//------------------------------// // The Aftermath // Story: Xenophage: Part 1 // by slayer792 //------------------------------// Xenophage Equestria Chapter VIII Aftermath I Apple Family Orchard Two Hours Before Sunrise Orion awoke to Nathan doing push ups, Zed and John were still asleep, James was just getting up, Big Mac was half asleep still. All was right, except Big Mac was in Layla’s place. “Four AM? A little early to being working out, don’t you think?” Asked Orion as he stood up and stretched. Nathan lightly laughed. “Nah, even being gods, we need to workout. Using our powers on our selves or each other is not something I like seeing or doing.” Replied Nathan as he continued working out. Orion created a sink filled with water and began to wash his face. Once he was done, he destroyed it with a snap of his fingers. Nathan finished up after Orion did so. “So, feeling lucky?” Asked Orion, Nathan smiled as he looked in Orion’s hand. In it were two golden coins, both had the side of Nathan’s head on one side, and on the other, Hover Dam. “A game of Jynx? Sure, let’s do it.” Said Nathan as he cracked his knuckles. “Grand.” With that Orion tossed both up in the air, Nathan watched as both flew up and dived down. “Heads.” Said Nathan right before they hit the ground. The coins hit the soft hay filled ground and made a ‘clanking’ sound as they smashed into each other and landed. Both coins landed in the same spot, and facing the same way, heads up. “Damn..” Said Orion as Nathan scooped up the two coins. Nathan smiled as he flipped the coins in his hand. “You lose.” “Really? I thought I won!!” Said Orion as he went for his armor. But he stopped, and thought about something for a second. “Feel like losing the power armor?” Asked Orion as he turned to face Nathan. “Sure, I’ll dress in my work wear.” Replied Nathan as he snapped his fingers and a small pile of folded cloths landed in front of him. Nathan’s new outfit consisted of a grey tee-shirt under black vest, dark grey jeans, a black belt with a silver gear with a sword running through it, brown work boots, and a black duster over top. Orion’s new outfit was a light blue jacket with a brown belt and gold buckle over top a lighter blue button up, light brown work boots, and light grey pants. Orion made James, Zed, and John new outfits as well. John’s outfit consists of a white tee-shirt and brown cargo pants with a dark brown belt with a silver buckle, and shin-high boots. James’s outfit consisted of a button-down black flannel shirt with white trim squares and rolled up sleeves, a pair of grey jeans, black belt with a buckle with a sword through a gear, black work boots and a large-brimmed black hat. Zed’s was like James’s, a red flannel shirt with white and blue trim squares, dark blue jeans with a black belt with a bronze buckle, and brown work boots. “Really? A duster?” Asked Orion as he tied his laces. “Yeah, this is my work wear, the Mojave is a hot place, need the duster and light clothing.” Said Nathan a he placed his new coins in a pocket. “Okay.” Said Orion as he stood up. “WAKE THE FUCK UP!” Yelled Orion John quickly jumped up a pulled out his combat knife, he looked around, looked at Orion and looked at his new cloths on the ground and shook his head and laid back down, Zed and James woke up about the same way, both opened their eyes and looked around for about ten minutes. In this time Orion had lost ten more coins. Apple Family Orchard Sunrise “Soups on everypony!!” Yelled Applejack, Nathan made a cock comment but Orion told him to knock it off. “So, you boy's will be helping us in the field I take it?” Asked Applejack “No, we’ll just watch you and admire your flanks...” Said John as he took a bite of his jury rigged sandwich. “Beg your pardon?” Asked Applejack, a little confused. “Yeah, while you work up sweat, we’ll just watch that flank of yours..” Said Zed as he took a drink of coffee. “Ahhh....” Was a Applejack could utter, a deep blush overtook her face. Buck and Spite rolled their eyes. Little Mac tried hard not to laugh, Big Mac just let out a small smile at the clever display, Babs had the creepiest grin as she thought about, what Orion guessed was Applejack‘s flank. “Their pulling your leg auntie.” Said Apple Spite as he took a spoonful of soup. Applejack’s eye widened and the blush grew bigger. “Oh.... Right, so you are going to help?” Asked Applejack as she tried to eat. “Yes, until you get some more work hooves, or till the war ends, or starts or what ever.” Replied Nathan as he took a spoonful of soup. Applejack made an ‘O’ motion with her mouth. Apple Family Orchard One Hour After Sunrise After almost an hour of working the rag tag crew of the south field took a break. “Hey, pass the water.” Said Nathan as he walked up the hill with two baskets full of apples in one hand, Zed tossed him a bottle of water. “So, one hour down, 17 more to go, eh?” Said James as he sat down a took a bite out of his apple, Big Mac was working the North field with Applejack, AppleBloom, Buck, Little Mac, Spite and Babs. Orion, Nathan, John, Zed and James were stuck with the South field. “So, how do you think they’re holding up?” Asked Zed as he pointed in the general direction of the North field. “Fine, Big M. and