Chapter 5: The calm before the storm
(Ive tried a different format for the story, im sure ive got it this time!)
The next couple of days consisted of constant scurrying of ponies as they made the final preparations for the trip to Canterlot. Wagons were filled
with home items, many families kept their closest belongings in their saddle bags, and many others were preparing food to take along with them.
Static had helped them as best he could, wether it be helping pack heavier wagons, or helping to board up windows and doors in attempts to
protect their homes from any carnage. Today was the last day of packing as the town would then head out that evening, Static had just finished
helping the mayor in boarding up the town hall and decided to head to Cloudsdale to see if any help was needed there. The pegasi had decided it
best to move the city over Canterlot rather than leave it in the open, and any available pegasus was going to be needed for the task. Static passed
by Rainbow Dash's house and decided to see if she needed any assistance with anything, he landed at her front door just as she had opened it,
startling both of them in the process. "Oh- hehe, heya Static, whats up" she said happily, "Oh not much" replied Static sarcastically, "Just helping
the town prepare for the coming of some great evil being bent on domination". This caused Rainbow to giggle and shake her head, given the
severity of the situation,as she walked from her home with Static following. "So how much longer until we move the town?" asked Static as they
walked, "Pretty soon, but you, me, and a few other pegasi will be on patrol, that attack from the hunters kinda has everypony on edge, so they're
not taking any chances". Static nodded in understanding, the two were about to take off to the eastern end of Cloudsdale, where all citizens were
gathering and preparing for the moving of their city when they heard a boisterous, somewhat obnoxious voice behind them. "Well well well, if it
isn't our favorite little Rainbow Crash. And look, she's got the hero with her, though, you seem more like a zero to me". Rainbow and Static looked
behind them to see Dumbbell and Hoops behind them, both laughing at the insult that was just said, "Friends of yours?" Static mumbled to
Rainbow Dash, annoyed by the two stallions' ignorance, "Far from it" she replied through gritted teeth. Dumbbell stepped forward, an arrogant
expression on his face as he said, "So zero, tell me, if you were able to take on all those shadow things by yourself, why do you need her or any of
her friends help to take on this Shadow huh? The taller pegasus, Hoops, then jeered, "Maybe he's not as good as he thinks" both stallions laughed
and Static felt anger rising in his body, he was about to speak when Rainbow Dash stepped forward, beating him to the punch, "Why don't you
chumps just back off? I didn't see you guys jumping to the rescue when those hunters attacked, and if you think he's not so great, then why don't
you come on over and find out just how good he is? Until you guys get the guts to actually back up what you say, I suggest you can it and stay out
of our way!". This made both stallions close their mouths and stare blankly as she walked past, Static gave them both a smug look before trotting
off after her, "Wow, uh… thanks Rainbow, that was… awesome" said Static, somewhat lost for words, she huffed as she replied rather bluntly,
"Those chumps wouldn't know respect if it bucked them in the face! I swear, they are too oblivious to realize when to just shut up". Static thought
about this for a few seconds then said, "Sounds like you've got a history with those guys", she huffed back in reply, "Those losers have given me
grief ever since I was a filly, they always tried to shoot down my dreams of being a part of the Wonderbolts, they told me I wouldn't be anything,
but I didn't let that get to me. How could I let it? It would just mean that they won, no, I never backed down from those guys, one of these days
I'll show them, and they won't have anything else to say to me…" she went quiet then, a solemn look on her face. Static let this go through his
mind for a little bit before replying, "Well, if you ask me, you've shown them a hundred times over. I guess they're just too stupid to realize it".
Rainbow Dash smiled at his comment, "Well" she began, "I guess when you have something worth fighting for, you never want to give it up",
Static stopped in his tracks upon hearing this, Something worth fighting for… he thought, wondering why this simple phrase caught him so off
guard. He quickly shook away the thought for the time being and caught up with Rainbow Dash as they neared the meeting place. All pegasi of
Cloudsdale were gathered, all looking intently at the small group of royal pegasus guards as the leader bellowed out instructions, "All right! We
want this to be as quickly as possible so listen up, group one" he gestured toward one end of the crowd, "Will be the first shift during the transport,
after two hours, group two will interchange, allowing the other group to rest, this trade will take place every two hours. All those on patrol will
circle the perimeter of the city, keep a sharp eye out for anything that could be a potential threat." As the guard finished, the pegasi immediately
jumped into action, along with Rainbow Dash and Static who took off with another group of pegasi to begin patrol. Before they got far, however, a
young voice called out to them, "Hey! Rainbow! Static! Wait for me!" they looked behind them to see the orange filly, Scootaloo, zipping after
them, "Hey is it ok if I patrol with you guys? PLEEAASSEE!" she begged, pushing out her lower lip and looking up at them with big, sad eyes. Static
looked at Rainbow Dash who simply shrugged, "Sure squirt, just don't fall behind" she said, and Scootaloo squealed in delight "EEEEEEEEEEHH!
