A baby dragon wasn't the only thing Twilight gained during her acceptance test.
When Twilight Sparkle had the magical surge that cemented her place as Celestia's student, the amount of power she released not only hatched a baby Dragon, it brought forth something else. Something that shouldn't exist any more. Something that has Celestia worried.
A fluffy puppy.
[Despite the gore tag it's rather light on that, and they have yet to make a lewd tag and there's a bit of that.]
Editing help by Lawlypops, ThatNoobpony and people in the comments.
Modoc is converting this story into a youtube audio format if you'd rather listen to the story. That link is here.
Celestia's journal, entry... Oh why do I even bother to keep track of this? No pony's even going to read it but me... And if they are reading it, just know that I will be very cross at this invasion of privacy.
I shouldn't be. I've got at least a hundred of these things dumped in a vault in the basement. And if in twelve years what I think will happen happens like I think it will happen, it will be nice to know that something of mine will remain, until she finds the vault and likely destroys them.
Any way, usual routine, lowered moon, raised sun, breakfast, listened to nobles brag about how important they are, lunch, giant dragon and explosions in the student hall, late court, lower the sun, raise the moon, reminisce for an hour or two, dinner, some me time and diary entry, then bed.
Normal day.
I have no idea why I am trying to be smarmy here, I am the only one that’s going to read this.
Yes, the dragon. One of several things today that are both wondrous and absolutely terrifying.
The new students were taking their placement tests for my school today. The big test is to try and hatch a Dragon egg. At the time there was a bit of conflict between Equestria and the Dragons, mostly me and a few Dragons. I was working on a couple of things, don't judge, when i aquired it. At the time, I thought having a Dragon egg would make a nice conversation piece, so I brought it back to Canterlot with me.
I don't recall exactly when the school started using it as a test. Probably about the time I realized it was a lousy paperweight as it kept rolling off my desk and crushing my wastebasket, or my hooves... sucker’s heavy. I do recall giving it to the school maybe as a history thing or curiosity. I wasn't worried about it. It's a dragon egg after all. The mothers gorge on diamonds for months before laying their eggs. I could have probably dropped the moon on it and the moon would have cracked.
Turns out the dean and his little council decided to set it as a test to see if the new students could 'hatch it'. It was less to see if they could and more to see how clever the students’ attempts were. Rather ingenious of them really, I do recall raising the funding after that was explained.
Of course by this point they'd seen everything from a pegasus filly sitting on it and trying to hatch it like a chicken egg.[ She wasn't accepted, as that was too silly] to an Earth Pony building a steam powered incubator from scraps he brought with him, and an old water fountain.[ He was accepted and most of Equestria's modern advancements are owed to Nickeroli Tesla. ]
The short of it is that no one ever considered the egg as anything more than a pretty rock for the hundred or so years they had it. So when a small Unicorn filly had a magical surge as a result of some sort of rainbow phenomenon near Cloudsdale,[I have ponies investigating that as I write this.], and hatched the egg, lets say everyone was surprised. Particularly when this five year old foal not only hatched the dragon egg, but she turned it to an adult, and then turned her parents into cactuses, cactusi? Cacti, that's it. Seriously, no one was ready for it.
Of course with that sort of disturbance I went to investigate. I wasn't worried about the randomly surging magic, since my shield spell could handle that. Nor was I worried about the Dragon. He was sitting there confused with a dopey look on his face, having no idea what was going on, and even if he was aggressive, I’ve kicked the tail of dragons twice his size without breaking a sweat.
No, what worried me was the other thing in the room.
The thing in question at first looked like a Diamond Dog pup. Granted, only somepony who had never seen one of what it really was would confuse the two. And since I was the only pony left alive who had seen one of them, I knew what I was dealing with.
The creature’s fur was a darkish blue. It was on all fours like a normal dog, though its front limbs were built differently with longer, retractable claws on the ends of fingers for manipulation and attacking. Digging was not the strong suit of this species. It's head was more cat-like than canine, with a longer muzzle, and much longer ears that were currently plastered to it's head. It had amber eyes that were slitted like a cat’s, both wide with panic. Its tail whipped wildly behind it, The tail being whip like, rather than the club tails Diamond Dogs had. It had a rougher mane of hair that ran down its head from between its ears, along the back of its neck, and between its shoulders like a short mane.
The most prominent thing about it, aside from the growling mass of sharp teeth in its maw, was at the end of its whip like tail, as well as the points of each long ear, there sat a small free floating globe of light. The light it shed was dim and barely perceivable in the well-lit chamber. Particularly with the strobing blasts of the little unicorn’s magical surge. The little light orbs tended to wax and wane along with the moon, though since I had never bothered to learn how to do that, the moon was always full, thus so were the little lights.
It was called a Witch Wolf.
Judging by its size, the sheer fluff of its fur, and oversized paws, it was a puppy, but still.
Witch Wolves, or as they were called by the Lunar Republic, Moon Dogs, were a offshoot of the Diamond Dog race. One cultivated and guided by her for thousands of years, much like she had done with the Nox-cal. And I had done with the Zebra's and, to a lesser extent, horses. [ Look I’m older than most dirt. Way back when, it was sorta’ trendy to selectively breed your own race by picking genetic quirks you liked and pairing them with creatures who revered you as a god... peer pressure... shut up.] Like the Thestrals, when she turned to darkness they followed. However unlike the Nox-cal, Witch Wolves, were not just Ponies with odd eating habits and dragon-like traits...
They couldn't dig well, which was an odd trait for a canine of any kind. They did have a sense of smell that was unrivaled by any other creature. It was said that they could track a single pony feather in a blizzard at the bottom of the ocean. Which makes little sense really, because wouldn't they drown trying to sniff underwater?
They were also naturally super tough. Not as tough as Dragons mind you, or my last cook’s key lime pie, but tough. Which made them perfect shock troops for Her. Of course there were a few of them made into dark generals as well. While the race reveled in violence, they were not mindless brutes.
Witch Wolves were also meat-eaters. Diamond Dogs nowadays still have the occasional hunting packs, but they live off a number of different things, not just meat. A Witch Wolve’s primary diet was meat. The only other thing they ate was what made them dangerous.
Witch Wolves ate magic.
They couldn't cast any spells, though eating enough magic seemed to bolster their own natural abilities with some sort of enhancement effect. Just the basic strength, speed, endurance, variety, but if they ate enough of it they became true terrors. And really as dangerous as they were before powering up, this bit sucked when you fought them.
Which was why when She was defeated, I had them all hunted down and destroyed.
The Nox-cal surrendered when their leader was defeated. The Witch Wolves just fought harder.
The aftermath of the Lunar Rebellion was bloodier and more violent than the lead up to it. It seemed that she had been keeping them in check with her very presence, and now that she was gone, they didn't hold back.
Entire cities were wiped out by packs no bigger than ten or twenty. It took nearly fifty years, and the loss of thousands, but the last one was cornered on the border between the Griffon Empire and Equestria and finally put down after inflicting greater casualties than either the Griffons or the Ponies could afford to their militaries.
That conflict brokered a long lasting peace between the two nations and a massive Equss-wide hunt for any more Witch Wolves. That hunt lasted another twenty years without finding another.
And yet here in front of me, positioned between the surging filly and me, was a Witch Wolf pup.
It was almost cute given it was slightly smaller than the filly and was still fluffier than anything else. Still, its teeth were sharp and it was glaring at me quiet angrily as it growled. As i moved to go around it to get to the filly, it shifted position. I blinked as it moved between me and the panicking unicorn. I went the other way and so did it.
Interesting.
It was keeping me from getting to the filly? Was it guarding her? I shifted to where the Dragon was and watched as it practically bounced over to position itself between the Dragon and me as well. I backed up and the growling died down a bit, though its amber eyes continued to glare. It refused to allow me to approach the dragon or the filly.
While curious, I had to stop the purple unicorn. Ripping free a curtain with my magic, I scooped the pup up in the thick cloth getting a panicked yelp and the sound of flailing. I did my best to keep it away from anything magical it could eat as I needed to deal with the filly and the dragon first before I could deal with the Witch Wolf.
I was not fond of having to exterminate the race in the past. Genocide, no matter how violent the species, is not acceptable. I had been left no choice if I wanted to protect my little ponies however.
The filly seemed to notice my approach and the surges slowly petered out as I touched her shoulder. It took little effort to reverse most of the wild magic that had happened in the area. There were a few things I could not figure out how to fix however. Like the pink and yellow polka dots that were put on the wall. Even now, they still bleed though every bit of paint put on that wall. We tore it down at one point and the blasted pattern showed up on another wall in the building until the first was rebuilt.
There was also the Witch Wolf. Once the filly had calmed down, after an adorable bout of bouncing around me like a rabbit upon hearing she had been accepted, things got a bit out of hoof.
Thankfully she had missed my returning her parents back from cacti, or she might have been even more upset.
She had been in awe of the little baby Dragon she had hatched and spent some time focused on him as he sucked on his own tail.
By that point however, the Witch Wolf had torn its way out of the curtain and landed with a thud and a whimper on the ground, drawing the filly’s attention. She looked at the pup, the pup looked at her, and before I could do anything she had pounced on the pup and was hugging the fluffy little thing like a stuffed toy.
I expected a number of things to happen; for it to bite her, to worm away, or struggle and claw at her. Instead, it seemed to give up almost immediately, resigning itself to the cuddles with a light whimper. It was not only unusual, but it was simply weird. Witch Wolves were not known to be calm or deal well with foals.
Looking them both over, I noticed there was a connection between the pup and the unicorn. One usually seen only in certain higher level spells.
Evil spells that were all but forgotten and the few records that remained locked away. Spells that pulled a creature into this world and bound it to another as a summoned slave. Spells that left a dark mark on anyone’s soul using it. Victim and caster.
There was no trace of darkness in this link. I had seen summon spells before, but this only shared the energy link, not the slave command. Given this was a creature that wasn't supposed to exist any more, I about washed my hooves of it and went to take a nap.
Still, with this much happening and this much power shown, I could not let her alone. Particularly not with two dangerous creatures, both of which she was now responsible for.
And thus I accepted my new student................ students?
Twilight Sparkle
Spike the Dragon
and Rahs the Witch Wolf.......or should I call him a Moon Dog?
I was correct. The Witch Wolf is dangerous. Very dangerous.
No, it's not done anything violent or vicious. Spike's already caused more damage than Rahs has in the three months since he hatched. Though Spike has yet to widdle on the carpet in my personal quarters. Rahs has done it four times..... since Tuesday.
It's not his magic eating that has been a danger either. In fact, that seems more like a boon in this case. Twilight's magic seems to be trickling to him through their link, and not only has it kept Rahs sated, it's kept Twilight's magic more level. She's less likely to have surges with the excess bleeding off like it is. Something to consider for others suffering from magical surges perhaps?
No, what makes Rahs dangerous is that he is absolutely adorable, and he knows it.
If he does anything wrong, he simply sits up a little, flops his ears, and gives you a look that could melt a Windigo's heart. Someone really should market that look and put it on a stuffed animal..... they would make millions.
In any event, not even the most stone cold Guard I have is immune to that look. To make matters worse, Twilight has seen what it can do and has added her own weapons grade adorableness to his. Not even her parents can deal with the pair of them working together, particularly when Twilight's hugging him to herself and looking pouty.
The worst however is when she manages to get Spike in on it too. All the purple lizard has to do is suck on his tail and look at whoever he's pointed at for dawws, and when backed by the other two, they are unstoppable. I can't even handle adorableness of that magnitude.
I've had to hire a team of doctors skilled in cardiac arrests to be on standby around the clock.
While it took a bit of time before he stopped trying to maul any one who got close to Twilight or Spike, he eventually did. Twilight easily convinced him that her parents were okay. Though from what she tells me, her brother Shining Armor and Rahs hit it off pretty much from the start. Shining had always wanted a dog it seemed and now he had one … sorta.
Aside from immediate family and a few other exceptions, it takes him a few weeks of constant exposure to get used to them before he stops going into protective pup mode.
Something that involves him tackling Twilight to the ground and standing over her while barking, baring his teeth, and growling at whoever is new to him until they go away. He also has a tendency to attack my tail and mane, but i think that is due to their wavy nature than anything else.
The filly thought it was funny at first, then a bit bothersome. Now she usually is so absorbed in her reading she doesn't even notice. Given she has a tendency to walk and read at the same time, I’m not against his over protectiveness.... at least until he tries to eat my hoof cover again... with my hoof still in it.
One of his other issues is that he tries to protect Spike and Twilight at the same time. A bit of a problem as he can't be in two places at once. They were keeping Spike in a bedroom apart from Twilight at first just in case he snored fire in his sleep.
After three nights of thunderous paws running between the rooms as Rahs tried to watch both at once, usually resulting getting tired and passing out in the middle of the floor where someone could, and did trip over him, they relented. But only after Mrs. Sparkle nearly fell down the stairs twice because of the furry lump in the middle of her floor, Mrs. Sparkle just put the baby dragon in with her daughter and fireproof spelled everything.
Yet another issue is that he often acted more like a cat than a dog. He has the claws and tail for it I suppose, and like a cat he sharpens his claws on nearly anything and everything. Add in his desire to chew on everything and add in his want to climb everything and you see the issue. It's sorta’ cute when it's the couch or a book case he's scaling, not so cute when it's your leg.
For the most part he's a well behaved pup when Twilight tells him to do something. Aside from the weaponized cute, the normal young animal things, and the guard dog mentality, he's content to sleep most of the time that I teach Twilight, much as Spike does.
During one of these peaceful moments I asked Twilight why she named him Rahs.
It seems that the name came from a story she read about a famous inventor who had changed the face of Equss with his work. Bringing Pony kind into a golden age of delight and wonder.
A certain Rahs de Medici.
Thinking on it, I couldn't recall any one of that name leaving any sort of mark on history and it was only after she brought the book she was speaking of to show me that I understood.
Rahs de Medici was the inventor of ice cream.
Given that Twilight was more than willing to use weaponized cuteness, or any other under-hooved trick to get the sweet treat, the reason for the name was quite clear.
The Moon Dog’s diet was the source of less issue than I thought. Several races of Equss eat meat, and as such I employ a number of chiefs for any ambassadorial visits that might require culinary skills with something beyond pony.
It didn't take much to convince one to prepare meals for Rahs. A Griffon chef that worked for me named Emareial Larkasse was the one who agreed, though he was clearly not happy with it. At least until Twilight and Rahs came to thank him for the food.
After he recovered from his heart attack and was cleared by the doctors, he was significantly less annoyed with the preparations for Rahs.
The primary ingredients of the dishes were eggs, fish, bird, or other small game creatures. Occasionally one of the Guard’s Monster Hunters would bring in meat from something larger they had taken down. Though this became a bit more common as the existence of the pup was known. While this meant the pup never went hungry, it also meant that most other ponies were spared knowledge of what the Moon Dog was eating.
The first real incident happened near the beginning of the second year. Spike had his first birthday and Twilight was super excited for it.
Rahs was clearly older than Spike and seemed to be growing at the same rate as Twilight, so Twilight suggested that he have his birthday the same day as hers in summer.
Rahs was confused by the lot of it, but seemed to sense that Twilight was excited and became a little hyperactive bouncing ball of excited fluff, which also got Spike excited, thus adding to Twilight's previous excitement and increasing the cleaning bill for the Sparkle household yet again.
Two nights after the dragon's birthday party, the Sparkles’ house was broken into. The police later found they had cast a silence spell around the parents’ room and made their way directly to Twilight's room.
The investigators were mixed on motives since the criminals wouldn't talk, or simply claimed they got lost on their nightly stroll. Of the two options, the first was that they were either after Spike and perhaps Rahs. A baby Dragon was a rarity and would likely fetch a high price on the black market, intact, or in pieces, and Rahs was an unknown for any pony who knew about Diamond Dogs and could tell he wasn't one.
the other option was they were out to foal nap the student of the Princess for a huge ransom. One I would have paid easily had they managed to take her. Though I would have made them regret it later.
None of that happened, mind you.
What did happen was that the Sparkles had to move out of their house for a few weeks while it was deep cleaned and the damage restored.
Of the four perpetrators, only one was unscathed and that was a Pegasus lookout that had been outside the house. Aside from a ridiculous amount of scratches and bite marks, one of the Unicorns had his horn bitten partially off. As far as I know, even without the inhibitor ring he is wearing in jail, he cannot cast properly any more. The other unicorn got off the lightest, though they were unable to reattach his ear. The third was an Earth Pony and I almost pardoned her. She had one of her forelegs bitten clean off, and by the time Mrs. Sparkle convinced Rahs to let go of the mauled limb, it was too badly damaged to reattach.
Rahs did not exactly make it through unscathed. Had he been older he might have, and the trio of foal nappers would have been dead. As it was, he was still a puppy and had to be treated for several spell burns, a broken leg, a few cracked ribs and a number of bruises. He also had several of his teeth break off in the thieves’ flesh.
Twilight and Spike slept through the whole thing.
Rahs recovered rather quickly, despite Twilight's attempt to be a doctor for him herself. That incident used up sixty bits worth of bandages and Band-Aids and left Rahs looking more like a mummy than anything else with nothing but his little black button of a nose poking out of the wrapping. It took us two hours to get him out... with magic.
It was also of note that a few days later, one of the patrol Guards noticed a mark at the bottom of the mailbox post at the Sparkle house. It was something he brought to my aside’s attention who then brought it to me.
A few of my Guards and servants started their careers in one 'less than reputable' profession or another. Over my many years I have learned many interesting things simply by associating with those not quite on the up and up, as well as the high class. The Guard knew this of me and knew what the mark meant when they brought it to my attention.
A triangle pointed down with a line through the middle of it. The bottom point of the triangle then had a large circle around it that cut through the middle of the triangle.
A thieve’s guild mark signifying danger.
Given this robbery cost them four members, two likely for good, it was little surprise the mark was placed.
Despite the addition of the mark, I decided that I wanted a little extra protection for the trio and sent a letter to someone I knew would be able to help me with this.
Someone who wouldn’t be swayed by the adorable trifecta, no matter how many pouty lips, glimmering eyes or wiggling noses............................... gah ….. I think my heart stopped there for a second.
Anyway, she would not be swayed by this and had plenty of experience with both foals and monsters.
Celestia's Journal entry.... Thursday I think? Or is it Friday? No. It's Thursday, nothings on fire.
While I know I explained this before, that journal is probably buried under a hundred others, so I might as well again. It's not as if anything exciting happened today aside from my nearly dying watching Twilight’s face scrunch up like a prune as she tried to cast a teleport spell for the first time.
The spell is far beyond even her abilities at this point, but she was insisting she be allowed to try.
Any way, about my niece, Princess Mi Amoré Cadenza.
First and foremost is that she is none of those things. She is not related to me... trust me I checked, she's related to a bloodline that vanished from Equestria a long time ago.
Second, she isn't a Princess, see vanished blood line. At best, she could claim to be a noble.
Third, that's not her real name. I chose it because that long winded thing was funny at the time.
Finally, she's not a proper alicorn.....
I think.
Don't quote me on that last one.
The other gods I know have been around since the thing they represent has been around. In my case the sun. In Luna’s case, the moon, there was Chaos, the Oceans, the Earth, and Sky somewhere. And I'm pretty sure there was a rabbit god somewhere who represented the concept of time. But he was always running late to the parties we used to throw so we stopped inviting him.
Cadence [her preferred name, though still not her real one, which was McKillip or something], started life as a pegasus about two hundred years ago. While I am only somewhat sure of the details, there was a unicorn within the town she grew up who created a love stealing spell and had one of the alicorn amulets; Another artifact created by Her to boost Her troops’ powers. The things keep turning up like bad bits.
Cadence reversed the spell, [I have no idea how she was a pegasus for stars’ sake], and cured the unicorn's issues.[ I still say getting her laid would have done the same thing.] Then according to witnesses, Cadence exploded.
At this point in time I was dealing with some pressing issues on Equestria's east coast. Mostly stubborn idiots who refused to run from a Category 5 out of control hurricane that had cropped up due to some weather ponies sleeping on the job. [ I had that investigated later and it turned out to be a butterfly’s fault of all things.] I only knew of a bit of the trouble in Hollow Shades, but a wild category 5 hurricane was a bit more pressing than some depressed ponies.
The sudden flood of energy from her explosion was hard to miss however, and I suddenly knew a destination to teleport that I didn't before. Still, priorities, but after dealing with the disaster evacuations the pinging note of the power was still going off in my head. Since I was finished I popped into the destination ready to throw down with something thinking it was a threat. [I was really annoyed at that butterfly.]
Of course what I found was a terrified pink pegasus who had been stuck in a weird place floating in space that was showing her all her past memories. This included a number of the sort of memories that just pop into your brain and make you think “why was I so stupid” at 3 am when you're trying to sleep.
She didn't know what was going on, I didn't know what was going on, and before I could figure it out, she exploded again.
So if anyone asks, yes, yes you can do that, you can explode twice.
Still, the explosion left a trail of magic I could follow and when I did, I found myself in Hollow Shades. Next to me was a super confused pink pegasus, who now had the whole town bowing to her, a horn on her head and a perfect heart shaped ass.... I mean, heart shaped cutie mark on her flank....
Note to self: get a disguise, and go bar hopping again soon.
Don't you judge me journal, a mare's got needs.
At any rate, after a thorough investigation it was found that she was a real alicorn, and an alicorn of love at that. Which as I wrote before makes no sense as love was already a thing. It had been a thing since chocolate cake was invented... or maybe a bit before that, I just know that was my first love.
Still, I was fully prepared to bring her back to Canterlot, put her on a throne and halve my paperwork and time with the nobles when she did something unexpected.
She thanked me for the offer to make her a Princess, and then refused it.
Honestly, I wasn't aware this was even an option. Had I known, some other schmuck could have been dealing with running Equestria and I could have been kicked back on a beach some where moving the sun to just the right position for a perfect tan.
Since I hadn't planned to force her to do anything anyway, I did the expected wise Princess thing of leaving the offer open and giving her a place to send a letter if she had questions. It was then I found out that she didn't know how to read or write. Which, while fairly normal at the time for working class ponies, I've since fixed that, because who wants to rule over a country of idiots? I'd never find intelligent conversation, nor anypony creative enough to make new kinds of cakes. So I sent a scribe out there to write the correspondence for her and to teach her to read and write.
So until about twenty some years ago Cadence lived out in the back woods of Equestria, dealing with the weather for farmers over the little rural area. In time, Hollow Shades pretty much stopped treating her like a Princess and more like someone who was just there like any other neighbor. Any travelers still had a conniption when they saw her however. She eventually became a bit of a tourist attraction for a while and earned the name “The Rural Princess”.
She hates that title by the way. She also really hates the fact that one of the first photographs of her, shows her slopping pigs, covered in mud and strands of hay while she was helping out a neighbor. It's a long forgotten image now, but I’ve got close to three hundred copies of it stashed away, including one on a giant banner that I am so going to put up if she ever gets married or hosts a big party.
It wasn't the first time she had come to Canterlot, though that was usualy to ask for some help with something she found out she could do now or some bit of magic or another. The first time she did it there was a large fuss over her. The second time she came by she had a disguise spell that I was rather impressed with. Her unaided magical progression if she managed a disguise like that was phenomenal, though she didn't think it was that important of a step.
It was. She didn't hide her horn, she simply made a spell to make it the most uninteresting thing about her and thus every one ignored it, and probably focused on her rear, though I didn't say that to her. My student at the time, Sunset Shimmer, was the one who pointed it out to me. She was very clever for a six year old, pity that went south as bad as it did. Even Cadence couldn't help with that one.
Still twenty years or so ago Cadence had had enough of the farm life and wanted a more formal education, but given her education, she didn't know much, and needed to start from the bottom in everything. So after upping her disguise and giving her a fake background, she was sent to act as a teacher's aide for a local school as a unicorn. This allowed the 'adult' mare to experience all the learning of Kindergarten through eighth grade without the boredom that would come to an adult during nap time and the panic of juice box tantrums.
It also had the side effect of making her really good with foals. Like... really good. I’m talking Marey Cloppings good.
Once she hit eighth grade she was enrolled properly as it took little to no effort to make her look like an awkward teenager, and her social skills were still out of whack enough that she fit right in.
She's is doing rather well, though it seems she's become the 'popular mare' in school despite not wanting to be. Probably the spell hiding her wings making everyone focus on her butt again. I've also set up a tutor for giving her after hours classes on nobility and anything else needed to be a proper Princess. It was part of our deal.
I'll get my vacation yet.
Recently I brought up the issue with Twilight, Rahs, and Spike to her and she agreed to offer her service in dealing with foals to the parents. She wanted to be helpful and she didn't think she had managed that yet spending all her time in school.
And since it's me suggesting her, Night Light and Twilight Velvet can't complain. Particularly with how much their current sitter is charging them, so she could buy full body plate mail. Not that I think that would help when Spike finally realizes he can breath fire on command not just on burp.
Given Cadence will be funded by the crown, that should help them a little financially.
All in all this seems like a decent plan if I do say so myself. And I do.
Here's hoping Cadence survives her first encounter with those three.
Cadence sighed softly as she lifted a hoof to knock on the door. The mare quickly checked her mane and then her bag for the third time since making it to the doorstep. The new foal sitter brought a couple of things with her based on her aunt's suggestions that would hopefully make the night go smoother. Some books for Twilight, a chew toy or three for Rahs, and some shiny things for Spike. She also had some of her own homework to complete, and a new light novel she had picked up to entertain herself once the three of them were asleep.
She had prepared as best as she could for this and, while she wasn't expecting much trouble, she was still ready for something to happen. She had dealt with fillies before and even a few diamond dog pups, so those two were of little worry to her. However, the dragon was new, and it concerned her, but she hopefully had prepared enough for him too. Really, that preparation was mostly fireproofing spells to be honest. She really wished her aunt wasn't so busy though, she could have used more information on the three of them.
As the door opened before her, she nearly had a panic attack, though that was stopped by the shock of one of her classmates being the one who answered the door.
“I GOT IT MA!” Shining Armor hollered back into the house before turning to look, winding up almost nose-to-nose with with the stunned Cadence. Cadence blinked her lavender eyes, Shining's blue ones blinked in return before both of them turned bright red as they quickly stepped back.
Cadence was the first to recover, taking note of the awkward Unicorn colt before her, with his unkempt blue mane, white coat, and a rather large pair of saddlebags nearly spilling over with books of some kind.
“Oh, right, yeah I knew that... I mean, I knew you were Cadence, not the sitter, though I figured that... I mean....” Shining stammered. ”I kinda expected someone like Miss Peace Lily again, but the lack of chain mail should have given that away.... not that you look bad I mean... “
“Shining! Is that the sitter?” a voice hollered from within the house. Shining rolled his eyes before turning back to the room behind him.
“Ya ma!” Shining called back, his voice cracking a little as he does so.
“Tell her to wait in the living room and get going to your little game thing or that one stinky friend of yours is gonna get mad for you being late.” Twilight Velvet called out. ”Also, don't yell in the house!”
“Ma! That was one time when Gaffer forgot to take a shower... Never mind.” Shining sighed turning red as he remembered Cadence is still standing there. ”Ahem... Anyway, like she said, just take a left in the hall here and that's the living room. Twilight's in her room with Rahs and Spike.... errr bit of a warning, Rahs is teething so watch your legs and tail until he gets to know you.”
“I'll keep that in mind.” Cadence nodded.
“Right. I’m off then. Umm have fun... Be careful... And other stuff... Yeah.” Shining muttered, seeming to curse himself as he slumped before dashing off into the street red as a cherry.
Cadence frowned briefly, wondering why her aunt forgot to tell her that Twilight Velvet and Night Light had four children and one of them went to her school. She briefly considered that her aunt was trying to play match-maker again before dismissing it as she likely just forgot since she wouldn't need to sit Shining. He was cute, sure, but still too young for her. Besides she was the one supposed to play match-maker.
Cadence trotted into the hall closing the door behind her, doing her best to put Shining out of her mind as she moved into the living room and took a glance around.
The first thing she noticed were the large number of family pictures scattered everywhere, most of them focused on Twilight with almost as many focused on a large blue-gray furred puppy and a small purple and green Dragon. There were a few of a younger Shining Armor too, though as cute as he was it paled in comparison to the other three.
The second thing she noticed were the amount of bookshelves that filled the living room. She had seen libraries with less stock. The books were in alphabetical order, though there didn't seem to be any sort of specific type. Foals books were mixed in with juvenile novels, higher magic theory books sat next to baby's first readers. Perhaps she should introduce Twilight to the Dewy system.
She glanced back into the hall and noticed a few more book shelves further down under the stairs and saw even more at the top of the stairs. The three books she brought for Twilight seemed woefully inadequate in the face of this library.
Another thing she noticed were claw and teeth marks every where, on the corners of the furniture, the walls, and the book shelves. None of the books seemed damaged however. Looking up at the ceiling she also spotted a number of scorch marks dotting it.
The thud of hooves drew her attention back to the hall as two ponies came down the stairs.
A dark blue unicorn stallion in a formal suit ,with slicked back blue gray hair and a off white unicorn mare with a lavender and white stripped mane in a simple blue evening dress. The stallion moved to the door as the mare trotted over to Cadence, sizing her up before presenting a rather long checklist to the 'younger' mare with her magic.
“Twilight, Spike, and Rahs are in Twilight's room, you can't miss it, it's the door covered in claw marks bearing Twilight's cutie mark at the top of the stairs. I've got dinner set up for them already and it just needs to be heated up on the stove, after wards they will need a bath, especially Rahs. He will fight it though so be careful. He's finally toilet trained so you don't need to worry about that. After Spike eats keep his mouth aimed away from you and the others, usually after one or two burps he's fine, though pat his back a couple of times just to be sure.” Twilight Velvet continued giving Cadence a spray bottle full of water. “If Twilight misbehaves take whatever book she's reading away from her, she can't start another book until she finishes the one she's reading, I don't know why but it's useful. If Rahs misbehaves just squirt him with the water bottle and try to ignore his growling, he hasn't bitten any one too hard in months. Bed time is at eight o clock no matter what she tells you. Shining will be gone all night, but we will be back around nine. There's an emergency scroll to contact us and another one to contact Princess Celestia if things get too bad, on the kitchen counter by the fridge. I suggest sending for the Princess first as she can probably just pop in here and Twilight will listen to her without argument. Rahs has a strange fascination with chewing on her hoof guards so that will usually stop him doing whatever he's doing as well. Make sure that if you use the scroll ONLY if it is necessary. The last sitter called Princess Celestia because Twilight accidentally set her tail on fire. Honestly we have running water for a reason.”
“Wait.. what about Spike?” Cadence questioned.
Twilight Velvet smirked a little at that.” Aside from the fire breath hes a perfect little angel. At least for a few more years. Twilight's at the age where she questions everything and thinks she knows better than any one else. Don't talk to her like she's a foal and she'll listen a bit better. Rahs acts like a badly trained puppy, even though he knows better. Still the faster you get on Twilight's good side the faster you'll be on Rahs' good side.”
The Unicorn mare looked up at the ceiling and shouted. “ Twilight! Your sitter Cadence is here. Don't you want to come say hello?”
After a moment of silence Night Light finally spoke.
“Book fort.” Nightlight stated.
“Book fort.” Twilight Velvet agreed.
“Book fort?” Cadence questioned.
“Nothing bad, but well, when you go up there you'll find out. Any way we need to go or we'll be late. Have fun dear.” The mare waved and trotted out with her husband leaving Cadence standing there holding a spray bottle and a list that had unrolled and trailed across the floor full of house rules and parenting notes.
“Nothing bad...” Cadence muttered looking up the stairs. “Sure, how hard can it be.”
After scaling the stairs Cadence cautiously approached the purple door marked with a reddish six pointed overlapping a white star and five other white six pointed stars floating around it. She exhaled softly and knocked on the door.
“Twilight, it's Cadence, your sitter I'm coming in to meet you....” Cadence called out opening the door and poked her head in.
Inside was a rather sizable bedroom, one that might have once been the houses master bedroom, with numerous book shelves along the walls. A few posters hung on the walls over a desk and the bed, mostly of cute bears and rabbits and one of Princess Celestia raising the sun during one of the sun celebrations. That one was autographed and framed.
An elevated bed was in one corner with a blanket jumbled on top of it with Twilight's cutie mark on it. Under the raised bed she saw a large basket with some pillows and another blanket in it. At the end of the bed there was a corner of the room without any book cases, posters or anything else but a small crib with a few stuffed animals and a blankets in it, all of them easily detected as being heavily enchanted.
What was odd was none of the shelves had any books on them. All of the books were on the floor. Not scattered about mind you, but set in a way to resemble walls and parapets. Towering spires of books reaching taller than Cadence was with little bookmark flags on pencil poles at the top of the spires. There was a blanket underneath it with books positioned in such a way that it looked like the land around a castle, complete with a moat filled with those little building blocks that everyone hated to step on. A particularly large book was being held up against the front like a draw bridge with rubber bands.
Sitting on top of this castle was a chubby little purple and green scaled lizard. His wide green eyes stared at her as he giggled, a tall cone hat with a gauzy bit of cloth dangling from the tip sat on his head. Cadence was quite sure that the frilly pink dress he was wearing was probably Twilight's. Still to see a baby dragon dressed like a storybook Princess was more than enough to make her smile.
Her ears perked as she heard a half bark from inside the book fort. Looking back to it, she saw the draw bridge lower and a dark blue furred puppy tumble out. He looked up at her with amber eyes then back to the open draw bridge with a light growl. Cadence blinked as she noted that the puppy was wearing a cloth knights helm that his head barely fit into and a 'suit of armor' made of tinfoil. The canine didn't seem happy about it or her and he growled at Cadence before a shushing noise from inside the fort silenced him.
Trotting out of the fort next was a purple filly. Well it was supposed to be a purple filly, she was dressed in what Cadence assumed was last years nightmare night costume of a bright blue Dragon. Only the head however as the tail and wings fell off as soon as she made it out through door, though she didn't seem to notice. The little unicorns face was visible in the dragon costumes mouth.
“Grar I am Spike......” the not dragon spoke. “Feed me cookies or I blow fire....rar....”
“Woof.” the knight noted.
“What? What do you mean she's not buying it? I'm totally convincing, I practiced my rars and everything. You are clearly not selling it.” the not dragon stated.
“Ruff?” the knight questioned.
“You're Shiny. Shining Armor .. get it?”
“Woof.” the knight agreed his tail wagging knocking off bits of his armor.
“Then who is this up here?” Cadence asked picking up the giggling baby dragon in her magic.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle!” exclaimed the not dragon.
Spike of course took that moment for his giggles to turn into a hiccup, and then the hiccup became a bright green burst of fire. He then of course went back to giggling until he hiccuped again, with more fire.
Cadence slowly blinked looking down at them as the not dragon and the knight continued the discussion about utilizing proper disguise tactics, while the baby dragon lost himself to hiccups and tiny blasts of fire as he began to spin himself in her magical grip propelled by said blasts.
“I really need to have a word with Auntie Celestia about her suggestions.....” Cadence grumbled.
Cadence looked down at the gray furred canine bouncing around her hooves, barking at her as she attempted to heat up the dinner that was left for them on the stove. Spike was already making a mess in his mashed carrot and ruby dinner. At least that was expected of a baby.
“What is he doing?” Cadence asked as she looked over at Twilight. The filly didn't respond for a moment as she had her face buried in a book, though at least she was at the table finally and out of the dragon costume. Cadence had far less luck getting all the tinfoil off Rahs, though his bouncing and barking had shed most of it all over the floor at this point.
“He is attempting to do you a frighten.” Twilight responded.
“What?”
“One of my books has pictures of dogs and cats with silly captions of what the animals are supposed to be saying. It's funny, but Rahs doesn't talk that way.” Twilight explained before burying her nose back in her book.
Cadence considered that bit of information for a moment before, letting it go. Aunt Celestia had told her that the pair were connected magically some how.
“Well can you let him know that I'm not going to hurt any one and he doesn't need to bark at me so much?” Cadence sighed.
“He knows. He just wants Miss Peace Lily back. He liked her. She tasted like cats.” Twilight offered sticking her tongue out at the mental image.
Cadence regarded Rahs as he continued to act like a windup toy, bouncing about and barking each time he landed.
She had never seen a Diamond Dog like this one and the glowing points of his ears and tail were a bit unnerving for some reason. As was the mass of sharp teeth he had, so far at least he had not done anything but be noisy.
The pink alicorn sighed and moved over to the refrigerator and pulled a unopened container marked 'Rahs' food' out setting it on the counter as she set another pot out to heat it up with. This of course immediately drew the pups attention and he sat perfectly still his tail wagging hard enough that it slid his butt against the floor as he stared up at Cadence as she warmed the odd looking mess on the stove wincing at the scent.
“What is this? Bleh.” Cadence grumbled.
“Chicken I think.” Twilight stated from behind her book.
“Eeew....” Cadence winced.”How could anyone eat this?”
“Ponies can eat meat. There are a number of stories where survival depended on it. Still with the designs of our molars and how our digestive tracks work it's not the best thing for us, but those who develop a taste for it can eventually get used to it. It does contain a number of nutrients like vitamins A, B, D and K as well as copper, chromium, folic acid,iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc. “Twilight explained. “And that's just red meat, fish and chicken have a whole differing sort of nutritional spread. From my understanding fish has a very salty taste which a number of ponies like.”
Cadence had been staring at Twilight as she listed of this rather macabre bit of information. Rahs mean while had been jumping up and down again and was getting more and more annoyed that the new sitter was just holding his dish of food in her magic just out of his reach. As such he started jumping up even harder, his teeth snapping at the hovering dish at the arc of each jump. When that failed he started making grabbing motions with his fore claws at the apex of each jump.
Cadence took note of this and surprisingly just lifted the dish higher out of his reach barely batting an eye at the gnashing teeth or waving claws of the pup.
“Does he eat at the table?” Cadence asked.
“Moms been trying to teach him to do that, but his paws are still to stubby to hold utensils and he makes a bigger mess than Spike.” Twilight responded. “Mom usually feeds him on the mat over there by his water bowl. She says it feels weird feeding him like an actual dog, but he doesn't seem to mind.”
Cadence made a note of this and set the bowl of chicken on the mat as Twilight said only to wince as Rahs flew through the air and crash landed half in the bowl snapping up the diced 'cordon bleu' slinging little bits about him as he gobbled.
“ Alright it's time for your dinner, so put the book away and eat.” Cadence stated setting a warmed dish of vegetable spaghetti before the small purple unicorn.
“But I’m just getting to the good part!” Twilight whined.
“Rule thirty three of your moms list says no books at the table.” Cadence stated tilting her head to glance at the spine of the book her eyes narrowing.” I'm sure what ever story in....... beginning thermodynamics can wait until later. Your pasta is getting cold now.”
“Awwwwwwww....”
Dinner was surprisingly quick. Rahs nearly choked twice with the way he wolfed down his food, his head and paws getting coated in the foul smelling stuff. Twilight ate quickly as well, though that was clearly because she wanted to get back to her book. Granted the way she slurped up the pasta left that side of the table splattered in sauce and the red mess speckled the purple filly. Cadence was quite glad she had pulled the book away as it would have been covered with pasta sauce. Or maybe leaving it close would have made her eat more carefully.
The pink mare briefly wondered if Twilight had been picking up some manners from Rahs. Of the three of them Spike was the cleanest eater, and the baby dragon mashed anything put in front of him to paste before licking it off his claws.
Spike finished first and Cadence picked him up carrying him to the sink as he burped making sure to aim him away from her while the other two continued to eat. She ran some warm water in the sink as she plugged it leaving a little bit of water for Spike to play in as she ran water in the other side of the sink and picked up the cleaning supplies she had brought down to start washing the baby Dragon. The little lizard splashed in the water and giggled like crazy only fighting as Cadence used a rag to wipe off his face, and that protest was cut short as Cadence used her magic to make a few bubbles in the soap float around him. This was more than enough distraction for the baby and he spent the rest of the bath cooing, giggling, and swatting at bubbles.
“Alright let's get you dried off.” Cadence smirked pulling him out of the sink and setting him on a towel rubbing it over his smooth scales, the purple and green seeming to shine from the washing. “ Once we get you all set we'll give your brother and sister a bath and then you can play............ what?”
Cadence perked her ears as she turned back around. As she gave Spike a bath the room had still been filled with the noise of Twilight slurping up her pasta and Rahs licking the last few drips of his dinner out of his bowl, pushing it across the floor as he did so. Then it all went silent.
Looking around Cadence now saw she was alone in the room with Spike. Confused for a moment she recalled number 56 on the list.
'Never say the word bath around Twilight and Rahs.'
“Crud.” Cadence grumbled as Spike laughed.
Cadence sighed as she placed Spike in a playpen in the living room with a few blocks and a couple of the shiny objects she had brought with her. Spike oddly seemed disinterested in the glass marbles, though Cadence was more concerned with finding the other two than the baby Dragon not liking what she brought for him.
Cadence started searching the house looking for Twilight and Rahs. She first walked around the down stairs. Kitchen, unused dining room / library, living room / library, down stairs bathroom / library. Sitting room/ library, Night lights sitting room, locked and dead bolted from the outside with a note at about Twilight's eye level informing her not to try to enter 'or else'.
Heading back into the living room to check on Spike, she then headed upstairs to check those rooms. Hall/ library, a guest bedroom/ library, twilight's room / library, main bathroom, parents room, a locked room with a padlock on the outside out of of a fillies reach covered in band posters, and note like downstairs a locked study with the note as well, and a library/ library.
“I am sensing a trend here.” Cadence grumbled not really surprised she didn't find them with this light search. Clearly these two had advanced beyond a normal foals hide and seek.
“Twilight. Rahs... come out ,come out, where ever you are, you can't want to stay dirty, you'll mess up any books you touch and never be able to read again...” Cadence called. A gasp from down stairs put a grin on Cadence's face as she darted down into the living room, finding it empty, She knew they were down here now.
A giggle from Spike drew her attention to the baby dragon and a frown to her face.
Spike sat where she had put him still playing with blocks, though he was wearing what remained of Twilight's dinner on his head like a wig and was covered in pasta sauce.
“Ooh that's cheating.” Cadence grumbled picking up Spike again for his second bath.
With Spike clean once again and safely placed on her back to avoid a repeat Cadence again set out to find the pair. Figuring they had ample time to hide now Cadence checked each room again starting from up stairs and working down. Not finding them upstairs she set a small alarm spell on the stairs before heading down to hunt for them again. She checked under the tables, behind the couch and in all the closets with little to no luck, though she did find another library in the hall closet, she wasn't even going to ask. As she went back into the kitchen again she noticed something. A small sauce stain on the wall in a the shape of a hoof. She moved over to it grabbing a paper towel in her spell and wiping it, seeing that it easily came off and was clearly fresh. She blinked at it curiously wondering how it had gotten so high on the wall from such a little filly.
Spike giggling on her back drew her attention to him as the little Dragon squealed and looked up at the ceiling. Looking up herself she saw a small purple Unicorn, horn glowing stuck to the ceiling up by the light.
“Traitor.”Twilight hissed at Spike only for the baby Dragon to giggle even more.
Cadence sighed, plucking the purple Unicorn from the ceiling with her magic, disrupting the spider climb spell the filly was performing and holding the flailing spaghetti covered filly in the air.
“Save me Rahs!” Twilight called.
“Woof.” came a hollow sounding reply.
“What do you mean no!?” Twilight flailed.
“Woof!” Rahs responded.
“And I dun want a bath either but I got caught and I'm not gonna go alone.”
“Grrr.”
“Don't you take that tone with me.” Twilight whined.
Cadence in the meantime had been listening to the barks and had made her way over to the refrigerator. Opening it showed nothing but food so she looked under it,nothing, and then moved to lean over the counter to look behind it.
Wedged between the wall and the back of the fridge was a very flat looking puppy who was covered in months of accumulated dust that had gathered in the hard to clean place as well as the food he had eaten earlier.
Amber eyes met her pink ones and Rahs smiled sheepishly, wagging his tail a little before Cadence grabbed him in her magic by the scruff of the neck pulling him out of his hiding spot.
“You can't blame me for turning you in, she found you herself.” Twilight chided.
“Woof.”
“I didn't make you keep talking.”
The dust and food covered Moon Dog whined as he was held in the air. Twilight floated there in the pink glow pouting. Cadence grumbled at the pair under her breath. And Spike giggled like mad from Cadences back at his family members floating above him.
Spike sat on the floor of the bathroom as Cadence worked the shampoo into Twilight's mane.
“Close your eyes now, you don't want to get soap in them.” Cadence muttered to the still pouting Twilight.
“I dun wanna....AHH AHHGGGHHH MY EYE AHHH I'M BEING KILT!” Twilight cried out flailing splashing water all over Cadence.
Not that it mattered much to the already soaked alicorn. The canine currently sulking on the other side of the tub was the cause of most of it. You would think he was a cat with the way he flailed and flipped the moment a paw even touched the water. Cadence had to refill the tub twice just from his thrashing about emptying it, and then a third time as the water turned gray from all the dust his fur had collected behind the fridge.
This of course meant that she had used just about every towel in the bathroom just to deal with all the water on the floor.
Twilight had been little better. The purple Unicorn was seven and clearly should have known better, though as Cadence moved to set her in the tub the gifted Unicorn filly had gathered all the water up in her magic and moved it out of her way so she wouldn't get wet. Several attempts by Cadence to dunk the mare were foiled as the water always wound up where Twilight wasn't.
Before Cadence could do anything however Rahs solved the problem by slapping his wet tail against Twilight's face disrupting her spell and causing all the water in the tub to slosh back and soak the filly. Cadence again was drenched by it too, but she had given up knowing what dry was.
At least for the moment, the baths looked like they would be done soon.
Cadence rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. This had not gone the way she expected.
She was dry now... finally, though that was no thanks to Twilight, not Rahs. She had expected the pup to shake himself dry, but he simply sat there and sulked until she managed to towel dry him. Twilight on the other hoof had hopped out of the tub and shook herself off like a dog spraying water on everything once more, forcing Cadence to dry herself, Rahs and Spike allover again while Twilight pointed out how it was 15% more efficient to dry that way before getting a towel.
Thankfully the filly stood still long enough to be towel dried after Cadence pointed out that her method added unnecessary drying of everything else in the room, thus making it less effective.
Cadence got worried a bit when Twilight simply stood there after she was dry as if recalculating the odds. She was finally snapped out of it as Cadence opened the door and Rahs rushed out of the bathroom, plowing into Twilight and dragging her out with him.
Spike still found all of it funny, and he was spending almost as much time with flaming hiccups as he was laughing now.
“But these are foals books!” Twilight whined.
“Sorry but I wasn't told you were reading at a higher grade than other seven year olds.” Cadence sighed.
At least Rahs and Spike seemed content with the little things she brought for them to play with.
Sort of.
The marbles she had brought for Spike were currently being batted around the floor by Rahs, who would swat one and then go thundering after it trampling or running into anything that got in his way. It was one reason Spike and Twilight were on the bed. He hadn't run into one of them yet, but Cadence didn't want to risk it.
Spike on the other hoof had gotten a hold of one of the squeaky toys she had brought for Rahs and was currently gnawing on it and making the rubber goose squeak loudly clearly enjoying himself far more than Twilight was.
“What's this?” Twilight asked pulling Cadence's text book out with her magic.
“My algebra textbook. I don't think that's very good reading.” Cadence sighed
“I know I read Shiny's copy of this. The answers given on page 42 are all wrong.”
“Really now?” Cadence perked her ears.
“Yep the formula is sound but who ever wrote it wasn't paying attention and forgot to carry the two on all three problems.” Twilight explained opening the book and pointing to the offending page.
Cadence blinked looking over Twilight's shoulder as the filly explained the problem. Cadence at that moment felt very very dumb. As old as she was this was being explained to her by an seven year old who clearly grasped mathematics far better than she did.
Cadence smirked looking down at Twilight as she realized something.”Did you help your brother with this?”
“Some he's actually pretty good at math from all the games he plays. He just doesn't understand most of the formulas. He was gonna let me solve all the problems, but mom told him no.” Twilight pouted.
“Clever colt.” Cadence giggled a little her ears flattening to her head as Twilight dug into bag again.
“Hey! None of that now... don’t you know about personal space.” Cadence grumbled before realizing that there were locks on several doors on the house so clearly she didn't. Still as she pulled her out of the bag Twilight had latched onto the little paperback that Cadence had brought earlier and dragged it out with her reading the back cover.
“Daring Doo and the lost temple of Ahuizotl?” Twilight questioned.” What is this?”
“It's a book I picked up to read after you went to bed. Not sure you would be interested as it's fiction.” Cadence smirked a little.
“What's it about?” Twilight questioned turning over the paperback to look at the simple cover. It was just a pyramid silhouette in dark blue with a tan pegasus silhouette in a pith hat over it.
“Dunno I haven't read it yet but a few of my friends were raving about it. It's the first book by an A.K. Yearling. “ Cadence shrugged.
“Rookie adventurer, Daring Doo, discovers a set of long lost ruins and accidentally frees a monster from the past? Adventure, action, mystery , and … cats?” Twilight reads off the back looking up at the last bit seemingly confused.
Cadence simply shrugged again.” Guess we'll have to read it to find out.” Cadence smiled As the filly excitedly opened the book.
The pair of them probably would have simply read the book for the rest of the night, though Spike was the first to grow bored of his toy and he crawled over the bed clamoring up onto Cadence's back and then into her mane as he leaned over the pair looking at the book with a little snort of boredom at the book. It was then he discovered Cadence had wings too.
Cadence winced a little at the feeling of Dragon claws pulling at her wings, though Twilight didn't seem to notice. Cadence looked back at the baby dragon as he ran his hands over her wings with interest. The spell was supposed to keep make her wings to be uninteresting enough to be unnoticeable, given that Spike was tugging on the feathers, the spell either didn't work on Dragons, or those young enough to find anything interesting.
Before he drew more attention to them she lifted the purple bundle of scales into the air with her magic sending him into another series of giggling fits before plopping him down between her forelegs. She smiled as she rested her chin against his forehead feeling him squirm in the hug.
Twilight watched with a small smirk and even Rahs paused in his mad chase for the marbles to look at her a moment before seemingly satisfied that Cadence wasn't doing anything to Spike that was bad before he continued attacking the glass balls.
Cadence considered a moment before lighting up her horn and making a few magic bubbles form in the air before Spike. It was a simple spell, one of the first she learned.
Spike was delighted though Twilight took interest as well. Granted while Spike just wanted to swat at the pretty things, Twilight wanted to know who made the spell, how hard was it to cast, what school of magic was it from, what it's purpose was an a dozen other things that Cadence didn't know. Of course Twilight then seemed upset that some pony would cast a spell without knowing the history of it.
Rahs also seemed interested in the bubbles as they popped into existence around Cadence's horn. He reached a paw up tentatively swatting at one, sending the fragile bubble away from his paw and into Spike's grasp were he popped it with his claws.
Cadence smiled as Twilight went back to reading and Spike and Rahs continued to play with the bubbles.
It was in this moment of calm that everything, of course went wrong.
Rahs lept up into the air swatting at one bubble and snapping his teeth at another. As his jaws closed over one of the bubbles, Cadence felt like some one had slapped her horn and the spell faded out. As Rahs dropped back down from the jump he simply collapsed onto the floor like a furry puddle,his amber eyes wide and his ears drooping as the pup stared into space.
Cadence reached up to rub her horn wondering what had happened, the effect wasn't painful, but it was more than enough to disrupt her simple spell.
Spike thought it all funny, though after a few giggles he looked down at the unmoving pup with concern.
Twilight scrambled off the bed rushing over to the collapsed puppy. Cadence climbed off the bed as well looking down at the pair in worry as Twilight started shaking the pup with her hooves.
“Umm has he done this before?” Cadence asked.
“He's not saying anything!....” Twilight cried.
“I'm gonna to get the scroll to call Princess Celestia.” Cadence stated after a good five minutes of the pups unmoving vacant stare.
Cadence darted down the stairs holding Spike in her magic with Twilight in hot pursuit. The pink sitter had just picked up the scroll to send a message to Celestia when Twilight spoke up.
“What?!! Rahs what happened!?” Twilight demanded.
Cadence looked back and the pup was sitting there, his tail whipping behind him as he stared up at Cadence, with a look that showed exactly where the term 'puppy dog eyes' came from.
“Rahs!” Twilight snapped poking him in the side.” What happened!?”
“Woof.” Rahs responded.
“Make another bubble? What are you talking about?” Twilight whined.
“Woof.”
“ Ask Cadence to make another bubble?” Twilight blinked looking up at Cadence.”What did you do?”
“What the cantrip?” Cadence blinked looking down at the pup. He seemed fine though the moment she asked about the cantrip he nodded. She stared at him a moment letting scroll drop back to the counter before her horn glowed again forming a multitude of bubbles that drifted around in the air.
She nearly lost the spell again as Rahs bounced around snapping the bubbles out of the air with a great gnashing and snapping of teeth. Cadence wondered if this was what a sharks feeding frenzy looked like. The odd 'horn slaps returned but she kept the spell going a little longer realizing that the effect happened every time Rahs ate a bubble.
She shook her head, letting the spell go after a minute watching the pup finally collapse on the floor with a small shudder, his legs splayed out and tail still whipping like mad after he had eaten the bubbles.
Twilight however wasn't about to let him zone out like he was before and started shaking him with her hooves shoving against his shoulder.
“Rahs come on what's going on?”
“Ruuur.....” Rahs half growled.
“Huh?” Twilight tilted her head looking at the pup.
“What did he say? Do I still need to get Celestia?” Cadence asked more than a little concerned.
“He says they taste like strawberry shortcake smells.” Twilight stated confused.
“How it smells?” Cadence asked and regretted it a moment later as Twilight switched into lecture mode.
“Many carnivores don't have the ability to taste sweet things. Carnivores don't need the ability to taste sweet for survival. He can taste bitter and sour flavors so as to detect spoiled meat, but not sweet. However Rahs has been able to smell sweet things even though sugar isn't something he can taste. He rather likes gummies and marshmallows because of the fat and salt. Chocolate is debatable because it causes issues for dogs, but we were never sure about him and didn't want to test it. Particularly cause that means I get his desert when mom makes brownies.” Twilight explained.
“So he ate my magic?” Cadence questioned. “And it tastes like Strawberry shortcake?”
“Princess Celestia said Moon Dogs eat magic, but this is the first time I’ve seen him do it.” Twilight admitted.
“Woof.”
“Oh... he says Princess Celestia's tastes like green tea pound cake....... I don't even know what that tastes like.” Twilight perked her ears seemingly confused.” Why haven’t you told me this before?”
“Bork”Rahs responded.
“Upset ? Why would I get upset?” Twilight demanded.
“Merrrr...” Rahs whined and Twilight puffed out her cheeks and stomped her hooves.
“What do you mean 'i don't haz a flavor?'” Twilight pouted.
Rahs shrugged then looked expectantly up at Cadence. She sighed softly and shook her head.
“I'm going to have to ask Princess Celestia about this, but the way I see it if my magic tastes like deserts then it's too close to bed time for you to have more of it.” Cadence stated with a small smirk getting whine from the pup.
Twilight points accusingly at Rahs.” What about mom have you had her magic?”
“Growf.”
“Well that serves you right.” Twilight grumbled.
“What did he say.” Cadence asked ushering the pair back up the steps.
“He said not when she's within reach of a newspaper or book.”Twilight explained. “Mom wasn't too happy when he ate her shoes when he was younger so he wasn't willing to try her magic.”
The rest of the night went off without a hitch. Spike went to sleep rather easily once he was sure Rahs was okay. An act that involved him climbing all over the pup and grabbing at his long ears and tail. Rahs whined at the tugging , but was willing to let Spike crawl all over him. Once he pawed across the navy blue canine he let Cadence pick him up and carry him to his crib. The little purple drake yawned wide showing only a few baby teeth starting to come in. He curled up in a little ball his tail being pulled into his mouth the moment he touched his mattress.
Twilight lasted a little longer, sneaking the Daring Doo book from Cadence and trying to read it under the covers by the light of her horn. Cadence let it slide until she noticed the light under the blanket start to dim until it finally went out. She moved over unhiding the purple filly from under her blankets and tucking her in properly setting the book to the side placing the book mark that had been the forts flag in the pages.
Rahs took a little longer to get to go to sleep as he kept circling around Cadence seemingly begging for a treat. Cadence noticed however that he was paying more attention to what she was doing with the other two than trying to get her to make more magic treats for him. Still once the others had settled in he crawled into his bed under Twilight’s and tugged a blanket over himself laying his head on his paws and watching her as she left the room.
“Good night Twilight. Good night Spike. Good Night Rahs.” Cadence whispered as she started to close the door.
“Good night Cady.”
The pink mare froze at the sound of the voice. It was a bit raspy and sounded rather young, but she didn't recognize it.
She poked her head back in the door seeing nothing changed aside from Rahs having buried his head under his blanket until only his nose poked out.
She looked around the room for a moment more staring at the pup under Twilight's bed before she closed the door again and headed downstairs.
Perhaps she imagined it.
After the Sparkles returned and Cadence explained all that happened that night, she was surprised that they seemed more impressed than anything else.
Mrs. Sparkle seemed amused by the fact she didn't have to dust behind the fridge, and Mr. Sparkle suggested bathing them in the down stairs bathroom next time as it was easier to clean with the stone floor.
With a new date to return for another night Cadence left and started home.
She had barely made it three blocks before she started to recall how cute the three of them had been at various points and let out a repressed squee that started dogs howling on the other side of Canterlot.
Celestia's Journal Entry, Thursday the twenty third.
It's been about three months since I suggested Cadence to Mrs. Sparkle as a foal sitter. And my planning seems to have paid off, in more ways than one.
Despite her current training Cadence is what many collected nobles would call ignorant farm folk. She's done quite well to hide that though every so often it shows through. Case in point, after her third session watching the Sparkle spawn...[ I really need a better name for those three], she was held up at knife point.
The mugger clearly thought that he was dealing with some prissy noble child who would be afraid to scuff her hoof-acure, not a mare who while she was still just a Pegasus had been part of her towns watch against Timber wolves.
There are very few Timberwolves around Hollow Shades now a days.
Suffice to say after what one Guard described later as a 'mudhole stomping', she let her natural alicorn magic come into play. I was told that it took the Guards twenty minutes to pry the injured mugger away from his one true love for medical treatment, the nearby brick wall he was trying to hug.
He named it Gretta.
Add this to what happened in the Sparkle house and it's a wonder that neighborhood hasn't been declared the safest in Canterlot.
The best part is how well Twilight and Cadence hit it off. Last I talked to her she was teaching Twilight some dance she learned as a foal. Spike and Rahs also seemed to like her. In truth I expected her to have more issue with Rahs than she has had.
When I asked her about it she brought up the magic he ate and she uses it as a treat for him now to make sure he's good. Something he evidently still forgets about at bath time.
I thought to use her trick to keep him from chewing on my shoes,or attacking my tail, but Twilight claimed he doesn't like green tea cake.
Blasphemy.
Though this does bring up several things I wanted to jot down before I forgot.
With all the unknowns about Rahs and his connection to Spike and Twilight I've had some of the best magical minds... and a few not so great, investigating the connection. While I have limited their studying of the trio more than they wish simply to prevent the three from being turned into Guinea pigs, several things of note have been discovered, if not wholly agreed upon by all the researchers.
This first is that Spike, Twilight, and Rahs share a connection, but it does not connect Spike to Twilight directly. So it's clear that Spike is not Twilight's familiar like Rahs is suspected to be. However Rahs could be considered Spike's familiar as well as Twilight's. I do not disbelieve Twilight's claim that she can easily understand Rahs, but we cannot check to see if Spike understands him until perhaps he is a little older.
Of course this study led to the discovery that Shining Armor is also connected to Rahs.
During one of the tests the researchers had Twilight cast a spell that formed an aura around herself. Really it was little more than a golden glow that looked like flame, but it had the suspected effect of also causing the same aura to form around Rahs, though diminished in power. It also flickered out much sooner than it did on Twilight simply due to his natural abilities devouring it.
The second part of the test was to have her cast the spell on Rahs. As expected with a connection like theirs the the aura formed around Twilight and Spike, at a diminished level on them, with Rahs's fading first.
We found out hours later that there had been a issue in Canterlot High when Shining Armor burst into flames in the middle of class.
He was nearly suspended for goofing off and if Cadence hadn't mentioned it to me at dinner I never would have realized there was a connection.
We brought him in to check and several tests later we found that Rahs had a much weaker connection to Shining Armor, but it was very similar to what connected him to Spike and Twilight.
While clearly being freaked out at some of the tests being done to him, particularly any that sounded like they involved needles, he was surprisingly calm about learning of a connection with the pup. Shining claimed he understood Rahs a little, more intent and meaning than with actual words. He wasn't really sure how but he just seemed to know.
While this wasn't enough for the researchers to really believe Twilight when she said Rahs talked to her, I asked them to drop it before Twilight got upset.
Shining was allowed to go back to school after he was given the once over by the researchers. I also wrote him a slip that would let the Principal know he was not at fault for what happened.
Still.
I can see why Cadence is interested in him, he's growing into quite a handsome stallion. A couple more years and he will definitely be a catch for someone.
No, bad Celestia, no robbing the cradle...... oh who am I kidding, every pony is like a foal to me when it comes to age....
Still no matter how much she denies it whenever the subject is brought up, I expect I might find a use for the 'Rural Princess' pictures I have yet.
Moving on.
The second thing of note is the magic eating. It's theorized is the reason Twilight claims he doesn't taste anything from her magic is that he's constantly feeding off her through their link. As such that has deadened the taste. Another theory is it's a safety measure to keep him from trying to gorge on her magic. Then yet another theory is that she's fibbing.
Either is acceptable though the latter is more worrying. The last is just an old coot who thinks the younger generation are all wastes of resources.
The third thing and the only thing all of the researchers can agree on is that they are all adorable.
The last thing however worries me.
Before I get to that though is should point out a few things.
While I expect no one to read these I find it hard not to write these entries like I’m a teacher , trying to educate, so I am simply letting the quill flow at times.
Summoners, Familiars, and Warlocks.
While popular stories and fiction have labeled a warlock as a broad term for a spell caster, much like mage, witch and wizard, though there is a big difference between a wizard and a average unicorn on the street in terms of magic ability, Warlocks are their own thing.
Warlocks are practitioners of summoning magic first and foremost. A spell caster can cast summon magic without being a Warlock, and Warlocks can cast other spells, but Warlock is used as a derogatory term for a certain practice.
Warlock's pull creatures from other places and bind them to their will. It's slavery in all sense of the word, often the creature thus bound cannot even fight against the Warlock's commands. This is why summoning is considered dark magic. And the use of it like this tends to taint the soul and power of any one willing to use it.
The creatures bound this way are oft called thralls or simply summons, though they are quite different from Familiars.
While Familiars too can be summoned from another place, they are asked for their aid rather than forced into it. A dangerous thing if one summons something that doesn't want to be summoned and many mages have lost their lives because of this. It's one reason summoning magic is rarely used even by those who know it. Warlocks may be safer at first, but a bound creature that gets free will almost always target the Warlock first.
With familiars it is more like a deal or contract. For example Philomena and I have such a deal. While the power shared between us is more in her favor, there are benefits to me as well, particularly in regards to listening in on those who like to talk and don't think a bird sitting nearby will rat them out.
Though as a side note I've been keeping Rahs and Philomena apart. Not because I think they would hurt one another, but because my pet is a prankster and would be more than willing to use Rahs's cuteness to get away with things.
Now then onto the last discovery made.
Twilight did not make a contract or deal with Rahs. She may have summoned him, but the deal binding them was already made.
Twilight's magic saturates the link between them, but that is along the lines of water flowing through a trench. Some one else dug said trench and connected it to Shining, Twilight, and Spike. The issue is not with the power flowing through the trench, but who dug it in the first place.
The researchers didn't recognize the magic signature, though a few claimed it was similar to a number of old artifacts and traps in ruins they had seen around Equss.
I however did recognize it. And knowing what it was made me cancel everything else for the day and send Twilight home. I also closed down the research group, there's not much more they can tell me at this point any way.
It was Her magic.
It wasn't old either, it was new, and while there were some oddities with it, the feeling of that type of shadowy magic has haunted me for nearly a thousand years. I would never forget it.
Aside from being a Witch Wolf, Rahs had some sort of other connection with Her.
Was She able to plan something this far ahead, can She do something now that the end of her imprisonment is coming? Did She know what I had planned and simply tossed a wrench in the works?
There were far too many things still that I didn't understand and with only a little over ten years remaining I don't have time to start another plan. I can't risk studying it much more and alerting Her that I found something, she may move on to something far worse than a little pup.
I have to hope that Rahs can be taken at face value and isn't the danger he is looking to be.
I feel I may have failed at something here and I am not completely sure as to what I could have done to change the outcome.
It's only been a month and Twilight has not changed her opinions on the matter. Rahs seems unaffected , but he has been staying closer to Twilight as of late. While Shining Armor, Cadence, and I do not seem to be the targets of her personality change, the same cannot be said for her school mates and most importantly, her parents. In truth she barely mentions her parents any more and from what they have told me she barely speaks with them.
I suppose I should go back a bit to where this started. That part was my fault, though my attempt to correct it didn't help matters either.
Under my suggestion Twilight and Rahs were to return to a normal school schedule here in Canterlot. The school in question was one she attended before and has not been part since she passed her test. While it is not a public school, it is also not the high dollar private affair that a number of nobles send their foals to.
Now before I continue I would like to point something out to future me or anyone else reading this, illegally I might add. Princess Celestia's School for gifted unicorns was not at the time a full on school. It was more of a tutoring program, in truth Twilight is not even my only student, just the one I see the most potential in. The others are scattered across Canterlot attending different schools with only Twilight being taught by me alone. She was the only one to actually succeed in a impossible test after all. The others all have days of the week when I speak with them and teach them.
Twilight had already been to Marey C. Williams for the first two years of her scholastic life, she was enrolled there, skipping second grade and a good portion of third due to my private tutoring. I would have continued to teach her but unfortunately more and more of my time was being spent elsewhere and nobles and dignitaries do not count teaching seven year olds to be a proper use of my time.
I disagree, but I can't run the government by myself, so telling them to 'deal with it' would cause more trouble than I needed. There was also the fact I wanted to avoid another situation like there was with my former student Sunset. I gave her all my time and ,well..., I'd rather not speak of what came of that.
Rahs was enrolled as well despite not speaking in more than barks, he is quite smart. He can read and write, though admittedly his paw writing is barely legible. That may be lack of practice or because his paws are as big as they are. If he follows normal puppy logic, he will be quite sizable when he grows up.
In either case I expected that there would be a bit of issue at first, after all, introducing a puppy to a bunch of seven and eight year olds was bound to cause a stir, even if he was a student.
My goal in this was to try and get Twilight to be more social, to make some friends. In the long run I expected it to help her, she was friendly enough with everyone, though with the exception of her brothers, Cadence and I were the only ones she spent any time with. She needed some friends her own age.
The first few days of class went by much as expected. Rahs was swarmed as a 'puppy dog' and spent most of the first days perched on top of a cabinet trying to avoid all the foals who wanted to pet him. Twilight was mostly ignored as just another new filly.
Over the next few weeks everything calmed down, though every pony still seemed intent on trying to make friends with the skittish pup. Twilight focused more on her studies and was easily acing what she considered remedial classes, though Cadence told me she needed to help Rahs with a good bit of it to get him to pass. The pup has no drive for it at all. As expected Twilight quickly became a teachers pet for knowing everything she did and that's when the first of the problems started.
While I was waiting for the first instance of bullying with baited breath, I was more pleased by the result of it than any of the teachers were.
I'm not sure why the colt thought to pick on Twilight, perhaps her smaller size, perhaps how focused she was on her studies and her desire to learn, or simply because he was bored, it doesn't matter. He called her egghead and pushed her, and of course Rahs reacted.
I cannot say I expected the Moon Dog to react like he did however. He didn't bite or claw he simply rose up onto his back legs, plucked the colt from the ground with his front paws and stuffed him face first into a trash can. I was not even aware Rahs could balance on his back paws yet.
That wasn't the only incident however, even if Twilight was not always the target of the bullying. If Rahs saw it, the bully wound up in a trashcan, and in the case of one particularly bulky colt , the trash can wound up on him. It was never an empty can either.
The teachers thought he was the bully and they ignored Twilight and the other students claims to the contrary and Rahs never bothered to answer for his actions, unwilling to acknowledge the schools attempts at discipline. He still came to classes with Twilight when suspended, and he ignored time outs and principal office visits. Eventually they just gave up given he was pretty much a model student otherwise.
He also gained a following from his actions both good and bad and more than a little scorn from the teachers,as the students went from the 'tell an adult 'rule of bullying to the 'tell a Rahs' rule.
I doubt that first rule has ever worked to be honest, but all the schools seemed to follow that logic. And I probably didn't help by encouraging him when I did see the pair of them for a session. His rule seemed to work better any way.
While Rahs was uncomfortable with all the attention he was getting, Twilight was worse.
When I spoke with Twilight about how she liked the school she told me she didn't. She found it boring and the other students disruptive to learning anything.
Worse still she had developed a rather strong belief that she had done something wrong and this is why I sent away to this school. Despite her maturity, she didn't seem to believe my reasons for it.
Still she went along with it because she wanted me to be proud of her. I didn't notice that she was getting more and more miserable, and had yet to make any friends.
It was Twilight and Rahs's ninth birthday when things finally came to a head.
Twilight wanted to have her normal birthday with just her family, myself, and Cadence.
Her parents had other ideas and sent invitations to all her classmates to come celebrate her and Rahs's birthdays.
According to Cadence, Twilight and Rahs both were fully against the idea.
Twilight Velvet, and Nightlight however pulled the 'parents knows best card' and rented out a Showbiz eatery. While I've never been to one myself, I've heard it is full of activities for foals and they have a number of singing animated golems preforming as a band.
Sounds like a horror story waiting to happen really, but I suppose it works well for foals who are not creeped out by the soulless dead eyes of puppets...........
No, really, I'm fine, that happened a long time ago and I am well over it. I managed to not flash fry the porcelain doll that the ambassador from Japony gifted to me.
At least until he returned home, then I vaporized that thing, covered it in cement, vaporized it again and then sent a Guard to bury the remains at the far edge of Equestria in the middle of a cross roads.
Nothing wrong at all.
At any rate the party was a blast from what I was told...... for all the foals other than Twilight.
While the details have been lost of the chaos of the event, certain things stand out. Firstly, Rahs was kicked out of the building within the first hour for attacking one of the golems. I think it was a giant chicken, but he not only left teeth marks on the leg he also drained it of magic and caused the golem to collapse. Those spells are not cheap, though Twilight said later that Rahs told her the spell tasted like oranges.
Spike was not even allowed in the building citing a fire hazard. Shining and Cadence stayed outside in a park next door with them to both entertain Spike and keep Rahs calm. Something that evidently wound up sending Shining to the hospital.
From what Cadence told me he put a shield around Rahs to keep him from trying to rush back into the building to save Twilight from the golems, only for Rahs to bite through the shield. The feedback knocked Shining Armor out and sent Rahs into an even bigger tizzy. One that got the local Guard involved as well as animal control. That lead to even more chaos of course as the Guards and the animal control had a very hard time even catching Rahs, who was now freaking out over Twilight and Shining's collapse.
I really need to check the gardens just to make sure He hasn't freed himself with all this chaos around.
Rahs was finally calmed down when Twilight came out, but by that point the damage to her was already done.
I had the Guard interview several eyewitnesses to the events inside and it was one employee who gave the most complete story.
Once Rahs had been kicked out Twilight was left alone by the other foals. None of them wanted to talk about books or science they simply wanted to play. Twilight attempted to join them and while most ignored her she did follow a few of them into what amounted to a fun house.
Evidently the Daring Doo character had become popular enough that Showbiz struck a deal to, or illegally used, her likeness. The fun house was a small scale, foal safe, recreation of a temple from the book. Complete with swinging ropes ball pits and climbing cages. There was also a small rope bridge across a 'snake pit', a short drop into a cushioned area with a bunch of animated rubber snakes for a bit of realism.
The employee informed me that it wasn't the first time some foal had fallen into the pit and freaked out. The bridge did swing a little and a ungainly foal could fall. There was a trap door to the pit from the outside if that happened, and although the employee pulled her out, Twilight was shaking and pale. He said she ran off before he could show her they were fake snakes .
Twilight spent the next hour sitting in a chair alone in the dining room while every pony else continued to have fun. By this point her parents had been called outside to try and deal with Rahs and Twilight was under the watch of one of the other parents, who was more focused on his own child than Twilight.
When all the foals were called into the dining room for lunch Twilight was already there. While bringing the food out one of the still scampering foals tripped a employee and the dishes he carried spilled. One of them being a hot Quesadilla. Said Mexicolt dish landed directly on Twilight, scalding her ears and nose with the hot cheese and making a mess of her. It didn't help that all of the foals there for her party laughed at her as she freaked out in pain.
Her mother returned at that point to help her clean up in time to open gifts, but aside from one or two little things that seemed to be picked up at the discount isle for little filly’s, most of the gifts were for Rahs, as that was who most of the foals knew and were thought to be friends with.
The cake was little better as a greedy little colt managed to grab a hoofful of it as it was being set down before Twilight, which started a bit of a riot of other foals making grabs for it and destroying it before Twilight could blow out the candles. Despite the foals being scolded for their actions, it was too late.
The employee stated Twilight simply got up and walked out the door. From what Cadence said with all the chaos Rahs was causing, particularly after he scaled the building, no one even noticed her leave. It wasn't until Rahs bit one of the Guards who was holding him after he was finally caught and ran off down the street that any one even noticed she was gone.
The search for them didn't last long and they were quickly found back at the house.
When Mrs. and Mr. Sparkle got home the pair of them were sitting on the front steps with Twilight half asleep, her tear stained face buried in Rahs's side. She wouldn't acknowledge her parents and any time either of them got close Rahs would snap at them and he would bite any magic they tried to use to pick up Twilight.
The pair of them were kept outside of their house until Cadence and Spike arrived with a groggy Shining Armor and were allowed to pass into the building.
From what I am told by Cadence, Rahs has returned to the way he was when he was first brought home snapping and growling at both the elder Sparkle's only now Twilight doesn't scold him or tell him to stop.
The pair of them had also stopped going to school. It wasn't noticed for the first few days until the school Truancy office came by to make sure everything was alright. Twilight had been avoiding the school and simply going to the public library to read with Rahs.
The officer also brought this to my attention as she was one of my students as well, though she had yet to miss one of our sessions.
Her parents are at a loss as to what to do. Even if they were escorted to the school and into class at some point during the day both of them would simply leave and be found later at home or in the library.
An attempt was made to have some one watch them , but the moment their observer was distracted, they were gone again.
The school even tried putting them in a private room to teach them and while that worked for a few days, the pair eventually didn't wish to deal with that either and left. The first time was when Rahs threw his desk through a window and they both climbed out and left. The second room had no windows, but now, thanks to Twilight, it is short most of one wall.
Unfortunately while Twilight's case was the worst, it was not the only situation. My other students were also struggling with their peers and being too far along in their studies.
While they were faring better than Twilight, a filly named Moon Dancer was not far off quitting my program and moving due to all the bullying she was receiving simply due to her poor eyesight making her wear glasses. And another filly had already dropped out and left Canterlot with her family after the number of fights and scholastic issues she had. That saddened me greatly, Beatrix Lulumoon had a knack for illusions better than any other I had seen at her age.
Twilight's situation brought to light a problem I had not seen before. I was teaching these foals to be better, but I was forcing them to learn with those who did not have the same drive or spark as they did to learn. I had shown them they were special, and then seemingly abandoned them to peers who were were likely jealous of the treatment that I was giving them. Given my methods had not changed in hundreds of years it was small wonder that looking back many of my students developed some complex or another.
I decided to rectify this situation before it became worse for these foals.
Setting aside more time despite protests, I started work on rebuilding relations with them. Twilight and Rahs were my students on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Moondancer and Twinkleshine on Thursdays and Fridays. Lemon Hearts and Lyra Heartstrings on Sundays and Wednesdays and Minuette and Shining Lights on Sundays and Mondays.
Sunday was my usual day off, though I had double booked in order to teach two classes. I needed to shorten my Day court, but that was easy enough to do.
It took several months to regain the foals trust, and to build the new school house on the castle grounds. It took another three months to find several teachers who would not only cater to the students learning skills, but also be able to deal with the emotional state they were in.
I started introducing the foals to each other not long after the school was completed and most of them seemed to get along well, though Twilight and Rahs were still rather standoffish. While Twilight talked with the others, it was nearly all business with her. While as usual Rahs was thought of as a puppy, it took less than a day for the small group to move away from the 'cute dog' mindset and become more curious as to what he was.
Still classes have been progressing quite well and many of the foals seem to be calming down and opening up more to the others. All of them save Twilight. She's friendly enough, but I don't think she considers any of them as anything more than classmates.
There's only nine years left and I hope Twilight can work through this to do what needs to be done. It is her cutie-mark that is on the tree, she has to be the one.
If she isn't.......
I need to set up some contingency plans, just in case.
I can't help but look for Her hoof in these events, and aside from Rahs, nothing seems to link to Her. And it cannot be Him as he is still sealed in stone.
I cannot blame them so this must be fate this time. I have to hope it will all work out in the end. I cannot do much else.
It's been a year since the birthday disaster and it seems things have improved. Twilight and Rahs are ten now, with Spike just hitting his fourth birthday. He's grown a little and is getting around well enough on his own, though he still scampers on all fours at times. He's also talking quite a bit, though most of it is still toddler gibberish.
Rahs and Twilight are in a disagreement over what his first word was. Twilight says it was 'bark' Rahs says it was 'Rutabaga'. Given that Spike will often go around parroting what others say, bark, woof, and other canine noises are in his vocabulary. As are words like depolarizability and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Still if his barks are real words in Moon Dog language, I am rather curious as to what Rahs hears when Spike is making those noises.
Rahs and Twilight's tenth birthday.
Aside from her attempts to ignore it was happening, much like a number of other older mares I know, it went fairly well. A simple affair like she wanted with just family and Cadence and I.
I actually managed my time enough to be there for a bit of it this time. Mrs. Sparkle makes wonderful carrot cake.
The rift between her and her parents is still there, though not as bad as at the start of the year, Rahs no longer snaps at them or growls, but he still watches warily. Twilight is also at least conversing with the other foals in the new school, well arguing over science nitpicks really. Mostly with Moon Dancer, though if there ever was another foal to challenge her it would be Moon Dancer.
While she doesn't have Twilight's power, she does have her intelligence and drive to learn. The pair of them often team up as lab partners even without being assigned. Rahs usually winds up with Lyra Heartstrings, which oddly works out as the teachers know that if something is going to explode, those two are going to be at fault.
Lyra doesn't have the power or the intelligence of the others, she's simply easily excitable and the only one who still sees Rahs as a big puppy dog. In truth out of all of them she was doing the best in the normal school. She is a good deal stronger than a normal unicorn of her age, likely due to her father being an earth pony, but that's not why she was accepted into the program.
When tasked with hatching the dragon egg, Lyra came up with the idea to wake it up with music. She composed a song for her harp on the spot, a song that made two of the three examiners weep. It also gained her her cutie mark.
I'd have rated her at Twilight's power level if she managed to get Stone Hoof to cry, but some things are impossible.
Moon Dancer had tried to hatch the egg by raising the temperature of the area to what some writers have claimed the dragons make nests in, thankfully she didn't have the power to raise the room to the temperature of an active volcano, but her attempt was enough to put her in the program.
Twinkle Shine had tried a few alchemical mixes that she had learned, one of which the examiners were unaware of existed. Seems the filly had learned some Zebra alchemy from her grandfather who was a mixed breed.
I never understood the aversion to the mixed breeds, they are often quite pretty with pony colors and Zebra stripes. Still given the average pony is one uniform color I suppose they were at best thought of as exotic.
Lemon Hearts had attempted to cook a meal so delicious that the dragon was sure to wake up and hatch. And although it did not work, the judges did try some of the meal and Stone Hoof immediately passed her after standing there stunned for ten minutes staring into space. He later claimed it gave him a flashback to his own foal hood and a dish his mother used to make.
He also ate it all before I could try some. The jerk.
Shining Lights built a incubator of sorts and powered it with her magic. It was nothing fancy, but the examiners were impressed with how efficiently she used her magic, utilizing barely half of the normal power required for each task.
Then there was Minuette, if Twilight had not come along Minuette would have been the one who I chose as my personal student. At six years old she managed a time manipulation spell that she had read about in comic books. Taking the idea and reworking the theory of it she managed to age the egg and it's cart by ten years before passing out from over taxing her horn. The examiners didn't even know what she did at first until the egg's wagon collapsed, the screws aged to dust and the wood made old and brittle.
When asked about it she wrote out a formula she had thought up on the spot to get it to work. I asked her not to use her spell without supervision and she agreed. Still the formula was documented and locked in one of the secure vaults. Time alteration spells are quite dangerous, to have a new one invented by a foal was far more than enough to secure her place.
Given it was the second year of the official school and the test was coming up again I opted to expanded the school further so if there were any incoming students they could be taught separate from the currently enrolled ones.
Some years many foals passed, other years none did. I wasn't sure what the school was going to use for a test this year, but I allowed them to make the choice. That they didn't have to use the university for testing this year made the examiners happy as the pink wall incident still annoyed the dean. Once i had three schools that stested students but the numbers fell so low only the one in Canterlot remained.
Moving along, a few other things of note have popped up.
The first is that Rahs and Twilight have found out Cadence is an alicorn. This went surprisingly well as Rahs didn't care and Twilight only had a few hundred questions before she accepted it.
Shining Armor however had a complete break down over it, of course there was a reason for that.
Cadence and Shining are in their senior year of high school and somehow or another Shining Armor and Cadence became a couple. I'm not supposed to know this of course as Cadence has been quite hush hush about it. Still it doesn't take a fortune teller to see what's going on.
Shining Armor is going to join the Guard when he graduates and the colt doesn't want any hint of any sort of favoritism. I suppose Cadence explained she has no real sway with the government yet as few even know she exists. But he seemed concerned with how I might influence his progression.
He has a right to be worried about that, cause I plan on it.
He thinks he's worthy of my niece and becoming a Prince?
I plan to make sure he is.
I've got two old Drill Sergeants in mind that I will need to woo out of retirement for his training class. Staff Sergeant Starfall Silvertail and First Sergeant Jer'rahd Kaisur. Both of them were strong opponents of the relaxation of old Guard protocols involving training and while they were instructors ,the pair refused to follow the new politically mandated safe programs.
While this resulted in more drop outs, it also resulted in better Guards. They both retired a few years ago however, Silvertail so she could play with her grand-foals, and Kaisur because his wife was starting to demand foals before they got too old.
From what I have heard he and Platinum have their first on the way soon.
Still I should be able to convince the pair of them to come back for a training session. A rank bump and a pay upgrade coupled with full control over how they run their training.
Shining had best prepare now …...
Though I think he might be doing just that, with the help of Rahs, which brings up the second thing of note.
Shining Armor has begun training for the Guard even though he has a good six months left until he can enlist. Aside from a Twilight sponsored exercise regime and research into tactics and Guard history he is also practicing his magic.
In particular he is forming shields and getting Rahs to eat them.
While it seems quite silly, particularly with the pain it brings to have a stronger spell devoured like that, he's persisting and it is showing impressive results. His shield spell has become one of the strongest I have seen in a long time. It was already his signature spell, though with the training he's put himself into I might even have a hard time breaking through one of his shields. It's currently gotten to the point where Rahs can't even bite through it like he should be able to.
This has brought my interest in him up considerably. A shield spell that is resistant if not outright immune to effects that disrupt the mana flow would be invaluable to the Guard.
Still don't think he's worthy of Cadence yet, but he's showing more promise than I thought he would.
Rahs and Twilight have also started to tag along with him during his exercises, and while the ten year olds cannot completely keep up with the eighteen year old colt, even they are showing results. Both have lost that little bit of baby fat they still had and while Twilight has slimmed down considerably, Rahs has bulked up.
Twilight has tackled this the same way she does everything else, with a multitude of checklists for both herself, Rahs, and Shining. She's also read up on physical fitness to the point that she's acting as her brothers coach.
I wonder if I should bring in a teacher for this sort of thing as well. None of the schools foals are out of shape, but Lemon Hearts is a bit pudgy.
Something to consider later, work the mind and the body.
I probably could use a bit of a work out as well, too much cake. While I’ve yet to have any complaints about my flank, with what's coming..... I need to get back into a shape that I can fight in, if my initial plan fails it may be all I have left to fall back on.
Note to self, add a sex education class to my school and make sure it explains all species not just ponies.
That said, I do not think I have ever laughed so hard at some one elses misfortune in my life. I'm not sure Rahs accepted my apology or Twilight's, but at least he's talking to her again.
I suppose I should explain this better, if for no other reason than I want a record of this to last forever.
Rahs and Twilight are both twelve now. While she is more comfortable talking with others she still hasn’t really made any friends. She willingly associates with the other students, but that's usually only when it comes to scholastic pursuits. I've not known her to actually, go out and and have fun unless some one like Lyra managed to convince Rahs to drag her out. Which from my understanding has happened twice in the last few years. And the only thing of note that was learned according to Twilight is she cannot dance. Lyra on the other hoof described it as a 'musically induced seizure on the dance floor'. I'm sad I missed it.
Twilight has gotten a bit more reclusive since Cadence started college and her brother joined the Guard unfortunately, but it was expected.
And yes I did convince Silvertail and Kaisur to come back for the training. The pair expanded the training to thirteen weeks and have had to restart it twice because of the drop outs for each session did not leave enough recruits remaining in each class to train.
Credit where it is due however, Shining Armor and a few others have stuck with it. Also I'm not sure of the details, but Kaisur has declared Shining Armor his 'special friend' for all three sessions so far.
Cadence is super pissed at me for this, but she can't prove I have a hoof in it. She's a few thousand years too young to see all the back room planning and behind the scenes work I do.
Beside I have the perfectly cultivated poker face. Also Kaisur and Silvertail have evidently tried to get her to join the training the moment she showed up. Seems some one informed them she was a Princess and they both have loads of training they would love to test on an alicorn.
She refused of course, likely to spare Shining a fourth time restarting his training. Pity I think she might have been able to use some Guard training.
Why not me you ask?
To tell the truth I have considered it, I might take them as tutors after this training session. I might need the edge that could bring in six years.
Rahs has progressed rather well. He's much bigger than he was though he's starting to go into that odd lanky teenager phase, much as Twilight is.
Spike is growing up rapidly too and he has started with a private tutor. He's very perceptive and very sharp, though like any young child he's easily distracted from what he should be doing by something else. He's more normal than Twilight or Rahs in that regard. The strangest one of the family is the most normal for his age... oddly fitting.
Still it is their age that caused this current issue.
So let me regale you journal with a short story.
Rahs still tends to sleep through most of my sessions with Twilight. I don't see it as rude, as most of Twilight and my sessions are magic based and he cannot cast anything, so it does him no good to pay attention.
This time however, while napping, he had what some would call an 'awkward teen moment'. While asleep in the sun beam coming through my study window he evidently was starting to have a rather 'good' dream given the fact that his..... well 'dog hood' for lack of a less crude term had grown out of it's sheath.
Like most canines the odd shaped length was a brighter coloration than his fur, bright red in fact. Now it was something I could easily ignore, despite what some have claimed in the past, I do have tact. Besides he was a puppy and as I have said before I am not a cradle robber.... despite every one being younger than me. Also I still saw the pair of them as the brightly inquisitive filly and the fluffy bundle of teeth they were when I first met them.
His state of arousal was not the issue in this story however, merely the catalyst.
The issue was Twilight.
More importantly, the issue was that Twilight had been studying dangerous creatures of Equestria.
More important than that, was that she had gotten to the part in her studies involving a creature called a Tatzlwurm.
Now, the very most important thing is that Tatzlwurms are much like wasps, in that they stun their prey and lay eggs in the still living creature. Usually by simply depositing it in what ever orifice is available. I am quite certain many of the more lewd fetishes coming from Japony stemmed from this.
When the eggs hatch however, like a wasp they usually burst out of the abdominal region before devouring the host who has usual died of shock by this point.
Tatzlwurms are not much a threat to ponies and other intelligent species with this however. And there are known to be some particularly... demented individuals who make good money harvesting Tatzlwurm eggs by being bait. Once Tatzlwurms lay their eggs they don't care about the host and usually let them wander off so the young can grow some where else. The eggs are not that hard to remove with a moderately skilled doctor or Unicorn. And even a less than skilled pony with a bottle of strong alcohol and a sharp knife, or a very very close personal friend, can remove them with no issue. Easy to remove, if embarrassing.
The eggs themselves are valuable because Tatzlwurms will not attack any one with an egg even if it's from another Tatzlwurm, so long as they are kept warm and moist they will last to hatch after around two months. Quite valuable for any one forced to live near them or researching them.
Now with all that in mind, look at it from Twilight's perspective. Trust me it's much funnier and more adorable to do so.
She had no idea about male genitalia and likely even less about a canine's parts. So when she looked over what she saw was what appeared to be a blood red worm bursting out of her brothers belly, she reacted quite quickly. So fast in fact I wasn't sure what she was doing even as she yelled at me to get a doctor, a cry that woke Rahs up as well. And before I could question it she tried to help her brother.
She wrapped her magic around the 'worm' that was going to eat him and yanked.
I am told his howl was heard as far away as Ponyville.
It took six hours to get Rahs out from under my bed and another three to get him not to try and run away from Twilight. I wasn't even mad about the door he broke down to get from my study to my quarters.
Twilight apologized profusely and nearly constantly, in a panic herself, particularly after I explained to the young mare exactly what it was she had tried to pull off her brother.
Granted it took me an hour to be able to breath enough to be able to speak without breaking down laughing again.
I would feel bad but he has peed in my shoes on more than one occasion.
And that was the story of why Rahs now wears pants.
He's looking less and less like the cute bundle of puppy fluff he was when I first met him and more like a Diamond Dog every day, though I doubt he will have the massive forearms and slouched posture however. Still this is probably a good thing. Diamond Dogs are fairly common and the more Rahs looks like one the less likely any one will think of him as being anything else.
She had a number of followers. Dark cults and forces beyond even Her Nox-Cal and Witch Wolves. While I would like to think I found them all, or that a thousand years with no sign of Her would dissuade even the most die hard cultist into giving up, I do not want to chance that some one might recognize what Rahs really is and start a cult around him. Particularly since I believe the only way a cult like that could get him to cooperate is if they took Twilight or Spike as hostages.
That wouldn't end well for any one.
After as much time as I have spent with Rahs Twilight and Spike, I do not think She has anything to do with his life directly. If he was placed here due to Her influence I cannot see anything that he does that would benefit Her.
Still I have numerous other safeguards I am putting into place. Even if I lose to Her, She will be weakened and the Guard magi and the new troops Silvertail and Kaisur are training might still be able to stop Her.
While I hope the path Twilight takes will be all that is needed, I did not make Equestria what it is today without having backup plans.
[Sparkle residence. 2 years remaining until the thousandth year. ]
“How did this happen? Where did I go wrong?” a fit, white furred, and blue maned unicorn in a Guard Sergeants Armor bemoaned.
“Woof?” A navy blue canine creature with long pointed ears and feline features responded. The creature was sitting on his rump, light brown pants with numerous pockets covered his legs with a slit cut in the back of the waist band for a feline like tail to poke out. A dim orb of light floated at each long ear tip and the end of the creatures tail barely visible in the rooms light. The creature looked much like a Diamond Dog though it's limbs were more evenly matched with the rest of it's body and it didn't seem top heavy like a normal Diamond dog, despite being fairly well muscled. It's finger like paws also displayed no visible claws as it thumbed through a book, barely paying attention to the pacing stallion aside from a glance to two at him with his amber colored eyes.
“What?” The Stallion asked.
“He asked how were you blaming yourself for this, you've been in training for the last couple of years.” Another smaller creature asked from his place leaning against the side of the canine. The pudgy young Dragon was covered in purple scales with bright green rounded spines. One of his claws was plucking a gem from a small bowl of them next to him, while the other held a comic book that he stared at with fascination as some fight or another was breaking out in the pages.
“I could have stopped this. If I never joined the Guard I could have been here to stop this from happening.” Shining snorted.
“Seriously bro you're acting like Twilight died. She's sixteen, ponies do this sort of thing all the time. Heck, mom thinks she's started too late.” Spike explained. “ Celestia was delighted too.”
“Gruff.” Rahs nodded in agreement.
The trio were currently in Shining Armors old room, the place had barely been touched since he left for Guard training. While their brother usually stayed in the Guard house when in Canterlot their parents didn't want to change how the room looked. Luckily the Sparkle homestead already had a few extra rooms unused so when Rahs and Spike got older they moved into their own room and out of Twilight's. Granted the space their things had been in the shared room immediately became more bookshelves, but no one expected anything else.
Shining dragged the pair into his room when he came home for a weekend and found out what was going on.
“ He's my age!” Shining growled.
“He's only two years older than Twilight, You're ten years older than Twilight.” Spike pointed out.
“Wuff” Rahs corrected.
“Okay, you're nine years and six months older than Twilight.” Spike rolled his eyes. "He's not your age."
“That's still too much of an age gap!” Shining protested.
Spike and Rahs lowered their comic and book respectively, looked at each other, then to the pacing stallion, and then over to his dresser where a picture of Princess Cadence sat, then back at Shining who at least had the decency to look a bit ashamed for his hypocrisy.
“Okay bad example....”Shining quickly corrected.
“You ever find out how much older she is than you?” Spike taunted going back to his comic.
“Growf” Rahs smirked.
“He says his bits are on five to six hundred years.” Spike smirked. “ I'd bet closer to two to three myself.”
“I said bad example.” Shining grumbled. ”But still It's Blueblood who asked her! Blueblood, the guys first name is Prince for crying out loud, how pompous is that?”
“Wuff.”
“We've met him. He's not bad. And it's not like he chose his name himself.” Spike rolled his eyes. He and Rahs were used to Twilight having melt downs about being tardy, tests, or anything else that came up that wasn't on one of her lists, to see Shining do it made them both wonder if it was genetic. The pair were actually glad for once that they were adopted so they wouldn't ever have to find out for sure.
“He's up to something I know it. Why did he even come after Twilight, what's the edge he's after?” Shining growled. “ He must be trying to get close to Princess Celestia through her student.”
“Ruff.”
“Rahs says he's Celestia's nephew, he doesn't need to use Twilight to get close to the Princess.” Spike pointed out.
“It must be the families money then!”
“Growf?”
“Yeah seriously. Dude's family has bought an entire town before, just to move the entire thing thirty miles to the west because the road to it ran across the view from their third summer home. “ Spike snarked.” Bit's ain't it. Particularly when mom counts our allowance out in quarter bits sometimes.”
“ Well what other reason could it be?!” Shining snapped.
“I dunno, maybe he thought she's cute?” Spike asked as Rahs shrugged.
“What?!” Shining shouted.
“Yeah when he asked her on a date Prince was super nervous, not as bad as Twilight got, I mean I doubt he checked out the entire section on dating at the library like Twilight did.” Spike considered.” Because she checked out the ENTIRE section on dating to study up for it.”
“Woof!” Rahs pointed out.
“Oh yeah, he did mention that he had help mustering up the courage to ask, so he's probably as clueless as Twilight is.” Spike agreed with Rahs. “ Well maybe not now after she's read all those books.”
“What help? Who helped him set this up with Twiliy?!” Shining demanded.
Spike and Rahs lowered their comic and book respectively, looked at each other, then to the pacing stallion, and then over to his dresser where a picture of Princess Cadence sat, then back at Shining who had buried his face into both hooves.
“Buck my life......” Shining groaned.
“Ehh what can you do. Your mare friend set up the date with your little sister, Twilight won't answer the door as she's too panicked about studying for the date, and Mom's all for it to the point she's keeping Dad occupied so he can't intervene.”
“Bark!”
“Yeah, he won't let me play with that Griffonese crossbow he got either.” Spike pouted.
“Alright.” Shining said suddenly. “ I have a plan.”
“The scariest four words in the Equss language right there.” Spike stated as Rahs shuddered.
“No it's brilliant.” Shining stated, a manic grin crossing his features. His brothers glanced to each other, then to the door pondering if they could make it in time. “ We'll follow them tonight and make sure he doesn't try anything. It'll be perfect.”
“Unless... yah know, she sees us. A Moon Dog, a Royal Guard, and a little Dragon are not exactly stealthy.” Spike complained.
“Woof.”
“You're about as stealthy as a herd of Buffalo, I thought you were supposed to be part cat?” Spike snapped.
“Bork.”
“You did no such thing, that was your Oubliettes and ogres character, and he was more of a shaman any way, you just lucked out with a Nat 20.” Spike pointed out.
“Woof!” Rahs counted.
“Gah alright you got me there. Twilight's in test mode, she wouldn't notice a herd of Buffalo. But Prince might.” Spike grumbled.
“Grrr...”
“Lost in her eyes?” Spike blinked before narrowing his eyes at the canine. “Have you been reading Mom's books again?”
Rahs didn't say anything but he didn't meet Spike's glare either.
Shining on the other hoof was still rambling, ignoring the conversation.
“........I bet he's even got photographers around ready to snap a shot of blackmail to force her to marry him......”
Rahs's ears perked up at that, though Spike was less than amused.
“Blackmail? It's a date, ponies have them all the time!” the little drake groaned.
“Bork!”
“You're in? What do you mean you're in? This is crazy!” Spike growled.” I'm the youngest one here and I’ve got the most sense!”
“Bark, Bark, BARK.” Rahs countered closing his book fully as Spike calmed down and pondered looking at the frazzled Shining.
“Yeah he'd go any way. Alright, alright, I'm in. Now let's get him calmed down. Prince is supposed to be here in two hours and we need at least one of those hours to calm Twilight down too.” Spike sighed steeling himself for what he was sure was going to be a long night.
[ Sparkle residence. 2 years remaining until the thousandth year.]
“Okay Twilight calm down, there's no need to panic...” Twilight muttered to herself sitting in front of her dresser looking in the mirror as she brushed her mane .
“What am I talking about?! There's plenty of need to panic!!!” Twilight yelped, several strands of her mane curling up as her eyes go wild. After a moment of heavy breathing she calmed down again smoothing the errant hair back down with her brush.
“Okay, no, calm.. calm... I have read every book on dating and the majority of them say there is nothing going to happen on the first date and nothing will ever happen unless I let it.” She exhaled softly. “We are just going to a play and then to dinner. Nothing fancy.”
“But what if!?!?” The strands of hair pop back up as the mare started pacing in front of her mirror. “I don't know anything about him. Anything could happen.......”
“Shush I know everything about him.” Twilight snapped at herself smoothing down her hair and sitting down again. “Prince William Blueblood, blood type Q, height one hundred and twenty seven centimeters, age eighteen, nineteen in two months and three days. Youngest child of the Blueblood family, only male child. Indirect relative to Princess Celestia herself, descended from Princess Platinum. Formal education at Canterlot U, currently working towards a bachelors in politics, history, and international relations as well as a minoring in foreign policy, and international culinary studies........”
On the other side of the room Spike and Rahs remain where they were, pressed against the wall watching the mare. The two say nothing as Twilight starts listing off Blueblood's hobbies, musical taste, ear length and hoof size. Once again the two are both quite happy that they are not genetically related to the Sparkle family. Having seen three freakouts in the span of two hours today. As bad as Shining and Twilight's were, they still couldn't compete with the melt down Nightlight was having after hearing his daughter was going on a date. It was pretty clear by the way Twilight Velvet was dealing with him she was used to it, but she had her hooves full with just her husband.
“Alright, I'm in now too.” Spike muttered to Rahs. “ If only to see how far this train wreck will go.”
“Growf.” Rahs agreed.
“What was that?” Twilight snapped suddenly turning her head eyes wide at the sight of her brothers plastered against the wall near her door.”Gah! How long have you two been there?!”
“Since about fifteen minutes ago … when you let us in.” Spike tried to placate. ”Just relax Twilight. It's just a date.”
“Just a date? Just a Date!” Twilight shouted her hair coming undone again as Rahs slapped his face with a paw. “ This could be the biggest social event of my life!? What if he doesn't like me? What if I screw things up! He could be my future husband and I'm going into this blind. What if I screw everything up and wind up a lonely spinster surrounded by cats in my eighties! CATS SPIKE!!! I don't even like cats!”
“Bark!” Rahs stated licking his lips.
“You like cats?” Spike asked.
“Roof” Rahs explained.
“They do?” Spike questioned.
“Cats do not taste like chicken Rahs!” Twilight fussed.
“Woof.”
“Yes 'as far as I know." Twilight retorted. “Ugh … what am I gonna do?”
“Ruff.”
“Yes I know Cadence said he was nervous about asking me out.. but...”
“Woof.”
“...... do you really think he's freaking out about this too?”
Rahs shrugged.
“Seriously Twilight. Just go and have fun.” Spike rolled his eyes.
“Fun?” Twilight snapped, her hair standing up again. “Reading is fun, making spreadsheets is fun, this is nerve wracking. This is panic inducing, this is..... OW!!!”
Twilight winced as Rahs quickly walked over and cuffed her on the back of the head with a paw before leaning over her staring down intently and forcing the mare to take a step back. She blinked after a moment before frowning and glaring back up at him.
“Do you have to do that every time?” Twilight hissed.
“Ruff.”
“I was not freaking out, I was just nervous!” Twilight snapped.
Rahs looked back at Spike who nodded.
“Yep that was definitely a freak out.” Spike agreed.
Twilight pouted.”I still don't see why that means you have to hit me.”
“Grrrr.” Rahs retorted.
“Wait a book said slapping some one hysterical would snap them out of it? What book?” Twilight demanded as Rahs looked away sheepishly.
“Rahs........” Twilight glared.
“Woof........” Rahs admitted.
“The Wolf of the Harvest Moon?”Twilight blinked then narrowed her eyes. “That's one of mom's romance novels, why are you reading that!?”
“Bark...”
“What else did you think it could have been if mom had it on one of her shelves?”Twilight asked as Rahs shrugged. “ That's a work of fiction you shouldn't take anything one of those says to heart. It's just creative story telling.”
“Bork” Rahs smirked watching Twilight blush, her ears flattening to her head.
“I did that once! I didn't know the chandelier wasn't connected to that rope.” Twilight protested.
“Suuuuuuuure, little miss Daring Don't, you nearly squished me with that banner you cut down.” Spike snarked getting a laugh from Rahs.
“Laugh it up fuzzball, the mass to weight ratio checked out in my notes, it's not my fault the chandelier wasn't clearly labeled.” Twilight pouted a moment before smirking some. “ Probably better that I didn't cut that one. Imported crystal from a non existent empire hitting the floor at that speed would have shattered all of it. Mistakes of my younger years....”
“Ruff.” Rahs grinned.
“That was longer than two months ago thank you very much.”Twilight snorted as the other two chuckled, though even Twilight had a smile.
“Feeling better now?” Spike asked.
“Yeah....despite my two idiot brothers attempts to cheer me up. I do feel a little better.” Twilight sighed.
“Woof.” Rahs pointed out.
“Right, I know I know. Don't stress it , try to enjoy myself and get to know him better first. The play is the first thing, so if we can't think of anything else to talk about over dinner we can fall back to that. I have been curious about this rendition of the Count of Mountie Critso. They turned the book into a musical......”Twilight sighed. “ Alright alright. I cede the point, but if this all goes badly I will say I told you so.”
“Geez don't jinx it.” Spike snorted.”Well at least you look ready.. maybe smooth down your mane a bit before you go, I mean you still have ten minutes before he's supposed to get here. Plenty of tim............”
“TEN MINUTES!!! I'm not ready!!” Twilight shrieked cutting Spike off and rushing around her room , digging through her dresser to try and find the dress she picked out, completely ignoring that it was on her bed until Rahs pointed it out.
Spike and Rahs took the moment after their sister tried putting it on back wards to step out of the room shutting the door behind them.
“Ruff?” Rahs asked looking down at Spike.
“Yep, operation 'First Date ' is a go, let's go get Shining.”Spike chuckled.
[Outside the Sparkle residence. 2 years remaining until the thousandth year.]
While he would never admit it to any one, Prince Blueblood knew he wasn't the smartest pony in the world. And that was after ruling out all the alicorns and elder ponies from the equation.
Despite knowing this, he had a feeling he was being played somehow. He wasn't sure who it was who was playing him however in this situation. He knew it wasn't Twilight, the mare had been greatly surprised that he had asked her out. He suspected it was his 'cousin' Princess Cadence, though he was almost certain his Aunt Celestia had a hoof in this as well some where.
Realizing that he relaxed in his carriage as he waited for his date to come out of the house. She was a little bit late, though he had no plans to tell her that. In fact it was often expected on dates for the mare to show fashionably late. At least that was what he was told.
If Celestia and Cadence had a hoof in his current situation he would expect sooner or later to find out it was 'for his own good' and he had best enjoy himself while he could. It was also in question whether or not it was he who was getting played or Twilight. Who could understand what the alicorns were thinking?
Still knowing he was not the smartest pony was part of the reason he had some interest in Twilight. As far as he could tell she was' the smartest pony in the world' baring aforementioned elders and alicorns of course. That she was cute also likely helped his choice. Though he had another reason for thinking of her as well.
Her puppy.
The pup had caught his attention on a trip to the palace when he was younger. He didn't recall what his parents were there to discuss, but it was dull. Rather than sit in a stuffy room and listen to the Princess talk with other boring adults before his parents would be allowed to speak, he had slipped out to find out why there was a dog allowed to wander around the castle unattended.
The pup of course had easily noticed the white Unicorn colt following him and had turned it into the most ridiculous game of tag ever. Prince had not even known what tag was until one of the Guards explained it to him after the puppy had booped his nose with a paw and run off.
With the rules of the game firmly in mind, Prince had quickly booped the Guard and run off. By the time the meeting was done, four Guards, three maids, Princess Cadence, four other bored noble foals, a Phoenix, and a very confused Zebra ambassador had been roped into playing a game of tag that tore through the castle and spilled out into several gardens as ponies forgot exactly who was 'it' and tried to tag each other just in case they happened to be 'it'.
It was the most fun Blueblood had ever had.
It was the most annoyed his parents had ever been.
It was also the most amused he had ever seen Princess Celestia. Particularly when Rahs booped her it and she tagged a passing noble and added the rule of 'no backsies'.
It wasn't until much later that he found out the owner of the dog was Princess Celestia's favorite student. A filly who had spent the entire game of tag in the library reading. One who he had kept an eye on, who he would have likely overlooked completely if not for the encounter with her dog.
She had been eight then and Blueblood ten. He still recalled those few hours of free time with fondness, given that from that point on he was enrolled in schools and activities to prepare him for the future at the cost of his present.
His parents had wanted to marry him off to secure some line or another. He had no idea who the filly was that he was to be wed to. He brought it up with his aunt and Celestia put a stop to it, she had done the same with a number of other nobles with the same idea, claiming that the arranged marriages was an old tradition that needed to die out. His parents relented, though the cancellation of the marriage had brought a number of unforeseen consequences.
Namely the now seventeen year old unicorn stallion was now the most eligible bachelor in Canterlot.
He really hated reporters.
Prince was never a small pony. A number of his studies had included physical trainers and he had a number of servants for his personal grooming, so he always looked good and his build had him just shy of your standard Guard only prettier.
The mares ate that nonsense up.
He was swamped with fan mail, from everyone to starry eyed fillys not even in their teens, to desperate cougars that were old enough to be his mother.
He was of course overwhelmed completely.
He had also found out Cadence was an alicorn, the alicorn of love specificly,... he didn't exactly recall when he found out, but the moment all this started he had needed her help immensely.
He would be ninteen soon and he wanted help on figuring out what he should do about his 'fans'. He had been trained to show a public face that radiated poise, grace, nobility, and calm, though it was harder and harder to keep that face when the letters started getting salacious.
His attitude seemed to sour and he started being snapping and indignant. It was not intentional, but after being rude to a few of the more eager mares, he found they left him alone. He didn't want to, but it seemed to work for the ones that got close to him, for the others, well Cadence had a plan for that.
Her suggestion to find a mare he liked, or at least had attributes of a mare he would like and ask her out, was a fair one. Even if the first date did not go well it would reduce his 'fans' a little by showing what he liked. Ones that had some of those attributes or mentality would still bother him, but those who did not should realize they had no chance and get on with their lives.
He had given that some thought, thinking of the mares he had met, though none of them ever struck him as 'date material'. The few who might be would have taken advantage of the date in ways he might not catch until later. Honestly he couldn't think of any mare he was interested in. Of course Cadence sat there staring at him letting him think and that got him nervous. When she finally asked if he had thought of any one the first name to fall from his lips was a name he had not really been considering. A filly he had met perhaps twice for five minutes and both times her head was buried in a book. A filly he only knew because of her dog
Twilight Sparkle.
His traitorous lips had uttered the name and Cadence had squeed like a five year old seeing something so fluffy she could die.
Everything went crazy after that. Cadence had info dumped everything she knew about Twilight to prepare Prince to ask her out. It was only then that he found out Rahs wasn't a pet, but one of Twilight's brothers. That was quite an embarrassing revelation as he had been trying to figure out what breed of dog Rahs was for years.
Still he had to admit Cadence's idea had merit.
Twilight was younger than him by two years, but Prince couldn't help admit he was slightly interested in her. Not really romantically, but she was a interesting young mare, just with all that she had accomplished in life already before even becoming a legal adult.
Had she been of a higher noble house she would have been in the exact same situation that he was in with arranged marriages and countless suitors. Luckily the Sparkle's were nobles in name only and thus she was spared much of the nobilities issues with paparazzi and other nobles.
Perhaps if the date went well, more might come of it than just a passing interest however. Stories claimed love at first sight was common though he knew that was rarely the case, he needed to know her more before anything would bloom.
After all she had accepted..... well, after five minutes of stunned silence, during which she had stared at him like a cow looks at an oncoming train anyway.
His head lifted from his hoof as the front door opened and she stepped out. The lavender furred mare wore a simple cream sundress and her hair had evidently either been let down somehow or had been magically extended as it now reached her knees spilling over her shoulders like a waterfall. He adjusted his lapel and the sun shaped pin that his aunt had given him to wear, giving himself a once over before he moved.
Prince stepped out of the carriage bowing to her as he looked her over, starting to believe that perhaps he did have more than just a passing interest in the pretty mare before him.
“Miss Sparkle. You look lovely.” Prince smiled refraining from attempting to kiss her hoof, it was an old practice and one he was unsure of how she would react to.
“Oh, umm thank you Lord Blueblood.” she blushed at his compliment her face turning more a raspberry coloration than lavender.
“Oh, no no. Please, just call me Prince, Miss Sparkle... in truth I'm not even a lord yet, that's still my father's title.” Prince corrected. At least until I turn twenty one, Prince thought, but I don't want to sound like I'm bragging.
“Hehe alright, umm Prince... but only if you call me Twilight.” Twilight smiled.
“Of course Miss Twilight.” Prince smirked getting a small frown, then a little chuckle from her at his slight change.“Shall we get going? We do not wish to be late for the show. While it does not start for a while yet,it is never a good idea to try and fight the crowds to get in right before showtime.”
“Alright, that sounds good.” Twilight let out a sigh looking at the carriage a moment more, then back to her house.“If you don't mind me asking, why did you wait out here?”
Prince shrugged a little. “I went to the door and was expecting to be let inside, though your mother suggested I wait out here, something about something your father was doing?”
“Ahh. Mom said he was freaking out about something earlier. Must be his work. Not sure what there would be to freak out about as chief astronomer, but I'm sure that's it. He's usually rather calm.” Twilight stated with a small hint of disdain to her voice.
Prince decided not to question it and took the small tone change as a reason to steer the conversation away from her parents if they came up. He had a small warning about that from Cadence. He waited for to climb into the carriage, before smiling softly and shutting the door after her. He walked to the other side of the carriage, brushing off a strand of dust that had settled on the lapel of his pressed white suit and called out to the chauffeurs to be ready. As he climbed into the carriage he paused a moment lifting his head to look around at the surrounding houses curiously.
He had the rather strange and unsettling feeling that some one was watching him
He shrugged and sat down closing the door as the carriage started off down the street, thinking of ways to start a conversation with his date.
A moment later a unicorn stallion with blue hair stepped out of a bush. The unicorn was dressed in a leafy green and brown suit that covered his entire form and was tucked full of branches and leaves. His white furred face and horn was covered with black and brown grease paint and his blue hair was tucked up tight under a hood that was part of the suit. He had seemingly been part of the bush a moment before until he stepped away from it.
A moment or two after that a dark gray canine creature stepped out of the house and walked down the stairs . He wore a tan pair of pants covered with pockets and a light gray jacket that was buttoned up over his chest. Sitting on one of his broad shoulders with a little purple Dragon with green spines, happily munching a small bucket of popcorn.
“Did we miss anything?” Spike asked.
“ Alright let's go, we can't let them get too far ahead of us!”Shining Armor stated, tearing off down the street tumbling and rolling from shadow to shadow, diving into a bush here and there as he progressed in a odd zig zag pattern after the carriage.
Rahs and Spike looked at each other, shrugged, and walked along after their brother.
[Celestial theater. 2 years remaining until the thousandth year.]
The ride was rather pleasant, a bit of small talk with Prince. Nothing complex just chance to talk about random things and relax slightly.
Twilight barely managed to relax at all, she felt wound up like a watch spring, but the discussion was interesting and took her mind off it a little. Prince had asked about her brothers and how everything was going with them. Given that Spike and Rahs were one of her favorite subjects simply due to the fact that no pony knew much of anything about them she eagerly spoke of them. Rahs was a near complete unknown, and Dragon's had never been studied this close before.
By the end of the ride Twilight was highly embarrassed that she had been talking about her brothers the whole trip barely letting him get a word in edge wise. Prince didn't seem bothered by it, he had actually been asking questions here and there about the pair of them, mostly Rahs, but he seemed genuinely interested how she had grown up with Spike as well. It didn't take long for them to arrive.
“Oh dear.” Prince stated with a sigh looking out of the carriage window as they pulled up to the theater.
“What is it?” Twilight asked curiously as Prince scowled.
“The press...... Seems word got out about my coming here tonight.” Prince sighed.
“Is there a problem with them?” Twilight questioned looking out at the throngs of ponies gathered around the entrance to the Celestial theater.
“With the normal ones no, there are a number of polite and cooperative reporters who are actually pleasant with their interviews. “Prince sighed. “Given my standing however encounters with them are few and far between and mostly I deal with the poniratzi. Sharks have better manners than that lot. And it seems they have the place surrounded, we have to go through them to get into the theater.”
“Oh ummmm.” Twilight frowned.
“We can skip the show if you do not wish to deal with them. We can go some where else if you like. If they make you too uncomfortable we can always postpone the date as well. “ Prince smiled. “A rain check for later due to a flood of idiots.”
“They can't be that bad.” Twilight stated causing Prince to blink.
“Surely as Princess Celestia's student you have dealt with them before and know how they work?” Prince asked.
“I can't say I have. I think I met the press once with Princess Celestia. I think I was spooked by the yelling of questions and then the Princess said something and all of them went silent rather quickly. I never even saw a reporter in the palace again after that. At least I don't think I have. The only ponies I ever saw at the palace who didn't work there were ones the Guards were escorting out. I think they were playing with Rahs because they often had chew marks on them.”
Prince blinked again in confusion though he smiled as well.” You are indeed a lucky mare then. Still it would only be a moment of unpleasantness before we are inside the theater. If you are certain, I will advise to try and ignore them and do not answer any questions they may have. These ponies could spin your words into something you did not actually say to fit what ever gossip story they want to add you too.”
“I'll keep that in mind, thank you.” Twilight returned the smile.
“Not how I wished this all to start, but I suppose if you are alright with it, perhaps pretending they do not exist would be best.” Prince sighed opening the door and stepped out as the camera's started flashing around him, lighting up the sunset touched square in front of the theater, as if a weather Pegasus had lost control of a thunderhead.
Twilight winced as she stepped out of the carriage following beside Prince as she walked along trying not to be blinded by the popping of flashbulbs from the throng of ponies milling around them. She took note of the golden glow of Prince's horn as he formed a wedge shield before them, forcing the reporters that had rushed at him to the side as he walked past. It wasn't a very strong bit of magic, but it seemed necessary to navigate the crowd to even get to the front door where a porter let them inside with a bow, shutting the door on the reporters.
Twilight let out a sigh of relief at the escape though she was wishing she wore something a little more covering than her sundress. All those photos made her feel exposed, perhaps that was why nobles always wore something.
“Well, that was unpleasant.” Prince sighed looking back at the doors as they closed behind him. A number of other ponies milled about in the lobby, but most of them seemed more interested in the posters of upcoming plays or the snack bar than the pair who just made it in. Twilight recognized a number of socialites and a few other famous ponies milling about.
“It was alright. Though I didn't expect this many upper class ponies here.” Twilight commented.
“ Really?” Prince finally looked around and blinked in surprise before a realization struck him. “ Of course... it's opening night . I should have known they wouldn't have come here just for me. I need to keep my ego in check, heheheh.”
Twilight chuckled along with him a little. “ I haven't been here in a while, the place hasn't changed that much.”
“Oh, what did you see here last?” Prince asked. “ Also, popcorn?”
“Pass, on the popcorn I mean, we have dinner later after all.” Twilight smiled. “My brothers and I usually come here with Princess Celestia for the Hearth's Warming play, though Rahs was in a amateur production of Beauty and the Beast two years ago. He's a bit of a drama fan, I know he's come here more often than I have.”
“Rahs was in a play here? What part did he play?” Prince asked rather curiously as they wait in line to be led to their seats.
“Guess..” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“The candlestick?” Prince smirked as Twilight laughed.
“No, though that would have been amusing. He actually auditioned for the part of Gaston, though given his race he was typecast as the Beast of course. Still he did a fairly good job of it, nothing show stopping, but the play had favorable reviews.”Twilight explained.
“Pity I missed that. I'm sure it would have been riveting.”
“...AND LOVE IS A LIE, SWEARING NO MATTER WHAT IT WON'T DIE.....” The unicorn playing Edmond sang out on stage.
Twilight and Prince sat four rows from the front watching the play with interest.
“DISAPPEARING LIKE A STAR IN THE SKY, IN THE HOT LIGHT OF MORNING....”Edmond sang on.
Twilight seemed enthralled at the portrayal of the novel as a stage play and Prince had to admit this was far better than he had expected it to be. Still he was worried and continued to glance to Twilight to make sure she truly was enjoying herself. Thankfully it seemed he didn't have to worry about whether or not this was appropriate for her.
“BUT WHAT DO I CARE? THERE ARE WOMEN TO BE HAD EVERY WHERE!!!!” Edmond gestured as he was surrounded by mares rushing up from the edges of the stage to fawn over him.
If only the idiots in the back row would simmer down, it half sounded like there was a brawl back there. At least Twilight didn't seem to notice, so he opted to ignore them as well. Although he was curious as to what was happening he had more important things to be focusing on then some squabble.
“FIRST THERE'S RETRIBUTION I MUST PREPARE, MIGHTY VENGEANCE IS MINE!!!!!” the unicorn gestures and the mares all flee the stage.
And he still felt like someone's eyes were boring into the back of his head.
“Well that was certainly an unexpectedly riveting performance.” Prince admitted.
“I rather liked it, though there were a number discrepancies from the novel I'm not sure should have been left out.” Twilight admitted.
“They only have a limited time to perform, certain things will get cut out if they think it might cause a lull or make the play go on to long. A show will never be exactly like the book, no matter how much one would hope.” Prince admitted as Twilight nodded after a few moments thought on the matter.
Prince moved to the front entrance among the others heading out and noticed the front of the theater was empty.
“Hmm it seems that we will not have the same issue we did coming in. The sharks seem to have found something else to chase.” Prince smiled. “So then shall we head to dinner?”
“Yes please.... I should have taken you up on the popcorn.” Twilight joked as they headed to the carriage.
Again Prince paused as he opened the door for her looking around as he felt eyes on him, though none of the others leaving seemed to be paying attention to him and the only others he saw was a family by a bench. A rather burly unicorn mare in a pink dress and a ….. a stallion, maybe? Reading a paper next to her. In their crib was perhaps the strangest purple foal he had ever seen.
He would have stared a bit longer trying to let his brain process the scene, though a question from Twilight brought him back into focus as he climbed into the carriage. The pair of them setting off for their dinner reservation.
Twilight and Prince arrived at the Le Pré Canterlan with time to spare before their reservation. The extra time gave Twilight a chance to look over the menu. She had never been to a high class restaurant before and in truth would have just been happy with a hay burger.
Particularly after she asked about the prices.
“If you need to ask you are clearly unable to afford us.” The Maitre D’ stated, the Griffon sounded snobbish, but he held the same tone no matter what was asked of him or what he said. Still he kept a careful eye on Twilight until he was sure that she was with Prince Blueblood.
Twilight was less than thrilled with the Griffon's attitude though she followed along with him and Blueblood as they were brought to their table.
They were quickly seated and as the Griffon left, Prince let out a small sigh.
“My apologies for that. Griffon's can be a bit abrasive, and given the Maitre D’s job is to be even more abrasive to those under a certain.... economic status the effect is a bit doubled.” Prince explained.
“It's fine, there's no need to worry about it. I suppose I just asked the wrong question.” Twilight sighed. “All Griffon's can't be that bad.”
Prince shrugged a little at that looking at the menu. “I cannot say all of them no, but my trips to Griffonstone have shown that many of them are rather crass. Enough that that may be the normal state of their race.”
“Really? I was under the impression that Griffonstone was a vibrant culture.”Twilight pondered. “ I wonder why they would be like that?”
“Well it may have been a vibrant culture once, but with the death of their last king it's become something of a mess. Their economy is in shambles and everyone is squabbling over every thing they can get.” Prince explained. “Likely the only reason it has not collapsed into a wasteland already is due to the ones at the top doing all they can to make more bits. They seem to have completely disregarded their own Pinion coins the moment the value dropped to less than half of the Equestrian bit.”
“Really? You've been to Griffonstone?”
“Twice. Though the first time was a class trip and the second time was in a official capacity. “ Prince nodded. “I went as a understudy to the current ambassador of the crown.”
“Oh that's right, I've heard you were studying to join the Royal States Department.”
“Indeed. While not the most glorious of positions, it is a necessary one and I do find myself enjoying the travel despite the study required. I am told I have a head for negotiation, and word play. But I suppose you have me beat by a great deal in the studying department. What career exactly are you trying for?”
“I'm not really. I mean, I wouldn't mind taking over the position of the Royal archivist, but in truth lately I’ve started to get the sense that Princess Celestia is trying to lead me towards something, though I don't know what.” Twilight admitted.
“Yes. I do understand that. My aunt has a habit of playing chess with ponies. Still I wouldn't worry about it. If she has something in mind for you it will likely be for the best in the end.” Prince placated.
About this time a large figure in a suit walked up to the table. Prince looked up a little surprised that the restaurant would hire a Diamond Dog. Still he knew one of the head chefs was a Yak, so perhaps it was not too out of place. Still this one looked familiar. It must have been from a previous visit here as he would have easily recognized that ridiculously oversized mustache had he seen it anywhere else.
“ Le' Bark?” The waiter asked in a slightly Prench sounding accent.
“Oh, I'll have the lentil and pumpkin stew, with the Sous vide vegetable garden salad, and just water to drink.” Twilight responded not looking up from the menu as the waiter wrote it down.
“Le' Arff?” the canine asked Prince who shook his head a moment thinking he misheard the bark if Twilight knew what he said.
“Yes sorry, water as well to drink, I’ll have the charred leeks with white asparagus, hazelnuts and milk skin. Also a side of Bolo do caco, no butter please.” Prince stated watching as the waiter wrote it down, bowed a little, caught his mustache to prevent it from falling off, quickly stuck it back to his face before he retreated to the back with the order.
Prince tried not to be worried about that.
Dinner went quite well, though there was an air of nervousness from Twilight that Prince could easily pick up on. The conversation was pleasant however running over a range of topics, though Prince barely had any input into some of them, even involving the play they had just seen. He was greatly impressed with the amount of knowledge about … well practically everything, that Twilight had. He made a note to recall one or two of the more interesting factoids she spoke of , though unfortunately quite a bit of it reminded him of his last teacher and it took every ounce of will power he had to continue to focus on her.
Likewise he noted that when he went off on a tangent of his interests, she payed attention as well, though she seemed to be struggling when the conversation turned to management and noble pursuits.
The meal was a bit off putting as Twilight was not aware what a tiny serving size was provided from the fancy restaurants. Blueblood was more concerned with the waiter. It was not the same individual that had come through before. The Diamond Dog had been tall. This waiter barely could reach up to place the tray on the table Prince was not even sure what race the small waiter was. He wore a large top hat that hid most of his head and a red mustache that was even larger and more ridiculous than the previous waiter as it hid half his face. He delivered the food quickly and properly enough though as he waddled off Prince could have sworn he had a purple tail poking out of the back of his suit.
It also didn't look like Twilight liked the meal as she was carefully picking at it almost seeming tense as she ate.
The meal was eaten in silence and Prince could tell that this likely was not going to work out between them. Thankfully a incident of one of the waiters nearly dropping a tray of food and another upending a soup tureen over the Maitre D’'s head and quitting urged them to quickly finish and head out.
Prince still felt eyes on him, but at least here it could have been the other nobles in the restaurant.
The ride back was fairly quiet a few snippets of conversation here and there though as they pulled up to her home Prince decided it best he address the issue in case she was too nervous to do so.
“Miss Sparkle...” Prince began.
“Twilight..” Twilight corrected.
“Sorry,Twilight, at any rate did you enjoy our date?”
“I...oh yes … it was fun … just...”Twilight muttered.
“You are not sure if you wish to do so again.” Prince continued.
“Yes, I mean no, I mean.... ughh.” Twilight grumbled.
“It is quite alright Twilight. We move in different circles and have completely different interests aside from a scant few that overlap. It seems we are not exactly compatible romantically, though this is fine. It's the point of a date after all to see if anything past initial attraction exists.” Prince confided. “In this case it seems it does not, unfortunately. Better to recognize that now then to keep trying and become miserable.”
“That was rather insightful...” Twilight smiled.
“Cadence is my cousin.. or something, I don't even know, but she made sure to give me a rather long lecture about love and dating before she would let me go out tonight.” Prince admitted.
“Hehe, I suppose I should have just asked her rather than check out everything in the library.”Twilight admitted.
“That was you? “ Prince questioned.” That was the reason I needed to go to her for advice as there were no books left in the library.”
“Oops.” Twilight chuckled sheepishly.
Prince smirked noting the awkwardness was gone for the moment , the tension seemingly released.
“Still I am glad the attempt was made, even if nothing much came of it.” Prince admitted.
“Well we can't say nothing came of it.” Twilight smiled. “I mean we both have a better understanding of each other now. I suppose if we encounter something that's in the others field of expertise we would have a reliable source of help to fall back on...”
“A rather round about way of saying a 'friend'. “ Prince chuckled.
“Well that works too....” Twilight smiled. “ I suppose it would be easy to get in contact with each other as well either through the Princess or Cadence.”
“Indeed. Though I could just give you my address. Still I do hope you enjoyed the evening Twilight. I hope to see you again sometime, perhaps under less stressed circumstances when we are not trying to make a favorable impression on each other and we can simply be who we are?”
“Sounds good. Perhaps you could join Rahs and I for another play sometime.” Twilight added. “ I expect you two might get along.”
“Ahh that sounds lovely. Though you could always come by for my birthday party in a few months. I'm told it is going to be something of an event.” Prince grumbled not having much say in what his parents were doing with it.
Twilight twitched at that. ”Umm I think I will have to pass, sorry but I don't really do Birthday parties...., I'll send you a card though.”
“Ah well, I won't press it then. I do hope you have a lovely night however Twilight.” Prince bowed his head. “I shall hopefully see you again sometime soon.”
“I'm sure you will. Good night Prince.” Twilight smiled opening the door and leaving the carriage.
Prince waited until she made it to her door before urging his chauffeurs to take him home. The mare had given him a lot to think about. It was a pity that there was nothing more to come of this, it was nice to meet a mare who wasn't too focused on his wealth or status. Perhaps he would get lucky a second time, or even try a disguise... something a bit better than the ones her brothers had worn over the course of the night however.
[Outside the Sparkle residence. 2 years remaining until the thousandth year.]
“Good evening boys. Where are you headed off to this late?” a wispy voice asked.
Rahs and Spike paused looking over to the grayish blue furred elderly mare leaning out of her window tending a small flower garden in the planter hooked to the sil. Her ruby colored mane had faded a good bit , though only a few strands of it were visible tucked into the yellow bonnet she wore.
“Ruff!”Rahs waved.
“Hi Mrs. Coltson. Twilight's going on a date, Shining's having a break down and we're gonna make sure it goes well despite what is sure to be a night full of sitcom like situations.” Spike chimed up getting a curious glance from Rahs, though the canine let the young Dragons genre savvy statement go unquestioned.
“Well isn't that nice. You two have fun. And watch out, I swear I saw a bush run past here a little bit ago.” the older mare warned.
“Oh that was probably Shining. Guard training never stops after all.” Spike chimed.
“Oh dear, I suppose not. The poor colt needs a bit of rest I think. Oh well have a nice night.” The earth pony mare chuckled.
“Thank you Mrs Coltson, we will.” Spike waved from his perch on Rahs' shoulder.
“Woof.” Rahs waved before chasing after their brother, who was still dressed as a bush.
[Celestial theater, side ally]
In the alley running next to the Celestial theater two ponies sat discussing the last arrival and his date.
A gray Pegasus stallion with a lighter gray mane and tail named Shutterbug kept glancing around the corner of the ally to the other reporters milling around, seeing if any one else showed up. He fidgeted with his camera and kept glancing about as if looking for something to snap a shot of.
A light green Unicorn stallion with a black and gray striped mane and tail sat across from him on a crate just inside a slowly lengthening shadow cast by the setting sun. Freelancer was checking over his camera staying in the shadows enough that he could look over his film without ruining it. It was a old practice, one made unnecessary by modern crystal imprinted film, but some camera operators still sought out the dark when dealing with the rolls.
“So you get any good shots?” Freelancer asked the Pegasus.
“A c-c-c-couple of B-B-B-Blueblood. Nothing really g-g-g-g-good though.” Shutterbug stuttered. “Took a f-f-f-few more of his date though. P-P-P-P-Pretty mare that one.”
“Pretty nervous you mean. You recognize her?” Freelancer asked.
“Twilight S-S-S-S-Sparkle, Princess Celestia's s-s-s-s-s-student.” Shutterbug explained after a moment in thought.
“No shit? Well today's my lucky day then. Ahhh here it is and it's perfect too.” Freelance grinned as he looked at a couple of cells in the film he had.
“What's t-t-t-t-that?” the Pegasus asked.
“While you lot were busy snapping pictures of the mare's face, I went for the money shot.”Freelance lecherously grinned.” A perfect photo of a pink panty protecting a pert purple pony plot.”
“Pervert.” Shutterbug shook his head with a smirk.
“Hey pervert or not this sort of thing sells. She shouldn't have worn a dress that short around here. This here's a months vacation for me.”
“So what, you think any of the magazines willing to buy this will care? If her parents sue for that, they'll keep it in ligation until she's old enough to be eighteen and it'll be moot. Plus I'll have my bits and who cares at that point.”
“She will care.”
“Whatever, what she wants doesn't mean jack to me........ hey you didn't stutter......... what?” Freelance blinked as he watched the already monochromatic pegasus sitting across from him go even paler as his eyes were locked on something behind Freelancer.
Turning the Unicorn noted that there was a wall much closer behind him than he first thought. The dark coloration of it almost blended it into the shadow. Hearing a rather unnerving growl he trailed his gaze upward. He was greeted by the shadowy features of some monster that appeared to have two heads, both filled with very, very, sharp teeth, one of them with two points of pale light floating above it like unforgiving eyes and the other crackling with a green flame that danced around the pearly white chompers.
The Unicorn's eyes widened as a a large clawed hand closed around his throat and the other around the film he had, yanking it from his grip and tossing it in the air for the second head to destroy in a glut of flame.
Freelance was a little too focused however on the massive set of jaws right before his eyes to notice the destroyed film.
Shutterbug screamed flying out of the ally only for a clawed limb covered in Navy blue fur to lash out of the alleys shadows and grab the pegasus by the camera strap yanking him back into the ally where the sounds of violence were heard.
The gather reporters stopped their conversations and turned to look at the ally at Shutterbug’s exit and then rapid return to the ally there was a scream and a few more sounds of something being bludgeoned.
The Pegasus was then flung back out of the ally still screaming and without his camera as he took to the air ripping through the sky faster than a Wonderbolt.
The other reporters froze, all eyes on the ally as in their minds they ran over their options. Be brave and get shots of whatever this was or head for the hills. It was in that moment of indecisiveness that a shadowy form moved to the end of the ally still in the shadows cast by the setting sun. It wasn't very big, but it seemed to have two heads
There was a magenta glow that lit up the ally behind the creature that seemed to be coming from a random bush behind the monster. The glow showed the beasts outline much clearer, though only for a moment before the cameras of every reporter were caught up in the glow from the bush and yanked from around their necks and hooves and into the darkness of the ally with the growling beast.
There was the sound of frenzied and violent crunching as thousands of bits worth of camera equipment and film were turned to scrap in moments, though the reporters were still too frozen in shock and fear to move. At least until high pitched voice that sounded like a foal growled and uttered a single word. One that started a stampede of reporters fleeing the area like the gates of Tartarus had opened and their own personal hells were hot on their hooves.
“Run.” the voice had growled through a crackle of fire.
“So how do we get in?” Shining questioned, ignoring the crunching coming from Spike as he ate another claw full of flashbulb crystals while perched on Rahs' shoulder.
“Arf.” Rahs smirked digging into one of his pants pockets and pulling out three season tickets to the theater.
“What?” Shining questioned. “ Where did you get those?”
“Princess Celestia gave us season passes for Heath's Warming last year.” Spike commented through a mouthful of gems. A few of them popped off their last flash while inside the young Dragon's mouth causing his cheeks to light up.
“Well … that was easier than I thought it would be.” Shining shrugged, the stallion having gotten rid of his ghillie suit into one of his saddlebags.
The mare at the ticket booth perked up at the sight of them waving to the Moon Dog and the Dragon.
“ Rahs, Spike hey! I haven’t seen you guys in months. How've you been?” the chartreuse furred mare chimed fluffing up a few locks of her curly orange hair. She was fairly well muscled though she had a deep husky tone that rolled almost musically from her lips. “ And better still who's your handsome friend?”
“Woof.” Rahs smirked as Spike chuckled.
“Handsome friend? Is someone riding on Rahs' other shoulder?” Spike grinned. As Shining rolled his eyes. “ Oh you mean him? That's Shining, our older brother. He's taken though. Sorry Shirley.”
The mare seemed to pout as she settled back.” Awww the good ones always are. I take it he's using Twilight's ticket? Alright you guys can go ahead, I know you're good. Make sure you say hey to Miss Broadway, she's been wondering about you two.”
The trio entered the theater just as a swarm of Guards showed up to investigate a monster attack.
Finding nothing but smashed camera's and a gibbering and battered Freelancer with a number of tooth and claw marks on him, the two oldest of the Guard's who had arrived came to the same conclusion regarding the most likely culprit from their time Guarding the palace and the rather adorable trio that had been there.
The final report that was filed wrote it up as self inflicted injures caused by the Photographer being a ponce who deserved it.
It didn't hurt Freelancer already had three warrants and six restraining orders for some of his 'work' activities. Even the other reporters chocked the damage up as a business expense and wrote it off as dealing with some nobles overprotective bodyguard.
Freelancer got medical help and spent some time in jail.
Shutterbug started taking pictures of flowers, and made more money that way.
“Excuse me sir. Might I have a word with you?”
The well dressed older stallion blinked, looking around a moment at the voice before his gaze dipped down to the small purple dragon standing next to him in the aisle. His wife and daughter also took note of the dragon as well as the large navy furred Diamond Dog with him that had a struggling white Unicorn tucked under an arm.
“Ummm yes?” The noble questioned looking between the two and the struggling unicorn demanding to be put down with more than a little apprehension.
“ My brother and I have come into a quandary of sorts.” Spike stated, sounding posh enough that one would expect him to suddenly spawn a monocle and top hat. “ The theater is a bit more crowded than expected and due to my brothers rather excessive height it seems our usual seats would be detrimental to any pony sitting behind us. In order to avoid such a kerfuffle we thought it prudent to attempt to switch seats with someone in the back in order to avoid becoming troublesome to any one during the play.”
“Well that is rather considerate of you. Though where exactly are your seats located?” The noble began, wondering if this was some sort of a scam.
“Third row center right behind the orchestra pit. It is a bit loud, though they are good seats.” Spike stated showing the tickets. “Given that they are season passes we cannot simply trade tickets, but for the night as crowded as it is we are willing to trade. If the usher questions you please direct them our way and we will settle the matter without any issue.”
The noble considered leaning over to speak with his wife and daughter before quickly agreeing. The three of them headed down to their new seats and Spike and Rahs took a seat with Shining being planted between them.
“Grrrrr.” Rahs grumbled.
“I know you don't like it this far back, but we're not here to see the show.” Spike rolled his eyes as Rahs stuck his tongue out at his brother.
“What are we doing back here? They're way up there, we need to move closer!” Shining fussed only for Rahs to grab him by the horn and slowly turn his head until he could see where Twilight and Prince Blueblood sat.
“This position is better because we can see them easy when the lights dim, but they can't see us. If we took our normal seats we'd be only a row in front of them.” Spike explained eating another claw full of flashbulbs and nearly blinding his brothers as his mouth lit up.
“Mouth closed when you chew.” Shining hissed as Rahs whimpered rubbing his eyes.“Where did you learn to speak fancy any way?”
“Please... I've got drama mutt over here as a brother and with how often I've played and run games of Oubliettes and Ogres with you three, since I was six mind you, I think I can fake an accent by now.” Spike scoffed.
“Huh... good point.” Shining grinned running a hoof over spikes head in a noogie causing the little drake to flail under the assault. “Guess you managed a high Intelligence stat after all. Pity you didn't take a high Charisma stat like me though, already have a mare friend and I still have cute fillys falling over me.”
“Ruff?” Rahs questioned.
“Wait, you mean Shirley?” Spike questioned.
“She did call me handsome.” Shining grinned.
Rahs and Spike looked to each other, before both of them broke out into giggling fits.
Shining blinked, his ears flattening as he looked back and forth between the two.” Okay what's so funny?”
“Bork!” Rahs cackled.
“What?”
“He said, hehehe...he said Shirley’s a stallion, He's the one who played Gaston for the Beauty and the Beast play Rahs was in. He's trying out for some Wong fu new age play now while he works here. Still I guess he does make a convincing filly.”
The sound coming out of Shining's throat was akin to a dead whale as realization that he found a stallion cute, set in. The effect just made his brothers laugh harder.
“...AND LOVE IS A LIE, SWEARING NO MATTER WHAT IT WON'T DIE.....” The unicorn playing Edmond sang out on stage.
Rahs was enthralled, leaning forward in his seat his tail wagging as he watched the performance, his ears perked up and his amber eyes glued to the stage.
“DISAPEARING LIKE A STAR IN THE SKY, IN THE HOT LIGHT OF MORNING....”Edmond sang on.
Spike had to admit that the show wasn't too bad. A little more singing than he liked, but at least the music was fast paced. Still the twisted tale of revenge would have been right at home in one of their Oubliettes and Ogres sessions. He might need to work on something for the next time he ran a game. He couldn't use the idea on Twilight and Rahs, they both knew this story, he would need a new group before he could run something like this. An old player coming back for revenge against the pc's that he thought betrayed him. Classic.
“BUT WHAT DO I CARE? THERE ARE WOMEN TO BE HAD EVERYWHERE!!!!” Edmond gestured as he was surrounded by mares rushing up from the edges of the stage to fawn over him.
Shining Armor was not having a good time. He had tried to leave his seat several times to try and go stop what he thought was Blueblood putting the moves on his sister, only to be stopped by Spike with logic, or Rahs with brute force. As well trained as Shining was he still wasn't able to move Rahs when he was focused on something. And right now the Moon Dog was dead set on watching the stage show, so much to the point that the last time Shining had tried to rush off to stop Blueblood, Rahs had simply sat on him, resulting in a short brawl between the two brothers which Rahs only won because he cheated going for Shining's ticklish spots.
“FIRST THERE'S RETRIBUTION I MUST PREPARE, MIGHTY VENGEANCE IS MINE!!!!!” the unicorn gestures and the mares all flee the stage.
After a bit of struggling he managed to get free of his brothers fat ass, though the most he was allowed after he got loose was glare at the back of Blueblood's head.
“She's getting away.” Shining cursed as the crowd rose at the end of the performance milling about in the aisles towards the rooms exits. Blueblood and Twilight were currently slowly moving towards the exit.
Rahs however ignored his brothers frantic pacing, setting Spike on his shoulder as he made his way away from the exits towards the stage. The cast had already taken their last bow and went back stage , though a older black and white palomino earth pony mare was on the stage collecting the flowers the crowd had thrown onto the stage. Rahs lifted a paw waving to her as he approached. The mare looked a little surprised , but she smiled in return.
“Rahs hunny. I was wondering when we'd get tah see you again.” the mare smiled speaking in a voice that changed pitches oddly. Rahs climbed up onto the stage before digging into a pocket of his pants for a small book, flipping though it before he started to move his ears in random directions , having to lift a hand up to position one in a direction he wanted.
“Not bad hun, you're getting better at your signing. You didn't even mention snails that time.” The mare chuckled. “And Spike you've gotten a lot bigger since I saw you last.”
“Hello Miss Broadway.” Spike practically shouted. “Sorry for not coming around more.”
She stared blankly at the dragon before looking to Rahs who started moving his ears again, though he had to flip through the book again to find the right position. The mare noticed this and chuckled.
“You don't have to humor me by showing up if you're not a fan young Spike, though I do wish you would let me teach you the piano, you have the claws for it.” The mare smiled picking up another flower off the stage before her eyes took note of the stressed white stallion climbing up onto the stage after Rahs.” And who is this?”
“Shining Armor ma'am. Rahs we need to go after her.”Shining fussed.
“After who hun?” The mare asked Shining as Rahs looked exasperated as he tried to signal with his ears again.
