Stories in Stone, Luna's Royal Guard.

by TDR

Where the River Goes [9]

Stories in Stone
Luna's Royal Guard
By TDR

Where the River Goes

Twilight looked down at the sword, everything was prepared to go back into the past to see what had happened after the battle at Dullahan Keep. Everything had been ready for the last six hours and yet it still sat here. Spike was upstairs reading, opting to leave her alone, but still be around if she needed something. Her need for information and preforming the task she was given required her to go back in to find out what went on after ward, but her heart had yet to hardened enough to go into the aftermath of the singers death. She had seen that two weeks ago.

She had been correct however, Platinum's final song, once it had been cleaned of the background noise, did indeed rapidly become one of the top sellers in Equestria nearly overnight. Octavia and Vinyl Scratch had proven good to their word as well. Several musical schools received massive donations in Platinum's name. One school even going so far as to rename itself after her using the donations to accept budding musicians from all trots of life.

She had received her own record soon after and so had the Princesses she suspected. Twilight had listened to the song non stop after she had gotten her copy, managing to annoy Spike to no end. He liked the song, just not on full loop for two days.

She had gotten to the point of wanting a distraction of some sort. Fluttershy had come by to ask if her and Owlowiscious were still coming out to the pet play date that weekend . She nodded her agreement, rapidly deflecting any questions about the history she was studying. If this sort of thing depressed her, then likely Fluttershy would have been in tears and then Twilight would have been bawling right along with the yellow pegasus. Then there would have been the fallout of what Pinkie would have done for making Fluttershy cry. It was just better if Fluttershy did not every have any tears. That ate up a few days but so far there was nothing distracting her from studying today.

The thing about the universe is however, if you wish for something hard enough and the universe thinks it's funny, you might get it.

Such as the sudden knock on the door that had Twilight all but falling over herself to answer if nothing else but to give her an excuse not to go back into the past. Granted as soon as she opened the door she immediately wished she had not.

A trio of black armored Guard ponies stared down at her from the other side. The pair quickly pushed past her to search around the room as if checking for threats, one of them looking over the blade and judging by the sudden yell one of them had found Spike.

“What is …..?” Twilight began.

“They are rather enthusiastic about our safety. The needn't be, but we see no reason to countermand their orders.” states a voice from behind Twilight.

The purple mare flinches whirling around to see a tall regal looking figure in a hooded cloak staring down at her. The figures face was partially hidden in shadow though it's eyes glowed under the hood as they watched Twilight.

It didn't take more than a moment or two for her brain to catch up with her and she quickly bowed before the Princess of the Night.

“Guards stand outside. We wish to Speak with Twilight Sparkle alone.” Luna commands

“Yes Princess.” The Guards state with a salute the three of them rushing back out the door one of them dragging a protesting spike and several comic books with him. The last one shuts the door after the group leaving Luna with a panicked and still bowed Twilight.

Luna ignores her for a moment pulling back her hood and walking over to the table to look down at the sword laying atop of it with a mix of anger and sadness.

“Our sister did not think we would recognize the last song Platinum had ever sung. That mare was our favorite singer a thousand years ago, she was also the cause of more than a few problems for us.” Luna sighs looking over at Twilight finally. “We had thought thou were simply out in the garden to talk to our sister and that we were mistaken about one of the statues expressions changing. The charred grass as well, perhaps we thought, thou had learned a spell thou did not have control of yet dealing with fire. But thou almost freed some pony didn’t you.”

It was clearly not a question though Twilight still offered a small nod in response, though Luna had shifted her gaze back to the blade.

“That thou hast the Waning Moon resting on thine table is proof enough our sister knows what thou are really doing. When we confronted her, she remained as cagy as ever and only let slip it was some one she trusted whom was looking into the past that found that song.” Luna sighs. “ There is a very small list of those Tia trusts. That list is even smaller when one considers whom on that list would have any interest in the past. What hast thou learned here. Twilight Sparkle?”

The princess leaned forward eyes narrowing looking more and more like Nightmare moon with each inch closer as she stared down at Twilight.

Twilight finally cracked and gave a rather intense and rapid fire summery of everything that had happened over the past few months with her studies including everything she had learned and more than a few things that had happened to her including her own breakdown and the cutie pox incident She also continued and listed every list and meal she had had over the course of time and simply kept talking well past running out of anything to say.

Princess Luna had taken a step back from the rapid fire rambling and panicked dialog, her head tilting a bit one eyebrow raised as Twilight continued.

“Um........” Luna interjects.

“ and I don't even know where they got the air raid sirens and the hazmat suits....”

“Twilight........” Luna starts.

“.... I stole my uncle Max's toupee and glued it to my face to play Starswirl the Beared in my fifth grade school play.....”

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE YOU WILL BE SILENT NOW!” Luna booms.

Twilight yelps covering her head with her fore hooves as the Princes rolls her eyes and tries to calm herself.

“Please rise Twilight Sparkle. We are not sure we needed all of that. But at least we know where thine are in our history. We would ask thou to calm .ye... yourself.”

“I but I thought you would be angry at this.” Twilight mutters.

“ Furious. But it is directed at our sister not at you. We cannot blame thou, you, in your quest for knowledge. We, I , gather you have an opinion of the situation with the five of them then.”

“You forgave your sister for sending you to the moon, but not your friends, even though they are still waiting for you.” Twilight blurts out covering her mouth with her hoof.

“It is a different and complex situation with them Twilight Sparkle. We have known our sister for far longer then those five. We will be in her presence far longer than we would with mine Generals.
She was their for me when my first friends died and she was there for me when my first love was killed. These five were the first friends I was able to make in over two thousand years Twilight. Their betrayal cuts deep, even if it was done for the good of all. The ones I trusted the most, the ones I trusted even more than mine own sister, turned on me. There are more factors than simply that of course, but that is the one that stays my hoof from any action. It is one reason We are here.”

“You want me to stop the research? I under stand Princess, I will have the blade put away and ready for you to take it in a moment.” Twilight sighs.

“No.” Luna shakes her head.

“What?”

“Do not stop thine research Twilight Sparkle. While we do not place our trust so easily in you as my sister does we do respect what you have done and your skills have proven to be of a high quality as well. Continue the study, pay attention to everything. When you are done we want your opinion on what we should do with them.“

“What, why mine?” Twilight stammers.

“It was a dark time Twilight Sparkle. We did many things we regret now, but at the time we saw them as necessary. I am sure all of us did. That sword's story follows its wielder and to a lesser degree the others of the five, as well as myself.. You will see what we did to achieve peace, what we endured and what we became. All the victories and short comings. I want an unbiased opinion of them. After all this time there are none left who know the past as it happened save my sister. And her opinion is far from unbiased when it comes to that point in time. Bear in mind, as well, the difficulties I have had adapting to the world of today. The peace of this time might not even be a be fit for ones such as the five. It is certainly difficult for me to adapt to it.” Luna sighs.” We want copies of thine notes, as well as a report on this. We are asking that you send the reports on this to me rather than my sister from this point on. It will be bad enough for you to know all of what went on. There are some things that I would never live down if Tia were to hear of them.“

The princess flushes a bit suddenly, but it fades so quickly Twilight thought she might have been mistaken.

“As you wish princess, but Spike can only send letters to Princess Celestia. “

“A dark gemstone floats up resting lightly on the desk. Let him eat that, it will allow him to send messages to me as well. Spike is not the first dragon to possess the green flame. Do not take this request lightly Twilight, Unlike my sister who is simply feeding your curiosity by allowing you to study the past, I am ordering you to do it......” Luna pauses her ears flattening as Twilight flinches at the tone of the command. “At your own pace of course, but I would like the opinion when you are done.”

“Of course Princess Luna.”

“Good, we are glad to have this talk Twilight Sparkle. It will likely ease your mind as well that you no longer need to skulk about like a thief with this information around me. Now that that is said I will return to Canterlot with luck you should not have any more interruptions. If you have need of something else of me feel free to send a message though I cannot promise we will be awake to respond during the day.”

