned dark as she spoke, “That is, umm… a very interesting fact that you’ve shared with us, Miss Sparkle; However, I believe that it is time for recess,” she paused as, despite the distance, her eagle-sharp eyes could easily notice a pout forming on Twilight’s tiny face. “Please don’t give me that look, Miss Sparkle, even teachers need to take a break sometime.”

As an athlete who lived for action, teaching for hours day after day was not something Spitfire enjoyed as much as her little student, more or less be lectured by her. With a bored yawn, she turned around and grabbed a cloud with her wing and directed it towards the blackboard, ready to wipe it clean, only for it to slip from her hold. Spitfire watched as a lavender aura surrounded the cloudy sponge and took over the cleaning duty. With a deep sigh she grabbed the glass of water with her wing as the liquid inside froze in an instant, affected by her boredom. Luckily without breaking it… this time.

As she proceeded towards the exit, Spitfire took one last glance towards the now shining blackboard and one proud little unicorn, and wondered if maybe they should start hiring unicorn janitors.

***

Soarin' carefully put his pen on the table as he stood from his cloudy seat, straightening his legs and wings with a quiet ‘mmm...’ while his neck flexed to the sides, small popping sounds coming from it. As he examined the room, he saw a table with chalk, books, maps and a few small, dense clouds, while behind it was a large blackboard. The classroom itself was more of a briefing room, adorned with black curtains in every window along the soundproof walls. There was also a movie projector and at least ten tables with clouds that served as a seat, a rather large water cooler, and several pictures and gadgets with the Wonderbolts’ insignia attached to the walls.

Soarin' looked to the right as his attention focused on his little friend, Twilight Sparkle. He had learned to like her for the cheerful personality, adventurous spirit and, most importantly, love for books, something he could relate to. The pegasus blushed at the idea: A Wonderbolt, elite flier and captain’s right-hoof pony who loves reading books, sewing and other non-flight related activities. With a shake of his head, he woke up from his thoughts as his attention once again focused on Twilight, who just finished cleaning the blackboard.

Soarin' pushed his books into his saddlebag before taking a closer look at his own notes, filled with information about unicorn magic and anything that Twilight counter-lectured. He made a mental note to read them later. With a smile spreading across his lips, he walked towards the little unicorn who put her notes into her own miniature saddlebag. With his wing spread towards the table Twilight was sitting on, he spoke, “Hey Twilight!” Noticing that he got her attention, he continued, “May I carry your books for y-aaaaaa,” Soarin' yelped as he felt something slam him to the side. With a shake of his head, his attention focused the pegasus guard named Steel Blade, who bore a cutie mark of a single intricately-decorated sword. It was the tenth time this guard butted him this week, and this time just so he could spread his wing and gesture for Twilight to hop onto it. Slightly agitated, Soarin' observed as the tiny unicorn hopped onto Steel's wing with books levitating above her head before they both disappeared behind the closing door.

“What’s his problem?” Soarin' spoke to himself, only to feel a hoof on his shoulder. With a turn of his head, he saw the lean charcoal unicorn mare named Overwatch, whose cutie mark was a single apricot with a leaf. Wrapped around her neck was a heavy scarf patterned with wide stripes of gold and scarlet, along with the standard royal guard’s armor that one would mistake for gold.

Overwatch just smiled at him and spoke, “Don’t worry your pretty little head. Steelie is just a tiny bit jealous that a new pegasus will take his place as his little crush’s mascot. Poor guy still doesn’t realize that he’s been friend-zoned years ago.”

Soarin' blinked in confusion and murmured “Mascot?” before noticing a ‘follow me’ hoof gesture. With a nod, he trailed the unicorn guard towards the exit as Overwatch continued, “Twilight is very smart, but also clueless and naive at times. Because of her charm, cuteness, small size and adventurous spirit, she has stolen the hearts of at least half of the castle guards, and even now she still thinks they are just friendly.”

Soarin' glared at Overwatch with shock before chuckling as it slowly turned into weak laughter. “Good one, Overwatch. You really like messing with other ponies, don’t you?”

Overwatch smirked and said, “Oh, you think it was a joke, huh? Well, let’s leave with that, then, my poor naive soul.” Soarin’ could feel the guard’s armored hoof pet his head and ruffle his mane as he blushed before pushing it away. “Did anypony ever tell you that you are just like an enthusiastic pie-loving kid?” Soarin' responded with an annoyed glare as Overwatch chuckled again. “I met you only two weeks ago, but I can already say that you have a good, naive heart. Never change that.”

“Hey!” Soarin' frowned as only his calm nature prevented his face from turning red from embarrassment. He then quickly turned his head away, which forced Overwatch to giggle. Soarin' walked in silence for several more seconds before looking once again upon the amused guard as he pointed his hoof at her. “May I ask you a question?”

Overwatch stopped and nodded. “Sure, shoot.”

“Why doesn’t the enchantment that makes every soldier look the same work on you? And what’s the scarf for?”

Overwatch replied with a poke in the muzzle, which forced the red color to return on the pegasus’ cheeks, “I dunno and I don’t care. Illusion magic always slides off me. As for the scarf, I just like wearing it, it matches my style.”

Soarin' raised his eyebrow. “And the officers in the royal guard don’t mind?”

Overwatch shook her hoof. “Nah. Ever since Steelie and I were promoted to the rank of specialists, we received some privileges.” Noticing a nod and expression of ‘fair enough,’ she asked, “Now, will you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Sure, what do you want to know?” Soarin' asked curiously.

“Date: bed or kiss first?”

Soarin' was stunned. Blinking rapidly with his mouth agape, he stammered “W-what?” as Overwatch turned around and stretched her legs as if preparing for a marathon.

“I was just curious about when you’ll finally take Spitfire on a date, or kiss her for that matter. You must be pretty blind to not see how she looks at you everytime you both meet,” Overwatch said while faking a gasp. “I’m really shocked that you both are not in bed already!” With this final sentence, she dashed, leaving the blushing pegasus behind as his wings and tail shot upward.

Soarin' kept staring at the running guard with his heart beating rapidly before gritting his teeth. “Ah Overwatch! Just wait until I get my hooves on you!”

The female guard looked back with a smirk as the pegasus was getting closer with every second. With a well calculated timing, she jumped towards a random door and closed it right into Soarin's face. As she hoped for, a loud barrage of crashing followed as the door now had a pegasus shaped hole in it. She then patted Soarin' on the head, only for him to growl at her. Overwatch spoke, “Sorry kid, I don’t let young stallions put their hooves on me until after the first date, but keep trying.”

Soarin' was glad that every Wonderbolt and staff member other than Spitfire and him were on a vacation, because if they were present, he would sink underground from embarrassment under their undying laughter.

“Aww… Just five more minutes, please.”

Steel Blade turned his head, not daring to look into Twilight’s tiny eyes as her puppy stare would win this fight before it even started. “No Twilight, it’s late and even you need some rest.”

Twilight frowned before walking off an opened book, only to close it with a loud slam. Steel Blade turned to his little boss, a pony he was more than proud to guard and protect, observing as the little mare began closing book after book. Even though there were at least ten left opened and spread across the entire bed, Twilight closed them all in no time at all.

Steel Blade rolled his eyes and spoke, “You know that you could close and levitate all those books in mere seconds rather than do it with your hooves. Each of those books is at least twice your size.”

Twilight shook her head before sliding under the tower of books she gathered, only to lift them all on her back as she spoke, “And make this easy for myself? What kind of challenge would that be?” The little mare walked to the edge of her bed and jumped onto the floor with a quiet thump as her legs bent under the pressure, struggling to keep the books balanced on her back. Step by step her trembling hooves advanced towards a bookshelf on the other side of the room as the weight didn’t even make her sweat.

Steel Blade observed the struggling unicorn. He had to admit, Twilight’s hard work, training and endless adventures while facing a huge world for the past twelve years really paid off. Despite weighing no more than one kilogram, this unicorn could face any obstacle. That, and the protection spell that Celestia cast on her which doubled her strength, raw power and endurance, had all but ensured Twilight’s safety. If anything, the guard felt jealous over Twilight’s dedication to her studies and self improvement, wishing to have at least half the vigour she possesed.

“Specialist Steel Blade!” The guard turned his attention towards the source of the voice, only to see Spitfire standing in front of the opened door, gesturing with her foreleg. “May I have a minute?”

The guard nodded and walked towards the door, only to close it and follow the captain into the hallway. “What is it, Captain Spitfire? Is something wrong?” he asked, resisting the urge to salute as unlike the Royal Guards, the Wonderbolts were not part of the military.

“I Just wanted to inform you that Princess Celestia will be arriving tomorrow to take Twilight with her, not to mention the rest of the Wonderbolts and staff will be back from their vacation. Please remind Twilight to arrive at the landing pad tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM.”

Steel Blade nodded and saluted, only for Spitfire to raise her eyebrow. While slowly lowering his foreleg, he asked, “Is that all?”

Spitfire rubbed her hoof, expression suddenly less formal. “Well… I have some personal questions regarding Twilight. If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

Steel Blade shook his head as the captain spoke, “Twilight seems to hold you and Soarin’ in high regards, so go ahead.”

“Was it difficult for Twilight to adapt to her size? Whenever I ask her about it, she just shrugs it off by saying how much she loves adventures and how much more she can improve herself. Outside of mentioning the incident of when she fell from the biggest tower in Canterlot after learning a teleportation spell, I didn’t learn anything new.”

Steel Blade took a deep breath, wondering if answering this question would intrude on Twilight’s privacy, but the concern in Spitfire’s eyes swayed his mind. “I think the beginning was the hardest. After her first power surge during the entrance exam, back when Princess Celestia shrank her to save her life and protect the school from being destroyed, Twilight refused to use her magic for two weeks.”

Spitfire kept her firm facial expression, but her wings and ears slightly drooped at the idea of a magically talented unicorn afraid of her own magic. How depressing it must have been to give up on something that makes you special? How would it feel if it happened to her; to be afraid of using her own wings in fear of having yet another accident? It would be painful enough for an adult, and Twilight endured it as a filly.

Steel Blade, noticing Spitfire’s reaction, continued, “Overwatch and I were assigned to guard her after a bathroom incident when Twilight overcame her inner fear of magic and her own mentor.”

“Bathroom incident?” Spitfire said and raised an eyebrow. Part of her wanted to laugh at the idea of what words like: incident, tiny filly and bathroom would mean together, but her logical part slapped her for even considering it funny.

Steel Blade opened his mouth to respond, but restrained himself for an instant, taking a step back while his head turned to the side. “I think I better not tell you what happened without Twilight’s permission, but ever since her magical surge saved her life… with some help from Princess Celestia, she overcame her fears of them… though she was afraid of water for quite a while.” Spitfire nodded while motioning with her hoof for the guard to continue. “To be honest, we didn’t do our job very well, as more accidents followed, including one involving a needle and another, a heavy book, but if anything, Twilight had the tendency to get into trouble despite our best attempts to keep her safe, and it only got worse as Twilight grew more fearless.” He turned his head back to the captain with a sad smile. “I bet many ponies heard about Twilight’s accident when she learned the teleportation spell, right?”

Spitfire nodded. “Who didn’t? That was the day when Celestia having a student was no longer a secret. Many rumours of her having a tiny pony as a toy for entertainment or as a pet followed.”

Steel Blade rolled his eyes at those stupid rumors as he shared Twilight’s dislike towards the nobility since that day, and according to Spitfire, many Wonderbolts didn’t like the nobility even more. He continued, “No longer than one year later, Celestia accidentally stepped on Twilight during a game of tag, and after participating in her final exam, Twilight ended up in coma for two days.”

Spitfire’s eyes opened widely as her flank hit the floor. After a quick shake of her head, she grabbed Steel Blade’s hooves and looked him in the eyes. “If her life was so full of dangers and suffering, why didn’t Celestia return her back to normal? Twilight seems to have full control over her magic from what I can see.”

The guard just smiled, much to the captain’s confusion. “It’s funny you mention that. The final exam that put her into a coma was meant to test Twilight’s control of her outstanding raw power. But that restless mare got used to her new size so much that she ran away in panic. It took Cadence and Fancy Pants to convince her to stop hiding and talk with her mentor.”

The talk went on as Spitfire learned even more about her little friend than she had hoped for. She already respected Twilight ever since some criminals tried to catch them both for a ransom, back when the little mare healed her broken wing, but in all her career she never met a pony who endured so much. A pony who, despite all the hardship, willingly put obstacles in her way just to be the best she can. A large smile spread across her lips as she turned around and walked away while considering how much she and the Wonderbolts would learn from Twilight… if the Princess accepts the offer to have her join the Wonderbolts as their personal medic.

***

With Spitfire no longer present, Steel Blade walked back into the room, ready to share the important information with Twilight, only to stop himself in front of the bed she was sleeping on. Steelie’s heart skipped a beat, his hooves refused to move, his wings spread, tail flapped to the sides and words refused to leave his mouth. In front of him was Twilight, perched comfortably on a pillow that Princess Celestia was generous enough to send from her own bedchamber, a pillow that served Twilight as a bed for so many years. The little unicorn was sinking into its’ surface, curled into a ball as her head lay on her own tail, and her rear hooves touched her muzzle. On top of the tiny mare was lying her favourite toy, the one she received as a present from Cadence; Smarty Pants. The toy itself was almost twice Twilight’s size, but she didn’t mind it as it kept her warm.

Steel Blade just stared at her for what seemed like minutes before walking backward, unwilling to wake up his little charge. She sleeps so peacefully. I am sure it won’t hurt if I tell her about the Princess’s visit tomorrow morning, he thought before the opening of the door captured his attention.

“Sup Steelie… oh, my apologies,” Overwatch called before faking a bow, “I had no idea you were busy stalking Twilight in her sleep.”

Steel Blade growled at her before responding, “Will you ever let this go?”

Overwatch just shook her head. “And no longer see your embarrassed look? It would be like giving up eating a strawberry cake covered in cream for dessert or not drinking hot chocolate during a cold winter’s day. Not a chance.”

Steel Blade just rolled his eyes, only to notice a few scratches covering his partner’s fur, and many dents in her armor. “Wow, what happened to you? Did you have a fight against a Cerberus or something?”

Overwatch shook her foreleg and smirked. “Nope, just a friendly game of tag with that Wonderbolt colt, Soarin' I think? Though I'm pretty sure it was more like hide and seek, as that poor exhausted pegasus is sleeping in his bed with a small surprise I left for him.” She suddenly yawned, her heavy eyelids threatening to close.

Steel Blade chuckled and said, “And here I thought that Twilight was the master at that game, you sure learned a trick or two from her. Anyway, take a rest, I’ll take the night shift.”

Overwatch nodded before taking off her armor and placed it next to her temporary bed, only to jump on it with a weak thump, her eyes and nose sinking into the pillow. Steel Blade stood next to the bed with their sleeping VIP as his attention focused on the door and window, ready to strike any foal-nappers who would try to sneak in. Hours passed, and he yawned one yawn after another, as taking a second night shift in a row was getting the best of him. Surely nothing would happen if he closed his eyes for a few minutes.

Ch1 - Royal Visit (Improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 1 - Royal Visit

“Mmm…”

Twilight wriggled as she slowly opened her eyes, only to find herself in complete darkness. She could still feel the soft surface of Smarty Pants as the toy weighed on her, though with far greater force as if it become at least five times heavier. With some effort and a few pushes of her legs, her head slowly emerged from under the toy, only to feel her face being pressed against a few feathers. “Acho,” she sneezed before gritting her teeth, crawling and sliding under a sea of feathers until rays of light began assaulting her eyes.

Twilight quickly covered her head with her hooves before carefully peeking behind them as her vision slowly adapted. After yawning and rubbing her eyes, she looked around, only to find herself trapped under a wing. With a grunt, Twilight pushed herself free before looking at her guard, whose head was pressed against the bed, still wearing his helmet. Poor Steelie. He fell asleep on his guard duty. Still, it is odd, I was pretty sure that it was Overwatch’s turn to take night shift today.

Twilight’s horn flashed as a lavender aura surrounded her guard’s head, carefully lifting it and feeling his breath stream through her mane. With the help of her forelegs, she pulled his wing off her pillow, only to put Steelie’s head onto it before levitating the rest of his body onto the bed. With her snoring guard lying somewhat comfortably, she patted his cheek and turned around, focusing on the other bed.

With a flex of her legs, she jumped, landing in front of the sleeping female guard before aiming her horn at her, only to send a small magical bolt towards her nose.

“Huh, what?” Overwatch said, looking around in confusion, only to lower her head. “Oh hey Twilight, you’re up?”

“Of course I’m awake silly! How else I would be talking with you?” Twilight asked in response.
Being a morning pony she was, Twilight gave her guard a cheerful smile, but the guard didn't share her enthusiasm.

Overwatch rolled her sleepy eyes before looking at the clock on the wall, only for them to shoot open widely. She slowly looked down with an awkward smile and said, “Umm… shouldn't you be… you know where?”

Twilight scratched the back of her neck while responding with a clueless look. “What do you mean? Spitfire didn’t plan any lesson, training or trip for today.”

Overwatch pointed her hoof at the sleeping guard. “Didn’t Steelie tell you who is coming today?” Noticing Twilight tilting her head to the side, and imagining a question mark above her head, Overwatch smirked. “So he forgot to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

Overwatch lowered herself to the bed’s level, carefully moving her muzzle toward Twilight’s tiny ear as she whispered. It didn’t even take a few seconds before the hair on Twilight’s tail and mane started to frizz, only for the little unicorn to jump off the bed and dash towards the door before ope–BUMP. A loud scream of, “I’M TARDY!” soon followed.

Overwatch closed her eyes the moment a loud thump of breaking wood reached her ears, opening them only to see a unicorn shaped hole in the door. She rolled her eyes before jumping from the bed and following Twilight, already feeling that this was going to be an interesting day.

***

Twilight ran as fast as her tiny legs would carry her, breathing rapidly while yelling, “TARDY!” between her breaths for ten minutes of non-stop galloping. She was checking every hallway and room in search for the princess, not wanting to waste any more minutes of her mentor’s precious time. With her horn lit, she shot another beam of magic at the door, only to blast a hole for her to jump through. Noticing that the room was empty, she jumped out, only to run towards another door, her mind failing to remind her about the teleportation spell she could use instead. With her magic charged for another shot, she aimed at the door, only for a hoof to slam in front of her. Twilight’s eyes widened as she tried to stop herself, pressing her legs and flank against the floor as she slid towards the obstacle, but was too late as she slammed into the foreleg, her horn shooting upward.

Twilight shook her head before looking up, her attention focused on a small hole in Overwatch’s armor, the smoke of burned fur steaming from it. Upon noticing the guard’s emotionless smile directed her way, she responded with an awkward grimace of her own, ears falling flat against her head. With a quick jump back, she bowed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m–” she failed to finish as a levitation field pulled her. Twilight yelped as she was elevated up to the guard's muzzle before saying, "I understand you are angry Overwatch, but I will make it up to you. Please don't be mad."

The guard chuckled before pointing her hoof towards the Hallway in the opposite direction from the one the panicked mare had been running down for the past ten minutes. “Princess Celestia arrived at the landing pad five minutes ago. Sorry Twilight, but you are already too late.” Noticing the tears forming in Twilight’s eyes, her sad pout, and hearing her depressed squeaky voice, Overwatch added in a reassuring tone, “Cheer up! You can always make it up to her.”

“M-making up… for b-being tardy?” Twilight said before wiping away her tears, only for her guard to whisper into her ear again. Her mood lightened in an instant as she smiled. She could not turn back her grave mistake, but she could at least assuage her mentor’s disappointment by giving her a welcome worthy of a Princess.

Princess Celestia felt a breeze pass through her prismatic mane while her majestic wings flapped strongly against the wind. No longer bound by her personal image or a chariot, she once again experienced the joy of flying, all thanks to the inspiration her student’s elated disposition imparted on her. Even if it cost her the comfort of the soft cushion in her chariot that delightfully warmed her flank, she gladly paid it. With the landing pad on top of the Wonderbolts Headquarters in her periphery, she slowed down and gracefully descended, landing on the tips of her rear hooves, only to slowly put her forelegs down as the metal horseshoes on her hooves hardly made a sound. Upon hearing weak thumps from her sides as the two pegasi guards flanked her and a sudden reduction of weight on her back, she closed her wings and advanced towards the awaiting group, guards and Spike following closely.

In front of her, Celestia could see several Wonderbolts standing in line, wearing their usual uniforms with pride. In front of the line was Spitfire in a formal officer’s attire, bowing in respect as her subordinates followed her example. Celestia lifted her right foreleg and spoke, “Greetings Captain Spitfire, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope that the time spent while assisting my student with her education was pleasant for both of you.”

Spitfire nodded and raised her nose before speaking, “It was indeed, Your Highness. I would even say that your student has the spirit and heart of a true Wonderbolt.”

Celestia didn’t show it on the surface, but she was somewhat surprised by this response. She carefully studied Spitfire’s expression, her two millennia worth of experience letting her notice any sign of dishonesty behind the captain’s formal mask, but what Spitfire said was without a doubt honest. “I am glad to hear that,” Celestia said with a cheerful smile as she looked around, only to give the captain a curious glare. “Where is my student and her guard? I had hoped they would greet me as well.”

Spitfire looked back at her subordinates and next at the alicorn, only to shake her head. “I don’t know, Your Highness. I told her guards to inform Twilight about the time of your arrival, and until now, she has always been diligent and obsessive when it comes to punctuality.”

Princess Celestia, Spitfire and the Wonderbolts waited patiently for Twilight and her guards to arrive, nopony daring to speak or move in the presence of royalty, all focused on the stairs that lead to the platform. Feeling something poke her in her right foreleg, she looked down to her side at Spike, quickly noticing boredom on his face with his arms crossed. “Maybe she’s having another one of her panic attacks for some ridiculous reason while Overwatch and Steelie are trying to calm her down. May I go get her?”

Celestia shook her head before walking towards Spitfire as she knelt and whispered, “Since Twilight is not yet present, there is something I would like to ask you.”

Spitfire looked at the alicorn, only to notice her foreleg straightened towards three shackled Wonderbolts as both their forelegs and wings were tied together with chains. “Oh, those three. They are here to await your judgement for assaulting a, umm… a very important... civilian.”

Celestia’s cheerful expression sharpened as the shackled Wonderbolts flinched under her gaze. Among the Wonderbolts, it was Spitfire’s jurisdiction to keep discipline, and since the captain gave the rights to decide judgement to her, it meant that there was just one pony they could pick on before their departure. I knew that hidden dislike towards nobility, especially my nephew, grew among the Wonderbolts. To pick on my precious student however just for being his friend though... I think that I could use some moving targets for my combat training before I face Nightmare Moon. Celestia thought with a smirk, only for a loud whizzing sound to distract her. With her attention focused on the sky, she could see a barrage of exploding fireworks, causing her to blink in confusion as the colorful light was barely visible under the rays the sun. She could see a small letter of light forming on the sky, a capitalized ‘W’. New letters flashed one after another as Celestia could read ‘W.E.L.C.O…’ when suddenly one firework changed it’s trajectory directly towards her… although it didn’t really resemble a firework.

Celestia then remembered. That’s a flare.

“Your Highness, watch out!” a guard screamed while getting between her and the projectile, but Celestia didn’t flinch as a small golden forcefield formed in front of her and the guard, the flare exploding upon contact with the shield with a startlingly large flash. The alicorn rubbed her eyes and dropped the barrier, when suddenly she noticed at least fifty more fireworks flying like arrows towards the landing pad. It was as if they were magically powered rockets shot by long range artillery.

“Those are not fireworks... They’re flares! Close y–” The Wonderbolt was cut off by explosions in the air as a large flash covered the sky. Unlike common mass produced flares, the ones the Wonderbolts’ used were larger and more powerful as one would notice their light from several miles away, night or day hardly making a difference.

While the light of explosions temporarily blinded the sharp eyes of the Wonderbolts, Celestia’s eyes adapted to it quickly as compared to looking directly at the sun from time to time, the light from a flare was like staring at a candle. With everypony temporarily blinded while harmless projectives rained from the sky, Celestia thought, Let’s see how much I learned from Lighthoof and Flag Collector during my secret training in aerial combat. She clapped her hooves and chuckled. This may even be fun.

Celestia raised her hind legs and left foreleg, gracefully taking a pose that would give Fleur-de-Lis a run for her bits as two flares passed her, one under her belly and another just inches away from her foreleg. Noticing three more headed towards Spike, she lit her horn, a small orb of light emerging from it, only to levitate from one blinding projectile to another before they reached the blinded drake while melting it before it could explode. The same could not be said for the Wonderbolts who ended up inside a rain of explosions and dust.

Noticing that Spitfire was rubbing her eyes with a huge salvo of missiles headed their way, Celestia focused her levitation on the advancing projectiles, changing the missile’s course slightly as a memory of her training flashed in her mind.

“Flying fast is not everything, Your Majesty,” Lighthoof said while evading several weak projectiles shot by Celestia, alongside a few beams coming from the unicorn guards on the opposite side of the arena, only to land in front of the mighty alicorn. “A good flier is constantly aware of his or her surroundings. Our ears and eyes not only need to be sharp all the time, but multitasking is important as well.”

With the Wonderbolts no longer in attack range and not wanting to pass such opportunity to test her newly learned skills, Celestia spread her wings as she focused on the flares new trajectory. Without hesitation, she flew upwards, positioning herself in front of a barrage of projectiles. With one strong flap of her left wing, she dodged to the right as two flares flew in front of her muzzle before being melted by the princess’s magic. Another flap later, she dived down with her back exposed towards the ground as more missiles passed above her belly and exploded in mid air before her magic could strike them, but her eyes endured it. Noticing a few more heading towards her wings, she closed them, only for one firework to bounce off her foreleg. With another salvo passing overhead, as the princess destroyed them one by one, Celestia dived towards the landing pad, her attention focused on the Wonderbolts who were already in the air, evading shot after shot with ease the moment their eyes recovered while scanning the area in search for the culprit.

With the sound of calm wind replacing the whiz of artillery, Celestia landed, her no longer blinded guards running to her side, examining her for any wounds. The alicorn just rolled her eyes at their overprotectiveness as her flesh could easily withstand the blazing flame of a few grown dragons, what could a flare or two do compared to that?

Celestia walked towards the edge of the platform while a few Wonderbolts were already looking for the source of the attack under Spitfire’s leadership, only to notice as somepony emerged from the stairs.

Slowly, Overwatch walked onto the landing pad with the little unicorn perched on top of her helmet, satisfied expressions visible on their faces. Their smiles dropped and were replaced with one of confusion under the stare of the angered bolts, many of whom were covered in dust.

The princess’s full attention was focused on her student, or rather on her panicked expression, lowered ears, wide eyes, opened mouth and trembling hooves. Surely her welcome with fireworks didn’t go according to plan. Expecting her student to break at any moment, she advanced in front of the group and spoke, “Welcome Twilight, it is nice of you to finally join us.” Celestia chuckled. “I also must praise your creative greeting. You never cease to surprise me.”

While Overwatch blushed and scratched the back of her neck, Twilight quickly hopped from her helmet and ran to Celestia’s foreleg. The alicorn looked down at the little mare who bowed with her head pressed against the floor and hooves embracing the sides of her golden horseshoe. Celestia just rolled her eyes, listening to the squeaking rain of apologies, ignoring the comments about tardiness while giggling at Twilight’s explanation of how she wanted to make up for it with magically enhanced fireworks. One look at Overwatch, who refused to look her in the eyes, immediately told her who came up with this idea. The quiet laughter ceased immediately the moment her little pony demanded dungeon punishment for what she squeaked was, ‘an attempt of assassination against royalty.’ With her horn lit, the Princess levitated her shrunken student towards her head, looking at her with a raised eyebrow, resisting against her closed mouth to say: ‘Assassination, with fireworks and flares? Seriously?’

“Twilight, calm down,” Spike said as the levitated unicorn looked down at him, only for Celestia to place Twilight into his opened hand. “Those were just fireworks and flares, jeez. Do you remember how I once told you that you would need to drop an entire tower on your mentor for her to be even a little bit angry at you?”

“B-but… tardy…”

“Spike is correct. After what I had to put you through, there is very little that I would not forgive you for. And besides, I found your ‘welcoming’ show rather entertaining.“

“See, what did I tell you,” Spike said before his firm smile turned into a pout, his ears dropping and eyes watering. Twilight now somewhat calmer, lifted her hoof towards Spike’s eye in an attempt to wipe away his tear, only to yelp as Spike’s hand pressed her against his cheek. “Oh Twilight, I missed you so much. Please, don’t leave me alone ever again!”

Twilight didn’t resist Spike’s hold as she turned her head to the side to take a breath. “But you weren't alone. Princess Celestia, Blueblood and Cadence kept you company. And it was just one mo–” she was cut of by an increasing pressure that silenced her, pressing her head much harder against the drake’s cheek. Twilight grit her teeth as she struggled to free herself, only to give up a few seconds later and embrace Spike, tears forming in her own eyes.

“Who am I trying to fool, I missed you too Spike. It is so good to see you again,” she said with a muffled voice. The hug lasted for several more seconds, but Twilight didn’t care how hard she was being squeezed. All she wanted to do was embrace her adoptive son.

“Wait a moment!” Spitfire said, capturing their attention as Spike weakened his hold, giving Twilight a moment to catch her breath. “Why did you oversleep? I personally informed Steel Blade about the princess’s visit. Didn’t he tell you?”

Twilight was about to answer, but she was cut-off by the sound of hoofsteps coming from the staircase. The group turned their heads towards the door as a rapidly breathing pegasus stopped in front of the royalty and bowed. After a closer look, Twilight noticed several dents in his armor, bruises on his wings, and sweat sliding from his forehead, most likely form his short marathon and unlucky adventure with the stairs. Meanwhile, Celestia looked between Overwatch and Steel Blade, wondering what Twilight’s guards had gotten themselves into this time.

Steel Blade sat and took a deep breath while wiping the sweat from his head. He glanced at his surroundings and noticed several Wonderbolts covered in dust with their uniforms perforated. Perplexed, he looked at Twilight in Spike’s hand, who then scowled back with a chagrined appearance and crossed forelegs. “What happened here? It looks like a scene after some sort of disaster. Twilight?”

Steel Blade looked at the smiling princess, and then back to Twilight, who began growling in frustration. With an awkward smile, he walked backward and said hesitantly, “Umm… hehe… I think I forgot to tell you about your mentor’s visit… You aren’t angry, are you?” Twilight simply glared at him. The guard turned around and said fearfully, “I better take my leave, I am sure you both have a lot to talk about… bye!”

Overwatch giggled as her partner flew towards the stairs with speed that clearly impressed the present Wonderbolts, though her cheerful mood didn’t last long as another pony climbed the stairs: a sleepy Wonderbolt wearing pajamas and a fake mustache who yawned and rubbed his eyes.

“Soarin’, what is the meaning of this?” Spitfire yelled with a firm stomp of her hoof. “Not only are you late, but you’re missing your uniform! And what’s on your face?”

Soarin’ shook his head as the mustache fell off his face. His vision slowly came into focus, and then he flinched, shocked by several stares of confused Wonderbolts, the worried glare of Twilight and the neutral stare from Princess Celestia. A large blush began spreading across his cheeks.

Overwatch began sneaking behind Soarin’, walking on the tips of her hooves to reduce the noise and began advancing down the stairs. “Not so fast!” Soarin' yelled, giving her a glare of doom before giving chase.

“Soarin’!” Spitfire shouted again as the secondary officer, her right-hoof who should be an example to the other Wonderbolts, ran down the stairs, chasing Twilight’s guard in his pajamas. “Get back here this instant!”

“There is no need for that,” Celestia said as she put her hoof on the captain’s shoulder. “I believe that your subordinates could use a shower and a change of uniform, won’t you agree?”

Spitfire nodded before turning to her pegasi and ordered, “You heard the princess! Get yourself shaped up this instant, Go! Go! Go!”

***

When the landing pad emptied, leaving only Celestia, Spitfire, Spike, Twilight and three shackled Wonderbolts, the alicorn stomped her hoof with sharp CLANG. “What are your names!?”

Two of the shackled pegasi gulped as their relaxed friend pushed forward to speak for the group. “My name is Whirlwind, Your Highness.” He tried to point his hoof towards his friends, only for the chains to remind him of the situation he was in. “The stallion on my left side’s name is Winter Wonder, while the mare on my right is called Hurricane.”

Celestia turned to Spitfire and asked, “What are their charges?”

“Mental and physical assault against your student, Your Highness,” Spitfire said when suddenly Twilight appeared on the captain’s muzzle in a flash, standing on her rear hooves as she tried to get her mentor’s attention.

“Actually, it was kind of my fault,” Twilight said, “I got angry at their teasing and pushed one of them with my levitation, they just defended themselves!”

Spitfire, now forced to look at Twilight cross eyed, cleared her throat, not realizing that the action would cause the little mare to fall on her flank and try to anchor her rear hooves against the sides of her muzzle. “They provoked you, Twilight, and the idea of them defending themselves against a mare of your size is just stupid.”

“Wait, so you three hurt Twilight?” Spike asked with half-closed eyes and a stomp of his leg as smoke emerged from his nostrils. “Why would you do that you jerks?”

Whirlwind frowned at the insult and answered sharply, “For being a showoff. She levitated herself around as if she owned this place. I would not tolerate a tiny brat who decides to show everyone how superior unicorns are to pegasi, especially in our very headquarters.” Spike lunged at Whirlwind for calling his mom a brat, but was quickly pulled away by Twilight’s magic while the two Wonderbolts behind their representative bit their lips and started to sweat. Whirlwind frowned before continuing, “All we did was put that little rat in her place so she wouldn’t bother our captain for the next month.”

Spitfire stomped both of her hooves as Hurricane flinched, though Whirlwind stood his ground with a passive expression. “Because of you, Twilight was avoiding me like the plague for an entire week! If you want to keep your rank in the Wonderbolts, don’t do me any favors ever again, is that clear?” Spitfire shouted, but her speech brought about the opposite effect she had hoped for, as the Wonderbolt just gave her a satisfied smile. As Captain of the Wonderbolts, she knew her subordinates better than anypony else, and what she admired in Whirlwind was his honesty as he always spoke his mind, but his attitude always angered her.

Celestia cleared her throat to capture everyone’s attention and spoke, “I think I’ve heard enough. Guards!” The two pegasi on her side saluted as she pointed her hoof at the trio of Wonderbolts and added, “Escort them to Canterlot and lock them in an interrogation room. I will decide a proper punishment on my way back.”

The guards looked at eachother, wondering if it was safe to leave the Princess unguarded, when suddenly a purple flash appearing over Celestia's nose, catching their attention. Celestia narrowed her eyes at Twilight, who was now standing on her rear-hooves, forelegs curled under her neck and staring at the alicorn with wide eyes. “Please go easy on them Princess! It was just teasing, and I hardly felt anything when they pressed me against the bed, please!”

Despite her sharp and strong mind, Celestia could hardly resist the puppy stare of her student, more or less refuse her plea. She was about to answer, but Whirlwind beat her to the punch. “That’s right, it was just some harmless teasing, just like your pet said, Your Highn–” His speech was cut of by his teammates, who shoved their hooves on his mouth as much as their shackles allowed them to, which resulted in some rather awkward positioning.

“Please, do not listen to him, Princess. He is not thinking clearly, lack of sleep and all,” Hurricane spoke.

“Yeah, he probably drank far too many hard ciders last night,” added Winter Wonder, only to get a ‘shut up’ glare from Hurricane while Spitfire face hoofed.

Celestia raised her eyebrow before levitating Twilight onto Spike’s head and said, “I think I’ve heard more than enough.” As the alicorn was about to capture the trio in her levitation field, with her attention focused on the most talkative one, she was beaten to it. Celestia could only stare at the awkwardly levitating Wonderbolts who looked back at her from their upside down position.

“You may not like me, you may not respect me, but there is only so much rudeness I can take. I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess’s Protege, and I am like this because of my talent, power, and hard work!” Twilight shouted while giving the trio an enraged glare. “Would a pet or a living toy the size of a large rat be capable of levitating you all in front of the princess?” Upon noticing their shaking heads, a golden aura replaced her lavender one. Twilight released her breath as her frustration receded. Spike quickly fist-bumped her for showing the bullies who the boss is, though the little mare hesitated, realising what she had just done. Twilight turned towards her mentor who looked at her with an amused smile. She bowed and said, “I apologize for my outburst, Your Highness. I let my pride get the best of me. I didn’t mean to lash out like that, and I still forgive them, please, I beg y–” but was cut off by the gesture of Celestia’s regal hoof.

The proud alicorn looked down at Twilight and spoke, “I will take your plea to go easy on them into consideration, Twilight. Rest assured,” Celestia then turned towards her prisoners, speaking fervently, “You three should be thankful for my student. If it wasn’t for her, I would not tolerate such a lack of respect in as prestigious an organization as the Wonderbolts.” She smirked towards the one who called her student a pet. He will make a wonderful target for practice. Hopefully it will teach him a lesson or two.

The rest of the Wonderbolts, now in clean uniforms and Soarin' no longer in his pajamas, landed at the platform, achieving a new academy record for cleaning and changing clothes, only to take a step back at the scene in front of them. Princess Celestia continued without pausing, “-For the disrespectful act of mental and physical violence against my student, I am personally going to escort Winter Wonder, Hurricane and,” her glare hardened, “Whirlwind... to Canterlot Castle. There I shall contemplate their punishment.” The group’s attention focused on Twilight, who tried to hide behind Spike’s head by hanging to his scales, as the princess knelt to her student and spread her wing. “Hop on Twilight. Your studies regarding pegasus magic are over. Let’s return to the castle so you can share your experiences and learned lessons with me.”

Celestia waited patiently for Twilight to climb up on her wing, but the little mare didn’t budge. She became concerned as it was evident that Twilight was not moving. Perturbed, she asked, “Is something wrong, Twilight? I already told you that I will not be to harsh on those who wronged you.”

As the sad smile on her student’s face didn’t change, it made the alicorn uneasy. She moved her wing to lightly stroke her student’s back and asked, “Whatever is bothering you? Please tell me.”

Noticing her little friend’s hesitation, Spitfire walked closer and spoke, “Your Highness, I have a request that involves your student.” Celestia looked between Twilight and the captain before she nodded. Spitfire continued, “I would like to ask for your permission to let Twilight work for me… as a medic.”

Celestia blinked in confusion, her muzzle almost touching Twilight’s face as she searched for confirmation. Her student just nodded and said, “Can I, Princess? I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I never had a chance to put my knowledge and power to use. Working as a medic will help me learn more about pegasus magic and anatomy first-hoof.” Twilight’s hold on Spike’s scales strengthened as he started to move his head. Surely the idea of being without Twilight any longer didn’t please him.

Celestia rose her head to Spitfire’s level and asked, “Are you sure that my student can handle this responsibility, Captain? Twilight was not planning to dispel the effect of the shrinking spell anytime soon.”

Spitfire nodded and said, “I am confident in her abilities, and that her size will help her perform hazardous operations.”

“I promise to work hard, Princess. But if you don’t want me to…” Twilight added as Celestia closed her eyes, losing herself to a storm of thoughts.

There is only one year before my sister’s return, I need Twilight in Canterlot on standby by then… but I cannot hold my student back, and she can learn a lot about teamwork from the Wonderbolts… surely such lessons would help her befriend the other potential bearers that live in Ponyville...

The group of Wonderbolts began whispering to one another while Soarin' started to bite his own hooves as they awaited Celestia’s decision. As the silence ensued, Spike decided to break it. “You can’t be serious, Twilight. You left me for an entire month, and now this?” He frowned and crossed his arms, annoyed that his mom was attached to the back of his head and yet, she’s still out of his reach.

Twilight climbed onto his head and stroke it before moving to the edge. “Sorry Spike, I should’ve considered your feelings first, but what would you say about accompanying me… as a medic assistant?”

Spike’s mood lightened up like lava in an erupting volcano as his eyes looked up at Twilight’s head. “Really? I can really stay?”

“If the princess agrees, that is.”

Celestia looked down at Spike’s pleading expression, though compared to Twilight’s, it was nowhere near as effective. Suddenly her eyes opened wide as an idea struck her. Celestia knelt, her horn surrounded by a golden aura as she send wave of magic through the confused drake, while Twilight started to examine the spell with a thoughtful expression. “What was that?” Spike asked.

Celestia smirked. “You will find out in a moment,” she stated, levitating a small piece of a Wonderbolts’ uniform, only for it to disintegrate mid air. Suddenly Spike burped as the same uniform part appeared from his green flames. “S-sorry.. wait, what just happened?”

“Woow…” Twilight said, her mouth agape. “I have never seen a teleportation spell like this before. How did you do it, Princess?”

Celestia didn’t responded as she levitated the piece of material back to Spike and pointed at it. “Now Spike, I want you to blow your flames at this material, but while doing so, think about sending it to me. The spell should recognize your desire and work accordingly.”

Spike nodded and did as he was told, only for the piece of clothing to disappear and then rematerialize in front of the princess.

After receiving several stares, pleading for an explanation, she spoke, “I have enhanced your flames, Spike. Thanks to this, we can communicate with one another. I am counting on you to keep Twilight company on her new job and send me her letters with reports on her progress.”

The alicorn giggled as she could swear that Spike’s and Twilight’s eyes were filled with stars. No words were needed as their expressions told her that she made the right choice. With her attention focused on Spitfire, she spoke, “While I agreed to let Twilight work for you, Spitfire, as it will be very beneficial for her, Twilight’s studies under my guidance are not yet over. I will expect her to return to the castle in half a year. Do you find these terms satisfactory?”

After receiving a nod, Celestia spread her wings and embraced Spike and Twilight, pressing the drake against her chest while the tips of her wings moved Twilight up to her muzzle. She nuzzled her student who returned it affectionately before hugging princess's muzzle in a firm hold.

“Even though I missed you princess, and will miss you even more for the next six months… Thank you! I will work really hard and report my progress regularly!”

Spike blushed and pushed himself out of the group hug. Although he felt warm and safe between Celestia’s strong wing and soft chest, he also felt slightly embarrassed. “Yea, thanks. And if somepony would dare tease or capture Twilight, I’ll burn their flank!”

Celestia chuckled before releasing her student and her adoptive son as Twilight landed on Spike’s head. “I am sure you will. Now, if you'll excuse me,” she said before pointing her hoof at the still awkwardly levitated Wonderbolts. “I have some lessons to teach.”

Twilight and Spike waved goodbye as Celestia took off, her guards and levitated Wonderbolts by her side. The little unicorn kept waving until she felt a hoof pat her on the back, almost throwing her off Spike’s head, her forelegs grabbing his scales just in time.

“Welcome aboard Twilight, or should I say, Miss Wonderbolt Medic,” Spitfire said with an encouraging tone as the captain’s hoof straightened towards her. With growing excitement, Twilight embraced the hoof and shook it energetically, only to feel Spitfire’s muzzle touching her ear as she whispered, “By the way, congratulation on standing up for yourself. I knew you had guts when it came to facing dangers, but to stand up against those who bullied you takes real courage.”

Twilight lowered her head slightly as her ears drooped. “I… I didn’t mean too. I had forgiven them for bullying me, but when he called me the Princess’s pet, in front of her… I… I just couldn’t restrain myself."

“I take it that was not the first time somepony called you like that?”

Twilight nodded in response and said depressingly, “The nobles often did until after Blueblood’s party, and it always really hurt. I always tried to not be angry, but…”

“I understand. It is not good to bottle your emotions inside. No matter how humble you may be, sometimes you must defend your pride,” Spitfire said as Twilight’s smile returned to her the moment she heard the clapping of somepony’s hooves. The smile vanished in an instant as only Soarin' was clapping for her accomplishment, while almost every other Wonderbolt looked at her with open hostility and distrust. Ears flattened against her lowered head and her confidence crushed, she gulped as her fears that the other Wonderbolts may dislike or even hate her became reality.

Ch2 - Distrust (improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 2 - Distrust

“Move your sorry flanks if you don’t want to have them kicked!”

“You call that flying? My grampa can flap his wings faster than that!”

“Sweet Celestia! Were my elite fliers replaced during their vacation? Because all I see is a bunch of newbies!” Spitfire shouted while flying around, supervising her subordinates’ training. It had only been a months vacation, but the poor display of speed and agility from her elites alongside the lack of any volunteers to assist her in lecturing and taking care of Twilight annoyed her to the bone. Not that she regretted the time she spent in the enthusiastic unicorn’s and Soarin’s company, but she expected more loyalty and support from her team than that.

Meanwhile, on the top of a watch tower, perched on a ‘first aid kit’ and unnoticed by the exercising pegasi was Twilight Sparkle, surrounded by various medical equipment and accompanied by her guards and Spike. The little medic observed the training field for over three hours, and her enthusiasm was nearly dead. It was hard for her to remain excited when all she had to listen to was Spike’s snoring and Spitfire’s yelling. The training facility itself was in an open field next to the headquarters and was so spacious that she had to use a small telescope attached to the watchtower to keep all of the pegasi in sight. The area was filled with various obstacles, from multiple clouds of varying types to ring-shaped obstacles attached to large poles. On the ground Twilight could see a small obstacle course that reminded her of the one in the Royal Guard’s training grounds, as well as a large number of small rapid-fire cannons spread about. These were most likely used to train pegasi agility by having them evade blasts that only had enough punch to knock the breath out of them.

Twilight sighed from boredom before looking up at the Wonderbolts suspiciously as something seemed wrong. Despite Spitfire’s motivational yells, the elite fliers were acting far too careful: they were not performing risky tricks and were avoiding the moving rings and any rings that were on fire. In fact they were barely flying above average speed. Even if they weren’t in their top condition, there is no way they be doing this bad… she thought while rubbing the lower part of her neck. It’s as if they are trying to avoid getting hurt.

Suddenly, one of the bolts with bloodshot eyes hit a ring-shaped obstacle before crashing against the ground with his wing. This was it, a chance to prove herself, to fulfil her newly appointed responsibility. She disappeared in a flash, only to reappear on the ground before galloping towards the sleepy Wonderbolt, reducing her distance with a few quick teleportations.

“Are you alright? Where does it hurt?” Twilight asked as she stopped herself next to the pegasus who rubbed his eyes. Twilight examined her patient, quickly finding a small bruise on his wing. “Gotcha,” she said before jumping onto the undamaged part of the wing with her horn lit, only for the wing to spread and send her into the air. With another teleportation, Twilight reappeared in front of the Wonderbolt. “Please, stand still.”

The male pegasus clearly ignored her as he walked towards the exit. Not wasting a moment, Twilight galloped right behind him and shouted, “Wait! let me check your wound!” Once again ignored, she jumped onto the pegasus’s back, only to be pushed off by the undamaged wing.

With another teleportation, Twilight reappeared in the way of the sleepy pegasus while standing on her rear hooves, waving her forelegs in attempts to catch his attention. “Wake up! I am just trying to help,” Twilight shouted, only for her ears to droop as the pegasus didn’t slow down, his hooves dangerously close. Out of reflex, she jumped to the side, barely avoiding being stomped on as the hoof slammed next to her with a thump.

Twilight was about to yell once again, but her guard, who landed in front of the Wonderbolt, beat her to it. “Hold it right there!”

The Wonderbolt stopped and frowned. “What do you want? If you haven’t noticed, I don’t have time to chit-chat. I need to get my wing checked in the infirmary.”

Steel Blade’s expression sharpened as his muzzle pressed against the Wonderbolt’s. “If that was meant to be a joke, it wasn’t funny,” he said while pointing his hoof at Twilight. “You have an eager medic ready to heal your wound here and now. Are you ignoring her on purpose?”

The pegasus looked at the little mare before he turned back and shook his head. “I don’t see any medic. All I see is a little unicorn who got three of our teammates in trouble.” Steel Blade grit his teeth the moment he noticed Twilight lowering her head as the Wonderbolt added, “Forgive me if I prefer to put my trust in the hooves of a professional and normal sized doctor, rather than a tiny unicorn I’ve never met before. Now, excuse me.”

As the Wonderbolt passed him, the guard turned around and lifted his foreleg, only for a lavender aura to immobilize it.

“Let him go,” Twilight spoke before releasing her guard’s hoof. “If he doesn’t trust me, I’m not going to forcibly heal him.”

The worried guard knelt and took the armor off his hoof before gently stroking Twilight's mane. “It will be fine, Twilight. They’ll warm up to you. Just give them time.”

Twilight didn’t nod or reply, instead, she looked up at the training pegasi, Is this why they’re being so careful… because they don’t trust me? With a heavy sigh, she pushed Steel’s hoof away and gestured with her foreleg. “I think I’ll go get some exercise. Stretch my legs and stuff,” she said before walking towards the obstacle course.

Steel Blade lifted his foreleg as if ready to follow, only to sit instead while looking at his charge with flattened ears as just one quiet word left his mouth, “Twilight…”

***

Breathing rapidly, Twilight galloped while climbing and jumping various obstacles. Unlike when she trained her combat magic in the Royal Guard’s training facility, where she faced an obstacle course that required mostly climbing, jumping, running and weightlifting while under fire, the Wonderbolts’ ground obstacle course required far more balance and dexterity.

After she finally reached the top of a tall platform, she galloped onto the rope connecting it to yet another platform, though balancing on the thin rope with her tiny hooves proved to be a breeze. With the three rings above the rope being closer with every step, she jumped as high as she could, barely passing the obstacle by only a few millimeters as she landed on the rope with grace. Surely dancing and yoga lessons from Fleur really paid off. After reaching the second platform, Twilight sat and wiped the sweat from her head while taking a deep breath of fresh air as she admired the view. Her mind began to clear and all her worries almost seemed to disappear.

“Out of the way!” a shout reached Twilight’s ears, and a sound of hooves slamming against the wooden surface followed. Out of reflex and without looking back, she jumped forward, only for her eyes to open widely and ears to drop as an awkward smile spread across her face. She slowly moved her hooves in search for a surface to hang on to, but didn’t feel any while the distance from the ground rapidly changed in her mind. Twilight gulped as she began to fall, her tail and mane flapping due to the air resistance. The little unicorn looked at the ground as it sped closer and began to feel like she was in the middle of the Canterlot Tower incident again. She was about to levitate herself, but decided to steel her hooves instead, preparing to face the crash with a look of determination on her face.

Twilight’s legs bent under the pressure as her hooves sunk into the ground with her face mere millimeters away from hitting it. She released her breath and got got right back up, but her peace of mind was quickly interrupted by a pegasus landing in front of her, causing her to flinch. With a quick look back at the obstacle course, she noticed that it was now being used.

With exercise on the ground out of question, Twilight levitated herself, taking the aerial course instead. It didn’t last long though as she crashed into a pegasi, who just swept her off like a fly.

“Are you okay, Twilight?” Spike said as he quickly approached, breathing heavily. The moment Twilight landed on his hand and nodded, he shot the pegasus a hostile glare and shook his tightened fist. “What’s wrong with you? Is the training field not big enough for guys to share?”

The Wonderbolt raised an eyebrow and landed in front of Spike with a loud thump, dust spreading around her hooves, but the young drake stood his ground and showed him Twilight who was now in his hand. “Why are you treating her like a fly? She may be small, but she is not invisible.”

The female Wonderbolt stomped firmly and frowned at the depressed unicorn before saying, “If you hadn’t noticed, we’re training here for our upcoming events, and your little friend, owner, or whatever is getting in our way. If she gets stomped, it’s her fault for getting under our hooves.”

Spike growled while Twilight hid her face behind her own tail and murmured a question. “I… I was just a little bored.… No pony was letting me help, so I wanted to at least train with you like I did a month ago. You didn’t mind back then, so why now? What did I do wrong?”

“What did you do wrong?” asked the pegasus with a roll of her eyes. “How about playing with our flares and messing up our uniforms in the presence of royalty. We may not have any respect for the nobles, but the princess is another story.”

“I’m sorry! I am really sorry for that, it was an accident, I swear!” Twilight responded with her head lowered respectfully. “I just wanted to impress my mentor so she could forgive me for being tardy.”

“Yeah!,” Spike added. “And Princess Celestia found it entertaining.”

“If you are so sorry, how about you fix our uniforms? As for your mentor, I bet she was just trying to spare your feelings,” the Wonderbolt said before lifting her foreleg as she pointed her hoof at Twilight. “I bet she was very disappointed in you, but didn’t show it out of pity.”

Twilight curled up in a ball, her head almost touching her knees as the pegasus’ words weakened her self confidence. “You… really think so...”

Before the pegasus could respond, Spike turned around and walked away. “Don’t listen to her. These guys are just bullies.”

Twilight stood back up on Spike’s hand and pointed towards the gathering pegasi as their lunch break started. “They have the right to be enraged. Especially after I assaulted them with fireworks. And what if she was right, what if Celestia is hiding her disappointment in me behind her regal mask,” she said before sitting and rubbing her hoof.

Spike scratched the back of his neck with his free hand as he searched for a way to lift his mom’s spirit. “Let’s go to the cafeteria. I’m sure some strawberry ice-cream with whipped cream on top or a cookie will cheer you up,” Spike said as he placed Twilight on his head and followed the group. The situation didn’t improve on their way towards the cafeteria as every pegasi ignored them. It just increased his mom’s depression, and while her small body could endure any punishment, her small heart proved very easy to hurt.

“Mmm…” Soarin’ sniffed the pie in his hooves and licked his lips. As much as he hated to admit it, Overwatch was not mistaken when she called him a pie-loving colt… with colt excluded. Not that he only ate pies… although he sometimes wondered if he could sustain himself only on this delicious dessert alone. But while some ponies had obsession with apples or hayburgers, some with muffins or cupcakes, his were pies.

“Sup Soarin’,” Spitfire said as he turned towards her, only for the memory of Overwatch’s words to return to his mind. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Soarin’ examined Spitfire’s expression as a blush formed on his cheeks. He never noticed before, but Spitfire really looked at him differently than she looked at others. Was Overwatch right, could it really be true? Did she really feel something for him? He shook his head and cursed that annoying guard for putting the images in his mind of Spitfire lying in bed while gesturing for him to join that would forever haunt him.

“Sorry. Anyways, how is the team looking, getting us into shape and all?” Soarin’ asked.

“Not so good,” Spitfire said as she lowered her head slightly while her expression suddenly lost confidence. “But I am mostly worried about Twilight. I expected that they would not like my decision, but it seems like they do whatever they can to stay clear of her…”

Soarin’ put his hoof on Spitfire’s shoulder and said, “Yea, I noticed too. Poor Twillight. She was so excited for this job, and it has been three days already and nothings happened for her. Can’t you… I don’t know… order them to be more cooperative?”

“It seems I’ll have no choice but to do that. I hoped to leave it only as last resort though.”

Soarin’ put his foreleg on the floor and tilted his head to the side in confusion. “Last resort? Why?”

“Because Wonderbolts are not royal guards. We were always a team that trusted and respected one another, and if I were to assume direct command and order them to… Lets just say that it would be best if they cooperated with Twilight on their own free will.”

Soarin’ nodded before pointing towards the table in distance while pie was perched on his back. “Lets go and cheer her up.”

***

Twilight laid on the table with her head perched on her foreleg while poking a cookie with her other hoof. Spike was holding a half eaten gem hesitantly, not feeling up to finishing it while Twilight’s guards ate their hay sandwiches.

“Cheer up,” Spitfire called as Twilight raised her eyes towards her, not bothering to move her head. “Wow, you look more depressed than I expected.”

“Hello... Spitfire,” Twilight said with a bored tone of voice before pushing herself back to her hooves to salute. “My deepest apologies ma'am.”

Spitfire chuckled and shook her head before saying, “Its okay Twilight. No need for formalities.”

Twilight nodded before lowering her head in shame. “I would like to thank you for giving me a chance to work for you…and I will understand if you expect me to resign.”

Spitfire’s eyes widened as she rushed to the table, grabbing Twilight between the tips of her wings. “Resign? what are you talking about?”

Twilight didn’t dare look her in the eyes, her voice still sounding depressed. “I’m talking about getting rid of me. It has been three days and I haven’t proved to be useful even once. There is no need to keep such a failure like me as a medic an–” she didn’t finish her sentence as Spitfire shook her. After taking a moment to recover, she looked at the captain, only to be taken aback by her angered expression.

“Don’t you dare call yourself useless! Would a useless pony be able to hit the horn of a criminal that kept us trapped in a levitation field? Would a failure be able to cast a small flare to blind the griffons that were chasing us despite her size disadvantage? Would an excuse for a medic be able to perform complicated surgery on my wing that was penetrated by at least three enchanted arrows and was almost torn apart from smashing into rocks, let alone surf down a mountain while levitating a wounded pegasus so more arrows wouldn’t hit her?”

“But… even if I was useful before, I am useless now. No pony needs me,” Twilight responded, her eyes wide from shock. “What good is even the best medic without patients that need her?”

Spitfire shook her head and said, “Don’t worry about that Twilight, just leave it to me. I will make sure that they’ll let you help. Even if I need to use my high authority to do so."

“Spitfire,” Twilight struggled to free her hooves from the captain’s hold before climbing onto her wing, perching herself between the soft feathers. Once comfortable, she pointed her hoof at the eating Wonderbolts that still ignored her. “They don’t trust me, that is why their performance is so poor. I am sure that if you hire somepony else in my place, they wouldn’t hesitate to take your training more seriously.”

Spitfire grabbed a glass of water with her free wing, drinking it as the water slowly began to boil, matching the anger inside her. She shot her teammates an annoyed stare. “This is indeed a problem. Every Wonderbolt must perform dangerous stunts in the training area where they can receive quick medical assistance. This is the only way they will learn how to avoid danger during a show or on a mission. If they don’t take more risks during their training, it may have devastating results in the long run.”

Twilight nodded as she stood on her rear hooves that sunk into the yellow wing. “This is why you need to replace me!”

***

While Twilight and Spitfire talked with one another, Soarin’s attention was focused on Overwatch who was simply smirking at him. Oh how much he wished he could somehow knock that smug look from her face! As the silence continued, Overwatch cleared her throat and spoke, “I swear, Soarin, I’ve never met a pony, other than Twilight, who likes a game of hide and seek as much as you do. How did you like the little gift I left for you by the way? Surely it made you look far more mature.”

Soarin' bit his lips and held his breath, Don’t fall for it, don’t fall for it. She wants you to respond, just stay quiet.

“Oh, so your are playing the silent type now?” Overwatch said before walking closer to the pegasus, shooting him a duck face. “I guess mares like the silent type with stallions, but not colts. You won’t score Spitfire that way,” she whispered before her horn lit as she shot a beam of magic at him, causing him to flinch and fall off his seat. Soarin’ massaged his head before sitting back up, only to feel something on his lips. With one touch of his hoof, he felt the mustache once again covering his face. “Now that’s better! With this mustache, you’ll score Spitfire with no trouble at all! Just don’t play the silent type until you get her into your room while high quality apple cider will be prepared on the table.”

Soarin’ could hear a weak laughter coming from his teammates as his face turned red, both from embarrassment and anger while Steel Blade gave him ‘been there, done that’ look. Soarin’s mouth opened to respond, only for a piece of apple pie to seal it.

“Do not talk with your mouth full, foal. I am sure your mom taught you better than that.”

Soarin' cut of half of the pie with his teeth and gulped as it went through his throat. His mouth opened and ready to talk back, but closed immediately the moment Twilight demanded to be replaced. “Replaced? But…” Soarin’ murmured to himself, but was cut off by Spitfire as the two started to argue.

Soarin’s wings and ears dropped while pie fell off his back and onto the floor, but he could care less about the food. Despite Spitfire’s attempts to raise Twilight’s confidence, her self-esteem was just getting worse. How much he wanted to lift up her spirit, how much he wanted to assure her that she was important, but what would he say? What of his words would rival encouraging speeches of the captain herself that just failed?

“She’s between a rock and hard place, wouldn’t you agree?” Overwatch said, capturing Soarin’s attention as she looked at him with worry, her smirk long gone.

“Hard place… Like situation without exit?” Soarin’ said while studying the guard’s expression, surprised by her sudden change of attitude.

“More of a circle. Twilight cannot perform her role as medic because nopony trust her healing skills. In order to gain trust, she must prove herself by healing a major wound, but how can she prove herself if nopony lets her assist?”

Soarin’ nodded while frowning quietly at his teammates. If only somepony would give Twilight a chance to prove herself in front of everypony. He closed his eyes and slowed his breath as he thought deeply. The solution was so simple, but was he able to put it into action? His contemplation was interrupted by Spitfire’s call as every Wonderbolt flew towards the training area. With shake of his head and deep sigh, he followed, only for Overwatch to block his way.

“What do you want? You can tease me after training is over,” Soarin’ said firmly and walked around the female guard, only to feel her hoof on his shoulder as she whispered into his ear.

“What’s your plan?”

“Plan?” Soarin’ blinked in confusion.

“Don’t play stupid with me. The deep thinking, determination in your eyes and firm steps. I can read you like an open book, and I bet it has something to do with Twilight,” Overwatch said. To her surprise, he pushed her hoof off his shoulder and walked away, not even looking back.

“I’m just going to help a friend, that’s all,” Soarin’ responded with mix of determination and fear while spreading his wings. “And I’ll do whatever has to be done.”

Not waiting for a response and with a goal set, he flew, dashing towards the training field.

***

Come on Soarin’, you can’t back down now. Soarin’s determination weakened with every flap of his wings as he approached his first ring, ready to fly in the middle. With a quick scanning through the area, he could see his captain trying fruitlessly to encourage her subordinates to step up in their training as it was not going to take long before she would use her authority to force them to. As he expected, other pegasi hesitated the moment they reached the advanced part of the course before turning back, but he was not going to turn back now. Soarin’s hooves trembled on their own and sweat started to fall from his forehead as he tried to maintain his speed before looking towards the watchtower, his sharp eyes quickly noticing Twilight sitting in her usual spot, most likely bored and depressed. Soarin’ turned his attention back to the obstacles as he grit his teeth and steeled his hooves. Twilight needed him more than ever.

Gaining in speed, he dashed through the moving rings, passed each one faster than the last one. Every next ring moved faster and was closer to one another, every next turn was sharper and more difficult to make. Despite being focused on the obstacles, he could still notice few gasps of his teammates as their attention was now focused on him.

“See! At least one of you is trying,” Spitfire praised while pointing her hoof at him.

After passing last moving ring, he flew upward, heading towards the advanced course as the crew on the ground opened fire, forcing him to evade barrage of projectiles. His teeth tightened and muscles tensed as even one mistake would result him being hit or crash into flaming ring. Three rings later his body was drenched in sweat, when suddenly a moving ring bursting into flames captured his attention, a part of the course reserved for Spitfire herself.

“You are doing great Soarin’, but enough is enough!” Spitfire called as she followed him at increasing speed. Despite being faster, the distance kept her at a disadvantage. “I said enough. You are pushing yourself too far!”

Soarin’ gulped as Spitfire was right. So far only she managed to complete the flamed rings course without burning her wings as according to story about her cutie mark she once shared with her teammates, she got it after flying through a fire to save a classmate when she was but seven years old. What chance did he have against her unique skill?

“I said, enough!” The voice was getting louder as Spitfire was quickly catching up. Soarin’ sped up to keep his distance as he felt weak burn on his wing that almost touched the fire.

Soarin’ looked at watchtower for one last time. Even from this distance, looking at it for a fragment of second, he could notice the tiny mare’s worried expression. This is for you, Twilight. Make me proud, he thought before dashing at another ring, only to fly slightly to the left, his body brushing against the flaming ring.

A loud shriek followed as he fell to the ground at high speed, his wing half burned and smoking as it refused to heed his call. Soarin’s eyes closed as he braced himself for an impact, expecting to hit the ground at any moment. Though, the crash never came as he felt his body hit something fluffy, almost feeling no pain outside of his burned wing. After slowly opening his eyes, the angered expression on his captain’s face greeted him as she slowly descended and placed him on the ground while one of his other team members moved a rain cloud in to extinguish flames. Despite the pain, he refused to scream. He looked at his teammates and saw looks of worry and pity in their eyes, though he saw a hint of admiration as well. He slowly turned his head to look at Spitfire who grabbed his neck and slapped him in the face.

“What were you thinking? Do you have any idea how many years of my life I lost after the scare you just gave me? I didn’t promote you to my right hoof for…” she continued to unleash her frustration at him, but Soarin’ struggled to focus on what Spitfire was saying due to the pain, so he just smiled.

“I… I just,” Soarin’ bit his lips from the pain before taking few quick breath as he continued. “I just wanted to motivate everypony… to give an example. I guess I went a bit too far.”

“Too far is an understatement!” she said before grabbing him in a hug by his neck, careful not to move his wounded wing. “Don’t do that ever again!”

Soarin’ blushed as his captain released him and put a cloud under his head, his attention focused once again on the watchtower, only for Twilight to appear on his belly in a flash.

“Don’t move!” Twilight shouted before his opened mouth could speak even a single word. Without a second to lose, the little mare approached his wing as her horn lit with a small but powerful aura. He could feel pain jolting from his burned muscles and bones in his wing, but would care less as he fulfilled his goal. You got your chance, Twilight. Do not waste it, he thought before closing his eyes.

Despite the agony that lasted for minutes, he felt a warm sensation of healing magic in his wing as the little medic restored it back to normal, feather after feather, bone by bone. After slowly opening his watered eyes, he noticed his teammates staring at Twilight with wide opened eyes, some even rubbing them in disbelief. The little unicorn on the other hoof was covered in sweat, draining every bit of magic to help him. The healing process lasted for a few more minutes, but none of pegasi dared to move from their spot as Twilight climbed back onto his stomach with trembling legs before falling onto her face at it pressed against his fluffy belly as if it was a pillow.

“Twilight, are you okay? You look exhausted,” Soarin’ asked as he gently raised Twilight’s head with a hoof, as the little mare anchored her forelegs against it and stood.

After taking a deep breath, she pointed at him and responded, “I should be asking the same question. Does it still hurt?” The pegasus shook his head while clapping from surrounding him crowd reached his ears, but he ignored it as he felt Twilight embracing his neck tightly. “I am so glad! I was fearing the worst.”

Soarin’ responded with a chuckle as he got to his hooves while his living neck piece still hung on. “Twilight, it takes more than that to take down a Wonderbolt. I may be the softy of this team, but I am not made of cotton.”

“That’s questionable,” Spitfire added, her worry replaced with amusement.

Soarin’ smirked as he looked at his chuckling teammates before spreading his healed wing as he ignored the weak pain that came from it. “Thanks Twilight, you really did a great job,” he said before standing on his rear hooves while pulling Twilight of his neck who was now being held between his hooves. “My wing is as good as new,” he added while jaws of few Wonderbolts fell to the ground. They began to murmur amongst themselves.

Twilight shook her head and said, “Don’t strain it! It may be healed, but your wing is still in bad shape. You need to wait at least few hours before you can fly at full speed again.”

“Few hours is still less than few days…” he grit his teeth before closing his wing while taking Twilight’s advice to heart. “But I think I should give it a rest.” With Twilight placed on the ground as Soarin’ once again was on all fours, he half bowed and walked away from his little friend with satisfied smile. Spitfire quickly joined to escort him back to his room while praises and cheers from the other Wonderbolts followed.

***

Minutes passed as neither he or Spitfire spoke a single word. The captain decided to give herself time to calm down while Soarin’ was too afraid to be yelled at again.

“Take a long rest, you deserved it,” Spitfire said before slowly closing the door to his room.

Soarin’ approached his bed and waited few more seconds, only to start breathing rapidly as his legs began to tremble. With a solid thump his head hit the bed, sinking into the eiderdown as the memories of what he just did assaulted his mind.

Was he insane? To take an obstacle course that even his captain, a pony whose cutie mark represented her talent to fly even in the hottest and most unpleasant environment had trouble with. Or was he stupid to face it on purpose, to burn his wing and put his life in danger? No, not with Twilight around. She deserved his trust, and she deserved a chance to prove herself, and as supportive friend, he had to provide one.

Soarin’s thoughts were interrupted by knock to the door. With his forelegs pushing him from the bed, he answered “Come in,” with weary voice. The door opened as the female guard walked in. “Overwatch? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be keeping Twilight company or something?”

The female guard clearly ignored him as she approached, forcing Soarin’ to walk backward as that mare clearly didn’t know the meaning of personal space. The unicorn just smiled warmly and spoke, “Thank you.”

Soarin’ stopped as there was not even slightest sign of sarcasm in her voice. “For what?”

“For faking your accident. I never expected you to go that far for a friend,” Overwatch said with her foreleg raised in front of her.

“How did you know?”

The female guard sat in front of a bed while placing her crossed forelegs on it and spoke, “I am not a specialist for nothing. Call it intuition or talent in seeing through facades, but I have always been good at figuring out others’ intentions, and you are very easy to read.”

Soarin’ nodded and scratched the back of his neck. “You’re good. Anyway, I didn’t do anything special. Twilight needed a chance to prove herself and I provided her with one. It’s what friends do,” he said with a warm smile, only for it to vanish under serious and intimidating stare from Overwatch, feeling as if she tried to penetrate his very soul.

“You’re wrong, what you did was a big deal!” she yelled before pointing her armored hoof at the somewhat scared Wonderbolt. “I’ll be completely honest. For the past two weeks I learned a lot about you and your captain. You’re a coward, Soarin’. You are soft and hesitant, afraid to push yourself, and even after month of vacation your teammates had, your skills hardly exceeded theirs.”

Soarin’ opened his mouth, but no words left his dry mouth as he stared as Overwatch in disbelief.

“You remind me of Steelie when he was younger. A naive, cheerful pony who pays up for his weaknesses with determination and spirit. Despite not being a dedicated athlete with no desire to win at any cost, you are still a Wonderbolt, and I can see why.” Overwatch stood and slammed her hoof against the bed as she continued, “You are very dedicated, both to your teammates and friends, pushing yourself not because you want to win, but because you don't want to fail those who are counting on you.”

Soarin’ lowered his head as his wings dropped. No matter how much he wanted to deny her words, they were like arrows of honestly, hitting the truth he tried to hide while hurting. His depression didn’t last long as he felt yet another hug around his neck. Not as strong as Spitfire’s, but definitely tighter than Twilight’s. “Overwatch?”

“You are a great pony, never change!” Overwatch said before breaking the hug and leaving the room as she spoke from behind half-closed door, “Thank you, Soarin’, for everything you did for Twilight.”

***

Overwatch walked back to the training area, clearly impressed that though she thought she figured out yet another pony, he still managed to surprise her. The moment Overwatch arrived at her destination, she looked at the watchtower that was empty for some reason. After a quick examination of the area, she smiled as the Wonderbolts were flying at higher speed and performed more advanced stunts than before. Meanwhile, Twilight and Spike stood in front of a Wonderbolt. Curious, Overwatch approached quietly and exposed her ear

“How can I help you?” asked Twilight as she did her best to hide any signs of weakness.

“I would like to ask you for a small favour,” she said before exposing her wing while pointing at a small bruise on it. After a quick look at her teammates, she continued, “I was wondering, are you feeling strong enough to take care of this? It won’t be a big deal if you refuse as it’s nothing serious, but it is still a little distracting whenever I flap my wing.”

“Of course I’m strong enough!” Twilight shouted before hopping onto the wing and sending her magic into the bruise. Despite her size, she had as much magic as any doctor and still some reserves to spare.

Minutes had passed as Twilight finally finished her work. She wiped sweat from her forehead and was met by Spike's proud smile. Satisfied with the result, she looked at the pegasus with a cheerfully and said, “Done. You had a few small splinters among your feathers, but they’re gone now,” she said while pointing at the levitated objects above her head before they bursted into flames and turned into ashes, only to flinch at the sudden move of Wonderbolt’s hoof that advanced towards her.

“My name is Fleetfoot, and again, thanks for the help.”

Overwatch smiled warmly as her little charge shook the hoof energetically. After a quick look at the pegasi in mid air, she noticed a few glares directed towards Twilight and Fleetfoot, most of them filled with mix of distrust and uncertainty, but no longer hostile. It seemed that the little medic will still had a long way to go before she will be fully accepted, but at least it was start.

Ch3 - WarGames (Improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 3

WarGames

“Ah-ten-SHUN!” Spitfire yelled as the line of ponies saluted.

As everyday for the past week, everypony gathered in the training area to polish their skills as only mere days separated them from the upcoming show. If the pressure wasn’t heavy enough, one could add growing expectations after a month-and-half long break.

Among the Wonderbolts on Soarin’s head in particular stood Twilight Sparkle, who saluted as well, while Spike and their guards observed her from the sidelines. Twilight’s attention turned from Spitfire to several boxes that were present behind the captain as she glared at them curiously. Surely something was up.

“I am sure you all are expecting yet another day filled with flying exercises to prepare your lazy flanks for the upcoming show, but in case any of you have forgotten, we are still a paramilitary organization that is called upon in case of emergency!” Spitfire said as she walked around her subordinates, both her steps and face firm. “Our nation may be peaceful, but the world is filled with dangers: from small and annoying parasprites to giant hungry beasts. While the Royal Guards take care of those threats head on, they do not posses our speed and agility!” She stopped and unfurled her wings. “Our mission is to get to any location that needs help faster than any guard.” She circled around the line of pegasi in less than a second as the wind pushed dust around their hooves while Twilight had to grab Soarin’s ear in order to not fall off. “We need to be able to rescue civilians, strike the threat hard, and get out before anypony gets hurt, is that clear?”

“Ma’am yes ma’am!” Wonderbolts responded in unison while Twilight set up sound dampening barrier around herself to save her fragile ears from the vocal torture.

Spitfire pointed at several boxes that were set behind her and said, “It has been quite a while since we performed any combat related training, and after your vacation, Celestia knows how much we need one.”

As she approached the small box in front, her wing pushed away the black blanket that covered it, displaying various types of gem-based weaponry. With a swift move of her hoof, she pointed at Soarin’s head and said, “Twilight Sparkle! Besides the test about Wonderbolts’ history, you also passed all tests about theoretical knowledge of Wonderbolts equipment with nearly perfect scores. Would you be so kind and remind us the basics about our most crucial armament?” Spitfire asked as she spread her right wing while her left forehoof grabbed a long sharp violet gem.

Twilight quickly appeared on captain’s wing in a flash as she stood on her rear-hooves and pointed her foreleg at the gem. “Yes ma’am! What you all see here is called an AGPG, which stands for Air-Ground-Piercing-Gem.” In the flash of another teleportation, she reappeared on the stone as she pointed at a small enhanced rune on the back side. “The moment this magical rune is activated, the magic stored in it will push this gem with great force, and considering the size of this one, it will push with strength rivaling levitation of at least ten average unicorns.” While turning around, she pointed a small rope that was attached in the middle. “This part on the other hoof can be easily attached to a wing. The rope itself is strong enough to keep it stable even at mach 5 speed, but is also constructed to break the moment the button on it is pressed, which in turn activate the rune that will launch this gem towards the target. Aiming is the hardest part as the pegasus need to dive towards it with their wings spread and unmoving, which is why this kind of weaponry is restricted only for Wonderbolts, and even then, only after passing a special form of training.”

Spitfire nodded as Twilight went towards the sharp edge of the gem and poked it, a simple gesture to test it's sharpness. During her harsh life, Twilight often endured contact with many sharp objects, and even the softer part of her hoof resisted hoof-standing on a guard's spear. And yet, a mere poke at the enhanced gem was enough to create a small wound.

Twilight quickly healed it before facing the group as she spoke, “The main reason why this model is called piercing gem is because it’s bottom edge was enchanted by the most talented unicorns Equestria has to offer. Although the strongest models were enchanted by the princess herself and are capable of penetrating any armor, force field or even dragon scale.” With help of her levitation, and much to Spitfire’s surprise, she levitated over a smaller gem with a similar edge. “While the piercing model is the most expensive and powerful, this one,” she pointed her hoof at the smaller gem above her head, “is its smaller brother, AGBD, which stands for, Air-Ground-Barrier-Destroyer. Unlike the piercing gem, this one is specialized to penetrate even the hardest magical barriers and force fields. When compared to the piercing model, it is far cheaper, lighter, easier to use, aim and faster to mass produce.” She cleared her throat with a cough before continuing, “The downside however is that it cannot do as much damage against solid objects as it is a specialized weapon.” After releasing a deep breath, she asked, “Any questions?”

Upon noticing Spike had raised his hand and given a few small jumps, she asked, “Yes Spike?”

“Ever since visiting the royal museum, I always wondered why so many cool inventions are never used in public, so what I want to ask is…” Spike started while rubbing back of his neck. “Why do guards use only spears, swords and shields when there are cannons and muskets they could use instead? Even Wonderbolts seems to be better armed, and they’re only half military!”

Twilight was about to answer, only for Fleetfoot to cut her off as she walked ahead of the group. “Allow me to answer with a small demonstration.” Noticing Spike’s and Spitfire’s nod, she spread her wings and dashed upwards, only to dive down to the ground with a straightened hoof before hitting a random pony-size stone on the ground. It shattered, dust spreading around it in a large cloud. The Wonderbolt quickly returned to her group while rubbing pebbles off her hoof and added, “Show me a firearm that can do that much damage without an expensive enhancement.” Her teammates immediately chuckled while Spike retreated to Twilight’s guards.

The little unicorn reassumed her lecture, refreshing the memories of the Wonderbolts about basics before teleporting to her spot on Soarin’s head. “You did great, Twilight. I cannot believe you found enough time to read so much about it among all of your other activities,” Soarin’ said and lightly patted his friend on the head with his wing.

Twilight smiled with a blush. “A good schedule my dear Soarin’. I always read whenever I am too tired to exercise, so I always find enough time for a lecture,” she said while two Wonderbolts on Soarin’s sides rolled their eyes.

“Now with this out of the way, I want all of you to form two member teams with one leader and one wing pony. You will all participate in various wargames and the team with best score will get a free pass tomorrow!” Spitfire said before pointing at a bigger box behind the small one. “You will be using training ammunition as it is not lethal and less expensive.” Noticing another salute, she added, “Considering that we now have a very adept medic on our side, we can increase the difficulty a bit.” Several Wonderbolts shot Twilight a glare while Spitfire looked towards the guards. “Specialist Overwatch! According to your profile, you’re an experienced scout and sniper. Would you care to assist by playing a role of anti-aerial defense for today’s simulations?”

Overwatch rubbed her chin as she thought deeply. She looked at the line of Wonderbolts who stared back at her with mild interest, and quickly noticed distress on Soarin’s face. With a smirk, she said, “With pleasure,” as Soarin’ gulped. Who said that work can’t be fun.

SMACK

“Next!” shouted Spitfire while Twilight sighed, hardly maintaining balance on her trembling hooves as Steel Blade brought over yet another unconscious pegasus, placing him next to his four comrades. With a shake of her head, she jumped from the Wonderbolt’s belly onto Spike’s hand.