“My sister, she's on a date and we need to get after them before they get out of the lobby.” Shining stated, though when he turned away she looked back to Rahs who flopped his ears about again. Shining turned back and finally noticed the book Rahs had and the positions of his ears.” What are you doing?.. Is that Guard cant?”
“Sign actually. Rahs has been trying to learn it since he met me. Been deaf since I was a foal after a parasite got in my ears from a swimming pond.” The mare nodded. “I can read lips fine, but Spike and Rahs here aren’t ponies so their lip movements are odd, and I can't read them.”
“Oh I'm sorry I didn't know...” Shining began and the mare shook her head.
”Don't be dear, it's been forever since I could hear anything. I have to read along with the script to enjoy my plays.”
“Err sorry Miss , but we do need to go , we have to get out of here and get outside before Twilight does.” Shining brought up quickly.
“Oh Twilight? She's on a date?” She looked up as Rahs' ears start moving again.” Well will wonders never cease. I thought that filly wasn't gonna be much more than a crazy old cat mare with as buried in books and study as she is.”
Spike chuckled and Rahs flicked his ears only for Shining to thwack him in the belly with a hoof.
“I can understand Guard cant Rahs, I'm a Guard, I trained in it.”Shining growled.” And for the record I am not freaking out, and your left ear needs to be at three o'clock otherwise you just said ' freaking trout'.”
Rahs growled as the mare laughed. Rahs' ears started moving again and the mare nodded. “Of course you can dear just be sure to bring them back when you're done. You can head around the eastern stage exit to get around to the main lobby before this crowd disperses. “
“Really?” Shining blinked.” Just like that?”
“Oh anything for such a devoted theater buff.” She reached up and Rahs ducked his head down a little , his tail wagging as she petted his head with a hoof. “ You'd best hurry it won't take any one long to get out of the lobby. Also Rahs dear I would say the one we used for that western a while back named after a bug.”
Rahs grinned and started to move past the mare to back stage followed by a confused Shining Armor.
“Thanks Miss Broadway” Spike hollard with the enthusiasm of one who thought a deaf pony could hear him if he just yelled.
“He would have done well as Gaston.” Miss Broadway chuckled.” Pity I’m just the stage owner and not the director. Still I wonder if I can work a play out of those three trying to meddle in their sisters date. Probably be as humorous as a Midsummer Morning's Daydream.”
[Outside, five minutes later. ]
“How did I let you talk me into this....?” Shining growled from under the lightish red,[he refused to call it pink] bonnet that he had pulled over his head to hide his hair and face.
“Rowf” Rahs stated from where he sat on the bench in a blue dress suit, his upper body hidden behind a comically large newspaper with a big picture of Celestia on it with a caption reading' Let them eat cake'.
“What?” Shining demanded.
“He said he doesn't have the hips to pull off that dress like you do.” Spike grinned kicking back in the canopied stroller with a cackle. The group of them were sitting on a bench outside the theater off to the side of the main road trying to look inconspicuous. Spike was stretched out in a stroller buggy that Shining was half hunched over peering out of a crack between the buggy and the awning over it.
“I'm going to have to hurt both of you if you tell anyone about this.” Shining growled.
“Bork.”Rahs grinned.
“I don't know what exactly you said but I know that grin and I swear on my dead relatives, and even on the ones who are not feeling too good, that I will end you if you tell Cadence.” Shining Armor growled as Rahs and Spike snickered.
“Here she comes, quiet.” Spike snapped ducking back down in the foal buggy.
Shining kept his eyes on Blueblood, looking down at Spike whenever the noble looked their way. Rahs drew in a sharp gasp of breath as Blueblood focused on the two of them, but Twilight said something from inside their carriage and distracted him, enough that he climbed into the carriage without a second glance at them.
“Ruff” Rahs stated helping Spike out of the buggy and setting the paper into it as he watched Shining try and take off the dress without ripping it.
“So we can't tell Cadence... but what about mom. Shouldn't she know you've been cross-dressing?” Spike smirked as Rahs snorted back a laugh.
Shining glared at his brothers from under the lightish red head covering and growled.” I swear by my pretty floral bonnet I will end you....”
[Outside the Le Pré Canterlan]
“I don't suppose you have a ticket for this place.” Shining asked as Rahs shook his head, the trio looking up at the fancy restaurant before them.
“There's no way I could afford to eat here on my allowance.” Spike shuddered.
Rahs shrugged as Shining paced nervously.
“Okay , let's go around to the side of the building, there's a few windows there, maybe we can boost Spike up to one so he can check and see if he can see Twilight.” Shining stated heading into the ally with his brothers hot on his hooves. He turned to say something only for his eyes to narrow and a sigh to escape his lips.
Spike and Rahs were a few paces away and both of them sporting fake mustaches that they had picked up from the props department at the theater after dropping off everything else.
“You two need to take this more seriously. Twiliy might need our help in there!” Shining scolded.
“Bark!”
“Yeah Rahs, I bet he is just jealous cause he can't grow such a awesome mustache.” Spike chimed in. Both he and Rahs paused dramatically, their claws reaching up to twirl their new facial hair causing Shining to slap his face with a hoof.
“GAAAH!!! Where are dey?!” a voice shouted as a door slammed open in the side of the restaurant further down the ally. A large furry creature with shaggy cream colored fur and a large pair of curved horns poking out of the sides of his head and a large white chefs hat between them. The yak looked up and down the ally, his eyes hidden under the shimmering bangs of his fur. In fact his whole body glistened in the light. Rahs nearly sneezed as even at this range the amount of hair spray holding the Yak's fur in place was tickling his nose. The Yak finally noticed them and let out a relieved sigh.
“Youse guys the temps? Course youze is why else would youse be back here. Get yer flanks and tails in here, we got a rush and ay need all tha help ay ken get.” The Yak shouted waving them in.
Spike was in awe of the amount of hair on the creature, having never seen a Yak before.
Rahs was trying hard not to sneeze from the ridiculous amount of hair product the Yak wore. Though if he was a chef, that was likely to keep hair out of ponies food.
Shining was thanking the universe that everything seemed to be working out so he could keep an eye on his sister.
Five minutes later Shining Armor was cursing the universe.
The Yak was the head chef here and had a name Shining couldn't pronounce. Spike had tried and mangled it each time. Not like the Chef said it the same every time he said his name any way. He also seemed to switch accents every time he spoke.
They were brought to a side room, briefly met the Maitre D' who did his best to explain his utter disgust at using temps and how the three of them should be kissing his claws that they even got the chance to set foot in the door, before he gave out the assignments.
Spike and Rahs were both given fancy suits, for some reason the restaurant had clothing that fit them fairly well. The pair of them were to take orders and deliver the food as well as collect dishes and clean up the tables.
Shining was given a faded and somewhat dirty tan smock and told he had the most important job in the kitchen.
It was at this point in his life where learned the Universe had a sick sense of humor. It was also about the point he started using all of the crass language he had picked up in the Guard training over the last few years as he started washing yet another greasy plate.
With as chaotic as everything was in the back room, no one seemed to notice his brothers popping up to talk with him every so often, though they often brought more dishes for him to wash.
Rahs had seen Twilight and Blueblood and had even taken their order unnoticed, and Spike had served them with the same result. Blue blood didn't seem to be trying anything and Twilight didn't seem upset, just nervous, which wasn't much different then when she left the house.
Shining wanted to take a peek out there himself , though every time he tried the Griffon Maitre D’ always chose that moment to poke his head in the back, immediately shouting at Shining to get back to work and stay away from the front lest his scruffiness be seen by the clientele.
The third time this happened the Maitre D’ launched into a tirade that made Shining freeze up with flashbacks to his Drill Sergeant. The Griffon wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise and the tirade drew the attention of everyone in the back.
Right about the point where the Griffon had started placing the blame for Shining's evident incompetence on his family Rahs and Spike came into the back. Neither of them said anything and they both adopted a bored expression and they moved between Shining and the Griffon.
The Griffon paused in confusion at the pair, though neither said anything for a moment. Rahs then bent over and picked up Spike holding him up at eye level to the Griffon. Spike pulled off his super fluffy mustache and slapped the griffon across the beak with it before reattaching it to his face. Rahs set his brother down and peeled off his own mustache before slapping the stunned Griffon across the beak with it on the other side before putting it back on. He then bent over picking up Spike again who held a half emptied soup tureen that a couple had failed to finish. Spike stretched out his arms and dumped the remaining luke warm lentil and carrot soup over the Maitre D’s head.
“I quit.” Spike stated as he was set back down.
“Woof.” Rahs agreed.
“What they said.” Shining added snapping out of his flashback.
The group of them pulled off their suits, tossed them before the stuttering and stunned Griffon before the trio walked out the back door. The rest of the kitchen staff and the head chef looked at the Griffon , whose mouth was moving like he was trying to say something, but was instead doing a rather good fish impersonation, then at each other, and broke out laughing.
Outside the trio walked past a another small group. An Earth pony who seemed lost and a tall Diamond Dog and a super short Diamond Dog.
“Cornstuck, you say this the place three places ago!” The small beige Diamond Dog muttered.
“It's Corn Husk, Mungo, and this map the agency gave me isn't very good, there's also a lot of restaurants around here.” The gold and tan Earth pony sighed.” Merta what is it?”
The larger of the Diamond Dogs a dark gray female was staring after the three who just passed them, her eyes focused on Rahs, a smirk across her muzzle.” That one cute....”
“Huh?” Mungo demanded.
“That hound! Very exotic...” The Diamond Dog female chuckled patting the smaller male's head as he ranted about some other dog drawing his girls eye.
Stepping out of the ally the three of them were in fairly good spirits and were laughing at the expression that had been on the Maitre D’s face. It wasn't until Shining noticed Blueblood's carriage roll past that he recalled the whole point of them being there.
“Quick we have to get after them before they go to lovers leap or some dark corner somewhere!” Shining freaked out prompting Rahs to slap his brother in the back of the head. “ Ow!”
“I think they are on the road that heads back to our house.” Spike considered.
“GAH! That's even worse, we need to get back there before she does so she doesn't know we were tailing her.” Shining fretted.
Rahs and Spike looked at each other and shrugged, they had been following their brother's lead most of the night anyway, what was a bit more. Rahs picked Spike up setting him on Shining's back and the trio took off into the night after the carriage.
Shining Armor, Rahs, and Spike raced through the streets, cutting across yards, hopping over fences, tearing down alleys and interrupting back yard parties.
Rushing through a Griffon's cook out, Rahs snagged a hotdog thanking the chef before clamoring over the next fence as he scarfed it down.
A few houses later Shining armor leaps over a fence with Spike barely holding on. The White Unicorn yelps as he starts to come down in a large in ground pool. His horn glows and a disk like shield forms under him as he lands on it, his momentum carrying them skidding across the surface of the pool to the other side where he hops onto the pool deck and continues to run bursting through some bushes and leaving three mares confused at to what just happened.
A moment or so later Spike waddles back before the mares with a grin under his comically large mustache.
Spike took a small bow. “Good evening ladies. Lovely night isn't it? “ Spike chimed offering a claw.”I'm Spike, pleasure to meet such pretty mares.”
The three mares in question tittered at the compliment only to yelp as Rahs ran around the pool, darting between them and Spike, scooping up the little Dragon as he continued the mad chase after Shining.
“Write me!” Spike called back after them as he was carried off into the night.
Shining arrived at the house to see the carriage still out front. He grinned rushing towards it only for Rahs to collapse on top of him panting heavily and flailing about as was not even remotely used to running.
It took Spike and Shining both to get the Moon Dog into the house , where he collapsed like a lump in the middle of the living room floor whimpering.
“You need to exercise more.” Shining chided his eyes widening as Rahs' ears shift into a different position with a few flicks.” Oh I see you need a book otherwise , but THAT you can cant perfectly.”
“She's coming in!” Spike hissed hopping up into a chair and grabbing a random book from a shelf before he realized what it was and tossed it back sticking out his tongue that he grabbed one of his mothers romance novels.
Shining snatched up the sports page of the paper, glancing over to the others his horn flared and he yanked Rahs and Spike's mustaches off their face shoving them under the couch, much to Spike's annoyance.
Rahs simply lay there like an exhausted lump.
Twilight closed the door behind her walking towards the stairs before glancing into the living room and seeing her brothers there.
“So how was your date?” Shining asked trying to sound casual.
“It was good. Seems we're not a fit for each other however.” Twilight smiled a little as she regarded the three before her ears flattened to her head as she glared at them.”Of course you three already knew that didn't you?”
“Bark?” Rahs asked.
“Don't give me that. Honestly how dumb do you think I am? I can understand maybe seeing you at the theater just because I know Rahs wanted to see that show, but I’m not even going to ask how you got into the restaurant as waiters, or what was up with the dress and stroller! Were you trying to ruin my first date?! Seriously what do you three have to say for yourselves?”
Shining winced trying to find the words to defend himself.
Spike and Rahs simply looked at each other nodded in a silent agreement. Both then pointed to Shining Armor.
“It was his idea.” They both chimed in.
Twilight's attention focused on Shining as he glared at the other two.
”Traitors.” Shining cursed as his younger brothers took that opportunity to slip out of the room.
Twilight glared at him though Shining decided that he was the big brother. It was his job to protect and watch over his sister. He stood up walking over to twilight his jaw set, as he cleared his throat.
“Look Twiliy. I get that you are upset, but we were worried about you and decided to tag along so Blueblood didn't do anything. I was simply trying to protect you for your own good...” Shining explained his eyes widening as he noticed Twilight's eye suddenly twitch at his last words.
“For my own good? FOR MY OWN GOOD!?!” Twilight roared as unpleasant memories of the last time those words were used against her came up. Her hair sprung up in a number of places and her mane and tail started smoking for a moment before she suddenly calmed down, staring daggers at her older brother. “You know what. No. I'm not even going to do anything to you about this.... this... boneheadedness of yours.”
“Boneheadedness?” Shining questioned the choice of words still trying to stand up tall against her anger.
“Yes..... I am not doing anything. I'm just going to tell Cadence what happened since she helped set this date up.”Twilight growled.” She can deal with you.”
For the second time that night Shining found himself making a noise much like a dying whale as he felt his panic rise.
[ Rahs and Spike's Room]
“ You know we're not getting out of this unscathed right?” Spike shuddered. “ Either Twilight of Shining is gonna get us.”
Rahs shrugged. “Woof.”
“Oh yeah good point, let me check.” Spike stated waddling over to his bed and pulling out a scroll opening it up to look it over. “ Let's see. Mom had ten bits on Dad screwing up the date, so she loses. None of us screwed it up so Twinkleshine, Moon Dancer, and Minuette lost out. Clearly they didn't hook up so Cadence loses her bits.....”
“Woof.”
“ Hey you knew that was a long shot when you placed your bet. Seriously, 'meets another pony and falls in love mid date?' Sounds like some sort of romantic comedy.” Spike snorted. “ And my catastrophic failure option didn't pay out. Lets see Shining Lights said she would do something dumb and he would run.... Ahh, Lemon Hearts gets the pot she said neither would like each other and that's the closest.”
“Bark.”
“Yeah okay, Lyra's interrupted by a invasion of bug ponies was a bit more out there than yours, but still.” Spike rolled his eyes.
[ Canterlot Castle]
“Ahh Prince... how did you date go?” A voice called from behind him. Blueblood paused looking back as the regal form of Princess Celestia strode towards him. He offered a small bow to her before he spoke.
“Quite well Prin..... auntie Celestia. I do not think there will be another however. Though we both agreed to that. We are a little too different for anything to work.” Prince stated walking a little slower to keep pace with Celestia as he moved beside him.
His aunt had been nice enough to offer he and his chauffeurs a place to stay in the castle for the night so that after the date they wouldn't be running down the mountain too late to get to the summer home his family was staying at while the manor here in Canterlot was having work done on it.
Still despite her generosity Prince couldn't help but let a touch of annoyance creep into his voice as he spoke again.
“Though honestly I am not sure why you are asking me such things since you know how it went.”Prince continued, his tone causing Princess Celestia to slow a little, though the Prince didn't match her speed this time.
“Oh? And how would I know that?” Celestia asked.
“Princess please.” Prince sighed. “I may not be your student and I may be a blond, but seriously even if one of my classes had not trained me to detect scrying, the little lapel you gave me was practically glowing with your magic. I'm amazed Twilight didn't ask about it. If I could detect such with my meager skills she certainly could.”
“Oh dear....”Celestia chuckled slightly.” I suppose I did not think that far ahead, though I was a little too curious as to how it would go.”
“While I appreciate your concern Pr... Auntie. And I do thank you for letting me stay in the guest rooms tonight, I feel this sort of spying demands some sort of repercussion.“ Prince stated.
“Oh? Going to bring me before the court for illegal spying?”Celestia smiled.
“Of course not. Even if the charges were to stick, there is no one willing to enforce such a thing on you.” Prince smiled as he reached the door to his room. “I'm simply going to tell Princess Cadence what happened when I talk to her tomorrow and let her deal with you. Good night auntie.”
Celestia flinched as the door closed, before chuckling a little at his words. Blueblood had a promising future ahead of him. Pity he and Twilight didn't work out.
Still what she had planned for Twilight, was coming far sooner than she liked, it might be for the best if Twilight wasn't dating. If they had hit it off Celestia didn't think she could have sent Twilight away to get what was needed with any sort of ease.
For now however she had best get to the kitchen and stock up on cake. Cadence would likely use her love of them against her somehow when the pink alicorn found out about her spying on the couple.
Cadence took her shipping very seriously.
[ Canterlot, Outside the side gate]
A thud and clatter of hooves drew one of the Royal Guards attention to the courtyard. Stepping out into the night the white furred stallion looked over the massive doors leading to the road outside and numerous chariots owned by the Princess and other visiting nobles parked in the courtyard.
His ears perked up from his golden armor as he moved around the side of Prince Blueblood's carriage, certain this was where the sound came from.
His eyes scanned over everything without noticing anything out of place or particularly interesting. He shrugged and turned to head back inside when he paused, his brain telling him something was wrong.
The stallion turned back to look around the carriage again, his eyes scanning over the area with more interest and care trying to see what he might have missed that gave him pause.
Carriage, chariot, carriage, pink Alicorn, carriage, wagon. The same things as before.
He shrugged, heading off into the Guard house again. Nothing interesting out here. Must have been that opossum that was always hanging around.
Cadence smiled as the Guard trotted off. Her spell had worked well all night. She had been right behind Twilight and Prince for most of their date and neither of them had even noticed her.
It was a little upsetting that the pair had not worked out, though the goal here was more to get them both more comfortable with others rather than have them fall in love with the first person they had the slightest interest in. She couldn't make love where there was none after all. Had there been enough of a spark she could have made it much more. But neither wanted to continue, so she simply let it go.
Celestia frowned as she looked out of her window over Canterlot. Below her, her little ponies were making the final preparations for the celebration. Every city in Equestria was going to have some sort of party for the celebration. It had become a rather extensive tradition.
Looking back she should have stopped this event when it first started. The last thing she wanted was for Her to return and see Ponies celebrating her defeat.
Still it was too late now, they say hindsight is 20/20, well if that was the case Celestia had a telescope.
Her preparations were all in order. No one below knew what was going to happen. The only ones who did were a small number of trusted servants and Guards, ones without immediate families to boot. They had already gone into seclusion in the old crystal mines under the city. She fully expected they would be ready to wage a rebellion to reclaim Canterlot from Her.
Celestia had no illusions about who would win when the fight between them came. The last few years had shown an increased difficulty in moving the moon at night. The power coming off it alone was enough to give her warning of what was to come.
She had sent Cadence and Prince Blueblood off to the Minotaur nation to forge a 'new trade' deal after an issue arose with the old one. Prince was less than happy with it as he was still focused on trying to find the mare who had captured his heart on his twentieth birthday. Odd that not long after his failed date with Twilight he had found what he was seeking, only to lose it again. she rather hoped he found her soon, Celestia was not fond of the mask he had adopted to keep other mares from seeking his attentions.
Cadence was easier to convince, particularly after she promoted Captain Shining Armor her Guards Commander.
As for the trade deal, there was nothing wrong with the old one. The Minotaur were one of Equestria's staunchest supporters. King Kaz was the god of fire after all and what was her sun but the ultimate fire?
Once darkness fell she expected Cadence and Kaz would work something out to help overthrow Her. The Minotaurs were the most technologically advanced race on Equss. She was a thousand years out of date with technology, the new 'magic' would surprise her.
It was her student though that had most of her focus. Earlier in the day Twilight had sent her a letter warning her of the possible return of an old pony tale threat, Nightmare Moon.
Celestia had actually written off her initial plan a while ago. The idea of putting Twilight and her brothers on the front line against Her was unacceptable. Still, she sent a few copies of the books about the Elements of Harmony and the prophecy to be placed in Twilight's collection a year ago when Twilight and her brothers moved into the old observatory tower.
Twilight had put forth a rather convincing argument for getting out of her parents house years ago, but it took until she turned eighteen before she was allowed to. And she spent the day after her birthday moving everything out of her parents house.
Twilight still had not forgiven them for the events of eight years ago it seemed. Twilight, Rahs, and Spike had moved into the tower fully at the start of the year and as far as Celestia knew, were still unpacking their things, she had planned to visit, but with what was coming, time was not something she had.
Celestia couldn't help but smile at the letter as she wrote her reply. Despite her plans to keep Twilight away from Her, as best she could, her student had found something and was not likely to let it go.
She wrote back to Twilight, wording a letter that would send the trio to Ponyville where the Sun Celebration was to be held this year. The choice was made to put Celestia as close to where She would return as possible to minimize damage to anything and to keep Her from going straight to Canterlot.
The idea was to send Twilight to Ponyville to oversee the preparations. She and her brothers would likely be there for a long time. Golden Oaks library had a few choice books that would be needed. Things Celestia had 'donated' a while back when the plan was first in play.
Worst case Scenario Twilight would be trapped in Ponyville while She had to deal with the rebellions popping up all over. There was no reason for Her to stay in the small town. That way her student was sure to be safe, well as safe from eternal darkness as any pony.
Twilight would have time, and the delayed delivery spell she had set up with of all the information Celestia had on the Elements of Harmony would show up the day after the Sun Celebration so that Twilight would know exactly what to do if all Celestia's other plans failed.
There was the issue with the other Element Bearers. Celestia had no clue who they were having lost track of whomever did the Rainboom early on. But she expected that the Element's would choose to draw their bearers together in a time of need.The list of things Twilight needed to check on would take her across Ponyville to meet a number of various ponies. Any of them could be the Bearers. Mayor Mare was the one who chose the ponies to prepare the festival, she simply sent Twilight that list.
Truthfully she expected Twilight might already be traveling with two of the Bearers. Rahs was loyal to his siblings almost to a fault, and Spike was rather earnest in everything he did. He also had no real filter and spoke his mind easily. Really though Honesty was a hard one to pin down most times.
She knew Rahs would protect Spike and Twilight to the best of his skills, despite having some connection to Her.
With the time delivered information, perhaps Twilight could find the others and gather the Element's of Harmony before the eternal night caused too much damage for Equss to recover from.
Despite all her planning and preparation, she had just as much fear of what was going to happen soon as she did years ago.
Celestia still considered it odd however that despite all that she had prepared, she felt her greatest hope for victory lay with an unstable Unicorn, a baby Dragon, and a creature created by the very enemy Equestria was to face.
One upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria. There were two regal sisters, who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger, brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus the two sisters maintained balance in their kingdom for their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day the younger alicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young ones heart, turned her into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom, The Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon......
“........ and harmony has been maintained in Equestria ever since.” Twilight concluded looking at the book more closely.
The young lavender furred mare shifted on the grass where she lay under a tree on a small blanket so as not to damage the book she was reading by setting it on the bare grass. Her lavender fur was nearly groomed and her purple hair with a magenta stripe had been allowed to grow until it spilled over her back curling slightly at the end. It was a bit more time consuming than a shorter mane style she had wore while younger, but she wasn't deaf to the compliments her longer hair brought her while she was still dating.
The filly had filled out well as she turned into a mare, enough that even after the flood of suitors that came after Prince simply due to her sudden popularity, she had a number of young stallions who attempted to woo her with little success. She had been on other dates, though after the first few were uninteresting and a particularly pushy one was teleported into the deep snow at the top of the Manterhorn above Canterlot, she started turning all of them down in favor of focusing on her studies.
Twilight tapped the last page of the book again curiously, looking at the drawing of the Elements.
“Elements of Harmony... I know I've heard of those before.... but where...?”
Twilight moved down the path lost in her own world as she considered where she had read about those before. She had only picked that particular book because she didn't recall having read it yet. It must have been from one of the ones Princess Celestia had given her when she moved into the tower. It was decidedly an interesting read, but it was obviously written as an old pony tale. She would have disregarded it when she was younger, but she had since learned that many of the 'old pony tales' had a few grains of truth in them. This one was sticking with her harder than usual for some reason and she knew she would need to find out where she had seen the reference to the Elements of Harmony before or she would go crazy.
“There you are Twilight!”
Twilight stopped dead in her tracks blinking in confusion as her brain came back into focus now that it had to work on more than just putting her hooves down in a manner conductive to walking.
Lemon Hearts, Minuette, and Twinkleshine stood before her, all three carrying wrapped gifts. Twilight's brain quickly rolled though her mental checklist to try and figure out who the gifts might be for, her mind clicked onto Moon Dancer.
“ Moon Dancer is having a little get together in the west castle courtyard.... wanna come?” Twinkleshine grinned as did the other two.
Even if her own mind hadn't been blaring warning bells already, those smiles would have set it off.
“Oooh, uhh sorry girls.... but you know how I feel about birthday parties...... besides I've got a lot of studying to catch up on...” Twilight muttered before darting off in another direction at full gallop.
The trio looked after her and sighed.
“There is decidedly something wrong with that mare.” Lemon Hearts stated.
“I didn't realize that birthday parties were a real phobia” Minuette commented.
“It's called fragapanophobia.” Twinkleshine explained. “It's a real thing with her, according to Spike and Rahs any way.”
“At least those two said they were coming.”Minuette smiled.” I guess trying to convince her it was just a regular party wasn't gonna work.”
“I wonder how she knew it was birthday party.” Lemon Hearts considered.
The other two pondered that as well, completely oblivious to the gifts on all their backs.
Twilight raced back to her tower nodding a little as she passed Lyra and Shining Lights who waved at her.
Racing up the stairs she flung open the door, only for the door to hit something unyielding and bounce back smacking her in the face and nearly knocking her back down the stairs.
Twilight sat down hard, rubbing her nose as the door opened up and a large navy furred figure glared down at her with amber eyes, rubbing his shoulder with a paw.
“Woof!” Rahs growled.
The Moon Dog had grown a little taller in the last two years, he was at the point that if he stood on his back legs he could look Princess Celestia in the eyes, and like Celestia he towered above every other pony. On all fours he was at eye level with Twilight, and his build made him seem more the size of a particularly burly stallion.
The lankiness of his teen years was still present, but he had filled out enough that unless some one had not ever seen a Diamond Dog they wouldn't confuse him with one. His features had taken on a bit more feline aspect with his face and unlike normal Diamond Dogs his back legs, while digitigrade, were not tiny compared to the rest of him. He was well muscled, more so now than before but it was lean rather than bulk. All four of his paws were more cat like and the front two were capable of finer manipulation unless his claws were out. His ears and tail remained feline like, though his ears had gotten longer to the point Spike had joked he was part rabbit. The glowing balls of light at the end of his tail and ear tips had not brightened any, nor had they gotten any bigger or changed and most ponies never even noticed them.
He still wore pants, less because of fear now and more from utility of all the pockets he had in them. While at home he usually only wore the pants though he had a long coat that he had worn in a western style play that he had loved to the point that Broadway had given it to him. He wore the duster pretty much everywhere from that point on.
Miss Broadway had hired him on at the Celestial Theater a year ago to do odd jobs around the place, much as she had done with Shirley. Her former permanent worker had made a name for himself and quit working at the theater which allowed Rahs to step in. Rahs had considered the Royal Guard at one point, though the recruiter wasn't willing to sign in a Diamond Dog. Celestia wasn't happy with the why, which was complete political fluff, but she gave Rahs a number of alternate ideas he was considering.
“Sorry, I didn't see you there...” Twilight apologized.
“That's because it's a door not a window.” Spike chimed up from behind Rahs, the little dragon carrying a gaudily wrapped present as well.
Spike had not changed much at all aside to grow a bit taller and become nearly as smart as Twilight. He was still a pudgy little purple Dragon, but what he lacked in size he had more than made up in snark. Twilight blamed his older brothers for that. Particularly Rahs, given the fact that no one but Spike and Twilight were able to understand him when he spoke normally, Rahs didn't bother with stifling any smart ass comment that came to mind. Over the years that had an affect on her little brother as his sarcasm filter was skewed beyond repair.
At least Spike hadn't picked up any swearing. Rahs could be rude, but he still had the sense to watch his language around Spike.
“ Bark?” Rahs asked his ears perking up.
“The fire? Oh right. Spike find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.” Twilight ordered getting a stare from the brothers as she raced past them looking over the book shelves filling their home.
Twilight turned to them, noting that both of them were carrying presents.” What are those for?”
“Gifts for Moon Dancer.”Spike sighed.
“Oh Spike you know we don't have time for that sort of thing.” Twilight chided looking through a stack of books.
“But we're on a break!” Spike protested.
“Woof.” Rahs countered.
“My schedule? What about my schedule?” Twilight demanded.
Rahs held up to claws.” Woof.”
“What? When did I free up two hours for a party!?!” Twilight demanded.
“When Celestia canceled all classes for this week. Which means you can at least go say Happy birthday to Moon Dancer, before you come back here and bury your nose in a book again. She really wants you to come, even if only for a little bit.” Spike grumbled. His eyes narrowed into a glare to meet Twilight's.”Oh no you don't, out of every one else around here we know what your issue is and you're never gonna get over that if you keep hiding from it.”
“I don't have time for that I need to find that book.” Twilight fussed and both Spike and Rahs rolled their eyes. Her horn lit up and she started pulling books off the shelf looking at them with a growing scowl. “ No, no, no, no...... SPIKE!!”
“Don't yell at me. I might have agreed to be your assistant for an allowance, but I'm not some slave to be ordered around.” Spike growled.” And for the record this is the third time I've had to say that. One more and I should set the library on fire just as a obvious' I quit' statement that even you would understand.”
Rahs took that moment to step between them before things became too heated between the siblings. He was far from the voice of reason, but every so often an argument would break out between two of the three of them, it happened with siblings, and it was agreed that the third would step in to stop it before things could get particularly bad. Celestia had found out once what particularly bad meant when the three of them were mad at each other for some little thing or another. The entire class room had to be rebuilt after a fire breathing Dragon, a magic immune bundle of sharp teeth and claws that was empowered by magic, and a overachieving incredibly gifted unicorn mage, got into a fight.
Twilight's spells could do nothing directly to Rahs and Spike was highly resistant to most forms of damage. Rahs' claws and teeth were not sharp or hard enough to do anything to Spike, and he couldn't bite through any shield Twilight put up. Spike's fire was easily blocked by Twilight, and he wasn't fast enough to get a hold of or hit Rahs.
The stalemate then had been broken by Celestia's intervention, but that was only after the three had been trying to batter each other with everything in the room they could get a hold of. Despite how violent it had seemed none of them had any harsher injuries than a few scuffs and a bruise or two.
Since then Celestia suggested that if two of them were arguing, the third would do their best to not get involved aside from trying to stop it from escalating no matter whose side they were on in the end. It would be easier to cool down tempers than to fund a repair bill later,or worse a hospital bill. This far the idea had stuck.
“Woof!” Rahs stated holding his paws up between the two.
“A deal?” Twilight asked looking curiously at Rahs.
“What terms?” Spike questioned his anger fading a bit..
“Grrrrr....” Rahs explained causing both of them to grumble under their breath as they thought it over, Spike was the first to agree.
“Alright fine. One hour.” Spike grumbled.” The parties not until three anyway. But you have to go, no weaseling out of it and I work ONLY an hour.”
Twilight didn't seem thrilled with the deal either though a quick glance at Rahs told her it was this or nothing. The Moon Dog had adopted his,' I'm already tired of this crap' pose, his ears flat to his head and arms crossed as he stood on two legs to look down at both of them. Both Twilight and Spike had the same pose for when the others were fighting, but Rahs was still the most physically intimidating out of the three.
“Alright fine..... so where is the book?” Twilight asked as Spike climbed up a ladder on the other side of the room.
“It's over here.” Spike called pulling it out and waving it in her direction.
Twilight's magic wrapped around the book yanking on it and pulling Spike off the ladder, the little drake still hanging onto the book. Rahs dove for and managed to catch Spike before he hit the ground, a low growl coming from his throat as and oblivious Twilight dropped all the other books she had been holding in her magic, the pile thudding down atop the Moon Dog and Dragon.
Rahs whimpered from under the pile and Spike sighed rising to begin picking up the fallen books.
“Elements, elements... e, e, e, e, e, e, ah ha...... Elements of Harmony, see mare in the moon?” Twilight stated reaching the correct section only for a redirect.
“Mare in the moon?” Spike questioned as he climbed the ladder to put the books back. “But that's just an old ponies tale.”
Twilight flipped through the pages of the book back to the M's.
“The Mare in the Moon, myth, from olden pony times.....”Twilight read.
“Olden pony times? Seriously does no one know how to put a date on things?” Spike complained. “ I mean seriously how hard it it to slap a date on something. I mean it's only 1000 AL. In a couple of days any way.”
“.. a powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon.” Twilight continued ignoring Spike's comment.” Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal.”
Rahs listened in, handing books up to Spike though he froze suddenly, his ears perking up as he heard the story. Something was bothering him about it, but he couldn't figure out what.
“Do you two know what this means?” Twilight gasped.
“No.” Spike grumbled and Rahs shook his head catching the ladder before it wobbled to much under Spike.
“Take a note please, to the Princess.” Twilight stated her magic floating a quill and parchment over to Spike as he climbed down the ladder. Out of the three of them he had the best writing. Rahs' was barely legible on his best days and Twilight's was completely different depending on whether or not she was using her horn or mouth. As such she preferred to simply dictate to Spike, not liking the taste of quills.
“Okey dokey.” Spike shrugged, preparing to write.
“My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster....”
“Hold on.” Spike muttered.” Precipic......”
“Bark.” Rahs corrected Spike's spelling.
“Of disaster. Got it.” Spike stated.
“The mythical mare in the moon is in fact Nightmare Moon....
Rahs' head snapped up looking at Twilight, his ears perked high on his head. That name was maddeningly familiar to him and yet he couldn't place it. There was also something else, some sort of presence. He felt it as Twilight walked past the large time keeping device as she said the name. Did saying the name summon it's owner? Rahs shuddered
Neither Spike nor Twilight noticed their brothers discomfort as Twilight was facing away and Spike was too focused on the writing.
“And she's about to return to Equestria and bring about eternal night.” Twilight continued.”Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy doesn't come true. I await your quick response, your faithful student twilight Sparkle.”
“Got it.” Spike claimed.
“Great, send it” Twilight ordered.
“Now?”Spike asked.
“Of course.”
“I dunno Twilight. Princess Celestia's probably getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration, send it the day after tomorrow. She's got to be busy.”
“That's just it Spike, the day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration, It's imperative that the Princess is told right away.”
Spike submitted to the odd logic and rolled the scroll up wrapping a seal around it before breathing in deeply and incinerating the scroll with a blast of green flame.
“There, it's on it's way. But I wouldn't hold your breath.” Spike chided.
“I'm not worried Spike, the Princess trusts me. In all the years shes been my mentor she's never once doubted me.”Twilight grinned.
“Except for the toothpaste incident.” Spike grinned.
Twilight frowned.” We promised never to speak of that again.”
“You promised never to speak of it. I promised nothing. Then there was the catastrophic book fort fire.” Spike grinned.
Twilight's frown deepened.
“RAHS!!! Spike's picking on me!” Twilight called looking back to her brother, who for some reason was staring into the hourglass. “Rahs? What is it?”
The Moon dog continued to stare at the upper bulb without responding. Something that made both of them worried enough to walk over to him.
“Rahs?” Spike questioned.” You okay.”
Rahs remained silent until the last grain of sand fell from the hourglass before he turned and looked at them both with a smile that would have scared any who didn't know him.
“Woof.” Rahs chuckled.
“The hours up?” Twilight questioned only for her eyes to widen..” Oh come on it wasn't that long!”
Spike smirked as Rahs scooped up his sister and the present for Moon Dancer walking towards the door.
“Woof”
“But I'm waiting for a return letter! I can't just leave!” Twilight protested.
“Hey I'm the one who gets the letters and I'm going to Moon Dancer's party , so if you want to read it as soon as it comes you best come on.”
“This is cheating!” Twilight flailed as she's carried out the door.
Twilight lay draped over the side of the chariot growling lightly as the pair of Pegasus Guard pulled the chariot through the sky. Spike was kicked back reading a comic book as they flew and Rahs was leaning over the other side of the cart, doing his best not to decorate the landscape with his lunch.
Twilight thought he was doing fairly well given that the last time they rode a train, he had revisited the squirrel he had eaten and the entire car had to be evacuated and the sight and smell of it caused a vomit inducing chain reaction.
It had been said at least three janitors of the rail company had quit that day.
Rahs was mortified anytime anyone brought it up, which was Spike's favorite thing to do every time he did something disgusting if Rahs tried to fuss at him for.
“So are you gonna let us read the letter or not?” Spike demanded looking up at her. “Honestly you drag us out of the party just as it's getting good and I'm getting every pony rocking with my mad piano skills, you don't tell us anything, and then, BAM, we're on a trip to the podunk little town at the base of the mountain.”
“I really don't want to share....” Twilight muttered.
“Yeah fine, so it's pretty evident she didn't believe your theory, but Rahs is ill, I'm annoyed, and you're moping. I'd like to think we are at least allowed to know what we are getting into here.” Spike argued.
Twilight sighed before pulling the scroll out of her saddlebag and offering it to Spike. “Fiiiiiine.”
Spike blinked at how quickly she gave up the argument, but shrugged and unrolled the scroll.
“To my dearest and most valued student Twilight.” Spike began reading the letter before sticking out his tongue. ”Wow she's laying it on thick from the start.”
“Spike....” Twilight growled.
“.. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely...”Spike continued.
“Woof.” Rahs chuckled.
“See Rahs agrees with me, she's buttering you up , this screams trap, haven't you paid any attention to the games I've run?”
“Spike......” Twilight rubbed her temples with a hoof.
“... But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books.....” Spike blinked as Rahs even pulled back from the edge to look at Spike then Twilight.
“Bark?” Rahs questioned.
“Yes the books in question are the ones she specifically gave me.” Twilight muttered.
“Maybe her secretary got the note before she did?” Spike offered.
“No, Miss Cliff Note is on vacation this week, plus it has the Princess's seal on it, this came from Celestia herself.” Twilight admitted.
“Woof” Rahs gestured for Spike to read on.
“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young ponies life than studying.” Spike continued before he turned to glare at his older sister.” Well she got that right at least.”
“Just finish reading the letter......” Twilight groaned.
“So I'm sending you and your brothers to supervise preparations for the summer Sun Celebration at this years location, Ponyville.”
“Woof!” Rahs called out pointing ahead as the town came into view.
Ponyville was larger than the three had expected, but still a far, far cry from the Canterlot the trio were used to. It was situated on the edge of a large forest and was surrounded by fields and farmlands on the other side with a river running around the town leaving it on a partial island.
Rahs seemed rather interested in the forest below them as he sniffed the air detecting a myriad of animal life... much of it smelling rather tasty.
“And I have an even more essential task for you to complete.” Spike continued.
“Here we go.” Twilight snapped.
“... Make some friends........” Spike read raising and eyebrow.” Seriously?”
“Yes seriously....”Twilight snarked.
“Woof?”
“Evidently they are not considered friends if I go to class with them.” Twilight grumbled.” Or she wants me to make MORE friends at random. What am I supposed to do randomly walk up to some pony and go, hey you wanna be friends?”
Rahs' ears perked up and he looked over the side of the chariot as they flew over the town. He could have sworn he heard someone far down below them yell out 'Okay' in response to Twilight's statement, but he couldn't tell who of the ones below might have done it.
“Yeah this is a little weird, even for Princess Celestia.” Spike pondered.” Think it's another test?”
“It has to be.....” Twilight grumbled. “Curse my need for motherly validation.”
“Woof.” Rahs pointed out.
“Just because I know what my issues are doesn't mean I know how to fix them. Like your clawing and chewing on things and Spike's fiery burps and tail sucking.” Twilight growled.
“Hey I only do that when nervous.” Spike muttered.
“Woof.”
“Yes I know you're getting better, but the point is knowing that you have them doesn't magically fix them.” Twilight slumped against the side of the chariot.
“Well on the bright side, the Princess has arraigned for us to stay at a library. That's like one of your filly hood fantasy's a library that was also a house.” Spike added reading the last of the note.” Doesn't that at least make you happy?”
Twilight thought a moment before popping up to her hooves.”Yes, yes it does and you know why? Because I'm right, I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can then get back to the library to try and find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return.”
“Bark.” Rahs nodded.
“Yeah what he said. We're with you all the way, but what about this part? The make some friends. There's got to be a reason.” Spike pointed out.
“I am her student and this is a royal order to check on preparations, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends.” Twilight retorted.
The chariot landed and Rahs quickly got off, nearly bowling the other two over in his eagerness to get back to the non swaying ground. It wasn't so bad when he could get fresh air, though a half hour long chariot ride down the mountain with wind gusts buffeting the chariot was a bit much for him. If it was something he was in control of like one of those odd flying machines he had tried or a balloon or a cart he had no issue, but he couldn't deal with being a passenger long.
Twilight moved to the front of the chariot to talk with the Guards as Rahs recovered. “Just park it by a place called Golden Oaks Library and go enjoy the festivities. We'll be leaving tomorrow along with Princess Celestia after the event concludes.”
“Not a problem Miss Sparkle. Thank you.” One of them said, neither of them hiding their grins at being allowed a days worth of paid free time.
“Maybe you should at least try it.” Spike suggested.
“What?” twilight asked looking back at her younger brother.
“The friends thing with other ponies. Who knows, maybe they might have something interesting to say.” Spike offered gesturing to a mare walking towards them.
To say that the mare that approached was pink would be an understatement. Her fur was pink, her hair was a darker shade of pink and curlier than anything the trio had ever seen before. The mare was a bit pudgy and had a curious look on her face as her blue eyes slid over the over the three of them in sort of a vapid wonder. She stopped before them as Spike gestured at her, looking down at him with a smile on her face.
Rahs flattened his ears, something about this mare made him nervous.
“Umm hello?” Twilight offered. The mare looked up met her gaze and her eyes went wide, her blue eyes shrink to pin pricks. She sucked in a great deal of air, jumped straight up in the air legs akimbo and darted off in a streak, tearing down the road like a shot, her hooves not even seeming to touch the ground until she was out of sight.
Rahs was really nervous about that mare now.
“Well that was interesting alright.” Twilight snarked.
“It kinda was. She defied at least three rules of motion in ten seconds flat.” Spike whistled as Twilight considered that.
“Good point. Maybe we can experiment on her later.” Twilight considered.
“Bark” Rahs snarled.
“Right, right, ask permission first. I know.” Twilight rolled her eyes.” You'll never let me live that down will you?”
“You did make him explode.... twice.” Spike added.
Rahs sighed picking Spike up to set on his shoulder as the little Dragon seemed to be eager to be off. Rahs reached into one of his pants pockets pulling out the scroll that came along with the first one.
“Summer sun celebration official overseers checklist.” Spike muttered reading the top of it. “ A checklist huh? The Princess knows her student well, doesn't she?”
Rahs chuckled.
“I can hear you you know.” Twilight snapped.
“Cause you were supposed toooooo” Spike chimed before clearing his throat.” Number one, banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres. The map says it's outside of town following that road over there.”
Spike pointed and the trio head down the road, ignoring the stares Rahs and Spike were getting from all the ponies they passed.
[Later]
“I think this is it.” Spike chimed.
Twilight glanced up at the large sign proclaiming the farm on the other side of the fence to be Sweet Apple Acres before glaring at her brother.
“Hey I could be wrong.” Spike smirked.
“ I hate you so much sometimes.” Twilight growled turning away from her brothers as Spike chuckled, looking around the farm. It was clearly an apple farm, though it looked like there were some cows and chickens and a bit of corn as well as other crops, though apples were the most prominent. There was a farmhouse on one side of the property with a large red barn and a number of outbuildings not far from the main gate the trio were walking through. In the distance they could see the towering barn of a neighboring farm that seemed to be focused on carrots.
“YAAAHAA!” shouted a voice.
The trio blinked watching as an orange Earth pony galloped over towards a tree, her head lowered, a brown stetson planted firmly on it. The apple tree had a number of buckets under it and as they watched the mare planted her fore hooves in the dirt and spun on them, lashing out with her back legs striking the tree. The hit impacted the trunk soundly making the tree shudder. As the tree shook, all of the apples that had been on the tree, save a few small green ones, fell from the tree, landing perfectly in the buckets around it.
The freckled mare glanced at the buckets smiled adopting a rather proud looking pose . Behind her a few other Earth Ponies were clapping their hooves at the show, though one of them was cursing and offering a small bag of bits to a rather large red stallion.
Rahs and Spike were impressed too though Twilight seemed less than thrilled.
“Let's get this over with.” Twilight sighed walking towards the mare. “Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle.... gerrrk!”
Twilight winced as the mare grabbed her hoof and started shaking it like she was trying to dust out a old carpet. The hoof shake was violent enough to lift Twilight's other three hooves from the ground and bounce her about a bit.
“Well howdy do Miss Twilight, a pleasure making your acquaintance. I'm Applejack.” The orange mare paused in trying to remove Twilight's leg as she looked up at Rahs and Spike who were standing behind Twilight. “Well then who are these fellers?”
Twilight was certain a few of her teeth had come loose from the farm ponies hoof shake, but after a quick check with her tongue she realized they just felt that way. “These are my brothers, Spike Sparkle, and Rahs Sparkle.”
“Woof.” Rahs waved.
“Hey.. I'm Spike, by the way, the fluffy ones Rahs.” Spike added.
“Huh, nothing against family ties, but a Dragon and a..... Diamond Dog?” Applejack tilted her head a little looking at Rahs as if she wasn't sure the last statement was correct.
“We're adopted.” Spike shrugged.
“Ahh okay. So what ken ah do yah fer. Always happy tah meet a new friendly face or three.” Applejack commented.
“ Actually, I am in fact here to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration.” Twilight adopted an official sounding tone. “ And you're in charge of the food?”
“We sure as sugar are.” Applejack winked. ”Would yah care to sample some?”
“Woof.” Rahs eagerly agreed having gone from airsick to famished in the course of the walk. He could already smell a number of the dishes as well as the fresh apples in the trees. This place was a far cry from the city, there were all sorts of new scents.
“Well as long as it doesn't take too long...” Twilight began as Applejack dashed off.
“What is it with ponies running away from you?” Spike asked watching the mare run away.
“I dunno, I took a shower before we left...” Twilight muttered tilting her head back to take a sniff of her mane just in case.
The ringing of a bell drew the trios attention towards the farm as they heard Applejack yelling.
“SOUPS ON EVERYPONY!” Applejack cried.
The thunder of hooves sounded soon after as flooding out of the trees was a stampede of ponies bearing down on them. Before the trio could react they were caught up in the herd and dragged along though the dust and mayhem.
A moment later they felt themselves being sat down and the dust cleared showing they were at a fair sized table out in the field.
“What just happened?”Spike asked a bit shaken.
Any reply was ended as Applejack popped up from nowhere.
“Now, why don't I introduce ya'll to the Apple family?” She waved a hoof and the trio noticed they were surrounded by rather expectant looking ponies.
“Thanks but we really need to..” Twilight began and was completely ignored.
“This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Rhede Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp,” Applejack paused taking a deep breath.”.... Big Macintosh, Apple bloom, and Granny Smith.”
During the introduction dishes full of food were piled higher and higher on the table until Rahs couldn't even see over them. Granted neither he nor Spike were trying to and the pair were more focused on deciding what to eat first. Twilight was about to protest again when Applejack shoved an apple in her mouth getting a laugh from both Spike and Rahs as well as a few other Apples.
“UP AN ATTUM GRANNY SMITH, we got guests.” Applejack called to an elderly green pony asleep in a rocking chair.
The wrinkled mare slowly rose with a grumble and shifted forward, as she blathered some incomprehensible complaints or another.
Rahs flinched a little hearing the mares bones pop and crack even from behind the piled food.
“ Is that a Diamond Dog at tha table?” Granny asked finally seeming to regain her coherency about her.” Thought I said none of them dogs was allowed within five miles of these fields.....”
“He ain't part of that pack Granny, he came with this one. She's here tah check on tha preparations.” Applejack stated pointing at Twilight who was trying not to choke on the apple.
“Woof.” Rahs offered.
“He's a Moon Dog, not a Diamond Dog.” Spike translated.
“Hmmmph.” Granny snorted. “ I don't care if he's a spotted sun dog from tha far reaching shores a Tartarus. Ah catch him digging in tha garden and ah got two barrels a buckshot fer him.” Granny fussed glaring at Rahs who did his best to place the piled food between him and the ornery mare.
“Dun worry about her.” Applejack whispered.” She jus don't like being woke up from her naps.”
Twilight coughed out the remains of the apple, taking a moment to breath. “ Well that's umm, very nice and all. I see things are in order here, so we're just going to go check on the next thing.....”
“ Arn't yah gonna stay for brunch?” asked a small voice . Twilight, Rahs and Spike looked over to the little yellow filly with the red hair, and pink bow that was nearly the size of her head. She had the biggest most watery sad eyes they had ever seen, and the faint quiver in her lower lip as she pouted would have knocked even Celestia cold.
At least two of the trio were doomed, and Spike simply slipped back behind the food so he couldn't see her.
THUD.
THUD.
“Sake's alive Apple bloom, yah over did it.” Applejack grumbled looking over the collapsed pair of Rahs and Twilight, both of them clutching at their chests, as Big Mac had one of their Pegasus cousins prep a storm cloud to revive them.
“Sorry bout that, mai sister dun know her own strength sometimes.” Applejack chuckled.
Rahs and Twilight had recovered fairly quickly, though both of them were making mental notes to write some heart felt apology letters to the Guards and castle staff they knew when younger.
Spike wasn't sure what had happened. Sure the filly had been cute, but not cute enough to have caused his siblings collapse. Maybe it was a gaze attack? What would the saving throw for that be? Spike pondered all this as he ate, stuffing his face and making a mess of himself.
Twilight managed to finally eat some as well, rather impressed by the skill of the cooks. Some of the dishes were on par, if not better than the kitchen staff Celestia had.
Rahs was slightly less interested in eating than the others. Most of the offered food was pastries or treats and that sort of food had always seemed bland to him. Granted he was hungry and everything smelled rather good. It also wouldn't do to refuse any of the piled food, that could be seen as rude. He picked up an apple fritter, looking it over before taking a bite out of the pastry simply planning on downing it and stating it tasted good before trying something else.
[Five minutes later.]
“Uhhh is yer brother okay?” Applejack questioned. “He ain't moved in a while an he's drooling all over his fritter.”
Spike and Twilight stopped and looked up seeing the vacant stare in Rahs' eyes, an apple fritter half in and half out of his mouth clamped tightly in his jaws.
“This again....” Twilight sighed.
“Yeah, but there's no Unicorn this time.” Spike pointed out curiously.
“Good point. Applejack did a Unicorn make that fritter?” Twilight asked curiously.
“Nah, most of tha Apple families Earth ponies, not that we dun have Unicorns, but none of them made it here this time.”Applejack added. “ Sides tha fritters are onea Big Mac's specialties.
“Eeeyup.” Big mac added.
“Woof!” Rahs said suddenly, downing the fritter and three more like it in the time it took the others to realize he had started moving again.
“You can taste it?”Twilight questioned.
“Ah hope he can taste it tha way he's scarfing them down....Them teeth of his are a might worrying through.”Applejack pointed out.
“I've got those too.” Spike smiled showing his sharp teeth.
“Neat” Applebloom chimed” Do yall eat ponies?”
“Applebloom.” Applejack chided.
“Nah, I eat gems mostly and Rahs eats magic as well as small game and whatever the chefs in Canterlot prepare.” Spike explained.
“So what he eats like rabbits and stuff?” Applebloom questioned.” Ah know a mean lil white rabbit he ken eat.”
“Applebloom no. Much as ah pain as Angel is yah ain't gonna feed him tah anybody... on that note make sure Rahs don't eat nothing around here without checking with Fluttershy first. Ah figure most of tha critters in town are practically her pets.” Applejack pointed out, not sure where this conversation was going.
“She's on my checklist. Besides he's going to be too stuffed to go after anything else.” Twilight stated as Rahs downed a whole pie in four bites. Twilight pondered, curious about something as her brother ate. “Applejack, can I get one of those apples you harvested earlier?”
“Sure thing, not sure why considering that everything on tha table's made from them same apples, but ah can't fault yah fer wanted tah try one fresh from tha tree.” Applejack noted trotting off and coming back with a couple of apples.
Twilight picked one up in a hoof looking it over before nodding and setting it before Rahs.
“Rahs eat that would you. I want to check something.” Twilight stated.
“Bark?” Rahs questioned, pausing in mid bite of another fritter. He narrowed his eyes at his sister before he looked at the apple warily.
“Yes it is another experiment, and no I have not done anything to the apple, it's the control.” Twilight explained.
“It's a wut now?” Applejack asked.
“Control. A scientific control is an experiment or observation designed to minimize the effects of variables other than the independent variable. The fritter batter for example. This increases the reliability of the results, often through a comparison between control measurements and the other measurements.”Twilight rambled.
“Wut?” Applebloom blinked.
“She wants to see if it's the apple or the pastry that has the magic Rahs is tasting.” Spike explained.
“Well why didn't she say it like that then?” Applebloom fussed.
“I did.” Twilight complained.
Rahs stared at Twilight a moment before taking a bite out of the apple watching Twilight's reaction to him doing it before his eyes went wide his ears standing straight up. He blinked once looking at the apple before falling off the seat with a crash, his tail wagging like mad.
“AH DIDN'T DO IT!” Applebloom screamed out.
“Ah hah!” Twilight exclaimed. “It is the apple.”
“Is he okay?” Applejack questioned.
“They do this sort of stuff all the time. He's fine.” Spike waved a claw as Twilight whipped out a notebook and started jotting things down.
“Very interesting, very interesting.” Twilight muttered.
“Care tah explain?” Applejack blinked looking down at the prone Moon Dog along with the rest of the Apples. These three were weird and Applejack knew Pinkie Pie.
“Many carnivores don't have the ability to taste sweet things. Carnivores don't need the ability to taste sweet for survival. He can taste bitter and sour flavors so as to detect spoiled meat, but not sweet. However Rahs has been able to smell sweet things even though sugar isn't something he can taste. He rather likes gummies and marshmallows because of the fat and salt not the sugar. The apple however should have had little to none of this and thus had no greater sensation than water to him however since the apple is infused with magic it there for triggers his taste and thus allows him to find a flavor to it even though it's not the apple itself he is tasting. This ties in with my three tribes theory about various Earth Pony magics and the ambient effect on the local environment due to prolonged contact or effect with the auras and efforts........”
“Ah don't follow.” Applejack commented though Twilight continued as she jotted down more notes, going into complacent theory and natural versus nurture. The rest of the Apple family seemed just as confused as Applejack was, save Big Mac who stood there and listened nodding occasionally to what she was saying.
“Okay, right... ummm hey Spike, ken ya translate again?” Applebloom asked.
“Okay. Imagine that apples all tasted like water to you.....” Spike started though there was a collective gasp of horror from the gathered Apple's around them and he was sure one of the stallions fainted.” IMAGINE I said..... any way now say one day you take a bite of an apple expecting the same and actually get the proper flavor of it. Or you bite into a piece of plain bread and instead it's a cupcake. Rahs normally can't taste anything sweet, but if it's got magic in that he tastes it instead. So having never actually tasted an apple before his brain overloaded from the sensation and shut down for a bit. He does this from time to time. Particularly if he's not expecting the flavor.”
“ Okay ah think ah got that.” Applejack stated rubbing the back of her head. “That is one weird dog.”
“You have no idea.” Spike commented returning to the food before him as Twilight continued to mutter and write.
“And her?”Applejack asked.
“She'll run out of paper in a minute, yell at me to get her more, realize where we are, and then apologize to everyone.” Spike explained.
“That happen often too?” Applejack asked.
“More than Rahs' food comas, yeah.” Spike agreed.
“That is somethin else.” Applejack commented.
“You get used to it.” Spike shrugged eating another fritter.
[Later still]
“I hate both of you bottomless pits sooooooo much right now.” Twilight groaned as she walked. The mare was struggling with the amount of food she had eaten. Spike walked ahead of her looking over the check list and Rahs behind her with a bag of fresh apples he had been given that he was quickly getting to the bottom of.
“Let's see , there's supposed to be some Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash around whose job it is to be clearing the clouds.
The three stopped to look up at the sky speckled with white fluffy clouds everywhere.
“Well she's not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight grumbled before a prismatic blur slammed into her sending her tumbling across the ground to land with a splash in a oversized mud puddle left from the last rainstorm.
Rahs was over to her in a heartbeat yanking the blue figure off Twilight, holding it up by the scruff of the neck and away from Twilight as he checked on his sister.
Twilight groaned as the blue figure Rahs had pulled free chuckled a little.
“Hehe... 'scuse me....” the muddy figure muttered.
Rahs turned his attention to the blue mare in his grip with a growl. The mud covered Pegasus blinked at the angry scowl on the canines face. The cyan blue Pegasus in his grip was a mare, very athletic looking as well, though it also seemed she had fallen asleep in a box of melted crayons with how many colors her mane and tail were.
“Hey it was an accident, chill. Down boy, heel!” the mare stated flailing a hoof at Rahs slinging a bit of mud on him.”Ummm oops....”
“Put her down Rahs.... I'm pretty sure that wasn't an attempt on my life.” Twilight muttered slowly standing up.
“If it was she's a lousy assassin.” Spike pointed out.
Rahs grumbled setting the mare down and wiping the mud off his coat in annoyance.
“Okay yeah here lemmi help with that.” the mare stated looking at the mud soaked Twilight before zipping off.
“You're three for three of ponies running away from you.” Spike chuckled.
“Oh, ha ha....”Twilight grumbled.
Rahs blinked looking up as a shadow passed over the sun and the Pegasus flew a cloud over Twilight. He stepped back out of the puddle and out from under the cloud as the Pegasus began jumping atop of it dropping a torrential down pour on Twilight.
Twilight simply sat down, her mane covering her face. Rahs and Spike both looked up as the mare leans over the cloud looking down at the dripping Twilight with a small chuckle.
“Oops guess I overdid it.”
Rahs rolled his eyes as Spike chimed up. “Really ,you think?”
“Oh how about this?” the mare darted down zooming around Twilight, a vortex of rainbow colored wind whipping around Twilight as a small tornado formed around her.
The blue Pegasus zipped off above Spike and Rahs as if posing on a stage.” My very own patented rainblow dry!”
The mare floated down landing lightly. “ No no, don't thank me, you're quite welcome.”
She blinked as Rahs and Spike seemed to be doing their best to hide their snickering before the Pegasus turned to look back at Twilight.
Twilight stood behind her with an expression that the brothers realized long ago meant she was contemplating murder and how to get away with it. The Pegasus clearly didn't know the look or didn't care and lost it completely at the sight of Twilight's mane and tail having gone from straight and hanging over her shoulders, to having the same mass of hair piled high and twisted atop of her head. Even her tail was a curly mess that had shaped it's self almost into a cork screw.
The mares laughter was infectious as even her brothers couldn't hold back theirs any more.
“Let me guess.” Twilight growled.” Rainbow Dash...”
The laughter from the mare stopped abruptly as she picked herself up.” The one and only. Why yah heard of me?”
Dash zipped back into the air hovering inches from Twilight's face with a big grin across her features.
“What I heard is that you are supposed to be keeping the sky clear for the Summer Sun Celebration.”Twilight snapped before calming a moment. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, these are my brothers Spike and Rahs. Princess Celestia sent me to oversee the preparations for the Celebration this year...... where'd she go?”
Rahs pointed up to where Rainbow dash had decided to recline on a cloud taking a nap there.
“Yeah yeah. That'll be a snap. I'll do it ina jiffy.” Dash waved a hoof dismissively. “ Just as soon as I'm done practicing.”
“Practicing ? For what?” Twilight asked.
Dash bolted up right on her cloud pointing a hoof at a poster on the side of a building behind the small group. “THE WONDERBOLTS! They're gonna perform at the celebration tomorrow and I'm gonna show em my stuff.”
“ What you mean like crashing into things and messing up ponies manes?” Spike snarked.
“Hey that was an accident.” Dash shouted back.
“Twice in a row.” Spike returned.” And if we count the deluge as a separate incident you're three for three. Not exactly Wonderbolt material there.”
“Bork.” Rahs added.
“Good point. Why would they even accept a Pegasus who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day.”Twilight explained with a small smirk.
Rainbow Dash glared over the edge off the cloud at Twilight.” Hey, I can clear this sky in ten seconds flat.”
“Prove it.” Twilight grinned back with a air of malice.
Rainbow Dash seemed a bit taken aback by Twilight's challenge, but her eyes narrowed as she launched herself from her cloud bed destroying it in the process as she tore across the sky like a rainbow hued blur dissipating clouds with hardly any effort. Rahs' coat and Twilight's mangled mane whipping about as the blur tore back and forth across the sky, the trio's heads turning to watch the mare as she zipped about.
Dash did one last loop dropping through the final cloud before landing with a grin.”What did I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging.”
“Woof.” Rahs stated having timed her being at 'eleven seconds flat, though the other two ignored him.
“Wow.” Spike chimed up staring at the mare with awe. Even Twilight was taken aback.
“You should see the look on your faces.” Rainbow Dash laughed though she stopped noting Rahs impassive face. “Well not his. What's up with the mutt?”
Rahs growled holding up two claws. He wasn't speaking, just growling this time.
“What?” Dash questioned.
“Bark.” Rahs explained.
“He said yeah that was impressive, but you've already attacked Twilight, made a dog joke and called him a mutt.” Spike pointed out. “He's already not that fond of you.”
“He's a Diamond Dog.... emphasis on dog..... and I already apologized to Twilight for hitting her that was an accident.” Rainbow Dash explained with a wave of her hooves. “I'm not trying to start something, but, well he's a dog right?”
“Meow.” Rahs stated with a grin getting a confused look from Dash, a laugh from Spike, and a face hoof from Twilight.
“Now you did it, he's speaking fancy again.”Twilight rolled her eyes.
“What....” Dash questioned a moment her wings fanning in confusion before she laughed hopping back into the air.” You guys are a riot, I'm definitely gonna have to hang out with you some more. Later!”
Rainbow Dash grinned and back flipped into the air shooting off into the sky.
“Well that was a thing that happened.” Twilight muttered watching after the mare. There was a chance that she might be correct about her skills and not just a braggart. It might be interesting to test those abilities at some point or another...... Her eyes narrowed as she slowly turned her gaze up to Rahs.
The Moon Dog had taken her momentary mental distraction to find a way to amuse himself. Currently that was swatting at Twilight's mess of mane and watching it bounce like a spring.
“Decorations.” Spike read off the list as the three of them looked around the town hall.
Banners hung every where a number of them glinting with gems. Symbols of Princess Celestia's sun dotted the area in tasteful locations that were also some how made prominent by everything else seeming to flow towards them drawing the eye. The entire town hall was decorated in such a way that seemed to be borderline gaudy, but remained just shy of going over into too much.
“Well now.” Twilight smiled.
“Beautiful.” Spike chimed in.
“Woof.” Rahs nodded impressed.
“Not the decorations. Her” Spike offered, his gaze locked on a figure on the other side of the hall.
The Unicorn mare was pristine white with an artfully curled purple mane and tail, not a strand of hair on her was out of place and a trio of light blue diamonds graced her hip as her cutiemark. She was currently preoccupied looking over a ribbon selection and had yet to notice the three of them.
Rahs and Twilight looked at the enamored Spike and sighed as one.
“Got a one track mind doesn't he?” Twilight muttered.
“Woof.” Rahs agreed counting on his claws.
“Only the fourth one? I thought he became stuck on twice that many. All of them with gem cutiemarks too.” Twilight snickered.
Spike for the most part was either to distracted to hear them or was ignoring them, fully focused on the mare before them.
“How are my spines? Are they straight? Where's my mustache?” Spike fretted as his siblings rolled their eyes walking forward, the little drake rushing to catch up.
“Good afternoon.” Twilight began only for the mare to hold up a hoof to stop her.
“Just a moment please. I'm in the zone as it were.” The white unicorn stated cycling through a number of other ribbons before selecting one coated in glitter and tying it to a pole. “Ahh YES, sparkle always does the trick. Does it not? Why Rarity you are a talent. Now then how can I help yooAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
The mare screamed and jumped back. Rahs snickered expecting the count of ponies running away from Twilight to rise again.
“Oh my stars darling whatever happened to your coiffure?!?!” the white Unicorn demanded.
“My mane? Well it's a long story.” Twilight sighed.” I'm just here to check on the decorations and then I'll be out of your hair.”
“Out of my hair? What about your hair?” the mare who called herself Rarity sounded faint. She strode forward pushing Twilight ahead of her.
“Wha? Wait where are we going!?!” Twilight protested. “ Help!”
Spike eagerly followed after the mare and Twilight. Rahs hesitated a moment then sighed and went after them as well.
The four of them wound up at a oddly shaped store with a sign reading Carousel boutique. The white mare had pushed Twilight inside and immediately sat her down and started working on her hair. Once that was settled the white unicorn's magic quickly started to work on playing dress up with Twilight.
“No... no... no.. nah.., too green, too poofy, too yellow, too poofy, not poofy enough, too frilly, too shiny.....” Rarity muttered after each costume change. “ Now go one my dear you were telling me where you were from...”
Twilight gasped for air as Rarity did her best to tighten a corset she had put on her further, Twilight winced feeling her ribs starting to crack. Spike was still stuck on the mare, though Rahs was on the other side of the store doing his best not to laugh at the outfits that Twilight had been subjected too.
His favorite so far had been the Statue of Harmony costume. It was a spot on costume too, reminding him of the old play about the monkeys taking over and the giant set piece used at the end.
“From …........ Canterlot.. to...” Twilight hissed as she gasped.
Rarity blinked letting go of the girdle, the cord snapping forward sending Twilight crashing to the floor.
“Canterlot!? Oh I am so envious, the glamor, the sophistication. I've always dreamed of living there.” Rarity practically sang.
Rahs sighed helping Twilight up with a shake of his head.” Woof.”
“Yeah this is a bit much for me too.” Twilight panted.
“Oh I can't wait to hear all about it .. we are going to be the best of …EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!” Rarity screamed out.
“Best of eeeeeee? Is that a thing?” Twilight asked.
Rahs shrugged before getting whacked in the face with a broom.
“OUT, OUT, YOU FOUL BEAST, WHO LET A DIAMOND DOG IN HERE!! SWEETIEBELLE!!! no wait she's at home.....”Rarity screeched continuing to beat Rahs about the head with the broom held in her magic.
Rahs grumbled to himself as the broom bounced off his head a few more times before letting out a rather loud growl as he grabbed the broom, yanking it out of the mare's magic. He glared at at Twilight and Spike pointing at the hysterical mare who had started collecting a great number of other things in her magic to throw at the 'Diamond Dog' she just noticed, who had been there for last two hours.
“Rarity this is Rahs, my brother. That is Spike my other brother.” Twilight stated pointing at each in turn. Spike of course was still staring at Rarity like she would vanish if he took his eyes off her.
“What!?” Rarity demanded.”How... most importantly … why? Why”
“A longer story. But they are adopted.” Twilight began.
“Why would any of the nobility in Canterlot subject themselves to being related to a Diamond Dog.. it doesn't make any sense. They're foul tempered and smelly brutes, barely a brain cell between them, I mean seriously look at that fashion sense, a maroon duster with brown pants, plus he's got to be infested with fleas.” Rarity ranted. ”The Mongrel is probably planning to eat poor Opal.”
The cat in question had come out about an hour ago, sniffed Rahs curiously, gotten some head scritches and wandered off again to take a nap.
Rahs twitched at Rarity's rant, he stepped forward suddenly and shoved her broom back into her forelimbs nearly bowling the mare over.
“BORK, BORK, BORK!” Rahs snapped with finality, whipping around fast enough his tail nearly popped the white mare in the nose as he stormed out of the shop.
“Owch....”Twilight winced.
“Dang it Rahs, I'm fireproof and even I felt that burn.” Spike stated his trance evidently broken as he waddled out the door after Rahs, offering a disregarding wave as he left. “Nice to meet you Rarity.”
“What was that?” Rarity blinked.
“Trust me you don't want to know.” Twilight stated her magic yanking off the clothing she had on. “ While it was very nice of you to fix my mane for me and offer me an outfit for the celebration, I am afraid I cannot take such generosity from one who so easily insults my family and is so blatantly racist. The decorations are perfect by the way I am sure the Princess will be pleased with them. Good day.”
Twilight turned walking out as well leaving the white Unicorn utterly confused as to what was had happened.
As Twilight left the shop she looked around for her brothers only seeing Spike who was also looking around in confusion.
“Where's Rahs?” Twilight asked.
“I dunno.” Spike stated.”He was gone when I got out here. He seemed to be in a rush to get away from Rarity.”
“Arrrrgh why are there so many delays!”Twilight bemoaned.” I'll never get a chance to research Nightmare Moon like this.”
“We still have one more thing to check up on. Maybe we can find him while we find this Fluttershy.” Spike stated looking at the list. “ I mean he's a big Moon Dog. He can't be that hard to find.”
“I suppose you are right. Lets head back to town all and see if any one has seen Rahs or this Fluttershy.”Twilight stated letting Spike climb onto her back as she trotted towards the center of town. “ So you left out of there pretty quickly. Give up on Rarity already?”
“Ehhh, she defiantly had a high looks charisma, but a low speech charisma. I mean heck, me and Rahs were there for two hours with you as she set your mane and tried on all those dresses and she didn't notice either of us at all until Rahs helped you up. And she still didn't even notice me.” Spike considered. “Still I don't think she meant most of it. There's got to be some story between her and Diamond Dogs that brought about that sort of reaction.”
“Most likely, but that still doesn't excuse her for beating him in the head with a broom. Or insulting him afterward.” Twilight concluded. “I understand that reactions to things like that can be irrational, but still.”
“Ehh maybe if she apologies.” Spike shrugged.
“Well she will have to do that to Rahs not us.”Twilight stated getting a nod from Spike.
Rahs was doing his best to be hard to find.
He wasn't trying to avoid his siblings, though he did want to wander off somewhere and have a good sulk. He crossed the the bridge over the river around the town thinking maybe to take the time to wander back over to Sweet Apple acres and see if he might help bring the supplies into town for a few more of those fritters.
Honestly he really just wanted to be away from anything that white mare touched. He didn't like to think himself petty, but he kinda wanted to tear up anything she decorated so her 'perfect' decor wouldn't be. He really did think she would fit in perfect in Canterlot however. She ignored anyone who didn't meet certain standards or were not useful to her and the moment she saw something that didn't fit in her little world view she tried to get rid of it. Perfect noble material right there.
He lost count of how many times the upper class had called the Guard on him for loitering or disturbing the peace when he was simply taking a walk, shopping, or going to work at the theater. It became funny however when the Guard had been called on him so often he and the patrol Guard were on first name basis with each other. Quite a number of times the Guards wrote the complainers tickets for making false calls.
He probably would have continued to sulk and boil in his own annoyance in anger when the rather harmonic sound of bird song caught his attention. It wouldn't have seemed odd o hear bird song near the forest like, this save it wasn't one bird, it sounded like many singing together.
Annoyance was pushed aside as curiosity took over. His long ears perked up as he searched around, zeroing in on the bird song and making his way through the bushes to see what was going on.
Sitting on a tree were a multitude of brightly colored songbirds of various species, all of them singing and chirping in a impressively blended harmony.
Sitting before them, her wings swaying a little as she conducted the bird song choir was a pale yellow Pegasus with bright pink hair that was long enough that it could have drug along the ground if she was walking. Rahs could see a trio of pink butterflies making up the cutiemark on her haunch.
“Oh my, umm.. stop a second everyone....” The mare practically whispered as she fluttered up towards a bluejay near a middle branch. “Excuse me, but, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off.”
The bluejay closed its beak and nodded as the mare fluttered away from the tree again. “Now follow me please. A one, a two, a one ,two, three.......”
The song likely would have started again if a robin hadn't spotted Rahs peeking out of the bush and sounded a shrill cry which made all the other birds take off in a panic and made the mare whirl about with a shriek and seem to fold in on herself as she took to the air and looked around for what ever started the birds.
Rahs sighed now that his cover was blown and stepped out of the bush lifting a paw slowly with a wave to the mare. “Bark.”
The mare remained floating in the air looking down at him with a slight tilt of her head. The two stared at each other a moment in total silence, before Rahs slapped his face with a paw.
“Woof.......”Rahs complained, of all the times not to have Spike around to translate. He probably shouldn't have run off like he did when know one knew what he was saying most of the time.
“Who's Spike?” the mare asked.
“Woof” Rahs started to explain who Spike was before trailing off and looking up curiously at the mare. “Bark?”
“Your brother is a baby Dragon?” the mare blinked and drifted slightly closer to the ground. “ I've never seen a baby Dragon before.... oh and yes I can understand you. You're.... you're not a Diamond Dog are you... my friend Rarity is always going on about how much trouble they cause her... “
“Grrrrr..” Rahs grumbled at the mention of her name.
“Oh no, she's not like that, she's very nice, though I suppose she does have a an air about her that is hard to get past. And she does overreact quite a bit.” the Pegasus tried to placate.” If... um you don't mind me asking... what are you then?”
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“A Moon Dog? I've never heard of one of those.”The mare questioned floating around him taking a look at his ears and then his tail as if studying him. Rahs remained still as she did so wondering if this soft spoken mare might take off if he startled her again.”Oh sorry where are my manners. I'm Fluttershy.”
“Bark.”
“Oh nice to meet you Rahs... umm if you don't mind telling me.. where did you come from?” Fluttershy asked.
Rahs held back from the old joke about a daddy moon dog and a mommy moon dog loving each other very much as he wasn't even sure if there WERE other Moon Dogs and simply started telling Fluttershy his story up to this point. Despite everything else he was rather in awe of the fact that someone other than his two siblings knew what he was saying.
“ Woof “ finished Rahs tapping his chin as he walked through town, Fluttershy trotting along behind him her ears perked up excitedly.
“Oh, yes I'd love to hear about today too....” Fluttershy agreed hopping into the air a little with a slight flap of her wings.
Rahs smiled, the soft spoken mare had been pretty much been listening to his life story since they met. She had offered a few theories about his parentage as well based on her experience with animals including a number of rare breeds. While she wasn't thrilled he was primarily a carnivore, she had cared for a number of meat eating animals before and wasn't squeamish about it in the slightest, though she did ask to be informed before he hunted for anything so she could tell her pets to avoid the area he was in. She also had easy access to fish if he was willing to stick to a diet like that. Really he rather enjoyed her company there was just one issue with the mare that worried him. A issue that came into play the moment they came within sight of the Golden Oaks library.
“THERE YOU ARE!” Twilight shouted.
YEEEP!!” Fluttershy cried and immediately vanished.
Rahs sighed as he was now partially hunched over with a lump under the back of his coat composed of a shivering, easily terrified Pegasus mare. This was the fourth time since they started walking she had taken cover under his coat. Once simply due to a loud noise down the street that he barely even noticed.
Twilight trotted up with Spike on her back looking at Rahs curiously as he fished under his coat and pulled the yellow mare out from under yet again, before setting her down.
“That's seven out of eight!” Spike laughed, still keeping a tally of how many ponies had fled from Twilight.
“I'm pretty sure those three flower ponies were screaming 'dragon' as they barricaded themselves in their shop, Spike.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “ So who's this?”
“Bark.” Rahs proclaimed.
“Fluttershy? Oh good we couldn't find her any where, I take the music is ready then?” Twilight glanced to Rahs then down to the mumbling mare who was trying to hide in her own wings then back up to Rahs.” Uhhhhh.”
Rahs shrugged.” Woof.”
“Huh social anxiety huh … I can understand that.”Twilight nodded. “ Still she seemed alright talking with you.”
“Bark.” Rahs pointed out.
“Really?” Twilight grinned.” I would really like to talk with you and discuss how you can speak with him, or animals at all......”
“WOOF.” Rahs interrupted.
“Oh right.. umm, I mean when ever you feel up for it Miss Fluttershy.”Twilight corrected.
“Wow Rahs. I always thought the goal was to try and get into a mares pants, not have a mare get into your shirt.” Spike chuckled.
“Grrr.” Rahs growled as he swatted the chuckling Dragon in the back of the head.
“Spike do you even know what that means?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.
“Not really. It doesn't make sense either given that of all the mares I know that wear clothing very few of them wear pants..... except for that one guy on the street corner yelling about the end of the world. But he wears them on his head.” Spike pondered.
Spike trailed off as he was about to say something noticing the yellow mare had suddenly taken a very close interest in him and it was just a hair unnerving to be on the receiving end of her staring eyes.
“Ummm can I help you” Spike questioned as the mare smiled.
“Oh you are so cute....” Fluttershy squeed. “Rahs has been telling me all about his baby dragon brother.”
“Oh, well now.” Spike grinned striking what he thought was a dead sexy pose, but really just made his pudge push out a little more on his belly. That pose lasted all of three seconds before he looked up and noticed the evil grin on his brothers face. “Wait a second, Rahs has been telling you things about me?..... DON'T BELIEVE HIS LIES!”
Fluttershy for the most part seemed completely oblivious to the outburst and started asking Spike a number of questions about dragons.
Twilight moved over to Rahs, her eyes narrowed. “You didn't tell her anything incriminating about him did you?” Twilight questioned in a low mutter.
Rahs shook his head but his grin didn't fade.
“Figured as much, well given the little brats been teasing me all day I'll let him stew wondering what you told her.”Twilight sighed. “ You doing alright now?”
“Woof.” Rahs nodded still not thrilled at Rarity, but he was calmer about it now. It wasn't like it hadn't happened before.
“Good .. this is the library we are staying at.”Twilight stated.” Shall we go have a look while these two are talking, I think Fluttershy forgot about us?”
“Woof.” Rahs agreed.
“Spike should be okay right?” Twilight asked as they entered the library.
“Woof.” Rahs smirked sniffing the air. The library must see a lot of use with all the Pony scents he could smell lingering in the air. Rahs blinked, his ears perking up in the pitch black of the library. There was something here with them......
“Well it's a good thing he doesn't have any ears to talk off then. Still as late as it's gotten I'm way behind on trying to study all I can on Nightmare Moon. There's no telling what will happen and I don't need a bunch of crazy ponies constantly trying to distract me with friendship or whatever. Now where's the light?”
“SURPRISE!!!” shouted a large group of ponies as the lights suddenly came back on.
Now it should be known, that Twilight was not a fan of surprises. She never had been, Rahs and Spike were indifferent to them as it was really hard to surprise Rahs and Spike was the most well adjusted of the three so it didn't bother him.
That said, while the usual reaction to being surprised was a shriek from Twilight and perhaps a bit of blugoning of the Pony or what ever got a jump on her or at least a lot of yelling at them, that was usually all that came from it. At least on a normal day.
Twilight was not having a normal day.
She was not at home, or near anything resembling familiar surroundings. She was upset that her teacher didn't believe her, she was angry that she had been sent to this town to do something she considered a waste of her time. There was the very real possibility that an ancient evil would be loosened on the world in little more than twelve hours. Her stomach still felt sick from all the food she ate, she was still annoyed at Rarity and a little bit at Dash too. Her hooves hurt from all the walking she was doing and she was going to be staying in a place that she was in no way used to.
That was all before some pony, who shall remain nameless, but whose name Rhymes with Stinky Fly, though she was by no means related to said pony, Stinky was the trash pony in Canterlot.
After all of that it her reaction would have been quite expected to the surprise party, at least to those who knew Twilight.
And as her eyes widened and she screamed out , her horn glowing a bright ,bright, crimson, it was quite a good thing for those at the party that Rahs knew his sister.
The Moon Dog quickly grabbed his sister and lifted her straight up into the air to the point her horn nearly touched the ceiling. Less than a heartbeat later there was no ceiling as the spell Twilight had created in her wild panic was discharged.
One moment there was light and the next moment there was a hole. There were also enough toothpicks falling from the sky and sticking into the ground that ponies around town needed to watch where they stepped for a few days afterward.
Once the worst of it seemed to be over, Rahs put Twilight down, the mare shaking and twitching as her eyes darted around the party. The gathered ponies remained silent for a bit staring at the panting Twilight before the perpetrator of this little event made their appearance and everyone else relaxed.
Not mind you because they felt safe after that particular display, but because if any one was going to get blasted with an arcane beam of death now, it would likely be the host of the party, and honestly, no one in town thought that would slow her down much.
Rahs flattened his ears to his head, amber eyes glaring over the gathered ponies wondering who set this up.
“I guess that was a bit too much surprise then huh?” the very pink pony that had run away from them earlier stated, pronking up to the pair.
“I. What. You.” Twilight stammered.
Rahs stepped over to a table picking up a treat bag from it and dumped the candy on the table before offering Twilight the bag to breath into.
“ Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. “ the pink mare grinned before she glanced around .” Wait weren't there three of you?”
The door was flung open at that point and a frantic purple Dragon rushed in. He paused a few paces in his green eyes taking in the scene, a nervous Fluttershy peered around the door frame behind him.
“Seriously!?!” Spike demanded as Rahs nodded.
“There he is. Like I said hi I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you, were you surprised huh huh huh were you huh?i suppose you were, though maybe you really just wanted a skylight. Gee if you really wanted a sky light in here there were plenty of better ways to go about it. Though that's cool we can see the moon now.” Pinkie Pie stated oblivious to Twilight's panic attack.
“Woof.” Rahs sighed.
“What, be quiet? In a library? But that would make a boring party. Any way I saw you all when you got here, and you were like 'hello', and I was like 'AHHHH' and running off remember? Yah, see I never saw you before, and if I never saw you before that means you're new. Cause I know every pony in Ponyville, though since I met you two I now know every Moon dog and Dragon in Ponyville too. And if you're new that means you haven't met any pony yet, and if you haven't met any pony yet you must not have any friends and if you don't have any friends you must be lonely. And that's soo sad and that's when I had an idea, which was when I gasped like I did and ran off. I thought I'd throw you a super duper welcome to Ponyville party and invite everyone in town, and see everypony is here and now you'll have lots and lots of friends.”
Rahs and Spike stared at the pink pony, certain she had not even taken a breath during her verbal rampage. The pair could see all of the ponies they had met that day, minus the three flower ponies and Fluttershy, who was still outside the door and was clearly trying to decide whether or not it was safe inside after seeing the hole blown in the roof.
Applejack and Big Mac were near the food table. Rainbow Dash was bragging to some little orange filly and Rarity was over in the corner looking pensive. There were a few others that they had seen but not been introduced to as well. The library was packed.
Twilight at that point, had had enough.
“Nope. Done. Finish. End. Me. Out.” Twilight stated tossing the bag aside and marching through the crowd toward a door at the back that was likely the Library's living quarters. At the moment Twilight didn't care if it was the broom closet.
Pinkie bounded after her. “Wait where are you going, this party is for you and it's just getting started. Don't you like it?” Pinkie Pie asked blinking as Twilight stepped through the door to the next room and then whirled while son the other side of the doorway.
Twilight practically shouted before she slammed the door in Pinkie Pie's face.
“But.. but, but, but, but, but...” Pinkie Pie pouted.”How does anypony not like parties and friends?”
“Woof.” Rahs sighed.
“ Oh yeah bro.....Dang.. That was easily a level four melt down. She was only able to manage mono syllabic responses.” Spike pointed out.
Rahs walked over and patted the poofy haired pony on the head. Her mane was oddly starting to deflate as she stared at the slammed door, and that was freaking Rahs out more than Twilight's melt down.
“I guess between the letter from Celestia and everything else she's been holding together pretty good though.” Spike shrugged.
“Bark?” Rahs questioned pointing at the hole in the roof.
“Yeah, still minor, don't you remember.... oh yeah you were at work when that happened. She had a full blown melt down one day when she thought Celestia was mad at her. Then there was the book burning thing. Then there was the vase test.” Spike shuddered.
Rahs whistled lightly recalling being told about them , though thankfully he missed most of those events either because he was at a show or working in the theater.
“What did I do wrong!?” Pinkie bemoaned.
“Woof “ Rahs suggested waiting for Spike to translate.
“What do you mean she doesn't like parties? How does a pony not like parties?” Pinkie grumbled.
Spike and Rahs stared at her then looked to each other.
“Bark.” Rahs continued.
“Trauma? What kind of trauma could make her hate parties they are the best thing ever!?” “ Pinkie Pie was freaking out a little.
“ Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Of course I can understand you, I wouldn't be the premier party planner if I didn't understand what everyone wanted, I mean of course I'm a little rusty on Moon Dog, given it's a sorta dead language and all or not, just to make it a confusing plot point, of course I would have been able to understand you anyway just like those guys in the comments of the fic said, though I don't get what they meant by my pinkiness, is that a new color, I read the earlier chapters and I know why she might feel like that, but I don't see how she dislikes all parties, I mean I went out of the way to make this was a welcome party, nothing like a birthday party at all, so she wouldn't get upset, but it seems that happened anyway and I need to make friends with her before black snooty shows up or the whole plot is gonna go right into the toilet which no one wants cause for some reason this stories doing better than the little rabbits main story and he's more than happy to keep going with it as long as people enjoy it and continued to like it and leave comments which is kinda the only thing that drives a lot of writers on the site, at least the ones not asking for money any way, but did she have to storm off like that, now I feel bad that I upset her, I didn't mean too I mean parties are kinda my thing, I mean I have balloons on my ass for crying out loud, it's either parties or being a clown and I really don't like clowns all that much after reading that one book with the red balloons, though the new theater production of it with the dancing clown was more funny than scary, though the book was better than that anyway, but I'm never gonna give you up never gonna let you down , never gonna run around and desert you, but seriously did I goof up here or is she gonna be okay in a chapter or two, or better yet by the end of this one because I know she feels bad and I don't want anyone to feel bad just because of one of my parties.”
Rahs and Spike stared blankly at the pink mare as once again they were certain she didn't pause for air in that rant at all, they also were having a hard time wrapping their heads around anything that was said.
“Maybe... um maybe you could introduce us to everyone and we'll just pass it along to her when she feels better?” Spike suggested.
“Great!” Pinkie Pie chimed hopping up, her hair restored to it's former poofiness.
Spike and Rahs looked at each other with worried expressions as the pink party planning pony, pronked as she practically pushed the pair to the parties populace.
Rahs and Spike were rather surprised at the round of introductions. It seemed that Pinkie Pie had not been lying when she said she knew every pony in Ponyville. Rahs couldn't wrap his head around half the names that she had given in her rapid fire introductions. It also became clear that Pinkie Pie really hadn't meant to upset Twilight, given that the mare apologized for it every few minutes, throwing parties was just something she did, and everyone got a 'welcome to Ponyville party'.
Spike assured her that Twilight would be fine once she calmed down and the party mare seemed to take that to heart. With one final apology she darted off into the crowd and was last seen trying to get a game of pin the tail on the pony going.
There was another thing that surprised Rahs. Aside from a few foals running around all of the ponies present were adults, yet he hadn't caught the first whiff of alcohol at all.
On one paw that meant that that Pinkie Pie was responsible enough to know foals and underage ponies were here.
On the other paw, a possible explanation for the pink pony's antics was out the window.
The mare was everywhere and acted like she knew every pony. Rahs gave up trying to follow her after a few moments, she didn't smell like magic, and yet she was seemingly bending reality to her whims like a Equss class mage.
Twilight was going to have a field day studying her if she ever found out about her quirks.
Spike had found Applebloom again and was talking with her and a few other foals that came over to gawk at the Dragon. That was a nice change, Spike didn't really have a chance to make friends with any one his age back in Canterlot. Between the private tutoring and most parents worrying about his claws and fire breath he didn't meet any. There were few in Canterlot that would allow their children anywhere near him in truth. Rahs only hoped Spike could keep his snark in check, that forked tongue of his could be quite barbed when he chose.
Rahs was more worried about Twilight right now, but he knew going to talk to her wouldn't do much good. She needed some alone time and a nap before she would be able to deal with other ponies again. Still that left him without a translator, maybe he should break out the notebook again, or perhaps he should just get a big glass of water and......
“Excuse me.” Rahs' ears perked up as he heard a voice behind him. He turned back to look and immediately flattened his ears to his skull seeing the white Unicorn mare that had put him in a foul mood earlier had shown up again.
“Bork.” Rahs grumbled.
“Rahs! That is not nice.” another voice, much quieter stated. “I mean she is flexible, but I don't think any pony is flexible enough to do that.”
Rahs blinked noting that Fluttershy had walked up with Rarity and was sitting behind her gesturing to the white unicorn with a wing.
“Bark?” Rahs questioned.
“Please just listen to her.” Fluttershy asked.
Rahs looked back at Rarity, he rolled his eyes and let out a long sigh. He rather wanted to just storm off again, but Fluttershy was there and he didn't want to upset the Pegasus mare by telling her friend to piss off. He turned his attention fully to Rarity, at the very least he would be willing to let her speak her peace just to see how far she'd stick her hoof in her mouth this time.
“Umm yes .. first off I would like to apologize for my earlier behavior. It was uncouth and not befitting for a lady to have reduced herself to such things. I would also like to greatly apologize for striking you with the broom and to any insult I may have directed towards your family.” Rarity quickly let out, her words seemed rather brisk, as though they were stunted, like she had a much larger and more flowery prose she wished to say and then scraped it all before opening her mouth. “ While i suppose I could defend myself by pointing out your close resemblance to a Diamond Dog, I shall not do so, as trying to defend my unwarranted actions will simply cheapen my attempt to apologize. I fully admit I was in the wrong and I let my emotions get the best of me in our first encounter. I also apologize for not noticing you until the end. I have a tendency to get quite focused and ignore everything else.”
Rahs tilted his head glancing over to Fluttershy briefly.” Bark?” Rahs asked.
Fluttershy shook her head indicating that she had nothing to do with Rarity's apology.
Rahs looked back at Rarity who was looking up at him with the sort of eyes that would make a stallion melt into a blubbering mess. Unfortunately for her, that sort of look meant nothing to Rahs, he wasn't interested in ponies in that way at all, sure he knew a pretty pony or a cute one when he saw them, but there was no romantic or amorous attraction attached. Spike fell in and out of love at the drop of a hat, Rahs had never really cared. Best he could figure out it had to do with their scent. His brain told him they were prey, not partners, and it was something he had not really tried to ever get past.
Rahs' impassive reaction to her batting her eyes did not go unnoticed however.
“Nothing? Not even a little bit? “ Rarity gasped rearing up onto her hind legs with one foreleg to her head and toppled over backwards.
Rahs took a step forward to catch her out of instinct, only to stop as she collapsed onto a red couch that hadn't been there before.
“AHHHH NOOOOOOO” Rarity whined, “Not even a flicker of interest, that's it, my time is done, I've gotten old....”Rarity continued to wail. Rahs blinked looking around seeing that everyone but Fluttershy was ignoring the mare's antics. “I should just hang it all up and get a dozen cats.”
Fluttershy spoke up.”Oh that's wonderful Rarity, I have a number of little kittens …..”
“Hold that thought dear.” Rarity told the butter yellow Pegasus, as she suddenly sat up for a second. With Fluttershy paused she fell back onto the couch with a wail, wracked with sobs.” My charm is gone, I'm hideous ahhhhhh”
Rahs simply stared at the scene before him as the white mare continued to debase herself in the crowd as she carried on. It was clearly fake, but he couldn't help be amused at the emotion she put into the part she was playing, fake or not. As she was on the third verse of lamenting the loss of her youthful beauty, Rahs couldn't help but to start clapping at the scene.
Rarity paused a moment before sitting up on her couch with a small smile.
“Not buying it, hmm?” Rarity asked.
Rahs shook his head.”Woof.”
“He says it was a nice effort, it was easily on par with Princess's rant in the last showing of Sweet Bird of Youth.” Fluttershy explained.
“Really? I was going more for a Scarlet..” Rarity pouted.
“Bark.” Rahs chuckled.
“He said you didn't have enough of a country twang for Scarlet.”Fluttershy smirked.
“Everyone's a critic.” Rarity bemoaned, getting a small chuckle from Rahs. “Still that does bring me back to the point at hoof as to whether or not you accept my apology for my actions before. In short, I apologize for calling you a mongrel, and insinuating you were infested with fleas. I know I cannot exactly expect it , but I am sorry about getting carried away like that and I do beseech your forgiveness for that. I am hardly showing myself in the best light with all this.”
Rahs raised an eyebrow.” Woof.”
“He said you didn't say anything about the insult to his fashion sense.” Fluttershy explained.
“Yes well out of everything I said that was the one part I am not going to apologize for. Honestly maroon and tan with navy blue fur? It clashes horridly. It's like if I tried to wear bright green. It really won't do.” Rarity continued.
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“He said he doesn't see what's wrong with it.” Fluttershy passed along. “Rahs I think she means the colors more than the style.”
Rahs' ears perk up at that as he looked down at his clothing. Unlike normal cats and dogs, he could see in the same spectrum of colors as Ponies, he just didn't see anything wrong with the maroon duster and his tan pants.
“Yes I suppose the style is fine. It's not elegant, but it clearly has function with all the pockets.” Rarity considered rubbing her chin with a hoof. “Ooh idea. How about I fix something up for you. I've never actually made anything for one of your build before and I can play with the colors a bit.”
Rahs raised an eyebrow.” Woof...”
“He said...” Fluttershy began.
“I understand a refusal when I hear one dear, no worries. It shal'nt cost you anything and if anything I will consider it a continuation of my apology. Not to say I will not benefit a bit from working on something new, but the offer still stands. I will simply need to take measurements when you are able. While I doubt any of this will make us friends I would at least hope that I can lessen any hard feelings you and your siblings may have towards me.”
“Bark.” Rahs responded.
“He said he is willing to accept your apology, but he can't speak for the others. He's also somewhat suspect that this is only forthcoming because he expects you want to remain in the good graces of a Canterlot family.” Fluttershy stated.
“While I cannot deny the thought crossed my mind that is not the case. My actions show I am clearly not ready for that place and I shalln't bring it up again.” Rarity sighed.
Rahs snorted, she was closer to fitting into the Canterlot elite than he was willing to admit.
“I take that's a no?” Rarity frowned.
“Woof.” Rahs shook his head before an idea came to mind.”Bark.”
“No, he says you're fine and he's still willing to accept though he does have a request.” Fluttershy tilted her head. “ He said make a small ball of magic and float it in the air?”
Rahs nodded as Rarity looked confused. Still she did as he asked and a light blue orb formed in the air. Rahs regarded it a moment before snapping it out of the air with a quick bite. Both Rarity and Fluttershy shrieked at the action with the Pegasus freezing in place and the white Unicorn falling back on her couch rubbing her horn.
“OH I'VE BEEN KILT!” Rarity bemoaned as Rahs considered the flavor.
“Marshmallow.”
Fluttershy blinked.
“What just happened?!” Rarity cried out.
“Bark?” Rahs asked Fluttershy.
“Yes I'm fine, just a bit startled.” Fluttershy admitted.
“Yes a little warning before doing …. that again.” Rarity grumbled.” What was that any way?”
“ Oh, Moon Dogs eat magic... I think he was just seeing what flavor yours was.” Fluttershy stated as Rahs nodded.
“ And my magic tastes like marshmallow?” Rarity asked as Rahs nodded.” I don't know how I feel about that.”
“All the ponies in this town are crazy!” Twilight swore as she buried her head under her pillow.
She had gotten a bit of sleep before a cheer from the downstairs library woke her up again. She hadn't realized that she was even as tired as she was. Still given she had flown down from Canterlot that morning and had been running around all day. A brief glance to a clock on the wall showed it was well after midnight and closer to the sunrise than she liked. She knew most ponies would be staying up as late as they could in order to watch the Princess raise the sun, though Twilight was far more worried about the possibility of yesterday being the last day Equestria would ever see.
Twilight grumbled rolling onto her back, letting out a low sigh as she tried to work out her frustrations of the day, more sleep wasn't going to happen any time soon.
“And here I thought I would have had some time to study more about the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight sighed.” I can't even go down stairs to look at the books without the possibility of getting mobbed and sidetracked again.”
Twilight sighed rolling over onto her belly and climbing then out of bed. She gathered up the one book she had brought with her rereading the lines by the light of the moon as she moved to the window.
“Legend has it that on the longest day of the of the thousandth year, the stars shall aid in her escape and she shall bring about night time eternal.” Twilight grumbled looking up at the moon and the glimmering stars filling the sky. Was it just her or were a quartet of those stars closer to the moon than they had been before?
“I hope the Princess was right. I really hope this is just an old pony tale.....” Twilight muttered.
The door opened and Spike poked his head in. Twilight blinked noting that the little dragon had a lampshade on his head for some reason and she wisely decided to ignore it.
“Twilight, it's about time for the sunrise. You gonna be okay to join us over at town hall?” Spike questioned.
She considered a moment and let out a small sigh. She still felt tired, but what sleep she had gotten had helped. Really the day hadn't been that bad. She was still annoyed at Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and maybe a little bit at Rainbow Dash, but her earlier crabbiness was mostly gone.
“Sure.. Spike... “ Twilight yawned.” See if you can track down some coffee for me would you?”
“No problem. Oh and avoid the red bottles on the drink table. Pinkie Pie has a few bottles of hot sauce up there that look like cherry juice.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah.. mare likes it on cupcakes. She's a weird one, but alright if you can get past the oddities.”Spike stated.” You should talk to her before we leave, she seems rather sorry about surprising you.”
“We'll see. Coffee first.” Twilight stated.
“I'll see what I can find and I'll let Rahs know you're up.” Spike agreed stepping back out of the room.
Twilight sighed looking around at the gathered crowd. Rahs stood next to her garnering a few odd looks from those who had not made it to Pinkie Pie's party, though for the most part they let him be.
Spike was still hanging out with Applebloom and the pair of them seemed super excited over everything. Applebloom was currently reintroducing the dragon to the food her family brought. Twilight was rather glad her younger brother was making friends. There were issues with that back in Canterlot.
Rahs was explaining to her about his encounter with Rarity. Twilight was only half listening, it was less than ten minutes until Princess Celestia was supposed to raise the sun and no one had seen her for very long after her chariot had landed. In fact aside from the two Guards that had pulled Twilight's chariot, no one had seen another Royal Guard at all.
“So she's going to make you a new outfit and you're fine with her now?” Twilight questioned.
“Woof.”Rahs shrugged.
“Yes, well I suppose she did apologize, that's a start. I guess she's going to try and apologize to Spike and I too?” Twilight theorized as Rahs nodded. “Alright, well if you're fine with her after all that I suppose I can let it slide. Still it makes me wonder what kind of trouble could she have had with Diamond Dogs for that sort of reaction?”
“Talking about Rarity?” Pinkie Pie asked suddenly from right next to them, making both Twilight and Rahs jump back in surprise.
Pinkie Pie ignored the shock and continued to talk, though her tone was a little subdued. “Rarity's had some bad encounters with the packs of them around town. The two packs here are way worse than the ones near where I used to live, but they tend to leave the town alone for the most part.”
“I didn't realize that the Diamond Dogs were such a big problem out here.” Twilight considered.
“Ehh so long as you stay in town or near the farms there's not much issue. At least not now.” Pinkie Pie's hair deflated a little as she looked over at Applejack briefly.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Not my place to say.” Pinkie explained before turning to Twilight. “ Any way I am super sorry about startling you like that earlier I didn't think anyone was afraid of parties or would get that upset I was throwing a surprise welcome to Ponyville party. I didn't mean to upset you or anything. PLEASE DON'T BE MAD!”
Twilight and Rahs both jumped back again as a veritable torrent of water flooded from the bawling pink ponies eyes.
“Geez it's okay calm down.... you didn't know, I forgive you, just calm down...” Twilight tried to placate.
“Okay!” Pinkie Pie popped up again, her hair exploding back into the poofy curls, her tears drying up as if they never were there. She grabbed Twilight in a bone creaking hug before letting her go with a wide grin. “ I'm glad everything's okay again . I'm super excited for this party are you excited, I've never been so excited....”
Pinkie stopped her rambling as a fanfare of bird song sounds, the crowd of ponies go silent as they all look up at the second floor of the town hall where Rarity stood by a curtained off area, ready to pull the cord to reveal the Princess.
Fluttershy smiled as she guided her birds to sing, announcing the reveal. A spot light shines down to just under the curtained off balcony area where Mayor Mare stood ready for a speech.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.” She called out her voice carrying over the crowd, only to be drown out by the thunder of stomping hooves and cheering.
After waiting for the cheering to die down the Mayor spoke again.“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year.”
The mayor took a bit of a pause. Twilight glanced back and noticed Rahs was headed off towards the back rather quickly, likely having to use the little colts room. She was upset for a moment , before realizing that she and Rahs could pretty much see the Princess almost any time they wanted. This really wasn't a big deal to either of them.
“And now it is my great honor to introduce you to the ruler of our land.....” Mayor continued.
Twilight glanced to the sky with a worried expression, seeing the moon through the great glass windows at the top of the town hall. The stars she thought were closer before were gone and the image of the mare on the moon seemed to vanish.
“....... the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria....” Mayor continued.
Fluttershy gestured for her birds to ready the fanfare. Pinkie Pie vibrated in place. Rarity readied herself to pull the cord. Applejack offered a slice of cake to a pony. Spike and Applebloom looked up at the upper balcony with excitement. Rainbow Dash devoured said cake slice. Twilight fretted about what might happen. Rahs froze in place where he was about to exit the little colts room a shudder running along his spine.
“PRINCESS CELESTIA!”
The curtain was yanked back and the spotlight moved to the upper balcony to reveal, nothing.
Ponies around her started yammering in shock as Rarity poked her head behind the curtain looking for the Princess.
“This can't be good.” Twilight muttered drawing Pinkie Pie's attention.
“Be calm everypony there must be a reasonable explanation.” Mayor Mare placated.
“Ooh, Ohh, I love guessing games.” Pinkie Pie chimed up as she looked around. “ Is she hiding?”
“She's gone.” Rarity called down as all the others gasped in shock.
“Ooh she's good.” Pinkie Pie admitted looking up at the balcony before screaming out. Her cry starting other panicked sounds from the crowd as a dark purplish mist begins to form , billowing over the balcony.
There were a few screams and some shrieking as the mist took the form of a towering black alicorn with metallic blue armor. Her mane and tail swirled around her like an unbound miasma of partially stars and mostly void. Her teal eyes were slitted like a cats as she stared down at the gather ponies, most of them too much in shock at the appearance of the dark mare to even move.
“Oh my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun loving faces....” The mare sneered glaring down at them all.
“WHAT DID YOU DO WITH OUR PRINCESS!” Rainbow Dash shouted launching into the air only for Applejack to grab her tail.
Twilight glanced around the room, not seeing Rahs though, Spike was standing in front of a number of foals who had huddled under the table, an angry look on his face as he glared up at the dark alicorn.
“Why? Am I not royal enough for you?” The mare chuckled. Her laughter cut off for a moment as she looked to the back of the crowd curiously her ears perked.
Glancing back Twilight caught a glimpse of Rahs being shoved back into the bathroom as a herd of ponies pushed into the little colts room trying to get away.
“Don't you know who I am?” The mare asked looking back over the crowd ignoring the minor stampede.
“Ooh, more guessing games. Hmmm, Hokey Smokes? No, Queen Meanie! Oh, Oh, Oh, I got it, Black snooty, that's it's Black Snooty.” Pinkie Pie guessed any further guesses cut off as Applejack shoved an large cupcake in the jabbering mares mouth to shut her up.
“Does my crown no longer count now that's I've been imprisoned for a thousand years!?” the mare snarled glaring at Fluttershy and sending her birds flying away in terror as the Pegasus flinched and whimpered.
She whirls on Rarity catching the mares chin with the miasma of her mane. “ Did you not recall the legends, did you not see the signs?” She growled popping the white Unicorn on the chin with her mane.
“I did.” Twilight called out. “And I know who you are. You're the mare in the moon.”
The dark alicorn grinned showing Rarity some rather impressively sharp teeth as she turned to look down at Twilight.
There were a number of shrieks and cries of panic from the back of the building as Rahs tried to shove ponies out of his way, or failing that tossing them, to get out and stop Twilight from drawing more attention to herself. He was unfortunately making little to no progress out of the bathroom. The air was filled with magic and it made his fur stand on end.
“Nightmare Moon.” Twilight declared with a growl.
“Well, well, well. Some pony who remembers me.” Nightmare Moon smiled.” Then you also know why I'm here.....”
“You're here to.... to...” Twilight flinched noting everyone else staring at her.
“Remember this day my little ponies, for it was your last!” Nightmare Moon cackled.”From this moment forth . The Night. Will last. FOREVER!”
The dark alicorns shout, brought a boom of thunder and the flash of lightning across the top of the room , sending a number of Pegasi who had been in the air diving for cover. Her mane started to move forming a swirling vortex of dark void above her, filling the top of the town hall with darkness as her laughter echoed through the building.
A pup named Rahs Sparkle [ Nightmare Night bonus episode]
Twilight Gets a Puppy Nightmare Night special By TDR
A pup named Rahs Sparkle
[ Canterlot 7 years left]
The thunder of little hooves running down the sidewalk was echoed by the rattle of candy in bags and pails all over the city. Foals from all over sought out the tightest grouping of homes to make the most of the time they had to get the biggest haul of candy they could.
Guards were out in full force as well, whether in costume along with costumed foals or in uniform at various intersections, the entire city was being watched over with careful eyes to ensure that the foals running about were safe while having a good time.
One particular foal had been running amuck for hours and was now on her way to the final stop for nearly every foal that night.
Canterlot Castle.
The little white filly darted down the street.
This was not her natural coloration, but a spell she had mastered and wanted to show her teacher. She had a felt cutie mark of a sun stuck to her flank, fake gold hoof covers, crown, and necklace, the costume only added to her desire to show her teacher the spell. Felt wings flopped on her back and her mane and tail was loose and painted a multitude of colors like a sunrise.
Of course she was not stupid and had already hit several neighborhoods. And she had a massive sack of candy floated along with her in her magic to show for it.
As she galloped the scene froze with the filly in mid stride, a small subtitle appeared under her.
[Twilight Sparkle] [11] [Magicus adroablus]
The captions faded and the filly continued to run.
A moment later a lumbering creature rounded the corner behind her and bounded after her.
The creature had deep purple fur and a pair of floppy felt wings on it's back to match the coloration of the fur. He wore a rather large and oddly ornate headdress that seemed to mimic some ancient culture or another. Around his eyes were darkened by makeup that was drawn into a wadjet design around one eye. A massive bag of candy was gripped tight in the creatures teeth as he loped after the filly.
The scene again slows with the subtitles.
[Rahs Sparkle] [11] [ adorablius moon doggius]
And again the scene speeds up with the pup rushing off.
“Hey! Twily , Rahs! Wait up!” a voice called.
Rounding the corner was a white unicorn stallion galloping full tilt after the pair ahead of him that rushed towards the palace. His blue mane was slicked back and a pair of false fangs were clearly visible in his mouth. A long bat like cape fluttered over his back , the black outside of it a striking contrast with his fur, though the bright red interior made it stand out further.
As he galloped time slows to a stop once more with subtitles.
Waddling after the galloping trio was a much smaller figure. His purple scales were partially hidden by cloth designed to look like plate armor. He had a small wooden ax and a large red beard made of yarn. Perched atop his head was a helmet with large horns sticking out of it. A fair sized pillowcase full of candy was draped over one shoulder like a bag of loot.
The scene slows once more to a stop.
[Spike Sparkle] [5] [scalecoveredus adorableness]
Soon it starts again and the baby dragon waddles onward.
A few paces behind him was the final figure in the group. A smile crossed over her features as she kept an eye on the 'Spiking' before her, her ears perk up listening to her colt friend chase after his younger sister and brother.
The mare was surprisingly pink, though she wore a rather tight black dress that covered her form fully. Her legs were covered in striped black and green socks than ran all the way up to her barrel. Her mane and tail were both shock white and a large pointed black hat rested on top of her head. She didn't have a treat bag but she had an old straw broom draped across her back.
For the last time the scene slows.
[Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, 'Cadence' ] [ She will hurt you] [Alicornius marefriendicus babysitterus]
The scene and the chase resumed as the group approached the castle.
“Having fun cadet?” One of the Royal Guards at the gate.
“I haven't run that much since basic.” Shining Armor panted.
“You're trying to catch a Sphinx and a mini Celestia. “ The guard chuckled.” I'm amazed you've kept up this well, oh vampire lord.”
“Ha ha... well.. which way did they go?”Shining asked catching his breath.
“You have to guess? Right towards the Princesses to show off their costumes.” The Guard smirked noting Cadence and Spike approaching.
“Right I'll be after them....”
“Hold on Cadet.” The Guard stated a bit quieter as he shifted closer to Shining. “ We're a bit light tonight as most of the Guards are out in the city. At best we're a skeleton crew watching the palace. Now I'm not some old timer worrying over everything , but something feels odd tonight. Some of the castle staff are acting odd and the Princess hasn't made an appearance in a couple of hours now. Usually she's the one hoofing out candy, and sneaking bits of it when no ponys looking, but tonight it's been her aside, Flowery Text, who's passing out the candy. Since you're headed that way any way think you can check on her, I know you're off duty tonight....”
“Not a problem sergeant... I'll keep an eye out for anything odd.” Shining sighed.” Mostly because I know Twili and Rahs will be in the middle of anything that happens.”
“HA.. well that's the truth. The Princesses students are an interesting bunch.” The Guard chuckled. “ Good luck cadet.”
The inside of the palace had spared no expense in terms of decoration. Despite being the bustling hub of the entire city, as well as the capitol of the entire country, the palace looked like it had been abandoned for years. Cobwebs hung from everything, the lights were dimmed as all the candles were out and only softly glowing orbs of mage light floated around at random intervals moving like ghosts and softly humming. Dark corners hinted at horrific things as the moving lights made the shadows dance and shift, occasionally a maid or other palace worker moved through these shadows, usually in a costume of some kind to blend in, or scare a group of foals.
There were however spots of bright light as a mage halo floated over the few patrolling Royal Guards along the path to the throne room. These bright beacons of light disrupted the chilling atmosphere of the castle and were often swarmed with little foals who found the experience too spooky for them to risk alone.
Most of the activity of the night was in the main hall and throne room. Twilight and Rahs had already blown past that, the party atmosphere in the throne room was not to Twilight's liking, besides the Guard she had asked said the Princess wasn't there, so she must be in her room.
Heading up the main stairs with Rahs thudding along behind her, Twilight took note that even in the areas the public wasn't supposed to go the decorations were well done. She did notice though the closer that Twilight got to the Princess's quarters the less depictions of Nightmare Moon there were. There were still plenty of cobwebs and pumpkins scattered about, but the star of Nightmare Night was Nightmare Moon, to see her visage missing from the decorations was odd.
“ Come on Rahs we're almost there.” Twilight stated stopping at the top of the stairs as she looked down at the pup who was still in the middle of the stairwell. He was growling, his ears laid back to his head as he stared up at her, the fur along his back standing straight up as he was alternating between growling and hissing.
Twilight blinked at that, Rahs only ever did that hissing growling thing when he was scared of something, and since she didn't hear her moms vacuum cleaner that meant.......
The thud of a hoof above her on the landing drew her attention upward. Looking up Twilight was greeted to the sight of silvery blue hoof covers before her eyes. As her gaze traveled upward it turned into a midnight black coat on a very tall mare's legs, bluish silver armor covered the mare's chest and a helm of the same, capped her head. Black wings fanned out from her back stretching wide as the green eyed figure glared down at Twilight, a black spiraled horn jutted from out of the hole in the helmet. Her head and back were surrounded by floating blue mist dotted with stars. Her nebulous mane and tail whipped in an unseen wind as she bared her shark like teeth down at Twilight.
“ Leave.” Nightmare Moon hissed.
Twilight screamed out, rushing down the stairs, her bag of candy thudding on the steps for a moment before her magic flared up and grabbed it, yanking the precious loot away from the snarling mare. Rahs howled and took off after Twilight just as quickly, the pair of them rushing back towards the throne room and colliding with Shining Armor and Cadence only a few steps down the hall.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Cadence stated her magic holding onto Rahs to prevent him from rushing away. That lasted long enough for a 'CHOMP' and the feeling of her horn getting slapped. Cadence frowned looking back at Rahs, who was sitting there calmly now munching on her magic.
“What's going on?” Shining asked holding his sister as she flailed.
“It's Nightmare Moon she's in the palace!!” Twilight flailed.
“Seriously?” Cadence questioned. “ I thought au... Princess Celestia wasn't a fan of Nightmare Moon costumes.”
“We saw her!” Twilight snapped. “At the top of the stairs!”
Shining blinked, picking his sister up and putting her on his back, wincing a little at the eleven year olds weight as he walked into the foyer, his horn lit up and shone like a search light to the top of the stairs and around the rest of the room, showing nothing but decorations.
“Well there's nothing here now.” Shining stated .” Are you sure you didn't just imagine it?”
“Woof.” Rahs snapped.
“You saw Nightmare Moon? NEAT!” Spike chipped in looking around excitedly and waving his wooden ax in the air.” I'll get her!”.
“Seems both of them saw something that scared them.” Cadence commented.” That in itself is odd.”
“Yeah they are normally pretty fearless.” Shining chuckled.
“You don't believe us.” Twilight pouted.
“We believe you saw something, maybe not Nightmare Moon though.” Cadence considered.
Before another word could be spoken a loud groan echoed through the halls, the unearthly wail sending shudders down the groups spines.
“There shouldn't be any sort of effect that does that!” Cadence winced.
Twilight hopped down from her brothers back and considered a moment before darting up the stairs again, quickly followed by Rahs and Shining.
“She was right here.... LOOK!” Twilight yelped.
Shining blinked as he looked at the wooden floor of the landing, seeing a pattern of hoof prints that sparkled as if they they were full of stars.
The path of them trailed off to a nearby hall and vanished.
“So Nightmare Moon's a ghost?” Spike asked having managed to climb up after them.
“There's no such things as ghosts.” Twilight snorted. “ What this is, is a mystery.”
Shining sighed slapping his face with a hoof.” I know where this leads. So help me if this turns out to be another Galloping Ghost situation.........”
“Galloping Ghost?” Cadence asked.
“When Twily was five she was certain there was a ghost running around the neighborhood in the dead of the night. She woke up to go to the bathroom one night and looked out the window to see a glowing figure running down the street.”
“Oh? What was it?” Cadence questioned.
“It turned out to be Mrs. Danish from down the block. Her doctor told her she needed more exercise , but she was really self conscious so she only exercised and ran at night so no one would see her. The glow Twilight saw was all the reflective gear she was wearing so no one would think she was a burglar or anything.”
“Nightmare Moon is in the palace, the Princess is missing, and there are moans of the undead filling the Palace.”Twilight stated.” Something is up and I wanna know what!”
“Woof.” Rahs agreed.
“Yep I'm in too” Spike added as he waved his ax in the air.
“Alright, alright. I'll help.” Shining considered before smirking. “Okay lets split up gang. We'll search for clues faster that way. Twilight, you, Rahs, and Spike take downstairs, Cadence and I will take upstairs.”
“Right!” “Bark!” “Whatho!”
The trio rushed off towards the door at the back of the room barging through it into a deeper hallway.
“Seriously is it a good idea to split up like this?” Cadence asked with a hint of worry.
“We're in the palace, there are Guards wandering the halls, and Twilight is accompanied by a fire breathing Dragon, and Rahs.”Shining pointed out as he headed up the stairs. ”If there was a ghost I'd feel sorry for it.”
“Good point, so what sort of clues are we looking for?” Cadence asked heading up after him.
“We're not. I just remembered you promised to show me your quarters here in the palace.” Shining grinned. “ And with those three occupied....”
Cadence blinked then, grinned as well as she moved up next to him, to press against his side.”Well aren't you a clever colt.”
“I have my moments.”Shining grinned turning red at the contact.
Twilight Gets a Puppy Nightmare Night special By TDR
A pup named Rahs Sparkle, part 2
[ Canterlot 7 years left]
A trio crept along the edge of the hall. A small Unicorn dressed as Princess Celestia, a Moon Dog dressed as a Sphinx and a baby Dragon dressed as a Viking. They wandered seemingly aimlessly, though two of them were just waiting for the brain of the group to figure out the next step.
“So shouldn't we just go to see Princess Celestia?” Spike asked.
“No, not until I solve this mystery, then I'll have the new spell and the mystery solved for her to be proud of.” Twilight answered.
“Woof.” Rahs stated with a snort. He paused as he sniffed the air again shaking his head.
“Nothing? I would think a nightmare monster would have a scent that sticks out.” Twilight considered.
The unearthly moan sounded in the halls again causing the trio to shudder.
“Okay we need to find the source of that too.” Twilight muttered.
Rahs considered a moment before offering his suggestion.” Bark.”
Twilight's eyes narrow.” Seriously?”
“I agree, the kitchen seems the perfect place to start” Spike chimed up rubbing his belly.
“Why would a ghost be in the kitchen?” Twilight questioned.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
Twilight sighed rolling her eyes. “No, I don't have any other ideas.....”
And thus out voted, the pouty purple pretend princess, plodded on in pursuit of the pup and his pudgy partner.
Canterlot Castle kitchen was a massive affair. Taking up the majority of the west wing, they were loaded with the worlds most modern convinces and cooking implements. There were at least thirty ovens and four times as many stove tops. Doors to the royal wine cellar, a out door herb garden, and the refrigerated and dry good storage rooms, that took up the rest of the west wing, lead off the kitchens like hub. Countless servant's tunnels ran out of the kitchen as well, branching out like a spider web going to every part of the castle. In truth this was probably a good place to start looking, everything in the castle usually came through the kitchens at some point, be it supplies or information.
Granted Rahs, Spike and Twilight didn't know that. The former were looking to raid a fridge and the latter was just annoyed to be there.
The trio paused as another scream filled the air, though this one tapered off into giggling laughter, so likely someone simply got scared at something and it wasn't worth considering no matter how close it sounded.
The kitchen wasn't decorated like the rest of the castle aside from a few Nightmare Night shaped cookie cutters left in a drying rack, again with no Nightmare Moon cutter in sight. As Twilight pondered that missing piece, Rahs and Spike opened up a fridge and basked in the glory they had revealed.
“Woof.....”Rahs drooled.
“I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life.” Spike said in awe.
“What are you....? Twilight demanded, her jaw dropping as she turned her eyes to what they saw and gazed at the magnificence inside of the fridge that the pair had opened. “Is that.....ice cream cake?”
“Lots of ice cream cake.” Spike stared.
The fridge was packed top to bottom with ice cream cakes of various flavors and sizes. Cool mist billowed out of the frozen icebox creating a billowing fog on the floor.
The trio all shrieked and lept into the air whirling around to see a bright red furred Pegasus Pony standing behind them. She had her white and dark caramel colored hair in a tight bun with a pair of pumpkin hair clips holding it in place. A clipboard and quill marked her flank and her green eyes looked down at the trio with a bit of annoyance.
“Miss Flowery Text, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked.
“I work here Miss Sparkle, and you are far outside of bounds for the event in the main hall.” The aide sighed. “Let me guess Rahs and Spike wanted to raid the kitchen again?”
“Yep.” Spike admitted.
“Well there's plenty of food over in the throne room, no Pony, or dog, or Dragon gets to touch the Princess's cakes.” Flowery replied.
“They don't look like any one's touched them.” Twilight pointed out.
“Yes..... well...... the Princess must be saving them for later, come on, out with you, back to the main hall.” The Princess's aside pushed them out the door with her wings pointing them back down the hall towards the throne room.
Once in the main hall, Flowery Text headed off to take care of something, leaving them at the entrance of the throne room. Twilight wandered off to a corner with the other two following her placing themselves between their sister and the party going on behind them.
“Woof.” Rahs asked.
“I'm fine. Don't worry.” Twilight pouted shifting in the corner behind her brothers. She could tell Spike wanted to go play, but he was hesitant, both about leaving her, and the usual reactions parents had when he got close to their foals. Rahs as usual was more focused on her. Though at the moment he seemed to be focused more on her back side.
“What?” Twilight asked as Rahs pointed at her white felt wing. Twilight turned her head to look at it and the black splotch covering it
“GAH! Nooooo!!! Princess Celestia hasn't seen it yet and it's already ruined!!!!” Twilight wailed.
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“Huh? You're right. That wasn't there a minute ago.” I'll go see if I can find something to wash it off and hit the food table while I'm at it.” Spike commented waddling off.
“Bark!” Rahs called.
“I doubt they'll have any pepperoni but I'll look.” Spike called back.
“Where did this come from?” Twilight grumbled reaching a hoof up to prod the black paint, blinking as she pulled away her hoof and saw the paint sparkling in the light.”Glitter paint? Ugh, I'm ruined, glitter's like the craft store version of cooties. I'll never get rid of it.”
Rahs looked at the spot sniffing it and snorting in annoyance as he whipped his head.
“Bark!” Rahs pointed out.
“It smells like Flowery Text?” Twilight blinked. ”But she didn't have a costume on. She must have found some other foals in the kitchens before us and got paint on her wing guiding them back.”
“Hey guys look what I got!” Spike chimed up walking over to the group with a large bowl being carried over his head.
The siblings looked at the youngest and the massive bowl of candy he was bringing over curiously.
“Spike you can't take the whole bowl of candy, what about everypony else.” Twilight chided.
“It's okay, no one else was even getting anywhere near it and the Guard over there said I could have it.” Spike danced about dropping candy from the overfull bowl every where. “ I found another motherlode!!”
Rahs picked up a piece looking at it. He tilted his head a little and sniffed it before sticking out his tongue .”Bark!”
“What?” Spike paused in his dance as Twilight picked up a fallen piece as well.
“I agree, blegh.” Twilight stuck out her tongue.” It's that sugar free stuff the dentists give you. You have a whole bowl of candy no one in their right mind would touch.”
“Awwww.” Spike pouted.
“Why would Princess Celestia give this stuff out?” Twilight pondered.
“Sugar free candy, black paint, Princess Celestia missing, Nightmare Moon, horrid moaning, random laughter. Something's not adding up.”Twilight muttered. “We need to go back out there and find more clues....... Rahs what are you doing?”
“Woof.” Rahs stated flatly as he unwrapped another of the sugar free gummi candies and ate it.
“That's disgusting, and I've seen you eat a live mouse before.” Twilight gagged.
Rahs shrugged dumping the bowl of candy into his bag, he didn't care about there not being sugar any way, but gummi's were loaded with tasty fats.
“Alright let's go find out what's going on!”Twilight stated.
“This was a terrible idea and I am ashamed I thought of it!” Twilight screamed as she galloped down the hall with Rahs and Spike right behind her.
Right behind them was the hissing form of Nightmare Moon, the towering mare thundered down the hall after them, her wings fanning the air keeping her semi aloft as she rushed after them.
The group hadn't even made it back to the kitchen when the ghost found them, stepping out of a wall behind them in the hall. Seeing them she immediately gave chase.
Spike had brandished his toy ax ready to fight the monster only for Rahs to grab him by his beard and toss him onto his back before taking off running after Twilight. The baby Dragon was currently sitting backwards on Rahs' back taking swings at the air as if trying to fight off Nightmare Moon.
The trio rushed into a room and slammed the door. Nightmare Moon hissed and opened the door with a wing looking inside only for the trio to open a door further down the hall and peer out. Nightmare Moon saw that and rushed down the hall to that door as it slammed shut, opening it. Looking inside she noted that a door behind her on the other side of the hall opened and the trio's faces peered out. Whirling around Nightmare Moon threw open that door only for a door a little further down the hall to open and Twilight peered out. Rushing towards that door as it closed, a door behind her opened and Rahs looked out. The ghost jumped at that door flinging it open only for Spike to poke his head out of potted plant at the far end of the hall. The mare rushed down there flinging the plant out of the pot and looked inside.
While she was distracted the three opened the door and the furthest end of the hall behind her and darted off deeper into the castle as Nightmare Moon cried out in frustration.
The trio took shelter in a broom closet to catch their breath.
“That was too close.” twilight stammered.
“Pfft I could have taken her.” Spike pouted.
Rahs blows a raspberry at Spike who tried to take a swing at the canine with his ax. Rahs leaned back further into the closet to dodge it and knocked over a box onto the three of them.
“Dang it Rahs, watch what you're ….... doing....” Twilight stated looking at the box curiously.
“Seriously.” Spike grumbled.
“Jinkies.” Twilight exclaimed as she looked at the box.
“What is it, a clue?” Spike asked.
“It's a set of four painting stilts. Jinkies brand painting stilts, in fact.” Twilight explained “ Why would any pony here need painting stilts? There's plenty of Unicorn's and Pegasi on staff to put up decorations.”
Rahs and Spike shrugged as the door suddenly opened causing the three to shriek, though Spike and Rahs would deny that they did forever.
“Found them.” Shining Armor smirked looking down at the three trying to use a stilt box to protect themselves.
“So sugar free candy, stilts, and black paint? You think all that is connected to Nightmare Moon?” Shining Armor asked
“It has to be, because none of it makes sense, and if a bunch of things don't make sense by probability they make perfect sense when put together.” Twilight explained “ Did you two find any clues?”
Twilight looked up at her big brother and Cadence, the pair of them looked like they had been jogging or something, their costumes were a bit disheveled as well. If Twilight had to guess, they had been running from Nightmare Moon as well. Though Twilight wasn't sure why one of Cadence's socks was wrapped around her brothers neck, nor why Cadence had her brothers vampire fangs in her mouth. Maybe she just wanted to try them?
“Well I did find a rather big clue.” Cadence stated tapping her chin with a hoof.” But I don't think it has anything to do with this case.”
Shining Armor flattened his ears to his head turning bright red, though the eleven year olds and the five year old remained oblivious.
“So umm, what's the plan now?” Shining quickly changed the subject.
“Easy.” Twilight stated.” Now we capture her and find out who Nightmare Moon really is!”
“I should have known.” Cadence sighed.
The loud groan filled the air as Twilight stopped at the end of the massive trap she had laid out in the west hall way.
“ …........... And this is where the alicorn sized crate comes down, trapping Nightmare Moon.” Twilight pointed out showing the end of the trap which stopped right in front of the kitchen door. “ Any questions?”
Twilight frowned as everyone raised a hoof, claw, or paw.
“Big brother?” Twilight sighed.
“Where did you even get roller skates?” Shining asked looking further back at the other end of the trap.
“All of this and that's what's important?.” Twilight demanded.
“Did we have to use lemon soap, it's making my nose itch.” Spike complained.
“It's all I could find.” Twilight sighed.
“I helped set this up and I still don't know what the flux capacitor is for.”
“It's complicated, but it shouldn't matter unless Nightmare Moon goes over 88 miles and hour.” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“So what do you do if Nightmare Moon didn't come down from the other end of the hall and is instead right behind you?” Cadence asked calmly.
“Well in that unlikely event........” Twilight blinked noting no one was looking at her any more.” Pony feathers,....... RUN!!”
“LANGUAGE!” Cadence called as Rahs, Spike, and Twilight took off down the hall screaming.
Nightmare Moon looked at Cadence and Shining Armor with a raised eyebrow as neither of them were looking to start running.
“I'm only afraid of three things and you're not my mom or either one of my Drill Sergeants.” Shining stated flatly. ”You have no power over me.”
“Yeah I don't feel like running, but those three are getting away.” Cadence shrugged.
Nightmare Moon sighed and galloped after Twilight and the others.
Cadence and Shining watched her run off before Cadence looked at the mess around them. “Well the closets empty now at least... shame to let that go to waste.”
Shining raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“Well I do have to give you back your teeth.” Cadence grinned showing the fangs she stole from him.
“Woof.” Shining uttered as he was pushed back into the closet, his mare friend joining him and shutting the door behind her.
“AHHHHHHHH!” Twilight screamed as she ran down the hall. Rahs bounded after her Spike sitting on his back. Nightmare Moon flew after the trio cackling madly.
Spike was clinging to his brothers back swishing his ax at the charging mare behind them. Twilight and Rahs yelped as they hit the patch of lemon soap skidding over it while Nightmare Moon simply flew over the trap. The scent of the lemon made Spike sneeze, a gout of flame bursting from his mouth, forcing Nightmare Moon dodge and singing Rahs' tail.
“YIPE!!” Rahs cried out leaping into the air and landing on top of Twilight, the white colored filly flagged under the weight of her brothers, but ran on.
The trio rounded a corner into a dead end with nothing but a massive curtained window.
As Nightmare Moon bore down on them, Rahs grabbed Twilight's wings in his teeth and quickly started scaling the tall curtain to get away from the ghost, carrying his siblings along with him.
Fortunately he was strong enough to do so.
Unfortunately the curtain was not designed to hold that much weight and popped loose as he was half way up, the trio screamed as they fell through the air landing on Nightmare Moon with a thud the thick curtain falling over them all.
The curtain quickly became tangled though Spike managed to wiggle free of it, leaving Rahs, Twilight, and Nightmare Moon struggling under the heavy cloth.
Spike's nose twitched and he turned his head quickly as another lemon triggered sneeze filled the area with fire,
“Scuse me.” Spike snorted noting something was on fire near him now. Looking over he took note that his last sneeze had set his wooden ax on fire.
“AHHH, ME AX!” Spike hollered tossing the burning kindling into the air away from him. Spike blinked a moment and slapped his forehead with a claw.” Wait I'm fire proof....”
The curtain where the burning ax landed however was not. There was another scream and the tangled mess of Pony, ghost and Moon Dog all took off back down the hall with Spike waddling after them as quickly as he could.
The bundled, burning curtain rushed down the hall turning into the main area and attracting more than a few Guards as it tore headlong into the throne room, crashing into a table and upending the fruit punch bowl all over the curtain, dousing the fire and collapsing the drink table atop of the trio.
The crash brought in nearly every Guard in the palace as well as pulling Shining and Cadence from their activities.
Shining had evidently not gotten his teeth back, at least not for long, but he was wearing Cadence's witch hat now.
Twilight wiggled free of the curtain with Rahs tearing a hole in it to get out. The hole was big enough for the pup to get free, but Nightmare Moon only managed to get her head out.
A number of the other foals in the room gasped at the sight of Nightmare Moon , a few of them having been driven out of other corridors by the ghost earlier.
“AH HAH!” Twilight proclaimed.” We got you now lets see who you really are!!”
Her horn glowed a moment with a simple cleaning spell and the black painted fur around Nightmare Moon's face seem to melt away, along with her bent papermache horn and part of her wavy mane. All that remained was a green eyed mare with a red fur coat and a deep caramel and white highlighted mane.
“Miss Flowery Text?!” Twilight gasped.
“Who did you expect Princess Celestia?” The Princess's aside stated.
“Actually yeah.” Shining shrugged.” I lost three bits on that one.”
Cadence grinned.” Pay up.”
“Okay... sooo that explains the black glitter paint and the stilts. And you just could pop up any where cause you know where all the servants passages are.” Twilight listed.” Doesn't explain why or how you changed so fast. We just saw you as well you.”
“To keep the foals out of the other areas of the palace, we're short staffed tonight, it's easier to make them too afraid to go into the other halls than to put someone to patrol there.” The mare rolled her eyes “As for the fast change.” Flowery Text turned a bit redder.” Well I had help getting in and out of costume.”
Shining ears perked up as he hears a Guard near him trying to hum innocently. Glancing over at the Unicorn, Shining smirked offering the other stallion a hoof bump, which he sheepishly accepted.
“Right we caught you red hoofed. Guard arrest her!”Twilight demanded.
“On what grounds? She was making our job easier.” One of the Guards asked.
“Pretending to be Nightmare Moon!” Twilight answered.
“ While Princess Celestia is not fond of the costume, there is no law against it.” Flower Text added.
“Woof?” Rahs suggested.
“I don't think bad acting is against the law either Rahs.” Twilight sighed as Flowery Text looked indigent and Rahs pouted.
“Trying to poison everyone with sugar free candy!” Spike shouted with a loud cry coming up from the other foals present in agreement.
“Okay, yeah that one was me.” Flower Text admitted with a shrug. “ Sorry if I didn't want my sister to be burdened with cavity filled foals teeth at her practice for the next few months.”
“Well this has been silly. Where's Princess Celestia been in all this?” Cadence asked.
“Well to make a long story short, we have two supplies of candy in great big bowls. One for the foals and one for the Princess, so that the foals wind up with at least some candy to take. Well when I swapped everything for the sugar free I had to put the other candy somewhere so I dumped it in her bowl..... I honestly didn't think she would eat all of it so quickly....” Flower Text sighed.
“So the groans we heard.....” Shining Armor considered.
“Are Princess Celestia with a tummy ache, she has difficulty controlling the Royal Canterlot voice when she's sick.” Flowery Text explained. “ See that's something else I wanted to spare every pony, horrid tummy aches from eating too many sweets.”
“ Actually the sugar free sweets are a bad idea unless you happen to be diabetic. I mean the caloric intake is pretty much negligible with only a one to ten point difference and in some cases the lab designed chemical in it tricks the body into reacting as if the caloric intake is much higher. They often have laxative effects too, which no one wants from a candy and just like regular candy they still promote tooth decay as the chemical makeup is just as attractive to the bacteria as normal sugar.” Twilight lectured.
Every Pony stared at Twilight who turned red from the attention.”Ummm So I've read... But yeah take her away!”
Again there was loud agreement from the foals who didn't get their real candy and it left a few of the Guards wondering what to do. Cadence however moved back to the Guard who had been humming earlier and nudged his side.
“You heard them, go ahead and take the bad girl away....” Cadence nearly purred.
The Guard blinked and showed he was quick on the uptake as he pressed forward past the other Guards.” I got this guys. Alright Flower Text, you're coming with me to pay for your crimes.” he stated loud enough for everyone to hear noting the foals cheering and the sudden blush around the face of the painted Pegasus as she realized who was carting her off.
Once those two were out the door Shining leaned over to one of the other Guards there with a smirk.” Think there will be a problem covering his part of the shift?”
“Night's almost over, should be fine.” The other Guard chuckled. “Steel Tail could use a bit of a break any way.”
“Okay.“ Cadence said. “I know there's another bag of candy in the pantry So I'll go get that and we can wrap up Nightmare Night with the tribute to the 'REAL' Nightmare Moon.”
This brought a round of cheering from the foals.
Hours later Shining Armor and Cadence trotted back towards the Sparkle household. Spike was passed out on Cadence's back and Twilight was barely holding onto wakefulness on her brothers back. Rahs was happily plodding along still a bundle of energy, even after having ditched all the sugar free candy he took once he heard about the laxative nature of it.
“Well that was an eventful night. I'm surprised Twily was willing to hang around so many others in the party for so long.” Shining Armor chimed up.
“Well she, Rahs and , Spike were the heroes of the hour. She caught Nightmare Moon, brought back the real candy and made a huge mess. “Cadence chuckled.”Foals love that sort of thing.”
“True. Still something's nagging me. Not sure what it is, but didn't we forget something?” Shining considered.
“Really like what? We've got all three of your siblings and they have a ton of candy. The only thing we missed was Princess Celestia seeing Twilight's costume. “Cadence smiled.” And I'm pretty sure Twilight is going to wear it to her class tomorrow any way.”
“Yeah, I guess you're right. It can't be that important.” Shining shrugged.
In the dark corridors of the castle, approximately in front of the kitchen, a very large crate sat on the floor rattling occasionally as something inside of it moved.
“Hello? Is any pony there?” a voice called from inside the crate. “ Sick Princess in here.... I just wanted some water.... and maybe a bit of cake....... Hello?”
The crate rattled again.
“Is anyone there? Guards? Flowery? Flowery if this was set up to keep me from my cake we will have words...... hello? Any pony?” Celestia called.
After a few more moments of no response there was a deep sigh from inside the crate.
Spike Sparkle was contemplating his lot in life. And in truth it wasn't that bad. He was from a well to do family, worked as his big sisters assistant, which afforded him a lot of leeway and time to be lazy. He was privately schooled by a tutor who only showed up once a week or so with a lesson plan and tests, all of which he was passing. He had food, he had shelter, life was pretty good actually.
There were a few things he wanted to improve on though. Like getting his sister to calm down some and maybe having some friends closer to his own age. Nothing against his brothers and the older ponies he knew, but it just wasn't quite the same.
The trip to Ponyville had been the most fun he'd had in a long time despite the weird mission statement from the Princess. He'd met Applebloom and a bunch of other foals who thought he was interesting and none of them were really seemed scared of him at all. It was like one of the best nights ever and he never wanted it to end.
Of course the universe at that point decided to screw with him and attempted to make it happen.
He was currently in front of the drink table with easily a dozen foals huddled under it staring up at the swirling vortex of darkness and the cackling black alicorn at the center of it all. Twilight was frozen in the center of the room at the display of power. A glance at the back of the hall showed Rahs was trapped behind a herd of ponies, though his gaze seemed to be locked on the swirling black miasma over every ponies head rather than trying to get past the ones trapping him. Neither of them were doing anything.
There were foals under the table who needed help and a mess of ponies who needed the same.
Spike was terrified just like every other pony in the place.
Spike however had grown up with comic books, making heroes and adventures in Oubliettes and Ogres, and being told how awesome he was for being a Dragon by Twilight's few friends back in Canterlot and Princess Celestia herself.
Spike was in what was known in his games as a 'Paladin's dilemma'. He was out classed, out matched, and over powered, but there were numerous innocents to protect, there was no way this was going to end well for him.
He didn't hesitate.
“Applebloom on my signal take every one under the table out the fire door over there, head to the library. Hide every one in the basement, I don't know if there's a better spot in town for shelter, but I don't think there's time to look.”Spike ordered.
“Umm well alright … but what signal, what are yah gonna do?” Applebloom winced.
Spike half smirked. “ You'll know it when you see it.”
Spike moved away from the table where the foals were just in case there was a retaliatory strike. Nightmare Moon didn't seem to notice the little drake who had moved closer to the balcony as she seemed more content to cackle madly and stare down at the ponies. It actually looked like she was casting some sort of big spell with the way the air was filling with her power. Spike paused and inhaled deeply.
Time to see if her save versus Dragon fire was high enough.
There were more screams as Spike exhaled, the fountain of green flame bursting out of his mouth flared out and made the whole town hall light up with the green glow of his flame.
Unfortunately the flame's arc wasn't enough to reach up to the balcony from his position on the ground.
Fortunately that didn't seem to matter as the heat from the blast made the dark alicorn recoil from the edge of the balcony, the swirling mass of a spell gathering above them disrupted and disapateing. The fear that had frozen every pony in place vanished in a instant.
“SEIZE HER! SHE MUST KNOW WHERE THE PRINCESS IS!!” Mayor Mare bellowed out.
Several of the Royal Guard who had been caught up in the spell snapped back to reality and launched themselves in the air at Nightmare Moon.
The nightmare looked over at the burning garlands on the side of the balcony and down at the purple drake below her.
“Well this is new.” She hissed, her attention snapped in a instant from Spike to the Guard that rushed her. “ STAY BACK YOU FOOLS!” She snarled.
Lightning lanced from the fading miasma above, striking two of the Pegasi and a third was felled by a blow from her nebulous mane.
The Guards crashed to the ground and the rest of the ponies in the room went mad with panic, running around like roaches when the lights were turned on.
Nightmare Moon hissed at the panic and her disrupted spell. She faded into a shadow that swirled in the air before darting through the crowd and out the door of the town hall into the night.
Spike glanced over at the fire door seeing it open and Applebloom and the other foals gone, his attention quickly turned back to the fleeing alicorn his eyes wide.
“By the stars that worked?” Spike stammered before trundling off as quick as he could towards the library to make sure the foals were alright and to get out of the way of the stampeding locals.
Two words echoed in both Rahs and Twilight's mind when they saw the flash of green fire lance at Nightmare Moon.
'That idiot'.
Still it seemed fortune favored the young and foolish and Spike was barely spared a glance after the attack against the alicorn.
That also didn't mean the pair of them weren't going to lay into him later.
Twilight didn't have the time to wait and seeing Spike run towards the fire door that the rest of the town seemed to forget. She scooped her brother up in her magic and dropped him on her back running out the door towards the library. Rahs could take care of himself, and she was going to chew Spike out as she ran.
Rahs had enough of this nonsense and rather than trying to push his way past the stampeding ponies he started picking them up and tossing them out of the way toward the open door, unless they were Pegasi, then he just tossed them straight up in the air and hoped they remembered they had wings while still airborne. Some didn't.
He was decidedly less gentle with them by the time he got to one of the fallen Guards who was in danger of being trampled. Picking one up putting the unconscious pony over his shoulder he started making his way towards the others only for Applejack to beat him there. The mare flung the Guard over her back and started towards an open area fighting against the swarming ponies. Big mac had already picked up the third guard and his massive form simply plodded along, the milling herd parting around him like a river around a boulder.
Rahs made his way over to the two where they were clearing off a table to put the prone Guards.
“Mac ah need you to find a doc or something, Nurse Redheart had a first aid station set up on tha other side of tha hall.” Applejack called out. “Ah need tah go git Dash before she does something stupid, she already took off after Nightmare Moon.”
“Eeeyup.” Mac stated starting to make his way towards the aid station only to stop as Pinkie Pie appeared with Nurse Redheart in tow.
“This is not the kinda party I like.” Pinkie Pie stated bounding through the crowd towards them. “ I let nurse Red Heart know what's going on over here. Where's Fluttershy and Rarity? They were way too close to black snooty.”
“Up here darling.” Rarity leaned over the balcony with Fluttershy behind her. “That was totally horrible....... the Worst. THING. EVEER! She nearly mussed my mane.....”
Applejack narrowed her eyes at the prissy pony, before looking to Rahs. “ That was some quick thinking by yer brother there. Ah don't know what was going on but ah don't think ah ever been that scared before. Soon as Spike spit some fire though, it went away.”
