//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Equestria Knights of the True Force // by Gravestone //------------------------------// It has been two weeks senses that little incident with Blue Blood. There were two things that I found out. First, that little so'-n-so' bribed someone to take his place overseas. I guess he knew about the political problems they were having. The second was after the dining hall incident by order of the sisters he, was stripped of his title, properties, and fortune. What surprised me most was he was sentenced to twenty years in the mines. The mines are where prisoners are in a chain gang. Me being who I am persuaded them to lower his sentence to five years. Because in the first week thanks to my telling the guards to always look the other way he will more than likely become somebody's bitch and I think that would be the worse punishment than hard labor, especially for him although he might actually like it. Reluctantly through heavy laughter and joyful tears they agreed. The girls have continued with their training although being pregnant their force abilities have increased. I believe it is due to the infant's being Force Sensitive, and the hormones brought on by their pregnancies. I know this for a fact about the hormones part because I had to order Tai's, Luna's, Chrysalis' and Cadance's personal guards to hide their Lightsabers. Under penalty of death, mostly my death, but still death. As I was saying it has been two weeks and the ambassadors and their daughters have already returned to their own countries. I too thought it would be best if we also returned to the temple so everyone could resume their training. During this time I have spoken with Ms. Cheerilee about the younglings education, we both decided that it would be best if they continued it. But due to the distance, they would have to travel daily, so we placed cameras and monitors in the classroom so that the younglings could still receive their education. I also spent time talking to the children and demonstrated some basic force abilities, to be honest, I got a kick out of their reactions. I also was checking for more force-sensitive children while I was there. Turns out there were nine more that were force sensitive. I'm joining to need to speak with them and their parents soon. The names of the future younglings. Diamond Tiara Rumble Button Mash Dinky Doo Silver Spoon Pound Cake Pumpkin Cake Twist Babs Seed The only reason I sensed Babs Seed was she came to visit her cousin do to some family troubles back in Manhattan. I thought it was best not to dig deeper into her private matters for now. So as I was saying it was fun being around the kids, I got to answer a lot of questions most were about the order but some were about where I came from. That was easier than I thought it would be simply because I brought my laptop so I could show them pictures of earth and all its wonders. After my time there I decided to walk around town for a bit before returning to the temple. For the first time, I finally noticed how Ponyville actually looked for a quiet out of the way small town, it resembled an old-world village, but it possessed modern amenities solar panels, power or phone lines, and satellite dishes to name a few. As I walked I was greeted with warm smiles and waves which I returned. As I made my way through town I came across my three favorite musicians well two musicians and one DJ. "Hey there Vinyl how's it going?" I called to her as I made my way over. "Dude, I am so glad to see you we got a small problem and need a little help." She said as she lifted her sunglasses showing off her beautiful blood-red eyes. "What seems to be wrong?" I asked as I gave her a friendly hug. "Well, it's like this, we're kind of stuck with the music choices to for the Nightmare Night party and we could really use your input," Lyra said as she came over to give me a small hug. "It's just dreadful darling the Princess asked the three of us to work together to perform and we each have totally different tastes that we cannot decide what to play," Octavia said before giving me a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Let me see your list of songs and maybe I can help," I said as Lyra handed me a very short list of music and when I say short I mean there were only two songs on it. Looking it over I smiled. "Okay, this I can help you with," I said which caused the three young ladies to jump up and down hugging me. Pulling out my phone I scrolled through my lists of songs and got to the file marked seasonal opening it I scrolled again to find Halloween music. "Okay, Vinyl can you sound system record from my phone?" I asked her. "Sure, just let me hook it up first then we can get this party started." She said with a bit too much enthusiasm which made us all laugh. After my phone was hooked up I scrolled through my phone and made a playlist for the Vinyl to copy thinking I decided to use different genres for each of the ladies ' tastes. I'd have to say one thing just like the phony versions of these people when they hear music they started to dance as well. Let's just say that if my phone wasn't in use at that moment I would have had some hilarious videos to keep on my computer. I'm serious when the music started everyone in earshot just started to dance. It was disturbing and funny at the same time. After all of the fun, the girls thanked me for the music, in fact, I gave them twenty songs to use for the celebration. Deciding to continue my walk through town I came upon a sight that just wanted me to facepalm. There on a quickly built stage stood two people I wish I would never have the privilege of meeting. The Flim Flam brothers just saying their names caused me to experience a painful migraine. But all that aside, my curiosity was peaked just what were those two doing here and more importantly, what were they trying to sell the town folk. As I made my way closer I finally heard what they were trying to dump on the towns inhabitance. I had to stop and do a double-take on what I saw. They were selling toys lightsabers, not just that, but foot tall figures of myself, the girls and the younglings. I couldn't believe this these two known con men were actually being legitimate businessmen and I have to say the stuff was made from quality material. And looking at where they were made I was surprised that they were made in the Crystal Empire. I moved back to let others get a better look and as I did a thought entered my mind. If Disney finds out about all this they are going to sue big time. This is what