The Elements of Honor

by Flanagan

First published 23rd of June, 2013

The story of three stallions and their journey to fine their true destiny, rated Teen for blood, gore, sexual innuendos and language

Equestria's origins are long forgotten, as well as its most powerful weapon, but when three stallions, unknown even to Princess Celestia appear in the middle of an elite forces camp questions are raised. One, the earth pony, appears to be silent, but his sheer size and strength speak for him enough, another, a unicorn, seems to be quite laid back and pretty self-centered, but he can hold his own with powerful magic that rivals and possibly surpasses the combat skill of Captain Shining Armor, finally the third, a pegasus, apperently the oldest and leader of the three remembers something about his past, more in particular, somepony. Follow the three on a journey that will tell them who they were, where they will be going and finally who they were really meant to be.
Starting with a prologue that goes over a lot of things and explains enough to you so you don't get lost in the actual story.
Alternate Universe tag because it follows the canon story line of events all the way until 'Magical Mystery Cure' No Twilicorn.
Cover art done by good friend of mine on DA... Thinkerten, check his stuff out, he'd really good.

Prologue pt1: The Beginning

Equestria has been a blessed land. A land where all live in peace and harmony with one another, the immortal princesses Celestia and Luna rule with both kindness and great wisdom, but there was a time before their rule. Before Luna’s corruption and rise of Nightmare Moon and her one thousand year banishment to the moon, before Discord ruled over the land in a state of chaos, even before the three pony clans finally made peace and halted the chill of windigo hate. There was another tale, one that should have not been forgotten, and the tale of how it all began. The story of Equestria‘s birth, it‘s near destruction and the very thing used to stop that evil.
In the beginning, there was nothing but a mix of light and dark, no life could exist and only winds swept across the vast blank expanses. Then one day an event occoured that would change the universe forever. A single being was forged from the light and dark, he had the gift of flight, the power to wield and control magic, boasted strength beyond measure, it had a deep dark body with a mane of fire and tail of ice, he was Omnipotent, the first alicorn, the father of all pony kind. He gazed upon the nothing that now was his home and seeing that it had great potential for more than what he was gazing upon, he took it upon himself to make it somewhere worth existing in.

Omnipotent tirelessly worked on this land making it in his image, using his great strength he forged mountains, valleys, seas and all manner of habitat. Weilding his wings he created the mighity winds as well as the skies and clouds. Finally with his unmatched magic he created the sun and moon separating darkness and light permenantly and brought balance to the land by creating the seasons. When he felt that his creation was complete, he rested. Though pleased with his great work, he began to grow very lonely, even with the many creatures, such as dragons and the draconequus had come from their old lands to live there. Omnipotent, being the only one of his kind tore him apart inside, there were none like him to enjoy such splendor, such beauty, it truly was a lonely feeling. Until he decided to create one last thing, another like him, but a female, a companion which he could truly care for, one that could marvel in his creation with him, one he could relate with, one to be there for him.

So using his own body and the soil of his creation, he created a beautiful mare; similar to him in appearance and ability, but with her mane was aglow like the finest cut rubies, her body a dazzling white. He gazed upon her breath taking beauty, very pleased with his work; he called her Aurora, mother of Equestria.
As the many years passed Omnipotent formed several friendships, but of all of them his closest friends were a Dragon whose size made other dragons look like falcons to an eagle, named Dante of the Inferno, he was called this because he was the only dragon that was born from the Inferno itself, his body was purple, his spines green and wings that when spread could block the sun as if it were night in the day. He also befriended the most magical of the draconequus, the great Onus, a skilled and powerful chaos crafter. Who he had met after a harmless prank was played upon him.
Aurora and Omnipotent continued to watch over his creation, all was perfect but Aurora saw that even through its perfection it didn’t seem right. The dragons (though powerful, majestic and noble) never seemed to ally with one another because of their traits. The same was for the Draconequues, though their kind were not as strong as dragons, their superior abilities in the ways of magic had them live as the dragons did, alone and self-reliant. So Aurora took it upon herself to create a new species of creatures, all the same yet all unique. She would call them ponies and she created three seperate kinds.
First she made the pegasus, a winged creature whose ability of flight would be the envy of all others, but it lacked strength and had no power over magic. Second she created the unicorn, a creature that with their horn could weild and control the immense powers that came with magic, but they lacked strength and the power of flight. Finally Aurora created the earth pony, a simple being with no distinguishing features, but its physical prowess was next to none, though it lacked both magic and flight.
Omnipotent initially questioned Aurora’s intentions behind why she created them with only one of their special abilities instead of making more like themselves. Aurora replied so that they may learn to work together, forge strong bonds between them, to rely on more than themselves, and most importantly: so they could find the things that made them as individuals unique.
As the years continued to pass, Omnipotent and Aurora’s love grew until one day Aurora gave him another reason to love, a daughter, whose dazzling white body and vibrant mane sparkled in the sunlight. They called her Celestia, first born to Omnipotent. Soon after the birth of Celestia, Aurora gave Omnipotent another daughter, one whose body and mane were the color of the night sky. To her they gave the name Luna, the gem of the night.
With a small, loving family Omnipotent could not have been a happier stallion, but as with most good things, they always come to pass, sometimes in the most tragic of ways. Aurora grew gravely ill a few short years after the birth of Luna due to the sheer amount of magic used to create pony kind in such vast numbers. Omnipotent, Dante and Onus did everything they could to save her, but in the end it wasn’t enough. Aurora died on a cold night in icy rain, for even his creation felt his sadness that day. A grief stricken Omnipotent stood next to his young daughters as she was buried by the very beings she gave her life to create. Though heartbroken, Omnipotent knew he had to be strong for his daughters now more than ever before.

As with most great tragedies that one experiences in life, whether it is a loss of a loved one or a crippling injury to oneself, another event just as unthinkable began to take place. A blackness of unknown origin began to cover the farthest reaches of Omnipotent‘s creation, destroying everything it touched, giving no regard for anything in its dark path. Seriously alarmed, Omnipotent called upon his closest and most powerful friends and allies, Dante and Onus, to discuss how to stop such a being. They had to find a solution fast, for as they looked to find a way to stop it, the blackness still was still ominously moving across the land.

Author's Notes:

And that's how Equestria was made.... by the God-King Omnipotent and his beloved wife Aurora... who looks conspicuously like a certain writer/animator/developers OC... hmmm... This is how it all begins...

Prologue pt2: The Forging of Honor

“We must find a way to stop such evil…” Dante said, “If we don’t this land that so many peaceful creatures now call home and the creatures themselves will become nothing more than a forgotten memory.”

“If we become forgotten how in the world would we become a memory?.” Onus’s tone was, as always, sarcastic and condescending towards the dragons ’astute’ observation.

“Now is not the time for that kind of talk, Onus.” Dante growled at the draconequues. “If you remember, YOUR kind are in just as much danger of this as mine, and if you cannot take such a matter with any seriousness, I-”

“Oh, I KNOW of the threat that is at our doorstep, Dante, I just think continually restating that it will kill us all if we don’t do something is REALLY adding the ‘end of the world’ vibe going on here…” Onus interrupted throwing a small smirk and a raised eyebrow towards the now greatly angered dragon.

“You inconsiderate…!”

“ENOUGH!” Dante was halted mid-sentence but the now very vocal Omnipotent, who sat opposite of his two arguing counterparts. “Talk like this shall get us nowhere if we are to find a way to stop this thing that now begins to destroy my creation, and my Beloved Aurora’s ponies. I suggest that the both of you let bygones be bygones and aid me in this, our darkest hour. So that all that has been done not be undone, and that all the sacrifices made by the few will not go in vein.”

“Omnipotent, my friend,” Dante Began “I will stop at nothing to protect my new home, even if it means my life, this blackness can break my body, but it can never break my WILL to stop it.”

“I thank you for that, Dante” Omnipotent said “but we cannot just blindly charge in and attack such a thing and lose the most powerful of us in mere seconds,” he turned to the other in the room “Onus,” he began, “what do you think we should do to stop such a creature?”

“Well,” Onus began “if not for you I probably would have driven myself to madness centuries ago given the power of my chaotic spells,” Onus rubbed his bearded chin, “but I have sworn myself to you and the land that you have made, it is my DUTY to protect and serve this land and its inhabitants, I owe you that much, there is no doubt in my mind about that. Other than that, I have no idea.”

“I am fortunate to have friends like the two of you, despite your bickering, but words will not stop this thing, we need to find out something to stop it. Even if it means my own death, I am willing to make that SACRIFICE, just to insure that my dear daughters and my wife’s ponies continue on in everlasting peace.”
It was that moment that something clicked in Omnipotent’s head, all of the things they spoke of that the three held in such high regard, will, duty and sacrifice. Though they were just words could there be a way to make them into something more? Omnipotent rushed out of the room, leaving the now confused dragon and draconequues to wonder what the buck just happened.

Dante and Onus followed the path that Omnipotent had taken it, seemed to lead to the forge. Omnipotent never went there, except for official business, they knew that he had something in mind, something to stop the terrible blackness from destroying what they loved. When they arrived at the forge they saw pony workers hastily scrambling about, Dante nearly stepped on a few as they ran between his tree sized legs. They finally saw him, Omnipotent, manning the forge in all its furry, the flame erupting form its belly was near hot enough to match even Dante’s flame. Dante and Onus came to his side, wondering what the creator of this entire world was doing manning a forge, seemingly doing a peasants work.

“Omnipotent,” Dante began to speak “what are you doing down here in the pits of your home, this is no place for one such as yourself.”

“My place is with my creation, Dante” Omnipotent replied “and now my creation is in peril, so I came here to create the very things I believe we need to stop the destruction of what we all have grown to love.” Omnipotent finished still furiously working the forge to an unimaginable heat.

“What exactly are you making, friend?” Onus asked looking over Omnipotent’s shoulder, trying to sneak a peek at his friends work. “I think that armor and blade alike will just do what all the other things that it comes into contact with. You know, get destroyed and stuff.”

“These are going to be no ordinary armaments, Onus…” Omnipotent said still focused on the forge, “These will be the greatest weapons that anypony has ever seen, for they will be the embodiment of the most powerful thing in existence.” a small smile came across Omnipotent’s face, it was the first time he had smiled since Aurora had passed.

“Uh, Harmony?” Dante asked with both claws in the air.

“No,” Omnipotent quickly answered, “definitely not harmony, though strong it could not fight this blackness we face.”

“Oh please tell me that it is not love.” Onus begged an awkward look came across his face as he met Dante’s equally awkward gaze, “because I don’t play for that team…”

“Ha-ha-No,” Omnipotent chuckled a bit at the thought, “again very strong, but just not enough to stop the blackness.”

The fires continued to roar out of the forge, now, Omnipotent thought, the flames bellowed with the right intensity. Dante and Onus looked in awe as Omnipotent opened a large chest with his magic and lifted several mysterious metal bars from the trunk’s insides. The material was nether silver or gold though it shined like both and yet it had a rigid look about it as if they were made of diamond as well. Omnipotent carefully placed the bars in the forge, using magic and the tools of the forge master, he began to forge the metal into what he hoped would stop the blackness forever.

Hours passed and the flames of the forge still roared with the intensity of a dragon’s hellish flames as Omnipotent molded and shaped the mystery metal into various shapes. What he was forging was the one hope for his creation, for his daughters, for his love’s ponies. They had to be perfect to hold what they were going to hold, and Omnipotent didn’t want any mistakes, but time was running short, the blackness was ever approaching the castle, destroying everything and leaving nothingness, it would only be a few more days until it arrived at Omnipotent‘s castle.

Beads of sweat streamed down Omnipotent’s entire body, he was finally finished with his work, he knew not how long it had been since he started this task, nor did he know if his ‘one last hope’ would even work, but he and his allies had to try.

“It is finished,” Omnipotent said giving a long exasperated sigh “behold my friends, the one thing they may yet save our world.” He placed in front of Onus a shield, in front of Dante a ring and in front of himself, a set of armor similar to what he already wore but more exposed, leaving several vital parts open.

“Touch them,” Omnipotent said, gesturing at his friends then to the items placed before them. “They’re quite cool.” he said in a reassuring voice.

After several moments of staring at the great alicorn in confusion, Onus was the first to speak. “How are these going to help stop the blackness?” he questioned, “and why would we touch them right after it came out of that blazing inferno of yours?”

“Trust me,” Omnipotent said trying to reassure his confounded friend “it’s very easy, I’ll show you.”

Omnipotent then removed his normal armor with his magic and began to place the new set on himself. Dante and Onus winced expecting screams of pure agony and pain, but instead they saw an amazing, glowing set of armor with Omnipotent levitating in midair without using his wings or magic. Then they noticed he was saying something under his breath, they mouthed it out to themselves, ‘sacrifice!’
Then an explosion of royal blue erupted throughout the forge, the worker ponies all stopped and stared in awe with Dante and Onus as the armor mystically separated itself then readjusted around Omnipotent’s body. He opened his eyes now glowing in the same shade of blue as the previous explosion. He finally came to the ground and stood before Dante and Onus, and then he spoke.

“BEHOLD FRIENDS!” Omnipotent’s voice carried across the entire castle and beyond “WHAT YOU GAZE UPON NOW IS OUR LAST HOPE, CAST IN MYTH STEEL!”

“What IS it?” Onus said his mouth still agape in disbelief of what he just saw.

“My friend,” Omnipotent said as the shine in his eyes faded, showing his natural silver and golden eyes “I carry upon my shoulders the first, and the strongest elements of what I hope will save us, I carry SACRIFICE!” his eyes began to glow again as he started to levitate again. “NOW, TAKE YOUR ARMAMENTS, MY BRETHREN,” he continued “FOR WE HAVE FEW ALLIES, AND TIME IS NOT ONE OF THEM!”

Dante and Onus looked at each other unsure of what was going on. Then they looked at the items at their feet still looking white hot, carefully Dante reached for the ring that Omnipotent placed before him. To his surprise it was not hot at all; again carefully he placed the ring around one of his front right claws. Just as Omnipotent before him, an explosion, but not blue, instead a very deep emerald green surrounded him, he heard a small voice, one like a whisper in his ear, it sounded like it said ‘and what do you stand for?’. Without second thought he whispered back “will.” upon saying that his eyes shot open glowing in the deep green that had encompassed him before.

Dante spoke with the same volume as Omnipotent “LOOK UPON ME, FOR I AM DANTE OF THE INFERNO, THE VERY EMBODIMENT OF WILL ITSELF!”

“This is just too weird,” the gawking Onus said “even for me…”

“ONUS,” Omnipotent said gazing upon his counterpart, “TAKE THY SHIELD AND STAND WITH US!” he pointed his hoof at Onus’s feet.

Onus looked down upon the shield that lay before him. “Well,” he began “you only live once…” he gathered the shield in his left, eagle-like claw. Again with what happened to Dante and Omnipotent, an explosion but of a golden color covered him, the whisper came to him and asked him what it had asked the others before him and with no hesitation he said “duty”. His eyes glowed with a golden glaze as he bellowed “CAST THINE EYES UPON ME, FOR I AM ONUS, THE ELEMENT OF DUTY!”

The three of them hovered over the forge; all the working ponies had been long gone terrified of what had just taken place. They all landed, near simultaneously all breathing heavily for the events that just took place only moments ago. A silence fell on them, one that lasted only a few moments before Onus broke it.

“Well,” he began “that was surely something, and unlike most other things that do that to me, I won’t have a hangover in the morning… I think.”

“When Onus spoke, he called himself the ‘element of duty’,” Dante said to Omnipotent “and before you returned to your bizarre state you said you carried ‘the element of sacrifice’, explain this to me, friend.”

“Dear Dante,” Omnipotent said with a smile on his face, “we represent the three smaller elements that make up the one major element that we all represent,” he paused to breathe, then his eyes shown blue again “ WE ARE THE ELEMENTS OF HONOR, THE MOST POWERFUL THING IN CREATION!”

“Omnipotent, my dear friend,” Onus began, after tapping him on his side to get him out of his trance “I do, I mean I REALLY do beg your pardon here, but why make three separate pieces when you could just make one with ALL of these ‘elements’ in it, it would have been much, MUCH easier.”

Omnipotent only smiled and replied “Because SHE would have wanted me to do it this way,” a small tear started to run down his cheek “I try to honor her memory anyway I can now.” Omnipotent whipped his face with his hoof and continued. “Aurora made ponykind the way they are so they could work together, making them stronger, and though alone we are more than capable of accomplishing this task, together we are far stronger than we are on our own, in short, we stand together or die alone.”

The three of them looked at one another they knew that Omnipotent was right, after all, the name has to stand for something, but now was not time for idle chat. The blackness was within sight of the castle and the elements of honor had to be off to protect the land that they loved, it was a long shot, but a shot none the less. They at least had to try, try for their friends, try for their homes, and try for their children.

Prologue pt3: Love of a Father

Dante and Onus headed toward the sounds of agony and despair that the blackness was causing. Omnipotent on the other hoof, stayed back. He had to say goodbye to at least two young mares in the castle before he might never see them again. Omnipotent entered his daughter’s joined rooms and called them to his side, Celestia was the first to come out of her well selected hiding place, not much larger than a pony herself. She saw that it was her father and made a beeline for him, surprising him to the point that he actually lost balance an fell to the floor. She laid on top of him, giving a very concerned look and a small frown. She had hoped her daddy was not harmed by her playful manner. Sensing her concern, he gave his little filly a reassuring smile. When she realized her father was unharmed, she cheered right up and began to nuzzle the large alicorn.

“Always so concerned about others, my little Celestia,” he said with a smile, “if only your mother could see you now, she would be so proud of you.”

Omnipotent lifted her up toward the ceiling, Celestia smiling all the way, giggling as if she were just born a few years ago. It was Celestia’s giggling that raised the attention of another in the room, a smaller darker alicorn, the sweet little Luna. Omnipotent saw his other daughter, placed Celestia on the floor and began to walk over to his youngest. She just stood there, her deep blue eyes watery and about to let loose a torrent of sadness. She had been like this since Aurora had died, Omnipotent had never even heard her say one word or smile once since then, she was still so young. For one her age, it must have been very hard for her to cope with such a loss.

While Celestia was very sad as well at the loss of her mother, she had grown a very strong bond with her father before the tragic event. She followed him everywhere, even into places he didn’t want her to follow him. She loved being woken up early by him so she could watch Aurora lower the moon while he rose the sun, and there they would sit, sometimes for hours, watching the sun slowly rise. She had learned much from him and loved him dearly, even after all the times she had gotten caught in bad, if not deadly situations. He had always been there to save her, to comfort her, and if needed, to show her right from wrong.

Luna, on the other hoof, was very different. She was not as outgoing as her big sister, even though Celestia did drag her along on several of her ‘adventures’. She had grown very close to Aurora, as close as Celestia had to Omnipotent, Luna would always go out and watch Aurora garden the flowers outside the castle, even helping Aurora from time to time, and if she did good (which she always did) she would get a flower to put in her mane. Almost every night Luna and Aurora would sit and watch as Omnipotent lowered the sun while Aurora raised the moon. Aurora would then sing her lullabies until she fell asleep. How she had charished those days so long past. Though Omnipotent tried to be there for her as much as he could, he just wasn’t there enough in Luna’s mind.
“Little Luna,” Omnipotent spoke softly to the dark filly. “My, you are beginning to grow up so fast. It won’t be long until you are as big as your sister.”
He tried to comfort her, but she still held the same expression in her eyes she had the day they buried Aurora. He placed his hoof under her chin and gave a comforting smile.
“Daddy has to go for a little while ok?” he said, trying to hold back tears himself. “I’ll do my best to come back and when I do, maybe we can go play in the garden.”
Those words set loose the wave of tears that Luna had been trying to hold back for so long. They seemed as if they would never stop cascading from her little face.

“I… I’m so sorry, Luna,” Omnipotent said as he quickly embraced his youngest, “I-I shouldn’t have said that Luna, I know how you felt about her, I’m sorry… I’m SO sorry…” He was struggling to hold back tears of his own. How cold and harsh of a thing to say to his still grieving little mare, he truly felt terrible for what he said. “I’ll make it up to you Luna, I swear.” a single tear fell from his eye to the floor into a puddle that he was now sitting in.

After some time, Luna stopped crying, simply because she had no more tears left to cry. She just looked at Omnipotent, her eyes red and nose running, sniffing every few seconds. Celestia, upon seeing the exchange had also began to tear up then remembered what her father said before all the tears started to fall.

“Daddy?” she asked, sniffing a little, “where are you going? And why did you say ‘do your best to come back’?”

Omnipotent let out a long sad sigh as he magically brought Celestia into his embrace along with her sister. “Girls,” he began, with yet another tear falling off his muzzle “Daddy has to go and try to stop the blackness that has been coming this way.” The filly’s faces grew fearful, as he predicted. “Because if my friends and I don’t try, then everything that you love will go away and never come back.”

“B-But, but daddy,” Celestia’s eyes began to well up like Luna’s prior to this new conversation, “y-you WILL come back, r-right? Y-you have to raise the sun soon.”

“That’s right Celestia, you have always been so smart,” Omnipotent said forcing a smile as he continued “but now I have to stop the bad thing that is coming this way, at all cost, to keep my brave little mares safe.” again more tears ran down his face as he was trying to keep that smile.

“DADDY!” Celestia burst into tears as she wrapped her hooves around Omnipotent’s neck “P-PLEASE DON’T GO! I DON’T WANT A NEW DADDY, I-I JUST WANT Y-YOU!”

“I know Tia,” Omnipotent said, placing his hoof on Celestia’s back, “II know that you don’t want me to go, but if I don’t, then everything that your mother and I made would have been for nothing… and if I don’t try there would have been no point to what we did in the first place.”

“B-BUT, BUT Y-YOU, YOU COULD D-D-D-D-DI…” Celestia couldn’t even finish the three letter word before she broke into tears, even Luna had begun to cry again. The tears were running down their faces as Omnipotent clung to them tightly, unable to hold his own tears anymore.

“I know Tia,” Omnipotent said his eyes turning red, “but it must be done, we have to try to save the ones we love, no matter what, sometimes you need to give all you can and more to do that.” His heart sank at the thought, but sadly he knew he was right.

“P-P-PROM-PROMISE ME YOU W-W-WILL COME B-BACK!” Celestia cried between tears, “P-PROMISE ME!” she stopped crying and looked her father square in the eyes as she placed her small front hoof on his chest, their eyes both red from the tears.

“I can’t do that Tia,” Omnipotent said giving a stern look at his oldest daughter, but then a small, genuine smile came across his face. “But,” he began “I CAN promise you two things…”

“T-then promise them.” Celestia whimpered unable to cry anymore “Promise them.” The look she gave him was nearly as stern as his.

“Oh I shall,” Omnipotent said, the smile still there “I promise that I will LOVE you both for the rest of my life,” he looked them both directly in their eyes, “and I will NEVER forget either of you.”

He stood up holding both of them in one foreleg as he walked over to their beds. Gently, he placed them both on the bed and placed the covers over their small bodies. “I love you both.” he said tucking them in and giving them small kisses before walking away.

“D-daddy,” the small voice caught Omnipotent’s attention, it was Luna’s gentle soft voice.

He rushed back to her side, “Yes Luna?” he asked, with a smile and tears coming down his muzzle. “What do you need my sweet little alicorn?”

“I love you daddy.” Luna seemed to whisper the words. But it was as loud as she could get given the earlier events.

“I-I love you too.” he said as he kissed her again on her forehead. As he began to walk out of the room, he heard the little voice again.

“Daddy…” Luna said again.

“Yes Luna?” he said turning his head toward her, “what is it dear?”

“Kick the blackness-es ugly flank” she said with a deviant, but adorable grin.

“Of course Luna.” he said trying to hold back a laugh; he would have to talk to Celestia about using ‘big-mare’ words in front of Luna when he got back. That is IF he came back.

Prologue pt4: Behold Destruction

Omnipotent quickly caught up with Dante and Onus soon after he left the castle. It was now or never, as the three would be saviors of the land stood together alone, as a dark, black seemingly living cloud approached them.
“Well,” Onus was the first to speak “I never thought that I would be facing my doom with the likes of you two,” he said pointing at Dante and Omnipotent, “I always assumed that I would die by becoming a priceless piece of masonry or maybe even getting hit by a falling rainbow, or even-” a large reptilian claw covered the draconequues entire head.
“Please, Onus,” Dante began, his other claw covering his face, “of all the ridiculous ways you can imagine your end, THOSE have got to be the most farfetched ones I have heard or will ever hear.”
Onus snapped his fingers and teleported onto Dante’s head, “Well I never!” he exclaimed in a feminine accent. He then teleported right in front of the dragons face, eye to eye with him, or as best he could be, “YOU sir have NO imagination.” Onus said as he floated away from the clearly not amused dragon.
“Now is no time for such banter, brethren,” Omnipotent said staring down the greatest threat to his creation he had ever faced. “We must stand fast, and hold the line against this unknown force.”
A deep slow growl of a laugh came from the cloud. The three were shocked. The cloud understood what they were saying! Another shocking revelation came to them as the Black swirling cloud responded to their surprise.
“Heroes, as they see themselves as, stand before me at last! But they shall fall, like all others of the past…” the deep growl and hissing tone were unsettling to all of them, even Dante, who cringed a little at the blackness’s statement.
“Huh, and I thought I was always speaking in tongues.” Onus said crossing his arms giving the blackness a dirty look.
“One of them mad, one of them proud, and one of them in grief” the blackness responded “to think they could stop me, a fool’s belief.” The blackness gave another deep laugh. “Brave you are, for standing in my way, but now you shall die, on this… Destruction’s day!”
“What was that?” Omnipotent said, “A thing such as you has a name?”

The alicorn’s words reached the blackness and it bellowed yet another dark laugh.
“The name that you seek, needs some introduction, gaze upon your end, for now, you face DESTRUCTION!” his growl became a roar as the dark clouds shifted and heaved as the whatever was inside began to surface.
“By all things good…” Dante said as the beast emerged from the dark clouds.

He was simply massive. His body long and slender as a serpent’s body. He had four long, muscled arms. At the end of each, a hand with fingers like blades, incapable of holding anything. His neck wielded a large, oval shaped head bearing immense, razor-like teeth in multiple rows. Three eyes on each side, they were amber in color except for black reptilian pupils and multiple nostrils. Finally atop his head an enormous crest, black in color, much like the pattern that ran across his slithering body. Colors of blood red, yellow, and black checkered his body until they came to points that just made long ways stripes that flowed down his physic even through the dark cloud from which he came.
Destruction looked upon the three and again roared “I AM YOUR END, I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE, WHAT I BREAK YOU CANNOT MEND, NOW DESTRUCTION IS UPON YOU!”
A large claw lashed downward towards Omnipotent, but with blazing speed, he avoided the attack.
“READY YOURSELVES, BRETHREN,” he called out, “THE BATTLE HATH BEGUN!”
The massive being began to slash into the air, savagely aiming his blade like claws at the three who stood in his way. As for Omnipotent, Dante and Onus, they did everything to match Destruction’s vast power, magic, flame, tooth, claw and hoof landed on its mark, but their attacks only seemed to barely phase the massive monster.
“They fight as all others have, valiant and brave,” Destruction said as he nearly grabbed Onus, “and as all others before, they shall be sent to their GRAVE!”
“ARGH!” Dante roared with draconic rage as one of Destruction’s hands sliced across one of his wings, spiriting immense amounts of blood.
“NO! DANTE!” Omnipotent’s cry fell upon deaf ears as the powerful dragon nosedived toward the ground, streaks of blood trailing him the whole way.
BOOM! The sound of the crash could be heard for miles and the crater that Dante now lie in was nearly twice his already massive size, and blood from the dragon had already began to pool around him. Without Dante, they knew that the battle would be far more difficult, but they continued to press on, firing everything from magically summoned arrows to explosive chocolate milk at Destruction. Without Dante’s strength, it was not enough. Not long after Dante’s fall to the ground, Destruction used his black crest magic and launched it at Omnipotent. He was busy trying to dodge a blade-like claw to notice the beam coming toward him. Onus saw the attack from the start. He pushed his friend out of the way and rose his shield. The blast was a direct hit and though his barrier succeeded in blocking most of it, the rest was more than enough to take Onus down. Like Dante before him he collided with the ground not far from where Dante lie himself.
Now there was only one, the one who used his power to create this land against the one who wished nothing more than to destroy it. All hope seemed lost, but Omnipotent pressed on, fighting like tomorrow was not going to come, and by the looks of it, it wasn’t going to. Omnipotent used all he had in the next few minutes against Destruction, but with yet another blast form the black crest, he too, fell to the ground. Destruction cast his eyes on their motionless bodies and bellowed in a deep roar.
“THE LAST HAVE FALLEN, AT THE HAND OF MINE, NOW I SHALL RAISE THIS LAND, T’IL IT BE LOST TO TIME!” His echoing roar could be herd even from the castle, where two very young mares could do nothing but hold onto one another in their tears.
“… not… yet…” A broken, yet defiant voice came from the smoke and rubble under Destruction.
“What is this?” Destruction questioned himself, “my power is unstoppable, for you to still live, it is impossible!”
“Oh… I think not…” Omnipotent’s voice called out, “as long as there are ponies… dragons… or even draconequues like me, we will do all we can to deny you your lust for destruction…”
“…And if you think of us all dead…” Dante rose from the crater very bloody but still more than capable of finishing the fight.
“… You’ve got another thing coming…” Onus stood up wielding his shield and a bizarre weapon that seemed to fire muffins.
It was then that their eyes began to glow in unison. Omnipotent was the first to gaze at Destruction with the power that now flowed through him.
“THOU HATH FOUGHT WITH SAVAGERY AND BRUTALITY THAT MY EYES HAVE NEVER SEEN NOR DO THEY WISH TO SEE AGAIN MONSTER!” His voice echoed across the land.
“BUT YOU HAVE UNDERESTIMATED ONE DETAIL OF US AND NOW YOU SHALL PAY WITH YOUR LIFE!” Dante’s roar shook the land around him as he stretched his now unharmed wings.
“WE ARE WARRIORS; BOUND BY SOMETHING YOU DO NOT HAVE OR NEVER WILL!” Onus fired his muffin projectile at Destruction and began to load another.
“The keepers of this land, their power, it grows,” Destruction’s voice was now in an angered yet fearful tone, “from within it comes, this I know.”
“WE HAVE HONOR, DESTRUCTION,” Omnipotent’s voice rang out as the three began to levitate, “AND WITH IT WE WILL SEE YOUR END THIS DAY!”
“THIS CANNOT BE, MY POWER IS UNMATCHED, IT CANNOT BE DONE, NOTHING CAN-”
“SILENCE! YOU SOULESS BEAST!” Dante slammed himself into the massive being with such force the he was unable to speak. Destruction began to violently slash at Dante but the green aura of will kept the claws away from his wings.
“YOUR END IS NEAR, YES IT BE TRUE, OH WHAT DO YOU KNOW, I CAN RHYME TOO!” Onus comically shouted as his muffin cannon became lodged deep down Destruction’s throat, he pulled the trigger, filling Destruction’s gullet with chocolate chip goodness, again the gold aura guarded Onus from the gnashing teeth of destruction.
“NOW. DESTRUCTION, YOU WILL SEE THE TRUE POWER OF WILL, DUTY AND SACRIFICE!” Omnipotent said, as he flew high above the clouds “FOR TOGETHER, THEY… FORGE… HONOR!”
Omnipotent rocketed toward Destruction, who was being held in midair by Dante and Onus, who was still firing muffins down his throat. He gained more and more speed faster and faster until. WHOOM! He broke the barrier of sound as a rainbow was created at the same time due to the sheer force it took to travel at such speeds, his blue aura trailing him until, SLING! His body cut through Destruction like a sword through warm butter. Black ooze spewed from his gaping wound covering all three defenders in his filth. Dante released Destruction as the beast let out a terrible screeching roar while he fell to the ground, his body disintegrating the whole way down. With a thunderous crash, Destruction met the ground still much of his body was there being torn piece by piece as he continued to degrade into nothing.
“It seems that we have ended you.” Omnipotent said to the little that remained of his greatest foe.
“You cannot kill… only delay… I shall return… another day…” Destruction said with blackened blood oozing through his razor blade teeth, but last words were not as nearly as unsettling as the truly psychotic laugh he gave as the final parts of his body disappeared. There would be a time to fully ponder his last words one day, but now Omnipotent had two young fillies to return to, for this day evil had been vanquished. The three were welcomed back at the castle with cheers and beautiful flowers, and for one of them a double-filly bum rush that knocked the wind out of him.

Prologue pt5: Peace and Reflection

Many years had passed since Destruction’s defeat and all seemed as it should, Omnipotent had been teaching his daughters how to raise the sun and moon. Sure, he helped both of them from time to time, but they really didn’t need it. He was just happy they didn’t grow up too fast, though at times it seemed to him like it was only days ago that he was tucking them into bed and telling them stories so boring that they would eventually go to sleep. He smiled to himself remembering those days always made him smile, despite the loss of his beloved Aurora. Oh, how he missed her. If she could only see Celestia and Luna now, she would be so proud of them. After all, and as he thought very fortunately, they did get their looks form their mother.

As he thought back on those times, he stepped out further onto the castle’s balcony, looking down towards the beautiful garden. There he saw his oldest, Celestia, walking amongst the flowers and small animals that inhabited it. She was just enjoying the beauty that the garden provided, but Omnipotent did notice something out of place.

Celestia was wearing an elegant, silver dress, the expertly cut rubies and the golden lining made her seem to glow with even more beauty in the sun than usual. Omnipotent wondered why his daughter was so dressed up, what was the occasion. He never missed any occasion, or maybe it was her own special occasion. So he flew to the garden to investigate.

Celestia had just picked a rose and placed it in her mane as Omnipotent began to speak. “You look lovely today, Tia.” He said, seemingly startling his daughter.

“Father! You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that… Thank you by the way” She replied trying to cover her now blushing face with her mane.

“I apologize about that Tia, but I saw you wearing that dress and I couldn’t help but wonder if I didn’t remember today being a special event.” Omnipotent said trying to hide his smile.

Celestia’s face turned an even brighter red. “Oh… uh, this old thing? Well… I-uh, I just saw it ling around so I thought I would just try it on, you know, to see how it fit…” An awkward attempt at a smile came across her face, but it only made it harder for her father to contain his laughter.

“Oh I see,” Omnipotent said with a small smirk and a cocked eyebrow as he walked past her, “So…” he began casually, “what’s his name?” he said as he looked back at her.

“Onu…” Celestia’s hoof quickly covered her mouth as her cheeks grew a colorful red, and as if on cue, Onus swooped into the garden, a dozen assorted flowers in his arms. After the brief awkward silence that fell on the three in the garden, Onus was the first to speak.

“So…” he said looking away from the two alicorns, “nice weather today, huh buddy?”

“Oh yes, yes it is,” Omnipotent was no longer trying to hide his smile, “Celestia made this day especially delightful.” He shot a glance at his daughter, who was now a shade of red that even he hadn’t seen before.

“Father, I-I… I, uh…” Celestia said, trying to find the words to explain to her now chuckling father “well… you see, we… uh, we-”

“It’s alright, Celestia,” Omnipotent said raising his hoof cutting his daughter off mid-sentence, “there is no need to explain, your life is your own and you are an adult fully capable of making your own decisions, besides I’m glad that you found somepony to make you happy.” The look he gave at the two was one that made them see that his words were sincere.

“Well, that’s a weight off MY shoulders,” Onus said wiping the sweat off his brow, “now then, my dear, shall we be off to the opera?” he extended his lion-like arm towards the elegant white alicorn.

“Yes, yes we shall” Celestia said letting out a sigh of relief as she extended a hoof towards the draconequues, “I will be back soon, father.” she said as the two flew off.

“Just be back right before sun down!” Omnipotent shouted at them as they continued on their path.

As they faded out of sight Omnipotent just smiled, Celestia had grown so much. She had fallen in love with all life and was even, to his surprise, starting to take suitors. Though Onus was nearly twice her age, he realized that she was nearly three hundred years old and more than capable of taking care of herself these days. She would have avoided the whole awkward moment in the garden if she had just told him sooner though, that was one thing that made him sad, and though the two were still very close they had been drifting apart for the past several hundred years.

Just a part of growing up, he thought to himself, but a frown came across his visibly aging face. He wished they could have stayed as close as they were when she was a filly, all those times that she followed him into places that nopony in their right mind would enter, all the times they would watch the sunrise together. When he actually taught her how to raise the sun, the day she did it by herself for the first time and when she got her as Luna called it ‘Cutie Mark’. Those were the days he thought, looking up at the sun, and those days were over. He lowered his head, a small tear forming in his eye, but he had to not look back at that, because there was an appointment that he had to keep with another alicorn. One who over the years had done the opposite of her older sister.

“You were almost late, daddy,” Luna said playfully trotting up to her father and wrapping her forelegs around his neck. “We were getting worried that you had forgotten.”

“Luna, my sweet little Luna,” Omnipotent said as he stroked her sky blue mane, “How could I forget such an occasion? After all this is the first time you get to lift the moon completely unassisted.”

“Where’s Celestia?” Luna said, with a small look of concern on her face, “She said that she would be here to see.”

“I’m sure that she is on her way, Luna,” Omnipotent said trying to reassure his youngest, “she would not forget a day this important to you.”

“I hope so daddy, after all I was there when she lifted the sun by herself…” Luna said still a bit of concern in her voice.

Omnipotent could just smile as his youngest began preparing herself for her big night. Like Celestia she had grown so much, but she still had that foal like playfulness and spirit. Her love of knowledge had made her grow closer and closer to her father, who was more than happy to show her almost everything that he knew. The time they spent together was mostly that of him showing her the wonders of his creation and her asking how it all worked, but from time to time a playful game or two was had between them. He loved the games the most; they actually tested his wit from time to time, for Luna had become a trickster of sorts. A smile came across his face as he remembered one such game that actually got Dante covered in tree sap.

“Daddy?” Luna’s voice snapped him out of his memories.

“Yes Luna, what is it?” Omnipotent asked as he saw a small frown come across her face.

“Before I do this,” Luna began, “can we talk about, you know… mom… just for a little bit, you know? Just until Celestia gets back?” She lowered her head kicking the rocks beneath her hooves.

The question came as a truly surprising one to Omnipotent, in all of the years they had been this close, she never asked him about her, not even once. He just looked at his youngest daughter; her normal playful manner had turned into one of slight sadness and seeming guilt. He knew had no other choice about what to do with the question that was asked.

“Of course, Luna,” Omnipotent said lowering himself to her eyes, which were still gazing towards the ground. “What do you wish to know?”

“Well,” Luna began, “how did she come to be?” Her eyes looked toward the loving eyes of a knowing and understanding father.

“I made her,” he answered, “from the clay of my creation and my very own flesh.” He said as he lay down in front of Luna, to better be at her level.

“D-did it hurt?” she asked as she averted her gaze toward the far right.

“Yes, it hurt very much Luna,” he responded, Luna had a slight look of surprise, in all this time, Omnipotent never admitted to feeling any kind of pain, ever.

“Then why did you make her?” Luna asked, still gazing down and away from her father, “Why make something if its creation hurt you so much?”

“Luna,” Omnipotent began, placing his hoof under Luna’s chin, pulling her face towards his so she could look at him while he answered, “because what is life if you live in a perfect world, if you live in it without another to enjoy it with?”

“I-I don’t know, daddy,” Luna said brushing off Omnipotent’s hoof as she laid down in front of him still staring at him, “I guess living like that would not be a life worth living.”

“You said you didn’t know, Luna,” he said with a small smile growing across his face, “that is exactly why I created her; I wanted to live for something.”

“Live for what?” Luna asked, her eyes beginning to water.

“Love,” Omnipotent answered, lightly stroking the mane of his youngest, providing comfort, “it is the one thing that makes a life worth living, because without that you can’t have anything else.”

“Like Celestia and myself?” Luna asked as a tear began to run down her cheek.

“You are a very beautiful and clever little mare.” Omnipotent responded, wiping the stray tear away from his daughter’s face.

Luna’s voice began to stutter as she asked the most painful question for the both of them. “H-how did she d-die?”

“Your mother grew very ill, Luna.” he said softly, trying to stay the tide of tears in both their eyes.

“Why?” Luna’s voice began to whimper, “w-why did she get sick so daddy, what made her so ill?”

“Luna, though we are very powerful in the ways of magic, we are limited in the amount we have…” Omnipotent’s voice grew soothing and warm as he tried to explain it gently to his youngest, “your mother, she… she just used too much magic to make all ponykind.”

Another lone tear ran down Luna’s face as she began to speak. “W-was there anything t-that could have been done for her? C-could she still be alive today?”

“Luna… Dante, Onus and myself used almost all the magic we had trying to save her, I’m afraid that no matter what, she would have not regained her health before it took her.” Omnipotent’s face was met with a single tear; running across his muzzle before it fell toward the ground.

Luna could not hold back anymore, she rushed towards her father, tightly wrapping her forelegs around his neck, tears running down her face without restraint. Omnipotent did the only thing he could do, he returned the embrace, softly stroking Luna’s mane as he fought his own tears, trying to give comfort to the one who was closest to his wife when she died.

“It will be alright Luna,” he said in a tender, soothing fatherly voice, “she never really left you know, she lives on in you and in all the ponies that adore you.”

“B-but I just want to see her, j-just… just one more time!” Luna’s voice rushed between the torrents of tears that cascaded from her eyes.

“I know Luna,” Omnipotent said, tears beginning to trickle out of his own eyes, “I do too.”

Omnipotent held his youngest in his forelegs while she released every tear that she had been holding back. It seemed like hours, but finally the last tear had fallen to the ground and not a moment too soon. Celestia landed just several minutes later, hoping that she didn’t miss her little sister’s big moment. It didn’t take long for Luna to recompose herself so she could raise the moon. Omnipotent watched in silent pride as Celestia lowered the sun and Luna used all of her ability to raise the moon. After several minutes Luna was exhausted, but when she looked to the sky she saw a large pale sphere floating in the sky and that wasn’t even the best part. Celestia pointed to her sister’s flack revealing a dark mark with the shape of the moon in the center. Not only had Luna raised the moon but she had also received her Cutie Mark, their elation was second to none that evening, but as with all good things, it had to end.

Prologue pt6: The Hardest Choice

A short time had passed since that night. Omnipotent, who had normally stayed out of pony affairs, saw that many ponies began to commit acts of evil. This was not uncommon, but what bothered him was that they did these acts of violence, hate and other wrongs in the name of honor. Omnipotent was sickened by their claims that the causes that were so obviously evil were for honor. He saw evil ponies manipulate and take advantage of the weak and innocent of their kind and use them against forces of good. The line was finally drawn when evil ponies led their armies against Omnipotent himself. They claimed that the one who had nearly died to save their ancestors had no honor at all and that they should lead ponykind.

They lead their forces in a war that came all the way to the castle gates itself. Once again the elements of honor were called upon, but not against a foreign threat, but against the ponies that he loved so much. Dante, Onus and Omnipotent stood with the best of the royal guard on the bridge to the castle as the nearly endless hordes of evil pony armies advanced upon them. The battle lasted for some time, both sides taking heavy losses, until finally the evil leader ponies showed their cruel and violent heads. Then the elements were ignited, their power smashed through the forces of evil, leaving none in their path. As soon as it had begun, the war had ended.

Omnipotent was very troubled by this event, the very thing that was the ultimate force for good was somehow used for great evil. It was used to twist and wash the minds of many by evil, yet sweet tongues, to rise against the bearers of honor. He shuttered to think what would have happened if those evil ponies had gotten their hooves on the elements. Days later Omnipotent was at the battlefield still thinking about those evil ponies, and then he had an idea.

“General Ballista!” Omnipotent’s voice rang over the field of battle as a single, dark grey coated pegasus, flew towards to origin of the call.

“Yes, my king.” General Ballista’s voice was deep and horse from the combat from those past days. “What is it you wish?”

“Gather your fastest pegesi, and make travel to Inferneon, tell Dante of the Inferno to meet me ten days from now at the castle, during the high moon, I will need words with him then.” Omnipotent spoke with a tone that even General Ballista was concerned about the reasons for such a request.

“It will be done, my king.” General Ballista said flying away gathering his fastest troops who were still able to fly.

Back at the castle, Omnipotent walked down its halls contemplating what should be done. After many hours of endless thought on the matter, he came to the one and only conclusion that he could come up with that would keep everypony safe. He made his way down the castle’s corridors, towards his daughter’s rooms, it pained him greatly, but this was the only way that he could think of to keep all his creation safe form harm.

Some ten days later at the castle, a large purple figure loomed in the light of the moon. Dante had arrived, still wondering why Omnipotent had sent such a strange summons. It wasn’t his normal means of doing it; he must have been very busy doing something important in the castle. Dante found Omnipotent, standing on his personal balcony, staring out at his creation. Dante noticed he looked very troubled, what was this about, he wondered, something must have been tearing him apart for at least a few days. Omnipotent looked as if he hadn’t slept in a week or more. He wondered what was bothering his oldest friend, whatever it was he was surely going to get answers tonight.

“I am here friend,” Dante said, “now, do you mind telling me why you have summoned me in such a way and at this late of an hour?” his tone was in jest, but Omnipotent’s expression remained unchanged.

“Dante,” Omnipotent began with a deep sigh, “I am a horrible father…”

“Is that what this is about?” Dante’s tone turned into one of surprise, “Friend, I’m sure that I could find two sisters in this very castle that would disagree with such a statement, now what is it you wish to speak of?”

Omnipotent kept staring into the night as the words came from his mouth, “I cursed them…”

“YOU DID WHAT?!” the dragon’s voice thundered through the castle, “How could you do that to YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD?!” small flames flew out of his nostrils as his rage toward his friend grew with every passing second.

“I did it to protect them,” Omnipotent said turning toward Dante with tears in his eyes, “to protect my entire creation… to protect the thing my beloved died to create.”

“You have A LOT of explaining to do ‘old friend’.” the dragon’s words were softer but still harsh toward the alicorn.

“And I will, but not here,” Omnipotent said stretching out his wings, “please friend follow me.”

The two flew a great distance, toward the noponies lands that had been barren since Destruction’s coming. Once they had arrived Omnipotent pointed toward a rocky out crop.

“There…” he said descending towards it with Dante following close behind. The two landed and placed themselves facing each other.

“Now, before you ‘confide’ in me Omnipotent,” Dante began, glaring at the alicorn, “do you mind telling me what curse did you put on your own, loving daughters?”

With a deep sigh, Omnipotent responded, “Immortality…” he shook head, a tear falling off his muzzle.

“That is what you did?” Dante asked surprised, “That seems more like a gift than a curse to-”

“Everypony they will ever become friends with, whoever they choose to love, will die, yet they will continue to live on,” Omnipotent’s voice cut through Dante’s thoughts, “Dante, I could not imagine a worse hell…”

“I see your point,” Dante said looking upon the emotionally torn alicorn, “but why them, friend why?”

“They are the closest thing to Aurora’s creation that there is,” Omnipotent replied, “they can connect with them and protect them better than anything in my creation…”

“You will have to explain further, my friend,” Dante replied, a look of concern on his face, “you could have just as easily cast that spell on myself or Onus, even on yourself yet you chose your daughters, do you see them using the elements of honor better than the three of us?”

“No,” Omnipotent’s voice turned sharp with the element’s mention, “the elements of honor must be forgotten, they are the most powerful thing in creation, but we have both seen what those with evil in their hearts can do with the noble power of honor.”

“Those were mad ponies; their lust for power was their undoing the elements had nothing to do with their rise.” Dante responded.

“I wish it was like that, Dante,” Omnipotent said looking up at Dante, “but you know damn well that they used honor to manipulate the minds of the innocent and weak, and since all ponies have a bond amongst each other that makes them stronger than any alicorn, dragon or draconequus, there would be a time when we would fall and those who wish to use the elements of honor for their dark purposes could not be stopped…. I cannot let that happen, Dante” he stared into the darkness back towards the land that he had nearly died for on several occasions.

“So, what do you plan on doing about it, Omnipotent?” Dante asked raising his eyebrow.

“It’s simple, Dante,” Omnipotent began, “the first part of my plan has already been set in motion.”

“Plan?” Dante asked, his head tilted to one side, “You will need to explain further, my friend.”

“The elements were created to stop Destruction, Dante,” Omnipotent began, a cold seemingly endless stare on his face, “it was a proud moment, not just for ponies, but in all beings history, but now all beings know of the elements of honor, all know of Destruction and all know of us, however, if nopony can remember these events then they can’t use the elements for evil or, as I fear, to bring Destruction back…”

“You cannot be talking about what I think you are talking about, Omnipotent…” Dante said with a look of disbelief.

“I am, Dante,” Omnipotent continued, “when I believe my daughters are truly ready I shall cast a spell to wipe the memories of all beings across my creation, nopony will have memories of Destruction, the elements… or even us, and it will be a new start for all.”

“Using that much magic at once will kill you, friend,” Dante grew concerned for Omnipotent, “and what if it doesn’t work.”

“It will work, Dante,” Omnipotent responded, “I can only see dragons being able to resist my spell, namely you, so I ask you please when you sense the spell over you, let it take hold, don’t fight it, it is to protect us all.”

“This is a fool’s hope, Omnipotent,” Dante said, “I cannot forget, I will not forget, if Destruction returns you and I both know that it was honor and honor alone that stopped him.”

“I thought you would say that,” Omnipotent said looking disappointed, “I will do it soon, for my daughters are almost ready and again, friend. I ask you to let the spell take hold, for the better of us all.”

Omnipotent and Dante parted ways, both with heavy minds about the things one another had said. Years passed, and Omnipotent, with a heavy heart did what he said he would, he flew to one of the highest mountains in his creation. There he cast his spell whipping all memories and physical evidence of the elements, Destruction and himself off his beloved creation. With tears flowing out of his eyes, the magic from his horn began to take effect.

“I’m sorry Celestia…” he said to himself feeling his strength began to fade, “I-I’m sorry Luna…” his horn was aglow, the waves that rippled from it shot out across his creation whipping all evidence of the past.

Memories flooded his mind as he could feel every last bit of magic fade from him, when he made Aurora, when Celestia and Luna were born, all the times they played together, the creation of ponies, Aurora’s death, Destruction’s coming, the peace after it, had all come to this. Tears continued to fall as his spell finally faded, he looked around. It seemed that nothing happened, then he looked down towards his hooves, they were starting to dissipate. He had used all his magic and more, now his body was fading from reality. He closed his eyes and smiled and just before he disappeared completely, a single final tear fell from his eye to the ground.

His one last sacrifice cost him his life, but his mission was accomplished, none remembered anything of the past and history began again. The windigos, Onus’s decent into madness and rise to evil as Discord, the forging of the elements of harmony, his banishment, Luna’s corruption, Nightmare Moon’s imprisonment, her return, the new elements of harmony, Discord’s return they all came to be because of Omnipotent‘s sacrifice, but as one tale ends, another is bound to begin.

Chapter 1: Forgotten Soldiers

“ALL ABOARD!” a shadowy figure called just outside the train. “ALL ABOARD!”

Standing to the train’s side, there were two shadowy figures, one a mare and the other a large stallion. It seemed that they were talking to each other. The mare appeared to be looking towards the ground, while the stallion was looking down toward her.

“I-I wish you didn’t have to leave now…” the mare said meekly, “It’s so close to the summer sun festival, even the princess will be here this year…”

“I don’t want to leave either,” the stallion replied, “but my little brother finally got done with his training, and our unit has been tasked with some difficult missions and they need us more than ever on the boarders.”

“Oh, I-I know, I just wish that you could stay a little longer, at least until the festival was over…” the mare spoke very softly, “C-can you promise me that you will come back? I-if that’s not too much to ask.”

“You know as a solider in her royal majesty’s special forces division I can’t make promises like that.” the stallion said his tone became sad, he knew that’s not what she wanted to hear.

“W-well, can you promise me anything, a-anything at all?” she asked it looked as if she started crying as she stared up at the stallion.

The stallion whipped away the mare’s tears, “You know I hate to see you cry,” he said pulling her head towards his already lowered head, “I can only promise you two things; I will love you for the rest of my life,” he drew her face closer to his own, “and I will never forget you…”

With a loud gasp for air a large grey pegasus woke up from what felt like a dream. He was breathing heavily, sweat-drenched and disoriented. He looked around to get a bearing of his location, but that was the problem, he had no idea where in Equestria he was. As he sat there and thought; a terrifying realization came to him, not only did he not have any idea where he was, but he had no idea who he was either. He looked around for clues to tell him anything, but all he found was a unicorn, the same size as him and an earth pony that was noticeably larger than them both.

Who the hell are these guys, he thought to himself, they looked similar, perhaps brothers? It was then he realized that he forgot to check the one thing all ponies have to help identify them, he looked back at his flank, where he saw two crossed Greatswords, he was a soldier pony of sorts he assumed. He went over to check to other ponies’ marks they two were similar to his, except the unicorn’s was crossed battleaxes and the earth pony’s was crossed warhammers, were they all related?

The pegasus continued to search his small tent, looking for any and all evidence that could lead to the discovery of his identity, he found three sets of armor, they looked studier and better fitted than standard military issue. Was he special forces? The more things he found the more questions were raised about where he was, what he did and most importantly who he was. As he continued his search he found something that he thought would answer everything, (a very well used journal by the looks of it) but as he opened the pages his questions just grew in number. All the pages of the journal were blank, even though it looked like it was used for what seemed like months, not a page had any signs of ink. What the buck is going on? he thought to himself.

It was then that the other two ponies in the tent began to start rustling around. The pegasus looked behind himself as he saw two just as equally confused ponies staring at him. An awkward silence like no other awkward silence in Equestrian history fell over the three ponies, all blankly staring at one another for what seemed like hours until they all spoke simultaneously.

“Who the hell are you guys?”

“That seemed to answer ALL my questions…” The unicorn jeered, rolling his eyes.

“I think we’re all looking for the same answers, unicorn.” the pegasus said, “If we all work together we might find something that could shed some light on the particular situation at hand.”

The earth pony only nodded in agreement with the pegasus as he began to look through their tent for anything relevant to the task at hand.

“Well,” the unicorn began, “it seems I really don’t have anything better to do right now.”

“The two of you can keep searching in here,” the pegasus said, “I’ll check the outside to see if there is anything to help me pinpoint exactly where the hell we are in Equestria.”

“Oh, yes sir!” the unicorn stated, saluting sarcastically, while the earth pony only nodded again then the two continued their search.

The pegasus stepped outside of the tent to see what it was like out there. He was not surprised to see more tents, since military units always set up camp in groups, but the landscape was quite odd. It looked quite barren; not a tree in sight nor a blade of grass on the ground, just rock and dried clay. The badlands, it was the only place he could think of that had such terrain. He continued his investigation of the encampment, trying to find anything that would shed some light on which he and his counterparts were.

Near the middle of the tents he saw a standard fluttering slightly in the cool breeze, he brought the flag down to examine it better, ‘Equestrian Spec Ops Unit 1025, hell on hooves’ it said in large letters and in smaller print on the bottom it said ‘stomping out the problems’. He and his counterparts could have been prisoners, but the lack of restraints made that unlikely, it was more likely that they were in this special forces unit, not just some of the best Equestria had to offer, but THE best Equestria had to offer, that explained them being in the badlands at least, but still nothing that give him any evidence to find his own or his tent mate’s identities.

It was then he heard a stirring amidst tents. He quickly set the flag back up and rushed for any feasible cover. Spotting a large bolder not far from the camp, he sprinted towards it as quietly as he could. As he hid behind the large rock he heard the sound of other ponies getting up and getting out of their quarters. It seemed strange to him hiding from his own unit, but if he had no idea who he was he could assume that they had no idea who he was either. They might even treat him as a hostile threat. He stayed there for what seemed like hours as the other ponies started their daily routine, shaking out the sleep, normal hygiene procedures and so on. He tried from time to time to catch a glance of how many were out of their tents but from what he could see, which wasn’t much, he saw about twelve of them, he knew that there were at least five more somewhere (considering units like this had anywhere from seventeen to twenty five members), but where?.

A loud noise erupted from the camp, as if a brawl had just broken out. The pegasus looked from behind his cover to see several ponies being thrown in the air. Several unicorns were shooting magic towards the direction of the tent, from which he had come out of a short while earlier,

“They’ve been discovered.” He said to himself watching in awe as the ponies from the other tents tried to detain his two counterparts.

He was very surprised that his tent mates were holding off this particular unit of the Equestrian military so well. But alas, with greater numbers and tactics, they were eventually subdued. The pegasus looked on in guilt as his tent mates were dragged into the center of the camp, bound by strong chains and even stronger magic.

He knew he had to get them out of there, but how, he was just one pony against twelve highly trained, very lethal, undefeated members of the Equestrian military. He had to come up with a strategy, one that had to go down without a hitch, or his fate would be the same as the other two and he didn’t like that idea. After a short time the tense atmosphere of the camp had settled down just enough to make his move. It was still dark out, which was a little strange, but it was what the pegasus needed to get his comrades out of the camp. He executed his plan, stealthily making his way back to the camp, darting between tents.

Once he had finally reached the other two, he saw that they were under the watch of an earth pony and a unicorn. The unicorn was magically binding them; if he could take him out first then maybe his comrades could break free from their other bonds so they could make a hasty escape. The pegasus moved with silent precision, edging ever closer to the large unicorn, his hooves didn’t even make a sound as he moved across the rocky ground. Then in an instant he was there and with a quick and expertly placed strike, the unicorn fell limp to the ground, the earth pony was taken out merely seconds after the unicorn hit the ground. The pegasus’s counterparts quickly freed themselves before making their way to their liberator.

“Are you two alright?” the pegasus asked, the two were silent just staring at him, “ok, now we ca-”

WHACK! The unicorn’s hoof met the pegasus’s face with a force that nearly made him black out. “What the BUCK is wrong with you?” the unicorn said silently, but in an angered tone, “You left us behind wings, you didn’t even try to warn us about other ponies out here.”

“I didn’t have much time to warn you,” growled the pegasus, whipping the blood from his lip, “and I’m sorry for that, but now we have to get the hell out of here before they notice that I freed the two of you and we all get caught…”

The earth pony just nodded in agreement with the pegasus, the unicorn, though still furious with the pegasus knew he was right, they had to get out of there and fast.

“alright then,” the unicorn grunted, “what’s YOUR almighty plan of escape?”

“We go same way I came from to get you two,” the pegasus replied, pointing at his trail, “but we have to move fast and quiet if we don’t want to be caught.”

The three ponies began to make their way back through the pegasus’s former trail, moving with surprising stealth for how fast they were going. All seemed like that they were going to made their escape, but right at the edge of the camp, they ran into a small very weak looking unicorn, a brief silence fell on the two parties, then with no warning the frail unicorn began to raise the alarm. With a quick, swift swing of the pegasus’s hoof the outcry for help was silenced, but it was too late, the other ponies from the camp came rushing towards the sound of the small unicorn’s cry for help.

“Well this is just great,” the unicorn said extending his hooves into the air, “what do we do now, oh fearless leader?” his condescending glance was met with the pegasus’s most hardened look.

The pegasus looked to his counterparts, and then he looked to the other ponies. “We improvise…” he said reading himself for the fight.

The scene was similar to the one that took place nearly an hour ago, but this time it was three against nine. The two opposing forces took their positions, each not knowing full well what they could do to one another; a small calm came across the camp as they readied themselves. Then with a bolt of magic, from one of the unicorns on the three’s opposing side began their fight. The three quickly evaded the attack and shortly after, all hell broke loose. Each of the three took on their respective type, four against the earth pony, three against the pegasus and two stood against the unicorn. With a true warrior’s skill the pegasus lead his three opponents in aerial combat, speeding and maneuvering through the air and between the high rocks, the earth pony matched the already impressive strength of his four adversaries, returning every blow with one of his own the very ground cracking under his thunderous hooves, the unicorn had summoned two battleaxes to fight against the other unicorn’s magic, attacking and blocking his enemies spells with almost little effort.

“When I woke up today, I was not expecting such a warm welcome from total strangers!” the unicorn’s voice rang over the sound of the combat.

“Focus on the task at hand, unicorn!” the pegasus barked at him, the other pegasi following closely behind. “We are far from this conflict being over!”

Minutes seemed like hours as the fight continued, and the three were gaining the upper hand. With powerful swings of his hooves the earth pony had sent two of his enemies flying through the air, the pegasus had gotten one of his chasers to crash into a large bolder and the two unicorns were now straining to match their counterparts attacks. With seemingly unbound strength, the earth pony reared up and with a loin-like roar sent his hooves crashing towards the ground. The land underneath him began to crumble and shatter towards his last two opponents, and with a loud cry they were thrown into the air with rocky debris all around them. They hit the ground, unconscious. The unicorn had dispatched of one of his competitors and the other was nearly spent himself, but with a powerful swing from the earth pony’s hoof, however, he was unable to continue.

“Hey big guy!” the unicorn yelled at the earth pony very agitated, “I had that one!” A small smile came across the earth pony’s face as he made his way past the disgruntled unicorn.

Now with only two opponents left, it was up to the pegasus to end the conflict. With a tight maneuver and a quick jab of his hoof, the pegasus dispatched one, then only one remained, the only one that actually kept up with the pegasus from the start. His opponent’s tenacity actually made the pegasus admire him a little, even with his entire unit down for the count he still tried to stop him, but with a blind hoof to the jaw the admiration went away, replaced by rage.
He quickly grabbed his opponent by his mane and pulled him close enough to strike. With true and unrestrained anger he proceeded to punch his foe’s face relentlessly, his hooves caused blood to spray from his enemy’s muzzle as he descended furiously towards the ground. By the time all the furry had left the pegasus, his foe was bleeding profusely, but unlike the other enemies, he was still conscious, be it barely.

“What’s your name, pegasus?” the pegasus asked his bloody counterpart, still holding him by his mane.

“C-Comet… my name is Comet…” he said between rough, bloody coughing. “Who the buck are you?” he asked looking at the pegasus with his blackened eyes.

“That’s what we have been trying to find out, Comet,” the pegasus responded, releasing Comet from his grip, Comet fell to the ground with a thud, “now, you’ll help us find out who the hell the three of us are and then you’ll let us go,” he said looming over the bloodied stallion “and we’ll cause no further harm, do we have an agreement?”

“Sounds like I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” Comet snorted giving a small smirk towards his better.

“Good,” the pegasus said smiling back, “ok, we have already searched this area, we shou-”

A large rock collided with the back of the pegasus’s head and before the other two could react they were met by the same fate. A large fully armored unicorn stepped into view along with four other ponies.

“Comet…” he began looking to the bloodied pegasus then toward the three now unconscious ponies. “What the HELL happened while I was gone?”

Comet stood as fast as he could on his shaky legs and rendered a proper salute to the armored unicorn, “Commander Garrison,” he began, “we got our flanks kicked, sir, by these three.”

“Are you telling me that twelve of the best trained, most battle hardened ponies in all Equestria, got completely routed by three complete unknowns that just happened to appear out of nowhere?” Commander Garrison said staring at Comet in utter disbelief.

“Yes, sir,” Comet replied, “at first there were only two, they put up a fight but we took them down relatively quick,” he paused to take a breath, “but then that pegasus showed up and Cannon Fodder, Tower Shield and Roadmap weren’t there… Sir, I have no idea who they are, but, they are the best damn fighters I‘ve ever seen.”

“I see…” Commander Garrison said rubbing his chin surveying the battle’s aftermath. “Did they have names Comet?” His eyes shot over towards the bloodied and bruised pegasus. “Did they tell you who they were?”

“That’s what they were trying to find out, sir,” Comet responded, looking down at the three, slightly ashamed. “They have no idea who they are either, we attacked them and they were just trying to find out who they are.”

“Well, I’m sure that we can find that out in the Canterlot black ops files,” Commander Garrison said, looking at the three ponies again, “well the ones that aren’t completely black inked, that is…”

Author's Notes:

Finally on the actual story part, hope you guys like it comment about what's wrong what you liked and anything else you could think of!

Chapter 2: Just Getting to Know You

“The m-military?” a shadowy mare asked a shadowy stallion, “b-but, but that sounds really dangerous…” her soft voice shuttering a little at the thought.

“I know,” the stallion said “but if no one joins the service to protect Equestria, then all we love could be easily taken from us, and I’m sure you don’t want that, do you?”

“Well I guess not,” she said, “but what about us, you know, you won’t be around as much, and I don’t want to lose you…”

“You won’t, trust me,” the stallion said looking right into her eyes “Tartars itself could not keep me from you.” he gave a small kiss on her forehead and walked past her.

“Oh... Uh... Ok, I guess…” She responded meekly, “I just am a little worried about it that’s all …”

“I’ll be fine,” the stallion said, “you do remember who you’re talking to, right?”

The mare giggled at his statement, “Oh, I guess you’re right.” she said as she walked by him, purposely rubbing her body against his. “But now, you and I have an appointment that we must keep,” she said as she walked up the stairs towards her bedroom, “if you want you can wait down there while I get ready.”

“Of course I’ll help you,” He replied. He had caught her hint and made his way up the stairs as well, “after all. We are on a busy schedule and we can‘t have you be late...”

The grey pegasus woke just as he had before, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat yet again. He didn’t know what the dreams meant or who the soft spoken mare was from them, but he could only assume that he was the stallion and that the mare was somepony very close to him, but why could he not remember her? He thought someone of that much importance to him could not be so easily forgotten. It troubled him deeply, this mare might have the answers he was looking for, where he was from, who he knew and most importantly, who he was. It was then that he looked to his right and saw metal bars; he was in a cage, like an animal being transported to an unknown location. Then a familiar, sky blue pegasus flew towards his cage.

“Well, look who finally decided to wake up.” Comet’s sarcasm was met only with a face of stoic anger, “Easy there, buddy, it’s actually me that is the reason for this, everypony else wanted to drag you through Canterlot…”

“Canterlot?” the pegasus said rubbing the large bump on the back if his head, “We are in Canterlot?” he asked

“Oh, Celestia no, we’re about a day’s march away,” Comet said laughing at the thought, “however, you have been out for the past four days. Your buddies have been up for a little over a day now, Celestia, that unicorn can complain, Commander Garrison almost hit him with a rock again just to shut him up, that earth pony though, he hasn’t said a damn thing, he’s just been staring at us through the cage the whole time.”

“Commander Garrison?” the pegasus said still trying to completely gain his bearings, “four days?” he asked looking around.

“Yup four days, the rock that hit you was a little bit bigger than the others,” Comet restated, “guess that’s why you were out so long, Commander Garrison, however,” Comet pointed toward a heavily armored unicorn, he was a very dark shade of blue, with a face of one who had seen years and years of tough military service, the ornate patterns on his armor signified his rank.

“He’s the one that knocked you boys out, he’s the commanding officer of the whole equestrian special operations division. And we are his personal unit, selected among all other ponies in the military to serve with him, and don’t think he’s a ‘sit back and watch what happens’ kind of leader. He fights right alongside us. It’s actually pretty cool, having your boss in the thick of it with you. Makes you fight harder I think.”

“I can see that working that way,” the pegasus said, looking towards the other ponies in Comet’s company. “So who else is in this unit?” he asked looking around to see all the other ponies.

“Well, that big unicorn over by your unicorn is Tower Shield,” Comet began, pointing to his left towards a large, white unicorn, “He’s an expert in barrier and defensive spells, it comes in handy when we’re fighting tough enemies that have ranged weapons or magic.” Comet continued down the line, “Over there is Roadmap,” he said pointing towards an amber stallion in the front, “he’s the best navigator in all Equestria,” Comet then pointed up to an orange pegasus in the sky, “That pegasus up there, that’s Flare Flash, he’s one of the scouts, like me.”

The pegasus looked around at all the ponies that Comet had ‘introduced’ him too, some were just a bit smaller than him and his fellow unknown ponies, but they all looked very strong and incredibly capable, except for one.

“Who’s that?” the pegasus said, pointing at the small yellow unicorn that he had rendered unconscious four days prior, “He looks like he doesn’t really belong here.”

“Oh, that’s Cannon Fodder,” Comet said looking towards the direction the pegasus’s hoof was pointing, “don’t let his size fool you, he’s the best explosives expert in the entire military.” Comet proceeded with giving names to the faces that surrounded the caged pegasus, “The brown earth pony over there is Ridge Cracker, he was the strongest pony we all knew until your big friend showed up,” a small smile came across Comet’s face, “he got his tail in a tussle because we were making fun of him for getting his flank kicked by him.” Comet kept pointing at the ponies around them, “The Green earth pony by him, his name is Camo, he’s is one hell of a sneaky mother bucker, the purple pegasus over by Tower Shield is Long Shot, he’s the better with a ranged weapon than anypony I have ever seen. The tan earth pony next to Roadmap is Patches. She isn’t much in a fight, don't underestimate her, she can hold her own, but her specialty is keeping the rest of us alive and well. For the past few months, she hasn’t failed us yet. That silver unicorn over there is Lug Nut, if you break it he can fix it faster than you broke it.”