Rahs grumbled a bit about Spike's involvement, though his ears perked up as Rarity chimed in.
“Oh I know ,both he and Twilight saved the day there, there was no telling what that monster was going to do to poor Fluttershy and I if Twilight hadn't spoken up and then Spikey in that brave act of heroism. If I wasn't already going to apologize to them for earlier I truly will have to now.”
“Yeah, Twilight was the only one who knew who Black Snooty was. That was awesome.... and wait... how did Twilight know who she was?” Pinkie Pie piped in.
“That was mighty convenient.” Applejack added.
The five ponies looked at the Moon Dog curiously. Rahs flattened his ears to his head and grumbled again.
[ Ponyville Library]
It looked like a tornado had run through the library. The aftermath of the party had not been cleaned up and adding to that were books scattered everywhere as Twilight franticly flipped through them looking for anything she could find on the Elements.
It didn't help matters that Spike couldn't help her as he was trying to get the foals hidden in the basement to calm down, collecting information on their parents as well so he could go look for them.
It helped even less that there was a pissed off cyan colored Pegasus trapped in a glowing orb of Twilight's magic cursing up a storm at Twilight as she bounced around the library like a drunken hamster in a ball.
Twilight was flipping through another book franticly when the door opened and Twilight didn't even bother to look up.
“I don't have time for any more distractions, the foals are in the basement and if you're here to threaten me or make demands I've got plenty more bubbles to go around.” Twilight cursed as she tossed the book aside and grabbed another.
“Woof.” Rahs stated pointing out the frantic reading to the four mares and the one stallion that followed him.
“Rahs, good you're here, help me find a book about the Element's of Harmony and ignore the Pegasus, she started it.” Twilight explained not looking up. “Spike's fine he's in the basement with the foals. These books are completely out of order. I have no idea who runs this library but I want to choke them.”
“Bork!” Rahs exclaimed throwing his paws in the air in frustration before he started looking over the shelves.
“Lemmi guess. Rainbow came in looking fer a scrape cause yah knew who Nightmare Moon was?” Applejack questioned looking at the ball and the cursing Pegasus inside.
“Right and she took a swing at me when I told her to go away......Applejack?” Twilight blinked looking up finally and seeing all the others gathered around.
“What exactly are you looking for Darling.” Rarity asked looking at the books strewn about.
Twilight sighed. “ I read all about the predictions of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Element's of Harmony are the only things that can stop her. But I don't know what they are, or where to find them. I don't even know what they do!”
“The Element's of Harmony, a reference guide.” Pinkie Pie stated out loud looking at a shelf.
Twilight rushed over nearly knocking the pink pony aside.” How did you find that?”
“It was under 'E'” Pinkie Pie chimed up.
“E? E!!!!! IT WAS UNDER E?!?!” Twilight ranted. “It's a non fiction reference, you don't file non fiction alphabetically!?!?! It should be in the 000's with the other magical sciences, or the 200s if they are religious artifacts, maybe even the 500s or 600s! NOT UNDER E!!!!”
“WOOF!” Rahs shouted.
Twilight paled.”Right right, focus, focus........ end of everything at stake, rant about terrible book keeping later.”
Twilight flipped open the book looking through it as the others gathered around her.
“Let's see … there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said that the last known location of the Elements of Harmony was in the castle of the royal sisters, Whinnyshire. The castle is located in what is now known as …. the Everfree forest.”Twilight concluded.
“Yah, know somehow that don't surprise me none.” Applejack grumbled.
“Eeeyup.” Big Mac added.
“Of course it doesn't dear... this simply couldn't be easy now could it.” Rarity added.
“Do I want to know?” Twilight asked.
“The Everfree Forest is kinda bad news.” Pinkie Pie added in. “It's full of monsters and Timber wolves and who knows what else.”
“At least one pack of Diamond Dogs that I know of.” Rarity sighed.
“Right so when do we leave.” Spike stated standing at the door to the basement having been listening into the conversation.
“Oh no, you're not going anywhere.”Twilight chided. “It's bad enough you attacked her earlier we don't need to out there possibly getting hurt.”
“Yeah well, I didn't see you doing anything but standing there when she was here, so I'm already one up on you when it comes to battling her.” Spike snorted.”This would have been over by now if I had been taller.”
“Spike......” Twilight began.
“Bark.” Rahs interrupted.
“What? What do you mean he has a point?” Twilight demanded.
“Woof, bark woof.” Rahs explained.
“Hmmm yeah I can see that. Alright.” Spike nodded.
Those who could understand Rahs looked thoughtful, while those who couldn't just looked confused.
“Care to explain dear?”Rarity asked Fluttershy.
“Oh, Rahs suggested that Spike stay here and protect the foals he rescued. He'll have the home field advantage here and he won't have to worry about her being out of reach again if he can set up the field of battle.”
“Big Mac stay here and help Spike. We need some pony who knows tha ponies around town to tell the foals parents where they are.” Applejack stated.
Big Mac turned and glared down at his sister.
“Don't you even give me that look Big Macintosh. We both know what castle she's talking about and I've been in that area more'n you have.” Applejack snapped glaring back up at him from under her hat. “Yah know durn well how arguing with me's gonna work out for yah Mac. And we ain't got tha time.”
The large red stallion snorted and glared down at his sister before turning his attention to Rahs and Twilight. “Ya'll better make sure she stays unhurt or else.” Big Mac stated flatly before walking over to Spike and down into the basement with the Dragon to see who he had rescued.
“Well that wasn't threatening at all.” Twilight stammered.
“Don't mind him, he's just a might overprotective of me an Bloom.” Applejack offered.
“Woof.” Rahs nodded understanding.
“Right, well I don't want to bring you but if you really know the way to the castle. That will be helpful.” Twilight stated.
“Ah do. Never been inside, but ah know tha path too it. Been by a few times looking fer wild Zapp Apples.”Applejack stated. “ Any way there's a lot of cliffs and sink holes in there so we're gonna need tha hamster there too. Good flier's a boon in those woods.”
Twilight looked over at the fuming Rainbow Dash still in the bubble. She growled and dropped the spell letting Dash tumble out of it.
“Bout bucking time!!” Dash snapped.” So let's get going, Black snooty's not gonna kick her own tail.”
“Do we need supplies or anything?” Rarity asked. “How long is the trip?”
“Excuse you?” Twilight blinked.
“What? You really didn't think I was going to let you go out there alone and be eaten or worse before I could apologize properly did you?” Rarity scoffed. “Besides what part of ' there is a pack of Diamond Dogs in the Everfree, did you miss hear.”
“I don't see what that has to do with you.” Twilight questioned.
“Rarity here's actually one of tha reasons the Dogs don't try to raid the town any more.” Applejack snorted.”While a'hm not fond of her coming along, mostly cause I dun wanna hear her whining about her hooves gitting dirty, she's got a point. We encounter a pack she knows how tah deal with um best.”
“I've got supplies, I've got supplies. Streamers, and drinks, and ropes, for if it's that kind of party, and a ten foot pole, and cake, and flashlights, and candles, and a party cannon and............ “ Pinkie Pie listed off a host of supplies as she bounded around the group pulling each one out of her mane as she listed it before stuffing them back into her mass of hair.
“How?” Twilight stammered.
“Trust me it's better fer you if you don't question Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash added.
“Woof.” Rahs chimed in pointing to the yellow Pegasus that had come over to him.
“What Fluttershy want's to go?” Twilight blinked as the yellow Pegasus nodded meekly. Twilight rubbed her temples with her hooves.”I get Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and I sorta understand Rarity's reason, not gonna ask about Pinkie Pie, but why would Fluttershy want to come?”
“I want to help.” Fluttershy muttered.
“But.” Twilight began.
“Bark.” Rahs pointed out.
“Oh right, talking to animals could be useful. Okay. I guess you can come too. Though I figure my magic and Rahs' brute force can deal with most issues.” Twilight agreed blinking a moment as she looked up at her brother curiously as if noting something.
“So ah guess we should be off then.” Applejack stated heading for the door.” Sooner tha better, Ah got crops that need tha sun.”
“Right, let's go.” Twilight stated sparing a glance back at her brother. For a brief moment she could have sworn Rahs' eyes had been filled with stars.
“So what exactly should we be watching out for in here?” Twilight asked, her ears flat to her head as she looked around the dark, damp, forest they were walking through.
“Well there's the usual, Hydras, Ursa, and Dragons occasionally live in here too. But I'd rather deal with them.” Rainbow Dash muttered. Sure they might be massive, but that means nothings willing to live around them and Ponies are usually too small of a meal for them to bother with.”
“The real threats in tha Everfree are tha smaller nasties. Maticore, ROUS, cragodiles, and worse of all Timber Wolves, even if nothing else in this forest ain't natural, them things is super not natural.” Applejack stated.
“Not natural?”Twilight asked. “What do you mean?”
“Weird plants, more monsters than any other place outsidea Hollow Shades.” Applejack explained.
“And the weather takes care of it self. No Pegasus controls it at all!” Rainbow Dash stated making a ooooh noise like she was telling a ghost story.
“Rainbow that is is the very definition of natural. Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by ponies!” Twilight explained unimpressed.
“Still weird.” Rainbow Dash snorted.
“In addition to that, there is also the very real threat of the Diamond Dogs.” Rarity added. “The two packs living north and south of Ponyville caused quite a problem about eight years ago. They raided Ponyville constantly in order to supply their fight with one another and they didn't care who they hurt to get what they wanted.”
Rahs noted Applejack flinch at that, though he didn't bring it up.
“The Royal Guard intervened after a time and the conflict ended with several of the pack alpha's getting killed on both sides. While the two packs were evenly matched and had no issues doing what they wished to the towns ponies, a division of the Royal Guard armed for war rolled over them like they had been doing to us for nearly a year.” Rarity explained. “ While the packs are not quite as big as before, they still cause problems for anyone who comes anywhere near their territory, and given they change said territory on a whim. Well you get the idea, travel anywhere but on certain roads around Ponyville is not recommended. They stay away from the town proper recalling what happened last time, but for those of use who need gems for our jobs or other things from the fields and forest around town we simply have to deal with them.”
“So how do we avoid them?” Twilight asked recalling what happened eight years ago with herself and the other students of Celestia's school. Looking back perhaps that was why the Princess seemed so distracted. A war on her door step would definitely make her students issues a secondary thing.
“Their homes are underground, but it's not too hard to spot the entrances if you have an eye for detail.”Rarity explained. “ Trotting without rhythm also tends to avoid attracting them, as it makes them think it's simply random noises and not hoof steps.”
“Yah also got tah keep an eye out fer tha environmental disasters too.” Applejack stated.” Place is full of sinkholes, quick sand swamps, and cliffs.”
“Yeah and it rained a couple days ago so there might be a chance of a ...” Pinkie Pie chimed up as she pronked along with the group, freezing in place as a loud crack sounded in the air, the sound of pouring sand and dirt echoing off the trees.
“Landslide?” Fluttershy whimpered as the ground gave out from under them as every pony screamed
“ Ohmygosh Fluttershy! Quick!!” Rainbow called out darting downward to grab Pinkie Pie as she slid down the slope towards the edge of the cliff. Fluttershy zipped along after her, showing unexpected speed as she scooped up the screaming Rarity.
Rahs tumbled and rolled, thrown off balance from the drop, his claws were out, grabbing at the dirt and rock futility before he finally managed to get a hold of a half buried log to stop his fall.
Applejack snagged a hold of a root to stop her fall, though Twilight slid all the way down and was scrambling at the edge trying to keep herself from falling. Rahs winced, looking for something else he could grab onto to go after her, though Applejack acted first letting go of her root and sliding down to where Twilight was. The unicorn grabbed onto her forelegs like a life line flailing her back legs as she tried to climb back up.
“Gah what do I do!?!” Twilight shrieked.
The farm pony blinked down at her, her ears perking up.
“Let go.” Applejack said simply.
“WHAT!?” Twilight yelped.” Are you crazy?”
“No ah ain't ah promise you'll be fine.”Applejack stated. “Ah ain't one tah fib. Trust me you'll be safe, but yah gotta let go.”
Twilight winced a little though with a last gulp she did so, falling with a scream.
Rahs' eyes widened as he lept for the edge of the cliff, sliding over it himself to make a grab for Twilight.
The Moon Dog only managed to slip half way over the edge of the cliff before there was a loud thud and a whimper, his back legs still sticking up over the edge of the cliff kicking slightly.
Applejack stood up and dusted herself off before she hopped off the edge of the cliff as well, dropping about two and a half feet to the ground below.
“You okay?” Applejack asked Twilight who was sitting there on her duff panting heavily. Rahs simply groaned from where he had face planted in the dirt next to her.” Told yah I wasn't lying.”
“You think perhaps telling me that the ground WAS JUST UNDER MY TAIL might have been better than telling me you don't fib!?!” Twilight hissed.
“Yeah, ah suppose so. But ah couldn't resist. Figure we needed a bit of levity with all that somber talk we was on about tha Dogs.....”Applejack offered a hoof to help Twilight up pointing her other hoof towards Rahs. “And yah gotta admit, that's kinda funny.”
Twilight looked over at her brother who was trying to growl with a face full of dirt and couldn't help smirk.”Okay maybe a little.”
“That was awesome!!” Rainbow Dash cackled as Pinkie Pie chuckled, even Fluttershy tittered a bit. Rarity was too busy cleaning the dirt from her coat to pay attention however.
Rahs grumbled and pushed himself up to a sitting position rubbing his nose and wiping the dirt off it as he glared at Applejack.
“No hard feelings ehh?” Applejack smirked up at the Moon Dog as he stood up.
“Bork.” Rahs grumbled and pushed Applejack's hat down over her face.
“The look on your face... it was the best thing ever..” Rainbow Dash snorted as she fluttered around Rahs. Given the mare had been poking fun at the Moon Dog for the last twenty minutes as they made their way out of the ravine, Rahs and pretty much everypony else, was a little tired of it.
Rahs in particular was on the verge of grabbing the Pegasus and shaking her until she shut up when he caught the scent of something, his ears perked up a second before he slapped a paw over Rainbow Dash's mouth to silence her.
“Woof....” Rahs stated flatly , his ears swiveling on his head as he listened.
Twilight Pinkie and Fluttershy stopped at his words though the others took a few more steps before stopping. Except Dash who was trying to get the Moon Dog's paw pried free of her mouth.
“What's wrong?” Applejack asked.
“Rahs said he heard something.” Pinkie Pie chimed up.
“Ya mean aside from Rainbow's mouth? Ah'm impressed.” Applejack snorted.
Rahs' ears flattened to his head as he shoved Rainbow Dash behind him in the air, a low growl escaping his throat as he shifted to all fours, his claws digging into the dirt, amber eyes locked on a large bush on the other side of the old game trail they were on.
Despite the warning the small group was still surprised at the sight of the large manticore leaping out of the brush towards them. The lion like creatures wings flared wide, while not enough for it to fly it could use them to glide and aid with lift for it's jumps.
The beast roared while it was in the air fangs bared as it descended on Rarity. The white mare shrieked, diving out of the way as the beast slammed onto the ground turning on the spot to go after the white unicorn, only for a log gathered in light blue magic to belt it across the side of the head as Rarity grabbed wha ever she could to use as a weapon. The half rotted chunk of wood shattered in a spray of splinters, bugs, and confused newts at the impact, though the manticore barely seemed phased.
“Stay clear of it's tail, that stingers got more than enough venom to kill.” Twilight shouted.” We've got to get past him.”
“Wait.” Fluttershy called.
“Ah got it.” Applejack shouted shoving a hoof into Pinkie Pie's mane and yanking out a rope as the pink mare giggled.
The beast roared at Rarity, the bellow blowing her hair all out of shape and making the unicorn panic and dart off . Rahs lept at the creature landing on it's head, claws digging into it as the beast roared and worked to shake free the Moon Dog. An attempt to stab at Rahs with his tail found that the length was bound with a rope being held fast by an orange Earth Pony.
“Wait.” Fluttershy called again as Rahs was flung free of the back of the manticore and sent sailing into a tree with a thud.
“Rahs!” Twilight called in panic forming a shield between Applejack and the manticore as it whirled on her.
“BORK!” Rahs cursed standing back up with a shake of his head ready to charge into the fray again.
“I dunno what he said, but it sounded rude!” Rainbow Dash grinned darting at the manticore spinning around it, the whirling dust and bits of log spinning along with her striking at the manticore and making it stumble back.
The others readied for the next assault at the brief respite, though it wasn't going to last.
The beast growled whipping it's tail, yanking Applejack up into Dash's flight path. The pair of them collided and were sent sprawling towards the others.
Pinkie Pie helped Dash and AJ back to their hooves as Rarity, Twilight, and Rahs rushed forward again ready to drive off the manticore, though Rahs also had the question of how one would taste on his mind.
They barely made it a few steps when Fluttershy burst up between the charging combatants screaming.”WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT!!!!”
Rarity pulled up short only for Rahs to trip over her and land atop of Twilight with a thud and more cursing. At Fluttershy's cry however even the manticore stopped, looking at the butter yellow Pegasus in confusion.
The yellow mare turned away from the others trotting slowly over to the manticore who roared at her drawing back a paw to claw at the mare. Rahs scrambled back to his paws about to leap at the beast again to save her when he saw the manticore had stopped as the yellow mare nuzzled against his paw.
“It's okay.” Fluttershy said softly one hoof lifted to rub the creatures paw.
The manticore lowered it's other claw opening the paw it had been favoring the fight showing a wicked looking dark purple thorn jabbed into it's paw in the sensitive flesh between the pads.
“Oh you poor poor little baby...” Fluttershy mothered.
“Little?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“Now this might hurt for just a second.” Fluttershy stated gripping the thorn between her hooves and yanking .
The manticore roared, paws grabbing at the Pegasus mare as the rest of the group panicked and made ready to rush forward to save her again only for the sound of Fluttershy giggling and the massive manticore purring as it licked her face and mane to be heard.
“Awww you're justa lil old baby kitty arn't you Manny?” Fluttershy cooed.
“Seriously.” Twilight questioned.
“Yeah, I should have known this was gonna happen.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “She does this..... She had a pet turtle for a while that could fly by shooting fire out of his shell. Said he was a friend of children...”
The group of them quickly made their way past the distracted manticore glancing back as Fluttershy bid the creature good bye and trotted after them.
“How did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked.
“I didn't, but he was roaring about being in pain before the fighting started. He was asleep and he must have brushed a bush while dreaming and got stuck, but since we were close he thought we had something to do with it.” Fluttershy explained. “So I tried to help him, sometimes you just need a little kindness to get past something rather than violence.”
Rahs frowned, stopping a moment, sniffing the air and catching the faint scent of something else in the area. It was the same scent that had been around the cliff. A scent of magic that had filled the town hall earlier.
“You smell something Rahs?” Pinkie Pie asked, bouncing into the air in front of him to meet his eye level at the apex of each hop.
“Woof.” Rahs shook his head.
“Nothing? You're acting all kinda distracted about nothing.” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
Rahs smirked a moment.” Bark.”
Pinkie Pie considered as they caught up with the rest of the group. “ No, I can't say I know how manticore tastes.”
Behind them, the removed thorn turned back into dark star filled mist and raced ahead once more. Next time it wouldn't fail.
“So how much further is it? We've been walking for a few hours now.” Twilight asked Applejack who sighed, tilting her hat a little.
“Everfree's a big place Twilight. We ain't come to tha river yet, and tha castles on a cliff on a rise on the other side of tha river. Ah seen a bridge that crossed to tha place spanning tha gorge on that east side of it. There's a main bridge too, but that's a draw bridge and that's been up fer who knows how long.”
"And we haven't been going around in circles?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“Nah, ah check ever time we get a clearing tah see tha stars, and even if Nightmare's somehow moving um around, the moonlight is bright enough tah show tha Manterhorn. We just keep moving away from that and we'll hit tha river. Tha river runs around tha rise tha castles on too. So if tha rivers on tha same level as us, we follow it down river, if it's chewed intah tha ground like it's flowing down into a canyon, then we go up river.”
“I'm impressed you know your way around this place so well.” Twilight admitted.
“Don't really. Most landmarks tend not to last too long out here, but something like a castle and tha river, well, they don't change much with time. Rest of it's jus good horse sense tah know directions.”Applejack explained.
“Why would you ever come into this ghastly place willingly any way?” Rarity asked.
“Zap apples.” Applejack stated flatly.
“What now?” Twilight questioned.
“Onea tha specialties of tha farm is a super rare breed of apple called a Zap Apple. They only grow under certain conditions and only with certain rituals can they be properly harvested. When we was younger me and Mac tried tah rush a harvest fer tha bits, skipped out on some things we shouldn't have. Nearly lost the entire orchard of them because of it. And we never had many zap apple trees tah begin with.” Applejack explained. “So despite Granny's complaints, me and Mac started coming into tah woods tah find some of tha wild Zap Apple trees like Granny first found when tha family first settled here. Took us about four five years but we got tha orchard back up to snuff with all that saplings we dug up and brought back. In a year or two we might just have a full harvest of them again when all tha trees git old enough.”
“ I can't wait for that. Most ponies only ever get a little taste of Zap Apple jam each year, having enough for every pony to have some would be super awesome.” Pinkie Pie chimed in.
“Yeah well ah ain't getting ahead of myself just yet. Still to much that could go wrong with that harvest.” Applejack smirked.” But it's looking better than it has for a few years now.”
“I just can't wait until you put some of those into cider.” Rainbow Dash practically drooled.
“Um has any pony else noticed that it's gotten a lot darker.....” Fluttershy pointed out.
“ I know I was tired of looking at all the muck and damp , but I didn't mean to stop looking at it like this....” Rarity grumbled as the path got even darker.
“Clouds?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Ah think just thicker tree cover.” Applejack responded jerking back as Twilight yelped.” Sorry bout that Twilight didn't see yah there.”
Rahs was the next to yelp as he walked into a low hanging branch, his nose had taken far too much abuse today. Brooms, the ground, and now tree branches what next? It was making it harder to sniff out that scent of magic he had caught a wiff of before.
“Gahh!!” Applejack grumbled.
“WHAT!?” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“Ah think I stepped in something.” Applejack admitted.
“Oh my stars..” Rarity hissed prancing in place.
“AHHHHHHHHHHH!!” Fluttershy screamed.
“It's just mud.” Applejack chided before turning around to keep walking and coming face to face with the 'why' of the scream, a glowing horrific face. Applejack screamed and jumped back as numerous other leering and fearsome faces appeared around them.
Rahs tried to move to protect Twilight only to be completely over whelmed as Fluttershy shot up under his coat again with Rarity and Rainbow Dash both latching onto his leg and arm throwing him off balance even before Twilight plowed into him knocking him over onto Applejack into one big pile of screaming pastel colored panic.
He could taste the spell in the air, the effect the same as the one in town hall. Knowing what it was really didn't help him, or the mares with him fight it off. Not like he was being given a chance with all the shrieking and running about.
At least until someone giggled.
There was a brief pause in the screaming while Applejack wiggled out from under Rahs as the giggling continued.
“Wut!?” Applejack managed to question.
Looking over they all saw, except for Rahs whose head was buried in the mud as Rainbow Dash moved from his arm to stepped on it, Pinkie Pie standing next to one of the leering faces , giggling and making faces right back at it.
“Pinkie , what are you doing!?!?” Twilight shouted prancing in place atop Rahs' head the Moon Dog starting to flail as his head was trampled into the mud. “ RUN!”
“Oh girls don't you see?” Pinkie Pie stated as music started to play from somewhere.“When I was a little filly and the sun was going down...”
“She's not....”Twilight deadpanned.
“The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown...” Pinkie Pie sang on.
“She is...” Rarity concluded.
“I'd hide under my pillow. From what I thought I saw.” Pinkie bounded around them.”But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way. To deal with fears at all.............”
“ Then what is ? Rainbow Dash demanded.
“She said, 'Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall. Learn to face your fears. You'll see that they can't hurt you.
Just laugh to make them disappear." Pinkie Pie chimed hopping over to a monstrosity.”Ha! Ha! Ha!”
The other ponies gasp as the face in the air faded out , the light returning a bit showing it was little more than a oddly shaped tree.
“So, giggle at the ghostly. Guffaw at the grossly. Crack up at the creepy. Whoop it up with the weepy. Chortle at the kooky. Snortle at the spooky” Pinkie Pie continued to sing.
Now that the others had calmed down some Rahs managed to shove his sister off his head and pull it out of the mud to gasp for air.
“Where is that music even coming from?”
The group moved around with even Fluttershy giggling at some of the faces with the others after she crawled out from underneath Rahs' coat. Pinkie pie somehow managed to hop into one of the leering faces mouths going off on a rant. Oddly even the forest was lighting up again as if the darkness was part of the spell.
“And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... hahahaha... heh...” Pinkie breathed in. ”Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!
Rahs sat up as everyone else was laughing noting the fear spell was gone, he didn't catch the scent of the source, but he expected it had been there somewhere. Of course given the others had been using him like a welcome mat he was thoroughly coated in dirt and mud.
“AHHH! MUD MONSTER!!” Pinkie Pie screamed out, hiding behind Fluttershy with Rarity doing the same thing.
“Seriously?” Twilight asked looking at Rahs.” At a time like this you're playing in the dirt?”
Rahs just simply growled at them as he tried to clean the mud out of his nose.
“I said I was sorry. It was dark and I didn't know I was standing on your head.” Twilight rolled her eyes as Rahs continued to pout and ignore her.
While his fur and coat had been cleaned up with a quick cleaning cantrip from Twilight, one that Rarity quickly begged to learn, the back of his head and his nose were still sore from all the hits he'd already taken today. Fluttershy at least seemed sympathetic to him and had offered to put a bandage on his head. Something that Rahs quickly refused. While he expected Fluttershy might be better at medical care than Twilight, he didn't want to risk having his head wrapped in gauze. What ever was harassing them was still likely out there. Rahs didn't really think it was Nightmare Moon herself, with everything she had to do to cement her rule, why would she be hounding them with traps rather than just blasting them into nothing? Particularly if she took out Princess Celestia.
“Would you forgive me for a Rahsy snack?” Twilight pandered with a smirk.
Rahs was less than impressed.” Grrrr.....”
“What ? Mocking you? Of course not, why would your wonderful sister do something like that?” Twilight snarked.
Rahs looked at the others who seemed highly amused by the exchange going on and gestured with both paws to the purple unicorn beside him as if trying to show them what he had to deal with.
“Yep.” Applejack nodded.
“Seems about right for siblings.” Rarity added.
“Only with less mane pulling and screaming, and attack Boulders.” Pinkie Pie chipped in.
“And less wanting to bash them in the face with a shovel.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Glad I'm an only foal. “ Rainbow admitted.
Rahs blinked as he looked at Fluttershy with a bit of worry, wondering if he had heard her right, though no one else seemed to have caught what she said, so he let it drop.
“Not to interrupt this wonderful sibling argument before it gets bigger here, and I do say it is nice to see this from the outside for once.” Rarity pipped up.” But ummm, perhaps I am not the best to be asking this after my recent behavior, but what exactly is a Moon Dog? I've never heard of anything named that before.”
Rahs flattened his ears as Twilight looked up at her brother with a bit of concern. Rahs simply sighed and nodded, trudging on.
“To be honest no pony knows.”Twilight shrugged after the affirmation.”Princess Celestia was the one who first called him a Moon Dog and the name sort of stuck. We've never been able to find anything anywhere about anything like him. The closest we found was an Old Breezy tale about Little Red Trotting Hood.”
“Really? That's was one of Sweetiebelle's favorite stories when she was younger. I don't recall anything about a Moon Dog in it. Really there was just the filly and .. oh....”Rarity exclaimed.“ The wolf, though Rahs doesn't bear any resemblance to the wolf in Sweetie's book, that one looked more like a Timber Wolf.”
“Yeah we saw that one. Most of the illustrated versions show a Timber wolf. The story is actually very region oriented. The wolf's appearance changes depending on the area. Most of Equestria has the Timberwolf look alike. The Minotaur and the Burro have ones that more resemble chimera or maticores. There are two versions however that have something resembling Rahs, The Griffons and a extinct race of ponies called the Crystal Ponies. I got lucky about a year ago finding that last book as it was under at least level six protection at the Canterlot Royal Library. I was actually looking for something else........”
“A secret book of Breezy Tales?” Rainbow Dash questioned.” Should we be worried what was in it?”
“I doubt it. More likely it was the last copy of something from an extinct tribe that they wanted to preserve.” Twilight shrugged.” Thing is in both of those tales Griffon and Crystal the wolf is described more like a Diamond Dog. The kicker however is that in the Crystal book Rhede is a earth pony stallion who tricks the wolf in order to save a little unicorn foal and free the magic it had eaten. It's basically the tale as if the woods pony was the hero of it and little Red was just filly that needed to be saved. There was also a good bit in the book on how Rhede only went to save the girl so he could bed the mother. Evidently Rhede was some sort of folk hero to the Crystal Ponies.
“Eating magic?” Rarity pondered looking at Rahs.
“Yep, Rhede even called it by a name as he slew it. A Witch Wolf.” Twilight explained.” It was enough evidence that I brought it up to Princess Celestia. She laughed it off and told me it was an old pony tale.”
“An old pony tale, and not an Old Breezy tale?” Pinkie Pie piped up with her question.
Rahs blinked and froze in place looking at Pinkie Pie then Twilight who slowed noting her brother had stopped.
“What is it?” Applejack asked.
“Woof.......” Rahs grumbled.
Twilight blinked and stopped dead as well, her eyes narrowing as her ears flattened to her head. “Yeah that is true....” Twilight grumbled. “Now I'm twice as motivated to rescue the Princess.”
Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack blinked in confusion looking at Fluttershy and Pinkie to translate.
“He said Princess Celestia called Nightmare Moon and old pony tale too.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Well now ah'm curious too.” Applejack nodded.
“ I for one want to hear more about these Crystal Ponies, they sound fabulous.” Rarity questioned.
“Can we maybe get the Element things and beat Nightmare Moon first?” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.”You know before we do anything fabulous?”
“Well, we found the river.” Pinkie Pie chimed up happily.
“Yes, well as true as that is Pinkie Pie,.... now what....?” Rarity sighed.
The river was a rolling mass of white water, surging over the banks and casting water high in the air as waves broke and splashed. Branches and parts of trees thrashed around in the water carried down river at a rapid pace. Looking down river they only saw more of the same as the white caps glittered in the moon light. Up river curled around a bend not far from them, but it seemed the water was the same that way too.
“Well we ain't fording that...” Applejack began
“FYORD!” Pinkie cried out suddenly giggling.
Every pony and doggie looked at her curiously.
“Narf?” Pinkie questioned before giggling again and largely being ignored.
“... Which is bad cause yah ken kinda see tha rise the castles on over on tha other side of the river.” Applejack continued , pointing out what looked like a swell in the land on the other side of the river further down the path.
“Maybe I can fly everyone over..” Rainbow Dash offered.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“MMM yeah, good point, It might take me and Fluttershy both to get you over.” Rainbow Dash considered.” You look kinda heavy.”
“I dunno, I'm not used to carrying much more than some baby bunnies.” Fluttershy countered.
“I have a spell that would help with his weight so that shouldn't..............Do you guys hear that?” Twilight trailed off as her attention turned towards the bend further up along the river. The others glance to her curiously as they go silent listening with all their ears perked. After a moment they all moved towards what sounded like crying, barely heard over the raging river.
Moving through some bushes they found the source of the noise.
A gigantic purple sea serpent thrashed in the center of the river,his massive form throwing out waves from his body , the turbulent mass of the serpent clearly the source of the rampaging river. Atop his head was a well styled if flamboyant orange pompadour and half a curled mustache sprouted from his muzzle.
The serpent wailed and cried as they watched, going on and on about something as the group looked on.
“What a world, what a world!?!?!” The serpent wailed.
“So he's the cause o all this?” Applejack muttered.”That don't seem right that he's messing with tha river that much with his carrying on.”
“He's a sea serpent.... oddly inland, but as part of their natural magic serpents of his size can have control over vast stretches of the ocean where the waters can be as calm or as turbulent as they wish. Princess Celestia has employed several of them over the years to act as storm buffers for shipping lines during typhoon season along the west cost. Given that this is a river and how well he might be bonded with it, he could have control of it all the from the end of it back to it's source.” Twilight explained.
“So what do we do?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“Ask what's wrong?” Fluttershy offered.
“Right.” Twilight agreed. “ Excuse me sir, is something wrong?”
The sea serpent, who had been too distracted with his caterwauling finally noticed the group of ponies and Moon Dog standing on the bank.
“Well I don't know, I was just sitting here minding my own business when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just, whisked past me, and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off.” the serpent whined.” And now I look simply horrid!”
Before any of them could respond the serpent fell over into the water wailing, a great wave rising up from the impact and sloshing over the lot of them. The six ponies were less than thrilled at the sudden dunking and Rahs was gripping his nose and cursing from where a particularly large koi fish had washed out and slapped him across the face.
The fish however had made a valiant effort to return to the water, though the cat like reflexes, that were working this time, snagged it before he wiggled away. The Moon Dog was definitely going to eat it.
“Bork!” Rahs swore.
“I'm inclined to agree. This is stupid.” Twilight grumbled as Pinkie nodded. Fluttershy just flew up to try and tend Rahs' nose again.
“Ahh gimmi a break.” Rainbow Dash growled.
“That is what all the fuss is about?” Applejack grumbled.
“Why of course it is, how can you be so insensitive?” Rarity chimed up walking towards the edge of the water the serpent poking his head out to look down at the mare.” Aww just look at him, such lovely luminescent scales................”
“Oh I know....” The serpent pouted.
“And your expertly coiffed mane............” Rarity continued.
Oh I know I know....” The serpent agreed.
“Your fabulous manicure.” Rarity continued to pander as Twilight set a few drying spells on the others, particularly Rahs as no one liked the smell of wet dog.
“It's sooo trueeee.” The serpent continued egging Rarity on.
“All ruined without your beautiful mustache” Rarity concluded.
“It's true I'm hideous!!!”” The serpent screamed falling back into the water flailing.
“I have no idea what is going on right now.” Applejack admitted.
“We went fabulous... I warned you about that.” Rainbow Dash grumbled.
The others nodded, save Fluttershy who was trying to save the poor fishie from being a snack, and Rahs who was trying to make the poor fishie into a snack.
“I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!” Rarity proclaimed.
“Is that a real word?” Pinkie Pie asked as Twilight shrugged.
The group watched as Rarity suddenly bit the serpent and yanked, tearing free a scale.
“OWCH! What did you do that for!?!?” the serpent wailed.
The white unicorn mare didn't respond though she brandished the scale like a blade lifting it high over her head and bringing it down in a quick slash.
The serpent reared up with a scream flailing in the air before falling over as if he had just been slain.
The others stared on in shock, including Rahs. Fluttershy how ever was not distracted and managed to save the fish from the Moon Dog and return it to the river while Rahs looked on in confusion with the others.
Rarity's tail had been cropped short by the impromptu blade. Tossing the scale aside her magic picked up the remains of her tail and brought it over to weave it in with the remains of the serpents mustache again giving the Sea serpent a matching mustache , albeit one side of it was purple.
The serpent however was clearly overjoyed given his overly loud giggle and flailing about.
“ My Mustache, how wonderful!! The serpent laughed.
“You look smashing.” Rarity commented.
“Rarity... your tail.....” Fluttershy stated finally noticing.
“Oh? It's nothing... short tails are in this season....” Rarity placated.” Besides... it'll grow back...”
“So would the mustache......” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“Well we can cross now ah suppose, should be a place to ford the river a bit back..” Applejack stated slapping a hoof over Pinkie Pie's mouth before she started yelling about 'narfs' again.
“Alright let's.....” Twilight began.
“Tut tut. Allow me.” the serpent stated shifting around to make a bridge with his body over the river. Wasting no time the group scrambled across the bridge to the other side.
Waving goodbye to the serpent and making their way into the woods. They had not made it far from the river when Rahs caught the scent of something and pushed ahead of the group darting over to a tree, sniffing at it.
“Geez buddy if you had to go...” Rainbow Dash snarked.
Rahs ignored her and looked up into the tree before quickly scaling the trunk and vanishing into the foliage.
“Rahs what are you doing?” Twilight demanded” So help me if you get stuck up there I am not calling the fire department I'll just have Applejack kick it until you fall out.”.
“Bork!”
“Hey now! I know where you sleep buster!.” Twilight snapped yelping and jumping back as a orange mass dropped to the ground before her followed quickly by the Moon Dog who landed after it with a heavy thud.
“Is that half a mustache?” Pinkie questioned.
“It is.” Twilight frowned as Rahs sniffed the severed end of it and nodded, the scent was the same.
“Grrrrr.....” Rahs growled rubbing his nose.
Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie paled.
“Seriously? Then why didn't you say something before!?” Twilight grumbled.
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged and pointed at the orange length of hair.
“Right evidence....I would have called you on that.” Twilight muttered.
“So what do we do now” Fluttershy whispered.
“Well you can start by telling us what is going on.” Rarity questioned.
“Rahs thinks somethings been attacking us. The cliff, the manticore, the trees and now the serpent. He says he caught a whiff of something and it wasn't until now he was certain it was the same scent.” Twilight grumbled.
“Nightmare Moon?”Applejack asked.
“He thinks so.” Pinkie sighed. “ Or something similar.”
“That doesn't make and sense. She's an alicorn she could have just blasted us into nothing, why all this? Even a simulacrum spell should have enough power to do that with how strong she should be.” Twilight considered.” Unless.......
“Unless what?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“Unless the fight with Princess Celestia wore her out. Think about it. A paralyzing fear spell, a earth shake spell, Butane's minor torment spell, a minor illusion spell coupled with the fear spell from before, and plain old brute force. Those are all relatively weak spells. I mean the area she was affecting was pretty big with the fear spells, but everything else was just clever use of terrain and low energy spells.” Twilight explained.” Even the lightning she used could have been brought about by the clouds she formed.”
“Cloud forming isn't exactly a easy thing egg head, you need the right equipment..” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Or she could have just grabbed them from the Everfree on the way in.” Twilight explained.” Even after the spell they lingered a bit.”
“Yeah but.” Rainbow Dash started before she was cut off.
“Well that's all fancy tah me. What's it all mean?” Applejack questioned.
“It means that Nightmare Moon is trying to stop us, so we are on the right path.” Twilight smirked.”It means she's weak and we have a chance.”
“Woof.” Rahs cautioned.
“It also means that she will be trying to separate us to make things easier for her to take us out.” Fluttershy translated. “ Rahs isn't sure he can eat enough of her magic if she decides to push it.”
“Yeah he never could stomach more than a few bites of Princess Celestia's magic before he was stuffed.” Twilight pondered.
“Bark” Rahs offered.
“No.” Twilight shook her head.” We can deal with this, we're not going back now.”
The others quickly agreed following after Twilight. Rahs lingered a moment looking after them with a frown. Seemed he wouldn't be able to stop them with words.
Hurrying to catch up with the group, a dark shadow slipped out of the tree the mustache had been in . It whipped through the air looking like a purple little star filled cloud before it rushed off into the night after the group.
“.....Just me, Thunderlane, Fireball ,and Raindrops are full time, Flitter and the others are part timers who show up when we need more wings in the air.” Rainbow Dash explained her job as the group walked along the path. “With the weather the Everfree kicks up we really need an full crew, but we don't have the budget for it and we're too far out of the way to get Cloudsdale to send us some extra help unless the cities nearby. I mean I'm awesome, but I can only do so much against wild storms on my own.”
“Sounds like quite an issue. I'm pretty sure Canterlot's weather patrol is fully staffed, I'm surprised they haven't sent any one down here to help. I'm sure some Pegasus would want the over time.” Twilight suggested.
“Tried that. None of them want to come down and deal with wild storms, too dangerous. On top of the mountain like that, they're all cushy and they don't even have to do much aside from make some rain or snow every so often to keep the place from drying out.” Rainbow Dash snorted. “Whole office up there is a bunch of lazy trust fund foals who've never worked a day in their lives.”
“I had no idea weather management was such a chore.” Rarity pointed out.
“The jobs fine, fun even sometimes, setting up the weather and everything's the easy part... the paper work though.......” Rainbow Dash shuddered.
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Hahahaha. Good one Rahs, the mayor supply a budget to the weather team.” Pinkie Pie laughed.
“Pinkie's got a point. Mayor Mare's not a bad sort but she's notorious fer being tight with tha bits.” Applejack added. “If'n yah didn't notice tha town halls in pretty bad shape under all that decoration. Surprised Nightmare........”
“Black Snooty.” Pinkie Pie corrected.
“…... didn't drop tha whole thing on our heads.” Applejack concluded rolling her eyes.
“What does she spend the money on?” Twilight asked.
“Repairs to public and private property mostly. “Rarity chimed in. “The town has a ridiculously large disaster budget that gets depleted nearly every year due to something or another coming out of the Everfree. One cannot even get proper property insurance in town any more unless you have more bits to spend than what you wish to protect.”
“That doesn't even sound right. Why would any one even live here if it's like that?”Twilight asked.
“Family's owned our land since near tha founding of tha town.” Applejack replied.
“Property is very affordable....” Rarity sighed. “Ridiculously so. I barely had to take out a loan for shop space in the center of town.”
“There's so many animals around in the forest...” Fluttershy uttered.
“Better than a rock farm.” Pinkie Pie offered.
“Ehh, yah gotta live somewhere. Sides Rarity's making it sound worse than it really is. At most a monster shows up once a week and more often than not it doesn't do anything or only breaks a few things. Last time we had something really big going on it wasn't even from the forest.”Rainbow Dash shrugged glancing to Applejack at her last comment.
“Usually on a Tuesday.” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
“Rivers a good shipping lane plus we're pretty close to Canterlot compared to most towns. So something does happen tha Guards usually get here pretty quick.” Applejack sighed. “Only really bad thing is it tends to make ponies kinda jittery bout things. Ah assume yah met tha flower trio?”
“Flower Trio” Twilight asked.
“Couple a mares that run tha flower shop. Skittish things. We used ta use them as sorta a warning sign that somethin might be up. They'd run and hide when anything they didn't recognize popped up. Social butterfly types other wise.” Applejack explained.”Gossip hens too.”
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Yeppers. Used to. About a year ago the town got invaded by star spiders. Every pony was freaking out except those three. Along with Fluttershy they just wandered around town and shoved the spiders into bags and boxes and dumped them at the edge of the forest.”Pinkie Pie chimed in with a shudder.
“Wait so the three most skittish mares in town....” Twilight looked at Fluttershy.” Four most skittish mares in town, went out and got rid of a swarm of spiders that every other pony in town was scared of?”
“In their defense star spiders do get pretty big.” Fluttershy added.
“How big?” Twilight asked.
“About the size of your head big, on average... there were bigger and smaller.” Rarity sighed. ”The trio seemed more annoyed at them than scared though. It was strange.”
“ I find it hard to believe you three were scared of any kind of spider.” Twilight stated looking to Applejack, Dash, and Pinkie Pie.
“Ah ain't, they jus showed up during harvest time an we was too busy tah come intah town. Applebloom kept tha ones swarming tha homestead outta tha farm house and outta our way. Spiders pretty good at takin care of any bug problems we got, but all that webbing plays havoc with harvesting.”
“Wasn't afraid, just yah know... busy.” Rainbow Dash stated with Applejack frowning at her.
“What part of 'as big as your head' do you misunderstand?” Pinkie Pie demanded.
“Right.” Twilight sighed.
Rahs considered a moment.” Bark?”
Fluttershy frowned a little and Pinkie Pie shuddered. Twilight just rolled her eyes. “ No Rahs, I doubt they taste good.”
“Bark!” Rahs countered.
“Yes, I am sure magic had to do with getting to that size, but remember when you ate that vespid moth as a pup? You were sick for two weeks and it was chock full of magic. You said it tasted like rancid milk.” Twilight grumbled as Rahs stuck his tongue out at the memory.
“ Umm while we are on the subject, I have a question if you don't mind?” Fluttershy whispered.
“Hmm? Go ahead.” Twilight stated.” I mean we have been getting to know each other better on this trip.”
“Yeah, feels like we've been walking for weeks.” Pinkie Pie stated, glaring at the writer.
“Well I know he eats meat, a lot of animals I know do, but how does Rahs eat magic?” Fluttershy asked.
“Same way he eats meat. By biting it a lot.” Twilight chuckled as her brother rolled his eyes. “ It's a bit more complex than that and he doesn't need to eat magic to survive due to his connection with me. But it's kinda like a treat I suppose.”
“Woof.” Rahs corrected.
“Yeah, like I said, there's more to it than that. He does eat more than meat, it's just the majority of his diet. He's not a true carnivore in that case i suppose” Twilight continued.”I suppose he could eat one or the other without starving, but we've never really tested that and it's not as if our connection can be severed easily enough to see if he can live on meat alone.” Twilight continued.
“That Familiar thing yah was talking about before?” Applejack asked. “ How does that even work?”
“Princess Celestia explained it as a connection he has to both my brothers and I. Shining's is weaker and he can't really understand Rahs, but Spike and I can. There's also the magical synergy where a spell cast on Spike or I will also show up on Rahs and one cast on Rahs will show up on Spike, myself, and Shining Armor. The Princess also said the connection helps limit magical surges and forces me to exercise my magic more even when I'm not actively using it.”
“Sounds rather dangerous Darling, what if Nightmare targets him to take you out too.” Rarity offered.
“Ha.. you would think that would be an issue. Go ahead and try to cast something on Rahs.” Twilight chuckled.
“Bork!” Rahs complained.
“Oh shush, it will be fine. It's not like we haven't done this experiment before.” Twilight chided.
Rarity blinked looking between Rahs and Twilight before the Moon Dog finally shrugged and nodded to her. With that okay from her target, Rarity's horn lit up as she cast a basic spell to change the color of Rahs' coat, that garish thing needed to match something. After a few moments of concentration Rarity's horn faded and she blinked,shaking her head.
“That was one of the strangest things I think I have ever felt.” Rarity stated.
“What happened?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I tried to change the color of his coat and it was like trying to ice skate on a pool of melted butter, the spell wouldn't focus on him at all. I cast it, but it always felt like it hit him and simply slid off.“ Rarity explained.
“That's how spells work around him. It needs to be a particularly powerful or focused caster to make anything stick and even some pony like Princess Celestia has to put more power into her spells than one would think to affect him with them for very long.” Twilight shrugged. “Shining and I don't have any issue really casting spells on him, but they don't last very long and it's easier to cast the spell on ourselves and let the effects encompass Rahs, then to try and cast anything directly on him. But even those don't last long. No one knows why.”
“He's like a great big mystery wrapped in an enigma sprinkled with questions and loving frosted with glucose.” Pinkie Pie chimed in. “ And he's not even a crunchy frog!”
By this point Twilight and Rahs had simply learned to smile and nod with half of what Pinkie Pie said. Applejack claimed that was the first step to become citizens of Ponyville. Twilight wasn't sure how she felt about that, she rather liked these five and Spike had made friends as well. She wasn't sure about Rahs,but he, Fluttershy, Applejack, and oddly Rarity, seemed to be getting along alright.
“There it is.” Applejack called out.
Rushing up to where Applejack was, the seven of them gazed out over a mist filled chasm towards a crumbling castle on the other side. The ruin was massive and covered in creeping vines and plants. A large oak door sat bare in the middle of the near wall, with a over grown path leading up to it. Mist floated and drifted around the castle obscuring the other side at times rolling over the area like a thick fog..
“Here we are, back side of tha castle, right where ah said it'd be.” Applejack smiled proudly.”Falls are what's making all tha mist, river plunges down inta tha gorge around tha other side of tha castle.”
“Hold on, I thought you said there was a bridge?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I see it. Looks like it fell” Rainbow Dash pointed down into the mist.
“Woof.” Rahs stated as he sniffed one of the stone pillars holding the bridge ropes.
“Yeah there is a pretty strong enchantment on it. I guess that's how it remained undamaged after all this time, same as that door over there.” Twilight pointed out.
“But why would it fall now if it was enchanted?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Obviously what ever is trying to stop us must have cut the bridge or untied it darling.” Rarity hypothesized. “It seems to be the things modus operandi.”
Rahs perked his ears as he and Twilight looked back at Rarity curiously at her use of the words.
“I read a number of detective novels......” Rarity huffed.” Don't judge.”
“Yeah, I got this.” Rainbow Dash stated leaping off the ledge and spreading her wings as she dove into the mist.
“Be careful Rainbow.” Fluttershy chided.
It took a few moments before Rainbow Dash came back into view pulling up the other end of the rope bridge lifting it up to the other side of the chasm. She looped one section around the stone before flying back across the chasm to the group.
“Hey AJ, lemmi get your rope I wanna make sure this things on there tight.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Sure thing.” AJ said hoofing it over.” Hows it look?”
“Like it was cut, Rarity called it.” Dash smirked, darting back over to the other side.
The group watched as Rainbow Dash managed to secure part of the bridge before she stopped and turned to something behind her.
“What is she doing?” Pinkie Pie asked as Rahs sniffed the air.
“Grrrrrrrrrr....” Rahs growled his tail whipping as his ears flattened to his head.
“Uh oh.” Twilight winced as she looked across the ravine.
“Who's there ? Rainbow Dash demanded hearing something in the roiling mist calling her name. She reared up on her back legs like a boxer jabbing her hooves into the air as she danced about looking for the source.”I ain't scared of you. Show yourself!”
“We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flier in Equestria.” the voice stated, oozing charm.
“Who?” Rainbow Dash blinked.
“Why , you of course...” the voice sounded a little annoyed.
“Really? Me? I mean, of course... hey you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that would you?” Rainbow Dash smirked.” Cause I've been trying to get into that group, like forever.”
“ No Rainbow Dash, we want you to join us.” There was a sound of hooves as a trio of dark forms galloped out of the mist.” The Shadow Bolts!”
Rainbow Dash whistled at the black and purple uniforms the trio were wearing, the gold goggles were a bit creepy and the grin on the face of the smoke colored mare in the middle didn't ease the creepy factor any. Still the outfits were pretty neat.
“We are the greatest aerial team in the Everfree, soon we will be the best in all Equestria.” The smoke colored mare spoke. “ But to do that we need a captain. The magnificent......”
“Yep “ Rainbow agreed.
“...swiftest...”
“Mmmhmm” Rainbow nodded.
“......Bravest flier in all the land.” The mare cooed.
“Yep, it's all true.” Rainbow Dash beamed.
“We need...” The mare smiled whispering in Dash's ear.”... You.”
“Woohoo, sign me up!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Let me tie the bridge real quick and then we can....”
“NO!” The mare shouted zipping up in front of the cyan Pegasus. She and the stallions taking up points on either side of the mare, blocking Rainbow Dash from getting to the bridge.
“It's them or us.” the mare hissed.
Rainbow blinked hearing Twilight yelling something from the other side of the chasm. She glanced back as the mist billowed up blocking the rest of the group from view.
“Well?” The mare demanded.
“You.......”
The mare grinned.
“Thank you for the offer, I mean.” Rainbow Dash corrected” But I'm afraid I have to say no.”
The mare growled.“Well that's too bad.” You would have made a good captain.” “Hehe well thanks.”Rainbow chuckled.
“I'm sure you'll make a good corpse as well.” the mare hissed.” The mistress ordered you stopped!”
“What?” Dash blinked, dodging aside mostly on instinct as one of the Pegasus stallions lashed out with wing. A few strands of her rainbow colored mane fluttered free, sliced off by feathers that had formed into blades.
“What!? Aw crap!” Dash cursed, ducking back from another series of swipes, one of the stallions flew up above her kicking down at her as the mare moved to block her retreat.
“You guys don't take rejection well do you.” Rainbow Dash quipped.
“I don't like this idea Rahs, but I will admit you are right.” Twilight muttered as her brother nodded.
“Who was that with her over there?” Applejack questioned.
“Bad news I'm sure.” Rarity frowned.” Twilight what do we do...... what are you doing?”
“Feather fall, Light form, Impact shield.” Twilight frowned, her horn glowing brightly as waves of magic washed over her.” That's the best I can do right now, and it won't last long, are you ready?”
“Woof” Rahs nodded darting back along the path away from the chasm. Once he was a short distance away he dropped to all fours and rushed forward towards the edge of the chasm springing off the edge. While it was an awesome jump, it became quickly clear the Moon Dog wasn't going to make it more than half way across the cleft. Before anyone could shout in panic, Twilight's horn glowed brightly and another spell washed over her, lifting her a ponies length off the ground. Rahs was suddenly yanked up into the sky as well as the levitation kicked in pulling him upwards into an arc that would see him land on the other side of the chasm.
“BOMBS AWAY!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“You will serve the mistress or you will die!” The Shadowbolt mare hissed.
“Sorry, I'm not into that sort of thing.... that would explain your gimp suits though.” Dash taunted.” Wait is your mistress Black Snooty?”
Rainbow Dash darted to the side wincing as one of the feather blades nicked her ear drawing blood. These guys weren't playing around. She could easily take these chump's if they weren't cheating. Seriously how did they do that with their wings?
The fight paused a moment as the combatants heard a shout from across the chasm.
“BOMBS AWAY!”
“What?” the Shadowbolt mare hissed, yelping in surprise as a large form dropped out of the fog landing hard atop one of the stallions. There was a loud crack of what sounded like a spine or ribs snapping and the Pegasus was pinned to the ground by the large form, the dark clothed pony faded into a purple mist which dissipated into nothing under the canine's claws.
The Moon Dog lifted his head with a growl, his amber eyes darting between the other two Shadowbolts and Rainbow's bleeding ear.
Rainbow Dash moved before anyone else could and planted both her rear hooves into the face of the second stallion. His head snapped up hard and he faded into mist as well from the impact. Like the first stallion the mist condensed into a purple cloud filled with stars.
The cloud existed for about two more seconds before the sharp jaws of Rahs snapped closed around the dark magic creation, ending it's existence.
Rahs made a face and looked like he was going to vomit.
“What? Did it taste like licorice or something.” Rainbow asked as Rahs nodded.
“No no..... this can't be... I need to tell the mistress...” The Shadowbolt mare panicked darting off towards the castle.
“Woof!” Rahs pointed at the bridge before rushing off after the mare leaving Rainbow confused a moment before she realized what he wanted, and she quickly went to secure the bridge.
Twilight rushed across the bridge first barely allowing Dash to finish tying it.
“Where is he, where did he go?” Twilight demanded.
“He took off after one of those Shadowbolt guys.” Rainbow Dash stated as she bound the rest of the bridge tighter. ”That was awesome, he dropped in here like a rock and helped me take out two of them. I mean I had them on the ropes already, but it was still pretty cool.”
“Who were they ?” Applejack questioned crossing the bridge.
“Called themselves the Shadowbolts, wanted me to be their captain. Course when I refused they attacked me. And when we kicked their asses they turned into purple smoke stuff.” Rainbow Dash stated. “Rahs ate one and I don't think he liked the taste.”
“You refused to be a team captain?”Rarity asked incredulously.
“Of course.” Rainbow Dash snorted. “ I'd never leave my friends hanging.”
“We need to go after him. If one of them ran off it means that either they were just projection avatars or Black Snooty is leading Rahs into a trap.” Twilight grumbled.”Or both.”
“Black snooty?” Fluttershy asked.
Twilight blinked a moment realizing what she said before she pointed an accusing hoof at the giggling Pinkie Pie. “Now she's got me doing it!”
[ The castle of the two sisters, Whinnysor Castle ruins]
“Rahs!?” Twilight shouted, cursing to herself as the group looked around outside for any sign of the Moon Dog.” Where the buck did he go?”
The door to the castle was still shut when the group investigated it, so the fleeing Shadowbolt must not have gone that way.
“Darling, not to add to your worry, but I don't think we have time to search for him at the moment.” Rarity interrupted. “ It is nearly two in the afternoon and the sun has yet to even be hinted at.”
Twilight frowned and flattened her ears to her skull.” You're right Rarity we need to find the Elements of Harmony as quickly as we can. Rahs is a big boy he can take care of himself for a little while.”
“Not tah rain on that parade Twilight further, but before we go on, somethings been nagging me since we started this.” Applejack stated.
“What's that?” Twilight blinked curiously.
“Has yer brother been acting strange on this trip? Ah don't know enough about him tah say one way or another, but he's seemed pretty aggressive tah me at times.” Applejack commented tilting her hat back a little with a hoof.
“What?.... well maybe a bit, but he always gets aggressive when protecting me or Spike.” Twilight frowned.
“Yeah well he was pretty gun ho about kicking some flank and helping me out, OW! Fluttershy! What?!” Rainbow Dash snapped, glaring over at the butter yellow mare who was trying to treat the cut on her ear.” Do you have to do that now?”
“Sorry, but I don't want it getting infected.” Fluttershy meeped, dabbing some iodine on the wound before carefully wrapping Rainbow's ear in gauze.
“Where did you even get that stuff?” Dash sighed.
“From Pinkie. She has a medical kit in her mane.” Fluttershy responded.
“Of course she does.” Dash grumbled.
“I'm still not following what you're trying to say Applejack.” Twilight stated coldly.
“Ah ain't saying nothing. Ah'm asking if he seemed off.” Applejack sighed.”Look, them little glowing balls on tha ends of his ears an tail look a lot like tha moon without tha mare in it.......”
She points up at the glowing white orb in the sky with a hoof.
“You yerself said Princess Celestia was tha first tah call him a Moon Dog and ya also were saying yah think tha Princess knew Nightmare Moon was gonna come back.......”
“Black snooty.” Rainbow Dash corrected, as Pinkie giggled.
“.....and she didn't tell yah nothing about her. Ain't hard tah believe she ain't telling yah something about a pup yah magically called intah existence when you was a foal.” Applejack concluded. “Ah don't like being suspicious of anyone, but that's been nagging me, so that's why ah asked if he was being odd. Yer bout tha only one of us who'd know if we should be worried bout him maybe working fer tha enemy or not.”
Twilight went silent, her ears drooped as she thought back over the day. She hadn't really noticed anything off about him. There was the moment he tried to get her to go back, but he could have just been worried she would get hurt, that was pretty normal. Still her mind lingered on the moment in the town hall where she thought his eyes seemed full of stars.....
“I don't think so.” Twilight hesitated.
“Alright... it's fine sugar cube. Ain't no one wanna suspect yer brother of being in cahoots with N....”
“BLACK SNOOTY.” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“......Dang it Pinkie, shush.” Applejack chided.”Any way you know him best so if yah think somthins up let us know. Ah know how easy it is tah trust family. You say he's fine, then he's fine. But..... dun you hesitate if somethin ain't fine, or this could get real ugly, yer brother could cause a lot of problems if he's against us.”
“Rationally I understand your caution. Emotionally I don't like it at all, but I do understand it. There is too much we don't know about what he is to disregard anything, I know better than any one as I've spent years looking into it. But, I won't believe he would willingly turn on us.” Twilight reluctantly admitted.
“That's fine,ah hate that ah felt ah had tah bring it up, but I'd rather apologize later if it's nothing than not bring it up now and have somethin happen. Now then let's find those Element things and put an end tah this.”Applejack nodded pushing at the door. “Afore we have to find out fer sure.”
“Wow.” Rainbow Dash uttered looking up at the massive hall of the castle. Even with the ravages of time and the wilds against it , the castle was still an imposing place. The roof in this area had long since blown off in a storm leaving the night sky in full view above them, a chilling reminder of what awaited forever if they failed.
The large windows of the room were destroyed and plants creeped into the building hugging the walls and pillars. Still this was only an out building, a back door into the castle that the public was not likely supposed to ever see.
Which made it odd that there was a massive statue in the middle of the room.
Twilight blinked as she looked up at the statue curiously. Plant life covered it and it seemed to be a large planet with rotating arms that circled with six smaller moons around it. The arms were fixed and the large planet featureless, though the six moons...... five moons? She could have sworn there were six orbs when she walked in. Any way, the five orbs had a gem shaped designs on them. She had seen this device before back in the library. She knew exactly what it was.
“Seriously?” Twilight sighed rubbing her temple with a hoof.
“Hmm?” Rarity questioned.” What is it?”
“This statue was in a drawing in the book about the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight explained.
“So these are the Elements?” Applejack questioned.”Mighty convenient.”
“Screams trap to me.” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“The statues too new.” Pinkie Pie explained pronking up to poke at the base of it.” The rock around the base looks like some kind of cement was used to glue it down and the whole things newer than the flagstones are.”
The others looked at the pink mare curiously.
“Did you miss my comment earlier about a rock farm?” Pinkie Pie asked.” Cause I kinda hinted that I lived on a rock farm. You know a place they farm rocks?”
“It's not that new though. See the white streaks in the stone. That's caused from years of bird droppings on stone. Even rain won't wash it away completely.” Fluttershy pointed out.” There's a few small wren nests in the crook of the arm over there too. And there's a series of mud dauber wasp nests underneath the main globe. It has been here at least since the spring.”
“So it's not a trap. Well no sense leaving them up there.” Rainbow Dash stated, flying up and picking up the first orb with her hooves.” Twilight winced, though aside from the sound of stone rasping over stone as they were lifted, there was nothing else.
Fluttershy flew up to help Rainbow Dash, blinking as she picked up a orb and flew it down.
“Oh, this is very light.” Fluttershy commented.
“It's pumice.”Pinkie Pie pointed out as she counted the orbs.”There's only five!”
“Where's the sixth?” Rainbow Dash demanded as she deposited the last stone on the ground and did another fly around the statue to check , knocking off the plants from the large globe. “Is this it?”
“ I don't think so, the book said that when the five are present a spark will cause the sixth to appear.” Twilight explained.
“So should I go gather some clouds or something?” Rainbow Dash asked looking up at the sky.” Might take a minute to get enough together for some lightning, it's pretty clear out here now.”
“Ah don't think that's tha kinda spark they meant Rainbow.” Applejack stated.” Any ideas Twilight?”
“I might have something. I need to run through a few spells and I don't know what will happen if there's some sort of defense.” Twilight stated as she lay down before the orbs. “You might want to give me some space just in case. I have my shield, but it's easier to use it just on me than a bunch of ponies.”
“Alright. Come on ya'll let's have a look outside an see if we ken figure out where Rahs went. “ Applejack stated heading to the door, the others somewhat reluctantly following her.
“Don't blow yourself up now okay?” Rainbow Dash called back with a smirk.
“And watch out for Black Snooty.” Pinkie Pie called.
“Darling I think that joke has run it's course.” Rarity rolled her eyes.
“But it's so much fun to say...” Pinkie Pie pouted.
Twilight watched as they left before turning her full attention to the orbs. Her horn glowed lightly as she ran a number of scanning spells over them looking for any hints that they were anything other than balls of rock.
She could feel something in them from the scan, but nothing she could identify at first . Her ears flattened to her head as she heard the wind pick up.
Of all the times for the weather to pick up, seriously if that was Rainbow Dash.....
Twilight opened her eyes and jerk back with a start, a dark blue vortex of magic had formed before her and had swept up the stones spinning them around in the air.
“GAAAAAAH!” Twilight cried out hearing shouting outside as the others heard her. With the scanning spell still going she felt the first parts of a teleportation spell and panicked, rising up to her hooves she lept into the vortex so as not to lose the stones.
The others rushed into the room just as the vortex vanished, taking Twilight and the Elements of Harmony with it.
“Where did she go, where did she go!?!?!?” Pinkie Pie cried out, hopping around in a panic.
“Twilight!?” Applejack called looking around fanatically.
“Over there!” Rarity called out looking out a window to the main area of the castle, the windows there flickering with light.
“Come on!” Rainbow Dash shouted and rushed towards the doors at the back of the room , the group charging deeper into the castle.
Twilight winced, coughing as the dust gathered by the whirlwind cleared. Looking around she noticed she was in what seemed like some sort of throne room. It was surprisingly similar to the one in Canterlot, though the tattered banners and statues in this room showed both the sun and moon in their designs, unlike Canterlot's which were solely sun designs.
An evil laugh brought her out of her study session and her gaze was drawn to the tall black furred figure on the dais where the throne should be. The armored mare cackled looking down at her with her green cat like eyes and a fanged grin crossing her face. Twilight winced as lightning crackled around the mare. At her hooves were the five Elements of Harmony.
Twilight blinked,thinking quickly, her eyes narrowed as she rose up, stamping her hoof to charge, her horn leveled at Nightmare Moon in an antiquated unicorn dueling stance she had read about. If Nightmare Moon was as old as she claimed, this might work, if not, well.
"You're kidding ...right?” Nightmare Moon sneered. The expression fading from her muzzle as Twilight charged.
Without another word Nightmare Moon moved off the dais with a stamp of her hoof to accept the duel, rushing forward toward the smaller mare. If this one wished to die honorable, she could grant that.
Just before the galloping pair met, Twilight's horn flared and she teleported across the room landing between the Elements her horn lighting up again.
“Come on come on.....” Twilight muttered as the stones began to glow.
Nightmare Moon snarled and shifted to a shadow form, launching herself back at the dais, reforming just as Twilight screamed out, and was flung back across the room from a spark made by the stones.
The five rocks lifted in the air around Nightmare Moon, the black alicorn starting to panic as the stones glowed. The effect didn't last long however and after only a few seconds the stones dropped back down to the ground with a clack.
The pair of them looked at the dull lifeless stones curiously a moment before Nightmare Moon began to laugh again, the dark alicorn reared up as she cackled, bringing down her hooves and shattering the five orbs to shards.
Twilight's expression fell as she took in the sight of the destroyed Elements.
“You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me!?” Nightmare Moon ranted.” Now you will never see your Princess or your sun again. THE NIGHT! SHALL LAST! FOREVER!”
Twilight had been listening, though her panic had only grown more as she noticed they were not the only ones in the chamber.
Standing behind Nightmare Moon just off the edge of the pedestal was her brother. Rahs was simply standing there calmly looking at at the black alicorn.
[ The castle of the two sisters, Whinnysor Castle ruins]
Twilight winced as Rahs got closer to Nightmare Moon. The Moon Dog simply walked up to her like it was nothing as the black alicorn cackled. She shuddered as she looked up at them, her brother was moving to the nightmare's side. Comfortable around the monster that had beaten her teacher. Had Applejack been right?
Wait Applejack? Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity! Of course that had to be it! If only she had more time......
Nightmare Moon continued to laugh, her mane and tail swirling into a vortex as she did so. This was what true victory felt like. To crush your enemies to see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of their stallions......
She had a big speech prepared for this too, when the last of Celestia's resistance had failed. Though seriously was this the last of it? A couple of mares? I mean sure the one knew about the Element's of Harmony and was brave enough to challenge her directly. The six of them also beat her conjured avatars, but after the fight with Celestia she didn't have much energy to spare in their creation any way. Still they should have been enough, but not one had returned. There was still the Dragon too, had he come with them? She recalled the initial scout saying seven had come into the forest. He must be with the others.
Still she could practice her victory speech on this one and if she was not properly cowed then a rewrite might be in order. Perhaps she could even convince this mare to do it for her, it would help to have some one familiar with the local dialect and she was impressed with the mares gall. With the Element's destroyed a 'join or die' speech might not be out of the question. The Guards who she had thrashed earlier were enough to read mentally that she was a bit more familiar with the local language than she had been when she woke, but a translation spell was no substitute for an actual teacher.
Nightmare Moon's thoughts trailed off as she felt something pulling on her tail. Her laughter died a moment later as she turned her head to look at the source of the tugging.
Sitting on its haunches behind her was a Moon Dog. One in a slightly ripped up maroon long coat and tan pants covered in pockets at that. It's entire focus was on her tail and the swirling points of light that made up the stars within the darkness. The lights were even reflected in his amber eyes.
He was also currently batting at it like a cat batted at a dangling string, completely oblivious to anything else.
“What?!” Nightmare Moon questioned, more than a little confused.
From across the room came another yell from the mare she had just defeated.
“RAHS YOU IDIOT!” Twilight screamed out, slapping her face with a hoof.
The scream brought Rahs out of his fascination, his ears perked up as she looked around noticing Twilight first across the room, then what he had been doing, and then the snake like eyes of the mare that the sparkling tail had been attached to.
Rahs blinked once, twice, and then a third time as he met Nightmare Moon's gaze. He smiled slightly, patting her tail lightly and pulling his claw out of the strands before very very quickly.... trying to haul tail away from the black alicorn as fast as he could go.
He made it as far as the edge of the dais.
Nightmare Moon however did not let him go, and her magic quickly enveloped the Moon Dog and pulled him back over to her with a sigh.
“Of course it was too good to be true.” The dark alicorn sighed deflating a little as she sat down.” I should have known Celestia wouldn't go down so easily, she's had a thousand years to prepare after all.”
Nightmare Moon spared a last glance at Twilight and the proceeded to ignore the purple mare, her attention focused on the Moon Dog. One wing fanned out as she drew him closer, a few stiff feathers touching at his ears and scritching lightly behind them.
“I have not seen you before, I suppose you are new to this then. Is Sheeba finally having her puppies? Is that why you are here tonight?” Nightmare Moon considered as she continued to scritch behind Rahs' ear. “ Oh don't be upset, Sheeba couldn't keep herself away from my tail at first either. Besides I thought I saw you back in town any way. It's harder to hide in plain sight than it seems. I'm sure you will get it though eventually. You made it through most of this unnoticed after all.”
Rahs, having no idea what was going on, simply sat there and listened, granted he did like that part where he was being petted rather than beheaded, but this was a little weird.
Twilight was standing alone with her head tilted slightly, watching the exchange between Rahs and Nightmare Moon. This was kinda weird. As distracted as she was she barely noticed as the others ran up to her , at least until they started asking her things.
“Twilight is that Rahs up there?” Rarity asked.
“Yes.” Twilight stated.
“Is he working fer her” Applejack asked.
“No.” Twilight countered.
“Is she scritching his ears?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes.” Twilight answered.
“Did you call her Black Snooty like I said?” Pinkie questioned.
“No.” Twilight frowned.
“Is he enthrelled, enscrollred, whatever, hypnotized?” Rainbow Dash mangled.
“No, the idiot just saw something shiny and went after it like a cat.” Twilight grumbled. “I should have figured that it was something stupid like this, he did the same thing with Princess Celestia's tail when he was a puppy, he got over it, but for a while any time he saw it moving he had to play with it. And her tail NEVER stops moving”
Twilight blinked suddenly and whirled on the other mares.
“No wait, that's not important, he's keeping her busy. She thought she could destroy the Element's of Harmony, but the spirits of the Elements are still here.” Twilight stated excitedly, behind her the broken shards of the stones trembled on the dais.
“Applejack, you said you knew the way to the castle and you did, you also didn't hide from the ugly truth that Rahs might be working for Nightmare. You represent the spirit of Honesty” Twilight explained.
“Wut?” Applejack questioned. The shards from the dais rose and started swirling around the farm pony.
“Fluttershy who tamed the manticore with her compassion and has been taking care of all of us the entire trip is the spirit of Kindness!” Twilight continued.
Fluttershy meeped flying back into the air as the shards approached her and started floating around her form.
“Pinkie Pie who banished fear by giggling at it and has done her best to keep everyone's spirits up on this trek represents the spirit of Laughter.” Twilight stated.
The pink mare smiled wide and hopped up and down as the shards circled around her.
Rahs blinked noting the oddities going on with the others, Nightmare Moon simply sighed.
“I assume you've never seen this before. It gets old after years of it. It's either a selection of Ponies, or Celestia herself who rally the Elements and beat me back into darkness again. It's not even impressive any more and barely entertaining. Well there was that time that the bearers were seaponies and the whole encounter was a long musical number. That one was weird, but this is how it always ends. Don't worry I'll tell Sheeba you did alright when I see her.” Nightmare Moon sighed.
“Woof?”Rahs questioned.
“Of course I'm not hostile to you. You've been trying to help me. Even I acknowledge that level of devotion and loyalty. It's been a thousand years with only your........... wait a moment, did you just bark?” Nightmare Moon blinked. “You just barked, why did you bark?
The dark alicorn shot up right suddenly sending Rahs tumbling away.
“No..... nononononononono!” Nightmare Moon screamed out.” WHAT TRICKERY IS THIS CELESTIA!!?!?!?”
Rahs decided then, that he needed to make himself scarce. Whatever his sister was doing it seemed to be freaking Nightmare Moon out considerably.
“Rarity who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of Generosity.”Twilight continued ignoring the outburst.
Rarity blinked looking at the glowing shards floating around her.
“And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own hearts desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty.” Twilight finished.
Rainbow Dash blinked as the shards started circling around her.
“The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us.” Twilight snapped.
“You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark never came” Nightmare Moon snapped.” And it NEVER WILL!”
The dark alicorn's horn glowed brightly as she charged a massive spell to unleash at the mares, to end this once and for all.
The spell was never cast, as something suddenly yanked hard on her tail distracting her. The black alicorn whipped her head around again, seeing the Moon Dog had grabbed a hold of her tail and was holding it tight on it.
“What!?” Nightmare Moon stammered the spell fizzling as she stared at the Moon Dog. “This is real......How is it even possible for you to be......”
“It did, the spark ignited inside me when I heard their voices again....i realized that you all... are my friends...” Twilight finished. She turned from the other five to glare back at Nightmare Moon. A massive flare of light appeared over Twilight, the brightness forced Nightmare Moon to flinch from it.
“The final Element is Magic. The spark was brought about because of the friends I made. “Twilight flattened her ears wondering why she was explaining this. “And Friendship is Magic.”
“She said it, she said it, she said the thing!” Pinkie Pie beamed.
“Talk about corny.” Dash snorted with a smirk.
“Really I think it is perfectly fitting, very dramatic.” Rarity chimed.
“It was a nice speech.” Fluttershy muttered.
“Ehh, so long as it works.” Applejack shrugged.
The broken shards swirled around the mares, forming together around their necks to create ornate pendants and chains, large gems shaped like their cutiemarks dominated the center of the jewelry. The glowing orb of light settled down atop of Twilight's head as she was lifted into the air, a crown with her cutiemark forming as all of the floating mares began to glow.
“GET OFF OF ME!” Nightmare Moon roared, lashing out with her tail and sending Rahs flying to crash into a suit of armor, the rusted suit collapsing on top of the flailing Moon Dog.
The black alicorn spared a worried glance at the canine before her horn flared again and she turned to face the ponies only for twin beams of rainbow colored light to erupt from the glowing ponies and rush towards the screaming Nightmare Moon The light swirled around her, enveloping the screaming mare in a whirlwind of brightly colored lights.
As her screaming grew fainter Rahs looked on, peering out from the knight helmet that had fallen over his head. The light from his sister and her friends got even brighter, the brilliant white light bathing everything and forcing him to flip the helmets visor back down to avoid the being blinded as the whole world seemed to go white.
Twilight woke with a groan with something shaking her lightly. Opening one eye she looked up to see the navy blue fur of her brother crouched next to her a worried expression on his face.
“Woof?” He sighed with relief.
“I feel like I've been up for three days, but I'm okay.... how are the others?” Twilight groaned.
“Ah'm alive. Feel like tha end of apple buck season though. “Applejack stated.
“Oh wow... everything hurts. Wow am I tried.” Rainbow Dash winced.
“Do it again, do it again!” Pinkie Pie chimed.
“Under no circumstances are we to do that again anytime soon. “ Rarity snapped.” I think even my teeth feel tired.”
Fluttershy simply meeped.
“Bark.” Rahs pointed out.
“Her tail?” Twilight blinked lifting her head more looking back to see the others sprawled on the floor . Rarity's tail had regrown and was back to it's former state.
“Oh my goodness!” Rarity gasped.
Dash reached up undoing the bandages around her ear flicking it with no pain.”How's it look”
“Like it was never cut!” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
“It looks lovely.” Fluttershy stated to Rarity.
“Yes, I know, it was gone only a short time and I missed it terribly.” Rarity grinned, flicking her tail.
“No, your necklace. It looks like your cutie mark.” Fluttershy corrected.
There was a general muttering as the girls noticed each others necklaces and looked them over.
When Rahs thought no one was looking, he gave Twilight's crown a quick lick, only to frown at the lack of taste, he was considering trying the others when Twilight slapped him with Applejack's hat.
“Hey stop that!” Applejack protested as Twilight continued to smack her brother.
“What the heck was that!?!? You had me freaking out so you could play with her tail! What is wrong with you!?!” Twilight ranted as Applejack managed to save her head wear.
“Woof!” Rahs defended.
“So you did take care of the last one. Well that was good, though I seriously doubt you got lost that easily.” Twilight grumbled.” You can smell treats through three rooms, masked by four spells, and a scented candle! I find it hard to believe you couldn't find us.”
“Bork!” Rahs snapped and pointed at his nose which had been on the receiving end of a good bit of abuse that night.
“So.... we really do represent the Elements of Friendship.” Applejack stated loudly, to cut off any spat between the two siblings.”That sounded kinda made up at tha time.”
“Indeed you do.” stated a serene sounding voice.
Looking for the source of the voice, the group could see the first rays of sunlight rising above the forest as it shone on the old castle. The sun quickly rose into the sky casting a beam through the broken window. Out of the pillar of light stepped a large white alicorn decorated with golden accessories. She had flowing sunrise colored mane and tail, and large wings folded over her back, a tall spiraled horn rose up from before her crown.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight shouted as the others bowed before the appearance of the Princess. Rahs offered a nod of his head as Twilight ran up to her, the pair of them, and Spike, had long ago been told not to bow to her unless it was a formal occasion, and in the middle of ruins in the woods was hardly formal.
Rahs rolled his eyes as the pair of them hugged though his attention was soon drawn to something moving on the other side of the room, still in the shadows cast by the ruins.
“Twilight, my faithful student.”I knew you could do it.”
Twilight's eye twitched as she took a step back.” You told me that it was an old pony tale!”
“I told you that you needed to make some friends.....”
“I HAVE friends, Moon Dancer, Lyra, and all the other students at your school!” Twilight protested.
“Yet, you didn't have the right friends for this. Had they been the ones who would become the Bearers they would have been drawn here.” Celestia explained.
“Lyra lives in Ponyville.” Twilight responded. “I wasn't even drawn here, I was sent here by you!”
“Lyra did not willingly follow you into the Everfree forest at night, nor did she aid you in any way on this journey as these five have.” Princess Celestia continued with the same calmness. “ I gave those books to all my students and you were the one who made the connection, you were the first to bring it to my attention and thus I sent you here where I knew the other future Element bearers would be gathered. To be honest Twilight I expected to return months or years from now, freed only after one of my many contingencies finally bore fruit. But you and your friends, finding and becoming the Bearer's of the Elements of Harmony, well that was my best case scenario. There was no need for a rebellion or any one to die in conflicts for freedom. Including Nightmare Moon.”
“What!? Nightmare Moon?!” Twilight blinked looking at the dais and seeing Rahs already crouched over a form laying there.
The group of mares quickly rose and moved around the dais.
Laying atop it amid shards of smoking metallic blue armor was a purplish gray mare with a silver blue mane and tail. Her cutie mare was a purple patch of night with a crescent moon in the center. The most striking features of the mare however were the wings and horn she bore.
Rahs moved away from her as Celestia approached looking down at the mare as she stirred.
“You could not release the magic unless you allowed true friendship into your heart Twilight.” Celestia offered. “ Now let us hope that another will as well. Isn't that right Princess Luna?”
There was a collective gasp as the mare on the ground was named and a visible flinch from the second alicorn as she opened her eyes and looked up at the approaching white alicorn.
“It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” Celestia stated standing over the smaller alicorn. “ It is time to........”
The Princess of the Sun likely had a bit more to say, though a sudden upper cut to the chin delivered by a silver clad hoof silenced her completely. Her head was rocked back, her body lifted up onto her back hooves before the Princess of the Sun sat down hard.
“Uh oh.” Applejack muttered as every one else winced.
“Shoryuken!” Pinkie Pie giggled.
The smaller alicorn took that moment to get in Celestia's face, fury in her eyes.
“WE TOLD THEE THAT IT WAS A HORRID IDEA TO TRUST THAT KNAVE!!!” Princess Luna screamed in Celestia's face as the white mare still reeled from the blow, her ears flattening to her head. “ But nay, thine had to ignore us and try to win him back. He might be evil, thee stated, but I can change him, thee stated. FIE ON THAT TIA!!”
“Umm do we need to blast her again?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously as the smaller mare shouted at the princess.
“I don't know.” Twilight muttered.
“We spent a thousand years in a dreamlike state with the worst roommate that ever existed.” Luna ranted. “All because thee liked bad colts and ignored our warnings. Do thee know how loudly that Nightmare SNORED!?! AND IT WAS POSSESSING US!! WE COULDN'T EVEN DROWN OUT THE NOISE! Thee gets antsy in thine loins and we are the ones stuck paying for thine discretions...... AGAIN!!! At least thine should have stayed with the other one, he was at least funny!”
Celestia rolled her eyes. “ A thousand years trapped in the moon and the first thing you do is start a massive 'I told you so 'rant?”
“BECAUSE WE TOLD YOU SO!!!” Luna shouted suddenly grabbing Celestia around the neck and hugging her tightly as she started crying.
“What......” Rarity tried to formulate the question.
“Ladies allow me to introduce my sister. Princess Luna Nocturnus.” Princess Celestia sighed hugging her sister back.
“And I say again.... What?” Rarity stammered.
“So the old pony tale was about you two.” Twilight pondered.” This..... actually makes a little more sense now.”
“Yes, but in any event we should leave this place. I am sure there are many who are worried about us.” Princess Celestia smiled.
“Oh hey! You know what this all calls for!!!???” Pinkie Pie shouted hopping up and down.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“No silly, an epilogue chapter. THEN A PARTY!” Pinkie Pie explained to the confused Moon Dog.
Celestia sighed leaning on the table before her, her hooves pressed to her temples. It had taken over an hour to get the ponies around her to leave her be, politely. Then it took another hour just to get them to stop checking up on her every five minutes. Her Guards had taken longer than that to get rid of, particularly after their failure to protect her from Nightmare Moon, not as if she expected them to be able to really. Still it clearly hurt their pride, so she let them do what they wanted for the most part.
The Royal Guard thankfully could take a hint and were currently outside the library simply stopping any one from coming in. Celestia needed a bit of time to think, something she was not going to get any time soon.
Pinkie Pie's party was still in full swing outside despite the night starting to come again. Something she had to assure her little ponies was natural and not the second coming of Nightmare Moon. The other Element bearers had long since gone home to bed , though the pink mare just kept going and going and going.
Luna had been fascinated by everything going on, though she was still reluctant to join in or eat anything she didn't understand, which at the moment, was nearly everything. So she mostly just watched the goings on until she dozed off not long after some Pegasus fillies had put a rose wreath around her neck. It confused her for a bit as to why one would wear food.
Currently her sister was asleep on a hastily scrounged up bed set up in the large room behind her.
Spike had wound up being the hero of the town oddly enough. Big Mac had foisted most of the attention off on the small Dragon despite his part in it. After the girls left, Mac went out into the panic filled streets and gathered up as many of the lost foals as he could find, keeping them all in the library for Spike to guard and entertain with the help of Applebloom until their parents calmed down enough to start looking for them. By the time everyone got back the only foals still present were Rarity's sister and Applebloom. Both of them were struggling to stay awake until their sisters returned. Spike managed to stay up the whole time, but as soon as the last of his charges were gone and he was sure his siblings were safe he passed out in the middle of the floor.
After putting Spike to bed, Rahs had opted to avoid Pinkie's party and follow his brothers lead. Big Mac had taken Applebloom home soon after. Rarity had brought her sister home as well though she joined the others for the party at least for a while.
Celestia could have taken Luna and left at any time, but the calm of the library was a nice change from how she was sure things were in Canterlot right now. She needed time to collect her thoughts before the chariot ride back home. There was also a pony she needed to talk to before she left and she had no issue with waiting as long as it took for her to show up. In truth she was wondering where her student had gotten off to. She expected Twilight to avoid Pinkie Pie's party, but the purple Unicorn had yet to return to the library where she was staying.
“......Yes, thank you very much, I am so allowed inside.... you know what forget it, I'm done arguing with you!” shouted someone from outside. A moment later a flash of light appeared on the other side of the door and an annoyed Twilight Sparkle popped into existence trudging across the room before the door was flung open by the panicked Guard.
“I see you've finally mastered teleportation Twilight.” Celestia smirked as her student looked over at her in surprise.
“Princess....” the Guard shouted, bursting in the door after Twilight.
“Calm down Captain Rex. Twilight is allowed in. Truthfully I'm the one intruding on her living quarters.” Princess Celestia sighed.
The Guard nodded looking over at Twilight a last time before pulling back out of the building shutting the door behind him.
“Is there a reason you told us not to tell any pony we're the Bearers of the Element's of Harmony?” Twilight asked glaring back at the door.
“You're smart Twilight. You've seen what happens when any pony in court thinks they can gain power over another. What do you think would happen to this town if the nobles found out six artifacts were found out here? While I expect Rarity might enjoy it, would the others like the hounding the media and nobles would be doing if word got out. If none of the others, think of Fluttershy's reaction.” Celestia explained as Twilight approached pulling a seat out across the table from the Princess and dropping down into it with a thud.
“Alright I'll give you that one. And why are you taking the Element's to Canterlot?” Twilight demanded.
“To put them somewhere safe. The last thing we need is for some pony to lose them, or for Rahs or Spike to try and eat them.”
“Two for two. Rahs already tried. He said it didn't taste like anything, but he only licked the crown.” Twilight sighed understanding that.
“I expect it's because it's part of your magic that it has no taste to him.” Celestia added.” The Element's will be available whenever you need them . After all you will not be far....... or will you?”
“That is what I have been thinking about....” Twilight admitted.
“And what have you discovered?”
“That I am very tired.” Twilight dead panned.
“Aside from that?” Celestia smiled.
“I don't know. I get the why of the situation, but I don't like the idea you guided us like pawns!” Twilight frowned.
“ I am always doing that Twilight. It is what I must do as a ruler, though you are hardly a pawn. You act as if I knew who the Bearers would be. I did not, I do not know everything. All I knew was that they were here and if you were the sixth Bearer that they would find you when the time was right. That is how they work, that is how they always worked before. Granted last time they were held by only two ponies.” Celestia explained looking over at the sleeping form of her sister. “ I bore Generosity, Compassion and Loyalty. My sister Magic, Honesty, and Laughter. When I was forced to banish her after the corruption had possessed her the Elements decided that I was no longer loyal enough to wield my half. And with what my sister did as Nightmare Moon, Laughter and Honesty left her.”
“What did happen?”Twilight asked.
Celestia paused frowning. She owed her student an explanation, but couldn't bring herself to say her biggest failure.” That is a long story Twilight one I am still not comfortable with telling. Suffice to say my sister has a right to be upset with me as it was my fault she became the nightmare. Not directly mind you, that falls on the shoulders of one long dead, but my inaction is the reason it happened at all. I will explain it another time if you ask Twilight, but it will not be today. I have a long road ahead of me reforging the trust lost between my sister and I. Let me get her settled in and perhaps then....”
“Well you are decidedly helping with my decision with your vagueness Princess. I think perhaps I would have accepted any answer you gave, 'except ask again later.'” Twilight muttered.
“I'm sorry Twilight. But even after all this time I am not comfortable talking about it. Much as you refuse to speak of your tenth birthday party.” Celestia sighed as Twilight winced..”At least thanks to you and your friends healing from it can begin finally. Thank you for that my faithful student.”
“........ If I am that after all.”
“Hmm?”
“I'm not happy with you Princess. You left us in the dark on this whole thing. Spike or Rahs could have gotten hurt and I was nearly killed twice out in those woods. More than that probably. Rainbow Dash was attacked directly and both she and Rahs were hurt. Spike attacked her to break a fear spell, she could have blasted him to nothing. Your Guards all got hurt and the entire town was sent into a frenzy. How many others got hurt in other parts of Equestria just from the panic that happened when the sun didn't rise?”
“What would you have had me do Twilight warn everyone she was coming? Think of how many would be heroes would have attacked her, how many of them she would have killed? Even had they killed her, there would be no guarantee that her death would have freed me. And my sister would have been dead. I had plenty of plans in place to stop her, many of them were little more than time sinks designed to give the Elements more time to draw their Bearers to them. But a few of them would have caused conflict and death. All of them were slated to take weeks or months to start. Had I told you everything would you have even bothered coming to the town or would you have gone straight for the castle to retrieve the Element's so you could try and force the activation? Would you have brought your school friends? How well would that have gone? Which of them would be Honesty? Which Laughter?”
“Lyra Laughter, Moon Dancer would be Honesty, Lemon Hearts Kindness.......” Twilight listed trailing off. “ I understand your point, but that does not mean I have to like it Princess.”
Celestia nodded.”Perhaps in time you will forgive me for this too. It is not the first time I have wronged you after all.”
“True, but how long I suppose will all depends on this next question's answer.”
“And what might that be?”
“How much did you keep from us about Rahs?” Twilight asked flatly.
“Only what I first suspected of him. Something which turned out not to be true after all.”
“That is not an answer.” Twilight's eyes narrowed.
“I thought he was a creature called a Witch Wolf. He is not. I do not know what he is, just that he bears a resemblance to the Witch Wolves and that they were called Moon Dogs by my sister and her followers, the Thestrils.” Celestia explained. “Luna is the one you should ask about them. I was under the impression that they had all died out long ago. I called him a Moon Dog because of that resemblance. Witch Wolves were monsters Twilight, pure and simple. Rahs is not a monster, he is your brother.”
“So that was why you kept checking me for abilities to manipulate the flow of time when I was younger.”
“Yes, I first expected you had pulled him from the past, but again that was not the case. I did not know where he came from and I still do not.” Celestia offered.
“Not the answer I wanted to hear.” Twilight grumbled.
“Again I am sorry, but that is all I know.”Celestia nodded.”So now it is my turn, my student. We will be leaving soon. Are you coming with us?”
Twilight frowned looking over to the sleeping Luna before shaking her head.
“No.... not right now. You'll be too busy helping Princess Luna to be much of a teacher to me and I need some time to cool down. I expect Rahs and Spike do as well. None of us are really happy with you right now. I understand the why for most of it but it still feels like a betrayal.”
“I understand. I will make arrangements for Golden Oaks to house you more permanently and I will see to it that you receive pay in regards to the position of head librarian here, with Spike and Rahs receiving pay as your assistants. Please let your friends know that a stipend will be gifted them for as long as they are the Bearer's of the Elements. It will not be much I am afraid, as this needs to be hidden from the Royal accountants and as such it will need to be masked as something else. I suppose a wildlife fund for Miss Fluttershy and a Heritage sight for Sweet Apple Acres will take care of some of it. I will need to think of something else for the others.”
Twilight nods. “I will.......I'm kinda going to miss being your student....”
“Who says you are not still my student? You have not graduated the school just yet. I can always send your assignments here.” Celestia smiled rising to her hooves with a stretch of her wings.”Besides, you are simply going to be studying something else. The magic of friendship.”
“That still sounds corny.” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“Never the less, it is how the Elements are wielded, and I would be far from against you studying how it works. Spike can send still send me messages if you need anything or have reports on your progress to give me.” Celestia moved over and gently picked up her sister, laying the smaller alicorn on her back. “I am afraid we need to go now. Canterlot is probably still in a panic, Cadence is going to give me an ear full when she gets back and I still need to get Luna acquainted with everything. I am also quite certain you need to go to bed my faithful student.”
“Yeah I suppose so...” Twilight smiled. “ I feel like I can sleep for a week.”
“Well get some rest we will be going now, be sure to keep in touch Twilight.”
“I will Princess.... good night.” Twilight stated as she rose from the chair moving to take over the bed Luna had occupied as Celestia stepped outside.
Celestia exhaled as she lowered her sun, bringing the moon up into the sky, hopefully this would be one of the last times she would need to do it now that her sister was back.
“Captain have the two Guards that accompanied Twilight here initially stay to Guard the library until she dismisses them when she wakes up. Aside from her brothers no one else is to go in or out until she allows it, Twilight deserves some rest.” Princess Celestia ordered.
“Yes Princess. Your chariot is ready to take you and Princess Luna back to Canterlot.” The Guard Captain nodded.”The rest of us will follow later once we are sure everything is secure...... and that that strange pink mare doesn't drop dead from everything she's doing.”
Celestia smiled,climbing onto her seat on her chariot setting Luna down before her and wrapping her wings around her sister as the Guards attached took off. Luna woke with a start at the sudden take off and flailed inside of Celestia's wings.
“Easy, easy now Lulu, it's alright. You're safe now.....Ooof...” Celestia winced as one of Luna's wings hit her in the stomach.
“Didst thou gain weight?” Luna questioned.
“You are 'relatively' safe now.” Celestia corrected.
Luna snorted in amusement as she settled down, not staying against her sister, but not pulling out of her embrace either. She instead looked up at the sky as the stars and the rested in the heavens like a great tapestry.
“Thou did not move anything......” Luna sighed.
“I never learned how. You have no idea how much trouble just moving the moon gave me. I never even managed to get it to do the phases thing like you did.” Celestia stated.
“So what happens now?” Luna sighed.
“Well we get you set up and accustomed to everything and turn the monarchy back into a diarchy for starters. Though that will be some time from now. You have a lot of catching up to do on modern politics and laws.”
“Ugh ist there not simply a country we can invade. T'would be much simpler.”Luna sighed.
“And that question is why you need a tutor. Perhaps one of my students. Moon Dancer may do in fact. Though before you think I am simply foisting you off on someone else, I will say I will answer any question you bring to me Lulu.” Celestia smiled. “ I know I have a lot to make up for …..”
“Tis fine sister, while we are far from over this, we understand thine nature better than any other and can only somewhat hold it against thee. And given what he did, he should stay gone so the issue is resolved. We will get over it we simply need time for everything.” Luna sighed.
“Well we have plenty of that.” Celestia chuckled.
“We do have one pertinent query for thee that hast been nagging us since our return however.” Luna considered.
“Oh and what is that?” Celestia asked.
“How did you get a Moon Dog outside of the Oneiroi?” Luna questioned.
“Outside of the what now?” Celestia blinked as Luna looked at her like she was an idiot.
[Sweet Apple Acres, one week after the return of Nightmare Moon.]
“Nope... nope.... nope....” Spike stated from Twilight's back, tossing an apple out of one of her buckets with every word. Rahs followed behind the pair, carrying two large baskets of apples on his own, snapping the apples Spike tossed aside out of the air and quickly devouring them. The apples here were quickly becoming one of his favorite flavors of magic, right up there with Cadence's strawberry shortcake flavored spells.
Of course he usual got ill from eating too many of them, but that was future Rahs' problem.
“Thank yah kindly fer helping me with these apples y'all.” Applejack stated from her spot at the lead of the group.” Ah bet Big Mac that ah could get them all in tha barn before lunch. And when ah win he's gonna have tah walk down Stirrup Street in onea granny's girdles.”
“Happy to help Applejack.” Twilight smirked. “Though now that you mention it, that does sound like something that would be amusing to see.”
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Yeah, what was your side of the bet?” Spike questioned, tossing away another apple.
“Ugh, that I'd let Rarity fru fru me up tah run tha stall in town this weekend.” Applejack muttered.
“That sounds like it would be amusing to see too.” Twilight chuckled. “But I did agree to help you first, so I suppose I will have to settle for seeing Big Mac in a girdle.”
“Bork?” Rahs asked with a large grin on his face.
Twilight turned red and turned to glare back at her brother, yanking a particularly large apple that Spike had found out of his hands and flinging it at Rahs, who happily snapped it out of the air.
“I'm not dignifying that with a response.” Twilight snorted.
“Why would there be another reason she wanted to see Big Mac?” Spike asked confused, as Rahs laughed.
Thankfully Applejack had walked on ahead enough to have missed most of the conversation.
By the time they caught up with her again Spike had found another delicious looking apple. One that was promptly engulfed in green flames and turned to dust as a sealed scroll appeared, gathered from the ash and fire of Spikes flames.
“My apple... “Spike protested as Twilight caught the scroll in her magic.
“Ahh, a letter from the Princess.” Twilight smirked.
“Which one?” Applejack asked.
Twilight paused a moment as if forgetting that little detail though a glance at the scroll's seal told her what she needed to know.
“Princess Celestia, I don't think Princess Luna is connected to Dragon mail yet.” Twilight explained.
“Still mad at her?” Applejack questioned.
“A little, but the more time I have to think about it the less angry I get. We still need to head back up there to get the rest of our stuff moved down here.”Twilight explained.” Maybe talk to Princess Luna about Rahs. Though I'd like for her to be settled in first.”
“So what's it say?” Spike demanded only to burp again and a smaller note to pop out of the fire. Spike snatched that up and looked at it , only to growl and crumple it. “Thanks for the apple my tail.....”
Twilight opened the letter noting a trio of tickets spilling out of it. She held onto them with her magic reading over the letter with a small sigh.
“Well what is it?” Applejack asked.
“It's a invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala for the three of us plus one each..” Twilight deadpanned looking ill.
Spike frowned and Rahs groaned before slapping his face with a paw. Applejack was the only one who seemed excited bouncing around a bit like Pinkie Pie.
“Why are you so excited?” Spike grumbled.
“What? I'd love tah go. Ah could set up an apple stand and ponies would line up til tha cows come home fer some fresh fixings from tha farm.” Applejack smirked.”Yah have any idea how much business ah could drum up fer Sweet Apple Acres if ah get a couple of them rich pony types interested in our apples? With all that money would could replace that saggy old roof, and Mac could fix that saggy old plow. And Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip!”
The siblings stared at the farmer a moment more blinking slowly before both Spike and Rahs spoke up.
“NOT IT!”
“What!? Buck it.....” Twilight sighed. “ Applejack I hate to be the one to crush your dream, but … that's not how it would work.....”
“Wut?” Applejack blinked.
“The Gala is fully catered with more free food than you've ever seen. No one would pay for your food when they could get food for free. Especially nobles. Most of them are bit pincers no matter how rich they are. If there's free food they won't buy their own no matter how good.”Twilight muttered.
“But there's no better apple then ours......” Applejack protested looking upset.
“Right, but selling them at the door isn't going to make any one want them more.”Twilight explained. “Besides didn't you say this batch of apples was being sent to Canterlot? Some pony clearly already knows about them.”
“Yeah place called Sweet Tooth Bakery bought about a dozen bushels. Said they heard we were made a heritage site and wanted tah incorporate that. Why?” Applejack questioned.
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“Right that's who I thought you said earlier. Sweet Tooth bakery is Princess Celestia's favorite cake maker. They always cater the Gala. So if they are already ordering from you it's a pretty good chance your apples will already be at the gala.” Twilight explained.
“Well shoot.”Applejack muttered. “There goes my reason fer wanting tah go. You three don't seem tah be that thrilled in going to it either.”
“It's a party... a large crowded party...” Twilight shuddered.
“Bork.”
“...Full of nobles.” Twilight translated.
“It's a big froo froo thing, why would I want to go?” Spike protested.
“Well what are yah gonna do with them tickets then?” Applejack asked.
“See if any of the others want them I guess.” Twilight shrugged.
“Well ah don't see why they wouldn't, but ah didn't see why ah wouldn't either. Still if yah have one left might see if ah ken convince Granny tah go as a bit of an early birthday present for her.”Applejack considered. “She might get a kick of all that hoopla and spectacle, maybe bring Applebloom as her plus one. Both of um would be tickled pink tah go to a bit of that Gala.”
“Here.” Twilight offered a ticket to Applejack.” Go ahead and take mine. The only other ones I can see who would want to go are Rarity and maybe Pinkie Pie.”
“Thank yah Twilight. Yeah, doubt Fluttershy could handle it and Dash dun like that fru fru stuff either.” Applejack admitted.”Any way we got's twenty minutes tah get these apples stowed. Hup hup hup.”
There was an explosion of dirt and dust as a cyan blue form crashed down in the middle of the group sending Spike and Twilight tumbling and scattering apples across the ground.
“Did you say Grand Galloping Gala!?!?”Rainbow Dash demanded getting in Twilight's face.
“DANG IT DASH! “ Applejack shouted.”Yah didn't have time tah help me out with that apples but yah had time tah spy on us?”
“I was busy..” Rainbow Dash countered. Rahs looked up noting a blanket and pillow draped over some upper branches of a nearby tree. “And I just happen to hear you have extra tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?”
“Well yeah, but....” Twilight muttered.
“That is so awesome, the Wonderbolts perform at the gala every year. I can see it now, they would fly by and then in would fly ME!!...” Rainbow Dash shouted. “I'd draw their attention with my super speed strut. I'd mesmerizer them with my fantastic filly flash. And for my grand finale, the buccaneer blaze! The crowd would be wowed and the Wonderbolts would have to let me join for how awesome I was.”
“You'd be interrupting a complex stunt that takes years of training and dedication to pull of to showboat. Pretty sure not only would you be snatched up by the Guard, but you'd be blacklisted from the bolts for interrupting their stunts and causing a dangerous hazard.” Twilight explained. “It's not like that's not happened before where an over zealous fan tried to join into a show and caused a issue.”
“Yeah, but... it'd be me, not some no talent hack....” Rainbow protested.” I know their whole routine!”
“And they would know that how?”Applejack asked. “Didn't you go on a while back about how some idiot rookie flew into one of their shows and caused such a ruckus that one of tha Wonderbolts got hurt to tha point he had to retire?”
“Well yeah, but....” Rainbow Dash protested.
“And with that last 'but' I think perhaps out of every pony, just to be safe, and to protect your future chances of joining the Wonderbolts, I will be making sure you do NOT get one of these tickets Rainbow.” Twilight stated as Spike and Rahs both nodded..
“Crap.....” Rainbow Dash grumbled.
“And now that yer here, yah ken help us pick up all these apples yah scattered. We're running outta time!” Applejack fussed.
“Double crap.” Rainbow countered.
[Later]
“Woof.” Rahs groaned holding his stomach.
“I warned you about eating too many of those apples. But noooo don't listen to your sister who's seen you do it four times just since we've been here, and it's only been a week!” Twilight fussed.
“I don't feel sorry for you cause you ate one of my apples.” Spike grumbled. ”So where are we gonna eat? I'm starved.”
“Not sure yet. Maybe that little shop we saw on the corner the other day?”Twilight explained. “ I could go for a daisy sanWOOOOOMPH!!!!!”
The air was knocked out of Twilight's lungs as something pink burst from a door nearby and plowed into her flinging Spike into the air and sending Twilight tumbling across the street, the letter and the two remaining tickets fluttering into the air and drifting down to land on the pink cannonball's face.
“AHH!! BATS ON MY FACE! HALP!” Pinkie Pie lept up flailing and running around like mad.
The pink mare finally stopped looking down at the two tickets that floated down to the ground.
“Wait, are those tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?” Pinkie Pie asked.”It's the most amazing incredulous, stupendous, super fun, wonderful, tremendously humungous party in all of Equestria! I've always wanted to go.”
Pinkie Pie started bouncing around and Rahs' ears perked up, as music started from somewhere. Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to start singing, though Twilight quickly slapped a hoof over her mouth to cut off the song.
“Pinkie Pie could you please quiet down a little I don't want a riot to start if ponies know we have these.”Twilight grumbled pulling her hoof away from the pink pony who licked her lips.
“You taste like apples, but sure, I can understand it. Who are you gonna invite as your plus one?” Pinkie Pie asked surprisingly calmly.
“I've already given my ticket to Applejack for Granny Smith and Applebloom. Rahs and Spike still have their tickets left so it's up to them.” Twilight stated. “Though I do want to warn you the parties not really like that.....”
“Like what? A parties a party. I mean I can bring balloons and my party cannon and games and some party music and it'll be a superriffic fun time.....” Pinkie Pie chimed hopping around the trio.
“Pinkie Pie it's not that kind of.....” Twilight tired again.
“Bark!” Rahs interrupted.
“Why of course I have a camera, what sort of silly question is that?”Pinkie Pie asked.
“Woof!” Rahs stated taking one of the tickets from Twilight and giving it to Pinkie.
“Sure I'll take lots and lots of pictures for you. Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie Pie beamed.” Now who am I gonna invite?”
“Bork.” Rahs stated.
“Not Rainbow Dash? But I bet she would love to go see the Wonderbolts. Why not?”
“Safety issues.” Twilight corrected.
“Oooh okay. Maybe I can bring my friend Matilda.” Pinkie Pie smiled before hopping off happily back into the building .
The trio watched her pronk off before Spike and Twilight looked up at Rahs.
“Alright fluffy, spill it. Why did you give Pinkie Pie your ticket. I didn't think you even liked her that much.” Spike demanded.
The evil grin that spread across Rahs' face was far more malicious than either of them expected.
“Bork.” Rahs explained.
Twilight face hoofed as Spike blinked then fell over laughing.
“Ahahahaha , those nobles are not gonna know what hit them.” Spike cackled.
“Really Rahs , petty revenge?” Twilight sighed.
“Woof.” Rahs explained.
“Yes I am sure Pinkie Pie will have a wonderful time regardless.... but....” You know what , never mind. Food.” Twilight demanded.
Rahs picked up the still cackling Spike and walked on with her.
“THE GALA!” Rarity cried out dancing in place and doing her best to try and still remain composed. “ I design dresses for the gala every year!”
Twilight and Rahs looked at each other as Rarity went off on a tangent. Spike stood between them with a dopey look on his face as Rarity continued on prancing about.
Twilight and Rahs had been surprised that Spike wanted to give his ticket to Rarity, but that was his choice. Given the mare had practically crushed him in a hug as giddy as she had gotten probably didn't hurt things.
“Hmm I'm not sure about the plus one however. I can hardly meet 'Him' with another stallion at my side.” Rarity pondered.
“Well Applejack said Granny and Applebloom were going.. then Pin....”Twilight began.
“Really? Applebloom is going? Ahh perfect. I can bring Sweetiebelle then. The culture would do her good and she'll have one of her little school mates to talk to if it becomes to dull for her.” Rarity beamed, glancing at the clock.” Oh dear. I do hate to rush you after such a wonderful gift but I have a number of orders I need to complete and deliver....”
“It's fine, we need to get going as well. I still have to write Princess Celestia a letter back to let her know who's going.” Twilight shrugged.” I'm surprised I managed to sort this out so quickly.”
“Of course dear we simply must do lunch when I'm not so swamped with work.” Rarity smiled.” And I still need to take Rahs' measurements he simply cannot continue in that ratty coat any longer.”
Rahs stuck his tongue out at the mare and pulled his tattered maroon long coat closer.
“It is getting a bit ratty.” Twilight admitted.
“Woof!” Rahs protested.
“I understand it's battle damage, but even the Guards replace their armor when it's damaged.” Twilight rolled her eyes as the trio moved outside. Rahs carrying Spike.
Once they were out of earshot Twilight glared at her little brother.
“I thought you said you weren't crushing on her?” Twilight accused.
“I'm not, but I can certainly enjoy the view of something pretty now can't I?” Spike grinned.
“Perv.” Twilight chastised.
“Grrrr..” Rahs growled.
“Hey you two are cool so why shouldn't I be okay with her as well?” Spike asked.
“Woof.” Rahs countered.
“He's right you did swear revenge and you take that Dragon code of yours pretty seriously.” Twilight stated.
“Fiiiine.”Spike admitted. “I wanted to one up Rahs.”
“What?” Twilight questioned and even Rahs looked confused.
For the second time that day Twilight got to see what a evil grin on a fanged creature looked like. Had they not been her brothers, it would have terrifying, instead of highly unsettling.
“I take it none of you listened to what she was saying.” Spike chuckled. “She kept talking about 'him' and princes. Who do we know who's a Prince?”
“Woof?”
“Right Prince Blueblood is the only prince her age that's Princess Celestia's 'nephew'.” Spike agreed.
“But Prince can't be the 'him' she was talking about. He's looking for that mare he met at his twentieth birthday.” Twilight protested.”He isn't interested in any other mare, or stallion for that matter.”
“And who knows that outside his close friends and family?” Spike asked.
“No one. Even the media's not got wind of it because he doesn't want a Cinderella rush of mares saying they were her. But he treats any other mare who tries to chase him like garbage to drive them off and..........and by the stars, both of you are assholes.”Twilight growled as it all clicked. She slapped her face with a hoof as she realized what Spike had done.
Rahs took a moment more to figure it out, though his grin and the low five he gave Spike showed his approval.
[Golden Oaks Library]
“I swear if anything happens because of this I am going to throw both of you under the wagon when princess Celestia asks what I was thinking.”Twilight ranted pushing open the door to the library.
“Come on Twi, it can't be that bad. Sure Rahs and you forgave her, but she did say some terrible things about him and she has yet to apologize to me, so a bit of payback is to be expected.” Spike protested. “ And any way that rant of hers was pretty egotistical too if you ask me.”
“Um.. did we come at a bad time?” a meek voice asked causing all of them to stop dead in their tracks and look around the library.
Numerous small animals were running around the library. Some in tiny maid outfits with dusters cleaning out the cobwebs out of corners and parts of the library. Some were sweeping the floor and adjusting book shelves. On one side of the room a white bunny in a chefs hat was tossing a salad.
The siblings blinked looking around spotting the 'conductor' as it were, in the middle of it.
“Fluttershy what are you doing” Spike asked.
“Oh um, well just a bit of spring cleaning.....” Fluttershy offered.
“It's the middle of summer.” Twilight stated.
“Better late than never?” Fluttershy smiled sheepishly.
“Fluttershy I may have been born at night, but it was not last night.” Twilight sighed. “Who told you about the tickets?”
“Umm Rainbow Dash came by and told me about them. She said she wasn't allowed to go, though she wouldn't explain why not beyond 'stupid logic'. But she said if I asked nicely maybe I could get one.” Fluttershy offered.
“Woof.” Rahs apologized.
“Oh I see you already gave out your tickets... Umm oh sorry to bother you then.” Fluttershy muttered as the white rabbit took the salad he was making and tossed it across the room before flinging the hat aside and storming out with the rest of the small animals following him.
“Umm why would you even want to go? We didn't ask you because it really didn't seem like your sort of thing.” Spike questioned.
“Oh well the Gala isn't really, but the Royal Garden is open to the public then and the night the Gala is held is the one night a year that many of the flowers there bloom. And then there's all the exotic animals that live there......” Fluttershy sighed.
“Fluttershy, you realize that you could just ask for permission to go to the Royal Garden. You don't have to go to the Gala itself. I seriously doubt the Princesses will say no.” Twilight offered.
“Oh really?” Fluttershy asked, perking up a little.
“Sure I mean she did appoint you …. well I don't know what she appointed you......”Twilight admitted.
“Crown Wildlife Rehabilitator.” Fluttershy stated. “I got the letter yesterday, though she's looking into coming up with a better title than that. The bits for the position are very helpful.”
“Oh well there you go. I'm sure we can set something up for you to visit to see the flowers and maybe even get a tour guide to help out.”Twilight shrugged.
“Seriously we would have given a ticket to Dash if she hadn't said she was going to do something dangerous.” Spike offered.” We don't want to go.”
“Any way Fluttershy, thanks for the clean up... not so much the tossed salad, though... but if any Pony is going to do anything I probably need to write back to Princess Celestia to set everything up.”Twilight sighed. “I was going to do that today any way to let her know we were getting settled in.”
“Oh I can get that for you....” Fluttershy offered in regards to the salad. “ Angel bunny can be a hoofful sometimes...”
“No it's alright.....one of my assistants... WHO IS PAID FOR THAT SORT OF THING!” Twilight shouted at her brothers. “Will deal with cleaning it up.”
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“What!? Oh no, you are not pulling that ' I'm the Guard' crap with me.” Spike protested. “ You can clean it up!”
“WOOF!”
“I don't care if you said 'not it' first.” Spike protested.
“Or I'll be cleaning it up myself after I teleport these two into the nearest pond, we'll see yet.” Twilight smiled ushering Fluttershy out of the library having had enough of ponies for one day already.
“ For the love of everything some one put it out!!” a mare screamed
“Water's not working!!”screamed a stallion running around in circles.” WATERS NOT WORKING!”
“Where's the fire department!” another mare screamed.
All in all, there were about thirty Guards, maids, and cooks running around while a moderate fire burned on one of the kitchen stoves.
Princess Luna sat on a stool at the far side of the room ignoring the lot of them as she looked through the cook book she had found once more. She was not quite sure what had gone wrong, she had been attempting to replicate that wonderful pasta dish that had been served for dinner the night before and some how everything had caught fire.
Luna was not even sure she had turned on the stove.
“It hasn't even been a week and you're already trying to burn the place down?” a voice from nearby asked.
Luna looked up into the smirking face of her sister then back to the cook book.
“We are unsure of exactly what transpired incorrectly. We put water in the pot, the pot on the stove, looked for a way to ignite said stove, then needed to call the fire brigade.” Luna protested.
“Yes well....”Celestia sighed. “ That is Chef Colt'Rdee's custom oven.”
“Custom? Tis naught but a normal looking one, what is custom of it?” Luna questioned.
“I have no idea, I tend to avoid trying to cook if I can help it after the great fire of 32 ANM. This is the second Canterlot to be built......” Celestia sighed pulling up a chair to sit next to her sister. “ You could have just asked the servants to make something for you.”
“We have never liked having others wait on us hoof and tail Tia. Thee knows this. Dost thou truly expect us to let others do things for us in this age of wonders that hast been wrought?” Luna protested.” We are already less than thrilled that some of the Thestrals about have sworn to us again with out our asking.”
“Then perhaps simply ask one to help you. It is easier to learn if some one teaches you.” Celestia sighed. “That said Moon Dancer has agreed to tutor you. Though if you are going to try and cook perhaps I should ask Lemon Hearts as well. My student said she needed time to prepare some lessons , but she's willing to give it a go. Please be nice to her, she's a little antisocial.”
“So we already have something in common.” Luna nodded as Celestia rolled her eyes.
“How long do you think it will take them to realize that they need a class B fire extinguisher and not water?” Luna asked.
“Nice to see you learned the safety briefing.”
“Safety first.” Luna snarked.” Not as if there was anything else to read while waiting for the doctor on a check up the other day.”
“ Mmm. As for the when they will figure it out.... given the rate of panic and the fact they have not even noticed us yet. We will need to remodel the kitchen and buy a new oven.” Celestia sighed.
“Things are clearly far too peaceful if every pony is this skittish.” Luna observed. “ And dumb...”
“Luna that is not nice.” Celestia chided.
“Thine were the nice one, we were the one who got things done.” Luna countered.
At that moment a white unicorn stallion pushed into the room. His eyes darted over everything before he started shouting orders to the ponies running about. A fire extinguisher by the other stoves was wrapped in magic and pulled off the wall. The Unicorn stallion turned the hose of it on the fire and blasted the foam over the stove and the flame, quickly dousing the conflagration, the compression released of the extinguisher causing his blue mane and tail to whip about as the last of the extinguisher was discharged, the flame smothered.
The unicorn snorted handing the empty canister to another Guard, telling the servants to clean it up and the Guards to write a incident report and replace the extinguisher with a fresh one. He also told them all to get ready for a remedial fire safety class. He then turned and bowed lightly to Luna and Celestia before striding back out of the room.
“There are competent ponies about Luna, you've met six of them already. Seven if you count our new Guard Captain there.” Celestia smiled as Shining Armor left.
“Shining Armor is Twilight Sparkle's brother is he not?” Luna asked. “ Competence must run in that family.”
“You would think that.” Celestia sighed. “He is also dating Cadence.”
“There are no cries of false promotions?” Luna questioned.” Tis usual the case when one courts royalty.”
“A few, though every one who graduated with Shining Armor is at least a Major at this point. Something Kaisur and Silvertail are laughing themselves silly over. He's one of the best the academy has seen in some time. His actions in defending Cadence's airship from Pirates while on their way back here shot him up in rank far quicker than any of the others in his small class.”
“We have read that report and we would like to test to see if his shield is as strong as has been stated.” Luna pointed out.
“Later, he is still on vacation.” Celestia placated.
“Then why ist he in the castle?”
“Cadence has quarters here.” Celestia smiled.
“Ahhh.” Luna nodded understanding.
The flicker of green flame over Celestia's horn ended any further conversation about Shining Armor, though more fire did send a few of the ponies still in the kitchen running around screaming again.
“A letter from Twilight Sparkle?” Luna asked, her horn glowing to put up a shield as one panicked pony tried to put out the green fire on the Princess with a bowl of water, despite the fact it went out almost as soon as it erupted. The sisters remained unsplashed, though the chef in question was drenched by his own fire fighting attempt.
“She must be thanking me for the tickets I sent this morning.”Celestia smiled.” I already received her report on what happened during the celebration."
“Did thee not only send three?” Luna asked trying to change the subject away from the Summer sun celebration.
“Yes but they were for the ticket holder plus one guest. I expect Twilight and her new friends will all becoming. Or at least some of them. Twilight and her brothers are not likely to be interested.” Celestia offered unrolling the scroll and blinking as she read.
“Well, what is written?”
“Dear Princess Celestia........ my brothers are completely evil........” Celestia frowned. “ This does not bode well for the rest of the letter.”
“Read it and we shall see.” Luna chided.
“Let's see... helping Applejack... tickets arrived..... that was a good apple Spike sent by the way, you should try one Lulu. Applejack thought to open a stall to sell apples outside of the Gala?” Celestia tilted her head, though she shrugged. “ Talked her out of it, gave ticket to her for Granny Smith and Applebloom to attend. Well now I’ve not heard of the name Granny Smith in a while. This should be fun.”
“Who?”
“Matriarch of the Apple family. She's quite old even for an Earth Pony, Applebloom is the youngest of the family. I need to make sure the elitists leave them be and perhaps a few other foals get invited to keep Applebloom entertained.” Celestia continued. “ Where was I, oh yes... Rainbow Dash is not to be allowed within two miles of the Gala and the Wonderbolt performance for safety reasons?”
“We are not sure we wish to know.” Luna admitted.
“Pinkie Pie was given a ticket and she will be bringing a friend of hers I don't know named Matilda. Rarity will also be attending with her sister Sweetiebelle.” Celestia shrugged. “ About what I expected really, though Granny Smith is a interesting invite. Matilda is a name that is familiar to me as well, though I cannot place why.”
“What does the rest say?” Luna looked over Celestia's shoulder.
“Let's see. Fluttershy wishes a visit to the Royal Gardens for the rare blooming of plants and perhaps a tour guide for the event. Well that is easy enough to do with her recent posting as Crown Wildlife Rehabilitator of Ponyville some of the local officers want to speak with her any way regarding some of the things she must know about the Everfree. ...... Hmmm....” Celestia frowned as she reread the letter, flipping it over to check the back.
“What is it?”
“Well, there is no mention as to why she stated her brothers were evil, the rest of the letter is just letting me know that they are settling in and will be coming to collect more of their things next week.” Celestia pondered. “A tad worrying.”
“We are sure it is nothing, if there were truly an issue would she not have said so?” Luna offered.
“I suppose you are right.” Celestia admitted. “ So shall we go see if you have regained enough of your power to raise the moon again, or did you want another attempt at burning the castle down?”
“Feh. We shall wait until we are instructed on their use a tad more before we shall try this again.” Luna huffed rising with her sister to head out to their duty.
[ 1 month after Princess, Luna's return. Late summer. ]
Big Mac was not a happy pony.
In fact due to a accident involving a lost bet and a girdle, he was a fairly injured pony. A few bruised ribs from that incident that he didn't care to think of were going to be keeping him out of the field for a while. But that was only part of his issue.
The farm had a bumper crop of apples this season, that would be good in the long run. The farm wasn't hurting, particularly with the declaration of it being a Pony Heritage site. But the bits weren't rolling in just yet. The little bonus from the sale in Canterlot had gone pretty much completely to getting dresses made for Applebloom and Granny Smith for the Gala. After the harvest they would be set for the winter and a bit more, probably even pulling into the black far enough to splurge on a few worn out necessities. Though they needed to get through the harvest first, and therein lay the issue.
A crop like this would work both the siblings and Applebloom after school to the bone normally if all three were available. But Applebloom was to focus on school first, and as such she'd only have a few hours a day to help save on weekends. He and Applejack would be taking the brunt of it. Except now he was hurt and on doctors orders not to do anything for at least a month, and granny was too old to do any bucking. Which only left Applejack working the fields.
This was far too much for one pony. But of course his sister wouldn't listen, she was the stubborn sort. It was not as if they could hire any real help either. Sweet Apple acres was notorious for not hiring temp workers as they could never afford it before. So when the season started most of the help that lived in Ponyville had left for greener and more profitable pastures for the season.
He could ask her friends and with the exception of Rarity he expected they would all help out. Though He would prefer if Fluttershy didn't. Last time she helped, the critters she brought to assist ate half of the crop and tore up a few trees in the process. Granny still went for her gun the moment she even thought she saw a beaver.
Really they should take that old Minotaur blunderbuss from her, but no one was yet brave enough to try to take her pappy's gun away from Granny.
Getting Rainbow Dash to help wouldn't be easy either. That Pegasus was notoriously lazy, and he expected she had a bit of a thing for him. He didn't want to go down that route just in case she got it into her head to trade for a date.... Not that she didn't look good, but there was only so much Wonderbolt talk he could take.
That left Pinkie Pie and that new mare, Twilight and her brothers. Twilight was the better one to ask, Pinkie was the sort who might blow every pony up, or rub soup in every ponies' manes. It was always a toss up.
Still he wasn't sure how to approach Twilight and it was the first day of the season, so perhaps Applejack might get over her stubbornness and ask some pony for help on her own.
Big Mac snorted.
And monkeys might fly out of his butt.
[ Ponyville]
Rahs winced as he hit the floor, a whine escaping his lips as he rubbed his head where it hit the wood. His ears perked as he heard the sound of books and other objects falling off the shelves upstairs and the annoyed yelling of Spike.
Pushing himself to his paws, he took note that his bed was dancing across the floor and he was having a hard time staying balanced. Dropping to all fours he started up the steps from he and Spike's shared room, which had been the library's basement. The place only had the one room upstairs and Twilight had claimed that given how high it was. Stupid unicorn nesting tendencies. Pegasi were bad enough but Unicorn's also seemed to have need to live as high above everything else as possible, towers, multi story houses, and so on, all with the bedrooms at the top.
While he understood it, as he liked high places as well, he had lost the rock paper scissors match with Twilight for control of the room. Why didn't he realize she was going to throw rock?
The whole library was shaking by the time he got up the steps. Spike was vibrating around on the floor trying to gather up the books that kept falling off the shelves. The little drake was growling under his breath as he couldn't keep his feet.
“Woof.”Rahs asked yawning.
“Bout time you got up, help me out here. We spent the last two weeks fixing the library's order and now everything's falling.” Spike snapped.
“ Bark?”
“No I don't know what's going on.”Spike winced as a book fell and bounced off his head.
Rahs yawned and went up the stairs the the second floor balcony to take a look over the town, a slight breeze blew through his navy fur making him sigh a little, it was still far to hot for him, but the bit of wind helped. In the distance he could see a cloud of dust rising from the other side of the river, though from here he couldn't tell what it was. Picking up his sisters telescope as the shaking stopped, he angled it down to see what was going on before looking through it.
Wait no, that was Mrs. Thorwald's bedroom window, was that her wedding ring on the dresser? Never mind, she supposedly just went on a trip.
Rahs readjusted the scope.
A few ponies were gathered by the bridge including the Mayor and Twilight. Applejack was on the other side of the river talking with a herd of cows. He didn't know what was being said, though the cows dispersed not long after Applejack spoke with them. Rahs frowned, noting Winona was with Applejack. He was leery of that dog after their first meeting, she had tried to hump his leg right after she shoved her nose to his butt.
Rahs sighed turning to head back down stairs to help Spike. He'd ask Twilight about it later.
[ One week later]
Rahs looked around the town rather impressed with the set up for the party. He had been a little surprised that the stampede had happened, let alone that it was a real threat. The bridge wasn't that big after all and probably would have fallen apart had the cows tried to cross it. So really Applejack had saved the cows and a bridge, not the town. His observation was not a popular one.
Spike disagreed for another reason and thought Applejack should have turned them away sooner as he had spent several more days fixing the library again.
Still Rahs was most impressed with his sister. She had not only helped set up the party, but was currently adjusting her notes on the stage to give a speech in front of every pony. And it was only a few cue cards too..... oh wait she had more in her saddlebag....... and more in her other saddlebag......Rahs glanced behind him at the crowd, half these ponies were gonna be asleep by the time his sister was done.
“Welcome every pony. Today we are here to honor, a pony we can always count on to help with matters great and small.............” Twilight flipped the card over as Rahs and Spike groaned, of course they would be double sided. “ A pony who's contributions......”
Twilight jerked back as Rainbow Dash suddenly dropped out of the sky knocking her cards aside, hogging the mic.
“Did you see Applejack's slick moves out there?” Rainbow Dash squeed” What and athlete, this week shes gonna help me with my new flying trick and I know it's gonna be super awesome!”
“Exactly!” Twilight snapped shoving Rainbow out of her way collecting her cue cards again. Before she could say anything Pinkie Pie popped up between her and the podium scattering Twilight's cards again.
“This week I get to run Sugar Cube Corner for the first time!” Pinkie Pie grinned.
“What does that have to do with Applejack?” Twilight demanded.
Pinkie looked at Twilight confused a moment before perking up.” Oh Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me! Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for every pony!”
That announcement brought a number of cheers from the crowd.
“Okay that's great, now if I can just make a point without being interrupted.” Twilight grumbled shoving Pinkie Pie off the stage as she collected her cue cards again. Only for Fluttershy to tug on her forelimb. Twilight slapped her face with a hoof as Fluttershy started talking.
“Twilight, I'm so sorry for interrupting.” Fluttershy stated.”But I just wanted to say Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census. Where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She's going to help me gather them using her wonderful herding skills.”
Rahs' ears perked up at the mention of bunnies and he couldn't help lick his lips, thankfully Fluttershy didn't see that.
“Anyone else? ANYONE? No?!” Twilight shouted as Fluttershy slunk off stage again letting Twilight gather her cards once more.” As I was trying to say........”
Twilight blinked looking over as Mayor Mare smiled wide at her.
“Arrgh!!” Twilight tossed the cards in the air.
Spike and Rahs took this moment to start clapping and cheering only for Twilight to once more gather the stack of cards in her magic and pelt her brothers with them as she stormed off the stage.
Rahs and Spike giggled as their sister joined them.
“I hate you both so much right now.” Twilight growled.
“Bark.”
“You're right, I hate 'everything' so much right now.” Twilight agreed.
“Hey you managed to make it to a party on your own without freaking out” Spike smirked.” I'd say that's a plus.”
“I suppose you're right.” Twilight sighed, looking up as the Mayor yanked back the curtain to reveal.... nothing.
Everyone stared a moment before a few ponies started to panic recalling the Nightmare Moon incident.
“Applejack's gone?” Pinkie Pie gasped.
“There had better not be another evil pony trying to take over the world showing up.” Twilight groaned.
“Bet it's a villainous farmer.” Spike chuckled.
“The pears! Shall last! Forever!”
Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Rahs both start cackling at the idea while Twilight gave a long suffering sigh.
Applejack took that moment to stumble up through the crowd.” Ah'm here, ah'm here.”
Twilight blinked noting the bushels of apples she was carrying with her and the bags under her eyes. Her brothers stopped laughing as they saw that as well.
“Whoa. She looks like Twilight at level 2” Spike stated as Rahs nodded.
“I don't think I look that bad.” Twilight frowned.
Applejack yawned shoving the mayor out of the way.
“Miss Mayor, thank yah kindly fer this here...award … thingy.....” Applejack moved over to the award.” It's so bright and shiny and... hehe well ah sure do look funny.”
The crowd turned to look at each other as Applejack bobs her head making 'woo woo' noises staring at her reflection in the trophy.
“Level three.” Spike winced.
“Bark.” Rahs agreed as Twilight rolled her eyes.
“We need to help her.” Spike stated.
“I'm sure she's fine.” Twilight uttered as if trying to convince herself.
With a couple more 'woo's', that Pinkie joined in on, Applejack stopped.
“Umm well thank you for helping with that scary stampede....” Mayor Mare stated.
“Sure thing.. ah like helping the pony... with stuff.......” the orange mare muttered before dozing off where she stood.
“Applejack?” The Mayor asked.
“What! Oh right.” Applejack gasped. “Right back to work.”
The crowd parted a little as Applejack drug the trophy off stage with a thud and across the dirt as she headed back to her farm.
“Okay maaaaaybe, I should talk to her.” Twilight frowned.
[ Two hours later]
“So how'd it go?” Spike asked as Twilight grumbled.
“She's working herself to exhaustion trying to harvest all the apples on her own.” Twilight stated.
“Woof?”Rahs asked standing up from where he had been sitting, going to get his coat, ready to leave.
“Of course I have a plan.”Twilight sighed. “We let her work herself to the point of collapse then go in there and help her when she can't fight back or refuse.”
Spike and Rahs tilted their heads looking at their sister.
“WHAT?! “Twilight snapped.”She's super stubborn and refused my offer of help. She's insisting that she can do it herself. So we let her try. It's not like we can go over there and help her now, she'd spend even more energy arguing with us or maybe even trying to run us off the farm.”
“So what are we gonna do?”Spike asked.
“I'm going to get a few books and read up on Apple farming, that way I can be ready to help her with whatever she needs once she gets over herself.” Twilight grumbled. “ I just hope she'll call it quits before someone gets hurt.”
There was a loud crash as Rainbow Dash smashed through a window, slamming into Rahs and sending both of them tumbling backwards into a bookcase, sending books flying everywhere.
“SERIOUSLY?!” Spike cursed.
“Woof.” Rahs whimpered.
“Oh you're fine. Is that Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked lifting the book case off her brother and friend.
“Ow...” Rainbow Dash whimpered.
“ Can I help you?” Twilight questioned.
“I think there's some other pony who needs help.” Rainbow Dash muttered from where she had landed on Rahs' back.
“Applejack?” Twilight deadpanned.
“Yup.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “As a side note, your brother is really warm, fluffy, and comfortable.”
Rahs whimpered as the Pegasus poked her hoof against his back.
[ The next day]
“We got here as soon as we could.” Twilight stated with Rahs and Spike right behind her.
Nurse Red Heart sighed.” Thank goodness, we need all the help we can get.”
The mare pulled aside the curtain of the hastily set up field hospital showing a multitude of ponies laying on cots or on the ground, the sound of retching filling the air.
Rahs was very glad he was upwind given how many buckets were full.
“What happened?” Twilight demanded her horn glowing as she scanned one of the ponies.
“Something was wrong with the baked goods.” Nurse Red Heart stated.
“Not baked goods.” Pinkie Pie moaned from one of the beds. “Baked bads!”
Spike and Rahs took note of a tray of muffins on the table each of them picking one up to look at it. The pair of them popped the muffins into their mouths chewing a bit before swallowing it. Nurse Red Heart looked a little freaked out, though Twilight just rolled her eyes.
“Well?” she demanded.
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“No magic, but it has meat?” Twilight blinked.
“There's also a hint of potato and a sweet aftertaste I can't place.”Spike commented. “ Like caramelized soda.”
“Well that's enough to start treatment I suppose.” Red Heart blinked sticking her tongue out in disgust as the pair went for another of the muffins.” Meat isn't going to kill anyone but it explains why every pony is sick if there's a lot of it.”
“You want one Twilight.” Spike asked.
“How did this happen?” one of the other nurses fussed.
“Applejack.” Twilight growled, ignoring Spike.
[ The next day]
Twilight frowned as she walked back into town having yet again been run off by Applejack. Seriously that mare was getting on her nerves.
The purple unicorn froze as she looked around town , several ponies were laying on the street whining.
“The horror the horror!” “It was a disaster a horrible disaster!”
Twilight blinked looking around the town and seeing nothing wrong. “I don't get it.”
Twilight turned away from the Flower Trio to look down the street where they were pointing. A large herd of rabbits was hopping about with Fluttershy darting amongst them trying to get the bunnies to go home.
“Alright that's it.” Twilight cursed hearing someone walk up behind her. A glance back showed Spike and Rahs, the latter seeming far to content with himself.
Twilight blinked then slapped her forehead with a hoof. “How many do I need to tell Fluttershy to count off her census?”
“Woof.” Rahs smirked.
“Eight.” Twilight sighed again. “ I do not look forward to that conversation.”
“Well there is good news.” Spike offered.
“Dare I ask?” Twilight's ears drooped.
“Big Mac came by while you were out.” Spike stated as Twilight whirled around to face her brothers..
“What, he did ? Did he say anything about me, I mean..... what did he say?” Twilight's ears perked up, though she changed her tone to try and act dismissive.
Rahs wasn't buying it and started laughing, at least until Twilight kicked him in the stomach to shut him up as her face turned even more red.
Spike continued on, simply ignoring the two of them. “He asked us to help Applejack. So even if she says no now we can ignore her.”
“Great I have a number of sleep spells I can hit her with while we take care of things.”Twilight grinned.” Rahs go see if Pinkie Pie has recovered and get Rainbow Dash too. Fluttershy is gonna be a bit busy, though maybe Rarity?”
“Woof” Rahs nodded heading off to find Pinkie Pie.
“Seriously sleep spells? Do we need that?” Spike winced.
“She poisoned half the town, hit your brother with Rainbow Dash and sent a stampede of bunnies running through Ponyville. We are past the point where her stubbornness has gotten ponies hurt.” Twilight snarled marching off towards the farm with Spike waddling along with her.
“Alright Applejack enough is enough.” Twilight stormed up the hill with her brothers in tow to where a barely coherent Applejack was kicking at a tree.” Your apple bucking hasn't just caused you problems. It's over propelled a Pegasus, partially poisoned plenty of ponies, and blatantly blanched brand new bushels of bouncing baby bunnies!”
Twilight shoved her face forward getting nose to nose with Applejack. “ YOU . NEED. HELP!”
With a last kick on the tree Applejack was working on a group of apples fell into the panniers on her back and the weary orange pony looked up at the empty tree and grinned.
“Says you! That was tha last tree, ah said ah could do it by myself, and ah did it by myself.” Applejack snapped back.” So how do yah like them apples!?”
“Eeenope.” Big Mac stated slowly walking up the hill before pointing behind him at the untouched north field.” How do 'you' like them apples?”
Applejack blinked looking over at the much larger orchard and promptly fainted.
The four of them stood around her a moment before Spike smirked.
Celestia took another sip of tea, she was seated comfortably at a table, mentally counting down the seconds until eight o clock. The sun was raised a few hours ago and her sister had lowered the moon. Of course that was when Moon Dancer's class with Luna began.
At precisely eight o clock the class ended. And every single day since class started Luna would come visit her before heading off to bed to attempt to sleep. Her sisters sleep schedule was quite erratic as of late. The only times she was really up was when it was time to raise and lower the moon, and at eight o clock.
Usually because she was foaming mad by that point.
“TIA!” Celestia's door burst open as she reached zero in her counting. A clearly pissed off Luna barging in. The Guards outside the door barely batted an eye at the entrance, after two weeks it was normal routine. Once Luna was inside they checked to see if they needed to summon the door repair pony that was now on call to the castle, before closing the door and leaving the pair be.
“Hello Lulu. “ Celestia smiled. ”Have fun in class?”
“While we understand that we have not been caught up on modern education, we do not expect to be treated as if we were attending magical kindergarten!”
“Oh modern geography with the puzzle maps?”
“Worse. Conjunctions!” Luna fussed as she sat down on the side of the table opposite her sister.” We shall never get that song about trains out of our head.”
“Would you like something to eat?” Celestia placated as Luna continued to rant.
“Nay just the orange juice.” Luna stated. Celestia was quite glad her sister had not yet discovered coffee. Though it was only a matter of time.
“ I know there is more to it than that sister.”Celestia chuckled pouring her sister a glass. “You always complain about Moon Dancer's lessons, but not only do you always go back, what she is teaching is never the real reason you are annoyed.”
“Feh.” Luna snorted draining the orange juice quickly and refilling her glass. Luna had rather quickly become enamored with the different kinds of juice that existed nowadays, with orange currently being her favorite, and fruit punch a close second.
“Well?” Celestia asked with a smile.
“She does not believe we should again move the stars, nor should we recreate our moon's phases.” Luna growled.
“Oh? Did she give a reason why?” Celestia had been the one to suggest this to Moon Dancer, for a number of reasons she expected her student would bring up. Really it was a ploy to keep Luna from trying to overtax herself, and to keep the royal astronomers from going mad.
“ Navigation by the static stars and readjustment of the tides.....My moons phases have little effect on the tide unless thine sun is involved as well. It is as if she expects cataclysmic upheavals simply from............what did thee do?” Luna demanded suddenly.
Luna's eyes narrow as Celestia tried to look anywhere but at her sister. This had not gone as planned.
“Tia.......” Luna grumbled as she stared at her sister.
“I may have once attempted to sway a primitive tribe in the south to my way of thinking by staging a solar eclipse....”
“Tia....”
“During the summer......”
“Tiaaaa......” Luna's inflection on the last letter of her nickname made Celestia wince a bit.
“And I might have forgotten that I had only been trying to control the moon for fifty or so years at that point.....”
Luna blinked once, very slowly, before slapping both her hooves to her face.”Thee didn't........”
“To be fair, it did impress that tribe......”
“Tia!” Luna frowned.” Thee blamed thine screw up on us and our moon!??! Tis no wonder it was such a heated debate.”
“Well she is correct on the navigation....” Celestia worked to change the subject trying to hide behind her tea cup. She had no idea why ponies thought her a master manipulator when, much like this one, half of her plans blew up in her face.
“No she is not. There have always been brighter stars we do not move. There are even stars that we cannot move that are outside of our reach. The stars that we do not move are the same as the ones mariners of a thousand years past followed. The rest were decoration for us to play with!”
“Did you tell her that?”
Luna blinked and flattened her ears to her head.” Nay, class was over and we came here to complain.”
“Well you have your assignment for tomorrow then.” Celestia chuckled.
“T'would be easier if you admitted twas your fault.” Luna stated glaring at Celestia.
A flash of green flame over her horn interrupted the discussion and Celestia silently thanked Twilight for the distraction.
“Tis not the end of this discussion Tia.”Luna grumbled.
“Shh, I'm trying to read.” Celestia smirked behind the note.” Let's see, Dear Princess Celestia, we have a new contended for most stubborn pony in Equestria, Applejack.”
“Hmm?”
“Let's see. Big Mac hurt, worked herself to half to death, stopped a stampede, poisoned half the town, nearly killed Rainbow Dash, caused a stampede of bunnies?”
“We would have liked to have seen that. It sounds adorable.” Luna admitted.
“ Argued up to the point of her collapse, argued after her collapse and tried to run Rahs, Spike and I off. Had Rahs sit on her while the other girls, Spike, and I finished the harvest. She was particularly annoyed when I used Quid's theorem to reduce the size of thirty trees worth of fruit down to three baskets for transport. Still she got over everything and was finally accepting of the help by the time we were done........”
“Well that is good.” Luna stated.
“.....Until Rahs and and Fluttershy's pet Angel Bunny got in a fight over Rahs' choice of lunch. They destroyed three trees, a barn and a good three hundred yards of fence before Fluttershy managed to stop them.....”
“Is Angel Bunny the name of a Ursa or a Hydra perhaps?” Luna asked.
Celestia blinked and kept reading.” I don't know what Fluttershy feeds that rabbit, but perhaps we should find out and change the Royal Guard's rations.”
“A rabbit?”Luna blinked.
“ I would very much like to know how a rabbit managed to fight Rahs.” Celestia muttered looking over the rest of the note for clues though only finding a few notes on how they were getting along in town.
“Hmm, it could be a Vorpel.” Luna nodded. “Provided your student is not exaggerating.”
“She doesn't do that. Still Vorpels went extinct over a thousand years ago.” Celestia asked.
“We 'hoped' they went extinct.” Luna corrected.” We never knew for sure. White's brood was always surly. Since time hath not stopped White is still around,and with how prolific his race can be.....”
“I really hate that rabbit....” Celestia sighed.
“He never did understand why we stopped inviting him to parties. 'Fashionably late' is not a thing.” Luna grumbled.
[One week after apple buck season, Golden Oaks Library]
“You've gotten stronger.” Twilight stated flatly looking at the data the machine printed out.
“Woof.” Rahs grumbled, still hooked up to said machine by a large number of wires, diodes, and sensors.
“ I seriously doubt your protein intake has anything to do with it.” Twilight grumbled.” Your weight and mass haven't increased,but your energy output and recovery rate have.”
“Bark?” Rahs questioned.
“The apples?” Twilight considered. “Maybe, I'm not sure how much you get from eating magic over a long period of time. You do eat them a lot so perhaps the increase of magic consumption compared to how you were in Canterlot has something to do with it. Not much else has changed.......”
“Bork!” Rahs snarked.
“Of course I didn't forget we have a connection. What does that have to do with this.....oh.”Twilight muttered. “ I didn't consider that. I'll need to run more tests.”
“Bork!” Rahs growled.
“Oh calm down, not on you. If my magic has increased enough for the trickle you gain from the link then how much has the Element of Magic boosted my abilities. I really wish I had a base line on the other girls so I could have checked to see if they changed too.”
“Bark.” Rahs responded.
“Maybe. I mean that was pretty ridiculous. One pony managed that many apples.. But according to Big Mac it only takes the two of them to harvest it all every year. Though he did claim it was a bumper crop and they had a lot of trees producing for the first time this year.” Twilight considered as she unhooked her brother from the machine. “I'll need to recalibrate this to check myself out then I will try to get the other girls in for a reading.”
“Woof.” Rahs pointed out as he stood up and stretched.
“True I could use Sweetiebelle or Applebloom to give a related reading, but there's too many variables in that with how young they are.”
“Grrr.” Rahs growled with a smirk.
“Hmm, also true. I could get a reading from Big Mac, though his being male might alter the readings as well..... wait...” Twilight narrowed her eyes glaring at her brother as he whistled innocently. “ Stop trying to play match maker! I get enough of that from Cadence and mom!”
“Bork!” Rahs chuckled.
“I am not crushing on him!” Twilight snapped looking back at her equipment.” And for the record I look damn good in a lab coat thank you very much!”
“Bark!” Rahs wailed getting a glare from Twilight.
“I do NOT look like Dr. Frankfurter.” Twilight huffed.” I still don't know how you managed the part of Eddie. Also whoever wrote that play is nuts. How did that even get cleared to be shown again?”
“Woof.” Rahs smirked .
“Right,theater trade secrets.” Twilight grumbled looking at the data as she changed the subject again.” Remember to keep away from Fluttershy's. We don't need any more property destruction.”
“Bork!”
