The next day, moonrise
Mighty Wing border, Griffonstone
Luna's horn lit with celestial power as she brought forth the moon. She left many of her stars asleep as she wished for a darker kind of night.
Swift Strike, the bat pony commander on her right glanced up and grinned, "I like it."
"Thank you," Luna smiled back. "Ah, we see company. It appears my little stunt has found an audience."
As the armoured griffon guards flew closer the toughest looking one with a chest piece of blacked steel called out; "Halt! State your intentions!"
"I Princess Luna, matron of the night and co-ruler of Equestria hereby call for a meeting with thy counsel. It is an important matter and cannot wait," the dark princess stated.
"At this time of day?"
"Tis my hours and this is a matter of urgency."
One of the younger guards scoffed.
The boss griffon of the pack shot the younger guard a warning look. Then he bowed to the dark alicorn as best one could with wings still beating. "As the princess wishes. Follow us." Turning to his fellow guards he dished out the orders, "alright you lot. I want you to break up and summon the closest four chieftains then meet us at the Chief's Nest."
"Yes sir," the other four guards put on a burst of speed as the unit broke up.
In a flurry of wings, the group landed upon the rough stone courtyard outside the Chief's Nest, a large stone structure that protruded out of the side of the cliff. The tall trees that were scattered around all bore an armed griffon in their upper branches. All eyes were on the intruding party of ponies as they glanced around.
The commanding griffon turned to Luna, "now we wait."
Swift Strike wandered over to the bunker-like structure and plonked himself down, resting against the rough rock and closing his eyes.
"Long flight?" The griffon with the black metal plate armour asked.
"We flew with only short breaks from Canterlot, yea," Dark Claw replied.
"I see. This really must be important then."
"Does thou know anything of what goes on beyond thy borders?" Princess Luna asked the lone griffon guard.
"No one tells me nothing."
"Ah," Luna nodded slowly. "So if say, there was an unwarranted attack on some ponies in our lands, thou would know nothing of such things?"
"If that was griffins, it sounds like rogues I'm afraid," the guard sighed. "We got enough problems without a rogue sect making our lives harder."
"So it has been a problem for you lot as well?" Dark Claw asked.
The griffon removed his helmet and ruffled his head feathers, "oh, you have no idea... Things have been crazy here for a few years now. I just wanna keep my family safe, you know?"
"Yea, I know that feeling," Dark Claw agreed solemnly. "Say, what's your name? Got something better for me to call you rather than just griffon."
"Crownquills." As the relaxed thestral cracked a smile the griffon waved a claw at him, "I know. Dumb name. My idiot dad named me."
Well over half an hour drifted by before the first of the griffon leadership arrived.
A large tough griffon with blackened steel armour with fine gold trim across his breastplate along with other adornments touched down a few paces away from the group. He carried a scar on his white face and a keen look in his eyes. Luna had a bad feeling that this was a dangerous creature.
The powerful griffon smiled disarmingly at the alicorn. "Ah, this must be Princess Luna. I had heard rumours of thy return. Your sister's quite the soft touch isn't she?"
The dark alicorn fought to keep her gaze neutral. "And thou art?"
"Oh, where are my manners?" The griffon smirked, "I am Chief Grandeur. I rule over Griffonstones' capital, Mighty Wing. My fellow chieftains from the closest cities should be here shortly."
"Thank you," Luna curtly responded.
Time continued to drift by, the one chief kept his silence and Luna was not in the mood to attempt to talk to such a creature.
After what could have been another half hour a griffon in a hooded cape that covered his grey hide and wings touched down. He was flanked by two guards in similar garb. "What is the meaning of this, who disturbed my slumber?"
"Tis I, Princess Luna."
"Oh," the older, hooded griffon cast his gaze between his fellow chief and the alicorn. "I'm surprised your authority is recognized here, Nightmare."
"You will address her majesty as Princess Luna," Dark Claw was quick to cut in.
The grey griffon scoffed, "it appears I have annoyed the half-breed. You know- I remember when ponies were actual ponies. Not this-"
"Please, do not insult my night guards," warned the dark alicorn.
"Or what? You're on our land pony."
"I raise the moon."
"So?" The older chief turned to his fellow, "oi scumbag, how long have you been waiting here?"
"An hour, give or take." Chief Grandeur calmly responded with a snide smile.
"That's it. No one else is coming tonight. It's been too long. You can't call a meeting with only two council members. I'll see you in the morning."