“Seems that you have quite the unit, Comet” the pegasus said, actually sounding impressed with them, “but that still leaves me with the same damn questions I had four days ago…” he looked at Comet with a slight glare.

“Oh… Uh… Right.” Comet snapped out of his ‘meet the boys’ state of mind, “I did do some digging around the camp before we started heading out four days ago, I couldn’t find much but I did notice that your armor did have the seal of the equestrian military on it, so you are a part of the forces, I just don’t know who, all the journals in you tent looked used but they were all blank, same with your identity tags, all we know about the three of you is that together you’re are pretty much unstoppable.”

“Why did you do that?” the pegasus asked. “Those two and myself completely destroyed you and your friends, hell, I gave you your still noticeable makeover, yet you still wanted to help us, why?”

“You were only defending yourselves,” Comet replied, “we were the ones who straight up attacked you, it just didn’t seem right after I had some time to think about it.” Comet placed his hoof across the bandages that covered his face, “To tell you the truth, buddy, I would’ve done the same thing.”

“Comet, it’s your turn to do some flying up here!” Flare Flash called out to his counterpart, “I’ve been up here an extra fifteen minutes just so you could flirt with your new colt friend!”

“Alright Flash,” Comet called back. “I’m coming, you don’t have to get all whiney like the filly you are!” Comet looked back at the pegasus, “Be back in a bit.” he said

“See you then.” the pegasus said, nodding as Comet flew to the clouds and Flare Flash came to the ground.

“What did you two talk about?” Flare Flash asked the pegasus, “He normally doesn’t talk that much, not even to me.”

“He was just introducing me to everypony.” the pegasus said. Staring toward the mountain on the horizon, Canterlot was finally in view.

“We’ll be there tomorrow around this time,” Flare Flash said looking at Canterlot, “it’s really a sight to see isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” the pegasus said, “it really is…” he became lost in his thoughts for a short time, he remembered the land marks, the history of Equestria and apparently, his training. But he didn’t know a single thing about who he was or his past. This issue continued to bother him throughout the day.

As their trek continued Comet fully introduced the remainder of unit to the pegasus, Cloud Seeker, Snowstorm, Javelin, Med Kit, Iron Hide and Pyro. They all had their talents and specialties, the pegasus grew impressed with some of the stories that Comet about his unit, fighting dragons, griffon and minotaur anarchist, rampaging hydras and blood thirsty manticores, stopping assignation attempts on Princess Celestia herself. The occasional scout into the badlands discovering creature’s nopony has ever seen and coming back to write about how to kill it if it was hostile. He talked about previous members of their unit and how brave they were, he talked about how he had lost a few friends over the years but it was the life he chose and he was fine with it that way.

It was then that Comet asked something that was rather caulis, “So, do you have a family?”

His hooves quickly covered his mouth, but it was too late. The pegasus just stared at Comet, his eyebrow raised as if to say ’are you serious?’ but he played along, “I don’t know, Comet...” he said casually but with noticeable anger and sarcasm in his voice.

“I’m SO sorry, buddy,” Comet said with a frown on his face, “I-I didn’t mean to-”

“What about you?” the pegasus interrupted, “Do you have a family?” he looked on towards Comet his head lowered, truly feeling terrible for what he said.

“Uh, yeah, yeah I do…” he said still looking down.

“Well, what are they like?” the pegasus asked trying to make Comet feel better.

“Gee, let’s see.” Comet said rubbing his chin, “Mom and dad still live in Cloudsdale, dad’s a retired Wonderbolt, still one of the best fliers Equestria. They had to retire him because he got a broken wing during one of their shows, the first one I went to see actually…”

“Wow” the pegasus said, “that must’ve been scary for you.”

“Yeah, but he still kept the show going, like he didn’t even break his wing, he wanted to finish it, I guess just for me.” Comet continued, “Mom’s works as a snowflake maker in the weather factory, she really doesn’t need to, since dad is getting paid every month for his injury, but dad does guide a few school foals through a tour of the Wonderbolt museum on occasion.”

“That’s interesting,” the pegasus said, “any brothers or sisters?”

“Yeah, I got a little sis,” comet began, “she’s a little cocky, but she can back it up, after all, she did do a sonic rainboom…”

“A sonic rainboom? Really?” the pegasus said clearly impressed, the pegasus knew that the sonic rainboom was a legend but he had never heard of anypony actually doing it.

“Yeah I guess,” Comet said “she’s in charge of the weather patrol in one of the small towns on the Everfree boarder.”

“Why didn’t she just join the Wonderbolts?” the pegasus asked. “Anypony that can do a sonic rainboom should get on the team instantly.”

“Funny story, about that fact,” Comet said with a smile, “she actually got kicked out of flight camp.”

“Really?” the pegasus said a bit surprised, “Why’s that?”

“Too many rules and not enough nap times…” Comet said laughing to himself, “but I hear she’s doing well, nothing really ever happens near the Everfree boarder anyway.”

“Huh,” the pegasus said pondering what Comet said for a moment, “What about you? What’s your story?”

“Me?” Comet asked back, “Well, really isn’t that much to tell, except that I ACTUALLY passed flight camp.” Comet chuckled a little at the thought. “I wanted to see Equestria, but I didn’t want to do it as a Wonderbolt like my dad, because one of my ex’s, Spitfire, joined them and that would have just brought a lot unwanted tension. So I signed the dotted line and now I’m here talking to an unknown pegasus that could probably kill half of us before the rest of us would even know what the hell was going on.”

“Well, you sure take your particular plight very seriously…” the pegasus said chuckling a bit, “but to me it seems that you have a good life and ponies that care about you. At the very least you have that.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Comet said with a smile, “anyway it’s starting to get late, you are going to need your rest, after all in about seven hours we are going to be in Canterlot. Give or take a few hours depending on conditions.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” the pegasus said as Comet flew off taking his position in the clouds.

“You know I’ve never seen him like this,” the pegasus turned to see Patches walking towards his cage. “You know, Comet almost never left your side while you were out. He really seems to care about you.” her voice was soft as she looked up towards the sky blue stallion.

“He’s not always like this?” the Pegasus asked kind of surprised at this revelation.

“No, not at all,” Patches said “Comet cares a lot about us all, but you seem to have brought something out in him. I didn’t even know at one time he was dating Spitfire.” Patches then began to look into the bags on her sides, “Do you need anything for your pain? I’ve got plenty of supplies.”

“No, Patches, but thank you for your offer.” the pegasus said trying to maintain an aura of toughness about him, though the bump on his head hurt like hell.

“Ok, well if you need anything I’ll always be close by.” Patches said walking past his cage.

“Could you keep quiet, wings?” the unicorn called out; “I might be in a cage, but I’m still going to Canterlot and I need my sleep so I can look my best for all the lovely mares there.” the unicorn struck a masculine pose. “Like what you see babe?” he asked Patches as she was walking by.

“Well, come to think of it…” Patches said looking him up and down, “I could think of ONE thing to make you look even better.” she proceeded towards an unset tent then she threw it over his cage. “Perfect...” she said.

“Oh, that’s cold…” the unicorn said to the sound of his counter parts chuckles.

Chapter 3: Second Opinions

“I don’t like ‘em…” Ridge Cracker said staring down the three cages on the other side of the camp. “I don’t like where they come from neither….”

“You’re just saying that because the big one beat the hell out of you without even breaking a sweat.” Flare Flash said smiling, “I’d be pretty upset if that happened to me too.”

“It ain’t just that, Flash.” Ridge Cracker replied, “It’s all ‘bout how they showed up… outta nowhere an all, then they beat all us at our own game when we been trainin’ for ya’ll know how long… It just ain’t right.”

“Well, considering that they could’ve killed us…” Flare Flash said looking to his wrapped up foreleg, “I think they’ll be fine additions to our unit when we find out that they’re one of ours.”

“You think them boys are with us?” Ride Cracker asked, “Now what makes you say that?”

“Look at what they did.” Flare Flash answered simply, “There’s no way they’re run-of-the-mill ponies or even royal guard… the way they fought was textbook Equestrian Royal Marine special forces, and you know our unit is a mix from all branches, hell Roadmap WAS a royal guard before Commander Garrison grabbed him up.” a small smile came across his face, “And they put an Army juggernaut on his flank in just a few seconds.”

“Well since you decided to add me into this conversation,” Roadmap said stopping any chance for Ridge Cracker to respond, “I don’t know what to say about those three… and about Ridge getting beat, didn’t you and Cloud Seeker go down after a few seconds in the air against the pegasus?” he asked smirking, “I’m sure if-“

“If I do recall, according to Comet…” Patches interjected stepping into the group. “You were one of the three that was taken down before the actual fighting even started.”

Roadmap’s face went bright red as the others around the small blaze began to laugh uncontrollably. His eyes darted across the campfire not a single face was without a smile. Lowering his head he walked back to his tent in shame.

“Aw come on Roadmap!” Flare Flash, “We were just having some fun! You know that we haven’t had that in a long time!”

Roadmap didn’t respond, he simply sulked into his tent and zipped the door behind him. The other around the fire just sat there and stared at the tent, expecting him to come out any time, but after a few minutes it looked like he was in there to stay.

“Talk about a buzz kill…” Flare said shaking his head, “He gets upset the moment somepony points something like that out.”

“Having an ego like his will do that to somepony.” Camo said taking the now vacant seat. “But I’m sure he’ll be himself in the morning.”

“I hope so.” Tower Shield said the moment he came into view, “We might be only a few hours ruck from Canterlot but I kinda want the fastest route so I can rest my hooves a bit before we get sent out there again.”

“I thought hoofacures were for mares, Tower Shield.” Another grizzled voice rumbled from behind him, they all looked back to see Long Shot, crossbow in hoof putting out a burned down cigar into the ground. “Besides, your watch is coming up her soon; you need to get your gear on so I don’t have to wait as much.”

“Yes sir.” Tower Shield replied standing to head to his tent.

“Don’t call me sir.” Long Shot joked, “I work for a living.”

The others at the fire let out a small chuckle before one of them spoke up. “Long Shot, what do you think about those three?” Camo asked sarcastically.

“I’m not really sure Camo.” Long Shot answered shaking his head, “I was with Commander Garrison’s scouting party, but from what I heard they’ve got some real ability as fighters.”

“Flash says they may be Royal Marines.” Camo said, “Like you and Tower Shield were.”

“I’m still a marine, Camo…” Long Shot replied, “I just put on a different uniform when the day starts.”

“Ok… Ok…” Camo said submissively, “I but you still didn’t answer the question.”

“If you really want to know what I think, Camo wait until we get into the black ops vault, then you’ll have my opinion.”

“Oh alright…” Camo said looking back up to the sky, for some reason there weren’t as many stars out as usual and the familiar mare in the moon was no longer present. “Well how ‘bout that night four days ago?” he asked, “You know the one that lasted hours longer than it should’ve… especially given that it was the summer sun festival.”

Though the question was intended for Long Shot, he’d already walked off beyond ear shot. There was a strange silence amongst them for a few seconds, until Patches decided to answer the question for their missing superior.

“I really don’t know what that was about.” she replied looking to the sky, “But that wasn’t as interesting as those three.” She pointed to the three cages, “Whoever they are there’s something special about them.”

“Comet sure has taking a liking to them.” Flare Flash added, “Especially that pegasus, I bet it’s because he’s the only one who’s really out flown him in an aerial duel.”

“I thought the two of you were pretty equal.” Camo said confused, “You’re always neck and neck in our drills.”

“We are pretty even.” Flare said in agreement, “But in competitions he-“

“Was always just a bit better than you…” Comet said jokingly with Cannon Fodder at his side, “But you’ve been coming close recently, I might actually have to start trying the next time.”

“There you are Comet.” Flare said rolling his eyes, “I was wondering you weren’t around the fire yet.”

“Cannon Fodder was having trouble with his bandages.” Comet said slapping the frail unicorn on the back, “and I was more than happy to help him wrap back up.”

“I told you to come to me if you had issues rewrapping that wound.” Patches said walking to the two. “Now I have to see if you did it right…”

“Come on Patches,” Comet said reassuringly, “I think I can-“

“His muzzle was broken in five different places, Comet.” She interrupted, “and since I don’t have any braces to keep it straight, the wrapping is the only thing that keeps his muzzle from setting wrong.”

“Alright Patches, you’re the expert.”

“I have my cutie mark for a reason, Comet… just like you have yours.”

“Um… can I have a say in this?” Cannon Fodder said though his bandages, “Because I really-“

He was interrupted by Patches wrapping his mouth shut with an ace bandage. He rolled his eyes while the others around him let out a small chuckle. After Watching Patches finish up her work with Cannon Fodder, Flare Flash brought up the previous conversation.

“So Comet.” He began, “What do you really think about those three we grabbed in the badlands?”

“I think my stance is pretty straight forward about them Flash.” Comet said looking to the cages. “I trust them… even though they kicked the snot out of us, and I think that there’s something more to them… like they’ve got something inside of them that’ll determine the fate of us all.”

“Wow…” Camo said rolling his eyes, “I think that pegasus hit you harder than any of us thought.”

“I’m serious Camo.” Comet said staring him down, something Comet rarely ever did, “Ponies of that caliber and skill don’t just forget everything about their lives other than how to kill.”

There was silence around the campfire, simply because of Comet’s seriousness about the three. He really believed there was something special about them other than the fact that they were dropped right in front of the 1025th. Camo shot a quick glance to Patches and pointed to his head.

“Very mature…” Patches said rolling her eyes, “but you may have suffered a concussion instead of just a few bruises and cuts… I could look you over again.”

“I’m fine Patches.” Comet said reassuringly, “You’ve looked me over more than once and each time you’ve given me a clean bill of health.”

“I could’ve missed something…”

“You? MISS something?!” Comet laughed, “Now I’ve heard just about everything.”

“There’s always that chance.” Patches said placing her hooves on Comet’s face gently, “Let me look you over on more time.”

“You could look me over anytime you want…” Tower Shield said, stepping into the light, head to hoof in his armor, “especially at night.”

“At least Flash and Camo aren’t the only ones with jokes…” Comet said chuckling. Even Tower Shield couldn’t help but laugh a bit.

“Well I’ve had my fun…” Tower Shield said with his horn beginning to glow dimly, “Time to actually work for once.”

“Wait!” Camo said raising his hoof, “You never told us what YOU think about those guys.”

“I trust them about as far as they can throw me.” Tower Shield said turning around, “and I don’t know how strong they are.”

Tower Shield walked off, beginning his watch. The others around the fire looked to one another than to the moon once again. “Think it’s getting late…” Flare Flash said “Think we should hit the stables?”

“It was already late when the moon rose.” Camo said yawning, “The only thing that’s kept me up was all of you talking like we weren’t ever gonna see each other again.”

“Well you can go to sleep, Camo.” Comet said, “You were always the lazy one anyway…”

“How else do you think I was never seen,” Camo asked smiling, “I was always the best at finding amazing napping spots.”

“Lazy good fer nothin’…” Ridge Cracker grumbled, “Ya’ll need ta be more like me.”

“Stupid and illiterate?” Camo asked.

“You son of a…“

Ridge Cracker proceeded to chase after Camo to the sound of roaring laughter from those around them. Even Cannon Fodder couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle through his bandages. As the excitement died down another pony emerged from his tent, slightly annoyed at the small group still awake.

“What’s so important that it wakes a pony twenty feet away up from his sleep?” Lug Nut asked sleepily making his way to the group, “I was having the officer dream again.”

“They were just making small talk, Lug Nut.” Long Shot said, “You can go back to sleep.”

“Well can’t really do that if they already woke me up.” Lug Nut replied wiping the sleep from his eyes, “Now what in Equestria were you talking about?”

“Well… the main conversation was about the three we found in the badlands.” Flare Flash explained, “And we’ve got some mixed opinions… Ridge hates them, and Comet thinks they’ll save the world one day. Almost everypony else has the ‘I don’t know what to think about them yet’ opinion.”

“Well put me in the majority.” Lug Nut replied, “We’ve known them for less than a week, and when they were awake, it was a really painful meet and greet. I mean Iron Hide and I were completely outmatched by that wise cracking unicorn.”

“Well you were outmatched…” Flash said smiling, “Iron Hide was K.O.ed by the earth pony.”

“Not what I was getting at…” Lug Nut said, his face turning red, “but besides that we really should try to find out as much as possible about them before we get to Canterlot, they-“

“They could’ve been caught on purpose for the soul fact that it would get them close enough to Princess Celestia!” Cannon Fodder muffled form his bandages, “We need to tell-“

“Of all the things you’ve ever thought of Cannon…” Flare Flash said covering his hoof with his face, “THAT’S on a new level of paranoid.”

“You don’t know that.” Cannon Fodder retorted, “Just look what they did to me.”

“A butterfly coulda done that to ya, Cannon…” Ridge Cracker said rolling his eyes “And accordin’ to Comet they were just lookin’ fer clues to who the hell they are… they never said nothin’ ‘bout bein’ high class hooves fer higher…”

“If I was one I wouldn’t tell you Ridge…” Cannon Fodder pointed out, “and what better way to-“

“They’re not assassins Cannon,” Comet said placing his hoof on Cannon’s shoulder, “You could tell by the way they fought…” he drew a small line in the dirt next to the fire and pointed. “They were loud, keeping in contact with one another,” he explained “That’s not how contract killers operate, we’ve been up against enough to now that, they’re military-“

“They were scared…” a silent listener said from his seat, “They didn’t know what they were getting into, just like us.”

“Cloud Seeker?” Flare Flash asked “How long have you been-“

“Long enough…” Cloud seeker interrupted, “An assassin would’ve known much more about his opponents and he sure as hell wouldn’t get caught so easily.”

“So you’re agreeing with Comet?” Patches asked.

“No… I’m saying that they’re not assassins, because if they were none of us would be here right now,” Flare Flash was about to reply but he was quickly stopped by Cloud Seeker continuing, “And I know this because that’s what I would do.”

“Says the masked dagger totin’ ninja expert.” Ridge Cracker said rolling his eyes, “Look if ya want ta-“

“What’s all this talk about?” Commander Garrison said stepping out of his tent, “All of you should’ve hit the stables hours ago.”

“We were just talking about those ponies we picked up in the badlands sir.” Flare Flash replied, “We were just getting second opinions on them.”

“You should be sleeping.” Commander Garrison said staring him down, “You’ve got the next watch.”

“What?!” Flare Flash exclaimed, “I thought Camo had the next one!”

“For somepony who knows exactly how many days are between R&R, you really don’t look at the working schedule like you should.”

Flare Flash grunted under the sounds of the others chuckles. Reluctantly he left his seat and returned to his tent to gear up. Those who still remained looked back to their commander, wondering if he had anything else to say before he went back into his tent.

“What are you waiting for?” Commander Garrison asked “You’re all adults, I don’t have to tell you to go to sleep…” he turned back to his tent and began to walk, “But we are starting early tomorrow, so it would do you good if you got sleep now.”

The ones who were at the fire got his hint and extinguished the small flame, each went to their respective tents, ready for the next day. But little did they know the welcoming party in Canterlot was far from welcoming.

Chapter 4: Rumbling Amongst Royalty

“How am I going to tell her?” the shadow stallion softly said to himself, looking at the mare lying at his side. The mare was asleep, her head on his chest. The stallion looked down at her and ran his hoof through her mane. “She’s still very young,” he said to himself, “hell I’m still very young, yet I’m thinking about joining the military when I have all this to live for.” He looked around the room and then down again at the sleeping mare, she had to have been so beautiful, he took a long breath in and let out a deep sigh. “I don’t want to lose this…” he spoke very softly to himself, “but if stallions like me don’t enlist, there couldn’t be things like this anyway, but I could lose it anyway…”

“Lose what?” the mare asked sleepily, the conversation he was having with himself had accidentally awoken her.

“Nothing…” the stallion said giving her a small kiss, “I’m just thinking about some not so important decisions, you go ahead and go back to sleep.”

“You are such a terrible liar, you know” the mare said adjusting herself to be on top of him, “whatever it is that is bothering you, you can tell me, if you want to, because I’m here for you now,” she looked out of the window, then back at him, “not like I was before.”

“I Know you are,” he said nuzzling her a little, “but it’s nearly morning, and you should get those few extra hours that you have. You have a big day tomorrow, remember?”

“Oh… I guess you’re right.” the mare said giving the stallion a kiss, “I love you.” she said before returniunig to her gentle slumber.

“I know…” The stallion said looking at her as she drifted off to sleep again. It was then that he knew what he had to do, beyond any doubt, even though it pained him greatly. Before he finally drifted off to sleep he looked at his sleeping angel and simply whispered, “For her…”

The pegasus woke up early again. This time he was not breathing heavily, though he was still drenched in sweat. It was still dark out and the only ponies that were awake were those tasked with night watch duties. One of the night guards noticed he was awake and approached his cage.

“It’s not going to be day time for another two hours, stranger,” the pony said, “you should really get your sleep.”

“Can’t sleep much if you keep having nightmares.” the pegasus said trying to find an excuse for his being awake at the current hour.

“I can see how that would be a problem, stranger,” the night guard said, “by the way my name is-”

“Camo,” the pegasus said slightly surprising the green stallion, “Comet told me a bit about you.”

“That explains that, I guess,” Camo said looking at the pegasus, “what exactly did he tell you about me?”

“That you are one hell of a sneaky mother bucker” the pegasus said, quoting Comet word for word.

Camo laughed, “Yeah that pretty much sums it up for me.” Camo then looked at the moon, “Comet sure likes you, you know.”

“That’s what I’ve been hearing.” the pegasus said looking to the moon as well.

“I don’t think he belongs in the military though,” Camo said looking back at the pegasus. “He’s just too good of a guy. I hope you could understand that, he’s always trying to save the day for us. It might get him killed one day, if he‘s not careful.” Camo shook his head at the thought.

“I’m sure that won’t happen, Camo,” the pegasus said reassuringly, “he’s the best damn scout in Equestria, after all.”

Camo looked at the pegasus and smiled, “Try telling Flare Flash that.” Then Camo walked off to continue his duties. Camo was right about one thing though, he should at least try to sleep until the sun came up, Canterlot, after all was the royal city. On top of being in a cage, he would look even more like a monster if he were to be sleep deprived

The next two hours went by rather slowly for the pegasus, unable to go back to sleep after waking up from yet another one of his dreams. He didn’t know what to think about them. Were they real memories or were they just that? Nothing more than dreams?

After all, he could never see the pony’s faces in them. For all he knew they could have been earth ponies given that they had no horns and he never saw them unfurl their wings, but the dreams were so vivid and seemed to play in his head like a memory. He had little time to ponder the matter though, the 1025th was on the move again, with the rising sun, and Canterlot was only hours away.

“I think I can take a hint…” the disgruntled unicorn said. Nopony had bothered to remove the tent that covered his cage from the night before. “I won’t complain again if somepony just takes this damn thing off!”

The stoic earth pony just stared over at the unicorn’s tent through the bars of his cage, smiling slightly at the unicorn’s predicament. He looked like he was enjoying what he was watching, even though he was in no better predicament than the unicorn.

“Alright, everypony, from up!” Commander Garrison’s commands were sharp and crisp, “We are entering Canterlot soon, and somepony, please remove that tent from over that annoying mule’s cage.”

“A MULE!” the unicorn roared, “Listen here, pal, I don’t know who you think you are, but I will have you know-”

“I know I’m the pony that can have that tent stay there the whole time we are here, unicorn…” Commander Garrison said cutting off the unicorn mid-rant.

“Ok, shutting up…” the unicorn said, and after a moment of silence, Long Shot and Flare Flash removed the tent. The unicorn didn’t seem very amused by the laughter that had taken everypony after Commander Garrison put him in his place.

“Troops, lock it up!” Commander Garrison called from the front, “We are at the gates.” Two massive watchtowers loomed over the 1025th as they stood between them, with an equally massive stone and steel gate door blocking them from the royal city.

“Who are you and what is your purpose here!” a tower guard called from atop the gateway.

“We are the 1025th, special operations division, and we demand entry this instant on urgent business!” Commander Garrison called back, slightly annoyed.

“By order of the princess I cannot allow you to enter, a celebration is being held and all units that were in the field are not allowed access until it is over!” the tower guard called back, “return to your previous post and return when your unit is summoned!”

“MY BOYS AND I HAVE BEEN IN THE FIELD FOR A MONTH STRAIGHT!” Commander Garrison said losing all bearing with the tower guard. “WE HAVE NO MORE PROVISIONS, AND IF WE ARE TO RETURN WE WILL NEED MORE SUPPLIES!”

“Not my problem, sir!” the tower guard called back.

That was when Commander Garrison lost it, “It is now…” he said under his breath, his horn beginning to glow a dark grey color. The gate doors started to rumble as his magic began to pry them open.

“H-HEY, HEY STOP AT ONCE!” the tower guard frantically began yelling at him.

“You brought this on yourself, boot!” Commander Garrison barked back at the tower guard. With the loud crash, the gates swung open allowing the 1025th their much needed entry.

When they entered the city the 1025th was utterly speechless, Lunar Stallions looked to have swarmed the city. As far as they could see, not a single street was unopulated by their old enemy. Canterlot became silent as the 1025th stood against the massive numbers of Lunar Stallions. In those tense moments Commander Garrison looked back at his ponies. They were ready for whatever order he was about to give. Commander Garrison looked back at the massive hordes of Lunar Stallions, he readied himself and with a deviant grin he called out what his unit had been waiting for.

“TAKE POSITION EIGHT ALPHA!” Commander Garrison roared rearing up on his hind legs. The 1025th quickly followed their orders, taking positions close to low buildings while the Lunar Stallions charged them, and like five days before, all hell broke loose. The vast numbers of Lunar Stallions rushed towards the 1025th, and line after line were pushed back by the superiorly trained forces. They took a position where the Lunar Stallions would have to come to them in less numbers and thanks to Tower Shield and Iron hide’s magic, no airborne assaults could fall on them.

“Let us out!” the pegasus called to Commander Garrison, “You know what the three of us are capable of, we can help you!”

Commander Garrison looked at the three caged ponies then to his own unit, then towards the hordes of enemy stallions that were trying to kill them. He knew what he had to do.

“Patches!” he called out.

“Yes sir!” her voice was nearly impossible to hear over the fighting.

“Set those boys free!” Commander Garrison yelled in her direction, pointing at the three’s cages “We needed them three minutes ago!”

“Yes sir!” she repeated running towards their cages, “Give‘em hell.” she said letting the pegasus free.

She then ran towards the unicorn’s cage and with some hesitation she set him free. The earth pony had already broken his cage door with his bare hooves buy the time she got to him. They were free again, minus the fact that there were hundreds of Lunar Stallions trying to kill them now instead of just a dozen expertly trained ponies.

“Alright,” the pegasus said, “let’s take these guys down.” he flew into the fray, knocking dozens of Lunar Stallions into the air and out of his way.

“This is just what I need to relieve all that stress that has been building up!” the unicorn said summoning several weapons to his side swinging them with expert skill at his attackers. The earth pony just nodded in agreement, then he reared up and with his immense strength, he stomped the ground launching many Lunar Stallions and rubble into the air.

It was an impressive sight, twenty holding their own against such a vast number of adversaries foes. They put up one hell of a fight. The blood of friend and foe alike began pouring into the streets of the royal city, the clash of hoof and steel the thundering roars of mighty warriors in combat. It had all that the tales of the old heroes had, but the battle was short lived. Soon the 1025th and the three were lifted into the air by a magic with a golden glow.

“I demand an explanation for what is going on!” Princess Celestia said calmly, but with a stern and commanding tone.

“My lady?” Commander Garrison said incredibly shocked, “Do you not see your city overrun with the forces of your enemy?”

“My Enemy?” Princess Celestia said her tone turned to one of agitation, “You mean MY SISTER!” Celestia brought the entire 1025th along with the three towards her. “Commander Garrison, do you realize what you have done!”

“I have done nothing but defend your city, my lady!” he said floating right in front of her face, “Are you so blind to not see that Nightmare Moon has returned and taken Canterlot?!”

“What did you just say?” Princess Celestia asked, her voice returned to its normal, calm demeanor.

“Nightmare Moon!” he yelled again, “She has returned with an army, you don’t see that?!”

Princess Celestia let all of them down at once, “Commander, how long has the 1025th been in the field?” she asked

“A little over a month…” he said bending his knee to her, “we needed to find information on three stallions that we came across in the badlands, so we returned to see if we couldn‘t find anything about who they were.”

The Princess looked at everypony in the unit, and then she motioned for the Commander to stand. “Nightmare Moon is no longer, Commander, the Elements of Harmony ended her.”

“Then why are THEY here?” Commander Garrison asked, pointing towards the Lunar Stallions.

“They are Princess Luna’s royal guard.” Princess Celestia said. “The elements freed her, Commander, only Princess Luna remains.”

As she said those words a smaller, darker alicorn stepped out from behind her. “WE ARE PRINCESS LUNA, THE MARE OF THE NIGHT!” Princess Luna’s volume completely knocked back the entire 1025th. Only the earth pony of the three was unaffected by her voice, to which he responded with a nod of his head.

“Luna, remember what I said about using the royal Canterlot voice?” Princess Celestia said to her sister.

“Oh… uh... I’m sorry, sister; it’s hard for us to adjust after one thousand years of being on the moon.” Princess Luna softly said looking at her sister, then she looked to all the ponies that were ling in the streets. “Why did thou attack our guards?” she asked Commander Garrison, tilting her head sideways, becoming very cute.

“My lady, forgive me,” Commander Garrison said bending his knee again, “I thought our new allies were our old enemy, my lady, if it is not too much to ask do not punish my troops, they were following the orders of a stallion who didn’t stop to assess what was going on.”

“As you wish Commander Garrison,” Princess Luna said commanding him to rise. “but as we- I mean I, have just only returned, we are not sure what the new punishment for an act such as this is. Before our banishment it was public ridicule…”

“Well that doesn’t sound that bad.” the unicorn stated under his breath to Patches.

“followed by a public beheading.” Princess Luna said finishing her statement.

“Never mind…” the unicorn said lowering his own head.

“If it is what you wish may it be so,” Commander Garrison said hanging his head, “so long as my fellows do not meet the same fate.”

“Your words are sincere, Commander, your fate will not be as such,” Princess Luna said as she extended her hoof towards him, “we decree that Princess Celestia handle the matter of punishment, for we need to help the tending to my guards.” Princess Luna began to walk by the 1025th, she stopped for a moment and looked towards Patches, “You there, mare!” she said pointing right at Patches, “does thou have plenty of supply to aid our wounded?”

“Oh, of course.” Patches said spooked a bit by the sudden attention, “I’d love to help.”

“Then let us go forth and render proper aid to those who require it.” the two went off into the streets Princess Luna using her magic to gather the fallen Stallions, Patches following close behind.

“It seems that now I have to find a proper punishment for all of you now…” Princess Celestia said with a grin.

“Whatever you choose, we shall deserve it.” Commander Garrison said.

“Oh I know, Commander,” the Princess said “and think I know just what to do…”

“That can’t be good,” Comet said under his breath to the pegasus, “usually if she has that look on her face, it means you should run…”

“Well, we don’t seem to have much of a say in what we can and can’t do right now, do we?” the pegasus said.

“Not at all.” Comet responded with a smirk on his face.

Author's Notes:

And we finally meet our first canon ponies... yay!

Chapter 5: Like They Never Even Happened

“Here, right here,” the stallion said to the mare, they were standing on top of a small hill, “this is where we will build you a brand new home, and it will be a new start for you.”

“Oh… I don’t know about this spot,” the mare said “it’s awfully close to the Everfree Forest…”

“I thought that was the point,” the stallion replied, “You said you wanted to be away from town, so you would be closer to your little animal friends…”

“Oh, I guess you’re right,” the mare whispered quietly, “I did say that, I’m sorry…”

“Sorry,” the stallion said confused, “sorry for what?”

The mare looked up at the stallion and very weakly replied, “We weren’t fighting? Oh my goodness, I’m sorry, I thought we were fighting…”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” the stallion said as he walked over to her “we were just having a conversation, that’s all.”

“Really?” she said as she looked towards the forest “Oh… ok, I guess,” she looked around even more at the spot the stallion had chosen. “There’s even a stream for the little water creatures when they need to see me.”

“So shall I begin?” the stallion asked. “Or do you need more time to find the right place?”

The mare looked over at the stallion and calmly said, “T-this, this IS the right place, I just needed you to help me see it…” she turned her head away and squeaked out the last part of her sentence. “I guess…”

“Glad to be of assistance,” the stallion said, “just remember, I’m always going to be there if you need me…”

The pegasus woke from yet another one of his strange visions. He had becoming more and more used to them as the days went on, but they still troubled him. As he got up from his bed, he realized it was the first time in a very long time that he had had such a luxury. Most ponies had taken things as simple as a bed for granted, but after spending five days in the same small, cold, steel cage, sleeping in a bed made him feel like esteemed royalty. He looked around the room he was in; the unicorn and the earth pony were also in the room still sleeping. Princess Celestia, even after the events of yesterday, had been kind enough to let the three and the 1025th to rest up for a day before she rendered a punishment fitting for them.

“Anypony awake in there?” a familiar, friendly voice called from the other side of the door.

The pegasus walked to the door, he opened it to reveal his visitor. As he suspected, it was Comet. “Just me Comet,” he said with a smile, “the others still got their lazy flanks in bed.”

“Well we better wake them up,” Comet said, smiling while he made his way into the room, “today you guys get to meet Princess Celestia formally. After all, she is going to try to identify you three before we have to go deep into the black ops files…”

“How’s the rest of your unit?” the pegasus asked right before Comet was going to attempt to wake the earth pony.

“Them… oh t-they’re all fine,” Comet stuttered, his smile fading away, “Patches and Med Kit are still tending to the wounded in the royal infirmary, I doubt they got any sleep at all last night,” he said walking back to the pegasus, his voice was growing more somber as he continued, “Tower Shield, Camo, Pyro, Long Shot, Cannon Fodder, Cloud Seeker, Ridge Cracker, Roadmap, Lug Nut and Javelin are still in their rooms getting ready…” Comet paused; he looked as if he was trying to hold back tears.

“What’s wrong?” the pegasus asked, his concern growing.

“Iron Hide and Snowstorm got a little busted up….” Comet had to pause again, a lone tear falling down his cheek. “But Flare Flash got hurt bad… real bad. They’re still in the infirmary, Commander Garrison hasn’t left Flash’s side since last night, he almost got his whole damn wing torn clean off in the skirmish. We didn’t even notice he was missing until we did a head count nearly an hour after the fighting was over…”

Comet gritted his teeth and stomped the floor, cracking the beautiful tiles under his hoof. “They don’t even know if he’ll make it through the day… I should have been there for him… it’s my fault that he’s down there like that, hell they won’t even let me go in to see him! None of this would have happened if I was just there when he needed me!” His yelling woke up the other two in the room.

“What the hell is your problem, dude!” the unicorn yelled at Comet, “Can’t you see I’m trying to-”

“You shut the HELL UP!” the pegasus furiously roared at the unicorn, then he turned back to Comet, “He’ll be fine, Comet, he’s more stubborn than a mule… he’ll pull through.” he placed his hoof on Comet’s shoulder.

“I hope you’re right, buddy,” Comet said whipping away his tears, “he and I have been friends since hoof camp, the past three years we’ve been in the same unit… he’s my best friend…” Comet pulled himself back together and forced his normal smiling face. “Now, you three follow me,” he said. “We don’t want to keep Princess Celestia waiting.”

“I’m sure that my fellows need some time to prepare,” the pegasus said watching Comet walk out of their room, “the ‘just got out of bed look’ doesn’t really seem to be a fitting look when it comes to meeting the Princesses.” Comet smiled as he walked out the door. The pegasus closed the door behind himself, then he turned toward the unicorn.

“The BUCK is wrong with you?” he said to the unicorn, “His friend is dying and he’s blaming himself for it, he must be going through hell right now.”

“Hey, take it easy wings. I’m grumpy in the mornings, that’s all.” The unicorn said raising his hoof trying to deescalate the tense atmosphere.

“That is no excuse for how you acted,” the pegasus said, “I think you should apologize to him… soon.” The earth pony nodded in agreement with the pegasus.

The unicorn, knowing that there was no real way out of this just shook his head, “Fine I’ll say sorry to him while we are on our way to the Princess.” he said looking frustrated.

“You better,” the pegasus said still staring at the unicorn in anger, “now, let’s get ready, like Comet said, we don’t want to keep the Princess waiting.”

The three and those of the 1025th who were not tasked with Infirmary duty, with the exception of Commander Garrison, made their way to the royal throne room, a privilege few get to have. As they approached the doors they were stopped by several guards and a large white unicorn with a blue mane.

“State your business, all of you.” the large unicorn ordered.

“Shining Armor, just let us in…” Comet said rolling his eyes, “you don’t have to have your tail in a tussle because you didn’t make it into the 1025th, after all, not everypony can get in.”

“I’m just doing my job, Comet,” Shining Armor said, glaring back at Comet, “after all, I AM the Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“We know, Shiny…” Tower Shield called towards him, “but Commander Garrison, wasn’t too impressed with that title, so why should we be?” laughter spread through the present members of the 1025th.

“Well at least I don’t forget that I have wounded still on the field of battle…” Shining Armor barked back, staring directly at Comet when he said it.

Comet glared at the large unicorn. “Just let us in… Shining Armor” he said between his gritted teeth.

“And if I don’t?” Shining Armor said still smiling.

“Then you deal with ME.” the pegasus said stepping forward, only inches away from Shining Armor’s face. “Let us pass,” he growled, “or I will make you a part of the lovely tile work here.”

The other guards began to surround the pegasus, Shining Armor smiled back at the glaring stallion right in his face. “I don’t think so, flyboy-”

Those were all the words Shining Armor could get out as the pegasus slammed him into the locked doors, his foreleg pressed against Shining Armor’s throat. “Now, let us in…” the pegasus began, pushing his foreleg further into Shining Armor’s throat, “or I get creative…”

Shining Armor looked around gasping for air, several his guards were being held by an unknown unicorn’s magic and the remainder were being held down by what he believed to be the biggest earth pony he had ever seen.

“Alright…” he managed to say through his gasps for air, “I’ll let you in… just let me and my guards go…”

“Thank you, kindly.” the pegasus said as he released Shining Armor, who hit his knees and reached for his throat, gasping and coughing, trying to get the air into his lungs.

Shining Armor opened the doors to the throne room, and instantly the 1025th were greeted by a beautiful red and gold rug leading towards the royal thrones. Extravagant stain-glass windows and expertly crafted marble statues surrounded the room’s outer interior. The finest gems were incrusted into the ornate tile work on the floor and the massive granite pillars all bore the banner of Equestria. At the opposite side of the room, there was a magnificent stairway, seven royal guards on either side and atop the stairway three stunning, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald incrusted golden thrones. On them sat three alicorns, Princess Luna on the right, Princess Cadence to the left and in the middle, largest most ornate throne sat Princess Celestia.

The small group of ponies made their way towards the thrones all looking in different directions trying to take in as much of this experience. With the exception of three, the pegasus, Comet and the earth pony just kept looking forward each with something different on their minds. Once they made their way to the thrones they all bowed at the three who sat in front of them, except for the earth pony, who, as usual just nodded his head.

The white alicorn motioned them to all to stand as she spoke, “Greetings, my little ponies,” she said, “and welcome to our throne room. I hope Shining Armor didn‘t give you any trouble, he‘s been a little agitated since Commander Garrison didn’t let him join your unit.”

“He has been in quite the bad mood since that day, aunt Celestia,” Princess Cadence said, “I would like to personally apologize for any of my colt friend’s negative actions towards you.”

“It was nothing that those three couldn’t handle ma’am.” Long Shot said, pointing at the three, a small wave of laughter came across the 1025th at the mentioning of the incident.

Princess Celestia looked at them in a slight bit of confusion, but she continued. “Speaking of those three,” she said looking at them, “step forward, ponies, let me see if I can help you with your problem, nopony should live without knowing who they are.”

The three made their way towards the Princess, the guards stepped aside as they began to ascend up the awe inspiring stairs. They stopped just feet in front of the ruler all Equestria. The three looked up at their ruler, ready to finally be informed of who they really were. They didn’t care if they were nuns or mass murders on the run, they just wanted to remember who they were and if anypony would know, it would be Princess Celestia.

“Now this shouldn’t take long,” the Princess said with a smile as she looked deeply into their eyes. After a few moments, however, the smile on her face turned into a look of disbelief.

“Sister?” Princess Luna asked her, “Is there something wrong?”

“Yes Luna,” the Princess said, “I do not know who they are, in fact, I have never seen them before…”

Loud gasps and looks of disbelief fell on everypony in the throne room; even the stoic earth pony looked shocked at this knowledge.

“T-This, this can’t be…” the pegasus said, “You know everypony in Equestria!” the pegasus shook his head violently, “It’s not true, it’s impossible!”

Princess Celestia just stared at them with a look of sadness, “Search your feelings, ponies,” she said, “you know it to be true.”

The unicorn hit his knees and threw his hooves into the air, “NO!” He yelled at the top of his lungs, “This is where we were supposed to get the answers; it was supposed to be here! Instead, now we just have even more questions!”

“I’m sorry my little ponies,” the Princess said, “but I cannot identify you. Your only hope is to go to the Black Ops files. They have information there that even I do not know, nor do I wish to know, it’s the only way now.”

“Thank you for your time, Princess.” the pegasus said with his head hung low as he and the other two began to walk down to stairs.

“The honor was mine,” the Princess said, “I wish I could aid you further.”

The pegasus stopped half way down the stairs, then turned back towards the Princess, “Well, my lady,” he began, “there is one thing you can help me with, if it is not too much to ask.”

The Princess looked at him with a kind and warm smile, “Anything.” she said rising she from her throne, descending down the stairs towards him. “What is it you wish, it will be the least I could do after not being able to help you.”

“Princess,” the pegasus began looking up at her, “some of the 1025th were badly wounded in the conflict yesterday, in particular, Comet’s friend Flare Flash, they told Comet that he wouldn’t make it through the day. My lady, if it is not too much, I ask you to save Comet’s friend’s life.”

Upon hearing this, Comet and the rest of the 1025th were speechless, Comet’s eyes began to water, “Y-you, you don’t have to ask that, buddy…” he said under his breath.

“Then we must not waste any more time,” Princess Celestia said continuing down the stairs, “we must be off to the infirmary, then when my task is done I shall guide you to the black ops file vault, tomorrow we shall discuss your punishment.”

“Thank you, my lady.” the pegasus said bowing as he and the others followed Princess Celestia out of the throne room.

Comet caught up to the pegasus as they made their way down the vast halls and corridors of the castle. “You didn’t have to do that…” he said to the pegasus.

“And you didn’t have to look for clues to see who we were after I beat the hell out of you after we first met.” the pegasus responded smiling back at Comet.

“Yeah,” Comet said looking down, “but that was different, I looked by myself to see if I could find any information about you, you just asked a Princess to save a dying friend for me.”

“I guess you’re right,” the pegasus said placing his hoof on Comet’s shoulder. “But it’s what anypony in my situation would do for somepony who has been there for them.”

“Thanks buddy.” Comet said with misty eyes.

“No need for that, friend, no need at all.” the pegasus replied stopping with the others in front of the infirmary doors.

Chapter 6: Identities Found, Memories Lost

The smell of blood filled the air as a large colt and a small filly rushed towards a small shack, timber wolves following close behind. They had to keep running, if they stopped, they would die, if they looked back, they would die, if they thought about death, they would die. So they kept running, like no pony ever ran before, though timber wolves are fast they were barely keeping up with their potential prey.

“OPEN THE DOOR!” the colt yelled, nearly out of breath, “OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!”

With not one second of hesitation, the shack’s splintered wooden doors opened, and with only inches between them and their chasers, the colt and filly fell into the interior of the shack. The two colts already inside closed the door on the lead predator and with a loud crash the door buckled, nearly knocking back the two foals holding it.

“Hey, bro, why is she here?” the unicorn colt asked, pointing at the filly “did you forget the ‘no fillies aloud’ rule?”

“I think that this situation… calls for some of the rules to be… forgotten…” the colt on the ground said weakly, holding his side.

“Are you hurt, bro?” the unicorn colt asked looking at him, “oh wow, your wing is trashed. Little bro get the bandages, big bro’s hurt, he’s bleeding a lot.”

The other colt simply nodded as he walked towards a makeshift cabinet. The filly, taking very deep breaths crawled towards the injured colt and looked him over. The colt was barely conscious, blood pouring out of his claw shaped gashes. She just kept staring at him while the other foals started to get what they needed to help him. Her small hoof moved toward his face then to his wound, she felt awful, after all if she wasn’t frozen in fear earlier he wouldn’t have that injury.

“I, I-I’m sorry,” she said meekly, beginning to cry “t-this never should have happened.”

“Don’t be… don’t be sorry…” the colt responded barely awake.

“W-why d-did you save me?” she asked, “Y-you barely even know me…”

“Because everypony needs something to live for…” he responded weakly, “or life’s not worth living…”

“Hey, guy, yin there?” Ridge Cracker’s voice snapped the pegasus out of his trance. “You sure are sweaty, guy, blood not yer thing? If it ain’t, I’d be shocked.”

“I’m fine, Ridge Cracker,” the pegasus said as he placed his hoof on his head, “just lost in thought…”

“Right…” Ridge Cracker replied, with a raised eyebrow, “The Princess fixed up Flare Flash like new, he’s in recovery, but she’s waitin’ fer ya and yer buddies at the front door, Commander Garrison said he’d guide y’all once ya get in the vault, Comet’s gonna stay back with Flash, but Cannon Fodder and Lug Nut ‘ll be comin’ long with ya.”

“Thanks, Ridge Cracker.” the pegasus said heading to the front door.

When he got through the doors he saw everypony Ridge Cracker had mentioned. After the several thanks from the 1025th were done the three, Commander Garrison, Cannon Fodder and Lug Nut all walked towards the Princess. She looked down upon all of them and smiled. They looked up at her and smiled back. They were ready to head toward the vault.

“Follow me.” Princess Celestia said as she began to lead the small group.

The party made their way through and through the seemingly endless passageways of the lower castle. Until finally, they were all standing in front on a large vault door, it looked as if it had been years since it had been opened, Princess Celestia then turned to her followers.

“Here we are,” she said, “Commander Garrison, I’m positive that you can escort them from here.”

“Yes, my lady.” Commander Garrison replied, again bowing towards her.

“Excellent,” Princess Celestia smiled, “I shall take my leave now, and to you I wish the best of luck.”

“Again, Princess thank you for your help.” the pegasus said while she walked past them.

“I do what I can for all my little ponies,” she responded looking back at him, “and if you need any further help, all you need to do is just ask.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” the pegasus said watching her walk out of sight.

“All right, stallions,” Commander Garrison said to gather their attention, “we are about to go into the black ops vault. Stay close and don’t get separated, there are documents in there dating back to the pre-Discord era, so we might be in there for a while.”

They all nodded while the Commander used his magic to turn the vault’s combination lock, and after a few brief moments a loud clunk noise echoed down the castle halls. An eerie creaking sound followed as the door opened, dust and cobwebs falling all around the now coughing ponies.

“Now,” the Commander said, “shall we enter?” he lifted his hoof in an ‘after you’ sort of manner to the five other ponies standing next to him.

The six entered the vault, one after the other. As they entered they were greeted by a very nice, but small, office and at one side of the office there was a single white bodied unicorn with a long maroon mane. She was sitting behind her neatly organized desk, looking over a few files. She looked up at the ponies that now stood before her. She smiled at the Commander and his guests. She started to look over the ponies that Commander Garrison had brought into her quaint little office.

“I was not expecting something like this…” Cannon Fodder said. She only smiled again and turned to Commander Garrison.

“Good morning, sir,” she said politely. “I see you have guests today. That’s new.”

“Good morning, Record Keeper,” Commander Garrison said back to her. “Me and the boys need to get into the personal files section, you mind getting us there?” The other five ponies looked in confusion at the two unicorns, of the ponies there, only Commander Garrison had been in the vault before.

“Of course, sir.” Record Keeper said as her horn started to glow a strange ruby color. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“I always do.” Commander Garrison said smiling back at her.

Cannon Fodder saw Record Keeper‘s horn glow brighter as he frantically began to say, “Wait… Wha-”

Before Cannon Fodder could finish his statement, the six ponies were teleported to a location somewhere in the vault. The ponies had no idea where they were, except for the Commander. They looked around, all very confused about what just happened. Then they saw that there were row upon row of dusty, cobwebbed scrolls and files. All of them with the exception of Commander Garrison began to stumble and stagger as a result of being suddenly teleported. He quickly gathered his still disoriented counterparts and lead them to the first row of scrolls.

“Sir, wha-what d-did, did tha-that, that uni-unicorn do to u-us?” Cannon Fodder asked visibly very shaken by the experience, “cause I-I have a BAD feeling about it…”

“I teleported you to the personal files section of the vault.” Record Keeper said to the group of ponies, they all jumped when she appeared from behind the first row of files, except for Cannon Fodder, the shock from seeing her appear out of nowhere made him faint.

“Oops,” she said covering her mouth with her hoof. “I forgot that Cannon Fodder is a complete nervous wreck, I’m sorry…”

“No need to be,” Commander Garrison said reassuringly. “To tell you the truth, I think he needed that.”

“Oh, ok…” Record Keeper said giggling; “Now gentlecolts, if you would gather your friend and follow me, we can get started.”

She motioned them to follow her, but Lug Nut was rather surprised by how much she knew about them, which prompted him to ask a question. “You’ve never meet Cannon Fodder, but you know his name and that he’s a nervous wreck, how do you know that?”

“Oh, I know all about him and you too Lug Nut…” Record Keeper said to the now the even more baffled silver unicorn, “I file all the records back here, including personal files. In fact Lug Nut, you and I lived about five minutes away from each other when we were growing up in Baltimare.”

“Stalker…” the unicorn said smiling as he looked over to Lug Nut.

“Oh Celestia, no, it’s my job to look over all the files before putting them in to storage. My special talent is memory, that’s why I got this job.” she said smiling back at the group of ponies, “but I don’t know you three, that’s odd because if you were in special operations, I should know you…”

“Not the first time we herd that today, ma’am.” the pegasus said lowering his head.

“Oh my, Princess Celestia herself couldn’t identify you?” Record Keeper’s face went into a mix of worry and surprise, “That must be why you three are here as well, well I hope I can help.”

“Thank you, Record Keeper.” he said raising his head, giving her a charming smile.

The small group of ponies continued down the seemingly endless rows of special forces documents, some looking hundreds if not thousands of years old. Looking through files that appeared could contain any information about the three, but with no success. They were of other ponies who were either still in service, retired or dead. As the hours passed a few members of the group grew increasingly frustrated. It all came to a point when they looked through what appeared to be their millionth file.

“Are we really still doing this?” Lug Nut said slamming a document shut, and forcibly putting it back into place, “It’s been at least five hours since we got here, why can’t we just make up new names for them and be over it already?”

“Because you did not have nearly twenty years of your life taken from you…” the group froze, it was the first time the earth pony had said anything since they had met him. “I’m greatly displeased too Lug Nut, but I know that if somewhere in this place had the slightest clue to who I am, I would tear this whole place down to find it. I know that if you were in our situation, you would do the same, and you would appreciate anypony trying to help you. Go if you must, but I am staying, I need to know who I really am…”

His words met Lug Nut’s ears with the force they were meant to. He lowered his head in shame then he looked back up to the stoic earth pony. “You’re right… I’m sorry,” Lug Nut said, looking back down, “we’ll keep looking until we know this place has no information on you three…” The earth pony just smiled and nodded as they went back to searching the documents.

“Guys!” Cannon Fodder’s usual nervous voice was now nearly as loud as Princess Luna’s. “I think, I think I got something over here!”

“What do you have there, Cannon Fodder?” the unicorn said as he and the others ran towards the sound of his voice. “Do you have our records?”

“I-I think I do,” Cannon Fodder said as he pulled out three separate files from the rack with his magic, “here, look at these…”

All the ponies in the group looked very closely at the front of the three dusty files. On the front they simply said, ‘Greatsword’, ‘Battleaxe’, and ‘Warhammer‘. The three gathered the documents floating in front of them, each grabbing the one that’s name was the same as their cutie marks. They opened the documents in their hooves, and as looks of shock ran across their faces the other ponies wondered what they were looking at inside the files. After a few brief moments the pegasus closed the document he was looking at, a stoic look on his face.

“What was in there friend?” Lug Nut asked, “Was there any-”

“My name is not ‘friend’, Lug Nut…” the pegasus said raising his hoof to cut Lug Nut off mid-sentence, “My, name is…” he began again as a smile came across his face, “My name is Greatsword.”

“And I am Battleaxe… now that’s irony for you” the unicorn said smiling at Greatsword.

“Warhammer… fitting.” the earth pony said standing with the other two ponies.

“That’s terrific news! Now you three have your identities!” Record Keeper said smiling at the three, “But what about memories? Is there anything is those files that reveal anything about your pasts?”

Greatsword gave Record Keeper the file he was holding, she quickly opened it. All that was in the file was a picture of him, and under information it only had his name and that he was the oldest of three brothers, Battleaxe, his twin and Warhammer the youngest. Nothing about their parents or other relatives, a home town, or any history of a past other than his date of entry into the service, nearly three years ago. She looked up at Greatsword with a small frown, though he knew his name and the other ponies were his brothers, there was still much that they didn’t know. It was almost as bad as not knowing who they were again.

“Well at least you have your names and, apparently, each other.” Commander Garrison said with a smile. “We still don’t know yet but we can assume that you three were in the 1025th, and that Warhammer is the youngest, says here he only signed up six months ago.”

“I wish there was more,” Battleaxe said lowering his head, “like where we’re from and who our patents are… AND if they’re still alive…”

“I do too, brother,” Greatsword said placing his hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder, “but as Commander Garrison said, at least we have one another.”

Warhammer simply nodded as he walked towards his brothers. They all stood there smiling, looking at each other, brothers, all three of them. Though they knew they were kin and their names, the other questions in the back of their minds lingered, but now they were content with the information that they had. After a short time the three broke from their huddle and moved back towards the other ponies that had helped them in their search.

After a few quick ‘thank yous’, Cannon Fodder was the first to speak, “So now that this is all said and done… C-can we please leave this place, I’m getting a little more freaked out the longer we stay here…”

“Of course Cannon Fodder,” Commander Garrison said to his jumpy subordinate, “Record Keeper, if you please.”

“Of course, sir.” she said happily as her horn began to glow the same ruby color as it had before, and with a flash of ruby colored light they were back in her office, were they started so long ago.

“Alright boys,” Commander Garrison began, smiling at his counterparts, “let’s head out get some chow and hit the stables, we still got our hearing tomorrow and we need to be rested for whatever her majesty has planned for us.”

They all began to walk towards the exit, but Greatsword stopped and turned towards Record Keeper, “Thank you again,” he said to her with a smile, “for all your help.”

“It’s my job, Greatsword,” she said smiling back at him, “I’ll be off duty in an hour if you feel like waiting.”

“I guess I could wait that long…” Greatsword said, “I have to tell Comet the news anyway.”

Chapter 7: The Sentence

A young colt was searching through the forest in the daytime, he was looking for something or somepony. He snuck around trees and through bushes, trying to find what he was searching for. It seemed like hours that he was searching, but he was determined to find it. His quest drew him further and further from the woods into a less dense wooded area. A small meadow of sorts, he continued his search, not at all phased by this change of landscape.

Hearing a loud thundering boom, he jumped at the sudden noise amongst the quiet woods. He looked up in the air to see quite a sight; a rainbow had suddenly appeared in a bizarre circular shape across the sky. He was dumbstruck by this event, so much that he could only stop and stare at the rainbow until it disappeared. He was still looking up when he heard a rustling in the bushes not far from him, he jumped a bit at the noise but he was very quiet about it. The thing he was looking for might have been right behind that bush, and he didn’t want it to know he was there.

He crept towards the bush, silently sneaking closer and closer to his goal. He noticed that a tree was on the opposite side of it, that was where he was going to come from to get whatever was behind that bush. He continued to creep towards the tree, not making a single sound as he got closer and closer. After a few tense moments he was at his goal, again he heard that small rustle from the opposite side of the tree. He waited for a few more, tense moments 3... 2... 1... NOW!

As he jumped out from behind the tree he was very surprised by what he found, it was not what he was looking for but it was something. Now he was literally kissing a small long maned filly, their wings both fully extended form the shock and awkwardness of their encounter. Then another colt’s voice called out while to two were still frozen in an awkward first kiss.

“Hey big bro,” it called, “you give up lookin’ for us yet?”

Greatsword woke up from his ‘flashback dream’ as he had begun to call them. As usual, he was up before his newly identified brothers. He heard a knock on their door. He walked over to the door to open it and when he did he saw that same, sky blue pegasus that he had seen the day before, only far more chipper than usual.

“Hello, Comet.” Greatsword said with a smile.

“Hey bud-I mean Greatsword.” he said smiling back. “I’m happy for you three for finally finding out who you are. Sorry about that ‘still not knowing your past’ part though.”

“Well, thank you, I guess.” Greatsword said looking at the clock on the wall it was still very early, even for Comet, he wondered what prompted his visit so soon. “Comet, what are you-”

“So, Record Keeper, huh,” Comet interrupted Greatsword with a deviant grin, “I never took you for one who would go after the bookworm type of mare.”

“What?” Greatsword said caught off guard. “Do you-”

“Hey, buddy, I’m not judging.” Comet interrupted again, “After all she is a very, VERY good looking bookworm, and that flank of hers is one of the best I’ve-”

“Comet…” Greatsword interrupted his friend by placing his hoof in his friend’s mouth. “I can’t have friends that aren’t stallions?”

Comet removed Greatsword’s hoof from his mouth, “So you two aren’t…” he said tapping his hooves together, “like that?”

“No Comet, we did go out together, but with my brothers and the rest of the 1025th as well, remember?” Greatsword said to his friend who was looking at him, rather embarrassed, “we talked a lot, but it was mostly about her job details, I tried to start conversations with you but you were with Flare Flash and having a great time. I didn’t want to interrupt that. Yeah we left early, but unlike us she had to be at work the next day, nothing happened, really, nothing.”

“Oh… ok…” Comet was clearly embarrassed for making such a hasty judgment. “well, sorry for that, guess I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”

“Is that all you are here for Comet?” Greatsword said, smirking a bit as his friend’s rather normal assumption.

“Well, no, not really” Comet said, “but we actually have to be in front of Princess Celestia while Princess Luna is still awake, she sleeps through most of the day, you know. Princess Celestia wants her sister to hear what will become of us, and buddy; it’s probably a doozy…”

“Alright I’ll wake the others right now. We’ll be out in five.” Greatsword said looking at his brothers then back at Comet.

“Ok, I’ll wake the rest of them,” Comet said as he turned around, “I’ll see you in five...”

Some thirty minutes later the whole of the 1025th were in the royal throne room again. This time, however, it was not for identification. The three had informed Princess Celestia the day prior, before they went out on the town. It was for their punishment, they had injured nearly three hundred Lunar Stallions in their skirmish two days ago. It was actually amazing they didn’t kill any of them, but that was not the point, they were about to answer for what they had done.

Commander Garrison bowed towards the Princesses to begin their trial “Greeting, my ladies.” he said as he was on his knees.

“Good morning, Commander.” Princess Celestia said as she motioned him to stand. “Now let us begin the trial. You and your unit are accused of provoking public unrest, breaking into the royal city, some three hundred counts of assault and battery and disobeying direct orders to stay out of Canterlot during the celebration. How do you plea?”

“Guilty to all charges, your majesty,” Commander Garrison said, “but in my defense, that tower guard was being an ass about the whole thing...”

“That will be noted in the hearing’s final statement, Commander.” Princess Celestia said smiling a little.

“AS FOR YOUR PONIES, COMMANDER,” Princess Luna said to get the attention of the others. “How do they plea to these charges?”

“Guilty to all charges.” the 1025th said simultaneously, as if they had rehearsed it, and more than likely, they did.

“Very well,” Princess Luna said looking her attention back to her her big sister, “We have no further queries, sister, and as by law we hath given thou the authority to give a deserving punishment for these ponies.”

“And I shall Luna,” Princess Celestia said to her sister then towards the 1025th, “I have come to a decision for your trial ponies, by the power that I have been granted by my sister, I declare you Guilty of all charges.”

“As we should be.” Commander Garrison said.

“And as for you punishment…” Princess Celestia began, smiling deviant, “I sentence you all to one year of military service under Princess Luna…”

“WHAT?!” both the 1025th and Princess Luna exclaimed in disbelief in unison. They were completely shocked at the sentence that Princess Celestia had given them.

“The 1025th will be members of the Lunar Guard for that period time,” Princess Celestia raised her hoof to silence all of them before they could argue her judgement. “If you obey her orders as well as I know you can, I will drop the charges from all of you.” Princess Celestia rose from her throne and proceeded to walk down the stairs. “Now if you will excuse me,” she said looking back at the still baffled ponies and alicorn, “I am expecting a letter from my most faithful student. You should all become better aquatinted with one another, after all, you are going to be seeing each other for the next year.” She let out a small laugh and left the royal throne room.

“I-I, got a BAD feeling about this.” Cannon Fodder said as he and the rest of the 1025th looked up toward the still baffled Princess Luna, her mouth still agape from her hearing her sister’s punishment.

“For once, Cannon Fodder, I agree with you…” Flare Flash said, his wing still in bandages. “She’s going to get us all killed, when we’re not expecting it, I just know it.”

“I doubt that, Flash,” Comet said trying to reassure everypony, “she might just have us do guard duty for a few weeks and then let us go.”

“That’s WAY too optimistic, Comet…” Long Shot said back to his sky blue counterpart. “we all got skills her guards don‘t have, if she isn’t going to kill us she will utilize us for the whole period she has been given.”

“Evers gonna happen, I’m sure I ain’t gonna be likin’ it one little bit.” Ridge Cracker said, placing his hoof up and down on the tile.

“Well, why doesn’t somepony just ask her?” Camo said as the 1025th turned their gaze from Princess Luna to him. “We can’t just assume things like that anymore, remember what happened last time we did that?”

“That is an excellent point Camo,” Lug Nut said to his friend, “Now,” he began as he and the rest of the 1025th looked back up to Princess Luna, “who’s going to ask her?”

“Shouldn’t Commander Garrison ask her?” Patches asked the other ponies around her, “After all, he is our Commander.” They looked towards their usually undeterred leader, but he was frozen in the same look of utter disbelief as Princess Luna was.

As the 1025th began to try to decide who was going to talk to the Princess while their Commander was in his peculiar state, Warhammer began to make his way up the stairs. None of his counterparts knew that he had begun to do what everypony else was afraid to do, but he knew that it had to be done. By the time the rest of the 1025th realized that Warhammer was missing from the conversation he was already standing right next to Princess Luna. The two looked to be equal in height, if not Warhammer might have been slightly larger. Before all the ponies at the bottom of the stairway tried shout at him not to do what he was about to do, it was too late, he tapped Princess Luna on the shoulder.

“GAHHH!” Princess Luna shrieked in reaction to the sudden contact, “WHO DARES TO TOUCH THE ROYAL SHOULDER!” she yelled directly at Warhammer, but as before he was not fazed by the Royal Canterlot Voice, he just continued to stare deeply into the Princess‘s eyes. She quickly came back to her senses, seeing that Warhammer seemed to be the only pony in Equestria immune to such a tone. “We must ask that you not touch us like that without warning.”

“My apologies, my lady.” Warhammer said to Princess Luna, she was a little taken back by the deep, but gentle way that he spoke. “But the 1025th including myself are, as of now and for the next year, under your command and we wish to know your first order, your highness.”

“Ah… well, yes… right.” Princess Luna said settling herself back into her throne. “Our first order to our new unit is…” Princess Luna paused still looking at Warhammer, “we don’t really know what do order you to do… we were able to command the Lunar Stallions when we were Nightmare Moon because we used dark magic to brainwash and infuriate them, and we no longer have that power…”

“Then let me help you with your first order.” Warhammer said as he drew close to her ear, “Command us to train your Lunar Stallions, Princess,” he whispered in her ear, “we are under your command, and we must obey your lawful orders.”

“Uh, yes…” Princess Luna said awkwardly as Warhammer was still very close to her ear, “we shall give them that order…”

“Good call, my lady.” Warhammer said drawing himself away from her ear and walked down the stairs to the rest of the now speechless 1025th.

“WE HAVE COME TO A DECISION!” Princess Luna shouted, “YOU SHALL TRAIN OUR LUNAR STALLIONS! YOU SHALL MAKE TRUE ROYAL GUARDS OF THEM!”

After the booming order Commander Garrison snapped out from his trance, “Huh? What?” he said still dumbfounded, “What are we doing?”

“We’re training the Lunar Stallion corps, Sir.” Battleaxe said to the Commander, “No thanks to anypony in particular.” he said shooting a glance at Warhammer, who just nodded at his brother.

“Oh, well… I should have expected that order,” Commander Garrison said “well mare and gentle colts, hit the stables again, those Lunar Stallions are called ‘Lunar’ for a reason. Training will start tonight.” Commander Garrison then turned toward his new commander and chief “My lady, send us the best of your stallions this evening, we shall begin training then.”

“As you wish, Commander,” Princess Luna said looking toward Commander Garrison, “tonight you shall receive your first units of stallions to train. We hope you are up to the task, ponies of the 1025th.”

“My lady,” Commander Garrison began. “If you have learned anything about the 1025th, it’s that we make the impossible look easy and the unthinkable a simple task.”

Chapter 8: Hoof Camp

“There’s no doubt in my mind that that could have gone better…” Long Shot said as the 1025th walked out of the throne room. It was still early in the morning, Princess Celestia had barely started to raise the sun and the normally stoic and impressive Canterlot royal guard was still shaking the sleep out of themselves.

“Yeah, but at least we still have our health,” Patches pointed out, “we could have spent the rest of our lives in the Canterlot dungeons, and I don’t have enough anti-bacterial soap for Cannon Fodder if that were to happen…”

The 1025th erupted in laughter, Patches never really said anything to be funny, but when she did, it was golden. Cannon Fodder looked at her in a rather embarrassed way, but they continued down the long walkway towards their rooms. As they had their personal conversations, the subject was brought up about Warhammer’s strange interaction with the Princess of the Night.

“So, Warhammer,” Flare Flash said initiating the new group discussion, “how does it fell to be inches away from an alicorn?” Warhammer remained silent, still looking forward as if nopony had said anything to him.

“Was she even better looking up close?” Tower Shield asked, trying to get a response from Warhammer, but as with Flare Flash’s attempt, it was met with the same results.

“I’m sure she’s a lot like her sister,” Lug Nut said, not even trying to talk to Warhammer, “after all, they share the same blood and they are both alicorns. Princess Luna is just one thousand years out of the loop, she’ll-”

“She’s nothing like her sister,” Warhammer said as the rest of the 1025th paused to hear him speak, “something in her eyes told me that she has something held deep inside her, something that truly bothers her, even to this day and it is not the fact that she was Nightmare Moon, it goes far deeper than that.” He paused himself and looked back down the way they had come. “Her eyes told me that a part of her heart is missing...”

“I liked you better when you didn’t talk, little bro.” Battleaxe said breaking the silence of the 1025th. “And no matter what you ‘saw’ in her eyes, we all must remember that it’s ridiculously early, we got done partying only a few hours ago, and tonight we have to start training a large group of ponies who two days ago tried to kill us. I don’t know about you little bro, but I’m going to need some sleep before that.”

Warhammer looked at his brother with a slight bit of anger, but in a very small way he was right. The 1025th needed to get plenty of rest if they were to begin training Princess Luna’s guards. They all knew that many of them would still be quite angry at them for what had happened only a short time ago. All they could do was hope that their dedication to Princess Luna would keep them focused on their training and not on killing their trainers. The 1025th arrived at their quarters a few minutes later all taking their respective rooms, with the exception of one.

As Patches closed her door, but soon after she heard a small quiet knock, though she was very tired she walked to her door to open it. As she did it revealed a sky blue stallion standing at her front door, a single rose in his mouth.

“Comet,” she said with a small tired smile, “you know that I can’t have stallions in my quarters, Commander Garrison’s orders.”

“That hasn’t stopped us for the past year, Patches.” Comet said placing the rose in her mane. “It was the only one in the royal garden that could come close to your beauty.”

“Such a charmer,” she said kissing him on his cheek. “It’s a real mystery why you don’t have a mare back in Cloudsdale for you.”

“I did,” Comet said sarcastically smiling a bit. “But I was going to tell you about that soon, I swear.”

“Right,” Patches said smiling back at him. “You’ve been seeing me for nearly a year, but decide to tell a stallion who didn’t even know who he was that you dated a pony like Spitfire for a while, no big deal right?”

