Canterlot Palace
Two mares walked the hallways of the Canterlot palace. They were flanked by a set of night guards with stoic expressions. Luna strolled with a lazy pace, happy to enjoy the company of the pretty unicorn at her side.
Twilight smiled ecstatically up at the larger mare as she trotted along, "thank you for the use of your telescope last night Luna, it was wonderful getting to admire your work so close up!"
The princess of the night smiled back at her companion who walked eagerly by her side. "Twas my pleasure. I would gladly do it again for thee in a heartbeat."
"Oh, well..." the studious unicorn trailed off for a moment, "might I be allowed to borrow it again tonight, once our findings have been presented to Celestia?"
"Only if thou allow us to accompany thee. There is a certain star we enjoy watching while thou admire my night sky."
The bookworm thought carefully for a moment. "Oh, really? I didn't know you could see your stars like that without using some sort of device to enhance your view. How do you do it?"
"I look at thee."
Twilight scrunched up her muzzle, "Luna, your not making any sense, I'm not a star. Anyway, back to the topic of magic. Do you see why I think friendship is such a powerful kind of magic? I mean... I'm still only learning it myself, but that's what makes it so amazing. Part of the fun is making new amazing friends, like you."
'Only friends? Has this beautiful young mare not realized that We have been leaving her hints that We art interested in courting her?' The dark princess realized that she should probably respond to the eager unicorn at her side before Twilight asked her why she was so quiet. "So then, we shalt report to our sister of our findings," Princess Luna announced to Twilight as if she needed to know.
Walking alongside Luna in the grand corridors of the palace, Twilight nodded, "It's all part of getting you used to spending more time in the company of other ponies. And, well, being her student, I guess it's no wonder she wanted me to help you and report your progress."
"Would thou have spent today with me if my sister had not asked thee to?" Luna asked softly, her gaze fell upon the stained glass windows and the world outside, anything to avoid the pretty unicorn at her side.
"Of course I would have. You're my friend and I think you're really special. But I've noticed, you do have a habit of doubting yourself. I'm at most only ever a letter away and you can teleport them especially to Spike. There's no way I would neglect to respond or help you."
"Mayhaps that is part of what led to me becoming... well... uh..." Luna trailed off. The darker part of her mind was quick to remind her that she had recently felt the power of the nightmare. 'Didn't it feel wonderful, dear Luna?' The dark alicorn shuddered slightly at the inner nightmare's voice.
Twilight spotted her companion's distress, "It's okay. I- I think I understand, but she's been banished. You're my friend, Luna, remember?"
'Tell our little prize the truth!' Luna fought back at the shadows of her mind and shot back her own retort; "she is not a prize!"
"Who? What?" Twilight gazed up into the eyes troubled cyan eyes of her pretty companion.
"D-did we say that out loud?" Luna stuttered as she came to a halt.
"Um, yes?" Twilight circled around to better face her companion.
Luna slumped, "Please pretend thou didn't hear anything."
"Why? Who were you talking about? Are you okay?"
The darker mare hesitated, to tell Twilight would be to admit that all was not okay. Yet to open up to her would also show her a heightened level of trust. "Can we tell thou after meeting with my sister?"
Twilight continued to gaze at her, concerned. "Are you sure you want to wait? If it's important, I'm sure she won't mind if we spend a few minutes more talking before we go in."
"Please do not worry about me, I'll be fine. We do not wish to burden thee with our problems."
"Look, you're not a burden. I'm your friend and hopefully a special one at that. I'm here for you whenever you need me and it doesn't matter what that is. Okay?"
"Okay." 'Special?'
The younger mare nodded, clearly not entirely convinced. However, she was not about to further question the princess though. If Luna said not to worry, then that was how it was going to be. She would just have to try and wait till she decided to talk. Twilight reared up on her hind legs and gave the larger mare a big hug, "okay Luna. But when you want to talk, I'll be right here for you. Remember, I'm your friend and your very important to me."
Luna stood stock still in shock for a moment before the fluttering in her chest told her to reciprocate. She sat down and slowly wrapped her ...friend... in a hug. Oh, this felt wonderful! The princess felt like could twirl her magnificent companion around with joy and hug her close for she was MINE!
Luna stumbled back.
Twilight, who still had her hooves wrapped around the larger pony's neck fell forward and the pair collapsed onto the hard polished floor. The purple unicorn hurried to extract herself, full of mumbled apologies, her muzzle flushed.
"Tis okay, I'm the one who should be sorry," Luna spoke as she lay on the ground.
"You look like you could use another hug," Twilight tentatively commented as she assisted her companion's rise.
"Yes," dark blue enveloped lighter purple as the pair hugged once more. Night blue wings enveloped her precious unicorn and there Luna held her. Oh, she wished she could just tell her how amazing she was, how wonderful she felt and how much she wished to be loved back. But she could not. She was a danger to Twilight as long as the dark part of her mind persisted. She would not let the Nightmare harm Twilight.
As the moment stretched on, the lavender unicorn relaxed her grip, only to find that her companion continued to hold on for dear life. "Um... Luna?"
The alicorn in question realized that the moment had dragged on too long and hurriedly pulled away. Luna was thankful for her dark coat for it masked her flushed muzzle. "Sorry, we-"
"It's okay Luna," Twilight lightly cut her companion off. "If you think you need a hug, just tell me. Or better yet, feel free to hug me."
The midnight blue alicorn nodded hurriedly, "our sister is expecting us."
"Yes, she is. Lead on."
The dark alicorn hurried to do so and decided to change the topic, "our sister receives thy reports by letter. We must admit, it certainly must be lovely to receive."
"Well yes..." Twilight blushed slightly.
"May we read them?" Inquired the alicorn.