Spike walked towards the next patient and knelt, holding his hand in front of to the wound as Twilight crawled closer to it. Unlike Soarin’s burned wing, this pegasus had just a spot of burned fur and a couple bruises, but even if the injuries were minor, having to continuously heal them added up and greatly taxed the unicorn’s reserves. Twilight’s ears dropped lazily against her head while her horn guided another portion of healing magic. With each passing second she felt her headache getting stronger while generating magic getting harder as everything started spinning in front of her eyes. With her dizziness intensifying, she ceased the healing process as her head slowly sank into her patient’s fur.

Steel Blade carefully lifted Twilight from her spot and placed her on his wing with her back pressed between soft feathers. The dazed unicorn massaged her head before looking at him with half-closed eyes as he spoke, “Take a break, Twilight. You shouldn’t strain yourself.”

Spike looked at her with worry and nodded. “Yeah. Overwatch is knocking them down faster then you can even heal them.”

Twilight didn’t bother to move from her comfortable spot on her pillow of feathers as she turned her head to look at Overwatch. “I’m not surprised. Aiming under fire is very difficult. I just hope that she is not going too hard on them.”

“Quite the opposite,” a familiar voice reached Twilight’s ear as she ended up in the shadow of the captain. With three pairs of eyes on her, Spitfire pointed at her teammates and frowned. “It has been too long since our last combat simulation. If anything, your guard is barely fighting at the level they should be able to handle.”

Twilight nodded before looking at the training area alongside others, only to hear another loud THUD as Spitfire’s facehoof followed.

This was going to be a long day.

***

Overwatch huffed at her horn and smiled proudly at her yet another success.

Sweat fell down Soarin's face and his legs trembled as the sound of crashing pegasus reached his ears. His eyes closed, unable to look at the impact between the Wonderbolt and the ground. In any other wargame his agility would be enough to outrun even most skilled sniper, but not this one. In front of him at long distance he could see a target made of wood, shaped like a pony, surrounded by rapid firing cannons filled with paint-rounds and crew aiming them, but none of those possessed as much threat as Overwatch on top of the watchtower who drew yet another ‘shot-down’ mark on a small blackboard next to her. Suddenly, Soarin’ felt something touch his shoulder. He flinched and whipped his head 180 degrees. Upon noticing Fleetfoot’s hoof, he calmed down and yelled, “Don’t sneak up on me like that! Do you want me to have a heart attack?”

Fleethoof giggled, “Hehe, sorry for startling you. I just wanted to get your attention. It’s our turn after all.”

Soarin’ turned around to look at the watchtower and, despite the distance, he could see smug written all over Overwatch's face, as the guard pointed at him before poking her own horn. He was about to make a step back, but a weak push from behind made him feel as if he was between anvil and hammer. After one last check that the training missiles were firmly attached to his wings, he dashed, flying up with increasing speed. It didn’t took long before Fleetfoot was right next to him as they both flew in wing’s formation.

“Target acquired,” Fleetfoot said before diving towards the target at maximum speed while Soarin’ struggled to keep up with her. The whistling sound of paintballs passing his body gave him an idea to avoid being hit. He yelled a maneuver to his wingpony, “Commence Delta-4!”

“Commence a what now?” asked Fleetfoot while blinking in confusion.

Soarin’ rolled his eyes before adding, “Leader does a barrel roll while wingpony dives under the line of fire.”

“You should have said so!” Fleetfoot responded before starting to fly in circles while the projectiles failed to keep up with her.

“I thought I did,” Soarin’ added before rolling to his left with one swift flap of his right wing just in time for few paint rounds to pass next to him. His eyes opened widely as he shot Fleetfoot an annoyed glare. “Hey, I am the leader and you are the wing pony!” he shouted while pointing his hoof accusingly at his partner. He whispered to himself in a sad tone, “I should be the one doing the barrel roll…”

Noticing that he was being ignored while a few more projectiles passed above his head, he sighed and dived towards the ground. The target was getting closer with every passing second while the anti-air was focused on Fleetfoot. After two second to adjust his trajectory, Soarin’ spread his wings straight to the sides, attached missiles ready to fire. Suddenly, something flashed on the corner of his eye, and, out of pure reflex, he flapped his wings, pushing himself up while a beam of magic passed mere inches under his belly. Soarin’ flew to the left and right, avoiding beam after beam, all the while he was unable to attack the objective. Despite the heavy firepower that magically enhanced projectiles provided, aiming them required the Wonderbolt to fly still with unmoving wings which made him an easy target if enemy was shooting back, and even launchers that could be used with hooves had weak points on their own.

Soarin’ made a retreat as Overwatch didn’t gave him any openings for attack. His attention focused on Fleetfoot who, despite her own best efforts, could not get a clear shot under the heavy fire. Come on, there has to be a way, use your head! Soarin’ thought while circling around the target. After a quick examination, the idea struck him. With a 135 turn, he flew towards the target once again, flying left and right to avoid Overwatch’s fire. Three, two, one… The barrage that shot at Fleetfoot silenced as most of rapid firing cannons ran out of ammo, leaving the guard to aim at two Wonderbolts attacking from two sides. Noticing that his foe was targeting the other Wonderbolt, he spread his wings once again.

“Almost there, just a little longer,” Soarin’ murmured before pressing two buttons with his hooves, only to feel pain in his wing as the guard turned to aim at him just in time. With his wing wounded, Sorain’ flew in random directions while two projectiles launched from under his wings, passing the target while heading…

Overwatch’s eyes widened as the watchtower was hit. Training rounds or not, the thirty year old watchtower didn’t prove much resistance as both the guard and medical equipment started to fall off. The female guard’s attention focused on Steel Blade that headed towards her rescue, only for Spitfire to pass him and catch her.

“Are you okay?” Spitfire asked while effortlessly holding the guard in mid air.

Overwatch looked between Spitfire and Steel Blade who looked at them both in shock. With a frown, she yelled at the captain, “Killjoy!”

Meanwhile Soarin’ circled as one of his wing hung motionless. “The same wing, she just had to hit me in the same wing,” Soarin’ said with annoyance before covering his face with his forelegs. The seconds passed while his body still didn't crash into anything. On the second thought, why would he. He is in the training facility with the most elite fliers in Equestria, surely crashing into the ground was never an option. Slowly removing his forelegs, Soarin’ looked around for his saviour, only to find himself suspended in a lavender levitation field as Twilight struggled to keep him above the ground.

After being gently placed, the little mare immediately teleported from Spike’s hand onto his wing while Soarin’ was hit by a sense of de-ja vu. “Twilight? But what about Spitfire?” He looked around as the captain, holding Overwatch in her embrace, captured his attention. “Fleetfoot?” he said before looking towards the destroyed target while his wing pony walked with her nose raised proudly. “And what about them?” Spike pointed his hand towards group of napping Wonderbolts. Soarin’ once heard a saying: If not exercising, pegasi become lazy. But this? This was utterly ridiculous. With a deep sigh, he looked at his wing with a smile and said, “At least I can count on you, Twilight… Twilight?” Soarin’ raised his foreleg and poked his little friend who wriggled in response. He could see Twilight curled into a ball on his now healed wing with a few feathers trapped between her tiny legs in a vice grip. One look at Twilight sleeping and covered in sweat told him enough as despite her raw power and strong spirit, even she could not last long with her size disadvantage.

After receiving a nod from Spike and later from a blushing Spitfire, he slowly walked towards the exit while carrying Twilight to her room. As he kept walking, the Steel Blades’ voice captured his attention as the guard challenged Spitfire into aerial combat. Just as Soarin’ was about to reach the door, a screaming Steel Blade crashed into a wall before two guided training gems hit him and exploded as red paint covered his entire body.

Too bad Twilight was asleep. He could really use some help right now. “Sweet dreams,” he said while doing his best to slide Twilight onto her pillow while resisting the urge to nuzzle her. She was stubbornly attached to his wing though, and he didn’t want to be hunted by her guard for being “too friendly”.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” asked a bronze earth pony with magnifying glass as cutie mark while cart full of eggs was attached to his back. He looked to his side at the unicorn with monocle on his face and elegant black suit that almost covered his half-rock, half-gem cutie mark.

“Naturally,” he responded with a snobbish accent while a huge green egg levitated in front of his nose. “I know a very rich collector that will pay us a fortune for our discovery. Fillydelphia is but a mile away, and once we reach it, we will live in luxury.”

The earth pony looked back at the cart nervously. “Are you sure that mom will not get angry when she finds out that her eggs are missing?”

“You worry too much, my fellow. One giant worm is no match for the Royal Guards, and if it will indeed follow, it will be their problem, not ours,” the monocled unicorn responded while his partner sighed.

“I hope you’re right.”

***

Twilight jumped from her pillow like a rocket upon hearing a loud alarm that echoed throughout the entire headquarters while several light tubes flashed in red all over the place. It didn’t take long before she was lifted by Steel Blade and was brought to the briefing room, all Wonderbolts present and in uniforms.

Without saying a word, Twilight climbed to Soarin’s table while Overwatch, Spike and Steel Blade sat in the corner, not daring to speak under Spitfire’s serious glare. The tension grew with every second as the captain pointed at a map of Equestria on the wall, or rather on a specific location, a city called Fillydelphia.

With swift move of her hoof, she put goggles on her face and spoke, “I won't sugar coat anything. The situation looks bad. The city named Fillydelphia is currently under invasion by hundreds of hungry carnivorous worms and the Wonderbolts have been called to arms. Our mission is to arrive there as fast as possible, assist with evacuation and–” she paused and lifted an AGPG as she attached it on her wing. “We are permitted to use lethal force when necessary!”

Ch4 - Battle for Fillydelphia, Part 1 (improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 4

Battle for Fillydelphia
-
Part 1

Multiple times during a show, several young ponies would point their hooves at the sky from amazement and scream names of their heroes, ask for autographs, while more eager pegasi would swear that they will train hard, only to one day become Wonderbolts themselves. The elite pegasi would in turn give a show of a lifetime, sign some autographs and give a few inspiring speeches to their fans. Today, however, was not the time for autographs, more or less for entertaining shows, as the Wonderbolts flew through the sky, armed and ready to kill.

As always, the young ones pointed at the sky and cheered, but their parents didn’t share their enthusiasm. It didn’t take long before murmurs covered the streets, foals were taken indoors while many worried citizens started to seek information from the authorities.

Unnoticed by anypony was a tiny unicorn perched in a comfortable spot in her saddle on Soarin’s back, while her forelegs were anchored against his fur. With her eyes half-closed while her mane and tail flapped because of the wind, she asked, “How far away we are from Fillydelphia?” Upon being ignored or just not heard among the noise of wind, she repeated the question louder.

“At our current speed, we will arrive in around fifteen minutes, give or take a few minutes,” Soarin’ responded. “How are you and your saddle holding up? Not too fast for you?”

Twilight chuckled before speaking, “I managed to hold onto Spitfire flying up a mountain at near the speed of sound, I’m sure the saddle and I can handle you… no offense.”

“None taken,” Soarin’ said cheerfully, trying to get his head of the stress. “Besides, we are all saving our energy, so if you think this is my top speed, think again.”

Twilight chuckled and looked around, focusing on her teammates who were flying in a wing formation. On the left side she could see at least eight Wonderbolts veterans, while on her right were only four rookies. Their wings were formed from fourteen pegasi armed with at least four offensive gems attached to their wings and one tiny medic on Soarin’s back. The beak in this formation was Spitfire, flying ahead of the team, leading them to the city. After ignoring few loud yells of ‘Wonderbolts’ coming from the ground, Soarin’s worried voice captured Twilight’s attention. “Still, why did you beg the captain to let you fly with us rather than with your guards? During our mission, looking after you may be distracting–” Twilight’s ears drooped while Soarin’ quickly corrected himself, “What I meant was… umm… We wouldn’t want you to get hurt, and I’m sure your mentor shares our sentiment.”

Twilight thought about how to respond. Steel Blade was nowhere as fast as the Wonderbolts; even the rookies pulled into this mission to make up for number disadvantage could outrun him with ease, and carrying ammo and Overwatch would only slow him down even more. “I know, but what if you or your friends get hurt and I can’t get there in time to help?”

“True, but I’d rather face an army of giant worms than Princess Celestia if you get hurt during this mission,” Soarin’ said before giggling. “Anyway, promise me that you will stay on the sidelines on this, I would… your mentor and friends would hate to see you hurt.”

Twilight’s ears drooped once more as she turned her head to the side with a weak smile. She often faced dangers and challenges, but they were mostly challenges, and she had friends and guards who supported and kept their eyes on her. But now she was on a mission where everypony’s lives were in serious danger, a mission where her magic could make a big difference, a situation where she could use her raw power for more than just exercise, and Soarin’ just asked her to stay aside. Not wanting to give fake promises, she decided to change the topic, searching her head for anything else to talk about, only for Overwatch’s words to pop into her mind.

***

“Hey Twilight, may I have a word with you?” Overwatch called as the little unicorn stopped her gallop in the hallway, letting other pegasi pass by while a little saddle levitated above her head.

In a flash, Twilight appeared on her guard’s muzzle while looking her in the eye with a panicked expression while Twilight’s tail flapped energetically to the sides. “For the last time, I am going to participate in this mission. I understand that you and Steelie want to keep me safe, but I have responsibilities as a medic, and Spitfire cannot wait for Steelie to catch up.” She stomped her hoof on Overwatch’s nose before pointing at her guard who walked with a huge container on his back. “We have an agreement that Steelie will haul additional ammunition in a chariot, but until he arrives at Fillydelphia, I will try to assist whe–” Overwatch’s armored hoof sealed Twilight’s mouth as unrecognizable mumbling followed.

“Shush, Twilight. As stupid as it is, I trust that friend of yours to keep you safe. What I want to talk about you is Spitfire,” Overwatch said while Twilight anchored her legs against her muzzle.

Twilight’s tail calmed down as she tilted her head to the side. “Spitfire? What about her?”

“She is worried and stressed. Haven't you noticed?” Overwatch asked.

“Of course she is stressed. She has to lead her team into a battle; Their lives rest on her leadership skills!”

Overwatch shook her head as Twilight yelped but did not release the muzzle. “That’s not what I meant. From the day that her subordinates returned from their vacation, I noticed a lot of tension between her and… never mind. Just do something for me.”

“ Sure.” Twilight said as she relaxed her legs and stood while finding it odd to be asked to do something when she was about to participate in a dangerous mission, but if anything, she owed her guards a lot. “What is it that you want me to do?”

Overwatch smiled and spoke slowly, careful not to throw Twilight of balance. “Talk with Spitfire for me.” Noticing the confused blinking of her little charge, she continued, “Just ask what is bothering her, and if something happened between her and her team.”

***

The little mare looked at Spitfire with worry as the captain was silent for most of the flight. There was still some time left before they would arrive and she didn’t seem busy at the moment. “Hey, Soarin,” Twilight called. “Can you ask Spitfire if I can talk with her until we arrive?”

Soarin’ thought for a moment. He didn’t want to bother the captain, more or less break the wing formation. With determined nod, he called, “Captain Spitfire! Twilight would like to talk with you. Permission to break formation?”

“Granted,” Spitfire replied while not bothering to look back. Ignoring the glare Soarin’ received from his teammates, he approached Spitfire as they both flew next to one another. “What is it Twilight. Our operation will start in about ten minutes, so speak quickly.”

Twilight gulped before taking a deep breath. “What’s bothering you?”

“Besides a dangerous missions that we are obviously not prepared for?” Spitfire asked with roll of her eyes.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind me asking, and I would understand if you refused–”

“Get on with it!”

Twilight closed her eyes in surprise at her sudden outburst. “Is something wrong between you and your team?”

Suddenly the pegasus turned her head to look at Twilight, her expression serious while she responded with an angry tone. “Whatever gave you that idea? The fact that the other Wonderbolts hardly followed my instructions unless I used my authority as the captain? The lack of effort in training until you healed Soarin’s wing? Or-!” she paused upon noticing the scared expression on her trembling little friend, who tried to desperately hide it behind her tail. Meanwhile Soarin’ straightened his foreleg protectively between her and the shocked unicorn. Spitfire’s ears drooped slightly as she looked down in guilt. “Sorry, Twilight,” she said calmly. “It’s just... I’m worried that my team may not respect or trust me any longer.”

“What do you mean!?” Twilight shouted while her tail no longer covered her face. “Is this me, are they still–”

“It’s not you, Twilight. They are slowly warming up to you, it’s me.”

Noticing a growing depression on the always strong captain, Soarin’ decided to join. “What’s bothering you? Can you tell us?”

The silence continued for half a minute while Soarin’ and Twilight waited patiently for their friend to speak while looking occasionally at the rest of the team, who looked back with mixed expressions; several were filled with excitement, as if they could not wait to participate in action. Most likely the newest members who enrolled in the Wonderbolts Academy just half a year ago and unaware of the dangers that awaited them, so eager to prove their worth. Most expressions however were filled with doubt and uncertainty.

Spitfire rubbed her forelegs before sighing deeply, pushing her goggles up. If the expression failed to show the distress the captain felt, her exposed eyes filled with dread did. “If I had asked for volunteers a year ago to help me teach a unicorn about pegasus’ magic, I assure you, at least half of the team would have given up their vacation and volunteered.” Noticing her friends nodding while they listened with full attention, she continued, “If, one year ago, I had hired you as a medic, Twilight, Sure, they would not trust you. Sure, they would not believe me when I told them about your skills, but they would not hesitate to take risks during training and give you a chance.”

Twilight nodded and opened her mouth, but Soarin’ spoke first, “Now that I think about it, they do seem to be a bit less enthusiastic and cooperative with you. Do you know why?”

“If I knew, I would have dealt with it already, but I have my suspicions. Soarin’, do you remember what I told you about the difference between the Wonderbolts and Royal Guards?” Spitfire asked as Soarin’ nodded while Twilight looked between her friends in confusion. “The guards’ strength lies in discipline. As the main military organization under leadership of the Princess herself, they follow orders to the letter and can act like statues for hours… not that it can change the fact that majority of them are a bunch of soft noobs that can barely beat up a pack of Timberwolves, but–”

“Ma’am,” Soarin’ interrupted as he pointed his hoof towards the horizon. “We will arrive in five minutes.”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow at this subtle ‘get on with it’ line and continued. “Wonderbolts are more like militia, we don’t rely on tight discipline. As long as we respect and trust one another, we are an unstoppable team and work like a well oiled machine, but if the respect disappears and a month long vacation follows it… You saw the consequences.”

Twilight looked at Spitfire with pity before lowering her head. She was so caught up in her own problems that she didn’t noticed Spitfire’s. “Is there... is there anything I can do?” Twilight said with sadness, only to feel a hoof carefully placed under her chin as it raised her head and she was greeted with a warm smile.

“Just be yourself. That’s all I can ask of you.”

Twilight nodded with a growing smile before pushing the captain’s hoof away, when suddenly her students nature got the best of her. “Wait a moment. According to the history, Wonderbolts’ were formed from the military, so when did it turn into a militia?”

Spitfire was about to answer, but Soarin’ beat her to it. “It is true that the Wonderbolts were formed and named by General Firefly before the war against the Griffon Empire. After that, they became an elite military air force. But as Equestria became more peaceful with every century, Royal Guards were capable of handling the minor threats on their own and the Wonderbolts were called upon only in times of emergency,” Soarin’ lectured, once again smiling cheerfully at the opportunity to share his knowledge with eager listener.

“Let me guess. The Wonderbolts started as a military organization, representing the army by organizing performances in times of peace, but overtime they were called upon less and less, turning into an organization called into arms like militia in times of emergency or war.” Twilight said as she took a deep breath and continued, “That explains quite a bit, but I must say that the Wonderbolts are quite respected and well armed considering the lack of discipline and separate leadership.”

“Actually, being an organization formed with athletes focusing on sporting events ensured that the Wonderbolts were the fastest pegasi in Equestria and in top shape all the time. Royal Guards are trained in the barracks, sure, but for the past few centuries the most they do is patrol or stand like statues. They’re more for a show if you ask me.” Soarin’ responded.

Spitfire smiled lightly and raised her nose proudly. “We may not be a military, but we can get into a hostile situation before the Royal Guards could even rally their flanks.”

Twilight nodded and said, “I see. So while Wonderbolts’ lack discipline and rarely practice their combat abilities, they are the only ones skilled enough to use enhanced gems and as a small organization it’s easy to rally at sudden notice.” Twilight looked to the side with grimaced, suddenly feeling uneasy. “Hopefully their skills will make up for lack of combat experience.”

Spitfire sighed. “I hope you’re right,” as she pointed the buildings that came into view. She whispered, “It’s about to get rough. I’ll regain respect of my teammates in due time, but for now we have bigger fish to catch. Try to stay safe.”

***

The Wonderbolts kept flying over the city, passing above small suburban homes, before reaching the tall ones. For any unicorn or earth pony, the town looked pretty normal, but for the Wonderbolts, the disaster was more visible with every passing kilometer. Upon hearing screams from a panicked crowd while smoke, dust and rubble became visible, Spitfire looked around before pointing at the tallest building she could find. “We’ll regroup there, follow me!”

Murmurs among the Wonderbolts followed as they landed on top of the building while their wings dropped, unable to close because of weaponry attached to them. Not bothering to stand in line, they gathered around their captain, awaiting instructions.

“Listen up because I won’t repeat myself! This roof from now on will be our rallying point. If anypony gets hurt, tired or finds a wounded civilian, gather here!” Spitfire said while looking between each Wonderbolt. With a firm stomp of her hoof, she continued, “Each of you have two AGPGs and two AGEGs, but it’s all the ammo we have until Steel Blade brings more, and it’ll take him at least an hour to arrive. It’ll be even longer until the Royal Guards get here, so aim well and don’t waste your ammo.” The stone surface under her hooves suddenly trembled, while a series of loud crashes reached her ears. Not wasting a moment, she walked to the edge of building while her team followed. “Keep the AGPGs for the biggest targets only. If any of you run out of ammo, focus on searching for civilians, especially the wounded ones. Is that clear?”

“Yes ma’am,” the group responded hesitantly with lack of enthusiasm in their voices.

“I can’t hear you!” Spitfire yelled as she turned to her team.

“Yes, ma’am!” Wonderbolts yelled with fake fervor in their voices and forced smiles. Fleetfoot and Lighthoof stepped ahead of the group.

“Ma’am, there’s something we would like to discuss with you,” Fleetfoot said.

“We can talk after the mission.” Spitfire said and spread her wings looking at Twilight who was no longer attached to the saddle. “Twilight!” She said while the little unicorn saluted in response. “I want you to stay here until further instructions and heal any Wonderbolt and civilian that’s brought in.” After pointing her hoof at the scenery that seemed more like a battlefield, she added, “This building is tall enough that it should be relatively safe. Just stay out of danger, and do your best. Can I count on you?”

Twilight slowly nodded and replied, “I will do my best,” only to turn her head to the side and bite her lips. Didn’t she prove her worth to Spitfire before, that she could take care of herself in face of danger? She wanted to help more, especially now when Spitfire struggled to keep her team together, and yet here she was, kept away from the dangers while her friends and team risked their lives.

“Then let’s not delay a second more!” Spitfire shouted before flapping her wings as she dived from the roof towards the enemy, Soarin’ quickly followed. Wonderbolts looked at each other and nodded before following as well.

Twilight knelt and pressed her hooves against the floor as she slid on it, pushed away by the wind caused by the flaps of several strong wings. After shaking her head, she galloped before jumping onto a small wall on the edge of the roof to look as her team disappeared one by one between large buildings or engaged in battle with the creatures. For minutes, Twilight could do nothing but stare at the explosions, breaking windows, and ponies running away from the giant worms that, from this great height, seemed like ants running away from snakes.

The little unicorn lay down and placed her head on a foreleg while her ears flopped to the side, looking at the ponies she could only pity. For the past thirteen years she herself lived in a world of giants where everypony and most living beings were colossal to her. Even if many proved nothing but kind, Twilight often had to run and dodge, evading being stomped or sat upon, sometime unsuccessfully. If anypony did, she knew how it felt to be small, to run for her life from giants that could crush her. Twilight shivered, suddenly feeling even smaller. If compared to ponies she was nothing but a large rat, to those humongous worms that were destroying the city and hunting ponies for breakfast, she was as insignificant as an ant. If only she was bigger and had access to her full power…

The screams filled the street as unicorns and earth ponies alike ran for their lives, jumping over obstacles like food stands and flower stands, carts, rubble and the glass of broken windows. A giant head with a mouth like a flower in bloom shredded its way out of a building, fragments of the wall and dust spreading around the area. A few more courageous pegasi grabbed the first nearby pony and flew out of the cloud of dust with closed eyes, while the rest coughed, unable to see a thing past their noses.

More screams followed as the giant yellow worm rose from the dust, a few tentacles emerging from its body, holding two earth ponies and three unicorns that struggled to free themselves. They tried biting it, punching it, pushing with levitation, but it was to no avail. Another tentacle advanced towards a bronze earth pony with hammer and brick as a cutie mark, yelling and rubbing his eyes, only to duck just in time as a window behind him was struck instead. The tentacle pierced a wall inside the building, and ended up trapped in it.

With his vision slowly recovering, his fear was replaced by anger and determination as he jumped onto the taut tentacle and ran towards the worm. “Don’t you dare hurt her, you overgrown earthworm!” he shouted, while jumping over another tentacle without slowing down. With a quick flex of his legs, he jumped to the side onto another tentacle and ran towards his goal, a trapped pony. With his hind legs anchored, he moved his forelegs to pull the trapped female unicorn, whose teeth were gritted while her horn flashed with an orange aura. “I won’t let you end up as a snack for some flesh-eating monster, don’t give up!”

The stranglehold of the tentacle pressed hard against the pony’s belly, trying to keep her in place but failing. With every second the unicorn was pulled further as now her legs were tied instead. “One, two, three, NOW!” With one last pull, the unicorn slid from her prison and fell to the ground while her saviour lost his balance and grabbed the tentacle with his foreleg, only for his eyes to widen as it surrounded his belly, trapping him instead. “R-run!” he shouted, while several flower pots, sharp fragments of glass and random rubble were being thrown against the tentacle with the help of simple levitation. The trapped pony could only watch as a one ton wall fragment bounced off, while several knives and nails bent without leaving a single mark on the target.

With the rest of his strength he waved to his wife in a final goodbye; a grateful feeling suffused him for whichever pegasus took their children into the sky, away from those beasts. With every second he was being moved closer to the giant’s mouth alongside some other poor souls, closing his eyes to not look into whatever horrors awaited him inside its throat. Suddenly, he felt the hold around his stomach weakening while a loud splashing sound reached his ear. Slowly opening one eye, he peeked, only to open them widely while green started to cover his face. Before he could understand what was happening, another object flew into the monster’s belly, piercing it from both sides as it didn’t stop there, but instead dug itself several meters into the ground. The worm quickly collapsed, slamming its massive form against the street as it ruptured from it’s weight. With a weak push of his foreleg, he freed himself before he was embraced into a tight hug. The mare wasn’t aware of his battered body, and the clutch sent him yelping in pain.

“Sorry.”

Both ponies hugged one another while dust slowly descended, only to look at the sky and notice a trail of smoke coming from behind Wonderbolts’ themselves. Breathing heavily, they waved towards them while screaming their thanks, only to feel the earth tremble under their hooves as another worm emerged from under the ground, this one grey and even bigger than the last one while something similar to dragon scales covered it’s body. Screams of terror followed as the ponies ran, once again chased by a giant monster.

***

“Target down,” one of the pegasi said, his nose raised proudly upon hearing the noise of twenty ton giant slamming against the street, his wings felt somewhat lighter.

While his teammates cheered, Soarin’ looked at them in worry, all their piercing rounds already used while taking down only three of those monsters. He looked curiously at the fallen worm, his sharp eyes noticing spots that the worm was hit before catching up to his teammates. “You wasted all your ammo!” Soarin’ shouted. “The worms that you just killed are called sand worms, they are very big, but their insides are exposed for an attack. You could take one out with lighter round if you aimed into his mouth, piercing round should be reserved for rock worms or the biggest Sartocs.”

The Wonderbolt rookie rolled his eyes. “Stop being such a party pooper. We just took out a giant monster and saved lives, can you stop complaining and–” His response was interrupted by loud noise that came from behind. Not wasting a moment, he made 180 turn and flew towards the target, his wings spread.

“No!” Soarin’ shouted while struggling to catch up with the rookie, but it was too late as two small gems flew from under his wings towards it.

The Wonderbolt smiled at the sight of the explosion, only for it to vanish the moment smoke and flames dispersed without leaving a scratch on the worm’s body. Other Wonderbolts looked at it with their mouths agape while Soarin’ grimaced. While his captain was leading the veterans, she assigned the newly recruited rookies that had finished at the Wonderbolts’ Academy no more than a year and a half ago to him. Despite his lecturing and advice, or even orders, his team ignored him and followed their emotions, wasting all their piercing rounds.

Upon hearing loud screeches coming from enraged worm, Soarin’ turned to his team. “Clashing Strike, Ace Lottery!” he shouted while pointing at two of his teammates who looked back at him, closing their mouths. “I want you both to get the civilians out of its attack range!” They both nodded and dived towards the escaping ponies. Noticing it, he turned towards the ammo-less pegasus. “Flutter Bolt, you and the rest will distract it. I will need a clear opening to get a piercing round to its hea-” his speech was interrupted by another screech from the monstrous worm, Clashing Strike and Ace circling around to attack tentacles and rescue ponies. Flutter Bolt trembled, shocked, so did the other rookie. Soarin’ opened his mouth, but no encouraging words came into his mouth. “Well, what are you waiting for, go and distract it with loud noises! Those worms are blind but can hear exceptionally well. Go on! Make some noise!” The two Wonderbolts didn’t budge and shook their heads. Soarin’ cursed himself for being stuck with such louts, only to notice the last Wonderbolt following his order while shaking.

“Wave Chill!” Soarin’ shouted while following the scared Wonderbolt, hoping that fear wouldn’t distract Wave from her task. With his wings spread, Soarin’ flew towards his target while it was too busy chasing a Wonderbolt throwing rocks at it to get its attention. The distance quickly went from just under a kilometer to a mere hundred meter, but it was not close enough. With one flap of his wings, he slightly altered his course, flying right towards the worm’s heart. ’Why are you studying worm anatomy? We’re not veterinarians, we’re performers, stars even! You don’t gotta be an egghead’ Well, who’s laughing now? Soarin’ thought with a smirk. With his wings spread once again while being only thirty meters from the target, he pressed the button and closed his eyes, wincing as he slammed into and partially through the worm’s armor, gross viscera gooping into his coat. He blanched as some got in his mouth; the stuff tasted terrible.

With his breath held, Soarin’ fell onto the street, feeling his back hit it before opening his eyes. A stark shadow fills his vision, and he realized that the worm’s body has begun to fall... towards him. With a surge of adrenaline, he rolled, galloped, then flew away as a loud series of crashing followed him. No longer in danger, he released his breath while his heart beat rapidly and his legs trembled. Was this how Twilight felt all the time? The rush of adrenaline and fear while avoiding being crushed by ponies, animals and heavy objects, jumping and running for her life. How does it even feel to be squeezed under a heavy weight? Knowing Twilight’s luck, she probably ended up bodyslammed more than once. I wonder if she finds it as unpleasant as I would’ve found being squashed by that worm. Would that be too delicate a topic for her? I can imagine it now. ‘Hey Twilight, I was almost squashed by a giant worm and I would like to ask, how does it feel when somepony stomps or bodyslams you against the floor?’ Soarin’ thought, trying to get his attention away from what just happened.

“Sir!” Somepony called as it caused him to flinch as he breathed rapidly, only to see Wave Chill looking at him with an expression mixing both terrified worry and awe-struck inspiration. “That was incredible, Lieutenant Soarin’, you slammed into that huge thing and then shot a piercing gem into his heart! That- that was amazing! When did Spitfire’s mascot turn into a badass? Have you been training hard while everypony went on vacation, Sir?”

Soarin’ cleared his goggles of something green and viscous, grateful that the goggles were part of his uniform. He listened with rapt attention to the praise his teammate doled out, unused to such adulation. And being the hero felt... nice. His moment of glory did last long for him though, and he took a deep breath to try slowing his racing heart and shaking legs. “I just wish these worms didn’t attack in such large groups; then we’d be able to just redirect them with some effort, not kill them.”

Wave Chill nodded in sad agreement. “Yeah... I joined the ‘Bolts to save ponies and do stunts, not to kill things.”

Both Wonderbolts looked at the fallen monsters in respectful silence, only for it to be interrupted. “Wow, you really kick flank out there, Soarin’, that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!” Flutter Bolt said, smiling broadly at him. He slowly glided in a circle around the Wonderbolts shooting him annoyed looks. Soarin’ made a mental note to talk with Spitfire about not recruiting new members into the Wonderbolts just because of their skills and speed. Taking the time to ensure that the most skilled applicants can work in a team and keep a level head couldn’t hurt.

“So let me get this straight,” a unicorn mare said, voice laced with disbelief. “Princess Celestia shrunk you to this size, and the Wonderbolts hired you as their medic?”

“Pretty much.” Twilight nodded from her new sitting spot on the unicorn’s hoof that was raised in front of the mare’s face as she finished healing the last bruise. Twilight’s attention focused on a big red mark on the unicorn’s lower-breast area. Whatever squeezed that poor mare had to be very powerful. From Twilight’s personal experience of being trapped in bone-crushing hugs, she knew it couldn’t have been comfortable. “Does it still hurt?”

“Just a little bit, your magic really did wonders for my injuries.” She said before lifting her foreleg towards Twilight while straightening the tip of her hoof for the little unicorn to shake. “My name is Screwdriver Nails, nice to meet you.”

“And my name is Hammer Brick, nice to meet you too,” the bronze earth pony said who sat next to the healed unicorn, giving the little mare a cheerful smile. “I’ve got to say, this has been one heckuva wild dream! It’ll be sad to wake up and forget all this.”

“Wake up? You think this is a dream?” Twilight said while tilting her head to the side.

“Yeah, a dream! Why wouldn’t it be a dream? We were chased and almost eaten alive by humongous worms, almost squeezed like grapes, saved by the Wonderbolts, and now an unicorn the size of a small puppy proclaiming herself as student of our beloved princess is healing bruises and wounds twice her size.” Hammer Brick chuckled. “I hope I remember at least a few details; this would make an excellent campfire story!”

Twilight rolled her eyes and said, “It’s not a dream. I assure you.” Even after a short, fruitless debate, the couple still refused to believe that it wasn’t a dream. Twilight looked at their cutie marks, raising an eyebrow as she made the connection to their names. “Seriously? You both renamed yourself after your cutie marks?”

“The moment we got them, yes. We like to keep things simple,” Screwdriver Nails said as Twilight giggled.

“Simple? That’d be like Celestia naming herself ‘Sun’! Although... ‘Bright sunshine’ would work.” The peaceful discussion was interrupted by more ponies being dropped off on the roof, some shocked and some hurt. Twilight jumped, trotting swiftly across the roof to the group. She sighed as the group began to murmur amongst themselves about why she looked like a rat-sized unicorn. Twilight muttered to herself, “Here we go again...”

“Target at three o’clock!” Spitfire shouted while Fleetfoot and Lighthoof turned towards their targets. Two sand worms, distracted by the panic and noise of destroyed buildings didn’t hear the whiz made by explosive gems flying into their mouths while Wonderbolts passed a mere meter above theirs heads. Both worms fell onto the ground as green goo started to flow from their throats.

For some reason, the worms seemed to gather mostly around the rich residency. The more foolish ponies seemed to think that saving their money and possessions was a high priority, and now were running as fast as they could to escape the thundering worms following them with goods on their backs or levitated.

Despite conserving their ammo by aiming for the worm’s weak points, the Wonderbolts were quickly running out against such numbers, as a few of the ammo-less veterans were now focusing on evacuating ponies. Once again, Spitfire found something to admire in Soarin’ as the enthusiastic Wonderbolt presented her with a list of weak points during their briefing. Even Twilight was impressed and looked into his pages just in case she would face one. Not that Spitfire would let the little unicorn fight against giant worms, and if Princess Celestia found out that she let Twilight join this dangerous mission, she would probably share Hurricane’s squad punishment.

Noticing sweat covering the pegasi after flying back and forth without break, she pointed towards a roof on top of undamaged mansion. “Alright team, take a moment to catch your breath,” she said while shaking her hoof in ‘follow me’ gesture.

Noticing that her captain was observing the surrounding area from the top, Fleetfoot landed next to her and asked, “Most of us are out of ammo, ma’am,” while pointing at Spitfire’s wings. “Are you going to use them?”

Spitfire looked at gems attached to her wings. “I’m keeping them in reserve. Those are our last rounds and we don’t know when we’ll need them.”

Fleetfoot rolled her eyes while Light Hoof, Blaze and many others climbed up the roof towards their captain before crossing their forelegs. Spitfire frowned and said, “I take it you all want to talk, but make it quick.”

With a quick look towards the other Wonderbolts who nodded to her, Fleetfoot looked at her captain with determination and spoke, “The rest of the team and I have agreed that a change of leadership is order.” Fleetfoot said, pointing at Spitfire. The captain was taken aback with her mouth agape. “You do nothing but order us around, yell, and make us do all the work while you take your sweet time.”

Spitfire bit her lip as a storm raged in her mind. Of all the times, why now? Why did they have to question her authority in the middle of a battlefield of all places? With a flap of her wings she flew to Fleetfoot while pressing her own muzzle against hers. “Since you obviously hadn’t noticed, I am doing a lot of work. I’m the one who organizes every show we have to do, makes sure we have funding, and has to keep all of you from slacking off!”

Fleetfoot held her ground as she pushed her muzzle against Spitfires’. “Excuses! You always found time to train alongside your team while fulfilling your responsibilities as Captain. What happened to the Spitfire who gave us an example, who trained and worked side by side with her teammates, who kicked flanks and surpassed her own records? Where has she gone?”

Spitfire grit her teeth and sharpened her glare. “I am right in front of you. Just because I stopped being a show-off doesn’t mean I lost my talents.”

Both Wonderbolts looked at one another in silence, only to break their small dominance game the moment Soarin’ and his squad arrived.

“Ma’am, reporting in,” Soarin’ said with a salute. Surprised by Spitfire’s glare, he lowered his head while his ears curled. “Permission to s-speak… please.” Upon noticing a nod, he said hesitantly. “We evacuated the eastern and southern streets, but the area is still overrun and we’re out of ammo. Wave Chill and Flutter Bolt were wounded during the last pass and are tending to them as we speak.”

Spitfire was about to respond, but Fleetfoot beat her to it. “So the majority of the team is here, perfect.”

Spitfire and Soarin’ blinked at her in confusion while the rest of the pegasi assembled around them. “Did… I miss anything?” Soarin’ asked and scratched his back while looking between Spitfire and the rest.

“Quite a lot actually,” Lighthoof said with a smirk on her face. “We decided that somepony else should be given a chance to lead. Spitfire isn’t bad...” the captain frowned at this statement, “but we all agreed that she’s losing her touch.”

“Sorry for not getting you into our meetings,” Rapidfire said while placing hoof on Soarin’s shoulder, “but you’re blindly loyal to Spitfire and you wouldn’t stand up to her no matter what.”

The captain growled as she looked around. Accomplishing this mission would require trust and cooperation from her team, something she didn’t have. She closed her eyes and thought deeply while screams reached her ears, only to bite her lip and swallow her pride. “I’m not suited to lead any longer, you say? In this case, how about this: You’ll choose a temporary leader for this mission, and if he or she proves themselves, I will consider stepping down as your captain. Do those terms work for you?” Noticing nods and not wasting anymore time, Spitfire dived towards the terrified civilians, ignoring the ammo attached to her wings that slowed her down. If she had to step down as leader for the sake of her team, so be it. But she won’t waste time arguing over it while ponies lives were at stake.

***

Soarin’ rubbed his eyes in disbelief as most of the team calmly questioned Spitfire’s authority. When did everything start to fall apart? Maybe from the day they met Twilight? It was not the first time the Wonderbolts demanded a change of leadership; it had happened a few times for past commanders, but for it to be Spitfire… With a quick shake of his head, he cleared his mind and focused on the debating pegasi.

“Okay Fleetfoot, are you ready to take the lead?” Lighthoof asked.

“Hey, what about Soarin?”

The group turned to Clashing Strike and laughed.

“What about him?” Lighthoof asked as she flew towards the angered lieutenant and poked him. “We all know he’s too soft to lead. No backbone, for one.”

With his cheeks red, Soarin’ pushed the hoof away, only for rookies to get between him and the chuckling ponies as Ace Lottery spoke, “Give him a break. Did you all forgot how he faced the flaming obstacle course? Not to mention he was the only one to read all the intel before the mission!”

“Yeah, and just half an hour ago, he headbutted a rock worm and finished it with a point-blank shot! I vote for Soarin’ to take the lead for this mission.”

Lighthoof smirked while rubbing her own nose. “That would explain the smell.”

Fleetfoot silenced the group with gesture of her hoof before addressing the lieutenant with warm smile. “I won’t deny that he improved since our vacation.” Her warm smile suddenly vanished while her hoof pointed towards Soarin’ accusingly. “However! We all know that he was promoted to lieutenant only because the captain liked him.” Fleetfoot crossed her forearms and shook her head. “No favouritism on my watch.”

Soarin’ face-hoofed and yelled, “What’s wrong with you all?!” Fleetfoot flinched, captured off guard by his sudden outburst. The angered lieutenant pointed his hoof towards Spitfire who just moments later flew into a crumbling mansion. “I could care less about my rank, but Spitfire was a good captain and pony, she doesn’t deserve any of this!”

A few Wonderbolts looked to the side in guilt, but more turned to Fleetfoot for instruction as she just shook her head. “Whirlwind, Hurricane and Winter Wonder said exactly the same, often defending Spitfire behind her back. After the captain sided with Twilight rather than with them, letting Celestia take them away, she should have seen this coming.”

“No more… please,” Twilight murmured with a sad tone while her ears and tail drooped. The roof was filled with ponies: some terrified and sad as they looked at the destruction of their city, some unconscious as Twilight and a few volunteers brought pillows, blankets and anything soft for them to rest on, and many attending to their own wounds. Far too many for her to handle.

As the little unicorn ran from place to place, assisting wherever she could, the sound of a crying child captured her attention. With a swift turn of her head, she saw a few survivors trying to cheer up a young colt. She observed in silence as they said a few encouraging words, carefully wiped his tears, shared a few candies and gave him a blanket before leaving. Step by step, Twilight approached as quietly as a mouse, not taking her attention away from the young earth pony whose head was pressed against the blanket.

“Are… are you okay?” Twilight whispered as she tugged at the blanket. After not receiving any reaction, she jumped onto the blanket and patted the colt on the cheek before repeating herself.

“Y-yes…I’m… f-fine,” he responded, slowly pushing the blanket from his face before looking around. “Where- who?”

“Over here,” Twilight called while standing on her rear hooves, waving her forelegs. The young earth pony looked at her with wide eyes as his hoof moved above her head.

“No strings or magic? You’re… not a puppet?”

Twilight shook her head. “Nope, just a pony.”

“B-but… you’re so small. You look like one of my plush toys and.. wait, you’re that hat decoration my mom brought from Canterlot. Even the size is right.”

Twilight blushed. When she first met Fancy Pants while looking at him from Fleur’s head, he said that every pony in Canterlot would one day wear Twilight hats. Did he actually pull this off? With a quick shake of her head, Twilight focused on the young pony again. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, what’s yours?”

“G-Green Apple,” The colt responded before lowering his head while his sad look returned.

Twilight put her hooves on Apple’s cheek and lit her horn, healing a few hardly noticeable bruises from the colt’s face while looking into his eyes with concern. “Are you afraid?” Twilight asked. After not receiving any response, she continued, “I know how you feel, trust me, I’ve been there, but now you are safe and no monster will harm you.” Still being ignored, Twilight levitated the blanket slightly and looked under it, searching for any injuries. Upon finding nothing but a few small bandages, she released the blanket and sat on it. “You don’t seem injured, so why are you sad?” Tears once again started to form in the colt’s eyes as he refused to look at her. Twilight placed her fore hooves on Green Apple’s nose as she gave him a puppy stare, her eyes wide, ears curled and pout on her face. “I really want to help, please, tell me.”

Green Apple bit his lips as he fought against the ancient technique of the puppy stare, but quickly surrendered as he spoke in a depressed tone, “My mom… she told me to go with mister Wonderbolt, that he will take me away from those scary, mean monsters.” A tear slid from his right eye. “She told me that she would join me soon…” Apple said while pointing his hoof at the crowd of busy ponies. “Where is my mom?”

“I… I am sorry for bringing that up,” Twilight said as she nuzzled colt’s muzzle. “Your mom must be hiding somewhere, I’m sure. Is there something I can do to cheer you up?”

Green Apple wanted to shake his head in response, but the little unicorn’s hooves still touched his muzzle. “Can you… can you find my mom?”

Twilight looked to the side, closed in her thoughts. She was a very powerful and talented unicorn, for her, teleporting around the town in search for missing ponies would be a breeze. But she was appointed for healing duty and ordered not to leave her post by Spitfire herself, and despite her skills in a game of tag, what would she do when facing worms the size of a small buildings? If only I had access to my full power… but what if I lost control and caused more destruction than the monsters themselves? Twilight shook her head. She already passed her final exam a few years ago, and she hasn’t surged even once ever since.

Not receiving a response from the unicorn who gazed off in the distance, deep in thought, Green Apple spoke, “I’m sorry, Miss Twilight, I didn’t mean to ask for such a big favour.” Being brought back to reality by the colt’s apology, she looked at him, unsure of what to say. He then asked, “Can I... ask for a small favour instead?”

The little unicorn smiled cheerfully and nodded. “If it will cheer you up, sure.”

Green Apple’s blush became more visible as he moved his forelegs from under the blanket before rubbing his neck nervously. “Would you… mmm... nevermind.” He turned his head to the side, only for the little unicorn to jump to his muzzle before pulling it towards herself.

“Please, tell me; There’s no need to be shy.”

“Would you… let me hug and play with you like with a plush doll?” Green Apple plead while Twilight released his muzzle and stood on her rear hooves on the blanket. “My toys got smashed when we ran from a big mean monster... and, you’re so tiny, just like my plush doll.”

“And you want me,” Twilight said while pressing her foreleg against her chest, “to act like one?”

“I know, terrible idea. Sorry for asking–”

“Sure,” Twilight said as she lit her horn and levitated colt’s forelegs towards herself before sitting on his hoof. “If this will cheer you up.” She took one more look at the gathered ponies that seemed to be able to take care of themselves. “It is not like I have anything better to do, at least for now.”

Green Apple blinked and said with a weak smile, “R-really?” Twilight nodded, only to feel the colt’s hoof stroking her mane. As much as she hated being called a pet or a toy, much less being treated like one, if it was going to distract that poor little pony from his worries, she could bear a bit of humiliation and play along.

***

After half an hour of playing, mane stroking, being hugged and performing tricks, the little unicorn was pressed against the colt’s cheek who yawned before closing his eyes. Being trapped between a soft place and an even softer one, she could see passing mares and even stallions smiling at her and repeat lines like, “they look so cute,” much to her embarrassment. Twilight didn’t resist and played her role, even ignoring when the colt moved in his sleep as his head turned to the side, pressing Twilight against the blanket with the weight of his head. At least until the sound of crashing captured her attention.

With the help of her levitation spell, Twilight freed herself carefully to not wake up Green Apple and teleported, only to reappear in front of a pile of wounded ponies. The little mare took a step back at the sight of two beaten Wonderbolts, while the six ponies under them were in a much worse condition. “Flutter Bolt, Wave Chill!” Twilight shouted, before gritting her teeth as she separated the ponies with her magic and placed them on anything soft that was nearby and unoccupied. Considering how heavy ponies were, it must have been quite the undertaking for them to bring three ponies each to such an altitude. They rightfully deserved a rest.

The group of curious ponies surrounded the scene, but none dared to approach as the injuries surpassed the first aid knowledge they possessed. Yelps of pain and splatters of blood filled that area of the roof as Twilight steeled herself for the operations to come. For the next several minutes she healed the major injuries, from acid burns to serious lacerations. She worked vigorously to help the ponies in the worst condition first, but even then her body had it’s limits, and that was becoming apparent sooner than she anticipated.

Feeling a headache coming on, Twilight walked towards the edge of the roof and sat, taking a few deep breaths of fresh air. The little unicorn slammed her hoof against the small wall, leaving a tiny dent in it as her mind waged a war. It was clear that she could not keep it up at her current size, the mission had just became too much for her to handle, and she once swore to her mentor that she wouldn’t hesitate to return to normal size when her talent and power would be needed. Now with lives in danger and monsters ravaging across the city, she needed this power more than ever. But what if something went wrong? What if the princess was unable to shrink her again, or what if her power raged out of control? Twilight’s horn lit, only for the powerful aura to flicker out over and over, unable to finish the spell.

Twilight took another look at the wounded ponies and red bandages, she could not hesitate now. Come on Twilight, stop being selfish. Ponies need you. Twilight thought as she once again charged her spell, but her mind refused to comply. Why am I so worried? I passed my final exam, I have perfect control over my raw power… but what if I go too far? Even now my magic lets me levitate few ponies at once, what if I cause more harm than good at my normal size? The little unicorn closed her eyes and lowered her head. On one side, she needed to grow to have enough magic to help everypony, but would she be able to keep so much power in check? I can’t return to my normal size, or else performing surgery will become too difficult and dangerous, and normal healing spells won’t be effective on heavier wounds, what do I do?

“Are you okay, Twilight?” Wave Chill said, placing her wounded foreleg on Twilight's shoulder. “You’re doing your best, but even I can see that you are being overwhelmed. No pony will blame you for taking a short rest.”

The little medic didn’t dare to respond. She was not doing her best, or else she would release the shrinking spell. Come on Twilight, you can do this. Twilight charged her spell once again as she fought against her biggest fear. I can’t grow too much, or else I will cause more harm than good, but if I don’t grow enough, I can hardly make a difference, Twilight thought, slowly removing the effect of shrinking spell little by little as the wall in front of her became smaller and the hoof on her shoulder became lighter.

“What’s happening?” Wave Chill stepped back and covered her face with her foreleg, almost blinded by Twilight’s flashing body as the little mare grew slightly in front of her eyes. The moment the bright light vanished, Wave Chill could see a pony the size of a cat.

Twilight’s thin legs were now big enough to display her muscular posture, her mane much more inviting to brush and stroke, and the horn on her head no longer looked like a tiny match, but more like the horn of a young foal.

Ch5 - Battle for Fillydelphia, Part 2 (Improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 5

Battle for Fillydelphia
-
Part 2

Twilight looked around in confusion, surprised by the big change of environment. Ponies, while still far larger, were no longer giants to her. Wave Chill’s hoof, that used to be big enough to flatten her to the floor, now only covered a portion of her back. Curious, Twilight cast a scanning spell on herself while her attention focused on the now even smaller wall on the edge of the roof. With one swift swing of her hoof, she delivered a solid punch against the stone, only to turn the tiny dent she left before into a big one while cracks formed around it. The small unicorn shook the rubble from her hoof while analyzing the data from her scanning spell. It seems that my weight grew to 8.5 kg, which mean my raw power and strength should be nine times stronger if the protection spell is still in effect, Twilight thought before turning towards the shocked Wonderbolt who just stared at her silently. “I’m ready.”

Before Wave Chill could respond, Twilight stood on her rear hooves and pulled her hoof towards herself while focusing her magic. As she feared, the healing process, while less draining, proved to be far harder as she guided her magic to heal cuts and wounds alike. The Wonderbolt yelped in pain before biting her lips, but Twilight could already tell that her always precise magical surgery became far more painful. With part of the foreleg healed, Twilight climbed onto it and focused on second half while it trembled under her weight. With a swift pull, she tore apart the covered in blood bandage before her eyes opened widely at the suffering painted in the pegasus’ eyes. She wanted to unroll the bandage but failed to account for increased raw power. If I returned to my normal size now, I would probably throw him off of this roof, Twilight thought as the aura around her horn shrunk.

The healing of wounded ponies ended up successful while Twilight hardly spent half of her reserves, but she could see that her healing had become more painful and clumsy when Flutter Bolt’s wing while no longer broken, was still in no shape to flap at full speed. “S-sorry,” Twilight said as she lowered her head in shame. “I–” she failed to finish as her mouth was sealed with a hoof.

“No sweat,” Flutter Bolt said with a smile while he stroked Twilight on the head with his other hoof and next rubbed her neck. “Who’s a good medic? You’re a good medic.”

Twilight shot Flutter Bolt an angered glare as she pushed his hooves away while Wave Chill punched him in the foreleg. “Stop treating her like a pet, that’s very disrespectful.”

“Aww, but her new size is perfect for that, look,” Flutter Bolt responded as he rubbed top of Twilight’s head who lowered it and growled in annoyance. “Besides, she acted like a living doll before our arrival, I’m sure she won’t mind.”

Wave Chill slapped his hoof and added with a hostile tone, “She was doing it to cheer up a scared colt, so he wouldn’t feel lonely and cry, also, remember what happened with the last Wonderbolt who called her a pet?”

“Details and nitpicking,” he responded with a flick of his tail against the mares head, nonchalant.

The trio was about to argue, only to hear a familiar voice, “Attention!”

Twilight and the Wonderbolts ran towards Spitfire who placed two ponies on the roof before landing on it herself. The rescued ponies seemed to be angry at one another as the bronze earth pony with a magnifying glass as his cutie mark growled at the unicorn who reattached his monocle and walked away with a frown.

“Ma’am,” Twilight said with a salute while the two Wonderbolts’ rookies followed her example.

Spitfire opened her mouth, only to close it as she knelt and looked at the lavender unicorn with one widely opened eye. “There is something odd about you.” Twilight didn’t move a muscle as she still held her foreleg in salute, almost feeling Spitfire’s breath on her face. “Have you grown since our last meeting?”

The little unicorn smiled awkwardly. “N-no…” With Spitfire’s muzzle touching hers, she added, “maybe...”

Spitfire chuckled. “You cannot fool me, Twilight, but it is nice to see that you’re taking your job seriously.”

“T-thanks,” Twilight replied and lowered her foreleg as Spitfire reassumed her authoritative posture. “Permission to give my report.”

“Granted.”

“There were far too many civilians for this roof to handle, so a few volunteers made a hole in it. Nopony has left this building yet, but most of them are inside on the top floors,” Twilight reported before poking her horn. “I healed their most hazardous wounds, leaving less serious bruises to bandages and first aid in order to conserve my magic.”

“And when we arrived and our injuries overwhelmed her, she cast some sort of magnifying spell on herself, and look at her,” Flutter Bolt said as he pet Twilight, much to her annoyance. “The healing process was much more painful than usual, but after being smashed against a building and crashing into rubble mixed with broken glass, who am I to complain?”

Twilight growled before capturing the Wonderbolt’s foreleg with her levitation as she murmured, “If you don’t want to end up in the rubble again, stop treating me like a cat.” With a weak push, Flutter Bolt’s foreleg levitated to the side while pulling the shocked pegasus towards a ventilation shaft and a loud crash followed. Ignoring Wave Chill’s giggle and several stares from civilians that stepped back away from the little mare, Twilight’s eyes opened widely and her tail shot upward before she turned back to the captain who raised her eyebrow. “Oops…”

Spitfire knelt to Twilight’s eye level and said firmly, “Once this mission is over, we are getting Princess Celestia to shrink you back.” With an encouraging smile growing across her face, she whispered, “And promise me you won’t return to normal size until you’re done working for me, okay?”

Twilight scratched her neck and said, “I promise,” while some muffled groans came from the pegasus whose head was still stuck in the ventilation shaft. “I’d better help him, please excuse me.”

***

Spitfire looked away from Twilight who helped the rookie free himself and looked into the air, focusing on Soarin’ who quickly descended before landing in front of her with a firm salute. With a depressed smile, she asked, “How is the new leader doing, Lieutenant?”

“Not good,” Soarin’ responded as he lowered his foreleg. “They abandoned your plan to evacuate civilians and instead they are trying to lure the invaders out of the city.”

Spitfire’s mouth opened agape while her eyes threatened to escape her skull. “What? What!?”

“Fleetfoot was appointed as leader with six votes to two. She said that rather than evacuate ponies one by one while those worms destroy the city, they will act as bait and lure them out. She said that with their speed and agility, this task would be a breeze.”

Spitfire facehooved. “Oh those feather brains… did they forget that among the invaders are a few of the most agile worms in the world? If they encounter even one Tatzlwurm, this plan will crumble!”

Soarin’ was about to respond, when suddenly a lavender aura pulled him down, smashing him against the roof before his little friend embraced his neck in a tight hug.

“Soarin’, what happened to you?” Twilight asked in worry as she tightened her hug even more, her forelegs long enough to embrace both sides of his neck. “Your smell is pungent… did one of those worms eat you? Do you have any toxic burns that need taking care off?”

“I… am… f-fine,” Soarin’ murmured, hardly managing to push words out of his squeezed throat while struggling to breathe. He knew that Twilight was strong for her size, but not that strong. “C-can you please r-release my n-neck…” Much to his relief, the grip weakened, as the little unicorn took a few steps back and gave him an awkward smile.

“Sorry,” Twilight apologised as she had once again forgotten about her larger size. So far in almost every moment of her life, she had to push herself to her limits and use every bit of her strength and magic in the most trivial activities, and even after increasing her size, she was doing it. Twilight looked down at the small crack on the roof from the impact with the pegasus’ head, next she looked upon her tiny forelegs that, without restraints, were strong enough to take the breath out of her bigger friend. She didn’t even need to lose control over her magic to cause damage, and if she returned to her normal size… Twilight shivered at the idea. Her attention slowly shifted to holes in Soarin’s uniform as she pointed them. “If you weren’t eaten, than what happened? And what’s up with the smell?”

Soarin’ blushed while putting a forehoof on his embarrassed face. “I kind of… crashed into the point where I launched my AGPG, and ended up in… you don’t want to know.”

Suddenly several faces turned green, gagging at the idea of being covered in that. Twilight slowly nodded while considering what it would feel like to be eaten alive. Hopefully she would never find out.

“Odd…” Soarin’ said as he slowly lowered his foreleg. “You seem different…”

“Different?” Twilight said before smiling warmly. “You could say that.”

The pegasus walked closer and lowered his head as he examined his little friend. “I’m more than sure that you had been smaller than that. Have you grown recently?”

“No… Whatever gave you that idea?” Twilight said sarcastically with roll of her eyes.

“Are you sure?” Soarin’ asked as he lifted his foreleg above Twilight, measuring her height and size of her back with a hoof. “I could swear you are bigger than before, but if you are saying that nothing changed, then I believe you.”

Twilight’s eyes opened widely. “Are you serious?” Upon noticing his nod, she facehooved.

“Of course I am. You are my friend, and you would not lie to me.”

“Lie… but I…” Twilight responded as confusion overtook her. Was her friend really so naive, or was he trusting to a fault… or he was just terrible at catching sarcasm? Suddenly she felt a hoof poking her in the nose as her friend shot her a smirk.

“Got you.”

Twilight laughed. Not that Soarin’s joke was good or well executed, but she found his attempt somewhat funny. Their chat however was interrupted by a solid slam of Spitfire’s hoof as the surface under it cracked, nearly creating a hole. The little unicorn and Soarin’ looked towards their captain who stared back at them grimly.

“Soarin’, Twilight, I need to ensure that my subordinates don’t get themselves killed, I expect both of you to take care of these civilians and hold the fort, am I clear?”

“Ma’am, yes ma’am!”

“What about us?” Flutter Bolt spoke up, capturing Spitfire’s attention.

“You both stay here. This mission just became far more dangerous, and I won’t have time to keep you rookies safe. Do a small patrol nearby this building and if you find somepony in trouble, get them here, but don’t stray too far,” Spitfire said before spreading her wings as she dove into the mayhem. If her team was serious about luring as many invaders as possible out of the city borders, she would have no trouble tracking them down, and hopefully save their flanks in time.

***

“Are you serious?” Twilight shouted while Soarin’ nodded.

For the past few minutes, the little unicorn and Wonderbolt lieutenant shared their stories as Twilight could not believe what she had just heard. Not only was her friend almost crushed under the weight of a monster, but apparently Spitfire had lost control over her team.

“I was shocked too when I found out, but it is not uncommon for the Wonderbolts to demand a change of leadership. While I must say that the timing for it was poor, it is up to Spitfire to win back their trust and respect if she wants to stay in charge.”

“I guess you’re right, still, I feel kind of bad, being unable to help… especially since I was partially responsible for all the mess she’s in,” Twilight said, only to feel somepony stroking her mane. “Will you give it a bre–” she paused herself upon noticing Soarin’s foreleg straightened towards her head and sighed. As much as she didn’t liked receiving a cat’s treatment, for Soarin’, she would bear it.

“Please, do not blame yourself, it–” Soarin’ stopped upon feeling something tremble under his hooves. “Did you feel that too?”

Twilight felt it indeed. Wasting no time, she ran to the edge of the roof and stood on her rear hooves as she looked around, tall enough now to see beyond the small wall without jumping onto it. “No… no… this can’t be happening!” Her eyes opened widely and mouth agape as she resisted the urge to scream.

“What is it?” Soarin’ asked curiously while approaching his panicked friend, only for the sight to fill him with terror and fear. “We have a big problem.”

Finding the Wonderbolts was not hard, all it took Spitfire was to follow a trail of destruction left by the invaders that headed towards a suburban area. The captain slowly lowered her height as she took a closer look at the trail on the street, only for an uplifted and cracked area to capture her attention. Whatever followed her subordinates alongside the rock and sand worms, it headed underground. Spitfire’s eyes opened widely as she sped up with her teeth grit and tail flapping against the wind. If her fears were true, than her squad was in mortal danger.

Slowly in the distance, a huge cloud of dust caught her attention alongside several small pegasi flying in circles above it, her hawk-like eyes allowing her to notice a few attacks against the giant opponents. They struck like a bee with hit and run tactics. Maybe my team is not as out of shape as they appeared during their training, Spitfire thought while slowly reaching her team. Maybe her hesitation to lure as many worms out of the city as possible was a mistake, maybe she would have to give up her leadership to a worthy leader?

As she expected, Fleetfoot noticed her and headed her way with smug written all over her face. “You’re just in time to see how a true captain gets missions done.”

Spitfire shouted in response, “I will congratulate you later!” as she pointed towards the ground that was being pushed upwards by some sort of digging creature, the trail hardly noticeable among the dust. “Order the team to fly up and spread out, before–” She failed to finish her sentence as all she could do was to watch the horror in front of her with her mouth agape.

From under the ground launched a long snake-like worm covered in violet scales, it’s head pink with some sort of red mane. Time slowed down as the monster flew higher and higher at an alarming speed, it’s mouth opening in three directions while black coils were shooting from it. “Rapidfire!” Spitfire and Fleetfoot shouted in unison while the Wonderbolt flew to the side in attempt to evade. Try as he did, it was for naught; the coils grabbed him with impressive precision.

With their comrade in danger, three nearby Wonderbolts dove towards their captured teammate who was being pulled down to the ground. With quick strikes against the coils, they freed Rapidfire from the beast. Their attention focused on the falling worm who slammed into the ground and disappeared in a cloud of dust and debris.

Rapidfire wiped sweat from his forehead and took a deep breath before thanking his teammates. Their celebration didn’t last long however as more coils sprang from dust, straightening on at least half kilometer distance.

Lightning Streak flew up with full speed, hardly escaping his doom. Spitfire and Fleetfoot advanced towards it as the coils pulled two Wonderbolts. The rest of the team watched in terror before steeling their nerves, rushing to their friends rescue despite growing fear, only for two more worms to launch from the ground.

Spitfire, now a few kilometers away from her team, examined the situation with only a few seconds to come up with a plan. On the ground she saw dust spreading over the area limiting visibility, but she knew what lurked in the dust, and while she was now safe from the horde of monsters, getting too close would be suicidal. Slightly above her were two Tatzlwurm’s, often called kings among worms. Despite being smaller than sand or rock worms and much rarer, for their size they were one of most agile monsters in the world, and even Wonderbolts’ were no match for them. As seconds passed, more of the pegasi ended up captured by the coils while Rapidfire and Flag Collector were dragged to the ground. Focusing on the Tatzlwurm that was about to land, Spitfire dove, her speed almost breaking the sound barrier.

Five seconds before the monster would fall to the ground and seven seconds before she would reach it, Spitfire spread her wing, ammo she conserved now needed more than ever. Suddenly more heads of worms emerged from the dust, all focused on the dragged pegasi, ready to tear up the incoming prey. With a press of the button, a light round flew towards it's opened mouth before exploding as coils were torn apart, releasing the pegasi. Spitfire didn’t dare to smile just yet though as this maneuver lead her dangerously close to the ground, tentacles and hungry mouths striking against her.

Despite evading countless strikes as the earth trembled from missed impacts, the dust managed to cover Spitfire’s goggles. Now blinded to her surroundings, she could only hear breaking glass and feel pain in multiple spots on her body. With a swift move of her hoof, she wiped the dust, only to see the wall of a house in front of her eyes. Straightening a foreleg, she struck against the wooden surface, penetrating it with little effort, only to break another window right after. Once outside, Spitfire flew upward, gaining distance from the grounded attackers, only to hear the roar of a Tatzlwurm that launched itself towards her. I blow up your mouth with an explosive gem, and you still want more? Spitfire thought as she flew to the side, allowing the monster to pass her. At least without those coils, you are not a threat to aerial targets.

Ignoring the glass stuck in her body, Spitfire flew back towards her team who apparently were holding up, fighting against the other two Tatzlwurms. Fleetfoot and Lighthoof, with sharp objects between their hooves, slashed a few coils, freeing two Wonderbolts from one of those monsters.

When the situation seemed to improve, loud screams captured the captain’s attention. She flew towards the source of voice in an instant, but unlike last time, the distance between Sunrise and Misty Fly and the ground was far smaller. Before anypony could reach them, a giant mouth closed, trapping both Wonderbolts inside.

Dammit Spitfire cursed in her mind while increasing her speed. With her wing spread, she aimed a piercing round at the target’s stomach. Her foe didn’t make it any easier as it swung its tail, pushing piles of rubble towards the captain as it rained at her. Spitfire was about to change her course to evade the material, when suddenly Fleetfoot and Blaze intercepted the rubble, pushing it aside with punches, kicks and their own bodies to clear the path for Spitfire.

Hundred meters, fifty meters, twenty meters, her wing once again spread and aimed into the exposed belly before launching a piercing round. Much to Spitfire’s annoyance, the Tatzlwurm flexed his body as the piercing gem slashed it lightly from the side, leaving but a bleeding cut on it’s scales. The Captain’s eyes widened as the monster’s head opened to grab her. With a rush of adrenaline, Spitfire banked to the side, passing its tail while coils hit the ground behind her. Spitfire’s speed increased while a ruined two level home was in her way. With a yelp, she flew up while her hind legs rubbed against the damaged roof, almost crashing into it. With a quick turn, Spitfire flew at her target once again, who shot coils in response, but before they could catch her something pushed her to the side. Spitfire looked to the left and witnessed Fleetfoot get captured in her stead.

“N-now… you have the opening!” Fleetfoot shouted while flapping her wings, resisting the pulling force.

Spitfire nodded and resumed her course, flying straight for the opened mouth. The Tatzlwurm, distracted by it’s other prey, which caused the captain to smirk before launching a light round into monster’s mouth, tearing apart coils. Spitfire dived into the mouth, just seconds before it closed.

Once free, Fleetfoot gathered her team who was busy keeping other monsters distracted as they gathered above a Tatzlwurm that had now three Wonderbolts inside it’s stomach. The silence maintained as the group murmured to one another from safe distance, their expressions filled with anger and guilt.

Fleetfoot grit her teeth, wishing nothing but to hit her head against something hard as the captain she accused of incompetence now sacrificed herself for the team. “Come on Spitfire. Do not give up now, you’re better than that!” More seconds followed as the team’s hope slowly crumbled. “Come on…” She looked at her wing as she regretted for using all her ammo. Maybe Spitfire was right to keep some for such an emergency.

Gloom quickly turned into a loud cheer as the sound of splashing reached their ears as somepony just flew out of the hole in worm’s stomach. Not wasting a moment, Fleetfoot dove towards Spitfire with her team following her example, quickly grabbing the captain and two other Wonderbolts’. Much to their shock, the trio of pegasi were covered in some sort of green snot as they started to cough before losing consciousness. With three sick Wonderbolts in their hold, the team flew towards the regrouping point, increasing the distance from the ravaging monsters as they hoped in their heart that Twilight was being as capable a medic as Spitfire made her out to be, because three lives would soon be in her tiny hooves.

“This is bad, this is really, really bad!” Twilight repeated herself while screams of panicked ponies filled the roof. With a few Quarray Eels at their doorstep and an army of smaller worms entering the building, all the rescued ponies were now in grave danger.

“We informed everypony inside the building to retreat to the roof,” Wave Chill said as she helped another pony to climb onto the roof by the hole in it.

“But how we will evacuate them all?” Flutter Bolt asked. “I am fast, but even I cannot lift seventy of them at once.”

Twilight took several quick breaths as she analyzed the situation. She needed a plan, and she needed it quick.

Soarin’ thought deeply as well, but time was not on their side. Suddenly with his ears straightened upward as he said, “The south area from here was clear last we checked, and royal guards should arrive in half an hour from that direction. We can make a run for it.”

“But how we will get everypony out of here in time? There are five pegasi and over seventy ponies. Even if each of us will carry two at once, we will need to do several rounds back and forth, and those monsters will be here any minute,” Ace Lottery commented while pointing south. “Unless we get them far enough, those worms will follow.”

Soarin’ scratched his head, when suddenly it became far heavier as he felt hooves pressing against his ear and muzzle while a flash from above caught his attention. “Whaa,” he yelped before reassuming his balance, while Twilight was now standing on his head.

“I have a great idea!” Twilight shouted before poking her own horn, and next pointing towards few unicorns among the crowd. “Each pegasus can can pick up two unicorns, and they can levitate few more ponies. According to my calculations, only four percent of levitated weight becomes pressure on the caster, so pegasi should hardly feel the weight difference.”

“That’s… brilliant, You’ve really outdone yourself, Twilight,” Soarin’ praised as Twilight lowered her head to look into his eyes blushing.

“Thanks, but we don’t have time to waste.”

The pegasi nodded before sharing their plan with the crowd as a mix of hope and doubt filled their eyes. Just as planned, each unicorn levitated at least two others, and the levitated ones added their own magic to carry even more, and soon the sky was filled with five pegasi and over seventy levitated ponies.

***

Twilight observed watchfully from Soarin’s head. Despite the city unicorns’ having enough magic to levitate the entire group, maintaining a levitation spell was very tiring and she was ready to aid them if somepony would get tired or lose concentration. Twilight didn’t bother to look at the roof behind her as it was already overrun. Everything was going perfectly according to plan, certainly nothing could go wrong.

“Stop it you fool!” a monocled unicorn yelled while being slapped by a bronze earth pony several times.

“Why should I, you got us into this mess. I should have never trusted you, and now my home is probably standing in ruins!”

“Shut up!” monocled unicorn shouted before whispering, “Your big mouth will get us thrown in jail.”

“Jail would be a mercy for a greedy bastard like you,” he responded before punching the other unicorn with his hoof as an aura around the monocled one disappeared. With a loud scream, the elegantly clothed noble fell to the ground, his own horn no longer lit as more ponies started to follow.

Twilight could only watch as everything was falling apart like a domino. Unicorns losing concentration one by one as many started to fall to their deaths. With determined glare, gritting teeth and brightly flashing horn, Twilight caught them with her magic.

“T-Twilight…” Soarin’ murmured with his mouth opened agape, his wide eyes unable to look away from levitated survivors. He knew that his friend was strong despite her size, but at this very moment she was levitating over forty ponies at once. The mare on his back that weighed no more than nine kilograms just managed to levitate six tons. He could feel her small hooves trembling on his back while drops of sweat started to fall onto his neck, his wings flapped faster as they fought to keep the increasing weight on his back from pulling him down. “You can do this, Twilight, don’t give up!”

Give up? Twilight was not having any of it. If her entire life was filled with challenges and exercises, there were all preparing her for this moment. She felt her magic stream from her horn towards the levitated crowd, she felt at least 250 kilograms of pressure weighing on her like a boulder, she felt a growing pain in her muscles and sweat sliding from her head, but it was not going to prevent her from keeping ponies away from the hungry monsters.

“Stop staring like a bunch of fools!” Flutter Bolt yelled to the shocked unicorns who quickly charged magic into their horns.

Twilight lay flat against Soarin’s back as the pegasus could feel breath on his neck. “Huh, that was close,” she said while hearing praises coming from two unicorn’s in Soarin's embrace while many eyes looked at the cat sized unicorn in disbelief.

“Yea. Good thing you decided to grow a bit, because we really need your raw power, also… You’re amazing,” Soarin’ said, adding yet another praise, causing Twilight to blush.

“Thanks, and to be honest, I am happy to be useful. Though I am also scared a bit,” Twilight responded.

“Scared?” Soarin’ spoke while looking at the destruction that filled the area. “I don’t blame you, we are all scared for our lives, especially those who cannot fly.”

“That’s not it,” Twilight said while rubbing Soarin’s neck with a hoof, her ears slightly dropped. “I’m already having trouble keeping my strength and magic in check, and I am the size of a big cat. I’m scared of destruction I would be capable of if I ever returned to my normal size.”

The lieutenant was about to cheer up his little friend, but whatever words escaped his mouth were muffled by a loud noise of impact between a Quarray Eel and a building. Soarin’ looked to the side, seeing a giant red head with pink spots decorating it alongside violet skin under it’s neck and a hair. It’s teeth sharp and exposed while rubble and glass rained from the sky.

Ch6 - Battle for Fillydelphia Part 3 (Improved version)

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My Little Medic

Chapter 6

Battle for Fillydelphia
-
Part 3

Nearly a hundred pulses echoed as Twilight massaged her aching head and spit pebbles from her mouth. With a bit of effort, she pushed herself up and opened her eyes, only for her to gape at the scene. Every pony lay on the street between rubble and broken glass, some bleeding noticeably. Unlike the little unicorn, these ponies weren’t toughened by years filled with trainings and struggle, nor were they safeguarded by a protection spell that worked only on shrunken ponies. Not wasting a moment, Twilight galloped, only to bend her foreleg in pain, just now noticing that it was bleeding from cuts and glass embedded it in. With help of her levitation and a quick healing spell, she was back in shape and ready to help her fri– “Soarin!”

“Calm d-down, I’m f-fine...”

Twilight turned around before smiling widely as she pushed away the rubble and pulled Soarin’ to his hooves, the glass pieces levitating aside from the beaten Wonderbolt. The little mare grabbed her tail nervously and started to pat it, her ears dropped at the sight of her bleeding friend. Soarin’s right wing was bent to the side and it was missing many feathers while the right side of his head was covered in bruises as he kept his right eye closed. “You look terrible… what, how, why?” Upon noticing hoof straightened to the right, Twilight looked in that direction, only to flinch as three heads emerged from the building, slowly descending towards them. She knew that Quarray Eels were dangerous from Soarin’s notes. Even if not capable of digging themselves into a solid rock or even ground, they used holes and tunnels made by other species, ready to ambush bypassers.

The ponies panicked, struggling to get back to their hooves, some stumbling upon the rubble. With a rush of adrenaline, other Wonderbolts grabbed whoever they could while ignoring their own pains, Soarin’ helping despite broken wing. Twilight followed suit and levitated ponies away from the advancing monsters. As much as she wanted to check on Soarin’s eye, it would have to wait.

Suddenly, a loud cry captured her attention as a young colt ran away from several smaller monsters, most likely the children of the big ones.

Twilight grit her teeth with rage as her mane started to smoke, her horn shot deadly beams of magic, striking the worms one by one, sending them flying away from the terrified pony. “Green Apple!” she shouted at the sight of a full-grown Quarray Eel advancing towards him, her beams and fireballs not even slowing him down. With a solid rush of adrenaline, she pulled the colt with her levitation and to her horror, he flew above her head, only to slam into fragment of the wall with a crack. Yelps of pain reached Twilight’s ears as she looked at Green Apple with a terrified expression, walking backwards from the young pony she just hurt.

“Twilight!” Soarin’ shouted while galloping towards her. “Behind you!”

The little unicorn, still shocked from having hurt the earth pony she just slammed against a wall, was captured off guard, turning slowly towards a humongous mouth as each of it’s teeth was the size of her neck. Muscles refused to move, eyes and mouth opened widely and a terrified scream escaped Twilight’s mouth. Out of reflex she mastered over the years, she cast a barrier around herself, only for it to break like a glass upon the impact. Twilight charged her horn again, preparing a teleportation spell as her legs still refused to heed her call, only for the rays of the sun to be blocked by a humongous body as it descended upon her. Twilight could no longer scream, nor she could see anything as she felt worm’s hard skin pressing against her. The street's surface cracked as her back sank into it.

The monster slowly raised his neck as Twilight took greedy breaths, desperate for air and too tired to move while trapped in a unicorn shaped hole, hardly able to focus any magic. The humongous mouth opened, ready to swallow her whole. The time slowed down as the jaw of the beast dug into the street, gathering the rubble like a shovel with Twilight’s shrunken body on top of it. The sunlight once again started to fade as the mouth slowly closed, only for Soarin’ to jump into it as he got in Twilight’s line of sight. “S-Soar…in’,” she murmured with a tired voice as all she could see was a weak smile and a blue hoof heaving her out of the beast’s mouth.

Shocked, Twilight rolled and focused on the mouth of the beast. Her teeth grit, she focused every bit of her magic, struggling to open the giant’s mouth. It slightly opened, but her victory didn’t last long as the monster overpowered her levitation with ease. Even if at this size she could levitate nine tons, the Quarray Eel’s mouth was stronger.

It gulped.

"No!" Tears slid from Twilight’s eyes as she collapsed. She could hear her name yelled by Wonderbolts’ rookies who were busy fighting against the small worms, and could see rubble falling from monster’s mouth as it prepared to eat Twilight as it did with Soarin’. The teeth reflected the rays of the sun.

Twilight closed her eyes while Ace Lottery and Clashing Strike flew to her rescue, racing with the advancing mouth. Time seemed to stop for everypony as the mouth was but meters away from the weakened unicorn. The Wonderbolts, separated by hundreds meters from saving her, were suddenly passed by a yellow beam of magic. Their wide confused eyes could only stare as it struck the giant’s mouth of the monster, pushing it away from Twilight. The magic was so forceful that it sent the beast hurtling into a pile of rubble, sending plumes of dust skyward as it’s body made contact.

The Wonderbolts’ looked around as just two words escaped their opened mouths, “Princess Celestia!”