“I know I should’ve told you sooner, Patches,” Comet said, his smile gone. “But I thought if you knew that you would want nothing to do with me. I wanted you to know that you were special to me.”

“Comet,” Patches said placing her hoof on his face, drawing him closer to her. “You don’t have to prove yourself like that, you’re always putting others in front of yourself, so much that you don’t realize that you’re standing in the fire you’ve been trying to keep them away from.” Patches kissed him lightly on the lips.

“It’s just who I am, Patches,” Comet said his smile had returned, “If I can save at least one life at the cost of my own, I will consider my life one lived well.”

“Just remember that THAT type of talk is for one who feels the he has little to live for.” Patches replied kissing him again. “And I think that I could find a mare in this room that would argue that.”

“Gee, you wonder where I could find this mare you speak of?” Comet said as he walked into Patches’ room, “I might need some help finding her, could she be in the bed?” Comet started to walk towards her perfectly made bed.

“Oh I don’t know…” Patches said giggling, “I guess I could help you a little bit before I go to sleep.” Patches walked by Comet giving him a small kiss as they fell into the bed together.

The hours of the ordinary day passed like mere minutes to Greatsword as he woke up from his slumber. He had another dream, this one was of the mare professing her love for the stallion, and the stallion doing the same as well as what happened afterward. He never had a dream like that before; his heart was still pounding from the experience. Such a love between two ponies, and he had forgotten who she was, or this mare was just a dream that was just keeping him up, he didn’t know. That was a common occurrence for the past week of his life, and he was growing tired of it, he just wanted to know, that was all he really wanted, closure for everything. He looked at the clock on the wall, 1300 it said, he still had nearly six hours to sleep before he was needed, but he couldn’t sleep, not after what he saw in his dream.
“I’ve GOT to know soon.” he said to himself, “It’s killing me NOT knowing.”

The next six hours passed like molasses before the winter wrap-up, at least to Greatsword. Who, as his brothers woke up, was looking out their room’s window, casting his troubled gaze across Canterlot. His brothers noticed that he seemed to be acting a bit strange, even to them, so they went to his side.

“You alright, bro?” Battleaxe said, walking closer to him “How long have you been sitting there?”

“Near six hours, Battleaxe,” Greatsword responded still looking out to Canterlot, “Let me ask the two of you something…” his voice became cold “do you ever have dreams about the time before?”

“What?” Battleaxe asked back, “Not sure I’m following you…”

“The time before…” Greatsword repeated his tone hadn’t changed, “Do you have visions or flashbacks? Memories, dreams or anything that seems to have stuck to your conscious?” Greatsword turned towards his brothers, a look of despair in his eyes. “Something that’s trying to remind you of who you once were?”

“I can’t say I do, big bro,” Battleaxe said wincing seeing his brother in this odd condition, “maybe we can ask Princess Celestia, or somepony who might be able to help you.”

“We both know that Princess Celestia has nothing for us,” Greatsword said firmly placing his hoof on the ground, “and if she doesn’t then nopony does…” He grabbed Battleaxe by his shoulders and began to shake him violently “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH ME?!”

“WHY THE HELL WOULD I KNOW?!” Battleaxe yelled back, “Now get off of-“

“I know I do not speak much,” Warhammer began and gaining the other two’s attention “but that is only because I rarely have anything to say. Greatsword whatever it is you are seeing in your dreams is what is keeping you going, giving you reason to press on, what that reason is I don’t know, but you must find that reason. That is the purpose of those dreams, but now you must give others reason to do the same. The Lunar Stallions are lost without the strong to teach them how to be strong themselves, make that your purpose now and after we can further examine what you see while you sleep.”

Greatsword looked up at his ‘little’ brother, it seemed that all the things that were destroying his mind had stopped for those brief few moments that Warhammer spoke. He was right, he had to be strong, not for just himself but for his brothers, for the 1025th and oddly for the Lunar Stallions. Greatsword got up from his seat and walked towards his brothers.

“You’re right,” he stated “we must stay strong we must not break, it is our duty to not do so, we must keep our will strong and we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for our peers, we must do it, on our HONOR.”

The evening began, Princess Luna watching closely over the upcoming activities, some three hundred Lunar Stallions were there for the first day, or as it be night of their training. Commander Garrison stood on a raised platform, with the rest of the 1025th, he was pacing back and forth as if he were sizing up every individual stallion that was present in the crowd. After a few long minutes he spoke.

“We are the 1025th, of special operations division in the equestrian military, but you all knew that already.” Commander Garrison’s voice was harsh and cut into the stallions in front of their ’formation’.

“We are here to make you all worthy of defending Princess Luna.” upon the mention of her name a roar of joy began to rush through the crowd, but it was quickly silenced by the Commander’s powerful voice. “I DIDN’T SAY YOU COULD TALK!” he roared at them. “For the next few months you will be learning proper military procedures, drill, tactics, first aid, weapons training, hoof to hoof combat and military history, do you all understand?” the crowd was silent, this only made the Commander roar at them again, “I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”

“Yes… sir…” a few responded meekly.

“WHAT?!” Commander Garrison yelled at them.

“Yes, sir…” most called out but still very quietly.

“YOU GOTTA SPEAK UP!” the Commander yelled “BECAUSE I DON’T SPEAK BITCH!”

“YES SIR!” all the stallions roared at the insult.

“Good,” the Commander said, “now, break into groups of seventy, and fall in towards your respective Drill Instructors... DO IT NOW!”

The stallions quickly followed the orders of the Commander those who remained after they were split into seventy were divided amongst the groups already seventy full, but around twenty of them were taken by Commander Garrison personally, they would be Princess Luna’s Elite. Their training began, slowly for the first night, but the nights after would prove to test the mettle of everypony involved.

Three weeks had passed, and the 1025th had been doing the same thing every night, pushing the Lunar Corps to their breaking point and beyond. Temperatures flared from time to time, but overall the Stallions had been doing quite well. Princess Luna had come to see how the training was going for her guards, first she inspected Commander Garrison’s group.

They were already weeks ahead of the other groups because of the Commander’s nonstop training, and if he had his way they would be training until the end of the one year sentence, but that decision was Princess Luna’s to make, nit his. She then moved toward the next group of stallions, Greatsword and Warhammer’s. She was surprised to see that they were not far behind in training compared to Commander Garrison’s twenty. The leadership of the two stallions must have been extraordinary. She called them over to her, to express her gratitude towards them and tell her how impressed she was.

“My lady,” Greatsword said as he and Warhammer bowed towards her, “to what do we owe this great honor?”

“WE SIMPLY WISH TO EXPRESS HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE TO-” she cut herself off mid-sentence, remembering that she was using her royal Canterlot voice. “We mean, we want to just say that we are very happy that you have taken this so seriously.”

“It’s our job, my lady.” Greatsword said rubbing his ears, Warhammer just nodded.

“Tell me Greatsword,” Princess Luna said to him in a questioning manner, “of the stallions under your charge who among them have the most ability?”

Without hesitation, Greatsword called two names from his roster, “NIGHT WING, DARK KNIGHT! To me NOW!” two Lunar pegasi rushed towards the call with intense speed. They stopped only inches in front of their two instructors. “These two are our best, my lady.” Greatsword said pointing at them, “They show a great deal of potential for being officers of your guard.”

“We see,” Luna said grinning, “perhaps a test, to prove their metal.”

“Whatever you can think of my lady, my boys are ready for the challenge.” Greatsword said confidently.

“Very, well,” Princess Luna responded “COMMANDER GARRISON, PROVIDE US YOUR BEST TWO! A COMPETITION IS TO BE HELD!”

“Excuse me, my lady?” Greatsword said with a great deal of confusion to the Princess, “A competition?”

“You said they were ready for ANY challenge,” Princess Luna said smiling, “and they will be their challenge.”

Greatsword looked past the Princess; he saw a massive Lunar earth pony and Lunar unicorn walk towards them. Greatsword looked back to the Princess in shock, but the only thing on her face was a massive smile, she hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Then he looked back to Warhammer and his two trainees, they were just as surprised as he was, but the worst part was that he knew that there was no real way of getting out of this situation.

“Damn…” was all Greatsword could say.

Chapter 9: Reasons

The four Lunar Stallions were to square off in the pit, a hole they had dug with their own hooves not more than ten nights ago. It had been filled with water, but only enough to make slurry of muck and grime. The only ponies who had even been in it yet were Commander Garrison’s recruits, and they were in it all night, every night since it had been dug. Greatsword looked toward Warhammer, the look on his face actually showing distress. He then looked to the other side of the pit. Commander Garrison was smiling to himself, as if he knew that Greatsword’s recruits were going to be destroyed. He was probably right, his recruits had mostly been taught about tactics, procedures and weapons training, not hoof to hoof combat and definitely not in the pit.

Greatsword walked over to his recruits, he saw fear in them and they had every right to be afraid, but he had to be strong for them. “You two do what you can in there, alright.”

“But sir,” Night Wing said terrified. “We haven’t learned any hoof to hoof combat skills, and those ponies are nearly twice our size.”

“We don’t stand a chance, sir…” Dark Knight said sadly. “There’s no use to fighting if you already who the victor will be.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Dark Knight,” Greatsword said, smiling at his two recruits. “You don’t know who’s going to win, you only have an IDEA who will, but you don’t know exactly WHO will, and as for the fighting…” Greatsword paused a bit to think of the right words. “Would you be saying that if you two were the only ones standing between a dragon and Princess Luna, but she was wounded, unable to fight, run or even stand?”

“No,” they said in unison, “to give one’s life for the Princess of the Night is the greatest honor.”

“Then think about that when you’re in there,” Greatsword said placing a hoof on their shoulders, “imagine that you are protecting the thing you love most, the very reason you live for, if you do that and you will do better than anypony ever expected.”

The stallions entered the pit, the rules were simple, no eye gouging, no ball shots and no killing the opponent, although you could get as close to that as you wish. A cage was placed over the top of the pit to stop the pegasi from using too much of an aerial advantage, but it was still there. Princess Luna looked into the pit, clearly enjoying herself.

“LUNAR STALLIONS!” she yelled out to all in the area, “A Contest of strength, determination and skill is about at hoof!” the large crowd of Lunar Stallions roared with excitement. “For upon this eve,” Princess Luna continued, “the two best from two of the instructor’s classes shall clash. To see who truly is the best!” the cheers erupted again, it seemed as if it were more like a gladiatorial match instead of a friendly competition amongst allies.

“To the red corner, we have COMMANDER GARRISON’S best, Phantom and Spetzanz!” The unicorn and earth pony entered the pit to thundering cheers. Princess Luna raised her hoof to silence the crowd. Then she continued, “And to the blue corner, we have GREATSWORD and WARHAMMER’S best, Night Wing and Dark Knight!” The pegasi entered the pit to the same roaring crowd. The crowd cared not for favorites, they just wanted a fight. And a fight they would get. “Now, Stallions, ready yourselves…” Princess Luna paused, the crowd around the pit was yelling and cheering ready for the fight, Luna didn’t even bother to quiet the crowd as she gave the one word everypony was waiting for, she just yelled it over them, “FIGHT!”

The opposing stallions charged one another, it was clear the pegasi had better tactics, weaving between their opponents, but lack of hoof to hoof training made their blows weak on their foes. Their opponents, on the other hoof, readied themselves for real hoof to hoof combat, and when the pegasi came close again, they would be ready. As the pegasi flew towards them again a wall of shield magic was summoned before they could react.

WHACK! Their bodies collided nearly head on with the shield as they tried to avoid it. The pegasi fell to the pit’s floor making loud sloshing noises, but the cheers drowned that sound as well as their groans of pain.

As the pegasi tried the find their bearing, they were grabbed by their manes and dragged through the muck, to the even louder cheers of excitement. Their opponents had separated them, so they could not coordinate a counter attack, and they proceeded to engage in one on one combat with the pegasi. The two fought bravely, but the training their enemy had received already from their own pit fights made the two pegasi no match for Commander Garrison’s trainees.

The two fell to the pits floor, bloody and hardly breathing. The fight didn’t stop there; however, the enemy still punched and kicked the two pegasi while they were still down, the crowd cheering during it all. While what was possibly the last blow was about to fall on Night Wing, he looked toward Greatsword. His instructor was mouthing something, ‘for what you love the most’. He then looked toward Princess Luna whose face was one of concern and fear, ‘your reason to live’. She cared about those pegasi on their backs being beaten, but not beaten anymore.

“NO!” Night Wing roared as he sprang up throwing a massive uppercut to Spetzanz’s jaw, flinging the earth pony up to the cage slamming him into it, then falling back to the bottom of the pit.

Near simultaneously, Dark Knight had double kicked Phantom in his chest sending him flying into the air, as he fell back down to the ground Dark Knight yelled, “For the Mare of the Night!” he landed a fearsome right hook that caused Phantom to spin midair for a few moments before landing at the bottom of the pit.

Spetzanz and Phantom had been rendered unconscious. Silence fell on the crowd as the two pegasi stood there. Raising their hooves in triumph they roared simultaneously “FOR PRINCESS LUNA!” they were met with the loudest cheering of the whole evening. They had done it, they had fought for the thing they loved the most, and won. They had done the impossible, the unthinkable.

The two pegasi walked out of the pit carrying their fallen opponents. They were still covered in muck and blood but they were met by the embrace of their instructors and soon after the rest of their training group. Princess Luna herself gave them victory kisses on their foreheads. Night Wing and Dark Knight had just become the poster stallions for a Lunar Guard, unbreakable, duty bound and willing to give it all for the Princess of the Night.

Princess Luna was the first to speak to them, “We congratulate these brave warriors for an outstanding victory, thou should be proud.”

“Thank you, my lady.” the two said in unison.

“I told you that you could do it.” Greatsword said stepping from behind the Princess, “All you needed was to remember what you loved most, and how far you were willing to go to protect it, or in this case, her.”

“What?” Princess Luna said surprised at Greatsword’s statement, “what does thou mean by ’her’?”

“They fought for you, Princess,” Greatsword said proudly, “because they love you.”

“This cannot be true!” Princess Luna yelled in frightened shock, “They cannot feel that way about me… not after… they… they just can’t!”

“That’s why all these Stallions are here, my lady,” Greatsword said trying to understand why the Princess was acting so strange. “They all love you and would die for you, is that so hard to believe?”

“IT SIMPLY CANNOT BE TRUE!” Princess Luna yelled, a tear streaming down her face. “IT CAN’T!” the Princess ran from the ponies around her and spread her wings and flew away, tears falling from her face.

“Was it something I said?” Greatsword said concerned for the Princess.

“No…” Warhammer said stepping from behind his brother, “It was something SOMEPONY did… long ago.” he was staring up still gazing towards were Princess Luna flew off to, towards Canterlot.

“How do you know?” Greatsword asked, still trying to figure out the reason for the Princess’s strange behavior, “She said nothing of the sort.”
“Her eyes told me,” Warhammer said softly, “there was a pain in her eyes that I have never seen in a pony’s eyes other than your own, brother. I do not know who or how, but it WAS somepony… somepony who was very close to her.”

“Warhammer, get Battleaxe, we all have to get to Canterlot fast and see what’s bothering her and try to help her if we can.” Greatsword said to his brother, who nodded and went to get Battleaxe.

Princess Luna entered her room, tears still running down her face. “They cannot love me…” she said to herself softly, “not after…” she paused at the thought of a painful memory, “not after… what he did…”

“Luna…” a mysterious but terrifyingly familiar voice to Princess Luna said from the shadows.

“W-who goes there?!” she yelled fearfully, “We order you to reveal yourself!”

The voice just laughed at the Princess’s command, “Luna…” it said again, “It’s only been fifteen hundred years and you don’t remember me…” a shadowy alicorn stepped out of the darkness, Princess Luna’s face became full of terror the moment she recognized him, he was back.

“Y-you…” she said trembling backing herself into a corner.

“So you DO remember me?” the shadow said chuckling while he approached the terrified Princess, “but then again, after everything that we’ve done together, I doubt you would ever forget…” the shadow smiled a menacing smile revealing long knife like teeth.

“W-what do you want?” Princess Luna asked the shadow, “W-why have you come back?”

“Luna, my dear…” the shadow said as he stopped only inches from her face. “Can’t I just be here to see the pony that I had such a special moment with?” the shadow moved in closer, trying to give the Princess a kiss, but he was stopped by Princess Luna’s forceful hoof.

“What you did was NOT special,” she said with anger and fear in her voice. “And w-we want you to leave… NOW.”

“Luna…” the shadow said again smiling, “you were the exact same way last time…”

“This time is different, this time we-”

Princess Luna was suddenly slammed into the wall her back was against, the shadow’s hoof pushed deep into her throat. She struggled as she tried to take a breath, but the shadow’s grip made it nearly impossible. She looked frantically around as she was lifted off the floor and almost towards the ceiling. The dark figure watched her struggle, but it only made him laugh.

“The EXACT same way LAST time…” he repeated still laughing at the struggling alicorn in his death grip.

“L-let… us… GO!” Princess Luna yelled hitting him as hard as she could across his face, but he was completely unaffected by her attempt to free herself, only his expression changed, he was no longer smiling it was replaced with a look of rage.

“Oh, Luna…” he said, raising his other hoof, “You always had so much fight in you, I always liked that about you,” he pulled his hoof back, preparing to strike, “but it looks like once again, I have to beat it out of you.”

His hoof met Princess Luna’s face with enough force to draw golden blood. He continued his merciless assault, relentlessly hitting the Princess with as much force he could muster. Her face became covered in deep wounds that bled profusely, but the shadow didn’t stop, not until he was sure that the Princess was not going to struggle. After several minutes of hell, the shadow released the Princess, she fell to the floor, barely still conscious, her golden blood in a pool under as she coughed up more blood while she gasped for air.

“J-just… just leave us be…” Princess Luna said as her tears mixed with her blood, “please, just go…” she looked up at her assailant, but he just stood there, laughing at her while she begged.

“You know Luna, my boss wouldn’t allow me to do that,” he said looking down at her, “even if I wanted to…” he grabbed her by her mane and drug her away from the pool of blood and tears she was in then he threw her against the opposite wall.

“ERGH!” the Princess yelped as she hit the wall and then the floor again, “W-why… are y-you do-doing t-this?” she said, her tears flowing nearly as much as her blood now.

“Well, let me think. For some ungodly reason the big cheese wants you dead,” the shadow said walking towards his broken victim, “but that doesn’t mean that I can’t have a little fun before I carry out my orders…” he was standing over her now, he lowered himself to look her into her bloodied, terror filled eyes. “And believe me,” he said erotically licking the blood off of her face, “this will be just as fun for you as it was the first time…”

“No…” Princess Luna whispered, she tightly closed her eyes in a last, futile attempt, as if she believed that if she couldn’t see him then he couldn’t see her. That was not going to stop him, Princess Luna needed a miracle.

Chapter 10: Healing With Time

Princess Luna’s doors opened, the three were standing just outside, unaware of what was going on inside. “Princess Luna, my lady?” Battleaxe said as all three cautiously entered her quarters. “is there something-” Battleaxe and his brothers froze at the sight they were looking upon, a large shadowy alicorn was standing over the broken and bloody body of the Princess, it looked as if he were about to do one of the most unforgivable acts that anypony could think of.

Without hesitation they reacted, “GET OFF OF HER!” Greatsword roared charging head on into the shadowy alicorn, the initial attack caught the monster off guard knocking him away from Princess Luna’s body, “Get her out of here!” Greatsword yelled at his brothers who quickly did as he commanded, “I’ll hold him off, don’t worry about me, just RUN!”

“How very brave of you…” the shadow said as he stood, he was nearly twice the size of Greatsword, “but the line between bravery and getting yourself killed is a very thin one…” the shadow struck Greatsword, sending him flying across the room creating a hole in the wall, “and you crossed it a long time ago…”

Greatsword pulled himself out of his hole, coughing up a small bit of blood, “So long as the innocent live,” he said defiantly towards the shadow “I will stand against you and all those like you, even at the cost of my life.”

“A noble philosophy,” the shadow said to Greatsword, “but everypony I have faced with that logic is now nothing more than dust being spread by the wind.”

“Then spread me across the whole of Equestria!” Greatsword yelled as he charged the shadow again, only to be stopped by his magic.

“Oh I will,” the shadow said with a smile, “and you will feel EVERY bit of it…”

A bolt of silver magic hit the shadow directly, causing him to release Greatsword. He looked back. Battleaxe and Warhammer had returned and they were ready to fight. The three stood against the shadow, they were the only thing that kept him from Princess Luna. If they failed she would be dead and that was not about to happen, but just before they could engage their enemy, the shadow hit his knees screaming in agony.

“DAMNIT NOT NOW!” he yelled in pain, “I CAN KILL THEM!”

“What’s going on here?” Battleaxe said as the three watched in confusion while the shadow seethed in pain.

“NOT NOW! NOT NOW! NOT NOW!” the shadow roared in pain, “LET ME SHOW YOU THAT I-”

Just as quickly as he appeared the shadow was gone, like he was never there. The only evidence that anything even happened were the holes in the walls and the pools of blood on the floor. Greatsword was quickly led by his brothers to where they had hid Princess Luna, she was under a large, recently broken granite statue and freshly torn down curtains and banners. The three looked down at her, uncertain if she was even still alive.

“My lady…” Greatsword said placing his hoof on her broken body, “My lady, it is safe again, the one who attacked you is gone.”

Princess Luna just continued to lie there, unresponsive. Fear began to grip the three, could they have been too late to save the one they had been charged under. The thought continued to fester in their minds as they stood their looking at her, tears filling all their eyes. Warhammer walked towards the Princess and laid down in front of her, just looking at her with his deep silver eyes. He placed his hoof under her seemingly lifeless chin and rose her head to his.

“Luna,” he said in his deep gentle voice, “Luna, the monster that stole that part of your heart is gone, and we are here to help you mend it.”

His words seemed to revive the shattered alicorn, with a loud gasp for air, her eyes shot open. Still in terror she backed further into the corner she was hidden in. She realized that she was surrounded by the three who saved her, with a nervous and fearful voice she asked them, “I-is… is he gone?”

“Yes he is, my lady.” Battleaxe said, reassuring the Princess, “He’s gone.”

“D-did you, did you k-kill him?” the Princess asked them, fear still in her voice.

“No, my lady.” Greatsword said disappointedly, “He vanished before we could engage him.” Greatsword took a few steps towards the Princess, “He was mentioning something about his master. Do you know anything about that?”

Princess Luna looked toward the ground, then back to Greatsword, “No, I know nothing of this ‘master’ he spoke of…” she seemed regretful for not knowing, “so many years ago,” she said tearing up again, “that… that THING stole something that could never be replaced…” she bit her lower, now swollen and busted lip. “And tonight, he tried to do it again, we are truly grateful that you arrived when you did, we don’t think that we would have seen the sunrise if you hadn’t.”

“It is what we do, my lady.” Warhammer said still very close to her, “The sun is about to be risen. Shall we go to your sister and tell her of this event?”

Princess Luna looked back at him, like he did to her. “Yes…” she said “yes we shall. Come ponies we must inform Princess Celestia of the evil at hand.” she rose with Warhammer and the others. The four of them made their way to Princess Celestia’s quarters. They were still very shaken by the experience, but they needed to tell the Princess of the Sun before anything else was to be done.

The group had finally arrived at Princess Celestia’s quarters. Princess Luna knocked on the door, “Sister, it is us, Princess Luna,” she called inward to the room, “we request entry into your quarters, we have urgent matters we wish to discuss with you.”

“You don’t have to ask to come in, Luna,” a gentle voice from the other side of the door called, “you are always welcome in my room.”

The group, led by Princess Luna, opened the door to reveal an extravagantly decorated bed room, complete with a balcony outside and a personal bathroom, golden pillars held a massive ruby red spider silk sheet covered bed with an assortment of luxurious throw pillows of varying sizes. Rugs of all sorts covered the beautifully tiled floor. Massive clothing closets were side by side on the far side of the bed, ornately decorated with the finest jewels. However, with all the splendor that the room had, they could not find the one pony they were looking for.

It was then that they heard the gentle tone again. “In here, sister,” Princess Celestia said, her soft voice coming from her personal bath “I always bathe in the mornings before I raise the sun. It makes me feel even fresher as the new day starts.”

She made her way out of her bathroom, and to the shock of the three who had so fearlessly defended Princess Luna not ten minutes earlier, were thrown into an awkward and utterly embarrassing moment as they saw Princess Celestia, still wet from getting out of her bath. They quickly averted eye contact and ran about the room looking for places to shield their eyes.

“Thou does realize that we always walk around wearing little if no clothing ever, correct?” Princess Luna’s voice was one of embarrassment, not for her, but for her saviors.

Princess Celestia smiled as she saw the three come from out of their hiding places, all with awkward looks about them. She then began to turn to her sister, “Luna to what pleasure do I owe a visit from you and your-” Princess Celestia’s eyes finally met Princess Luna’s face, with shock and horror she saw her sister’s usual beauty thrashed and bloodied, “Luna, what happened to-”

Her gaze fell with rage upon the three that stood in the room as well, with her magic she lifted them off the ground and brought them to her, “DID YOU DO THIS!” she roared “DID YOU DO THIS TO MY SISTER!”

“IT WAS NOT THOSE YOU HOLD IN YOUR MAGICS GRASP, SISTER!” Princess Luna yelled at her sister, trying to make her let go before she could harm them, “IT WAS…” Princess Luna’s voice grew silent, almost as a whisper, “… it was… him…”

Princess Celestia, though still in her anger towards the three, heard her sister’s quiet confession. The rage left her as she placed the three down gently, then she walked towards her sister. “Him?” she asked fearful herself “are you sure it was him?” She lowered herself to her sister’s level, the look on her face was of love and concern, none like anypony had ever seen before.

“We can never forget him, sister…” Princess Luna said to Princess Celestia with misty eyes, “… not after… what he did…” tears began to run down Princess Luna’s face, remembering that horrible night over fifteen hundred years ago.

“My lady,” Greatsword began, “if it is too much pain to remember, then do not answer, but what exactly happened so long ago?”

Princess Luna looked down towards the floor a tear falling down her muzzle. “You don’t have to answer, sister,” Princess Celestia said in a soothing voice, “I can tell them at a later time when you are not present if you wish.”

“No, sister,” Princess Luna looked up to the three who had saved her, “they saved our life, they are at least owed the story of what happened by the one that it happened to.” Princess Luna walked towards the three, looking at all of them she took a deep breath, then she began.

“It was not long after we used the Elements of Harmony to defeat Discord, almost two thousand years ago, that he came to me.” her voice shuttered at the memory, but she continued, “He never told us his name, so we simply called him ‘the shadow’… at that time the ponies shunned the night that we worked so hard to make beautiful for them, he was the only one who loved the night as much as us.” Princess Luna laid down, so she would not tremble so much as she told them her story. “We became very close over five hundred years, we thought we were friends, close friends, but one night. He came to us, he asked us to do something we did not want to do, then… then…” It was hard for her to even think about that word, a word that could come so casually to some, but not Princess Luna, not after what happened to her. “He forced himself upon us…”

“Luna… you never told me that…” Princess Celestia’s face was met with a single tear as she lowered herself to her sister, “Why did you never tell me?”

“We were ashamed,” Princess Luna cried burring her head into her sister’s chest, “we felt awful and sick, we couldn’t tell you, we were afraid you would not understand…”

“I don’t know what to say or how to make you feel better Luna,” Princess Celestia laid down next to her sister, “but if you told me we could have worked together to protect you.”

“We know this now, but then we didn’t,” Princess Luna hung her head as she continued her tale. “We began to study very powerful dark magic to better protect ourselves from him if he were to return, but the magic drove us into the madness that was Nightmare Moon one thousand years ago, I am… sorry.”

“You need not be, my lady,” Warhammer said rising from the floor to approach Princess Luna, “if one keeps such painful memories to themselves, they will consume them before anypony can help them heal that pain. I am honored to aid you in your healing and I will do whatever it takes to help you recover as best you can.” He placed his hoof under Princess Luna’s chin, giving the same deep stare he had before. “Because what he did cannot be forgotten, nor can that spot in your heart be fully replaced, but with the help of those who love you, the scars of the past will not show.”

Princess Luna looked towards Warhammer, his soft but strong voice seemed to bring her back to a time long ago, though she could not recall exactly when. She smiled at Warhammer picking herself up off the floor and then she turned to her sister. “Celestia, we ask of you two things…” she said looking at her sister, with seemingly renewed vigor.

“Anything, Luna.” Princess Celestia responded, as her horn glowed its golden magic, healing her sister’s wounds.

“We ask that you help me in this emotional and physical recovery…” Princess Luna said walking to her sister’s side.

“I will be honored to.” Princess Celestia said, looking down to her sister.

“And,” Princess Luna said turning to the three, “We ask that you release these three from my service, we consider after the events of this night, that their debt is paid.”

“It shall be done.” Princess Celestia said also looking at the three, “My little ponies,” she began, “I hear by decree-”

“Endless pardons, my lady,” Battleaxe interrupted, slightly surprising the royal sisters, “But we still have recruits to train, it is our duty to see them trained to the end.” his brothers nodded in agreement.

The Princesses smiled at the three, then Princess Celestia spoke, “As you wish, if the three of you still desire to continue to train Luna’s forces until your six months is up, then so be it.” She looked to her sister, “Do you have any objection to this, Luna.”

“We do not,” Princess Luna said still looking at the three, in particular, Warhammer, “We do not object in the slightest.”

“Then it is settled,” Princess Celestia said as she looked at the clock on the wall, “it seems that I must be off to raise the sun now. You four need your rest. Luna, you may stay here and rest for the day. You three may return to your quarters now.”

“Yes, my lady” the three said simultaneously as they turned towards the door.

“Thank you…” Princess Luna said towards the three as they walked away. Warhammer looked back and simply nodded at her then he continued with his brothers to their quarters on the other side of the castle.
Warhammer looked back and simply nodded at her then he continued with his brothers to their quarters on the other side of the castle.

“It looks as if we are in good with at least ONE of the Princesses.” Battleaxe said as they continued down the corridor which led to their room.

“That it does brother,” Greatsword replied, smiling at Battleaxe, though he often did not approve of his brother’s humor, it seemed slightly reliving on this one occasion. “and we have Warhammer to thank for that, if he were not so connected with his emotions and those of others, Princess Luna may not have survived the night. Her life is still hers thanks to you.” Warhammer simply nodded at his older brother, smiling back at him.

“Only one thing bothers me though,” Battleaxe said changing the mood of the three, “That ‘shadow’ guy, he has a master, that means something or somepony is far stronger than him, what could possibly have such power to control one who can bring an alicorn like Princess Luna to her knees?”

“It is truly a troubling thought, Battleaxe,” Greatsword replied, “but we must focus on training our recruits, after all we are only training half of them now, in a few months, the other half will need training and we need to be prepared for them as well.”

Greatsword tried to calm the mind of his brother, but in reality he was more troubled than his brother by this fact. Such a powerful foe was only a pawn in something’s master plan. The fact that such a thing would not allow his agent to kill them meant that whatever was in control either believed or knew that they would kill his agent instead, as well as that whatever it was knew who they were in the past. There were those who knew who they were before, but looking deeper into the matter would have to wait, they still had to train their recruits later that night.

The events of that night continued to dwell on Greatsword and his brothers’ minds for some time. If any good had come of it, it came in the way their recruits were trained. Though every member of the 1025th pushed their trainees hard, the three pushed theirs even harder. Months passed and it was evident among all of them who were the best. Princess Luna was so impressed that she allowed the entire unit a small break from their training, but her reasoning behind it was something other than to give all of them a much needed break.

Chapter 11: Stargazing

“I’m not exactly sure about this…” Greatsword said stepping out of the bathroom, “We’re still supposed to be training the Lunar Guard.”

“Luna gave us four days off bro…” Battleaxe replied slapping his brother on the shoulder, “You need to loosen up a bit, all of us got the weekend and then some off…” he looked to the clock on the all, “You know that training AND sit downs with Celestia and Luna has been very draining for the three of us.”

Greatsword shook his head and sighed, “For once I agree with you… I’ve gotten about four hours of sleep every day for the past three weeks.”

“Warhammer’s gotten less…” Battleaxe added, looking over to the giant across the room, “I think he’s been taking the counseling with Luna rather seriously.”

“And you haven’t?”

“Of course I have!” Battleaxe replied in shock, “But I’ve caught those two staring at one another just a little too long from time to time.”

“She’s a Princess and co-ruler of all Equestria, Battleaxe…” Greatsword said rolling his eyes, “Warhammer’s an elite, but unknown super soldier that just happened to notice Luna was in turmoil-“

“And if we didn’t listen to him Luna might be dead…”

“Again a true point…” Greatsword said, “but that’s no reason to make such a bold claim to say-“

“Are the two of you ready yet?” Warhammer asked, opening the door, “Our guest is waiting…”

“Guest?” Battleaxe and Greatsword asked simultaneously, as Warhammer walked out of the room. Battleaxe looked to Greatsword with concern, “He says we have a guest… I hope that doesn’t mess with my plans…”

“YOUR plans?” Greatsword asked, “What plans?”

“After a session a day or two ago with Luna I ran into a few lovely ladies that were in town for the Wonderbolt show.” Battleaxe explained, “So I laid on the charm and I’ve got a double date with twins… TWINS, big bro… but that’s only if Warhammer’s guest doesn’t make me late…”

“I’m sure Warhammer won’t keep us.” Greatsword said smirking, “you know how he is about things like this. Now come on, I’m sure he’s waiting at the gates.”

The Battleaxe turned the light of and the two left their quarters. Just as Greatsword said Warhammer was waiting for them at the castle gates, but something was different. He seemed far more eager than usual, if fact, it was the first time they’d ever seen him eager. He motioned them to follow him, which they did with slight confusion.

“Where’s he taking us?” Battleaxe asked, “I’ve never been this way.”

“It’s an alternate route to the royal gardens.” Greatsword explained, “more or less a scenic route, more places to stop by and all that.”

“Oh thank Celestia…” Battleaxe said sighing in relief, “I told my dates to meet me at the gardens.”

“Lucky you…” Greatsword said rolling his eyes, “But at least spend some time with us before you go run off and start to ‘enjoy’ your evening.”

“I will…” Battleaxe said slightly insulted, “Family’s important… but once I see them I doubt I’ll be around for very long.”

Greatsword let out an exasperated sigh and continued to follow his younger brother down the brightly lit streets of the early evening. Everypony was enjoying one another’s company; seeing the sights, enjoying the fine dining and overall just watching the night slowly pass by. It didn’t take long for the three to arrive in the royal garden, once there they saw the pony that they were a ‘guest’ of.

“Ah, Warhammer.” Princess Luna said with a smile, “We are happy you could join us.” She wrapped him up in her wings and gave him a small smile. “We see that your brothers were able to join us as well, what wonderful news.”

“Yeah… wonderful…” Battleaxe said poking Greatsword’s side, “Told you…” he said under his breath.

“Can’t he just have a close friend that happens to be the opposite gender?” Greatsword said covering his face with his hoof.

“Of course he can… but if the first reaction to seeing your ‘friend’ is to hug them like that, I think-“

“What are you two talking about?” Princess Luna asked, her head tilted to the side like a puppy.

“Nothing important my lady.” Greatsword replied, sliding his hoof away from his muzzle. “But may I ask why you invited us to the garden this evening?”

The Princess nodded with her horn beginning to glow brightly, pushing the tree tops away so the night sky would be more visible. The three looked up to see only the moon but not a single star in the sky. They looked pack to Princess Luna with confusion, but she only replied with a smile.

“Tonight is the first night that we fill the night sky with stars in over one thousand years…” she explained as small white dots began to fill the dark shy, “We wished for those close to us to observe this momentous occasion.”

Princess Luna’s horn began to glow even brighter. The three looked onward in awe as the once vacant sky began to fill with countless stars. But that wasn’t what took them back; a mysterious whit light began to envelope the Princess. Her body began to turn a deeper shade of blue, her eyes glowed with the purest of light and her mane and tail slowly transformed from its sky blue to a dark, slightly transparent flowing one like her sisters.

Her horn stopped glowing as well as her eyes, but her physic remained unchanged. She looked at her guests, their jaws dangling toward the ground; they’d never seen such a display, or any transformation for that matter. She smiled awkwardly back at them, she had never been looked at like that before. After a few quiet moments, she finally spoke.

“How did we do?” she asked pointing to the sky, trying to make them take their eyes off of her.

“How… Why…” Battleaxe started in disbelief, “How did you do that?”

“We have always been able to do this.” Princess Luna replied confused, “We are the Princess of the night after all.”

“Not that…” Battleaxe said, pointing at her, “how did you do THAT?”

The Princess Looked down at her chest, what she saw nearly shocked her out of her own skin. “By our sister’s beard…” she said in disbelief, “We haven’t looked like this in over one thousand years… our old power… it has returned!” She jumped up and down excitedly, rushing Warhammer and wrapping him up in her embrace. “OUR POWER HAS RETURNED!”

“Care to explain?” Battleaxe asked still confused.

Princess Luna snapped out of her elation, realizing that a red faced Warhammer was in her grasp, she released him her own face a deep shade of purple. “Long ago…” she began, “We looked like this, only because of the full power of the elements of harmony; that is why Celestia looks the way she does, without the magic that flowed through her, her mane would be pink.”

“So the elements of harmony removed all the magic in you?” Greatsword asked

“Yes.” The Princess answered, “but it had to be done, almost all the magic that flowed through us was dark and evil, but that matters little…” she flew up into the sky, her smile glowing as brightly as the moon itself, “Our power is equal to what it once was!”

“Well, that’s good… I guess…” Battleaxe said looking around, “I guess we-“

“Battleaxe!” two voices called in unison, Battleaxe spun around quickly to see a pair of light gray pegasi motioning to come to them.

“Cloud Chaser…” He said happily, “Flitter… how are the two of you doing?”

“We’re fine…” Cloud Chaser said smiling, “But where have YOU been?”

“Yeah…” Flitter added, “We’ve been here for nearly an hour, what-HOLY MOTHER OF EQUESTRIA!”

Flitter and Cloud Chaser jumped behind Battleaxe after seeing Princess Luna standing not twenty feet away. “NIGHTMARE MOON!” Cloud Chaser cried, “Merciful Celestia! Save us!”

Battleaxe looked to the Princess and his brothers with an awkward smile. Greatsword and Warhammer stared back at him, with annoyed glares. He knew what they expected him to do, even though he didn’t want to. Reluctantly, he turned to face the two hoping his explanation would be enough.

“Ladies…” he said calmly, “That’s not Nightmare Moon… well not anymore.” A stray rock collided with the back of Battleaxe’s head, he turned to see Greatsword with another rock in hoof, just in case, “Anyway…” he said rubbing the back of his head, “She’s on our side, in fact she a very nice mare, come on I’ll show you.” he lead the two to stand before Princess Luna, the looks on their faces were full of fear, “Go on…” he said “say ‘hello’.”

Cloud Chaser and Flitter looked to one another then to Princess Luna. “H-hello…” the two said in unison.

“Charmed.” Princess Luna replied raising her hoof to them.

The two jumped, expecting to be sent flying into the air by the strike of a vengeful alicorn, but to their surprise she just wanted a friendly hoof shake. Awkwardly they shook her hoof and bowed respectfully.

“So…” Battleaxe said throwing his forelegs around the two, “We still on for our date?”

“Well…” Cloud Chaser said looking one stallion up and down in particular, “I guess so, but shouldn’t you ask one of them?” she pointed directly at Greatsword, “I think it’d be more fun if it were a double date.”

Battleaxe looked to Greatsword and motioned his head to Cloud Chaser. Greatsword looked to her: she was seductively batting her eyes at him with a smile. He looked back to Battleaxe and shook his head; there were more important things to him now than one evening.

“Suit yourself…” Battleaxe said looking to the two, “Now ladies where were we?” The three walked off to the night life of Canterlot, leaving the others to watch the night shy.

“I’m sorry my lady…” Warhammer said lowering his head, “I know you whished that Battleaxe would stay…”

“It’s his loss Warhammer…” The Princess replied with a smile, “He will be missing quite the show.”

“What are you-“ he was interrupted by the sight of dozens of falling stars filling the night sky. The sight took him off guard; he’d never seen such a spectacle. He looked back to Princess Luna; her small smile begged him to stand at her side.

The three remained watching the shower, enjoying the silent beauty of it all when Greatsword heard another’s voice come from the walkway.

“Greatsword?” Record Keeper asked stepping off the path, “Wow, I haven’t seen you in almost a month!”

She trotted up to him and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. The greeting surprised Greatsword, but unlike anypony else he didn’t try to push her off, instead he returned the embrace. He could feel her warmth in the chill of the night air, but most of all he could feel her heartbeat; the rhythm became one with his own as the embrace continued. After nearly one minute, Greatsword finally was released from her grip.

“Good to see you again, Record Keeper…” Greatsword said with a smile, “What brings you out here tonight?”

“Well, I was headed back home from the vault.” She began, “but then I saw the stars spring into life, I’d never seen anything like it before, then the meteor shower started, so I decided to stay and watch… now I’m here.” She looked right back at him, “So what are YOU doing out here? I thought you were training Princess Luna’s guards.”

“I still am…” Greatsword replied, “But she gave us four days off, and tonight she invited us to watch her make the night.” he pointed over to the Princess and Warhammer, the two were staring at the falling stars.

“Wow…” Record Keeper said, “She looks… different.”

“Her powers returned…” Greatsword explained, “She’s just as strong as she was before she became Nightmare Moon.”

“Oh… ok.” Record Keeper said looking back up to the sky, “Wanna watch the shower with me?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you want to watch the meteor shower with me?” she repeated, “I mean, we’re already here and all.”

“I guess we could…” Greatsword replied with a smile, “I’ve got nothing better to do anyway.”

The two found a nearby bench and took their respective places. Watching in awe as the meteors darted across the sky. The minutes passed like moments when they were in one another’s company. But with a quick glance Greatsword did notice something was amiss.

“Is there something wrong?” Greatsword asked her, her body shivering almost nonstop.

“Oh, I’m fine…” she replied, “I didn’t bother to bring a scarf today, wasn’t expecting to be out this long.”

“You’re freezing…” Greatsword said placing his hoof on her face, “I’ll take care of you.” Greatsword unveiled one of his wings and wrapped Record Keeper up with it as best he could.

“Thank you Greatsword.” Record Keeper said turning a small shade of red, “I can’t remember the last time-“

With little warning Greatsword pulled her in closer, the warmth of his body pulsed through her. She’d never felt anything like that, or even been this close to a stallion for that matter. She looked into his iron grey eyes; they seemed to tell her that everything was alright, because he was there. Her heart raced and cheeks became even redder when he smiled at her.

“Too warm?” he asked, releasing her from his wing.

“No…” she said looking away from him, “I’ve just… you know… I’ve never…”

“Never been under the wing of a pegasi?”

“Yeah, that’s it…” Record Keeper replied, “Never felt this way before.”

“Well, get used to it…” Greatsword said, looking back to the sky “Because this shower doesn’t show signs of stopping.”

Record Keeper nodded and returned her gave to the sky as well, letting Greatsword’s warmth flow through her. After several hours the shower was over and everypony was exhausted beyond all reason. Greatsword and Warhammer saw Record Keeper back to her apartment, then Princess Luna back to her quarters. When they finally arrived back to their own room Battleaxe was already passed out in his bed, Cloud Chaser and Flitter on either side.

“Looks like we all had a better time than we expected.” Greatsword said climbing into his bed.

“Indeed,” Warhammer replied letting out a small laugh. “And we still have three more days.”

“Better not waste them.”

“I never would think of it.”

The two then pulled the covers over their heads, ready to get some much needed rest.

Chapter 12: Back to the Grind

The four day break had passed all too quickly for the 1025th, especially for Battleaxe. Cloud Chaser and Flitter were still in Canterlot, but due to his duty to Princess Luna he was denied any chance of seeing them before they had to leave. Greatsword and Record Keeper had been spending time together, running around Canterlot and enjoying the sights, even watching the sun rise once or twice, but just as with Battleaxe training had brought him back to the fields. Warhammer pretty much kept to himself during the days off, only leaving the room for food or his sessions with Princess Luna and Celestia.

“This sucks…” Battleaxe said looking over his trainees, “I’ve got two lovely ladies that’ll be here for a few more days and what do I get?” he looked to Warhammer and grunted, “Training duty…”

“It’s our job Battleaxe…” he replied. “You know we have-“

“I know it’s my job…” Battleaxe snapped. “But those two were something… I mean, Flitter could do this one thing with her wings that made me-”

“Sounds like somepony enjoyed their break…” Flare Flash said touching down next to them. “Can’t wait to hear your stories…”

“Mine?” Battleaxe asked. “What about yours?”

“Me?” Flare Flash pondered. “I just spent the whole time sleeping and hanging out with Comet, Cloud Seeker and Patches.”

“One of those things is not like the other…” Battleaxe said smiling.

“Yeah…” Flare Flash sighed, “Travel’s a bitch if your friends with an earth pony…”

“Not what I was talking about…” Battleaxe said covering his face with his hoof.

Flare Flash’s eyes widened once he finally realized what Battleaxe was talking about. “Oh come on!” he exclaimed throwing his hooves into the air. “How can you even think like that?”

“Easily…” Battleaxe replied with a grin, “But you assuming what I was talking about doesn’t help your argument much either.”

“What?”

“I was saying that it was different because she’s a girl and you’re a bunch of guys… I never said anything about… ‘extra-curricular’ activities.”

Flare Flash’s face went red at the mention of ‘extra-curricular’. That time he knew exactly what he was talking about. Throwing his face into the ground to the sound of Battleaxe’s laughter he let out a heavy sigh.

“Let’s just grab Cannon Fodder and start training these stallions…” he said pulling his head back up. “We’ve got a job to do anyway.”

“Don’t remind me…” Battleaxe said following Flare Flash closely, “See you later little bro.”

Warhammer simply nodded the two and continued his path to Greatsword and their trainees. Night Wing and Dark Knight were the first to see him on the horizon; the two lunar pegasi flew to their trainer’s side and saluted respectfully.

“Good morning sir.” Dark Knight said, “How was the time of?”

“Uneventful.” Warhammer responded walking past them, “Now come along, we have a great deal of training to accomplish this evening.”

“Yes sir.” The two said in unison, following him down the hill.

Greatsword was already making the recruits run laps around the course, looking intently to his stop watch as each pair darted bay him with blazing speed. Warhammer took his place by Greatsword’s side looking over his shoulder to see the current team’s time.

“They’re faster than you…” he said, not bothering to look at Warhammer, “but then again you’re slow as hell compared to everypony else.”

Warhammer rolled his eyes and patted Greatsword’s shoulder. “What about YOUR speed record?” he asked “You haven’t let the pegasi on the track yet.”

“It’s not their turn yet.” He replied, looking to the line, “but we do have a pair ready…”

Greatsword pointed to the two that just came down the hill with Warhammer. Dark Knight and Night Wing looked to one another then to Greatsword. Pointing to them he motioned his head to the track. Finally realizing what he was trying to get at the two lunar pegasi took positions at the starting line.

“We know that they’ve got the spirit…” Greatsword said raising his hoof into the air, “But let’s see if they’ve got the speed.”

Greatsword’s hoof cut through the evening air, sending the two at the line in a blazing speed down the track. Night Wing and Dark Knight were neck and neck with one another, fighting valiantly for the lead. Lap after lap they continued, each one spending their time in front of the other, until finally the last lap was within reach. It was now on between them, giving everything they had left into the last turn the night air cut through their wings. Every time it looked like one had the win, the other would take the lead, but with a stroke of dumb luck their wings caught on one another’s with only feet to go. The two fell over one another shouting obscenities and flailing their hooves at the other as the crossed the finish line.

The two were still in the middle of their scuffle when a figure cast its shadow over them in the moon light. They looked up to see Greatsword with his usual blank expression plastered across his face. They froze mid-strike expecting an explosion of rage from their lead instructor, but instead they received a very rare smile accompanied with a hoof extended towards them.

“Congratulations…” he said helping the two up, “You both beat the record… even with your little argument…”

Night Wing and Dark Knight looked at one another and back to the still smiling pegasus in front of them. “Thank you-“

“Now do it again.”

“What?!”

“I won’t allow a lack of cohesion…” Greatsword said walking back to Warhammer, “even in among two of you… so keep doing it until you don’t try to kill one another coming across the line.”

The two Lunar pegasi sighed in disappointment and made their way back to the start, knowing that after their previous performance they’d be dead. Meanwhile across the training field, Battleaxe, Flare Flash and Cannon Fodder were busy with their issues in training their own trainees.

“No, no, no…” Battleaxe said pushing a lunar unicorn to the side. “If you three keep casting it like that… you can just kiss your flanks and some other parts you might find valuable goodbye.”

“But we’re doing it like you told us to…” one of the Lunar unicorns said, his horn starting to glow brightly “Just imagine the weapon and-“

A summoned sword slashed at Battleaxe, nearly taking his head clean off, but thankfully due to his quick reaction he only lost a few inches off his mane. The unicorn’s face was frozen in shock, but once he saw Battleaxe rise unphased he let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank Luna you’re ok sir…” he said whipping the sweat off his brow, “I thought you-“

He was cut short by the fiery eyed Unicorn that suddenly appeared in front of him. Battleaxe stared down his trainee, putting the fear of Celestia in his very soul. Then he let out a deep sigh.

“Kid…” he began, “This is why we train… so ponies don’t get killed by an inexperienced unicorn trying to do a spell too advanced for his own good.”

“I-I… I’m sorry sir…” The unicorn said ashamed, “I didn’t mean-“

“No big deal.” Battleaxe said placing his hoof on the unicorn’s shoulder, “I needed a mane-cut anyway…” he touched the top and disappointedly sighed, “one more day and Commander Garrison would’ve killed me.”

A sudden explosion of flame and debris filled the sky. Sending hot rock and burning grass careening towards the ground. Battleaxe and his trainees looked over to the newly made crater to see Cannon Fodder and Flare Flash standing on its far side, their faces blackened and manes blown backwards.

“So…” Flare Flash said awkwardly smiling at the unamused unicorn to his side, “That’s how that stuff works…”

“Yeah…” Cannon Fodder said whipping the soot off his face, “That’s how it works…”

“What the hell happened over here?” Battleaxe shouted running to their side.

“Well…” Flare Flash began “We were-“

“I WAS trying to show our trainees how to properly set the right amount of boom clay on a five hundred pound boulder…” Cannon Fodder growled sending a glare over to Flare Flash. “But SOMPONY decided it would be funny to pop a paper bag over my head.”

Battleaxe looked over to Flare Flash; his eyes were going in every direction except for Battleaxe’s. Taking a deep breath and throwing his hoof over Flash’s shoulder, he began to speak.

“Flash…” he started, “I know that we keep our training fun and entertaining for us,” he pulled Flare Flash in closer, “But almost getting us killed will REALLY put a damper on us trying to train these guys… no matter how funny it is.”

“Hey!” Cannon Fodder exclaimed, overhearing Battleaxe’s last comment, “We almost died at the expense of a laugh, and you’re just fine with it?!”

“No…” Battleaxe replied, turning his attention to Cannon Fodder “minus the nearly dying part that was funny as hell.” He looked back to Flare Flash and glared, “Don’t do that again…”

“Will do.” Flare Flash replied with a salute, “Well not the almost blowing all of us up thing that is.”

“Can we NOT forget that he almost killed us?” Cannon Fodder asked, pointing to the crater in the ground.

“I didn’t…” Battleaxe replied, “I told him not to do it again.”

“And since when does Flash ever listen?” he asked again, “I don’t know about you Battleaxe, but I’ve got a-“

“Bad feeling about this?” Flare Flash asked, smirk included.

“No.” Cannon Fodder replied, “I’ve got a horrible feeling about this.”

“I’ll voice your concern to the Commander.” Battleaxe said rolling his eyes, “Now let’s get back to teaching these guys to be real guards.”

“That’s not a proper tourniquet.” Patches said with a smile stepping next to her trainee. “Here, let me show you again…”

The Lunar stallion stepped to the side, momentarily observing how Patches was applying the tourniquet before his eyes traveled down her back. But he didn’t get much time to enjoy the view, a swift hoof to the back of his head, broke his trance. He spun around ready to slam his own hoof into the pony who hit him, however he stopped the moment he saw Ridge Cracker and Camo staring him down.

“I’d keep watchin’ the lady work if I was you…” Ridge Cracker said motioning his head to Patches.

“And I’d listen to him.” Camo added, “Not doing what he says could lead to a nasty case of the broken jaw.”

“And that’s how you do it.” Patches said turning around with a smile, “You got it this time?”

“Y-yes ma’am…” the Lunar guard said slinking away from the other two shadowing him. Patches stepped to the side to watch him try yet again, her two counterparts standing on opposite sides.

“He was staring at my plot again…” she said softly, “Wasn’t he?” The two nodded in unison, Patches responded with a small smile a shake of her head. “I swear they’ll never learn anything if they keep having me do the medical training.”

“Well you are the best medic in the Equestrian military.” Camo said, “who better to train then the best?”

“It would help if I were a stallion…”

“That’s why ol’ Commander Garrison put ya with us Patches.” Ridge Cracker said placing his hoof on her shoulder, “Ta make sure them lunar boys don’t get no ideas.”

“I thought it was to counter the level of intelligence on this team.” Camo said with a smile. “If we had anypony else we’d be too smart for our own good.”

Ridge Cracker’s hoof stopped only inches away from Camo’s nose. Camo didn’t even flinch, the smile still plastered on his face. “Yer lucky I like ya so much…” he said lowering his hoof, “or else I’da knocked ya round twelve ways from Sunday years ago.”

“I guess I’m lucky then.” Camo said lightly punching Ridge Cracker on the side.

“Gentlecolts…” Patches said to get their attention, “We’ve still got a few hours left in the night, and he was the last one for tourniquet training.”

“Then I recon he’ll be the first fer hoof ta hoof this evenin’.” Ridge Cracker said with a deviant grin.

“Now Ridge…” Patches said, stopping him from taking another step, “I know you feel protective and all, but you know I’m capable of handling myself…” a smile came across her face, “and I know they aren’t the only ones who have a tendency to stare.”

Ridge Cracker and Camo shot quick glances at one another then looked back to Patches, her eyebrow lifted with the smile still there. “He’s still gonna be the first in that ring.” Ridge Cracker said walking quickly past Patches.

After Ridge Cracker grabbed the trainee for the pit Patches turned her attention to Camo, still frozen, staring awkwardly at her. “Well?” she asked, snapping him out of his current state, “Don’t you have some training to do too?”

“I… uh… you see…” he began, looking in every direction except for hers. “I’ve gotta make sure Ridge Cracker doesn’t kill that guy.” Then he disappeared in a small puff of smoke.

“Kinda an over exaggerated exit don’t you think?” a voice said from above her.

“Comet,” Patches said looking to the sky, “Aren’t you supposed to be training your own ponies?”

“Cloud Seeker and Tower Shield are taking care of them right now.” He said landing next to her, “and plus I needed the break.”

“Well I hope your ‘break’ is a short one.” Patches replied, “I’m sure Ridge Cracker and Camo would want me to watch them in the pit.”

“Don’t you think they watch you enough?”

“You saw that?”

“Yes,” Comet said wrapping his hooves around her neck, “and I think it’s my turn.”

“You can see me as much as you want.” Patches said putting his hooves back on the ground, “but only after training is complete.”

“It’s a date then.” Comet said taking flight, “When do you want me to pick you up?”

“How bout after we get off?”

“Sounds good to me.” Comet said continuing to ascend, “See you then!”

With blazing speed Comet flew off to his team. Patches watched him disappear into the night sky then made her way to the pit. They weren’t even halfway done with this group of trainees, and there were at least three more groups of equal size coming after them. The very thought of another group exhausted her, but like the rest of her unit they were ready to meet the challenge with open forelegs. The hours passed and the night was over, allowing everypony to get some much needed rest after their first day back from their long weekend.

“Glad that’s over…” Battleaxe said falling into his bed “Did that day seem longer than the others to you?”

“That’s what happens when you go on a break…” Greatsword said climbing into his own, “You need to get back on the old schedule.”

“But I don’t wanna…” Battleaxe complained, slamming his head into his pillow.

“Battleaxe…” Greatsword said rolling his eyes alongside Warhammer, “Can’t you just be happy we actually received some time off? You should know that we might not get another chance for months.”

Battleaxe only groaned, but he knew that Greatsword was right. None of them knew when the next chance at a break would come. Throwing the covers over his head he bid his brothers a farewell before going to sleep. The training continued the next night and deep into the next month. Until their first batch of guards was complete, Night Wing and Dark Knight were awarded the top trainee awards. Something that all of them had come to expect, the next batch was much like the first, but the end results were the same another proud batch for the protection of the night princess. Then it was time for another much deserved break from their work.

Chapter 13: The Prancing Pony

After several months had passed, the 1025th had completed training their first group of Lunar Stallions. Now they had to ready themselves to train the other half of Lunar Stallions, but Princess Luna was kind enough to give the 1025th two weeks of rest time before they started. On the first evening of this vacation, all the 1025th with the exception of Warhammer went out on the town to enjoy some of the Canterlot night life, which wasn’t much. They all settled in the same place they had before they were sentenced to serve Princess Luna, a bar called the Prancing Pony. After a few drinks and several laughs, the 1025th began to talk of the recent events in their lives.

“I can’t tell you enough, how proud I am of my little sis,” Comet said smiling all the while, “I mean; she IS one of the Elements of Harmony, Loyalty to top it off. That just blows my mind!”

“You know, Comet,” Battleaxe said with overwhelming sarcasm, “after hearing you talk about it for the past two and a half months, hearing you talk about it again has really killed the awe of it.”

The 1025th began to laugh, it was true, Comet had been boasting about that particular fact since his sister wrote to him about it.

“Yeah, but you aren’t going to win the best young flyers competition in a few weeks are you?” Comet said shooting just as much sarcasm back at Battleaxe, “Like my little sis will.”

“It would help if he had wings,” Lug Nut said adding his two bits into this new conversation, “I’m sure Greatsword would crush the competition.”

“But I’m not young,” Greatsword reminded Lug Nut, “Well not young enough to compete for the best young flyer title, Warhammer might qualify if he had wings though.”

“Speaking of your brother,” Camo said pointing his glass at Greatsword, “Where’s Warhammer? This is the first real time we get off in months and instead of enjoying it with us. He just stayed back at the castle, why’s that?”

“Well, he’s never been the social one,” Greatsword said looking back at Camo, “anyway, he said he had personal things that he needed to take care of in the castle.”

“Like our dear Princess Luna…” Long Shot said with a deviant grin. The rest of the 1025th snickered at his comment. The two had been seen together more often than not in the past two months.

“I doubt that, Long Shot.” Greatsword said covering his face with his hoof.

“You can’t tell me you haven’t seen those two outside of training, Greatsword,” Long Shot continued, “I’m just calling it like I see it and I see a very pleased Princess.”

“I remember what happened the last time one of us assumed something like that, Long Shot,” Greatsword said shooting at glance at Comet, “and now we are training Lunar Stallions.”

“Yeah, about that,” Comet said looking away from Greatsword, “how has Record Keeper been? Haven’t seen her in a few months.”

“Well I’m fine thank you for asking.” Record Keeper’s sudden appearance into the group nearly spooked Comet out of his chair, fortunately Patches was there to keep him balanced on it. “Oops!” she squeaked to the sudden sound of laughter, “did I scare you?”

“No!” Comet said quickly looking around at his laughing comrades, “just spooked me… you should really just make yourself known a little better.”

“I thought I was the one who scared easy, Comet,” Cannon Fodder said still laughing at the incident, “but we all get scared sometimes I guess.”

“Well, Comet, seems that you can’t be the brave type twenty four seven,” Patches said smiling at her still spooked secret lover, “but as long as you are one when it counts, I think that we‘ll be fine.”

“Anyway, back to the fun,” Battleaxe said raising his glass in the air, “I’ll take another shot of that sweet apple acres cider number seven, bartender.” the bartender nodded and sent down more shots towards the 1025th, after a few more shots ran through the. Record Keeper became inquisitive about their recent activites.

“How was training all those Lunar Stallions?” Record Keeper asked them all, “Was it difficult in any way?”

“Some of those guys may have been more stubborn than me,” Flare Flash said, “but in the end, they seemed to understand the basics of being an organized military unit.”

“They were not the best students, by far,” Patches said shaking her head thinking back on several of her first aid classes, “but they at least were willing.”

“You should have seen Greatsword and Warhammer’s recruits, though,” Tower Shield said, “those stallions didn’t have an ounce of quit in them; not sure how they did it, but damn they were something.”

“I still remember when those two pegasi went against Commander Garrison’s best in the pit,” Lug Nut said remembering that night. “Now THAT was something.”

“Hell yeah it was,” Flare Flash said. “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life.” Flare Flash began to shadow box in his seat. “That fight was the most heart pounding I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.”

“Well the stallions Flash, Cannon and I were in charge of were quite the hassle,” Battleaxe said returning to the conversation the 1025th was currently having. “I swear some of those stallions had mud and rocks for brains.”

“I can’t agree with you more, Battleaxe,” Roadmap added nodding in agreement. “When I taught them during navigation training, I remember specifically showing them how to use a compass, some of those Stallions looked like they were halfway to Los Pegasus before they remembered that the ‘N’ meant north again.” The 1025th began to laugh at Roadmap’s comment. All of them remembered that night very well, Comet and Flare Flash didn’t get much sleep that day.

“Can’t say that I had issues like that when I had them for training,” Cannon Fodder said, “but it was kind of funny when they tried to apply the right amount of explosive magic to properly clear a downed tree.” everypony except for Snowstorm chuckled at Cannon Fodder’s memory, he still was trying to grow his mane back to its original length.

“Well they weren’t that bad when it came to stealth,” Camo said, “every last one of them managed to get one of Ridge Cracker’s favorite cookies.”

“That was you?! Oh, you good ‘fer nothin’ lil- COME ‘ER!” Ridge Cracker shouted chasing Camo while the rest of the 1025th began to erupt in more laughter than any other time during the evening.

“Gentlecolts,” Greatsword said placing himself between Camo and Ridge Cracker. “We’re all stallions here, well, except for the mares who are with us.”

“You can’t forget those lovely mares. “ Roadmap said waving his hoof at Greatsword, “It’s what I live for. Being Black Ops is like being a piece of steel in a magnet factory.”

“And yet there is no history in your record of you having any kind of relationship, whether it be serious or a fickle one.” Record Keeper said with the 1025th staring at her, “Oops! I guess you never told them that, I’m sorry.”

“Who invited you?” Roadmap moped, his ego crushed to the sound of roaring laughter.

“Well, I did, Roadmap,” Greatsword said still chuckling a bit at Roadmap, “she’s just as much a part of this as the rest of us, and if not for her my brothers and I would still not know who we are.”

“Oh, I think you would have figured out who you were by now, Greatsword,” Record Keeper said waving Greatsword‘s compliment off with her hoof. “You are a smart stallion after all.”

“Nonsense,” Greatsword said taking a seat next to Record Keeper. “Even if we hadn’t found anything in the vault, you would have looked again and again until you had found something. I can see that in you.”

“You’re far too generous.” Record Keeper said slightly blushing behind her long mane.

“If you two keep at it like you are now,” Battleaxe said shooting his sarcastic gaze towards Greatsword and Record Keeper. “You’ll be married by the end of the month.”

Greatsword’s face was met with his hoof while Record Keeper turned a deeper shade of red, the rest of the 1025th laughed at their reactions.

“It seems that I can’t have close friends of the opposite gender,” Greatsword mumbled, slowly slid his hoof off his face, “I really don’t need something like that going on right now anyway.”

“Why does everypony think we’re a couple?” Record Keeper said trying to hide the embarrassment in her voice. “A mare can’t just be friendly to a stallion around these ponies without them shipping her with him?”

“I know, believe me I know,” Greatsword replied shaking his head. “They think that Warhammer, my little brother of all ponies, is keeping Princess Luna ‘busy’.”

“Wow,” Record Keeper said slightly shocked. “Is the only thing that these ponies ever think about shipping?”

“Well, we do get really board,” Battleaxe answered sarcastically. “And we rarely ever have anything much better to do with our time off.”

“I see…” Record Keeper said raising her eyebrow at Battleaxe. Their revelry continued for some time, stories and laughs were equally shared amongst all of them.

“Battleaxe,” Patches said to the drunken unicorn. “I think that eighteen sweet apple acres cider number seven shots is enough.”

“Oh alright,” Battleaxe said trying to get off his stool, “Waiter…” he said when he finally managed to do so, “check please…” and with those words, Battleaxe hit the floor, unconscious, the still standing members of the 1025th seemed to have exploded twice form the excessive amount of laughter.

“Well, I better get him home,” Greatsword said rolling his eyes at the limp unicorn on the floor. “And the rest of us should do the same. I don’t think that any of us wants to spend this time off in a coma.”

The 1025th all let out a small chuckle, but they knew that Greatsword had a point. They paid for their drinks and left the Prancing Pony without any incident. Greatsword carried Battleaxe across his body as he walked Record Keeper back to her apartment on the other side of Canterlot.

“Tonight was kind of fun, don’t you think?” Record Keeper asked Greatsword while they made their way across the royal city.

“You could say that,” Greatsword said adjusting his nearly comatose brother to a more comfortable position. “But you don’t have to carry another pony the same size as you across Canterlot, then back past were you started, and up seven flights of stairs and down a long as hell hallway to your room, I think that would kill all the fun you were having.”

“Well, it was fun for me at least.” Record Keeper said laughing a little at Greatsword’s rare sense of humor. “Battleaxe looks like he had a lot of fun too, shame that he won’t remember any of it.”

“I believe I’ll remember it enough for the both of us.” Greatsword said while his brother started to mumble incoherent babble.

“I think he’ll be fine with that,” Record Keeper said still smiling, “anyway, what about Warhammer? I haven’t seen him since we actually found your identities.”

Greatsword looked at Record Keeper; the look in her eyes could only mean one thing, she was concerned. It was true, Warhammer never came by her apartment to say hi, at least not like he and his brother did, but he always had his own agenda that he had to attend to. He never really thought this much into the matter until now however, maybe he should ask Warhammer to stop by once during this break, just to ease his friend’s mind.

“Greatsword?” Record Keeper’s voice broke him from his thought.

“Oh right, huh, I’ll see if I can’t get him to stop in during this little break that we are having in between recruits, I’m sure he won’t mind.” Greatsword said to quell the worry in Record Keeper’s eyes.

“Ok, it’s not that I think that something bad happened to him, I just don’t see him as much as you and I’m sure he has a lot on his mind that I might be able to help him with.” Record Keeper said as the two sober ponies arrived at her apartment building. “We’re here,” she said smiling, “again thanks for inviting me, next time I’ll actually walk there instead of teleporting into your crowd.”

“No problem,” Greatsword said adjusting his brother again. “But if I may ask, why do you teleport to where you want to go but always walk back to your home?”

“Well, I guess I do that because were I’ve gone doesn’t really matter to me much, but were I came from does.” Record Keeper said happily trotting up the staircase to her apartment.

Record Keeper’s words hit Greatsword like a hoof to the throat. He and his brothers still had no clue where they were from, but he shrugged it off as best he could as not to upset her as he left. After nearly two hours of walking, seven flights of stairs and a very long walk down the castle hallway, Greatsword and his still intoxicated brother had arrived at their room. Greatsword was exhausted, carrying his brother through Canterlot with not a single taxi wanting to stop for him, but he was just happy that he finally was going to get to sleep.

“You’re lucky that we’re related.” he said under his breath, smiling as he opened the door with his free hoof.

Greatsword pushed the door open, but he couldn’t help but notice something moving rather quickly towards him from inside the room. Unfortunately for him whatever it was moving with too much speed for him to properly react. THUD! Greatsword and whatever was trying to exit the room collided; Battleaxe was tossed into the air only to land hard on the floor. Greatsword and the thing rolled over each other several times due to the momentum that they had. By the time the two finally stopped rolling, Greatsword managed to move himself into a position to pin whatever it was that tackled him, but when he realized what he had pinned, it gave him the shock of his life.

“Princess Luna?!” Greatsword said in disbelief, looking down on the sweaty alicorn under him, “what the HELL are YOU doing here?”

“We must be off!” Princess Luna yelled hastily with her horn glowing a deep sapphire color, with a flash she had teleported to somewhere else in Equestria.

“What the buck was that all about?” Battleaxe said rubbing his head, “Did I have too much to drink again?”

“Yes, but that’s beyond the point now,” Greatsword said looking into the room. “Why in the word was Princess Luna in here?” The two looked at each other, trying to figure out why she would even be near this part of the castle. Then the realization came upon both of them.

“Warhammer…” they said to each other simultaneously.

