Chapter 5: Hoofston We Have a Problem
"Twilight why is it that when you gave me that ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, you neglected to tell me that it was only a week away?"
"Oops." was her response, "I guess I didn't think that you would accept."
"Well now I only have a few days to get ready for it. Now explain to me why I'm going with you to Rarity's."
"Because I left my dress with her after last year. I want you to see just what Rarity had designed for you."
"But, Twilight I-"
"Oh look we're here!" said Twilight as they arrived at Carousel Boutique.
"Twilight Darling! Good to see you! And I see you brought Nails with you!"
"Ya about that Rarity, I-" Nails was cut off again as Twilight started talking again.
"Ya, I'm so sorry that I told you Nails was going this late. I hope you had enough time to get something ready for him."
"Well I-"
"Of course I had time to get something ready for him."
"Well, I don't really-"
"Darling come in here I need to see if I got the measurements right." Nails had no choice as he was pushed into the Boutique. It was only a few moments later when he found himself being forced into a tuxedo vest and shirt.
"Can I just say something?"
"I think I got the hem wrong, and it could use a hat. Hold on dear." Rarity walked into the next room and Nails tried to leave but found Twilight blocking his path.
"Oh no you don't. How would Rarity react if she thought you didn't like her designs?"
"It's not that it's just that-"
"I found this amazing tie that I think would look simply marvelous with that suit Nails." Rarity said as she walked back into the room carrying several items with magic.
"Rarity you don't have to do this."
"Of course I do! I will not allow my friend to look like a brute at one of the most important events of the year."
"No Rarity!"
Tears started to show in Rarity's eyes. It was obvious to Nails that he had just hurt her feelings.
"Rarity, I'm sorry it's just that I don't need a new formal suit because I already have what I'm going to wear."
The tears stopped forming and Rarity looked at Nails with a confused look. "How could you possibly already have something to wear? Did you use a different designer!" said Rarity suddenly becoming threatening.
"No no no, I already have something to wear because when ponies graduated from Special Forces training we were given formal attire to wear in the presence of the princesses if we were ever called to have a meeting with them."
Rarity looked at him. "Where is it then?"
"It's at the underground special forces headquarters in Canterlot. I would have to go and get it before we went to the Gala."
"Well why didn't you just say so?"
"I wasn't given a chance. Between you and Twilight I had enough room to get interrupted and that was it."
"Well in that case I guess that you won't need this hat."
"Ha, I don't think so." Rarity left the room leaving Twilight alone with Nails.
"Uh, I guess I'm sorry." said Twilight.
"It's ok you didn't know." Nails replied.
"No, not that. Ever since you arrived in town I've been trying to get you to become just like one of us. I've tried to get you to conform to my standards when you were taught another set of standards. I guess my problem is that I still haven't forgiven you for keeping who you were a secret when we were in Forshan."
"That's ok Twilight. I guess it's partly my fault."
"How so?"
"Well, I've been used to rough living since I can remember and I tried to keep that from changing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I should have been more willing to conform. So what do you say we start over?"
"Agreed." said Twilight.
"Twilight! I have your dress right here!" said Rarity walking into the room with a dress that had depictions of stars on it.
"That is a very nice looking dress Rarity."
"Thank you Nails. Don't even get me started on the trouble it caused me though."
"It's a long story." said Twilight.
The two left the Boutique together after Twilight had gotten her dress.
"Twilight?"
"Yes Nails?"
"See you around."
The remaining week went by quickly all coming to the day of the Grand Galloping Gala. The six mares were at Rarity's getting ready while Nails worked on getting transport.
"Is anypony sure that we can trust Nails to stay calm?" asked Twilight to the others.
"Why couldn't we?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Well, he told me that the last time he was in Canterlot he angered a few of the guards. What if he tries to take a few weapons with him?"
"I guess you're right Twilight." said Applejack "before we let him into the castle grounds we will have to make sure that he doesn't have anything on him."
The six ponies finished getting dressed and went outside to see a carriage drawn by Big Macintosh and Nails.
"Weren't you supposed to get someone to take us besides yourself?" asked Fluttershy.
"Ya, well about that. You see, ponies haven't gotten used to me being around here so I couldn't get anypony to pull the carriage besides Big Mac here. Besides, when we get there I'm going to take him to the tower so that if I die for some reason he can know how to put my name in the book of Stallions."
"Well, fine then, but if you get too sweaty then I will refuse to let you enter the Gala." said Rarity.
"Ok." said Nails.