Upon hearing this name, Twilight raised her head and opened her eyes, looking up at the sky as the sight of her mighty mentor captured her attention. She could see another beam of magic striking against the monster’s head, pressing it deeply into the ground. Twilight could only stare in amazement as the small worms flew to the sides, levitated away from the fighting ponies.

Blinded by a flash, Twilight rubbed her eyes before opening them as a golden horseshoe captured her attention, though it wasn’t decorative golden regalia her mentor always wore but full plated armor. Slowly raising her head, she looked up at the long and strong legs of her mentor as the armor covered them up to the knee. Instead of the decorative neck piece was a battle armor protecting the alicorn’s neck and chest. On Celestia’s head was a helmet with the top resembling a crown and a hole for horn. Under the helmet, Twilight could read worry and fear.

The princess knelt with her muzzle almost touching Twilight’s head as healing magic streamed from her horn. “Twilight, how could you…” She carefully levitated her student back to her hooves and nuzzled her neck. “I didn’t allow you to become a medic to risk your life like that, you’re too important to me.”

Twilight wished nothing more than to embrace her mentor’s muzzle, but resisted the urge as she pointed her hoof at the unconscious worm. “Soarin’, please…” She passed around her mentor’s hooves and galloped while charging her horn as mouth of the monster slowly opened. Suddenly, Twilight stopped, her hooves immobile. She looked back at her mentor whose horn was lit and plead with her eyes. “Soarin’ was eaten by it, I have to help him!”

Celestia didn’t speak but nodded instead, only to disappear in a flash. Twilight looked around in confusion. “Princess, where are you?” With a shake of her head, the little unicorn ran towards the unconscious Quarray Eel. She would find her mentor later, but now her friend needed her. Twilight’s gallop stopped the moment another flash of teleportation blinded her lightly, only to look at the scene in front of her with wide eyes. “P-Princess… you…”

Celestia shook the monster’s acids from her body while her transparent mane gained a few more colors to decorate it, disgust apparent on her wet regal face. She quickly wiped the liquid from her eyes and carefully placed Soarin’ on the ground before disposing of the acid that covered him.

Twilight ran towards her friend who breathed heavily, her horn ready to heal his burn marks, but her mentor’s armored hoof stopped her with a light touch to her horn. Twilight looked at her mentor in confusion who just smiled at her.

“Save your strength, you will need it,” Celestia said as she send wave after wave of healing magic into the Wonderbolt, restoring his fur back to it’s former glory. Everypony gathered around while keeping their distance from their ruler as the healing process dragged for one minute. The aura around Celestia’s horn vanished as the princess nodded to her student. “This is as much I can do, I believe that his wing and eye require more professional assistance.”

Twilight nodded as she focused, sweat fall from her head as the small mare guided her magic to heal the wing, bone by bone. Soarin’ screamed in pain which caused Twilight to flinch as Celestia gave her a curious glare.

The princess examined her student for a moment, until realization struck her. “Twilight, did you…?”

She nodded in response. “I did. I was afraid that I would not be strong enough to help everypony, so I…”

“I understand,” Celestia said with a proud smile. Spending time in her student’s company helped her learn how uncomfortable the idea of returning to her normal size was for Twilight, a huge change of environment she got used to after so many years, but today she also learned that her student wouldn’t hesitate to dispel the shrinking spell if the situation called for it. Her thoughts were interrupted by more yells of pain coming from the injured Wonderbolt as she noticed the struggle in her student’s eyes. Even the small increase of size proved enough to make the delicate operation so much harder.

After the healing process of the wing was done, Celestia decided to interfere. “Twilight,” she said, catching her student’s attention who looked back at her with no longer so tiny eyes. Celestia kept her emotionless mask on, but inside she felt conflicted as the situation felt somewhat awkward. She knew that her student was still far smaller than she should be, not even the size of her head, and yet she seemed far to big. Twilight was always so small, perfectly sized to sit on a hoof or a muzzle, a little pony she loved and taught for so many years, a pony that was no longer so tiny. Was it alright to shrink her again, wouldn’t it be better to keep her at this size? Celestia shook her head and spoke, “I understand how fun it is to adventure and challenge yourself everyday for you, but maybe it is about time to move to a new height?”

Twilight took a step back, caught off guard. She rubbed her chin in contemplation before looking away from Celestia, her attention focused on Green Apple who was looking back at her from the surrounding crowd. She could see a grateful smile on his face, but even more visible was the bleeding mark on his head. Twilight quickly looked away, focusing on Soarin’s wounded eye. How was she going to heal it at her current size?

“Don’t look down,” Soarin’ said as he opened his working eye and give his friend a pained smile. “We all sure got a solid beating today, didn’t we?”

Twilight’s mouth quivered and tears formed in her eyes as she charged her horn and pulled the battered pegasus with her magic.

Soarin’ yelped and crashed into the little mare against his will.

Twilight could feel her back rubbing against the rubble, sharp broken glass scratching her legs and back side of her head. She felt the soft fur pressing against her face as she was being crushed by twelve times her own weight. Twilight cursed in her mind for once again forgetting about her raw power as she now experienced the consequences. Already used to being crushed on daily basis, she just embraced pegasus’s neck and spoke with muffled voice, “Soarin’, I… I…” her tears mixed themselves with the fur. “Why did you let this monster eat you? I could have just teleported outside, but you would…”

Soarin’ hardly could breath as he slowly stood, his little friend attached to his neck like a scarf… made of chains. He closed his eye and waited patiently for the hug to end.

After several seconds of pouring her emotions, she released her friend and landed on her rear hooves. She spread her forelegs and lit her horn as healing magic fixed her recently acquired scratches. Once presentable enough, she walked towards her mentor.

To Celestia’s and the crowd’s surprise, Twilight bowed to the ground in front of her hooves. “Princess, I beg you, return me to normal, please.”

“To normal? What you want from me is to shrink you and it is far from normal.” Celestia stated, looking down at her humble student, begging her for something she was going to do anyway, feeling sad at Twilight’s unnecessary humiliation.

“No, being your little pony was normal. With my raw power, I should stay small, it is fairer and safer for everypony.” Twilight spoke, still bowing.

Celestia sighed, knowing full well that her student was making unnecessary excuses. “Twilight, there is no need to beg me, I understand how important it is for you, so please, stand,” Celestia said warmly as Twilight stood and wiped a few tears from her eyes, now smiling back.

“But before I shrink you, can I look at you at least for a moment?” Noticing Twilight’s cheerful nod, Celestia admired her student for several seconds, a strong proud mare she has become after years of hardship. Not wanting to delay any longed for her student’s sake, she lit her horn. “Now Twilight, listen closely.”

Twilight exposed her ears and listened carefully as the good student she was as Celestia lectured. “When I cast the shrinking spell on you, you need to send your own magic into it, and you need to stop when you return to your usual size,” Celestia warned, “but beware, your magic has improved admirably since you were just a filly, if you don’t stop the flow of your magic in time, you will end up far smaller than before.”

Twilight beamed, a big smile on her face. “Princess, does this mean that I can make myself even smaller!?” she said as Celestia was taken aback at her student’s enthusiasm.

“Yes my faithful student, but I hope that you are not planning to…”

“But Princess, my magic and physical condition has greatly improved, it is only fair if I make myself even smaller to compensate,” Twilight argued as Celestia shook her hoof and gave Twilight a disapproving glare.

“It is best if you return to the size that everypony is used too,” Celestia ordered authoritatively as Twilight left a long disappointed ‘awww’ before lowering her head and nodding, and moment later Celestia cast her spell while Twilight powered it.

Everypony in the crowd looked in confusion as a powerful aura of magic surrounded Twilight who was becoming smaller with every second, leaving a tiny unicorn the size of a large rat.

Celestia looked down at the small unicorn as the aura of magic faded, and the tiny mare looked back at her with a smile. Something that, for Celestia, and most likely for her student, was normal.

With Celestia once again being a humongous giant from her perspective, Twilight turned to Soarin’ before teleporting onto his nose, and this time the Wonderbolt didn’t flinch. “Would you open your eye?”

Soarin’ bit his lips, the pain growing worse the more he opened his right eye while the vision was blurry, black and white dots covering half of his view.

Twilight didn’t dare to look away as liquid slid from pegasus’s eye, but it was not beyond saving. Steeling her legs and with determined expression, she looked at her mentor. “Princess, this may take a while.”

Celestia nodded. “I understand, though I would like to ask, where are Spitfire and other Wonderbolts?” She asked, her voice level and patient.

Twilight’s eyes opened widely as she pointed towards the largest building in the area, or rather what was left from it. “I am not sure, but the rendezvous point was on top of that building and–”

“Say no more,” Celestia said as she shook her hoof. “The guards will arrive soon and you did all you could, now it is time for me to play my part.”

Twilight wanted to stop her mentor, to say how dangerous it is to go alone, but it was too late as Celestia reduced the distance from the building with quick teleportation. With her ears dropping slightly, Twilight murmured, “Please, stay safe, Princess.” She turned to Soarin’s eye as the pegasus struggled to keep it open and began the healing process. As tiring as it was now with her size reduced, she found the surgery much easier to perform, and there was no place for mistakes, or else her friend would end up blind on that side.

Fleetfoot looked at the gathering point in confusion, blinking rapidly. The building itself was still standing but barely as it was littered with holes. Her hawk-like sharp eye quickly picking up several worms of different species lying unconscious in various locations, a few in front of the building, some hanging from holes in it, and at least three on the roof, alongside at least a few hundreds of the small ones. Among the killed or unconscious monsters one figure stood tall. “Princess Celestia!”

The Wonderbolts quickly landed on the building, only to jump to the sides as the surface of the roof cracked upon the impact. Carefully walking towards their ruler with the sick Wonderbolts on their back, they saluted. Fleetfoot went ahead of the team and said, “Your Highness, what are you doing here without an army?” as she looked towards the sky, searching it for any sight of life and added. “This is a war zone!”

The proud alicorn kept looking at the sick Wonderbolts. Not wasting a moment, she cast a barrier around them, one by one, as they just looked at one another, blinking their eyes. Noticing their curious looks and opening mouths, she spoke first, “Health bubble, hopefully the infection didn’t spread yet.”

Celestia spread her wings proudly as her horn flashed in bright aura, only for everypony on the roof to disappear.

***

“So, how’s your eye?” Twilight asked, waving her hoof while anchored on Soarin’s muzzle with her hind legs. Her head was aching from today’s activity, but she hid her exhaustion behind a sheepish smile.

“Much better,” the Wonderbolt responded with few blinks of his right eye. “My vision is still a bit blurry, but–” he paused upon noticing a bright flash of teleportation few meters in front of him as Celestia and entire team of Wonderbolts were now present. “Are you seeing what I am seeing?”

Twilight turned around and waved, but her smile vanished at the sight of Wonderbolts covered in suppurating blisters, their fur more green under damaged uniforms. Twilight walked to the edge of Soarin’s muzzle and stood on her rear hooves to take a better look.

“Spitfire!” Soarin’ shouted, causing Twilight to fall off his muzzle as he ran towards his captain.

After shaking her head, Twilight galloped, feeling her heart beating with increasing speed. With a flex of her legs, she jumped, landing on Spitfire’s leg who was now lying on the ground. She was about to run to captain’s chest when a bubble appeared around her, causing Twilight to flinch. The little unicorn knelt with ear pressed against the fur as she heard the strong beating of Spitfire’s heart. With a sigh of relief, she wiped sweat from her head and lit her horn, but the aura around it vanished as Twilight looked around, quickly noticing two more Wonderbolts with a similar disease.

Her ears curled, Twilight looked towards her mentor who approached slowly, kneeling in front of the captain. The little unicorn could see the giant horn descend towards her, but she didn’t budge, letting it touch her tiny horn as a little portion of magic transferred into it. Twilight’s legs bent as she bit her lips, headache striking with full force. The transfer dragged on for several seconds, but she held her ground, her horn red and hot.

Celestia raised her horn slightly, giving her student a moment to breath as she took the armor from her hoof and carefully placed the tip of her hoof on tiny mare’s shoulder. “I can restore your reserves, Twilight, but even you cannot endure using your magic without break. Please, do not strain yourself.”

Twilight nuzzled her mentor’s hoof with side of her head and nodded. “I will try… but magical surgery won’t be enough. How I can purify them from this sickness? I am not educated and experienced enough to heal poison and illness on that level.”

Celestia chuckled before placing her horn on Spitfire’s belly. “Then allow me to assist and guide you. First lesson, purifying the veins from hostile organisms’,” Celestia said as she sent her magic into the area around the Wonderbolt’s heart while her student approached, observing the healing process with highest interest before mimicking the healing technique.

“W-what happened?” Spitfire asked while massaging her head, resisting the urge to vomit as she gulped.

“Ma’am,” a familiar voice reached her ear and a glass of water was placed in front of her. “Do not get up just yet, Captain, your body is still recovering.”

“Captain?” Spitfire asked before shooting Fleetfoot a smirk, “I thought you wanted to take that role since I was incompetent.” She coughed.

“Not after todays display,” Fleetfoot responded as several veterans nodded their heads, but her cheerful smile was replaced with serious one as she pointed her hoof accusingly. “You have proven yourself today, Captain Spitfire, saving two of our teammates and leading us out of a jam, and I also admit, I made a big oversight, which made me realize that I am not yet leader material. But please, do not rest on your laurels.”

Lighthoof nodded. “I agree. After today’s event, I am ready to jump into a fire if you order me too, but do not take it for granted, Captain. For the past year you were stuck in paper work and ordered us around rather than give us a good example, making us doubt your leadership, so please, do not separate yourself from your team.”

Spitfire put a hoof on her mouth and chuckled before coughing, feeling pain in her stomach as Lighthoof caught her before she could fall, carefully placing her on a soft white cloud. The eyes of her team looking at her with worry and guilt. She looked back with a smile, at her dear team filled with hot-blooded daredevil pegasi, but they were her pegasi, and it warmed her pained heart to see trust and faith in their eyes. Spitfire knew she could not take this trust for granted. ”Don’t worry,” she said with her nose raised, “I will keep showing you blockheads how much better I am as leader and Wonderbolt until you will engrave it into your brains!” Noticing salutes and renewed resolve, Spitfire smiled. It would still require some work to get her team together, but it was a great start.

***

While the Wonderbolts were busy aiding their captain and those who were unlucky enough to end up inside a monster's stomach, and rookies looked at Soarin’ with shining eyes. Twilight was stuck between the tips of Steel Blade’s wings.

“I am unsure if I should be proud of how well you did on your first field mission, or terrified of the mess you've gotten yourself into,” Steel said and nuzzled Twilight before turning his head to the side and sneezed. “Is it really true, that you increased your size to handle your responsibility?”

Twilight nodded. “It is true, though I had a little trouble with my power,” she said and pointed towards Flutter Bolt. “I tried to push him away for rubbing my neck and… his head got stuck in the ventilation shaft.”

Steel Blade laughed and said, “Remind me to never rub your chin if you ever dispel shrinking spell from yourself. I do not want to end up with my head stuck in the moon.”

Both ponies laughed as Twilight freed herself and climbed onto Steel’s wing. The moment the laughter ended, Steel Blade gave Twilight a saddened smile, turning around as he pointed towards Celestia who was now talking with Spitfire. “Still, even your new size would not save you if it was not for your mentor.”

“But… I could always teleport away…”

“Oh really? Did you teleport when that monster,” Steel said while pointing his hoof at unconscious and restrained Quarray Eels, “landed on you? Do you have any idea how much fright you gave Wave Chill when she saw you disappearing under the humongous mass of that monster?”

Twilight shivered before nodding. “Fair enough,” she said as her hind legs started to move back and forth as she was still perched on the edge of Steel’s wing. “Still, how did my mentor know I was in trouble? Why would the princess risk her well being by coming to this dangerous area?”

“I am not sure I can answer all of your questions, but while I was hauling ammunition, I noticed an army of guards heading towards the city with the princess in the lead. Celestia noticed me too and asked what I was doing here. The moment I told her that you were in the city area, assisting the Wonderbolts, she flew ahead of the army and teleported. And good thing she did.”

“Tell me about it,” Twilight said and massaged her shoulder. “Where is Spike by the way, I thought he would be with you?”

“I found him sneaking into the cart filled with ammo,” Overwatch said as she approached, two red roses levitating next to her head. “He is far too young, a battlefield is not a place for him, not to mention that he would eat half of the ammo.”

Steel Blade nodded before stopping Overwatch from leaving just yet with a question, “Who are those roses for?”

Overwatch said with a smirk, “Oh, it is a ‘thank you’ gift for a very brave pony and great friend, now, if you'll excuse me.” She left as fast as she arrived as her two friends looked at her with mixture of curiosity and confusion as they scratched the back of their necks.

***

“That’s all I needed to know,” Celestia said as Spitfire finished her report. “I am proud of your team’s accomplishment, and as I once swore to four centuries ago, I will not interfere in the Wonderbolts’ affairs in term of leadership, but I expect of you to win back their trust so situations like this won't repeat itself.” Celestia’s cheerful smile turned into one of authority, her eyes half closed. “And I am going to put aside the fact that you brought my student into a battlefield considering the circumstances and all the lives she saved, but if something happens to her during a mission, I will hold you responsible.”

Spitfire bowed in respect and said, “I understand, Your Highness,” only to feel the earth tremble under her hooves.

“The enemy is approaching,” a Pegasus guard shouted and pointed towards the cloud of dust with his spear as at least twenty guards created a defensive formation between the attackers and the princess.

Spitfire’s and Lightfoot’s eyes opened widely, their mouths agape as three Tatzlwurms approached with great speed.

“I blew up their mouths from the inside with explosive rounds!” Spitfire yelled, forgetting that she was in presence of royalty as Celestia looked at her with the side of her eye. The captain pointed her hoof and added, “I made a hole in its stomach, what does it takes to get rid of those things?”

“What are your orders, Captain?” Fleetfoot asked while every Wonderbolt gathered behind the guards, battle ready despite their bruises and exhaustion.

Spitfire pointed towards the cart filled with ammo. “Get your gear on, we will need–”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Every Wonderbolt and guard turned to Celestia who walked proudly towards the attackers, taking firm steps, as her wings spread. “One Tatzlwurm is very dangerous, three are out of your league. Not only are they agile and perceptive, with their high regeneration, whatever wounds you inflicted upon them are most likely healed.”

Not bothering to look at the Wonderbolts and guards, Celestia added, “You have exceeded my expectations. Now it is my turn to handle this threat in a less lethal manner.”

Spitfire did as she was told, observing the princess who rushed into the battle despite protests from her guards, only to feel something bumping into her. With shake of her head, she got to her hooves and turned around. “Soarin’?” she said while noticing a red rose in his mouth. A blush quickly spread across her face, and so did on confused lieutenant as they both looked at one another in awkward silence. After few seconds Spitfire decided to speak first, “Is that rose, for me?”

Soarin’ looked around before nodding hesitantly. “I… guess so… Sorry for bumping into you, Captain, I had to stumble on the rubble,” he said while wondering how the heck a rose ended up in his mouth.

Unbeknown to the Wonderbolts, Overwatch chuckled from her observation spot behind a chariot. Steel Blade sat next to her as he tilted his head to the side and whispered, “Seriously?”

Overwatch’s observed the scene while her horn was no longer surrounded by green aura before she smirked and whispered as well, “I owe him big time for everything he did for Twilight. And I am going to repay him by any means possible.”

Steel Blade raised his eyebrow. “By pushing them at one another and levitating roses into their mouths?” he said, only to be grabbed by his head as his muzzle was pressed against Overwatch’s.

“I’m going to get those two together before Twilight’s work as medic is complete, mark my words.”

Ch7 - Battle for Fillydelphia Finale

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My Little Medic

Chapter 7 - Battle for Fillydelphia Part 4

With significant distance from her little ponies, Celestia stood tall and strong in front of three Tatzlwurms, not bothered by their roars and coils dancing in front of their mouths. Even with nearly two millennia of gathering power and experience, three of such foes were still a threat and she was not going to lower her guard. Not wanting to take any chances, Celestia charged her horn and focused on the coils.

Whenever a Tatzlwurm would roar, it would fill almost every living creature with fright, the very coils they presented marked certain doom, for Celestia however it was a perfect opportunity to strike as she captured their natural weapon and tied them together.

If the humongous monsters with mouths that split into three directions were able to show their confusion, now they certainly would as they pulled their opened mouths while trying to retreat their coils but with no avail. With a smirk on her face, Celestia flapped her huge wings, rushing into the air with determination on her face. Her horn lit and ready to strike the wrestling worms.

The Tatzlwurm on the left was suddenly surrounded by a golden aura, levitated upwards, only to circle around the other two, the coils that were stuck in a knot now also tying the three monsters as if they were chains.

Celestia chuckled at her creation as her foes were now merged together like a ball of wool, her cheerful expression didn’t last long as the coils shattered, freeing the three beasts. Without much time to react, the princess teleported, dodging just in time.

With the coils temporarily out of the way, the alicorn had no trouble evading bodyslams as she captured her foes in mid air with her golden aura, only to grit her teeth and swing her head down as the levitation field slammed the giant beasts against the ground with a loud thump.

If wings didn’t keep Celestia flying, she would certainly feel the earth tremble upon the impact as the monsters were lying in craters, unmoving, but her last battle against Tatzlwurm over millennium ago taught her that those monsters were very stubborn. With her horn charged while staying on guard, she slowly descended towards her foes, expecting to be ambushed any moment.

The princess wasn’t disappointed when the three Tatzlwurms awoke from their fake rest, their regenerated coils shooting from their mouths. With a quick spell, she reflected the attack with a barrier, as her foes started slamming against it with their own bodies. They regenerate faster than I expected, and their speed is unmatched, I need to change my strategy, Celestia thought as she lowered her barrier and teleported before the coils could grab her.

The Tatzlwurms looked around in confusion as their prey was gone. With nothing to eat, their attention focused on ponies as they slowly approached them, the distance reducing with every moment. The ponies however held their grounds, while their heads were raised looking at something in the sky with their mouths agape.

Upon noticing a huge shadow under them, Tatzlwurms started to look around and up, only to notice a half destroyed five floor building levitating above their heads. When the golden aura disappearing, the building fell down like an anvil.

With a slam against the ground after a quick jump to the side, one Tatzlwurm shook his massive head and looked back at the rubble that almost crushed him, his peace of mind didn’t last longer than few seconds though as a golden aura captured him, pushing into the rubble as an entire bathroom crumbled onto his head.

Celestia landed on hundreds of tons of rubble and wiped sweat from her forehead, her horn charged as if expecting for her foe to jump out of it any second. As she predicted, rocks under her hooves trembled, only for an opened mouth to emerge and close around the mighty alicorn.

With a weak illumination spell, Celestia lit her surroundings as spikes that played the role of teeth inside the monster’s mouth pressed against her wings and neck, her muzzle trapped and immobile.

As planned.

With a smirk on her face, she unleashed her spell, burning the monster from the inside while flames also struck against alicorn’s flesh. With a push of levitation, the giant mouth opened as the princess walked outside while a trail of smoke followed her. Celestia shot a firm glare at the other two who backed away. The message was simple, and she delivered it.

Slightly afraid of the inedible alicorn that could burn their stomachs, the worms advanced towards the crowd of ponies as the princess sighed before following. Much to her surprise, the one she burned from the inside got up and burped before advancing as well. What does it take to beat them?

Noticing her guards’ spears aimed and wings spread, Celestia’s expression hardened. She could not let them fight as Tatzlwurm’s were nearly indestructible against conventional weapons. In flash of teleportation she appeared between her guards and the monsters, her horn lit.

The monsters stopped, looking at the alicorn with fright before jumping at her, only for their foe to burst into flames as a powerful wide beam struck them, pushing them hundreds of meters into another building as it crumbled.

With a few deep breaths and sweat falling from her head, Celestia swept ash and dust from her body while small burned marks were still present on her regal fur. In front of her was a wide line of molten ground two kilometers long while rubble slowly turned into something resembling boiling lava. Now calm, Celestia looked back at her subjects, only to to feel a weak aching in her heart at the stares filled with fear. If one of reasons why she always restrained her power was to not hurt her subjects, planting a seed of fear into their hearts was the last thing she wanted to do.

Celestia’s sadness was interrupted by noise coming from the molten rubble as Tatzlwurms emerged, half of their skin covered in melting substance and wounds. If there was any reason why she didn’t exterminate such powerful beings for the safety for her little ponies, it was that they never approached residential areas while keeping many dreadful creatures from doing so.

With just one option left that didn’t involved killing. Celestia sighed deeply and charged her horn while spreading her wings, capturing the Tatzlwurms before they could retreat underground. The alicorn grit her teeth as the three humongous beasts slowly levitated above the ground, wriggling. With her wings flapping with all their strength, Celestia struggled, but not by levitating those monsters as her magic would let her lift even thousand tons of weight. What really weighed on her was pressure as it pressed against her body with weight of three tons.

Despite her hassle, Celestia smiled and thought, It seems that shrinking myself to adventure with my student alongside that secret training with my guards really paid off. Slowly raising her head, the princess looked at the horizon, focusing on the mountains and hills on Equestria borders. If memory didn’t failed her, those hills were rich with minerals and organic substance while humongous flowers grew on top of them, certainly a wonderful location for Tatzlwurms’ to live, far away from this city. Celestia looked at three massive weights she levitated and calculated the distance she will need to transport them before sighing. This is going to be a long day.

***

“Are you saying that the rumours about Her Highness having a tiny size student were true? I find it hard to believe,” said a green earth pony with a bag of Fertilizer as her cutie mark, looking at her son in disbelief. Her attention focused on a small bleeding wound on his head as she carefully covered it with bandage before returning a first aid kit to a nearby pony before saying with a polite nod, “Thank you.”

“But it’s true, and she was very kind, she even acted like a plush toy and played with me, and when I was attacked by monsters, she started to pew, pew, shooting beams and stuff. You should have seen that, it was so cool,” Green Apple said before pointing his hoof at the fighting scene in distance. “Almost as amazing as the princess!”

Everypony observed the battle between their ruler and three humongous monsters, not daring to look away even for a second. Suddenly the earth trembled as sounds of a collapsing building reached their ears. With a swift move of her hoof, the kneeling mother pressed her son against her chest, blocking his view from the horrors of battle as the earth trembled slightly under her hooves. As every apple family member did, she felt deep respect towards her ruler, but never in her life had she imagined the princess to be so destructive as representation of safety and grace was now displaying violence.

“Excuse me!”

The green earth pony looked to the side in confusion before looking down, only to blink her eyes rapidly while her opened mouth failed to produce any word. The colt held against her chest pushed himself lightly and looked to the side, only to beam out of her hug and landed in front of the little unicorn as he started to bounce in place with a weak thump as Twilight felt the ground trembling under her hooves.

“Hey Twilight! I am so happy that you are fine, and you’re just in time,” he said enthusiastically before pointing his hoof at confused mare, and next at orange stallion behind her. “This is my mom, Rich Fertilizer, and beside her sits my dad, Big Seed. It turns out that they were hiding on the top of a bakery nearby, and now we are together again!”

“I’m… glad,” Twilight responded hesitantly.

“Mom, Dad,” Green Apple said as he turned towards his parents while pointing at his small friend. “My new friend’s name is Twilight Sparkle. She played with me and kept me company when I was trapped on the roof, and came up with the idea of how to get us away when the monsters came.”

“Greetings,” Twilight said with a wave of her foreleg. “It is nice to me–whaa,” Twilight yelped as she was suddenly swept away and pushed towards the mare as she landed on her head.

“And she looks exactly like that hat you once brought from Canterlot, see. She fits perfectly.”

Twilight turned around and looked down from the edge of the head as Rich Fertilizer looked up at her, still speechless, but he quickly cleared his throat with a cough before giving his son a disapproving glare.

“Now, now, Green Apple,” Big Seed said as he straightened his foreleg towards his wife’s head and gestured for Twilight to hop onto his hoof before slowly placing her on a nearby table. His family followed. “You should know better than to grab and throw ponies like that, it is very impolite.” Noticing a weak blush on his son, he added, “Now apologise.”

“Oh, no no no… it is okay, I don’t mind,” Twilight interrupted while Rich Fertilizer looked between her son and the tiny mare. The little unicorn rubbed her hoof. “I… I hope I didn't interrupt your reunion or anything…”

“Of course not,” Big Seed said with shake of his raised foreleg. “We always have time for friends of our son.”

“You seem worried, is something bothering you?” Rich Fertilizer asked after taking a closer look, easily noticing distress on the little mare who responded with an awkward smile and lowered ears.

“Not really… I just wanted to say…”

“Yes?”

Much to their surprise, the little unicorn knelt, her head lowered in shame as quick apology escaped her mouth, “I am sorry!”

The family blinked in confusion as Fertilizer asked, “Whatever for?”

“For hurting your son,” she said while pointing her hoof at the colt without raising her head as Green Apple tilted his head to the side with ‘what are you talking about’ look. “I underestimated my power and slammed him against… I am sorry, I am sorry!”

Both parents looked at the bandage on their son’s forehead before looking back at the kneeling unicorn with a warm smile. Big Seed was about to grab Twilight between his hooves but restrained himself at the memory of his own words of advice and carefully placed his hoof on little pony’s shoulder. “You mean, after you saved our son from being eaten. It is the last thing you should apologize for.”

“Yeah!” Green Apple said as he jumped onto the table, causing Twilight to flinch from her bowing position, her foreleg raised defensively. “I prefer to have this,” he pointed bandage on his head, “then being eaten by them,” his hoof moved towards unconscious worms, some already in cages or improvised prisons organized by the guards.

“Well… you have a point, but I still hurt you.”

Green Apple rolled his eyes. “I already said, I don’t mind, come on.”

“I still find it hard to believe that a pony of your size–” Rich Fertilizer started to say before being cut off.

“Actually, she was the size of a big cat when she saved me,” Green Apple said before kneeling as his muzzle almost touched Twilight’s, his eyes wide and filled with excitement. “So you can change your size at will, can you also turn into a giant, that would be so cool.”

“As I was saying, I find it hard to believe that a pony of your size managed to save so many ponies, my son included, but I am really grateful,” she continued before lifting her hoof towards Twilight for her to shake. “I am forever in your debt.”

Big Seed nodded. “If you will ever need a favour from the Apple Family here in Fillydelphia, do not be afraid to ask. My wife and I produce and export high quality fertilizer, if you should ever plan to open a farm, create a garden or plant a few trees, just give us a call.”

“Yeah. During the production, we put our earth pony magic into the product, so even if you’re a unicorn, you can rival any farm ran by earth ponies, no problem,” the mare said with her nose raised proudly.

Twilight’s ears perked up at the word of earth pony magic, but her guilt restrained her from raising her hoof and launching into a barrage of questions. “Y-you’re not m-mad at me?” She asked, only to feel something punch her lightly on her left side, pushing her a few centimeters away as the colt shot her annoyed glare.

“Will you give it a break!”

Twilight nodded before standing on her rear hooves, her foreleg straightened towards the colt’s head. “Can I at least heal your head? I would hate myself if I caused it to crack.”

“Crack? I may be a city foal, but I am still an Apple, and we are tougher than that,” Green Apple said with serious glare, only for it to soften upon noticing his little friends pleading stare. Not bothering to start a lost battle, he sighed. “Fine.”

Twilight once again began using her healing magic, only for a strong headache to remind her how exhausted she really was. She wiped sweat from her face when suddenly her concentration was interrupted by a large flash from beam of solar magic. Her mouth opened agape and her tail shot upward from her position on Green Apple’s back as she couldn't believe her eyes. Her attention quickly shifted to two earth ponies who took few steps back, looking at this with awe. Twilight bit her lips. Even if compared to her mentor she was weak in terms of raw power, would she one day also receive glares filled with fear if she ever returned to normal size? If anything, she was not planning to find out anytime soon.

Two days passed since Celestia and her army did their best to contain the invasion. The princess tried to spare as many lives as possible and turned a war into capturing and relocating. Without enough airships to haul so many worms, the princess added her own power, flying long distances with several giant monsters levitated above her head, pushing her magic and stamina to her very limits.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted from her spot on the wooden table next to a damaged restaurant, observing her mighty mentor descending from the sky in all her glory. With a quick look to the left, she could see a broken window and small hole in the wall while the room inside was filled with guards, a few of them kind enough to share bits of their hay sandwich or a cookie with her. It was not a surprise for the guards to eat in an abandoned restaurant after two days full of fighting and working, while there was no time to bring supplies on such short notice. Surely the royal treasury could afford to pay the owner of this restaurant once this was all over.

Twilight’s attention once again focused on her mentor as she could see her long legs bend from the impact and feel the table tremble under her tiny hooves. Noticing sweat covering the princess while her mane was no longer floating, Twilight lit her horn and levitated a tray filled with vegetable salad. Celestia quickly took it away with her own magic and started to eat, when suddenly the golden aura disappeared. Out of reflex, Twilight caught the tray, levitating it back onto the table. “Are you alright, Princess? You look... really tired.”

Celestia tried to fake a smile, and failed, her heavy eyelids threatening to close. Seeing compassion and pity in her student’s eyes, she let out a long yawn and raised her foreleg.

Twilight jumped back as the giant foreleg landed on the table, only for her mentor’s head to be placed on it. Not wasting a moment, she jumped onto princess’s muzzle and cast a scanning spell, the received data caused her ears to drop. “Your magic. It is mostly depleted. You need to take a break to restore it.” Twilight gently pat her mentor on her cheek, knowing better than anypony how unpleasant it felt to use all the magic from one’s body. With a quick cooling spell directed towards alicorn’s forehead, she asked, “The headache will only get worse if you will keep going, Princess.”

“I know my dear student,” Celestia said with sleepy voice, her eyes nearly closed. “Only two more, and we will all have our well deserved breaks.”

“Actually. Just fifty minutes ago we tied the last two to an airship from Canterlot. Luckily the blimp was big enough to lift them, so I think we can call it a day.”

With a weak struggle, Celestia raised her head with Twilight still anchored on her muzzle. “I couldn’t agree more. But there are still few things to take care of.”

Twilight’s eyes opened widely, “Whatever it is, it can wait.” Feeling a slight shake under her flank, she added, “You can hardly stand from the exhaustion.”

The princess chuckled and said, “Do not worry so much my faithful little student, I will take care of it after a solid rest, but before I do, would you do me a favour?”

“Your wish is my command,” Twilight said with a respectful bow. The alicorn rolled her tired eyes.

“Please tell Captain Spitfire that I will reschedule the upcoming show that’s taking place in Canterlot, and also tell her that I am very proud of her and her team… I would do it myself…” another yawn followed as Twilight’s hold on the muzzle tightened.

“Consider it done, Princess.”

Celestia blinked again, her eyes almost closing, “You should take a break too. After patching up my guards, you must be exhausted as well.”

Twilight nodded weakly. “I would be lying if I said I am not tired, but I got used to it. I think I can keep going a bit longer, and besides, my healing duty was nothing compared what you did, Princess.”

Noticing the knowledge thirsty look on Twilight, she asked, “Do you have any questions, my faithful little student?”

The little mare nodded, “Well.. out of curiosity. What happened with the Quarray Eels. From what I read, those creatures live in holes left by other creatures and no one knows where their home is.”

“That’s a very good question,” Celestia said, once again fighting against the desire to close her eyes by rubbing them. “It has been so long since I encountered those creatures, and I don’t remember where their home is, so I found them a new one. Those two I levitated just five hours ago are now in a small canyon near Ponyville. I think I named the canyon Ghastly Gorge if I recall correctly? After taking some rest, I will inform the Mayor of Ponyville about this.”

“I see. Hopefully no pony will be foolish or adventurous enough to visit it then.” Feeling the muzzle trembling under her flank again, Twilight asked, “The headache is getting worse, isn’t it?”

Celestia nodded, careful not to shake Twilight from her muzzle. “It is, but before I go, I need to tell you something.”

“Yes, Princess?”

“You have matured into a strong, brave and dependable mare, I am proud of you.” Those were the last words spoken before Celestia’s eyes closed as her head slammed into the wooden table, smashing it into pieces.

Out of reflex, Twilight jumped from the muzzle just in time to avoid hitting the table while guards ran from inside the restaurant, staring at their proud regal ruler now sleeping deeply between pieces of table with her wings spread and lying flat on the ground. Before any guard could escort the princess towards the chariot, a lavender aura surrounded her, levitating above little mare's head.

Twilight gritted her teeth as her legs trembled, feeling four percent of her mentor’s weight pressing against her back. Step by step, she walked towards the chariot, not daring to let her aching muscles stop her. After a minute of effort, she carefully placed Celestia on a cushion in the royal chariot before waving in a farewell gesture, wishing she herself could fall asleep on her mentor’s comfortable wing.

With the rest of her strength, she poked her own chest with her shaking foreleg, her heart filled with joy. After all, she fulfilled her job, saved lives and made her mentor proud.

“Hop up,” a familiar voice caught her attention. Looking to the side, she saw Soarin’ and Steel Blade, smiling as they pointed at their backs, their wings straightened towards her to climb on. She understood the gesture as it was about time to return to Wonderbolts Headquarters and take a solid rest. She flexed her trembling forelegs, ready to jump onto…

Twilight froze, unsure on who to ride as Soarin’ and Steel Blade looked at one another. The guard growled as Soarin’ took a step back with an awkward smile, deciding to step aside before he could be challenged to a duel by the jealous guard.

***

The date of the Wonderbolts’ show was pushed back by a week upon Celestia’s wish after the they assisted in luring the invaders out of the city, a relatively safe task since the princess took care of all Tatzlwurms.

With the large distance between Canterlot and Fillydelphia and the train station out of commission because of the worm attack, rallying unicorn and earth pony guards took far longer than anticipated as Shining Armor and his troops arrived at the scene after the fact, ending up assisting with cleanup duty.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Shining shouted, searching for his little sister. “Going on a dangerous mission, fighting an army of monsters, when I get my hooves on you, I will ground you until the end of your studies!”

“Sir!” called a royal guard with salute as Shining Armor looked at him with rage, noticing two of his guards escorting earth pony and unicorn prisoners. “Permission to report.”

“Granted!”

The prisoners gulped, so did the always stoic guard as he started to speak. “According to our investigation. Those two had explored a cave on Equestria’s borders and stole worm eggs. Among those were Tatzlwurm’s eggs that lured them into this town. Following their instincts, sand worms, rock worms and Quarray Eels followed the Tatzlwurm’s as apparently their fear of their natural predators and dragons, and…” Noticing Shining’s head turn red while his mane bursted in flames, he walked backwards, leaving those poor souls to his captain’s mercy.

“So you two are responsible for this mess… do you have any idea what almost happened to my sister because of you?”

Noticing the prisoners pointing at each other while another guard got in the way, he frowned. “Step aside sergeant Ironmace.”

“B-but sir… the protocol… no violence towards prisoners and civilians.”

Shining Armor grit his teeth, his angry expression slowly turning into one of insanity. “I, hurt those prisoners, oh, no no no… I am not that petty to use my rank for my personal revenge, besides,” his smile became very creepy and his eye twitched. “I have a much better solution in mind.”

Ch8 - Surprise

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My Little Medic

Chapter 8

Surprise

The briefing room, a place where the Wonderbolts gather to listen to their captain’s lecture or instructions and discuss strategy, was now serving as a little library for an enthusiastic bookworm who doubled as a Lieutenant.

“Here you go,” Soarin said while placing a few more books about Wonderbolts’ history and photo album of the former members in front of his tiny friend. He barely managed to find any free space on the table as it slowly became a small fortress of books. All that was missing was a throne for the Princess of Books. Soarin’ chuckled at the mental image that popped into his head. He had to admit, The Ruler of The Books did have a nice ring to it.

“That’s just what I needed, Thank you very much!” Twilight said with a cheerful smile from her spot on the opened book before she carefully placed new books on top of others, while an opened album started hovering in front of her face.

Curious, Soarin’ sat on a cloud behind the table and took a peek at Twilight’s study material. “Are you still worried about Spitfire?”

Twilight shook her head. “Not really, I am rather curious.” The little unicorn looked back at the pegasus while pointing at pictures in the levitated album. “According to the former members and officers listed here, there were many commanders, admirals and captains back when the Wonderbolts were part of the military.”

With a swift jump, Twilight stood on her rear hooves, pointing towards a picture on the top of the page. “See, General Firefly. She was one of military leaders and formed the Wonderbolts from the pegasi division.” With a quick turn of the page, she once again pointed at the top. “Around one hundred years after the war against griffons, they were assigned to Admiral Fairweather, and later Admiral Fairy Flight from the 7th squadron, back when Equestria finished its defensive fleet to defend and explore the ocean. With rather,” Twilight cleared her throat and grimaced, “poorly designed ships and a distinct lack of experienced crew to defend them, they needed a small but skilled group of fliers who could both fly quickly over short distances and defend the ship in case of attack, so the Wonderbolts were appointed as recon on the ships, or an air force for the first carriers. It is also when the development of enhanced gems started so that the Wonderbolts could sink hostile ships.”

Soarin’ nodded. “Yea, but it didn’t last long. After ships got larger and more heavily armed, our services were needed less and less. As soon as unicorn offensive magic became more potent, and the ships housed squadrons of pegasi, we were basically put out of the ocean-faring business for good."

Twilight nodded as her expression turned into a far more serious one as pages turned again. “Colonel Purple Dart from the ground forces was the last officer who connected the Wonderbolts to the military five hundred sixty years ago. As the situation in the kingdom stabilised itself, the military was reformed into royal guards and the Wonderbolts became semi-military, called upon only in time of crisis. It was also the first time they had chosen their own captain from their own ranks.”

“Oh, I see,” Soarin’ interrupted while rubbing his chin. “I think I know what you’re searching for and I can already confirm it. The Wonderbolts turned into a sport organization and picked their own leaders. Changes of leadership became very common and only the most respected Wonderbolts became captains.”

Twilight tilted her head to the side and asked, “What about Lieutenants and lower rank officers? From what Overwatch told me, you weren’t the most respected member, especially compared to Fleetfoot.”

“Overwatch…” Soarin’ frowned at that name before nodding, a weak blush formed on his face. “Spitfire was the one who proposed my promotion. Back then every member called me egghead… though some still call me that to this day. The point is, you should have seen the looks on their faces when Spitfire wanted to promote me as her right hoof.”

Twilight crossed her forelegs, “Let me guess. They respected Spitfire’s judgement and voted in your favour?”

Soarin’ nodded. “Yea, and until I met Overwatch, I always wondered why she had chosen me from all the better fliers. So far she just kept saying that she needed a Lieutenant who is well educated and smart.” His smile suddenly vanished while his ears flattened against his head. “But now I know the true reason.” Noticing confused look on Twilight’s face from side of his eye, he added, “Nevermind, it’s… personal. Anyway, I‘m surprised that they didn’t go for me before Spitfire.”

“I see… you don’t need to tell me if it is hard topic for you. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He lowered his head closer to Twilight, faking a smile. “Any other questions? Ask me anything, I’m like an open book… at least that’s what Overwatch said. Your guard is really annoying sometimes.”

Twilight stood and jumped onto Soarin’s muzzle, album still levitated above her head. “She’s not that bad, she likes teasing, but she means well,” the little mare said and pat her friend’s muzzle. “It’s always fun to talk with you or fly on your back. You remind me of myself when I was younger, trying to keep up with my studies while also training like an athlete, and trust me, it was not easy.”

Soarin’ blushed and waved his foreleg. “Oh shush… You’re too kind.”

Twilight turned around, sitting on the edge of pegasus’s nose while her hind legs started moving back and forth, her attention focused on the castle of books on the table. “I was curious. For a sport organization, you guys are really respected, and while I don’t want to offend my guard friends from Canterlot Castle, the Wonderbolts are far better in fighting and flying than military pegasi. Would you mind telling me what’s the secret behind it?”

“I think you should ask Spitfire about it,” the pegasus responded, careful not to throw his friend off his nose, when suddenly the door slammed open as Overwatch and Steel Blade walked in, their expressions serious.

“Twilight, you won’t believe it!” Steel Blade said hastily before catching his breath, his foreleg supporting him against a table while accidently crumbling the wall of books. “Your family!”

Twilight’s eyes opened widely and with a firm jump, she landed on Steel’s muzzle, almost causing him to lose his balance. “Are they hurt, did the house burn, what happened?”

Before the pegasus guard could speak, Overwatch beat him to it. “Calm down Twilight. It’s not that,” she started. “Following Princess Celestia’s orders, your brother will organize a reward ceremony for the Wonderbolts for their bravery in Fillydelphia.”

In an instant, Twilight teleported onto Soarin’ neck, peeking from behind it with a panicked expression. “Does he know that…”

“He does.”

Twilight sighed. Her always strong legs that could resist weight dozens times their mass suddenly became soft like paper as the little mare laid flat against the neck. “I’m doomed.”

Overwatch observed as Steel Blade placed Twilight gently onto his spread wing while trying to cheer her up before they both left the room, leaving Soarin’ behind to gather and transport books on his back. Being alone with her target, the female guard smirked and approached. “Hey there, hero,” she said while touching Soarin’s wing who trembled in response, books falling from his back, right into Overwatch’s levitation field before they could hit the ground. “You will soon be rewarded for your heroic deeds, Aren’t you excited?”

“N-no… maybe a little,” the pegasus responded, steeling his nerves while grabbing the books with his wings. With a quick look at the guard’s mischievous smile, he responded with an awkward one. “I better be going… don’t want to leave Spitfire waiting and all.” With a swift flap of the wings, Soarin' was airborne. Though, foolishly, he kept eye contact with Overwatch; little did he know that a wall was in his path of flight.

Overwatch closed her eyes upon hearing the sound of crackling wood as the Wonderbolt left shakily. With the room empty, the female guard murmured to herself, “Run and hide all you want, but I will crack that shy shell you’re hiding in.” She slowly raised her foreleg and scratched her chin. “I wonder if Shining’s future bride will be at the award ceremony. With such an experienced pony on my side, getting those two Wonderbolts’ together would be a breeze.”

Twilight felt as if her heart was about to escape her chest while sweat covered her trembling body, a feeling she had experienced thousands of times in the past thirteen years as a hard working student. Was it because of levitating hundreds times her own weight, or lifting heavy objects with her tiny hooves as even her mentor’s humongous chest plate was no longer a challenge for her small, yet muscular legs.

But not today.

While in any other circumstances she would have been overjoyed to spend time with her B.B.B.F.F, after her adventure in Fillydelphia it was the last thing she wanted to do.

Twilight’s hold around Steel Blade’s neck tightened the moment her guard entered the great colosseum on the edge of the city, the place where she watched the Wonderbolts’ show alongside her mentor before meeting Spitfire. Sudden feelings of nostalgia calmed her nerves slightly. She slowly peeked from behind her guard’s neck and examined the enormous stadium; seats were packed with an excited crowd numbering in the thousands surrounding a large, open central area, and small platform with a podium for winners in the middle, attached to the walls from four sides. Just like the last time, there were safety measures separating ponies from a long fall to the ground, while the clouds in various shapes that served as obstacles for participating pegasi were set up differently. Spitfire once told me that the number of clouds and their shapes were regularly changed with every new show, but the obstacle course was way harder before… Maybe new, less experienced flying teams were trying their luck while the Wonderbolts’ were on vacation, Twilight thought before looking at the VIP spot, her ears drooping at the sight of the empty seat in the distance.

More memories surfaced as she had once watched the show from behind her mentor’s crown, and now she would be the center of attention rather than spectator. If there was anything she regretted besides facing her brother, it was that her mentor was too tired to personally attend the award ceremony.

“It’s time, Twilight,” Steel Blade said encouragingly as the little unicorn dug herself into his mane. With a deep sigh, he spread his wings and flew, slowly approaching the podium in the middle of the area before landing next to Spitfire. After a solid shake of his head, the little unicorn yelped as her forelegs held the guard’s mane tightly, not letting it go. Noticing it, Spitfire grabbed Twilight with her hooves and pulled while Steel Blade bit his lips. If he ever regretted that Twilight was very strong for her size, he did now.

With one solid pull, Twilight ended up placed on the Captain’s shoulder. Spitfire rolled her eyes as her little friend hid inside her orange mane instead.

***

“Jeez, Twilight, what’s scaring you so much? Is your brother a bully or something?”

“N-no,” responded a squeaky voice from inside her mane.

Spitfire frowned. “I swear, Twilight. For such a dependable medic, diligent student and great friend, you’re weird sometimes.” Feeling trembling and hearing more squeaky noises coming from her mane, Spitfire sighed, her attention focused on a flash of light as the Captain of the Royal Guards teleported onto the platform and started his speech.

“Mares and gentlecolts. We haven’t gathered here today to admire the Wonderbolts’ famous stunts, breath taking races and display of skills. Instead, we are here to celebrate their heroic deeds in Fillydelphia, reward their bravery and thank them for all the lives they have saved!” Shining said with magically enhanced voice.

With a swift move of his hoof, he pointed at her team while still facing the crowd. “Give our heroes the cheers they deserve!”

The clopping and cheering reverberated through the colosseum as the captain waited patiently for it to cease with medals levitating at his side. Once the loud cheers weakened, the captain spoke again, “According to the wish of our beloved ruler, bringer of harmony and protector of Equestria, I will reward the Wonderbolts, guards and civilians who proved themselves in this day of need.” Shining Armor pointed his hoof at the empty seat in VIP’s area. “Sadly, the princess cannot attend today's celebration as she is resting after personally dealing with the crisis in Fillydelphia, and she put me in charge of this honor in her stead.”

Murmurs started among the crowd of ponies as the captain walked towards the awaiting group, rewarding very few of his guards and two airship pilots who assisted with the relocation of the last two unconscious monsters

Spitfire sharpened her glare as she studied the captain’s expression and body language.

Something was wrong.

For most of her career as a Wonderbolt and later as their captain, she often dealt with nobles, delegates and celebrities. Over those years she mastered an ability to look past fake masks and false praises. While most would be fooled, Spitfire quickly recognized a fake smile, noticing second lasting glares of anger and annoyance in the captain’s facial expression, hidden rage hardly visible in his eyes. Suddenly her eyes widened at the realization while movements in her mane confirmed her suspicions.

Medal after medal, Spitfire observed Shining’s every move, his fake smile vanishing for half a second with each rewarded Wonderbolts. He stopped in front of her, a rounded golden award with a sunmark levitating in his aura. Both captains stared at one another in lasting silence as the medal was slowly attached against Spitfire’s uniform. With a quiet frown, Shining Armor grimaced and looked around before glaring back at Spitfire suspiciously. Noticing it, she lowered her head slightly while pointing at her own mane.

“It’s not a game of tag, Twilight, stop wasting everypony’s time,” Shining said with a firm ordering tone. With no movements coming from the mane as seconds passed, he added, “I know you’re in there. I won’t yell at you, so please come out.”

Noticing the little unicorn slowly emerging from Spitfire’s natural hiding spot, Shining greeted her with a forced smile while the medal levitating into her embrace. “Good job Twiny, you saved many lives and made your family proud. Keep up with the good work.”

Spitfire found it awkward with the Captain of the Royal Guards talking to her mane. Slowly raising her head, she looked Shining Armor in the eyes as he gestured his hoof for her to follow. Spitfire nodded and approached, step by step before she faced the crowd.

“Let me help,” Shining said as his horn flashed. “I will cast a spell that will temporarily enhance the strength of your voice.” After taking a deep breath, he shouted to the crowd, ”Now quiet everypony. The leader of your heroes, Spitfire herself has something to say to all of you!”

Spitfire closed her eyes before clearing her throat as her heart started to beat rapidly. She had faced crowds of this size on a daily basis and stage fright was the last thing she was worried about. What bothered her, however, was shame as she and her team were being treated as heroes despite the disaster her squad were during that mission.

With a deep breath, she spoke, “My fellow ponies, it was a tough day for us all. There was much devastation and there were times when it seemed that all hope was lost. But in the end, we pulled through together as a team and were triumphant.” She turned to her teammates, even those that challenged her authority and smiled. “We may not be perfect, we may sometimes fight, and there are times when things seemed down. But we are Wonderbolts and we are a team to the end. We’re there for each other just as we are for all of you!”

Spitfire waited for the cheers to cease as she scanned the crowd. Most of the ponies showed a lot of excitement typical for every show that her team participated in. Her sharp eyes noticed few sad and devastated expressions but also a few thankful smiles among all the cheering ponies who were not even in Fillydelphia during the attack. “I’m sure that many of you have a lot of work to do, starting your life anew, and I give you all best wishes. I know it may not be much, but I and my team agreed that income from the next upcoming shows will go into repairs of Fillydelphia, you are not alone!”

“See, it wasn’t that bad,” Spitfire said as Twilight nodded from her spot on captain’s head, now perched comfortably on a bunch of orange hair with the medal between her little hooves.

Twilight poked her award while turning it around, admiring from many angles. The medal itself seemed to contain far more gold than other metals if compared to her mentor’s golden horseshoe, and it was big enough to cover her entire belly. On the displayed part, Twilight could see emblem of the sun while a sash was attached to the lower part. On the backside she could see a safety-pin and shivered before looking at her own trembling foreleg, memory of a giant needle piercing it flashing in her mind.

Twilight placed the award in front of her, careful not to prick her friend with the safety-pin as she started to look around, quickly noticing that she was now in a long hallway, passing doors with Wonderbolts’ names on them. “Where are we heading?”

“The waiting room of course. It’s a place where fliers awaiting their turn to participate in the events and competitions go. Every big arena in every city has one and it is spacious enough for all of us.”

Twilight looked to the side at the murmuring Wonderbolts, a mix of pride and uncertainty visible on their faces while a few of them looked at their medal with a sad smile, especially Fleetfoot whose ears were drooping. It seems that they are unsure they deserved their awards after they turned on Spitfire, those events in Fillydelphia really shocked the team, Twilight thought as her attention focused on opening doors, only to flinch as she reflexively jumped into Spitfire’s mane on the neck, digging herself into the orange bush.

“Not again.” The captain frowned as she approached the waiting Shining Armor, ignoring the pink unicorn standing next to him. She said with serious tone, “We are no longer in presence of the crowd, you can drop the charade.”

“That’s exactly what I am going to do,” Shinning said with a strong tone as he looked at Spitfire and her team with hostile glare, whatever pleasantries and fake smiles were hiding his true feelings disappeared in an instant. “You and your team are a disgrace!”

“Excuse me?”

Shining stomped his hoof with great strength, leaving a few cracks on the floor. “I have read the reports, and Princess Celestia shared with me what she learned from your team members.”

“I see…” Spitfire responded with a suddenly low tone as she looked at her own hooves, not daring to look Shining Armor in the eyes. “So you know…”

“Of course I know. Lack of discipline, bringing rookies into the battlefield, open rebellion among your ranks, a few Wonderbolts almost got eaten. If it was up to me, I would have the entire team clean the barracks for weeks while Fleetfoot would spend a few months in prison instead of receiving medals,” Shining responded, his muzzle dangerously close to Spitfire’s while his glare sharpened. “Why the princess tolerates the Wonderbolts is beyond my comprehension.”

Spitfire steeled her legs and grit her teeth as she looked up at the angered stallion. “I won’t deny that there are issues in my team that need to be addressed, we are far from perfect.” Her wings spread as she made a step forward as her muzzle pushed against Shining’s. “I am far from being a perfect captain! However, despite our problems, despite the fact that most of the team just returned from vacations and the invasion caught us off guard, we rushed to the city, took down many foes and saved a lot of lives, and what did your guards do? Hide behind the princess while she did all the work?”

“Why you little…” Shining pushed Spitfire’s muzzle with his own. “At least my soldiers knew what it means to follow orders, and my pegasi following the princess cleaned the entire city with minimal casualties.”

Twilight slowly emerged from the orange bush while looking at her angry brother with drooping ears and a saddened smile.

“Your army of pegasi arrived an hour too late while my outnumbered team did most of the dirty work. We may lack discipline, but at least we are fast and effective thanks to our training and regular shows, that cannot be said about your incompetent soldiers.”

The Wonderbolts looked at one another, unsure what to do while Soarin’ and Fleetfoot made a step forward, ready to interfere. They were stopped however by a unicorn who walked in their way and shook her head before saying, “It would be best to not interfere. Shining has a dispute with Spitfire and luggage of emotions to unload, leave them be.”

“Hey Candy,” a familiar voice caught the unicorn’s attention as she noticed Overwatch moving her hoof with ‘come closer’ gesture. “I need to ask you for a favour and I could really use your talents in a small project of mine. Can we talk in private?”

The unicorn nodded and walked with Overwatch to the corner of the room as they whispered to one another, doing their best to ignore the dispute between two officers.

Shining pressed forward again, forcing the pegasus to take few steps back, his mouth ready to respond, only to feel another force pushing his muzzle. His eyes crossed as he looked at the unicorn whose hind legs pressed against Spitfire’s nose and trembling forelegs against his, her body sweating as she looked at him with gritted teeth. “S-stop fighting, p-please! I can’t stand here and watch my f-f-friend and brother yelling at each other. Don’t force me to separate you both!” Twilight said as her horn started to light in a purple aura. Both officers stopped as Twilight pushed their muzzles, creating a small gap between them with strength alone as she now performed the role of a small bridge.

Maintaining her awkward position, Twilight gave her brother a weak smile and chuckled, only to end up as victim of his anger instead.

“And you, Twilight. Care to explain what you were doing in the middle of a battlefield? You almost died!”

“I…” Twilight opened her mouth, but found no words escaping it, her strong legs suddenly weakening as they struggled to keep herself stable despite her brother’s moving mouth.

“She wasn’t participating in the battle,” Soarin’ interfered with a determined look, but his self confidence crumbled as the captain turned his angered glare towards him. Twilight yelped from the sudden movement of Shining’s head, anchoring both of her forelegs and hind legs against his muzzle so she wouldn’t fall of. “I mean… she volunteered and was appointed to… to heal survivors on the roof of the tallest building. We didn’t expected an attack.”

“Heal survivors? With her size she can hardly heal one wing at a time and you expected her to heal many wounded?” Shining said and crossed his eyes at Twilight as his anger was now mixed with worry, his ears dropping slightly as he carefully pushed Twilight onto his muzzle. “Are you feeling okay, did what you witnessed traumatise you?”

Twilight shook her head. “Just a little… It was a bit scary, but I was hurt so often that the puddles of blood are not making me sick.”

Shining’s eyes opened widely. “Blood?” Noticing his sister’s nod, he added, “How could they expect you to heal so many wounded. Your magic is strong, but to heal so many serious injuries, they pushed you to far.”

She was about to respond, when Soarin’ cut her off, “Excuse me.” Receiving a few stares, he continued, “When I returned to check on my wounded teammates, Twilight was the size of a big cat. Her healing was… not as effective,” noticing his little friend shamefully lower her head, he added, “but she was strong enough to heal more ponies and even assist with evacuation. If it wasn’t for her, many ponies would have died.”

“Yea, you should be proud of her, not angry,” Spitfire added.

Shining looked between both Wonderbolts, shocked, waiting for confirmation. Had his little sister really grown to protect others? He looked at Twilight who rubbed her hoof while looking down at his nose. “Of course I’m proud. I’m the most proud brother in Equestria,” Shining said as Twilight looked up, a tear of joy forming in her eye. “To think that you even increased your size for the sake of everypony, it had to be tough considering your fears.” He took the armor from his hoof and pressed Twilight lightly against his head between his eyes. “But the risk you took, I can’t turn a blind eye on it.”

With his horn lit, a scroll levitated from Shining’s saddlebag, slowly unrolling in front of Spitfire’s face. “What’s that?” she asked as her eyes studied it carefully. Suddenly her mouth opened widely as she lowered the peace of paper with her wing. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I am,” Shining said with a smirk as his little sister turned her head, looking at the scroll curiously.

Twilight looked back at her brother and asked with forelegs curled against her neck, “Can I read it, please?”

“Sure Twilight, it is about you after all,” Shining responded as the aura around the scroll changed to lavender.

Noticing that Soarin’ was close enough, the little unicorn jumped towards him while levitating herself slightly to land on his head. Now perched on her new host, she cleared her throat with a cough and started to read the literature loudly.

"Regarding the recent discipline as well as safety concerns in relation to my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, I appoint Captain Shining Armor as well as his parents to oversee and monitor the Wonderbolts training for a period of three days. At the end of this period they shall council Captain Spitfire on improvements to organization, safety and discipline.

Signed, Princess Celestia of Equestria.

Spitfire frowned with a grimace on her face. “What? But she swore not to interfere with our internal affairs.”

Shining Armor said with a firm nod, “Yes, she did, but as you can see, I’m not Princess Celestia.”

“I can understand getting the Captain of the Royal Guard’s to inspect the Wonderbolts and assist with discipline issues, but his family as well? Are they high ranking officers, advisors or very influential nobles?”

“Officers and advisors, no way,” Shining responded with shake of his head. “Nobles, yes, but House of Sparkle doesn’t have much political power.” He stomped his hoof against the ground. “But very worried parents whose daughter is a student of our ruler for sure, do you want ANY more reasons for them to be here?” Noticing a dead silence as the Wonderbolts’ Captain bit her lips, he pointed his hoof towards the exit. “You can enter now!”

The door opened as two unicorns walked in, waving towards the curious Wonderbolts as Twilight released the scroll from her magic, her mouth agape. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief before walking backward, only to lose her balance and fall onto Soarin’s back with a yelp.

“Hello everypony, my name is Night Light,” said the blue unicorn stallion with twin half-moons as a cutie mark.

“And my name is Twilight Velvet,” added the unicorn mare with three purple stars on her flank while holding her hoof on her chest.

With firm steps, they passed the confused pegasi and approached Soarin’ who looked at the small mare on his back with a questioning look.

Both unicorns sat next to Soarin’ from both sides and spread their forelegs in an inviting gesture. “Come Twilight and give your parents a hug.”

“P-parents?” Spitfire said with a swift rise of her left foreleg. She looked towards Shining Armor who sat next to his parents, quickly noticing the pink unicorn who, just moment ago, talked with Overwatch, who was approaching as well.

Twilight hesitated, looking at her family in confusion before she was swept up by Velvet’s hooves and pressed against her cheek. “The moment we heard what happened, we took a few days off from work before rushing to the princess with a few demands.”

“We can’t let our little Twiny be crushed by giant monsters or overwork herself,” Night Light added.

Twilight pushed herself off the cheek, wrestling against the pressing hoof as she looked back at the pegasi who stared at her with mixture of expressions. In an instant, she blushed. “S-stop embarrassing me.”

Velvet chuckled before speaking, “It’s parents job to embarrass their children in public. We may have agreed to let you keep your current size, risk your life in dangerous adventures, but going into a warzone and be eaten by humongous worms is where you crossed the line. There will be consequences.”

Shining nodded. “Look on the bright side, Twiny. Think of it as family reunion.”

Twilight sighed as for the next three days, she would have her family embarrassing her every step. Could this get any worse?

“And what kind of family reunion it would be without a picture show?” Night Light added, levitating a photo album from his saddlebag.

I just had to ask.

Ch9 - A Past Long Forgotten - Part 1

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My Little Medic

Chapter 9

A Past Long Forgotten
-
Part 1

The briefing room, where the Wonderbolts received their instructions for upcoming shows or in rare situations, a mission. A room that for the last several months served as Twilight’s classroom for her studies or a little library where she could read books in peace. A room that was now filled with Wonderbolts and Twilight’s family for a bonding session.

If the Captain of the Wonderbolts learned anything from being with Twilight, it's that something bad always happened, like her first encounter with Whirlwind and his friends, or her first days as a medic. Her family was of nobility and she knew her fellow Wonderbolts wouldn't be so easy going with these ponies despite slowly trusting Twilight. She was going to make sure that nothing bad happened on her watch.

To help her team get used to the Captain of the Royal Guards as well as Twilight’s family without any sort of drama, she organized a bonding session where both sides would learn about one another and put their differences aside. She never expected it would turn into a slideshow.

***

Near the exit of the briefing room sat a disguised alicorn, as she watched the slideshow in silence with Shining Armor by her side. Her attention focused for a moment on Wonderbolts whose perceptive eyes would see pass basic illusion, hoping that her advanced spell was good enough to fool them. Her attention quickly shifted towards the cloud they sat on. Clouds she had to stay away from as mere contact with them would display her pegasus magic and expose her secret.

On her left, she could see Twilight’s guards who were giggling and watching the embarrassing pictures with grins, while Spike was cracking up in laughter on Overwatch’s back.

“And this is our daughter’s third attempt to steal cookies from a kitchen shelf,” Twilight Velvet said enthusiastically as she pointed at a big screen on the wall, or rather the picture displayed on it with help of a simple projector. With her hoof pointing at the rope, she continued, “As you can all see, our young Twilight tied a rope to her tail and used a handle as a support for it. With the help of her forelegs, she pulled herself up to the shelf.”

Velvet pointed her hoof at another picture under it where Twilight’s legs were anchored around the rope while forelegs were straightened towards the handle of a shelf as if pulling it. Chuckles filled the room. “Our daughter sure had a lot of imagination to make up for her weak levitation strength. Poor dear was so excited when she grabbed the jar with cookies that she forgot how big it is. It’s weight quickly pulled her to the floor.” She giggled, pointing at the last picture on the bottom that displayed a levitated jar with the filly’s legs protruding from inside, and next to it was similar picture with the filly’s head peeking from inside the jar with a few cookies in her mouth. Some of the Wonderbolts murmured ‘aww’ and one even hugged part of the cloud he was sitting on. “Luckily we were nearby taking pictures of her in secret, or else the kitchen would have turned into a mess with our daughter in the middle… maybe even hurt!”

Cadence felt the hold on her neck tighten as she could only imagine how red Twilight’s face was at the moment. The disguised alicorn smiled at the warmness on her neck. It has been only a month and few days since she last spent time with the tiny mare, but she already missed her, and she knew that the feeling was mutual. With a quick look at her chuckling special somepony, she thought, I wonder if Twilight would prefer to spend her time and sit on her brother’s neck over mine. I hope the tension between her and Shiny will pass soon, or else our visit will be very awkward.

Somewhat curious after seeing the last picture, she whispered to the mare hiding under her long colorful mane, “Hey Twilight, I was wondering. Considering that you’re far smaller than when you were as a filly, are you strong enough to lift jar of cookies at your current size?”

Twilight slowly peeked from under the massive mane and said quietly, “Yes, I am. When I was exercising by putting the golden regalia on my mentor during our morning routine. At one point I started to tie myself to her chest plate and climbed up her foreleg towards her back.” Noticing a new embarassing picture and several of the Wonderbolts looking at her. She quickly dived behind the mane before continuing, her voice a bit muffled, “After more than a minute of hassle and effort, I managed to put it on her neck, and I can easily say that it must have been far heavier than even the largest cookie jar.”

“You’ve really come a long way, haven’t you?” Cadence asked, her voice filled with respect and pride.

“Yes, I did, though sometimes I wonder that maybe I overdid it a bit,” she said before adding hesitantly. “What I mean is… that I probably became too strong for my own good.”

“How so?”

“Well… When I was a little filly, I could barely hold a jar of cookies, and now I can carry multiple of them at once. And do I need to even point out how strong my magic is? If I ever returned to my normal size, it would become an issue.”

“Good point,” Cadence said before her smile saddened with this new piece of information. Usually Twilight was always proud of her strength and power and how much she improved thanks to her hard work. The fact that Twilight was worried about her own power for the first time was not a good sign.

With her little friend distracted from the embarrassed pictures, Cadence decided to change the topic. “By the way, why are you hiding behind my mane rather than Shiny’s? I’m sure you missed him a lot, so why me?” Not hearing any response for several seconds, Cadence added, “I saw how tense you were whenever he was near you. Did something happened between you and your brother?”

Silence persisted. Cadence was about to plead, but Twilight responded first, “He’s… angry.”

“Angry? I would say he seems more worried than angry.”

“Not just at me,” Twilight responded nervously. “He’s angry at the Wonderbolts for all the risk that I put myself in by working for them, angry at me for risking my life in a dangerous mission and maybe even mad at himself for not arriving in Fillydelphia right away to protect me.” Twilight sighed. “I just… I know that what I did was right, but I’m afraid of facing him at the moment, much less my parents.”

Cadence closed her eyes and lowered her head slightly. This was going to be an awkward family reunion.

“And this is a picture of how our daughter tried to paint her first art at the age of six,” Night Light said while pointing at picture where Twilight tried to levitate paint and brush. In the picture was Twilight covered in paint while canvas is about to fall onto her. “She literally put all of herself into painting it.”

With the help of her levitation, Velvet opened her saddlebag and displayed a small piece of art in front of everypony. Multiple colors in the shape of a filly pressed flat against canvas causing the Wonderbolts to burst into laughter. The ones drinking tea or water spit it on the floor.

Cadence giggled as well. She knew that Twilight’s parents were doing it on purpose to punish their daughter for willingly risking her life, but it was still better than if they demanded that Twilight stop being Celestia’s student or force her to return to normal size.

“May I ask you for a favour?”

Cadence blinked rapidly, distracted from her thoughts as she answered cheerfully, “Sure Twilight, ask me anything.”

“Well...,” she whispered. “I, my mentor and parents, Shiny, Blueblood, Fancy Pants’ family and most trusted guards already know that you’re an alicorn. I was wondering if you could you maybe expand that list by two of my new friends?”

“Friends? Wait, let me guess,” Cadence whispered quickly as her attention focused on Captain Spitfire and her lieutenant. “You mean your pegasus magic tutor and that handsome Wonderbolt whose head you often used as cushion for your flank?” Twilight frowned as Cadence giggled at receiving the expected reaction. She cleared her throat with a cough and added, this time more firmly. “But seriously, I can’t just give up my secret to everypony, especially the leaders of an organization such as the Wonderbolts. Can they be trusted with a secret?”

Twilight was silent for few seconds before answering. “Well, Soarin can keep a secret for sure. When I asked him not to tell Spitfire about me being bullied, he didn’t.”

Cadence’s eyes opened widely. Who would dare to bully the Princess’s student herself, more or less a cheerful and kind pony like Twilight?

“As for Spitfire, I can’t tell. I never asked her to keep any secret, so I don’t know.”

“I see…” Cadence said slowly while making a mental note to ask about the bullies later. “I’ll consider it.”

“And now it is time for the gem of our pictures collection!” Twilight Velvet and Night Light said together as two packs with pictures levitated from their saddlebags. Having everypony’s full attention, they took away the photo album and displayed the new attraction instead.

Shining Armor's jaw immediately dropped to the floor, his eyes opened widely and his tail shot upward. Cadence was stunned as well and a dead silence overtook the room.

With almost all eyes focused on the screen, Night Light spoke. “You’re not mistaken. That white mare with shield as cutie mark is indeed our son, Shining Armor.” With the Wonderbolts shooting the Captain of the Royal Guards a shocked glare, he added, “And the pink stallion is his marefriend.”

Confused by the sudden silence, Twilight peeked out from behind her foalsitter’s neck, only to rub her eyes, unable to believe what she saw. “But… but…” she coughed several times before adding loudly, “but Philomena told me that she didn’t show those pictures to anypony… How could she?”

Loud laughter replaced the dead silence as every single Wonderbolt fell off their cloud and started to slam their hooves against the floor. The tables were pushed to the side or knocked over in the chaos and whatever food or drink on them, was now covering the floor.

Spitfire approached on her shaking hooves, resisting the urge to fall over in hysterical laughter as well. “So you like swapping gender in your free time, Captain? Should we call you,” she paused for dramatic effect. “Miss Captain Armor?”

Shining’s mouth slowly closed as he grit his teeth and hardened his glare, frowning at the smug look on Spitfire’s face. The moment Spitfire took an example from her team and dropped to the floor, he whispered to himself, “When I am done with you, Philomena, you will not have a single feather on your body while your stomach will be filled with every single picture you sent to my parents.”

The Wonderbolts’ Captain put a hoof on her mouth and restrained her laughter. She looked up at the boiling mad officer and asked, “So, what’s your method?”

“Method?” Shining responded with an angry tone.

“Yea! Do you make yourself look like a female with an illusion spell, and even change your voice with that magic of yours?” Spitfire said while Cadence took a step back, suddenly nervous after hearing the word ‘illusion’. The Wonderbolt smirked and added with mocking tone, “Maybe you went beyond that and put tons of makeup on in order change your features?”

Shining didn’t dare to respond, afraid of saying something he might regret while his tail started to release smoke.

“Actually,” Twilight Velvet said, calming the laughing ponies slightly as they turned towards her, “It was not an illusion, nor any sort of makeup.”

The laughter was quickly replaced with confusion as several Wonderbolts got back to their hooves. A few even picking up the tables back to their original location and food from the floor. Night Light continued where Velvet left, “There was a note behind one of the pictures saying that our little Twiny made a potion for April Foal's Day. She switched the genders of our son and her very special somepony as a prank.”

Slowly, every Wonderbolt, both guards, and a young dragon turned their heads to Cadence, or rather a tiny pony looking speechlessly back at them from behind her neck, her ears drooping. She smiled and chuckled awkwardly as several pegasi took a step back. Surely none of them will look at any drink the same way for a while from now on. The little unicorn quickly dove into Cadence’s mane who now became the center of attention. She sighed.

Overwatch chuckled with a hoof on her mouth as she murmured to herself, “Gender swapping as a prank, why didn’t I think of that? No wonder Shiny wanted us to prank his sister in return, not to mention all the anger and embarrassment he tried to hide.” She turned her head and shot her dragon passenger a smirk. “Surely this prank was a mix between craziness and brilliance. What do you think, Spike... Spike?”

The dragon who was scratching his chin in contemplation looked up and said enthusiastically, “What do you think of Mrs. Armoria? Shining Diamond Shield? Or maybe just Lady Armor?”

Overwatch raised her eyebrow. “Trying to find a nickname for Twilight’s brother?”

Spike smiled at the guard. “Yep… I knew that with Philomena’s guidance, Twilight would be on the roll on this pranking rivalry, but to turn her own brother into a big sister. This demands a nickname… How about Lady Shield and… and… Cad... Caden… Cader... okay, I got nothing.” He took one quick look at the picture on the screen, barely suppressing his laughter.

The female guard looked back at the disguised alicorn who stared back as if hearing Spike’s ideas. She could easy tell by one look at her smile that the adventurous lady already came up with few of her own.

With the gender changing unicorn out of their sight, every Wonderbolt focused on Shining Armor, hooves on their mouths. Smirks and snickers followed, as well as a rain of mocking insults. Spitfire spoke first, “I hope your stay in the Wonderbolts for the next three days will be pleasant and our cooperation fruitful... Ma’am.”

And then all Tartarus broke lose.

The bonding session turned into a complete disaster the moment the Wonderbolts began mocking Shining Armor, who failed to restrain himself despite his parent's presence. With Twilight Sparkle, Velvet and Night Light trying desperately to calm down the situation, Cadence asked Spitfire and Soarin’ for a tour around headquarters, hoping to separate them from the angered captain before the situation would get out of hoof.

“...And this is where the excuses of a pegasi eat after each training session. A majority of the pie storages is emptied by my clumsy lieutenant alone,” Spitfire said with a chuckle. Still in a great mood after the slide show. Spitfire was never a fan of the Royal Guards, and to learn about the most embarrassing situation their captain ended up in. Was this her birthday or what? Her wing poked the saddlebag she wore as it contained one picture she managed to save before Shining tore up every single one of them.

“This again?” Soarin frowned. “I get it. I am a fat clumsy lieutenant who loves eating pie. You don’t have to tell every single pony we welcome here.”

Spitfire punched Soarin’s foreleg lightly in a teasing gesture. “But it’s part of my tradition to let every new pony know. Lighten up a bit.”

“Since when?”

“Since you became my lieutenant, duh.”

“Hey Cadence, are you hungry?” Spitfire asked as the disguised alicorn looked back at her absentmindedly.

Cadence observed the arguing couple, focused more on them than the tour itself and thought, Overwatch was right. Those two are really made for each other, though Soarin’ seems to be a bit hesitant for some reason. I wonder if he’s just shy, or does this go much deeper. She shook her foreleg in refusal. “I already ate, thanks you for the offer regardless.”

“Suit yourself,” Spitfire responded. She pointed towards the exit and added, “Our next stop is the training area. Since you’re Twilight’s friend–”

“And Foalsitter,” Cadence added. If she was going to share her secret with them, she might as well mention that. “Not that she needs one despite her size, but she always enjoyed my company and liked to play with me whenever her mentor was away.”

“Good for you,” Spitfire responded as she walked towards the exit, both Soarin’ and disguised alicorn followed. “As I was saying. Since you’re Twilight’s friend, and as you just mentioned, foalsitter, you’ll get a special private show, free of charge.”

Cadence nodded as her memories from the past slowly came back to her. The hallway decorations may have changed quite a lot, but she would not forget where they lead, nor she would forget the room numbers. 007, 008, 009, 010, 011. 011, Cadence stopped, her muscles refused to heed her call while her eyes stared at the number. Even if the door was no longer made of the same material, even if its’ color was different, even if the door was renovated or replaced several times, so did the list of names described next to it. She still remembered it.

“Is something wrong?”

Cadence shook her head, her attention focused on both Wonderbolts who made some significant distance from her. She quickly trotted towards them and shouted, “Sorry, I got sidetracked, that’s all”

As the trio continued, Cadence’s smile faltered. Every step in this familiar area bringing back more forgotten memories, memories of friends that long since passed away.

“May I ask you a question?” Soarin’ asked, waking Cadence from her thoughts.

“Huh, what? Oh, sure, ask…” Cadence responded hesitantly.

“Were you angry at Twilight when she… you know. Turned you into a stallion?”

A weak smile formed on her lips as she stopped. With a smug on her face, she raised her head upward proudly, her foreleg lifted in regal gesture. She spoke nonchalantly, “Why should I be? It was far from the weirdest things that ever happened to me.” Noticing confused stares that spoke a word “really”, she continued, “I can even say that becoming a stallion for such limited time was quite adventurous. When you spend time with Twilight, your life is filled with surprises.” Cadence added with joking tone as she puffed her chest. “Also, feel free to call me, Mr. Cadenzar, I won’t mind.”

Both Wonderbolts chuckled at the joke while Cadence whispered a nickname she came up for Shining. Spitfire and Soarin’ fall flat against the floor as loud laughter overtook the hallway.

“I… I… my stomach…” Spitfire said between laughter, rolling on the floor. “This is just too rich… I am so going to use this nickname the next time I see him.”

Cadence stopped giggling and raised her eyebrow. “Speaking of using, you’re not going to use that picture you took against my special somepony to get him off your back, will you?”

Spitfire raised back to her hooves and took few breaths to calm down before shaking her head. “No way. I and my team will prove to him that we can work together better than any of his guard’s squads fair and square. I took this picture just as souvenir.”

“Really?”

“Yea. I would never hurt Twilight by ruining her brother’s reputation or let any of my subordinates do that. Who do you think I am?”

“Fair enough,” Cadence responded, once again following the duo until they finally arrived at the training area. As promised, Spitfire and Soarin’ organized a small performance, showing off their tricks and moves as Cadence’s memories resurfaced with full force.