Chapter 14: Hammer and Moon

Greatsword and Battleaxe walked into the room, trying to find where their little brother had hidden. After a few minutes, they found him inside one of the closets, doing his best to conceal his massive body amongst the sets of armor and additional cloting. When he realized that he was found, he calmly exited the closet maintaining his composure while his brothers could hardly hold their laughter. When everything seemed to be back to normal for the three, the questions began.

“Warhammer…” Greatsword began. A small smirk on his face, “Why was Princess Luna in here?”

Warhammer simply shrugged his shoulders, as if he didn’t know that she had even been in the room in the first place.

“Oh, come on little bro,” Battleaxe said shaking his head, “you don’t always have to be the so damn quiet, you can tell us why she was in here, we won’t judge… hell I might just give you a high hoof.”

Warhammer again, shrugged his shoulders still pretending to be unaware of Princess Luna’s prior presence.

“Ok then,” Greatsword said rolling his eyes. “If nothing happened why were you in the closet?”

Warhammer’s eyes widened giving a quick glance towards the closet he had taken refuge in only minutes prior.

“Battleaxe,” Greatsword said with a small smile ran across his face, “check the closet.”

“Oh, of course…” Battleaxe replied with a salute and the same stupid grin that Greatsword had.

He proceeded to search the closet that Warhammer had been hiding in. After a few moments of finding nothing, Battleaxe was about to give up on the search, but as he turned to leave he saw something out of place. One of the drawers in the closet was askew from the others. Battleaxe opened the drawer in question and found what he was looking for.

“What do you have there, Battleaxe?” Greatsword said seeing that his brother exited the closet, holding something with his magic.

“Why, only an eighty year old bottle of the finest wine from Prance, dear brother,” Battleaxe replied revealing the bottle to Greatsword. “See, the corkscrew? It’s still in the cork, to tell you the truth, if that wasn’t stuck in there, I may have never found this bottle in the first place.”

“Now, why would Warhammer have a bottle of Prench wine possibly older than the three of us combined?” Greatsword said rubbing his chin.

“I don’t know, Greatsword,” Battleaxe said twisting the corkscrew out of the bottle, releasing the smell of the wine into the room. “Maybe that was why Princess Luna was here, she may have asked Warhammer to fetch her this fine bottle of brew.”

“But the wine cellar is on the other side of the castle, Battleaxe,” Greatsword pointed out. “And she could have easily asked one of the castle’s many servants to get it for her.”

“That’s true, Greatsword,” Battleaxe replied looking toward the ceiling. “So why in Equestria would she be in here with an eighty year old bottle of wine and our brother, who knew that we would be gone for hours… this is truly a mystery to behold.”

“Fine…” Warhammer finally said with his hoof covering his face, “Princess Luna and I have grown quite close, in her healing we have been growing a bond, tonight was to be a special one, so she gathered a fine bottle of wine and met me here, we did nothing more than speak of our hearts connection to one another’s. Just as you entered, we had just-”

“I hope you were not too exhausted after the two of you were done.” Battleaxe interrupted, a huge smile on his face, he still couldn’t believe that one of his little jokes actually came to be the truth. “Is she a hoofful in bed?”

“As I was saying,” Warhammer said, agitated at his brother for interrupting him. “We had just shared our first kiss, there was nothing more after that. I speak the truth brothers, nothing more happened.”

“Damn, that was anticlimactic…” Battleaxe said hanging his head low.

“I am happy for you Warhammer, I truly am,” Greatsword said placing his hoof on his little brother’s shoulder. “Just take it slow. There’s no need to rush this thing.” Warhammer just nodded at Greatsword, he knew that Princess Luna was still very fragile from her past experiences and he wanted to be there for her.

“Now, I think we all have had a very eventful night,” Greatsword said looking to Battleaxe. “Let’s sleep it off and try to enjoy the rest of this time off, shall we?” the other two nodded in agreement made their way to their respective beds. Greatsword smiled, they were going to get to sleep in for the first time in three months and he was going to try to enjoy it for as much as it was worth.

With a flash of light Princess Luna appeared in her room, her heart still racing from her first kiss with Warhammer. He was so strong, so powerful asn yet he was more gentle than the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings when he was with her. It made her hooves tingle just to think about it, she thought she finally may have found somepony to love. Even though the moment was slightly ruined by the sudden arrival of his brothers and they never did get to drink any of that wine. She thought little of that anyway, she was still thinking about the kiss, the memory was repeating in her mind over and over again getting better and better each time.

“Luna, where have you been this evening?” Princess Celestia’s calm voice broke Princess Luna out of her blissful trance. “and why are you acting like that? I haven’t seen you like this in a very long time.”

Princess Luna’s eyes darted around her room, looking for anything that would serve as an excuse for her sister. “Uh… well… it’s, uh… it’s this!” she said grabbing up the first thing she could from her desk.

“A lamp?” Princess Celestia asked in confusion towards her little sister, while she was holding the lamp in question inches away from her face.

“Yes!” Princess Luna said quickly, “I love lamp!” Princess Luna forced a smile while her eyes darted from the lamp to her sister, hoping that the sheer amount of awkward confusion would force her sister to drop the conversation.

“Do you really love the lamp…” Princess Celestia said pushing the lamp away from her face, “or are you just saying that because it’s there?” she stared directly into her sister’s eyes, as if she were attempting to read her mind.

“I love lamp!” Princess Luna repeated trying to keep her horribly failing poker face.

After a few long moments of staring in silence, Princess Celestia finally broke eye contact with her sister; “Very well,” she said turning to leave. “I shall have more lamps of that style made for you, Luna.”

“Uh… thank you, Tia,” Princess Luna said barely able to keep her face straight, “we are very pleased for such an offer.”

“You need not be, Luna,” Princess Celestia said turning back to face Princess Luna, “after all, you might need more lamps when you and Warhammer are enjoying that wine you took from the cellar earlier.”

Princess Luna’s face turned a deep shade of purple as Princess Celestia made her way back to her while the look on her face changed to one of sheer awkward surprise. She nearly dropped the lamp while she tried to hide her face behind her starry mane. “You already knew?” she asked from behind her false cover.

“Yes, Luna,” Princess Celestia said placing her hoof around Princess Luna, “you can’t rule for over one thousand years without learning how to read ponies faces.”

“And you’re not mad?” Princess Luna asked her sister, pulling her mane away from her face.

“Everypony deserves to be happy, Luna,” Princess Celestia said placing her hoof under her sister’s chin, “especially you.” Princess Celestia softly patted Princess Luna’s mane and left her sister’s room, a smile on both their faces.

As with all vacations from hard work, it seemed to end far too quickly for the 1025th. They were back to work and before they knew it another near one thousand stallions stood before them, just as they had nearly three months prior. Commander Garrison gave his welcome speech; the stallions were split into groups that were to be led by their respective instructors. This time that part went far smother, since the untrained stallions had received an idea of what to do from the stallions that had already been through the training.

“Hard to believe that it’s been five weeks already, right?” Comet asked Greatsword as a day of training came to an end.

“Yeah, we’re already half way done,” Greatsword said smiling at his friend, “and after this we’ll be placed back into the normal equestrian military, that’ll be a good change of pace.”

“I hear you on that, buddy,” Comet said looking out towards the setting moon. “I’m getting tired of continually explaining how to properly scout unknown territory, but soon, I’ll get to just do it myself again.”

“Don’t get too cocky, Comet,” Greatsword said looking at the setting moon as well, “there might be life after the military, you know.”

“Celestia I hope so,” Comet said as he turned back to Greatsword, “because some of us have big plans.”

“I’m sure Patches would love to hear them, Comet.” Greatsword said to his now surprised friend.

“H-how, how do, how do you know that?” Comet asked in disbelief.

“Let’s just say that Warhammer isn’t the only one who can notice things like that, Comet.” Greatsword said smiling at his baffled friend.

“It’s really that noticeable, huh?” Comet said placing his hoof behind his head.

“No, it’s not that noticeable at all, but Warhammer and I picked up on it, him first of course, after all he‘s got that ‘looking into your soul’ thing that he does.” Greatsword said reassuring the nervous pegasus.

“Oh, ok,” Comet said with a sigh of relief, “because I have no idea what would happen if Commander Garrison found out.”

“Don’t worry about it, Comet, what matters is that the two of you are happy, right?” Greatsword said as he placed his hoof on Comet’s shoulder. “You can’t ask for anything more.”

“Yeah,” Comet said, returning his gaze to the lowering moon again, “I guess you’re right about that.” The two stayed there until the sun rose in silence, then Comet spoke again. “Speaking about happiness,” he began, “How are Warhammer and Princess Luna doing? I heard they hit it off.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Greatsword said quickly, he and his brother swore to them that they would keep their relationship a secret. “The Princess and my little brother have a professional relationship and a professional relationship alone.”

“uh-huh…” Comet said giving a sarcastic look to Greatsword, “I’m sure it’s like that…”

Back in Canterlot, Princess Luna and Warhammer were enjoying the last few minutes of the night on the balcony of her room. “It is truly a magnificent sight?” Princess Luna said, “Wouldn’t you say Warhammer?”

He simply nodded in agreement with her. Princess Luna rolled her eyes at him. Even around her he still never really talked that much, but when he said something at least he meant it. He was very different from all other ponies that had caught her eye over her thousands of years of existence. To her it felt like that he was always going to be there for her if she needed him, that was what she loved the most about him. He seemed to be the only one who wouldn’t turn hoof and run if something didn’t go quite right in the master plan.

“It’s hard to believe that you have the power to do this, Luna,” Warhammer broke the silence of the early morning when he spoke, “such beauty every night, it must put such a strain on you to make it like this.”

“It is nothing Warhammer,” Princess Luna replied, “I love doing it, so it makes all the effort that I put into it even more worthwhile.”

“Indeed,” Warhammer said. “If you love something you have to put effort into it, or else you will lose the love you have for it.”

“Well spoken, Warhammer,” Princess Luna said kissing him on the cheek. “And the effort I am willing to put into us is far more than the creation of one beautiful night.”

“As is mine.” Warhammer said in response to the Princess’s statement, returning the kiss. Warhammer left Princess with that, as he had every night for the past two weeks when he came to visit after training had been completed for the evening.

The three had arrived back in their quarters around the same time that morning, something that didn’t happen so much anymore. They all had their own personal thing to attend to after training. Greatsword would often be off with one or two of the other members of the 1025th, Warhammer was always with Princess Luna and Battleaxe went and did who knows what. This morning however, they were all there at the same time.

“Good Morning, all.” Greatsword said to the other ponies in the room with him.

“Morning, Greatsword,” Battleaxe said nodding towards him, “How was Comet this morning.”

“As he always is, Battleaxe,” Greatsword said closing his eyes, “as he always is.”

“Well, that’s boring,” Battleaxe said turning his attention to Warhammer, “What about you little bro? Did you finally score with Princess Luna tonight?”

Warhammer cast his unamused stare towards his brother, such a stare would probably turn a lesser pony into mush, but Battleaxe just seemed to wave it off.

“Take that as a ‘no’ then,” Battleaxe said preparing himself for bed, “you guys lead such dull lives.”

“One day, Battleaxe, you’ll find somepony who will tame that wild stallion inside you.” Greatsword said in a knowing tone. Warhammer nodded in agreement with his oldest brother.

“I doubt that,” Battleaxe said rolling his eyes at Greatsword, “being single is MUCH too fun.”

“We’ll see.” Greatsword replied.

“What’s THAT supposed to mean?” Battleaxe asked.

“We’ll see…” Greatsword repeated.

The next five weeks of training passed by like days for the 1025th. They had trained all remaining Lunar Stallions successfully and Princess Luna now had a competent and skilled guard to defend her. Each member was commended for their excellent service to her with the Lunar Service Ribbon. Princess Celestia released them of their service to her sister, lifted all charges from them and placed them back into the regular equestrian military again as the most elite special forces fighting unit in Equestria. For the next year or so the 1025th served Princess Celestia with great skill and bravery. Their missions changed from reconnaissance of the badlands to hunting down the last of the changeling soldiers after their failed attempt to conquer Equestria during the wedding of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. But as their prowess continued to rise other, darker forces began to take notice of all of them.

Chapter 15: Before a Mission

Nearly a year had passed since the 1025th had been relived form their service to Princess Luna and they were more ready for a fight. Fortunately for them the changeling’s failed attempt to take over Canterlot gave them a very good reason to kick some ass. For months the Equestrian military had been searching for any signs of their new enemy’s activity, one such report came from a scout who said that a massive changeling force had been amassed in the forest near Trotingham.

“Can’t believe we’re finally gonna get to be in the thick of it again.” Comet said throwing his duffle bag over his shoulder, “You as excited as I am about this?”

“I’m ready to get outta Canterlot…” Battleaxe said, “Too many uptight snobby ponies.”

“Don’t you go out with those ‘uptight snobby ponies’?”

“Well yeah…” Battleaxe said looking back at Comet, “What’s your point?”

“Nothing…” Comet said rolling his eyes.

“Are you two STILL in here grabbing everything?” Commander Garrison said walking into the room, “You know we’ve only got a few more hours before the train gets here… and we’ll be piled on in less than ten minutes.”

“We’ll be ready sir.” Comet said rendering a salute, “You don’t need to be worried.”

“But that doesn’t mean I can’t tell you to hurry your asses up.” Commander Garrison said opening the door wider, “Now get moving.”

Comet and Battleaxe rushed out of the room, huge smiles on their faces. “He sure is pushy.” Battleaxe said truing his attention to Comet.

“You’ve known him for over a year…” Comet said smiling, “You should know that by now.”

“Well I can still complain can’t I?” Battleaxe asked, “I’m in the military after all.”

Comet let out a small laugh as the two continued to make their way to the train station. Once there they were greeted by the rest of the 1025th.

“What took you two so long?” Tower Shield asked, “Cannon Fodder almost got out his emergency brown bag.”

“I did not!” Cannon Fodder said, hastily hiding the bag behind his back.

“We still have a few hours before the train gets here.” Battleaxe said, “Don’t really know why we have to get here so early.”

“Because we’re military…” a voice said from the crowd said, the rest of the 1025th looked to the direction to see Greatsword step into view, three duffle bags in hoof. “And we always show up early.”

“Why are you here late?” Battleaxe asked, “That’s very uncharacteristic of you.”

“I wasn’t late.” He replied, “I’ve been here since six.”

“Why the hell would you be here so early?” Battleaxe said, “Even Commander Garrison said be here at noon.”

“Somepony had to arrange seating for us… because you know Shining Armor would have us in the cargo been.”

“It couldn’t be all that bad.” Tower Shield said, “At least it’d be roomy.”

“You’re forgetting the gear… both ours AND the royal guards.”

“The guard is coming too?” Flare Flash asked, “But this was supposed to be purely a Special Forces mission.”

“Ol’ Shiney musta gotten a wiff of what we were doin’.” Ridge Cracker said looking around, “But how’d he do that?”

“You guys think you’re SO stealthy…” Shining Armor said stepping out of the station, “But you can’t pull a fast one on me.”

“You’re putting a lot of lives on the line by coming with us.” Greatsword said, “It should be just us.”

“You weren’t there when they tried to take over Greatsword.” Shining Armor said, “I was…”

“That doesn’t mean anything… we’ve been briefed for months on the threat, we know what we’re dealing with.”

“Have you seen them fight first hoof?” Shining Armor said glaring, “every last one of them is like a mini-alicorn… what make you think you can handle them without a pony with experience in fighting them.”

“Didn’t you and Cadence fire some kind of love missile to send them into the badlands?” Battleaxe asked, “And if you did how the hell did that even work? Don’t changelings feed on love?”

The 1025th grew small smiles on their faces when they turned their attention to Shining Armor. The look on his face almost made some them laugh, but they held it in. after a few minutes of angry silence, Shining Armor finally spoke again.

“The matter of the fact is I know more about changelings than all of you…” he said, “And Princess Celestia already gave the go ahead for me and three hundred of my best stallions to come along.”

“That’s three hundred extra lives you’re willing to risk Shining…” Greatsword said, “You know Commander Garrison won’t-“

“I don’t care about what Commander Garrison would say.” Shining Armor interrupted, “I’m coming weather you like it or not.”

Shining Armor walked past Greatsword purposefully bumping into him as he did so. “Not exactly the crowd pleaser….” Battleaxe said watching Shining walk into the crowd.

“He’s having one of his days…” Princess Cadence said as patrons stood aside and bowed before her, “I’m sure you understand.”

“We do your highness…” Battleaxe said bowing, “and I must say it’s good to see you again.”

“You too Battleaxe,” Princess Cadence said rolling her eyes. “And I think we’re close enough that you don’t need to bow every time you see me.”

“It’s a habit…” Battleaxe said looking back to the rest of the 1025th. “I better get with the rest of the boys… I’ll catch up with you later.”

Battleaxe walked off to the others, leaving Greatsword and Princess Cadence to themselves. There was a silence between the two of them for several minutes, but then the Princess spoke.

“How have you been?” she asked.

“I’ve been better,” he replied, “How’s married life treating you?”

“Like everything it has its moments.” Princess Cadence said, “What about you and Record Keeper?”

“Now YOU’RE on that bandwagon?” Greatsword asked dragging his hoof down his face, “I thought better of you Caddie.”

“Deny it as much as you want Greatsword.” Cadence said giggling, “but I know love… and it’s undeniable that you two really care about one another.”

“As a friend…” Greatsword said, “Other than Comet, she’s as close as I am with my brothers.”

“She could be closer…” Cadence said taking another step towards him, “You just need to let her be.”

“I really don’t need something like that right now.” Greatsword replied, “There’s too much at stake for my mind to be split.”

“Always so concerned about others,” Cadence said with a smile. “When’s the last time you did something for yourself?”

“Maybe three years ago…” Greatsword replied smiling.

“But, you don’t remember anything past…” Cadence put two and two together and looked to Greatsword with a sarcastic grin, “You clever stallion you…”

“I try…” Greatsword said chuckling, “But it’s just who I am, I focus on the task at hand and once that’s done, I go straight to the next.”

“When will your task involve your happiness with another pony?”

“Whenever I don’t have to worry about the safety of all Equestria.”

“That will take a long time…”

“It will take as long as it has to…”

Princess Cadence let out a disappointed sigh and looked to the station’s clock tower. “It’s about time for me to head back to the castle.” She said, “Good luck with your mission.”

“Thanks Caddie…” Greatsword said bowing. “Means a lot when you say that.”

“I try Greatsword,” Cadence said looking back to him, “I’ll see you when you get back.”

“You too,” Greatsword said. “That is IF I get back…” he said under his breath. He went to walk back to the group but the moment he turned around a single white unicorn blocked his path.

“So you can call Princess Cadence ‘Caddie’?” she asked, “I guess that means you’re a very important pony.”

“Record Keeper?” Greatsword asked, “What are you doing here? I thought you were working.”

“It’s Saturday Greatsword,” Record Keeper said rolling her eyes, “And I wouldn’t miss sending you off on a dangerous mission without at least saying goodbye.”

“How do YOU know about that?”

“I file everything military related Greatsword…” Record Keeper said sarcastically. “Everything…”

“I guess that would make since…” Greatsword said, “How’ve you been anyway?”

“Very good,” She replied. “And you?”

“Well my day’s gotten a little bit better…” Greatsword said with a smile, “After all one of my best friends same to see me off.”

“Well I’m glad I could help.” Record Keeper said reaching into her saddlebags. “I got you this the night I saw you were going on this mission.”

Record Keeper placed something in Greatsword’s hoof. He looked down at the object now in his hoof. It was a small pennant, in the shape of the sun.

“Thanks Record Keeper.” Greatsword said, “I’ll-“

“My grandmother gave it to me when I was eleven…” Record Keeper explained, “It’s been in the family for a long time, she said it will keep whoever wears it safe from harm.”

Greatsword looked at Record Keeper shocked, why would she trust him with something so valuable to her. “Record Keeper…” he said trying to hand the pennant back to her, “I can’t just-“

“You need it more than I do.” Record Keeper said, pushing his hoof back to him. “I’m not the one going on a mission that could kill me.”

“But this… this has been in your family for-“

“If anypony in my family saw you with our pennant they’d be proud to see you have it.”

“I… I don’t know what to say Record Keeper…” Greatsword said still in a state of shock.

“’Thank you’ is a good place to start…” Record Keeper replied giggling.

“Well… thank you…” Greatsword said placing the pennant around his neck. “It really means a lot.”

“Well you mean a lot to me.” Record Keeper replied suddenly embracing Greatsword. “Please be careful…” she said into his chest, fighting back tears. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Uh… I will…” Greatsword said softly pushing her away. “You stay safe too Record Keeper.”

“I’ll try not to get a paper cut…” she replied nuzzling Greatsword. “Be safe and I’ll treat you to a drink when you get back.”

“I’ll remember that.” Greatsword said watching her walk off.

“Hate to see her go…” Comet said walking up next to Greatsword. “Love to watch her leave…”

“What would Patches say if she heard that?” Greatsword asked looking back to him.

“Just because I’m not shopping doesn’t mean I can’t have a look at the other merchandise.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Battleaxe too much…” Greatsword said rolling his eyes.

“Can’t help who rubs off on me…”

“But you can control it…”

“Have you at least asked her out yet?” Comet asked motioning him to walk with him.

“Not this again…”

“Hey don’t be that way buddy…” Comet said smiling. “I’m just pointing out the obvious.”

“I’d prefer if you focused on the task at hoof…” Greatsword replied. “The train will be here in a few minutes.”

“Alright, alright…” Comet said grabbing his bag. “I’ll just… hey what’s that?” Comet pointed to the pennant now around Greatsword’s neck. “Never seen you wear that.”

“Record Keeper gave it to me…” Greatsword said, looking to the pennant. “She said it would keep me safe.”

“Oh did she…” Comet said raising an eyebrow. “Or is that just her version of a yellow ribbon?”

“She was serious Comet…” Greatsword replied. “This pennant has been in her family for generations, and she wanted me to have it for the mission.”

“You really mean something to her… or else she wouldn’t have given you something so important to her to you.”

“I guess you’re right…” Greatsword said looking off in the direction she left in. “She’s a very good friend.”

“There you go with that ‘friend’ thing again…” Comet said slamming his hoof into his face. “Are you really THAT blind? Or do you really not like her?”

“I love her…” Greatsword said, much to Comet’s surprise. “She’s the best friend a stallion could ask for.”

“So you’re just THAT blind…” Comet chuckled. “Come on, race ya to the train.”

“Always the mature one…” Greatsword said breaking into a sprint with Comet.

Meanwhile inside the castle, the royal sisters were standing on the balcony, watching the station intently. Though they were in silence Luna felt the need to bring up the topic on both their minds.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea that our subjects not know about the threat?”

“We must keep them safe,” Celestia replied. “If they knew that the changeling forces were still in Equestria; panic would grip the populous… we don’t need any more stress added to the ones trying to expunge the threat as it is.” She looked to her sister and sighed. “I hope you understand that.”

“I do…” Luna replied. “But this is one of the few times I’ve ever seen you this worried about something… what is it that troubles you?”

“I worry for them…” Celestia replied, pointing to the station the 1025th was waiting for their train at. “I know they are my best unit, but I have truly come to care for every last one of them… especially the three…” she looked back to the station. “Their lives are wrapped in mystery… even I didn’t know who they were nor where they came from… there is something about them Luna…especially Greatsword…”

“Especially Greatsword you say?” Luna said with a deviant grin. “What makes HIM stick out from the others?”

“His presence,” Celestia answered quickly. “He looks so commanding, so confident… yet that masks something, an uncertainty that I have never seen in a pony in all my years.”

“Well sister…” Luna said still grinning. “Have you been in his presence in your chambers? Does he help keep you warm on long nights?

“LUNA!” Celestia said shocked. “Greatsword is a friend to both of us, and if you assume such things may I ask the same of you and Warhammer? Does he keep YOU warm while you sleep?”

Luna’s face turned a deep shade of purple as she saw the look on Celestia’s face grow into a smirk. “Tia…” she whimpered. “We have only just started our formal courtship…”

“It’s very different coming from the other side isn’t it?” Celestia asked.

“I’m sorry Tia…” Luna said. “I was only trying to play a joke…”

“I understand, but now isn’t the time for that… we need to keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers.”

“They already are.” Luna said watching the ponies board the train. “They already are.”

“Then let’s hope they find safe passage and strong steel.” Celestia said watching the train bellow steam, “they will need it for the long road ahead.”

Chapter 16: An Easy Detail

“You know, it was never really explained to us how Princess Cadence was related to the other two princesses.” Battleaxe said to Greatsword.

“She’s their niece, Battleaxe, she told us that when we first met her…” Greatsword said shaking his head, “close to five years ago…”

“But who’s her mom?” Battleaxe asked “Princess Celestia and Luna don’t have any other alicorn relatives, and if she’s their niece, how is Prince Blueblood, a unicorn, their nephew?”

“They adopted my family a long time ago.” Princess Cadence and Shining Armor entered the briefing room that Battleaxe, Greatsword and the rest of the 1025th were in. “We share no actual blood relation, but the magic that comes from them sometimes causes an alicorn to be born in our family, and I‘m one of those ‘sometimes‘.”

“Oh, well, ok then, I guess that makes sense.” Battleaxe said looking at the two who had just entered the room with them. “Why are you two here anyway? Shouldn’t you two be in the crystal empire running things?”

“The changeling threat is just as much a threat to the Crystal Empire as it is to Equestria and Special Force’s, Battleaxe.” Shining Armor said in a commanding tone. “And this is a very personal matter for my wife and myself.”

“You can’t let what you feel get in the way of your mission, Shining Armor,” Greatsword said. “It could get you killed.”

“You don’t have a family to protect, Greatsword,” Shining Armor snapped back at Greatsword, “you might understand my look at it when you do.”

“Shining, Greatsword has brothers you know,” Princess Cadence quickly said to her husband, “I’m sorry Greatsword, I know the two of you have a history, but at least ONE of you has put it behind you.”

“No need for an apology, my lady,” Greatsword replied, fighting the urge to punch his counterpart. “I’m sure all tensions are high now, Commander Garrison and Princess Celestia will be here soon with the details of this mission.”

As Greatsword finished his statement, Princess Celestia and Commander Garrison entered the briefing room. The 1025th and the Royal Guard present all bowed, the Princess motioned them all to stand so they did. The Princess took her place at the head of the table, Commander Garrison and Shining Armor sitting at her sides all remaining seats were filled by order of rank. This was as it always was during a mission briefing, since the three officially entered the 1025th nearly four and a half years ago, Princess Celestia wanted to know what was going on during their missions.

“Mares and Gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia began, “this will be your mission briefing, Commander, the stage is yours.”

“Thank you, my lady. We have received intelligence of a changeling sleeper cell about ten miles away from Los Pegasus, we don’t know how many or what exactly their plan of attack is, but we can assume that it is similar to their plan when they attacked Canterlot, Trotingham, and Manehattan.”

“So capture and change into a prominent figure in their society, try to overthrow them from the inside, then attack with a larger force soon after.” Greatsword said, looking at the map on the table.

“Exactly,” Commander Garrison said looking at Greatsword nodding, “that’s why you’re my second in command.” Commander Garrison returned to looking at the map, “We can estimate a few things, given that Los Pegasus has roughly the same population as Trotingham, that the force there may be more or less the same size as the force that tried to take over there.”

“So roughly two thousand or so.” Battleaxe said. “How could they hide a force that close to Los Pegasus? It’s all flat ground for a good thirty miles on all sides.”

“They can hide them underground,” Commander Garrison answered, “Los Pegasus was founded due to a massive diamond deposit that was close by, the diamonds are long gone, but the mines used to get at them are still there.”

“So what’s the plan?” Long Shot asked, “Will it be the same as Trotingham?”

“No, it will be nothing like Trotingham,” Commander Garrison said, “Trotingham is surrounded by thick forests, we can’t ambush them again and again without them knowing where we came from near Los Pegasus.”

“So then what?” Comet asked, “If we can’t pick them off in small groups then what will we do?”

“We drive them all out at once,” Commander Garrison responded, “the mine entryways are connected, if we send a small force into one entry, we will be able to push them out to larger waiting forces.”

“Sounds easy enough,” Battleaxe said, “but what’s the catch?”

“There are four entryways,” Commander Garrison answered, “if we don’t block off all but two, the smaller force inside will get surrounded and be killed.”

“Nice catch,” Battleaxe said sarcastically, “How are we going to patch those extra holes?”

“That’s where we come in,” Commander Garrison said with a smile. “The 1025th will be blowing two of the mine shafts, then the Royal Guards will do the rest.”

“I think the Guard should take the extra shafts down,” Shining Armor said. “ If I recall we have plenty of guys that can cast explosive magic.”

“Not like Cannon Fodder and Pyro can.” Commander Garrison replied, “Not to mention our training, experience and that it is easier to hide twenty than two hundred.”

“Fine, my men will cover the exits,” Shining Armor growled at Commander Garrison, “you better not fail, Commander.”

“I won’t be able to,” Commander Garrison said shooting his glare back to Shining Armor, “Greatsword will be leading this mission.” The 1025th looked shocked, especially Greatsword, Commander Garrison had always led them into battle.

“I have things that I must attend to personally on Princess Celestia’s orders, so Greatsword will be in charge for this one.” He looked at Greatsword and smiled at him, “I have the utmost confidence that he will lead just as I would,” he looked back at Shining Armor, “if not, better.”

Commander Garrison never said anything like that about anypony. He really believed that Greatsword could command the 1025th. Greatsword, though still a little surprised by this information, was very honored by what Commander Garrison said. After four years of following and learning from him, Greatsword would finally get to test his abilities as a leader on the battlefield.

“Well then,” Shining Armor said giving Greatsword a look of malice, “I hope YOU don’t fail, Greatsword.”

“I’ll do what I can,” Greatsword said returning the stare, “and more if I have to.”

“Then this briefing is over, should be an easy one for once mares and gentlecolts.” Commander Garrison said looking to Princess Celestia, “It’s all yours Princess.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Princess Celestia nodding towards the Commander, “Gather all necessary equipment ponies, you shall be headed to Los Pegasus in the hour, and good luck to you all.” All the ponies in the room exited to gather the necessary gear that the Princess spoke of.

As Greatsword exited the room Princess Cadence stopped him. “I’m sorry about Shining Armor, Greatsword,” she said lowering her head, “he’s only like that around you, he’s a good stallion, he’s just mad at you for what happened in Trotingham.”

“You don’t need to be sorry for him, I put all of that behind me, and I forgave him for what he did to me. He just needs more time I guess.” Greatsword said doing, his best to calm her mind.

“I think two years is more than enough time,” Princess Cadence said looking back at Greatsword, “it wasn’t your fault that it happened in the first place.”

“He needed somepony to blame for that scar he got in Trotingham, I guess he decided to choose me.” Greatsword said remembering that battle. “How’s your baby coming along, by the way?” he said to change the touchy subject.

“Oh,” Princess Cadence said placing one hoof on her expanded stomach, “it’s coming along fine, we’ll know if it’s a colt or filly in a few days.”

“Congratulations.” Greatsword said as he started to walk away.

“Greatsword…” Princess Cadence said, stopping Greatsword with her hoof.

“Yeah, Caddie?” Greatsword said turning back to face her, “What do you need?”

“Just make sure he comes back to find out what his foal will be.” Princess Cadence said softly.

“I’ll do what I can, Caddie,” Greatsword said turning back to walk away again, “and more if I have to.” Greatsword and the other ponies went and gathered the supplies they needed for their mission then made their way to the train station.

The three day train ride to Los Pegasus was a long and quiet one for both forces. The Royal Guard and Special Forces units never really had got along with one another, but Shining Armor was leading the guard personally this mission, furthermore, Greatsword was in command of the 1025th, so the usually high tensions between the two forces were especially high amongst them. The train arrived in Los Pegasus late in the evening. The two forces gathered their supplies off the train and made their way to the old diamond mines only ten miles away.

After a few hours the ponies had arrived near their destination. The Royal Guard began to make preparations for their part in the upcoming battle, while the 1025th double and triple checked their supplies to ensure that they had enough to blow the supports to the mine. While the 1025th was making sure they had all of their supplies, Greatsword noticed out of the corner of his eye that Shining Armor was approaching them.

“What do you need, Shiny?” Greatsword said, expecting Shining Armor to be his usual self when he approached.

“I’m just making sure that your guys have all the necessary equipment needed to complete your mission.” Shining Armor said, much to Greatsword’s surprise he was actually trying to show concern for his unit. Greatsword turned to Shining Armor and saw that it seemed to anger him after he said it.

“We are going over our supplies now,” Greatsword said as he pointed to the 1025th still counting up all their gear. “But I wonder why you would ask? You never have before.”

“Cadence and I had a talk after you left to gather your stuff,” Shining Armor explained, “she wanted me to do what apparently you did, but I’m sure you understand if I don’t think that I can do that.”

“I do, it took me some time too.” Greatsword said looking at Shining Armor, seeing how hard it was for him to try to apologize.

“Well, this is the best I can do, Greatsword. I hope it’s enough for now.” Shining Armor said looking at the ground.

“It will suffice.” Greatsword responded turning back to his ponies, still looking over all their gear.

“Greatsword…” Shining Armor said as Greatsword walked away.

“Yes, Shining Armor,” Greatsword said turning back to him, “what do you want?”

Shining Armor almost chocked on his words as they came out. “Good luck.” Shining Armor turned and quickly returned to his own ponies, Greatsword just smiled as he calmly walked back to the 1025th.

“What was that all about?” Battleaxe asked Greatsword, “was it another one of those ‘if you so much as breathe I’ll kill you’ talks the two of you seem to love so much?”

“He actually said ‘I’m sorry’…” Greatsword said to his now shocked brother. “Well, as best as he could.”

“So the two of you are all buddy-buddy now?” Battleaxe said giving his brother a nudge on the shoulder.

“Oh hell no,” Greatsword said quickly, “we’re still a long time away from that.”

“Then I won’t hold my breath.” Battleaxe said laughing to himself a little.

“Seems we got everything that we need, Captain.” Camo said to Greatsword as he finished counting the stealth gear for the third time.

“You don’t need to call me by my rank, Camo,” Greatsword said waving his hoof passively at Camo, “Greatsword is just fine with me.”

“Yes Cap-I mean, Greatsword.” Camo replied, causing the rest of the 1025th to giggle a small amount.

“All medical supplies are accounted for, sir.” Patches said with Med Kit nodding in agreement with her.

“Excellent,” Greatsword replied, “everypony else got the same traffic?”

“Green, green up, sir,” Long Shot said as he raised his hoof, “I got plenty of bolts for those green blooded buckers.”

“All scouting gear is a go.” Comet said as Cloud Seeker rose all the gear in question above his head.

“If only we had a few pick axes,” Flare Flash said shaking his head, “there might still be a few diamonds in there.”

“Boom clay is up.” Cannon Fodder called out as Pyro started to magically place them carefully in his saddlebags. “I-I hope nothing bad happens in there…”

“Hooves ‘er hard an ready fer a fight!” Ridge Cracker called out as he stomped his front hooves on the ground. “I’ll be kickin’ those ugly bug’s flanks if they get stupid nuf ta get close.”

“All our armor is good to go, not a single chink in the plating.” Tower Shield said as he and Iron Hide began to pass everypony their respective protective gear.

“The map is up to date, though I’m sure that we won’t be wandering aimlessly in the dark, but it’ll be nice not having to lay out directional markers for once.” Roadmap said smiling while holding up the map in question.

“Great, seems that everything is ready for the mission,” Greatsword said smiling a bit, “that’s a first that I think we all can like for once.”

“Oh hell yeah,” Battleaxe replied, “now maybe when we go in there the changelings will see us and instead of fighting, they might just turn tail and run, or even better, they will surrender to us.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Battleaxe,” Greatsword said to his ever enthusiastic brother, “there might not even be any changelings in the mine in the first place.”

“Now THAT would be lucky,” Battleaxe said, “then I could get a ‘I came to Los Pegasus and all I got was this shirt’ shirt.”

“You and your shirts…” Greatsword said covering his face with his hoof.

“Hey, I can’t help it if I want to have a sense of style,” Battleaxe said pointing at himself, “unlike some ponies…” he shot a glance Greatsword, who just shook his head to the sound of the laughter of the 1025th.

“Well if we have all of our gear ready we may as well make our way to the mine,” Greatsword said as he motioned the 1025th to stand, “I’ll go notify Shining Armor that we’re up and that we’ll be heading out in a few minutes, the rest of you wait up for me until I get back, then,” Greatsword started smiling, “then we kick this thing off.”

Greatsword made his way to the Royal Guard’s set up and informed Shining Armor about the 1025th status, to which we responded with a forced smile and nod of his head. Greatsword then returned to his unit and gave them the order they had been waiting for, the order to move out. The 1025th then made their way to the abandon mines, ready for anything. Or so they thought.

Chapter 17: There Will be Blood

“Ok, everypony,” Greatsword said as the 1025th stood in front of the abandon mine shaft they were going to enter, “let’s get into positions.” the 1025th nodded as they readily awaited their orders. “First team; you already know who you are, take positions on the left side of the mine.” The five ponies nodded as they quickly but silently made their way to the entrance of the mine. “Second team, make your way to the right side of the mine’s entry.” The next group of five ponies followed their orders with no hesitation, moving to their positions on the right as Greatsword had instructed them to do.

“Still waiting, ‘sir‘…” Battleaxe said tapping his hoof impatiently.

“I’m getting to you, Battleaxe,” Greatsword replied with minor agitation in his voice, “now, where was I?” Greatsword took a moment to think after his brother’s rude interruption. Fumbling through his thoughts he finally remembered what he was going to say before that. “Right, Third Squad, to the center, head out.”

The last group of five ponies obeyed quickly, making their way to their designated post. “Now, Command team, that’ll be myself, Battleaxe, Warhammer and Roadmap, we’ll head up behind Third team.” Greatsword looked towards Roadmap. “Do you have the mine’s layout ready?”

“Right here, sir,” Roadmap said waving the item in question back and forth, “and we are good for taking care of business.”

“Excellent,” Greatsword said smiling towards the mine then the ponies of the 1025th, “Alright gentlecolts, let’s get this done.” Greatsword made a motion with his hoof to signal all the ponies to move into the mine and with no hesitation, the 1025th entered the mines. “Unicorns,” Greatsword said cautiously. “Be sure to keep your illumination spells at their minimum level, we all know that changelings are very sensitive to the changes in lighting in their environment.”

“Yes Sir.” They responded dimming their spells to the most fain of glimmers.

The unit continued down the dank and dark corridors of the once booming diamond mine. But among the high tension and silence of the mine several of the members had begun to notice that there was one thing out of place.

“Why haven’t we run into any changelings?” Battleaxe asked whispering quietly, “You’d think we’d run into at least a scout or two by now… right?”

“Maybe Greatsword was right about there being no changelings in here.” Flare Flash replied quietly back, “Maybe for this one time, Ol’ Princess Celestia’s smiling down on the 1025th.”

“I doubt that, Flash,” Long Shot said from across the mine. “Our Intel was accurate, and changelings aren’t the type to pull out before at least trying to accomplish their main objective.”

“Voices down, stallions…” Greatsword said. “We don’t want to give off our positions if there are any changelings nearby.”

“This isn’t right…” Cloud Seeker said flying next to Greatsword. “This feels like a trap.”

“We have our orders Cloud Seeker,” Greatsword replied. “Get back to your team and cover Pyro while he sets the charges.”

“Yes sir…” Cloud Seeker said with a salute. “But I still believe this is a trap.”

“I understand, but we still need to accomplish the mission. Head back and after all this is over I’ll buy you a drink.”

Cloud Seeker returned to his team, his eyes darting around the mine, just waiting for something horrible to happen. The minutes continued to pass without incident, prompting several of the 1025th to relax to the point of talking again.

“Damn, I’d love a hay milkshake right now.” Camo said quietly to himself, placing his hoof on his growling stomach.

“I’d drink your milkshake.” Battleaxe whispered over to him, “I’d drink it up.” he made a quiet slurping sound as the other ponies who heard the conversation giggled quietly.

“Gentlecolts, enough…” Greatsword growled. “Roadmap, were exactly are we in the mine?”

Roadmap looked towards the map in his hooves, “Well, we passed ten of the mineshaft supports already,” he said closely examining the paper in front of him. “So there should be four more before we are in the main cavern then we should pass six supports in there, finally another thirteen supports in the mineshaft opposite of this one, after that we’ll be out and we can make a small canyon for the ponies of Los Pegasus.”

“Good,” Greatsword said as he returned his gaze forward into the blackness of the mine. “We’ll be done before nightfall.”

“I ain’t even 'eard one of ‘em fer all this time.” Ridge Cracker said as the 1025th continued down the mineshaft, “I know I ain’t no smart pony, but somthin’ ain’t quite right bout that.”

“Well, I guess we won’t know until we’re finished if they’re actually here.” Comet said looking in every direction for any kind of evidence of changelings.

After Comet’s statement, a long, deep, chilling laugh came from the darkest reaches of the mine before of them. The 1025th all froze and stared into the darkness straining their eyes in an attempt to look at what the source of the laugh was.

“What the hell was that?” Battleaxe said to all the ponies as they still stood in silence.

“I d-don’t know…” Cannon Fodder stuttered quietly, “b-but I don’t l-like it one bit…”

The same laugh came again as if to respond to Cannon Fodder’s obviously fearful tone. Greatsword took a few steps forward into the black abyss, still trying to see what was making the laugh. His attempt was in vein, the mine was just too dark, he could barely even see his own hoof in front of his face.

“Your kind is bold entering a place like this…” a voice with the same tone as the laugh said as it echoed through the mine. “Such bravery can kill, you know…”

“Who’s there?” Greatsword called out into the dark, “Show yourself and be identified.”

The voice laughed again, amused by such a demand, but then it responded. “My master said that you would come…” it replied, “and my master was right, because here you stand, before your doom…”

“We have no time for such games creature,” Greatsword called out again, “if you are the changeling leader, I ask you to surrender your forces, if not, I will be forced to engage.”

“You think of me as a simple changeling?” the voice said laughing at the thought, “You certainly need to learn to better distinguish between the voices of the inhabitants of Equestria…” the voice paused to gain its composure, “Greatsword…”

“Y-you… you know my name?” Greatsword said backing away from the direction of the voice.

“Yes…” the voice responded. “Yes I do… I know everything about you…” the voice paused again. “And your brothers…”

Even Warhammer flinched in shock of this revelation. This voice knew who they were before they had woken up that fateful day around five years ago. The 1025th all took positions behind their leader, still unsure of exactly what they were facing. The voice laughed at their formation and spoke again.

“You should’ve brought more ponies, Greatsword… even with Battleaxe and Warhammer you cannot hope to defeat me.”

“Who the buck are you?!” Battleaxe shouted into the darkness.

“Ah, I forgot that my master was very thorough with the memory wipe…” the voice replied “but my master was bound to miss something, I can only assume that’s why you’re still alive…”

“You still haven’t answered my question, creature.” Greatsword said staring into the dark of the mine.

“All you need to know Greatsword, is that I will kill you and your brothers and once I have completed my task the only threat that stands in my master’s way will no longer remain,” the voice became more sinister as it continued, “but, if you must know the name of your killer, I suppose I will not deny you that.”

And then there was only silence leaving nothing but the tense atmosphere. The seconds passed like hours until finally the 1025th heard a faint rumble, the rumble grew increasingly violent, causing stlagtites to fall from the roof. It didn’t take much longer for them to finally realize what was causing the tremors.

FUUM! A large ball of flame lit up the cavern and flew towards the 1025th narrowly avoiding the group in a whole, but the explosion of the flame had reviled their adversary. A massive, black and red dragon, it seemed that shadows steamed of its entire body. With a loud roar the dragon spoke again.

“I am your doom! For I… AM… SMOG!” Smog belted another ball of flame at the 1025th, separating quickly they barely avoided the attack.

“Merciful Celestia…” Battleaxe said in awe. “How the hell are we going to stop that?!”

“Ponies of the 1025th!” Greatsword roared, “Prepare for battle!”

“And I shall prepare you for your graves!” Smog laughed back.

The 1025th was prepared for a fight, but they were far from prepared to fight a dragon, especially one the size of Smog. Even though they knew that they stood no chance against him, they had to fight to stay alive and there was only one option for that, a fighting retreat. The 1025th would have to fight like they never had before to escape Smog and fall back to the Royal Guard who were waiting outside of the mine. Making their way back through the mineshaft they had entered, fighting for their lives while Smog continued his ruthless assault.

“You all fight bravely ponies…” Smog said raising on to his massive hind legs. “But you will all rot in this place!” he roared sending his claws toward the land locked forces as the pegasi sped out of its destructive path.

“Get the shields up!” Tower Shield called out to Iron Hide, with little hesitation the two summoned their defensive barriers, combining them into one titanic shield of magic “Get behind us! We can hold-”

CRASH! Smog’s claw easily tore through their barrier, and continued towards the two unicorns. Tower Shield and Iron Hide did their best to avoid Smog’s claw, but their best was not enough, the two unicorns became buried under the combined weight of Smog and the unforgiving ground.

“NO!” Ridge Cracker yelled watching his friends die in an explosion of dust and blood, “I’LL GUT YA FER THAT!” he roared charging Smog in blind fury.

Smog saw the furious pony charge him blindly and with a twisted smile he swung his other claw, SMASH! Smog gave Ridge Cracker the same fate as his two comrades.

“Damn it!” Battleaxe called firing another bolt of his silver magic, “We’re already three down and our defense is gone, we’re going to need to speed it up down here!”

“I assure you, Battleaxe…” Smog said still smiling, “I’m only getting started…”

The ponies did their best to make a hasty retreat, but Smog was somehow able to control them from behind. “DAMN IT!” Long Shot shouted in anger, “I’m out of bolts! I’m falling back!” Long Shot narrowly avoided a swing from Smog’s tail as he flew past the remaining members of the 1025th.

“I’m taking Lug Nut and Camo!” he shouted flying past the fray “I’ll get us a way out! I swear!” were the last things he said as he flew into the dust and darkness.

“Your allies have abandoned you…” Smog said laughing, “It looks as if your choice of friends will kill you.” Smog looked directly at the three who still defiantly stood against him, “You efforts are in vein, I will kill all-” Smog roared with draconic fury as he reached for his eye, Comet, Flare Flash and Cloud Seeker had used this distraction to attack one of the dragon’s only weak spots.

“That’s for or friends, you bastard!” Flare Flash called out as the three pegasi flew away from the thrashing dragon. Smog, however used the insult to his advantage, he hurled a massive ball of flame in the direction of Flare Flash’s voice, with no warning the flame overtook Cloud Seeker, his cry of agony was all the alarm the other two pegasi got before the flame was upon them.

“Comet! LOOK OUT!” Flare Flash shouted pushing Comet out of the flame’s path.

“FLASH! NO!” Comet yelled out to his friend, but it was too late, Flare Flash’s fate was sealed by a plume of fire and a cry of unimaginable pain.

“Do not fear, pegasus,” Smog said, “your fate will be the same!”

“Not if I have anything to say about it!” Greatsword roared swinging his hoof into Smog’s good eye. Smog roared again in pain as he snapped his jaws at Greatsword, who narrowly avoided the attack.

“I can still smell you…” Smog growled with both his eyes closed, leaking blood.

Smog continued his literally blind attack on the 1025th, biting, slashing, and swinging his tail as they continued to fall back. Smog swung his tail towards the retreating ponies, crushing Snowstorm, Javelin and Pyro. None of them had time to scream before they lay flat in pools of their own blood. Smog’s tail landed close enough to Med Kit that he was thrown into the side of the mine, breaking both his back legs.

Roadmap rushed to the side of his fallen companion. “Don’t worry, Med Kit,” he said throwing his friend to his back, “I’m getting you-” Smog’s flame fell on the two ponies, their bodies turned to ash before the other ponies even saw what had happened.

“My sight has returned!” Smog roared opening his blood stained eyes wide, “Not even your souls will leave this place!”

“NO!” Greatsword yelled, “RUN! DON’T LOOK BACK JUST RUN!”

The remaining ponies stopped trying to fight Smog and began making a mad rush for the place they had come from. “You think you can outrun me?!” Smog roared laughing, “Challenge accepted!” he called beginning to presue his prey.

Those left kept running, knowing that if they stopped their fates would be a horrible death. Their eyes darted from left to right looking for some kind of exit or other means of escape, but there was nothing. Hope began to fade from them until they heard a fimilar voice cry to them in desperation.

“HEY! OVER HERE!” Camo called shouted over the chaos, “Long Shot found another way out, he’s got Lug Nut holding it! Follow me and I’ll get us there, I don’t know how log Lug Nut can hold it so run faster than you ever have!” The other ponies began to follow Camo sprinting to Long Shot’s exit, Smog closing in with every passing second.

As they continued to run it was made apparent that Smog’s sheer size made his pursuit even more dangerous, because the closer they got the to the exit the smaller the tunnel became. Smog’s body began to smash against all sides causing gigantic boulders to collapse all around the surviving members of the 1025th. They did what they could to avoid the massive rocks, but Camo never saw one as it fell towards him, with a loud crash and blood pooling under the huge stone, Camo’s fate was sealed. The 1025th kept running, they would have time to mourn if they survived.

“EIEAH!” Cannon Fodder screamed as a boulder landed on one of his back legs when Long Shot’s exit was finally in sight.

“Cannon Fodder!” Greatsword shouted turning around to get him. “I’m not losing you too!”

“NO!” Cannon Fodder forcefully yelled at his superior, “The charges are still set and this is one of those rare times a pony knows when he’s going to die!” tears fell from the small unicorn’s eyes. “I can set them to explode and kill this bastard when you get out! JUST GO!”

With misty eyes, Greatsword granted Cannon Fodder’s last request. He returned to the other running ponies quickly. Smog was having trouble staying with them, for his size was constricting his movement as he got closer to the exit. Boulders still fell around the survivors, though now in less number they still posed a great threat. One such boulder, met Patches’ front hoof. “GEAH!” she cried as she fell not twenty feet from the exit.

“PATCHES!” Greatsword and Comet yelled simultaneously as the turned around to gather her. “Not you too.” they said in unison again as they carried her to the exit, where now, Battleaxe and Lug Nut were both struggling to hold the opening up.

Cannon Fodder saw them draw closer to the exit, he closed his eyes and drew one last breath, “Cannon Fodder, Special Forces unit 1025, Hell on Hooves.” he said smiling, “Die you son of a-”
BOOM! The massive explosion filled the mine with flame and dust, causing the mine to fall into itself. The explosion flung the ponies inside the mine through the opening and caused all the ponies who stood at the opening to be blown away from it as well, everypony was covered in their own blood and the blood of their friends. They all looked around to see who was still left, but before they could get a count, Shining Armor ran up to the remainder of the 1025th.

“What the hell happened down there?” he asked the bloodied Greatsword, who was still disoriented form the blast, but before he could answer, Smog burst from the rubble, letting out a monstrous roar. He slashed at the ponies that stood near the fallen opening, striking only Warhammer, sending him flying nearly fifty feet before he hit the ground. Then he turned to Shining Armor, Smog gave him a twisted bloody smile as he slashed at the Prince of the Crystal Empire. With no hesitation Greatsword pushed Shining Armor away from Smog’s attack, taking one of Smog’s claws to his face. Then the dragon became limp and collapsed, dead, Smog had been killed, but at a terrible cost. Greatsword, broken and bloodied, said to himself as he lay in a pool of blood, “This… was supposed… to be an easy detail…” the last thing he saw was the dark figure of a unicorn standing over him, then nothing but blackness.

Chapter 18: Losses

Greatsword woke up gasping desperatly for air, he still had no idea what had happened after he blacked out. All he knew was that now he felt cold, colder than what this time of year was supposed to be. He looked around, he saw nothing but a small room, one that he had never been in, but he somehow recognized. Once he steadied himself on his hooves he heard a faint crying from the opposite side of the door to the far side of the room. The crying was soft, more like a whimper instead. Greatsword walked closer to the door, the crying continued. With an unsteady hoof he opened the door, once he did so his jaw dropped in shock. The origin of the crying was none other than the shadowy mare.

“Y-you…” Greatsword said his hoof still over his mouth, “My Celestia… I-it’s you…”

“Y-you, you never loved me…” the she said between her sobbing.

Greatsword tried to embrace her, but the mare stopped him with her hoof. “I still love you, I have rarely had a night in nearly five years where I have not dreamt about you.” he said a tear falling from his eye, “After all we went through, how could I not love you?”

“Then what is my name?” she asked, “if your love for me is so strong, you MUST remember my name.”

“I-I…” Greatsword was speechless. In all his visions of her, her name was never spoken. “I don’t know…” he answered lowering his head.

“Then you NEVER loved me,” the mare replied, she looked to Greatsword making him flinch in shock. She had been crying tears of blood. “You just used me, whenever you wanted to use me. I was nothing more than a toy to you!”

“No…” Greatsword said shaking his head. “That’s NOT true… I would NEVER use you, especially like that.”

“No…” the mare said rising, making Greatsword to be backed into a wall that he swore wasn’t there earlier, “you NEVER loved me and you NEVER will…” her voice turned from her normal soft tone to a dark monstrous one, “and you will NEVER remember her…”

“NO!” Greatsword shot upright in his bed, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat he looked around again, he saw nothing but white. He looked down on himself he was in a slightly bloodied patient’s gown. “Thank Celestia…” he said to himself, “I’m in an infirmary…” he looked around for any evidence of a location, but to no avail, “but where?”

“You’re in Canterlot…” a surprised nurse pony said as she walked into his room, “Thank Celestia you’re awake, we thought that you were not going to pull through, I’ll get that mare that wanted to be informed if you woke up.”

A few minutes after the nurse had left him, Patches pushed her way through the small room’s door. She had one of her forearms in a cast, her body was covered in bruises and stitches, but she still had the power to rush to Greatsword’s bedside.

“How are you?” Patches said weakly, she looked like she had not slept in days.

“Not sure,” Greatsword responded, “but I know my back is ok, how are you holding up?”

“Just a broken foreleg and some superficial injuries,” Patches said with her eyes becoming misty, “but I’ll live…”

“How are the others that got out?” Greatsword asked “How are my brothers?”

“Lug Nut is fine now, but he nearly died using that much magic to keep the opening up, Long Shot lost an eye, but it wasn’t his aiming one…” Patches paused, “As for you brothers,” she continued, “Battleaxe has a few broken ribs and a few stitches, but he’s up and moving, he’s in Warhammer’s room actually. He took a direct hit from Smog, lost a lot of his right ear and most his mane down the neck, docs said a normal pony would be dead on the scene with the injuries he sustained, be he’s more stubborn than you are.”

“What about Comet?” Greatsword asked, “Is he O.K.?”

Patches quickly covered her mouth with her good hoof as her eyes began to release a small stream of tears. “You don’t remember…” she said between tears, “do you?”

“Patches…” Greatsword said sternly, “What happened to Comet?”

Patches bit her lower lip. Her tears began to fall without restraint as she tried to find the words to make the news softer for the both of them. “He’s… He’s…” she said struggling to find that one word, “He’s dead…”

Patches wrapped her forelegs around Greatsword’s waist. Forcing him to nearly weep from the sudden shot of pain, truthfully if it were anypony else he may have punched them to make them let go, but Patches needed to unleash what she had been holding back. So Greatsword allowed her to squeeze with all her strength for as long as she could. For almost ten minutes the two sat there, Patches releasing every tear she could while Greatsword did his best to comfort her.

“How did he go?” Greatsword asked. The words were almost as painful for him to ask as it was for Patches to answer the question.

“H-he saw that we weren’t going to make it through the exit before it collapsed…” Patches began, “S-so he used all the strength he had left and…and…”

“And what?” Greatsword asked softly.

“He threw both of us through the exit.. the mine collapsed on him… he… he was about five feet away from the exit when they dug him out.” Patches squeezed Greatsword tighter, causing Greatsword to grit his teeth and let a tear fall, not just for the pain, but for the loss of his best friend.

“I-I’m Sorry, Patches,” was all Greatsword could say. “It should have been me…”

“Then he and I would be having this conversation about you…” Patches said still clinging to Greatsword.

“At least he had a family, a lot of friends… and somepony who loved him.” Greatsword said remembering all the times they talked to one another.

“If he would have told anypony, he would have told you…” Patches said looking up to Greatsword, “he proposed on the train ride to Los Pegasus… did he tell you that?”

“No… he never did.” Greatsword said looking down to Patches, rubbing her back with his hoof, trying to provide comfort as best he could.

“We were going to do the whole ‘retire from the military and live quietly’ thing,” Patches explained to Greatsword, “his sister told him that there was a nice place that just went up for sale where she lives, we were going to buy it, live in it, raise a few foals… the whole deal…” she teared up again, “but not anymore…”

“I’m not going to tell you that I know how you feel,” Greatsword said still looking at her, “but I will tell you that I do feel for you…”

The two sat there for some time, in silent reflection of the loved one lost to the both of them. After a short, another pony entered the room. Commander Garrison looked at the two ponies and shook his head. “Patches,” he said, “Go check on Long Shot for me will you? Greatsword and I need to have a talk…”

“Yes sir.” Patches said releasing Greatsword from her embrace, allowing him to breath properly again.

As she stepped out, Commander Garrison closed the door behind her and then turned to Greatsword again. “Did you know that I had a family once, Greatsword?” he asked.

“No sir,” Greatsword said with a bit of shock, “You never told me that.”

“It was a long time ago,” Commander Garrison said looking toward the ground, “I had a wife and son.”

“Why did you tell us that?”

“The past can be far more painful than any physical injury, Greatsword. My wife became pregnant with our second child, but during birth there were complications… she and the baby died together…” a single tear fell from the Commander’s eye. In the five years he knew the Commander, Greatsword never saw him cry. “My son fell very ill soon after, as if he simply lost the will to live… he died only a few months after his mother… that was nearly twenty years ago today.”

“No parent should bury their child, Commander…”

“I know… My service in the Royal Guard was the only thing that kept me alive after my son’s death. Then the old Commander of the Special Forces division stepped down, I volunteered to take his place. Those were some very long days, Greatsword, I’m sure that you could imagine it.”

“I can… and I don’t like what I’m imagining.”

“What I actually went through was probably about twenty percent harder than what you are thinking I went through.” Commander Garrison said as he looked up at Greatsword, “but nearly seven years ago, a sky blue pegasus with a white mane came to me with a letter from his former command…”

“What did the letter say?”

“It said ‘fix him’. He and Flare Flash were trouble makers in their old unit, they sent them to me so I could deal with it,” the Commander smiled a little, “but as I tried to ‘fix’ them I saw a lot of my son in Comet, it was like he had just switched bodies. So, I formed the 1025th, my personal Special Forces unit, Comet and Flare Flash were my first two members.” Commander Garrison’s smile faded, “it was like I was given a second chance to be with my son, but I never really capitalized on that opportunity… Hell, I even knew that he was with Patches from the start, but I said nothing because I wanted him to be happy, like I wanted my son to be happy…”

“I’m sure he would have loved to hear that from you, sir.” Greatsword said trying to comfort the Commander.

“But now he never will…” Commander Garrison said lowering his head again, “losing him is like losing my son all over again…” another tear fell from his eye, “I never told him that I was proud of him…” he looked up to Greatsword again, “If you ever have a son, Greatsword, tell him your proud of him as much as you can…” the Commander took a deep breath, “and don’t forget to tell him that you love him, because you never know when you’ll never see him again…”

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir…” Greatsword replied with a nod.

“You better…” Commander Garrison said in an authoritative tone, “now I’ll go get the other pony that wished to speak with you once you woke up.”

“You mean IF I woke up…”

“I know you well enough, Greatsword,” Commander Garrison said looking back at him as he walked out the door, “and what I said was right, it’s ONCE you woke up.”

Commander Garrison closed the door behind him, leaving Greatsword to reflect on the their conversation. It was a short reflection however, because not ten minutes after Commander Garrison had left another pony entered his room. A unicorn, Greatsword expected his brother, but instead it was the Capitan of the Royal Guard. Shining Armor approached his bedside, looking over the injuries that he had sustained. Greatsword noticed that Shining Armor had a black eye that was in the process of healing, Shining Armor then did something that Greatsword did not expect.

“You gave me this,” Shining Armor said pointing at his eye, “but I thank you for it.”

“And to why do I have the pleasure of a visit from you, Shining Armor?” Greatsword asked him.

“It’s because of you that I’m having this conversation with you right now,” Shining Armor responded, “because if you hadn’t pushed me out of that dragon’s way, I doubt that I would even be breathing at this moment.”

“Well, I guess you’re welcome then.” Greatsword said, with a small smile growing on his face.

“I know that you and I have never seen eye to eye since we met nearly five years ago and there still might be bad blood between us for the rest of our lives. But what you did out there showed me that even if you hate somepony, you can still find something about them that makes them worth saving.” Shining Armor looked back up to Greatsword, “After all the things I have done out of hate to you, what could you possibly see in me that made me ‘worth it’?”

Greatsword looked back at Shining Armor with knowing eyes. “You have a wife that you love, parents, and from what I’ve heard, a little sister that love you, not to mention a foal on the way. If that were to be taken from me, I would be devastated. It does not matter to me how I feel about the pony, I refuse to let any evil take away anypony from the ones they love.”

“What about your brothers? You love them do you not?”

“I do, but I would rather my life be taken than the life of somepony who has a great deal more to live for. I would not wish anything less for them. Though they would grieve my loss, Warhammer has Princess Luna and Battleaxe has his drink and college mares…”

Shining Armor laughed at Greatsword’s final comment, then he looked to the door, “I guess you are right about that, Greatsword,” he looked back to Greatsword, “but tell me, what is it that you live for?”

Greatsword answered without hesitation, “I don’t live for myself. The way I see it, Celestia didn’t put me here to be selfish, she put me here to be selfless, I live for others, to protect those who can’t protect themselves, to stop at nothing to insure that those who are innocent are safe, no matter the cost.”

“Sounds like you had some time to think about that. I can’t think of a more honorable philosophy.” He paused as he found the words that he should have said so long ago, “I’m sorry…” he said quietly, “I’m sorry for everything.”

“You don’t have to be, Shiny…” Greatsword said as he reached out and put his hoof on Shining Armor’s shoulder, “I forgave you a long time ago.”

“Thank you…” Shining Armor said with his eyes growing misty, “again, I thank you for saving my life and I’m sorry for what happened…”

“It’s alright, I will recover… what’s the verdict?” he asked to change the subject, “Is the foal a colt or filly?”

“Oh, right,” Shining Armor said as he gathered himself, “we’re having a colt, something I would not have known if you were not who you are.”

“Congratulations.” Greatsword said to him.

Just as that moment passed, Battleaxe barged in with three nurse ponies and a doctor trying to hold him back. “Bro, you’re finally awake!” he said as he pulled the four struggling ponies with ease to Greatsword’s bedside. “Damn, Smog really messed you up…” Battleaxe said as he examined his brother’s bandages, “You should see Warhammer though, he literally looks like a zombie pony, I hope he doesn’t get any weird cravings soon…”

“Always the chipper one.” Greatsword said as Shining Armor quietly stepped out of the now crowed room. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“That’s what we’ve been telling him!” the doctor pony yelled aside the nurse ponies trying in vain to drag Battleaxe away from his brother’s bedside.

“Was never much for following ‘doctor’s orders’,” Battleaxe said looking back at the medical ponies, “but it looks like you are going to have one hell of a scar in front of your eyes bro.” He pointed to a bloodied bandage over Greatsword’s muzzle, “That should help your game, bro, all the mares dig scars and when you tell them how you got it, damn, I kinda of makes me wish that I got one.”

“Get him out of here, please.” Greatsword said covering his face with his hoof.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow bro.” Battleaxe said, turning toward the door. “We should be getting debriefed in a few days.” he walked out with the exhausted medical staff to his room.

Greatsword watched them all leave, when he was sure that nopony was there, he allowed a single tear to form his eye. Placing his head in his hooves he let the tears come. His first command cost the lives of all but six and those still alive were in critical condition. If anything came from the mission it was his new found hatred, for dragons. On that bed, stained red with his blood and the lives of the ones he had failed, he swore to himself that he would never let something like that happen again.

Chapter 19: After Action Report

The remaining members of the 1025th stood in the briefing room, all still wrapped up in their bandages and casts as they awaited Princess Celestia and Commander Garrison. Not a single pony said a word while they waited, not even Battleaxe, for even he knew that the survivors were reflecting quietly on the events of over a week prior. They continued their silence as Shining Armor and other high ranking members of the Royal Guard entered the room, their personal conversations cut short by the dead silence of the 1025th. The groups waited for a few more minutes until at last, the two ponies that they were waiting for came through the door.

“Greetings, my little ponies,” Princess Celestia said in her sweet gentle voice. The 1025th started to bow to her, but she motioned them to stop, “there is no need to bow today, for I am the one who should bow to you.” The Princess lowered her whole body towards the 1025th, Shining Armor and Commander Garrison followed the Princess’s action, then the rest of the ponies as well. “Now, Commander Garrison,” she said looking to the Commander, “you may begin to debrief of your unit.”

“With pleasure my lady,” Commander Garrison said looking to his bloody, broken, but still standing ponies, “Twelve days ago, nearly ten miles outside of Los Pegasus the 1025th, under the command of Capitan Greatsword, was to set charges to blow two mineshafts of a suspected changeling sleeper cell.” He looked at all the ponies in the room then he continued, “As the members of the 1025th completed their mission they were met with combat from the dragon, Smog.” The 1025th all shuttered at the name of their enemy.

“The 1025th, with no supplies to combat such a threat, engaged Smog in a successful fighting retreat.” The word ‘successful’ made Greatsword nearly throw up. “The 1025th continued their retreat, taking multiple casualties,” the Commander’s voice grew unsteady as he continued to read the report, “but in the last few seconds of combat, the charges that were set in the mine were ignited, causing the mine to collapse on itself, killing Smog and ending a major threat not just to Los Pegasus, but to all Equestria…” The Commander had to take a deep breath to finish what the report had to say.

“All members of the 1025th showed great bravery and heroism in their actions, they represented what all service members in her majesty’s military should have. All members of the 1025th are recommended to be awarded, whether it be posthumously or not, The Celestial Medal of Honor. The highest award that anypony can receive.”

All the ponies in the room with the exception of Princess Celestia had a look of surprise on their face. The last recipient of the Celestial Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions in the War of The Long Night, over one thousand years ago. The 1025th looked to Commander Garrison his gaze was on Princess Celestia. The Princess softly closed her eyes and nodded her head, she believed that such an honor should be given to the ponies that gave all they could to end an unseen threat to her kingdom.

“It is the least I could give to all of you,” Princess Celestia said looking to what was left of the 1025th. “And I wish to honor your fallen friends as I know you would wish them to be honored.”

“My lady, do you mean?” Shining Armor said standing from his seat moving towards the Princess.

“Yes I do,” the Princess said turning her gaze to Shining Armor, “they will be given a Royal burial, so that it is known through all Equestria that a few gave their lives to save them all.”

“Then it will be done.” Shining Armor said motioning the rest of the Royal Guard to exit the room to begin preparations for the event.

“My lady, I don’t know what to say…” Commander Garrison said his gaze still on her.

“Then say nothing Commander,” She said looking to him, “you have proven yourself time and time again, and now I know that those who you trained have just as much skill, if not more than yourself.” She turned towards the 1025th, and her smile turned to a look of sorrow, “I’m truly sorry for what happened,” she said making her way toward all that remained of the 1025th, “I will award you anyway you wish, whether it be a public ceremony or a private, one on one occasion, but I will not allow you to deny this honor, many lives are still belong to their owner’s because of you.” She looked directly at Greatsword when she finished speaking. Almost as if she knew what he was going to do once this meeting was over and she didn’t want it to happen.

“I will accept this honor, my lady.” Long Shot said bowing his head and covering his heart with his hoof, the rest of the 1025th followed his action, except for Greatsword who turned his head, trying to hide his tears.

“Very well,” the Princess said, still looking at Greatsword, “I call this debrief over, you may turn to whatever you wish now and to you all I wish you a good day.”

All the ponies still in the room began to leave the briefing room, filing out one by one. By the time Greatsword was about to exit the Golden glow of the Princess’s magic closed the door in front of him, he looked to her slightly confused at her action but she continued to look at him with her understanding eyes. “I would like to leave and be about my business, my lady…” he said motioning, at the door.

“Not until we are really done here,” the Princess replied, “I hoped what I said in the meeting would quell your thoughts and that I wouldn’t have to do this, but it seems that I have no choice.”

“Do what?” Greatsword asked Princess Celestia, who was now very close to him.

“This…” Princess Celestia said giving him a powerful kiss, Greatsword was frozen in sheer confusion as her lips made contact with his, when she finally released him from her; Greatsword was still frozen in a state of shock.

He shook his head a few times before speaking, “And what was that for?” he asked Princess Celestia, who was still looking at him the same way she was before.

