Canterlot palace
With the noon sun at her back, Celestia stood in her castles war room surrounded by her aside and several high ranking military personnel. The generals' all wore ceremonial armour that allowed their coats natural colours to shine through. The room was filled with various armours and weapons on racks, while a single window above Celestia provided light from the outside world.
Her niece was also there on the opposite side of the table to the Celestia, flanked by her own personal guardpony. Celestia was sure said guard was more than just her guard, but was happy her niece had someone to look after her regardless.
With a quick final glance around the room at the waiting ponies, Celestia took the floor, "it has been brought to my attention that some griffins have been causing trouble for our ponyfolk. While I welcome their presence, as well any other peaceful creature in our lands, I will not stand for violence against our citizens. You have seen the report. It is unknown as to why those griffins became aggressive. This is also not the first time we have seen griffins wandering out land looking unusual."
"One would almost think they are up to no good." A deep brown earth pony general muttered rather loudly.
"Well, if any try that again, why don't we just throw them out. That would also satisfy their leaders who don't want us to punish them." Bright Lance, the bright white pegasus general spoke up.
"I disagree," all eyes turned to the youngest colt in the room who stood, suddenly rather nervously at Cadence's side. "If we throw them out, who is to say that their leaders will do anything at all?"
"What's your name son, I know I've seen you around somewhere." Bright Lance asked sternly.
"Shining Armor, First Lieutenant of the Canterlot guard. I'm also Cadence's personal honour guard." The young royal guard saluted promptly.
"Ah yes. Talented one," Bright Lance responded in kind. "At ease." He turned to the two unicorn generals present, "and what does his senior officers think?"
"Well," the dark green unicorn stallion with a golden mane that matched his armour spoke up. "I think Shining has a good point. If anything happens again, I think we need to be better prepared. If our guards were any later, we may have wound up with a group of dead earth ponies on our hooves and no culprits."
"You make it sound like the griffins attacked on purpose," the brown earth pony general spoke up once more.
"We don't know." Simply stated the other grey-white unicorn general. "There are so few crimes committed on our lands that it was a real shock to the Colonel in charge of looking after the city. To make matters harder, the ponies who are now in hospital had been drinking at the time, as had the griffins."
"Well you can't expect us to beef up all patrols," stated the earth pony general. "Everyone would become suspicious and think we are up to something."
"What I would appreciate," all eyes turned to Celestia once more. "-If you all could foster a more watchful environment, especially around any place that has non-pony folk present. Do not make them feel unwelcome, but for everyponys safety, I ask that you work out a system that will allow for a more even distribution of our forces and allow response times to be as minimal as possible."
"Yes, Princess Celestia." Bright Lance spoke up for all present.
"I would also like your feedback on what you consider fair punishment for both ponies and non-pony folk who visit or live in our lands. As rare as such events are, I will put forth a possible law change to increase penalties for violent behaviour and attacks." The sunny alicorn's gaze travelled the room, seeking reactions from the stoic faces.
"Alright. With your permission Princess, I would like to travel to our outer cities and work with their local military ponies to implement an improved system to ensure that future violence is curbed." The earth pony general stood at attention.
"Permission granted, general Ironskull."
"Thank you, Princess," General Ironskull bowed.
"Inform the other generals of our decision. I will leave it up to you who else travels to make arrangements with the local guard." Celestia instructed.
"I'm happy to help there," Bright Lance spoke up. "After we decide on the most efficient system to move forward with, I can assist in bringing word to the other cities."
"Thank you." The pure white alicorn smiled. "You are all dismissed."
As the four generals made their way out the door, the pink alicorn and her guard hung around.
"Auntie, what would you have me do?" Cadence asked shyly. "Most of what you talked about is a bit beyond Shiny and me."
Celestia smiled at her nieces' pet name for her personal guard. "I would like you to visit some of our smaller towns. You have a gift for spreading love and happiness, please make use of it. I expect you both to be gone for a few months on this mission, but should you return in time, there will be a ticket to the gala for you both."
"Thank you, Auntie Celestia," Cadence smiled brightly, delighted to be given a road trip.
"Thank you, Celestia," Shining Armour bowed. "I will do everything in my power to keep Cadence safe."
"I know. That is why I brought you two together," the sunny mare smiled brightly. "But please, wait till you return home before you wed. I would very much like to preside over your wedding."
"Auntie!" The young couple both sported flushed muzzles at the older alicorn's words.
"What? It's delightful to see the princess of Love has found her prince." Celestia smiled broadly.
Ponyville outskirts, the pegasi's cottage.
