Equestrian Heroes

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Naruto x ?

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Story Start

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Naruto made his way over to Sweet Apple Acres where the others were gathered. A nice spread was arranged as everypony had brought something to enjoy. Exchanging greetings, everypony took their seat and began to dig into the meal.

"So how was the training session?" Pinkie Pie asked as the group finished demolishing the last of the garden style pizza.

Naruto stretched, rolling his head and relaxing his shoulders before answering her with a pleased tone. "Pretty good. Seventy-five attendees. Considering not everypony could come at once because of their responsibilities, whether it be work related or family that was a pretty large turnout. It's going to take a while before anyone starts developing any styles and there's only so much I could teach. Thankfully Lyra was more than happy to assist me, seeing as I'm not built for any combat instruction for unicorns. That still leaves me down a Pegasus instructor though." He said as he sent a not so subtle glance in Rainbow Dash's direction. Said mare was knocking back a large glass of pink lemonade.

With a satisfied 'aah' and lick of her lips she set the glass down on the table as the ice cubes in the glass clanked slightly. "Not really the teaching type champ."

Naruto rested an elbow on the wood, careful not to jab himself in one of the chipped areas of the worn out table. "Not really what I was hoping to hear, but I understand. We have to do something if we're going to avoid another situation like what happened. Either way, let's not dower the mood and enjoy our get together."

"Shame Rarity couldn't be here. Whatcha say she was up to again Twilight?"

"She's collecting gem stones to make dresses for Sapphire Shores. I have to admit I find it so surreal that Sapphire came all the way to Ponyville for Rarity. I am really happy for her, after the well…incident…she deserves a bit of good fortune."

The mares in question couldn't help but wince or frown at the reminder of a few days ago. Quite honestly they didn't know what they were thinking or how they could be so selfish or careless when it came to their friends generosity.

The incident in question Naruto had only heard second hand, and while to some extent he could kind of see while most of them could have been a bit thoughtless, he was surprised Fluttershy was among them. Then again, considering the dress they had made for Rarity and everything else they did to apologize, they had come to the conclusion themselves on how they were wrong in that little situation.

"On her own?" Fluttershy spoke up with her usual soft tone mixed with worry. "The surrounding area has been so dangerous lately."

"She took Spike with her." Twilight answered. "She also mentioned the two of them are exploring in one of the lesser explored areas nearby so the trip back will be relatively quick."

"Wow, kid's thoughtful. Not many colts would still help out a filly or mare once he realizes she's off the market." Rainbow Dash stated as Pinkie let out a gasp, realizing she had waited too long to gently break the news to Spike.

Upon hearing this revelation Twilight's surprise was displayed quite vividly. "Rarity's courting somepony?" Her surprise soon gave away to an expression indicating that she was a bit upset. Considering she knew of Spike's crush on Rarity after he confessed to her and Pinkie Pie, not that they had to be told something so obvious, it bothered her that the fact that one of her friends could be using the feelings of her assistant for labor. Spike was practically the little brother she always wanted. Unfortunately a little incident at a certain academy had weaned her parents away from the thought of having any more foals.

The others shared a look, all realizing that somehow Twilight wasn't aware of the situation.

"Twilight, Rarity and I are involved. In fact, I'm surprised you haven't heard about the herd I'm forming." Naruto answered drawing the mare's attention.

Once more Twilight found herself surprised at the sudden revelation. While Twilight had heard of herds, rarely did anypony actually have herds in Canterlot and if they did the dowries involved were rather expensive and matches often arranged. It essentially came down to flaunting wealth and other such practices.

"We just assumed ya might have heard 'bout it 'round town." Applejack added with a shrug.

"Wait we?" She asked looking between then.

"Rarity with Fluttershy came to me with interest in starting a herd." He began his explanations as the others chipped in as they explained the parts where they were involved.

"'Round that time ah also expressed interest in datin'. Mah pah practiced herding so it wasn't like the idea is new to me." After Applejack finished Pinkie Pie began to speak.

"Since I really like Narry and wanted to date him, I thought it would be the best thing to do to join his herd. Besides, if I'm going to join a herd I couldn't think of any other mares I'd love to share him more with." They finally deferred to Rainbow.

"We went on one date; I'm not really interested in anything too serious." She replied with a dismissive hand gesture.

"I'm happy for all of you." Twilight replied, really unsure of how she felt. Surprised was one thing. That was a rather big thing to accept all at once after all. She let out a sigh and brought a palm to her face, her middle finger and ring finger resting around her horn. "Well I guess I will have to sit Spike down and explain the situation."