“To open your heart to me, Greatsword,” the Princess responded, “I know that you don’t feel that you deserve any recognition for what you have done,” she laid down in front of him. “I don’t know why you are being this way, and I want to help you like you helped my sister nearly five years ago.”

“You don’t know why I’m like this?” Greatsword said in a mix of anger, sadness and shock, “Do you not remember that thirteen ponies are dead because of me?!” his voice elevated, but Princess Celestia remained calm, listening to everything he had to say. “I couldn’t save them. I couldn’t lead them all to safety, I COULDN’T SAVE THE ONE THAT SAVED ME!”

“You did what you could,” Princess Celestia said in her soothing voice, “that’s all you can ever do.”

“I COULD’VE DONE MORE!” Greatsword roared in primal furry, punching the wall next to him, then he fell to the floor, his voice became soft as he fought the tears trying to escape his eyes. “I… I could’ve done more…”

Princess Celestia drew Greatsword to her body, as a mother would to her foal; she looked at him with loving eyes. “Greatsword…” she began, stroking his mane, “you’re always the strong one, but the moment that you need somepony to be strong for you, you hold what you truly feel deep inside you and won’t allow anypony to help you.” Greatsword looked up to Princess Celestia, seeing that she fully understood what was going through his mind. “This time, Greatsword…” she continued, “this time I will be the strong pony for you, but only if you will let me.” She lowered her head and gave Greatsword another kiss, but on his forehead, just above his scar. The two stayed there for what seemed like hours, Greatsword had found comfort in Princess Celestia’s warm embrace.

Then Greatsword finally spoke. “My past still haunts me more than anything, Princess…” he said looking away from her.

“You may just call me Celestia, Greatsword,” Princess Celestia said still looking on him. “Now, what of your past haunts you more than the rest…” she took Greatsword’s head in her hoof and turned him to face her.

“A love…” he answered. “A love not completely forgotten, one that was stronger than any steel forged in the hottest flame.”

“What do you know of her?” Princess Celestia said keeping her eyes on Greatsword.

“Almost nothing, Celestia.” Greatsword answered, this time still looking at the Princess, “What I do know is that she was perfect… and I have forgotten her…”

“Then let us begin…” Princess Celestia said. Princess Celestia and Greatsword remained in the briefing room for the remainder of that day, talking to one another about what troubled the two of them the most.

Near the same time that Princess Celestia had started to speak with Greatsword in the briefing room, Warhammer arrived at Princess Luna’s door. He looked at the two lunar pegasi who stood guard at the door, Night Wing and Dark Knight recognized their old instructor and allowed him inside. As he entered the room he saw Princess Luna preparing for bed. She noticed that somepony entered the room and looked to the door.

“Warhammer…” she said finishing the final brush stroke, “I was hoping you would come by today.” Warhammer nodded as Princess Luna walked towards the door, “Night Wing, Dark Knight, I ask that you take some time off. I have important matters I need to discuss with Warhammer.” the two nodded as they turned and walked away with small grins, assuming the obvious.

Princess Luna closed her door and turned back to Warhammer, “How was your debrief?” she asked him, “I can only assume that it was hard for you given what happened.” Warhammer nodded in agreement with Princess Luna, to which she rolled her eyes, “Words, please…” she said with her hoof over her face.

“All the report said was a vague description of what happened,” Warhammer said, “but her majesty saw it fit to award us with the highest honor she could provide, I will be receiving a Celestial Medal of Honor, along with the rest of the 1025th.”

“Oh my,” she said surprised, “nopony has received that honor since…” Princess Luna lowered her head as she remembered, “since the war I waged against my own sister…”

“That is the past, Luna,” Warhammer said taking his place at her side, “and the past is indestructible. The more time you spend trying to destroy it in the present, the less time you have for your future.”

“I know, Warhammer,” Princess Luna said her head still lowered to the floor, “but it’s hard to forget such actions.”

“You must not forget those actions,” Warhammer said. “You only need to learn from them, then you will become a better than you ever were before.”

“You always seem to know what to say and when to say it,” Princess Luna responded giving Warhammer a kiss on the cheek, “and I love that about you…” she stared deeply into his silver eyes, “I love you so much…”

Princess Luna wrapped her forelegs around Warhammer’s neck and kissed him again, this time it was with far more power than the previous one, in fact, Warhammer couldn’t remember if Luna had ever kissed him like this in the four and a half years that they had been together. Warhammer then fully understood the reason for such force behind Luna’s kiss when her tongue entered his mouth with little resistance. Luna seemed to use the kiss to drag him wherever she wanted him to go. Before Warhammer could fully grasp what was happening he was standing over her upon her bed. The look in her eyes was something so simple that even the densest stallion could recognize.

“I do not want to force this upon you, Luna,” Warhammer said lowering himself to her, “are you sure this is what you wish?”

Princess Luna only responded by gently placing her muzzle under his chin and brushed it across his granite jawline, ending it with another kiss and the same deep stare. “I have never felt this way about anypony, Warhammer…” she said with a smile, “and I know you feel the same, this is the first time I ever WANTED to do this with somepony.”

She kissed Warhammer again, using her wings to pull him even closer to her until finally, their chest became pressed together. They could feel their hearts pounding in one another’s chest. The two had every element needed; the gentle kisses that pulled them even closer, the odd mix of passion and fear in both their eyes as they prepared to cross that line.

“I love you, Warhammer…” she said using her foreleg to pull his head towards hers.

“And I love you, Luna...” Warhammer responded pressing his lips against hers.

An hour had passed, and Night Wing and Dark Knight were returning form their break, thinking that the ‘words’ that Princess Luna had to discuss with Warhammer were done being ‘said’. As they drew closer to her quarters however, they heard what to them sounded like cries for help.

“OH CELESTIA!” Princess Luna’s voice called out, “OH MY… OH MY, DON’T ST-GEAHH!”

“SOMEPONY’S KILLING THE PRINCESS!” the two lunar pegasi yelled at each other simultaneously rushing to Princess Luna’s door.

The two lunar pegesi stood at the door, ready to eliminate whatever it was that was attacking their beloved Princess. With a nod of Night Wing’s head, Dark Knight opened the door. What he saw shocked him to the point that he slammed to door on his own head as he pulled it out of the room, his face a bright shade of red.

“What the hell, Dark Knight!” Night Wing said throwing his hooves in the air. “Princess Luna’s being murdered and your to squeamish to save her?!”

“She’s…” Dark Knight started to say still staring at the opposite wall. “She’s not dyeing… in fact…” he turned his head to Night Wing. “I think she’s enjoying herself… quite a lot…”

“Well if YOU’RE not going to save her I WILL!” Night Wing said as he struck a heroic pose while holding the handle of the door. “Princess Luna!” Night Wing called out, “your hero has come!”

“ME… TOO… OH CELEST-GEAHH!” Princess Luna yelled out again.

“NO! DON’T-”

Dark Knight tried to stop Night Wing from opening the door, but as soon as he did, a massive bolt of sapphire colored magic shot through the now open door. The blast launched the two Lunar Stallions into the wall on the other side of the hallway. As they tried to pry themselves out of their holes, form inside the room, Warhammer and Princess Luna were looking in the direction of the devastation.

“So…” Warhammer began; “You’re a bolter?” he looked down on his lover, her horn still steaming while her face turned a deep shade of purple.

“I guess I am…” Princess Luna said giving an awkward smile to Warhammer.

“You know… I’m ok with that,” he gave Luna a kiss. “So long as your horn is not pointing at me when we do this again…”

Princess Luna giggled slightly at the thought. “Deal,” she said returning Warhammer’s kiss with one of her own. “So long as you still love me.”

“The Buck just happened?” Night Wing said finally pulling himself out of his hole in the wall.

“I don’t think the Princess was done ‘talking’ to Warhammer…” Dark Knight said staring at the now broken door frame.

“Wait…” Night Wing said as he put two and two together, “so she was?”

“Yup…” Dark Knight said, still not bothering to look at him.

“And we got hit by…” Night Wing said as he looked up at the two pony shaped holes in the wall.

“Yup…” Dark Knight said again.

“Mother of Celestia…” Night Wing said covering his mouth as a look of horror came to his face, “Princess Luna… is a bolter…”

Author's Notes:

I wanted to pull this gag ever since I started watching the show, I finally got to use it! This is quite possibly my favorite moment in the story.

Chapter 20: Honoring Those Who Serve

Canterlot was bustling very early on this day, for this day the remaining members of the 1025th were to be awarded the highest honor anypony could receive and the fallen would be recognized as well. Battleaxe awoke especially early for the occasion, he looked out over the city as it woke. The rising sun revealed nearly two dozen different newspaper posts. He smiled to himself as he lost count due to the fact that he couldn’t tell weather the far off carts were in ones or twos.

“Today is going to be a BIG day…” Battleaxe said to himself. “All of us are about to finally be recognized for how awesome we are.” He looked to the clock on the wall, it said 0500, then he looked back out to the ever growing crowds of journalist outside.

“Four more hours world,” he said to himself. “Just FOUR more hours and all of you will know about us, all of you will know about ME…” his smile faded as he began to think hard about the past, “I don’t want to be forgotten again… and because of this…” his smile returned, “I won’t be…”

The remaining members of the 1025th prepared themselves for the ceremony, all of them in their best dress uniforms, even Warhammer dawned his blues for the special event. They all looked over one another, insuring that their medals and ribbons were properly placed. They didn’t want to be seen by all Equestria as sloppy, gruff ponies with a lack of personal hygiene. Long Shot looked particularly nice, his eye patch gave his uniform a nice touch of that ‘tough stallion’ look.

“All of you look amazing…” a familiar feminine voice said as the door to the room the 1025th was in closed.

“Record Keeper…” Lug Nut said as he walked to her, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, yes it has.” Record Keeper said she looked around the room and at everypony there. “Where’s Greatsword?”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know…” Lug Nut said, looking around at the other ponies present in the room, “I haven’t seen him since our debriefing two days ago. I wish I could tell you more, but that’s all I got.”

“Oh, that’s ok…” Record Keeper said, her voice growing slightly concerned, “I’m sure he’s fine…”

“Greatsword…” a gentle voice whispered in the pegasus’s ear, causing him to slowly open his eyes. “Greatsword, the ceremony will begin in thirty minutes.”

“Oh buck!” Greatsword’s eyes shot open as he sprang to his hooves. His eyes darted around the room, looking for his uniform, but he couldn’t see it anywhere. He began to panic a little until his eyes fell upon Princess Celestia, she was holding his perfectly arranged uniform with her magic. He let out a sigh of relief, “You had me worried, Celestia…”

Princess Celestia smiled as she magically gave Greatsword’s uniform to him. “You believe I would allow you to be late for something like this? What would make you think something like that?”

“I never said anything of the sort,” Greatsword said putting his uniform on, “I just said you had me worried.”

“We were up very late last night, Greatsword,” Princess Celestia voice growing concern. “Are you sure you want to go through with this? I can award you in private like I said I would if you wish.”

“I’m sure, Celestia,” Greatsword said adjusting the medals on his uniform while looking into the mirror. “That’s what they would want me to do, I won’t let them down.”

Princess Celestia shook her head as she walked toward Greatsword, “That’s not what I wanted to hear,” she said stopping behind him, “I don’t want you to do this for THEM, I want you to do it for YOU.”

“Fine…” Greatsword said looking at her through the mirror, “I don’t WANT to do this…” he turned to face her, “I NEED to do this… for ME.”

Princess Celestia smiled as she looked over Greatsword one last time, “If at any moment you feel the need to leave, I won’t stop you.” the two walked together to the door, “Now,” Princess Celestia said as she opened the door, “let’s get you back to your brothers and friends.”

The Royal Castle’s main hall was full of journalists and photographers, eagerly awaiting a chance to take a photo or have an interview with Equestria’s newest group of heroes. They were shoulder to shoulder, pushing and shoving one another alongside the walkway to the throne room where they were to receive their awards. On the other side of the hall’s doors, Battleaxe was sneaking a peek to see exactly how many ponies were there for the occasion.

“Damn,” Battleaxe said in awe, “there has to be at least two hundred ponies that I can see alone, and maybe even double that for the ones I can’t see…” he turned to the 1025th, “and I don’t even know how many ponies are outside the castle, this thing is bucking massive.”

“I’ve faced dragons, changelings, griffons, minotaurs, manticores, assassins, even a hydra or two…” Lug Nut said taking short quick breaths, “but put me in front of the press, I act like a lamb in a lion cage.” he grabbed a nearby curtain and began to wipe the excess amounts of sweat from his face.

“If Commander Garrison knew that you acted like this around news ponies, I doubt he would have let you join the 1025th.” The 1025th looked behind them to see Greatsword, dressed in the finest officer’s uniform that any of them have ever seen, it fit him perfectly, from the leather bound collar to the pure white belt, it seemed that he was born just to wear the uniform.

“You look absolutely amazing…” Record Keeper said making her way towards him, “this is the first time I think I’ve ever seen you in your blues…” she looked him up and down again. Her smile one of approval.

“There’s a reason for that Record Keeper,” Greatsword said taking his place in front of her, “I HATE wearing this thing, I can hardly move, let alone breathe.”

“Big bro cleans up nice…” Battleaxe said as he looked over Greatsword’s uniform as well, “Looks like you DO have a sense of style after all.”

“No, the military has a sense of style, I just wear it.” Greatsword joked back at his brother.

“Where have you been for the past two days anyway?” Long Shot asked

“I’ve been handling some personal issues lately,” Greatsword replied, “that’s all you need to know.”

“You know Long Shot, come to think about it…” Lug Nut said rubbing his chin, “I don’t think I’ve seen Princess Celestia for the last two days either.” He thought back on the last two days, concentrating hard as he tried to remember every last detail. “Nope, never saw Princess Celestia.” The 1025th looked at Greatsword, Lug Nut was right, nether of the ponies in question were seen by any of them during that time.

“Well damn it,” Battleaxe said stomping his hoof on the floor, “First Warhammer gets the cute one, now Greatsword gets the one running the show…” he shook his head, “I’ve GOT to up my game, because the other one is already married, and I’m no home wrecker.”

Greatsword’s hoof slowly covered his face as he shook his head from side to side as the 1025th stared at him. “Battleaxe…” he began, “STOP shipping me with mares…” he slowly drug his hoof off his face as he walked towards his brother, “I was having PERSONAL issues, and Princess Celestia was kind enough to HELP me, now if you can be serious for the hour this is supposed to last, it would be MUCH appreciated.”

“Hey, hey, easy there bro,” Battleaxe said slowly backing away from his clearly not amused brother, “I was just playing around, no harm done, ok? I’ll serious up for this, just don’t hit me, blood stains bad.”

The trumpets sounded, signaling that the ceremony had begun, all the chatter form the news ponies all fell quiet as it all started to begin. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and a noticeably pregnant Princess Cadence entered the hall, the three Princess took their respective places. After a few photos from the press, Princess Celestia spoke.

“Mares and Gentlecolts,” she began. “Today we have gathered to honor those who gave all they could and more to keep this kingdom safe,” she looked around the room to everypony as she spoke. “To keep all of US safe.”

Two ponies carrying a large chest entered the hall form the side and with cameras flashing they placed it in front of the Princess. “Nearly two weeks ago, the ponies of the special forces unit 1025 were tasked with the destruction of a changeling sleeper cell, not far from Los Pegasus…”

The crowd gasped, nopony had any idea that there was still a changeling threat in Equestria. The Princess raised her hoof to silence the press ponies, the questions would have to wait until after the ceremony. “However, there were no changelings, instead there was an elder dragon by the name Smog, he attacked the ponies of the 1025th, who were unable to fight such a foe with the equipment they had, but they fought Smog bravely. Ultimately resulting in the dragon’s death.” the crowd gasped again, nopony had killed a dragon in over seven hundred years, especially an elder dragon.

“The victory was not without its losses though, of the nineteen ponies that went in, only six came out.” She hung her head low along with the other two Princesses, “All members of the 1025th showed us the meaning of will, duty and sacrifice on that day, and though it pains me to know that thirteen of my little ponies are gone, I am proud that they rose to stand against this threat to what we love, and for that I will award the surviving members and the families of the fallen with the Celestial Medal of Honor.”

“Why were the ponies of Equestria never told of the still evident changeling threat?” One press pony asked.

“How did the 1025th kill an elder dragon?”

“Will the death of Smog lead to a dragon/pony war?”

“How many other changeling sleeper cells are there?”

“How many changeling cells have already been removed without the public knowing of their existence?” The press was silenced yet again by the risen hoof of Princess Celestia.

“Now,” she began again. “I will recognize the surviving members of the 1025th with this honor by rank,” she rose a small list in front or her to read off the names, “Sergeant Patches.” she called out.

“Guess that’s my queue…” Patches said to her counterparts before stepping into the hall to a blur of photo flashes.

“Sergeant Lug Nut.” the Princess said after she placed the medal around Patches.

“Celestia give me strength…” Lug Nut whimpered stumbling into the hall, he nearly tripped over himself twice while making his way to Princess Celestia and the others at her side.

“Gunnery Sergeant Long Shot.” she said with Lug Nut taking his place next to Patches.

“Let’s get this over with…” Long Shot said to himself taking one last long swig from his bottle. “Save me the rest of that wine.” he said pointing to the bottle as he walked into the hall.

“first Lieutenant Warhammer.” Princess Celestia said as Long Shot settled into his spot next to Lug Nut.

“Wait,” Battleaxe said. “We got commissioned?!” Warhammer walked to door, he responded with his trademark nod of the head and walked out.

Unlike the others, Warhammer received his medal from Princess Luna, who looked deep into his eyes as she put it over him. “Congratulations…” she said softly placing the medal around his neck.

“First Lieutenant Battleaxe.” Princess Celestia said the moment Warhammer took his place next to Princess Luna.

“Oh Celestia, I had no idea that I got commissioned!” Battleaxe said pacing back and forth, until Record Keeper stopped him.

“It’s already on your uniform…” Record Keeper said pointing to his collar. “How did you not notice that?”

“I’ll talk to you about it later,” Battleaxe said sprinting to the door. “But now…” he said as looking back two the two still in the room, “I need to be known.”

“Well,” Record Keeper said watching Battleaxe walk into the hall. “Looks like you’re next.”

“Guess I am…” Greatsword said looking to the door, “I guess I am.”

With little warning, Record Keeper wrapped her forelegs around Greatsword and pressed her lips against his. Greatsword’s wings sprang open, never expecting something like this to happen, but he didn’t try to stop her, he just let her kiss him. Several seconds passed before Record keeper finally released him from her embrace. The two stared into one another’s eyes passionately for a few seconds before Record Keeper finally came back to her senses.

“I-I’m sorry,” she quickly said backing away from him looking down, “I-I shouldn’t have done that… I’m sorry.” she remained looking away from Greatsword as he approached her.

“Record Keeper…” Greatsword said lifting her head to face him, “you don’t need to be sorry, we’ve been friends for near five years, but I’m not the one for you…” he took a deep breath and shook his head, “I doubt I’ll ever be that one for somepony.” He pulled her in and kissed her forehead, “You deserve better…”

“I-I understand…” Record Keeper said looking back to Greatsword, “I thought… you know that… you might be.”

“Captain Greatsword.” Princess Celestia’s voice drew the attention of both ponies in the back room.

“That’s my signal…” Greatsword said looking back to Record Keeper, “I’ll see you after all of this is over, ok?”

“Yeah…” Record Keeper said as Greatsword walked past her, “later…”

Greatsword walked into the hall to see nothing but blinding lights, the flash of the cameras nearly made him walk into the crowd. He quickly regained his sight and continued to proceed down the long walkway to were the 1025th and the Princesses were standing. The looks on their faces were ones of pride for receiving such an honor, but also grief for the ones who would never hold their medal in their hooves. He continued down the path until he stood before Princess Celestia, she looked to him and smiled as she placed the medal around his neck.

“Congratulations.” she said as Greatsword looked up at her.

“Thank you.” he said taking his spot next to Battleaxe.

Now was the difficult part for the survivors of the 1025th. The fallen were to be awarded for their actions, the families of the lost were gathered in the back and waited their loved ones names to be called. One by one their names were called, and one by one their survivors followed the path that the six that remained took. the press ponies took far less pictures of them, they knew that this moment was one of the proudest yet saddest of their lives.

Patches looked over to large rows of families ready to accept the awards of their loved ones. When she saw one particular family she covered her mouth as a small tear ran down her face, Greatsword looked to her and asked “What’s wrong, Patches?”

She pointed her hoof towards three ponies who started walking towards Princess Celestia as Comet’s name was called. “T-that’s Comet’s family…” Patches whimpered, “Lightning Blitz and Firefly, his parents and Rainbow Dash…” she took a deep breath, “his little sister…”

Author's Notes:

Our first Mane 6! things are finally coming together!

Chapter 21: Heartbreak

The ceremony continued on for a few minutes after the last of those who fell’s names were called, naming the brave actions of those lost and those still living. The press were taking pictures and asking questions to anypony involved that got close enough to hear their calls for attention. Battleaxe was more than happy to answer as many questions as he could while Lug Nut found the nearest exit and in a mad sprint, he took the opportunity. Unfortunately for him, he ran into twice as many press ponies on the other side of that exit. Warhammer left shortly after Princess Luna exited the room, she had whispered something into his ear before she walked out, he followed her path to wherever she was heading.

Long Shot went back to the room that the 1025th was in before being called into the hall and retrieved his bottle of wine, as he lowered his head and gave a heavy sigh, then he downed the remainder of the bottle. Patches, Greatsword and Princess Celestia were talking to one another as Comet’s family approached them.

“You must be Patches.” Lightning Blitz said breaking into the three’s conversation, “My son said that you were beautiful in his letters, but it seems that pen and paper couldn’t do you justice.”

“You are far too modest…” Patches said to him trying to hide her tears.

“Forgive my husband,” Firefly said walking past Lightning Blitz to Patches, “he can be impolite sometimes, but it is true, you are quite the beautiful mare.”

“Rainbow Dash,” Princess Celestia said to the pegasus standing behind her parents, “it is good to see you again, I am sorry that it had to be under these circumstances.”

“Yeah…” Rainbow Dash said looking away from the Princess. “Thanks…”

“And you must be Greatsword,” Silver Rush said as he stopped the large pegasus from leaving the group, “Comet told us so much about you.” He extended his hoof to Greatsword. “You are by far one of the most impressive pegasi I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”

“You’re too kind, sir,” Greatsword said as he shook Silver Rush’s hoof, “your son was one of the best ponies I knew.”

“ONE OF THE BEST!?” Rainbow Dash snapped at Greatsword. “He WAS the best pony you ever knew!”

“Dash…” Lighting Blitz said to his daughter, “This stallion has been through a lot, I don’t think that he needs-”

“MY BROTHER IS DEAD!” Rainbow Dash said flying past her father and got right in Greatsword’s face, “He’s dead because of YOU!”

“Dashie…” Firefly said softly trying to calm her down, but it only made Rainbow Dash angrier.

“Don’t call me that.” She snapped at her, “I don’t anypony call me that,” she looked back to Greatsword, “not since Comet died…”

“I did everything I could to get everypony out of there,” Greatsword said, fighting back tears, “none of us knew that it was going to end the way it ended.”

“YOU COULD’VE GOTTEN MY BROTHER OUT ALIVE!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she continued to stare into Greatsword’s eyes.

Her stare didn’t phase him, but it made it very clear how much she cared about Comet. After a few tense moments, Greatsword grabbed Rainbow Dash by her hooves. He looked deep into her eyes as they were frozen in that position, then he drew her into him and embraced her.

“You lost a brother…” he said as Rainbow Dash began to cry into his shoulder, “and I lost my best friend.”

“We all have lost something in his passing,” Princess Celestia said to the group of grieving ponies, “but we still have the ones that love us to be there for us in this time of sorrow.”

“No words ring more true than what you have just spoken, my lady.” Greatsword said, as he embraced Rainbow Dash. “We should not mourn their deaths, we should celebrate their lives.”

“Words won’t bring my brother back…” Rainbow Dash said as she still cried into Greatsword’s shoulder.

“I know…” Greatsword said looking at her, he softly stroked her mane as he looked into the distance, “I know…”

“We all miss him, Dash…” Sliver Rush said with his eyes growing misty, “but he would want us to remember the good times.”

Rainbow Dash stepped away from Greatsword, tears still going down her face, “You’re right dad,” she sniffed, “the good times…” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes as she thought back into the past about her brother. She began to smile as she remembered all the times they were together, just being siblings.

The group of ponies all thought back to when Comet was alive, remembering how he was always there for them. How he always kept them upbeat, even when they were sad. His memory would always be a beckon of hope for them all, but from time to time, even beckons can fade.

Record Keeper had returned to her apartment, she was still crying slightly for what had happened at the ceremony. Her tears fell to the floor as she made her way to her bed, where she had a fading picture of her and Greatsword in Manehattan on her side table. She loved that photo, it reminded her of how the two felt about each other then. As she continued to stare at the photo as her apartment grew dark, but she hadn’t touched any of her lights. She quickly glanced around trying to find the reason for this anomaly, but her heart stopped when she heard a low disturbing laugh.

“W-who was that?” she said looking franticly around, “G-Greatsword? I-is that you?”

“You expect too much of him…” the voice said still laughing, “Not even he can always save the day Record Keeper…”

“Who are you?” Record Keeper said cowering “What do you want?”

With those words the shadow appeared from the dark of the room. “You may call me the shadow…” he said with a toothy smile, “but you and I won’t be doing much talking here soon…”

“S-stay away!” Record Keeper shouted, “You can have whatever you want, just leave me alone!” She pushed herself to her bed’s backboard as the shadow approached ever closer.

“A tempting offer, Record Keeper,” the shadow said climbing on Record Keeper’s bed, cornering her. “But what I want has nothing to do with leaving you alone, in fact, what I want has you very involved…” he drew even closer to Record Keeper, “whether you like it or not.”

Record Keeper threw one of her pillows at the shadow, hoping to distract him. She was only three steps from the door when she was grabbed by his magic. He drew her to him; his smile growing unnaturally large as he watched her struggle to escape.

“You have spunk, Record Keeper,” the shadow said bringing Record Keeper only inches away from him, “but that won’t save you from me.” he threw Record Keeper into a wall and continued to hold her there with his magic.

“Stop…” Record Keeper said weakly, “Please stop…”

The shadow only laughed at her request as he stopped in front of her again, “I don’t think I will…” he said as his tongue slithered from the bottom of her neck to her lips.

“I just love the way you taste,” he said drawing his tongue back into his mouth, “it taste like pure fear, with a hint of raisins.” The shadow looked into the eyes of fear and smiled again, “Oh, I’m going to enjoy this…” he said before the room finally fell into total darkness.

Greatsword made his way across Canterlot, still in his blues. “How am I going to tell her?” he said to himself, “Of all the things to be uncertain about…” he shook his head, “I have to be uncertain of this…” He continued his trek through the royal city, thinking about what he should say when he finally arrived at his desired location.

“Finally here…” he said to himself looking up towards Record Keeper’s apartment building, “Now for the hard part.”

He slowly made his way up the stairs to Record Keeper’s room, still trying to think about how exactly he should go about what he was going to say. He finally arrived at her room, he knocked a few times, she didn’t answer. Greatsword found it strange the she didn’t answer, but he knocked again, this attempt was met with the same results as the first time. He grew concerned so he reached for the door knob; to his surprise it was unlocked.

“Record Keeper?” Greatsword said as he opened the door. “Are you alright in there?” The door was open and I-” The light from the outside revealed to him why Record Keeper didn’t answer the door.

The Shadow was holding her down, having his way with the poor girl. Greatsword was frozen in shock for a few brief moments but soon returned to his sensed when she pittyfuly started to cry.

She looked to Greatsword and painfully whimpered, “Help…” Greatsword flew into the shadow, knocking him off of Record Keeper.

“Oh come on, Greatsword!” the shadow yelled, “Let a stallion finish before it’s your turn!”

“You bastard!” Greatsword roared, “You won’t stop me from killing you this time!”

“You’re right, I won’t,” the shadow said laughing psychotically, “but SHE will…” the shadow pointed over to the broken Record Keeper, blood and tears poured from her body as she ran to the door.

“RECORD KEEPER!” Greatsword shouted as he ran to her, “I’m here! I’m here for you!”

Record Keeper looked back to Greatsword as she stopped at the top of the staircase, then she looked to the ground. “I’m sorry…” she said jumping head first from the balcony.

“NO!” Greatsword cried throwing himself over the railing to save her only to be grabbed by the shadow’s magic.

“Where do you think YOU’RE going?” the shadow said smiling as he watched Record Keeper fall, “This is the fun part to watch!” Greatsword was powerless as he watched in horror as Record Keeper met the ground with a loud crunch, other ponies left their rooms to see what was going on, only to see her lying in the streets of the royal city.

Greatsword saw Record Keeper for just a few moments before being teleported back into her room. “You KILLED her!” Greatsword roared, “You son of a bitch! YOU KILLED HER!”

“I don’t know why you’re blaming me for such a tragic loss…” he said smiling. “I only gave her what she so desperately wanted from you.” the Shadow produced a photo and handed it to Greatsword. “Like you did in Manehattan…”

Greatsword froze. “…Manehattan?” Greatsword said looking to the shadow, who only continued to smile. “But nopony…”

“You can NOT tell me you don’t remember what happened there…” the shadow said making his way closer to the bound Greatsword. “It was only two years ago, right after the 1025th took care of the changeling cell in Trottingham, you know, the mission you didn‘t get your team killed in?” Greatsword only continued to stare at The Shadow, speechless.

“Well, I guess I have to help you remember, after all your memory sucks.” The Shadow said laughing at his joke, “It was about a week after you stopped the Trottingham cell, Commander Garrison gave all of you two weeks leave to Manehattan, it just so happened that Record Keeper was there visiting family. If the two of you weren’t so close you might have not noticed one another in the crowd, but you did. She invited you to have a coffee or something like that and you, being the gentlecolt you are, said yes. The two of you sat there for hours, just talking, ring any bells yet?”

Greatsword looked toward the photo that was next to him, “I guess I’m getting somewhere…” The shadow said, slightly annoyed that Greatsword wasn’t paying much attention to him. “Anyway it started to rain the two of you ran as fast as you could to get to her hotel and once you got there, all you had to do was be strong enough to walk away, but the small touch of her hoof was too much for you. You let your emotions take control of you. Soon after, the big strong Greatsword and the innocent little Record Keeper shared a night of passion.”

The shadow struck a dramatic pose, “Oh and what passion it was, I didn’t even know that ponies could bend that way! While she slept off her innocence and you just stared at her, but it was not a look of love, oh no, it was a look of guilt. You still felt like you cheated on some whore you couldn’t remember the name of! Those are attachment issues, my friend. After we’re done here, I suggest that you see a doctor for that.” The Shadow chuckled again, “When she finally woke up, you needed to be weak enough to say just THREE WORDS to her, but you weren’t, you were strong when you needed to be weak and weak when you needed to be strong. The two of you promised one another that it was a onetime thing and to never speak of it ever again…”

“I was finally ready,” Greatsword said still staring at the photo, “after five years I was finally ready to let go… I was ready to start a new life…” a tear ran down his cheek, “a new life with her…”

“Missing her already? Well I hope you remember THIS ones name.” the shadow said condescending Greatsword.

“I‘m going to KILL YOU!” Greatsword roared trying to break free of the shadow’s hold.

“Just like everypony you come to care about!” The shadow said cackling watching Greatsword fight in his bonds. “Have you realized that everypony you love dies because of you? The 1025th, Comet, Record Keeper? They’re dead because you aren’t good enough to keep them alive and by the looks of it, you never will be.”

“NO!” Greatsword roared thrashing violently in the shadow’s grasp.

“YES!” The shadow mockingly yelled back, “Everypony you will ever love will die because of YOU!”

WHACK! Greatsword’s hoof met the shadow’s face as a mysterious royal blue mist burst from his hoof. Greatsword freed himself from the shadow’s hold and struck him again. The same blue mist steamed off his other hoof. “I will die before anypony else I love dies!” Greatsword yelled “I will SACRIFICE everything before I let it happen again!” Greatsword struck the shadow again and threw himself at his head, biting into his horn splitting it in two.

“EIAH!” The shadow shouted “How did you unlock the power?!” he yelled reaching for his bleeding forehead, “After Smog failed, that bastard said that this would KILL you!”

“Tell your ‘master’…” Greatsword said raising the broken off horn in the air, “that he was wrong!”

“ERAGH!” The shadow screamed, his own horn driven deep into his chest. “Everypony you love will still die because of you, Greatsword!” The shadow yelled, casting himself into darkness. “And only YOU shall remain, their blood will be drenching your hooves!” and with that the shadow vanished.

Greatsword somehow appeared back in his room within the castle. It took him a few moments for him to realize that he had returned. Greatsword had no clue how he was able to do what he had just done. He looked down to his new medal, now stained with blood.

“NO!” Greatsword yelled, ripping it off and throwing it against the wall. After a few deep breaths, he began to tear up. Greatsword had lost another loved one barely two weeks after he lost thirteen ponies that trusted him with their lives.

He was not good enough again, like the shadow said, but whatever power that Greatsword had unlocked to defeat the shadow had must have something to do with what Smog said about the threat that their master feared so much. He curled into a ball collapsing to the floor, sobbing to himself. He failed another pony he loved and again it cost them their life.

“Never again…” He said laying there, “With Celestia as my witness…“ Greatsword shot up and threw his hoof into the air, an enraged look in his eyes. “NEVER AGAIN!”

The moment he finished yelling, Princess Celestia stepped into the room with a grim look on her face. “Greatsword,” she said softly, “please come with me, we need to talk…”

Chapter 22: Change of Stations

Greatsword followed the Princess like she asked, leading him to the briefing room. Commander Garrison and the remaining members of the 1025th were present as well, awaiting his arrival. “What is this about?” Greatsword asked.

“Greatsword,” Commander Garrison said with a heavy tone, “Record Keeper is dead…”

“I know…” Greatsword said, to the shock of all the ponies.

“We found out ten minutes ago,” Lug Nut said focusing his gaze on Greatsword, “how do you already know?”

“I was there…” Greatsword responded, much to the surprise of his comrades, “I watched her die.”

“And you didn’t stop her?!” Battleaxe yelled at Greatsword. “She JUMPED off the top of her apartment building!”

“I tried…” Greatsword said tearing up, “but the shadow had me in his magic’s hold.”

“He’s an evil pony,” Battleaxe said with his tone growing somber. “Five years ago he attacked Princess Luna, almost killed her, but the three of us arrived just in time to save her.” Warhammer ran out the briefing room, his destination was obvious to everypony in the room.

“This time he attacked Record Keeper…” Greatsword said. “But I was too late.” Greatsword clinched his jaw “he was… he was, forcing himself on her, I attacked him as I had before. Record Keeper in her pain must have seen no other way out…” he wiped a stray tear away from his eye.

“How did you get out alive?” Battleaxe said looking to his brother, “Last time I had to shoot him with one of my spells; and that only distracted him.”

“I don’t know, but something inside me came out,” Greatsword said looking to his hooves. “Something that allowed me to break free from his grasp, I don’t know what it was, but it allowed me to nearly kill him.”

“NEARLY kill him?” Battleaxe yelled in disbelief. “How did you nearly kill him?!”

“He had me pinned in his magical grasp and when he said that everypony I love will die because of me…” Greatsword clinched his teeth “then, when I went to strike him my hoof was free, it was glowing a royal blue color when my hoof hit his face.”

“I have never heard of such an ability in all my life…” Princess Celestia said, “Greatsword, whatever you did was the doing of magic far before my time.”

“That doesn’t matter right now,” Greatsword said turning to the Princess, “what matters is that another pony I cared about is gone,” he looked to the floor, “this place holds too many memories… too much pain.”

“That was the other thing we were going to talk about.” Commander Garrison said. “The Princess believes that the 1025th has served Equestria well, but it needs to be disbanded.”

“WHAT?!” Battleaxe yelled, “you’re breaking us up?!”

“No,” Princess Celestia said, casting her gaze to Battleaxe. “Commander Garrison will no longer have a personal unit, the six of you will be charged with a different mission.”

“And what mission would that be, Princess?” Lug Nut asked the Princess.

“The six of you will be tasked with setting up a small defense force in one of the small towns on the Everfree boarder,” Princess Celestia responded, “you will all be going to Ponyville.”

“Huh, I got family in Ponyville,” Long Shot said responding to this information, “it’s been nearly nine years since I’ve seen them, I guess that’ll be nice.”

“We shall prepare for departure as fast as we can, my lady,” Greatsword said turning to the exit. “The sooner the better…”

“Don’t forget to tell Warhammer, Greatsword,” Commander Garrison said while Greatsword walked out with the rest of the ponies, “he ran out once you mentioned the shadow, I can safely assume that he is in Princess Luna’s room.”

He nodded as he closed the door behind him, leaving the Commander and Princess Celestia alone in the room. “Are you sure about this Commander?” Princess Celestia said she turning to him, “Do you truly think that this is a good way to help them cope?”

“I had no other choice, my lady,” Commander Garrison said hanging his head low. “They can’t just be expected to endure such a loss, and with Record Keeper gone now as well, I fear Greatsword might do something to get himself killed in the field.”

“I fear that too,” the Princess said looking to the door, “among all of them, Greatsword needs peace the most.”

“I fear that no war might kill him just as quickly, my lady,” Commander Garrison said walking to stand next to the Princess. “He has no other reason to live than war.”

“Then we can only hope that Ponyville shall give him a new reason to live.” Princess Celestia said while she and Commander Garrison walked out of the room.

Warhammer stood at the front of Princess Luna’s door as his brothers explained to him the plan. He nodded to them as he closed the door behind them and walked back to the terrified Princess. Gently nudging her shoulder she finally calmed down enough to talk

“W-what was that about?” she asked him, Warhammer stood over her like a true guardian.

“The 1025th has been disbanded…” Warhammer said looking down to her.

“You are no longer in the military?” Princess Luna said hopping up with a smile. “Now you can just stay with me and never leave!” She wrapped her hooves around Warhammer’s neck. “The love will be doubled!”

“I wish it were that simple, Luna…” Warhammer said pushing the Princess away from him, his hooves still on her shoulders. “But it never is.”

“What’s wrong?” Princess Luna asked, the look on her face changed from elation to concern.

“The remainder of my old unit will be assembled into a new unit that will be stationed in Ponyville.” Warhammer paused looking into her eyes, “I will no longer be in Canterlot.”

Princess Luna had a look of disbelief as she processed what Warhammer had said. “But… but what about us?” she asked him, “wha-what about me?” Princess Luna’s entire body began to tremble with fear.

“You said that The Shadow had returned and killed Record Keeper… what if you leave and he knows you’re gone? W-what if he comes for me next?” she began to cry into Warhammer’s chest, “I don’t want to die! Not after I finally found somepony to love the way I love you!”

For the first time in his life Warhammer didn’t know what to say, he stood there as his love continued to cry into his chest. Princess Luna was right, after he left the shadow might return to finish the job he started over fifteen hundred years ago. Warhammer’s eyes grew misty as he returned the Princess’s embrace, even though he didn’t want to go for the same reasons Luna didn’t want him to leave for, he still had an obligation to the whole of Equestria.

“My place is with you Luna,” Warhammer began, “but to protect you I must leave… even if I do not want to…”

“T-that doesn’t make any sense…” Princess Luna said looking up to Warhammer, tears still running down her face, “To protect what you love, why would you leave it?”

“I must do all I can to insure your safety, Luna,” Warhammer said stroking her mane, “and to do that I need to find more ponies who will fight against the shadow and stand with my brothers and I. The Lunar Guard will keep you safe for now, after all I trained your two personal guards.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better about you leaving, Warhammer,” Princess Luna said, placing her head back on his chest, “I just want you to stay…” the Princess closed her eyes, her tears continued to fall, “I could use a Commander for my guards,” she said looking up to him, “I won’t ask you to do it because I know you’ll say yes, but I do want you to know that the option is there…”

The two sat there in each other’s embrace, until Battleaxe barged into the room. “You got to get packed up, little bro!” he shouted in a rushed tone, “We’ll be heading out in a few days!” Battleaxe slammed the door as he left to pack his own personal items.

“I better get packing then…” Warhammer said rising from the floor.

“Yes,” Princess Luna responded softly, “yes you should…” When Warhammer started to leave Princess Luna stopped him with her hoof, “Warhammer,” she began, “I love you…”

Warhammer turned to Princess Luna again smiling, “I love you too.” he said while a tear formed in his eye. He gave her a small kiss and with that he began to make his way back to his quarters.

Battleaxe entered their quarters first and to his surprise he was the only one in there. He could understand Warhammer not being there yet, but Greatsword not being there was strange to him.

“Must be talking to Commander Garrison about our new living quarters I guess…” he said to himself trotting over to his bed and began to pack.

“Or maybe he has forgotten you…” a voice said from behind Battleaxe.

“The hell was that?” Battleaxe said swiftly turning to face the direction of the voice.

“You’re SO much like your brother,” the shadow said stepping into the light, “You know who said it, and yet you still ask who said it anyway.”

“Why the HELL are YOU here?” Battleaxe said taking a defensive stance.

“No need to be like that Battleaxe, can’t I just be here to talk?” the shadow responded limping towards Battleaxe.

“Talk isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when somepony mentions you,” Battleaxe said still observing his unwanted guest. “Now I’ll ask one more time, why the hell are you here?”

“Well, after what your brother did to me a few hours ago,” the shadow said pointing to his impaled chest, “you can bet I’m not going to be doing what I really want to do.”

“And that would be?” Battleaxe immediately regretted asking that question.

“Damn, you’re an idiot…” the shadow said chuckling a little, “you know I was just going to stop by have lunch, a few drinks, a few laughs…” the shadow looked around the room, “oh, and kill you, but that’s not the point now.”

“Then what is?” Battleaxe asked ready to attack. “After big bro almost killed you, why would you come to me?”

“Almost?!” the shadow laughed, “You can’t kill what is already dead, Battleaxe.” the shadow said stopping only feet away from Battleaxe. “Anyway, I’m just here to remind you that you’re not going to be in Canterlot anymore.”

“Your point?” Battleaxe said still ready to attack.

“Well I’m just saying that since you won’t be here anymore,” the shadow said pretending to be concerned, “nopony will know who you are once you get to your new station, it will almost be like you getting forgotten again.”

“My brothers, friends and I have been awarded something that nopony has been awarded in nearly one thousand years,” Battleaxe retorted, “my face is on the cover of nearly every major tabloid and respected newspaper, I think they’ll know who I am.”

“Do you think those ponies care about awards, let alone read the paper?” the shadow said, “the most I read the paper for is for the funnies, Battleaxe, and once one of the ponies that actually matters to the press kills themselves, gets a divorce, or runs for public office, your story will be dropped like if you gave me a newborn foal.”

“Ponies care about those who fight for their freedom.” Battleaxe said gritting his teeth, “they see us as heroes.”

“No they don’t,” the shadow laughed. “They care about rich and famous ponies, not mud-brained grunts! Nopony wants to live like a soldier. They want to live in excess, not live in the lack of it.”

“You’re wrong…” Battleaxe said growing ever angrier, “they will remember.”

“Face it, Battleaxe,” The Shadow said turning to return to the darkness, “ponies these days are too busy enjoying their freedom and trying to get rich, famous and popular rather than trying to protect that freedom and hold the ones who actually keep it safe in high regard. Even you are more concerned with notoriety than for your fellow soldiers.”

“LIAR!” Battleaxe roared to the shadow, his eyes watered at the shadow’s cold words.

“The only lie being told is the one you’re telling yourself,” The Shadow said laughing, still limping to the dark. “You never cared about the 1025th, you only wanted the fame, and now you have it…” the shadow disappeared into the blackness, “but your fifteen minutes are almost up, Battleaxe, and soon you will be forgotten all over again.” his last words echoed into Battleaxe’s head as he stood there, a tear or two coming down his cheek.

“They WILL remember…” Battleaxe said to himself as he stormed back to his bed, “they have to, after all I did…” he paused and took a deep breath, “After what WE did.” he wiped the tears from his eyes. “What the hell have I become?” he asked himself. “Did I really get that caught up in my only fear that I forgot what mattered most?” he sat on his bed, his head in his hooves.

Greatsword entered the room only minutes after the shadow had left Battleaxe to his thoughts. “Are you ok, Battleaxe?” he asked very concerned for the now quiet Battleaxe, “Is there something wrong?”

“No.” Battleaxe said getting off his bed and began packing again. “I could never be better. This town is getting old anyway. I could stand to meet a few new mares.”

“Always thinking with the other head it seems…” Greatsword said trying to lighten the mood. It was odd to him that the tables were turned for this conversation. Battleaxe and Greatsword began to pack their things and were nearly finished when Warhammer finally arrived to do the same. After a few exhausting hours their task was complete in a few days they were to head to a new place, a new start for them all.

The six ponies stood at the train station three days later, all ready to leave, except one. As they waited two ponies they didn’t expect came to see them off. “You all ready to leave this place?” Shining Armor said to all the ponies waiting for the train to arrive.

“We are, Shining Armor,” Greatsword said walking to him. “The ride will be the worst part, five days with several stops in all.”

“I sent a letter to my little sister in Ponyville telling her all of you were coming,” Shining Armor said smiling at Greatsword, “I’m sure she’d love to give all of you the grand tour.”

“You’re too kind, Shiny.” Greatsword said back.

“It’s the least we could do for you,” Princess Cadence said, placing her hoof on Greatsword’s shoulder, “after you saved my husband.”

“Just doing my job, Cadie,” Greatsword said. “I’m sure he’d do the same for me.”

“That’s wishful thinking,” Princess Cadence giggled, “I must be off now, I wish you luck.”

“Thank you, my lady.” Greatsword said bowing to her while she walked away.

“I’m sorry about Record Keeper,” Shining Armor said while Greatsword rose, “I know you two were good friends…”

“Yeah…” Greatsword said looking away, “friends…”

Shining Armor then extended his hoof to Greatsword, “Good Luck out there.” he said with a smile.

Greatsword accepted the gesture and shook his hoof and nodded. A few minutes later the train finally arrived and after an emotional goodbye between Warhammer and Princess Luna. The ponies boarded the train, waving to the ones, and the life, they would leave behind.

Chapter 23: New Faces

The train ride was just as Greatsword said it would be, five days of nothing to do but wait and think back on what happened in the past two weeks. For all the ponies, it was a quiet ride, even more so than the ride to Los Pegasus. The train finally arrived in Ponyville in the middle of the day, six hours after it was supposed to arrive. As the ponies gathered their gear, a purple unicorn approached them from behind.

“Are you Greatsword?” she asked while they still had their backs to her.

Greatsword turned around with the other ponies to see a curious looking mare staring at them inquisitively. “I am Greatsword.” he said as he made his way the mare, he extended his hoof and asked, “and who you might be?”

The mare extended her hoof as well, “Greetings,” she began, “I’m Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor wrote to me and said that you would be arriving soon, and I would be happy to show you around Ponyville.”

“You’re too kind Twilight,” Greatsword said with a smile, “Your brother is a good stallion.”

“Damn…” Battleaxe said under his breath, staring at Twilight, “she’s HOT.” Long Shot and Lug Nut chuckled a bit at Battleaxe’s silent sentiment.

Twilight looked at the two snickering ponies strangely but then went back to talking to Greatsword. “When you and your friends are done gathering your bags, I will be happy to show you to where you will be staying.”

“I’m sure we can find the barracks just fine, Twilight.” Greatsword said returning to gather his things.

“Barracks?” Twilight asked surprised, “We don’t have any barracks in Ponyville…”

“Then where will we be staying?” Greatsword asked turning back to Twilight.

“Well, you were going to be staying at the Town Hall’s guest rooms,” Twilight said lowering her head, “but if that won’t do I-”

“That will be fine, Twilight,” Greatsword said, “We don’t want to impose.”

“Oh, don’t worry you aren’t.” Twilight said smiling back at Greatsword, “I’ll be waiting over there, once you get all your things come to me and I’ll show you around.”

The ponies gathered their bags and walked to Twilight, she smiled at them and they all nodded their heads back, signaling that they were ready to move. As they began their trek, a blue teenage pony ran through the station to the group and tackled Long Shot. The other ponies gasped at the fact that nopony in their right mind would do that to him in the first place, but when he got up he only smiled.

“Uncle Long Shot!” the she said wrapping her forelegs around him, “It’s been WAY to long!”

“Archer.” Long Shot said patting her on the head, “It’s good to see you again, how are Quiver and Bull’s Eye doing?”

“Mom and dad are fine,” Archer responded, “I’d love to show you around, and see the look on dad’s face when I bring you home. He didn’t believe your letter.”

“After a few dozen saying the same thing I wouldn’t blame him,” Long Shot looked to the other ponies, “I guess I got my own personal tour guide,” he looked back to Archer, “I’ll see you guys at the Town Hall later.”

“Does anypony else have family here?” Twilight asked the group. “Because it would be better if they showed you around then me.”

“No, I’m from Baltimare,” Lug Nut said for the whole group, “Patches is from Fillydelphia, and Long Shot’s from Flankford.”

“What about you Greatsword?” Twilight asked, “Where are you from?”

“I’d like to know that too…” Greatsword said trying to stay polite.

“You don’t know where you’re from?” Twilight asked surprised, “I’m sorry. Shining Armor didn’t say that in his letter.”

“It’s fine, Twilight,” Battleaxe interjected. “We actually have no memory of our lives past five years ago.”

“Wow,” Twilight responded’ “the magic used to do that must have been very powerful. While you were in Canterlot did Princess Celestia help you?”

“She-” Greatsword started, only to be stopped by Battleaxe.

“She didn’t even know who we were when she first met us,” Battleaxe said to the surprise of Twilight, “we found out by going deep into the castle and searched-”

“What matters is that we know who WE are now,” Greatsword said jamming his hoof into Battleaxe’s mouth. “Twilight, if you may, please show us your little town.”

Twilight smiled politely and continued to show the remaining five ponies around Ponyville. “This is Sugar Cube Corner, the local bakery,” Twilight began, “it’s ran by Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” Just as Twilight finished her statement a pink pony carrying a large amount of baked goods rushed out of the doorway, headed straight to Twilight.

“Twilight LOOK OUT!” Battleaxe yelled, but it was too late. The mare had run into Twilight launching dozens of baked goods into the air, nearly all of them landing on Twilight and the other involved in the collison.

“Oh I’m sorry Twilight!” she said apologetically. “I didn’t mean to-” she looked to the five ponies looking at her in disbelief, “HUH!” she shouted, somehow starting to levitate, then in the blink of an eye she disappeared into the town.

“Who was that?” Lug Nut asked while Battleaxe and Greatsword helped Twilight up, “And how did she do that?”

“Oh that was Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said using her magic to wipe off the icing and crumbs of herself, “and I have no idea how she does it, I’ve just come to accept it.”

“Where exactly is she going?” Lug Nut asked looking in the direction that Pinkie ran off to.

“Right here!” Pinkie shouted from behind Lug Nut, causing him jump onto Warhammer’s back. “When I saw you, I realized I didn’t know any of you, so that means you’re NEW in town! So I had to get my welcome wagon!”

“Welcome wagon?” Lug Nut asked while he climbed of Warhammer.

“YUP!” Pinkie yelled throwing a large wagon over her head and slammed it in front of the six ponies. “Now you get to hear my welcome song!”

“Where did that-” Lug Nut began to ask until Twilight stopped him.

“Trust me,” Twilight said, “the quicker you learn to accept that it’s just Pinkie Pie, the better.”

Pinkie began to clear her throat. After a deep breath she began to sing, “Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!…” she continued for nearly two minutes, popping up in a new spot every time she said ‘welcome‘.

“Are there any other words in this song?” Patches asked Twilight, who had her hoof over her face.

“Unfortunately, no,” Twilight responded, “it should be over soon though, then-”

BOOM! Pinkie’s welcome wagon fired cake batter all over the six ponies. “Oops!” Pinkie said, “I guess I put the cake batter in the cannon and the confetti in the oven again!” Then Pinkie Pie’s wagon burst into flame, the confetti caught on fire. “AH!” Pinkie screamed, “FIRE!” Twilight reacted quickly, using her magic to grab a nearby bucket and filling it with water from Sugar Cube Corner’s hose.

Twilight doused the flames and let out a heavy sigh, “Pinkie…” She said, “Don’t you have a party to plan or cupcakes to bake?”

“OH MY GOSH, TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed from inside the bucket, “You’re right!” Pinkie darted back into Sugar Cube Corner and slammed the door behind her, the bucket still on her head.

Twilight turned to the group of confused ponies, “Sorry about that…” she said looking away from them, “if you stay here long enough, you’ll get used to her.”

“You don’t have to be sorry about anything, Twilight…” Battleaxe said wiping off a massive amount of cake batter off of himself. “I’m Battleaxe by the way.”

“I know, “ Twilight said, wiping off cake batter herself, “my brother wrote to me about you.”

“YOU’RE Shining Armor’s sister?!” Battleaxe yelled in shock. “Why did nopony tell me this?!”

“YOU just don’t pay attention, Battleaxe,” Greatsword said, “looks like you knew what to do and fast there. Does she do that often?”

“More than I would ever want to see again,” Twilight responded, “half the time that wagon catches fire.”

Twilight continued to guide them through Ponyville, showing them all the small houses and introducing them to ponies they walked by. They finally stopped in the market square, there were dozens of ponies in their carts trying to sell produce, household items and more. Twilight led them to one cart in particular, with a large stallion and two mares standing beside it.

“Hello, Applejack,” Twilight said with a smile, “how are sales today?”

“Good as usual, sugar cube,” Applejack responded, “who er ya new friends?”

“These ponies are the ones my brother wrote to me about,” Twilight answered, “they will be staying here and making a small defense force, if Ponyville comes to need it.”

“Aw, shucks,” Applejack said taking off her hat, “I got the utmost respect fer them military folk, my dad was in the military when he passed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Applejack.” Greatsword said to her.

“Ya’ll don’t need to be,” Applejack said placing her hat back on her head, “he passed over fifteen years ago.”

“I hardly ever seen a pony the same size as my brother,” the smaller pony said looking at Greatsword and Battleaxe, “an NEVER one bigger!” she said looking right at Warhammer.

“Apple Bloom, be polite.” Applejack said looking to her sister.

“What?” Apple Bloom replied, “They ARE bigger than Big Macintosh.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said looking to the three as well.

“So all you do is sell apples?” Battleaxe said looking over the apples in the cart.

“Not just any apples!” Apple Bloom said proudly, “Sweet Apple Acre apples, and apple accessories.”

“So YOU’RE the ones that make the cider?” Battleaxe said, “I must say I have had some of the best times I’ll never remember because of you guys.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said looking rather proud, as it was his idea to make some of the cider into an adult beverage.

“Ya’ll are free to stop by the farm while yer here,” Applejack said as they started to walk away, “we could always use extra help round there.”

“We’ll see about it.” Battleaxe said while he and the group continued to press on to the Town Hall. “I’ll check to see if we have time.”

The group continued to walk on ward until they stopped in front of a very sophisticated-looking shop. It looked to them like it belonged in Canterlot than in a small boarder town. While they stared at it a white unicorn walked out of the shop, holding fabrics with her magic.

“Rarity,” Twilight called to her, “I thought you went to Canterlot to present your new designs to Hoity Toity.”

“Twilight dear,” Rarity said as she placed the fabric on a nearby table, “I thought I told you that that was moved to next week, but if you want a sneak peak at what I have. I would be more than happy to show you now.”

“I’d love to, but I have to show these ponies around town before I get them to the Town Hall.” Twilight said as he pointed to the group behind her.

“Oh, I see,” Rarity said looking past Twilight, “and who might these DASHING stallions be?” Rarity made her way to the group.

“I’m Patches,” Patches said extending her hoof.

“Patches darling, you are simply gorgeous!” Rarity said as she looked over her, ignoring her hoof, “I would grow my mane out a little more, but other than that you are absolutely stunning!”

“Uh… thanks?” Patches didn’t know whether to be incredibly flattered or slightly insulted.

“I’m Lug Nut.” Lug Nut said while Rarity walked around him, “I’m a technician.”

“Oh that is just fantastic!” Rarity said coming only inches away from his face, “My sewing machine has been on the fritz ever since Opal knocked it off my design table, would it be such a bother if you looked at it?”

“I could see if I could fix it…” Lug Nut said awkwardly, Rarity still just inches away from his face, “I guess…”

“Oh, that would be wonderful, now…” Rarity said, turning to the three. “Who are THESE massive gems?”

Greatsword looked to his brothers and then back to Rarity, who was batting her eyelashes at them. “I’m Greatsword,” he said, “and these two are my brothers, Battleaxe and Warhammer.”

“Such suiting names,” Rarity said walking closer to Greatsword, “very fitting for such handsome stallions.” Rarity seemed to be even closer to Greatsword’s face than Lug Nut‘s, any closer she would be kissing him. “Tell me Greatsword,” Rarity said still batting her eyelashes at him, “where did you get that masculine scar?”

Greatsword grited his teeth and swallowed his anger towards Rarity, it was a very touchy subject to him, but she didn’t know. He took a deep breath and found his composure, “I received it in combat,” Greatsword began, “combat with a-”

Greatsword froze as he saw what he couldn’t believe walk out of the shop, a dragon, about Warhammer’s size. It was making its way to Twilight; he pushed Rarity out of his way and flew towards the dragon, tackling it right before it grabbed Twilight.

“Die you son of a bitch!” Greatsword yelled striking the dragon as the two fell to the ground. The Dragon tried slash into Greatsword’s skin, but all the battles Greatsword had been in made it nearly as tough as rock. Greatsword struck the dragon in the stomach and face as it tried to fight back. “I will NOT allow anypony else die by the likes of your kind!” Greatsword yelled raising his hoof one last time, only to be grabbed by a pink magic, the dragon was grabbed by blue magic.

“WHAT THE BUCK?!” the dragon yelled holding his head with one claw as he watched blood pool into his free one. “What did I do to you pal?”

“Not near as much as I’m going to do to you, dragon!” Greatsword yelled thrashing in the magic’s hold.

“Will somepony explain to me what that was about?!” Twilight said straining to hold Greatsword.

“I will,” Battleaxe said calmly while he and Lug Nut began to help hold Greatsword down, “but it’s going to take a while.”

“I think we all need some time to cool off.” the dragon said, still furious at Greatsword.

“Big bro,” Battleaxe said, “let’s calm down and just tell them about what happened. O.K.?”

“Bastard!” Greatsword yelled at the dragon.

“Guess he’ll stay up there for this talk…” Battleaxe said as he looked to Twilight, “Now, where to begin…”

Chapter 24: No Introduction Needed

“Wow…” Twilight said with a look of sheer awe of Battleaxe’s story. “That’s what happened to the three of you?”

“Yeah,” Battleaxe said. “One hell of a story, if I do say so myself.”

“I can hardly believe it…” Twilight said looking to Greatsword then Warhammer, “I’ve read nearly every book in the Canterlot library, I know about memory and inner strength spells, but this is just fascinating.”

“Out of everything I told you, you only picked up on those two points?” Battleaxe said slightly annoyed, considering he had been telling her about their lives for the past several hours.

“Oh no, of course not.” Twilight said hastily realizing she had upset Battleaxe, “What the three of you and your friends went through must have been very difficult, especially Greatsword”

“It was,” Battleaxe said looking to Twilight. “We all lost a lot of friends along the way.”

“At least now I know why Greatsword attacked Spike.” Twilight said looking to her draconic friend, “and from his point of view I can understand.”

“Did YOU see what he did to me?!” Spike yelled, pointing at his face. “How can you understand that?!”

“Spike,” Twilight said trying to him down. “You didn’t go through what he went through. He lost a lot of his friends to a dragon and that was a little over three weeks ago, you can‘t expect him to stop hating dragons so quickly.”

“But you CAN expect him not to blindly attack one coming out of a building,” Spike growled, “minding his own bucking business.”

“Spike, language!” Twilight snapped at him, “Anyway, let’s get all of you to the Town Hall, I’ve kept you all from unpacking long enough.”

Twilight, Spike and Rarity all led the other ponies and the still magically bound Greatsword to the Town Hall. When they finally arrived Battleaxe turned to the others holding Greatsword down. Making sure that they were prepared to react if Greatsword was to do something irrational, stepping forward towards his brother he began the seemingly impossible task of calming him down.

“Now, Greatsword,” he said in a calm tone, “when we let you go, promise not to attack Twilight’s FRIEND, Spike, and we won’t hold you like this all night. deal?” Greatsword just growled at the unicorns that had him held down, still glaring at Spike, who was giving him the same look. “That’s about as close to a yes as we can get with him like this,” Battleaxe finally said to Twilight and Rarity, “We can let him go.”

“I hope you’re right, Battleaxe,” Twilight said looking at Greatsword, “because he can really hurt Spike, or worse.”

The unicorns simultaneously released Greatsword, ready to bind him again if he went after Spike. Greatsword landed on his hooves and calmly walked to the unicorns. He looked at all four of them, then he turned his attention to Spike. He made his way to Spike the unicorns horns began to glow again ready to split the two apart, but Greatsword extended his hoof to Spike.

“I’m Greatsword,” he said his hoof still extended to Spike, who was ignoring the gesture, “and I’m sorry.”

Spike looked to him in surprise, then he saw that it bothered Greatsword to be doing this. Spike extended his claw to Greatsword’s hoof and shook, “I’m Spike,” he said back, “and I forgive you.”

The five ponies made their way into the Town Hall, all saying their goodbyes to one another, “I hope to see all of you again.” Twilight said as they all entered the Town Hall.

“So do I.” Battleaxe said finally walking into town hall.

“So, Battleaxe…” Lug Nut said while Battleaxe walked into the main room, “you just got here and you have your ever wandering eye on a mare already.”

“What?! No!” Battleaxe said hastily, “I don’t like Twilight, she’s Shining Armor’s little sister!”

“I never said anything about Twilight…” Lug Nut said smiling with the others, letting out a small chuckle.

“Seems that ‘wild’ part of you is getting tamed rather quickly,” Warhammer said knowingly. “You should talk to her. See if she feels the same way about you.”

“I DON’T LIKE HER!” Battleaxe shouted defensively, “Shining Armor wrote to her about me, more than likely there’s nothing good about me in it.”

“You never know until you ask, Battleaxe,” Warhammer said, “Luna was the same way with me, until she asked, and the rest is history.”

“Don’t get caught up in the ‘love’ thing, Battleaxe,” Greatsword said cutting the light mood of the others, “sure it’s great at first… then the pain comes.” Greatsword walked off to another room and locked the door behind him before anypony could stop him to ask what was wrong.

“I guess that’ll be HIS room,” Battleaxe said looking to the room Greatsword had entered, “dibs on the one to the left!” Battleaxe sprinted to the room next to Greatsword’s.

The other Ponies then went to the other open rooms and set up their spaces. All ready to get some sleep, except for the three. Their minds were all on their own personal worries. The new day came the five left their rooms. A slight amount of confusion fell on them. Long Shot never came to the Town Hall like he said he would. After they searched for him around the building for a few minutes they were stopped by the Mayor of Ponyville.

“Welcome to Ponyville,” she began, “I’m sorry that we couldn’t meet yesterday, but may I ask why are the five of you are walking around the Town Hall?”

“We’re trying to find a friend of ours, Long Shot,” Lug Nut answered. “He’s a purple Pegasus, about thirty-four or thirty-five, crosshair cutie mark, have you seen him?”

“No, I haven’t seen anypony of that description, I’m sorry.” She said, “Have you all seen my town? If not I’d love to show you.”

“That’s fine, Ms. Mayor,” Greatsword said, “But Twilight Sparkle was kind enough to show us around yesterday.”

“Ah I see, she is a very helpful young mare, especially around Winter Wrap-up.” The Mayor said thinking about Twilight.

“Where exactly does she live?” Battleaxe asked, “She showed all of us where everypony else lived but she never showed us her house.”

“She didn’t show you the library?” The Mayor said surprised. “She’s so proud of that place. I’m shocked that she didn’t show you.”

“Wait…” Battleaxe said, “Twilight lives in the library?”

“Yes,” The Mayor answered, “is there something wrong with that?”

“No but, who the hell would live in a library?” Battleaxe asked the Mayor, “and where would she sleep?”

“I guess you’ll have to ask her that.” The Mayor said giving a confused look to Battleaxe.

“You talk way too much…” Long Shot said as he walked into the main room.

“Long Shot,” Patches said in relief, “where were you last night?”

“My brother was kind enough to offer me his living room couch to live on for the time I’m here,” Long Shot answered, “and since it’s been near a decade since I’ve seen any of them, I thought it would be nice if I stayed there and caught up with them.”

“Well that’s good news,” Lug Nut said. “They’re only five guest rooms.”

Just as Lug Nut finished his statement, there was a knock on the main room’s door. Battleaxe went to answer the door, when he opened it he was greeted by the one pony that he wanted to see. “Twilight,” he said with a smile, “what brings you here today?”

Twilight politely smiled back at Battleaxe, “Well I forgot to introduce you to some other ponies that I know yesterday. You know after that little incident, and I thought you might want to meet them, so I came to get you.”

“I’d love to meet your other friends,” Battleaxe said, “especially if you’re doing the introducing.”

Twilight smiled awkwardly as her cheeks turned a light red, “Please, I’m just being helpful,” she said as she looked past Battleaxe to the other ponies, “now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll introduce you to my other friends.”

Twilight led the group to the edge of town, where they saw a house floating above the ground. They were initially surprised until they realized that it was made out of clouds. Twilight looked up to the house and called to its owner. “Rainbow!” she shouted, with no results.

“Did she just say…?” Patches said to Greatsword as Twilight readied herself to call again.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight called out, again there was no response.

“Yeah…” Greatsword said back to Patches. “She just said it.”

Twilight grew slightly annoyed as she called out for a third time, “Rainbow Dash, I would like you to meet some new ponies!”

“Twilight!” Rainbow called from her home. “Can’t you tell I’m napping!”

“You can get back to sleep after you meet these new ponies!” Twilight called back. “Just fly down and introduce yourself!”

“Fine, I’m coming!” Rainbow yelled back, speeding out of her home, a rainbow trail following all the way. “Hi, name’s Rainbow Dash, nice to meet-” Rainbow Dash froze mid sentience the moment she noticed two certian ponies in the back of the group.

“Rainbow?” Twilight asked concerned, “Have you met these two already?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow said landing and making her way to Patches and Greatsword. “I’ve met them before…” she pointed at the two in the back.

“Well that’s excellent,” Twilight said with a smile. “I guess that-”

“He’s the one that was in charge of the mission my brother died on…” Rainbow Dash said cutting off Twilight before she could finish. “And she was his fiancée…”

Twilight lowered her head and looked to Rainbow Dash. “I’m sorry… I didn’t know…”

“That’s ok, Twilight,” Rainbow said her eyes still on the two, “it’s not YOUR fault anyway.”

“Rainbow Dash,” Patches said to her, “you know that it wasn’t Greatsword’s fault, nopony knew Smog was down there.”

“I know,” Rainbow said, tearing up, “but he’s gone now and all I want is to have him back.”

“Nothing can bring him back, Rainbow Dash,” Greatsword said softly, “and not a day has gone by that I didn’t wish it was me instead. He was a great pony, he was a great friend, he is and forever will be missed.”

“I-I should get back to my nap…” Rainbow dash said, wiping tears away from her eyes while flying back into her house.

Twilight made her way to the two ponies, “I’m sorry,” she said, “Battleaxe never told me those details of your story.”

“Only a few ponies knew that information anyway, Twilight,” Greatsword said looking up to Rainbow’s house, “do you have any more friends you wish to introduce to us?”

“Yes,” Twilight said looking at Rainbow’s house as well, “there is one more, but I’ll warn you, she’s very shy.”

“Well let’s not waste any more time here,” Greatsword said to Twilight, “I can still barely look at her…” he muttered under his breath as they began to head to the Everfree Forest.

Sometime later the group of ponies stood in front of a small cottage in the shape of a tree. There was a small bridge over a stream and many small animals surrounded the house. The scene reminded Greatsword of something, but he couldn’t remember exactly from where. Twilight stopped in front of the bridge and turned to the ponies following her.

“This is it,” she said looking to the house, “I hope she’s in, normally around this time she’s seeing other ponies pets.”

“She lives by herself with a lot of pets, away from everypony else and she’s very shy…” Battleaxe said. “I’m imagining a creepy looking old mare who smells funny.” the other ponies laughed, but Twilight looked at Battleaxe and rolled her eyes.

“Well she’s actually around my age…” Twilight said. “And she’s very kind and loving.”

“Sorry Twilight,” Battleaxe said quickly, “I was just kidding.”

“She’s very sensitive, Battleaxe,” Twilight said, “and she wouldn’t be able to tell if you were joking or not.”