"Oh, sure! I don't have a problem with it. I don't think Princess Celestia will mind, either. Why don't we ask her when we get to the throne room?"
"Thank you for your generosity Twilight. We will be sure to study your letters well."
Twilight smiled a bit more as she looked at the midnight blue alicorn, "I don't doubt that, Princess-...sorry, I mean Luna. I have to say it's great how you've been studious and retaining the information we've learned so far as well as you have. I'm sure you'll have a lot to learn as well when it comes to friendship."
"Yes. And we hope that you will continue to grace us with your company. It...it helps, having somepony who understands," the alicorn trailed off into silence.
"Well, then I'm glad to be of help to you in that also," the lavender unicorn replied kindly.
"We must admit though... we are not normally able to study as well as we have today... Methinks it has to do with the company." The alicorn brushed a wing against the mare beside her.
Twilight blushed a bit, especially when, to her surprise, the dark wing draped over her back. Much in the way Rainbow Dash draped her wing over Fluttershy's back. Did Luna know what this action might imply?
Luna smiled down at her flushed companion. "Is my wing appreciated?" She asked hopefully.
"W-Well... I never had this happen before... except when I was a filly, and Princess Celestia used to do the same to keep me warm and protect me." Twilight admitted. "But... yes. This is nice, Princess."
The royal mare smiled happily, so far things were going much better than she imagined they would. Here she was with a friend, who seemed to understand her better than anypony else, other than her sister. She was kind, powerful and had the most amazing- 'Thou must stop there. Such inference has only led to trouble in the past.'
"Mayhaps I might be allowed to take you up and show you my night sky in a more personal way sometime?"
The idea immediately sparked Twilight's interest as she looked at the midnight alicorn. "Really?! Wow! That would be wonderful! I'd love that! Oh, I'd have to bring my notes along, to document everything I find! What do you have in mind?"
"A cloud at midnight. I can enchant thee to walk on clouds while I take us high into the night sky, as far up as a pony dare fly on a cloud."
"Gosh... Princess... that's really nice of you, I'd like that a lot, really! Thank you. It's a date then!" Twilight's excitement bubbled up inside and bounced slightly while still under her companion's wing.
"It's just Luna," Said alicorn smiled kindly down at the pretty mare who kept pace alongside her. 'If I understood that right, does she really mean date as in to court me?'
"Right! Of course, Luna."
The two found quickly themselves at the throne room. It was an average day at work for Princess Celestia who was seated at her throne, overlooking a few samples of paperwork she would later be taking into her private study. She lowered the papers down with her magic and smiled warmly. The ruler noted to herself how her sister had a wing draped over her student and couldn't help but wonder if some kind of announcement was imminent. "Ah, there you two are. How did it go?"
"It went really well, Princess!" Twilight said eagerly. "We had a pretty good time just studying and even talking about things!"
"Thy student has the most divine flank," Luna commented, as a delighted grin emerged across her muzzle.
Celestia's eyes went wide for a fraction of a second before her lips curled into an amused smile. That was not the announcement she had expected.
Twilight, on the other hoof, went slack-jawed. Where had that come from?!
Noticing her student's discomfort, despite how amusing it was for her sister to say such a thing, Celestia returned to stern mode, "Luna... While I am glad you finally managed to express levity, I will say that that was highly inappropriate. I do apologize for your discomfort of that, Twilight.
"We are sorry Twilight. Could thou ever forgive us?" Luna asked, blushing, despite how truthfully she had meant it, the princess realized it was entirely out of place to publicly announce just how smitten she was by Twilight, even if the only other pony in the room was her sister.
"I-it's okay... I've just never had anypony say such things about me before. I'm only an average unicorn."
Luna's eyebrows rose. "Never? Thou art serious? Hmm... We can only wonder why nopony has noticed."
"Um... yes?" Twilight replied, still shocked that anypony could think her good looking.
Celestia spoke up, "I think it's because she has only ever lived in the library or around ponyfolk who are too reserved to talk so openly about such matters." The princess looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hmmm... The moon and her stars... That could be delightful."
"Sister, surely this must be changed!" Luna drew her companion in closer and threw out a forehoof in exclamation, "for dear Twilight Sparkle is but a lovely specimen and should not-"
"A-Anyway!" Twilight interrupted, clearing her throat. "So, uh, I do have a friendship report!"
"That's good, Twilight." Celestia accidentally let out a little giggle unbefitting of royalty. "Would you care to share it with us?"
Galloping Gorge
Rain fell heavy and fast outside the cave the group of eighteen ponies hunkered. Most of the party kept a wary eye on the entrance of the cave, least any changeling or other unwanted creature enter and give their perilous position away.
Shining Armor felt his fiance slump against his side and realized that after two hours of fearful watch, she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He shifted slightly to better accommodate her weight against his side. The young stallion snuck a look around to make sure no pony was looking. Glad to see no eyes on himself, the white unicorn snuggled up to his pink lover as best he could in his armour.
"Hey, sir," the whispered tone of the light blue earth pony on Shining Armors other side sounded all too loud despite the pouring rain outside.
Shining Armor shot the speaker a questioning look.
"Where's a mare for me to cuddle," the light blue soldier grinned at his superior.
Several other nearby guardsponies suppressed snickers.
Shining Armor flushed ever so slightly as Cadence mumbled something in her sleep and snuggled up closer.
"Do you have a mare back home?"
"That I do," the light blue earth pony nodded slowly.
"What's your name soldier?"
"Bluestreak."
"Well then, Bluestreak... that is where there is a mare for you to cuddle. I want you to make sure you make it home safe to her."
"Yes sir," with a wide grin, a blue hoof snapped up and saluted.