Alarm shot through the alicorn, "but-"
"Don't care. If it's so important, it can wait until we have at least five of the eight. I'm gonna find a spare nest to crash."
Chief Grandeur smirked at his disappearing fellow chief. "Oops. Better luck in the morning pony. I take it you all can sleep on clouds alright, our city is closed to your kind." With that, he took off into the darkness.
Only the guard they first met remained. He almost appeared sheepish, although it was hard for Luna to tell what with him being a griffon and all. "I'm sorry about that lot. I'll take you up and out of griffon airspace. Don't want an international incident because you slept on the wrong cloud."
"Thanks. It appears as though you are the only friendly griffon," Swift Strike commented as he stood and stretched.
"We're griffons, not ponies." Crownquills shrugged. "We are who we are. Follow me."
Princess Luna awoke on her cloud to the pull of her moon. After a quick yawn, she dipped into her magic and lowered the moon and stars. She smiled to herself as a few moments later she saw her sister's sun peak over the horizon. Good old Celly... always on time, like clockwork.
The alicorn glanced at the bat ponies on the two clouds nearby and smiled. Swift Strike sat alert and ready while his companion slept.
"Time to try again, princess?"
"That it is."
"Good. I think I've seen two important looking bags of feathers arrive with their guards. I hope the others hurry up."
"As do I." As Luna took off she felt a sense of foreboding settle on her. She really hoped the griffons would be helpful, but something told her that was unlikely to be the case.
After another two hours of waiting Princess Luna at last found herself surrounded by all eight griffon chieftains inside the large stone bunker that they called chief's nest. The only light came from a skylight that was barely big enough to fit a griffon, cut into the roof. The rough stony rock walls were bland and the sturdy circular wooden table in the middle was large enough for eight griffons to sit comfortably around, outside of talons reach from the chiefs on either side. Because there was so much space around the table, the royal mare was able to find a place too, closest to the door. Her guards, along with the griffons own filtered outside to leave their leaders in peace.
As the door swung shut a short creamy brown griffon with a light purple mane slid a barrier across the door to lock it. With a cruel grin, he turned to face the newcomer then slowly sauntered back to his place at the table.
A black griffon with a white head and beak stained white cleared his throat, "It has been many a year since a princess has visited our lands. If it weren't for your presence, I would have slept in today. I do hope that whatever you have to say is of importance."
As Luna was tired of waiting, she decided to cut straight to the point; "We come asking for thy help. Tis primarily concerning an attack on a group of ponies outside of Baltmare-"
"Where's that?" the short creamy brown griffon on Luna's left butted in.
The dark alicorn shot the rude griffon a look, "tis on the coast across from thy shores."
"Well we don't care about ponies in Equestria," the creamy brown griffon continued.
"If thou wouldst let me continue."
"Yes, shut your beak, Chief Stewie," an older grey griffon with a hood was quick to add.
The shortest griffon there shot his fellow chief a deadly look as he sat back on his haunches. "You shut up, Patrick."
"That's chief to you, young blood." The eldest griffon slammed his tallon down on the sturdy wooden table in the middle then turned to the alicorn, "continue."
"Thank you," Luna tensely said. "As we were saying... we come because a family of ponies were killed outside of our city Baltmare by a group of griffons-"
"Ha," scoffed Zeke the Untamable, a rough looking griffon chief with red painted patterns on his creme face. This mostly brown griffon had one foreclaw half plated in rough steel, presumably due to losing one or more of his digits. He pointed this menacing sharp talon at the lone pony. "That sounds like a pack o' weak ponies who couldn't defend themselves from th' wild. How do ya know that this has anything to do with us griffons?"
"Because of the claw marks on the corpses along with other clues," stated Luna with rising tension.
"If it was griffons, it sounds like a pack of rogues," added a tough brown and black griffon with a face so tattooed and covered in blue and red warpaint you could not tell its original colour. He waved a red painted claw, "this sounds like nothing to do with us, you are wasting our time, pony."
"Yea," Luna's attention was drawn to the griffon to her right. "This hardly sounds like an international incident or anything close to what would require all eight of our tribes to meet as we have." Chief Saxon, a strong northern griffon with a rich orange-brown coat flourished his mottled green cloak as he spoke up.
Luna shot the latest speaker a barely continued glare, "we came because the perpetrators escaped and had also captured a foal. Evidence points to griffons, we ask that as one Equestria's allies that thou support us in seeking out those who broke many laws of our land."