Pinkie Pie couldn't help but let out a sad pout. "I'm really really really really really really really reaaaallllly sorry Twilight. I should have come to you about this so you could break the news to Spike but then I got this image of his sad widdle face and then I realized I would be making him sad and I don't like making my friends sad."

Naruto moved from where he was sitting and took a spot near Pinkie. "We know you meant well Pinkie, but Spike was going to be disappointed either way. It would have been better to let him know sooner than give time for the crush to develop." He said as he gently stroked her back. "When they get back I'll talk to Rarity and let her know." He turned to Twilight. "She'll let him down gently."

Rainbow began speaking with mock tones of sophisticated only to have finish with a lewd snicker this statement. "You know, being miss proper and knowledgeable about all things romance, you think she'd realize when a colt had a chubby for her."

"Rain!" Naruto snapped at her only for the Pegasus to let out a 'what' as Applejack gave her a quick jab in the ribs.

"Ya really need to think fore ya open yer gob sometimes." The farm pony chastised her.

"Hey, I was just pointing out the facts." Rainbow Dash argued in her defense.

Pinkie Pie let out a long playful giggle as her gaze fell on Naruto. "Well to be fair Rarity wasn't so subtle when she was making googily eyes at a certain stallion."

"H-Hey!" The loud exclaimed followed by a look of betrayal that he was flashing at the pink pony. "Why are you bringing the attention back to me? We should be chastising and shaming the shameless one." He whipped a pointed figure at the Pegasus who adjusted from sitting up to lazily resting her face on balled up fists, leaning over the table slightly thanks to the way her elbows rested on the table.

"You know you like it." She teased, brushing her foot alongside Naruto's leg.

"Yeah, yeah, let's just enjoy the cupcakes." Naruto said as he fought off the blush that threatened to glow on his cheeks.

Their fun little atmosphere was soon ruined as a shout garnered their attention. Spike had ran up to them, frantic and looking worse for wear. Besides his clothes the only visible part of him that looked like it carried injuries was his face and that had to deal with the fact that the front portion of the dragon didn't develop scales as strong or as quickly as the back scales until much later in a dragon's life.

"Rarity! Woods! Jewels! Dogs! Hole! Taken! Save her!"

They all exchanged confused glances with each other, as Spike began to hyperventilate. Twilight, knowing what to do, rushed forward to calm him down. Something had happened that had triggered this panic attack, something to do with Rarity.

"Spike, calm down, breath."

Thankfully since Pinkie had brought the treats from the bakery she had some paper bags on hand which she used to treat them.

Spike who started to breath into the bag waved frantically in the direction of where he and Rarity were hunting gemstones.

"Pinkie, you okay to carry him?" Naruto asked turning to the pink pony who was surprised by the sudden question. "If something happens, every second counts for those of us who will be fighting back." To which Pinkie picked up on what he was saying. Naruto. Applejack. Twilight. Rainbow Dash. Those among them who might end up having to do the bulk of the fighting needed to be ready in an instant whereas Pinkie's strengths lied with her speed and agility. If something happened she could get Spike out of there quickly.

The group had made their way deep within the woodlands that led to the grounds when Spike finally began to calm down enough to give them the full story.

"Rarity and I were in the woods looking for jewels when these creepy guys showed up."

"Creepy guys?" Twilight asked him.

"They called themselves the diamond dogs. They grabbed Rarity and disappeared down a hole in the ground."

"Well, that sounds mighty easy," Applejack optimistically replied. "Jus' take us ta that their hole and we'll save Rarity."

"Diamond Dogs…" Naruto murmured quietly. "We need to be careful."

They had reached the location only to come across dozens of holes littering the landscape. If these creatures were anything like Ninken they probably had a pretty strong sense of smell and sharp hearing as well.

"Holy moly, that's a lotta holeys." Noted Pinkie.

Twilight quickly glanced along the field and counted the number of holes almost instantly. She turned to Naruto as an idea came to mind. "Naruto, can you create enough clones to explore all the holes? About seventy-eight should do."

"Sure, no problem." Creating a series of clones the small army began to drop down and travel through the holes.

Nearly instantly the blond found himself stunned when several of his clones were instantly destroyed as something attacked them in the darkness.

"There's something in the holes!" He shouted as feedback from his clones was being sent by the hand full as the holes were being filled to prevent access.

He turned to see the girls all trying and failing to get into the holes. Fluttershy who went for one jumped back in surprise, startled as the hole was suddenly filled, Pinkie tried bouncing down one but was ejected, Applejack attempted to force against the dirt jet, but it proved useless. Even Rainbow tried zooming down one, but stopped at the last minute.