"Movement!"
Immediately everypony who was awake scrambled back as far as they could against the poor protection of the cave wall on either side of the entrance.
Several moments passed with nothing but rain. Shining Armor realized that in his haste to shift he had awoken his fillyfriend. She groaned softly and he quickly clamped his lips against hers. Light purple eyes flew wide open and she relaxed and kissed him back.
A changeling emerged from the storm. Black as night with green tipped wings. The creature shook itself then froze in shock at the sight of those it had been seeking. A spear flew and lodged itself in the creatures head. The dead changeling tumbled backward till it lay pinned into the hard earth of the cave entrance.
"Quick! Get that thing in here!" The lieutenant ordered, his voice clear and urgent above the storm.
Several unicorn horns lit and lifted the corpse and spear inside. The changeling was placed behind the dead minotaur and the mound of dirt that covered its side closest to the cave entrance.
"Good shot," lieutenant Quick Strike congratulated his soldier.
The earth pony who had thrown the spear smiled grimly in thanks as his spear was returned.
"Now to hope none of its friends wonder where it went," Shining Armor spoke softly, his voice barely audible over the pouring rain.
Cadence shivered as her eyes briefly met with the mound of dirt that now hid two dead foes from the easy view of the outside world. Shining Armor felt her distress and pulled her in for a hug. He lifted her face to his with a gentle forehoof then place a dainty kiss upon her lips and nuzzled her softly. "I'm here... it's okay. Just... don't look over there, okay?"
The pink alicorn nodded slowly then cuddled up to her protector and love. She really wanted to be home safe or even in the Crystal Empire about now. Just about anywhere was better than here.
None of the ponies in the cave gave the pair any smart remarks or looks. The princess was not a warrior like them.
Fluttershy's Cottage.
Angel Bunny stood proud at the windowsill of his caretaker's bedroom as he overlooked the backyard and all the animals contained therein. With fluttershy out on an adventure with that rainbow rascal he was left in command.
The rabbit turned and spotted that tortoise just as the slow creature alighted at the top of the stairs. As Tank's propeller finished spinning, Angel leapt across and landed lightly upon the shell.
"Onward mighty steed!"
"Chill - out - dude."
"Hurry up you useless turtle, we need to get outside! There's animals to feed and cages to clean!"
"I'm - a - tortoise. You-"
Angel rapped on the side of his companion's shell. "Don't care. Get moving."
Tank smiled up at his companion. "You're - even - funnier - than - last - time."
Angel sighed, maybe he should just walk. "I'm not trying to be funny you silly thing. Fluttershy left me in charge here, not you."
"Rainbow - Dash - told - me... not - to - listen - to... you."
The rabbit shot the grinning tortoise a look. "But I'm in charge. I'm the coolest, fastest and smartest! Mom put me in charge."
Tank kept smiling happily up at his companion, content to enjoy the moment. "Totally - cool - dude. You - be - in - charge."
The bunny was almost tearing his fur out at the complete lack of speed of his companion's speech. Rather than continue to try and get the silly tortoise to be his free ride, Angel bounded off and rushed down the stairs. He paused as his eyes met his food bowl.
Great.
He had to do that himself.
His first lunch in... forever that his yellow caretaker had not been there to provide for him.
She had only been gone for what, a few hours? He already wished she was back so she could pamper him.
He heard loud tweeting and twittering outside. The rabbit sighed to himself. Guess there were others that needed his care too.
Way to make it even better.
"Dude - wait - up!"
Angel turned and spied the slow creature at the top of the stairs. "No, I'm done waiting for you."
The tortue smiled back, "then - I'm - sure - you - would - love - to - take - care - of - all - the - animals - outside - while - I - get - our - food - ready - in - here."
"Pfft. I need feeding first." Angle bunny bounded off to find his salad.
Just as his first carrot came within paws reach there was a knock at the door.
Angel bunny sped out to open it and couldn't believe his eyes. There hovered Tank, the door open and on the porch, Pinkie Pie. 'What does that pony want?' Angel groaned silently.
"Hi you two!"
Tank slowly smiled in greeting.
Angel scowled up at the party mare. Something was wrong. She wasn't smiling as widely as she normally would.
"So I'm here to drop Gummy and Opalescence off. Me, AJ and Rarity have to go off to Canterlot." The pink earth pony deposited the tiny alligator and cat in front of her.
Angel cocked his head, this was rather sudden... 'why did they have to rush off and leave him with more idiotic creatures?'
"So yea, don't worry. Everything is totally in control. It's not like there's any problems, nope, none!" The now wide grin upon the mare's face was a little too big. After a few moments, she appeared to realize this and toned her grin down, "anyway. Have fun together. Bye!"
With that, she was gone.
Tank landed, "greetings - please - come - in."
Angel tapped his foot against the floor, the new arrivals forgotten. 'What was going on here?'
Galloping Gorge
Amidst the cover of heavy rain, a lone grey unicorn crept back into a moderately small cave somewhere at the bottom of the gorge.
"Sir."
"Yes?" lieutenant Quick Strike turned to face the unicorn.
"I think it's clear out there. The last of the movement vanished over ten minutes ago. No changelings have since appeared on my magical radar spell. That's at least fifty clear meters on either side that no creature is moving so we should have enough space if we head straight up, sir."
The lieutenant turned to Shining Armour. "Okay. Let's get out of here. We don't want to be here if the changelings come back. We are to make for the city of Vanhoover as quickly as possible. Sound good?"
"I am happy for us to make that an order," Shining Armor agreed. "Alright, pegasi." The dirty white unicorn turned to his fellows, "I know most of you are still recovering. But we need able wings to lift ponies up to the top of the gorge above. Who is willing to carry other ponies up to the top?"
