As they said their goodbyes, Shining Armor headed to the captured ship as he boarded it, he looked off toward the direction of the ship headed toward the Erebus Isles. “I hope for your safety Twiley. And bring Spike home with you.” Shining Armor said as he watched the ship with Twilight and her friends in it set sail. He boarded the captured unicornia warship as he met with it's captain and exchanged words of his plans with him. Soon he went down below to his quarters as he went in to rest, his thoughts were focused on his sister's mission and on his own. He also had thoughts about his family, his wife Princess Cadence and daughter Flurry Heart, he wanted to help make a safer Equestria for Flurry to grow up in.
Hours passed on the trip as the guards prepared for the inevitable battle. Gladius Stride went into Shining Armor's quarters as he knocked on the door. The door opened as Gladius stepped inside as he sat across from Shining Armor. The two exchanged glances before the silence was broken by Gladius. “Your highness, the soldiers are ready for battle. Once we arrive in the harbor it's your lead.” he said to Shining Armor as he nods his head.
“Good, sooner we capture that traitor Morning Blade the better.” Shining Armor said to Gladius before he grew serious. “Gladius, we need to have a talk.” Shining told Gladius Stride. Gladius nodded knowing what this was about as a soundproof spell engulfed the room.
“It's about my brother Sir Gallant Heart isn't it?” Gladius asked Shining Armor as he nodded.
“It's what he told me before he was executed along with Blueblood and the rest of those traitors.” Shining answered as he noticed the wide eyed look in Gladius's eyes.
“I knew he was undercover for Princess Luna if that's what you were going to tell me. Princess Luna revealed that to me and Princess Celestia when your sister Princess Twilight returned from the grave. I still wonder why he did what he did to her when he had a look of regret on his face.” Gladius sighed still trying to fathom why Gallant Heart did what he did to Twilight.
“That's the problem, Gallant had no choice. He told me himself that night in his cell before the executions. He told me that Amadeus Blueblood was in his home.” Shining noticed the wide eyed look in Gladius's eyes turn into a glare of anger.
“That bastard was in my brother's home?!” Gladius shouted.
“Yeah, somehow Amadeus knew that Gallant was undercover.” Shining Armor said as Gladius agreed.
“That's why he had that look of regret in his eyes when he and those traitors attacked Princess Twilight. I prayed to Faust to help his soul find peace even though everypony would rather him rot in Tartarus.” Gladius said lowering his head.
“Amadeus will pay for what he's done, mark my words.” Shining Armor could see the pain Gladius was feeling. “Gladius, I need you to know this. Gallant said that Amadeus threatened him with your life. That if he didn't take Twiley's life, he'd have his men take your's instead.” Shining Armor told Gladius. Gladius's head snapped up as he stared at Shining Armor in total shock.
“He... He used me as a pawn to force my brother to attack Princess Twilight?!” Gladius asked still shocked and now angered.
“Yeah, the lowlife bastard.” Shining growled. “When Gallant told me this, I couldn't blame him. After all he wanted to protect you just as I wanted to protect Twiley.” Shining Armor told Gladius as he nodded too.
“I know...” Gladius sighed out of frustration. “Shining, I know I can rest easier knowing my brother wasn't a traitor but now I know that coward Amadeus blackmailed him. I swear he'll pay for forcing dishonor on my family.” Gladius said to Shining Armor. The Prince of the crystal empire nodded his head in agreement.
“He will pay Gladius. As of right now if I even see Amadeus I will take him down.” Shining Armor vowed.
“He will pay Shining, for what he's done to both our families. He has my brother's blood on his hooves and your sister's too.” Gladius said to Shining whom nods in agreement.
“Right now we need to concentrate on freeing Manehattan, once we've done that we can figure out our next move against the Bluebloods and Unicornia.” Shining Armor told Gladius as they began to prepare their stragety. Soon night fell as the ship continued to it's destination. Shining Armor was trying his best to sleep though his restlessness. He soon started to dream though it was a dream of worries over Twilight and her endeavor, and the worry of his wife and daughter back in the Empire.
“Shining Armor, do not worry.” Came a familiar voice as Shining found himself facing Princess Luna. “Cadence and Flurry Heart are safe as is Twilight.” Princess Luna told Shining Armor.
“I'm glad for that.” Shining Armor sighed in relief. “Princess, I do have to ask you something. About Sir Gallant Heart.” Shining Armor began as he could see Princess Luna wince a bit at the mention of Gallant's name.
“So you know he worked for me in secret. When did he tell you?” Princess Luna asked as she was curious as to what Shining Armor had to say.