the lightsabers looked like. But as I learned from the girl's, they told me this town has an emergency every week or two and it has been rather peaceful and quiet for a while now. So cue the random screams and the people running in the opposite direction of where the danger is located. Making my way over to the disturbance I met up with Pinkie and Fluttershy. "So what seems to be the problem ladies?" I asked as I made my way over. "Oooh, these big meanie pants showed up and started scaring everyone with their big clubs and their angry-looking doggies," Pinkie said, gesturing to the group of strangers making their way towards us. "Oh, I don't think their doggies are angry they're just hungry," Fluttershy said in her timid voice. Looking over at the newcomers, I almost laughed at their appearance. I mean they looked like they were, well see for yourselves. Somebody likes the Road warrior a little too much. I was brought out of my thoughts by a hand on my shoulder. Looking over to see Fluttershy smiled at me, but she could not hide the concern in her eyes. "What are you going to do master Socrates?" Flutters asked, wishing that she was someplace else. "I will do nothing you two will handle this," I said to them both causing them to scream in unison. "What!" "You heard what I said the both of you will handle this it will be a test of your skills at diplomacy," I said to them as I moved over to the side of the street. "Just remember the objectives Dialog, Defuse, Disarm, and if they fail, Defend or Death." Both girls flinched when they heard me say the last word. Taking a deep breath both girls made their way over to the now rowdy strangers. "Excuse me," Fluttershy said no higher than a whisper. Taking a deep breath again Fluttershy spoke once more, but this time loud enough for the group to hear her. "Excuse me!" Hearing this caused the strangers to stop what they were doing and look at her. At that moment a large burly man walked up to her and Pinkie at his side was a large mastiff. "Oh, what's this, you think can tell us Diamond Dogs what we's can and can't do, you, little git?" He yelled into the air making his followers laugh. (The Diamond Dogs have a mixture of British slang and Strong New York Jersey accents) Flinching a bit Fluttershy glanced over to me for help but I just stared back only allowing my eyes to drift down to the dog at the leader's side hoping she would get the hint. She jumped once more as a hand touching her shoulder, turning to her left, she saw Pinkie smiling at her. "Don't worry Flutters we got this just remember our training and we'll have this done and throw a party to celebrate," Pinkie said still holding her smile. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy stood tall with conviction she walked up to the leader and poked him in the chest with each word she said. "HOW DARE YOU HOW DARE YOU COME INTO THIS QUIET TOWN AND START TROUBLE!" Fluttershy yelled, making everyone around flinch in fear After seeing this she lowered her voice."Now I know life is hard for you and your friends live out in the wastes but that doesn't give you the right to come here and cause problems for all these people." "Hey, just who the hell you think you talking to I'ms the leaders of all the Diamond Dogs an nobody talks that way to me specially not some two bit wonkier whores likes yours." The leader said regaining his composure after that verbal thrashing. "Nobody talks to me like that and this is why,"He said as he raised his arm upholding what looked like a large war club. But before he could continue he was stopped by the sounds of multiple growls. Looking around to his and his people's surprise their dogs all of them started to growl and make their way to stand between Fluttershy and the very confused group. Looking down at the dogs Fluttershy had a small smile form on her face." Good doggies." "What the bloody hell did you do to our dogs?" One of the others yelled in the back of the group. Deciding to end this before someone got hurt, I spoke up. "What has happened to your dogs' ladies and gentlemen, is simple. It is a Je'Daii skill called Beast Warden as of this moment those dogs will only listen to Ms. Fluttershy," I said as I made my way over to them. "Who the hell are you?" The woman standing next to the leader asked me. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Grand Master Socrates of the Je'Daii order and I must tell you that there are only two ways this little gathering will end," I said, looking at the leader in the eyes." Number one all of you calmly leave town and do not cause trouble anywhere else. Or number two you persist and find yourselves either in the hospital or the morgue." Emphasizing the last of my threats Pinkie, Flutters, and I activated our lightsabers. Seeing this display had a lasting effect on the group as they turned tail and ran, leaving twin trails of dust and urine. Turning to face Fluttershy I pulled her into a hug. "I am so proud of you, "I said as I kissed her cheek." Your training is coming along magnificently you are no longer allowing fear to control you and your Beast Warden skills have surpassed my own." I said gesturing to not only the dogs but to all the animals that now surround us. (I'm not joking about the animals there was cats, snake, birds, insects, and a familiar pack of timber wolves.) Looking around Fluttershy let out a squee at the sight of all the animals. "Thank you, thank you, my friends, She said as tears began to fill her eyes. Walking over and placing her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder Pinkie smiled at her. "Flutters you got to remember something you are the kindest person ever, And who knows how many times you helped an animal because it was hurt or in danger. Now those same ones came to your aid because they knew you were in danger, She said as she hugged Flutters. " Hey, you know what this calls for? It calls for a party!" Pinkie yelled as she turned and started walking towards Sugarcube Corner. I laughed as I took hold of Fluttershy's hand as we followed Pinkies example. While we were walking I leaned close to Fluttershy so she could hear me. "You do know now that these fifteen dogs chose to follow you they're your responsibility so you're going to have to find them good homes," I said to her which her only response was, With that, we made our way inside to start the party all the while I had this feeling that this wasn't the last time we would meet these Diamond Dogs. Outside of Ponyville on a lone hill stood a shadowy figure with an aggravated gruff it turned and walked away.