“Attention,” said a tall pegasus with a large mustache. His uniform consisting of black material that covered his hind legs up to middle part of his stomach, and violet one that reached his neck and forelegs. Several medals and the insignia of a colonel rank decorating it. On his hat one would notice a golden emblem with lightning. “We have gathered here today to welcome the newest addition to the Wonderbolts.”

Cadence observed the officer nervously as she was flanked by two more recruits who followed her example. Not that she was new to the military protocol as she was a member of the EUP many times, mostly as a messenger, scout, or medic during the war against griffons where .she died multiple times... or so it seemed. But this time she was about to join a very prestigious organization as the Wonderbolts.

“Private Air Breaker, Braveheart and Soft Breeze!” He said in ordering tone as Cadence and two pegasi on her side saluted.

“Sir, yes sir!”

“From today forward, I will be your commanding officer. You will refer to me as Colonel Purple Dart. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Colonel Purple Dart, sir!”

Cadence noticed a weak smile under his massive mustache as he spoke, “You have completed your training and all your entry exams, but it was just a first step to become an elite flier. From now on the difficulty will be far higher, and if you fail to meet my expectations, you will be kicked on the spot. Do I make myself clear?”

“Sir, yes sir!”

“Join with the rest in the line, and remember, I want to see your best. Don’t disappoint me,” He added while pointing his hoof towards others Wonderbolts.

Wasting no time, Cadence joined with others and listened with rapt attention.

“First off, I would like to give an important announcement,” he started before lifting his foreleg as it trembled slightly. “I have served as the leader of this proud organization since before any of you even took your first breath, but my age is slowly catching up to me.” He coughed. “In around ten years, the EUP guard will be reformed as Royal Guard since our peaceful nation no longer needs military forces. As a side effect, the ties between the Wonderbolts and the military will break, and for this organization to survive, it will focus mostly on sports and show performances.” He pointed at himself. “Once this happens, I will retire, and you rookies will have to stand up and choose a leader from your own ranks.”

With a raised voice, he shouted. “Do your best, prove your leadership skills and competence, gain respect of your comrades, and maybe one day the most elite fliers in Equestria will look at you as their captain! Do not dare to let this organization fall into disgrace!”

“Sir, yes sir!”

Cadence!

“Did you even pay attention to us at all?” Spitfire asked with annoyance as she landed in front of the disguised alicorn. Her stare filled with accusation.

Cadence took a deep breath and lowered her head apologetically. “I’m really sorry. It’s just… this place and your performance brought back many memories. I will pay more attention next time, I promise.”

“Memories?” Spitfire asked while tilting her head to the side in confusion. “And what would a unicorn foalsitter in service of the crown would remember about a flying organization? I’m more than sure that I never met you before.”

Cadence bit her lips as she understood that she said too much, but she had to face the captain about it sooner or later. After a few nervous looks to the sides, she scratched back of her neck and asked, “Spitfire, can you keep a secret?”

The captain raised her eyebrow. “Secret? Is there something I should know about?” Meanwhile Soarin’ landed next to Spitfire and started looking between her and the pink unicorn.

“Twilight asked me to share my deepest secret with you both, but it’s imperative that you tell nopony about it.” Cadence responded.

“If that’s the case, how about this,” Spitfire started as she put a hoof on her chest, her head raised proudly. “I swear, on my honor as Captain of the Wonderbolts, that I will keep your secret to my grave. Done. Was that good enough for you?”

She nodded. “It is, but I think it would be best if I showed you rather than tell. May I have access to the archive with former members in your office, Captain?”

Spitfire scratched her chin. “Well, normally only the captain and lieutenant or the princess herself can have access to those. In rare occasion we let our members read them under our supervision, but civilians…” Noticing a pleading stare on unicorn’s face, she added, “On the other side. You, alongside Twilight’s family, have permission to inspect the Wonderbolts from Princess Celestia. So I guess it kind of give you the rights to look into those… I think.”

Cadence smiled and asked hastily as her horn flashed in blue aura. “How old is your office, Spitfire? Has it been relocated in the past?”

“Nope. Besides redecorating or renovation, it’s as old as this organization. Why do you ask?” Spitfire asked, only for a flash of magic to blind her for a moment. She rubbed her eyes and slowly opened them, only to take a step back, her wide eyes scanning the office in confusion. “H-how did you know where?”

“To teleport? Let’s just say I have a great memory. Everything will become clear in a moment,” Cadence said, pointing her hoof at the wardrobe next to the table in the middle of the room. The office itself had one door in front of the table filled with documents, a window with curtains behind it from where one could see the training area. On the sides near the walls were several wardrobes, each one filled with a multitude of information, books and some small snacks. In the corner was a water container and a few empty cups.

“Can I look into archives between five and six centuries ago into letter ‘B’? A Wonderbolt named Braveheart to be precise?”

Spitfire was speechless as a number of unanswered questions flew through her head: How did she know where the archives were? No civilian should know the filing system used by the Wonderbolts.

Before she even raised her hoof or spoke a single word, Soarin’ beat her to the punch. “Here you go.” Both the captain and disguised alicorn looked at the lieutenant as he put an envelope filled with pictures and data onto the table. He asked “Where did you learn about her?”

With a simple levitation, Cadence unpacked the envelope and levitated pictures of her old team. One large pink pegasus with a golden wing inside a heart as a cutie mark sitting alongside others in a group picture. “Kind of a long story,” she responded, looking at Soarin’. “And you? You found her file rather quickly.”

“My mom told me stories about Wonderbolts’ many times. One which involved my ancestors named Air Breaker and Soft Breeze.” Cadence blinked in surprise as the situation suddenly became very awkward. How was she going to tell Soarin’ that she and his ancestors from five and half century ago were her classmates and wing ponies? Soarin’s smile suddenly disappeared as he continued with depressed tone, “Apparently they fell in love with each other one year after… after Braveheart…” he took a deep breath and sighed. “Died.”

Now it was beyond awkward.

Cadence made few steps back towards the exit, keen to retreat from the room, but Spitfire’s voice stopped her. “Enough is enough. I expect some solid explanations, NOW!”

With her wings, ears and tail dropping to the floor, she sat and responded. “I already told you that it would be better if I showed you.” Her horn lit in a powerful aura as her body flashed brightly. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw stunned expressions on both Wonderbolts.

“Is this some sort of stupid joke?” Spitfire asked, growling. “Using illusions to look like a Wonderbolt who died defending his wing pony is very disrespectful.”

Cadence just saluted. “Sergeant Major Braveheart reporting for duty. Ma’am.”

Spitfire was about to yell at this insult, but half closed her eyes instead as her stare hardened. She examined every part of Cadence’s body while poking her wings. With one swift move, she touched the invisible horn, but while she could feel it, her mind refused to acknowledge it’s existence for some reasons. Surely mind influencing magic was involved. “What kind of shape shifting illusion is that? It’s nothing like I ever seen.”

“Advanced illusion, ma’am. It can fool more than just eyes. It’s a branch of magic I mastered over the centuries.”

“Centuries? How?”

In yet another flash. Cadence’s body started to blind the Wonderbolts, only to reveal far larger wings and a horn. Her cutie mark a crystal heart.

“I’m an alicorn,” Cadence said with neutral tone as she scanned Spitfire and Soarin’ for any sight of movement. She sighed as they both stared at her like statues. With a few firm steps, she approached and poked them while not receiving any reaction in response. She frowned. “Every… single… time!”

Ch10 - A Past Long Forgotten - Part 2

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My Little Medic

Chapter 10

A Past Long Forgotten
-
Part 2

“So let me get this straight,” Spitfire said firmly as she examined Cadence’s wings with full interest, even pulling them lightly to take a closer look at each feather. “You’re an alicorn whose kingdom merged with Equestria long, long ago while it’s existence was erased from history books by the Princess, and you have been disguising yourself as various ponies ever since?” Noticing a firm nod, she continued, “You once took a persona of a pegasus named Braveheart and tried your luck with the Wonderbolts?” Spitfire took a quick look at the documents. “From Braveheart’s records, you were one of the biggest pegasi that ever joined the our ranks. In terms of speed and agility you were the slowest member on the team, but you make up for it with endurance and stamina, not to mention that your score on the exams were on Twilight’s level.”

Cadence nodded and said, “I had centuries to learn, Spitfire. As for my condition, I was never a dedicated athlete, but my superior stamina and endurance came from being an alicorn. It was the first time I flew with the elites, though, so keeping up with the others was a huge struggle.”

“I see. And five years after flying with the Wonderbolts, you died in action while saving the life of your comrade,” Spitfire’s face suddenly became far more serious, hostile even, “only to dig yourself out of your grave and start from the beginning as a new pony? Leaving your teammates behind with nothing but grief and guilt?”

The alicorn just nodded once again, not daring to respond with words as she kept her head low in guilt.

Spitfire sighed as she looked to the side at her trembling lieutenant as his poor mind still tried to add the facts together. Before the captain could add any word, Soarin’ cut in. “C-can you… can you tell me what happened, please.”

“What happened? What do you mean?”

“During that day when… when you saved Soft Breeze’s life! If she had died back then, my parents and I would never have been born. Please, I have to know what happened that day!”

Cadence levitated over a cup of water and drank it before wiping her mouth while being assaulted by Soarin’s wide eyes and pleading pout. With a couple cups of water and a few snacks nearby as she and both Wonderbolts sat in Spitfire’s office, they were ready for a long story. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, “I guess you have the right to know. It all started during the most dangerous assignment we ever had.”

“So, what’s our mission again? Sergeant Major Braveheart,” asked Sergeant Air Breaker as he looked at the leader. “Are we going to the badlands to rescue some rookie guards or check out their camp to find out why they disappeared? Why are they even in the badlands in the first place?”

Braveheart growled. “First off, they’re not rookies. They’re veterans. As for your other question, very soon the EUP Guard will be reformed into the Royal Guards, which will involve a reduction of funds, members, and forcing a majority of the military to leave their barracks and borderlines to patrol our cities. Their HQ has organized a full exploration of the badlands since this is their last opportunity.”

“So, basically, they want to do recon and map out the most dangerous areas around Equestria while they still have funding and members?” Sergeant Soft Breeze asked.

“Precisely,” Braveheart responded before speeding up. Her wings flapping strongly while her mane and tail fluttered against the wind. “However, exploring the badlands involves many dangers, and some of the guards started to go missing for some reason. And because the badlands are so large,” She turned her head towards Soft Breeze, gesturing her hoof for her to take over.

“They can’t spare many guards to investigate, so they called for us.”

Braveheart nodded while Air Breaker looked at Soft Breeze with jealousy. She responded with a smirk and said, “You really need to pay more attention during our briefings. Mine and Brave’s brains will not always make up for you having just a half.” Noticing his head turning away with an annoyed groan, she giggled.

The Sergeant Major looked to her sides and smiled warmly at her wing ponies and dear friends. Ever since her life as Braveheart began, she had met and became friends with some of her classmates. They faced exams, exercises in the barracks, even attended the Wonderbolts Academy together, and in the end, she and two of her friends became the elite fliers themselves.

Ever since this trio joined the Wonderbolts at the same time, they were appointed together as a team with a more experienced Wonderbolt in lead. At least, until Braveheart was promoted to Sergeant Major, making her leader of the group. Their former commander was relocated to a more experienced squad. Today was their Seventeenth mission with Brave in charge, a very dangerous one.

***

“And what happened next? Was it a manticore? A four headed beast, or maybe a humongous worm?” Soarin’ asked impatiently.

“I was getting to that...”

***

“Did you find anything?” Soft Breeze asked as she pushed some wreckage to the side from a destroyed officer’s tent.

“Nothing besides a half eaten daisy sandwich and cake. I am actually impressed by the food supply EUP is capable to deliver to such a dangerous area,” Braveheart responded before taking a closer look. “Aunt Celestia!” she said before putting hoof on her mouth, luckily none of her friends heard that. Soft Breeze ran to her at alarming speed in panic as her attention focused on a damaged pan. “Look at the bite marks on this pan. I have a feeling that whatever ate it must have some massive teeth, with an even larger body to boot.” Wasting no time, the sergeant major ran to the supply tent that was examined earlier by Air Breaker. Soft Breeze followed.

Pressing her hooves against the stone, Brave stopped herself from her gallop as the stallion looked at her with a gas mask in his hoof. “It seems that whatever attacked this camp forced the guards to leave their equipment behind.”

Soft Breeze bit her lips and said, “This is not good. I hope there’s no toxic gas or poisonous plants wherever they’re hiding right now.” With a firm stomp of her hoof, she shouted, “There’s no time to waste, we have to find them ASAP!”

Braveheart put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder and shook her head. “Don’t forget that whatever attacked this camp can still be in the area. We can’t search for the guards blindly with this beast around.”

Breeze slapped her hoof away and frowned. “And what do you expect us to do? Stay inside as that thing is hunting them down?”

“No, but… we need to be cautious. You both should inform the colonel and request reinforcements while I do a small recon from the sky.”

“Don’t be stupid.” Air Breaker jumped in and said, “For such a smart pony to come up with such a bad plan, I’m disappointed.” He pointed his hoof around. “As you can see, besides a few marshlands, mountains and swamps, the area is mostly open. If the guards really tried to escape and hide from some sort of monster, you won’t notice them from the air.”

Soft Breeze nodded. “That’s right. They can use caves, underground tunnels, bushes, or camouflage themselves in mud.”

Braveheart sighed. So much for getting a chance to use my magic unnoticed.

She was about to respond, when suddenly her ears caught something, causing them to perk upwards. Wasting no time, she looked around for the source of the noise, as did her wingmates. The sound of movement was emitted a little-ways off to their side.

Forming a triangle formation, the trio of Wonderbolts walked through the camp as rustling became louder with every step. Their wings were spread and ready to be used.

“Over there!” Air Breaker pointed towards a damaged hospital tent while stepping on few feathers that lay on the ground. “Maybe it’s a survivor.”

The Sergeant Major didn’t share his enthusiasm. There was a chance that a member of the EUP would return to the abandoned camp in search for medical equipment, but it could just as well be the monster who attacked it in the first place. And there was still a matter with the pegasi. Why didn’t anypony fly back to Headquarters and report? With a hoof gesture, she ordered her team to go airborne and observe the situation from the air. She quickly cleared her throat with a cough and shouted, “My name is Braveheart, Sergeant Major from the Wonderbolts of the EUP Guard. Identify yourself!”

With movements of the tent being the only response, she shouted again. “Are you a member of the EUP?”

A loud and aggressive growl came from the tent before it was torn apart as a huge beast emerged from it. The Wonderbolts’ eyes opened widely and ears dropped at the terrifying sight. The monster had two tails: one that looked like a scorpion’s tail, but much larger and another was similar to a cobra. The main body was one of a lizard with three heads emerging from it: a lion’s, a dragon’s, and a crocodile’s.

“Ch-chimera!” Braveheart shouted as she took a few steps back on her nearly paralyzed legs. Aunt Celestia once told her about the chimera she encountered during her search for the Elements of Harmony, but it had heads of a dragon, lion, and goat, and certainly no scorpion tail. Even chimeras that lived in the fire swamp were far smaller and had just two heads and one snake tail. This one had to be some sort of mutant that adapted to the badlands’ environment.

All of the sudden, poisonous darts shot from the scorpion’s tail towards the flying pegasi with rapid fire, as did the toxin from the snake’s head. Both airborne pegasi tried to evade, but the projectiles captured them off guard, striking against their wings.

“Soft Breeze! Air Breaker!” She shouted as her friends crashed into the ground with a loud thump. Yells of pain followed as their wings were filled with small stings and toxic substance. Braveheart spread her own wings as if ready to fly away, only to scream in pain as something struck them from behind.

The beast slowly approached. Saliva was falling from his mouth as it licked it’s lips.

Braveheart tried to move, but couldn’t as her muscles refused to heed her call. She could only stare at blood on the beast’s teeth and claws. Out of defensive reaction, her horn lit while the advanced illusion kept the blue aura out from her friend’s sight. She subtly pulled the beast’s foreleg, causing it to lose balance.

Braveheart grit her teeth as she struggled to suppress her fears and move her legs, when suddenly she was pulled right onto Air Breaker’s back. Both pegasi galloped away from the monster who slowly got back to it’s paws and gave chase as the distance between them quickly shortened. With another subtle use of levitation, she make the monster trip over again, but it quickly countered by shooting more projectiles that hit the stallion's hind legs.

“Air Breaker!” Soft Breeze shouted as she and Braveheart tried to pick up the pegasus back to his hooves, but his hind legs refused to cooperate. “We can’t escape without our wings. What do we do?”

“We can always use this!” Air Breaker said as he took out a few syringes from his saddlebag. “I found these on the ground when I searched the supply tent. Maybe we can use them against the chimera.”

Braveheart nodded as she took one with her hoof and one between her teeth. From the intel she read before the mission, EUP had this kind of ammunition in case of a monster attack, though it was mostly used by unicorns for obvious reasons. She gave the approaching monster a suspicious glare as it approached slowly, it’s eyes studying their every move. In order to force the guards from the entire camp to escape, it had to not only attack by surprise, most likely at night, but also destroyed the supply tent before any of the guard could take their equipment from it. This monster had to be both stealthy and intelligent. Furthermore, it’s tails were able to snipe pegasi wings, which would explain the feathers lying on the ground.

With Air Breaker behind her and Soft Breeze by her side, Braveheart gulped.

The chimera began to charge at the defenseless pegasus stallion while both female Wonderbolts galloped to intercept it. The monster shot a few toxic rounds at the approaching foes who jumped to the side to dodge, a very difficult feat considering that they had to hold their weapons in their teeth and a foreleg.

Braveheart could see a giant paw raised and ready to strike as Soft Breeze bent her three legs in preparation to jump. Knowing that using levitation on the paw would clearly catch her friend’s perceptive eye, she focused on the hind legs instead, distracting the beast as it’s attack struck the ground, sending dirt into the air.

The earth trembled under Soft Breeze’s hooves as she used this opportunity and stabbed a syringe into the monster’s paw. Braveheart did the same with beast’s other foreleg as the monster fell to the ground, it’s neck exposed. Both Wonderbolts galloped to it from both sides and jumped on it’s neck. They swung their heads as syringes between their teeth struck it.

Braveheart’s breath came rapidly, so did Soft Breeze’s as they both smiled at each other. Surely it was an experience that would stay with them for a long time. Maybe they would even get a promotion. Brave’s smile didn’t last long however as something caught her attention. Looking to the side, she saw the scorpion’s and snake’s tail ready to strike as they swung at them. Time seemed to slow down as the deadly attack was but mere meters away from taking their lives… one life to be precise.

The decision had to be made.

On one side, as an alicorn she wouldn’t die but instead experience an unimaginable pain. Not that she couldn’t endure as the pain was not new to her, she suffered far worse over the centuries. She would just take the hit and act as if the beast missed, carry Air Breaker on her back and return to the Wonderbolts. She could continue her life as the elite flier with a friend’s death on her consciousness.

On the other hoof, she could save her friend and take the hit on herself, but with witnesses seeing her receive a lethal wound, she would have to fake her death, leave her accomplishments and friends behind and once again start a new life in a never ending cycle she had to experience.

Her life in the Wonderbolts in exchange for her friend's life, or leaving it all behind? Braveheart jumped on Soft Breeze with no regret. Was it even a choice when the decision was so easy to make?

The last thing she saw was her friend landing on the beast’s paralyzed paw before a huge surge of pain spread across her entire body. Breathing became far harder, her vision started failing and tears fell from her eyes. She could feel her blood burning as her inner magic was fighting against the deadly poison. With a last effort to enhance the illusion spell with her magic, making sure that it last long enough and make her look dead, Braveheart closed her eyes.

The room went silent.

Spitfire looked to the side while Soarin’ held her wing between his forelegs nervously. It was one thing to hear a softened version of this story from his parents near a campfire, but completely different when hearing it from a pony who had been there herself.

Cadence broke the silence. “Aunt Celestia ensured that everypony thought I was dead and faked my funeral. She helped me to move on as a mailmare.” She rubbed her hoof with her head lowered and added. “I kept an eye on Soft Breeze and Air Breaker. I was a guest at their wedding years later and even heard that they had two healthy children who continued the Wonderbolts’ tradition of the family.” She raised her head and smiled at Soarin’. “And to think that this family tree would lead to you, Soarin’, and our meeting today. Life sure has an odd sense of humour.”

Soarin’ released his captain’s wing and rubbed his foreleg nervously while searching for something to say. Meanwhile, Spitfire stood to her hooves and approached Cadence, her stare firm and impassive.

Both alicorn and Wonderbolt just stared at each other for a few seconds before Spitfire pressed her muzzle against Cadence’s one and gave her angered glare. The alicorn blinked in confusion.

Both alicorn and the Wonderbolt just stared at each other for a few seconds before Spitfire shook her head with disappointment and spoke, “I don’t understand you. For such a brave pony, you’re also a coward.” Noticing that Cadence took a step back and blinked in confusion, she added, “While I admire your efforts to save your teammates, as an alicorn, your life wasn’t in grave danger. You just admitted that you knew you would survive.”

Cadence nodded hesitantly. “I assumed it would be painful, but I knew it wouldn’t kill me.”

The captain pointed her hoof at Cadence accusingly. “You’re brave enough to endure pain so others wouldn’t have to, and yet you faked your death and refuse to reveal being an alicorn. How could you do this to your friends who cared about you, to everypony who knew you, to those who loved you? You could’ve stopped this charade and end this spiral of lies anytime you wanted.”

“B-but… then everypony would know my secret. Even if my friends could look past my appearance, the next generation would see only an alicorn, not a fellow pony,” Cadence responded with pain in her voice as she raised her foreleg defensively. “I was there, held on pedestal and looked upon as somepony greater, superior, a pony above everyone else. I don’t want that.”

Spitfire frowned. “And what about your magic and experience. You said yourself that you had to hesitate several times to use magic against the chimera because your friends would see it. What if you hesitated and it cost their lives?” Cadence looked at the floor in silence as the captain continued. “You’re just escaping from your responsibilities. Maybe you would be a great leader, maybe your magic would be very useful if not hidden from the public eye.”

Cadence took few steps back, almost knocking over the water container. She steeled her nerves and responded with confidence, “Equestria is not my kingdom to rule, nor do I want to take part in leading it simply because I’m an alicorn. If I would become an officer in the Wonderbolts or a boss in a company, I will achieve it as a unicorn, a pegasus or an earth pony and use my raw power only when absolutely necessary.” She paused to take a deep breath. “Furthermore, how can I use my magic to help others when restrained by politics and paper work? How many times can Auntie Celestia step in to protect her ponies when the Royal Guards do it for her? How many times can she assist in building a house or levitating heavy cargo from place to place when workers and airships can do it under her command?”

With a stomp of her hoof, Spitfire added, “And who said that you will end up in a castle, away from ponies you want to work and live with? Who said that others won’t look at you the same? It is up to you to choose. You’ll never know if you won’t take the risk!”

“No,” Cadence said shake of her head as she looked at the floor began rubbing it with her forehoof. “Maybe I would manage to live with the other ponies as an alicorn and convince them to treat me as equal, but there is a high risk the opposite will happen, a risk I don’t want to take.” She took a deep breath and said with calmer tone, “I’m a coward, I won’t deny that. I have many regrets from my long life, but also many joys. I’ve made many friends over the years, and I’ve seen many die. Some of them I just couldn’t stay with because I had to fake my death, but it was my choice.”

Spitfire wanted to press the issue, but she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She looked to the side at Soarin’s stare who just shook his head. “Enough, Captain. Is this how you treat a Wonderbolt hero, a pony who’d go through terrible pain for a friend?”

Watching as the captain returned to her seat. Soarin’ turned to Cadence and, much to her surprise, hugged her. His forelegs embracing the alicorn’s wings tightly as he pressed his head against Cadence’s neck. “Thank you.” The hug lasted for a few seconds, as Cadence returned it. She would have answered with ‘your welcome,’ but were words even necessary?

Once free from his embrace, Cadence looked at her lieutenant's smiling face and eyes filled with gratitude. “Thanks for letting me know about your secret. I promise to keep it safe.” Soarin’ said slowly returned to his seat next to Spitfire and put his foreleg around her shoulder. “I’m glad that you have two more ponies you don’t need to hide your secret from, the more the merrier, right Captain?”

Feeling her cheek pressed against Soarin’s, she blushed and smiled weakly. “S-sure. Whatever you say.”

‘Knock, knock.’

Both Wonderbolts turned towards the door as Spitfire asked, “Who’s there?”

“Overwatch,” a muffled voice called from behind the door. “Me and Steelie have been looking everywhere for you.”

Spitfire turned her head to Cadence to make sure she knew this secret as well. Noticing a nod, she said, “You may enter.”

The female guard opened the door as she breathed rapidly as if she just ran a marathon. “Fleetfoot and Shining Armor are at each other’s throats. Your assistance is required!”

The captain and lieutenant looked at each other before saluting to Cadence. “Sergeant Major Braveheart, I am afraid we will need to cut this conversation short,” Spitfire said before lowering her hoof to the floor and walk towards the exit, Soarin’ followed. They both spread their wings and took to the air the moment they left the room, leaving Overwatch and Cadence alone in officer’s room.

More seconds later, Overwatch looked at Cadence with curiosity. “So, you were a Wonderbolt…”

“Long story.”

The guard nodded. “What about Spitfire and Soarin’, you saw that they are destined for one another. Are you interested in some shipping?”

Cadence giggled. It was situations like this that she was born for. “I’m in.”

“Excellent,” Overwatch said and shook her hoof with Cadence’s. She smirked and looked around the room moments later but her thoughts were quickly interrupted.

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Awww, but we’re alone in the captain’s office, just think about all the possibilities!” She quickly levitated a piece of document from the table with pictures of a green pegasus with name Lightning Dust and a blue pegasus with rainbow mane, their profiles filled with data written under the pictures. “After Twiny’s parents showed pictures with Mrs. Armorine on it, shouldn’t we learn something embarrassing about her just in case?”

“No, means no!” Cadence said as she walked out of the room with her horn lit, pulling Overwatch by her ear out of the room with a levitation spell as the door slammed behind her.

The annoyed guard frowned and crossed her forelegs, forced to leave such a treasure room without taking a single souvenir. She got back to her hooves quickly and followed the alicorn as a smile returned as fast as it was gone. Even if she could not play as a spy, there was still the role of a matchmaker for two Wonderbolts that needed to share one bed together as fast as possible.

Author's Notes:

Here it is, another part of Cadence's backstory. I hope you all enjoyed learning more about her past. I am sure Soarin' did.
I am afraid that this is all backstory I can provide for Cadence in this sidestory, so feel free to tell me what you think.

For those who didn't read "Celestia's Tiny Student" and are confused about Cadence in this story, here is a short explanation. Cadence was originaly a ruler of Crystal Empire, but when Sombra took over, she was banished from her kingdom. After seeking help in nearby country, Equestira, the royal sisters tried to liberate the empire, but after his defeat, Sombra vanished alongside the empire, leaving Cadence homeless and without subjects. Snice Equestira wasn't her kingdom and because she not wanted to have special treatement because she was an alicorn, she disquised herself as unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies, living many lives, faking many deaths, making many friends and watching them die. Only selected few and castle guards know that she is an alicorn, and in this chapter she added Spitfire and Soarin' to that list. I hope that it cleared the confusion, and appologise if I spoiled anything.

Ch11 - Parents and Cookies

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My Little Medic

Chapter 11

Parents and Cookies

Twilight was a well read and educated mare that often liked to label many situations with numbers. For example; how many books she read every month, how many hours she spent exercising each day and how long she managed to keep a weight levitated. In today’s case however, she was considering the level of how embarrassed she was. The good old kiss on the cheek in public when she was a normal size filly she would consider as first level of embarrassment while a hug second. Always dreaded farewell words; “take care sweetie, and remember to be nice to your teachers and classmates, mommy loves you.” This she would consider third. Being asked by a griffon’s dignitary during a meeting between the princess and ambassadors from other countries how she uses a bathroom, including problems she had to face because of her reduced size, she considered between level six and eight.

As a grown student of the ruler of Equestria who was shrunk to the size of a large rat and was now working as a medic in such a respected organization as the Wonderbolts, having her most embarrassing moments from her foal-hood shown to her co-workers in a slideshow alongside her parents comments she would easily label as level ten.

Having pictures of her brother and foalsitter with changed gender showed to the elite fliers she was working with alongside information that she was responsible for their transformation no doubt increased it to fourteen. A level where Twilight wanted to sink into the ground or crawl into a mouse hole.

To make matters worse, her overprotective brother entered a rage mode against the Wonderbolts while her mom and dad were going to oversee their work for next three days. If there was a record how embarrassed one can be by her family, she no doubt broke it.

“Umm… Twilight, are you feeling alright?” Steel Blade asked as he looked at the tiny mare hiding in his spread wing, a new hiding spot after Cadence left with Spitfire.

The tiny mare whimpered as she kept hiding her shame between the sea of feathers, her magic at work as she kept the tip of the wing over her as if it was an umbrella. “Kill me,” she said with a muffled voice. “Kill me and save me from this humiliation.”

“Come on Twilight, it cannot be that bad.”

“Milk and cookies for everypony!” shouted Twilight Velvet who was wearing a white apron with red hearts decorating it. A Twilight-shaped hat on her head and trays with cookies levitating by her side. “You have something on your face, stay still,” she said before levitating a tissue to clean the pegasus’s cheek. “Surely a Wonderbolt should be more presentable than that.” She placed her forehoof under pegasus’s chin and raised his head. “Keep your head up and do something with that breath of yours.”

"I stand corrected,” the guard murmured to himself. He moved his wing closer to his face and asked, “So ummm, what now?”

Twilight peeked from behind the feathers, quickly noticing her father waving towards her with a wide smile. Whatever he said afterwards to the Wonderbolts resulted in their heads turning towards her with a surprised or annoyed stares.

The shrunken mare sighed and turned around as she looked into her guard’s giant eyes filled with pity. She wished she could shrink herself to microscopic size. “What now? Now you can either hide me inside your belly, sit on me, or even hide me as an insole in your horseshoe.” She lowered her head and put forelegs on it. “I would prefer it over this humiliation.”

Steel Blade chuckled at his boss’s joke, but stopped moments later and walked away from the crowd. Knowing Twilight, there was a high risk that she wasn't joking, and from now on he would need to be careful whenever sitting or putting armor on his hooves.

***

“So, let me get this straight,” Spitfire started as she looked at the heavily bandaged Captain of the Royal Guards. “You provoked Fleetfoot into a fight by complaining about how irresponsible it was to demand change of leadership in the middle of a mission?”

“That is correct,” Shining Armor said firmly, his tone filled with determination and anger. “I complained about her faults, and she attacked me.”

“Liar,” said pegasus responded, walking between both captains as she looked at her commanding officer. “I admitted my mistake and tried to ignore his complaints, but when he just started to say that his recruits would do a better job as Wonderbolts, I called his guards failures who weren’t even there when we risked our lives.”

Shining Armor stomped against the floor. “Try amassing an entire army and sending them into a city on the edge of Equestria, and lets see if you can do any better.”

“Quality over quantity,” Fleetfoot answered with her muzzle raised. “Anyway, he responded with comments of his own, I did as well, and the moment he said that maybe mares shouldn’t be in the Wonderbolts for our lack of discipline and incompetence, I tackled him to the ground.”

The guard’s captain nodded. “True, I did say it in my anger, and I admit it may have been untrue, but it still does not explain such an overreaction.”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “And you punched her back? Didn’t you ever hear the saying; 'Don't punch mares in the face?'”

The captain frowned. “You may not be in the military, but you have connection with it. Mare or not, you are almost like a soldier, and despite my last statement, I don’t give special treatment to mares in the Royal Guard.” Noticing few glares directed at him, he added, “Also, I was defending myself.”

Fleetfoot chuckled. “Defending yourself? It was more of me kicking your flank until my teammates stopped me.”

“I was restraining myself. If I used my magic, you would be trapped inside a barrier,” Shining responded.

“Oh yeah. If I used my wings, I could have wiped the floor with you… wait… barrier?” She looked at Shining’s cutie mark. “You could capture me under a barrier or with levitation, and you used hooves?” She smirked. “Admit it captain, you wanted a good old brawl with me.”

Shining Armor grit his teeth as blush appeared on his cheek. “I… I was not thinking clearly.”

“Have you ever?”

Soarin’ looked between the arguing couple and rolled his eyes.

“Are you done?” Spitfire asked after half a minute of words exchange. Noting a nod, she said, “Ms. Armorina, while I understand your concern regarding our organization flaws that came to light, I would like it if you could put your personal feelings aside and act more professional.” Noticing shock as Shining looked back at her with wide eyes, she added, “Lady Cadence told me and Soarin’ those nicknames, the ones she came up with after yours gender swith. Ms. Armorina and Mr. Cadenzar. Quite fitting if you ask me.” She looked at a laughing Fleetfoot and said firmly, “And you. While I respect you as my wingmate, I am still disappointed in you for trying to take the leadership in the middle of a mission. While it is my fault in some degree, I would prefer if you didn’t insult, nor attack our guest, is that clear?”

With a salute, she responded, “Yes, ma’am.”

With the atmosphere calming, she looked around and asked, “Where are Twilight and her parents by the way?” Both Shining and Fleetfoot looked around, only now noticing that they were alone in the hall. Spitfire sighed. First she learned that Shining’s marefriend and Twilight’s foalsitter was once a Wonderbolt, not to mention an over millennium old alicorn, and now this; this was going to be a long day.

“...And this is the training area,” Rapidfire said said as he gestured his foreleg at the large open area with many obstacle courses, both on the ground and in the air. “This is where we sharpen our skills and… is something wrong?”

Both unicorns looked around curiously as if ignoring what he said. Velvet quickly approached and pointed at a pile of broken planks as she gave the pegasus a questioning look.

“Umm… this was our watchtower. It got wasted during our last exercise.”

“And what’s that thing?”

“That’s umm, the dizzytron, ma’am,” Lighthoof responded. While she and her teammates found the pair somewhat annoying. Two lazy worthless and arrogant unicorn nobles who acted as if they owned the place. None dared to say a word against them however because of their own screw up and fear of repercussion. Besides, they were wrong about Twilight, so maybe her parents wouldn’t be all that bad.

The unicorn approached and touched the surface of the device with a hoof as she examined it carefully. “It is covered in dust.”

Blaze rubbed his neck. “Yeah, about that. During a month long vacation there was no point to keep this place clean,” he said, only to take a step back from intimidating stare of the unicorn.

“Gather around everypony!” Night Light shouted with clap of his forehooves. The Wonderbolts looked at each other before approaching hesitantly. With a firm stomp, he spoke, “This training area is in terrible shape.” He pointed at the dizzytron and next at the remains of a watchtower. “Dust and rubble, everywhere!”

Twilight Velvet nodded and said, “We cannot let our daughter work in such an environment.”

The Wonderbolts looked at each other, few shrugged but one stepped forward.

“And what are you going to do about it, ma’am?” asked Blaze with a smug look on his face. His yellow wings spread and orange tail flapped nervously the moment dizzytron started to shake. “What’ going on?”

Twilight Velvet whose horn was flashing with a large aura smirked. “Big cleaning, that’s what. Army or sport related organization, hygiene is important.” She raised her foreleg in lecturing gesture. “We have been tasked to get the Wonderbolts into shape, so lets start with cleaning up.”

Every Wonderbolt took a step back at the sight the dizzytron being levitated off the ground, a few even rubbed their eyes in disbelief.

“I know you are a very strong unicorn, honey, but I cannot let you do all the work by yourself,” Night Light said with a half bow as his wife’s legs trembled from the heavy pressure she endured. With his attention focused on the clouds, he levitated a few over from the obstacle course and charged his horn with a powerful spell. He closed his eyes as drop of sweat fell down his forehead before unleashing wave of magic, turning all white clouds into raining ones.

The pegasi felt cold chill and trembled a little the moment wave of magic passed them. “B-but,” Blaze started with his mouth agape. “The d-dizzytron weights at least twenty tons, h-how?”

“Cloud manipulating?” Rapidfire added as he couldn’t take his eyes away from the clouds that now rained on the circling dizzytron, wetting it from all sides. The elite fliers stared at the scene for minutes as two unicorns were cleaning the training area, demonstrating unimaginable feats of magic. Transformation spell temporarily turned random objects into towels that were used to clean levitated dizzytron. Leftovers from the watchtower were gathering together thanks to a repair spell.

The earth trembled under everypony’s hooves the moment the dizzytron was placed on the ground. One of the rookies, Flutter Bolt murmured, “Twilight’s parents–”

Wave Chill nodded nervously. “Y-yea. I can see the resem–”

“–are awesome,” Flutter Bolt finished with forehooves held against his cheeks before he flew towards the unicorns.

“Hey, wait!” Wave Chill called, but her wingman was already on his way. She lowered her head and shook it, sighing. “You and your self control.“

Flutter Bolt landed behind busy unicorns and said, “Wow, that was amazing! You just levitated this device like this was no pony’s business.”

“Why thank you,” Velvet responded and turned to the Wonderbolt. “And your name is?”

“Flutter Bolt, ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you Flutter Bolt.”

“Likewise. I am really curious, how do you know such cool spells and how could you levitate such huge weights? Does it run in the family?” he asked while his wings were flapping in excitement. Wave Chill caught up.

The unicorn mare chuckled and said, “Well, aren’t you a curious one? I would gladly tell you, but in exchange, can you share a story of my daughter’s last adventure?”

“...And then the princess arrived and beat the hay out of those three powerful worms, but not before saving Soarin' from inside the monster’s belly.”

“I… see,” Twilight Velvet responded before levitating a teacup up to her face. Just half an hour ago, she and two Wonderbolt rookies went to the canteen for a story exchange. Learning that her daughter increased her size to protect innocents made her proud of her, but finding out that she was nearly squashed by a giant monster and that she had trouble restraining her magic was rather worrisome. “So if I understand correctly, you pet my daughter as if she was a house cat?”

Flutter Bolt smiled awkwardly. “A cute big cat. I couldn’t help myself.”

“And in response, my dear Twilight pushed you away with her magic, which resulted in you ending stuck in… a rather uncomfortable position.”

Wave Chill giggled and said, “That’s one way to describe having his head stuck in a ventilation shaft.”

“Yeah, not my brightest moment,” Flutter Bolt responded before curiosity overpowered embarrassment. “What about you? What’s the secret behind yours and your family’s power?

Noticing that two more Wonderbolts entered the canteen and were invited to join by Flutter Bolt. Velvet started, “It is indeed true that powerful magic runs in our family. It is the result of hard work of many generations.”

“Excuse me,” Wave Chill interrupted in a quiet voice as she kept her foreleg raised.

“Yes?” Seeing hesitation, she added, “Please speak up. There’s no need to be shy.”

Wave Chill tapped her forehooves nervously. “You and your husband are from a noble family, correct?” Receiving a firm nod, she continued. “Many of my teammates find the idea of a hard working noble rather impossible.” Much to her surprise, Velvet just laughed cheerfully. “D-did I say something funny?”

The unicorn shook her foreleg. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I forgot about my status as noble, and your comment that I cannot work hard because I am one was a bit funny.” She looked at confused Wonderbolts with relaxed expression. “Is the reputation of nobility that bad?”

“It is,” Flutter Bolt said as Clashing Strike and Ace Lottery nodded. “We have been invited to countless parties by various houses. All we saw was a huge waste of time and bits. All they cared about was status and appearance, no productivity at all.”

“I see,” Velvet said with worry. “My husband and I never participated in any public events, so we aren’t really updated.”

“Well,” Wave Chill started nervously. “I mean no disrespect, but the majority of nobility in Canterlot are unicorns, and as a result... how should I put it…”

“We are lazy, unproductive and avoid physical labor?” Velvet asked, making the pegasi look at her with widened eyes. “I am not surprised, nor I do mind. Despite the princess’s efforts to keep Equestria united and in harmony, history shows examples of disrespect between different races. Nobility probably doesn’t give unicorns a good image.”

“That’s an understatement, “Flutter Bolt said, slowly recovering from his shock. “Anyway, if you won’t mind me asking, why is your family different?”

Velvet's expression suddenly became serious as she placed both her forehooves on the table. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, “Nobles weren’t always the same. From the notes of my great-great-great… grandfather. While Equestria was enduring hardships, the princess was overtaken by sorrow. She gathered her most trusted and wisest ponies, ponies devoted to help Equestria as she bestowed them with titles, land to oversee and privileges so they could help her rule.”

“Overtaken by sorrow?” Wave Chill said with a hint of worry.

“Were they even helpful?” Flutter Bolt asked.

“The nobility of the past was very dedicated. They worked hard to help Equestria endure starvation and war. They shared their wealth, advised the princess, suggested many laws, organized an army and appointed officers.”

“In other words, they were actually doing their job for a change,” Rapidfire interrupted. He took few steps towards the table and pointed at the unicorn. “What about your family?”

“My house?" Velvet asked with hoof pressed against her chest. “The house of Sparkle was the most dedicated to magical research and warfare. It produced many inventors, arch-mages, battle mages.” After making sure that the pegasi still listened with full attention, she continued, “Outside of developing spells, our ancestors worked hard to master their talents and increase their raw power. Every generation was more powerful than the last and nurtured their talents, ready to use it for the good of Equestria.”

After taking a refreshing sip of a fresh water, a prideful smile appeared on her face. Velvet raised her muzzle proudly and said, “Even today, our son is Captain of the Royal Guards with ability to cast powerful barriers while our daughter is student to the princess herself. Even at her tiny size, our dear Twilight is ready to face any obstacle and push herself to her limits.” She raised her head with pride. “And that’s the story of our family.”

The pegasi looked at Velvet with their mouths agape while their ears were straightened upward, waiting for more words to feed them. Flutter Bolt was the first one to recover as he shook his head and said enthusiastically, “Amazing. A passion passed on by countless generations to be the best you can be. Now that’s something.”

Wave Chill rolled her eyes. “You get excited way to easy.”

“I’m not,” Flutter Bolt responded with a frown. “Anyway. What about other houses of nobility. If they were formed from the best of the best, why they are now a lazy bunch?”

Velvet looked to the side. Her ears dropped as she spoke with depressed tone, “Power and riches corrupt, I suppose. While few houses stayed to their ideals, most didn’t. Every generation cared less about Equestria and more about their own benefits. Politics, popularity, this is all they started to care about.” She sighed. “The part of nobility that care for Equestria prefer to stay out of public eye.” Velvet looked back at the pegasi and placed her right forehoof on her chest. “In my case, I write stories to earn bits for living while my husband works in a delivery company. His strong raw power is very useful in transporting heavy cargo if I may add. Our research in many fields of magic however is a free labour. “

“Free Labour?” asked Ace Lottery.

“It usually involves the princess appointing us to a magic related project, or we do it on our own and share our developments with those who can benefit from it.”

“What kind of research?” Ace Lottery asked with increasing curiosity.

“Hmn…” Velvet rubbed her chin. “One of our last projects involved improving illuminating gems so they could provide light with less magic consumption. We ended up making them last longer instead. There were also magic rune for security purposes.” She smirked. “I can demonstrate this one if you are all interested.” Noticing several energetic nods, Velvet lowered her horn towards an apple pie and charged the spell. Much to everypony’s surprise, a rune formed on it before it became invisible. “I need a volunteer.” The moment Flutter Bolt raised his foreleg, Velvet pointed at the cake and said, “Try to take this pie from the table.”

Without a second thought, the pegasus grabbed the pie, only for his forehooves to freeze in thick ice before it spread to the rest of his body, leaving only head “What the? What’s g-going o-on?” He sneezed.

Wave Chill chuckled. “It is about time for you to, “ she put on the goggles, “Chill out.”

“So if I understand correctly,” Spitfire started as she faced her team that stood in line in front of her. “Twilight’s parents started cleaning the training area. The rookies were impressed by Twilight Velvet’s raw power, invited her to canteen for a chat, and you all have been helping Night Light repair the Watchtower and some of the old equipment?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The captain looked around before asking, “Is Twilight Sparkle missing?” Noticing a nod, she sighed and placed forehoof on her forehead. She murmured with annoyance, “Twilight’s family is making a mockery of the Wonderbolts, her foalsitter turned to be an alicorn and former Wonderbolt, and now this… Why does everything have to be so complicated?”

“Welcome to my world,” Overwatch whispered, causing the captain to flinch.

“Did nopony in the royal guard teach you to not sneak up on others? How did you managed to do it in the first place?”

“I have my ways,” Overwatch said with her head raised proudly.

Spitfire stomped and shook her head. “I am a Wonderbolt, being aware of my surroundings and multitasking is our speciality. There’s no way anypony could get so close to me without me noticing!”

The female guard smirked and passed the pegasus while her tail patted Spitfire’s head. “Thank you for the compliment, as for Twilight, leave finding her to me.”

Spitfire frowned while her subordinates barely resisted to chuckle. “Soarin'!”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Go to the canteen and bring the rest of the team here. We cannot slack on our training drills in front of Twilight’s family. That little tough unicorn went out of her way to earn our respect, and we should earn it in kind.”

“On it,” the pegasus responded before flying away. Cadence stomped in annoyance the moment the lieutenant passed her. So much for her opportunity to get the two pegasi closer together.

“You know the drill everypony!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

***

“Is something the matter, dear?” You seems upset,” Cadence asked as she and her special somepony admired the training. Much to Shining’s surprise, the Wonderbolts showed high amount of discipline and efforts.

“I’m just confused and unsure what to do. When I came here, I expected a disaster.” He lowered his head. “Don’t tell Twilight, but I hoped I could convince her to return to the castle by showing her the Wonderbolts’ incompetence.”

“Why?”

Shining’s tone became saddened. “In a year, Twilight will participate in Celestia’s plan where she will need to befriend random ponies and unlock the Elements to heal Luna from her corruption.”

Cadence nodded as a sad smile grew across her face. “I know. I don’t like it a single bit, but part of me wants Twilight to succeed. It has been nearly a thousand years… I miss Luna…”

Shining looked at the sky as the Sun was still present on it in all it’s glory. "Personally, I couldn't care less about a corrupted princess, but as Captain of the Royal Guards, I cannot let anything happen to Twilight before she can fulfil her mission.”

“Oh,” Cadence responded as she looked to the side. “Is this the only reason?”

Shining placed his foreleg on Cadence’s shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “As a brother however, I want to protect her. Facing an alicorn is dangerous enough. I want Twilight to enjoy this year without fighting against monsters or jumping into the fire.”

Much to the captain’s surprise, Cadence slapped his foreleg and said in a firm tone. “Have you considered your sister’s happiness at all?”

“What, I-”

“I was taking care of her for years. I learned that outside of pushing herself to her limits, she loves being useful and making others proud of her.” Cadence’s tone softened as she looked deeply into eyes of her very special somepony. “Your sister has saved many lives by risking her own. If it makes her happy, will you keep her from it?”

The captain rubbed back of his neck. “Maybe I’m a bit overprotective and let my personal feelings get the better of me. Tiny or not, my sister need to spread her wings so to speak, and I should separate personal feelings from my work.” He frowned. “But these comments about how useless Royal Guards are… I can barely stand it.”

“Sir!”

Both Shining and Cadence turned towards the source of voice, quickly noticing a few pegasi guards escorting two prisoners. Restraining ring on unicorn’s head and shackles on their legs. The captain smirked and said, “Perfect timing. I hope that the Wonderbolts like a moving target.”

Both prisoners gulped.

“Hey there Steelie,” Overwatch said innocently as she walked around the nervous pegasus in the hallway. She tickled his muzzle with a tail as he resisted the urge to sneeze, breaking out into a sweat. “You don’t know where Twilight is by any chance, do you?”

“O-of course n-not,” the guard responded. “Why should I know where to find her, I am not her foalsitter.”

“Don't give me that Steelie, you are such a terrible liar. When it comes to Twilight, you stick to her like a loyal puppy,” the female guard said as she looked around the hallway, noticing only lights on the ceiling, two pictures on the wall and a large flowerpot with white roses.

“Stop teasing me,” Steel Blade responded while hiding blush behind his foreleg.

“Is she hiding somewhere in this hallway? In your mane or uniform perhaps?” Overwatch smiled devilishly. “Don’t make me inspect you from top to bottom.

The pegasus took a step back. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me!”

Both guards looked each others in the eyes. The unicorn kept on a poker face while the pegasus sweated uncontrollably. After several seconds of staring at each other, Steel Blade sighed and lowered his head while his foreleg pointed at the flowerpot.

“Giving up already? You’re not fun at all,” Overwatch said while her ears dropped in disappointment. She approached the flowerpot that was half the size of a pony, and after closer examination, she noticed a tiny hole in the dirt. With help of her levitation, she removed some of the soil, revealing a tiny black unicorn.

“H-hello,” Twilight said with a wave of her foreleg, lavender pupils clearly visible among the dirt.

Overwatch raised her eyebrow. “Seriously?” She shook her head and straightened her foreleg towards the tiny mare, exposing her hoof for Twilight to jump onto. “Let me quess, game of tag?”

Twilight blushed and rubbed her neck as she was brought up to guard’s face level. “Not really,” she said hesitantly. “I couldn’t take the humiliation, so I decided to hide.”

Overwatch closed her eyes and nearly facehooved, causing Twilight to yelp as she was centimeters away from being slammed against her forehead. Feeling her hoof being held in vice grip by a scared little mare, she placed the unicorn on her own shoulder. “Spitfire wants us in the training area, but first, we need to get you cleaned. Unless you would prefer your parents to do the honor.”

Twilight flinched, nearly losing her balance from her guard’s shoulder.

“Thought so,” the unicorn guard said to herself before shouting to her partner. “Lets go, Steelie. Spitfire is waiting.”

“What in Celestia’s name happened here?” Twilight asked from her guard’s head as she examined the training area. Smoke was emitting from burned grass, craters decorated the surface as if rain of meteors struck it. The smell of burning wood reached her nose. The little mare knew that her size was fooling her, that what was in front of her eyes wasn’t a massive battlefield filled with destruction and flames. That those huge craters are merely holes after magical blasts, but it didn’t prevented her from staring at it in awe, as if she was witnessing an armageddon.

“You’re late,” called a Wonderbolt, his words woke up Twilight from her trance. As the trio looked at the speaker, a hole-filled uniform captured their attention.

In an instant, Twilight teleported onto back of the Wonderbolt and focused on what looked like a broken wing. “What happened to you, Flutter Bolt?” Twilight asked before biting her own lips as she began the healing operation.

“I was shot down,” he responded while scratching his neck. A blush of embarrassment followed.

“By whom?” Steel Blade asked while looking around for the culprit, quickly noticing some figures on top of the watchtower. “Are my eyes fooling me?”

“Nope, what you see is indeed real,” Flutter Bolt said as he pointed his hoof at ponies on watchtower. “Your family really rock, Twilight. They shot down at least half of the team.”

Twilight stopped healing process and jumped onto the pegasus’s head. “Mom, Dad, it cannot be!”

”Help us!” shouted a galloping and paniced earth pony. Bruises and sweat were covering his trembling body while only fear and adrenaline pushed him forward. Twilight examined him from afar, wondering if he was a member of the maintenance staff.

“I have you now!” Spitfire said as she dived towards the earth pony. Two beams of magic were shot towards her as she flew up and down to evade them. Noise of another explosions echoed while the captain tackled the earth pony to the ground. “Score!”

Much to the Wonderbolts' surprise, Twilight appeared on her muzzle and looked into the captain eye. “What are you doing? Why are you hurting him?” She pointed at earth pony captured under Spitfire's hooves and next at the destruction all around her. “And why are my parents turning this training area into a wasteland?”

The pegasus didn’t respond, instead, she flew towards the watchtower, forcing Twilight to hold her muzzle in vice grip. After evading few more shots, she shouted. “Cease fire!” As the projectives no longer headed her direction, she landed on the watchtower and faced four unicorns.

“Hello Twilight,” Velvet said, capturing her daughter’s attention, who in turn stood on her rear hooves while placing her forehooves on her sides.

“Mom, Dad, BBBFF, why are you attacking the Wonderbolts, and why was Spitfire attacking another pony?” She looked at Cadence who apparently also participated in whatever craziness was going on. “Not you too!”

Shining Armor was first to speak. “Calm down Twiny, it is just a wargame to test the Wonderbolts and improve their skills.”

“Wargame?”

Spitfire moved her wing to her face and pointed for the little mare to jump on. The moment Twilight was perched comfortably on her soft feathers, she asked, “Do you remember how Overwatch sniped many Wonderbolts who tried to attack target with enhancement games?”

“Yes.” Twilight nodded, confusion still apparent on her face.

“Well. You brother offered a similar training exercise. The Wonderbolts’ targets were two ponies that caused the invasion of Fillydelphia, while your family and disguised friend were protecting them… sort of,” Spitfire explained as she shot Shining Armor a suspicious stare. For a powerful mage whose specialization were shields, he sure didn’t bother to shield the prisoners from pegasi attacks. If it wasn’t for Cadence's barriers and stunning spells, the Wonderbolts would have won this game minutes ago.

Shining Armor’s eyes opened widely as he looked between Cadence and Spitfire. “She knows?”

“Yes, I told her and Soarin’, Twilight asked me,” Cadence responded with a warm smile.

The little unicorn turned to her brother and looked at him with concern. “So that earth pony… he was responsible for what happened in Fillydelphia?” Noticing a nod, she added. “Still, isn’t physical violence a bit too harsh form of a punishment for them?”

Cadence giggled. “Speaks to the mare who asked me stomp on her with all of my strength just to prove to her parents that the protection spell makes her invincible.”

Twilight frowned. “That’s not the same.”

“I think they deserve it,” said Shining as he lowered his head and looked at her sister with firm stare. “They caused many deaths and several millions of bits worth damage to the city. While their family wasn’t involved and their homes will not be confiscated, half of their fortunes will go to the repairs in Fillydelphia, alongside their lifetime community service.”

“Lifetime?” Twilight asked.

Shining shook his head. “Well... When I said 'their lifetime service', I meant the unicorn. That earth pony was hired to assist with eggs relocation, so he may get away with only ten years for good behaviour."

Twilight’s mouth opened agape. “You want him to serve as moving target for the rest of his life?”

“N-no… this was just activity I decided for them for today’s training. Most of their services will involve repairing damage to the city. The princess allowed me to decide their community services whenever I see fit.”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “No disrespect to the princess, but as of late, she is giving lots of assignments to those who are personally and emotionally involved. She hasn’t been herself lately,” she said, causing Shining to look at the floor as his ears dropped slightly.

Twilight turned to her pegasus friend and said, “I am sure she has the best interest in mind.” She next looked at her brother. “Back to the topic. Are you telling me that you’re shooting Wonderbolts with your magic during this wargame?”

“To knock them down, yes.”

Twilight looked at Cadence. “And you too? I didn’t expect you to use violence of all ponies.”

The disguised alicorn smiled awkwardly. “I… I don’t like violence, but it was just training… and I wanted to do something with my special somepony.”

The little mare turned to her parents. “Mom, dad, how did you both get involved?”

“Writing stories is good and all, but I missed the thrill when I could really use my magic. You should know it better than anypony,” Velvet said.

“Your boss wanted this to be challenging, so I volunteered.” Night Light grabbed his foreleg around Shining’s neck. “Furthermore. Not everyday I get a chance to do something with my son. Him being busy with the guards and all.”

Twilight turned to Spitfire. “And you’re okay with it?”

Spitfire nodded. “Of course I am. My team is finally getting into shape, also, the rookies made some sort of fanclub for your mother and asked her to participate in trainings. Besides,” she paused and gave Twilight’s parents a relaxed look, “Miss Velvet and Night Light offered to repair our equipment and clean this mess once it’s over.”

Twilight looked between Spitfire and her family. A few more Wonderbolts flew towards the watchtower as well, and she noticed lots of bruises and holes in their uniforms, but most of the pegasi were wearing happy smiles. I guess having my family shoot beams of magic, fireballs, and all kinds of projectiles against the ponies I work for can be considered a bonding exercise… As long as all sides are happy. Twilight chuckled. What happened with all the tension from yesterday and the dislike towards unicorns and nobility that most of the Wonderbolts had?

The little mare raised her head and said with most cheerful smile she could muster, “I am pleasantly surprised that you all became friends with each other so quickly.” She laughed and added in a joking tone, “If this keeps up, you will start to play hoofball against one another.” Much to her surprise, a large smirk appeared on Spitfire’s and Shining’s face. Twilight’s ears curled as she asked, “I was joking, you’re not really considering it?”

“Hoofball match, Wonderbolts vs Guards, tomorrow in a public stadium,” both captains said in unison as Twilight could swear that she saw fire in their eyes.

Cadence laughed and levitated Twilight from Spitfire’s wing onto her head as both captains started to argue whose team will be victorious. “Wait a moment,” Cadence said as she rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “I cannot shake the feeling that I forgot about something… or somepony…”

“H-hello, a-anypony t-there?” Soarin’ shouted as he looked around the empty canteen. Pie between his hooves. “I w-would realy ap-p-ap-appreciate a little h-help over h-here.” He tried to move, but not a single muscle heeded his commands. When he was tasked to get Twilight Velvet and rookies to the training area, he noticed that an apple pie was left on the table. With everypony already on the way, he decided that leaving a pie uneaten would be a waste. He tried to take a bite and little did he know that touching it would freeze him in place. With ice creeping over up to his neck, all he could do was to shiver with his teeth and call for help as delicious apple pie was mere centimeters away from his face, so close, and yet so far out of reach. After minutes of resisting the unpleasant cold, he said to himself, “I… I really need to go to the bathroom.”

Ch12 - Match Preparations

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My Little Medic

Chapter 12

Match Preparations

Heavy eyelids, burning muscles and a silent voice in one’s head saying; ‘just five more minutes’ is a norm for a Wonderbolt, especially for a captain after a day with more training drills than paper work. Spitfire wriggled in her attempt to sit as she supported herself with her left foreleg against the bed while rubbing her eyes with her right forehoof.

She blinked a few times in attempt to sharpen her blurry vision, and next straightened both her forelegs and wings as her mouth released a long yawn. Her bones creaked and popped as she stretched. A stab of pain in her right wing caused her to flinch. She reached up to massage the feathery appendage as she murmured to herself, “My wings are aching. Whatever happened yesterday sure pushed my limits.”

“Tell me about it,” a familiar but unexpected and muffled voice reached captain’s ears as her eyes widened. With a slow turn of her head as if she was part of some sort of horror movie, she looked to the side, and something in her brain snapped. She instantly rubbed her eyes to make sure that they weren’t fooling her, and in desperation slapped herself in the face.

Spitfire gritted her teeth as she slapped herself again. The pain she felt with each hit made her realize more and more that this wasn’t indeed a dream. After taking a deep breath and gathering her determination, she slowly straightened her foreleg towards a ball covered by an eiderdown blanket. She poked it a few times before pushing lightly, and it moved in response, causing Spitfire’s heart to beat at even faster pace. With a gulp and firm stare, she grabbed the edge of the eiderdown blanket and pulled, revealing a blue pegasus curled into a ball with wings covering his face.

Spitfire blushed and flinched, landing unceremoniously on the floor with a weak thump. With a roll, she got back up to her hooves and pointed at Soarin’, her mouth agape but failing to produce any words. After seconds of standing motionless and staring at her lieutenant, she stomped against the floor and gathered the courage to speak. “Soarin’,” she whispered. Upon not receiving any reaction, she repeated, louder, “Soarin!”

“Five more minutes, mom,” the pegasus responded as he rolled to the side while his rear hooves pushed the eiderdown blanket over him.

Spitfire’s blush was replaced by even stronger color. Smoke shot from her muzzle and mane as temperature in the room raised drastically. The enraged captain shook her head and took a few deep breaths, restraining herself from yelling at her fragile lieutenant. With a small smirk on her face, she said slowly, forcing herself to restrain strength of her voice, “Soarin’… you are late for dinner. Today’s your favourite. Apple Pie covered in cream with a red cherry on top.”

In an instant, the blanket was thrown away as the sleeping pegasus darted from the bed, landing on the floor with widely opened eyes, saliva dripping from his opened mouth and wings spread. “Apple Pie with cream and a cherry, where, where?” he asked while looking around. Suddenly his ears fell, pupils shrunk and wings dropped to the floor. His swiftly awoken brain was busy struggling to analyze his situation.

Before Soarin could say a word, Spitfire spoke first, “Yes Soarin', you are in my room, sleeping in my bed.” Spitfire's legs started to tremble, and so her lips as she struggled to speak as calmly as possible. “N-n-now w-would you p-please explain… what the bu… what are you doing in my bed?”

A strong blush appeared on Soarin’s cheeks as his mouth closed and refused to take a single breath. His body now motionless as if he was a royal guard or a statue while his eyes refused to blink.

Spitfire waited for answer silently at least half a minute, tapping her forehoof against the floor impatiently, but her lieutenant just stood there with opened eyes while red blush turned into violet. Slowly realizing that her lieutenant was suffocating, she said, “Take a breath, Soarin'.” After not receiving any reaction, she ordered, “Take a breath, this is an order!”

The captain’s rage was replaced with worry as her officer entered some sort of stasis while his cheeks were more violent with each second. She quickly approached and opened Soarin’s mouth with her forehooves while saying, “Breathe already for Celestia’s sake!”

After taking a quick breath, Soarin’s stone-like body turned into a jelly, and he fell over to his back while flattening himself against the floor. His bloodshot eyes finally closed. Spitfire lowered herself to the lieutenant to check his heart beat and quickly drew a conclusion. Soarin' had fainted.

Feeling a weak headache, Spitfire stood and massaged her forehead before looking around her bedroom. Her eyes focused on two empty glasses and a half-emptied bottle of hard cider on a small table in the middle of the room, and next switched to visible traces of hoofsteps on the carpet. Some of pictures and arts of Wonderbolts performing all kind of stunts were slightly tilted, and few medals and awards were lying on the floor. Finally the worst of all, a small tower of documents she was supposed to sign were scattered on the floor.

Spitfire lowered her head and stomped against the floor a few times, causing it to crack as she shouted, “What in Celestia’s name happened yesterday!?”

Yesterday

***

“Ready the checklist, Spike!” Twilight said with enthusiasm, pen levitating above her head.

“On it!” Spike nodded slightly, causing the little mare to lose her balance for a moment before she grabbed scales in the middle of Spike’s head to avoid falling off. The young drake quickly raised the checklist up to his head while the pen was levitated into his hand.

“Exhausted but-still-in-one-piece prisoners?” Twilight started.

Spike looked at the two bruise-covered and sweating ponies shackled by their forelegs to their guards. The unicorn was clearly in worse shape than the earth pony. Twilight, who not long ago assisted Cadence during their healing process, noticed that only exhaustion was preventing those two from yelling at each other. “Check.”

Two guards by the prisoners’ side did their best to hide their emotions, but Spike already suspected that they felt a mix between anger and pity.

“Wonderbolts in fresh new uniforms?”

Spike shot a look at the stretching pegasi. Luckily the repair spell of Velvet and Night Light was strong enough to save 60% of their damaged uniforms from their exercise yesterday. It was clear though that the training expenses were higher than normal. “Check.”

“A team of royal guards?”

Spike looked to the other side of the stadium where guards were standing in line while Twilight’s brother was delivering some sort of speech. The young dragon scratched side of his head, careful not to hurt his adoptive mother, as he wondered why there was a mix of pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies. “Twilight, may I ask you a question?”

The little mare took few small steps towards Spike’s muzzle and carefully supported her forelegs against it as she looked into Spike’s eye from her upside down position. “Sure, what would you like to know?”

Spike pointed at the guards and then to the Wonderbolts and asked, “Why there are pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies on the guard’s side? Shouldn’t it be a match between pegasi? And also, why do the guards wear their armor instead of regular clothes for a hoofball game?”

Twilight looked at the pointed directions while still supporting herself against Spike’s muzzle. She quickly examined the playing field as on left and right side she could see four goals, one on the ground, and one specially made on clouds thirty meters above the ground.

She turned back to Spike and raised one of her forelegs as she explained, “Well, normally it would be either an air match between two teams of pegasi, or a ground match between two unicorn teams, or earth pony teams. In this case however all races are allowed to participate.”

“All races? How does that work?”

“Simple. Wonderbolts have two goals, one in air and one on the ground, and two pegasi goalkeepers.” She took a quick breath and continued, “The guards have one pegasus goalkeeper in the air and one unicorn goalkeeper on the ground. There will be two hoofballs instead of one; one white that, according to rules, can only be used for goals on the clouds, and one green that can only be used on goals on the ground.” She pointed at the Wonderbolts while still maintaining her balance. “On the field there will be ten pegasi versus four pegasi, three earth ponies and three unicorns.”

Spike rubbed back of his next as he asked in confusion, “Wouldn't it be easier to place a no flying and no magic rule while keeping one goal on the ground only?” Much to the young drake’s surprise, Twilight stomped firmly against his muzzle and shot him an angered glare. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Yes you did,” Twilight said with clear disappointment. “Rules that don’t allow the use of magic take away the unicorn’s natural talent while their bodies are not made for physical sports. Pegasi would do better since they are more athletic, but without their wings, they wouldn’t stand a chance to compete against earth ponies. In the past, all competitions that restricted the use of magic and wings ended up with earth ponies scoring nearly all the goals, and every single first place ribbons. It was anything but fair.”

Spike blinked a few times before raising an eyebrow. “Let me guess. You read all the books you could find about hoofball you could before today’s event?”

In an instant, the anger vanished from Twilight’s face and was replaced with a cheerful smile. “Pretty much… well… not all, just a mere six since I was limited on time. I even sacrificed my exercising time for extra reading. I wouldn’t come unprepared, would I?”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” Spike responded.

“Anyway… lets continue with the checklist.”

“Oh right… guards, check.”

Twilight walked back onto her spot on Spike’s head and continued, “Good. Hundreds of ponies in the audience ready to witness this showdown of epic proportions?”

Spike rolled his eyes. “We are standing next to a seat for a team’s bench while surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of seats. Clearly it is so hard to miss that we will need to start an investigation to make sure that we have audience sitting on them.“

Twilight ignored the sarcastic response and proceeded, “Princess Celestia sitting on a throne in VIP section.”

Spike looked towards the seats for important ponies, somewhat recognizing Blueblood and Fancy Pants, but the throne among them was empty. “She hasn’t arrived yet, but we still have time.”

Twilight lowered her head and rubbed her forehoof against Spike’s head with worry. The last time she saw the princess was when the exhausted alicorn slammed her head against a table after relocating several humongous monsters away from the city. It has been only a few days since then. “But what if she’s too tired and won’t come!” Twilight shouted with sudden realization as she placed forehooves on her checks. “Without her, this hoofball match cannot start, and thousand of ponies will get angry and–”

Spike shook his head, forcing Twilight to grab the scales. “Deep breaths, Twilight, deep breaths.”

Following her assistant’s advice, she pressed a forehoof against her own chest and next straightened up while taking one calming breath at a time. A trick Cadence had shown her not too long ago.

“Very good Twiny, I am proud of you,” said a feminine voice, which caused Twilight to flinch and turn 180º in mid air.

“Oh, it’s you Cadence? Shouldn’t you go to the VIP stand or Shining's team seat and cheer for him?” Twilight responded with a growing smile as she waved her hoof at the disguised alicorn. “And hello to you too Overwatch. If you’re looking for Steel Blade, I sent him to get us some bottles of water. He should get back in a few minutes.”

Cadence and Overwatch looked at the Wonderbolts and next at each other. As smirk grew across their lips, Cadence turned towards Twilight and said, “While I would love to cheer for my very special somepony, there is something… that I would like to take care of.”

Overwatch nodded. “Same here.”

Twilight titled her head to the side while Spike half closed his eyes and stared at the both ponies suspiciously. “You guys are planning something, aren’t you?”

Both Cadence and Overwatch giggled before nodding. The guard said first, “Yes we are, but we want it to be a surprise.” She shot Spitfire and Soarin' a satisfied stare before adding, “A very tasty one.”

With graceful flap of her majestic wings, the sun princess was making her way towards the stadium as she felt the warm breeze striking against her face. Two pegasus guards never left her side as she flew among the tall and decorative buildings of Canterlot during a cloudless, sunny day. It proved to be an impressive view indeed.

Despite the calm and pleasant atmosphere, the princess was anything but relaxed as many thoughts weighed on her mind.

Now directly over the throne prepared specifically for her. She gracefully descended. Her sad smile now hidden behind a mask of authority. In less than a year, my student will need to unlock the Elements and face my sister in order to save her… but what if something goes wrong… and I lose Twilight forever?

The moment tips of her golden horseshoes touched the cushion of the customized throne, she pushed those thoughts aside to focus on the here and now. She perched herself on it and closed her wings. She waved to the crowd while ignoring the welcoming speech. Not that she didn’t respect her subjects' efforts to praise and welcome her for such events, but there are only a few thousands of times one can listen to ‘the kind, the wise’, or ‘bringer of peace, prosperity and harmony’ before it starts to sink into the background noise.

Was my choice to send Shining Armor and allow his family to oversee the Wonderbolts a mistake? Now that I think about it, my decisions lately haven’t been very… wise. Maybe my stress and fears have been getting the best of me.

“Greetings my dear subjects,” Celestia spoke with magically enhanced voice as her horn was surrounded by a golden aura. “I must say that today’s event is quite… unlike anything we normally see. Not everyday can we witness such a competition between the proud Royal Guards and incredibly talented Wonderbolts.” She silenced herself for a moment to let the crowd cheer as she examined it with her sharp eye.

As a nearly two millennia old politician, she quickly noticed that the nobility and many non-noble unicorns weren’t too enthusiastic while some didn’t even look at her at all, which was no doubt caused by the change in her daily routine. Celestia spread her left wing slightly and looked at it for a moment.

Ever since I started to fly instead of using my chariot and stopped worrying too much about my public appearance, I somewhat offended many of the nobles and my advisors. Hopefully they will get used to it after few decades. Celestia’s forced smile grew slightly as she captured another small detail. On the other hoof, the pegasi took the appearance of a flying and more energetic princess quite well.

The moment silence overtook the stadium, she continued. “I will oversee this event personally and reward the winner. But before we start the ceremony, I would like to ask you all for a moment of silence for all who suffered from the disaster in Fillydelphia.”

The princess lowered her head in silence, and so did the crowd. In moments, the chattering of the stadium full of ponies was entirely replaced by the solemn wind which seemed to mourn the loss of pony lives along with everypony else.

After a minute of dead silence, the princess raised her head and continued, “The bits from today’s event will be used to support the restoration of Fillydelphia alongside the royal treasury.” After a short break to let the ponies cheer once again, she finished, “I wish you all to enjoy yourself on this memorable event my dear subjects, and may the best team win!”

The alicorn once again waved to the crowd before relaxing her muscles as she focused on finding her dear little student, which proved very difficult as even her sharp eyes couldn’t find the tiny mare in such large area, especially from such a distance due to the fact that her throne was positioned on the highest platform in the stadium.

Since she was no longer the center of attention, Celestia let her authoritative mask slip a little and her ears drooped. A sudden dull feeling of loneliness overtook her as she started to miss feeling the weight of her little student perched softly on her head behind her crown. She missed the little ball of energy nuzzling side of her cheek. She missed countless questions asked by a little pony sitting on her shoulder.

It hadn’t been long since the last time she saw Twilight, and only a month and a few days since the little unicorn started to study pegasus magic under Spitfire’s eye, but she already missed her. Celestia sighed. It seems that even such unique event like today’s match won’t be as enjoyable as I hoped for without… a little company.

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Overwatch asked as she levitated over a banner, hammer and few nails. Too focused on her task to look at her alicorn friend… If being a guard on duty while her charge was being foalsat could count as a friendship with the foalsitter.

“Whose special talent is spreading love, hmn?” Cadence teased as she levitated a table and two seats made of an elegant wood, masterfully crafted to fit the most romantic restaurants. Thanks to help of a conservation spell and several years of working in carpentry over two centuries ago, she was more than equipped and prepared to pull off her plan.

Overwatch rolled her eyes before wiping sweat from her head. “Done,” she said with satisfied tone before turning to Cadence, quickly focusing on cups filled with purple liquid on the table. “Are those…”

“Yes, it is,” Cadence responded as she turned to the side and hid her smirk.

As her eyes widened, Overwatch trotted closer and examined the liquid before slapping her hoof against the table. “This is exactly the same potion that Twilight gave Blueblood during April Foals Day. Do you have any idea how unclean I felt after he chased me over entire Castle while shouting how much he loves me?”

Cadence supported herself against a wooden seat as she laughed.

“It’s not funny!”

“Come on Overwatch, aren’t you always the one who teases and pranks others for the fun and giggles? Chill out a little.”

Overwatch frowned. “How can I chill out when you want to force Soarin' and Spitfire to love each other with love potions?”

Cadence levitated over a tablecloth and a disco ball as she carefully placed them in their rightful location. “And what’s wrong with that? It is obvious that Soarin’ and Spitfire are made for each other. They just need a little push.” When Cadance noticed that Overwatch’s face growing red with anger, she poked her own horn and added, “And if that fails, I always have my trump card.”

“You… you…” Overwatch said hesitantly as she took a step back and raised her forehoof accusingly, suddenly, she closed her eyes and added with annoyed tone, “...you’re messing with me.”

“Awww…” Cadence responded with a pout. “And I was so close.” The disguised alicorn focused on the drinks as her horn lit in blue aura once again, and the pink color of the drink changed back to orange.

The guard raised her eyebrow. “Illusion spell… neat.” She chuckled before adding, “I must admit, you nearly got me on this one.”

“Thank you. Just because my special talent is spreading love, it doesn’t mean I force it on anypony. Love is something to cherish and nurse, only then it can bloom, ” Cadence responded as Overwatch nodded in agreement. As the disguised alicorn levitated over two large speakers and placed on a small platform, she asked, “The equipment was delivered, but where’s the musician?”

The guard approached her partner in crime and placed forehoof on her shoulder, “You mean Vinyl? She said something about hanging out with her friend and that she will be here before the match is over.” With her attention now focused on trays with various snacks, she licked her lips and said with a sneaky smile, “Say… shouldn’t you be cheering up for your very special somepony?” The moment Cadence looked her in the eyes, Overwatch added, “Just go and give him some moral support. I will hold the fort.”

Cadence raised an eyebrow and asked, “You mean, act like a shouting and jumping cheerleader while I watch how Shiny is getting his flank kicked left and right?”

Overwatch nodded before her eyes opened widely. She took away her foreleg from Cadence’s shoulder and took a step back. She said with confused tone, “You mean… watch how he kicks flanks left and right?”

Cadence shook her head as she raised her forehoof up to her face level and said with relaxed tone, “The saying that love is blind is totally overrated. I may be in love with Shiny, but even I can see that this is a lost match. I would bet his team can score at least one or two points to ten of the opposite team.”

Overwatch’s ears dropped as she looked to the side, forgetting for a moment about the food. “Oh… I must say. Your faith in your stallion is sure an inspiration for all us single ladies.”

Cadence rolled her eyes. “Do not get me wrong. I know that Shining Armor is very athletic for an unicorn, and his raw power is outstanding while his shields and barriers are incredibly powerful, but with a team made of clumsy royal guards, even he cannot pull a miracle to beat the Wonderbolts.”

“Clumsy?” Overwatch asked.

Cadence nodded. “I never told him that, but Royal Guards from Canterlot would fail to stop a few thieves from escaping, more or less an entire invasion force. I spent enough time working in Canterlot for these past few centuries to notice that all their experience and skills they earned from their training in the barracks slowly diminish over the years.” She sighed and continued in depressed tone, “The fresh recruits would no doubt fight with all their strength and will, dedicated to protect the city, but the veterans are more for show. They either get bored after guarding parties organized by nobles while standing like statues, or they just look intimidating, but when it comes to it, they are more for show.”

Overwatch lifted her foreleg defensively and frowned. She turned her head to the side while raising her muzzle. “Excuse me, but if you haven’t notice, Steelie and I are Canterlot guards. We were once assigned to guard the princess herself for few years, and next our duties switched to protect her student. Are you trying to say that we are clumsy and incompetent?”

Cadence took a step back as she was out of words. She couldn’t blame Twilight’s guards for their difficulties in keeping her out of trouble, as the little mare would no doubt make a hundred of guards run for their bits. She also saw what Overwatch is capable of, especially when targeting the Wonderbolts. “Well…” she started with weak voice. “Considering your sniping skills, you must find a lot of time to practice your aim. Not to mention that being Twilight’s guards give you many opening to stay in shape, like that snowball war we once had. I bet it was the most exciting activity the castle guards had in years.”

Overwatch kept her muzzle raised as she rubbed her armored forehoof against her chest, careful not to pull her favourite scarf. “I have a reputation to maintain.”

“Though when it comes to Steel Blade… he is a bit of a pushover, no offense,” the alicorn added.

Overwatch lowered her head and frowned. “Don’t call Steelie a pushover. He is my pushover, and only I can call him that! Got it?”

The alicorn giggled as she slowly approached the exit and sat in front of the door. “I better check on Shiny. He may need my help after the Wonderbolts crush his ego.” She turned to Overwatch and added, “Oh, and no snack eating. If I find any missing, I will hold you responsible.”

“What, how?” Overwatch asked as her ears dropped.

“You can’t trick the elderly,” Cadence responded with a smirk.

The guard raised an eyebrow. “Did you… just call yourself old?”

Cadence stopped her raised foreleg in mid air and responded, “Well… from a pony's standards, I am very old, though not ancient, thank Celestia.”

Overwatch nodded as she drew a conclusion. “So by alicorn’s standards, you and Shining Armor are like a mare and a colt.”

“Pretty much, now if you'll excuse me. I have a colt to cheer up, and don’t let me catch you eating anything, or else I will have to ground you,” Cadence finished as she walked outside and closed the door, leaving the guard alone in the room.

Overwatch blinked a few times before shrugging as she said to herself, "Alicorns, who can understand them?"

Bonus Ch - Technical Difficulties

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My Little Medic

Bonus Chapter

Technical Difficulties

“The heat of this match could melt thin ice as both teams are not giving the opposition a moment to breath!” the commentator shouted with excitement as a magical gem was transferring his voice towards several gems, which in turn spread it over entire stadium. Rays of the sun on cloudless sky shined brightly from above.

“Yes it does,” another commentator said. “It seems that four Wonderbolts are in the offensive as Lighthoof and Rapidfire are kicking the hoofball to each other, easy bypassing Swift Strike’s defense. Poor guard cannot compete with their speed and agility.”

“Umm… I think it is Aerial Knife, not a Swift Strike,” the first commentator corrected.

“Did you see this display of agility?” the secondary commentator asked. “Lighthoof evaded Iron Wing’s counterattack, circled around him few times while creating a mini tornado, and next stood on his head on one forehoof while hoofball was lying on top of his right rear hoof, waiting for Blaze to kick it into the aerial goal, getting a score for the Wonderbolts!”