“Yes, he told me before he was executed alongside those traitors and Prince Blueblood.” Shining Armor answered Luna's question. “He told me why he attacked Twiley when he did.” Shining Armor began as he lowered his head.
“Why did he choose to help the hooves of those dastardly traitors?” Princess Luna asked.
“Gladius Stride.” Shining Armor answered Luna's question. Luna gasped when she heard the name of her sister's loyal guard.
“Sir Gladius??” Princess Luna asked in shock.
“Yes, that devil Amadeus Blueblood was in Gallant's home and forced him to attack Twiley or else Gladius would die instead of Twiley.” Shining Armor told Princess Luna, the Alicorn couldn't believe what she had just heard.
“So that explains Sir Gallant's actions. Amadeus will have his judgment day.” Princess Luna replied.
“Either at my hooves or Gladius's hooves.” Shining Armor agreed.
“Agreed, for now Shining Armor focus on the freedom of Equestria. We shall do what we can here in the Empire. Taking back Canterlot will be our toughest mission.” Princess Luna said as the dream seemed to fade as Shining Armor woke up from his dream, dressing in his disguise he checked to see the morning sun rising up. “Morning already. We should be arriving soon.” Shining Armor soon went up to the desk as the rest of the soldiers awakened and soon dawned their disguises. Gladius Stride stood at the side of Shining Armor as he began to explain the course of action once in Manehattan. The soldiers all listened as the ship soon docked. Shining Armor looking out from behind his helmet saw two commanders awaiting on the dock. “No sign of Morning Blade but I can bet he's here hiding somewhere.” Shining Armor said to Gladius as the two disembarked and met with the two commanders.
“So what happened in Baltimare? Word reached us that the armies of Equestria ambushed you guys.” The first commander asked Shining Armor.
“It was a losing battle, we were forced to flee and regroup.” Shining Armor responded using a spell to alter his voice. The commander nodded his head.
“Sir Morning Blade is afraid of what Queen Majesty will do to him once she learns we lost our stronghold in Baltimare. We don't dare lose Manehattan.” The commander said as he led Shining Armor and Gladius into a nearby inn, once inside Shining could see many unicornian soldiers inside. Shining looked at Gladius as they sat at a table nearby. “Still amazing how fast her majesty grew. Heck Lord Amadeus said her ascension was glorious, even going as far as to say that Queen Majesty's rise to glory dwarfs that of that traitor Twilight Sparkle's ascension.” the commander said, Shining shot a glare from behind his helmet at the commander though from a glance nobody could even tell he was glaring.
“I don't know, I heard that Princess Twilight's magic was at a far advance level even when she was a unicorn.” Shining Armor said in his disguised voice.
“Heh, that's because that harlot was a low born commoner, just like her brother. How he married Princess Cadence is beyond me when Prince Blueblood would have made a better husband for her, heck think of the foals they would have had together.” the commander said unaware Shining Armor was sitting right next to him glaring deeply at the commander who just insulted not only his sister but his wife as well. “Anyhow, her majesty was born an Alicorn from a pure Unicorn line, man she'd probably make Princess Platinum bow to her. Guess that's why she married Prince Silversteel. Shame what happened to Prince Silversteel.” The commander said.
“What happened to the Prince?” Shining Armor asked, this was some information he could bring back to the Empire. Luckily his disguise was holding up.
“The Prince took ill and died sadly.” The commander responded. “Lord Amadeus made sure the Prince had a funeral worthy of a king.” he added on. Shining Armor looked at Gladius as they exchanged a quick word hidden by a soundproof spell small enough to hide their words. “Anything wrong?” the commander asked.
“No, I was sending my right hand back to the troops. They need some R&R.” Shining Armor replied, of course what the commander didn't know was Gladius was about to give the signal to the disguised troops to attack. Outside Gladius headed to the ship as he raised a hoof to the troops as they disembarked from the ship. One unicornian guard noticed the army of troops disembarking from the ship and approached them.
“So your the returning troops from Baltimare. Sir Morning Blade will be relieved some of hi..” the guard began to speak before one of the troopers bucked him in the jaw knocking him out cold. Gladius raised a hoof.
“FOR EQUESTRIA!!” he shouted as the troops charged into battle bum rushing the unsuspecting Unicornian troopers. Soon the streets of Manehattan began a massive battleground. Back at the inn the commander heard the commotion outside and spat his cider out.
“What the heck was that??” he started to rush outside only for Shining Armor to grab the commander and slam him through a nearby table. The other commander withdrew his sword only to be hit by a chair thrown by Shining Armor using his magic, he grabbed the commander using his magic.
