The ponies were startled. Shocked. Disbelieving. It was unthinkable, to think that war could come to any place in all of Equestria, much less Ponyville.

" W-w-war? How? " Fluttershy stumbled.

" I don't know, my dearest Fluttershy, I don't know. But I've had reports of disaster from as far as places like New Mexicolt City and even the Fillypines. They tell of a terrible force of unknown ponies, being lead by an also unknown force, spreading hate and death across the land. We don't know what their motivation is, but we have to prepare, for they are heading in this direction, and will be here soon. I don't know exactly when, but it will be sooner rather than later. But right now, I need you to go back to Ponyville and warn everyone. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, warn Cloudsdale. Help them prepare. We have not much time. " The princess directed.

" We're on it! " Everypony shouted. Celestia's stern direction had snapped them out of their confusion. While Fluttershy and Rainbow dash flew at top speed to Cloudsdale, the rest of the group were teleported by Celestia back to Ponyville. Both groups immediately warned their respective towns, telling the tale of the Princess' reports.

The towns started stocking food, pulling incompletely grown plants from the ground. There would be no time to grow them.  In Ponyville, they built a large underground bunker, large enough for all the residents of Ponyville and Cloudsdale. The unicorns helped increase the rate of completion exponentially, and also magic-proofed it. The only way to get in was through one of two main entrances, and even those were enchanted and reinforced.

Passwords were passed out, living spaces assigned, food and drink rationed out. The citizens were ready for the worst situation, but they had one last hurdle to overcome. They had to organize a military force. Celestia had lent her highest ranking officers, kept in secret until needed, and her toughest guards, to the cause.

The general, simply General Hooves for confidentiality, spoke.

" Now, I know this is a touchy subject, but it has to be done. We need ponies to enlist. " At this, there was a rumble of whispering. " I know, it's hard to understand, but we need ponies. Ponyville won't defend itself. We need people to make defenses, and fight off the evil that is heading this way. We already have our first six volunteers. Will you six please step up, and be recognized? " Hooves asked.

Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie stepped out of the crowd and stood behind the general. The whispers among the crowd intensified. These six were the first? Unbelievable.

The general spoke again. " Now, do we have any volunteers? We have a draft installed, but we'd like volunteers first. So...Is anyone brave enough to step forth to do their duty? "

The first one to step up was Big Macintosh. Applejack was stunned, moreso than the rest of the ponies.

The general started the oath of service. " Big Macintosh, do you swear to defend Ponyville, and all that it includes, all of its denizens, and everything related to it? Do you swear to give your last breath to the cause of defending your fellow citizens? Are you prepared to give everything you have, and to pay the ultimate price? "

Big Macintosh stood there. He looked around, toward the Apple family. They looked shaken, sad, devastated. He looked back to the general. " Eeyup. "

At this, Applejack started to cry, and ran from the main assembly room. Rainbow Dash flew after her. " I got her! AJ, wait up! ".

The general looked satisfied with Big Macintosh's answer. " Anypony else? "

The second volunteer, steeled by Big Macintosh's resolve, stepped forward, stumbled a bit, and soon enough stood in front of the general as he recited the oath. " Are you prepared to give everything you have, and to pay the ultimate price? " He asked. The volunteers eyes were crossed as she saluted, " Sir, yes sir! Derpy Hooves, reporting for uh...duty! Sir! ". Bits of muffin were still on her hooves, but she would do.

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Meanwhile, in Applejack's room.

" Oh RD, it's not fair! Big Mac can't do this! He just can't! Ah know he's trying to be brave, but he's just a gentle giant! He won't last! " Applejack cried into Rainbow Dash's shoulder. They were on the bed, if you could call it that. It was just a padded cot. But, in times like these, you had to take what you could get.

Rainbow Dash was torn. She hated seeing AJ like this. She was her best friend. Out of all her friends, AJ was the most like her. Tomboyish, almost. Always loving a good competition, never afraid to get a little dirty. She...she loved her. There. She admitted it to herself. I love Applejack. I do. I realize that now. I realize... I realize I would do anything for her. Anything.

" Don't worry AJ, it'll be okay. Underneath his gentle self, I know he's tough. He'll be invaluable! And... You have my word, that I'll do everything in my power to protect him...And you..." She said.

Applejack was confused. " Me? Why do I need protectin'? You sayin' ah can't take care of mahself? "

Rainbow Dash sighed. This had gone in the wrong direction, but she could still save it. " No AJ! I know you can take care of yourself. All I was saying is that I'll look after you. "

" Why? "

" Because...because I care about you, you know? You're my best friend. And...and...I love you. I love you Applejack"

Applejack was stunned. RD was her best friend yes, but did she love her like that? Ah... Ah suppose I do love RD like that. She's just like me in so many ways, and I never did take up an interest in any colts. Ah do love you RD! I do!

Rainbow Dash was anxiously awaiting a reply. She should never have said anything, now her friendship was going to be ruined. Oh no. Why why why did she say anything? Darn it!

Finally, Applejack spoke. " Thank you for offering to protect Big Mac. It means a lot. " She nuzzled up to Rainbow Dash, letting her wings wrap around her, keeping her warm and safe. " I... I have somethin' to say. And I think you'll be happy... I love you too Rainbow. I really do. "

Next Chapter: Chapter 3: Meet the teams Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 4 Minutes