“I sure did. Also, I think it wasn’t Iron Wing but–”

“While our skilled Wonderbolts and protectors of Fillydelphia are winning in the sky, the ground belong to the guards,” the second commentator interrupted. “The hoofball is being levitated between Sergeant Watchful Eye and Fireblast as they run across the playing field, but Wave Chill and Flutter Bolt are on their tail, quickly catching up thanks to their speed.”

“Actually, I am more than sure that those guard’s names are–” the first commentator said, but failed to finish.

“Flutter Bolt sure used his head on this one… and it had to hurt.”

“That’s what you get for keeping your eye on the levitated hoofball and ignore a wall. I wonder who will pay for fixing that pegasus-shaped hole?”

“Wave Chill is blocking the… unicorn’s guard way, flying left and right, waiting for an opportunity to kick the levitated ball. If this keeps up, the guards will lose their opportunity to even the score,” the first commentator said before shouting, “Wait! What’s that? Iron Hoof and Wall Breaker are charging forward at full speed while the hoofball is being levitated towards them. Can Wave Chill intercept?”

“I think you mistook their names again,” the second commentator pointed out.

“That was truly outstanding,” the first commentator said while barely hiding his growing annoyance, his tone more bitter than before. “A double kick delivered by two large stallions at once, Wave Chill never stood a chance to stop it. Poor Soarin’ grabbed the hoofball, but it only resulted with him breaking the goal in half with his own body before crashing into a wall. A true demonstration of earth pony strength on our very eyes.”

“Didn’t you mean him? Besides, those two stallions are called–”

“Are you really going to do this? Are you really going to correct me this whole match?” the second commentator responded with anger.

“I just…”

“Well, excuse me for mistaking the names, because all the guards look exactly the same! All pegasi are white, all unicorns are grey and all earth ponies are bronze! How am I supposed to tell them apart? And those Wonderbolts’ uniforms. It is impossible to tell apart male from a female. I can as well call them unicorn guard or earth pony guard and save you the trouble!”

The crowd started either murmuring to each other or laugh as the two commentators entered into some sort of discussion. It didn't take long before it was replaced by the noises of a fight and a mare’s voice calling it ‘technical difficulties.’ The princess herself chuckled a little, but maintained her regal posture.

Ch13 - Royal Guards vs The Wonderbolts

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My Little Medic

Chapter 13

Royal Guards vs The Wonderbolts

“I must say, I’m surprised, Spike. I didn’t expect my brother to hold his ground like this,” Twilight said as she looked at the scoreboard, which was showing two points for each team. “I saw this coming that the Wonderbolts will be winning against pegasi guards, but for them to lose similar amount of goals on the ground is surprising.”

“What did you expect?” Spike asked as he looked at the little mare on his shoulder. “Your brother is expert when it comes to defense. Its his special talent and all.”

Twilight nodded as she reasserted herself on the drake’s shoulder. “True, but I didn’t expect they would do so well in the offensive.”

Spike rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Yea… that’s suspicious…How could he gather such a skilled team in such short amount of time?” His attention shifted to Wave Chill and Soarin, who were now drinking water delivered by Steel Blade while massaging their aching backs. “Aren’t you going to heal your team? They got a heavy beating just now.”

Twilight jumped onto Spike’s nose and shook her head. “Not really. According to my research, pegasi posses very flexible bones. As long as they don’t hit anything sharp, they can crash into obstacles with great speed and get out with just a few bruises. Besides, the match is still going.” She pointed towards Soarin’ who returned to defend the ground goal. “Unless it is an emergency, I can’t distract my team by healing mere bruises. I will just need to wait until first half of the match ends.”

Spike ignored words of the little mare as he examined movements of unicorn and earth pony guards, somewhat surprised by their speed and skills. There's no way Canterlot guards can be that good. Where did Twilight’s brother get those ponies? Suddenly, he felt something pushing his fingers. He looked down at his hand and quickly noticed Twilight asserting herself on it.

“If you wanted to sit on my hand, you could’ve just asked,” Spike said, but Twilight shook her head as she pressed each hoof against each of Spike’s fingers.

“I have been sitting for far too long. Because of my increased reading, I ended up way behind in my exercises,” Twilight responded from her spot on drake’s hand.

Spike tilted his head to the side. “You want to train here and now? You will miss the entire match.”

Twilight smiled cheerfully. “I already thought of that, but I need your help.”

“Sure, what do you need me to do?”

“Tighten your fist while I will use my strength to resist.” Noticing a look on Spike’s face that spoke ‘seriously’, she added, “Just position your hand so I can watch the game, and don’t hold back on me. I need to be in shape to beat my brother in hoof wrestling.”

Spike’s mouth opened agape before he shook his head. “You wrestle against your brother? While being so small?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I don’t wrestle against my brother. I hoof wrestle against him.” Seeing that the confusion on Spike’s face grow with her every word, she added, “I wrestle against his hoof. Foreleg to be precise. So far he is winning every time, but I will beat him someday.”

“First, why I never noticed, second, why won’t you use your magic to even the odds?” Spike asked as he tightened his fist, but his fingers meet with impressive resistance as Twilight’s legs trembled, but didn’t bend. He put more strength into his hand, flexing Twilight’s legs a little as she grit her teeth.

Twilight took a moment to regain lost ground before raising her head to look Spike in the eyes. “This… wouldn't… b-be… f-f-fair!” She took a quick breath and finished, “B-besides… we p-prefer t-to… do it in p-pr-private!”

Spike rolled his eyes before moving his hand so his adoptive mother could see both playing teams while resisting his crushing hold. On one side, he found it uncomfortable. Crushing his unicorn mother as if she was some sort of bug, causing her discomfort and maybe even pain. Even if for her it was just a mere exercise, it didn’t seemed right.

On another side, he found a weak pleasant feeling of dominance, as if he was a huge powerful dragon forcing a lesser being into submission. Were those his dragon instincts kicking in, or just a satisfying experience of being bigger, of feeling like a grownup rather than a child?

Suddenly a thought crossed his mind. I will one day grow into a large dragon, big enough to crush a pony by making one wrong stomp. He looked at Twilight who was sweating before his very eyes, but didn’t let his fist to close. He smiled, On the second thought. Twilight will return to her normal size one day… and she will keep me from hurting others. It will be as if nothing changed… but for how long? He shook his head before depression could overtake him. Happy thoughts, Spike. Happy thoughts.

The moment first half of the match was over, Shining Armor and his team were on the way to the locker-room, a place where they would rest for several minutes while discussing a new strategy. Suddenly, the captain stopped in his tracks while giving his confused team a awkward smile. “G-go right ahead. I have something to take care of first.”

His subordinates saluted and went ahead, leaving their commanding officer to face his very special somepony. Shining Armor approached Cadence who was sitting with crossed arms while shooting him a disapproving glare. “Hey there Cadence. I know that we are losing, but we will get ahead in the next round.”

“That’s not why I’m angry, Shiny,” she said with a firm tone as she gestured for the officer to sit. He followed the command without hesitation. Cadence pointed at her hoof accusingly at him, “You pulled the elite guards that auntie Celestia and former captain Brave Blade picked up personally to assist in capturing Nightmare Moon,” she whispered.

With a stomp of her hoof, she continued with much louder tone. “Those elites were training for many years to be our secondary line of defense, should Twilight fail. They were training hard to support their ruler in disarming and capturing her corrupted sister, Princess Luna.” She facehooved while finishing, “And you are calling upon them for a hoofball game?”

“Not so loud.” Shining Armor rubbed back of his neck before responding, “Besides, those are the best guards I got.” Noticing a disapproving stare of Cadence, he spread his forelegs and said, “And what you expected me to do? Pick up random guards from Canterlot with barely any time to prepare to face a group of elite fliers?” Noticing a firm nod, he said, “The Reputation of the Royal Guards is on the line. The Wonderbolts for the past few days proved that they are the elite of pegasi when it comes to flight and skills. It’s only fair to face them with elite guards.”

Cadence sighed before massaging her own forehead. “Alright.” She raised her head and looked at the stallion suspiciously, “Is there anything else you aren’t telling me?”

“Of… of course not,” Shining responded while looking to the side.

“Shinnii...ing,” Cadence said with a low tone.

The stallion bit his lips and looked to the side.

“Shining!”

The guard closed his eyes and crossed his forelegs.

Cadence pulled her special somepony’s ear with her magic as she tilted her head towards it and whispered, “Shining. You’re going to tell me the truth, or else you can forget about nuzzling, cheek kissing and the shoulder massage for next month. And I won’t take you for a night flight over beach for our next date.”

Shining Armor’s closed his eyes again, this time more tightly as he quietly whimpered. His crossed forearms slowly lowered to the ground. “Alright…” he started before looking at the smirking mare. “You won. I will tell the truth.”

“I am listening,” Cadence said as she exposed her ear.

“I wanted to... to impress Spitfire and Twilight while keeping reputation of the guards intact.”

Cadence sat as she asked in calm tone, “You wanted to impress Spitfire?” She frowned before poking neck-protection of on Shining’s chest with a hoof. “Now listen here Shiny. Spitfire is already taken, so don’t even think about hitting on her, unless you want to see what a jealous alicorn is capable off.”

Shining took a step back and blushed as his mouth opened agape. He raised his foreleg defensively before shaking it. “No no no, you got it all wrong.”

“Go on,” Cadence said with crossed forelegs and head turned to the side as she looked at her special somepony with one eye. “And your excuse better be good.”

Shining rubbed back of his neck as he said hesitantly, “Well… it’s just that. The Wonderbolts improved a lot since the Fillydelphia incident, and they did their best to prove it. I couldn’t let Spitfire see incompetence and weakness from my Royal Guards after that.”

“So you pulled the best into this match to prove that guards aren’t worse, and to earn the respect of the Wonderbolts,” Cadence asked as she studied Shining’s every move with a judging stare. Upon noticing a hesitant nod while looking him in the eyes, she said, “I believe you.” Her serious expression turned into a pleading as she said with worry, “But please, Shiny. I know you always mean well, but don’t do anything dumb.”

“Of course I won’t,” he responded as a awkward chuckle followed. Upon noticing a ‘are you really?’ look on Cadence’s face, he added slowly, “I… I promise to try… Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a team to motivate. See you later Cadence.”

“Time to finish this!” Spitfire shouted as her team cheered and charged towards the aerial goal of the guards. She took a quick look at the scoreboard, which showed seven points for her team and just six for opposition. Her attention shifted to the goal as she approached towards it with great speed.

“Spitfire!” Blaze shouted as he bounced white ball on his head before swinging his hindleg and kicking it to his captain.

Spitfire flew towards the incoming projectile, her hind leg prepared to deliver a solid kick and send it into goal of opposite team. She grit her teeth as drops of sweat started to form on her forehead. Suddenly the projectile changed it’s course, now falling directly towards the ground.

“Not this time,” the unicorn guard said with a mocking salute as he was being held by a pegasus guard.

“You Wonderbolts think you control the skies, well, maybe, but lets see how well you will do on the ground,” the pegasus added before flying down to the ground alongside his comrade.

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “Oh, if that’s how you want to play, games on!” she said to herself before following. Other pegasi flew down as well as if they were meteors raining from the sky. Much to her confusion, two unicorn guards seemed to hold both balls with their levitation, escorted by 3 earth ponies form two sides and behind, while 4 pegasi flew above them. Despite the guards staying in formation, they kept some distance from each other.

The Wonderbolts quickened their pace, quickly catching up with the guard’s formation. Spitfire and Fleetfoot flew ahead to kick the levitated hoofballs. Before their legs struck the targets, both balls were levitated to earth ponies on both sides.

Lighthoof and Rapidfire blocked their ways, forcing the stallions to kick the balls upward toward the pegasi. Blaze and Flag Collector noticing it, went to intercept, but the guards already predicted it, kicking both balls between each other while spreading up the formation even more.

Predicting the trajectory of the kicked ball, Fleethoof flew to intercept with a spinning kick. The noises of pain followed as she started to hold her hind legs while her wings flapped rapidly, holding her in place. After a moment to regain her composure, she noticed that the kicked projectile was captured by a levitation field, while her own leg had a visible mark on it. “Those guards may be slower, but they sure deliver a punch,” she said to herself, wondering if maybe not all soldiers are just for show.

Spitfire and Rapidfire started to fly around the unicorns at extreme speed, creating a tornado while breaking the levitation hold over the ball. Noticing it, an earth pony guard charged right in, galloping towards the circling ball while not bothered by the wind. With one strong jump, he tackled the ball with his head as it flew straight out of the tornado.

The pegasus guard intercepted the projectile with his head, bouncing it upward before following it.

With Whirlwind, Hurricane and Winter Wonder still receiving their punishment by the princess herself, the Wonderbolts were forced to fill the defense for this match with less experienced members, as result, leaving Clashing Strike as a goalkeeper and Ace Lottery on defense.

With most Wonderbolts still fighting for the ball on the ground, Ace Lottery was left alone to intercept two pegasi guards. Her breathing became heavy and sweat started to drop from her head as the guards just passed the ball to each other. With growing determination, she predicted it’s movement and dashed to the side, just in time to intercept the ball in mid air with her own belly.

Yelp of pain followed as Ace Lottery grabbed her own stomach with her forelegs while curling into a ball, her wings tied together as she started to fall.

Wave Chill noticing it flew upward, abandoning her post on the ground, while one pegasi guards turned back to catch her as well. The Wonderbolt grabbed Ace Lottery as she shot a glare at the guard, who just returned it with applogic stare before flying towards the Wonderbolts’ aerial goal.

“Are you okay?” Wave Chill asked as her attention was focused on a mark on Ace’s belly.

“I’m f-fine... I messed up, didn’t I?”

“Yes you did. It was something I would expect from Flutter Bolt, but not from you.”

Ace Lottery chuckled before gritting her teeth. With push of her wings, she freed herself from Wave’s hold and pointed towards the ground. “Shouldn’t you be assisting Soarin’ on defense instead of rescuing me? I should only accumulate a few scratches at best.”

Wave Chill rubbed back of her neck nervously, “Yeah… but I couldn’t leave you like that, besides, I’m sure that Flutter Bolt has it covered.” She looked down to estimate the situation, her eyes opened widely at what she saw: Flutter Bolt was lying on top of Soarin’, while a large hole was visible on goal’s net with few burning ropes. The ball itself was shattered to pieces, and there was a cracked dent on stadium’s wall behind the goal.

Wave Chill gulped and said, “Remind me… to never underestimate earth ponies.”

Ace Lottery massaged her own belly, wondering how much worse it would be to intercept ball kicked by a large and well trained earth stallion. She resisted urge to return her dinner as she looked at Soarin’ with pity. “S-sure.”

“By the way, shouldn’t we assist in defending the aerial goal?” Wave Chill asked.

Ace Lottery looked up towards aerial goal, “Oww…” She looked down at the ground, “oww...” and finally at the scoreboard, showing seven points for the Wonderbolts, and eight for the opposition. “Owww… Ponyfeathers!”

***

Spitfire facehooved as two rookies held their forehooves together in apologetic gesture, their heads lowered. She looked at Soarin’ who held the hoofball in his forehoof. A puppy pout on his face. She next turned towards saluting guards who no doubt did it in a mocking gesture before they returned to their assigned positions.

She looked around for the sign of the closest referee and flew towards him as she said, “Time out. I need to discuss strategy with my team.”

The referee looked at the timer on the scoreboard, which showed ten minutes before the end of the match. With a firm nod, he responded. “Alright, Miss Spitfire. Per rules, you have right to two five minutes long breaks each match.” With flap of his wings, he flew upward and whistled before announcing a short break.

***

Shining Armor was sitting while supporting his shoulder against a post of his goal. Ever since the Wonderbolts focused on defense rather than offense on the ground, his role of a goalkeeper started to bore him.

His smirk after his last successful tactic didn’t leave his face for past ten minutes as his team was now in advantage, and there was only five minutes left before end of the match. At this point, it can end with our victory or a draw, no other way around it, he thought while looking upward, his attention focused on aerial goal. All we need to do is play defensively.

After making sure that three pegasi were holding three unicorns to protect aerial goal against Wonderbolts’ counterattack, he lowered his head to look at his defenders. Three stallions whose strength broke through Wonderbolts’ defenses more than once, and a pegasus who was there for aerial support. As he expected, the Wonderbolts attacking against the aerial goal. Seems it will be draw after all.

Much to his surprise, three Wonderbolts dived down. What are they doing?

“Sir, the enemy incoming from twelve o’clock.”

Shining looked forward, his attention now focused on Flutter Bolt and Wave Chill who flew towards his goal while kicking a bronze ball to each other. With growing determination, he stood firmly as if taking a fighting stage, his horn lit. “If that’s how they want to play it,” he started before inhaling air into his lungs. He yelled, “Have at you!”

One of the stallions and a pegasus charged forward, ready to intercept the rookies.

Wave Chill flew upward, away from the earth pony’s range while bouncing the ball on her head. The pegasus guard moved to block his way, but the Wonderbolt predicted his move and waited for him to get closer before passing the ball to Flutter Bolt.

Flutter Bolt stopped the ball with his chest and kicked it towards Spitfire, who was flanked by Fleetfoot and Lighthoof while Blaze flew above her.

Shining Armor bit his lips while his horn lit, making a purple shield appear in front of him. While the rules didn’t allow the unicorns to make barriers over entire goal, he was allowed to use shields with one meter height and width.

Two earth ponies moved to left and right side of the goal while Shining stood in the middle, waiting for the incoming attack.

Spitfire smirked as she bounced the ball on her head before passing it to Lighthoof, who flew to the left side of the goal. She in turn kicked it to Blaze who was in the center.

With one solid kick, he sent the ball flying straight to the goal, but the projectile was reflected by Shining’s shield.

The ball landed on the ground near the goal, as if a trophy waiting to be picked up. The guards looked at Blaze but didn’t dare to move from their posts.

Shining picked the ball with his levitation, but it didn’t last in his hold longer than few seconds as Fleetfoot flew from the right and kicked it to the goal.

The earth pony guard held his ground as he grabbed the projectile between his rear hooves while standing on his forelegs, only for Lighthoof to fly over and kick it directly to the goal.

Shining jumped to the side while relocating his shield to repel the projectile in last second while a drop of sweat formed on his forehead. The rules were simple. Speed versus strength and defense, and the side who makes first mistake loses.

The pegasus and another earth pony returned to assist their captain as four stallions blocked any attempt of the Wonderbolts to score, but not even for a moment they managed to hold the ball in place before agile and quick elite fliers could get it back.

As the four minutes passed, leaving only one minute before the end of the match, Shining Armor noticed something strange. Spitfire was missing. His ears perked upward as a noise of falling bomb captured his attention.

The captain of the guards trained hard in defensive magic, often repealing projectiles during a training drill, from weak to powerful. Only his steeled nerves and experience let him keep a cold blood as his wide eyes tracked the Wonderbolts’ Captain flying towards the goal at increaseing speed. In an instant, he reinforced his shield and steeled his hooves as Blaze passed the ball to Spitfire.

The time seemed to slow down as Spitfire kicked the ball, causing it to circle a bit as it dashed towards the goal at alarming speed, leaving a trail of fire and smoke behind it. Ever since the strength of the earth pony guards proved too high, a replacement was magically enhanced to withstand even strongest hits. In this case it endured the iron-melting temperature as Shining and his support started to sweat, feeling the heat from the distance.

The pegasus guard flew ahead to intercept the projectile, using his trained strength, only to yell in pain and fall to the ground while a burning mark was left on his leg. An Earth Pony jumped ahead, trying to bodyslam it with his mass, earning burning marks on his belly as the result.

Shining Armor reinforced his shield further, his teeth greet and eyes half closed. His shield cracked slightly upon the impact with the stallion and was pushed right at him, pressing the captain into the goal.

After shaking his head, the Captain of the Guards opened his eyes and examined the situation. His shield seemed to have a few cracks, but didn’t break while the earth pony guard who sacrificed himself in this game now lied unconscious. His strength overpowered by a Wonderbolt's speed while his armor was melting from the growing heat.

Shining Armor dispelled the magical shield and focused as his levitation separated the burning projectile from his brave soldier. “You endured more than that, you will be alright sergeant Iron Head,” he said before looking at the ground, quickly noticing trails left by his own hooves. Shining closed his eyes and thought, So my magic endured the attack, but not my strength. No wonder my little sis always work so hard. Had she been in my position while at her full size, she would have stopped the flaming projectile.

“He’s not hurt, is he?” Spitfire asked as she landed in front of Shining Armor, now focused on the melted neck protection and burning mark on the stallion's belly.

“He will be fine,” Shining responded as he looked around. “It seems the match is over, who won?”

“It was a draw,” Spitfire responded while breathing heavily. Her wings dropped and legs trembled while trails of smoke were visible on her mane.

Shining’s eyes opened widely. “Draw… does that mean… Your team didn’t scored to the aerial goal?” Noticing shake on Spitfire’s head, he asked, “But despite my team’s defenses. Your team could score aerial goal much easier thanks to your natural advantage. Why go all the efforts to break my defenses on the ground where I had the advantage?”

Spitfire raised her muzzle proudly and puffed her chest. “And where’s challenge in that?” She rubbed her chest with a hoof as she added in relaxed tone, “Besides, I wanted to see the look on your face after I would beat you in your own game.” Shining’s mouth was still opened agape, which caused a chuckle among the Wonderbolts. “Totally worth it.”

Shining closed his eyes as he thought, Beaten in my own game. It seems I underestimated the Wonderbolts once again.

“It was a good match,” Spitfire said, capturing Shining’s attention who opened his eyes, and noticed a stretched forehoof. “Seems not all the guards are pushovers after all.”

Shining smiled as he understood the gesture. He shook Spitfire’s forehoof as they both stared at each others with respect. “And it seems that not all the Wonderbolts lack discipline.”

The guards and Wonderbolts quickly followed their leader’s examples while the crowd cheered in enthusiasm.

"Excuse me!” shouted a weak voice as both captains looked down to it’s source. “I saw what happened. Are you hurt, Shiny?”

Shining Armor knelt to his little sister and shook his head before pointing at the unconscious guard. “I’m fine, but I can’t say the same about my subordinate.”

Twilight stood on her rear hooves and saluted before running towards the wounded.

Shining Armor rubbed his chin as he noticed that his sister’s fur seemed a bit wet while her steps she took were shaky. He looked up at Spike who just now approached the group while his attention focused on Spike’s hand as the young drake was massaging it.

“You don’t want to know,” Spike responded.

The guard’s captain stood back to his hooves and nodded before turning to Spitfire. With a relaxed smile, he offered, “How about we take a shower. I sure need one after you struck me with a flaming hoofball.”

“Sounds good.”

As both captains and their teams walked towards the exit while guards and elite pegasi with bruises to heal stayed with Twilight, Shining turned his head to Spitfire and said, “That trick of yours was really impressive." He asked, "How did you even do that?”

Spitfire passed Shining Armor while her tail pat his head and slid over his muzzle. “I am not called Spit-fire for nothing.”

Ch14 - Party Time

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My Little Medic

Chapter 14

Party Time

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Overwatch asked as she sat in darkened room.

“Just trust the professional,” Cadence responded as her ears perked upward. “I hear their hoofsteps, they’re coming.”

The double door opened and loud murmurs echoed through the room as several ponies entered, clearly confused.

Cadence lit her horn and activated the lights as the disco ball descended from the ceiling and filled the room with multicolored lights.

“Lets get this party started,” Vinyl said as she fixed her glasses and activated her equipment, quickly filling the room with loud music.

Shining Armor and Spitfire looked around in confusion, noticing several tables made from the most elegant wood covered by trays filled with snacks and drinks. There was one with a large cake in the middle of the room and a big banner with ‘CONGRATULATIONS’ written on it.

Everypony stared at the scenery speechlessly, their mouths opened agape while a few rubbed their eyes.

Shining slowly closed his mouth and walked towards his special somepony, who just sat with forearm supported against a table. “Cadence… when you said that you wanted to show us something, I didn’t expect… this.”

Overwatch raised her eyebrow. “Seriously. You told them that you wanted to show them something? That’s it?”

Cadence nodded. “Sometime most simple solutions are the best, my young Overwatch. Besides, it worked, right?”

“It did.”

Spike with Twilight now sleeping on his head entered the room before running towards Cadence and Overwatch. He pointed his claw at the female guard and said, “So that’s what you meant when you said, 'a tasty surprise'.”

Overwatch nodded as she levitated over few chocolate cookies and took a one quick bite. “Indeed,” she said before showing her tongue to her alicorn companion. “I will eat those whether you like it or not.”

Cadence rolled her eyes before giving her special somepony an unexpected kiss in the neck, which caused a blush to appear on his cheeks. With her head now close to Shining’s ear, she whispered, “That’s for not doing anything stupid. Have fun.” She bypassed the captain while rubbing his cheek with her wing.

“Where are you going?” Shining asked while still trying to recover from yet another unexpected surprise.

“To greet other guests, of course. We can dance afterwards.”

Shining nodded as he said to himself, “Good think thing we took a bath, or else this party would stink… literally.” He picked Twilight from Spike’s head as the little mare was slowly waking up. Now looking back at him from between his hooves. “Hey Twiny, are you hungry?”

Twilight heard rumbling coming from her stomach, a result of her long wrestling match against Spike’s hand. She responded loudly, “Starving!”

“Thought so,” Shining said as he approached the closes table and levitated over a cookie before cutting it in half with his magic. He raised his forehoof and placed Twilight on top of his head next to his horn before levitating half a cookie into her embrace. The little mare grabbed it and bit off a piece of the cookie with a satisfied ‘mmm.’

Cadence smiled upon the scene before her attention focused on her prey. With a firm steps, she approached Spitfire and said with half bow, “Welcome to the after-match party. Please enjoy yourself.”

Spitfire looked around as she examined the room, and next looked back at the disguised alicorn. “Hmm… not bad.”

Noticing that Soarin’ hesitantly entered the room, the alicorn lit her horn and levitated him over as the pegasus yelped, and gently placed next to Spitfire. “How about you both enjoy yourself and relax after the excitement of today’s game,” Cadence suggested as she grabbed the Wonderbolts’ Captain by her shoulder. She gestured over the room with her left forehoof and said, “Your subordinates are already taking over the floor. You should take your lieutenant and show them real moves.”

Spitfire’s head and legs moved slightly to the rhythm of the music as she admired the atmosphere. A darkened room big enough to let a group of pegasi fly above the floor as few already danced in mid air. Filled with changing multicolored lights and hardcore music. “I suppose we could…” She looked at her lieutenant, who turned his head right away, not daring to look his captain in the eyes. “What do you say, Soarin’? Wanna give it a try?”

“I… would rather not.”

Cadence’s ears curled for a moment as she carefully lowered Spitfire to the floor. Once on her hooves, she approached the lieutenant and placed her right forehoof on his shoulder. “If you don’t want to dance. You both can always talk with each other. There are plenty of tables filled with all kinds of delicious snacks.” She pointed towards the closest table and added, “There is an apple cider season going on in a nearby town, so I ordered some for this party alongside a dozen apple pies.”

Soarin’s ears perked upward at the word of his desire, but then dropped at the unpleasant memory surfaced before in his mind. He looked at Cadence with puppy eyes and asked, “If I touch those pies, will I be frozen again?”

Cadence blinked a few times in confusion and looked at Spitfire for support who in turn said with a raised forehoof, “Twilight’s mother cast some sort of spell on the apple pie in the canteen and Soarin’ couldn’t resist trying to grab it. After we found him and freed from the ice, he nearly broke my speed record as he flew to the bathroom while shouting, ‘freedom’. He hasn’t eaten any ever since.”

As a former Wonderbolt who once worked with Soarin’s great great great… grandparents. Cadence felt sudden surge of pity and compassion towards the poor lieutenant. She hugged him gently while patting his back and whispered with motherly tone, “Sss… it is alright… There’s nothing to be afraid of. I will talk with Twilight Velvet, and no apple pie will freeze you ever again.”

Soarin’ blushed slightly as he found himself out of words. He looked at Spitfire who chuckled before shrugging. Unsure what to do while feeling the pleasant warmth of Cadence’s fur, he closed his eyes and waited patiently to be freed from her embrace.

After several seconds, Cadence released him and asked, “Better?” Noticing a hesitant nod and a weak smile, she pointed towards the table once again. “In this case, bon appetit.”

Soarin’ once again looked at the awaiting apple pie next to cup filled with apple cider and licked his lips. “Thanks,” he said before approaching the table with determined steps. Spitfire followed.

“So. How’s your plan coming together?” Overwatch asked as she sat next to Cadence who flinched from surprise.

After taking a calming breath, the disguised alicorn shook her head and spoke, “Not as good as I hoped for. Soarin’ is on some sort of guilt trip. He most likely thinks that he failed his team as a goalkeeper.”

Overwatch looked at the earth pony guards, proud strong stallions, who, despite lacking the agility of the Wonderbolts, managed to score most of the goals while knocking Soarin' out cold. “I don’t blame him. I don’t know from where your special somepony got those stallions, but they would no doubt wrestle a chimera into submission, much less overpower a pegasus. Spitfire’s speed and her flaming technique being the only exception.”

“Flaming technique?” Cadence asked.

“Just a name I came up on the spot for it,” Overwatch said as she looked at Spitfire with mix of respect and curiosity. “I would bet that this mare keeps her best tricks for herself. Ready to use them only in times of emergency.”

She shifted her attention to the guards, who seemed to get along with the Wonderbolts just fine while not bothering to keep their stoic appearances. She murmured to herself while rubbing her chin, “However it seems that Spitfire is not the only one with secret tricks. I worked as personal guard of the princess for many years, and I never once heard about some sort of elite guard’s squad. Maybe I should take a closer look into it?”

Cadence poked Overwatch into the shoulder, and the moment she looked back at her, the alicorn shook her head. “Some secrets are best left alone.”

With a suspicious stare, the guard responded, “You know something about those ponies, am I right?”

Cadence closed her eyes and asked calmly, “Maybe yes, maybe no. Does it really matter?” Her expression stoic.

Overwatch examined Cadence’s face for a moment as the alicorn just looked back with neutrality. With a growing smile, the guard said, “You sure are harder to read than Steelie, I give you that.” She turned her head to Steel Blade who sat in the corner with cup of apple cider and hay sandwich in his hooves. “He didn’t last more than twelve seconds before telling me that Twilight was hiding inside a flower pot.”

“So she went there after all.” Cadence chuckled. “She was always good in finding creative hidding spots.”

“Enough of this chat,” Overwatch said as she pointed at the table where two Wonderbolts were eating various snacks. “Spitfire seems to have trouble starting a conversation, and Soarin’ keeps getting depressed everytime she looks at him. How are we going to break the awkwardness between those two?”

Cadence took a quick sip of apple cider before placing it on the table and said with determination, “Leave this to me.” She wiped her face before walking forward with firm steps.

Overwatch sat and levitated over few hoof-shaped candies while wondering if she should oversee Cadence’s actions, or ask Steel Blade for a dance. Suddenly, she noticed Spike from the corner of her eye. With a smirk, she approached the young drake who was taking a sip of punch. “Hey Spike," she called.

“Oh, hey Overwatch. You want some too?” he asked before moving the cup up to Overwatch’s face. “This party has everything except for gems.”

“Maybe later,” she responded before lighting her horn. The saddlebag on her left opened up as a rolled banner levitated out of it. “I need to ask you a favour.”

Spike placed the cup next to the bowl of punch and asked, “What’s that?”

“Just something I need burned. If you do it for me, I will get you a ruby.”

“A ruby, really?” noticing a nod and a honest smile, he said, “Sure thing, just gi-burp…” A trial of green flames escaped his mouth and overtook the banner, causing it to vanish without a trace of ash. He smiled awkwardly and looked up at facehooving Overwatch. “Oops… b-but I will still get the ruby… right?”

Princess Celestia looked up with a warm smile as a trial of green flames appeared above her head. Her horn lit as she waited to grab a letter from her little student. Her wings opened slightly and muscles tensed from weak rush of adrenaline while her eyes focused on incoming letter that will fill her heart with joy.

Ever since she sent Twilight to work for the Wonderbolts, the letters she received proved to be the best medicine for her returning loneliness.

The newly gained smile vanished as the princess blinked in confusion, now looking at a rolled piece of material. She unrolled it slowly with her magic and examined it while her guards looked at it suspiciously, but not dared to say a word.

“Congratulations… Spitfire and the Wonderbolts…” she said while reading the large letters. Her wings closed and ears dropped as the dull feeling returned with full force. “They are having a party... “ She lowered her head. “I wish they would invite me…”

Suddenly another trial of green flame appeared above Celestia’s head, this one larger than the last. The guards observed the phenomena with alert as it slowly turned into a bowl of punch. The princess raised her head, only for it to land unceremoniously on her head.

“Are you alright, Princess?” the guard asked before placing the bowl next to the small throne while starting apologetically at his slightly wet ruler.

Celestia licked her face before while noticing a small crack on the bowl. “I am quite alright. Just another innocent assassination. Nothing to worry about,” she said with joking tone as a memory of fireworks rain flashed in her mind. Upon noticing hundreds of eyes now staring at her, she waved her forehoof while saying with enhanced voice. “The punch was good, nothing to worry about.”

“I… I need some fresh air…” Soarin’ said as he walked away, leaving Spitfire alone with half eaten pie and half empty cup of cider.

Spitfire supported her head against her foreleg and rubbed the table with a hoof.

“Is something wrong?” Spitfire’s ears perked upward as she looked to the source of voice. “You seem bored.”

“Oh, hey Cadence, or should I call you Sergeant Brave Heart?” Spitfire asked as the alicorn in disguise took Soarin’s spot.

“Cadence is good,” she responded as she placed both her forelegs on the table together. “Now, if you don’t mind me asking. Why are you sad? Shouldn’t you have fun. It is a party after all.”

“Normally I would. But it is hard to have fun alongside my lieutenant when he is like this…”

Cadence looked at the leaving pegasus who slowly closed the door behind him. “Is he always like that?”

Spitfire reasserted herself and shook her head. “Normally he is more relaxed, and sometimes even gets very excited over food or a Daring Doo book, but whenever he thinks that he screwed up, he gets depressed and all.”

Cadence nodded. “I understand.” She pointed at Spitfire and asked, “And what about you? Are you angry at him for his failures, or at least disappointed?”

The captain shrugged. “Not really. Everypony makes mistakes, and I don’t blame him any more than the others. I know he is clumsy sometime, and has a hard time keeping up with the rest of the team. But he makes it up with his knowledge and determination.” Spitfire smiled warmly and added, “To be honest, I am proud of him.”

“Proud?”

“Yes. I know it may sound odd considering how much I always expect from my team. It is my job as their captain to push them after all. However Soarin’ despite his flaws, always does his best for the team.” Spitfire lowered her head slightly as her ears curled. “As athletes, we often forget about the team and think about victory, medals and fame. Soarin’ on the other hoof always thinks about others first. It is something I really admire…”

Cadence stood and walked closer to Spitfire as she looked her in the eyes. “Did you ever tell him how proud you are?” Noticing as the captain shook her head and didn’t say anything, Cadence continued, “I can see that you like him, but were you even honest with him about your feelings?” With a relaxed smile, she finished, “Be honest like a mare to mare. Did you ever tried to ask him for a date?”

“A date? Me and Soarin’?” Spitfire asked with growing confusion.

“Yes, what’s wrong with that?”

“What’s wrong?” Spitfire responded as she raised her forehoof defensively. “Do not get me wrong, I like him, and I am happy to have him as second in command, but I can’t further our relationship.”

The alicorn blinked in confusion as she asked with curious tone, “And why not?”

Spitfire rubbed back of her neck. “First off, Soarin’ is a bit… shy. I’m not sure how he would react if I ever asked him out.” She lowered her head slightly and sighed as she spoke with more depressed tone, “And the bigger issue is that he is my subordinate.”

The captain raised her head to see if Cadence was still listening. With gesture of her hoof, she pointed at her team and continued, “What would my teammates think of me? What if they would say that I play favourites, call it fraternization between the ranks?”

Cadence bit her lips before looking to the side. “I see… the burden of being his captain weighs on your relationship.”

“Yeah... “ Spitfire started before finishing her cup of cider as she shakily placed it back on the table. “I barely managed to promote Soarin’ as a lieutenant because my team respected and trusted me. But if we started to go out to cinema or to restaurants…”

“They may accuse him for getting special treatment because of his relationship with you,” Cadence finished. “But you can’t know that.”

Spitfire looked to the side as she said in more quiet voice, “The last time I lost their respect, Fleetfoot demanded a change of leadership in the middle of a mission. I don’t want to take the risk.”

Cadence opened her mouth, but before a word escaped it, she noticed opening double door from the corner of her eye. “I think it will be best if I leave you alone for a while… I’m sorry if I poked at a difficult topic.”

“It is alright,” the captain responded with more warm tone. “It feels good to get it off my chest, and you are a good listener, Cadence.”

The disguised alicorn nodded. “Glad I could help,” she said before walking away on an intercepting course with the lieutenant.

***

“Excuse me- sorry- passing through,” Soarin’ said as he maneuvered between the dancing pairs, even noticing Overwatch and Steel Blade among the group.

“Welcome back,” Cadence said as her hoof grabbed his foreleg and pulled him out from the crowd.

“Thanks,” he responded before stretching his wings and legs. “I swear, this party got even more lively than before.”

Cadence ignored his comment as she approached the closest table and gestured for Soarin’ to join. “Would you mind a little talk with me?”

Soarin’ looked at Spitfire who seemed busy watching acrobatics of Lighthoof and Rapidfire. Not feeling ready to face Spitfire with another dose of awkwardness, he nodded and sat on the opposite side of the table. “S-sure.”

“Are you still feeling guilty over the whole goalkeeper thing?” she asked with concern.

Soarin’s ears dropped as he looked down at the table. “Y-yeah… I screwed up a big time.”

Cadence shook her forehoof. “Don’t blame yourself. Not many can withstand strength of earth ponies.”

“How do you know?” Soarin’ asked.

Cadence gently placed her forehoof on pegasus’s one. “Spitfire doesn’t blame you, nor your other team members. You are the only one who can’t forgive yourself.” After hearing a whimper, she asked, “Do you like Spitfire?”

“S-sort of…” he responded nervously.

“And you know that she likes you?”

Soarin’ raised his head and retreated his forehoof. “Maybe… I suppose she likes me a bit.”

Cadence sighed before looked Soarin’ deeply in the eyes. “Don’t you both share any touching memories ever since you started to work under Spitfire’s wing? Any hardships and obstacles you’ve overcame together? She promoted you to lieutenant because she trusted you after all.”

“She says that she did it because I’m smart, loyal and helpful… but I feel that I don’t deserve this rank. There are so many Wonderbolts who deserve this promotion more than me,” Soarin' responded as he stared back at the very pony to whom he owed his great great great... grandparents' lives.

Cadence sighed. This is harder than I thought. Spitfire is afraid of being accused of playing favourites, and Soarin’ has self-esteem issues. I didn’t want to resort to this just yet, but it seems I have no other choice.

“I believe that we’ve kept Spitfire waiting long enough,” the alicorn said as she lead the way to table with the bored captain.

“Sup,” Spitfire said as disguised alicorn sat on her left while her lieutenant in front of her.

“I’m sure you both have much to talk about,” Cadence said as her horn lit in blue aura. She looked at Soarin’ on her right side with the most motherly smile she could muster and said, “Please, don’t be hard on yourself. You should have fun with everypony else, not dwell in self pity.”

She looked at Spitfire on her left and added, “Maybe a small memory trip will let you relax a bit? I am sure you both had many exciting adventures together.”

Soarin’ opened his mouth, struggling to give a response, but after one look at Spitfire, he looked to the side. Unnoticed by him or the captain, a pink heart flashed between both Wonderbolts, barely visible among the multicolored light from the disco-ball.

Cadene stood and walked away, leaving both pegasi to themselves. Spitfire closed her eyes as several memories of the past flashed in her mind. With a weak smile, she said, “Do you remember those times when you looked at me with those puppy eyes after apologizing for slowing your wingmate down?”

Soarin’ chuckled slightly and curled both forelegs under his neck. “Well… I was slowing him down. Even he agreed.”

The Wonderbolts’ captain took a small bit of apple pie before looking Soarin’ in the eyes. “True, but show me a second pegasus, much less a Wonderbolt who would admit his faults. Whenever something went wrong, you were always ready to take the blame. I always found your innocent personality to be very cute.”

Soarin blushed while hiding his head behind his wings.

“And do you remember that day I had to carry you on our way back after field training? All because you passed out,” Spitfire asked.

“Don’t remind me. I caused you a lot of trouble that day. All because of my poor stamina.”

Spitfire sealed his mouth with a hoof and said, “And you felt so guilty about it, that you started to open doors for me, protected me from rain with your own wing and tutored me about pegasus’ anatomy. You know your flaws, admit them, and try to better yourself.” The captain sighed as she added with pitiful tone, “I only wish that your fear of disappointing us wouldn’t weigh you down.”

She embraced her wing against Soarin’s back and pulled him slightly before delivering a quick kiss on the cheek, which caused his wings to spread. “I always wanted to do this.” With a warm smile, Spitfire nuzzled the pegasus as she added, “You always think about your team first. I’m proud I can call you my lieutenant.”

“R-really… You're proud… of me?” Soarin’ responded, not bothering to resist.

“Of course I am proud, stupid. You're the best lieutenant and wingpony I could ever hope for,” Spitfire said as she blushed. She released Soarin’ and looked to the side while rubbing her forehooves together.

Soarin’ gulped as his cheek’s became more red with each passing second. “B-b-but… there are so many better, faster and more dependable stallions than me.”

“B-but... I d-don’t deserve…” Soarin responded with panicked expression while looking around for distraction he could use.

Spitfire silenced the pegasus with a hoof, “I will be the judge of that.”

Soarin’ mumbled something before Spitfire added, “And you that you really stop blaming yourself so much. Whenever you are pointing out how weak you are, I don’t know if I should either hug or slap you.”

The lieutenant took a few slow calming breaths while placing forehoof on his own chest. “That’s… a lot to take for a one day… but why are you telling me this now?”

Spitfire placed her forehoof on Soarin’ and said, “I’ve always wanted to tell you that… but I…” She looked to the side. “I was afraid of how you may take it…”

Soarin’ grabbed his captain’s forehoof between his own and looked her in the eyes. “You really mean every word you said?” Upon noticing a weak nod, he added, “I… I don’t know what to say.”

As the silence maintained for next several seconds as both pegasi started at each other, speechless, Overwatch walked by and said, “Oh, just kiss already,” before disappearing into the crowd while pulling Steel Blade’s foreleg with her magic.

As both pegasi blushed and Soarin’ released Spitfire’s forehoof. She spoke, “I know we are good friends, teammates and all, but I always hoped that one day, we could be more.”

Soarin’ looked at cheering Wonderbolts who enjoyed themselves alongside the guards while eating and drinking alike. “Won’t it cause you trouble.”

“It probably will… that’s why I’m afraid to make the first step,” Spitfire responded before grabbing Soarin’s foreleg. “But there’s nothing wrong with a dance during a party.”

“I suppose not.”

***

After a short dance, Overwatch excused herself and left Steel Blade next to the dining table with big cake in the middle as she approached the alicorn. She noticed that Spitfire asked Soarin’s for a slow aerial ballet as they both flew in mid air, dancing on their rear hooves as if on invisible floor. With her attention once again focused on Cadence, Overwatch poked her a few times.

“What is it?” Cadence asked while looking to the side.

“You said you don’t use magic to force love upon others.”

Cadence chuckled before answering with cheerful tone, “Overwatch, I thought you had more faith in me than that. You should know best that I would never force love upon anypony.”

The guard pointed her hoof at the dancing couple and said, “Then how'd you accomplished that?”

Cadence raised her forehoof in a lecturing gesture. “If you weren’t busy goofing off around the park while I was giving Twilight a lecture about love magic, you would know that I just bring back memories of all the good times they had with each other. I’m merely reminding those two why they love one another so much in the first place.”

Overwatch looked between the disguised alicorn and next at the dancing pair that slowly descended to the closest table with few cups of apple cider. The loud music still assaulting her ears. Overwatch raised her eyebrow and asked, “If you cast a spell on them, how can you be so sure that your magic is not affecting their decisions?”

Cadence chuckled. “I’m sure of it because of what they are doing.” She looked at Overwatch, whose face just begged for explanation. The alicorn raised her foreleg in lecturing gesture and said, “If there was no love, or any positive feeling to each other between those two… if at least one of them wasn’t feeling love to the other one, my spell would have little to no effect.”

Overwatch rubbed her chin. “So if I understand correctly. You just reminded them why they like each others so much, and they did the rest?”

“Exactly,” the disguised alicorn responded before lowering her head in guilt. “I hoped I could wait with using my magic, but all our previous attempts resulted in failure. Hopefully now when they take the first step, we can help them deepen their relationship.”

Overwatch nodded before levitating over a cup of apple cider as she took another a sip. “I suppose this is a start. By the way, where did you get this cider? It’s taste is… unusual…”

“From a farm in Ponyville. I made an order, and a very nice young filly and quite energetic old mare provided me with it.”

“So you just showed up in nearby town, gave a large order of their precious supplies, and they provided you so quickly without any issues,” Overwatch asked with crossed forearms.

“Well…” Cadence started. “At first, the filly said that they never have enough for the common folks, but when I was about to leave, the old lady provided me with their reserves from the basement. I even tried to pay more for the trouble, but the she was very stubborn in her refusal.”

***

As Spitfire descended alongside her lieutenant, landing next to the table. She grabbed two cups with her wings. “I feel a bit thirsty, what about you, Soarin’?”

“Didn’t you drink like… seven cups already?” Lieutenant examined the substance inside the cup before his pupils shrunk. He pointed at it and said, “But… this is a hard cider. It is alcoholic. I… I never drank hard cider before.”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “Really? Never?” Noticing a nod, she smiled and picked second cup with her wing before placing it between Soarin’s hooves. “There is always the first time.” She drank her own cup, nearly finishing half of the liquid in it before burping. “Now your turn Soarin’.”

“I’m… not sure it is a good idea,” he said hesitantly.

Spitfire rolled her eyes and said, “Just drink it already. What is the worst that could happen?”

***

“And now, something calmer for our cutie couple,” Vinyl said as she changed the music while a spotlight turned thanks to her magic, now focusing on two dancing Wonderbolts’ officers.

The pair ignored the sudden attention they were getting from other Wonderbolts and guards, who moment later returned to their own fun.

Cadence massaged her own forehead while her surroundings started spinning. She levitated over a nearly finished cup of cider and sniffed it. The aura of her magic released the cup as it slammed against the floor.

“This… is bad.” She looked around at the dancing pairs while few pegasi were slammed against a wall. “This is very bad.”

Suddenly, Shining Armor grabbed Cadence by her shoulder and said, “You still owe me a dance, remember?” He spinned the disguised alicorn who fell over onto her own back.

Cadence noticed Spike from the corner of her eye who ran to the exit with sleeping Twilight in his hands, while several of empty cups that once were filled with hard cider were now lying on the floor. She looked up at the towering and slightly drunk Captain with rose in his mouth and said, “What I have done!?”

Ch15 - The Moment of Truth - Part 1

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My Little Medic

Chapter 15

The Moment of Truth
-
Part 1

A weak breeze of fresh air filled the office by an open window, replacing the heated atmosphere with bits of pleasant cold.

Feeling the wind on her face as it rustled her mane and feathers, Spitfire observed the training area with mild interest as she reflected on yesterday’s events. What’s going on? I just don’t understand it anymore, she thought before looking at the cloudless sky, no doubt cleared by her subordinates. Just a few months ago, I did what I usually do; train my team, do paperwork, prepare stunts for upcoming shows…

Spitfire sighed as she perched her head on her hooves, her elbows resting on the window sill. She looked straight ahead with a bored expression and contemplated, But ever since I met Twilight, my world has turned upside down. Noticing a few leaves flying through the air, she counted each passing one. First, my subordinates got a month long vacation. Second, my profession changed from a captain to a teacher. Third, we beat up some griffon and unicorn foal nappers, and in the end we got one heck of a small medic in our ranks. As more leaves passed by, her thought processes sped up. Bullying, insubordination, invasion, fighting among our ranks, finding ourselves under the supervision of a magically talented family and royalty, learning of the existence of an alicorn who was once a Wonderbolt, and a hoofball match against the royal guards. She facehooved while frowning.

“And on top of all that, my entire team passed out drunk while I slept with my lieutenant,” Spitfire said to herself in frustration before raising herself from her depressed position. She took a few steps back and slammed the window shut before half closing the curtains. “Can this get any worse?” Upon hearing a knocking sound at her door, she added with roll of her eyes, "Well, great."

With a swift move, she turned around and focused on the door as she approached the table, two towers of the paperwork slightly blocking her view. “Come in!” she said with firm and authoritative tone.

Slowly, the door opened as a blue head of a pegasus peeked inside. “If… if I’m interrupting… I’ll…”

“Come inside,” Spitfire started before asking with calm and annoyed tone. “What is it this time, Soarin’?”

“I… I came to…” he started before entering the room hesitantly, carefully closing the door behind him with his rear hoof. There was a flower bouquet between his right wing and small box of chocolates between his left one. “I came to,” he gulped and struggled to push the last word, “apologize.”

“And here we go again,” Spitfire said before pushing the towers of paper to the side. She gestured for Soarin’ to sit closer on the other side of the table and said, “I keep telling you, it wasn’t your fault. Braveheart, Cadence, or whatever I should call her. She supplied the hard cider to the party and got all of us drunk.” Spitfire raised her forehoof and pressed against her own chest. “Furthermore, I was the one who lost control over my drinking habits and forced you to do the same. You were hesitant to drink it from the start.”

“Yes, but–” Soarin’ said, but was cut off.

“No buts,” she responded with a slam of her forehoof, which caused Soarin’ to flinch and piles of documents to jump. “Do you remember what I told you? How I want either to slap or, or…”

“Hug me?” Soarin' added hesitantly.

Spitfire nodded before continuing, “...Whenever you take the blame for everything. You didn’t mess up, and I am not angry, nor do I hold a grudge about what happened.”

“I know… but still...”

Spitfire clopped her hooves together before raising her foreleg in a lecturing gesture. “You apologised five times already and demanded to be punished at least three. I even had to tear apart your letter of resignation from the Wonderbolts and next refuse your demand to demote you. I don’t care what others will say. You did nothing wrong.”

Soarin’ rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he looked to the side. After a moment of gathering courage to speak, he asked, “Why… it would save you a lot of troubles…” He raised his head and looked at the captain with pleading stare. “Why can’t you put all the blame on me, punish me and get it done? It would… be so much easier for you.”

Spitfire massaged her forehead. “I’m not going to make you the black sheep to get away with the consequences. Can’t you at least once think about yourself?”

Lowering his head, Soarin’ sighed and said, “But supporting my team is the only thing I am good at… Something I can do to make up for slowing them down. You already gave me… so much slack when I barely kept up with the team during all of our training. Closed a blind eye to many of my failures.”

Spitfire once again slammed her hoof against the table, this time causing a small crack upon the wooden surface. “Are you accusing me of playing favorites?”

“I’m sorry!” he responded defensively, his head once again low.

Spitfire closed her eyes and massaged her forehead once again. Soarin’, I just can’t get angry at you… but sometimes you can be really annoying. She took a few calming breaths before saying slowly, “Listen Soarin’, rewarding and punishing is meant to set up an example for others, and to motivate a subordinate to better themselves.” She raised her lieutenant's head with a hoof and said while looking him in the eyes, “You are more intelligent than rest of the team, but not as athletic. You make mistakes, but work hard to fix them. What good would punishment do for you? It won’t motivate you, that’s for sure.”

“...”

“I don’t want you to abandon your reading and hobbies, and force you to train harder. It will just make you miserable and unhappy, and it would break your morale in the field.” She retreated her forehoof and looked to the side as she spoke with more authoritative tone, “A great captain would not play favourites and treat all his subordinates equally. A great captain would punish you much harder for your mistakes and force you to train longer than others. Well… it seems I’m not all that great, but no pony is perfect.”

Soarin’ shook his head and shouted in panic, “N-no… you are a great captain!” With a blush, he took a step back and curled his head while hiding it behind his forehoof. “You are… for me… sorry. I got ahead of myself.”

Spitfire chuckled before responding with much more cheerful tone, “It’s fine. As cheesy as it sounds, we both opened our hearts to each other, and I’m grateful for that.” She walked around the table and gently placed her wing on Soarin’s back, rubbing her feathers softly against his fur. As the lieutenant just looked to the other side, Spitfire spoke, “Look on the bright side. Nopony blamed or complained about us ever since that party two days ago. Maybe there are some rumours circling around, but I’m sure it’s nothing serious.”

“Maybe we should be honest about it…” Soarin’ suggested while receiving a dumbfounded stare from his captain. “I mean… we kept our feelings hidden for so long, but they will find out sooner or later, if they haven’t already.”

Spitfire sighed. She remembered how two alarmed Wonderbolts ran into her room, only to see the mess and Soarin’ lying flat on the floor. Wave Chill swore she won’t tell anypony about what she saw, but I doubt she managed to keep Flutter Bolt from doing so. Maybe Soarin’ is right. Maybe it is best to explain the situation rather than let rumours to spread.

With a weak surge of determination, Spitfire looked at Soarin’ and nodded. “Alright, we will tell them and accept the consequences.”

“R-really?” Soarin’ asked with wide eyes and stare filled with shock, as the captain returned it with a regretful smile.

“Yes, really. Though if it will turn out for better or worse, I can’t tell.”

As both pegasi approached the door, Spitfire stopped and pointed at gifts held under Soarin’s wings. “You forgot about these.”

The stallion stopped in his tracks and turned around. “Oh… right.” He sat and carefully spread his left wing as he grabbed the box of chocolates before offering it to Spitfire. “It was meant to be… an apology gift.”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “You know what, Soarin’,” she started. “Stallions usually don’t give mares flowers and chocolates to apologize for sleeping with them.”

“I suppose it’s a bit… out of place now that I think about it,” Soarin’ said with blush on his cheek as Spitfire shot him a ‘you think?’ look before taking the box of chocolates with her wing.

Once the captain placed it on the table next to the documents, she turned her head to look at the flowers that were held between Soarin’s forehooves as he presented the bouquet while hiding his head behind it. “I bought you the chocolates to ap-p-apologise, but not the flowers... I… I really like you Spitfire… like… really, really like… Please accept those…”

Spitfire stood in silence for a few seconds as she was about to turn around, but her forehoof was still raised above the floor. She saw as the bouquet of flowers started to tremble before falling down from Soarin’s shaking forelegs. And the moment they hit the floor, the stallion dashed for the exit.

The captain lowered her foreleg and blinked in confusion as her attention was now focused on the flowers spread on the floor. First he keeps apologizing, demands to be demoted or even kicked from the team, and now this… Spitfire thought before sighing as she carefully picked up the flowers with her wings and hooves. I didn’t expect that he would gather the courage for something like this after everything that happened. She raised her head to look at the opened door. I better catch up with him before he sinks under the floor from embarrassment.

“You can’t be serious,” Overwatch said as she walked next to Cadence, her expression a mix of annoyance and anger.

“I am very serious,” the disguised alicorn responded, stepping determinedly as she looked ahead, completely ignoring Overwatch’s stare.

The guard frowned. “Why can’t you just keep it quiet? Ever since your party, Soarin’ and Spitfire became much more open with their feelings. They made the first step,” she started before continuing in a more frustrated tone, “and you already apologised for confusing apple cider with hard cider! If you tell everypony that we tried to get their officers together, what will it accomplish?”

Cadence raised her muzzle proudly before responding, “They deserve to know the truth. We need to dismiss all false rumours, and convince the rest of the Wonderbolts not to call the relationship between their captain and lieutenant as… how Spitfire called it… frienderie-ri-rysation… fraternization or something like that.”

Overwatch rolled her eyes. “So long story short. You want to tell the entire team of the Wonderbolts that we were trying to ship their captain and lieutenant together because they are made for each other, and ask them politely to give them some slack?”

“Pretty much,” Cadence said as she sped up her pace with Overwatch following suit. “I messed up, and I will clean up after myself.” She looked to the side at the guard and added, “If you want, I will take all the blame and not mention you at all.”

Overwatch stared thoughtfully at the ceiling for a moment before looking back to Cadence as she said in a calmer tone, “You know, I hardly recognize you anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Cadence asked as she slowed down and gave the guard a questioning look.

“When I first met you, what I saw was a fragile and caring foalsitter,” Overwatch started. “You were terrified that Twilight would hurt herself, and it took you a while to get used to her adventurous spirit.” She sighed. “I won’t deny that you were a calm, patient and kind pony, but you often seemed sad and deep in thought.”

The disguised alicorn half closed her eyes and shot the guard a suspicious look. “And how can you tell?” She tilted her head towards the guard, now looking Overwatch in the eyes. “If I didn’t know you better, I would say that your special talent must be reading other ponies.”

Overwatch rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Whenever Twilight asked you about your past, you always came up with an excuse to leave, changed the topic, or told her a half truth.” Seeing that the disguised alicorn’s eyes opened widely, she added, “Do I even need to mention the sad smiles you gave whenever she wasn’t looking? I’m not just some sort of statue that doesn’t see what’s going on.”

As both mares stared at each others in silence. Cadence spoke first, “You are quite perceptive.” The alicorn looked to the side and added in a sad tone, “I… I can’t tell you much… but my past wasn’t always filled with lollipops and rainbows. But I don’t wish to worry anypony, especially Twilight.”

Overwatch nodded. “So you keep secrets, bury your past and focus on the future?”

“Precisely,” Cadence said before turning her head to look at the guard as she pressed her muzzle against Overwatch’s. “I know that you’re very curious and like to put your nose in others’ business, but I also get the impression that you hide secrets of your own.”

“What gave you that idea?” Overwatch responded firmly as she held her ground, but the alicorn just pressed the muzzle hard.

“I was hiding my identity among common ponies quite often. I can tell when somepony is hiding something from me.” She smiled. “How about this: you stay away from the secrets of my past, and I won’t look into yours.”

The guard looked ahead and raised her muzzle prouldy. “Fair enough. Anyway, as I was saying. I always saw you as kind, a bit sad and somewhat fragile pony, but you changed.”

“In what sense?”

Overwatch cleared her throat and said firmly, “Your confidence improved while a happy smile became a regular occurrence on your face.”

As both ponies reached the door leading into the training area, they sat in front of it and looked at each other. The guard raised her forehoof and continued, “You became more cunning, more open about some of your past experiences. Enthusiasm isn’t something you can easily hide.”

Cadence rubbed back of her neck. “You… you are right. Now that I think about it, ever since I met Twilight ... and later her brother, I changed.” She giggled with forehoof raised up to her face. “I didn’t even notice.”

“I bet you found the prank where you and Shining Armor switched gender temporarily quite entertaining,” the guard said.

“It was kind of fun. I especially loved when Shining found me with the few mares that tried to invite me on a date. Oh, the look on his face.”

Overwatch crossed her forelegs and shot Cadence a sly smile. “I bet he thought that you were scoring mares left and right.”

Cadence giggled and finished, “Only to find out that we talked about mare’s stuff this whole time. They even told him… or should I say, they told Armorina how lucky she is to have such a loyal gentle-stallion as me as her very special somepony.”

Overwatch barely held a burst of laughter, somewhat wishing she would be there to witness it. After a moment to compose herself, she asked with a cheerful tone, “Now do you see what I mean? And when I asked you to help me with Spitfire and Soarin’, you took charge of the situation and went on with few quite manipulative plans.”

“They weren’t that manipulative…”

The guard rolled her eyes. “Giving Soarin’ a book about writing poems and next telling Spitfire that her lieutenant would like to read her one, suuure. You were sooo innocent. Or when you asked Soarin’ to deliver Spitfire a package as a gift from you, telling him that you’re too shy to do it yourself while asking him not to mention that it was you. Should I go on?”

Cadence shook her head. “I think that’s enough.” After taking few deep breaths and stretching her wings that were hidden under advanced illusion. She pointed at her own cutie mark and spoke, “Everypony has a special talent, something that makes them unique. What do you think mine is?”

Overwatch rubbed her chin, but the moment an answer was about to leave her mouth, Cadence cut her off, “My special talent is spreading love. Love between two ponies, between daughter and mother… Helping others find, cherish and keep it, this is what I was meant to do. How much time passed since I used my talent to help another?”

“How should I know, years, decades?” Overwatch asked.

“Centuries,” Cadence responded, causing the guard to take a step back. “I became adept at more than a hundred different jobs and learned many useful skills, but Equestria doesn’t exactly have a matchmaker profession. The closest I got to use my special talent was when I worked as therapist, helping ponies get together.”

“And you stopped doing it because?”

Cadence sighed as her ears dropped. “Two reasons.” She raised a hoof and said, “First, with the increasing number of mind affecting spells and artifacts all over Equestria, a group of ponies accused me that I used magic to brainwash them. I surrendered my job to not draw too much attention to myself and started over as I always do.”

“And that second reason?“ Overwatch asked while drops of sweat started to fall her face. Her breathing rate increased.

“I couldn’t watch how everypony fell in love with each other… I lost many friends to the sands of time, but also a few I loved myself.” With a swift move, the alicorn slammed her forehoof against the wall, causing several long cracks to spread across it. As Cadence retreated her forehoof, several little fragments of stone flew to the floor and a hoof-shaped hole was left on the wall. ”I couldn’t face the pain of losing a loved one ever again…”

Overwatch wiped sweat from her head and said, “Until Shining Armor? Correct?”

Cadence nodded. “You can call me a fool, but as I foalsat Twilight, she became like family to me, just like auntie Celestia, and Shining Armor is a pony I learned to love.” She pressed forehoof against her chest and added, “I know that the pain I felt centuries ago will once again repeat itself, but I’m willing to endure it for at least one century of happiness.”

As the guard slowly walked backward, the alicorn looked to the side and continued, “Foalsitting Twilight, dating her brother, and helping Soarin’ and Spitfire get along. I felt like a fish in a river, like a…” She turned around and noticed Overwatch walking away on tips of her hooves. “And where do you think you’re going?”

The guard who was now sweating even harder and barely stood on her shaking legs, said, “I… I need to use the bathroom. It’s an emergency.”

Cadence watched as Overwatch ran down the hallway and frowned. “If you don’t want to talk about it, just be honest with me! You don’t need to use ‘I need to go to the bathroom’ excuse every single time!” As the guard was already out of her sight of view. Cadence stomped against the floor. “Fine, be that way.” Her horn lit with magic as small stone fragments levitated into the holes on the wall and floor as they started to rebuild themselves. The cracks on the wall slowly vanished in straight lines.

With a growing determination, Cadence turned back to the door into the training area and pushed it open. She took a deep breath while her attention focused upon gathered group of Wonderbolts and said to herself, “Come on Cadence, you can do this.”

“Oh come on honey. It couldn’t be that bad?” Twilight Velvet said as she walked through a long hallway next to Shining Armor, who was once again in his captain’s uniform. “Your special somepony was the one who supplied the hard cider for the party by accident. Surely she can forgive you for your behaviour.”

“Your mother is right,” Night Light said as he walked at his son’s right side. “Cadence was always very understanding whenever you messed up and, even if she is an alicorn, in the end she is just a pony. She makes mistakes like everypony else and most likely feels regret as we speak.”

Shining Armor kept walking with lowered head. “But I should have recognized that it wasn’t normal apple cider and warned her in time. Instead, I ended up getting drunk myself and did Celestia knows what with her.”

“Did you ask her what exactly happened?” Velvet asked.

“Not really,” the stallion responded before looking into his mother’s eyes. “I’ve been kind of… avoiding her ever since… to give her time to calm down.”

Night Light rolled his eyes. “Sometimes it is best to talk about an issue from the start before it escalates. I still remember the first time I dated your mother...“

“Not this again,” Shining groaned as the talk between husband and wife began, leaving him with a mix of depression and annoyance.

As the captain looked ahead and noticed a door into the training area, he murmured to himself, “Maybe a bit of fresh air will calm my nerves before I talk with her… I may as well settle the score with the Wonderbolts in the meanwhile.” He looked at the ceiling and said, “Please Cadence… whatever I did, forgive me.”

“Slow down, Twilight!” Spike shouted as he ran ahead of the tiny mare and blocked her path, only for her to maneuver around his legs. Wasting no time, the young drake continued the chase.

“I’ll slow down only if you will tell me what exactly happened during the celebration we had two days ago!” Twilight yelled before charging her horn. Her ears perked upward at the noise of a falling dragon. Before two big hands of Spike could grab her, she vanished in flash of teleportation and reappeared on top of his head.

With slow steps, she approached Spike’s muzzle and supported her forelegs against it as she shot him an angry glare. “Why does nopony want to tell me anything?” She stomped. “Shining is avoiding me like the plague. My parents asked him what happened while sealing the room so I wouldn’t hear anything. Cadence and Overwatch are also keeping their mouths shut while constantly worrying about something. Spitfire refuses to say a word; both Soarin’ and Steel Blade begged me with puppy-dog eyes to not ask them anything.” She jumped from Spike’s muzzle before turning around and watched as the young drake stood up.

“Because it’s not a big deal. You just ate too much, drank way too much punch and felt very sleepy. That happens when you eat a lot after watching a hoofball match while wrestling my hand for an entire hour,” Spike said with panic before half closing his eyes. He pointed at Twilight and added with more relaxed tone, “You’re strong, Twilight, but you’re not an earth pony. Your stamina can’t catch up with your physical exercises.”

Twilight stomped against the floor with a barely hearable thump. She stood up to her rear hooves and pointed at her adoptive son. “Don’t think you can lie to me! I heard many whispers and small talks about Spitfire and Soarin’ spending the night together, or how my brother and foalsitter became a center of attention during a… how did Fluter Bolt call it?” she wondered while rubbing her chin with a hoof. “Oh yes, ‘a wild dance of love’.” She frowned. “But they always noticed or heard me before it could get to the best part.”

Spike performed one more attempt to restrain his adoptive mother, but Twilight just jumped to the side and climbed up onto his back. With lowered head, he sighed in defeat and spoke, “I really think it's best if you didn’t know... “

“If you aren’t going to tell me, then I will talk with the Wonderbolts, and this time, I won’t step back until I learn the truth,” she said before running up to Spike’s head before jumping from it as if into a pool of water. After a swift and graceful landing, she galloped towards the closed door as her horn lit while charging a teleportation spell. I opened doors without use of my magic around 932 times in a row. I am sure one less won’t get me too far behind reaching a proud record of one thousand.

Twilight opened her eyes as she was now in the humongous training area, now facing… a group of Wonderbolts, Cadence, Shining Armor, her parents, Soarin’ and Spitfire, all standing in a circle while staring at each other in awkward silence. Unnoticed by anypony, she approached, when suddenly a familiar noise captured her attention.

“Twilight, I have been looking everywhere for you,” Steel Blade said, breathing rapidly as he landed behind the mare with a weak thump. The crowd of ponies turned towards them in an instant. Steel Blade looked between Twilight and the group before closing his eyes. “This is going to be a long day.”

Ch16 - The Moment of Truth - Part 2

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My Little Medic

Chapter 16

The Moment of Truth
-
Part 2

Awkwardness was something that a young dragon and many ponies experienced today as they stood in a circle, but none dared to say a word.

Spitfire and Soarin’ stood next to each other while facing their team, who either looked at the ground or sky. Cadence stared at her very special somepony who was looking at the ground while rubbing his foreleg. Twilight Velvet and Night Light sat by his side as their attention was focused on a young dragon with their tiny daughter perched on his head.

Always loud and filled with action, the training area was now quiet, as hoofsteps of leaving working staff could be heard from a long distance.

Cadence raised her forehoof and opened her mouth, but no words left it. Spitfire and Soarin’ looked at each other and shrugged. Night Light placed a forehoof on Shining’s shoulder while Velvet gestured for him to speak up, but their son just shook his head in disagreement.

Twilight studied their expressions, easily noticing drops of sweat or dropped ears. This is going to take forever. She bent her legs and, with a swift jump and help of self levitation, slowly descended into the middle of the crowd. Now being the center of attention as several giants looked at her miniscular posture, she lit her horn and inhaled air into her lungs.

With her voice magically enhanced as her horn was surrounded by lavender aura, Twilight stood up on her rear hooves and shouted, “It’s obvious that almost everypony here wants to say something, but we can’t silently stand around for the entire day!”

The group murmured as Twilight Velvet stepped forward and knelt before asking, “This is true. Do you have any suggestions how to break the first ice?”

Twilight nodded, though movement of her tiny head was barely noticeable to everypony besides her mother and the perceptive Wonderbolt. “I do, but I need an empty bottle!”

“Bottle?” Velvet asked in confusion, “Whatever for?”

“To spin it of course. During a game of truth and dare, we need to spin a bottle, and the pony… or dragon that is pointed by its edge has to either answer a question truthfully or face a challenge.” Ignoring the sudden shaking and sweating head of her brother who gestured for her to stop, she added, “I always picked the challenge.” The little mare looked at her disguised foalsitter and added, “So did Cadence whenever I asked about her past.”

Cadence looked to the side and whistled innocently while Twilight Velvet and Night Light turned to Shining Armor whose neck retreated slightly as he bit his lips.

“Interesting games you’re playing with our daughter and her foalsitter,” Velvet said with a sly smile. “Are there any adult games you’ve taught our daughter during your visits? An innocent game of cards perhaps.”

Shining looked at the sky and responded hastily, “Maybe…”

“He sure did,” Spike added while receiving a look ‘you’re not helping’ from Twilight’s brother.

“Any volunteers who would like to bring me a bottle?” Twilight asked while looking between ponies in surrounding her crowd.

“I'll get it!” Soarin’ and Steel Blade said in unison. Soarin’ immediately retreated under the intimidating stare of the pegasus guard, but Spitfire countered it with a stare of her own.

Not being a match for the captain of the Wonderbolts, Steel Blade looked to the side and murmured, “Where’s Overwatch when you need her?”

“You called?”

Steel Blade flinched and made a 360 turn in mid air while his heart nearly escaped his chest. After taking few quick breaths, he said, “How many times do I have to tell you, don’t startle me like that.”

“Aww… but I like to see your shocked expression. You look really cute when surprised,” Overwatch responded.

The ponies chuckled at Steel Blade’s expense, causing him to blush. With a sad smile, he turned around and sank into the crowd while Soarin’ flew to pick up the bottle.

Overwatch lowered her head to Steel’s ear and whispered, “I’m sorry… please, don’t be sad.” Upon noticing that her partner just frowned and looked in opposite direction, she nuzzled his cheek and added, “I will take night shift to guard Twilight today, and I saved a dessert from the party for you.”

“Really?” he asked in a soft tone before looking back at her.

Overwatch nodded and whispered again, “I wanted to eat it myself later today, but you can have it.”

Steel Blade smiled, but raised an eyebrow moment later. “But you like sweets a lot, why would you give up a dessert?”

“That’s simple; while I like to tease you to see your cute, embarrassed face, I really can’t stand when you’re sad,” she responded quietly while fixing her scarf. “I thought you knew me better than that.”

Two Wonderbolts flanking them innocently pushed Overwatch and Steel Blade at each other with their wings as they looked away and whistled.

Twilight trotted in the circle impatiently while everypony either whispered to each other or tracked the movements of the little mare. After one more minute, Soarin’ returned with an empty bottle, carefully landing in the middle of circle made of Twiny’s hoofsteps. “Here you go, sorry it took so long,” he said while placing the desired object in front of his forehoof.

Twilight approached the bottle and supported herself against it with her forehooves as she looked up at the towering stallion and said with a grateful smile, “Thank you.”

“You're… welcome,” Soarin’ responded before returning to his spot next to Spitfire, who shot him a jealous stare.

With her horn lit once again, Twilight looked at her brother. “Now, let the game begin!” She slowly walked backward while focusing on the large bottle, surrounding it with her magic. I could always make it spin with a solid kick, or push it at high speed, she thought at the possible challenge, but one look at several nervous ponies caught her curiosity. On the other hoof, let’s start this as fast as possible.

The bottle spun at high speed as the aura around it disappeared after several seconds, leaving the device of truth to its own course. Soarin’ started biting his own hooves before Spitfire placed a forehoof on his shoulder. Steel Blade copied Soarin’s action until Overwatch reminded him that he doesn’t have any secret to share with everypony.

***

The bottle slowed down, passing Shining Armor who looked at the sky, Soarin’ who flinched, and after few more mind-wrecking seconds, it stopped, pointing at the disguised alicorn.

“It seems our first contestant is Cadence, give a round of applause for the lucky mare!” Twilight shouted. Few ponies clopped their hooves against the ground while Twilight’s parents chuckled at their daughter’s enthusiasm. “Step towards the middle, please.”

Cadence did as she was told as everypony looked at her, few somewhat impressed by her size that was an uncommon sight when it came to mares. As the disguised alicorn looked down at the little mare, Twilight asked, “Truth or dare?”

“Dear?” Twilight Velvet shouted. “Twilight, I don’t think this is necessary.”

“Aww… but it’s more fun that way,” Twilight responded before looking up at her large foalsitter. “You can speak the truth when ready.”

Cadence nodded before raising her head as she now faced the group of Wonderbolts. She looked to the side at Spitfire whose glare was somewhat hostile, while Soarin’ gave her a warm smile and an encouraging gesture of his hoof.

Cadence closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking, “Few days ago, I and Specialist Overwatch–” She pointed at the female guard who suddenly became the center of attention, “–figured out that Captain Spitfire and Lieutenant Soarin’ like each other very much–” the officers blushed and looked to the side, away from the Wonderbolts staring at them, “–and we did our best to help them tell each other their innermost feelings.”

The crowd murmured as Cadence smiled awkwardly at her special somepony’s stare of disbelief. She turned to the officers and lowered her head while holding forehooves together in apologetic gesture. “We had the best intentions in mind. I’m sorry.”

“You should be!” Spitfire responded with slam of her forehoof as dust spread around it. Soarin’ wanted to say something, but didn’t get the chance over the shouting captain. “And that hard cider during the party two days ago? Was that your idea?! To get us drunk!?”

Cadence’s ears dropped at the hostility in Spitfire's voice. She took another deep breath and pressed forehoof against her chest before shaking her head. “We organized the party to give both of you a chance to spend some time together, dance and celebrate. It was an unintentional mistake on my side that everypony ended up drinking hard cider.”

Twilight gasped. “So that’s what happened after I passed out.”

“You passed out?” Night Light asked with a stomp.

“Don’t tell me you ended up drunk like everypony else?” Velvet asked with worry and hoof raised up to her face.

Twilight disappeared in a flash of magic before re-appearing above her mother’s muzzle. She carefully landed on the nose with her forelegs and anchored her hind legs on both sides of the mouth. “Not really. I overdid my wrestling against Spike’s hand, and after eating two cookies and drinking a little bit of punch I felt very sleepy.” She frowned. “Maybe if I was awake, I would have used the toxin destroying spell the princess showed me recently to get everypony back to normal.”

Night Light looked at his son and next back at Twilight on his wife’s muzzle. “Don’t worry, your brother didn’t do much to prevent it either.”

“Daaad…” Shining responded with annoyance.

Spitfire ignored the talk between Twilight and her parents as she stared at Cadence and spoke with anger, “And why should I believe you?”

Cadence opened her saddlebag and levitated a letter over to Spitfire, who grabbed it violently and started reading. “There was still much hard cider left, so I returned it to it’s owners. They asked me to deliver this letter of apology for the damage caused,” Cadence said. She then lowered her head and murmured, “After I spent an hour of refusing their refund.”

After double checking the letter and examining the Apple family’s signature, she rolled it and placed under her wing. “Seems legit.” Her hostile glare returned with full force. “Still, even with a few slips of hard cider, we were far too open about our feelings.” She pointed at Soarin’ who waited patiently for her to finish and added, “Is there something else you aren’t telling us?”

Cadence nodded. “There’s one more thing.”

Spitfire crossed her forelegs and narrowed her eyes. “Go on.”

“I was doing my best, but you were afraid what your team will think of you. Soarin’ didn’t feel worthy of your presence and felt guilty that the Wonderbolts didn’t win because of him. None of you would open up to one another,” Cadence said as she poked her own horn. “I used my magic to bring up your most precious memories with the hope that you would start a conversation. It worked in the end.”

Spitfire stomped and yelled, “You tried to use your magic to force–”

In a flash of magic, Twilight reappeared on Spitfire’s muzzle and pointed her forehoof at the captain. “I know what you wanted to say, and that isn’t how Cadence’s magic works.”

Twilight did her best not to fall off of Spitfire’s muzzle as the two of them entered into a debate. Soarin’ went ahead and gave Cadence a grateful smile. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

Cadence tilted her head to the side. “You’re... not angry?” she asked while shake of lieutenant's calmed her fears. With surge of courage, she approached the group of Wonderbolts who whispered to each other. With their attention now on her, she said firmly, “Captain Spitfire was afraid to show her feelings for Soarin’ because of her rank as your leader.” Her tone softened as she raised her forelegs in pleading gesture, “Their relationship is honest and I’m sure that it can flourish into something more, but only you can either accept it or not. I plead that you support their relationship.”

The Wonderbolts gathered in small circle and started to whisper to each other. After several seconds of hidden discussion, they turned back to Cadence while Fleetfoot spoke, “We'll see what we can do.”

Cadence gave the Wonderbolts a thankful smile and sat next to Overwatch.

The moment Twilight finished her heated discussion, she jumped onto the ground and once again spun the bottle with her magic.

***

The bottle slowed down as it passed the young dragon, and finally stopped, this time pointing at Twilight’s family.

“Mom, Dad, B.B.B.F.F!” Twilight called. “Truth or dare?”

Shining Armor looked between Twilight and Cadence and steeled himself. With gathered determination, he walked proudly to the middle and looked down at his sister. “Truth.”

Twilight jumped onto his back before climbing up onto his head. After she perched herself on the helmet next to some sort of tall decoration and she supported her head on her own forelegs, she then exposed her ears. “Go on.”

Shining Armor rolled his eyes before taking few more steps towards Cadence and said, “I would like to apologize for my unspeakable behavior two days ago.” He lowered his head and took of his helmet while forcing Twilight to grab the decoration in order not to fall off. “Will you accept my deepest apologies?”

Cadence raised foreleg up to her face as her mouth opened agape. A moment later she smiled warmly and lowered her hoof. “I should be the one apologizing, you did nothing wrong.”

Shining ignored the murmurs that reached his ear and placed the helmet on the ground while Twilight sat on his left shoulder instead. “How can you say that? My dance with you was very forceful on my side, and even if I don’t remember what happened after it, I can bet it wasn’t pleasant.” He knelt, nearly bowing as he looked up at the towering mare. “I should’ve helped instead of acting like a fool, can you forgive me?”