"I am." Sky Slash, a white pegasus with a light blue mane that stuck out from his damaged helmet in tufts stepped forward. `
Two of the three wounded pegasi also stepped forward. Their dirty coats were tinted with spots of red yet the held themselves with pride. One of the two placed his helmet slowly on his head, "both our wings are okay so we wish to be of service."
"Glad to hear it," Quick Strike nodded.
"I can help fly ponies up." Cadence softly spoke from her coltfriend's side.
Shining Armor turned to face his mare, "only once the coast is confirmed."
"I agree," Quick Strike nodded.
"I volunteer to scout a place for us to fly up to," Sky Slash spoke up. "That way it can speed up the transportation of everypony as soon as I return. If I'm not back in five, assume I'm dead or captured."
"You know the risk?" Lieutenant Quick Strike asked.
"Yes, sir."
"Then I expect to see you back soon." Shining Armor replied solemnly.
Sky Slash saluted his two officers then took off into the rain.
The bright highway, outside Canterlot
A happy pegasus couple meandered along the wide road from Canterlot, otherwise known as the bright highway, buttery yellow alongside vibrant blue. Celestia's warm afternoon sun shone upon their backs. The company they shared together filled their hearts with joy. To their right was the cliff face that fell off to the wide open lands below. If you looked carefully enough you could just spot Ponyville tucked away peacefully amidst the rolling landscape. To their left, scattered trees grew in density as the mostly flat fields met with the steep mountainside. The occasional pony passed them on the road, heading into the city. As Fluttershy cruised along, her partner occasionally took wing and pulled off small tricks for fun. All in all, it was a bright easy day that left them wanting for nothing.
Growing bored, Rainbow Dash leapt up and soared over to the waterfall. She landed at its bank and gazed out across the land below. Far in the distance lay Ponyville surrounded by bushland. So far away. So peaceful.
Fluttershy touched down beside her lover and couldn't help but be awed by the spectacle. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"Yea,"
"Wanna go a bit further, or head back?"
"Well..." Dash thought for a few moments. She turned to face the forest on the other side of the road. "How about have some fun on the mountain? You can try spot a few critters, I'll have some fun flying around the trees."
"As long as you don't hit any," Fluttershy cautioned.
"Hey, I'm me. There's no way I would do that." Dash drew back, a hoof to her chest as she shot her lover an indignant look.
"I know nibbles. But you can be crash prone."
"Is Snuggly asking for it?"
"For what?"
With a smirk, Dash picked up her partner bridal style and took off like a rocket toward the trees. She zig-zagged through the loose outer trees then continued to dart with speed and precision into the dense bushland.
Fluttershy clung on for dear life, her eyes shut and her tummy felt like it was left somewhere far behind. All of a sudden the duo slowed and the animal caretaker stumbled out of her lover's hooves onto the soft earth.
"Am I cool or what?" Dash bragged, "See Fluttershy, even carrying you I'm too good to hit a tree. Not a scratch."
The buttery mare shook her head slowly as the world continued to sway slightly. "You didn't have to do that Dash."
The speedster caught a hint of something in her partner's voice and paused, "I- uh... I went too fast didn't I?"
"Yes." The lanky pegasus hid behind her pink mane, "If- that's okay of course."
"Pft, duh. Of course, it is. Thank you for actually telling me and not keeping quiet and all shy like. See, we are getting better at this whole talking thing." Dash waved a blue hoof between them both before she settled it over her mare's shoulders and drew her in for a quick hug.
Fluttershy smiled lightly and offered a nuzzle as she snuck in closer to her lover's side. "I'm so thankful that you listen and try to improve for me."
"Does that make me the most awesome fillyfriend ever?"
"It makes you my only fillyfriend ever Dash, I don't need any other as long as I have such a loyal, loving companion."
The speedster pecked her lover on the cheek, "of course. And I think it's pretty cool that you are comfortable enough to speak out like this, cause I know you didn't use to do so without my thick head realizing there was something wrong then prompting you out of your shell. Sorta like how shy you still can get around strangers."
The light yellow mare ducked her head, "yes well... lots of other ponies can be scary."
A blue hoof carefully settled under the soft buttery chin and raised it till pink eyes finally met cyan. "Okay, well I guess you still gotta work on the whole being bolder thing then."
Fluttershy nodded slowly. As she drew herself up she spotted movement in the edge of her vision. Something stalked closer in the bush over her companion's shoulder. Two somethings! Fear welled up inside and choked at her throat and her eyes grew wide like dinner plates.
"D-Dash...?"
"What did I just say about the nerves?"
The somethings picked up the pace and Fluttershy tumbled backward in fearful shock.
"What?" The speedster huffed then turned from her lover to look over her left shoulder.
Dash spotted an unusual sight that made her blood run cold. She was confused, suspicious, and even had a slight tinge of anger upon the sight that she saw.
Two griffons rushed toward the lone ponies. They did not look friendly.
Canterlot Express Train, five miles out of Ponyville
The brightly coloured train that transported ponies between many of the major Equestrian cities jostled its occupants with a loud clack-clack as it shot over the switch that directed its speedy progress toward Canterlot.
In one of the smaller, more enclosed cabins of the carriage, Lyra and Bon Bon in silence.
It was an unusual silence for the normally close, relaxed couple. There was an unsettling air between the two mares.
Bon bon was nervous, very nervous. She glanced over at her marefriend for what could have been the hundredth time and second guessed her decision for inviting her fillyfriend along.
The mint green unicorn grew tired of the silence and broke it with a sigh. "Bon Bon?"
The earth pony in question jumped, "Uh- yes?"
"What happened...? How did you get into a top secret agency and become a ...whatever it is you were?"