Little M. are more than likely holding up the fort. Applejack and Buck ran off, Babs and AppleBloom are talking, Spite is picking up any lost apples.” Said Nathan as he took another big bite. “Really?” Asked Zed “No clue, but that’s my guess.” Replied Nathan as he tossed the core of his apple into the North field. The rest of the day was plain, nothing other than Zed bitching to the sun about being so hot happened. Apple Family Orchard Dusk After supper Nathan and Orion left to Ponyville to talk to Lyra about humans. They said that they’ll be back for breakfast. The barn was quiet, all were sitting around a small makeshift barrel table. A single light flickered of it, all had each other’s eyes on everyone else’s. All held red and white cards, all wear a poker face, each had a sum of chips in front of them, each eyed the pot in the middle. The rest of the night consisted of Zed and John losing more and more chips, and James’s and Big Mac’s getting bigger and bigger. Ponyville Hospital Lyra looked at the two imposing creatures who not stood in her office, both had deep scares, burns, bullet wounds, spots were arrows left their mark, slashes, even names cut into their flesh, Lyra had a mixed look, part of in awe, part in horror, and a part in odd lust. “You. You really are humans. Humans! Humans are in my office!!” Screamed Lyra after the long silents. “Yeah, ‘real’ humans, not that fake shit you see in the store holding clothes.” Said Nathan as he adjusted his stance. “You don’t understand, most people think Humans were just myth.” “Unicorns, Pegasis, Alicorns, Griffins, Hippogriffs, Dragons, and other creatures are myth in our world, many of the ancient, some older than speech.” Replied Orion as he looked around the large office. “No, you don’t understand, Humans were always portrayed as invading murders from over the sea, monster who keep slaves of every kind, even their own, monsters who eat the flesh of their fallen enemies, creatures of stealth, creatures of brute force, never of mercy or joy.” Said Lyra as she looked down. Nathan looked at Orion with a look that said ‘What the fuck do we say?’. Orion waved it off and spoke. “Yeah, that is all true but the last two things, many of our old splintered customs are both evil and graceful, in the Southern part of the New World it was common knowledge that eating the heart of you enemy would give you their strength, in the Eastern nations of the Old World, thieves were very common, some even became assassins, the the Western nations of the Old World, bezerkers were men who cut them shelve to get what was know as ‘Blood Rage’, these people were hard to kill, the ‘Blood Rage’ was just an adrenalin rush, adrenalin acts like a super fuel for humans, adrenalin can replace oxygen for a short time, however, your vision will go black and white due to the lack of oxygen. And slaves were common in the Western nations of the Old World, mainly used for servants, however in the new world, slaves worked hard long hours and often died of exhaustion, Most creatures you see around here are stupid in our world, deer, moose, elk, and caraboe are hunted for sport and food, creatures like cows, pigs, and chickens are farmed and killed by the thousands to feed our race of over 7 billion people. So yes, our race is quite savage, but hey? Who else will rule the world?” Asked Orion as he picked up a pen on her desk. “Oh.” Was all Lyra could muster. “Hey feel like hearing a song about man kind?” Asked Nathan as he leaned on Orion. Lyra’s ears perked up. “Sure.” Was all she could reply with. Nathan’s smile grew wider as he whispered into Orion’s ear, as he did so Orion began to smile. Both Orion and Nathan cleared their throught and began to sing: “ Our whole universe was in a hot dense state, Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started. Wait... The Earth began to cool, The autotrophs began to drool, Neanderthals developed tools, We built a wall. We built the pyramids Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries, That all started with the big bang! "Since the dawn of man" is really not that long, As every galaxy was formed in less time than it takes to sing this song. A fraction of a second and the elements were made. The bipeds stood up straight, The dinosaurs all met their fate, They tried to leap but they were late And they all died." They froze their asses off. The oceans and pangea See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya Set in motion by the same big bang! It all started with the big BANG! It's expanding ever outward but one day It will cause the stars to go the other way, Collapsing ever inward, we won't be here, it wont be hurt Our best and brightest figure that it'll make an even bigger bang! Australopithecus would really have been sick of us Debating out while here they're catching deer. We're catching viruses. Religion or astronomy, Encarta, Deuteronomy It all started with the big bang! Music and mythology, Einstein and astrology It all started with the big bang! It all started with the big BANG!” Song Nathan and Orion in unison. By the end Lyra was clapping her hooves together. “Where did you learn that song? And what’s it called?” Asked Lyra as she stopped clapping. “It’s called The Big