“It seems that taking the blame and painting oneself in worst possible light really runs in your family. I can’t even remember how many times Twilight apologised for the silliest of things.” Cadence knelt as well to the stallion's level and looked him directly in the eyes. “Do you want to know what you did to me?” Noticing a hesitant nod and hints of fear, she spoke with warm tone, “You danced with me, told me how much you love me, that you admire not just my beauty, but my character. You said few more compliments before kissing my cheek and passed out while supported on my shoulder.” Cadence chuckled before adding, “I escorted you to the guest quarters and placed on the bed while giving a good night kiss.”

Shining eyes opened widely in pure shock. After gulping, he said, “That’s it? I avoided you for two days, thinking that I was the last pony you wanted to see… over this?”

Cadence smiled sadly as she stood up before helping Shining stand. “I was afraid that you were avoiding me because you were angry at me for causing this mess.”

“Never,” Shining responded before raising Cadence’s forehoof and kissed it. “You are the kindest, most understanding mare I have’ve ever meet. Your beauty is to be admired and your determination nearly rivals my sister’s.” He nuzzled the blushing alicorn before whispering into her ear, “I love you.”

Cadence retreated slightly and looked to her left as every pair of eyes was now on them, but none said a word as if waiting for her answer. She looked back at her very special somepony and said, “Shining… you just openly admitted your love to me in front the Wonderbolts and your family… It’s something more than just dating…”

Shining nodded. “And you told the truth about your attempts to help Soarin’ and Spitfire in front of their subordinates. You inspired me.”

Cadence smiled warmly, somewhat grateful that her loved one didn’t decide to go all out and ask for her hoof in marriage. Not that she would mind, but she didn’t want to rush their relationship. “I love you too.”

“Awww…” Twilight said as she punched Shining in the cheek in encouraging gesture. ”What are you waiting for Shiny? She’s just begging for a kiss.” She stood up to her hooves and giggled at the sight of large blush. “Don’t forget to send me an invitation for your wedding.”

With a violent push of levitation, Twilight flew towards the ground and slide upon its surface, finally stopping next to the bottle while small traces of her hooves were left on the ground. She looked back at her brother, but all she could see was his large neck as he was probably kissing Cadence at this very moment.

Twilight’s parents embraced each other's shoulders and smiled proudly.

After a moment of waiting for her brother to finish, the little mare could see the large stallion turn around and walk towards her as she felt earth trembling under her flank, her attention now focused on large hooves crashing against the ground with each step. The moment she was by the shadow of her brother who was now towering over her, Twilight looked up and asked, “Should I spin the bottle, or do you have something else to say?”

“One more thing,” Shining responded before walking around his little sister as he approached the Wonderbolts. Once close enough, he sat and exposed his chest proudly. “I have a score to settle with all of you. May I ask for your attention?”

The group nodded.

The Captain of the Guards took a deep breath and said, “I understand that our first encounter… didn’t leave the best of impressions.”

“True,” Fleethoof admitted. “But your anger was justified considering that we demanded change of leadership in middle of a mission.”

Spitfire added, “It wasn’t something that happened for no reason. The Wonderbolts had inner issues for years… issues I’m half responsible for.” Now no longer thinking about Cadence’s spell, she lowered her head and said, “Bullying, a general dislike for unicorns and nobility, the crippling desire to win at all costs, troubles among the ranks; it’s something that’s been going on for years, something I should’ve dealt with… maybe I tried ignoring problems rather than dealing with them.”

Noticing the stress on Spitfire’s face, Soarin’ continued, “We were divided into Spitfire and Fleetfoot supporters for a long time. When princess took three of those who stood on Spitfire's side, and under pressure during a mission everything escalated.”

Shining nodded. “I admit that your team made a crucial mistake, but they learned from it. What I saw for the past three days wasn't an unorganized mob, but a hard working team." He lowered his head and added with hint of regret, “It pains me to admit it, but my judgement wasn’t professional.” He sighed. “After I found out that my little Twiny participated in this mission and nearly died… my overprotectiveness blinded me. This is what I would like to apologize for.”

Twilight’s ears curled as a terrifying memory of humongous mass descending towards her flashed in her mind. Her legs trembled slightly and head lowered. If I wasn’t paralyzed by fear… if I was faster, Soarin’ wouldn’t need to take the hit for me, and my mentor wouldn’t need to save us both... She looked at the lieutenant who stared at the ground and rubbed his foreleg. Ever since I started studying pegasus magic, Soarin’ was always there for me. He cheered me up after I was bullied, read with me, helped me make a saddle customized for my size. He isn’t as skilled and brave as his teammates, and yet he faced a giant worm and dangers of the obstacle course for me… and I almost cost him an eye.

As Twilight was busy contemplating, and the Wonderbolts admitted their faults and accepted Shining’s apology, the captain continued, "I am glad that you have accepted my apology, but there is something I would like to confess to all of you."

Spitfire raised her eyebrow and asked, “Confession? And what would a Captain of the Royal Guards and older brother to the most powerful unicorn I ever met have to confess?”

“The Wonderbolts didn’t hold the Royal Guards in high regard, did they?” Shining asked, now facing Spitfire who rubbed back of her neck.

“Not really…” She smiled and added in an encouraging tone, “But you sure did a heck of a job in proving us wrong.”

Shining relaxed his professional posture as his head and ears dropped slightly, “I did… but only because I gathered elites trained by my predecessor.” Cadence’s eyes opened widely as she realized what her lover is about to say. “With the reputation of the guards at risk, I pulled the best of the best to gain your respect. As hard it is to admit, your original opinion about us is… not to far from the truth.”

As the captain raised his head and prepared himself for a harsh response, Blaze's words captured him off guard. “So you sent elite guards to have a match against elite fliers. Seems fair to me.”

Lighthoof added with a raised foreleg, “If you’d picked up a couple of rookies to face us, it would would have been way more insulting. It’s nice to know that we’re being taken seriously.”

Flutter Bolt crossed his forelegs. “Hey, I’m a rookie and was pulled into the match. Don’t underestimate trainees.”

Fleetfoot smirked. “So you worked hard to win our respect and impress us when it should be other way around. I take it as a complement.”

Shining blinked in confusion. “R-really? You’re not angry that I cheated like that?”

“I meet many competitive teams that tried to cheat to win against us. What you did is anything but cheating,” Spitfire said before giving Shining a suspicious stare. “Still, out of curiosity. If Equestria can produce such elites that can draw with my team in a hoofball match, a game where speed and agility is more important than strength. Why can’t you train the guards that patrol Canterlot?”

Shining rubbed back of his neck while thinking about how to answer.

With his forehoof now raised in lecturing gesture, he explained, “To spare you a long lecture, I and my fellow officers train recruits before they can become members of the Royal Guards. At the peak of their training, they are very skilled and dedicated, but once on duty, they don’t have many opportunities to stay in shape.”

Few Wonderbolts nodded while Spitfire said, “Makes sense.” She looked at her team and added, “If I would leave my elite fliers to chill out for half a year, they wouldn’t be able to fly faster than my grandpa.” With her attention once again on Shining, she asked curiously, “Don’t you have any training programs for veterans?”

“What for?” Shining asked as he shrugged. “Equestria is a peaceful nation. There’s no need to raise a strong army. Those guards who are assigned to secure the border or patrol dangerous areas like Everfree Forest stay in good shape, but the closest to the capital or any safe city, the less skilled they are.”

Soarin’s pupils shrunk as realization struck him. “Excuse me,” he said, capturing others attention. “What about the guards who secured the border near Fillydelphia?”

Shining responded with pride, “They noticed the incoming threat, alarmed the city while evacuating as many ponies as they could despite their small numbers, and the fastest of them was sent to Canterlot to inform the princess and deliver the intelligence about the invading force.” He lowered his head and levitated his helmed from the ground into his foreleg as he held it close to his chest. “I had to appoint a replacement for those… who didn’t make it.”

As the silence overtook the group. Shining approached his parents and sat between them as they did their best to comfort him.

As seconds passed and Twilight was deep in thought, Cadence lit her horn and spun the bottle instead, careful not to put too much magic into it.

***

After the bottle stopped and pointed at Wave Chill, who asked if she could choose dare instead of truth, Spitfire and Soarin’ walked to the middle of the circle and faced their team.

Spitfire looked at Cadence with a fake smile and next at her lieutenant, who nodded encouragingly. With deep breath and determination on her face, she faced the team once more and said, “Considering that Cadence already covered part of what I wanted to reveal to all of you, I will just admit that she is right. I really like Soarin’, and he feels the same way towards me. We won’t hide it any longer. As for the rumors floating around.”

Flutter Bolt looked to the side and whistles innocently.

“I convinced Soarin’ to drink the hard cider despite his warnings, which caused him to lose consciousness. I don’t remember what happened next, but I woke up in the morning and found him sleeping in my bed,” Spitfire said before pointing at herself while spreading protective wing over her lieutenant. “Whatever happened that day, Soarin’ was innocent.”

“Actually,” Overwatch said as she walked forward, bypassing Steel Blade and Spike as she now faced Spitfire. “You lost consciousness few minutes after Soarin’. I just snuck behind Cadence’s back who was busy with her special somepony, and with Steelie’s help, we transported you both to your room.”

Steel Blade blushed as he spoke hesitantly while hiding his face behind his wings. “She asked me to transport the unconscious pegasi to the headquarters while she would place them in their beds. I have nothing to do with this.”

“He’s right, it was all me,” Overwatch said as she looked into eyes of the shocked captain impassively.

Spitfire facehooved before massaging her forehead. Her mane and nose started to release smoke while her fur color turned from yellow to red. She took few slow breaths and asked as calmly as she could, “Do you have any idea how much stress Soarin’ and I went through for the past two days?” She stomped with great force and yelled, “Why didn’t you tell us in the first place?”

Overwatch took a step back, somewhat startled by Spitfire’s sudden outburst of anger, but kept her poker face. She pointed at the Wonderbolts and said, “I did it to prove to you that your team doesn’t care if you and Soarin’ are together. If they got angry, I was just going to tell them the truth and take all the blame, but none of them did, so I kept silent.”

Lighthoof nodded as she interrupted, “Wait a moment. So they didn’t do… you know what?” Noticing a shake of Overwatch’s head, she frowned and turned to Blaze. “No matter. The captain said that they really like each other, the bet is still on.”

Spitfire’s pupils shrunk as she pointed at Lighthoof accusingly. “You… you bet that we…”

Several heads nodded as small bags of bits passed from pony to pony.

Spitfire rubbed her eyes before looking at Soarin’. “There was a pool on our relationship? Please tell me that I’m dreaming.”

“It’s not a dream,” Fleetfoot said as she received some bits from Rapidfire. “We started it around a year ago and forgot ever since. When Flutter Bolt told everypony that you and Soarin’ were in the same room in a rather… awkward position.”

Blaze nodded. “We decided that it's time to end this bet once and for all, but we didn’t know if you both would finally get together, or give up on your relationship.”

“We decided to give you both time to calm down before asking, but now we know no doubt that your relationship is legit,” Fleetfoot said before chuckling. “If we are all telling the truth and giving up our secrets, we can as well go all out.”

Spitfire looked at the closest wall while wondering if she would wake up if she slammed into it at high speed. After a moment of contemplation as her tired brain tried to comprehend the situation, her eye twitched, and a few seconds later her mane and tail caught on fire. Her mouth shut tight as she resisted the urge to shout, but each Wonderbolt recognized her angered glare as ‘are you bucking kidding me!’

Twilight Velvet whispered to her husband. “And here I thought only we could do that.”

Night Light responded quietly. “She must posses a very powerful magic. Her name is quite fitting if I may add.”

The angered captain took a deep calming breath and gave her subordinates a creepy smile. She asked, “So none of you have anything against me dating Soarin’?” Her mane and tail returned back to normal.

All Wonderbolts shook their heads while Twilight Velvet picked up her daughter and placed on her back and stood next to Night Light, ideas for a love-related plot twist in her next adventure novel already forming in her mind.

Lighthoof placed her wing on Blaze and said, “You’re not the only ones with a hidden relationship. We understand.”

Flutter Bolt placed his wing on Wave Chill, only to be pushed to the side by her flank as she gave him a 'don't even think about it' glare.

Fleethoof raised her forehoof and added, “We messed up enough in this past month. Let’s start over with a clean plate.”

"Slate, Fleetfoot. But I agree, let's start over with a clean slate,” corrected Spitfire.

Unnoticed by the group, Soarin’ pulled Cadence and trapped her in a tight hug. “Thank you so much. I know Spitfire is still angry at you, but I’m very grateful for what you’ve done for us. I know what she thinks of me, and I told her about my feelings, and the entire team is okay with it… I’m more happy than when I was after winning a pie eating competition.”

“You’re… welcome…” Cadence responded with a blush as she looked between Spitfire’s angered and Shining’s chuckling face. Making anypony jealous was the last thing she wanted to do.

Twilight stretched herself, no longer thinking about the terrifying memories. She climbed up to her mother’s ear and hung against it as she asked, “Is a romantic relationship really that complicated? None of books I read were anything like what happened today.”

Velvet looked at Night Light and answered, “It sure is. Right honey?”

The stallion chuckled. “Of course.” After taking a deep breath and gathering his determination, he said, “Since we’re all being honest, I want you to know, Twilight, that we love you very much, and we nearly had a heart attack after finding out what happened in Fillydelphia. Thank Celestia you’re safe.”

Twilight murmured to herself, “Yes, thank Celestia,” before climbing up from her mother’s ear onto her head.

“And considering how much stress you caused with your first visit ever since you became Celestia’s student, we decided to embarrass you as a little payback. I know that what we did was mean, and we’re really sorry. Can you forgive us?” Velvet asked.

Twilight’s inhaled air as her cheeks turned into two small balloons, but memories of her own attempts to convince her parents that the protection spell made her invincible crossed her mind moment later. She sighed and stroke her mother’s head. “I forgive you.” As she carefully climbed down on her mother’s cheek, she kissed it before hugging it. “I love you too.”

***

Spitfire’s mind was a mess as she desperately tried to comprehend the situation. After at least one minute of thinking and ignoring small talks all around her, she stomped against the ground and shouted, “Enough!”

With silence overtaking the area, Spitfire said firmly, “Racism, bullying and lack of discipline in the ranks of the Wonderbolts, vacation, invasion, foalnapping, confessions of love.”

Everypony stared at the captain and listened with fearful expressions.

Spitfire looked at the little mare on Velvet’s head with apologizing look, “Don’t get me wrong. I really admire and respect you, Twilight, and I’m very grateful for all your help in fixing problems that I prefered to ignore, but ever since you joined our ranks, my world was turned upside down.”

“S-sorry,” the little mare responded with squeaky voice, to quiet for anypony to hear.

“I’m tired of this mess, let’s get everything back on track,” Spitfire said before pointing at the female guard. “You have been teasing an messing with everypony, and I don’t need to ever mention about your recent accomplishments.” She looked at Shining Armor and demanded, “Overwatch is your subordinate, I would like to talk with you about a proper punishment for her.”

The captain of the Royal Guards nodded with a smirk. "Can do, ma'am.”

Overwatch shrugged and said to herself, “Still worth it.”

Spitfire pointed at Soarin’. “We will act professionally during our trainings and missions, but I would appreciate some privacy when we are off duty.” Her eyes closed slightly. “No sneaky messages, no surprise parties, no bets.”

“Yes ma’am!” the group responded.

She once again turned to Shining Armor and asked, “Do you want to punish us for what happened during our mission in Fillydelphia?”

“Not really. As long as your team learns from their mistakes, I will turn a blind eye to it. I trust you that you won’t let a similar mistake happen again,” Shining responded.

“It won’t happen again, I promise.” Spitfire faced her team once again, focusing on Fleetfoot. “For the past few days, you all have been working hard, you didn’t complain about being foalsat by a group of unicorns, and at least tried to restrain yourself during Captain Shining Armor’s inspection. All I wish is that we can put our past behind us and work hard to become a good and well organized team once again. It may not be easy and will take a lot of time, but I am sure we can do it.”

“We’ll do our best, ma’am,” Fleetfoot responded before she saluted, other Wonderbolts did the same.

Spitfire turned to Cadence and grit her teeth. “Considering what Twilight told me about your spell, and since this whole bed fiasco was just an accident… with a little help from Overwatch…”

The female guard blushed.

“I’m going to forgive you,” Spitfire said before smiling warmly. “I won’t hold a grudge.”

Cadence returned the smile while Soarin’ walked towards Spitfire and nuzzled her in the cheek.

With her attention now focused on Twilight’s parents, Spitfire asked, “Do you wish to continue your inspection? Spend more time with Twilight perhaps?”

Velvet shook her head. “I think we’ve done enough. As much as we want to keep our daughter safe and see her again, we can’t stop her from spreading her wings—so to speak.”

Night Light nodded. “We will pack up our stuff tomorrow and leave immediately. We have our own jobs to attend too.”

Shining nodded. “My job is done as well.” He turned towards Twilight and asked, “Hey Twiny, since we still have one day left, how about we have some combat training? I need to make sure that your shields are hard and skills are sharpened in case another giant monster will try to eat you.”

Twilight jumped cheerfully at the suggestion. “Of course… Blasting each other while avoiding fireballs, lightning and beams may be fun…”

“J-just be careful, and remember about your size differences,” Night Light said.

“Don’t go too hard on her,” Velvet added in a worried tone.

Spitfire finished, “Our first show ever since our vacation is going to take place in three days. Let’s get all the grudges and craziness behind us and from now on, and focus on the bright future instead.” Her satisfied smile didn’t last long as Spike burped a letter and ran towards her.

“I just got message from the princess,” the young drake said. “It seems that Fancy Pants was so impressed by the recent match, that he wants to organize some sort of party for the Wonderbolts in his residence.” Another burp later, several invitations landed on the ground. Spike gave the scroll over to Spitfire whose eye twitched a few times. “He is inviting the Wonderbolts, me and Twilight, the princess, and guess who else wants to participate?”

“Don’t tell me it’s him…” Spitfire begged, already guessing who may be the surprise guest.

“Prince Blueblood.”

*gasp!*

Spitfire massaged her forehead and said to herself, “Fine… fine! First we will have our show in three days, no more delays, and after a week we will participate in this party, and we’re going to enjoy it.” She gave Spike the most warm fake smile she could muster. “And nothing, I repeat, nothing crazy is going to happen on my watch, nothing!”

Ch17 - Farewell Duel

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My Little Medic

Chapter 17

Farewell Duel

The sun was slowly rising from behind the horizon while it’s bright light started to gently shine upon the training area. The sky in the background was slowly shifting from orange to blue as the time for Twilight’s family to leave drew near. Next to the exit on a small bench sat Spike as he covered his eyes with his fingers. His ears twitched with each loud noise that reached them, from the typical sound of explosions, to breaking ice and tremendous thunder.

Spike slowly spread his fingers and opened his left eye as he scanned the battlefield, quickly noticing several puddles of water, trails of smoke and few small holes on the ground. At some distance he could see a proudly standing Shining Armor, though not as intimidating without his captain’s armor. Near the stallion, Spike could see Twilight, galloping and shooting thin beams of magic, one after another, though each was easy reflected by nearly hundreds of tiny shields circling around Shining Armor in the form of several protective levitating rings.

“Twilight, I think this has gone way too far,” Spike said with worry, but his voice faded into the background of the battle. “I can understand wrestling your brother’s foreleg, but this is ridiculous!”

After a moment and realizing that his words were clearly ignored, Spike sighed and murmured to himself, "If that's what siblings rivalry leads to, leave me out of it.” He was about to turn away when he saw just how much fun the two were having and sighed, ready to go get some breakfast.

“Hey, Spike!” shouted Twilight, pausing their training as Spike turned around. “You want to join in?”

Spike’s eyes lit up. “Make way for the dragon!” He shouted before charging forward and jumping on Shining’s back, wrapping his arms around his neck. “Tag team attack!”

***

“Is that all you got?” Twilight yelled in a mocking tone as she galloped with all her might, her horn aimed at the large stallion. Noticing that her brother’s defenses were focused around his chest and head, she aimed at his left foreleg. Her hopes were dashed quickly when a very small ring of tiny shields moved down and reflected her beam while the biggest ring kept Spike at bay. Shining’s defenses are far more flexible than I thought. His shields aren’t hard, but allow him to both defend and attack. If I don't find a way to bypass it... Her thought process was interrupted by a fireball speeding towards her. Twilight immediately jumped back while her horn lit, and as she braced herself, a round bubble surrounded her body.

She saw a small sea of flames while bits of it slid over her barrier. After a few seconds of bouncing and rolling on the ground before the flames vanished, Twilight lowered her barrier and stood on tip of her hooves as sweat started to cover her body. A few drops evaporated upon hitting the scorched earth while the little mare endured the outstanding heat.

The world was spinning in front of her very eyes

After shaking her head, Twilight’s attention once again focused on her brother, who charged yet another spell. That’s surprising. It seems he isn't holding back in terms of raw power. Her attention focused on the horn. But his attack speed and aim are a bit off. Even maintaining his defenses shouldn’t slow him down that much.

The moment another spell was unleashed, Twilight bit her lips and lit her horn. In a flash of teleportation, she re-appeared few meters away from the impacted area and once again galloped. Now I’m more than sure that he’s holding back, which is expectable considering our size difference. But why did he make his attacks easy to predict and dodge instead of reducing their power? Maybe...

“You like to play with fire, try some of mine,” Spike said as he ran in front of Shining Armor and inhaled. Several small shields broke from the protective rings and formed a large one in front of the stallion as it stopped the stream of incoming fire which blocked his vision. Much to the captain’s surprise, a young drake emerged from the flames and landed on his thin shield.

“A distraction?” Shining said as he took a step back, surprised by Spike’s maneuver. The young drake pushed himself from Shining’s magical shield and jumped onto his head. “Stop, don’t do this!”

“I got you,” Spike said as he grabbed Shining’s head with his hands and legs while blocking his vision, ignoring a large aura of magic around the unicorn’s horn. “Now Twilight, you have an opening.” Suddenly, the stallion in his grasp lost balance and the charged spell was unleashed. A large explosion of fire engulfed Spike and the guard.

Twilight’s pupils shrunk and heartbeating increased in speed as if her heart was trying to escape her chest. She immediately ran towards the smoke as it slowly dissipated, leaving two coughing figures covered in dust. Spike’s scales were darker than usual, but she didn’t notice any significant injuries. She looked towards her brother, whose head had several marks of burned fur. “Shining, are you okay?”

The proud stallion wiped dust from his face and coughed once again before looking down at his worried sister. “I’m fine. It takes more than a fireball to the face to put me down,” he said with a chuckle. He looked at Spike and asked, “What about you, Spike, are you alright?”

The young drake shook himself before shooting him angered glare as he pointed his hand accusingly. “Isn’t that way too much fire power? I mean, come on!” he crossed his arms, “I’m a young dragon with fireproof scales over my entire body, and I still felt this spell. But Twilight isn’t.” He pointed at the little mare next to his leg who looked at his finger. “One direct hit, and you will have a grilled sister, protection spell or not.”

Twilight responded hesitantly, “Not really… I endured a few weaker fire spells during my combat training, I’m sure I would survive this one.” She looked back at the scored ground from previous attacks and added, “I think…”

Shining rubbed back of his neck nervously before kneeling to Spike’s head level. “Sorry about that, but I was more than sure that she would evade every single shot.”

Twilight jumped onto her brother’s muzzle and anchored herself against his dust covered and bruised mouth. She pointed at him accusingly and said, “So I was right, you were holding back, but why in casting speed and aim instead of raw power? Usually my combat training in defense focused on improving my agility and reflexes because of my size.”

Shining sat and grabbed her sister gently between his hooves. “To be honest, I didn’t want to train your reflexes today.” Noticing a questioning look on Twilight’s head, he explained, “When I asked Soarin’ about the events in Fillydelphia, especially about that part where your life was in danger. He said that you froze in fear before your larger foe.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “I wonder if you wouldn’t freeze before a monster that big while being the size of a cat.”

“Fair point,” Shining responded. “I thanked Soarin’ for risking his life to save you, and decided to work on your focus and bravery in the middle of combat.”

Twilight grit her teeth, and with some efforts, she freed her forelegs from Shining’s hold before pushing herself from between his hooves. She sat on his right foreleg and pointed at marks on the ground left by his spells. “Now I understand. You used powerful fireballs and lighting to see if I would freeze in fear or not, but gave me enough time to evade every single one.”

With a growing smile, Shining nodded before poking his horn with his left forehoof. “Should you freeze in fear or panic, I would cast a barrier around you.” He looked at the young dragon and added, “I was so focused on Twiny, that you sure caught me by surprise. Smart move by the way.”

“Thanks, this reminds me how I also brought defeat to your team during a snowball fight,” Spike said as he placed hands on both of his sides and raised his head proudly. “Spike, the Master Tactician. I like the sound of that.”

Shining frowned at the memory of his defeat, but a weak laugh followed the moment an image of Blueblood’s face half covered in snow flashed in his mind. No doubt one of best moments of his life. Shining’s laughter was interrupted the moment a tiny mare on his foreleg stood up to her rear hooves and pointed at him.

"I challenge you to an all out duel."

“W-what?” Shining said as he blinked in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Twilight added with determined tone, “I know that I don’t stand a chance against you, but I want to find out for myself how long I can last against a large and powerful opponent.”

“You can’t be serious,” Shining and Spike said in unison, but Twilight just stared at her brother with determination.

“I won’t take no for an answer. I want to push my limits.”

***

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Shining’s words reached Twilight’s ears as she stood in front of him with only several meters separating them. Her legs spread and horn aimed as she took a fighting stance.

I can’t afford a single mistake. It’s a test of my survivability… a self imposed test… and I’m going to last as long as I can, Twilight though as she grit her teeth and lit her horn. Shining, it’s time to see what you’re really capable of.

Spike stood on the sideline, hidden behind a cover made of bricks while a helmet covered his head. First aid kit next to his leg. “R-r-ready… s-set… f-f-fight!”

Upon hearing the signal, Twilight galloped towards her foe and caught him with her levitation, but one weak burst from Shining’s horn broke him free. She followed by tearing of a solid chunk of the ground and threw at her brother, but her efforts proved fruitless as it was levitated to the side almost effortlessly. With drops of sweat forming on her forehead, she shot at Shining’s leg, but a small ring of shields immediately reflected her beam. Not this time, she thought before charging a teleportation. The moment a beam of magic was shot in her direction, she disappeared in a flash and reappeared on her foe’s back.

Twilight immediately charged another beam as she anchored herself against Shining’s neck, who started to jump in attempt to shake her off. After a few seconds, she hit her brother in the back of his neck, leaving a small burn mark on his fur. Suddenly, a lavender aura surrounded her body.

With a great force, she was levitated towards the ground as her vision was covered by a hoof. In an act of reflex, Twilight teleported out of attack range, freeing herself from levitation field. Upon noticing that her brother already charged another spell, she focused on his forelegs and pulled in two opposite directions with her levitation, causing him to fall on his face. Two can play at that game, Twilight thought as she ignored the pain in her aching back, a clear message that while her brother was still holding back, but at least not as much as before.

Twilight’s eyes opened widely as a large rune appeared in front of Shining Armor. Anti-teleportation rune, not good. If I get too close, it would be an instant KO. I need a distraction.

The little mare waited for her larger opponent to attack first as she prepared a spell, a plan already forming in her mind.

Just as before, Twilight disappeared in a flash of teleportation.

Shining looked around in attempt to track her down. He immediately shot a fireball towards his sister, who… just stood in place. Shining’s heart skipped a beat as his Twiny was enveloped in flames, when suddenly he felt something hit him in back of his leg. He turned around, and another beam hit him in the nose.

Twilight smirked and shouted before her brother could even close his opened mouth, “Illusion spell Cadence taught me. If you’re not going to take this seriously, our fight will take an entire hour.”

Shining stomped with his forehoof as grin grew across his lips. “Smart move, Twiny, you found a way to bypass my defenses.” He looked to the side and smirked. “How sad that I found few weak points in yours. I admit that I was holding back, but no more.”

Before Twilight could comprehend what her brother was talking about, she was grabbed by his levitation. She immediately teleported out of attack range, only to lose her balance the moment she touched the ground, her head slamming against the cold surface. With some effort, she stood up and kept her legs together as she struggled to maintain balance as the ground around her was now covered in ice.

Distracted long enough, Twilight didn’t notice a barrage of beams heading in her direction.

Unable to focus long enough to cast another teleportation spell, the little mare galloped, only for her hooves to slide on the ice. She immediately raised up her barrier as a few beams of magic struck all around her, shattering the ice and her barrier alike to pieces.

Twilight was pushed with great force as she rolled on the ground, her body covered in weak bruises while fragments of her barrier fell upon the ground and evaporated in tiny trails of purple smoke. She stopped herself by pressing her hoof against the ground and raised her head as a long foreleg of her brother blocked her view.

“You’re not the only one that can teleport, are you ready to surrender?”

Twilight shouted, “it is not over yet!” She grit her teeth and jumped back, just in time to avoid the hoof of her brother, only for another beam of magic to follow his physical attack.

Twilight backflipped as the beam of ice hit the ground instead of her. In desperation, she levitated herself when suddenly a wave of magic pressed her to the ground with great force. The moment she landed with a light thump as her hooves sunk into the surface, the spreading ice captured her legs and reached up to her neck. She was about to charge a teleportation spell, when an anti-teleportation rune formed on the ice. Now she was more than sure that her brother wasn’t playing around.

“Ready to give up?”

Twilight looked up at her worried brother as she kept staring at him with her warface. He’s faster than I thought. I won’t last long now that I’ve lost my only advantage. As she felt unpleasant cold spread through her fur into every bone, Twilight’s teeth chattered as she struggled to speak, “I’m s-st-t-t-still s-st-t-tanding.” She quickly shot a beam of magic towards her brother’s muzzle as he blocked it with his forehoof.

Shining sighed as he charged a small fireball and shot before Twilight could melt the ice with her magic. “You really need to learn when to quit, Twiny.”

In an act of desperation, the little mare raised a barrier which cracked under the fireball’s impact while the flames spread in all directions. Another fireball followed two seconds later and broke through the weakened barrier, striking her. The ice melted while the flames left several burn marks on Twilight’s entire body. Her legs trembled and her breathing became heavy.

Upon noticing small sparks around her brother’s horn, she looked around and focused on the melted water as she gathered it around herself with her levitation. The water from the freezing spell should be 100% clean, it should keep me safe from electricity. Much to Twilight's credit, the electricity from the lighting spell spread around the water bubble she surrounded herself with, though the pure energy of the spell shattered the little barrier as water bursted into steam, creating an opening for a second bolt.

Twilight felt electricity go through her miniature body while her mane turned into a mess. The stench of scorched fur filled the air. Upon feeling a sudden weakness in her legs, she lost her balance, now lying flattened on the wet ground while waiting for the finishing blow.

With a bit of hassle, she raised her head and looked up at kneeling Shining Armor, her attention focused on the aimed and armed horn while the cold of his charged spell filled the air, then glancing at his raised forehoof. I'm either gonna be crushed or frozen, maybe both. I've got to admit, not exactly how I hoped this duel would go.

“What’s the magic word?” Shining asked.

Twilight blinked in confusion before she hesitantly said, “P-please?” Barely keeping her head raised.

“Not in this situation.”

Twilight thought for a moment before realization struck her. “I y-yield.”

“That’s the one,” Shining responded as he gently levitated his little sister and perched her on his back. He turned towards Spike and approached as the young drake jumped from behind his cover, first aid kit under his arm.

Twilight lit her horn and cast an advanced healing spell on herself, vanishing a few of the weaker burns. Now feeling strong enough to at least stand, she peeked from her brother’s neck and asked, “How was my time?”

Spike stopped immediately as his legs left a trail of dust behind. He placed the medical equipment on the ground and pointed at the stop-watch lying on upper part of his cover.

Shining Armor levitated the watch over and said with a relaxed tone, “Two minutes, impressive.”

“Two minutes? I lasted against you just a mere two minutes?” Twilight said as her ears dropped.

Spike looked at the levitated watch and said, “Actually, one minute and forty two seconds.”

Twilight dropped flat on Shining's back, depressed by her poor score. A weak jolt of pain forcing her to yelp the moment she was picked up by Spike who already held bandages in his hand.

***

Shining looked at his sister with pride, who was now standing on the dragon’s hand. “Cheer up, Twiny. It took me quite a long time before I caught up with your speed, and I had a massive advantage in terms of raw power and endurance thanks to my size. There was nothing you could do when immobile.”

“I know… but if you didn’t toy with me from the beginning of the fight…my score would have been a minute at best,” Twilight responded with a sad tone as she stood still, letting Spike practice his medical skills on her burned body. She bit her lips when her adoptive son wrapped the bandage too tightly around her thin leg, but refused to complain. With a forced smile, she added, “Though I m-must s-say…” She grit her teeth the moment some wet wading was pressed against her back. “I know that… that you trained hard to earn your position as the Captain of the Royal Guards, but I didn’t expect you could k-keep with my s-speed. Much l-less disable my t-teleportation.”

Shining Armor looked at the sky as memories from his duel against Princess Celestia flashed in his mind. Oh Twiny. I wish I could tell you that I had a bit of practice fighting against a tiny opponent. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. If I recall correctly, it took me around seven minutes before she surrendered, and unlike Twilight, she delivered a bit of a punch.

He opened his eyes and turned to his sister, who was starting to look a little like a toy-sized mummy. Only her head was free of bandages. On the other hoof, the princess could fly and had outstanding power and endurance, and I wasn’t yet experienced with fighting against a small-sized, teleporting opponent… which raises the question: How long would I last if I fought against a full sized alicorn?

“Spike, enough is enough,” Shining said as he levitated his sister from Spike’s hold and floated her up to his face. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I just walked out from my own tomb… or finished a day’s round worth of exercises,” Twilight responded, doing her best to ignore the tight bandage pressing against her weakened body. A mere look at Spike’s prideful smile after his work preventing her from hurting his feelings with even smallest complaint.

Shining rubbed back of his neck. “Yea, sorry about that, but you asked for it. Maybe ice cream will cheer you up.”

Twilight immediately embraced herself with her bandaged forelegs and trembled with closed eyes. “I… I think I’ve had enough ice for at least a month.”

“Here you are, Shining Armor!” Twilight Velvet’s voice captured his attention. Shining turned towards his galloping parents while levitating Twilight behind his tail.

“We’re almost packed and wanted to wish Twilight the best of luck. Have you seen her?” Night Light asked.

Shining took a step back and laughed awkwardly.

“I recognize that laughter,” Night Light said firmly before taking few steps forward and looked his son in the eyes. “What kind of mess you got yourself in?”

Velvet looked around with worry as she noticed many marks on battle spread all around her. “You didn’t go too hard on your little sister, did you?”

Shining blushed and exposed his teeth in awkward smile. After several seconds of thinking of an excuse while facing two judging stares, he released his breath and levitated Twilight from behind his tail. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

Both parents’ attention now focused on a mummy with face of their daughter who was waving at them with an awkward smile. Their breathing became slow and deep.

Night Light looked at his son and asked, “How bad?”

“It should heal in few hours,” Shining responded.

“She wanted to?” Velvet asked.

“Have an all out duel against me,” Shining responded.

“And the bandages?” Night Light asked.

“My work. I’m really getting better at it,” Spike said with a proud smile.

Both unicorns looked at each other as Night Light said with firm tone, “It could have been worse.”

Velvet whimpered before giving her daughter a sad smile as her ears dropped. “So does this mean… no farewell hugs?”

Twilight bit her lips and retreated her neck. She carefully rubbed her foreleg and responded, “Well… as long as you won’t embrace me too hard…”

Night Light raised his eyebrow. Quickly translating Twilight’s words into, ‘I will do my best to endure the pain as you hug my battered body.’ With a shake of his head, he said, “No hugs.”

“Now listen up, team,” the vigorous and excited voice of a pegasus echoed through the hallway. “The big day draws near. This is my… I mean our once in a lifetime opportunity to show the Wonderbolts what we are really made of.”

“...”

She took a deep breath and added with threatening tone, “Now I know that not everypony can be as talented and skilled like me, but at least try not to embarrass me.”

“...”

“Try to keep up with me, and we’re good. Am I understood?”

“Yes, ma’am,” teammate walking at her left said.

“We will do as you say, but it would be nice if you would stop calling us losers,” said a pegasus mare walking at her right.

“Don’t screw up, and I may consider it, Lightning two,” she responded before looking ahead. She spread her wings and added, “Finally I can compete against a worthy opponent, and very soon, the crowds will shout my name.”

“My name is Bursting Cloud. Can you also consider calling us by our names,” Cloud responded.

“I will, if you prove that your name is worth memorizing. Now focus, relax and concentrate,” Lighting Dust responded.

“We should relax? You are more stressed than the rest of us,” Light Wing said with a forced chuckle.

“Stressed? I’m always cool,” the leader responded with raised muzzle.

Spitfire rubbed her eyes before once again looking at a young dragon who stood on the opposite side of the table inside of her office. Twilight was in some sort of mummy costume while sitting on his head. Spitfire pushed to the side her nearly finished paperwork and said, “I get the part about how your brother wanted to train with you before leaving, but didn't expect this.” She pointed at the little mare and added, “If he goes so hard on his shrunken sister during a friendly training, then why the Royal Guards aren’t skilled enough to hunt down hydras and dragons is beyond me.”

“Well… I kind of challenged him to a duel. I wanted to find out how long I could last,” Twilight responded before wriggling, still not used to her tight bandages.

Spitfire tilted her head towards the little mare and exposed her ear. “And?”

Spike cleared his throat. “Nearly two minutes.”

Spitfire spread her wings and gasped. “Two minutes!” She sat and took a deep breath as memories how much effort she and her team had to put into scoring the goal with Shining Armor as a goalkeeper resurfaced in her mind. “To think that you would last so long at your current size against your brother. He is a walking powerhouse…” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, “Actually, your entire family is filled with super powerful unicorns. Remind me not to mess with any of them, especially with you, should you ever regain your full size.”

Twilight blushed at the compliment, before levitating herself onto the table. She sat next to a pile of paperwork and asked, “How are you feeling about the upcoming show? You seem very nervous.”

Spitfire sighed as she placed her hind legs on the table and supported her head with her forehooves. “I’m not nervous about the show. It’s something we have been doing regularly. I’m sure that I can keep everything in order and prevent any disaster from happening. Even in a large, crime-filled town like Manehattan. No, what I am worried about is the party.”

“What, why?” Twilight asked as she tilted her head to the side in confusion. “Fancy Pants is the most understanding and fair noble in all of Canterlot, and Fleur is really kind, caring and possesses an adventurous spirit. Their son is also very energetic and fun to be around.”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “Seriously?” Upon noticing a nod, she said, “I find it rather odd considering what you told me about nobility of Canterlot and how they treated you. I was sure that you hated the nobles more than any Wonderbolts.”

“The Fancy family is different. They don’t let power and riches go to their heads. They care about the good of Equestria,” Twilight said with determination. Her movements restrained only by bandages and her aching fur.

“I… will take your word for it…” Spitfire responded before raising her forehoof. “Still, the biggest problem, a pony who will no doubt cause trouble, is none other than Blueblood.”

“Why? He’s nice too.”

“Nice… nice? Are you kidding?!” Spitfire shouted, pushing Twilight away with strength of her voice as the little mare massaged her ears. “Sorry,” Spitfire apologised in calmer tone. “It’s just that… from every noble we meet, he was the biggest, most self centered jerk I have ever met.”

Twilight shook her head. “No, he’s not!”

“Did you ever meet him?” Spitfire asked.

“Yes, I did. He was a bit strict when it came to etiquette, but besides that, he is very nice and brave,” Twilight responded.

Spike looked between the Captain of the Wonderbolts and her medic as they both stared at each other with challenging stares. “May I suggest… to talk this over rationally?” he asked with a raised hand.

“Brave? He is the most spineless coward that Canterlot has to offer!” Spitfire said while struggling to regain control of her voice.

“He sacrificed himself for my team during a snowball fight,” Twilight responded.

“I guess not,” Spike finished before taking a glass of water and sitting in the corner.

“He cares only about himself,” Spitfire pointed out.

“He organized a party for me to improve my image. Did you forget what I told you almost one month ago when you took me to the frozen north?” Twilight asked with a hint of accusation.

Spitfire slammed her forehoof against the table as piece of wood in shape of a hoof was ripped off and fell to the floor. “My teammates and I can fake our interest when talking with common nobles, but we always avoid Blueblood for a reason. He will turn the incoming party into a disaster.”

Twilight frowned before walking towards the damaged part of the table, limping with each step of her bandaged legs. Her horn lit as the wood fragment levitated back to it’s original spot, and after gritting her teeth, she focused all her might on repairing the damage, slowly merging the broken part. She wiped sweat from her forehead and looked up at the captain. After taking a few quick breaths, Twilight said, “I’m more than sure that he will behave. If you just gave him a chance, you both would become buddies in no time.”

Spitfire’s mouth started to tremble before she lost her balance and fell to the floor, now lying on her back as she laughed hysterically. Her forehooves on her stomach. “This… this is so rich. Blueblood and I… buddies…that’s a laugh…” After another round of laughter as Spitfire supported herself against her left forehoof and wiped tear from her eye, she added, “Good one, Twilight, I really needed some laughs after all the stress I was put through.”

Twilight crossed her forelegs as she levitated Spitfire back to a sitting position. “I wasn’t joking.”

“You weren’t?” Spitfire asked, blinking in confusion. Upon noticing a firm nod, she added, “This… makes it even funnier,” before chuckling, her hoof slamming against the table. Twilight quickly raised a barrier to protect the wooden object from the impact. After taking a deep calming breath, Spitfire smirked and said, “If you have such unjustified faith in your arrogant friend, how about we make a bet?”

“A bet?” Twilight asked, her expression softening.

Spitfire nodded as she raised her forehoof and explained, “I will try to talk with Blueblood, be nice to him and start a conversation, and I will try to encourage my team to do the same. If he behaves, I will consider befriending him.” She chuckled again, hoof on her mouth. “Like that will ever happen.”

Twilight smiled warmly and nodded. “Sounds good, and what if I lose this bet? Just curious.”

Spitfire pointed at a small bronze statue of a Wonderbolt inside a blue uniform with few yellow lightning on its sides. It’s body attached on a thin pole, wings spread, one foreleg curled under his neck and one straightened forward. It’s legs straightened backward.

Spitfire blew on it, causing the dust to spread and Twilight to cough as she shook her head to clear the air. The captain poked it and said, “This statue is a bit old. I was thinking about fixing and polishing it in my free time.”

Twilight rubbed her chin with a bandaged hoof. “So if I lose… you want me to do it for you?” She shot Spitfire a cheerful smile and poked her own horn. “You could’ve just asked. With my size and magic, I can make this statue as good as new.”

“That’s not exactly what I had in mind,” Spitfire responded as she carefully unlocked the pole and took the statue between her hooves. After placing it on the table, she pointed at the pole and said, “If you lose the bet, you will temporarily take this statue’s place.” She pointed at the tiny blue uniform. “I’m sure you will look really good in blue. It’s even your size.”

“For how long?” Twilight asked as she examined the pole, only her bandages preventing her to climb onto it.

“Two or three hours each day for around a month,” Spitfire responded while counting ten seconds in her mind, her ear exposed and expecting the incoming word.

“Deal,” Twilight said as she raised her foreleg towards Spitfire.

The captain turned to the little mare swiftly, her mouth agape. “W-what… are you serious?”

“Yes. I’m very serious,” she responded with challenging stare, her forehoof still raised.

Spitfire pointed at the little mare on the table. “You were supposed to say no,” she responded. “Do you realize that you want to put all your hope in Blueblood? Saying that he will behave and we may even like him, with price of acting like a statue for hours each day, and all of this just so we can become friends?”

“Pretty much,” Twilight responded with a cheerful smile, her foreleg still waiting for shaking. “Besides, I stood on the princess’s horn while using only my left foreleg for an entire hour while waiting for her to wake up. I will manage.”

Spitfire placed forehoof on her forehead and sighed. “Alright,” she said with a depressed tone before touching Twilight’s bandaged forehoof with tip of her own and shook it gently.

After the short discussion, Twilight excused herself and left the room. Spitfire's ears curled as she said to herself, “It’s just a party, Spitfire, you can pull it off.” Her head slammed against the table. “Who am I kidding?” With a last ray of hope, she added, “At least the show should go off without a hitch. We’ve been performing all the time. There’s no way something can go wrong… I hope.”

Ch18 - Entrance of Lightning

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My Little Medic

Chapter 18

Entrance of Lightning

“You two have fun,” Twilight said as she waved her hoof at Steel Blade and Spike from her spot on Soarin’s back, who returned the gesture while standing in front of the entrance to the stadium. She turned to Overwatch and asked, “What about you? Aren’t you going to enjoy a free day? There are so many places to visit in Manehattan. So many libraries and museums.”

“Thanks for the offer, but I have to decline,” Overwatch responded with a raised foreleg. “Somepony needs to keep an eye on you to make sure that you don’t get yourself into trouble.”

“And she has lots of other services to do,” Spitfire said as she passed the female guard while shooting her a satisfied smile. “How did you enjoy cleaning bathrooms yesterday?”

Overwatch looked to the side and fixed her scarf. “I’ve seen worse.”

“Good to hear,” Spitfire said with a smirk. “Tomorrow I want you to play the role of a plumber. Apparently there are some feathers stuck in drainage pipes in the shower area. It’s about time for somepony to take care of it.”

“Will do, ma’am.” Overwatch saluted and raised her muzzle with pride.

Twilight looked at Spitfire, who went ahead towards the entrance for participating staff, and next back at her loyal guard, and asked, “So… two months of labor?”

Overwatch nodded. “Still worth it.”

“If you say so,” Twilight responded before her attention shifted towards a few pegasi and two unicorns with sunglasses on their muzzles. They wore grey vests, each lined with a couple tightly fitting pockets. Around their waists they wore bronze belts with several sturdy metal rings affixed them with each one looped onto an assortment of bags or a piece of equipment. They were all dressed uniformly, with the exception of the two pegasi, who wore groomed mustaches beneath their noses.. She approached Soarin’s neck and poked him. “Shouldn’t I be with the support staff?”

“Oh, right,” Soarin’ responded before slowing down. After waiting a moment for the staff to catch up he walked to the side and spread out one of his wings, forming a small bridge between his and one of the unicorn’s back. “Hop on.”

Twilight walked across the feathery bridge as she lit her horn and scanned Soarin’s wing structure before next sitting on the worker’s back, while he just stared ahead professionally. “Best of luck, and break a leg… I mean, don’t break any legs, and if you do, I will heal them…”

Soarin’s ears curled at his friend's words. He waved his forehoof before galloping to catch up with his team.

Okay Twilight, this is your day. Stay on guard, stay in shape, and be ready to heal any injury, Twilight thought as she took a deep breath and tightened her raised foreleg. The team is counting on me, and I won’t fail them.

With determined steps, the captain and her team approached the platform in the middle of the stadium while feeling grass under their hooves.

Memories of performances from half a year ago returned with full force, bringing Spitfire into a nostalgic state. This is it. Everything is back to normal. Now is the time to show everypony what the new and improved Wonderbolts are capable of.

She looked back at her team, which had stopped in front of the podium and looked at the large crowd, but none showing any sight of stage fright… besides Soarin’ who seemed worried ever since he parted his way with the medic.

Step by step, Spitfire walked upstairs until reaching the top, now facing the large crowd and… a group of pegasi in dark grey uniforms with several yellow lightnings decorating it. One specific figure stood out who she quickly recognized walking upstairs towards her..

“Mares and gentlecolts. After a very long time, we are once again greeting the Wonderbolts in our proud city. Give them a warm welcome they deserve!” the commentator spoke from the podium, his glowing horn projecting his voice across the stadium. A microphone crossed with a horn was visible on his flank.

Sound of clopping and cheering overtook the area, and a round of fireworks alongside confetti dropped by several pegasi followed.

Good old Manehattan. They never hold back with visual effects, Spitfire thought as her attention focused on the approaching commentator.

With gesture of his hoof, he asked for captain of both teams to come over and said to the crowd, “Today’s show however is very unique, because we will witness a spectacle delivered by two teams. Please give a warm welcome to the Lightnings!”

As the crowd cheered once again—though not as loudly as before—the Lightnings’ Captain rubbed her chest with a hoof and said in a confident tone, “Maybe we will one day change the name from Lightnings to Thunderbolts.”

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. One look at the dusty uniforms, low number of team members, lack of support staff and the attitude of the captain already told her that she was dealing with an amateurish team. But she didn’t let down her guard and eyed the captain of the Lightnings. Amateurish or not, if they managed to get permission to have a performance with us in Manehattan, they must have some skills to back up their mouths.

“Captain Spitfire, Captain Lightning Dust, is there anything you would like to say before the show starts?” the commentator asked.

“Of course I do,” Lightning Dust said before Spitfire could even open her mouth. The moment the commentator enhanced her voice, she turned to the crowd and spoke, “A few months ago, I watched the Wonderbolts performance and I thought: Wow, those guys are getting worse and worse. Then later when I heard that they took a one month long vacation, I thought: How about I pick up some young and vigorous pegasi and show the elderly some fresh talent.”

Spitfire half-closed her eyes. Lightning Dust. I was warned about her overconfidence, but I didn’t expect this, she thought as a memory of a folder filled with data about young talents flashed through her mind. If I recall correctly, the only pony faster than Dust would be Rainbow Dash if the rumor about the sonic rainboom was proved true, but without any evidence to support, Lightning Dust would be the most talented pony on the list.

“While the Wonderbolts were relaxing themselves, my team and I dominated the competition and took over the spotlight. We were preparing ourselves to show our talents and beat the Wonderbolts at their own game,” Lightning Dust continued.

However, from what I heard while Dash is self centered, she at least knows the basics of teamwork as a weather manager. Lightning Dust on the other hoof worked alone and had an ego far greater than her talent. How she managed to put together a team of fliers is beyond me.

Lightning Dust pointed at Spitfire and added, “But after we heard about their spectacular comeback. How the Wonderbolts laid a beating upon giant wormlike monsters in Fillydelphia and challenged the Royal Guards to a hoofball match, I thought that maybe they would put a decent challenge after all.” She looked at Spitfire and asked, “So what do you say, Captain Spitfire. Are you ready to show us that your team isn’t old news just yet?”

Spitfire closed her eyes and smirked as the commentator enhanced her voice. After taking a deep breath, she said firmly, “You talk a lot, but are you as skilled as your mouth? Can your wings back up your words?”

Lightning Dust grit her teeth. “So you want to see what I’m capable of? It is on!”

“You heard the captains,” the commentator said to the crowd. “We will now see if the sky belongs to skilled veterans, or talented youngsters, but one thing is certain: It will be a showdown worth watching!”

“I can understand polishing goggles, but is doing the same with their forelegs and hooves really necessary?” Twilight asked as she looked up at her co-worker unicorn who pressed a polisher against Blaze’s foreleg, his magic both levitating and powering the device.

“Ensuring that the team looks as presentable as possible during a spectacle is very important, Miss Sparkle,” he responded while fully focused on his work. “Not everything we do needs to be practical.”

The little mare used the opportunity to jump onto Blaze’s back and examine his wings for any signs of injury, as a few of Spitfire’s tricks would require passing through rings that were on fire. After not noticing any burn marks, she scanned its structure. That’s four wings. Only two or three more Wonderbolts and I will have enough data for my spell, she thought before jumping off, now focused on the show. “The Wonderbolts sure are in high gear today,” she said with admiration.

“You think this is spectacular, watch me,” Blaze said as he spread his wings and dashed to his team. Twilight could see how he joined his teammates to form a five-pony wing formation, trails of smoke right behind them. The group quickly spread out in five directions and flew, leaving a pattern in the sky in the shape of a star, which caused a weak blush on Twilight’s face as she looked at her own cutie mark.

I must admit. The Wonderbolts have great coordination and teamwork. Like gears in a watch, each one knows their role and performs it perfectly. Her attention shifted to the competition, who didn’t seem to be doing too well. Lightning Dust flew down in zigzags while leaving a trail of electricity behind her, but two members of her team failed to catch up.

Twilight started to trot in place, her eyes opening widely as she saw Lightning Dust approach the ground with increasing speed. Pull up, pull up, she thought while calculating her distance. I won’t get there in time with short range teleportation, and my magic isn’t strong enough to slow Dust down, this is bad.

Twilight’s mane slowly turned into a mess and sweat started to fall down her forehead. Her heartbeat became rapid as she counted, Three hundred meters… two hundred… one hundred. She blinked her eyes before noticing as Lightning Dust changed her course, now flying several meters above the ground. Twilight sat, wiped sweat from her head and held forehoof on her throat before sighing.

“That was close,” she said to herself as her attention focused on the Lightnings who started to fly in circles and… formed a giant tornado. Twilight shifted her attention to the Wonderbolts who now hovered in mid air and focused on the whirlwind.

It didn’t take long before two pegasi failed to control the growing winds and were thrown upward out from the tornado before falling down to the ground, both dizzy. Lighthoof and Fleetfoot dived towards them, capturing in mid air before they could crash.

Twilight looked at the shrinking tornado once again, which revealed a rolling Lightning Dust, now on a collision course with the ground. Spitfire, Blaze and Rapidfire immediately flew towards her, but were too late as the pegasus slammed against the grass with great force, leaving a small crater as the result.

Not wasting a moment, she galloped towards the hole.

***

“Is he going to be alright?” Twilight asked as she now stood next to Spitfire’s foreleg while keeping some distance from impacted area.

“She only hit soft earth, so I’m certain she will be fine,” Spitfire said before adding, “As for her pride, I am not so sure.”

Twilight watched as the pegasus walked towards the door for participating staff with lowered head, her teammates followed after thanking Fleetfoot and Lighthoof. The little mare levitated herself towards Spitfire’s ear and asked, “Can I… make sure she is healthy?”

Spitfire looked at her medic and said in a confident tone, “Sure. Lightning Dust’s team doesn't seem to have any medical staff or even a first aid kit, and if you can heal her fast enough, she will be able to continue her part of the show.” She smiled warmly and added with pride, “It’s very nice of you to help the opposition.”

Twilight nodded before pointing at the stretching Wonderbolts. “What about your squad?”

Spitfire gestured for her little friend to go and said, “Nah, we’ll be fine. There will be a half an hour long break in ten minutes anyway before our second performance, so enjoy your break.”

“If you say so. I’d better hurry and help him before he leaves,” Twilight responded before descending to the ground. She bent her legs and prepared for gallop, when suddenly Spitfire’s hoof blocked her path. She looked up and asked, “Yes?”

“Lightning Dust is a female.”

“He is?” Twilight responded with shock.

***

“How can he be a mare with that voice?” Twilight murmured to herself as she galloped through a long hallway. She prepared to round the next corner, when suddenly a loud yelling stopped her.

“Failures!”

“I know that you’re frustrated, but you don’t need to vent it on us,” responded one of the pegasi with a defensively raised foreleg.

Twilight peeked from behind the wall as she saw Lightning Dust pointing at her two teammates accusingly.

“Yes I do! Not only were you unable to perform anything spectacular, you weaklings screwed up the tornado.” Lightning Dust slammed her hoof against the ground as Twilight could feel the impact under her legs. “You embarrassed me in front of the Wonderbolts and Manehattan!”

Bursting Cloud growled. “I’ve had enough. You treat your team like dirt, no wonder everypony left one at a time. If you want to fly solo so much, then I am out!”

“We couldn’t perform a single trick because you refused to slow down and cooperate with us, not to mention that your tornado maneuver of that size put our health at risk,” the mare responded before unzipping her uniform and throwing it to the ground. “I don’t care if your skills helped us get so far. The bits and fame aren’t worth following your lead.”

Twilight could see as two big dark grey uniforms now lay crumpled on the floor while Lightning Dust was left alone in the hallway. She could easily notice several holes on Dust’s uniform and badly messed-up feathers on her left wing. With a surge of determination, she approached as the pegasus was too busy yelling to notice her. “Fine, leave, I don’t need ponies who slow me down! I shouldn’t have formed this team to begin with!”

“Excuse me!”

Lightning Dust turned around, hostility still present on her face, “What?!” She blinked in confusion when she didn’t see anypony.

“Down here!” Twilight shouted, now standing on her rear hooves. Upon noticing that the pegasus now looked down, she waved towards her.

Lightning Dust blinked rapidly and next rubbed her eyes, but the little pony was still standing in front of her hooves. She immediately slammed her forehoof against her floor as Twilight flinched in response. Dust raised her head and yelled, “Whoever you are, I’m not in the mood for games!” She grit her teeth and gestured threateningly with her tightened forehoof. “Now show yourself, or else my hoof will show your face what I think about your stupid puppet show!”

“I’m not a puppet!” Twilight yelled, but was clearly ignored as she barely evaded being slammed by Dust’s foreleg. “I know it may be hard to believe, but I’m real, flesh and bones, just shrunken.”

Lightning Dust tried to fly in search for the intruder, but landed five seconds later and bit her lips, her wing closing on its own. “Stupid wing.” Suddenly, she felt something pull her back as she was now surrounded by lavender aura while her wing was forcefully spread.

“I work for the Wonderbolts as a medic, and I came to help you. It is not a trick,” Twilight said as she examined the injury.

“Release me this instant,” Lightning Dust responded as she looked around in search of the source of magic. “Did one of those pathetic teams I beat send you to make a fun of me?”

Twilight sighed as she struggled to keep the pegasus immobile. Think Twilight, how can I prove to him… I mean her, that I’m not some sort of puppet She released Lightning Dust from her levitation, which caused him to fall forward onto her face.

The pegasus growled, when suddenly the little mare appeared on her muzzle. “I can teleport, see. I’m a real pony.”

With swift move, Lightning Dust jumped back on to her hooves, forcing Twilight to anchor herself against her muzzle. Not wasting a moment, she grabbed the little mare and said, “So you relocated a puppet, big deal. If you don’t want to lose it, better come out from your hiding spot!”

Twilight would facehoof if not for two large hooves holding her immobile. Only the most powerful and experienced unicorns know how to use and can perform a teleportation spell. Why is she so dense? With her horn lit, she shot a thin beam of magic as it spread ice upon Dust’s muzzle.

“Can a unicorn make a puppet shoot ice spells?” Twilight asked, “I don’t think so.”

Lightning Dust released the little mare who landed on the floor, and next rubbed the ice from her own nose, when suddenly a fireball passed in front of it while leaving a little black mark on the ceiling. She slowly looked down at the little mare and said hesitantly, “You’re… real?!”

Twilight once again stood on her rear hooves and said, “Yes, I am! I know it must be very confusing to you, but I can explain everything.” Suddenly, the pegasus started to chuckle with a sheepish smile and hoof on her mouth. “What’s so funny?”

Lightning Dust responded between laughter, “You… you look just like that popular hat mascot that lots of ponies in the crowd wear.”

"Not here too!" she bemoaned. Her ears curled.

“You can’t be serious,” Spike said as he looked up at the female shopkeeper of the souvenir kiosk. “Thirty five bits for Twilight's hat. That’s highway robbery.”

“Quite the contrary. It is the newest hat-line created and recommended by Fancy Pants himself. Imported from Canterlot. If you didn’t know, he is a leading figure when it comes to fashion and trends,” the mare responded.

Spike crossed his forelegs. “I know that. I had a sleepover in his residence and played with his son.”

“Of course you did,” the shopkeeper responded as she rolled her eyes. She slowly levitated back the hat from Spike’s hold and said, “I’m already selling it ten bits cheaper than most of the shops.”

“Seems like a fair deal to me,” Steel Blade said while wearing one himself, package under his arm. “They even have a Twilight in a wizard hat and cape plushy, limited edition.”

“I see you have a keen eye dear customer,” the mare said before tilting her head towards the pegasus guard. With hoof raised up to her face, she whispered, “Just between us, there is a rumor circling around that this toy is based on a student of the princess herself.”

“You don’t say,” Spike said with sarcastic tone, his arms still crossed.

The shopkeeper ignored young drake’s comment and added, “I even heard that she was shrunk by her mentor, isn’t that just silly?”

“She was shrunk, and I’m her number one assistant,” Spike commented.

The unicorn mare laughed before asking, “Would you like to buy it?”

Steel Blade nodded before opening a bag filled with bits. “The hat and Twilight the Mage please.”

The shopkeeper nodded before counting the payment. Finally, she looked down at Spike and asked, “And would you like to buy something, young dragon?”

“My name is Spike,” he retorted, “and for such a price, no way. I will just ask Fancy Pants if I can have few of those toys for free.”

The shopkeeper shook her head and said to herself, “Kids these days.”

“Are you sure you’re not some magically controlled toy, or some sort of miniature golem?” Lightning Dust asked, her mood somewhat improved.

Twilight stomped as she kept eyeing the pegasus while sitting in his shadow. “I keep telling you, I was shrunk.”

“By who?”

“By the princess,” Twilight responded.

Lightning Dust chuckled again before asking, “And what did you do to make her do that, steal her cake?”

“This wasn’t a punishment,” Twilight responded before facehooving as she let out an annoyed groan. “This isn’t going anywhere, and we are low on time.” She stood on her rear hooves and pointed at the messed wing. “I wanted to offer my assistance in healing your wing.”

Lightning Dust looked at her own wing, and next shifted to the little mare. “Heal my wing, are you kidding?”

Twilight shook her head before spreading her forelegs, “No, I am not. I work as a medic for the Wonderbolts, and I’m more than capable to help you.” She pressed forehoof against her chest and added with pleading tone, “You have to believe me.”

Lightning Dust frowned and looked to the side. “No pony touches my wing, especially not a small fry like you.” She turned around and added, “Now stop wasting my time.”

Twilight galloped and bypassed the walking pegasus before jumping onto her muzzle. “There’s still time before the end of the show.. You have nothing to lose anyway.”

With a shake of her head, Lightning Dust threw Twilight off and stepped away. “I have better things to do than talk with microscopic ponies, now out of the way.”

Twilight was about to jump out of the way, when a memory of Spitfire’s lessons flashed in her mind. “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

Lightning Dust stopped, her forehoof raised above the ground. “Scared…” She pointed at herself while looking down. “Scared, me?” She shook her head. “I’m not afraid.”

“Prove it!” Twilight challenged. “I bet that I can get your wing back in shape in less than five minutes. Or are you afraid of me?”

Lightning Dust closed her eyes for a moment before spreading her wing as she bit her lips in pain. “F-fine, you have five minutes,” she started before adding with threatening tone, “But if you make it worse, you'll spend five minutes between my hooves." She smirked. "I am kind of curious what sound you will make if I squeeze you."

Twilight didn’t bother to responded as she climbed up onto Dust’s back, and next approached the spread wing. Her horn lit as she scanned it in search for injury. “It doesn’t look as bad as I thought. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Yeah, right,” Dust responded with lack of enthusiasm. “Now hurry up. I had a really very bad day, and I need to visit a normal size doctor to look at my injury.”

Twilight bit her lips and focused her magic, carefully pulling and fixing the bent bone structure. Much to Dust’s credit, she didn’t yelp in pain, though one look at her angered face told Twilight that her patience was running low.

With a bit of effort, advanced healing magic and help of her levitation, Twilight slowly straightened the pegasus’s wing and returned its structure back to normal. Two minutes later, the little mare wiped sweat from her forehead and smiled proudly at her work. “Done.”

Lightning Dust took few slow breaths and opened her eyes, now looking at the little unicorn on her wing with shock. “R-really?”

Twilight poked the wing and next walked onto pegasus back. She sat and raised her muzzle proudly. “It is as good as new, try it out.”

Lightning Dust closed and opened her wing a few times before waving it. “It no longer hurts, how did you do that?”

“I am not a Wonderbolt medic for nothing. Compared to healing a wing filled with holes made by enhanced arrows, your injury was a piece of cake. Not to mention that Pegasus anatomy is specialized to endure a solid crash, making my job so much easier.”

Lightning Dust flew upward, forcing Twilight to anchor herself against her back. After flying a short distance. She slowly descended and smiled warmly. “Wow, and here I thought you were a fraud or something, but you really pulled your weight.” She giggled. “Not that you have much weight to begin with.”

“That’s not funny,” Twilight responded with crossed forelegs.

Lightning Dust pat the little mare on the back, pushing her a little onto the spread wing. “Lighten up a bit,” she chuckled, “I was just kidding.” After kneeling, Dust spread her wing to the ground, letting Twilight slide off of it. “Thanks a lot by the way. I owe you for this one. Lightning Dust by the way.”

Twilight walked towards Dust’s lowered face and nodded. “You’re very welcome.” She raised her forehoof and said, “Twilight Sparkle.” Much to her surprise, Lightning Dust didn’t shook her forehoof gently, but instead hoof-bumped, pushing Twilight away as she rolled on the floor. After shaking her head, she pointed pointed where she came from and shouted, “You’d better hurry up if you don’t want to keep your fans waiting.

“I’ll pass,” Dust responded.

Twilight blinked in confusion and took a step back. Her straightened forehoof turned and pointed Dust accusingly as she shouted, “B-b-but… why? I thought you really wanted to participate, especially after what you told to your teammates.”

Lightning Dust stood up to her full height and shrugged. “Easy come, easy go. My team left me, and the rules require minimum three participants.”

“I see…” Twilight responded, suddenly out of words. “Glad I could be of assistance anyway, and sorry if it didn’t help you continue your show in the end.” She jumped towards the floor and waved her forehoof. “I will be on my way, bye, and good luck.”

As she walked, the sound of one step for each of her five was reaching Twilight’s ears. After moment of walking, she stopped and turned around, now facing the pegasus. “Why are you following me?”

“To talk with you, duh. It’s not like I have anything better to do,” Dust responded.

Twilight crossed her forelegs. “Funny. Not long ago, you were acting yelling at your friends and didn’t want to have anything to do with me. Why such a sudden change of heart?”

Lightning Dust picked up the little mare with her hooves and said in an enthusiastic tone, “Because you’re cool. I mean, you are like the size of a young bunny, and yet you managed to heal my wing in no time.” She looked to the side and frowned. "Also, they weren’t my friends, just teammates. I really dislike hanging out with ponies who are out of my league.” She looked at the little mare and carefully placed on tip of her wing while holding it in front of her face. "You on the other hoof, proved to be useful and skilled, and so you gained my respect."

Respect? Twilight closed her eyes and thought as Spitfire’s lessons and experience she had with the Wonderbolts. The elite fliers didn’t like me until I proved myself and gained their respect, and Lightning Dust was easy to provoke when I called him… her a coward. I suppose Dust and the Wonderbolts have something in common. She rubbed her chin. Maybe the pain from the crash and hurting wing was the reason she was so aggressive. She seems much calmer and nicer now.

“I feel so much better thanks to you, and I don’t really have anything to do at the moment. If you’re not busy, we can eat donuts and talk with each other,” Dust said as she stared at the little mare expectantly. “I would really like to find out why you’re so small and where you learnt your healing skills. Wanna hang out?”

Twilight looked the pegasus in the eye, barely recognizing her since she healed her wing. The half a hour break has probably started, and he… she seems to need somepony to cheer her up. With a weak nod, Twilight responded hesitantly, “I’m on a break at the moment… so I suppose we can.”

“Cool,” Dust responded before raising her wing as Twilight slid onto her back. “I know a nice shop where we can buy some donuts, how fast can I fly with you on my back?”

Twilight responded in a prideful tone, “I’ve ridden on Spitfire before. You don’t need to hold back on speed.”

“I like your attitude. Hang on tight.”

***

Overwatch waited for Spitfire to land on the ground for a short break before approaching. “Where’s Twilight?” she asked in a worried tone as she looked around nervously.

Spitfire pointed towards nearby door. “She wanted to heal Lightning Dust’s wing, so I allowed her.”

“And you let her go without an escort?” Overwatch asked, her stare serious. Upon noticing a hesitant nod, she added, "And here I thought that you learned already."

“Learned what?” Spitfire asked curiously. “She just went to help a wounded pegasus and should be back in a few minutes. What’s the worse that could happen?”

Overwatch raised her eyebrow. “After spending more than a month together, you still ask this question?”

Spitfire took a step back as her pupils shrunk. “You really think…”

Overwatch nodded. “Knowing Twilight, she already did. Now if you'll excuse me,” she said and walked towards the door, “I need to retrieve Twilight before any sort of disaster happens.”

Spitfire looked at Overwatch with worry as the fear that not everything would go according to plan grew in her mind. After a moment of thinking, she shrugged and said to herself, “Nah, I'm sure that Overwatch is exaggerating. Twilight is a grown mare and she can take care of herself." Slowly, her confident smile was replaced with one of worry as she added, "I hope."

Ch19 - Impress Me

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My Little Medic

Chapter 19

Impress Me

Anger, disappointment, regret. A mixture of emotions that Lightning Dust felt just several minutes ago were now replaced with curiosity as she flew towards the donut shop while feeling a pleasant breeze on her face and two tiny hooves holding the sides of her neck.

So my team screwed up and wasted all my efforts. Big deal. I will bounce back to the top in due time, Dust thought as she looked at her wing, no longer feeling the annoying pain.

Now near her destination, Lightning Dust slowed her descent with a few strong flaps of her wings before tucking them back in. She dropped several meters as her legs bent from the impact. Several weak jolts of pain followed as a reminder of bruises from the crash still present on her legs.

Feeling hooves pressing against her neck with greater force, she fixed her saddlebag and said, “I hope my landing wasn’t too harsh for you.”

“Not at all.” The voice of her passenger reached Dust’s ears as she felt Twilight’s steps on injured parts of her body. “Do those hurt?”

Does bruising hurt? What kind of stupid question is that? Lightning Dust turned her head to look at her back, noticing the little mare pointing at several minor bruises still present on the left side of her body. “That's what injuries do, duuuh,” she said in a mocking tone.

“Don’t worry, I have it covered,” Twilight responded as Dust felt pleasant waves of magic pulse through the darkening bruises in her side.

Lighting Dust looked away from the little mare who anchored herself against her saddlebag, and focused on a donut shop, somewhat visible on the other side of the street. “Those are just minor annoyances, you don’t need to bother with them.”

“It’s not a problem at all,” Twilight responded before focusing on another bruise as if fixing cracks in a dam.

“Suit yourself,” Lightning Dust responded before spreading her wings and flying above the street. Once on the other side, she walked towards her destination, ignoring the odd stares she was receiving from passing ponies.

She walked past building after building, finally stopping when she notices an assortment of donuts being displayed behind a glass door and counter. Lightning Dust was about to open the door, but a unicorn mare wearing some sort of white puffy coat beat her to it and immediately stopped, now busy staring at Dust’s side.

After a few seconds of staring back at the curious mare, Lightning Dust narrowed her eyes in hostility and said, “What? You don’t like what you see?”

“Oh… I’m sorry,” the unicorn responded before looking away from the little pony. She walked further away from the shop and rubbed her eyes.

***

Lightning Dust entered the shop and looked around for a free table, and after finding an empty one, she smiled and approached the shopkeeper, her attention focused on several donuts displayed behind the glass counter.

“Don’t you think that you were a bit too harsh on that lady?” Twilight asked.

Harsh? I was just rightfully defending my privacy, Lightning Dust thought before stopping in front of the counter as she looked at the little healer. “I just gave her a hint that I don’t like how she was staring at my flank. I would not call it harsh, but rather, straight to the point,” she responded.

Twilight climbed onto pegasus’s back and perched herself on it before responding. “But she was staring at me. To be fair, it wasn’t her fault. If I saw a tiny pony healing someone’s back, I would stare too.”

Lightning Dust frowned. “Whatever.” She approached the shopkeeper and snatched a few bits from her saddlebag before slamming her forehoof against the table. “Ten donuts, two glasses of lemonade with straws,” she said before retreating her hoof, leaving the payment on the counter… alongside a small crack on the glass. Upon noticing it, she thought, Great, just great.

The shopkeeper took the bits before pointing at the broken point, no doubt asking for small compensation, when suddenly little unicorn jumped towards it. “I’m sorry for him… her. Here I’ll fix it.” The stallion's eyes widened, his mouth opened but refusing to speak as the cracks on the glass slowly merged together. He rubbed his eyes, but the little mare didn’t disappear.

“I… will go pick up your order, sir… ma’am.”

Lightning Dust looked at Twilight curiously, who turned around and raised her foreleg and said, “Repairing spell, very useful for fixing objects.” With a swift jump, she landed on Dust’s shoulder and added, “Healing ponies isn’t the only thing I am good at.”

“Hmn… practical,” she responded before grabbing the food and drink with her wings and approaching an empty table. This mare seems quite reliable, maybe she didn't lie about working for the Wonderbolts after all. Let’s find out. Lightning Dust sat on a small cushion, while the little unicorn jumped from her shoulder and sat in the middle of the table, levitating the tray with donuts and drinks onto it.

Deciding to break the ice as quickly as possible, Lightning Dust asked, “So what’s the deal with your size? Why’d the princess shrink you? And finally, are you really working for the Wonderbolts?”

Twilight shook her head and suggested, ”If I’m going to tell you about myself, how about you do the same. We can exchange stories.”

Okay Lightning, if you want to someday talk to fans and journalists, you will need to impress them. Let’s practice, she thought. “Fair enough.”

The little unicorn took a deep breath and said hesitantly, “I know that… it may be difficult to believe. But I’m the student of the princess, and she… used a shrinking spell to protect me and others from my untamed power. As for your other question, Spitfire offered me job as a medic after I healed her wing… It’s a long story.”

Lightning nodded. “I agree, it is difficult to believe.” After supporting her head against her own forehoof, she asked offhandedly, “So, how did you manage to catch the eye of the all powerful ruler of Equestria?”

Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. “Well… I kind of… hatched a dragon egg and turned the young drake into a grown up one, causing his head to burst out the roof, and...” she lowered her head and rubbed her forehooves against one another while her tiny cheeks blushed, “... I also turned my parents into plants; cacti to be precise…” she added hastily, “They were turned back to normal right after, so there was no harm done.”

“Okaaay…” Lightning responded. And here I thought I was showing off. This is getting good. She pointed at the little mare and said, “I must admit, when it comes to impressing others with your magic, you sure put it on a completely different level.” Twilight’s blush increased in strength as she curled up and covered her head with her forelegs. “Still, how did you manage to pull it off in the first place?”

Twilight took a few slow breaths before regaining her composure, slowly raising her muzzle proudly. “I come from a magically talented family from Canterlot, the house of Sparkle to be precise. It has produced many powerful mages and researchers in the past, and I have been trying to live up to their expectations.”

“So, long story short: talent, Lightning Dust thought while watching as the little mare approached the glass of lemonade and levitated over a straw. She said, “Same here. I come from a very talented pegasi family from Cloudsdale. My mom works as a bounty hunter, and trust me, no pegasus or gryphon can escape her if they have a bounty on their heads. As for my dad, he works as a Wonderbolt.”

“He does?” Twilight asked as she stood on her rear hooves and opened her mouth, now straining to reach her straw. Her mind racing to remember faces of all male Wonderbolts, wondering which one would be the lucky stallion.

“His name is Whirlwind,” Dust said. Twilight’s eyelids shrunk as she performed a spit take and lost her balance, falling onto her back as the cold liquid streamed from the straw onto her belly. “Since you work for the Wonderbolts, if what you said is indeed the truth,” Dust said as she gave the little unicorn a suspicious stare, who stood back to her hooves and shook her wet fur, “you should have met him.”

Twilight chuckled awkwardly as she looked at the pegasus with a sheepish smile. “Y-y-yes… I’ve met him,” she said as the memory of three bullying Wonderbolts flashed in her mind, which followed with another one, where the trio was hauled away by the princess for some sort of punishment. “He didn’t tell you… about me?”

Lightning Dust shook her head. “Nah, I moved away from home many years ago. I noticed my family in the crowd and hoped to talk with them after I displayed my talent and moves in front of everypony, but…” She sighed in frustration, “... I don’t feel like doing it right now.”

Twilight looked down at the table, her ears curled. “Are you ashamed to meet them after losing your team?”

Losing a bunch of losers who screwed up in the most important moment of my life, yeah, like I will be ashamed of that. With a shake of her head, she responded, “Don’t worry about it. My dad taught me how to create a tornado when I was young, so I thought, ‘how about my team and I make a large tornado and impress everypony’. At the end, he would tell his team with pride, ‘that’s my daughter’.” Lightning Dust took a quick bite of his donut and gulped before slamming her forehoof against the table. “Once I decide what to do next, I will visit my parents and talk with them. I’m sure they will understand.”

Twilight nodded silently, somewhat grateful that Whirlwind didn’t have a chance to complain about her to his son… daughter.

“Anyway... “ Dust lowered herself to Twilight and poked her. “What’s the deal with the princess shrinking you? I’m really curious now.”

Twilight cleared her throat. “Yes, of course.” After asserting herself, she raised her forehoof and said, “During my entrance exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns, my magic… got out of control.” She lowered her forehoof and bit her lips. Memories of her unpleasant childhood assaulting her memory. Upon seeing that she had the pegasus’s full attention, she continued, “I had a power surge when I was just a filly. I possessed too much magic for my body to handle, and it started to tear me apart from the inside. If Princess Celestia didn’t drain it with the help of the shrinking spell, I would have died.”

“Ohhh…” Lightning Dust said. When she was a filly? “What age are we talking about?”

“Eight… “ Twilight responded, catching the pegasus off guard. “It has been twelve years since the princess shrunk me and took me under her wing as-” The little levitated over a small fragment of a donut and was about to eat it, when suddenly she was grabbed between Dust’s hooves. Levitated fragment fell on the table. “Hey! You said you would squeeze me between your hooves only if I will fail to heal your wing.”

“Are you serious?” Dust asked, causing Twilight to blink. “Hatching a dragons and turning ponies into cacti, all of this in age of eight?” Noticing a nod, she said, “I find your story very difficult to believe, can you prove it?”

Twilight tilted her head to the side. “Well… it depends. What kind of proof will convince you?”

“Does the shrinking spell made you weaker, or does your size not affect your strength and power?” Dust asked.

Twilight grit her teeth and struggled to free her forelegs, but Dust’s hold proved too tight. “If I was at my full strength… I would free myself from your hold… with ease.” Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she continued her efforts before sighing in defeat. “My strength, endurance and raw power are doubled thanks to effect of protection spell the princess placed upon me, but at my current size, I am fifty times weaker.”

She has a point, Dust thought as she examined Twilight’s face. I can recognize fake efforts from a mile away, and she isn’t faking. She carefully placed Twilight on the table and released her, as the little mare immediately massaged her forehoof. “Sorry about that.” Much to Twilight’s surprise, Lightning Dust supported her arm against the table. “Beat me in a hoof wrestle with your magic.”

A few ponies sitting in nearby tables now stared at the pegasus who just challenged a miniature unicorn to a hoof wrestle.

Twilight looked around at the starting ponies and next at the pegasus’s foreleg. “I don’t think this is a good idea…”

"What are you, chicken? Or maybe a mouse?” Dust said before adding squeaking noises.