“ I don't care who started it. I told you before, I don't care how mad you were, the amount of destruction you and that rabbit caused should not have been possible. At the very least you should have been hurt more. You had a barn collapse on top of you.”
“Bark.” Rahs grumbled pointed at the machine.
“Because if I ask Fluttershy to study him that means I will have to keep that rabbit here for a while and I expect it is much easier to get you to sit still.” Twilight snorted.” Any way I need you to head up stairs and keep any one from bothering me. Pinkie Pie has a few days off and after she raved about Rainbow Dash for two hours earlier I'm not sure I want to deal with it in the middle of this. This research maybe important.”
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged.
“You don't really feel any different, huh? Maybe I should check Spike out too....” Twilight blinked as both of them heard knocking on the door upstairs, it stopped for a moment then started again when there was no answer.” I guess Spike's still out getting the scrolls I wanted from town hall. You mind getting that while I work on this?”
Rahs nodded heading up the stairs, grabbing his coat on the way up, pulling it on. One day he was going to have to take Rarity up on her offer.
“Woof?” Rahs asked as he opened the front door of the library. His ears perked up as he looked around curiously not seeing any one there. He sniffed the air catching hints of Spike, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, as well as a host of other ponies who had come and gone. But none of them was close enough to have been the one who knocked.
He shrugged about to head back in when something caught his eye, a small circle of red sitting on the edge of the step. It was wiggling ever so slightly as if enticing him. He narrowed his eyes a little looking at it as it swayed back and forth.
He stared at it a moment before he slapped a paw down atop of it. He lifted his hand up to look at it curiously only to see the spot wasn't on his paw. Looking down he noticed it was on the other side of the step.
He slapped his paw down on that only for the spot to move out of the way, he swatted at it again only for it to dart out of reach again.
Rahs growled leaping after it as it started trying to escape across the yard.
And thus the chase was on.
Twilight hadn't noticed that her brother hadn't come back. In truth she had expected him to depart first chance he got, he never liked these tests, then again neither did Spike.
Still both she and princess Celestia had thought in necessary for her to have them done and to have a machine like this handy. Rahs feeding off her magic might cause complications when she was older, or if she was particularly drained.
Though the latter turned out not to be a threat. They had tested what would happen if Twilight overcast all her magic on something, and surprisingly the link to Rahs remained intact, but it started flowing backwards draining magic from Rahs in order to return her to at least a base line of power. With the device watching the flows it was noticed that Rahs was pulling magic from other sources including both Spike and Shining Armor. While they could test what happened when Shining overcast, no one knew enough about draconic magic to figure out how to stop the flow from Spike, as distance didn't seem to be a factor.
Still the mana reading device had been rather invaluable to monitor the flow of magic in her. And a good way to boost her ego as well.
The average unicorn had around 200 mp, or Mana Production Units, untrained. Depending on age, genetic heritage, training, and even environment, that number could be lower or higher. Her parents were slightly above average with her father at 300 even, and her mother at 352. Shining Armor was at an astounding 873, though that had jumped from 378 after his basic training. Twilight's baseline was 1431 point 813, there were probably continuing numbers, but the equipment was only so sensitive.
Foals tended to fluctuate all over the place until they reached maturity which meant that their power could be massive at first , then taper off to average or lower in adulthood. Granted it could also go the other way.
Princess Celestia shorted out the machine the one time she was tested and the machine's MP meter went to 9000. So did Cadence.
The machine could be used to test Earth Pony magic and Pegasus magic too, though it was far less accurate. There were other machines to test other ponies. Fortunately the machine worked on Rahs as most of the magic in him came from Twilight. On average his readings were a baseline of around 700 shifting depending on what he had eaten recently as well as his proximity to his three siblings. His highest reading had been when Shining and Spike were also in the room and that was 902.
Currently his readings were at 1512.
That was enough to worry her, but Twilight had run her own base line again while Rahs was gone and had found out why.
Her current baseline was 3141 point 592.
She had run the test three times and found the readings to be the same each time.
She REALLY needed to talk to Princess Luna about Rahs, and Princess Celestia about the Elements of Harmony.
Rahs sat up and spit out the half gallon of water he felt like he swallowed as he coughed. The dot had managed to trick him into leaping into the river after he chased it across town. He had run it up buildings, under ponies, and through market stalls. He was pretty sure he had sent a few ponies and products flying as he chased the vile red dot. Still he hadn't heard any one screaming at him, just a lot of laughter so evidently he hadn't broken anything in his single minded pursuit.
Looking around he didn't see the dot but he heard a lot more laughing. Shaking his head to clear the water from his ears, he noticed a cloud nearby with a rainbow colored tail sticking out of it and a bush on the ground with a fluffy pink one poking out of it.
Both of those were laughing hysterically.
Not seeing the dot Rahs climbed out of the water going over to see what was going on. Pinkie Pie was laughing so hard she was crying and Rainbow Dash was the same way from what he could see.
Both of them were holding small mirrors with red film over them.
Rahs blinked as both of them stopped laughing a moment to look at the confused and completely soaked Moon Dog, before they fell over laughing again.
[ The next day]
Rahs raised a brow looking at Rainbow Dash's friend.
The Griffoness Gilda looked up at him.
They both looked at Rainbow Dash curiously.
The Cyan mare looked at Spike.
Spike shrugged.
“What? You expected the two of them to hit it off because they both eat meat?” Spike rolled his eyes. "Seriously do you expect a pony to be friends with every other pony because they eat cupcakes or something?”
“Pinkie Pie.”
Gilda frowned deeper and Rainbow Dash smirked as Spike grumbled.
“Right okay, but we've already established that mare's not right.” Spike rolled his eyes. “Any way we've told you Pinkie Pie is having a party for Gilda. Our job's done.”
“Where are you off to anyway?” Dash asked.
“While your prank was a good one Twilight needed those scrolls and the Princess isn't going to send them back by dragon fire so we have to go to Canterlot and pick them up along with the rest of the stuff we were moving down here.” Spike explained.
“You're willing to miss the party?” Gilda asked.
“It's Pinkie Pie. If we asked she'd throw us a 'we missed the party', party.”Spike sighed. ”It's no biggy.”
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“What?” Gilda demanded.
“Hmm oh he wants to know if you're related to a Griffon we know in Canterlot who works for the Princess.” Spike answered.
“Oh of course because every Griffon ever is related.” Gilda snapped.
“Bark.”Rahs added.
“He says you smell like him. That's why he asked.” Spike added.
“I smell like him?” Gilda asked looking up at Rahs her eyes narrowing. “ Perv.”
Rahs chuckled showing his fangs and offering a rather theatrical bow to the Griffoness, though his amber eyes never left her.
“Yeah yeah come on, I'd like to get back before next week, we already have to stay the night.” Spike grumbled waddling off towards the new train station.” Nice meeting you Gilda.”
Gilda and Rainbow Dash watched the pair leave before Gilda grumbled looking at the cyan mare.
“So how do you know those two idiots?” Gilda demanded.
“Huh, oh, they're the brothers of another friend of mine. I'll introduce you to her at the party.” Dash chuckled.” Little dude spat fire at an immortal nightmare goddess to save every pony and the tall one was flung across a chasm to help me out when I was surrounded by like a dozen shadow monster things. He was freaking awesome. He only got two of them while I cleared out the rest and he had to chase down the last one, but it was still cool.”
“Ehh i'll take your word for it.” Gilda smirked. ”He might be the most interesting thing I've seen here yet.”
“It's definitely been a trip since those three showed up.” Dash agreed.
“Yeah... pity he doesn't have wings.” Gilda muttered.
“Two to Canterlot.” Spike told the ticket mare setting a claw full of bits on the counter as payment. He turned glaring at Rahs who was still smirking.
“Okay spill it, what's got you so amused?” Spike grumbled, more upset at missing Pinkie Pie's party than he was trying to let on. Sure she would hold another, but free cake was free cake.
“Woof.” Rahs chuckled.
“Yeah I guess she was kinda pretty. A bit rough around the edges though.” Spike shrugged. “Didn't quite hit the cute or beautiful scale hard enough for me though.”
“Bark.” Rahs added.
“She smelled pretty? Oh right that predator, prey thing you keep sayings kept you from ever getting a date.” Spike grinned.
“Grrrrr.” Rahs growled, as Spike collected the tickets.
“Oh, no, no, I totally believe you that pony's smell too much like something to eat for you to be attracted to them. Yep toooootally get that's the only reason you're still single.”Spike snarked.
“BORK!” Rahs snapped.
“ Of course I've not seriously dated any one, I'm twelve. What' your excuse?” Spike grinned as the pair boarded the train.
Gilda swore up a storm as she landed outside of town. To say she was pissed was an understatement. That pink bitch made a fool out of her, and Rainbow Dash chose the pink pony over her.
Some loyalty.
Gilda had a brief pang of of regret, a stray thought that it might have all been her fault, crossed her mind briefly, but she quickly squashed it. No it wasn't her fault it was that pink bitchs. She was going to pay for this, and so was Dash. Old friend or not, choosing that pink menace over her was not something she was going to forgive.
Gilda cursed as she tore up the ground around where she landed needing to vent on something and the soft soil was the only thing nearby. She let out a growl and tried to calm herself down a little as she looked over the area. The field here bordered on the edge of the forest and she needed something to get the taste out of her mouth after that candy, her tongue still burned. And she never did get any of that cake due to the mail mare crashing into it.
There was likely to be some sort of small game around here. A couple birds or a gopher or something she could take her frustrations out on and eat before she flew back home. She honesty wasn't looking forward to the flight, let alone the destination, but it beat staying here.
She almost took to the air again when she saw the rabbit. It was calmly chewing on a carrot while sitting on the root of a tree, it's back was to her though it's ears were perked up as if it was listening for danger.
Gilda sank down, folding her wings along her back slowly, if she took off the wing beats would alert her target and it would run. She could easily sneak up on it though.
The Griffoness crept closer to the rabbit, staying to the short grass and the long shadows of the tree the setting sun was providing. She was barely six feet from it when she decided to pounce. She lept at the rabbit claws extended ready to claim her meal.
With his back still turned to the lunging Griffon, Angel Bunny smiled.
[ Canterlot, Princess Celestia's chambers. The day after meeting Gilda]
“I do apologize Spike, for making you come all the way back here. I'm afraid my letter must have seemed rather curt. I assure you it was not intentional, things have been.... trying here for the last week.” Princess Celestia sighed, pouring herself a cup of tea. Looking over at Spike she couldn't help but smirk as the little dragon stuffed his face with tea cakes and gems.
Rahs was there as well, though he had opted to order something from the palace kitchens while he was here. It was odd to have her student's brothers here without Twilight herself, but she needed to ask them some questions and the scrolls on Ponyville's history were a perfect chance to get them here. Twilight likely wouldn't let Spike go alone and she was busy when the note was sent to her.
“Mus omay wincess....” Spike stammered choking suddenly on his mouthful of food. Rahs frowned and slapped his brother on the back holding up a napkin in front of him to keep the mouth full of food from spraying every where as Spike choked.
Celestia raised an eyebrow as Rahs rolled his eyes, his long ears shifting and flipping about into differing positions.
“It's fine Rahs,” Celestia smirked noting the Guard cant the Moon Dog was using. “Though I expected Twilight to have taught him table manners by now.”
Rahs snorted in amusement, having watched his sister eat a hay burger. He was the dog and he had the best table manners of the three.
“I have the scrolls packed up for you already, though I do have an ulterior motive of course. I would like to ask you a few questions about things are going in Ponyville for you three.” Celestia stated
Rahs' ears perked up at that, and he frowned. Between his coughs Spike was looking at her with a hint of worry as well. Celestia sighed , had it really come to this where every one was suspect of her motives? Well Luna had said she deserved it, but it still hurt. Spike managed to stop coughing and was reaching for a cup of tea.
“Bark.”Rahs replied getting another internal wince from Celestia. Guard cant was good for basic communication, but unless you were a master of it , it couldn't hold up for advanced conversations. Rahs was good at it's use, but he only learned it to talk with a friend of his and never actually studied it, he was still better than the average Guard however.
“He says he has questions 'cough' as well.” Spike stammered.” Mostly for Princess Luna and why you haven't asked her on our behalf. We've been rather patient, but if your sister knows about Rahs......”
“I expect you do..... though she has been dodging all of my queries on the subject, and I do not think now is the proper time to ask Luna about where you came from....” Celestia sighed as the tea in her cup started to ripple.
“What, why not?” Spike questioned blinking as he noted Celestia was staring at the door. Both of them looked more concerned as the tea set began to rattle and clank on the table.
“Wuff?” Rahs questioned.
“SISTER!!!!” Luna screamed out, as she suddenly appeared in the middle of the group.
Rahs and Spike both yelped, falling over backwards though Celestia simply put a hoof to her temple as she played the part of the long suffering sister, the door had not opened.
“Yes Lulu?” Celestia questioned.”What is it this time?”
“Blue!” Luna stated happily. Rahs and Spike peeked their heads over the top of the vibrating table noting Luna's wide eyed look, wild mane, and the fact she was vibrating in place much like Pinkie Pie.
“What about it Lulu?” Celestia asked.
“Tis every where. How did thou gain access to this much indigo pigment? Even the common folk have blue clothing. Tis wondrous to see so much of it all over the place. Is there that much woad being harvested now? Have trade deals with the east been upgraded in my absence?”
“It's artificially colored now Lulu.” Celestia sighed.”We don't need woad plant or a trade route to the spice islands to produce it.”
“Astounding.” Luna stated staring into space and stilling herself for a second, before she was back to vibrating around the room like a wind up toy.” It was explained to us about the modern dyes but to see it is still impressive!”
Rahs and Spike glanced to each other then to Luna.
“Ahh Spike and Rahs greetings to you. We are sorry for the interruption, but blue is our favorite color and it was rare in the past and we are happy to see it everywhere now. We would love to stay and chat but we have things to do, we are only halfway done with reading the royal archives. Good morning.” Luna smiled patting them both on the head without seeming to move her wings before she was suddenly gone again.
Rahs blinked as there was no scent of teleportation or any sort of magic, the mare was simply gone.
“What. Was. That?” Spike demanded.
“I was afraid of what would happen when Luna discovered coffee. I didn't think Moon Dancer would allow her a sip of her drink during her morning classes.” Celestia sighed.
“Wait, Moon Dancer's drink?” Spike blinked confused, though Rahs cringed.
“A quadruple shot, smores flavored espresso, with whipped Prench vanilla hazelnut swirl topping.” Celestia listed as if reading off a particularly horrendous concoction.
“Whoa.” Spike blinked.” All that from a sip this morning?”
“ No.” Celestia sighed. “ She's had at least thirty of them over the course of the last six days, six of those were in a big gulp cup, and she hasn't stopped.... at ….all!! We've shut down all fifty four shops that serve espresso in Canterlot to stop her from getting them, and the Guard Captain took a fire ax to the one machine in the castle yesterday. Despite that, we've had reports from Manehatten and Baltimare that she's shown up there for refills and yet the cardiac teams following her haven't noticed her leave the castle.”
“Woof.” Rahs smirked.
“Oh yeah, I remember Twilight trying that once.” Spike considered.
“Yes, I do remember when Twilight had one of Moon Dancer's custom drinks. I recall she reorganized the royal library in two hours and had just finished the Canterlot public library before she finally crashed.” Celestia smiled ”I hope however that Luna doesn't crash while she's out of the castle, face planting in the middle of a coffee shop will not help her image. Now then, how about you two tell me how things have been going in Ponyville?”
[ One week after the last episode, Golden Oaks Library]
“Come on Twi, you got this.”Spike encouraged, practically bouncing in place.
“Right here it goes.” Twilight muttered her horn glowing softly.
Rahs stood back from the pair, simply watching, just in case there were any magical mishaps he would have to clean up. Given Spike's resilience against magic and physical harm, he was often used as a test subject for new spells or practice. Sure he protested most of the time, but he could easily be bribed with ice cream.... granted so could Twilight. Rahs was the only one immune to the sweet treat, though when he had found out that Prince Blueblood's magic tasted like Prench Vanilla ice cream he had bothered the poor Unicorn for months. He still preferred Cadence's magic, though the magic in the apples from Sweet Apple Acres was a close second.
Rahs blinked at the faint pop that sounded in the air and the black furred mustache that appeared on Spike's upper lip. He whistled appreciatively, matter creation like that was a rare ability, one Twilight had not been able to perform before she came to Ponyville. The spell formula she was using was a common one for higher level casters, or those who specialized in that sort of thing. It turned raw mana into a physical object, in this case, a mustache.
The effect wouldn't last forever, perhaps only lasting a few weeks or so depending on the skill or the power of the caster. That was still long enough that he would need to watch out for his brother trying to sneak into a movie theater for a movie he shouldn't be old enough to see.
“Haha, you did it!” Spike cheered.
“Woof!” Rahs added.
“Right, twenty five spells you couldn't do before, that's awesome and this is the best one so far.” Spike grinned looking in a nearby mirror and playing with the mustache.” Hello ladies......”
The trip to Canterlot had been rather uneventful. Despite seeing Celestia to recover the scrolls and meeting Princess Luna, none of his questions had been answered anyway. It was clear that Princess Celestia worried about Twilight while she was out of the castle, but the talk with her brothers eased the Princesses mind about their sisters mental state. The other element bearers were a surprisingly good influence on her, despite all of them having their own issues. Rahs felt that he and Spike would need to watch all of them being the only sane and rational ones of the whole group, despite the fact his brother was twelve and he was constantly getting yelled at for clawing up the book cases and chewing on things.
The subject of Twilight and Rahs' increase in power was not brought up in the conversation with the Princess. Twilight wanted to run more tests to make sure it wasn't a fluke and had only asked the Princess for all the information she had on the Elements of Harmony, something Celestia was expecting any way once her student settled in.
Currently Twilight was testing a number of the spells she had failed to pull off before and so far she had accomplished all of them with barely an effort.
“Sorry Romeo with as attractive as you think you look that's just practice and it needs to go.” Twilight chuckled her horn lighting up as Spike flailed trying to protect his new mustache only for Twilight's magic to dissolve it.
“Rats....” Spike grumbled.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Why do dragons and serpents love mustaches?” Spike retorted to his brothers question. “ Cause they're freaking sweet!”
[ Ponyville proper.]
“So why have you had so much trouble with these spells before?” Spike questioned.” They all seemed pretty simple and there's plenty of ponies who I've seen using some of them.”
“Yes but not 'all' of them. A Unicorn whos talent is focused one thing, like being a barber, would have a easier time learning that creation trick and the power needed wouldn't be that much either. A cutiemark can not only be a hint at what a pony might be good at, but it can also improve that talent to the point that they would be better at it than any pony else, who doesn't have a fitting mark, in that field.”
“So basicly you couldn't do those tricks before cause your talent wasn't connected to any of them?” Spike pondered.
“Woof” Rahs added.
“Well I suppose you could say my cutiemark talent lies in magic, though there are some who don't follow what their mark suggests or they interpret it in a different way. Sometimes that interpretation is enough to change the marks entire meaning as well as what skills might get boosted.” Twilight pointed out. “ Miss Cheerilee, for example, has a cutiemark of flowers, though she's interpreted them as smiling students soaking up knowledge like a flower soaks up the sun. And it seems to have worked for her as she's considered one of the better teachers around if the awards I saw in her office were any indication.”
“Might explain why Rarity makes dresses and has gems as cutiemarks.” Spike pondered.
“Bork.” Rahs smirked.
“I doubt her talent has anything to do with attracting Dragons to her butt, Rahs. That's all Spike anyway.” Twilight dead panned as Spike glared at his siblings.
“GANGWAY!” shouted a voice” COMING THROUGH!”
Spike and Twilight both yelped as a pair of Unicorn colts barreled between the group, impacting Spike and starting to carry him off, or they would have had Rahs not whipped around and grabbed both of them by their tails.
The sudden stop didn't seem to bother either of them as they kept running in place as Rahs held them, though Spike fell off the short fat ones head where he had gotten stuck.
“Snips ? Snails? What are you doing.” Spike winced as he stood up dusting off looking at them.
“Oh wow Spike, you're like .. really fast to keep up with us, and you're not even breathing hard.” Snails stated still running in place.
Rahs frowned and looked at Twilight who rolled her eyes. While they were both happy Spike was making friends his own age, they were less than thrilled he made friends with these two. Snips and Snails were known as the dumbest colts in town. They were not mentally handicap, though Snails was a little slow on the uptake, they were just intentionally dumb, not able or willing to keep the slightest bit of common sense in their heads at all, let alone the slightest bit of knowledge that they didn't care about personally.
It drove Twilight crazy that there were ponies that were this willfully ignorant around even as young as they were, and it annoyed Rahs because if Spike was anything other than a Dragon, their lack of common sense would have gotten his brother hurt, a lot.
Still neither of them were going to tell Spike he couldn't have them as friends, the young drake was more than smart enough to see their flaws, and often he kept whatever trouble they got into from escalating further.
Usually.
“Well haven't you heard? There's a new unicorn in town!” Snails stated stopping his running.
“Yeah, they say she's got more magical powers than any other unicorn evah!” Snips chimed in.
Rahs let go of their tails as they stopped running and glanced back to Twilight who raised an eyebrow at their statement.
“No way, that title goes to Twilight!” Spike huffed.
“Where is this Unicorn?” Twilight asked.
“In the town square!” Snails said before rushing off again.
“Come on!” Snips yelled running off again himself.
The trio looked at each other then followed along.
[Ponyville square, in front of Town Hall]
A large crowd had gathered in front of a gaily decorated wagon that had been parked in front of the town hall. The trio found their way over to the front where the rest of Twilight's new friends had gathered to see what the fuss was.
“Come one, come all! Come and witness the amazing magic of The Great and Powerful Trixie!” a prerecorded voice boomed from some hidden speaker in the cart, rolling the Rs a little to hard in the name.
As the announcement ended the side of the cart unfolded springing out into a stage and revealing the hidden speakers. The stage suddenly exploded with smoke and fireworks, the effects clearing to reveal a pale blue mare with a white and blue mane wearing a purple cloak and wizard's hat festooned with stars.
The crowd looked on in awe.
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack looked on in annoyance.
Spike looked on with a frown at this upstart who thought she was better than his sister.
Twilight looked on with interest, taking note of the mare's use of quid's theorem for the stage and simple fireworks triggered by magic and guided into a particular shape to conceal her entrance onto the stage.
Rahs looked on with a wide smirk, because he recognized the mare, this should be fun.
The show continued on with more fireworks, displays of magic and showmareship.
Twilight was rather impressed. Trixie had talent, though most of her skill seemed to focus on illusions. There were a number of things she did that Twilight deduced the how of it, be it slight of hoof or magic, but there were a few tricks that even Twilight was unsure of how they were done. Through it all the mare was playing herself up with various stories and tales of bravado that Twilight didn't even slightly believe.
Neither did many of the other adults, but there were some who were a bit too vocal about it.
“My my my, what boasting.” Rarity scoffed.
Twilight rolled her eyes, she liked Rarity, she really did but the white mare really didn't know how to shut up. It was no surprise to learn that she, Mrs. Cake and the Flower Trio were the gossip hens of the town.
“Seriously, no ponies as magical as Twilight!” Spike grumbled.
“There's nothing wrong with being talented is there?” Twilight stated flatly not really expecting an answer from Rarity.
“Nothin at all, cept when someone goes around showing it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.” Applejack snorted.
“ Or oversteps themselves by boasting they can take care of a whole harvest by themselves and refuses any help.” Rainbow Dash added glaring at Applejack.
“Ah apologized to everyone repeatedly for that, you still gonna bring it up all the time!?” Applejack grumbled at Rainbow Dash.
“You flung me into the Library, then you kicked me into a tree when I was trying to help you!” Dash snorted back getting into Applejack's face.
“Yeah, cept you asked me tah help you with tha first, and on tha second yah was trying tah grab me tah drag me away from my work when ah wasn't in my right mind. “ Applejack countered. ”Yah were told tah leave me alone then too.”
“I was trying to help you you ungrateful lout.” Rainbow Dash growled pressing closer to Applejack as the pair literally butted heads.
“Does Trixie need to pause her show while you two fight, or can your lovers quarrel simply end in a kiss and make up session now?”
Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack launched away from each other like a shot. While Rainbow's sudden movement was not unexpected to those who knew her, Applejack's insane burst of speed away from the stage had a few of them in awe.
Trixie for her part simply leaned back up onto the stage glancing in the directions the two had lept and the protests both were offering to those now around them. “Or you could do that too, it's fine.”
The crowd laughed at the joke as both Dash and Applejack turned bright red protesting even louder.
“Just because one can do a bit of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” Rarity scoffed.
“Rarity.... that's not, she's.......” Twilight started before Trixie interrupted her.
“Well it seems we have some neigh sayers in the audience. Who is ignorant enough to challenge the Great and Powerful Trixie?!”
“Well I would, to a cupcake eating competition, but my tummy still feels a bit ooky when I look at cupcakes sooooooo, pass.” Pinkie Pie shouted back, getting an odd glance from the show mare.
Fluttershy mumbled something that sounded like she was fine.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still trying to convince ponies they were not seeing each other.
Twilight shook her head though Rarity stepped forward.
“So aside from these parlor tricks what is it that makes you think you are so great and powerful any way?” Rarity demanded.
“Of course only an unskilled and uneducated unicorn would be so ignorant as to call Trixie's spells parlor tricks.” Trixie sneered. “ The Great and Powerful Trixie's magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!”
Fireworks explode around her sending a shaped plume of sparklers into the air taking the shape of a large bear festooned with stars.
Twilight was impressed at the bit of pyromancy, though with the unicorn's horn hidden under her hat it was hard to tell if she was casting a spell or this was some other sort of trick. It was high quality stage work she was sure Rahs was appreciating.... wait where was Rahs?
“Pfffft.... Hoofington, that doesn't even sound like a real place.” Spike scoffed listening to Trixie's story.
“It's on the southern end of the Everfree Forest.” Twilight corrected her younger brother.”Really not that far away from us at all. Where's Rahs?”
“What? Geez do you need to get a leash for him? He's a grown dog he can take care of himself.” Spike asked looking around the sea of pony legs around him taking note of Snips and Snails in total awe of the story Trixie was telling and the animated fireworks in the sky.
“Soooo coool.” the pair chimed.
“I am well aware he can take care of himself Spike I am also well aware that this is a BIG, lively, crowd that I am in the middle of without a large wall of fur keeping me from all the other Ponies......”Twilight exhaled. ”In the middle of what is starting to seem like a giant party with all the talking and noises.....”
“But it's a stage show....you don't get panicked at plays...” Spike blinked.
“Because it is dark and much quieter.......” Twilight shuddered, her ears flattening to her head.” I don't get to choose when this happens.”
“Awww crap.” Spike muttered only to get distracted by Snips and Snails right next to him practically shouting, granted it was not as if they had another volume setting other than loud.
“That settles it.” Snips stated.
“Trixie truly is the most talented, the most magical, the most awesome unicorn in Ponyville. “Snails uttered.
“No All of Equestria!” Snails shouted.
“Oh please.” Spike huffed. You didn't even see it , besides Twilight is the most magical unicorn....”
“Not to interrupt little drake, but do you mean the mare behind you hyperventilating?” Trixie asked showing a bit of concern.
Spike turned around to see his sister standing stock still shaking and breathing a bit too heavily and way to rapidly......” Awwww crap....... Pinkie, Fluttershy, help me out here.” Spike shouted as he ran over to his sister, the two mares he called moved over to either side of her.
“Oh dear she was getting much better too.” Fluttershy muttered.
“Yeah I know.” Pinkie Pie stated as the pair along with Spike guided Twilight off.” I was almost ready to throw her an actual welcome to Ponyville party.”
Trixie waited until Twilight and her small group were clear of the crowd. She pitied the poor mare, it had taken some time for Trixie to get over most of her phobias and hang ups after she left Celestia's school. She knew what they felt like. And the less said about her foal hood fear of wheels the better.
Still the two Unicorn foals gloating in her name was building the crowd quite well. It would be an easy segway into the next part of the show, particularly given there were a few ponies who still didn't seem convinced.
“Still don't believe the Great and Powerful Trixie? “Trixie chuckled.”Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do, I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived!?”
Trixie smiled as one of the lovers from earlier came up on stage, the orange one. She questioned if Trixie could do something with rope, before she put on a decent rodeo display with her lasso. After dancing around it using only her tail, she lashed out with it and snagged an apple from a nearby tree, yanking it back and launching it with precision into her own mouth.
It was a impressive display, though Trixie had already thought of a counter. Her hat floated into the air over her head showing her horn aglow. She brought the end of the rope up before the farm pony, a bit of swaying movement along with a small spell and the mare couldn't help follow it with her eyes, hr head moving along as well. The other end of the rope stretched out snagging another apple pulling it back and before the orange mare could break free of the spell the rope in front of her eyes shot down hog tying her and flipping her onto her back. Once she was down the other end of the rope gagged her with the apple it had taken.
The crowds laughter made the orange mare glare at her in anger.
“Once again the great and powerful Trixie prevails.” Trixie stated smugly.
The cyan blue Pegasus mare that was the other half of that couple rushed up and got in her face.
“There's no need to go struttin' around and showin' off like that.” she growled.
“Oh?” Trixie asked.
“That's my job.” Rainbow Dash snorted.
“Really and here I thought you would be thrilled to have your filly friend all trussed up for some fun after the show. Given her talent with rope I mean, it seems like your thing and all.” Trixie stage whispered to the mare who turned beet red.
“What no, that's not , we're not ARRRRGH!!!” The mare shot straight up into the sky leaving the orange mare to hop off the stage herself still gagged and hogtied.
Thankfully her wording was enough to do little more than confuse the foals and make some of the adults laugh harder.
“Enough. Rarity is usually above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity will not stoop you your level.” Rarity proclaimed.
“Big Talk, and little else aside from copying Trixie's manner of speech.” Trixie smirked, “What's the matter? Afraid you'll get a hair out of place in that rat's nest you call a mane?”
The white mare that had started the heckling growled.
“Oh it is ON!”
She hopped up on the stage, strutting around the show mare like a peacock while continuing to belittle Trixie. Truth be told Trixie would have called this pompous noble wanna be out directly if she hadn't been so easy to goad into attempting something.
“You may think you're tough with all of your so-called powers, but there's more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style.” Rarity continued circling around Trixie before ripping one of the curtains off of her wagon and transforming it into some tacky little dress.
Trixie frowned at the destruction as the audience ooohed.
“A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty. “Rarity continued , though Trixie had had enough and let loose a spell before the annoying mare continued further.
Trixie had to admit the mare was a bit sharper than she gave her credit for, realizing instantly that the target of the spell had been her mane.
Of course she didn't expect the freak out about it once a member of the audience told the white mare it was green. The Unicorn then ran off crying, STILL wearing Trixie's curtain.
“Trixie will bill you.” the show mare called out after the fleeing Unicorn.
It was then that a shadow fell over her from her stage lights and a hush fell over the crowd. Trixie blinked, letting out a sigh and turning around to face her new challenger, only to be eye level with a belt buckle. She blinked again, lifting her head up, her lavender eyes trailing over the tattered maroon coat until it reached the head of the creature towering over her, staring down at her with amber cat like eyes.
“Rahs?” Trixie blinked getting a grin from the canine creature.
Trixie suppressed a smile at that, noting his ears moving, of course he was going to help her.
“And I take it you plan to challenge The Great and Powerful Trixie then Moon Dog?” she heard a gasp from several members of the crowd. Many of them had spent weeks, and several super boring lectures given by Twilight, to realize that Rahs wasn't a Diamond Dog, and here this mare had gotten it in one go.
Rahs simply smiled nodding.
Trixie frowned as his ears moved and he barked.
“Oh you son of a bitch...” Trixie hissed at him,”Tricking Trixie like this. Fine, you win this round Fuzzy.”
“So you want me to form a ball of magic do you?” Trixie announced getting a number of other gasps that she understood what the large Moon Dog was saying. ”Pffft you should issue a real challenge to Trixie.”
Trixie knew the result of what was going to happen, though she set up a few other spells to trigger some other effects the moment her magic cut out. She formed the glowing ball of magic watching, without flinching as Rahs snapped it out of the air. There was the expected slap to her horn and her fireworks all went off a second later lighting the sky up in the darkness.
Quite a number of other Unicorns in the crowd stared on in awe having been on the receiving end of one of Rahs' taste tests, to see a mare cast so easily as soon as he took a bite out of her spell, let alone barely flinch from his teeth so close to her, was astounding to them.
“Is that all?” Trixie questioned calmly.
Rahs smiled, licking his lips and took two steps back, one arm slipping behind his back the other across his chest as he too a low stage bow to her. He slipped a paw into his coat and drew out a rose to toss to her. He quickly rose, whirled in place and walked off the stage.
The crowd cheered and Trixie smiled, picking up the rose as her magic recovered and tucked it into her hat to eat later, of course he would bring a rose.
" Blueberry muffin with a hint of pine cone flavor."
Trixie looked over to where Rahs had exited the stage and noticed he was looking down at a gray Pegasus mare with blonde hair. The mares pupils seemed to be facing different directions and she seemed to be in awe of Rahs as he walked off the stage. She had given Rahs a small basket to take with him and he nodded his thanks to her and headed off with a last glance back towards the stage offering a smile to Trixie.
“How did you even get a panic attack, you gave a speech in front of every pony.” Spike grumbled.
“Tried to .” Pinkie pointed out.
“Oh I'm sorry Spike I didn't know I was supposed to have a say in when I freak out. Let me just file it into my brain that I am NOT supposed to freak out at something that only seems like a party.” Twilight snapped from where she lay half hidden in a book fort a damp rag over her eyes. “Let me get right on that thought process and I’m sure next time it won't happen at all!”
“That's not how I meant it!” Spike protested before grumbling and flopping down with a huff.” I just wish you could have shown that annoying mare up. Trixie is nothing but a braggart.”
“Spike she's a traveling show mare. She's got to promote herself like that or no one will come to see her shows and she wouldn't make any bits.” Twilight grumbled.” Honestly what she was doing was no different than what every other traveling show pony does. And she had some skill to back it up. If I had 'shown her up' she wouldn't have made any money. I refuse to be the reason some one starves, Spike.”
“But....” Spike started.
“She has a point. Would you have given up any bits to a pony you saw lose to some one you knew as the local librarian? Very few ponies know about the Elements Spike.” Fluttershy asked.
“Besides that was fun, and fireworks like that aren’t cheap... trust me I know.” Pinkie Pie sagely nods.
“But... argh....” Spike huffed.
The front door opened and Rahs walked in. He froze as he surveyed the scene and looked to Twilight with concern.” Woof?”
“Yes, another one.”Twilight grumbled.
“Bark?”
“Mild. A two at best.” Spike offered dismissively.
“I know I had been doing pretty good, but it started to get too much like a party atmosphere and my usual point of stability in crowds vanished on me.” Twilight snapped.
Rahs winced.” Muurrr.....”
“Had to buy a rose? For Trixie?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously. “ I didn’t think she was that impressive.”
Rahs rolled his eyes.”Grrrrrr.”
“Really? The whole family went to see that play.” Twilight asked brightening up a bit. “ I didn't even recognize her.”
“She played Belle in your Beauty and the Beast play?” Fluttershy seemed a little confused.
“He got the part of Beast in a play when he was fourteen. He wanted to be Gaston, but the director thought otherwise. He spent a lot of time practicing his parts with the mare playing Belle, I didn't know it was Trixie though.” Twilight stated.
“Woof.” Rahs nodded.
“So that's why you gave her the rose, it was part of the play you were in.” Fluttershy smiled. “That's rather nice of you.”
Rahs nodded and walked over setting a small basket down on the floor between them all.
“Bark.” Rahs proclaimed revealing the basket of muffins.
“Derpy made these?” Pinkie Pie gasped. “ Wooooooow she makes the best muffins period , she won't tell anyone the recipe either.”
“That was very nice of her. I guess she saw me lose it huh?” Twilight sighed as Rahs shrugged.
“Woof.”
“Just said they were a gift huh?” Fluttershy smiled. “She is a very nice mare.”
“Oooh these are good , you want one Spike?”Twilight asked around a mouthful of blueberry muffin.
“No... I’m going out.....” Spike snorted standing up and storming off.
“Woof!”
“I don't care how late it is and I’ll take as long as I want!” Spike growled storming off.
Rahs blinked looking to the others.
“He's mad that I didn't try to beat Trixie. He doesn't seem to grasp all that bragging is part of her job.” Twilight commented showing Pinkie and Fluttershy why Rahs was considered the one with the best table manners.
Rahs crossed his arms and sighed. “ Woof?”
“Yeah I guess I'll be okay. I take it you want to say hello to her when she's not on stage?” Twilight smirked as Rahs nodded.
“Woof?”Rahs looked at Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.
“Yeah I’m good to stay a bit more.” Pinkie Pie nodded. “I don't have to work until the lunch rush tomorrow.”
“I fed every one before I left and got caught up in the show.” Fluttershy muttered. “ I can stay a bit more too.”
“Don't forget to try and find Spike while you're out. “ Twilight called through a mouthful of muffin.
Rahs smirked and turned heading out the door to catch up with an old friend.
“What the heck are you two doing out here?” Spike grumbled, his wanderings bringing him back to the town center where Snips and Snails were outside Trixie's wagon.
“We came to see if the TEE GEE and PEE TEE needed anything.” Snails stated.
“What?” Spike questioned.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie was getting to be a mouthful.”Snips explained, “ So we shortened it.”
“ That’s seems longer to say than the way she pronounces it. Never mind. How can you two even fall for her lameness, she's just a showoff.” Spike grumbled. “ Unlike Twilight.....”
“TEE GEE and PEE TEE.....” Snails began trying hard not to mangle it.
“Please stop that.” Spike mono-toned.
“.... she Vanquished an Ursa major, can your sister do that!?” Snips continued
“Oh really? Were you guys actually there? “ Spike snapped, “Did you see it?
“Well no but..” Snips began.
“But nothing. I could tell you about the time I defeated Nightmare Moon...”
“But you did defeat Nightmare Moon. We were THERE!” Snails exclaimed with a smile.
“Okay bad example. I could tell you about the time I beat Princess Celestia in six consecutive chess matches while balancing a carp on my head and singing the Gangnam style.” Spike exclaimed.
“Did you actually do that?” Snips asked causing Spike to slap his face with a claw.
“As far as you know, and that's the point, she can say anything is true whether it is or not. Look, unless an Ursa major comes waltzing up the street for Trixie to vanquish, I am not gonna believe a word she says, and neither should you! .” Spike threw his hands in the air as the pair looked at him confused. “ Forget it I'm going home... should have grabbed one of those muffins .....”
Spike stormed off grumbling, even madder now after finding out that his friends still believed Trixie than he had been when Twilight tried to defend her.
Snips watched him walk off, the colts underused brain practically smoking as he pondered something . “Hm, an Ursa walkin' up the street, hey? Snails! You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? “
“ I think so but Why is it they call it a flea market, when they don't really sell fleas?” Snails replied
“What? No... Come on!” Snips shouted racing off with his friend in hot pursuit.
Rahs watched the pair of them race off, having passed Spike on the way back to the Library. He wasn't sure what they had been talking about, something about a flea market, but he supposed it either wouldn't be important, or it would be a mess for future Rahs to worry about. Right now he wanted to check on somepony.
Moving up to the door he knocked lightly on it. There was a shuffle from the inside along with a faint grumble before the door was flung open.
Trixie was tired of those two, sure it was amusing to be waited on hoof and horn, but they were foals and they were idiots. She told them she didn't want to be bothered and she still heard them shouting outside of her wagon for the last hour. Just when it seemed they left, they knocked again.
“Trixie told you she did not wish to be disturbed ….....” Trixie frowned noting she was again staring at a familiar long coat and belt buckle. She rolled her eyes looking up at the towering Moon Dog.” We have got to stop meeting like this Fuzzy.”
Rahs chuckled a little his ears flicking on his head in cant.
“No you're not bothering me.... just finishing up dinner, that rose was a nice touch to add to the lentil soup. Come in, come in... what are you even doing in this hayseed burg any way?”
Trixie turned and stepped back into her wagon. Rahs followed ducking his head as he entered noting right off the bat that the wagon was much bigger on the inside.
Trixie glanced back and shook her head.”Relax I paid to have an item enchanted for the effect, unless you eat the crystal you shouldn't have any affect on the place. “
The wagon room looked like a warehouse, various supplies and repair parts for the wagon, alchemy bottles and numerous other necessities for traveling the road lay neatly placed in the rooms confines only allowing a thin passage between them to a small kitchen area with a table for one and a fold down bed that Trixie quickly folded back up to make a little more room, though he noticed a blue plushy cat had been resting on the pillow, and smirked recalling when she got that.
One small section of the wall was covered with pictures, a few hoof drawn, likely gifts from foals. The rest were pictures and snapshots of various places she had been, a small book shelf under the wall was loaded with atlases, a few spell tomes, and at least one thing that Rahs' eyes locked onto almost immediately. A well worn copy of the Beauty and the Beast stage play.
Trixie plopped down in the only chair, her horn lighting up to clear off the top of a crate setting everything on the table before her.
“It's been over four years Fuzzy. So how has everything been going?” Trixie asked picking up a cup of something and sipping from it as Rahs sat on the crate.
She watched his ears flick a little into various positions and smiled.
“Shirley made it big hmm?I had heard rumors, but it's nice to know they are true.” Trixie smiled. “How is Auntie Broadway?”
His ears flipped a bit more and Trixie sighed a little setting down the mug with a thud.
“Alright, stop.... “ Trixie said forcefully. ”I know it's been four years, but I recall we got pretty close that year. I also remember you had a rather delightful singing and speaking voice, one I seriously doubt you lost in only four years. So not to be rude, but if you came here to talk to me could you please actually talk to me so I don't have to keep trying to remember Cant ear positions. I barely use it and I've let my skills slip.”
Trixie frowned a little looking up at Rahs who stuck his tongue out at her and forced her to crack a smile.
“Damn it, Fuzzy, just say something.” Trixie laughed. “I don't even care if it's in that stupid growling voice you made up for the beast.”
Rahs shook his head a bit, opening his mouth to say something only for a titanic roar to shake the entire wagon, nearly sending them both crashing to the floor.
“What the buck was that!?” Trixie demanded as she and Rahs scrambled towards the door.
“Trixie Trixie!!” Snips and Snails screamed banging on the door.
Rahs flung open the door stepping out and sending the pair of them tumbled away from the carriage. Rahs glanced over at them as Trixie trotted out after him rolling her eyes.
“What's going on? I told you not to disturb me.” Trixie snapped.
“Yeah we have a little problem.” Snips chuckled sheepishly.
“More like a MAJOR problem.” Snails corrected.
“Ursa major to be exact.” Snips frowned.
Rahs slapped his face with his paw as another roar filled the air. Looking down the main street the group of them could see the massive dark bear like form crashing through the trees. It's semi transparent form dotted with stars and constellations. The beast towered above the buildings in town and it looked right at them before pushing forward down the main street of town towards them crushing trees and carts under foot.
Trixie and the foals screamed out as Rahs's ears drooped, he quickly scooped up the mare and the idiots and ran. The bear rushed after them, trampling Trixie's wagon, the sudden implosion of her spell breaking scattered her belongings every where and struck the bear along the paw and the belly with magically assisted force making the beast even angrier, but also making it pause to look down and see what hit it.
The explosion gave them a chance to get to cover and Rahs quickly ducked into an ally to hide before setting Trixie and the foals down. The Moon Dog moved to the end of the ally keeping low to watch down the street to see what the bear was doing. Currently it was batting around the remains of Trixie's cart.
“Great and Powerful Trixie, you've got to vanquish the Ursa.” Snips cried out getting a 'shhh' from Rahs.
“Yeah, vanquish so we can watch.” Snails chimed in, getting another 'shhh' from the Moon Dog
“It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here.” Snips complained. He didn't get a shhh from Rahs he got a dumbfounded look.
“What? You brought it here? Are you out of your pony minds?!”Trixie hissed at them.
“But you're the Great and Powerful Trixie.”Snails stated.
“Yeah you already defeated an Ursa, how hard could another one be?” Snips questioned.
Trixie ran a hoof through her hair walking around in circles as the group of them winced at the Ursa smashing a building some where.
“Okay full disclosure on that, it was a large grizzly bear that the locals named Ursa Major because of it's gray blue fur. I also had two days or prep time to set up firework traps and come up with a plan to run it off and stop it from eating the locals chickens. And that involved a great deal of Tabasco.” Trixie growled. “I had to look up in a book what a real one looked like to even make a stage show of it!”
“What!” Snails gasped.
“But why would you say that then?”Snips demanded.
“Because I'm a performer and that's what we do........” Trixie winced as another roar filled the air along with some screaming and another crash of a building collapsing.
“Damn it......” Trixie muttered moving down to the end of the ally where Rahs was peering out to look out herself.
Rahs glanced back at her before looking out at the Ursa as it dug through a building seemingly searching for something or some one.
“ It's probably looking for the ones who brought it here. Can we just give it the foals so it goes away?” Trixie asked and got a glare from Rahs. “Fine, I figured we could at least have all the options on the table.”
“Rahs!” Twilight shouted galloping down the street with Spike on her back and Pinkie Pie pronking along behind her.
“That is a biiiiiiiiig teddy bear.”Pinkie whistles as the Ursa takes a bite out of the roof of a building.
“What's going on?” Spike demanded hopping off Twilight's back looking at Trixie with a sneer.
“She's a fake.” Snails complained.
“She didn't vanquish a Ursa Major” Snips added.
“I'm a performer!” Trixie snapped.” Playing yourself up is part of it, and it's not like it was even an outright lie either!”
“Told you.” Spike retorted getting a hoof to the back of the head from Twilight.
“Rahs what's going on?”Twilight demanded.
“BORK!” Rahs growled pointing a claw at the two foals.
Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Spike all looked at Snips and Snails.
Twilight glared.
Pinkie Pie frowned.
Spike slapped both claws to his face.
“Of course Fluttershy goes home before the giant bear attack. You idiots.” Spike grumbled.” You brought a Ursa Major into town.”
“Yeah, so Trixie could vanquish it and show you how wrong you were.” Snips added.
“Yeah , you were right, so why are you mad?” Snails questioned.
“Because there's a Ursa Major eating the town!!”Spike threw his claws in the air.” There's not gonna be anyone left to remember I was right!”
“Actually that's not a Ursa Major.” Twilight stated flatly.
“Really?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Yeah. That's a Ursa Minor. A baby. I read up on them after Trixie's story made me curious.” Twilight glanced out of the ally as if to confirm her hypothesis.
“Reading?” Snips stuck his tongue out.”Eeew.”
“I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that as you two are in enough trouble without me deciding to add every little thing I can to your crime.” Twilight snapped.
“Seriously?” Trixie demanded. “ Who are you even?”
“I'm Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight stated not really paying attention to Trixie as she set out a plan of action in her mind.
“Fuzzy's sister?” Trixie frowned as Rahs rolled his eyes.” Celestia's prize student?”
“Former.” Twilight responded.” Rahs keep everyone here I have a plan.”
“Woof.”
“No, I should be good.” Twilight paused.”But if I screw it up feel free to get my flank out of there.”
Rahs nodded.
Twilight's horn glowed as she moved away from the ally the others were hiding in. A strong wind started to blow around her, quieting the area. A few wind chimes and what sounded like reeds from the nearby river started softly sounding, the notes and the chiming making a soft melody that seemed to float along with the wind. The raging bear noticed the Unicorn and was making it's way towards her when the first notes of the music caught it's attention and it went silent ears perked as the tone seemed to calm it.
“Nice use of number sixteen.” Spike smiled.
“Sixteen?” Trixie asked.
“I forgot the name of the spell itself, but it's a blanket sound altering spell, using the wind as a catalyst to deaden everything and then let who ever's caught in it hear only what the caster wants them to hear of the background noise.“ Spike bragged.”In this case she's letting the wind chimes and reed sounds through at certain intervals to make it sound like a lullaby.”
Twilight's horn started to glow even brighter as she ripped a water tower from it's moorings with her magic, pulling off the top of it and dumping the water free. She floated it over the dairy farm at the edge of town and into the barn there where there was a great deal of gasps, cries, moo's, and one female voice screaming out about 'cold hands', whatever that meant.
“That's new.” Spike considered.
The Ursa wavered and shifted at the sound of the music seeming ready to nod off where it stood. Twilight dug her hooves into the dirt starting to strain heavily as her magic wrapped around the drowsy Ursa as well lifting the creature into the air. Sparks of magic shot from her horn as she turned the Ursa over in the air screwing the top back on the water tower and popping the tip of the pointed roof off to act like a nipple. With the Ursa held in the air like an infant Twilight placed the makeshift bottle close to the beast and the scent of warm milk had the Ursa grabbing it and hugging it close to half drink as it dozed.
Another flash of her horn and the Ursa started to float away as Twilight's knees start to buckle though she held herself up. The Ursa drifted out of town and back into the forest.
“Woof.” Rahs muttered.
“Right number twenty three. Pigeon's Homing.” Spike nods sagely. “ The caster can send any one or anything back to it's point of origin, it's home, even if the caster doesn't know where that is.”
“Niiiiice.” Pinkie Pie smirked.” I should ask her to send me home for Hearths Warming, it'll save on train tickets.”
“Right you do that. Trixie for one, is getting out of here.” Trixie snorted.” So long Fuzzy.”
“Good ridence.” Spike snorted only to get cuffed in the back of the head by Rahs.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Yeah I wanna know why too?” Pinkie Pie chimed in.
“Please . Trixie been to enough podunk towns in Trixie's life to know the moment something goes wrong they first one they blame is the outsider. “ Trixie grumbled. “She is having nothing to do with that.”
“Bark?” Rahs looked at Pinkie Pie, who was really the only local.
“Hmm actually if you run off, that probably will happen cause it will make you look guilty. But I Pinkie Promise it won't if you stay. Besides I haven't even thrown you a welcome to Ponyville party. You can't leave until I do that!” Pinkie Pie smiled. Her tone suddenly changed to one of menace as she glared over at Snips and Snails, fire seeming to dance in her eyes.” Besides. We know who really caused this.”
Snips and Snails cried out, backing away from the pink mare though their butts were already against the wall. Spike, Rahs and Trixie also wisely stepped back.
“Noo you can't ...”Snips gasped.
“We didn't mean it!” Snails wailed.
“Too bad.” Pinkie Pie frowned.” Black list one year.”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHhhhhhhh!!!!” the pair wailed, screaming and running off into the night.
“You better hope no pony got hurt or it's gonna be much worse than that.” Pinkie Pie frowned yelling after them.
“Ummm what's the black list?” Spike tentatively asked.
“Oh, that's right you wouldn't know.” Pinkie Pie perked up cheerfully again.
“See before I came to Ponyville there was a supposedly a problem with a group of foals that lived here. I don't know the details of the delinquents, but I get that it was pretty bad. So the shops where the foals liked to go decided to step in and do something since the parents couldn't or wouldn't. And those shops came up with the Black list. If your name is put on it, no shop in town will sell you anything that's not a necessity.” Pinkie Pie explained. “Nothing from Sugar Cube Corner, or Bon Bon's Candy, nothing from Kind of a-lot-O Comics, and the arcade won't let you in. The Black List can have an adult name on it too and if that happens the list of places not serving them gets bigger and includes a number of other places like the Bowling ally and Berry's bar and grill.”
“So how many shops will follow the letter of that list?” Trixie questioned out of morbid curiosity.
“All of them silly, including the farmers markets, and Filthy Rich's mega store.” Pinkie Pie smirked.” There's only three names on it right now. And Applejack's time for poisoning every pony is almost over. She only got a month because of all she did trying to apologize for what happened. Also the bunny stampede was funny.”
“And every pony just agrees to this?” Twilight panted as she walked up during the explanation.
“Yeppers. So don't worry Tee Gee and Pee Tee......” Pinkie Pie grinned hugging the blue unicorn mare. “ It's gonna be alright!”
The library door slammed shut as a pissed off white unicorn stormed out.
Twilight, Rahs, and Applejack watched the door for a moment from where they sat around a table before Applejack turned back to Twilight.
“She took that bettern' ah thought she would.” Applejack shrugged.
“Her shop was smashed, I’m amazed she took it this well.” Twilight sighed.” You're taking it surprisingly well too.”
“Ah don't like it, but ah ken see it weren’t really her fault. Sides ah kinda asked fer it by challenging her. Applejack sighed. “Had time tah cool mah head a bit an think about it and she kinda needs tah boast like that tah do what she does.”
Rahs nodded.
“So Pinkie Pie Black listed um huh....”Applejack let out a whistle.” Tah be honest being on that list is a lot worse than it sounds. Yah got no idea how much yah want something after yer told yah can't have it.”
“Pfft Twilight and Rahs keep me from stuff all the time.” Spike huffed walking out of the basement into the kitchen.
“So how longs she gonna be in town?” Applejack continued offering the annoyed Spike a small wave..
“Probably another week or two. The insurance adjuster wants to argue with me about what is and is not covered under the town blanket insurance policy for visitors.”Twilight smiled.”Mr. Nit Pick gets very cross with me when I read him back exact lines of the claims scrolls without looking. Trying to claim she isn't covered due to her not being a resident is only a factor if the damage caused was not by a resident or the actions of a resident. That part was only put in place due to the wild storms from the Everfree.”
“Yeah ah heard about that. That guys a pain.” Applejack chuckled.” Glad yer on our side. If Big Mac didn't enjoy doing tha farms taxes I’d see if you were interested.”
“He enjoys doing taxes?” Twilight asked.
“Says it's relaxing.” Applejack shrugged.”So hows that claim looking?”
“Trixie should have her bits for the claim before the end of the week. It helps that Rahs was inside the wagon and can confirm a number of the more substantial parts of the claim. “Twilight pointed out. “ Nit Pick tried to say his observation wasn't valid because he wasn't a Government Employee, to which I reminded him that Rahs is a Library Assistant appointed by Princess Celestia herself. He then tried the claim of a non Equestrian speaking observer, to Which Rahs recited the full rule of law he was speaking of, pointing out the errors in Nit Pick's logic, just like I told him to.”
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged as Twilight rolled her eyes.
“I am quite aware making him offer you a sample of his magic was your idea. As was telling him his magic tasted like flat root beer.” Twilight grumbled. “Any way. The real culprits are punished, though from my understanding their parents have something in store for them too. I've danced loopholes around Nit Pick long enough that the he's debating proposing to me, Trixie's kicked back in a hotel for a while and alls well in the end.”
“Woof.” Rahs commented.
“Right almost. We have no idea where Rainbow Dash is, Rarity's mad at me and Fluttershy is pissed off at the two foals who lured a baby Ursa into town. She's also mad at me because I didn't ask for her help.”
“Fluttershy'll be fine sugar cube. She probably already knows tha name of than mother and has tea with her. Can't help yah with Rarity, but Dash'll show back up. She tends tah disappear fer a day or two if she get's real embarrassed.” Applejack offered.
“Why did she get all flustered like that any way.” Spike asked waddling back into the room with a sandwich bigger than himself.
“Folks thought tha pair of us were an item fer a while causa how close we are. We ain't, but that don't mean nothing tah tha rumor mill.” Applejack muttered.
“Really cause you were pretty flushed too.” Twilight grinned with Rahs cracking a smile as well as his ears perked up.
“......ain't like that. Just sorta embarrassing being called out like that. My barn door don't swing that way.” Applejack protested.
Any further teasing was cut off as the front door burst open and a dark blue alicorn burst into the Library. Her wings flared out wide, the starlit void of her mane whipping wildly, the bulk of it streaked with white as shooting stars shot across her mane and tail. The alicorn's eyes were a bright red and she had noticeable bags under them.
“PERFECT, JUST THE ONES WE WISHED TO SEE!” Luna bellowed in the Royal Canterlot voice as she strode forward towards the table.
“YOUNG SPIKE, WE ARE PARCHED FROM OUR FLIGHT, WOULD YOU BE SO KIND AS TO MAKE US A COFFEE?” Luna continued not noticing that Spike's sandwich and the young drake were plastered against the wall from the power of her voice.
“Umm,” Spike stammered looking to Rahs who shook his head.”We don't have a coffee maker at the moment. We're still moving in kinda.”
Twilight was about to protest that when Rahs slapped a paw over her mouth and slightly shook his head.
“AHHH PITY , PERHAPS WE SHALL GET SOMETHING FROM THE LOCAL SHOP, POST HAST THEN?” Luna continued looking back at the door.
“Hate tah break it to yah Princess but tha towns one coffee shop got eaten by an Ursa last night.” Applejack stated, not sure what was going on.
“MMM MOST UNFOURTUNATE BUT WE BRING NEWS. SO OUR CAFFINATION MUST WAIT A MOMENT MORE THEN. OUR SISTER HAS INFORMED US THAT YOU WISH TO KNOW YOUR ORIGINS YOUNG RAHS!?”Luna explained. “WE KNOW FULLY OF THEM,THOUGH WE MUST ADMIT WE ARE UNAWARE OF HOW YOU CAME TO BE HERE.”
“Really?” Twilight and Rahs both sat up looking at the Princess and even Spike took interest.
“S'TRUTH, WE ARETHE CREATOR OF THE MOON DOGS AFTER ALL. TIS A SAD THING WHEN ONE OF OUR GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT ….......”
The four at the table glanced to each other as Luna continued on like a broken record, slowly starting to list to the side before snapping back to full alertness.
“.............GREAT, GREAT, GRANDFOAL.. OR PUP....... HONESTLY WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE TERM IS THOUGH TIA CONSIDERS ALL PONIES HER LITTLE PONIES SO PERHAPS WE SHOULD COME UP WITH A CUTE, EASILY MARKITABLE TERM SUCH AS THAT.” Luna considered. ”NON THE LESS WE FEEL THE NEEDTO INFORM YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE............WHY ARE THERE ARE CURRENTLY SEVERAL OF YOU DANCING AROUND?”
The others looked at Rahs who remained where he had been at the table. The Moon Dog blinked and tilting his head a little looking at Luna.
“WHY ARE THERE SO MANY OF YOU ALL........oh pony feathers.” Luna muttered the last, falling forward with a crash and smashing through the table hitting the ground her wings askew.
All of them were seconds away from full blown panic, when loud snores came from the Night Princess, the noise enough to rattle the windows in the library.
Twilight stared down at the Luna goddess. Her flank in the air as her back legs still retained their standing position, her face buried in the remains of Twilight's table and dishes. Only her horn remained poking out of the limp mass of mane that pooled around her head in the crevasse of the table.
The group watched for a few moments seeing nothing else happen before Twilight sighed.
“Spike take a letter.” Twilight stated. “ Dear Princess Celestia. Please come and get your sister..........”
Trixie flopped back onto her bed with a huff. This had been two weeks right out of a old tragedy, or perhaps some sort of divine comedy, in any event it had been weird. It was getting better, but still weird.
There hadn't been much left to salvage out of her wagon. A few pictures, some props, her spare hat and cape had survived, but none of her other show essentials were salvageable. She was glad to have the pictures, particularly the few hoof drawn ones given to her by foals in her travels. The only other thing of note to survive was Mr. Tibbers.
She smirked looking over at the dark blue plush cat. In truth she had been highly embarrassed that Fuzzy had been the one to recover him from the remains of her wagon. It would be the second time that the plushie had passed from Fuzzy to her. The first was when he won it for her at the festival they went to while taking a break from practice. His ceramic eye was chipped, but that would be easy to repaint.
One of the things she was most upset about losing was her stage copy of Beauty and the Beast. It had been filled with hoof written notes on her part, as well as all of the cast's signatures. It was not something that could ever be replaced. She didn't want to hate those brats, but with the loss of the book it was very hard not to. She really should have fed them to the Ursa.
The time when she got that book had perhaps been the most memorable six months of Trixie's life.
She had just turned fifteen, still had not gained her cutie mark and had returned to Canterlot when she was having the most trouble on the road with her parents.
The ridicule and teasing she had gotten when she was part of Celestia's school had left her an emotional mess. Being told you were special and important by the Princess, and then being treated like dirt by every pony your age due to jealousy or anger had ways of messing with a foal.
Her parents had told her she had once been so proud to be selected by Princess Celestia. Though that didn't last long when she was forced to attended a normal school between lessons with the Princess. The complex illusions that got her into Celestia's program were greeted with disdain by teachers and students when she had trouble doing anything else with her magic. The teasing got so bad that when the school had a talent show she jumped at the chance to prove herself.
Only when the time came for her to show her stuff, nothing went right, her tricks flopped, her magic failed and she was nearly crushed by a wagon wheel that got loose from another act, the blasted thing chasing her across the stage. The only thing that happened was she was laughed at, by every one.
She was even given an award for best comedy act.
That broke her. She refused to do anything, she got into fights over the stupidest things, attacking any one who she even thought was insulting her and refused to have anything to do with any of the teachers. Most of the time she did her best to avoid every pony, slinking off by herself to sulk, and she even stopped going to Princess Celestia's lessons no longer seeing herself as worthy.
Her parents took her to a number of specialists and she was diagnosed with Enochlophobia on top of a laundry list of other things including depression and severe anxiety.
Deciding a change of scenery was probably for the best, her parents pulled her out of school and left Canterlot. Her father was part of a traveling show and was rarely home as it was. Her mother was part of the same show though she had retired when Trixie was born in order for her daughter to have a stable life. Seeing that a stable life wasn't working, she rejoined the circus along with Trixie's father and the three of them traveled with it.
There were enough other foals in the show that a full time teacher was necessary so Trixie did get her schooling and with a smaller crowd she was able to calm down, particularly since no one knew of the failed talent show. Still she never opened up and was always considered the quiet one for the next nine years of her life.
At fifteen Trixie returned to Canterlot. She had known she wanted to entertain. She loved the idea of being on stage and she practiced with the shows magicians to the point her abilities surpassed theirs, but she could never manage to show it off. She couldn't handle the crowds. So she wrote to her Aunt Broadway for help, the mare literally lived on the stage.
Her aunt had suggested that perhaps a more structured place might be better for her, than the wide open show of the circus. And Trixie had come back to Canterlot to find out, she knew what she wanted to do, but getting there was the hard part.
She auditioned for the first play that came up, an Old Breezy tale called Beauty and the Beast. To her own horror she had done well enough to secure the position of Belle, the female lead in the play.
Thinking about being the focus of the entire audience as the main character caused her to have a freak out. When she finally came back to her senses she was wrapped in a blanket with her aunt on one side of her and a large canine creature on the other.
That was her first meeting with Fuzzy. He had helped her aunt calm Trixie down as evidently his own sister was prone to the occasional freak out as well, and he and his brother were well versed in calming her down.
Fuzzy had tried out for Gaston, but due to his not being a Pony, had been cast as the Beast instead with another pony playing the bit part of the 'cured' Beast.
She and Fuzzy had started practicing together from that point on. Along with Shirley who was playing Gaston, the three of them dedicated themselves to their parts so well that the end result of the amateur production of the play seemed more like a professional one.
It hadn't been easy to get to that point though. They had to work at breaking Trixie of her phobia which the pair simply considered as stage fright.
It had been Fuzzy who came up with the solution.
If Trixie couldn't stand up in front of a crowd, then she should masquerade as some pony who could.
All Trixie had to do was pretend to be some one else on stage, Trixie herself could hang back and ignore anything any one said about the mask, because it wasn't her it was who she was pretending to be who they were talking about and watching.
Trixie had called it dumb.
Shirley had called it advanced method acting.
Fuzzy had called it better than anything any pony else was coming up with.
In the end, it worked. Trixie’s stage fright wasn't gone, but she could be some one else who wasn't afraid, or nervous or panicky.
The pony speaking and moving was just some one guided by her, a persona. If anything happened to to the persona then it was only that character that had anything happen to them, it was not Trixie herself, just who she was pretending to be.
Fuzzy had helped her with that, but it was far from all.
The troupe had taken a break to visit a Hearth Warming festival for a bit of R&R two weeks before the show was to start.
Trixie had gotten separated from the others and run afoul of a group of colts and fillies her own age who decided that the festival was boring and picking on a blank flank was more fun.
When she ignored their words the teasing got more physical, pulling her tail flicking her ears anything to get a rise out of her.
Before she found the others Fuzzy had found her.
Had she knot known him she would have thought him some sort of monster like the teenagers did. Half of them wound up face first in a dumpster out side of a restaurant, two of the mares wound up with mangled haircuts due to his claws. They all were likely sorry they decided to pick on Trixie.
It had taken a while after that for her to calm down again, being on the verge of another freak out, though that was when Fuzzy had gotten her Mr. Tibbers. He spent more bits than the toy was worth trying to get it for her before he finally knocked over some bottles.
It had felt nice to have someone work that hard to get something for her, even though she knew he was only trying to calm her down.
When the show finally began a few weeks later The troupe put on a spectacular performance.
Trixie put herself so fully into the illusion that she was Belle that the audience and the rest of the cast fully believed it. When her father went missing, every one was worried. When the Beast rampaged, every one seemed to feel her fear. When Gaston 'killed' the Beast, her words brought the audience and many of the other actors to tears.
It was here at the height of the illusion that she was Belle that she gained her cutie mark. She was not just skilled at magical illusions, but she could fool anyone into thinking her mask was the real her to the point that she became what ponies saw.
Everything that had happened up to that point had been thanks to Fuzzy.
Trixie smirked to herself as she squirmed on the bed clutching Mr.Tibbers close as she recalled how Rahs gained the nickname she gave him.
The last kiss of the show to the cured Beast was a worrying point for her. Shirley had suggested jokingly to practice that as well, shoving Rahs at her.
Rahs had not been expecting it and crashed into her, for a brief moment their lips meeting before the Moon Dog managed to turn himself to not land on her but crash to the floor.
He and Shirley got into a fight over that, though Trixie had just remarked that his whiskers had tickled and his lips felt Fuzzy.
The nick name stuck.
Her cutie mark, her stage fright cured, and her first kiss. All at the paws of her Beast. And even now years later he was helping her out still. She didn't know if it was just her or if he was nice to every one like that.
Trixie sighed sitting up letting the stuffed cat fall back onto the pillow as she ran her hooves through her mane.
She finally got to meet Fuzzy's sister too. Certainly she had heard of Twilight Sparkle, but she had never met her. Twilight was withdrawn, smart, sharp, and rather blunt all at the same time. Still Trixie couldn't help be in awe at the mares magical prowess.
It was a pity that she needed to regard Twilight as a rival because of that.
The pair of them had struck up a conversation about some of the illusions she had used in the show. While Trixie wasn't willing to reveal all she knew some of the magical theory behind one of two of the spells she used was enough to sate the mare.
From Twilight she learned about Moon Dogs, the purple Unicorn seeming to have a deep seated obsession with finding out everything about them she could. From the talk turned lecture she found out Moon Dogs fed on magic, and Fuzzy was leaching the excess power from Twilight to feed
From this information Trixie theorized that Fuzzy would never leave his sisters side as her magic was his prime source of food. Unless a stronger power source presented itself he would always be around her.
Trixie needed to be stronger. She had to gain more magical power to become stronger than Twilight. She rather liked the mare, but in this Twilight was Trixie's rival.
Fuzzy would be hers.
And perhaps she could manage to kiss him properly this time she giggled falling onto her back on the bed kicking her hoofs in the air.
Trixie's more lewd trains of thought was cut off by a knock on the hotel door.
“Coming.” Trixie called as she slipped off the bed fully and headed to the door. She expected the Mayor with more questions, that odd insurance pony with even MORE annoying questions, or even Fuzzy coming to check up on her.
Trixie was not expecting a blonde maned, gray furred mare with bubbles for a cutie mark and unusual eyes.
“Umm, can Trixie help you?” Trixie blinked trying not to stare at the mare's odd eyes.
“Yup, can you do that magic thing you did the other day on stage with Rahs?” the Pegasus mare beamed.
“You mean this?” Trixie blinked at the odd request, forming a small sphere of magic in the air before her.
The blue Unicorn yelped as the Pegasus mare jerked forward, biting into the magic globe. The spell poofed out of existence as Trixie tried to figure out what was going on.
“Hmmmm.” the mare considered chewing the air as if she had managed a bite out of the magic before she frowned. “I don't taste anything … he lied to me.”
Trixie blinked as she was thanked, before the Pegasus fluttered off, muttering something about blueberry’s, pine-cones, and muffins.
“This town is crazy......” Trixie stated quickly closing the door.
“ HUZZAH! Thee is little better than an over grown iguana, does thee truly call that fire? We have had ice cream warmer than that!” Princess Luna shouted lashing out with her magic knocking rubble aside as a massive form lunged through the mountain after her.
The huge red Dragon roared, claws out stretched to grab at the moon Princess only for a lash of her tail to bat the ship sized claw away as if it was nothing.
“Is that the best thee have... bollocks!” Luna cursed as she was hit by a boulder thrown by the Dragon's tail.
Princess Celestia sighed rubbing her hoof against her temple.
“Sorry about this, I didn't realize her manners were this lacking after so long.” Celestia muttered taking a sip of tea.
The Princess was seated at a small table on a cliff side overlooking the mountain range where Luna and the massive dragon were. The table looked like it was carved out of a single white gemstone with a gem studded tea set sitting on it.
“It's quite alright. My son Char needed a bit of exercise. He can't go living in mommies basement forever.” the Dragon on the other side of the table from Celestia chuckled.
The figure sipping tea with Celestia was a lithe Dragon, approximately the same size as Celestia, not including her tail, with shimmering sapphire hued scales. Her form was streamlined seemingly designed more for speed and quickness than brute strength like most Dragons. She almost seemed fragile like something a glass blower might make as a decoration.
Celestia knew otherwise of course, the pair of them had not met on the best terms at first, but they had come to a understanding. The Solar Goddess had found it was not wise to underestimate the Goddess of Winds, Storms, and Dragons.
“You didn't come here just for tea, Celestia.” the Dragoness stated.
“Of course not, but I'm not about to pass up your tea. I have yet to figure out how you managed to spice it like this. I've been unable to recreate it, you simply must let me have the recipe Bleu.”
“If I did that you'd never come by unless there was trouble.” Bleu chuckled eating one of the cookies Celestia had brought.”Let me guess a few of the louts have been making plays on your land again?”
“About the size of it, we've run off the ones causing the most trouble already, we've left the ones alone that are far enough from civilization not to bother anyone. Still there is one near Ponyville that I told my student to watch out for. I expect he just want's to take a nap, but anything could happen. I asked Twilight and her friends to ask him to move in case his presence became problematic.” Celestia shrugged.
“You're letting your student deal with it?”Bleu asked causing Celestia to sigh.
“I called her my student again didn't I? She's not really my student anymore due to some issues with Luna's return, she graduated already, though I still send her the occasional bit of work to keep her busy and on the government payroll.” Celestia explained. “Seriously she and her brothers will figure out they can just ask him to leave politely and maybe bribe him a bit. I doubt anything will come of it. Worst case I'll head out there when I get back and give him the boot.”
“I shall remember you said that.” Bleu smiled showing far too many teeth for her lithe muzzle.
“I also wanted to point out that Luna was back.” Celestia added as the castle sized Dragon in the distance went flying back over the mountain range he smashed through, due to an upper cut from Luna. “ Though I am sure you have already heard that.”
“I have. I am surprised you came to see me rather than Kaz first though.” Bleu muttered.
“Luna has just gotten over her discovery of caffeine. It is all but assured Kaz will challenge Luna to a drinking contest.” Celestia sighed.” This is going to be a difficult month.”
“Perhaps more so than you think. Velkorn came by.”
Really? I've not seen her in decades. How is she?”
“Stoic and mysterious as ever. She knew you were coming here soon and said to give you the message that the next few years were going to be troubled for Equestria.”
“And the Goddess of the wild couldn't tell me her predictions herself?” Celestia scoffed.
“She said she still owed you fifty bits and she didn't have it on hoof.” Bleu smirked as Celestia rolled her eyes.
“Of course she doesn't. She can see the future and constantly loses in the casinos.” Celestia rubbed her temples with a hoof again as the larger Dragon fighting Luna started throwing parts of the mountain at her.” Alright lay it on me, what did that crazed zebra say this time?”
“Just random words and only the first worries me.” Bleu muttered. “Madness, Envy, Lust, Magic, Greed, and Pride, all with a fiery purple blue center.”
“How delightfully cryptic. Remind me to fire up Canterlot's unused dungeons to welcome any riddle speaking prophets so they can be encouraged to speak clearly.” Celestia sighed trying to ignore that her sister had some how gotten a Dragon the size of a castle into a head lock and was trying to make him tap out.
“You know who she means by Madness.” Bleu cautioned.
“He's locked in stone. The Element's of Harmony put him there.” Celestia
“They also put your sister on the moon, and he's been gone that much longer.” Bleu pointed out.” Those rocks are big on second chances.”
“I'll double check when we get back just to be safe. Still that is an odd list.” Celestia considered. All seeming to be threats except magic. And what does fiery purple blue center mean?
“Magenta?” Bleu suggests
“I think that's more of a red blue. And Fiery....... I hate prophesies.” Celestia sighed.” It's not even a proper riddle. It's just a bunch of words you understand 'after' everything's already happened. There's not even a point in telling any one if it's going to happen! If we try to change it we make it happen if we don't try to change it then that makes it happen. why even bother going around spouting such drivel.”
“You're just annoyed she's always been right.” Bleu smiled as Celestia snorted. Both of them were trying to ignore the massive Dragon behind them trying to belly flop onto a stunned alicorn.
“Your other son still claiming to be a Dragon Lord?” Celestia asked changing the subject with another sip of tea.
Bleu smiled at that but nodded.” He's thinking of retiring in a few years and doing some sort of contest thing with that old scepter of mine to choose a successor. I rather hope my granddaughter wins it. She's a bright one the Dragon's could use some one like her as a leader.”
“You could lead them.”
“Pffft forget that, give up all my free time for petty little issues? “ Bleu laughed.” No thanks I'll leave that to ponies who enjoy that sort of crap.”
“It was only supposed to be for a couple of hundred years.” Celestia sighed. “ I got carried away.”
Both of them look up as a flash of green fire appears over Celesta's head. Bleu sniffs the air blinking as her smirk widened.
“So when were you going to tell me you hatched that egg I gave you?” Bleu asked as Celestia regarded the scroll.
“Shoot, I knew I forgot something. I need to tell you about the Sparkle siblings.” Celestia sighed.” Let me see what the letter is about first however. Twilight tends not to send me things any more unless it's important.”
Celestia unrolled the scroll while in the back ground the massive Dragon was being swung around in a circle by his tail.
“Dear Princess Celestia. The dragon is gone.” Celestia smiled.
“Well that was fast.” Bleu chuckled.” Just like one of my exs”
“The red Dragon was snoring out great clouds of smoke that sent everyone into a tizzy here in Ponyville.” Celestia continued.
“Oh shards that is one of my exs.” Bleu face clawed.
“Gathering up the usual crew, minus Spike as I feared the Dragon might take offense to another Dragon being present and be more hostile thinking it was protecting it's horde.” Celestia read on. “ Honestly I should have been more concerned with Rarity.”
“Spike? His name is Spike hmm?” Bleu grinned.
Celestia's eyes narrow.”He's one of yours isn't he?”
“Maaaaaybe.” Bleu grinned.
“Lovely that makes the three of them royalty..... more paperwork.” Celestia growled as Luna was flung past them with the large Dragon chasing after her.
“Three of them?” Bleu asked.
“The Sparkles... after Twilight hatched Spike and spawned Rahs I listed the three of them as siblings in the records..... wait...there's four of them... Shining Armor..” Celestia's grin widened. “Oh this is priceless and no one can even protest it. They don't have to hide the fact they are dating if he's a prince.”
“Celestia … what did you do and who is Shining Armor?” Bleu demanded.
“The brother of your son by Equestrian law, which with a little finagling will also make him a Prince. Hidden royalty and all that, no sense connecting him to you. Though it would be interesting to see their reactions to having to deal with another Dragon Prince like that Kirin you had a few thousand years ago.” Celestia smiled as the massive Dragon was flung past them with Luna chasing him this time.
“I want a better explanation than that after you finish the letter.” Bleu snorted a bit of lightning. “ This chess master side of you is why we fought in the first place.”
“Oh don't worry about it, it just means there's going to be a wedding soon that the nobles can't do anything about.” Celestia chuckled.” But yes back to the letter.. lets see, prepped gear marched up a mountain, Fluttershy freaked out about the Dragon.....”
“Smart one there. You're supposed to freak out about Dragons.” Bleu commented.
“Don't be too impressed Twilight has described Fluttershy as a mare who's afraid of her own shadow, yet will treat a raging maticore like a lost kitty.” Celestia explained before going back to reading.” Seems she caused a great deal of trouble getting up the mountain to the point Rahs just carried her.”
“If she was that bad why bring her?” Bleu shrugged.
“Twilight was probably banking on her expertise with animals also carrying over to Dragons.”Celestia read on. “ Which according to Twilight doesn't exist. Fluttershy knows nothing of Dragons and the whole plan was a waste. Which means that Twilight was thrown for a loop and was practically useless herself.”
“She wrote that?”
“No I just know how my student reacts to a plan she makes failing.” Celestia pointed out as another mountain exploded when Luna was tackled into it.
“You taught her in your own image hmm?” Bleu grinned.
“I'm not that bad.” Celestia read on. “Let's see. Twilight went in to negotiate anyway and was promptly ignored as the dragon smoked her out and went back to sleep.”
“Mmmhmm sounds about right for Charon.” Bleu nodded sagely.” I had to throw his tail out of bed most days.”
“Rarity tried next with flattery and it almost worked until the Dragon noticed she had slipped on some of his horde to try and sneak out with it.” Celestia face hooved.
“Ha, I like her.” Bleu laughed. “ Ballsy, very ballsy. Also very dumb, but that took a pair to try and steal from a dragon right under his nose.”
“Rahs attempted to persuade him next and managed a beautiful speech that caused Pinkie and Fluttershy to cry and had me tearing up a bit as well. Clearly he was paying attention in some of your classes.” Celestia read on. ”I am certain, had the idiot said it in Pony instead of Moon Dog, it would have worked. Instead he was chased out of the cave because of all the annoying barking.”
Celestia couldn't help chuckle at that though she returned to the letter at Bleu's confused look.
“Pinkie Pie tried to throw it a party. That went as well as expected.” Celestia read. “ And then when all that failed Rainbow Dash tried brute force.”
“Is she still alive?” Bleu questioned a bit worried despite the fact the massive form of her son was currently punching himself in the face behind her as Luna moved his arm with her magic.
“Why art though striking thine-self!? Why art though striking thine-self!?” Luna bellowed.
Celestia read on and nodded.” It seems so,because Fluttershy stepped up when the Dragon was ready to kill them all and brow beat him into submission.”
“Wait Fluttershy is the cowardly one she was complaining about earlier right?” Bleu questioned.
“Yes according to Twilight she locked eyes with the Dragon after a blast of smoke flung everyone into a bolder and acted like the Dragon was a naughty five years old and she was his mother.” Celestia blinked re reading that part again. “She actually made the Dragon cry she laid into it so hard.”
“Oh I really want to meet this lot.” Bleu cackled.” They sound fun.”
Both of them ignored the massive Dragon behind them using a uprooted tree as a golf club to knock Luna into the distance.
“Lets see, went back to town, was going to write a rather strongly worded letter about you sending us into danger again though I reread your letter first and found I had misread the intent of it. So instead I would like to apologize for being so willing to suspect you of trying to manipulate us into doing your dirty work again and putting us in danger so easily. Signed Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia finished.
“She's got you dead to rights 'chess master'” Bleu scoffs.
“Normally yes, but not this time. I have been trying to tone that back when dealing with her.” Celestia sighed noticing that it was getting rather dark rather quickly. She turned her head to look over at what her sister and Bleu's son were doing and froze her eyes widening.
“LUNA NO!” Celestia bellowed calling out in the Royal Canterlot Voice.
Princess Luna of Equestria was standing atop one of the few remaining mountains on her back legs with her forelegs lifted high in the air touching the surface of her moon which she was readying to smash the massive Dragon in the valley below her with.
“Overkill much?” Bleu grinned looking up at the sky and only seeing the moon filling it.
“LUNA PUT THAT THING BACK WHERE YOU GOT IT FROM OR SO HELP ME!”
[Ponyville Town Square. One week after the Dragon left.]
The low rumble of distant thunder sounded over the town as a multitude of ponies moved around Ponyville Town Square park, picking up tree limbs and pulling down broken branches in preparation for the storm.
Well save for one pony.
A white unicorn with a purple mane and tail. She seemed more intent on working on her topiary skill rather than do any real work.
Rarity's magic collected a branch and reattached it to a tree. She looked over the dead branch and the few leaves left on it with a frown. She gasped softly at the idea crossing her mind before her horn glowed once more and the remaining leaves took on the shapes of dancing ponies.
“Perfect.” Rarity smiled, only to have a lasso flip up over the end of the branch, yanking the dead limb off the tree again.
“What?!” Rarity stated turning to glare back at the pony at the other end of the rope.
“Just take the broken limbs down Rarity.” Applejack ordered.” Don't ya'll care about nothing but prettifying?”
“Some pony has to.” Rarity scoffed.” You are making an absolute mess of the town square.”
“Yeah well the storms gonna make an even bigger mess if we don't prune all these loose branches so they don't tumble down on any pony, or anything.” Applejack countered.
“I simply cannot understand why the Weather Patrol had to schedule such a dreadful down pour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious afternoon.” Rarity whined.
“Cause we're behind schedule!” A blue blur stated as it whizzed past them pushing a cloud.
“The rain order got messed up last week causa the Dragon.......” The blur whizzed by again.
“.. and when we got it fixed ...” another blur by.
“... they shipped all the clouds we were supposed to get last week with the ones needed for this week.....” more clouds being pushed.
“... and on top of that we've got a storm building over the Everfree we need to bleed off. “ Rainbow Dash finally paused over the pair wiping her forehead with the back of her hoof. “ The teams gonna be working all night to make sure that other storm gets reduced into this one or we're gonna have an even worse storm hitting us all at once.”
The Pegasus glanced up at the clouds and winced at what she saw. “ NO! Thunderlane the arcus goes over there by the mammatus. What do we pay you for!?”
“We get paid?” the dark stallion in question called back with a smirk.
“Idiot.” Rainbow Dash face hooved before shooting up into the air and vanishing into the cloud bank as the rain started to fall.
“Well, there's yer answer.”Applejack pointed out though Rarity wasn't listening as she was screaming about her mane and trying to dodge raindrops.
“Seriously?” Applejack grumbled looking around.” Go hide under tha picnic table while I try to finish this up if yer so worried about it.”
Rarity did just that running over to the picnic table, though before she could go back to work the mare started whining again. Applejack sighed and trotted over to her.
”What now......?” Applejack deadpanned.
“I prefer not to get my hooves muddy.” Rarity stated pointing down at the rapidly growing mud puddle under the table.
“Seriously? Ain't you usually digging in the dirt fer gems?” Applejack snorted.
“I wear hoof gloves.” Rarity explained.
“There just ain't no pleasing you is there?” Applejack muttered. “Yah can't stand anything if it ain't just so.”
“And how would muddying my hooves serve any useful purpose?” Rarity scoffed.
“Yah wouldn't know useful if it came up and bit yah.”Applejack rolled her eyes.
“That doesn't even make any sense.” Rarity countered.
“Does so.”
“Does not”
“Does so.”
“Does not”
“Does so.”
“Does not”
“Does so.”
“Does not”
“Does so infinity, HA!” Applejack countered.
“Does so infinity, plus one!” Rarity smirked as the pair glared at each other.
“Ya'll should probably be on yer way before ya say something yer gonna regret.” Applejack growled her eyes narrowed at the white mare.
“Indeed perhaps we should go our separate ways before you say something you will regret first!” Rarity countered returning the glare.
The two of them slowly started backing away from each other until a sudden flash of lightning and crash of thunder made both of them scream out and dart back together in a panicked hug.
“Buck it Raindrops, what did you do that for?” Rainbow Dash shouted from above the clouds.” It's too early to bleed off the charge!”
“Cause it's fun.” A rather dour sounding mare shouted back. Both the mares on the ground heard the familiar slap of hoof to face.
“You know what, fine, what ever!” Rainbow Dash called out.” Knock yourself out with it!”
“Okay.” Raindrops called back as another crash of thunder sounded.
“Perhaps we should stick together and find some shelter.” Rarity pointed out.
“And fast.” Applejack stated noting the wind and rain were picking up.
“Applejack? Rarity?” a voice called out over the sound of the rising wind.
Looking around the pair notice the large tree at the other end of the park, one with a purple unicorn standing at the back door yelling at them.
“Twilight?” Applejack questioned.
“I thought she had gone to Canterlot this weekend.” Rarity stated.
“What are you two doing out here? Come in side quick!” Twilight shouted urging them towards the library.
Not having to be asked twice both of them rushed towards the door as another flash of lighting lit up the sky. Though Applejack paused at the door.
“Um yah, is staying inside a tree is the best place during a lightning storm?” Applejack questioned.
“Please give me some credit Applejack.” Twilight scoffed. “ I've got lightning rods in place at the highest branches, magical wards all over the trunk and aside from you two everything in the house is fire proofed six ways from Sunday.”
“Isn't that a bit over kill?”Rarity asked.
“I live with a Dragon.” Twilight explained simply. “Plus adding all this stuff cut down my insurance premium by a lot. Unfortunately with Rahs around I need to recast them every month or so, sooner if he decides to chew on something.”
“Sounds more like a new puppy than a brother.” Applejack responded stepping inside.
“He's civilized... most of the time.” Twilight admitted. “Come on in.”
“Thank you for the most gracious offer.” Rarity began.
“Yeah thank yekindly...... what?” Applejack demanded glaring at Rarity who put up a leg to stop her before pointing at the mud covering the mares hooves.
“Have some thought to our host's household and go wash up.” Rarity ordered as Applejack headed back outside grumbling.
“The weather team's outdone themselves this time hmm?” Twilight stated.” Hope you two don't have any trouble getting home.”
“It may be a bit of trouble. Rarity muttered flipping her mane a bit trying to fix a few stray hairs that had sprung loose from the rain.
“Well you're welcome to stay if you like.”Twilight offered. “Spike and Rahs went with Trixie up to Canterlot to audition for a play. Trixie's looking to stay with her aunt Broadway as well. It's probably going to take another month before her wagon's fixed and she can get back on the road. I don't think she really wanted to stay in town any more if she could help it really. Despite Snips and Snails being the cause, there's still ponies with misdirected anger.”
“Well she did turn my hair green.”
“And you stole a stage prop.”Applejack stated tromping back into the building after finding the hose.
“Yes well, I only realized that after the fact. I also paid for the one I took and made her two new curtains to go with the show. Gaudy things really, but they fit her aesthetic.” Rarity rolled her eyes.
“Any way as I said you two are welcome to stay here the night. I don't think the storms supposed to let up until they can bleed out the build up over the Everfree.”
“Where's Rahs' an Spike?” Applejack questioned.
“In Canterlot auditioning for a play with Trixie.” Twilight offered. “Though Spike only went along because they were going to hit a karaoke place too.”
[Canterlot]
“So you wanna play with magic, Colt you should know whatcha falling for baby do you dare to do this? 'cause I’m coming atcha like a dark horse!” Trixie sang on stage to a rather captivated audience.
Spike and Rahs sat at a table off to the side of the room, though the odd pair still got the occasional glance of worry from the other ponies in the room. Spike didn't care and was currently enthralled with the singing though Rahs was searching through a book of songs to pick out what he wanted to sing.
“Sweet Celestia, she's amazing.” Spike stared at the stage, noting Trixie seemed to be singing at them.
“Woof.” Rahs agreed smirking as he pointed out a song on the list.
Spike tore his eyes away from the mare he supposedly had a grudge against and looked at the song Rahs pointed at.
“Pontera's Wanted Dead or alive? You always sing that!” Spike protested.
Trixie for her part was getting annoyed that the individual she was trying to woo with her singing was seemingly ignoring her. Though with the focus the rest of the crowd had on her she couldn't just stop now could she?
[Ponyville]
“Ah can't imagine how that will go.” Applejack pondered, feeling a twinge of something at the revelation, it felt odd for her brothers to leave Twilight alone like this.
“Ooh you two should totally stay over. We could have a slumber party. I've read about those and I’ve always wanted to try one....” Twilight exclaimed.
“Oh dear me ummm I see to recall another engagement that I had this evening, that had slipped my mind until this point.” Rarity muttered.” I'm afraid I can't possibly stay here all night........with Applejack.”
If either of the other ponies in the room heard her they didn't say anything. Applejack was trying to figure out if something was wrong, while Twilight was searching the book shelves for something.
Twilight smiled as she pulls a book down from a shelf floating it over for Rarity to look at.
“Slumber 101 all you've wanted to know about slumber parties but were afraid to ask.........” Rarity read before glancing over at Twilight.” Seriously?”
“It's my own personal copy. I picked it up ages ago and it's a great reference guide. You should see the table of contents.” Twilight beamed.” I've never gotten to try it before. This is gonna be great!”
Applejack and Rarity looked at each other with a wince before looking back at Twilight.
“Seriously?” Applejack frowned staring at the other two.
“What?” Rarity questioned tapping her hoof lightly to Twilight's face applying more of the greenish mixture.
“Yah fussed at me fer trying tah come inside with muddy hooves and tha first thing yah do is mix up some mud in a bowl and slap it on Twi's face?” Applejack snorted.
“This isn't some filthy dirty mud, this is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate ones complexion.” Rarity chided.
“We're giving each other makeovers.” Twilight squeed. “See it's one of the first things shown in the book!”
Applejack looked at the book as it was floated over to her by Twilight, frowning a little as she read what Twilight was talking about. Her friend was a little too earnest about this sort of thing and it worried her. She knew Twilight had some issues thanks to what she had picked up from Spike and her own observations, but she wasn't sure what they steamed from nor how many problems she might have. It was hinted to her that Twilight didn't exactly have a normal foal hood, course neither had Applejack really, for entirely different reasons. Then there was Rarity, Applejack didn't want to deal with her at all. The white mare was getting into this a little too much of course, all this frou frou stuff seemed right up her ally.
Applejack wanted to head home, but the storm was getting worse and she was worried about how Twilight might take her leaving, so she opted to stay for now. Honestly she just hoped she could keep from throttling Rarity the whole night.
~splat~
Applejack winced as something splattered to her face. She frowned as some pony started rubbing the herbal smelling stuff in. She opened her eyes to glare at the mud covered white hoof patting her face a moment before a pair of cucumber slices were slapped over her eyes.
“What!?”
“It's to reduce puffiness around the eyes.” Rarity commented.
“Sleep does that too, an better than produce!” Applejack protested. The mare paused taking the cucumbers off her eyes and eating them. “ Good chow though....”
“This is exciting,we're doing everything by the book..” Twilight smiled looking over the book in question.” And that will make sure our slumber party is perfect.”
Applejack glanced to Rarity a bit nervously.
“Did you hear that Applejack?” Rarity deadpanned. “ You certainly would not want to do anything to ruin Twilight's first slumber party would you?”
Applejack rolled her eyes returning the look Rarity was giving her.” Funny, was gonna say tha same tah you....”
“So we have an agreement?” Rarity questioned.
“I reckon we do. “ Applejack nodded spitting on her hoof and holding it out to seal the deal only for Rarity to recoil.
“Ugh , there's messy then there's just plain rude.” The white Unicorn scoffed looking at the spit covered hoof as Applejack frowned.
“Well there's fussy and just plain gitting on mai nerves.” Applejack muttered back as the two started to devolve into a insult laiden whisper fest again as Twilight read on oblivious to the pairs animosity.
[Canterlot]
“Seriously Fuzzy? That song again?” Trixie scoffed, nursing her drink as she cooled down from her time on stage. “ I'm pretty sure you sang that last time we came here four years ago too.”
“He always sings that.” Spike rolled his eyes.
“Woof!” Rahs growled.
“I don't care if you like it, you always sing it!” Spike protested.
“He is right. How can you call yourself a proper thespian if you typecast yourself into a role like this hmm?” Trixie smirked as Rahs frowned. “ Seriously stop being a hack and sing something else. Let's hear something different out of you for a change.”
Rahs snorted and rose from his seat with a flip of his tattered long coat as he strode towards the stage.
“Might have gone too far there Trixie.” Spike added. “ He hates the idea he's typecast as a monster all the time like that.”
“He'll be better for the change. Not like he can do much aside from sing something badly.” Trixie shrugged as she watched Rahs pointing out the song he wanted to the pony in charge of the music.
“You'd be surprised.” Spike answered. “ So are you actually gonna make a move on him, or just flirt all night, cause he's really blind about that sort of thing?”
Trixie blinked looking at the little Dragon who was calmly sipping on his drink.”Trixie has no idea what you are talking about.”
“And the third pony speech gave it away.”
“What?”
“I've got a neurotic older sister, an easily excitable older brother and another older brother who doesn't have it together as much as he thinks he does. I'm used to catching onto stuff quick to stop it from getting worse. I'm the sane one of the family.” Spike explained. ”Given how you are around Rahs and from what I've been told about you having been in Celestia's school I've picked up on a few of your little quirks in the last few weeks.”
Trixie frowned as the little Dragon spoke. Rahs had mentioned his brother was sharp, but this was more than she expected. “ So is this the part where you tell Trixie to step off as he doesn't need another broken mare in his life?”
Trixie expected a number of responses, the little Dragon laughing was not one of them.
“Pfft of course not. Every mare I've ever met since I could remember is nuts. The trick I think is to find a mare who's crazy you can work with.“ Spike laughed.” Besides I'm just pointing out that Rahs is too dense to notice subtle. If you're gonna get his attention it probably needs to be a big showy deal. Seriously dude needs a girlfriend.”
Trixie blinked and smiled a little. “Well that's good to know.”
“That said, if this is some sort of power grab or bragging thing and you break his heart.... well, I might be a Dragon, but I'm just gonna let Twilight deal with you.” Spike said as if it was a polite conversation not a threat. “She's got journals full of revenge plots she wrote as a foal that she keeps adding to and refining. She needs a stallion something fierce too. Or a clean white coat that allows her to hug herself.”
Spike blinked as Trixie seemed unphased by this. A small smile crossing his lips. Either she underestimated Twilight, or wasn't planning on hurting Rahs. Granted she was staring at the stage with a goofy smile on her face so he expected it was the latter.
“Hmmm?” Spike questioned.
“He dedicated the song to me.” Trixie practically gushed.
Spike blinked, maybe this would be easier than he thought. He looked on stage wondering if Rahs had any feelings for Trixie and if his stupid excuse about a pony's scent really meant anything. He only thought this until the first few notes of the song came on, at which point he fell off his chair laughing.
The rest of the audience hearing the start of the song joined in the singing as well almost instantly.
'Princess' was a very famous band after all.
[Golden Oaks]
Twilight tilted her head a little as she looked up from her book listening to her friends go into some rather specific ghost stories. If she didn't know better , she would think they were talking about one another. But that was silly they were friends right? The Element's wouldn't have worked if they were not.
Maybe something had happened between the pair of them to make them cross with each other? Or maybe these were very specific location ghost stories and she was reading too much into it. Well time to take matters into her own hooves and get a proper ghost story off. Or at least something scary.
Twilight's horn glowed cutting out all the lights in the library. Applejack and Rarity both cried out as Twilight popped up between them shining a flashlight at her chin.
“I've got one. The story is called , the legend of the headless horse!” Twilight began with a grin.
[Canterlot]
Trixie was bright red in the face as Rahs plopped down into this chair across the table from her. The applause he had gotten for his song was much larger than hers, and the dedication still stung too.
“For your information Fuzzy, Trixie's bottom is not fat!” the blue Unicorn snorted as Rahs simply grinned.
Spike had yet to get back up off the floor from where he had fallen over laughing and was trying to contain his flaming hiccups with his claws.
[Golden Oaks]
“…. and then , just when the last one thought she was safe, there standing behind her , inches away.. was... THE HEADLESS HORSE!” Twilight screamed out flinging a blanket over her head and waving her forelegs in the air making both of the others scream out flailing clutching each other in terror.
Twilight smirked cutting the lights back on, making both of the mares leap away from each other once they figured out who they were hugging.
Twilight grinned wide darting over to the book and a checklist she made. “ Ghost story, check.”
She turned back to Rarity and Applejack glaring at each other with mild annoyance.
“Now who wants smores?” Twilight asked with a giggle.
[Canterlot]
Trixie was still glaring at Rahs when Spike went up to perform his song. The navy furred Moon Dog didn't seem bothered by the glare in the slightest. So after a few moments Trixie simply gave up on it and sat back thinking about what Spike had said.
For her plan to work she needed to out power his sister and show blatantly that she was infatuated with him.
A small part of her mind told her to simply say it, to simply tell him how she felt and be done with it, for good or ill and she could progress from there.
The larger part of her mind told her that doing so that was was far too dull and not dramatic enough to catch his attention, let alone convey her actual feelings in the matter. Talk was cheap and often meaningless. She needed more than that. She needed big and showy, she needed to make a production out of the whole thing.
The opening strains of Spike's song caught her attention and she looked to the stage as Spike started to sing. She didn't recognize the song right off but it sounded like that Griffon band, Air-o- smith or something.
“Backstroke lovah always hidin' neath th cover 'Til I talked to my daddy, he say.... He said you ain't seen noting 'Til you're down on a muffin then you're sure to be a-changin' your ways!” Spike belted out.
Rahs and Trixie both stared at the small Dragon on stage before hoof and paw impacted their respective faces.
“HE'S TWELVE!” was soon bellowed at the stage hoof.
[Golden Oaks Library]
Twilight was not a hundred percent sure she liked where this was going. S'mores had been tasty if a messy check off her list.
Though currently Twilight thought that Rarity and Applejack didn't seem to have a grasp on how truth or dare was supposed to work. They had started by insulting each other.... again then moved on to rather mean dares.
Rarity was soaked and shivering and clearly pissed off. Applejack was dressed up like a storybook princess, Twilight wasn't even sure where the dress had come from, was that thing in the hall closet? She needed to have a word with her brothers when they got back.
As dares started getting more and more vicious Twilight decided that perhaps the game should end before some pony was dared to jump off a bridge or something.
“Umm I think perhaps we should check off truth or dare and move on.” Twilight offered looking in the book.” Pillow fight? What's that?”
[ In another story altogether]
The tall red Earth pony stallion's ears suddenly stuck straight up as he surged to his hooves. His blue eyes scanned the woods where he and the others were camped out at, eyes narrowed as his tail lashed.
A gray Unicorn with an amber mane looked up from where he was keeping watch over the camp. He moved carefully to stand to not to disturb the small blue Dragonling on his back. He looked around the camp curiously as his friend lept to his hooves trying to find the problem.
“What is it Rhede? Is something wrong?” Jer'rahd asked, his horn glowing unfastening the catch of his double sided blade that hung from his side.
“I'll say somethings wrong Jer. Somewhere out there a group of hot mares are having a sexy pillow fight. And I'm not around to watch!” Rhede stated flatly.
Another of the figures in the small campsite rose to her hooves and belted the tall red stallion in the back of the head with a hoof.
The Zebra mare snorted in annoyance glaring at the red stallion as a gray Pegasus half hidden in her sleeping bag spoke up.
“Thanks for that Velkorn, the idiot was out of my reach.”Starfall growled.
“What the buck does a 'sexy pillow fight' even entail” the small blue Dragon on the back of the unicorn asked.
[ Golden Oaks Library]
“Pillow fight?” Rarity scoffed.” I shall not engage in something so barbaric.......”
Her voice trailed off as a pillow belted her across the the face.
“Oooohohoh, It. Is. ON!” The white mare growled.
Rarity belted the pillow back across the room smashing it into Applejack's face. The orange mare in turn bucked a few more Pillows into Rarity knocking her backwards. Several more pillows were magically flung from Rarity's side of the room impacting Applejack.
Twilight popped up in the middle understanding it finally as she looked at the book.” Oh Pillow. Fight. Okay I get it now. Well I get it, but I don't get it. Why is this a thing? OOF!”
The purple mare was soon buried under a number of pillows that had been been flung wild.
“Maybe we should take it down a notch?” Twilight called out from where she was buried.
“Ah will if she will.” Applejack stated ducking behind a wall of pillows.
“You first .” Rarity counted dodging some kicked projectiles.
“Right plan B it is then.” Twilight muttered, her magic grabbing the collected pillows that had buried her and flung them all wild. The enchanted feather filled bundles soared away from her until the spell took hold and they turned midair, homing in on Applejack and Rarity, pelting them and burying both under a mound of pillow impacts.
“Ow....” Applejack muttered under the pile of purple pony pushed plush projectiles.
“Where did that come from?” Rarity twitched under another pile.
“Keep in mind I do have two brothers who I fight with every so often.” Twilight smiled. “No offense to the skills you two display, but Spike and Rahs are much more devious and over the top in our fights.”
The purple mare might have gone on if she wasn't suddenly belted from both sides by another pair of pillows launched by her friends.
[ Canterlot]
“I can't believe they let you sing that.” Trixie snorted.
“What!?” Spike protested.”There's nothing even too that song really. It's just about a guy being told how to walk. It's an awesome song.”
Rahs chuckled as Trixie rolled her eyes.
“Ahh the innocence of youth.” Trixie muttered.
“What?” Spike demanded.
“Nothing.” Trixie stated looking up at the back entrance of the Royal Canterlot Theater. “ Are you sure you two will be alright? It's gotten late.”
“We'll be fine. We want to see Princess Luna any way. Sooner or later she's going to tell us what's going on with Rahs here.” Spike offered. “She'll let us crash in a guest room if we ask I bet.”
“Bark.” Rahs offered.
“Yeah good point. Worst case we take the red eye back to Ponyville.” Spike shrugged.
Trixie blinked.” Don't your parents live here?”
Both Spike and Rahs frowned and Rahs growled a little. “Yeah you could say that, though we don't really deal with them if we can help it. I don't have any problem with them, but Rahs and Twilight prefer not to have anything to do with either of them. A lot of Twilight's issues stem from things they did. They're not bad ponies mind you, they just … didn't know how to deal with the three of us I think.”
Rahs shrugged at that, offering Trixie a bow before turning to head off towards the palace.
“See yah Trixie. Don't forget what I said.” Spike winked at her before trundling off after his brother.
Trixie watched them go as she opened the door behind her listing to the pair bicker as they walked off.
“So what's so bad about going down on a muffin? Derpy does that all the time!” Spike questioned.
[Golden Oaks.]
Twilight pulled her pillow over her head trying to drown out the hushed angry whispers that were steadily getting louder as the night went on. Perhaps she shouldn't have had them share a bed, though she doubted Rahs and Spike would be too thrilled if their beds were used.
She had gotten a spare bed out of the down stairs storage, it paid to have a back up when you have a fire breather and a chronic chewer in your family. She thought this while completely ignoring the fact she had vaporized her last bed.
Still that was neither here nor there as her friends were fighting.... again, and Twilight had had it.
“EEENOUGH!” Twilight shouted sitting up and cutting the lights on in her room with a spell. Grabbing the book with a hoof she held it open to the first page shoving it in Rarity's and Applejack's faces. The pair were fighting over a blanket of all things, ignoring the fact that there were three more of them folded up on the end table next to the bed.
“The number one rule in a Slumber Party is to have fun!” Twilight fussed.” And thanks to you two I can't check that off! I've got an incomplete checklist, do you have any idea how bothered I am by that? Check lists are made for checking things off and I can't check that off, because clearly you're not having any fun!”
Applejack and Rarity both winced as Twilight dropped back down onto her bed with an annoyed growl.
“ Ah been trying to get along.” Applejack protested.
“No it was I who have been trying to get along....” Rarity countered before the two started to go at it again.
Twilight growled sitting up again in anger. “Okay I seriously hope you two are happy, because there is no way I'm going to be doing something like this again. I've been trying to open up to be more relaxed and more open to trying new things. I actually was looking forward to this opportunity for a slumber party when it presented itself , despite having to hide my terror at just saying the word 'PARTY'.”
Twilight stood up on her bed, looking down at the pair of them.
“I could have tried this in Canterlot with my school friends, but I chose to stay the safe route because I was afraid if something went wrong that I wouldn't want to ever do anything new ever again.” Twilight ranted. “ And thanks to you two I was proven right, this is a mistake and I should just give up and lock myself in a tower somewhere and avoid all contact with anything! This was my first slumber party, my first attempt to do something with friends that wasn't the result of a manic god attacking, a supreme bout of stubbornness, a Ursa attack, or a lazy Dragon. Congratulations, I now have yet another 'party' I want nothing to do with.”
Twilight tossed the book over her shoulder hopping off the bed and storming out of the room with a growl, making sure to slam the door behind her as she left. That lasted about three seconds before the door was flung back open, Twilight stormed back in, grabbed Applejack and Rarity in her magic along with the extra bed and flung all of them out of her room before slamming the door shut again with her on the inside.
“Perhaps we went a bit too far.” Rarity conceded from her new position half under the bed.
“Yah think?” Applejack muttered from where she was plastered to the wall of the hallway.
Rarity and Applejack sat in the hall, mostly silence. Rarity had taken it upon herself to try and right the bed and clean up the damage that was done to the wall when Twilight flung it out with them. The White mare looked at the book that had been thrown out with them and sighed casting a spell to mend a few of the rumpled pages. Given Twilight's love of books she was beyond upset.
Applejack was the first to speak.
“So we dun goofed.” the orange mare sighed.
“Clearly.”Rarity agreed.
“Was worried bout this happening too. She was too eager with it.... we both shoulda left and let Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy help with her first slumber party. “ Applejack sighed. “Shoulda known we couldn't get along tha whole time.”
“Indeed, she might have been upset with us for refusing, but it would have been better than this.” Rarity sighed. “ She couldn't have known how we react when dealing with each other.”
“Why is that any way? Yah fuss at me fer being messy, but yer fine with Pinkie Pie who wears as much cake as she eats.” Applejack questioned.
“I could ask the same of you. You seem quite content with Fluttershy despite her being as picky and demure as I am.”Rarity questioned not meeting Applejack's gaze at the question.
Applejack turns away looking down at the ground her hat tipping over her eyes.” Doesn't really matter. We gotta figure a way tah make this up tah Twilight. She's pissed at both of us and it don't feel right leaving her here alone like this.”
“I expect she might develop another complex from this if we leave her be.” Rarity frowned. “I hate feeling like I need to walk on eggshells around her.”
“She ain't that bad from what I've seen. It's just when she's set off, she's set off hard. We just need tah fix this before we gotta explain to Spike and Rahs we screwed up their sister more.” Applejack grumbled.” Should probably ask um how they deal with her episodes too.”
“We are in agreement of that, so long as this agreement doesn't involve any spit...” Rarity scoffed.
“You still on about that?”
“I will be for a while. That was disgusting.”
“It's an old way of sealin a deal.” Applejack snorted. “Fer bigger deals blood used tah be involved, but that practice fell out a long time ago.”
“I have no idea what to do with that information.” Rarity considered.
“Well dun worry about it then and help me come up with some way tah fix this.”Applejack rolled her eyes.
“I already have darling....” Rarity smiled.
“So help me if it's prettifying something......”Applejack muttered.
“Stuff it a moment hayseed and let me talk.” Rarity snapped.
Applejack raised an eyebrow at the outburst but let it slide.
“Right sorry... sort of, the simple fact is we will just have to redo all of this and make sure it all goes as Twilight's book says. If we can get the others involved as well it will seem a bigger deal and perhaps it will ease her issue with this first one.”
“Not bad. But that dun help us in the now.” Applejack considered. “Maybe we can convince her to go down her list again tonight. Plenty of night left provided we dun worry bout sleep. Maybe we ken still fix this first one.”
Rarity pondered a moment before nodding and picking up the checklist book. “Doable we simply need to make sure we don't got right back to each others throats.”
“Hard enough when we annoy each other jus by being us.”
“Indeed. Perhaps if we take parts of the list and each do something from it.” Rarity offered looking at the list. “ Oh my there's a number of things in here other than having fun not checked off.”
“Really?” Applejack blinked looking over Rarity's shoulder. “Ah dun think talking bout colts is something we should get into.”
“What, don't want to find out who Twilight is interested in?” Rarity smirked.
“Not really. That's her business, less it's some pony one of us is also interested in.”Applejack shrugged. “Since she don't seem tha type tah go after a prince and I ain't got time tah be swooning over some stallion that pretty much leaves nothing going on in that conversation.”
“I concede that point. I expect most of the cooking things would be your skill set which would leave all of the glamor things for me.”
“Reasonable enough. What else did she skip? Gossip,ehh, spin tah bottle, ain't that a mixed party game?Solve mysteries with a large dog, well Rahs ain't here I ken see why that was skipped. Overthrow tha government?” Applejack read surprised.
“Where on Equss did she get this sleepover book?” Rarity muttered.
Before either of them could question the list further a crack of thunder shook the tree house, this was quickly followed by a loud crash from the next room and a shriek.
“Twilight!” The pair of them shouted rushing to the door . Rarity tried to open it only to find it locked, before she could fret over it Applejack shoved her out of the way and whirled about, planting both hooves just under the knob with a hard double kick that broke the latch and sent the door swinging open with a crash.
Looking into the room was a complete disaster. The main window had been smashed open and the top of a tree now filled the room. Rain was flooding in through the broken window and pooling on the floor.
“Where's Twilight?” Rarity cried out looking around.
“ Here!” Applejack called over flipping Twilight's bed over showing the mare curled up and and muttering to herself.
“Uh oh.” Rarity winced.
“Crap not again..” Applejack muttered. “Did tha same thing going after that Dragon. Rarity you remember what Rahs did to get her to calm down?”
“I recall part of it but I don't know what he said. I don't speak in' woofs'.”Rarity called back her magic gathering a number of things that had been knocked off shelves when the tree broke the window.
Applejack held her tongue, wanting very much to make a comment about how Rarity bitched enough to speak canine, but for the moment they needed to focus. “ Right well let's worry about what we ken deal with, help me get tha tree back out tha window.”
“What? Noooooooo, it's wet and sappy and covered in mud.”Rarity whined.
“It's a tree top how tha heck would it be covered in mud?” Applejack snapped looking at the tree and noticing that it was completely covered in mud.” What tha hey, it's covered in mud?”
“I told you.” Rarity scoffed.” Maybe it bounced off the ground?”
Applejack snorted slipping under the tree to try and push the tree top out with little luck. “Rarity give me a hoof here!”
“I am...” Rarity fussed her horn glowing a number of the branches popping off and forming small dancing pony figures.
Applejack frowned at the mares Reluctance to touch the tree, but the more of the little figure she made, the lighter the tree became until Applejack could simply shove the rest of it out the window.
“Well that's part one. Dun suppose yer fancy magic ken fix tha window?”
“I'm afraid that's beyond my skill.” Rarity frowned.
“Alright. See what yah ken do bout Twilight I think ah saw a tarp in tha basement ah ken use that tah cover tha hole.”Applejack sighed darting out of the room.
Rarity looked at Twilight who was sitting still and rocking a little her tail being worried between her fore hooves as she muttered to herself. When her plan to deal with the Dragon had fallen apart all the way up the mountain she had had a similar reaction, though Rahs had gotten her to recover from that fairly quickly with a hug and a little talk. Rarity had no idea what it was that Rahs had said , but it worked.
Still if Twilight snapped out of it Rarity was certain that her friend knew the proper spell to fix her own window. Still she wasn't sure how to snap her out of it quickly. No wait she did know, her novels told her how to do that. There was almost always a hysterical mare and they were always calmed the same way.
~WACK!~
Twilight recoiled from the slap whipping her head and glaring up at Rarity.
“You hit me.” Twilight accused.
“I did, you were freaking out.” Rarity agreed.
“You're not supposed to hit some one having an episode it doesn't do anything but hurt the pony having the fit!”
“And yet here you are reprimanding me for that very thing that doesn't work.” Rarity smiled.
“What no it didn.... agrrrrh you sound like Rahs and Spike.” Twilight growled rubbing her cheek.
“Well I admit I wasn't sure it would work..” Rarity admitted.” But it seemed to work in this book I read...”
“Book what medical book says slap them?” Twilight fumed.
“Errr not a medical book per-say.” Rarity replied sheepishly. “It was The Wolf of the Harvest Moon.”
“That trashy romance novel?!” Twilight demanded.
“Well I wouldn't call it trashy... it has won a number of awards despite it's age....” Rarity protested.” But we can have a book discussion later, I think there are other things to worry about now.”
Rarity looked back at the room and the mess within it, rain still coming in the broken window and pooling on the floor.
“Where did all the little pony figures come from?” Twilight asked looking at the small topiary figures still sitting around the room. “ And the mud?”
“Do you like them, and honestly I'm not sure of the mud... where is Applejack” Rarity frowned her magic gathering a few of the books and other nicknacks up that the water was threatening, putting them on the bed away from the window.
“You're both still here?” Twilight questioned. Rarity glanced back and noticed Twilight simply staring blankly at the mess, one of her ears twitching. This wasn't an expression she was familiar with.
Twilight had gotten her self stuck in a loop of thoughts. There was too much to do and she couldn't start doing one thing without doing something else. Included in this mental loop was her thought to apologize to Rarity and Applejack for her outburst and throwing them out, but that loop came back around to it being their fault she had that break down. She knew she had freaked out when the tree broke into the window, though she was already on the verge of a breakdown after she started thinking about how the slumber party went. The tree just set it off by adding more problems than she could deal with to it and making her lock up.
That same loop was starting to take hold again and her brain was trying to get her to focus on anything else, like the figures.
“Twilight dear I don't suppose you might be able to fix the window. I'm afraid I don't have a spell to repair something of that size. “Rarity questioned. “ A tear or a fabric split would be no issue, maybe even a broken pair of scissors but this is a bit beyond me.”
Rarity blinked as there seemed to be a small spark in Twilight's eyes as her ears perked back up. The purple mare had evidently just been given a focal point and was looking like her usual self. Rarity made a note of that.
“It's not really that different. I take you use a variation of Mordenkainen The Gray Hawk's marvelous mend? Well the principals of the larger scale or the 'Mass Marvelous Mend' are the same. The main difference is the multitude of materials that it can be used on. While the minor version of the spell can generally focus on one material due to the mana flow more than one material can be altered with the larger spell.......” Twilight lectured.
Rarity blinked watching as Twilight went full on lecture mode, her horn glowed brightly as bits and pieces of the broken window were gathered up along with a few of her pony topiary sculptures for spare parts that might have fallen outside to the ground below and gotten lost. The gathered pieces merged and flowed much like water as they reattached to the window frame.
“........While I prefer to use water as a form of repair, because it allows a greater malleability of movement and getting some of the smaller details and is easier to manipulate when one thinks that the final stage of the water will be it's solid form and even though ice melts when used to manipulate normally solid objects. Ponder Stibbons, Reader of Invisible Writings, theorized this was due to the nature of matter wanting to remain at rest in it's natural shape. He was of course ridiculed by his superiors at the time who didn't care how it worked so long as it did....”
The lecture continued as Twilight finished the window frame's repair and reinstalled a newly reformed, though with slightly fewer glass panels, window.
Rarity blinked at the repaired window the action of it seemingly have reset her friend as Twilight had continued the repairs her magic drawing the water up into the air. A light pop teleported a mop bucket and a mop likely from a down stairs closet as the water was wrung into it. Through the whole thing Twilight had yet to stop talking and Rarity was learning more about the Colour of Magic than she ever really wanted to know.
“Well... Ah guess we don't need the tarp.” Applejack stated looking at the repaired window and the room that Rarity and Twilight were working on cleaning still.
“Applejack where have you been?” Rarity scoffed.
“Floor was leaking and falling inta tha library itself.” Applejack explained watching Twilight tense up. “ Ease up sugar cube, ah took care of it. Got a buncha pots from tha kitchen tah collect tha water and moved a bunch books. None of um really got any water on um, but I put tha ones on tha tops shelves on tha return desk if yah wanna check um out later Twi.”
Applejack blinked as the purple mare rushed down the stairs past her to check on the books.
“Or now's fine too.” Applejack sighed.
“That was an attention to detail I didn't expect out of you.” Rarity scoffed.
“Yeah well if i'da left them there'd have been more damage, though ah guess ah didn't need that many pots if tha windows fixed.” Applejack shrugged. “So what'd ah miss?”
“I might have figured out a few things about our friend here for next time she has an issue. Seems if there's not a clear goal or objective she locks up. But once she has a task she will single mindedly do it.” Rarity smirked.” Sound familiar?”
“Shush.” Applejack snorted. “ You manage to talk to her bout the idea?”
“No, perhaps we should go down there and do that now.. I doubt any of us are going to go back to sleep anytime soon after all this excitement.”
“Yeah... prolly not.” Applejack agreed.
It took a bit of convincing and more than a few apologies, but Twilight was willing to start the slumber party over again. The fact the three of them were a mess from dealing with the tree top and water made the makeovers go a bit easier, though Applejack refrained from allowing the others to get too fancy with her this time. Rarity as well was slightly less meticulous when the snacks came up again.
The pillow fight was skipped after Twilight's display of skill last time and the Truth or dare dissolved into a embarrassing teasing session when Twilight chose truth and Rarity asked her if there was any one she fancied since coming to Ponyville.
Applejack was less than thrilled with the answer, though Rarity loved it. Twilight simply buried her head under her pillow and ended the game.
Of course the horror stories were taken over by Applejack as she told some of the campfire stories from some of the camping trips she, Rainbow, and Applebloom went on.
“…........... so tha next morning when tha pony woke, he looked around tha cabin where he had been spending tha night and didn't see a single creepy picture, all he saw were windows.” Applejack stated looking at the two unicorns hanging on her every word.
The boom of thunder made the tree house shake at a perfect dramatic moment causing the other two mares to scream out. Of course Applejack didn't anticipate the front door being flung open at two am with a second flash of lightning showing a massive figure glistening as the light flashed behind it.
All three of them screamed out as the thunder from the lightning sounded. Blue and purple magic grabbed a coat rack and a stool flinging them at the shadowy form as Applejack bucked the table towards the figure.
There was a questioning sound from the figure before the impact of the furniture flung the shadowy form back out into the storm with a wet splat.
The girls paused blinking in a moment of silence as the door swung on it's hinges.
“See this is why I open doors from the side. Just in case there's a trap or some one ready to attack.” stated a young voice. “ O&O does teach survival skills!”
“Spike?” Twilight asked as the little dragon poked his head in the door carefully making sure nothing else was going to be flung at the door.
“Oh hey Twilight. Didn't expect you'd still be awake. And Rarity and Applejack too?” Spike muttered.” That explains why three things hit him.”
“That was Rahs?! Why are you back home?” Twilight demanded, darting to the door.
“We took the red eye from Canterlot. The Princesses are both out doing some ambassadorial stuff and we sure as heck weren't gonna stay at Mom and Dads.” Spike explained stepping inside, the water dripping off his scales rapidly drying as the heat from his body turned it to steam.
Rarity and Applejack moved to the door along with Twilight peering out into the rain only to quickly move back as Rahs stepped inside with a frown. The navy blue canine was soaked and coated in mud. He tossed the coat rack and chair to the side having carried them back inside, though he wasn't bothering with the table. He looked down at Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity with a frown, mud and water dripping from his muzzle down his now even more tattered coat, and fur.
“Rahs are you okay? I'm sorry about that it was just Applejack was telling a ghost story and then you came in …...” Twilight began.
“Bork.” Rahs cursed, then he smiled, the expression confusing the mares. Spike however took a step behind the still open door, keeping it between him and his brother as the large canine dropped to all fours between the three confused ponies.
“What are you? Oh no. NO RAHS WAIT!” Twilight yelled just as Rahs started to shake all the water and mud from himself showering the three mares and the foyer of the library.
Trotting down the road on the way back to her farm, Applejack decided to slow down a little to look over the damage the storm did. The river around town was swollen and one of the bridges had partially washed away, though it was an older one, due to be replaced soon anyway. A few trees were damaged, one or two ponies might have some new leaks to fix, but the damage was rather minimal over all.
The sky was still dotted with a number of clouds though the majority of them had already been cleared. Given what Dash had said about needing to watch the storm all night she expected the team was passed out somewhere in the cloudscape likely to finish up after a nap. Applejack couldn't fault them for that, while Dash seemed lazy, when work needed to be done, she was just as hardworking as the Apples were.
Of course all of this thinking was to distract her from the real issue. What happened last night at the library.
She knew her anger with Rarity was unfounded, but she couldn't help it. It was one of those things where a pony automatically didn't like someone and every little thing they did cemented that hatred.
Applejack sighed, her walk slowed and just let one hoof fall in front of the other as she moved on, lost in her thoughts.
Her father had told her once that holding onto anger was like swallowing poison and waiting for another pony to die. She wondered if that also included Diamond Dogs and not just Ponies.
She wanted to think that the ones that killed her parents had been taken care of by the Royal Guard, but their pack was still out there and Applejack wanted to crush the life out of every single one of those Bone Hounds she could get her hooves on. Only Big Mac, Granny, and Applebloom had kept her from hunting every single one of them down, or die trying.
Her family was torn apart by the damn dogs and then, out of nowhere, this prissy white unicorn gets foal napped. Before the Guard could come back she then waltzed back into town like nothing had happened, some how striking some sort of deal with the Hounds. A deal she wouldn't tell any pony the details of.
Applejack knew that was where her anger stemmed from. Rarity's deal with the mutts kept them away from the town and leaving travelers alone. Applejack didn't see a reason for there to be peace, she wanted them all gone.
Still.
At the very least she shouldn't hold Rarity responsible for the mess. Her parents were killed long before this deal was set up. Applebloom wasn't even walking yet, her sister only recalling her parents from faded photos and memories from her infancy.
The incident last night brought home that it was stupid. Her anger at Rarity over nothing almost ended another friendship.
Poison indeed.
She had to let this go. Being angry at some pony when they did nothing wrong was no way to live. It would take time and effort, but Applejack was nothing if not stubborn, she'd get over this.
Rarity looked up at her shop, walking around the outside of it with an appraising eye. Aside from a few loosened shutters her shop was still in top shape. Rarity sighed pushing open the front door and closing it behind her, not bothering to turn the closed sign around. Every pony would be too busy with clean up today to bother with coming in for a fitting any way.
Something Rarity was quite fine with this morning.
She flopped down on a couch pressing her face into a pillow with a groan. Last night had nearly been a disaster simply because she couldn't stop goading a mare who didn't even seem to recall why.
In a word it was pointless, and it nearly cost her her friendship with Twilight. She still felt she owed the mare and her brothers something. Not just for the gala tickets and her harsh behavior either.
She put up with the occasional prank and oddity of the trio, and for the most part they seemed to accept her despite her own flaws. In truth Rahs amused her the most out of the three, when she had discovered his love for drama and the theater the first time the pair of them had gone through at least four scenes of a 'Wagon named Desire' before Spike threw them out of the library.
Not to say she disliked Twilight or Spike, but of the three she shared more interests with the Moon Dog. Odd given how their initial meeting went.
Still last night was nearly the worst thing ever. Certainly she had learned some things about Twilight and her problems, but she had also caused a number of them, all because of a petty feud with Applejack, one that the farm mare didn't even remember was going on.
Long before she had gotten her cutiemark she had been part of the drama club in school. Applejack had been on the hoof ball team. As most bit novels say, jocks and nerds do not get along. She had been picked on, teased, and shoved in her locker by the jocks as had a number of other drama club members. Applejack it seemed had made her a favored target and would go out of her way to harass the white unicorn filly.
Then one day Applejack stopped coming to school. It wasn't long after that that the Royal Guard showed up and at the time Rarity hadn't known what was going on, but she knew now that Applejack's parents had been killed by the Diamond Dogs.
She knew it was a bad thing, but at the time, her young mind could only think of the joy that she didn't have to deal with Applejack. Without her as ringleader the other bullies didn't seem to have as much desire to pick on any one.
That mattered little to Rarity. She had been pushed past the point of anger with Applejack and had forced her parents to allow her to take martial arts lessons so that the next time Applejack tried anything she could knock that pony into next Tuesday. It never came to pass however as by the time she was skilled enough Applejack was gone.
Applejack never returned to school and the Drama club managed the best performance ever after Rarity gained her cutiemark and made the new costumes. This catapulted the Drama club to the top place in the schools pecking order of finances and the Hoof Ball team was forced to have bake sales to pay for their things.
Evidently Applejack had gone away for a while and was home schooled after that, as Rarity didn't see her again for years. And when she did, the old embarrassment and anger had come up again as if she had just been shoved in a locker moments before.
Applejack however had changed, she didn't even seem to recall she was a bully or even that Rarity went to the same school. Despite that, Rarity couldn't help but hate her.
That had been clear last night, she had been goading Applejack just waiting for the mare to lose her temper and take a swing or do anything so Rarity could put her down. But that never happened, instead she had nearly ruined a new friendship because of her issues with some pony who didn't even recall why Rarity didn't like her.
She couldn't do this anymore, nothing was going to come of her feud with the farmer save more pain and problems. She needed to let it go and simply accept the mare for who she was, not what she had been. Clearly the trials Applejack had gone through when she left school had changed the mare for the better and Rarity had to accept that, and get on with her own life.
It might take some time , but she was certain to be able to do it.
In a dark vault in Canterlot, two Elements of Harmony started to glow softly.
“Wow what a gorgeous day.” Twilight smiled looking up at the sky. The summer was not over yet but the breeze was cooler than usual, signaling fall was not far off and that the dog days of summer had ended.
“Yeah, I guess Rainbow Dash got up early for once.” Spike snarked from his perch on Twilight's back.
“I bet every pony is going to be out enjoying this.” Twilight smiled.”It's not often that the weather is this perfect.”
Rahs simply yawned as he walked along with them, his tattered maroon long coat stitched back up, though inexpertly by his own paws, as such it looked more like a Frankenstirrup creation than a proper coat.
As the trio walked down the main street towards the shops they noticed a surprising lack of ponies in the streets or around the stalls.
“Umm where is every one?” Spike asked. “Is there some rural holiday we weren't told about?”
“Not likely. There was nothing on my calender today about anything special. The Mayor let me copy her event calender.” Twilight stated.” There's nothing on a Tuesday for the whole year.”
“Err maybe everyone's in a big game of hide and seek?” Spike suggested.” Or maybe... Zombies?”
Twilight glared back at her brother who was looking at Rahs. The Moon Dog sniffed the air then shook his head before pointing at Sugar Cube corner.
“Spike... Twilight..... Rahs..... come here.” hissed a voice. The trio blink noticing Pinkie Pie in the shadowy doorway of the shop.
“What?” Spike questioned.
“Hurry, before she gets you.” Pinkie Pie hissed again.
Twilight blinked looking around before the three of them quickly moved into the doorway only for it to slam shut behind them.
Inside the dark Sugar Cube Corner the trio were blinded by a flashlight before they could ask the important questions.
"Gah, my eyes, Pinkie, what?!” Twilight snapped, as Rahs whined.
“Is it zombie ponies?” Spike asked.
“Zooooommmbie ponies!?” Pinkie stated spookily making Spike clutch his sister tighter choking her.
Twilight coughed shaking her brother loose and letting him fall to the floor with a thud. "Pinkie what are you doing here alone in the dark?”
“Oh I'm not alone in the dark.” Pinkie smiled into the flashlight before she panned it around showing Applejack, Applebloom, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy.
“Okay then … what are 'all' of you doing here in the dark?” Twilight corrected.
“You okay Spike?” Applebloom asked looking down at the Dragon laid out on the floor.
“I've had worse.” Spike grumbled into the wood.
“We're hiding from her.” Applejack pointed out the heavily curtained window to a figure at the far end of the street. The figure wore a brown hooded cloak and was stamping the ground with one hoof as she looked around. Her gaze ran over Sugar Cube Corner, her amber eyes glimmering under the hood.
Twilight and Rahs blinked as all the others suddenly dove for cover away from the window when the figure looked their way. Neither of them looked very happy with the rest of the group.
“Did yah see her? Did yah see Zecora?” Applebloom asked peering over the top of Spike's head.
“Applebloom ah told yah never tah say that name.” Applejack snapped.
“Well what tha heck am ah supposed tah call her then?” Applebloom glared back at her sister.
“Well I saw her look this way.” Twilight admitted.
“Look this way evilly you mean?” Pinkie Pie corrected.
“Honestly Pinkie I've seen you look more evilly at a stack of cupcakes Applejack made than what she just did” Twilight grumbled.” Then I watched all of you flip out for no good reason.”
“No good reason?” Applejack snorted grabbing Applebloom in a foreleg”Yah call protecting yer kin no good reason? Soon as Applebloom saw her coming intah town she started shaking in her little horseshoes.”
“Did not.. ah didn't even see her afore yah shoved me in here tah hide!” Applebloom fussed.
“So ah swept her up and brought her here.”
“Ah walked here maiself!” Applebloom protested.
“Fer safe keeping.” Applejack snapped.
“Applejack ah ken take care of maiself ah ain't a little foal!” Applebloom protested.
“Not from Zecora yah ain't!” Applejack muttered.
“She's mysterious.” Fluttershy pointed out.
“Sinister” Rainbow Dash pantomimed.
“And Spooky!” Pinkie Pie added
Spike had finally caught onto where this was going and was now standing with Rahs and Twilight staring at the others like they had grown second heads.
“And?” Twilight asked.
“What do you mean and?” Rarity asked.
“I mean 'and' what? Half the ponies in this town are Mysterious, including Pinkie Pie here. Rahs could fall under the sinister looking category, and according to Fluttershy, her own root cellar is spooky. None of that says dangerous, threatening, or even problematic.” Twilight snapped looking out the window again.
In the distance Zecora seemed to be getting tired of wandering around the evidently abandoned town. She pulled off her hood, her ears perking up to listen for any sign of life, gold jewelry dangled from her ears as she looked around the town, her white fur marked with gray stripes and a Mohawk rose up from her head.
The rest of the group had gathered around Twilight to look out the window again, collectively gasped as the hood was pulled back.
“Will you cut that out!” Twilight snapped.
“Just look at those stripes. So garish.” Rarity scoffed.
“She's a Zebra.” Spike stated.
“Ah what?” The collected gasp sounded again as the siblings rolled their eyes.
“This is a Tuesday thing isn't it? It's something not on the Mayors itinerary that every Tuesday every pony in town has to take hard drugs or have some sort of head trauma for the day just so the collective herd IQ drops by fifty percent isn't it.” Twilight growled into her fore hooves.
“A Zebra. A native of the southern reaches of Equestria. Her stripes aren't a fashion choice that's how she was born.” Spike explained.” One of Twilight's teachers was a Zebra. History I think?”
“Geography.” Twilight corrected. “Any way I didn't know there were any Zebras in Ponyville. Most Zebras stay much further south given they don't like the cold weather so much. Mr. Monochrome was always complaining about how cold it got here.”
“That's just it …. she lives in the Everfree Forest.” Applejack muttered.
“Well that explains why I haven't seen her before.” Twilight shrugged nonchalantly.
“What? That's yer reaction? She lives 'in' Tha Everfree Forest!” Applejack snapped.
“Okay Fluttershy practically lives in the Everfree Forest, Rarity has been there constantly looking for Gems, you yourself have admitted to taking trips into the forest which is how we found the Castle in the first place. Rainbow Dash has to go over it to deal with her weather duties and Rahs hunts there.” Twilight pointed out.” Sure there's dangerous things in there, but so long as your careful you'll be fine.”
“Wait Rahs hunts in there? Fer what?” Applebloom asked.
“Mostly Cockatrice. Their stare doesn't work on him, he says they taste just like chicken. He also gets paid a bounty by the local Guard for proof that he took them out.” Spike offered.
“Neat!” Applebloom beamed.
“If she lives inside the forest she probably has a way to keep the things in there at bay, or her home is just fairly well hidden so nothing bothers it.”Twilight continued. “Seriously this sort of thing is out of character for all of you, except Rarity.”
“What?” Rarity demanded.
“Remember your first encounter with Rahs?” Twilight deadpanned.
“That was different.......” Rarity protested trailing off as she thought about it a moment.”Never mind. I concede your point.”
“The Everfree Forest just ain't natural. The plants grow without any help.”Applejack protested.
“Animals care for themselves...” Fluttershy added.
“And the clouds, form and move all on their own.” Rainbow Dash shouted
“I am this close to hitting all three of you with a dictionary, as what you have described is the VERY definition of natural.” Twilight frowned.
“And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing her wicked evil..... stuff.....” I even wrote a song about her!” Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to start singing only for Rahs' paw to slap over her muzzle as he folded his ears back shaking his head before letting her go.
“Ehh I guess you're right, it is a work in progress after all.” Pinkie Pie shrugged.
“Alright, all I have heard from any of you is a lot of gossip and rumors. What exactly have any of you SEEN Zecora do?” Twilight asked rubbing her temples.
“Well once a month she comes into Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Ooh, how awful.......” Twilight dead panned.
“Then she lurks by the stores.” Fluttershy added.
“Yah don't say.....” Twilight mocked.
“Well then she digs at the ground....” Fluttershy added.
“Oh the horror!” Twilight called out feigning a faint.
Rahs rolled his eyes before clapping at his sister performance.
“Okay seriously, how is any of this bad. Have any of you ever thought she might come into town for supplies, only to find every store mysteriously closed up and every pony hiding !?” Twilight demanded. While I don't understand the digging part it might be a nervous habit born of frustration that the next closest town to the Everfree is on the other side of the forest. “
“Yer sister is making a lotta good points.” Applebloom stated to Spike.
“She does that. The question is are any of them going to 'listen' to her points?” Spike sighed.
“Mai bits are on no. Adults are stupid when it comes tah new things an changes.” Applebloom sighed.
“Tell me about it. You should have heard all the uproar when Princess Luna came back and Canterlot turned into a Diarchy again.”Spike added. “ Even though it was that before her banishment.”
“BORK!” Rahs growled at the rest of the protesting mares.
“Right. Has any one here even bothered to go up and talk with her to find out the truth?” Twilight asked.
This question launched into a number of other arguments among the others and Twilight. The rambling of Pinkie along with it just made the argument that much more chaotic as every pony tried to talk over everypony else..
Applebloom frowned watching the adults act like idiots.
“Spike. Ah'm gonna go an talk with her.”Applebloom stated with a determined look in her eyes.
“You think that's a good idea?” Spike asked.
“Ain't none of them gonna do it and some pony has to.” Applebloom sighed.
“Well alright. Let's go.” Spike added with a shrug waddling towards the door. “Twi's gonna flip out soon and I'd rather not be here when that happens. Besides if she is a threat, I'm a Dragon.”
“Thanks Spike.” Applebloom smiled as the pair of them made their way out the door while every one else was arguing.
“Well I heard, Zecora eats hay!” Pinkie Pie declared.
Rahs simply threw his paws in the air, and fell back on the floor clutching his face as if the stupid hit him directly on the nose.
Ignoring her overly dramatic brother Twilight glared at Pinkie. “ Pinkie, I eat hay, you eat hay, nearly every pony eats hay! It's a dietary staple!”
“Yeah, but I heard she eats it evilly.” Pinkie Pie counted.
“By Celestia's tail, WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN!? How do you eat something evilly? Eating is a biological function of life! Does she twirl her mustache after every bite or something!?” Twilight cried out.
“Sounds about right.” Pinkie Pie pointed out as Twilight screamed into her hooves.
“Hey where's Applebloom” Applejack yelped.
“And Spike?” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
“The door's open!”Fluttershy gasped.
“They must have went outside.” Rarity gasped.
“And Zecora's still out there!” Rainbow Dash cried.
“ I told that silly filly to stay put!” Applejack wailed.
“Calm down. Spike's with her, I'm sure she'll be.......” Twilight frowned as the others rushed out of the building leaving her and her brother behind. “..... fine. Right, okay, lets go, it seems half my job in Ponyville is stopping my friends from doing something stupid.”
Rahs smirked as the pair of them rushed out of the shop, chasing after the others.
Applebloom stopped suddenly as the shadows to the trees fell on her fore hooves. Spike simply kept walking, though he was trying to keep Zecora in sight and his stubby legs were slowing them down.
Seeing her friend continue on, she pushed past her fear and headed into the forest after Zecora.
The pair of them had just spotted her again on the other side of a field of blue flowers and were in the process of cutting through the blue plants when the thunder of hooves behind them caught their attention.
“APPLEBLOOM!” shouted Applejack.
“Drat, they caught up....” Applebloom grumbled ducking down into the flowers trying to hide, though her red bow stuck up out of the blue too far for that to be effective. Spike didn't bother trying to hide as he noticed that Zecora had stopped to look back at them and the others that had come up behind her with confusion evident on her face.
“ You get over here right now!” Applejack shouted running into the flowers with the others and scooping Applebloom up off the ground and putting her behind the other four mares in the flowers that were behind the group before she turned back to glare at Zecora.
Twilight and Rahs caught up a moment later walking past the others to where Spike was in the field.
“Seriously, what's the big idea running off like that without telling me or Rahs?” Twilight chided.” You shouldn't do that.”
“Pfft like any one was listening any way, you couldn't even get a word in edgewise most of the time.” Spike grumbled. “ Also how do you think that lot would have reacted to someone trying to find out the truth?”
“Point.” Twilight admitted looking over at the hooded Zebra. Rahs stood next to her, watching the striped mare as well, though he lifted a paw offering a small wave to Zecora.
The Zebra took one look at the Moon Dog, and started backing away quickly, completely ignoring the others, before she darted into the mists of the forest.
“Well that was anticlimactic.” Twilight sighed trying to ignore the others yelling at the Zebra, save Rarity who was oddly quiet, and Applejack who was fussing at Applebloom.
“And you couldn't just listen to your big sister!?” Applejack demanded.
“Not when you was being stupid!” Applebloom fussed back from where she had been placed by Applejack.
“ Ah I wasn't being stupid! I was trying to protect you!” Applejack shouted. “ Who knows what kind of curse Zecora coulda put on you!”
“No I agree with Applebloom. You were and still are being pretty stupid. Also, no such things as curses. Anything that is called a curse is always little more than superstitious hooey or trickery. If she had cast a spell Rahs would have noticed it. All she did was run away, probably because we looked like a Celestia damned lynch mob.” Twilight stated walking past the group of them, headed back towards town with Spike and Rahs behind her. “Though right now however, I'm done trying to argue with any of you. I've reached my limit of being able to interact with Ponies today, so I'm going home.Please don't bother me any more today with anything shy of another Ursa attacking.”
Twilight picked up Spike dropping him on her back as she marched through the flowers with Rahs following along behind her.
The Moon Dog paused at the edge of the field of blue flowers the others were still standing in. He looked down at the lily like flowers giving a small sniff of the air before shrugging and heading off with his siblings, leaving the others behind.
Twilight didn't have nightmares. Or if she did she never recalled them, she never recalled any of her dreams really. Despite this, she felt uneasy as she heard the rooster crowing outside, the morning sun making its way through the window.
She was debating on whether she should stay in bed today, there wasn't much on her to do list and she could send Rahs and Spike out for groceries, or go herself later if she felt up to it. Right now she felt like being lazy. She was far more tired than she expected to be, but that might have had to do with how mentally worn out she was after arguing with the others. She needed to reschedule some time to go have a word with Zecora to put these stupid fears to rest, though there was no telling when that might be. Particularly if she lazed in bed today, it would throw her whole schedule off.
She was still debating it when she smelled smoke. There was no scent of food, and it smelled like the scrolls after Spike got a message, so it wasn't very strong. Twilight frowned and slowly sat up, opening one eye to look around. Spike wasn't in her room. She knew Rahs had passed out on the couch, but Spike usually made it to his own bed. Unless he worried himself into a panic, then he tended to climb into bed with either Rahs or Twilight, though the large Moon Dog was usually his first choice. It was a rare thing any way Spike wasn't prone to nightmares either. Last time he had needed her like that was when he was three.
The room was empty of any Dragon siblings, but the smell of smoke lingered. Maybe Rahs was trying to cook something again, though the smoke didn't have any sort of meaty smell like his usual cooking.
Twilight rolled to the edge of her bed with a yawn and slipped off the edge to the floor.
She had a longer drop than she expected before hitting the wood floor, that was the first warning that something was wrong.
She groaned pushing herself up onto all fours, her claws scraping the smooth wood as she gained traction.
She looked up at her bed curiously, was it always this high? She remembered being able to look down on it, now she was eye level with her sheets.
Wait.
Hold on, back up.
Something was wrong, what was it, her sleep addled mind needed to back up a bit...
Fall, floor, high bed.....
No, between that...floor.....
Claws.
Dropping her head down to look at her hooves Twilight stared at the lavender colored scales covering the three toed claws where her hooves should have been. Her eyes widened as she followed the dark purple edged lavender scales up, following along her forelegs to look down at her chest, which had thicker scales of a more reddish hue like her mane stripe.
She turned her head looking back at the rest of her body her eyes getting even wider as she saw the rest of her was also covered in scales and her tail was a long serpentine one. Small dragon like wings rested on her back with a row of reddish hued spines running along her back and down her tail.
She scrambled towards her mirror sliding over the floor to look at herself.
Her equine face had elongated considerably and now had more of a point. A pair of purple horns swept back along the top of her head curling slightly upward. Her hair was gone though the reddish spines lengthened atop like Zecora's hair style. Her eyes were the same purple color as they were supposed to be, though now they were slitted like a reptiles and her mouth was full of sharp teeth.
Given the situation Twilight did the only sensible thing. She calmly, and with great care, screamed at the top of her lungs.
This was also the point where she learned that that was how Dragons breathed fire as a amethyst colored flame erupted from her mouth and set her mirror ablaze.
There was a thunderous noise from downstairs as well as the sounds of shouting and heavy footfalls coming up the stairs. There was a clattering crash on the other side of the door before a small purple figure burst into the room, the top of his head wrapped in a blanket causing him to stumble and crash to the floor as he got tangled in it.
“Twilight, what's wrong, GAAAH!” Spike cried out slipping and crashing to the floor as he fought the blanket.
Twilight winced grabbing the blanket with her claws and yanking it off her youngest brother only to find out that he wasn't the same either.
Laying sprawled out on his back rubbing his head with his forepaws, was a purple puppy with a green mass of hair on his head and tail.
Twilight blinked down at Spike. Spike grumbled and looked up at Twilight. Both of them stared at each other a moment more before doing the only rational thing in this situation.
They both screamed their fool heads off and Twilight set the blanket on fire.
“For the sake of my ears what in Tartarus is going on?” Shouted another voice, as a larger figure picked itself up off the landing where it had fallen with a crash, a tattered maroon coat draped over it and tangled with its limbs.
