Fallen Eagle

Chapter 46: The Libel Strikes Back

So, welcome back everyone! I have such great news! Today, I finally got my laptop back from the computer store! Even BETTER news, ALL of my files were intact and I got them transferred to my new Solid State Drive. I can't even describe how elated I was to see all of my files safe and that I hadn't lost any data or chapters.

Also, I can say I'm so proud of all of you who reviewed and kept your reviews clean and classy. I knew I had good faith in all of you; give yourselves a round of applause. ^^

Anyway, in this chapter, things to shift in tone, and more characters get the spotlight along with Ivan. What other characters will we see? Well, you'll just have to wait. I'm so hyped for what's to come that I just can't wait to get there.

OBSERVER01: Thank you!

SkullCrusher550: I'm still reeling from how much people like them together.

Dixie Darlin: Well, since the Mane 6's marks all vibrate now, I can kinda see how they could be a little sensitive.

Uss71832: Thank you so much for reading it!

SquirtlePWN: All I can say is that I knew the intelligence of my readers and I wasn't going to insult you guys by writing a straight porno. You guys deserve the best, I gave you the best that I could, and I'm happy it paid off.

knightofstories141912: Sometimes shyness can be cute; I tried to use that to my advantage

Jarius Black: Yeah, I figured a few people were, but thank you for not bringing it up too much (if at all). I was nervous as hell writing that chapter too

Srey: The only explanation I can have for the finish is that it's a story. I know it's a cop out, but it's also really romantic; they work so well together that more than their heartbeats are in sync

Rena Tramer: Thank you Rena!

Monkeyboy0118: No...that's impossible

ShiningShadow1965: I just wanted a real love scene.

StacheKing: You know, when it was published, I always looked at the confession chapter as the pinnacle of what I should be able to write when it comes to emotional chapters. Seeing that, in your eyes, I've surpassed it means a lot. Arousal was not on my mind; I wanted readers to feel the love between AJ and Ivan. And to answer your question, no she won't become pregnant from this.

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(Carousel Boutique; 3rd Person POV)

Amidst a quiet and peaceful morning in Ponyville where Celestia's sun was just beginning its morning ascent above the horizon, the town's expert and generous seamstress was politely snoring away under the scarlet covers of her bed. A pink and yellow sleep mask covered eyes, preventing anything from interrupting her slumber. Her project, the one she's worked tirelessly on before and after her friend Cougar's late night appearance, sat on a mannequin in the corner of her room, completely finished. The white unicorn had worked well past two 'o clock in the morning before she put the last touch on the dress. Needless to say, she was exhausted and more than eager to get some beauty sleep.

Her cherished cat Opal was curled up at the foot of Rarity's bed, purring away softly as the seamstress mumbled in her sleep. 'Hmm Hmm, why Twilight of course I'd be honored to make Spikey a tuxedo for his birthday.' The mare rolled over onto her side, accidentally kicking Opal in the side.

"MEEEOOOOWWW!" The feline screeched as she fell off the foot of the bed with a thud. However, Rarity didn't hear a peep whilst deep in sleep. Hissing, Opal picked herself up off the floor and quickly groomed her front paw which had become frazzled from the fall.

'Applejack, keep Winona away from my precious Opal...' Rarity mumbled again through her quiet snores. Rolling her eyes, Opal jumped back on the bed just as her tummy began to rumble. The sneaky cat crept up to her owner and started to playfully swat her Rarity's purple mane, attempting to wake her up. On instinct, Rarity swatted at the air around her mane, dreaming that something was trying to ruin it. 'Cougar, please keep control of your phoenix,' Rarity began to toss and turn.

Grumbling, Opal lightly latched her teeth onto the edge of Rarity's sleep mask and gently tugged at it, hoping that would be the last bit of effort she needed. "Mm, Sweetie Belle you're old enough to make your own lunch. And I stayed up very late last night!" Rarity shoved Opal away and off the bed again. The feline hissed loudly yet again, her already thin patience nearly worn down, and it was barely 8:00 am! Suddenly, Rarity sat up in her bed, alarmed. "Wait, Sweetie Belle is at mother and father's!" The mare exclaimed, her magic removing her sleep mask.

When her deep blue eyes were exposed to her bedroom, Rarity only saw some messy covers and an angry kitty cat hissing at her from the floor. Giggling in relief that it was just her pet, Rarity stretched her back and forelegs, groaning in satisfaction. As her muscles stretched and her bones popped, Rarity said, "Oh Opal, you know mommy is perfectly fine with you sleeping in her bed," she smiled and climbed down from her bed. Opal glared at the pony and stuck her nose in the air, walking out of the room. "I'm sure you're hungry, darling; I could use some toast," the unicorn quickly straightened out her covers and put her sleep mask into her nightstand drawer.

"Hmm, I would like to get a little more beauty sleep, but I must prepare Fleetfoot's mother's dress for shipment," a rather unladylike yawn shot from Rarity's mouth. "Customer satisfaction is the lifeblood of a business," she added to her cat as she wiped some sleep from her eyes. Opal led the way downstairs, though not as enthusiastically as a dog would, and arrived at her food and water dishes next to the refrigerator. Her owner trotted in, still looking as tired as she felt, and swiftly opened the pantry with her blue magic. "Would you prefer the fish or the chicken this morning, dearie?" Rarity questioned, holding two cans of cat food in the air.

Opal pointed to the chicken can with her paw, licking her lips as she could almost taste her breakfast. Rarity hummed a little tune as she put the fish can back into the pantry and opened the can of food her cat had chosen, dumping it into her food bowl. "I should get you some fresh water," she added, levitating the stainless steel water bowl up to the sink, rinsing it out, and refilling it. "Nothing but the best for my Opal-Wopal," the unicorn nuzzled her hoof atop the cat's head.

After her precious pet was taken care of, Rarity flipped on the coffee pot to warm it up, got out two pieces of wheat bread, and inserted them into a toaster. "Oh my, I'd better eat this grapefruit before it spoils," she said to herself after digging through her refrigerator for some cream cheese. Since she wasn't feeling too famished, the fashionista decided that just a mug of coffee, two pieces of toast with cream cheese, and her grapefruit was all she needed to get her day going. But as the coffee was brewing, the bread was toasting, and she meticulously started to peel her fruit, she couldn't help but think of the night before.

"How do you think Cougar did with Applejack, Opal?" The unicorn asked her cat. Opal looked up from her food dish for a brief moment before resuming her feast. "The poor dear was so down last night, but as much as I know him, I've never seen him give up," Rarity smiled. She politely put the first piece of grapefruit skin onto her plate, pondering about her words to her friend. Obviously, she meant every word, but she felt like she could have helped him even more. To come over that late at night just for advice only further proved Cougar truly loved Applejack. Oh how Rarity wished she could have a stallion who loved her the same way Applejack was loved by her Coltfriend. The mare then giggled lightly as she continued to peel her snack. "Opal, can you imagine? Moi feeling a tad envious toward Applejack?"

Opal ignored Rarity, moving over to the water bowl for a drink. "Oh don't fret so much darling," Rarity waved her hoof, "mommy is certainly happy for both Cougar and Applejack. Why I dare say they could be the perfect-" her thought was interrupted by a noise coming from the front of her home.

Knock, knock, knock

Rarity looked at the clock above her kitchen door, reading that it was only about ten after 8:00. Her store didn't open until 9:00, so it must not have been an early customer. Nevertheless, Rarity was a proper lady; it would be extremely rude to ignore whomever it was at this time of morning. "Do make sure my toast does not burn, would you Opal dear?" Rarity requested, getting up from her chair and trotting out of the kitchen.

As the mare made her way through her home and to the main area of the ground floor, she felt something itching at the back of her mind, something she had promised Cougar to do. She knew that today was Hearts and Hooves Day, and that the promise had something to do with the particular holiday. If only she didn't have to stay up so late the previous night.