Bang Theory, by The Bear Naked Ladies.” Replied Orion as he caught his breath. Orion was in shape, but he always needed to catch his breath after a song. “Cool, a whole story in only a minute. How awesome!” Replied Lyra as she walked over to a typewriter, “So, what type of government system to you have?” Asked Lyra as she started to type. “Every kind, at some point we used them all.” Replied Nathan. “Really?!” Asked Lyra as she looked back at the two humans. “Yeah.” Replied Nathan. “How, how is that even posable?!” “It’s human nature to rebel and destroy, kill and pillage, create and build.” Said Orion as he took the pen from Nathan. “Oh.... Okay, so most things said about humans are true?” Asked Lyra. “No, all things about humans said in Equestria is more or less true.” Replied as he pulled out a knife and started to flip the knife. “Well, can you give me the full story of humanity?” Asked Lyra. “How much paper do you have?” Asked Nathan as he leaned back and pointed. Apple Family Orchard James looked at his ever growing moutina of chips, then at his oppenens, all of them were dripping with sweat, Big Mac’s tower of chips were also going to, Zed and John were on their last legs, each only had 10 left. As Big Mac delt a new round, a whicked smile crept on James’s face, both Zed and John folted before they even got their cards, however Big Mac didn’t buy the story James was telling, this set James off, he started sweating as Big Mac put all his chips in and looked at him, Big Mac had two more chips than James, sweat now flowing freely over James, as he looked at the red stallion only one thing came to his mind. ‘YOLO’ James when all in with hopes of victory, however they were quickly stomped out with two aces. James looked at the two cards and at his own, his Jacks seemed to cry as he looked at them. Big Mac’s smile was quickly widened as he gazed apon the two Jacks. The silence was quickly ended with James burst out laughing. Both Zed and Big Mac looked at each other, John just smiled as slapped James, he quickly stopped laughing and walked off the his bed in defeat. The night was growing old. And the sun began to rise, Big Mac looked at the door, the sun was cutting through the smallest cracks. Maybe today is a good day for a day off. Canterlot, Main Battle Yard. As Luna looked over her hundreds of Night Guards, she was filled with a feeling of pride, these were the first warriors to be trained in the old combat style for over 900 years. Yell guilt filled her, the Solar Guards were much tougher than the Night Guards because they are a mix, the Night Guard only uses the ‘Bat-Ponies’. Bigot was the last thing somepony would label Luna, but she still felt like one, Orion watched the Lunar Princess as she over looked her brave troops, tears ran down his face at the sight, he had seen this scene many times, almost all of them ended with him killing the overseer, two of them he loved, many of them the same person. But only one looked the way Luna did so now, the Nazi Commander known as Hitler. Luna looked so much like him now, an army of soldiers who never asked for this war, all of them nearly the same, all of them willing to die for what they believe. “Look to your Horn and it will protect you. We guard it with our lives. As your armor guards your life. As it has fallen Stallions. Honor the craft of death. We serve only Luna. Honor the wings of the dead. We ask only to serve. Without the Dark, there can be no Light, We have purpose Without the Lie, there can be no Truth, We have purpose Without the War, there can be no Victory, We have purpose Without the Death, there can be no Sacrifice, We have purpose Without the Hope there can be no Future, We have purpose Without the Loyalty there can be no Friendship, We have purpose Without Luna or Celestia, there is nothing,... And we would have no purpose Where there is uncertainty, I shall bring light Where there is doubt, I shall sow faith Where there is shame, I shall point atonement Where there is rage, I shall show its course My word in the soul shall be as my horn in the field. What is your life? My honor is my life. What is your fate? My duty is my fate. What is your fear? My fear is to fail. What is your reward? My salvation is my reward. What is your craft? My craft is death. What is your pledge? My pledge is eternal service. What is your Duty? To serve Luna’s Will. What is Luna’s Will? That we fight and die. What is Death? It is our duty. What is your Duty...? For Canterlot and for duty, For past and for future, For Luna and Celestia, No Stallion falls forgotten. Look to your Horn and it will protect you.” Boomed a voice, the voice of the Captain of The Night Guard. Nathan’s eyes widened as he looked around, he could see snipers taking positions, two in each team, one a Pegasus and one a Unicorn. Nathan looked around and made a decisions, Time to fuck with them. Thought Nathan as he fell back and started to fly off, is what he was doing worked, the teams would leave and return to training or what even they do at this time of night. As he got about a kilometer away he stopped and turned into a changeling, he looked over his insect body, at first it seemed small, but as he looked he noticed he was almost has tall as when he