Later that afternoon, Fluttershy arrived home after she had lunch with Rarity. Despite the absence of her best friend, she'd wound up really enjoying the spa treatment. She even promised her new friend that she would love to go again, maybe even make it a weekly routine. Overall, she was glad to make a new friend and to find a new activity she liked to partake in.
Upon her arrival home, she found the cottage empty, aside from the boxes and stuff that still needed to be packed and put away. There was a note taped to the stairwell railing, which she read,
Went to work early after I left, so I won't be home until about five or so. Don't start without me!
~RD
Fluttershy nodded to the note as if it could respond, then placed it aside. She glanced at the clock, showing it to be 1:43. With a resigned sigh, the creamy yellow mare decided to keep on unpacking the last of the boxes to pass the time until her companion came home.
The rest of the day dragged by as Fluttershy did her best to unpack. Without her bold friend around to liven things up she quickly found herself bored with the dull task.
Sighing, the yellow mare glanced around the messy room, looking for something else to do. But what could she do? Her glazed blue eyes passed the window, taking in the view outside. Two tiny blobs caught her eye. The lead creature was a tiny white rabbit, the larger, grey and white creature chasing it was closing in fast. Fluttershy gasped in shock and took off at a speed normally reserved for Rainbow Dash.
The yellow pegasus swept the small bunny up in her hooves, protecting it like a mother protects her young. "Bad mister raccoon. How dare you chase a poor little defenceless bunny."
Faced with the glare of the animal expert, the raccoon froze, no creature had ever talked to him like this before. The cheeky bunny peeked out from behind his protector's hoof and poked his tongue out, teasing the petrified creature before him.
"Now I want you to say sorry to this poor little bunny. Go on."
The raccoon looked all the more guilty before he nickered lightly toward the bunny, twiddling his claws in a nervous manner. The critter who was under the pony's protection shot him a cheeky look back. This broke the raccoon's guilt, turning it back into anger toward the small fuzzy herbivore.
Noticing the raccoon's change Fluttershy butted in again. "Now that's not how you say sorry."
The angered creature attempted to storm off only to find his path blocked by yellow hoof. "You're not going anywhere until you apologize properly."
In her hold, the bunny blew a raspberry as if to taunt the creature that had once been chasing it. After exchanging a quick death glare, the raccoon faked his remorse for the benefit of his freedom. While the creature below did its best to look sorry, Angel was busy trying not to roll off his ride as he suffered a fit of laughter.
Fluttershy lifted her hoof, glad that both creatures appeared to finally be on good terms with one another then turned to the gleeful bunny in her hooves.
"Now you run along you little angel." She attempted to shoo the rascal away but he clung to her coat and gave her a pitiful look. "What's wrong? You don't want to go? Are you hurt? Sick? I am training to be a Veterinarian... I can help you!" Despite her alerted and caring state, her voice was surprisingly loud for a pony so quiet.
The small creature under her protection eagerly motioned to his mouth in the global language that clearly stated, I'm hungry, feed me.
Fluttershy felt a little put off that bunny was so quick to become demanding but put that aside. 'He only wants food, that's okay, Dash and I have enough to go around.' She turned and slowly headed back inside, allowing the mischievous bunny to hop aboard her shoulders.
The duo made their way to the kitchen where the yellow pegasus sat the waiting creature down on the floor. She proceeded to hunt through the assorted bags of shopping till she found what she was looking for.
"How's this?" She held up a string of lettuce.
The bunny stared, frowning, and shook his head.
"Um... okay." Her head disappeared once more as she hunted for something else.
Her eyes shone as she reemerged with a small neat package of hay. "Little bunnies just love hay. Don't they?"
In anger, a tiny paw swiped the package sending it slamming onto the floor. Desperate to get the message across the bunny once again began motioning.
"Um... Okay." Not entirely sure what the cute little critter was trying to ask for, Fluttershy once more went searching through her bags.
Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.
A tiny foot drummed impatiently upon the wooden floor, reminding the searcher of his need to feed. Fluttershy squeaked, caught slightly off guard by the noise, but nodded as she kept on looking through the bags.
"I'm so sorry, little bunny, I just don't know what you want! Please, tell me what you'd like?"
Palming his face with his paw, the bunny resigned and hopped over, reaching into the bag himself. He pulled something out, then tossed it at the yellow pony, which bopped off her head and landed at her hooves for her to see. Fluttershy's face lit up in understanding.
"You want a carrot?"
A tiny head bobbed rapidly, he had finally got the message across!
"Oh... okay." A shy smile lit the yellow mare's face, happy to have the problem sorted out.