But alas, no matter how hard she searched through her memory, all she could remember was working on the dress, and lifting Cougar's spirits. "Oh curses!" She muttered under her breath. "What about Hearts and Hooves Day was so important that I promised Cougar I'd do something?" She asked herself, pausing in the middle of the dressing area.

Knock, knock, knock

The seamstress's eyes locked onto the front door of her boutique, drawn to the knocking that was intruding on her morning. Not that she didn't mind visitors, Rarity liked to enjoy peaceful and quiet mornings. More often than not, if Sweetie Belle was staying overnight, Applebloom and Scootaloo would be bounding inside early in the morning to collect her younger sister for school. She was used to loud mornings, but she yearned for a relaxing one today after a strenuous night.

However, she could see the green spines and the top of a purple head poking out from the bottom of the little window of her boutique door. The figure stood patiently, waiting for Rarity to answer. Immediately knowing that it was Spike standing at her door, Rarity felt happier that it was he who was interrupting her morning. Of course, she wouldn't mind if it were any of her friends, but since Spike had been so loyal and helpful to her for so long, a visit from him was not an opportunity she would waste.

The mare hurriedly trotted over to the door where her magic unlocked the latch and gently opened the door. The little bell clanged loudly, signaling to the dragon that the door was opened. "Why, good morning Spike, what brings you by?" Rarity asked in a chipper mood.

"Morning Rarity," Spike grinned. In his claws the dragon held a brown paper shopping bag and a red envelope that had Rarity's name written on the back. The mare cocked her head for a moment, curious as to what Spike had brought her, and if Twilight had sent him. Rarity quickly shook her head free of thoughts, not wanting to keep the dragon waiting. "Oh, I didn't wake you up, did?" Spike asked worriedly, fearing that Rarity's shake of her head was her trying to stay awake.

"No, no," the unicorn giggled, trying to alleviate the dragon's fears, "I've been awake for a little bit. Just getting ready to start my day," She added. "But do come in, Spikey," Rarity stood aside, allowing the purple reptile to enter her home. "Did Twilight send you with something?" She questioned as she shut the door, leaving Spike standing in the middle of the dressing area.

"As long as I'm not keeping you from anything important."

"Don't be silly, Spike," Rarity joined her dragon friend, "I always make time for friends," She smiled. "Now then, is there anything you require?"

"Well, not exactly," Spike cleared his throat. "I mean, I thought I'd stop by in the morning in case you were busy later today," he explained, reaching into the paper sack and produced a carton. Rarity's blue eyes widened at what Spike had gotten out of the bag; her mouth began to water slightly.

"Is that...vanilla oat swirl?" She eyed the ice cream carton like a bear eyed a fish. She knew it wasn't very ladylike to stare at anything like this, but vanilla oat swirl was her favorite sweet treat. Spike nodded with a proud smile, happy that Rarity liked his gift. He gradually let the container go as Rarity's blue magic engulfed it, levitating it over to herself. "Thank you so much, Spikey-Wikey," the unicorn gushed, making the purple dragon's cheeks turn scarlet at her use of his nickname. "What's the occasion?" She motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen.

"Uh, well it is Hearts and Hooves Day; I thought you might like a little treat for yourself," Spike explained.

"Aww, you're so thoughtful Spike!" Rarity exclaimed, throwing her forelegs around the dragon in a hug. This time the dragon's entire face turned scarlet from being this close to his longtime crush.

"I-It's nothing, really. But I did get up early today to make you this too," he managed to slip the envelope through Rarity's grasp. "Well actually I made a card for mom first," he added to himself. Curious, Rarity set her little carton of ice cream into the freezer and opened up the red envelope.

Rarity's eyes scanned the front of the card which was obviously made by Spike like the dragon claimed. On the front of the white card, in cursive writing, was the words To the Greatest and most Generous seamstress in Equestria.

'Those years of writing letters for us and Twilight has given him beautiful calligraphy,' Rarity thought to herself. Under the writing was a personalized drawing of a sewing machine, a threaded needle, and her three diamond cutie mark, all drawn in a pink heart. "I had no idea you were quite an artist, Spike," Rarity looked up to give the dragon an appreciative look.

"Eh, I'm not that good," Spike rocked back and forth on his feet, trying to not to giggle like an idiot.

"Don't be so modest, darling." Rarity opened up the card. In it was a message, once again personally written by Spike.

Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Rarity. I hope you finally find your special somepony. Your generous heart deserves another to share life with. I always enjoy seeing you happy. -Love your always loyal friend, Spike the Dragon.

Rarity slowly lowered the card to look at Spike who looked a little embarrassed by his choice of words. "Spike...I don't know what to say," the unicorn looked down at the floor, truly speechless.

"Thank you is always good enough for me, Rarity," Spike gave her a toothy grin. Suddenly, Rarity was hit hard with the memory of last night. More specifically, she remembered what she had promised Cougar. She looked back up at Spike, feeling like she must repay him. However, she didn't feel obligated too; she wanted to repay him. Even though she believed he didn't come over seeking a date or to spend the day together, Rarity decided that she herself would make the offer. "Rarity?" Spike asked, waving his hand around after Rarity seemed to drift off into space.

"Hmm?" The seamstress asked after finally hearing Spike's words.

"Are you sure I didn't wake you up? You looked like you were ready to doze off," Spike rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm more than positive you didn't Spike," Rarity smiled. "I was just deep in thought, that's all." Spike looked relieved after getting confirmation that he didn't awaken Rarity. "Tell me Spike, do you have any plans this morning?" Rarity suddenly asked out of the blue. Spike froze, thinking that his mind and ears were playing tricks on him.

'She didn't really ask that. I'm just hearing things,' he tried to convince himself.

"Or does Twilight need your assistance?" Rarity continued. Spike gulped, still unsure if he had heard his crush correctly, but chose to answer what he thought he heard, just in case.

"Well, mom didn't really have any plans for this morning. We usually just hang out together in the evening you know? Eat dinner and read some passages from our favorite books, or comic books in my case," he shrugged. "Though now that I think about it, she may have lunch in Canterlot with Flash Sentry, but I'd have to ask her about that," he tapped his chin.

"Perfect!" Rarity exclaimed. "Spike, would you like to join me for breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner?"

"...I'm sorry?" Spike squeaked, now truly convinced he needed to get his hearing checked out.

"Don't be so shy, Spikey-boo," Rarity giggled at his reaction. "You made me a beautiful card and bought me my favorite ice cream. The least I could do is treat you to some breakfast." She tucked the card back into its envelope and laid down gently onto her dinner table.

"B-but," Spike stuttered, still utterly shocked at the turn of events. He and Rarity have had at least lunch before, but that was a mutual agreement between the two of them, and they've never shared a meal on Hearts and Hooves Day before. "Don't you already have breakfast going?" He motioned toward the coffee pot, the toast that had popped out of the toaster, and the barely peeled grapefruit on the table.

In a flash, Rarity poured her coffee into a travel mug, dumped her cold toast into the garbage, and put her grapefruit into the brown bag Spike had brought along. "I did, but this will be much more special. And I will NOT take no for an answer, Spikey," Rarity stated firmly. Spike opened his mouth, but Rarity shushed him, "And do not even say it; I will foot the bill as a thank you, Spike," she pecked his cheek, making him freeze again.

"W-well I-if yo-you insist," he stumbled, following her out of the kitchen. The fashionista grabbed her saddle bags and put them onto her back, ready to go. "So, shall we, Spike?" She held the door open for him. Pursing his lips, Spike nodded and exited the boutique as Rarity locked it up.

After a pleasant walk through town, the two arrived at their destination. Both of them noted, however, that they had received some strange looks as they passed by the townsponies. Rarity and Spike brushed it off, thinking that others may believe them to be a couple now, even though the thought made both of them blush. "Good morning Rarity, Spike," Carrot Cake greeted from behind the counter.