Yay! Thanks guys! I promise you won't event know I'm here!". The next few hours consisted of nonstop chatter from Scootaloo as she asked
Rainbow Dash and Static various questions and talking nonstop about her own little adventures with the Cutiemark Crusaders. How much longer
until this city gets to Canterlot! Screamed Static in his head, my ears can't take much more of this! As if in response to his thoughts, he heard a
deep yawn come from Scootaloo, and saw that her eyelids were beginning to droop as she struggled to stay awake. Static quietly sighed in relief,
then, softened his expression as he saw the young filly trying to continue so she wouldn't have to leave the other two. What a trooper, thought
Static admirably as he flew closer to the filly, he lowered himself and flew under Scootaloo, then rose up slowly until she landed gently on his back.
Without so much as a reply, she immediately curled up and fell asleep, and Static continued to fly quietly and gently so as to not wake her.
Rainbow Dash looked at the adorable scene before her, her heart melted as she looked. The rest of the trip continued in silence, and soon, the city
of Cloudsdale was directly over Canterlot. Static left behind the group and returned to the town where the rest of the group was waiting. As they
looked for the other mares, Rainbow Dash saw the lights in Sugarcube Corner were on, and they decided to check down there. As they entered the
building, bright colors of balloons and various other décor could be seen. To their right, they saw a table where the rest of the group were gathered
together talking and laughing, Pinkie Pie looked up and saw the two pegasi and immediately waved enthusiastically as she bounced toward them.
"Hiya guys! I was wondering when you two would show up!" she exclaimed happily, "What's all this for Pinkie?" asked a confused Rainbow Dash,
"Well, everyone seemed a little too worn down worrying about the upcoming battle, so I decided to lighten up the mood! There's never a bad time
for a party!" answered Pinkie Pie. She ushered in the two ponies to the table where the others were smiling and motioning for them to join, "Well
howdy you two" said AppleJack warmly, "Nice ta finally see ya both here!", "Yeah" replied Rainbow Dash, "Moving the town took a little longer than
expected, but were here now." She then smiled at her friends and took a seat. Static still looked slightly confused as to why a party was thrown
rather than preparing for battle, "Oh don't fret dear" said Rarity, seeing his confusion, "You're going to have to get used to random parties, that's
just Pinkie Pie for you. She wanted to lighten the mood for us and I must say it has turned out quite wonderfully". Static quietly agreed,
Pinkie could definitely throw a party, so he sat himself in the empty seat and listened to the conversations that the mares were having. As
they talked, a lively, slightly techno sounding song started up, making Pinkie Pie's eyes shoot open and a smile appeared on her face, "OOOHH!
This is my jam!" and she immediately jumped to the middle of the shop and began dancing, "Come on everypony! Shake your groov thang!" she
called out happily. The rest of the mares joined her in dancing, all laughing and enjoying themselves, "You comin'?" Rainbow Dash called to Static,
he merely shook his head saying, "I don't dance", Rainbow Dash Shrugged and continued laughing and dancing with her friends. Static watched as
they happily moved to the music, I swear I never see a frown on these girls' faces when they're together, he thought… then it hit him, a sudden
realization that struck him like a buck to the stomach… something worth fighting for. He suddenly realized… these six had something worth fighting
for, their friends, their town, every pony that cares for them, they had so much to fight for, yet… at the same time… had so much to lose. What did
he have to lose? Nothing… nothing at all, would it be fair for me to drag them into this, a battle that I can't even guarantee victory in, when they
have so much here that they could lose? This town looks up to them, they are their heroes, they would be devastated if something happened to
them... These thoughts troubled Static the rest of the night, following him until he fell into an uneasy sleep…
Sorry this one took longer, I was in Tennessee over the weekend and didn't bring my laptop. I felt a little rushed on finishing this but I feel it's still pretty good. R&R please