She nudged the carrot toward the bunny who rapidly devoured it as if he had never eaten before. Fluttershy picked another from the bag, holding it carefully over to the tiny fuzzball who snatched it from her grasp and shoved it into his tiny motor mouth.
As soon as the second carrot was finished, the little creature motioned for more.
"Are you sure? I don't want you to get a tummy ache, maybe you should stop." She did her best to pacify the demanding creature.
He tapped the floor with an impatient foot, demanding more.
"Okay, but please go easy." She removed the rest of the carrots then placed them in front of the hungry creature. He ripped into the pile, sending shards of carrot flying in every direction.
"Oh dear..." Fluttershy blinked, unable to do anything else, other than watch the spectacle.
After demolishing the pile, the obnoxious rabbit bounded onto Fluttershy's back and promptly fell asleep, softly snoring. Resigning herself to being the tiny animal's bed, the defeated mare sighed. She walked over to the couch and plonked herself down upon it. After a period of time passed, the animal caretaker was sure that he was well and truly asleep. She reached up and carefully removed her package, placing him in the care of her forehooves on the couch. She stroked his fur softly cooing to the sleeping ball of white fuzz, "Aren't you just the cutest little bunny ever. I think I'll keep you. My little... Angel."
Fluttershy nestled down, resting her head beside the blissful creature and allowed herself to join him in the realms of asleep.
With a massive yawn, Fluttershy awoke, stretching her limbs as she stood up. Had she taken a nap? She hadn't even realized that she had done so! But when she looked at the clock, shocked to discover that it was already quarter past five.
She looked around in a panic. Where was Rainbow Dash? Her friend was supposed to have been home by now. Where was she? Was she safe? What if something had happened to her and Fluttershy wasn't there to help her?
The front door flew open, revealing a grinning Rainbow Dash with a cake box in held by the twine in her teeth, "Honey, I'm home!" She placed the box down next to her on the floor.
"Rainbow!" Fluttershy exclaimed happily, her cheeks pinkening at the ever familiar joke they always used ever since they started living together. Every now and then, Dash would come home and say that line, just to play with her.
Fluttershy giggled and trotted across to Rainbow Dash. She brought her strong companion into a hug and kissing her on the cheek. Due to her eyes being closed, she didn't catch Dash's predatory smirk, and the bold mare turned her head and caught her lips, kissing them.
Fluttershy's aquamarine eyes burst open in shock, that wasn't supposed to happen! However, she couldn't help but allow herself to be pulled into the kiss by her crush. She melted, instantly savouring the tantalizing feel of Rainbow's lips. Fluttershy's entire body suddenly felt so alive and full of love for her secret crush and best friend. She returned the kiss wholeheartedly, happily engaged in a prolonged kiss almost mirroring what they had done the night before.
Rainbow Dash pulled away, grinning. "How's my awesome friend? Had a fun day?"
Fluttershy nuzzled her companion, feeling enraptured all over again. "Much better now that you're here, my guardian angel."
"You're too sweet," Dash chuckled, she kissed the cute yellow pegasus in front of her on the cheek before she released her. "I brought home a cake! Got it from that crazy pony, Pinkie Pie! I was passing Sugarcube Corner on my way home, and decided to go inside and get something sweet for dessert! I go in, Pinkie's there, as if she's expecting me, and she gives me this free cake! It looks so awesome!" She indicated to the box.
"Yay! Now we can celebrate our new home. I hope you didn't mind me unpacking almost everything that was left?"
"Nah, I don't care!" Dash shook her head, "Thanks for that, Flutters."
"You're most welcome, Dash." Fluttershy turned, "Would you like some dinner?"
"You bet I do! I'm starved!" The cyan pegasus licked her lips, "Sounds good to me!" the earthquake from the light blue belly indicated her point, causing Fluttershy to giggle. She licked the cyan mare's muzzle affectionately before she trotted off toward the kitchen.
"Follow me. You sound hungry."
Dash picked up the cake and followed her friend, eagerly anticipating the coming meal.
"I have some groceries I bought today," Fluttershy told her, searching the bags, "Is there anything you want? There isn't much, but I have a variety to work with."
"Um... what made all the mess?" Rainbow Dash paused, passing a hoof over the carrot shards on the ground.
"Mess?" Fluttershy turned around, following where her friend was pointing, "Oh! That was Angel. I'm afraid I missed all that mess before I had a nap."
"Angel?" Dash cocked her head, she had never heard of anypony called angel.
"He's my new bunny!" The yellow pony gushed.
Without leaving her friend time for a reply Fluttershy eagerly pointed to the sleeping rabbit nearby, "There he is!"