was human, he decided to use this to his advantage. Royal Guard Barracks Sunrise The busy guards filled the room, all of them were doing something, talking, drinking, or cleaning. All worked hard, even the lazy looking ones. As Nathan walked among them he felt at home, his time with the UNSC made him love the early mornings of the soldier’s life. But he was playing a game, walk by a changeling light, reveal him self as changeling, and let anarchy run lose. He sighted his target, a blue maned stallion working on a broken changeling lamp, he walked up to to the stallion and asked: “Need some help?” The stallion looked up and smiled. “Sure, I need a break anyway.” Replied the stallion as he whipped his brow. Nathan smiled and took the lamp in his magic, the lamp was quite simple, a glass and tin cage, six wires holding a small green Crystals, the Crystal was missing, it need a new one, Nathan turned on the lamp and then looked over the work bench for a replacement, he found one a placed it in, as he closed the gate of the lamp the Crystal jumped to life, shining bright green light all around, as the stallion looked at the bright light he glanced at Nathan, who’s changeling form was reviled. The stallion looked and then looked away and looked again to make sure he wasn’t going crazy, there stood a giant Changeling, taller than Celestia or Discord. His green eyes looked on the lamp, a single thought came the stallion’s mind, scream. A thunderous scream erupted from the Solar Guards’ barracks, Trixie jumped up from her seat and looked down from her office window, the scream belonged to a stallion. Just as Trixie thought it was nothing, a second scream erupted, this time saying something “CHANGELING!!!!!!” Came the voice from the barracks, bolts of magic started spewing from the barracks in every direction. Trixie’s eyes widened, a Changeling? They haven’t been seen for years, they attack now? Great just what she needed, Changelings attacking. “This is Captain Trixie! A Changeling is in the Solar Guards’ barracks! Bring down that Changeling, deadly force is authorized, all troops report!” Boomed Trixie as she leaned out the window with a megaphone. Nathan rolled on the laughing at what he was seeing, Ponies running around shooting at random objects for no reason. The only reason he was laughing so hard is because he had nothing else to do. Nathan decided to leave and let the chaos run it’s course. So he left. Apple Family Farmhouse “Say AppleBloom, did you see them soldiers? The ones who came to see Big Mac?” Asked Babs as she ate her toast. “Yeah, they stopped by the house and talked to Applejack about something, she ain't talking, best keep it that way.” Replied AppleBloom as she sat down. “Yeah, just between you and me, what do you think about the aliens?” Asked Babs in a whisper. “I’m kinda scared of ‘em, we don’t know what they can do. Best to stay on their good side.” Babs made an ‘O’ with her mouth as she looked at the ticking clock. Over in the barn Applejack was brewing up a storm with her guests, and her brother. “What do you mean you can’t work today?!” Boomed Applejack, Big Mac grunted as he slid down the stairs and hit the ground. “I’m saying we can’t work, too tired.” Replied a lazy sounding Big Mac.Applejack snorted “You don’t see me running off to have fun rather than working!” Barked Applejack as she turned and trotted out. “Yeah right, you fucking banshee.” Replied Big Mac in a whisper. Both Zed and John were trying to sleep, James WAS sleeping, He some how slept through Applejack’s hour long bitch-fest. Orion had arrived a few minutes into it, Nathan was still away. Orion hopped down from his hiding place and walked into the barn and asked: “Hey, anyone awake?” All he received were three groans in unison. A small smirk made it’s way on to his face as he sat down and pulled out a pipe and a grey book. Time for some reading. Thought Orion as he leaned back and started to read. Nathan flew over the bright green trees, he was wide awake, even thought he stayed up all night talking and playing small pranks on ponies, he was still wide awake. Hmmmmmm, I could talk to the Princesses, nah, they might think we aren't working, I could visit the main six. Oh HELL yes, let’s go visit Rarity as Zed and play a few games. Nah, I’ll just play the recording!! Thought Nathan as he turned around and headed for Ponyville, and the Carousel Boutique. The trip was short, he long since removed the Changeling look and replaced his work out fit with his UNSC dress blues, and three of his highest metals pined upon his chest. The Metal of Honor, which he received for his actions in WWII, The Golden Branch, which he received from the NCR for his actions in the Second Battle for Hover Dam, and The Iron Seal which he got from the UNSC for his actions on Harvest. All of them he earn with the same actions, hold off an overwhelming enemy from an icon of power for the NCR, UNSC, or United States of America. As he landed a strange felling overtook him, joy. He was standing in front an object that only existed in fiction. But he quickly reminded him self of his mission. He walked up and walked in, it was a store after all. The bell ringed as he open and closed the door. A voice came from the