“Yes, umm there is one last thing though.” Twilight points out hesitantly.

“Hmm what is that ?”

“My friend Fluttershy is some thing of a history buff as well and she would love to read what I am writing. She might help some with the editing of it as well.”

“Fluttershy.... the pink haired pegasus who we sought aid from on nightmare night if I am not mistaken?”

“Yes Princess.”

“Agreed, she aided me in my endeavors once so if you trust her and she wishes it then we will allow it, we would like her opinion as well.”

“Thank you Princess. Though her opinion will likely be easy to guess.”Twilight sighs.

“Not if she reads everything you have seen. Her answer might not be what you think.” Luna sighs her ears drooping. “I would hope you do not think less of me for what we have done, but we do not see that outcome as favorable.”

Luna heads to the door pulling her hood up and stepping back out into the night. A moment or two later Spike trundles back in fussing and trying to put one of his comics back into it's bag.

“So help me if the dirt messed up my copy of radioactive stallion number one those guards are gonna pay......” Spike mutters. So what did Princess Luna want? She finally take that sword away from you?

“ No... in fact she added more stress to my work load.” Twilight rubs her temples. “Though she did leave you a gift on the desk there.”

“What?? Oh Wow! Twilight this is Night Star opal. Do you know how rare these are?” Spike stares.

“She said for you to eat it so you could send messages to her as well as Princes Celestia. I wasn't aware that was possible.”

“I get to eat a Night Star opal!??!? I bet there’s dragons who have been around thousands of years who have not even seen one.“ Spike stares at the gem his comics forgot in a pile on the floor as he darts over grabbing the gem. He barely hesitates before eating it in three bites. His eyes water as he swallows before he falls over on his back belching a black flame into the air that changes into a green coloration before fading and groaning.

“SPIKE!!” Twilight rushes over to him hesitant to get too close in case he belches again.

“Ohhh, ewww. It tastes like Alfalfa.” Spike whines. “ I hate alfalfa.”

“Did it work?” Twilight rolls her eyes.

“Ugh that’s a taste that’s going to be with me for weeks. And yeah I can feel something, it';s kinda the same feeling I get when I wanna send something to Princess Celestia, though it feels a little colder. Blargh, I’m gonna go see if there’s any rubies left to get rid of this taste.”

“And I think I am ready to start on this again.”Twilight smiles slightly looking over at the blade.

Twilight moves over to the table , tuning out Spikes complaints and starts to cast the spell once more.

==============================================================

His hoof struck hard sending the ponies Guard helm flying off her head and knocking the white mare off balance sending her tumbling back down the stairs.

“Major you stand the buck down, and surrender right now!!” bellows General Mustang from the foot of the stairs.

“Like Tartarus I will General. She just lost the only family she had, and I will not let you or any other pony remove her freedom as well.” Jer'rahd growls.

“Its the damn royal law, you know that, no unbonded dragons allowed in Equestria. Buck we need to make sure she didn't have something to do with this attack, she's a freaking dragon herself. That unbonded law is in place for reasons you don't even begin to understand and it's only getting worse with this attack. She needs to be shipped back to the Empire. How many soldiers you gonna hurt to protect that lizard Kaisur!?!”

“Depends General, How many did you bring? I can do this all bucking day.” Jer'rahd growls backing a little further up the tower steps. The stairs went up to a ruined section of the keep so he couldn't escape that way, the General had him cornered and he was already wounded and exhausted from the battle while the troops the General had access to that gathered around the base of the stairs were still mostly fresh.

A small bundle of blue scales floated over his back. Bleu had fainted after they found Platinum, the singer was obviously dead, he could not even think of how she might have sung the last lines of her song given the condition her body was in. The dragonling had reverted to her tiny size and fallen into a sobbing fit, before blacking out. Some of the Guard that came with the reinforcements had found them and were going to kill Bleu before he stopped them, perhaps with a bit too much force. It went from killing her, to imprisoning her when it was explained that she was partnered with Platinum.

Mustang had ordered her locked up regardless and Jer'rahd would have none of that.

Another pony rushed at him from above, a pegasus that had slipped in from a hole in the wall further up the stairs. The attacker was met with a hoof to the chin and a roll down the stairs that took out another Guard that had run up to help. Jer'rahd moved up the stairs further knowing he was backing himself into a corner in this tower, but having run out of options.

“Do you know the penalties for striking a fellow solider Major?!?” Mustang shouts.

“Of course I do, but if you're still calling me Major, I have to assume that I have not done enough damage yet.” Jer'rahd snaps back.

“Only cause you're pulling your strikes and just bruising them. Keep it up and some pony’s gonna get hurt. I know what that mare meant to you, but stand down !!” Mustang orders.

“She meant more to Bleu. If you think that I am gonna stand aside and let her be thrown into a cell or kicked out of the land she was born in after she lost everything and still helped to defend this keep as a civilian, then you better have brought something a lot better than a bunch of Guards to take me on.”

“WE WILL HANDLE THIS GENERAL, PLEASE STAND ASIDE.” a voice booms.

“I need to learn to keep my mouth shut.” Jer'rahd sighs

“Princess Luna?!?! Of course Princess. Be careful though, the fools not in his right mind.” Mustang growls

“JER'RAHD KAISUR, We meet again. I do wonder how you manage to be at the center of every major event that has happened in the last few years.” Luna states moving up the stairs closer to him with Mustang right behind her.

“Unlucky I guess.” Jer'rahd growls.

“ So it would seem. I ask personally that you stand down and give yourself and the dragonling up.”Princess Luna orders.

“As I told the General, Princess Luna, Go Buck yourself. I will not see a friend suffer more because of an damn rule that should not even apply to her.”Jer'rahd growls his eye glowing faintly red something which Luna took note of.

“Commendable loyalty, but it is bordering on treasonous to disobey a direct order, particularly from your Princess. Do you think you would be able to stop me if I simply decided to take her?”

“Amazing what one pony can do when pissed off. Just ask the green scaled lump of meat out in the court yard about that .” Jer'rahd growls.

“Perhaps, though you are not the first pony to fell a dragon and it seems you will not be the last. A goddess however is a different matter. Particularly one who knows your weakness. Do I need to bring up Starfall Silvertail and Rhederic Pelt up on charges as well for being friends to a traitor? Guilt by association?”

“Threats now? Do I need to bring up a strange dagger I learned a thing or two about?” Snarls Jer'rahd.

“NOW IT IS TREASONUS KAISUR.” Luna booms.

“You threaten my friends and I don't care who the buck you are. So blow it out the middle of your cutiemark!” Jer'rahd growls, he was out of ideas at this point. He didn't doubt Luna might do something to his friends, perhaps nothing drastic,but likely enough to ruin what goals they had, well maybe not Rhede's that would take a gelding. Still this sort of thing was fairly common in basic, one pony screws up every one suffers. Staring down Luna and general mustang he could see his life flashing before his eyes and the memories of old stories his grandfather used to tell him. One in particular....

“ You need to make a choice now where your loyalty lies Major. To the Guard and Equestria or to this dragonling you have barely known a month? This is the last chance I will give you to choose your fate.”

Jer'rahd didn't even turn his head as he lowers Bleu onto his back his magic ripping the rank and 42nd patch from his uniform practically flinging them at the Princess.

“I refuse to give loyalty to a group or a Princess that would fight just to make some one who saved them suffer more.” Jer'rahd growls. Mustang slaps his face with a hoof, though Luna remains impassive. “ Though since you came all the way out here Princess. I suppose I can see if grandpa knew what he was talking about or was just bullshitting me.”

Jer'rahd draws his blade resting the dragonling on a stair behind him as his magic pulls it from the scabbard.

“A fine blade, Kaisur, we do not see many of the old Dragon slayers around any more. It will not be enough to aid you against me however.” Luna's eyes narrow.

“Its not for you.” Jer'rahd snaps.