“Rahs?” Twilight asked looking at the covered figure stumbling in the door.
“My coat.... crap I'm twisted in this...........” Rahs swore pulling the coat off his head as he fell down on his rump with a wince.
Twilight and Spike stared.
Sitting before them on his flank was a navy furred earth pony about the size and build of their brother Shining Armor. He had a long amber mane and tail that matched his eyes though his ears were much longer than a normal ponies with a pair of glowing orbs at the tips. His flank was decorated with a cutie mark of a wolf's head howling before a crescent moon.
Rahs shook his head lifting his fore hoof to push his mane out of his face. He paused in the middle of this looking down at where his paw should be and seeing a hoof instead. He lifted his gaze up to the Dragon and Dog before him as they stared at him.
The three of them had done and seen a number of strange things in their lives, so they handled this as calmly and coolly as possible............
…............By screaming like lunatics, until Twilight managed to light Rahs' coat on fire, then there was even more screaming.
That might have continued on for a while had not the whole tree house begun to shake , bouncing them around on the floor and knocking things off the shelves. Then before they could figure out what was going on the room got darker.
Turning to the window, the trio were greeted by a massive amber eye peering in at them.
To say there was suddenly more screaming and fire was an understatement.
“Ah think they're awake.” Applebloom's voice boomed out over the town.
It took another ten minutes of screaming, carrying on, and putting out fires started by Dragon-light, before the trio was ready to face the massive problem outside. It took another five minutes after that before any of them figured out how to even open the front door with their new limbs.
When Spike finally figured out how to open the door with his paws, Twilight took one look who was at the door and dove behind the couch. Big Mac sauntered in the door not seeming to notice the Twilight turned Dragon, the Massive face of Applebloom peered in behind him with a worried expression on her face.
Spike sat in the doorway looking up at the massive form of Applebloom laying on the ground outside the library.
“Spike?” Applebloom asked in a surprisingly quiet whisper as she looked down at the dog.
“Yep” Spike stated.
“You're a dog.”
“Yep, and you're a five story giant.”
“She also durn well ate six apple trees this morning fer breakfast. Not just tha apples, six whole trees.” a tiny voice yelled.
“I'm a growing filly!” Applebloom protested.
“Well you better stop before it becomes ten trees.” Spike snarked.
“Where tha heck is Twilight! I told her it was a curse!” Big Mac's mane yelled.
“There's no such thing as curses!!!!” The couch yelled back.
“Bull honky, look at Spike and Applebloom, also yer a couch!” Big Mac's hair yelled again.
“I'm behind the couch!” Twilight fussed.
“That's a neat trick with the talking hair piece Mac. You need to teach me that one.” Rahs stated finally drawing attention to himself as he mulled over the burnt remains of his coat laid out on the coffee table.
“Who're you?” Big Mac asked curiously with a slight hint of worry in his voice.
“That's Rahs.” Twilight-couch yelled.
“That's Rahs? ......Woooof.” Big Mac's mane said again incredulously.
“What does the Sweet Apple Acres annual yield have to do with anything?” Rahs asked curiously, as he looked up at the barking hair piece. “ Also why does your hair sound like Applejack?”
Big Mac rolled his eyes and nodded suddenly, sending a small orange figure tumbling out of his mane onto the couch, bouncing a few times on the cushions before it managed to get it's hooves under it to yell up at Big Mac.
“BE CAREFUL!” Applejack yelled.
Rahs blinked leaning over the table to look at the tiny Applejack as Twilight clamored up to peer over the back of the couch at the tiny mare as well.
“Seriously how is any of this not a cu … GREAT HORNY TOADS!!!” Applejack yelped, leaping back and falling off the couch after she looked up and saw Dragon Twilight staring down at her. looking at her.
“Ken ya'll fix this?” Big Mac asked looking over Rahs curiously, then turning his attention to Dragon Twilight with an appraising eye.
“Yes, no, maybe... I don't even know what this is, but I’m definitely going to do something.” Twilight admitted sulking back behind the couch now that Mac was looking at her.
“Alright. Ah Spect yah ken deal with it. Ah got work tah do tah cover fer these two being indisposed. Ah'll check back later.” Big Mac stated simply as he turned heading out the door and back towards the farm.
“Why tha heck are you a dragon!?” Appletini shouted.
“Why the heck are a doll?” Rahs questioned.
“You stay outta this, you got off easy.” Applejack shouted up at Rahs.
“Says you, do you have any idea how messed up my nose is? I can't smell crap. My face is all weird too and flat teeth? What the buck am I supposed to eat n... “Rahs paused as he considered something.” Wait one moment. I am just going to head into the kitchen now for no particular reason......”
The former Moon Dog grinned wide and darted to his hooves, he barely managed to keep them under him as he madly dashed into the kitchen.
“What is he doing?” Applejack asked before both Twilight and Spike cried out in horror coming to the same realization.
“MY DOUGHNUTS!!!” the pair shouted and scrambled after the newly made pony as he raided the pantry.
“NO, BAD RAHS, PUT THAT BACK!” Twilight shouted.
“Forget that! Wouldn't you rather have a nice tasty rock?!” Rahs chuckled as the sounds of a scuffle started..
“That's my chocolate curler!!” Spike growled.
“Chocolate's bad for dogs remember. OW! No biting, those are the rules!' Rahs yelped.
“That never stopped you!” Spike snapped back
“ NOO, NOT MY CINNAMON POWDERED GRAPE JELLY FILLED!!!” screamed Twilight.” Do you know how hard those are to get in Ponyville!?”
“Of course not I can't taste most of this stuff so why order it... Hey get down, you're getting it all over yourself!” Rahs snapped as another crash sounded.
There was the sound of someone sneezing and a whoosh of what sounded like flame as the doorway to the kitchen lit up. For a moment there was no sound except the crackle of something burning before the trio screamed again.
“THE DOUGHNUTS!!!!”
“This is gonna be a long day.” Applejack sighed.
One fire, no doughnuts, and fifteen minutes later, the trio was back in the living room going through a number of books with Twilight. The little Dragon was still trying to fight off the occasional sneeze from the powdered sugar she inhaled.
Applebloom and Spike were chatting just outside the door and the rest of the town clearly decided to give the massive Pony and the screaming library a wide berth today.
“Nothing … Seriously I've been through every medical journal that I can find and there's nothing about sudden species transformation or size changing.” Twilight fussed.” Maybe in an older tome of magic.....”
“You know one of those spells. Couldn't you just fix Applebloom and Applejack? Rahs asked, as he looked up from where he was reading a book on the table before him. He was letting tiny Applejack turn the pages for him as he hadn't gotten used to the hooves yet.
“I would if I was still a unicorn. But those are advanced spells and I’m currently a Dragon and I don't even know how Dragons use magic or if they even do.” Twilight sighed picking up another book to open. “What else could go wrong?”
“INCOMING!!” Applebloom shouted, as a window exploded inward and a blue blur crashed into the piled books sending them flying everywhere, knocking Twilight over with a scream. A scream that let out another blast of fire that incinerated the book Twilight was trying to read called 'Supernaturals'.
“My BOOK!” whined Twilight as Rainbow Dash poked her head up out of the pile.
“My bad Spike, my wings...... wait you're not Spike.” Rainbow Dash observed.
“I'm over here.” Spike waved a paw from the doorway before leaning over to Applebloom to mutter in her ear. “Rainbow Crash.”
This sent both of them into a fit of giggles which shook the tree as the massive filly tried to hide it.
“That's Twilight.” Rahs pointed out, lifting his foreleg off the table where he had blocked any of the flying books from hitting Applejack.
“What?” Rainbow Dash looked at the flailing Dragon trying to put out the burning book, then back up at Rahs. Dash tilted her head a little looking the former Moon Dog over before letting out a small whistle.” Woof...”
Rah blinked and perked his ears up at her bark.”What does the Wonderbolt's roster from 996ANM have to do with anything?”
“Never mind that, Twilight won't admit that Zecora cursed us!” Applejack shouted from the table getting Rainbow Dash's attention.
“Is that Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked as she stood up letting the books fall off her back, showing that both her wings were facing the wrong way on her back.
“Appletini!” Applebloom offered getting a scowl from her sister and a chuckle from Rainbow Dash.
“Nice, I guess that makes you Apple Boom?” Rainbow Dash asked.” What about the others?”
“Yep.” Applebloom admitted.
“Not sure yet, Aside from Rainbow Crash it's hard figuring out Rahs and Twilight.” Spike added. “With all the fire, Twilight 'Spark'le is the best we came up with.”
“And Spike's already a dogs name.” Applebloom whispered.
“Yeah rub that in why don't you.” Spike grumbled.
“It's not a curse!” Twilight shouted far too late into the conversation.
“You know Sis you could be wrong for once, I’m kinda proof you don't know everything.” Rahs reasoned. “It can't be magic because it affected me as well.”
“There has to be a reason for that, because even fictional curses are magic!” Twilight shouted.
“Thhhhhppppt pppphhhttt phhhmmbbbt” Pinkie Pie stated staring down at Twilight, even though she hadn't been there a moment before. Her tongue was swollen, jutting out of her mouth and covered in blue spots.
“GAH!” Twilight shrieked nearly setting Pinkie's mane on fire.
“Ah thought she fire proofed this place?”Applejack asked Rahs.
“She did, but the bookcases are what's enchanted, not the books themselves.” Spike called out. “If the book had been on the shelf it would have been fine.”
“My coat was never enchanted and neither were the doughnuts or her new sheets. “ Rahs pouted about his coat.” Nor was Pinkie's hair mind you, but that seems fine.”
“Dude so this is what you sound like?” Rainbow Dash asked trotting over to Rahs as Pinkie Pie went through a whole conversation, leaving Twilight with saliva dripping from her scales. The Pegasus mare took a moment to look over the navy furred pony before nodding sagely to herself. “Yeah I’d hit that.”
“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack shouted from the table.
“What, he's a solid eight with his looks, adding in that voice and he gets another full point easy. I mean come on he looks like a buffer version of that Flankio pony on all those trashy romance novels.” Rainbow Dash stated. ”You can't tell me you wouldn't smash?”
“I am highly uncomfortable with this conversation.” Rahs stated turning red around his face, the blush traveling up his ears.
“Look he even does cute, easy ten now.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Daaaaaash....” Applejack growled, a bit red herself. ”Applebloom is right there, if she picks up anything from this......”
“What? She's a farm girl, you've bred chickens and pigs for years, she can't be that oblivious.” Dash countered.
“Woof....” a deep baritone cut through the conversation causing everyone to go silent. The group looked over and noticed Fluttershy standing near Rahs, her eyes were open wide as she stared at the former Moon Dog.
“I can't say I’ve ever had Butterscotch or Cinnamon Pie. Not sure I want to try snails either.” Rahs responded to the bark. “What happened to your voice?”
Fluttershy whimpered muttering to herself as she slowly sank down behind the couch turning as red as Big Mac.
“See even Fluttershy agrees, total babe.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Stop objectifying my brother.” Twilight shouted.
“Daffft's Raffs?” Pinkie Pie slobbered. “ Wooommmff”
Rahs' eyes shot open wide at Pinkie Pie's mangled bark before he dove back over the couch to hide with Fluttershy.
“Do ah even wanna know what she said?”Applejack sighed.
“She quoted 'At the Mountains of Madness', in Zalgo speak.” Rahs whimpered.
“Rahs that shouldn't even be possible, wait, weird tongue, speaking Moon Dog and Pinkie Pie... Never mind, Pinkie please don't bark ever again.” Twilight stated.
“Offfkeee doooffkeee loafkee.” Pinkie Pie slobbered chipperly.
“THIS IS THE. WORST. THING. EVER!!”
“And Rarity's here now.” Rainbow Dash sighed dropping her head to the table with a thud.
“Ten bits says she's got a problem with her mane.” Applejack smirked.
“Sucker bet.” Dash waved off.” No takers.”
The mare in question shambled into the room wearing a massive cloak that covered her from head to tail. She seemed larger than usual, though nothing could be seen of her.
“The CURSE!!! I'm HIDEOUS!!” Rarity wailed.
“How is that different from normal?” Rahs snarked getting a chuckle from Dash and Applejack and a slap to the back of the head from Twilight.
“They can all understand you now idiot.” Twilight growled.
“Oh. Right.” Rahs muttered rubbing the back of his head with his hoof.
Rarity had turned to yell at him only to notice the tall dark and handsome stallion standing behind the couch with a Dragon slightly larger than Spike standing on the couch glaring at him.
“Question? Is that a gender switched Twilight?” Rarity asked sweetly.
“Nope that's Rahs.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Woof.” Rarity summarized.
“Oh yeah.” Dash cackled.
Rahs blinked at the bark his ears perking up.
“What did she say.” Twilight sighed.
“Woof.” Rahs answered.
“What ? Just woof?” Twilight demanded.
“No no, not woof, Woof. You just tried to sell me a bridge in Manehatten.” Rahs explained.” She just said Woof.”
“By Celestia's plot, NO PONY OR ANY ONE ELSE BARK ANY MORE!” Twilight flailed falling off the couch with a thud.” Ow...”
“Okay, so ah gotta know, what's wrong with yah” Applejack asked looking up at Rarity.
“As I stated when I came in, I’m hideous.” Rarity explained again without trying to sell it this time.
“Yofff hay dafff, when effen a hair iff ouff of pface” Pinkie Pie Niagara falled.
“What?” Rarity demanded.
“She said you say that even when a hair's out of place.” Dash translated. “ Come on my wings are backwards, Applebloom's a Giant, Rahs is a solid ten, and Twi's a Dragon, you might as well let us see what's wrong with you.”
“Fine... but I will severely hurt you if you laugh Rainbow Dash.” Rarity scoffed as Applebloom and Spike peered in from the front door.
“Honestly I'm hurting myself pretty well on my own with my wings backwards, but okay.” Dash shrugged.
Rarity growled before throwing, what was apparently one of her curtains, off herself in a dramatic fashion.
She stood on her back legs, the limbs digitigraded, ending paws with sharp, if well manicured claws. Her pristine white fur covered her form as it had before, though her tail was no longer a curled well maintained style, it was now a canine tail ending in a roughly diamond shaped club. Her hips were covered in what looked like had been a robin egg blue skirt made for a Pony that had been hastily adjusted to fit her new form. Her top was a sleeveless, backless shirt that was stretched tight over two rather large growths on her chest. Her arms were rather lithe, ending in fingers and claws similar to the ones on her rear paws. She wore a collar of glittering diamonds and her face was more vulpine than canine giving her a sleek look. She had also applied makeup.
“Wha?” Dash stammered.
“Shoulda figured she'd be a bitch..” Applejack muttered.
“Woah.” Twilight stated.
“Cool.” Spike and Applebloom called from the doorway.
“A dafhmond Dofff?” Pinkie splattered.
“Woof.” Rahs stated flatly trying not to drool.
Fluttershy peeked up over the back of the couch to look and softly gasped, though her gaze dropped again as she happened to notice something else behind the couch. Her eyes grew even wider as blood trickled from her nose, she let out a very deep voiced 'eeep' as her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed.
Rahs blinked and looked down at the fainted Pegasus and noticed something himself. He let out a soft whine as he turned solid red. The former Moon Dog snatched up Rarity's curtain pulling it about himself before he made a made dash for the basement, nearly knocking the door from the hinges.
“PANTS!!!” Rahs screamed as he crashed down the stairs.
“Fluttershy?!” Rainbow Dash gasped, leaping over the couch after her friend.
Twilight glared up at Rarity who pulled out a compact and was checking over her makeup.
“You did that on purpose didn't you?” Twilight demanded.
“Darling, I have no idea what you are talking about.” Rarity smiled. “ Why would I , when suddenly finding myself as a member of another species think firstly to try and tease a male who thus far been immune to my charms?”
Dash was shaking Fluttershy, trying to wake her up.
“Shy seriously, wake up... yah gotta tell me how big it was!” Dash demanded before Twilight belted her with a pillow.
“Am ah the only one concerned with this curse?” Applejack fumed.
“Are ya'll done now?” Appletini frowned glaring at Rainbow Crash and Twilight Spark-le.
The former was singed and looked like she had been in a scuffle and the latter was currently being sat on by the former.
“So long as she calms down.” Rainbow Dash demanded pointing a hoof at Twilight.
AppleTini looked down at Twilight.
“So long as she leaves my brother alone.” Twilight growled.
“Please Twilight relax. He's a big pony, I’m sure he can take care of himself.” Raaaarrrrity scoffed sitting daintily in a chair sipping some Tea Ppppppbbbbhhhht Pie had made.
“Yeah but until Flutter Guy wakes up we won't know how big.” Rainbow Dash chuckled until Twilight bit her leg again.
”My word Pinkie this has no flavor at all but bitterness, Did you put anything in it?”Rarity asked, ignoring Twilight and Dash as the pair of them got into another scuffle.
Before Pinkie could speak Rarity snapped open a parasol protecting herself from the spittle.
“Yehs, free cuffs of fugar.” Pinkie fountained, getting a little better at speaking with a swollen tongue.
“Odd that. I've had your sarsaparilla tea before and I can barely stand it , now it seems rather bland.” Rarity pouted.
'None of this is helping us git this fixed....” Applejack sighed.
“Honestly darling the answer is so simple even you should have been able to get it, I heard that bitch comment by the way.” Rarity muttered the last as she continued. “We simply go ask Zecora what she did to us and to fix it.”
“How is that simple? She's in tha Everfree!”Applejack snapped.
“And your sister is the size of an Ursa Minor. What pray tell aside from a Ursa is going to even come to look at something as big as she is tromping through the forest?” Rarity concluded. “Twilight does not seem to have found anything useful and your sister is getting bored. If she is anything like mine she was probably going to try and slip out again to go do just what I suggested.”
'She ain't going any where, big as she is she can't sneak fer nothing. She'd get stopped afore she took a step?”Applejack responded.
“By who darling? In case you have not noticed you are not of a considerable size for her to even notice you, and none of the rest of us are in much condition to stop her. In fact Spike might simply go along with it like he did before and he seems to be one of the few outside of your family she listens to .” Rarity concluded.
Applejack simply grumbled.
“Now then onto the next part.” Rarity sighed setting her parasol aside as she leaned over and picked Rainbow Dash up bodily off Twilight setting her on the couch . “You two stop.”
“What? She's just mad cause I’m teasing her brother...” Dash sighed. “ Not my fault.”
“Rainbow Dash, no. What you are doing is being crass and rude with locker room talk. “ Rarity scoffed. “ 'I' am properly teasing him.”
“And you need to stop too.” Twilight growled.
“Yer remarkably together today Rarity, specially with all this stuff.” Applejack pointed out actually seeming a bit impressed.
“Darling I have been awake since early this morning, I've had eight hours already to deal with it. I've had three freakouts, two fashion breakthroughs, four revenge plots come to mind, and still I had time to fix this dress and rearrange my work schedule for the day.“ Rarity sighed. “The only things that has stopped me from having four or five freakouts are the facts that fingers work just as well with sewing as my magic, and Rahs' expression at my appearance was everything I plotted it would be.”
“Why would you plot against Rahs?” Twilight asked.
“Because after that debacle with Trixie, he had the nerve to come into my shop and ask to get his coat redone in green.” Rarity muttered.
“That's a bit much because of coloration.”Twilight grumbled.
“It's all harmless fun, and it's nice to know I can get a reaction from a male no matter what form I’m in. Quite an ego boost.” Rarity smiled.” Though if he remains a pony I might not just tease for my own amusement.”
“I know right.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“FOCUS!!!” Applejack screamed out suddenly leaping up on the table.”Some one get Rahs and lets go after this Zecora. And if she ain't willing tah fix this hex, with everyone there we ken force her too.”
“Honestly I don't think it will be that bad.” Twilight stated. “It's also not a hex, that's the same thing as a curse which doesn't exist.”
“Do you think we'll ever leave?” Applebloom whispered to Spike.
“I give it an another hour. I still can't come up with anything for Rahs. I mean it's a one syllable name. How do I even work with that?” Spike complained.
“TAH DA!” Rahs shouted dramatically bursting through the basement door with with a proud pose.
The former Moon Dog did not it seem find any pants that fit him in his current form. What he did find however was a light blue, white poke-a-dot dress that was large enough to cover him fully from the neck down.
“Where's my camera?”.” Spike questioned rushing over to the Library's front desk.
“Huh.” Applebloom shrugged.
“Waffft?” Pinkie Pie showered.
“Well now.” Applejack whistled.
“Hmm, the color does go well with his coat.” Rarity appraised.
“How the heck does he wear a dress and go up to a solid 11? “ Rainbow Dash proclaimed.
Fluttershy took that moment to wake up with a groan. She noted everyone staring and looked over to see what they were looking at,which turned out to be Rahs in a cute dress. Her nose started bleeding again and she passed out once more.
“Why are you in one of my dresses?” Twilight demanded.
“Cause I look good in it?” Rahs snarked.
“Wait that is one of Twilight's dresses?” Rarity asked.
“Yeah, none of my pants fit and I wanted something to cover up with. My coats not in any shape to do that any more.” Rahs grumbled flatting his ears.
“Take that off!” Twilight yelled.
“Slowly” muttered Rainbow Dash
“You're going to rip it!” Twilight continued her protest.
“Actually it's kinda baggy.” Rahs complained.” Like a mu-mu.”
“WHAT!?! Are you saying I’m fat!?” Twilight yelled.
“Not directly, but you did attack me over donuts, so if the horseshoe fits.” Rahs shrugged. “A size quintuple-x horse shoe anyway.”
“DIE!” Twilight roared leaping at her brother and sending both of them tumbling back down the stairs along with a number of curses more yelling and a multitude of crashes when they finally hit bottom.
“We are never getting this curse fixed.” Applejack groaned falling to the table top in exasperation.
“It's not a curse.” cried Twilight weakly from the basement.
“Spikey dear. Does being a Dragon make you more inclined to violence?” Rarity called towards the door.
“ Nope, that's just Twilight. Rahs is egging her on. Pretty normal. I mean aside from the fact she breathes fire now, and he's a pony.” Spike commented digging through a drawer to pull out his camera fumbling with it in his paws.” Dang, can't figure anything from Moon Dog either.”
[Everfree forest]
Zecora stretched with a yawn, watching the potion she was brewing bubbled. The mix was only a few shades away from being perfect, the problem was she had never quite gotten the mixture right before, but she had been close many times.
The brew itself didn't do anything, but if it was mixed with any sort of potion, or magical effect, the effects would be instantaneous rather than whatever set time they might normally have. A potion that healed a wound over a few hours, when mixed would heal instantly. A brew for easing the common cold would knock it out mere moments after the mix was imbued.
Of course she was also going to test it on her sun berry still out back to see if she could speed up the fermentation process, but it had to work first.
Zecora flattened her ears to her head. She might have managed to pull this off months ago had her trips to Ponyville not been so fruitless. Going into town herself made the whole place like a ghost town. If she had not met the school teacher Cheerilee on one of her trips and had a conversation spark up, as the mare was more curious than afraid, she would have thought Ponyville abandoned.
Thankfully her new friend was willing to help her out with some of the things she needed and knew enough about plants to be able to trade some of the rare ingredients Zecora had acquired from the forest.
The teacher couldn't really explain why or even how the rest of the town vanished so completely,but she theorized it was the deep seated fear of what came out of the forest coupled with family based fear of anything new. This had been the second time something like that had happened, evidently it took a number of weeks for any one to get used to new residents named Rahs and Spike that now lived in town. And there were still some who were wary of them.
The Zebra's train of thought stopped as the brew before her turned a shade of crimson. This was a new result, this would be the time she succeeded. All she needed to do was wait until it turned lime colored and she could take it off the fire.
It was about that time that something crashed in the back of her home. She frowned looking back into her room she noticed a jar had fallen off a shelf mounted on the wall. As she watched the rest of her shelves were starting to bounce and various objects started to rattle in their holders all over the house. They seemed like hoofsteps with the regular pattern rather than an earthquake.
A glance to the window showed it was still daylight outside so it was unlikely a Ursa wandering by. In fact the vibrations were getting stronger. Zecora frowned as her cups rattled in her cabinets various bottles hanging from cords started clanking together. Whatever it was it was getting closer.
The Zebra mare darted about her house gathering what she could, the more expensive ingredients and things she couldn't replace. This wouldn't be the first time something had gotten past her wards and destroyed her home, she doubted it would be the last. She thought the new wards and the fact she was living in a tree this time would discourage any of the larger beasts. She had quite the scare a while ago when a Ursa minor tore out of the forest running past her home. Perhaps this would be something like that , though she didn't want to take any chances.
A glance to the pot had her cursing, the liquid had boiled to black while she was preparing, another failure. The thudding was nearly on top of her and the sunlight coming through the windows darkened as what ever it was stopped outside of her home and was large enough to blot out the sun.
Shouldering her large pack she considered hiding in her root cellar and hoping it left when she heard what sounded like arguing.
“WATCH THE HOOVES !” a male yelped.
“I am!” a female answered with a hint of sultriness in her voice.
“DASH STOP GROPING MY BROTHER OR SO HELP ME I WILL TURN THIS BLOOM AROUND.....” Shouted another voice.
“Ya'll ken git offa me now.” A high pitched , but booming voice, stated flatly.
Curiosity won out over caution and Zecora moved to the window peering out of it. A massive yellow pony with a red mane and a ridiculously colossal bow stood next to her house, on the giants back she could see a number of other figures including some other ponies, a Dog, a Diamond Dog, and a Dragon.
The Zebra mare blinked as she watched the large pony sit down , sending the whole group of them sliding off her back with a crash.
“Ya'll been arguing tha whole trip out here. Ah'd go talk to her maiself but I'd kick her house over trying tah knock.” the massive pony stated.
“Right, either Fluttershy...” The Dragon began.
“No.” The yellow mare baritoned.
“..... or Rahs should go talk to her as they seem the most normal and don't seem to want to beat her into submission, then ask questions.” The Dragon concluded.
“Hey I don't want to beat her.” the blue Pegasus protested.
“No, you want the spell she used so you can keep tormenting my brother.” The Dragon stated, pointing to a navy furred stallion with amber colored mane, tail, and eyes. His ears were just a bit too long atop his head giving him an air of the exotic that the other ponies seemed to lack. He was also wearing a dress for some reason yet he looked damn good in it.
“Woof.” Zecora stated a little louder than she liked.
The stallion's ears perked as he and the others looked to where the bark came from seeing her looking out at them through the window. The navy stallion was also turning bright red.
“What did she say?” the purple and green dog asked.
“That's not for the under-aged to hear, also how she managed to rhyme THAT with Pineapple worries me.” The stallion stated not able to bring himself to look at Zecora.
“Fo muff forr furprvsing fur.” A pink mare with a swollen tongue cascaded.
“How were we ever going to surprise anything with Applebloom running here?” The pristine white Diamond Dog asked.
Zecora sighed setting down her pack and heading out side. It wasn't likely this lot was going to do anything and she wouldn't learn anything from staying inside. Two of them looked like the group that chased her yesterday. She didn't recall the beast with them being white, but it had to be a mistake on her part. There was no way it could have been what she thought it was, those monsters were only legends now despite all that was left behind proving their existence. At least two of them seemed to be suffering the effects poison joke as well. Unless Pegasi grew backwards wings and swollen tongues were common with Earth ponies.
Besides it would allow her a closer look at that stallion and maybe she would get an answer to why he was in a dress.
Zecora tilted her head looking up at the massive pony seated nearby. The others were still trying to figure out how to talk to her and how to keep Applejack from rushing over there and trying to fight her ear or something.
Finally the stallion seemed to have enough and picked up the dragon by her tail trotting them both over to the Zebra before dropping her on the ground.
“Look. You're the skeptic Twi. You ask.” The stallion stated sitting down and staring down at the purple Dragon. “Besides the sooner we get back to normal the sooner I get left alone.”
Zecora turned to look at the dragon curiously, though her eyes did wander over the stallion a few times. He was quite the looker, a little young for her it seemed, still there was no harm in looking.
“Okay look, Zecora right? After that encounter yesterday all this weird stuff started happening to every pony and we would like very much, that if it's your doing, that you stop it.” Twilight stated.
“Please....” Applebloom added.
“Applebloom don't you dare! Turn that off right now!” a tiny Applejack yelled up from Rainbow Dash's mane.” We ain't killin her with cute, til she fixes this curse!”
“It's not a curse.” Twilight screamed throwing her claws in the air.” And we are not killing anyone!”
“Really isn't any kind of spell or charm that is harmful to the target a curse or hex?” Spike questioned suddenly. “ It's all just the wording, like some professional casters like being called witches or wizards and some like being called sorcerers. Same thing different wording.”
Twilight turned to glare at her younger brother, blinked, considered, glared again, thought deeper, then seemed to get stuck in a logic loop for a few moments until the stallion prodded her with a hoof and she snapped out of it. She crossed her arms and snorted.” I GUESS.........”
“I did nothing to ahny of you, your ahffliction is your own fahult too.” Zecora stated flatly.
The area around the Zebra's home was silent for a few moments as nine jaws hit the ground, literally in Pinkie's case. All of them were staring at Zecora like she had grown a second head that was singing show tunes.
“ Ahn whaht ahre you on ahbout now? “ Zecora questioned again, her heavy Bay-stentonian accent practically dripping from her lips as she spoke, completely murdering her look as an exotic southern continent inhabitant. “If yer just gonnah gawk then ciaho.....”
The Zebra rose and turned heading back to her hut not even bothered by Applebloom's cute.
“Wait, wait, wait, sorry I wasn't expecting a Bay-stentonian accent.” Twilight stammered quickly.
“Oh, expecting something else from me? “ Zecora scoffed. “Well to bahd whaht you get is not ahlwahys whaht you see.”
“Why are you rhyming?” Applebloom asked.
Zecora looked up curiously at the giant filly before sighing. “It's something my tribe's shahmen do, It's ah focusing tool, not something out of the blue.”
“Okay I’ve got so many questions now.” Rahs stated. “Most important is how she gets her mane to stay up like that. I know a few parts that would need that hairstyle like that and Shirley loves new mane techniques. I still haven’t gotten him a birthday present yet.”
“Rahs she can understand you.” Spike stated.
“And?” Rahs shrugged.
Zecora chuckled a little, turning back around to look them all over. She could tell which ones were part of the usual town folk mentality. The yellow one, tiny orange one, and the pink one were all still leery of her, the stallion, Dragon, talking dog, and the giant earth pony filly all seemed rather interested in her ,and at the very least not afraid. The Pegasus was indifferent and seemed more focused on the stallions flank than her, and the Diamond Dog seemed split between the two groups. Honestly aside from Cheerilee this was the most she spoke to any of the towns folk since she had come here.
“So you ahll seem to know me, but you hahve yet to sahy who you might be.” Zecora asked.
“Oh right.” the Dragon blinked. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is my brother Rahs, the dog is my other brother Spike. The Giant is Applebloom, and the tiny one is Applejack, The quiet one is Fluttershy, the not quiet one that you still can't understand ,is Pinkie Pie. The Diamond Dog is Rarity and the one who's going to get a rock to the face if she doesn't stop staring at my brothers butt is Rainbow Dash,”
“But it's such a nice butt.” Dash whined ducking away before Twilight made good on her threat.
“Twilight Spahrkle, I hahve heahrd of you.” Zecora nodded recalling Cheerilee mentioning the new town librarian and former student of Princess Celestia.” Ahlthough thaht you ahre ah Drahgon is something new.”
“I'm not a Dragon I’m a Unicorn. “Twilight sighed. “ I have no idea what caused this.”
“ It is from ah plahnt cahlled poison joke. Zecora offered. “ It wahs whaht was trudged through yesterdahy by you pony folk.”
“Poison Joke?, What is that even I’ve never read about it in any of my books.” Twilight mused.
“It is ah plahnt found only in the Everfree. There ahre only a few books thaht mention it, one is even co ahuthored by me.” Zecora mentioned.
“You wrote a book?” Twilight gasped only for Rahs to prod her in the side.
“Focus now, fanfilly later.” Rahs sighed. “So is there a cure for this?”
“There is a cure that hahs been found, though if you just wahit a week the effect would't be ahround.” Zecora explained.
“Forget that .” Rainbow Dash fussed. “ Bonus of the new hotness aside, I’m not staying grounded for a week.”
Zecora rose and headed back into her home, she came out a few moments later carrying a book.
“Ooh a book. I looked all through my books and didn't find anything!” Twilight smiled as she was offered the book.
“Ahh that is quite the pity, that you do not hahve it in your librahry.” Zecora smiled pointing out her name under another on the front page. 'Zecora Mganga.'
Twilight went from excitement at the prospect of a new book, to confusion, then anger, as she saw what the title was.
“Daassssshhhhh.” Twilight growled slipping out of Rahs grip leaving him with the book.
“Supernaturals, natural remedies and cure alls that are simply super.” Rahs read. “ Huh... neat.”
Rahs flipped through the book with the others looking over his shoulder and Applebloom looming over them all. Rainbow Dash however was not present as she was running away from a pissed off dragon that was rapidly gaining on her.
“A herbal bubble bath? Oh that sounds lovely, though where are we going to find one in Appleblooms size?” Rarity questioned.
“Ehh Twilight has a shrink spell.” Spike offered. “Get her back to normal and she can shrink Applebloom down until the weeks over or until she fits in a tub.”
“Afore or after she murders Dash?” Applejack questioned.
“As she said before there would be no murder.” Rahs stated as Rainbow Dash yelped. “ A bit of maiming seems okay though.”
“ While we can't speak for the whole town, and probably not even the rest of the group.” Twilight glared at the others, mostly Applejack, as they walked back towards town. “ The library will be open for you.... during normal business hours anyway.”
“As will my boutique, though I’m afraid I don't have much in my line that would do you much good out here.” Rarity considered. “I do have gems though if you need those for something. I will offer a discount of course both for your help and as way of an apology for all this.”
“Why do you live out here any way?” Spike asked curiously. “ And how even?”
“Given the towns reahction to me I would think that cleahr.” Zecora sighed. “Though on the plus side, now ahll my ingrediahnts are neahr. Ahs for the how, thaht one's eahsy too, mock ups ahnd strong scents ahre the best wahy to shout boo.”
“Hmm traps and wards, okay I can see that.” Spike considered.
“Amd ah neffr tj fakw abeolme fo onyill arfy hor hue!” Pinkie Pie spritzed. “ Anahm forry ahobt mhgind a fong ahont hue.”
“What?” Rainbow Dash asked from the other side of the group from Twilight.
“She said she needs to have a welcome to Ponyville party for Zecora.” Fluttershy Barry Whited. “ And she apologizes for making a song about you.”
“ Not to ahdd to ahny of your feahrs, but it's a little lahte, ah've been here for yeahrs.” Zecora added.
“Well hopefully everything will get better from this point. “ Twilight commented. “ Thank you for your help in finding the ingredients and for loaning me your copy of the book. It shouldn't take long to mix this up. I would also love for you to come by at some point just to talk shop, I’ve not met anyone who's a practitioning alchemist.”
“I've a few questions too.” Rahs added.
“Ahs I sahid to you before, the mahne style is nahtural not from a store.” Zecora smirked recalling the story they told of the dress and the mental note she made note not to anger the little Dragon, or flirt with the stallion.
“Not that, just your reaction when we first.... never mind.” Rahs frowned. “ I'll ask later.”
“If you wish, thaht is fine, but there is your town ahnd you ahre home before supper time.” Zecora chuckled turning to head back off into the woods with a wave leaving the gathered ponies heading back to her home before it got too dark.
While the visit had been a bit stressful not knowing what was going on it had proved rather interesting. Perhaps the loss of her mixture today was not as big a loss as she had thought, with more than one pony in the town accepting of her she could get the ingredients she needed that much faster to try the brew again.
This had turned out to be a fairly good day. Hopefully they would get the other towns folk to calm down around her. There were a number of restaurants in the town she wanted to try, it had been far too long since she had any good chowder.
“Well I’m glad that's over.” Twilight sighed, trotting into the kitchen, back to her normal Unicorn self. “Where's Rahs?”
“He just got in the bath down stairs. “Spike offered “He's still having trouble with his hooves. And we just got Rainbow Dash out of here a couple minutes ago.”
“It's ten o clock at night , doesn't she have some where else to be?” Twilight sighed looking down at her re- Dragoned assistant / brother.
“She claimed to want to see him with a wet mane. She's super interested for a pony who claimed to not be at all interested unless he had wings.” Spike shrugged. “Oh, I got a letter back from the Princess. She's okay with your plan, She's going to send the decree to the mayor and send a few ponies down to help Miss Cheerilee oversee it all. She'd also like further details on the situation when you can send them.”
“Great. So who's on the list now?” Twilight asked as Spike held up a large scroll riddled with names.
“Easier to say who's not on the list.” Spike lamented.
“Alright, who's not on the list?” Twilight chuckled.
“Well us of course, and Cheerilee. Nurse Redheart is off it, as she kept Dr. Quack's office open, despite the doctor running off and hiding.”
“They really need a full hospital in this town. The population is more than enough to require one.” Twilight sighed. “Something to look into later.”
“Filthy Rich is not on the list. In fact he was rather angry that Barnyard Bargains locked up when Zecora came into town. He's looking to replace the manager and has his own class all his workers will be forced to attend.” Spike offered.” So we can probably take most of them off the main list.”
“Well, he is all about business, It's never a good idea to discriminate if your goal is selling things.” Twilight shrugged.
“Big Mac and Granny Smith are off the list too.” Spike added.
“Really?” Twilight's ears perked up.”With how Applejack was I figured they would have just as many problems with a Zebra as she did.”
“Mac explained that he makes apple deliveries to a number of Zebra run farms and restaurants in neighboring towns. Granny deals with the requests and delivery orders so she has met most of those ordering from Sweet Apple Acres personally.” Spike sighed.” According to her Applejack has issues with Zebras because of something that happened in Manehatten when she was younger.”
“Ehh, she was willing to set that aside it seemed, but it's not enough to get her off the list.” Twilight shrugged. “What about Rarity?”
“She refused. Claimed this was twice she did something like this and figures she needs to go just to be sure there's not a third time.”Spike smirked.” Seems she is learning, not enough for me to warn her about Prince, but she's getting there.”
“You're still an ass for that.” Twilight sighed.
“I don't see you warning her.” Spike snarked.
“Not my business.” Twilight smirked before tilting her head as she noticed Spike's expression had shifted to one of worry and concern.
“What?” Twilight questioned.
“Your horn. It's sparking.” Spike stated pointing up at her head.
“What?” Twilight asked as she looked to the kitchen window, her reflection in the dark glass showed small flickers of light dancing around her horn.
“Is it a surge?” Spike asked.
Twilight frowned reaching over to pick an apple from the fruit bowl on the table with her magic. The apple took to the air for a moment before it suddenly folded in on itself from the pressure of her magical grip, spraying apple juice everywhere and crushing everything else into a chunk about the size of a apple seed before even that folded in on itself.
“What in Tartarus?” Twilight stammered before the sparks suddenly stopped and the light of her horn went out, the half seed falling to the table with a thud as the super dense seed imbedded itself in the wooden table top. The purple mare went wide eyed for a moment before her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted on the kitchen floor.
“TWILIGHT!” Spike shouted getting out of his chair managing a few steps towards her before he wobbled and sat down hard falling over into unconsciousness as well.
A few moments later A soaking wet Moon Dog, dripping suds and water all over the floor burst into the kitchen flinging open the fridge, grabbing anything he could and shoving it into his mouth, devouring it as if he was a starving pony seeing food for the first time in months. The Moon Dog was so focused on eating every scrap of food he could get his paws on that it wasn't until he had eaten all the meat from his last hunt, bones included, and cleared everything else out of the fridge that he noticed the others on the floor. The only reason he even spotted them was because his eyes had been drawn to the apples on the table.
Despite the fact that both his siblings were laid out, Rahs couldn't help wolf down the bowl of apples, something that finally took the edge off his hunger, before he scooped up the pair of them and rushed out of the kitchen and out the front door. The soaked Moon Dog tore through the streets of Ponyville headed for the hospital dripping suds and water still as he streaked off into the night.
Twilight Sparkle winced, her ears twitching as she fought back the darkness of sleep that clung to her brain like a too tight sock she couldn't pull off.
“She's waking up.” stated a less than calm voice.
“Seems we came at the right time then.” claimed a calm voice.
“Verily.” agreed a some what angry sounding voice.
Opening her eyes Twilight winced at the light only for it to quickly dim. Standing around her were four figures, a large white alicorn, a smaller dark blue alicorn, and a pink alicorn, and a gold furred gray maned Earth Pony in a doctors garb. There was also a white female unicorn in the room with blue hair and as Twilight's eyes adjusted she saw Spike draped over the Unicorn's back fast asleep.
“Who.....?” Twilight began her mouth feeling dry as the badlands, a glass of water was quickly offered to her from the doctor.
“ Drink slowly. Please be silent and remain calm Miss Twilight, you are suffering from magical burn out, and you need your rest. My name is Dr. Home and I am your primary physician while you are in Canterlot General.” the Earth Pony stated.” Your horn is currently fitted with a inhibitor so you might feel a bit numb around the base. While I doubt it will be much a issue to some one with the well of power you have at your disposal please do not test the limits of the inhibitor as they are expensive to replace.”
“How....?” Twilight stammered coughing, as she inhaled some of the water.
“Rahs rushed you to the doctors office in Ponyville. They didn't know how to deal with Spike and didn't have the capacity to deal with this level of magical burn out. They sent for a life flight and had you sent here.” Celestia spoke. “ That is something I suppose I may need to address soon. Ponyville is far too large to not have it's own hospital.”
“Where....?” Twilight began.
“Rahs is fine. It seemed after he dropped you off however he tore out of the doctors office as fast as he could. Auntie Luna found him a few hours later at Sweet Apple Acres. Apparently he had taken it upon himself to eat three trees worth of apples by the time he was found. He's currently in another room trying not to vomit over everything.” Cadence offered.
“I love how every one is ignoring my order for her to be silent and stay calm.” Dr. Home snorted.
“You don't know my student. Better we answer her now than allow her to get up and try to find the answers herself.” Celestia chuckled.
“Why....?” Twilight started.
“Thine brother Spike explained the poison joke incident when he woke for a time. We believe that to be the root of it. Thou transformation into a Dragon, Spike's to a dog , and Rahs' to a Pony are the crux of it. As a Dragon thy form was not producing the same sort of magic as normal, nor was Spike. This mattered little as Rahs was a Pony and wasn't feeding on it. The moment thee returned to normal, thy magic built up rapidly without it's usual outlet. Hence the seeming surge Spike thought thou were having. When Rahs returned to normal his body considered itself under attack as the magic had been cut off and it reacted by drawing more magic from all on the connections he possessed, thou and both of your other brothers. He also felt starved beyond reason and sought to eat until sated, hence his current predicament, when all he really needed was more magic, not real food. Still were it not for Shining Armor's collapse when his magic was drawn down the link, we might not have known even this.”
“It is interesting to see that there is enough magic in those apples to sate something like this.” Celestia offered.
“What...?” Twilight started again.
“ Shining Armor is fine, not enough magic was drawn though his connection to do more than get him to black out.” Cadence offered with a wide smile.” Isn't that right Shiny?”
The white Unicorn mare grumbled something, shifting a little trying not to look at Twilight in the bed, a tinge of red forming on her face. Still she was careful not to shift Spike too much on her back.
“Seems the poison joke worked through the link. Your brother will be most appreciative if you could present the cure to him.” Celestia chuckled.
“For poison joke?” Doctor Home questioned. “That's a rather easy cure, I've a book with the recipe here in my office. It's a rare thing given than poison joke only grows in the Everfree, but I'm sure Quack and his office have a copy of the book too with how close they are to the forest.”
“What bothers us, is how Shining Armor's change was not brought up until the point he fainted.” Luna questioned with a barely noticeable smirk. “ Was he not spending the day with thee Cadence?”
Shining Armor turned a deeper shade of red and Cadence flushed quite a bit herself.
Luna's grin grew wider as Celestia and Twilight face hooved.
“Yes Princess I was …......” Shining Armor muttered.
“Reaaaaaaaaaaaaally.” Luna nearly hissed her smile getting wider.
“Stuff it auntie.” Cadence growled. “ Like you wouldn't if the chance presented itself.”
“Too much information.” Twilight and Celestia whined.
Luna however started laughing like a loon. Doctor Home evidently had enough and ordered the lot of them out of Twilight's room.
[Later, in another part of the Hospital]
Luna paused at the door looking through the window into the room where Rahs lay across a bed his head hanging over a bucket.
She sighed softly, her ear flicking as her sister came up behind her.
“It is time to return to our duties Lulu.” Celestia stated. “Cadence is staying here as is Shining for treatment for his condition.”
Luna smirked at that, though it dropped almost as soon as it formed.
“With practice we believe that this can be avoided. We would suggest that to him were not asleep.” Luna whispered.
“I don't think any of them will want to try again.” Celestia countered.
“He should, perhaps we should work on a way to see if it can be made permanent.” Luna frowned.
“I think he is fine with how he is.” Celestia offered.
“He was pulled here against his will Tia, in a way we cannot fathom and that thou has not even figured out. He cannot go back and with what could happen here....... Better that he have a normal life as a Pony and forget what he is supposed to be.”
“Lulu. What are you talking about?”
“ Rahs is..... He is not the only one of his kind sister, he is simply the only one of his kind here. “
“That cannot be right. What of the witc.......” Celestia began before Luna whirled on her, her horn striking her sisters sending up a series of sparks into the air as Luna growled.
“DO NOT SPEAK OF THE ABOMINATIONS!!!”
Celestia took a step back her eyes wide at the rage in her sisters eyes, she had not seen that since Luna had become the Nightmare. Fortunately Luna seemed to realize how she reacted and drew back from her sister as well her ears drooping to her head.
“Sorry Tia, but no. If one even were to consider using such means again we would smite them ourselves and we would take our sweet time about sending them to the next life.” Luna exhaled. “ That is not a viable way and we shall accept no other suggestions of such.”
“I'm afraid I don't understand. Lulu.” Celestia stepped forward again reaching out a wing, Luna sighed and let her sister hug her with it.
“We were their matron, their creator. Rahs, like the others, is as a grandchild to us. And we were forced to betray that trust, to make monsters. That they forgave us so readily is more painful than we can bear after what we did. Rahs should not be here, he should be there with the others.”
“You know where he came from?” Celestia blinked. “Where?”
Luna blinked looking up at her sister curiously as if she was being messed with. “Sister thou was there when we created the Moon Dogs. How does thou not recall what we did with them?”
Celestia blinked turning red as her ears flattened to her head. Luna rolled her eyes.
“Right the rutting. By the stars we are surprised the whole of Equss is not still punch drunk on the tales of thy exploits with thine suitors.”
“Lulu......”
“Sister how many Ponies were there before our fall?” Luna asked suddenly, turning to pull away from her sister's wing to head down the hall.
“Several thousand if I recall. At least around Whinnyshire and the towns we knew of, not counting the Empire of course.” Celestia considered heading along side her sister as they walked down the hospitals hallway towards the front door.
“And how many Ponies are there now?” Luna asked calmly.
“I would say likely in the millions. I've not seen the official census this year however. But that is both Ponies and other races that have come to Equestria.” Celestia listed.
“It matters not if they are Pony or not, only that they are our subjects. They fall under our protection simply by their presence here.” Luna claimed.
“That is not much an answer Lulu.” Celestia snorted.
“Several, 'Million', souls dear sister.” Luna offered with a small smirk.” At what point did you start to think our power so great that we are able to patrol the dreams of several million souls in only a night by ourselves?”
“So Twilight's not back yet?” Rainbow Dash asked with more than a hint of worry.
“Nah, docs wanted to keep her in Canterlot a bit longer to make sure she was recovered enough to return. Spike and Rahs came back yesterday, though they went back up tah Canterlot again after gitting a few things.” Applejack offered. “They told Pinkie Pie to let us know what was going on and she found me first.”
“Dang, I saw Spike yesterday and he didn't say nothing.” Dash pouted.
“So the poison joke had some side effects?” Rarity pondered. “Perhaps I should get checked out , though I don't recall feeling anything but fabulous after my bath.”
“Prolly somethin tah do with Rahs eating three trees worth of apples.” Applejack sighed. “ That whole family's strange.”
“Yeah, but check this out!” Rainbow Dash pulled a small stack of photos from under her wing showing them to the other girls. Both Applejack and Rarity turned red as they regarded the five photos of Rahs as a pony. Some one had taken pictures of him as he rinsed off before soaking in the cure to the poison joke. Water clearly rippled off muscle and his amber mane was plastered to his head and back spilling over his broad shoulders as he stood under the shower.
“Oh. My.” Rarity gasped.
“Daaaang....” Applejack whistled before whipping her head back and forth. “Rainbow where did you get those?”
“I know right. “Dash grinned. “ Spike sold them to me yesterday, twenty bits a piece, totally worth it to see him with a wet mane. Just when you think he hits a cap at 11 he goes right up to 12.”
“Dash what even is your scaling system?” Applejack grumbled.” And honestly yer gitting a little creepy, no matter how hot he is.”
“It's fine. It's not like I’m gonna do anything with them. Like I told Twi he's pretty to look at, damn pretty to look at, but he doesn't have wings so I’m not interested in doing anything.” Dash smirked. “ Any guy I’m gonna hook up with has got to be able to keep up with me in the air.”
“ Given how fast you are you're already setting yourself up to be a old maid Dashie.” Pinkie Pie stated, popping up behind Rainbow Dash's. Fluttershy was only a bit behind her.
“GAH!” Dash yelped her wings jerking and tossing the photos in the air.
Fluttershy blinked and reached a wing up to catch one as it drifted down. She took one look at the photo and turned bright red with a thin trickle of blood running from her nose before she passed out in a heap.
“Dang it Pinkie!” Dash growled, as she snatched her photos back up.
“I'm glad I packed smelling salts this time.” Rarity sighed digging into her purse.
“Good thing yah did, cause this mandatory shindig looks like it's about tah start.” Applejack frowned looking out across the town hall and the mass of town ponys gathered there.
[On stage]
“Thank you all for coming.” Mayor Mare sighed looking at the list before her and the ponies out in the crowd. “Keep in mind this is a mandatory town meeting as ordered by Princess Luna and Princess Celestia so aside from a few individuals the whole town is required to attend this meeting. Given that I'm to be part of this class as well I turn the floor over to the Canterlot head of Cultural Enrichment, Mr. Parks.”
Mayor Mare sighed again stepping away from the podium and moving out into the crowd of confused and rather annoyed ponies. It wasn't like the Mayor to cut a speech short.
“Greetings Ponyville.” Mr. Parks stated. He was a well groomed Earth pony at first glance. His ocean blue mane and tail were cut short and his suit jacket was a inexpensive make that still looked professional on him. His fur was a dark purple that looked marbled around his limbs and ears , though closer examination showed these to be stripes. “Usually this class is only attended by individuals or groups no larger than ten or so. This is the first time I’ve had to deal with a whole town, though with this precedent I doubt it will be the last.”
The stallion tapped a few stacks of paper on the podium.
“Let me begin by telling you the law. This is not a new law and has been in effect for the last fifty four years. No one is allowed to deny service to any individual due to nationality or species without adequate reason if said individual is in need. An adequate reason is something that you can, and likely will, need to argue in court. It could be that the individual is known to be dangerous, or has caused some sort of harm before. “ Mr. Parks continued. “What is NOT an adequate reason to deny service and shun a individual is because others are doing the same, or because they look, or seem strange to you. It has come to the Princesses attention that this town has been doing just that with several of it's residents. So she sent my team and I to nip it in the bud now.”
There was a general mummer of annoyance from the crowd. A mummer that Mr. Parks and the other five ponies, and one mule scattered around the hall took note of. They also took note of those that seemed surprised, and those that seemed ashamed.
“Before you all get mad and leave allow me to point out now that there is a sizable fine for the first conviction depending on the severity. That can also be or include jail time depending on the situation. “ Mr. Parks stated. “ All that said there is no law about private businesses denying who ever they see fit from their establishment, this does not include anything also being bankrolled by the crown. However Princess Celestia is adamant about maintaining good relations with all of Equestria's neighbors. And given she cannot be the first to meet all of those coming to Equestria, the duty falls on you, and I am sure that none of you wish to upset the Princesses. Now then, we will start out with a short film, then a lecture and Q&A, and at the end of the class there will be a test. Failing this test will result in the class being required again with who ever did not pass. We will teach a second class later in the week. There will be no third class, those that fail will simply be recorded as failing and will be in documented in CCE files. Now then let's begin.”
The lights in the town hall dimmed with the expected muttering as a projector started in the back of the room, lighting up a screen that had been lowered. A crackling voice seemed to boom from everywhere at once as the film began.
“So you've decided to be a racist.....” The narrator mocked.
[Outside of Canterlot]
Trixie stretched her legs as she trotted along the road, her new wagon pulled behind her with incredible ease thanks to the new library of spells that had been fitted into it's construction. With the insurance money as well as several other payouts from both the parents and Ponyville town hall that accounted for lost wages, Trixie had more than enough to make her home even better. Feather weight charms and enough durability and protection spells that the next time it was stomped on by an Ursa, the Ursa would chip a claw.
Trixie really hoped there wasn't a next time.
Still to be back on the road was a thrill, she had truly missed this, traveling the land, choosing her own way. Canterlot and the theater were nice, but this was so much better. She also had plenty of time to work on her stories, there was now a cautionary tale in her bragging involving two stupid young colts and how Trixie saved them from themselves with the help of a certain Moon Dog. It still made her look damn good, but it also warned away any one thinking of trying the same thing that happened in Ponyville.
She also she really needed to thank Twilight for dealing with all the fine print.
The flutter of wings and a loud thud of something striking her new wagon made Trixie wince. Stopping the cart she unhitched herself and moved around to the side of it where a gray pegasus with a blond mane was just picking herself up off the ground and trying to put letters back in her bag from where the impact had scattered them.
“Are you alright?” Trixie frowned.
“Oh huh, yeah I’m fine, I just don't know what went wrong, one minute I’m flying around and the next , WHAM, cart outta no where.” The gray furred Pegasus chuckled.
The mare looked up and Trixie noticed her amber eyes were facing two different directions, clearly this was the issue with her flying.
“Oh hay. I know you. You're the mare who's magic doesn't taste like muffins.” The Pegasus smiled.
Trixie blinked and sighed recognizing the gray mare as well.
“If you say so.”
“Good I was trying to find you. I've got a letter for you.” Derpy explained.
“A letter?” Trixie asked.
“Yeah … ummmm, no that's not it.... that's a delivery to Pinkie Pie....” the mare muttered digging into her bag.” .... that's to Raindrops..... there's Princess Celestia's 'Well-built, Oiled, Outdoor, Fancy Stallions weekly... how'd that get in here? Ahh here we are.”
The Pegasus offered a fair sized envelope to Trixie. Trixie took it in her magic curiously noting that it was from Spike of all individuals.
“Thank you.” Trixie offered as she tore open the letter after the Pegasus had taken off, her delivery done.
“Let's see here.” Trixie muttered noticing some things in the envelope still, though she pulled out the letter first. “To Trixie, after a run in with something called Poison Joke the three of us wound up changing forms. Enclosed is a recipe and a description of the plant so you can avoid it and cure it if you can't. Despite that I still agreed to help you with Rahs. So I am enclosing something that should help with the motivation. Sincerely. Spike...”
Trixie blinked, before noting a PS.
“PS, all the images included are of Rahs under the curse of the Poison Joke. Have fun.”
Trixie tilted her head pulling the photos out of the envelope looking them over, her eyes growing wider as she took in what Rahs looked like as a Pony.
“AHHHH no that goes over there!” Twilight fretted as she floated several dusters around her whipping them over spots that clearly had already been cleaned.
Rahs frowned picking up the potted plant and taking the two steps to the left to set it down where Twilight said.
“Not there, there!” Twilight shouted again gesturing with a duster.
Rahs flattened his ears picking up the plant again and putting it over further.
“NO, the other way!”
The Moon Dog rolled his eyes and put it back where he had placed it to start with.
“Yes, perfect now don't touch it . Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow, everything has to be perfect, and this place is a mess!” Twilight ranted.
“Lets see, twelve coffee mugs , dozens of books out of place. I wonder who made this mess.” Spike snarked from his spot on a ladder as he put several books away.” Why are you even freaking out any way. Princess Celestia knows you live like a slob.”
“Woof.” Rahs grumbled.
“Yeah I know right. She acts like its mom going to do a white hoof inspection or something.” Spike rolled his eyes.” It's just Princess Celestia.”
“Just princess Celestia? JUST PRINCESS CELESTIA?!!” Twilight screamed.
“Umm yeah, you know the mare who was your teacher, whose sister you saved, who manipulated you into doing stuff and who you told off at least once.” Spike explained. “ The Princess who we have literally watched shove her whole head into a cake in order to eat it from the inside out. That Princess Celestia?”
“Bark.” Rahs added.
“Yes I know she ordered us to treat her like everypony else, but that was in the palace not out here in the real world, in real life.......” Twilight ranted.
“Twilight this is Ponyville.” Spike deadpanned as he climbed back down the ladder. ”Is this the real life?”
“Or is this just fantasy?”
“Seriously?” Twilight growled though she at least lowered a few of the dusters seeming to calm down some.”You're right. She won't really care, but the rest of the town is rather eager for her arrival, given what happened last time she was here I’d like to make this event as unstressed as possible for everyone.”
“By stressing out over it?” Spike crossed his arms looking up at her as he reached the bottom of the ladder.
“I'm not.....” Twilight began getting a stare from both of her brothers. “ Okay maybe I am a little stressed.”
“You need to relax. I keep this place pretty clean as it is and the rest of the town is already working on the rest of the celebration. They did just fine for the Summer celebration they'll do fine now.” Spike gestured, looking over the stacks of books before picking a few out of various stacks and scaling the ladder again.
“ARF.” Rahs pointed out crossing his arms and glaring down at Twilight. While the Moon Dog was wearing pants, his coat was little more than burnt scrap at this point and none of his old shirts fit him any more So his navy furred arms and torso were bare, something he seemed annoyed with when he went out , but it was his usual manner of dress at home any way. Rarity was busy with rush orders for those who wanted to look their best when the Princess arrived, so she couldn't deal with his coat right now.
“Right, right .” Twilight sighed at Rahs' order, lowering all but one of the dusters reminded again she was still under doctors orders to take it easy with her magic.
The front door was flung open suddenly and everyone looked at the door in time for a pink form to tumble in rolling like a wheel across the floor until it collided with the stacks of books Spike was sorting, which were oddly positioned in a triangle formation. The rolling mass of pink slammed into them with a sound of crashing pins, flinging books every where. The flung projectiles smacked into the shelves dislodging hordes of other books and one knocked Spike from his perch a top the ladder.
Rahs darted forward only for Twilight's magic to catch Spike first setting him on the ground.
A familiar pink pony popped out of the fallen books looking around as she tried to stop her own dizziness.
“Oof, remind me never to do that again.” Pinkie Pie muttered as Twilight started to hyperventilate at the new mess.
“Pinkie? What are you doing here?” Twilight demanded.
“Recovering from a epic strike.” Pinkie explained.
Three different appendages met three different faces at the answer.
“WOOF?” Rahs asked.
“Oh, why did I come here? Because Mr. and Mrs. Cake kicked me out of Sugar cube corner for testing all the snacks they were making to make sure the Princess would like them.” Pinkie Pie stated innocently. “I'm not sure she'll like the banana pudding with moon pies, but the rest are grade A. Though who's Princess Celest? I thought it was Princess Celestia was coming?”
“What?” Twilight blinked as Pinkie Pie pointed at the door.
“Oh boy.” Spike stated looking out the still open door. “They got the banner wrong.”
“What!?” Twilight asked ,a hair springing out of place on her mane as she rushed the door.” WHAT?!”
Spike frowned as Twilight rushed off to have a word with Carrot Top and Berry Punch.
“This is gonna be a long day.” Spike sighed as Rahs nodded.
“Oh did I come at a bad time?” Fluttershy asked as she poked her head in the door, practically dancing in place with excitement.
“Nope, Twilight stepped out before she went full on crazy so your timing's pretty good.” Pinkie Pie chimed up.
“Woof.” Rahs smirked with a small wag of his tail.
“Oh Hello to you too Rahs.” Fluttershy smiled though she didn't make eye contact with the Moon Dog, her face turning a bit red.
Silence filled the room a moment as most of them waited for the shy pegasus to speak, and Fluttershy set in to wait until Rahs left so she could talk. The stalemate was broken by Twilight's return.
“We ran outta room....” Twilight mocked in a squeaky voice.” At least they didn't misspell it completely... oh hello Fluttershy, what are you doing here?”
“Oh Twilight” Fluttershy startled. “Yes well, I was out at the edge of the forest picking flowers and... well... come on out little guy...” Fluttershy muttered looking back at her wing.
“If it's a snake I apologize in advance for blasting it … and probably you...” Twilight muttered backing away from Fluttershy.
The little blue ball with wings that fluttered out of the Pegasus' mane was not really what anyone expected. The creatures fluttered around a bit it's large green eyes taking in everything as it hovered cutely around Fluttershy purring. Suddenly a yellow one and a brown one also emerged from her mane.
“Wha.. three?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Well those are cute..” Twilight calmed down looking up at them as they flitted around. “ What are they?”
“I'm not sure. I'm also not sure where these other two came from.” Fluttershy admitted.
“Well I'll take one off your hooves. It's something new to study and I’ve never seen anything so adorable.” Twilight smiled as the blue one floated over to her.
“BORK!” Rahs frowned.
“Yeah maybe once, when you were a puppy.” Spike laughed. “But that was a long long long time ago.”
Rahs frowned turning and whipping his tail to knock Spike into the pile of books with it as he snorted in annoyance.
“Okay... Pinkie do you want the other one?” Fluttershy asked.
The pink mare had been strangely silent as she watched the pair though when she was addressed the pink pony only sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Yuck... a parasprite? Are you kidding? “ Pinkie Pie grumbled heading out the door.” Now I’ve got to go find a trombone.”
“A what?” Twilight asked looking at the small ball of flying fluff.
“A trombone, you know....” Pinkie pie made a gesture like she was playing and made noises like a trombone. “ A trombone.”
The pink mare turned back and headed out the door.
“What?” Twilight demanded again.
“A trombone.” Spike repeated.” You know...”
The purple Dragon started to make the noise only for Rahs' tail to knock him back into the books once again.
“Why is everyone in my family a sarcastic ass?” Twilight grumbled.
“Bark.” Rahs offered.
“Oh no, with you two like you are, I know it's not hereditary.” Twilight responded.
“I don't know, Fluttershy only gave me the one and when I went to check on Rarity and Rainbow Dash there were three of them. Luckily both Dash and Rarity thought they were cute and took one.”
Rahs sat back in his chair watching the little bug float around Twilight's head. He and Spike had finished cleaning up the library while Twilight was gone and the little Dragon was already in bed for the night. He could smell magic on the creature and while he wanted to know what the flavor of it was every pony's interest in them, coupled with memories of the foul tasting Vespid moth he once ate stopped him from tracking down and snacking on one of the extras.
“Bark?”
“Not sure, I've run a scan on them and aside from the basic ambient energy there's nothing specific about them that I can detect.” Twilight frowned as the small bug landed in her mane and curled up to go to sleep.” Did you find anything about Parasprites in any of the field guides we have?”
Rahs shook his head. “Growf.”
“Yeah this will make four entries in our book then.”Twilight muttered.
Twilight had decided to create a field guide for the Everfree given how close they lived to it now and . Twilight considered it her final project for Celestia's school.
Rahs and Spike both added what they could to it as both of them wanted their name on the guide if it was officially published.
So far they had information about Whinnyshire, Poison Joke, Cockatrices, and soon everything they could find out about parasprites.
The only issue they had with it was picking a name. Twilight wanted Encyclopedia Everfree. Rahs wanted to call it Moon Dog's almanac. Spike was already calling it the Totally Awesome Guide to a Deadly Forest of Death.
Twilight yawned, she could log what she knew later, she was still being restricted by what little magic she was allowed to do, and Rahs was being far more protective than usual in regard to her magic issues.
He was clearly not happy he was indirectly the source of her current burn out and was less abrasive than usual , but far more firm. She was pretty sure he had been following her when she went out to make sure she didn't use any magic despite his dislike of being outside without his coat.
Given all they had tried before, Twilight was quite surprised she could burn out. It offered a new theory for her to test one her magic had returned. Mostly that her well of magic resources was the same as any other untrained pony, but her magic creation was off the scales. It would explain how she had burned out so quickly when such a feat was impossible before. Rahs just took bigger bites out of her magic and drained her short well of power before her body started to restore it fully. If that was the case then she could train to deepen that well to avoid anything like this in the future. She never bothered with trying to strengthen or increase her magic pool as she was always told it was massive. Perhaps she should talk or write to Celestia later. She hadn't seen her teacher again past the day she woke up to discuss anything.
“Right, that's enough of that. I'm going to bed and you should too. Princess Celestia's coming tomorrow and I figure she's going to at least say hello to us so you won't be allowed to sleep through her visit.” Twilight pointed out as Rahs just rolled his eyes.
The order given Twilight left Rahs to cut out the lights and headed up to bed, her new little companion snoring cutely in her mane.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~1
[Next morning]
A soft churring noise stirred Rainbow Dash from her slumber. The groggy pegasus opened one eye to look over at a small blue ball like creature with large green eyes and little wings resting in the pillowy cloud next to her.
“Grmphle?” Rainbow Dash eloquently asked her eye closing again with a smile at her new pet. More churring and buzzing of wings pulled her once more from her dreams of awesomeness.
“Borgla?”Rainbow Dash demanded both her heavily lidded red eyes opening a crack to take in the much larger number of floating balls of fluff and cuteness.
The creatures fluttered down landing on the Pegasus who in annoyance waved them off with a lazy hoof.
“Fooffa” Dash ordered, only for the bugs to land on her again. She sat up whipping them away with her hooves, her brain realizing something was going on as there seemed to a whole mess of bugs that hadn't been there the night before.
The Pegasus mare lurched fully awake as the bugs latched onto her once more. She screamed out zipping off into the air, only for the mass of them to follow her clinging to her hair, mane and chin clearly mocking her as she tried to get rid of them. As the swarm formed a beard she had finally had enough and screamed loudly, zipping off towards the one mare she knew who might know what was going on with these things.
**********************************2
Rarity and Rainbow Dash both arrived at Fluttershy's at the same time. Rarity took one look at Rainbow's bug beard and Dash noticed the bulging saddlebags Rarity wore that chirped as she moved.
“You've got issue with these things too?” Dash grumbled.
“Indeed, Fluttershy knows everything there is to know about animals, perhaps she knows how to stop them from breeding.”Rarity stated opening the door to her friends cottage only for both ponies to get bowled over by a massive swarm of Parasprites rushing out of the cottage.
Inside Fluttershy was a mess as she tried to get the remaining bugs under control. Off to the side Angel bunny was chasing a number of them with a large hammer and Fluttershy spent just as much time trying to scold the irate bunny who had lost his breakfast to the bugs as she did trying to control the swarm.
“I guess she doesn't know.” Rainbow Dash frowned.
==============================3
Applejack rubbed her temples. They had gotten rid of one swarm, only for Fluttershy to release a second one. Rainbow Dash had helped with that one only for Pinkie Pie to show up with cymbals and nearly decapitated the Pegasus in her tornado.
That soon devolved into a three way argument with the pink mare that only revealed how insistent she was to acquire her scavenger hunt of instruments and how dismissive she was of every one elses efforts.
Dash was mad at Pinkie for nearly cutting her head off with the cymbals, Pinkie was mad at Dash for losing a brand new pair of cymbals.
Rarity was mad that Pinkie wasn't helping to get rid of the bugs , and Pinkie was mad at Rarity for not helping her find a tuba.
Everyone was mad at Fluttershy for the second swarm, but no one was going to yell at her for it.
Applejack was mad too, but something kept her from joining the argument with the pink pony. She had seen Pinkie do a lot of weird things in the past including that Pinkie sense thing. Maybe the mare knew something they didn't. Though why she wasn't sharing was any ones guess. Still it didn't hurt to hedge her bets.
“Hay... HAY!” Applejack shouted over the trio yelling at each other.
“What is it Applejack!?”Rarity scoffed.
Applejack sighed. As now the three ponies were glaring at her.
“First off we ain't got time fer this. Second off while ah don't profess to know what yer on about Pinkie ye ken prolly find what yah need at tha schoolhouse, Thursdays supposed tah be music day and Applebloom's mentioned a tuba before.” Applejack explained.
“Oh, you're right I can probably get half of what I need there. Thanks Applejack!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed zipping off in a puff of dust.
“Why the heck are you encouraging her?” Dash growled. “ We coulda used her help.”
“Do ya'll understand Pinkie Pie at all?” Applejack asked.
“Nope.” Dash snorted.
“I doubt any pony does darling.” Rarity admits.
“Exactly. Whatever she's doing is gonna result in somethin happening and we need tah do something about these bugs, not get involved in her shenanigans.” Applejack stated.
“Okay so what now?” Dash glanced back at Fluttershy making sure she wasn't hiding another one of the bugs.
“Same thing we do every time somethin comes up around here lately. We git Twilight and her brothers involved and see what happens.” Applejack admitted.
“That's the plan?” Rarity grumbled.
“Yah got a better one?” Applejack demanded.
“Right, to Twilight's house then.” Rarity countered.
“This is bad.... like really bad....” Rainbow Dash frowned looking out over the town and the swarm of Parasprites flitting around it. At first the towns ponies thought they were cute, until the voracious little monsters started eating everything in sight. Small gardens were devoured. ponies lunch’s were made no more, delivery carts were demolished.
Mr' And Mrs. Cake were both outside the front of their shop with a large wooden spoon and a baseball bat respectively, smacking the fool out of the little creatures that tried to enter their shop. A few other stores had already closed and barricaded themselves to keep the creatures out. Barnyard Bargains was having issues as it looked like their grocery section was getting cleaned out while employees ran amok inside.
Chaos ran rampant every where as ponies ran from or fought off the mischievous little bugs. The restaurant district was in ruins as was the market district and a few private homes.
Applejack frowned not liking the idea that these creatures would be a threat to her farm if they went that way. The more she thought of it the more nervous and panicked she was getting. In fact it was only once Rarity called something to her attention twice did she take notice.
“Seriously, Applejack are you in there?”Rarity scoffed glancing away as Pinkie Pie pronked past with a flute.
“No, I mean yes, I mean what?” Applejack shook her head wondering if Ponyville insurance covered infestation.
“I said do you see anything wrong with this picture?” Rarity stated again, pointing a hoof at Golden Oaks library.
“What?” Applejack asked before she glanced at the library, then back at Rarity, then back at the tree house.
It took her a moment or two more before she realized there were no parasprites around the library, at all. A few flew near it but as soon as they came within a certain distance they seemed to sniff the air, go into a state of panic and take off as fast as they could away from the tree.
“Well that's odd.” Rainbow Dash commented. “ I thought Twilight was on light magical duty?
“I don't think it's magic. Unicorns each have a different feel to their magic. I don't detect anything she might have cast that would be big enough to ward the tree.”Rarity muttered.” Besides if she had, we would hear Spike and Rahs yelling at her about now.”
“Well we ain't gonna find out how she done it by sitting out here.” Applejack stated as the small group headed towards the library.
The mares peered expectantly past Spike into the library after the little Dragon had opened the door for them. Bets had been taken prior to knocking.
Applejack had expected disaster with parasprites trashing the place.
Rarity had expected the little bugs to be helping Spike and Twilight sort things, mostly as she thought that Twilight didn't have the same revulsion of the creatures as she did.
Rainbow Dash had expected a bloodbath with Rahs having gorged on the extra creatures.
Unfortunately it seemed that Fluttershy won the twenty bit pool as the library was undamaged and there was only one parasprite present. The little blue bug was inside a small bird cage and was plastered to the bars as far away from the pair sitting on the couch studying it as it could get.
Small bits of food rested on the table around the cage along with a collection of odd sciency devices and numerous pages of notes.
Of course Rahs and Twilight were arguing as well.
“...all I’m saying is, 'tastes like a peach gumball' is not a valid description for a field guide.”Twilight fussed.
“Bark.” Rahs countered.
“ Yes I know the field guides he writes for animals also include the flavor of them, but we should not be taking advice from a stallion named after a woodland predator who, when in an emergency situation.... ANY emergency situation, drinks his own urine.” Twilight pointed out.
The four mares stared at the pair, not sure what conversation they walked into before all of them looked at Spike.
“Better you don't ask. Any way if you're here for the squeeze box we had in storage Pinkie Pie already came by and took the instrument.” Spike sighed.
“Momma had a squeeze box..... daddy never slept at night.” Fluttershy quietly mused.
“ No Spikey we are not.... umm what happened here?” Rarity broached the subject carefully.
“Ehh, I'm not going to be the one to explain this nonsense. “ Spike turned back to the pair. “ Twilight parasprite lecture time again. They wanna know what's going on.”
Rahs groaned and buried his head in his paws as Spike wandered off to the kitchen. Twilight perked up noticing the girls for the first time and smiled, it was at that point when the others finally saw she was wearing a lab coat.
“Oh it's been a great investigation. I woke up this morning and there were dozens of them all over the place. It wasn't great they were making a mess, but we quickly fixed that after I put the original in the cage here. With so many to experiment on I’ve got a full biological life profile including skeletal, for what it's worth, and neurological systems. But the really interesting thing is the digestive system. It utilizes a version of Quids theorem that has only a 3% waste rate. 47% of all material ingested goes towards maintaining the system with the other fifty percent going completely into reproduction. If the parasprite eats something the same size as itself, like a berry, then it has to eat something else of equal size in order to produce a second parasprite, so like two berries. Given that it it can distend it's mouth open larger than it's whole body however it can eat things up to three times it's own size. The skeletal system is really just a brain case with a small flexible spine that has connections to the wings, everything else is a fleshy, stretchy cartilage so it might be able to eat things even bigger than that. We haven’t tested it fully as I have no idea where to get a watermelon this time of year.... and it's too early for pumpkins.” Twilight rambled.” I am learning so much....”
“Skeletal and digestive....... are you dissecting these things?” Rarity asked making a disgusted face.
“Only about a dozen of them, I’ve a simple fly killing spell that works just as well and Fluttershy is behind you on the ground isn't she....”Twilight trailed off looking back by the girls legs. Looking down the yellow mare was passed out on the ground at the thought her friend had been cutting open the parasprites to see what made them tick.
The other girls looked back at the fainted Fluttershy then ignored her again, every pony was still mad after all.
“That's pretty hard core Twilight.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Yeah trying tah do that with a frog back in school made me squeamish.” Applejack admitted as Rarity frowned glaring at the farm mare for some reason.
“You do realize that when Rahs first learned to hunt on his own I had to cut up and fix his meals. Mom and Dad wouldn't touch them and Shining Armor wasn't always around.” Twilight shrugged. “This was little different from that given Rahs ate them all after I was done as well as the ones I hadn't tested.”
Rainbow Dash looked at the Moon Dog curiously.“So what did these taste like?”
“He said various flavors of gumball depending on the color. Everything from cherry to ginger so far.” Spike added coming out of the kitchen with a tray of tea for every one.
Rarity took note that the small bug had yet to pull itself away from the back of it's cage despite eying the food that was left for it. The bug wasn't just afraid of Rahs either.
“Twilight dear. How many parasprites have you cut open?” Rarity asked.
“About a dozen I think.” Twilight admitted.”They were humanely killed before I did that however. I’m not a monster.”
Rarity nodded before looking at Spike.”Spike?”
“Closer to about forty I think.” Spike added.” But I lost count when she started trying to see if color changed any of their internal layout........ it doesn't....”
“Oh.... I did?” Twilight muttered.
“ An how many has Rahs eaten?” Applejack questioned.
“I'll put it this way, see those scraps on the table? That's all the food that's left in the house, and we just went shopping yesterday morning.” Spike grumbled.” At least Rahs is well fed.......”
The three mares looked back over at Twilight and Rahs. The former seemed to be wondering what she did wrong and the latter was trying to look innocent. None of the girls were buying it.
“This explains why they're all avoiding this place.” Applejack sighed.
“And this is what I live with.....” Spike sighed passing out the tea. Rahs got off the couch and moved over to check on Fluttershy since no pony else was.
“Don't start with me again buster.” Twilight accused pointing a hoof at Spike.”With as fast as these things reproduce it's better to know everything we can about them in case they decide to swarm or there's a reduction of their natural predators. They eat anything even remotely resembling food.......”
“ Like that horseradish cheese dip you made the other day.” Spike snarked. “That was almost food.”
“Pinkie Pie gave me that recipe thank you very much.” Twilight snapped. “ Anyway the parasprites reproduce at such a rate that using a few of them as test subjects is only objectionable if is not conducted humanely. Or if it's done on something that is endangered or can communicate it's own defense, Pleading to Fluttershy not withstanding. It's also not objectionable if the creature in question is a threat to pony kind..........”
Twilight trailed off looking at the girls as if seeing them for the first time clearly.
“You're not here to raise a fuss about my research are you?” Twilight asked.
“Fluttershy might , but I’m not planning on it.” Dash snorted.
“I'm so used to some one causing a fuss.....Rarity, Rainbow Dash what happened to the parasprites I gave you yesterday?” Twilight asked.
“ Umm well..... it's like this darling...” Rarity stammered.
Twilight slapped her face with her hoof as she looked to her brother who had turned from Fluttershy and was looking out the door.
“Rahs how bad is it?” Twilight groaned rubbing the bridge of her nose with a hoof.
“Woof.” Rahs grumbled.
“Okay only level two theorized... we can handle that I think.....” Twilight sat down hard and rested her hoof on her chin as she started thinking. “ Plan 4-B?”
“Bark.” Rahs shook his head.
“Too many of them hmm. Plan R-9?” Twilight suggested.
Applejack watched the pair of them for a moment before leaning over to question Spike.
“What tha hay are they talking about?” Applejack asked.
“They made plans in case of a disaster. Twilight calls it creative brainstorming, I call it game ideas galore.” Spike admitted.
“But what does she mean level 2?” Rarity asked.
“Danger scale. It's actually a Guard thing. It goes from five to zero then from zero to five. Anything before zero is a Potential Disaster Rating or PDR. The lower the number the closer it is to being a disaster. Zero is a disaster is happening, but it's not rated yet. One to five above that is the level of disaster rating or DR. A one is light damage and minor injuries, a two is moderate damage and injuries with possible heavy damage or death. A three is certain death and serious damage, a four is mass extinction and continental damage. A five is the end of the world. There's decimal points in there two so we can have a 3. 3 for instance, but we've really never had anything beyond a two or three that I can recall.”
“Woof.” Rahs added.
“Okay but she was only a potential 5 Nightmare Moon got stopped before she put out the sun. She never got past a 1 DR.” Spike sighed.
“Every time I think I understand you three something happens and I find out stuff like you're making plans for the end of the world.” Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“This is my life.” Spike sighed.
“Q-8, Amalthea's plight?” Twilight suggested.
“Sure if you want to burn out again and make them all depressed.”Spike scoffed. “ Besides with how they reproduce wouldn't they just double their efforts to make more of themselves if they think they are the last one?”
“Good point. It's mostly for defense any way. Something can't attack you if it's too depressed to do so.” Twilight admits. “ I-7, Igneel's immolate?”
“Nope, remember what happened when the one got to close to a candle last night? Now imagine that across a town that has NOT been fire proofed like the library.” Spike countered.
“True he lasted a good twenty minutes before we put him out as well.... then he ate the candle...” Twilight muttered.
“They're fire proof?” Rainbow Dash gasped.
“Fire resistant, but we didn't check the length of time they would burn for obvious reasons. I also couldn't test on a fresh body as Rahs kept eating them.” Twilight explained as Fluttershy fainted again.
The group of them, minus Applejack and Rahs, stood outside of Sugar-cube Corner watching the chaos of the bugs running around looking for food. With Twilight outside of the shop, the parasprites were giving it a wide berth allowing the Cakes to finally relax a little.
Applejack had drug Rahs off almost as soon as she found out the bugs avoided him, in order to protect her orchards, which left the rest of them to figure out how to fix this problem. For Twilight that was to consider spells while Spike shot them down.
“ H-12, Mentok's marvelous mind taking?” Twilight pondered.
“Okay I can see that working depending on what you do with it. Maybe avoid all Ponies?” Spike offered.
“Too complex, they probably don't know what ponies are. I was thinking more along the lines of 'Don't eat food'” Twilight offered.
“Wouldn't that mean they would choose to eat things that are not food? Like buildings and ponies?” Rarity pointed out making Twilight wince as she considered it.
“Veto.” Spike stated.
“Agreed.” Twilight nodded.
“I must say you are surprisingly calm for this situation, particularly considering that Princess Celestia is going to be here soon.” Rarity added as Twilight winced again.
“Ummmmm.” Twilight muttered shifting her hooves in place as she fidgeted.
“You forgot she was coming didn't you.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned.
“Well I got so caught up in the research....” Twilight began.
“It's fine, if we don't figure it out the Princess can do her own heavy lifting for once.” Spike scoffed.
“SPIKE!” Twilight yelled.
“What? Oh I’m sorry was I not supposed to voice my opinion out loud so you could keep that infallible Princess fantasy that you're trying to build back up?” Spike growled. “Well tough, We've been over this Twilight, that's not healthy coping. Plus you two woke me up early, my favorite ice cream place has been cleaned out, we're facing an apocalyptic scenario and I’m supposed to censor myself with all that just so you can repress some bad thoughts about the Princess? Not happening.”
“Dude you hold a grudge for a while.” Rainbow Dash commented. “I thought she apologized for using you guys in the Nightmare Moon thing.”
“Yeah, she did.... to Twilight. I've seen her three times since then and she's not said a word about it to me or Rahs.” Spike scoffed. “Everyone apologies to the big scary dog and the Pony, but every one forgets the Dragon.....”
“Ehh can't fault your loyalty I guess.” Dash shrugged.”And we did come looking to you guys for help so waiting on the Princess isn't that much more of a wait. Though I hate not doing anything. I wanna do something.”
“I agree, we have to try and do something!” Rarity fussed.
“What, like tell every pony that bludgeoning damage does nothing and they need to do either slashing or piercing to hurt them?” Spike offered.
The other conscious mares looked at Twilight who simply shrugged.
“I'm very through in my research.” Twilight admitted.
Angel Bunny who happened to be near by still chasing the parasprites that had eaten his breakfast, stopped to stare at Spike as he spoke, the white rabbits ears twitching. He then tossed his hammer aside pulling a combat knife from his soft fluffy white fur and began the pursuit once again.
“Not to freak any pony, Twilight, out, but we have a golden chariot incoming.” Rainbow Dash pointed upward where said chariot glimmered in the sunlight as it approached.
“Okay new plan.” Twilight twitched, as she started to freak out. “ Rainbow Dash you distract them, Rarity you gather every pony up and Spike and I will build an exact replica of Ponyville over there for the Princess to land in. No trouble at all.”
“Rainbow Dash can you lift me up to her eye level.” Spike stated in monotone.
“Kay...” Dash blinked picking up the little Dragon as Twilight continued to lose it.
While Dash expected Spike to slap some sense into his sister, she was not expecting him to stick his claw into his mouth coat it with spit and then jab it in his Twilight's ear.
Twilight reacted accordingly.
“GAAAAH!!!” she shrieked jerking away from her raised brother, pawing her hooves wildly at her ear. “Eew eew eew eew eew eew eew!”
Looking for the source, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Spike watched as Pinkie Pie made her way through town, strapped down with all the instruments she had been collecting, some how managing a rather jaunty tune all on her own as a one pony band.
Spike looked at Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, all of whom shrugged while Twilight continued to flail on the ground trying to clean the Dragon slobber out of her ear.
The rest of them watched in confusion as the swarm started to drop to the ground and hop after the playing pink party pony.
The group was distracted enough it wasn't until a stallion cleared his throat rather loudly that they turned to see who was behind them. All of them but Spike, and the oblivious Twilight, quickly dropped into a bow as Princess Celestia and a number of Guards trotted up behind them.
“We were going to land outside of town, but there seemed to be some sort of commotion going on in Ponyville that might require our intervention.” Celestia offered, her chariot Guards moving to either side of her as Pinkie Pie's parade of parasprites pounced past. One of the bugs took a moment to glide down and land on the Princesses wing. “What is this?”
Celestia looked at the little bug smirking as it churred at her.
“That is quite adorable......”
“NOOOOOOO!!!!” Twilight screamed out, leaping at the princess and snatching the bug away from her doing her best to throttle the offending bug as the Guards all dog piled on her to keep the Princess safe.
Celestia and her remaining Guards blinked in confusion as Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash face hooved. Spike simply let out a long suffering sigh.
“So how bad is it this time?” Celestia muttered to Spike as Twilight tried to bury the bug in the dirt while the Guards that tackled her had difficulty restraining her as they were rather confused as to what she was even doing.
“It just started when you showed up. She'll calm down when she finds out Pinkie Pie fixed it. Then she'll freak out again cause Pinkie Pie fixed it.” Spike offered.
“Well I'm sure you and Rahs can deal with her, you've had practice. Has there been some sort of problem in town otherwise?” Celestia raised her eyebrow looking around seeing a number of wrecked gardens, but no real damage.
“Just a bit of a infestation Princess, nothing we cannot deal with.” Rarity placated before looking over to the Pinkie Parade. “Evidently.....”
“Seems to be going around. Phillydelphia is having some sort of issue as well. I simply stopped by to tell every one that I couldn't stay as I need to go see what is happening there.” Celestia let out a small sigh. “ Luna is already in the city and I fear what actions she might take to correct whatever the issue is.”
“ Sisters... am I right?” Spike scoffed and Celestia chuckled.
“Indeed Spike. Thank you for taking care of yours as well as you have.” Celestia offered.” I'll be sure to send a care package of gems for all your hard work when I can.”
“Hey no problem, some one's got to be the sensible one.” Spike smiled puffing out his chest a little.
“Yes well on to duty. Tell Twilight I said hello when she's done playing with... well whatever that cute thing is.” Celestia offered waving the confused Guards trying to restrain Twilight away as the purple mare succeeded in trapping the little bug in a hole under a rock. She nodded to the others before she and her Guards went back to her chariot and took off into the sky.
“Well this has been a day. And I would like much for it to be over now.” Rarity sighed her gaze shifting between the long line of bugs heading out into the Everfree after Pinkie and the golden chariot flying off into the sky.
“No kidding.” Dash agreed.
“I would like very much to go home now.” Fluttershy agreed.
“Yes, well, Darling I am going to come along with you just to make sure that you did not save ANOTHER of those disgusting things.” Rarity stated.
“That's fair.” Fluttershy shrugged and followed along with Rarity.
“Wanna help me get Twilight back into the house?” Spike asked.
“Yeah sure,”Dash agreed looking at Twilight muttering to her self and drawing a sealing circle around the rock. “got nothing else going on right now.”
[Sweet Apple Acres.]
“BORK!” Rahs snapped as he squirmed in the ropes.
“Don't give me that, ah dunno what yah said but ah know tha tone. Ah ain't got time tah watch and make sure yah don't eat another trees wortha apples. I'll come and get yah down when we got everything secure from tha bugs” Applejack called trotting off.” Wouldn't have had tah do this if yah didn't make a bee line fer tha trees tha second yah got here.”
Rahs growled before slumping in his bindings. All he wanted was a few apples and the moment he went for a few Applejack had hog tied him and strapped him to the post before slapping an old coat and a hat on him leaving him mounted like a old scare crow.
Clearly the farm mare still held a grudge about the fence he had broken.
“Pinkie Pie.......” Twilight said with a calmness she didn't feel. It had taken her several hours and a nap to calm down from her last episode, though she took some joy in knowing that it didn't take as long to stop freaking out as it used to. Spike said seven seconds less wasn't a reason to party just yet, but he was cranky and any improvement was good in her eyes. Rahs considered it an improvement too, though he was grouchy as well because of Applejack for some reason he wouldn't explain.
“Yeeees Twilight?” Pinkie Pie grinned.
“Explain this one more time. How did you know about the Parasprites?” Twilight demanded.
“We used to get them back on the farm. They ate everything and every pony went hungry until Grandma Pie showed us how to get rid of them.” Pinkie Pie explained.
“ Right music...”
“Polka.”
“What?”
“It has to be polka, they don't like other kinds of music.”Pinkie Pie added seriously.
Twilight stared at the pink mare a moment before looking up at Rahs who simply wrote that down.
“Okay.... and a swarm that size won't mess with the forests ecosystem?” Twilight questioned.
“Nah too many things eat them as snacks, that's why they reproduce so fast.” Pinkie pondered.
“Right and you were going to tell the rest of us about being able to get rid of them when?” Twilight rubbed her the bridge of her nose.
“I did try to tell you.”
“No you only said you needed to gather instruments, not what for.” Twilight corrected.
“Well duh, they were to take care of the parasprites, what else would I need them for?”
Pinkie Pie didn't seem bothered when Twilight lunged for her throat, her hooves reaching out to strangle the mare. Though that was mostly due to this being the third time since she had shown up to talk to Twilight. Rahs had caught her by the tail each time, and this time was no different. So like before Twilight's hooves were stopped just short of the pink pony's neck.
After a moment of frantic forelimb waving Twilight settled back down with a sigh and Rahs let go of her tail.
“Pinkie Pie... I must ask that the next time you know of a danger of ANY KIND of danger, that you be a little more forthcoming with the details of why you need things or to do something.” Twilight explained after catching her breath.
“Okie Doki Loki.” Pinkie Pie chimed. “ Will do, except when I can't.”
Twilight and Rahs both stared at Pinkie slowly blinking.
“Any way I need to go and help the Cakes with catching up with their baking, we've gotten super busy as most of the other shops in town are shut down.” Pinkie Pie hopped up and pronked over to the door with a wave .” See you guys later.”
Twilight and Rahs stared at the door as she shut it behind her.
“The ponies who live in this town are crazy!” Twilight screamed suddenly.
“Bork.” Rahs smirked looking down at his sister.
“I know I live here what are you.... Shut up.” Twilight growled as Rahs snickered.
[Elsewhere]
“ Are thou sure this is them?” Luna asked curiously, the figure beside her offering a small nod.
The Princess of the Night looked over the pair before her curiously. The room was lushly furnished with a delightfully antique apple wood desk, while waiting for the arrival of the pair before her she had amused herself for some time with the drinking bird on the corner of the desk.
“What are thine names?”
“Cosma and Blink, Princess.” The gray furred aside standing next to Luna offered. Luna fanned a wing at her assistant urging her to let these two answer her.
“Thou has six children?” Luna questioned the pair.
“That is correct Princess.” The female stated.
“No it is not.” The male interjected. “We have seven.”
“Cosma, we have been over this.” Blink winced looking between her husband and the Princess. “ We agreed to let it go...”
“You agreed. I agreed with nothing. No body, no trace, he's not dead.” Cosma snarled.
“Would thou care to explain.” Luna asked calmly not seeming bothered by the outburst.
“Our second child, the first son... vanished one day a long time ago.” Blink offered curtly as if not wanting to tell this story again.”No sign, no trace of him was ever found. We believed something got him, but there was no proof, he simply vanished from our home. It was unheard of. We are the apex here Princess, we are born ready to do our jobs, there are no threats.”
“And after that the incident started?” Luna asked.
“Yes.” Cosma spoke up again. “ Two of our charges vanished without a trace, the other charges however were not concerned, they didn't have nightmares of any sort of tragedy or what expected for such a loss. Our charges were still alive but we could not reach them.”
“Nothing like this has happened since.....” Blink trailed off as Luna lowered her ears. No one liked to think of that time.
“How old was he?” Luna questioned.
“Six. He was six when he vanished, the same age as his charge. That was considered a lucky sign, they were born only a few days apart.” Blink offered.
Luna closed her eyes, a number of pieces had been put into place by this meeting, a meeting that was long overdue. She exhaled lightly before asking her next question. “What was his name?”
“Shar.” Cosma stated.
“Shar of the line of Mánagarmr. Quite a linage thou has, it can be traced back to the first pack.” Luna offered noting the pairs slight burst of pride at their pedigree.” And a interesting choice of name, the realm is truly seen backwards as theorized.”
Cosma nodded, though both of the parents ears flattened as Luna chuckled.
“Princess?” Blink frowned wondering why the mare before them was smiling after they were forced to remember what they lost.
“We apologize, we forget we are privy to things you are not yet” Luna placated. “Foremost your charges are not lost, though a incident has happened which makes them untouchable even by us. There are three in total in that blind spot, all of them siblings, though one is adopted. We are unsure as to why, but we have theories.”
The pair before her perked up their ears, the long, navy blue furred lengths topped with small glowing points of light that resembled the moon.
Luna smiled at the Moon Dogs before her in the dream scape.
“Secondly, the name thine son goes by now, is Rahs...”
[ Ponyville School House, (seriously this thing is never named)]
The chaotic chatter of foals filled the room as Mrs. Cheerilee settled into her desk. It was still a few minutes until class began and the foals were still adjusting to being back in school for a week now. The ringing of the bell would signal them all to be ready to learn so she let them talk and argue and do what ever they were doing until that time. Better she let them get it out of their system now. Still once again she was glad she was only dealing with 4th through the 8th grade. Ponyville starter got them while they were still screaming toddlers and they were gone to Canterlot High before they became surly teenagers. Not to say that there were not issues mind you, and there were several students she still taught privately who's families didn't want them taking the round trip train ride to Canterlot every day, either because the foals were needed on the farm, or other more personal reasons. This was still a mostly rural community after all. But all in all she was teaching what many considered the sweet spot in the age groups.
As the foals chatted about their weekends Cheerilee took the time to look through her planner for the day. Her eyes ran down her list when she noticed a extended break period had been penciled in right after class was to start. She frowned slightly trying to recall why she had done that though looking up on her list the answer became clear. She wondered if she would have to alter today’s lesson plan to accommodate him, but after a moments thought she opted to avoid the change. After all it was likely something he was unfamiliar with too.
She rose from behind her desk after shutting her planner and headed to the door looking around curiously in the hall seeing no sign of him. Odd, he had seemed rather excited when they had talked, though it wouldn't be the first time some pony had over slept when shifting to a new schedule.
Well it would still be a a good idea to lead off with the new information. It was only a pity she wouldn't have any one else in his scholastic group. Dogwood, and Sandy were going to be graduating and headed to Canterlot high at the end of the year and she would be getting in a few new students next term. Likely a few more this term as well if Mrs. Crabapple finally retired as she kept proclaiming she was going to do.
A loud popping sound, followed by a thunderous crash and a few of her students screaming out brought her out of her thoughts. She jerked back into the class room to see a number of her students had left their desks and run to the other side of the room away from a massive pile of text books that had appeared between her desk and theirs.
Cheerilee blinked as the bell finally rang and the pile of books started moving on it's own. A purple clawed hand poked out trying to move a particularly heavy dictionary off what she assumed was it's head.
Cheerilee sighed realizing what was going on.
“While I appreciate your efforts not to be tardy, we have doors for a reason.” Cheerilee chided trotting over to help him emerge from the pile he was buried in.
“Tell that to my sister. “ muttered a voice from the pile. “First she was piling books on me that I might need , then she freaked out at the time and here I am.”
“Well you are here on time so I suppose there is that.” Cheerilee smiled glad she had written in the extra time. “Class I would like to introduce a new student starting this semester, he's a week behind so I’m sure some of you would like to help him catch up.”
The purple scaled figure finally climbed up out of the books removing a math tome from his head where it had gotten impaled on one of his spines.
All of the foals in the room looked at the Dragon before them like he was a live viper ready to bite, all save one.
“Errr hello, I’m...” The dragon started before the one filly unafraid of him spoke up with a smile.
“ Hi Spike.” Applebloom shouted.
“Errr hi...yeah, I’m Spike.” Spike offered with a wave to the others. “ Guess I’m your new classmate.”
“YOU WANT TO WHAT!?” Twilight practically shrieked.
Spike rolled his eyes as Rahs looked between his siblings with a bit of worry.
“I want to start attending school here in Ponyville. The two hour commute to Canterlot isn't doing my current tutor, nor me, any favors.” Spike stated again. “School's only just started and Miss Cheerilee says she can take me in if I want.”
“The crown pays for passage for students to Canterlot.......” Twilight protested.
“Two HOURS on a train Twilight. Both ways, that's four hours of wasted time. Hardly efficient.” Spike stated.
Twilight sputtered as he brought up efficiency and Rahs had to smirk. Spike had clearly prepared for this argument more than Twilight judging by the flashcards he had made. Not to mention he had sprung this out of nowhere knowing Twilight had a hard time handling surprises. Still he knew why Twilight had issues with school and Rahs didn't like the idea of his brother having to deal with the same nonsense he and Twilight had.
“I could tutor you.......”Twilight protested not liking that Spike already had her on the defensive.
“When? Between asking me to do stuff for you or your own studies?” Spike countered. “Last time I had issues with homework from my tutor I couldn't even get you to pay attention to my questions over what you were reading.”
“...well Rahs could....” Twilight started again.
“ Yeah that's great if he didn't have his own jobs with the local Guard with that hunting contract, or the doctor to deal with magical ailments.” Spike checked another cue card.” Plus he'd only be good if I want to know who Sophocies or Henrik Ibsen are, not much else. Drama dog here doesn't care about higher education.”
Twilight looked at Rahs with a horrified expression. Rahs simply shrugged, he might know a lot but if it wasn't practical or of interest to him he didn't care. Spike hit the nail head on with that card.
“But bullies and idiot teachers and....” Twilight muttered.
“One I'm a Dragon, do you really think any one would be dumb enough to bully me? Two the teacher is Miss Cheerilee, the mare who regularly beats you in scrabble.” Spike countered. “ Hardly an idiot...”
“I still can't believe Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliphobia is a real word.” Twilight growled. “ Much less it means the fear of big words......”
“As for your third point you did make friends with your school mates. And I’m already friends with Applebloom and she's gonna be there.” Spike responded.
“Bork.” Rahs added as Spike rolled his eyes.
“Snips and Snails are a year behind and in another class. I probably won't even see them except at lunch and recess.”Spike countered.”And the whole town still has them grounded.”
“Right, but... you know what.. just no..” Twilight stated flatly. “We'll figure out something else in regards to the tutor, but I don't want you going through the same thing I had to with a public school.....”
“..but!” Spike fumbled through the cards looking for something else to say.
“No buts. As your legal guardian here, I have final say on this. I'm sure there will be a compromise we can come to but....” Twilight began whirling up for a long winded rant.
“Woof.” Rahs cut his sister off.
“What? What do you mean I'm not his legal guardian?” Twilight blinked.
Rahs smiled reaching into one of his pants pockets and pulling out a badly folded bit of paper.
Twilight snatched it away with her magic reading it over her eyes narrowing.” My parents made you OUR legal guardian!?! How?! Why!?!” Twilight stammered. “ You're the same age as me!”
“You don't respond to their letters.” Spike offered as Twilight scoffed.
Rahs held up a paw with all four claws extended. “ Woof.” one finger went down.” Woof.” two down, “,bark” another finger dropped,”yip!”
“He's got a job, income, has graduated school fully, and doesn't have a documented issue with panic attacks.” Spike pondered.” Really if that's all it takes I have three of the four.”
“Those reasons are all bias against me. Besides I have a job....” Twilight huffed.
“ That I do most of the time, when was the last time you let some pony check out a book?” Spike chimed
“....Still you know what public school is like Rahs, you've got to agree with me.” Twilight protested.
“Woof.” Rahs countered with a shrug.
“WOOT!” Spike shouted throwing his cue cards in the air. “Thanks Rahs I need to tell Applebloom....”
The pair watched their younger brother run off as quickly as he could waddle though Twilight waited until the door closed before she sat down and let out a long sigh picking up one of the cards.
“This is going to end badly you know.”Twilight offered reading the card.” Good points or not.”
“Grrrr.” Rahs countered.
“I know I’m probably projecting my experiences, but he's a Dragon in a school of foals. They're going to treat him like they did you or like they did me once they find out how smart he is.” Twilight grumbled.
“Woof.”
“I know he's older.... but not by much......”Twilight sighed. “ I'm over thinking this aren’t I?”
Rahs nodded.
“I still don't like it, i just hope he can keep this level of optimism.” Twilight muttered.
“One of us has to be normal.”
[ Current Day]
“Well that was interesting.” Cheerilee stated with a small smirk as Spike sat in the pile of books grumbling, a large school bag covering his head, pencils and parchment now scattered over the floor around him as well.
“Your sister seems a bit enthusiastic this morning.” Cheerilee chuckled. “ Though her aim is spot on.”
“A bit... “ Spike said from inside the book bag.
“Do let her know that we won't need anything on the third age of Grifinstien.....” Cheerilee commented looking down at the books stacking a few of them neatly and looking at the titles. “ Or the production of flan or...... you know what I’ll just make a book list for her. So next time she doesn't have to send the entire textbook section from the library....”
“Thank you.” Spike offered trying to pull the bag off his head.
“Alright let's see.” Cheerilee considered. “ Stardust would you move a seat closer to the window, I’ll put Spike in your old spot as Applebloom seems to know him and can help him catch up.”
“Alright.” The filly called gathering up her stuff to move. The rest of the class slowly returned to their seats eying the Dragon more with curiosity now than fear, though they all seemed to be worried something else was going to appear.
A knock on the door drew everyponys attention to it, save Spike who was still trying to clean everything up.
Cheerilee sighed quite glad she had scheduled free time before her lessons started. Pushing open the door she was greeted to the sight of a navy furred chest, lifting her eyes upward a pair of amber eyes stared down at her. Another filly screamed behind her and there was another general stampede of panic again save for one filly, and a Dragon this time.
“Hi Rahs.” Applebloom called.
“I would think every pony would be used to you by now.” Cheerilee sighed. “ So what brings you here?
“Woof.” Rahs stated holding up a Power Pony lunch box.
“Oh great my lunch.”Spike chimed.” I was afraid Twilight would try to teleport that too.”
“Well that's good. I don't suppose you're here to take some of these books back too?” Cheerilee asked.
“Means easy target.” Applebloom sighed.”Doesn't mean ah like it.”
“She always goes phor what we're sensitive about.” Twist added.
“Yeah I saw with that note. Not very imaginative is she?” Spike shrugged.
“She gets worse.” Applebloom sighed.
Spike shrugged wondering about how he could deal with this. He didn't want anything to say to any pony. If Twilight heard about it she would have a fit if she found there was a bully in school. If Rahs found out they would probably find Diamond Tiara buried in a dumpster somewhere. He was curious why Cheerilee didn't do anything at first, though with who Diamond Tiara's father was it was understandable the teacher might be leery about making the foal mad. Nothing might happen, or Filthy Rich might make her life more difficult. Spike had never met him so he didn't know if he was a Prince type noble, or a Jet Set type noble.
In any case he felt bad for Applebloom and Twist who seemed to be the primary target of the annoying filly simply for not having cutie marks yet. Despite the lesson Spike didn't really see the big deal. Sure it was neat that a cutie mark could tell you what you were good at, but at the same time you could tell that yourself just by what you liked doing or were practiced at. He was actually rather glad Dragons didn't get cutie marks, being tied to a single destiny sounded dull. Though Twilight seemed to make it work for herself, and he wasn't sure what Rarity's mark had to do with dresses. Heck even Cheerilee's mark could be looked at a bunch of different ways. It was clear to any one not obsessing over their marks that the mark didn't make the pony.
Of course Applebloom and Twist were in the former category of obsessing, more Applebloom than Twist, but still. He doubted telling them not to worry about it would do anything. The filly was usually pretty level headed unless it came to cutie marks.
“I don't even know why we had to sit through that boring lesson about getting a cutie mark. I mean waiting for your cutie mark is so last week.” Diamond Tiara stated rather loudly as she and her friend Silver Spoon zeroed in on Twist, Spike, and Applebloom as they walked away from the school house.” I mean you got yours I’ve got mine...everypony has them... oh wait... almost all of us have them already.”
Spike rolled his eyes as Twist looked annoyed and Applebloom looked even more depressed at the pink filly’s words.
“Seriously why are you even bragging about having a comb as a cutie mark?” Spike questioned, just deciding to let his mouth go and see what happened. At the very least it would bring the bullies attention to him and off his new friends.
“It's not a comb it's crown!” Diamond Tiara snapped.
“ Yeah I can see that it's not a comb. Maybe a bunch of bouncing super balls, but not a comb.”
“Crown!”
“I don't see a crown. Crowns are round and spiky or look like the things on checkers. The Royal crowns are only three points one tall and a couple shorter. I ate one of them when I was younger so I know.” Spike shrugged.” At best that's a fancy headband. What does it even mean any way. Are you a jeweler?”
“IT'S A CROWN!!” Diamond Tiara screamed out.” And it means that I’m destined to be royalty!”
“Yeah I don't think Princess Celestia or Princess Luna are gonna need any more royals around. Princess Luna wants to whittle down the houses last I heard. Probably better to just be a jeweler, like your mark says.” Spike offered.
“Oh what would you know about the Princesses!” Diamond Tiara snorted.” You're just a Dragon...”
“Princess Cadence was my foal sitter, Princess Celestia was one of my tutors back in Canterlot, and Princess Luna still owes me ten bits for a bet she lost.” Spike responded.
“A bet?” Applebloom asked.
“Yeah she came by after that thing with the bugs to talk to Rahs though he was out hunting and Twilight was asleep at her desk. I bet her that I could stack twenty books on Twilight's head before she woke up. Joke was on her, my record is forty two.”
“That is completely absurd!” Diamond Tiara.
“ Are you calling me a liar?” Spike asked raising an eyebrow.
“Well, you're not big enough to be a harp.” Pinkie Pie stated suddenly popping up behind the group.
“GAH!!!!” the collected foals cried out at the mares sudden appearance and Spike fell over onto his tail trying to whip around, though Pinkie Pie didn't seem to notice.
“ Hi hi hi!!” Pinkie Pie continued, looming over Diamond Tiara. “Just the filly I was looking for.”
“ Umm okay...” Diamond Tiara blinked...” Why?”
“Cause I was supposed to let you know that everything’s set up for your super duper cutie cena party . It's gonna be awesome!” Pinkie Pie bounced about, pausing only to look at Diamond Tiara's cutie mark. “ What is your cutie mark any way ? Looks like one of those pictures in the scinecey books showing half of a elliptical orbit graph.”
“It's a crown!” Diamond Tiara shouted.
“Okie Doki Loki if you say so. See you Saturday DT!” Pinkie chimed up and pronked off leaving the fillies and Spike more than a little confused.
“Does any one get used to that?” Spike asked pointing at Pinkie as Applebloom and Twist shook their heads.
“Any way before I was so rudely interrupted.” Diamond Tiara started again.
“You were trying to defend how yer cutie mark isn't a super ball?” Spike asked.
“Yes... I mean no... IT'S A CROWN!!!” Diamond Tiara shouted again before snorting and storming off.
“What she means is that despite not having your cutie marks you are still invited to her cutie cena.” Silver Spoon added before running off with her friend.
“Cool a party.” Spike smirked.
“Seriously yer gonna go?” Applebloom asked in shock.
“Why not, free food is free food.” Spike shrugged heading off for home himself. “I'll see you guys tomorrow then.”
Applebloom tilted her head trying to understand how free food won out over getting picked on.
“Boys...” Twist sighed.
[ a day later]
“ Soo let me get this straight.” Spike stated from where he lounged flipping through a comic book. “ Applejack banned you from selling apples in the market...”
“Pretty much....she said ah made a grown stallion cry...”
“Twist got her cutie mark.” Spike continued.
“Yeah it's a candy cane heart thing. Shoulda figured she'd git something in candy making. She loves doing that.” Applebloom sighed rocking herself on the bean bag chair in the foals section of the library. Spike sat at the small table on a chair having ruptured one of the bags with his spines he was now banned from sitting on them though he was kicked back with his feet on the small table.
“So your next big idea was to have Rainbow Dash train a cutie mark into you?” Spike questioned.
“Yeah , ah musta done a hundred things in an hour.....” Applebloom muttered. “ Ah'm still bruised.”
“Then you were convinced by Pinkie Pie to make cupcakes?” Spike asked.
“Yep she had a song an everything.”
“How did that go?”
“Well... least ah didn't burn tha place down......” Applebloom bemoaned.
“Then you had Twilight try to magic you a cutie mark?” Spike blinked looking at his friend.
“Yeah..... she couldn't do it.”
“So then you came here why?”
“Tah see if there was a book that might have somethin... but then ah figured Twilight woulda read it by now so ah got no clue what to do now.” Applebloom whined.
“Simple, we go to the party, eat free food and go home.” Spike stated standing up. “It's time to head over there you know.”
“What nao?!” Applebloom yelped.
“Yep “Spike stated, wondering if he was going to have to drag his friend along.
[Many hours later ]
Twilight sat at the kitchen table with Rahs standing next to her, both of them were looking over at the soot covered, tree sap soaked mess that was their younger brother.
“So let me get this straight....” Twilight stated. “You went to the party with Applebloom.”
“Yes, you were there.”Spike commented.
“I was trying not to freak out at a party. With Pinkie as my friend I am trying to get used to it.” Twilight sighed.
“You did pretty well.” Spike claimed.
“Woof.” Rahs asked.
“Right Applebloom spent the whole party trying to escape once Diamond Tiara got there.” Spike shrugged.” I also found out that Silver Spoon's heir to a tea leaf empire. Her cutie mark has to do with some fancy tea ceremony. It's kinda neat that her family supplies most of Celestia's teas.”
“While that is interesting, you're getting off topic.” Twilight stopped him.
“Right, anyway Diamond Tiara decided to try and tease Applebloom for being a blank flank after she got caught trying to escape. After which two other fillies without cutie marks showed up and and argued in Applebloom's favor before all three of them ran out to try and get their cutie marks.
Rahs' ears perked up as Spike sighed.
“Yes, Applebloom drug me along too. No, I don't know how they made the duck pond explode. Yes, I am certain we did not go near any trees, and no I am not sure where Bon Bon's left eyebrow went.”
“Answered that one a few times already huh?” Twilight smirked. “Why were they at the duck pond any way?”
“Paddle boat cutie marks.” Spike offered. “Can i go clean up now?”
“Sure.” Twilight offered ,” Just try to be more careful when you're hanging out with those three next time.”
Spike wobbled in the chair a bit not able to get up. Rahs reached over and tilted the chair forward to that Spike could get his feet under himself before he waddled off to take a shower, the seat still stuck to his rear.
“ How bad was it?”
“Bark.”
“Just the pond and one paddle boat. Well that's a better record than Snips and Snails had with him, the tree sap is new though.” Twilight shrugged. “Rarity's sister, Applejack's sister and Fireball's niece. Interesting group.”
“Bork?”
“Nah I’m not worried about it. Spike'll be fine. One accident isn't bad, ”Twilight sighed.”Besides they're only three little fillies, how much damage could they conceivably do?
“Sooo you two are doing what now?” Twilight asked glancing over to Rainbow Dash as she stretched.
“Iron pon...” Applejack began.
“Iron pony competition.” Rainbow Dash shouted over Applejack.
“We set up a series of events to determin...” Applejack started.
“Who's the most athletic pony in Equestria!” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“Oh like the Equestria games? So Usain Colt is going to be here?” Twilight asked.
“What ?” Applejack asked.
“What about Rodro Rousey, Tiger Forest? The Stone? Simount Biles?” Twilight continued curiously.” Wladimir Klopschko?Spitfire, or heck, any of the Wonderbolts? ”
“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“You said this was a competition to determine who the most athletic pony in Equestria was, shouldn't all the top athletes be here for the competition? “ Twilight stated. “ I mean okay Usain Colt and Klopschko aren’t from Equestria but still.”
“No, it's just me versus Rainbow Dash.” Applejack offered.
“OK, fine... So most athletic in Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash snorted.
“Well what about Bulk Biceps and Big Mac? Lyra ran track in school, she might want in.....” Twilight commented.
“GAAAH, fine most athletic between me and Applejack.” Rainbow Dash growled.
“You sure?” Twilight pouted. “Just you two?”
Applejack narrowed her eyes at Twilight.
“Why do ah have the feeling you just wanna see my brother running around?” Applejack accused.
Twilight opened her mouth to respond before closing it and offering a shrug instead.”Yeah I’m not even gonna try to deny it this time. A worked up and sweaty Big Mac is just too good of a mental image to try and forget.”
“Ugh.” Applejack grumbled slapping her hoof to her face.
“Anyway so why am I here?” Twilight asked.
“To be our judge. We need some pony fair and impartial. We considered Rahs, but no pony can understand him and Spike keeps getting distracted.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.
“Chickenchickenchickenchicken..” Spike waddled by at full speed chasing after a couple of squawking hens.
“What......” Twilight blinked.
“Applebloom roped him intah helping round up tha chickens that got out this morning from an earlier contest.” Applejack sighed.” It ain't been going well.”
“We got all of um but three!” Applebloom shouted running after another bird that was tearing across the yard.
“So I was the third choice?” Twilight huffed.
“Well given we expected you was busy and the other two ain't usually doing anything...well......honestly ah got no idea what Rahs is doing.” Applejack muttered looking over at a figure sitting by the fence wrapped in voluminous curtain so only his nose was poking out of it.
Twilight glanced over at her brother and shrugged.” The cold snap last week made his winter coat start to come in early and he thinks he looks ridiculous. It'll even out in a few days, don't worry he does this every year.”
“So does he?” Dash asked.
“Does he what??” Twilight asked.
“Look ridiculous?” Dash smirked.
“Oh. Yeah pretty much. His fur comes in odd patches and it's three times poofier than usual at first.” Twilight shrugged.” Best to leave him be til it evens out, he gets really surly. I'm surprised he even left the house in truth.”
“Oh, I gotta see this.” Dash grinned as she zipped off.
Applejack raised an eyebrow at Twilight before looking at Rainbow Dash as the mare zoomed up and grabbed the edge of Rahs' covering before taking off again trying to yank the curtain off of the Moon Dog.
What Dash seemed to forget was Rahs was much bigger and heavier than she was, and when he felt the curtain pulling taut he showed he was stronger too. His arm snapped out not even leaving the covering to grab at the curtain as it was pulled away, once caught he yanked it back to him, hard.
Dash unfortunately still had the material gripped in her teeth. When Rahs pulled suddenly she was jerked back wards so fast her tail cracked the air like a whip. By the time her jaw caught up with her brain to let go of the curtain she was already sailing back towards Twilight and Applejack. The two mares stepped out of the way watching as Dash crashed into the ground digging a furrow in the dirt.
“Ugh...” Dash muttered. “What happened?”
“Yah poked a bear it seems like.” Applejack stated with a whistle
“I did warn her.”
“BORK!” Rahs cursed.
“Language!” Twilight shouted back.
“Eighteen seconds.” Twilight whistled. ”Rainbow gets the point.”
“Woot, I won.” Dash said without much enthusiasm.
“Yeah, well keep in mind Spike an that there chicken beat yer time by two seconds in tha barrel run.” Applejack muttered.
“Yeah..... well Spike and the chicken aren’t in this competition … agreed?” Dash responded.
“Agreed. Only cause that makes my time worse.” Applejack nodded.
“Chickenchickenchickenchickenchicken.” Spike called running by after the hen.
Dash stared upward in awe as the bell and weight continued to soar out of sight.
“Wow. Point for Applejack.” Twilight stated. “Does any pony know where that's headed?”
“Looks like the library.” Lily stated from the bleachers.
“It's Tuesday isn't it?” Twilight muttered at the distant sound of breaking glass.
“How did I get roped into this?”Spike asked from where he sat atop of Rainbow Dash.
“Didn't you already ask Applejack that?” Dash asked.
“I did? When did I ask Applejack?” Spike questioned.
“During the first round before she bucked you into the tree.” Dash stated.
“I think I would have remembered that.” Spike said in a bit of a daze.
“Yeah well just try and hold on okay?” Dash sighed.
“GO!” shouted Twilight.
What?” Spike questioned as Rainbow Dash started moving. A moment later the purple Dragon went flying through the air over the bleachers where a crowd of ponies were settling down to watch.
There was a loud squawk and a crash as something collapsed behind the bleachers.
“Hey, Spike got the Chicken!” Applebloom called.
“Umm, point for Rainbow.” Twilight winced.
“MEDIC!” Applejack called as Fluttershy ran around behind the bleachers with a first aid kit.
“Who's idea was this again?” Rainbow Dash asked from where she was halfway through a hay bale.
“Yours.” Applejack grumbled from her position upside down in one of the orchards trees.
“I warned you!” Twilight called as Rahs stomped out of the yard tossing aside the horned helmet that had been put on his head for the rodeo.
[Much later ]
“Hmmmmmm” Twilight pondered looking over the score.” So far, you're both tied.”
“What?” But I won way more of these than she did!” Rainbow Dash protested.
“I'm not counting the long jump because at the last moment you used your wings to go a bit further, the mud walk also didn't count at all as none of the chicks fell off they just left on their own, which canceled that event. And don't get me started on the tug o war, you were pulled over the edge, but you decided to fly into the air rather than fall in.” Twilight listed. “You lost that one, you just didn't get muddy.”
“No one said my wings couldn't be used.” Dash protested.
“No one said you could use them either. It was less cheating and more just bad sports pony ship. It would be like asking Applejack to beat you in a flying competition.” Twilight corrected.” And before you go on about 'Earth Pony strength' keep in mind you beat her in hoof wrestling.”
“Errr.”
“I've been keeping tabs on everything, you wanted a fair and impartial judge, so I’ve been a fair and impartial judge. “ Twilight stated. “ I expect the hoof wrestling, and the barrel roll were won because your fore body is more developed due to your landings and wing use, while due to her farm work Applejack's hind body is more developed. Adding your wings into the equation screws up the results and so I’ve removed any points accrued from their use.”
“So we need a tie breaker.” Applejack stated looking a little too pleased with herself as Dash fumed.
“Pretty much.” Twilight shrugged.
“Fine, how bout the annual Running of the Leaves tomorrow?” Applejack stated.
“Pfft easy win.” Dash scoffed.
“Yeah with the one condition of No wings!” Applejack snapped.
“I don't think I can judge that though.” Twilight considered.” I actually planed to participate.”
“Really?” Dash laughed.
“What?” Twilight questioned.
“Sorry, but you're not an athlete you're …. well an egghead.” Dash laughed.
“I am not an egghead... I am well read.” Twilight protested.
“Yeah that's what I said... egg head.” Dash cackled.
“Have you ever run in a race?” Applejack questioned with a smirk.
“No, this will be my first race.” Twilight considered. “But I've read a lot of books about running.”
Dash fell over laughing. “What did you read eggheads guide to running? Did you stretch out your eye muscles? You know cause reading?”
Twilight narrowed her eyes, before grinning evilly.
“RAHS!! DASH IS LAUGHING AT YOUR WINTER COAT AGAIN!” Twilight called.
“Oh crap!” Dash yelped, shooting straight up into the air as a massive curtain clad form slammed into the ground where she had been standing a moment before.
“BORK!” Rahs growled up after Dash from under his curtain. The mare had played it smart and was hightailing it out of there.
“Language!” Twilight scolded.
“That was mean Twi... funny, but mean.” Applejack stated.
“So where was Spike again?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I wanted to ask if he wanted to help announce the race with me. Two commentators would be super awesome!”
“Woof.”Rahs shrugged from under his curtain.
“Headache ? That's too bad.” Pinkie Pie shrugged recalling the impacts from yesterday with a wince. “ Oh well, maybe next year.”
Any further conversation was interrupted by the sound of fighting a dust cloud of tangled limbs and angry shouts rolled across the finish line.
“And here's Applejack and Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie Pie announced.
As the smoke cleared a dusty and beaten pair of ponies faced off against each other.
“I won.” Dash snorted.
“No, I won.” Applejack snapped.
“Girls, girls, you both tied!” Pinkie Pie chimed up.
“What? We tied for first?” Applejack panted.
“Nope, for last.” Pinkie Pie grinned.
“Then.. who won?” Dash stammered.
“That would be me.” Twilight Smirked as she trotted up with a medal around her neck.
“WHAT!? Dash practically screamed..
“You said you never run in a race before!”Applejack protested. “ And every time we saw you you were in the back.”
“True, I haven't run in an actual race before. I did however spend a number of years running around with a hyper active puppy of a brother and after that I spent a few more years training with my oldest brother to help him get ready to be in the Guard. I also coached Lyra in track. She came in second by the way.”Twilight smirked pointing to a hopping lime green pony off to the side. “The books on racing I read years ago and one of the prominent bits of wisdom they all shared was to conserve your energy until the final stretch when every one else is tired.”
“Bwaaah?” Dash enunciated.
I still keep in shape, while I don't go on runs as often as I used to, I’m no slouch. Seriously do you think I keep this this flank as firm as it is by just reading?” Twilight grinned, taunting the pair by wiggling her rear at them.
“Eenope.” Big Mac stated from the other side of Twilight where he had walked up to check on his sister just at the right time to see the display.
The purple mare ceased her taunting turned her head to stare wide eyed at the large smirking stallion before her, eeped loudly and vanished in a flash of teleportation leaving behind nothing but a racer tag with the number 42 on it drifting to the ground.
“By Celestia's sparkly tail, will you two just get a room and get it over with.” Rainbow growled up at a confused looking Big Mac before Applejack swatted her with her hat.
“Seems I missed something interesting.” a regal voice commented. “ Particularly since my tail seems to be involved in it.”
A number of Ponies in the crowd gasped and bowed as Princess Celestia trotted up to the pair of disheveled ponies who had quickly ducked their heads. Pinkie Pie and Big Mac bowed and stepped out of the way of the pair Celestia was addressing, Rahs might have bowed a little but it was hard to tell under the massive curtain.
“There thou are!” another voice bellowed and a dark alicorn darted up next to her sister sweeping the bundled Moon Dog off the ground with her fore hooves.
“Umm Princess what are you doing here?”Applejack questioned as she glanced over at Rahs. The poor pup was flailing wildly as Luna ignored his actions completely slinging him around in a hug like a four year old with a large teddy bear.
“Luna wished to meet with Twilight and her brothers, though mostly Rahs. Spike pointed us here from the library, but it seems we just missed Twilight. “Celestia commented. “I also wanted to show Luna what The Running of the Leaves had become nowadays, rather than what it was before she was banished.”
“Huh?” Rainbow Dash put eloquently.
Celestia looked at Dash curiously tapping a hoof against her chin as she considered telling the story of how the event was started by a cruel lord who hated fall and just wanted it to end sooner than it should, forcing ponies to run themselves to death to shake free the last of the leaves each year, but the atmosphere was too festive for that sort of story.
“Do not worry about it my little ponies.” Celestia answered instead. “Though I do have to question why the pair of you were fighting like that. I was under the impression you two were quite close.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow as the pair of them tried to look any where but at Celestia.
“We got a little out of hoof with our competition Princess.” Applejack admitted as Rahs continued to flail behind them. The gathered ponies were not sure whether or not the conversation with Celestia was more or less interesting than the towns second largest canine being treated like a rag doll by a Pony Princess smaller than he was.
“I see. Well I don't need to remind you why your continued friendship is important. So if there are any issues I would like you to let me know so we can work through them. That goes for all of you, Pinkie Pie would you mind letting the others who are not here know that.”
“Okie Doki Princess!” Pinkie Pie chimed.
“Now then if you two are still in some sort of competitive mood there are still a number of leaves on the trees that could be shaken loose by two ponies who fought each other the whole race rather than actually run it.” Celestia suggested.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash winced though the pair glanced at each other before both smirked and the pair took off running back down the road.
“Well that seemed to be settled agreeably.” Celestia smiled.
“BWAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!” Pinkie Pie cackled looking past, the Princess as the others ran off.
Looking back Celestia had to hold back a snort of laughter herself as Luna had removed Rahs' curtain to continue to hug him.
The Moon Dog was indeed fluffier than usual, but only around his paws, ears, shoulders, head, and tail. The onset of his winter coat had poofed up those parts of him to look like pom poms and give him a fur do very much like Prench Poodle.
A number of other Ponies in the crowed were stifling their giggles or backing quickly away, depending on whether or not they were close enough to Rahs to hear his growling, or sensible enough to see the Moon Dog had death in his eyes.
Luna didn't seem to notice at all and still had him in a bear hug while rambling about something in old Equsish at a speed that made Celestia wonder if she had managed to get a hold of another quadruple espresso.
“Ahh I see Rahs' winter coat is coming in again.”Celestia smirked getting a glare from the Moon Dog. “Also Lulu calm down, I don't think he can understand you and even if he can I am certain he needs to breath.”
Luna blinked, confused for a second before she seemed to catch on and let go of him. Rahs clearly had good self preservation instincts as he lept away as soon as he could, only to be scooped up again in Luna's magic and lifted flailing in the air. His attempts to bite his way out wound up as effective on the Princess's magic as it had on Shining Armor's shields after months of practice. Celestia frowned taking note of the immunity to Rahs' abilities her sister seemed to have.
“Luna.” Celestia sighed glancing around at the ponies who had taken the time to hide, but still hung around to see what was going to happen.
“He is released! How ever we cannot speak with him if he has scampered off?” Luna turned to look at the flailing Moon Dog. “Perhaps we should acquire a brush to fix his coat however.......”
“Luna I believe you are embarrassing him unnecessarily.” Celestia sighed trying to hide her smirk.
“Pish posh. We are his grandmother, we are supposed to embarrass and spoil our grand foals.... pups in this case.” Luna scoffed.
“WHAT!!!!!??” cried out every one present at the finish line, including Celestia.
“We have been officially made his guardian by his parents, and we have chosen the title of grandmother for said guardianship.” Luna stated flatly.
“Luna did you threaten Nightlight and Twilight Velvet for this....” Celestia sighed.
“Who?” Luna asked.
“His parents, well Twilight's parents....” Celestia offered.
“Ahh we had not considered asking them, we swore to his birth parents, as they cannot be here, that we would watch over him.” Luna responded.
Again the clearing echoed with a bellowed 'What', though not from Rahs as his jaw was hanging open too far.
“What? He is one of ours. How could we not offer such?” Luna commented glancing over to a Guard who had run off then returned with a brush for the Princess. “Ah thank you Guard.”
“You're Rahs' Granny!?” Pinkie Pie gasped.
“Something of the sort. “ Luna responded, pulling Rahs out of the air to start brushing him. “ We consider our selves something of a matriarchal figure to Moon Dogs any way given we are responsible for their existence. With Rahs' presence here however we decided something more personal was needed.”
“You do realize that with your status and with what Bleu said about Spike that this is.......” Celestia slowly blinked. An expression appeared on her face that made more than one grown pony in the crowd wet themselves and a number of others run off screaming thinning the crowd even more. Only the bravest or most fool hardy remained now, which was pretty much just Pinkie Pie and Lyra.
The smirk that had claimed the face of the Solar Princess was inaccurately described as diabolical, it was much worse than that and several witnesses swore she grew demon horns briefly. One was insistent that she grew a wirely mustache and twirled it with a hoof, but few listened to Pinkie. “Oh I am going to have so much fun with this.”
Luna who was used to her sisters oddities ignored it. Rahs who was also used to some of Celestia's oddities was worried, but far too, distracted. Pinkie Pie just giggled as if she knew what was going on.
“Woof?” Rahs questioned as he was brushed. He somewhat liked this, but he would never admit it.
“What does it mean?” Luna pondered. “ Honestly not very much at the moment, there are far too many legalities to go through and Tia took away the battleax we were going to use to cut this era's red tape.”
“Lulu you were going to cut the Ponies who set up the red tape.....” Celestia sighed.
“The result would have been the same, and we were only going to threaten them a little with Dr. Choppy.”
“Lulu....”
“Brushie brushie.......Tis fine, thou took Dr. Choppy away any way. Now then onto the meat of it.” Luna continued still trying to work out the odd floofs in Rahs' coat. “We have met thine birth parents and figured out the gist of how thou came here. We wish to speak with thou and thine siblings when able about this.”
“So wait does this mean that Rahs is a Prince?” Pinkie Pie chimed up putting 3 and 4 together and ending up with 34.
“Maybe.” Celestia sighed. His family was already of minor nobility so it might not mean anything much as my status means nothing in the long run for Twilight. “Plus, if my sister met Rahs' parents where I think she met them the legalities will be a nightmare. We will need to see what they say before a court.”
“Pfft what they said was simple, thine mother wishes for grand puppies.” Luna stated. “Thus we shall endeavor to seek out those that we find a good match for you.”
Rahs flattened his ears then buried his head in his front paws with a whine.
“Rest assured we shall find only the best of possible mates!” Luna cheered.
“Lulu I don't think that.......” Celestia sighed torn between trying to help the Moon Dog and wanting to see what would happen.
“We shall need to think of something impressive however. Thou art one of a kind and only the best shall do, perhaps only another as rare such as a goddess.” Luna pondered. “Hmm Cadence is claimed, Ahh perhaps my sister is to your liking, we have heard males today like those with wide posteriors!”
“LUNA.” Celestia snarled as Rahs curled up in a ball of embarrassment while Luna brushed out his coat.
“Yes?” Luna asked innocently.
“Aside from the fact that I do not have a big flank. I have no interest in a canine I practically helped raise!”
“Methinks thou protests too much.” Luna smiled.
“I don't date canines.” Celestia hissed.
“We have met all your previous lovers dear sister, and we can safely say ALL thou ever date are dogs.” Luna grinned.
Celestia growled as Pinkie Pie giggled.
Trixie Lulumoon paused as she was pulling her cart along the road. She lifted the brim of her hat looking around curiously. She felt something ominous in the air but she couldn't pinpoint what it might be.
She had not progressed far in her ultimate goal.... okay she had nada to show for it, but she felt she had best speed it up for some reason.
The mare trudged on for the first time feeling that the clock was ticking.
Rarity sighed trotting away from her work over to the window where her sister, Granny Smith, and Applebloom were standing, staring out at something going on outside.
Rarity considered it was probably either AJ or Rainbow Dash grandstanding after winning that silly little leaf race thing they had done. But in the end curiosity had won out.
“Honestly what is so interesting out here that......” Rarity paused, her eyes widening as she looked out the window herself.
A small force of Royal Guard dressed in both the regal gold and white of Celestia's Guard and the newly remade purple, silver, and black of Luna's Guard marched down the street flanking on either side of the two Princesses. Floating behind them gripped in Princess Luna's magic was a navy blue Moon Dog in little more than a pair of cargo pants flailing wildly as if trying to get away.
His fur was in a strange pattern, looking like someone's grandmother had decided to give him a page colt mane style. The Princesses were chatting about something as they headed for the library, and the Guards kept looking at the floating canine with a great deal of pity.
Rarity blinked once more before turning away from the window and yanking the curtain closed.
“Well now that that is out of the way how about we get you three measured and fitted for your Gala dresses?” Rarity chimed.
“Don't cha wanna know what's going on?” Applebloom asked.
Rarity considered a moment before shaking her head.” You know, for once Applebloom, I most certainly do not.”
Spike stared up at the two Princesses and the floating form of his brother being carried along behind them.
“Okay what did he do this time?” Spike groaned.
“BARK!” Rahs protested.
“Yeah, yeah, Khajiit did nothing and is innocent of his crimes, whatever, I wasn't asking you.” Spike rolled his eyes.
“Really he hasn't done anything Spike my sister is just being rather exuberant and loud with her information on him. Information she has thus far refused to share more than teasingly small amounts of.” Celestia frowned glaring at her sister who whistled innocently. “May we come in and speak with you and your siblings all at once?”
“Sure come on in, though I’m not sure if Twi is gonna be that talkative. She's holed up in her room trying to find out if it's feasible to go back in time and stop herself from doing something stupid.” Spike sighed.
“That does not sound safe.” Luna frowned.
“It's fine, she'll lose herself in some old Inspector Spacetime books and forget why she consider going back in time to start with.”Spike shrugged stepping aside to let the Princesses and his brother in.
“It worries me that she does this often enough that you're used to it Spike.” Celestia sighed giving her sister a sidelong glance.”Still would you try to get her to come down, this is fairly important provided my sister is not going for a long prank again.
Spike shrugged waddling up stairs.
Rahs had managed to grab a hold of a bookcase and was doing his best to try and claw free of Princess Luna's magic with no luck so far.
The Guards, many of whom knew Twilight and her brothers from their time as Celestia's student, and others who had been part of the Decaff task force, decided remaining outside would be for the best for every pony involved.
This nonsense was above their pay grade.
“Okay that really didn't explain much so I’m gonna have to ask a few questions cause I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” Twilight sighed as she shifted at the table under the gaze of the two Princesses.
Spike was staring on with some awe, while Rahs was still annoyed and pouting from where he had been placed next to Luna. Though how much of that was bluster and how much was stubbornness was hard to tell.
Celestia was looking at Luna with a small bit of concern as well, though she had been largely silent having heard everything her sister had just said earlier.
“Alright.”Twilight stated, a flurry of quills and parchment zipping in around her as she started to write.“Rahs' species is officially, called a Moon Dog.”
“Indeed.” Luna commented with a smirk.
“Yet there are no Moon Dogs on Equss?”
“Also correct.”
“Because they are all in the dream realm?”
“Oneiroi, but yes.” Luna agreed.” That is the natural home of Moon Dogs.”
“How many of them are there?” Spike chimed in.
“ We have not done a proper census, but with the way of things there and the orders they were given a long time ago, there should be approximately as many Moon Dogs as there are members of the other races of Equss. Give or take.”Luna shrugged.
“Why?” Celestia asked at this point.
“As we have said before sister we cannot steward the Oneiroi alone. The greater threats that reside there we are called to address, but the minor ones and the excess created by nightmares are dealt with by the Moon Dogs. That is their task”
“Not sure I follow.” Twilight frowned.
“Equss is a magical place Twilight Sparkle. The magic generated from all living things far exceeds the magic that is used or lost. This excess magic has formed another realm where it can run wild, a plaything to the unconscious desires and whims of those who visit in their slumber. When we first found we were the steward of the Oneiroi the place was relatively peaceful as most races on Equss were small of number and short of life.“ Luna explained. “The sleeping desires of the world amounted to little more than survival, fear, and occasionally more lewd things. Simpler times and quite easy to manage. The Oneiroi is where the worlds excess magic goes so it does not cause issues here.”
“Nemo's theory of Slumberland. “ Twilight sighed. “It sounds far fetched but you're saying that it's true?”
“Partially, his theory is off about the purpose of the Oneiroi and the only species that reside there are the Moon Dogs. While they have their own society it is closer to Diamond Dog warrens that the fantastical cities that Nemo dreamed up. Not to say that the influence of the waking world cannot be found there. Many new technologies and events have their Oneiroi counter parts. The Moon Dogs have adopted what they could use or they find interesting from others dreams and devoured the rest.”
“Wait. They eat dreams?” Spike gasped looking at Rahs who was trying to pout still but his ears remained perked as he listened.
“Dreams are little more than excess magic given form young Spike. The Oneiroi is just the place that magic goes and dreams are the connection to that realm. Dreamers shape the realm as they sleep reliving the days events things their minds need to break down that they might not even recall seeing. Often they put it together in fantastical visages, or horrific nightmares.”
“You said the Moon Dogs are the only species that mainly reside there. What else is there?”Celestia asked.
“The Life Dreamers and the Slumbering Dead.” Luna stated flatly.
“Okay that sounds ominous.” Spike muttered.
“Tis not. Tis more sad than anything else.” Luna sighed. “ The Slumbering Dead are those who died while dreaming, their souls remain, not unlike ghosts manipulating the world around them as they see fit. Often this results in entire real world cities being recreated in the Oneiroi, Likely one such place is what Nemo found. In time their remaining energy is spent and the soul moves on, but that can be anywhere from minutes to decades before it does. It is a reason why many dream of their fallen after they have passed as their souls still reside in the dream.”
Spike blinked.
“The Life Dreamers are far more tragic. They are those who are still alive, but cannot wake. They often become Slumbering Dead as they know little else but the Oneiroi.” Luna sighed.
“Coma victims. Magical sleeping sicknesses, brain damage.” Celestia frowned. “ We have spoke of this before.”
“Indeed and while some can be helped to wake from the Oneiroi, many cannot.”Luna sighed.
“So what exactly is the purpose of a Moon Dog?”
Luna smirked at the question.
“We shall steal a page from my sisters long winded tales for this explanation.” Luna chuckled.” Though we shall try not to make it boring, like she does.”
“Hey!” Celestia protested.
“Long ago a creature of unparalleled power and absolutely no control dominated a large portion of Equss. Naturally my sister dated the foul beast, but that's another story....” Luna grinned.
“He seemed nice at the time.” Celestia protested again.
“Due to his actions and excessive use of magic the Oneiroi was put into chaos, far more happened there than I was able to deal with on my own and no one else but the creature who caused the mess could access the realm. Even after his defeat things were too chaotic to control. We needed assistance. Our sister had been dabbling with selective and magical breeding among those who considered us gods to create hardier and healthier creatures. We decided to do the same to make those that could aid us.”
“I am not comfortable with the idea that we've been genetically modified for a purpose.” Twilight huffed glaring at Celestia. “I am also trying not to giggle evilly at the fact that we are genetically modified and that the GMO idiots have even less of a hoof to stand on.”
“It's still not something I want to get out.” Celestia grumbled. “At the time everyone was doing it.”
“ If everyone was jumping off a bridge would you do that too?” Spike mocked, channeling Twilight Velvet.
“She did. Several times if we recall.” chuckled Luna.
“That was cliff diving Luna, it was a sport at the time.” grumbled Celestia.
“Verily, but usually the divers dove into water, not the ground.” Luna snorted in amusement at the memory.
“There was water, but Aqua pulled it all away at the last second as a joke.” Celestia huffed.” Took me an hour to dig my way out of the mud at the bottom.”
“I have sooooooo many questions right now, and so few that I really want the answer to.” Twilight grumbled.
“Woof.” Rahs urged.
“Yes. Moving on. “Luna smirked at Celestia's fidgeting. “The problem were none that had the capacity to alter the Oneiroi in the way that was needed in the land to be known as Equestria, so we were forced to seek aid elsewhere.”
“That hundred years or so you went wandering.” Celestia muttered.
“The place we wound up called it a walkabout. A strange and deadly continent that is still largely ignored by the the rest of Equss. Twas far from empty, mind you and we may have spent a few decades in the company of a Rokea reef god there.” Luna turned a bit red, her ears flicking but she continued.” What we found there however was a race not unlike the Diamond Dogs here called the Bunyip.”
Luna paused to take a sip of the tea that Spike had prepared and allowed Twilight to catch up with her notes.
“ The Bunyip had an host of interesting abilities. Nearly every member of their race was a lucid dreamer to start with they were surprisingly hardy, existing on little to no food and water, though given their arid location that was not surprising. The most interesting ability of all that they possessed was however was their ability to traverse the Oneiroi in short jumps, much like a unicorn's teleportation.” Luna sighed.” Unfortunately they were also stubborn, territorial, extremely hostile to outsiders. They were also slowly dying out. It took us years to convince the younger generations that their elders were wrong, and by that point their numbers were less than a hundred.”
“Dying out?” Twilight asked.
“That continent is not a stable place Twilight Sparkle. Only the strongest life finds it's place there and some have become so niche that they would not be able to live anywhere else.” Luna pointed out. “ Also it's just plain weird. The dominant species there are upright hopping deer, and we swear we saw a furry beaver duck thing.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at that, though didn't say anything.
“Suffice to say it took us a number of generations and cross breeding with other species before we considered their number stable enough to use. ” Luna explained. “With that we guided them in one last dream walk into the Oneiroi. At the time we had not considered that their race would be considered extinct from Equss, but there were so few there was little to no environmental impact.”
“I cannot imagine the new environment did well for them.”Celestia frowned.
“Of course not.” Luna flattened her ears.”That would have been far too easy. We were forced to ferry supplies back and forth to the Oneiroi for a long while, the chaos of the realm was made worse by the nightmares and horrors the slumbering ones came up with and created in their nights. Ponies and other races began to fear the night because of this and it is a stigma that has not fully been shaken. It was not long after the crystal empire was founded that things finally began to go correctly. We found that we needed to bring less and less supplies each trip. New generations had started supplementing their diets with chaotic dream stuff. “
“They were adapting.” Twilight commented.
“Indeed. Within three generations we no longer needed to bring in supplies. Within four the chaos was being brought under control. At five an entirely new species came about in their litters. The last of the true Bunyip gave birth to the first Moon Dog. A pup fully capable of thriving in the Oneiroi with no outside assistance. “Luna smiled. “He bore marks of our interference in his line and the reverence they gave to us. The glowing points of Lunar light all Moon Dogs possess first showed up on him. The first pup was named Mánagarmr, son of Fenrir. All Moon Dogs are descended from him.”
There was a moment of hushed awe at the mention of the name from all present... save one who quickly ruined it.
“Wouldn't that cause an issue with genetic diversity?” Twilight questioned not even looking up as she continued to write.
“You are what you eat.” Luna smirked
“What?” Twilight asked.
“Tell me Twilight. Is all magic the same?” Luna asked.
“In theory and practice the effects are, but the underlying source or supply of magic tends to differ by race.”
“And by individual, it is why any magical trace left by a Unicorn to commit a crime can easily be followed back to it's caster.” Celestia pointed out.
“Forensics was never my calling. Though I should probably study up on that.”Twilight pondered.
“Basically what you're saying is because they eat magic that changes what they are enough that they're not really related?”Spike sounded out .
“Something like that. It is more like breeding two prize winning Great Danes and getting a Rottweiler. Tis still a Moon Dog likely with traits of its parents, but able to mate with it's sister with no stagnation of genes. There are no true twins in Moon Dogs.”
“Not sure I’m comfortable with the idea Rahs might be his own grandpa.” Twilight muttered.
“Tis a stigma that has merit in Equestria, but not so in the Oneiroi. An unexpected boon in truth as it means we have no need to see out others that can traverse there, let alone survive.”
“And what do they currently do?” Celestia asked. “And how does Rahs fit into this?”
“Each Moon Dog born in this age follows a certain pony or family. Tending their dreams and protecting them from nightmares. When they mated, Cosma paired with Nightlight and Blink with Twilight Velvet. Their eldest child was bonded with another family as when she was born Shining Armor had not yet been conceived. Then Twilight was born and then Rahs. His task was to watch over Twilight and Shining, then before his sixth birthday, he vanished.” Luna narrowed her eyes looking at Twilight who suddenly felt ashamed. “The family had not yet had a litter of pups and the loss of one of their two children caused more than a little chaos. At the time we were sealed in the moon, not exactly in a place we could help despite being in a dreamlike state where we could still speak with the Oneiroi, we could not interact with it as we once did. We existed there as a Life Dreamer does.”