Chief Stewie once again spoke up from beside Luna, "Poor babe. But that is not any of us. So why should we help you?"
The princess fought back her anger as it bubbled up inside like a great angry beast, asking to be unleashed upon the blockheaded griffons. "Because it was a pack of griffons who clearly are no longer in Equestria and because thou art supposed to be the ones in charge of thy own folk."
"If I remember correctly," Chief Grandeur spoke up from across the table to Luna. The powerful griffon stroked the scarred area of his face in thought for a few moments as he held the attention of those present. "Thou did not permit us to take the griffons who had done wrong in thy land before. Why should we care what a band of rogues does now? Tis thy land pony. Sort out your own problems and don't come begging to us, wasting our time."
Frustrated, Luna stopped a forehoof, "if thou don't help us, relations between Equestria and Griffonstone will be at risk. They are already under stress and if thou are not willing to assist us and teach thy citizens to respect our ways when in Equestria then we may be forced to go so far as to temporarily close our borders to all of thy folk."
"Who cares about some old treaty," Chief Grandeur shrugged. "You failed to help us, so..." he trailed off as he sat back on his haunches.
"Yea," agreed Chief Saxon. "I don't like you coming into our lands and accusing our griffons of things we did not do."
Luna took a deep breath, this was not going at all as she had hoped, "but what if twas not a band of rogues. How do we know it was not one of you who ordered this attack."
Chief Phaethon sat forward, the black griffon scowled at the offending pony, "don't you dare accuse us of such wrongdoing. None of our tribes would be so stupid as to openly attack your lands. We keep mostly to our lands, you keep to yours."
"Yes." The last of the eight who had till now remained silent spoke up in his shy tone, "we have no reason to attack such a peaceful nation."
"Then doesn't thou see our intentions are pure? We had made peace with your tribes long ago. A family hath been slain by rogue griffons! Surely thoust much capable of helping of us track them down. Please, if the treaty between our our nation's means anything to thou all, aid us."
"Not this tribe," Zeke the Untamable sat back with contempt.
"Alright, I will consider it." Chief Grandeur leant forward with a keen smile and studied the mare of the night. "What do you think, Chief Ebonfeather?" The chief of Mighty Wing turned to the quiet griffon leader.
"Me?" The quietly spoken ebony griffon cast his gaze from the more dominant chieftain to the alicorn who sought their assistance. "I believe no griffon here would stupid enough to attack you and your ponies, oh princess of the night. I have heard stories of the Nightmare Moon... I see you still carry a fire inside. With respect to your power and the honesty of your request, my tribe shall honour the treaty and ensure that if the rogues who did this are anywhere near our tribe, swift justice shall be delivered. I can also send out some of my guards to ensure the land around is clear."
"You gotta be kidding," laughed chief Stewie, he slammed his claws down on the table next to Luna, "if there are any rogues near my clan, we'll kill em! But I'm not sending my grifs out on some stupid mission far away from home."
"No help from my tribe shall be offered. We have kept out of stupid games in the past and will continue to live aloof in the spires of our home," Chief Patrick stated as he pulled his grey hood down and withdrew a step from the table.
Chief Phaethon scratched his white beak, "as carrier of the law, I too will keep a lookout. These are troubled times and I don't wish to have more rogues roaming our lands."
"Thank you," Luna relaxed a bit. Maybe, just maybe this meeting might render some good results after all.
"Alright Night-mare, I Chief Harrison, will also support the search for the griffons who unlawfully killed the family of ponies. If they exist and if they be in our lands we shall rip them limb from limb and return this foal to you!" The tough brown and black griffon with the blue and red warpaint smiled as his painted red talons raked the table, ready for action.
Rage at being referred to so wrongly bubbled up inside the princess yet she forced herself to relax and stay seated. Another supporter was at least a good thing and she needed relations to improve right here if they were to stop the degradation between their two nations.
Chief Grandeur clicked his talons against the tough tabletop, "the griffons of Mighty Wing shall be at thy service too then. What was that griffon who aided thou?"
"Crownquills?" Luna offered.
"That's the one, yes. Since he has already interacted with your kind, his unit will be better equipped in the event that we find this lost foal and their captors. I will put him in charge of seeking out those who attacked our peaceful neighbours. I shall also utilize my daughter's aid here, as Gilda has been to thy lands and even made friends among ponykind. I'm sure she will also be keen to help. "
"That sounds reasonable, thank you." The princess of the night replied.