Luna's eyes widen as he turns the blade holding it to his own neck a thin line of blood already starting to run down the weapon as he nicks his neck a crazed grin on his face.

“Seems there used to be an old rule my grandfather told me about. An old law a pony could invoke with the Goddesses of the sun and moon. Something to force them to grant a hero a dying wish so to speak. I think he called it the Rule of Three, or something. If a pony has done at least three great services for Equestria he gets to make a wish of the goddesses themselves before he dies.”

“Where the hell did you learn that Major. That's just crap Ruin spouted.... He's nuts.!!” Mustang yells.

“Silence General. It is interesting that you even know of this old code. It has not even been mentioned since the Discordian war and was brought up only briefly by General Ruin in the Dragon War. It is not something one invokes lightly as it dooms your soul as well as forfeits your life to even consider it. Though you seem quite determined. Very well on your fool head it is , make your demand. I can consider the tasks you think to be great deeds as such for the moment.” Luna states flatly.

“Glad to see grandpa wasn't making stuff up again. What I want is simple, I want no harm to come to any of my friends from this, Bleu, Rhede, Starfall, or Velkorn. This includes letting Bleu decide what she wants to do rather than simply shipping her off some where, buck the treaty.” Jer'rahd snarls.

“ Agreed. I shall see to it that they do not suffer for your actions, no matter how treasonous they are.” Luna states flatly

“Heh,well that was easier than I thought, I figured you would have tried to get out of it. Tell Rhede I’m sorry we won't be able to get another drink.” Jer'rahd sighs.

Jer'rahd yanks hard with his magic expecting to feel the bite of the blade on his throat. Instead he got nothing his magic was pulling but the blade was unmoving. Out of the corner of his eye he catches the blue glow of the Princesses' magic holding the blades hilt still freezing it in place.

“THE PACT IS ONLY HONORED IF YOU DIE KAISUR. AND THAT WILL NOT BE TODAY.” bellows Luna.

“Oh buck.”Jer'rahd mutters.

Luna whirls almost faster than he can see. Her rear hoof strikes his temple like a snake and his head jerked back sending him flying up the stairs before he even felt the hit strike his forehead. He pushes himself up a moment long enough to see Luna holding his grandfathers sword before he passes out tumbling down the stairs to lie limp next to Bleu.

“i can't believe this shit” Mustang growls. “ Don't worry Princess I’ll see this idiot swinging from a rope within the hour.”

“No. Prep him and the dragon for transport back to Canterlot.” Princess Luna.

“I don't see a need to allow this traitor to ever see the city again....” Mustang growls.

“General Mustang do you still disrupt the flow of magic around you?” Luna begins. “ No do not answer that, I can feel you still do.”

“So what of it?”

“How did a unicorn who is so weak he can only cast two spells completely ignore that aura of yours?”

“What...? Hmmmmm.” Mustang considers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jer'rahd's ear flicks a little. There was a burning sensation on his forehead bothering him. He reaches a hoof up to rub it, his limb catching on something. He moves his other leg, hearing a jangling of chains.

The gray unicorn opens one eye with a wince as the dim light of the room pierced into his skull.
He tries turning his head away from the light, finding that he was unable to do that either. He braces himself and slowly opens both eyes trying to adjust them to the light.

All he saw were chains. They wrapped his head, his limbs, his neck, the trunk of his body leaving him much like a mummy encased in steel. The familiar buzz of his magic was gone as well, like it had been with Velkorn's mix of herbs. He could still feel it slightly however as if it was only deadened rather than gone as it had been from the mixture. There also seemed to be something akin to a strap of leather gagging him. From what he could see he was bandaged up quite a bit under the chains although he figured he had been out for a while as all the soreness of the fight hit him at once causing him to groan into the gag.

“Honestly did you have to gag the poor pony too?”mutters a voice.

“I am sorry sir, but it was feared he may start speaking ill of the Princess again.” states another. “ Or try and bite off his tongue.”

“Well he can be an idiot, but take that out of his mouth, it looks like you prepped him for some sort of kinky S&M fetish ball.” chuckles another voice.

That was Rhede no doubt about it, Jer'rahd sighs.

“So how's his damage this time Queeny?” Rhede asks.

“It is always a wonder that he is still alive, despite all the wounds, he yet again will survive.”

And there was Velkorn, oh this day was getting better.

“You going to let him out now or do I need to go get some one here who will? And give me that sword before you break it. Honestly his swords probably older than your mom is.”

Starfall too, oh goody now all we need is Bleu and all the people he was trying to save would be together in one place. Oddly that whole kill himself to save them seemed a lot more sensible at the time then it did now.

He felt the gag pulled out and winced trying to spit out the foul taste of it.

“Hey Jer. If we let you out, your not gonna do anything stupid are you?” Rhede asks.

“Depends, you gonna stop flirting with every female you come across?” Jer'rahd growls.

“Well he's fine then. Neither of these idiots can do either of those things. Let him out Lieutenant.”Starfall sighs.

“Yes Sir.”

He felt the chains loosen a bit before they slipped off his form as the lieutenant unbound the spell holding the chains. Jer'rahd slowly rose to his hooves feeling the blood rush back into his limbs and felt his whole form protest the movement. His body suddenly locked up in the pain and he collapsed on the ground blacking out again.

“Well that was graceful Jer.” Rhede sighs.

“MEDIC!!!!” shouts the lieutenant.

“Do not yell in my ear, I am already here.” Velkorn grumbles

“Oh right. Sorry.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jer'rahd woke again after an unknown amount of time, in a bed this time however. The faint chink of metal on metal told him there was a Guard or two nearby without him even having to open his eyes.

He slowly tried to sit up, failed with a grunt of pain and then tried again managing to make it upright this time. The increase in noise from the metal wearer told him he was noticed. He kept his eyes closed not aware of any spot on his body that was not protesting his movements without screaming in barely dulled pain.

He slowly opened his eyes squinting at the glare from the white washed walls reflecting the glowing sunlight from a small window high on one wall. In one corner of the room near the door a Guard stood though Jer'rahd could tell the stallion was nervous. He could see the blue unicorns horn glow lightly when Jer'rahd finally looked at him.

“Where am I?” Jer'rahd asks noting the stallion jump as he spoke.

“Can.. Canterlot Hospital sir.” the Guard stammers.

“Looks different than last time I was here.... brighter.”Jer'rahd looks around noting a potted plant of some kind in a corner. “ And with more foliage....”

“The Zebra Queen has been going on a tear with how the rooms were set up. She mentioned something about lifeless cells and demanded something more uplifting be done to increase recovery time. Sir.”

“Sounds like Velkorn, You should have seen how her tent was set up in the jungle. So why are you here?”

“Precautionary measure sir.”

“ Understandable. I gather you are not exactly trilled to be in here. Do I scare you for some reason? You're rather jittery.” Jer'rahd sighs. “And why are you calling me sir? I didn't think I had any rank any more.”

“Terrified Sir.”

“Why?”

“The reports say you killed a full grown dragon by yourself , lead a hopelessly out numbered group of Guards in defending a keep that had all but fallen. That you picked a fight with General Mustang and a group of his Guards, beat them and then challenged Princess Luna herself and were only stopped then. “the Guard swallowed. “ And beyond that sir you should be dead.”

Jer'rahd stares at him a moment before falling back into the bed with a small wince.

“I had a lot of help with that and a number of good ponies did not make it that should have, the rest is exaggeration. What do you mean I should be dead? And you still haven’t answered why you are calling me sir,.”

“Sorry sir. It's just that all four of your legs are broken you have a skull fracture at the base of your horn, at least three broken ribs including a punctured lung there are strips of your skin simply hanging off of you and the swelling over your eyes just went down yesterday. I'm calling you sir because we haven’t gotten any orders about any demotion. I'm.. I’m only supposed to let some one know if you try to move. Sir.”

“Oh Velkorn is having a field day with this.” Jer'rahd grumbles. “ How long have I been here?”