"Good morning Carrot Cake," Rarity grinned. "How are the twins doing?" She asked excitedly.

"They're doing just great, thank you for asking," the yellow earth pony grinned. "In fact, they're almost ready for pre school. They grow up so fast," he added with a pout.

"Anyway, what can we get for you two?" Cup Cake appeared next to her husband.

"First off, I would like a chocolate croissant if you please," Rarity said politely. "And would it be all right if I drank some of my own coffee and ate my own grapefruit?" She questioned, holding the travel mug and bag in the air.

"Of course, Rarity; we're not too stingy about outside food or drink once in awhile," Cup Cake waved it off, picking up a chocolate croissant.

"And for Princess Twilight's son?" Carrot asked. Spike studied the glass case full of pastries and other breakfast items.

"Hmm, can I get the Moose Special?" He requested, pointing to the largest doughnut in the cabinet.

"No problem," Carrot Cake whistled, grabbing the pastry with a pair of tongs and putting it into a white bag for the dragon. "That comes to six bits please," he added up the totals. Rarity levitated ten bits out of her saddle bag, putting six into Carrot's hoof and the other four into the tip tub.

"Thanks you two!" Rarity and Spike said at the same time. The two turned around to go find a table to sit at, only to bump into Lyra and Bon Bon. "Oh, good morning!" Rarity said in a chipper voice.

"We're not in your way, are we?" Spike asked, stepping to the side as he clutched his giant doughnut in his hand. "Woah, what's wrong?" He asked after getting a good look at the married couple. Rarity noticed it too, feeling slightly worried for her friends. Lyra rubbed her left foreleg, unable to speak as Bon Bon bit her lower lip. Clutched between her foreleg and torso was a copy of the Ponyville Gazette newspaper.

"Uh, Spike, Rarity," Bon Bon began uneasily, "have you two or AJ and Cougar seen the newspaper today?" She asked wearily, as if she were about to throw up.

"No, we haven't," Rarity shook her head, confused why the newspaper was so important. "And I haven't seen Applejack or Cougar today as of yet," she added.

"Oh colt," Lyra mumbled under her breath. Bon Bon groaned, nervous at Spike and Rarity's response. The tanned earth pony had no choice but to hoof over the paper to Rarity.

"Look, before you read it, we just want to let you know that we have NO clue who did this," Bon Bon swore. Ever curious, both Spike and Rarity stood close as the white unicorn opened up the newspaper to a section Lyra and Bon Bon had bookmarked. Immediately, Spike's jaw dropped and he missed a breath, grabbing one side of the paper.

Rarity, however, began to shake. The paper rustled as her magic started to falter as her emotions ran rampant through her mind. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She screeched so loud that all the windows in Sugar Cube Corner cracked. Everypony covered their ears as Spike and Bon Bon tried to calm her down. The scream echoed all the way throughout the town, alerting every resident that something was wrong.

In the castle of friendship, Twilight jolted from the outburst, accidentally dropping a few books into a nearby fireplace. "NO!"

"Oh no, please calm down!" Fluttershy begged as the scream awakened a few sleeping animals within her house, causing them to run around in fear.

"OW!" Rainbow Dash rubbed her head as she failed to duck when Tank was flying by, distracted by the scream.

"Yay!" Pound and Pumpkin cake clapped as Pinkie accidentally dropped a bag of flour all over her body.

---

(Sweet Apple Acres; Ivan's POV)

I felt warm. And it wasn't just from the furry orange mare cuddling up next to me under the covers. If I could describe it, I'd say I felt more...peaceful. Having seen my world go through so much Hell the last seven years, finally having trusting friends and being able to open up to them made me feel like I was reborn. I always had Reaper and my squad mates to rely on, but even then I liked to keep to myself most of the time.

Although I was asleep, I could vividly remember my dream. It was nothing too spectacular, just a vision of myself cuddling with Applejack. Yes I was dreaming of sleeping, but again, I've never slept this good in my entire life. The best part was getting to wake up and look into Applejack's eyes.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Or maybe not. The window rattling screech alerted my pilot's mind that something was wrong. Without even realizing it, I found myself leaping off the cot and getting into a defensive stance in front of Applejack.

"What the hay is goin' on?" She demanded, wrestling around with the blanket. Feeling a slight breeze between my knees, I looked down to remember that I had no pants or anything on at all. Biting my lip, I dove towards my pile of clothes and yanked my boxers and jeans on, leaving my torso shirtless for now.

"I heard someone scream," I finally replied to Applejack. The scream was so loud that I could still hear the echo. AJ jumped up from the cot as well, stretching her back and all of her legs. I poked my head out the door, looking to see if it was Applebloom or Granny Smith that had shrieked. I only saw the farmhouse sitting quietly with some smoke puffing out of the stove pipe. Then I recalled that Applebloom was probably in school by now. "Doesn't look like it was anyone here," I remarked, running a hand through my hair.

"Ah think Ah know who it- ow! Was," Applejack grimaced. I turned around to face her after her outburst of pain, feeling concerned. "Rarity," she added when I didn't say anything. I studied the mare as she gathered her hair ties and Stetson from the ground, looking for any other signs of pain. We took a few minutes to freshen up and get ready to start our first Hearts and Hooves Day together, even if it meant just normally hanging out around the farm or even in town. But the natural protector inside kept bugging me to ask Applejack something.

"Are you feeling okay, Applejack?"

"Don't worry none 'bout me, Ivan," the mare said sweetly. "Ah'm just a little sore from last night is all," she blushed at referring to the memory.

"I wasn't too-" I tried to ask.

"You were perfect, Sugarcube. Ah'm happy ta trade a little bit 'o soreness ta be yer mate," she winked, standing on her hind legs to kiss me on the cheek. Blushing, I cleared my throat as she landed back on all four hooves. "Now then, how 'bout some breakfast?" She suggested. Feeling perplexed, I grabbed the golden pocket watch that Celestia gave me on my birthday off my nightstand. It was just nearly twenty minutes after 8:00.

"Uh, that sounds great, but shouldn't we go check on Rarity?" I questioned, putting the pocket watch back on my nightstand. Since Celestia said it was over 900 years old, I didn't want to risk breaking it. Applejack laughed before turning back around to face me.

"Ivan, you've been here for a good while now. Don't you know by now that Rarity freaks out over the littlest things?" She asked me.

"Well, yeah," I scratched my neck, "but that sounded like a real scream of fear," I tried to debate.

"All her screams do, Sugarcube. We can go into town later after breakfast and see what was wrong, though," she said with a smile. "It was probably a moth or somethin' flyin' around her room," Applejack laughed. Then, without warning, there was another sky piercing sound echoing throughout the town. This time it was not a scream, but the sound of something or somepony breaking the sound barrier. We both rushed outside to see the aftermath of a rainbow colored ring of condensation dispersing above Ponyville. A cyan colored missile, almost camouflaged with the sky, hurtled toward us at Mach 1.

"GET DOWN!" I shouted as the object aimed straight for us. We both leapt out of the way as Rainbow came in blazing hot, crash landing into the ground and sliding into Big Mac's apple cart. Rainbow Dash stood up, shaking her wings and her head.

"WHAT IN TARNATION IS WRONG WITH YOU, RAINBOW!?" Applejack screeched, hopping up from the ground and marching over to the confused looking Pegasus. The cyan mare looked over at us and zoomed over to Applejack, grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.

"Guys! Thank Celestia you're already awake. You've gotta come back with me to Sugar Cube Corner!" Rainbow continually shook my girlfriend, never giving her a chance to answer. "Everypony is waiting on you two!" She added. Applejack shot her forelegs out, pushing Rainbow Dash away. The farm pony held her head to get her vision straightened out and glared at her flying friend.

"What's this all about, Rainbow?" I asked, holding onto Applejack's shoulder. She shot a look of despair at me before gulping.