"Well... when my father kicked me out of the house for coming out as a fillyfooler and refusing to bow to his wishes and date a stallion, I found myself at a gay bar in Winnieoplus."
"You... found a what?"
Bon Bon responded to her marefriend's concerned look with a deadpan stare. "No, I didn't hook up with anypony. You're my first... everything, okay! But I did find an annoying yet attractive mare who tried to hit on me. She kept insisting that I would do well and find a good place to run a sweets shop in Vanhoover. On the road I-"
"Hi you two!" Pinkie Pie bounded into the personal cabin, her persona all too cheery for the days events. "What are you doing on this train?"
"We're on our way to Canterlot." Bon Bon replied cautiously.
"Funny that, Rarity, Applejackie and I are also on our way there."
"Pinkie, what are you doing over there?" Rarity's voice carried over from the more open section of the carriage.
The hyperactive pony turned to her friends as she lightly bobbed up and down on the spot. "Guys, you're not gonna believe this, Lyra and Bon Bon are going to Canterlot too!"
"Really?" Applejack called back
"Oh, I know!" The party pony turned back to the couple. "Do you two want to sit with us I'm sure spending the ride with more friends will help make it more fun."
"Yea... About that..." Lyra trailed off.
"We don't wish to impose." Bon Bon added hastily.
"Pft- Nonsense, come on out you two." Pinkie Pie invitingly waved to the pair to come out.
"We would prefer to just say here and enjoy each other's company." Lyra shuffled closer to her marefriend and gave her a loose hug.
The party pony deflated a little. "Oh." Then she perked up, "oooh. I get it... enjoy you two." Pinkie bounced off with a giggle.
Bon Bon sighed, "we could have just gone."
Lyra gave her lover another hard look, "no. I want to hear this story about four very important years of my marefriend's life that she somehow failed to tell me about. Don't think I'm not still mad at you, Bonny."
The light earth pony sighed. "Okay, as you wish."
The bright highway, outside Canterlot
Two griffons rushed toward the lone ponies.
A white griffon in leather armor with red accents on her feathers prowled behind a powerfully built male. The tawny brown griffon in the lead with a white face and black tail feathers smirked as he approached. He wore nothing. His fur was mushed up a bit and he had dried blood on his beak.
"Hello bearers of friendship. Nice to see you in the woods... so far from Canterlot too. If I'm not mistaken, do we have loyalty and her fillyfooler kindness? I'm Volibeak and this is my mate, Mistwing. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Fluttershy's eyes darted to the city a good few miles away. From their slightly elevated position on the tree-filled mountain side she could see level with the high city walls. It made her wish she behind them, safe.
"Fluttershy. Stay behind me." Rainbow broke the quiet as her wings extended and she crouched slightly, ready for fight or flight. Something about the pair of griffons just felt... dangerous.
"W-what?"
"Please, just do it." At the tone of Dash's voice, Fluttershy complied, slowly moving to a protected position behind her marefriend. Dash glared with defiance, he continued to stride toward them, undeterred. "How do you know who we are?"
"Why should I tell gay trash like yourself?"
The polychromatic mare growled back at the grinning griffon. Fluttershy sank lower behind her protector.
"How did filthy, horrendous fillyfoolers such as yourselves ever find yourselves in a position of power I will never understand. Most especially that weak, pathetic excuse for a flying creature behind you. Hiding there like the little coward I see she is," scoffed the unarmoured griffon.
Rainbow Dash went livid. She hoofed at the ground and snorted through her nostrils with an angered glare. "What did you just SAY!?"
The griffin scout smirked with triumph, smug and amused, "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I strike a nerve? It seems that I have. Well, not that it matters, though I must say that you ponies getting angry is quite entertaining. You have nothing on griffins, not even you so-called powerful battlefield oriented pegasi. And that pathetic creature behind you, I cannot believe you would call that a pegasus. It's shameful to think."
"LISTEN YOU... don't you EVER talk about my marefriend like that! Oh, you can insult me all you want! Go ahead! There's nothing I can't take! But you do NOT mess with Fluttershy! Otherwise, you're going through me!" Rainbow growled in pure anger as she crouched low on the ground. "I dare you to insult her again, you jerk! Go on! I dare you! One more time... and believe me, you won't like me when I'm angry!"
The muscular griffin stepped forward. "This is going to be good. I haven't had a fight with a fillyfooler before. I wonder what that ugly yellow mare behind you tastes like?"
"Get away from her!" Yelled Dash, hovering in the air now, "Fluttershy, get out of here, now! Go find Twilight, the Princesses! Get going!"
"N-no... Rainbow... I-I could never leave you!" Fluttershy stumbled backward in retreat through the forest, her wings locked in fear.
"I said go, Fluttershy! I'm not letting you get hurt!" Rainbow yelled, "now! Move it!"
The white female griffin gazed at Fluttershy as if she were but a meal laid out for her pleasure and licked her beak in anticipation. "I have a new idea. I want to eat the yellow one. You get the idiot in blue."
"Fine by me. She looks easy enough that you can watch some of this too," Volibeak swaggered forward as he shot his mate a cocky grin.
The white predator smiled widely as she turned her whole attention from her eye candy to her prey. Mistwing stalked toward the petrified pegasus who cowered on the ground, licking her chops as she went.
Galloping Gorge
Shining Armor hugged his fillyfriend tight as one minute became two. This was not looking as promising as he had hoped.
Rain beat down solidly on the stone outside, its steady beats filled the air and echoed slightly around the small cave.
"Where is he...?" Whispered a nervous earth pony guard as he eyed the dead changeling.
Time dragged on.
Tummies rumbled. Most of the ponies who were awake wished they had some of their supplies.