“About a week and a half sir.”

“Buck me....What about the Queen, her adviser, and Starfall? And Bleu Scale, wheres the dragonling?”

“Air commander Starfall is on duty, and the Queen and her adviser are running around the hospital some where. Sorry sir, but I am not sure of the current where about of Bleu Scale. I can have some one let them know you are awake sir.“

“Please. Though just one more question.”

“Sir?”

“Why are you wearing My grandfathers sword?”

“Wing Commander's orders , the guard on duty is supposed to carry the weapon, though not use it. Nor are we to let you retrieve it. It seems the Queen felt that having something familiar nearby would be comforting. “

“Oddly it is. Thank you.”

Jer'rahd closes his eyes again as the Guard pokes his head out the door to speak with some one before coming back in and standing in the corner again some what less jittery now it seemed since Jer'rahd was lying back down.

He felt like a mummy and only by lying completely still was the pain dulled enough that he dozed off again.

He wasn't sure how long he was out though he awoke to hear the Guard, no it was a different one a pegasus judging by the shift of wings, speaking to some one

The next thing he knew he heard a resounding slap and the chuckle of Rhede.

“I know I said you could do worse, but I did not mean to hit on the nurse.” Snarls Velkorn.

“Really, but she is so cute. I love those little white uniforms.” Rhede grins.

“So how is this idiot as an advisor working out for you Velkorn? Has he managed to repopulate your country with his children yet?” Jer'rahd asks.

“Oh delightful the stallion of the hour has returned........, you know what, forget hour, you have taken the whole bleeding year Jer. “ Rhede laughs .

“Oh joy, more fame. Or is it infamy this time?” Jer'rahd growls not bothering to get up or open his eyes.

“Don't you worry which little Jer, you big brother Rhede will take care of you .”

“I am two years older than you Rhede.”

“Is he awake, better still is he well enough that I can kick his flank yet?” growls another voice pushing into the room with the sound of the door slamming against the wall.

“Is that any way to treat the mentally deficient Starfall. Careful he might throw out some old law at you.” Rhede laughs.

“Goody so you heard about that too.”Jer'rahd sighs.

“You threatened one most royal, to most that is considered disloyal.” Velkorn shakes her head.

“But he did it for us, isn’t that sweet BUT ITS WRONG!!! You are an idiot Jer'rahd.” Starfall snarks.

“Yes, but he is indeed a loyal idiot. That has to count for something.” Rhede laughs.

“Any pony should be willing to die for their friends.” Jer'rahd mutters.

“Willing yes, eager no, remember that Jer..” Rhede fires back.

“Yeah, I love you all too no matter how big of jerks you can be. On that note, any of you know where Bleu is?” Jer'rahd sighs.

“The dragon of that Blueish hue? She has a room here, we thought you knew?”

“First I have heard of it. So how is she?” Jer'rahd asks.

“Well lets see first day she remained in a ball crying, second day she trashed the room, third day back into a weeping ball, but attacked any one who came in, fourth day she hit on the guard and felt him up a bit before going back into a corner of the room and sulking Repeat that pattern over and over, then add in today and she should be back to weeping and attacking. You know how to pick your friends Jer.” Rhede scolds.

“Keep in mind I have been friends with you the longest, Rhede. So I’ve been out a week or so?”

“That’s it Jer'rahd keep the play stallion's ego in line. And its been three weeks.” Starfall sighs.

“I just woke up a bit ago and the Guard said a week...”

“Despite what you think you know, that was still two weeks ago.” Velkorn points out.

“Son of a bitch.....” Jer'rahd growls.

“We have been told a story of you, left out was the connection to this Bleu.” Velkorn asks.

Jer'rahd sighs his ears try and flatten though the bandages keep that from happening. He started the story of what had happened over the past few months. The three of them sat in rather rapt attention though Velkorn asked Rhede to translate the meaning of something for her occasionally.

“DAAAmn Jer, when you put your mind to picking up mares you go BIG. I mean really big, Whats next, gonna try to hit on one of the Princesses? Cause that only sorta works. I can tell you from experience.” Rhede muses.

“Stuff it Rhede. Sorry to hear about the loss Jer'rahd for what its worth.”Starfall consuls.

“Thank you, coming from you that actually means a great deal Starfall Bleu is suffering more for her loss than me. I only knew Platinum a couple of weeks at best. It might have become more and it likely was going to, but I will never know now.” Jer'rahd sighs.

“A tragic tale I do agree, but life gets better, you will one day see.” Velkorn mutters.

“Let's hope Bleu can be convinced that. So then whats my standing now any way? Prisoner? Civilian? Rock farmer?” Jer'rahd grumbles.

“Brigadier General.” Starfall sighs.

“Stop screwing with me Starfall.” Jer'rahd growls.

“I'm not. Turns out you kicked so much flank at Dullahan, the 42d jumped you up again. Personally I think it's because every ponies too terrified of you so they're hoping to placate your broke ass so you don't get mad at them.”

“I beat the snot out of twenty plus Guard ponies, Cussed out General Mustang, and threatened one of the Princesses life.” Jer'rahd states incredulously. “ How the buck does that get me a promotion?”

“Yeah kinda strange, seems Princess Luna was impressed with all that. You also took down a full grown dragon who could cast a fear spell that filled a entire keep, destroyed countless trolls and half bloods by yourself, defended your post of command against a force easily six times greater than yours. Then even after the reinforcements arrived you fought off, by yourself twenty three guard ponies from the 42d, plus General Mustang, and THEN after all that had the balls to tell the Goddess of War to go buck herself. All of it while looking like a walking corpse.” Rhede whistles. “Balls of steel ,brains of custard. Rumor mill officially has you at one of the most dangerous creature in the world right now. You rank just higher than a full grown hydra and just under a Ursa Major. If you thought the fame you got from killing the Zebra Warlord was bad, you don't even want to know what is happening out there right now. We had to tell the press you are being treated in Asclepius , just to stop the hospital here from being swarmed.”

“I really do not even remember getting hurt.” Jer'rahd mutters.

“You had bits of skin just hanging on, when I first saw you I though you were gone.” Velkorn agrees.

“Seems you got torn up really bad in that fight, the little dragon did too. Crap Jer'rahd there were two hundred plus ponies stationed in Dullahan, easily fifty more from the ESO were there as well. Not counting the traitors, and including you and the dragonling, there's tops, thirty some odd survivors and six civilians from the ESO. The body count of the enemy was nearing a seven hundred dead by the time the corpses were sorted. And the reinforcements only encountered maybe a hundred of those There is not a single pony who lived through that who was not torn up beyond all sense of the word. Most are crippled and every damn one of them has some sort of story about you.” Starfall rants.

“Not true Starfall. There is one who wasn't hurt at all.” Rhede chuckles.

Both Rhede and Velkorn smile at this as Jer'rahd and Starfall look at them.

“One was caught who tried to run, General Mustang saved him for your fun.” Velkorn comments.

Jer'rahd blinks at this looking between the pair of them.

“Take me to Bleu.”

-----------------------------------------------------

The door creaked open as Jer'rahd peered into the dark room. Everything that he could see from the light cast by the doorway was destroyed , burned shredded or simply knocked over. The hospital room looked like a tornado had blown through. A pair of Guards here at the door along with his friends. He had staggered out of the wheel chair much to Velkorn's protests and hobbled into the room barely standing on his casts.

His ears perked, well one ear perked and what was left of the right one tried to, Velkorn said she could fix it but right now that was not a concern for him. There was sobbing coming from a corner of the room where a large nest of blankets had been made. He took a step closer his hoof crunching the remains of a glass vase.

“GET OUT!!!!” screams a voice.

He blinked, ear flattening, barely reconizeing her voice. Rhede, Velkorn and Starfall peeked their heads around the door, the stance made them look like an odd totem pole of heads. Despite their interest none of them were quite willing to face a dragon that had the same rep now as he did. Honestly he was half tempted to duck back out of the room himself at this point. Still he managed another shaky step before sitting down with a wince on a frayed cushion.