"I'm not sure if AJ told you about this when it happened before, but... you, AJ, Rarity and Spike are stars in the gossip column," she shook. I could only feel confused; I actually never was told my friends and girlfriend had been featured in tabloid articles before. It couldn't have been too bad.

"HEH!?" AJ's jaw dropped as she froze.

"But this time, IT'S WORSE! All I did was skim through a story on Rarity and Spike before I zoomed all over Ponyville gathering everyone up. They're waiting at the bakery, so MOVE YOUR FLANKS!" She got behind us and punched us both in the butt.

"Hey, watch what you're grabbing there, Rainbow," I said, only half teasing. I was fine with hugs, but any sort of other touching was to be done by doctors or Applejack. The Pegasus rolled her eyes and kept pushing us toward the exit of the farm.

"We've got to settle this down before word spreads out of Ponyville, so move it!" Rainbow repeated like a drill sergeant.

"So we, Spike and Rarity are in a tabloid, so what?" I asked after AJ and I got into a jog as Rainbow flew overhead. "Plenty of celebrities from my world were in tabloids all the time."

"So what?!" Applejack burst, turning to look at me. "The last time a tabloid column hit our town, everypony nearly went nuts! Ponies had ta fend off lies from their friends or had embarassin' secrets revealed fer everyone ta see," she rose her voice with every example.

"Okay I can see how that would get on your nerves," I admitted as we crested the small hill that would lead us into town. Off in the distance, I could see what appeared to be everyone going about their normal business. That's when Rainbow flew down and hovered in front of my face.

"And the worst part was our sisters were the ones behind Gabby Gums!" She exclaimed. I wanted to stop so I could fathom that Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were the ones responsible for a tabloid column, but I knew Rainbow would just try to shove me forward again. "They even went as far as to post a lie that I liked getting hoofacures, or publishing Rarity's entire diary!"

"Damn..." I muttered. What in the hell would posses those sweet little fillies to publish someone's private thoughts? "Okay, you guys have a legitimate reason to be a little concerned," I admitted.

"Exactly why we can't have another source of gossip in town. It'd just put a sore spot on everypony's lives," Applejack lightly tapped my arm.

"Well uh, do you think they started it up again?" I raised an eyebrow at Rainbow. The cyan mare shook her head back and forth, bobbing her rainbow mane.

"No; they didn't get as nasty as the story about Rarity," she explained. "And this new writer is named Lucy Lips, not Gabby Gums," she added, turning back towards town, flapping her wings faster. I was beginning to see this was a much bigger deal to them than I'd assumed. I guess since normal every day ponies were targeted in the past, it hit them harder than when celebrities were slammed back on Earth.

"But you already know what the story says, Rainbow?" Applejack questioned, walking a bit faster to keep pace. She didn't make any audible sounds of pain, but I noticed her limping a bit with her rear legs.

"I really only know the summary, but not too much. I was cloud busting with Tank when Rarity's scream broke a few windows at Sugar Cube Corner!" Rainbow exclaimed. "I flew over to see what was wrong, and Spike showed me what Rarity had read."

"Well, what'd it say?" AJ demanded, nearly going into a full gallop. The two mares were moving so fast I had to break out into a sprint to keep up.

"It mainly said Rarity used Spike and our sisters as slaves for her quote unquote sweatshop," Rainbow air-quoted with her hooves. "You know barely feeding them, beating them when they wouldn't cooperate, and paying them a bit per week!" Applejack then growled like a grizzly bear. It wasn't even a story about her and she was getting pissed off. I couldn't even imagine what her reaction would be to the story about us.

"Of all the nasty things ta do ta hurt somepony!" AJ growled.

"I know!" Rainbow exclaimed, "and all I could see about your story before I came to find you and everypony was a picture of you and Cougar hugging. I thought I'd come get you guys before I could read anymore," she explained.

"Oh God," I grimaced. It was worse than I thought. "That's not gossip, that's dragging names through shit!" I exclaimed, feeling an urge of anger welling up inside at the story about Rarity. If the author of this column would go that far on Rarity… then I could only fear what the one about Applejack and I said.

"Now you're starting to get...it?" Rainbow slowed down to a near stop as we reached the edge of town. Both AJ and I slowed our pace so we wouldn't out run our Pegasus friend. I didn't even ask why she came to a near stop; everyone was staring at us. And I don't mean just watching us out of curiosity. They were studying us like the kids from Children of the Corn.

"The starin' has already begun" Applejack gulped.

"They can't really believe any of this, can they?" I asked, looking from side to side at the various townsponies. That's when the whispering started.

"I think you just got your answer, Cougar," Rainbow said into my ear.

"It's already spreadin'," Applejack said in a low voice, pulling her Stetson down a little to cover her eyes. Over near the flower shop, the three flower mares continuously whispered amongst themselves and shot judgmental glances in our direction, each time with furrowed eyebrows. I wasn't too shocked if they believed what was printed in the paper; those were the kind of girls I remembered in high school. Always overreacting to everything and talking nonstop crap about others.

Our pace slowed even more down to rival that of a funeral march. Rainbow swooped low the ground; her uncomfortable aura prevented her from taking flight as normal. Even though it was an emergency and we were rushing at first, this judgmental atmosphere made it like we were traveling through a tar pit. The Pegasus eventually touched down to the ground in between myself and Applejack, huddling close to the both of us. Since all she knew was Rarity's story, I could lend my sympathy to her for being scared of what the story on myself and AJ said. "Try to ignore them," I muttered as we walked past the Quills and Sofa shop.

"No offense Sugarcube, but at least yer used ta the stares," Applejack peered up at me from behind her Stetson. I had to think about that one for a moment; I couldn't tell if she was telling me to shut up for pointing out the obvious or that I shouldn't complain about the stares.

"Okay then," I replied, looking back up to where we were going.

"This is really creepy!" Rainbow whined, trying to hold up her composure. "I usually like my awesomeness being soaked up by other ponies, but I feel like I'm on trial here!"

"We may as well be," I said, shooting a look at a few ponies that were gathered around the town hall. The instant I looked at them, they averted their gaze, trying to remain inconspicuous from myself, AJ, and Rainbow Dash. As we made our way through the streets, the sound of galloping hooves caught my attention. Turning to the side, I saw a familiar grey furred and cross eyed Pegasus running straight at us.

"Rainbow Dash!" Derpy called out, not slowing down. Rainbow and Applejack turned just in time to see Derpy collide into me, instantly falling backwards onto her flanks from the collision. The clumsy mare rubbed her bum and shook her head of the stars as I helped her to her feet. She looked rather concerned.

"Look Derpy, we'd normally love ta stay 'n chat," Applejack lifted up her hat to look Derpy in the eye.

"But we've got...uh..." Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck as a blush invaded her cyan cheeks. She couldn't think of anything to say.

"No!" Derpy shook her head again, "Carrot and Cup Cake sent me to look for you. When you hadn't come back after about two minutes with Cougar and Applejack, they got worried," Derpy explained.

"Did they read Applejack and Cougar's story?!" Rainbow shrieked louder than she meant. Now even the whisperings stopped as the whole town square watched us.

"I don't think so, but all I know is that Rarity's not holding up well. The shock's gone away, but now she has like a dark cloud hanging over head. It hurt me to see her like that," Derpy pouted. I dropped my head low; Rarity didn't deserve any of this. Not especially after going out of her way to help me and Applejack last night. How could someone be cruel enough to make someone as generous as Rarity break down?

"Celestia dammit!" Rainbow cursed. "Look Derpy, we're on our way back to the bakery, okay? If you can, could you please try and convince everypony that what the newspapers are saying isn't true?" The Pegasus begged. Derpy nodded and saluted Rainbow Dash with a goofy grin.

"You can count on me, guys!" She flapped her wings excitedly before turning around and slamming head first into a light post. "Hey, somepony oughta move this thing!"