"Oh, you'll help?" Chief Patrick rounded on Chief Grandeur.
"I'll do better than you, old blood."
"Will you now?" The two griffons butted beaks and their talons clashed together as they faced off at point blank.
A mottled green cloak fluttered across Luna's vision as Chief Saxon soared across the table with a blood-curdling screech.
A day's flight later...
Palance throne room, Canterlot.
Two alicorns stood alone in the throne room of the two pony sisters. The afternoon sun painted pretty pictures on the floor through the stain glass windows. Despite the serene environment, the mood of the two pony sisters who were currently alone at the head of the room was anything but. The younger dark alicorn paced back and forth in front of her sister who sat calmly on her throne.
"...The rest of the meeting dissolved into fighting and pointless squabbles. Honestly, We shalt be lucky to receive the aid of three tribes of the eight!" Luna concluded with her recount of the meeting with the griffon chieftains. "We cannot believe just how hostile these brutish creatures have become!"
"Then we must be on our guard," Celestia responded. "If the griffon tribes are unable to unite then rogue griffons and other attackers who seek refuge beyond our lands will find theirs an easy safe haven. This Chief Grandeur I have met before and he appeared to be a griffon of his word. Although I suspect that he has ulterior motives for everything, if he says he will aid us then let us hope that he will be true to his word."
Luna turned her sister with fire in her eyes, "but what if they were lying? Or there is more to it? What if one or more of them was involved in this attack on our lands?"
"Wait and see sister, but I fear that if it is more than just rogue griffons, we are in for hard times. I will see to it that our royal guard are informed our outer cities are strengthened."
"In that case, We desire to depart and train for a day."
"You are most welcome to, feel free to pass on anything you feel could be useful in combating clawed opponents to our military sorcerers."
"We shall," Luna agreed then swiftly left the sunny alicorn's presence.
Celestia turned to gaze up to the stained glass windows and allowed her mind to wander as she mentally prepared herself for another meeting with her head officers.
A Month later, one week after Spikes rampage...
Carousel boutique, Ponyville.
Spike wandered slowly through Ponyville on his way to Rarity's Boutique. His recent episode as a large and terrifying dragon, greedy for stuff, along with the moment he shared with Rarity once he was back to normal made his mind spin. She had not only stopped him from admitting his feelings, but she also gave him a kiss. Then she got stuck straight back into her work while her shop was being fixed. It was confusing. One moment it felt like what they had shared back there was something special and profound, but the next...
Spike almost felt like she had brushed him off and given him a thank you kiss, nothing more. Nothing special.
For the last week, all he could think about was the beautiful unicorn with gems on her flank.
...And it was driving him nuts.
He had to know. Did Rarity feel the same, or did she, like most other ponies, know about his crush but-
...but not feel the same way?
Spike knew, no matter what, he would never find another creature like Rarity. No pony, indeed, no dragon could ever come close to her and what she meant to him. He knew it had started off as a young crush. But it was well over half a year now and those feelings had only continued to build. He felt like he was at breaking point. If he didn't ask her point blank and receive some sort of answer, he would go mad. On the other claw, he knew that if her answer was 'no' it would probably make things awkward between them.
The young dragon was pushed out of his own world by his head impacting with the boutique door. He stumbled back a bit, rubbed his noggin then strode toward the door and knocked.
"One moment please!" The voice of an angel melodiously called out.
Spike smiled, even muffled by clothes and a solid door, she still sounded amazing.
The door gracefully slid open to reveal the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria and Spike couldn't help but grin like a lovestruck idiot.
'What was I here for again?'
"Hey, Rarity."
"Why, good morning Spike," greeted the alabaster unicorn as she allowed her companion into her shop.
"It looks great in here now that you've managed to get it all rebuilt." Exclaimed the young dragon.
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Rarity agreed wholeheartedly.
"Um... sorry about breaking in and damaging your shop like that."
"Nonsense darling." Rarity waved him off, "you were not in control of yourself so quit apologizing to me. Besides, I'm very proud of you, what with how you managed to overcome your hunger for more and save me!"
The young dragon smiled, satisfied that she really did seem to forgive him for his mistake.
"Now, I'm terribly busy today, I have lots of orders I am still catching up on, but if you could be a dear and put some tea on then you are most welcome to help me while I work."
"Sure thing Rarity," Spike replied as he toddled off, eager to help his crush.