“I don't think I will take your advice this time Bleu.” Jer'rahd states.

“Jer'rahd?” the voice changed slightly, becoming a little less threatening. The light caught on a pair of eyes gleaming as they peered up from the nest.

“Know any one else who puts up with your crap?” Jer'rahd chuckles

“No … not any one else now.....” Bleu mutters sinking back down into the nest.

The nest all but exploded causing the ponies behind him to duck back out of the door way as Bleu impacted with him likely recracking his set ribs. The little dragonling buried her face in his chest and started bawling as she hugged him.

“She's dead Jer'rahd, she's dead. They wouldn’t even let me go to the funeral, I couldn't save her.....”Bleu sobs.

“We couldn't save her....... we tried.... though with the mess you made of this room you would have been worse at the funeral.”

The dragon continued to cry into his chest he could feel his bandages soak up the tears.

“I was told you were here too, but no one would tell me what was going on with you. It was weeks. I was told nearly every one I knew from the ESO was killed as well. You're the only pony left I even know ….... “ Bleu sobbed

“We forgot the beets...”Jer'rahd mutters.

“What? “ Bleu looks up confused.

“When we killed the dragon after it harmed Platinum. We didn't make it eat its own wang with beets” Jer'rahd explains. “It's what you threatened me with.....”

Blue pulled her head away staring up at Jer'rahd with a half puzzled expression and then a frown.

“Your comedic timing is terrible.”

“That’s why I chose the Guard as a profession.”

“Still I’m glad you came. I'm not sure how much longer I am gonna be here. You look torn up to crap though. “

“Like you are one to talk. Looks like you played in a meat grinder yourself. What do you mean how much longer, why are you leaving?” Jer'rahd asks

“This attack has brought a lot of old hatreds to light against dragons. The nobles are enforcing the unregistered dragon act with extreme prejudiced. Any dragon that’s not a registered familiar gets detained and deported.” Bleu mutters. “ They sent me a flier....”

“Yeah well I would like to see them get past me to do it.” Jer'rahd growls.

“Jer'rahd I do have your sword and the Queen here can knock your flank out in two seconds flat.” Starfall shouts out.

“As skilled as you think of me, a blow like that would take three.” mutters Velkorn.

“Well you heard her.” Starfall admits.

“Seriously, do I have to come to the rescue again?” Rhede sighs.

Rhede steps fully into the door way and Bleu perks up a bit looking at him over Jer'rahds shoulders before muttering in his ear.

“OK who is the fabulous hunk of horse flesh and how much you renting him for?” Bleu whispers rather loudly.

“Um, I did hear that.” Rhede mutters ignoring the wink Bleu gave him. “Anyway like I told Jer on the way up here, he can register you as his familiar with out to much effort. Given his current rank and status, he likely can bypass the test by simply looking at the testers funny. Of course with that one red eye of his it should be easy to scare the tail off some academic.”

“Wait what? You would do that?” “Bleu asks.

“With all you have done, gladly. She was dear to us both Bleu, but I did not have nearly the connection you had to Platinum, I regard you as a friend and would not see any one she cared for suffer if I can stop it. I suppose this does mean you get a brother of sorts. Well if its alright with you any way, I’m not much a substitute.” Jer'rahd admits.

The Dragonlings grip tightens as she cries into his fur again using one of the bandages to blow her nose.

“Like I would pass the chance to annoy the crap out of you.” Bleu mutters.

Jer'rahd smiles though the grin seems to have a darker turn as his voice changes to one of barely hidden malice.

“And there is more good news as well Bleu.” Jer'rahd mutters.

“Wha? More?” Bleu blinks rather confused at his smile.

“Oh yes, they caught the mastermind behind the attack and we have been cleared to have a little chat with him.” Jer'rahd chuckles softly.

Bleu stares up at him a moment before grinning wide herself rows of fangs crackling with a blue lightning as she looks to the door. Jer'rahd turns back as well his red eye glowing with the electric grin below his head. The darkness of the room leaving only the glowing reflection of red and blue dancing over ivory visible as a face in the dark.

“OK Jer, Bleu, I am not officially very close to pissing myself and we really need some ground rules about that sort of thing.”Rhede comments taking a step back.

“I shiver to think what might soon befall, what is it you think of this Starfall?” Velkorn comments her ears flat against her head.

“Umm Starfall?” Rhede asks looking back.

Jer'rahd's sword was left spinning in the air,as a loud boom echoed around the hospital as Starfall managed a rain boom some where outside fleeing from the face in the dark.

-----------------------------------------------------

A few days later the door to the room burst open and a still very bandaged Jer'rahd bursts in trailed by Velkorn, Rhede, and Starfall. Jer'rahd shifts uncomfortably in the dress uniform of his new rank only really able to wear the vest at this point. Starfall still had his sword and was dressed in the uniform of her rank with in the 82nd. Velkorn had some how gotten a white nurses uniform to wear and Rhede had donned a suit and slicked back his hair looking all the world like some kind of shyster.

Jer'rahd glanced at the prisoner, Colonel Claymore, bound in chains and secured to one side of the small room.

“Well if it isn’t Equestria's star maggot, what brings filth like you into my little tomb Major? Ran out of rotten flesh to crawl in?”

“General now, so feel free to call me sir.” Jer'rahd comments taking a seat on the bench before the chained Claymore with Starfall and Velkorn standing behind him. Rhede moves to a small table near the door pulling out a saddle bag and digging through the papers in it.

“Not a chance in the Darklands I would do that. So who are these little shits. I recognize the flying bitch, but not the dopey one or the stripe. Come to have a little laugh at me?” Claymore snarls

“No not at all Colonel. These are however friends of mine and the tall one in particular is here to help you for some reason.” Jer'rahd comments in a low tone.

“I don't need any help from any of your bucking acquaintances maggot. Soon as I get a lawyer I am out of this cell. This is cruel and unusual punishment for one of my standing and I won't sit by and let you jackasses treat me this way and sully my name.”

“Understood, Squad Commander Starfall, please let the record show that the Colonel has turned down the only lawyer in Equestria still compassionate enough to be willing to represent him in court. And as such shall now be forced to represent himself. As such, I would like to hire Mr. Pelt myself to remain and explain the legalities of this meeting as well as the charges being filed.”

“Noted Sir.” Starfall states flatly.

“What sort of Kangaroo court bullshit is this?!?”

“It is not any sort of kangaroo court Colonel Claymore. I was indeed the only pony to pass his bar exam that was willing to even have anything to do with your defense. The list of your charges has been made public despite the Guard's efforts to quiet the information. High treason, over two hundred counts of murder, sixty plus counts of attempted murder and assault, and about three score more of lesser charges just from the attack on Dullahan alone. Piecing together all the reports from before that we can add a number of sexual assault charges, sexual harassment, rape, dereliction of duty and countless other lesser charges. In short there is no pony on Equss that is willing to try and defend you.” Rhede lists.

“That’s total crap what about fair and due process of Equestrian Citizens!?! I demand a lawyer!!!” Claymore shouts.

“You are correct Equestrian citizens are quite entitled to such representation. You however gave up that right when you led a terrorist attack on a key military installation, essential to the safety of Equestria and Equss itself. The Princesses banished you, as it is you are no longer a citizen of Equestria.” Rhede pulls out another scroll marked with the Royal Seal.

“They Can't do that!!!”

“They did, all your lands and assets have been seized and divided up and sold to aid in the restoration of the keep as well as to help the victims families of those who died or were harmed in Dullahan. This includes a rather sizable number of accounts that were traced back to false names and stand ins. Your wife and children have been left with a small stipend and have been offered a place in another city as well as name changes and new citizen ship in order to hide who they were. They all accepted eagerly though we were unable to find your eldest daughter, your wife claimed she left when the news came out. Well they were granted this once they were cleared of any wrong doing. The only thing you have left is your rank in the Guard.” Rhede explains.