upper floor of the Boutique. It’s was a mare’s voice, but not Rarity’s. “ Oh, sorry. First time running the store by my self, how can I help you?” Asked a white mare with a vilote and pink mane as she slid down the stairs and bolted for the counter. She was oddly calm as she ran. Nathan quickly whipped his mind of thought and asked: “Yes, I’m looking for one Rarity, I need to talk to her, do you know where to find her?” Asked Nathan as he walked to the mare slowly and leaned on the counter, he was much taller than her but some who he came to eye level with her. She swallowed deeply and replied. “Y-yes, she’s at the Spa, she should be back in a few minutes.” This made Nathan smile. “Okay mind showing me what you have for sale? I need something to take my mind off matters for a few minutes until Rarity arrives.” Replied Nathan, Sweetie Belle smiled and spook. “Sure, If you want, I’ll have a suit made for you.” Replied Sweetie Belle as she walked around and pulled out a long rack of clothing labeled ‘Colts’ Royal Canterlot Garden “Sister? What is wrong now?” Asked Luna as she sat beside her crying sister. “Nothing, just looking over old memories, the good and bad.” Said Celestia as she turned the page “And the ugly.” Replied Luna as she turned the page and pointed out two fillies covered in cake mix. A small chuckle escaped Celestia as she remembered that day. “Remember what mother and father said? ‘You fillies need to grow up!’ ‘No colt wants a mare who always plays games’” Mocked Luna in a deep voice. This made Celestai laugh. “Father said that after the second Grand Galaping Gala right?” Asked Celestia as she looked at Luna. “Yeah, after you and I splattered Fire Heart with that paint” Mused Luna as she tried to hold in a laugh. “Oh!, remember the time Fire Heart’s brother asked you out?!” Luna’s eyes went wide. “When you earned your cutie mark when you were kissing him!?” Asked Celestia as she broke out in laughter. “Sister?! Why!?” Asked Luna as she covered her face with her hooves. “Sorry! Couldn‘t. Help. My. Self.” Replied Celestia as she rolled on her back. “Oh really? How about your’s?” Asked Luna, this made Celestia stop. “Oh no you don’t!”Yelled Celestia as she rolled off her back. “That must never be mentioned.” “Okay, WE wont talk about it.” Replied Luna. “Don’t you dare.” Said Celestia. “Dare I do.” Replied Luna. “What” Replied Celestia. “Wait” Replied Luna. “Stop” Replied Celestia. “Stomp” Replied Luna. “Okay” Replied Celestia. “Cheese cake.” Replied Luna. “Why?” Asked Celestia. “CHEESE CAKE!” Screamed Luna as she threw the cake at Celestia. Celestia quickly reacted and threw back the cake, Luna was not as quick as her elder sister and was hit in the face with her own weapon. “HEY! You can’t do that!” Screamed Luna as she licked and whipped away the cheese. What followed was a castle wide food war, there were many casualties, priceless paitings, statues, and even a Prince and Captain were used as cover. West Wing of Canterlot Castle Midnight Layla layed on her bed facing the ceiling, thoughts of war and battle filled her mind, the many memories of her wounderous trioups, her grand victories, her commanding power, and her cruelty, always cruelty, the one word that any person described her as, from her most hated enemies to her own husband. All said she was cruel, the world of Thesal both song of her glory and her cruelty. All knew of her, all feared and respected her in different ways, all but one group of people, the Southern Guards of Justice, they were the first to fall to her might, they were the ones who held out the longest, they dared to show at her wedding, they were also her. They were her family, they were the family she was born with, they were now and always will be part of her. As thoughts of her lost lover filled her mind, tears filled her eyes, she failed him when he neede her most, she was too weak to defeat the dragons, and for the first time, the people of Thesal saw their mighty queen fall to her knees and beg. The thoughts were quickly scrubbed from her mind as she looked to the moon, even thou it’s a different one, it still looked a if she looked at Thesal’s broken moon. Tears were still running down her face, just as she was about to get up and look over the night landscape, a knock at the door sounded. Layla quickly tried to compose herself: “Come in.” Said Layla as she walked to her bed. “Hello, it’s Luna, may we talk?” Asked Luna as she slowly opened the door. “I did say ‘come in’. But yeah, we can talk.” Replied Layla as she got up and walked over to a small kitchen, and started to make a pot of tea. Luna opened the door and her eyes widened at the four different outfits, on a deadly looking power armor, a dusty farm hand outfit, a sleek and expensive looking business outfit, and a black uniform with white trim, gold stars and striped, and a matching hat. Luna looked around the room, it oddly reminded her of a mix of Celestia’s, Cadence’s and her own room, a large mess on one side, a giant bed in the middle of the room, and complete order and the other side. Layla was in the orderly side brewing a small pot of tea. “Cream or lemon?” Asked Layla as she picked up a bottle of cream. “Oh, Cream.”Answered Luna as she looked about the large room. “Honey, syrup, or sugar?” Asked Layla as she held up a bottle of honey with a bee in the front. “Honey.” Replied Luna as she picked up a folder of papers labeled ‘important shit’. Luna raised an eye brow at the odd wording. She looked through the folder and found for the Royal Solar Guard barracks.