Canterlot Palace
"That's good, Twilight." Celestia accidentally let out a little giggle unbefitting of royalty. "Would you care to share it with us?"
"I would," said the unicorn, looking relieved to have the subject veered away from her...apparent attractiveness. "I learned that sometimes when you make a new friend, they can sometimes need a little help with certain matters. But when you be patient, work with them, meet them halfway and just be there for them, you can really see how much of a good friend they can be. Because you gave them a chance and helped them when they needed a little nudge in the right direction."
Twilight jumped as a midnight blue wing ruffled her mane affectionately. "Thou art a great orator too, Twilight."
"Sister... sometimes some ponies need to learn when to hold their tongues or keep their wings to themselves. Now is such a time..." Celestia required the alicorn before her with a light, amused smile upon her lips.
Luna exhaled but nodded. Maybe she had been a bit too forward. "We suppose you're right, sister. We do apologize Twilight Sparkle."
"Once again... it's-" Twilight was cut off by the doors to the throne room as they burst open.
The trio turned, looking to see the surprising sight of a mangled Fluttershy carried on the back of a guard. The yellow mare was a bloody heap with both her forelegs cut open while her lower chest looked as though some sort of large beak had ripped into it. Two pegasus guards rushed into the room behind the new arrivals, one bore a scratch across his muzzle while the other carried a battered blue pegasus in his forehooves. Rainbow Dash appeared lifeless and pale as her limbs hung over the guard. The two guards who flanked the party appeared to have been in a fight and many bore claw marks across their armour where they had been raked by attacking griffins.
Twilight gasped and rushed to her aid. "Oh my gosh, Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash! What happened?! Who did this?!"
"Two griffons in the forest outside the city. We fought them off your highness, but they got away," one of the guards informed the shocked mares with a grim look upon his face.
Celestia rose from the throne and strode over to the group, she bore a grave and serious expression, "I will take them both to be healed and cleaned up. Twilight, Luna, please follow me."
"A-are they going to be okay?" Twilight shuddered at the sight of her two friends in such a state. Luna hurried to the distressed unicorn's side and placed a wing comfortingly over her. It partly blocked the bloodied pegasi from the young mare's sight.
A light golden aura surrounded the pegasus couple and removed them from the guards hold. "Thank you all for your help, we must depart now."
The guards bowed solemly. With her precious charges safely in her magic, Celestia made haste to the palace hospital.
Twilight bit her lip, looking to Luna with nervous eyes as they followed the sunny ruler. "Luna... do... do you think they'll be alright?"
"We are unsure," the night princess replied softly.
"...I hope so... they both looked pretty beat up." Twilight murmured, biting her lip again.
Twilight peeked around Luna's feathers to look at Fluttershy, feeling her heart sink. She had never seen any of her friends this damaged before. Both mares looked on the brink of passing on. Twilight's head spun as she retreated beneath the safety of her friend's wing. It was terrifying to think that either one of them might not make it.
The young mage did her best to suppress the worry that swirled around inside like a raging hurricane. How did they both get into such a state? Gilda hadn't seemed that bad... Was it really two griffons? What were such violent creatures doing so close to Canterlot? She shuddered. Hopefully, no other ponies would be unfortunate enough to meet those griffons.
She was pulled out of her thoughts by Luna's restraining hold as her guide slowed to a stop. She looked up to see Celestia enter the palace hospital door.
Luna withdrew and shuffled her wings uncertainty as her eyes remained on the double doors her sister had disappeared into. "We must let our sister work. She is one of the greatest healers in the land and if anypony can help your friends, tis her."
Twilight nodded numbly.
"How art thou feeling?"
It took the unicorn a few moments to realize that she should probably respond. Twilight shook her head and turned to face her companion. "I feel like this is a bad dream or something. Only a few hours ago they were both so lively. I had hoped to show them both more of the castle..."
"And you will, once they awaken." Luna softly replied.
"Does that mean they will be okay?"
The alicorn princess sighed heavily, "I do not know, Twilight Sparkle... It would seem that this grievance makes it hard to think of anything else, does it not? Perhaps thou may haveth a suggestion?"
"Yes... Um..." Twilight's cheeks heated as she thought of one idea... "M-may I...um... well you see your wing... and it was so comforting before somehow..." She trailed off awkwardly.
A small smile overcame Luna's face. She lifted her left wing slowly and motioned for the unicorn to draw close.