“That was for Twiley!” he shouted before he slammed the commander headfirst through the inn's glass window. “And that was for my wife!! Nobody insults my Cadence and gets away with it!” Shining Armor snarls as he charged outside as the commander now bloodied from his wounds tried to escape only for Shining to pin him down with his magic. “Where's Morning Blade?!” Shining Armor shouted.
“Not here.....” the commander struggled as the battles raged on around them as the Equestrian troops battled the Unicornian invaders. Gladius Stride turned his attention toward another squad of Unicornian soldiers as he blasted them with his magic sending many of them down.
“Not bad for a scrub. Was that all Gallant Heart ever taught you?” Came a voice as Gladius turned before being sucker punched by Sir Morning Blade.
“Morning Blade, you traitor! How could you side with those tyrants?!” Gladius stood up as he spat out a bit of tooth that was chipped inside and some blood.
“Queen Majesty will rule this world far better than Celestia and Luna could ever hope to. Twilight was just an obstacle in Majesty's way. She needed to die.” Morning Blade responded.
“Cold as ice. That's why you helped Tirek escape Tartarus.” Gladius Stride withdrew his sword and rushed to attack Morning Blade only to be thrown into a wall. Gladius hit the wall with a sickening thud as he slumped down.
“Pathetic, don't understand why Gallant Heart put up with you.” Morning Blade withdrew his own sword as he approached Gladius.
“He's..... He was my brother.....” Gladius stood up finding the will to stand up. “He wanted to keep me safe from monsters like you and the Bluebloods... I understand why he chose his path.” Gladius spat blood from his mouth as Morning Blade drove a hoof into Gladius's stomach sending the stallion reeling.
“Then you should have joined him, you should have seen that traitor Twilight Sparkle for what she really was. A traitor who wanted Celestia's throne and her power!” Morning Blade shouted at Gladius.
“No........ Twilight was no traitor!” Gladius, grimacing in pain stood up. “Neither was my brother........ he told her he was sorry for what he did that night......” he winced in pain.
“Soft to the end, I always figured as much.” Morning Blade raised his sword about to deal the killing blow when he felt hooves strike his side. He cried out as he went down in pain.
“Not as soft as you are!” Shining Armor shouted, he had finished the commanders off when he learned of the fight between Morning Blade and Gladius. Luckily Shining made it in time. “Morning Blade, killing you won't be enough! I'll make sure justice is served.” he said as he tented to Gladius's wounds.
“Shining.... didn't think you'd make it.” Gladius said to Shining Armor as he was helped up. “If he were here, Gallant would have done the same.” Gladius said as blood ran down from his mouth.
“If you know a good healing spell I suggest you use it now.” Shining Armor told Gladius.
“Justice??” Morning Blade stood up as he glared at Shining Armor. “You fool, there is no justice! Not till Queen Majesty rules over all!” he shouted as he grabbed his sword. “Now....... I'LL SEND YOU TO TARTARUS WITH YOUR WHORE SISTER!!!” Morning Blade shouted as he charged Shining Armor with his sword out. But before Morning Blade could connect he found himself crashing into a barrier. The impact knocked the butt of his sword into his own head knocking himself unconscious. Shining Armor turned around and smirked having set a ward in place knowing what Morning Blade was about to do.
“ No Morning Blade, Tartarus is a place reserved for your buddies Tirek, Amadeus, and Majesty.” Shining Armor growled at the unconscious Morning Blade. Soon the Equestrian army began to chain up the beaten Unicornians. Shining Armor had stood in the inn as Gladius's wounds were tended too, luckily for Gladius none were mortal thanks to a healing spell Gladius knew. Shining Armor however pondered the new information he was given.
“Sir, we've located the prison camp and were able to overpower the guards there, the citzens are safe now. Apparently they were trying to force the citizens to bow to Majesty or face death.” the guard told Shining Armor.
“That's a relief. Right now we'll need to return to the Empire. I hope Twiley is okay too.” Shining Armor couldn't help but worry about his sister.
“Why that's easy Shiny.” Came a familiar voice as Discord appeared. “Ooh looks like I missed all the fun.” he pouted.
“Discord, just in time. Maybe you can get us all back to the Empire.” Shining Armor turned his attention to the spirit of chaos.
“Oh yes indeed, consider it done Shiny.” Discord snapped his claw as he, Shining Armor, Gladius, and their prisoners were taken to the Crystal Empire. Once they arrived the Empire's guards quickly herded Morning Blade and the captured Unicornians to the dungeon while Shining Armor and Gladius Stride went into the castle with Discord.
“Shining!” Princess Cadence rushed to her husband as she threw her arms around him and kissed him.
“I'm glad to see you too hon, where's Flurry at?” Shining Armor asked as Twilight Velvet arrived with Flurry Heart.