The group of ponies made their way down the winding path to the cottage’s door. When they had arrived Twilight gave the door a small knock. There was no answer, Twilight knocked again, but only to meet the same results.

“Fluttershy?” Twilight called softly into the door, “Fluttershy, are you in there?” There was no answer from inside, Twilight turned to the ponies she was guiding, “I guess we missed her,” she said slightly apologetic, “I’m sure we’ll run into her while we head back to the Town Hall, I just wish you could meet her now.”

They began to walk away, but the moment they did. The door opened very slowly. “T-Twilight?” a meek voice called from behind the door, “Twilight, is that you?”

“Fluttershy,” Twilight said turning back to the door, “why didn’t you answer the door when I knocked?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Twilight,” Fluttershy said closing the door slightly, “but Angel Bunny is being very fussy this morning and I was trying to give him a bath, p-please don’t be mad at me.”

“I think it’s impossible to get mad at you, Fluttershy.” Twilight said smiling at the figure behind the door, “Fluttershy, I would like you to meet some ponies new to town.”

“N-new ponies?” Fluttershy’s voice trembled, “Oh I-I don’t know about that, Twilight, it’s still very early, maybe later?”

“Fluttershy…” Twilight said, placing her hoof on her face, “You can’t just come out and say ‘hi’?”

“Oh, uh… ok…” Fluttershy whimpered, “I guess…”

The door opened fully, behind it was a yellow pegasus with a very long pink mane. Every stallion in the group’s eyes widened when they saw her, even Warhammer was unable to resist looking her up and down once. Fluttershy tried to hide herself behind her mane from the sudden amount of eyes on her, but it didn’t seem to stop them from staring.

“H-hello…” Fluttershy whispered, “I’m…my name is Fluttershy…”

“I’m sorry…” Patches said politely, “What was that?”

“I’m Fluttershy…” Fluttershy repeated, but only softer.

“Uh, one more time please…” Patches said as an awkward smile grew on her face. “Didn’t quite catch that.”

“I’m Fluttershy.” She squeaked, then Twilight stepped in.

“Ok…” she said separating Fluttershy from the other ponies, “That’s everypony I know. Let’s get back to town.”

The other ponies left her with Twilight, but as they walked away they failed to realize that one of them was missing. Greatsword stayed there, staring at Fluttershy, who stared back. He had no idea why he remained, but there was something about Fluttershy, something that made him think back to another time.

Chapter 25: Party Time

“Um… I-is there something wrong sir?” Fluttershy asked Greatsword, “a-are you ok?”

Greatsword snapped out of his trance and shook his head slightly, “Wha-what?” he said answering Fluttershy’s question with another, “I-I’m fine, just… just thinking about something.”

“Oh… uh, ok…” Fluttershy said awkwardly, “I’m Fluttershy…”

“I’m Greatsword,” he said, “it was nice meeting you…” Greatsword then turned and ran off to the group of ponies who had left him, Fluttershy watching him as he ran off.

Greatsword finally caught up with the other ponies he was with earlier, they were making small talk. “I didn’t know that somepony that shy could look like THAT.” Lug Nut said

“I think she was a model about five years ago,” Long Shot said, “but it was only for a few weeks.”

“She was.” Twilight said to the group behind her, “I remember that all too well, she hated it.”

“One could assume that given how she acted meeting us.” Lug Nut said looking back towards Fluttershy’s house.

“Well, that’s how she is when she meets new ponies,” Twilight said also looking to Fluttershy’s house, “once all of you are here for a while, she’ll say ‘hello’ without having an anxiety attack.”

The ponies laughed while they continued their way back to town, all having their own personal conversations with one another. Greatsword remained quiet for the whole walk back. There was something about that mare, something different. He continued to think about it until the group returned to the Town Hall.

“Looks like we’re back,” Twilight said looking back to the group, “I hope all of you enjoy your time here in Ponyville.”

Twilight opened the door only to be blasted by confetti and streamers. The group looked at her in shock as the pieces of colorful paper floated to the ground. “Pinkie…” Twilight said with a lack of amusement.

“TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she rushed to the door, shoving a kazoo into her mouth once she got to her friend’s face, “You came to the party!”

“Party?” Lung Nut asked still looking at the confetti covered Twilight.

“Well Yeah!” Pinkie exclaimed, “Remember yesterday when I saw you and is was like ‘HUH’, then I realized I didn’t know you so that meant you new. So I got my welcome wagon?”

“Uh… yeah…” Lug Nut responded, remembering the strange event.

“Well after my welcome wagon mysteriously caught on fire again, Twilight reminded me that I had a party to plan and MORE cupcakes to bake.”

“You actually had those things to do?” Lug Nut asked Pinkie.

“After I met you, of course I did!” Pinkie pie exclaimed, “And of course, what better way to welcome new ponies than with a PARTY!” The moment Pinkie yelled party more confetti and streamers exploded from behind her, this time covering the rest of the ponies. “And I invited EVERYPONY!” Pinkie yelled proudly pointing to the room now full of ponies.

All the ponies in the room cheered when they raised their glasses to the group of ponies at the door. “Well, hell yeah!” Battleaxe shouted, “I could use a party right about now!”

“That’s the spirit!” Pinkie pie exclaimed as she placed party hats on all the ponies at the door.

The party was massive: games, dancing, bob for apples, and cut-a-rug spread across the entire town hall. A few minutes after they had arrived, Greatsword was met by the hoof of a white unicorn. “Rarity…” He said looking to the mare, “sorry about yesterday.”

“Oh, that’s nothing,” she said waving her hoof passively, “Twilight explained everything to me while we had you held down and I must say your story is quite the tragic one.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Greatsword said politely smiling.

“I couldn’t possibly imagine losing all my friends the way you lost yours,” Rarity said, filling her glass with punch, “it must be so hard for you.”

“It is…” Greatsword replied, looking for a way out of the conversation, but Rarity had him verbally pinned.

“If only you had somepony to be there for you,” Rarity drew ever closer to Greatsword, “somepony to help you forget…”

“Greatsword!” Battleaxe called from across the room, “Bro you gotta see this!”

“Can’t keep him waiting,” Greatsword said rushing, past Rarity, “I’ll talk to you later.”

Greatsword made his way across the crowed room to his brother, hoping what he called him over there for was worth seeing in the first place. Once he finally arrived he saw Battleaxe in the middle of a circle of ponies, he was sitting on one side of a table and a mare was sitting opposite of him. Empty shot glasses were strewn around them both.

“Battleaxe,” Greatsword said to his brother, “thank you for getting me out of there, but what exactly did you want me to see?”

“Get out of where?” Battleaxe said intoxicated.

“I’ll tell you later…” Greatsword said placing his hoof on his face.

“Oh yeah,” Battleaxe said pointing to the mare across from him, “she is one HELL of a drinker…” Greatsword looked to the mare Battleaxe was pointing at.

“It that all?” Greatsword said unimpressed.

“Hey…hey, hey…” Battleaxe said looking back to Greatsword, “Berry Punch is one HELL of a drinker, she can actually keep up with me.”

“I’m just getting warmed up,” Berry Punch shouted from across the table. “Typical unicorn, can barely hold your drink.”

“Oh,” Battleaxe said giving a menacing stare to Berry Punch, “IT… IS… ON!” Battleaxe slung down another shot of alcohol into his mouth, Berry Punch mimicking his action.

Some twelve shots later, both ponies still looked like they were going strong. Until the next five shots, when Berry Punch hit the floor. The crowd gasped, Berry Punch had never been beaten in a drinking match. Battleaxe rose his drunken hoof in triumph.

“That’s how you drink ponies!” he called out, “go back to the minors before you take on the big leaguers again!” he said as a few of Berry Punch’s friends picked her up.

Greatsword shook his head at his drunken brother, hardly believing that they were related. He walked away from the table, carefully choosing his path, doing his best to avoid Rarity, wherever she may be, he finally found his way to his room and closed the door behind him. But with a shuffle of a few things from the other side of the room, he knew he was not alone. Greatsword quickly pinpointed the intruder and with a powerful leap and a quiet scream he had whoever was in his room pinned. He lit a nearby lamp to see who the pony who snuck into his room was. Realizing who it was, he jumped of the pony in shock.

“Fluttershy?!” he exclaimed at the terrified pegasus in the room with him, “what the hell are you doing in my room?!”

Fluttershy was frozen with fear, trembling as she continued to stare at Greatsword. “Fluttershy…” Greatsword began as he walked calmly back to her, “I-I… I’m…” Fluttershy backed herself into the far corner, her eyes about to unleash a torrent of tears.

“I’m sorry, I-I didn’t know it was you… please,” he said trying to find the right words, “I didn’t mean to… it’s just that… that it was dark and I‘ve been in the military for so long...” He wisely stopped a few feet from her, giving her space, or at least as much the room could provide.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy, I’m so sorry…” Greatsword placed his face on his hoof, “can you ever forgive me?”

Fluttershy then rushed Greatsword, wrapping her hooves around him, tears cascading from her eyes. Greatsword quickly returned the embrace, trying to comfort her as best he could after what he had done. “Please…” he said as he held her, “Please forgive me…”

“I-I’m sorry…” Fluttershy whimpered into Greatsword’s chest, “I-I should have never come in here… I’m sorry…”

“I shouldn’t have attacked without knowing who was in here, Fluttershy.” Greatsword said back to her. “Why were you in here anyway?”

“Oh uh, Pinkie Pie invited me to the party,” Fluttershy said wiping away her tears, “and I didn’t want her to get mad at me… so I came.” she looked up to Greatsword’s iron colored eyes. “but there were so many ponies here, so I came to the closest empty room to wait for them all to leave.”

“Well, the party was becoming too much for me too anyway,” Greatsword said to her, “you can stay in here with me until it dies down.”

“Oh… um… I-I don’t want to impose, Greatsword,” Fluttershy said looking away from him, “I’ll find a new place to hide.”

“You’re not imposing, Fluttershy,” Greatsword said smiling at her, “it’s the least I could do after what happened.”

“Oh… well… t-thank you…” Fluttershy squeaked. The two sat there in Greatsword’s room, listening for the party to die down.

Around the same time that Greatsword snuck into his room, Battleaxe left the table that he had been sitting at to relieve himself. He made his way across the room full of partying ponies to his goal. With only feet between him and the bathroom, he was halted by a pair of mares.

“Hey!” He said almost falling over, “watch out, you almost ran into me!”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” she said while her friend started to laugh, “I didn’t see you.”

“It’s fine,” Battleaxe said, “just watch out next time.”

“Who are you anyway?” the unicorn asked, “I don’t think I’ve seen you in town before… but you’re not that bad to look at… Hey do you know the new pegasus with the scar?” she daydreamed about the pony in question, “Celestia, he’s hot…”

“W-what?” Battleaxe said shocked, “Y-you don’t know who I am? Do you read the paper?”

“Uh, yes…” she said confused, “but only for the funnies, I’m Lyra Heartstrings and the one still laughing is Bon Bon.”

“Nice to meet you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” he darted past the two ponies into the bathroom.

“If you gotta go, you gotta go.” Bon Bon said to Lyra as they watched the bathroom door slam behind Battleaxe, “Come on Lyra, let’s get back to the party.”

Battleaxe went to the sink and began to splash himself with cold water on his face. “Those ponies didn’t know who I was…” he said to himself as he stared into the mirror, “The Shadow can’t be right… HE CAN’T!”

“Like you’ve been forgotten all over again.” the shadow’s voice echoed in the bathroom while Battleaxe spun around looking for him, but he wasn’t there. The shadow’s laugh echoed until it could not be heard anymore.

“Bastard…” Battleaxe said to himself as he turned to the door to leave, “Ponies know me… it was only those two didn’t…” he stepped out of the bathroom, the party was still going strong, but his mood had fallen from cloud nine to the pits. Only one pony in the crowd noticed that he was acting different.

“Battleaxe?” Twilight said while making her way to him, “is something bothering you?”

“I’m fine, Twilight…” Battleaxe said with his head still hung low, “I’m just thinking about something…”

“Well,” Twilight said, “what are you thinking about?”

“What?” Battleaxe said, looking to Twilight.

“What are you thinking about?” Twilight repeated, “I don’t mean to sound pushy, but I feel like I should get to know you more.” She looked away from him for one second, then back to him. “Because you’re going to be here for a while, of course.”

Battleaxe looked at Twilight in a slight bit of confusion, nopony had ever asked him something like that with the exception of his brothers. “Sure,” Battleaxe said raising an eyebrow, “I’ll talk to you, but not here, perhaps outside?”

“Outside it is then,” Twilight said with a smile, “it’s getting stuffy in here anyway.” the tow stepped outside of the Town hall leaving all the ravel and drinking to the ponies still inside.

“Now,” Twilight asked Battleaxe while looking to the moon, “what exactly is on your mind?”

“Ponies…” Battleaxe responded, “and what they hold dear.”

“Care to explain?” Twilight asked turning her gaze to Battleaxe.

“Well, in case you didn’t know,” Battleaxe began, “I received the Celestial Medal of Honor about a week ago.”

“I know, I read about that in the paper the other day.” Twilight said, “You and your friends are heroes.”

“Well, that makes one,” Battleaxe said smiling, “but I ran into a few ponies that didn’t even know who I was.”

“You can’t expect everypony to know about that, Battleaxe,” Twilight said reassuringly, “I’m sure that a few ponies still don’t know that my friends and I stopped Nightmare Moon, Discord and Queen Crystalis… Spike even saved the Crystal Empire a few years ago.”

“That was YOU?!” Battleaxe exclaimed in shock. “Well Twilight, you just keep getting more impressive as the day goes on.”

“Thank you… I guess.” Twilight said awkwardly, “but you just proved my point, not everypony knows about these things.”

“But you were never completely forgotten Twilight,” Battleaxe said casting his gaze towards the ground, “that was the most terrifying thing I ever went through,” he looked back to Twilight, “and I’ve been through a lot.”

“It is good to see you talk about what you fear, brother,” the two unicorns spun around to see Warhammer walking towards them, “because you must not let your fear take hold of your heart.” He looked up toward the moon and let out a heavy sigh, “for fear leads to anger, and anger leads to hate, and hate is the true root of evil.”

“He seems very wise for his age,” Twilight said to Battleaxe, “he doesn’t look much older than me.”

“I’m still wondering how he was able to sneak up on us.” Battleaxe said back to Twilight, “he’s bucking huge.”

Twilight giggled slightly at Battleaxe’s joke then she turned her attention to Warhammer. “Why is he looking at the moon like that?” she asked, “he almost seems sad.”

“The moon is a constant reminder of the one he loves,” Battleaxe said softly, “this assignment took him away from her.”

“Oh,” Twilight said as she walked towards Warhammer, “what’s her name?” she asked him.

“Luna…” Warhammer said, to Twilight’s shock. “It looks as if she has made the moon bigger in hopes that I see it better at night, she misses me just as much as I miss her.”

“You’re with Princess-” Twilight began, but was quickly stopped by the light touch of Battleaxe’s hoof.

“You don’t understand Twilight,” Battleaxe said. “The circumstances of their relationship is a rather touchy subject.”

“But he’s just-”

“Just an earth pony soldier…” Warhammer said turning to Twilight, “Love doesn’t work logically, Twilight, you should know this given that you care for Spike.” He stood before her, his shadow engulfing her whole body. “All that’s needed is a bond. Luna and I have that bond, and perhaps one day, you will let your logic go and allow the bond to grow in you.” he walked into the Town Hall again, leaving the two ponies to think about what he had just said.

“Well that was a good talk,” Battleaxe said, “shall we go back inside?”

“Yeah,” Twilight said, slightly ashamed, “let’s try to enjoy the rest of our evening.”

Chapter 26: Apple Buckin'

“Ya’ll don’t know how much it means ta have a few friends come ‘round an help out with the harvest,” Applejack said patting Warhammer on the shoulder. “Sometimes it’s just me and Big Macintosh out here, especially given that Apple Bloom’s busy with her school work.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac added twirling a piece of straw in his lips.

“I’m more than happy to help. You’ve been very hospitable to all of us, just think of it as returning the favor.”

“Don’t forget the rest of us.” Battleaxe said pointing to himself, Greatsword and the others, “He’s not the only one who came.”

“We just need something to do for a week or two so everypony could get a chance see the flyers we put out.” Lug Nut said rolling his eyes.

“Well I’m sure with all this help. We’ll get the entire south field done in just a day or two.” Applejack looked to the hill and saw several other figures in the light, “Then again…” she said smiling, “Shucks… we might get the south field done in a few hours.”

The 1025th turned their attention to where Applejack was looking to see Twilight and her other friends standing on the hill, large barrels at the ready.

“Why are they here?” Battleaxe asked.

“Well, I always ask for help from good friends Battleaxe.” Applejack replied, “Just figured the more the merrier.”

“I’m glad you see us as friends,” Greatsword said turning his attention back to her. “But we’re here to train a defense force make sure that if your town is attacked you could at least have time to evacuate… when we’re done here, it’s back to Canterlot for the lot of us.”

“But that don’t mean ya can’t make friends while yer here.” Applejack said with a smile. “Shoot I remember when I became friends with Twilight, we saved all of Equestria from Nightmare Moon.”

“The fate of Equestria doesn’t rely on me making friends…” Greatsword replied. “But the fate of your town DOES rely on able-bodied ponies signing up to defend it.”

Applejack forced a smile for Greatsword, she was trying her best to relate to him somehow, but he wasn’t letting her have one opening. Battleaxe noticed what she was trying to do, and knowing his brother, he quickly stepped in to avoid any negative outcome.

“So… Applejack…” he began stepping between the two, “What exactly will we be doing?”

“Well Twilight’s got the organizin’ and stuff takin’ care of.” Applejack said remembering the task at hand. “Me an Big Macintosh were gonna show ya’ll how ta buck apples outta the trees.”

“Eeyup…” Big Mac said walking to one of the apple laden trees.

“Now just watch…” Applejack said, walking towards the nearest tree. “It’s all in the technique.”

“We’re just hitting trees with our hind legs…” Battleaxe said. “It can’t be that complicated.” He walked up to the tree Big Mac was about to buck, looking back he saw that Twilight was watching with the rest of her friends. “Oh this is perfect…” he said under his breath “I got this one Big Mac… take five.”

“But AJ hasn’t even-“

“I think I got it… wait… did you just ‘talk’ talk?”

“Eeyup.”

“Never mind…” Battleaxe looked up to the tree and smiled. “Time to show you what I’m made of, tree.”

“Did he just talk to the tree?” Lug Nut asked.

“I try not to understand him anymore.” Patches answered to the hushed snickers of those around to hear her.

He faced away from the tree, smiling confidently before shooting a quick wink at Twilight. Her friends shot quick glances at her, but all she could do was smile as her face became a shade of red. He turned his attention back to the tree and readied his hind legs.

“And now… for the finish…” He slammed his hind legs into the tree, hearing the satisfying snap of the trees bark. “No need to think me everypony.” He said confidently “I’ll be here-“

“Uh… Battleaxe…” Patches said doing her best to cover up her smile. “I think you should see how ‘well’ you did.”

She pointed to behind him, confused Battleaxe turned around, only to be greeted by shock. Not a single apple had fallen from the tree, his face went red as nearly everypony began to erupt in laughter. Even his brothers couldn’t help but let out a little smirk at his predicament.

“Now back ta what I was sayin’” Applejack said doing her best to stop laughing. “It’s all in the technique… Big Macintosh, if you’d be so kind.”

“Eeyup.” He said walking past the dumbfounded unicorn with a large grin.
“Ya’ll gotta twist yer body at the last second…” Applejack said while Big Mac sent a single hoof into the apple tree, filling the barrels at its base full of shiny red and green fruit. “Any questions?”

“Could we see that again?” Lug Nut asked. “Battleaxe might need some extra help.”

“I hate you…” Battleaxe growled under the sound of roaring laughter.

“Nah…” Applejack said containing he laughter yet again, “How ‘bout one of ya’ll try it?” she looked around the group her hoof pointing to every one of them until it stopped at the largest of them. “How ‘bout it Warhammer? Wanna have a go?”

He looked to her with surprise. He didn’t expect to be chosen so quickly. He rose his hoof to decline, much to the surprise of his peers.

“What’s the matter little bro?” Battleaxe asked. “Scared the tree’ll bite you?”

“The last time I saw you act so confidently around a tree you embarrassed yourself…” Warhammer answered quickly, giving all within earshot the giggles. “I don’t want to break anything, that’s all.”

“Aw ya won’t do that Warhammer,” Applejack said reassuringly, “I promise ya that.”

Warhammer looked back to his compatriots. All of them were doing their best to convince him to give it a go. Taking a deep breath he reluctantly took a step forward, to the small cheers and applauding of his counterparts. He took his place at the tree’s base this one was nearly twice the size of the one Battleaxe failed miserably to knock of just minutes earlier. He turned around and rose his hind legs.

“That’s a good start Warhammer!” Applejack said encouragingly. “Use both legs and buck as hard as ya can!”

“As hard as I can?”

“As hard as ya can.”

“If you insist…” Warhammer said pulling his legs into him.

SNAP! The apple tree was sent into the air, with no signs of stopping. Applejack, Big Mac and the others jaws hit the ground looking to Warhammer in disbelief.

“You said hit it as-“ CRASH! The tree landed nearly one hundred feet away, about thirty seconds after he’d hit it, “As hard as I can…”

“I think I know who’ll be helping the Apples clearing boulders and dead trees from now on…” Twilight said baffled at such a feat of strength.

“Ya’ll see what just happened?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed running out of their house. “I coulda sworn I saw onea our biggest apple trees shoot up inta the air!”

“We saw Apple Bloom…” Applejack replied awe struck. “Warhammer even knocked its roots clean outta the ground…”

Apple Blooms eyes widened when they were cast to Warhammer, the up rooted tree and broken top half some thirty feet away were still cascading leaves from the surrornding air.

“I’m truly sorry Applejack…” he began. “I didn’t mean to-“

“Now why would ya be sorry fer somethin’ so amazin’?!” Apple Bloom said sprinting in front of him, placing her hooves on his chest so she could try to see eye to eye with him. “You’ve gotta be the strongest pony in all Equestria if ya can do something like that an not even look the littlest bit tired!” her pupils doubled in size as her grin became deviant, “Maybe ya could help me at school with a few ponies that’ve been givin’ me trouble fer years.”

“Apple Bloom…” Applejack said sternly. “How many times do I have ta tell ya violence ain’t the way to deal with Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara?”

“Who said anything ‘bout violence?” Apple Bloom replied, “I was gonna have him as a sheer presence, ya know, like say he’s my body guard an all.”

“That’s not much better young one…” Warhammer said getting her attention again. “Saying something like that STILL is a threat of violence, the best way to stop others from accosting you is to confront them in a verbal manner, and if that fails, you could always go to your teacher or another pony of authority.”

Apple Bloom stared at Warhammer with great confusion before speaking, “Accosta-what now?” she asked.

“Being bullied.” Applejack explained. “Like what I’ve been tryin’ ta tell ya but fancier.”

“Oh…” Apple Bloom said. “I knew that…”

“Of corse ya did…” Applejack replied with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, now that everypony knows how to buck apple trees.” Twilight said to gain their attention. “Let’s get started…” she reached into her saddle bags and pulled out a titanic to-do list, it sprawled out across the ground, leaving those that saw it in almost as much disbelief as when Warhammer sent the tree flying. “Let’s see…” she began, looking the list up and down, “If we want to get the south field done today we should-“

“On second thought Twilight…” Applejack said with an awkward smile. “I think we’ll just wing it from here.”

“I can dig winging it.” Rainbow said flying into the air. “So long as you stay outta my way.”

Though she wasn’t looking at anypony in particular, Greatsword knew that the comment was directed towards him. He just looked up to her and took a deep breath while Applejack began to designate teams. Patches noticed that Greatsword was acting differently and came to his side.

“What is it Greatsword?” she asked

“Do you really have to ask?” he replied pointing to the proud pony in the sky.

“Oh… never mind…” she said, “don’t worry I don’t think-“

“How ‘bout Greatsword and RD?” Applejack said, “Those two gotta be the toughest and strongest pegasi I ever seen.”

Greatsword and Rainbow both looked to Applejack in utter disbelief, granted she didn’t know about their ‘history’ it was still quite a shock to them. “Applejack.” They said in unison “I don’t think that.”

“An how ‘bout Battleaxe and Twilight?” Applejack said not paying the slightest bit of attention, now the disbelief was on the two unicorns standing next to one another. They looked to one another briefly only to look away just as fast. “I’ll put Fluttershy with Greatsword and RD and Lug Nut with Twi and Battleaxe.” She walked off to Big Mac and Apple Bloom, “Ya’ll know yer teams, now let’s get out there, buck some apples and most of all, have fun.”

“I can see this ending well…” Rainbow said rolling her eyes while her partners asended to her side. Before she could speed away Greatsword turned her around so she would face him.

“Look Rainbow…” he began, “I know that you’re not happy about this but-“

“Just stay outta my way.” She growled pushing his hoof off her shoulder, “Don’t even try to keep up.” and just like that she was gone, leaving only a cloud in Greatsword’s face

“Um… what was all that about?” Fluttershy asked fluttering to his side. “Do you two know each other?”

“Not exactly…” he sighed, “but we knew the same pony.”

“Oh, well who did the two of you know?” Fluttershy asked “was it-

“Fluttershy…” Greatsword said somberly flying in the direction Rainbow flew of in. “It’s probably best you don’t know, all I can really tell you is that something happened to somepony important to both of us.”

He left Fluttershy behind for a few seconds, but quickly went back so she would have some company for when they caught up with Rainbow Dash. Back on the ground, Battleaxe, Lug Nut and Twilight were filling barrel after barrel with delicious apples.

“Why did they teach us to buck these things when we can do this?” Battleaxe asked using his magic to grab every apple off a single tree.

“They’re traditionalist, Battleaxe.” Twilight answered, filling yet another barrel, “They would at least want you to try the earth pony way before you used your magic.”

“I guess that makes since…” Lug Nut said, “but I think-“

SLAM! A massive tree trunk landed just feet in front of him. Nearly scaring his breakfast from two days ago out of him. Battleaxe and Twilight turned around to see Warhammer and Big Mac standing near a crater where an apple tree used to be. Big Mac looked away, as if he didn’t see or have anything to do what just happened.

“ARE YOU TWO SERIOUS?!” Lug Nut roared. “You could’ve killed-“

“Don’t get your tail in a tussle Lug Nut…” Battleaxe said patting his counterpart on the head. “I’ll move this.”
He stepped to the broken tree and cracked his hooves, making sure Twilight was watching he did his best to wrap his hooves around its trunk. With great strain and powerful grunts, the trunk slowly rose to his shoulder. Straining greatly he looked over to Twilight and gave her a charming smile.
“I-impressed?” he asked struggling to keep the tree balanced on his shoulders.
“I guess so…” Twilight said raising her eye brow. “But…” her horn began to glow and the once massive weight on Battleaxe’s shoulders suddenly became nothing.
Then he realized that he was nearly ten feet off the ground, Twilight was using her magic to lift the trunk like a small tooth pick. He tried to cling to the tree as tightly as he could, but in the end he landed on his flank not two feet in front of Twilight. She looked at him with a small smirk.
“I could’ve done that to begin with.” She said trotting past him in triumph.
“Wow, Battleaxe…” Lug Nut said with a huge grin. “You’ve been made a fool not just once but twice… trying to impress the same mare I might add.”
“I didn’t ask for a count Lug Nut…” Battleaxe said watching Twilight continue to walk away.
“I just wanted to make sure you could count that high.” Lug Nut laughed. “Your ego must be-“
Lug Nut’s insult was interrupted buy three apples being shoved into his mouth at once. Battleaxe stood up and placed a barrel full of apples on his back.
“If you’re done talking…” he began with a smile. “Which I think you are now, may I suggest you assist Twilight with filling more barrels while I get this one back to the barn.” Battleaxe left Lug Nut with his mouth full of apples and headed back to the barn.
“Wow…” Apple Bloom said looking over the dozens of barrels, “We’ve never gotten the whole south field in only a day… ya’ll are amazing.”
“No need to thank me.” Battleaxe said laying his barrel down, “I-“
“It’s a team effort, Battleaxe.” Applejack said, “but thank ya’ll fer what ya done.”
“We do what we can…” Battleaxe said rolling his eyes. “And hopefully after this week or so of waiting we’ll have a few more ponies willing to do the same for Ponyville.”

Chapter 27: Ponyville Defense Force

Several weeks had passed since the welcome party, and Greatsword and his counterparts had started their mission. They expected given the size of the town nearly twenty ponies would sign up, but initial predictions were very wrong.

“Five…” Battleaxe said to the group, “all those damn flyers we set up around town and we only get five…”

“It’s not the quantity, Battleaxe,” Lug Nut said looking over the five ponies in question. “It’s the quality.”

“Five…” Battleaxe repeated. “Just FIVE.”

“It’s better than none, brother.” Greatsword said to Battleaxe as he stepped before their trainees. “And we must not disappoint Princess Celestia. They will be trained, and they will be ready.”

“Am I the only one who still knows how to count?” Battleaxe said to Patches, who replied with a hoof over her face.

“Good morning, ponies,” Greatsword said to the five trainees. “You all are here because you want to become more than what you are already and you want to keep what you care about safe.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said smiling as the other four remained silent.

“I am Captain Greatsword of the Equestrian Special Forces Division, and I will be overseeing your training.”

Greatsword calmly explained everything that he and the others would be training them for over the next several weeks. The small group of volunteers remained silent during the duration of his speech, but several were starting to wonder why they volunteered in the first place. Once he finally finished, a single hoof rose into the air.

“Captain, sir,” the pony said. “Will we actually be killing things after you train us?”

“If it comes down to that, yes,” Greatsword said. “What’s your name stallion?”

“Carmel…” he replied

“Carmel,” Greatsword said, “why are you here?”

“What?” Carmel asked, somewhat surprised at the question.

“Why are you here, Carmel?” Greatsword said again staring him down.

“Well, Big Macintosh signed up and I thought that I should do the same,” Carmel explained, “after all, he and I are really good friends.” He turned to Big Mac, “Right buddy?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied nodding his head.

“Carmel,” Greatsword said again, “why are you here?”

Carmel began to sweat while he took a large gulp, “Uh… well, you see…” Carmel’s eyes shifted around as he tried to find the right words. “Can I tell you in private?”

“Of course you can, follow me.” Greatsword said walking to the far side of the Town Hall. “Now,” he said once they were far enough away from the other ponies to where they couldn’t hear, “why are you here?”

“I like Big Mac’s little sister, Applejack…” Carmel said hanging his head low. “I thought if I joined she would notice me more and maybe start liking me the way I like her.”

“Have you ever told her that you like her?” Greatsword asked. “That would help.”

“No! I can barely look at her; even though I’ve done odd jobs at their farm for years I still can’t seem to muster the courage to talk to her.” Carmel spoke almost too quickly for Greatsword to understand him. “She loves military ponies though, but I’m too scared to join the real forces, so this was my best bet to have her notice me.”

“Your heart’s in the right place, Carmel,” Greatsword said placing his hoof on Carmel’s shoulder, “and after these next few weeks, I’ll have your mind and body there too.”

“Thank you, sir.” Carmel said smiling.

“No, problem, Carmel, now get back to the others. I still have to explain your itinerary.” Greatsword said as he and Carmel made their way back to the ponies, the 1025th was still introducing themselves and what they would be instructing.

Greatsword took his place in front of the ponies and looked them over one last time. “For the next four weeks you trained in small town urban defensive tactics. Training starts at 0445 every morning, and will continue until 1930 every evening. Do all of you understand?” The trainees all nodded. “Good, Training starts tomorrow, and believe me… you DON’T want to be late for my classes.”

The next day at 0445, all the ponies were there, ready for the training. It started with a two hour run around town. After a one hour break for breakfast and bath time, they received classes. On the first day, Lug Nut was their instructor.

“Alright, ponies,” he began, “since Graphite is the only unicorn, I’ll teach you the hard way how to make and repair a short and long range radio.” he grabbed a cart full of household appliances and moved it in front of the group. “First you take the sewing machine…” after hours of agonizingly boring instructions he was finally done with his work. “And that’s how you do It.” he said proudly, “your turn.”

The trainees looked at him in confusion. They had all fallen asleep at some point in time during the class. Lug Nut was just so concentrated on making the radio that he failed to notice. The other instructors did their best to hide their laughter when Lug Nut became a shade of red with frustration. He took the whole thing apart and made the trainees put it together until they finally got it right, seven hours later.

The next day was much the same, except they were learning scouting and maneuver through urban terrain. The two pegasi in the group of five excelled in their attempts. So much they actually impressed Long Shot, the instructor for the day.

“Not bad, ponies, not bad at all.” He said with approval.

“Thank you, sir.” the two said in unison.

“I never caught your names, mind telling me so I can out in a good word?” Long Shot asked them.

“I’m Thunderlane, sir.” the stallion said.

“Name’s Scootaloo.” The mare said.

“You seem a little young, Scootaloo,” Long Shot said to her. “Just how old are you?”

“I’m at the minimum age requirement, sir.” Scootaloo said proudly, “I signed up because I thought it would be a new challenge.”

“She’s always looking for something exciting, sir,” Thunderlane explained, “a few years back she won the Equestrian X-games.”

“I have this cutie mark for a reason, Thunderlane.” Scootaloo said pointing to the winged scooter wheel on her flank.

“That’s where I’ve heard the name before. Well I’m sure we can think of more challenging courses as you two progress.” Long Shot said nodding to them.

“I can’t wait for it.” Scootaloo said excitedly.

“Don’t get carried away, Scootaloo,” Thunderlane said to her, “I’m sure they’d want you NOT to break a wing during training.”

“You’re not my dad.” Scootaloo said back as the two walked away from Long Shot.

“Nopony knows who your dad is, Scootaloo,” Thunderlane said back, “and Roller Blade never told you who he was.”

Scootaloo punched Thunderlane’s shoulder while they continued to walk away, but she was not the only pony there to have a reaction at the mention of that name. Long Shot froze in place the moment he overheard the two’s conversation. It was impossible, he thought, it was so long ago.

“Did he just…” he said staring back in their direction.

“Something wrong, Long Shot?” Patches asked Long Shot. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

“I’m fine…” Long Shot said shaking his head, “I think I was just hearing things.”

“Well ok, we still got three ponies to run through the course and it’s almost 1800. We kind of need to speed them through.” Patches said to him as they made their way back to the start of the course.

Long Shot saw the other three ponies though the course quickly and at 1930, the training was completed. Everypony made their way back home. Once Long Shot arrived at his brother’s house he stopped at the front door to think.

“Can it be?” he asked himself, looking to the door, “it’s impossible, she never left Flankford…” Long Shot lowered his head, “well, she never WROTE saying she left Flankford.”

Just as he had finished his statement, Archer opened the door to greet him. “Welcome home Uncle Long Shot!” she said with a smile, “How was training today?”

“Interesting to say the least.” Long Shot said as he picked up his head and gave a smile to his niece.

“I can’t wait to hear about it. Ready for dinner?” Archer asked happily, “I cooked it myself!”

“I’ll call the hospital then,” Long Shot said as Archer rolled her eyes at him, “I need to talk to your dad after dinner though…” he said walking inside, “in private.”

“Sure Uncle Long Shot,” Archer said letting him pass, “I’m just glad you’re back.”

Nearly two weeks passed since the 1025th started training their volunteers and they all seemed to be doing well. Big Mac was excellent for supply shipments, Thunderlane and Scootaloo were getting faster and faster with each obstacle course. Graphite was learning basic defensive and offensive spells faster than any of them expected, but it was Carmel who was becoming their best recruit and it wasn’t just his trainers that took notice of that.

The training had been completed for the day. Everypony had left for their homes. Carmel stayed behind, as he had nearly every evening, to get in some extra practice with what they had learned that day. About an hour in to his own personal training, he was halted by a familiar, southern accent.

“Howdy, Carmel,” Applejack said making her way to him. “I heard ya been doin’ well out here.”

“Uh… uh…” Carmel stuttered, whipping the sweat from his brow. “Thanks…”

“I been hearin’ a couple of other things ‘bout ya as well.” She said stopping only inches away from him.

“Uh… like what?” Carmel asked wiping the sweat of his brow.

“Well,” Applejack said smiling, “I heard that somepony round town has caught yer eye.”

“Really?!” Carmel hastily said with his eyes darting everywhere. “Who would possibly say something like that?”

“Carmel…” Applejack said again, “ya don’t have to be like that. To tell ya the truth, I kinda like ya too.”

“What?!” Carmel shouted, “R-really?!”

“Half the time ya did odd jobs at the farm nopony really needed to do anything,” Applejack said, adjusting her hat over her eyes. “I just wanted ta watch ya work.”

“I-I don’t know what to say Applejack…” Carmel said his face becoming red.

“Then let me show ya.” Applejack leaned into him and gave him a peck on the cheek, Carmel froze in shock. He started to lean to one side, but Applejack caught him before he completely fell over.

“Come on,” she said, smiling. “Let’s get ya home.”

“Did it work?” Apple Bloom said, hiding behind a short wall while Big Mac was peering over it.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said with a smile.

Apple Bloom pumped her hoof up and down, “I knew big sis wouldn’t let ‘em down! I’m sure if you didn’t hint to her about Carmel she’d of never made the move in the first place.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said again looking to his little sister.

“Let’s get back to the farm Big Macintosh, I’m sure Granny Smith’ll be wonderin’ where I been by now.” Apple Bloom said getting up.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said while the two made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres.

One day later, Greatsword was looking over the volunteers. They had come a long way for being trained for a little over two weeks. He was proud of every one of them, in particular Carmel. Today however, Carmel looked a little different, a lot more upbeat usual. His mood made Greatsword wonder what made him like this today. “Carmel,” he said, “why are you so happy today?”

“No reason in particular, sir.” Carmel replied, his stupid grin still on his face.

“It’s Applejack, isn’t it?” Greatsword asked in front of everypony. Carmel’s smile quickly went away when all the other ponies stared at him.

“YOU and Applejack?” Graphite said with wide eyes, “I never saw THAT coming.”

Carmel’s eyes darted from pony to pony as he wiped sweat off his face. He continued to look around until his eyes fell on Big Mac, who was doing his best to cover up his smile. Carmel glared at Big Mac angrily. He was the only pony that knew before he told Greatsword a few weeks ago.

“Carmel, it’s nice that you found somepony to care about,” Greatsword said giving him a stern look. “But do NOT let your feelings for her get in the way of your mission, it WILL kill you.” He turned to all the ponies. “I don’t want any of you to let your emotions control you, doing that either kills you or the pony next to you.”

“Yes sir.” all the volunteers said in unison.

“Good, now let’s get our run in so we can start training,” Greatsword said. “You get Warhammer as an instructor today, heaven help you…” he smiled as they began their run, but his smile was as it had been for over a month, fake.

After nearly breaking everypony during his training, Warhammer went to speak with his brother. Greatsword was watching a few of their volunteers run a course, in silent thought. He was so lost in thought he didn’t even notice it when Warhammer stopped at his side. The two sat there for several minutes but finally Warhammer spoke.

“I don’t think I’ve never seen you this upset, Greatsword,” he began. “Not even five years ago, when your dreams haunted you beyond any reason.”

“I don’t need to talk, Warhammer,” Greatsword said to him. “I just need time alone.”

“You’ve been left alone for over a month, Greatsword,” Warhammer said. “Now I am here to help, please brother, let me help you like I have before.”

“You can’t help if there’s no issue, Warhammer.” Greatsword said back. “You don’t have to worry about me, worry about our volunteers, they only need one more week of training and then they’ll be on their own.”

“Like you are now,” Warhammer said stepping even closer to Greatsword. “Record Keeper’s death ways heavy on all of our minds, brother, I know you were the closest to her-”

“CAN’T I JUST BE LEFT THE HELL ALONE?!” Greatsword yelled, halting everypony on the course. “I know you are trying to help, but I need to be left alone. Do you understand that?”

“I do brother,” Warhammer said, “but you’re wrong.”

“I’ve been wrong before,” Greatsword said walking back to the Town Hall, “and I’ll be wrong again.”

Warhammer just watched as his brother left him. It didn’t take long for Battleaxe to take Greatsword’s place at Warhammer’s side. Warhammer continued to stare off into the town, even when Battleaxe tried to get his attention. After a few seconds of waving his forearms around like an idiot he finally said something.

“What the hell is his problem?”

“He’s going through a troubling time.” Warhammer answered.

“Aren’t we all?” Battleaxe said rolling his eyes. “We’re in a no-name town training a group of ill-prepared ponies to more than likely die when-“

“It is a matter of the heart, Battleaxe,” Warhammer interrupted. “I know that he and Record Keeper were close… but they may have been closer than any of us thought.”

“You think those two…”

“I’m not sure… but this is a battle that he wishes to fight alone… even though he needs our help.”

“Well… we still need to train these guys, so if you would be so kind.”

“I’ll be on my way soon enough,” Warhammer said staring into the distance. “Don’t wait for me.”

Battleaxe returned to the training while Warhammer remained. He knew that Greatsword was going through hell, much like he was, but it was different than being away from the one he loved. Several minutes passed before Warhammer returned to the group, because after all, Battleaxe was right. Their training was only a week away from completion and this last week needed the full concentration of the whole team.

Author's Notes:

That name... could there be a connection between Long Shot and this recruit?

Chapter 28: Surprise Visitors

After their final week of training, the once unprepared five ponies were now ready to protect Ponyville. Despite the fact there were only five of them. Greatsword and the other ponies looked on with pride as the volunteers received their certificates and designations.

“Defensive corrdinator…” Graphite said looking at his sheet, “cool, I’m gonna make this town a fortress.”

“A runner?!” Scootaloo shouted in disappointment. “Why can’t I be an advanced scout like Thunderlane?”

“You’re still very young; Scootaloo,” Greatsword explained, “and you’re faster than Thunderlane. you can get help quicker if Ponyville were to come under attack.”

“Fine…” Scootaloo grunted, “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“Big Mac’s the heavy lift specialist,” Carmel said. “I wonder what I’m designated as?” Carmel looked to the bottom of his paper, what he saw made his jaw drop.

“SQUAD LEADER?!” he exclaimed. “Sir, do you really think I’m good enough for that?”

“I do Carmel,” Greatsword said. “But it wasn’t just me, it was the general concessions that you should lead them, you gave 110 percent every day. That’s what you need to be a leader.”

“Thank you, sir.” Carmel said smiling, “I can’t wait to tell A.J.”

“Do you all know what this calls for?” a voice called out over the ponies.

“You have GOT to be kidding me…” Lug Nut said as he and the group looked around for the pink pony.

“A party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed popping out from under the platform the ponies were standing on.

“Why not?” Long Shot said, “I could use a little relief after these last four weeks.”

“Well I’ve got just the thing!” Pinkie said pulling a cannon out from under the platform. “My party cannon!”

Several rounds were fired from the cannon, setting up a party in mere seconds. A few minutes later several ponies arrived and the party began. Not everypony in town was there for this party, however, just family and close friends. It seemed fitting that it was like that because the ones there were the ones who the volunteers signed up for in the first place.

It didn’t take long for Long Shot made his way to Scootaloo. He didn’t want to ask, but he needed to know for sure if what he thought was true. Long Shot stood there looking at Scootaloo, who was giving him a strange look back.

“Are you ok, sir?” she asked, “Do you need to ask me something?”

Long Shot took a deep breath and began. “Scootaloo, I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but are your parents?”

Scootaloo looked at him angrily, but she answered anyway, “Well I never knew my dad, mom said he ran off before I was born.” she looked slightly angry while she explained her life story. “That’s why mom moved here about eight years ago.”

“And where are you from originally?” Long Shot asked, his voice quivering.

“I was born in Flankford.” Scootaloo continued. “Why are you so interested in my story anyway?”

“I’m just curious,” Long Shot said quickly. His mind was racing, he needed to ask one more question then he would know for sure if he was right or not. “What was your mom‘s name?”

Scootaloo quickly gave a death stare at Long Shot. He knew that something had to have happened to her mother, whether it was that one pony or not. “Her name was Roller Blade…” she said gritting her teeth. “She died about six years ago because she got really sick and my dad never even bothered to come help her get better.”

Long Shot’s legs buckled, what he thought and what was the truth were the same thing. He was cretin that Scootaloo was his daughter; Roller Blade never told him that she was pregnant when he left to join the military. All he ever got was a letter saying that she didn’t want to be with him anymore and that he should never come back to Flankford while he was in hoof camp. What upset him the most was that Scootaloo believed that her ‘dad’ was a dead beat who didn’t care about her mother. That was not the case; he hadn’t been in Flankford for over sixteen years because of her request.

“Are you alright sir?” Scootaloo asked concerned, seeing Long Shot nearly fall over. “Do you need to see a doctor?”

“NO!” Long Shot said back as he tried to find his balance, “I’m fine, I-I just realized something.” Long Shot darted away from Scootaloo who stared at him the whole time as he ran off.

“What was his problem?” Thunderlane asked Scootaloo as he walked up next to her.

“I don’t know, Thunderlane,” she said back, “but whatever it is, it must be very important.”

“If she’s got one thing going for her, Pinkie Pie can sure throw a party.” Battleaxe said to Twilight.

“It is her special talent.” Twilight said back filling two glasses of punch for them. “How was training those ponies anyway?”

“I’ve trained far worse,” Battleaxe said reminiscing to years back. “FAR worse.”

“I can hardly believe anypony would be harder than Scootaloo,” Twilight said giggling. “She can be quite the hassle.”

“She’s not a Lunar Stallion.” Battleaxe replied shaking his head.

“You trained the Lunar Stallions?” Twilight gasped.

“Well, my old unit did.” Battleaxe said, “Greatsword and Warhammer were the two that trained Princess Luna’s personal guards.” He lifted his glass and pointed at Twilight, “True story…”

Twilight turned her attention to Greatsword and Warhammer, who were talking with the apple family, Cheerilee and Carmel. “They must really be something if they were able to train two Lunar Stallions that well.”

“They really are,” Battleaxe said looking to them now as well, “through thick and thin they’ve been there for me, some of the missions we went on I don’t think I would’ve come back if they weren’t there to save my sorry flank.”

“Well I’m thankful they were there…” Twilight said, her eyes glued Battleaxe; he looked to her eyebrow raised. Coming back to her senses she looked off into the distance. “To save you, because that would be horrible if you died, of course.”

“Of course.” Battleaxe said smiling charmingly at Twilight, her face suddenly turned a light shade of red.

Just as the party was beginning to die down a figure appeared in the night sky. It was a chariot being pulled by two pegasi with two figures sitting in the chariot itself. The vehicle landed and the two ponies in the back of the chariot stepped out.

“Luna.” Warhammer said making his way to her, “you have no idea how much I’ve missed you.” He gave her a small kiss, Luna looked back at him and smiled.

“Why do you think I’m here now?” she asked, nuzzling Warhammer, “I missed you too.” The two nuzzled one another for some time. Amidst the intimacy Scootaloo recognized the other pony that got off the chariot.

“Sweetie Belle?!” She called out catching the attention of Apple Bloom too. The unicorn waved her hoof excitedly at the other two looking in her direction. They ran to her and then a group hug was started. “Sweetie Belle, you actually came!”

“I wouldn’t miss something like this, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle said rushing to embrace her friends.

“I thought ya were all tied up by that Equestrian Idol thing-a-ma-jig that ya were in.” Apple Bloom said while the hug was broken up.

“I’m on tour for winning it, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle explained. “But that doesn’t mean I can take a break for my best friends.”

“Can we do it one more time?” Scootaloo asked the others, who excitedly nodded.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS REUNION AT PONYVILLE TOWN HALL!” they shouted simultaneously, giggling.

“Aw horseradish, they’re together again…” Applejack said looking to the three young ponies. “Let’s get outta here before they ruin somethin‘.” She grabbed Carmel by his foreleg and darted for home. Big Mac and Cheerilee laughed at Applejack’s reaction, it had been nearly three months since Sweetie Belle left but she still remembered all the trouble they had gotten themselves into.

“It’s kind of funny that she’s acting like that,” Cheerilee said giggling, “she does realize that Apple Bloom helped out with Carmel, right?”

“Nope.” Big Mac said looking in the direction the two ran off in.

“Well, it’s nice to see you again, my lady.” Greatsword said bowing to Princess Luna.

“Greatsword, you need not bow to me.” Princess Luna said, motioning him to rise.

“Old habits, my lady.” Greatsword said smiling.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight called out to her, “welcome back, may I ask why you are here now? Nightmare Night is three months away.”

“For being so smart you don’t listen very well.” Princess Luna joked, “I’m here to see Warhammer, it’s been a little over a month since he left Canterlot and I have been missing him.”

“You have NO idea how much she’s been missing him.” Dark Knight said to Greatsword.

“Half the damn night she sends shooting stars, one night constilations… hell she even made the moon bigger so he could see it better.” Night Wing added taking his place next to Dark Knight.

“Love does that to a pony…” Greatsword said forcing another smile, seeing what Warhammer had with Luna made him a bizarre mix of anger and sadness; angry to see somepony happy while he was in so much pain yet sad because of what he thought would happen if they were to be taken away from one another.

“Sir, are you ok?” Dark Knight asked Greatsword.

“Holy emotional devistation, Dark Knight,” Night Wing said looking Greatsword over. “I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing A LOT of enternal conflict.”

“I’m fine you two,” Greatsword said waving them off. “I’m just thinking about something that you don’t need to be concerned about.”

“If you say so, sir.” Dark Knight said. “We were just voicing our concern.”

“You’re too kind, Dark Knight,” Greatsword said to the stallions walking away from him and heading to the Princess and Warhammer.

“How’d ya get a ride with Princess Luna?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle.

“Well, I got Scootaloo’s letter about a week ago.” Sweetie Belle explained, “I had an audience with Princess Celestia and she told me that Princess Luna was planning to come to Ponyville so I asked her if I could get a ride.”

“And I was more than happy to allow her passage.” Princess Luna said, “I would not want you to be separated from your friends, especially on an occasion special to them.”

“Well thank you, Princess Luna,” Scootaloo smiled. “You ARE the best Princess.” Scootaloo looked to her friends. “Come on girls, I have a cool idea.” the three ran off before telling anypony where they were going.

“Wonder where their headed?” Battleaxe said.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Twilight replied. “But those three do have a tendency for getting into trouble.”

“Care to explain, Twilight?” Battleaxe asked.

“That will take a while, Battleaxe.” Twilight answered.

“I told you a long intriguing story,” Battleaxe said back, leaning into the table the two were sitting at. “It’s YOUR turn to tell me one.”

“Well, it’s more or less a collection of stories, all of them about them trying to get their cutie marks in various ways.” Twilight explained.

“I’d like to hear them,” Battleaxe said, “after all I’d love to know how I got MY cutie mark.”

“Oh, alright,” Twilight said, “now, where to begin...”

Long Shot ended up standing next to Patches and Lug Nut after he ran from Scootaloo. The two ponies looked at him in confusion, his was normally quiet and composed, but now he seemed to be filled with nothing but anxitity. They watched in shock as he grabbed a bottle of wine and nearly drink the whole thing in one breath.

“Whoa, Long Shot.” Lug Nut said stopping him from downing the rest of the wine. “You look like you just saw a manticore in a dark alley, what gives?”

“Nothing Lug Nut.” Long Shot said grabbing the bottle back from him.

“You were like this nearly a month ago when we started training, after you got done talking to Scootaloo and Thunderlane when they got done with their first trial on the obstacle course.” Patches said, making her way towards him. “Does it have something to do with those two?”

Long Shot’s eye became even wider at the mention of Scootaloo’s name. Patches and Lug Nut looked at one another then back to Long Shot. “What is it about Scootaloo, Long Shot?” Lug Nut asked, “what makes her different?”

Long Shot took a deep breath and looked both ponies in the eyes. “She might be my daughter…” he said, Patches and Lug Nut’s jaws nearly hit the ground.

“Are you sure?” Patches asked, “She does kind of look like you, but then again, I kind of look like Twilight and were not related.”

“She’s from Flankford and her mother’s name was Roller Blade. The same name of my high school sweetheart.” Long Shot explained, “she left me when I joined, but she never told me that she was pregnant.”

“That doesn’t may any sense,” Lug Nut said, “why would she want to leave you and never tell you that you had a foal?”

“We got into a fight about me signing up…” Long Shot answered. “And I said I was going to join and nothing was going to change my mind. I left the next day without ever saying sorry.” Long Shot’s eye became misty, “I never said sorry…”

“You still don’t know if Scootaloo is your child or not.” Patches said, placing her hoof on his shoulder. “If you could get a blood test that would be the only way to know for sure.”

“And HOW is he going to do that?” Lug Nut asked, “Hey there Scootaloo, this is crazy, but I might be your father, so let’s get a blood test maybe?”

“You are not helping, Lug Nut…” Long Shot growled.

“YES!” Cheerilee exclaimed over all the other ponies, “YES, YES, YES!” she yelled out happily, wrapping her forelegs around Big Mac.

“Looks like Big Mac finally popped the question.” Twilight said, smiling at the two happy ponies. “I want that to be me one day…”

“What was that?” Battleaxe said, turning his gaze to Twilight. “Did you say something?”

Twilight quickly looked away and used her magic to hide behind her glass, “Nothing, Battleaxe,” she said, “just talking to myself, that’s all.”

“Right,” Battleaxe said sarcastically. “Talking to yourself.”

Princess Luna looked to the two happy ponies then to Warhammer. The look on his face when her eyes met his was priceless. He quickly flinched at the thought that ran through his mind. She responded with a giggle and brushed herself against him.

“I can at least get one thing I want tonight, can’t I?” She whispered seductively in his ear.

Warhammer let a small grin come across his face when he nodded. Amongst the happiness of the ponies there, Greatsword quietly excused himself from the party. He needed to leave because he couldn’t stay around so much happiness for too long, he would just grow angrier. He continued down the road that the Cutie Mark Crusaders went down, to the Everfree Forest.

Chapter 29: On the Wings of Angels

Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked into the Everfree Forest, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle still wondering what Scootaloo’s great idea was.

“What exactly are we doing?” Sweetie Belle asked Scootaloo, looking for something in the thick of the trees.

“We’re looking for my wood pile.” Scootaloo replied.

“A wood pile?” the two ponies behind her said.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo replied, “MY wood pile.”

“Why would ya want ta bring us ta lousy wood pile?” Apple Bloom asked, with a disappointed expression on her face.

“It’s not going to be a wood pile once we’re done, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo said back to her, “it’s going to be an awesome half pipe!”

“Why couldn’t this wait ‘til mornin‘?” Apple Bloom asked.

“BECAUSE Sweetie Belle will probably have to leave when Princess Luna goes back to Canterlot in the morning.” Scootaloo answered.

“She’s right…” Sweetie Belle said disappointedly. “I have to go back on tour in a few days.”

“Oh,” Apple Bloom said, “I guess yer right.”

“Of course I am,” Scootaloo smiled, “Now, help me find this thing.”

The crusaders continued deeper into the forest, searching for Scootaloo’s wood pile. Their quest drew them further and further into the dark, until the they could barely see their own hooves in front of their faces. They pressed on however, undaunted, but unknown to them they were being watched by unfriendly and hungry eyes. The bushes behind them rustled lightly. Causing Apple Bloom to jump at the sudden sound.

“D-did ya’ll hear that?” she said darting towards her friends.

“And you said I was a chicken.” Scootaloo joked. “Come on, we should be close now.”

They continued on, until they reached a small clearing. Scootaloo pointed to a pile of large branches and smiled. “There it is,” she said proudly. “Let’s grab’em and head back to Ponyville.”

“We can’t just get started out here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Ya been gone fer only three months an ya forget that the Everfree Forest is dangerous.” Apple Bloom said.

“Especially at night.” Scootaloo added.

“Oh yeah, right…” Sweetie Belle said looking around nervously, “let’s get back as fast as we can.”

The three ponies approached the pile, only to jump in shock. The pile of wood stood up and opened it’s yellow, glowing eyes.

“T-that’s not a…” Apple Bloom’s voice quivered, she and her friends gathered together shaking in fear.

The Timber wolf let out a chilling howl, signaling the nine wolves that had been stalking the ponies for quite some time to emerge from the shadows. Now was time to feed and ponies were a rare treat, especially in such a number. The pack of wolves drew ever closer to them, surrounding their prey ready to attack and feast at a moments notice.

“EVERYPONY RUN!” Sweetie Belle cried out as she bolted from the group, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo close behind.

The hunt was on. They ran as fast as they could, it was the only thing they could do to stay alive. The three darted through the trees and brush, hoping that it would slow down their pursuers, but timber wolves are fast and agile. If anything, it made the running ponies easier to catch. The three ran to a small clearing, the timber wolf pack not far behind. They could still hear the clattering of the branches that made up their bodies behind them.

“We’re not gonna make it!” Apple Bloom cried, her tears fell full of fear.

“Don’t say that!” Scootaloo yelled at Apple Bloom, her own eyes full of water. “Captain Greatsword said to never give up!”

“I wish he were here now…” Apple Bloom said between sobs, “he’d know what ta do.”

“That’s it!” Sweetie Belle called out, “we need to get Captain Greatsword!”

“We won’t be able to reach anypony at this rate!” Scootaloo yelled, “You two keep running, I’ll distract them!”

“Scootaloo! NO!” the two yelled out as she ran off in another direction.

“No time to argue!” She yelled running back into the woods. “Hey you stick-brained mutts!” she called out to the timber wolves, “you want dinner?” she smacked her flank twice, “You gotta catch it!”

Scootaloo sprinted into the forest, the timber wolves close behind. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ran back to the town with tears in their eyes. Thinking that they had just let their best friend die.

Greatsword was walking slowly through the forest, thinking about all that had happened in his life since five years ago. He could hardly believe that he even lived this long in the first place. All the missions he had been on, being outnumbered ten to one on the easy missions, the odds even worse on some. He thought back on everypony lost to him, all of them good friends. He smiled a genuine smile for the first time in nearly two months when he remembered the good times.

The smile quickly faded however as he remembered how those memories were his and his alone. Flare Flash’s fear of catfish, Tower Shield’s diary, Ridge Cracker’s favorite color being pink, he was the only pony who knew of those things now. He thought back again this time to Record Keeper. He was the only pony who ever knew the pleasure of her kiss and much more. His heart sank even lower. He never wanted anything to happen to them, he would without second thought give every minute of his life away if it meant they would still be alive today. His thoughts were shattered by the sound of hooves sprinting to him.

“Captain Greatsword!” the two ponies yelled as they stopped and wrapped him up in there embrace.

“Girls,” he asked calmly. “What happened, and where’s Scootaloo?”

“W-w-w-e, we were gonna build a half pipe outta a bunch of wood Scootaloo found,” Apple Bloom said between exhausted breaths. “B-b-b-b-but timber wolves attacked us.”

“TIMBER WOLVES!” Greatsword yelled, “My Celestia, where the HELL is Scootaloo?!”

“She… she…” Sweetie Belle cried, “She ran deeper into the forest to give us a better chance of finding help…”

“YOU LET HER DO THAT?!” Greatsword roared, the two ponies were still clinging to him for their lives.

“W-we didn’t want to, she just ran off!” Sweetie Belle said crying into Greatsword’s chest.

“Damnit…” Greatsword growled. “You two keep heading for town, I’m going to get Scootaloo.”

“There were ten of ‘em Captain Greatsword!” Apple Bloom yelled out as he ran into the woods, “You’ll die if ya go in there.”

“I’m not letting another pony die!” he roared back ignoring Apple Bloom’s warning.

Greatsword found the small clearing the three were in earlier. He looked over the tracks, all hooves, none of the timber wolves followed Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. He followed a particular trail of hooves, the one that lead back into the forest.

“Scootaloo…” he said to himself as he rushed in the direction of the tracks.

Greatsword continued to follow the trail, which was now covered by paw prints and freshly broken twigs. The beast focused on Scootaloo, as the other two ponies said they had. He came into a small outcrop and saw something shining on its edge. As he grew closer he saw that it was what he feared the most.

“Blood…” He said as he dipped his hoof into the small pool and examined it further, “pony blood…” nightmares started to run through his mind, all the ponies he failed were haunting him. He shook off his darker inner thoughts and continued to follow the trail, which was now in a red dotted line.

The trail became even redder as he followed it, Scootaloo had been injured and seemed to be slowing down. The wolf tracks showed little change however, they looked as if they were slowing, but only to save their energy for the final blow. Then Greatsword heard a loud scream.

“SCOOTALOO!” he yelled, racing to the direction of the scream. “Hold on I’m coming!”

Greatsword arrived to see ten large timber wolves surrounding a lone tree, Scootaloo had managed to climb up it before they could reach her. She clung to the branch she was on for dear life, her flank pouring out blood.

“Hey you sons of bitches!” he roared to get the wolves attention, “why don’t you mess with somepony who’ll KICK YOUR ASSES!”

The timber wolves all turned their attention to Greatsword, who was walking slowly towards them. The wolf’s sap-like saliva dripping off their sharpened fangs at the thought of yet another pony, this one big enough to feed the pack for a whole week. The pack had never been so fortunate, but their luck was about to change.

Greatsword drew closer quickening his pace with every step, until he was in a full on charge at the wolves. He drove himself into the pack snapping the bodies of two of the smaller wolves in half. He continued to plow through them, being slashed and bitten at the whole time, but his own pain didn’t matter. What mattered was that terrified pony in the tree, thinking it was her last night alive.

“Scootaloo!” he yelled out snapping the head off of an attacking timber wolf with his hind legs. “Jump! I’ll catch you!”

“C-c-captain?” Scootaloo said weakly, “y-you came?”

“Yes!” he called to her, punching another wolf, “now jump! I’m getting you out of here!”

Scootaloo more or less fell out of the tree than jumped. She was too weak to do anything else due to the blood she had already lost. Greatsword caught the limp pony in his forelegs, forcing her forelegs around his own neck while he still carried her with one foreleg.

“Don’t let go…” He said to her as he started to run from the remaining timber wolves.

“Only if you don’t…” Scootaloo replied weakly.

Greatsword ran as fast as he could on three legs holding Scootaloo close to his chest as he sprinted. His wings were fully extended to keep balance as he ran. The wolves were snapping at his heels, trying to bring him down, so they could partake in a meal of vengeance for their fallen brethren.

“ARGH!” Greatsword roared as one of the wolves snapped his jaws down on one of his wings and trying to drag him down. Greatsword used the momentum to spin into the beast and with a powerful swing of his free hoof he struck the wolf, its skull in, but not before its teeth broke off in Greatsword’s wing.

He continued to run, never letting up, never giving up. ‘No more ponies will die because of me‘. He thought to himself, ‘especially ponies as young as Scootaloo‘. The wolves started to tire because of their chase and fight with the ponies they were trying to catch, but they weren’t about to let such an opportunity as a large pony escape them. They had tasted blood, and if their prey could bleed, they could kill it.

“We’re almost there, Scootaloo.” Greatsword gulped for air as the forest grew thinner, “just stay with me!”

“I knew you could save me…” Scootaloo smiled, the loss of blood was making her delirious. Greatsword knew that he had to get somewhere to find shelter. His prayers were answered when he saw a small light shine on the Everfree tree line.

“Hold on!” He yelled using every last bit of energy he had left to sprint to the light, leaving the timber wolves in the dust. “OPEN THE DOOR!” he yelled to whoever was in the house, “OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!”

The door barely opened and revealed a pony peeking her head out of it. She saw Greatsword rushing towards the house with the timber wolf pack close behind, she quickly closed the door.

“NO!” Greatsword roared, “FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA! OPEN THE DOOR!”

The door opened again, this time the pony had a ladle and a metal pan, she banged the ladle in the pan as hard as she could. Upon hearing the clang of the metal, the timber wolves stopped their pursuit and cowered back into the Everfree Forest. Nopony knew why it scared them so much, but it worked every time. Greatsword flew into the house, crashing into the couch and nearly knocking over the grandfather clock and mirror.

“G-Greatsword?” Fluttershy gasped in shock. “Oh my goodness, w-what happened?”

“Timber wolves…” Greatsword said catching his breath, “Scootaloo…” he pointed to the pony still in his foreleg, she was still holding onto him for dear life.

“Sc-Scootaloo?” Fluttershy asked, “Oh my, w-what happened to you?”

“Hospital…” Greatsword said, “get her to the hospital…” Greatsword tried to stand but his own injuries made it nearly impossible.

“W-what about you?” Fluttershy asked placing her hooves on his shoulders forcing him to sit back on her now bloody couch. “You need medical attention just as much as her, if not more.”

“I don’t matter…” Greatsword said trying to stand again, “but she does… I need to save her…”

A knock came to Fluttershy’s door she rushed to the door and looked out her peep hole. Everypony at the party was standing outside her house. She opened the door and saw Twilight in front of the group.

“Fluttershy,” she said, relieved. “Thank Celestia you’re awake, Apple-” Twilight froze mid-sentence upon seeing the two battered ponies in Fluttershy’s house. “Oh… My…” she said in shock, then she turned to Big Mac, “Get Doctor Stables here now, they’re in no condition to be moved to the hospital.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said turning around to get the doctor.

“I’m coming too,” Battleaxe said as he turned with Big Mac, “You coming, little bro?” Warhammer nodded and the three ran off to the hospital.

“You need to rest, Greatsword.” Fluttershy said, covering him with a blanket. “You’ve been through a lot this evening.”

“Save her… I can’t fail her… not like…” Greatsword’s eyes rolled into the back of his head. “Cannon Fodder… Roadmap…” Greatsword said softly as he began to lose conciseness. “Camo… Comet…” his eyes closed as he fell into coma, “Record Keeper…”

Fluttershy looked at him with great concern while she and Twilight watched over him. “Who were those ponies he was mentioning before he blacked out?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.

“They were in his old unit, Fluttershy…” Twilight said placing her hoof on Greatsword’s shoulder.

“O-old unit?” Fluttershy asked looking at Greatsword’s war torn and blood socked face.

“It’s a long story Fluttershy… but I’m sure he’d want you to know it.”

“I would like you to tell me,” Fluttershy said. “If that’s alright with you…”

“It is Fluttershy,” Twilight said putting Scootaloo under the same blanket, “let’s get started then…”

Chapter 30: Waiting

“He’s been in there forever…” Battleaxe said pacing back and forth. “Why won’t they let us in?”

“They’re in the middle of surgery, Battleaxe…” Twilight said trying to calm him down. “Those Timber wolves cut him deeper than Fluttershy first thought, and given the fact she ran out of medicine, the hospital was the only other place to go.”

“At least I could see him at Fluttershy’s… Here they wouldn’t allow you in even if you were Princess Celestia herself…”

“It’s just their protocol… I’m sure you understand that.”

“I do…” Battleaxe said looking back at her, “but that doesn’t mean I have to like it…”

The moment he stopped talking Warhammer and the apple family walked into the room. The looks on all their faces, especially Apple Bloom’s, were full of worry.

“Is he doin’ ok?” Apple Bloom asked stopping right in front of Twilight. “Is Greatsword gonna be alright?”

“We really don’t know Apple Bloom…” Twilight said apologetically, “All I know is that he was stable enough to move from Fluttershy’s house, other than that I’m lost.”

“We’re all lost…” Battleaxe growled taking a seat across the room.

“You don’t have to be like that Battleaxe.” Twilight said reassuringly “I’m sure-“

“My brother is on yet another operating table after coming off of one…” Battleaxe interrupted, “I’m sure that’s not very healthy…”

Twilight couldn’t help but let a little smile grow on her face, she could hardly believe that Battleaxe could still have a since of humor in an hour like this. But in the short time she’d come to know him, she understood that that was his way of coping with stressful situations. She also noticed that he was built very well for a unicorn and that he had a very nice face. However her thoughts were cut short by the voice of the very pony that just filed her thoughts.

“Twilight?” Battleaxe asked waving his hoof in front of her face, “Twilight, you in there? If so, I kinda need you to come back to me.”

“Huh?” Twilight squeaked, returning back to conscious thought, “Oh… uh… Battleaxe… I… uh… I’m sorry; I guess I was lost in thought.”

“No big deal Twili,” Battleaxe said with his trademarked grin, “Just making sure you’re all there upstairs.”

He patted her on the head, much to the surprise of the others in the room. “I thought ya only let yer brother call ya that…” she said. “Let alone let-“

“It’s Fine!” Twilight said suddenly, just to be answered by the silence of the others. She looked to Battleaxe and Warhammer, then to the Apple family, with both parties looking at her with confusion she calmed herself and started again. “It’s alright, Applejack, he can call me that.”

“But only-“

“I said it was ok Applejack…” Twilight said nonchalantly rolling her eyes. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Looks like I have a new nickname to add to my long list…” Battleaxe said. shooting a smile at Applejack, “What say you AJ?”

“Now hold on one-“

“Now is not the time or place for arguments,” Warhammer said stepping between the two. “We all came here for one pourpose; and that was to show support for Greatsword and the doctors who are operating on him as best they can.”