There was no sign of the scout. Nothing but the pounding of the rain outside along with the occasional blast of thunder to liven up the white noise.
Sky Slash swooped back into view and landed with a light squelch in the cave entrance. Several guards jumped, only to relax as they realized the stallion was friendly. He quickly shook himself then hurried inside.
Shining Armor slowly lowered the cautionary hoof he had held up to halt all movement.
Lieutenant Quick Strike stepped forward. "When did we first meet?"
"Huh.. where's this coming from?" The white pegasus scrubbed a hoof through his sodden blue mane.
"Answer me."
All eyes shifted from the uptight officer to the soldier. "Uh... in the barracks. You uh... walked in on me banging my girl."
Snickers erupted and even Shining Armor failed to hide a slight grin.
"Correct. Good to know you're not a changeling." Lieutenant Quick Strike nodded, a wiry grin covered his muzzle. "You hear that everypony?" The Lieutenant spoke a bit louder, "if you have a misuses... don't have sex with her on military grounds. I don't care if she's your wife or a hooker. Ask ol' Sky Slash here what happens if you get caught."
A couple of ponies laughed softly.
The lieutenant snapped back into serious action, "alright. First teams are up. Move it everypony, I want us all up there within the next fifteen minutes."
Shining Armor turned to Cadence, "are you sure you can carry me all the way up in the rain?"
The princess of love gave her stallion a peck on the cheek, "sshh honey. Hop on." She crouched down and allowed Shining Armor to carefully mount her. A couple of wolf whistles rang out through the cave, followed by the Lieutenant's hushed order to shut up. Shining Armour shot a grinning earth pony a look then placed his forelegs around Cadence's neck in a sort of hug and wriggled a bit to ensure he didn't block her wings.
A few nearby ponies snickered at the couple.
"Hey, think I can get a ride like that?"
One of the flight able pegasi laughed as he scooped the speaker up in his forehooves. "No chance."
The other pegasus who felt ready stood next to Sky Slash as they too picked up a fellow guard each.
Sky Slash turned to face the three other flyers who would be joining him. "Follow me."
Shining Armor lit his horn and cast a small bubble in front of Cadence's face to protect her from the falling rain. He could feel that she was already straining under their combined weight, yet she set her face with grim determination and flew on. He tightened his hold as they continued upward and he realized just how far he had to fall if something were to go wrong. The couple trailed the other, stronger flyers as they navigated their way up, up and up till finally, they reached the top.
Sky Slash hastily made his way over to a large tree that was near a rocky spire. He set his unicorn down and turned to the others in the group. "Three down. Ten more. Princess Cadence, you can say up here with your fiance."
The young princess shook her head as she panted, "no. I can help. I'm sure I can do one more trip."
The white stallion shook his head, "save it. One or both of my boys here might get real tired after another trip or two and it would be great to have backup. This is going to take us about four more trips anyway."
"Then you best be off, good luck." Shining Armor saluted the pegasi. "Go, I'll keep an eye on things up here. If Cadence is needed, I'll let her go. But not till then."
The trio of flyers saluted their officer and flew off into the gale.
Cadence rounded on her lover, "Shining, I'm not yours to command."
"I know. But as your future husband, I want you to listen to me and out here... just... trust me. Okay?"
The pink mare sighed, "alright."
"You three, set up a perimeter. None of us can see much in this rain and I don't want us caught out. But stay in line of sight."
The trio saluted then snuck off into the surrounding trees to watch for danger.
Even though things were running surprisingly well, Shining Armor could not shake the feeling that danger was close by. "While normally I love that my fillyfriend is a bright pink... you do stand out in a forest honey."
"What are you trying to say?" Cadence softly asked.
Shining Armor guided his mare closer to the tree and settled them down against the hard wood of the trunk. He snapped off a low hanging branch and placed it haphazardly beside Cadence then wrapped her in a big hug. "Now we're less likely to be seen."
After a few moments Shining Armor spoke up softly in his lover's ear, "I still have a bad feeling, like something is out there. That's why I want us all to be very careful."
Cadence nodded then cuddled up closer.
The bright highway, outside Canterlot
Mistwing grinned widely as she leapt, her wings opened and she put on a huge spurt of speed toward her victim. Her foreclaws opened as the timid yellow mare before her shrunk back in fear.
Dash swooped in from the side and struck the white griffon in the face with her hoof. Mistwing crashed into the undergrowth, close by. Rainbow Dash looped sharply around and returned to her fillyfriend. Relief flooded her system as she saw the shaking pony was otherwise okay.
With an angry growl, the white griffin rose and turned her attention to the cyan pegasus as red tipped wings flared ready for action.
"You're going to regret attacking my mate," Volibeak announced as he swooping toward the blue speedster.
Rainbow flew toward him, her signature trail behind her. She gritted her teeth as she dodged his first well-timed strike. A full meal before a fight was not going to work in her favour. But she had to defend her fillyfriend, regardless of any consequences. Besides, if she could take Gilda, she could take this ruffian. As the griffin lunged toward her again, claws ready to sink into soft flesh, the athletic pegasus immediately dodged with a burst of speed. She pulled up behind him and landed a swift kick to his back with her hind leg.
An ear-splitting screech rent the air as the angry griffin rounded on his attacker, massive wings flared in glorious preparation for his next attack. There was one thing he saw, this pesky pegasus that required extermination. And it was going to be fun!
A terrified shriek rent the air as Fluttershy narrowly dodged Mistwing's red claw.
"Fluttershy!" Dash swung around and nabbed her fillyfriend as the white griffon pounced once more. "Arrgh!" Pain lanced across Dash's back as Volibeak ploughed into them and ripped out a few blue feathers.