Nails and Big Macintosh pulled the carriage all the way to Canterlot. They filled their time talking to each other and sometimes about the time they spent in training. Sometimes they could hear the conversation going on inside the carriage but most of it was about things that didn't interest either of them. They finally reached Canterlot about three hours before the Gala started. Nails unhitched and allowed the six mares to exit the carriage. Big Macintosh took the carriage to the place Nails told him to take it to. When they turned around they were surprised to see Celestia waiting for them. Nails was the first to respond to her.
"Your Majesty." he said going into a bow.
"Thank you Nails, I assume that you are going to be wearing the traditional military formal attire."
"Yes, your Majesty." he said.
"Well then, you know the place to find the clothes so I suggest you go and get ready."
"Yes, your majesty Celestia." and with that Nails left to head towards the building that held his attire. As soon as he was gone Celestia turned to the other six.
"We have a problem."
Big Macintosh waited outside of the watchtower of Canterlot. Nopony had used it in years which is probably why all of the secrets of Equestrian Special Forces was stored in there. He saw Nails approaching and was surprised at what he was wearing.
Nails was wearing a blue suit and vest with a black tie. Pinned to his suit were several ribbons that must have been placed there whenever news of an accomplishment reached Celestia. There were also two stars on each shoulder; Big Macintosh assumed this was his rank.
"Why Nails, I must say I've never seen such an amazing suit."
"I'm actually quite impressed as well; Celestia took great care of each of the suits while we were gone. It's a true shame that mine is the only one that will ever be used. Now we have work to do before I head over to the Gala." with that Nails brought out a key which he used to open the door at the bottom of the tower. The two walked towards the top. When they got there, they were impeded by another door.
"This one is voice controlled; you have to know the password." Nails walked up to the door. "Into the face of evil the Black Stallions ride once more unto the breach." a click was heard from behind the door. "When I do die, you will be able to get into here by saying that. I hope you won't forget it."
"Nope." replied Big Macintosh
Nails opened the door and revealed the room whose secrets had been undisturbed for several years. There were six portraits on the wall above an open book. Each one depicted a name and a trait.
"The original Black Stallions." explained Nails as he walked towards the book. "This book is why we are here. It is the Tome of Stallions. The information and cause of death for each Black Stallion is listed here."
Big Macintosh walked up to the book where Nails had already written down a name.
"Second Lieutenant Flashfoot, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron, died at the hands of the enemy." Nails said aloud as he wrote, "Captain Firemane, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron, died in ambush by enemy commander; Command Sergeant Major Earthshaker, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron, died in bombardment by enemy aerial division; Warrant Officer Bloodheart, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron, died in enemy bombardment alongside Earthshaker." the pen in Nails's hand began to shake, he got it back under control in order to start writing. "Brigadier General Bladestorm, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron, died at the hands of Black Stallion operative Talon/Nails. Death agreed upon by both parties as a noble sacrifice for Equestrian welfare." Nails continued to write, "Major General Talon/Nails, Earth regiment, 3rd squadron. When I do die Big Macintosh, whatever killed me will go here. You are going to be the one to write it understand?"
"Yes sir." said Big Macintosh, normally he would have used his signature eyup, but since Nails was in uniform he was required to reply formally.
"Thank you Big Macintosh, I better get to the Gala."
Celestia waited until Nails had turned the corner before starting, "We have a problem."
"What's wrong Celestia? If you have a problem then why didn't you tell Nails?"
"Because he is the problem. I assume he told you six why the execution of Iron Foot is being put off."
"Ya, because Princess Luna is on a diplomatic mission to the griffon lands for peace talks." replied Rainbow Dash.
"Well because we are currently in peace talks with the griffons they decided it would be a good idea to send an ambassador to the Grand Galloping Gala."
"Oh no." Said Rainbow Dash, "Griffons and Nails do not mix well. He hates them."
"Exactly." said Princess Celestia, "You need to help me keep the two from seeing each other all night because I am scared about what might happen should the two meet."
"You don't have to tell us twice Princess!" said Twilight.
"First thing you need to do is make sure he doesn't sneak any weapons into the Gala. Knowing him and how he's trained I wouldn't put it past him to try."
"Yes ma'am." said Applejack. "He won't get anything into that Gala."
"Another thing, if he even sees that griffon I want you to do anything you can to keep them separated."
"Ok, anything else?"
"No, it can't be much simpler than that, but it will be extremely difficult. Do you know where he is going after he gets dressed?"
"He said something about the book of Stallions."
"That is right next to the castle, we better move."