“The Guard does tend to have rather odd rules some times. After all I threatened a Princess and got promoted for it, to General no less. Go figure.” Jer'rahd shrugs. “The point is though you are not counted as a Equestrian citizen any more, you are still counted as government property.”

“No bucking way.” Claymore snaps.

“Some days I love the legal system. As we all know you cannot be tried for torturing property for information. It's sort of a non issue.” Jer'rahd snarks. “But before you wet yourself in terror, allow me to introduce another friend of mine, Queen Velkorn. She is here to keep you alive as long as she can. And look she even brought some pain killers for you so you can have a bit of a break to recover between our gouging you for information..”

Jer'rahd uses his magic to lift a bottle out of the zebra's bag waving it a moment with his magic before flinging it to the side letting it smash into the wall.

“Oops, well that’s not good, seems I haven't quite shaken off the effects of the medicine I was taking due to my own injures from the attack. Oh well I am sure she has some more right Velkorn.” Jer'rahd asks.

“I disagree you clumsy lout, that was the last bottle , I am fresh out.” Velkorn grumbles.

“Ahh well Colonel here's a tough pony, he can handle a bit of pain. So then what do we ask first? Oh, Sorry Velkorn you can step out side if you want. I figure this sort of thing is against your ideals as a doctor.” Jer'rahd responds.

“If I was given half the chance, I would use honey, and some ants.” Velkorn growls

“Wait, what is that stripe head talking about.” Claymore snaps

“I remember that form of torture sir.”Starfall pipes in.

“Oh? What is it Commander?” Jer'rahd asks

“You smear some honey on a body part then let some of the jungle ants from Velkorn's homeland loose on them. They go right for the honey usually what ever the honey is on they take the skin right off with it along with the fur. Tends to leave the muscle bare beneath it unless the honey drips.”Starfall describes. “From what I’ve heard the ant's bite is like driving a nail into your flesh to the bone. Something about venom or such.”

“Oh, I like that. Do we have any of these ants?” Jer'rahd asks.

“Plenty, but at the moment, we are out of honey.” Starfall states.

“Pity, what else we got?” Jer'rahd sighs. “ Garlic salt and a filet knife?”

“You … you fools can't touch me, even if I'm property you'd all end up in jail for so much as cutting a hair on my mane. This kinda shitty bluff doesn’t mean, shit.” Claymore growls.

“Really? How many are suffering because of what you did? I am not even counting those who died. How many mothers and fathers, sons and daughters blood is on your hooves Colonel!?! How many children are now orphans because of you, how many parents are weeping over the graves of their children, how many loves CUT SHORT BECAUSE OF YOUR DAMNDABLE EGO AND QUEST FOR POWER, HOW MANY COLONEL!!!?” Jer'rahd roars. “ YOU THINK I GIVE A SHIT ABOUT JAIL TIME FROM HURTING YOU!?”

“Buck you maggot. Your not getting shit from me.” Claymore snarls.

Starfall moves as Jer'rahd lunges, shoving him back down onto a bench standing between him and the Colonel as the earth pony laughs.

“You think you scare me foal? Your little torture tricks are nothing to me. You can not touch me. “Claymore rants. “You're to damn hot a item. Word gets out that you tortured me and the entire Guard loses face. After that disaster that was Dullahan you buckers can't afford bad press.”

“I do hate to admit you are correct on that. I cannot touch you, not a hoof, not a hair.” Jer'rahd growls calming himself some and waving Starfall off. “Even a General can get into a great deal of trouble damaging such important property such as you. Though on another subject. Do you realize that one of the ponies to die in that battle was the singer Platinum?”

“What of it, you think I care about some stupid bitch using her plot and a pretty voice to get by?”

“No, I did not think you would, however she did have a familiar a dragonling, and due to my connection with her. I adopted her as my partner.”

“What of it maggot?”Claymore snaps.

“Rhede if you would, inform the Colonel here of the situation with new partners of dragonlings?” Jer'rahd states.

“Lets see section six..” Rhede mutters digging through the files.

“Here we are. .. Due to the as of current unpredictable natures of dragon hatchlings, hence known as a dragonling, and the unicorns bonded with them, any new student of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Hereafter known as the SGU. Shall be granted a large stipend weekly to pay for any damages to property or persons resulting from this unstable connection with said dragonlings. This is only granted to those who receive the certification to keep the dragon hatchling however...... and it goes on for a while there. Suffice to say General Kaisur here received that certification today. And looking at the bits allowed for property damage, well lets just say to go over the limit allowed there would need to be at least four of you to turned into paste Colonel.”

“Ahh yes. Enjoyable Legaleeze, who would have thought it? Did you hear that Bleu?” Jer'rahd looks back over his shoulder.

“Of course I did Boss. And I am feeling rather destructive towards things after my sisters and friends deaths.”

Bleu sits up on Velkorn's back her scales shifting to the normal bright blue coloration rather than the black and white pattern she had taken to hide on Velkorn's back with. She leaps off the zebra fluttering once to land on the chains holding Claymore in place her claws digging in to his bare back as she grins leaning around so that her teeth were the only thing the Colonel could see from one eye. Her clawed hand running over the other side of his face in a slow caress that drug her claws through his fur nearly cutting it.

“She is right, you should have seen her hospital room. Oh yes, on a side note did you bring the beets like I asked Velkorn?” Jer'rahd mentions.

“Hey boss does he need both these eyes?” Bleu growls.

“Likely not, the creature that shat him out saw fit to give him two for some reason. He won't miss one, just make sure he can still talk breath and hear the questions I am going to ask. You have three minutes until I ask the first. Begin.” Jer'rahd states flatly.

The Colonel's screams were likely heard all the way back at the great wall.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[ Six hours and bath for the dragon later.]

“I still say that was a bit much you two.” Starfall sighs as the small group walks down a side street in Canterlot avoiding the crowds as they head back to the hospital on hoof after Jer'rahd refused to get into a wagon.

“And I say it was not enough Starfall, but I did promise you he would live.” Jer'rahd growls.

“Should have just let me kill him boss.” Bleu mutters. “ Woulda been over sooner.”

“No, you agreed to do things my way Bleu. Still we got all the information he had and it is not nearly enough. Princess Celestia said directly he was never going to bother any one again where he was going. You will have to be content with that Bleu.”

“Actually Jer, what he said was quite enough to go on. We have the name to look for that was the contact.” Rhede grins. “ That coupled with a few other things narrowed down the search greatly.”

“Remind to never get on your bad side, it would do no good to run and hide.” Velkorn mutters looking at Jer'rahd and Bleu.

“You do not have anything to worry about that Velkorn, unless you plan to get an entire keep full of ponies killed for a mad grab at power.” Jer'rahd sighs.

“I do not want the power I have got, do anything for more I surely will not.” Velkorn snorts.

“I think you have changed a great deal for the worse Jer'rahd. I never would have thought you had that in you. Not only to sit and watch, but to offer suggestions on what to remove next?” Starfall sighs.

“He killed those under my command. His actions murdered friends, he made all those who survived suffer. If what was done in there makes you worry about my morals Starfall, then pray you never have to see what would happen if some one sought to harm one of you.”

“MORRRRBIDDD. Black clothes and cutting yourself is next for you, I can see it, and you already started the cutting part.!!” Rhede snarks.

“Yes, thank you for the yelling again, Rhede. I am less than two feet from you. How you holding up Bleu?”

The little dragon lay curled up on his back Her scales cleaned and her injuries rebandaged by Velkorn.

“I feel sick, I thought I would feel better after giving the bastard some pain, but it didn't help. I think I actually feel worse.” Bleu mutters.

“That's fine, I would be more worried if you enjoyed it.” Jer'rahd nods.

“The question is Jer did you enjoy it.?” Starfall growls.

He glanced back at Rhede who was looking at him rather concerned .Velkorn and Starfall were giving him much the same look. He continued on for a few more paces before turning down a side ally.