"Huh. Heavens to Betsy," Applejack remarked. "Now ah'm used to pickin' maself up and dustin' maself off, but Rarity won't even touch mud 'less it's imported."

"Well if we can't use the holes left behind we'll have to make our own holes." Twilight announced as she her hands flickered to life with magic. Using a blast of her magic she created a small crater in the ground no bigger than your average shovel uploading a piece of land. Blast after blast the crater grew and a hole formed.

Everypony else began to uplifting the land only to find themselves suddenly being provoked by the very creatures that had filled up the holes.

Well if that's how they wanted to play. "Everyone clear out I got an idea!" Naruto shouted out to them as he stepped forward in the center of the refilled holes. He liked to see these creatures handle the earth once it was turned into swamp land.

---

Rarity had found herself coming too, gently cradling her stomach from where the diamond dog had struck her and rendered her unconscious. The only information she was given in regards of what they wanted with her was that they wanted her to find gems.

At first Rarity contemplated fighting her way out, but there were far too many of them, not to mention they were wearing makeshift armor and carried spheres.

From their manner of speaking they didn't seem to be the brightest creatures. She just might be able to come up with a way to get out of there. "Oh, is that all?" She then lit up her horn and started scanning for gems. "There, a lovely pocket of jewels are right there." She marked the spot and made an x with a stick. "Now if you could be so kind as to show me the exit." She was hoping that she might be able to give them a slip but one of the armored dogs pointed a spear at her.

She let out a small sigh and backed away.

The lead dog got excited. "Good, now dig them up pony."

"What? But you said you wanted me to find the gems." Rarity couldn't help but let out an exclamation at the dog's suggestion.

The little dog responded. "Yes, find, and then dig."

"Dig?" She flatly asked as if she couldn't comprehend what they were suggesting.

Rarity grabbed her knife from its holster and began scraping at the dirt. "Uh….uh….huh uh….uh." She exaggerated just how feeble her strength was.

Fido got in her face. "What are you doing? We said dig."

Rarity gave a fake laugh. "Forgive me, but prior to you so rudely dragging me down here, I had a pony petty and I am not about to chip a nail simply because you dislike my style of digging." She then went back to jabbing at the dirt and moving little pebbles.

Eventually the dogs got tired of this as the lead dog made it clear. "Oh for goodness….stop stop." Rover then looked up to see three dogs hanging from the ceiling. "Dig dogs, dig, and fast." The dogs dove down and dug up the gems.

Fido then held up a cart while the little one held up a harness connected to the cart and Rover brought a second cart over. "No dig then pull."

Rarity narrowed her eyes as she started backing up. "I beg your pardon, but what, pray tell, do you think you're doing?" Rarity asked.

Fido answered. "Others will dig, you will haul the wagons."

"Precious pony petty will be preserved." Spot pointed out.

She backed up as far as she could until her flank was up against the wall and the dogs started hooking her up to the carts. Rarity started complaining. "Well somebody needs proper nail care, when was the last time you two had a manicure."

Rarity was continuing. "Your scratching up my outfit with those jagged things."

Rover was beginning to lose his patience. "Please be QUIET!"

Rarity took a sniff. "Good heavens, what is that awful smell."

"Smeeeeeell?" Rover asked, sniffing his arm pits.

Rarity answered casually. "Ah, mystery solved. It's your breath."

He flattened his ears in a bit of disgust once he finished getting a whiff of his odor. "ENOUGH!" He called out. "Search pony."

Rarity started hauling the wagon as she used a stick to mark places where gems were, all the while complaining. "Well, since you insist. But I must say the working conditions in here are simply dreadful. It's so musty and drab, it's going to wreak havoc on my mane not to mention all this dirt has already dirtied up my boots and my tail, do you have any idea how hard it takes to look good. Did I mention how stifling and suffocating the air is? When I take a deep breath, the stench of all you dogs is simply nauseating." Rarity marked a spot near a pillar, the dogs dug there, causing it to split in half and land on their heads, all the while making her voice whinier and whinier. "Have you never heard of soap?"

Two of the guard dogs sniffed each other and fell over from the stench.

"You could all do with a round of soap and water." Rarity stopped. "Water, water, I'm terribly thirsty, could I have some water."

By this point Spot couldn't take the whining anymore. "Good gracious I can't take it anymore, BE QUIET PONY!"

Rarity just started up again. "And that is another thing, I would appreciate it if you would stop calling me by species, I am a lady and I wish to be addressed as such. You may call me miss, or Rarity, or miss Rarity."