Fluttershy was forced out of Dash's grip as she frantically fought off the snapping beak and razor-sharp claws that scratched at her. The pair fell heavily onto the grass as they fought berserkly for control. Amidst all the sharp things in her face, Dash lashed out with her hooves and even a headbutt. She grinned as a hoof collided with the griffon's ugly mug and he stumbled back.
Volibeak licked his right claw and smiled. "Your blood is sweet, let's have some more."
The scratched up pegasus growled. Dash used her wings to propel herself right at her attacker. Her forehoof connected with his shoulder and he flipped over from the sheer speed of her attack.
The rainbow trail soared through the woods as Dash frantically dodged trees at crazy speeds. She wheeled around and sped back toward her lover. Bright blue smashed right into the leather armour of the white griffon who stood over Fluttershy.
Mistwing tumbled at high speed into a bush. She rose with an angry cry to face her attacker.
"Fluttershy, are you okay?" Dash frantically asked her mare, who nursed a bloodied right side of her muzzle.
"I- I-" That was all the timid mare managed before red talons filled her vision. Dash once again tried to buck the white griffon off her lover but was pounced upon by Volibeak who slashed at her face then barrel. She screamed in pain and lashed out. The speedster's blow missed totally and Dash almost flipped over from her own momentum as the griffon arched away. Rainbow Dash felt her foe bear down upon her once more. Desperate to save her lover, Dash darted out of the way and smashed into the white griffon once again. Frantic blows rained down on the white griffon's face as Dash sought to knock her out.
With a harsh tug to her tail, the speedster found herself pulled off her target then swung around and around. She crashed into a berry bush and only just had time to frantically raise her hooves and block the claws that slashed down at her. Light blue hooves locked with golden brown claws as the pair wrestled for dominance. Dash rose to stand on her hind legs as she slowly forced the clawed beast back. Both parties powered their wings, trying to push the other off or gain some form of advantage.
The speedster spotted her other foe on the rise, slow and groggy from the beating she had endured. "No! Fluttershy, go!"
The normally pristine coat of her lover bore red lines across it and the pretty pegasus quivered. Tears ran freely down her muzzle as she slowly rose.
Dash tried to push the tawny brown griffon away but this time he held on, his claws painfully tight around her hooves. The sharp beak tore at her upper chest like sharp fire. She headbutted him back and saw stars as her skull collided with his. Rainbow Dash roughly shoved again and this time she managed to throw him off. She immediately took to the skies with unsteady wingbeats. Her missing feathers caused the wind to flow across her in an odd, unsettling way and she had to fight to keep airborne.
Rainbow hovered above the tree line as she desperately fought against the cloud of pain that bore down upon her mind. As the tawny brown griffon took off once again, she looped round and round the larger flying creature. The smaller flyer rained blows upon the powerful griffin's back causing him to emit an ear-splitting screech of rage. The pair exchanged a series of quick attacks which both sides easily dodged. They looped around each other swiping with hoof and claw, narrowly missing trees as they fought. Each side tried desperately to gain an advantage over the other.
Anything. Anything at all that could lead to victory. She spotted her lover as Fluttershy stumbled through the woods and hoped desperately that she would run faster or fly.
Rainbow Dash knew that speed was the key. It always was. It was something she could do well. With an added spurt she powered around tree after tree then looped around and plowed into the pursuing griffin's side.
The power of the blow caused the multicoloured mare to spiral out of control and crash into a nearby tree. She lay there dazed and bloodied as she fought to keep in full control. 'Darn wings! Why did I have to lose a few feathers?'
The multicoloured pegasus shook her head. The spinning sensation only got worse so she stopped. Dash could feel a blackness as it dragged at her mind, a way out of the pain. Her chest no longer hurt, yet when a hoof came to rest upon it, she could feel something sticky and warm. She was clearly still bleeding. But there was no way she could give up, Fluttershy depended on her!
The Volibeak rammed into Rainbow Dash and shoved her into the ground. The speedster cringed at the attack she knew was coming. However, a whoosh filled the air and something forced the griffon off her.
An authoritative voice rang out across the forest, "stop at once!"
"Ohhh... canned food." The tawny brown griffin shook himself as he turned to face the pegasus guard who had defended his prey. "Do you want a piece of me too?"
"No. But if you touch either of those ponies again I will be forced to stop you." The guard replied in a resolute tone as he hovered in front of the munted blue pegasus, hoofblade drawn and ready. "There are more of us on the way and you will do well to cease your attacks."
Borne aloft by his big, powerful wings, Volibeak paused to consider his situation. Although he had been ordered to avoid contact with guards at all costs, the element of loyalty in front of him needed to be dead. Besides, he wasn't going to miss out on the fun, especially after Gilda had stolen his thunder last time.
The tawny griffon spotted something white moving behind the guard and smiled as pleasantly as he could. "Let me just have my fun, then I'll be on my way. I promise."
"Back down, I will be forced to take you out." The white guard warned.
Volibeak snorted. The griffon held a cocky grin upon his beak, he knew he could finish the blue mare off before anypony would dare break up his fight. He was assured victory and he knew it.
Mistwing quickly crept up behind the lone guard and launched herself into the air. Her beak met the back of his neck and a blood-curdling cry rang out. She came crashing down onto the forest floor with one dead guard in her talons. "Tinned food on me! Kill that blue one, I'll finish off the yellow one!"
Volibeak laughed. Since that threat dealt with, the cocky griffon swooped down, ready to latch onto his prey.
