> Equestria Age
>  by FederalPony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Summoned
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1: Summoned


     Celestia's sun rose high in the clear blue sky above Equestria's western coastal region. Seagulls flew against the cool ocean breeze, the wind gently swaying past the trees and bushes on the coastline. Two unicorn mares along with their foals walked on the warm sandy beaches with one of the mares carrying a picnic basket, they reached their spot and began to rest by a large old log of driftwood. The two mares, one with an orange coat and white mane, and the other with a blue coat and yellow mane began to chat with each other regarding current events.

“I’m so glad that we got some time together, thanks for inviting me and my son graceful parchment,” the blue coated mare said smiling while helping her friend set the picnic.

“You’re welcome sunshine ladle, hydro elixir and I are glad to see you too and on a nice day too, it’s usually not sunny here” grace replied back hoping to drum up some conversation.

   Sunsy shrugged “ it’s probably a new weather doctrine from Cloudsdale, you know how those feather heads are” her remark earned a chuckle from the other mare, regarding the weather factories supposed lack of coordination. 

   The chuckling of two colts caught the attention of the mares seeing them playing in the sand near the log of driftwood. One of the colts has a blue coat and brown mane, while the other has a green coat and blue mane. The two began to play wrestle while the mares chuckled from sharing a story. However the blue colt got a little mischievous and ended the fight when he suggested race to a hill twenty five yards away, and out of sight from their mothers. 

“Dusk branch, hydro elixir, don't go too far, stay in our sight!” sunshine called out, seeing the two foals start to wander past the large piece of driftwood.

“We won't mama!” The green colt named dusk branch called back, though obviously lying, earning a worried glance from his friend. 

“We should stay close, the tides might come in soon” hydro said with a hint of worry in his voice. His mother told him about the tides after visiting their cousins in Baltimare, he recalled many ponies drowning in what he remembers as ‘riptides’.

 Dusk rolled his eyes “ come on, it's just one race from the driftwood to that hill-” he pointed to a sandy hill twenty five yards away “ - we’ll be finished before the tide rolls in and be back for lunch, so what do you say?”

Hydro elixir thought for a moment, he doesn't like to put himself in danger, but if it's just one race there should be no harm in it, or so he would think. He grinned “you're on”.

   Once dusk drew a line in the sand starting at the driftwood, the hot headed colt grinned to his friend, “ first one to reach the hill wins, ready?-” hydro nodded, “ ok, on your mark, get set-” both colts dug their hoofs in concentrating on the hill ahead. Sweat dripped from their heads, the waves being drowned.

“-GO!”

    The colts pushed themselves off from the sand kicking it up, galloping as fast as their little fore-legs can gallop, especially through sand which in turn proved difficult, they nevertheless kept pace with each other. Upon reaching the top of the hill hydro elixir caught his hoof on a buried branch of driftwood, tumbling down the opposite side of the hill the young colt banged his head on an unknown wooden object scaring away the seagulls that roosted there. 

“HYDRO!” dusk branch shrieked upon seeing his friend tumble down and hit his head, rushing down himself, he stopped in front of him surveying the damage, all the while not noticing what his friend really hit.

“Are you okay Hydro, is anything broken?” dusk's heart raced in a state of panic upon seeing his friend injured or worse, but his panic subsided when groaning was heard in front of him. 

“Ugh, my head” the young colt shook his head trying to rid the daze, remembering his friends panicked question he nodded, “yeah, I'm fine, just, just a bruise.”

    Slowly getting with the help of his friend, Hydro began to dust himself off until he felt his hoof brush over something wet on the right flank. Curious he brought the blackish red liquid up to his muzzle and instantly regretted it, the liquid smelled of rotten iron, whipping it on his fur he felt another drip on his flank. Dusk himself wondered what the stuff was, he himself brushed a small amount off his friend's flank, but instead of sniffing it he liked it and too regretted it as the liquid began to burn his tongue.

    He quickly spat out the liquid in disgust “ugh, what is this stuff?”

     Hydro slowly looked up as another droplet fell on his flank worried of what he might see, and he should be, staring up he gawked in horror at a rotting body, the colts screaming at seeing it, not knowing the danger they’re in.


Meanwhile: Ponyville two hours later.


  The Ponyville clock tower chimed at two in the afternoon, signaling the ponies in the town that it’s still lunch time, but also reminding it’s a little past noon and getting close to suppertime. In town, consisting mostly of earth ponies, with both pegasi and unicorns here and there, they chatted with friends and trotted to and from their destinations, happy to be living in a peaceful town.

   In the near center of town stood the golden oaks library, the current home of the element of magic Twilight sparkle along with her number one assistant spike the dragon. The library, being currently closed, isn't technically vacant inside the library home one could hear snoring upstairs, to Twilight's view the home is in excellent condition. Upon further description her library itself has neat rows of books all alphabetized in their correct shelving order with the center of the room being decorated with a medium sized table adorned with a horse's head in the center. Up stairs resides  Twilight’s personal living quarters, the main floor shelved her personal collection of books and a staircase leading up to a bed and basket.

    Resting in the wicker basket laid the purple and green dragon spike twilight’s assistant, rolling on his back he stretched awake getting the kinks out from his muscles and joints. Sighing he rubbed his eyes getting the sleep out of them, sitting up he slowly got out of bed all the while stretching again to get any stray kinks. As he straightened his bed up he noticed a folded up note taped to his blanket, removing it he began to read;

    ‘ Dear spike.
 I'll be having lunch with the girls today and won't be back for several hours. If you need anything we’ll be at the Ponyville café or at the spa.
     Love Twilight sparkle.
P.s: don't worry about the mess from Pinkie Pie's party. I already cleaned it up.’

   The dragon chuckled to himself remembering the party that replaced the lackluster party of the grand galloping gala yesterday, a slight headache began to show feeling the side effects of pinkie's party. Setting the note aside on a nearby end table, Spike walked down the stairs to a small hallway and turned right into the kitchen. However  before grabbing something to eat -hurk- -belch-, smoke and flame materialized into a letter with a familiar seal holding it together, letting it fall into his hand in utter confusion. He looked at the letter trying to piece together the occasion or lesson Celestia had for twilight, but if memory serves there isn't one, grabbing an apple from a bowl on the counter he went down stairs to the main floor and exited the library.

    Twilight sparkle a purple unicorn with a deeper purple and pink main with a star cutie mark sighed in relaxation while the masseuse sister lotus blossom, a cyan pony with a pink main with a lotus cutie mark gave the mare a hooficure. To the left Rarity a white unicorn mare with a purple mane with three diamond cutie mark, while on Twilights right is Fluttershy a buttercream pegasus with a lighter shade of pink mane with three butterflies for a cutie mark. Continuing on to Fluttershy's right is pinkie pie whose given name explains it, she is a pink pony with a pink bushy curly mane with three balloons for a cutie mark, across from the four mares in a large tub rested Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Rainbow dash is a cyan pegasus mare with a rainbow mane n’ tail, her cutie mark resembles a rainbow lightning bolt on her flank, Applejack an earth pony mare has an orange coat and blond main n’ tail her cutie mark resembles three red apples.

      Rainbow dash sighed in relief her muscles relaxing in the hot spa water, the spa ponies putting in rainbows favored muscle relaxer to help ease her and Applejack’s muscles from a hard day's of apple bucking and cloud busting. “This was a good idea comin’ here Rarity” a relaxed Applejack said soothing further into the water below her chin, her Stetson hat and red hair ties on the ledge of the tub.

    “Yeah, thanks for inviting us Rarity, the grand galloping gala was more stressful than relaxing” Twilight nodded, adding on to Applejack’s earlier agreement. After her friends got back to Ponyville, Pinkie Pie threw her friends a party at the library after finding out how boring the gala was, even though it was slightly entertaining in some portions. Rarity though was the most stressed out, mostly for her involvement with princess Celestia's nephew Prince Blue Blood, along with Fluttershy's escapades with the animals in and around the castle garden, albeit the gala was trashed when a stampede of animals barreled in. 
“Pfft, think nothing of it ladies, we all needed this” the fashionista said, relaxing as her face began to get covered in a mud mask with two cucumbers covering her eyes. 

    Upon hearing Twilight's thankful reply Pinkie Pie added to her friend's thankful statement “ yeah thanks for this rarity, the gala was very boring and the unicorns there are such party poopers, uh no offense Twilight”. The pink pony stated, trying not to offend her friend.

     The mare waved it off “none taken Pinkie, one of the other reasons why left for Ponyville was to get away from the Canterlot elite, save for the princess and my parents.”

     Fluttershy looked over twilight and spoke to rarity adding to the conversation “speaking of which rarity, what happened to that unicorn you were with?” her question caught the attention of the rest of her friends, curious on how it ended.

      Rarity raised her head, removing the cucumbers she explained “well other than the cake smashing into me, basically i told prince BlueBlood to...how to put it ( she bit her lip)... i told him to buck off”. Now thinking if she should have done that or not, all the while grew curious to what her friends thought. Her friends were quite surprised at this especially twilight, whose expression was to say the least quite worrisome and surprisingly glad for her. “Now that i think about it, i probably shouldn't have done that”.

    Twilight bit her lip on what to say to her friend, thinking of her words he began to explain “Rarity, I'm glad that you showed up one of the most rude stallions in Canterlot by embarrassing him. However I'm also quite concerned that you made a mistake.”

     The fashionista shrugged it off “pfft, please darling he had it coming to him”.

“Rarity…” Twilight spoke, nearly raising her voice “...this is no laughing matter, Prince BlueBlood has powerful friends, haven't you heard of the Quill family?... OUCH!”, the purple mare gave Lotus a light glare after she scraped the hoof-file on Twilight's flesh.

      Lotus Blossom on the other hoof was more concerned about the Quill family that Twilight mentioned “ you mean the family that not only owns the canterlot designer, but have been under scrutiny for murder, along with other things?!” she asked with major worry for not only Rarity but the mares in the room. Twilight confirming to lotus with a nod.

        Meanwhile in the hot tub Applejack rested her head on its wooded ledge, enjoying the soothing warm water relaxing her muscles from the harsh applebucking that transpired today. Across from her Rainbow dash too relaxed her muscles in the warm water, her head too rested on the other side of the tub, but soon raised it, eyeing her friend's relaxed form. The cyan mare gazed upon the farm mare's form, starting with the  muscles around her forelegs, she worked her way down, envisioning the rest of her, especially the farm mare's hind legs and flanks. With applejack being half submerged in the water, Rainbow dash with just the thought of her friend in such a way flustered her greatly to the point her five foot wingspan became visible -POMfSH-. The sound of rainbow dash’s wingboner along with the water splashing from the arousal perked Applejack's suspicion to the sound, raising her head the farm mare cocked a brow at rainbows aroused look.

         Applejack smirked and decided to poke a little fun to snap her friend out “ yall see something interesting’ RD?” The farm pony fiend ignorance with a question in her southern accent.

         Snapping out of her active drive Rainbow Dash blinked a few times regaining her senses, looking towards AJ who in turn bears a sultry in her eyes, Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously her ears splayed back with her wings slowly receding back to normal.

         She tried to think of something fast so as to not raise suspicion or make a scene “ i uh… just uh… wanted to know your first timber wolf encounter, you’ve obviously seen them more often than the rest of us?” her question mixed with both a truth and a lie, since Rainbow has pondered AJ’s first encounter, regarding the last attack weeks ago.

          Rainbow’s hidden truth covered the lie, pondering Applejack tapped her fore hoof on her chin in thought, “ when ah was eleven, still a filly at the time, ah went over to Fluttershy’s to help her with her animals. Mind ya this was in the afternoon, so it’s quite uncommon, anyway when ah got there two timberwolves jumped us, one goin for Flutters an the other other or me, ah didn back down though…” 


-ding-ding-


         Ponyville's day spas bell rang signaling the spa ponies that a customer had entered, an earth pony stallion with a tan coat and light brown mane, his cutie mark resembling a rose thorn. 

         Walking behind the counter he greeted the customer, surprised to see the all too familiar green frill, “ ahh, missier spike…” the stallion spoke in a Prench accent “... what brings you here today?”  he asked, smiling at the dragon.

           The baby dragon spoke with urgency in his voice “ Broken thorn, i need to speak with twilight immediately, it’s important!” without hesitation the stallion pointed to the main room, allowing him entry.

           Rushing to the main spa room, Spike was immediately noticed by Twilight then her friends as they were finishing up their spa treatments, with both Rainbow Dash and Applejack finishing up themselves.

        “Spike…” Twilight called out, the dragon rushing over to her, “... decided to join us huh, we were just going out for lunch, care to join us.'' her offer however was declined after spike shook his head. ``Sorry Twilight, but a letter came for you.”

           The mare striated her mane out, while at the same time asking “ from who?”, she’s been waiting for a letter from her parents after hearing about her brother's promotion and supposed mare friend she's been hearing about. She's quite proud of him too, remembering the first time he got out of royal guard training and seeing that strapping armor on him that would rouse any lucky mare. 


           The baby dragon bit his lip knowing full well about Twilight's letter from her parents, he broke the news “ Celestia… the letter is from Celestia”, he saw her raise her head mane straightened out, but her brow was cocked, curious on why Celestia sent her a letter right after the gala was hosted. The other bearers looked at each other, curiosity plastered on their faces with a hint of worry seeping through, they eyed the dragon waiting for him to open the letter and what it said.

          “Well…” Twilight questioned “...what does it say?”

           Breaking the seal the dragon cleared his throat and read;

        “My dearest student Twilight 
  A matter most urgent has come up, and I need you along with your friends to come to the castle immediately, i can't explain more in detail, but Equestria is at stake, all will be explained when you arrive.

            Your mentor Celestia
   P.s: I've already bought you your train tickets and a guard will escort you when you arrive.”

    Looking amongst each other with worry and concern, the mares turned to Twilight for her response regarding celestia's letter, they didn't have to wait long “ come on girls, let's not keep the princess waiting.”

         Their relaxing vacation was cut short and began to clean off what they didn't get done, minus Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. Slowly getting out of the water, Rainbow Dash slowly got out first grabbed a towel and began to dry off, Applejack was about to do the same, but caught a glimpse of the cyan mares winking marehood, eliciting a wink from hers.

        Rainbow looked back noticing applejack's hesitation, not knowing of her friends ‘delicate’ situation, “yo AJ you coming?”

         The farm mare nodded, gritting her teeth nervously, “ah will be soon,” she chuckled nervously trying to take her mind off of Rainbow's plot, while at the same time trying not to release, though the hot water proved that difficult. Once her arousal diminished enough for her to control she slowly began to get out of the water, after she got out she too began to dry off starting with her mane and working her way down. Rainbow Dash, finishing with her mane tossed the towel in the hamper, so the worker pony could collect it, once she shook off the remaining droplets and preened her wings, her eyes veered off to Applejack’s flank catching sight of the farm mare's marehood.

-POMSH-,-SPLASH-

       Rainbow yelped in pain not noticing what her wings struck, Applejack looked back upon hearing her friends cry of pain and was surprised to see Rainbows wings out along with a stallion climbing out of the water.

“ Are y'all right RD?” the farm mare responding to Rainbows painful yelp.


        Nervously knowing her wings were still erect from arousal along with one of her blue feathers still in her mouth, she made a quick and small lie hoping Applejack wont see through it, “pfft (spitting the feather out) yea I'm fine. Just hit a nerve, that's all.”

        Applejack cocked her brow, eyeing her friends nervous look, being the element of honesty the mare new Rainbow was lying to her, although the plucked feather showed proof of the pegasuses struck nerve, she shrugged “ c’mon sugarcube we best not keep the princesses waiting.”

       Twilight levitated spike on her back once her and her friends left the building, they began to gallop to the train station passing by other ponies and as they were Rarity caught sight of the purple mares' worry. Knowing her friend's urgency is about Celestia’s letter, she needed to know if Twilight is taking this sudden letter well, all the while everypony wanting to know why Celestia called them all and what this so-called ‘threat’ is.

         Wanting to know if her friend is all right, the fashionista questioned “ Twilight, darling are you okay you're a bit tense?” her inquisitive worry caught the rest of her friends ears, they too wondering how Twilight is taking it.

         Twilight's response was quick and immediate “ no I'm not, the last time Celestia sent a letter this early was during the diamond dog skirmish two years ago,'' her explanation carried weight making Rainbow dash gasp upon hearing the name of that incident. 

“ I've heard of that incident…” Rainbow began “ ...it was revered as Equestria's darkest hour and was believed to hold an ill fate to the nation” the cyan mare recalled the news along with the ill fated rumors from both the radio and newspaper clippings.

       Applejack cocked her brow curious about the skirmish Rainbow Dash mentioned, “I've never heard of this incident, what happened exactly?” Her question surprised the cyan mare thinking that the farm mare knew, especially knowing that one of her cousins was involved.

        Knowing they don't have the time, Rainbow looked back to AJ “I'll tell you later.” 

        The seven after a good five minutes of galloping, arrived at the station with the train warming up to leave the station and arrive at Canterlot. The conductor of the express stood waiting on the platform, his hoof tapping impatiently, while waiting for his final passengers. Noticing the mares and dragon he sighed realizing he didn't have to wait any longer, he quickly brought them aboard knowing full well of the circumstances.
     “ALL ABOARD, NEXT STOP CANTERLOT”, the conductor bellows with the train's whistle going off in the background alerting any ponies that the train is departing from the station. In the second train car the mares and dragon began to find their seats, sighing as they sat and waited to arrive at the capitol, with only the thoughts of worry and questions running through their minds.
> Dream and encounter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Dream and encounter 



      The friendship express steamed towards its destination, it's wheels sparking on the rails as it moments ago left Ponyville station, the train's destination: Canterlot. For many of its passengers on board the travel time to the capital took hours, around five which was plenty of time to rest, to either explore or visit friends in the city. Staring out the window Twilight sat in deep thought ‘it doesn't make sense-’ she thought ‘- why would Celestia summon us without giving us a reason, unless something happened’. Her and her friends sat close to each other and in their own car: on her right sat Applejack, in front of her sat rarity, on her left sat Rainbow dash across the aisle. Both Fluttershy and pinkie pie sat together with Spike in front of them, all of them concerned about the letter Celestia sent and all of them wondering why she sent that letter. What was more concerning though were the guards, currently two guard ponies one on each side stood at the doorway, both of them stood nervously as if they were waiting for something.

      “Ah don't like this” Aj spoke motioning to the guards, her friends curious, yet concerned as to why the two guard ponies looked as if they were going into battle. “ A’ve seen some worried looks in my day and they’re more worried than a rattle on a road!”.

      Rainbow couldn't help but agree “same here something has them riled up! What do you think twilight? Twilight?” The lavender mare just stared out the window deep in thought not bothering to answer Rainbows question.

     “It doesn't make any sense-” she began “- everything was fine after the gala, minus the shenanigans, but today Celestia sends a letter and an armed escort.” her concern was noted and true, but it still doesn't explain why. She groaned all of this was giving her a headache. stating to her friends she was going to rest a bit she closed her eyes and waited for the train to arrive in Canterlot.

     Twilight stood in the middle of a field, the mare couldn't quite place where she was, to her it felt like Equestria, but it felt different, it felt off. Around her trees blew sideways yet she felt no wind, why is she here, is this Luna's doing? She has been trying to get used to the dream world again. Looking around, Twilight spotted a figure coming towards her, it was a bipedal figure and by its feminine look it was female. She had golden brown hair, blue eyes, a golden white dress above her ankles, a golden crown with one spike on the front and leather sandals. She calmly walked up to twilight, the creature was beautiful enough to make rarity jealous, stopping in front of the mare two feet away at waist height. Twilight didn't know what to think, she was both curious and scared, one moment she was on the train asleep next she was here, but the major question was why, why is she here?

    The creature began to bow, then it spoke “please don't be alarmed, I mean you no harm.” she replied calmly.

     “Who are you-” twilight asked “-why am I here?”

     The creature spoke again “you’ll know my name in due time, as for why you're here, i summoned you here.-” her face turned serious “- young mare be wary your leaders are toying with a dangerous foe, they need to act, lest this new threat consumes your home!” she turned to leave, bringing more questions than answers about this coming threat.

    “WAIT! WHAT THREAT WHAT DANGER!?” twilight protest fell on deaf ears she began to give chase, but was stopped when a sickly looking dragon roared at her. All she could do was scream as the dragon lunged at her, its teeth ready to devour her, then everything went black.

    Twilights screaming startled everypony in the car they were in prompting the guards to raise their spears for fear of an attack, along with her friends rushing to her aid. Panting she could barely comprehend the vision she had and the sight of that dragon, its flesh melting off and its body looking sickly, but what affected her the most was the warning. There wasn't much to go on when this ‘prophet’ she’s dubbed warned her of a coming threat, but what this threat was she didn't know all  she had to go on was a dragon.

    “Ya alright hun” a concerned applejack asked, the rest of her friends stood by all worried for twilight, it wasn't like the unicorn to scream in terror after waking up.

     Twilight sighed should she tell them, she had to, though they were already worried enough as is, going with her gut she opened up. “No applejack, I'm not I just had a vision, a vision on what we might be up against” a silent gasp filled the room causing the ponies to think if there's more to this summons.

    The air was silent, all that could be heard was the sound of the trains' steel wheels upon track, rainbow dash was the first to break the now worried silence. “so, who’s flank do we have to kick?!” Twilight looked at her friends, the last time they faced a dragon was several months ago and they barely survived that encounter, she wasn't sure if she could tell them. Instead she shook her head "I don't know-” she said “-it was a blur, I saw something lunge at me then-”.

     "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH”

    Screaming echoed from the car ahead of them, prompting the two guards to bolt and rush to the situation, whereas the bearers and spike stood worried of what’s going on.

    “What the hay, what’s with all the screaming!?” rainbow questioned, first twilight now somepony else, another scream echoed from the car ahead of them, only this time the guards intervened. Through the sight of the car's window they watched the two guards intervene with a creature they had never seen before.

      “CELESTIA’S GUARD STAND DO- AHHH!” 

      “CELESTIA’S TITS- AHHHH!” One by one it tackled them, taking on two guards fully armed, blood splashed on the glass blocking their view of the carnage, the sound of death filled the air, its screams echoing throughout the train.

     Grotesque sounds of flesh and bone being wrent filled the mares with dread, never in their years have they heard of something so disturbing, what could have possibly happened. The guttural sound of roars were heard, followed by the gnawing bone and cartilage, crying of a foal was heard on the other side, along with the pleading of help from one of the downed guards.

     “We need to help them!” Rainbow urged, she was rearing to help the guard in any way she could, and kick some flank on those who harmed innocent ponies. Her friends looked at her with concern, to start off they don't know what they’re dealing with, secondly whatever it is it’s incredibly hostile.

       More screaming could be heard in the car a mare this time, they had to act now whatever was on the train had to be dealt with, but just the sheer sound of flesh and bone paralyzed them with fear. Their paralysis soon faded upon hearing the pained moans of a figure, the tearing of flesh stopping, replaced with the pained sounds of mumbling. ‘Get out of my head’ was all they could hear before more painful groans came from the car. They had to do something and they had to do it now, otherwise more ponies would get hurt. 

     “Rainbow's right,-” Twilight assured, they fought nightmare moon, so some creature should be easy “-we have to help everypony, we’ve fought nightmare moon and stood up to a dragon, this’ll be no different!”

     Rarity “here here!”

     Rainbow dash “lets kick some flank!”

     Applejack “yeehaa!”

     Pinkie pie “party hard!”

     Fluttershy “ (whimpers) if you insist!”

     “Is there any way I can help?” Spike asked hopefully, the little dragon wanted to help anyway he can, but twilight shook her head.

      “I’m sorry, spike, but it's too dangerous, stay here and wait till it’s safe.” she ordered, whatever it was that was in there could easily tackle spike and she didn't want that. He nodded in compliance, he understood the danger, but still wanted to help anyway, he sighed sadly, it was probably for the best.

       Standing ready with a determined look upon them, the mane 6 entered the second car, one by one they entered and what they found could only be described as a blood bath. Blood, organs, bone and flesh, the mares could scarcely believe what they saw, blood covered half the windows in the car. Both organs and bone littered the floor in front of them, all belonging to one of the pony guards, his intestines spilled to the floor and head torn off. Off to the side was the other guard who sat behind the rear seats, a mare with a blue coat and purple mane and tail sat frightened of the whole ordeal. The guard in front of her, sat injured, holding his neck so he wouldn't bleed out, his spear broken in half was plunged into his stomach, noticing the mares he tried to speak.

      “Do-don't a-agri-aggravate him h-h-he- '' blood started to pour out of his mouth, if he didn't get his wounds compressed and bandaged he'd most surely die. Not wanting a pony to die on her hooves, twilight went to action.

      “Rarity, Fluttershy find some bandages and a first aid kit, stabilize the guard!-” Noticing other ponies on the train, one being a young colt, she urged them to stay put. “-everypony listen stay in your seats, we’ll handle this!”

       “What are ya planning on doing Twi?” Applejack asked, hoping the answer was more physical so nopony else would get hurt, rainbow dash hoping the same, but Twilight wanted to negotiate first and avoid a confrontation if she could.

      “I plan on talking to him” Twilight said bluntly, her friends in unison all scream “WHAT” this elicited a pained moan from the bipedal creature. Steadily moving forwarded twilight got a better look at this creature, it was bipedal, had pale skin with blacked purple splotches all over it and looked to be graying, his hair was brown and ragged and wore clothes that looked to be made of silk. Everypony tensed as twilight got closer, she was now three feet from it and she just now noticed the smell, the emanating smell reeked of death, decay, bile and rot, coughing she backed away as her eyes began to water, her friends now beginning to smell it started to gag.

      “Ugh-” AJ groaned “-smells like the time I ate one of Pinkie's twelve layered bean dip with extra ghost pepper sauce. Except without the screaming pain.” Pinkie giggled at the remark, not hurt by her at all, she understood Applejack not many ponies like her twelve alarm ghost pepper sauce.

      Other ponies began to groan and gag at the smell now catching their noses. If they haven't smelt it now, they have now “oh Celestia I need air!” Rainbow wheezed, trying to prevent herself from vomiting “somepony open a window” she pleaded desperate to breath, with her magic twilight levitated several windows open.

      Focusing past the smell, Twilight continued her task, stepping towards the creature again in a calm voice she spoke “sir, please let me help you, I mean you no harm”. She looked back at her friends all with worried glances, to her surprise spike watched her from the back worried for her safety. She should be mad, but let it go knowing he cared, wheezing came from in front of her as the creature began to speak, everypony listened to its horrid fear.

    “He’s in my head, I can't get him out-”

    “Who, who’s in your head!?” twilight asked, maybe it was a key to her dream.

    “He leads, he flies, he commands, he follows-” he looked at her, Twilight reeled back at the sight of his pale gray eyes “-the song-” through a creepy tone as if he was speaking to all of her friends “-he sees you. He sees all of you!”. 

     “Who? Who sees us!?” she questioned further, but her question fell on deaf ears when he went from groaning in pain to screaming.

      “Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh- he knows! He knows!” His banter began to worry everypony even further, whoever this ‘HE’ is he seems to be controlling him.  

       “He knows!? What does he know!?” Again Twilight's question fell on deaf ears, but the response she got this time was more of a warning than a reply.

       He looked up at her and her friends “he knows-” twilight waited for his response “-you, your friends, your nation is going to fall to HER arrogance!”. Before twilight could react to what he said he screamed in a fierce agony and in a blink of an eye lunged towards an open window and jumped out to his death. Everypony watched in shock as the creature hit the rocky surface below, leaving a reddish black smudge on the stone.

    “TWI-” twilight looked towards her friends with a grim look present on her face “-what in all of Tartarus was that!?” Applejack asked in concern, she thought twilight was going to talk to that thing, not let it jump out. She wanted answers, everypony wanted answers, yet Twilight didn't know them. This whole ordeal brought more questions than answers, not to mention a warning, ‘what did he mean by our nation falling to her arrogance’.

     “Twilight!” Applejack snapped her out of her stupor “what the hay is going on!?” All Applejack got was a shake of Twilight's head.

     “I don't know applejack, this doesn't make any sense, first the letter, then my dream, now this, we have a better chance getting answers from Celestia.”.
> Dark prisoner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: Dark prisoner


      Canterlot, the capital of Equestria stood as regal as ever, ponies trotted to and fro, many visiting friends, others looking down upon the ‘common’ class, due to nobility. What stood out in Canterlot was not just the market district ponies cloistered in, but the castle itself, the home of the royal princesses, Celestia and her sister Luna. Canterlot, home of Celestia and beacon of harmony, stood as the proud jewel of this fine nation, but unbeknownst even the most beautiful can be the most deadly.

       Ponies lined up at Canterlot station, in hopes to return home to meet loved ones, or visit friends waiting for the train to arrive, though there are more trains in Equestria the most notable is the one from Ponyville. Screeching slowly to halt the friendship express opened its doors, ponies were about to walk in, but were startled when two pegasi guards carried an injured guard in a makeshift gurney barged past.