"Speaking of your sisters," I turned to look at Rainbow and AJ, "should we or just you two go and talk to them? They should know about this before any of their classmates bring it to their attention. And obviously tell them it isn't true," I added.

"An' maybe see if one 'o their classmates knows who's behind this," Applejack rubbed her chin. "Unless Cheerliee has a copy 'o the paper 'n talks ta them about it." That made me feel a little better. At least Cheerilee would know that it's just a bunch of libel and slander.

"GUYS!" We suddenly heard a screech. Up ahead was Sugar Cube Corner. The place actually looked a little creepy to me. I've always seen ponies going in and out of it in the mornings, but it looked pretty deserted, save for Pinkie waving her foreleg at us like she was on speed. "OVER HERE, HURRY!" She shouted into a megaphone that she pulled from her mane. With a quick glance between the three of us, we bolted towards the bakery, regathering our urgency from before, and ignoring all the soul piercing stares from everyone else along the way. As we approached closer and closer, I could make out the spiderweb cracks in the bakery's windows from Rarity's freak out. They were thick cracks too; the Cake's would have no choice but to replace them or risk somepony getting injured.

When we got within a few feet of the building, I saw Carrot Cake through one of the damaged windows putting up a red CLOSED sign. "Hey, if they're closed-" I started before Pinkie grabbed Applejack and Rainbow Dash, yanking them inside the sweet shoppe.

"Hurry Cougar, come in!" Cup Cake waved her light green hoof at me. Without a second thought, I bolted in the door as the earth pony mare shut and locked it. As I always do when entering a building, I took a quick survey of the area, only to find the bakery stark empty with the exception of the Cake family and my friends. Even Lyra and Bon Bon were here too.

"Why are you two closed?" I asked as Cup Cake trotted by me to join my friends while Carrot Cake began to fill glasses of water. I could barely make out the sound of Pound and Pumpkin Cake playing together behind the counter.

"All of you need your privacy for this," Carrot replied, glancing from the sink. I looked from the yellow stallion over to my friends, only to see all but AJ and Rainbow Dash looking a bit ill. "A few other ponies were already gathering in here to pester Rarity and Spike, so the missus and I shooed them out while Rainbow Dash gathered the rest of you," he added.

With a quick sigh, I marched over and took a seat in between Bon Bon and Applejack. All of us were situated around the biggest table in the shoppe. A copy of the town paper, opened up to the first article in the Lucy Lips section, was opened for all of us to read. "I'm so thankful Pound and Pumpkin can't read yet," Twilight gulped, placing her chin on her hoof.

"So, have any of you found out what else is printed here?" I asked, trying to get to the bottom of the situation. Everyone, minus AJ and Rainbow Dash, turned their attention near me to Lyra and Bon Bon. The candy making earth pony sighed, nodding her head as Lyra shut her eyes tight.

"W-we only read all of Rarity's story," Bon Bon admitted, solemnly tapping her hoof on the tile floor. She looked like she had more to say, but she kept her mouth shut.

"After we got the paper this morning and stumbled across this new section," Lyra spat, "we quickly read Rarity's story, skimmed the headline of the your story to see what other crap this monster cooked up, and we read our story." The aquamarine unicorn growled, sliding the paper over to myself and Applejack. Rainbow Dash cocked her head to the side, puzzled just like AJ and I were about hearing of Lyra and Bon Bon's own piece of gossip. We were the only two left that had yet to read the story. I furrowed my eyebrows into an almost angered expression. Applejack and I leaned forward and scanned our eyes across the headline of the story.

'Rarity Belle: Element of Generosity or Selfish Child Enslaver?

Below the headline of the story was a picture of Rarity apparently in a shouting stance, pointing her hoof at Sweetie Belle and Spike when he was a baby dragon. Applebloom and Scootaloo were standing wide-eyed in the corner in the back of the picture. The caption below the picture pretty much stated what the scene looked like; that Rarity was using the fillies and Spike as some sort of sweat shop workers.

I gripped the sides of the table, sighing deeply to help control the rage boiling my blood. Applejack snorted as she read the story for herself. I on the other hand was at war with myself, debating whether or not I should read the crap printed in the paper. I jumped when Applejack slammed her forehoof onto the ground hard, cracking the tile a bit. Eventually I gave in and chose to in fact read the story just so I was on the same page as everyone else.

As Rainbow had said earlier, the 'author' of the piece stated that according to rumors, Rarity's success was all due to her treating Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Spike as near slaves. Forcing them to work for little pay, abusing them when they refused or messed up, and never fed them. The article also stated that the bruises that showed up on the Crusaders were proof that Rarity struck them.

"I-I feel as though I'm going to vomit," Rarity said in a sniffle. I looked up from the paper, ready to flip the table through the window, and saw the seamstress's face stained with mascara. My anger dissipated slightly at the sight while Spike and Fluttershy comforted their friend.

"Poor dear," Cup Cake cooed as she and her husband sat a huge tray of water onto the table. "I can't fathom how somepony could write something so awful!" I drummed my fingers atop the table, biting my lower lip to hide my emotions. I wanted to growl in anger, but at the same time, I felt my eyes getting wet because of my sympathy for Rarity.

"Of all the sick things to post about someone!" Spike exclaimed as he scratched the claws of his left hand on the chair Rarity was sitting upon. There was a loud screech as he damaged the wood. "Especially you, Rarity," he added softly. The mare began to sob a little, wiping her eyes with her hooves.

"Even a cupcake can't fix this..." Pinkie's hair just deflated like a flat tire as she looking solemnly at a cupcake. She then tossed it behind her before resting her chin on the table. Rarity then tried to choke back a sob, but it was in vain. She began weeping audibly, using her magic to cover her nose.

"Sw-Sweetie Belle is my b-baby sister! I-I'd never l-lay a h-hoof on her! I l-love her!" She wailed, throwing her forelegs around the dragon standing beside her.

"You were right, Rainbow," Applejack said, holding her hoof on her face. "There ain't no way our sisters would ever write somethin' this cruel." I gulped, looking away from the site of Spike comforting Rarity, only to lock eyes with Twilight. She looked depressed as well, but still tried to maintain her sunny disposition.

"You know, it's one thing to post a story that somepony may be a softie," Rainbow spoke up, "but this?! This isn't trying to poke fun at somepony, this is trying to hurt them," she finished with a growl, grinding her teeth together.

"So, what do the other stories say?" I questioned again grimly, narrowing my eyes at the purple alicorn. Twilight sighed, engulfing the glasses of water with her magic, moving them to the side to gain access to the newspaper.

"We don't know, Cougar," she replied. "We've only been here to comfort Rarity, and Spike's a little shaken up to tell us what the rest of her story says." Right, my anger and sympathy for Rarity made me forget that I had asked that before. "None of us, not even me, could read this after what happened to Rarity," she turned to her unicorn friend who was still sobbing into Spike's chest.

"We followed Rarity and Spike to tell them what was in the paper," Bon Bon repeated, "we really didn't have time to read anything else besides the one about us." I scoffed, knowing that we had no choice but to read on. What I really wanted to do was rip this newspaper into a million piece and burn it to save my friends heartache and embarrassment, but that'd just be denying that there was a problem. "And I hate to say it, but ours involves Fluttershy too in a way," the candy making mare admitted. Fluttershy sharply gasped and whimpered at the same time. Her pupils shrank and she bit her quivering lower lip.

"Look, I know most, if not all, of us can't bear to see what other crap is printed in this," I lightly smacked my hand on the paper, "but we're going to have to know what's been written already so we know what to look out for in case bullshit stories about the rest of you are already in the works!" I exclaimed. "You don't want to be caught off guard and make it seem like you're trying to BS your way out of what might be the truth to others."

"Please watch your mouth; our children are still here!" Carrot Cake requested from behind the counter. I held my hand up apologetically, truthfully forgetting that Pound and Pumpkin were still present in the bakery.