“We aren’t in Canterlot anymore little bro…” Battleaxe said. “We don’t have all the equipment they had in the castle, I’m sure these guys are good…” he looked to the door separating them between his brother. “You and I both brought him here when Fluttershy ran out of meds… he looked nearly as bad as when-“

Battleaxe and Warhammer looked to one another, then to the others and shook their heads. Everypony except for Twilight knew exactly what he was talking about. She never saw him this bothered, she knew what happened, hell Battleaxe explained it to her down to the last bloody detail. But not once did he look that upset when he was telling it to her. He cares about his brother more then he lets on, she thought to herself. Her thoughts were cut short when Applejack broke the silence.

“When ‘what’ exactly?”

“The reason we’re here now, and not in Canterlot.” Warhammer answered. “But now it is not the time or place to speak of such things,” he made his way to her stopping to where his shadow completely engulfed her and Apple Bloom, “Perhaps if we stepped outside?” he said pointing to the door.

“Uh, yeah sure…” Applejack said looking to the door. “We can talk outside.”

“I’m commin’ too!” Apple Bloom said following her sister, only to be stopped by a hoof nearly half the size of her body.

“No Apple Bloom.” Warhammer said sternly. “The story I’m about to tell your sister is not one for ears and a heart as young as yours.” He stared her square in the eyes, “You must stay here with the others.”

“But-“

“No buts, sugar cube,” Applejack said opening the door. “If he don’t want ya ta here what he’s gotta say then ya won’t hear it.”

“But it ain’t-“ Apple Bloom was cut off by the closing of the door. “Fair…” she completed, pouting while she took a seat.

“There’s a reason that he didn’t want you to hear it Apple Bloom,” Twilight said. “It’s not for the faint of heart.”

“Ya’ll still treating me like a little foal!” Apple Bloom yelled angrily. “I ain’t a foal no more, I’m-“

“That’s enough Apple Bloom…” Big Mac said, placing his hoof on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s see if Granny Smith could use some help ‘round the house.”

Apple Bloom looked up To Big Mac, then to Twilight and Battleaxe. Letting out a disappointed sigh she got up and the two walked outside. Leaving only the two that were in there in the first place, after a few minutes of silence Battleaxe finally spoke.

“Still creeps me out whenever he says anything other than ‘eeyup’ and ‘nope’…”

“I have to admit… even though I’ve been living here for nearly six years it still surprises me when he when he does that too.” Twilight added. “But it’s just who he is, and as long as Cheerilee loves him for it… who are we to judge?”

“I didn’t judge…” Battleaxe said slightly defensive. “I just said it’s kinda creepy.”

Again Twilight smiled, but this time a tiny giggle managed to find its way into the room. She covered her mouth quickly, trying not to sound impolite in the mist of her partner’s inner turmoil. But Battleaxe only smiled, that smile, she thought, here was something about it that seemed to calm her, even in a situation like this, even when she knew for a fact that he was scared of losing one of the few things he had left.

“Twilight…” Battleaxe said snapping her out of her thoughts yet again. “Twilight you’re doing it again…”

“I’m sorry Battleaxe…” Twilight said turning slightly red in the cheeks. “I just get lost in my thoughts from time to time.”

“I understand completely,” Battleaxe said rising from his seat. “You start thinking about that one thing… then before you know it you’re staring into blank space, leaving everypony else wondering ‘what the hell are they thinking about?’.”

“Yeah…” Twilight said, “Just like that, I guess.”

“Well Twilight I guess we’re one in the same…” Battleaxe said walking ever closer to her, “Don’t you say?”

Before Twilight could answer Warhammer and Applejack stepped through the doors. The look on Applejack’s face said it all. He had left nothing to her imagination, leaving her in shock. Immediately she walked up to Battleaxe and removed her hat.

“I’m real sorry I acted that way to ya Battleaxe…” she apologized. “I didn’t know…”

“It’s fine Applejack.” Battleaxe said acceptingly. “It’s just a part of the job.”

“But ya’ll-“

“It’s a job hazard that became a reality… bad things happen all the time.”

“And better it happen to us then civilians.” Warhammer added. “Life continues, it always will, it’s just how you come out of your experiences that makes you who you are.”

At that moment the doors opened again this time revealing two more in the rooms light. Rarity and Pinkie Pie didn’t visit Greatsword that much, but it when their day of work was done they did their best to pop in before something came up. With little Warning Pinkie rushed to Twilight wrapping her up in her embrace.

“Hi Twilight!” She exclaimed happily. “How’s Greatsword doing? Is he getting better? Oh please tell me he’s getting Better, because if he’s not getting better that would make me sad and if I get sad I would-“

“I think what Pinkie’s trying to say is that she’s concerned about Greatsword.” Rarity interrupted.

“We all are Rarity,” Battleaxe said. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“Oh I understand Battleaxe,” Rarity said. “If it was my sister behind those doors I’d be worried sick.” She looked around the room and noticed something was out of place. “Where are your other friends? Like Patches, Lug Nut and Long Shot?”

“Patches and Lug Nut are back in Town Hall taking care of some paperwork.” Battleaxe explained, “And Long Shot’s with Scootaloo on the other side of the hospital.”

“Why’s that?” Pinkie asked. “Did Long Shot and Scootaloo become super close in the time he’s been here?”

“She might be his daughter.” Warhammer answered, leaving everypony in the room speechless.

“Long Shot…” Battleaxe said in disbelief. “A dad?”

“It is uncertain, but he will require a blood test,” Warhammer explained. “I spoke with him when we brought Scootaloo here, his eyes were full of worry that only a father could have.”

“Does he really think that Scootaloo is his… daughter?” Twilight asked. “I mean just the thought of that-“

“He belevies it beyond any doubt,” Warhammer replied. “And he’s willing to do anything to find out.”

On the other side of the hospital, Long Shot was standing over a particular patient’s bed. Scootaloo was still unconscious, but that wasn’t what bothered him the most. Scootaloo was getting worse with every hour, and nopony really knew why.

“I haven’t been there for your whole life…” he said softly brushing his hoof across her face. “I’ll do anything to make sure you have more life to live…”

The door swung open, Doctor Stables stood in the opening, a needle and blood bag in hoof. “Is there a problem sir?” he asked motioning him to follow him. “We don’t have much time.”

Long Shot took one last long look at Scootaloo then back to the doctor. “What’s happening to her doc?” he said reluctantly leaving her side before the door closed. He stopped Doctor Stables with a hoof on his shoulder. “She’s been here for over a week, why is she still dying?”

“She has a very rare blood type,” Doctor Stables explained. “In fact, only one percent of the population has it. We can’t give her a transfusion simply because we don’t have any.”

“See if I have her blood type!” Long Shot exclaimed stopping only inches away from the doctor. “See if I’m a match!”

“Um… very well…” Doctor Stables said slightly intimidated. “But we’ll need to run some tests to see if you have anything that would make her worse as well as needing you to fill out some paperwork.”

“As long as we get done before any more damage happens.” Long Shot said before the two stepped out of the room completely, leaving Scootaloo in the room alone for the first time since they got there.

Back on the other side of the hospital, beyond the small waiting room, Fluttershy was sitting next to Greatsword’s bed. The doctors had been done with the surgery for an hour and they were long gone, but she remained, watching over him like an angel. She wondered what was going on inside his mind, what he was dreaming. She looked him up and down, head to hoof in stiches, his blankets damp with the blood that still oozed from the wounds. Blood made her sick, but there was something about him, something that made her want to stay by his side as long as she could.

Meanwhile inside Greatsword’s mind, any description short of hell would still sound pleasant to a normal pony. Greatsword was running through the darkness of his mind, trying to find his way out. Along his trek he was met with horrors and reminders of the friends he had lost. They were calling out to him begging him to save them, but the harder he tried to save them the more violently they died before his eyes.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!” he roared into the darkness, “IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN TAKE?!”

“We haven’t taken anything…” a voice from the shadows of his mind echoed, “This was all you…”

“NO!” Greatsword cried continuing to run into the ever continuing darkness.

“GREATSWORD!” a familiar voice cried, he turned around seeing Record Keeper held down in position while several tendrils dangled closer to her. “GREATSWORD HELP ME!”

“RECORD KEEPER!” he yelled running to her, but the faster he ran the quicker the tendrils advanced quicker until they wrapped themselves around her torso and began to pull. She cried in agony as they pulled her towards them, he was only a few steps away when finally.

RIP! Record Keeper was separated from her limbs and dragged to the ceiling, her blood showering Greatsword as she ascended. “You did this Greatsword!” she cried before disappearing “It’s your fault I’m-“

She didn’t get to finish her statement, all Greatsword could hear was a blood curdling scream from the darkness. Followed by a shower of blood and other body parts, staining his coat red, he fell to his knees throwing his hooves into the air, letting out a cry of pure despair as the blood continued to rain on him.

“What’s the matter hero?” the voice echoed, “Not good enough to save the ones you love?”

“NO!” Greatsword cried, “I can save them! I CAN!” at that moment he heard two familiar voices desperately cry for help. He ran to the noise, only to see Battleaxe and Warhammer being gutted alive by a giant spider-like creature. “BATTLEAXE!” he cried “WARHAMMER!”

“Brother…” Warhammer said reaching out to him weakly, “Why didn’t you come when we called your name? Why did you abandon us?”

“I would never abandon you!” He yelled charging the giant spider. “I’ll save you!”

“You’re too late to save us bro…” Battleaxe said, “and if you were only a bit stronger, you could’ve saved us…” and with that he fell limp to the floor.

“NO!” Greatsword exclaimed tripping over himself, sending him rolling to a stop. “B-Battleaxe…” he said weakly trying to stand.

“You were too late brother…” Warhammer said weakly, “It’s your fault that we’ve…”

He was cut short by the spider’s foot stomping his face in. the creature stood over the now blood and tear soaked pegasi and began to laugh. “Not quite strong enough, not quite fast enough…” it said mockingly. “But don’t worry, it only cost your brothers… What will Luna say about that?”

Greatsword looked up the beast, his eyes full of guilt and anger. “I… I…”

“Or better yet…” it said reaching into its stomach, “What would THESE two say about it?” he pulled out Comet, his body half-digested, showing in-trails and bone the other was Celestia, her body broken and bloody but still alive.

“WHY?!” he roared, tears flowing from his eyes, “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!”

“To remind you of your failures…” the creature answered, “And to show you that everything you love will die because YOU aren’t good enough to protect them…”

“G-Greatsword?” Princess Celestia asked opening her eyes, “Greatsword is that you?”

“Yes, my lady…” he answered, “It’s me…”

“You told me you would protect me… keep me safe…”

“I tried…” Greatsword replied, “I tried…”

“Trying isn’t good enough…” Comet said twitching in the creatures hold, “You failed us… all of us…”

“NO!” he cried reaching for them, but the creature stuffed them back into his gut, muffling the screams of the two ponies.

“To slow, hero…” the creature laughed, “Maybe next time… oh wait… they’re already dead.”

Greatsword fell before the creature, expecting it to take him next, but it only disappeared in a cloud of darkness. Leaving him there with the bodies of the ones he loved. Lying in a pool of his brother’s blood he began to let go, feeling the chill of ice and wind engulf him Greatsword finally blacked out.

Chapter 31: He was Never Alone

“Wake up,” a voice whispered into Greatsword’s ear. “Hey buddy, wake up.” Greatsword’s eyes shot open. Only one pony ever called him ‘buddy’. “Comet?” he asked.

“Uh, yeah,” Comet said to Greatsword, “Who else calls you ‘buddy’?”

“Is this a dream?” Greatsword said, looking around, “Why am I here?”

“Well, buddy…” Comet said, looking to the ground, “You’re kinda dead…”

“What?!” Greatsword yelled, “I-I’m… dead?”

“Why else would you be talking to me?” Comet asked, pointing to the pony behind him. “And why else would SHE be here?”

Greatsword gazed upon the figure beside him, his jaw dropped at what he saw. “Record Keeper…”

“It’s been a while hasn’t it, Greatsword?” Record Keeper said, making her way to Comet’s side.

“Why am I dead?” Greatsword asked.

Comet laughed a little at the question, “Even YOU can only withstand so much, buddy.”

“Getting large chunks of your flesh ripped out of you can be quite hazardous to your health, love, but now you can be with us,” Record Keeper walked even closer to Greatsword. “You can be with us forever.”

“You’re NOT Record Keeper.” Greatsword growled.

“Oh whatever do you mean?” Record Keeper asked, “I’ve always talked like this… don’t you remember?”

“Record Keeper wouldn’t say something like that…” Greatsword said glaring at the false Record Keeper, “Shadow…”

“Shadow?” she replied, surprised. “He killed me don’t you remember?”

“Yeah buddy,” Comet added. “She jumped off the roof and everything.”

“You were dead before she jumped off the roof.” Greatsword replied.

“Oh… about that… well… she told me when she got here,” Comet explained. “So very tragic.”

“He’s really tried to make me feel better,” Record Keeper said. “It’s like I never-“

“ENOUGH!” Greatsword roared. “What are you doing here?!”

“Well there’s no point in pretending anymore I guess…” Comet and Record Keeper said simultaneously forming into the dark alicorn. “You really are no fun…you could have at least played along for a bit longer, it would have made me feel better.”

“What do you want?” Greatsword asked him.

“Well, you aren‘t actually dead, you’re just MOSTLY dead.” The Shadow explained. “Your soul is in the space between existences now, but your body is too damn stubborn to let it go completely.”

The Shadow walked past Greatsword, looking around the vast expanse of nothing. “It’s been nearly four thousand years since I’ve been on this plane. It hasn’t changed at all, still pretty much a void, but when I saw that you were here. I just had to give you a little visit.”

“Don’t expect me to be flattered…” Greatsword said glaring at the shadow.

“I don’t…” The Shadow smiled. “But you should have company here soon, that Scoot-loo pony will be making her way here in a few minutes or so.”

“NO!” Greatsword yelled. “I saved her!”

“Again Greatsword, you were too late…” the shadow said, grinning. “Another pony is dead because of you, it almost just makes you want to let go all together doesn’t it?”

“You’re a liar,” Greatsword said. “She’s alive… I can feel it.”

“The out of body experience is strong with this one,” The Shadow joked. “Well I’m bored now. No reason to keep you ‘round here anymore.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m sending you back.”

“What?!”

“You’re too much fun to go out in this fashion,” The Shadow said summoning a dark thrown to sit in. “Plus there’s still plenty of things I have planned for everypony in your little group, so you get to go home… but don’t worry, I’ll see you again soon enough.”

The shadow waved as Greatsword fell from whatever he was standing on. His eyes shot open again, looking around for a few moments he realized he woke up in a hospital bed. Three ponies were sitting at his bed side.

“Welcome back to the world of the living, bro.” Battleaxe said smiling. Warhammer just nodded. The third pony remained quiet. Battleaxe softly patted her on the head. “Fluttershy here never left your side for the past week. She barely ate or slept the whole time.”

Fluttershy’s eyes slowly opened as Battleaxe’s hoof lifted off her head. She looked around for a short time before casting her eyes on Greatsword. She let out a sigh of relief and smiled. “Are you feeling any better?” she asked softly

“I’m alive, I’ve got that going for me.” Greatsword replied, Battleaxe and Warhammer chuckled at his joke.

“F-for a while the doctors thought you weren’t going to make it.” Fluttershy said cringing at the thought. “Timber wolf bites almost always lead to horrible infections.”

“That’s good to know.” Greatsword smiled at Fluttershy, sheepishly hiding herself behind her mane. “I’m glad that you two got me here, last time I remember I was passing out on her couch.”

“Actually, Fluttershy made sure we were able to get you here,” Battleaxe said. “She had you pretty stable until she ran out of medication.”

“I-I take care of things in need,” Fluttershy said. “So I used the medicine I use on the little animals on you, and I stitched up your injuries.”

“And she sure can sow.” Battleaxe said, looking to Fluttershy.

“Well thank you for taking care of me Fluttershy.” Greatsword said, looking impressed.

“Y-you’re welcome…” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Well, we better check up on Scootaloo.” Battleaxe said giving Warhammer a nudge on the shoulder. “Coming little bro?” Warhammer nodded and the two left the room, leaving only Greatsword, Fluttershy and the heart monitor inside.

“How is Scootaloo?” Greatsword asked, concerned. “The last I saw her see was delirious.”

“Oh, uh… She’ll be completely checked out in about an hour.” Fluttershy said. “You saved her life.”

“Thank Celestia,” Greatsword said relieved, “I was worried about her.”

“I-I remember,” Fluttershy said. “You even said that you didn’t matter.”

“I didn’t matter at the time, she needed her life saved.” Greatsword said.

“Why would you say that you didn’t matter?” Fluttershy asked.

“I was more concerned with the life that was worth living,” Greatsword answered. “Not my own.”

“Why do you feel that way?” she asked.

“Five years ago I lost everything that made my life worth it.” Greatsword said. “Now I live my life keeping lives worth living safe.”

Fluttershy stared at him for some time after what he said and he stared back. They both sat there doing nothing more, nothing less, until Fluttershy spoke again.

“How does Long Shot know Scootaloo?” she asked.

“I don’t know, Fluttershy,” Greatsword responded. “Did you ask him?”

“Oh no, but he’s stopped by from time to time walking from her room to the cafeteria and back.” Fluttershy said.

“Never knew Long Shot to be the one to stay around hospitals for a long time, she must’ve been something special during training to keep him around. But I should get back to sleep, I need rest after what I‘ve been through.”

“Oh, alright, I guess,” Fluttershy said as Greatsword closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Battleaxe and Warhammer walked into Scootaloo’s room, Long Shot was helping her get her things together so they could leave. “Hey you two,” Battleaxe said, catching them both off guard. “Need any help getting everything ready to go?”

“No Battleaxe, but thank you,” Long Shot said, smiling. “This is good father daughter bonding time.”

“So the test come back positive.” Battleaxe grinned.

“Ninety eight percent match.” Long Shot said, patting Scootaloo on the head. “And matching blood types to boot.”

“If it weren’t for that I might not be leaving today,” Scootaloo smiled at Long Shot, “Thanks Dad.”

“I’m just trying to make up for lost time.” Long Shot replied.

“No doubt it was rough at the start,” Battleaxe said. “Thinking you’re an orphan, then your dad pops out of nowhere.”

“Yeah it was,” Scootaloo said. “But he explained everything to me and I’m not going to shut him out if he’s trying to be here now.”

“You have no idea how much that means to me Scootaloo.” Long Shot said, tearing up.

“Aw, Dad!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Don’t get all gushy on me in front of the others!” everypony in the room laughed.

“Well it’s good to see that you have one another.” Warhammer said. “It’s more than some have in their entire lives.”

Twilight walked into Greatsword’s room, when she saw that Fluttershy was still there she shook her head. “Fluttershy,” she said. “You really should get something to eat. He’s ok now after all.” Twilight sat at Fluttershy’s side, she was still watching over him.

“What’s with you Fluttershy?” she asked her. “You’ve never been like this with anypony or even an animal.”

“I-I don’t know Twilight,” Fluttershy answered still looking at Greatsword. “But I think I knew him before I met him…”

“What?” Twilight asked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“When you told me his story, you said that he had no memory of who he was beyond five years.” Fluttershy said. “Well when we first made eye contact there was something about him.”

Twilight looked at Fluttershy then to Greatsword, “So you think that you’re somehow connected to his past?”

“Yes… but I’m not sure how…” Fluttershy answered. “I’ve had dreams of when I was younger, when I was in danger there was a guardian who kept me safe.”

“You think he kept you safe all those years ago?” Twilight gasped.

“I think he did far more than keep me safe,” Fluttershy said, brushing her hoof across Greatsword’s face. “I think he loved me.”

“This is news to me, Fluttershy.” Twilight said. “Why did you never tell anypony?”

“I thought they were just dreams, Twilight.” Fluttershy said. “Now I think those dreams might be real.”

The moment Fluttershy finished her statement Rarity and Rainbow Dash walked into the room. The two ponies stood opposite of Twilight and Fluttershy all of them looking at the sleeping stallion. Rarity took a deep breath and leaned close to his side.

“He’s quite handsome when he’s sleeping…” she said. “I wonder what he’s dreaming about?”

“Does it even matter?” Rainbow said rolling her eyes at Rarity. “I don’t even know how you talked me into coming.”

“He nearly died, Dash,” Rarity said, slightly shocked. “You could at least be a little bit grateful that he saved your little friend.”

“He did save Scootaloo…” Rainbow said looking at him with a small amount of guilt. “I guess he deserves credit for that.”

“Of course he does,” Rarity said. “I wish I could give him something as a reward for such an action.”

“You could make him a suit.” Twilight said, offering a suggestion.

“Twilight, darling, you are a genius!” Rarity said wrapping her forelegs around Twilight, “I know my visit was short, but be sure to tell him that I was here and that once he’s released to stop by my boutique for his reward.” Rarity ran out the door, leaving the other three inside with odd looks on their faces.

“Why are you really here, Rainbow?” Twilight asked. “I know you didn’t come here just to say ‘hi‘.”

Rainbow Dash shot a glance at Twilight then continued to stare at Greatsword. “When I came to see him two days ago, his entire body was completely broken,” Rainbow explained. “He gave so much to save Scootaloo and he barely knew her. Then I realized that he probably gave even more to try to save Comet.” A tear trickled down Rainbow’s face. “I know now that he did everything and more to try to save him, I came to say I was sorry. Sorry for blaming him for what happened.”

“I’m sure he’ll accept your apology when he wakes later, Dash.” Twilight said. “You’re more than welcome to stay with us if you like.”

“I think I will, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said wiping the stray tears away from her face. “I think I will.”

Soon after, Battleaxe and Warhammer walked in to check on their brother. They saw the other three watching over him and smiled. Taking their place by them they continued to watch him dream, what about only he knew.

The five ponies stayed past visiting hours, falling asleep in Greatsword’s room. Greatsword was the first to wake in the morning and the first thing he saw was a long pink mane splayed across his face. He softly brushed the mane away from his eyes to see Fluttershy’s head resting on his shoulder. Greatsword smiled. She had a soothing effect on him, almost like his worries could be let go of for a moment if he looked at her sleeping peacefully. He closed his eyes again and went back to sleep.

Battleaxe woke up as the sun shined its light in his eyes. When he went to raise his hoof to block the unwanted light it was met with a great deal of resistance. Battleaxe opened his eyes to see a deep purple mane inches away from him, Twilight somehow managed to scoot her way nearly on top of him while they were sleeping. He fought the urge to throw her off of him as he tried to find a way to get out from under her without waking her up.

After a few minutes of adjusting and controlling a very hard thing to control in the mornings anyway, Battleaxe was left with no other choice. “Uh, Twilight…” he said awkwardly, “Twilight, wake up.”

Twilight slowly opened her eyes once she saw that Battleaxe’s steel colored eyes were a mere inches away from her own, she jumped into the air in shock.

“WAHH!” she yelped before falling back onto Battleaxe. The two fell onto the ground rolling over one another until they were pretty much the same position they had started in.

“Twilight…” Battleaxe said.

“Yes Battleaxe.” Twilight said calmly.

“Do you know what’s going on right now?” he asked.

“No, I don’t,” she said, “care to explain?”

Battleaxe pointed to their foreheads, “Our horns are touching…” he said

Twilight looked up, and sure enough her horn was crossed with his. Twilight quickly jumped off of Battleaxe, her cheeks a deep red, “I can’t believe that just happened…”

“Usually I have to get a few drinks in a mare before I get THAT far…” Battleaxe said, smiling deviantly.

Twilight punched Battleaxe in the shoulder her face turning an even deeper red. “That’s not funny…” she said.

“Oh come on, Twilight,” Battleaxe said, still smiling at her. “You know you liked it.”

Twilight’s face grew as red as a chili pepper, “Well I-” she tried to think of what to say, but as much as she hated to admit it, she knew he was right. “That’s NOT the point!”

Battleaxe began to laugh so hard that he woke up the other sleeping ponies. All of them looked in confusion at the two, Battleaxe was still laughing and if Twilight could turn anymore red she would have. Rainbow Dash smiled to herself, waiting for Twilight to try to explain her way out of the situation that she had somehow got herself into.

Chapter 32: Saving Rarity

“This isn’t what it looks like!” Twilight said, her eyes darting to everypony in the room.

“What isn’t?” Rainbow Dash said, snickering. “I just see two ponies next to one another.”

Twilight then realized that nopony even knew what happened; they had been woken up by Battleaxe’s laughing. “Nothing!” Twilight said quickly, “Nothing at all.”

“Don’t be shy Twilight,” Battleaxe said between chuckles, “you can tell your friends.”

Twilight shot a glare at Battleaxe, but it only made him laugh harder. She looked back to the other four in the room. Placing her hoof over her face, she let out a heavy sigh. “Our horns were touching…” she said casually.

The other ponies in the room jaws dropped. “Wow, Twilight…” Rainbow Dash said. “You’re a lot less sheltered than I thought you were.”

“It was an accident!” Twilight hastily replied. “and it was only for a few seconds, after we stopped rolling over each other.”

Twilight instantly covered her mouth, but it was too late the words had already slipped out. Everypony’s eyes widened, they could hardly believe what she just said.

“That came out wrong!” Twilight said, waving her hooves franticly. “We didn’t… we didn’t actually DO anything.”

After a few moments of awkward silence, Rainbow Dash spoke, “did you want to?” she asked, smiling.

Twilight’s face went completely blank, her cheeks became red and sweat began to form on her forehead. “W-what?” Twilight stuttered.

“You heard me Twi,” Rainbow said, still smiling. “Did you WANT to?”

“Uh…” Twilight tried to think of the best way to answer Rainbow Dash, but fortunately, Warhammer saved her.

“That is a question you should only ask in private.” he said. “It is unwise to speak of things of this matter the way they are being discussed now.”

“Fine…” Rainbow said, disappointed. She turned her attention to Greatsword, who was keeping his gaze on Twilight and Battleaxe. “Greatsword…” she said tapping him on the shoulder.

“Yes, Rainbow Dash,” he said, turning his attention to her. “What do you need?”

“I’m sorry…” Rainbow said looking away from him.

“Sorry for what?” Greatsword asked, gently drawing Rainbow’s face back so she would look at him.

“For blaming you,” Rainbow Dash answered. “I should’ve never blamed you for Comet’s death. Nopony could’ve known it was going to happen like that.”

“You don’t have to be sorry, Rainbow Dash,” Greatsword said, “I would’ve done the same thing.”

Rainbow Dash fell into tears on Greatsword, wrapping her hooves around his torso. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you so much.”

Greatsword was released from the hospital later that day. Twilight told Greatsword that Rarity had a gift for him at the boutique. He cringed a little at the thought but he didn’t want to be rude, so he made his way to her store. Standing at her door and took a deep breath and knocked.

“Just a moment, dear!” Rarity called from inside the boutique. She opened the door to see Greatsword standing before her. “Greatsword,” she said batting her eyelashes at him, “I’m so delighted that you came, please come inside.”

Greatsword smiled politely and did what she asked. Rarity closed the door and without Greatsword noticing, flipped her sign from open to closed. He turned to Rarity and smiled again.

“Twilight said that you had something for me once I was released.” he said, with Rarity approaching him.

“Of course I do,” Rarity said. “You see, I’ve always designed dresses for mares, but I never really had the chance to design a suit for a stallion.” She drew even closer to Greatsword. “Especially a stallion of YOUR caliber!”

“That’s very generous of you, Rarity.” Greatsword said. “I’ve never met a pony who would do something like that for free.”

“Oh, Greatsword…” Rarity said laughing, “Darling, it‘s the LEAST I could do for a hero like you!” She stopped only inches away from his face. “And you saved a life, an action like that deserves a VERY special reward.”

“Well… thank you again Rarity.” Greatsword said, backing away from Rarity.

“No need for thank you, Greatsword,” Rarity said as she backed him into a wall. “Not yet.”

“Where is this suit you made?” Greatsword said, “I’d love to get it on.”

“Oh, right,” Rarity said, “I have it in that dressing room over there.” She pointed to one of the stalls on the other side of the room. “Go on now, you don’t want to keep a lady waiting do you?”

“I’ll get it on as fast as I can, Rarity.” Greatsword said rushin,g past her to the stall.

“I’m more concerned about how fast you can take it off.” Rarity said under her breath as Greatsword closed the door behind him.

A few minutes later Greatsword stepped out of the stall, wearing the suit that Rarity had made for him. It fit surprisingly well despite the fact that Rarity never took any measurements. She must have one hell of an eye for body shape, he thought to himself. He looked around the room, but Rarity was nowhere in sight.

“Rarity?” Greatsword called out, but she didn’t answer, “Rarity?” he called out again, walking around the lower level of the boutique, “Rarity, where are you?”

“Up here, darling!” Rarity called from the second floor. “Are you done getting dressed? If you are, come up here so I can have one good look at you.”

Greatsword cautiously made his way up the stairs. Once he finally got to the top he looked around again, again he couldn’t see Rarity. “Where exactly are you, Rarity?” he asked, slightly frustrated.

“In here, Greatsword,” Rarity said from inside her room. “Please, do come in.”

Greatsword opened the door to Rarity’s room, what he saw nearly made his jaw fall through the floor. Rarity was laying down on her bed, wearing a transparent black negligee. She looked to Greatsword and batted her eyes at him seductively.

“Oh, Greatsword,” she said, “you look even better than Con Mane in that suit.” Greatsword continued to stare at Rarity; she just smiled and adjusted her position on the bed. “What’s the matter?” she asked, “never seen a lady wear something like this?”

Greatsword shook his head a few times before he said anything, “Rarity…” he began. “A-are you trying to seduce me?”

“Well that depends, Greatsword…” Rarity said getting off her bed and making her way to him, “is it working?” Rarity inched even closer to Greatsword and nibbled his lower lip.

“I should leave,” Greatsword said turning to the door. “Thank you for the suit.”

“Oh, Greatsword please stay,” Rarity said grabbing his shoulder. “The suit was only part of your reward.”

“I can see that,” Greatsword said, “but it’s more than enough.”

Greatsword drug Rarity across the floor as he made his way to the exit. Once he got to the stairs, however he tripped over his would be lover and the two fell down the staircase. They landed at the bottom of the stairs with a thud, Rarity on top of Greatsword.

“Well, this is not the best place to do this,” Rarity said, drawing closer to Greatsword. “But it will do.”

Fluttershy was making her way to Carousel Boutique after Patches told her that Greatsword had not returned from the hospital. She remembered the Twilight told him that Rarity had a gift for him so she thought that he still might be there. Fluttershy stood at the door step the sign on the door said closed.

“That’s odd.” Fluttershy told herself, “Rarity normally keeps it open for another few hours.” She looked around to see if she could look inside, all the window curtains were shut. “I guess I’ll have to look somewhere else…” she said turning away.

THUD! The sudden noise made Fluttershy jump into a nearby bush, she poked her head out to see nothing was there. The noise came from inside Carousel Boutique. Fluttershy walked back to the front door, she placed her ear on it and listened closely. What she heard sounded like Rarity talking to somepony inside. Fluttershy gingerly grabbed the doorknob and attempted to turn it, to her surprise the door was still open.

“Uh… Rarity?” Fluttershy said softly as she peeked inside. “Rarity have you seen-”

Fluttershy froze at what she saw, Rarity was on top of Greatsword kissing him. Her eyes welled up as the two ponies inside turned their attention to her. “Fluttershy,” Rarity said, “darling, can’t you see the sign says I’m closed?”

Fluttershy slammed the door behind her, wiping the tears from her eyes before she ran off to her house. Meanwhile, inside Carousel Boutique, Rarity turned her attention back to Greatsword, “I wonder what she wanted?” she asked, “but that doesn’t matter, now it’s just you and me again.”

Greatsword pushed Rarity off of himself, “I don’t know why you’re doing this Rarity,” he said angrily. “But I DON’T want any part of it.” he stormed to the exit leaving Rarity frozen in shock.

“B-but… but…” Rarity said with her eyes began to water.

“No buts,” Greatsword said, opening the door. “I have to find Fluttershy now.” he slammed the door behind him, leaving Rarity alone to her thoughts.

Greatsword made his way across town, asking random ponies if they had seen Fluttershy walk by. Lyra and Bon Bon told him that they saw run back to her house and that she was crying. Greatsword began to make his way to Fluttershy’s house, only to be stopped by a familiar laugh.

“Did they sterilize you when you were in the hospitol?” The Shadow asked stepping out of an ally way. “Record Keeper only had to tap your shoulder, this one literally throws herself on you and you don’t feel a thing, that‘s control if I‘ve ever seen it.”

“What do YOU want now?” Greatsword asked.

“You’re not going to ask me if I had a hoof in what just happened?” the shadow asked, rather insulted. “Well, to answer my own question, yes, yes I did.”

“You’re going to explain it to me even if I don’t want to hear it, aren’t you?” Greatsword asked, agitated.

“You read me like an open book, Greatsword.” The Shadow said. “Do you know how hard it is to cast a want-it-need-it spell on specific ponies with a snapped horn?” the shadow said pointing to his forehead and chest. “Especially if you put in a failsafe measure like I did.”

“Failsafe?” Greatsword asked.

“Well, yeah,” The Shadow said. “Any unicorn can cast the reversal to the want-it-need-it spell, but MINE on the other hoof has one known reversal.”

“And that is?” Greatsword asked.

“Well if it’s between two ponies…” The shadow said pondering. “You’ll have to sleep with them.”

“Not happening…” Greatsword said. “Rarity has her… assets, but I won’t do that to a pony under manipulation.”

“Then I hope you at least said goodbye.” The Shadow said with a sick smile.

“What?” Greatsword asked.

“You see my want-it-need-it spell is FAR more sinister than any love poison,” he explained. “The pony under its effect will continue to grow more and more attached to whatever or whoever I cast it on…” He looked to Rarity’s shop, “all the way to the point where that pony can’t see life without whatever I chose them to want, so they kill themselves.”

“How far along is Rarity on this spell?” Greatsword said, turning back to Carousel Boutique.

“That‘s only for ME to know, Greatsword.” The Shadow said laughing. “But you denying her didn’t help. So what’s it going to be, Greatsword? A sure thing or somepony who’s afraid of her own shadow?”

“You will not kill anymore ponies, shadow,” Greatsword growled.

“I haven’t killed anypony, all that’s on you,” The Shadow said. “Now are you going to comfort some whiney bitch or let another Record Keeper incident happen?”

“This isn’t over, shadow.” Greatsword said sprinting back to Carousel Boutique.

“It’s been over, Greatsword.” The shadow called to him, “it’s been over since that all knowing idiot made everypony forget about honor!”

Greatsword ran as fast as he could back to Carousel Boutique, hoping he wasn’t too late. He opened the door to see Rarity using her magic to hold a knife to her chest. “Rarity!” Greatsword yelled to get her attention.

Rarity dropped the knife and ran to Greatsword, “You came back!” She cried, wrapping her hooves around him. “I just couldn’t bear to think about not being with you.”

“I know.” Greatsword said holding her back.

“Are you here to stay?” she asked. “are you going to stay forever?”

“Uh… Yes.” Greatsword said making his way to her medicine cabinet.

“How wonderful!” Rarity yelled out before kissing Greatsword, forcing her tongue into his mouth.

He finally arrived at the cabinet, fighting Rarity as she tried to force her tounge through his teeth. Greatsword opened the door and searched through the pills, until he found the ones he was looking for. He pried Rarity off his mouth and smiled.

“You look thirsty, Rarity.” he said. “Before we do anything, I think you should drink some water, hydrating is important before any kind of strenuous activity.”

“You really do care,” Rarity said, kissing him on the cheek. “I’ll get it myself.”

“No, I’ll get it, I insist.” Greatsword said filling a glass of water.

“Such a gentlecolt,” Rarity said, accepting the glass Greatsword gave her. “To us.” she said raising her glass

“Yeah… To us…” Greatsword repeated, throwing back his drink to get her taste out of his mouth.

Rarity quickly began to stumble, almost hitting the ground if not for Greatsword catching her. He was thankful that she had sleeping pills in her cabinet, because if she didn’t he would have even more explaining to do. Greatsword carried Rarity to the library, catching a few awkward glances from all those passing by. Once he arrived he knocked on the door, Twilight answered with a smile, but when she saw Rarity her jaw dropped.

“What did you-”

“Sleeping pills,” Greatsword said, “it was better than my other options.”

“What?” Twilight asked.

“She’s under the effects of a powerful want-it-need-it spell,” he explained, “I need you to find another reversal other than the one I don’t want to do.”

Twilight flinched at the mention of that spell, but then asked, “Another reversal? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Greatsword whispered into Twilight’s ear what had happened, her face turned red the moment he got into the details. Making her way to her desk she pulled out a quill and ink.

“Well, I can see why you don’t want to do the reversal, I’ll write Princess Celestia, she may know of a way to break the spell before it’s too late.”

“Thank you Twilight,” Greatsword said placing Rarity on one of the couches. “You’ve been very helpful.”

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked.

“I’ve got to explain the same thing to another pony before she shuts me out completely,” Greatsword said. “That is if I haven’t been shut out already.”

Chapter 33: Inner Thoughts

Greatsword left town and headed for Fluttershy’s house, hoping that if he explained what happened she would forgive him. Once there, he stopped front door at her. “Why am I doing this?” he asked himself. “We met almost two months ago, we barely said anything to one another…” He thought harder on the matter. “But why did she cry when she saw Rarity kissing me? She’s in the same boat I am.” Greatsword looked over her house one more time. “Could she be HER?” he asked himself, “does she have the same visions that I have?”

He raised his hoof to open the door, but it opened on its own. Greatsword opened the door even more. “Fluttershy?” he said softly, “Fluttershy are you in there?”

Fluttershy stepped from behind the door. It looked as if she had been crying for some time. Greatsword took a heavy breath, of everypony he had ever met; he hated seeing her cry the most. He took a few steps closer to the entrance.

“May I come in?” he asked, Fluttershy nodded her head. Greatsword entered the house, he was actually surprised how well it had been cleaned up. There was no sign of blood or anything else that would indicate that anypony almost died there. “How long was I here?” he asked her.

“F-five days…” Fluttershy said, “Then six more in the hospital.”

“I was out for eleven days?” Greatsword asked, slightly shocked.

“Yes…” Fluttershy said meekly. “You were too unstable to move to the hospital, so I took care of you until you could be moved.” She lowered her head. “I-I hope you’re not mad…”

“Why would I be mad? You saved my life…” Greatsword said lifting her head up so she could look at him. “I’m usually the one that does the saving.”

“Y-you’re welcome…” Fluttershy stuttered. Turning hiding behind her mane, trying not to show Greatsword she was blushing.

“Fluttershy I need to talk to you…” after explaining what had really happened to her, Greatsword turned to leave Fluttershy’s house. “I hope you understand.”

“G-Greatsword…” Fluttershy said just before he walked out of her house.

“Yes Fluttershy, I’m listening,” he said turning to face her again.

“I-I do understand…” she said, “and I appreciate you coming here and explaining it to me.” Fluttershy made her way to Greatsword. “But maybe you could stay awhile… t-to help take care of the little animals, of course.”

“I’d love to help, Fluttershy.” Greatsword said, smiling. “Where do we start?”

Once Greatsword was a few feet away from Fluttershy a blur of white jumped from behind the couch onto his face, biting and clawing at him. The sudden attack caused Greatsword to fall backwards to the still open door. He quickly rose his hooves to his face and ripped off his attacker. After doing so he came face to face with a bunny, a very mean bunny.

“Who is THIS charming little guy?” Greatsword asked, doing his best to resist crushing the rabbit between his hooves. “Because this rabbit’s dynamite.”

“Oh, that’s Angel Bunny…” Fluttershy said. “I-I think he likes you.” She gave an adorable smile to Greatsword and Angel Bunny.

“Nice to meet you Angel,” Greatsword said, extending his hoof. Angel just swung his front paw, slapping his hoof away. “Tell you what, Fluttershy,” Greatsword said while still holding Angel Bunny. “You go on and get started with taking care of all the little creatures. I’ll take care of Angel for you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want you to do that for me…” Fluttershy said. “I’ll take care of him later. After all he can be quite the hassle.”

“I already got him, Fluttershy,” Greatsword said to her, “I’ll take good care of him, I promise.”

“Oh… ok, if you really want to.” Fluttershy said, walking outside to tend to the other animals.

Once she closed the door, Greatsword cast a gaze of rage at Angel. “Look here, Jackalope,” he said, “I don’t know WHAT I did to you, but if you do something like that again… I’ll put you in a full body cast.” Angel Bunny tried to hit him again. “I can’t see this ending very well…”

Several hours later, Greatsword and Fluttershy were done with taking care of every critter in Fluttershy’s house. “Well, that was easy…” Greatsword said, stretching his forelegs out.

“I-I’m glad you decided to help.” Fluttershy said.

“I do what I can, Fluttershy.” he said, “It’s a good way to get my mind off things.”

“What things?” she asked.

“Nothing,” he hastily answered. His reaction made Fluttershy flinch, once he realized that he had spooked her, he calmed his tone and explained calmly. “It’s nothing you should have to worry about, I’ll be fine, trust me.”

“Oh… ok…” she said.

“I should get back to Town Hall,” Greatsword said. “Maybe I‘ll see you again sometime, Fluttershy.” He began walking away, leaving Fluttershy standing at her front door.

“Gr-Greatsword…” Fluttershy whispered, but he was too far away to hear her call for him. She didn’t bother to say his name again, he was too far gone. Her eyes began to water. She had missed a golden opportunity to ask him one simple question, and now she may never get a chance like that again.

Greatsword walked into Town Hall, the other members of the defense force and Greatsword’s unit were all there. “Bro, where have you been all day?” Battleaxe asked, “I haven’t seen you since you left the hospital at 0700, and it’s almost 2030 now.”

“Today was a little bit crazy, Battleaxe,” Greatsword replied. “But I’m here now, what’s the word?”

“Nothing new, Greatsword,” Lug Nut said. “But when I was at the library today, I saw Rarity on one of the couches calling your name in her sleep. Do you know anything about that?”

Greatsword’s face went blank as he stared at Lug Nut. “No,” Greatsword said. “I have no idea why Rarity’s acting like that…” He looked around the room quickly. “Where’s Warhammer?” he asked to change the subject.

“He’s on the balcony.” Patches answered, “He always watches the moon rise before he goes to bed.”

Warhammer stared into the night sky, watching the moon rise as he took a heavy sigh. “I wish I were with you, my love…” he said to himself, “me being away from you is hard.”

“You are never far from me, my love.” a voice said from behind Warhammer.

He turned around to see the one pony in creation that he wanted to see. “Luna,” he said happily. “I’ve missed you so.”

“As have I, Warhammer,” Princess Luna said, embracing Warhammer. “How about a kiss?”

Without hesitation, Warhammer kissed Luna, but once he did, darkness enveloped the two ponies. He tried to pull himself away from Luna, but she was holding him tighter than she ever had before. Then the darkness enveloped Luna, revealing The Shadow trying to force his tongue into Warhammer’s mouth.

Warhammer threw The Shadow off of him, spitting and wiping his mouth while The Shadow laughed at him. “Oh come on, big guy,” he said, still laughing. “You kissed a guy and liked it, that’s love AND tolerance to the max.”

“What do you want with me, cretin?” Warhammer asked angrily. “And why should I not kill you for what you have done?”

“There is much you don’t know about me, Warhammer,” The Shadow said. “And I want to show you something… something very important.”

“I refuse,” Warhammer said walking away. “Leave me before I MAKE you leave me.”

“Too late, we’re already here!” The Shadow said happily. “Oh and where we are I’M the ONLY one that can make you leave.”

“Then where are we?” Warhammer asked.

“A memory…” The Shadow answered. “MY memory, if you want an exact location. We’re in the ancient palace of the Royal Sisters and the time… a little over fifteen hundred years ago…”

Warhammer looked around, the Royal Guard of the castle was heavily armored, far more so than the guards of the day. He looked over to one side of the massive room and saw Princess Celestia, also heavily armored, sitting on a massive throne made of swords. The scene was very dark grey, almost nothing like how Warhammer knew a royal palace looked like. To him it was more like o fortress.

“Why have you taken me to this time?” Warhammer asked.

“You’re memory is almost as bad as Greatsword’s,” the shadow said, laughing. “Do you remember ANYTHING Luna tells you?”

Warhammer’s eyes widened, “No…” he said, looking at the shadow.

“Oh, yes…” The shadow said smiling, “we’re THERE…”

“Sister!” a voice called from outside of the room. “Sister art thou in there?”

“Luna,” Princess Celestia said from her throne. “Come inside, but make it quick, Buckingham was taken by the Griffons and we wish to see it in our hooves again soon, for winter is coming.”

The door opened to reveal a very young looking Princess Luna, wearing a beautiful dark blue dress lined with the finest diamonds and massive pearls in the shape of the moon on its side. “Does this dress make our flank look big?” she asked.

“Little sister can’t be this CUTE!” the shadow said, teleporting Warhammer and himself next to her. “Isn’t she just adorable?”

Princess Celestia covered her face with her hoof, “is THAT the only thing thou wanted to ask?” she said. “Sister, thou does realize that we are at war?”

“We know sister,” Luna said. “But we need an honest opinion from somepony, for we have plans for the evening.”

“Thou looks fine, sister,” Princess Celestia said. “But may we ask what is thou doing this evening, other than raising the moon?”

Princess Luna turned back to her sister. “He’s coming to visit tonight, and we wish to look nice for him.”

“Ah, the shadow certainly seems to have been visiting more often it seems,” Princess Celestia said. “We hope thou has fun while we make way for Buckingham.”

“We shall, sister,” Princess Luna said, smiling back. “And sister…”

“Yes, Luna?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Be careful…” She said.

“We shall be sister,” Princess Celestia said. “With luck, we will return in one week.”

“They BOTH knew you?!” Warhammer asked in shock.

“Well, yeah…” The Shadow replied. “You can’t get close to somepony without their relatives knowing who you are. It‘s kinda how you get in good with them.” The shadow teleported himself and Warhammer into another room, a bed room.

“Where are we now, monster?” Warhammer asked.

“Will you shut up!” The Shadow said summoning a bag assorted candies. “The GOOD part is coming up.”

Princess Luna walked into the room and used her magic to light it up. Her room was a simple one for a pony of such prowess. Large books were scattered everywhere and there were a few paintings of herself and her sister. “You should really clean up before you have guests.” The Shadow said standing on one of the many piles of books. “It shows how much you care for them if it has a good appearance.”

“Thou knows we love our studies, Shadow.” Princess Luna said, smiling.

“Oh, I know you do,” he said, jumping off the pile of books, “I just love the nerdy little fillies.” He made his way to the giggling Princess.

“NO!” Warhammer yelled rushing to Princess Luna as the shadow leaned in to kiss her, but he just fell through her body.

The shadow broke out into laughter. “Aw, how sweet,” he said between breaths. “Wait… you REALLY think you can warn her? Oh that’s just TOO rich. Remember, big boy, this is a memory. Everything that‘s happening has happened already… and not even YOU can stop it.”

Warhammer looked on as the past shadow kissed Luna, but she showed no resistance. She LET him kiss her. “I-I, I don't understand…” he said.

“Well, when two ponies care about each other…” the shadow said, looking to the ceiling.

“I know how it works.” Warhammer growled. “You were with her?”

“For nearly five hundred years, yes I was,” the shadow said. “You just don’t get friend zoned for that long without making any progress to the ultimate goal.”

“So YOU and I are the only ponies in the castle?” the shadow asked, giving Luna a devilish grin.

“For a whole week, yes,” Luna said, “Celestia is just getting the last arrangements for taking back Buckingham form those awful griffons.”

“Well THAT gives me an idea.” the shadow said kissing Luna again, “why don’t you and I take it to the next level? Nopony will hear us.”

“Shadow!” Luna exclaimed, her cheeks turning a deep purple. “Thou knows how we feel about such things.”

“It only took you four and a half years,” the shadow said to Warhammer. “It took me nearly five hundred, AND I had to force it.” He shook his head. “Do you have any pointers for when I go dating again? If so, please tell me when we‘re done.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to make you…” The Shadow said, raising his hoof.

“What?” Luna said terrified.

“You brought this upon yourself,” The Shadow said striking her across the face, sending her flying across the room. “After all, you are wearing THAT.”

“NO!” Luna cried. “PLEASE NO!”

“YOU gave all the signs, I waited NOW I’m taking what’s MINE!” The Shadow said ripping her dress off as he forced himself on her. He covered her mouth with his hoof so nothing could hear her scream.

“Oh, look at her cry!” the shadow said pointing at Luna’s face. “She was such a baby back then, she’s-”

Warhammer charged the shadow, once the two were down Warhammer began stomping the shadow’s face into the ground, not once letting up on his assault. Then The Shadow halted Warhammer’s rage with his magic allowing his wounds magically heal.

“How does it feel to have my sloppy seconds?” he asked, laughing. “Furthermore, how do I taste?”

“You MONSTER!” Warhammer roared. “She LOVED you, they both TRUSTED you and you did THAT to her!”

“So… THIS is what it feels like when the mighty Warhammer isn’t holding back…” The Shadow said through a bloody smile. “You have a great deal of power in you Warhammer, maybe even more so than your brother,” he said spitting out blackened blood. “But you always keep it locked away. Imagine what you could do if you just let it all lose. You could have anything you want.”

“I do NOT take what is not offered to me!” Warhammer roared.

“Fine, if you want it that way,” The Shadow said, letting darkness envelop the two ponies while the memory still continued. “But remember this…” he drew close to Warhammer’s face as a loud scream filled the room. “I was inside her first.” The Shadow left Warhammer on the balcony, his heart full of rage for what he had just seen.

“Brother,” Greatsword said opening the door. “It’s 2130, we should get some rest.”

“I believe I shall stay out here for a while longer,” Warhammer growled. “I need to think.”

“If you say so,” Greatsword said closing the door. “Just be ready in the morning, we all have mail coming to us tomorrow.”

Author's Notes:

Did somepony say... MAIL?!?!... ... ... ... ... wonder who's about to make an appearance...

Chapter 34: Spending Time Together

The day started early for everypony, for today was the first mail call they had received in nearly a month. Greatsword, Warhammer, Battleaxe and the others stood in front of town hall waiting patiently for the mail pony to deliver what they had in their bag. While waiting for the mail to arrive, Battleaxe noticed Spike, Twilight and Rarity making their way to the Town Hall.

“Hey there you three…” he said. “It’s good to see you again. How did you two get Spike to wake up this early?”

“Rarity’s going back home today.” Spike said. “And it’s my duty to insure that she is safe on her trip back.”

“You’re such a genteledrake,” Rarity said looking at Spike. “I thank you for your willingness to assist me at a moment’s notice, but I think I can handle a small walk, darling.”

Spike’s face went a shade of red when Rarity said the word darling. “S-she just called me ‘darling’…” he said under his breath to Twilight, who was now standing next to Battleaxe.

“She calls everypony ‘darling’ Spike…” Twilight said rolling her eyes, “I doubt she means anything by it.”

“Hey, you don’t know that,” Spike said. “I think since I’ve grown, she’s really starting to dig me.” Spike looked over to Rarity, who was making idle chat with Lug Nut and Patches.

“You didn’t tell him what happened between her and Greatsword did you?” Battleaxe asked Twilight.

“Oh, Celestia no,” Twilight said, turning a little red, “THAT would have been a heart crusher to him, even if it were under those circumstances. How did you know about that?”

“I can be a bit nosey at times,” he explained grinning, “ESPECIALLY if I see my brother carrying a sleeping unicorn across town to the library.”

“Oh…uh… right… It would be kinda hard to NOT notice that minor detail.”

“Yeah…” Battleaxe said moving closer to her, “REALLY hard to notice.” he looked over to Rarity and Spike, “I guess you found a reversal to that bastard’s spell?”

“Oh yes, Princess Celestia referred me to some herbs that might help,” Twilight explained. “And my friend Zecora was more than happy to provide me with them once I explained the situation.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” Battleaxe said, looking up to the sky. “Oh look, the mail’s here.”

Everypony looked to the sky to see a single pony with overloaded saddle bags flying towards them. Several letters flew out of the bags as the pony started to slow her descent to the ground. Twilight squinted her eyes to see if she could identify the pony that was quickly approaching them, once she realized who it was her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

“Oh no…” Twilight said.

“What’s the matter?” Battleaxe said, “Do you know the mail mare?”

“Yes…” she said, backing away slowly, “EVERYPONY TAKE COVER!”

Twilight sprinted under a nearby bench while Spike grabbed Rarity and shielded her with his body. The other ponies had no idea what was going on until they turned their attention back to the mail pony, who hadn’t slowed down at all. They tried to take cover but it was too late.

CRASH! The mail pony slammed into the group standing on the patio. Once the dust settled, it showed everypony tangled up in a massive pile. Only the mail pony was unaffected by the crash, she was sitting on top of the pile.

“Oops, I’m sorry everypony.” she said, “I just don’t know what went wrong.”

“Derpy Hooves,” Twilight said, crawling out from under the bench, “you’re back form college.”

“Well, yeah I am.” Derpy said, “Why else would I be back?”

“What did you major in again?” Twilight asked, “It’s been so long since anypony has seen you.”

“Well, I got a bachelor in sociology, chemical engineering, Economics, Biology…” Derpy said rather proudly. “And I got a doctorate in theoretical physics.”

“Wow… you must’ve been very busy,” Twilight said.

“Nah, all that was easy,” Derpy said. “Oh yeah, I got mail for you!”

Derpy rooted around her saddlebags for everypony’s mail and began to pass it out. Derpy made her way down the line until she came to the three. Once she looked at them she dropped the mail in her hooves.

“Oh my gosh! It’s YOU!” Derpy exclaimed, suddenly hugging Greatsword.

“Do I know you? Because I’ve never seen you in my life.” Greatsword said awkwardly while the ponies around him stared at the two.

“Of course you do!” Derpy said happily, “Well, at least you did, according to him…” Derpy turned away preparing to fly off, “Don’t leave, I’m gonna go tell him you‘re here right now… I’ll be back.” Derpy said vanishing into the clouds.

“What was that all about?” Battleaxe asked.

“I don’t know…” Twilight said. “But she’s always been like that.”

“Oddities aside, let’s get the day started.” Greatsword said. “We got new ponies to train anyway.”

The others nodded in agreement and made their way back inside the town hall, where an unexpected visitor was waiting with a basket full of balloons and envelopes. “Hi everypony!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Are ya doing anything special today?”

“How did she even get in here?” Lug Nut asked. “We were right outside the whole time.”

“It’s just Pinkie,” Patches said with a smile. “We’ve been here for over a month; you should’ve accepted it by now.”

“She’s not a unicorn…” Lug Nut muttered. “She has to do it somehow other than magic, and I’ll find out… even if it kills me.”

“I doubt that…” Patches said rolling her eyes. “Now just-“

“Here you go Patches!” Pinkie said handing her one of the envelopes. “I hope you can make it!”

“Make what?”

“Well you gotta open the envelope silly!” Pinkie replied happily passing out the other envelops.

Patches examined the envelope momentarily, but then she unwrapped the package, revealing a small piece of paper. After skimming over it she looked back to Pinkie who was right back in her face. “So are ya gonna make it?”

“Pinkie…” she began. “We’re still working… I don’t think we can make it to a picnic this afternoon.”

Pinkie’s hair suddenly went flat, and her eyes suddenly began to water. “Oh… ok…” she sniffed a little. “I’ve just seen you around town, you look so sad all the time. I thought a nice afternoon with your friends would be nice for you.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Patches said. “But-“

“It’s just an introductory meeting, Patches,” Battleaxe said. “I’m sure we could find some time, if we can convince Greatsword.”

Pinkie’s hair puffed up again and in an instant she was right in front of Greatsword, her eyes wide and her lip stuck out. “Can all of you come to my picnic?” She asked, her pupils doubling in size. “Please?”

Greatsword stared right back into her eyes, seemingly unphased by her puppy eyes. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw Battleaxe nodding with a small smirk. Letting out a deep breath, he revealed his answer.

“I guess a few hours couldn’t hurt,” He said shrugged. “We’ll be there at 1730 shar-“

“OH THAT’S PERFECT!” Pinkie said suddenly wrapping her hooves around his neck. “We’ll have so much fun!”

In an instant Pinkie darted back into town, leaving the others staring in the direction she’d ran off in. after a few moments of silence Greatsword finally spoke up.

“Well, we should get ready…” he said looking to the others. “We’re meeting the new recruits in thirty minutes.”

The others nodded and went back inside. After the introductions were done, the group made their way to the hill Pinkie had specified, but there was something amiss.

“Where is everypony?” Battleaxe asked. “Didn’t you say we’d be here at 1730?”

“I did…” Greatsword said. “And it’s 1730.”

“Maybe the others remembered they had previous engagements,” Lug Nut said. “I mean I forget things all the time, I’m sure that’s why they’re not here… let’s just head back to town and get ready for the next day.”

“I’m sure there’s a reason for them not being here yet…” Patches said looking round. “Maybe if we wait for a few more minutes.”

“Or we could just go back home…” Lug Nut said pointing back to town. “It’s just-“

“YOU’RE HERE!” Pinkie exclaimed hopping from out of the horizon.
“Right there…” Lug Nut said disappointedly.
“I’m so glad all of you could make it!” Pinkie said plopping down right next to Patches. “Especially you!” Pinkie wrapped Patches up in her forelegs, turning the scene into a rather awkward moment for Patches.
“Uh… thanks…” Patches said gently pushing Pinkie Pie away from her. “Glad to see you so happy.”
“Well yeah!” Pinkie said pulling a quilt out of nowhere. “I love being happy! But what I love more is making others happy!”
Just then the Pinkie’s other friends appeared over the hill, all caring their own individual baskets and boxes. The 1025th looked to all of them with some confusion, then Pinkie’s head lowered to the ground.
“Oh, I’m sorry…” she said apologetically. “I was supposed to tell you that you were supposed to bring something for the picnic…”
“Of course…” Lug Nut said slamming his hoof into his face. “Why wouldn’t you forget THAT detail.”
“Lug Nut, leave her alone…” Battleaxe said making his way to Twilight. “I’m sure it just slipped her mind.”
“That’s not the only thing that’s slipped…” Lug Nut grumbled.
“We’ll be fine without food…” Warhammer said. “It’s just nice to be among friends for a while.”
“Couldn’t agree with ya more little bro…” Battleaxe said sitting down next to Twilight. “But it would be nice to have something to eat…” he said reaching for his grumbling stomach, “I’m starving…”
“I brought plenty for everypony.” Twilight said grabbing a daffodil and tomato sandwich from her basket, “Do you want one?”
“Twilight I love you.” Battleaxe said looking to Twilight.
“What?!” Twilight exclaimed with her face turning red.
“Daffodil and tomato is my favorite kind,” Battleaxe said grabbing the sandwich. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Oh…” Twilight said fanning herself. “You were talking about the sandwich… just the sandwich… well your welcome.”
“Do you think I should tell them?” Warhammer said nudging Greatsword as he pointed to the two.
“I think they’ll find out soon enough…” Greatsword said nodding. “How’s Luna been doing?” Warhammer gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. He was still enraged from the night before when the shadow showed him the horrible memory. “Warhammer?” Greatsword asked. “Are you doing ok?”
“I’m fine, Greatsword…” Warhammer growled. “I just remembered something I don’t particularly wish to remember.”
“If you say so…” Greatsword said just before he felt something brush against his flak. He turned to face what it was that touched him, only to see a sea of pick blowing into his face.
“Oh… I’m sorry Greatsword…” Fluttershy said holding her mane down. “I didn’t mean to-“
“It’s fine Fluttershy.” Greatsword said, holding back a sneeze. “It’s pretty windy today as it is.”
“I-I guess your right…” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Do you want something to eat?”
“What?”
“Are you hungry?” Fluttershy asked reaching into her basket. “I brought plenty of celery and peanut butter.”
“You’re very kind Fluttershy…” Greatsword said. “But I’ll be alright.”
“If you say so…” Fluttershy said grabbing a celery stalk. “If you want any let me know.”
Greatsword nodded and turned his attention back to the others. The group was truly enjoying themselves, even Lug Nut had loosened up from his initial reaction. But what got Greatsword the most was Patches, she was actually smiling, not a fake smile like she had been, but a real genuine smile. It had been almost four months since Comet had died, but Patches was adjusting to what had happened. Greatsword looked back to Fluttershy and shook his head, if she’s ready to move on, he thought, maybe I should try too.
“Fluttershy…” Greatsword said placing his hoof on her shoulder. “I think I’ll take a few celery sticks.”
“Oh, ok…” Fluttershy replied with a smile, reaching into her basket. “Here you go.”
“Thanks…” Greatsword replied. “When’s the next time you need help with those critters?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want you to think you need to help me.”
“I know you can take care of yourself… but maybe an extra hoof would be nice to have.”
“I wouldn’t hurt…” Fluttershy said rubbing her chin. “How does Saturday at eight sound?”
“I’ll be there…” Greatsword said nodding his head.
“Hey…” Battleaxe said tapping Warhammer’s side. “Hey little bro… look at that.”
Warhammer pointed to where Battleaxe was pointing to see Greatsword and Fluttershy talking to one another. Warhammer smiled and looked back to his brother.
“It seems that our brother is actually starting to make friends.” He said nodding, “This will be good for him, if any of these ponies could bring him peace, it would be her.”
“Big bro’s gotta marefriend.” Battleaxe said patting Warhammer on the shoulder.
“I believe it’s far from that Battleaxe.” Warhammer said. “Fluttershy seems willing to help bring him to peace, nothing more.”
“If you say so, little bro…” Battleaxe said rolling his eyes. “But I think they look good together, the ultimate opposites attract… I mean, our big bro, a cold, hard, angry militant and Fluttershy, a quiet, timid, kind peace lover… I can just-“
“That’s enough, Battleaxe…” Warhammer said, covering Battleaxe’s mouth. “I think we’d all appreciate you not trying to force a relationship on two ponies who clearly don’t want one.”
“Ok… ok…” Battleaxe said batting Warhammer’s hoof away. “How bout we just eat?”
“Indeed…” Warhammer said looking back to the two.
He was lying of course, Warhammer could see that Greatsword was reaching out to her, and for some unknown reason, she was reaching out to him. Could it be possible? He thought, is she the one who has haunted his mind for so long? His thoughts were cut short by Battleaxe tossing him a sandwich. Now wasn’t the time to think like that anyway, there were other matters that they had to attend to. The group finished the picnic and went on with their lives, but little did they know, future events would change not only the courses of their lives but the fate of Equestria as well.

Chapter 35: Revelations

Several months had passed sense that odd morning that Derpy had delivered their mail, she hadn’t returned since, but the 1025th thought little of it. Now the defense force now consisted of twenty seven ponies. Recruiting became much easier for them since Greatsword had saved Scootaloo and her friends from certain death, but their numbers were still relatively low. After a relatively slow day of training, Battleaxe went to the library to borrow a book.

“Afternoon Twilight…” he said walking into the library. “Nice day isn’t it?”

Twilight looked up from the particular book she was reading, once she saw it was Battleaxe she quickly hid the book under her desk and casually smiled back at him. “Good afternoon, Battleaxe,” she said. “And yes, it is a very nice day.”

“Where’s Spike today?” Battleaxe said looking around for the dragon.

“Oh, he and Rarity went off to gather gems for some dresses that Sapphire Shores ordered,” Twilight said. “They might be gone for several days.”

“That long, huh,” Battleaxe said. “Well I hope you can manage on your own.”

“I’ve been able to do this since I was a filly, Battleaxe,” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “And I’ve been just fine every time.” She looked back at Battleaxe. “Why are you here anyway? Do you need a book?”

Battleaxe looked around the room, “Uh… Yeah…” he said awkwardly. “I was looking for a book, in fact, I was hoping that Spike would be here to help me check it out.”

“Why would you need him to check it out?” Twilight asked. “I’m the librarian you know.”

Battleaxe continued to look around the library, trying to find an excuse for his request. “Well, you see…” he began. “Lug Nut has a crush on one of the mares in town and he asked me to get him a book to help him out.” He avoided eye contact with Twilight at all cost, “he was too embarrassed to check one out himself for fear the pony in question would be at the library and would catch on to his intentions.”

“Right,” Twilight said smiling, “Lug Nut…” she stood from behind her desk and walked toward Battleaxe, “Let’s see if we can’t find what you’re looking for…” Once she passed him she whipped her tail at his face, brushing it softly across his nose.

Battleaxe nearly sneezed, but he managed to hold it in. “Where are you headed, Twilight?” he asked.

“Oh, I need to get a ladder,” she replied. “What we’re looking for might be on a high shelf.”

“Oh… ok… that makes sense, I guess.”

The two searched for a book that would help on ground level, but they couldn’t find anything there. Twilight grabbed the ladder with her magic and proceeded to climb it. “Battleaxe, would you mind holding this to keep it steady?”

Battleaxe filched and blinked his eyes rapidly, processing the request, “Uh… Yeah, sure. Why not?”

While Twilight searched the top shelves diligently, Battleaxe was doing his best not to look up. Twilight’s tail was also tickling his nose, making him fight a sneeze as well. After a short while however, Battleaxe could not hold back anymore. He tried to fight it, but with a resounding echo throughout the libeary he sneezed so hard that the ladder fell to the side.

“AHH!” Twilight shrieked falling onto her desk, launching everything in it into the air.

After the chaos was over, Battleaxe realized that a book had fallen on his head, he removed it from his horn and gave it a good look. “The Art of Seduction…” he said with a smile, looking at Twilight, her face turning the brightest red he’d ever seen. “I think Lug Nut wanted this book, now why didn’t you tell me that YOU had it?”

“Uh…” Twilight’s eyes darted around the room, looking for some kind of excuse. “I-I… uh…”

“I don’t think Lug Nut will be needing this book anymore…” Battleaxe said, throwing the book off to the side while helping Twilight up. He brushed off the dirt on her face but he kept his hoof under her chin. “Do you?”

Twilight dimmed the lights with her magic, “I don’t think he will…” she said, staring into his eyes. The sign in front of the library went from saying ‘open’ to ‘closed’ as the lights dimmed completely.

“Just one more good heeve-hoo fellas!” Applejack said guiding Big Mac and Warhammer through the town.

“It’s… it’s good ta have a pony even stronger than me help fer a change…” Big Mac said struggling under his side if the frame. “Normally it’s just me and Carmel pulling the weight ‘round here.”

“Always happy to help.” Warhammer replied with a smile. “This community has given me so much, I just want to give some back.”

“I’m sure the Cake’s will appreciate it more than anypony else.” Pinkie said from the top of the frame. “After the front of Sugar Cube Corner mysteriously blew off after I was trying out a new super-secret recepie for baking cookies went wrong I was certain that really bad things would happen.”

“It certainly is a mystery…” Warhammer said smirking towards Big Mac.

With one last great burst of strength the frame was finally in place. The four then stood next to one another admiring the work they had done.

“Great job fellas…” Applejack said tilting her hat to the others. “I recon we’ll be done with this before Pinkie’s party.”

“Party?” Warhammer asked. “What party?”

Applejack’s face went blank and Pinkie’s jaw hit the floor. “Nothin’!” Applejack said looking in every direction. “Forget I said anything.”

Warhammer replied with a smile and a nod. Apparently Pinkie was planning something for him and the others. He also understood how important surprises were to Pinkie, especially when it came to parties.

“Alright…” Warhammer said smiling. “I could’ve sworn I heard something…” he sent a quick wink towards Applejack, who replied with a nod of her head.

“Ya’ll been workin’ real hard,” Applejack said changing the subject. “How ‘bout we go back to the farm and get ourselves a drink, I’m sure Carmel’d love the company.”

With that the four ponies began to make their way to Sweet Apple Acres. When they arrived they saw Carmel struggling to pull a cart full of apples, granted if he noticed that the wheel was busted he would’ve avoided the slight teasing from the others. After they helped Carmel store the apples in the barn the five sat around a small picnic table.

“So Warhammer,” Applejack began giving him a glass of apple juice. “How ya likin’ Ponyville, I know ya been her fer a few months and all.”

“We’ve been here for about eight months,” Warhammer corrected. “And all things considered, I’ve enjoyed my time here, not to mention all the new friends I’ve made.”

“Well that’s nice of ya ta say,” Applejack said smiling. “But what’d ya mean by ‘all things considered’?”

Warhammer looked to Applejack slightly surprised; she knew that he and Luna were together, but that detail must’ve slipped her mind. He just stared at her silently for a few seconds, until Applejack finally remembered.

“Oh, Sorry ‘bout that Warhammer,” she said apologetically. “I guess that slipped my mind…”

“It’s no matter Applejack,” Warhammer said waving his hoof passviely. “We all forget things.”

“Some of us know that better than most,” Applejack said shooting a glance at Carmel.

“I’m getting better AJ…” Carmel said turning slightly red. “You know that.”