       “GET OUT OF THE WAY! MOVE!” 

       Ponies shuffled to the side as the two guards barged through, earlier after the incident on the train, the two pegasi guards ordered by captain shining armor, where to escort the train the rest of the way. Per training protocol, a flare was supposed to be launched to signal their escort, worried of no flare they investigated. Now they rushed one of their own to Canterlot hospital, whereas the other was covered and a full investigation is in place on how one creature boarded a guarded train.

     Twilight and her friends soon left the train, to say the least the experience shook them a bit, but not as much to worry them, they have faced off against Nightmare moon before. Spike rode on Twilight's back, he was worried the whole time, of course he tried to be brave as best he could, but when he saw that thing whatever it was and the way it looked, he couldn't help but be worried for Twilight. Now they're in Canterlot finally putting that whole ordeal behind them, but one thing still bothered them, what was he talking about regarding ‘HER arrogance’. For this Twilight needed answers and she hoped to get them at Canterlot, but there were other things that didn't add up, for one the creature mentioned a song. ‘Could it have been a melody, hymn, or was it a rhythm’, her thoughts raced trying to piece together these questions, unknowingly her thoughts distracted her she accidentally bumped into somepony.-omph-.

        “Ugh, I'm sorry I didn-” Twilight looked up to the pony she bumped into, she smiled when she saw him. “-Shining armor-” the two embraced “-what are you doing here!?”. Shining armor is a unicorn stallion with a white coat and dark blue mane, his cutie mark resembled a purple shield with stars. Currently he’s wearing an ornate steel back and chest plate, his hooves were also protected with steel hoof guards, at his side on the ground is a steel helmet with a blue plumish mohawk.

        “It’s nice to see you Twily, I came here to personally escort you and your friends to Celestia”

       “That’s very kind of you darling-” Rarity began and began to flirt “-we’d love to have a big handsome stallion show us to the castle” batting her lashes, her flirtatious comment drives shining armor's cheeks red.

        “Keep it behind yer tail Rarity” applejack warned, clearly she sees both twilight and this shining armor knew each other, they’re either two very close friends, brother and sister, mare and colt friend, or something a bit more physical.

          Twilight chuckled as she forgot to introduce him to her friends “everypony this is Shining armor, captain of the royal guard and my brother” after saying that she was her brother Rarity’s cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and she began to sweat.

         “Oh- uh- hi- it’s nice to- uh meet you, (clears throat) my name is Rarity, i own the boutique in Ponyville. Sorry for the whole inconvenience, gruhh”. Rarity looked away nervously, who wouldn't be she just tried to hit on her friend's brother.

      Shining armor chuckled “don't beat yourself up rarity, twilight mentioned you in a letter after the sun celebration. I was so happy to see my little sister make some friends besides you're not the only one trying to lift their tails to me. Ever Since i became captain I had mares and a few stallions flash their rears to me, but I already found somepony.”

     Twilight perked up at this “really! Who!? Who's this lucky mare!?” Twilight was excited to hear her brother found somepony, she wondered if their parents knew.

     Shining shook his head “i’m not going to tell, besides i want to make sure it’s true and not somepony trying to say they slept with the captain, or go after our status. Besides we need to get you ladies to Celestia, now if you’ll come with me.”. As he started to turn, twilight wondered who his mare friend was. She was excited, yes, but when he said they might go after their status it worried her and for good reason, several noble houses have their eyes upon being close to Celestia, especially this one house, the quill house. One if not the most pompous house in Canterlot, the quill house, lead by its matriarch poison quill, would do anything in its power to be Celestia's right hoof, or even go so far to concubine the princess.

       Passing stores and shops, Rarity soon laid her eyes upon a particular fashion store, she didn't know why, they were in a hurry, but seeing this store brought her a sense of dread. The store's sign had a unicorn flicking his mane back and another in a still image of her walking on a catwalk wearing the most magnificent dress rarity has seen. To her shock, said dress was on display on a ponykin, it was red with a yellow outline around the collar, the dress hung above the rear fetlocks with sapphires sewn into the dress. To many it wouldn't be that amazing, but to rarity it was, the cloth was hoof made silk from Saddle Arabia and the gems were pure twenty four carrot, this dress was done entirely by hoof. Rarity grimaced at the price of thirty thousand bits, a sign was soon placed in front of it reading ‘SOLD’, ‘who would buy such an expensive dress?’ Rarity thought and that's when she saw them.

        “I say that dress was a fantastic buy, Velvet mane sure knows his ponies” a mare with a light green coat and orange mane replied, her cutie mark resembling a quill dipped in a poison bottle. She was currently talking to a unicorn stallion with a brown coat and white mane, his cutie mark resembling a half bloodstained bit.

         “Such a beautiful unicorn such as yourself deserves such beauty” he sultrily said, kissing her neck, the mare blushing from this.

         “Oh Crimson Bit, you’re married, what would your wife think?” she stated, though she enjoyed the attention from the stallion, letting him kiss her.

         “Her? She’s a commoner whore I married to get a foal, now you-” he kissed and nipped her neck a bit “-I love you like the nobles love the gala”.

         Rarity began to sneak past, something about these ponies spelled trouble, she was trying to catch up to her friends when she heard them speak about the gala last night.

         “Speaking of, did you see the abhorrent gala Celestia threw, allowing commoners from-” she spoke in disgust “-Ponyville ughg, a disgrace on the princesses part and don't get me started on the mare who was with Blueblood?” the unicorn lost the name of the mare who trashed prince Blueblood, unaware said unicorn was sneaking past them.

         Rarity couldn't believe what she heard, the gala was declared a success by Celestia, but to the nobles it was complete trash, especially when the princess allowed her and friends in. As she walked to catch up with her friends, she recollected the name of the family twilight mentioned at the spa, ‘quill family’ she thought, could that mare be with the quill family and who was that stallion with her. In any case, she put the thought in the back of her mind, she’ll ask Twilight later, right now she needs to catch up to them.

        Reaching the palace gates would be a dream come true to a lot of ponies, but when those said gates are guarded with heavy security, that dream is quickly flushed away. Everypony in Twilight's group looked upon the heavily guard gates of the palace, ponies both mare and stallion stood upon the walls, with both spears and a new type of weapon nopony had seen. The weapon has a wooden stock with a one meter metal tube, on its side was a trigger and above that was a locking mechanism of sorts, a hint of smoke was emanating from it. Their arrival at the gates stirred everypony up, as they soon heard “PONIES AT THE GATES!!”

-(seconds earlier)-
     Peering over the rampart was one of Shining's lieutenants, being a mentor to the stallion she was eager to please and being a pegasus, she was his trusted scout and hoped to one day be captain of the equestrian expeditionary force. Sitting down, she looked over her orange coat in the steel armor making sure there were no chafing spots, taking her helmet off she shook her light blue mane and adjusted the strap, her cutie mark was that of flaming wings.

    “SCORCH WING!!” she stood at attention upon her name being called, forgetting to put her helmet back on she quickly saluted to the one who bellowed to her. Walking up to her was another captain, a subordinate to shining armor, but a captain nonetheless, he’s a yellow coated earth pony with a ice blue mane, his cutie mark resembled a firing musket.

     “CAPTAIN BOOMSHOT SIR!!”

      “WHY AREN'T YOU KEEPING AN EYE ON THE GATE BELOW, I GAVE YOU STRICT ORDERS TO WATCH THE GATE. YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE, OR IT’S FIVE LAPS AROUND CANTERLOT!!” he stood their attentive tapping his hoof, while she sweated a puddle under her, she tried to explain herself why she left her ‘post’, even though she was at it.

      “WELL!!!” His booming voice caught the attention of several guards, who did not envy Scorch wing, who in turn began to explain herself.

       “Sir, I felt armor chafe and my helmet was loose, I was only adjusting them sir” she sweated bullets when she finished. If ponies saw how angry he was, their pony hoods would go into hiding till the new year.

       Boomshot was about to induce an aneurysm inducing rant when somepony called out “PONIES AT THE GATES!”

      Both officers looked over to see Shining armor with the bearers of harmony and spike, the fiery tempered pony was about ready to burst a nerve over Scorch wings not alerting them earlier.

      Watching the gates lift twilight mentally sighed they’ll soon get the answers they’ll need and head home, hopefully it wasn't anything too serious and Celestia could just send the equestrian guard. However another thought came to mind, if it wasn't too serious then why did Celestia call in the first place, unless something came up, though it don't explain the heavy guard. Her and her friends, brother and spike began to walk through the gates and an uneasy feeling began to wash over, Celestia knows we can take care of ourselves, so what is she afraid of. 

       Once lowered, guards rushed out to cover the arriving group and return back to their posts once they were inside, after passing the gate and hearing it lower, it safe to say Celestia was expecting something. Stopping at the doors, shining armor turned to the mares and dragon. “Everypony stay close, i know you’ve been to Canterlot, but with the recent news and word of assassination on Celestias life we cant be to careful”. With a clunk the large mahogany doors unlocked and opened, hoof clops on marble flooring echoed down the hallway, security itself was tighter than outside. Every second they walked, three guards passed along with one guard they'd ever seen before. He was wearing heavy steel armor painted black with a full helmet on. On his chest appeared to be his symbol, a gray eyeris rainbow dash didn't notice at first, but when she saw the armor she nearly shat herself.

     Passing the armored pony wasn't important on everyponies minds at the moment, what concerned them was what shining armor told them ‘with the recent news and word of assassination on Celestia's life, we cant be careful’. ‘What assassination, what news’ twilight thought, she could clearly see it on her friends faces, everypony was thinning the same thing, well minus pinkie pie who was bouncing happily.

      “Shining-” Twilight finally began to ask, his ears swirling to hear her “-what's this news you mention and this assassination, why is everypony on edge?” shining armor bit his lip at the question, everypony was intent on listening, it was time to tell them.

      “I can't tell you the earlier news due to Celestia’s orders, but last afternoon around one, somepony walked into the castle disguised as a maid and slipped a note under Celestia’s door.-” He looked over making sure the mares were listening “- we didn't catch the pony, they left before we could catch them and before celestia found the note, but when she did all it said was ‘Darkness prophecy has come, your time is at an end’ the next hour a guard found this symbol painted on the castle.” He held up a picture, on the picture it showed what appeared to be the horn of a unicorn, with red slitted eyes.

      “Who the buck would threaten the princess-” Rainbow dash swore, she couldn't believe somepony is trying to kill Celestia “-where is this pony, I'd like to have a word with him, or her!”

       “Whoa their RD we can't jus interrogate everypony we see” Applejack replied using Rainbows short abbreviated nickname (RD).

       “I like your spirit rainbow dash-” shining armor complimented “-but your friend is right, we can't go door to door dragging ponies into the streets, Celestia wouldn't have that. Besides we have far more pressing matters, you need to speak with Princess Celestia”.

     After their little stop they continued onward, passing more guards and more strange black metal soldiers that made rainbow dash nervously sweat, one looked at her and she could clearly feel the glaring eyes of the pony. Arriving at the mahogany gates of the throne room, both guards guarding said gates slowly opened them. Celestia sat upon her throne, patiently waiting for shining armor to bring Twilight and her friends, upon hearing the gates open she smiled when her said student arrived with the rest of the bearers. Standing up she moved forward to greet them. In the time she taught her student she was always like a second mother to her, it pained her when she had to send her on her own to Ponyville, but she knew she’d have a better life there and she was right. Now she has to take care of her subjects, a new threat has reared its head and she needs to be ready if more are to show up, if they show up, she needs Twilight and her friends to help.  

      “Twilight-” her greeting to twilight was warm and reassuring, she was glad she finally arrived “-I'm glad you're here, we need your help, Equestria needs your help!”. The ponies bowed in front of her, then quickly rose. 

      “What’s going on princess, why all of this security!?” Celestia smiled glad her pupil was willing to help, her face turned more serious then.

        “At seven this morning, two ponies took their foals to the western coast for a picnic, they returned with a story of horror. A crashed ship with unknown origin was washed ashore and the bodies of most of its crew were present on the beach, unfortunately there might have been more.” Celestia looked upon the skeptical ponies, she was skeptical herself when she first heard the report, but was worried that if there were survivors they could be a threat to her nation.

       “A’hve heard some strange things in my time, but nelly, never heard some mystery ship runnin aground.” AJ was a skeptic to say the least and found it hard to believe if it was some other pony who told them, but this is the princess who told them.

      “Pardon me your highness, but that's some wild story you made are you feeling alright, are you sure it’s more about the assassination threat?” Rarity’s question made Twilight look at her in disbelief, shocked that her friend accused the princess of lying.

      “I understand your skepticism Rarity, I was too when I first heard the report, which is why I need to show you ponies something.” She turned to leave on the right headed to another one of the main halls. She's never been to the labs but the director insisted she see what was found.

      Twilight was appalled Rarity accused Celestia and turned to whisper her frustration “Rarity I can't believe you would think the princess lied, you of all ponies no less” 

      “I don't know Twilight, Celestia has been kind of out of it, I mean first a threat of assassination and now this!” Spike replied, he may have lived with Twilight under Celestia's tutelage, but this was a bit much from her teacher, even for a threat of assassination.

      Twilight looked stunned at spikes thought “you too?” the baby dragon shrugged.

     “Look Twi-” AJ began “-we ain't against the princess it’s just surprising is all, maybe we should at least let her show us what we need to see”. 

     Rainbow dash nodded “yea what harm could there be!?”

     Pinkie bounded over “yea it’s not like there's a scary monster in a secret lab with black blood and sharp teeth right, I mean pah lease”. Her bubbly ‘thoughts’ echoed in every ponies mind for just being pinkie as she bounced away towards the princess who waited patiently for them.

    “So are we going to question the fact or what” Fluttershy replied not sure to be scared of pinkies strange and detailed comment or just stumped..

    With that pretty picture the rest of the mares along with shining armor ventured with Celestia to see this evidence that was collected at this crash, to say the least they were a bit inquisitive, even twilight began to question the princess. Yet she held a firm belief that Celestia was telling the truth, in some way. Clicking the hooves on the marble flooring, they began their small venture to wherever Celestia took them and to their surprise, standing at a checkpoint stood a pony wearing the same black armor. Rainbow dash stiffened recognizing that type of Armor, ‘buck. buck, buck, shit, shit, shit!!’ her worried look caught by Applejacks concerned face.

    Not wanting their friends to Applejack whispered to RD “yall okay sugarcube?”

    Rainbow motioned with her head worried he might spot her “that pony in the armor, that's a black eyeris mercenary!”

    AJ glanced over towards the merc she shrugged “what’s so special about them, why are you afraid of them?” At this point Rainbow was tempted to hide under Aj’s tail and avoid the mercs gaze, but was stopped knowing it would be a feudal task.

     “These black eyeris mercenaries are one of the most ruthless mercenary bands in Cloudsdale, being part of the Pegasus Legion they show no loyalty to any form of ruler ship except their own!” Applejack cocked her head ‘not loyal to the princesses, who the hay are these guys’ 

      Applejack grew a sly smile “they don't look so tough, i bet you ten bits i can knock him on his flank!” of course Applejack was joking, somewhat she did want to see how tough these varmints were and see if she could damage their pride.

    “What Applejack are you crazy, you beat one up and they’ll send you to ‘him’” Rainbow nearly screamed Aj’s name but made sure her friends did not hear, she didn't want her friends to get hurt or worse killed.

     “HIM, who the hay is this him” Applejack was puzzled with this secrecy, the more she thought about it the more she might not want to kick their flank”

     “His name is the supervisor, i don't know much about him, but from what i hear if he catches you you’re never seen again!”

“HALT!”     

    Standing the mercenary just glared at the ponies in front of him, when he saw them arrive he swore he spotted a rainbow collared mane, writing it off and spoke in a deep voice. “identification please”

    Celestia stepped up her wings lightly flared and regal "I am princess Celestia, I was asked to-”

     “Identification, show me you bucking identification!!” he ordered again interrupting Celestia with fire in his voice. Giving a snort Celestia showed her id crystal, to sum it up everypony has an id crystal once they turn a certain age, three colors (red, blue, or green) the id crystal is spherical crystal the size of a golf ball. Shown the idea for an id crystal to Celestia back in the time of the ‘silence of night’ event, each crystal is magic activated and the pony must show their face to activate it, to this day ponies still argue whether or not these crystals are good or not.

     After showing her crystal to the guard, she walked on through, thinking her clearance was enough for twilight, she was dead wrong, looking back she gasped, her clearance was not enough for the bearers. “Identification!” he demanded, one by one Twilight and her friends showed their id to the guard. It went well so far, until he finished with Rainbow dash and that's when he did a double take recognizing the rainbow mane anywhere.

      Stopping her with his hoof he spoke in a threatening manner “you better watch yourself crash, that stunt you pulled at the best young flyers competition, was remarkable, yet foolish. That mare you saved was good as dead!”

      “That mare was my friend Rarity and I'm loyal to my friends, they mean everything to me!” Rainbow dash defiantly spoke against the black eyeris guard, thinking that she got him she began to leave. She winced in pain when he yanked her to his face.

       “You think you can escape us, you think you and your friends are safe, we know about your shy friend-” she could almost see the evil smile he had, he leaned closer to her ear “-it would be a shame if something happened to her, now would it!”

       Fear welled up in Rainbow dash, they knew about Fluttershy and how she didn't finish her exams in school and they knew she lived in Ponyville and was close friends with-. Defeated showed itself in the cyan mare she had to be more careful now, she knew who they work for and if he found out it wouldn't be just her friends' hides it would be hers too. The mercenary let her go and watched her trot off without incident, her friends saw the entire thing, but didn't know what he said that affected her. Glaring at them the bearers mostly just shied away, all except Applejack who just glared back at him, chuckling under his helmet, he watched them leave with Applejack consoling Rainbow.

    Venturing further in Celestia informed the ponies of the black eyeris involvement, to their shock about a quarter of Canterlot castle was under their control, starting from the northwest hall and ending at the north east halls. Between the two entrances were mostly just rooms they turned into certain quarters, starting from where they were was one of the barracks, next the galley, then armory. Shining armor lightly whistled, ‘these mercenaries have better armor than the royal guard’ he thought watching a merc pass by ‘all that armor must be killer’ he thought again.

    After passing by several more checkpoints and some more scolding's by the mercs, Celestia led her group towards their destination, looking up at the sign reading ‘site alpha’. After showing their crystals again to the merc guarding the door, everypony soon entered and what they saw astonished them, all around ponies with lab coats stood around tables looking through microscopes or using test tubes to research strange bio matter. Twilight was absolutely drooling, Spike took a rag and wiped the drool from her mouth, whereas pinkie eyed the many ‘breakables’ in the room Aj had to restrain her from making a mess. It was magnificent to say the least, but all the more curious, for one what was their secret lab in Canterlot and two why are the black eyeris involved. So many questions raced through everypony's minds they didn't notice a stallion in a tan lab coat walk up to them.

     Bowing he was introduced by Celestia to the ponies and dragon behind her “everypony, I'd like you to meet director Lablight, he oversees the alpha site here in Canterlot”. 

      Lablight was a unicorn with a white coat and yellow main and tail, he wore a pair of spectacles over his eyes and wore a tan lab coat, his cutie mark resembling a surgical lamp.

     He bowed in pleasantries to the ponies in front of him “pleased to meet you, as you heard I'm the senior head director of this site”

     Twilight all giddy couldn't hold it in any longer “sir it is an honor, I've heard rumors of a secret lab in Canterlot, but to actually see it and the work-” she just squealed in delight “-please sir we have to exchange notes one of these days!”

      Lablight smiled at her eagerness “you must be twilight sparkle, princess Celestia mentioned you with high regards-” twilight looked like she was about to faint, her teacher views her in high esteem and mentioned her to Lablight “-and I'd be happy to exchange notes with you, are you familiar with what we’re doing here regarding biomancy?”

    Twilight gave a sure nod “I'm quite familiar with the theoretical study of whether life started with magic or magic started with the formation of life and if pony evolution was a factor in its formation.”

     Lablight chuckled and turned to Celestia “when we’re done here you and I need to talk”, she gave a curt nod and began to walk to the other side of the room where a black eyeris merc stood next to a wrought iron door.

    “Alright everypony ,if you please follow me, I'll show you what we found!” Following Lablight through the wrought iron door, everypony was thrilled to see whatever was found. Surprisingly enough nopony suspected the lights to be off, curious as to why, they were about to ask when Lablight switched them on and what they saw made them recant their previous question. Majority of the room was empty except for a large cage and a few desks, where a guard stood eyeing the cage, across from them to their left stood a second door. Instead of the white color each room was supposed to be, this one had blood all over, some of it old and some of it relatively fresh.

     Twilight and her friends looked upon with horror, Celestia and shining armor couldn't believe their eyes too, the smell of metal filled their noses that some of them wanted to vomit. Fluttershy looked about ready to freak out after stepping on a puddle of fresh blood, she was pulled in close by Rainbow Dash who calmed and soothed her, if the blood worried everypony then the movement in the cage will make everypony have nightmares. Slowly standing half naked in its cell stood a monstrous creature, its flesh a sickly brown and looked as if it was falling off, it stood at six feet roughly half taller than a pony would at waist height, but when it turned and saw its face, they realized terror has a new meaning. Teeth gnarled and twisted it looked at them with beady gray and black eyes, black blood dripped from its mouth and stared at the ponies… hungrily. In a violent burst it lunged, hitting the cage roaring and snarling trying to reach the first pony it could touch, everypony jumped back when it lunged, terrified of the sight before them.

     Twilight told Spike to wait in the lab to which he didn't complain seeing the blood and this beast staring hungrily at them, only soon to lightly calm down and pace back and forth worried him. Growling is its only form of response to everypony, but periodically it looked over to the table, eyeing its crudely made iron weapons and armor, then at the guard who stood just out of grabbing length.

     “What in tartarus is that!?” Rainbow dash broke the stunned silence, nopony had seen a creature like this and seeing the viciousness it had unnerved everypony.

      “I’ve-i’ve never seen a creature like this before” Fluttershy’s voice spoke over its growls, she felt hurt though, it may be violent, but it most likely is scared. Hopefully she could extend her hoof in kindness and help it.

      “The magic, something doesn't feel right!” Twilight interjected worriedly feeling a sinister magical essence around her, yet at the same time it intrigued her. Thinking back to the study of biomancy, she could almost theorize the creature's blood has some magical potential to it. Thinking that this new study of magic will change everypony's view on pony evolution and magical evolution as a whole, she may even have a position in the arcane collage in Canterlot if she wrote a paper on it.

       Applejack eyed every corner of the room suspiciously, her earth pony magic in her body was going off the charts and being in tune with the land she may not be on it, but she can feel a sickness all around. “Y’all this ain't no normal feel, somethin ain't right”, she kept an eye on this monster as it just kept pacing back and forth eyeing all of them, periodically though she caught sight of its eyes wandering towards its armor and weapons. Applejack grimaced at the sight of its crudely made gear, resting on the table was a crudely made set of armor yellow in color and adorned with heavy plate and horned helmet. Resting beside it laid a sword larger than any sword any equestrian guard hooved around, but what caught her sight was the blood on its blade, it looked old, but at the same time looked fresh, she dreaded the thought of seeing a blade like that being swung at her.

       Rarity grimaced at the armor design “ugh such appalling fashion and disgusting design, who puts red paint on a yellow brown tinge, ugh” she may not have seen it, but if she had, she would’ve noticed that the red paint isn't actually paint at all. Applejack raised her hoof ready to intervene and correct rarity on the ‘coloration’, but the a didn't want to hear it and waved her hoof aside. She didn't like being that way to her friends, but the armor was, so garish it made her sick just looking at it. A thought dawned on her then, paint would have been smoother, if it’s not paint then- she whimpered and fell to her fore knees “I'm going to be sick” she breathed trying not to vomit. Applejack finding a nearby trash can for her.  

     Pinkie pie knew something was up, her senses told her and now her senses were going off again, but in a new way and she started to list them off. “Bending knees, tail wagging, mane frizzing (gasp)-” her gasp sparked everypony to worry, they themselves began to note each pinkie's senses and being that they’re new worried them. When she gasped though, that gasp sent a red alarm. It was the last sense pinkie didn't want, a sense that chilled her to the bone “- the dread sense!”. If worthy wasn't of the faces of everypony it was now, terror filled them all as princess Celestia stood in front of her subjects, shining armor stood next to her.

     Sensing this tension and fear the dark creature grabbed the bars and began to violently shake them, at first nothing happened, but then they started to shake and soon the bars started to loosen.

     Lablight stood back with worry present on his face, the merc stood next to him, with his teeth he hooked a spear to his side “your highness get out now!” Celestia shook her head, it was only one creature and she vowed to defend her subjects and the bearers from any threat.

      Shaking violently wasn't just out of sheer strength alone, it was being driven by its master's call, his song, the beautiful singing, all of its kind hears and its orders through the song are one word- attack. Standing back it readied for a charge and when it did- CRANG- chunks of metal bars flew out hitting several ponies and some weren't so lucky.

      Crack- shining armor went out cold, one of the metal bars strung him on the side of his head, hard enough blood seeped out of a gash the size of his ear. “Shining armor!!” twilight shrieked and rushed to her brother's side, kneeling down she began to shake him, hoping to wake him up. “Shining please! Wake up!” Celestia determined to stop this fiend readied to attack, but her opponent struck first.

      The sudden attack surprised everypony, first being its charge through the bars, next shining armor being knocked unconscious, nopony saw what came next. Roaring in a berserking rage, it charged the mercenary, with little time he jousted the spear he attached to himself hoping to pierce this beast's flesh. Fortune was not on his side whatsoever and being his spear was attached to his armor, proved little mobility which gave his opponent much time to dodge the attack. Sidestepping it lunged at him tackling the pony to the ground, Celestia tried to intervene, but this fiend proved quite formidable, taking the mercs spear it smacked Celestia with the flat end of its weapon. She grunted in pain and felt a warm liquid roll down her cheek, taking her hoof she noticed her own blood on it, she looked up just in time to see the spear fly towards her, with no time to teleport she leapt out of its way, but wasn't fast enough as it struck her side embedding itself in her stomach.   

       “Buck this shit” Lablight swore and bolted towards the opposite door, but was soon grabbed and flung towards the holding cell knocking him unconscious. It was about ready to finish him, but was knocked back by a heavy force, roaring in pain, blood dripped down its broken, it liquid black as night and held a deadly secret.

        Charging the mercenary hoped to end this fight for good, but with his heavy armor wasn't fast enough. Seeing the fiend pick up its sword off the table, he knew he was dead, nevertheless he charged hoping to inflict some more damage, but it proved futile, with its sword being two handed, this fiend swung in one hand with ease. With a-klang- he was sent back half a meter on his side, at first there was only aching pain, then it became sharp. Looking down at where he got hit, he saw his armor on his upper barrel dented to the point it cut threw and being it was above his stomach, the blade cut deep enough he saw his organs. Screams were heard at the sight of his condition, twilight and her friends just stood in absolute terror, the yellow one fainted earlier and the others just stood mortified not knowing what to do, he did however notice the door behind them open and a small dragon watch from the side. Taking his helmet off revealed his brown main and blue coat, looking to the dragon he lipped ‘save them’. Looking up he watched the fiend stand over him and watched, shocked to see it wound heal slowly over time, raising its sword it plunged its weapon into his exposed armor. Blood spurted out of his mouth as his last breath was given.

      Twilight watched terrified as she and her friends stood paralyzed with fear, this thing whatever it is, nearly killed Celestia, fortunately she and her friends dragged her and shining armor away from this thing. Now it was coming for them and it wanted more blood, in a last act of bravery both Applejack and Rainbow dash stood defiant against their foe, hoping to at least tag team it with quick and heavy strikes. Vicious as it was it growled and moved in for the kill, charging it swung at Applejack who dodged the attack and gave it a firm buck to its side. Next was Rainbow who too gave it fast kicks and bucks, both attacks did damage, but not enough to subdue it, on one of its knees and in a furious fashion it swung its sword in a wide ark. Both mares dodged, which gave it time to recuperate and retaliate with ferocity, giving a charge towards Applejack it bashed her in her mussel with its sword pommel hard enough to knock her cold. Raising its sword to give a decapitating blow, it was stopped when Rainbow tackled it, disarming her foe she began to beat it with her fore hooves. Her attacks however proved futile, she was grabbed by the throat as and tossed, she screamed in pain when her back struck the cage, groaning she tried to flap her wings but shrieked in pain when she heard and felt a nasty pop. Rainbow watched helplessly as the fiend went for her other friends.

     Twilight could only watch helplessly as it came for the rest of them, in a last ditch attempt she fired a magic beam, only for it to dodge her attack, gasping in shock she felt its hand grasp her throat. Her friends tried desperately to stop it (minus Fluttershy who was still passed out) only to be backhanded and sent half a foot away, she felt its hand squeeze tighter if she didn't do something soon she was a goner.