Relief flooded Rainbow Dash's system, it was only some pet, not a stallion. Indeed, a little white puff of fur snoozed where Fluttershy had pointed.
"Isn't he adorable?" Fluttershy cooed.
"Yeah, he's cute," Rainbow smiled a bit, glad to see that her friend had found a new animal to fawn over.
"Can we keep him? Please?"
"Well... I don't see why not. He- looks okay." Although Rainbow Dash would have preferred to let the creature go, her companions pleading gaze easily convinced her otherwise.
Fluttershy unleashed a squee of excitement at the acceptance from her friend. She flew into the bold mare, tacked her in a big hug and zoomed into the air in joy.
"Thank you, Dash! Thank you! You're the best!" Fluttershy squealed.
"Yep. I'm awesome. Now please, stop choking me."
Giggling, Fluttershy smothered her best friend's face with kisses before she released the cyan mare and dropped to the floor beside her. "Sorry... I'm just so happy! Thank you!"
Dash giggled and gave her best friend a hug and a nuzzle. "Hey, if it makes you happy, that's fine by me." When she turned to look back toward Angel, she noticed something amiss and frowned. "Hey! Where'd the fuzzball go?"
"Gone? Why he's-" The shy mare looked to where her pet had been... only to see that the spot was indeed empty. "Oh! He must have gotten up, I suppose! I'll go prepare dinner, then, you get yourself comfy. I'm sure you had a long day!"
Fluttershy headed to the kitchen, taking the bags with her to prepare their evening meal. Rainbow stretched her body a bit before heading over to recline on the couch after quite a long day.
A flying cabbage hit the rainbow-maned mare in the back of her head. She spun around to face her attacker. "Hey!"
The bunny, Angel, stood a few feet away, giving her a hard stare. Clearly, he did not approve of her. The annoyed pegasus advanced upon the tiny nuisance, ready to tell him off.
"Oh, there he is! Good! Rainbow, meet Angel Bunny!" Fluttershy reappeared, glad to see her friend was finally able to meet her new pet.
"He hit me!" Dash rubbed the back of her head, cringing. "He just threw a cabbage at my head for no reason!"
"What?" The shocked animal caretaker looked down at the innocent bunny, unable to believe he would do such a thing. "Angel Bunny, now why did you throw a cabbage at her head? That's not nice!"
The fluffy white critter shook his head, denying all charges.
"Angel..." Fluttershy's voice held a warning tone, "I know Dash would never lie to me. Now, why did you do that? It was very rude. She lives with me, after all, and I will not have you treat my friends so shamefully. Apologize. Now, please."
The tiny nuisance looked horrified, the two were together? Now how was he supposed to have a caretaker? He frowned and shook his head.
"No Angel, she's my friend."
Dash slowly approached her friend and gave her a nuzzle. Fluttershy giggled, her anger diminishing, and nuzzled her light blue companion back, a slight blush upon her muzzle.
The minute creature gave the pair a look that said whatever. He hopped off to find something else to chew on.
"I'm so sorry he hit you, Rainbow," Fluttershy said softly, "I didn't think he would do that. And yet, he did throw a carrot at me today when he tried to tell me he wanted one."
"Then why would you keep such a pet? I'd kick his flank out right now."
"I know... but let's give him a chance. He's been out in the wild longer than being a domestic pet, Rainbow," Fluttershy coaxed, "We'll just make sure he knows who's boss in the house."
"Yeah, me. The awesome Rainbow Dash!"
Fluttershy giggled, "Yes, that's true. I'm also the boss since he's my pet. He'll have to listen to both of us."
"Good luck with that." Dash wandered over into the kitchen to try and find what it was her companion had been in the middle of creating.
"Rainbow have faith," cooed the creamy yellow pegasus as she followed after her crush. "It will just take some time to house train him."
"Okay. But... why did you call him Angel?"
With a bright smile, Fluttershy trotted over to her companion and nuzzled her sweetly, kissing her on the cheek, "Because he reminds me of my other angel..."
Dash's cheeks glowed as she caught her friends meaning. "Awwww... Thanks, Fluttershy. But did you really have to name some bunny after my awesomeness?"
"Well, no... but I wanted to," the animal caretaker admitted, looking away shyly.
The cyan mare's tummy chose the intimate moment to announce its presence once more.
Fluttershy giggled. "I guess I need to get my angel pony something."
"You bet! I'm still starved!" The athlete grinned as she watched her friend trot over to the counter. While Rainbow Dash observed, her smile softened as she gazed at the beautiful pegasus, just in awe for a moment. 'You know, she's the real angel around here...'