Luna spared a menacing glare at Celestia who returned it impassively. The two kept up the stare down for a few moments before Rahs spoke up breaking them out of it.
“Woof.”
“Yes. Twilight's surge pulled you out of the Oneiroi. You were still bonded with her and through her Shining Armor as you hunted in both their dreams as a pup. Spike was hatched and you were joined with him much as Twilight was. Which brings us to today.”Luna offered. “ We have no idea how a surge could have done such a thing, but wild magic sometimes has a mind of it's own and magic does reach across the boundary.”
“Dang.” Celestia grumbled.
“Hmm? What is it sister?”
“We owe Nightlight ten bits.”
“For?”
“I was certain Rahs came from the past.” Celestia sighed. “Twilight Velvet was sure he came from space and Nightlight said from his daughters imagination.”
Rahs and Twilight face clawed and face hooved respectively, Spike just chuckled.
“Right onto the basics.” Twilight stated rather loudly.”How long do Moon Dogs live?”
“ Morbid” Spike frowned.
“Not at all, normal dogs and cats have a much shorter lifespan than Ponies. I don't like the idea that Rahs is approaching old age already.” Twilight grumbled ignoring Rahs sticking his tongue out at her.
“Usually as long as the one they pair with. There are some who have paired with Dragons and are still alive today. “ Luna explained. “ You needn't worry about him being older than you are.”
“Hmm makes sense. If the Bunyip were an offshoot of Diamond Dogs they live about as long as Ponies do.” Twilight tapped her quill to her lips.”Is there a connection to Witch Wolves?”
Twilight didn't even need to look up to feel the air suddenly turn icy in the span of a heartbeat. Twilight's gaze slowly rose from her notes, first noticing that Rahs and Spike's breath was visible as if it was a chill morning. Lifting her gaze further she noticed her teacher backing away from the table staring at her sister.
Looking to Luna, Twilight immediately wished that Nightmare Moon would come back, because despite how terrifying she was, Nightmare at her worse was a ray of flipping sunshine compared to the look that Luna had right now.
“Umm.” Twilight muttered.
“There is 'NO' connection and we would ask you do not mention that name ever again Twilight Sparkle. Witch Wolves DID and DO not exist.” Luna stated with a tone that rattled the windows of the Library, save the newly broken one, without seeming to be very loud at all.
“Right okay... sorry I asked moving on.” Twilight stammered.
”How are you his grandma?” Spike spit out as Luna's expression returned to normal.
“She's not....” Celestia started.....
“We were asked by his parents to watch out for him. As we are the matriarch of the Moon Dog. We have decided that Rahs shall be our grand pup, though we apologize that we have not made any cookies for the occasion as our oven self immolated along with our attempt last night.”
“So is he a prince?” Spike asked interrupting Twilight again.
“No he's n...” Celestia started before getting cut off.
“That is the title a descendant of royalty gains is it not? So yes.” Luna smirked.
“That's not official!” Celestia protested.
“What exactly would that title mean?” Twilight asked.
“Not you too.” Celestia let out an exasperated sigh.
“Absolutely nothing.” Luna grinned. “ Tis but a title. Something to look interesting on thine business cards and applications, and screw with the upper crust, little more. Moon Dogs have no royalty only Alpha's as leaders, often chosen for the role due to what they have done or skill. Given he is the only Moon Dog in Equestria he is obviously an Alpha here.”
“What does that mean?” Spike asked.
“Also absolutely nothing,”Luna cheered. “He hast no pack and therefor nothing to lead. His siblings seem more than capable of governing themselves so he needn't lead them. Perhaps were he to find a mate and they have a litter it may have more merit ….”
“Bork!!” Rahs snapped burying his head in his paws.
“Surely there is some female thou have met who holds thine interest?” Luna commented.
“Bork!” Rahs growled.
“Pity, but we didn't call thou Shirley.” Luna deadpand confused.
“Lulu we need to be getting back soon.” Celestia commented. “ We only scheduled a few hours.”
“Feh.” Luna grumbled.
“So you are supposed to watch over him for his parents what does that mean?” Twilight asked trying to get a few more questions answered.
“Nothing more than what my sister does for thou. We are simply keeping an eye on him and thou and Spike as well.” Luna offered.
“Us too?” Spike asked.
“Indeed, thou are the lost trio. Neither you nor your elder brother have any connection to the Oneiroi at all. When thou pulled Rahs here that connection was severed. “
“Huh?” Spike questioned.
“Tell us. Do any of you dream?” Luna asked.
“Not that I can recall.” Twilight offered as Spike shrugged.
“As expected. There are others cut off like yourself. Ones whos magic does not drain into the realm. Most do not notice, but many of the strongest mages to exist have had that same issue. It is not something that will cause any harm to you, but it would explain the volume of magic you have access too. “ Luna pondered. “Still given Rahs and Spike being here thou would have been a strong Unicorn even without being cut off from the Oneiroi.”
“What about me or Shining?” Spike asked.
“We do not know what happens with a Dragon cut off from the Oneiroi. Tis not something we have seen before.” Luna admitted. “We would have a closer look at thine older brother, but last we tried his current suitor threw us out a window.”
“Translation. She hit on your brother and Cadence bucked her upside the head.” Celestia stage whispered to Twilight, who snorted in amusement holding back a laugh.
“Verily, a warrior born that one.”Luna admitted.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Why are we announcing ourselves as thine grandmother if it matters not in the long run?”Luna repeated a smile crossing her face. “ Because it amuses us to dote on and spoil one of our own. That is why. We can't hope to be the 'cool aunt' to Tia's foals when she cannot even find a colt friend who isn't an evil jerk. So grandmother will have to do.”
Spike, Rahs, and Twilight all look to Celestia who's ears remained flat against her head as she glared at her sister.
“Time to go.” Luna grinned hopping up and patting Rahs on the head with a wing before gripping him in a bone crushing hug. “ Well look forward to meeting our great grand pups, immortal or not we are not patient.”
Rahs flailed again trying to get away.
“Thank you for the tea Spike, Twilight. But duty calls.” Celestia sighed.
“Quite alright Princess. Stop by again when you want.... I expect your sister will be.” Twilight looked to Luna pensively.
“Indeed!”Luna stated turning to trot to the door after letting Rahs go, the overly hugged Moon Dog whimpering a bit.
Twilight and Spike watched as the Princesses left before both looked at Rahs who had fallen over and was twitching on the floor.
“I don't get it.” Twilight sighed looking out the window with a frown.
“What's that Twi?” Rainbow Dash asked pulling her head from where she had stuck it out the window.
“This is a train right?”
“Yep.”
“A train generally runs on it's own, coal, steam, or magic powered right?” Twilight continued.
“Also yep.” Dash agreed.
“Then why is there a team of ponies pulling the train?” Twilight complained.
“Coal scarcity.” Dash yawned.
“What?” Twilight blinked, stunned at not only a quick answer but also not a weird one as she expected.
“Coal scarcity. This is a coal run train, but Appleoosa is a new settlement. When they run supplies out it's a full horse team. They only burn coal on the way back because the train has less weight and uses less coal.” Dash explained.
“How...?” Twilight stared.
“What, I can't be smart?” Dash scoffed.
Twilight continued to stare.
“Fiiiine..... it was on a flier back at the train station in the bathroom, and I needed something to read at the time....” Dash admitted
“Eww.”
“HEY, I washed my hooves!”
“Honestly of all the absurd things to be doing....” Rarity grumbled, dropping into her seat next to Twilight.
“What? You noticed that we're being pulled and not using the main car too ?” Twilight asked looking up at Rarity a bit hopeful.
“What?”
“Never mind, what's wrong?” Twilight sighed, returning to her book.
“Applejack was reading that tree a bed time story.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?”
“ Lately... yes.” Twilight deadpanned.” Still I’ve read some studies that show music can help plants grow and Applejack is the farmer here so maybe she knows best.”
“Perhaps … but it's still strange.”
“I've caught you asking your cat questions as if she could answer you.” Twilight responded.
“Fluttershy.” Rarity stated.
“Touche” Twilight admitted.
“Moving on, so how is Spikey settling into school?” Rarity asked.
“Surprisingly well. He's a little miffed we had to leave him behind, but he has classes and can't just take off anytime. Granny Smith agreed to let him stay at the farm for the next few days since we're helping Applejack on this trip.” Twilight shrugged.
“And how about our new prince?” Rarity smirked.
“Still annoyed at the title and snappish at any one who tries to use it. He's got a lot on his mind with what we were told, add that in to the issue he has with his winter coat and he's not in the best mood. “ Twilight shrugged.” He could have let me come alone and stayed with Spike, but he decided to tag along any way. Oh thanks for finishing that duster for him finally.”
“Don't mention it. He already thanked me.” Rarity considered.”I think. But he seemed to like it. I'm not exactly fond of the green and burnished gold trim, but it doesn't look that bad. I should have used a darker green to be honest to match the hue of his fur at least, but forest green was all I had at the time.”
“It's fine. Really. We might order a few more in case something happens to that one, at least when you're done with the gala dresses for every pony. No rush.”Twilight offered turning a page.
“The coat was surprisingly modest given how little he wanted done with it, mostly pockets. Still I can try a few different combinations when I have the time or if you order more.” Rarity smirked.”Most of the dresses are already done, Sweetiebelle and Applebloom are already fitted and love them. Granny Smith was a pleased with Applebloom's but she wasn't quite thrilled with how fancy hers was. So I’ve got to trim that down to a simpler design. I already have Pinkie Pie's designed, and Matilda already has one of my dresses so all I need to do with hers is make sure it still fits and isn't fraying. Then I can work on my own dress. I have a few ideas for everypony else however, perhaps if you ever go to a fancy party I’ll have something in mind for you.”
“Might be nice. I think the only dress I have is from when I was still dating before I moved here.”Twilight said absently.
“Really? any pony interesting in Canterlot?” Rarity smirked.
“Couple of idiots, a few outright jerks, and one or two that were alright.” Twilight shrugged.
“Oh? Care to go into more detail than that?” Rarity practically begged for the gossip.
“Not really.” Twilight stated simply, yet to look up from her book again.
“Oh you're no fun.” Rarity pouted.
Rahs growled as he pulled the hat down over his head further, the massive white ten gallon cowboy hat covered his head down to his eyes, but it did however hide the poof ball that was his head fur rather well. The coat Rarity had made him was nice too, and covered the rest of his misshapen fur. He hoped the dry air of Appleoossa would let it calm down.
He also liked the idea of being out of Luna's reach for a few days. The Princess of the Moon had a habit of popping down from Canterlot at random times of the day or night over the last week, either try and offer cookies, most of which were inedible even to Spike, or suggest someone for him to have a look at as a date. Usual it was a Royal Guard or a maid she had found. Once or twice she had actually brought the confused, or down right terrified mare to Ponyville with her.
Rahs was at his wits end on what to do about her. On one paw she was going way too far with the Grandmother thing. On the other paw it was nice to have someone seem to care this much for him other than his sister and brothers. His adoptive parents were full of their own issues and Twilight's grandparents on both sides were not exactly thrilled with the Dragon or Moon Dog relatives. On Nightlights side it was due to Day Glow having been a Guard and fought against the Diamond Dogs and Dragons on more than one occasion. On Velvet's side it was with Granny and Grandpa Cashmere thinking that Velvet adopting the pair of them was dragging their family name down further from nobility.
They were not mean, just disappointed, and Grandpa Day Glow watched him like he was going to steal the silverware every time he was over. Not a fun group.
He had been dwelling on how his life should have been had Twilight not pulled him out of where he was supposed to be. It was pointless to think about it in true, one couldn't change the past.
It annoyed him that his thoughts went that way. Twilight and Spike understood it, Spike more than Twilight as his younger brother often thought about where he came from.
Still he could tell they were starting to get fed up with his being moody. Sure he did it every year due to how itchy and stupid looking his fur got, but this had lasted longer than usual thanks to everything he had learned, his fur was mostly worked out now and all he had left to be angry about was his lot in life, which really wasn't even slightly bad.
He also probably shouldn't have blown up at the others for chatting while he was trying to sleep. Had he been less annoyed at everything, he probably would have wondered why they were calling Fluttershy a tree.
Still storming out with his pillow and a blanket probably wasn't the highlight of his day, but he was annoyed and tired, better to stay with the tree rather than listen to the group continue on like they were at a slumber party.
He paused in the train car, looking at the apple tree tucked away in a bed like a sleeping child. He stared for a moment, before simply wrapping himself up in his blanket and curling up on the floor next to the bed.
Rahs frowned looking out the window of the caboose. Trains were not supposed to go backwards. Even more so this one was going backwards down a set of rails that was far too old and ill maintained to be part of the main line.
He was also certain that it had been Ponies pulling the train, not Buffalo pushing it when he had gone to sleep.
That really only meant one thing, that this had been a literal train robbery.
The pun amused him slightly, though he needed to figure out how to get out of this, he doubted the thieves knew he was here and he didn't like the idea of trying to fight his way past this many Buffalo.
What to do, what to do..... AH!
Pulling on his new coat, Rahs adjusted the white, ten gallon hat, he wore until it was just over his eyes. He plucked a twig from the tree to put in his mouth like an old cigar and hiked his belt up further. He shoved a couple of apples into his pockets before pulling the long coat over them to make it look like he was packing a pair of big irons or something. A small grin crossed his face which he quickly squashed down, fixing instead a thousand yard stare and an annoyed grimace on his face.
He could very well bluff his way out of this by playing the part of the 'Stallion Without a Name'. The Buffalo likely hadn't seen any plays like that, and even if they had read the book it was based on they might very well just add to the legend and make his getting out of there easier.
Rahs felt the caboose start to slow, clearly they were where they were going, he allowed himself a last small smirk at the plan before showtime.
He rather enjoyed westerns.
[Appleoosa ]
Mffmuff murffff!” Braburn exclaimed from around the magical energy wrapped tightly around his muzzle.
“Okay listen here Butt brain....” Twilight growled.
“Braburn.” Applejack corrected.
“Don't care.” Twilight responded without looking at her friend. ”I'm sure you have a job to do when someone shows up here, but my brother was dog napped by Buffalo and I have neither the time nor patience to put up with any delays to his recovery. Now I'm going to release your mouth and you are going to tell me where the sheriff is. Then you are going to get out of my way or so help me I will teleport you back to whatever landscape i was looking at outside my window before I went to bed. And since I don't remember it that well, you might wind up in the frozen north, or imbedded in a rock wall instead, understand?”
Braeburn nodded quickly.
“Good.” Twilight snapped, letting the magic fade from the stallions muzzle.”Sheriff, now.”
“There's someone in there.” Little Strongheart frowned from her perch atop the caboose.
The gathered Buffalo muttered to themselves as they clustered around the train car, some of them were a little upset that they had accidentally foal napped someone, though others seemed to be of the opinion that the more settlers they drove off the better.
None of them were prepared for the door of the train car to be kicked open with a crash and a large figure to practically unfold itself from out of the small train door.
Clawed rear paws of navy blue kicked up small puffs of dust as they landed on the dry ground under the door of the caboose.
A breeze blew by, making the dark green and gold trimmed duster the figure wore billow and flap against the figures legs. A dark furred tail flicked and whipped behind the creature, a small glowing point of light barely visible as it moved through the shadow cast by the train car. Long arms ending in clawed fingers rested at his side. His hands twitched as it seemed ready to draw something out from under his coat the moment there was any trouble from the Buffalo around him.
A large white hat rested low on his head, slits for his long ears allowing them to poke out of the side of the hat. The shadow cast over his face by the hat hid his eyes save for a soft glint of amber as his gaze shifted, sharp teeth gnawed on the end of a stick it had in his mouth. His head turned slowly taking in the herd as if carefully assessing how much a threat they were.
All eyes were locked on the imposing figure and when he took another step forward some of the herd flinched.
Somewhere in the distance an odd whistling sound could be heard.
“Pinkie Pie stop that!” Rainbow Dash hissed. The pair of them were situated behind a large rock having caught up with the train robbers.
“But he's doing The Hero, the Evil, and the Hideous thing, I can't not do the whistle.” Pinkie Pie protested.
“You're gonna get us caught and then we can't save him.” Dash growled.
“You mean like you're growling just did.” Pinkie Pie asked pointing at the Buffalo that now surrounded them.
“Buck it!!” Dash cursed.
[Appleoosa]
“So basically what yer saying is the Buffalo are demanding you cut down all the trees and leave?”Applejack frowned.
“That's about the size of it. This is probably the worst thing they've done so far, attacking the train?” The Sheriff muttered. “We've had some supplies taken and some property vandalized, but it's been pretty small scale so far. Robbing a train and foal napping is a new low for um.”
“Princess Celestia herself approved tha building of Appaloosa out here about twenty years ago, we finally got every thing working right and our orchard grown and now they wanna run us out? It ain't happening!” Braeburn added.
“We've not heard from Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie. I expect they both went after Rahs.” Rarity explained. “Not the pair I would send first into a rescue operation I assure you.”
“Oh I’m sure they will all be fine.” Fluttershy placated. “Right?”
Twilight had been silent for a while reading over the documentation the Sheriff had shown her about the right for the town to be here.
“Right, Twilight?” Applejack said louder.
“Yes, right.... everything seems to be in order with this.” Twilight stated giving the paper back to the sheriff. “I'm not sure what the story is here with the Buffalo, but they live in Equestria and can't go against the Princesses ruling like this, so they are the criminals in this case.”
“Right.” The Sheriff agreed.
“That said I would still like to hear their side of the story.” Twilight continued her mane and tail starting to smolder causing everypony to take a step away from her as her tone darkened considerably. “ However if they have hurt my brother then no one is going to need to worry about Buffalo in these parts ever again.”
“Oh dear.” Fluttershy whimpered.
Rahs raised an eyebrow under his hat as Dash and Pinkie Pie were escorted over to where he was. Dash looked ready to fight her way out of there, Pinkie looked......
“Hi Rahs! Did you like the epic western score? My Granny taught me how to whistle like that. At first I was all like dun na na na NA, then wooo wooo wooo, only with whistling .. I forgot my maracas, but I shook this cactus and it sounded just like that.....” Pinkie rambled.
Pinkie looked like she always did.
“You!” Rainbow Dash shouted pointing up above Rahs' head.
Rahs ears twitched as he heard hooves scuffing on the top of the train car, but if he looked up he'd have to remove his hat to see up too far and that would show off the poofed mess of his hair so that wasn't happening. He remained where he was hoping to look cool and unconcerned.
“Crap...... look we didn't mean to hurt any one on the train... and you sorta hit the sign on your own so you can't blame me for that.” Little Strong heart protested.
“You Foal napped... “ Dash yelled.
“Dog napped.” Pinkie corrected.
“Whatever, you dog napped a friend of ours! Hows that not meaning any harm!?” Dash continued.
“We didn't know anyone was in the caboose, we only wanted the tree.” Strongheart protested.” the settlers have overtaken the land, far more than they had to start and planted an orchard all over our traditional stampeding grounds.”
“What” Dash questioned.
“We have a long and wide stampeding trail that we have run upon for generations. We use to to move along to our next camp for the changing of the seasons.” A deep voice echoed from behind them.
The rest of the Buffalo suddenly hushed and Strongheart looked worried.
A massive Buffalo with a feathered headdress approached, flanked by warriors just as large as he was.
“ I am Chief Thunder Hooves, this is my granddaughter, Little Strongheart. “ The Buffalo stated. “ The settlers have overstepped their bounds and set hoof into lands granted to my great great great great great great great great great great great great.....” Chief Thunder Hooves continued.
“Grandpa. It's only eight back.” Strongheart stated.
“How many did I just do?” The Chief questioned.
“Twelve.” Pinkie Pie helpfully offered.
“Hmm got carried away. At any rate My eight times great grandfather Chief Three Bear was granted this land by Ko'komiki'somma for his service as her protector. It rightfully belongs to the Buffalo. We did not mind when the settlers first showed up, nor did we mind the train as this land is wide and such transport is useful, plus they were not in the way of our migration and we could trade for what we might want. When they started planting their orchard across our sacred path is when things turned sour. We attempted to speak with them about their expansion, but they refused to move what they had already planted.” Chief Thunder Hooves continued. “As such some of my tribe have decided to take driving them out into their own hooves.”
Little Strongheart at least tried to look ashamed at that point.
“Woof.” Rahs said simply, still maintaining his stern gunslinger stance.
“What?” Chief Thunder Hooves asked looking to the Moon Dog for the first time curiously..
“He asked why you haven’t gone to the Princesses yet this is the sort of dispute that they regularly deal with.” Pinkie Pie translated.
“Because they claim Princess Celestia is the one who gave them these lands. And with no one but the word of our ancestors being given the land from Ko'komiki'somma, we do not have any sort of case for it.” Chief Thunder Hooves sighed.
“I didn't know Princess Celestia just gives out land like that, something seems fishy.” Pinkie frowned.
“You keep saying that word, but what does it mean?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“It is the name of the Moon Goddess who granted us the land...” Chief Thunder Hooves stated blinking as Pinkie Pie smiled and Dash face hooved. “ What?”
“Bark.” Rahs smirked showing his fangs, something that made a few more Buffalo flinch again.
“What?” the Chief asked.
“Yeah, you're right that does sound like Princess Luna.” Pinkie Pie pondered.
“Yeah you are probably in luck chief. Your...... whatever name you said sounds like Princess Luna and she just got back from a unwanted vacation, so she'll probably be able to tell her sister that the land was yours first.” Rainbow Dash offered. “None of them will be really happy with what's being going on, but this should be settled fairly quickly.
The chief was going to respond when a stray cloud lazily drifted across the sun, casting the land in a brief shadow. While there were a number of clouds in the sky this was the first one to manage to darken the land by any significant amount. This was also the first time Chief Thunder Hooves had been looking at Rahs when there was enough shadow for him to notice the points of light at the end of his tail and ears as they poked out of the top of his hat.
The dark furred buffalo paled considerably, his eyes widening as big as plates as he stared at the Moon Dog.
“Sik Imitaa.....” The Chief uttered.
The response was immediate, every Buffalo who heard the Chief took off running in a massive stampeed away from the caboose and the creature standing before it. The only exceptions to this were a few of the younger Buffalo and Little Strongheart.
The two ponies and the Moon Dog looked around curiously wondering what was going on.
“What the frik was that?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“Yeah, what did he say? What's Sik Imitaa mean?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Strong Heart blinked looking over at Rahs her ears flattening to her head as she stared at the confused Moon Dog, moving to keep the two ponies between her and Rahs.
“Sik Imitaa, means 'Black Dog' they are seen as omens of death.” Little Strongheart swallowed.
“Rahs isn't black silly, he's more of a navy blue color.” Pinkie Pie pointed out.
Twilight checked her bag and then the map she was given to the Buffalo camp a last time before trotting out into the waste, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity following close behind her.
“Darling, do you really think this is necessary?” Rarity asked.
“You don't have to come.” Twilight stated.
“Yes, went over this before, back during the Nightmare Moon fiasco.”Rarity rolled her eyes.”I am not letting you go alone. But I simply think you may be overreacting a bit in storming off to the camp for a rescue.”
“Rahs should be fine...” Fluttershy added her two cents in.
“Really, what would you do if your brother was kidnapped by a known hostile force?”Twilight asked continuing to march into the desert.
“I wouldn't know, I do not have a brother.”Rarity sighed.
“Hope they only returned an ear and we never saw the rest again.” Fluttershy said softly.
Every pony stopped to look back at Fluttershy with a bit of worry. Fluttershy however, didn't notice as she was helping a beetle climb a nearby cactus to get to a flower at the top.
“OOOkay, Applejack?” Twilight continued.
“Head out tah help him, a fore he did something stupid.” Applejack stated flatly.
“Right. I am quite sure Rahs will be fine on his own, but given the situation he might still need help.” Twilight agreed. “It should be noted I'm quite glad Spike didn't come, it would have been far worse had he been the one to get nabbed.”
“Seriously?” Rarity rolled her eyes.
“Yep.”Applejack added.”Think about what you'd do if Sweetiebelle was foal napped.”
Rarity pondered a moment as they trotted before finally nodding.
“I suppose I would see if the Griffon empire was still on that hamburger fad they had for awhile.” Rarity finally offered.
“They're not, I considered that though.” Twilight commented.
“Ain't hamburger a fancy name fer cows?” Applejack questioned.
“It is.” Fluttershy stated. “For a specific way of cooking cow flesh to be exact.”
“Yeah well, now I'm glad I didn't eat anything a'fore we left....” Applejack muttered turning green at the thought.
“I am most perturbed.” Twilight growled as she paced, her hooves forming a rut next to the campfire.
“Twilight fer the last time calm down.” Applejack fussed from her sleeping bag on the other side of the fire.
“Calm down? Calm Down!?!” The Buffalo were not at the camp on the map the sheriff gave us and their trail goes deeper into the Canyons and plains around here. Rahs, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash could be anywhere!”
“Darling as much as I abhor roughing it, I am out here with you sleeping on the dirt because I want to help you.” Rarity whined. ”That said you will do no one any favors if you are too tired in the morning to continue the search. So calm down and go to sleep.”
The rest of the group rolled their eyes as Rarity had somehow brought a cushy red couch with her and was sleeping on it, thus no where near the dirt.
“Mr. Ferruginous said they hadn't been here for several days. This probably would not even have been the camp they took him too.” Fluttershy offered, pointing up to a tiny owl perched atop a tall cactus looking down at them.
“Darling, I am worried about them too but pacing is doing nothing but making all of us more tired.”Rarity sighed. “Lay down already and get some rest.”
“I don't need rest and I’ll be fine in the morning after some coffee.” Twilight grumbled. “ I've pulled all nighters before.”
“Twilight yah didn't bring any coffee.” Applejack added.
“I what!?” Twilight jumped. “It was on the list!”
“And yah took it off tah list saying, and ah quote, ' Leave the coffee, cause not having it's just gonna help me stay pissed.” Applejack claimed.
“I never said that!”
“Ah paraphrased, now go tah bed or yer not gonna be the only grumpy one in tha morning!” Applejack snapped.
The second group sat around a large campfire in the middle of some teepees. The Buffalo herd surrounded them completely, though all eyes were on Rahs and they were warily giving him a wide berth as he finished up the road runner he had caught for dinner.
It had been the strangest thing, the bird had plowed straight into a rock wall that had a painting of a tunnel on it. There had also been a furious coyote that Rahs had considered eating as well, though before he could go after the animal a giant rock had fallen out of the sky onto it.
The Chief was at least talking to them again after he had run off, though he was still wary of Rahs despite Strong Heart's assurances that he wasn't going to do anything to them.
Rahs had asked, through Pinkie Pie, what they knew about what he was supposed to be. Luna had told them the good, but both he and Twilight knew there was bad as well. Whatever a Witch Wolf was, it was still connected to Rahs and Princess Luna was a dead end in that investigation. Princess Celestia still claimed to know nothing beyond what she had shared though both Twilight and Rahs thought she was still hiding something.
Truthfully Rahs didn't care and could forget about it easier than Twilight could, though every so often something brought the Witch Wolves back to the forefront of his mind. Something like the Buffalo's reaction to him.
After a long conversation, the Chief was willing to share the tale with them.
“Many, many, many many many …....” Chief Thunder Hooves began before Strong Heart nudged him.” ...moons ago when our herds roamed these lands freely without interference from annoying settlers...”
Dash rolled her eyes as Pinkie Pie giggled though Rahs remained focused, he would probably need to repeat this word for word to Twilight.
One of the tribes legendary figures is Maohk. She of the Swirling Tempest and the Emerald Vision. She guided us in the dark times when many fell into shadow.
But like all legends the tales needed to start somewhere. Here they start when Maohk was still a young cow on the cusp of adulthood. As with all of the tribe at her age, she was prepared to set out on her trial to adulthood.
All of the tribes Braves needed to make this pilgrimage to the old lands of the Buffalo, lands long since lost to the endless Aapi. Potential Braves would bring a gift to the shrine of our ancestors there. With their blessing the Buffalo would then return to the tribe and and be welcomed back as an adult and full member of the tribe.
Maohk's journey was a little different. She was wise and clever as a calf and had attracted the interest of the tribe's shaman. The shaman took her in and trained her in the tribes spell craft and spiritual guidance so when her time was over Maohk could take her position.
Because of this Maohk's trial would not only be to bring the gift for our ancestors, but to stay with them for a time and learn their teachings. If she succeeded she would be return to help guide the tribe spiritually allowing the old shaman to enjoy her twilight in peace.
Maohk traveled north, skirting the pony lands so as not to become involved with their petty conflicts and distrust of outsiders. Though we honored Ko'komiki'somma for her blessing to us, we had never had much respect for her kind. Most attempted to take our land or poison us with sickness or attempt to trade baubles for things of great value. As such we kept to ourselves in those times and given our lands were not often to their liking they let us be in the plains and we let them be in their cramped towns.
Maohk reached the border of ice after many moons, carrying only a few supplies, her gift, and a cloak of crimson that was her namesake that the Shaman had gifted her on her naming day. Venturing forth into the endless Aapi, Maohk fought the weather, the wildlife and even her own mind telling her to turn back from the bitter cold.
She pressed on regardless reaching the land of our tribes birth. She made her offering and settled in to her meditation to commune with our ancestors for their wisdom. It was no her ancestors that spoke to her however and her meditation was cut short by another.
The Great Iinii, the first of us.
The Great Iinii was massive, towering over the mountains and blotting out the sky, his white fur pure of any blemish or discoloration, only his horns and eyes were of any other color, both of blackest pitch and able to see ones true spirit and destroy it if need be.
The Great Iinii stared into Maohk's spirit, and Maohk stared back. His dark eyes locked with her hazel ones for what seemed days before he finally spoke.
' There is a sickness. One that seeks to consume all and destroy it from within. Go north to the Lands of Clear Stone, and see with your own unclouded eyes. When you have seen, you must prepare your tribe. Darkness is coming and you must be aware of it if any are to survive. Be warned, you will be hunted in these lands. The monsters that reside there care not who you are, to them you are naught but prey. If you fall, the tribe falls with you.'
With this the Great Iinii was gone, leaving Maohk to ponder the gods words. She did not hesitate and set out the next morning for the Lands of the Clear Stone.
The Lands of Clear Stone had long been the home of the Glass Walkers, a race that should not exist and seemed made of the very land around them. Their kind always made the Buffalo nervous with how unnatural they were. Thus Maohk had no trouble believing that a source of great evil came from this place.
When she arrived it was far from what she had expected. Something dark had taken over the Lands of Clear Stone, enslaved those who lived there and constructed great monuments of suffering and pain. She saw many races tortured, their ruined bodies put on display in order to keep the others in line. Massive figures of dark stone patrolled the lands, others whose hearts had turned black commanded them and moved about causing misery an pain with no regard to their targets be it bull, cow, or calf. Their own kind turned against them to not share their pain, even the Glass Walkers did not deserve this fate.
A black unicorn with a blood soaked horn commanded everything treating those under him as little more than ants or bothersome gnats. At his side a mare of pure darkness stood, her features twisted in a snarling rage as if she wished to lash out at everything and destroy it, including the Unicorn.
And lastly creatures of nightmare roamed every where, killing who they wished and reveling in displays of blood and gore. They seemed to care not if what they devoured was a slave or a keeper, any that they chose met their end as little more than a meal to these creatures.
They towered over the others, fur as black as night, horrid crosses of wolf and lynx. Magical light followed them around focused on their ears and tails. Their mere presence brought screams of terror from the slaves, or huddled terror for fear they would be the beasts next target.
The Sik Imitaa.
It was one of these that found Maohk. It was swift, but she was just slightly faster, managing to get away, though it managed to lay a claw onto her cloak. There was a protection woven into it by the shaman when it was gifted, a simple thing to keep it whole and bright. That failed under the very touch of the creature.
With others of it's ilk far too close Maohk fled, and the beast pursued.
For six days it hunted her, following the young Buffalo through the ice and back into the Summer lands, pursuing her avoiding the snares and traps she had set with her shaman powers, the beast not only avoided being trapped, but he ate the power that composed the traps. Her training with the shaman could not hide her, it could not protect her, it could not help her fight. The Sik Imitaa was untouchable by the power she had been trained to use.
The Sik Imitaa reveled in this hunt, its prey was swift, but it was tiring and soon the beast would have it's meal.
What the beast failed to realize, was that Maohk was far more clever than it thought. She had been testing it, seeing what it would do. The Great Iinii had told her she needed to see, and thus she saw everything she could in the spirit and actions of her foe.
When the beast finally caught up to her in the end of a box canyon, it thought her trapped and an easy meal as magic user who was useless without her power.
But Maohk was of the Buffalo, one who had easily earned the right to be called a Brave already on her journey and one who had still sought more by communing with our ancestors. The young cow had learned what the shaman could teach her , but she had also learned from the tribes warriors.
The Sik Imitaa had expected prey, but had encountered another predator.
The battle was fierce between the two, the land scarred and poisoned by the ferocity of the conflict that lasted many days. The Sik Imitaa fought tooth and claw, magic fang and jaw, while Maohk fought only with the sticks and stones she had gathered and sharpened on her journey and her own cunning and skill. Her smaller size gave her the quickness to avoid the worst of the beasts attacks, dodging among the fallen rock and scrub along the canyon's floor. She was not unscathed, claws found their mark on her hide staining her golden fur with her own blood, the creatures claws had marked her face, her eyes rendered sightless form a telling blow, yet she fought on.
The beast too was hurt, while it shrugged off wounds that would have felled a lesser monster, soon that ability faded and the damage she did started to tell. Until at last in the midst of a great storm, she drove her broken spear shaft into the beast's heart pinning it to the ground as it thrashed and clawed at her and was serenaded by the death howls of the foul beast, it's voice lost among the storm.
With the creature dead, Maohk too fell. the exhaustion of her flight and the days of battle. Collapsing over her foe as the storm over head raged on.
As she slept she was visited again by The Great Iinii. The god of the snows cared for her and nursed her back to health while she slept. When she awoke he bade her to return home and granted her a blessing of gems as proof of his favor.
On her arrival back to the tribe, they saw her wounds and how she now carried herself. They listened to her tales and saw the emeralds that had taken their place in her gaze. The green gems becoming her namesake and allowing her to see further than the eagle and through any lie presented her.
The tribe knew that she had not returned to simply be their shaman. The ancestors had more plans for Maohk than to simply lead the tribe in spirit.
The trio listened to the tale almost spellbound as Chief Thunder Hooves let out a small breath taking a sip of water from a skein to wet his lips after the tale.
“There is far more to her tale, the many legends and stories surrounding her have been passed down to every generation to follow. The tale of her fight is often told as are the encounters with the Sik Imitaa during the dark times. Many braves were lost to them and as such their description and the warnings of them still remain with us. After leading us through the dark times Maohk left the tribe and returned to the north. Some tales say she continued to hunt the darkness, chasing it through the sky to ensure morning always comes. Others say that she came upon the Great Iinii again and forced the god to take her as his mate. Still others say she lives on with the ancestors waiting for a time she is needed again. No one is certain and some still claim to see her on their right of passage.” the Chef concluded.
Strong Heart had left while the Chief was talking returning with a fair sized oak bound chest that she set down before the chief.
The large buffalo nodded to her and opened the ornate chest drawing out a red cloth from it holding it up and showing it off to those gathered.
“This is the cloak of Maohk.”
The cloth looked to have been a hooded cloak once, though it was tattered it was clean and bright red as if it was newly crafted. The Chief turned the cloth in his hooves, unfolding the relic as if it was sacred and showing the only marring on the other wise pristine material. Rahs could smell the enchantment on it even from across the fire.
On one side of it were a few claw marks and a spot which had faded and worn with age that the rest of the cloth didn't show. It was more brown than red in that patch. The patch in question was in the shape of a paw.
Rahs glanced down at his own paw and looked again at the mark, his ears flattening to his head, though the mark was larger than his paw, it was too close a match for his liking.
Rahs didn't sleep well that night. The tale he was told weighing heavily in his mind. It also didn't help that he was forced to share a tent with Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. The former snored like a train and the latter was using him like a mattress, going so far as to try and fluff his back when he moved to much.
He was almost happy when dawn finally came as at least that meant he could get up and try to figure out their next move. Clearly they had to bring the information about Luna granting the land to the tribe to Twilight. He was certain some sort of settlement could be reached after this, the Buffalo did have approval of a Princess after all.
But for now he had new questions, what was the Land of Clear Stones? What was the darkness? Who were the figures the story described ruling this place?
Any further thoughts were disrupted by screams and a panicked thunder of hooves as a voice boomed through the camp in a fair imitation of the Royal Canterlot Voice.
“WHERE IS RAHS!!?!?!?!”
The canine rolled his eyes pushing Rainbow Dash off of him with a thud as he got up and left the tent, Pinkie Pie pronking out after him.
Looking out over the camp Rahs let out a soft growl as Pinkie Pie stared in awe next to him. Rainbow took longer but she groggily came out of the tent too.
“Whoa...” the Pegasus muttered.
A good dozen or so Buffalo were suspended in the air, gripped by lavender colored magic, one of the braves was much closer to ground level and was being shaken by an irate purple unicorn who clearly had not had enough sleep.
“WHERE IS HE!?!” Twilight shouted in the braves face shaking him again as Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity looked on with a mix of exasperation and annoyance.
Pinkie Pie giggled as Rahs slapped his face with a paw.
“Forget the Moon Dog, fear the Moon Dog's sister......”
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and a host of Buffalo continued to watch Twilight and her brother.
THONK.
THONK.
After the discussion Rahs had screamed out and promptly flopped down on the ground and pulled his coat over his head. Annoyed mutters and whining were heard from under it.
Twilight on the other hoof had started smacking her head against a nearby totem pole and had put a nice sized dent in the lowest image of what seemed to be a hawk.
THONK.
THONK.
Neither of them seemed to be willing to explain themselves any time soon on their own.
The other mares quickly went into a huddle, which was rather easy given that Fluttershy had pretty much tackled Pinkie the moment she saw the pink mare was okay and hadn't really let go just yet. There was some muttering pointing at one another and with a few more mutters and questions, the five drew straws to see who would be stuck asking the pair what was going on.
Applejack lost because Dash cheated.
“Alright that's enuff you two... Twi quit damaging some elses property and tell us what tha hay is going on with you two?” Applejack sighed opting to just get it over with. Granted she did this from behind Rainbow Dash who she held in front of her like a shield in case something happened, much to the cheating Pegasus' annoyance.
“Applejack how long has Princess Luna been free?” Twilight asked, though at least she stopped smacking her head into the wood.
“Hmm. well tha Summer Sun Celebration. was bout five months ago now, so five months?” Applejack concluded keeping the squirming cyan pony between her and the strangely calm purple one.
“ Right. And with what you know of her, how do you think she's taken to simply letting her sister simply continue to run things?” Twilight asked.
“Given that uppercut she gave, prolly not well.” Applejack admitted.
“Right, now then. Picture both sisters arguing over something, both of them having valid points in their choice and neither willing to back down. Got it? Good. Now also add in that neither of them wants to fight over anything serious again after what happened last time. Who do they call to help them solve their differences?” Twilight continued.
“Err, an adviser?” Applejack guessed.
“Princess Luna doesn't trust any one who works with Princess Celestia not to take Princess Celestia's side out of habit.” Twilight grumbled.
“Ooookay....” Applejack commented dropping Dash finally. “ That don't explain much unless..... oh. Oh no....”
“Oh, yes.... any time the pair has a spat or disagreement they send me a letter or just show up at my house to ask me to decide for them.” Twilight grumbled. “ Princess Luna trusts me because I saved her and princess Celestia still considers me her student and she had me doing some light legal work before I came here as part of my classes.”
“Oh dear, what about Moon Dancer?” Rarity asked. “ Wasn't she helping Princess Luna adjust to the modern age?”
“She was.” Twilight said against the wood. “ For the first few months. But after they teleported in unannounced one night with an argument on whether or not Chocolate Cake was better than Red Velvet cake. They arrived while Moon Dancer was... 'entertaining' her new colt friend, and they decided then that perhaps someone else might have the free time they needed when they had issues.”
“Caught um with a bit of the ole in and out huh?” Dash snarked getting a swat to the back of the head from Rarity.
“Pretty much. It also hurried their choice of a new mediator that Moon Dancer somehow managed to throw both alicorn Princess out of her house physically hard enough to do damage to her neighbors wall. She then warded her house against intruders so heavily that no one can even see it any more from outside. I really need her notes on that.”
“Ummmm” Rarity blinked. “Good for her on getting a colt friend?”
“That's a silly question any way. Red Velvet cake IS chocolate cake after a chemical reaction with vinegar.” Pinkie Pie snorted.
“So now that that has been explained, also do note that the pair of them argue like siblings in their teens.” Twilight went on.
Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and a few Buffalo winced.
“Then add in this grandmother nonsense Princess Luna has with Rahs and they both have been practically living at Golden Oaks for the last month, complaining and eating all my ice cream!” Twilight screamed. “And Now, NOW, we have a modern edict from Princess Celestia, competing with an ancient proclamation from Princess Luna, a mare, who I might add with no small bit of disdain, NEVER KEPT ANY RECORDS WHAT SO EVER OF WHAT SHE DID!!!”
Rahs whined from under his coat.
“Right we came out here to get away from that crap for a few days, and we're in the middle of it again!” Twilight tossed her hooves in the air with a curse and fell onto her back.
“Ah, wondered why you two were so gun ho bout getting outta Ponyville.” Applejack commented.
“Sooo, what's the plan?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Twilight let out a loud sigh and sat up, her magic grabbing Rahs' coat and pulling him from under before both of them got up and dusted off after a look to each other. Rahs readjusted his hat to hide his eyes all menacingly like trying to act cool even though he had been whimpering on the ground a moment before. And Twilight just looked tired, though there seemed to be smoke coming from her long mane and tail.
“The plan is to work out a compromise, we get the Chief to meet with the Sheriff so that something can be hammered out between the two.” Twilight stated, brushing a few splinters from her mane before pulling the tresses of her long hair back over her head to spill across her shoulder. “ And we do this before I feel a need to vent my unwarranted anger and frustration on those that do not deserve it by hammering it all out myself... with a real hammer.”
“Yeah that would be good.” Applejack muttered.
[Later back in AAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPAAALOOMPH..... ” Stuff it Braeburn”]
“You know I figured you would be more vocal about this darling, given that this is your family and all.” Rarity whispered to Applejack as the pair sat in the meeting, listening to the Chief and the Sheriff trying to remain calm in their discussions under the watchful and somewhat menacing gaze of Twilight Sparkle.
“Both sides got good points even though ah don't get what tha Buffalo do a stampede fer or why they can't go around the orchard. “ Applejack sighed. “ Ah wanna side with mah kin, but they both make good points an ah don't like tha idea that tha land might be stolen.”
“Mm valid points. I suppose that movie we watched back in town hall made you consider this?” Rarity pondered.
“Not really, that thing was more annoying than anything else, burnt my biscuits at how insulting it was too, but again ah could see where ah went wrong there with Zecora, an ah'd rather not do that again, so ah'm staying out of this.”
“A wise choice.” Rarity nodded.
“Also Twilight currently scares that tar outta me and ah ain't want none of that.”
“Also, a wise choice.”
[Much later]
“That went surprisingly well.” Fluttershy stated breaking the silence as the group sat around a table in the towns only tavern, slash, inn, having a snack of some of the excessive pie that had been made for some reason.
“Weren’t much too it either. They just had tah clear a path outta the middle of the orchard. Trees ain't got time tah put their roots that deep yet, they'll lose a bit of a harvest, but it ain't enough to cause a fuss. “ Applejack pointed out waving a fork with a bite of pie on it around. “Tha fact tha stampede happens at just tha right point in time tah help shake loose tha harvest ain't a bad thing either.”
“Bork.” Rahs snapped downing a whole slice of pie in one bite. His fourth, but at least there wasn't a mess.
“It wasn't that bad!” Pinkie Pie muttered getting a glare from the others after her little song and dance number nearly caused a riot in the middle of the negotiations. Only the particularly scary unicorn and large canine with her kept the talks from collapsing completely.
“Darling Sweetiebelle's last talent show when she tried to juggle plates was better planed and executed than that. My dear Opal sounds more musical when she is bathed.” Rarity sighed. “ My current concern however, is Twilight.”
“Mmmfff?” Twilight questioned with a mouthful of pie, her muzzle already a mess. She swallowed hard wiping her face off with a napkin.”What about me?”
“You got like super pissed and threatened to like explode everyone!” Rainbow Dash waved her fore legs in the air splattering the table with pie. She was the only reason no one called Twilight out on her table manners as the Pegasus was worse, not that Pinkie was much better.
“Woof.” Rahs pointed out.
“How does taking her frustration and anger out on everyone differ from blowing everypony up?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Bark.” Rahs added pointing at himself.
“Well I hope you're still alive.” Fluttershy muttered.
“What fuzzball is trying to say is, when I get frustrated that tends to turn into anger pretty quickly. “ Twilight sighed. “Depending on how big of a frustration it is depends on how angry. But Rahs is pointing out that he's still alive and no one annoys me more than him and Spike.”
“Darling that is not a valid reasoning. Spike and Rahs are both ridiculously tough. We've seen Spike fall off a ladder and hit the ground without so much as a scratch. It took him being thrown through a tree and into a chicken just for him to be a little dizzy.” Rarity muttered. “And we all watched you tackle Rahs down a flight of stairs not to mention seen him plow through a line of fence and a building with no damage. And as for you we have seen you flung about as you three brawled.”
“ Not to mention all the times I slammed into yah. Let's face it, you three are nuts, awesome, but nuts.” Dash agreed.
“ We ain't got any issues, but we're a bit worried yah might wind up hurting somepony at some point.” Applejack added.
“Bork.” Rahs added.
“Just because she hasn't yet, doesn't mean she might not accidentally do it.” Fluttershy added.
“It's fine Rahs I understand.” Twilight stopped him before Rahs could protest. “ Look I’ve been down here for a few months now. Everything's still new and I'm still adjusting to it. I'm also adjusting to the fact my teacher used me for her own ends, Luna's keeping something from us about Rahs that could be vital, Spike's in school, and I'm stressed ninety percent of the time now. It used to be I could just sit in my room and read for hours without being disturbed, or in my dorm room and research anything I wanted at any given point in time. Now I don't have time for anything like that before the crisis of the week shows up.”
The others looked around at each other, then back to Twilight.
“I'm working on it, I've read some interesting books on mediation, but I know I'm gonna be touchy for a while.” Twilight sighed. “Just, I'm sorry, just bear with me, a lot of stuff has happened really fast. And I've never really been used to dealing with Ponies.”
“Ah think ah getcha sugar, but keep in mind we are here for yah if yah need help.” Applejack stated. Rarity and Dash nodded in agreement while Pinkie and Fluttershy both hugged Twilight. Rahs simply smirked.
“While it is all well and good that you recognize the problem we do need to work on it while it is fresh in our minds. Something to calm you down so you are not as frustrated all the time.” Rarity considered. “ The spa does wonders for me. Aloe does a wonderful deep tissue massage.”
“My animals can be calming to me... maybe a pet?” Fluttershy offered before looking at Rahs. “ Something Rahs won't eat?”
“We have Mister Whipple.” Twilight offered.
“And that you don't have to study.” Fluttershy frowned not liking that they still had that first Parasprite.
“Work tends tah help me relax most times, let yer mind clear and just go.” Applejack stated.” Might help but you kinda do that when studying.”
“Not sure I can help you with flying.” Dash shrugged.” Need wings for that.”
“Bark!” Rahs grinned wide, flashing his fangs.
Fluttershy turned bright red and ducked under the table. Twilight growled though she too turned bright red and quickly went back to her pie. Pinkie Pie just laughed.
“That makes no sense, Twilight isn't an egg silly.” Pinkie Pie stated.
The narrow dressing room was silent, save the faint flicking of a newspaper page being turned. Seated in a chair in front of a large mirror was a unicorn mare who was calmly turning the pages of a newspaper, reading over the entertainment articles.
“Hmm, famous new model retires only a week after being brought to stardom by renowned Agent and photographer Photo Finish. Claims one of her friends convinced her to step back out of the spot light.” the mare pondered before continuing reading on. “Well not every pony can hack it, just means more spotlight for me. Though where have I heard the name Fluttershy before?”
Trixie stretched out leaning back in her chair trying to slowly work herself down after what was doubtlessly one of her best shows to date. She had almost missed this chance to preform in Los Pegasus. In fact had her wagon still been broken and left her unable to preform she wouldn't have been able to show her stuff in that little farming community two weeks ago. She would have never been talent scouted for the casino and heck, she might very well have been stuck working on a rock farm or something to make ends meet. Instead she was garnering quite a bit more fame and reputation as well as more bits.
She let her head fall back over the cloth backing of her directors chair with a small sigh her hair falling down nearly to the ground. She had opted to let her mane grow out recently something she knew she was only doing because Twilight had long hair. She still couldn't help to constantly compare herself to the mare.
She had yet to find anything to help her quest yet either and she felt she was getting too distracted by her chance at fame.
She spared a glance to her make up mirror, the edges of it ringed in photos, most of them of Rahs, including photos his pony form. She wasn't sure which she liked better at first, though it came down simply to Rahs was Rahs.... but damn that stallion look he had...... She really needed to thank Spike for those wet mane shots, perhaps find him a exotic gem or three out here.
Sure there wasn't much yet to her fame. She was known in certain parts of the city and only a few talent scouts had her on their lists, but she had a dressing room with her name on the door. Granted it was an old closed off hallway left from the last remodeling of the theater, and it was the only access to the catwalk and fly space over the stage.
It had everything she needed any way, a chair, a space for her chest of tricks, vaulted ceilings, close to the wash rooms, a bat pony in Guard armor staring down at her ominously, a make up mirror, and a dresser of sorts.
Trixie yelped, falling back out of her chair and rolling to the door as her gaze shot up to the bat pony perched on the lone rafter beam above her head. The golden eyed figure simply stared at her from under the purple and silver gilt helm he wore. Seriously why was there an armored pony in her room?
“That would be because of us.”
“GAAAAAH!!!!!” Trixie screamed again flipping back around with surprising dexterity and flexibility though she misjudged her landing and fell over her chair. The one that spoke stepped out of the shadows by the door. A large cloak billowed around the figure moving in some unseen air current.
“Yes, and before you ask, no we cannot read minds, but we suspected you would be wondering why a Royal Guard was here.” the figure asked .” Were we wrong?”
“Royal Guard .. who, what, how ?” Trixie stammered trying to untangle from her chair. “Trixie hasn't done anything!”
“Guilty conscience?” The guard asked.
“Why is that the immediate response to that statement from every Guard or Officer that exists?” Trixie shouted back.” If Trixie hasn't done anything then Trixie has not done anything wrong!”
“Comet Trail, do not aggravate her.” The cloaked figure sighed.
“As you wish Princess.” The Guard smirked getting an annoyed huff from the cloaked figure.
“Now Trixie knows she doesn't like you, you don't ruin some ponies dramatic reveal like that!.... wait... Princess?” Trixie's attention switched quickly to the cloaked figure as she pulled the hood away, revealing herself as none other than Princess Luna.
“Oh buck me....” Trixie cursed under her breath quickly rolling over to her hooves to bow.
“Not sure you're my type.” Comet Trail offered getting a glare from Luna. “Right, shutting up now.”
“Please, rise, this is not official business Trixie Lulumoon. Nor is it because thou have wronged any one...... yet... that we know of” Princess Luna added, before she walked over to the mirror looking at the images there, a small smirk crossing her features.
“So if Trixie might ask Princess. Umm, why are you here?” Trixie stammered slowly rising.
“Our Grandson.”
“Err well, Trixie does not usually do Cute cena's and Birthday Parties any more, but she can easily make an exception for royalty.” Trixie stammered.” Though Trixie also admits she was unaware you had a Grand foal...”
“Hmm, thou needn't worry, he was unaware as well at first. Though we have corrected that, he is still unsure of what to do about it, so we have taken it upon ourselves to see to his continued happiness regardless.” Luna smiled.
“While Trixie is sure that is wonderful news for him, she is not sure what it means to her.” Trixie commented confused already and getting more so when Princess Luna plucked one of the images of Rahs from her mirror and offered it to Trixie.
“This is our Grandson..” Princess Luna grinned.
“This is just a picture of Rahs, a friend of Trixie's who lives in Ponyville, he's a Moon Dog not ….... FUZZYS A PRINCE!?!?” Trixie shrieked.
“Looks like she's already got a pet name for him Princess. Seems Spike gave us a good lead this time.” Comet Trail offered.
“So it seems Lieutenant. Miss Lulumoon calm down.” Princess Luna stated.
“Trixie is afraid that will not be happening any time soon.” Trixie muttered clutching her chest with a hoof sparing a small pinch to her skin to make sure she was awake. She was momentarily distracted as Princess Luna's horn lit up and a spell ran over her form.” What?”
“Nothing too invasive. Just a spell to look over thine overall health and fertility.” Princess Luna offered considering the results of the spell. “ Thou are quite healthy with a rather impressive reserve of mana, Though Tia did say thou were once in her school. Thine earlier flexibility display was impressive as well. Yes, thou shall do nicely.”
“Umm nicely for what? And what was that about fertility?” Trixie asked sheepishly.
“Oh that is nothing, thou are quite healthy in that department as well.” Princess Luna smiled. “ We only check to make sure, as we do wish great grand foals... or pups... one or the other... perhaps both.”
“Grand foals? Pups? Wah?” Trixie stammered, her head swimming with those thoughts as she turned bright red.
“Thou seems quite enamored with him and he regards thou highly as well. It is perfect and we do not find anything lacking with thee. Thus we proclaim we approve thine courtship with our grandson Rahs. ” Princess Luna ordered with a smile.”Now hurry up with those grand foals!”
Trixie stared a moment before her eyes rolled back in her head and she fainted dead away.
Princess Luna and Lieutenant Comet Trail looked down at her before the Guard chuckled.
“She took that well.”
Trixie groaned rolling over onto her belly before sitting bolt upright and looking around in a panic finding that she was in bed, back in her wagon. After a moment of panic she slowly started to relax.
“A dream.... that was all...” Trixie muttered.
“Yeah about that.... not really.” a voice offered.
Trixie whirled about to see a very pink mare sitting at her kitchen table flipping though the new paper she had been reading earlier. Trixie stared in shock at the mare, taking note the crystal heart on her flank and the fact she had both wings and a horn.
“What........” Trixie stammered.
“I suppose an explanation is in order. As well as introductions.” The mare stated, folding the paper and leaving it on the table as she rose fanning her wings a little.” My Name is Princess Cadence, you might not have heard of me as my coronation was rather subdued and I generally work as an ambassador to other nations rather than for the crown directly. Auntie Luna left a little while ago with her Guards after bringing you back to your wagon after you fainted. Rather impressive wards you have here, but no real match for an alicorn.”
“Dare Trixie ask what you want?” Trixie muttered.
“Hmm oh I’m simply following Auntie Luna around on this quest of hers. While I think it's nice she is trying to look out for Rahs I think she's going a little overboard with it.” Cadence smirked. “ Still as the alicorn of love and the former foal sitter of Rahs I figure I might just check up after her to make sure it's all on the up and up.”
“What?” Trixie managed as another glow ran over her from the alicorn's horn.
“Hmm an infatuation that's grown. Not exactly healthy, but I’ve seen long lasting romances start from less. You like him and he likes you, though not in the same way. Still I can see it working out depending on how much effort you two could put into it.” Cadence murred as she considered the spell. “I can say he likes you, not like likes you but he likes you. That can easily go either way, I’ve never really gotten a read on any one like Rahs. But auntie Luna approved of you, and you seem a nice sort so I'll give it the Cadence seal of approval as well.”
“Ummmm. “Trixie continued.
“That said, those three are like the little brothers and sister I never had, so do be careful about how you go about this. I don't want any of them hurt. And while I don't want any one hurt, I’m a little over protective of them. While Shiny is more focused on any one who is going after Twilight I suppose I have to play big sister to Rahs and Spike.” Cadence considered.” I don't do the intimidation thing very well though, so do us both a favor and be careful okay?”
“Umm alright.” Trixie responded. “ Trixie isn't exactly trying to hurt any one either......”
“That's the spirit, You have a good day now and let me know when you plan to make a move. Just send a letter to Spike and he'll let me know. I really want to see how this plays out and if you can get past Rahs' obliviousness.”
“Errr alright... ummm does Trixie need to expect a visit from Princess Celestia too... because she is not sure she can deal with that....” Trixie explained.
“I don't think so. She washed her hooves of this whole thing once Luna set out on it. Though I expect she will take an interest in watching the fireworks.” Cadence pondered. “ Any way I’ve kept you long enough, just do what you think is best and hopefully it will work out, don't worry about Luna she just gets a bit over excited. Have a good night Trixie.”
Trixie watched the mare get up and walk out the door with a wave , leaving her alone in her wagon confused, worried and slightly more excited about chasing Rahs than she had before now that she had the approval of two Princesses.
[Ponyville]
“Sup Bro.” Spike yelled.
“Big brother what brings you here!?” Twilight perked up as Spike let her older brother into the library.
Rahs offered a wave from where he was stretched out on the couch and Spike excitedly waddled off to get the notes for his latest Oubliettes and Ogres game to let his brother look over them.
“I had a bit of free time. I figured I would come down and see how you've settled in.” Shining Armor smirked looking around the library. “ I always figured you'd wind up living in a library, though not exactly this literally.”
“Yeah yeah.” Twilight smiled.
“So anything exciting going on?” Shining asked.
“Nothing really Fluttershy became a model briefly because she was certain Rarity wanted her too, and Rarity was miserable because Fluttershy became famous when she didn't.” Twilight sighed. “Some one needed to talk sense into them and I finally managed it without Pinkie's constant interruptions.”
“Sounds about normal from what you've said about these mares before.” Shining chuckled.
”So how come you're not hanging out with Cadence then?”
“Well odd thing that, I thought I was going to, but she said she had some business to take care of this weekend. I overheard her talking about going shipping?”
“Really? I didn't know Cadence was into anything nautical. Also I thought it was called yachting for the upper class set.” Twilight pondered.
“Beats me.” Shining shrugged.
Rahs however, felt a cold chill run along his spine and found himself quite worried about Cadence and her boats for some reason.
“So my little sis has gotten stronger huh?” Shining Armor smirked. “ I better step up my game if I wanna keep being the over protective big brother.”
“Yes well, Rahs got stronger as well, so you might wind up being the one who gets protected before long.” Twilight smiled walking along with Shining on one side of her and Rahs on the other.
“Woof.” Rahs grinned flexing his arm.
“And yet he still managed to kick your tail when you two wrestled last.” Twilight responded getting a pout from Rahs and a chuckle from Shining.
“So how are you doing with the others, don't worry about spilling anything I already know the full deal with the Summer Sun celebration. How Princess Celestia convinced every one that Princess Luna was just on vacation for this long, and the whole reason she vanished was to go pick her up amazes me.”
“Princess Celestia has a lot of experience manipulating the masses.” Twilight stated with a bit of annoyance in her voice. “ Still all of them are doing fairly well, They've been trying to help me relax a bit... I've been a bit stressed and frustrated lately.”
“Whoa. She blow up anything important this time?” Shining asked Rahs who shook his head.
“Still can't understand him when he talks huh?” Twilight sighed ignoring the jab.
“Just the intent still. Like I know what he means, but not the words... frankly it's kinda weird.” Shining admitted.
“ It is weird. Particularly since both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie can under stand him just fine and they don't have the connection you do.” Twilight sighed.
“Bark” Rahs added.
“And Princess Luna.” Twilight shrugged.
“Ehh it's fine. So lil Spike's going to school now and has made some friends of his own. That's a plus of moving down here at least.” Shining offered.” I figured after your ordeal you'd do everything you could to keep him away from school.”
“No it was fine I accepted it calmly and with grace and RAHS STOP LAUGHINGAT ME!” Twilight shouted at her taller brother who was calling her out on her bullshit.
“Yeah I'm sure.” Shining smirked
“ Any way with him in class right now it gives us a chance to introduce you to the girls. Applejack will be thrilled to meet you, though a couple of warnings about the others.” Twilight sighed.”Rainbow Dash is probably going to hit on you, just ignore her.”
“I'm dating Cadence.... you think any other pony is gonna come close to her?” Shining smirked, ignoring Rahs making motions like he was whipping something.
“Rarity IS going to hit on you... a lot.... ignore her too or just tell her about Cadence and she'll leave you be.” Twilight continued.
“i am not whipped!” Shining snapped at Rahs before he started making sound effects.
“Whhpssshhh.” Twilight voiced getting a glare from shining , and a laugh from Rahs though she pretended she did nothing.
“Any way.” Shining grumbled.”What about the others?”
“ Fluttershy might take some time to actually come out from under her couch.” Twilight chuckled. “And Pinkie Pie is well.... Pinkie Pie.”
“Woof.” Rahs stated pointing out a figure darting along the trees not that far ahead of them.
“Speaking of Pinkie Pie.” Twilight smiled.
“Is she hiding from something?” Shining Armor asked watching the mare dart along hiding under anything she could constantly looking into the sky.
“I have no idea ,but you can look up random in the dictionary and here in Ponyville some one will have glued her picture there.” Twilight growled. “ In ALL the dictionaries in town....”
“Woof!” Rahs called out catching the pink party ponies attention. Pinkie zipped across the grass like a shot hiding under Rahs as she looked up in the sky.
“Um Pinkie what's going on?” Twilight asked.
“My Tail, it's twitchie twitch twitching, and you know what that means.” Pinkie Pie stated matter of factly.
“No I don't.”Twilight answered.
“Fraid not.” Shinning added as Rahs shook his head.
“The twitching says my Pinkie Sense says that stuffs gonna start falling, you better duck for cover.” Pinkie Pie warned.
“What?” Shining Armor asked as he and Rahs looked skyward into the clear sky above them.
“ Pinkie it's not going to rain... There's barely a cloud in the ….” Twilight began.
TWAP.
“You got a little something on your face there sis...” Shining smirked as Rahs just broke out laughing at the frog now plastered to Twilight's head.
“Ribbit” the frog croaked.
“He just said 'Nice catch' in frog.” Pinkie Pie offered.
“It's Tuesday isn't it? It has to be Tuesday.” Twilight growled.
“Laugh it up jerk. I know where you sleep.” Twilight grumbled, pulling the frog off her face and glaring back at Rahs who was still laughing. Shining Armor was at least trying to hide his laughter and Pinkie Pie.... she still looked like she always did.
“Oh.. I'm so so sorry! “ A soft voice from the sky placated causing the four of them plus the frog to look up.
Fluttershy floated above them with a wagon. The wagon and the mares saddle bags were full of frogs.
“Are you okay Twilight?” Fluttershy questioned.
“ Only thing hurt was my pride.....” Twilight sighed.” What are you doing?”
“Well I couldn't stand to see the pond get so overpopulated, with the frogs hopping into each other and all. With winter coming there wouldn't be enough room in the little fish pond for all of them to hibernate properly. So I was taking them out to Froggy Bottom Bog, there's plenty of room there.”
“Why are there so many frogs in one pond?” Shining asked.
“Well after the duck pond exploded, they were all rather worried about it happening again and fled to the fish pond.” Fluttershy explained.
“Wait the pond exploded?” Shining Armor stammered rather confused.
“Oh yes, at least twice.”Fluttershy nodded.
“Long story.” Twilight sighed as she floated the frog back up to Fluttershy. “Any way introductions. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, this is my older brother Shining Armor, he's going to be hanging around for the weekend.”
Pinkie Pie stared sitting down hard as she tapped her chin with a hoof staring at Shining. Fluttershy meeped and seemed to fold in on herself as she turned red muttering something that sounded like 'he looks like Rahs' before darting off quickly towards the bog.
“Likes?” Pinkie Pie asked Rahs.
“Woof.” Rahs commented.
“Allergies?”
“Bark.”
“Coconut... okay....phobias?”
“Bork.” Rahs grinned before Pinkie Pie poked him with a hoof.
“Hey buster I’m being serious here.” Pinkie Pie frowned.
“So is he, Shining suffers from Caligynephobia. He's getting better with Cadence's help, but still.” Twilight smirked.
“I don't even know what that means.” Shining grumbled as Twilight giggled.
“Don't worry about it, Pinkie anything you do is fine. Though I’d prefer it smaller for my sake.” Twilight offered.
“Okie Doki.” Pinkie Pie chimed hopping off.
“Well that was odd.” Shining Armor stated as the trio continued on.
“You get used to it.” Twilight sighed.
“Woof.” Rahs pointed out rubbing his chin as he looked into the sky.
“No, I don't think she predicted that. It wasn't anything more than a coincidence.” Twilight grumbled.
“TWITCHIE TAIL TWITCHIE, TAIL SOMETHING ELSE IS GONNA FALL!!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“What is she on about noAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Twilight yelped, falling into a ditch with a crash as Rahs and Shining Armor looked down at her.
“Woof.” Rahs stated.
“Two coincidences in a row does not make her a prophet!” Twilight yelled from the ground.
“I dunno she said something was gonna fall sis and down you went.” Shining smiled.
“Why is there a ditch in the middle of the road any way!?!” Twilight fussed as she picked herself up.
“Bark.” Rahs sighed rolling his eyes.
“What do you mean Sweetiebelle cast a Dragon Slave? That's the highest black magic attack spell there is!” Twilight growled.
“The girls'n Spike said they was trying fer a speed demon cutie mark, whatever that is, and needed tah make Scootaloo's wagon go faster.... and boy howdy did it ever.” a voice with a southern draw stated. “ If they hadn't all fallen off tha wagon when it flew over tha orchard we'd probably have had tah go pick um up out in Appleoosa. As it stands Braburn's mailing back tha wagon soon as they can get it unstuck from tha Sheriff's office.”
“Sturdy wagon.” Shining Armor whistled looking at Rahs.” Nice to see Spike keeps interesting company now.”
“How am I just hearing about this now?” Twilight grumbled.
“Dunno, whole town heard tha blast. Think all of um cept Scootaloo are too terrified to ever think of trying that again. Sweetiebelle dun know how she did it and Scoots said it was too slow fer her still.” Applejack chuckled helping Twilight up out of the ditch.
“Are we sure she's not related to Rainbow?” Twilight grumbled.
“Nah, met her parents, nice folks, real busy though.” Applejack smiled. “ So who's this un?”
Shining and Rahs trotted across the ditch on a magic shield that formed a bridge.
“Oh, this is Shining Armor my older brother.” Twilight offered. “He's in town for the weekend.”
“Heck then, welcome tah Ponyville. Spect you'll survive over tha weekend, least til Pinkie Pie spots yah. Then yah might wanna have yer blood sugar checked.” Applejack laughed.
“Well, we already met her. “ Shining smiled.” She was going on about her tail twitching.”
Applejack gasped before diving underneath the apple cart behind her.
The group looked at her curiously before Twilight grumbled.
“Woof.” Rahs placated.
“It did not already come true because there was nothing to come true, that was not a prediction!” Twilight snapped at Rahs.
“Well there has to be some correlation. Two twitches and two things falling.” Shining smirked.
“Don't tell me you believe this hooey!”Twilight grumbled.
“It may seem odd , but those of us who've been in Ponyville awhile have learned that If Pinkie's a twitchen, yah better listen.” Applejack nodded sagely.
My ears are flopping my ears are flopping!!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
Applejack dove under the cart again as the other three looked around confused.
“What does that mean?” Shining asked.
“I hope you haven’t already had a bath this morning.” Pinkie Pie winced.
“A bath? This is getting more ridiculous as it goes on.......” Twilight began.
SPLOOSH
The pony and his cart galloping behind them sent a deluge of mud and muddy water over the trio, drenching Rahs, Twilight, and Shining Armor with muck.
The trio blinked slowly for a moment as the mud dripped down them.
“Why was there a puddle there!?!? It was dry a second ago.” Twilight ranted. “What was his problem there was a ditch right there he could have fallen into and he goes behind us at that speed? Where's a Guard? Some pony ticket him!!”
“I think I am reminded why I don't visit you guys that often.” Shining sighed as Rahs just whined as Twilight continued to rant.
“You sure letting Twilight use Pinkie Pie's bath was a good idea?” Shining Armor asked as the pair of them walked back towards Sugar Cube corner after returning to the tree house for a shower..
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged, his ears flicking, his brother regarding them curiously.
“Yeah I suppose you're right. Maybe Pinkie can explain that twitchie thing in a way she can understand. “Shining sighed.”We are going to be in for a long weekend otherwise.”
“Bork.” Rahs nodded with a smirk, his ears moving in Guard cant.
“She still uses all the hot water huh? Well the more things change....” Shining smirked as well as the pair of them entered Sugar Cube Corner.
“So anything of note I should know about that she's not going to tell me?” Shining asked taking a seat at a table to wait for his sister.
Rahs considered a moment before grinning and moving his ears in a rather complicated pattern.
Shining followed it for a moment before a frown appeared on his face, quickly deepening.
“ Well seems there's at least one pony then I really need to meet.” Shining nearly growled. “ So who is this Big Mac guy?”
The conversation might have continued had a sudden scream not drawn their attention. The Moon Dog and the Guard Captain where off like a shot, rushing up the stairs to the source of the scream. Shining Armor took the lead and burst in to the bathroom where the scream came from. Twilight was perched on the edge of a tub covered in soap suds and a small alligator was viciously biting Pinkie Pie.
Both mares whipped their heads towards the door as it broke open, Twilight’s still soapy hair swinging around and slapping over her face. Twilight screamed out at the intrusion and the soap getting in her eyes, not able to see who broke in and Pinkie screamed along because she could.
Shining blinked in confusion yelping and ducking a few magically flung projectiles only to get caught in the face by a expertly thrown alligator and sent tumbling back out of the room and down the stairs with a crash.
“Woof.” Rahs stated peering around from the corner of the door.
" Spike does have good ideas doesn't he?" Pinkie chimed up answering Rahs.
“Rahs? What?” Twilight demanded wiping the soap from her eyes. “ Was that...... oh no....”
“That was fun. Can we throw more things?” Pinkie smirked.
“Medic.” Shining called from the bottom of the stairs, the unfazed alligator gnawing on his horn..
“Are you sure you're okay dear?” Mrs. Cake asked the white unicorn with the bag of ice on his head.
“It's fine ma'am. I received worse while training.” Shining Armor smiled. “The toothless alligator was a new one though.”
“Yes, Gummy is a bit of a surprise to every pony at their first meeting.” Mrs. Cake sighed looking up as Pinkie Pie and Twilight come down the stairs.
“.. you do magic, whats the difference?” Pinkie Pie sighed clearly getting tired of Twilight's denial of her abilities.
Rahs seemed tired of the conversation as well given he pushed past the two mares to check up on Shining as they continued to argue.
“HUGE.... Twilight growled.
“Oh crap......”Shining sighed as Rahs slapped his face.
“For one thing, magic is something you study and practice. It only happens when you decide to do it to make something specific, that you choose to happen, happen. It is a studied and carefully thought out and researched skill with known limits and boundaries within which it resides.” Twilight ranted. “With you, it makes no sense at all. It's just something random that happens to you.”
“Where did she get the soap box?” another customer asked.
Mrs Cake shrugged at the question and turned back to the counter tuning out the pairs arguing as she went about her work.
“That's so not true Twilight..... Sometimes it's a BUNCH of random things happening to my body that predict the future.” Pinkie declared.
“Really can you tell me the winning numbers for the Canterlot lotto next week?” Shining Armor asked.
“ 7,14,83,12, 33, and the bonus ball is 2.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Shining Armor quickly jotted it down on a napkin.
“Stop that.” Twilight muttered glaring at her older brother who ignored her. “ I still don't believe this.”
“You don't believe because you don't understand.” Pinkie Pie stated flatly ignoring that both of Twilight's brothers winced.
“Hmmmm “ Twilight considered looking at Pinkie Pie.
“If she breaks out the lab coat, I'm on the next train back to Canterlot.” Shining Armor stated.
“Nope, let me go. I'm headed for the train!” Shining Armor stated trying to pull away from Rahs with little success.
“Bork!” Rahs growled.
“Huh what do you mean you're not leaving me alone with her? You live here! “Twilight stated turning back to look at the pair from behind thick goggles, the purple mare was dressed in a long white lab coat, thick doctors gloves and some how had picked up a Ham-burg accent. Pinkie Pie sat behind her in a chair covered with various wires and sensors and a ridiculously oversized metal colander with wires and diaods all over it. “Oh never mind you two fight elsewhere I’m trying to do science here.”
“You know sometimes you just have to believe in things you can't explain.” Pinkie Pie offered.
“I will not believe in anything I cannot explain!” Twilight snapped.
“You're still bitter over the Tooth Breezie thing aren’t you sis?” Shinning asked.
“ YES... I mean no.......”Twilight growled. “Could you not bring up another lie our parents told us?”
“What about Rahs? You can't explain why he's here.” Pinkie Pie stated.
“That's different...” Twilight stammered, having lost her accent and also having become very conscious of how closely Rahs was now scrutinizing her.
“How?” Pinkie Pie asked in a tone that made it seem she was twisting the proverbial knife slowly.
Twilight winced glancing back at Rahs and then back to Pinkie Pie. One seemed quite impatient for the answer the other was grinning evilly. That was not a comfortable look for Pinkie Pie.
Rahs raised an eyebrow looking at his sister.
“It just........ is.... wild magic only happens in surges and odd places, it's just a bunch of random stuff that happens.......” Twilight began before closing her eyes with a groan.” Shards.....”
“Language.” Shining admonished. ”Just because there are no Griffon's about doesn't mean you can curse like one.”
Twilight growled again tossing her goggles on the table and storming up the stairs. “Fine whatever you win.. I don't care anymore.”
“Not listening!” Twilight fussed only for the door at the top of the stairs to swing open slamming into the mare as Rainbow Dash burst into the room.
“Is he still here? I gotta see this guy....” Dash stated spotting Shining armor and making a bee line for him flying circles around the confused unicorn.
“Can I help you miss?” Shining blinked as the mare circled him like a hungry shark.
“By Luna's pointy horn he looks just like him, easy 9.“ Dash nearly drooled.” Please tell me Twi's got another brother who's a single Pegasus.”
“Not that I know of .” Shining blinked still confused by who he was being compared to as well as the rating. Rahs just slapped his face with both paws.
“Dashie this is Shining Armor. Shining this is Dashie.” Pinkie Pie explained.
“Dang it! “ Rainbow Dash grumbled. “ What about a close cousin?”
“No, I’m fine really, no one needs to check on me.” Twilight grumbled from behind the door.
“No.” Shining stated flatly.
“But...” Twilight began before Rahs took her binoculars and the pith helmet from her.
“No buts, you've already been hurt twice by trying to follow after Pinkie and study what ever it is she does.” Shining Armor sighed. “I know you've studied enough to know what a Counter & Distract effect is and that's what it looks like to me. So you're gonna quit this while you're still out of the hospital.”
“But, it can't be that, those are only on spell books and certain scrolls to make studying them impossible.” Twilight stammered.” Only high level spell casters can set that sort of trap”
“Woof. Bark Yip.” Rahs counted on a claw touching each with his other hand as he barked.
“But....” Twilight tried to counter.
“What did he say?” Shining blinked.
“He said except for Gilman's frog, the Legendary Blue Crystal Dragonfly, and Toadworth's Tartarus Turtle.“ Twilight sighed.
“Heh, forgot about that turtle, the Drill sergeant brought a couple of those in to screw with us. In any event that's three creatures with wild magic that makes them near impossible to study, scrutinize or even examine too closely because of the C&D effect. One of the other recruits tail caught fire when he looked too hard at that turtle.” Shining offered. ”With how potent Pinkie's version seems to be I expect you'd have a Piano fall on your head or you'd get attacked by bees if you pushed it.”
“But......science....” Twilight whined.
“Is not always the best choice. We live in a world stuffed with magic Twily. Sometimes there isn't a logical reason for something. I mean heck didn't the Shetlands explode because of too much technological advancement?”
“Shining that's from the expanded race guide of O&O, not real life.” Twilight deadpanned.
“Right either way Pinkie's gone and I’m starving. Lunch? Lunch!” Shining offered as Rahs agreed, picking up the protesting Twilight and walking out the door.
In the middle of the library a steamer trunk sat, one that had previously been downstairs. As the door closed it shook a little, the lock rattling.
“Hey guys, you wanna let me out, it's kinda cramped in here? Twilight? Rahs? Any pony? Look I’m sorry I hit on your brother, I didn't know he was taken. Come on let me out.” Rainbow Dash fussed from inside the chest. “Guys? Hello? Crap.....”
Rahs leaned around the massive pile of food from one side while Twilight leaned around the other to look at their brother who was currently wolfing down the massive meal at a breakneck pace.
“ Ummm hasn't Cadence broken you of this habit yet?” Twilight asked.
Shining paused gulping down half a sandwich.” Only when she's around other wise I fall back to my drill eating habits.”
“Trying to set a Equss speed record for eating?” Twilight raised a brow.
“Hey it became ingrained after the ridiculous amount of times the Drill Sergeant made us rush through meals to do something else. With everything I got into the habit of doing in basic this is by far the least worrying habit I could have kept.”
“Woof?”
“Right … unless you choke to death, and Rahs eats less than you and he's twice your size.”
“He also eats magic, mine included. Food equals power and all that.” Shining said between bites somehow managing to put a dent in the tray of food he had.” Besides I'm a lightweight compared to some of the other Guards. We burn through a ton of calories with what we do.”
“I thought you were one of Cadence's Guards?” Twilight offered.
“Only when she travels, otherwise I’m usually in charge of a couple of units in the Six Sixty Sixth.” Shining offered. “ We tend to be stuck on a lot of patrols and away missions, in other words no decent food. Cadence isn't too happy with it, but I don't mind that much. It's important work and much less dull than standing in place for hours at a time as a normal Guard. Though I hear the Night Guard gets a lot of odd jobs as of lately.”
“Yeah we can believe that.” Twilight deadpanned.
“Heh, I heard about Rahs' new grandma.” Shining smiled as Rahs growled. “Cadence thinks it's cute.”
“Of course she does and I bet my old foal sitter is dying to help Princess Luna find Rahs a mare friend too.” Twilight smirked. “I do know exactly how many of my dates were set up by her.”
“Probably. Any way speaking of Cadence.... I kinda want your thoughts on something.” Shining Armor stated pointing a hoof at Rahs and Twilight.
“ Oh?” Twilight asked as Rahs' ears perked up.
“Sometime soon I should be getting my final posting as Guard Captain as my tour will be over. I'm going to try for Canterlot or at least nearby it enough that I can live there.” Shining offered.
“So maybe Ponyville even , there's only a few places close enough for Canterlot to be a reasonable commute and we do have a Guard station here.” Twilight considered.
“Fraid it's not as simple as that. Ponyville's still too small to have more than a Squad here. It would either be Canterlot or Everfree Post Three, North of Rambling Rock Ridge.” Shining explained.
“Okay then why around Canterlot then. I figure you could have the pick of your post anywhere in Equss.” Twilight questioned.
“Well... because Cadence lives in Canterlot... and once I’m actually settled I’m going to ask her to marry me......”
“Seriously?” Twilight asked as she and Rahs stared at their older brother.
“Of course.... I wanted to run it by you two because mom would overreact and we've not been on the best terms with dad for a while....”
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEemmmmph!” Twilight Squeed until Rahs clamped a paw over the excited mares mouth as she flailed. A glare from the Moon Dog was enough to make those that took notice decide it was none of their business what was going on at the table, save one skittish looking earth pony with green eyes who didn't seem to be eating anything.
“ Okay Twi, please calm down......” Shining Armor pleaded.” It probably won't be until next year anyway.”
“Sorry, but this is awesome... You couldn't do any better than Cadence as a wife, it's perfect!” Twilight gibbered.
“Seriously though she could do a lot better than you, something has got to be wrong with that mare.”
Shining Armor and Twilight both turned to glare at Rahs who grinned wickedly.
“Dude.....one of the rare times you say anything I can understand and it's to insult me?” Shining accused as Rahs snickered. " Harsh."
Any further conversation was cut off as Pinkie Pie rushed up to the table in a panic her body doing some rather odd movements.
“Twilight Twilight!!! something's gonna happen and it's a doozy!!!!”Pinkie yelped.
“Are you certain it's going to happen here?” Shining Armor called out as he ran along across the barely visible path leading deeper into the bog.
“Mostly sure like eighty percent sure, cause it keeps getting stronger the closer we geuhuhuhuuhuhuhuhuhuh.” Pinkie Pie vibrated along before recovering.” See..”
Froggy Bottom Bog was part of the Everfree on a peninsula of sorts where the river bent around a large portion of land. Historically the bog had been discovered before the Everfree and thus was one of the few points in the forest that had it's own name and wasn't just lumped into 'The Everfree Forest'.
Twilight frowned at the small bit of trivia darting through her head as she ran along behind Shining and Pinkie Pie, with Rahs loping along at her side having to drop to all fours to keep up with the equines and even then only barely. She needed top get him running again, while the Moon Dog was fit, like most canines he was built for short bursts of energy not marathon like sprinting. Then again maybe he was fat for a Moon Dog. Twilight needed to ask Princess Luna about that.
“You didn't need to come with us sis.” Shining called back. “ I'm sure I can deal with whatever the issue is.”
“Forget that. I'm here to show that it's nothing and Pinkie Pie's abilities are just a bunch of hooey.”Twilight snapped.
Rahs simply groaned saving his breath for running.
“ Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie called out as they wandered around a large pool of murky water looking for the yellow mare.
Well Pinkie, Shining, and Twilight looked for her. Rahs had fallen over in a wheezing heap and was acting out a over the top death scene that was on par with the one in Bubbly the Vampony Slayer.
“Fluttershy?” Twilight called starting to get a little worried herself.
Rahs just lay there panting after finding out he was being ignored by his target audience and simply growled as he lay prone on his back staring at the branches of a cypress tree above him.
“Oh dear are you alright?”
“Woof.” Rahs muttered.
“Oh well that's no good. Maybe you should exercise a teeny bit more?”
“Woof...”
“No I expect you are fit but hunting is different than running. Perhaps something to work on your cardiovascular system.”
“Whine?”
“No I don't think more leg days would help that.”
Rahs rolled his eyes then blinked before sitting up suddenly and looking over at the pink haired Pegasus that had sat down beside him.
“BARK!” Rahs sounded loudly pointing at the Pegasus mare.
“Found me? Oh you were looking for me?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “Why's that?”
The others rushed back over to where Rahs was, with Pinkie Pie huffing a bit that she had lost the game of hide and seek to someone not even playing.
“ Oh good... she's safe.” Shining nodded looking at Rahs and ignoring the yellow mare's blushing.
“And oh look nothings wrong.. gee... guess I can say I told you so now huh?” Twilight glared at Pinkie Pie.
“Seriously sis?” Shining sighed.
“What? She went on about this twitching nonsense and now it turns out that it's noth....... Rahs why are you growling.......?”Twilight questioned looking back behind her at the bog , a mass of steam and mist rolling over the water as a massive form lifted up out of the bog towering even above the trees. It was quickly joined by three other forms stretching up just as tall, looming over the group.
“Bork....” Rahs growled.
“Language!” Pinkie Pie chided.
“Meep.” Fluttershy cowered.
“Oh it's just a hydra.” Shining exhaled.” I thought it would be something bad.”
“ RUN!” shouted Twilight as the massive snake like heads roared out at the small group.
Rahs was first to react, grabbing Fluttershy and Pinkie, diving behind the cypress he had been laying under dragging the mares with him into cover.
“WOOF!” He sounded out before remembering Shining couldn't understand him. Tossing the mares further away from the hydra like unwanted luggage he turned just in time to be blown back by the force of the impact as all four heads slammed down at the same point atop of Twilight and Shining.
Rahs tumbled back, crashing into the mud and foul water of the bog. Fighting free of the muck he wiped away the sludge over his eyes as the Hydra heads drew back with another roar. The mist and dust settling around the impact point revealing a magenta dome shield formed over Twilight and Shining Armor. They both seemed alright though Twilight was staring at Shining in surprise as his horn glowed.
Shining Armor sighed softly as he looked up at the creature towing over the pair of them.
”Was that your best?”
The hydra roared lashing out at the shield , jaws clamping on it and doing little more than sliding over the dome or bouncing off it with no sign that the blows were even causing Shining the slightest bit of discomfort despite the pressure and impacts on his shield.
One of the hydra heads pulled away after doing little more than drooling on the shield noticing Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy in the trees, the former doing some sort of weird vibration as the 'doozy' was evidently not triggered yet.
They hydra head roared launching towards the pair of mares. There was a flash of light and the other three heads impacted the ground as the fourth bounced off a shield that suddenly appeared over Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy with Shining armor and Twilight appearing in the middle of it as well.
“What?” Twilight stammered.
“Mass teleport, it's mostly used for transporting multiple wounded off the field of a battle. I can only manage about two.I never did well with traslocation spells.” Shining stated simply as the blows rained down on the shield again.” Are you two alright? Where's Rahs?”
“Over there in the mud.” Pinkie Pie offered pointing the soaked moon dog out to Shining. The four hydra heads noticed her pointing and looked as well seeing the annoyed Moon Dog climbing out of the bog.
With another roar the four heads launched themselves at Rahs, the Moon Dog yelped and dove out of the way of the first head, leaping back from the second with a airborne pirouette. He landed on the neck of the third that had missed him and scampered up the scaled creature like a cat scaling a tree in time to avoid the fourth head smashing into the third.
“When did Rahs learn how to dance?” Shining smirked.
“Umm is this the time to be joking?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “ Particularly since Pinkie Pie seems to be having a seizure.”
“WHAT!?” Twilight stated loudly staring at her brother.
“Good point.” Shining Armor stated ignoring Twilight. His shield flickered out for a moment before reforming as a large bubble beside him, another bubble formed around Twilight and the others and a third popped up around Rahs sending him tumbling down the Hydra's back like a hamster ball down a flight of stairs.
The shield floating next to Shining flattened out, becoming a disk before narrowing into oval shape.
The Hydra's heads were tracking all the targets, the first head was going after Rahs as he tumbled down towards the creatures tail. The third head of them was still recovering from the impact of the fourth head biting it instead of the Moon Dog. The second head was watching the three mares in the bubble and the fourth was watching Shining.
Seeing no bubble around the white stallion the fourth head roared and launched itself at the unprotected pony. It jerked suddenly as the ovoid disk blurred through the air. The creatures eyes dulled before it slammed into the ground next to Shining Armor, the severed neck coming along with it to crash to the mud in a pile atop the fourth head of the hydra. Blood started gushing from the stump still attached to the main body showering the area with even more foul smelling muck.
The other three heads roared in pain as Shining's disk vanished, his horn growing brighter before a lance of flame shot from it striking the bleeding stump of the creatures neck searing the flesh and preventing the head from regrowing.
The other three heads flailed in pain as the beast reared back turning to thunder off into the bog to ease the burns covering the severed stump of a neck and before any more heads were lost.
Shining Armor watched it leave before he dropped the shields with a sigh, dumping Rahs back in the bog.
“Bork!” Rahs growled as he clamored back up out of the muck.
“I don't want to hear it. That was for that crack about me earlier.” Shining smirked.
“WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT!?!” Twilight bellowed.
“What was what?” Shining asked innocently.
“That! You put up a shield that a hydra bounced off of , teleported while in a shield WITH another pony and shaped the shield into a sword, then, fireball thing!?!” Twilight ranted.
“Flame strike, it's a moderate level attack spell...” Shining sighed.
“I don't know that spell!” Twilight snapped as Shining sighed a shield forming around him as Rahs tried to sneak up and shake off all the muck from the bog.
The Moon Dog pouted as his revenge was unsuccessful so he sat down with a huff and started emptying his pockets to see if anything he carried was damaged by the bog. The sandwiches were a loss obviously.
“ I wouldn't expect you to, it's an attack spell that is primarily used by the Six Sixty Sixth.” Shining shrugged.
“Umm what is that?” Fluttershy asked looking over as Pinkie Pie vibrated in place. “ The Six Sixty Sixth I mean.”
“Monster hunter division.” Shining stated closing his eyes as he counted down in his head. “I'm currently second in command of field operations. “It's why I wasn't worried about the Hydra, I’ve fought bigger, and it was nowhere near as nasty as that six eyed dragon thing my Drill Sergeant brought to training for us to practice against.”
“The Monster hunters!?” Twilight stammered out finally her tail lashing behind her as her brother stopped counting to roll his eyes. “ They have the highest injury and death rate of any of the Guard?!”
“I know. I joined them to try and reduce that, and the injuries and mortality rate has dropped by about ten percent...” Shining offered looking at Pinkie Pie who was drilling into the ground with her vibrating twitching.
“You willingly joined them!?!? Are you Crazy!?!?” Twilight shouted.
“Seriously sis calm down, you sound like mom.” Shining Armor snorted.
Twilight went silent for a second her eyes going wide as her ears lay flat against her mane. Smoke rolled off of her as she suddenly exploded into a ball of fire, her coat going pure white, eyes turning red and her mane and tail catching fire,whipping about in an inferno that chard the ground under her.
Rahs who was sitting on the other side of Shining and had just tossed a frog out of his pocket also exploded into a ball of fire. His fur also turned white, though the glowing orbs at the end of his ears and tail turned into small suns rather than moons. The most noticeable thing though was that his coat and pants suddenly caught fire sending the Moon Dog running around in a howling panic before he jumped back into the bog to douse himself.
“I. DO. NOT. SOUND. LIKE. MOM!!” Twilight roared.
“Cool a ponyta. Ooh, OOH, that's it, that's the doozy!!” Pinkie Pie cried out suddenly hopping around Twilight before pulling out a stick with marshmallows already on it holding it over Twilight's head.
“Wha? What? “ Twilight stammered sitting down hard as her coat and mane returned to normal, distracted by the pink mares pronking about her and the fact she was making smores.
“That was new.” Fluttershy muttered only for Shining Armor to shrug lightly.
“That was the first time she exploded like that, but her manes caught fire before when she's mad.” Shining Armor pointed out.”We should probably head back.”
“Oh no buster, I want answers. Does Cadence know about this........ Rahs?” Twilight trailed off looking up at the chard and muck covered figure towering above her.
“BORK!” Rahs snapped at her, grabbing his sister and tucking her under his arm before storming off back towards town dripping mud and foul smelling slime everywhere. His new coat and pants were a burnt mess and his fur had so much filth in it he was more olive than navy colored.
“What no, put me down, AHHHH, you're dripping on me!! NOOOO lemme go!!!! Gahhhh that's cold!!!” Twilight flailed as she was carried off by her irate brother. The others quickly followed though kept their distance from the reeking Moon Dog.
The hustle and bustle of the city was little more than a dull thrum of movement and noise as countless ponies went about their business.
The restaurant at the end of the Universe Market was a quite out of the way place situated at the top of an old apartment complex that had been converted to a vertical mall by some mogul years ago. While the food was decent, the view and the relative seclusion of the little diner brought in more than enough business for the eatery to remain in place when many other shops cycled in an out of the market.
At the moment the clientele was rather sparse, a trio of business ponies having a late lunch and a couple of students who had already eaten but were hanging around talking still.
The only other pony present was a pink earth pony mare with long flowing lilac hair. She was sitting by the edge of the roof gazing out at the city.
Her ears perked up at the sound of hooves approaching her, she turned slightly looking up at a white unicorn with blue hair as he came up to the table.
“Hello beautiful. Is this seat taken?” the unicorn smirked.
“Mmm it is....” the mare smiled.
“Oh, any pony important?”
“My colt friend.”
“Ahh well pity that, is he as charming and dashing as me?”
“Oh no he's awful, but I love him anyway.”
“Owch. You do know how to hurt a guy Cady.”Shining armor chuckled.
“One of these days your going to tell me how you always know it's me.” Cadence sighed.
“What and spoil my fun? Never.” Shining Armor smiled taking a seat across from her noting she had already ordered drinks.”Know what you want to eat yet?”
“I've already ordered for us.” Cadence smiled.
“Really and how is it you know what I want to eat?”
“It's not hard. You always order the hay burger with mushrooms and cheddar cheese.” Cadence giggled.
“What can i say it's a great burger.” Shining smiled. “ So how was your yachting thing?”
“My what?” Cadence asked.
“Huh, Twi said it was called yachting, or boating.” Shining pondered. ”Or am I wandering into another code phrase with this shipping thing you mentioned?”
“Oh that. It went fine, I met a rather interesting mare and Luna only traumatized her a little.” Cadence giggled.
“Well, that explains why the Night Guard are still out in the middle of the day. They only tend to move when Princess Luna does.” Shining pondered.
“So how was your trip to Ponyville.” Cadence perked her ears up.” Better still, how are those three doing down there?”
"Not bad, it seems Spike started school at his own suggestion for some reason. Rahs is as annoying as ever, and Twi doesn't seem as on the verge of a meltdown all the time like she was here.” Shining took a sip of his drink. “ You lost the bet as only one of her new friends hit on me and she wound up being locked in a trunk.”
“A trunk?”
“She got on Twi's nerves hitting on me, evidently she did the same thing to Rahs during that whole Poison Joke thing. I think she was till locked in the trunk when I left.”
“Better that than if I got a hold of her.” Cadence harrumphed.
“I don't think Rainbow Dash means anything by it, it's not like you have anything to worry about any way." Shining Smiled." Let's see, Spike spent a few hours showing me what he has set up for his O&O game. I met Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Nice mares, I can see why Twilight likes them, though Spike and Rahs both threatened me with old blackmail material to not tell Rarity anything about Prince Blueblood.”
“Really? That's odd, they must have something planned.”
“Might almost be worth checking out the gala this year just to see. I think Rarity is going to be there.” Shining stated. “ Along with Pinkie Pie and a few others from Ponyville.”
“I probably have to go anyway this year. Luna wants to attend to see what all the fuss is about.” Cadence smiled.
“Okay now I really am curious.”
" I'll be sure to add you as my plus one if you want."
" Let's see if Guard Captain Moskau will let me have a weekend pass again first."
“So how is Pinkie Pie? I've heard stories.”
“Well she threw me a party, drove Twi insane and inadvertently caused me to fight a Hydra and made Rahs explode.” Shining Armor sighed.
“What?”
“Yeah I’m still working on that. Seems she has this twitching thing....... I don't know, that she can sense danger at times is the most I got out of it. It went off and Rahs, Twi, Pinkie ,and I went to Froggy Bottom bog to check it out as Fluttershy was there turning loose frogs.”
“Frogs?”
“She's the animal one.”
“Oh.”
“Long story short Hydra showed up I drove it off and Twilight got mad at me due to my duty assignment.”
“Just like your mom did.”
“Yep, and of course I put my hoof in my mouth and told her she sounded like mom. She then turned pure white her mane caught fire and then Rahs exploded and had to dive into the bog to put out his new coat.”
“Lovely an emotional surge. She hasn't had one of those in years. Though this one affected Rahs too, hmmm.” Cadence considered. “Still it's kinda sad she still is mad at your mom.”
“Hey I’m not thrilled with my dad.”
“ And it's still sad, your mom only made one mistake with that party....”
“One big one and then seven more years of trying to fix it and making the rift worse.” Shining sighed. “ Still better than my dad who washed his hooves of everything and didn't even try.”
“Shining.....”
“Please don't bring this up again, you know we both still love them, but neither of us really want to deal with them more than we have to. “
“You know why I’m not comfortable with it.”
“Yeah I know.”
“So then subject change did you meet the Pony Twilight's crushing on?” Cadence grinned.
“Did I what the what now?”
“Spike didn't tell you? Twilight's got a crush on a stallion in Ponyville.”Cadence explained watching her colt friends expression change to wide eyed horror.
“I need to go back, i completely forgot about him....” Shining muttered.
“You have to work in the morning.”
“I'll be quick.....”
“I won't be your alibi...”
“Dang it.”
[Somewhere else]
“And that is everything?”
“Yes, he's very strong, though so are his siblings. There is also a connection between all of them that I have not figured out yet. It goes beyond basic family ties given it seems to cross species.” the shadowy figure spoke into a crystal mirror.
“Hmm. I'm sending Thorax, Bees, and Kevin to you for a debriefing. I've got a team watching over the main target. You stay in Ponyville with the ones i'm sending and watch the others. Perhaps we can make use of this somehow.”
“If you wish mother, I will see if I can get closer to them.”
“You do that Saturnia. Perhaps if all goes as it should I will let you have them to start your own hive.”
The shadowy creature in the darkness smiled at the mirror as it cut off. The conversation was clearly over even without another word. There was still much to do, but there was plenty of time.
“Rahs Sparkle.....what a interesting thing you are......”
“Where are we going sis?” Applebloom questioned, pushing aside a branch.
“Mom'd have a fit if she knew I was going into the Everfree. “ Scootaloo smiled practically bouncing along though the woods.
“Isn't the edge of the Everfree Forest on the other side of the farm?” Sweetiebelle pondered, walking through the muck without much of a care, unlike her sister.
“Yeah I think these are the woods that act as storm surge protection in case the river floods.” Spike offered plodding along with them.
“Also keeps the winter wind from blowing straight off tha river into tha fields.” Applejack nodded.
“Does that actually work?” Spike questioned.
“Beats me, but we've always left this bit by tha river alone an ah don't see a need tah change it. We' got a few crab and wild apple trees that grow out here, but nothing we harvest.”Applejack admitted. “Sides that ain't why ah brought y’all out here. This is!”
Applejack stepped aside pointing up to a structure in an old apple tree.
“What is that thing?” Applebloom asked.
“ What are we looking at? Sweetiebelle asked.
“I have no idea.” Scootaloo muttered.
“Wow did the river really flood that high to dump all the junk in the tree?” Spike asked.
“What? No... Cutie Mark Crusaders, welcome to your new clubhouse.” Applejack presented looking at the four following her, all of whom looked on with mixed expressions of worry and disgust.
”Well don't thank me all at once..... this was my club house when I was your age.” Applejack stated, walking up the ramp. “Sure it hasn't been used in a while, but it's empty and on a secluded, private, part of the farm.....”
“This is because of happened to Dolly isn't it.” Applebloom deadpanned. “ That's why we can't use the barn anymore.....”
“Fluttershy said her wool would grow back.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, but she said it would grow back green.” Spike sighed.
“I bet my sister would buy it if it came back another color, but she has issues with green.” Sweetiebelle muttered.
“Any way, it's all yours.” Applejack continued ignoring them.”It just needs a little TLC..”
“Is that tender loving care, or totally lost cause?” Scootaloo grumbled.
“Termite luxury condos?” Sweetiebelle offered.
“Terribly lopsided construction?” Applebloom chimed in.
“Ya'll been hanging around Spike too much.....” Applejack frowned as the Dragon laughed.
“We're supposed to turn this into our new clubhouse?” Applebloom flattened her ears.
“It'll be fine, maybe your get yer cutie marks while fixing it up.” Applejack smiled leaning on the wall before crashing through it with an explosion of dust and splinters.
The four of them look through the new hole at Applejack as the mare pushed herself up out of the debris and dust.
“Maybe house cleaning?” Applejack muttered with a sneeze.
Scootaloo ignored the Dragon clinging to the wagon behind her for dear life as it soared over the crowd. She landed perfectly, sending Granny Smith into a spin before some how picking up speed as she tore into the forest hopping logs and jumping over branches. At one point she left the cart completely causing another panicked cry from Spike before she landed back on her scooter and burst into the clearing that held the clubhouse.
Spike was an alright guy, but he was a bit of a wus.
Applebloom yelped as Scootaloo hit the breaks skidding to a stop and snapping the wagon around with her launching Spike though the air to crash into the bushes on the far side of the clearing.
“Wow Scootaloo that was impressive. Got some distance on um too.” Applebloom smirked trotting over to help the much paler Spike to his feet.
Scootaloo let out a whistle looking around the clearing.”Wow, did you do all this?”
“Yep, cleaned up the area fixed tha holes added more support re-shingled tha roof and jus finished painting it when you came up.” Applebloom stated.
“Cool where's Sweetiebelle?” Scootaloo asked.
“Right over here.” Sweetiebelle chimed in, walking over to look at Spike.” Caught a ride with Scootaloo huh?”
“You would think I’d learn after that rocket jump last time.” Spike shuddered.
“It wasn't that bad.....” Scootaloo huffed.
“Then why is he white?.” Applebloom offered worriedly.
“By Celestia, Applebloom you can't just ask some pony why they're white.....” Scootaloo rolled her eyes.
“He's a dragon.” Applebloom protested.
“Eh whatever.”Scootaloo shrugged.
“Oh that's normal anyway, riding with Scoots scares the color right out of you. I used to be pink like my mother.” Sweetiebelle claimed.
“It does not!” Scootaloo protested.
“Walking from now on.” Spike muttered as Sweetiebelle giggled.
Applejack whistled lightly as she walked up the ramp towards the club house. Her ears perked up as she heard singing from inside. It was rather nice, though she winced as she heard Spike and Scootaloo join in, loudly, and painfully off key.
Quite a bit had been done with the place. The color scheme was a bit off putting, but she recalled the bright neon colors she had used when this was hers, and the black and gray Mac had used before her when he was going through his emo phase, so something looking like a fancy cake wasn't too bad.
Half way up the ramp however Applejack let out a loud yelp as it gave way under her dropping the mare down a few feet into a pile of leaves under the ramp. The ramp swung back into place just as the leaves gave out under her dropping her into a pit filled with mud. Applejack cursed looking up at the top of the pit as a net made of vines dropped down over her and a little bell started ringing .
“Is that the alarm?” Scootaloo shouted.
“Something fell in the trap. “Sweetiebelle answered, “And it wasn't me this time.”
“Guess Spike's idea wasn't bad after all.” Applebloom stated.
“Told you.” Spike chimed in.
The thunder of little hooves sounded as they ran down the ramp peering over the edge of the pit looking in.
“Uh oh.” Applebloom winced looking at her angry sister.
“Is it a zombie?” Spike asked looking over the edge.” Oh.....”
“Huh, who'd have thought a trap from that dumb Ogres and Oubliettes game would have worked.” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Theme song?” Applejack asked wiping some mud off her hooves as she looked over the interior of the club house. There was a hoof drawn map of the town, a small book shelf filled with books of various kinds, mostly comics, a few garish and girly throw pillows, a couple of Wonderbolts posters and a number of other nick-knacks that showed fairly clearly who contributed what to the club house.
“Every great adventuring party has a theme song.” Spike offered.
“We're still working on ours.” Sweetiebelle muttered.
“We're not going to stop until we get our Cutiemarks.” Scootaloo shouted.
“No stone left unturned!” Applebloom chimed in.
“No mountain left unclimbed.” Scootaloo added
“No meal left uncooked!” Sweetiebelle added.
“No gems left uneaten!” Spike added his two bits.
“I'm still leery of that one.” Sweetiebelle muttered.
“Well if you don't want it, I’ll eat your gems for you.” Spike smiled.
“Well sounds like you got a plan.....I gotta head back an.. uh leave no apple unpicked, you all have fun, just.. ease up on tha traps. Okay?” Applejack muttered.
The four of them watched applejack head back down the ramp, leery of the spot she fell through before though when it didn't go off she kept going.
“I still think the noose trap would have been funnier.” Sweetiebelle offered.
“Maybe if we build a secret back door to the club house we can put it there.” Applebloom claimed.
“Why would we need a back door?” Scootaloo asked.”Or even the traps to begin with?”
“Zombies” Spike offered getting an eye roll from the Pegasus.
“Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.” Sweetiebelle stated flatly.
“Oh? Would they even come out this far?” Scootaloo questioned.
“To make us miserable, ah wouldn't put anything past them.” Applebloom muttered.
“I still don't have that much of an issue with them.” Spike shrugged.
“That's because the best thing they can come up with for you is to call you 'scaly'.” Scootaloo grumbled.
“Any way enough of that what are we doing now?”Applebloom asked.
“Crusading to get our cutiemarks?” Sweetiebelle chimed.
“Sounds good to me.” Scootaloo grinned.
“Oh boy.” Spike winced.
[Sweet Apple Acres ]
Sweetiebelle, Spike, Scootaloo, and Applebloom dumped the buckets of slop into the troughs surprisingly without incident. Sweetiebelle hopped up ringing the dinner bell as Applebloom opened the door to the outside pig pen.
The squeal of hogs was heard as a small stampede of pink rushed through the door for the food, just as quickly as they ran in the pigs skidded to a halt, their eyes wide.
The small porcine group looked at the food, then at Spike ,then at the CMC, before looking back to the food, then at each other. With a silent nod they turned around and ran out the door squealing just as loudly as they had coming in leaving the fillies and Dragon standing there staring after them.
Applebloom stared on in shock at pigs not wanting food, as Sweetiebelle nudged Scootaloo .
“I guess they heard about Dolly.” Sweetiebelle commented.
[Sugarcube Corner.]
Scootaloo smiled tossing the blocks of taffy into the mixer as Spike turned it on.
The machine started working and pulling on the rainbow taffy, stretching it out, working perfectly, at least until Scootaloo turned to get down off the stepladder and her tail got caught in the sticky mess as a mixer passed. The Pegasus yelped as she was pulled back into the bowl. Sweetiebelle and Applebloom jumped up to grab her getting yanked into the mix as well.
Spike quickly flipped the switch to shut it off climbing the ladder to start trying to pull the fillies out of it.
Not long after three taffy coated fillies inched out of the door of the shop stuck together with a little dragon following them tugging bits of taffy out of their fur and munching away at it happily.
[ Frog pond]
“What is it with you three and water?” Twilight asked looking down at the damp hole that was all that remained of the small pond. “It's a good thing Fluttershy took all the frogs to the bog.”
“There was a giant octopus in there!” Applebloom protested.
“Actually that was a giant squid.” Sweetiebelle protested.
Rahs frowned looking at how deep the pond was.” Woof?”
“What?” Scootaloo asked.
“He asked what happened, cause all he smells if fire....” Spike muttered. “Yeah sorry the octopus....”
“Squid.” Sweetiebelle corrected.
“Yeah squid startled me and I was kinda holding my breath when I let it all out in a rush spitting fire at it.” Spike muttered.
“Mmmmm fried calamari.”
Twilight let out a sigh looking at Spike before rubbing her temples.
“You set fire to the pond?”
“Yes.” Spike admitted.
“Green fire?”Twilight asked.
“Yes.”Spike confirmed.
“Lovely.” Twilight twitched. “ Rahs plan delta sigma.”
“What?” Applebloom asked as Rahs sighed.
“I will be packing up to move to Saddle Arabia to become a goat. Let the Princess know if she suddenly shows up asking why I sent her a pond.” Twilight explained.
“Which Princess?” Scootaloo asked.
“Any of them.” Twilight stated rushing off back towards the library dragging Rahs along with her.
“Does she think Princess Celestia is gonna be mad at her for something you did?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“Ehh she's still a little high strung. She'll figure it out.” Spike shrugged.
[Carousel boutique]
The mare ran away screaming her mane done up in a poofy clown hairdo.
Spike rolled his eyes pulling the gloves off his claws.” What was she so upset about? She knew when we started we had no idea what we were doing.”
“Yeah that was a good look for her any way.” Scootaloo protested.
“Did we get paid for that? I'm getting kinda hungry.” Sweetiebelle asked.
“I think we still have some taffy.” Spike offered.
“Pass...” Sweetiebelle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo groaned.
[ The south field Sweet Apple acres]
“Blue star.” Spike smiled as the girls gasped.
“That's right again!” Scootaloo shouted.
“That's ten in a row!” Sweetiebelle cheered.
“How are you doing that?” Applebloom demanded.
“A magician never tells his tricks.” Spike chuckled.
Applebloom narrowed her eyes looking at Spike as the Dragon smiled a bit wider.
“It's cause we let yah shuffle ain't it?” Applebloom asked.” Yah counted tha cards.”
“What!?” Spike yelped before regaining his composure. “I mean no, of course not.”
All three fillies looked at each other then at Spike who wasn't meeting their gazes.
“Yah got a horrid poker face Spike.” Applebloom grumbled.
[Wind Swept peak]
Spike dug his claws in deeper as he clamored up higher clinging to the rock face as the other three hung onto the rope behind him to keep from falling.
The wind whipped against his scales as snow fell around them. Spike puffed out a blast of heat as he clawed at the rock climbing up higher and pulling himself onto the top of the icy rock face. He turned starting to pull on the rope dragging Applebloom and the others up to the peak with him. Sweetiebelle had just climbed over the rock when the wind kicked up and blew her sideways. The filly lost her footing and went over the edge, dragging Scootaloo and Applebloom with her.
Spike whirled about clawing at the rock face for a purchase only finding ice as he too was yanked off the peak screaming as he fell.......
…. for about two seconds before bouncing off the pile of fillies in the grass under him.
“Anything?” Spike asked catching his breath.
“Nope no mark.” Scootaloo sighed.
“Why is there even a rock covered with ice and snow out here any way” Sweetiebelle asked.
“Weather team training area they practice all sorts of weather types out here. “ Scootaloo answered.” Rainbow Dash was out here this morning practicing with snow. I think they have a big storm planned in a few weeks.”
“ Maybe we ken git a mark in something winter related, we ain't had much luck with summer and fall so far.” Applebloom sighed.
“Wonder if I can convince them I hibernate.” Spike muttered to himself.
[Golden Oaks library]
“Hello Twilight? Are you ready to lose at 3-d scrabble again?” Miss Cheerilee called as she pushed the door open looking into the library.
The school teacher paused blinking as she noticed Spike sitting at the help desk with his face buried in his claws. Rahs was nearby stretched out on the couch trying to ignore everything as he read something. Cheerilee got a brief glimpse of the cover and made a note to reserve a copy of it herself.
“Ummmm.” Cheerilee asked blinked as she looked over the disaster of the room. Books and notes were strewn every where.”Spike what happened. “Where's Twilight?”
“Probably halfway to Saddle Arabia to become a goat by this point.” Spike grumbled.
“ Woof.” Rahs chuckled.
“Rahs says he just had the mail ponies carry her around town.” Spike corrected.” She should be back later this evening.”
“What?” Cheerilee asked.
“ She asked us to...” Spike sighed.
A pile of the books rumbled away as the CMC broke the surface of the books like sharks breaching the ocean waves.
“She's going to make me clean this up I know it.” Spike grumbled.
“Well ah don't think we got our cutie marks in reading..” Applebloom frowned.
“Obviously” Spike rolled his eyes.
“You could get them to help put everything away by suggesting that as a cutiemark.” Cheerilee whispered to spike.
“I would like there to be some library left if Twilight fails to become a goat.”Spike muttered.
“I might have something that could help Spike.” Cheeilee smiled pulling a rolled poster from her saddlebag and offering it to the drake.
“Ponyville school talent show?” Spike asked curiously.
“There will be all sorts of awards, best magic act, best comedy act, best performance.” Cheerilee lists.”Surely you could come up with something that showcases your special talent.”
“Oh?” Sweetiebelle gasped.
“I can see it.” Scootaloo nodded.
“It's perfect.”Applebloom smiled.
“At least the damage will be localized.” Spike shrugged.
“Don't gimmi that buster, you set fire to the lake this time.” Applebloom pointed out.
“Wait what?” Cheerilee asked in a panic as Rahs snickered.
“ Fan?” Spike asked looking over the list before him.
“Check.” Scootaloo stated holding up the fan.
“Six wooden planks. Four by eight plywood, a box of nails four cans of paint, four brushes.” Spike stated.
“Check.” Applebloom said.
“Instructions how to use; six planks, four by eight plywood, a box of nails, four cans of paint, and four brushes?” Spike questioned.
“Check, surprisingly.” Sweetiebelle offered.
“Assorted fabrics and tools?” Spike questioned.
“Check.” Applebloom offered.
“A murderous Rarity likely showing up later for Sweetiebelle?” Spike listed.
“Also check” Scootaloo chimed in as Sweetiebelle grumbled.
“ One copy of Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghoulish figures?” Spike blinked. “ Wait I brought that, check.”
“So we still need to set up the costumes, dance moves, and scenery.”Scootaloo listed.
“Right, so, what Applebloom is working on the Scenery , Sweetiebelle on the song and music and Scootaloo on the dance?” Spike questioned.
“Forget that I’m doing the costumes and scenery. I wanna do design stuff like my sister.” Sweetiebelle argued.”No way am I gonna sing in front of a crowd.”
“I wanna do an awesome rock ballad!” Scootaloo chimed in.”Applebloom can deal with the dancing.”
“I'm not much of a dancer.” Applebloom admitted, “But I do like kung fu. What about Spike?”
“Ehh I’m good with what ever. I'm not bad at playing piano and I can help out behind the scenes.”Spike shrugged. “Rahs may love the limelight but I’m more than happy to sit out of it.”
“Okay so you can be the roadie.” Sweetiebelle offered.
“The what?” Spike questioned.
“ A roadie. His whole job is to make someone else look good, keep someone else safe, help someone else do what they were put here to do. A good roadie stays out of the spotlight. If he's doing his job right, you don't even know he's there. Once in a while he might step on stage just to fix a problem, to set something right. But then before you even realize he was there or what he did, he's gone.” Sweetiebelle answered.
“Oh a stage hoof.” Spike shrugged.” Yeah works for me. This should be great.”
“Maybe I spoke too soon...” Spike muttered as Applebloom flipped around crashing into Scootaloo.
“ Woof?” Rahs asked from where he sat next to Spike in the shade of the tree house.
“I tried helping them, but they wanted to do it themselves.” Spike sighed wincing as Scootaloo tried helping Applebloom with her dance moves only for the farm filly to spin off and crash into a tree.
“I'm okay.” Applebloom called.
“Bark!” Rahs pointed out at Applebloom.
“I know how to waltz and a bit of fancy hoof work.” Spike rolled his eyes.” I'm pretty sure she's trying for slam dancing or some new age rock stuff.....”
“Woof?”
“'Advent guard 'yeah that’s it.” Spike agreed looking over and flinched as Scootaloo bashed her head against the keyboard.
“ Bork!” Rahs pointed out.
“It's fine my pianos been through worse than that. Thanks for hauling it out here for us.” Spike offered and Rahs nodded.
“Woof, yip.” Rahs explained.
“Yeah, come to think of it she has been gone a while, did you remember to put air holes in the box?” Rahs nodded as Spike considered.” Maybe next time we should just ship her to Big Mac and see what happens.”
Rahs snorted in amusement as Spike laughed.
“Come back, Come back!!” Sweetiebelle yelled as she chased after a roll of lavender fabric that bounced across the field. “Dumb fabric!”
Spike glanced over to Rahs and frowned.” What not going to tell me I should help her out too”
Rahs shrugged, knowing his brother wasn't much of a tailor and perked his ears as Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo started talking about the music.
Both Rahs and Spike turned their attention to Sweetiebelle as she started to sing, Rahs ears perked up as he blinked.
“Woof?”Rahs asked as soon as the filly finished.
“Nah she wants to be like her sister. I don't think she likes singing with how much she seems to want to avoid it.” Spike sighed watching as Sweetiebelle ran off chasing after the bolt of fabric rolling towards the the hole that used to be a pond.
“Uh oh, Rarity's not gonna be happy.” Spike winced.
Rahs fluffed out the last of the cloth bolt, hanging it over the line. Thankfully with the groups penchant for tree sap Applejack had repaired an old well on this side of the farm so cleaning the cloth free of mud was easy enough.
The little unicorn filly didn't object to the brothers helping her out with that, though she refused to listen to even the simplistic aid Rahs could offer with sewing. As such the presentation of a completed outfit with five legs was met with some amusement, mostly from Rahs who was doing his best to refrain from making a 'stallions fifth leg 'joke around the foals and Spike. He'd never hear the end of it from Twilight if she caught wind of it, or Spike repeated the joke.
Applebloom who had crashed nearby not long after Sweetiebelle showed off her work suggested she use the dress form they had taken from Rarity's shop.
“Also... Applebloom added. “ Yah might wanna clean yer brush off between different colors of paint.”
The small group looked over at the brown backgrounds that seemed to be houses and trees that Sweetie had been working on earlier.
“Oh... I was wondering why all the colors looked like mud.”Sweetiebelle commented.
“Uhh yer not using power tools are you?” Applebloom asked apprehensively.
Applejack muttered to herself as she walked away from the club house. She had no idea what she had just witnessed. However the girls seemed excited and even Spike seemed ready to go with it. Applejack had been cornered by the fillies and thankfully missed out on having to lie by the fillies misunderstanding her lack of response.
She trotted back through the fields wincing a little as some of the noise from the fillies practice still reached her ears.
Stopping she noticed that the nearest apple tree to the club house was shaking. She frowned trotting over to it and whirled about to give it a good hard buck, expecting Rainbow Dash to be sleeping in the branches again.
It was a surprise then when it was Rahs who feel out of the tree with a yelp. The Moon Dog crashed to the ground with a whine, his paws covering his ears as another high pitched strain of singing crossed the field.
“Sorry bout that, thought you was Rainbow.”Applejack winced. “ Ah take it yah saw tha act?”
Rahs whined.
“Ah'll take that as a yes.”Applejack sighed.” Well at least it's almost over that talent shows tomorrow ain't it?”
Rahs grumbled.
“Figured. Twi still lost in postage?” Applejack asked as Rahs nodded.
“Well buck up. Maybe tha full show won't be as bad.” Applejack offered.
He wasn't sure how, but somehow he had been made one of the shows judges along with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. He didn't even recall the conversation that got him here. One moment he was ready to hide out at home to finish his new book, 'Tears of the Wolf's Moon'. So far it had been pretty good if a little sappy even for his taste, a surprising non canon sequel to 'Wolf of the Harvest Moon.' It was a different author as well, though the style was very similar. Though there was something familiar about it he couldn't place.
It was just as he was settling in when Cheerilee, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie showed up. Evidently one of the judges was sick and they needed another. Pinkie Pie recalled how Rahs was big into theater and the trio had come to ask him.
He recalled telling them no, and he remembered Fluttershy looking at him and then the next thing he knew he was seated at a table before the stage between Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.
He tried a last time to protest that with Spike performing he couldn't be a judge, though Cheerilee countered with the fact Spike was only operating the lights and music, he wasn't actually performing.
So for the last two hours he had been subjugated to the worst thing a theater buff could ever be put through.
Foal's amateur night.
He had sat through bad musical numbers, jugglers, attempted comedians, some odd pair of fillies trying to order the judges to let her and her friend win because she was important and they weren’t, and a pair of roller skaters that weren’t half bad.
The magic act had been amusing, though most of the town was still unhappy with Snips and Snails. That they were trying to imitate Trixie didn't sit well with him at all.
Fluttershy had given them high marks, though she did that with all of them. Neither Rahs, nor Pinkie Pie were as generous to the pair.
There were more dancing acts, dancing, a aerial display of sorts a few more singing ponies and one reenactment of the second act of Ham-let, where a colt puked all over the colt playing Laertes for about a minute and a half.
Granted that had at least been entertaining and had gotten the highest marks from Rahs.
Finally came the Cutie Mark Crusader performance, the thing he had been dreading all night.
Rahs had no idea what to make of it. While the lighting was on point, the costumes were weird and the volume was more than enough to make him glad Pinkie had spare ear plugs. The background was a riotous explosion of color and shapes with no decipherable theme. There was fire, fog, and smoke and Rahs was pretty sure it was only the fact that Spike had a fire extinguisher that made any of that possible.
The weirdest part about it was the vocals, mostly how deep Scootaloo could make her voice while still seeming to scream. The music was all guitar riffs and synthesizers and heavy bass. What few words he could make out sounded like variations of darkness, fire, violence, and blood. Though it might have been about cupcakes, Rahs really wasn't sure.
There was music in there some where he was sure of it. Pinkie, to his left, was bobbing her head in time to what he assumed was a drum beat and Fluttershy, to his right, had a hoof in the air and was bobbing her head so fast her pink hair was whipping back and forth.
Looking over the crowd he could see most were in shock and he briefly made eye contact with a cringing Applejack.
Fake bats and spiders fell out onto the stage as the train wreck continued.
Applebloom bounced around crashing into and breaking things seemingly on purpose and Sweetiebelle only joined the chorus occasionally as she seemed to be trying to direct Spike in moving the props and scenery.
At one point Sweetiebelle rushed across the stage with a clock prop tumbling across it after being tripped by Scootaloo, whatever she hit off stage sounded expensive.
Applebloom managed to get her hoof stuck in a tree prop and was dragging it across the stage as she struggled to get free.
The end of it was rather sudden as the fan finally came into play whipping dust and smoke across the stage and tipping backdrops. Spike rushed in trying to hold them up with Sweetiebelle assisting, though it wound up being a total loss as everything collapsed in on itself with a violent crash burying the Crusaders under the backdrops
Even after the music stopped every pony remained as they were, staring at the stage in confusion. Fluttershy and Pinkie had already started making their notes and Rahs was just bewildered as to what had even happened.
“Woof?” Rahs asked in general as Spike helped the girls out of the pile of debris on stage.
“Ehh, I prefer polka, but I can appreciate a good metal ballad from time to time.” Pinkie Pie offered.
“Oh no that wasn't just metal.” Fluttershy corrected.”It was a bit too extreme for that. The guitars were distorted and low tuned,the vocals were more deep growling, the drumming was very aggressive with a number of blast beat techniques, there were also number of time signature changes and chord progressions. Plus the lyrics were very much about the violence of nature and the order of things. It was certainly either black, or death metal.”
“Woof?” Rahs blinked in confusion.
“Well there was a lot more involved than just screaming. Scootaloo really has the voice for this sort of singing. She might need to temper it a little so as not to blow her voice out so young however.” Fluttershy responded. “It was quite good for an amateur performance.”
“So you think that was best in show?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Well either that or that one act with the trained bunnies.” Fluttershy offered.” They were so cute....”
Rahs just whined.
Much later a very tired Moon Dog pushed open the door to the Golden Oaks Library and managed a few steps towards the couch before collapsing on the floor like an old rug.
Thankfully the bunnies had won best over all and they had quickly given the award for most complex performance to the CMC. Pinkie Pie was treating all of them to ice cream at Sugar cube corner and he was fairly certain Fluttershy was giving Scootaloo tips when he left.
His ears were still ringing and his sensibilities dashed and he really needed some quiet for a little while.
Still he felt he was forgetting something.
“DELIVERY!” shouted a gray furred pegasus as she shoved a large package through the open door on to of the prone Rahs getting a whimper from him and a yelp from the package.
“Oh sorry, Rahs I didn't see you there.” Derpy smiled.
The top of the box burst open and Twilight Sparkle erupted from it wearing an overly cartoony looking goat costume.
“Finally, I thought I'd never get to Saddle Arabia.” Twilight exclaimed before noticing Derpy at the door. “I mean... baa?”
Derpy blinked slowly and took a small step back shutting the door as she went, she'd get somepony to sign for it later.
“Bork.....” Rahs growled.
“Rahs what are you doing here …... I'm not in Saddle Arabia am I?”
Rahs offered a small golf clap for his sisters realization though remained as he was under the box.
“CRAAAAAAAP!! Why am I back at the library... quick I need you to mail me off again!!” Twilight panicked.
“Woof.” Rahs complained.
“Overreacting? I'm not overreacting you're under reacting.”
“Bark?”
“Rahs, Spike sent an entire pond to Princess Celestia.”Twilight explained slowly as if her brother had the IQ of a rock at that point.
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged.
“Yes, it does sound funny, which is the problem. “ Twilight winced.” It's absurd enough that she's going to think it was a prank and you remember what happened last time she thought I was trying to prank her?”
Rahs flattened his ears to his head as he thought back, before his eyes widened and a look of panic matching Twilight's crossed his features. He was quickly out from under the box and frantically trying to get in it.
“No, Bad Rahs, get out! This is my escape plan, go make your own.” Twilight trying to fight off her brother.
Princess Celestia, co ruler of Equestria, Goddess of the Sun, known by what few enemies she had left around as The Solar Flare, let out a small sigh and sat back in her throne regarding her Day Court, ignoring the faint squelch her thrones cushion made as she moved.
The throne room was filled with about a two foot of water, enough to lap lightly against the top stair of her raised dais. It had a faintly musty and muddy odor as if it was from a pond. She herself was soaked to the bone and had a large fish, that resembled some sort of koi perhaps, impaled upon her horn still flopping about wildly with it's tail slapping the top of her head.
A number of her petitioners were still seated on the wooden benches that rested in the court, remaining much as they had been before the message spell arrived. It was as if they expected court to continue shortly. A few bored noble foals had turned one of the benches into a makeshift canoe and were paddling it around the room.
A few other petitioners were looking on with interest at the goings on of the rest of the court. Fancy Pants was standing in the water drenched along side his wife Fluer de lis who looked far less amused at having her dress and mane ruined by the water, but given she was splashing Fancy every time he looked away and pretending to remain upset about her mane when he looked at her to throw off suspicion, spoke volumes about her true amusement.
Prince Blueblood was standing on the other side of the aisle watching the foals paddle past him with a bit of envy, though he remained stoic in his stance as if expecting this all to be cleared up in a moment or two so the court could continue, though Celestia doubted he would have any issues if she called it short. Some annoying appearances needed to be kept up.
The real entertainment came from some of the other petitioners. Curio Duster, from the Canterlot Museum, for instance was trying his best to remove a particularly insistent group of minnows out of his pant leg and was doing a rather entertaining attempt at a line dance routine while doing so.
Jet Set, a random if annoying noble, was currently running around the room screaming and being chased by a pair of Guards who were hot on the tail of a ornery snapping turtle who was latched onto the noble stallion's tail.
Midnight Star, a reporter for some gossip magazine or another, was currently screaming about, 'having seen enough Japony theater to know where this was going', while she was fighting off a particularly large squid which had grappled her and two other Guards who were trying to save the mare.
Diamond Hope, a noble heiress, was currently clinging to one of the pillars in the room trying to keep above the water and the plethora of frogs that had started swimming under her, likely attracted by the multitude of feathery scales in her current dress, which to Celestia looked much like little beetles or butterflies.
Princess Celestia let out a small sigh as the main doors were opened finally and the flood of water rushed out into the Royal hallways knocking over the Guards who had tried to get in. It also pulled out out a number of other ponies and fish, as well as the three foals on the bench who let out shouts of joy as their canoe turned into a log flume and raced down the hall on a wave of water, with their parents and some more Guards rushing after to try and catch them.
Celestia spared a glance over to her assistant Flowery Text who had somehow managed to avoid getting soaked at all, though she was also hovering a bit off of the ground behind the throne.
“Flowery.”
“Yes Princess?”
“Is Luna asleep?”
“Yes Princess.”
“Have any of the statues in the Gardens moved?”
“Not that any one is aware of Princess.”
“ I see. Schedule some time free for me later in the week, I would like to visit Ponyville, my student specifically.”
“Of course Princess.”Flowery jotted down the note on her clipboard. “Should I inform the treasury that they will be needing an increase in their disaster funding again?”
Flowery looked over at the small slightly crooked grin on the Princess's face before sighing.
A horrendous crash echoed down the streets of Ponyville.
“Where did he go?” Twilight Sparkle shouted.
“Over there!” Fluttershy called as the two of them raced after something resembling a featherless chicken with Rahs hot on their hooves trying to get a paint bucket off his head.
“More tea Princess Celestia?” Mrs. Cake asked looking after the chase, rather curious as to why the Princess had asked for the tea party to be moved outside with all that was going on.
“Thank you Mrs. Cake that would be lovely.” Celestia nodded before glancing to the others at the table. Rarity and Applejack were watching their friends chase after Philomena with a bit of worry. Pinkie Pie seemed to be enjoying it and Rainbow Dash was too focused on all the food to notice much else. Spike and Applebloom however were both excited over the food and the Princess being there. The pair mostly ignored what Twilight, Rahs and Fluttershy were doing.
“So you're saying that the pond was an accident?” Celestia frowned a little.
“Yeah, Spike saw that squid and panicked burning up all tha water.” Applebloom offered.” Ah didn't even know he could do that.”
“Neither did I.” Spike chuckled.”I was gonna send you an apology letter but I got so distracted by the talent show I forgot about it. Nothing bad happened did it?”
“Well that depends on who you ask. I know a few nobles that would be mad at you, but a few noble foals who would love for you to do it again.” Celestia considered.” Please warn me first however.”
“Can do Princess.” Spike offered, stuffing another cupcake into his mouth.
“How did he get up there?” Twilight shouted from a street over.
“I'm not sure, oh Rahs be careful there's a bee hive near..... oh dear.....” Fluttershy said surprisingly loudly.
Rahs yelped tearing down the street with a swarm of bees chasing after him, the bucket of paint still on his head and a screaming Twilight and Fluttershy right along side of him, slowly followed by the plucked chicken wobbling after them.
“Well now I’m almost sorry I set this up. I thought Twilight was playing a prank.” Princess Celestia sighed.
“Prank!?” Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie both chimed up, looking over at the Princess.
There was an explosion of feathers from down the street as a cart exploded some how.
“Indeed, though I didn't expect Fluttershy to get involved. The plan was to entice Twilight with something she, not only didn't know about me, but had never studied before. My pet bird Philomena is a Phoenix. I kept her away from Rahs and Twilight when they were younger for various reasons, so she was perfect to help me with the prank. I expected Twilight would try to study my 'sickly' pet, or Rahs would try and eat her. I didn't expect Fluttershy to try and run off with her to play nursemaid.”
“You don't know Shy.” Dash muttered.
“MMMMokay, since she wasn't the target I’ll forgive it... this time.” Pinkie Pie stated with a surprisingly vicious tone of voice.
“AHHHHHHHHH!” Twilight screamed out, galloping down the street with Rahs in hot pursuit followed by a swarm of snakes. The bird was chasing after the snakes with Fluttershy chasing after the bird.
“Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes!?”
“So she's not sick?” Rarity piped up.
“No, she's simply close to rebirth. She's also quite the prankster so the plan was much to her liking.”Celestia added taking a sip of tea.
“Yeah, she got mailed tah my house in a big box.” Applebloom added.
“No, that was me and Rahs.” Spike laughed.” We mailed her to Big Mac.”
“ Ah figured it was you two... Mac's got a cold now thanks to that freezing shower he took fer a few hours right after he opened that box. Why tha heck was she dressed like a cat?” Applejack demanded.
A sudden flood of water swept down the street sending Rahs and Twilight tumbling along with the current as Fluttershy softly screamed while dancing atop of the bucket on Rahs' head. The featherless chicken stood on a plank surfing along the wave as it flooded down the street.
“That was Rahs' idea, he convinced her that she go try and live as a Savanna cat rather than a goat. “ Spike explained. “ I think it was a Nightmare Night costume of hers a few years ago.”
“Splains why it was so tight on her I guess.” Applejack shrugged. “But don't go mailing her to my brother again. He can't do any work when he's sick.”
“Don't worry I think plan delta sigma has been scrapped. It failed twice.” Spike smirked. “ That'll teach her to eat my last doughnut.”
Rahs ran by carrying Twilight and Fluttershy as a herd of Buffalo stampeded behind him, Philomena riding on the back of one of them wearing a cowboy hat.
“So are we just gonna watch this?” Applejack asked as another crash sounded further down the street.
“Well I do have a few of my Guards making sure the damage is minimal.” Celestia explained.” And to keep the rest of the civilians out of the path.”
“I think a Guard presence is just making things more hectic for them.” Rarity sighed.
“ Ah HAH!” Fluttershy lunged ,catching Philomena in her hooves skidding across the ground to a stop before the tea party.” You need bed rest, not to be running around like this!”
Philomena blinked as her last feather popped loose and she poofed into a pile of ash in Fluttershy's hooves with a last defeated squawk.
Rahs fainted, some how landing on one of Rarity's couches while Twilight screamed, Fluttershy simply stared at the pile of ash in her hooves before started bawling.
“What?!” Applejack questioned.
“Oh dear. Wait, is that one of my couches?” Rarity frowned.
“Not cool.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Joke. End. Now.” Pinkie Pie ordered.
Princess Celestia turned to look at the others her eyes widening at the looks they were giving her.
Applejack was the least annoyed looking one and even she seemed to be considering if she could get away with bucking Celestia across Ponyville.
Rarity was clearly mad, though she had a cool glare directed at the Princess, one that reminded Celestia of Luna when she was pissed. Something that never turned out well for the Solar Goddess.
Rainbow Dash was obviously mad and like Applejack seemed to be considering trying to play punt the Princess.
And Pinkie Pie.... well there was a reason Princess Celestia quickly got up and trotted over to the crying Fluttershy as fast as she could. While she doubted even the Element of Laughter could do anything to harm her, the look Pinkie was giving spoke of being more to try everything to find out if it was possible.
She doubted pointing out that Fluttershy had foal napped Philomena first would have calmed the mare down.
“What is going on here?” Celestia asked the group around the pile of ash.
She really hadn't expected such quick responses from them, though to have both try and accept the blame suddenly for Philomena's demise, practically pushing past each other and attempting talk over one another was almost comical. Celestia didn't think Fluttershy had it in her to tell the truth.
Rahs was still pretending to be fainted and Celestia had to resist the urge to dump him in the fountain.
“Twilight, Fluttershy, stop, just stop. Spike explained to me about how the pond was an accident. If you had explained it to me last week I wouldn't have felt the need to create such an elaborate counter prank, particularly if I had known it would drag Fluttershy into it as well.” Celestia explained.
“Counter...prank?” Fluttershy asked as Twilight twitched.
“Yes, in my rather long life I’ve developed a rather devious appetite for pranks and I will admit to indulging in them perhaps a bit more often than I should.” Celestia admitted.
“But, but.. Philomena turned to ash.. how is burning your pet a prank?” Twilight stammered.
“Actually I didn't do that. Philomena did and she is a skilled prankster in her own right. This particular joke is one she tends to favor........ she's done it several times since she became my pet “Celestia sighed before addressing the pile of ash. “ Philomena you can stop fooling around, they are taking the joke a little too seriously.”
The pile of ash twitched and swept up into the air pulling together in a flash of brilliant light. The bird that appeared looked nothing like the half cooked goose that they had been chasing earlier. It was a hawk like avian with feathers made of fire, one that left a flickering trail of cinders after it as she soared above them all with an almost musical cry. With a last flap of her wings the massive bird flew down and landed on Celestia's outstretched foreleg.
“Wha, what is that .. what happened to Philomena?” Fluttershy asked prancing around looking up at the orange and red bird that was nearly as tall as she was.
“This is Philomena.” Celestia smiled. “ Quite a sight isn't she? Nothing unusual for a phoenix.”
“ Rarrrrk!” Philomena warbled glaring back at the Princess.
“Okay, so she's exceptionally pretty for a phoenix.” Celestia sighed as Philomena nodded at the correction.
“A phoenix?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Yes.” Celestia answered getting another annoyed warble from Philomena. “ You're not going to be happy until I give the whole speech are you?”
Celestia rolled her eyes as her bird nodded.
“A phoenix is a majestic and magical bird. While it appears healthy and happy most of the time, every so often it must renew itself by shedding all it's feathers and bursting into flames. “ Celestia rolled her eyes as Philomena took off to fly around and show off her new plumage again. “Rather melodramatic if you ask me.”
The Princess sighed as she glanced to every one else. Most attention was on Philomena, though Pinkie Pie's eyes remained on the Celestia.
“I do apologize for this, you were not the intended target for this joke and I didn't expect you to get involved, though you did bird nap her from the tea party.” Princess Celestia chided lifting her foreleg to let the phoenix land on it again. “ Philomena apologize to Fluttershy.”
Philomena fluttered her wings a little and warbled an apology to the yellow Pegasus who had yet to take her eyes off the phoenix.
“Also Twilight if another accident or something like that happens again, please send me a note about what happened. While a bit of an unpleasant surprise, I’m not going to banish you or throw you in a dungeon, or throw you in a dungeon in the place I banished you to.” Celestia raised an eyebrow as her former student flattened her ears to her head, knowing that was the exact sort of panicked conclusion Twilight would reach. “ All that said, Fluttershy you are more than welcome to come visit the Royal Gardens during the Gala. The care taker Dusty Pines has agreed to be your guide for the visit. I believe he also has expressed interest in meeting one of your animal friends after hearing about them. Angel bunny I believe.”
Celestia didn't miss every one aside from Fluttershy flinch at the rabbits name, including Philomena. Perhaps she should triple the Guards for the event to be safe.
“So then. I have a few more hours before I need to get back, shall we continue the tea party? I'm sure you have a number of questions about Philomena.”
“Oh.. well if you don't mind.” Fluttershy muttered.
“Not at all” Princess Celestia offered. Particularly if it gets Pinkie Pie to stop glaring at me Celestia thought to herself.
Rainbow Dash snored softly as her nap cloud drifted slowly over Ponyville. Every pony who would bother her, mostly Pinkie, was at work and she was too high up for any pony to shout loud enough to wake her, save maybe the Princesses.
The chill of the air was offset by the warm sun and the edges of the cloud were fluffed up enough to act as a wind breaker, it wouldn't be to much longer before it would be too cold to nap outside and Dash was more than willing to take advantage of every chance she got.
“Hi Rainbow Dash.” Spike said with a little wave.
Rainbow Dash opened one eye looking around wondering if she had heard some one. Seeing no one in the sky with her she closed her eye again and wiggled deeper into the sun warmed cloud.
“Howdy Rainbow Dash.” Applebloom greeted the pegasus.
Both eyes opened this time as her ears flattened against her head. She swore she heard some pony. It sounded like Applebloom in fact. Still seeing nothing she frowned, fluffing the cloud a little more before nuzzling back into it.
“Hi Rainbow!” Sweetiebelle squeaked.
Rainbow Dash's eyes both shot open again as she lifted her head looking around, she knew she heard Sweetiebelle that time. She heard a great deal of giggling below her right before there was a grunt of exertion.
Leaning over the edge of her cloud to see what was happening she was greeted by an orange furred form that slammed into her face and latched onto her head.
“Hi Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo squeed as her limbs locked around her idols head.
Rainbow Dash of course reacted as one would expect a pony who had just woken up and suddenly found their heads locked in a clingy death grip from an unknown assailant.
“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” Rainbow Dash screamed taking off into the air and flying around like a drunken moth trying to dislodge the little orange face hugger who was loving the fact she was flying with her idol and was clinging even tighter to Dash's head.
“Oops.”
“Well, she's awake. I guess as soon as she calms down we can tell her Twilight wanted to see her.” Spike sighed he watched Rainbow Dash dart around like a mad mare in the sky crashing through a few trees with Scootaloo latched to her face.
Applebloom and Sweetiebelle watched on with interest as well as Rahs rubbed the back of his head in a bit of embarrassment as Rainbow Dash crashed into a few market stalls. Then through a window of a house, coming out the other side wearing a wedding dress with Scootaloo wearing a old Nightmare Night costume of some sort of space alien.
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Yeah maybe throwing us up there to wake her up wasn't your best idea.” Spike winced as the pair slammed into some one's garden losing the costumes but getting covered into smashed tomatoes.
“It was fun through.” Sweetiebelle giggled.
“Yeah, even if it didn't git us a alarm clock cutiemark.” Applebloom added.
The pair of pegasi finally manage to dive down a well with a loud splash. Rahs and the CMC plus Spike rushed over looking down the well a moment only hearing silence.
There was suddenly a loud splash and Scootaloo surfaced with a whoop.
“AGAIN!” the orange filly yelled as Rainbow Dash surfaced behind her glaring up at Rahs who offered a sheepish grin in return.
“So she tossed you out of the house?” Spike asked, looking over the cape that Sweetibelle had made him. A large smile crossed his face as he flipped it around like a superhero. The little unicorn had made capes for all of the Cutiemark Crusaders. Spike was rather surprised they counted him as such, given he wasn't really looking for a cutiemark, but hey he wasn't going to argue, free cape.
'Something like that. I kinda blew up her work room and used her gold silk to make the lining of the capes.....” Sweetiebelle sighed.
“She didn't throw you out, she's just stressed out is all.” Fluttershy placated. “I'm sure she didn't expect to be this far behind when she agreed to watch over you tonight.”
“She tried to cancel the sleep over. We've been planning this for weeks.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes.” Do you know how hard it is to get my aunt to let me do anything, she's terrified I’ll get hurt and mom will blame her for it.”
“Yeah, well Sweetiebelle did use up a bunch of that special fabric of hers.” Applebloom offered. “ Not that I’m complaining, these capes are swank.”
“Thanks.” Sweetiebelle sighed.
“So how did you get involved in this?” Spike asked looking up at Fluttershy as they walked towards her house.
“You'd know if yah weren’t late” Applebloom fussed.
“Oh.. I was bringing Opal back from her grooming and I over heard the situation.” Fluttershy smiled. “I wanted to help Rarity and I didn't want the girls to be disappointed. So I offered to watch over you all tonight. It won't be any trouble.”
“Have you met us?” Spike raised an eyebrow looking up at the mare curiously. “ I hope you know what you're doing.”
“Oh it will be fine. I'll have you to help won't I?” Fluttershy smiled causing Spike to look away with a bit of a blush.
“Oh yeah no problem. I'll help however I can.” Spike muttered.
“Yah done sucking up?” Applebloom asked moving up between the two looking at them both with shifty eyes.
“Well where are you all off to?” a voice asked prompting them all to pause and look over as Twilight approached.
“Hey sis. Where you headed?” Spike questioned looking over the bulging saddlebags his sister had.
“I asked you first.” Twilight narrowed her eyes looking down at the Dragon.
“We're headed to Fluttershy's for a sleep over.” Scootaloo chimed up.
“Really?” Twilight blinked looking at Fluttershy curiously. “I thought that was going to be at Rarity's”
“Rarity was swamped with work so I offered to watch them so they wouldn't miss the sleep over.” Fluttershy offered. “ It isn't any trouble.
“Have you met these four?” Twilight asked with a roll of her eyes.”I'd offer to help but Zecora and I are going to be hunting a particular plant that only blooms at night in the Everfree. It's something that's needed in a bunch of potions.”
“A moon lily? Yer going after a Moon Lily.” Applebloom chimed in. “ She's been talking bout that fer weeks, them things is rare and hard tah git unless yah have magic. “
“That's right, I figure I can help her get a better harvest that she can get on her own. I also keep forgetting she's teaching you alchemy. “Twilight chuckled looking down at Applebloom.
“And herbalism.”Applebloom added.
“Well one crafting and one gathering skill is always useful.” Spike muttered.