    -ROAR-

      Twilight was met with the hard ground, shocked she was let go not knowing the fiends were screaming in pain, looking up she was shocked to see the creature on fire and to her surprise it was green fire. Looking around she found Spike blowing another flame making sure whatever this thing was was dead, those who weren't knocked out watched as their foe fell to its knees and flat to its chest. Sizzling from the now charred corpse signified it was dead, everypony panted glad that nightmare was over, the door barged open startling everypony and who they saw relieved them.

     “Princess Luna” Luna was greeted by everypony, behind her several mercenaries charged in and assessed the damage. Luna quickly rushed to her sister and shining armor, she turned to one of the mercs.

     “Get a medic down here now” he nodded and went to find the castle medic, sighing Luna walked over to Twilight “rest up twilight, we need you and your friends ready, our dreams have woken us and we need you now more than ever!”

      Luna was about to leave but twilight stopped her “wait what's going on, what happened!?”

     Luna just looked at her and shook her head "dear Twilight I don't know, for all we know this is just the beginning of something worse”.
> Calm before the storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: calm before the storm


           Terror, felt all around, the news spread too fast to stop, all around everypony heard about the attack of Canterlot and princess Celestia’s fatal injury to a creature they thought they could contain. This news not only brought fear and terror, it also brought a new form of thought: innovation, several high ranking noble in Canterlot began to seize the opportunity to take power. Princess Luna in her firm hold desperately tried to subdue this ‘power grab’ from the nobles, one such noble behind it all was none other than her nephew, prince Blueblood. Celestia's near fatal attack showed Equestria it wasn't ready for what was to come and with Shining armor out with a head injury, ponies began to question the strength of Equestrias military. In this manner of terror, Luna in her quick action began to shore up Equestrias defenses and in doing so, locked down Canterlot castle, to some this would look like a takeover, to others its needed.

       Hooves clopped on marble flooring, Luna's decision to lock down Canterlot castle was firm, though it made her look like a tyrant, she did it to protect her subjects, of course that’s what she wanted everypony to believe. In all she did it to protect her subjects, but she also did it to stem the power grab certain nobles were going after, as for the ponies in Ponyville, she understood the bearers' concern. 

        Turning down a hall Luna arrived at Canterlot's royal infirmary, earlier she was informed by the head nurse that her sister was awake and the surgery was a success. Glad her dear Tia was alright, she was though furious, a dangerous creature such as whatever it was shouldn't have been allowed on the castle grounds, currently by her order she’s tasked a full investigation into the matter and she’s currently waiting for said report. Speaking of reports, Luna currently aired for another set of reports, earlier Celestia sent ponies to investigate the wreck on the western coast, they were to give Tia their reports but with her sister incapacitated she’ll be taking said reports.

       Taking a left, Luna walked into Caterlots royal infirmary, on both sides were beds, usually in hospitals there would be a receptionist desk, but not in Canterlot's infirmary. The royal hospital is currently led by one of the best doctors in all Equestria, seeing the many beds around her she spotted the said doctor overlooking her sister.

  “Doctor Radon is everything okay, how's my sister doing” a bit of worry wormed its way into her voice, Doctor Radon, a unicorn stallion with a green coat and lime green mane and tail, his cutie mark covered by his lab coat. He raised a hoof to ease her tension. 

    “Your sister is fine, we managed to get the spear out of her, but she needs to rest, whoever threw that spear nearly turned your sister into a kabob!” Luna sighed relieved to hear her dear Tia is safe, but that brought up other questions regarding everypony else.

    “Thank you doctor that’s well and good, but I need to ask how the others are, are they okay?” again she worried, this time for the bearers of harmony and captain of the guard, again Radon calmed her.

      “They’re doing fine, some are worse for wear and require rest. Shining armor on the other hoof took a direct blow to his temple, he’s lucky he wasn't killed, but we're keeping an eye on him for any signs of concussion or brain trauma. "His report made Luna sigh in relief and concern, relief the bearers are alright, concern regarding further internal damage to shining armor's brain. 

      After giving him thanks and a bow, she proceeded to check the bearers, clopping her way into their rooms, they were the same as the previous, beds all lined up on both sides. Several of the mares were up already, Pinkie Pie was trying to convince a nurse to throw a party, Rarity took to writing notes on a pad for future designs and Rainbow dash sat by Applejack's bed. Twilight sparkle sat in bed reading daring do, Fluttershy too was reading tabloid magazine its title ‘Everfree forest last bastion of free animals’, she could clearly see a mixture of features on her face. Luna looked towards Applejack and Rainbow dash, the farm mare unmoving, she recalled what Radon said to her earlier ‘some were worse for wear and require rest’. She cracked a smile however mostly in part for Rainbow's concern for Applejack and remembered a dream she oversaw, both Rainbow dash and Applejack expressed their feelings to one another and that made Luna smile.

     Looking up from her book Twilight sparkle smiled in delight “princess Luna!” Her gleeful tone roused her friends. They were about to bow when Luna intervened.

      “Neigh my friends, no need to bow” her request was surprising to the mares, even Rarity, who believed everypony should bow to royalty, though now that she thought of it, they were in a hospital.

      “Princess Luna-” Twilight began “- we’re surprised to see you when you arrive back in the lab, but we’re glad to see you now!” Luna looked down in worry, her look soon worried Twilight and the other mares who saw it too.

       “Your highness whatever is the matter?” Rarity questioned her concern for her princess, they all heard Luna sigh.

      “I’m glad Spike was there when he was, but I should've arrived sooner, I should've warned her, warned you all!”. Everypony looked at her puzzled, not sure what she was getting at, but they figured it to be related to what happened in the lab.

       “Princess it’s not your fault-” Twilight began “-nopony knew what was going to happen, not even Celestia, you had your own business to do. Whatever that was”. She hoped her words got to her and sure enough they did.

        Luna nodded in Twilight's words, the whole debacle with the western coast threw everypony for  loop and when both her and her sister heard the news it was too late. Now all she could do is wait for her sister to get better, but in the meantime it was time for her to take the lead, to start before bearers arrived Celestia filled her in on her plan to combat with these new arrivals. The plan was dangerous, but with several sightings across Equestria, along with this report on the friendship express and now this, the plan had to go under way. However it was up to twilight and she would have to think of it long and hard, to twilight she would think of it as a test, but this is no test, this is life and death.

      “Twilight sparkle once you and your friends are better, you are permitted to stay in one of the large castles, it’ll be large enough for you, your friends and Spike to rest. After you settled in I request to speak with you in private-” twilight nodded, she was about to say something but Luna stopped her and turned to leave “-now if you excuse me I need to speak with the doctor” with that she left, raising more questions than answers for her. As for the others, everypony was excited to stay in the castle, well all except Rainbow dash, who just sat next to an unconscious Applejack, tears welled in her eyes reliving that fateful hour. Rainbow recollected the attack, her fear forming in her mind the creature attacking applejack instead of twilight, ‘please get better AJ, please, i love you’.

      Luna listened to doctor Radon on shining armor's condition and how he’s doing, she asked him about it, along with her question on when the bearers would be released from the hospital. When she listened to Shining's condition it wasn't good, she thought it would be an easy fix like a broken bone, but when it came to head trauma she was stunned at the effects it could lead to. Her reformation from nightmare moon didn't give her enough time to look over the current medical books and research done in the last thousand years. Now she knows, shining armor currently has a level two concussion and she was told the different levels: level one: minor, level two: major, level three: critical. She looked over the guard captain, silently asleep, his ekg monitor steadily beeped, a bandage was currently wrapped around his head. She replayed what Radon said ‘he was almost killed, the metal bar hitting him nearly severed his cerebral artery. He’s currently teetering on level two and three, but we’ll be monitoring him closely and the same will go for your sister, but she’s currently stable.’. Luna sighed she should have arrived sooner, but she had no choice in the matter, her sister gave her no choice, but she couldn't blame her nopony knew what would happen. Leaning down she whispered in shining’s ear “get better, for Twilight's sake… and for mine”.

     Twilight yawned, it's been half a day since her and her friends had been discharged from the hospital and exhaustion began to take hold ‘hospitals tend to do that’ she thought, yawning again. They’re currently in their guest rooms and it was quite stylish even for her tastes, upon first entry they were met with the smell of fresh roses, on both sides were two large walk-in closets. further to their left was the washroom, consisting of three showers, a sink and toilet made of marble ‘talk about sliding off’ twilight thought recalling how marble is slippery when wet. What astonished them were the beds, three large king size beds rested in the center of the room, across from the beds was another door. At first it was thought to be another closet, but when it was opened it revealed to be an entertainment room, there were books, board games and even a radio. Going over to the bookshelf twilight pulled one out and read the title immediately she blushed as it read ‘the stallion and the griffon’, twilight put the erotic literature up and began to look for other books. To her surprise several books were erotic literature ‘fifty shades of hay’, ‘two colts one mare’, and one she saw in Celestia's room once ‘mares and stallions: a guide on pleasure’. Rarity saw this herself and was to say the least quit into some of it, admittingly she read Fifty shades of hay and in her words it was ‘invigorating’, as for two colts one mare it was more smut and less story, in fact she thought she saw the movie poster of it in Ponyville cinema.

   Twilight laid in bed reading one of the many books that wouldn't put her in therapy, she looked around everypony was either settling in or resting, well some of them that is. Applejack was still in pain in certain spots, that thing did a number on her and rainbow dash wasn't doing any better, her wing still hurt but her pride and ego were shot. Just thinking about that event a day earlier still haunted her, resting the book down, she recalled her brother was still in the hospital and the same went for her teacher princess Celestia. Her worried look went to concern, remembering Spike, he was like an adoptive son to her, she did practically raise him after all, but when he saw that thing lift her up, he jumped into action and saved their lives. She was concerned due to the fact she hasn't seen him at the hospital or with them at all, the last place she might have heard of his location was her old room in the castle. Luna vowed to check on him when they were discharged, she was worried for him after all and besides she still has to thank him for saving her and her friends. She sighed, looking out the window she noticed the sun slowly start to go down, ever since Celestia has been placed in the hospital Luna took over her duties of raising and lowering the sun.

      “Twilight whatever is the matter?” Rarity spoke, her concern drawing their friends' attention, ever since the short time they’ve been together their friendship manifested to the bond of near sisterhood. Though some won't admit it thinking it would be too weird for ponies from different tribes seeing each other as sisters, it was more of a strong bond than that of blood.

     “I’m just worried about Spike, i haven't seen him in a while” Twilight's concern for the little dragon drew worried looks, they too haven't seen the little dragon anywhere, the last they heard Luna was going to look for him, she had been helping the guard secure Canterlot.

    “A’hm worried for the lil guy myself-” Applejack replied with concern, she continued “- But worrying about him isnt going to help, he’s most likely in shock as we are. He’ll turn up when he does, but right now we should get some rest”. Applejack's suggestion of rest held true, it was only going to make Twilight worry more, she wanted to look for spike true, but Luna ordered her to rest and she couldn't disobey the princess, could she?

      Princess Luna trotted towards Twilight's old house, after securing Canterlot with the rest of the guard, she made it her personal mission to Twilight to look for Spike, she recalled the young dragon storming off after the whole lab ordeal. Reaching the main door to Twilight's house, she noticed said door was open a crack meaning somepony was inside, silently opening it she walked in hoping not to spook whoever might be inside. As she continued further, she noticed a green and purple figure sitting on the floor, sighing that she found spike, she was about to speak to him when he spoke first.

     “I’m sorry I ran away-” he started, sniffling as he slowly started to cry “- I- I panicked, seeing that thing holding Twilight i (he started to sob more) I didn't have a choice” he broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Luna quickly rushed in and soothed the baby dragon, sitting down next to him she put her wing around him.

    “It’s okay Spike, I'm here, nopony is mad, we're all shaken” Luna couldn't believe what she heard from him, Spike thought he was in trouble for killing that thing, for protecting Twilight. She heard about Equestia's laws, usually when a pony was being attacked by a creature said pony would flee, but if said pony defends itself it’s considered a crime. ‘What has my sister been thinking?’ Luna thought, she overlooked the death toll of creatures killing ponies and they were quite high, ponies usually the peaceful type aren't really violent. That was the case until she saw the crime report and she was shocked, ponies who defended their families were arrested for just defending their families. It sickened her, but also worried her, she has to put a stop to this and she'll start by defending Spike.

      “It’s not okay-” spike sobbed “-I'm going to be arrested for defending twilight!” he cried harder, in all he was scared, scared she might put him away, but that wasn't the case, when her sister gets better, she’ll need a word with her.

      “Not while I'm here” determination in Luna's voice stopped Spike from crying, she continued “this new law goes against Equestria as a whole and I'll personally see to it, it gets revoked!”. Hope filled Spike and embraced Luna who embraced him back, ‘on my honor and duty as a princess, I will see this done!’

      Later that night silence filled the night sky, a calm sky for many, a precious one for one, Luna looked over the many dreams ponies were having, majority of them were calm and peaceful. Some on the other hoof were downright lewd and she clearly avoided those ones for privacy, but nonetheless everypony dreamt peacefully. An hour ago she put Spike to bed in Twilight's room. She smiled when she saw how calmly the bearers slept, but at the same time worried when she saw tears in Twilight's eyes, ‘probably about her brother’ she thought, she’ll have to talk with her later. Talk Luna chuckled she still had to speak to Twilight on the matter of these strange events happening, her sister Celestia filled her in on the matter before she left for the coast.

      Screaming soon caught her ears, shifting the many dreams she arrived at one she didn't expect, Rainbow dash, but an unease filled her this dream was that of fear and it held strong. A glimpse of the dream soon showed her what it was about, it was about the creature killed by spike, taking a breath she stepped into the dream unaware of what she might find.

     Rainbow dash and Applejack stood beaten and battered, their foe giving the a good thrashing, before them stood the dark creature (named by ponies of Equestria) in full armor and held its two handed sword. It furiously roared challenging the two mares it was staring down, Rainbow panted, fury welling in her veins, just behind their target laid their friends bodied all slain by their foe. Tears welled up in Rainbow's eyes she failed to protect them, now it was her and Applejack to avenge them, looking at each other they gave a nod and charged.

    “For Equestria!” they cried, the dark creature roared itself and charged, reading itself it swung in a downward arch aimed for Applejack, the mare dodging the attack gave a quick counter kick to their foes legs, knocking it down. Rainbow followed with a dive attack and struck it in the back forcing it to the ground, but it quickly got back up, their attacks hurt it, but it just shrugs every blow. Applejack gave another charge, but this time it was ready, dodging her attack it struck her head with its sword pommel knocking her out cold, raising its sword it readied the final blow. Rainbow Dash intercepted the attack and tackled her target, but it wasn't having any of it, grabbing her by the throat and thrown, she cried in pain when her back struck the cage. Flapping her wing she shrieked when she felt a sickening pop, fear welled up inside her as she watched this dark creature pick Applejack up by the throat.

     “TAKE ME-” Rainbow screamed, pleadingly she would do anything to save applejack, even if she sacrificed herself “-TAKE ME, I'LL DO ANYTHING, DON'T KILL HER!!”. Hot tears fell from Rainbows eyes, her foe looked at her as in a gleeful way it sickened her, raising its sword it lined up the blade with Applejack's belly.

      “NO PLEASE TAKE-”

    -SCHLCK- 

    Rainbow's breath shakend, a piece of her had been taken, she just watched her enemy gut her friend in front of her, Applejack's blood poured out of her, her body removed from the blade and tossed towards Rainbow. The sound of Applejack's lifeless body reverberated in Rainbow's mind, she crawled desperately to her disbelief, her breath shaking in her followed by a pain worse than any sword wound. “Applejack” she buried her head in her friend's corpse, her sobbing defining the heavy footfalls of metal on stone. She screamed her pain, her heart feeling like it was stabbed by thousands of knives, the pony she loved, her rock, her mare to be was dead.

    A dark chuckle mocked her, looking up tears staining her cyan coat watched her foe raise its sword “ GO AHEAD, YOU’VE TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME!!” it gladly did and brought its sword down.

     Luna watched everything, her heart broken by the scene, her concentration was soon interrupted, the dream began to crumble, Rainbow dash was waking up, making for an exit. Luna left the dream.


     Rainbow dash woke with a start, she panted from the dream, her mane still moist from what she saw, looking over on her left she saw Applejack, a calming sigh of relief left Rainbow, her friend was alive. She felt disturbed though, a dreading sense of failure still haunted her, leaving the bed she silently walked over towards the balcony, opened its door and stepped outside. Sitting on her haunches the cyan mare could only think and feel, ever since they first met both her and Applejack had a strong bond, but it was only recently did that bond turn to something more. She knew the relationship was risky since applejack's family were more traditional and all, but she cant help the fact that she has feeling towards her, what worried her the most was, did Applejack feel the same, the very thought scared her, she wanted to tell her, but at the same time didn't want to make things awkward, How could she explain she was still in love with a stallion. looking down defeated she didn't know what to do. Soft hoof beats cough her ears looking back it was Applejack, a look of worry was present on her face.

     “Rainbow y'all alright?” Rainbow dash bit her lip, she was cornered by Applejacks question, she couldn't lie Applejack would see right through that, it was the moment of truth.

     “A-Applejack do-do you like me?” Aj looked at her with confusion, her brow raised at that question.

    “Well o course I like ya, you’re ma friend” of course Applejack didn't get the question, she thought Rainbow was mad at her, but rainbow asked again.

     “N-no d-do you like me like me” the air was tense and Applejack just stared at her with a raised brow, Rainbow looked down defeated “I- I see, I'm sorry for asking” she was about to walk away when Applejack stopped her and kissed her. Rainbow dash was completely taken off guard, but slowly she started to melt into the kiss, ending it Applejack smiled

      “I’ve had my fair share of studded stallions Rd, but when I met ya, my heart felt light, I love ya Rainbow dash, now I know why ya flashed me with your marehood at the spa” Rainbow dash smiled.

   “Did you like it?!” her smirk bought a chuckle from Applejack.

     “Ah did and I know ya liked mine, but for future references lets not do it in public, don't want no filly going to therapy or a poor colt getting a heart attack” Rainbow chuckled “deal” she replied. For The rest of the day the two mares sat on the balcony, rainbow dash told applejack her nightmare, prompting understanding from the farm mare. From that moment the two mares locked eyes moving forward they kissed sealing their bond from friendship to relationship.
> Preperations PT1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: preparations pt1


      Celestia’s sun rose signifying a new day in Equestria, Luna panted lowering her moon and raising her sisters sun was tiresome, but rejoiced in the new day, but right now she needed one thing, coffee and lots of it. Walking down the marble hallway she managed to do some digging on the current laws of Equestria and to her surprise the majority of the ‘new’ laws were passed by the council of advisors. Usually the princess would pass these new laws, but this council has, if that's the case then, this threat of noble rebellion has gone deeper than she thought. She needed information, but that will have to come at a later date, now she needs to see Twilight in regards to recent events and bring Celestia's plan to action.

     Twilight sparkle yawned and smiled at the rise of a new day, slowly getting up her aching muscles waking up and bones popped from rest as she stretched on the marble floor. Stirring caught her ears, her friends started to wake up too, Applejack slowly woke up, getting out of bed she stretched too, her Stetson and scrunchies on the nearby end table. Twilight sparkle sighed in relief when she noticed Spike in her bed, Luna must have found him in her old home, a sad expression enveloped her face realizing she never thanked him for saving them. One by one everypony was soon up either stretching or in the shower, which would be nice, but she needs to meet Luna and discuss what's needed, slowly Spike awoke.

   “Morning” Twilight greeted.

     “Morning twilight-”he looked down in shame “-i’m sorry for running away, i didn't mean to scare you.”. Twilight shook her head and embraced him, this in turn confused him, he swore he thought he’d be in trouble.

     “No Spike i’m sorry, i should have thanked you for saving us” she ended the embrace, he looked at her with confusion.

    “I thought you’d be mad the law Celestia put-” she stopped him, shook her head and flicked her tail in anger.

    “That law was made by the nobility, Celestia told me when it was first past, she was undermined and sidelined by those she trusted!” Her steaming comment shocked everypony in the room, Applejack nearly broke the end table her hat rested on.

    “Is that why Big Mac ended up in Ponyville jail for protecting Applebloom from a timber wolf!” Applejack was spitting mad at the Canterlot nobles for nearly ending Applebloom's life and putting her brother in jail. Applejack held back tears remembering that day, it was bad enough big mac was jailed, it was worse when Grannysmith had a minor heart attack from the news, Rainbow dash did her best to calm her marefriend down, it worked just a little.

    “Good heavens-” Rarity held her hoof over her mouth “- is Applebloom ok” Apple jack nodded to her.

     “She’s fine, but she was traumatized, Big mac almost ended up in Alcoltraz after punching a guard when he was booked, thank Celestia he was pardoned by Mayor Mare” everypony looked at her with shock, nopony knew about this law. Fluttershy though was disgusted, worried that the nobility would come after her animal friends next, but it was the beading sweat and her nervousness, fortunately nopony noticed.

     “Well I for one am glad Spike saved us.” Rarity replied, rubbing Spike's head, everypony else soon followed either rubbing his head or embracing him in thanks.

      The mares jumped when their room door burst open, a guard stood their panic stricken “princess Luna demands your aid immediately!” gasping came from the mares worried Luna might be in trouble.

       She glared, that's all she could do, is glare, earlier she was getting ready to speak to Twilight sparkle on matters happening on the western coast. Now plans change, an hour after she rose the sun, a pony she sent on patrol to the west returned battered, bloodied and on the brink of death. With him he carried a message, one that made her blood run cold ‘your highness, w-we tried to stop them, but there were too many’ a town to the west at five in the morning was attacked by half a dozen of these dark creatures. Sadly the pony who sent the message passed away from his injuries, he left behind a mare and foal with another expecting, Luna had had enough, it was then she needed to speak to Twilight now.

       Rushing sounds of hooves brought her out of her stupor “princess Luna, we came as soon as we could!” Twilight's voice was frantick, worried something happened to Luna, or worse Celestia and her brother.

     Luna turned towards the mares and dragon with a worried look on her face “everypony i have some dire news-” the mares listened intently waiting for her to continue “- early this morning equestria was attacked, the attackers were more of these dark creatures.” Gasps of horror erupted from the mares, they weren't expecting news of more creatures let alone an attack.

    “Is anypony hurt? Are they okay?!” their hopes were snuffed when Luna shook her head.

     “A small patrol I sent a day ago was killed this morning, the pony who sent the message died earlier today” again they gasped, Fluttershy lightly sobbed, Rainbow dash soothed her with her wing draped over her back.

    “So why are we here?” Rainbow dash asked, eager to kick the flanks of those who hurt that patrol.

    “I asked you to come here, because it was Celestia’s plan in the beginning-” raising her head high she spoke “-the ship that crashed had a plethora of information on it the things that weren't waterlogged we managed to scavenge. In the scavenging we found a map, its name was smudged from the water, but it’s still legible.”.

    “What does that have to deal with us, shouldn't we help the ponies that are threatened now?!” Rarity replied, her friends agreeing to her statement, Luna smiled at this, but that's why they were called.

    “You will be helping everypony, which is why Celestia requests that she wants you to head to this new land and find out what's going on. I know it's a dangerous task, which is why you will be escorted, that is if you accept it you won't be seen any less if you decline.”. 

     The mares huddled together and began to discuss what they had just been proposed “So what do you think ya’ll-” applejack began she wanted too, but she had to think about her farm “-ah don want ta say no to the princess, but ma farm needs me”. Twilight noted this, she didn't want to upset Luna, but Applejack's farm was important, if she recalled the apple fall harvest is coming up.

      “Who’s going to take care of my animals” Fluttershy spoke, she too had a good argument, but she could always ask Zecora, or Treehugger, though Zecora might be a better option.

       “I can't leave Sweetie belle behind, or my boutique, somepony will have to watch them!”. Twilight mentally, grumbled another good point, with the gala over Rarity’s shop will swarmed with requests and ponies wanting the latest fashion trends. 

      Out of everypony Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy all had good arguments, everypony else didn't really say much, Rainbow dash just shrugged, Pinkie pie eagerly awaited to go on this trip, with fall coming up the cakes didn't have much baking to do. Twilight thought about it too, she wanted to help the princess, but with her magic and friendship studies she didn't see how. Although researching this new world would grant some hefty commemorations in Equestrias magic university, and may change the view of magic as a whole, she had to go. Talking it over with Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy she managed to convince them of coming on this expedition, they were considerate, but out of all of them Applejack was the least bit happy.

       Returning to Luna, Twilight spoke making the decision “we’re going to help you Luna, we were a bit divided, but we all agreed Equestria needs us! So when do we leave?”

      Luna smiled, glad to have the bearers ready and eager to help “you won't be taking the friendship express, where your going is western lunar coast, to the town of Sunfalls”. Luna finished the last of the sentence with dread and for good reason, though she herself liked it there, those who support Celestia not so much.

      “Sunfalls, that town sounds familiar” spike replied, he was eager to go and couldn't wait to leave, but when he saw Luna’s distraught face, something was wrong.

       “I’m sorry Spike, but you can't go” she replied, she didn't want to do this to him, it broke her heart to see him saddened, he just went through the emotion of almost losing Twilight.

        “W-what do you mean i can't go?!” tears slowly formed under his eyes, he didn't want to cry, but his emotions were running raw at the moment.

       “It's too dangerous-” she said, the danger would be far more terrifying to his psyche, it could easily break him, leaning down she whispered in his ear “-besides, i need to speak with you in private. I’ll return you to ponyville once I'm done okay”.

      He nodded “yes your highness”.

      Luna looked to the bearers “as for the rest of you, I suggest you head home and pack your essentials, your journey will be long and take time, so pack what's needed. As for your ride, the only train that goes to sunfalls is the nightmare express, but you won't be the only ones, several others will be joining you per Celestia's request-” she and the bearers turned to leave, but soon recalled something most important to Twilight.”-oh and twilight, your brother woke up yesterday and he wanted to see you.”.

     Twilight perked up after the great news “oh that's great you highness! I’ll go see him now! Be right back girls!” Twilight called to her friends just ahead of her, they 
Knew how Shining armor was to twilight and didn't get in the way of how important her brother is to her.

      “We’ll meet you at the train sugarcube” applejack called back watching Twilight leave for the royal hospital, once Twilight was gone they headed for the train.

       Twilight sparkle, overjoyed, rushed towards the royal hospital, she hasn't seen her brother since the attack and was worried if his injuries caused permanent harm. Turning down the hall and into the hospital she nearly slammed into Doctor Radon, who in turn jumped at her sudden appearance.

       “Please be more careful, Miss Twilight, this is a hospital.”. His small lecture caused her to quickly apologize.

      “I’m sorry doctor, but I was told my brother was awake” Radon nodded, accepting her apology, he could tell by her smile she loved her brother and gave her directions. 

      “Second door to the left, he’ll be in bed three” she quickly thanked him and quickly trotted towards her destination, Radon simply smiled as he enjoyed family visits.

       Entering the room Twilight looked to and fro for Shining armor and in glee she found him, he sat in bed eating jello and reading the latest reports of equestrian military, looking up he smiled.

       “Twily!” she rushed over, embracing her older brother, all the while minding the bandages across his head.

       “Oh shiny, I'm glad you're okay!” tears flowed from her eyes as she lightly sobbed in her brother's fore legs. She looked up regret on her face “Shining I, I'm sorry I didn't know what to do! When you and Celestia were knocked down, I- I-” she sobbed her guilt upon remembering what happened that fateful day.

        She felt his hoof on her shoulder and motioned her to come over, the two embraced again crying in his arms “sshh sshh, it's alright Twilight, you're okay it's not your fault. Nopony knew this would happen, the dark creature's strength caught us off guard” she slowly relaxed in her brother's embrace, his words calming her down, soothing her tormented mind.

       Releasing her, she wiped her tears, glad to have finally visited her brother and glad her brother eased her pain, but a question still eluded her, what went wrong? Everypony in magical studies knew if there was a potentially dangerous creature, unicorns were to put a shield gem into the cage's magic conduit, but there was none. This could only lead to one conclusion, sabotage, the cage must have been sabotaged and Luna seems to know this, she just hopes she can find out who it is.

       “It's good to see you again Twilight, but I know about your mission, Celestia filled me in on it before you arrived. I wish I could go, but Celestia stated I must stay here, that is why she requested one of the best to escort you and I spoke to him before you arrived. He seems capable, but I told him I don't want to see a scratch on you, of course he didn't take that well when I said I'd demote him, who knew you could say cock, mouth and ass all in one sentence, he had a fiery mouth on him. Anyway I shouldn't keep you waiting-” he embraced his sister “-see you soon Twily.”. After the parting embrace, Twilight sparkle made her way towards the castle exit, and soon the train.

       Meanwhile earlier Spike watched Twilight leave to see her brother shining armor, while he was teleported to Luna's room, he didn't know why he was in her room, but surely it had to be important. She arrived minutes later after the bearers left the castle with twilight, going over to him she began to explain her actions.