Twilight complied, moving over to snuggle into the larger mare's hold. She sighed with relief as feathers enveloped her. Her panicked mind slowed a little bit and she nuzzled into the soft coat of the pony she was pretty sure was trying to court her. It was wierd, but still nice. With a blush still covering her face, she lightly hugged the alicorn back in thanks.
A nurse opened the door and spotted the pair. "Erm... may we borrow Princess Luna for a moment?"
"Of course thou mayst," Luna replied softly.
"Thank you. Your sister requests your aid in boosting her spell work."
Twilight's eyes widened. This could not be good.
The alicorn of the night noticed her companion's distress and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. "Do not worry my star. The best healers in all of Canterlot are sure to be in there assisting Celestia. I join them in the hope that we can ensure the survival of thy friends. Please, leave this space and try to find someplace that will take thy mind off the current situation. We are sure to find thee as soon as we are finished."
"I can help too."
"Please listen to me and do as We have told thee."
Twilight numbly nodded and watched as Luna strode off.
The double doors to the hospital ward swung shut with a soft slap and Twilight sighed. Where to go?
Perhaps the library..?
She turned and began to wander aimlessly.
Fluttershy...
Rainbow Dash...
What did those griffons do?
After an unknown time of wandering mindlessly through the shining hallways, Twilight found herself a pair of dark blue doors with an emblem of the moon upon them. The walls around were decorated with elegant dark blues and blacks.
The solo night guard who had spotted her wandered over. "Do you wish entrance into her highnesses' personal quarters?"
"I- I shouldn't..." Twilight mumbled. Why was she here? This was nowhere near the library.
The thestral nodded and stood at attention beside the door.
Twilight sat, half ready to keep walking. Her eyes on the insignia on the door. The crescent moon. Thoughts of Luna calmed her panicked mind a bit as she tried and failed to not think about her two friends on the brink of death, their coats natural colours lost under the shade of red.
"A-am I ...allowed in?"
The guard nodded. "Her Highness, Princess Luna has given express permission for you to enter her chambers anytime should you wish."
'Did she really?'
"I- is it okay for me to enter ...now?" Twilight tentatively asked.
"Of course." With a forehoof, the guard opened one of the double doors and offered her entrance with his spare hoof. The inside was all decorated with ornaments shaped like the moon and stars. The single alicorn bed had supports on the sides that were shaped like the crescent moon and painted a faint golden white. The crescent supports almost touched the roof and held aloft silk that fluttered above the bed in some magical wind.
Something drew Twilight inside and once the door closed she somehow found herself within the calming big blue sheets. Her gaze roamed the painted stars on the ceiling. After a few moments, she realized there was something moving. The stars... The moon... there must be some kind of magic to give the princess of the night's room life. It was pretty...
The light purple silk above Twilight was decorated with a single star. It was six-pronged with another six smaller points in white. Twilight's distressed brain noted it was like her own cutie mark.
With a shiver, Twilight cuddled up to the princesses pillow and shut her eyes. Images of her two friends filled her mind and she quickly reopened her eyes and rolled over to face the ceiling once more.
She wished that Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would be okay. Hopefully, the damage wasn't too life-threatening. Healing spells, while often amazing could only fix ever so much. The beak marks in Fluttershy's chest gave the lavender mare worry. Could Celestia repair a set of holes that were so large?
And Rainbow Dash...
Despite the brief glimpse Twilight dreaded to think of all the places that mare had taken serious damage. It looked like she had been smashed around by several angry griffons. She trembled as she tried to fight off the violent images that haunted her.
Twilight nuzzled into the dark blue pillow. Oh dear...
Please be okay. A few tears escaped and were quickly dried by the soft pillow.
She didn't know if the world would ever be the same without her two friends. Rainbow Dash's cocky attitude, smiles and speed. Always there when you needed her. Fluttershy and her kind, caring nature and ability to help any creature in need. She was such a peaceful creature who never meant anypony harm. Together they really were a powerful couple.
Now...
She dreaded to think that they might be gone.
No!
She had to stop thinking about this.
Think about...?
My studies...?
My... my spells...?
Luna?
Did that mare really desire to be more than friends?
Her mind drifted back to the happy moments, just before the guards had entered and delivered the hard news.
Luna had suddenly dropped some rather large ...hints. It appeared that the gorgeous princess of the night not only found her attractive but to be great company.
But how did she feel in return?