"Come on Rarity, why don't you have something to drink?" Spike held a glass near Rarity's head as she pulled away from his chest. The mare only stared at the glass before burying her head back into Spike's chest. She was too distraught to even drink something; my anger only continued to stay.

"I...I'm too scared to look!" Fluttershy covered her mane over her eyes.

"Fluttershy," I knelt down onto my knees, "I know how scary it can be if an enemy either knows something you want to be kept secret, or they're spreading false information to diminish your trust between others. But the ball is in our court now; we're gonna have to play the game."

"I-if it's all the same to you, I don't feel much like reading anymore," Rarity whimpered, looking away from the newspaper and into Spike's chest that she buried her head in.

"Okay," I rubbed my eyes with my hands, "fine, that works too," I sighed as Twilight's magic took hold of the paper and flipped the page. I almost regretted even suggesting reading on. With each every eye scanned, we got more shocked, more hurt, and angrier. Well, Rainbow, Appejack, and I got angrier while Lyra and Bon Bon shook with disgust; the others didn't really know how to react.

I couldn't even decide which story was the most abhorrent. All three got more sickening every time I re-read them. "Okay, I just have to say this! Does Rarity even look like a pony that do that sort of thing to poor little Spike?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as the pony in question set the paper on fire with her magic. The part about Rarity using Spike and the Crusaders as sweatshop slaves wasn't nearly the worst part of the article. It did catch a lot of us off guard that there was more than what Rainbow Dash had told myself and AJ. I wanted to throw up.

'But not only is Ms. Rarity Belle under suspicion of child enslavement, there are certain speculations that a certain dragon assistant of Princess Twilight Sparkle was forced into inappropriate relations of a sexual nature with the seamstress,' the article concluded with that caption under a picture of Rarity pecking Spike's cheek in appreciation. Spike was a little shaken up at the article, but Twilight looked ready to murder anyone that stood in her path. The mare grinder her teeth together and breathed in and out as hard as Michael Myers, flaring her nostrils and wing. Suddenly, the newspaper sizzled up in a ball of purple fire from her horn.

"WHO WOULD WRITE SUCH A THING ABOUT MY SON!?" She screamed, scaring all of us and making Pound and Pumpkin cry. Pinkie Pie ceased acting angry and tried her best to calm down the twin ponies.

"I don't know!" Spike reached over with a free arm and gently squeezed Twilight's shoulder. "But let's not get too carried away yet, mom. I'm angry too, but we shouldn't do anything too rash until we know more," he said softly. The purple alicorn bowed her head down and ever so slowly, her breathing returned to normal. She folded her wings against her body and turned to Spike with a weak smile.

"That's my boy," she grinned before nuzzling her cheek against his.

"But we can bring the law to their butts for slander," I interjected. "I'm pretty sure Celestia made a special law about this sort of journalism after the Gabby Gums deal right, Twilight?" I asked. Twilight thought for a moment before giving me an unsure shrug.

"I'm honestly not so sure, Cougar," she admitted, "we can check with her, but there's still a certain degree of what can be printed and what can't be. Though I'm positive she'll understand why we want this ripped from newsstands."

"Look, I'll be one hundred percent honest here. I'm really concerned with will happen to Applejack's family," Lyra chimed in. Oh boy, I was too. Of course only AJ and I knew we had made love for the first time last night, but telling Rarity today was completely off the table. However, I've always known that not everyone would agree to our relationship. We both agreed we didn't want our love making to be public, yet if everyone believed she used me as a fucking sex toy because of this, then some ponies may not want to do business with them at all anymore if they thought she was having sex with a 'biped' as I was referred to as in the article.

"Yeah, and no offense to you guys, but I know you aren't even remotely close to that step in your relationship," Rainbow patted me on the back. "I mean, Soarin and I have been together way longer than you guys, and we only barely started doing that," she admitted out loud. I shot her a 'what the fuck' look, Mr. and Mrs. Cake covered their kids' ears, and Twilight rolled her eyes.

Speaking of Applejack, she couldn't even finish the story about us because of how embarrassed, pissed off, and hurt she was because of it. I knelt down to my knees so as to be eye level with her, but she still couldn't say anything, even when I softly kissed her cheek and massaged her back.

"Seriously, those...things just freak me out to be honest," Lyra shivered. "No offense," she added, darting her eyes between Spike, Carrot Cake, and myself. "Yeah, it's true Bonnie's not really just into mares; she does find some stallions attractive."

"But I'd never cheat on you, Lyra!" Bon Bon held her wife's hoof. "Especially with Caramel of all stallions. There's really not much to him," she added. And that's how Fluttershy was tied into all this. According to this, Bon Bon was secretly screwing Caramel behind Lyra's back, which in turn made him sound like he was cheating on Fluttershy.

'We have no word yet on how Fluttershy is dealing with this development in her courtship with Caramel. But we can only guess she's heartbroken. What seemed like true love at the Gala may turn out to be a heartbreaking love rectangle.' The article showed two pictures. One of Bon Bon selling candy to Caramel, and one of Caramel and Fluttershy together at the Gala.

"That's it!" Twilight suddenly declared. "I've got to get Celestia and Luna in on this in case these stories reach Canterlot! Especially since Celestia possessed Spike's egg until I hatched him, and Luna is good friends with Cougar," she added. She then summoned parchment and a quill out of thin air. "I mean, how do we know this is just isolated in Ponyville?"

Okay, Twilight, you write that letter to Celestia and Luna. Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity, you three go to the school house to talk to the fillies. Maybe they might know someone on the school newspaper staff who is feeding these stories to the town paper," I nudged my girlfriend, reminding her of her idea from our walk over here. Applejack smiled a bit at my enthusiasm and stood up from resting her head on the table.

"Ah think we can manage that, Ivan," Applejack nodded as she helped Rarity to her hooves. "We'll be back as soon as we can," she added.

"We'll join you in getting rid of these papers when we're done!" Rainbow saluted as she and Applejack helped Rarity out of the bakery.

"And the rest of us," I pointed between Fluttershy, Pinkie, Spike, Lyra, Bon Bon, and myself, "run around collecting these papers from everyone in town. I know most of them have already read every single story, but at least if we cut them off, we can keep more ponies from reading them. We've also got Derpy on our side telling everyone that these stories aren't true."

"Got it!" Spike, Pinkie, Lyra, and Bon Bon exclaimed, forming a small group in front of the door. Fluttershy gulped and nodded, clearly uncertain about being able to take something from someone else.

"Fluttershy, you can distract some ponies while I sneak the papers away, how about that?" I suggested.

"Oh...okay," she said in her usual soft voice.

"I just pray we're not too late," I said our little group headed out into town, going in separate directions.

---

(Celestia's Chambers; 3rd Person POV)

Princess Celestia, co-ruler of the land of Equestria, stood at the glass and gold plated doors of her personal balcony. She was busy admiring the valley which held Ponyville as the light of her sun glazed over the small village. The several thousand year old alicorn smiled, thinking of how happy her citizens were on a day devoted completely to their loved ones. She cast her gaze to the giant clock which was hung above her golden fireplace, seeing that it was only 8:30 in the morning. "Cadence must already be working overtime," Celestia smiled as she turned back to look at her reflection in the window of the balcony door.

"Zzzzz," Glock, her personal bodyguard and Coltfriend, snored peacefully from her bed. The poor stallion was forced to pull a double shift until four in the morning due to Remington requesting to clock off early. The other guard wanted to prepare a special day for his wife; Celestia and Glock fully understood and granted his request, but not without some disappointment. Celestia was hoping to snuggle a little before turning in and allowing her sister Luna to take command of royal duties for the night.

The sun alicorn remembered Glock collapsing into her bed from the exhaustion of standing in one spot for so long after she turned in for the night. She hoped that she would at least be able to say goodnight, but he was asleep before his head hit the pillow. The Pegasus guard didn't even get to take his armor off.