       “Sorry for all the secrecy Spike, I don't know who to trust nowadays, but I assure you I have my reasons,” she replied, her worry seen on her face by Spike, who was a bit concerned now.

        “Princess what's going on, why am I here?!” clopping over she addressed his concern and explained.

       “Spike i’ll be straight with you, there's a plot happening in Equestria and i have reason to believe the nobility are behind it along with several other parties!” her wariness showed, she was far more alert than ever, but her claims confused spike, ‘what plot is happening in Equestria?

    “Okay-” Spike began he wanted to hear it from the beginning “- start from the beginning princess what plot are you talking about?”

      Luna explained herself further “when I returned to Canterlot for the first time after being reformed, I noticed some strange occurrences happening in the city and throughout Equestria-” she started, making sure Spike was listening. “-these strange occurrences began with the nobility, then the new laws that have been in place, followed by ponies with dark robes. I informed my sister on the matter, but she insisted that everything was fine, in my thoughts I concluded Celestia was blind to the whole situation. For a thousand years in my absence, she ruled, yet in my absence she grew lonesome and in those thousand years corruption set in and she was none the wiser and it all started with the nobles. Spike that's why I need your help, you're the only one I can turn to, everypony else could be a spy, or worse an assassin.'' Finishing her explanation, Spike thought about it. He noticed strange things happening around Ponyville, higher taxes, more noble ponies, new construction plans, even threats to the Apple family and same sex lovers. What worried him most however were these new laws such as: no tithes to the needy, mandatory worship at the sun towers, foals of five years are to work in coal and iron mining, no same sex relationships of any kind, self defense is outlawed, animal ownership is to be registered at every registration center: the list goes on and on.

       Turning to her, Spike nodded “I'll do it!”

       Smiling Luna was grateful for his decision “thank you Spike your help is most needed, but that's not all. Before the harmony era we’re in, Celestia and I had consorts and I don't know if that position is still around. If it's not I'm willing to bring it back, Spike by my right as princess of Equestria I hereby name you baron consort of the night! Congratulations.”. Spike couldn't believe what he heard, he has just been named baron consort by Luna, a title rarely given to those not of royalty. To say he was speechless, though consorts didn't really do much, but dukes on the other hoof were part of a high nobility, which was extremely rare for a non pony. What confused him was why though, consorts are usually with the wife or husband, unless Luna has an ulterior motive.

       He bowed “thank you your highness, but why’d you name me a consort, aren't you supposed to be married first” Luna looked at him confused, she’s always named her ponies consorts, unless it was supposed to be advisor, but a part of her wanted him to be a consort yet she didn't know why. That's when it hit her there nearly the same, he’s a dragon in a pony nation and she was recently reformed, on top of that her thestral bat ponies are viewed as unnatural or abnormal. To top it all off her heart was beating heavily when she first spoke to him, could it be she has feelings for him, if so does he feel the same, on top of it all how could she love him, he’s a dragon and she’s a pony. Her hope lies with asking him, but how would she bring it up, she would have to be careful, ‘damn-’ she thought ‘-I'm rusty at this’.

      Her throat ran dry as she tried to find the words “I named you consort because I-”

-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-

       “Princess Luna-” a royal guard called “-princess Celestia’s awake and wants to see you”.

        She looked back, saved by the knocking. She needs more practice, she’ll express her feelings, but now Celestia needs her “okay thank you for the update!” she called, Spike stood curious on what she had to say.

        “I’m sorry spike-” she apologized “-Celestia is awake and needs my company, don't worry I'll send you to Ponyville”.

         “Oh okay-” Spike said “-but before you do, I- I want to thank you, you've always been there for me and i just want to say- thanks” a small blush formed on Spike's cheeks, fortunately Luna didn't see it, her mind was somewhere else. Poor Spike nearly had a heart attack for what happened next, Luna in a quick rush kissed his cheek and in a flash teleported him to Ponyville.

         In a flash Spike stood outside the golden oaks library, his face redder than one of Applejack's apples and stared in shock and bewilderment, Luna just kissed him, a pat on the back would be fine, but a kiss?! Ponies passed him as he tried to comprehend what happened, what should he do, kiss her back, this has never happened to him, sure he has a crush on Rarity, but now Luna has a crush on him and he her. Two crushes two mares, one a unicorn, the other an alicorn, one has a crush on him, the other he doesn't know, a love triangle has formed and he’s in the middle. He had to think, going into the library, he looked around, it's only been thirty minutes and the train hasn't arrived, this will give him plenty of time to think, but first a nap.

         Hours past Applejack trotted to her home Sweet Apple acres, she and her friends arrived in town five minutes ago and Applejack wasn't too happy, for one it was the fall harvest, secondly Big Mac hurt himself- again. Turns out one of the apple trees Big Mac bucked had a broken limb and said limb decided to make friends with one of his hind legs, with it some colorful language was spoken. Of course Applejack shouldn't be too angry, Equestria was being threatened by some unknown creatures and honestly she'd rather help Equestria and find out what's going on. She sighed, with the fall harvest coming up and Bic mac out, that left her sister Applebloom and Grannysmith and neither of them were capable of apple bucking.

      Reaching sweet apple acres, she was waved to by Granny who sat in her rocking chair on the porch reading an old book. Applejack smiled warmly finally reaching home, but now came the hard part, explaining to Granny the whole situation, minus the fact that she and Rainbow dash were a thing now. 

      Stepping up to the porch she greeted the elderly mare “mornin Granny, is Apple Bloom here?” Granny looked up from her book.

      “Mornin Applejack, Apple Bloom playing with her friends, with Big Mac injured ah sent a letter to Braeburn an his kin to help with the harvest.-” she marked her chapter and closed the book “- ah figured with Mac out ah get some help for ya.”. Applejack bit her lip, Granny looked at her with worry “is somethin wrong dearie?”

      Applejack sighed “Granny ah won be here for the buckin”. The elderly mare looked confused, Applejack loves to buck apples, yet she won't be here for the fall harvest.

      “Why? Is something wrong, did something happen?!” Applejack sadly nodded and began to explain what happened in Canterlot, she explained everything minus her and Rainbow dash. When she was done, she watched her grandmother's face contort into understanding, nodding as she Accepted her granddaughter's dilemma.

     She was about to speak but Granny Smith raised her hoof and stopped her “sugar plum ever since your parents died, you, Applebloom and Big Mac have been the light of my day. I promised them I would take care of you, but with your bravery, honesty and courage I realized when I made that promise, it wasn't me who made that promise it was your father. When you became one of the elements of Harmony, we knew you’d be looking out for not only Equestria, but your family as well-” she put her hoof on applejacks cheek, her granddaughter tearing up “-your parents would be very proud of you, now go save Equestria ah’ll let yer sister know your here”.

     Applejack sighed, Granny smith supported her one hundred percent, not because she’s a bearer of harmony, but because of her parents, smiling she remembers them well, but at times she couldn't recall certain memories. As she walked up to her room she remembered the last moment she saw them, Applebloom was one at the time and she barely remembers them at all. There were times she asked Granny what happened and when she did Granny would break down in tears, Applejack doesn't blame her, after all she remembers what happened and it's been four years since.

      Reaching her room she exhaled a breath stopping herself from tearing up. It worked, but now not only is the old memory fresh in her mind, she needed to pack for this expedition and she started with the essentials. Applejack wasn't really a picky mare, not like Rarity who would bring a dress to Appleloosa in a hundred degree weather, no she was more down to earth and would ruff it any day of the week. Since they were going to go by boat for the majority of their journey, Applejack was prone to get seasick, she was fine after leaving the port in shallower water, but open water the floodgates open. Going to the bathroom she looked in the cupboard and took out her seasickness pills, putting them in a small duffel bag she began to pack other things: extra scrunchies, her apple field journal if their were any new apples, a quill and ink, survival knife, flint and steel, three gallon water jug, dried apple slices, two pony tent and some erotic reading material. Whenever she was on long trips her special reading material always entertained her, though it was mostly a magazine than an actual book titled ‘play pony’, she got into it after Big mac showed her his stash. After packing a few more items she decided to rest a bit, laying down, she took a quick nap. It was going to be hours before the train arrived, so it wouldn't hurt to freshen up.

       A few hours passed and the sun was high in the sky signifying it was mid day, window knocking woke Applejack up, looking out Rainbow Dash Waved to her. Getting up she went over to her window and opened it, inviting Rainbow dash in.

       “Sorry to wake ya Aj, I wanted to see if you were ready.”. The cyan  mare replied she was quite excited to go on this expedition, mostly because she and applejack would be with her friends and have some ‘alone time’.

      While applejack began to finish packing she listened while Rainbow began to talk about them “you know Aj last night was good and all, but do you think it will work out between us?” applejack looked at her curiously, she knew where she was going, the law in Equestria that prohibits same sex marriage is a bit daunting. 

      “Of course I do sugarcube-”Applejack replied, for a while now both mares had feelings for each other, it just blossomed when they first proposed in the castle. “-all we have to do is keep our relationship a secret, most ponies won't understand and that's all right. What scares me is what Granny Smith and my family will say, especially one certain pony in my family.”. She remembers him all too well, Bloodapple, he is a pony that has been kicked out of the family reunions on multiple occasions and not just for getting drunk off cider. The last time he was here was during the last reunion before Twilight Sparkle arrived, he had to be kicked out for forcibly trying to have his way with Appletart, fortunately Big mac stopped him and the two went at it, big mac eventually won. This last incident permanently excluded him from any more reunions, but that didn't stop him from stepping on Applejack's property the day after, was he there to apologize, no he was there to insult and try to flirt with her. To this day, many apple family ponies have requested to kick Bloodapple out of the family, but it's not that easy, hes been known to have his ways.

       Applejack finished up, went over and kissed Rainbow dash “i assure ya hun it will work, yall have ma honest word.”. She kissed her again, but was caught when Applebloom walked in on them, she stared at the two not sure what to do.

     “Uh Applejack why’s your mouth on Rainbow dash” Applejack ended the kiss while blushing profusely, she was completely embarrassed at that moment, luckily for her rainbow dash knew what was going on and helped her out. 

     “Applejack had a hair stuck in her mouth, she wanted me to get it out” Rainbow dash lied, applejack looked at her not believing rainbow lied to her sister, the cyan mare lipped ‘you owe me’.

     Taking part in the white lie Applejack played along “yea ah has a nasty hair lodged in ma mouth been there for hours, that's why ah asked Rd to help me get it out”. The two mares smiled nervously, but were relieved when Applebloom just shrugged it off.

     “Anyway Granny Smith said yall were going on a trip, mind if i tag along and bring my friends, we could explore and get our cutie marks!” Applejack shook her head, she didn't like it one bit, where they’re going is far too dangerous for any foal to explore at.

     “Absolutely not, where we’re going Applebloom is not for young fillies, this is from the top from the princess Celestia herself!” Applebloom sighed, sad she couldn't go, but if it came from the top then it's far more important than her and her friends cutie marks and hearing it now in her head meant that this mission is far too dangerous even for her. Disappointment leaving her she perked up, maybe she could have applejack bring her something back from where she was going.

     “Well that's okay, can you bring me something back though as a souvenir” she smiled hoping her big sister would say yes.  
          

     Applejack rubbed her sisters hair and bow tie “sure ting sugarcube I'll get yall something. Anyway RD and i need ta get going train will be arriving shortly and we don't want ta miss it-” Applebloom bounced in joy excited to get something from another land, before applejack left however she leaned in  towards her sister “-say hun mind if ya keep this here secret about the ‘hair thing’ from everypony else, including your friends” Applebloom nodded she could keep it a secret if it was that embarrassing, then she’ll help her sister.

      Leaving the farm house they waved back to Granny smith and Applebloom, both of them wishing the two mares well on their journey, once they were out of view Rainbow dash wrapped her wing around Applejack. They were both excited, once they hooked up with their friends they’ll begin their journey, unaware the mares didn't know the dangers they were going to face.
> Lost but not forgotten
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Lost but not forgotten


      A few hours, that's all it took just a few hours, Applejack rested after packing most of her needed essentials, so instead of waiting those few hours she decided to rest and nap those few hours. Little did she know, Granny Smiths words to her about her parents being ‘proud of her’ kept reverberating in her mind, sitting back up she teard up, the day her parents died made her believe it was her fault. Whenever she remembered it, it was clear as day, a day she didn't want to remember, yet she did and she tried to change her thoughts to something else. She tried desperately to remember she has a marefriend Rainbow dash, her longtime friend and competitive partner, but her mind soon went south picturing Rainbow dash in danger and blaming herself for her death. Tears fell to her comforter as she tried to blot out the memory, or desperately change it, but all she could think about was her blame, her failure, her mistake on that one fateful night. Laying back down she finally closed her eyes, hoping to get some semblance of rest, yet her pain returned and it returned in full force.




-4 years ago-



         Rain, dark gray clouds loomed overhead, the rain it held poured over Ponyville, most ponies would be inside keeping dry others such as the pegasi would maintain the weather until further notice. Yet one earth pony, an orange mare sat on her haunches over two graves, she looked down upon them, her tears mixing in with the rain, the Stetson she was given rested on one her fathers tombstones. Looking upon the stones were the names of the deceased ponies “Bright Macintosh and Buttercup” etched below their names representing who they were “loving father, loving mother may you go with Equestrias grace”. The orange mare sobbed, falling upon her fore hoofs she cried, her blonde mane and tail getting dirty from the mud, opening her mouth she tried to speak, but nothing came out.

     “Applejack! Applejack! Where are you!?” Applejack's ears swiveled to the sound of an elderly mare calling, looking back she watched Granny smith, her grandmother now caretaker trotted up to her.

       “Applejack! What in Celestia's name, why are you out here! Come back inside sugarplum or you’ll get sick!” Applejack just sat there laying on her stomach unmoving, all that could be heard was the rain and light sobbing coming from her. The elderly mare sat beside her granddaughter and rubbed her back, she too missed her son and daughter in law, but not enough to get sick over.

         “Applejack please come inside, it's been three days, you need to eat something.”. She’s seen her granddaughter out by their grave stones for three days, either sobbing or just sitting there. Slowly she calmed down, whipping her eyes as she looked up at Granny smith.

    “I just-” she began trying to find the right words “-i should've done something and now they're dead… because of me!” the elderly mare looked at her granddaughter in the face.

     “Now you listen here sugarcube, it is not your fault, nopony knew that attack was going to happen, not even you, so please for the love of Celestias flank, don't blame yourself” she embrace her tearing up herself, the attack scared everypony in their family, she remembered the terror and aftermath, but applejack saw it all.



  -four days earlier-


  -GRUNT-THUNK-

    Powerful hooves struck one of the many appletrees in Sweet apple acres, Bright Macintosh panted catching his breath, he looked around many family members from other apple farms helping with the apple bucking in Ponyville. Yet this harvest proved to be more difficult since there were reported sightings of timberwolves in the Everfree forest and to make it harder the apple trees were being affected by the forest. He didn't know how the trees were affected, some unicorns from Canterlot believed it to be a seasonal occurrence and would pass on its own. Getting relief from that, it helped him understand why the trees were harder to buck, but that didn't calm his worry down with the timberwolf sightings and he was worried. The usual timberwolf pack consisted of three to five, this reported one consisted of thirty, and was recorded to be the largest one ever seen.

   Bright mac shook his head of worry, the last reported sighting of the pack was on the other side of the Everfree towards Canterlot and nowhere near Sweet Apple acres. Grunting he bucked the apple tree a bit harder, sighing as the last buck knocked the crisp fruit into the buckets below, his ears swerved when hoof steps got near him, turning to see who it was, he smiled. 

    “Buttercup” he smiled gleefully to her her, the two kissed 

      “It's time for lunch, Bright mac, everypony's gathering outside the barn. Braeburn made applecakes and Granny smith made daisy sandwiches with homemade hay fries.” Brightmacs stomach rumbled, he was definitely hungry, but first he had to get the others and let them know.

      “That sounds good honey, but I need to get the others first, I don't want them bucking their legs off, these trees being affected by the forest area are tougher than usual.”. she nodded knowing about the trees and timber wolf sightings and both she and her husband were worried due to their three foals, Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Applebloom. Both big mac and Applejack have been helping with the bucking, but Applebloom being two years old, is still too young to buck let alone go outside, but he need not worry since Applebloom sleeps most of the day.

       “I Already told the told the others honey, but i couldn't find applejack, she was supposed to be in the west orchard with you” her concern made itself known and Bright macs concern followed with. Applejack was supposed to be with him in the west orchard, but since it went much smoother than the east orchard, that left the north and south and the north was finished an hour ago. Horror made itself present as Brightmac took off towards the lunch gathering, he needed to know if his suspicions were true, but deep down he hoped they weren't, reaching the gathering he frantically asked his question.

      “Has anypony seen Applejack?!” That question stopped everpony from what they were doing as they began to look around for the young mare, quickly a young teenage Braeburn trotted up to him. 

       “I saw her in the south orchard-” he informed “-she said she wanted to prove herself by getting a tree called ‘old iron root’”

        Brightmacs heart skipped a beat, old iron root is a massive appletree the size of their barn, its name comes from its bark being hard as iron, its roots being of the same strength. Old Oakwood the firewood pony and family friend tried to chop old iron root down, but its namesake was given when Oakwood's ax broke on the first swing, he even had to go to the hospital for fracturing his jaw. Now Applejack’s trying to prove herself by knocking down what ponies call iron apples, not even the best apple bucker can knock one down, it's impossible, let alone dangerous, if she bucks wrong she’ll break her legs. It's not the name that worries him though it's the location it’s in, old iron root is in the southern orchard, which is practically next to the everfree forest and the exact spot where the timberwolf sightings were. Galloping he reached the southern orchard and was relieved to see Applejack safe, but was worried when he saw her buck old iron root. The tree stood taller than any apple tree they had in their orchard, its bark was a darker shade of brown and its branches were all twisted and gnarly to look at. What gave it its name was not just the iron hard bark it had, but the apples too, each apple was hard as iron and had a dark grayish red color to them, its leaves were too dark gray.

      “APPLEJACK!!” Brightmac bellowed, he hoped he could get her running to him or hear him at least, but she couldn't as the hard bucking and distance muffled the sound. Galloping the rest of the way, Applejack soon caught sight of her father.

    “Pa what's goin on?” she was taken back when he embraced her, yet her question still stood, she clearly saw the panic in his eyes.

     “Applejack why in Celestia's name are you tackling old iron root, ya could hurt yerself if ya buck wrong. Now come on we must go, timberwolves have been sighted near here”. He nudged her forward towards the barn, she could feel his urgency and complied and went into a trot, only to limp from iron roots ironbark. 

      “Pa ma legs!” she slowed and sat on her haunches, the pain was unbearable, looking over her, Brightmac became worried she might have fractured her hind legs or worse broken them, though she was walking a bit. Lifting her on his back he began to gallop the rest of the way, but didn't get far when he heard growling behind him, looking back, his ears bent in horror. Standing five meters away stood a pack of timberwolves, the one that was reported to be the largest one and ahead of them was their leader. Stepping forward snarling was a timberwolf larger than the rest made of darkened pine wood and glowing blue eyes instead of green, Brightmac knew its name as many ponies whispered its name: Razorfang. 

      “pa !?” Applejack cried fearfully, regretting ever going after old iron bark, but it was too late, Razorfand and its pack stood meters from them and they all looked hungry. Brightmac had to do something, he could run to the barn, but they’d catch up to him in seconds meters away or not, no he had to distract them and theirs only one thing he could do.

     “Applejack i want you to run, tell everypony where i am and send help, don't look back just keep running, understood!!”. She nodded and hopped off her father with a wince, he turned to face the wolves as she galloped with all her might, fighting the pain in her legs hoping to get help in time.

      Two timber wolves charged both for Brightmac, he turned and gave them a quick double buck, but it wasn't over Razorfang was one of the smartest timberwolves Equestria has seen, by using careful planning and tactics to determine its target weakness. Sure enough the thing was trying to find Brightmac’s weakness, four wolves soon broke off two towards him and the others, horror struck him they’re going after applejack.

       The young mare ran her legs burning, but the barn was in sight a few more meters and she could get help for pa, but to her horror her ears caught the sound of pursuers. Taking a look back fear enveloped her, two timberwolves were hot on her hooves and gaining, she galloped harder hoping to lose them, yet she heard them getting closer and closer. A scream behind her made her blood run cold, but it also alerted her family at the barn and fortune smiled on her when they saw she was being chased by two timberwolves. Both Big Mac and Breaburn along with a few other stallions helped fight off her two pursuers, buttercup rushed up to her worried about the wolves.

         “Applejack where’s Brightmac, where’s your father!?” Applejack didn't get to answer when another scream bellowed from the south, Stallions and mares rushed towards the screaming hoping they weren't too late.

       Arriving at the scenes the ponies were met with piles of sticks and logs of timberwolves, rushing towards the nearby snarling they hoped to find Brightmac safe, but when they arrived, they wished they arrived sooner. Razorfang stood over Brightmac, its fangs digging into his neck, as the stallion struggled to break free, Mares and stallions joined in and desperately tried to free Brightmac and fight off Razorfang. Yet the monster proved to be too strong, that is until Applejack sneaking around the beast gave a buck hard enough it blew out one of Razorfang’s hind legs. It let go of her father as it screamed in pain, turning it was going to finish Applejack, but Big mac, Braeburn, Caramel and others stood by and drove the beast back into the forest.

     Applejack panted she just stood up to the most feared timberwolf in Equestria, and lived she jumped a bit when she felt a hoof pat her back and looked to see Big mac, concern plastered on his face, she quickly embraced him.

     “BRIGHTMAC!!!” Buttercup kneeled down to her husband who desperately tried to cling to life, applejack rushed over and saw the damage. His throat was torn open and blood was gushing out, he desperately tried to speak but his vocal cords were severed, all he could do was mouth the words ‘I love you’ and hooved his hat over to Applejack before he bled out.

       “NO NO, BRIGHTMAC STAY WITH ME, PLEASE DON'T GO!!!” She couldn't do anything, buttercup buried her head in her lover's body and sobbed. Big Mac turned away trying desperately to hold back his tears, but couldn't and was consoled by his cousin braeburn. Applejack just looked down at her deceased father, then at old ironbark, deep down she believed it was her fault, her fault her father was killed, her fault the timberwolves attacked. Looking down at the Stetson she was given, tears welled in her eyes she didn't deserve his hat, turning she went into a full gallop back to the farmhouse and sobbed in her room.

         The next day the family was greeted by princess Celestia, she heard of the attack and came by to give her condolences and help in the burial of Brightmac. Upon her leave she sent a small platoon of guard in to search for Razorfang, only to return empty hoofed informing the pack fled before they arrived. It didn't help in the matter though, Brightmac was still gone and no amount of bounty or justice can help ease everponies pain of loss.   

        Buttercup sat in front of Brightmac’s grave, she just sat unmoving her expression hollow and unemotional, just staring at the grave her husband was put in not long ago. Granny Smith looked at her daughter and law through the window, she remembered Buttercup sending letters to her father, about his grand foals, now she might have to send a letter to him, she needs him now more than ever. Granny watched her daughter and law lay on the ground. She was worried for her, but wanted to give her time to process what happened. Going upstairs she was about to enter her room, but was almost brought to tears when she heard young Applebloom crying out, the young filly was going to grow up not knowing her father. She’ll have to speak with Buttercup about being part of young Applebloom’s life, but right now she needs to write a letter to their grandfather, she just hopes he’ll respond.

        The next morning around five Applejack awoke, hoping to start the day bucking apples and distract herself from her fathers loss, even though it still stabbed her in the heart. The pain of just thinking about it brought out some nasty voices in her head: ‘it's your fault’ ‘you killed him’ and ‘he’s dead because of you’ are some of the voices she hears. What unnerved her the most was, she believed it, if she didn't try to tackle old ironbark her father would still be alive and they'd be happy. Her thoughts soon turn to her sister Applebloom who has been crying for her mother since yesterday, a feeling of dread filled applejack up realizing her mother hasn't come in since yesterday. Rushing out the room she checked on her parents room and her suspicions were true, the bed was empty and unmade.

      Rushing outside, the sun was dawning. Applejack galloped over to her mother, who looked like she was asleep, she shook her “ma ma wake up its mornin” no answer “ma this ain't funny ya need to get up” again no reply. She leaned her head down to her mothers side and reeled back fresh tears poured from her eyes as she frantically paced “mama”.

     Big Macintosh woke to hear his sister Applejack crying, in a frantic rush he galloped out to see Applejack over their mother, not knowing what's going on he consoled her. He soon heard why when his sister explained through sobs, all he could do was embrace her and be strong for her, yet he couldn't help but let his tears flow out.

      Another grave, everypony in the Applefamily stood around the graves of both Bright Macintosh and Buttercup. Rain poured down upon them, a rain that wasn't scheduled from Cloudsdale meant it came from the everfree and nopony knew why, but nopony cared for it covered the many tears the ponies were shedding. One by one flowers were laid upon the grave mounds while ponies said their goodbyes. Applejack was the last pony, her family was both in the barn and house, waiting for her, yet she told them to start the celebration of life without her.

      Kneeling down tears formed as she began to speak “I'm sorry, I'm sorry for putting you to harm, i just wanted to be strong for you, to show i was a strong mare. I love you, I always will.” laying down she began to rest by their graves hoping to feel their love and energy course through her, but all got was a broken heart.

       Later that night everypony rested hoping the new day would bring healing instead of pain, but Applejack couldn't rest, the pain in her heart ached and became too strong for her to bear. It was when she had enough, getting up, she walked over and entered her house, she didn't know what she was doing, she wanted to end the pain, see her parents again, feel their love and warmth. She stood in the kitchen contemplating whether she could do it, she wanted to, she wanted to end the pain, she wanted to feel again and she went for it. Pulling a knife out of its rack, she placed it on the edge of the counter where it was firmly held by a cutting board she placed on top, tears streamed down as she lined the tip with her throat. Small clings of her tears hitting the blade was the only sound she heard, it was the moment of truth, she hoped to end the pain, not realizing she’d be causing more of it.

        A green light suddenly stopped her, she watched as two figures stood above the graves of her parents, walking out she got a better look and was shocked to see two alicorns. One was a mare who had a green coat, light green main curved horn and cutie mark resembling a large tree over a globe, next to her was a stallion. He has a dark brown coat, light brown main, two curved horns and a cutie mark resembling the skull of a deer. All applejack could do was gawk at them, the only alicon she knew of was princess Celestia, she’s never seen these two before, the mare suddenly noticed her, tears fell from her eyes after she saw her.

       “I’m sorry young one, I'm sorry they did this to you” the mare replied in a calm and soothing voice. 

        Applejack looked up with tears in her eyes from the apology “who are you?”

         Surprisingly the mare bowed in greeting “my name is Gaia everfree, or simply Gaia. behind me is my mate Cernunos the horned father, or father of everfree”.

       Applejack couldn't believe it, she was talking to the rulers of the everfree forest, the same rulers Celestia dubbed as killers, murderers even. Yet here they are apologizing to her for her parents death. “Why?”

      Gaia looked at her raising her brow “come again?”

        Applejack sobbed “why did ya kill my ma and pa” she sobbed harder, yet began to feel comfort as the alicorn wrapped a wing over her.

        “Ssshhh-” she cooed “-it was never my intention-” she looked back “-Cernunnos”.

          The stallion stepped forward and began to apologize to the young mare himself “I'm sorry young one, we’ve been trying to deal with Razorfang ourselves, but he's always eluded us. This was an unprovoked attack by him, he only wants bloodshed, why we don't know, but he’ll be stopped.”

            “I just wish i could see them again-” Applejack sobbed harder “-just to say a final goodbye”. Gaia looked to mate and nodded, he nodded in return getting the massage and stood behind the graves and waited for his mate. Walking over behind the graves herself, Gaia motioned for Applejack to step forward. Doing so the distraught young mare stepped towards her parents' graves and stopped, she fell on her haunches weeping. She doesn't know why they wanted her to be in front of them, all she wants to do is see them again and hear their voice, one last time.

     Spreading their wings, both alicorns illuminated the graves in front of them, the light soon took shape and standing over them were the spirits of Bright Macintosh and Buttercup. Applejack staggered back, taken aback at what she just witnessed, her hooves stumbled shocked at what she saw in front of her.

       “The spell lasts for five minuets-” Gaia informed “-make it quick” and with a sudden flash of light they were gone.

         “Applejack” Both spirits echoed in both grief and regret, grief for Buttercup for not being there for her family and regret for Bright Mac for not protecting his family from tragedy. Applejack rushed over to them, not caring if they were spirits or not and nuzzled them, tears streamed down as they nuzzled her back and both embraced her.

         “We’re sorry applejack-” Buttercup echoed “-I'm sorry, I'm sorry for not being there for you, Big Mac, Granny and Applebloom, but most of all I'm sorry for doing this to you. I mournfully regret doing what I did, but it was too late until I saw what I did. My grief killed me, don't let it kill you too!” Applejack's tears streamed down harder hearing their voices of regret, sorrow and apology.