“What does ‘important shit’ mean?” Asked Luna. “Just an old human saying, it just means important, ‘shit’ is just slang for stuff or an object. Don’t use it, the nobles will harass you and call you an ‘anti-equestrian monster’, believe me, nobles are the roots to all evil..... Wait that’s me.” Replied Layla as she handed Luna a cup of tea. “Ah, very well, I came to talk to you about a matter regarding you and your companions, Prince Blueblood would like to get to know the ones who wish to help us in ‘our time of need’” Said Luna as she looked out the window and took a small sip of the hot tea. “He has planed a party for you and your brothers, the Captain has also suggested a test of skill, to see whom is the most powerful, a tournament of sorts, an old game played by the kings of old, I still hold the crown, none have even dared to challenge me.” Said Luna with a light chuckle, as did Layla the thought of Luna besting the mightiest of warriors for the crown. “I’m sure Zed and Nathan would love that, Orion might argue it is a waste of time, but I’m sure Nathan will talk to him, tell me what are the rules?” Asked Layla as she took a sip of tea. “Light amour only, a type of bladed weapon, and who draws first blood from the Torso wins. It used to be to the death.” With the mention of a battle to the death reminded her of her old ways once again, tears started to form in her eyes. “Ah, can the blades move?” Asked Layla as she placed her tea on the floor and walked over to her weapons and pulled out her assault rifle and told Luna about Orion’s Lancer. “Oh, oh my. I don’t think so, only swords will be used in this tournament.” Said Luna finished her tea. “I thought so, well if you’ll excuse me, I need to tell Orion and Nathan, will the General be returning for the tournament?” Asked Layla as she pulled out a small, pen sized, microphone. “Yes, so will the Elements of Harmony, they all would like to meet you, I believe on Lyra Bon and her mothers will be joining at the request of the Captain of the Guard. She wishes for this to be recorded. Odd usually she is quite dossal when it comes to the Elements, well it’s time I left and let you sleep.” Said Luna as she placed the cup on the far side of the room and walked out. As soon as she did tears began to flow freely. The memories of the past were too great tonight best to sleep them off. Unknown Location Midnight The cloaked figure watched the motionless body of Imperial Solar Guard Unicorn stallion. The stallion who followed him, now lay dead at his feet. “Josaia, what is this! You were only meant to maim him, not kill him! The Lord will be displeased with this, never the less, he will have to do, come bring him.” Said a deadly, swift and weak voice of the cloaked figure, the tall armored dog faced creature shrugged and picked up the limp body of the stallion, and followed the the unnamed cloaked figure. Unknown Location Two Hours After Midnight “A dead one?! Bakk!! He will need to do! Josaia! Fetch Dosail, Krimpter! retrieve your spell book and be ready for Dosail!” Quite literally barked a crowned dog sitting on a throne made of a mix of gold, silver, rock, crystal, steel, and skulls of his fallen enemies. Josaia quickly bowed and ran off the find Dosail. Krimpter grunted in disgust at how Josaia obeyed ever order without question. The ‘Lord’ raised an eye brow and asked: “What are you doing?! Get the BOOK!!” Roared the Lord as he stood up and barked, dust and small rocks fell from the ceiling. Krimpter quickly ran of in fear to search for the book, the Lord slowly sat down and called for a ‘Maria.‘ “Maria!, please come.” Barked the Lord in a tough yet soft tone. As she did so a slender female dog walked out and stood in front of him with her head down. “What can I do for my Lord?” Asked Maria, this brought a sad look to the Lord’s face. “Daughter please, I am your father not your king. You must never address me as ‘my Lord’” Said the Lord as he tried to get up and place his hand on her shoulder, she slowly looked up and spook. “Father, mother told me to address you as my Lord because it’s proper.” Questioned the Princess. “Yes, but I’m asking my daughter to call me her father, not her ruler.” Said the Lord in a fatherly voice. Soft, kind, and strong. “Yes, father.” Said Princess Maria. “Now go, I’m sure the Captain would like to talk with you.” Said the Lord as he turned around and sat down on his throne. Maria smiled and turned around and walked away. Nearly getting run over by Josaia and Dosail, who both bowed and continued to the Lord’s throne. Krimpter was not far behind, the guards at the door walked out and locked the doors. “Let us begin.” Apple Family Orchard Sunrise “What in tarnation?! We need to go back to Canterlot? This taint making a lick of sense!” Barked Applejack as she read the gold and crimson sealed letter. “Pipe down!” Said Zed as he laid back in the chair. Orion quickly pulled back the chair and Zed landed