“Ponies are watching,” Twilight responded as she pointed at the closest table.

Lightning Dust added more squeaky noises before saying, “You told me that you were a powerful unicorn. Are you going to prove it, or hide in a mousehole?”

Twilight sighed before pointing at the pegasus. “Fine, but I warned you. Whatever happens from now on is your fault alone.”

“Fine, fine, whatever,” Dust responded before reasserting her foreleg impatiently. “Just start it already.” She watched as the little unicorn approached her foreleg, stopping in it’s shadow before taking a fighting stance. Teeth grit, a large aura formed around her horn. “Ready,” Dust said as the lavender aura grew in size. “Set,” she continued as the upper part of her foreleg was surrounded by Twilight’s magic, while many ponies looked and murmured to each other. A few stared with worry. “Go!”

Dust’s foreleg advanced against the little unicorn, but was stopped midway by a powerful force that pressed against it, causing it to tremble. She bit her lips and slowly increased the use of her strength, gradually gaining ground, centimeter at a time. Her attention shifted from her foreleg towards the little mare. With her sharp sight, she could see Twilight’s furrowed forehead slowly producing sweat, right above closed eyes and gritted teeth, while the aura around the tiny horn grew to the size of the caster.

She’s better than I thought. Is this really possible? Could every word she spoke really be nothing but truth? Drop of sweat slid down Dust’s muzzle as she grit her teeth and pressed with all her strength. Let’s make sure. With a slow breath and tired voice, she spoke, “Is… that all you got?” Her foreleg was trembling as it descended towards Twilight, now mere centimeters above her lowered head.

Lightning Dust could see how legs of the little mare trembled and bent as if pressed by a huge weight. That’s odd. My hoof hasn’t touched her yet. Why is her body struggling so much? I will need to ask later. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Is this the best a student of the princess can do?”

Overwatch walked next to the street as her hooves stepped upon the pavement nervously, her eyes scanning the area, one building at a time. Finding an energetic pegasus and a miniature unicorn in this large cake called Manehattan will take forever, she thought before stopping a bypassing pony with a hoof. “Excuse me, ma’am.”

“Yes?”

“I know it may sounds like a weird question, but have you seen a green pegasus with a little purple unicorn passing by?” Overwatch asked as she sat and raised her foreheads. “The unicorn is…” she moved her forelegs close to each other, ”... about that size.” She shook her head, “And no, it wasn’t a plushie or a hat.”

The unicorn mare blinked in confusion before nodding hesitantly. “I did…”

Overwatch’s ears shot upward and her smile grew, now staring at the bypasser as if she was a ray of hope. “That’s great. I would be very grateful for pointing in the direction they went.”

“That way,” she responded while pointing towards nearby shop.

With a nod, Overwatch said, “Thank you very much.” She immediately turned towards the pointed direction and walked at an increasing pace. Donut shop? I hope that Lightning Dust didn’t just pick up a few donuts and fly away, because that would– Her thought progress was cut off by the noise of a breaking window as a green pegasus was thrown towards the street, and Overwatch quickly noticed a lavender aura pulling the pegasus’ foreleg. A weak familiar call, “I’m sorry, I’ll fix it!” followed. Nevermind, Twilight is definitely here.

“Time for some spying,” she said to herself before looking around, her attention now focused on a Clothing Store. “But first, a change of appearance is in order.” She fixed her scarf and thought, I wonder do sunglasses will fit my style.

“Excuse me, milady,” said a yellow earth pony in a grey suit as he half bowed and took off his grey hat with black stripes. “My deepest apologies for wasting your precious time, but I would really appreciate if you would–”

“Point out the direction of where a green pegasus with miniature unicorn went,” she finished before pointing at a building in faraway distance. “They went to a donut shop.” She fixed her puffy coat and looked between the earth pony and another unicorn, both wearing similar clothes. She asked, “Is she some sort of celebrity? You gentlestallions are the third party that’s asked about her.”

“Third party, heh,” the white unicorn murmured while rubbing his chin. “Would it be a too much trouble to ask, who else was interested in their whereabouts?”

“Not problem at all,” the mare responded. “The first one was a royal guard in a scarf, while the others were three pegasi, two stallions and one mare if I recall correctly.”

“Interesting,” the unicorn commented as his attention shifted towards the donut shop.

The earth pony half-bowed again and said, “Thank you milady, you were very helpful. Now, if you will excuse us, we must be on our way.” With a cheerful smile, he added, “Have a pleasant day.”

“Mutually,” the mare responded before walking away.

“You know that you don’t have to do this,” Lightning Dust started as she carefully pulled out tiny fragments of glass from between her feathers while her little companion was busy putting them together. “You said that whatever happens during our hoof versus magic wrestle was going to be my responsibility. I could pay for the window out of my own pocket.”

“I… know…” Twilight responded between quick breaths as she struggled to keep flown of her magic. “But I can fix it… here and now.”

Lightning Dust approached the little unicorn and looked at the disappearing cracks between the merging fragments, and next at the barely standing pony on the windowsill. She lowered her head to the little mare and whispered, “I must admit, after your impressive display of power, I have no doubts about your story.”

With the last bit of effort, Twilight finished her work and fell flat against the windowsill.

“Are you okay, you look worn out?” Lightning asked as she gently picked up Twilight and placed on her hoof, which she was now holding at eye level. “I suppose hoof wrestling pushed you a bit too hard. Sorry about that.”

Twilight shook her forehoof dismissively. “It’s fine. Ever since I defeated my fear of my own magic… I pushed myself to my limits many times during my training sessions, but my stamina can hardly keep up with my raw power.” She wiped sweat from her forehead and looked down at hoof she was sitting on. “Just give me a moment to catch my breath.”

“Pushing your limits, why?” Dust asked curiously as the little unicorn looked her in the eyes. “You have incredible talent and outstanding power for your age. Shouldn’t you focus on finding a way to use and display your skills rather than improve them?”

Twilight stomped on Dust’s forehoof and shot her a disappointed glare. “Talent alone isn’t worth much if you don’t nurture it!” She took a deep breath and stood up on her rear hooves as she pointed at the pegasus accusingly. “I had so much power that I couldn’t control it. I had to stay at miniature size so that I wouldn’t hurt anypony, should I surge again. Being small also helped the princess drain my magic to keep me safe.”

She continued with a lowered head and depressed tone as she sat and embraced herself. “Day after day, I was a little filly living in a giant world, fighting against my fears and training my magic so that my body would adapt to it. I was enduring magical surges almost every day as it strengthened my body.”

Lightning Dust was speechless and her mouth agape. Memories of how her father taught her to fly flashed in her mind. Being too talented for her own good. My training regimens are nothing compared to what she had to endure. Is this what makes her so strong?

Many eating ponies did their best to mind their own business, something they practiced for years in such a big and busy city, but despite their best efforts, one couldn’t do anything else but stare and listen to the story from their seats.

“I had to work hard. It was the only way I could survive, and not just because of the magic that was inside me. I had to be strong to withstand dangers of living in a big world. At one point I even decided to train my physical strength, agility and endurance like an athlete, should my magic fail me,” she finished.

“Your life wasn’t a walk in the park,” Dust responded as she carefully raised Twilight’s head with a hoof, “but why are you still small? You seem to have full control over your power.”

Twilight rubbed her foreleg as weak blush grew across her cheeks. “Well… after I passed my final exam, the princess wanted to turn me back to my normal size.”

Dust and the group of ponies now listened with full attention, curiosity clearly at their limits.

“But I asked if I could stay small so I could train and challenge myself…” Twilight said before chuckling nervously. “And so I have ever since.”

Lightning Dust returned to her seat and placed Twilight on the table as she now towered over the little mare and asked, “And why in Celestia’s name would you want to stay at this size?” She observed the features of the unicorn, who raised her muzzle proudly.

“Because returning to my normal size would make everything too easy. I got used to adventuring and pushing my limits every single day, that the very idea of everything not being bigger, heavier and more dangerous than me was difficult to grasp.”

Lightning Dust’s eye twitched as something in her broke. Each word that reached her ears made her feel smaller and smaller, now feeling like a mere filly in front of a proud giant. I can’t deny it any longer… compared to her, I’m a weakling. I am totally out of her league. She closed her eyes and curled her head slightly. Keep it cool, Dust. Don’t show any weakness. You must win her respect. Don’t be like those useless pegasi from your team. You need to prove your worth. Show her that you mean business.

After taking a deep breath, Lightning Dust opened her eyes and said with the most confident voice she could, “So long story short. You feel as if the world you live in is made of cardboard and filled with weaklings.”

Twilight’s eyes opened widely as she responded hesitantly, “I… I never thought about it like that…” She remembered her attempts to save Green Apple from the hungry worms, which resulted in hurting him instead. During her whole life, she had endured trial after trial that made her strong and tough, something that common ponies didn’t have to go through. “Still… even if I’m tougher than others because of my lifestyle. I wouldn’t call others weaklings,” she said while wondering how many ponies would endure being stomped by a giant hoof.

“You’re just saying that out of pity,” Lightning Dust pointed out before biting off half of a donut. After swallowing it alongside a quick sip of lemonade, she wiped her mouth and said, “Anyway, just today I tried to impress or even surpass the Wonderbolts and make my dad proud, only to screw up and find out that a tiny size mare two years younger than me already works for them. Now I’m kind of curious what you did to get a spot in the Wonderbolts’ team?”

“I was appointed by the princess to study a pegasus’s magic form the Wonderbolts and––”

“Woah woah woah, hold on a second,” Dust cut her off. “You studied pegasus magic?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, do you?”

Lightning Dust blushed and looked to the side. “Well... my dad taught me many times…” She looked back with closed eyes while rubbing back of her neck, “But I was always the ace in practice, not in theory.”

Twilight massaged her forehead, causing the pegasus’s ears to drop. Great job, Dust. You just made a fool of yourself. As princess’s student, Twilight must be an egghead, and now she thinks that you know less about your own magic than she does. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Anywaaay, as I was saying,” Twilight continued. “During my studies, Spitfire once took me on a trip to the frozen north. We ended up ambushed and nearly captured by two griffins and two unicorn foalnappers.”

“Yes?” Dust said, her ear exposed.

“Spitfire’s wing got hit pretty badly and she couldn't fly. After we hid in a cave, I used my magic to heal her wing. That was where I learned that my size works to my advantage when performing difficult magical surgery.”

“What about the bad guys?” Dust asked.

“Well… I kind of passed out from the exhaustion. When I woke up, Spitfire already had them tied up and unconscious.”

Fighting the bad guys, healing a teammate. What a way to get into the Wonderbolts, Dust thought as she immediately closed her mouth. She really means business. I wish I could be at least half as cool.

“Well, that’s the end of my story, now may I ask you a question or two?” Twilight asked as Lightning Dust nodded in agreement. “Why did you form a flying team in the first place?”

“Simple. I needed a team to display my skills in public.”

“You formed a team and became their captain just so you can show off in front of a crowd?” Twilight asked as piece of puzzle formed together in her mind. “You just used them for your own gain?”

“Used those poor fliers? They should be thanking me for the spotlight they got thanks to me in the first place,” Dust responded as she stretched her wings and pointed at the healed one. “I’ve got talent, they don’t. Only the best of the best can reach high in the end.”

Twilight turned her back to the pegasus and responded, “That’s very selfish of you.” She shot Dust an angered glare, “You are a terrible captain if you don’t think about your team. If you wanted to display your talent, you could always join other teams or apply for the Wonderbolts.”

Lightning Dust waved her hoof in dismissing gesture. “Join a weak team and take orders from pegasi who will slow me down, no way. I deserve better than that.”

Twilight jumped from the table and walked away, ignoring several stares from the silent, but confused, customers.

Lightning Dust facehooved. Now she thinks I’m a terrible leader. Way to leave a good impression on your better. She immediately followed, one slow step for every five that Twilight took.

With rising curiosity, Twilight looked up and asked, “What about the Wonderbolts then? If you want to fly with skilled fliers, you should apply to join them first.”

“Well, at first I was afraid that it would take forever,” Dust answered before biting her lip.

Twilight frowned. “So you got impatient and formed a team to get popular instead of working hard to join the elites?”

Lightning Dust lowered her head and said with calmer tone, “This was plan A, and now I see that it was a stupid idea. I won’t get anywhere by teaming up with losers. Plan B was to impress the Wonderbolts so they could take me seriously. I’m actually considering joining the Wonderbolts right now. I will work hard, I promise.”

Twilight slowed down and opened her mouth as if ready to explain flaws in Dust's plan, when suddenly a whisper captured their attention. “Hey you, over here.”

Lightning Dust stopped and turned towards the source of the voice, quickly noticing two caped pegasi in the shadows of a dark alley. “Yes?” she asked, her foreleg raised above the ground.

“There’s something we want to discuss with you.”

“Then come over and talk with me, eye to eye,” Dust responded.

“Oh, we would do just that, but what we want to talk with you about is best kept away from the ears of the public.”

Are they really expecting me to fall for that? Do they think I’m that stupid? she thought.

“Of course if you’re afraid of the dark, you can always go crying back to momma. You can even tell her how you screwed up a tornado in front of thousands of ponies.”

Screw it. Trap or not, those pegasi are asking for a beating, Dust thought as she walked towards the alley, when suddenly she felt something hold her hind leg. She looked back, quickly noticing it captured in lavender aura. “What is it, Twilight?”

“I have a bad feeling about this, don’t let them provoke you,” she advised.

“Why not?” Dust asked before rubbing her chest proudly. This is it, a chance to show her my skills. “Trap or not, it’s no biggy for me. Just watch.” With a bit more force, she pulled her foreleg, breaking free of the magical hold of the tiny pony.

Lightning Dust followed the two caped figures into the dark alley with Twilight quietly following right behind her. “So, how much deeper into this alley are we going before we can get to the part where we talk and I beat you up?” Dust asked.

Both figures stopped and turned around before swiftly removing their capes and spreading their wings, now glaring back at Lightning Dust with anger. One more descended from the roof and landed between them. “Do you remember us?” asked the mare with sea-blue mane and yellow fur.

“Sorry,” Lightning Dust responded while tilting her head to the side. “Your faces don’t ring any bells.” She smiled in satisfaction at the sight of steam coming from their noses.

“You humiliated us!” the bronze stallion shouted and stomped. “First you said how we aren’t even worthy to participate in front of Cloudsdale. After the show, you talked trash to our captain and embarrassed her in front of the crowd, challenged her to a race, and flew circles around her.”

Dust half closed her eyes. Lily, Flap and Jolt, now I remember. She raised forehoof to her face and chuckled, which did nothing but further anger the pegasi. She looked to the side and said, “And I take it that you guys want an apology?”

Wing Flap on the mare’s right side nodded. “That would be a good start.”

Jolt stood up on his rear hooves and slammed his forehooves against each other, “Yea. If you apologize, we may go easy on you.” He smirked. “If you bow to us and beg, I may let it slide.”

Lily poked Jolt and said with nervous tone, “Aren’t you going too far with it?”

Jolt shook his head. “Absolutely not. He humiliated us, turned into laughing stocks. Only a hoof to hoof combat between two stallions and him begging for mercy can restore our honour.”

“But this isn’t even fair,” the mare responded before pointing at Dust’s wing. “He is still hurt from what happened in today’s show. Beating him wasn’t part of the plan.”

“Excuse me!” Twilight shouted, but was clearly ignored. She galloped towards the hooded ponies, but Dust’s foreleg blocked her path and slowly pushed back.

“No need, Twilight. I got it covered,” Dust said before approaching the pegasi. “I’m sorry…” the moment Lily sighed and Flap smiled light, she added, “that you are such a bunch of sore losers.”

“That’s it!” Jolt shouted before spreading his wings and dashing towards her.

“Wait, stop!” Twilight shouted before charging her horn.

Lightning Dust smirked before jumping to the side to avoid the hit and countered with swift kick against Jolt’s side. Now standing on one forehoof. “You’re too slow for me,” she said before spreading her wings as she circled around her opponent, who rolled on one foreleg before losing his balance.

Dust noticed lavender aura surrounding her and Jolt. She thinks I’m no match for them. I will prove her wrong. With the strength of her wings and pure force, she broke free from the levitation field and tackled Jolt, now pressing him against a wall with her forehooves holding his forelegs. “Also, my wing is as good as new thanks to the help of a very powerful unicorn,” she added while spreading her wing in front of Jolt’s face.

“Stop you two!” Twilight shouted, but before she could separate the fighting pegasi, Lightning Dust flew upward and rolled before throwing Jolt towards his teammates.

Noticing that he was captured in mid air, Dust landed and raised her head proudly. “I suggest you leave, unless you want to remember this as a day when a mare kicked your flanks in a three to one fight.”

“Mare?” Lily said with a shocked voice.

“He’s not a stallion?” Flap asked as he released his comrade.

“Ouch,” Jolt yelped in pain as he now stood back up to his hooves before shaking the dust from his fur.

“Stop it this instant!” Twilight shouted again, this time with magically enhanced voice as she captured the attention of the group.

Dust looked down at the little mare and said, “Don’t bother, Twilight. There’s no point in wasting your magic on such weak opponents.” Much to her surprise, an aura of magic formed around her flapping wings and tied them together as she was slowly placed back on the ground. “What are you doing, I had them where I wanted.”

Suddenly, the little unicorn teleported on Dust’s muzzle as she stood on her rear hooves and shot her disapproving glare. “This fight would’ve been avoided if you weren’t so mean. Ponies have feelings, and you keep hurting them!” she lectured.

Why is she so upset? It is better to tell somepony straight in the face that she’s a bad flier than leave them with fake hope, Dust thought as she wanted to respond, but decided to keep silent.

Twilight turned around and pointed at the confused group, “And you! Don’t you have anything better to do than settle scores in this manner?

Both stallions rubbed their eyes in disbelief while Lily closed their mouths and pointed towards the sky. “I think… we should leave.”

“A-agreed,” both stallions said hesitantly before turning around and flying away.

Lightning Dust observed the leaving pegasi despite the little obstacle slightly blocking her view as she resisted the urge to shout ‘cowards’. Twilight’s words still circling in her mind. Suddenly, her ear perked upward as it detected the noise of a pin bouncing off a trashcan.

She immediately flew upward, but something grabbed her legs and slammed against the ground, causing Twilight to fall from her muzzle and roll on the ground towards a nearby newspaper. With a bit of effort, Dust tried to stand when the weight of a pony pressed against her while her wings were clamped together. She felt cold metal keeping them immobile.

“Get off me you coward and fight like a stallion!” she yelled, when suddenly her mouth was blocked by some sort of wet material. Her eyelids became heavy and her thoughts turned into a mess as the world swirled in front of her eyes. Twilight peeking at her from underneath a newspaper was the last thing she saw before her vision turned dark.

Ch20 - Meeting The Mob

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My Little Medic

Chapter 20

Meeting The Mob

A dark alley in Manehattan. A place where only the most daring or desperate ponies would visit was now the stage for a fight.

Blurred noises of the always busy ponies could be heard while few garbage cans, old dusty newspapers and rusty cans decorated the background. Near the end of the alley laid an unconscious pegasus with a yellow Earth Pony wearing a grey suit with black stripes sitting on his back.

A white Unicorn in similar outfit slowly approached and said with a relaxed tone, “How would athletic pegasi put it… oh yes. Target acquired.”

“I don’t wish to offend you, Vapor Trail, but I would suggest you to stick with your usual accent.”

“Whatever you say, Tombstone, whatever you say,” Vapor responded as he approached, casually fixing his tie. “The boss will be very satisfied that we captured our target without injuring him.”

“Mister Blink, you know that I am always delicate,” Tombstone said as he retreated his equipment back into his saddlebag and closed it. He stepped from the pegasus and wiped marks left by his hooves from Dust’s back. “I may be the muscle of this family, but I have a very gentle touch. Besides, he didn’t struggle all that much.”

Vapor Trail lit his horn and levitated the pegasus upward before examining her features. “I have no doubts, he is Lightning Dust.” He propped her up against a wall before levitating an illuminating gem and five pieces of paper from his saddlebag.

Tombstone nodded with a satisfied smile, though his peace of mind was interrupted as his ears perked up at the sound of rustling newspaper. He turned towards the source of noise and looked down at the moving newspaper. Step by step, he approached it and knelt before straightening his foreleg.

“Is something wrong?” Vapor asked as he placed the shining gem around the five papers and looked up. After making sure that nopony observed them from the roof, he looked at his partner and asked, “Did you find something?”

With one swift move, Tombstone pushed the newspaper away, revealing… “A lavender plushie?”

Carefully sliding his forehoof under the toy, he picked it up and examined it. “Looks to be one of those Twilight toys, probably thrown away recently, considering how clean it is. I heard they are popular in Canterlot.”

“Leave it be. We have what we came for, and the teleportation spell is almost charged.”

Tombstone took a closer look as he admired the features of the plushie; from poking its belly to moving thin leg. The eyes were closed while fur and tail surprisingly soft. “Leaving such a thing amongst the garbage would be a crime. Whoever threw away such a piece of art deserves a first class mental and physical education.”

“Let me guess, your hoof will do the educating?” Vapor chuckled before charging his horn. The inscriptions on the paper seals flashed a sulphurous yellow as stream of magic flew into them from the gem “Are you going to keep it?”

“Of course I will,” Tombstone responded before opening his saddlebag with help of his muzzle and next placed the toy inside. After sealing his saddlebag and patting it, he turned to his partner and approached.

Vapor Trail wiped the sweat from his head and walked into the forming rune on the ground before levitating Lightning Dust over. Once his partner sat next to him, he poked his side. “I had no idea that you are a doll collector. Maybe one day we can have a tea party.”

“If you have your own doll, sure,” Tombstone responded.

Vapor rubbed his chest and said with mocking tone, “I’m afraid I don’t have any. Unlike you, I don’t steal toys.”

“Sue me,” Tombstone responded before they both vanished in a flash.

“Twilight, what have you got yourself into this time?” Overwatch groaned as she looked down from the roof. The suspicious ponies and Lightning Dust had already vanished, while her little charge was now hiding inside a saddlebag.

Not wasting a moment, Overwatch levitated her black cape, hat and sunglasses into the alley, and jumped from the roof, her legs bending upon the impact.

Treading carefully, she approached the corner she last saw the dangerous ponies, her attention focused upon five piles of ash and slowly vanishing magical rune. Time to see if I still remember my training, Overwatch thought as she charged her horn and cast a scanning spell. Her eyes closed as a trail from the rune towards another destination appeared in her mind, leading towards the tallest building in the area.

She raised her muzzle proudly and rubbed her chest. Why are you learning about the tracking spell? You’ll never need to use it as a Royal Guard, she thought and smirked. Showed them.

After taking a deep breath, she walked out from the dark alley while rubbing her chin. Twilight clearly wasn’t the target, but got herself taken along for the the ride. As bright rays of the sun shone upon her face, she looked at her destination. Pity I couldn’t save that pegasus when I had the chance, but if they managed to knock out an athlete like Dust in mere seconds, fighting them both at once would have been that last thing I wanted to do. She next looked at the nearby stadium where the Wonderbolts were about to start another performance. I better get reinforcements before Twilight decides to reveal herself and things hit the fan.

Slowly regaining consciousness, Lightning Dust opened her eyes, only to see... darkness. What’s going on? Am I blind? She tried to move, but her legs were tied by a cold metal, so were her wings as they refused to spread. She tried to speak, but whatever she said was muffed by a gag.

“My deepest apologies, but before I allow you speak, I need to make something clear. You greatly offended our family by breaking our deal, and we are here to execute a proper punishment. Our boss will be here very soon, and if you value your life, watch your language.”

Feeling that the gag had been removed, she yelled, “Release me this instant before I kick your flank!”

“I’m afraid you still don’t understand your situation, Mister Dust.” A jolt of pain went through Dust’s stomach as she felt hoof slamming into it. “You are in big trouble, so I would suggest choosing your words carefully.”

Dust grit her teeth before speaking with firm tone, “First off, I am a mare! I’ve been trying to ignore it, but I’m getting really tired of everyone mistaking me for a stallion.”

“Seriously?” another voice spoke up.

“Oh dear. I just delivered a kick to the stomach of a mare. Such shame on my honor. My deepest apologies.”

“Is he really a mare? I mean, his voice and accent are very tomboyish. Your coiffure is also not helping. Not to mention that you were registered as a male during a race two weeks ago.”

Lightning Dust frowned. “I’m just trying to act cool, and everypony right away takes me for a stallion. I mean, come on!”

“I think you’re trying too hard.”

“I agree.”

“Who I am even talking to?” Dust asked with growing annoyance.

“Oh my, once again I let my manners slip. My name is Tombstone, but you may know me as Tombstone Del Gambino. And you must remember my brother, Vapor Del Gambino.”

Gambino… Gambino… Gambino… Dust brainstormed as she desperately tried to remember where she first heard those names. Her mouth opened agape few seconds later. “You… you guys are those who offered me to forfeit a race… to lose.”

“Correct,” Tombstone said. “Your chances of victory were quite high, so the odds against you were very low.”

Vapor continued, “Use that empty head of yours and think. What would happen if everyone’s favourite would lose?”

“I dunno. Everyone who bet on me would lose. Why would I purposely fail my fans?” Dust responded.

“Yes, they would lose, except those who bet against you. It is not about your fans, but about the bits we lost,” Vapor said. He took a deep breath and continued with angered tone, “After you took the bits and agreed to our deal, we made sure that the pony we bet on would win. And yet, you won,” Vapor said.

Dust smirked. “What can I say. You both were cheating. You shouldn't be the ones complaining.”

Tombstone started with firm tone. “While I can’t deny truth of your words, my lady, your actions cost us a lot. As result, you owe us a large sum of bits with extra interest. And there is also a matter of our pride and your outstanding lack of respect towards us.” He stopped and took a deep breath before adding in depressed tone. “It pains me to do this, but we must make an example of you.”

“Yeah, and what are you going to do?” Dust asked, trying to hide any traces of fear behind façade of confidence.

“We…” Tombstone started, but couldn’t finish. His depressed face spoke for itself..

“You broke our deal, stole our bits, showed disrespect and cost us a lot. Let’s see you try to win races without those wings of yours,” Vapor finished.

A cold chill shot down Dust’s spine as any mask of confidence she held broke in an instant, a huge surge of fear overtaking her very being. “Y-y-you’re lying! Y-you wouldn’t do that.”

“Am I? Am I really?" Vapor asked as the noise of two blades scraping against each other reached Dust’s ear.

Heartbeating of the pegasus grew in strength and speed as the noise of rustling became louder with each of Vapor’s steps. She felt weak jolts of pain as she struggled desperately to free herself.

“Try all you like, your fate was sealed the moment you doublecrossed us, and now it’s finally caught up with you.”

Sweat formed Dust’s forehead as few drops slide down her muzzle. She started to hyperventilate. Not my wings, anything but my wings! After more fruitless struggling, she yelled, “I’m sorry, I’m really sorry! I will do anything you want!”

“It is a little too late for that young lady, I’m afraid,” Vapor responded.

“I’ll pay back what I took! I’ll pay back what you lost, just please, spare my wings!”

“You don’t have such bits on you, Miss Dust. We checked your saddlebag, and we know that your team disbanded. How can such unemployed pony repay us?” Vapor asked.

“M-my parents… I’ll ask them! Please…”

“You mean miss bounty hunter who once tried to capture one of our family members?” Tombstone asked. “I’m afraid our boss isn’t interested in making any deals.”

Upper part of Dust’s face turned purple at the weak contact of sharp cold metal with part of her left wing that tied it to her body. “No, please, I beg you!” She pulled herself against whatever held her, but to no avail. She closed her eyes tightly and grit her teeth as tears started to form in her eyes.

“Hold on Vapor. Shouldn’t we wait for our boss to talk with her before executing a punishment?” asked Tombstone, giving Dust a little light of hope.

“Oh, I’m not going to cut off her wings just yet, especially not without putting her to sleep yet. I’m not a barbarian,” Vapor responded. Lightning Dust sighed, but her relief didn’t last long. “But our boss told us we can… toy with her a little.”

The ears of the imprisoned pegasus dropped at the idea of being stabbed by a sharp blade, while Tombstone frowned. “While I can somewhat turn a blind eye to the torture of a tough stallion, doing so with the lady I disapprove,” He added with firm stomp. “I won’t allow such needless action.”

Vapor growled. “You always had a weakness when it came with the mares. Party pooper… hey, what’s that?”

“What’s what?”

“Your saddle bag is glowing…”

Dust’s ears perked upward and a warm feeling of salvation grew in her chest. Twilight? She followed me!

“My eyes!” Vapor yelled as the noise of two blades bouncing on the floor reached Dust’s ears.

“My plushie!?” Tombstone said with disbelief and confusion. “H-how?”

“Stop standing in place like a moron and stop it!” Vapor responded.

More random noises followed as Dust suddenly felt the hold against his forelegs weakened, and her wings could move. Not wasting a moment, she ignored the rising temperature and struggled to stand with all her strength, breaking off whatever held her before taking the blindfold off her face. With a quick flap of her free wings, she flew backward, now hovering in mid air while she examined the situation.

The room itself was very spacious and dimly lit, with three large violet curtains decorating the wall. She noticed a lack of furniture, as only three chairs and one table with a lamp were visible in the middle. She also noted one of the chairs lying on its side, no doubt the one she was tied too. A few broken shackles and two katanas decorated the floor while a miniature unicorn stood on the table and eyed foalnappers.

“I must say, I didn’t see this coming,” Tombstone said as he closed his saddlebag and fixed his hat. “A living toy using my own blinding gem against us... Melting shackles to free our prisoner... Eeyup, today is definitively monday.”

“Less talk and more action,” Vapor said as he levitated over his two katanas, one aimed at the hovering pegasus and one at Twilight. “We have a prisoner to capture and a toy to cut in half.”

What?! Dust thought as her heart began to beat at an alarming speed. She grit her teeth and did her best to overcome her fear. I won’t let it happen. With surge of determination, Dust flew towards the little mare in attempt to grab her, but one look at sharp edge of the blade that now levitated between Twilight and her forced her to stop. Dust’s pupils shrunk and wings closed as she fell to the floor, now paralyzed in fear. Get it together, Dust, get it together.

“Wait, we shouldn’t do it,” Tombstone said as he placed forehoof on Vapor’s shoulder and pointed at the little unicorn. “If the merchandise was based on the princess' student, I think we have a princess protege as our unintentional guest.” He retracted his forehoof and took off his hat before performing a half-bow. “Greetings Lady Sparkle, and welcome in our humble residence. It is an honour.”

Vapor rolled his eyes and said, “Less pleasantries and more thinking up ways to fix this mess you’ve caused.”

“Maybe we can talk it over while drinking tea,” Tombstone suggested.

“You’re pointless.”

Lightning Dust tried to move, to grab Twilight and dash for the curtains while noticing a rays of light escaping between them, but her body refused. The image of her wings being cut off still circling in her mind. With her attention focused on the little unicorn, she shouted, “Twilight, run!” Her sharp eye suddenly noticed lavender aura surrounding Tombstone’s saddlebag, unnoticed by the arguing stallions. Few more gems levitated outside of it and now floated by Twilight’s side.

“Freeze!” Twilight shouted as she levitated the blue gem towards the stallions.

Vapor immediately cut it in half as the stream of magic froze his weapons and spread chilling cold against the foalnappers

Tombstone looked between opened saddlebag and the little mare as his body trembled from the cold. “I w-would be v-very grateful if you w-would refrain from s-stealing my equipment, young lady.”

Vapor embraced himself as his body trembled as well. His horn lit, now charged with heating spell and directed towards his frozen weapon. As the ice slowly melted, he looked at his partner and said, “W-w-whose s-side are you on?”

Dust’s attention shifted from the spreading cold and focused on the two gems levitating towards her. She looked to the dangerous stones being placed next to her foreleg, and next to Twilight, who appeared on her muzzle in a flash.

“What are you waiting for? Run!” Twilight shouted. She quickly jumped onto the floor and pointed at the curtains. “Lets go!”

The pegasus nodded before turning around, no longer paralyzed as the objects of her fear were frozen. She swiftly grabbed Twilight with her foreleg and exposed shoulder while dashing towards the window.

Twilight levitated the curtains to the side before her eyes opened widely. “Stop, don’t–” she failed to finish as a lavender barrier formed in front of the window and bounced them back, rolling the pegasus on the floor who in turn was squeezing Twilight in her hold a few times.

Now free from pegasus’s hold, the little mare walked shakily before falling on her face, now lying flat against the floor.

Dust’s pointed at the barrier as she asked, “What was that?”

“Special seal used to protect our home from thieves or the flames of an enraged dragon. Expensive, but worth every bit,” Vapor Trail said as he levitated over his katanas and carefully melted the ice with his magic.

Twilight shook her head and examined the barrier before jumping onto Dust’s back. She climbed up onto pegasus’ head and pointed at the approaching unicorn accusingly. “That’s an invention created by my family!”

“Indeed,” Vapor responded before levitating his weapons to left and right side, now aiming Dust’s wings from both sides. “Such irony that your family’s invention ended up used against their own flesh and blood.” His expression hardened as he added in hostility, “Now, what should I do with you?”

Twilight didn’t waste a moment before levitating red and white gems towards the window, but flames and electricity spread over the barrier without forming a single crack.

Tombstone, upon noticing that his saddlebag was once again surrounded by a lavender aura, pressed his hoof against it. “Not this time, young lady, besides, it would take more firepower to break all the barriers that seal this room. Furthermore, this entire place is warded, so teleporting is also out of question, and the sound proof seals mean that there’s no point in screaming for help.” He smirked. “We were very prepared.”

Dust closed her eyes and bit her lips. As a racer, she naturally feared sharp weapons, as the idea of losing her wings was unbearable. Dust’s thoughts shifted to Twilight who now stood on her head and fought her battles. Do something, you coward. You heard what Twilight said. She has been fighting against her fears her entire life. If she can do it, so can you. She opened her eyes and looked at the enchanted weapon, barely keeping eye contact with its sharp edge. You got her in this mess, you must get her out.

Lightning Dust turned towards the unicorn who was in fighting stance. She bent her legs and spread her wings before dashing towards the spellcaster as Twilight grabbed her hair to not fall off. Before the levitated weapons could catch up with her speed, she delivered a direct punch into unicorn’s face.

Twilight followed Dust’s attack by shooting a beam of magic into Vapor’s horn. The noise of blades bouncing on the floor echoed through the room.

Vapor massaged his cheek before clopping his forehooves. “Impressive.” He quickly levitated his weapons over before approaching his partner and placed forehoof on his shoulder. “I fear I may accidently cut that annoying pegasus and the princess’s student if this fight continues. You caused this mess, now clean up.”

Tombstone nodded before taking off his hat. He placed it inside of his saddlebag and next approached the pegasus, his steps slow and stare relaxed.

Lightning Dust examined the room while searching for alternative exit route, quickly noticing reinforced door. “Do you think I can break through?”

Twilight approached her ear and whispered. “Why break through when we have the key,” she responded before levitating over a transparent object that slowly regained its black color. “I cast an invisibility spell on the key before levitating it from Tombstone’s saddlebag.”

“So you stole the key out of my pocket?” Tombstone asked before taking off his hat and rubbing mane.

Dust asked, “May I ask what was the point in hiding rather than using it right away?”

“I thought that escaping by window would be a much faster solution, and decided to hide the key just in case,” Twilight said before standing on her rear hooves and poked her own horn. “Also, I spent enough time with my foalsitter to learn when somepony is using illusions, and I can tell that I’m not the only pony hiding something.”

“Keen eye,” Vapor said to himself before capturing Twilight with his levitation, who struggled fruitlessly against it, anti-teleportation wards cancelling her spell.

“Leave her alone!” Dust shouted before dashing towards the unicorn, only for Tombstone to ran out in front of her. She tried to fly around, but the earth pony once again blocked her path with a great display of agility. She tried to fly above him, but was tackled against the ceiling.

“I’m afraid this room doesn’t give you much space to fly, young lady. Surrender and save yourself the unnecessary struggle.”

Dust frowned as she slowly descended towards the floor while looking at thin barrier that formed between her and ceiling. It seems breaking through walls, floor or ceiling is out. She shot Tombstone an angered glare “And have my wings cut off, forget it!”

Dust flew towards the stallion while performing an aerial kick, but her target jumped to the side and land on his forehoof. Wait a moment… I did the same… oh no. With strong flaps of her wings, Dust tried to fly out of attack range, but the stallion proved too quick as his hoof pushed her against a wall with great force. Her body bounced of a lavender barrier and slammed against the ground.

“You’re too slow.”

Feeling a sense of deja-vu, she tried to stand while a black mark of a hoof was visible on her stomach.

Suddenly, the door into the room slammed open as a tall orange unicorn in grey suit entered the room. His expression filled with disappointment. His gaze forced Lightning Dust to step back and curl a little.

“Boss,” Vapor said.

After taking a few firm steps, the unicorn looked around and examined the area. Quickly noticing broken chains, a puddle of water and a black key lying on the floor.

Dust noticing that the door is open, flew with all speed she could muster while freeing Twilight from Vapor’s levitation, who seemed too distracted to even notice. She was about to bypass the intimidating pony, only to be pressed against the floor with great force. A thin lavender barrier protecting it from the impact.

Slowly, she was levitated upward up to the stallion's speaking face. “So you are that good for nothing double crossing racer who broke the agreement with my children,” he spoke with elderly and tired tone. “I was looking forward to the displeasure of meeting you.” His attention shifted to miniature unicorn lying on the floor, who stood back up and massaged her head. “And what do we have here?”

“The Princess’s student, Lady Twilight Sparkle,” said Tombstone before rubbing his forehooves against each other nervously. “I found her under a newspaper in a dark alley, and assumed she was a doll.”

Vapor Trail added, “Please, it’s not his fault. She was acting like a toy that became a bit popular recently.”

One shake of his raised foreleg silenced Vapor and Tombstone. He pushed Lightning Dust into their embrace before levitating Twilight up to his face and asked, “Is that true?”

***

How do I get myself into those mess? thought Twilight as she was being levitated against her will. Acting like a plush toy to find where they are taking Dust worked like a charm, but getting out is another story.

“Is that true?”

Knowing already that any attempt to escape would only provoke her captor, she crossed her forelegs instead and looked to the side. “Maybe.”

The elderly unicorn chuckled, and soon it turned into a weak laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Twilight asked while her mind searched for a way out.

He raised forehoof up to his mouth and coughed. "The fact that the heart of my organization was infiltrated by a shrunken student of the princess, who managed such feat by acting as a plush toy. I find this concept quite amusing. Wouldn't you agree?”

Twilight rubbed her chin and said, “Now that you mention it, it does sound quite bizarre.” What am I thinking? She shook her head. “Release me and Lightning Dust this instant!”

“Bold and determined, even while in peril. I’m impressed.” The elderly stallion took off his hat and performed half bow as he said, “Welcome to the residence of the Del Gambino family.” He raised his head and pressed forehoof against his chest. “My name is Don Rigid Del Gambino. It’s an honour to welcome the protege of our wise ruler.”

Twilight frowned. “I wish I could say the same about meeting you.”

“It is understandable,” he responded before looking at his acquaintances. “I hope my sons weren’t too violent with you.”

“They didn’t hurt me, but they tried to hurt Lightning Dust,” she responded while pointing at the restrained pegasus.

“With all due respect, young lady, lying about my involvement doesn’t suit a pony of your position,” Tombstone responded with raised foreleg before he pressed it against his chest. “I fell deeply wounded hearing such accusation. I didn’t torture the prisoner, I tried to stop Vapor from torturing her.”

Twilight ignored the stallion and continued, “Not to mention that cutting off her wings is just cruel.”

The stallion cleared his throat with a cough before speaking, “It seems I will need to educate you about us, young lady.” He levitated over a chair and placed the little mare on it, though his magic still prevented her from escaping. “You see, Miss Sparkle, in our line of work, we can’t really afford to play nice. Should we ignore one person’s debt, many others will think they can escape with theirs.” His tone became more serious as Twilight could feel the pressure of levitation spell increasing in strength. “Would Lightning Dust go unpunished for breaking our deal, for making fools of my sons, more can follow her example.”

“I’m sorry!” Dust shouted as she struggled against Tombstone’s hold. “I just hate when others cheat in sports, so I wanted to give you taste of your own medicine. I will return everything back, I promise!”

Twilight pointed at Dust with what little freedom she had and shouted, “What she said, unless foalnapping ponies and holding them hostage is also part of your work?” Twilight asked before crossing her forelegs. “Is this room where you hold ponies imprisoned, torture them for informations and so on?”

“Answering your first question, we don’t foalnap ponies, that would be our competitors. We have… a small territory struggle with them,” he said before fixing his tie. “My family focused on gambling, distribution of hard cider and provides protection to shopkeepers that can afford it.” He gestured over the room. “As for this place, it is my personal training and contemplation room. Those barriers aren’t meant to just keep intruders away, but they also protect this building from my magic.”

A sealed room. I'm sure I would need one of those, should I regain my full size, Twilight thought before considering her options while staring at the stallion's head. If I attack his horn directly, I can free myself from his levitation and run towards the opened door. My teleportation will work outside, letting me escape. She turned towards Dust. But I need to save her too. I can always increase my size a bit and fight while the seals should withstand my magic and protect this building from collapsing… Twilight’s stare hardened. But maybe I can get us out with diplomacy instead.

Twilight took a deep breath and asked with most neutral tone she could muster, “You train your magic?”

Don Rigid nodded. “Of course I do, but I am sure it is something you are familiar with, considering what you did during your entrance exam.” Twilight’s eyes widened as she raised forehoof up to her face. “Why so surprised? I have eyes and ears in many places, and your display of power wasn’t easy to miss,” Don Rigid responded before chuckling at the sight of blush on Twilight’s tiny cheeks.

He looked at the ceiling and spoke with an air of nostalgia, “Oh, the good old days, filled with reading, exams, challenges, and hitting on mares.”

He was student at the School for Gifted Unicorns, not good. Our fight may break through all the barriers and hurt many innocent ponies. I have to find another solution. Twilight gulped. She half closed her eyes and pointed at the stallion, “Why are you telling me this? Wouldn’t such information help to track down your family?”

He chuckled. “The Royal guards already know, young lady, but I ensured that it would not help them. As a former student and leader, I always have to be a few steps ahead of my enemies.” He knelt and pointed at the little unicorn. “Though I am certain that my experiences are nothing compared to yours.” He pressed tip of his forehoof carefully against Twilight’s chest. “Your outstanding power was no doubt a burden to you.”

Twilight nodded hesitantly. “It was… but as I adapted to my magic and improved myself… I defeated my fears and found joy and fun in challenging myself. Everyday was like an adventure.”

“A mare with a passion who is searching for thrills. I am sure you would be a perfect match for my little Tombstone,” Don said with a chuckle.

“Daaad…”

“Excuse me.” With stallion's attention on her, Twilight asked, “You said that your competitors specialized in foalnapping ponies. Do they also operate in Canterlot?”

Don tilted his head to the side and responded with tired voice, “Yes… they have two representatives who hunt for nobility.”

Bingo Twilight raised her muzzle proudly and puffed her chest while struggling a little against levitation field. “They tried to capture me and Spitfire with help of two Griffons. They are in prison now.” After waiting a moment for the stallion to laugh, she asked, “Since I did you an unintentional favour in dealing with your competition, can I ask you to go easy on Lightning Dust?” She held her forehooves together in pleading gesture. “Please.”

Don looked at the silenced pegasus, whose eyes begged for mercy. “Should she return what she stole, who will compensate what my sons lost? They bet against Dust and lost quite a sum.”

“I can pay it up, I’m sure!” Twilight shouted as she looked at the captured pegasus who stared back at her with shock. “I’m working for the Wonderbolts as a medic, but with my size, I don’t really have any significant expenses. I’m sure I can earn enough if you give me time.”

The stallion rubbed his chin. “Interesting offer, Lady Sparkle. You’re quite generous.” He sighed. “Sadly, there is still an issue with growing interest.”

Dust tried to respond, but hoof pressed against her mouth prevented her.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and said, “Seriously? How much time passed since that bet? Few weeks?”

“Two weeks,” Vapor said before frowning. “Time doesn’t matter near as much as the fact that she tricked us.”

Don nodded. “Correct. For such display of disrespect, the interest from the stolen sum is one hundred percent.”

Twilight’s ears dropped as she mentally noted, Lesson one to be learned, never have any debts with a Mafia boss. Lesson two, don’t mess with them. As she considered her other options, a familiar face peeking from behind the door captured her attention. “Overw–” she immediately placed her forehooves over her mouth.

Don’s ear perked upward at the noise of incoming attack while his barrier reflected the beam, his attention still focused keeping Twilight immobile. “I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am used to dealing with assassins. A common sleeping spell is not going to catch me off guard,” he said with raised muzzle, but not bothered to look behind. “You can come out now, unless you want my acquaintances to hunt you down.”

“Well, it was worth a try,” Overwatch said as she sat at the entrance into the room. Sunglasses present on her muzzle while a black hooded cloak covered her from top to bottom, though one could notice a scarf around her neck after a closer look. “Just doing my job as a royal guard, nothing personal.”

The elderly unicorn shook his forehoof towards his sons who seemed more than eager to attack the intruder. He rounded the table and sat, now having both Twilight and Overwatch in his sight. “Don’t you mean your job as the princess’s student’s personal bodyguard? It is quite obvious, so there’s no point in denying it.” Upon noticing a nod as the guard mare took of her hat, he asked, “I am quite curious, how did you bypassed my guards?”

Overwatch rubbed her chest. “I have my ways. All I can say is that hired muscle usually aren’t too smart. Two of them are currently unconscious inside a barricaded closet.”

“Quite impressive.”

Overwatch smirked as she entered the room and pointed towards the window. “If you thought that was impressive, then you are going to love this.”

Tombstone, Vapor and Don turned their attention towards the window while noticing some sort of speeding comet.

As the projectile was getting closer with each passing second, Vapor asked. “Father, I believe we should evacuate.”

“Nonsense,” the proud stallion responded as the aura around his horn grew in strength. “This room’s safety measures are strong enough to slow down a rampaging dragon. But if it will make you feel safe…” A barrier immediately formed around the group of ponies.

Few seconds later the projectile hit, immediately cracking the lavender barrier on both sides of the window while bursting in flames. A second later, another barrier shattered and a black scorched mark was left on the floor, a pony with flaming mane in the middle of it.

Tombstone, Vapor and Dust stared at it in awe and widely opened mouths.

“Wow Spitfire. Your signature move just can’t be stopped,” Fleetfoot said as she landed on her captain’s left side and took a fighting stance as she glared at the ponies in grey suits.

“I second that. First you send the flaming ball that broke Shining Armour’s defenses during a hoofball match, and now you shattered a magically protected room’s barrier without the use of any equipment,” Soarin’ said as he landed on Spitfire’s right side. Two other Wonderbolts that participated in the show descended right behind them.

Spitfire rubbed her own chest. “What can I say. I’m just that good.” She turned towards her foes, now staring at the tallest unicorn who held Twilight hostage. She pointed her hoof at him and shouted, “Twilight Sparkle is working for me and she is under my protection. Now we can do it easy way,” she slammed her forehoof against the scored floor, and next shook ashes from it. “Or we can do this the hard way.”

Twilight, noticing a moment of distraction she needed, shoot a beam of magic towards her captor’s horn. Now released from the levitation that pressed her against the table, she jumped and ran towards Spitfire. She stood on her rear hooves and pointed at the captured pegasus. “They don’t have any intention of hurting me, but we need to save Lightning Dust before they cut her wings off for tricking them.“

“Cut her wings off,” Spitfire said before gritting her teeth. Her wings spread in intimidating gesture, her team followed in suit. She looked at the unicorn who was now levitating two katanas and was ready for a fight. “How about I break some horns, and lets see how it will serve you!”

A group of hired thugs made of a few earth ponies and a minotaur blocked the entrance into the room as Overwatch aimed her horn at them and charged a spell. Spitfire eyed Vapor, ready to knock him out before his sharp weapons could cripple the restrained pegasus. Fleetfoot prepared herself to rush Tombstone while Soarin’ with Twilight on his head hesitantly approached the tallest unicorn, who just stared back impassively.

Soarin’ gulped and his legs trembled as he looked up. “Is there a possibility we can solve this without unnecessary violence?” he asked.

***

That was amazing, Dust thought as she couldn’t look away from Spitfire, who just a moment ago shattered the sealed room with her own flaming body. She observed as the captain shook herself from glass fragments stuck in her fur and next wiped ash from her forelegs. The flames on her mane slowly vanished. Even the barrier protecting the floor didn’t endure the impact, smoke emerged from the burned surface.

Suddenly, the hold against her increased in strength as Dust struggled to free herself, fruitlessly. It seems I am a loser this time. How can I complain about incompetence of others when I can’t do a thing while the Wonderbolts and Twilight are talking and fighting to save my sorry flank? She grit her teeth. I hate it. I hate being useless.

The tension in the air grew as both sides were more than ready to fight without holding back. Dust’s heartbeating became rapid and muscle tensed as she waited for opportunity to help her saviours.

“Is there a possibility we can solve this without unnecessary violence?”

Without violence? Dust thought as she looked at Soarin’, who sweated in fear and struggled to hold his ground. Is he crazy?

“If we fight, many ponies may end up hurt, and while I believe that your place is behind bars, you don’t seem to be as bad as you act,” Twilight said before jumping towards Don’s muzzle, but stopped herself in mid air with self levitation. “How about you will forgive Dust, and in exchange we’ll let you and your family go and we won’t try to capture you.”

Oh great, so now I’ve been promoted from a hostage to a bargaining chip, Dust thought as she was more than willing to yell ‘don’t worry about me and kick their flanks,’ but one look at the levitating katana kept her mouth shut. If only I worked as hard as Twilight, if I challenged myself everyday, I wouldn’t be so easy to capture. I would break the window like Spitfire did, or I could knock down the important pony and break us free.

After a moment of deep thinking, both sides were ready to attack each other, waiting only for signal form their leaders. Don finally spoke, “And if I refuse? We can always punish Dust for what she did and evacuate.” He poked his own horn. “I assure you, I am very experienced when it comes to combat magic and teleportation.”

Twilight smirked and asked, “Do you know how much weight I can levitate at my current size?” Noticing a hesitant shake, she landed on the closest chair and focused her magic, before levitating Tombstone and Vapor. Distracted, they freed Lightning Dust who flew towards the Wonderbolts and took a fighting stance of her own.

“Impressive, now allow me to show you mine,” Don said before focusing on his own raw power, immediately capturing and pushing all pegasi against a wall, with their wings restrained.

Twilight pointed her hoof at the towering unicorn and said, “What will happen if I increase my size and fight you?”

Don looked at the cracked barriers that sealed his training room before his pupils shrunk. “I see… and if I will retreat?”

“I will dispel illusions that protect your and your sons identity before you do. My brother is the Captain of the Royal Guard, and with my help, we will hunt you down,” Twilight threatened, her face expression as intimidating as possible. The towering unicorn knelt and returned the favour as both unicorns ended up in a staring contest.

Don chuckled as it turned into a strong laugher. The Wonderbolts now released from his hold. “I see it is not a bluff, young lady, you won.”

Lightning Dust straightened herself and her own wings before eyeing her former captor. “Really?”

The unicorn nodded. “The safety of my family always comes first.” He stood tall and proud before pressing forehoof on his chest. “I, head of the Del Gambino family, with my sons as witnesses, forgive the debt and disrespect you showed us, Miss Dust. We won’t try to hunt you down or use violence against you.” He pointed at the little unicorn, and next at the Wonderbolts. “You can thank those brave ponies for that.”

I am off of the hook, just like that? Dust thought before approaching with careful steps, bypassing fragments of broken glass. “What about bits I took after breaking our deal. I can still return those…”

Don stomped. “Are you refusing my mercy?”

“N-no.”

“Good,” Don said before kneeling to the little mare. Dust’s ear perked upward as she overheard his whisper. “I like your attitude. Should you ever end up on the other side of the law, there will always be a place for you in our organization Lady Sparkle.”

Twilight blushed and looked around nervously. It was already overwhelming to be offered a job among elite fliers, but the idea of working for a criminal organization made her feel uneasy.

“I… I… I have to go,” she responded before jumping from the table and climbing up onto Spitfire’s back.

As the ponies left the room while whispering something to Overwatch, who was sitting next to the entrance into the room. Spitfire looked around and spoke, “So… that’s it… no epic fight and arresting criminals? We just let them go?”

Twilight answered, “Seems like it, unless you want to.”

Spitfire shook her head. “I prefer not.” She looked at the broken chains and next at Lightning Dust, who waved back nervously. “Now, what exactly happened here?”

“It’s a long story,” she responded before whispering something into Spitfire’s ear.

Lightning Dust stared speechlessly as she tried to comprehend the situation, when suddenly, the Captain of the Wonderbolts approached her and asked, “I heard that you plan to join the Wonderbolts, just like your father. Is that true?”

Dust nodded hesitantly. “Y-yeah… but I will understand if you don’t want to give me a chance…” She sighed and lowered her head. Why would the elite want a looser like me? Much to her surprise, she felt a still warm forehoof of Spitfire on her shoulder.

“Listen rookie. I know that you have talent, and that you can be great flier, but you won’t get anywhere with that big mouth of yours. You need to work more like a team player,” Spitfire said as she raised Dust’s head with a hoof and looked her in the eyes. “I don’t know yet how you got in this mess, but Twilight said that what you need is a good example and teacher.”

“Example?” Dust asked in confusion.

Spitfire nodded. “That’s correct. In around two or three years, we will be opening a Wonderbolts Academy for future recruits. This will be a good place for you to learn discipline and teamwork and show me that you are a good material for a Wonderbolt.” She smiled encouragingly. “Give it some thought.”

Twilight on captain’s head nodded. “Good luck, Dust, and remember to try to consider other ponies’ feelings before you say things. It will save you a lot of trouble.”

Lightning Dust just stared at the little unicorn in shock as her heartbeating once again reached it’s limits. A mare who saved her flank and gave her a chance to join the Wonderbolts. A mare superior to her in skills and strength of character. Okay Dust. You were just given a second chance — Don’t you dare waste it. Twilight put a good word to the Wonderbolts for you, so don’t embarrass her. She immediately saluted. “Will do ma’am. I will stay out of trouble and become the best recruit the academy ever had. I won’t waste your trust.”

Spitfire nodded before turning around and walking towards the window, while Twilight galloped towards her flank, once against staring at following Lightning Dust. “When we talked today, you said that you will visit your parents after deciding what to do next,” Twilight said. Upon noticing a nod, her ears dropped as she asked with curiosity, “Are you going to tell your parents about this?”

Dust shook her head. “Nah, I think it is best not to worry them,” she responded before spreading her wings and following Spitfire, who flew at slow pace. “Especially considering my mom’s line of work. Should she learn what happened, she may gather a few other bounty hunters and go on some sort of quest to capture those ponies.” She sighed. “I would sleep better knowing that my mother isn’t fighting against the mafia.”

“Fair enough,” Twilight said before waving her forehoof. “I think it is time for us to part our ways. I have work to do.”

“Actually, we canceled the second part of the show to save you both,” Spitfire said as her words were like a punch in the stomach for Dust and Twilight, who looked down in guilt. “But no biggy. Saving the wings of talented flier are worth disappointing our fans this one time.”

“Sorry!” Twilight and Dust said in unison before looking at each other and chuckled. After giving their final farewells, Lighting Dust changed her course and flew towards her home.

“Come on Dust, you can do it,” she said to herself, now standing on front of door into her cloudy home. After taking a few slow breaths, she knocked.

“Come in, the door’s unlocked.”

Upon hearing voice of her mother, she slowly pushed the door open and entered, taking five steps… before ending up in the tight embrace of her mother.

“We saw what happened during the show, are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, mom,” she responded before pushing herself free from the death lock. Twilight healed my bruises and wing, but it seems I got few new ones after recent fight, she thought before bypassing her mom. “Hey dad.”

“Welcome home, Dust. How are you feeling?” Whirlwind asked with concern before escorting his daughter towards the dining table, vegetable soup already on it.

“I already said I’m fine. Just few bruises, no biggy.”

“I didn’t mean your injuries. I know you’re tough, just like me,” Whirlwind said before taking a sip of his soup while his wife sat to his right. “What I ask about is your pride. I know what you tried to do, and I hope that this failure won’t weigh down on you.”

Here it comes. Play it cool, Dust thought before coolly saying, “Not really.” Noticing confusion on her parents faces, she continued, “I was very angry and disappointed, but then I thought. 'It wasn’t my fault. If my teammates were stronger and more skilled, we would have succeed.'”

“Agreed,” Whirlwind said with firm tone.

“I bumped into Spitfire, and she told me that in around two or three years the Wonderbolts Academy will open. If I succeed, I will be able to fly with you, Dad.”

“I am looking forward to it!” he responded with an encouraging smile.

Here goes nothing. Dust raised her forehoof and said, “However, if I want to be worthy to fly with the best, I need to get better and improve myself, or else I will just slow them down.”

“Really?” the mare asked as she captured her daughter’s attention. “You were always saying that you are good enough already, why such a change?”

“My failure showed me that there is a lot for me to learn.” With a deep breath and determination, she said, “If I want to be the best, I have to push my limits.”

Whirlwind placed the spoon back into the soup and rounded the table. He placed his forehoof on his daughter’s shoulder and said, “I don’t know what to say. If this is what you wish, then I will do my best to help.”

“Thanks dad,” she said before embracing him tightly. Hugs may not be cool, but screw it, she thought before saying, “I will improve myself, master the tornado, and when I will find a partner I can count on, I will perform it again, this time without failing.”

After several seconds, she was freed from the embrace as she no longer felt her face pressed against her dad’s chest. With a warm smile, she looked at the pegasus and asked, “What about you, how was your time at work?”

Whirlwind took a step back, nearly losing his balance when his flank struck the table. After reasserting himself, he rubbed back of his neck and said, “It was… rough…”

“Sounds like you had quite the adventure. Care to tell me about it?” Lighting Dust asked as her wings flapped in excitement.

The stallion received a chuckle from his wife as he looked at the few bandages still present on his body, a memory of his spar against the miniature princess surfacing in his mind. “I’d… rather not.”

Ch21 - Frenzy at Fancy's - Part 1

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My Little Medic

Chapter 21

Frenzy at Fancy's - Part 1

“Listen up, team!” Spitfire shouted as she walked back and forth while looking at her subordinates standing in line, each wearing their uniform while Twilight was perched between the feathers on Soarin’s spread wing. “We are about to face one, if not the biggest challenge of our lives. I want every single one of you to do your very best.”

“Yes ma’am,” the group responded with a salute, all with the exception of Soarin' and Twilight, who stared at Spitfire in growing confusion.

“It may be tough. Many of you may not last long, but I expect that each of you will keep your cool, no matter how stressful and unpleasant it may be,” Spitfire continued with authoritative tone before stopping and pointing at the residence.

The group stared at the outstanding building, which was far smaller than surrounding ones, but much more elegant. The residence was surrounded by a wall with an enormous pair of twin gates serving as an entrance. Behind the gate’s bars, they could see a fountain in front of the door, and grass with few trees and bushes on left and right sides of the road.

“Stay focused, calm and collected; speak only when spoken to and — yes, Twilight?” Spitfire stopped at the sight of a tiny, raised foreleg.

“With all due respect–” Twilight said as she stood on her rear hooves which sank between the blue feathers, “–you do realize we are going to participate in a party, not in some sort of suicide mission?”

“No difference to me,” Spitfire said with dismissive tone.

“What?” Twilight took a step back and gasped while still maintaining her balance. She immediately pointed a forehoof at Spitfire and shouted, “In past the two weeks, you and your team has faced an army of enraged giant worms and next members of a mafia and I bet it wasn’t the only situation your services were called for! How can a party be your biggest challenge?”

Spitfire shook her head and said in depressed tone, “I will be honest with you. While training, shows and missions may be somewhat challenging and dangerous for us, it is a routine we are used to.” She sighed. “But participating in a party where we will need to be nice to Blueblood, much less talk and befriend him. This is going to be the hardest day of our lives.”

As the pegasi murmured to each other, Twilight looked between them and noticed few nods of agreement. She sat and rubbed top of her head. “I don’t get it.”

“Me neither, Twilight, me neither,” Soarin’ responded before following his captain, who walked towards the opening gate.

Once the team stopped in front of the entrance while Soarin’ caught up with Spitfire and sat by her side. Twilight smiled widely and cheered, “Fancy Pants! It is so nice to see you!”

“Lady Sparkle?” Fancy said as he fixed his monocle, now looking at the tiny mare who stood on pegasus’s wing. “My my, you have grown so much since the last time I saw you.”

Twilight sat and turned to the side while covering her blush with a blue feather, “Y-you're just saying that...”

Fancy Pants chuckled before looking up, now staring at the officers while maintaining his passive expression. He took a few slow steps forward and gently raised Spitfire’s forehoof, who nearly flinched in response. “You must be the Captain Spitfire whom I have heard so much about.”

Spitfire looked at Soarin’ who quickly noticed blush on her face and shrugged.

After gently kissing Spitfire’s foreleg, he placed it on the ground and raised himself to his full height. “My name is Fancy Pants,” he said while pressing his forehoof against his chest. “It is an honour to welcome such brave heroes into our humble residence.”

“R-right…” Spitfire said, somewhat speechless. “H-humble?”

Fancy turned to the pegasus stallion who shook his foreleg and said, “My name is Soarin’, I hope you remember me from from your visit in Cloudsdale. Nice to see you again.”

“Likewise,” the unicorn responded before looking at the smiling mare. “I see Lady Sparkle must really like spending time with you, or at least riding on your wing,” he added with a chuckle.

Soarin’ nodded. “Well, she likes to read with me, and we play chess, monopony and other board or logical games, though Steel Blade doesn’t approve of it.”

“He will get used to you eventually, give him time,” Twilight said before jumping the onto knee of Fancy’s foreleg who raised it up to his face. “Steel Blade and Spike are visiting a museum that was on the way here, they should arrive in half an hour. They said something about checking bones of a grown up dragon.”

Fancy Pants nodded. “I see, and what about Miss Overwatch?”

“She can’t come,” Twilight said as she crossed her forelegs and shoot Spitfire a disapproving glare, “because somepony put her on a cleaning duty for an entire day.”

Spitfire frowned. “I don’t want this trickster anywhere near us during this party, especially after what she contributed during the last one.”

Fancy Pants looked between Twilight and Spitfire before tilting his head to the side.

“Long story,” Twilight commented. “What about other guests? Who else will participate besides us and Blueblood?”

Fancy Pants placed Twilight back on Soarin’s wing before pointing at the sky. “Princess Celestia should arrive in around one hour. She said in her response letter that she is looking forward to spending time with you, even if only for few hours. I also sent an invitation to your family and your foalsitter. Though they politely refused.”

Twilight took a step back and placed forehooves on her face while her ears dropped. “What? Why? Was is something I said?” Her breathing increased in speed, but calmed down the moment she felt tip of Soarin’s forehoof on her shoulder as she looked into his large eyes.

“Calm down Twilight, I’m sure they had a very important reason,” Soarin’ said before looking at Fancy Pants. “Right?”

The noble rubbed his chin. “If I recall correctly, your family wrote in response something about… not ruining fun for your friends you work with.”

“Aww…” group of rookies said in unison as they lowered their heads.

“As for your foalsitter. She responded in a letter that she may participate, but is still unsure,” Fancy continued.

Spitfire raised her forehoof and said, “She must still feel guilty of the incident in the after match party. Can’t blame her though.”

"Hot Tea!” Fancy called, as an newly-poured bronze unicorn stallion in a jacket and a tie approached from behind the gate. He had a monocle on his face and pristine kerchief slightly exposed from his pocket.

“Yes, Master Fancy?”

“There is still one hour left before all the guests will arrive. Would you be so kind and ensure that Lady Sparkle, Captain Spitfire and her team are escorted to the guest rooms and ensure that they are comfortable?”

“Yes, Master Fancy,” Hot Tea responded with firm nod.

Fancy Pants turned to Spitfire and said, “Would you or any of your subordinates be interested in a tour, Hot Tea will provide it.” He half bowed. “I wish we could continue our talk a bit longer, but I must oversee the preparations. I hope that an outdoor party in the garden will be to your liking.”

“Of… of course,” Spitfire responded hesitantly before returning the gesture.

“Follow me, please,” Hot Tea said as he lead the way while Fancy Pants walked towards the garden. One could notice several long tables decorated by tablecloth, candles and filled with food.

Princess Celestia was used to ponies bowing to her, but as she flew through the sky with two guards flying by her side, she could do nothing but chuckle at the sight of a pegasus bowing on a white cloud. His forehooves slightly sinking and head pressed against the cloudy surface.

Ignoring the growing attention, she waved to her subjects with a cheerful smile and next descended, slowly passing by several clouds as a large city came in full view.

“Auntie Celestia,” Blueblood said from his spot in a royal chariot as the pulling pegasi flew with the speed of the princess. “While I understand the importance of keeping one’s body in shape, flying without a chariot is inappropriate for ponies of our position.”

“Should I pass your words on to Wonderbolts lieutenant or my precious student?” Celestia asked. Blueblood turn his gaze away from the princess. “While I already knew that with great power comes great responsibility, a few centuries ago I forgot that it involves more than just political influence. If I stayed in Canterlot and sat on my throne or focused on paperwork while my subjects are in grave danger, many more lives would have been lost.”

“I see…” Blueblood responded while rubbing his chin. “Still, I can’t shake the impression that you have changed in these past few years.”

Celestia scanned the town before finally noticing a small residence clearly visibly among large building. Surrounded by grass and a wall. With her destination set, she looked at her nephew curiously and asked, “In what sense?”

Blueblood raised his foreleg as he explained, “First and foremost, yours always regal and calm steps became more energetic. Instead of being mighty and above everypony as every ruler should, you are becoming slightly more approachable.” He cleared his throat and continued, “Also, I noticed a small cracks in your regal mask you always wear. Your smile is less forced and slightly more natural and wider, and you fail to hide your worry and concern...“

Smile across Celestia’s lips grew as she felt a warm feeling in her chest. The way he describes me reminds me of how I was like this in the past... her smile vanished as quickly as it appeared, ...back before the weight of ruling and responsibilities changed me, blinding me to the loneliness of my sister...

“...and if we want to prevent the nobility from noticing your weaknesses… auntie Celestia, are you listening?”

“I am sorry,” she responded, now once again looking at her nephew. “I was deep in thought.”

Blueblood crossed his forelegs. “I am just trying to help, but if my opinion matters so little, it would be nice of you to inform me.”

Celestia shook her head. “I value your opinion, but you need to learn that not everything revolves around politics.” She gestured over the sky. “There are wonders, joys and challenges in life you will not experience behind the four walls of our castle. You should try to have a small talk with another pony without any hidden motives behind your every word.”

“Duly noted.”

With a few more flaps of her wings, she approached the chariot and sat inside it, now facing the prince face to face. “I am expecting that you will behave.”

Blueblood placed forehoof on Celestia’s shoulder and said, “My dear aunt, of course I will behave myself.” Noticing a raised eyebrow, he continued, “Besides Fancy Pants’ family, there won’t be any nobles attending this party, and he would be very displeased if I kept my usual stage mask on.”

With a warm smile, Celestia embraced the prince with her large wing. “I am glad. This is one of the very rare opportunities when I can spend time with my subjects without hiding my true self behind a mask of authority.”

Blueblood considered asking the princess to release him while looking around, making sure no pony would witness his proud self in such position. After a moment of hesitation, he closed his eyes and pressed his head against alicorn’s chest. His cheeks blushed as he felt the pleasant, motherly warmth of the princess. “If somepony asks, I was flightsick and lost balance.”

Celestia pressed her soft feathers against the unicorn and nuzzled his forehead. “Of course.”

As several seconds passed, and the princess slowly retreated her wing. Blueblood fixed his formal dress and said, “I just hope that those Wonderbolts’ won’t turn out to be fame and fortune diggers.”

“Fortune diggers?” Celestia asked.

“Correct. I sometimes observed the Wonderbolts during parties, especially during the Grand Galloping Gala, and they always had those fake smiles. Their words and compliments were forced.” He frowned. “It is as clear as the sky in Cloudsdale that they are acting nice only to earn more fame.”

Celestia nodded before spreading her wings. “This is true, I admit, but what they are doing is necessary.” With one strong flap, she flew upward and hovered over the chariot while Blueblood covered his face to protect himself from the wind. “However, I can assure you. During today’s party, you will see none of that.”

Blueblood shook his head. “And what if the Wonderbolts are nice to Twilight only to get on your good side? What if they are using her for their own gain?”

The princess shook her head. “They respect Twilight for her skills, not because of her influence and connections with me.”

“Fine, I will give them the benefit of the doubt,” Blueblood responded before raising her head proudly. “However, should they act nicely towards me against their will, as if putting on some sort of act to get on my good side. I will perform my, ‘jerk for bit digging mares’ act.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. It wasn’t the first time a mare tried to score herself a rich and influential prince… not that he was as influential as they imagined him to be. Her nephew already developed a counter tactic, a special act to sour himself in those mare’s eyes. There is no need to worry. Spitfire and her team will act naturally during today’s party. Everything will turn out alright.

“We are almost there, Your Highness,” one of pulling guards spoke as he slowed down and prepared for a careful landing procedure.

Not wasting a moment, Celestia flew ahead of her guards and descended. She slowed down her fall with few firm flaps of her wings, and gracefully touched the grass with tips of her golden horseshoes. Her wings slowly closed as her full weight finally pressed against the ground. Her attention now fully focused on approaching unicorns.

“Greetings in our humble residence, Your Highness,” Fancy Pants said as he performed a full bow. His wife following in suit. “You honour us.”

Celestia gestured for him to stand and said warmly, “The pleasure is all mine.”

She looked around while examining her surroundings. Behind the noble family she could see the right wing of the residence with several windows. Above each window was a small magical rune, no doubt a safety measure against thieves. Outside of the residence was covered by grass and randomly located bushes and trees, with only exception being two lines of trees that went from the main gate towards the door of the residence. Behind and on her left side, the princess could see a tall wall separating the mansion from the surrounding buildings.

The garden itself had one small fountain surrounded by a circle of multicolored flowers, two small birds already taking a bath and playing in it while singing a quiet song. And finally, Celestia could see several tables filled with food and cushions and one large carpet for ponies to sit on between them. “Your garden looks very lonely,” she said, “though I cannot shake the impression that what you have organized is more of a picnic rather than a garden party.”

“It does indeed seem that way,” Fancy said as he fixed his monocle. “I am certain that Miss Spitfire, Mister Soarin’ and their team would not feel comfortable participating in a more formal party, so I did my best to make it as casual as possible.”

Fleur, who was currently supporting herself against Fancy’s back, nodded and said, “An outdoor party with enough space for everypony to spread their wings have a special charm to it.” She slowly regain her composure and rubbed the grass with her forehoof. “I moved my modeling session to a later date. Outdoor activity in such lovely atmosphere without the need to worry that grass and dirt may ruin my appearance is very relaxing. I hope you will enjoy this evening just as much, Your Highness.”

“Just Celestia will do,” the princess responded as she took off her horseshoes, crown and peytral. Her earth pony side quickly connecting with the earth through her hooves. With the help of her magic, she levitated her royal accessory over to a guard, who immediately saluted and safeguarded it in his saddlebag.

Fancy looked at his wife and asked, “Dear Fleur, would you be so kind and inform everypony that our guest of honour has arrived?”

She nuzzled Fancy Pant’s cheek and responded, “Right away.” She turned around and trotted cheerfully towards the residence.

Celestia observed the leaving unicorn, when suddenly she noticed a movement in corner of her eye. She looked towards the bush, and saw a young unicorn peeking from behind it. She turned to Fancy Pants and pointed at the hidden pony. “Who is this little pony and why is she or he hiding from me?”

Fancy Pants didn’t bother to look back as he answered. “His name is White Path and he is my son. No longer so little if I may add, Your Highness.”

Celestia sat and nodded. “I see.” She rubbed her chin. “From what I remember, you have mentioned your son many times, but you never introduced him. Is he shy or afraid of me?” she asked with saddened tone.

Fancy Pants laughed, much to the princess’s confusion. “Shy, oh no no no, he is anything but shy.” Seeing that the princess looked at him curiously, he continued, “You see, Princess Celestia. My son is, how should I put it… quite energetic, and often speaks his mind.” He pointed at the alicorn. “You have been very busy with your important duties, not to mention taking care of a student, so I did not dare to bother you.”

“What about the formal parties I participated in?”

“I was afraid that introducing you to my son during a formal party would embarrass you in front of the nobility.”

Celestia’s ears dropped as she looked to the side. Fancy Pants was always so loyal and helpful. I tried to treat him as a close friend rather than subject, and yet he still hesitated to introduce me to his own son… Was the wall between me and my subjects really that tall? She pressed forehoof against her chest and spoke firmly, “I must say, my dear friend, that I am disappointed in you. My duties and appearance are not important enough to prevent me from meeting your son.”

Fancy Pants held his head high as he considered princess’s words. “My apologies, but I have been waiting for the right moment when I could introduce him, away from the public eye. However, I must warn you, White Path may be fifteen years old, but he can act very immature whenever he is excited.”

The princess shook her forehoof. “This is not a problem at all. My dear student is also acting foalish whenever she is excited or determined to face a new challenge. Your son cannot possibly surpass her.”

The stallion chuckled before turning towards the bush. “You can come out, White Path. Princess Celestia is looking forward to meeting you.”

“Really?” In an instant, the grown up colt walked outside from his hiding spot and shook few leaves and branches from his fur. He trotted towards the princess and sat.

Fancy Pants pointed at the colt and said, “This is my son, White Path. White Path, this is our wise and beloved ruler, Princess Celestia.” The moment his son bowed, nearly pressing his face against the grass, Fancy Pants turned around and said, “I am sure you both would like to have some privacy. I will be near the fountain if anypony require my company.”

As the stallion walked away and grown colt stood back to his full height, the princess said politely, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“A pleasure on my side as well. I mean, meeting the princess herself in person, the ruler of an entire world, nearly immortal being with power to cut mountains in half. This is so coooool.” He hopped, and next started trotting in place.

Nearly immortal ruler of the world that can cut mountains in half… I was called by many names, but this one is new to me, Celestia thought before responding in more hesitant tone, “Actually, Equestria is just a large country on a continent, and there are many lands out there across the ocean, so I am just rulling a small part of the world.”

“But you can still cut mountains in half, can you, can you?”

Celestia retreated her head slightly and looked up at the sky. “To be honest… I never considered this before… but I suppose that if I focused all my might into it and spent few days or weeks, I would cut a mountain in half sooner or later. Depends on the size of said mountain.”

“Days… or weeks?”

Celestia nodded as she looked down at the unicorn in her shadow. “Actually, charging and casting my most powerful spells would take few hours at best, but recovering from such huge use of magic would drain me to a point where it would take days or even weeks for my magic to recover.” She poked her own horn and added, “I may be a powerful alicorn, but I have my weaknesses. Even with my connection to the sun, it would take a week or more to fully restore my magic, should I spend all of it at once. This is why I need to conserve my power only for emergencies.”

White Path nodded and spread his forelegs in excitement before saying energetically, “Oh... so it is like being able finish all the work on several farms at once in a mere hour, and next rest for entire week, while earth ponies would need hours, but one night of sleep and they are back in business.” He took a quick breath. “Or like being a powerful cannon with only few shells to shoot, or a powerful machine with a huge power storage but very weak power source.” He rubbed his chin and continued, “Maybe more like a destructive one time use assault gem, the kind that Wonderbolts can fire only once?”

Celestia took a step back, dumbfounded. “Interesting comparisons...” she said. What are they teaching colts and fillies in school those days?

“It must be similar with my magic. I can levitate far greater weights than I can carry on my back, but my mind gets tired way faster than my muscles,” White Path responded before looking at the towering princess as if she was a statue in a museum.

“Is something wrong?” Celestia asked as she looked at her side and chest. “Do I have dirt on my fur?”

“You’re huuuge!”

Celestia blinked before coughing nervously. “Yes, I suppose I am…”

“Do you often call your subjects your little ponies?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Have you ever called Twilight your littlest or tiniest pony?”

“My littlest… no, I don’t remember ever calling her that.”

“Does Twilight like you because you are huge?”

“W-what?” the princess responded as her mind could barely keep up with the avalanche of questions.

White Path pointed at several points of her body. “Well, you have huge wings, long legs, large neck. And from what I learned from Twilight, she likes when everything is larger than her. Does that mean that she likes you because you are so big?”

“I… don’t know…”

“Do you secretly train Twilight to become a superpony so she can fight crime and protect Equestria from dangerous villains?”

“I…”

“Are you single?”

Celestia blushed as she looked for any sort of distraction, and quickly pointed at approaching group. “White Path, are you a fan of the Wonderbolts?”

“You mean the sports team that from time to time is called upon dangerous missions, the heroes who fought against entire army of giant worms in Fillydelphia?” He hopped. “Of course I am!”

“In that case, you do better ask for their autographs, because here they come.”

White Path turned towards the approaching group and ran towards them with glee.

Celestia sighed in relief and looked to the side at Fancy Pants standing next to a fountain, who stared back with smirk on his face.

***

“No problem,” Soarin’ said as he signed a picture with a pen he held in his left wing. “Here you go.”

Spitfire observed the energetic unicorn, who levitated Soarin’s picture back into his saddlebag, adding it to his collection before levitating out a picture of Blaze. His endless amount of questions kept at least seven Wonderbolts at bay. So the son of Fancy Pants, the very pony who keep majority of the nobility at one gesture of his hoof, is an energetic fan of the Wonderbolts who doesn’t care about manners and etiquette. What are the odds? Suddenly, her sharp eye caught Twilight, who ran from one pegasus’s foreleg to another, before making a full gallop towards the princess Okay, so Soarin’ and the team are busy with Fancy’s Family, and Twilight wants to have a chat with her mentor. It leaves me with… She looked towards the landing chariot, or rather at the prince, and scowl immediately appeared on her face. Him.

One after another, Spitfire took slow calming breaths and fixed her uniform. A bet is a bet. Just do what you usually do and it will be fine.

With slow relaxed steps, she approached the prince whose attention was focused on somepony else. Spitfire could see an alicorn from the corner of her eye, escorting Twilight towards the carpet on the grass before they both perched themselves comfortably against it. Seeing that Blueblood started walking towards them, Spitfire intercepted him and half bowed. “Greetings, Prince Blueblood.” She returned to her full height and pointed at herself, “My name is Spitfire. It is honor to meet you.”

Blueblood lowered himself and grabbed Spitfire’s foreleg before kissing it. “Charmed.”