As he poured water into the jug, the unwanted pain of uncertainty whipped at his insides once more. Was he doing this because he was her friend? Because he was being led along and was easy help? Or did she ask his help because she truly enjoyed his company, just like he did hers?
'Gaaaaagghh!' He raged internally. This was getting to be too much. He HAD to know!
With great effort to contain himself, he poured the now boiling water into a teacup for his lady and watched the teabag swirl around, just like his insides.
The purple dragon was quick to pour himself a drink too and he carefully headed out to join his crush. "There you go, Rarity."
"Thank you, Spikey Wikey," the radiant mare smiled.
Spike couldn't help but smile.
She paused for a sip, then placed the cup down. As her horn ceased to glow light blue, she turned to her companion. "I would hate to impose myself upon you. So while I could really use your help, if you're here for something specific then there is no need to stick around and assist me."
"Well- I'm free all morning... if you want my help."
"Of course, Spike. I would love your help."
The young dragon grinned at this. Love? He couldn't seriously have a chance now, could he? Or was she simply using love as an expression? She was probably just using it as an expression.
The drake rubbed his claws together, "what does my lady need help with?"
"Well-" the alabaster mare turned to her sewing machine and continued her work on the dress she started. "If you could find me my finest light blue fabrics for a start while I finish this section, that would be appreciated."
The next half an hour sped by, aided by the dedicated young drake, Rarity made excellent progress. Spike on the other claw had felt his insides continue to explode he wondered, did Rarity see him the way he so loved her?
Just as it was beginning to get unbearable for the young dragon, his muse turned to face him. "For finishing touches, I just need-"
"Rarity?" Unable to take it anymore, Spike had cut his crush off.
The surprised mare withdrew the hoof she had been about to point with as she spotted the serious look on his face.
The room fell dead silent.
"Yes, Spike?"
The young dragon took several deep breaths to steady his suddenly racing heart. "Rarity, I- I... would you ever go out with me?"
"What?"
Silence.
The slight creak of Rarity's chair was the only sound as she shifted to fully face her young suitor. "Darling, did I hear that right?"
The purple dragon took a deep breath and nodded slowly, "yes. Rarity. I- I love you."
Shock rippled across the young mare's face.
"I-I know it all started off as some crush, but over the last few months, I've realized you really mean something special to me. That whole thing where I got big and captured you, I put your life in danger an- and it tears me up inside to know that you could have died because of me!" Panic began to seep into the youngsters being and he took a few deep breaths to try and calm himself. "Nothing could ever replace you or how I feel about you."
Rarity gave him a blank look, then glanced off into the distance. When her gaze returned he had both his claws clutched together for dear life, as though her response was the most important thing in the world to him. With her head light and her heart uncertain, she responded; "are you sure you love me?"
"Of course!" Spike insisted. "With all my heart, I love you Rarity. There is no other pony or dragon who is as amazing as you are." As he confessed his heart, he knew there was no going back now. Something was going to come from this shocked unicorn and he suddenly found himself dreading her answer.
"Well... I'll be honest with you Spike, I enjoy having you around. I love seeing you and you are a great friend. However," at her pause, the young drake's face fell. Rarity lifted his chin with a hoof to continue to stare into his eyes, "however... if you are sure that what you are feeling is more than a simple crush, then give me some time to sort out how I feel and we might give this a go."
"Really?" Fireworks went off inside the young drake and his tummy became full of butterflies. This was incredible!
"Really really," Rarity smiled back at her hopeful young suitor. "Now... Just to be clear, my answer is maybe. Not no. But it's also not a yes. Now, back to work. We have plenty of orders to work on and then I wish to make a few changes to your suit. I dare say you will need it if you are to accompany me out anywhere."
Spike glowed, "thank you, Rarity!"
Two mares, one pretty yellow with a flowing pink mane and one bright blue with a multicoloured mane flew toward the bulge in the great Canterlot river that flowed west of Ponyville.
"Come on Fluttershy, faster!" encouraged Rainbow Dash as she slowed her flight to face her fillyfriend.
"I'm flying as fast as I can!"
"No you're not," scoffed the speedster. "I remember you flew a lot faster than that last week when we rescued Rarity."
Fluttershy pulled up alongside her mare, "yes... but that was an emergency. Rarity was in danger and we had to save her."
"Oh, so if my filly is to fly fast, there needs to be an element of danger?"
"I didn't quite say that..."
"You kinda did."