“If I enjoyed it, I would not be looking for the bar so I can get drunk enough to forget it and the rest of last month.” Jer'rahd growls.

“Well yeah, he seems back to normal enough for me.” Rhede chuckles.

------------------------------------------------------------

[ One Month Later.]

“Sixty, sixty one, Anddddddd. A half........ OK round down, that’s sixty one of these things you made boss what was the last count? Fifty three? Nice jump there. How many did you make the last time you did this?”Bleu asks.

Jer'rahd pants in the training room, sweat running down his form, sixty one free floating shields locked in the air around him all about the size of a pony. Bleu bounced among the glowing green panels landing hard on a few of them and leaping off as they held the weight of her pony sized form with out breaking. He was out of the hospital and the splints by this point, though Velkorn made Bleu promise not to allow him anything physically strenuous until he was fully healed.

“Never did a count before this, never had any help with it. “ Jer'rahd mutters.

His horn was glowing hot at this point, feeling to burn the flesh around his temple. He was still wrapped in bandages including one that wrapped over his forehead where Luna had kicked him. He had yet to see the Moon Princess, or her sister, but he knew a meeting was coming, likely with both of them.. Bleu continues to bounce among his shields glancing down at Jer'rahd.

“You sure you wanna keep this up? You're still injured and sweating like your on fire.” Bleu comments

“STICK AROUND HIM A LITTLE LONGER BLEU SCALE. INJURED SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT STATE FOR HIM.” A voice booms.

The sudden volume and surprise from the voice knocked his concentration loose enough for the shields to drop forcing Bleu to flap her wings to keep herself from falling to the floor.

“I, huff, had expected to see you days ago Princess.” Jer'rahd mutters as Bleu lands before him shrinking down and looking up at the dark alicorn.

“ROYAL DUTIES TEND TO TAKE TIME.” Luna bellows.

“Honestly, Volume down lady it kinda echos in here.” Bleu curses.

“Ah my apologies. It is nice to see you have awoken and seem at least in better spirits, Bleu was it?” Luna questions.

“Yeah well, awake yes , better spirits.......... not even close.” Bleu mutters.

“What is it you need Princess? I thought you would want to meet some where less open to yell at me.” Jer'rahd sighs.

“Why would I yell at you?” Luna blinks.

“The threats, the fighting, the demands, that sort of thing. A massive promotion was the last thing I expected after waking up. Well OK, the last thing I expected was this to be a really long dream and I’m still in basic, but the promotion was a close second.” Jer'rahd snarks.

“The pair of you held back a force far larger than you should have been able to. Even if the inspiration to push back came from Platinum's voice you lead the charge and kept her safe long enough for the attackers to be routed. The two of you killed a full grown dragon by yourselves. My main regret is that we could not make it in time to save more ponies, for that I truly am sorry.” Luna admits.

“Not your fault Princess, Rhede filled me in on the gist of that. Nobles and politicians bogged down everything because of lack of information from the General. We finally got something when the remainder of the 8th stationed here ignored the orders to stay in Canterlot and you brought the 42d to 'return them'. We all would have been dead if that had not happened. Again Bleu.”

“Right boss.” Bleu nods taking to the air.

Jer'rahd began raising his shields again, Bleu fluttered up to bounce on them as she counts.

“You still seek to down play your own skills, if it was something any pony could have done then any pony would have done it.” Luna states.

“Still some what mad at you for the threats Princess is there a point to this?”Jer'rahd sighs. “There is something going on here with you and that has me on edge.”

“I had no intention of harming any of your friends.”

“I figured that out when I calmed down Princess. It's also why I just accepted the rank with out much question. The Goddess of War must have had a good reason for promoting some one willing to fight her, then kill himself for a pair of ponies, a zebra, and a dragon.”

“I do indeed.”

A few shields drop at that though Jer'rahd manages to raise them again.

“OK, I was just making things up as I went. You actually had a plan to promote me because I was threatening you?”

“Of course not. Not because you threatened me. But because of the reason you did. War is on the horizon Jer'rahd Kaisur, my sister believes that you and your friends will be key to achieving victory in it. Provided you all can complete what tasks are set before you. On a personal note I also wished to apologize for striking you but you were leaving me little choice at the time.”

“Well, I have been out of trouble a few months now, getting back into it sounds about right.” Jer'rahd sighs. “ And yeah. I agree now, I was going a little overboard at the end of that.”

“The primary key among these missions is trust Jer'rahd.” Luna states flatly.

“Only fifty eight this time boss, you're getting tired. “ Bleu shouts.

“Keep bouncing. I trust my friends with my life and more often than not, my sanity Princess. Trust I doubt will be an issue among us.” Jer'rahd comments.

“I do not expect it to be an issue between them and yourself Jer'rahd. The trouble will be getting you all to trust me.” Luna states watching Bleu hop among the shields.

“You're one of the Princesses. I follow your orders.”Jer'rahd snaps back in proper tone.

“That is the solider talking. I will need you to trust me, as if I was not just your princess.” Luna responds getting an odd look from Jer'rahd.

“Like paper boss.” Bleu shouts pushing through a number of his shields.

“Lets call it then. I am not sure what you mean by that Princess. You want me to put the same level of trust in you that I have in my friends and that they place in me?” Jer'rahd considers . “You might have saved my life directly and reattached my leg, I will admit I am thankful for that, but the last time I said I trusted you you flung me into the air in an effort to get Starfall to preform a sonic rain boom. After that the next time I see you, you threaten my friends right after I lost one of them, and another one was suffering greatly. That sort of thing does not raise a trust level to that of what I have with the others.
Rhede has proven he trusts me on numerous occasions telling me things he shouldn't, and I trust him to do what is right with what I tell him in turn. Starfall trusted us enough to tell us what was going on with her family and we have trusted her to accept the two of us as we are. Velkorn trusted me enough to put her life in my hooves to return to deal with her brother, and I trusted her with my life as well as the lives of the squad that took that plateau by agreeing to bring her along. Bleu trusted me enough to agree to become my partner and I trusted her enough to follow her advice with Platinum and then offer her the opportunity to be my partner. There are a great many other things building off of those major items, but they all build to how we mesh. Starfall and Rhede are already content with Velkorn and they are getting used to Bleu, Velkorn already seems to like her a great deal and the others are slowly warming after the interrogation. It's taken a while to get to this point, I have fought and bled with all of them, but I have done the same with countless others that I can only call acquaintances.”

“Then it is not something that I might simply seek.” Luna nods. “It has been a long time since I have tried any sort of personal interaction. This will likely take time.”

“I figured something like that Princess.” Jer'rahd nods.

“Call me Luna.”

“Excuse me?” Jer'rahd questions.

“If it is not an official situation Jer'rahd. Call me Luna.”

“So hows the boss supposed to know if its an official situation?”Bleu asks.

“WE SHALL SPEAK IN ROYAL CANTERLOT OF COURSE.” Luna bellows

Jer'rahd winces and Bleu tumbles back across the floor bouncing off the wall.

“Got it!!” Bleu hollers back.

“Well Princess...... I mean Luna, why would you would need my trust specificity?”

“ While I am aware of the irony of not being able to trust you with this. I am sorry that it is not something I am able to speak of yet fully. but it does involve the five of you becoming my personal Guards.” Luna glances down at him.

“I am already a member of the 42d. I already am one of your personal Guards.” Jer'rahd points out.

“No Jer'rahd. You are a solider in a personal Guard unit. If this comes to pass you five shall be the highest military authority under Celestia, myself, and my Generals.”

“Do the what now?” Bleu asks.

“I offer you this much information, only because I seek your trust. Have you heard of the Elements of Harmony?” Luna asks.

“What pony hasn’t? There were the artifacts that you and Princess Celestia used to seal away Discord and end the Discordian war. I recall hearing that an effort was made to find them during the Dragoon war as well.“ Jer'rahd mentions.

“A close enough tale to the truth of the events. The task involves the recovery of said artifacts.” Luna nods.