          “I’m sorry too-” Bright Mac began “-I should’ve been behind you, or led them away, but I didn't, I mournfully regret hurting you, my mother, Big Mac and Applebloom, I should’ve protected you from tragedy, from what was to come, don't let the same tragedy repeat itself!” a small bout of guilt washed over Applejack, she remembered the knife she positioned in the kitchen, they knew what she was trying to do and didn't want her to do it.

         “Please Applejack don't make the same mistake I made, you still have your brother, granny smith and Applebloom, she needs you the most. Don't let her grow up without a sister.”  Buttercup pleaded a bright light began to form around them “it’s time for us to go Applejack-” Bright Mac stated, as they both let their daughter go, her tears matting her facial fur “-remember we always love you.” Buttercup stated, after a while the green light engulfed them blinding Applejack and upon opening her eyes her parents were gone. Laying down she began to think on what they just said, her thoughts were interrupted when it began to rain, yet it didn't stop her from thinking.



-Present day 4 years ago-


     Walking up the steps Applejack opened the door to the kitchen of her home, soaking wet and cold she looked over to granny who had just put breakfast out for everypony.

      “Applejack” she looked to see Breaburn coming down with Big Mac, his voice attracting Granny Smith to the soaked mare.

   “Applejack, dear are you okay sugarcube?” she looked over towards one of the stallions “Caramel go get some blankets” he took off and returned with some comforters, taking them Granny threw some over applejack and helped her to the couch. Other members of the family watched the young mare walking in with a blank pale look on her face, the realization to her that she accepted the loss of her parents, yet at the same time still grieved for them.

    “Applejack, why were you out so late, why was there a kni-” she stopped when she heard light sobbing come from her granddaughter “-oh applejack-” embracing her “-I'm not mad, i miss them too.” she began to piece together why the knife was out and held in place. She didn't like it, but realized Applejack stopped herself to this she was grateful for.

     “Applejack-” Big Mac spoke, getting his sister's attention “-this is for you” he finished hoofing over her fathers Stetson with his teeth and putting it on her head.

       “Pa would’ve wanted ya ta have it”. He said making Applejack tear up again. She would hold it close to her, whenever she could in her younger days she would always try to wear his hat, now he gave it to her, of course she would need to preserve it and find a replacement.

         Hours later, Applejack sat thinking about what her mother said ‘don't let Applebloom grow up without a sister’ realizing what she meant, her ears caught her younger sister crying out. Going up to her, Big Mac was bottling her, usually a mare would take care of a foal, but Big Mac was feeding her, to this it surprised her. He looked up to her and began to explain.

         “Ma taught me after she taught you, she wanted to make sure Applebloom was well taken care of if she or pa weren't here and added that Granny will take care of her if we aren't here”. Applejack walked in the room and rested a hoof on her brother's shoulder, she looked down at her younger sister, mentally promising to protect her from harm. Whatever the cost.

         Applejack slept soundly, it's been three days since her parents passed and she’s slowly been accepting their passing, but the occasional bouts of crying and grief came barging in from time to time. She slowly opened her eyes, it was the dead of summer and the heat was unbearable, but something felt off as if a magical occurrence had happened. She almost jumped out of bed when Braeburn burst through her door.

        “Applejack ya gotta see this!!!” he ran back down the stairs, Applejack following close behind him, she didn't even have time to put her scrunchies on, but what she would see next would pale in comparison. The whole family stood around the two graves talking amongst themselves as if in shock, pushing her way through she then saw it. Planted in between the graves was a red fire rose, nopony has ever seen one since the roses were myths. Applejack then recalled the myth: It was said two ponies fell in love, the stallion gave his mare a red rose, but a jealous stallion started a house fire hoping to kill his rival, but instead it was the mare. The stallion tried to help his mare, but was caught in the fire himself. The house was completely destroyed, but the only thing that survived was a red rose made of fire. It is said that if two creatures with a deep love for each other perish a red fire rose will grow in the center signifying their true love for eachother.

         Tearing up from the legend, Applejack caught sight of the two alicorns she met days earlier on the edge of the forest, giving them a smile and a nod, they smiled back and disappeared into the everfree. Eyeing the rose she may have accepted their passing, but the graves constantly reminded her she was to blame, that she blamed herself for their deaths, and every day since.




-present-



Applejack awoke her feelings of emotion nearly bringing her to tears after dreaming about her parents, she still hasn't forgiven herself or their deaths and probably never will, knowing that it was her actions that caused it. Still she did accept their passing, but did not want Applebloom to know, it was one of the reasons she hasn't forgiven herself. However Big Mac seemed to differ, Applejack was a stubborn mare and he knew that and the only way she could forgive herself is if she corrected it by having something equally as bad happen. Of course she saw that as nonsense, but when push came to shove she sought a more spiritual guidance and sought not only Zecora, but she also attended one of the sermons at the solar towers (church of the sun). To her surprise Zecora agreed with Big Macs view, the only way to get rid of the negative energy and forgive oneself is to correct a similar incident just as bad as the first. Another way from one of the sermons was to do one of many things most of which involved a donation to the tower. One however caught her eye fulfilling an oath one made, Applejack did promise herself she would take care of Applebloom, her options were laid out.

    Getting out of bed, she stretched, she didn't feel so bad now knowing she has many options to forgive herself, or try to anyway, but all of those would have to wait as she needed to get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
> Preparations PT2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: preparation pt2


    Twilight sparkle rushed to and fro packing much needed supplies for the trip, her supplies consisted of mostly blank stacks of paper, inkwells, several journals, stacks of quills, flora and fauna textbooks, magical studies textbooks and more. She was to say the least eager and excited to research a new land, though mostly to get the chance to increase Equestrias knowledge of magic and hopefully make new friends, if there are going to be any. All while she was doing this, Spike sat on Twilight's bed, his arms around his knees as he thought long and hard about the events that transpired in the short amount of time. A slight tear fell from his cheek, a fear welled up inside of him, a fear of loss, of what might happen, he closed his eyes hoping to block out the fear either that or stop himself from crying.

     He snapped out of it when twilight called to him “spike can you help find my-” she saw tears in his eyes “-spike what's wrong, are you okay?” her lost item was soon replaced with worry, she’s never seen him this emotional, or shaken up before.

     In a quiet droll voice he spoke in a barely audible tone “I don't want you to go.” 

     Twilight cleaned her ears with her hoof, she didn't catch him on what he said “w-what was that, i couldn't quite hear you”. She leaned a little closer, not noticing the frustration and sadness in his clenched teeth.

      “I said I don't want you to go!” tears flowed freely down all of it in a mix of anger, fear and frustration. Ever Since he was told he couldn't go, his frustration mounted, he was always treated like he didn't matter and Twilight didn't even know it, well now she will.

       “Spike you heard princess Luna, you can't go because-” she was interrupted by him blowing up on her.

        “Because why Twilight, because I'm a baby dragon, because I'm treated like a seventh wheel to your friends! Which is it? I saved your lives in the lab and it's like you don't care, you're chosen by Celestia, by this prophecy of harmony and yet she lets her sister deal with it! I just, I don't want to be some sidekick and seeing you in the dark creature's grip, I don't want to lose you too.” he sighed sitting on a chair after going off on a small rant, it wasn't like him, but he was tired of it. Twilight sparkle stood in bewilderment, his words echoing in her mind and burrowing into it, her and her friends were chosen and they had to like it. Yet Celestia put her on this path and didn't tell her anything about it, it's like she was a tool for Celestia's gain, even when Luna came back she barely cared. Closing her eyes she sighed, she never saw this side of Spike and she was glad he spoke his mind, he was in pain and she didn't do anything, well she will now.

       Going over she embraced him “I'm sorry-” she began “-I'm sorry, you feel this way, i didn't know, I'll- I'll send a letter to Luna maybe i can convince her to reconsider and let you come with us.”. Ending the embrace, Twilight went to her desk and began to write the letter, once she was finished she sent it via magic instead of spikes breath, since his fire would go to Celestia.

      “Thank you Twilight, this means a lot and if Luna says I still can't go, then I'll be fine with her decision”. Twilight was impressed with Spikes ever growing maturity, yet something still itched in the back of her mind. If Celestia loved her sister then why didn't she care when she came back, as for the elements, why does she store them in her personal vault. She shook her head in thought ‘this doesn't make sense, Celestia's my teacher, yet she's been hiding things from me. Doesn't she trust me?’. She thought long and hard and decided to ask Celestia when she came back.

       Luna walked down the halls of Canterlot, at this time she usually rested, but with her sister still recovering she had to pull double duty and right now she needed the energy. Going into the castle's kitchen, she got what she was after ‘coffee’, downing it in seconds, she continued with her midday duties. Trekking near the hospital wing, she decided to check on her sister, but was caught off guard when she heard another voice in the room and it wasn't Radon's.

    “Your highness one of our unicorns intercepted a letter directed to Luna, it seems to be a request from Twilight sparkle regarding spike. What would you want me to do with it?”. Luna heard his request and waited for her sister to respond and it didn't take too long for her to reply.

      “Pu-put it on my desk, I'll be released tonight and I'll read it then. You're dismissed commander” Luna heard her dismiss her commander, this made her curious, true they had their own personal guard, but not their personal army, something not right does shining armor know? She winced in worry when hoof steps echoed towards her, quickly she casted a cloak spell hiding herself from the commander, when she saw him leave, she couldn't believe who it was.

    “Commander Sabre Shield” she mumbled to herself, she looked upon the earth ponies brown coat and white main, she caught a glimpse of his cutie mark to make sure it was him and sure enough it was. His cutie mark resembled a saber sword striking a shield, but what got her attention the most wasn't his cutie mark, but his armor. It wasn't gold plated steel like standard guard armor, his armor was plate and chain with orange, red and yellow cloth strips  hanging off his armor, his helmet being open faced was too made of plate and chain and had a orange plume atop his helmet, his hoof plates too were made of plate and chain. As he walked past she caught sight of the insignia on his armor bathed in orange were two fanned out wings crossing each other, in the center stood a horn with what appears to be a red sun over an orange horizon. Luna's blood froze at the emblem's sight, ‘it can't be!’ she thought, curious more than ever she followed the commander, she had to get that letter, she’ll most likely retrieve it in Celestia's room.

      Luna followed the commander to Celestia's room in the solar section of the castle; it took her about an hour of stealth to reach her sister's room on the third floor, a major difference from the hospital wing on the ground floor. Luna has never really seen the solar wing, since she's been up in the midday to night, while her sister is up in the morning till midday. It saved them some much needed rest in the early hours in the day. Luna looked around the solar quarter while keeping an eye on the commander, silk flags waved gently from a nearby breeze with the same symbol tailored on them, while wall sconces were lit in areas that needed light. A thought etched in her mind for a plan, in case she needed a distraction. Waiting for a guard to pass on patrol she snuck her way to a corner and watched the commander speak to one of his subordinates. She couldn't tell what he was saying, but she didn't need to as he began to walk in the room only to walk out seconds later with a salute.

    Now was her chance, she had to distract the guard, seeing he has the same armor as the commander, minus the red plume adoring his helmet, she decided to be a bit subtle. Making it look like the wind caused it, she shallow nudged one of the banners towards a wall sconce, in seconds the cloth lit up, quickly she snuck away near the door waiting for the guard to move. Fortune favored her when he rushed over after smelling smoke and calling one of his friends over, this was enough for Luna to go in and retrieve the letter. Entering her sister's room, she silently closed the door behind her, since it was still day out she didn't need a light to see what her sisters room looked like. In the middle of the room stood a queen sized bed. Its sheets were made of the finest silks in Equestria and colored a white gold, with a gold trim. Across from her bed stood her dresser made of fine mahogany and a mirror made of crystal, on it were small jars of makeup, picking one up, Luna almost had a heart attack after reading who it was made by. ‘D’or Brume ’ Canterlot beauty expert from Prance, his best seller in Luna's magic ‘L’alicorne doree’ costs five thousand bits a jar. Shaking her head for almost being light headed, she put the jar down and continued to look around, everything she's seen so far were expensive items of material gain, ‘what has Celestia been doing this last millennia’ she thought. 

    She smiled as she caught sight of Celestia’s desk and sure enough the letter to her was laying on it, going to it, she opened the scroll and began to read and what she found surprised her. 

     ‘Dear princess Luna

          I write to you on behalf of Spike and his part on our venture to the new land and requests to take part in our expedition, since it has come to my attention he feels alienated as if he’s the seventh wheel to my friends. I would greatly appreciate it if Spike came along with us. His heroism to us is important and he’s strongly worried for us. Please, I implore you to reconsider and let Spike come with us.

      Sincerely yours Twilight sparkle

    P.S: Is it true Celestia chose us, or was she just following a prophecy for her own gain? I only write this for the concern of my friends, I don't want to think we're just chosen for the sake of being chosen.’

      Putting the letter down, Luna sat on her haunches thinking on the very thought of whether or not Spike should go with them, but something in the back of her mind told her to do it and do it she will. Using her sister's quill and ink she took a sheet of paper and began writing her response. After a while she was done, she was going to send it, but stopped, if her sister found out about it she would have a fit, but if she allowed her sister to send a response first, she could swoop in unnoticed. Holding onto it for now, she stood up and was about to leave when a file on the desk caught her eye, having the same symbol on it, she opened the file and what she read shocked her. It was the thing she feared the most and what she hoped Celestia abandoned and the many reasons why Nightmare moon was formed, project: Flare. Just seeing that name made Luna's blood run cold, in the past millennia project Flare was just talk by Celestia as an empty threat, but seeing its plans now, seeing its formation worried her. Just remembering the name brought old thoughts back and one of the thoughts was about a young colt she was with all those years ago. She couldn't dwell on it though, she may have had feelings for him, but that was a millennia ago, now she has feelings for somepony else, or somedragon.

        Not wasting any time, she took several sheets of paper and used a magic copying spell on the file and its contents, along with several other files that looked important, the ones she couldn't get were magically sealed. Satisfied she went to the door, cracking it open a bit, she cursed her luck upon finding the guard back at his post, thinking she could just knock the poor bastard out, but this was a stealth mission. Instead she went for the balcony door, opening it and silently closing it behind her, she spread her wings and took flight.

         
         Applejack trotted alongside Rainbow dash and it has been awhile since they left the farm, the two were happily chatting away, that is until Applebloom showed up. Aj loved her sister don't get her wrong, but when she heard that her big sister was going on a trip, she pleaded with her to let her come.

         “Absolutely not” Applejack replied in a stern voice, she already went over this with her sister back at the house and a new world like this is no place for a filly. 

       “Ah come on applejack, please” Applebloom pleaded, this time using her puppy dog eyes in hopes to get Applejack to let her come, but she reeled back when Applejack sharply bellowed.

      “Celestia bucking Damnit, Ah said no!!” she was quite fuming at this point, but what disgusted her was she just bellowed at her sister, but who could blame her she was trying to protect her sister, but when she cooled off she saw the hurt in her eyes. Realizing what she did, she was going to apologize, but Applebloom took off crying before her sister spoke a word and she wasn't the only one who was upset.

    Rainbow dash gave a firm glare to her marefriend, how could she just yell at her sister like that, it's true she may be too young to go to this new world, but applejack didn't need to swear to her. If that was Scootaloo she would have explained it to her, she does have sympathy for her, seeing as she might be an orphan, or just wishing for a big sister. What she doesn't understand is why Applejack is so strung up and so overprotective of her sister, she recollected an incident when she was younger, Granny Smith shared a portion of the tail, stating it was the worst attack in centuries. To yell at one's sister over something like that just goes to show Applejack's scars and she doesn't like showing her scars, what's worse, she doesn't like showing her tears.

      “Applebloom wait!” applejack turned, she hoped to talk to her sister and explain why, something she should have, but it was too late, Applebloom was long gone.

      “I hope you're happy!” Rainbow scolded, she could clearly see the shame in Applejack as she lowered her head and shook it after words, giving her answer to the pegasus.

      “I’m sorry, I- I didn't know what came over me, I just wanted to protect her” Applejack tried to find an adequate excuse, but everypony knew she was a bad liar, but knowing Applejacks protective instincts, it wasn't much of a lie, it was more fear.

      “Protect her!? Aj you can't protect her all her life, what are you going to do if she wants to move or join the army? Follow her. I understand with this mission the princess gave us, but swearing at her wasn't called for.” Rainbow dash let Applejack hear it, she knew Rainbow was right, she couldn't protect her all her life and knew deep down she needed to fix what she did.

     “APPLEJACK!” Both mares looked behind them to see Big Mac stomping over to them, Aj’s ears fell flat to her head to the point they nearly melted in, he was furious and by the look of it may have a few choice words with her. Rainbow Dash, seeing this, didn't want to be a part of this and stepped aside, knowing Big Mac, he’s a no shit taking stallion and she didn't want to be in his line of fire, all she could do was watch and it didn't look pretty.

      “Mind bucking explaining to me why Applebloom was crying and what she said you swore at her! WELL!!” Applejack hung her head in total shame, with her brother here he’s going to let her have it.

      “Luna gave us this mission regarding the creature that was found-” she explained what happened in Canterlot that day all under the fuming guise of her brother, fortunately he listened. When she finished her story regarding a dream she had of her parents and protecting Applebloom he sighed, he took a breath thinking on what he was going to say, but Applejack knew what he was going to say. 

     “Applejack y'all need ta stop balmin yerself, ah did tell ya it’ll get ya into trouble an look what happened. Now seeing granny didn't tell me, she just said ya’ll goin away for awhile, so when ya get back yer goin ta need to apologize ta Applebloom. I'll tell her why she couldn't go, like you should have, but once ya come back yer goin to tell her what happened.” Applejack tried to protest, so she wouldn't tell Applebloom, but Big Mac just stared daggers and once he did that it was final. Believing he got through to her, Big Mac began to walk away. He loved his sister truly, but she can be stubborn as a mule in heat with a cold sore, yet he couldn't blame her nopony knew what would happen that day.

      Applejack lowered her head in shame, her sister’s upset with her and now her family’s mad at her, ‘maybe big mac is right-’ she thought ‘- maybe i need to see it in another way and come to terms with it’. She felt Rainbow dash’s wing fall over her back, looking up she saw pity and remorse on the cyan mare's face. Dash may have been upset, but if they are to work out they need to be open with one another. Mentally nodding she decided to tell Rainbow dash later on the train, looking up to her she kissed her.

     “I’ll tell ya all on the train Rd, you have a right ta know, but right now let's go see our friends”. Walking together the two headed for Golden Oaks library where Twilight wanted them to meet later and seeing how the train would arrive later in the day meant they had roughly five hours to hang out.

    Twilight for the most part spent time with Spike, sure she needed to pack the rest of her things for the research expedition, but after finding out Spike is in need of support , she had to help him. Right now she  sat with him as they both drank some tea, he was still a bit down, but he was better for the most part, twilight was about to take another sip when knocking was heard at the door. Spike was about to get off his seat and get it, but Twilight stopped him, got off her chair and went to answer it, opening her door, she was greeted by her friends.

     “Hey girls!” she smiled as she hugged them.

    “Sup twilight”. Rainbow greeted with a hoof bump, which twilight accepted.

    “Afternoon Twi” applejack tilted her hat in greetings.

     “Hi Twilight” Fluttershy shakingly greeted, of course she isn't shy around her friends for the most part, she was downright terrified of this trip, evident to her nervous shakes.

     Pinkie pie rushed over and hugged twilight while speaking a mile a minute “Are-you-excited-Twilight-of-course-you’re-excited-we’re-going-to-another-nation-we’re-going-to-have-parties-play-games(gasp)-maybe-even-make-new-friends-oh-im-so-excited-i-could-just-scream(scream)!!” Twilight chuckled at Pinkie's antics, sure she was one of her best friends, but her excitement can make ponies question if she drinks coffee twenty four seven, or is just insane.

       Rarity levitated pinkie off Twilight so she could breathe “pinkie darling. It's only for three days, we’re not going to be there to party or anything. Speaking of Twilight, are you packed for your trip? I've brought all the essentials”. Looking outside, Twilight gawked at the wagon full of Rarity’s things, it's only a trip for three days, not three years.

    Twilight sighed “no i got distracted-” she said waving to her friends to come on in her home “-i was about to go out to lunch with Spike actually” she informed wanting to show Spike what he means to her. 

     “Really darling!-” this surprised Rarity. She's never seen Twilight act like this, she's usually more persistent with her studies. “-what's wrong did something happen, Spike okay?!” Her cause for concern made the others worry as well, soon after she told them what Spike said and were shocked.

     “He really doesn't think that-” Rarity began “-does he!” she looked at her who all had a guilty look on their faces, some were even in deep thought.

       “Well-” Rainbow began “-he has been treated like a third wheel, even under Celestia's rule non ponies were treated harshly. Remember when I referenced the diamond dog skirmishes, that single event made ponies question Celestia's rule.”

         “Ya’ll still need ta tell me what happened, Rd” Applejack replied she still doesn't know what happened, but rainbow did say one of her cousins was involved with this event.

         “Trust me applejack-” Twilight began “-you don't want to know” Twilight recalled what happened and just thinking about it made her sick to her stomach, but rainbow dash was right, there have been some tensions with non ponies under Celestia's rule.

        “Tell me about it-” Pinkie replied, sticking her head out of a drawer “- i saw some ponies wearing some armor with orange and red coloring demanding to relinquish any thestrals.”.

         “Theswhat” Rainbow raised a brow, she's never heard of a thestral before.

         “Thestral-” twilight started and began to explain “-they're bat ponies, many of them are believed to be cursed with Nightmare moon's influence, or were cursed pegasi”.

        “Thestrals! I thought they were a myth to scare foals to behave” Rarity replied, remembering what her mother and father told her if she wasn't a good filly, albeit a bit worried now since she told Sweetie Belle the same lie.

       Everypony thought about what Twilight said about Spike, sure Celestia was a good princess in the past, but is she now? The whole thought brought no conclusion to their predicament, it didn't make any sense, they all supported Celestia, for tartarus sake Twilight was her student, yet when she thought about it, was she just being used as a weapon. All of this didn't make sense, Spike was a brave dragon, he stood up and protected his friends, yet he’s still treated differently under Celestia's rule, when she gets back she’s going to get to the bottom of this and help spike.

      Ponies trotted to and fro, happily speaking to their friends, or spending time with loved ones, Twilight sparkle was one of those ponies, with enough time to waste until the train arrived, she and her friends all agreed to take Spike out for lunch. What they all agreed on was the hayburger, a recently built restaurant new to Ponyville and it was becoming a very popular spot, though not as popular as sugarcube corner. Entering the restaurant, they were met with a waitress who greeted them kindly and led them to a large round booth, after being seated they began to converse.

    “So spike-” Rarity began “- we noticed you stay behind with the princess, please you must tell us and don't leave any detail out” everypony looked at spike, blushing nervously he wasn't sure he could tell them, unless they pinkie promised.

     “Okay-” Spike exhaled getting ready to tell them, the mares knew he was nervous and waited patiently, well all except Rarity of course, he was nervous to tell her since he had a crush on her. Now he thought about Luna and how she showed affection towards him, something Rarity didn't do and now he’s about to tell his crush, he hopes she takes it okay. “-princess Luna(exhale) she made me her consort”. One by one the mares looked at him with mixed reactions, astonishment, shock, disbelief and for Rarity jealousy.

       “W-g-b- WHAT!” Rarity couldn't find the words, she just couldn't, Spike, a dragon who had a crush on her from day one was going to become Luna's consort, who does she think she is?

       “Please you have to keep this a secret-” Spike pleaded, ever since he first laid eyes on Luna at the gala, he felt as if he saw Rarity again, but in the moonlight, just thinking about her made his heart flutter, does he actually love her? “-if Celestia found out about this, she would be furious”.

      The mares just looked at eachother, still not believing what they heard, but one by one they agreed to keep his forming relationship with Luna a secret, but now they want to hear more and if he truly loves her.

       “Spike-” twilight spoke in a serious tone “- i may be difficult with your relationship with princess luna, but we got to know more, why did she make you her consort?” This question sparked interest in the group, even a jealous Rarity was curious.

       “I don't know-” he replied, “-she was going to say why, but she was interrupted by a guard. I think! I think she was going to say she loves me, but in all this she also named me a baron consort”.

       “A baron-” pinkie pie giggled “- oh spike you can't be a baron, you're not dirt” twilight just rolled her eyes, ‘typical pinkie’ she thought and began to explain.

      “Pinkie a baron is a title of nobility given by either king, queen or princess and usually given to those who were either in the military or did an honorable deed-” she looked over to spike “-I'm quite proud of you spike, but you still didn't answer why she made you a baron consort, that title is rarely given”. Her friends too wanted to know, ever since he saved them they realized his potential for being a seventh member of their group, but to hear he’s to be nobility made them even more proud of him.

       Spike from there on began to explain why Luna made him a baron “she wants me to look into the strange things happening in Equestria, she also wants me to look in on the corrupt nobility and figure out who's leading them”. This made much more sense, but also showed how dire the situation is and how dangerous it could be.

       “Spike, what Luna’s putting you through is dangerous, i'd go against it, but if i went to Celestia it could have serious repercussions, all i can say is be careful, the nobility won't take kindly to snooping”.

        “Don't worry Twilight i’ll be careful”. All the mare could do was nod, yet she still felt uncertain and it worried her. Sure Spike is a brave dragon, but the nobility are dangerous, but if anypony can figure out what's going on, it's Luna.

       After eating and paying for their lunch, the mares and dragon made their way to the train station where they were to meet their escorts and transportation to Sun Falls. On the way they enjoyed the stroll and sights of Ponyville, deep down twilight felt this will be the last time she sees Ponyville and a slow walk through town made sure she’ll remember every bit of it. Their light stroll was soon interrupted when Spike flame burped a letter, letting fall in his hand, he read it allowed for his friends to hear.

          “Dear Twilight

                   I received your letter, but I'm sorry to fulfill your request. You, along with your friends, have been tasked with this mission. I have noted Spike's bravery and he’ll be rewarded for it, but he is no bearer of harmony, I'm sorry, I will make sure he is well taken care of.

          Princess Luna  

        P.S: you have been chosen by the elements, i didn't choose you”.

        Lowering the letter Spike just stood their tears streaming down his eyes, the mares just stood there furious for what the letter said and appalled by the princesses response. Yet something was off, taking the letter Twilight looked over at the writing and sure enough it was Celestias. Twilight hasn't had the chance to view Luna's letters, but Celestias, she knew her writing and this was Celestia pretending to be her sister, when she gets back she’s going to have a little chat with her teacher.

       “Princess Luna has some nerve” Rainbow dash spat, she was livid and wanted to tear the princess a new one, stating he was no bear of harmony didn't matter to her, Spike showed bravery with or without an element.

         “She has no care” Applejack agreed, though that letter sounded fishy, being the element of honesty she could spot out a lie and that letter is a written lie. ‘What is the princess hiding?’ she thought.

         “Don't worry spike, I'm here for you-” Rarity cooed rubbing spikes head “-you don't need some careless princess, now do you my little spikey wikey” that name drove the dragon up a wall and over it, it sounded as if Rarity was jealous of Luna.

          “Keep it behind your tail Rarity!” Rainbow spat, she could tell Rarity was buttering up spike, so she could keep him all for herself, she knew she dated stallions who only wanted her or had other mares chase after them. Rarity had some nerve to do it to Spike.

          Rarity glared at the cyan mare and stormed over, everypony knew Rarity and Rainbow had a thing for open arguments, and this one might take it to the next level. “Why do you care for Spike, miss loyalty, he's done nothing for you!” Rarity tried to defend her actions towards Spike, she doesn't want to lose him to a nightmare that is Luna.

           “He saved us, he saved Applejack and what were you doing hiding behind Twilight, huh,  enjoying the view!” shocked gasps came from her friends Rainbow didn't just go there.

          “Excuse me!!?” Twilight stormed up to her, spitting mad Rainbow insisted that Rarity was enjoying the view of her marehood “Rarity wasn't enjoying any view under my tail, while she was hiding I was being choked to death by whatever that thing was!!!” Twilight practical screamed out her rant, loud enough a crowd of ponies formed. Twilight wasn't proud of what she did, she just yelled at one of her friends and worst of all added fuel to the fire, to which it was heating and Twilight backed off.

        “You want to go their Rainbow, okay I'm game, do you want to know who's view you enjoy-” what Rarity would say next would light the powder keg “-Fluttershy!”. Rainbow dash was beyond livid now, Rarity accused her of enjoying Fluttershy's company, by sleeping with her friends. Quiet sobbing caught the ears of both mares, Rarity couldn't understand what she did all because of Spike and her jealousy of Luna, but Rarity brought it on herself and now Rainbows ultimate came forward.

