Chapter 1
It’s really really hot out here. Probably not a good time to check up on Equestria’s borders, but after the fiasco during my wedding, there was no way I was going to let something like that happen again. After that event, Equestrian border patrol and security became stricter. Not only that, several inspections and surveillance have been done on several cities and towns to weed out every changeling in disguise hiding in Equestria.
Which is why I am here in Everfree Forest, a part of Equestria that is beyond the governance of ponies; the clouds move by themselves, animals can take care of themselves, plant life grows without the supervision of earth ponies. Such mystery is the Everfree Forest; probably that is why they call it ever free. I’m not here to dabble on such tales and mystery. I’m here on a strict patrol, since the Everfree Forest is considered one of the borderlands between Equestria and the Outerlands. And Princess Celestia, now my Aunt-in-Law, sure knows when to pop up the heat.
“Border Parameter Spell check intact and undisturbed,” I observed the barrier spell, which I personally created, looking for signs of infiltration and forceful entry and to my relief there was none. Looking left and right checking and scanning the area, I confirmed that there were no signs of hostile waiting and camping just outside the barrier I erected.
Creepy as always, although I’m a trained soldier this place always gives me the creeps. It felt so unnatural in Equestria; the untamed wilderness, wild plants and trees all over the place and the wild creatures that had scattered all over. It was fortunate that they preferred to stay within the forest area; at least it’s one less concern for us.
Ponyville, this is where my younger sister is studying the magic friendship. A simple village lying outside the Everfree Forest, nothing really happens here, which requires the constant protection of the Guards. Except for a few exceptions, but Twily handled that well before things might have escalated. If I’m going to overlook the things that had happened here, I’ll probably think that is a a plain old boring town, perfect for living a simple and peaceful life.
Walking around the town, my attention was suddenly turned to a streak of rainbow-colored contrails dashing swooping the blue skies with loops, twirls and fast-paced stunts. It didn’t occur to me until I remembered that rainbow-colored mane, and that rainbow-themed performance. Yes she was that mare, that mare who performed that spectacular Sonic Rainboom at my wedding.
"Yes she was, who is she again? Aside from Twily’s friend." In my trains of thoughts, I didn’t noticed that she was already floating in front of me, flapping her cyan colored wings to stay afloat in midair.
“You’re Twilight’s brother aren’t you, Shining Shining…” she was grasping the other part of my name.
“Shining Armor.” I introduced myself before she might say something stupid about my name. “You’re that mare who performed that awesome Sonic Rainboom at my wedding day right?”
“Yup!” she pounded her chest proudly. “The one and only Rainbow Dash! Fastest and most agile flier in all of Ponyville and of course future Wonderbolt.” She took a few seconds for a minor stunt with a final pose.
Now I remember Rainbow Dash, that mare whom Twilight always mentions in her letters to me. Although I’m quite unsure of the two of them being together, not that I am against their supposed relationship but a mare with another mare, I mean a mare should be with a stallion and not with another mare. As hot as it may sound but when it involves your own sister it’s an entirely different thing. And of course certainly a stallion should never be with another stallion like that I have witnessed in Appleloosa. That image was really disturbing.
“Does Twilight know you’re here?” she asked.
“I was planning on surprising her on my sudden visit.”
“This is rich!” she started bawling out in laughter.
“Is there a problem?” I wondered why with the sudden laughter.
“Yesterday, Twilight said she was going to surprise visit you in Canterlot,” she said as she wiped a tear burst out from laughter. “And now you’re here hoping for a surprise visit. You two sure know how to surprise one another. “
“I guess I’ll be heading back to Canterlot and try to catch up to her.”
“That’s a shame…” she looked depressed.
“Why?”
“Last trip to Canterlot has already left and there aren’t any more trips to Canterlot until tomorrow.” She replied.
“I guess I’ll be staying here until tomorrow.”
“You better find someplace to stay fast.” She said.
“Is there something going to happen?”
“The Pegasi has scheduled a night downpour to resupply the water tanks.” She replied. “With all the bright hot sunny days for the past few days an all.”
“Thanks for the warning uhm… Ms. Dash,” I waved goodbye as the cyan mare flew away speeding across the skies. “She is really fast.”
A loud grumbling sensation rumbled inside me. It was my stomach reminding me I had skipped lunch and it was already nearing sundown. I guess it took almost all of my time just exploring and making sure that every nook and cranny within Everfree Forest was properly checked.
The light of the place was getting dim really fast or perhaps it was due to the dark clouds being pushed and tucked together by several pegasi flying around. The heavy downpour that Ms. Dash told me was starting. But still no sign of raindrops, there was still time left.
The local stands have started packing their wares and produce due to the bad weather forming. There was one orange mare that I recognized; she was busy packing her apples accompanied by a smaller yellow filly. If I recalled right, it was the mare in charge of the food preparations during my wedding and also one of Twily’s friends.
“Howdy there partner!” she noticed me waving a hoof. “Yer Twilight’s brother aren’t ya? So what brings you here in Ponyville?”
“Regular border check-ups especially after the changeling invasion, border security has become stricter.”
“I see,” she continued packing her things.
“Sorry for bothering you then Ms…” I felt a bit guilty disturbing her and also not remembering her name as well.
“Applejack.” She replied. “and this here is my lil’ sis AppleBloom,” she looked at the smaller yellow filly beside her. “Applebloom, say hello to Twilight’s big brother Shining Armor. You know the newly crowned prince and captain of the Royal Guard,” the yellow filly waved at me smiling. “Sorry, Ah’ love to stay and chat but with the incomin’ downpour Ah’ have to pack all these pronto. Ah’ just hope that Big Mac returns before the rain catches up to him.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not really good at remembering names and all and also for disturbing.” I scratched my head in embarrassment.
“That’s ok.” She just finished packing her stuff. “Here have some apples, it’s on the house, think of it as regards to the newly-wed and fer savin’ Equestria.” she smiled as she placed a red luscious apple over my hoof.
“Thanks.”
“Let’s go Applebloom,” she left along with her little sister.
And with that they were gone and probably I should do the same and find a quick shelter. Being in the bazaar area, I have to be really fast to get to the nearest inn. I quickly dashed my way towards the local inn and to my luck the innkeeper has decided to take a vacation.
“Inn Closed For the Week” the sign said.
The thunders have started to rumbling in the clouds. Small droplets of water have started drizzling down and the sky has become darker. From small droplets they have become a few larger needles of water. And from those large needles of water, they have poured onto the town heavily non-stop.
My pelt, coat, mane and tail drenched by the rain. I am soaked, cold and wet as I ran aimlessly for an open shelter. With the Library closed since Twily and her assistant Spike are in Canterlot, that idea is out. I don’t care anywhere just as long as I am out of this heavy rain. There it was a beacon, an empty cottage that stood alone in the rain. Quickly and with all of my strength and speed, I dashed my way onwards to the shelter ahead.
Inside it was dark and damp but it doesn’t really matter. I am a trained soldier, I had spent countless nights in the open woods, and I had endured harsher terrains than this so I had no qualms as long as it keeps me dry.
I brushed up my mane since it was blocking my sight being wet and heavy and all thanks to the rain. The place seemed abandoned and needed a bit of lighting. I charged up my horn until it glowed a small purply light giving the area the same illumination.
Tables, chairs, an old hay bed, some broken down ovens, a few furniture that were also broken and some big red stallion staring at me with his green eyes. I sighed in relief that there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.
“WOAH!” I shouted back as I turned my attention back at the red stallion I saw earlier. “You’ve been here all along?”
“Eeyup!” he replied.