“They are lost?”Bleu asks.

“All but one, the sixth one, but it is useless without the others. Celestia believes that you five will be able to retrieve them. And she has yet to be wrong about the past wielders of the Elements at least that I have seen.” Luna states.

“So why us?” Jer'rahd asks.

“That I do not know, but she claims you all bear a spark of what is needed. I hope that this is a sufficient enough answer to quell any doubts about my intent?”

“Yes.”Jer'rahd mutters.

“Nope.”Bleu states flatly.

“What? Bleu what do you mean?” Luna asks a little taken aback.

“Information might be fine for the boss here, but I want something else from you if you want me to even think about starting to trust you.” Bleu glares standing on Jer'rahd's head to be eye to eye with the Princess.

“Bleu ….” Jer'rahd mutters trying to shake her tail from his face.

“Stay out of this stoplight eyes.” Bleu snaps.

“What?” Jer'rahd questions.

“Fine then, what is it you want?” Luna questions.

--------------------------------------------------------------

[Outskirts of Cincinagi ]

A light rain fell from the night sky striking on the green glowing shield raised above the three of them. The ground was soaked and the white marble monolith pushed up from the soggy earth like a ivory tower, a striking contrast against the gray sky and driving rain. There were a number of other markers as well. All belonging to the same family, while they were not happy with their daughters choice in profession, it seems her family was more than willing to allow her to be buried as such.

Jer'rahd stood a bit back with Luna mulling over whether the great monolith was a political move on the part of the Scale family or not. They refused to have anything to do with Bleu, though they erected this as a grave stone. He wondered if he was simply jaded of nobility and reading too much into it.

Bleu sank down before the stone, a clawed hand running along the named etched in the grave marker. She placed a wreath of violets against the stone before she leaned against it sobbing softly, talking to it.

“Hey boss lady, sorry it took me so long to show up, had to keep your colt friend in line and save his sorry flank. Just wish we could have saved yours. Sent the bastard to hell who did this to you …..sent the guy who set it up too. That really was the best concert you ever preformed. Beat out the Prance one by miles. “ Bleu stammers. “I'm doing okay. You picked a winner with this one, he invited me to work with him. I didn’t think you would mind to much since you were the one who wanted him first. Sorry I doubted your choice boss lady. Sorry about a lot of things. I wish you were here still, you two would have made the ugliest foals ever, and I would loved to seen them. I'm sorry that it had to end like this boss lady. I really am.”

Luna glanced between the two and the stern expression on Jer'rahd's face as Bleu continued talking to the monument.

“ Forgive my ignorance, but is this not something you should be crying over?” Luna asks softly.

“I have not really wept over anything since my grandfather died years ago. Even at my fathers funeral I couldn't bring myself to cry. I know I should, and I feel like I should be. But I don't.” Jer'rahd states flatly.

“I feel as if my sister an I have failed you some how due to this. That we have let our lands be so ripe with strife and suffering that ponies cannot even express grief any more.” Luna admits.

“ Don't worry about it. It's likely just me. Thank you for teleporting us out here Princess. I am not sure when we would have been able to make it back to Cincinagi with all that was happened.” Jer'rahd admits.

“It was no trouble, It takes a good bit of energy to travel this far, but not enough to be a bother this time. As I said call me Luna.”

He nods watching Bleu press a kiss against the singers name etched in the stone and then stand up looking to the sky. She started to sing hesitantly, her voice cracking, though sounding very similar to how Platinum's had.

“The Stars,
The Moon ,
They have all been blown out.
You left me in the dark.
No dawn,
No Day,I'm always in this Twilight.
In the shadow of your heart.”

===========================================================

Twilight pulls her head back with a wince turning and vomiting in her trash bin before collapsing onto the floor. The entire scene with the Colonel had been in there and she was still shuddering from what the little dragon had been capable of, as well as what the others had been able to watch before telling her to stop. She herself had no idea how she managed not to tear herself away from it, the nightmares of a stallion being flayed alive bit by bit likely would haunt her forever. No matter how much he had deserved it, that was far too much. Spike came over stopping to rub her back as she lost what little bit was left of her dinner.

“Twilight what happened ?! Whats wrong.”Spike asks.

She didn’t say anything though she wrapped her fore hooves around the little purple dragon hugging him.

“Oookay while I appreciate the hug Twilight whats going on?”

“There were horrible things this time....... It was worse than before.......”

“Give it up then, send the sword back to Celestia. Stop the research, you've been all sorts of out of it since that thing got here.” Spike growls.

“No Spike, as bad as it is, I have to know now. Princess Luna even ordered me to continue the research and send her what I found.” Twilight states firmly.

“Twilight....”

“I said no Spike..... I am going to hold off a few days though, Maybe just sleep tomorrow.”

“But tomorrow is the sister hooves social, we were gonna go watch Apple Jack and Apple Bloom compete. “

“Go on without me Spike. I'll Apologize to AppleJack and Apple Bloom later.”Twilight sighs. “ I'm not really feeling up to it.

“If you say so......”

“Goodnight Spike.” Twilight mutters headed up to her bed.

“Night Twilight.”

Comments

[Zibrony]

While it is nice to have another revised chapter, I think it would do well to really focus on some of the spelling errors and technical mistakes. Otherwise keep em coming, I love reading this story.

[Silentwoodfire]

I am surprised Twilight hasn't ruminated over the information gathered regarding dragonlings (like Spike). Since she herself has Spike registered to her (on the assumption that the law hasn't changed in 1000 years). At the very least she needs to have a serious sit-down with Spike at some point regarding what will happen once she passes on.

[FrostDestielle]

I both hate and love this story and it's writer.
It's amazing in so many ways I just can stop reading.
But that's also why I hate it all i do all day is want to read this book if I'm not actually reading it.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars

[xaldinlance]

So who was the One Star before Jer'rahd?

[NewKerbalEmpire]

She had received her own record soon after and so had the Princesses she suspected. Twilight had listened to the song non stop after she had gotten her copy, managing to annoy Spike to no end. He liked the song, just not on full loop for two days.

Full loop? Two days? I honestly couldn't get to the three minute mark when I first heard it. Don't get me wrong, I love this story, but the song... that is the stuff of nightmares.

[Vibrant lies]

Bleu stares up at him a moment before grinning wide herself rows of fangs crackling with a blue lightning as she looks to the door. Jer'rahd turns back as well his red eye glowing with the electric grin below his head. The darkness of the room leaving only the glowing reflection of red and blue dancing over ivory visible as a face in the dark.

Someone needs to make this picture

[jwizard]

First of all, I need to state my opinion on torture.

It's abhorrent on every level; a crime that comes close to being unforgivable. Far, far worse than murder. The only thing worse is rape followed by murder.

The only time torture is ever at all understandable is when the one getting it deserves it, and where the ones involved don't enjoy it. Thus, Jer and Bleu get a pass for both of those reasons.

[Sigma957]

8130197 I'd just thought I'd add my two cents. There are circumstances where I can understand why someone would torture another person. However it should never be condoned.

Though there are those truly horrifying individuals in this world, that while I still would not condone it, I also would not condemn it. Torture leaves a mark on those that administer it, it inevitably feeds their sadistic side it is always vengeance not justice.

Though in regards to the story, It makes perfect sense and is well in line with the characters and the setting so not mad about it being in the story. It fit and was not sensationalized so well done author.

[Charlemane]

I know I'm coming to this story late, but goddamn that was well handled. Well done!

[Zubric]

I love this chapter so dark and motional.

[DarkPhoenixx]

“You threatened one most royal, to most that is considered disloyal.” Velkorn shakes her head.

Ouch, that's a really painful rhyme. I get it though, for the sentiment and everything there's not a lot of ways to put a rhyme together that would convey the same message. I can't even think of any at the moment. I'm sure there must be but nothing's coming to my mind.
But still, ouch 🤕.

[TDR]

10996806
The problem with having a main character who constantly rhymes is not all of them are gonna be good.