       The cyan mare smiled evilly “do you wanna know why Spike chose Luna over you, do? He chose her because you don't have a body like her-” the entire crowd gasped, Rarity’s mouth fell in shock, she did not just go there. Rainbow continued her assault “-I'm surprised how your stomach’s not on the ground from all the ice cream you eat”. A silence fell upon the town nopony dared to call rarity fat and Rainbow dash just did, if Nightmare moon saw Rarity’s face she would surely hide under a rock. 

        In quick succession Rarity tackled Rainbow dash before the cyan mare could dodge, it was on, both ponies brawled, punching and kicking each other. Rainbow dash was brutal in a fight, but Rarity was ruthless, throwing a punch her hoof met Rainbows muzzle, with Rainbow doing the same thing and striking Rarity’s muzzle. Both mares were soon grabbed by their friends, Applejack and pinkie pie held Rainbow, while Twilight and Fluttershy held Rarity, evidently both cooled off, but the bitterness was laced in their voice.

        “You call yourself the bucking element of loyalty, yet you beat one of your friends and for what to defend a princess who doesn't show love to her subjects!” Rarity was already throwing the accusations out, if she only knew the pony she was talking about wasnt far.

           “Little miss generosity, please, you call yourself generous yet you lead ponies on for your selfish gain!” Rainbow's accusation, though a bit more accurate, was met by cheers from a few stallions, one of whom was Thunderlane, a pony Rainbow knew dated Rarity.

              “ENOUGH!!!”ponies looked towards the voice of the one who bellowed and were shocked to see Luna standing amongst the crowd, her face contorted in anger and disgust.

         “Rarity, Rainbow dash, your actions not only disturbed the peace, but the harmony of this land as well.-” she looked at the fashionista with disdain “-Rarity I am deeply ashamed and appalled that you think I don't love my subjects.”. She then looked at Rainbow dash “ and I too am ashamed by your actions Rainbow, a bearer of loyalty-” she looked back at Rarity “-or generosity wouldn't have stooped so low”. Being let go they both bowed, ashamed by their actions.

     “We apologize your highness, it won't happen again” Luna shook her head, it wasn't her they should apologize to.

     “Don't apologize to me!-” she glared “-apologize to each other!” Both Rainbow and Rarity looked at each other, then back at Luna who waited, but grew tired after several minutes of no apology, yet understood they needed time to apologize and she would give them that time.

        “Alright, I'll take it, you need time and you’ll get it! Twilight i have a letter for you-” she handed the lavender mare her response regarding Spike “-this is my response to your letter on Spike”. Quickly she took it and began to read.

       “Dear twilight

               After reading your request, I've decided to let Spike go on your expedition to the new world, however my sister Celestia must not know of this decision, for she has been through enough. As for your house, the golden oaks library, I'll send your brother over once he’s been discharged from the hospital.

     Sincerely yours Princess Luna

     P.S: this last part was written on my way here after finding out the train’s going to be a day late after suffering a few broken train wheels. It will arrive at noon tomorrow.” 

      By the time Twilight finished the letter most ponies had already disbursed and all that stood was Luna and her friends with shocked expressions. Their shock was not because of Spike, but the fact Luna went behind her sister's back and allowed Spike to tag along. Although when they heard the train was going to be late and arrive tomorrow, everypony was a bit peeved, but some decided not to dwell on it. Luna however wasn't done, before she left the castle one of her spy’s reported some findings in Ponyville that would interest her. Now she needs to see Spike and send the bearers to a motel, since she needs to use Twilight's house for a ‘project’ of hers.

      “The news came as quite a shock to me as well, but the train is old and came from the western coast, but I digress. Twilight i need you and your friends to rest in a motel, near the station, we can't miss this train, it never comes out this far and we need you and your friends ready, got it,” Twilight bowed understanding the urgency.

      “Yes your highness, let me get a few things and we’ll head to the motel” Luna accepted and allowed the unicorn to gather her things, looking over to Rarity she noticed the large wagon full of stuff she didn't need “miss rarity, i suggest offloading some of that stuff, you don't need all of it, just the essentials.”

      The fashionista to her annoyance saw to it and grumbled all the way back home and offloaded some of her stuff back in the house, to her surprise Sweetiebelle wasn't home. Shrugging it off, after she finished she went back to help with twilight with her things, only to see Twilight carrying her saddlebag to the motel, ‘guess she was almost done’ she thought, adjusting her saddlebag so it doesn't chafe.

      Luna watched the bears leave, which prompted her to turn to Spike one they were out of sight and the house was empty, walking up to him Spike knew she wanted to speak with him.

       “Second time today-” he said jokingly “-you’re spoiling me” Luna lightly chuckled, true she did speak with him a lot and her heart fluttered when she was near and speaking to him. Not now though this was serious. 

      “Now's not the time for joking Spike, this is serious. The nobility has a house here in Ponyville and I need your help.” Spike raised his brow, surprised the nobility are here in what they call a ‘backwater town’.

    What do you need help with?” He asked hoping to help in any way he can, he may not be a hero like his friends, but he will do whatever it takes to protect Equestria and if that means becoming a hero. Then so be it.

      Luna smiled glad Spike is willing to help, looking over both her shoulders making sure nopony was listening, can't be too careful she leaned in and whispered to him. “Meet me in the Golden Oaks Library at midnight and make sure you’re not followed.” Tuning away Luna disappeared in a flash teleporting back to Canterlot, leaving Spike in the near middle of town puzzled on what she had planned and why she was so shady, guess he’ll find out later. Fortunately he likes to sleep a lot, so what better way than to do his chores and nap till he isn't tired because something tells him he's going to need the rest.
> Night mission
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: night mission


              Night fell upon Equestria, Luna's moon hung high in the sky as many ponies slept soundly in the night, with a few enjoying the night alone together. One such couple who enjoyed the night together was Rainbow Dash and Applejack, both mares had just come back from a nightly date and are now returning to the motel. Applejack though she enjoyed herself, felt awful for yelling at her sister and explained to Rainbow dash about her self blame and grief, to which Rainbow said to “give it time”. Of course Rainbow Dash isn't that much of a seldom soft hearted mare that much, but Applejack needed the help and she was there for her, even if she was beaten in a hoof wrestle. Right now Applejack and Rainbow walked side by side, their flanks nearly touching as they enjoyed the cool night air, Applejack huffed still on about her sister and her fears.

     “Applejack stop beating yourself up, it wasn't your fault” Rainbow stated, she hated seeing her marefriend like this, ever since she found out about Aj’s parents, she’s been doing her best to take the farm mare's mind off it. However Rainbow came up with an idea and decided to tell her a secret nopony has ever known.

    “Okay Aj-” she sat on her haunches “-sit down I'm going to tell you something and if you tell anypony else, I'll deny it”. Raising her brow Applejack did as she was told and sat down, eager to listen to this secret Rainbow has. 

     Rainbow dash exhaled nervously, she’s never told anypony this and this would be the first time in years. “Alright, back in Cloudsdale, Gilda wasn't my only friend. Back in junior speedsters flight school, Gilda and I were friends with a young stallion named Midnight Haze, Midnight, Gilda and I were inseparable(chuckles) we called ourselves ‘The Flying Aces’ cause we all hoped to one day be in the Wonderbolts.” Rainbows face turned grim as she remembered what happened “It was training day, mind you this was years after i got my cutie mark. We were getting ready to practice for our final flight exam.”



-Flashback-



    One year before Nightmare moon's return

     Ponies stood on cloud made bleachers overlooking a large coliseum race track, the cloud bricks solid as stone held the many structures up that made the school, coliseum and cities of cloudsdale. Ponies cheered, cheered on to see the practice finals before the big day of actual finals, the ponies cheered louder as the students walked on the field, the pony they cheered the loudest for, was Midnight Haze. The dark blue stallion smiled, whipping his black mane making several mares faint, his cutie mark resembled a full moon covered by clouds. He never really was a bachelor for one, but when ponies realized he was friends with Rainbow Dash the mare who made the sonic rainboom, both stallions and mares wanted a piece of him. Besides, he was already taken.

     “Keep standing there Haze and ponies will get laryngitis” he chuckled and smiled at Rainbow who trotted up to him, cheers roared for her when she appeared on the field. Taking it in she did a pose and spread her impressive twenty and a half foot wingspan out for everypony to see, it was a rarity to see a pegasus pony with an incredible wingspan, most wingspans range to fourteen to eighteen feet, but twenty and a half. Pegasi awed at Rainbows incredible span, even the Wonderbolts who attended the exams were impressed, usually alicorns had wingspans of that size, of course their is bigger at twenty four to twenty eight feet.

       Midnight chuckled “showoff!” Rainbow dash always showed off to a large crowd, she liked the attention, just as long as it didn't come from her parents, or other stallions who were after her.

       “We get it Rainbow Dash you have big wings” Gildas replied with her gruffy voice, she and many other pegasi walked on the field. Immediately she embraced Midnight and kissed him, the two have been together for the past few months and were quite happy too, especially when the two do each other. Rainbow moaned remembering the last time they did it of course she and Gilda share a dorm, Gilda could at least warn her when they're about to finish.

       The announcer was soon heard over the stadium's megaphone “FILLIES AND GENTLE COLTS, WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME YOU TO THE FLIGHT EXAM PRE FINALS. NOW TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW THIS ISN'T THE ACTUAL FINAL, BUT A TEST, TO SEE IF YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. TODAY WE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING NEW, TODAY THE COURSE WILL START HERE, OVER THE EVERFREE FOREST, PAST CANTERLOT, UNDER THE PONYVILLE BRIDGES AND BACK HERE. SIMPLE RIGHT? NO, OBSTACLES HAVE BEEN ADDED, YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL HAVE TO DODGE SUPERCHARGED LIGHTNING CLOUDS. IT IS HIGHLY UNWISE TO GET NEAR ONE. THE COURSE WILL START IN TEN MINUTES, AFTER THAT YOU’LL BE CALLED UP ONE BY ONE. GOOD LUCK AND MAY CELESTIA'S LIGHT GUIDE YOU!” 


 Rainbow did a double take, did she hear him correctly supercharged lightning clouds? It then hit her ‘NO!’ She saw one fifteen yards from the starting line an illegal placement for an obstacle, a large grid of clouds ten by ten hovered near the starting line. Rainbows blood froze at the sight of the grid. She remembered her first advanced course trial, she was cocky then, but her cockyness nearly cost her her life. If she struck that lightning any other way she'd be vaporized. Now sompony decided it would be funny to place supercharged lightning clouds right at the starting point, not by her flank there not.

      She turned to Gilda who had a nervous look on her, she too was their when Rainbow Dash turned into a Heartwarming eve light “yo G I'm going to find the announcer and ask who the hay placed these death traps” the griffon nodded worried, she may be cocky at times when it came to racing like Dash, but these clouds are deadly.

       Hiking up the stairs and into the tower rainbow kicked open the door spooking the announcer “what the buck!” he swore in equestrian, turning towards the commotion and seeing one of the students.

        “Celestia's tits what the buck, tell me why in tartarus' name are their supercharged lightning clouds!! These students have not flown this course, nor have they been trained. Are you trying to get us killed!!?” with ears back she stomped over to him, the stallion had the look of worry, but not from her.

      “Look Rainbow Dash, if i told you they’d kill me, they made me do it” he was in sheer panic and Rainbow saw it, if he was telling the truth then this race was sabotaged, yet that led to the question. Why and who?

       The sound of a ringing bell caught her ears and her blood froze. “No, no, no the announcer panicked, it’s only been seven minutes, it can't start now!” Rainbows mouth ran dry, once the exam started it couldn't be stopped, looking over to a billboard it began to cycle through numbers randomly. Its first number was fifteen looking out the window, a pink pegasus mare stepped up eager to pass the exam, taking off ponies cheered only to be changed to horror. That mare was dead before she hit the ground, these clouds have a trick to them, going clockwise, counter clockwise or random, each pegasus must time them to the point and that's by viewing them as a clock. The board ran through numbers again, barreling out of the stand Rainbow made her way back to the track, only to catch a glimpse of the number selected. Five. 

       “No, no, no” Rainbow rushed to the field, five, that was Midnight Haze’s number, again she heard cheering, her heart beated time slowed and every hoof beat felt like a nail, that's when it happened.



 -present-



       “Everypony saw him fall to the everfree forest, security later arrived to shut the event down, but it was too late. Thirty minutes in, around fifteen ponies lost their lives, Gilda and I walked back to our dorm, not a sound was made, the only thing I heard were her tears in the bathroom.” Rainbow Dash sat remembering “it was known as the Cloudsdale massacre, or what you earth ponies call-”

       “The night of falling tears” Applejack finished, she saw the event, but didn't know what it was about, until now.

       “I’m so sorry Rd” she embraced her, the cyan mare returning the favor and embraced her back, the two stayed like that for several minutes until they broke apart, but when they did something caught their attention.

      (sniff, sniff) Rainbow sniffed the air, a curious smell catching her attention “hey AJ you smell that?!”

     Applejack sniffed the air herself and recognized the smell of ash and charcoal “smells like smoke”. She replied. The two looked up to the many chimneys and smoke stacks, yet saw no smoke. That's when Rainbow Dash took to the air to get a better view and that's when she saw it.

     “Uh AJ you might want to see this” Flying back down she lifted her marefriend so she could get a better look and what she saw made her blood run cold.

     Rainbow heard Applejack breath heavily “Aj you okay, what's wrong?!” Applejack just eyed the scene, to the west smoke billowed from what appeared to be a town roughly forty miles out. Yet the ponies could see it as clear as day.

    “Applesprig” the farm mare uttered in disbelief, Rainbow Dash upon hearing the name gasped. Applesprig, given its name by the Appleclan, the town was established in the western coast by one of Applejack's cousins, Crescent Apple along with the aid of her other cousin Breaburn. Immediately the two mares landed and began to look for help, Rainbow Dash in the air spotted the pony she knew would help.

      Luna enjoyed her nightly stroll, it wasn't often she enjoyed a nightly walk through Ponyville, or Canterlot for that matter, since her and her sister teleported or were chauffeured by guards and servants. No, those things weren't bad, just dull, Luna liked to be alone, she liked to walk at night and enjoy the silence and at times if couldn’t walk, she flew. She chuckled, she remembered times when her sister reminded her to be couth and act like a princess, yet got jealous when she flew circles around her and spared with her night ponies in the training yard. Celestia may be good at magic, but when it came to flying, she could wipe the floor with her and still be on time to spar with the guard. Luna smiled, stretching her wings, she should ask Rainbow Dash for a race one of these days, maybe even swap a few techniques with each other, nopony said a pegasus can fly or fight like an alicorn.

        Nearing her destination at the Golden Oaks library, she ran through all the information she could get, from her two agents, who would also be meeting her at the same time to meet Spike. She stopped, her heart fluttered when she thought of him. She knew it was weird, a dragon and pony in a relationship, but at the same time the two connected, they both were in a nation where they were singled out and they both were strangers, him being a dragon and she being a thousand years in the future. Yet she doesn't know if he feels the same way, true she came on him a bit too early, not giving him a chance to think, but she took a shot, in other words she was desperate. Alone. She remembered, the last time she loved, was the last time she saw her sister and became the monster ponies to this day fear and ponies know who she is. To them they don't see Luna, they see a monster, they see Nightmaremoon. Shaking her head, she could abuse herself later right now she had a mission t-.

        “Princess Luna!” She turned to look who called and was surprised to see two of Twilight's friends rushing up to her, but as she looked closely, she could make out their worried looks, something was wrong. 

       “Rainbow Dash, Applejack-” she spoke surprised to see “-what are you doing here, shouldn't you be resting for your venture!?” They stopped both panting ignoring Luna's question of surprise.

       Both ponies, nervous about their relationship, attempted to keep it a secret, knowing Applejack is a terrible liar, Rainbow Dash started “we couldn't sleep, so we both took a walk. We headed back, but stopped when we smelled smoke in the air!”

     “Your highness-” Applejack couldn't take it, her family was in danger “-Applesprig is on fire! Please, you have to help them, my family is there!” Her eagerness for Luna took the princess off guard, usually a pony would be scolded for this, but after hearing about Applesprig, a town in the western coast near the town of Moonlight, she pleaded for her to take action.

       Seeking to know if the urge was true Luna took flight and looked to the west and sure enough she saw the orange glow of fire faintly off in the distance, ‘damn’ she thought swearingly. Landing she began to instruct the two mares before her.

      “Applejack alert the rest of your friends to be ready by morning-” the farm mare nodded, but waited knowing Luna would instruct more. Luna turned to Rainbow Dash “-Rainbow follow the tracks east and tell the train crew to move their flanks!-” the cyan mare nodded, Luna finished up “-rest when you're finished you’ll be leaving at noon!” The two mares nodded and left to do what they’re told. With no time to lose Luna rushed over to the library where she was to meet Spike and her contacts.

        Spike groaned, the sound of someponies hoof rapping on the door woke him from his slumber, of course he needed to get up anyway to be ready for Luna’s arrival. To his surprise when he opened the door Luna stood there, but she wasn't alone, behind her were two other ponies, a unicorn stallion and a pegasus mare, both of them wearing dark blue cloaks. He went from joy to concern when he saw Luna's face and was worried about what went wrong and whether he was in trouble or not.

     “May we come in?!” Luna finally asked with a quick urgency, she had two things to do, send Spike on his mission and help the ponies of Applesprig.

       The dragon stepped aside to let them in, immediately the two ponies with her started to set their equipment up on Twilight's empty desk and table. Spike looked curiously at the devices and equipment brought by the two agents, one thing dragon recognized was what looked to be a radio. The stallion used his magic to flip the switches as he organized the wire so they weren't tangled, next he extended the antenna and set the knobs to the proper frequency. Spike had never seen a radio like this before, other radios he has but not one like this, the stallion looked at him and smiled at the curious dragon.

      “Like our new toy huh-” the dragon nodded as the stallion introduced the machine “-this is equestrias latest radio communication device, it's called the ERC-010. ERC stands for Equestrian Radio Company, its equestrias new military branch and uses both radios and telegrams.” Spike looked at him confused, ‘telegram?’ he thought ‘what's that?’.

         “What's a telegram?” the curious dragon asked, the stallion was happy to explain.

          “A telegram is a mode of communication created by an earth pony named Wiretap, whereas the radio was made by a pegasus named Radiowave. Any who if I wanted to send a message, i would use a hoof crank on the machine and start sending a message via horsse code.” 

       Luna chuckled at Spike's curious mind, but there was a deadline and a town to save “I'm glad you and Spike met Starshot, but Spike needs to get ready!” Starshot nodded, taking his cloak off revealed his aquamarine coat and sky blue mane, his cutie mark resembling shooting stars.

     Luna turned to the mare “Venom Drip, scope out the area, let us know what we’re dealing with!” The mare took her cloak off and smiled. She has a green coat, dark green mane, a cutie mark resembling a snake's fang dripping with venom and a scar running over her right eye.

     “Got it-” she replied with a light rasp and a hint of venom “-want me to clear out any unsuspecting onlookers while I'm at it?” Spike winced upon hearing that, he may have to be careful if he accidentally pisses her off.

     Luna shook her head “no this is a stealth op, remain covert, the only time blood will be spilled is if your covers blown understood.” Luna glared at Drip, letting her know she meant it.

    Venom Drip nodded, disgruntled that she wouldn't get to kill anypony “understood your highness”. Accepting her mission she left the library and took off in the dead of night, if she kills anypony, Luna would be the first to hear about it.

   “What's her problem?” Spike asked, just hearing about Venom drip wanting to kill ponies unnerved him, it almost sounds like she enjoys it.

    “Oh that's venom Drip-” Starshot replied, turning to Spike on his seat “-she’s like that with everypony, mares and stallions. Anyway we’ve been scoping this house for quite some time, though it's more of a mansion actually, we haven't had an opportunity to reach our contact since they’d spot one of us if we went to get him. That’s where you come in” he went back to the radio, while Luna filled Spike in on the mission.

      “Your looking for a pegasus stallion codenamed-” Luna groaned not wanting to say the codename the stallion picked “-Hot stud, look for him his code fraze is ‘moonlit mares’. He’s a green pegasus with a brown mane, and will most likely have a stallion or mare-” Luna cleared her throat on what she was about to say “-polishing his rod, or how many ponies say sucking cock” Luna felt embarrassed saying that, she was still getting used to the many slangs and terms ponies came up with for their how to say genitals.

     A low growl of pleasure came from Starshot as he lightly panted “please Luna not while I'm working, I don't want to press the wrong button” this in turn caused Luna to groan in annoyance and cringed at the thought of his stallion hood wanting to make love to a radio.

     “Thank you Starshot, i wasn't looking forward to sleeping anyway” her sarcasm earned her a chuckle from the stallion, using her magic Luna levitated a bag over to Spike. “Here’s your attire for the party, had them custom made for your stature and body, they should help you get inside-” she went to the door to leave but stopped “oh before I forget you’ll need a codename, a pseudo name to get into the party and codefraze, don't want them to think you are helping for us” Spike looked at her dumbfounded, he’s never heard of that word before, fortunately Luna caught on before he could ask. “Pseudo means fake” she replied, Spike understanding with a nod afterwards. 

     Spike thought for a moment, he's never made a codename for himself before, so it would have to be a good one. He cant use Spikey Wikey since that's Rarity’s thing and isn't a really good codename, neither is number one assistant, no he needs something all his own. It took awhile but he soon had it, Greenscale, his codename will be Greenscale, for his codefraze it'll be, he thought about Rarity, he may have feelings for Luna, but he still has feelings for Rarity, his codefraze: white beauty. As for his pseudo name, he's already thought of one.

     “My codename will be Greenscale, codefraze is Whitebeauty and pseudo name for the party is, Gravel.” Luna nodded, all of them good to fool even the most noisiest of patrons.   

     “Good, you’re all set, i must be off now” she informed, turning to leave she opened the door, but was stopped by Spike.

       “You’re not staying!?” He was both hurt and curious about why she's leaving, Luna shook her head in response.

        "The town of Applespig is being attacked, I must go and help the ponies in need. If you finish your mission before I come back use this-” she hoofed over a blue sphere the size of a tennis ball. She then explained what it is “-this is a teleportation sphere, most commonly named ‘flash sphere’ i set it to teleport on my location, is that understood!?” the dragon nodded, understanding the urgency of her task, he hoped she’d come back safe, but if he had to he would teleport to her if she hadn't returned. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before taking off into the night sky, he wasn't sure if the kiss was for luck or love, but either way he hoped it was for luck.

      Luna's mind rushed for any form of plan, she was fully prepared for Spike's mission, but when Applesrig started being attacked plans changed, now she needed a strategy. As she flew, she realized she'd never been to Applesprig, being a new town and all in the western coats, she recalled the geography of the place. After a while of mentally ticking things off, she recalled the origins of the town ‘okay-’ she thought ‘-Applesprig, formed by the Applefamily for reasons unknown, will most likely have several members of the family present. As for the attackers’. She had an inkling on who's attacking the town, usually Equestria would resolve things peacefully without any bloodshed, since the nation is solely based on harmony and friendship, Equestria hasn't had many enemies. Until now. Luna felt deep down that this new threat isn't in the mood for friendship or harmony, but death and destruction. Her sister on the other hoof would most likely try to be diplomatic, but after being an alicorn kabob, she might reconsider her thoughts of diplomacy, either that or be more careful. At any rate Luna has enough time to think of a strategy before she arrives at Applesprig, it is roughly forty miles away which makes it a five hour flight, she just hopes she isn't too late.

     Spike tugged at his dress color as he currently walked towards the mansion, he grumbled finally getting his color comfortably set. Currently Spike was wearing fancy clothes made of silk, his undershirt was blue, while his main overshirt was black the same going for his pants. Shoes were optional in this case since Spike's claws would most likely tear right through them, he was however requested a hat to which he took, he loved hats in a way, the hat he wore was a tricorn silken hat with a dark blue color and gold trim. He was ready, even though he was nervous as tartarus, he was ready, however as he left he was given several items, some of it was gear, the rest pictures of random ponies he’s to look out for, one of which is his contact. For his gear however he was given to flintlock pistols, one however was half the size of the other as it was called a pocket pistol by some ponies, a cruder name by stallions was the plot pistol, or slot pistol by mares. The other piece of equipment was an ERC-039 or walkie talkie as ponies called it (based off the SCR-536) and was secretly smuggled in by Venom Drip through the top window of the mansion's second story.

      Fatigue was slightly setting in with the two pistols he carried along with powder and shot, other than that his walk was quite long as the mansion was on the other side of town across the street from Mayor Mares town hall. The district some call the nobility district mostly had two to three story buildings, whereas other ponyville districts had one to two story buildings, with the exception of the market district, holding stalls and one story buildings.

    After a while he finally reached the mansion grounds, outside stood a pony guard, he looked odd and did not recognize the armor he wore, it was steel plated with chain underneath, his helmet was full face with a crimson coloration. Walking up to the guard the stallion stopped him.

    “Invitation!” he demanded, Spike handed him an invitation, though it was forged with the help of Starshot, the dragon easily got in without the guard checking or noticing the invite was fake.

     Holding the door open for the dragon the guard welcomed him in “welcome to ruby crest manor, enjoy the party!” politely thanking him Spike walked in to start his mission and find his contact.

     Upon entry Spike looked around and instantly knew this was nothing like any of pinkie pies parties whatsoever, for one right upon entry he noticed the lighting was dim with a slight haze to the atmosphere. Secondly were the ponies he saw, several mares and stallions dressed in ‘questionable’ attire doing deeds of debauchery on a more sexual level. He could go on with the list of things happening when he first arrived, but right now he needed to find his contact, Luna said he would be taking part in sexual acts with mares and stallions, so he’ll check their. 

      Spike carefully walked through the party, the building was full of ponies as the manor was huge resembling a strip club without the poles, in fact it looked more like a brothel. However it did have the essentials for a party, such as food, drink and amenities, the kitchen were working overtime as he saw trays upon trays of food and drink being brought out, by both cooks and wench ponies. As he conducted his search he noted the room was laid out accordingly in a unique way, first off a large bar was placed in the center of the room, its purpose being alcoholic beverages and serving food. Secondly tables were laid out in the room, some by the walls and others placed here and there, several tables were massive and sported a red tablecloth with a semicircle booth. Third was the music, he didn't recognize when he walked in since ponies were talking over it, but he heard it now and now sees it, at the far wall by the staircase was a pony playing a grand piano and a band of musicians. What caught his eye were the musicians, one of the ponies, a cellist, with a gray coat and purple musical note on her flank, stood playing with evidence of abuse. Dried tears stained her cheeks, below her nether regions were red, not with blood but with over abundant use, evidence of rape and lastly were her shackles, she was chained to the wall, her fore hooves chafined by the chains. Spike recognized her as Octavia melody, a respective pony cellist, who usually partnered up with Dj-pon3, and it was days ago, the night after the gala, Octavia went missing, it was clear now she was foal knapped. He had to rescue her, but right now he needed to find his contact, fortunately he didn't have to go far as he eyed one of the table booths with the most sexual activities.

     Moaning went on as the green stallion went from kissing a mare on his left, to kissing a stallion on his right, below the source of all the moaning two ponies both stallions serviced him. On the table a mare flashed her mare hood and danced, increasing the stallion libido as he was sucked off, again he moaned, ignoring the fact sompony entered the booth with him.

      “Keep going, you two-” he spoke to the two stallions servicing him “-the salty treats going to cum soon!” he was on the verge, until sompony spoke up.

       “Got to love these moonlit mares today huh” as if on cue his ears perked and looked towards the source of his codefraze, sitting next to him and the mare was a purple and green dragon.

     “Yea, these moonlit mares are-oh buck-” on cue he held his head back as he came, both stallions sharing his thick cum and kissing each other while it squirted on their muzzles. He panted when his orgasm died down, his cock receding back into his sheath, when his sexual entourage left he smiled at the dragon “-sorry about that, wasn't expecting company so soon.-” he cleared his throat “-I'm sorry allow me to introduce myself I'm Saltgiver-” he leaned in and whispered “-that's my pseudo name, my real name Turbulent Spear.”. He motioned towards his flank revealing a spear piercing through a turbulence cloud.

      Over by the bar an earth pony stallion with a tan coat and white main eyed the dragon and stallion at the table, he looked at them suspiciously while taking a swig from his tankard. He shifted, his armor rattling lightly, and showing glimpses of his cutie mark which resembles a broken spear.

       Turbulent Spear soon noticed the stallion and instantly grew worried “oh horse apples shit, (whispering) Spike whatever you do don't look towards the bar, understood”, he watched the dragon nod and reply back with worry. 

        “What's going on, why can’t I look!?” Spike was getting nervous now, was his cover blown, did somepony make him out? He wanted so desperately to look, but other than Turbulent telling him not to, something else in his gut told him not to too.