A thought overcame the cyan pegasus then and she realized something. She had ditched Fluttershy earlier that day. Yet her companion hadn't even brought it up? Did she not care, or was she too hurt? If she was hurt or even angry about it, she was hiding it so well. But then again, while the quiet yellow mare was one to wear her heart on her hoof, she could also cover her feelings under many hard to grasp layers pretty well.
Saddened, Rainbow Dash trotted over to the creamy yellow pegasus and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry, Fluttershy."
The surprised pony flinched slightly before she melted into her friend's affection. "Mmm? What for, Rainbow?"
The cyan pegasus took a deep breath, she stepped away from her friend to gaze honestly into the stunning orbs in front of her. "...For ditching you like that. I mean, if I think about it, if we went to a Wonderbolts derby or something and you ditched me just like that, I'd be pretty mad. So, it was stupid of me! I know I don't like anypony touching my hooves, but I guess I could've just told them I didn't want a hoofi-whatever that was!" She squeezed her eyes shut, looking away from her companion.
But when she felt warm forelegs embracing her body, her eyes shot open and she remained frozen for a moment.
"It's all right, Rainbow. I forgive you," Fluttershy whispered softly.
"...You're too forgiving, pal. I don't deserve that," Dash sighed and looked away from the quiet pegasus.
"Yes you do," the shy pony admitted, and then with bold bravery, leaned in and gently touched their lips together. They both blushed, but prolonged the sweet little kiss, "And I forgive you."
With a goofy smile upon her muzzle, Dash just hugged her best friend, content in that moment of forgiveness.
"However, you're going to have to let me at least take care of you, Dashie."
"...Oh fine, you're the only pony I'd let touch my hooves, anyway."
They laughed a bit before sharing another kiss. When Fluttershy pulled back to resume making dinner, Dash sat there on the floor with a lovesick, goofy grin on her face.
That is until Angel tossed a carrot at her head.
Ponyville, Market Square
The next day, since they didn't have to go to work until the afternoon, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy headed off into town to buy some more groceries. With their saddlebags at the ready on their backs, they traversed through the quaint farmer's market in search for the items they needed in terms of fresh grown food.
One of the stands caught Dash's attention, which to her surprise, was an apple stand. It didn't just sell apples, it sold all kinds of apple-made products. Apple pies, caramel apples, apple fritters, dumplings, fries, and even apple juice! Her jaw dropped, and her mouth watered.
"Why howdy' nice day fer a young couple like yerselves to be around town."
Fluttershy blushed heavily and hid against her equally embarrassed companion.
"Uh, hey! We're uh... not a couple! We're just friends!" Dash protested, her own cheeks fairing no better than her shy companions were.
"Really?" It was clear that the farmer didn't believe them.
"Duh, of course!" Rainbow grinned, trying to look convincing. "Just a couple of roomies getting some food, you know?"
"That's okay, but ya' wouldn't be the first two in town." Applejack nonchalantly pointed out.
"Well... um... but we're... not a couple... Miss...?" Fluttershy squeaked.
"Yea. We're only here to buy some apples," insisted Rainbow Dash as she held her ground, wishing that her friend would give her a little more space and therefore make both their lives easier.
The farmer reached out and plucked a bunch of the red fruits from her stall. "Here ya' go! Ah' hope ya'll enjoy your day!"
"Oh, thank you!" Fluttershy reached into her saddle bag to produce her bag of bits. "How much do we owe you miss...? I'm...sorry...what's your name?"
"Applejack! Pleased to meet you. If ya'll ever find yourselves in need of some of the greatest produce in all of Equestria don't hesitate to drop by at Sweet Apple Acres. That'll be three bits for you miss."
Rainbow beat her friend to it, tossing the required amount onto the table and giving Fluttershy a quick confident grin. The orange earth pony in front of them chucked.
"Ya sure you two are both just friends?"
"Yes!" With her final answer, Rainbow Dash stalked off in a huff. So much for being the most awesome pony in town. Her shy friend was making her look soft!
Fluttershy stayed back for a moment. She glanced around shyly, "Um... it was very nice to meet you, Applejack... We'll see you around again, of course."
"Sure thang, Miss Fluttershy!" Applejack grinned.
The orange farmer bid the shy yellow pegasus goodbye with a nod. "Ah look forward ta seein' y'all again! Stop by anytime!"
"We will, yes... thank you..." Fluttershy nodded gratefully then hurried after her companion.
As the two young mares walked off the farmer laughed to herself. "Ah' think ah' can see a young couple when ah see them... wonder how long it'll take."