Twilight thought back through the years, she had always been too busy with her studies to consider dating. That was for ...normal ponies. Dating required a lot of time and effort. Then there was also the problem of what did you do if it didn't work out and you both broke up! All that time wasted when you could be better investing your time in something long-standing, such as the search of knowledge.
But what if Luna was the right one?
Twilight had always assumed that being a mare, she would, of course, be interested in stallions. One day she would find a suitable stallion. Probably a scholar like her. A fellow unicorn. Just not ever in present times. No... She was too busy for romance today and well... for every day so far. It had never really been important.
But what if it was not a stallion. What if it was the princess of the night herself?
Can I even date royalty?
Would Celestia allow it?
What if she forbids me from seeing Luna once she finds Luna likes me?
What do I do!?
Thoughts of what her longtime mentor was doing right now, at this very moment battered its way into her head once more and Twilight nuzzled into the soft pillow. Fresh tears seeped forth.
Go away... she just wanted to know that they were okay.
They had to be okay.
They just have to be.
The drawn-out shuddering sigh escaped the young mare as she lay in the chambers of the pony she might like. After all, Luna was a great friend. Friendship was a necessary foundation for long-lasting relationships.
Luna hadn't just been her friend to get close to her right?
That would only be something a stallion would do when he finds a mare he wants to have his way with. Right?
Surely Luna could not be that shallow. She was her friend. Right?
...A friend who was right now, helping try and save two of her other friends.
Blood and broken bones flickered across her mind. Busted wings and torn bodies etched across her closed eyelids.
Her friends... mortally wounded and probably dying. They hadn't even had a chance to officially celebrate their togetherness or create a family.
What would she do if one or both of them passed away?
The visage of an angry griffon attacking filled Twilight's mind and she cowered in bed, her head under her princess's pillow. The beast grew, its talons larger than life and its eyes red with hate. She could almost hear her friends cry out in pain.
Oh, this was hopeless!
How was she supposed to try and think of other things, like if she liked Luna back when thoughts of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash just kept coming back to haunt her!
In frustration, Twilight cast a quick sleeping spell on herself. Her head hit the pillow before she had even finished the full cast. As she faded into blackness she prayed that her dreams would be kind.
Train to Canterlot
The train to Canterlot bucked as it ran over the switch that split the line from Ponyville to other places of civilization. Inside the middle carriage sat a group of friends, all nervously awaiting their arrival to Equestria's capital.
Suddenly Pinkie Pie spazzed. She landed on the seat, her mane still frazzled and carefully felt her own mane. Everypony in the room turned with concern to the earth pony who had just suffered yet another attack of Pinkie sense.
"That was a little doozie!"
"Yea. Any idea what this one might mean?" Applejack asked as she sat up beside Rarity.
"Nopesies. Well... not exactly. I think this one is something to do with Twilight."
"What?" Rarity asked with trepidation. Surely their scholarly friend would be safe, right?
The party pony rubbed her chin carefully. "I don't think that it means she's in trouble. I think she cast a sleeping spell of something on herself."
Applejack scoffed. "Now why in tarnation would she do that?"
Pinkie shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe it means something else then. Maybe she's in Princess Luna's room all horribly distressed and in need of our help! Maybe she just witnessed her friends being rushed to hospital. I dunno..."
"I'm not sure I like any of those options, Dear." Rarity commented softly. "But I guess we shall find out as soon as we arrive."
Canterlot Palace - Hospital
White walls surrounded the group of ponies that stood over two hospital beds in the center of the operating theatre. A tired looking unicorn pushed a cart bearing various bloodied surgical instruments away from the group. Luna unleashed a tired sigh as she stepped back to admire her sister's handiwork. She shook her head to clear the dizziness that crept in from pooling her magic with another mage.
"Thank you everypony," Celestia spoke up from the head of the two hospital beds.
A purple doctor spoke up, "I will ensure they both are both cared for in the next phase of their critical treatment."
"Thank you," Celestia nodded. "Sister. It is time for us both to rest. We have spent much magic to help the two elements of harmony. It is sure to be a long night once news spreads."
"We are happy to help," Luna spared a glance at the two pegasi who lay, now covered in a white sheet each. It was hard to imagine that hardly an hour ago, they had entered the room clinging onto life.
"Could you please let Twilight know we have been successful in stabilizing them?" Celestia asked as she headed out from the operating theatre.