on the floor. “It’s not that bad, we’ll just work through the night when we get back, don’t worry, we’ll make it up in a few days, calm down.” Said Nathan as he spun a coin of the table. “Fine, we’ll go, but I still don’t like it.” Grunted Applejack as she finished her food. “So a diner party with the Elements?! A prime time to show Rare this.” Said Nathan as he pulled out a recorder. A deadly smile made it’s way on to Orion’s face as he looked at the recorder and imagined what was on it. Zed’s face went pale. “So Nathan, I hear you were spending time with Sweetie Belle. How did it go?” Asked Orion with the giant smile still on his face, Nathan’s went away when he figured out what Orion was suggesting. “God damn it Orion!!” Yelled Nathan as he threw the recorder at Orion, scoring a hit to the face. Orion began to laugher at Nathan’s outburst. “What? Did you two do something?! Something that Zed wants to do to her sister?!” Asked Orion as he rolled on the floor, in great pain I might add. Nathan’s face went pale, Orion wanted him to react, he wanted him to set up the joke for him. “God damn it, you set a god damned bear trap and go skipping right into it.” Said Nathan as he got up and walked away. “Do you know what we’re meant to wear? I have a habit of wearing the wrong outfit for things.” Said Nathan as he started to drink the whole pot of coffee that was boiling on the stove. “Yeah, I think we should wear our dress blues. What do you think Orion?” “I’ll where a nice pink dress to Nathan and Sweetie Belle’s wedding.” Replied Orion on the floor, Nathan stopped drinking and started to pour it on the unknowing soldier who lay helpless on the floor. “Ahhhhhhh! Shit, shit, shit, shit, hot, hot, hot, hot, fire, fire, pain!” Yelled Orion as he got up in seconds and ran to the nearest lake in full sprint. “I’ll get the mop.” Said Spite as he got up to retrieve the mop. “Thank you.” Said Nathan as Tpite walk off to find the mop. Canterlot Captain of the Solar Guard office Steel Spitter looked over the paper work the Captain had left for her, new armor is being asigned to the Solar Guards, new weapons, new combat, old combat. All of it junk in the eyes of an untrained soldier, even in the eyes of trained soldier it’s still junk. Rather than combat reports or intel in the enemy, she is receiving hundreds of notes about what’s going on in Canterlot, maybe being promoted to Captain of the Solar Guard has it’s down sides for a 21 years old mare. “Steel, Trixie wants to talk to you, says it’s ‘of great importance the you meet her within a minute’ or some thing, so go.” Said a husky voice a grey stallion Pegasus. “Oh, right. I’ll go then, thanks for the message.” Said Steel Spitter as she got up and began her short journey to the Captain’s office. Steel knocked twice and received a “Come in” from Trixie. “You needed to spea- Captain Knight Wings? Captain what’s going on?” Asked Steel as she stood in the door way. “If you calm down and sit down I may tell you.” Replied Trixie in an irritated tone. Knight’s face was calm, not unlike the old Captain’s in meetings and other events. Steel however was rigged, ready to run or fight. “Now that you are calm, I’ll tell you why you are here. Prince Blueblood is throwing a party, you two are invited, in this party you are tasked with two things.” Said Trixie as she used her magic to draw a small picture, “You are too have fun, enjoy the night and spend time with the creatures, I don’t care if you like it or not, just spend time with them.” Said Trixie as she scratched out her drawing and started a new one. Steel shifted and asked: “Why?” Trixie looked up at the mare and spoke: “Because your commanding officer is telling you to do so. And both your Princesses are also telling you. So shut your traps and go find something to do for the next six hours.” With that Trixie used her magic to slide the chairs they were sitting on out of her office and into the hall. The door closed and the two captains were left in the hall. Steel looked to the Lunar Captain and asked: “Who are you going with?” The Lunar Captain shrugged and asked the same. Steel also shrugged and asked him if he were to go with her. “Why not, I have nothing else to do, besides file reports on how the flowers in the night garden are blooming.” Steel smiled and trotted off in search of a dress, Knight Wing went to his home and tried to fix his dress blues. Unknown Location Midday The Lord walked around the stallion that now stood in front of his throne, a look of approval and respect was on his face when he looked at Krimpter. “Well done, they wont even know what hit them when Dosail enters their kingdom and destroys it from within, Dosail! You know your mission, correct?” Asked the Lord. “Yes. Join the guard, follow order’s clam the spot of Captain, corrupt data on our forces, eliminate high ranking enemies, raise the flag of the Gober clan over their city.” “Good, now who are you?” Asked the Lord “I am Twisted Words, I am going to become the Captain of the Royal Guard.” “Very good, Dosail. Now come, it’s time.” Said the Lord as he started to walk to the nearest door, “Josaia, place Dosail’s body somewhere safe until he returns.” The large dog bowed and picked up the limp body of Dosail