“She's right here.” Twilight Velvet approached her son as she hugged him. Shining could feel the tiny hooves of his daughter hug his nose. He laughed.
“I take it you two were victious?” Princess Celestia entered next with Princess Luna.
“We've taken back Manehattan. This should send Amadeus into a frenzy. Though I did get some information on how Majesty became queen. She married Prince Silversteel.” Shining Armor began to explain what he learned while disguised. Celestia looked surprised when she shouldn't have been.
“So Silversteel is dead. And I know Amadeus must have had a hoof in it.” Princess Celestia responded.
“Yeah, most likely to ensure Majesty reigns alone as queen. What worries me is that she rose in magic faster than Twiley did.” Shining Armor told Princess Celestia.
“What?!” Princess Celestia shouted in shock.
“This cannot be!” Princess Luna added on also in shock.
“Shiny, how can this be?” Cadence asked Shining Armor.
“Cadence I wish I knew.” Shining Armor.
“Same here, I want to know how Unicornia got their soldiers to the Erebus Islands in short time.” Came a voice as Twilight Sparkle walked in with Starlight Glimmer, the element bearers, and Spike.
“Twiley! Man I'm glad your alright.” Shining Armor greeted his sister as Twilight Velvet hugged her older daughter just relieved to see her.
“BBBFF how did it go?” Twilight asked before she noticed the injuries Gladius Stride suffered.
“We freed Manehattan. Morning Blade is our prisoner. Now we can focus on getting Amadeus and Majesty.” Shining Armor told Twilight as she nods her head.
“Believe me, I want first crack at Amadeus for what he did to Twilight.” Spike growled at the mention of Amadeus's name.
“Spike?? Man you had us all worried when you ran away.” Shining Armor greeted Spike
“Sorry guys, I was just so upset nobody was going after Amadeus Blueblood I just snapped and ran away. I did get involved with a guild and made new friends in Judecca.” Spike began to tell his tale about the isles and the training he received from Marc.
“Sounds like your ready for war Spike.” Shining Armor told Spike.
“yeah, hey how did those jerks get to Judecca that fast anyhow? We didn't see any warships there.” Rainbow Dash spoke up.
“I think I know how they did.” Starlight Glimmer spoke up as she stepped forward.
“Starlight what is it?” Twilight asked her student.
“It happened a while back, when you were still in hibernation Twilight. I went to visit your memorial when I was confronted by Amadeus Blueblood in the memorial garden.” Starlight Glimmer answered, the room felt silent as nobody said anything. Twilight Velvet knew what this could mean as she quickly got Flurry Heart out of the room. Lucky for her it was the right decision as Princess Celestia broke the silence.
“THAT ROTTEN MONSTER WAS IN MY MEMORIAL GARDEN?!” Princess Celestia shouted as her eyes went white, her mane exploding into flames as bright as the surface of the sun.
“Tia calm yourself!” Princess Luna tried to calm her sister down.
“He... was that close to me?!” Twilight growled hearing Amadeus was close to her gravesite.
“Yes. Queen Cicada helped him get there. He tried to recruit me into his army but I refused his offer and told him off. He swore next time he saw me he'd kill me.” Starlight recalled that night in the memorial garden.
“Wait Cicada?? I met a changeling in my travels who said Cicada displaced him in Chrysalis's hive and became queen.” Spike spoke up
“No way the changelings would help a bunch of racists like unicornia!” Rainbow Dash spoke up.
“Knowing Amadeus, he must be deceiving them somehow.” Twilight said.
“BBBFF! BSBFF! Your safe!” Twinklestar rushed to her siblings.
“hey Twinklestar, keeping up with your magic studies?” Twilight said to her younger sister as she nods.
“Yeah. I'm beginning to understand a lot of things but there's still so much to learn.” Twinklestar said to her older sister. “Sunburst was helping me too.” she said proudly.
“I'm glad to hear that.” Twilight said to her sister. “But right now we need to figure out why the changelings are helping the Bluebloods.” the Alicorn pondered.
“No, there is even more at stake than you realize. And welcome back to the land of the living Princess Twilight Sparkle. None of us foresaw your return from death.” Came a voice from the shadows.
“Who's there??” Shining Armor grabbed his sword with his magic. The four Princesses all lit their horns ready for anything.
“There's no need for violence Prince Shining Armor.” the voice spoke again.
“How can we trust you?” Shining Armor asked. The figure emerged revealing himself as a buck garbed in a cloak appeared. The Buck had a short blonde mane as his antlers softly glowed from the runes carved into them, his eyes glowed a soft purple as he approached the group.
“A deer? Here in the Crystal Empire??” Princess Celestia approached the deer.
“Yes. And I have much to tell you.” The Buck responded.