Before the duo could continue their little conversation, a rather large unit of Wonderbolts in uniform sped past the couple in a dive toward the river.
"Hey cool! Fluttershy, look!"
Fluttershy turned to face the display just as her mare made a snap decision to join in.
Rainbow Dash sped off and fell in beside the pegasus up front, a cornflower blue stallion with a darker blue mane. Despite the wonderbolts outfit, Dash realized she had accidentally found her big brother and idol. She smiled with delight. This was gonna be awesome!
They swerved and flipped around, then the large unit pulled off a sharp bank and sped off into the open skies above the large flowing body of water. Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, she had not anticipated this maneuver and quickly found herself way off course.
Knowing her fillyfriend was watching, she grit her teeth, pumped her wings and with her signature rainbow trail, soared back into line at her brother's side.
"Halt!" The voice of Spitfire called out and the large unit of uniformed pegasi came to a swift halt.
"Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?" Soarin turned to his sister who had fallen out of line with the unit again.
"What am I-? What are you guys doing here? This is cool! When did you get so many new 'bolts?"
The sunny yellow captain of the Wonderbolts zipped out from behind the lead colt to face the unexpected visitor. "Alright everypony. Keep going with the maneuvers. Fleetfoot, take over. I'm gonna take Soarin and have a little chat with this pony who intruded on our practice."
"Yes captain," saluted an arctic blue mare. "Alright everypony, follow me!"
The large unit sped off downriver, leaving the group of three alone.
Spitfire turned on Dash, "alright, I want to know why you saw fit to put my team at risk by joining in our training without prior permission."
"Because you guys were totally awesome. Plus, your group was a lot bigger than normal so I figured it was like some extra large group exercise and ...and I maaay have wanted to show off to my fillyfriend, Fluttershy." A blue hoof indicated the shy pegasus in flight, quite some way away.
"Wait, you finally asked Fluttershy out?" Soarin grinned.
"What do you mean finally? And no. She asked me."
"So much for my little sister not being into fillies huh?" The stallion grinned cheekily.
Rainbow Dash shot her brother a look. "Soarin, you're super cool and all but don't."
"How about we find a cloud? With Spitfire's permission, there are a few things I would like to discuss with you."
"Oh. Okay," Dash agreed.
"Alright pie boy. Lead on," Spitfire seconded the weather pony.
With Soarin in the lead, the trio headed toward the bank that led toward Ponyville. They passed Fluttershy who slipped in beside her mare with a questioning look. They soon found themselves on a cloud above the bank. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash faced the two Wonderbolts.
While Soarin relaxed onto the cloud, his boss sat with military precision, her gaze on the one who intruded on their routine practice. "I gotta say Dash, that was quite a display for one who had never drilled with us before."
"Thanks," Dash glowed with the praise from her idol.
"You do realize that we don't allow outsiders to join in our practise sessions, right?"
"Oh... Yea?" The usually charismatic pegasus wilted under the stern gaze of the Wonderbolt captain.
"Please don't do that again. There are very serious events unfolding and we need every worthy pegasus to be at their best."
"Well if you need fast ponies, why not let me join? I'm the fastest mare alive," Dash boasted.
Soarin scoffed. "Sure you are sis. But I've told you before that it takes more than speed to be worthy of joining the Wonderbolts."
"Give me a chance and I'll show you I can do it," insisted the young speedster.
Soarin shared a glance with his mare. After a few moments tense silence Spitfire was the one who answered; "are you sure about that?"
"Yes," Dash adamantly shot back. "Plus, it's been my dream since forever to join the Wonderbolts!"
"Then meet us next week and we will see if you have what it takes," Spitfire offered.
"Sweet!" Dash cheered, this was almost too good to be true.
"Before you go and get all wound up with how cool this is, I want to ask you something," Soarin spoke up, his tone sombre.
"What?" Dash asked, her gaze darted between the two older pegasi in front of her.
"Did you wonder why we were drilling a unit of 12 Wonderbolts?" Soarin asked slowly.
"Because your training up some rookies?" Dash guessed.
"They are all full-time Wonderbolts," Spitfire corrected the younger mare.
"Wait, really?" Dash could hardly believe her ears. "But if they got in, how come I never got offered a job?"
"Because it's dangerous and you already go around saving ponies as one of the element bearers." Soarin sighed, "Look, don't tell anypony this, but... I didn't want my little sister to be hurt. We are no longer just a unit of show ponies who get called on for emergencies." With a careful glance at his boss, he continued, "the Wonderbolts are once again a military organization too. It's because there are increasing dangers and Celestia needs us to respond to an growing number of incidents around Equestria."