and took it. The Lord lead to the main rocky gate of the fortress, and placed his hand on his shoulder and spook. “Do not fail me my son. Now go!” Commander the Lord, Twisted Words began to talk into the Everfree forest and in the direction of Canterlot in hopes of crushing a mighty enemy. Maria watched as her elder brother walked into the forest she was forbidden from entering, the Everfree forest, a place a wonder and fear from the stories she was told. Maria nearly screamed as she was pulled as was from the railing and into a kiss. “Hello, Princess.” Said a lean voice as she slowly pulled away from him. “Captain, what did I tell you? Don’t do that in public, mother has forbidden me from getting in a relationship with any one until I’m old enough. She would lose her mind if she caught or was told about me and you.” Said Maria as she walked back to the railing. “And how is not kissing you going to get me to third base?” Asked her ‘attacker’. “You’ll need to wait a year, then I’ll be eight teen and we can marry.” Said Maria as she turned to face him. “Great, a whole year. Why must I wait?” “If I marry before my brother his kingship is revoked. That’s why Tarence.” Said Maria as she took one of his many knives and started to cut the air. “Well then, I’ll need to wait, speaking of Dosail, were did he go?” Asked Tarence as he took back the knife. “He left, father said he wont be coming back for a while. Hope he stays safe.” Said Maria as she looked into the deep forest. “Don’t worry, he’ll come back, owes me six gems.” Said Tarence jokingly. Maria made a small smile and turned to him. “WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?!” Boomed the voice of Queen Medea. Tarence didn’t even flinch, however Maria nearly fell of the balcony in fear. “CAPTAIN TARENCE!, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Barked Medea as she pulled out her sword. “Just asking the Princess where her Brother went, not else is important enough to bring up.” Replied Tarence in a calm tone. “I AM NOT FOOL CAPTAIN!” Barked Medea. “Then you know pointing a sword at the Captain of the Guard is a very bad idea, only the Lord has that right, and you know the punishment for doing so?” Asked Tarence as he pulled out his sword and forced her’s down. “Very well, Captain. You win, leave. I must talk to my daughter alone.” Said Medea in a dark tone. Tarence bowed and walked away with sword in hand. “I hate that mutt. He has no right to marry you!” Barked Medea in a more humble tone. “Mother, it was your idea to have a fight to the death tournament for Captain of the Guard and my hand in marriage, I have no one else to marry, tanks to you.” Said Maria as she looked at her mother. “True, but I still don’t like him. He’s arrogant, foolish, and thick headed.” Said Medea as she leaned on the railing. “Just like father when he was you!” Said Maria in a cheerful tone. Medea let lose no smile nor any hint of joy. “Yes, your father was arrogant, and now he dooming his only son to death.” Said Medea as she turned around and walked away. Maria ignored her mother’s words. Canterlot Castle Royal Dining Room Dusk “Odd to see you here Blueblood, I would have thought would run off to the North.” Said a lean voice. “Could say the same for you, Shining Armor.” Said Blueblood as he turned to see Shining Armor give him a hug. “Good to see you.” “Good to see you too.” Blueblood and Shining talked for a while, the table was being set up in an odd arrangement, Celestia and Luna side by side at one end, Discord on Luna’s right, Cadence on Discord’s right, Shining Armor on her right, Blueblood beside him, Captain Trixie on his right, General McIntosh on her right, Applejack on his right, and Rainbow Dash beside her, Gilda sat beside her, and Lyra sat beside Gilda. Chrysalis on Celestia’s left, Twilight beside her, Twilight’s date on her left, the Captain of the Solar Guard on his left, and the Captain of the Lunar Guard on her left, Lyra and Bon Bon sat between them, Pinkie Pie on their left, Fluttershy on her left and Rarity beside her. On the other end sat Orion facing Celestia and Nathan facing Luna. Layla and Zed on Nathan’s right, James and John on Orion’s left. Rarity and Zed were sitting beside each other, so was Rainbow Dash and John. The group of 22 People, Ponies, Draconequus, and Changelings poured into the room and took their seats and began talking, many of them gave odd looks to each other, but all were happy, all except the six humans at the end of the table. Oddly only John wait for the food, the other five sat there bitter waiting for the food, Nathan resorted to gnawing at the table. “Mares and Gentle Colts, diner is served.” Spook a very British voice. Everyone but the humans nearly ignored him. As Celestia and Luna were served, the six humans at the end of the table were drooling like dogs. However a thought hit Orion. They don’t know that they are omnivores. “Hey, Nathan. I think we’re being served fruit and veg.” Nathan’s face quickly turned to panic. Fruit? He needed meat!! Anything but fruit. thought Nathan as his mind filled with thoughts of meat. As one of the last two trays were placed the waiter all took hold of the lids and readied for a reveal. All in unison they lifted the tray lids.