         Turbulent attempted to try and calm Spike down “alright listen to me, if you want to get out alive, you do exactly as i say got it!-” spike nodded “-good, now follow me upstairs, it's time to give you the info i found out”. The two soon slid out of the booth, Turbulent carefully eyeing the dark red stallion watching them, fortune favored them when a party goer decided to converse with said stallion blocking his line of sight. This proved Turbulent and spikes only chance and hastily climbed the stairs to the second floor, once they were out of sight of the party guests, Turbulent led the dragon to his room. The room they found wasn't that far from the staircase, but on the way Spike swore he heard things in several other rooms nearby, mostly it was just moaning and some of it was pleasure screaming, ‘what in Celestia's name is this place’ he thought.

      Entering Turbulent's private room, Spike eyed the stallion's place. It was roomy with a bed placed under a window and a dresser next to the bed, across from the dresser was a desk. Next to the dresser was a small case, rushing over spike opened the case and was relieved to see the radio he was granted was there, taking it out spike tried to tune it to Starshots frequency. Meanwhile Turbulent, upon closing the door behind him, went to his dresser and pulled out a thick file full of Intel he managed to gather in his undercover work.

     “Here are the files-” he mentioned, Spike coming over to view them, Turbulent continued “-it took awhile for me to get them, but I managed to take what I could get. Some of it however is encrypted with a language I don't know.”. Spike looked through the files all of the interesting, ranging from manifests, dossiers and a few observation notes from Turbulent himself. One however caught his eye, glowing with a magical seal and lock, it read in bold lettering ‘OPERATION:FALLEN PRINCE’.

      “What's operation fallen prince?” Spike asked, turning to Turbulent Spear, who was to Spike's surprise humping a pillow. The pegasuses ears perked at the question, only to see Spike eye him as if he was saying ‘really’.

     “What?-” turbulent shrugged “-I have a condition and no I haven't heard of Operation fallen prince. The last pony I slept with to get the information on it, didn't know about it either, but boy was he tight-” he recollected “-mmmhmm such a fine ass!”

     Spike facepalmed, sighing he went over to the radio, tuned it to the right frequency and said “Lunar one, Lunar one this is greenscale over!” There were a few seconds of static until a reply came through.

       “Lunar one here, how's it coming Gravel!?”

      Spike replied back “I made contact with the flying slut and got the Intel over!”

      Turbulent laughed, continuing to hump his pillow “flying slut! That's a new one!”

       “Lunar one reads you gravel, be advised, Venom drip reported back and has taken note of multiple targets bearing down on the manor, report back as soon as you can. Lunar one out.”. 

      With the Intel in hoof it was time to leave, opening the door spike looked down both halls to see if they were clear, at first they were, but when he heard hoofsteps, he hid back in the room. Spike closed the door just enough to peek through, but what he saw disgusted him, a stallion in a brown coat and orange mane dragged Octavia Medley to the empty room across from him. Octavia gagged, desperately begged, to be let go, but the stallion didn't listen, now was Spike's chance, one the two were in the room, he rushed the door before it fully closed behind them. Slowly spike snuck up on the stallion, he had to save Octavia, who was now struggling with the stallion, a harsh and painful slap went across the mare's face, eliciting tears and pained whimpering. With the steed winning over he mounted her, but stopped when he felt a cold pistol barrel press up against his sack, followed by the audible click of the firing mechanism and some words.

       “If you still want to have foals, I suggest you let Octavia go!” Slowly he did as he was told and seeing her chance with a free leg she kicked her assaulter in the head knocking him unconscious. Quickly Spike rushed over and freed Octavia, she sobbed in his arms fearing she was to be used again, but fear stayed with her knowing if she left she’d put her friend in danger.

      “Wait-” she pleaded, Spike looked at her curiously “- if I leave I'll be putting Vinyl scratches life in danger!”

      Spike couldn't respond, he was curious as to why Vinyl Scratch would be in danger “what do you mean, put her in danger?! What's going on?” 

      Octavia teared up and began to explain “it's her the mare who owns this manor, Stellar Diamond, daughter of Radiant Ruby, she owns this manor and soon this town. This party was supposed to be a victory over Ponyville, but it would seem their victory is way too early. May I ask why you're here” Spike was about to answer when the building shook, followed by screams and gun fire coming from downstairs. 

     Spike grabbed Octavia’s fore leg and urged her to move “we have to go now!” The two quickly left the room, but stopped when hoofsteps were heard. A hooded figure came into view and charged them, his sword levitated in magic, readied to strike a killing blow.-(kpow)- Spike stood, hands shaking after firing his first shot and killing his first pony, -(thunk)- dropping his gun, Spike stepped back dizzy after what he just did. ‘He was coming after me-’ he thought trying to justify his actions ‘-i had no choice!’ looking at the body, blood pooling and dripping through the floorboards, he couldn't help but feel sick to his stomach. Octavia seeing this patted his back trying to calm him down, but how could he, the day was catching up to him, he’s in a brothel house spying on the nobility for Luna, and now just killed a pony. 

      Turbulent spear rushed out after finally reaching climax, of course when he did he thought he blew his dick off when he heard the shot go off the same time his orgasm did. Seeing now that it was Spike, he grew more concerned when he noticed the recently shot pony, he was about to question, but more hoofsteps were heard. Quickly he urged the two to hide in his room, not wanting to argue, both Spike and Octavia rushed in and hid under the bed.

     The door burst open after Turbulent Spear closed it, the pegasus turned and was greeted by another pegasus, a mare this time and she was happy to see him. “Turbulent Spear-”she chuckled “-long time no see, how long has it been, three months?”

    Turbulent glared “two months to be precise, what are you doing here Gleaming Razor, I know its not to catch up”. Gleaming Razor, a yellow pegasus with a green mane and cutie mark resembling a polished razorblade, smiled at the Lunar agent. Turbulent, nervous to meet this deranged mare kept his cool, he knew if he did anything to provoke her it's his life and not just his Spikes and Octavias too. 

     Razor fained being hurt by his inhospitable greeting “oohh its hurts that you don't like me, we could be a cute couple together-” she went up and kissed him “-you me on the beach in Baltimare, with our beach house behind us, what do you say hmm” he wasn't buying it and replied back with irritation and anger. 

    “What do I say! What do I say! The last time we met you tried to cut my balls off and again two months ago. Besides I know you're not here to catch up, cause for one we haven't bucked yet and two you haven't tried to geld me afterwards. So what are you after!” his demeanor went from anger to terror when she smiled at him, in an instant she tackled him, his body on the bed and her looking down at his stallionhood. She stood on her hind legs, her hooves on his forelegs pinning him down , she was going to enjoy this.

    She noticed the bit of cum leaking out and was disappointed “already came without me, oh well don't mind if you cum again don't you” she planted a kiss on him, her arousal coming to life, while his didn't. Her disappointment deepened “not in the mood I see!”

   Turbulent just growled at her “psychotic bitch!” she laughed, unaware that she was going to get a painful surprise.

   Spike and Octavia heard everything, he had to save him, but he didn't know what to do, until it dawned on him, pulling out his larger flintlock pistol and pulling the lock back. He has one shot, he can't miss, but what he was aiming for he wouldn't be able to.

   “Lets begin then” she said smiling, licking his sheath she was readying to pleasure his final load until she heard a click -(kpow)- she screamed in utter pain falling to her side. Pain emanating from her teats, pussy and anus, she clutched her nether regions after bearing witness to a point blank range shot to her mare hood. In an instant Spike, Octavia and Turbulent, book it out of the room and down stairs leaving a screaming Razor behind.

    One on the ground floor, the three witness a bloodbath, hooded figures engaged both mercenaries loyal to the nobility, patrons and prostitutes. Blood was all over as ponies of both attacker and defender lay dead on the floor, the clanging sound of swords, shouting and rending flesh were all the sounds they heard. Quickly the three moved, dodging sword strikes, magic blasts and gunshots, throwing the door open the three rushed out leaving behind a party that turned into a slaughter.

   Starshot sat quietly, leaning back in his chair, he waited for Spike to return with the Intel Turbulent took from the nobility, he fell back in surprise when the library door slammed open. Cursing, he was about to tear sompony a new one until he noticed not only Spike, but Turbulent Spear and a mare, he pointed to her in disbelief.

    “Who the bucking hay is her-” he glared at Turbulent “-you didn't foalnap her did you, I know your a horny stud, but foal napping-” he chuckled and shook his head “-that’s a new low for you!” 

     Turbulent defended himself holding one of his hooves up “n-now you know I don't foalnap, Octavia willingly came with us, it was the nobility who foalnapped her. Didn't you read the Equestria daily!” Starshot glanced over to Octavia.

    “Is it true, did the nobility take you” he was met with a nod, sighing he looked to Spike “does she have sompony at home waiting for her?”.

     The dragon gave a confirming nod, but explained the dire situation “she does, her name is Vinyl Scratch, but she’s in danger, Octavia informed me the nobility will kill her friend if she escapes!” 

   “grrr , horse apples-” Starshot tapped his hoof in thought “-well today's your lucky day Venom, I want you to ‘discreetly’ dispose of Vinyl scratches guests and before you ask I don't care how you do it. Just get it done!” Venom silently nodded and left to do her task. 

    Octavia just eyed the ponies and dragon in the room “so, you’re like agents, assassins or something?” She was curious, the line of work they did sounded interesting and with the gigs her and Vinyl get, she could prove to be a strong ally to whoever they work for.

      Starshot looking up from the files, raised his brow to her “why do you ask? Are you interested?” he was met with a nod, a smile spread across his face as she began to explain.

      “If it pays well, some of the gigs Vinyl and get are surprisingly mediocre, like the gala a few days ago, ten bits an hour and the gala lasted for seven. I know the nobility are stuck up, but damn are they cheap, they’d rather spend ten bits on a mare from Ponyville than a full band paid by Celestia.”. Starshot slowly nodded, it wasn't the only time ponies wanted to join for bits, but there seemed more to it, there's something she's not telling him.

       “And?” he rolled his hoof, urging her to continue, he wanted to know the real reason, not just ‘i want more bits’.

       She sighed, not sure if she should tell him, until she felt Spike's hand on her shoulder telling her it's okay, mentally nodding she explained. “The nobility is making it hard for everypony, they’ll target anypony who stands up or looks down upon them. I may be a cellist, but I know many contacts that could help your organization and I know some things I overheard at the party. Besides, they foalnapped me and tried to kill my friend on top of it, so, it's personal.”. Starshot smiled, that's exactly what he wanted to hear, princess Luna's going to be pleased.

   After a while Spike and Octavia aided Starshot in looking over the Intel collected by Turbulent Spear, who in turn was in the bathroom screaming in pain. Spike looked to Starshot for a reason why Turbulent was screaming, his answer ‘to much sex leads to a fiery hose’ whatever that means. Spike eventually showed Starshot the magic sealed folder and was curious as to why it was named ‘operation: fallen prince’. At that moment Spike remembered his rendezvous with Luna, taking the teleportation sphere out, he was about to leave when Starshot stopped him.

     “Hold a moment Spike-” he said trotting up to him with a short sword in his magic “-take this, it’ll help you if you're in any trouble-” he levitated the sheathed steel blade over to Spike and clipped it to his belt. Giving a nod of gratitude, Spike twisted the top of the flash sphere and a clue sphere slowly started to form around the dragon. “-bring Luna back safely”. Starshot finished, watching the sphere fully engulf Spike, the last thing the stallion heard before the dragon disappeared was:

       “I will!” in a bright blue flash Spike was gone.
> Applesprig
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Applesprig



       Pain that's all she could feel was immense pain, then screaming, screaming of ponies being slaughtered by the dark creatures and their ghoulish allies. How did it get to this, how did these fiends rally a force so quickly, how was Equestria not prepared, everything spun so fast as she rolled on her back, “we weren't ready-” she mumbled “-we’re not ready!”


    


-hours earlier-

 

      The smoke could be seen for miles, even from Manehattan it could be seen, but nopony knew what it was, nopony knew the cause of it, only until it's too late would they realize the town was attacked by monsters. Monsters, just the thought made Luna scowl, she’d been flying for hours, only stopping to use the bathroom, but when she finally arrived her heart stopped. Half the town was completely engulfed in flames, with the other half still evacuating the town, in the distance the faint sound of musket fire and roaring beasts was heard. Diving down Luna landed behind the main defense line of ponies and to her surprise it was a multitude of Equestrian troops and Lunar militia, a unicorn wearing plate and chain armor with a red plume helmet rushed up to her. 

      “Your highness what’re you doing here, this place is dangerous!” he yelled so the princess could hear over the roaring of both the monsters, fires and screaming ponies.

       “I came here to help-” she replied, looking for the high ranking officer “-where’s the captain!?” she asked, requesting to see him or her, she needs answers and she needs a report on where these things came from.

        “Dead your highness-” the pony replied “- he was struck down in the first initial attack, we were in garrison when we saw the smoke from San Palomino. I’m currently acting captain of this platoon, I'm Lieutenant Daggerpoint of the twenty second line company.” 

     Luna nodded and began to assess the current situation, from what Daggerpoint reported they arrived when the attack commenced resulting in several casualties including the captains. Right now they're trying to hold their own, while the militia tries desperately to evacuate the town, but she knows in the pit of her stomach they don't have much time. If the evacuation is to be smooth then the militia needs to fight to, either that or get reinforcement from a neighboring town which would take too long, and right now time is against them. Suddenly to her surprise the dark creatures began to retreat, ponies cheered as the beasts ran, yet something didn't feel right, creatures like these wouldn't just fall back. 

     “Daggerpoint!” she turned to address the acting captain, who in turn bowed.

      “Yes your highness, what do you need?” He was ecstatic to see these monsters turn and flee, yet when Luna called for him something deep down told him otherwise.

      “I want the rest of this town fortified, we need to be ready in case they come back! Which they will! Secondly we’ll need better defense tactics, spears upfront, muskets behind!” Daggerpoint nodded and bellowed out orders to fortify what's left of the town and ordered both musket and spear ponies to fortify at Luna’s request.

    Leaving Daggerpoint to his troops, Luna began to search for the leader of the militia before she would take to the air and survey the town's surroundings. Sighing, she eventually found her in the town hall, directing her troops to help with the evacuation. The mare did a double take upon seeing her arrive. “Well I'll be a mare in the rutting season!” her response through Luna off, but welcomed it knowing her ponies haven't seen her in a thousand years.

     The mare bowed as Luna went up to her “your highness, it is an honor to finally meet you. We’ve been praying for your return and are ecstatic you’ll help us in this endeavor. To what may I assist your grace!?”

    Though of course it's been a thousand years since Luna's return at that time she always wanted her ponies to see her as a friend at times. After a while however, she did accept being called your highness, or your grace, to let ponies know that she’s still princess of the night, when night fell of course. That is until she met him, her soon to be coltfriend. She was knocked out of her daze, when the mare called for her again and asked if she needed assistance.

   Luna shook her head “I've come here to help in any way I can miss?” the mare facedhooved  forgetting to introduce herself to her grace.

   Embarrassed, she replied “my name is Northern Spruce, I'm Sheer Razorwings second in command, Sheer being the commander of the Lunar militia in Sunfalls.” Luna nodded understanding who the leader of the militia was now. Spruce to Luna's surprise is a unicorn with a dark green coat and light brown mane, her cutie mark resembles a pine tree with a compass on its trunk. 

     After introductions were made Spruce helped direct Luna “I know you might be curious as to how I got my cutie mark, but another time. Right now we need your help, the evacuation is going as fast as it can, but we still need a place to send them. San Palomino is a good evacuation zone, but it's too far out, another place is Moonlight. Moonlight isn't that far from here, but the ponies refuse to help. I sent letter after letter requesting their aid, but again they refused, but now that you’re here maybe you can convince them!”. Luna nodded agreeing to Spruce's request, going into the town hall she quickly wrote down a letter to give sanctions to the ponies of Applesprig and finished it with her signature. If the ponies of moonlight did not honor the request, they’ll have to answer to her. Levitating the letter, sealed with her mark, she hoofed it over to Spruce who immediately gave it to a bat pony she called over, the thestral looked at her as if she saw a ghost, only to give a quick bow and fly off towards Moonlight.

     Luna looked at Spruce inquisitive “that's just Nightwing, she's a good mare who’s a major fan of you. Anyway-” Spruce cleared her throat “-the twenty seconds medical officer is here , her name is Bloodheart, she's good at what she does, but several ponies have stated their still survivors out past the defense line. She’s tried getting the lieutenant to help, but each attack dwindles our numbers, since you're here you might be able to help her!”. The sole reason Luna came here was to defend the town from whatever threat came to it, now seeing the town in shambles and half destroyed with the threat of a recurring attack, it would be better off to help ponies evacuate.

     Luna agreed to help taking what direction she can to help “where do you need me!?” she asked, Spruce pointed to two large warehouses across from where they stood.

     “Bloodheart will be in the second warehouse, the one closest to the defense line!” Spruce informed her, Luna giving a nod, now seeing the warehouse she was pointing at. 

      Trotting across towards the warehouse the princess caught a glimpse of the casualties given in the first attack, even though she could've seen it in the air, she was too busy watching the town get destroyed. Trotting over to the bodies to get a better look, she soon regretted doing so upon seeing the slain. Ponies young and old, foals to the elderly, lay dead next to each other, Lunas ears twitched upon hearing the crying of a mare. Looking back her heart broke upon sight after seeing two ponies in medical robes carrying out a dead filly, the mare her mother most likely had to be held back from tackling the staff. The two ponies arrived and laid the foal next to another, both ponies didn’t acknowledge Luna as they arrived or left, their grief too strong to even care. The crying mare arrived seconds after the two ponies left, she too didn't acknowledge Luna as she sobbed for the loss of her daughter. Luna, on the verge of tears, rubbed the mare's back with her wing, looking up at the infirmary, a question soon popped in her mind, a question she needed an answer for ‘how bad is it?’. Unknown to her it would be a question she too would regret.

     Arriving at the infirmary made her wish grief wasn't painful to feel, every bed in the infirmary was full, with minorly wounded to gravely injured ponies. Looking to her left she eyed the many ponies still waiting for medical attention, again with wounds that were either minor to the more severe. One she glimpsed was a unicorn stallion holding his lower barrel, fresh blood dripping out, while his friend kept telling him to ‘keep it, hold it together’. She thought his friend was telling him not to go mad, until she saw a glimpse of his intestines poking out, the stallion was upright waiting for medical attention and holding his guts in place. Yet she saw he wasn't going to make it, she didn't like to be negative, Luna was always hopeful, well tried to be, but upon seeing his eyes droop, the color of his coat becoming paler, she knew then and their death was about to claim him. Unceremoniously it did, in a second the stallion fell to his side, blood pooled out as his guts no longer being held by his hoof spilled to the floor. Her attention was drawn to the sound of a pegasus stallion begging in pain, as a unicorn mare seemed to be operating on his shoulder, going over Luna wondering if this is the mare she needed. 

    “Please, please stop, it hurts!” the stallion begged as the mare tried to pull some sort of object out of his shoulder, this in turn caused the mare to scoff at the crying pony.

    “Quit being such a pussy, it's almost out” she said trying to pull whatever she was trying to pull out of his shoulder, with no anesthesia. Of course she couldn't use anesthesia, mostly in part their all out, all except for morphine, but that's reserved for more serious injuries. 

     Luna got closer to her and got a better look at the color of her coat, she's a brown mare with a white mane, her cutie mark resembled a heart dripping with blood. On her she wore standard medical fatigues for the equestrian army, which was a white lab coat with the flag of crossed spears on it, below it read twenty second line company. Reaching her she cleared her throat, but she didn't reply, again she cleared her throat, this time she got an impolite response.

       “This isn't going to work-” she grumbled “-listen I'm busy, if you want to make yourself useful hoof me the needle nose pliers, if not get out of my way” Luna hoofed her the pliers the mare needed after she set down a now bloody pair of forceps. Ahead in an oblong bowl tray were several bloody arrow heads, putting two and two together, Luna figured the stallion was shot by multiple arrows and was now in the process of getting the last one out. The sound of rent flesh made Luna sick to her stomach, as the mare finally pulled out the last arrow, bits of flesh and bone were stuck to it, realizing the last arrow lodged itself into the stallion's shoulder bone. After suturing up the wounds the mare placed a gauze pad over the injuries, once she was done she turned to her guest. 

        For a moment the two stared at each other, Luna having an uncomfortable look to her while the unicorn mare had a nonchalant look to her “well, took you long enough-” she began to walk to the nearest sink, all the while talked along the way “-let me get the pleasantries out the way, names Bloodheart, yes i know your a princess, no I'm not going to bow, yes I know I made a oath to her royal ass, but I don't give a flying feather, I know your her sister and you know what I don't care. I have too many ponies either grievously injured, dying, or dead and too few ponies to help, many of the others in white coats are volunteers from the town with little to no medical experience.-” Luna let her rant as she continued it, understanding the position she was currently in.”-on top of it all it gets even better, we ran out of anesthesia and all we have is morphine, but no here's the best part. We still have ponies beyond the defense line injured and we can't spare anypony to get them, or scrounge up any medical items from homes or businesses. Now there are talks of a third attack, if we don't get this evacuation moving soon, there's going to be a lot of dead ponies littering the streets and all the while, your bucking sister sits on her throne, while ponies kiss her hooves and look down upon the western coast.-” she pointed a hoof at Luna “-so tell me your highness, why in tarteruses name are you here, if it's to enjoy the scenery, then find some other meal ticket!”

   Luna just stood calmly, she was just chewed out by one of her subjects and listened to this mare talk down about her sister. If the royal guard were here, she’d be in the dungeons in a heartbeat. Yet she wasn't mad, no she was calm, in fact she was somewhat glad, why, because Bloodheart was flung into a fight for survival and Canterlot did nothing. In all sense Canterlot and Celestia abandoned these ponies to death and what's worse, Braeburn, Applejack's cousin and an equestrian citizen was too left abandoned by his own nation. This all sickened Luna, but it ends now, now it was time to get these ponies out of here and get this evacuation going, if Canterlot, the nobility and sister didn't like it, they'd have to answer to her!

     Clearing her throat and catching the unicorn's attention, Luna spoke “Bloodheart, I'm not here to enjoy the scenery, I'm here to help, I was in ponyville when two mares saw the smoke and fire. One of the mares is named Applejack and her cousin Braeburn currently aided this town in planting its apple trees and I'm not leaving until he and everypony is evacuated.”

    Bloodheart breathed a sigh, a sigh somepony would give when they realized somepony was going to do something foolish, drying her hooves off, she turned to Luna. “I admire your duty of wanting to help, but if anypony is behind the defense line they’re most likely dead!”

     Luna shook her head, she believed there could be survivors “i don't believe that-” she said confidently “-i know hope is slim, but we have to hope! I feel it in my heart, there has to be survivors, if not then at least give the families of the lost some closure!”

     Bloodheart sighed and closed her eyes in thought, opening them she made a stern decision “you have an hour before these creatures return. We’ve been noticing these things restart their attack after an hour-” Luna nodded, she turned to leave, but stopped when Bloodheart stopped her “-however if you hear the town hall bell go off, you get your blue ass back here, these things are stronger than they look!”. She watched Luna gallop out of the warehouse and take flight to her first destination, all the while having a look of worry on her face ‘I hope to Celestia we get out alive’.

     Flying over the defense line , she waved to Daggerpoint signaling she's going out to find survivors, he waved back signaling he understood. She could properly see Applesprig, looking back at the defense line were mostly stores, two warehouses, the town hall, a few houses and saloon. Whereas what she could see in the charred remains of the battlefield were just homes, at the end towards the forest rested what was left of a few barn’s and in between the first and barn were the apple orchards, or what was left of them. Seeing the destruction would take her hours to search, so to shorten it, in the air she sent a blue pulse of magic in hopes to detect any life signs from survivors. Sighing in relief her life detection spell detected roughly five to seven survivors and a few of them were close to her and the defense line, one of them she was near currently resided in the barn to her left, with a faint life sign. Landing and lighting her horn up she quickly followed the life sign to the barn's built in storage shed and what she saw shocked her.

      Laying on her right rested a mare with serious second and third degree burns on a quarter of her body, but her hind legs got the worst of it with irreparable fourth degree burns. Luna couldn't believe what she saw, this mare, barely recognizable, with burns covering her body, with nearly half of her hind legs burnt to the bone, still fought to stay alive. Rushing up to her she kneeled down and calmly spoke to her hoping she was conscious in any way.

   “Hey miss, can you hear me, is your hearing affected?” Luna listed as the mare moaned in a raspy voice, this in turn signaled to Luna that her fluids were seriously depleted. She had to get her out, fortunately she heard the mare speak.

    “p-please, help m-me (cough)-” she tried to move her hind legs, in hopes to get up, but pain shot all over her body. Alert fear began to show in her voice “-m-my legs, my body I- I can't move t-them!” Luna urged her not to look at her legs, but she did anyway and screamed in grief seeing her legs were nothing but bones. She started crying, but Luna stopped her, the mare's tears would barely come out but she had to conserve what little water she had left. 

     Luna turned her head to her “listen to me-” she began “-I'm going to get you out of here, but you need to stop crying, you're wasting water and you need it! Now I'm going to try and lift you, it may hurt a bit!” the mare nodded and felt Luna's levitation spell take hold, but when Luna started lifting her, she screamed in pain. Luna knew there was to be pain, but she didn't expect a lot of it, curiously she just noticed a sheet of corrugated metal lift with the mare. Lowering her, she investigated the phenomena, looking at her side, she uncovered a horrifying sight, the mare's flesh was cooked and sticking to the metal, in other words it was melted.

   “Horseapples!” Luna swore, trying to find something to help with the mare's predicament, she grimaced, finding something that’ll help, if not hurt like tartarus.

   “W-what, what's wrong!?” she was worried, she didn't know what Luna swore, until she felt a tugging pain in her side, feeling the burned flesh, she realized now why Luna got the needed tool. She whimpered, laying eyes on the farm item.

    It was a barbaric tool, but it was long and thin enough to get the mare off the metal, and fortunately the handle was burnt off, so she didn't need to remove the metal blade. "okay-” Luna replied, grabbing an unburned piece of wood and putting it in the mares mouth “-bite down on this, cause this is going to hurt” the mare nodded and gagged herself with the wood chunk. Luna taking the scythe blade lined up with the mare's flesh, doing a quick exhale she readied herself ‘okay one, two, three’ with the sickening sound of flesh and muscle peeling away. Luna began to slice through the mare's flesh in order to free her, pained squeals cried out from the mare, the sensation of being skinned alive to get free made her want to plead and beckon to Luna to find another alternative. The pain got worse as Luna got lower, eventually reaching to her mid barrel, her world started to get fuzzy, she weakly whimpered, as she threatened to pass out.

    “You’re doing good!” Luna encouraged, though she herself knew the mare was on the verge of fainting. Again she started, Luna had to take a breather herself upon seeing so much blood, but now that breather was over and she began to finish freeing the mare. It was painful and tough, but Luna managed to get through, from the mare's upper barrel to upper flank, a large chunk of flesh was peeled away, leaving only mussels and blood. Quickly Luna administered a nerve numbing spell to calm the mare, once calm, she levitated the mare and left the barn, spreading her wings she took flight.

        Bloodheart galloped towards Luna, once she heard Luna was back with a survivor she didn't want to believe it, but upon hearing the surviving mare has burns all over her body, surprised her. Immediately a stretcher was brought and the mare was levitated on it, she was administered an I.V drip, plasma, with morphine on standby after Luna informed she gave the victim a nerve numbing spell. Turning Luna went out again, she had roughly thirty minutes to find more survivors, not wasting time she took flight.

        Not three minutes in she heard crying in a small half burnt house, landing, she barged in past some fallen debris and found two foals both around Sweetie belles age, in front of them were a pair of hooves under debris. Upon seeing her the two foals huddled fearful of the alicorn's arrival, quickly she calmed them down.

       “Sssshhhh, it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you, my name's Princess Luna. I'm here to help.” The two foals looked at her, still fearful, but calmed down realizing she wasn't going to hurt them, bravely one spoke up.

      “M-miss, our mama hasn't woken up, we don't know what to do?” the filly replied. The two saw Luna nod and levitate the rubble off their mother, both were filled with joy upon seeing their mothers face, but were unaware of Luna's grim one. Luna looked down, she heard the excited squeals of the two foals seeing their mother again, but when she herself uncovered her, she didn't see her move, or breath. A grim realization came to her, how was she going to explain their mother isn't coming back, she held back tears, the whole thought of it weighing down on the princess. She felt a pat on her fetlock.

       “Miss what's wrong?” this time it was the colt, a look of worry on his face. Luna sighed, the moment of truth.

       Kneeling, she didn't know how to break it to them, so she went for it “it's your mother-” she said, both brother and sister now worried, the two saw tears in the alicorn's eyes. “-she, she isn't coming back.”. It took awhile for the two to understand what she meant by ‘not coming back’, but when they saw their mother again and unmoving, it hit them. The two embraced Luna, crying in sheer agony. In an attempt to calm them, Luna wrapped her wings in an embrace, it seemed to work, but only for a bit, but now came the hard part, next of kin. Not wanting to worry about it now, she urged the two foals to come with her to safety, reluctantly they agreed and hopped on Luna's back.