Celestia had been up for just a bit over two hours now. She couldn't bear to disrupt her coltfriend's sleep, so she'd crept out of bed quietly to raise her sun and make sure he stayed asleep. She had to shoo several servants away so they wouldn't bother Glock; this meant that she hadn't had breakfast yet. Celestia refused to eat until Glock was awake and ready.

With another look at the clock, Celestia decided that it was time for her bodyguard to awaken so they could enjoy Hearts and Hooves Day together. She worked painstakingly at some paperwork after the raising of her sun so she could have a free day; she was going to enjoy every second of it. Celestia quickly yet quietly trotted over to Glock's side of the bed where his head and left foreleg hung off the edge. She giggled as his legs twitched while he slept and he smacked his lips. "You're so loyal, Glock," she whispered, lowering her head. "But now it's time to wake up, sweetie," she pressed her lips onto his.

"Mmph!" Glock's eyes shot open as Celestia gently forced her tongue into his mouth. Despite being of Royal blood and acting like such round the clock, Celestia was also a mare that had desires and needs. She loved Glock and enjoyed being able to act like a normal mare whenever they had downtime. The Pegasus guard's shock died down as he kissed back.

"Good morning my faithful bodyguard," Celestia greeted as she pulled her tongue back into her mouth.

"M-morning, Tia," Glock caught his breath. "How long have you been awake?" He asked, standing up from the bed and stretching his muscles out. He sighed in frustration as he realized all of his armor was still on. Now it was going to chafe and feel sweaty all day.

"Only a few hours, dear," Celestia quickly smoothed out the sheets and blanket of her bed with her magic. "Happy first Hearts and Hooves Day, Glocky," she added with a teasing grin, throwing a foreleg around Glock's neck. The guard happily returned the hug at first, enjoying waking up in his princess' chambers with Celestia waiting for him. Even though they'd been together for a little under five months, she was still gladly helping him loosen up a little when it was just the two of them or when they were with familiar company like Luna and Checkered Flag. Over twenty years of being her stoic bodyguard wasn't going away overnight, but Glock was also willing to act more comfortable around his Tia. His eyes then shot back open as his brain processed the holiday his marefriend had mentioned.

"Hearts and Hooves Day?!" He exclaimed in what seemed like a panic. Stepping away from Celestia, Glock tried to maneuver around the alicorn, but found himself halted in his tracks by her golden aura. The princess felt bad about sending her coltfriend into a bit of a panic.

"It's okay, Glock," she tried to assure the Pegasus that was trying to wriggle out of her magic. "It's no problem to me that you forgot; you did have to pull a double shift last night," she kissed his cheek. "I don't hold it against you," she added. After a brief intermission of silence, Glock chuckled, prompting Celestia to release him from her magical grasp. Glock's golden hoof plates clanked gently on the marble flooring as he righted himself.

"Tia, I actually didn't forget that it was Hearts and Hooves Day," the Pegasus took off his helmet, setting it down on Celestia's bed.

"Oh..." Celestia blushed, embarrassed she had assumed the wrong information.

"Heh, I just remembered that last night before I came to bed, I had the chefs whip up something just for you," he rubbed his cheek under her neck. The alicorn's heart fluttered; she enjoyed both Glock's presence and his touch whenever they were close. "Would you like me to have them bring it in, or do you want to stay like this?" He asked as she re-wrapped her foreleg around his torso. The mare scoffed, looking down at him with a pout.

"Don't make me choose!" She playfully begged. It was then that it registered with Celestia that Glock said he had the palace chefs make something for her. To her, that could only mean one thing..."Yes!" She exclaimed excitedly, "you may go if you must," Celestia attempted to regain control of her excitement.

"Uh Tia..." Glock tapped her foreleg. Blushing again, Celestia released her grasp around Glock and set her hoof onto the marble flooring. She cleared her throat and darted her eyes around, hoping to get rid of her overly excited state. Glock quickly removed the rest of his armor, feeling refreshed and more comfortable without it. He couldn't help but notice Celestia ogling him every few seconds.

"So...I'll see you in a few moments?" The sun alicorn guessed, opening the door for her Coltfriend. Glock smirked, heading for the door, but stopped halfway into the hallway. He turned around and stared at Celestia. "Is something the matter, dear?" she questioned.

"Well, since it is our first Hearts and Hooves Day, why don't you just come with me?" He asked, holding out his hoof for her to take. "I think a morning walk would be great," he added with a smirk. Celestia's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the request. She instantly zapped herself out into the hallway, and pulled her bodyguard out of her room, slamming the door shut.

"I think that's a wonderful idea, Glocky," she nuzzled her cheek against his. Feeling his face warming up, the stallion gestured ahead with his hoof, allowing the lady to take the lead on their way to the kitchen. As the couple walked side by side, past dozens of other guards, a few of them had to hide the envy from their faces.

"Lucky motherbucker," a grey unicorn guard muttered under his breath as Captain Glock and Princess Celestia rounded a corner.

"Mmm, I can already smell it, Glock," Celestia inhaled deeply with her nose as they stood outside the palace kitchen. The two ponies could clearly hear the numerous chefs talking to each other, and the sounds of various kitchen utensils being utilized.

"Yeah, I guess I was kind of too obvious," Glock raised an eyebrow. Celestia managed to gain her composure one last time before they would walk into the kitchen to get her present.

"It doesn't matter to me if you were too obvious or too vague, Glock. The fact you thought to get me a present means more than the gift itself," she lightly grazed her wing on his back.

"I just wanted to show you how much I truly care for you, Tia," he replied, putting on a proud smirk. The alicorn smirked as well before bending her head down to whisper in his ear. FWOMP! The guard's wings immediately shot out, luckily avoiding smacking his marefriend in the side.

"Heh heh, I'm so pleased you like that idea," Celestia said as she pulled away. Before any of his fellow guards could see, Glock's wings softened enough to where he could fold them back against his torso. "I wonder if Luna and Checkered Flag have eaten yet," Celestia pondered. She had greeted Luna earlier that morning when the moon had to be lowered and the sun had to be raised, but she didn't know whether Luna and Checkered Flag would eat before going to sleep.

Since her baby sister was more of a nocturnal pony, Celestia knew that Luna liked to sleep until mid morning after she would lower the moon. But since it was Hearts and Hooves Day, Celestia had a suspicion that Luna would only be out for a quick nap so she could spend the day with her Coltfriend. "Well, since Princess Luna's doughnut obsession has been leaked, she probably grabbed half a dozen for her and the racing pony to snack on," Glock shrugged as Celestia's magic engulfed the kitchen door. Just as she was about to swing it open, one of the chef's burst through and bumped into Glock.

"Ah, Captain Glock, and your highness," the tanned unicorn bowed. "Are you here for Princess Celestia's gift, Captain?" He asked the Pegasus. The alicorn wanted to greet the palace's head chef as politely as she would greet all palace personnel, but the site of what she guessed to be her Hearts and Hooves Day gift made it difficult. Celestia's eyes darted up and down, from the kitchen to the head chef as she licked her lips.

"Ahem, yes Chef Whisk," Glock cleared his throat, nudging Celestia's leg with his shoulder. "If it's ready, of course," he added.

"Oh my," Celestia snapped her mind back to the conversation, "s-sorry about that, Mr. Whisk," she apologized. "Just a lot of royal duties on my mind," she pursed her lips. Both the chef and the captain of the royal guard glanced at their princess, feeling slightly off about her tone.

"It's..quite all right, your highness," the unicorn cocked an eyebrow before turning back to Glock. "And yes, Captain Glock, your present to the princess is ready. I love giving my crew a good challenge," he stepped aside to allow the duo to proceed into his kitchen. Celestia had to bite down hard onto her lower lip to keep from slurping her tongue like a hungry dog at the site of her present.