Spitfire blushed. What is up with ponies constantly kissing my leg? First Soarin’, next Fancy Pants, and now Blueblood. This is embarrassing. With a forced smile, she pointed at nearby table and asked, “Since we will spend this evening together, we may as well get to know each other. I’m looking forward to listen about your achievements.”

Blueblood nodded before escorting Spitfire towards the table. “My backstory, no doubt, pales in comparison to yours. I insist that you tell me about your amazing adventures first.”

Maybe Twilight is right. He doesn’t seems to be as bad as I remember him to be. Regardless, I need to be polite and leave a good impression. With a weak smile, Spitfire shook her head. “That’s very kind of you, but I’m sure that your life story is far more interesting than mine.”

“I must disagree,” Blueblood responded as his horn lit.

With quick steps, Spitfire approached the cushion next to the table and wiped the dust with her wing before fixing it as she looked at the prince.

“Your seat is ready, Your Highness.”

“Ladies first,” Blueblood said as he fixed cushion levitated in his aura before placing in next to the table. “Please, take a seat, milady.”

So this is what Twilight meant when she said that he is very strict when it comes to manners. I’d better play along. With another half bow, she gestured at cushion next to her. “A pony of your position deserve to sit first.”

“It is only polite when a mare sits before a stallion.”

“Princes before Captains.”

“Ladies before gentlecolts.”

Spitfire rolled her eyes. This is getting ridiculous. If it is possible for a pony to be too polite, Blueblood would surely accomplished it… I think it would prefer if he was jerk all along.

***

This is going too far, Blueblood thought as he just finished talking about how he renovated his room while pointing out details about chosen carpet and paint color. Much to his astonishment, Spitfire just kept listening with smile on her face and with occasional nod. There is no way anypony in Equestria, more or less an athlete, would be so interested in five minutes long lecture about blue paint. He noticed a bypassing Wonderbolt with White Path on his back, his wings spread as if ready to fly. Blueblood waved his forehoof at him, and the Wonderbolt returned it with a fake smile. They are kissing my flank to get on my good side, but enough is enough.

With a smirk, Blueblood raised his head proudly and said with the most arrogant tone he could muster, “It is getting hot in here, won’t you agree?”

“A bit,” Spitfire responded before pointing at drink on the table. “Luckily, Fancy Pants provided us with cold drinks. Those should do the trick.”

Blueblood pushed the glass away. “I am allergic to lemons.” He tilted the glass with help of his magic as yellow liquid streamed onto grass. “Would it be to much of a problem if I asked for a glass of fresh water.”

“Not a problem. I will be back in five seconds,” Spitfire said before flying towards the fountain. Much to her credit, she returned in the promised time, placing glass of water on the table.

Blueblood frowned before tilting the glass once again. “Drink water from a fountain where birds took a bath just moment ago? I find it insulting that you would offer it to me.”

“S-sorry,” Spitfire said before grabbing the glass and pointing at the mansion. “I will ask Fancy Pants if they have fresh one in the kitchen.”

“Please do,” the prince responded, waiting for Spitfire to leave the table. The moment she approached Fancy Pants, he smirked. Let’s see how long can you tolerate jerk Blueblood before you will drop your act, Spitfire. At the end of this day, Twilight, the Pants family and auntie Celestia will learn who you really are.

Ch22 - Frenzy at Fancy's - Part 2

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My Little Medic

Chapter 22

Frenzy at Fancy's - Part 2

The singing of the birds, a cool breeze, and the charm of a small garden all basked in the rays of her precious sun. Could the princess ask for a better background to relax herself alongside her dear student? It almost made her forget that she was in the middle of one of the most crime-filled city in Equestria, though the air was still fresh enough despite the lack of flora.

Celestia was lying on her side, supporting her head against her left forehoof, while the elbow of her foreleg was sinking slightly into the carpet. In front of her, she saw a little unicorn chewing a half eaten, horseshoe-shaped snack, tiny bits visible on Twilight’s balloon-like cheeks.

After cutting a fragment of apple pie and taking a bite, Celestia gulped and asked, “How is working for the Wonderbolts serving you, my faithful student?”

Twilight wiped her face and responded with a cheerful tone, “It is going great. Not only have I proved myself to the team and gained their respect, but they are actually relying on me, despite my minuscule size. It feels really great to be useful despite all disadvantages."

Celestia nodded while resisting urge to levitate over a napkin to clean her student’s face. Maybe I should ask her about her experience in Fillydelphia. It must have been a terrifying… She shook her head. Scratch that. We are here to enjoy ourselves. “How was the party after the match between the Wonderbolts and your brother’s team?” she asked nonchalantly.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she pointed at the princess accusingly. “You know? How?”

“Let’s just say that Spike was kind enough to send me something to eat with his flames. Quite considerate of him if you ask me.”

The little unicorn chuckled nervously. “S-so you don’t know what happened during it?”

“Has something happened that I am not aware of?” Celestia asked as she shot her student a suspicious glare.

Twilight shook her head in panic. “N-n-no, of course not.”

This is not the time or place to embarrass my student, Celestia thought as she considered changing the topic. Surely she could find out more from Shining Armor or Cadence later on. “I will take your word for it.” She took a slow breath and asked, “I heard that the Wonderbolts cut their show early four days ago. Did something happened?”

“Well…” Twilight started before glancing away evasively.

“Now I am even more curious,” Celestia said as she lowered her head closer to the little mare. “What kind of interesting adventure you got yourself into this time?”

Twilight blushed as she rubbed back of her neck and spoke with closed eyes, “It is kind of a long story… but in short, I tried to heal Lightning Dust’s wing, she was the captain of the opposite team and son—I-I mean daughter of Wh… one of the Wonderbolts.”

Celestia smiled. “Helping those in need is important, even if they are your enemies. It was very kind of you.”

Twilight took a step back before continuing, “Lightning Dust asked if I could spend my break with her. We ate donuts and talked with each other.” Celestia nodded, her ear exposed. “And she was captured by members of… some sort of mafia family.”

Celestia’s head retreated immediately as she looked down at her student with worry.

“I pretended to be a plush toy, and they took me with them. When I found out that they were planning to remove Dust’s wings, I had to interfere. There was some fighting, some talking, Overwatch snuck into the building to rescue us, and Spitfire broke through barriers developed by my family…”

The alicorn could do nothing but listen, dumbfounded as she tried to comprehend her student’s words.

“...and we came to an agreement. They forgave Lightning Dust for all her debts, and we promised to not chase them.”

They wanted to cut off a pegasus’ wings, no doubt as an example? I can’t tolerate such behaviour… but what can I do? If I will appoint more forces to track down one family, another one will use this opportunity to spread their influence. Manehattan is far too big city for me to supervise. With a hint of concern in her voice, Celestia asked, “Did they tried to hurt you?”

“Not at all,” the little mare responded as she shook her head. “To be honest, most of them were really polite and respectful. With help from the Wonderbolts and a bit of diplomacy, we managed to come to a peaceful agreement.”

“It still doesn’t change the fact that they are dangerous criminals,” Celestia stated with more serious tone. Her stare no longer relaxed. “After what you witnessed, would you like to see them behind bars?”

Twilight shook her head. “I gave my word that I wouldn’t try to track them down, and I doubt that capturing a unicorn who mastered his talents can be easy.”

Celestia massaged her forehead. We came here to relax, not to discuss how to deal with a crime. I need to change the topic, but what can we talk about?

“Princess, is something wrong? You look as if something was on your mind,” Twilight asked with concern.

After taking few calming breaths, Celestia asked the first question that popped into her mind, “Do you like me because I am huge?” Her pupils shrunk as she realized what she just said. White Path! she thought before blushing slightly as she tried to hide her embarrassed face behind her colorful mane.

Twilight took a step back and next rubbed top of her head. “What do you mean, Princess?”

Celestia lowered her head and sighed. Since I started it, I might as well go all the way. She spread her large wing towards her student and gestured for Twilight to hop on. The little mare didn’t hesitate to follow her mentor’s suggestion as she now sat, perched comfortably against her mentor’s feathers. “It has been years since you willingly decided to live in a large world, and you showed me more than once how much you respect me and enjoy spending time in my company.”

“Of course I respect you! You are a wise ruler, a great teacher, and a very kind pony,” Twilight said with a firm stomp as her hoof caused the wing to tremble a little.

Celestia chuckled and flapped her wing joyfully, knocking Twilight off balance, back to a sitting position and bouncing her a little on the feathery surface. After giving her student moment to reassert herself, she continued, “The son of Fancy Pants and a friend of yours, White Path, just half an hour ago pointed out that you like when everything is bigger than you.”

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t. According to books, it must be because I’m in my comfort zone.”

Celestia nodded and continued, “I still remember how terrified you were of me in the past, back when you were a tiny filly, but you surpassed those fears, and even forgave me when I stepped on you.” She paused before continuing in embarrassment, “White Path suggested that you like me because I am so big. Is that true?”

“Well... “ Twilight rubbed back of her neck. “You are so big on your long, strong and gentle legs. When you tower over me, I feel like a little and insignificant pony in front of a mighty giant, but I like this feeling; I like to admire you and work hard to be as great as you, Princess.” She grabbed a few feathers and pressed them against her cheek. “And your wings are so soft and warm. I really love to sleep on or under them. And they look amazing when you spread them in a display of power, especially after I preen them to the smallest detail.”

Twilight paused and released the feathers before hiding blush behind her own tail. “N-not that… it’s the only reason I like spending time in your company… You are very wise, kind, fun to be with... talk to... learn from…” She curled slightly. “Admiring your large features… is just a small… insignificant…” she gulped, “part.”

Celestia closed her eyes. She knew that a strong bond that formed between her and her student during past twelve years, but she never considered this sort of affection. I’m starting to suspect that my student developed an inferiority complex. This discussion can’t possibly get any more awkward.

“Twilight!” White Path shouted before jumping from Blaze’s back, landing with a weak thump on the grass next to the carpet. “I just heard a cool story. Is that true that you alongside Spitfire not only captured some foalnappers in the frozen north, but also saved a pegasus and forced a mafia boss to retreat. Another worthy achievement under your superhero belt?” He took a deep breath before looking between the speechless mare and surprised princess. “Oooh… I see how it is.” He smirked. “Chilling out and relaxing yourself on the comfy and huge wing of your large mentor.”

As Twilight pressed her face into Celestia’s feathers in attempt to hide, the princess rolled her eyes. I stand corrected. With a forced smile, she said calmly, “I am just having a friendly conversation with my littlest… dearest student.”

“You called Twilight your littlest. Totally nailed this one.”

Celestia cleared her throat with a cough. “While I wish to get to know you better, White Path. I am trying to have a private conversation with my student. I would like to ask you to respect our privacy and wait until we are done. I am sure you will have much more fun talking or playing with the Wonderbolts.”

White Path sat on a free space on the carpet and shook his head. “Not really. I wanted to play a wargame with them inside the residence, but my mom forbade me from using water balloons filled with paint.” He pointed at Fleur, who was now surrounded by a few Wonderbolts as she stood on a stone on tip of her forehoof. Next to her stood Lighthoof in similar position. “Furthermore, my mom doesn’t have any work to do for few days, so she switched to her adventurous mode. She challenged the Wonderbolts to various agility related competitions, and a wargame needs more than two ponies to play.”

“And I was looking forward to play it,” Blaze said in disappointed tone. “I like spending time with my younger fans, and it would be a nice change to throw balloons with paint at each other just for fun rather than to train our reflex.”

“Tell me about it,” White Path responded before eating a hoof-shaped cookie. “I am sure a talk between the all mighty ruler and super heroine in training can be far more entertaining. Just act as if I wasn’t here at all.”

Celestia closed her eyes as an honest smile replaced her forced one. I don’t remember the last time anypony dared to act so carefree around me. Even Twilight. It actually feels nice…

“White Path…” Twilight said hesitantly as she sat, no longer hiding her face.

"Yes, Twilight?”

“Would you please stop being disrespectful towards the princess?”

“Disrespectful?” White Path responded as his neck tilted backward. “What do you mean?”

Twilight stood on her rear hooves and pointed at face of her mentor. “Princess Celestia asked for some privacy, and you are disobeying her. I understand that we are guests in your father’s residence, but you shouldn’t overwhelm the princess like that.”

White Path raised his forehoof up to his mouth. “Oh… sorry. I just can’t help it.” His ears curled.

Twilight held her forelegs together in pleading gesture. “Would you please calm down and act your age when you are around the princess? Please.”

White Path looked around and spoke with panic. “How can I calm down? My dad organized a outdoor party. You came to visit me. The almighty ruler is lying in front of me on a carpet.” He pointed at Fleetfoot, who was now racing against Fleur through an obstacle course that he often used as his own playground. “The Wonderbolts are competing against my mother. Even your guard and Spike seems to have a conversation with my dad.” He spread his forelegs and asked, “How can I not be excited?!”

“Pretty please, with sugar on top,” Twilight begged as she shot White Path her puppy stare.

The grown up colt bit his lips as his ears curled again. He closed his eyes and pressed a forehoof against his chest. Slowly, he moved his forehoof closer and further away from as his hyperactive breathing slowed down. After few seconds of sudden silence. He opened his eyes and raised his muzzle. “I… promise to try.”

Celestia looked at White Path, her stare filled with disappointment. And here I was getting used to ponies acting casually around me. Easy come, easy go.

“I suppose you both wish to enjoy your time together, so I will take my leave,” White Path said before half bowing his head. “My apologies for the inconvenience.” He stood up and was about to go, when suddenly a thought crossed his mind. “However I would like to ask for one little thing before I go. Can I speak up, Your Highness?”

“Please, by all means do,” Celestia responded.

“Can we go to the frozen north and build a snowpony?”

“Oh, come on!” Fleetfoot said as a plate and teacup that fell a moment ago from her nose and nearly crashed into ground was now levitating, captured within a white aura of magic. She looked to the side, her attention now focused on Fleur, who stood, balanced precariously on her left foreleg and right hind leg. The unicorn’s right foreleg was straightened forward as four empty plates were being expertly balanced across it. Her left hind leg was raised as well, while one plate was located on Fleur’s rear hoof, a house of cards still standing on the plate. On the unicorn’s raised muzzle was one more plate with a teacup nestled atop it.

With the help of her magic, Fleur levitated the plates from herself and Fleetfoot before placing them on a nearby table as both mares slowly lowered their legs.

Fleetfoot stretched her tensed muscle moment later and said, “First Twilight proves herself with her skills and magic, and now this… How can a unicorn rival athletic pegasi in agility contests? Much less win five times in a row.”

Fleur shook her head. “To be honest, the race on the obstacle course was more of a draw, so I wouldn’t call it five wins in a row,” she commented.

Fleetfoot stomped her forehoof against the grass as few of the Wonderbolts took a step back. “How can a unicorn noble be more agile than a Wonderbolt? It makes no sense.”

Fleur wiped few drops of sweat from her forehead before fixing her mane. She observed the pegasus who stared at her impatiently. “Do not judge a pony by their appearance, it can be deceiving.” Upon hearing another frown, she raised her forehoof in lecturing gesture and continued, “I may be a model, but it does not change the fact that I enjoy extreme sports during my free time. I also exercise and train my balance and flexibility whenever I can.” She pointed at the spread wings of the Wonderbolt in front of her and asked, “How often you train your agility, balance and concentration without using your wings?”

Fleetfoot rubbed top of her head. “To be honest, our activities and trainings focus mainly on our flying skills. We’re agile, but we’re not exactly used to ground exercises…” She sighed and shook her head in defeat before looking at Blueblood. “As hard as it is to admit, it seems that unicorns aren’t so bad in sports after all, nobility or not, and considering the streaks of events that have been taking place lately, I bet that Blueblood is some sort of commando under his clumsy appearance.”

Fleur laughed cheerfully, nearly losing her balance before taking few slow breaths to calm herself. “How much are you willing to bet?“

Lighthoof stepped over and puffed her own chest. “I like to practice both on and above the ground, but I underestimated you.” She pointed at Fleur and challenged, “How about more serious competitions like: Evading lightning and blizzards, racing on ice, and—with the help of a cloud walking spell— cloud jumping games.” She smirked and turned her head to the side before saying in mocking tone, “Unless you are afraid that a bit of cold and electricity will ruin your perfect figure.”

Fleur fixed her mane. “A bit of lightning may shock me a little, but it will not ruin my natural beauty, I assure you.” She spread her legs and said, “Challenge accepted.” Her eyes filled with determination. Both unicorn and pegasus stared at each other for several seconds, but Fleur’s attention suddenly shifted towards the princess. “However before we start, I will need to speak with my son, please, excuse me.”

With graceful steps, she approached the carpet where a sitting alicorn was under heavy mental assault. White Path sat with his forelegs curled under his neck and eyes open widely as he performed his puppy stare, Twilight on his head in exact same position. The princess sighed in defeat and nodded in agreement.

“Forgive my interruption,” Fleur said as she got attention for the group. “Is my son a bother to you, Princess Celestia?”

“Not at all.”

White Path looked at his mom with exact same stare and said, “The princess agreed to take us to the frozen north so we can play in the snow, but only with yours or dad’s permission.”

Soarin’ flew over and landed on Fleur’s left side. His wings still spread, “Can I tag along? Please?”

Steel Blade landed on Fleur’s right side, his tail flapped left and right. “Me too!”

Fleur rolled her eyes. Stallions in body, colts in mind. She looked at the princess with warm smile and said, “If you are willing to look over my son’s safety, I have nothing against such trip… though I must warn you–”

Celestia shook her foreleg. “I already know, but I believe that I can handle your son’s vigorous personality.”

Twilight poked White Path’s horn. “And don’t forget your promise that you would behave in front of the princess.”

Fleur blinked in surprise. “He promised?”

White Path nodded hesitantly, forcing Twilight to grab his horn to not fall off. “I promised to try.”

Fleur smiled proudly before pointing towards the residence behind her. “If you are going to play in snow, please take a scarf and something warm to wear.” She continued in a motherly tone, “You don’t want to catch cold. Right, Sweetheart?”

White Path opened his mouth, but closed moment later as he resisted the urge to disagree. He cleared his throat and said with the most mature tone he could muster, “As you wish, Mom. I will put on something warm right away.” He pointed at pony on his head and next at the princess. “Should I look for something warm for our guests too?”

Fleur shook her head as her horn lit. An ornate purse levitated over in an instant. “I already have it covered.” She opened the purse as several tiny uniforms levitated out and started circling around the little mare. “Ever since Twilight’s hats became popular, I decided to arrange production of dolls in your size. Tiny size clothes included.”

Twilight hid behind White Path’s horn from embarrassment as she examined each of the clothes, from formal dress to uniform of a battle mage. She quickly picked up two specific ones. “Medic uniform?” Twilight said as she pointed at white medic’s coat rimmed with a blue stripe and a white nurse’s cap with the bright red medical cross.

“Correct. If you are going to work for the Wonderbolts, I thought that you deserve a proper uniform,” Fleur said before pointing at another one. “I also prepared a dark blue uniform similar to those that the Wonderbolts are wearing. Only four yellow lightning bolts rounding each leg as additional decoration. This one will keep you warm during your trip.”

Twilight nodded as said uniform was levitated over to her. Not wasting a moment, she put it on.

“It sure suits you, Twilight,” Soarin’ said with a cheerful smile.

“I think she’d look much cuter in medic’s uniform,” Steel Blade stated.

“Maybe we can one day play a dress up game,” Celestia said with a chuckle. “I am sure Cadence would love to play too.”

“W-whatever y-you s-say, P-pprincess…” Twilight responded with a sheepish smile.

White Path levitated Twilight from his head and examined her from many angles. “Wow, you look aweso… I mean, I must say, you look really impressive in this outfit.” He placed Twilight back on his head and continued, “With your permission, I would like to bring my plane model to see if it fits your new image.”

“Model of a plane? You make them?” Twilight responded.

“Just a small activity I entertain myself from time to time. Just a month ago, I made a model of gyrocopter, and unlike planes that run on a unicorn’s magic and are never used, gyrocopters are more popular among earth ponies,” White Path responded while raising his muzzle a little. Forcing Twilight to grab his horn for support. “It is just a mere toy, however, with help of your magic, I’m more than sure it could fly.”

Fleur looked at the giggling princess and said, “I can equip you with something warm as well, Princess Celestia.”

The alicorn looked back at Fleur with a warm smile and responded, “There is no need. My fur and a bit of magic is all I need to keep myself warm.”

“I insist,” Fleur said before levitating over pair of long white socks with small suns decorating it. Celestia blushed and refused with a shake of her forehoof while a weak laughter erupted in the background. Fleur levitated the legs warming socks back into her purse before pointing at her own forehoof. “Would it be too much of a problem if I would ask you for a little magical assistance? A cloud walking spell to be precise.”

“I am more than happy to help,” Celestia responded with sheepish smile, slowly recovering from her embarrassment.

Spike, who approached the group stopped under Fleur’s watchful stare. “And for you, Spike, I have a very lovely scarf and hat. Perfect for your trip.”

“Trip?” Spike asked cluelessly.

Fancy Pants waved towards the leaving guests, who, according to his wife, were flying towards the frozen north to build a snowpony… and some sort of snow fortress. His son was comfortably perched against the princess’s back and escorted by two pegasi. Spike was sitting on Steel Blade’s back, while Soarin’ flew side by side with Twilight, who was piloting a miniature plane while wearing a blue uniform, turning the propeller with the help of her magic.

He lowered his head and approached the dining table, when, suddenly, a suspicious figure gestured towards him from behind the right wing of his residence. After fixing his monocle, he recognized the pony. “Tombstone?” With slow steps, he approached, doing his best to act as natural as possible.

The moment both stallions were out of sight behind the residence, Fancy Pants asked, “What brings you to my property? Tombstone Del Gambino. I have already refused to participate in any kind of illegal gambling activity your family has to offer.”

Tombstone took off his hat and shook his head. “I am afraid this is not the reason why I visited you today, Mister Fancy Pants. I am here to warn you about our opposition.”

Fancy Pants raised his eyebrow. “Opposition? Are they planning to capture my wife for ransom once again? I was sure they learned their lesson.”

“Oh, they did, and I must say that you are a very lucky stallion to have such a brave and resourceful lady as your loyal wife,” Tombstone responded before continuing in more sorrowful tone. “This time they are planning to capture your son instead.”

“They are targeting White Path?”

“Correct, and considering that the Del Gambino family still owes you a very big debt, it is only proper of us to warn you and provide any assistance possible.”

Fancy Pants half bowed. “Thank you for your quick warning, but my son is in the very good hooves of a powerful friend of mine. He is safer in her company than he could ever be.”

“Do you mean Lady Twilight?” Tombstone asked.

“Not really, though I do not doubt that she would protect my son with her life. I was referring to the princess herself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to ensure that Miss Spitfire and Prince Blueblood are not going to tear each other apart. Farewell.”

Tombstone observed as the master of this residence disappeared behind the corner. He placed a forehoof under his chin and said to himself, “My, my, I should’ve known. Where there is a princess’ student, there no doubt will also be her mentor. Such a pity I can’t spend time with such mighty mares.” He turned around and ran towards the wall. With one solid jump, he bypassed the large obstacle.

Fancy Pants kept walking as if nothing happened, slowly approaching Blueblood, who was now lying on the carpet with forelegs supporting his head, while Spitfire kept massaging his flank with a forced smile “Enjoying each other’s company, I see.”

“Very much,” Blueblood responded. Fancy Pants looked at Spitfire, waiting for words of anger, but to his shock, they never came.

“I am happy that my massage relaxed all your stress,” Spitfire said, but her eyes begged Fancy Pants to save her from this cruel fate.

“It did indeed,” Blueblood responded in satisfied tone. “Carry on.”

Feeling pity towards the mare while still shocked by her self control, Fancy spoke, “While I would hate to interrupt your very relaxing activity, I would like to ask you Miss Spitfire to assist me with transporting a few tables. If this is not to much of a trouble.”

“Not at all,” Spitfire responded hastily. “My deepest apologies, My Prince, but I am needed elsewhere.”

“Alright, but do not take too long,” Blueblood said and closed his eyes. “My hooves could use a massage as well.”

Fancy Pants walked away from the napping prince with Spitfire by his side. She sighed in relief before looking at the noble with a grateful smile. “Thanks, you really got me out of the pickle.”

“There is no need to thank me, though I am very curious as to why are you doing everything he asks of you without a single complaint?”

Spitfire looked down at the grass and said with depressed tone. “It’s a long story… one I can’t share.”

“I understand…”

Noticing that the group of Wonderbolts were talking with each other while a few still had drops of sweat still present on their heads, and small marks left by lightning on their fur, she asked, “What did I miss?”

“My wife faced your team in various agility related competitions.”

“She did?” Spitfire asked, surprised.

“And she won most of them,” Fancy added.

Spitfire's eyes opened widely and her mouth went agape. “She did!?”

***

Blaze stared at the elegant and graceful unicorn, whose beauty, despite messed hair and few burned marks on her white soft fur, was still irresistible. The very look of how she took a sip of cold lemonade made him feel thirsty.

“Excuse me, Miss Fleur. May I ask you a question?”

“Please do,” she responded and levitated half empty cup onto the table.

”How did you manage to perform such amazing feats?” Blaze asked. “Your gracefulness, speed and agility were unmatched. How did you gain attain such skills?”

“Thank you for the complements,” Fleur said with a warm smile as she wiped dirt from her cheek. “While I love my line of work and enjoy a quiet and calm life by Fancy’s side, it gets really boring over time. Ballet, practice, and a very extreme training I go through from time to time keeps me in great shape and provide thrills.”

“Extreme? What kind of ‘extreme training regimen’ you go through?” Blaze asked as his ears perked upward.

"Imagine a small sealed room, and me, trapped inside with thirty cobras, and a butler waiting outside with an antidote and stopwatch."

The face of the wonderbolt turned pale. "S-s-seriously?"

Fleur chuckled and next poked him in the nose while saying, "Got you." She stood from the table and walked away as Blaze quickly followed.

“Wow. You really got me there, I almost believed in your every word.”

Fleur giggled as she approached a reinforced door and levitated three keys from her purse. One key at a time, she unlocked the door and deactivated the magical seals protecting it. She pushed the heavy door open and lit her horn, proving light in the darkened room. Blaze followed her and looked around nervously. He stopped immediately as his entire body turned pale, his attention focused on a glass wall and the many snakes behind it.

“I was joking about the thirty cobras. To be honest, I usually practice with only twenty five and don’t use magic for additional difficulty.” She levitated one more key and opened the door slightly before levitating one of the snakes and placing on her raised forehoof. The snake anchored himself against Fleur’s foreleg and hissed towards the pegasus.

“Would you like to hold one? They are very nice once you train them,” Fleur said, but the pegasus in front of her had fainted, now lying on his back. "So much for the famous Wonderbolt bravado.”

Ch23 - Frenzy at Fancy's - Part 3

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My Little Medic

Chapter 23

Frenzy at Fancy's Part 3

Cold. Such an unfamiliar feeling for Celestia to experience, despite her long life, as a chilling breeze struck against her fur and mane. Tiny snowflakes gathered on her muzzle and between her feathers. How long has it been since she last felt snow under her hooves, instead of the warmth of her plush, cushy throne? How long since she saw a white field over the horizon instead of the well decorated walls and windows of her castle?

Celestia took a few steps forward, leaving a trail of hoofsteps right behind her as she followed her student, who was flying in a circle while perched atop a miniature plane. She could see a few snowballs floating by Twilight’s side, and at least three being levitated towards her.

As she expected, her little student evaded each projectile by tilting the wings of the plane with her magic, and dropped snowballs towards the ground.

Her attention switched to White Path, who was jumping backwards, a rather impractical way of evading the dropped snowballs in her opinion, but she would give White Path a few points for style.

Watching the snowball fight between Twilight and White Path caused memories of similar event started to surface in the princess’s mind. Memories filled with entertainment, bone-chilling cold and heartwarming moments.

Celestia closed her eyes and smiled, now deeply sinking into her pleasant memories. It is hard to believe how many years has passed ever since our little skirmish in the snow. I feel as if only yesterday I was leading my team to attack Twilight’s ice fortress, weighted vest tripling my weight as a rain of snowballs descended upon me.

She sat, now perched against the snow, as she observed the playing duo. Twilight has come such a long way since that day, mastering many aspects of unicorn magic. With a forehoof raised up to her chin, she thought, As her mentor, I will need to find out how much progress she made in her studies regarding pegasus magic, the question is how? Should I give her a test… no, she always gets nervous when tests are involved… Maybe I should just ask her… or I can set up a trial for her, Twilight loves facing challenges after all.

The alicorn lowered herself to the ground, now focused on the snow in front of her hooves. Maybe I should set up a challenge for myself as well. After so many centuries since I last used pegasus magic directly, I must be rather rusty.

Celestia gathered a small pile of snow in front of her before slowly pressing her bare hoof against it. Her forehead wrinkled as she concentrated, her breathing slow and leveled. Seconds passed as the snow slowly melted in front of her eyes, leaving a small puddle of water which sunk into the ground, revealing few little blades of grass that survived the cold.

Celestia released a relaxed breath out, a form of white fog as she observed her own work. Pegasi can heat up a cloud into steam or chill it so it will produce either rain or snow with a mere touch, and more skilled ones can cause a discharge to produce lightning. Maybe I am not as rusty as I thought, but I certainly would fail as a weather manager, Celestia thought with a hint of disappointment. I wonder if my connection to the earth and ability to grow plants is just as bad.

After gently touching the earth next to the blades of grass, Celestia focused once again, but her concentration didn’t last long.

“That’s quite impressive, Princess. I didn't see aura of magic around your horn, which means that you melted it with your hoof,” White Path said, now standing in front of the alicorn. “If I may ask, how did you managed to perform such feat without using magic, Your Highness?”

Celestia sat to her full height and hid her disappointment behind a warm smile. “I used my pegasus magic to heat up the snow. This ability helps pegasi control the weather. I did nothing special.”

“Pegasus magic?”

“Correct. As an alicorn, I possess traits of earth ponies and pegasi in myself,” Celestia explained before looking to the side. “However, after neglecting those abilities for so long, my pegasus and earth pony magic weakened significantly over the years.”

White Path opened his mouth, but closed it immediately as his eye twitched. After a moment of inner fight to not rain upon princess with a storm of questions, he fixed his scarf and said calmly, “This is a very interesting fact. Thank you for teaching me about it, Your Highness.”

“Please, call me Celestia.”

White Path nodded. “As you wish, Your Highness Celestia.”

The princess rolled her eyes before looking at the sky. “Where is Twilight?”

“She is tired. She said that while using my toy plane to fly with help of her magic is less draining and faster than with self levitation, it still drained her reserves a bit, Your Highness Celestia.”

Tired? How could I forget? Twilight’s vigorous and energetic attitude makes me forget sometimes that her stamina and reserves of magic can barely keep up with her strength and raw power, Celestia thought as she looked around, quickly noticing two pegasi kneeling in front of the little mare, who sat next to White Path’s plane. Celestia took a few steps forward, but stopped upon hearing her guard’s voice.

“Your Highness, permission to speak?”

“Granted,” the princess responded, somewhat missing her previous personal guard Steel Blade’s and his more relaxed approach to his duty.

“Considering the cold temperature, it would be most proper to wear the clothes Lady Fleur has provided us with, or at the very least, your royal accessories,” the guard said as he opened his saddlebag and pointed inside.

Celestia shook her head before fixing her scarf. A memory of how Fleur offered her white socks with orange and yellow suns decorating it for the trip flashed in her mind. “My fur and this lovely scarf is more than enough to keep me warm. I appreciate the concern.”

“Your Highness Celestia,” White Path called as she looked at the colt, noticing snowball levitating by his side. She quickly closed her eyes, but the impact didn’t came. “May I have a permission to throw this snowball at you.”

Celestia rolled her eyes again and said in motherly tone, “Of course you can. Not having a snowball fight after coming all the way here would be a waste.”

“Thank you for permission, Your Highness Celestia. Would you prefer if I aimed at your legs, side, neck or face…” He paused before half bowing. “I apologize, throwing a snowball towards head of royalty is very improper. My apologies for even suggesting it.”

Celestia’s guards rolled their eyes while the princess knelt to the grown colt and said, “White Path, we are on a trip to enjoy ourselves. Royalty or not, I am still a pony, and my status should not get in the way of our fun.”

“I… understand, but Twilight asked me to behave and restrain myself...” White Path responded. “So should I assume that you won’t mind if I throw this snowball towards your face, Your Highness Celestia?”

“I will not,” Celestia responded before turning her head to the side and pointed at her cheek. “I can even let you have the first shot.”

“Should I levitate it with half of my power, twenty percent of my power, or just ten?”

Celestia facehooved and released an annoyed sigh. “Throw as hard as you wish.” Upon feeling as the snow gently touched her face, she stood up to her full height.

“May I throw another, Your Highness Celestia?”

Here we go again, the princess thought before saying, “Either you are doing it on purpose, or you are trying too hard.”

“Doing it on purpose? What do you mean, Your Highness Celestia?” White Path asked with an innocent grin.

Celestia blinked in confusion as she studied White Path’s face. Even with her many centuries of experience with nobility and the game of politics, she couldn’t read the challenger. Is he really that clueless when it comes to social interactions? Or have I just witnessed the best poker face in my entire life?

“White Path, may I ask you something?” Noticing a hesitant nod, she continued, “Have your father or mother taught you etiquette?”

“They didn’t. My dad always says that he don’t want me to receive a bad influence from other nobles, and my mother agreed with him that as a vigorous pony who is interested in sport and warfare, teaching me about politics and etiquette would be a waste of time. They encourage me to be myself.”

This explains a lot, Celestia thought. “Just like your parents, I would like to ask you to be yourself.” She gestured over the horizon. “We are all away from the public eye, no need to keep appearances.”

“But… what about my promise to Twilight?”

Celestia placed her forehoof on Path’s shoulder and said, “I will talk with her.”

***

“... and this is why I need your help,” Soarin’ said as he looked between Twilight and Steel Blade while lying atop the snow.

“A gift for Spitfire?” Steel Blade said. “It can’t be that difficult to choose a good one. You worked with Spitfire for a long time. You should know what she likes.”

“I do… but it is so hard to decide. I saw a bronze coat that, if paired with sunglasses, would look great on her, but it’s not too aerodynamic. I could cook her a large pie, but she doesn’t seem to like them all that much. I already gave her flowers and chocolate, and I can’t give her a Twilight shaped toy after Fleur gave everypony similar accessories as gifts.”

Twilight raised her forehoof defensively. “Wait a moment!” She pointed at herself. “You wanted to give Spitfire a toy in my shape as a gift before asking her on a date?”

Soarin’ rubbed back of his head nervously. “Yeah… During that break, when you went to help Dust, I went from shop to shop in search for a Twilight in Daring Do costume. It was one of the more rare ones, so I had to pay nearly two hundred bits.”

“Two hundred!” Twilight shouted as she lost balance, landing on the snow by her side as small bits of snow spread around her.

“Yes. I hoped I could give Spitfire something special and rare, but just today Fleur gave at least three of those to the team. It's not so rare anymore,” Soarin’ responded as he lowered his head. His ears dropped.

“I’ve heard that you and Twilight sewed a little saddle and Spitfire confirmed that it worked perfectly. Maybe you can make something yourself,” Steel Blade suggested.

Soarin’ raised his head as his wings spread. A big smile grew across his lips. “You’re right. Maybe I can sew a miniature copy of the uniform that Commander Easyglider was wearing.” He lowered his head and rubbed his chin. “I wonder if I could make a Twilight plushie that would be more cute and detailed than the mass produced version. What do you think, Twilight… Twilight?” He looked around, but the little mare was nowhere to be seen.

“She’s here,” Steel Blade said as he pointed at small pile of snow. “Come on Twiny. It’s too early to play hide and seek.”

“No, I’m not coming out!” Twilight yelled from under the snow.

Soarin’ looked at Steel Blade and said hesitantly, “Maybe it wasn’t the best idea... to talk about Twilight’s toys in front of the mare they were based on.”

“I am still here!” Twilight shouted as her voice was muffled by the snow barrier.

“Agreed… Speaking of a present for Spitfire… aren’t you afraid that Blueblood will either woo her, or they kill each other,” Steel Blade asked curiously.

Soarin’ chuckled and waved his forehoof at it. “Not at all. I am sure they are having a bit fun and forming a friendship bond, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Flap harder,” Blueblood said as he lied comfortably on the carpet. His head supported against his forelegs while Spitfire provided a pleasant breeze by flapping her wing.

“Is this hard enough for you,” Spitfire asked as she put more efforts into her appointed task.

“I suppose it will do… for now,” Blueblood responded in a bored tone. “How did you like my lessons upon how properly welcome a stallion with a kiss on the forehoof?”

Spitfire grit her teeth, struggling to not say something that would regret later. “Quite informative.” She looked at the mansion and said, “I need to use the bathroom…”

“Once you get to the first floor by the stairs, you will see a mare’s bathroom in front of you,” Blueblood said with relaxed voice.

“Thanks. Be right back,” Spitfire said before flying away towards the pointed direction.

Blueblood waited for the captain to to enter the mansion before yelling, “Hot Tea!”

The unicorn butler approached with professional posture and asked, “Yes, Prince Blueblood?”

“I forgot to take my saddlebag after I used the bathroom on the first floor. Would you be so kind and fetch it for me?”

“Right away, Prince Blueblood,” Hot Tea responded before heading towards the residence.

Blueblood smirked, wishing he could see Spitfire’s reaction after finding out that she is using stallion's bathroom. Especially after he removed labeling on the door to the bathroom in advance.

“Forming a friendship bond… riiight…” Steel Blade said to himself.

“Speaking of presents for mares, did you ask Overwatch out yet?” Soarin’’ asked.

Steel Blade jumped to a standing position. “Date? We aren’t a couple.” He looked to the side as a small blush formed on his cheeks. “Our relationship is purely professional.”

“If you say so,” Soarin’ said, now looking up at the stressed pegasus. “Still, it is a pity that Spitfire grounded her. She is missing a lot of fun.”

Steel Blade took a few slow breaths and shook snow from his forelegs before answering with more relaxed tone, “I’m sure she’s alright. She isn’t missing all that much anyway.”

A small crack grew in size on the wall of the hallway as another loud thump echoed through it. “Spitfire swore to be nice to Blueblood because of a bet!” she shouted before slamming her head against the wall. “Spitfire promised to give him a chance, to befriend him.” She slammed her head again. “Knowing Blueblood, he no doubt assumed that Spitfire is trying to get on his and Twilight's good side! He’s probably already in his jerk mode.” She took few steps back and massaged her aching forehead before whimpering. “And I am missing every single second of this…” She sat and rubbed her forehoof against the floor. “How much I would give just to witness this epic fall… with my own eyes.”

“Excuse me.”

Both pegasi turned their heads towards the source of voice. “Yes, princess,” Steel Blade asked.

“Have you seen Twilight? I wish to talk with her.”

Both pegasi pointed at the pile of snow. Celestia lowered herself to it, quickly noticing movements in it before the little head of her student emerged from the top. “Yes, Princess?” Twilight said as small drops of snow fell from her ears.

“I have a question and request for you.”

With some effort, Twilight pushed herself free from the snow and shook herself before saluting. “I’m listening.”

“You have learned much under Spitfire’s wing, and I am curious how much progress you’ve made. How is your work on a spell that can give a common pony pegasus-like wings going?”

Twilight stood up to her rear hooves, which sunk into the snow, and smiled proudly. Forelegs on her sides. “It’s going great. I mean, they aren’t usable yet, but in terms of bone structure and feathers, the wings are identical to a pegasus, all thanks to the body scans I performed on nearly every Wonderbolt.” She sat and rubbed her foreleg while Soarin’ looked between his wong wing and Twilight’s tiny horn. “However, in terms of converting the magic type of the pony using it... I am still working on it, but I am making steady progress.”

“I am glad to hear that,” Celestia said with a satisfied smile before rubbing the top of Twilight’s head gently with the tip of her forehoof. Which caused the little mare to half sink into pile of snow. Celestia gave Twilight moment to dig herself out before asking, “Do you know Spike’s whereabouts?”

“Over here!”

Celestia turned her head towards the source of voice, before noticing a baby dragon emerging from the snow, several snowballs in his grasp. It didn’t take more than two seconds before the alicorn’s face was covered in snow. So were Soarin’s and Steel Blade’s. White Path dodged one projectile, but another one struck him in the flank.

“Got you!”

Twilight looked at the covered in snow muzzles before turning towards Spike. “What about me?”

Spike shook his head. “You’re too fast and small, but I guarantee, I will pelt you with a snowball before our trip is over.”

Steel Blade whispered to Soarin’, “Five bits says that Spike will fail.”

“Deal.”

Celestia wiped snow from her face and chuckled. She looked down at Twilight and said, “As for the request.”

“I am all ears.”

“Can you release White Path from the promise he gave you?”

Twilight looked at the colt, only now noticing him peeking from behind the princess’s legs. “But… why?”

“Because we are here to have fun and enjoy ourselves. From now on, please treat me as a common pony, or a friend, but not as a princess,” Celestia said as she pushed White Path with her wing gently.

White Path took a few steps towards the little mare and looked down at her, as if awaiting her judgement.

“Well… if this is the princess’s wish…”

A large grin formed on White Path’s face as he looked between Twilight and the princess. The alicorn took a step back, suddenly wondered if it was a wise decision. White Path shouted with growing enthusiasm, “This is going to be… the-best-day-ever!”

***

“Come on, Princess, the ice isn’t so thin,” White Path said as he slid across the ice with Soarin’ by his side. His attention shifted to Twilight, who despite her best efforts, slipped, and was now struggling to stand back.

Twilight frowned. A memory of the duel against her brother flashed in her mind. “Note to myself, practice balance on ice in the near future,” Twilight said to herself as she once again lost balance and slammed her face against the ice.

After massaging her chin, she lit her horn and scanned the ice under her hooves. “Hmn… If my calculations are correct, this ice is thick enough to withstand the weight of common ponies, maybe even stallions…” She looked at the alicorn who stood on the edge of the frozen pool. “However, I wouldn’t advise you to use it, Princess, it may be to risky… not that I am calling you fat or anything… it’s just that… Princess, do you hear me?!”

Twilight paused upon not receiving any reaction. Despite strength of her voice mastered over the years, the distance and her small size prevented her from delivering the message. The little mare grit her teeth and stood up to her hooves before carefully walking towards the princess.

“Twilight, watch out!” Steel Blade shouted as the little unicorn looked up. Her pupils shrunk upon noticing a huge mass in the form of a pegasus descending upon her. Her horn lit with magic, but not fast enough to charge a teleportation, while her forelegs slipped on the ice once again. Twilight closed her eyes as she felt cold ice chilling on her belly and the soft but heavy belly of her guard pressing against her.

Celestia’s talk with White Path was interrupted the moment she felt Spike’s hand poking her foreleg. She looked down at the young drake, who pointed at Steel Blade and said, “It seems that Twilight just ended up under her guard.”

A golden aura surrounded the pegasus and helped him stand while freeing the now dizzy unicorn from his overwhelming weight. “I appointed Overwatch and Steel Blade to protect my student, but it seems that they are doing the exact opposite.”

Spike shrugged. “Nah, such accidents have only toughened her up. I say they’re doing a fine job.”

Celestia chuckled before taking a few steps forward, doing her very best to maintain balance on the slippery surface.

“See, what did I tell you,” White Path said enthusiastically before sliding in circle around the princess. “Lets play tag!” He quickly poked the alicorn’s foreleg before retreating, crying, ”You’re it!”

Celestia took a deep breath before pushing herself with her right hind leg, now sliding on her three hooves. She repeated the process as she followed White Path, though clearly outmatched by his manoeuvrability. In her attempt to turn, Celestia’s left foreleg slipped, causing her to fall on her side.

“Are you okay, Princess Celestia?” White Path asked as he approached the alicorn.

“I am fine,” Celestia said, when suddenly her ears perked upward, capturing noise of cracking ice. With the help of her magic, she levitated the scarf of off her neck towards White Path. “I am going to practice my swimming. Would you be so kind and hold this for me?”

“Will do,” White Path responded before the crack on ice grew in size, and the alicorn in front of him dropped into the water with a loud plop.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted as she levitated herself before landing on Steel Blade’s head, who in turn land next to White Path. They both looked at the hole in ice with panicked expressions as Twilight shouted, “Oh no, what do we do?”

“We wait for the princess to end her swimming exercise in the freezing water,” White Path said with a firm nod. “Your mentor sure is hardcore.”

The water splashed in all directions as Celestia flew upward. Drops of water raining upon the surrounding ponies as Twilight shivered upon feeling the drops of water striking against her fur.

Celestia landed carefully and sat, making sure to spread her weight so that ice wouldn’t break under her for a second time. She shivered and took a few slow, deep breaths of cold air while drops of water continued to cascade off her body.

“That’s it? I expected your swimming exercise to last much longer than that. So much for being a hardcore princess in my book,” White Path said with crossed forelegs.

Celestia looked between the worried faces of the pegasi, her alerted guards and her student, who was on the verge of panic while sitting on Steel Blade’s head. Hoping to calm their worries, she looked at White Path and responded with a carefree tone, “Sorry to disappoint you.”

“It’s okay, I suppose,” he said while ignoring disapproving stares from the guards. “I am sure there will be more opportunities for you to shine.”

“I am certain of that,” the princess responded while wondering what else the energetic fifteen year old colt had in store for her.

“How was the water by the way?” White Path asked curiously.

“Refreshing,” Celestia joked.

***

“You cannot be serious,” Celestia said while blinking in disbelief.

“I am very serious,” White Path responded as he pointed at a small mountain behind him. “You once said that you can cut a mountain in half. This one is very small, so it should be a breeze.”

Twilight poked White Path’s head from her position on the top. “Actually, it looks more like a hill…”

“Details,” White Path responded before looking at the alicorn with excitement. He shot his foreleg up as he cheered, “Come on, Princess, you can do it!”

Soarin’ sat next to White Path and cheered as well as Celestia sighed and shook her head. After a moment of concentration, she started charging her magic, causing the aura around her horn to glow and pulse with energy. After a few minutes of struggle as a few beads of sweat formed on her forehead, she released a large blast of magic, as it slowly melted the snow in large radius and pierced through dirt and rock, making steady progress.

White Path levitated sunglasses from his saddlebag and observed the spectacle while one word left his mouth, "Cool."

***

“Done,” White Path said as he levitated one of his mom’s hats and placed it on top of a snowpony.

“Mine’s better,” Soarin’ said as he pointed at snowpony in shape of a Wonderbolt. Small fragments of ice resembled Spitfire’s mane.

“Not bad, but look at ours,” Spike said as he pointed towards an ice sculpture of Celestia, her wings spread and her head raised high, while rays of golden sunlight glimmered off of it. The real Celestia sat next to the sculpture , while Twilight sat on its wing, fastidiously and meticulously carving a few more feathers into it with the help of her magic.

As White Path and Soarin’ could do nothing but stare in disbelief, admiring the detailed statue with their mouths hanging agape, Steel Blade approached and placed Twilight statuette onto the head of Celestia’s statue, perching her carefully behind a crown.

***

“Time to go back now,” Celestia said firmly as she clopped her forehooves together in attempt to catch everyone’s attention. As much as she wished their fun could last a bit longer, White Path’s parents were waiting for them at the party, and she didn’t wish to test their patience.

“Awww,” whined White Path, Steel Blade and Soarin’ in unison as their ears drooped.

The alicorn pointed at the hill, or rather at two hills as a small canyon of her making separated them. Smoke and melted ground barely visible among the raining snow. “We already slided down this hill. Made snowponies and statues. Built a snow fortress.” She pointed at a large construction, which was at least three times the size of the small forts that she and Twilight had made during the last snowball war. The entrance was decorated with an icy, chiseled crest, composed of four tower walls surrounding a radiant sun.

“But we completely forgot about the snowball fight,” White Path said as he levitated a snowball and threw it at the princess. The alicorn smirked and bent her legs before jumping to the side. “I call the fortress!”

Spike followed White Path and shouted, “Me too!”

“Me three!” Soarin’ said as he flew on top of the closest tower with snow between his forelegs. He placed it on top of the tower made of ice and perched himself against it before making snowballs of his own.

Steel Blade approached the princess while Twilight climbed up onto her mentor’s head.

“Are there any rules, Princess?” Twilight asked from behind the horn while the noise of the closing gate made of ice reacher her ears.

“Just two,” Celestia started. “To give them a fighting chance, I and Steel Blade will not fly, and I will not use my magic. You on the other hoof can to make up for your size.”

“Sounds fair,” Twilight said before levitating few snowballs and pointed at the fortress. “May I give the signal?”

“By all means, do.”

Twilight inhaled cold air into her lungs before yelling, “Charge!”

The alicorn galloped with Steel Blade by her side, narrowly evading the chilled, scraping hail of snowballs being launched by Soarin’, Spike and White Path from the battlements of the fortress.

Her memory of how well White Path and Soarin’ performed on the frozen lake her told her enough to know that this ice fortress was giving her foes a huge advantage.

Celestia chuckled as she noticed her personal guards throwing snowballs at each other in distance, though a direct hit in her cheek by a snowball reminded her on the confrontation at hoof.

Twilight held her mentor’s horn to not fall as the princess proved an impressive display of agility. “It seems our small adventures really paid off, Princess. You are so much faster and more agile than the first time you shrunk yourself.”

“All thanks to you,” Celestia responded as the distance from the fortress disappeared with each passing second. Twilight countered the rain of snowballs by levitating her own, but White Path either slid upon the ice to evade her projectiles, or hit Twilight’s snowballs with his own. “It seems your friend is athletic too. Have you both had adventures I am not aware of?”

“Just a few wargames, though I must admit, White Path is quite energetic.”

“With you as an example, I am not surprised.”

Steel Blade ignored the talking mares and grabbed two icicles that not long ago were used by Spike and Soarin’ during fortress construction, though from what he saw, Celestia was the one who did the heavy lifting, while the rest of the party focused on decorating duty.

Once he was under the tower, he released the icicles from his wings and grabbed with his forehooves. One step at a time, he climbed up the cold and sloppy surface, slowly reaching the top. After taking one deep breath, he pushed himself upward, landing on top of the tower while Soarin’ flinched in surprise.

“I have been waiting for this,” Steel Blade said before forming a snowball from the snow gathered by Soarin’. “Any last words?”

“C-can we talk this over?” Soarin’ asked as he chuckled nervously, a sheepish smile cresting his face.

“Nope,” Steel Blade said before throwing his snowball against the Wonderbolt. Soarin’ jumped to the side and threw snow against Steel Blade with his wing.

Being temporarily blinded, Steel Blade didn’t notice lack of snow in front of him. With nothing to separate the sloppy surface and his hoof, he slipped towards Soarin’, and a moment later they both fell down from the tower into a pile of snow.

***

Twilight bit her lip as she noticed her pegasi friends falling down from the tall tower, somewhat grateful for the snow that amortized their fall. She looked up at the tall wall, which from her perspective was like a large dam. “Do you want me levitate you to the top part of this wall, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“This will not be necessary,” Celestia responded before bending her legs. With a swift jump, she punched the wall with tip of her forehoof, which ended up stuck in the ice. She repeated the action with her other hooves and started climbing while ignoring snowballs that struck against her.

With the help of self levitation, Twilight reached top of the wall and faced White Path, who already stood in his fighting stance, a snowball levitating by his side, her miniscule body floated above the ice.

“Well, well, well, who we have here?” Spike asked from behind with snowball in his hand.

“We don’t have much time, Spike. Attack Twilight before the princess gets here!” White Path commanded as he levitated his snowballs from above, forcing Twilight to land on the sloppy surface.

“Whaaa…” Twilight yelped as she nearly lost her balance, only to feel a snowball hit her from behind. The little mare slid across the ice with her tail and hind legs covered in snow. She was about to charge up a barrier, but for the sake of equity decided against it. With one swift move of her forehoof, she pushed herself to the side and rolled, avoiding the volley of snowballs directed at her.

Twilight stopped rolling by anchoring tip of her forehoof against the ice, only centimeters before the edge of the wall. “Ha. I dodged those without the help of my magic.”

“Dodge this!” Spike yelled as he slid across the ice on his belly and threw a snowball against the little mare, pushing her off the wall.

Twilight shook her head and recovered in mid air before landing on her four hooves, only to slip against as the floor of the fortress that was made of ice as well. “Ouch… Ice… my only weakness.”

After a moment to regain her balance, Twilight looked upward, now focused on her mentor who was facing Spike and White Path in a snowball fight. She could see as the princess spread her wing, releasing snow she held under it before making a snowball. She didn’t bother to evade as it would result in her falling from the wall, and instead used her large wing as a shield.

One after another, snowballs shattered upon contact with her wing while White Path and Spike tried to dodge. Spike was first to lose his balance as he fell down from the wall, only to be grabbed by three levitation fields at the same time.

Spike sat next to Twilight and waited for White Path to give up, and after few minutes of snow combat, the princess flew down with a shivering colt on her back.

“I believe we’ve had enough fun for today,” Celestia said before spreading her wing, a gesture Twilight understood instantly.

The little mare shook her head and asked, “Can we do one little thing before we leave?”

“One little thing?” Celestia asked as she raised her eyebrow. Ironically, if her tiny student asked for a little thing, the scale of request usually ended up to be quite massive. “I am listening.”

Twilight stood up on her rear hooves and puffed her chest. “Do you remember how, during our last snow fight, I challenged you?”

“Yes, I do?” Celestia said before continuing in a worried tone, “You are not going to challenge my strength again?”

“Challenge the princess’s strength?” White Path said as he looked down at the little mare. “What are you both talking about?”

Twilight braced herself for the impact and shouted, “I have became stronger ever since then. Please, don’t hold back on me.”

Celestia levitated over a snowball and placed in her forehoof. “You do realize that I practiced my strength during our adventures,” Celestia said. Not to mention my training against the guards. Twilight, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into.

“And I would like to test your strength as well, Princess,” Twilight responded before once again standing on the ice with her four hooves. She raised her hind leg up before bringing it back down hard, digging her leg deep into the ice. She repeated it with her other hind leg. With both of her legs stuck in ice, she stood on them and braced herself once again. “I’m ready.”

Celestia chuckled. “I see you are really excited about it. As much as I hate to hurt you, I will do my best to grant your request, despite my personal feelings.”

Twilight could see as the alicorn stood on her hind legs and spread her wings, now looking even bigger and more mighty than before. Twilight grit her teeth and gathered her resolve while preparing for what was about to come.

The alicorn swung the snowball in an instant as it shattered against her student. Ice that Twilight’s legs were anchored against cracked a little.

The little mare wiped snow from her forelegs and shouted, “Nice warm up, Princess. I hope you put more strength into the next one.”

Celestia nodded. “I prefer to slowly increase the difficulty, my dear student. Be patient.” She deftly swung her foreleg once again, this time throwing the snowball with a bit more force, but Twilight once again held her ground. While Celestia didn’t like the concept of hurting her student, she felt pride upon seeing as her little pony is taking hit after hit despite her size disadvantage. The very idea of testing her own strength and how tough her student has become was thrilling as well.

Upon seeing as Spike and White Path started to cheer for Twilight while Soarin’ and Steel Blade entered the fortress, she swung her foreleg and threw the snowball, this time with moderate strength as Twilight was pushed away. Now rolling and sliding on the ice.

Twilight took a moment to stand and massaged her foreleg while the princess approached. “Not bad, Princess, but this is still not the strength I was expecting from you.” She slowly slid upon the ice towards the wall and once again anchored her hind legs by pressing them into the ice. With her back now supported against the wall and forelegs covering her head, she shouted, “Please, if you respect me at least a little, don’t go easy on me!”

Celestia opened her eyes widely upon her student’s words. How could Twilight even dare to think that she respected her only a little. With growing determination, the princess decided to stop holding back. “Twilight, you are my beloved student, and I respect you for your willingness to learn and to improve. I admire your strength of character.” She looked at her student with growing hostility as she prepared to throw another snowball. “Allow me to show you how much I respect you.”

With one solid swing, the cold projectile flew through the air as gathered ponies could feel the wind and hear the noise of the speeding snowball. Before they could even turn their heads, the snowball shattered, and Twilight ended up pressed deeply into the wall while several large cracks spread in all directions.”

White Path bit his lips as he couldn’t even imagine how much force was put into this throw. Should the snowball be made of ice instead, Twilight would have no doubt pierced through the wall and ended up outside of the fortress.

Celestia raised forehoof up to her face, clearly surprised by her own strength. From what she remembered, the last time she threw snowball at Twilight with all of her strength, the little mare ended up stuck in the wall of her own fort. This time however, she nearly pierced the little unicorn through the wall that was at least more than twice as thick. Now I am glad I didn’t use all of my strength. Poor Twilight.”

The group surrounded the little unicorn while White Path pulled her from inside the hole in the wall.

Upon noticing that her student was unconscious, the princess cast her scanning spell before saying in relief, “Please, calm down everypony, there is nothing to worry about.” After casting a basic healing spell on her student. Celestia carefully levitated Twilight onto her back and cast magical ropes, something she didn’t do ever since the day she took Twilight as her student. “May I suggest that we return to Fancy Pants residence? Any objections?”

Everypony shook their heads, and after picking up little toy plane, White Path perched himself against Soarin’s back while Spike embraced Celestia’s neck. Two guards with small dents in their armor flew by the princess’s side.

“Princess Celestia,” White Path called.

Celestia looked to the side, now focused on the grown colt. “Yes?”

“You still didn’t answer some of my questions, would you mind if I ask them again while we head back?”

“Of course I do not mind,” Celestia responded before her pupils shrunk as she realized what she just did.

“Are you single?” White Path asked as guards and Soarin’ now looked at the alicorn with full interest.

The princess sighed. This was going to be a long trip.

“Curse you, Princess,” said a pegasus in a white camouflaged coat as he observed the leaving group from a great distance. So much for capturing White Path for ransom. The boss won’t be pleased.

The unicorn sighed. “I prefer to disappoint our boss than get on the princess' bad side.” He pointed at two hills that few hours ago were one. “Did you see what she could do?”

“So, what now?”

“For now, we wait until the princess returns to her duties and grab White Path then.”

An ear of the pegasus perked upward at the noise of an incoming sword, he pushed his partner to the side before flying upward, just in time to avoid a sharp blade that levitated against them.”

“Vapor? Diamond Blade?” the unicorn said as he faced approaching unicorn and a pegasus. “Can’t your family mind your own business?”

Vapor smirked as his katana reflected an incoming arrow while the one he used before turned back and cut the levitated crossbow in half. “Oh, but you see. Dealing with scum like you is my business.”

“Take that, you self centered buffoon!” Spitfire shouted as she threw piece of cake at the enraged prince, who was using an overturned table for cover.

“So you finally show your true face,” Blueblood responded as he threw grapes at the Wonderbolt, who swiftly evaded it and grabbed a few apples. She immediately went airborne and threw the tasty projectiles at the unicorn. Blueblood levitated the table and used it like an umbrella.

“What’s the matter, jerk! You don’t like my services?” Spitfire asked before picking up few bananas and threw at her target while circling around him. “Is the cake too hot for you, or too cold? Maybe common food is not good enough for a pony of your position.”

Blueblood walked around the banana peels, trying not to slip off while a plate with vegetable salad levitated by his side. His elegant cloth now covered dirty after a bombardment of tomatoes. “Oh, I do not mind ordinary food. It depends who is serving it.” He smirked. “Speaking of which, I hope you enjoyed the pepper I put into the vegetable salad.”

“It was you?” Spitfire asked, gritting her teeth and diving towards a plate filled with salad. Now armed, she flew for the prince.

The group of Wonderbolts observed the battle while hidden behind a table, not wanting to get between their angered captain and her prey.

“Popcorn?” Fancy Pants asked as he levitated a few bags towards the pegasi. Fleur by his side.

Fleetfoot pointed towards the food fight as another table was shattered to pieces while more food ended up on the grass. “They are ruining your party. Aren’t you even a little bit upset?”

Fancy Pants shook his head. “As long as they clean up after themselves and pay for property damage, I do not mind if they have a little fun.”

Fleur poked Fancy Pants and said, “I believe that they are not really enjoying this food fight.”

Fancy Pants fixed his monocle and took a closer look at the enraged ponies. “Really? In that case, we’d better intervene.”

“After you,” Fleur said with glee.

Fancy Pants walked boldly, unfazed by the flying, aerial food, as he caught a carrot salad with his magic before it could land on his back. Fleur levitated over two platters and shielded both herself and her husband from the tornado of food.

Upon noticing a small tornado created by Spitfire, Fleur focused her magic. The Wonderbolt yelped in surprise as she was pulled towards the unicorn by her wings, who restrained them with one foreleg and whispered, “I believe you’ve caused enough damage already. May I suggest you take few deep breaths and calm down a little?”

Spitfire followed the advice, and after taking a moment to calm down, she looked around and examined the destruction she caused. Her ears dropped as she looked back at the unicorn and apologized, “Sorry… I got carried away… I will cover the damage.”

Fleur gave Spitfire a satisfied smile before releasing her wings, while Fancy Pants approached them with Blueblood by his side.

“Prince Blueblood, I believe you have something to say,” Fancy Pants said while the wind in the background calmed down.

“S-sorry.”

Spitfire didn’t wait to be asked and spoke next, “I’m sorry as well. I lost my temper and ruined your party.” Her head lowered.

Fancy Pants cleared his throat and said, “I forgive you, however I believe there is another pony who also deserve an apology.”

Spitfire frowned. “With all due respect, Princess Blueblood has been nothing but a jerk to me this whole time. Why should I apologize?”

Blueblood stomped against the grass. “Because you were acting nice to me and Twilight to get on our good side. I can see your motives from a mile away.”

“Excuse me?” Spitfire said as she raised her foreleg defensively.

Blueblood pointed accusingly at Spitfire. “No matter what I did, you didn’t stop, how should I put it… ‘kissing my flank.’ You were the most stubborn fortune digger I ever had to deal with!”

Spitfire pressed her muzzle against Blueblood’s. “I am not a fortune digger, I am a captain of a well-respected organization. If it was up to me, I would stay kilometers away from you.”

Blueblood pressed his muzzle as well and held his ground. “Speaks the mare who acts nice to nobles with fake smiles. I can see the annoyance and boredom under your friendly mask from a mile away.”

"I'm acting nice as a professional. Being polite and patient is important for many reasons, but it doesn't mean that I have to like everypony I perform for."

Blueblood frowned as he started to gain more ground. “No matter what I did, you didn’t stop acting nice to me, acting! You were forcing yourself to do it.”

“You can thank Twilight for that!”

“Twilight?” Blueblood asked in confusion as he retreated his muzzle and took a step back. “What does Twilight has to do with it?”

Spitfire stomped. “She made a bet with me. She asked me to give you a chance, you jerk. At first, you were kind of nice, but it didn’t take to long before you showed your true colors.”

Blueblood blinked in confusion as his brain tried to process the facts. He massaged his forehead and took a slow deep breath. “So you are telling me, you acted nice to me because of a bet. Not to get on my good side for my fortune and connections?”

“Of course not!”

Blueblood smiled and looked at Spitfire, who took a step back and asked, “Are you feeling alright? Your smile is kind of… creepy.”

Blueblood laughed for several seconds before reasserting himself, while Fleur and Fancy Pants decided to give him and Spitfire some privacy.

“It seems that Twilight’s bet screwed us both,” Blueblood said. Upon noticing confusion on Spitfire's face, he continued, “The Blueblood you first met was the real one. This so called ‘jerk’ Blueblood is just a facade.”

“W-what?”

Blueblood raised his forehoof in a lecturing gesture. “I can see past masks and recognize hidden motives with ease. Whenever a mare tries to ‘score a hot prince,’ so to speak, I act like a jerk to scare them off. When I am around nobles, I take on a stage persona of an arrogant and important pony.”

Spitfire sat and pointed at the unicorn as her breathing became more stable. “Are you saying that this whole time you were acting? You fooled everypony, even me!”

Blueblood puffed his chest. “Auntie Celestia always said that I had a gift for acting. She even suggested that I should work in the entertainment industry, but I decided to try my luck in politics by her side.”

“So let me get this straight: You thought that I was trying to get on your good side, so you acted like a jerk, and the harder I tried to befriend you, the harder you tried to make me hate you?” Upon noticing a nod, Spitfire facehooved and covered face with her own wings. “Why does this kind of stuff keep happening to me?!”

Blueblood responded with an encouraging tone. “After you spend more time in Twilight’s company, you will get used to it.” He approached and half bowed. “Please, take my sincere apologies, and allow me to cover for the damage our misunderstanding caused.”

Spitfire was taken aback by Blueblood’s change of attitude. She rubbed the back of her neck and said with a forced smile, “Well… if you’re offering to make up for his mess, I suppose I can forgive you…” Except that hoof massage. I will get you back for this one. Just you wait, Spitfire thought before continuing, “You are a really good actor.”

Blueblood stood up to his full height and said with raised muzzle. “Thank you for the complement, Lady Spitfire. Also, considering that forced smile you just displayed, I assume you are already planning some sort of revenge.”

Spitfire took a step back as her wings spread. “You’re good.”

“In reading other’s motives, I am second only to Celestia.”

Spitfire looked around at the mess, while her team slowly walked out from behind their cover and started cleaning. Surely creating a miniature tornado for a food fight wasn’t the brightest idea. She raised her forehoof and straightened it towards the prince. “I suppose we started off poorly. How about we act as if today never happened and start over.”

Blueblood nodded as he shook Spitfire’s forehoof. “Agreed.”

“What in Celestia’s name happened here?!”

Both Blueblood and Spitfire looked towards the source of voice, quickly noticing Twilight who observed the scene from her spot on the princess’s head.

Spitfire responded in a panicked tone, “Twilight, it’s not what it looks like!”

The little unicorn lowered her head and rubbed the fur on her mentor’s head. She next slowly approached the princess’s muzzle and anchored herself against it. “Princess, do you know any spells that can put me in a statue like state for a few hours?”

Celestia glanced up in confusion at her tiny student.

"I lost a bet..."

Epilogue

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My Little Medic

Epilogue

“Done,” Twilight said as she levitated away the large document and placed it onto the pile of finished paperwork, a pen floating at her side. Not wasting a moment, she levitated over another document and started to write.

After finishing her own paperwork, Spitfire placed the document onto the pile and looked at her little helper, who was now atop a thin pole. She looked at the clock on the wall, and next back at Twilight as she couldn’t believe that the little mare had not moved an inch for the past two hours.

Spitfire tilted her head closer to her friend, watching as the little unicorn in a Wonderbolt’s uniform kept her right foreleg straightened ahead and left foreleg curled against her neck, her hind legs straightened backwards, and a metal claw affixed to a pole held her by her belly. Twilight’s horn was lit as she worked on another document with the help of a levitated pen.

I don’t know if she is just making it harder for herself by helping me with my paperwork, or if she’s just using this as a distraction, but she is a damn good assistant, Spitfire thought as she looked at the pile of papers. Never before have I finished my paperwork so fast.

Spitfire kept looking at her friend with mixed feelings. Part of her was still angry at Twilight because of the huge misunderstanding that led her to giving Blueblood a massage and listening to his boring speeches. She wanted to watch Twilight struggle.

Another part of her, however, was grateful to Twilight for opening her eyes. She had to admit that meeting Fancy Pants’ family was quite enjoyable, and her dislike towards unicorns, and maybe even nobility, was weakened considerably. She learned that some nobles also know the meanings of hard work and deserved a chance. She learned that Blueblood was great at acting, and that there is a good pony underneath his public appearance. Even now, she was grateful to Twilight for assisting her with boring paperwork.

Usually after finishing, Spitfire would support her head with her forelegs and kick back in her chair, but this time she didn't feel like it. How could she relax in comfort when her friend was struggling on the table right next to her?

Unsure what to do, and with more free time than usual, Spitfire spoke, “Twilight.”

“Yes?” Twilight responded, but didn’t move her head from her steady position.

“I was wondering, how about we both agree to void our bet?”

“Uhh... I refuse.”

“But why not? The bet was a draw after all,” Spitfire said as she rolled a small rounded platform so they could look each others in the eyes. “Sure, the party turned into a disaster because of Blueblood’s actions, though I was mostly responsible for the damage, so you lost, however...” She paused and raised her forehoof in a lecturing gesture, “It turned out that Blueblood was just acting like a jerk. After he dropped his performance, I didn’t have any problems with talking with him. So you won as well.”

“That’s why I am going to act like a statue as we agreed in the bet. I will also help you with paperwork in the meantime,” Twilight said while keeping her head as immobile as possible. “And you will try to befriend him.” She smiled warmly and closed her eyes. “I’m sure you both will get along just fine.”

Spitfire sighed, knowing full well that she wasn’t going to win this argument. “To be honest, Soarin’ is now trying to get along with Blueblood more than me.” With the help of her wings, she placed a rolled letter in front of Twilight. “I was planning to send Fancy Pants and White Path an invitation to a private show as a gift to thank them for inviting us to a party… that actually wasn’t boring.”

“Awww… that’s so nice of you,” Twilight said. “What about Fleur?”

“My team already talked with her. The moment Fleur de Lis gets some free time after her modeling session, Lighthoof is inviting her to our headquarters,” Spitfire said before adding in more amused tone. “Apparently, Lighthoof enjoyed competing against Fleur so much, that she wanted a round two in the ‘jumping from clouds’ game. She asked me to ask you if you can provide Fleur with a cloud walking spell.”

“Will do.”

“Oh, and Fleur de Lis asked me to give you a contract to sign. She said that since you were the model for a hat and toy line, it is only fair if you will get a ten percent royalty,” Spitfire said as she noticed a small movement from Twilight’s immobile body. “The amount of bits you will earn from this will be much higher than what I will pay you after six months of work, and you can always negotiate to earn more.”

Twilight’s ears twitched as sweat started to form on her face. But she didn’t budge. “That’s… too kind of them… I am not sure I deserve so many bits.”

“What? Why?”

Twilight thought for a moment before answering. “While I find the idea that various pieces of merchandises in my shape and size are for sale in many shops to be embarrassing, I didn’t really put any effort into making those toys. I shouldn’t earn bits I don’t deserve.”

“I personally would advise you to not refuse gifts, even if you don’t feel worthy of them. On a side note, a few of the rookies, especially Flutter Bolt, asked for a free day to spend some time with your parents. They volunteered for some sort of magical project that Twilight Velvet and Night Light are working on.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and Soarin’ asked me out on a date tomorrow after the work. He even gave me a hoof-made Twilight plush, and you won’t guess in what costume.”

“Commander Easyglider,” Twilight said.

“Commander Easyglider.” Spitfire tilted her head to the side. “What, how did you know?”

“The better question is, why are you telling me all of this?” Twilight asked.

“Just trying to keep up a conversation, that’s all,” Spitfire responded.

“I see…” Twilight said while considering her next words. “Speaking of my family. While helping you with the paperwork, I noticed a document with details about a group training session including guards and the Wonderbolts. What is it all about?”

“It was your brother’s idea. He wants to pick up few guards from Canterlot that in his opinion are in terrible shape to participate in a training with my team. Something about improving the relationship between the guards and the Wonderbolts,” Spitfire said before frowning. “Oh, and he mentioned that Cadence is considering working as a psychiatrist. She hopes to help ponies with personal and love related problems.”

Twilight wished she could spread her forelegs and cheer, but did her best to restrain her excitement. “That’s great. I suppose that after helping you and Soarin’ with your issues, she decided to see if she can help other ponies as well.”

Spitfire looked to the side and rolled her eyes. “Yeah... helped. Hopefully this time it won’t involve accidentally getting everypony drunk.”

“You’re still angry about that?”

Spitfire was about to respond, when suddenly a knocking sound reached her ears. She quickly rolled the platform so Twilight could face the door, and next said, “Come in.”

***

A pegasus entered the room, her uniform was blue with two holes for wings while a saddlebag was attached on her side. “Direct letters to the Captain of the Wonderbolts.”

Spitfire nodded and gestured for the mailmare to come closer. As the pegasus did and took out few letters with her mouth, she placed them on the table. “Here you go. Are there any letters you would like to send, Captain Spitfire?”

“As always,” Spitfire responded before standing from her chair. “Give me a second,” she said before opening a drawer.

The mailmare waited patiently, when suddenly a statue of unicorn in a Wonderbolt uniform captured her attention. “I see you’ve redecorated.” She lowered her head and examined it. “But why are the wings missing?”

Much to the pegasus’s surprise, the statue opened it’s eyes and said, “I'll devour your soul.”

“Whaaa!” the pegasus yelped and lost her balance as she fell on her back. She pointed at the statue. “It’s… alive!”

Spitfire approached the mailmare and helped her stand, and next they both examined the statue. She poked it carefully and shrugged. “Nope, no ghosts or possessed objects here.”

“But… but…”

Spitfire turned around and approached cabinet as she reassumed her searching.

Twilight once again opened her eyes and waved her foreleg. “Welcome to Spitfire’s office. Would you like some tea, or maybe some water?” she asked before levitating over a cup of water towards the mailmare.

“It is alive!”

Spitfire turned around, noticing cup with water between mailmare’s hooves. “What is alive, cup, or the water inside it?”

“That statue!”

“Yeah… right…” Spitfire said sarcastically before turning around once again.

The confused pegasus took few slow steps and examined the statue while poking it.

“Careful!” Twilight responded before levitating the pegasus away and assaulting her with the help of the mailmare’s hat. “It’s not fun when somepony pokes you, is it?”

Spitfire turned around and placed all letters on the table. “Here you go… is something wrong?”

“Is something wrong? Is something wrong!? This statue is possesed, that’s what’s wrong!”

Spitfire sighed. “I believe you’re overworking yourself.”

The pegasus took a few slow breaths in attempt to calm her nerves, wondering if maybe the officer was right, when suddenly the letters levitated into her saddlebag, causing her to flinch. She pointed her forehoof accusingly at the statue and said, “Did you see that?”

“See what?” Spitfire asked.

“The letters floated into my saddlebag.”

Spitfire lowered her head and shook it. “I threw the letters into your saddlebag just a moment ago. They aren’t possessed.”

An eye twitched as the pegasus slowly turned towards the exit while looking at the statue. “It’s just my imagination, it’s just my imagination…”

“Goodbye, and visit us again!” Twilight shouted as she waved her forehoof.

The mailmare bit her lips but refused to say a word as she slowly walked outside and closed the door behind her.

***

After few seconds of waiting, both Spitfire and Twilight bursted into laughter.

“Did you see the look on her face,” Spitfire asked as she held her belly with a forehoof. ”That will never get old.”

Twilight smirked. “The look on her face will be nothing compared to yours in several seconds.”

Spitfire reasserted herself and took few calming breath. “What do you mean?”

“Just watch,” Twilight said as her horn lit, and several small weights attached to a thin thread levitated over, tying itself to legs of the little mare. Twilight’s legs trembled a little, but she quickly stabilized herself.

“What are those?” Spitfire asked as she took a closer look.

“I need to exercise to stay in shape, so I thought that attaching some weights while I hold still would do,” Twilight responded. “I brought those in advance and placed them in the corner of the room so I could attach them once I am done helping you with paper work.”

Spitfire’s mouth opened agape. “You… you can’t be serious.” She slammed her forehoof against the table, causing Twilight to tremble. “Are you telling me that you not only want to help me with paperwork, but also hold still for hours while struggling against those weights?”

“Pretty much. And there is more.”

Spitfire massaged her forehead. “Of course there is more. You are Twilight Sparkle after all, miniature student of the princess, magnet for trouble, and expert in turning the world upside down for everypony who has the pleasure of being your friend.” An insane smile grew across Spitfire’s lips as she added, “Humour me.”

Twilight closed her eyes and bit her lips, focusing more and more magic before her own body started to flash brightly. Spitfire covered her eyes with a foreleg, waiting for the light to weaken.

After several seconds, Spitfire slowly lowered her foreleg as her sharp eyes picked up two lavender wings on Twilight’s sides.

The little unicorn breathed heavily while her legs trembled because of the additional weight that was attached to them. Few drops of sweat fell down Twilight’s forehead. “So… what do you… think?” she asked between her breaths.

“Are those… real?”

Twilight wished she could nod her head, but kept it immobile. “Well… they are artificial. I am sure you remember how I once mentioned that I was working on wings that would let ponies fly just like pegasi?”

“Now that you mention it.” Spitfire rubbed her chin. “I think you did… but it was a long time ago. I assumed you were joking.”

“Joking about magic, who do you think I am?” Twilight responded with a hint of anger. “By the way, thanks for letting me scan your wings when I was giving you a massage. I will need to thank the others as well. The data I gathered from each of you really helped with this project.”

“You’re… welcome…”

A blush appeared on Twilight’s cheeks as she continued, “Also… considering that you and Soarin’ are dating now…” The little mare raised her legs slightly as she fought against the attached weights, wishing she wasn’t stuck in such awkward position while her words caught in her throat. “Soarin’ asked me to preen his wings yesterday so he would look presentable. Please, don’t be mad.”

Spitfire chuckled. “Of course I am not mad at you. You were just helping Soarin’ prepare for an upcoming date.” In attempt to change the topic, Spitfire pointed at the miniature wings and asked, “Do those wings even work?

Twilight’s foreleg lowered itself a little, but straightened out a moment later as Twilight kept struggling against the distracting weights. More drops of sweat fell down her head. “Sadly, it will take a long time before I will be able to fly with those, but it is a good start.... now… how do I spread them?”

After moment to analyze today’s events, Spitfire rubbed her eyes, and next slapped herself in the face. After making sure that it was not a dream, and that the little mare in front of her really grew a pair of wings that were nothing like butterfly ones, she asked, “So… you are going to work for me for a few months?”

“Yes, I will. Isn’t that great?”

Spitfire took a very deep breath and laughed. “Yeah… great.”

Suddenly, noise of opening door reached Spitfire’s ear as her attention focused on a mailmare. “I apologize for interrupting, but I forgot… did the unicorn statue suddenly grew a pair of wings?”

Spitfire stared back at the pegasus for a moment before answering slowly, “No…”

The mailmare lowered her head and said in a depressed tone. “I really need a vacation.”

Spitfire nodded. “Me too.”

Author's Notes:

And so this side story has reached its end. I hope that I didn’t drag it for too long.

Special thanks to Alticron and Malefactory for assistance. Without their help, I don’t know how long it would take to finish it.

Please don’t hesitate to leave commanders what you thought of recent chapters, and maybe about past chapters. Which chapters were best and which worst, what you liked or didn't like overall in the story. What you thought of certain characters and so on. I am always willing to read and reply on feedback.

I know that this sidestory wasn’t as good as main stories, but I hope it was enjoyable regardless. Don't forget to upvote if in your opinion this story deserve it, and if it deserve downvote, I would be grateful for a comment telling me what was wrong so I could improve.

Also, I recently uploaded another story about Fluttershy being a pureblood vampony. I know this is not related to Twinyverse, but it would be really nice of you if you would give it a chance - Trial's of Blood and Kindness

Cheers.