"Of course." Luna nodded and followed after her sibling. As she was about to leave the hospital and reenter the main palace hallway a warning sensation shot through her.
It was her connection to the dreamscape. Somepony was not only sleeping during her sister's day but was suffering a nightmare!
With a shaky breath, Luna closed her eyes and willed her spirit into the dreamscape. The mare of the night felt her way through the star-studded realm and quickly found herself in front of a door she had passed many a time but never entered.
The door to Twilight Sparkle's dream.
What was Twilight doing asleep at this hour?
The princess cast her thoughts aside as worry took over and she forced open the door then established a mental link with the pony inside.
Luna appeared before a grieving unicorn who cried before two graves. The sky flashed blood red and the menacing laughter of griffons echoed around. The names etched in stone were the two elements of harmony whom Luna had been alongside mere moments before in hospital. Before the matriarch of the night could utter a sound, the scene flashed bright blood red. Ghastly figures with long claws and giant beaks tore into two pegasi, one bright blue and one sunny yellow. With another flash, the violence continued before it merged with a scene of the duo collapsed on a black ground. Several dark demonic figures ripped into the flesh of the downed heroes with gusto. Veins pulsed in the air, filled with blood and rage. Red lighting flashed and guttural laughter rent the air. Around them was nothing but a chilling blackness. No terrain of note and no sky. Terror radiated from the scene like blast waves from a mighty explosion. The graveyard scene flickered half in, half out of the demons who relentlessly tore into the fallen couple.
"Twilight Sparkle!" The Royal Canterlot voice boomed out. A midnight night horn powered up as Luna banished the dark foreboding night with its creepy blackness. She replaced the whole scene with a light fluffy cloud and a clear moonlit night.
The purple unicorn jumped in surprise as she realized there was another creature by her side. "Princess!?"
Before Luna could reply she found herself wrapped up in a tight hug by a weeping young mare. "I-it was horrible! T-thank you for saving me!"
Luna fought back tears at the heartbreaking sight of her crush so distraught. She hugged her back and nuzzled her softly. "Of course, We had to do something to assist thee."
The pretty young unicorn shook herself vigorously within the hold of the larger mare. "Thank you. That was horrible. They died Luna, they-"
"Are okay," Luna spoke calmly and forcefully as she gave her precious pony a light squeeze and extended her wings to add further shelter. "They are okay. Thou will be okay."
The librarian was quick to shut her eyes as a few tears continued to leak out.
"Where did you fall asleep?"
Nothing but the sound of Twilights shuddering breathing filled the dreamscape as the younger mare considered her words. "Um... I kinda found myself... maybe kinda outside your room and a guard of yours said I could go in so I'm maybe in your bed right now asleep- please-don't-be-mad!" The unicorn withdrew, her gaze fearful.
Luna smiled down at the pretty unicorn, shocked but also rather pleased that her crush had somehow decided to seek out her room rather than a library in such a time of trouble. "I have an admission to make. I don't mind the mare of my dreams sleeping in my bed." The dark alicorn lent down to kiss her beautiful companion but caught herself halfway. No, that would not be the right thing to do. Twilight was in enough stress right now, she should not take advantage of her. Instead, she nuzzled the surprised unicorn and drew her in once more for a light hug.
"Would thou likest me to awaken thee, or shall we allow thee to sleep?"
"I don't want any more nightmares..." Twilight mumbled into the dark soft coat of her companion.
"I can provide thee with any kind of dream thou mayst wish."
"Oh... well-" the young mare withdrew to properly face the larger pony. "This cloud is kinda nice... and I do like your night sky. This a wonderful dream, especially with you here."
Luna couldn't help but smile. "Thou do not mindest my presence?"
Twilight withdrew and shot her companion a warning look. "You know I enjoy it. But what I didn't realize is that you were attracted to me."
"How does that knowledge make thou feel?"
"I-" Twilight paused. She took a few steps away then collapsed on her back, her gaze upon the stars above. "I really don't know. It's weird, I guess..." As the alicorn's expression fell the unicorn was quick to add; "B-because of what's going on... I just- really don't know what to do or think. Also, it never occurred to me that a mare might like me in that way. Hopefully once Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are better I can give you a proper answer."
Twilight slowly stood then approached the crestfallen alicorn and offered a quick nuzzle. "But I do know that I think you're special. Just please give me some time to work it all out."
"Alright. Thank you."