"Princess Celestia!" One of the other chefs exclaimed in shock, quickly tossing their spatula to the side to take a quick bow.

"OW!" An earth pony chef shouted as the kitchen utensil hit her in the back of the head. As all of the chefs bowed at their princess' entrance, Celestia's eyes almost bulged out of her head. A giant five layer red velvet cake with buttercream frosting stood in the middle of the kitchen. It was just slightly taller than the tip of her horn.

"Rise, chefs," Glock commanded when it became obvious that Celestia's mind was elsewhere occupied. Before the Pegasus could say anything else, he found himself being squeezed like a teddy bear.

"Oh, thank you so much, Glock!" Celestia cooed loudly, hugging him closely and kissing his cheek. Glock blushed when he noticed a few chefs pointing and laughing at him.

"A-anything, f-for you, T-Tia," he tried to reply, but the alicorn's vice-like grip was cutting off his air. Somehow, the captain successfully slipped from her grasp and took a few steps away, catching his breath.

"Are you okay, sir?" The head chef whacked him on the back a few times.

"J-just fine, Chef Whisk," Glock coughed. "Do you have the knife with you?" Nodding, Whisk's green magic surrounded a large butcher knife on the counter and levitated it over to the Pegasus. "Tia?" Glock called to his hypnotized marefriend. "Would you like me to do the honors?"

"Hmm, oh yes of course, Glocky," Celestia smiled.

"HA! GLOCKY?! I've gotta remember that!" A bright orange Pegasus chef guffawed. The captain of the Royal guard shot the chef a look that made him melt in fear.

"Would you like to go through my personal training program?" Glock sneered. "That's what I thought," he rolled his eyes as the other pony turned away from him. Scoffing, Glock took the knife into his hoof and started to cut out a large slice of cake for Celestia when...

SPLAT!

A large chunk of cake, right where Glock was cutting, exploded right into his face. Celestia may have been several thousand years old, but she still had quick reflexes. She threw up a golden shield of her magic, preventing any cake from hitting her. Glock on the other hoof, wasn't so lucky. The poor guard's entire front of his body was completely coated with red and pink frosting and cake filling about an inch deep. His mouth hung open as he held the knife in mid air, shocked that the cake had just blew up.

"That...wasn't supposed to happen," Chef Whisk gulped. Some bits of cake dripped off the Pegasus, splattering onto the ground. On instinct, Glock licked some cake off his lips, getting a taste and trying to get rid of the dessert.

"Well, it tastes good," the knife clattered to the ground. "I didn't know you'd get that excited, Tia," Glock tried to make light of the situation.

"It wasn't me, Glock," Celestia's magic shield disappeared as she approached her cake covered Coltfriend. Wiping his eyes, Glock saw a rolled up scroll floating in the air where the chunk of cake used to be.

"Bad time to send a letter," he muttered, reaching for a cloth. Celestia took the scroll into her magic and undid the ribbon holding it together. But before she read it, she bent down and licked some cake off of Glock's cheek, making him shiver from her touch.

"Mmm, this gives me an idea," Celestia mumbled to herself and made a mental note. She then turned her attention back to the scroll where she easily recognized her longtime student's magic calligraphy. "It's from Princess Twilight Sparkle," she announced, reading the signature on the bottom.

"Well, what does it say?" Glock asked, digging some cake out of his ears with the cloth. Celestia's face fell the more her eyes soaked in the information on the scroll. One thing that made the princess uneasy was the fact that it was a rather short letter. She knew Twilight Sparkle loved to go into detail about whatever she deemed worthy enough to write to Celestia. The next few minutes in the kitchen were spent in silence. Celestia read the letter over again and again. She had to guess that Twilight wrote in such a hurry that she didn't have time to put in much detail. And what was this about avoiding newspapers?

"Something troubling has happened in Ponyville that requires both my and Luna's attention," the alicorn said after she had read the letter over and over for about five minutes. She lowered the letter from her eyesight; Glock peered over to see exactly what the Princess of Friendship had sent his marefriend.

Dear Princess Celestia, I am writing to you in a state of emergency. Something awful has befallen our village, something that harms several of my friends. Please come down to Ponyville at your earliest convenience to help us with our situation, and ignore any newspapers you may see in Canterlot. -Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle

"Something's happened that they need your help?" Glock asked in astonishment. Of all the things he'd seen Princess Twilight and her friends stop; Nightmare Moon, Discord, The Everfree Forest from taking over Equestria, The Changeling Invasion, King Sombra's return, and Tirek's return, the fact that they needed Celestia and Luna to be there meant it must be bad.

"If my faithful student requires my assistance, I shall not leave her in the dark," Celestia's eyes turned white and her horn glowed golden. There was a huge flash of golden light that flooded the castle kitchen. Everypony shielded their eyes to not go blind as Celestia performed a certain spell.

"Oh Checkered, I love you so much," Luna moaned. Celestia had used a different variation of her teleportation spell. One that allowed the user to transport something or somepony to them rather than the other way around.

"Perhaps I should've contacted you through our mental link first," Celestia blushed as her baby sister was busy kissing her Coltfriend. The dark blue alicorn and light grey earth pony ceased kissing and looked around at the different environment they were in.

"TIA!" Luna barked as her face turned a flush red. She scrambled to stand straight and look presentable to Glock and the kitchen chefs. Unfortunately, her silver crown was hanging crooked off her head, her usually flowing dark blue mane was messy and tangled, and the feathers on her wings were pointing in different directions.

"I-I apologize, baby sister," Celestia gulped, understanding if Luna wanted to strangle her right now. She'd feel the same if her making out with Glock would have been interrupted so rudely.

"Morning, Glock," Checkered cleared his throat and smoothed out his black and white mane. The guard nodded in acknowledgement, trying to suppress a smirk.

"I do hope you have a good explanation for this!" Luna stomped over to her older sister, glaring at her with a pout. Without wasting any time, Celestia literally thrusted the letter into Luna's face, hoping to avoid being yelled at in Luna's Canterlot voice. She was the baby sister, but Luna sounded downright terrifying in her Canterlot voice, even to Celestia.

"I understand if you two had plans, Lulu," Celestia gulped, "but if Twilight Sparkle is in need of our assistance, we shouldn't turn her backs on her after all she and her friends have done for Equestria," she stated firmly. The Princess of the Night rolled the scroll back up and set it gently onto the kitchen counter with a sigh.

"Fine," she conceded, "perhaps when we are done, a stroll through the countryside would be a good Hearts and Hooves Day activity, Checkered?" Luna smiled at her Coltfriend.

"That sounds great, Luna, but why don't Glock and I go with you?" The racing pony questioned. "I think helping you two help your friends could be a great way to spend Hearts and Hooves Day together." Both sisters looked at each other, a smile growing on each of their faces.

"I don't see how that could be a bad idea," Celestia turned back to the two stallions.

"We'd still spend the day together, yes," Luna rubbed her chin. "It appears my worries of being apart from you today were for naught, Checkered," Luna rubbed her nose against the earth pony's. "Shall we fetch the chariot, dear sister?"

"Freshen up, gentlecolts," Celestia said to Glock and Checkered Flag, "we'll be departing in about five minutes. "Glock, can you get the chariot pullers ready?"

"Of course, Tia," Glock quickly bowed.

"You may want to freshen up too, Lulu," Celestia giggled at how frazzled Luna still looked. Groaning, Luna quickly zapped herself to the Royal bathroom while Celestia made her way over to the chariot hanger of the castle.

"Hey Glock, can I ask you something?" Checkered requested as the two walked side by side ahead of Celestia.

"What's on your mind, Checkered?" Glock asked, not looking at the earth pony to appear business as usual in front of the other guards of the castle despite not being in uniform.

"Why is there cake behind your ear?"

End Chapter 46

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Tune in next time where new subjects are touched upon, and emotions are tested.