“Any way Rahs is at home taking a nap, though he claims he'll head out into the woods later to meet up with us. Zecora's still leery of him for some reason she won't say, probably the whole Witch Wolf thing again. But if you need anything feel free to wake his lazy butt up.” Twilight smirked.
“Isn't the Everfree Dangerous?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“Very. Rahs and the Guard might be keeping a lot of the little dangers at bay like the cockatrices, but there's a lot more out there that would gobble you up in a second. I'm loaded for bear with combat spells and protections but even I'm leery of going in there. Honestly I’m surprised Rahs is letting me go without tagging along as well.”
“He's trying to be less mother hen like after Shining teased him last time he was here. He probably would tag along with you regardless if Zecora wasn't there. Given she lives in the woods I think he figures she'll keep you alive as well as he could.” Spike answered.
“I didn't think he'd take Shining's teasing so hard.” Twilight frowned.
“Ehh you know how he gets sometimes.”Spike shrugged. “ I don't call him drama dog just because of his hobbies.”
“Good point. Alright have fun every pony and mind Fluttershy.” Twilight called shifting her gear and heading towards Zecora's as the small group continued onto Fluttershy's
“Well that's the last of it.” Spike sighed setting his bag down on the spot he had claimed for himself in the room. The girls had claimed the bed, but he had expected that and had brought a sleeping bag. He also had his O&O books just in case he could run something later once the trio had calmed down enough to think straight.
“Wow look at that!” “Ooh what's this?” “Is that a chipmunk? “What's in here?” “Where does this little staircase go?” “If bits don't grow on trees, why do banks have branches?” “Is that a chicken?” “What's the meaning of life?” “How long do fish wait to swim after they eat?” “How much wood does this woodchuck chuck?” “Where is Jimmy Hooffa buried?” “Is that a duck?” “If I weigh the same as a duck am I a witch?” “How many lights are there?” “Why does she call it beauty sleep when my sister wakes up looking like a troll?” “How do you feed all these little guys?”
Spike rolled his eyes turning to head down stairs as he heard the first signs of Fluttershy starting to lose control. This was going to be a long night.
[ Later]
“ I'm still trying to figure out what happened with the table.” Applebloom grumbled. “ Something jus didn't go right there.”
“You're still on about that?” Scootaloo rolled her eyes watching out the window with Sweetiebelle.
“ Honestly I didn't expect this to be that entertaining.” Sweetiebelle offered, looking out the window at the yard below as Spike ran about trying to corral the chickens with limited success, and Fluttershy tried to corral the excited Spike.
“What is it with him an chickens?” Scootaloo asked.
“Chickenchickenchicken!” Spike rambled running after the hens.
[ The next morning.]
Three mares, three fillies and a dragon walked back into Ponyville that morning heading towards the Library. Well the mares walked, the fillies and Dragon ran around them as if doing laps, capes billowing behind them.
“Really darling you didn't have to walk us back into town.” Rarity smiled at Fluttershy who was trotting along beside her. “I can't thank you enough
“It's quite alright I was coming into town this morning any way for a bit of shopping. I'm glad you were able to finish your order.” Fluttershy nodded. “They really weren't that much trouble once they settled down.”
“Next time you find yourself in a pinch Rarity you can always ask me. “ Twilight offered.” I mean heck one of them is my little brother after all. Between Rahs and I we should be alright to watch them from time to time. We don't need to dump them on you or Applejack all the time.”
“Don't forget Fireball. She's watched them once or twice, but her apartment isn't exactly designed for four hyperactive young ones. The girls are also not fond of staying over there as she tends to be more than a little controlling and panic prone. From my understanding she doesn't want Spike there at all due to his being a Dragon. ” Rarity sighed. “Still I will keep your offer in mind Twilight.”
“I could watch them again if need be. We never did get around to listening to any of my records.” Fluttershy admitted. “ Oh how did the flower gathering go Twilight?”
“Pretty well actually. Zecora and I gathered far more Moon Blossom than she had even thought she would be able to get. We had a brief encounter with some Timber Wolves but between her potions and my magic they didn't last long.” Twilight offered floating out a small vial of flower petals. “ She even had enough to let me take some of them to study. She needed the rest to try and perfect an amplification potion she had been trying to get right for a long time.”
“Well that is interesting I suppose.” Rarity shrugged as they came into sight of Golden Oaks Library. Fluttering about out side was a orange furred, blond maned pegasus with a single red streak through her hair and tail. “ Oh and there's Fireball for Scootaloo.”
“Oh there you all are. I stopped by Rarity's earlier and no one was home. I figured you might have been taking the girls back home, but Applejack hadn't seen you yet and no one was answering here so I was starting to worry.” Fireball stated trotting over to the other mares ruffling Scootaloo's mane with a wing as she rushed past towards the library going inside along with Spike and the others.
“Really? Rahs should be home. It's not like he came out into the woods last night.” Twilight frowned. “ So help me if that oaf is sleeping still.”
“Well he is part cat.” Fluttershy offered.
“True... Opal sleeps constantly until about three am when she runs around the house like a mad beast.” Rarity sighed.
“TWILIGHT!!” Spike shouted from the library door. The three fillies had been rushed out of the building and were nervously milling about staring at the open door with expressions of horror and worry.
Twilight rushed over to the door hearing the panic in Spike's voice. Pushing past him she walked into a scene of complete carnage.
The entire library had been trashed. Book shelves and furniture were broken, shredded books lay every where some of them clearly having been defecated on. The kitchen was ransacked with no food left in it. Her own things had been flung from her room and down the stairs and the basement door was broken open laying on the floor with both hinges ripped free.
Looking down into the darkness she noticed brownish red splatters on the walls and the stairs as well as a multitude of claw marks over everything.
“Oh my.” Fluttershy whimpered looking in from the doorway with Fireball next to her.
Rarity frowned, looking at the defecation on some of the books as she wandered around her eyes narrowing.
“Fluttershy, darling go and get Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, please have them come to the Library as quickly as they can.” Rarity ordered. “ Fireball take the girls and Spike back home, we might need you to watch them today if you don't mind. Also alert the Guard on your way past if you would.”
“Right.” Fluttershy stated taking off.
“Umm okay...” Fireball agreed trying to pull the fillies back though Spike pushed past her with a growl.
“Wait what's going on here?!” Spike demanded.
Twilight stammered for a response as Rarity lit her horn up looking down the stairs to the carnage below. A shallow hole lay at the bottom of the stairs, bursting up through the wooden floor, it had been filled in but the signs of it were clear. Laying next to the former hole was a shredded and bloodied green long coat.
“Rahs?” Twilight asked her eyes getting wider as Rarity descended the stairs stopping suddenly to yank a piece of fur from the wooden railing of the staircase. She held it up to the light of her horn her frown deepening.
“Rarity what is going on?!” Spike demanded.
“Diamond Dogs.” Rarity growled tossing the brown tuft of fur aside as she turned heading back up the stairs with a grim look on her face.
“What?!” Twilight stammered.
“It seems Rahs has been foal napped by Diamond Dogs.” Rarity said with certainty.
This darkness corrupted all it touched and gave rise to many horrific tales and nightmares that last even now into the present day.
Entire cities were lost, either to the shadow's control, or to the monsters that followed it. The races of Equss suffered greatly from this. Either through loss of land or of life, none were untouched in some way.
Ponies themselves were reduced to numbers not seen since the great exodus from the north. They suffered the worst. They lost two entire tribes to the darkness, one is gone for ever and the other is a minority still viewed with distrust and fear.
Griffons suffered nearly as much as the ponies, losing the great leaders of their race and much of their national pride, leaving them broken in spirit as well as body. A blight that persists even to this day.
The Dragons lost their ancestral homeland. The shadows hunted them, corrupted them, any time they thought they were safe more of them were taken. Beasts such as Dragons who fell under the spell of darkness were impossibly powerful war machines of destruction. The remaining flights gathered together and fled, never stopping in one place for long, an instinct that saved them in the past and brought about the great dragon migrations of the modern times.
Tribes of Zebra on the plains were hunted to near extinction, many were forced to leave their homes and wound up as refugees in Equestria proper. The greatest number of them settling around Bayston, many still called that area their home even today.
The seaponies were affected the least of all, though with the borders closed it was impossible to know for sure. Even now they are thought of as an old Breezy Tale as no one but the occasional mariner has seen them, and even those tales are scoffed at.
The Buffalo were on the front lines of it all, a young cow had gathered the scattered tribes together and set them on the warpath. The tribes surged across or lines laying waste to anything they could in the shadow lands. They passed through Equestrian lands like ghosts before fading back behind our front lines before the forces of the shadow could retaliate.
That said not all of the races of Equss had issue with the darkness. Some such as the Harpy and Orc joined it willingly or in the case of the Diamond Dogs and Thestril followed their leaders into the shadow.
It was not long after my sister had been corrupted that the Diamond Dogs turned on us. Nearly overnight there was a massive over turning of pack leadership as the old alphas were killed and new far more brutal leaders took over.
This was the first time any one had encountered the species known as Witch Wolves. We had still not felt their true terror yet, but that would not be long.
The Witch Wolves instilled a new rule in the packs they took over, 'might makes right' and they brutally killed any who did not agree with them. These new alphas bred anything they wished in the packs producing numerous mixed breed Diamond Dogs that were far more intelligent and vicious than the near comical gem hording canines that they had been before.
In barely two generations the Witch Wolves had produced enough litters with the Diamond Dogs that there was nothing left of the race but a vicious army ready to serve the darkness at the behest of their Alphas, the creatures they were brought up to worship as if they were gods themselves.
When the war of shadow finally came to pass these were the beasts that met and nearly marched through our front lines. The shadow armies ranks swelled with the new vicious Diamond Dogs. These were canines not bred for digging or hunting, but for war.
I am ashamed to say that it was only luck that we did not lose everything. The hero of the Crystal Ponies, The leader of the Buffalo, the last Griffon Warlord, a great Pegasus General of Equestria, a Dragon diplomat, and myself managed to gather together to fight them and in turn stumbled upon the Elements of Harmony Objects that I thought lost after the defeat of chaos centuries before.
It was only through the use of these that we were able to fight back against the shadow, pushing him back to his capitol. Before the final blow could be struck however, the monster and his kingdom vanished into the snowy wastes taking many of our forces and three of the element bearers with it.
Leaderless, the forces of darkness ran off into the wilds, only to gather together again years later at the behest of my corrupted sister, launching a whole new war for Equss in an attempt to bring her dark master back.
The Diamond Dogs that survived these conflicts dug deep to escape repercussion for their part in the war. It took three hundred years before any of them dared to live close to the surface any more but the infighting under the soil became worse as those who followed the old ways continued to fight to prove who was strongest. Many other tribes simply came back to the surface to avoid these fights.
The war and subsequent years below ground had changed them. The further their generations were removed from the Witch Wolves the less intelligent and barbaric they became, but the mentality of the strong rule the weak remained.
A long time has passed and much of the conflict with the Diamond Dogs has been forgotten. A number of packs call Equestria home and while most are willing to follow our laws and rules, there are some that still believe heavily that all you need is to be strong and anything the weaker creatures have is yours.
This was what happened with two conflicting packs around Ponyville many years ago. The Royal Guard stopped the issues before it became an all out war, but far too many died on all sides for this peace to come to pass.
“And it seems one pack has not yet learned from it's mistake.” Celestia finished out loud closing her journal looking over at her sister as Luna read the note Spike had just sent.
Luna closed her eyes as she let the scroll roll up and fall to the table.
“Standard rules of engagement?” Luna asked simply.
“We will see. According to Spike, Rarity has plans to talk with them first to try and play off her deal with them for the return of Rahs.” Celestia offered rising to her hooves. “Once that option has been tried we will see.”
“Fine. Though you know, we hope that it will fail.” Luna frowned.
“Yes. I understand that.” Celestia nodded. “ And if it comes to pass we will do things as we have in the past. Is that agreed?”
“No. But let us see for now.”
Without another word and only a slight flash of their horns they were both suddenly gone from Canterlot.
“ Dresses? Yer deal is ta make them dresses!?” Applejack stammered stumbling as she ran along with the others.
“It's a little more complex than that Darling but that is part of it.” Rarity sighed. “I struck a deal to make most of their clothing when I was foal napped and I’ve been milking that since. At any rate there are two packs, the Bone Hounds and the Wolf Fang. The Bone Hounds have the territory north of Ponyville and are the ones who have taken Rahs.”
“And you know this for a fact?” Twilight demanded flatly, the Unicorn wasn't even trying to hide her desire to rather not nice things to the Diamond Dogs.
“Of course. The scraps of cloth we found at the library have a particularly low thread count. Substandard work with coarse materials.”Rarity explained. “That coupled with the fur and that broken spear we found point to the Bone Hounds. Lady Jynx wished for better material for her pack and was willing to discuss ways to get it.”
“Wait, which ones Jynx?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“The Wolf Fang pack south of town. Out of the two they are the most civil, but only because of their current Alpha, though she has a bit of a uphill battle against years of traditions. Thankfully that was the pack that nabbed me as a foal. The Bone Hounds found out about my deal with their hated enemies and wanted a deal of their own, though they mostly use my gem finding ability more than my sewing skills. There are also random scatterings of smaller splinter packs around in the forest and such, but most of them answer to one of the main packs.”
“Any idea why they would want Rahs?” Rainbow Dash asked flying over the others.
“No, I’m not even sure how they knew about him. They tend to stay away from town and as far as I know are not that interested in Pony events.” Rarity sighed. “ Perhaps that changed after Nightmare Moon came back.”
Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash galloped along the path north towards the rocky fields where the Diamond Dog pack lived.
Fluttershy was asked to stay back with Fireball and the CMC, mostly to keep Spike from coming after them. Something Rarity didn't think Fireball could do by herself.
The white mare had taken over the planning almost as soon as they knew there was an issue. The few Guards available were to remain in the town in case this was a precursor to another attack. Spike had sent a message to Celestia, and Rarity and the others set out to try and get Rahs back.
The hard part had been convincing Twilight not to go in horn blazing, interestingly enough it had been Applejack who had calmed the mare down enough to listen. Rarity had expected the farm pony to be more than willing to destroy the Diamond Dogs, particularly the Bone Hounds given her families past with them.
Her plan was fairly straight forward. Rarity would go in and speak with the pack Alpha, Butch. Applejack and the others would guard Twilight, who would yank Rarity out of the tunnels if something went wrong. Rarity had two spells ready, simple to cast and easily detected by Twilight, who would be scanning the area from above. One was the signal to get her out of there, and the other was the signal that she had found Rahs. The latter would have the group teleport in, grab Rahs, and then teleport out.
Optimally Rarity would go in and come back out with Rahs after finding out it was all some sort of confusion and foalish misunderstanding. Though not even Pinkie Pie believed that after seeing the library.
Most of them just hoped the blood that had covered the stairs wasn't from Rahs.
“You early.” A towering gray furred Diamond Dog grunted, the armored brute looking down at the white unicorn mare before him.
“I have come to bargain.” Rarity said staring up at the brute not trying to hide her disdain for the creature.
“Whatever pony. You know where boss be. “the guard growled. “ Might be lucky, him in good mood today.”
“That in itself is worrying.” Rarity frowned marching past the guard who barely gave her another glance.
The towering Diamond Dog paused looking back at the mare who was just vanishing down the dark tunnel. Briefly he thought he saw three? He shook his head settling in to keep watch.
“She's in.” Pinkie Pie whispered from the bush she was hiding behind, a pair of binoculars pressed to her eyes.
“Alright now we just have to wait until one signal or another.” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“Ah hate waiting like this.” Applejack muttered.
“Right now I am trusting in Rarity to succeed. That is the only thing keeping me calm at this second.” Twilight growled, her mane starting to smolder.
“Really all of us are hoping Miss Rarity can resolve this peacefully.” Another voice added. “ Well okay not all of us are, but most of us.”
The group turned as one looking back to see a tall pink pony standing behind them calmly looking towards the Diamond Dog warrens.
Applejack noticed how ridiculously pretty the unicorn was. Rainbow Dash noticed her massive wings. Pinkie Pie frowned seeing that she wasn't the pinkest pink there was anymore compared to the new comer. Twilight saw one of her oldest friends.
“Cadence!” Twilight gasped. “ What are you doing here?”
“I'm here to take you four back to Ponyville.” Cadence said flatly.
“They have Rahs!” Twilight snapped.
“We know.” Cadence nodded.
“Rarity's in there too trying tah deal with them we need ta be ready to help.” Applejack protested.
“I can assure you that right now Rarity is probably the safest she's ever been. But you four are not.” Cadence frowned. “There's almost a hundred Diamond Dogs in that warren, what did you four think you would do?”
“A lot of damage.” Rainbow Dash grinned.
“Not likely.” Cadence shook her head. “While I don't doubt your skills, none of you are Guard and even the Guard would be hesitant to go into an unknown tunnel system that is the home turf of the enemy.”
The flap of wings drew the mares attention gain as Cadence looked back at the lone thestral that landed near her.
“The town is secure Princess. A unit of the 42nd is in position and the main force of the six sixty sixth is mobilizing.” The bat pony stated.
“I told him not to do that.” Cadence sighed.
“Given the situation Princess did you really think The Guard Captain would sit in Canterlot?” The bat pony offered.
“No , but we told him we would handle it Major Comet Trail. By the time he gets here this will be over.” Cadence sighed. “Please let him know that I was the one who said that and he is to continue his usual duties. Tell him I said it in my Princess tone too.”
“On your order Princess.” The ash furred pony nodded launching into the sky with barely a sound.
“Dang, do all Guards have such nice flanks or was it just that guy?” Dash whistled as the Guard flew away.
“I can still hear you....” The Guard called back as he flew off, making Dash turn red.
“Thestrals have good ears.” Cadence offered.” Now then, time to get you all back to town. Cadence's horn flashed and despite Twilight's protests the five of them were gone in a blink.
Rarity trotted with a single purpose in mind, though her eyes continued to scan over everything that she passed, taking it all in. She had enough presence in the tunnels that most of the Diamond Dogs ignored her, the few that didn't were the usual brutes who tried to frighten her by jumping at her or swinging their weapons close trying to spook her.
She kept herself calm and didn't lash out as she had in the past. The Bone Hounds respected strength above all else and she had been forced before to knock the stupid out of one or two that had issue with her in the past. As such she had at least a little respect from various members of this pack.
She had long ago learned which ones were truly important and which ones were the omegas. It was all about the way they carried themselves. Every dog above an omega was always tense always ready for a fight as there was no telling when some other dog might want to try and elevate their social standing. It was one of the reasons she had been unafraid of Rahs when they first met. He carried himself like an omega most of the time. Raised by ponies he didn't have to worry about fighting for his standing as such she had seen him as a unimportant nuisance that could be driven away by loud noises and a broom upside the head.
She had other things to do now and other worries as she watched the Bone Hounds that filled the tunnels. They were all preparing for something. She could hear weapons being sharpened and armor being hammered echoing through the tunnels. There was a scent in the air as well. A coppery tang to the enclosed tunnels and the bubble and hiss of a cauldron somewhere of some sort of meat cooking.
There was a menacing sort of energy in the air that worried her as well, but she wouldn't find any answers here. Rarity continued on, passing by the source of the smell a large cauldron had been set up in the middle of the warren. There was a line forming for the food as she passed chunks of meat floated in the surface of the reddish broth as the cook poured flasks of what looked like blood into the mix stirring it in before scooping it out to Diamond Dogs who greedily and messily devoured it.
She didn't want to think on what the red mess was or why other dogs were swigging it directly, but there were a number of empty vials and clay jars scattered around that seemed to have been full of it.
The throne room was gaudily decorated in comparison to the rest of the warrens. Gemstones were embedded in nearly every surface, piles of bits and other random treasures lay in messy piles around the room. Expensive silks, monster skulls, and even a few armor pieces from the Royal Guard lay in these piles along with countless more gems and a large apple wood draft yoke that made Rarity shudder every time she saw it. In the middle of the rooms back wall was a massive throne that may have started as a hydra skull before it became little more than gem laden scrimshaw art work piled high with pelts. Seated in the throne was the largest Diamond Dog that Rarity had ever seen, even with her dealings with both packs she had never seen anything quite like Butch.
The feral looking beast stood several heads taller than a minotaur and would have towered over the Princesses, he was twice as massive as Fluttershy's bear Harry with claws to match. The black furred brute wore what Rarity considered the finest vest she had crafted for the Bone Hounds, though it had been mended many times and was covered in spots of blood. The Diamond Dog alpha was covered with scars and bits of jewelry, festooned with gems and various body parts of those who had challenged him over the years. Of all the Alpha's that the Royal Guard had tried to put down years ago, he was the only one not to stay down. He was a monster that would have been more fitting to rule in a bygone warrior age rather than the peaceful present.
“I know why you are here little pony. And the answer is no.” Butch stated flatly.
He was also far smarter than any of the other Bone Hounds. Rarity was always worried she might slip up and that would be the end of her. The two large betas on either side of him were both female and both towered over all the other dogs in the warren, but even seated he dwarfed them. Really it was unlikely he needed body guards for anything other than show.
“You do not even know what I have come here to ask Lord Butch.” Rarity stated.
“Ahh but I do. You want the return of the Witch Wolf.”” Butch waved a clawed hand in the air lazily. “ And I say no.”
“But...”
“Silence pony. You are here because I allow it. Your generosity in your trading with us is the sole reason I do not feed you to the pack for daring to speak with me at all.” Butch barked. “The Witch Wolf is an omega, the bottom of the pile and yet even with as pathetic as it is it cost me ten of my betas to bring him here and twice that of omegas.”
“Killed? No. Maimed and broke beyond useless to me yes. I had them put down. I have no use for weaklings.“ Butch growled with a small smirk showing that even he was slightly impressed by the fight. “That the weakest of our ancestors can beat the best we have to offer now shows me my path is the correct one.”
“I'm sorry Lord Butch.. but what path?” Rarity questioned hoping to keep him talking so she might find out what he planed. A simple spell would get her out of here and she could alert the town, the Dogs had to be preparing for war.
“You do not know the history of our pack little pony. We were strong, but we were betrayed, cast out of our pack by the alpha of it. We wished to return to the old ways of our ancestors when all bowed to the Diamond Dogs, they did not. A return to a time when Ponies and Griffons and all the other races of this land were our prey, our food to hunt as we saw fit. But preying on the weak made us weak. One is what one eats and that is far truer that most realize. We ate the weak and we became weak. The Bone Hounds saw the folly of this and only fought and ate the strong. “ Butch growled rising from his throne nearly reaching the ceiling with his massive form. “ That Witch Wolf is weak compared to our ancestors, but strong to us. His blood fills the bellies of the lesser pack now, we will tear scraps of meat from him to add to our bellies. The beast heals from it all, his wounds close as if they are nothing so long as we force magic down his gullet. When his power is at its peak, when he seeks to break the chains that hold him and rip us all apart. That is when I shall tear his heart from his chest and devour it myself. I will become a god from that meal. I will destroy the betrayers and then claim my rightful place as Alpha of everything!”
Rarity's eyes were wide at the declaration and she had taken more than a few steps back as the massive alpha loomed.
In the short silence that followed the statement Rarity thought she was going mad, as she swore she heard the clapping of hooves.
“Truly an impressive speech thou has prepared, though that is not how it works, that is not how any of that would work.”
“Who Dares?!”
“No, no, 'whom dares'.”
“Sister this is not thine student and we do not think 'whom' is proper for that question any way.”
“Apologies I am trying to make light of this.”
“ We would prefer thy do not sister, as this one and the others who have fed have made their choice.”
“I do not like this.”
“It matters little what thou likes in this instance. A thousand years of peace have made thou ill prepared for things such as this. While thou has let thine blade rust while thy wields the Lilly, we have yet to cease sharpening ours. We have already agreed to several terms thy have put forth that we would not normally in a instance like this. Take thine leave and let us do what thou cannot.”
The three Diamond Dogs and the unicorn in the room continued to look around confused before a pair of tall figures shimmer into existence as they let the 'notice me not' spell fade away. Rarity immediately ducked her head in a bow to the Princesses, though her eyes remained on the Bone Hounds on the other side of the room.
Rarity barely saw the two females move as they leapt at the alicorns. Their rear paws had not even managing to kick up any dust before there was a pair of horrendous cracks that echoed in the room, and both of the dogs fell limp to the ground at the alicorn's hooves, tendrils of shadow snaking over their bodies.
“Twas a valiant try Lady Rarity, but there are some who shalt not listen to reason.” Luna stated staring coldly at the Alpha.
Rarity glanced over at Princess Luna her eyes widening as she saw the writhing mass of darkness on the wall behind her, and the green glowing eyes, slit like a serpents that met Butch's glare unflinching.
Rarity let out a yelp as she felt a hoof on her back, her eyes darting up to Celestia's sad visage.
The white alicorn's horn glowed as she looked back at her sister and the Diamond Dog.
“It seems peace was never an option here.” Celestia sighed before she, Rarity and a few others vanished in a flash of teleportation.
“Our sister hast been too lenient with thou.” Luna began. “ She has forgotten that words are not always effective weapons. Her steel is still there, but it takes her far to long for her to think of drawing it.”
Butch lept at the alicorn ready to rend her apart, though his attack was stopped by a lash of a wing. The blow from the feathered appendage sent him flying back to slam into and through his throne. As he surged back to his paws he heard the sound of screams and howls from the outer tunnels. The room he was in had turned pitch black save a few small spots of rapidly dwindling light over his treasures and the green of the mares eyes.
“It is better this way in truth. This is not a time that needs a bared sword. It is something that we have been at odds with since our return. We have not had the time to adjust to peace that our sister has, and that is perhaps for the best when things such as thy appear. We have studied the conflicts that have come about since our departure and we are displeased with how most were settled.”
The screams outside continued along with the sickening crack of bone and the scent of blood and charred flesh. Butch swore he saw figures in the shadows darting around the room and flooding down the hall, green slits of light for eyes. There was a loud rumbling as a cavern collapsed, then another, the ground shaking as all the exits were sealed with thousands of tons of rock and dirt pulled from the depths.
“Thou first mistake was attempting to war with our little ponies. “ Luna continued the dented Guard helm lifted into the air by a hoof.” Though thy were defeated, that conflict cost far too many their lives.”
The screams were getting few and further apart now, the air smelled thick with coppery blood.
“Then we found out that thine pack killed civilians. Included among them were a pair of farmers. Farmers with three foals to look after. One of them whom would grow up to be among the ones to save us from our darkness. One of the few in this age we consider a friend. One of the few we have had called that period. And she suffered due to thy packs actions We do not know if thou personally took part of those raids or even if thou ordered them. Thine pack did and beyond that, we care not.” Luna continued.
The screaming had stopped though the tunnels still shook as the ground caved in the warren becoming packed with rock and dirt.
“Thine final mistake was foal napping one we have sworn to look after. Thy have caused him to suffer. Stripping the skin and blood from him as he fought. Given his nature, that is not even something we can pull from his memories without effort.” Luna sighed. “Thou have caused much worry and panic among those who care for him and thou were close to causing a innocent soul to bring thy downfall. The Sparkle siblings have no blood on their hooves or claws we would like to keep it this way.”
“You speak of keeping someone else from bathing in blood, but you have just murdered my pack!” Butch growled looking on as the only tunnel out of his throne room filled in, the shadows swirling around the only other figure in the room.
“Indeed. We do not worry about having blood on our hooves. A few more gallons give or take mean nothing to the rivers of it that swirl around us. We were known as the Nightmare long before we were lost to the darkness. “
The few lights in the room suddenly went out and for a second there was silence.
That short moment of nothing was filled suddenly with the screams of the alpha , the crunching of bone ,and ripping of meat, before again there was silence.
“Not that what we were called matters anything to thee now.”
A bright flash and a loud pop sent a number of armored guards scurrying around to confront the newcomer and her entourage, though a hand lifted from the one seated on a oak throne at the head of the room sent them all back to their positions. The guards obeyed though they warily and curiously looked over the ones who had appeared.
The cavern was well lit and rather large with a number of stone pillars holding up the high ceiling. The walls were covered with various tapestries devoid of heraldry but featuring a few natural scenes and most of them hid doorways that guards and servants could move freely though
The figure in the throne rose taking a few steps towards the newcomers, her ice blue eyes regarding them curiously.
“Well well, Princess Celestia and Miss Rarity. To what does my warren owe the pleasure of your presence today?”
The speaking figure stood as tall as princess Celestia. The Diamond Dog was well muscled, though she was more wiry than bulky. A white mane of hair was pulled back over her shoulders in three braids that fell to her mid back, a striking contrast to the midnight black of her fur.
A gold and red dress covered her form though it was easy to see she had much the same build as Rarity had when she was a Diamond Dog, though the odd mounds on her chest were larger matching her larger build. Her face was more wolf like than the others in the room though the ice blue of her eyes spoke of a sharp intelligence as well as her looks. The only blemish on the female was her tail ended not in a club, but in a scar where she had lost the end in a fight.
“Ahh Lady Jynx we are sorry about the sudden arrival but there have been … issues we needed to attend to. Ow... stop that......” Celestia stated, wincing and glaring down at one of the others she had teleported.” I do hope we have not come at a bad time.”
“That remains to be seen Princess.” Jynx stated tilting her head. “ Particularly since Miss Rarity looks absolutely terrified, and you have a cluster of pups trying to eat your legs.”
The collection was of about eight Diamond Dog pups, and two slightly larger ones who all sat under the tall form of Princess Celestia, though two of the smaller ones had evidently decided that the Princesses long thin legs were chew toys and had acted accordingly.
Jynx looked between the two ponies curiously her ears perking as the young alpha considered.
“Princess Celestia why have you brought a litter of pups here? Bone Hound pups by the scent of them.” Jynx asked moving back to her seat and gesturing to an older female with a silvery gray coat and no mane who nodded and slipped back towards a hidden tunnel. “ Would you like some tea?”
“No thank you we shall not be staying. “ Princess Celestia winced, pulling her leg away from the pup who tumbled back over his tail.”You are mistaken however. These are not Bone Hound pups. After all there are no Bone Hounds.”
Jynx froze, her ears flattening to her head as she turned back to look at the pair of ponies with her full attention and with more than a bit of worry. Her aide glanced between the ponies and her Alpha, picking up on the worry but not catching the reason.
“I see. Miss Rarity when you are able if you would come visit to discuss the situation. I would like to know exactly what sort of reception my pack shall be getting this season.” Jynx frowned.
“You needn't worry about the reception. This was a singular situation that needed to be addressed because of some overstepping of bounds that had been agreed to. There is nothing that should cause you any undue worry.”Celestia offered. “In regards to the pups I can find other homes for them if your pack is unwilling. Canterlot does have some orphanages that would be willing to take them.”
“No, the pups were not part of the situation that i was referring. The Wolf Fang will accept them, they will be cared for here..... but was this all?” Jynx asked looking at the small amount of pups, the eldest among them seeming to be five at best.
“I suppose we are lucky that everyone has been too busy readying for winter to make any attempts at any more litters this late in the season.” Celestia commented dancing around the subject. “ I doubt my sister would have allowed more than this to come here. And the ones beyond this were too ingrained in the packs... distasteful practice to come.”
Jynx paled while her Guards looked confused.
“I take this has to do with the Witch Wolf then?” Jynx asked with a bit of hesitation.
“It does. Though I would suggest you do not call him by that name. Moon Dog, or Rahs Sparkle would be more appropriate.” Celestia pondered. “I would also recommend avoiding the north side of Ponyville. Despite it's gem horde I believe that place shall be off limits to everyone for a while. It may also be proper form to conduct all business with the town through Miss Rarity for some time. At least until cooler heads can return.”
Rarity blinked as if finally catching on to what was going on.” Wait what?”
“That can be done. Was there anything else Princess?”
“No I believe that shall be it for now Lady Jynx. We shall be taking our leave. Feel free to send a message through Miss Rarity if you have any other questions.” Celestia stated as her horn flashed and she and Rarity were gone, leaving behind ten pups. Two of whom started whining their their chew toy was gone.
Jynx sighed walking over to the pups picking one calico patterned one up by the scruff of his neck, sniffing him a bit with a frown as the small male Diamond Dog pup stared back at her it's stub of a tail wagging.
“That was rather rude Lady Jynx.” Her aide offered, looking at the pups as well. The older Diamond Dog female frowned as the pups stared around curiously.
“It is a slight that I will easily forgive given the situation she has been placed in. “ Jynx tilted her head watching as the pup she held did the same.
“Her situation?”
“Her sister reacted poorly to the Wi..... Moon Dogs capture.” Jynx sighed.” Very poorly.”
“But to drop a mixed litter of Bone Hounds on us will surely bring more conflict....”
“Didn't you hear Terri. There are no more Bone Hounds. Likely she obliterated the entire pack if the tales of the Nightmare are even remotely true. Now this is simply a litter of lost pups that the Princess of Ponies has graced us with.“ Jynx sighed. “The only things bad to come out of this event for us is our needing to keep to ourselves for a while, and my own plans have been stalled and need to be rethought. I honestly thought the bugs would do something before Butch would.”
“I suppose you will need to find some other dog then?” Terri questioned. “ My sisters son is quite strong.....”
“No... also Red Fang is an idiot and you know my feelings on the stupid ones. All this it just means I am going to have to do things as the ponys do in order to stand any chance. Miss Rarity will be invaluable to that. She seems the type who would be more than willing to help if she sees my intentions as harmless.“ Jynx smiled. “Have the miners look for more of those diamonds she favors. I am not above bribery.”
“I see. And what shall we do with the pups then?” Terri asked.
“Find homes for them, I know there are several without litters who would wish to care for them. The conflict is finally over but the scars remain.” Jynx asked. Noting how her aide looked at the pups. “ In fact wasn't your mate one of those killed when my father made his foolish attack?”
“Indeed he was.” Terri frowned her ears drooping.
“Well then.” Jynx smirked, pushing the calico pup into the smaller dogs arms. “ Happy Mothers Day to you.”
The sun shone down from the sky, piercing through clouds of dust that filled the air. A single beam of sunlight shown on a black obelisk that sat in the center of a rocky field, an inscription on one side of it.
Here lies the grave of the unknowns. Everything about their time in this world forgotten, save the warning they leave behind to others who might test Equestria.
The magic pulse sealed the black stone with a layer of protection as it was placed, time and weather would do nothing against the black stone.
Luna regarded the monument coolly. She did not even think these beasts needed a marker for their graves, but something inside of her thought one would.
“First you murder them all then you put a marker on them. You are quite the piece of work mare.”
Luna frowned not even bothering to look at the speaker. The tone of voice told her who it was even though she did not feel his presence.
“Are thou here to cause us more issue Forthe?” Luna sighed. “ It has been a trying day already without another conflict.”
“Please as if I could do anything to you. And you've already practically destroyed me. Finishing me off would be a boon at this point.”
“That was not our intention.” Luna turned her head, her gaze falling on a misty shape that clung to the shadows cast by the sunlight.
The form that vaguely resembled a Diamond Dog, though not one like any had seen in thousands of years. The figure was little more than an outline, a ghost in the fog.
“And yet that was still the end result. There were reasons the gods stopped playing with our followers. Celestia learned this when Velkorn showed up and the Zebra became their own. You've been spared of watching your children no longer need you, but only because you stole mine!” Forthe snarled.
“And yet thou still exists here.”
“In a half mockery of life. You took the Bunyip which were mine and made them your own. You let them breed with my children and with every generation you made them less and less my children.” Forthe growled. “Then you fell and killed the rest. Your beasts bred my children out of existence. Only part of me lives on in them.”
“For as long as thou have been around thou cannot think of another complaint to throw at us.” Luna scoffed. “ Thou act as if everything we did was to spite thine hide. We are however surprised that thou did not show up months ago when we returned to continue to haunt us.”
“i have been busy.” The specter snarled, the mist floating around her, ghostly hands reaching out as if trying to strangle the mare though the mist simply billowed over her neck.
“We moved the Moon Dogs from this world entirely Forthe. If anything thou should be gaining in strength as the Diamond Dogs breed true once again.”Luna sighed.” We expect that would take time, but it is not as if we do not have plenty of that.”
“Oh it has. Bit by bit year by year, but I’m still a ghost. I can only watch. And what I have seen is another one of your mutants appear again.” Forthe growled. “I might not be able to touch the world but I can make myself heard. And Butch was willing to listen.”
The area around Luna darkened to pure blackness as her green eyes locked on the glowing mist a snarl escaping the alicorn of the night.
“THOU lead them to this!?”
“You can stop with the theatrics mare, we both know you can't touch me. I'm as close to dead as a god can get without that final step. You've already killed me once and the only way to get rid of me completely is to kill all the diamond Dogs left on Equss and all the Moon Dogs in the dreams. So long as even one of my corrupted children exist I’m not going any where.” Forthe growled. “ But the one that's here. The one back in this world. That one needs to be destroyed. The mare who pulled him here as well.“
“Thou shalt not touch them.” The chill in Luna's was enough to form ice crystals in the air around her, snow drifting down to the cursed earth.
“Your actions in the past already have made it that I cannot simply tear out their hearts and be done with it. But that doesn't mean I cannot find a way to send them to Tartarus. His existence is going to attract more of my mutated children and if a litter comes of that attention then any progress I have made in returning them to as they should be will be lost for untold amounts of time. And if that mare summons another one the effect will be even worse.” Forthe snarled them smiled, the cloud showing a toothy grin that would have put a Cheshire to shame. “But even if they were not a risk of that, I’d seek their death just because it would hurt you Luna. I long for the day when your mutants find a new god and they leave you as nothing. And if I ever regain my power. I'll destroy your moon and slaughter all your little ponies and watch you fade away to nothing to suffer like I have.”
“Thou have made that same threat for as long as we have known you for the, and yet we are still here.” Luna snapped.
“That's the thing Luna. It's not like I have anything better to do with my time but figure out ways to do so.”
The dark alicorn watched as the mist dissipated taking with it the ghostly presence.
Luna waited for a time before turning back to the monument with a sigh.
Her horn glowed a moment and objects began to randomly pop into the air around her. Countless gems, worn and battered Guard armor, and an apple wood yoke.
These would be returned to where they belonged. The Gems would be given to Rarity and the town itself after the library's repairs were taken care of. A horde like this would attract dragons if they remained in the dirt. And she saw no reason to leave anything of value with the fallen of this place.
“Tia will not like that Forthe is back, or his new threats.” Luna sighed taking to the air with the collection of objects floating along with her in the sky.
That was the only emotion she was getting from any of her kind that were still in the town. The taste was bitter and acidic, almost painful to feed on, but the feeling was strong and even a bitter meal was better than none.
Only just.
Most had fled to a fall back point in the Everfree, an old hive near the Castle of Whinnyshire, a hive long ago abandoned when the castle was.
“Mother answer.” the female repeated in hushed whispers as she shook the mirror with her hooves.
The crystal mirror finally flickered to light showing a dark silhouette on the other side.
“ This had better be important child.”
“Mother she killed them.”
“What?”
“The Diamond Dogs, one of the packs outside of town they are all dead!”
“Good one less hassle for us in the town.”
“No mother you do not understand. The Nightmare killed them all at once as if she was swatting a group of flies. “Saturnia snapped. “She filled the warren, took all of their gems and left their bodies to rot as if it was nothing to her. The scout I had watching the pack is having a break down and I cannot see how I blame him. She does not have the same code of conduct as Celestia has. THIS is what you wish us to face?”
“Why?” was the only response after a few moments.
“Why?”
“Why did she kill them? What was her reasoning. I do not see that Celestia would let her loose like that unless there was a reason.”
Saturnia blinked and tried to calm down a bit more“ The Sparkles... the dogs, they took him, stole him away to their warren and she went after them. All three of the prime targets went after him, but the Nightmare stayed and destroyed them.”
“The pink one is there?”
“Yes, but you are not listening how can we fight that......”
“Saturnia silence.”
The panicked female stopped swallowing hard. Her mothers tone had not been angry, but it was a tone that demanded obedience.
“My plan has not changed. We will do as planned and take them out one at a time. Separate them. At full power I am a match for them one on one. Stay calm. Continue your observations and do not antagonize that family. Their connections clearly make them far more dangerous that I thought and provoking them early could ruin everything. We wait for our chance and then we take it.” the figure in the mirror said simply. “Do not fret it is unbecoming of a future hive mother.”
“Yes.... I am sorry mother.”
“It is fine child. This is the sort of information I have tasked you to gather. Information on the new goddess is always good, though it pains me to see she does not have the same hang ups as her sister. The plan may need adjusting, but it shall not be stopped. Continue your observation, though use more caution now. The ponies will likely be on high alert for some time. Once I have taken over there should be nothing stopping you from claiming the secondary targets. Though perhaps it would be good to make sure they do not show up in Canterlot when the time is right.”
“Yes mother.”
The mirror went out and Saturnia sighed. Her chance to become queen of her own hive was looking slimmer and slimmer as time progressed. But if her mother succeeded then the chance she would increased greatly. If a pack wanted him there was likely more to the one she had chosen to give her her first clutch than she had thought. She gripped her long pink mane in her hooves twisting it lightly, a bad habit, but one she fell into when stressed.
For now she needed to work harder on ensuring no one would find out about the plan before it was too late.
A black stone monument stood in the middle of a rocky field. Various scrub bushes dotted the area but anything of any real height or durability was cleared away by the former inhabitants leaving a rocky wasteland.
<”Blood.”>
The words were spoken softly, nearly unheard as if they were little more than faint breeze rustled in the leaves of a tree. And even if anything was around to hear the words, only a hoof full of those alive would even understand the words.
<”Blood.”>
There was a crack that resounded through the air though no clear source could be seen.
<”Blood.”>
The voice was louder now and it sounded like many voices rather than just a single one. Another loud crack sounded though it seemed closer to the monument now though still from an unidentifiable source.
<”Blood.”>
Another crack as a rock near the monument split, small shards of stone erupting from it falling to the dirt, burrowing into it.
There was silence for a few moments as little puffs of dirt were flung up from the holes as the rock shards sank into the dirt.
There was a sudden cry as the muted voices that had been speaking suddenly roared out in a great chorus that sent the few birds that lived in the scrub land to wing.
<”DEATH!”>
The wind over the scrub land picked up immensely, dozens of small whirl winds forming and played over the ground, kicking up dust around the monument. One of them whirled close to the black obelisk, dissipating with a flash as it touched the black stone.
The other whirlwinds pulled away from the stone watching as the one that had dissipated, slowly began to spin back up pulling away from the stone.
<”It is her.”>
A single voice stated.
<”She lives!”>
The multitude chimed in.
The whirlwinds suddenly sped away from the monument heading to the edges of the scrub lands leaving only the one that had faded to do so again leaving the area free of even a small breeze.
Rocks splintered suddenly around the monolith with echoing cracks. The shards falling to the sands and burrowed into the soil around the obelisk at various points, Points which mirrored the locations of the great hall and other highly populated areas of the former warren.
A short time later the whirl winds returned, small objects spinning fast in the tight vortexes. The objects were carried over the small holes made by the burrowing rocks and dropped into them, the zephyrs covering them up with loose soil once the hole had been filled.
<”Now?”>
A single hesitant voice asked
<”Wait. Grow. Strike.”>
Another answered as if it was taking charge. Seemingly the one that had first touched the obelisk.
<” BLOOD!”>
The other voices chorused before everything went silent once more, the dust devils fading into nothing.
One of the objects that had been dropped down the hole clattered to the ground as the dust devils faded a spot not found for it.
The simple oak seed rested on the dirt, unplanted.
“And I told you, that if you thought I wouldn't be here when my brother was in danger, you're not the mare I thought I knew.”
Cadence frowned looking at Shining Armor, the white unicorn stared back at the pink Princess impassively.
“Don't mind me … I’ll just lay down over here and die because of flying captain lard ass over there the six leagues across a dangerous forest because he had to be here and he wouldn't even take his armor off.” Comet Trail called, laying on the ground in a heap not far from the pair, panting hard his bat wings twitching.
“It was an order....” Shining Armor rolled his eyes as Cadence smirked a little.
“I'm not part of your unit.” the Thestral called back. “It was a favor and now you owe me one, so right now shut up and let me die in peace. Go see your brother or something.”
“Right, thanks. Any way Princess... I may have told my Guards return to Canterlot, but I am still here now. And unless you want to order me away so I can ignore that too....” Shining began.
“SHINING!!”
“By the stars more yelling.” Comet Trail whimpered as a purple blur slammed into Shining Armor, bouncing off the armored white unicorn with a crash.
“Ow.” Twilight muttered from the ground.
“Are you alright Twilight?” Cadence and Shining armor asked at the same time looking down at her before before looking back at each other with small smirks.
At the crash, Spike, the Crusaders,Fireball, and the rest of the mane six, minus Rarity, all came out of the Town Hall where Cadence had been coordinating the 42nd Guard around Ponyville.
“I'm fine... I think...... but Cadence here is keeping me from going after Rahs......” Twilight pointed at the pink mare accusingly as she got up. “ And Rarity is down there too!”
Shining Armor raised an eyebrow looking at Cadence who simply sighed.
“Spike please inform your brother what I told everyone, and that your sister is ignoring.” Cadence grumbled.
“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are dealing with it.” Spike shrugged. “ Honestly I’m a bit worried myself. It's been an hour since every one came back with Cadence.”
“Except my sister!” Sweetiebelle shouted flailing at Cadence with her fore hooves as Applebloom and Scootaloo held her back. “ Where is she you …. you.... smarmy toad!?”
“Smarmy toad?” Shining Armor questioned looking at Cadence.
“Rarity taught her it's uncouth to swear. “ Applebloom explained.
“So she mixes up words she's read and tries to make them insults.” Scootaloo offered. “It's pretty fun most times.”
“'Ignorant Kumquat' is still my favorite this week.” Spike chimed in.
“I liked 'Chronic Drumstick' myself.” Pinkie Pie added.
“'Parasitic oak plank', was a humdinger.” Applejack added.
“Oh so it was an insult when she called Angel Bunny a 'Cumbersome gumdrop'?” Fluttershy considered.
“'Cantankerous nimbus' was a good one.” Fireball added.
“Ooh I like that one better than 'Snowflake Harlot'.” Dash smirked.
“She didn't listen either...” Cadence grumbled tuning out the others. ”Much like you and Twilight. It seems no one in your family listens to what other ponies say.”
“Oh I listened, I just came here any way.” Shining rebuked.” Now before Twily decides it would be more efficient to try and teleport to every hospital within range of Canterlot, where are Princess Celestia or Princess Luna?”
“Oh right I can do that!” Twilight beamed.
“NO!” everyone shouted, with the exception of Comet Trail who just weakly muttered it between gasps for air.
“Oh my, what is every one shouting about?”
“Rarity!” Sweetiebelle shouted shrugging off Scootaloo and Applebloom and bouncing over to grapple her sister's neck in a death hug.
“Rarity where's Rahs and Princess Celestia?” Twilight demanded getting in the other mares blue face.
“AKK!” Rarity responded.
Celestia frowned as the doctor gave the report to her. If Luna had not been livid before she would be now.
Rahs however sat on the bed calmly listening his frown deepening as everything was explained. He wanted something to eat, a bath and a nap, in that order.
Celestia turned from the Doctor to look over the Moon Dog. At first glance he seemed fine. As the doctor continued however she saw some of the issues he was speaking of.
Rahs' amber eyes were a bit dull and the small bits of skin that weren't covered by fur, his nose, lips and around his ears, were all very pale. The doctor listed that as a result of the blood he lost. The magic she had been giving him had helped, but his body was worn out from his hours of being drained and the forced regeneration he had been subjected to.
Celestia hadn't even been aware that he could recover as fast as he had. As a pup his few injuries had healed quickly, but this was something that probably should have killed him.
He was also rail thin, his body having converted what fat he had on him it energy to heal. So far he had eaten everything put in front of him and likely would have kept going until he overstuffed himself and become sick. He was known to do that and the doctors were aware of that.
It was his right arm that had Celestia more worried than anything else. Right now it was heavily bandaged , but she and Rarity had seen it when they first dropped him off at the hospital before popping over to Jynx and her pack.
To say it was mangled was an understatement. There was very little fur from his wrist to his bicep and it was covered in bite marks and places where strips of flesh had been torn off. Thankfully Butch had enough control over his pack to keep them from getting more than samples and nearly draining him dry. The current worm food had wanted him to last as long as possible to continually supplement their food supply until Butch could eat his heart before it gave out.
Rahs was anemic, on the verge of collapsing, and had an arm to regrow, but according to the doctor he was to make a full recovery.
While hearing that was a relief, Celestia was still concerned.
Rahs had yet to say a word, nor try and Cant anything with his ears to any pony.
Thus Celestia was quite worried about what his mental state was like after his ordeal. What he had been through was torture pure and simple. It was that thought that eased her mind in letting Luna do as she wished to the Bone Hounds. Still she wanted to know how he was coping, he had only been imprisoned for perhaps two or three hours at best depending on how long it took them to drag him through the tunnels.
Her questions would need to wait however as a trio of figures suddenly appeared in the room with a flash of light.
Spike yelped as he fell off Twilight's back. Shining Armor crashed into the doctor and they fell down in a heap trying to untangle from each other.
Twilight managed a glare at Celestia before she was nearly on top of Rahs looking him over with an appraising eye.
Rahs raised an eyebrow at his sister's inspection before sighing and rolling his eyes as she checked him out.
“What happened?” Twilight demanded though if it was from Celestia, the doctor, or Rahs no one was sure.
“Woof.” Rahs shrugged.
“What do you mean they played dirty?” Twilight demanded. “That doesn't explain anything?!”
Rahs shrugged again.
Twilight turned on Celestia as if to demand an answer to what had happened. Celestia was about to explain, only to take note of the faded amber glare that met her gaze over the top of Twilight's head.
"Don't."
Celestia frowned glancing at Shining who was to busy trying to get up to have heard him, Twilight was too busy glaring at her to hear evidently. She sighed as she lightly nodded.
“I only pulled him out of there Twilight. I don't know what happened after he was captured.” Celestia lied.”I was a little concerned with the pups chewing on my legs.”
Celestia lifted a leg showing the teeth marks in her gold hoof covers.
“Pups? What?” Spike asked.
“There were … some hostile negotiation that Luna took part in. Negotiations that required the safe relocation of the Diamond Dog pups in the warren.” Celestia continued picking her words carefully.
Celestia took note that Spike seemed to be trying to translate that. She also took note that Twilight and Shining Armor flinched, understanding the double talk. Rahs just sat there which was even more worrying.
“Sooo she beat them up... good. Maybe they'll think twice next time.” Spike huffed.
Shining and Twilight glanced at each other , but Celestia was certain she saw Rahs crack a smile at Spikes innocence in the situation.
“So what's wrong with him?” Shining asked the doctor looking at how thin and pale his brother was.
“Well as I was explaining to the Princess....” the doctor started to say before there was a massive flash of light and the whole room was suddenly filled with ponies.
“ See this is what happens when you rush me!” Cadence shouted from some where near the bottom of the pile.
“That was a teleport? That was COOL!” Scootaloo shouted.
“DO it again!” Pinkie Pie cheered.
“Git yer hoof out of my face.” Applejack fussed at Rarity.
“Darling that is not my hoof. Sweetiebelle is currently clinging to my hoof.” Rarity snapped back.
“I can't see anything.” Sweetiebelle fussed from under Rarity.
“Well who evers hoof that is is gonna get a slap if they don't move it.” Fireball grumbled.
“Umm I think it's my hoof sorry.” Fluttershy muttered.
“Are we there yet?” Applebloom asked.
“For the love of everything all of you get off of me! Why was I even brought along!?!” Comet Trail whined.
Somewhere in that massive pile of ponies Princess Celestia , the doctor, Twilight, Shining Armor and Spike lay buried. Only Rahs sitting on the bed had missed out and he was clearly amused by that.
They hated her. They had too. She failed and they hated her for it. She hadn't seen it coming and they knew it. They had to hate her.
They were avoiding her, no one had come by at all in two weeks.
She had to know.
She had to know for sure.
[Ponyville]
“So Princess Celestia appointed me ambassador to the Wolf Fangs. Granted Lady Jynx is currently considering changing the pack name to the Jade Hounds to try and seem less threatening. On top of everything else I have going on it nets me a rather nice bit of extra funding from Canterlot for doing what I was doing any way.” Rarity explained.
“Huh, so she finally figured out how to pay you then.” Twilight nodded.
“What?” Rainbow Dash asked looking over at Twilight. The three of them had gone out to lunch, Rahs had been invited as well but he turned it down. It had been a busy day so far and the small break was nice.
“ Fluttershy has the Crown Wildlife Rehabilitation title, Sweet Apple Acres is a Heritage Site, the sizable hazard bonuses the weather team had added to their pay, my library funding on top of my student grants and assistant stipends.” Twilight listed. “Now Rarity is an ambassador to a pack of Diamond Dogs she's already been dealing with. It's Princess Celestia's way to put us on the payroll for being Element Bearers without letting the nobles know.”
“Hmm, that does make sense, and it would explain that first bonus had some sort of back pay bonus.” Rarity pondered.
“Wait, so what did Pinkie Pie get?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Premier Pink Party Planner of Ponyville.” Twilight sighed.
“What?” Rarity questioned.
“Wow, how did the Princess get that one past the hoity toitys?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“She's paying it out of her cake fund.” Twilight sighed.
“ She has a cake fund?” Dash blinked.
“Ooh scandalous.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “But enough about that. It's not what we all want to discuss right now. There are things to finish planing.”
“Right. But first I wanna know something else. How is he. No ones seen him in much in two weeks..” Dash questioned.
“Applejack has....” Twilight sighed.
“That's because Applejack invited you three to stay at her home while Golden Oaks was being repaired. I would be astounded if he had managed to avoid her in her own orchards.” Rarity explained.
“He's sleeping a lot. And eating a lot, but he's still not talking much.” Twilight sighed. “ I know he's healing, but it's weird he isn't even making quips like he used to.”
“Given what was done to him, that is of little surprise, he is going to be somewhat off for a bit I expect.” Rarity sighed.
“ Yes, well, given no pony will tell me what happened.” Twilight glared at Rarity who simply shook her head.
“Darling, all three Princesses told me not to say anything and let him work it out. While I would love to tell you as I think you knowing might help, I was forced to Pinkie Promise I would not.” Rarity sighed.
“Yep, we're not getting anything out of her. You don't break those.” Rainbow Dash nodded.
“I don't even know what a Pinkie Promise is aside from something Pinkie was blabbing about back when Fluttershy became a model. I was a bit too busy trying to get you two to talk to each other to pay much attention.” Twilight shrugged.
“Yeah well, let me put it to you this way. If any one in town gives you one of those, whatever they promised, they will do.” Rainbow Dash shuddered. “ Or else.”
“What even is that mare?” Twilight questioned.
“Hard to say. Though has anyone seen her lately?” Rarity asked curiously.
“Flutters and I saw her this morning. We were getting some of the decorations prepared and she popped up out of nowhere.” Dash sighed. “ She didn't really seem right and kept asking a bunch of questions that didn't make much sense. We told her we had to house sit for Harry and she seemed to have bought it.”
“Harry?” Twilight asked.
“Fluttershy's bear.” Rarity explained.
“And that WORKED?” Twilight demanded.
“Well enough that she left so we could get everything out to the farm.” Dash shrugged.
“I also think she was stalking me earlier when I went into Sugar Cube Corner.” Twilight pondered.
Rarity and Dash stared at Twilight.
“Please tell me you didn't get the cake for her from the place she works.....” Rarity sighed.
“Well it's not like I have a lot of choices around here.” Twilight sighed. “ Mrs. Cake already agreed to make it and it's not like I could have gotten to Canterlot and back before this afternoon.”
“Did the cake get there?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Of course it did, Fluttershy was perfect. “ Rarity nodded.
“That reminds me. Wasn't Gummy's birthday the day before hers?” Rainbow Dash stated. “I could have sworn she threw a party for him last year for the entire town right before her birthday.”
“Hmm, I believe you are correct. Though she hasn't this year. Also with the new Guards in the area I would think she would have thrown at least one of her welcome parties.” Rarity frowned.
“You don't think somethings wrong do you?” Twilight muttered. “ We are being a little secretive around her for the past few days, do you think she thinks we're avoiding her?”
“Oh dear.” Rarity muttered.
“Well that answers that question. Spike gets out of school soon. I'll send him to check on her.” Twilight considered. “ We still have things to do.”
“Is that wise? No offense to Spike there, but we don't want Pinkie Pie to know what's going on.” Rainbow Dash frowned her ears flattening to her head.
“It's fine, I'll tell him it's a secret mission. Though if we just asked he'd probably go just to see what was wrong with Pinkie Pie any way.” Twilight shrugged.
[later]
“Wow.. what a spread.” Spike stated drooling over the massive pile of gems Pinkie had put before him. While impressed with the grub, he also took note of how off Pinkie Pie seemed today Certain odd mannerism set off alarm bells. Twilight was right to send him. “ What's the occasion?”
“No occasion, and they're all yours.....” Pinkie Pie grinned.
Suddenly Spike was pulled back in the chair as Gummy clamped down on his tail and Pinkie Pie turned on a light in his face.
“.....All you have to do it talk!” Pinkie snapped.
“Oh... it's one of those parties.” Spike rolled his eyes.
“What?” Pinkie Pie blinked.
“ It's like how my saying water boarding in Goatanimo Bay sounds fun if you don't know what either of those things are.” Spike sighed.
“That does sound fun, but I don't get it. Is that a Oubliettes and Ogres reference?” Pinkie Pie pondered.
“Actually it is.” Spike smiled.” Goatanimo Bay is ruled by a insane dictator and water boarding is when the Elementalists make planks out of water and smack you around. Those things are a plus three normally and a eight versus fire creatures.”
“Oh well. Wait, what does that have to do with talking?” Pinkie Pie blinked.
“It doesn't, it has more to do with expecting one thing and getting another. I expected some tasty gems and instead I'm getting a pop quiz.” Spike grumbled. “ And Miss Cheerilee already gave us one of those this morning.”
“That's not exactly what I was going for but...... hey wait a minute. You're trying to distract me from what's really going on aren’t you?”” Pinkie Pie accused.
“Yep.” Spike admitted.” Seriously though how is that little alligator so strong? I should be able to drag him the chair and half the table over enough to get to those gems.”
“He works out.” Pinkie Pie stated.”Wait no. I ask the questions around here!
“Well then ask one.” Spike shrugged.
“What are you hiding?” Pinkie queried.
“Rahs and Twilight's Hearths Warming presents.” Spike offered.
“No! I mean what are you really hiding?” Pinkie Demanded.
“A Fleur Di Lis swimsuit calendar.” Spike admitted.
“That's not what I mean.” Pinkie growled slapping her face with a hoof.
“Well you're going to have to be more specific. I'm also hiding Shining's favorite d20, cause he still has my Sir Spike miniature, and the seventh and eleventh volume of Encyclopedia Equestria.” Spike listed.
“Not what I wanted to know, but why are you hiding only two volumes?” Pinkie Pie blinked.
“Because it drives Twilight crazy to see a bunch of large books with some missing and she forgot to pack a gem or two in my lunch Monday.” Spike explained.
“Well that's mean.” Pinkie Pie admitted. “ But no. I want you to confess?”
“ Confess pfft not likely. I told Twilight she ate that doughnut while in a studying zone out, I didn't touch it.”
“ NOOO!! “ Pinkie shouted clearly frustrated. “I will learn what you know!”
“Do you expect me to talk?” Spike smirked roguishly.
“No, mister Spike I expect you to d..... wait yes I do expect you to talk.” Pinkie ranted, stopping suddenly and narrowing her eyes at the little dragon. “ Wait a minute you've been playing me. You're too good at this. You're a spy!”
“Yup... my tux is in the cleaners though.”
“Arrrgh, just tell me what's going on! Or else you'll never get the gems!”
“I have a question for you first.” Spike smiled.
“Ehh?” Pinkie Pie blinked.
“Did you really think I’d come alone?”Spike asked putting on a pair of sunglasses.
“Ehh?” Pinkie asked again.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS NINJA CAVERLY YAY!!!”
“What!?” Pinkie gasped as the trio of fillies rushed into the room wearing black pajamas. The three of them dog piling on Pinkie Pie as Spike sat back in the chair, steepling his claws and letting the light reflect off the lenses of his glasses.
“NO” Pinkie Pie yelped slipping out from under the Crusaders who all adopted kung fu poses that looked like Applebloom's dance moves, save Sweetiebelle who tried and fell over onto her rump. “I'm not finished yet!”
“Is it just me or did her hair git all straight?” Applebloom asked.
“Madame Le Flour ATTACK!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“Do what now? Scootaloo asked before being hit with a large bag of flour and bowled over crashing back into a pile of Pinkie's things.
“Protect me Sir Lintsalot!” Pinkie ordered.
“What?” Sweetiebelle demanded before she gained a face full of lint.” AHHHHH GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!!”
“Seriously?” Spike questioned.
“Get them Mr. Turnip!” Pinkie Pie commanded.
Applebloom didn't even manage to get a confused' What' out before she was pelted by turnips and had a bucket dropped over her head.
Spike regarded this for a while watching Pinkie cackled like a villain before he narrowed his eyes taking off his sunglasses and hopping off the chair.
The little dragon stormed over to the pink mare dodging the flailing Applebloom and the panicked Sweetiebelle and dragging along a toothless alligator that was still clinging to his tail.
“You dare come after me!? Rocky stop this interloper!” Pinkie Pie menaced.
Spike tilted his head looking at the precariously piled stack of rocks between Pinkie Pie and himself and promptly kicked them over.
“ROCKY NOOOOO!!!” Pinkie Pie wailed. “I will avenge you! I swear there will be cupcakes.”
“Nope, stop, that's it, we're done.” Spike ordered. ”I've been around Rahs enough to know when some ones ham acting, and around Twilight to know when I’m seeing signs of a break down. Freaky hair aside you are definitely going into the latter. What is wrong?”
Spike stood there staring up at Pinkie Pie.
“Nothing's wrong really....” Pinkie Pie began.
Spike stared harder and Applebloom managed to join him after getting the bucket from her head.
“Seriously I’m fine.....” Pinkie Pie muttered not meeting their gaze as Sweetiebelle joined them in staring at Pinkie.
“Maybe I’m going a little overboard?” Pinkie Pie admitted.
Scootaloo didn't join them, as she was still off on the far side of the room punching the bag of flour.
“Take that , and that! Jump me will you.” Scootaloo snapped.
“Scootaloo.” Applebloom sighed.
“What?” the small pegasus demanded, her black pajamas covered in flour. “ She started it!” Scootaloo scoffed striking the bag one last time before trotting over to the others.
“One more time Pinkie. Tell me what's wrong or I call Princess Celestia out here, she was usually pretty good in calming down Twilight.” Spike explained.
Pinkie stared at the foals a moment more and their stern glares. With the exception of Scootaloo all of them had older sisters who lost it from time to time. It was their job to keep them in line. While none of them were related to Pinkie Pie, she was still a friend.
Scootaloo darted back to the table and turned the light on Pinkie Pie. “Spill it.”
Pinkie Pie blinked, her eyes watering up before she started bawling.
“EveryonehatesmebecausemyPinkieSensedidn'twarnthemthatRahswasgonnagetdrugoffbyDiamondDogsandeveryoneisavoidingmeandhidingsomethingthattheywon'ttellmeandi'venoideawhattodocauseidon'tevenknowwhatsortoftwitchthatwouldbeandRahswashurtrealbadIfeellikei'mthatponywhotoldeveryonethatTomFlankssurvivedinthatbookwhereheandthesupersuitcasesweresupposedtobetossedintoavolcanoit'sterribleandidon'tknowwhattodocauseeveryponyhatesme!!!!” Pinkie Pie bawled.
The crusaders blinked staring at the crying mare then looking at each other.
“Did any of yah git that?” Applebloom finally asked.
“She thinks everyone hates her because her pinkie sense didn't warn her that Rahs was gonna get foal napped.” Spike translated. “ Also something about a volcano.”
“Woah you understood that?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“Enough of it. Twilight's had me write things down when she's in 'the zone' and if she's super excited she talks super fast. Not as fast as that mind you, but enough.” Spike explained.
“While that's awesome that you caught that Spike. Why's she think that?” Applebloom praised.
“Cause I’ve barely seen any one in two weeks!” Pinkie Pie bawls.
“Uhh cause every ponies been busy. Duh.” Scootaloo shrugged.” Rainbow Dash and the weather patrol have had to coordinate with the Guards here in regards to the weather and the lay of the land.”
“We've had tah tap into some of our stores fer all tha extra ponies and we're making a lot of runs tah Ponyville.” Applebloom offered.
“My sisters back logged with all her work lately.” Sweetiebelle chimed in. “ And Fluttershy's trying to keep all the animals calm with the Guards stomping around.”
“Twilight's got to take care of the Library's restoration, plus keep tabs on Rahs.” Spike added tapping his chin with a claw. “ And Rahs... well he's not really been talking to any one. Besides there's another reason I’m pretty sure no one is mad at you. It's why we're here.”
“What? Why are you here?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“To keep you distracted until Rainbow Dash shows up.” Scootaloo yelled.
The door was shoved open at that point and the aforementioned mare poked her nose in the door.
“Whoa, what happened in here?” Dash questioned.
“Is it ready?” Applebloom asked.
“Yep, lets go.” Rainbow Dash smirked. “ You too Pinks..... you do something with your hair?”
[Later]
The party continued in full swing with Pinkie Pie back to normal dancing around with the others. Rahs had even come by for a little while Though he hadn't eaten much and had sat himself down in the corner to watch rather than participate any.
“So this whole time.” Applebloom frowned as she and Sweetiebelle sat with Spike who was happily devouring cake. Scootaloo was following Dash around like a lost puppy.“ She thought every pony was mad at her. And through all that she fergets it's her own birthday and she thinks the surprise party is her friends trying to have a party without her?”
“ That's what I gathered from this mess.” Spike nodded.
“Adults are weird.” Sweetiebelle theorized. “ And we didn't even get ninja warrior cutiemarks.”
“Welcome to my world.” Spike agreed.” Now can you guys help me get Gummy off my tail? He's starting to get annoying.”
“Rahs are you up there?” Cadence called out looking up into one of the apple trees near the main house. “ Luna and I are here to check up on you.”
“Woof.” Said another tree further along the row.
“No we will not go away, thou has a doctors appointment this day.” Luna fussed.
“Well I’m glad one of us understands him.” Cadence sighed looking back to the small detachment of 42nd who had followed them to the farm. The only one Cadence recognized right off was Major Comet Trail who was current head of what the other Guard called the Decaff Brigade. Luna hadn't wanted any Guard at all when she came back but Celestia was rather convincing and her Guard were mostly made up of Thestrals. They were all hoof picked by Celestia herself, Comet Trail had been in the same basic training class as Shining in fact.
“Right if thou are not coming down then we shall be coming up.” Luna snorted taking to the air and flying up into the apple tree with a crash.
There was a loud slap as two hooves met faces and looking back Cadence saw the commander of her Guard, Darwin Tulip and Comet Trail slap their faces with their hooves.
“Private Lumina, go see if the Apples have a ladder we can use.” Comet Trail sighed.
“Private Heart Tale go with her and ask for a sturdy one.” Darwin Tulip stated. The orders prompting a earth pony and a unicorn to run off back towards the barn.
“Does this happen often?” Cadence asked.
“At least twice since I've been promoted.” Comet Trail offered.
“A word of warning to you Princess. Alicorns and trees do not get along well together, too many limbs get in the way I think.” Captain Tulip added.
Luna shifted on the tree branch looking over at Rahs. He had put on weight again though no where near as much as he had before. Luna would have called him a little husky for a Moon Dog if she wanted to be rude.
His color had also returned, though Twilight and the others still watched him to make sure he didn't eat too much. Luckily there were no apples he could snatch in winter and he wasn't up to any hunting yet it seemed.
His arm was still bandaged, though it was a new wrap that matched the steel gray coat Rarity had made him as a replacement for the green one that was destroyed.
What worried Luna at that moment however were the bags under his eyes , clearly he had not been sleeping. Granted it didn't take an immortal alicorn to know why, though being the warden of dreams for so long helped.
“We take you have had your first nightmares.” Luna sighed getting a curious look from Rahs.
“Terrifying images while thou sleep. Perhaps they even wake thee. It is clear thou are not sleeping.” Luna frowned. “And with thine family being undetectable to us it is not as if we can even offer aid.”
Rahs simply stared at her for a few more moments before Luna reached out a wing and rubbed his ears.
“Much was done to thou in a short time with your captors. “ Luna shook her head. “It will likely take time to heal from thine wounds both mental and physical. Know that those twice your better have buckled under less.”
“That isn't it.”
Luna blinked looking over at Rahs as he growled an explanation.
All the Diamond Dogs had done was fight him and continually slice up his arm to draw blood when they had finally bound him. While that was horrible, that was not what bothered him the most out of everything, though it was part of his nightmares.
What bothered him the most was, if he couldn't keep himself safe, how was he supposed to protect Twilight and Spike. What if the Bone Hounds had come for them?
Luna listened as he continued and she couldn't help a small smile. The Sparkles had proven to be a most interesting family.
The youngest among them had faced down Nightmare Moon at her worst. The eldest had managed to make a name for himself by destroying things that preyed on ponies. The lone mare in the group of siblings had become the Element of Magic.
And then there was Rahs who had made himself the protector of Twilight and Spike while still a pup after he had been ripped from his home. Out of all of them Rahs had no big success or noted heroics to his name, he had always simply been there.
At least he had not yet, Luna had no illusion he wouldn't pull something amazing off at some point simply by being around the others.
And the bond of the four. They were all willing to do anything to protect each other, Cadence had actually pointed out that she thought Twilight was going to fight her to go back after Rahs and even Shining got in a n argument with her over this incident.
Strong magic, inner fire, and skilled training.
Right now Rahs thought himself the weakest link of the four.
That was his biggest issue right now. The pain was fresh in his mind, but the capture and the torture were nothing compared to how he was beating himself up over his perceived failure. A failure that no one else even considered given how the four of them were with each other.
All of this came to Luna's mind near instantly as Rahs muttered his issues.
By the stars she adored this family.
“We see.” Luna nodded as Rahs finished his grumbling. “We shall take matters to correct this. For now, thou are going to the doctor.”
“Luna they have the ladder.” Cadence called from below.
“Why would we need a ladder? We have wings.” Luna called down.
“Oh . We all thought you were stuck.” Cadence called up.
“We are not as corpulent as our sister, we do not get....” Luna wiggled pushing against the tree branches trying to back out of the tree and failing.”Bugger all we are stuck. Curse this modern ages sugar content.”
“Woof.” Rahs suggested putting his back to the tree trunk and his rear paws on Luna's barrel.
“ A push? Wait, what are thou doing? No wait!! AIIIEEE!” Luna flailed as she was shoved out of the tree. She did what to most would seem like a graceful half flip in the air before landing on all four hooves, the impact jarring her to the core.
“I think you need to open your wings auntie Luna. If you were planning to fly I mean.” Cadence smirked.
“Yes well … it was a short drop, nothing we couldn't manage.” Luna snorted shaking out her hooves one at a time.
The Guards placed the ladder and Rahs climbed down it grumbling a little but there was a small smirk on his face.
Luna however had turned her attention to the Guards around her considering her options. She would not move Shining Armor even if she could, he likely would not understand Rahs' issue when he had much the same mindset. It would need to be one of her own. There would be too much paperwork if she attempted it with one of the 42nd. Speed was needed here.
“Major Trail.” Luna stated taking note of the Thestral, the stallion in question quickly stood at attention and saluted.
“Yes Princess?” Comet Trail responded, her tone making him and the rest of the Decaff Brigade snap to attention. Something was up,she had her Princess tone going.
“We have a new assignment for thee. Thou are to take over the Guard post here in Ponyville and keep watch over the town. Thou will still report to us first. There are other parts to this assignment, but for now we wish for some one we trust to be here. Tia is getting rather annoyed at all the time that we spend here ourselves.”
Comet Trail winced at the order, though he nodded. The other Guards around him looked on to the Major with varying stages of pity.
“Yes Princess.”
“You are not pleased with this?” Luna questioned curiously.” You may speak freely on it .”
“No offense Princess but this town isn't exactly any ponies choice of assignments. The garrison's too small and old to host any sizable Guard presence beyond a mild police compliment, it's underfunded and understaffed which means the workload is massive. The place is under monster or crisis alerts at least once a week. Also the insurance here is through the roof. And most importantly, there's also nothing really interesting to do out here on weekend leaves and a few hours by train back to Canterlot with hotel costs isn't cheap. ” Comet Trail complained.
Luna tilted her head as she considered that. A town with that description was oft considered a punishment detail in her time. Lots of work with little chance of relief, but out of all her new Guards she trusted the Major of them the most and she wished him to be here. More bits for the work wouldn't be much an incentive with nothing to spend them on, and the Guards currently here would probably have issues with a new commander making the assignment even more difficult. She could fix the issues with the post's funding and size, but she was asking a lot in truth. She knew he would follow her orders but she would prefer he also enjoy the assignment, at least some.
“Not to interrupt auntie, but you missed something important about Ponyville Major.” Cadence smiled.
“What might that be Princess?” Comet Trail questioned looking to Cadence curiously.
“Just that Ponyville has the highest single mare to stallion ratio in this part of Equestria.” Cadence nearly purred as the Major considered. “ I mean one of them already complimented your flank and you haven't even been into the town proper for long yet.”
The atmosphere of the orchard seemed to change considerably at that, with a few of the Guards now looking more envious at the Major.
“Really.........” Comet Trail considered again. “I withdraw most of my previous complaints.”
“Just stay away from Twilight. I doubt you really want to answer to Shining Armor.” Cadence added.
“Noted Princess.” Comet Trail Swallowed hard.
Rahs shook his head still smiling at Cadence's antics, though his frown returned as Luna shooed him towards her chariot to take him to his doctor's appointment.
[Four months after Pinkie Pie's Birthday, Golden Oaks Library]
Twilight's eyes snapped open with a start, Her room was still dark, still silent. She could hear the snores of Spike down the hall. The contractors had added a few rooms to the top floor of the library and had filled in some of the basement rooms to balance the new weight.
After the incident at the beginning of Winter, neither of her brothers were that comfortable sleeping in the basement any more. Honestly the repair and recovery was mostly painless, it didn't even take Rahs that long to return to some semblance of normal. He still seemed to be waking up at odd hours sometimes but those were getting fewer and further between.
He had also evidently started a new job given how much time he was spending at the Guard post in town with the new commander there. What ever it was was evidently strenuous as he was building up a bit of muscle.
That had been a nightmare and a half as well. Not because of Rahs this time, but because of the new post commander. And not because of his being a Thestral.
Twilight had already begun prepping for the town to watch that video again as well as making pamphlets to keep them from trying to stake the 'vampire pony'. Thankfully Comet Tail was often seen out during the day killing those rumors, though she had noted that Barnyard Bargains had been sold out of garlic for a few days at first, as well as durians, but no loss there.
No the problems came about because he was a young, single, exotic looking, stallion, with a job in the Guard, in a town chock full of single mares.
There had been brawls.
Comet Trail seemed unaware of what was going on over him and was simply enjoying the attention he was getting. Though as far as any one knew he wasn't dating any one yet.
These thoughts ran through Twilight's mind unbidden as she tried to recall why she had woken up like this.
None of her new wards were tripped, from the sound of it Spike was still asleep as likely was Rahs. How either of them slept though the log sawing of her little brother she had no idea. She had a sound dampener spell on her room and she still heard him clearly.
She sat up in bed shaking her mussed up mane and trying to get it to settle back down out of the rat trap it had become. Perils of a long mane, but she still liked it long after all the compliments she used to get from it.
She rolled out of bed with a small groan as she looked to the window, realizing she had covered it to keep heat in her room, why was she awake with a feeling of anticipation.....?
“AHHH!” Twilight gasped finally remembering what was going on.
The purple mare zipped across the room quickly, brushing her mane into some semblance of order before bursting out of her room and scurrying down the new hall to her brothers rooms pounding on the doors.
Rahs yanked open the door after a moment, his ears perked as he whipped his gaze around trying to figure out what the danger was. Twilight had to stifle a small laugh as she saw him in the heart patterned shorts that Cadence had gotten for him for Hearths Warming. She didn't know if the white and red patterned things were supposed to be a joke or not, but Rahs had adopted them as his sleeping attire.
“Woof?” Rahs demanded, the points of light at the tips of his ears and tail lighting up the area around him with a silvery glow. It was enough to see the Theater poster of Beauty and the Beast he had put on his door, as well as the books and theater props he decorated his room with.
It also showed the irregular patterns in the fur of his right arm. His navy fur was faded in patches where the scars were and it left his arm looking like it was a brindle. The doctor said that would fade further once his summer coat came in, but that would still be a few months away.
“What? No, no danger, it's Winter Wrap up day!” Twilight said excitedly.
Rahs looked down at her, looked down the hall to the window at the end of it that still showed it was pitch black out side before looking back at his sister. His ears flattened and he stepped backward closing the door in her face.
“BORK!”
“Hey! Well someones grumpy.” Twilight pouted. “Well Spike's excited for it at least!”
She turned pushing open the door to her younger brothers room across the hall. A small night light illuminated the room, less because Spike was scared of the dark and more so he wouldn't trip over anything if he had to get up in the middle of the night.
Spike's room was packed with comics, comic memorabilia, O&O books, various terrain props, and a ton of miniatures.
Twilight had been unaware that Spike had insurance at all. Evidently Nit Pick had somehow convinced him it was a good idea to have renter's insurance and was collecting fees from him since they first moved in almost, despite him being too young to have a need for it and Twilight already having the library covered.
After his room was destroyed he went to cash in for damages to his collections and Nit Pick attempted to weasel out of paying because of his age, claiming they needed a parent or proper guardian to pay out to.
Suffice to say when a near in tears Spike explained what was going on, and that he couldn't replace his things, Nit Pick had a few visitors.
He attempted to weasel out of paying Rahs when he showed up because despite his paperwork listing him as Spike's Guardian, there was no legal record of his birth certificate on any file which made him an illegal immigrant and ineligible to receive a payout.
The next time Rahs showed up however it was with Twilight who had just binged on every law book in the library plus the entire six part tome of Spike's insurance terms and conditions, that she had gone over to fight the issue. Unfortunately Nit Pick had prepared for that and had fandangled a number of policy loops in order to lead someone of Twilight's skill in circles.
The final time Spike and Rahs went to see Nit Pick it was with Princess Luna, who brought along Dr. Choppy.
Despite all the skill Nit Pick could bring to bear, he was woefully unprepared to deal with Princess Luna brandishing an ax as large as he was, one that had somehow obtained a doctorate. He was also fully unprepared for an ancient law that allowed renegotiation of unpleasant contracts through a trial by combat. Spike being too young to be the one fighting, named the Princess as his proxy.
In the end Spike was paid the entire sum owed, plus a sizable bonus for his trouble, and a 'please don't sue' agreement.
Nit Pick was reassigned to a desk job somewhere when it came to light he was attempting to swindle a minor.
Unfortunately, no one thought to monitor what Spike spent his bits on. Hence the room packed with comics and gaming products. Luna warned of possible hoarding instincts taking over , but Spike didn't seem any different, aside from reading more, even if it was just comics and O&O rulebooks..
“SPIKE, SPIKE, Get up, get up!!!”
“It's Saturday, no school.” muttered Spike rolling over and burying his head under his Power Pony pillow.
“It's actually Friday, but yes there is no school it's Winter Wrap Up Day!” Twilight smiled. “ The first day of Spring is tomorrow. Come on I have a check list of everything to get ready for it, boots, scarf , winter coat!”
“Wrap up winter?” Spike grumbled as Twilight refused to leave him as she bounced around like Pinkie Pie on the only spot of bare floor in the room. “ Who wraps up winter? Don't they just use magic like in Canterlot.
“Nope, Ponyville was started as a earth pony settlement so they've always done it with no magic, plus living this close to the Everfree forest there might be all sorts of problems with the massive amount of power needed to change the season. So it's all done by hoof!”
“Well all I have are claws, so I guess I can stay in bed.” Spike grumbled.
Twilight's horn flashed and a check list and quill appeared in the air before her. She quickly checked off a box that read' Spike says something snarky and goes back to sleep'.
“Well now that that's out of the way.” Twilight grinned running off back into her room.
“And close the door!!” Spike yelled after her.
“Also on the list!””Twilight called.
“Me saying it or you doing it!?”
“The former!”
Rahs yawned as he stepped out of his room, reaching over to close Spike's door and getting a muffled thanks. He then headed down stairs with a grumpy expression and a sizable pink bathrobe and bunny slippers, a gift from Shining Armor this time, also meant to be a joke that Rahs still used.
He lumbered down the stairs as Twilight fussed around with her list and her winter clothes upstairs. He yawned loudly plopping down on the couch in the rooms semi darkness.
“Hah also on the list was that you would get up before I left.” Twilight beamed checking that off. “It's a good thing I’m so organized.”
“Bork.....” Rahs grumbled reaching up to take the list and quill from the air.
“Hey, I warned you yesterday we were going to get up early today, don't blame me.” Twilight pouted readjusting her coat as she noticed Rahs writing on the bottom of the list.
“Oh adding something for yourself, that's fine, that list is all checked off and I'm ready to go start winter wrap up!” Twilight sang throwing open the door and looking out into the pitch blackness and the empty streets.
“What?” Twilight blinked as Rahs walked over to her showing the item he had on the list.
'Twilight wakes up way too early, annoys her brothers, and still has to wait three more hours before winter wrap up starts.'
Rahs grinned as he checked off the box next to that item, as Twilight just grumbled and shut the door.
Twilight galloped towards the town hall with a still sleepy Spike clinging to her back and Rahs loping along beside her.
“How could you let me fall back asleep?! We're going to be tardy!” Twilight yelled.
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Yeah seriously, the whole town knows how you are with crowds, I’m pretty sure none of them expect you to be here at all.” Spike grumbled.
“I'm getting better.” Twilight fussed as she spotted the crowd ahead of them and slowed down a bit .
“Yeah, but look at that crowd … it's huge, must be everypony in Ponyville. No one's seen you yet you can easily slip away.” Spike muttered.
Twilight came to a stop her ears flattening to her head before she gritted her teeth. “ No, I'm going to do this and it will be the best thing ever!”
Spike blinked then slapped his forehead with a claw. “Crap I pushed her too far and into stubborn mode.”
Rahs rolled his eyes and gave his little brother a shove launching him off Twilight's back and into a snow drift.
“Woof!”
“You can't blame me for trying to get her to go home.” Spike protested.
“Bork!”
“Okay okay you can blame me for trying to do that by making her freak out.” Spike admitted digging himself out of the snow bank before joining the other three walking towards the crowd.
“Those must be the vests Rarity designed. Blue for the weather team, tan for the animal team and green for the plant team.” Twilight smiled ignoring her brothers bickering.
“I'll take a blue vest, the color of my blanket which I hear calling my name.” Spike yawned.” Spike..... Spike.... come to bed.... it's too early.....”
“Spike! There yah are!”
“Huh?” Spike blinks before a heavily bundled Applebloom runs up and starts pushing him across the snow covered ground away from the crowd.
“Come on, Sweetiebelle has a plan how we ken git our snow removal cutiemarks.”Applebloom cheered pushing Spike along, the little dragon's feet gaining no traction on the snow.
“Hey, wait, what!?” Spike protested.
Twilight and several other who had heard Applebloom's shout watched as the pair went down the street towards the hoof ball field.
“Mayor did we re-insure the park?” a voice finally called up to the stage from the crowd.
“I'm sure it will be fine...” Mayor Mare stated as a loud boom filled the air.
Nearly as one the crowd of ponies all pulled out and opened an umbrella, save Twilight who ducked under Rahs' coat.
A moment later at least four inches of snow was suddenly dumped over the area around town hall.
“Oops” was heard off in the distance.
Twilight slipped back out from under her brothers coat as the annoyed Moon Dog worked on getting all the snow off his head.
“To answer your question yes.” The mayor stated closing her umbrella.” Will some pony from the weather team go and check to see if they are alright and assess the damage please. Now then I would like to thank every pony for being here bright and early. We need every single pony to ensure that winter is properly wrapped up this year. Now you all have your vests and teams, so lets do even better than last year and have the quickest winter wrap up ever.”
“Oh wow... where do we go? I mean where would we even fit in? What does every pony even do?” Twilight muttered as the others move towards their group leaders.
“Woof.” Rahs smirked pointing upward.
“Yes well I suppose it's kind of obvious that we are not going to be aiding the weather team.” Twilight considered.” I'm not ready to try that flying spell out yet.”
Rahs' ears perked up as the first notes of music fill the air.
Rahs stands there clapping loudly at the sudden song and even Twilight’s musings played into it without breaking the rhythm.
“ Bark” Rahs nodded fairly impressed but confused at the same time.
“Oh.. we've been practicing for weeks at the town hall, didn't you see the fliers?” Pinkie Pie popped up offering a flier to Rahs before she pronked off. The flier showed the times and planning for the Winter Wrap up song practice.
Rahs blinked looking at Twilight who simply shrugged.
“Really with how this town is I should have expected that. Now lets see what team we're on.” Twilight smiled.
“You're making birds nests?” Twilight tilted her head. “ Don't the birds do that naturally?”
“Yes darling but these nests are special.” Rarity smiled showing off a well woven nest with several ribbons in it that were sitting on the table before her. The fashion-eta had made a few nest and each one was quite pretty.
“ Well it is pretty but how's it special?” Twilight questioned.
“Simply put darling, Fluttershy asked some birds one year what they would like to get them to come back the following year. Quite a number of them wanted pretty nests in order to attract mates with more ease. So for the past few years some of us have been working on the nests like this. It has proven to do wonders and the amount of beautiful birds that come to nest near Ponyville has increased dramatically. While this task isn't priority, it's important enough that at least one pony has been put on this duty for the past few years.” Rarity explained.”Usually I am selected for my artistic flair.”
“And tha fact if she does anything else she whines about tha mud.” Applejack called as she walked past with the rest of her team getting a glare from Rarity.
“Wow... that makes more sense than I thought it would.” Twilight admits.
“Would you two like to give it a try?” Rarity asked.” I was hoping Sweetiebelle and her friends would help this year, but if I’m not mistaken they are trying for … different cutie marks.”
Rahs simply shrugged and took a seat on the bench as Twilight hopped up next to him.
“Now then Take some straw twigs and ribbon from that basket.....” Rarity blinked as Rahs simply dumped the whole thing in front of him where Twilight had in a matter of seconds organized the sticks straw and ribbon by different colors, sizes, and, thickness. “ Now just stake a little bit of straw and bend it a little, then a stick to hold it .. oh dear no a little less straw Rahs, wait no less sticks, Twilight not that way.....”
Rarity trailed off watching the pair work for a moment more before she had to look away.
Twilight had made..... well something. It might have been a nest though the lopsided monstrosity had twigs and ribbon sticking out of it ad odd angles and Rarity was not even sure how it had been possible. Nor was she sure how it acted more like a liquid as it sloshed about when all that it was made of was sticks and straw.
Rahs on the other hoof had made a perfectly serviceable straw hat. The Moon Dog looked as confused at his result as the others did. With a sigh he simply flipped it over and showed it could be used as a nest still , with a wide landing pad.
“There! And it looks just like yours Rarity.......... or not.” Twilight sighed then looked at Rahs.” How did you make a hat?”
“Well umm I suppose that's not bad Twilight. It needs a bit of work.” Rarity placated.” Perhaps the birds could use it as a umm....”
“An outhouse?”
“Yes, I mean no, I mean what?” Rarity blinked as she noticed Twilight was glaring at her brother who had an evil grin on his face.
“Right clearly I am not cut out for this sort of thing.” Twilight grumbled grabbing the nest and flinging it off into the trees.” I'll see what Pinkie's doing. Let's go you overgrown hairball.”
Rahs waved goodbye to Rarity leaving her standing there confused still looking down at the hat and then off into the woods where Twilight had flung the abomination.
Twilight smiled as she watched Pinkie Pie skate across the lake impressed at her skill. Rahs sat next to her grumbling to himself as he worked on his foot paws, trying to get the ice out from between them as he complained and talked about of investing in boots next year.
“I still don't get this... Why does the ice need to be scored?” Twilight shouted down the rise to Pinkie Pie.
“So that it can be broken apart evenly when the weather team gets to it.” Pinkie Pie responded doing a triple hoof loop jump before landing perfectly.
“But why does it need to be broken evenly? I get why it needs to be broken up, but do the animals drinking out of it have to have perfect ice cubes? Wouldn't a big rock work, or your party cannon?” Twilight questioned.” Plus aren't there a whole bunch of lakes and ponds in Ponyville?”
“Tell me about it, there seem to be tons. And since I'm the best skater since I've been doing it since I was a itty bitty tinky winky Pinkie I get the job every year.“ Pinkie Pie sighed.” Which kinda sucks cause I wanna go and help every pony else like I did four years ago. I'm not really sure why I need to score them perfectly though. Every pony was super insistent though.”
“Woof?” Rahs asked
“Yeah four years ago I ran around and helped every pony with what they were doing.” Pinkie Pie chimed doing a rather graceful Salchow into a fore hoof stand.
Twilight considered, recalling some of the information she had read on the towns scrolls.”Wasn't four years ago the worst Winter Wrap Up in the towns history, the snow lasted until June.”
“Yeah, it was crazy. After all the help I gave every pony too.” Pinkie Pie hummed.” After that Mayor Mare made sure that I was assigned to this job every year since and it takes me all day. Just when I think I've got it enough to finish early next year some pony adds more lakes and ponds during the summer. So you wanna help?”
“Umm no thanks I'm not a decent skater and you look like you have it.” Twilight responded urging Rahs to get up so they could leave having a bit more respect for the Mayor at this point.
“Okay Twilight have fun! I think Fluttershy needs some help, she's up past those trees there.”
“Okay how many of them are actually your pets?” Twilight asked looking at the collection of burrows on the hillock curiously.
“Oh, only a few of them Twilight.” Fluttershy offered.
“So why are we waking them up?” Twilight asked looking at the small silver bell she was given.
“Well once the snow melts it tends to flood some of the burrows, it's better we wake them up now before the weather team gets here and melts the snow.” Fluttershy explained.
“Ooh good point, we don't want any of them to drown in the snow melt. This is important.” Twilight smiled.
“Oh no, it's not that they would drown, the snow doesn't melt fast enough for that, but no one wants to wake up with ice cold water dripping on them.” Fluttershy stated.
“Ummmmmm.” Twilight blinked her ears drooping.” And the bells?”
“Well we don't want to startle them.....” Fluttershy claimed.
Twilight rubbed her temples at the logic.
“Okay.....”
“Is there something wrong Twilight?”
“A bit .. I mean isn't this incredibly inefficient?” Twilight suggested looking again at the little silver bell Fluttershy gave her. “ There must be hundreds of burrows to check.”
“Two hundred and thirty four on this hill, yes.” Fluttershy stated.
“And how many have been done?”
“About six.” Fluttershy admitted.
“Right.....” Twilight sighed. “ Do you mind if we try something?”
“Ummm I don't know about....” Fluttershy stammered.
“Rahs you know what I'm thinking right the' Spike you overslept' special?” Twilight asked getting a nod from the Moon Dog. “ Don't worry Fluttershy this won't hurt any of them and it will expedite the preparations considerably.”
“Well I understand that but....” Fluttershy protested as Twilight's horn lit up casting a spell on herself to affect her brother.
Rahs cleared his throat as the spell took hold.
“WOOF!!!”
The bark echoed over the hill shaking snow loose from a number of trees and knocking a Pegasus off a cloud where they had been napping nearby. Surprisingly it wasn't Rainbow Dash.
“Oh dear.” Fluttershy winced as the loud wake up call did it's job and sent countless critters running crawling or slithering from their nests in a panic.
“See I told you it would work.” Twilight said from where she had jumped atop of Fluttershy's back the moment she saw the snakes. “Highly efficient.”
“Yes it is Twilight, but there's a reason I use the bells and wake them up one at a time.” Fluttershy commented .
“Really? What reason would that be? I can't think of anything that would need such a slow method.” Twilight questioned hopping down from Fluttershy's back the moment the snakes were out of sight.
A blur of white erupted from one of the holes launching through the air and impacting Rahs in the stomach sending the Moon Dog flying away from the point of impact and into a tree that dropped the last of it's snow on his head.
Standing where he landed in front of where Rahs had been was a frazzled looking white rabbit with bloodshot red eyes. It wore a look of pure malice on it's face as it stared at the lump of snow that covered the creature that woke it up.
“Angel bunny is very cranky when he wakes up. We need to coax him out quietly with the little bells rather than loud noises.” Fluttershy stated.
“Oh.” Twilight frowned as Rahs burst out of the pile of snow flinging himself at the white menace starting off round two of the pairs epic conflict.
“Maybe you should go see if Applejack needs any help. “ Fluttershy winced as Angel Bunny was punted through the air by an irate Rahs. “ I think it might take me some time to get them to calm down. Hopefully before they destroy anything expensive.”
Twilight flattened her ears with a wince as her brother took a bunny sized rock to the face before he lept at the white rabbit again.
“Yeah maybe I better before I make this worse.” Twilight muttered slowly backing away.
“ Oh man. Princess Celestia's gonna be mad...” Spike panicked, dancing back and forth on his feet.”I need to get back to the library and send an apology letter.”
Spike and the CMC stood before a large area of ground that was no longer covered with any sort of snow. This was the third attempt at a snow removal cutie mark and the most successful so far.
“Dunno why, that worked perfectly. Dragon fire snow clearing.” Sweetiebelle cheered.
Scootaloo stood next to Spike with a wide grin on her face, holding one of her own feathers that she had used to tickle the dragon in order to get him to sneeze.
“Yeah, I mean she's tha Princess of tha sun, all that snow prolly melted from yer fire too, so at worst she gets a steam bath or tha carpet gits a bit wet. Easy fix.” Applebloom offered.
“Besides, she's up in Canterlot with plenty of maids and stuff to clean up after her. All we did was help with their job security.” Scootaloo snarked. “What's the worse she can do to you for sneezing? Send a strongly worded letter?”
Spike looked at Scootaloo as if she had grown two more heads. And those heads wouldn't stop singing that song about a talking fox from that weird band whose name looked like a failed attempt at a scrabble triple word score.
“Is it just me or is it getting darker out here?” Applebloom asked looking around at the ground around the crusaders and Spike that was currently in a ever increasing shadow.
The four of them looked up just as a massive snowball landed on top of them burying them in a massive pile of snow and recovering their only successful attempt at snow removal with even more snow.
A few moments later Sweetiebelle dug herself out of the pile.
“You just had to ask that didn't you Scoots?” Sweetiebelle grumbled. “ You just had to tempt fate...”
“Princess Celestia's got good aim.” Scootaloo admitted as she dug herself out soon after.
“Let's not do that again, ah dun want a cutie mark in being a target fer orbital bombardment.” Applebloom grumbled as she pulled herself out of the snow.
Spike managed to burrow out finally, spitting a rolled scroll out of his mouth that bounced off Scootaloo's head before Sweetiebelle caught it and opened it to read.
“Dear Spike.” Sweetiebelle read. “Please cover your mouth when you sneeze. Signed Princess Celestia.”
“Oh man........” Spike grumbled.
Twilight continued on towards the farm, spotting Applejack standing on a small rise before a cliff that marked the start of the Manterhorn that Canterlot was perched upon. Her crew was already working over the fields. Twilight wasn't sure who owned this particular plot of land, but surely there was something here she could do.
“Howdy Twilight.” Applejack smiled. “Nice tah see yah. You been helping out? I spect this being yer first Winter Wrap up in Ponyville yah missed tha meeting to assign ponies to their teams.”
“Hey Applejack. You got it in one. What's going on here?”Twilight asked looking over the collection of ponies pushing odd covered plows around the field.
“Were clearing tha farmland of snow so we ken git tha first crops of that year planted. Winter stores are still good, but they gotta last until first harvest and with more and more ponies coming round here, tha sooner tha better.”
“Wouldn't it be easier just to leave the snow where it is?It would melt faster if it was spread out in the sun.” Twilight stated watching the ponies plowing.
“Yeah it would, but it would make tha ground all muddy and tha seeds would rot a fore they had a chance to sprout. Plus we get all this snow dumped inta tha river now there's less a chance of flooding down river when everything else melts in a couple of days.” Applejack smirked.
“That's.... not something I had considered, though doesn't the plow scrape off the topsoil?”
“A bit of it when there's bumps and dips. But we got that plow blades set to leave a little less than an inch of snow. That much ain't gonna do more than make tha ground soft and most of it's melted after tha first day so tha first waterings taken care of too.”
“This is surprisingly well planned.” Twilight nodded.
“Course it is. Mac and Cheerilee mapped everything out a couple years ago and this part of wrap ups been running like clockwork ever since.... cept fer that year Pinkie Pie helped.” Applejack shuddered. “Mare tired her best but....... yah didn't help her with her skating did ya?”
“No, I figured something was up with how she worded her assignment.”
“Good tah know. Looks like Fluttershy's doing better this year too. Seen a lot of critters running around already.” Applejack nodded.
Twilight frowned as a small blur of white was flung past them crashing into a pile of snow.
The white rabbit burst out of the snow and hopped rapidly back across the field into a nearby treeline.
A moment or two later Rahs was flung across the field to crash into the same snow bank. The Moon Dog's gray coat was already tattered, though he didn't seem to care as he rushed back across the field launching into an attack on the white rabbit.
Applejack and Twilight watched a moment more as the fight moved deeper into the treeline of the forest . The heavy thud of wood filling the air as tree after tree dislodged their build up of snow as the combatants hit or were hit by the trees.
“Right...... an Spike?” Applejack questioned.
Suddenly something exploded near town and Applejack opened an umbrella almost on instinct as a glut of snow landed in a pile around them.
Twilight frowned as she shook the snow off her mane.
“MY BAD!” Scootaloo called.
“Helping the Cutie Mark Crusaders still.” Twilight deadpanned.
“Seems they got tha catapult working again.” Applejack sighed. So whatcha doing out here? Figured you'd be helping Rarity or tha like.”
“I actually came out here to see if you needed help.” Twilight smiled.
“You want tah help plow?” Applejack tilted her head as Twilight nodded.
“I want to do something and I seem to be running out of options at this point. Everyone else on my list either has it in hoof, or I already screwed it up somehow.” Twilight grumbled showing Applejack the list she had made. “ With Ponyville being more an Earth pony community being good at magic kinda goes against traditions here.”
“Ehh, ah think it's more we ain't never had a powerful enough unicorn round here, more than tradition any way, but whatever floats yer boat.” Applejack shrugged. “Got another plow over here yah ken use and we ken set yah up on tha south field. It ain't a priority, just in case yah somehow screw up pushing a plow. At tha very least you'll have cover from tha next explosion.”
“Right!” Twilight smiled bounding off to hop into the plowing device. A quick glance around showed no brakes or any complex parts, it was pretty much a hollow covered wagon with a push bar, some minor steering ability and a large plow on front.
Twilight smirked pressing against the bar. She strained a bit her hooves sliding before she managed some traction, pushing the wheels pushed free of the snow and starting the cart forward, building up a bit of snow before it rather quickly.
“There yah go Twi, now head that way towards tha south field.” Applejack pointed a hoof.
Applejack was rather impressed the librarian was managing to push the cart. She wasn't as good at it as some of tha others, but she was doing far better than Applejack expected. Clearly she had more muscle on her than she let on. Granted Applejack should have expected that given the Running of the Leaves, but the bookworm didn't look to have that much strength in her like most unicorns.
A sudden burst of speed from Twilight and her plow surprised Applejack further as Twilight was now going as fast as some of her better plowers. She wondered if the mare had used magic, though she didn't see Twilight's horn glowing.
What she did see was Big Mac pause in his plowing to watch Twilight working.
“She ain't gonna last long showing off like that.” Applejack muttered turning back to the other fields to keep them organized.” Caramel yer listing to far ta tha left! Go right a little. No YOUR right! Yer OTHER right!”
Applejack's ears perked up at a loud noise. Turning back, her eyes traveled up the cliff face to witness the rather maddening sight of a small white rabbit suplexing a much much larger Moon Dog into the snow bank. A snow bank that started to shudder and slide at the impact.
“AVALANCHE!!!” Applejack yelled before she was swept up in the rush of snow cascading down the cliff.
A pile of snow suddenly burst apart as an orange hoof dug it's way out of the, now, several foot deep snow.
Applejack swore, mostly in fancy, as she climbed out of the hole she had dug, shaking loose the built up snow from her mane and back before reaching back into the hole to pull out her hat. She slapped the stetson on her head, cursed again. She then took off the stetson, shook the snow out of it, brushed the new pile off her head, before looking out over the damage.
Surprisingly there wasn't much.
The avalanche had buried the hill she was on, which still needed to be cleared any way, and a little bit of the field the others were working on, but nothing a pass or two wouldn't fix. Really it wasn't as bad as she thought.
At least until she looked at the south field, which now appeared to covered in a fresh white layer of blizzard so deep she couldn't even see the top of Twilight's plow.
“Uh oh.” Applejack muttered rushing off towards the south field. There were a couple of other ponies she didn't see either, though some of the other workers were already digging them out.
Darting across the snow Applejack saw a glow from under it and rushed over to that spot, brushing off the white powder and spotted the top of Twilight's plow.
“Twilight, you alright in there?!” Applejack shouted.
“What!? Oh right, yeah I'm fine Applejack, I got a shield up in time to avoid getting buried, but I’m a little miffed all my works ruined.” Twilight called back up. “ What happened?”
“I'll give yah two guesses and tha first one starts with yer brother and tha second with a little white demon.” Applejack snorted.
“Ahh, figures this was going too well. “ Twilight sighed from under the dome of snow.
“You need any help down there?” Applejack asked.
“No, I’m good. I'll take a minute or two to catch my breath and I’ll pull myself and the plow out of here.” Twilight offered. “ How bad's the damage?”
“Not as bad as it could be, but might ah have yer permission tah go have a word with yer brother using my snow shovel?”
“Have fun, tell him I said hi.” Twilight snarked.
Applejack nodded as she stomped off following the trail of fighting the bunny and Moon Dog had left, not noticing one of the ponies that had gotten buried was her own brother.
“Soo....” Twilight whistled from under the snow. “Come here often?”
“Eeenope. Can't say ah do.” stated Big Mac, also from under Twilight's shield.
[Canterlot]
Cadence's ears shot upright as she looked up from her book. Her eyes scanned the room not seeing anything but a pair of her Guard standing by the door.
“Shipping sense tingling....” Cadence muttered mostly to herself , though one of the Guard mares at the door evidently heard.
“Should we prepare the chariot then Princess?”the Unicorn mare asked.
Cadence's personal Guard, known as the Heart Breakers, was composed primarily of mares. Not through any sort of planning on her or Shining Armor's part , but more that most of the stallions who were selected did not like the uniform coloration.
Princess Celestia's Royal Guard, Cake Hunters, wore golds and blue as their colors.
Princess Luna's Guard, Decaff Brigade, wore purples and silver, though she was trying very hard to get Celestia's Guard to give up their blue so she could use it.
Cadence's Guard however used coral and copper as their colors making her Guard look very pink. Many stallions that were assigned transferred out leaving only the mares, stallions who didn't care, and stallions who knew enough history to realize that pink was once seen as a more stallion-centric color than blue.
Princess Luna knew this as well which was why she was so amused with what happened to Shining Armor under the effects of the poison joke given his mane color.
“No, not right now sergeant.... Luna and I will be heading to Ponyville before long any way. No sense in going down there and interrupting their winter wrap up because a Princess arrived.” Cadence smiled, there were only three individuals who would trigger her senses that hard.
[Ponyville]
“I got ten bits on the rabbit!” Sky Chaser shouted.
“Twenty on Rahs.” added Comet Trail. “He's putting my training to use.”
Rainbow Dash smirked as Firefly took the bets. The weather team had all stopped to watch as the conflict between Rahs and Angel Bunny rolled into town. The two were exchanging blows that looked epic. Rahs was knocking the little jerk around like a ball, but he couldn't get his claws in him. Angel Bunny was all over the place and landed twenty hits for every one Rahs managed, but they didn't seem to do any damage. Neither of them seemed tired, or even that injured, the only damage so far seemed to be Rahs' coat.
“Fifteen on Rarity interrupting the fight because of his coat.”Sugar Glider bid.
“Ten on Fluttershy shaming them into stopping.” Bulk screamed.
Rainbow Dash was the only one who was watching the fight still and she took note of an angry looking orange Earth pony in a stetson walking into town with a large snow shovel.
“Thirty on Applejack beating the fool out of both of them.” Rainbow Dash called.
“Applejack's after them too?” Firefly gasped jotting it down in her note book.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS CONFLICT MEDIATORS YAY!!!!” a shout bellowed up from below the cloud the pegasi had gathered on.
“What would that cutie mark even look like?” Spike asked.
Dash and the others peered down under the cloud to see the CMC and Spike running off after the fighting pair as well.
“Ten bits on the CMC stopping them!” Thunderlane claimed.
“Sucker bet. No deal. “ Firefly sighed. Besides if the CMC stops them all bet money goes to the repair bill, you know the rules.”
“Hey is Spike part of the CMC rule?” Fruit Fly asked.
“Not at the moment, but we're working on that.” Firefly stated.
“Ten on Spike calming them down with logic.” Fruit Fly offered.
“Done, safe bet though, easily a sixty to seventy chance of that happening.”Firefly pointed out.
“Ten on Princess Luna getting involved.” Thunderlane corrected after a moment of thought..
“Ooh that's a fairly safe bet too, but it's still allowed.” Firefly jotted it down.
“Twenty on Princess Celestia getting involved.” Raindrops added.
“Can't take that one Raindrops, Princess Celestia's already been involved today. “ Firefly stated.
Pinkie Pie watched as Rahs and Angel Bunny skidded across the ice in front of her. Chunks of the unscored ice was flung up into the air, or used as a weapon as the pair fought. The more they fought the less ice there was in the lake. Eventually the pair was left on a small block of ice that they continued to fight on until it drifted to the shore, then they both hopped off it to continue fighting on land.
Pinkie Pie blinked watching as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, plus Spike, thundered past soon after.
After a moment or two a grumbling Applejack stomped past brandishing a snow shovel.
Not long after that a worried looking Fluttershy drifted past with a small wave to her.
A moment later the area was cast in shadow as a large cloud covered with the entire weather team drifted past following the action.
Pinkie Pie calmly watched it float past then looked down at the cleared lake before shrugging and pronking after the others humming a jaunty tune, her last lake was done early today.
Rarity had finally gotten back to work after the shock of hearing Rahs speak for the first time when he was not a pony.
She had been rather surprised that his normal speaking voice was not unlike how it had been as a pony, though a little deeper and more melodic. He also seemed to have an accent she couldn't place which seemed odd as neither Spike nor Twilight had it.
The sound of fighting stopped her work as she looked up to see Angel Bunny and Rahs dukeing it out in the middle of the street, progressing at a steady pace towards the center of town.
Rahs' coat was destroyed again, which angered Rarity considerably to see her work so thoroughly ruined. At least this one wasn't blood soaked or burnt to a cinder like the last ones. It might even be salvageable.
For some reason however all of the fur on top of Rahs and Angel Bunny's heads was sticking straight up like some sort of massive spiky crown. With all the snow that was stuck in the spikes their mane-do's almost looked blond.
A moment later her sister and her little friends thundered past yelling at each other.
“I said make a magic net to catch them Sweetie, not Aqua Net!” Scootaloo shouted.
“Oops.” Sweetiebelle stated as they ran on.
Soon Applejack stomped past with a large shovel followed closely by Fluttershy.
Bringing up the rear was Pinkie Pie, who was wearing a orange jumpsuit, and a bald cap of all things , with six dots on the forehead.
Soon after the sky darkened and the weather patrol floated by on a cloud, she could hear the lot of them taking bets and at least one Pegasus yelling at her to get up and get angry about the fashion disaster that went past.
Rarity considered for a moment, before returning to her work on the nests.
“Nope.”
“OH COME ON!!” Sugar Glider pleaded.
Sugar Cube Corner was a bastion of calm silence. Everyone was still working the fields and the like though the Cakes had elected to remain open and cater the Winter Wrap up. A number of small snacks sat outside under portable heat lamps and a series of large airpots filled with coffee and hot cocoa sat on the table in the street with the Cakes fussing over and tending everything.
Currently there were only two others there aside from the Cakes, both seated at a table at the end of the snack bar.
There had been a great deal of commotion as they came up. That had subsided as the pair gathered a few pastries and some cocoa and coffee before taking a seat at one of the tables to eat. As soon as the pair were done however the noise and fighting started all over again as Rahs and Angel Bunny continued to brawl down the main street.
A few moments later most of Ponyville seemed to be following after them, with the CMC and Spike pausing long enough to gather up some coco and pastries before running after the fighters again.
Mr. Cake walked over to his wife as she watched the chaos before looking at her. “What do you suppose that was all about ?”
“I don't know, but I expect Winter Wrap Up will be late again this year.” Mrs Cake sighed.
“YES!! PAY UP SUCKERS!” Rainbow Dash shouted as a little rocket of white shot through the large cloud arcing over the town towards the edge of the Everfree. A yellow pegasus flew quickly after the the white furry hoof ball fretting.
CLANG!
“Ooh good distance.” Pinkie Pie cheered while ducking as Rahs went sailing over her head to crash into the side of some ponies house, knocking all the snow off the roof from the impact. With a whumph of white powder, Rahs was buried under the mini avalanche with only his tail sticking out.
“Right, ah had about enough of that!” Applejack snapped before pointing the massively dented snow shovel up at the cloud of Pegasi. “You lots been slacking off enough, we're already running late so git back tah clearing them clouds! Double time! Or Else.”
“Or else what?” Thunderlane grumbled, paying his bid bet to Dash.
“Or ah try tah even out mai shovel with a few more swings.” Applejack growled.
“On it!” Dash smirked packing the bits away in her saddle bag before taking off with a kick that started dissipating the cloud they had been on.
“Pinkie Pie you done with tha ponds?”
“Yeppers.” Pinkie Pie chimed up and every pony tensed, eyes wide as they looked at the pink mare.
“Right, go help clean up tha mess these two made in town alright” Applejack added quickly.
“Okie Dokie!” Pinkie Pie pronked off.
“You four.” Applejack pointed the hoof holding the shovel at the CMC, finally noticing she was doing it when the three fillies hid behind Spike.
”Oops sorry.” Applejack lowered the heavily dented snow shovel.” You four git Rahs back to the library an make sure I didn't wallop him too hard. Stay there an make sure he's really fine. Yah ken try yer hoof at doctors cutiemarks or somethin.”
“CUTIEMARK CRUSADERS PARAMEDICS YAY!!” The girls cheered rushing over to flip Rahs onto Scootaloo's wagon stampeding off with the unconscious Moon Dog.
Spike sighed glancing after the girls and then up at Applejack. “You are a cruel mare, you know that?”
“Ah'm tired of being late with the Winter Wrap up every year.” Applejack snorted. “Sides ah told um what would happen if ah caught um fighting around me again.”
“What did they break this time?” Spike asked with a groan.
“Nothing that ah know of, but they buried me in an avalanche. That counts.”Applejack nodded.
“ Ehh. Fair enough, I need to go save my brother from the 'tender care' of those three. He doesn't need to be back in the hospital again.” Spike shrugged toddling off after the three girls. They were easy to follow as Sweetiebelle was trying to make the 'weee oooo' noise of an ambulance.
Applejack sighed looking around at the other ponies who had gathered around watching her from number of different work crews.
“Well? What are ya'll waiting for. Winters not gonna wrap itself up!” Applejack shouted sending them all running back to what they were supposed to be doing.
Applejack trotted back towards the south field taking note that it was still covered in snow. The rest of the teams had gotten back to work. The weather team actually doubling their efforts in an attempt to remain on Applejack's good side, and so they didn't have to hear Rainbow Dash bragging about her win.
The north field was clear and the rest of the team had moved on to the next vital farm when she arrived back at the farm. Though as she approached she noticed Big Mac was helping Twilight out of the hole in the snow that she had been trapped under when Applejack had left.
“Dang took yah that long tah get out of there Twilight?” Applejack called as she trotted up her bent snow shovel resting over her shoulder. “ Ah figured ya were pushing yerself too hard, but I didn't think it was that bad. Been nearly an hour.”
Applejack paused as she walked up between her brother and her friend, taking note of the sudden distance between the pair of them as she approached. It was also worth noting that Twilight's hair was more than a little ruffled and Big Mac's usual mess of a mane looked like he had recently tried to straighten it. There was also the fact neither of them would meet her eyes, nor each others.
Applejack might have been born during the day, but it wasn't yesterday.
“Mac yah got some purple lipstick on yer face there.” Applejack stated with an evil grin.
Big Mac quickly shot a hoof up to attempt to wipe it off.
“What? But I don't wear lipstick!?” Twilight protested looking back over at Mac only to catch sight of the wide, and somewhat sinister, grin on Applejack's face.
“Oh buck me....” Twilight grumbled hiding her face with her hooves as she turned nearly as red as Big Mac.
“Ya'll ken save that fer later or something we still got work tah do.” Applejack chuckled as Twilight covered her head with her hooves and tried to bury herself back in the snow.
Celestia raised an eyebrow watching as Cadence and Luna bounced around the room fluttering their wings lightly to remain airborne a bit longer with each hop off their tippy hooves.
The sound of two grown mares squeeing and bouncing around, one of them in the Royal Canterlot voice was enough to draw Celestia's attention away from her last duties of the day to check on the noise.
The Princess of the sun had only peeked her head into Cadence's study and stopped completely at the sight before her. The Night and Heart Guard on either side of the door made a slight bow of their heads to Celestia but didn't announce her, not wanting to interrupt the insane bouncing the pair were doing.
“Why.....?” Celestia started to ask.
“Shipping sense.” The Heart Guard to her left offered up.
Celestia mulled that over for a second “What...?”
“One of her alicorn powers.” the Night Guard stated flatly. “ I seriously doubt any of us can explain it.”
“When?” Celestia stammered.
“About twenty minutes ago.” The first Guard answered. “ Princess Luna came in about ten minutes ago and they started doing this.”
“How.....”
“Hard to explain princess. She just gets hints every so often.” the Heart Guard added. “She is the Princess of Love after all.”
“Who?” Celestia asked getting the joke and simply playing along now.
“Likely some one she has been waiting on for a while.” The Night Guard considered.
“If I were to hazard a guess Princess with this reaction I would expect either Rahs or one of the other Sparkle siblings in Ponyville has found a special some pony.” the Heart Guard added.
Celestia pictured the pink pony princess prance and pronk past her position periodically pausing to pirouette perfectly.
Luckily Luna leapt laughingly leading the locomotion laps lazily leftward in a lope, looping the library's lounge.
After a few moments of this Celestia pulled back out of the room with a mutter.
“We shall come back later.” Delicately the Diarch of the day ducked discreetly to depart, determined to devour a delectable doughnut from the diner downtown, to duck this dominoing disaster for definite.
“BY CELESTIA'S POINTY HORN, WILL YOU TWO PLEASE SHUT UP WITH THE WHOOING!!!!” Spike screamed out.
“Calm down Spike. Rahs isn't trying to eat him so this is probably a good thing. If he wants to stay I wouldn't mind having such a cute pet, he could also be useful.” Twilight offered looking over the quill she had gotten from Owloysius.” Though I'll have to get Fluttershy over here to find out what he wants to do before I try any training.”
“A pet?” Spike scoffed. “Remember what happened last time you had a pet?”
[Flashback to 8 year old Twilight Sparkle.]
Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow looking at everyone in the dining room.
Twilight Velvet and Night Light were huddled in a corner with Spike who was trying to wiggle free.
Shining Armor was standing between them with a shield raised as he stared at the object on the other side of the room.
Twilight was sitting in the middle of the room with a small fish net and a tube of fish flakes reading a book on aquatic animal care.
Rahs was sitting between her and a fishbowl the size of a ponies head, staring at it's contents and growling loudly.
The fish bowl in question had a … well for lack of a better word, 'fish' in it. What sort Celestia couldn't tell. She also couldn't really tell what color it was or even discern the vague outline of its shape without going cross eyed. The water of the tank appeared to be boiling and freezing at the same time, and things resembling hands with oddly boneless fingers wavered like a heat ripple over the tank and seemed connected to the 'fish' somehow.
“I still can't figure out what type of fish Glub Glub is.” Twilight sighed closing the book looking up and finally noticing the Princess. “ Princess Celestia what are you doing here?”
“I received a scroll from you parents saying you ….. got a fish?” Celestia questioned.
“Oh, yes I was studying the teleport spell you gave me, moving little rocks from one place to another like the training suggested trying first and I think I forgot to carry the two because when I tried to send a slightly bigger rock Glub Glub here came out the other side.”
“I really don't know why Celestia suddenly lost control of the sun like that.” Twilight sighed. “But she did pay to replace the left side of the house and the neighbors yard afterward though. My parents seemed fine with it.”
Spike, Rahs, and Owloysius all looked at each other, the owl looking particularly nervous.
“If you stay here, you'll get used to it.” Spike sighed as Rahs nodded.
Rarity blinked, shifting nervously in her chair wondering if she should offer more tea. The boutique was closed and a quartet of Guards were posted at the door with three more from each division situated somewhere around or inside her home.
She had to admit she never would have thought coral and copper for armor colors but somehow it worked for the Heart Guard. She already knew the Night Guard and found their color combination worked as well. Though she wondered if it would look good on something that wasn't armor.... perhaps a new line of dresses.
Still fashion was at the back of her mind as before her at the table sat not one, but two Princesses. One she had only met briefly and the other was here at least once a week as of late.
Princess Cadence and Princess Luna had yet to say the reason for this visit, and Princess Cadence kept looking at the door as if there was somepony else she really wanted to be talking to.
“More tea Princess.?” Rarity asked.
“Nay, we have never been partial to tea, though if thee has any coffee we would enjoy that.” Luna offered.
Rarity blinked taking note of three of the Night Guards staring straight at her from behind Luna's back and shaking their heads and mouthing,'no' quite vigorously.
“I'm afraid I’m fresh out Princess.” Rarity smiled.
“Pity, though we suppose we should get to our point.” Luna sighed. “ We would like you to accompany us to speak with the Wolf Fangs and their Alpha Jynx in particular.”
“Oh? Nothing is wrong is it?” Rarity winced.
“Nay, though there is a question we must ask regarding your reports on how things have been going.” Luna stated. “ We have noticed her questions pertaining to our grandson and wish to address it.”
“Ahh I see. Well so long as everything can remain civil......” Rarity muttered taking a sip of her tea.
“I am rather curious as to how you feel about Rahs myself.” Cadence added suddenly her horn glowing to form a shield.
The two alicorns regarded the white mare as she recovered, Luna impassively and Cadence with a small devious looking smile.
“”What .. cough , no I’m unsure what you are getting at.” Rarity managed, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
“We have on fairly good authority that that thou were quite attracted to him at one point, even going so far as to tease and flirt with him.” Luna stated as Rarity turned red.
“That... that..... that was little more than a bit of payback for a bit of a sarcastic prank he pulled on me , nothing more than that I assure you.” Rarity protested.
“We also have it on good authority that you bought several of the pictures of him Spike was selling.” Cadence grinned.
Rarity frowned glaring at the two of them her ears flattening to her head. “ I will not deny that he was attractive as a PONY. I am also well aware he found me attractive when I was cursed as a Diamond Dog. That said.....” Rarity began.
“I've seen it work with less.” Cadence grinned.
“THAT SAID....”Rarity interrupted. “Sorry, that said, I have no interest in him beyond the fact he looked attractive once when he was under the curse of a poison joke. I also have no desire to undergo that curse again in order to be attractive soly to him. At worst I would hazard we are friends, nothing more or less than that.”
Rarity looked at them both with a sigh as they watched her picking up her cup to try and drink some of her tea before it got cold.
“You realize that with his being under Luna's care he's technically a prince right?” Cadence grinned raising her shield again.
“PPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT!!!”
“Whoo.” Owloysius hooted.
“Who.” Fluttershy asked back.
“Whoo.”
“Who.”
“Whoo.”
“Who.”
“Whoo.”
“Who.”
“Whoo.”
“Who.”
“NOT THIS AGAIN!” Spike screamed.
Jynx kept her ears flat to her head as her ice blue eyes shifted between the two Princesses at the table. The Diamond Dog alpha had gotten used to dealing with the occasional contact with Princess Celestia. Though it was usually through Lady Rarity or some other source rather than a personal visit.
Of which she was quite wishing Lady Rarity had been allowed to stay, but the pair of princesses had pushed her out almost the moment after they were introduced. The Guards of the pair stayed around and her own Guards and the Princesses had been staring each other down for some time now. Her adviser had slipped out as well citing something about her new pup needing to be changed. Jynx was more certain it was because of the high level of tension in the air, and wanting to be as far away as possible if anything happened. Jynx did not blame her.
“We can tell thou are nervous. Do not be. “ Princess Luna stated suddenly.” If we were going to wipe out thy pack, we would not bother to sit down before hoof.”
“That does not reassure me of anything Princess.” Jynx responded.
“It was not supposed to.” Luna grinned
“Perhaps we can simply skip to why we are here.” Cadence sighed.
“Yes that might be best.” Jynx swallowed looking at Luna the way a predator looks at an even bigger more unpredictable predator.
“It has come to our attention you have interest in a one Rahs Sparkle.” Cadence continued.
Jynx's ears perked up at that, her eyes widening as she looked at Luna in a slightly different light. This was not a unpredictable predator, this was a mama bear noticing someone looking at one of her cubs. A far worse scenario.
“Yes........” Jynx admitted slowly.
“ And what sort of interest do thou have in him?” Luna nearly purred.
Jynx frowned, she could try to play subtle and devious, but that really was not her style. Besides which she doubted she could come up with anything that these two hadn't seen before.
“I wish to take him as a mate.” Jynx stated flatly.
“Oh?” Cadence questioned. “ Why is that?”
“In case you have not noticed the entirety of Diamond Dog culture tends to be based on strength over everything else. It is rare that a truly intelligent pup is born that can rise to the status of Alpha. One such as that can change how a generation of Dogs does something, but only until the next Alpha comes along and that new one may undo everything the old one has put together. However if there is a strong family line many will follow simply due to what the previous Alpha has done. Bitches do not traditionally hold the position of Alpha. I gained a few dogs who were loyal to my father and a number of others who liked the idea of a change, but there were other groups I have had to fight to remain in control of. ”Jynx explained, unconsciously whipping the stub of her tail. “Many of whom have changed their way of trying to fight me to attempting to court me and I have issues with idiots.”
“I'm not sure I follow.” Cadence frowned.
“I have been keeping an eye on Rahs since he first came to Ponyville. He strikes me as both strong and intelligent. Two things I seek in a mate. Add in that he has no experience in how Diamond Dog politics work makes him even more desirable as I doubt he would seek to usurp my status as alpha.” Jynx smiled.” Politics aside, that he is quite attractive does add somewhat to my interest.”
“Interesting.” Luna tilted her head. “ So thou wish for pups from him?”
“That is the general intent when one chooses a mate is it not?” Jynx shrugged.
Cadence looked as if she was going to say something though Luna cut her off.
“Indeed. “ Luna stated considering for a second. “ We accept thy intent as we do not see any falsehoods in it. We shall however warn thee of three things before we agree to allow thou to pursue our grand pup.”
“Alright.”the midnight black Alpha sighed.
“First and foremost if this is some sort of trick or end goal to bring harm to any one, we will be most displeased.” Luna stated flatly. “ Thou does not want us to be displeased.”
“Noted.” Jynx winced.
“Secondly due to his ...past encounters with Diamond Dogs I expect thee will have a hard time getting him to accept thee. “ Luna continued.
“Not to mention Twilight's reaction.” Cadence added.
“I expected as much, but I have prepared for that.” Jynx nodded.
“Finally thou are not the only one we have allowed to attempt to win his paw. So there will be competition.... and it would be best if it remained friendly for all involved.” Luna finished.
“I'm not against him having other mates so long as I am able to have a litter or two with him.” Jynx added.
“Oh?” Cadence asked.
“Diamond Dogs are rarely monogamous Princess. Most flock to the strongest, to have the strongest pups. And if the current strongest falls, the next strongest will do. Things are much more complicated than that of course, particularly when love and jealousy enter into it. “ Jynx smirked. “ While I am not in the slightest bit against being exclusive, as there are no others that interest me, I am not against him having his own pack of females following him. So long as he can preform the duties I need him to.”
“We see.” Luna nodded. “ Not unlike the herds that they had in the olden days.”
“There are still a few groups out there that practice that sort of thing auntie.” Cadence considered. “ But I think I have all I need here and we have one more to visit before returning to Canterlot. Thank you for your time Lady Jynx. We will be in touch.”
“Oh good, so he's willing to stay?” Twilight asked looking at the little owl hopping around on the desk.
“Oh yes, Owloysius actually came into town to find somewhere to stay. The forest is getting more dangerous and he's still just a little owl.” Fluttershy stated. “He was actually on his way to find me when he came across your light last night.”
“Whoo.” Owloysius agreed.
“What do you feed owls any way?” Spike asked.
“He can do his own hunting, though I can mix up some treats for him. Unless Rahs wants to share some of his hunts.” Fluttershy suggested.
Rahs gasped dramatically as if he was shocked by the very notion, his long ears flatting to his head as he clutched at his chest. The display was mostly ignored.
“Well after the hydra and everything else we've seen out in the forest I can certainly understand why he wanted to come into town.” Twilight nodded. “That he thought about that just shows how smart he is too. I'm sure he can help with a number of things as an assistant.”
“Wait, wait, wait? “ Spike spoke up. “You're making him an assistant? I'm already your assistant.”
“I can have more than one assistant Spike.” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“Do I still get paid?” Spike demanded.
“Sure, when you actually do some work.” Twilight grumbled.
Rainbow Dash tilted her head a little, looking at the two Princesses sitting on the cloud with her. She didn't even know that alicorns could sit on clouds.
“Not that I mind you interrupting my nap Princessy Princessi? Is there a word for two Princesses?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Princesses.” Cadence nodded.
“Oh. Okay, Cool. Any way whats up? Also in case any pony asks I was totally on break and not napping on the job again.” Rainbow Dash added.
“Noted.” Luna smiled.
“So what do you think of Rahs?” Cadence asked.
“Ehh I’d bang him.” Dash shrugged.
“What?” Luna blinked.
“Yah know, Shag,Tube-snake boogie, Get laid, Banana in a fruit salad, Intromission, Hook up, Jerking off with someone to talk to, Get lucky, Oscillating the unmentionables, Hump, Bow-chick-a-wow-wow, Get da booty, Doing the horizontal greased-weasel tango, Root, Cleaning the cobwebs with the womb broom, Score, Laying pipe, Bone, Nail, A bit of the old in-out, in-out ,Adult naptime ,Aggressive cuddling ,A bit of crumpet, Attacking the pink fortress, Bam-bam in the ham, Batter-dipping the corn dog, Blitzkrieg mit dem fleischgewehr, Boinking, Buttering the biscuit, Cattle-prodding the oyster ditch with the lap rocket, Christening the yak, Dipping the wick, Extreme flirting, Forbidden polka,Greasing the loaf pan, Hot beef injection, Knocking horseshoes, Making the beast with two backs, Negotiating the forested chasm, Pants-off dance-off, Pressure-washing the quiver bone in the bitch wrinkle, Sheathing the meat dagger, Waka-waka........”Rainbow Dash rambled.
Princess Luna blinked staring as the tirade continued, a few of the Guards had decided to poke their heads up to see what was going on and all of them were staring in shock or confusion at Rainbow Dash.
Princess Cadence however, was taking notes.
“What?” Luna demanded.
“She means having sex auntie.” Cadence finally stated.
“Then why not just say that!?” Luna questioned.
“I did.” Dash offered.
“Any way so you want a relationship with Rahs?” Cadence asked.
“Nah, just bang him, and even that's only iffy.”Dash shrugged. ”He'd be perfect if he had wings.”
“Oh, if he is in the cursed form he took?” Luna questioned.
“Oh yeah, I’d definitely bang him when he's a pony, he's damn hot, if he wanted anyway. Though I’d probably do the same even if he wasn't cursed, yah know... just to see what a Moon Dog is like in bed.” Dash shrugged. “But he's not interested in ponies so that's not likely to happen.”
“Well that would result in offspring....” Luna muttered.
“Auntie , there are such things as contraceptives nowadays. Not every session of intercourse produces a foal....” Cadence commented.
“What? Then why bother?” Luna questioned.
“Cause it's fun.....” Cadence rolled her eyes.
“Hmm we see, and here we thought thou and Shining Armor were desperately trying for a foal with how often we have overheard thine encounters of ... 'parking the beef cart in tuna town.'” Luna suggested.
Cadence narrowed her eyes as Rainbow Dash fell over laughing.
“I sometimes wonder exactly how much of your naivety is an act auntie.” Cadence grumbled.
“Whatever pray tell do you mean, our pinkest niece?” Luna asked innocently.
Fluttershy breathed in deeply rearing back on her hooves before letting out her cheer.
“Yay.”
Zecora paused to watch the scene as Rainbow Dash slapped her face with a hoof. She sighed shaking her head having no idea what the pair were doing and in Ponyville not knowing was usually safer.
Much like why her new friend Twilight had requested what she had. Suffice to say something was going on and she wanted to be back in the 'safety' of the Everfree before it did.
Tuesdays, were very dangerous days.
“She's still at it out thar.” Applejack commented looking out the library window. A glance back showed the chaos going on behind her that she had given up on being a part of.
The building was a mess, though that was mostly due to Twilight's efforts to get Rahs to do something he didn't want to do. Books were scattered everywhere tables overturned and currently Rahs was clinging to the top of a bookshelf having somehow wedged himself into a space between the shelf and the ceiling where he shouldn't have been able to fit. Only his amber eyes were visible in the darkness at the top of the shelf and the pale light of the orb on his tail that was whipping wildly. His arm also lashed out as he hissed at Rarity who was trying to prod him out with the end of a broom like she did Opal.
“Rahs get your butt down here you agreed to this!” Twilight yelled up at him.
“BORK!” Rahs responded back swatting away Rarity's broom again.
“Don't you give me that. I've run this by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and both agree everything should be fine.” Twilight fussed. “ Princess Luna even wanted pictures.”
“I'm pretty sure that's the real reason he's hiding.” Spike snarked trying to clean up the books, keeping a wide berth around the table that Twilight had her experiment set up on.
“Tail Twitch!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“Incoming!” Added Applejack.
Spike dove under the couch with Pinkie Pie and Rarity quickly moved back as Twilight formed a shield over her work and the other unicorn. AppleJack just ducked as the window she was looking out exploded inward and Rainbow Dash crashed into the room, bouncing off the couch , then the shield before finally smacking into Rahs' bookcase toppling it over and sending the Moon Dog crashing face first to the ground.
“Ahh!” Twilight smiled scooping her brother up in her magic before he had time to recover and taking both him and her experiment down into the basement to avoid any possible cross contamination.
Spike crawled out from under the couch to look down stairs with a wince.
“Oh this isn't good, she's got the lab coat on.” Spike mentioned.
“Is Rahs gonna be alright?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“He'll be fine, he usually goes along with her experiments because he can eat the failures, not so much this time.” Spike smirked.
“Is Rainbow Dash alright?” Rarity asked as the aforementioned pony pops up out of a pile of books.
“Nothing hurt but my pride.” Dash complained.
“So nothin new.” Applejack smirked, looking up as Fluttershy peered into the broken window.
“Rainbow Dash, you rock. Woohoo.” Fluttershy cheered.
“I can't believe you guys came along to cheer me on. This is awesome.” Rainbow Dash smirked zipping around, as the balloon her friends were in was towed into place by Fluttershy. “Not exactly sure how though...”
“Cloud walking spell.” Twilight shrugged as she hopped off the balloon with Spike on her back. “I've got to maintain the spell, but it helps me practice and cuts down on the chances of my having a surge. Granted I’ve got about eight different spells going right now to keep from doing that.”
“Are you sure that won't be too taxing darling? I mean after all we are only kept aloft here by your focus.” Rarity asked climbing out of the basket and hesitantly prodding the cloud.
“Oh this is nothing, Twilight's record for holding lower level spells is fifteen for about three days. And she only failed then cause we ran out of coffee.” Spike smiled.” This shows maybe four hours tops.”
“This feels really weird.” Applejack muttered prodding the cloud hesitantly. “Not sure ah like being airborne.”
“This will be great.” Dash smiled” Fluttershy and I can show you around Cloudsdale, it's not too often any one but Pegasi come up here.”
“Actually the Princesses are supposed to be here for this.” Fluttershy added.
Dash winced her ears drooping.” Great... So where's Rahs? You leave him at home?”
“No, he's just being a pain.” Twilight sighed.” Rahs we're here, get out of the basket!”
“Fergit that!” a voice shouted from the basket.” Moon Dogs are meant to be on the ground... and maybe in trees... trees that are easy to get down out of anyway....”
“Rahs we've gone over a number of precautions for this and you will be fine.” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“Precautions!?! Vile witch! Thou has cursed me!” Rahs complained as Pinkie Pie sat on the edge of the basket looking down at Rahs hunched in the bottom of it under a blanket.
“Not for you, just to make sure the curse didn't transfer through the link again. Spike and I already had the herbal baths so we're unaffected by it.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I needed you not to be eating magic while we were up here and the easiest way to do that was if you were a pony. Thankfully Zecora had a way to speed up the effects of the curse.”
“Yeah that's a good thing, given it's mostly weather magic that keeps this place intact.” Dash agreed.
“Right, Rahs is just being a baby, I’ve taken every precaution to ensure that this trip is a success and no one has any trouble with it.”Twilight nodded.
[Canterlot, Guard barracks shower room]
A number of screams and sounds of panic emerge from the barracks showers. A herd of burly stallions stampede out of the washroom in a rush, where they had gone to clean up after morning PT.
For a moment there was no sound but the hiss of the water left running inside.
“DAMNIT TWILIGHT!!!” a girly sounding Shining Armor screamed out from the showers.
“ Yep, evvvvvery precaution, no errors on my part.”Twilight beamed. “Dotted all my t's and crossed all my i's.”
“Rahs just come on out it's not that bad.” Spike rolled his eyes.
“Not that bad? Not that Bad! “ Rahs shouted. “THIS IS MADNESS!”
“Madness? “Pinkie Pie asked with a grin dropping into the basket fully. “No. This! Is! CLOUDSADALE!!!”
At the shout Pinkie Pie reared back and punted Rahs out of the balloon sending him and the blanket he was trying to cover himself with sailing over the small group to crash into a cloud bank with a explosion of fluff.
“That worked.” Applejack shrugged.
“Okay enough playing. Rahs come on, we're here to cheer on Rainbow Dash for the best young fliers competition.” You can't do that sulking under a blanket. Plus that has got to be highly uncomfortable right now.” Twilight sighed.
Rahs grumbled climbing out of the cloud bank and glaring at every pony and dragon looking at him expectantly. Given how stupid he felt he looked he might as well make it showy, then at least he could play it off as stage practice.
He reached a hoof up grabbing the edge of his blanket and yanking it free sending the material soaring through the air to majestically slap his sister in the face. A quick snap and a rush of air and he was hovering off the cloud top, the spell that created the wings taking over instantly to allow him to fly.
The dark blue furred earth pony reared up on his back legs, his long amber mane and tail swirling around him in the down beat of the wings on his back. The bit of static from hiding under the blanket making his fur fluff up, though not enough to hide the fact he had far more muscle than last time he was a pony. His cutie mark remained the same howling wolf and the long ears poking out of his mane still shown with the small points of moonlight over them. The small bit of moonlight however seemed to make the wings that sprouted from just below his shoulder blades shimmer brilliantly. The wings themselves were a soft green, with the leading and trailing edges of them a bluish purple that nearly matched Rahs' fur. Long tails came from the bottom of the wings fanning out behind him as the wings flapped and darker 'eyes' decorated the upper part of each wing.
“Behold mortals!!” Rahs spouted, getting a number of ooohs from the others, as well as the attention of just about every other pegasus mare with in eye shot of the display.
“That is simply gorgeous! Twilight why didn't you give me wings?” Rarity pouted.
“Waaaaaa....” Rainbow Dash drooled.
“Oh how pretty, you gave him Actias luna wings. Very fitting given him being a Moon Dog.” Fluttershy nodded.
“Well here it is. The greatest city in the sky.” Rainbow Dash proclaims sweeping a hoof out over the cloud bank to the massive city stretched out below them. A huge stadium dominated the middle of the city with the homes and business all stretched out around it covering the entire cloud. Pegasus ponies of every color and size. On the far side of the massive cloud formation was a building with a number of pipes running out of it, the multitude of smoke stacks pumped out clouds which were gathered by worker ponies and prepped for delivery.
“Ooooooooooh.” they all chorused.
“Seriously? Rahs muttered from behind the others with a growl.
“Dash was about to turn on the Moon Dog / pony to find out what his problem with Cloudsdale was, only to find he was being swarmed by Pegasus mares asking a number of questions that Rahs didn't seem to want to answer, he hadn't even seen the vista.
“Are you going to be in the competition” A lime green mare asked. “Where are you from handsome?” A sultry looking red mare asked. “Are you some kind of flutterpony?” A blue one with glasses questioned. “Who does your wings?” A light orange one asked. “Can I touch them?” a tan mare asked. “Can I touch something else.” A white and cream mare asked with a purr.
“Okay break it up!” Dash shouted darting over and waving her hooves at the mares trying to get them away from Rahs.” No touchy, shoo shoo.”
There were a number of protests before the mares finally left, leaving a grumbling Rahs still flitting about by his wings.
“Seriously Twi can you just kill these things, this is getting annoying.......” Rahs grumbled.
“No can do. I can't add another cloud walking spell while the wings are active and you'd fall if they went away.” Twilight shrugged.
“I'd just absorb the spell you're using to cloudwalk....”
“Not as a pony you wouldn't.”
“Well there's a fix for that too witch....” Rahs snapped.
“Rainbow Dash I am terribly sorry my brother is being an ass and ruining the mood for the competition.” Twilight stated flatly ignoring Rahs' retort.
“Nah it's no biggy. Actually hearing you guys arguing is kinda helping me keep calm with how normal it is. Bonus points cause I know what he's saying now.” Dash shrugged.
“See there you are. You being a pony helps, now stop griping and lets go take the tour.” Twilight practically shouted at Rahs who had stretched out his hooves before him shaking them as if to strangle the unicorn.
“Wow he really doesn't like being a pony.” Pinkie Pie offered.
“Ah think it's more that Twi kinda forced it on him at tha last second.” Applejack muttered.
“She does that.” Spike shrugged.
“Hoof ball.... just think about Hoof ball...” muttered Fluttershy.
“I really wish I had brought a camera.” Rarity sighed.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here.....” A brown stallion in a work uniform called out as he trotted up to the group.
“Why I believe it's our old friend Rainbow Crash.” A taller tan pegasus stallion with his eyes hidden under his hard hat smirked as he strolled up.
“See this I didn't need.” Dash sighed gaining the attention of all three of the Sparkle siblings.
“Get kicked outta any flight schools lately?” The brown one laughed causing the short pudgy gray stallion with him to laugh. “Not enough nappy times for yah?”
“And next on the Cloudsdale tour everyone, authentic trash ponies.” Rahs snapped.
“Huh? How did you know we worked sanitation?” the gray pudgy one asked.
The group stared at them a moment as if waiting for them to realize that their uniforms said 'waste management' and they had garbage cans and a dumpster bin behind them that they had been filling up when the others trotted up.
“Well sure if you want to take my comment like that, whatever helps you sleep at night.” Rahs sighed.
“Rahs leave them be. I know you're eager for a battle of wits, but don't fight the unarmed.” Twilight offered.
A moment or two passed before the brown one caught on.” Hey wait a minute...”
“I feel insulted that they are using the name I came up with for you. Now I need to think of something better because I'm feeling dumber by association.” Spike offered recalling his title for Dash during the poison joke nonsense.
“Don't worry about it Spike. I'm pretty sure you came up with it quicker than they did.” Twilight placated.” They did say 'old ' friend, so they've probably been working on that nickname for a few years to get it right.”
“Whatever flunkie. Not surprised crash here only has the reject, a freak, and a bunch of mud ponies hanging around her.” The tan one scoffed.
Fluttershy winced at the comment and Applejack and Rarity looked ready to throw down with the trio. Pinkie Pie however popped up between the two groups waving her forelegs wildly.
“Oooo, oooo, hey, guess what I am, guess what I am!” Pinkie Pie sing songed.
“An annoyance” The brown one snapped. “A mud pony?” the tan one added. “Pink?” the gray one questioned.
“Close there, but nope. “ Pinkie Pie grinned pointing at the gray one.
“Then what tha heck are you?” the tan one snapped.
“A distraction.” Pinkie smiled.
Before the trio could question that, Twilight slammed a trio of full garbage cans down on top of the three of them. Rahs reared back punting them all into the dumpster before Spike gave it a shove and sent the screaming smelly mess rolling down the cloud bank.
“Oh dear that might have been a little much.” Rarity commented. “ I doubt the local authorities will like that sort of response.”
There was a sudden sounding of applause as a number of Pegasi who had stopped to watch the confrontation started clapping and cheering the siblings.
Twilight, Rahs, and Spike, glanced at each other, then all proceeded to take deep stage bows to their audience.
Rarity rolled her eyes as a number of the mares started screaming and throwing flowers at Rahs as he got a bit too into the bows and likely showed a bit more of his flank than was proper for a proper gentle stallion.
“Well if there was any worry that they weren’t related, this killed it.” Applejack muttered.
“Waaa.....” Rainbow Dash drooled as Rahs took another deep bow with a rose between his teeth.
“Hoofballhoofballhoofball.” Fluttershy mantrad, holding her nose.
“Some of the greatest pegasi in history came from Cloudsdale.” Rainbow Dash continued the tour of her home town with a few bits of added commentary by Fluttershy.
Rahs was missing most of it, as the number of mares they passed shouting at him or whistling only went up as they progressed. As dense as the Moon Dog/ Pony could be, he could easily tell what these mares wanted, even the ones that were not blatant with their innuendo.
Frankly he was ready to see if he could just fly back to Ponyville, or at least duck back into he balloon to get away from it. Still Rainbow Dash seemed excited to be showing them around, so for now he decided to simply ignore them and go along with the tour.
What Rahs didn't notice, was the near constant shimmering of his sister's horn as she added a few more spells here and there on top of the ones she was already maintaining.