Luna hesitantly wrapped her wing around Twilight and once the smaller pony gave her a loose hug back the duo turned their gaze to the stars above.
After a few peaceful moments, Luna remembered where her body was. "We should probably return to the waking world."
"Why? Is something wrong?"
Luna couldn't help but smile at the slightly scrunched up muzzle of the young mare who was trying to figure out what could cause the sudden change in her. "No. But We were in the middle of a hallway when I sensed somepony was in need of my assistance."
"Oh."
The princess of the night withdrew slowly. The two shared an awkward silence as they sort of gazed at one another. "I guess We are off then."
"Y-you are welcome to come back. If you don't have anything else that you need to do." Twilight stammered out uncertainty. "Otherwise please wake me up in an hour. I uh... I didn't think to add a part to my spell to cause me to wake up early and I would rather not sleep till tomorrow."
"We shall be seeing thee then. An hour in thy presence would be most joyous." Luna replied as she faded out.
With a start, the slumped form of the princess of the night lurched to her feet. The two night guards nearby leapt to their hooves, ready to provide assistance. Luna waved them both away. "I am about to teleport to my quarters. Thou art to await my awakening in an hour's time."
"Yes, princess," the two thestrals bowed.
With a flash of moonlight Luna vanished.
With a moonlight glow, the darker alicorn sister appeared in her personal chambers. Her gaze was immediately drawn to her bed. She couldn't help but smile at the cute sight of her crush cuddling her pillow. How amazing it would be for Twilight to hold her like that. Then she noticed that the dark blue sheets had been tossed around and hung half off the bed and half wrapped around the unicorn's middle. That must have been because of the nightmare... Luna's heart ached at the thought Twilight's distress. She resolved to do everything in her power to keep her best friend safe, even if they never became lovers. She quickly corrected the bedsheets, careful to not disturb her sleeping companion. The midnight mare smiled to herself as the unicorn snuggled right back up to her pillow. Two purple forehooves wrapped around it. Twilight rolled over to the further side of the bed, the pillow still snuggled in her forehooves. The sleeper nuzzled into the pillow. A soft, contented nicker escaped. Luna's wings fluttered.
Down.
Bad wings.
Now tis not the time to get excited.
Why did two griffons have to attack? If they had kept away like they were supposed to then Twilight might even have agreed to court her this day. It had taken months of hints right up to the rather strong words she had let slip today for the realization to set in. It was adorable really. Her crush could be so intently set upon something that her brain could miss out on so many other things. Although Twilight also seemed like the kind who was oblivious to romance. Maybe she would make a good princess of friendship just as her sister had mentioned...
Luna let loose a deep breath and her horn glowed softly. A light shimmer of light passed over her body from head to tail. As the magic passed over her coat it revealed spots. They started with a smattering on her muzzle and grew to larger dapples down her neck and barrel. What would Twilight think if she saw her like this? Should she even let her see this? It had been many years since even her own sister had seen her dapples. A soft snort escaped the midnight mare, they were most un-warrior like... but what if Twilight liked them?
Luna strode carefully up to her bed and settled down in the one alicorn bed alongside the smaller mare. She lay behind Twilight and without her pillow, simply allowed her head to rest on the solid cloudstuff-like mattress below. She was tempted to cuddle the unicorn who lay in front of her. Her hooves were already touching the soft purple coat. Despite her temptations, Luna forced herself to resist and relax. With her heart racing at the close contact, she swept herself into the dreamscape once more.
With a flash of moonlight, the matron of dreams appeared outside Twilight's door. Her form shifted between spots and no spots until she finally settled for her standard look. She tentatively opened the door to the younger mare's dream and flew inside. The alicorn smiled at the sight of the unicorn, lying on her back on the fluffy cloud, her gaze upon the dreamscape of stars. Luna had made sure to copy her night sky, sure that Twilight would realize if something were out of place.
...Actually, that could be a fun prank, change something subtle in her dreamscape sky and see if the studious unicorn would realize something was different. With a cheeky smile at her thoughts, she alighted on the cloud and smiled down at the dreamer.
The purple unicorn tilted her head back to smile thankfully up at her saviour, "hi Luna, thank you for this dream."
"Thank you for not turning me away."
"Well... I don't think I like mares," Twilight confessed as she continued to gaze up at the alicorn. "But I think I'm willing to find out if I like Luna."