Rover was holding his ears now. "ENOUGH! Your whining, it…it hurts."

Rarity's eyes lit up. 'Bingo' She thought, suppressing a cheshire grin. Another plus to being childhood friends with Fluttershy. Her extensive knowledge on the animal kingdom often proved invaluable when dealing with other species. Now all she had to do was keep it up. With the dogs sensitive hearing they would be driven away soon enough. "I am not whining, I was complaining, do you want to hear whining?" Rarity then started whining in a very annoying high pitched noise. "This is whining, Ooohh, this harness is too tight it's going to ruin my outfit, can you loosen it. Ooooh, it hurts, and so heavy, why didn't you clean it first, it's going to leave a stain, the wagon is too heavy, why do I HAVE TO PULL IT!" Sentence after sentence she kept the annoying tone while being rather animated.

"GAH, make it stop!" Spot cried out.

"STOP WHINING!" Rover pleaded as he covered his ears.

"But I thought you wanted whining!" Rarity whined out.

Rover gave in. "We'll do anything pony!" Rarity glared at him. "Uh, we'll do anything miss Rarity." He corrected himself.

"Anything?" She asked with a smile.

Later on, Rarity got the dogs to put up yellow ribbons up while she was at the center drinking water from gold goblets. "This water is hardly sparkling, but it'll have to do." Rarity stated.

She supposed it was time for her to start looking for an escape. At that moment the dogs came back and started hooking her back up to the cart.

"What are you doing, HEY, you spilled my drink, OH! NOT SO TIGHT!" She whined the last part.

Rover didn't seem affected any more. "HAH, make the noises all you want, but move while you make them. HYA mule!" The dog then just slapped her on the flank.

Rarity found herself having to hold her tongue as she was about to let loose a few choice words at the canine. The audacity of him laying a finger on her, especially in a way that only one special individual had the right too now, but she needed to keep character.

With that she put on a miserable look and wet her eyes.

"Did you just….call me a mule?"

The diamond dog was at a loss. "Uhhh."

"Mules are ugly, are you saying that I too am ugly?" Rarity said sadly before bawling her eyes out. "WAH HA HA HA WAAAAHHH!"

"What are these noises?" Spot asked as he came running up.

"HE CALLED ME UGLY!" Rarity cried out as she continued to sob.

"No, mule, I said mule." The leader tried to correct.

"An ugly old mule, and it's true, just look at me! I used to be beautiful, but now….now…now….WAH HA HA WHAAAAHHHH!"

Fydo then came in to try and fix things. "No no, you're still beautiful po…I mean, miss Rarity."

"You're just saying that!"

Spot came in. "No, you're still pretty and….and…."

"Nice, yeah." Rohver finished.

"I don't believe you, you never liked me! AAAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAHHH!" Rarity cried out more.

The lead dog had finally had enough. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE! WE'LL DO ANYTHING JUST PLEASE STOP CRYING!"

'Bingo!'

---

"Having you tell me about the freaky ninja powers is one thing, but seeing one likes that is still mind boggling." Rainbow Dash commented as they continued their trek through the mine area.

Once the surface area had been turned into a mini-swamp the dogs had begun to flee. With Twilight using the gem finding spell to track where the largest pulse was radiating.

"Oh, Lady Rarity. My damsel in distress... I shall save you." Spike gazed into the middle distance, no doubt indulging himself in a romantic fantasy. However, he became a little too immersed and made kissing gestures towards Applejack.

"Hold it Loverdrake." Applejack's voice along with two fingers poking into his skull brought Spike out of his fantasy. He opened his eyes only to realize he was about naval height with Applejack. "Less you want mah granny leading ya to the altar with the double gauge ah suggest you shimmer down." She playfully added. She knew that Spike wasn't trying to be perverted towards her and was just a kid. So she handled it in a light hearted way instead of reacting like some unstable mental patient or violent psycho.

Spike's cheeks darkened red and he nervously chuckled and stammered out an apology.

"We're getting close. I can feel it. "

Soon they could hear sobbing as they emerged into a clearing in the caverns. Ahead was a rusty metal gate, from where the crying was originating.

"It's coming from down here. Come on!" Spike exclaimed.

"Then! Let's go!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Before he could, however, Naruto heard something and leaped out of the way. Landing where he was were several diamond dogs, heavily armored too. His attention was drawn as the girls let out yelps of alarm.

"More workhorses!" Grunted the one from Fluttershy's back. Before he knew what happened, he was sent flying back by twin feet that were driven into his stomach.

"You alright?" Dash asked as she helped Fluttershy up.