A few mid air collisions with clouds, traffic light changes, sudden thunderbolts and down pours kept the more persistent mares away from her brother.
Spike was just amused by all of it and planned to tease them both mercilessly later.
“So then, don't suppose this tour includes tha weather factory. Rather curious about where somea my tax bits go.” Applejack stated.
“Great idea. “ Rainbow Dash smiled. “I bet I can get us in on a tour group. They tend to offer those to school foals every so often. Should be a cinch to get one for some ground bound ponies.”
“This is where they make the snowflakes.” Dash explained to the others. The group of them were all wearing hard hats and work coats and Dash's rank as head of Ponyville weather team allowed her to conduct the tour. Though the mare at the PPE supply had somehow managed to give Rahs a coat that was nearly as small as the one on Spike thus leaving him moderately uncovered as she drooled over his flank.
The group had then left before the sudden swarm of living coats got more of them than just the supply mare.
Of course the group of mares who had been following behind them to stare at Rahs caused more than enough issue. With their extra wings in the room the snow flake technicians were sent scrambling to catch their work as the breeze stirred up sent everything flying.
The tour group left quickly, leaving Rahs' last group of followers behind to help clean up after one of the snowflake management team caught them out of their assigned areas.
“And this is where they make the rainbow.” Rainbow Dash smirked.
Pinkie Pie looked around skeptically as if expecting rejected pegasi or something like that before shrugging and dipping her hoof into the main pool before giving the rainbow a taste.
“Hmm not soylent green, but GAHAHHH spicy!!” the mare shrieked turning a multitude of colors before running off towards the cafeteria to find milk.
“Yeah, rainbows are not known for their flavor.” Dash chuckled.
“There you are!!” shouted a voice.
The group looked over seeing a trio of familiar stallions stomping towards them.
“Ahh. I thought the stupidity quota in here had gotten low, seems somepony decided to balance it out.” Twilight dead paned.
“You got a lot of nerve with that stunt you pulled.” the tan one snapped.
“Is that a grammatically correct use of the word 'you'?” Spike asked.
“No.” Rarity chimed in.
“Youse gonna pay for that garbage you dumped on us flunkies.” the brown one growled.
Rahs' long ears twitched a bit at that before he fluttered over before the brown one.
“Excuse me. Not to interrupt your rampant idiocy, but did you just threaten my sister, my brother, and our friends?” Rahs asked far too calmly.
“What of it freak!? I'm taking you down a peg too!” the brown one snapped.
Rahs smiled at that.
Now up until this point every pony had thought the poison joke turned Rahs fully into a earth pony stallion. However the brown pegasus discovered that Rahs' teeth were still very much those of a Moon Dog.
Very pointy, and very sharp.
Poison Joke was not often subtle with it's humor.
“Oh buck....” was all the tan one managed before the transformed Moon Dog reacted to their threat.
“Well so much for the weather factory tour.” Applejack sighed as the group walked along the cloud made streets of the city.
“Ehh it's fine. That was nearly the whole thing any way. All you missed out on was the rain room and they haven’t pulled the water up just yet anyway, so nothings going on there.” Dash shrugged. “We still have time to catch a bite to eat before the competition.”
“Perhaps that will calm Fluttershy down?” Rarity asked as she glanced back at the yellow mare sitting on Pinkie Pie's back hiding completely in her mane.
“It wasn't even that bad.” Spike rolled his eyes. “Nothings broken and they weren't even bleeding. Granted they are rainbow colored now....”
“Fluttershy's very sensitive.” Pinkie Pie explained. “Plus, even I want to forget that fight. I mean he was hitting that one guy... with the OTHER guy!”
“Rahs had leverage.” Twilight shrugged.”Plus you were the one who was yelling at him to stop hitting himself when Rahs got a hold of his tail.”
Rahs flitted along behind them simply grinning wider, he was feeling a great deal better about this trip after the second encounter with the bullies allowed him to work off some built up aggression.
Behind the group however the size of Rahs followers had spread to nearly every single mare who was nearby and the numbers were growing as the group walked along.
Being a former warrior race and watching one pony trounce three others, two of them larger than he was, jump started quite a number of pegasi mares new obsessions in the odd Pegasus.
Spike narrowed his eyes looking across the counter.
The cream colored pony pegasus stallion with brown hair, green eyes, and a pink frosted doughnut cutie mark looked back a bit nervously under the dragon's scrutiny. The massive horde of mares outside didn't help either.
The others had gotten their food and moved to the table they picked out, though Spike was staring at the shopkeeper, who was doing his best to try not to look worried about holding the purple drake's attention.
“A pegasus.... huh? Joe.. huh?” Spike stated.
“Errr yeah … all my life.” Pony Joe muttered starting to feel a little ill.
“Never been to Canterlot huh?” Spike frowned.
“Can't say I have.......” Joe offered glancing at all the ponies plastered to the windows, taking note of a few stallions who were staring in now too.
“Yet you knew I wanted extra sprinkles.......” Spike growled.
“You don't?” Joe chuckled.
Spike took his doughnut looking up at the stallion.
“I'm onto you Joe.......” Spike accused, pointing to his eyes then at the pony before backing away to the table.
“Who'd have thought there was a Pony Joe's in Cloudsdale too.” Twilight offered trying to ignore the fact that Rahs had discovered the true taste of doughnuts nearby and had promptly started to try and clean out Joe's inventory.
Rainbow Dash whimpered, slipping back behind another pony as she swapped out their numbers to make her further along in line. She quickly ducked into the back corner of the locker room trying not to hyperventilate as the nervousness built up.
Her show stopper was something she still couldn't preform properly, it was something she had done once when she was filly. She wasn't even sure how she had done it then. Had she even done it or was that a dream? The bullies said it was just head trauma, were they right? No one but Fluttershy seemed to recall it and Fluttershy might only be trying to be nice.
She was working herself up into a proper downward spiral of anxiety when the door to the locker room was flung open and a navy blue stallion burst into the room. His moth like wings were flapping madly as he whirled about slamming the door behind him. He quickly yanked a bench from the floor and propped it against the door to keep it shut just as a horde of voices could be heard from the other side as well as the thunder of hooves and flap of wings running down the hall outside.
“Fer bucks sake I just wanted a taco!” Rahs growled.
“A taco?” Dash asked with a grin, glancing at the only other two ponies in the room , both stallions, a green furred one who snickered at the comment, and a sandy yellow furred one, who didn't get it.
Rahs glanced back with a growl and a roll of his eyes as he saw Dash. “The food not the innuendo, seriously. I finally find a vendor selling Griffon cuisine I haven’t tried and before I can buy one, all these mares swarmed me.”
“Wait you were swarmed by mares?” the sandy yellow stallion asked.” And you ran? What the heck is wrong with you? Are you gay?”
This got the green stallions attention as he looked over Rahs. “ Hmmm.”
“No.” Rahs rolled his eyes.” I'm not gay, but I am also not interested in death by snusnu from a hundred worked up mares.”
“Dunno that sounds about like every guys dream.” Rainbow Dash smirked. The green stallion snorted. “ Well almost every guys dream.”
“Yeah well whatever. I went to the concession stand and was chased down here.” Rahs grumbled.
“Thirteen!” a voice called from the door and the sandy yellow stallion turned heading for the door out to the stadium.
“You sure you're not gay?” The green stallion asked again.
“Yes.... “ Rahs sighed.” I'm just not attracted to ponies.”
“Oh..... one of those....” the stallion shrugged walking off towards the door to wait his turn.
“One of those? What?” Rahs blinked in confusion.
“Wait so you're not attracted to ponies?” Dash asked.
“Pretty much.” Rahs shrugged glancing to his barricade.” I've told Spike and Twilight this much before , I rely kinda heavily on my nose and ponies all smell like prey species to me. There's been a few exceptions and I think that has to do with heritage, like maybe there was a griffon or something in their family line. I know Trixie said her great grandfather six or seven times was a dragon, but most ponies smell like a meal not like a mate.”
“That is really weird. I wonder if Luna and Cadence know that fact.” Dash pondered.
“Why would they need to know that?” Rahs asked curiously. “Wait.... oh buck she's still after grandpups isn't she... and she roped Cady into it..........”
“Well, Cadence didn't seem roped into anything, but that's what it seemed like when they talked with me.” Dash smirked.
“Wait they talked to you? By Tartarus ,... what about?”
“Ehh they heard I was interested in you last time you were cursed. “ Dash chuckled. “ Course I also said I’d bang yah as a Moon Dog too, so it got a little weird after that.”
“Bang me?” Rahs questioned.
“Yeah you know, mixing the baby cake batter, sending cyclops back to the cave, Checking for traps with a ten foot pole, putting the staff of magi into the portable hole, flanking from behind,extending the rod of lordly might, docking the ship at port,becoming the paladin’s special mount, giving a green gown,making hooves for foals stockings, shaking the sheets.” Rainbow Dash listed.
“Were those O&O references?” Rahs blinked.
“Shoot twix wind and water, ride below the crupper, have your corn ground, make butter with your tail,grope for the trout in a particular river, put four quarters on the spit, feeding the dumb glutton, assault with a friendly weapon, crashing the custard cart, getting ones bean waxed, patching the hatchet wound, playing with the box the foal came in, yiffing, whittling the love branch, tickle their tummy from the inside...” the green stallion continued as Dash laughed.
“I GET IT!” Rahs shouted turning red, his ears flattened to his head.” Seriously are all pegasi like this?”
“Oh relax, I'm not gonna try and jump you like that lot out there.” Dash waved a hoof. “I'm interested but if you're not, then it's my problem not yours. But hey if you change your mind.....”Dash grinned.
“Fourteen!” the voice called and the Green stallion stepped out.
“Not sure if I should thank you for that offer or say it's in the best interest for your own safety if we remain just friends.” Rahs commented.
“I'm good with that. No way do I wanna get on Twilight's bad side.” Dash laughed.
“That said … if you want to set me up with your friend Gilda....... She caught my interest when you introduced us.” Rahs continued with a smirk.
“Pfft what Gilda? Yeah maybe, though we sorta had a falling out over the Pinkie Party and she took off. Not even sure where she is now.” Dash muttered.” You really into her?”
“ Dunno, but I'm willing to at least take her on a date see where that goes, at the very least to shut Spike up. Pity she vanished. Though I’m sure she'll turn up again.” Rahs shrugged. “So any back doors to this place? I figure Twilight and everyone else are wondering where I went.”
“Just out into the stadium.” Dash commented pointing a hoof towards the door the green stallion went out.
“Fifteen.” a voice called.
“Ahhh crap...” Dash muttered.
“Something wrong?” Rahs questioned.
“No nothing...... “ Dash stammered.
“Right, I think I recognize stage fright when I see it.“ Rahs rolled his eyes.
“Fifteen!”
“Hah me afraid? Never!” Dash snapped.
“Right anyway .. just go out there and picture every pony naked.” Rahs pointed out.
“FIFTEEN!”
“Rahs most of the ponies out there are already naked!”Dash explained.
“Yeah I guess that trick works better in Canterlot. They wear a lot of clothes there.” Rahs considered.
A cream colored mare storms into the room and stopped noting the barricaded door, the moth winged stallion, and the mare with the number she had been calling.
“Okay that's enough flirting, we're on a time table. Every pony out get out there, you can both preform at the same time or don't it doesn't matter just go!” the mare shouted moving over to the two and starting to push both Rahs and Dash out the door to the stadium despite their protests.
Once they were in the stadium proper the mare slammed the door shut behind them as the crowded stadium cheered their arrival.
“Well shit.” Rahs grumbled looking up at the arena from the scant cloud floor provided.
“Say, Rahs has been gone quite a while ain't he?” Applejack mused.
“At least for six or seven performances..” Rarity agreed.
“He's probably just blowing his paycheck on anything he can shove down his throat.” Twilight sighed.
“He better hurry back with my milk duds.” Spike scoffed.
The small group was in a relatively unoccupied section of the stadium. While it had been crowded at first, thankfully for Twilight's issues with crowds, it had thinned out considerably about six or seven performances ago. This left the mares, and Spike, mostly alone and seated across the stadium from where Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts were seated.
“I thought Princess Luna and Princess Cadence were supposed to be here too.” Pinkie Pie asked.
“They were supposed to be, and I see some of their Guards around.” Twilight offered pointing out the members of the Heart Guard and Night Guard moving around the stadium.
“Maybe they went to the little fillies room?” Fluttershy suggested.
“The whole event?” Applejack asked.
“ Could be other business, Cloudsdale's a big city, they might not have intended to come to the show at all if they needed to deal with some Royal duty or another.” Rarity offered.
“Hey look Rainbow Dash came out!” Pinkie Pie pointed down to the bottom of the stadium.
“Finally... wait … is that Rahs?” Spike blinked.
“Seriously? He had to get into a show.... stupid drama dog. He better not mess this up for Rainbow Dash.” Twilight snapped.
“Think yer being a little hard on him, he don't seem to be interested in moving from that cloud he's sitting on.” Applejack offered. “Mighta just been giving Dash a little pep talk, she did seem nervous.”
“So you're just gonna sit there?” Dash questioned.
“Yep,well try to any way. With how these stupid wings keep moving I’m having a hard time planting my butt any where. Anyway, go wow them, or break a leg, or whatever the term for flying is that means good luck but it's not said as such cause it's bad luck.” Rahs shrugged.
“Wait it's bad luck to say 'good luck'?” Dash blinked.
“In theater it is. Now go. This is a timed event remember.” Rahs smirked flashing his fangs.
Dash laughed a little, launching herself into the air to start on the slalom as her friends watched. She was still nervous, but she had to do her best here, get the first part of the set done, then worry about the rain boom.
Rahs smirked a little watching her go. He had been interested in seeing what Dash could do and now he had the best seat in the house for it.
“There he is!” shouted a voice.
Rahs flattened his ears, looking back as a swarm of pegasi mares pushed through the small door out of the locker room and onto the tiny cloud ledge. Rahs whirled about backing up, his eyes wide as the chattering swarm approached, asking a number of rather personal questions and requesting dates, kisses or something along the lines of all the innuendo Rainbow Dash spouted earlier.
As he kept backing up his rear hooves found the edge of the cloud and slipped off of it.
“Again.. well shit.” Rahs deadpanned as he fell off the cloud, the updraft from below catching his flailing form, and more importantly his larger than normal wings. The strong upward wind shot the screaming Moon Dog/ pony skyward in a manic spiral.
Twilight frowned watching her brother launch up into the air flailing.
“Well that's not very dignified.” Rarity scoffed.
Twilight's horn glowed and the cloud the swarm of pegasi were standing on rolled up like a scroll squishing all of them in a sticky sap like mess and pulling the mare swarm back into the locker room, the door shutting behind them with a slam.
“Was that Elder Bloom's sticky sap trap?” Spike questioned.
“Yup, along with some basic telekinesis.” Twilight agreed.
“They were already feathered and you just tared them?” Pinkie giggled.
“Errr is Rahs gonna be alright?”Applejack asked.
“He should be fine, the wings are designed for a bit of strain, much more than the butterfly wings I first considered. They still have a bit of issue if they come in contact with water, but we should be fine. It’s not raining and there's no lakes up here.” Twilight nodded. “Once he stops panicking he can just glide back over here.”
“Yeah, I mean worst case he hits the safety net they set up.” Spike shrugged.
“Umm not to point this out.. but clouds are made of condensed water vapor would that matter?” Fluttershy offered.
“Not really, he'd need to go through a particularly thick cloud or a series of them.” Twilight shrugged.
“You mean like tha cloud safety net they set up.....” Applejack muttered watching as Rahs hit the upper parts of the stadium plowing through a number of buffer clouds that slowed him down.
As the navy furred pony burst up through the last safety cloud the crowd all gasped as the large moth wings on his back started to melt. The liquid slinging off his back like ink in a brilliant green and blue shower that turned the rest of the cloud safety net below him differing colors. As he reached the apex of his trip upward Rahs adopted a look of pure annoyance at the state of things, before he fell back through the holes he made going up, gravity pulling him down very quickly.
Of course as soon as he noticed he was falling and looked down he started to panic.
“Of all the... I got him.” Twilight muttered, her horn glowing brightly, only for her to wince and all the others to start shouting as they began sinking into the cloud they were on.
“WHAT!?” Twilight gasped canceling her grab for her brother as she redoubled the efforts to keep the cloud walking spell going. “Why is..... I shouldn't be tired enough to start losing my spells....”
“And how many spells have you cast today to get the mares away from Rahs?” Spike chided. “Elder Bloom's sticky sap is not a low power spell.”
“Errrr..” Twilight winced.
“He should be fine... Them three Wonderbolts jus went after him.” Applejack pointed out.
“Alright going for his back legs.” Fleetfoot shouted darting ahead of the others to grab at Rahs' back legs. “ Try not to move too much guy, we're here to save you!”
“Why was there an earth pony even in Cloudsdale?” Soarin questioned dipping low and coming up to press his hooves against the falling earth pony's shoulders underneath him trying to slow his fall so a sudden catch of his limbs wouldn't pull something out of socket.
“Doesn't matter we have a job to do.” Spitfire commented going to grab at the falling ponies forelimbs.
Fleetfoot catches a hold of Rahs's back limbs fanning her wings as she tries to slow the fall. She winced as her wings strained under the navy furred ponies unexpected weight and his rear legs slip out of her grip sending Rahs tumbling end over end.
This was highly unfortunate for Soarin who had gotten under him as when Rahs spun backwards the back of the Moon Dogs skull impacted with Soarin's head knocking the blue Wonderbolt out with a sound not unlike two coconuts colliding. Despite the impact Rahs continued to spin and free fall his back limbs smacking into Spitfire's head as he spin knocking the Wonderbolts goggles off and dazing her enough for her to veer off to the side impacting Fleetfoot and crushing her wings.
“GAAAH!” Fleet foot flailed. “ Why are you so bucking heavy!?”
“I'm falling to my death and you want to complain about my weight? Great rescue by the way.” Rahs managed gasp out as he covered his mouth with his fore hooves starting to get sick from all the spinning he was doing. “I should not have eaten those corn dogs.”
“You are surprisingly calm about this.....” Fleet foot muttered, as she got free of the dazed Spitfire, wincing tried to use the wing that had been crashed into.
“I'm trying to think of any last words I can yell before I die. “ Rahs contemplated still somersaulting down towards the ground. “I think 'buck you Twilight for forcing me to come to Cloudsdale' is rather appropriate if a little long. What about you?”
“What the heck is that?” Fleetfoot asked looking upward.
“I think it's called 'the ground' and I’m pretty sure it does not want to be our friend.” Rahs snarked.
“ Not that you idiot, that!” Fleetfoot pointed upward at a rainbow streak of light coming towards them.
Rainbow Dash had almost reached the point of her climb where she would turn and attempt the rainboom again. She spared a small glance back hearing a panicked cry coming from the stands. Looking down where the rest of the stadium was staring she spotted Rahs without wings, falling with what looked to be three Wonderbolts drifting around him, falling as well, not flying.
“Crap! Hang on Rahs I’m coming!!” Dash shouted, whipping around and shooting downward.
She tore through the opening in the center of the stadium ,a colorful blur that blew past faster than most of the crowds eyes could follow. It wasn't enough, she was catching up slowly and the ground was closer to the falling ponies than she was. Her wings beat faster, forcing gravity to pull harder on her as she shot downward her hooves stretched before her to grab every bit of speed she could muster.
She started to feel some sort of resistance, something pushing back against her hooves. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth seeing the falling ponies getting closer, but she was still too slow. Her wings beat furiously as the air around her hooves started to bend and stretch the air starting to turn to steam as it hit her hooves the mist flickering around her in a cone as she pushed even harder against it, her teeth gritted as she pressed on. She wasn't going to give up.
Suddenly there was no more pressure and she surged forward as if something was propelling her downward now. A resounding boom filled the air around her as the air broke and she shot towards the group like a rocket.
This was still cutting it close as she caught up with the falling group snatching them up as best she could. She grabbed Rahs and draped Fleetfoot over her shoulders, the mare grabbing Spitfire and Rahs grabbing Soarin, before Dash changed the angle of her decent 90 degrees, shooting across the ground close enough that Soarin's hooves brushed the grass. She nearly plowed into a surprised Princess Celestia who was standing on the ground , her horn glowing and eyes wide with shock as Rainbow Dash streaked past her.
Dash pulled up wincing a little at the weight she was carrying, but the momentum of her speed sent her flying up with only a little difficulty back to the stadium with the rescued ponies. Only when she was almost there did Rainbow Dash spare a glance back to the trail of rainbow colored light she was leaving in her wake.
“Whoa.....” Dash exclaimed before gasping as she took note of Rahs' weight.
“Dang you need to go on a diet.” Dash smirked.
“Buck you.” Rahs growled. “Thanks for the save, but buck you....”
[ Mid competition on the other side of Cloudsdale]
“Now make sure you don't strain yourself. Take a few days to get everything working again before you try and fly home Miss Grizelda. That many casts coming off is bound to have made your muscles atrophy.”
“Yeah yeah, I’ve got three days left on the room, all I want now is a bath.” Another voice growled before the front door of the clinic was shoved open and a surly looking Griffoness stormed out.
It had been over six months. Six months since that little rabbit tore her a new one after her friend dumped her for that pink menace. She just wanted to head back home and be done with this. But noooo some stupidly little monster disguised as a rabbit had to add injury to insult and lay into her.
Luckily a patrol of Guards had found her outside their little outpost, though she didn't recall getting attacked that close to any buildings.
Still given how bad she was torn up she was brought to the closest horse-pitol. Which that early in the fall was nearly straight up to Cloudsdale as it sat over the Everfree drawing in materials for the winter prep.
She'd been banged up pretty bad by that rabbit though thankfully nothing life threatening, it was more than enough to keep her grounded for a while.
Also luckily Equestria had a rather sizable collection of bits set aside for any one injured by something from the Everfree and while she probably could have gone home months ago, she had been milking it a bit more than she probably should have. The first hint of some one coming to investigate her claim and she decided to cut her losses and 'be healed'.
Still, had she realized the best Young Fliers thing was coming up, Gilda would have been out of there the moment she was healed. Last she heard Dash was gonna compete in it and she didn't want any sort of encounter with her former friend.
All she wanted was a hot bath free of the casts, to see how many bits she could milk out of the government guy for 'travel ' expenses, and to get the heck out of magical pony land. This place was driving her nuts.
“Excuse me Miss Grizelda?” A rather soft voice asked.
Gilda rolled her eyes why wouldn't these ponies leave her alone? It never failed, some pony was always trying to ask after, her check on her, and everything since coming here, they were too damn nice, no one was like this. Back home this sort of crap always led to a trap, you never let your guard down.... you couldn't trust ponies either....
“WHAT!?” Gilda roared whipping around expecting to be facing down some mousy little pegasus mare. What she was not expecting was to be facing down a pink and dark blue set of kneecaps. Blinking in confusion Gilda lifted her head only managing to see to the chest level of the two ponies. Both of them pegasi though. Lifting her head further the griffon's eyes widened at the pair of ponies who stood taller than she did. A pair of ponies that had wings..... and horns....... and were surrounded by Royal Guard.
“Buck me...” Gilda whined.
“Really was that an offer? Because I’m not sure if Shiny is into Griffons, though I could probably convince him into a three way...” Cadence muttered.
“Thou are Gilda Grizelda?” Princess Luna demanded.
“Errr .. yess... ummmm your um... what do I call you?” Gilda muttered backing away a little.
“Princess shall suffice. We should like a moment of your time.” Luna stated.
“Well I don't have too long I was gonna head home......” Gilda muttered, she'd rather be back with the rabbit.
“This won't take too long actually. We are just checking up on something.” Cadence offered with a smile. Her horn lit up and a picture floated over to the Griffon. “What do you think of this?”
Gilda blinked looking at the dark blue earth pony. He looked like one of those Guard types fairly well muscled and she supposed not bad looking for a pony stallion. His cutiemark struck her as odd being a white wolf head howling on a crescent moon. It was a heck of a lot cooler looking that the usual stupid flowers and shit ponies normally had on their asses.
“Who's that?” Gilda asked.
Cadence blinked taking the image back then looking at it before shuffling it with some others she seemed to have pulled out of no where.”Whoops wrong picture lemme see..... why don't I have any good ones.” Cadence muttered before producing another image.
This one had some sort of long eared Diamond dog creature in a green long coat of some kind. It took her a few minutes to recognize the canine thing Dash had introduced her too before that stupid party.
“I've seen him before.. what about him?”Gilda answered tensing up a bit from the alicorn's stares. “ Only thing I know is he's one of Dash's friends and his brothers a dragon.”
“Oh.” Luna frowned. “That is all? We expected Spike 's leads to be a bit better than this.”
“What?” Gilda blinked.
“Well all Spike said was that Rahs thought she was pretty.” Cadence shrugged.
Gilda's eyes widened at that. She didn't think any one had ever called her pretty before. It was odd hearing it off clawed like this from a pair of ponies , Princesses at that. She ruffled her wings a bit debating whether or not she should ask more about that. He and his brother had been a interesting diversion from all the ponies in that town. Granted there was also the fact Dash thought they were cool and while Dash also thought that pink menace was alright, she was usually a pretty good judge.
Why the flock was she thinking of this?
A sudden explosion of light and rainbow coloration filled the sky as a loud boom shook Cloudsdale. The Guards and the Princesses quickly turned their attention from Gilda to the blinding light coming from the stadium and below the city.
“Seems we might be needed elsewhere. “ Thank thee for thine time Gilda Grizelda.” Luna stated turning take off towards the stadium.
Gilda nodded and turned walking off her self, she really wanted to get out of this place. Stupid ponies were screwing with her mind..... pretty .. HAH.....
Cadence turned to take off as well , pausing a moment to look back at Gilda a small smile creeping over her lips as she watched the griffon walk off, before the pink princess took to the air herself.
“Nuts to that mare, I nearly died!” Rahs snapped. “I'm going to jumble up your entire library and then Spike and I are taking a vacation!”
Rahs stormed towards Golden Oaks Library with Spike and Twilight hot on his hooves. The former trying not to giggle and the latter a bit panicked.
“Come on that was an accident... seriously who could have known that all was going to happen.” Twilight protested. “ You already got Pinkie Pie to Black List me from the book store for a month what more do you want!? Really you should be blaming all those mares that chased you, not me!”
“You know he wouldn't have had to avoid those mares if you hadn't forced him to become a pony.” Spike added.
“Exactly, thank you Spike.” Rahs nodded.
“Yes... thanks Spike.” Twilight growled.
“No problem.” Spike smirked.
“I'm also going to hide your Canterlot Library Card.” Rahs added.
”You Monster!” Twilight shouted.
The small group had attracted a great deal of attention as they argued their way back home. A number of mares were curious about the handsome stallion running around with Twilight, particularly as most of them knew Big Mac was no longer available thanks to the purple unicorn. Thankfully their self preservation instincts kicked in the moment they realized that he was the third Sparkle Sibling and that the three were arguing again. That was a clear sign to any but the most foolish that there was somewhere else they should be. And the foolish didn't last long in Ponyville.
Plus the Flower Trio had boarded up their house hours before the groups balloon had even landed, so every pony was already on edge.
The trio had just reached the front door of the Golden Oaks library, when Twilight darted in front of her brothers pressing herself to the door and glaring at them.
“You are not getting in here until I know you're not going to mess with my books.” Twilight snapped.” I can hold this door shut as long as it takes!”
Rahs raised a brow looking down at Spike who simply shrugged.
Rahs reached a hoof past his sister opening the door, which swung inward taking Twilight with it and dumping her on the floor.
Rahs and Spike stepped over her pausing to look over the library.
“What?” Rahs questioned.
“No!!! Leave my books alone!!” Twilight cried whipping up to her hooves.” I've only read them all twice...... AHHHHHH!!!!
The entire library was empty, every shelf bare and showing exactly how poorly Spike dusted in some places. Twilight shrieked and vanished with a pop of magic, before reappearing again.” MY ROOM IS EMPTY TOO!! BOOK THEIVES!! WE”VE BEEN ROBBED!!!”
“Hello Twily......” a rather annoyed sounding and decidedly mares voice spoke out.
Twilight whipped around as her brothers looked over to the check out desk and the high backed chair behind it . A chair that was very slowly turning around to reveal the figure sitting in it.
The figure revealed itself to be a white furred mare with a shock of blue hair atop it's head around her horn, a shield cutie mark graced her flank and her angry gaze was leveled at Twilight.
“Shining Armor?” Spike asked before cracking a smile and then falling over laughing.
“I think perhaps you might have forgotten to tell your brother something?” Shining asked glancing at the stallion with Twilight. “And is this your colt friend Big Mac?”
“First off, eew. Secondly, she's actually managed to start dating Mac?” Rahs asked looking down at his sister who started to turn red. “Well then, I need to have some words with some pony.”
“That's Rahs, Shining..... No wait..... hehehehehe not Shining Armor, Gleaming Shield HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA!!” Spike bellowed before collapsing again.
Rahs stared at the white mare as she stared back at him.
“Poison Joke?” Shining asked.
“Yep.” Rahs agreed.
“Intentional?”
“Of course.”
“Twilight.”
“Got it in one” Rahs nodded,
“Where are my books!?” Twilight gasped.
“I boxed them up and mailed them to Saddle Arabia. Shipping is quite cheap this time of year and of course it's a wrong address so they'll only be lost in the mail a few weeks before they come back. Of course they are in mixed boxes, with as little order as I could possibly get them in. So you'll get one crate back with two books from one set and a scattering of others all out of order.” Shining grinned evilly.
“Better than my plan.” Rahs nodded.” But I’m still hiding her library card.”
“As a young filly in Canterlot I always wanted to go to a Summer Sun Celebration where Princess Celestia raised the sun. And when I finally made it, I saw the most amazing and wonderful thing I’d ever seen.” Twilight smiled wistfully.
“What was that?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“She saw Princess Celestia raise the sun.” Spike dead panned.
“Shut up you, who's telling this story?” Twilight snapped.
“Not you, if you're yelling at me.” Spike smirked.
“Watch it buster this is the story of your birth!” Twilight snapped.
“Yeah, which is a good reason for me to keep making you stop telling it.” Spike frowned.
Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, and Scootaloo all kept back behind the couch as the purple mare paced. She looked completely frazzled and her mane was a mess. She twitched occasionally as she paced before them telling the story. They really hadn't wanted to talk to her but passing the library they were sort of yanked inside by Twilight who was looking for anything to do while her books were in the mail.
It was only the fact that Spike and Owloysius seemed unconcerned and Rahs was nearby with a rolled up magazine, that he had swatted her with a few times already, that kept the girls from running out screaming.
“Anyway after that I decided to learn everything I could and my parents decided to have me apply to Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns.”
“That seems a little tribal.” Applebloom pointed out.” What about earth ponies and pegasi?”
“They could enroll too and often had in the past.” Twilight offered. “Seems there were three schools a long time ago in different parts of Equestria, but there were always so few students that all the schools sort of closed down. The one in Canterlot, for Unicorns was the only one that remained and even that was just a back room based out of Canterlot U for years. The new school hasn't been there that long and Princess Celestia calls it her School for Gifted Ponies, but old names stick.”
“Huh okay....” Applebloom considered.
“Any way it would have been great except for the fact I had to pass an entrance exam.” Twilight sighed.
“And here it is.” Spike grumbled as Rahs chuckled.
“The written part was easy, even if they did word three of the questions in such an odd way that I needed to ask the instructors whether they meant Light Fantastic's theoretical physics discoveries, before or after he got his theoretical degree in physics.” Twilight sighed. “ They seemed to have an issue with how I picked apart their wording, but I still got a hundred on it.”
“Translation. She was a nerd.” Spike added.
“I am not having this argument with someone who argues over if a O&O fireball spell creates pressure when it goes off, or just fire.” Twilight snapped.
Spike considered a moment. ”That's fair. Or would be if you hadn't gone through all my rule books while i was in school."
"Errr right... also there's no pressure, it's just magic." Twilight added.
"It's a FIRE BALL, fire creates pressure by rapid expansion as it eats fuel. That's why windows blow out in burning buildings." Spike argued.
“Bork?” Rahs grinned.
“No I’m not arguing my nerd cred with a my other annoying brother either, particularly since he's still singing the songs from Bad Horse's sing along Journal!” Twilight retorted as Rahs laughed.
"Ummm." Scootaloo interrupted.
“Ugh moving on the practical part of the exam was anything but. They wanted me to hatch a dragon egg.” Twilight explained.
“Did you do it?” Sweetiebelle asked getting a glare from Spike and a snort of amusement from Rahs.
“I did, though not at first , I tried every spell I could think of and nothing was working. At the end I was about to give up when some massive boom startled me and a wave of energy washed over everything. I sort of freaked out and blasted the egg causing it to hatch. Of course I also lost control of my magic from the shock, made Spike grow to ginormous size, turned my parents into cacti, and nearly destroyed the testing center before I pulled Rahs out of thin air and painted a wall... don't ask on that last part.”
“They still haven't figured out a way to stop the polka-dots from bleeding through.”
“I told them not to ask, not for you to tell them.” Twilight snapped.” Any way so it took Princess Celestia showing up for me to be brought out of my surge and when I finally calmed down I saw I had my cutiemark... as well as a these two pains in my flank.”
“You know you love us.”
“Can we please go find Rainbow Dash now? “ Scootaloo whined.
“ Ahhh my beautiful babies, you're finally home with me....” Twilight coo'd pulling the last of the books from the crate looking them over before carefully setting them up to be re-shelved. She had initially thought to fine her brother for all the books he had 'lost', but unfortunately Shining had gotten a library card for Golden Oaks, thanks to Spike,the traitor, and checked them all out following the rules. Her own rules in fact. Rules she set up to remove any limit on the number of books that she herself could check out and the extended return dates based on the number checked out. Shining had three years to return them all, by her own calculations and rules.
She had quickly closed that loophole.
Spike looked up from his comic book and glanced over at his sister from his spot on the beanbags in the foals section of books before shaking his head and going back to the Power Ponies comic he was reading. It was his usual spot lately with spring break happening in school, he had a week of practically nothing to do, and with Twilight hording the books he didn't even have to do anything with the library. Scootaloo was off with her parents for a week and Sweetiebelle and Applebloom had been spending a lot of time getting ready for the gala so it had been a surprisingly peaceful week.
Rahs was stretched out on the couch doing his best to ignore his sister as he thumbed through a new novel he had picked up from a author named Double Moon. It was an odd sort of romance story that had a number of supernatural elements that were rather strange, but still interesting. It was a far better read than that book series that held his sisters name. He actually identified a bit with the main character, though the book was oddly designed to make him a sympathetic, despite being a monster of sorts.
It had been rather quiet, aside for Twilight's whining, since the Best Young Fliers competition. Sure there had been some CMC shenanigans, and the usual Tuesday troubles, but otherwise nothing major had happened. It was rather nice to have a normal time of it for once.
Well as normal as one could get in Ponyville.
Suddenly Rahs felt a tingling burning in his ears and he quickly bolted up right, tail lashing behind him as he tried to figure out the source.
“What's the matter Rahs get a flea?” Twilight snarked before the book he was reading bounced off her nose.
“OW!” Twilight shouted rubbing her nose as her horn glowed.” Don't treat books like that! Even the trashy romance ones!”
Rahs' response was cut off as Twilight retaliated with the lid of the book crate, knocking her brother back over the couch.
Spike wisely opted to stay out of it.
“Woof!” Rahs shouted as he clamored back up over the couch glaring at his sister.
“What do you mean you feel a song coming on?” Twilight questioned.
“Bark” Rahs explained.
Spike raised a brow at that.
“So you just know somewhere out there, some pony is doing a musical number? How do you even sleep at night, there must be stage plays like that going on all over the place.” Spike pointed out.
“Ruff...” Rahs explained.
“Shining Armor?” Twilight blinked. “Why would he be in a musical number?”
The three pondered a moment before there was a collective wince.
“Shining is at the Gala.”....... “At the Gala?” “At the Gala.......”
“.......At the Gala At the Gala. At the Gala, all the ponies I'm going to see them all!” Princess Cadence sang as she slipped out of her carriage, prancing along the steps.
“All their interests, I will see them at the Gala! (at the Gala!) All their crushes, and their darlings Their true loves big and small! I'll ensure it all works out forever Right here at the Gala!”
“All our dreams will come true right here at the Gala, at the Gala!”
“At the Gala (it's amazing!), at the dance ( what now?) if I don't trip over my own four hooves! ( it could happen!) here with Cady ( sure you are.), in this setting (your singing sucks!) a more perfect setting, it can't be beat! (take some lessons!) And I’ll finally ask her to.....” Shining Armor trailed off into a mutter as he moved out of the carriage after Cadence.
“All our dreams and our hopes from now until hereafter All that we've been wishing for will happen at the Gala, at the Gala!”
“At the Gala, all the royals They will meet fair Rarity They will see I'm just as regal at the Gala! (at the Gala) I will find him, my Prince Charming And how gallant he will be He will treat me like a lady, tonight at the Gala! This is what we've waited for, to have the best night ever! Each of us will live our dreams, tonight at the Gala, at the Gala!” Rarity sang out doing much better than Shining Armor did.
“We've seen dreaming, We've seen waiting.” Princess Luna sang out from her balcony overlooking the event. “..To fly to this gathering of ponies The noble gits, proletariat drinking 'rounds and having kicks perhaps with all these thousands They'll enjoy our sky of diamonds Perhaps we will see some respect, right here at the Gala!”
“All we've longed for, all we've dreamed, our happy ever after! Finally will all come true, right here at the Grand Gala, at the Gala!”
“I am here at the Grand Gala, for it is the best party But the one thing it was missing was a pony named Pinkie For I am the best at parties, and I need some pictures for Rahsee! Ponies playing, ponies dancing, with me at the Grand Gala!” Pinkie Pie bounds around brandishing a camera snapping photos and blinding a few ponies.
“Happiness and laughter at the Gala, at the Gala!”
“At the Gala (at the Gala), with my sister (with her sister) Is where I'm going to be (she will be) “ Sweetiebelle sang out, her voice squeaking every so often. We will talk about everything and be all sisterly.(sisterly) It is going to be so special as she takes time just for me!”
“This will be the best night ever! Into the Gala we must go, we're ready now, we're all aglow Into the Gala, let's go in and have the best night ever Into the Gala, now's the time, we're ready and we look divine”
“Into the Gala, fan new flames” Cadence cadenced. “Into the Gala, finally ask her.....” Shining muttered. “Into the Gala, find my prince.” Rarity crooned. “Prove we're as great as our sister is.”Luna cried. “To ship!” Cadence Opra'd. “To ask!” Shining Armor stated. “To find!” Rarity performed. “To prove!” Luna called. “To whoop!” Pinkie Pie whooped. “To be! Or was it not too be...?” Sweetiebelle pondered.
"Into the Gala, into the Gala! And we'll have the best night ever! At the Gala!”
[ Back at the chariots ]
Granny Smith and Matilda poked their heads out of the carriage that Rarity had rented to take them to the Grand Galloping Gala. Applebloom stuck her head out between them to watch on in awe as every pony else entered the building after a massive sing along.
“What tha hay was that!?” Applebloom gasped.
“Heart song spell. Grabs ponies each year and an pulls um into a song fer tha gala.” Granny smith smirked.” Ah remember when Celly set that up. Was a hoot fer a while.”
“It does seem the Princess still has it going on strong.” Matilda chuckled. “I recall the first time I heard it, I got caught up in it as a background singer.
“That sounds like fun... why didn't you let me go out there?” Applebloom pouted.
“Song a thirty nine.” Granny nodded somberly.
“Oh dear, you were there for that one?” Matilda winced.
“Yep. Was right in tha middle of it. Every one kept singing til tha sun came up. Couldn't talk fer three days and could barely walk, my frogs were killing me so bad. S'why ah ain't too fond of magic like this. Been on tha bad end of it once or twice.”Granny nodded. “Claimed they put up safeguards, but ah don't trust it. Ah'd ah stopped yer little friend, but she's a quick one was right out that carriage with her sister.”
“She got a main part in it though.” Matilda pointed out.” So that was interesting. She'll have a lovely singing voice when she learns to focus her pitch.”
“Ken we head in nao?” Applebloom asked
“Of course, songs over, let's git going, this party ain't gonna start itself. And ain’t no shindig really git started til ah get there!” Granny smith cackled.
“ Well now, there's a face I’ve not seen in a long time.” Princess Celestia smiled looking down at the wrinkled green features of the matriarch of the Apple family.
The old green earth pony was dressed rather simply with a black blouse over her upper body that slowly transitioned into a emerald green skirt with a few lighter green petticoats beneath it. Rarity had had a fit with the design, but Granny and Applebloom hadn't wanted anything too fancy. Applebloom wore much the same outfit as Granny Smith only it started in cream and turned into a sea green without any of the layered petticoats. Granny's mane was done up in a old beehive style with a number of decorative pins, mostly featuring apple themes, to hold it in place. Applebloom's mane was smoothed out and drawn back into a braided ponytail and her usual pink bow was replaced by a green one that matched her dress.
Granny Smith smirked as she looked up at the Solar Princess.” You'd be seeing more ah me if you'd stop by fer cards more often like we invited yah.”
The elder Apple's ears perked as she heard a number of those in the massive line behind her gasp at how familiar she was being with the Princess. A few less respectful comments reaching her ears made a choice for her, she was gonna enjoy this.
“Applebloom dear, you go on ahead and help keep yer little friend outta trouble, and keep an eye out fer that fella Matilda's looking fer.” Granny smith offered.
Applebloom blinked, realized she had been staring up at the massive Princess in awe. She quickly bowed and darted off into the gala proper.
“Seriously Celly yah need tah git out more, yer terribly pale,why ah remember when yah was at tha farm all tha time in my grandfather's age, kept making eyes at that old coot yah did. Course yah wouldn't touch him cause he had that turnip on his belt, which was the style fer a single stallion at tha time. Yah could git um fer a bit, but not tha pretty white ones, only them little red ones causea tha war, five turnips fer a bit was tha price, though we didn't call um bits back then, they were flips, five flips for a flop coin we'd say, though that brings us back to tha turnip, only tha fancy types had tha white onions and if a mare wanted tah let a stallion know her interest she had tah take a big ole bit outta that belt onion, which were only a flip fer five and three flop fer a bushel. Now my gran pappy had tah keep paying a flop fer a bushel cause every mare in tha whole area was after his onions, but we didn't call um onions when they were on a belt we called um dates cause if a mare was willing enough tah bite a whole mouthful of raw red onion why she'd be ready fer a date.....”
Granny Smith continued talking much to the annoyance of every pony in line behind her.
Applebloom darted into the gala her eyes wide as she looked over everything from the balcony . There were countless ponies already milling around in super fancy dresses and suits. A roped off VIP section with a meet and greet with the Wonderbolts. Armored Guards everywhere, a buncha musicians playing, and tables and tables of little snack food thingys everywhere.
“Whoa...” Applebloom gasped her gaze darting around the room spotting Matilda talking with a few guests, Rarity chatting it up with a bunch of others, and Pinkie Pie bouncing around doing.... well Pinkie Pie stuff.
There were decorations everywhere and every pony in attendance looked so fancy and pretty. There was some much she could go do and see.
Of course Applebloom being who she was, the first place she decided to head was to the food to see if she could figure out what they had made with the Sweet Apple Acres apples.
“…... now this fish was a big as a tulip, and not them little domesticated tulips that these fops wear in their lapels and hats, no, a classic genuine Everfree forest wild fanged tulip that was as big as yer foreleg. Used send hunting parties out fer those things tah harvest um. Could feed a family of four fer a week, not unlike this fish, course at that time my granny didn't know anything about fishing and had only been trying to take a bite outta grand pappy’s date, you know the red onion, which was the style at the time.....”
About this point in time a number of the nobles had given up being able to talk to the Princess and had gone past with a respectable bow to the princess. Some of them in awe at how Celestia could sit there and listen to the old mare go on and on.
Sweetiebelle was not having a good time.
Here she was, made up in a fancy little frilly lavender dress with her hair done up expertly and properly bedazzled so she could see and do everything at the Grand Galloping Gala with her big sister. She had endured hours and hours of Rarity teaching her how to act and be a proper lady so she could accompany her, and then, the moment they stepped into the gala proper, Rarity had ditched her and started schmoozing with a bunch of other fancy ponies.
Things had almost gotten better when Rarity finished talking with them and made her way back to Sweetiebelle, suggesting they head to the buffet before it was picked clean. Sweetie smiled then, finally going to spend some time with Rarity.
That lasted a whole six minutes until there was a loud fan fare and some pompous looking white stallion showed up. Rarity had immediately run off again, leaving Sweetiebelle alone, again.
The little filly's eye twitched as she glared after her sister who now didn't even seem to recall Sweetiebelle was even there as she joined the throng of other mares fawning over this stallion.
This would not do.
…... well it's easy tah say he was happier than a pig on a poke, which back then meant the pig was in slop, though that means different thing tah tha griffons. Let me tell you be careful if one of them folk invites yah to a cook out, you'll find out what pig on a poke really means then, and it ain’t fun fer tha pig. Can't argue with bacon though, don't have tha teeth fer it anymore though, but it's good eating, specially if it's smoked with apple wood and basted in proper cider, not this watered down stuff they serve now a days....
A number of other ponies had already left, with only the most patient or stubborn remaining. Though even they were tested when Granny Smith finally seemed as if she was going to move on during a pause in her story, and instead sat down on the carpeted step to continue, Princess Celestia simply nodding politely at certain points of the story.
Applebloom looked over the spread with a great deal of awe. There were deserts as far as the eye could see. Barely anything on the tables could be considered real food by any one other than Pinkie Pie. Sure there were a few little biscuits and other things that at best were the size of the free samples Barnyard Bargains had sometimes, countless cheeses too, and fruits she had never even heard of.
“Hello young miss, can I help you with anything?” A well dressed unicorn pony with goldenrod colored fur and a tan mane asked as he looked down at her from the other side of the table with a blank expression.
“What is all this? Do all these fancy ponies just eat dessert first or somethin?”Applebloom asked looking up at the pony speaking, as she called the others fancy ponies he offered a small smile.
“Not at all Miss, this is simple party fare. Most of it is little more than something to graze on and occupy ones hooves or horn while one mingles. It is more flavor than substance I’m afraid, though I suppose if you eat enough of it it could be filling.” The stallion pondered. “I can always send somepony down to the kitchens if you wish something with more weight.”
“Nah, ah'm good, it's a party an all, you alls prolly busy keeping this food out here ah ain't gonna make more work for yah.” Applebloom shook her head.” Just point me in tha direction of anything with apples in it or looks good.”
“Of course Miss.”
“.... So there they were back to back armed only with a date, which was the style at the time and already had three bites taken out of it, and an oversized singing trout that only knew show tunes and was currently trying to hum Bonanza cause ain't nobody know the words anyway..... ” Granny Smith continued taking a glass of water from a castle servant who quickly scurried off.
Applebloom smiled looking over the massive plate that was set before her at the little table the caterer, Silver Platter had shown her too, before he went back to the buffet to help others. She was just about to chow down on something that he had called a chocolate truffle when Sweetiebelle stormed up to the table and sat down with a huff.
“Uh oh.” Applebloom noted, popping the truffle into her mouth. It was a little springier than she expected, and she wasn't fond of the dark chocolate coating, so she opted to give it a miss next trip to the food. “What's wrong Sweetie?”
“What's wrong? What's wrong! I'll tell you what's wrong!” Sweetiebelle squeaked out in anger.
“That's good cause ah asked.” Applebloom snarked taking a bite of a piece of cheese that she had heard being called Gouda, it weren't bad.
“ My sister ditched me!” Sweetiebelle growled.
“Told you that was gonna happen.” Scootaloo replied.
“I know but she promised!” Sweetiebelle whined.
Applebloom took a small bite out of a bamboo skewer that held a number of what was called pesto tortellinis. She glanced to Sweetiebelle then back to the newcomer at the table, then back to Sweetiebelle, wondering how long it would take for the little unicorn to notice.
“Maybe I should just go mess up my dress and mane and then harass her the rest of the night to fix it.” Sweetiebelle bemoaned.
“I thought you liked looking fancy.” Applebloom offered waving a little cracker with some sort of roasted cranberry on top of it.
“I dooooo.” Sweetiebelle flailed. “And she did my makeup too.....”
“ Maybe you should just get another sister.” Scootaloo considered.
“Yeah but who's better than Rarity??”
“At this point ah'd think any pony with as much as yah complain about her.”Applebloom offered as she noshed on a cheddar wrapped sweet potato hay fry, yeah she was gonna load up on these.
“Yeah but how would I even get another sister?” Sweetiebelle asked still not noticing Scootaloo across from her in a blue and yellow dress that looked like it was styled after a Wonderbolt's uniform.
“Maybe ask Twilight.” Applebloom considered taking a bite out of a apple slice covered in fancy gold frosting with little candy bits that looked like gems, this she liked. “Ah mean she kinda poofed Rahs and Spike intah being her kin. Maybe she has some pointers fer making a new sister?”
“Why do your conversations always come around to Spike?” Scootaloo asked her eyes narrowing as she looked at Applebloom.
“Ah dunno why do yours always come around tah Rainbow Dash?” Applebloom fired back.
“Cause she's awesome, duh.” Scootaloo explained.
“Scootaloo?” Sweetiebelle finally seemed to notice her friend.” What are you doing here?”
“Took yah long enough.” Applebloom snorted in amusement.
….with tha fish gone, grand pappy finally noticed tha dragon had been protecting her egg. Granny however only noticed that when tha dragon had snapped at her beau it had eaten all of tha date, which was tha turnip this time cause tha red onion was used fer tha kelpies, and she was plum mad that my grand pappy might be gitting hitched to a dragon of all things cause it ate his date, which was that turnip now not tha onion. Now turnips was much fancier and they cost two flips, which was what we used tah call bits, but yah could still get a bushel for a flop, which was five bits, though the economy of it made little sense cause tha red onions fer a flop were tha same amount of turnips fer a flop....”
“ These spinach stuffed mushrooms ain't half bad.” Applebloom considered as she listened to Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo argue.
“I thought you were away with your parents?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“I am, they just got drug into a last minute thing and they were forced to go to the gala due to the contract.” Scootaloo sighed. “I asked to come along cause I knew you two were here. I didn't expect mom to drag me through every dress shop in Canterlot.”
“Ah notice yer mane ain't been touched.” Applebloom offered unsure about the grapes with goat cheese and pecans.
“Oh she tried, but my manes a lot like hers, it won't stay down.” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Where is your mom any way?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“She's over there in the vip section schmoozing, per her contract, along with dad. “ Scootaloo sighed pointing over to the VIP section where a fancily dressed Soarin and Spitfire of the Wonderbolts were currently standing with strained smiles as they posed for the five billionth picture, half of those from Pinkie Pie.
“Huh don't think I ever seen um out of their suits.” Applebloom considered. Deciding very much that she didn't like the little balls on a cracker called 'caviar' too salty.
“I can't believe Diamond Tiara doesn't believe you, even with all the pictures you and your aunt have of them.” Sweetiebelle shrugged.
“Ehh like I care what she thinks. Did you two wanna come with me after the gala , mom promised we'd go get ice cream as an apology for them getting stuck coming here during my week off.” Scootaloo offered.
“Sounds good, ah need tah ask Granny though.” Applebloom stated, fanning her tongue after trying a jalapeno popper corn cake.
“Sure... but I’ll have to get a new sister to ask first, Rarity would never let me go in this dress.” Sweetiebelle bemoaned.
“So we find you a new sister, how hard could that be?” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Ah ken tell yer an only foal.” Applebloom rolled her eyes.
“What just choose some one and we'll help out, hey maybe we can get our cutie marks in it!?” Scootaloo smiled.
“Okay, maybe that is a good idea.” Applebloom smirked.
“At the very least maybe we can find something to do in this place to get our cutie marks even if it's not finding me another not dumb sister!” Sweetiebelle squeaked.
“Right!” “Of course.” “Let's do it!”
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS FANCY PARTY AND SISTER FINDERS YAY!!!”
[ Ponyville.]
“GAH!!!” Spike yelled out, suddenly falling off his beanbag chair his comic flying through the air.
Twilight and Rahs both look over at their brother curiously.
“Woof?” Rahs asked.
“Yeah I’m fine. Just got a super cold chill along my spines. Like there's an impending disaster coming.” Spike shuddered as he righted himself.
“That's new...” Twilight blinked.
“Not really I get them all the time when........ oh no.....”Spike's eyes went wide.
“ What?” Twilight asked.
“I get them every time the Cutie Mark Crusaders are about to crusade.” Spike whimpered.
Rahs and Twilight glanced to each other before both of them bolted to the door flinging it open and looking down the street.
Off in the distance they could see Canterlot perched on it's mountain, neither on fire, nor crashing down the mountain side towards Ponyville. Another glance down the other side of the street showed the Flower Trio's home was not boarded up.
After double checking both locations the pair headed back into the library to resume their positions on the couch and sorting books.
“Flower trios not panicking?” Spike asked.
“Bark.” Rahs shook his head.
“Canterlot's still standing, so nothings happened yet.” Twilight sighed.
“Bork?” Rahs smirked evilly and Twilight considered as Spike chuckled.
“While I agree writing a cryptic story with no real warnings and sending it to the Princess sounds amusing, I’d rather pretend I had no knowledge of anything that might happen.” Twilight smirked. “ She's the princess of the sun, I’m Sure she's enough of a clever pony to deal with the CMC. They're just little fillies after all, what could possibly go wrong?”
Spike and Rahs stared at their sister, who had a dark grin on her face.
“Dang.... you just Murphyed the heck out of the Gala.” Spike shook his head. “ I am sooo glad Pinkie Pie's taking pictures.”
“Ooooooh.” Fluttershy cooed peering through the bushes towards a small wallaby in a blue Haw-waiian shirt that was hopping around in a small clearing.
“Yeah, that one's one of our lesser cousins. They ain't got tha smarts that we do. Bout as bright as a normal dog really. Rescued this one from a comic shop where tha owner managed ta train him tah run tha register.” an odd voice spoke quietly beside her. The pair of them pulled back out of the bush causing the wallaby to raise it's ears in alarm before hopping off.
Fluttershy smiled as she sat back, her pink hair pulled up under a pith helmet and a soft explorers jacket around her shoulders.
Her guide was wearing much the same, minus the helmet. The red furred creature towered over the pale yellow pegasus, standing on only his powerful back legs and thick tail, his smaller forearms pointing back to the wallaby as he explained, though they still looked like he benched wagons in his spare time. A mop of blond hair rested atop his head with his long ears poking up out of the mess.
“Any how, ah'd hoped to have come across tha coeurl we've got here, but tha noise of tha party prolly has her hiding.” Steven Bob Elseya offered as he took a small hops forward before glancing back at the yellow pegasus.
Fluttershy gasped at that. “You have a coeurl? Is she a mountain of a deep forest one?”
“Ah tha little things jus a mountain variety. Some minotaur got her when she was little an she got too big fer his house so she wound up here earlier in tha year. Bloke comes tah visit every so often and she purrs like a kitten when he's around, nice enough fellow, donates quite a lot of bits tah keep this place running too.” the large roo chuckled. “Come on, ah think ah know where she might be holed up...... eh?”
Fluttershy practically skipped along, though she stopped as he did.” What's wrong?”
“Where'd yer little bunny go off to?” Steven asked.
“Oh Angel Bunny? He smelled something good and went off for a snack. That won't be any issue will it?” Fluttershy asked.
“Nah, tha few predators we got around here are smart enough tah know not tah hunt anything in tha garden, yer little fella should be fine.” Steven nodded.
“Oh that's good, I'd hate for any of these little darlings to get hurt...” Fluttershy agreed.
' ….Now that dragon didn't know nothing about tha date, which was tha turnip, that was normally a red onion, that was supposed to be a white onion, but wasn't on account of tha war, but my granny didn't know that, and gran-pappy was a smart fella and when she started bickering with tha dragon, he just stepped off tah tha side and let um go, ain't no one wanna get in the middle of a fight between a dragon guarding it's egg and a mare who thought said dragon was trying fer her stallion. Course one would think it'd be one sided with it being a pony against a dragon and what not, but my granny was a might powerful one, my grandson Big Mac takes after her pretty well. Why he once pulled a tree up by tha roots and tossed it on tha burn pile like it was nothing. Sure it was an old dead tree that got hit with root rot, but still. Now root rots a mean little fungus.....”
The main doors to the grand ballroom were suddenly pushed open as a sweeping hum of music four coral armored guards swept into the room at the top of the stairs to a soft drum beat and acoustic guitar..
The quick eyed noticed that the guards were not armed and all seemed to be some what androgynous looking colts with modern styled mane cuts and armor that seemed particularly flimsy and revealing at the same time, showing off their well maintained fur and tone forms.
A number of mares took particular note of this. Moving in behind them was the Goddess of Love, Princess Cadence, and her less than thrilled escort Shining Armor Sparkle.
To say the pink alicorn had cranked up her pink-ness was an understatement, She wore a flowing coral colored dress, with lighter pink trim and festooned with what seemed to be highly polished rose quartz done up in her mane and tail causing her to glitter pinkly as she moved through the lights.
Pinkie Pie was less than amused.
Shining armor was dull by comparison, wearing the blues of the Guard's dress uniform with a number of medals pinned to him.
Thankfully he cut off the Coral colored Guards before they could start singing.
“Cady .. I didn't assign the guards to you for you to make them into a colt band...” Shining grumbled.
“But they're so cute..” Cadence smiled. ”Besides I need to compete with auntie Luna.”
“It's quite alright sir, the mares seem to love it.” one of the Guard stallions stated. “ We even have a band name, Vicious Nursery.”
“Corporal Jones that doesn't even make sense as a name.. plus you're in your thirties, you shouldn't be trying to attract teenagers.” Shining reprimands.
“I'm not sir, I’m attracting those teenagers mothers.....” The stallion grins as Shining smacks himself in the face with a hoof.
“Sir your escort is getting away.” One of the other Guards pointed out as Cadence had swept down the stairs as if she flew and was currently poking around talking to any one she could.
“Right..... put on some proper armor next time, you're a Guard not a exotic dancer.” Shining grumbled.
“Hey, don't dis my day job sir.” one of the other stallions called out.
“...... but then Applejack bucked his fool head and that arrogant sonna bitch, pardon my Prench, went flying back into tha pig sty. That was about tha time that dates, which was a white onion at that point cause a tha war was over, went outta style in Ponyville. Now where was I … oh yeah, so granny and tha dragon were squaring off when there was a crack in the air like a bullwhip......
Silver Platter paused looking at the sight before him curiously. Sitting at the end of the buffet table was a white rabbit in a pith had and explorers vest holding a large plate piled high with fruits, treats, and other food.
He stared at the white rabbit a moment, getting a stare back in return as the rabbit bit off a chunk of lemon seasoned trout from a skewer. After watching a moment more the unicorn went back to serving the other guests. Dressed as it was the rabbit was likely one of the guests pets. His job was to keep the table supplied with food, not critique who was eating it.
“... course tha hatching didn't know what was going on and tha first thing he did was latch onto my grandpappy's leg like it was his mama. This annoyed the mama dragon somethin fierce, and course granny didn't care about that and was intent on making herself a new purse outta dragonhide. She had a nice alligator hide one she got from a cragodile couple years earlier , but sakes alive was that thing heavy, she coulda swung it and knocked down a mountain once it was loaded up with essentials. I remember as a little thing if one of us needed tah be punished she'd just set that thing on our backs and we weren’t going anywhere, made shopping a breeze....”
Just as the yammering about Princess Cadence's entrance had started to die down the main doors again opened.
Or it would be more accurate to say, were flung open with a resounding crash as two ponies entered. A dark purple pegasus a wild white mane streaked with blue and a electric guitar slid in to one side and started laying into the blue guitar he had with his wings. To the other side of him was a white unicorn with a orange and black mane who floated a whole drum kit before him playing it with his fore hooves as he went. Both of them started jamming a fast paced tune with a heavy beat and vicious guitar licks.
A pair of Night Guard pushed a pair of massive tower speakers out behind the pair as they played, the whole hall shaking with the volume before Princess Luna stepped out between the pair of rocking musicians.
Her dress was done up like the night sky, seeming to blend into the flow of her tail and mane as she strode down the steps towards the stunned crowd, the music blaring behind her.
As she reached the bottom of the steps the Musicians trailed off stepping back through the door with the guards pulling the speakers back in as well, the whole display taking only about a minute.
“Salutations our little ponies, your Princess of the Night has arrived.” Luna spoke with a smile.
Of course no one heard her on account of how they had recently been deafened.
While the numbers were heavily whittled down there were still a number of ponies standing in line to speak with Celestia, though all of them looked annoyed or ready to leave.
What none of them really noticed however was that both Granny Smith and Celestia's ears were flicking in a silent conversation as Granny rambled on.
“That was so COOL!” Scootaloo cried out as she bounced around in her chair.
“Kinda loud.” Applebloom offered.
“That's Pontera, Princess Luna got Pontera to announce her arrival, that's on par with Rainbow Dash levels of coolness.” Scootaloo chimed in.
“Well that's high praise from her, Scoot's cool chart only goes up to Rainbow Dash.” Applebloom snorted.
“Ehh, I liked the first one better.” Sweetiebelle shrugged.
Applebloom was about to reply when she stopped, her eyes widening as she suddenly grinned.” That's IT!”
“What's it?” Scootaloo asked.
“Fer Sweetie. She needs a cooler sister than Rarity and who's cooler than a Princess?” Applebloom asked excitedly.
“Rainbow Dash.”Scootaloo answered
“I don't follow.”Sweetiebelle commented.
“Yeah, anyway, they're Princesses how are we gonna get them to be Sweetie's new sister?” Scootaloo pondered.
“Easy. Twilight, Rahs, and Spike already call Cadence their sister, so she must have adopted her as such when they were younger.” Applebloom pointed out. “So it shouldn't be too hard tah get her tah do tha same tah you to have a younger sister.”
“There's Spike again.” Scootaloo snarked.” Couldn't we just convince your sister to adopt her?”
“Ah ain't sharing.” Applebloom snorted.
“I still don't get this.” Sweetiebelle muttered.
“Look we ken ask Princess Luna too. She adopted Rahs at tha drop of a hat, with how Twilight and Spike say Princess Celestia and her fight all tha time, she might be looking fer a younger sister too!” Applebloom logic'd.
“Does that even make sense?” Sweetiebelle pondered.
“Not really, but I’ve got nothing better to go on.” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Right so we just got to convince one of them that Sweetiebelle's tha best little sister they could have and BAM new better older sister!”
“Let's do it.” Sweetiebelle agreed.
“Then of course at tha wedding tha dragon showed up again and granny was bout ready tah show it what fer, not because it showed up, but because it brought another toaster as a wedding gift and they already had four.....” Granny Smith continued.
“Hmm forty five minutes. That's a new record Granny.” Princess Celestia stated, looking at a clock across the now empty hall.
“Whew. Plumb glad of that, not sure I coulda kept that going too much longer, was about to double back around and start telling it again from my granny's point of view.” Granny Smith nodded looking back at the empty hall.” Plumb stubborn lot this time. Thought we were gonna have another '63. Spent the whole Gala trying to bore them away and they sat there fer tha whole thing.”
“Yes well keep in mind I had two assassins try and take me out that year due to the tax on tea that no one even told me had happened. Had I known I would have been rioting next to them.” Celestia chuckled.
“Whelp, anyway, yah missed out on gitting in mah grandsons pants like ah suggested, that student of yers got her hooves in him first.” Granny chuckled.
“Really now? Twilight? Ah well, I might have to wait a few more generations and see what else the Apple family can produce that's to my taste.” Celestia grinned as Granny cackled.
“Speaking of which here yah go.” Granny Smith smirked reaching under her dress to a strap around her back thigh pulling out a large steel flask.
“Is that?” Celestia's eyes widened a bit of drool trickling from her mouth.
“Course it is, best Zap-Applejack Cider Sweet Apple Acres can produce. “ Granny Smith grinned wide.
“I really shouldn't. Last time I had that I woke up in a tree with some poor stallions pants tied about my horn, and the sun was mint colored.”
“Oh yeah that party was a hoot.” Granny chuckled. “ Pretty sure they were uncle Green's tell tha truth. Sides you know as well as ah do ain't no one gonna say a durn thing about it cept maybe yer sister. Yah need tah loosen up a little, all this business ,business, business, numbers, numbers, numbers, can't be healthy fer yah.”
Celestia frowned taking the flask and looking it over before opening it a little shivering some at the delectable smell coming from the flask.
“I wouldn't want to take your only...... oh...”Celestia smirked as Granny pulled another flask from her other thigh. “Well I suppose a sip wouldn't hurt, it has been a while.”
Granny raised her flask and the pair clinked them together before both of them had far more than just a sip.
She could feel it, there was something in the air, a charged sort of excitement that she knew was going to be here. There were swirls of love and red strings and desire, the glimmers of a crush here and there. But best of all there was potential. Potential pure love felt like you were standing on the edge of something, ready to teeter over with a thrill of fear and excitement that you wouldn't know what would happen, but you hoped it would be good.
This was the strongest she had ever sensed that. It was though there was a lighthouse shining through a foggy sea of the dull 'love of money' or 'self' that clung in the air like spiderwebs, pretty to look at sometimes, but not something you wanted to walk into.
She needed to find out where that potential was and send it tipping over the brink. This was so exciting she could use her talent to to help so many tonight, but first to find the source of the potential.
And so Cadence slipped off deeper into the crowd, not even noticing that she had left Shining Armor behind.
Silver Platter tensed up like a deer in headlights as the small white rabbit shoved the gray furred noble under the table and dropped the table cloth over him to hide the body from view.
No one else seemed to notice what the little white rabbit had done with that spoon, but the image would haunt Silver Platter's dreams for months.
To be fair, the noble had instigated it by trying to shove both the rabbit and his plate of food off the table to the floor, with protests of vermin and rats in the food.
The rabbit had been less than amused at the loss of his food and now that the nobles unconscious and battered form was hidden, the white rabbit was looking over the destruction of his meal with annoyance.
Clearly having more of a self preservation instinct than any other pony in the Gala it seemed, Silver Platter quickly put together another plate of food and placed it before the irate rabbit with his magic, staying as far from the bunny as he could.
The rabbit looked at the food, looked at the unicorn who placed it there, gave a nod and started eating it like he was starving.
Silver Platter decided at that moment keeping the rabbit happy and fed was his top priority for the night.
Pinkie Pie was in a quandary.
Which was nothing like a quarry despite the spelling.
This wasn't a party.
There was no pin the tail on the pony, no festive music or dancing. The food and decorations were good , but that was about all she could say so far. Everyone seemed to busy being snooty and trying to one up one another with their frilly dresses and suits to really enjoy the party.
Rarity was flirting with some stallion who clearly wasn't interested in her. With how high his nose was in the air Pinkie wondered if he had sinus problems and was trying not to drip snot from his nose. Oddly it didn't seem he was trying to be snooty like the others with sinus issues as he kept staring up at the rafters as if looking for something, or someone flying.
She was tempted to ask him what he was doing , but Rarity had made it quite clear that Pinkie was not to come near the stallion, especially if she had gotten to him first.
Still the problem was no pony was having any fun.
There was a bunny having fun sure, but Pinkie was leery of Angel Bunny's idea of fun. Though currently he was stuffing his face at the table.
How was this a party?
This wouldn't do.
Shining Armor cursed lightly to himself. How the heck did he lose some pony who was practically neon pink ?
It didn't help matters that every noble and their entourage called him to the side to discuss some inane opinion of theirs or their take on the way the Guard should be run. The ideas were always stupid, and sometimes detrimental if not dangerous. Nearly all of them gained the noble some sort of cut of the crown taxes however.
Some ponies who knew more of him and his family asked about his sister and brothers, though most focused more on what he could do for them rather than anything else.
It was times like this he couldn't help but feel like Luna's idea to strip all titles and give them to ponies who were more than just their names appealed to him.
The game of houses sucked. It was little more than a constant state of one upping, back stabbing, and backroom deals that never ended and was always played from birth til death in some cases.
There were only three winning moves.
Out play them all, as Celestia did. Not really an option for him, given he couldn't wait out an entire generation or two until the moment was more favorable.
Terrify them as Luna did. Tempting, but that had its own issues. The Guard was supposed to serve and protect, not bludgeon and scare, despite his current feelings.
Or simply not play, as Cadence did.
The latter was what he was trying to do, and he made sure he agreed to nothing and said nothing that could be construed either way.
Sadly saying nothing meant that he was often reduced to a few nonverbal sounds or grunts as the conversations went on, but if the nobles thought him a simple minded brute, than so be it. Their opinions of him mattered about as much to him as a first level reflex save to a twentieth level rogue.
Let them think he was just a pretty face that had caught Cadence's eye. He could probably recite Parthanax's theorem to the forty second power if he needed to. Granted Twily could do it to the three hundredth power, but still, he was far from stupid. His focus was more on strategy and tactics than academic pursuits.
And right now he was doing his best to strategize the best place to propose to Cadence. The balcony would be a good spot, as would the dance floor if he could convince the band to play something other than chamber music.
Granted he still needed to find her first, and that was easier said than done.
Princess Luna was not having a good time.
The ponies at the Gala parted around her like a school of fish swimming away from a shark. The few she had managed to corner to speak with had made a multitude of excuses to be away from her. Everything from needing to use the bathroom, to having left the stove on back in their mansions, as if some of these fools even knew where the kitchen was.
Still the night had not been a total loss. There were a few who seemed interested in speaking with her, or at the very least not scared of her. Of course this had its own issue as ones like Fancy Pants were often caught in their own conversations they couldn't be away from. It would be rude to interrupt them.
Shining Armor had greeted her, though he was looking for Cadence with little luck. She had only seen her niece briefly and was of little help to him. Though it was fun to watch him wander off again in that dress uniform of his.
No, bad Luna, that ones taken.
Pinkie Pie had even stopped by to say hello and found out Luna was not having a good time either. The second pinkest mare Luna had ever seen then wandered off muttering something about fixing the problem. But not before taking a few dozen pictures of her.
She had spotted her nephew, thinking to speak to him at least, though as she approached she noticed a number of things.
One the swarm of mares around him seemed undeterred by her presence, some of them even going so far as to glare at her as if thinking her a rival. A few who did this realized what they had just done and quickly moved away lest the Princess of the Night take offense. A few didn't notice her at all, but she did notice one in particular.
Rarity Reignolds. One of Twilight's friends, one of the mares who had saved her from the nightmare and that she had spoken with numerous times.
This gave her pause. Wouldn't Twilight have told her about Prince's hunt for his love? Or at least Spike when he gave her the ticket?
Something was odd here and it took Luna a moment or two to piece things together when she recalled the Gala acceptance letter where Twilight had called her brothers 'completely evil', was this part of that?
After a moment's deliberation she turned and sought some pony else to speak with. Prince had expected things like this and was prepared to make a scene or three already. Rarity clearly didn't know how he would react and Luna was not about to end a prank before it's proper implementation.
“ ….. fat bottom mares you make the rocking world go roooooound!!!!” Granny Smith and Celestia sang horridly off key as the pair of them sat on the front steps of the Gala.
The two of them had spent a great deal time talking, an even greater deal of time flirting with the Guards stationed outside. A number of them were still red in the face from where Granny or Princess Celestia had muttered a some rather interesting things in their ears.
One was still passed out cold in a heap after reluctantly agreeing to a kiss from the solar princess. His lips would likely be a bit sunburned tomorrow, but he was otherwise fine. Though he would be teased mercilessly by the other Guards for a while about if the Princess used her tongue or not. The others around stuck to their training and did their best not to react to the pair.
Thankfully it didn't take long before the pair of old friends grew bored of that and wandered off into the wine cellar only to to return with a number of over priced and and gifted wines from the Princesses' personal collection.
They had proceeded to drink more than half of them before starting to sing every song they could think of terribly off key.
Thankfully for the Guards ears they seemed to be done with that now as well.
Celestia pondered draining the refilled flask she had been given as she looked up at the silvery moon high in the night sky.
“Hey G..... wanna see something neat.” Celestia giggled?
“Oh, What's that Sunny?” Granny questioned.
“Watch.” Celestia giggled again looking up at the night sky.
Twilight Sparkle, Rahs Sparkle, and Spike Sparkle stood just outside the Golden Oaks Library staring up at Canterlot on the Manterhorn far above them.
The rest of Ponyville was out as well and looking up at the mountain too.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash moved up to the Sparkle siblings as Mayor Mare stood nearby having roused the trio from their home along with the other available Element Bearers.
“So … ummm, is there anything you can do?” Mayor Mare asked hesitantly as the rest of the town looked at the trio expectantly.
Far above them, while still remaining pitch black night somehow, the moon and sun looked like the city itself was juggling the celestial orbs as they looped around the top of the mountain, the moon was it's usual silver, though the sun was glowing a interesting shade of wine purple.
Twilight pursed her lips watching, Rahs crossed his arms regarding it and Spike tapped his chin lost in thought. Applejack stared on wide eyed and Rainbow Dash's jaw was nearly on the ground.
As one the siblings turned and walked back into the tree home, with Rahs picking up Rainbow Dash and Applejack to carry them inside as well.
“Nope.” Twilight stated flatly before slamming the door closed behind her, leaving the towns ponies staring at the door in shock.
After a moment the door opened again and the Mayor let out a small sigh of relief.
“Oh good you are going to do something......” Mayor Mare nearly cheered, only to watch as Big Mac was grabbed in a aura of magic and yanked inside the library as well before the door slammed shut again and the towns ponies could hear the sound of hammering and heavy objects being moved in front of the doors and windows of the library.
Another flare of magic appeared and the sign on the door reading open was flipped to closed before everything went quiet.
They gathered ponies all stared at the door for a moment more, before the screaming and panic started.
Princess Luna frowned looking to the windows of the gala. It was still night outside, but she could feel Tia moving her moon. Probably to placate or silence a noble or something, or probably because she was simply bored.
Even so she was going to have words with her sister about asking for a little thing called 'permission' when the Gala was over.
Right now however she had a more pressing issue.
Namely a pile of unconscious nobles half shoved under a table that was now as tall as her horn, a panicked server, and a small white rabbit that was devouring four times it's weight in food.
Luna's eyes narrowed at the rabbit as the bunny returned her stare with equal fervor as if daring her to do something.
“Thou are Fluttershy's companion creature?” Luna demanded.
The rabbit nodded.
“Are the bodies under thine table still alive?”
Another nod.
“Good. Carry on.” Luna stated, turning to glance over at the worried servitor. “Do thine best to not anger this one.... for obvious reasons.”
“Ye...yes Princess.” Silver Platter stammered.
Luna sighed heading away from the table grumbling about White's brood as Angel Bunny dug into another cake.
Shining Armor frowned as he searched through the crowd. It had been nearly an hour since she got away from him and he'd seen pink hide nor hair of Cadence.
He finally spotted something pink and rushed towards it in a gallop hoping it wasn't just another piece of that ridiculous strawberry cake. He built up a good head of steam shouldering past a number of ponies, many of them looking to protest but seeing who it was and the intent on his face none of them tried to stop him.
A guard on evident business was akin to a pony running with a fire extinguisher, best to let them go and complain later.
His hooves skidded over the tile as he quickly pulled out the ring with his magic, if this was Cadence perhaps he could do this here away from the crowd. A back corner wasn't the most romantic spot, but still, with how she had been running around all night it might be his only chance.
Given what had been reported to him by a Guard not long ago about what was happening to the sky he might not have another chance at all. He slipped past another few ponies to catch sight of a pink tail vanishing into one of the side halls.
Racing after her, he barreled around the door crashing into the pink mare and was sent tumbling as he rolled to try not to hit her that hard only for him to bounce off a wall, narrowly avoiding trampling the mare before he crashed to his knees with a wince, the ring box bouncing off his head to land on the floor before the mare popping open with a click.
A mare who despite being super pink, was not Cadence.
“OOOh that's pretty... wait is this a proposal? Oh wait that means a big party! Wait if I'm the one proposed to can I still plan the party. Ooh but I'm already seeing some pony else. That means I have to refuse, but if I refuse then there's no party.....” Pinkie Pie rambled.
“Sorry this wasn't for you Miss Pie...” Shining stated glancing around with a bit of worry as if expecting an alligator to the face again. “I'm looking for Cadence.”
“Ahh that's why I had a swingy ear on the way to the gala, that means someones gonna propose.” Pinkie Pie smiled, though she adopted a brief frown. “ Not sure I approve of your choice of the pretended to the throne of pink, but congratulations!”
Shining blinked as he tucked the ring back away starring warily at the pink mare.
“Um thank you, though I've been having trouble finding her to actually propose at all. ”Shining Armour confessed.
“Oh, I think she was stalking Prince Blue Blood last time I saw her.”Pinkie Pie admitted.
“Thanks, what are you doing back here any way?” Shining asked looking around the servants hall the pair were in.
“Oh... stuff.......” Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes.
“Right well.... I'll leave you too that then.” Shining nodded backing away slowly as the mares grin widened.
“Good luck.” Pinkie Pie called offering a wave. “Now where was I? Oh yeah! Now where am I going to get a black piglet with a tiger striped bandana this time of night....”
Prince Blueblood did his best to refrain from sighing. He was down to one now. A very insistent one however. The rose trick had worked at clearing off the others, though this one simply stuck around regardless of what he did. Boring double talk, acting as if she wasn't there, forcing her to keep up to his long steps in her pretty dress. So far she was putting up with it.
She was pretty and polite and carried herself with grace and dignity.
Not a thing like the mare he had fallen for.
It had been so long would she, recall him if they met? Would he even recognize her?
Prince sighed continuing on his path with the meet and greet mostly ignoring the nameless white mare at his side.
One day he would find her, but it didn't seem that would be today.
“And I snip this wire and move it over here. “ a dark figure hidden in the crawlspace over the gala hummed to itself.
“Then we give the little mousy over here a cupcake cause everyone loves cupcakes.” the figure continued leaving said mouse in possession of a pink frosted cupcake bigger than it was.
Princess Cadence, Goddess of Love, raised one eyebrow as she looked down at the three grinning fillies before her.
“I'm sorry, would you run that by me again?” Cadence blinked.
“We want yah tah adopt Sweetiebelle, tah be her new big sister like yah did with Twilight, Spike and Rahs.” Applebloom stated around a mouthful of Gouda sprinkled popcorn.
“There's Spike again.” Scootaloo snarked.
“An how am ah supposed tah say those three without saying his name?” Applebloom snapped back before taking a bite of a chocolate biscottie cookie.
“It's not how often you say it, it's how you say it, like it's a breathless sigh or something.” Scootaloo chuckled getting an odd look from Applebloom and a stranger look from Cadence as she looked at the earth pony filly stuffing her face.
“You been reading Rarity's romance novels again?” Applebloom asked eating a small slice of pineapple bread.
“I was bored and the cover looked actiony.” Scootaloo shrugged.
Sweetiebelle was doing her part to look like the most adorable little sister candidate possible. Cadence had to admit that had she not been at ground zero for a number of the Sparkle Sibling's attempts to get what they want, Sweetiebelle's pouty look would have been far more dangerous to her. As it stood at least two ponies who had glanced over to see what the foals were talking about had already blacked out and were being carted off by the ever present trauma teams of the castle.
“Well there's sort of a reason I'm like a big sister to those three, I am dating their eldest brother.” Cadence admitted.
“Dang.” Applebloom grumbled downing some bubble apple cider. “ Rarity and Sweetiebelle ain't got an older brother.”
“I'm sure Shining Armor would protest my dating another stallion any way.” Cadence chuckled.
In reality Cadence wondered where Shining Armor had gotten off to. She hadn't seen him since they came into the main ballroom. He was probably arguing hoof ball with another stallion or talking guard things with some of the old retired officers at the Gala. She would need to find him later and make a fuss about him being a improper escort for her.
“Why would you want to get a new sister anyway if Rarity's already your sister?” Cadence asked taking note of the feelings Sweetiebelle had for her sister,the love was there, but strangely weak for a pair of sisters. Particularly after her last conversation with Spike had the drake explaining that the little unicorn filly usually wouldn't shut up about trying to be exactly like her big sister. He claimed it was almost as bad as Scootaloo when Rainbow Dash was brought up.
Honestly Cadence couldn't think of a worse roll model for the young pegasus.
“Cause Sweetie came to the gala with Rarity after being promised that she would git tah spend time with her, fer at least some of tha night and she got ditched first step in tah door.” Applebloom pointed out munching on a white chocolate covered cherry.
“Ditched you? Why would she do that?” Cadence frowned.
Sweetiebelle matched Cadence's frown with her own frown and pointed a dramatically shaking hoof at her sister. Who was currently still fawning over Prince Blueblood, completely ignoring his snobbish attempts to drive her off.
Cadence frowned deeper, flattening her ears.
She had expected a little better of one of Twilight's friends, particularly one who bore the Element of Generosity, but Cadence also clearly recalled Rarity's reaction when she was told Rahs was a Prince.
Not to say anything rude, but Rarity now struck her as some pony most called a name that rhymes with Bold Snigger.
And to leave ones little sister to fend for herself while focusing on a stallion who was clearly not interested was not what she thought of when she thought of the Element of Generosity.
The love between sisters was strained here because of Rarity's actions.
This would not do.
Octavia Melody raised an ear as she heard a noise.
This of course did not hamper her playing in the slightest, as there was plenty of noise in the room. Really she was simply getting paid for ambiance music. Any pony who had played the Gala before knew that no one was going to care the slightest about the music unless attention was drawn to it, either by it being bad, or too loud.
Those with her were also veteran players of the Gala. There was no creativity to it, no spark and little to no interest and most were on auto pilot, and she was certain Treble Clef was playing while also asleep with his eyes open.
It was a paying job, nothing more. She recalled her first time here when she was excited with the honor, only for one of the older players to be far less thrilled for some reason. It didn't take her long to find out the why of it.
Dull, repetitive, and monotonous. They could have gotten a record player for the same effect of playing the same three songs over and over in the background as every pony talked . But it just wasn't proper not to have alive band.... that no pony listened to any way.
Which was why the noise drew her interest.
It wasn't from one of those milling about, nor was it from the foals, or the unexpected white rabbit at the dining table. She had nearly missed a note watching what the rabbit had done to that noble with a spoon, but practice and routine had gotten her through it. She was also keeping an eye on the beast in case she needed to hightail it out of there if the beast turned hostile, well more hostile. She certainly didn't envy the pony feeding it.
The noise however sounded again at odd intervals and it sounded like it was coming from under the raised stage.
She spared a glance back during a pause and took note of a curly pink tail slipping into the curtains behind the stage.
Well that was interesting, perhaps she could ponder it and keep an eye out for that particular shade of pink while she mindlessness played. Pony watching tended to stave off the boredom slightly and she was curious as to what the pink one was up to.
Luna sighed, and not for the first time considered retiring to her room early. So far she had been out of luck in regards to any pony wishing to converse with her or able to in some cases.
Well there had been that one noble, but he was simply trying to convince her to approve his project after Celestia had denied him. That conversation was cut off simply by telling him to petition at her night court.
Something he was unlikely to do given his mutters about not wanting a skewed sleep schedule.
It was situations like this that reminded her why she and her sister fought to start with. Arguments that let Him get to her and twist her from the inside.
She paused and let out a sigh. No. That would not happen again.
“Hello!” a cheery voice called.
Luna blinked, tumbling out of her own thoughts as she looked around quickly seeing no one. Had she gone mad again simply thinking of Him?
“Down here Princess.” another voice added in.
Looking down Princess Luna was greeted to the sight of three fillies, all of them in delightful little dresses adding to their already high levels of adorableness. That the earth pony was stuffing her face with some sort of apple pastry, to the point her cheeks puffed didn't hurt either.
She felt she should recognize them, but at the moment she did not. “Greetings young ones. Is something troubling thee?”
“Sorta.” Applebloom managed to gasp out between bites of a crepe.” Ah'm Applebloom, That's Scootaloo and tha one with tha issue is Sweetibelle over there.”
“See Sweetiebelle here had a bit of a falling out with her sister Rarity so we're looking to help her find an even better sister.” Scootaloo pointed out.”We asked Princess Cadence because she adopted Twilight and Rahs.”
“And Spike.” Applebloom added with a bite of some sort of chilled maple syrup chew, before glaring at a grinning Scootaloo for baiting her.
“And she sent us to you, cause you adopted Rahs, so we figured Sweetiebelle could be next.” Scootaloo continued with a wide grin.” Plus there was that awesome entrance you had.
Luna raised an eyebrow looking down at Sweetiebelle who was giving her best 'I'm the cute sister' look. She then looked to Cadence who was making her way across the floor with a more than a hint of anger on her face.
What could be the issue between Rarity and the little filly before her.
A quick look to where Cadence was going gave her the answer as she spotted Rarity fawning over Prince.
Luna rolled her eyes, she had expected this sort of thing from the mare after the talk with her regarding Rahs. She had potential but was quite … what was the modern term... it rhymed with cold bigger.
Perhaps a lesson could be learned here tonight by her.
Luna spared another glance at the window and the dark sky still feeling her older sister playing with her moon like it was a foals toy.
Perhaps her own sister needed a lesson too, or another upper cut, maybe both once she found out why Celestia was screwing with things she shouldn't be..
In any event the foals were waiting for an answer.
“It is been sometime since we have cared for a young one. We are not entirely certain we are caught up on the modern world enough to be an effective older sister to thee.” Luna offered getting a frown and a defeated sigh from the three of them, well two of them, Applebloom just shoved another cracker in her mouth.
“But we are willing to give it a try if you wish.” Luna smiled watching them light up, save Applebloom who was eating a chocolate orange..... where was the filly hiding this food?
The trio suddenly cheered and all of them looked to their flanks, pondered a moment, then struggled trying to figure out how to lift the frilly things they were wearing in order to look at their rears. During this Luna noticed that Applebloom's dress had bulging pockets, well that explained the food.
“What are thee doing?” Luna questioned.
“We got Sweetiebelle a new sister, we're seeing what sort of cutie mark we got from it!” Scootaloo grinned.
“One can get a cutie mark from that?” Luna pondered.” What would that even look like?”
“Dunno that's why we're trying tah look!” Applebloom stated through a mouth full of carrot cupcake.
“All I see is the dumb petticoat Rarity made me wear.” Sweetiebelle fussed.
“So you have yet to gain your cutie marks?” Luna asked.
“Yeah, we've been trying like... five ever........” Scootaloo stated.
“What?” Sweetiebelle asked.
“Five-ever.. its you know like four-ever but longer cause five is a bigger number.” Scootaloo explained.
“That's not how words work!” Sweetiebelle fussed.
“But it's how math works and you failed your last pop quiz.”Scootaloo snarked.
“Cause it was fractions and conjunctions!” Sweetiebelle fussed making Luna wince as the song about trains started in her head again.
“Perhaps we can assist with that.” Princess Luna offered. “ We have been around some time and have seen many ponies gain their cutie marks. Let us head to one of the side rooms and thou can inform me of the attempts thou has made thus far so we might suggest things.”
“YEAH!”The trio shouted, with Applebloom spitting out half a mouthful of crumb cake.
A glance to the nobles and then to Cadence made her certain this was the best idea for the young ones. She could feel something was building here, and she was unsure exactly what.
Prince Blue Blood raised a brow as Princess Cadence approached him. It was less that she was coming to talk with him, and more that she had a rather angry look on her face while on approach.
His sudden stop as he saw his 'cousin' caused Rarity to run into and bounce off of him,knocking her onto her rump. He spared a glance down, ignoring her, and making a show of brushing off his coat where she had hit instead, not even bothering to offer her a hoof up.
Honestly this was likely something Cadence was coming to fuss about. She didn't like how he dealt with the crowd of mares he drew every where he went. Some of them it seemed, were earnest in their potential love. And the Princess of Love was oft annoyed at how he crushed that love. Granted she had yet to suggest a successful alternative to his methods, so Prince took her complaints with a grain of salt.
Judging by the look on her face this would probably escalate into an argument. With how clingy the mare had been and how she had brushed off most of his attempts to snub her, Prince was expecting a lecture on breaking a young mares heart again.
Wait.
Cadence wasn't glaring at him, she was glaring at the mare?
Oh dear.
“Hello cousin.” Cadence stated with a chill in her voice. “Would you like a drink? I would like a drink.”
The pink alicorn then turned to look at Rarity, something that Prince followed suit on, staring at the white unicorn expectantly. “ Apple cider, neat. “ he added before turning back to Cadence and ignoring the white mare again.
Rarity, though clearly annoyed, and a bit flustered, took the hint and scurried off to get the drinks. Once she was out of ear shot Prince spoke up.
“Is this really the time to be lecturing me on this cousin?”
“No, it is not.” Cadence stated making Prince a bit worried as her frown had yet to lessen as she watched Rarity leave.
“If you are not here to lecture me what's wrong?”Prince Blue Blood questioned. “ Don't tell me Auntie Celestia got into the wine again...”
“ I don't know about that. What I do know is there is a little filly here at the Gala, who is now intent on finding herself another big sister because her actual flesh and blood abandoned her after promising to stay with her.” Cadence stated.
Prince frowned looking towards the refreshment table, noting the wide berth every one was giving a rotund white rabbit that was seemingly passed out on top of one of tables, his little gut seemingly ready to burst, though it was easy to spot the white mare who had been following him nearby.
“I take that the one clinging to me is the big sister then?” Prince asked and Cadence nodded. “So what do you want me to do?”
“You know how I constantly get on you about how you treat mares and those after you to show them that you are not interested?”
“I do.”
“And you know that long list of things I told you never ever to do to drive them off?”
“I recall that as well.”
“Ignore what I said and crank it to eleven.” Cadence ordered.
Prince raised an eyebrow at that.
“If this goes to court I am claiming it was a royal order you realize?” Prince stated.
“Luna and I will have you back.... stop just shy of walling her up in the wine cellar however.”Cadence stated.
“I did that once. And all the mare had to do to get out was walk through the storm drain behind her. Also she was the one who broke into my house to try and seduce me, so I have no regrets about my actions.” Prince scoffed. His magic quickly took a pair of glasses from a nearby servers tray. He offered a nod to the waiter before giving one to Cadence.
Rarity soon trotted back up floating the drinks she was sent for behind her in her magic, with the crowd she was forced to dodge weave and practically dance to protect them from being spilled. Prince waited until she could easily see him, before he drained the glass he had taken from the waiter.
He spared once glance to the mare who had gotten the drinks for them and shook his head slightly. “ And be sure to voice my complaint about the slow service this year cousin.”
Cadence raised an eyebrow before nodding with a small smile and turned to trot off without offering so much as a glance at Rarity.
“LESS COWERING AND MORE HOPPING SHEILA!!” Steven cried out as he bounded through the garden with a panicked Fluttershy flying along beside him.
“My names not Sheila...” Fluttershy panted.
Behind them the sounds of birds, bugs, and numerous animals that inhabited the Garden could be heard screaming out and stampeding through the underbrush.
Clinging to the large roo's back was a large dark purple feline like creature about the size of a pony with six legs and two tendrils sprouting from it's back that were currently whipping above it's head as it hissed and yowled it's complaint.
The coeurl's attention seemed focused on the sky, where the sun and moon flipped around like drunken bumble bees.
The event had panicked every creature in the garden. Given a large number of them were rescue animals taken from Zoos and other places where they were mistreated or improperly raised, it didn't take much to make them freak out.
Granted the sun and moon doing flips and being the wrong colors likely would freak out anyone.
With the main gates of the Garden closed for the night and the walls too high for many to scale, though even the fliers were sticking close to the ground terrified of the sky at the moment.
With everything closed there was only one path available for the panicked animals to run.
Towards the Gala itself.
“ARE YOU READY TO PARTY!?” a voice bellowed out in the main hall of the gala startling most of the crowd.
Numerous wall panels and unused dumbwaiters popped open or rose from the ground. Sections of the ceiling slid aside dropping down lights and disco balls. The floor and walls sprouted speakers, and more flashing lights, lava lamps, party games, balloons and several large barrels of cannons that shot confetti and fire works, and in one case cupcakes. Behind it all in one of the open panels one could see a white duck with glasses running on a treadmill chasing a picture of pink cat.
The sudden transformation of a prim and proper gala into a colorful explosion of party effects confused and shocked most of the ponies present. And that was before they were hit with flying cupcakes.
One of the launched pastries soared through the air towards a stallion, only for a white unicorn mare with a purple mane and a fancy looking dress to be lifted in the air by magic and used as a shield for several of the pink cupcakes.
Rarity winced in shock as she was splattered with the pink pastries. She trembled a little as she was set down again, none too gently to the floor. Though a sudden loud ripping sound made her snap her head around as she watched Prince Blue Blood tear a portion of her dress off to use it as a napkin to try and wipe off the bit of cupcake frosting that had landed on his lapel.
At that moment something inside Rarity snapped.
Also at that point in time a horde of animals flooded in through the windows and doors of the gala from the garden.
A large red roo and a panicked yellow pegasus were stampeded in along with the animals having been tossed up into the air and were currently astride a rather large emu, and a pink maned lion that rampaged into the party with all the rest.
Just as the doors broke open and Rarity screamed bloody murder, Pinkie Pie's hastily rewired royal sound system shorted out and set off the fire alarm, more importantly it set off the sprinkler system. The sudden activation of the newly installed fire suppression system turned the Gala floor into a torrential downpour.
Then the real screaming started.
Luna winced as she and the young ones had barely made it to the main door, mostly because of Applebloom making another trip to the buffet table, before the chaos started. Luckily they were on the balcony overlook and nothing came near them save a shower of water from the sprinklers.
The Crusaders and Luna watched as the formerly stuffy gala quickly turned into a chaotic mess.
“We didn't do it!” The CMC yelled together almost as if on instinct.
Luna blinked, tilted her head a moment, then sighed. She was more than a little perplexed and over whelmed by the sheer level of madness going on.
It was in the moment that she was distracted that the three fillies noticed the ropes that held up the chandeliers, banners, and the heavy curtains around the windows.
It was only a moment that Luna was distracted, yet that was more than enough time for an expensive crystal chandelier to crash into the end of the concessions table, sending all the food on it , along with a bloated white rabbit,sailing through the air to rain on the guests.
Luna looked over quickly as the trio of fillys went swinging across the room clinging to a guide rope.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SWASHBUCKLERS YAY!!”
It was madness.
And yet.
Luna sighed, tilted her head a bit, grinned and grabbed one of the ropes herself, pulling it loose and letting another chandelier drop on another table, sending more food flying as she swung out over the crowd after the fillies.
“HUZZAH!!!”
Granny Smith cackled as she strode up to the gala doors making kissy faces at the two guards outside the door who did their best to ignore her.
Behind her a giggling Celestia was draped over a taller Guard who was doing his best to keep the Princess propped up despite the fact she was swatting at his tail and giggling while he carried her.
“HA. Poor Sunny, never could hold yer drink.” Granny cackled as the doors were pushed open before them. As Granny and Celestia's bearer walked onto the Gala overlook all three stared down at the chaos with a mix of awe and horror.
Multiple fires, water everywhere, animals rampaging and eating the buffet table. A trio of fillies swinging on a rope from the ceiling, along with Princess Luna who was stalled out and was asking a party goer to give her a push. Ponies were running everywhere, a mildly amused looking Prince Blue Blood was running away from an irate Rarity who was trying to smash him with a cake. A rather disturbed looking unicorn server was standing by the ruined tables holding an umbrella over his head. A rotund white rabbit was rolling angrily after a group of screaming nobles. Pinkie Pie was trying to start a karaoke challenge with one of the speakers that wasn't busted and Princess Cadence was standing in the middle of it looking stunned.
Granny Smith frowned as she looked over the chaos.
“Well dang, guess the party did start without me fer once.”
Princess Cadence sat down hard, water running down her form, ruining her dress and mane do and soaking her to the bone. Her makeup ran down her face in streaks as she turned her head to survey the carnage going around her.
Most of the other guests were running around in a panic, there were screams, sobbing, and complete breakdowns.
There was also a few ponies engaging in food fights, slinging water on one another, and Fancy Pants' date, Fleur-de-lis, was currently trying to out sing Pinkie Pie.
Animals surged around the room with Fluttershy and the Ranger with her trying to corral them and get them to go back outside. Of course with the panic of the Gala most of them were getting excited and running around even more, either trying to hide, or just eating everything they could scarf up.
A trio of nobles had scrambled up a curtain and were peering over the edge of it at a white beach ball with rabbit ears, that was growling up at them and had chased them across the room.
Granny Smith and Auntie Celestia were on the balcony overlooking everything laughing at the goings on below them. At least they were until Celestia got hit with a flying cup cake. After that the pair came down and joined in the food fight, the two of them were offered a plate piled high by a caterer who had gotten a yellow rain slicker from somewhere and was using a umbrella as a shield as he resupplied every pony.
Cadence briefly recalled the caters had been forced into a deal by some noble or another that they would paid by the amount of food they made, not by time spent, this year. They were going to make a killing with the bill and a royal accountant was likely going to have a heart attack.
The musicians were currently sitting under a large umbrella with their instruments tucked away to prevent damage. The four of them seemed completely unphased by the goings on around them, focused more on what ever they were discussing at the moment.
The trio of fillies she had seen earlier were having more fun now than they had the entire rest of the party, running around all over the place and getting into everything. Their dresses and manes were ruined but they didn't seem to care as they bounced about doing all sorts of random things in attempts to get cutie marks. Of course Auntie Luna was running right along with them.
Rarity was screaming bloody murder and was chasing Prince Blue Blood around the main floor attempting to smother him in a massive four tiered cake she had grabbed off the buffet table.
Cadence would have gone to help him, but she couldn't miss the smirk on his face as he dodged Rarity's attacks and kept a good pace ahead of her, throwing back insults, and boorish complaints every so often to keep the mare egged on. Cadence recalled the time he had invited her to Ponyplona to participate in The Running of the Cows and shuddered. Her cousin was unfortunately a thrill seeking sort of noble. With how his parents sheltered him growing up it was little surprise he turned out the way he did, the sort of pony who jumped off perfectly good airships and tried to miss the ground.
Cadence let out a small sigh as the Guards finally showed up and were completely useless in getting anything under control.
Auntie Celestia and Granny smith drew some into the food fight, some helped Fluttershy and the Ranger scare the animals more. A few others were brought into whatever the foals and Luna were doing, which was a mistake as whatever they were doing then exploded. Twice.
While Pinkie Pie had convinced one Guard to enter her karaoke contest, most were just milling around in confusion, shouting commands and orders that were largely ignored by every pony else.
Not for the first time she wondered where Shining Armor was. He was probably taking charge of the Guards here and trying to get them organized or something.
It was a pity, because she really wanted him here with her. She hadn't helped any pony find love tonight and the feelings she had been following all night were so skewed with what was going on she doubted she could find anything at all to help with now.
Her whole plan to help pony’s fall in love at the Gala was ruined, all she had done was cause anger and rage. That huge potential love that she had felt teetering on the brink was gone too, either run off, or masked behind the oddly flaring love of Chaos she felt from some where.
She was glad that the sprinkler system was making it rain indoors. Her first Grand Galloping Gala had been a disaster, at least with the water no one would see her cry.
“Cadence.”
Her ears perked up as she turned her head, looking back over her shoulder.
A panting Shining Armor stood behind her, his suit a mess and it looked like it had been clawed up by some of the animals. He also had a sloth clinging to his back that was trying to eat his mane, very slowly.
“Shining?” Cadence sighed as she turned to face him wiping her eyes with a foreleg. “Shouldn't you be trying to help them fix this?”
“If Princess Luna and Princess Celestia are involved, then it's still my day off.” Shining sighed with a roll of his eyes. “I've been looking for you all night after you ran off.”
“What?” Cadence blinked having been certain he had been the one to run off.
She watched Shining sink down onto his fore legs his horn glowing as he pulled out a small box.
“It may not be the most romantic setting I could find, but just pretend it's a spring rain shower or something.” Shining Armor sighed ignoring the sloth and the rain as he opened the box showing off a gold horn ring studded with a large pink diamond set in the center ringed by a number of smaller diamond shards.
Cadence's eyes widened, the feeling of love on the edge she had sensed earlier was practically blazing before her and she had missed it all night.
“Cadence, will you marry me?”
Everything seemed to pause in that moment. Shining couldn't quite meet her gaze as she stared down at him, the water falling from the sky seemed to slow as Cadence felt her own heart beating in her chest.
In the next moment, there was a sudden flap of wings and a blur of pink propelled itself forward with enough speed to leave an after image of water in the air where she and Shining had been. There was a loud thud of impact, and a confused sloth went sailing through the air only to quickly be caught by Fluttershy.
The yellow pegasus winced as she noted where the pair had wound up, across the room with a good bit of furniture rubble around them and with Cadence wrapped around Shining Armor, who had some how managed to keep hold of the ring.
“I think that is a yes.” Fluttershy offered as the sloth squeaked in agreement.
[ The Day after the Grand Galloping Gala, Ponyville]
Golden Oaks library was filled with laughter.
Frankly it annoyed Twilight and made it hard to focus on her reading.
Rahs, Rainbow Dash, and Spike were all cackling over the photos of the gala that Pinkie Pie was showing them. Rahs and Dash had both fallen over onto the floor clutching their sides from laughing so hard at the cake splattered nobles.
“........ and here's a picture of one of the noble mares who had been mean to Matilda early on seeing that she was the only one in the gala that hadn't been hit with cake. Matilda was wandering around a bit looking for her friend and I think she was in the kitchens when everything went crazy.” Pinkie offered showing another photo.
Rarity and Applejack sat at another table along with Twilight. The pair of them had been listening to the white unicorn mare rant for nearly as long as the other group had been laughing.
“.... and then he tore off a scrap of my dress to wipe his lapel. He didn't even ask, he just did it!” Rarity whined.
“Did yah ever git him back?” Applejack questioned.
“No, the arrogant coward managed to slip away from me before I could drown him in cake.”Rarity growled. “How that one managed to become a Prince is beyond me. He was nothing like any sort of royalty should be.”
Twilight took this moment to look up from her book.
“Princess Celestia got drunk and juggled the moon and sun sending every pony into a panic, and have you MET Princess Luna?” Twilight demanded. “That seems pretty par for the course for royalty. Besides you must have done something for him to crank it up to eleven like that. Even given you were on him like a barnacle most of the night.”
Rarity frowned though Applejack's ears perked up.
“What do yah mean 'crank it ta eleven'?” Applejack asked.
“Prince doesn't like the types of mare he usual attracts, so he acts like an arrogant snob to drive them away. Though he tends to follow a set of rules for trying to drive mares off. One of the main rules is he doesn't do anything to harm them or their property. If he tore your dress and held you up to intercept a cake, he was past what he was willing to put up with. Cadence makes sure he follows those rules as being the Princess of Love she doesn't like that he tends to break hearts with his way of driving mares away.” Twilight explained.
“Well she didn't try and stop him last night.” Rarity scoffed.
“Ya said Cadence talked to him alone for a bit. She might have been tha one who told him tah go fer it.” Applejack offered.
“But surely the goddess of Love wouldn't sabotage me? She should have seen how I was meant to be his true love....” Rarity bemoaned.
“You're not.” Twilight stated flatly. “His true love is a Pegasus.”
“He met a mare at one of his birthdays and fell for her, though she skipped out before he found out who she was. So he's been looking for her since. And given that he doesn't want to start a Cinderella hunt he's kept it under wraps save for a few ponies he hired to look. But with how he's expected to show up at fancy parties and such he's still got mares clinging to him like leeches. So he does his best to drive them away with over the top and very fake horrid personality.”
“What?” Rarity demanded again.
“Translation, he acts like a ponce tah drive off tha mares he sees a gold diggen harlots.” Applejack chuckled. “ And given yer description of how things went down, that's exactly what yah looked like to him yesterday. Stallions only got eyes fer one mare and all others are tah be run off.”
“How do you know all this!?” Rarity questioned.
“Prince and I are pen pals and I dated him once before he met the mare he was after. The four of us used to hang out back in Canterlot too. So I found out about the mare he's after, but he's mostly tight lipped about what he knows of her, all I know aside from her race is that he's got it bad.” Twilight smirked as Rarity stared at her. “He's usually a very nice guy.”
“But, but, but … why didn't you warn me?” Rarity whined.
“I plead ignorance of the whole deal. Please direct all inquiries to the one who gave you his ticket.” Twilight offered looking back into her book.
Rarity turned to look at Spike who was still giggling at the photos.
“Spike?”
“Yeah?” Spike chuckled looking over at Rarity.
“Did you happen to know about Prince Blue Blood's way of dealing with mares he has no interest in?” Rarity's tone was cold enough that Rahs and Pinkie Pie paused to look over at her.
“Yup.” Spike admitted.
The rest of the room got quiet as Rarity glared at the oblivious Spike.
“You knew!??” Rarity growled.
“Yeah. I mean, I didn't know you were gonna go after him. I didn't think your prince was Prince til I saw the pictures Pinkie took, but I knew he wasn't interested in any mares other than the one he's after.” Spike shrugged picking up another photo chuckling.
Rarity glared at the little dragon, while Applejack narrowed her eyes. not buying a word of Spike's story, but not wanting to call him out and be a accessory to a murder.
Any further conversation was cut off by a bright flash of light as a figure appeared in a large square of caution tape laid out on the floor. Everyone but Twilight and her brothers looked up at the flash, Twilight simply turned a page in her book.
“Good afternoon Princess Luna.” Twilight offered as Spike and Rahs waved. “You're up late.”
“Greetings Sparkles. We have double duty as our sister is still passed out after too much ale.” Luna muttered stepping away from the teleport square. “She is quite the light weight.”
“So what brings you here today?” Twilight questioned.
“We were told by a rather strapping handsome red stallion at Sweet Apple Acres that Applejack was present here.” Luna explained.
“Ah'm here, but ah gotta warn yah.. Ah wouldn't try and cozy up with Mac. Twi's got a claim and she ain't exactly playing fair.” Applejack frowned at the purple unicorn who ducked a bit more behind her book.
“I apologized to Rose Luck and her tail will grow back.” Twilight muttered.” Honestly it was her own fault for trying to ask him out in front of me.”
Luna slowly blinked looking at Rahs and Spike who nodded.
“Noted.” Luna swallowed recalling how Cadence had reacted to her flirting with Shining and decided to give up her planned attempts at wooing the stallion. “But we are not here for you. We have already spoken with Fireball and Mrs. Reignolds, but we wish to inform you that the girls will be allowed to stay the weekend if they wish after their class trip. Tia owes us a few days off for dealing with her court and duties, as well as playing with our moon without permission.”
Spike raised an eyebrow at that. “ Wait you mean Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Sweetiebelle?”
“Indeed.” Luna nodded. Thou are welcome to come along as well Spike.”Luna offered.
“Hmm could be fun.” Spike pondered. “I wasn't really looking forward to going to all the touristy spots with the others on the field trip any way as I’ve already seen them all.”
“Applebloom said they was gonna stay at Rarity's next weekend.” Applejack frowned.
“She actually asked if they could stay at Sweetie's sisters house, which is an odd way to say Rarity.” Pinkie Pie chimed in. “ I was there remember, you asked me out there to see if I could help with her tummy ache.”
“Indeed, they will be staying with Sweetie's sister. Us.” Luna smiled.
“What?” Rarity demanded looking up at Luna who stared back impassively.
“Thou acts surprised that such a sweet filly would be adopted as such after thou abandoned her to her fate while thou acted the part of a trollop?”Luna raised an eyebrow before looking back to Applejack. “No matter, please inform young Applebloom of this Applejack, we must return to Canterlot, perhaps we should draw a phallus or three on our sisters face for her to enjoy when she finally wakes for all the additional labor she has hoisted upon us.”
There was another flash and Luna was gone.
Everyone in the library turned to look at Rarity who seemed completely flabbergasted as to what happened. Getting no response from her, they all turned to Pinkie Pie who smiled holding up a photo of Luna and the Cutie Mark Crusaders swinging by a rope over the gala.
“Rarity ditched Sweetiebelle and Princess Luna adopted her as a younger sister.” Pinkie Pie smiled.
They all stared a moment more looking back at the sputtering Rarity before Rahs finally spoke up.
“Woof.”Rahs grumbled.
“I'm pretty sure Sweetiebelle wouldn't want you to call her auntie either Rahs.” Pinkie Pie shrugged before telling the story of that part of the gala.
[2 days after the gala.]
Celestia woke with a jerking start and a wince as sunlight struck her face. Her head was still pounding and she wanted nothing better to do than to remain in bed. Though the light was very insistent.
Celestia's response to that was to lower the sun so it got dark again.
A moment or two later the sun shot back up and seemed to be even brighter.
The Princess of the Sun, cursed her younger sister as she slowly cracked open one eye and noted some psycho had pulled open the curtains wide open.
A brief headache inducing spell, and they were closed again, with the room delightfully dark. Celestia was then faced with a new problem.
Drinking her body weight in booze left her really needing to go to the bathroom.
Weighing the options on whether or not she could explain away peeing the bed to the maids, the white alicorn simply groaned and slipped out of the comfortable place. If Luna had still been on the moon she might have done it and simply outlived the maids' gossip. With Luna around she'd never hear the end of it if she wet the bed, so she slipped into her bedroom lamenting the loss of her warm comfy place.
As she was washing her hooves in the sink Celestia's brain began to finally start waking up to notice things. The first was that she really shouldn't drink her weight in alcohol, particularly not as a chaser for a flask of Zap Apple home made whiskey from Granny Smith.
Second was that she had a number of scraps of paper speared on her horn. Pulling them off she noted that several of them were 'You owe mes' from Luna for being stuck dealing with the sun and her Day Court.
The rest were from her assistant Flower Text, with various things of note that needed to be brought to her attention. Mostly complaints and Gala bills, though there was a application to hire a few of the caterers on full time and a reminder that Friday would have a school trip from Ponyville and she was expected to make an appearance, sober, clean, and not hung over, nor wearing the gorilla mask like last time.
Tossing the lot of the papers aside Celestia stomped back over to her bed planning to sleep a few more days when she took note of an odd shaped lump on the other side of her bed.
Celestia blinked and frowned. The lump wasn't moving so she probably stole the statue of Starswirl from in front of the library again.
Yanking the blanket away her eyes snapped open wide and she staggered back with a shriek.
Laying in the bed was the head of a horse.
Celestia was on the verge of panicking when she took note of two things. The first was that the room now smelled like ketchup. The second was that the horse head looked very familiar, and that it had two mismatched eyes and two very different horns on it with a snaggle tooth fang in it's maw with a short cropped mane that was almost zebra like.
“What....?” Celestia began as the horse head vanished.
“Oh dear, panic and confusion? And here I thought you liked being woken up with surprises. Though I suppose the movie reference would be a little confusing for you.” A voice chuckled.
Celestia narrowed her eyes as she whipped around not seeing any one.
“Show yourself!”
“Ah ah ah, it's not season two just yet. But I am more than eager to make my grand reveal after seeing all that chaos that three little tickets caused. I truly want to meet the fine individuals with that much commitment to the cause.”
There was a brief silence before a note appeared in the air above, her sticking onto her horn before a mocking laughter filled the room briefly before fading off into nothing. Yanking the note off her horn to read, Celestia's eyes widened.
[Two years before the return of Nightmare Moon, Blue Blood Residence. Avianna Manor, a block from the palace.]
The door to the veranda creaked open and a figure crept out the door closing it slowly behind him.
The pony in question was in some sort of costume. He was hidden under what seemed to be a formerly fancy coat that looked completely ragged and splattered with blood, his hooves ended in paws with fake claws, and his tail was bundled up and brushed to look like a wolfs. His mane and face were done up much the same and gray fur dye made his other wise pristine coat look complety different.
His parents of course had been horrified, and he reminded them that it was their idea to turn his birthday party into a costumed ball this close to Nightmare Night, and then to invite every noble and tinpot tyrant they could in order to schmooze and promote themselves at his expense.
Prince Blue Blood sighed. His birthdays were always more for show than anything else. At least with the costume none of the mares present knew who he was at first glance. And since he made sure a few of his invited classmates, as well as a few servants were dressed exactly the same as he was, it allowed him some measure of anonymity as well as getting his few friends hit on by pretty mares so they might get to build a bit more confidence in themselves.
Honestly with that last thought it was clear he had been hanging out with his cousin Cadence too often.
The party was of course a lavish, expensively decorated, and catered affair. A who's who of who was important in Canterlot. Nobles whose names he didn't care about, up and coming celebrities like Sapphire Shores, the Wonderbolts of course, couldn't have a rich pony party with out them, some aspiring designers, and any pony else his parents wanted to look good for.
Another dull party put together by his dull parents for their dull friends rather than their son. Honestly he really had never had any other sort of birthday party so he simply went along with it, made a showing and slipped out the first chance he had before any of the vultures in mare's skin could get their claws into him rather than his decoys.
He truly did understand his friend Twilight's aversion to birthdays, if not at the same level.
He was considering ditching the party all together and perhaps heading back to school early. Living in a dorms was a bit more roughing it than he was used to, but it kept him away from his parents and their insistence he do everything exactly as they say so he didn't embarrass them in front of ponies who probably could care less about them.
It was a wonder he didn't have a team of butt wipers assigned to his bathroom with how controlling they were. He had the most fun when he went against what they wanted. His date with Twilight sent them in a tizzy and his time spent with his cousin worried them immensely as Cadence rarely acted like they thought a Princess should.
He had not been out of the party long when he noticed the cloud pressed up against the upper arch of the massive picture window overlooking the ball room.
He thought it odd that a cloud would be that close to the four story manor, stuck to the start of the second floor at that. Perhaps it had gotten away from an earlier weather patrol?
He was considering moving it with his magic so his parents wouldn't go yelling at an innocent weather pony when he noticed a tail dangling over the edge of it.
Lovely, a stalker or peeping tom or what have you. Prince wondered if they were stalking him or one of the other celebrities. Still better to run them off without causing a scene.
“Excuse me.” Prince called up.
Nothing.
“Excuse me!” Prince said louder.
“Shhhhh!” The cloud fussed.
Prince blinked. “ What?”
“I said shh... you're gonna blow my cover.” The cloud answered.
“Oh. Sorry.” Prince paused a moment to consider before frowning. “Errr. Not to question it. But isn't your cover blown already because I spotted you?” Prince asked not sure what was happening here, this was a bit off the usual protocol for some one sneaking onto the property.
“Why, are you a Guard?” the cloud asked.
“No.”
“Then it's still cool.”
“Ehhh?”
“Look if you were a Guard you'd have run me off already, if you were one of the nobles here you would have called for the Guard.“ the mare shrugged. “ Since you haven't yet you've either got to be a crasher or some pony who doesn't care. In both cases I’m clear.”
“Well that depends on who you are stalking I suppose.” Prince stated.
“Hey I’m not stalking any pony.” The mare had zipped down off her cloud and had gotten in his face just that quickly.
Prince took in the mare with some interest now. She was wearing what looked like a bit store Cat Pone costume from the Batmare comic series. The black material was stretched tight over her form showing she was quite well muscled and perhaps about his age. Her wings and the fur of her muzzle were black, likely cheaply dyed if her costume was any indication , though her angry burgundy eyes glaring at him drew most of Prince's attention.
“If you are not a stalker why are you hanging out on a cloud staring in the window like one?”
“....” The mare was silent for a moment hovering a bit off the ground as she seemed to consider her response before shrugging. “Ehh waiting for a friend of mine when I noticed the Wonderbolts were here. Was trying to spot all of them in costume.”
Prince raised an eyebrow, and effect lost under his wolf mask. “Really not here for the birthday colt?”
“This is a birthday party? Looks like a smoozy Nightmare Night party to me. Heh, shoulda told her that before she went in. She'd probably figure out a way to yell happy birthday before hitting him with a cake..... ehhh maybe it's better she didn't know.”
“While some what incriminating you haven’t explained why you're here.” Prince sighed.
“Party crashing.”
“Wha, wait what?” Prince stammered not expecting such a blunt answer.
“It's Nightmare Night, every ponies in costume and it's a perfect time to prank a few ponies who other wise would have half the city Guard chasing us any other day of the year.” the mare offered.
“You're rather forthcoming with this information..”
“I'm what?”
“Forthcoming... it.... I mean you admit to this rather easily.”
“Well yeah, what goods a prank if you're the only one to enjoy it. Like dropping soap powder in the royal fountain. It bubbled up like no ponies business and the first rain washed all the suds away. No one gets hurt and every ones amused except the ones who like to freak out over nothing. G's probably planting a few black tooth candies like we did at the last party.” the mare chuckled. “I don't think we can top the popcorn prank though.”
“Gilded Cup?”Prince considered recalling something about popcorn being in the news.
“Yeah Bag of uncooked corn wedged in the space above the fire place, but with just enough room to let the smoke out so no one gets suspicious and when they light a fire the heat cooks the corn and makes it all pop. That filled up half the guys house.”
Prince recalled that fully with a small smirk. He had heard about the event and the mess it caused, Gilded had a number of ponies who didn't like him and the damage was negligible any way so the event was largely ignored save when the time came to poke fun at the older stallion. Of course Gilded now couldn't stand the smell of popcorn.
“I remember that one.”
“Seriously, great prank right?”
“Indeed. But I can't see much of a future in it.”
“What ?”
“The pranking I don't see how that helps with how your future will be planned out.”
“Dude it's a prank not a life altering choice.”
“I've been told that anything one does is supposed to help with who one is to become.” Prince nearly recited from memory.
“Pfft whatever, you sound like one of the snobs. Pranks aren’t supposed to be anything but fun. Work makes the bits, fun is what you do with the bits in your free time, it's not supposed to make sense if you enjoy it.” The mare rolled her eyes glancing up at the house and hopping around a bit as if she couldn't sit still. Prince couldn't help but note how the tight costume shifted as she tensed up to pronk about.
“Hey eyes up wolfy, you're drooling there.” the mare smirked , a wing slapping the rubber nose of his costume forcing him to readjust the mask so he could see. “That's not the fun I was talking about.”
“My apologies......”
“S'fine but don't make it a habit.” the mare smirked. “ Any way you should probably get out more then, see the world, live a little. You don't seem like you're that old and clearly the stick up your plot hasn't grown into a tree yet, so pull it out and go do something you wanna do.”
“Well at the moment I am rather curious about you.” Prince admitted.
The mare stared at him again. “Seriously was that a pick up line? Is that how you guys do it.. Wow yer stuffy even when flirting.”
“I would say I’m more inept at it than my performance is normal for nobility.”
“Clearly, on the inept part any way.”
“But my statement stands I do find you rather interesting, far more interesting to talk to than any one else in the party.”
“Yeah I’m awesome like that, but I bet it's a pretty low bar.” the mare chuckled.
While she wasn't exactly forthcoming with her name likely for obvious reasons being a party crasher, she did answer to 'Cat' for most of the conversation.
Prince was reminded of the times he spoke with Twilight as the conversation bounced back and forth between everything from Hoof Ball teams to Wonderbolt maneuvers. Generally things he knew little about but it was clear she was passionate about. The oddity was when the conversation made a small detour about the state of the Griffon empire and how the current immigrant policy’s on the matter were flawed simply due to greed on both sides. She argued along with that with more skill than he had seen on some of his school debate teams.
She was a bit cynical, though funny, and in her fields of thought quite intelligent and entertaining to talk to. She was quite exuberant in what she discussed, leaving him impressed by the passion she showed for what she spoke of even when he himself didn't under stand it. The tone form under the skin tight suit certainly didn't hurt things either.
She was nearly everything that the noble mares were not. She had no issue calling him out if she didn't agree with something he said, she also seemed to have issue sitting still for long. The mare seemed to wear her ideas on her sleeve and didn't seem to care what any one else thought of her or what she was saying.
With some one so far from what he was used to it wasn't hard to believe he had been smitten.
It had been only a hoof full of hours at best since he first met her, but it seemed like longer, though before he could strike up a new direction for the conversation, or more importantly ask her out, the second floor window exploded.
More accurately it shattered outward after a high impact from a plaster bust of his grandfather. The window was destroyed in a single hit, the bust lasted long enough to hit the ground before it shattered.
Leaping through the broken window was a sheet. A mostly white sheet covered in light blue paisley patterns that were faded, the sheet looked to have been washed numerous times and had a hint of orange about it from hard water. There were also two eye holes cut into it and the figure wrapped in it landed lightly near the pair of them glancing up at the broken window as a number of Guards and servants looked out after the 'ghost'.
“What the buck G?” Cat yelled looking at the collection of Guards at the window.
“HAH! Consider this party crashed. You'll never take me alive coppers!”the ghost shouted up at the guards.” Time to jet girl, I think we've overstayed out welcome.”
The mare gave a smirk,” Been cool talking with yah wolfly. “ She launched herself in the air kicking the cloud she had been sitting on, sending a flash of lightning off at random, the effect was enough to send the Guard's into cover allowing the pair of them to take off into the night.
Then she was gone, leaving him confused, somewhat soaked from the sudden rainstorm, and wondering if he would ever see her wine colored eyes again.
Twilight Gets a Puppy Season 1 Epilogue 2 Rock Hound
[Ponyville, 2 days after the Grand Galloping Gala]
Rahs stretched as a stiff breeze blew through the fur of his bare chest and back. His coat lay across a bench in the sparing grounds and he had emptied his pockets of the usual nick knacks, oddities and snacks that filled them, leaving the pile with the coat. Landing on an apple once during training was more than enough to make him clear out his pockets.
He spared a glance down at his arm, a number of white lines in his fur remained where the fur had grown up through the scar tissue left from his encounter a number of months ago. While the wounds hadn't caused any real issue or any bald spots, the encounter did cause him what Luna called nightmares for a while. The Princesses knew what happened in the tunnels as did Rarity, but none of them spoke of it nor did they tell Twilight. She really didn't need to know something like that and with that pack destroyed it wasn't likely to come up again.
He glanced around the small Guard outpost looking for Captain Comet Trail, the Thestral, or Nocturne, or Kirin, or whatever they were calling themselves now that Luna had come back, wasn't anywhere around.
His race had been a interesting thing to find out about. Like ponies, the primarily nocturnal, bat pony race had three tribes of their own, as well as a home land out in a set of islands called The Gallopagos in the Hooper sea. The main island was called Lionheart after the nations founder and hosted the main brunt of their race in vast underground cities.
Twilight ate the information up when she harassed Comet Trail the first few weeks he was here.
The Thestrals were the pegasus versions of the bat ponies. And were often what anyone thought when Princess Luna's ponies were mentioned, as they were the kind most likely to travel from their homeland.
The Kirin were the unicorn versions. They actually were more dragon like in appearance than bat, with many having patches of scales and more predator like teeth despite still being mostly fruit eaters.
The Nocturne were the earth pony variants and were supposed to be rather massive though they rarely left the island.
The overall name of the race was the Nox-cal, though they referred to themselves as ponies for the most part now. They had done that since the fall of the Lunar Republic when Luna was defeated after she turned against Celestia.
He was glad his sister had developed some sort of tact, because she was still chomping at the bit to learn about the whys and hows of the Equestrian Civil war.
At the moment Rahs wasn't concerned with any of that. The past, particularly something like that was the Princesses business, he only cared when conversations about Witch Wolves came up.
The Buffalo knew very little, Celestia claimed to know less, and Luna refused to say anything. Comet Trail had asked some scholars he knew back home, but all of their information of the Equestrian Civil war had been purged not long after their surrender.
The Moon Dog stretched again wondering where his instructor was. He felt he had come a good ways since he started losing a good bit of his body fat though he hadn't put on as much muscle as he liked, his body seemed to prefer remaining lithe and corded and some what lanky rather than bulky. His biggest problem was he still couldn't hit the speedy little instructor in their spars. The few hits he did manage were easily turned aside or blocked.
Comet Trail had mentioned doing something different today though Rahs didn't think what he was planning would be skipping out like this.
“Oh Good you're already here.” the thestral called out as he fluttered down to land with barely a sound near by.” You warmed up?”
Rahs frowned his ears flicking.
“Hey an instructor is never late, nor early, they arrive precisely at the right time to screw with their trainees.” Comet trail smirked.”Any way after a bit of conversation with some others in my unit I figured out what we're gonna do here. You've pretty much reached the limit of what I can teach you.”
“Woof?” Rahs questioned.
“Calm down , I'm still gonna oversee your training and offer pointers. But it's like this. There's three types of fighter. A striker, which covers most pegasi. Get in get out hit and don't get hit. You don't have wings, and you're slow as dirt, so you suck at that already.”
Rahs growled.
“A brute which is the sort to take punishment and deal it out, usually falls to earth pony types. You have the makings of something like that, but I doubt you grandmother wants you to be the damage sponge you would need to be for that, Also you don't have the body type for the amount of armor you would need to wear to make that work.”
Rahs considered pointing out he tended to heal from most injuries rather quickly so long as he had a supply of magic, but tanking didn't sound like fun.
“Then there's a caster, which you aren’t...... like at all, you're like an anti caster. I've seen rocks with more spell ability than you.”
Rahs rolled his eyes crossing his arms over his chest as he glared down at the stallion his ears flicking and demanding that Comet get to the point.
“Point is Rahs that pony training isn't going to do you much good beyond the basics. So I had to figure something else out. And that's when it hit me, you fight like a Griffon. With claws and fangs rather than beak, but still. Problem is most Griffons are strikers. However after a bit of searching and a talk with Miss Rarity I found a trainer that would be able to play to your strengths and teach you something that blends striker with brute. Now I know I simplified the whole thing with only giving you three very basic types of combatant, but whatever you're here for training, not a history of fighting.”
Rahs frowned as he wondered what Rarity had to do with any of this. The mare was still aggravated at Spike, but why would Comet Trail need to talk with her? Unless he was flirting with her too, which was possible. He doubted there was a single mare in town who hadn't been flirted with by the thestral.
His ears perked as Rahs heard something before catching a scent that was growing stronger. His ears flattened to his head as he growled, though before he could bring it up a hole opened in the ground at the edge of the training ground. A pair of armored Diamond Dogs burst out of the ground landing on either side of the hole scanning the area as if looking for a threat.
Rahs growled taking a step back though Comet Trail seemed unphased.
“Ah here they are.” The stallion offered getting a confused look from Rahs. “Relax, they're from the other pack nearby, the ones that didn't come after you. Ponyville has fairly good relations with the Wolf Fang.”
A moment later a smaller older female Diamond Dog clamored out of the hole with a bundled calico faced pup under one arm. She looked over at Rahs and winced before barking something at the two guards who eased up their stance.
“I suppose that's one way to make it here without causing panic in town.” Comet shrugged.” Gonna have to explain the new hole to the grounds keeper though.”
“My apologies if this was not suitable, but you asked us to be discrete in our arrival.” Another voice sounded and a fourth female figure climbed out of the hole. “ I am simply glad we did not over shoot and wind up in some pony’s basement …. again.”
One of the guards flinched
The female diamond dog was big, while he had seen others larger when he was captured he had not seen a female this large. Her fur was jet black and her long white hair was pulled into three long braids that spilled down her back. She wore a simple pair of shorts that did little to hide the tone form of her hips and rump nor the fact that she moved without any wasted energy as if every step and shift of her form conveyed strength. Her chest was also rather sizable, rivaling Rarity's huge..... tracts of land, when she had been a cursed. The vest that covered her looked as if it might burst if she breathed in to hard, but the material seemed to stretch easily showing it was stronger than it looked.
Rahs was unsure if he was disappointed in that or not.
The female's tail wagged lightly behind her as her ice blue eyes locked on Rahs, while she didn't tower over him, she was definitely bigger and he inched her out only by the points of his ears compared to her more wolf like ones.
“Ah you must be the trainee.”the female smirked. “ My Name is Jynx, I am your new instructor, we are going to be spending quite a bit of time together.”
Rahs just whined.
Cadence skipped into her quarters leaving the Guards at the door as she hummed to herself. This last few days had been perfect..... Engaged to Shiny, her first gala completed, and she had managed to pair up one of her Guards to one of Celestia's on the walk back from the successful meeting with the ambassador from the harpy nation. Then there was the note from Spike about Twilight having a date, a note she kept from Shining of course.
And all that after a night that left Shiny nearly comatose on his day off , and had her trotting funny the first part of the morning.
Perfect.
And now her official day was over and she could take care of something she had been working on.
Looking around her room she let her horn glow lightly and a loud click sounded from behind the cold fireplace. The stone at the base of the hearth seemed to drop and slide down to form a set of stairs that Cadence quickly descended before flipping the switch in her magic and sealing the door again. The anti teleportation wards in this area of the castle kept out intruders and allowed Cadence to do what she needed.
Eight doors, four pass codes, a hoof print, an eye scan, and dozen keys later, she was in her secret lab in the mountain under Canterlot castle. The most secure location anywhere, there were more wards and locks on this room than any place else, including the royal vaults. No one could get in but her.
Which was of course why she screamed like a filly when she turned on the light and Princess Luna was sitting at the planning table eating cookies.
“What, wha, how, LUNA?!?” Cadence stammered.
“Hmmm?” Luna asked though a mouthful of cookies.
“How did you get in here?” Cadence demanded.
“Secret tunnel.”Luna explained.
“Secret tunnel?” Cadence questioned.
“Secret tunnel.” Luna confirmed.” Through the mountain.”
“Why...”Cadence stammered before stopping herself and glaring at the Goddess of Night, and more importantly the green box she was eating cookies out of. “Those had better not be my filly scout cookies.”
“They are not.” Luna explained.
“Oh good.....”
“Tia already stole and ate those thou had hidden behind the drop away bottom of thine 'joy chest' hidden under thine bed.” Luna explained.
“What!?” Cadence growled.
“S'truth.” Luna nodded.”These are her mints of thinness. Hence why we are here, hiding in thine secret room, if mine sister scrys the box, she shall see they are in thine possession and she hast no claim of revenge because she already stole thine cookies.”
Cadence raised an eyebrow at Luna, every time she thought she had the mare figured out some new depth of violence, sneakiness, or insane cunning appeared from her. It was something she wondered if any one other than Celestia realized.
“So what is this place?” Luna asked.
And just like that the cunning part of her seemed to go away.
“You broke in here and you don't know?”
“We were mostly focused on the mints of thinness. They are quite delectable.” Luna admitted.
“ Right any way this is where I do the work of love.” Cadence smirked glancing back as Luna looked down in clear disgust yanking the box off the table.
“We need to go have a bath... in a volcano......” Luna gagged.
“Not that kind of work!” Cadence shouted with a blush. “ Look.”
Cadence's horn glowed as a large pegboard was pulled over, the massive thing was quickly set down before them allowing Luna to look it over.
In the center of the board was Twilight Sparkle's cutie mark. Surrounding it were a number of other cutie marks including Prince Blueblood's. Strings of various colors radiated out from Twilight's mark to the other cutie marks and in some cases some of the other cutie marks had string connecting them too.
There were numerous reds and a few greens though only one bright pink and that one connected Twilight's cutie mark with one of a large green apple.
“Whoops wrong one.” Cadence muttered flipping the board to the other side.
[ Ponyville]
Spike stared at his sister with his eyes narrowed and his arms crossed.
“.....if you're not a pod pony then you have to be an evil twin from another dimension.” Spike concluded. “That's the only explanation for this.”
“For what?” Twilight questioned looking over the dresses she had and selecting one of her newer ones granted there were only the two. It was hard enough getting Rarity to make something simple for her without a hassle, and none of her older dresses fit her any more. According to her parents during her brief visit home a few weeks ago Twilight had bulked up considerably from when she was living in Canterlot. She really wasn't sure why as she didn't think she was any more active here than she had been at home.... then again she didn't have Tuesdays there like she did here.
“You're calm. And you have a date.” Spike accused. The little dragon was much more active in Ponyville than he had been at home though he hadn't lost a bit of his rotundness, but Twilight did note he was carrying around more books and could run with less wheezing, so there was something.
She wondered again if it had something to do with the Element of Magic. She had checked Spike, but she never could get a consistent reading on the Dragon. Not enough was known about them really. It was a study she needed to get into one day.
Not today though.
“So?” Twilight questioned wondering if she should put on makeup or at least some sort of lip gloss. She expected kissing and was debating if she wanted to leave her mark on Mac or not.
“Twilight I’ve seen you go on dozens of dates. I have YET to see you not have a minor freak out about going on one of those dates.” Spike accused. “ So what is it some sort of mind control?”
Twilight paused considering that. She was surprisingly calm, though this was really the first 'official date ' Big Mac had invited her on. The pair had hung out in the orchards a few times talking, despite his seemingly limited vocabulary Big Mac was highly intelligent. Granny had let slip that he had a invitation to try out for Celestia's school at one point before the, 'incident' with his parents had kept him on the farm.
The return of the applewood yolk that had been lost had the whole family bawling. While they had long been declared dead after they saved their foals by running them off to fight the attacking Diamond dogs, there had never been anything left to bury and given what Twilight had heard about what the Diamond Dogs used to do to ponies, none of them were under any illusion there would ever be any bodies to bury.
Though in regards to Big Mac, Granny had made some not so subtle comments about places Twilight could be buried where no one would ever find 'all' of her if she was just playing with Mac.
And just like that, asking Princess Luna about Witch Wolves dropped considerably in her terror factor.
“What are you processing your response?” Spike asked.” I get it, you're a robot.... that makes more sense. What have you done with my sister you tin jalopy!”
“Okay first, I really need to cut you back on your comic books.” Twilight sighed.
“Ooh good opening move.” Spike winced.”Credible threat.....”
“Secondly, while this might be the first date, Big mac and I have been hanging out for a few months now, this is just the first time there's been something of note nearby to go on a date too. Hoofington is holding a spring festival and Mac decided to invite me to go to it.”
“Right and I’m expected to believe the real Twilight would go to a completely new town for an over night date.”
“While I’m not going to argue an overnight date sounds fantastic....” Twilight paused, glancing down at her younger brother.....” for stargazing......Hoofington is barely a thirty minute train ride away. We'll be back later this evening.”
“Still doesn't sound like a real place.” Spike humphed.
[ The Love Lab]
The other side of the board was much the same, though in the middle of the board was a navy blue paw print. Strings shot out everywhere, crisscrossing the board connecting to other cutie marks with various colors.
“ Ehh?” Cadence grinned gesturing at it with a wing.
“What is it?” Luna tilted her head not seeing any sort of reference to what the strings might mean.
“It's a relationship flow chart.” Cadence rolled her eyes. “The other one was for Twilight , this one is for Rahs.”
Luna's ears perked up at that.” Ahh and what do the strings mean?”
“It's dependent on color and what I felt when I talked to those interested in them.” Cadence explained. “See green means there could be a relationship if something drastic happens. Blue is if they are just friends and nothings going to come of it. Red , which Rahs only has the one for, means they are completely incompatible and likely would kill each other.”
“Twilight had a great deal of red string......” Luna noted.
Cadence pointed a wing to where a green string ran to a trio of blue diamonds and then to a blue string where it ran to a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt.
“Drastic?” Luna considered looking at the color.
“Yes, in this particular case Rarity would either have to change nearly completely or get stuck as a Diamond Dog forever. I don't think anything else would work out for them. “ Cadence explained.
“It could happen..” Luna offered darkly and Cadence shook her head.
“No, no, last resort thing, she's not really right for him any way.” Cadence frowned. “It would wind up a loveless political marriage at the end. Rahs would think she was hot, but she just wants a prince. That's not love.”
Cadence pointed to the blue line.
“This one with Rainbow Dash is never going to change. Rahs isn't interested in her that way and despite what she says, and acts like Dash isn't as promiscuous as a normal pegasi. Trust me I know about that one.” Cadence grinned having once been just a pegasus.
“We shall take thine word for it.”Luna smirked.” What of the ones with two colors?”
Cadence looked back to where a black paw print was connected to the blue one with two lines one white one black.
“White means there’s a obsession or high level of interest. Black means that one has no idea about the other. In this case Jynx is interested in Rahs but he has no idea she exists.
Luna smiled.”That changed today. Jynx has made her move and our Guard shall tell me of his Rahs' reaction to her.”
“Ooh I need to get a new string then.”
*CRASH*
“No. See you over extended your arm there and I easily grabbed it to throw you, you also hesitated. Follow through with the attack or not at all.”
“WOOF!”
“So what?! If this was a real fight would you be that worried about grabbing the chest of some bitch that attacked you? No. Now get up and try again.” Jynx ordered, the Diamond Dog having a rather wide grin on her face having gotten a few extra personal grabs herself on Rahs and was happy with the results.”Is that not right Captain?”
“Yeah, yeah, do that...” Comet Trail called out with a wave of his wing. The stallion sat on a tree stump near the guards and Jynx's adviser. The older canine seeming a bit worried about everything. Particularly when Rahs went flying into the dirt again with Jynx quickly pinning him.
“Not to question you, umm pony, but are you sure this okay?” The female uttered.
Comet Trail looked up from a collection of pictures of various mares he had acquired in his time here , still unable to really choose any of them. He had dated a few of them, though he had stopped himself from going so far as a roll in the hay with any of them to avoid any sort of favoritism being shown as he considered his options.” Hmm? Oh this? Jynx won't hurt him and I did the same sort of training but less touchy feely. Rahs is a stubborn sort, but hard to train. He gets annoyed if he thinks he's not progressing in training and even more annoyed if you go easy on him. In the end he's not really a fighter, sure he can hold his own and just based on what he can do he's a dangerous foe. But he has to be willing to fight and I’m not seeing him have that sort of drive in a spar. I expect he would if his family or friends were threatened , and I was hoping Lady Jynx might scare some sort of reaction from him, but she's playing with him too, sure he's learning from her, he doesn't make the same mistake twice, but he has to recognize he made a mistake to learn from it and she's taking too much advantage of that. This is also the weirdest attempt at trying to convince someone to bang you I have ever seen.”
The canine stared at the Nox-cal blankly.
“Yeah it'll be fine.” Comet Trail sighed as Rahs howled out as he sailed off to crash into some bushes.
“What of the fishing line?” Luna asked noting a large number of lines going to various ponies including some of Twilight's other friends.
“That means I don't know. There could be a connection and I feel something, but it's weak and might not be anything more than friendship. Pinkie Pie is up there simply due to the fact she told Shiny she had a special some pony. Fluttershy cares for him deeply, but that might just be her Element. And AJ is more from Rahs to her, than the other way around because of the apples. There's no real connection to any of them I can pinpoint.”
“ And the orange line running to Trixie Lulumoon is?” Luna asked.
“That means it's complex, see there's a white line from Trixie to Rahs and the orange line means he likes her, but not like likes her you understand?”
“No.” Luna deadpans.
“ACHOO!!!!”
Trixie blinked looking up from where she sat in her cart, she had made it through the whole winter without a cold and she didn't need to be developing one now as summer was just getting started. She had four shows left to do this week.
“ What's the purple line to the moth then?” Luna asked.
“That means I need to investigate it.” Cadence frowned. “According to Spike some mare he'd never seen before started flirting with Rahs when they went out to eat. Rahs was oblivious though according to Spike, the mare had this half starved look on her face when she was looking at Rahs. Since then Spike has seen her about town, though he claimed Pinkie Pie didn't know who she was . At which point the letter got into some rather weird things that Pinkie did trying to find the unknown mare.”
Luna raised an eyebrow at that as she considered what that could mean. “That does bear investigation.
Saturnia frowned as she slipped back into an alcove and then into the darkness concealing her hives location. The pink mare was causing issues, she was having a hard time getting close to Rahs Sparkle without that one showing up and trying to make friends. She had a few narrow escapes needing to change forms at least three times in order to avoid being found out.
Still he knew she existed now and after learning about him from her spies it hadn't been hard to make herself have the same scent as a Diamond Dog with a little pony mixed in. She couldn't change her base scent as a Changeling, but she could mask it and likely make it something more interesting to the Moon Dog. Her plan was in motion, fears aside, she was going to make that bastion of power hers.
“So you do not believe anything shall come of the Gilda pairing?”” Luna considered.
“Not likely no. there's not enough interest . If the pair lived closer together, had constant interaction, or the interest was higher before she went home maybe, but I doubt we will see anything of that .”
“And the massive cloud at the top connected by green string.”
“All the mares of Cloudsdale.” Cadence frowned.
“We think not.”
“Agreed, but I needed to take that into account for predictions.” Cadence nodded, pointing at the red string from Rahs to the cloud. “Well at least the Twilight Sparkle chart is completed. Rahs is a complex one.”
“Far more than you think.” Luna smiled.
[Later that night, Sweet Apple Acres.]
“Well lookie what the cat dragged in.” Applejack snarked from where she leaned on the railing watching her brother pause at the comment then continue to stride up towards the farm.
“Told yah not tah wait up.” Big Mac grumbled.
“Nah, yah told that tah Granny and Applebloom. Didn't tell me nothing.” Applejack smirked pushing off the fence to follow her brother up towards the farm house. “ So how'd it go. Good?”
“Eeeyup.” Big Mac smirked.
“Shining Armor ever show up to harass you?”
“Eenope.”
“Well yah still got that tah look forward too then.” Applejack chuckled. “ Thinking of a second date yet?”
“Eeeyup.”Big Mac looked down at his sister with mild annoyance at the plethora of questions he couldn't avoid with his usual one word answers. Though before he could become more verbose a rustling in the tree they were passing under brought both of them to a stop.
Rahs dropped down before them suddenly as if he was unfolding from the foliage, his arms crossed over his chest his coat pulled around him like a bat as he hung upside down managing to still be eye level with Mac from his odd position.
“Rahs? What tha hay?” Applejack questioned.
Rahs pointed a finger to his chest, then two claws to his eyes then pointed at Big Mac before pulling himself back up into the tree without breaking eye contact with Big Mac or uncrossing his arms.
Big Mac frowned staring up into the darkness of the tree and then looked down at AJ. “ Ah'm going tah bed......”
The large stallion trotted on down the path leaving his sister behind looking after him for a moment before the orange mare looked up in the tree again.
“Was that really necessary?” Applejack demanded.
“Shining asked me to.....”was the grumbled response. Applejack raised a brow hearing Rahs talk pony but she was starting to understand it was something he did occasionally.
Applejack blinked a moment before shrugging.” Did yah have tah use one of my trees?”
There was a light growl.
“........ are you stuck up there again?”Applejack asked after another pause and not hearing him move.
This was a faint whine in response.
Applejack sighed and moved over to the tree trunk. She turned around and lashed out with her back legs. The heavy thunk of her hooves hitting the tree was followed by the hard shaking of the branches and leaves. Moments later there was a startled yelp as Rahs fell out of the tree to land with a crash on the ground.
The pile of Moon Dog whimpered a thanks most likely.