With a nod in thanks, Luna lay next to her precious pony and allowed a contented silence to take hold.
Canterlot Throne Room
With the late day sun filtering through her stained glass windows to warm the throne room, Celestia took her place up the front. The room was packed with nobles, at least fifty plus a few guards. Everypony was expecting her to make an announcement.
"Good afternoon everypony. I know there have been rumours circulating about events earlier this afternoon. I am here to put those rumours straight."
A hushed silence fell as Celestia readied herself to continue. "At two o'clock this afternoon, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, two of the element of Harmony bearers were assaulted by two griffons in the forest outside Canterlot. Had it not been for the rainbow trail left by Rainbow Dash, my guards would never have known anything was amiss. The couple sustained numerous wounds in the fight against the two griffons and likely would have died out there had it not been for the speed and courage of the royal guard who investigated. They were brought back here just in time to be tended to by myself along with several of the best surgeons in Canterlot. They are now stable in the hospital wing. Silver Wing, the first brave guard on the scene lost his life when he tried to intervene."
Soft whispers followed the princess's words. Everypony hushed once more as she lifted a hoof. "Following this attack, all griffons are barred from our lands. I will send a messenger to Griffonstone to deliver this message and to offer an ultimatum. Either they meet to resolve these supposedly rogue attacks and keep out of Equestria's borders for a whole year to prove their good intentions or they will no longer be welcome in our lands. If we are required to close and defend our borders, we shall. Any griffons discovered within Equestria will be detained until such a time as we can safely return them to outside our borders."
"But what happens if they attack more ponies?" One of the nobles tentatively asked.
Celestia eyed the speaker, "if they chose that path, the royal guard and the Wonderbolts who are tasked with the defence of Equestria will be ready to fight them. My sister and I will also assist wherever we are able."
Blueblood nervously cleared his throat, "um... does this mean that if they decline and keep trying to attack ponies that we will be ...at war with the griffons?"
"That is a possibility, yes."
Urgent whispering followed the sunny ruler's words. None of the nobles liked the thought of war. From the growing sounds of chatter, Celestia picked out a few voices who were not going to stick around should a war break out. Celestia sighed. "My little ponies."
Silence slowly fell as everyone realized who it was that had spoken.
"I do not. I repeat, do not want a war with the griffons. They are dangerous creatures when they want to be. However, war is an option should they not back down from their current course of action. I will not stand for ponies disappearing or being attacked within my borders. Hence, I ask any and all willing ponies though Equestria who are willing to fight, please enlist and accept training. We will accept both stallions and mares. I would hate to resort to forced conscription if the state of affairs turns against us."
"We are of noble birth, we are not conscripts!" One indignant unicorn was quick to retort.
Celestia sighed, this was not going well. "This message will be relayed to all major cities and towns. Please understand, I would rather we are ready for an attack that never happens than fall under attack and find ourselves unprepared. I am off to send this message to other towns and cities then I shall retire for the day. I bid you all a pleasant afternoon."
Many angry shouts rang out and alarmed voices filled the air, each desperate for a response. Yet the sunny alicorn paid them no heed as she stepped off and strode away, her loyal guards at her flank.
As Celestia exited the throne room, Spitfire and Soarin approached her from another door further down the hallway. "Princess!"
"Yes?" Celestia paused to greet her two loyal Wonderbolts.
"We volunteer to deliver the message to the griffons."
"I have already selected a guard who was willing and able to make the journey, you two should remain here to seek out and train more Wonderbolts."
"No." Spitfire was quick to respond. "I mean no offence Princess, but we are a lot faster than any of your guards. We can fly there and back and evade any trouble faster."
"And-" Soarin spoke up. "Two are better than one. Spitty and I have been watching each other's backs since we were foals." The proud stallion placed a light blue wing across his wife's barrel. "Besides. Fleetfoot and High Winds are already on the lookout for more newbies. They can handle it for a few days."
Celestia cracked a slight smile. "Alright. But please be safe. We don't know what sort of reception the griffons will give you and worst comes to worst, they may try and kill you."
Spitfire scoffed. "They can try."
"Two of them nearly succeeded in killing Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash."
Both pegasi soured.
Soarin shuffled his wings and shot back a reply; "I know neither of them had combat training, but my sister is one of the fastest pegasus alive. I bet if she wasn't protecting Fluttershy, she could have taken them."