"Isn't that the job of the royal guard?" Dash was rather surprised by this new information.
Spitfire shook her head, "they guard and fight the battles. We are the first responders. Both Soarin and I have seen some nasty things in the last few months."
Dash suddenly realized that her mare had pressed up against her. A blue wing lifted and she pulled Fluttershy in close.
"It sounds dangerous out there," murmured the shy pegasus.
Rainbow Dash gave her mare a comforting nuzzle. It did, but Dash was determined that her dream and the safety of other ponies was worth the risk and challenge.
"Are you sure you want to join us now?" Spitfire asked.
"Yes, I can fight!" Exclaimed the multicoloured speedster.
"Look, sis. I know you can fight, but this is more than a schoolyard scrap. We are training to fight other winged creatures in hoof to claw raids and save ponies from monsters"
Dash sat up straight, "that sounds like something I can do."
Soarin nodded slowly, "okay, you know what... if you're so sure the best use of your time is with us, then meet me and Spitfire in Cloudsdale next week on Saturday morning eight am sharp, Wonderbolts HQ. If you pass, you're in and will be a rookie 'bolt."
"Okay. Fluttershy and I have a trip to Canterlot in four days time. We should only be gone a few days. Then I'll back in time to show you how awesome I am."
Spitfire smiled to herself and shook her head. "Alright. I expect this to be good."
Soarin cracked a smile, "now that business if over, how are things between you and Fluttershy?"
"Good."
"I would say they are more than just good," grinned the cheeky blue stallion as his eyes wandered between the two pegasi.
"How are things between you and Spitfire?" Dash shot back. "Last I saw you guys it was your wedding like... six years ago and I've barely seen you since!"
"Yea, well... the Wonderbolts, or should I say Spitfire's dedication to her job keeps us both busy."
The fiery leader of the Wonderbolts turned on her husband, "hey, somepony promised on our wedding day, he would be my support."
"And I meant it, Sunshine," Soarin wrapped his stoic mare in a winged hug.
Spitfire playfully fought her stallion off. Fluttershy cracked a smile and a slight giggle while Dash fought back a grin at the sappy display.
"What?" With his green eyes shining bright, Soarin pulled his wife in closer. "We are in the presence of another couple. It's fine."
"We should be practicing," the sunny wonderbolt reminded her lover.
"You'll keep me back anyway, let me catch up with my sister first."
"Fine. You do that, I'll rejoin the squad."
"Okay, I'll see my beautiful Sunshine soon then." Soarin kissed his wife on the cheek and grinned as gave him a quick peck back then shot off.
"Wow, you two used to be like super discreet," Dash commented with a cheeky edge.
"Yea, then I decided that life is short and we might get killed in a raid, so what does it matter if the team and my baby sister knows that we are married?"
Dash's eyes grew wide, "you really mean it about the dangerous stuff huh? Is it really that bad?"
"Yes, Rainbow Dash... I do. This is serious, each time we fly out, we do so knowing that not all of us may come home, but we do it because our families and Equestria are worth it." Soarin replied his face set and determined. "That is why I want you to give it serious thought and don't just rush in like you usually do."
"Alright." Dash nodded solemnly, she glanced at her mare for support, "I'll talk it over with Fluttershy, but you're probably still going to see the most awesome pegasus next Saturday."
The frozen north
Snow billowed around in an endless storm that stretched off into the hills and far away. Visibility was at a constant near zero. There was a touch of some kind of menacing magic in the air that ensured this storm would never end or subside. This made the frozen north a highly inhospitable place.
A pink alicorn and her white unicorn companion fumbled along as best they could through the snow. They both wore heavy winter gear that concealed almost their whole body from the outside world. Underhoof there was large patches of something solid, most likely a long lost road.
Shining Armour lit his horn and the snow on the road in front of them was blasted away to confirm, they were on an old crystal pathway. They had made it to the lost city! As they trudged down the road, all signs of their progress vanished into the wind as the clear path behind them quickly became snowed in.
Shining Armour came to an abrupt stop as tips of a shiny crystal structure hidden under a mountain of snow came into their limited view. As the unicorn guard gave the structure a blast of magic they briefly saw a door in front of them and shiny sides that stretched off into the snowstorm. This brief glimpse immediately had falling snow begin to cover it once more, turning it back into a frozen mountain. From the sheer size of the pony-made dwelling under the snow, it felt large enough to be the place or another building of note. "Cadence! Do you think this might be it?"