Cerise eyes carefully watched the incoming attack. Dash fought to keep the shock of such a sudden death from overwhelming her. The blue pegasus closed her gaping maw and prepared for more action. She didn't want to suffer the same fate as the poor guard! As the talons extended, Rainbow Dash thrust herself up, her damaged wings took over and she propelled herself into the sky. Claws raked her back as she barely evaded the deadlock. A haphazard rainbow trail shot into the clouds before it plummeted back toward the forest below. A determined look wrote itself all across the speedster's features. She forced the pain and blackness back. Losing was not an option!
The loud wingbeats of the pursuing griffon grew in volume with each passing second and Dash forced her wings into overdrive. The two airborne fighters zipped through the trees. Just before Rainbow Dash was about to collide with an especially large tree, she veered off to the side rapidly and was rewarded by a loud smack as the birdbrain behind her smashed into it.
The bold pegasus panted as she grinned back at her adversary. Now to save Fluttershy. She zipped back to where the white griffon was flying and smashed into Mistwing's back. The angry griffon screeched as she tumbled off the cowering mare.
Dash pushed her fillyfriend up. The exertion caused stars to lightly fill her vision. She saw her bloodied lover was crying and her heart broke at the sight. "Come on Fluttershy!"
"I- I can't!" The kind pegasus wailed. She favoured her left foreleg, her right wing was at an odd angle and her muzzle bled.
"The guards are on their way, you must run!"
"But I need you!"
"Go! I love you." Dash pecked her lover's bloody muzzle and shoved the timid mare into action. She spun around as she heard an angry screech.
Mistwing was back up and she looked pissed!
Dash hoofed at the earth, "don't you two ever go down?"
The white griffon smirked. "No. That would be no fun."
Volibeak landed with a slight stagger beside his mate, "we must kill them quickly. I see more guards."
"Darn it!" Mistwing swore. "I'll go after the runner."
Rainbow Dash rose into a defensive position slightly above the forest floor. Despite her unsteady beats, she was certain that she could hold long enough for the guards to arrive and save them both. Black spots wandered across her vision and she was sure there were suddenly two of each of her attackers.
No. She could not go down like this!
A nasty grin covered Volibeak's bruised face. With a mighty thrust of his legs, he propelled himself at Rainbow Dash and knocked her out of the air. The griffon circled around his downed foe. He unleashed a deafening screech, time for victory!
Stunned, Rainbow Dash lay on the forest floor. The world spun. Everything burned. This was not cool!
Volibeak shot down toward her and Dash frantically forced her limbs to move.
Before the speedster could extract herself from the ground, the mighty beast was in her face. She narrowly dodged his claws and forced her burning wings to work. The pair shot into the sky and Dash spun away. Panic welled up inside as she nearly smacked into a tree. Not cool, not cool at all!
Her fuzzy vision returned to her opponent who grinned and span off to the side to meet her. The harsh beak collided with the soft blue coat. An instant later a claw wrapped around Dash's forehoof and she quickly found herself pinned to the soft forest floor. She lay there on her side, dazed from the impact and unable to respond in any way.
The griffon buried his claws into her and ripped out a hunk of flesh with his beak which he promptly devoured with pleasure. Before the cyan pegasus could react, a swift punch was delivered to her face, almost knocking her for a loop. A smack to her stomach knocked the wind out of her, along with any fight that may have been left in the once proud pegasus.
A spear impaled itself in the griffon captain's thigh and he unleashed a shriek of pain. Volibeak took off into the sky once more, prey held firmly by the neck in a foreclaw.
Held firmly in the talons of Captain Volibeak, Rainbow's world swirled around her in a sea of meaningless garbage. She needed air, and soon! The blackness filled her rapidly as her system begged for oxygen. Just one breath, just a whiff of her lover. Anything!
Shouts rang out, more guards had arrived! Something was in front of the mean griffon, but Rainbow Dash could no longer make anything out.
She had failed her Fluttershy - her one true love - and now both of them were about to pay for it with their lives. That other griffon had probably recovered enough to attack her lover again and this time, she was not there to help. Her wings cracked softly as she was scraped across branches, guards in hot pursuit of the griffon as he fled. Dash screamed in agony. All remaining sense of vision disappeared beneath the crushing torrent of pain and numbness as her precious connection with her wings and lower body disappeared. Try as she might, he was far too strong for her now. His deathlock on her neck continued to drain the life out of her system as every inch of her body begged for air.
She had no idea where she was anymore and no clue where her love was. It was over.
She would never get to see her Fluttershy or any of her friends ever again.
She would never get to show off her awesome moves or invent new ones.
Her life was over, just when it felt like it was truly beginning.
Before she passed out, Rainbow Dash felt the deathlock on her windpipe cease. The faintest sensation of a downdraft told her fading mind that her attacker had taken off without her for some reason. Maybe the guards had finally chased the evil griffon away. Maybe her Fluttershy might find her, save her before her body failed. However, in her world of pain, all Dash could do was lie there and accept her fate.
The last thought to cross her mind before darkness claimed her and she succumbed to her wounds and lack of oxygen was of Fluttershy. Dash even thought she heard her mare cry her name from afar.
But that was probably just her failing mind playing tricks on her.
Fluttershy...
Author's Note:
So this was an epic chapter for me. Broken into three parts (from its original form) and this chapter, part 3 is still long enough that I could have broken it up further. But I liked the energy and build up here too much to let it go...
The griffon fight has been completely reworked from the origonal story and I broke it up to further elevate the tension here. The snippets also are building up to important happenings elsewhere and overall, I'm happy with how this story is progressing. We are getting close to where the origonal Fall of the Rising made it to before I faltered. I think its exciting as I've carried this story with me for a good 6 years now and I'm keen to finish it properly.
I would greatly appreciate feedback here. What do you think? What did you enjoy? What stood out to you?
Are Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy going to be okay?