"Well, she nearly gave her life in the defence of her marefriend. I hope that neither of you are required to give up your life in the defence of your spouse. There is no war yet. But I feel Equestria will need you both."
"Understood, princess," Spitfire responded.
With a flash of her magic, Celestia summoned the scroll she had written up. "This is the message. Deliver it with all the kindness and honesty Equestria has to offer. You are welcome to stop off over Filly Delphia on the way back. There is a new experimental airship of mine about five minutes flight inland that you both might be interested in checking out."
"Thanks, princess." Soarin accepted the scroll and placed it in his small saddlebags. "I'm off to get a quick pie, then we fly."
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "I'll make sure we don't take too long at the bakery."
"It is a long flight. Make sure to pack enough food." Celestia smiled a bit couple as they bowed then headed off.
She realized two of her guards had witnessed the whole exchange and turned to them both. "Please relay the message to my commander. Spitfire and Soarin are delivering the message. He can stand his aerial ace down."
"Yes, your highness." The duo strode off on their mission and Celestia began her slow trek to the royal dining room alone. Without the need to keep her mask of perfection, white wings slowly drooped and a sigh escaped.
She needed cake.
Now.
Canterlot Train station
Pinkie Pie was out the train door like a speeding blast of magic. She bowled over several snobby ponies who had been waiting to get on. Her friends yelled at her to slow down as she bounced over yet another surprised unicorn. She realized that they probably should approach the palace together and slowed down.
The party pony turned to who two friends who hurried after her, "hurry up girls! Twilight, Fluttershy and Dashie need us!"
"I know, but after a long train ride, I don't think another minute will make much difference so please slow down." Rarity huffed.
Lyra and Bon Bon pushed past the small group and Pinkie eyed the couple suspiciously as they cut down a side street and vanished. "Where are they going?"
"Who knows, Bon Bon has been acting a little odd." Rarity responded as she drew alongisde the pink pony.
Pinkie Pie turned and continued to hurry onwards, her friends right on her heels.
As they pushed through into the main plaza, the glamour of the circular space was lost on the pink pony as she instead noticed how ...less happy many of the ponies were. Something was wrong here. Or had gone wrong. More ponies should be smiling and she did not have time to put together a giant party to make them all smile again. She needed to see the princess and her other friends.
Rarity hurried after her friend on a mission. Normally one to take it slow and enjoy the wonderful city of Canterlot, she knew there were more pressing things than sightseeing. It was a shame, here she was, in the most spectacular city of Equestria and unable to pursue her dreams. Her eyes were drawn to something passing overhead. A giant white airship, adorned with the golden insignia of Celestia's royal air force. It appeared to be on its way to the northwestern docks. Rarity forced her eyes from the spectacular sight as she hurried onwards.
Applejack kept pace alongside Rarity, allowing the party pony to lead. She had some idea where they were going but since cities really were not her thing, she was happy to allow somepony else to lead. As the airship's engines faded the farmer had a feeling something was up. If she could feel it, no wonder Pinkie Pie had been almost going crazy with her Pinkie sense.
Canterlot Castle
Twilight awoke suddenly to the strangest of sensations. It was as though something had gently pulled her out of her delightful dream with Luna into a warm cocoon. It was almost as though something was holding her carefully from the back and giving her a little cuddle. She hadn't awoken to such a warm, wonderful sensation since she was a little filly. It was... well, kinda nice.
Then her slowly recovering mind realized that whatever bed she was in, it sure was comfy. It felt so nice... It was so warm and relaxing. Twilight felt as though she could just lie here forever and pretend that the griffon thing was all a bad dream. She let out a slow breath, this sure was-
Dark blue feathers ruffled softly in front of her face and Twilight jumped in surprise.
She was in Luna's bed!
Oh right!
She fumbled as she spun around to face-
"Luna! You- I- we-"
The panicking unicorn was silenced by the dark alicorn's laughter as Luna continued to lie there. Her horn finished flickering softly as she responded, "We assisted with thy dream remember?"
"Right! yes... but... what are you doing in- well... in your bed with me?"
The larger mare slowly sat up with a joyful smile upon her lips. "When I joined in thy dream once more, I had to find a suitable location for my body. What better place than mine own bed?"
Twilight flushed a darker shade of purple. Once you put an alicorn in, the large bed suddenly felt a lot smaller. "Right..."
An awkward silence settled on the pair.
"Thou desired to be woken after an hour. So... here we are."