"I hope so!"
The couple picked up the pace and as soon as they came before the crystal door, Cadence attempted to open it with her magic. The old door wouldn't budge. "It's stuck!"
"Want me to try?"
"How about together?"
Shining Armour smiled at his marefriend's words, that sounded like a plan. "Okay!"
In unison, they lit their horns and pulled.
"Harder!" Shining cried out.
They tugged harder and harder, till all of a sudden there was a mighty creeeeeaaaak!
The pair gaped for a moment at the darkness beyond. The stallion quickly made a move and hurried inside, his fillyfriend was quick to follow.
Once inside Shining Armour used his magic to close the door and it slammed shut. The duo shook the snow covering off then the guard pony once again lit his horn. It shimmered with purple light, bright enough to light the dark hallway they had found themselves in.
"Where are we?" Cadence asked, her voice small.
"I don't know honey, but it looks like we, at last, might just have stumbled into the middle of the crystal empire."
All of a sudden, the pink alicorn's horn lit and a scroll appeared before her.
"What the? Now?" Shining asked, his eyes on the royal seal before them.
"I guess auntie has something urgent for us," Cadence reasoned as she unrolled the scroll.
Greetings Cadence and Shining Armour
How goes the search for the Crystal Empire? Have you managed to penetrate the frozen wasteland yet?
After a less than successful meeting with the griffons' leadership
Luna and I have decided to increase guardspony numbers in outlying cities.
Regardless of the success of your continued search, I ask that you both abandon
what you are doing and make haste to the Galloping Gorge to take command of the three units there.
Vanhoover and the surrounding areas have reported suspicious activities. I ask you
both seek out the units camped out in the Galloping Gorge not far from the train station
and provide them assistance in discovering what is going on in the Gorge.
Princess Celestia.
The couple glanced up at each other and shared a look.
"Princess Celestia really has the best timing, doesn't she?" Shining Armour asked, rather miffed that their chance to explore the large crystal building had been disrupted.
"I guess we should reply to Auntie then find our way back to the train." Cadence replied.
"Yea... I hope we make it in time for this afternoon's ride."
That Night...
Somewhere in the outskirts of Equestria.
She awakens. She sensed that her father was still ...sleeping but that he recently had given Equestria a wonderful blast of chaos... In the darkness, one bright sunny yellow orb came to life while her left eye glowed a luminous deep purple. A long horn that spiralled ever so slightly lit with pure white magic.
The light bounced off the four plain stone walls the creature was in. The impossible creature appeared to be an alicorn, but at the same time, she was not. The unnatural eyes flashed with blackness as they became filled with rage and power. Her head was grey and matched her glowing horn: A white tufty mane stuck out, it almost covered her yellow eye like a crazy unbrushed fringe. Past her brown ears fell a light black mane which fell like darkness upon the pure white body of the strong young mare. Her blue wings, one alicorn, one batwing was tucked neatly at her sides and a sky blue tail that looked like it belonged on a draconequus waved around lightly in the non-existent breeze. In place of a left hoof, she had a lion's paw. The whole left leg was a light brown that suddenly cut off as it met her perfect white coat. Her right foreleg was deep brown and ended with an eagle claw. It too retained its colour right up until it met the pristine, pure white coat of her body. Her cutie mark was of clouds slowly moving to cover the sun, a sun that looked rather like the cutie mark upon Princess Celestia's flank.
The creature smiled then released a satisfied sigh.
"Free at last..." her light tone broke the silence. "I wonder what mother is up to these days?"
Dark magic pulsed around her middle. Moments later, dark magic began to stream from her horn till it hit the walls of her prison. Feelers leeched out as the mostly alicorn mare felt out her surrounds. She could feel that she was somewhere far under the earth. A snarl escaped, this was probably where her mother had placed her!
After a few minutes of dark magic reaching out, she discovered the ground above. Freedom!
With her desired location set, the talon rose. In the light of her horn, she admired her unusual foreleg. Then she grinned and clicked. The sort-of-alicorn appeared with a flash out in the open air. She immediately took a deep breath and after several more, slowed her breathing and glanced around.
She was in the middle of a forest.
If her instincts were not mistaken, it must be a very large forest.
Time to go out searching. An evil cackle rent the peaceful night air.