         Landing outside the makeshift infirmary, the two foals hopped off Luna's back, a nurse rushing over to check them, Luna stopped him. “The foals lost their mother, make sure they find their next of kin!” the nurse nodded and took the two foals inside.

         Spreading her wings, Luna was suddenly stopped by Daggerpoint, his face edged with worry “your highness, pegasi scouts report movement in Gallopers forest, you don't have much time left!”

         Luna nodded “then I'll be quick!” she took off.

         Fortune favored the princess, her earlier scan showed a reading close to the defense line, in fact the house she was heading towards on on the edge of the line, meaning whoever was in there must be injured quite badly. Landing she broke down some debris blocking her and entered, half the house was badly damaged, but it was still destroyed.

        “ANYPONY HERE!” Luna called, hoping sompony could answer.

        “IN HERE!” a voice called out, and to Luna it sounded like a stallion, but that voice sounded familiar.

         Trekking carefully to the survivor, Luna arrived to see, to her fortune and surprise, Braeburn. Luna could recognize him even in the dark, his leather vest and red delicious apple cutie mark was a dead giveaway, but what isn't normal is the three foot long wooden shrapnel shard sticking out his left hind leg. 

        Braeburn just stared at her, he expected somepony from the town, not princess Luna “y-your highness, what are you doing here!?” the mare rushed over, a look of unease on her face.

        “We don't have long-” she said looking over his wound “-another attack is about to start!” She heard him wince as she lifted his hind leg up, she could tell he was blushing as she caught sight of his stallionhood and bits, but she wasn't doing to be seductive. She sighed relieved, his foal makers were intact, but the shrapnel shard on the other hoof was a problem, for one it pierced right through his leg and his wincing he did earlier told her it pierced his other leg, but not as deep. What worried her though was arterial bleeding, the last thing any of them wanted was a severed artery and she dared not move the shard, for one if it splintered out, then she just might hit an artery. -BONG-BONG-BONG- Both ponies blood ran cold, the attack had begun, she heard shouting coming from the defense line, Daggerpoint was organizing his troops, they had to get out.

     “Should i chance it?” she asked herself, trying to think of the best way to get Braeburn out.

       The stallion sat up in pain “p-please chance it”

      Levitating him Luna burst out of the building and took flight, right as she did she caught a glimpse of the dark creatures force, her blood ran cold at what she saw. Woodland creatures led by the bipedal monsters charged the defenses, in the distance she saw their leader, a tall bipedal creature inches taller than the others and in full armor wielding a battleaxe, oversaw the battle currently at hoof. Though she noticed he stayed behind with a considerable force with him, including what appeared to be a magic user told by his staff. Flying behind the line Luna landed at the infirmary, Bloodheart rushing over to the injured Braeburn, but Luna stopped her.

      “Get everypony to the evacuation wagons, the attack has begun and is larger than last!” Bloodheart nodded and went to get as many of her patients and medical staff she could.

      Luna on the other hoof knew she needed to get into the fight, but needed to get the evacuation underway, teleporting to the town hall she rushed over to Northern Spruce who seemed to have finished talking with Nightwing. “We need to start the evacuation, the twenty second and I will hold them off as long as we can!”

    Spruce nodded “well we’re in luck, your grace, Nightwing returned with news, Moonlight accepted your request, we’ll start the evac now!” As the princess left to join the fight Spruce turned to the evac line “ALRIGHT EVERYPONY LETS GO, LETS GO. INJURED AND FOALS FIRST, HUSSLE HUSSLE LETS MOVE, WE’RE LEAVING!” 

      Rushing to the frontline Luna conjured a sword of magic, while Daggerpoint readied his ponies to fire the first volley, looking on both sides she caught sight of the militia defending their flanks, ‘i hope this is enough’. The first volley was shot, but the enemy kept coming, the creatures using infected bears as frontline bartering rams, ever they kept closer the ponies desperately loaded their weapons, the spears ready to impale the first creature that runs into it. The second volley fired, Luna watched in horror as the creatures were now upon them and in a matter of seconds-CRASH- the barricade defending the town erupted into pieces, ponies, mares and stallions flew after being rammed by a line of bears, the twenty second desperately tried to hold the line. Luna stood back, Daggerpoint insisting she stay behind, her moral giving the ponies strength to fight on, but even with her presence the darkcreatures began to trickle in. A pony screamed as his shoulder was crushed in the jaws of a corrupt bear, he was suddenly flung back into the massive wave of corrupt beings and was instantly swarmed. His screams were drowned out by flesh and bone being ripped from him as blood erupted in a mist from the vicious feeding frenzy, limbs and organs themselves were in a tug of war as the darkcreatures fought over a now mutilated pony.

     Just the sight of a pony being torn apart made several of their defenders flee, but Luna with her wings spread ordered them to hold firm, but it was for naught, as their left flank was starting to waver. Several infected bears and creatures began to attack the flanks, though not as much as the right as it was still steady, but the left was hit hard and began to crumble. Rushing over Luna took to the flanks defense and teleported the wounded to the infirmary, but the attack was persisting, behind her the main barricade was faltering, along with the main force.

     ‘Thiers too many!” She thought, she wanted to use her magic, but at the same time wanted to see the strength of these creatures and sure enough their might was far more superior. Taking to the air, she needed to thin the enemy ranks and using concentrated bursts of magic should help, that is if she didn't hit their own ponies. Pain shot through her head as she began to charge her horn, the dark influence these creatures have and how it affected the land, but how it affected her magic was beyond her. Charging her spell, she looked just in time to see a fireball come at her, changing from offensive to defensive she instead raised a shield around herself.

    -BOOM-

    The overhead explosion shook the town and ponies to the core, a hard -thud- caught their attention and to their horror princess Luna laid smoking in the middle. Groaning in pain, Luna slowly got up, she was not prepared for the explosive magnitude of that spell, looking back at the line, she had to cover her eyes when another explosion shook the town. ‘We just lost the line’ Luna mentally said to herself and sure enough she was correct, the barricades and defenses were completely gone, all that was left was a crater. To their good fortune though, the explosion also killed a good majority of the dark creatures, roughly sixty percent of their force was wiped out, though of course it was mostly the infected creatures. Now all that remained was the enemy main force and the pony force was too few to match it, not only did the fireball kill the enemy, it also killed ponies. Luna scoffed at the numbers she ran, the current force compared to the dark creatures was still too high, at least forty percent of the enemy force remained, compared to their nine percent. It was a losing battle and she knew it, but they had to hold on as best they could.

    Daggerpoint rushed over to Luna, blood dripped from his forehead and he had several broken ribs, even his horn was on the verge of snapping off after getting hit in the head by a crate. None of that mattered to the unicorn, his first priority was making sure the princess was okay and gaining new orders.

     “Your highness, are you okay!?” he asked, worried Luna might be severely injured, or have an injury.

      Staggering a bit and wincing from a few broken ribs and a scorched wing she nodded “just a bit banged up, but nothing I can't handle-” walking forward, she winced after feeling the dislocated bone in her left hoof. Daggerpoint went to help, but waved it off, as she mentally counted to three then-snap-pop- she relocated the bone in her hoof, causing her to almost pass out and Daggerpoint to lose his stomach. Panting, she looked back, the dark creatures were reforming their ranks and she could clearly see a few archers, she looked back to the unicorn. “-lieutenant, form your ranks, if we have anymore ranged, put them in front, if not spears. We have to see this evacuation through, now move!” 

     It wasn't enough, out of the dark creatures numbers, only ten members of the twenty second survived and only five of the resistance remained, while the dark creatures seemed to be limitless. Readying for their final stand unicorns readied their muskets, while earth and pegasi ponies readied their musketoons and blunderbuss, in between only a hoof full of spears remained. It was now or never, the roar from the dark creatures leader echoed over the town, the final assault had begun.

      Bloodheart had moved many of the injured to the carriages as she could, she looked back at the final assault taking place, then to the makeshift infirmary, its roof collapsing as flames consumed it. She watched ponies flee from the building, some on fire, while others were cut down, she evacuated as many as she could, yet she couldn't save all of them. The rocking explosion shook her off her hooves, one of many fireballs flew above and behind the evac zone, but she knew this was just to scare them, since these things can just simply rush around the corner and slaughter them all. Yet the thought dawned why didn't they, these things can easily take them, yet they didn't, it's almost as if they wanted them to escape, but why. Another fireball flew over, nearly hitting one of the carriages, fortunately it wasn't destroyed, but it did sustain heavy damage.

     “Bloodheart!-” the mare turned to Northern Spruce rushing over to her frantic “-were being overrun, the first wave hasn't returned and Nightwing reported they won't be coming back. On top of it all Moonlight's hospital is starting to overflow, if we’re to continue this evacuation then ponies need to walk with the caravan!” Bloodheart cursed, Spruce was right, every caravan followed a procedure, even during evacuation and seeing the enemy being literally at the entrance, then they had no choice. 

    Luna looked back and to her shock began to see ponies walk with the carriages, ‘if that's the case then that means’, her thoughts were interrupted when the creatures broke though their defenses.  Luna swore her luck, ponies walking by the carriages is dangerous enough, especially for the guards tasked with escorting them. An infected bear lunged at the princess, slashing it with her magic sword across the neck, she finished it off with a downward slash decapitating it. Blackish red blood coated her coat, as she was attacked by another creature, but this one was clad in armor and was the one who was leading the assault. The fight went on for minutes, her foe, clad in plated iron armor, blocked blow after blow, his armor adorned with curved marks and symbols from the blood of his victims. The creature growled at her as they circled each other, both trying to figure out who would strike first, roaring it charged her, lowering herself ears back she dodged and slashed at him. The Alpha, Luna named, roared in pain as it felt fresh blood on its arm, infuriated, Luna didn't get the chance to dodge when the alpha viciously charged her.

      Getting hit by the bar of a battleaxe hurt, especially when it was smacked under her chin and sent her flying back, so when she landed with a hard -thud- she spat blood out of her mouth. Wiping the blood off with her hoof, she slowly stood up, but was soon grabbed by the alpha and with his armored fist cracked her across the muzzle, knocking her back down. First she was punched by a receptionist, now a dark creature, she swore if she gets hit one more time in the muzzle, she’s special ordering a muzzle brace, either that or talk like she’s congested. A weight was suddenly on her, fighting back, Luna desperately tried to get the alpha off her, but he was too strong and with a firm-crack- began beating her. Crack-crack-crack strike after strike Luna felt as if her vision was fading in a red tint, but the feeling of this thing beating her stopped, only for it to be replaced by the blade of the alphas axe lining up with her neck, desperately she tried to move, with her vision clearing, she saw the axe over her head and she knew in one fell swoop she’d be a headless horse. Yet to her surprise it stopped and lowered its axe. She didn't know what was going on, but she didn't have time to think as she was suddenly picked up by the throat and thrown into a burning building. The heat was immense around her, she needed to get out and what remaining strength she had, she began to crawl and after a few minutes she was finally out and feeling the semi cool air was over her, but as she did everything suddenly went black.



-present-



       “We aren't ready!” she said again wincing in pain as she accidentally ground her broken wing in the dirt, all she heard screams, screams of ponies at the mercy of these creatures. She looked over to see the alpha walk up to two and a mare and bring its axe down upon them, Luna closed her eyes and looked away, she failed, everypony's dying, how can she fight such hatred.

      “LUNA!” she looked up to see a familiar purple figure, ‘no-’ she thought ‘-it couldn't be!?’ spike soon came into view, along with Daggerpoint, the two males quickly tried to get Luna to safety.

      “S-s-spike” she uttered only to fall unconscious in their hooves, quickly they moved her to a carriage, climbing aboard with her, the two watched as they pulled away from the town. The town was lost and all that could be heard in the distance were the screams, only to be drowned out by silence and roars of victory, the darkcreatures have won.
> Moonlight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: Moonlight

   
      Beeps, soft beeps of an ekg stirred Luna awake, groaning; she slowly sat up, only to yelp and lay back down in pain, opening her eyes. She registered that she was in a white room ‘Canterlot?’ she thought, looking around to what she could see, she saw other ponies laying in hospital beds, with injuries she winced at, then her bandages.

     “Ah you’re awake!” she heard a voice followed by a door close, looking at the owner she was surprised to see who it was.

      “Dr. Radon? What’re you doing here, are we in Canterlot?” Radon gave a light chuckle and shake of his head to her surprise and stood behind her bed.

       “You’re in Moonlight-” he then explained “-I came here to help-” he said, continuing with his explanation “-once the smoke was pointed out to me, i packed what i needed and headed here-” he sighed a glum look on his face “-i know what your sister wants with Moonlight and i for one don't support her crazed idea for wanting the lunar well.” wincing Luna sat up.

        “What do you know of this well?” She asked, many sources claimed it to give ponies eternal life, others say it heals the grievous wounds, well that's what she heard. 

          Radon sighed, before he was a doctor he majored in history and he sure can tell the well isn't pony make. “The well isn't pony design-” he replied, he did get a good look at the well as many ponies were using it to help the injured “-but it does heal grievous wounds, though i think there's something far more to it”.

       “Then we need to aaahhh” Luna winced in pain, her whole body flared up in the most excruciating pain she ever felt, Radon was immediately by her side as he helped her.

         “Easy, easy your highness, you've been through a lot, you've just recently woke up after all!”

           She panted looking at him in pain “how, how long was i out?”

           Sighing he explained “you've been out for six hours, it's almost seven-” this shocked her, ‘seven hours-’ she thought ‘-is it morning already?’ she desperately tried to get out of bed, but screamed in pain as she moved ever so slightly “-whao Luna stop, you were in surgery for hours, you need to calm down!”

            “But the moon!-” she protested “-i need to lower the moon!”

           He continued stopping her “the moon can wait, you were critically injured when you arrived, nopony thought you survived!” his statement stopped her, ‘nopony thought i would survive? What's he talking about’.

        Steadily he explained her injuries “you arrived with a broken wing, five broken ribs, two broken legs front and back, lower jaw fracture, left occipital bone fracture, second and third degree burns, five broken teeth, minor spinal fracturing. As for your organs: internal bleeding from shrapnel in your stomach, liver, kidneys, one of your ovaries and uterus, a collapsed lung and bleeding of your intestines, along with minor arterial bleeding in your broken hind leg.”

       Luna just sat, slack jawed and mentally scoffed ‘luckily to be alive my ass-’ she thought ‘-i was damn near dead!’ she looked down at the many surgical scars she got. Yet the thought dawned on her, wouldn't a surgery this large be longer than six hours, unless, she shook her head, it couldn't be the well, unless it was, then the rumor was true, the lunar well does have healing properties.

       Radon confirmed her mental suspicions “now i know what you're thinking, so I'll be level with you, yes it was the lunar well that healed your injuries. Somewhat. You still have nasty spots that give you pain, such as the broken bones, but the organ damage is healed, mostly. Fortunately your reproductive organs are relatively intact, even though they were hit with shrapnel.”

      Radon could tell she was shocked, he couldn't blame her, he too was shocked after seeing the wells healing power and understood why the ponies of Moonlight safeguarded it. Yet the question remains why does Celestia want the well, she was after the west sure, but the well? She’s an alicorn and already immortal without the need of a pool of water, yet she’s after it like a dragon to gems. Yet being an alicorn herself she too is immortal, yet when she drank the water she felt not just her health but her power return. Both Radon and Luna were still curious as to why Celestia wanted the well, yet in hindsight, both didn't even know where the well came from, Luna was still curious when she first found it a millennia ago.

          Minutes later Luna stood in the hospital lobby, where she was soon greeted by Spike and Daggerpoint, Luna embraced the dragon who was currently in tears, Daggerpoint explained to Luna he stayed by the dragon's side until she was discharged. She found out he was injured by the leader of the dark creatures, but he was more worried for her and how she kept phasing in and out of consciousness. It was when Luna caught sight of Spike's wound, he had a cast around his forearm, as it turns out Spike challenged the dark creature alpha and ended up with his arm being crushed by the things waraxe. If it wasn't for his scales Spike would have lost the arm, Luna looked over to daggerpoint and noticed he too took some beatings, most likely a few broken bones and by the looks of his hind leg being in a cast, has a broken hind leg. 

      After a while the three of them were discharged from the hospital, true they still felt pain from their injuries, but after explaining the need to return to Canterlot and assess the injured, the staff let them go. Assessing the injured was an understatement, upon opening the doors, Luna soon understood why the hospitals were full, ponies of all ages, refugees of Applesprig, aided the injured of their fellow townsfolk. Foals at the age of six too helped by delivering water to the ponies who needed it, Luna soon spotted Bloodheart the twenty seconds medic and currently she had her hoofs full. Daggerpoint sighed sadly, Radon earlier gave him the assessed numbers earlier, he just wanted Luna to see this, to let her know what happened when she was unconscious.

     “How-” Luna began only for Daggerpoint to interrupt her and give her the estimate.

       “Two hundred and forty-five wounded-” he replied, only to look at her sadly “-the death toll is greater than that!” He motioned for her to follow, with Luna urging Spike to stay put.

       Venturing behind the hospital, Luna's mouth dropped, covered in various blankets, cloth and black bags was a thirty by ten row grave estimating a total of three hundred dead. Both she and Daggerpoint soon began to walk amongst the body bags, she never knew there were this many, he looked back to her and spoke in a somber tone.

   “Roughly three hundred dead-” he replied, wings flapping overhead drew their attention to the sky “-pegasi going to and from Applesprig risked their lives to collect what dead there are, some never come back.”

    Luna looked down, sighing “so few return-” she said looking at the bags “-has, has the mayor said anything?”

    Daggerpoint sighed “mayor Nebula hasn't said much, in fact he wants to speak with you your highness, whereas I'm needed to speak with the militia captain here. He says there's a great concern regarding Applesprig and Moonlight. He too requests to see you afterwards.”  Luna nodded and the two went back into town, Spike stood on the steps of the hospital, watching ponies helping the many wounded that came from Applesprig. He shook, remembering the first creature he fought and killed with his fire, looking down at his arm. He was ill prepared for his second encounter and almost ended up losing his arm, fortunately his scales took the brunt of the creature's axe strike, but the impact alone painfully broke his arm.

     He soon watched Luna return, going up to her, he could clearly see the concern on her face “Luna what’s wrong?”

     The princess sighed “I need to speak with the mayor wants to speak with me for some reason, but (sigh) this doesn't make any sense, there was no warning, we thought there were few in number. It appears we were wrong-” spike just stood there listening, he got that the mayor needs to see her, but this other mumbling he isn't aware of, she looked down at him aware she was talking out loud to herself.  

      “I'm going to see what the mayor needs-” she said turning to leave “-do what you can to help these ponies, I'm not sure how long I'll be.” she finished trotting off towards the town hall.

     The town hall wasn't as far as she thought, it was in the town square where the lunar well stood, it's been ages since she laid her eyes on it, the well was a large shallow pool of crystal clear water. In the center stood a large column with what appeared to be a pedestal with four tines meant to hold or grasp something, not far behind the well stood a large mirror, roughly the size of Celestia herself. Why the mirror was there she didn't know, but a strange feeling called to her when she first laid her eyes on it, not only that, she felt strong residual magic within not only the mirror, but the well and the column too.

      Reaching the town hall she looked up at the building. It was a two story brick building with a bell tower on the left side of the house, outside were several shacks for tools and weapons. To say the least it was better kept than the Sunfalls town hall, that town hall being made of wood, was falling apart from the inside, the ponies of the town should consider using brick next time. Walking up the stairs two guards stepped aside and opened the door for her bowing, once inside she was amazed at the interior as well, the place looked more like a mansion than a town hall. With little to no windows, the place was lit by torch and candle light, unlike Equestria using electricity the western coast was more traditional in the sense of using a calm candle light, or oil lanterns. As usual, just like Sunfalls, a receptionist desk stood in the center of the hall, trotting she admired the interior décor of the building. Paintings of past mayors and equestrian countryside lined the walls, while on the floor were pots consisting various flowers, ranging from red roses, to lavender and the infamous black lily or black rose. Making it up to the desk, the stallion was hard at work shuffling documents, or signing ledgers, clearing her throat, she startled the poor colt, looking up he greeted.

     “Welcome to Moonlight town hall your highness, my name is Ink Splot, or just Splotty if you like. Do you have an appointment with the mayor?” the stallion replied, he was a unicorn stallion with a black and white spotted coat, his mane was brown and his cutie mark resembled a broken fountain pen.

       Stepping up Luna informed her “I was told he wanted to see me!”

    The Unicorn nodded “alright-” he said getting up “-I'll be right back!” Leaving behind some doors, Luna waited for the stallion to return with the mayor. It took awhile, but evidently he came back with said mayor.

     “Ah princess Luna-” he replied bowing “-its nice to finally meet you, please, please come in to my office so we can talk” he said ushering her in, looking back he spoke to his receptionist “hold all my other appointments please” he said closing the door behind him.

      Sitting down behind his desk, Luna sat in the chair in front as the mayor started, he was a light blue unicorn with a yellow mane, his cutie mark resembled that of a nebula. “So like I said, it's nice to finally meet you!”  

    Luna nodded “and you Mr. mayor, but why did you call me here anyway? Has something happened?”

     Nebula sighed “I'm not going to lie your highness, but the attack on Applesprig not only cut off our food supply, but also separated us from the rest of the militia” Luna grimly nodded, “there's more-” he began “-before you woke up Daggerpoint informed me of their leader”. She raised her hoof, stopping him.

     “I know, I met him!” Nebula looked at her shocked, their meeting was interrupted when Daggerpoint barged in, a look of worry present on his face.

       “Your highness, you need to see this!” The two looked at each other, standing up, they went out to see what was going on. 

       Worry pressed the leaders of the militia, upon arriving at the situation Daggerpoint mentioned, both Luna and Nebula stared at the map of the western coast with worry on their muzzles too. Looking down at the map, one wouldn't make heads or tales of it, but in the thousand and so miles of land the west held, one could clearly tell the lower quarter of the map shouldn't be red in illumination magic. Luna's concern paled in comparison to the militias, for one Luna just got back not too long ago, secondly, Applesprig was meant to be the west's hope for getting food, now it's gone. However what worried them the most was not just Applesprig, but the fact the illumination magic was slowly expanding on the map, which meant one thing, the dark creatures were on the move.

      “We have to act!” a militia captain replied furiously, many of the officers agreed with him, even daggerpoint, but there was on problem, how many more were there. Many claimed to have seen another group within the forests nearby and if that's the case another attack could be imminent, which means they had to be ready for what's to come. A pegasus soon landed by the table, he was out of breath and worried. 

      “Sergeant what's to report” the captain barked, causing the sergeant to salute.

      “Sir the creatures are on the move, but they’re leaving the town, only a few corrupt animals remain!” This worried the council, if the enemy’s leaving then it was one of two reasons, another attack, or retreating, they hoped it was the latter. That's when Luna spoke up.

        “Captain, I think it would be wise to not only prepare defenses, but also allow-” she bit her lip, nervous on what she was going to say next “-equestrian forces to help defend Moonlight”. Right on que, her suggestion of equestrian forces sparked an uproar, they’d soon rather die, than allow outside help from their enemies. 

          “QUIET” once silenced, everyponies eyes were drawn to Nebula “princess Luna is right, we need military aid for this, now i know many of you have grudges towards equestria, but Luna wouldn't of suggested this, if she wasn't thinking about her ponies first. If we don't stop this threat here in Moonlight, then the west along with all of Equss will fall, we have a common enemy and we need to look past our differences. I know Luna asks a lot, but we need help.” ponies thought it over, some just shook their heads and left, their bitterness overpowering them, whereas the rest stayed, eager to help not just the west, but all of equestria.

         Moonlight was hard at work, not with just the injured, but now with defenses, in a surprising notion to the western ponies, the equestrians helped put up fortifications around the town. Seeing this the ponies held on to a small hope that this would bring their two societies together, of course some would claim it to be survival and not friendship that would bring the two together. Many on the other hoof didn't care and saw the need to evacuate the town, those who did were seen as cowards, but equally called those who stayed suicidal and insane. Luna on the other hoof only cared for one thing, the protection of her ponies and the need to protect the town, true she didn't want the well in her sisters hoofs, but that's neither here nor there. Right now she’s making sure Moonlight is ready, she doesn't want another Applesprig, these creatures have taken far too much, that ends here.

           Raising the sun proved to be more difficult than she thought, for one she was used to raising the moon and her sister the sun, secondly being injured did not help in the slightest. ‘Come on’ she thought, its seven in the morning which meant the sun had to be at a certain height and lifting the sun felt like a marathon, she winced when she felt a pop in her back ‘oh shit, that's not good’ but it wasn't her spine, but her mussel. Luna panted after raising the sun to its correct height, other than having a hernia say hello, she stood up, only to be greeted by Nebula.

      “Your highness-” he began “-some of the ponies were wondering what happened in Applesprig and are asking you to give a speech” he watched Luna’s face contort in surprise, slowly she nodded.

         “It's high time things change. Gather everypony in the square, it’s high time I explain what happened and what I'm planning to do!” he nodded and left to do his task, what she was going to say would change the course of equestria and its future.

          Ponies murmured amongst each other in the square, curious as to what the princess had to say, in front of the town hall's entrance stood a podium and at the door were two guards, one equestrian, the other militia. Next to the podium stood Spike, the dragon looked back at the door with worry and curiosity as to what Luna had to say. Standing next to him was Nebula, though he was more calm than worried, but overall was still curious.

         Minutes later Luna exited the building, gasps erupted from the crowd, Luna's bandages were off, revealing the scars and recent injuries done to her in Applesprig. Speaking In the Canterlot voice, she began

        “My fellow equestrians, what you heard today was an attack, but not from Celestia, mercenaries, or bandits, no, this attack was brought on by those bent on destruction, a race of dark creatures bent on ending all life. We won't let them, my injuries may be saveer, but not as much as my sisters, who was nearly assassinated by one earlier yesterday-” gasps erupted from the crowd, many of the militia hated Celestia, but knew deep down Luna wanted to save her, but hearing she was almost killed shocked them. “-which is why I'm asking all for unity, the loss of Applesprig is heartbreaking, but these things thrive on our sorrow, our pain and our conflict. I ask that you set aside your hatred for Equestria, my sister and others, because now we fight for not only our homes, we fight for our lives, our friends, families and our nation. TODAY WE FIGHT FOR EQUESTRIA AND FRIENDSHIP!” cheers erupted from the crowd, tears falling from their eyes knowing that for once harmony is coming to Equestria.

      Nebula gave a smug grin “that was a hell of a speech” he said congratulating Luna.

     She nodded “thanks, but i fear it's not over, i need to head back to Canterlot and speak with the advisors and council, it's time to change the name of the calendar age from the Celestial age to the Equestrian age. On top of all that I need to redirect the defense forces, if this threat is withdrawing from Applesprig then they do it to regain their strength, as of this moment, we’re at war.” 

      The thought of war terrified everypony, upon giving another speech, she ordered those who wished to leave evacuate to San Palomino and head further east. Once done she requested officers to send messages to any nearby settlements to send as much aid as they could to Moonlight, she knew these dark creatures will return, when she didn't know, but she wanted to be ready.

      Much was done in Moonlight, but Nebula knew Luna had business elsewhere, seeing her off he and many of the officers now under the command of Daggerpoint wished her well. With Spike on her back, the two gave the town a final farewell, spreading her wings she took off towards Ponyville, where the real adventure and real answers began. However a thought occurred to her, one that plagued her mind, is spike ready? Looking back she drummed up a conversation.

       “So? How’d that mission I sent you on turn out?” she asked, curious as to what Spike found out, or what happened while she was out.

       There was silence for a moment “it was fine for a while, then it went downhill, but we managed to gather the Intel you were after!” Luna raised a brow to this, she was ever more curious as to what they found, but that was just the start, the warm up. The real reason she needed to speak with him was much more important.

      “Spike, there's something else I need to ask of you.” By now Luna was sweating bullets and Spike could tell, he heard it in her voice.

      “What's wrong?” the dragon asked, curious as to what made Luna nervous.

        She sighed ‘here it goes’ “the Lunar court in Sunfalls, deemed it was time for me to search for a midnight prince, that it was time for the lunar coast to officially be called a free state of equestria. In other words i love you spike. Will you be my Lunar prince?”

       The question caught the dragon off guard, yet it felt right, but it wasn't the only thing that happened, he felt a tinge, a tingly feeling in his stomach, the same feeling when he first met Rarity. Yet could he, just the thought of the fashionist brought the tinge he felt to a surge, yet he started to get it now with Luna, is it, is it love? Does he love Luna? Biting his lip he had to answer, he had to and he knew what he had to say.

      “So? Will you?” she asked, her heart quaking, not certain on what he was going to say, but from him taking so long, she began to feel her heart breaking.

     “Yes…”

    She looked back surprised, “what?”

     “...I’ll be your prince!” he finally said.