"Right." Twilight shuffled her hooves around in the bedsheets. "Uh... were you um... cuddling me?"
"Twas not the intent... but we suppose that you could refer to our position as such."
"Right..." Twilight nodded and slowly got out of the dark blue bed. She faced the alicorn who still inhabited it, "um... it- it was nice. We should do it again sometime. -the meeting in my dreams thing! You know what I mean. It was nice to spend more time with you like that. ...if you don't have anything else that requires your attention of course!"
Luna smiled at the cute flustered mare before her. "I think I understand yes. Now, would you like to see thy friends?"
"Yes please." Twilight nodded.
Somewhere in the Foal Mountains...
With the late day sun on her back, a young deep rosy red unicorn with a broken horn strode through the rocky mountains side. She wore black plated armour with a blue two-horned emblem over the spot her cutie mark was. An illusion of rock and earth flickered around her as if angry at being discovered. The young unicorn smirked to herself. Whoever did this was very powerful, this nearly fooled even her. They were sure to have other defences up ahead. The deformed mare unleashed a bolt of lightning that arced deeper into the cave and bounced off thin air less than ten paces ahead. The bolt rebounded and struck the pug-faced hedgehog that followed her. She smiled ever so slightly as he yelped and almost dropped the torch he was carrying.
The pug-faced hedgehog emerged from the illusion to stand at the pony's side, his eyes wide. "Woah. You're amazing, you know that? I would've totally walked past that rock wall."
"Sure, whatever. Now give me that magic dampener."
"Yes boss," Grubber's one free hand fumbled with the round device as he hastened to action and threw the small device at the field in front of them.
The small sphere glowed light blue for a few moments before a small shockwave blasted the pair and Tempest Shadow smiled to herself.
Another line of defence was broken. This felt like alicorn magic. Whatever was in here, it sure must be good...
"Hey, after this can we get pie?"
"Sure Grubber, whatever." The unicorn replied flatly as she strode off, her horn at the ready.
Within thirty paces the pair made it to the back of the cave and came upon something wrapped in cloth, hidden behind a few small rocks.
Tempest powered up her horn and blasted the spot where the strange item lay. Nothing.
How unusual.
Whoever simply left this here with a shield and an illusion to guard it must have been extremely confident in their spell work, or in an incredible hurry.
"Hello, what do we have here..." She trailed off as she blasted the cloth wrapping from the item. It tumbled toward the pair and came to rest within reach.
"Woah... what is that?"
Tempest ignored her companion as she admired the artifact before her. A smooth golden beak with a wicked sharp hooked tip lay before her. The gold was marred by splashes of red. Blood. Blood that flickered with a deep darkness in grubber's torchlight.
Tempted smiled down at the cruel object. This looked like something from the griffon tribes. What was it doing in pony lands? Why was it hidden by an alicorn?
She shoved all that from her mind. What was important here was the fact that she had found a device with which she could continue her rise to power. The deal was her servitude and the eventual control of the alicorn's magic for her horn back. But what if she also bargained with the griffons for their long lost treasure?
But what could they possibly have to give her?
Her ...master... the Storm King though... He said he could give her horn back. Fix her somehow. If the power radiating from the artifact before her was any indication, this might be a highly useful tool. A tool that could be used to help get her horn back.
"Pick it up," Tempest ordered.
"You want me to pick that up?" The short creature asked, his voice thick with uncertainty.
"You heard me. Or you can feel what it's like for me to use my horn again."
"Alright, alright. I'm moving!" The stout creature rushed forward and carefully picked up the artifact. Grubber nervously stood there, the beaks tip facing away from his body as he gazed at his leader.
"Good. Let's go."
With that Tempest strode out of the small cave.
Grubber hurried to keep pace with his leader, "so this means we get pie, right?"
Tempest rolled her eyes. This creature was insufferable. But, with this little victory... maybe a quick stop for food might be okay. She stepped through the illusion and back into the sunlight. With a deep breath, she smiled. The day was looking up. As long as they got out of the mountain fast enough to not be discovered by whoever had placed the spells on the cave, they would be fine.
Author's Note:
At last, I get to introduce another party. I rather like Tempest and Grubber. She is a super cool bad guy and ever since the pony movie, there have been wonderings of how I might get to include her.
What did you think of the aftermath of the attack on Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?
Next up, our pegasus friends get hospital guests. Cake time and will Luna realise her spell has been broken?