"Ho, doggies," Applejack said with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "If ya can take this bull ba the horns, ya better be ready fer a ride." With that she bucked the rider right off her. Two more charged and attempted to ensnare her with chains, only for Applejack to twist her hands, grab the chains and spun them around into the cave wall.

Several of them attempted to charge Twilight, only to dive and crash into the barrier she erected stunning them. The force of crashing into the magical construct was enough to stun them and caused a great deal of blunt force trauma to them.

"Jump! Sit! Roll Over!" Pinkie Pie called out each command playfully as she dodged their attempts to capture her.

Naruto looked over to the large armored brutes. No problem for him though. His eyes quickly scanned the creatures as they began running towards him.

Naruto charged forward and quickly landed a quick few punches in the armor and paid attention to where it most easily dent. As the dog fell over he was able to surmise the weakness of the armor.

He zipped between them, landing either a solid punch, elbow jab or a kick into the beasts as they weren't able to move fast enough to hit him.

The pack might have gave normal ponies trouble, but they had the misfortune to run into a group more than uniquely capable of fighting them off.

Realizing they were outmatched the dogs took off.

"Yeehaw!" Applejack cried in triumph. "Git along, lil' doggies!"

A loud clanking from behind the door reminded them of their purpose. Naruto heard a breaking of rock and looked to see Spike, holding a sharp stone like a lance from his back.

"I'm coming for you, my lady." He cried like a knight of old.

Naruto couldn't help but wince. He could only hope that Spike would be able to handle the news.

The door, weak from rust corrosion, shattered on contact as everyone piled in.

"Lady Rarity, I'm here to save you!" Declared Spike. They were both, however, surprised as three diamond dogs, the leaders, hurried up to them, begging them to take away Rarity.

"Wait what?"

"So picky."

"And critical."

"She won't stop talking."

"And crying."

"We, uh, give her back. Yes."

Relief spread through Naruto, as behind them came, quite unharmed, unblemished and wheeling a cart full of gems behind her, Rarity. She wore quite a satisfied, triumphant smile on her features.

"Rarity! You're safe!" Spike ran up and hugged her.

"Why, yes. I am so glad you are doing well Spikey. Some of the boys were just sent up to see you were okay." She gave a wave to everypony. "Hello, girls and darling you to are just in time to assist me."

"Assist ya with what?" Asked Applejack.

"With these." She gestured with her head, indicating five carts stacked with gemstones, glittering in the light from the torches.

"You're letting us leave with all these... jewels?" Spike's mouth was watering at the sight of them.

"Yes. Take them. And her with them." Begged one of the dogs.

"Please!" Added his friend.

"Nah ah ah. Have you three forgotten something?" Rarity added with a stern look.

To Spike's surprise the three dogs from before had promptly apologized for knocking Spike unconscious.

"Leave it to you Rare to keep your eye on the prize." Naruto playfully commented.

"Why of course, I do have orders I have to fulfil." Rarity's expression then turns serious. "All jokes aside, I have learned something disconcerting from Rover and his friends. Once we get back to town we can sit down and I can fill you all in."

"Right, the sooner we get back to town the better." Naruto replied with a nod.

With that everyone went to one of the carts filled with germs.

"Wowy zowy, I still can't believe you got all these gems!" Pinkie Pie stated as her eyes roamed over all the colorful rocks.

"I have to admit, didn't think you had it in you Rare. You tricked them dogs pretty good." Rainbow added.

"Just because I am a lady does not mean I cannot handle myself in a sticky situation," Rarity told them smartly. "I had them wrapped around my finger the entire time." She added with a coy smile. Well it wasn't exactly a lie.

"I can't wait to write to Princess Celestia to tell her what you taught me today." Twilight added.

"Me?" Rarity replied in surprise to Twilight's statement. "What did I teach you?"

"Just because somepony is ladylike doesn't make her weak," She explained. "In fact, by using her wits a seemingly defenseless pony can be the one who outsmarts and outshines them all."

"H-Hey. You make it sounds like that I am not physically capable of fighting." Rarity replied with a pout.

They all shared a chuckle at that.

"Hm... "Outshines" is right." Spike was sitting in Rarity's cart, snacking on gems. "Now you have enough gems to cover Sapphire Shores's costumes."

"Not if you eat them all Spike." She said, levitating it just as he tried to take another bite.

As everypony laughed at the spectacle, Naruto's thoughts drifted back to what Rarity said earlier. He supposed he would just have to wait until they're back in town.

Next Chapter: The Aftermath of the Gemstone Incident! Estimated time remaining: 48 Hours, 52 Minutes