“I’m just tuggin’ yer tail Carmel.” Applejack giggled giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Ya know I still love ya.”

The action was intended to calm his nerve, but it only caused his face to grow even redder. And given that two of them couldn’t hold back their laughter it only made it worse. Warhammer just shook his head at the others and looked off into the orchards, at that same moment; a gust of wind blew into his face from a barren field to the south. Instantly the sent took him back, way back.

“What is that smell?” He asked. “I recognize it from somewhere…”
Applejack was about to answer him, but another pony burst out of the Apple’s house dressed head to hoof in pots and pans.

“The Zap Apples er commin’!” She yelled at the top of her lungs. “The Zap Apples are commin’!”

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack said, throwing her hat into the air. “Been wonderin’ when they’d show up! they’re runnin’ a tad late this year.”

“Zap Apples?” Warhammer asked. “What’s a Zap Apple?”

“Only the most super-duper fantastic delicious tasting apple in ALL Equestria!” Pinkie exclaimed disappearing for a second and reappearing head to hoof in pots and pans, repeating what the old mare was saying.

“And the Apple family has been harvestin’ ‘em ever since ol’ Granny Smith over there discovered them.” Applejack said. “You musta been here once before, ‘cause nopony ever forgets the smell of a Zap Apple.”

“You… think I’ve been here before?”

“Well yeah.” Applejack said confused. “Unless ya had any Zap Apple products in all yer travels.”

“I’ve never even heard of a Zap Apple until today…” He rose from his seat and began to walk away. “Thank you for the drink but I must go.”

“Where are you going?” Pinkie asked stopping mid jump in the air. “You only just got here.”

“I need to find my brothers…” he said walking past the levitating pony. “I need to tell them something.” Warhammer then disappeared over the hills, leaving the others in confusion.

Around the same time Greatsword and Fluttershy were finishing up animal care at her house. He was always trying to help out as best he could when he visited, but it seemed that he made things worse. Fortunately, Fluttershy was there when things became out of hoof for him.

“Another ‘successful’ day of animal care done and over with,” Greatsword said looking at the lowering sun. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t there when those badgers surrounded me.”

“They don’t seem to care,” Fluttershy said giggling. “Even if you are you.”

Greatsword looked at Fluttershy, in the last few months and against his better judgement, the two had grown close. He was happy to have a friend like her, it was as if she was the only pony that could calm his raging mind. Yet, there was something else about her. He felt that he could let her in, let her in so they could help him heal, but the shadow’s words constantly echoed in his mind. ’Everypony you love will die because of you’, but he believed that it was now or never.

“Fluttershy…” he said to get her attention. “I-I need to tell you something...”

Greatsword told Fluttershy everything, the dreams, his time in the 1025th, the death of his friends and about Record Keeper. It took some time to let it all soak in for her. Twilight told her the story Battleaxe had explained, which was very sad, but the story from Greatsword’s point of view made her tear up.

“Y-you’ve lost so much…” she said. “H-how do you keep going?”

“I still wonder that myself…” Greatsword responded. “But something in this life has kept me pushing through, what it is I don’t know.” He cast one foreleg around Fluttershy’s shoulder as the sun began to set on the horizon. “Stop crying, please.” He said in a comforting voice. “You know I hate to see you cry.”

“Y-you are HIM…” Fluttershy said, looking up at Greatsword with watery eyes, “You HAVE to be.”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Greatsword said. “I’m HIM?”

“I need to tell you something too…” Fluttershy said, still looking at Greatsword. She then told him her story, how she was orphaned at birth and had to live with her grandmother. How she fell out of the sky and that she somehow lived near the Everfree Forest ever since then. Then she told him about her dreams, about her guardian.

“My Celestia…” Greatsword said. “You’re HER…” he quickly threw his other foreleg around her, letting a tear fall from his eye. “All these years I thought you were just a dream, but you’re REAL, I can’t believe you’re actually REAL.”

“I-I thought the same thing…” Fluttershy said, burying her head in his chest, “I knew in my heart that you were real.”

“I never forgot you, Fluttershy,” Greatsword said. “I never let you go…”

“What about Record Keeper?” she asked.

Greatsword froze up at Record Keeper’s mentioning. He looked down to Fluttershy, his eyes full of fear. He pushed her away from him and began to run back into town.

“Wait!” She cried. “Where are you going?!”

“I’m keeping you safe!” Greatsword yelled back, still running away. “Please, NEVER try to find me, I can’t… can’t… just don’t ever try to find me!”

He ran out of sight, leaving Fluttershy with tears cascading down her face. He arrived at Town hall as the moon was rising and swung the doors open. He was blinded by a flash of lights and confetti. A party was being held at the Town Hall and everypony was there, what for he had no idea.

“SURPRISE!” Pinkie Pie yelled throwing a party hat on Greatsword’s head. “Are you surprised? Huh? Are ya? Are ya?” Greatsword just ran past her to his room. Pinkie Pie stood at the door proudly. “He’s SO surprised he’s speechless! Pinkie, you’re awesome!”

“I don’t think it’s that Pinkie…” Twilight said, “He looked like something else was on his mind.”

“Don’t worry Twilight,” Battleaxe said, “I’ll see what’s bothering him, you coming little bro?” Warhammer nodded and the two made their way to Greatsword’s room.

Greatsword entered his room, he threw his bags on the floor and started to fill them with his things. He paused momentarily to look at a picture of himself and Fluttershy that was taken only a week ago, he tucked the photo into his wing and continued to pack. Battleaxe and Warhammer went into his room to see what was going on.

“Hey bro, they’re throwing you a party for training the defense force and you’re missing it!” Battleaxe said.

“We’re leaving…” Greatsword said, packing another item into his bags.

“What?!” Battleaxe yelled. “But we finally got established, you’re going to let eight months of this go down the drain just like that?”

“If it means to protect what I love most,” Greatsword said looking to his brother. “Then yes, yes I am.”

“You can’t do that! it’s our DUTY to stay here!” Battleaxe roared. “AND I’m not leaving Twilight just after we finally-”

Everything in Greatsword’s room began to shake violently, the three looked around looking for an explanation, but before they knew it they were teleported to a massive cave like structure. They all looked around to see nothing, then Greatsword saw a pony out of the corner of his eye.

“Derpy?!” he yelled surprised.

“See!” Derpy said happily, pointing at the three. “I TOLD you I found them, I told you I could do it!”

“Indeed you did, Derpy,” a bellowing voice said from the shadows. “I never doubted you.”

“Who are you?!” Greatsword called out. “Reveal yourself!”

Then from the shadows a massive figure came forth, a dragon, it’s body purple with large green spines flowing down it’s back. “I have long awaited this day, reclaimers.”

“WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!” Greatsword roared.

“I am Dante…” the dragon said. “Dante of the Inferno…”

Chapter 36: Dante

“It’s really them!” Derpy said proudly. “Nearly six years of looking and I found them. WHAH WHOO!”

“So you did,” Dante replied. “And as promised, your much deserved reward.”

The three watched as Dante reached for something in the shadows from which he came. Derpy was happily flying around Dante’s head, nearly crashing into him several times in her giggly state. Once Dante brought his claw back into the light, it revealed a large box. Derpy screamed with excitement when she cast her cross-eyed gaze at it. Darting to the box she wrapped her hooves around it as best she could.

“You’re the BEST, Dante!” Derpy said, smiling from ear to ear.

“I would have never found them if not for your special mind, Derpy,” Dante said, patting her on the head. “You gave Omnipotent’s creation another chance.”

“Omni-who?” Battleaxe asked, staring at the strange scene before him.

“Forgive me, Battleaxe, I often fail to remember that nopony knows that name anymore,” Dante said.

“You know who I am?!” Battleaxe exclaimed.

“Yes, I know nearly everything that has happened in both histories of ‘Equestria’, as your kind call it now.” Dante replied. Placing the box on the ground with Derpy still attached to it.

“Don’t fill us with talk, dragon…” Greatsword growled. “I would see you dead as soon as I take another step.”

“Such violence spoken by one with such a gentle heart,” Dante said, shaking his head. “What do you truly know of dragons, Greatsword?”

“I know that they are a scourge that should be cleansed from Equestria,” Greatsword replied. “Their greed and lust for blood and destruction shames the very beauty of the land.”

“You know well of how dragons are NOW Greatsword,” Dante scoffed. “But NOTHING of what dragons USED to be…”

“How dragons USED to be?” Greatsword asked.

“Yes,” Dante said “what they were like before the spell was cast and history began anew.”

“Spell to remake history?” Greatsword said. “That sounds impossible for anypony to do.”

“Impossible for all but him…” Dante said looking at the three. “You all must know the story, so that you may understand the gravity of the situation…”

Dante told them the tale of the creation of Equestria. He told them about Omnipotent, his family, his friends, how he and his allies defeated the most ancient and powerful of all evils with the weapons he created and of how Omnipotent cast the most powerful spell of all time in hopes to save all creation. The three were speechless, they couldn’t believe half the things that Dante spoke of, but it was all truth.

“So, Discord was a ‘GOOD’ good guy?” Battleaxe said.

“He was called Onus back then,” Dante said shaking his head. “I remember his decent into madness. I tried to bring him back with reason but he, like all other things, had forgotten everything. His chaos magic he once used for good made him the monster he is now known as.”

“AND Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are a little over six thousand years old?” Battleaxe asked.

Dante nodded, “I was at their birthing, as a good friend should be for an expectant father.”

“Damn little bro,” Battleaxe said, patting Warhammer on the back. “I knew the Princess Luna was a cougar, but THAT is one hell of an age gap.” Warhammer rolled his eyes and covered his face with his hoof.

“How do YOU remember, dragon?” Greatsword questioned. “If everypony forgot then how do YOU still remember everything?”

“My name is Dante…” Dante said rather angered at Greatsword’s indifference. “And I remember because I was the only being with the WILL to fight.” Dante rose to his hind legs and outstretched his torn wings. “As the embodiment of will itself I had to remember incase Destruction returned.”

“Destruction?” Battleaxe asked, “Who’s Destruction?”

“Do you not listen when I talk, Battleaxe?” Dante said covering his face with his claw. “Destruction is the ultimate evil, he is unlike any other enemy that your kind has ever faced. Destruction wishes nothing more than to inniolate Equestria, if he is not stopped none will remain.”

“You like to repeat yourself, don’t you?” Battleaxe said smiling.

“YOU are too much like Discord…” Dante replied.

“Well, one could assume that given he IS the element of duty…” a voice said in the shadows. “They should bear several personality traits.”

“Who said that?” Battleaxe said looking around.

“Oh, forgive my manners, we don’t have company that much,” A silvery unicorn with a blue mane and light blue eyes floated down towards the three. “I’m Guilty Spark, one of the monitors for this instillation.”

“ONE of them?” Greatsword asked.

“Why, yes,” Guilty Spark said. “The others shall make their presence known momentarily.” Two pegasi flew into the light. “Ah here they are,” Spark said. “The light grey pegasi with the orange eyes and blue mane is Event Horizon, and the light purple one with the orange mane and red eyes is Sun Screech.”

“Hi,” Event Horizon said. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” He landed just feet from the three. “We’ve all heard so much about you.”

“Pleasure to be of your acquaintance…” Sun Screech said. “It’s not often that I meet the saviors of the world.”

“Then what exactly does Derpy do around here?” Battleaxe asked.

“She doesn’t touch anything,” Event Horizon said. “But her brain waves somehow operate differently than anypony else, so when everypony forgot you she could still remember. Dante was very lucky that he found her.”

“What’s in the box?” Battleaxe asked.

“I beg your pardon?” Spark said.

“What’s in the BOX?!” Battleaxe yelled sarcastically, hoping they heard him that time.

“Derpy’s reward…” Sun Screech answered. “For all her years of service she just wanted one thing.”

“And that would be?” Battleaxe asked.

“MUFFINS!” Derpy yelled excitedly opening the box, but the muffins were massive, “PONY SIZED MUFFINS! Just what I always wanted!”

“Really?” Battleaxe asked raising his eyebrow.

“I know she deserves far more,” Dante said. “But it’s all she asked for, not to mention I spent a great deal of my treasures to put her through college.”

“A generous dragon?” Greatsword scoffed. “Now I’ve seen everything.”

“Forsake your hate, Greatsword…” Dante said. “Dragons were once a proud and noble race, we had honor, then they let themselves fall into greed and war-mongering after Omnipotent’s spell.”

Dante stepped into the shadows and used his flame to light up the entire area. It revealed a base of sorts, telescopes, dials, meters and potions of all kinds were placed about the ‘pony area’, while a giant pile of treasures sat not far from it. Dante’s treasure, he seemed to have no use for it other than to purchase things for his ponies.

“You seem to give a lot.” Battleaxe said. “You rarely hear about this much kindness, even from a pony.”

“There are still a few dragons like me, Battleaxe,” Dante said, “While in Ponyville did you not meet my son?”

“What?” Battleaxe said, “YOU have a son?”

“The one they call Spike,” Dante answered. “He is my son, I made his egg from my own flesh, only one with a great deal of magic would be able to hatch him,” Dante paused to look into a large pool of water, “and the pony who could perform such a feet would have a pure guardian to keep them safe if evil came to them.”

“I think Greatsword kinda put your ‘guardian’ in his place when they first met.” Battleaxe said.

“There is a difference between Spike and Greatsword,” Dante said, “Greatsword has already unlocked his forgotten power, Spike has yet to learn of his.”

“Forgotten power?” Greatsword asked. “What do you mean drag-“

“You mind calling him by his real name bro?” Battleaxe said, nudging him brother on the shoulder. “I’d rather have him NOT pissed off at us.”

“I mean, Dante?” he corredted

“The forgotten power that lies in all of you,” Dante said. “The three of you represent the most powerful thing in all creation.”

“Harmony?” Battleaxe asked. “I thought there were six pieces to that, and they’ve already taken.”

“No,” Dante said shaking his head. “And it’s not love either, just to avoid the same thing from being said again.”

“Again?” Battleaxe asked.

“I had this conversation long ago,” Dante answered. “Anyway, you represent honor, and its three components, Duty, Will and the most powerful, Sacrifice.”

“Who’s who?” Battleaxe asked.

“That shouldn’t be a question, Battleaxe,” Dante said smiling. “You yourself have proven that you’re sense of DUTY is unrivaled.” he cast his gaze to Warhammer. “And you, Warhammer, for one with so much power, you always hold back. It takes a great deal of WILL to contain such power without unleashing it on others.” Then Dante cast his emerald eyes on Greatsword, “and you Greatsword, you will give everything and more to keep what you love safe, much like the original bearer of your element.”

“The original bearer?” Greatsword asked

“You bear the element of sacrifice, Greatsword,” Dante said. “Omnipotent would be proud to see a pony like you wield his element.”

“I am no god…” Greatsword growled. “I do not deserve to be compared to the one you describe, let alone allow our names be in the same sentence.”

“That may be true,” Dante said. “But you will do what he did without second thought. You would give everything and more to keep what you love safe, even if you knew it would mean your death.”

“If I die then those I love will only die after me,” Greatsword said back. “I can’t save them, I will fail.”

“Bro…” Battleaxe said. “Are you telling us that you’re giving up?” Greatsword looked away from the group, fighting back a tear. “Out of everypony I have ever known,” Battleaxe said, “I thought… I thought that YOU would never break, YOU never showed any weakness.”

“I had to,” Greatsword said. “All of us would have given up months ago if I had shown you that I had broken a long time ago.” Greatsword walked away from all them, leaving them in disbelief. “I’m sorry Dante, but you must find another, another capable of saving those he loves.”

Greatsword ran off to the entrance of the cave, Battleaxe close behind him. Warhammer tried to follow them but he was stopped by Dante. “Let them go,” he said. “I believe that his words will reach Greatsword’s ears better than yours this time.” Warhammer nodded and watched the two vanish into the darkness of the cave.

Greatsword finally reached the cave’s entrance, which was somewhere in the Crystal Mountain range. He stretched his wings and began to fly away, only to be stopped by silver colored magic. “WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING?!” Battleaxe yelled.

“I don’t know yet,” Greatsword said, struggling in Battleaxe’s hold. “But when I do I won’t tell you where!”

“Bro, come on!” Battleaxe said. “Are you listening to yourself?! You’ve NEVER ran from a fight, hell you even STARTED a few fights! What’s with you?!”

“Like YOU care about me!” Greatsword yelled breaking free of the spell and striking Battleaxe across the face. “You were always more concerned with how many mares you could get in bed!”

“That was the OLD me!” Battleaxe said punching Greatsword in the gut then his face. “I’ve CHANGED, and so have you, but not for the better!” He kicked Greatsword in the chest, sending him into the nearby wall.

Greatsword recovered in time to see Battleaxe charging him. Without hesitation, Greatsword uppercuted Battleaxe hard enough to break a normal pony’s jaw. “I don’t want to see anypony else die because of me!” he yelled, watching his brother hit the ground. “No matter what I do to keep them alive, I’m the reason they DIE!” Greatsword kicked Battleaxe in the gut as he tried to return to his hooves.

Greatsword tried to fly off, but Battleaxe grabbed him by the hoof and slammed him into the hard rocky surface. “You CAN’T just leave,” he shouted. “We NEED you!” Battleaxe jumped on Greatsword’s back and put him in a headlock. “I NEED you!”

Greatsword elbowed Battleaxe in the gut, causing him to let go. “I can’t live like this anymore!” Greatsword yelled punching Battleaxe. “You’ve NEVER lost anything you LOVE!” he continued to hit Battleaxe, screaming in rage with every blow.

The two exchanged blows for a short time, releasing all the rage they had locked away on one another. Then Greatsword struck Battleaxe hard enough to make him stagger, but he didn’t relent. He continued to swing away at Battleaxe, who now wasn’t even fighting back. By the time Greatsword had stopped, Battleaxe was almost unrecognizable, his eyes were nearly swelled shut and his face was covered in deep wounds. Battleaxe looked to his brother, who was standing over him, breathing heavily in his rage.

“B-but I’m afraid I will now…” Battleaxe said coughing up blood. “I don’t want to lose what I love…” a tear mixed with blood fell from Battleaxe’s eye, falling to the ground with silence.

“What?” Greatsword said stepping back from his battered brother. With his head now clear he finally saw what he had did to Battleaxe, the sight made him sick.

“I LOVE somepony,” Battleaxe said. “I don’t want to lose her…” Battleaxe wiped away some blood and tears away from his face, only to have them quickly be replaced by more.

“My own brother…” Greatsword said tearing up. “Celestia, what have I done?” he took Battleaxe in his embrace. Letting tears fall that should have fallen long ago.

“Greatsword…” Battleaxe said. “I know that I’ve never felt what you have, but now that I know what it feels like to be in love, I’m terrified of what will happen if I lose it.” he pushed Greatsword away to look him square in the eye. “And I can’t keep her safe without you.”

“I think we both need to talk to Warhammer,” Greatsword said smiling. “If anypony can help us, it will be him.” Greatsword placed his hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder. “Come on Battleaxe,” he said. “My place is with those I love, and they need me now more than ever.”

Chapter 37: Gone Unanswered

“They’ve been in there for a long time…” Twilight said, looking to Greatsword’s room. “I wonder what they’re talking about?”

“Maybe they want to surprise us!” Pinkie said, covering her eyes. “Oh, I can’t wait to see what the surprise is!”

“I doubt that, Pinkie…” Twilight grunted.

“Well, they certainly need to come out of there some time,” Rarity said. “It can get awfully stuffy with three ponies in one room.”

“Why doesn’t somepony just knock on the door?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I think they can take a few seconds out of their ‘talk’ so we could check up on them.”

“Now Rainbow, I think you would want your space if you-” Twilight started only to be spun around by a flash of blinding light.

“Too late, already here,” Rainbow said with her hoof on the door.

“Wait, Rainbow-” Twilight said in an attempt to stop her, but Rainbow had already opened the door. To their surprise, the room was empty.

“They’re gone!” Rarity exclaimed in shock.

“WOW, now THAT’S a surprise,” Pinkie said. “Hide n’ seek at their own ‘thank you’ party, how fun!” Pinkie started darting around the building, searching diligently for the missing ponies.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Twilight said, shaking her head, “Why would they just up and leave?”

“Well, maybe they went to get somethin’ fer the party,” Applejack said, “We are kinda runnin’ low on apples…”

“Then why wouldn’t they use the front door?” Twilight asked. “Or at least tell somepony that they were leaving.”

“Ya seem at be takin’ them bein’ gone really seriously Twi,” Applejack said. “Is there somethin’ ya ain’t tellin’ us?”

Twilight’s face turned slightly red while all of her friends looked at her awkwardly. She took a deep breath then spoke. “It’s Battleaxe,” she said, “earlier today we-”

“Called it!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “I knew you two would hook up after that day in the hospital.”

Twilight covered her face with her hoof. “We didn’t ‘hook up’ Rainbow… Well, not like you’re thinking.” Twilight looked to the ceiling while her face started to glow. “We just stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like hours, then he leaned towards me. I tried to turn away, but I wanted him so badly... I closed my eyes, leaned into him too, then… then...”

“Oh don’t keep us in suspense darling!” Rarity beamed, her eyes widening. “What happened next?”

“I felt his lips against mine…” Twilight answered. “And that’s all that happened… I swear.”

“Twilight, darling,” Rarity said. “That’s wonderful that you of all ponies found somepony special.” she turned her attention to the other three and smiled. “Looks like somepony owes me a few bits.”

Twilight snapped out of her trance and looked at Rarity, “What?” Twilight said. “Why would they owe you bits?”

Rarity froze then turned to Twilight. “Uh… well… the girls and I had a little bet going,” Rarity explained, “to see which one of us would be the last one in a relationship.”

“What?!” Twilight said. “YOU thought I would be the last one?!”

“Oh, heavens no,” Rarity said. “But you WERE near the top of the list, we all counted Fluttershy out, I said you WOULDN’T be the last one, so they all owe me twenty bits now.”

Twilight let out an angry grunt, but quickly regained her composure. “Where is Fluttershy anyway?” She asked, looking around. “You did invite her, didn’t you Pinkie?”

Pinkie looked at Twilight with a look of disbelief. “Twilight, I am quite frankly shocked that you would ask me that… of COUSE I invited Fluttershy, after all she is my super-duper special best friend!”

“Has anypony seen Battleaxe?” Lug Nut called out. “Berry Punch is looking for a rematch with him.”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to find out for the past ten minutes, Lug Nut.” Twilight said. “I was hoping that you or Patches would know where they all went.”

“ALL of them?” Lug Nut asked. “None of them are here?”

“Why else would we be telling you this?” Rainbow asked sarcastically.

“Well, them being gone is news to me, Rainbow.” Lug Nut said back.

“Greatsword and company are gone?” Patches asked, over hearing their conversation. “Where’d they go?”

“Ooh, they’re SUPER GOOD at hide n’ seek…” Pinkie said still looking for them.

“They aren’t the type to play hide n’ seek, Pinkie Pie,” Patches said. “And they wouldn’t just leave without telling at least one of us.”

“Well it looks like they did.” Rainbow said, pointing at the empty room.

The seven ponies talked amongst each other about the whereabouts of the three. The theories went from aliens to Zecora, but they all fell through given how well they know those missing. They continued to speculate until Long Shot, Spike and Scootaloo walked up to them.

“Watcha talking about?” Scootaloo asked the group.

“Long Shot,” Lug Nut said. “Have you seen anypony leave the party? In particular Greatsword or his brothers?”

“Can’t say I have, Lung Nut,” Long Shot said. “But I did see Carmel walking out back to the garden about twenty minutes ago.”

“That ain’t much help…” Applejack replied. “He’s probably gettin’ some fresh air, he ain’t exactly one fer big get-ta-gathers.”

“Maybe they went on a secret mission,” Spike pondered. “They are special forces, right?”

“If they went on a mission WE would be going on it too Spike.” Long Shot said. “We’re all in the same unit, they wouldn’t split us in half to get something done.”

“I wish somepony here could tell us where they went,” Patches said. “I’ve NEVER seen them just take off without a good reason.”

Just as Patches finished her statement, everypony in the hall heard what sounded like the flapping of pegasi wings. They remained silent to listen closer to the sound, which stopped soon after it had begun. Then the doors of the town hall opened, revealing five shadowy figures in the light.

“ALIENS!” Pinkie yelped dashing for cover.

“Those aren’t aliens, Pinkie,” Twilight said, squinting her eyes to get a better look at the figures in the doorway. “Those are…” the largest figure stepped into the light, “Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed happily. “I’ve missed you so much!”

“And I’ve missed you as well, Twilight,” she said back, raising her hoof commanding everypony in the room to rise. “And I’m happy to see you with all of your friends again.”

“And what dose our humble town owe the pleasure of a royal visit?” the mayor asked.

“Well, I received a letter in the mail not long ago inviting me to a party,” Princess Celestia said. “And I wouldn’t want to miss a party for my favorite soldiers. I hope you don’t mind if I brought a few guest of my own.”

“Of course not!” Pinkie said. “The more the merrier!”

The other four ponies entered the hall, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor and to the surprise of Long Shot and the other survivors of the 1025th, Commander Garrison.

“Commander,” Lug Nut said. “It’s been forever sense we’ve heard from you, you have no idea how good it is to see you again!”

“It’s good to see you again as well,” Commander Garrison responded.“I wasn’t going to come, but Princess Celestia can be quite convincing.”

“Princess Cadence, darling you are positively glowing,” Rarity said. “You’ve lost all that weight from the baby already.”

Twilight covered Rarity’s mouth as fast as she could, but Princess Cadence just giggled, “I guess you’re right,” she said. “But having a four month old colt can quite the work out.” She reached around to the side facing away from everypony. “Would you like to meet your nephew Twilight?”

“I would love to!” Twilight said, making her way to the Princess.

Princess Cadence showed Twilight a small white alicorn, sleeping peacefully in his holder. He was making a few sudden movements while he was dreaming, but nothing more. Twilight and her present friends eyes widened as the young foal made small noises while he made his little tossing movements.

“How adorable,” Twilight gushed. “What’s his name?”

“Prince Gold Heart.” Shining Armor said with pride. “He’s got my looks, so when he older he’ll be fighting off fillies.”

“I’ll say,” Princess Cadence giggled, “he was cursed with your devilish good looks.”

“Speaking of ponies with devilishly good looks,” Princess Luna said. “Where is Warhammer? I have to tell him something.”

Luna’s eyes went around the room looking for her lover, but to no avail. Remembering that Warhammer and the others were missing, Rainbow took it upon herself to try to change the subject.

“Why do you want to see Warhammer so badly?” She asked, trying to find some topic to draw attention away from those in question. Finally she lloked back to Luna and noticed that since last seeing her, her physic had changed. “If you ask me, it looks like you’re starting to enjoy cake as much as your sister.”

“RAINBOW!” Twilight yelled in shock, gathering the attention of everypony in the Town Hall.

“What?” Rainbow asked, pointing to Luna’s belly. “It looks like she gained a pound or two.”

Princess Luna’s face became slightly purple with every eye in town on her, but she knew she had to say something. “I WAS going to tell him first.” She said slightly annoyed. “Then WE were going to announce it to everypony here.”

“Announce what yer highness?” Applejack asked.

Princess Luna looked to all the ponies in the room, their eyes and ears had her undivided attention. “When I visited for Nightmare Night this year, Warhammer and I had some… how does one say, ‘personal time’ together.”

“You two always go off when you come to visit,” Rainbow shrugged. “What makes this one-” Rainbow put two and two together in her head. “Oh, uh never mind.” she said quickly.

“Well, as a result of that…” Princess Luna said pausing for dramatic effect. “I am now with a foal!”

Everypony gasped at the news, except for Princess Celestia. “I’m truly happy for you, sister,” she said. “Your love for one another has resulted in new life, there is no love greater than that.” Princess Celestia looked back to Twilight. “Now if you would tell us where Warhammer is so my sister may tell him personally, like she wanted to.”

“That’s the problem, Princess,” Twilight said apologetically. “We don’t know where Warhammer or his brothers went off to.”

“Well that’s strange,” Commander Garrison said. “I know for a fact that Battleaxe wouldn’t miss an opportunity to get free booze.”

“Where did you last see them?” Princess Luna asked with a look of worry.

“They were all in Greatsword’s room the last time we saw them.” Twilight said. “Maybe if you take a look you could find something we missed.”

“I shall see what I can do,” Princess Celestia said. “Sister, I may need your assistance, please come with me.”

“You don’t have to ask me,” Princess Luna said. “I want to know where my love has gone more than anything else.”

The Royal sisters entered Greatsword’s empty room. Together they made one obvious conclusion. “They didn’t leave on their own accord.” Princess Celestia said.

“Why would you say that?” Rainbow asked.

“It looks like one of them, probably Greatsword, was packing.” Princess Celestia answered, pointing to the half full duffle bag on the bed, “I doubt they would all make a conscious decision to leave instantly if one of them was packing for a trip.”

“So they were taken?” Applejack asked. “Now who in their right mind would mess with those three, I have near a dozen fallen apple trees provin’ that Warhammer is the strongest pony in all Equestria.”

“I know how strong Warhammer is, Applejack,” Princess Luna said. “Believe me…”

“No signs of blood or any kind of struggle,” Patches said. “So that means-”

“Magic…” Lug Nut said. “But none of the unicorns at the party sensed the amount of magic needed to teleport three very strong ponies form inside a room.”

“It could be ancient magic from the Pre-Discord era,” Commander Garrison said. “It’s almost impossible for the unicorns of today to detect that kind of magic, but an alicorn could possibly sense it if they concentrated hard enough.”

Princess Celestia and Luna nodded in agreement with Commander Garrison’s theory. The two closed their eyes and their horns began to glow their respective colors. After several tense moments their eyes shot open, both had looks of disbelief.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight said. “What’s wrong?”

“It… it CAN’T be…” Princess Celestia said. “He can’t still be alive, he died over nineteen hundred years ago…”

“Who?” Rainbow asked.

“The Forge Master…” Princess Luna said. “He created the original Elements of Harmony, to help us defeat Discord.” she turned her gaze to the baffled ponies. “The magic that was used here is the same kind that was used to create Harmony. He was the only unicorn strong enough to use this magic.”

“So zombie ponies are REAL?” Spike said in disbelief. “Holy guacamole, I was right?”

“Spike there is no such thing as zombie ponies…” Twilight said, but then she looked to Princess Celestia very concerned. “Right?”

“That answer will have to wait for another time, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “Now we have to make our way back to Canterlot as soon as possible, to clear our suspicions.”

The moment that Princess Celestia stepped out of Greatsword’s room, the doors to the town hall swung open to reveal a yellow pegasus on the other side. “Girls!” Fluttershy yelled. “Girls, have you-” she froze once she realized that everypony in town was looking at her. “Oh… I’m sorry…” she said hiding behind her mane. “I’ll come back later…”

“Fluttershy, am I glad to see you,” Twilight said. “Have you seen Battleaxe or his brothers?”

“I-I was going to ask you the same thing…” Fluttershy said. “Greatsword ran back here after we-”

“What part of ‘get back to Canterlot now’ don’t you two understand?” Rainbow said grabbing them both, “we need to get there now!”

“We may need the Elements of Harmony,” Princess Celestia said. “Because not even I know what this revelation means.”

“I wish Greatsword were here,” Patches said. “He’d know what to do.”

“I’ll need all of you for this too,” Commander Garrison said. “The 1025th is now temporally back under my command, say good bye to your friends and let’s head out.”

“You aren’t leaving without us,” Carmel said. “Right Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said before kissing Cheerilee good bye.

“If you’re heading to a fight you’re taking ME with you.” Thunderlane said striking a pose.

“I’m coming too,” Graphite said. “I think you’ll need me and everypony else in the Ponyville Defense Force.”

“I don’t care who comes so long as you’re ready to fight,” Commander Garrison said. “Long Shot we need you too.”

“Guess I’ve got to get going, Scootaloo,” Long Shot said patting his daughter on the head. “Be brave for your dad, will you?”

“P-please come back,” Scootaloo said tearing up. “I don’t want to lose my dad just after he found me.”

“I’ll do my best, Scoot,” Long Shot said. “I love you.”

“Ditto.” Scootaloo said, watching her father and the others leaving Town Hall, heading to Canterlot.

Chapter 38: The Dragon and the Monster

Greatsword and Battleaxe walked back to the cave’s main chamber, supporting one another as they limped towards the others. Event, Derpy and Warhammer ran to their side, but upon seeing the two they were blown back by what they saw.

“What the hell happened to you two?” Event asked looking them over. “Looks like you just-“

“Had some male bonding time…” Battleaxe said with a smile, pushing himself off of Greatsword. “You know, colts will be colts.”

“I see…” Event said, raising an eyebrow. “Well don’t do any ‘bonding’ near my experiments… those things cost a lot of money.”

“Deal,” Battleaxe replied with a bloody smile, then he turned his attention to the giant in the room. “Warhammer,” he began. “Greatsword and I would like to have a word with you.”

“Indeed…” Warhammer answered. “I also require a word with the two of you, about something that has been bothering me for quite some time.”

“Hey, we’re here for you little bro.” Battleaxe said placing his hoof on Warhammer’s shoulder. “But we’ll need a place to talk… we’re gonna need a room.”

“My quarters are yours,” Dante said nodding. “You have my word that nothing will disturb you while you speak.”

“Thanks big guy,” Battleaxe said with a smile. “Come on guys we don’t want to waste any more time.”

Greatsword and Warhammer nodded in agreement and with that the three were off into the deeper parts of the cave. Once they were out of sight the four that were still with Dante began to wonder why he would allow such a thing. The only pony that he ever allowed into his own quarters was Derpy. They looked up to him but he didn’t respond to their inquisitive looks.

“My lord…” Sun Screech began. “May I ask-“

“I am not your lord, Sun Screech,” Dante’s voice echoed. “You are free, as are your fellow ponies, to do whatever you wish.”

“That’s right!” Derpy said popping out from behind Dante’s ear. “He lets us follow our dreams!” She did her best to wrap her hooves around his head. “No matter what they are.”

“Which is why he spent close to one million bits to put you through college, just to stay a mail mare…?” Sun Screech mumbled under his breath.

“Derpy might not have been able to hear you Sun Screech…” Dante said lowering his head to be just in front of him. “But I can…”

“Of course Dante…” Sun Screech said wiping away fresh sweat from his brow. “I believe that there are a few things that I need to check around the cave.”

“I believe so as well…” Dante said watching him fly off to the cave’s lab.

“Dante,” Event said. “I’ve known you longer than everypony here except for Derpy, you brought these guys here not even a half-day ago and already you let them have a private talk in your chambers…”

“And?” Dante replied looking to the pegasus.

“Look, I’m not second guessing your judgment, but I think it’s a little weird that you already trust them that much.”

“You think I don’t trust you?” Dante asked again.

“Oh, Celestia no…” Event said waving his hooves frantically. “I just… uh… you see…”

“There is no need to answer that question.” Dante replied with a smile, gently grabbing Derpy of his head and placing her softly on the floor. “I trust you, I trust Guilty Spark… and though you may find it hard to believe, I trust Sun Screech, the fact that Derpy is allowed in my quarter’s means nothing when it comes to trust.” Dante turned his attention to deeper in the cave. “The three are this world’s only hope against Destruction, and if they’re minds are in turmoil they won’t be able to achieve the power that they are capable of making.”

“So you giving them their space is-“

“A way for them to calm their thoughts,” Dante answered. “As well as allowing them to grow the bond necessary for them to defeat Destruction.”

“Bond?”

“Yes, a bond… the elements are strong on their own, but without a bond as close as brothers the weapon’s power will never be fully realized.”

“So you’re making them stronger.”

“More than they will ever know.”

“The underlying reasoning for your actions is acceptable.” Guilty said nodding his head. “To keep the elements strong they must remain united, or else our world will fall apart.”

“Precisely…” Dante replied slowly nodding his head.

“This was a very revealing conversation, even though I didn’t have much input, I’ll be sure to log every detail into my journal,” Guilty then began to float to his personal lab. “These findings were quite fascinating, I’m sure…” He floated out of ear shot before the others could hear him finish his statement.

Dante shook his head and turned his attention the the two that remained at his claws. “I’m sure you both have things to accomplish on your agendas?”

“Not exactly Dante,” Event said looking around. “But we did run out of gears about a day ago… I could go-“

“You may take all the treasure you need,” Dante said. “Just return in a timely fashion.”

“Um… thanks?” Event said taking flight. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“Take your time…” Dante said. “Take as much time as you need.”

Finally he turned his attention to Derpy, she was still sitting there staring right up at him with her little smile and opposite facing eyes. Letting out a deep sigh he placed one of his titanic claws on her head and ran it through her mane, causing her to kick the air like a dog. It actually made him smile to see her like this. She was always so cheerful, so innocent, and so pure. Lowering his head to where he was right there he spoke.

“Derpy… it’s getting quite late, I’m sure you’re getting tired.”

“Oh…” Derpy said, doing her best to fight a yawn. “I’m fine I’ll go to bed when you do.”

“I have much to do still Derpy,” Dante replied with a smile. “Go, get your rest, I promise that I will bring you your muffins when you wake up.”

“Ok Dante…” She said sleepily, wrapping her forelegs as best she could around his nose. “I’ll see you in the mornig.” And with a quick kiss on his nose Derpy was off to her bed deeper inside the cave.

When she was finally out of sight Dante’s smile quickly faded, turning into a menising frown. “You know you’re not welcome here…” he said not even bothering to look around.

“Oh you’re GOOD…” The Shadow said appearing behind him. “And here I thought I was masking my presence expertly.”

“You were…” Dante replied. “But no amount of magic could shield your dark presence from me.”

“I figured on that…” The Shadow said flying to speak with Dante face to face. “But your little pets would’ve noticed something pretty quick if I didn’t do anything, also very smart of you to get them away-“
“They are not my ‘pets’…” Dante growled.
“Well excuse me sir…” The Shadow said smiling. “But in all seriousness I know that you could keep them safe, but you would risk never harming one of them even if it was an accident.”
“The ponies are under my protection…” Dante said. “After Omnipotent -“
“Blah, blah, Omnipotent, blah, blah…” The Shadow said mockingly. “Yeah we both know what he did and we both know why and that’s why you’re like a ‘guardian’ to his little ponies he so idiotically died to save.”
“At least he believed in something…” Dante said. “The same thing you did once.”
“The key word is ‘once’…” The Shadow said, smiling from ear to ear. “And I’m just asking right now. If you call yourself the ‘guardian of Omnipotent’s creation’ why have you allowed so many horrors to occur under your watch?”
“I have faith in them,” Dante answered. “Just as he did.”
“Don’t make me throw up…” The Shadow gagged. “You let the windgos freeze the north, allowed Onus take over Equestria, you even let me have my way with a pony that when she knew you, treated you like the uncle she never had… you’ve been an absolute failure at your job.”
“You forget who I’ve trained in the arts of magic, what I’ve created and the many things I have set in motion… You are so blind by your hate that you not see how I have protected them.”
“For the love of all that is unholy… you are too much like Omnipotent, using your power and skills to protect and watch over them when you could easily rule them.”

“It takes so much more strength to control your power than it does to unleash it all.”
“But you could enslave this world without breaking a sweat. Why not use some of that power to impose your will on those ungreatful bastards?”
“I will not abuse the power I’ve been blessed with,” Dante growled his voice getting a bit louder. “Not like you.”
“Now, now Dante remember your temper…” The Shadow said waving his hoof back and forth. “You wouldn’t want to endanger your most precious asset would you?” Dante remained silent staring down The Shadow. His deep growl even shook the loose rocks around the cave. “You cannot harm the three here…” he said. “They are-“
“I wasn’t talking about the boys …” The Shadow laughed looking toward a particular cavern.
Dante’s lips curled into themselves, bearing his massive fangs. “If you go ANYWHERE near her I’ll-“
“Easy there scaly, remember your blood pressure…” The Shadow chuckled. “Now back to what I was saying… Actually something different… Why do you but all your faith in three stallions with insecurities that bother them so deeply if you even bring up anything remotely similar to their issued they get all pouty and cry?”
“You know damn well who they are,” Dante replied. “The three are-“
“The last hope of Equestia, saviors of pony kind all that crap…” The Shadow said finishing Dante’s statement, much to Dante’s disapproval. “Haven’t you ever heard never put all your eggs in one basket?”
“They will become what they need to be…” Dante said. “I know this beyond any doubt.”
“Well I’d hate to shatter your confidence but…” The Shadow took a deep breath “Battleaxe is a playcolt that’s slept with more mares than he can remember simply because he’s afraid that he’ll be forgotten by everypony again and he’ll never get a chance to leave a legacy other than his escapades, Warhammer is so good at keeping his emotions locked up that here soon he will erupt and not even dear ol’ Luna will be able to quell the years of emotion he’s locked away and Greatsword… oh Greatsword… He’s been falling deeper and deeper into a selfmade hell hole that if he so much as thinks about death he becomes so catatonic that he’ll just collapse into a ball and cry uncontrollably, not to mention he hides everything he feels from even his brothers.”
“All of that WAS true…” Dante said with a smile. “But not anymore.”
“What?”
“As we speak the three are letting everything off their chest…” he explained. “And if you so much as look to my quarters I won’t hesitate to strike you down.”
“I know you’re not bluffing…” the shadow growled. “But you know that won’t stop me.”
“But you can be defeated…” Dante added. “And with every attempt you will be struck down.”
“Ok… ok I get it, I try anything here you’ll make my life a living hell…” The shadow said rolling his eyes. “That’s about the eightieth time I’ve heard that one.”
“Then leave,” Dante said. “So I don’t risk the chance of repeating myself.”
“You should know that I’m harder to get rid of than that,” The shadow said. “You can’t get rid of me. I’m a lot like herpes in that way.”
“And also like the disease you only appear in our most stressful hours.” Dante growled.
“That’s right,” The shadow said rather proudly. “I do do that… it’s a part of my charm…” he took flight stopping only feet away from Dante’s face. “Then you should know why I’m here.”
“You’ll have to elaborate…” Dante replied, “Being as achient as I am can take its toll on the memory.”
“Don’t think you can play the dumb lizard with me Dante,” The shadow said angrily. “You know when he comes back, and he will soon I assure you, that you won’t survive.” Landing on Dante’s muzzle he walked towards his eyes. “You’ll be going the way of Omnipotent.”
“What makes you so sure?” Dante asked. “I am still the most powerful being in Equestria.”
“That may be so, but you’re no longer connected to YOUR element,” The Shadow explained. “And even WITH it you were no match for the boss man.”
“I will still fight,” Dante replied. “I will not allow Destruction to take away the most basic of all rights.”
“And that would be?”
“The right to exist.”
“Well look who’s talking!” The Shadow laughed. “The right to EXIST?! Do you even remember what you’ve done?”
“It’s in the past,” Dante growled. “Where it belongs.”
“But it’s SO fun to bring it up!”
“Nothing you say will break my faith in ponies, in the elements, or myself…” Dante replied, “I have never broken, nor will I start to break for you.”
“Then I guess you’ve made peace with yourself…” the shadow said flying off Dante and back to the ground. “I hope you enjoy death, but from my experiences with it, it’s not very fun.”
“You will experience it again soon enough…” Dante said forbodingly.
“Excuse me?”
“You know that the three have yet to uncover their full potential.” Dante explained. “But when they do…”
“They couldn’t…”
“Would you like to try them? Everything you’ve done to break them has only made them stronger…” a smile came across Dante’s face. “And you know it.”
“Indeed it has…” The Shadow growled, allowing a small smirk to come to his face. “But they can’t do that… NOT again…”
“Time will tell us…” Dante said, “Now if you don’t mind Isc-“
“DON’T you even TRY to say that!” The shadow roared. “THAT was the old me.”
“Very well…” Dante said. “But I suggest you stay quiet, my friends are trying to sleep.”
“This isn’t over Dante…” the shadow growled. “This is FAR from over…”
“You’re right…” Dante replied lowering himself to the shadow. “This has only JUST begun.”
And with that the shadow disappeared in a cloud of darkness. Just then Derpy sleepily walked into the main cavern, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “What was that scary noise?” she asked, doing her best not to yawn.
“Only a nightmare Derpy…” Dante answered gently gathering her in his claws. “But fear not, I scared it away.”
“You’re the best Dante.” Derpy said snuggling herself against his scales. “What would I do without you?”
“I would ask the same of you,” Dante said nuzzling her. “Now let’s get you back to bed, there are still several hours before morning.”
With Derpy still in his arms he kept her close as he lie down. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep once more, but this time in Dante’s protective embrace. He looked to her then back to the opening of the cave. Soon, he thought to himself; soon the destinies of many shall become one and the most basic of all rights will be contested for. The winner is unknown, only time will give us the answer. He looked back to his chambers then back to Derpy.
“I’m ready…” he said softly laying his head next to the sleeping pony at his side. “I’m ready…”

Chapter 39: Past Lives

The next day came quickly for the three. they had stayed up the entire night revealing every secret that they had been keeping from one another had been revaled. Battleaxe told them of his fear of being forgotten by everypony, Warhammer spoke of how hard it had been on him being away from Luna and Greatsword told them about Record Keeper and his nightmares. Though their stories differed there was one thing they had in common, The Shadow had visited them at one point. They finally understood that he had been trying to break them, but that wouldn’t happen anymore, now they were stronger than they ever were. They appeared in the main cavern to see the others already awake, except for Derpy. She was still curled up in a ball in Dante’s arms. Seeing the three appear from the darkness, he nodded in their direction.

“I take it that your private conversation went well?” he asked quietly.

“Indeed it did,” Warhammer replied. “I truly feel that I know my brothers as one should know their brother, our bond has become so strong that I feel that nothing could break it.”

“That is a good thing,” Dante gently waking Derpy from her rest. “You’ll need such a strong bond with one another to stop Destruction. I’m off to gather supplies for my lair. Make yourselves at home. Maybe get to know the ponies I have come to know as friends.”

Dante walked into the shadows, Derpy waving her forelegs wildly as he disappeared. A few moments later they could hear the flapping of titanic wings. Then, nothing, Dante was gone. The three took Dante’s advice and went to become better introduced with Dante’s associates, their first stop, Event Horizon.

“Good morning, Event Horizon.” Greatsword called to get his attention.

Event Horizon looked up from the strange contraption he was working on, then down to the three. He smiled and flew down to them, “Morning gents,” he said. “How was your little talk?”

“It lasted all night,” Battleaxe said, yawning a little. “But it was worth it.”

“I’ll bet,” Event Horizon said. “But may I ask what you were talking about?”

“I’m sure you understand if we don’t want to reveal any details of our talk to you, Event,” Greatsword said. “It’s nothing personal against you, it’s just that we don’t know you to well, we just met yesterday you know.”

“I understand,” Event said. “But I don’t think it’s really fair I know almost every detail of your lives, but you know nothing about me.”

“Well, we’d be happy to hear about it,” Battleaxe said. “If it’s not too personal.”

“Oh, of course not, I just need where to begin,” Event Horizon pondered on where to start. “Well I was born in Manehattan, lived there my whole life. Then I got a military scholarship and went to college and received multiple degrees in engineering and scientific studies. About four years ago I was surveying materials in the Crystal Mountains and that’s when I literally ran into Dante.”

“I bet THAT was an experience.” Battleaxe said.

“I felt like an apple in front of a parasprite swarm,” Event Horizon replied. “I’d never seen a dragon, let alone one so big that I mistook it for a mountain. But he told me of the ancient evil that he feared would return to Equestria, so I decided to lend my expertise to him and Derpy.”

“Dante knew Derpy before you?” Greatsword asked, looking at the happy little pony eating away at one of her massive muffins

“Yeah, Derpy was actually the first one of us Dante knew. I don’t know how long they’ve known each other for sure, but they’ve been together for a very long time.”

“Well, that’s interesting,” Battleaxe said. “What about the others?”

“Why don’t you just ask us?” Sun Screech said from behind the group. “Instead of the one in front of you?”

“One thousand apologies, Sun Screech,” Warhammer said. “We didn’t see you behind us.”

“Well, maybe next time you should look around before you ask about other ponies.” Sun Screech scoffed.

“So what’s YOU’RE story then?” Battleaxe asked.

“Well since you asked,” Sun Screech thought. “I was born in Colton, nothing really happened there, so I went to college, that’s where I met Event Horizon. I was looking for him in the Crystal Mountains when I met Dante. Event Horizon was kind enough to explain to me the situation before I had a heart attack, and Spark was intelligent enough to hold me down.”

“You’re most welcome,” Spark said hovering over. “I’m pleased to do whatever it is I can do to help.”

“What about you, Spark?” Greatsword said. “Mind telling us about you?”

“Questions? For me?” Spark beamed. “Splendid! Well, I was born in Canterlot and attended Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns, I was even in consideration for becoming the Princess’s personal protégée. But sadly it was not to be, another unicorn actually received that honor on her entrance exam. Pity, I could have done so much to help.” Spark floated to the ground and stood before the three. “Dante found me about two years ago while I was surveying strange anomalies near Trottingham, I was fascinated by his story and offered my unequaled assistance.”

“That’s interesting,” Battleaxe said. “What about you, Derpy?” Derpy ignored Battleaxe’s question and continued to eat away at one of her muffins grinning ear to ear as she ate it.

“Well, I guess I’ll ask her later,” Battleaxe said. “Come on Warhammer, let’s see what these guys got to eat.” Warhammer nodded and followed his brother to what they presumed was their kitchen. Greatsword stayed back momentarily, admiring the work that Event Horizon was doing.

“You look a lot like him, you know.” Derpy said.

Greatsword turned to see Derpy standing right next to him staring off into the distance. “Look like who?” he asked.

“Well, your DAD of course!” Derpy said. “Battleaxe looks a lot more like your guy’s mom though.”

“You knew my parents?” Greatsword asked.

“Uh… yeah, everypony in Ponyville knew your parents,” Derpy said. “They were the local blacksmiths.”

“Blacksmiths? Ponyville? I’m FROM Ponyville?” Greatsword said.

“Yeah!” Derpy said. “You lived there your whole life, until you left to join the military.”

“Who were my parents?” He asked.

“Armor Smith and Forge, they loved you three SO much.” Derpy lowered her head. “I’m sorry they died when you were so young.”

“T-they’re dead?” Greatsword stuttered.

“There was an accident at their shop, Armor Smith got you three out quick,” Derpy explained. “But when he went back for Forge, the building collapsed on them.”

Greatsword’s eyes grew misty. He had parents that loved him, parents that died for him and he couldn’t even remember them. Derpy saw that Greatsword was devastated by this revelation and quickly gave him a hug.

“It’s ok, Greatsword,” she said. “I’m sure they would be proud to see you now.”

“I just pray that I never disappointed them for who I am now.” Greatsword said. “I’ve failed so many.”

“Don’t say that,” Derpy said. “War never changes… you can’t save them all, even if you do your absolute best.”

“Bro you hungry or not?” Battleaxe called from the kitchen. “They’ve got Frosty mini wheat, your favorite!”

“Guess I’ll go get something to eat,” Greatsword said. “You take care Derpy.”

Greatsword looked behind him, but Derpy had already gone back to eating her giant muffin. Completely oblivious to the fact that he still hadn’t left her side. He only shook his head at the happy cross eyed pony and continued to their kitchen.

Greatsword walked into the kitchen, only his brothers were there. They had three bowls, a gallon of milk and the box of cereal Battleaxe used to get Greatsword’s attention. He took his place next to Warhammer at the massive table that the other two were sitting at.

“Damn I’m a good cook!” Battleaxe said. “Just look at this bowl of cereal I just made.”

“I think it needs more bacon strips…” a voice echoed.

“Was I the only one who heard that?” Battleaxe said looking around. The other two shook their heads. They rose from their seats and looked around for their enemy.

“Well, this is convenient…” The Shadow said, still hidden in the caves darkness. “The last time I had you all in one place was nearly five years ago, after you cock-blocked me.”

“What do you want?” Greatsword asked. “You know you aren’t welcome here.”

“I’m used to not being accepted,” The Shadow said. “But since everypony was talking about their old lives, I thought I should throw my two bits in the conversation.”

“We don’t want to hear YOUR life story,” Greatsword growled.

“Well, I for one am now insulted by such rudeness,” The Shadow said. “And FURTHER more, I used to be a pony like you... But then I took an arrow to the knee… and the chest, and the face, pretty much every part of my body you could think of I had an arrow in it.”

“What?!” the three said in unison.

“Is THAT so hard to believe?” The Shadow asked. “I thought I made it clear a few months ago, that I once was alive.”

“We still don’t want to hear your story.” Greatsword said, his brothers nodded in agreement.

“Well too damn bad!” the shadow said laughing. The three were then teleported somewhere that they had never been before. It was blackness as far as they could see, then The Shadow made it bright enough just so they could see him.

“Where are we?” Battleaxe asked still looking around, trying to find his bearing.

“Well we’re in my own personal plane of existence,” The Shadow said proudly. “It’s like a secret club house, just for me! Here I’m everywhere, there is nothing I can’t see, hear, smell or feel without noticing.”

“Why did you bring us here?” Greatsword asked.

“To keep Dante’s pesky little ‘workers’ from interfere with MY story time,” The Shadow said, “Now, where to begin.”

The Shadow scratched his chin while he floated around his plane for several moments. “Ah, I know! I’ll start with my father, Omnipotent!”

“YOU’RE his SON?!” Battleaxe shouted in disbelief.

“Why, yes, yes I am,” The Shadow said. “But I share no blood relation, you see my REAL father was killed before I was born, and my mother died giving birth to me… if THAT’S not an omen, I don’t know what is…” The Shadow teleported into the middle of the three. “Anyway, dear old ‘dad’ decided to take me in after I was born...” He began to chuckle at himself. “I think that makes it less creepy that I had sex with my little sister, don’t you?”

“You’re sick shadow…” Warhammer growled in anger.

“I know, but then I was not ’Shadow’,” he continued. “Back then I was called Iscariot, the first alicorn to ever be born.”

“The magic that came off of them resulted in you didn’t it?” Greatsword asked.

“Well, aren’t you smart!” The Shadow said appearing over him to pat his head. “but yes I was born a few years before Celestia, but I didn’t linger, I struck out on my own before Destruction even came…” He thought about those days for a few moments, then continued “And over a few thousand years of living as a prince I decided that I wanted more.”

“You led the evil ponies against Omnipotent…” Greatsword said in disbelief. “How could you do that to your own father?!”

“I wanted to rule his creation,” The Shadow answered casually. “Call me greedy, but I wanted the Elements of Honor for myself.”

“But you were killed by what you wanted to control.” Battleaxe said.

“Got that one on the nose!” The Shadow exclaimed, blowing into a party favor. “Well anyway while my soul was floating through existences I was met by a very strange black cloud.”

“Destruction…” Greatsword said.

“Ten points to Greatsword!” The Shadow said. “He promised me another shot at the elements if I would join him, and do you know what I said?”

“Yes?” Battleaxe said sarcastically.

“NO!” The Shadow said. “I actually said no to the offer, you see once I died I was stupid enough to think that I didn’t deserve to rule in my Father’s place, or take any revenge on him.”

The Shadow popped in front of the three. “But once I said no, I felt very heavy, I was falling through the plane, and gentle colts it was as hot as… well, hot as hell.” The Shadow then appeared upside down, only inches away from their faces. “Destruction offered me one last time before my soul was sent into eternal damnation, THAT’S when I said yes and ever since I have been doing Destruction’s will.”

“His will?” Greatsword asked.

“Yes… yes… his ‘will’,” The Shadow repeated, rolling his eyes. “The windigos, Discord, my personal favorite, Nightmare Moon and pretty much every evil that you could think of, just to soften up Equestria for his return.”

“Soften us up?” Battleaxe said.

“Absolutely! And I must say I’ve done a great job, hell ponies don’t even wear clothes anymore!” The Shadow paused then gave the three an evil glare. “Then YOU three had to be born…”

“What?” Battleaxe asked. “Why would us being born make it so that you would stop your psychopathic reign of terror?”

“Didn’t Dante told you the story?” The Shadow said. “YOU three are the representation of the NEW Elements of Honor, and believe me we’ve tried everything to kill you…” The Shadow rose his hooves. “Timber Wolves, Smog, me, having your house fall on you-”

“YOU killed our PARENTS?!” Greatsword roared.

“Yes I did.” The Shadow sang. “And I loved every second of it, the fire, the screaming… the sound of bone shattering under cobblestone and timber, the hissing of blood boiling in the heat…”

“YOU MONSTER!” Greatsword roared taking flight to attack the shadow, only to be slammed back on the ground.

“I could KILL all of you right now if I wanted to…” The Shadow said laughing. “And not even Destruction could stop me, but I’m not going to on account I like you that much.”

“If you won’t kill us then let us go,” Battleaxe said. “I think we’ve heard enough.”

“Aww… Very well, if that’s what you wish…” The Shadow said slightly disappointed. “I even made these newspaper hats for our new club, but if you don’t want to join, I’ll have to just keep them here.” The Shadow’s broken horn began to glow a mix of black and red. “I’ll see you very soon then, more than likely in Canterlot… hint hint.”

The three were teleported back into Dante’s cave, except about fifteen feet above the ground. Greatsword extended his wings and grabbed his brothers before they fell head first on the rocky surface. The other ponies in the cave quickly ran into the kitchen and saw the three landing hoof first on the ground.

“What happened?” Event Horizon asked. “Something wrong with the food?”

“The food’s fine,” Greatsword said. “Has Dante gotten back yet?”

“He got back about an hour ago,” Event answered. “We were actually starting to look for you.”

“Good,” Battleaxe said. “Because we need to get to Canterlot.”

“Why?” Sun Screech said. “We need nothing there.”

“Destruction’s coming back,” Greatsword said, leaving the ponies around him in shock. “And we’re going to kill him.”

Chapter 40: Before the Storm

“Three days to get to Canterlot,” Rainbow said, proudly flying circles around the massive chariot. “I think that’s a new record!”

“That’s fine and dandy, kid,” Commander Garrison growled. “But we need to be more concerned with what’s going to happen once we figure out what happened to the best damn soldiers I’ve ever known.”

“Sheesh, pushy aren’t you?” Rainbow said.

“Rainbow, please be serious about this,” Twilight said. “We have to find them, they could be more involved with what’s happening more than anypony realizes.”

“I never thought I would make a trip to Canterlot without packing at least ONE hat.” Rarity said looking down over the royal city, “oh I just feel naked…”

“Uh, Rarity…” Applejack said, tapping her shoulder. “We’re almost always naked…”

“Oh I know, Applejack…” Rarity said placing her hoof over her face. “But going to Canterlot without at least ONE accessory just doesn’t feel right.”

“WOW, you think they came all this way to hide?” Pinkie Pie said, her eyes darting in every direction from her seat on the massive chariot, “I didn’t know ALL Equestria was in play.”

“They aren’t hiding Pinkie…” Lug Nut said rolling his eyes. “Something came into their room, grabbed them and-”

“Just let her be Pinkie,” Twilight said interrupting him. “It’s better that way.”

“Prepare for landing!” Shining Armor called out. “Everypony buckle up if you haven’t already.”

The chariot landed against howling winds and due to the since of urgency, the pegasi pulling it hadn’t slowed down. Once they came to a complete stop everypony in the chariot stepped out and headed for the castle. By the time they had arrived the sun was being set and the moon was being risen, however, rain was scheduled of that particular evening and the weather patrol of Canterlot was preparing the rain clouds for the scheduled storm.

“Quickly my little ponies,” Princess Celestia said, opening the castle doors with her magic. “Get inside.”

Once everypony had entered the castle they all looked to the royal sisters and the Commander. “Where to now?” Rainbow asked.

“The forge,” Princess Celestia answered. “Though this is not where the Elements of Harmony were originally made, it is the first place we should look.”

“Time to hoof it!” Rainbow said darting past everypony down the main hall, only to stop a few seconds after she began. “Uh… where is it?”

Commander Garrison pointed to a small door just a few feet away from the main entrance. “Here…” he said with a total lack of amusement.

“Oh, right…” Rainbow said awkwardly. “I knew that.”

“Well what are ya’ll waitin’ fer?” Applejack said, adjusting her hat. “An invitation?”

“Oh, I think I still have some!” Pinkie Pie said searching her mane, then she pulled out seven random colorful pieces of paper. “Found them!” She said happily.

“I’m not even going to ask…” Lug Nut said, letting out a deep sigh.

“Now you’re getting it.” Twilight said with a smile.

The ponies made their way down the winding staircase to the forge, Long Shot and Patches were following from behind. They continued their way down, but after a few minutes, Long Shot stopped and turned around. “What’s wrong Long Shot?” Patches asked.

“We’re being followed…” Long Shot said glaring up the stairs. “You go on, I’ll see who’s behind us.”

“If you say so,” Patches said. “Be careful…”

Patches continued down the stairs while Long Shot continued to look up the stairs. Long Shot quietly made his way back up the stairs, listening for anything odd on his way back up. After a few steps he heard a small buzzing sound, his eye shot in every direction looking for the source of the sound. Then he shot his foreleg over his head, grabbing something above him. He drug whoever he had to his grasp to the ground, when he got a good look at who he had, he smiled and shook his head.

“Clever girl…” he said releasing the young pegasus. “But not clever enough.”

“Uh… hi dad…” Scootaloo said sheepishly. “How was your day?”

“I thought I told you to stay in Ponyville…” Long Shot said, his smile long gone. “Where you would be safe.”

“I wanna help!” Scootaloo said. “And I can’t help back in Ponyville-”

“This isn’t one of your adventure books where the good guy always wins and no pony dies Scootaloo!” Long Shot roared. “I could DIE! YOU could die!” He wrapped Scootaloo in his embrace, fighting back tears. “I’m NOT losing you too…”

“And I’M not losing you either!” Scootaloo said teary eyed. “I don’t want you to go out there.” Scootaloo wrapped her forelegs around Long Shot’s neck and began to cry. “I don’t want you to!”

“I don’t either, Scoot…” Long Shot replied, still fighting his tears. “But I NEED to, to keep you safe, to keep everypony safe.”

“Why are you even saying that?” Scootaloo said through tears. “No pony even knows what’s going on.”

“I know, but if it has the princesses riled up like this…” Long Shot said looking down the staircase. “Then it can’t be good. Come on Scoot, let’s catch up to the others.”

“We’re here.” Princess Celestia said standing in front of the forge’s doors.

“My word…” Rarity said slowly looking up the doors. “It’s simply massive.”

“That’s what she said…” Spike said deviantly, but with a quick jab from Applejack’s hind legs he was silenced.

“Stand back everypony,” Princess Celestia said. “Luna and I will now open the doors.”

“Be ready for anything…” Princess Luna said. “No pony has been down here in almost one hundred years according to my sister.”

“Then where do the guards get their armor?” Rainbow asked. “Has it been handed down for the past century?”

“We get it form a contractor in Bittsburg,” Shining Armor answered. “Now please get ready for whatever’s behind that door.”

Rainbow Dash nodded and took her place with the other ponies as the royal sisters opened the doors. A loud rumbling noise came from the shifting weight and dust and rubble fell from the doors while they opened. The moment the royal sisters released the doors, the entire group poked their heads into the main room of the forge, but what they saw was unexpected.

“Nothing…” Lug Nut said. “How could there be nothing?”

“That’s what we were hoping for…” Twilight said, looking up to Princess Celestia. “Right?”

“No Twilight… this is NOT what I was hoping for…” She replied, shaking her head. “Now I have no idea where the source of the magic my sister and I sensed back in Ponyville came from.”

“This means that an ancient force has taken them,” Princess Luna added. “An ancient force FAR older than Celestia and myself.”

“Surely you can’t be serious…” Rarity said to the Princess.

“I am serious,” Princess Luna replied. “And don’t call me Shirley.”

The rest of the group looked to Luna, not exactly sure what she meant, but Luna however smiled at herself rather proudly for what she had just said. After a few brief moments they all began to conger up their own bizarre theories about the whereabouts of their missing counterparts.

“What could’ve done this?” Thunderlane asked. “If the answer isn’t here then where is it?”

“I don’t know Thunderlane,” Carmel replied. “Any ideas Big Mac? After all, you do have that Master’s degree in math.”

“Nope.” Big Mac said shaking his head.

“Changelings Carmel,” Graphite said, shaking his forelegs. “I’ll bet it was changelings.”

“I doubt that, Graphite,” Twilight interjected. “That theory is about as crazy as Pinkie’s alien one.”

“Hey, they could be out there!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I even made up a saying if we ever get a chance to meet them.”

“Really?” Lug Nut asked. “I know I’m gonna regret this… but what would that be?”

“Grona weep nitty bomm.” Pinkie replied proudly. “Catchy huh?”

Lug Nut slowly drug his hoof down his face. “Why did I even ask?”

“Because you wanted to know what my SUPER cool universal greeting was!” Pinkie said, “you have a really, REALLY bad memory, Lug Nut.”

Lug nut rolled his eyes and groaned while several of the ponies present started chuckling, but among their conversations they heard the sound of steel racing down the stone stairs. A royal guard appeared, distressed and breathing heavily. He sprinted to the closest alicorn among them, which happened to be Princess Cadence.

“My lady…” He said through his exasperation, “My lady, Tower seven has spotted something making its way to Canterlot.”

“What is it?” Princess Cadence asked.

“That’s not clear right now, my lady,” he said still trying to catch his breath, “but initial reports indicate that it’s a… it‘s a…”

“It’s a what?” Princess Cadence asked growing evermore concerned, “what is it?”

“A dragon… one bigger than anypony has ever seen.”

“A-a-a-a-a d-d-d-d-dra-drag…” Fluttershy whimpered, “a DRAGON?!”

“Let’s move out everypony!” Commander Garrison said over the other clamoring ponies. “This just became serious.”

“Cool, another dragon.” Spike said happily. “Maybe I could ask it some questions about-”

“If a dragon bigger than any other dragon ever seen before is headed for Canterlot Spike,” Rainbow interrupted. “I doubt it’s come here for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.”

Everypony ran back up the stairway, with the exception of Fluttershy, who had to be drug by Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Big Macintosh back up the stair case. The leading members of the group nearly collided with Long Shot and Scootaloo on their way back up. Long Shot shoved Scootaloo and himself along the walls to avoid them, they seemed to lack concern for the two who had been trying to catch up to them.

“What the hell is going on?” Long Shot asked the ponies sprinting past them.

“Big dragon…” Spike answered zipping past them. “Heading to Canterlot… gotta see what it wants.”

“Things just got interesting…” Long Shot said to Scootaloo. “I want you to STAY in the castle, do you understand me?”

“I’m coming with you,” Scootaloo said in defiance. “And you’re-”

“DAMNIT Scootaloo, please, just this once, listen to ME! Stay here, I’m begging you to stay, I’m NOT losing you.” Long Shot embraced her while tears ran down his face. “Ever since the day I left for hoof camp I felt that I had left something behind, now I know what is was. It was YOU, but whatever’s happening out there could take you away from me forever…” he looked down to Scootaloo, who couldn’t hold her own tears back, “And if that happens… I-I won’t be able to live with myself.” Long Shot looked to the ponies running up the stairs, “Promise me you’ll stay in the castle, where it’s safe.”

“I-I promise dad…” Scootaloo wrapped her hooves around Long Shot’s waist even tighter, “Just… just come back when it’s all over.” Long Shot smiled and patted Scootaloo on the head. The two made their way back up the stairs then with one last good bye, Long Shot ran outside into the storm, leaving Scootaloo behind.

“This storm is far stronger than the one that was scheduled,” Princess Celestia said, looking to the sky. “Something has increased its power tenfold.”

“Oh this is just terrible,” Rarity said grapping a nearby newspaper. “I just had my mane done.”

“Of everything that’s happening right now…” Commander Garrison growled, “YOU’RE worried about your DAMN mane?”

“WELL I never!” Rarity said in shock. “I can understand you not caring about your looks but a lady-”

“A LADY would be smart enough to drop the superficial worries in her life at the moment an FOCUS on the immediate threat to her life and the lives of others.” Commander Garrison snapped back at Rarity. She tried hard to think of a rebuttal, but he was right. Rarity awkwardly smiled and placed the paper back on its rack and followed the other ponies to tower seven.

“Anypony wanna give us a hoof?” Applejack said exhausted. “Fluttershy’s been a might bit of a hassle gettin’ this far.” even Big Mac was straining to drag Fluttershy across Canterlot with the other ponies.

“This is getting ridiculous!” Rainbow said releasing Fluttershy. “Why couldn’t we just leave her in the castle? We ALL know that she’s scared of dragons!”

“We may need the Elements of Harmony if this dragon’s intent is proven to be malevolent, Rainbow Dash.” Princess Celestia explained. “That means we need Fluttershy just as well.”

“If you need a break, I’ll help out.” Graphite said walking over to the group of ponies.

“Me too…” Thunderlane said flying over to Big Mac.

“P-please just let me go…” Fluttershy begged. “I-I don’t want to see another dragon for as long as I live!”

“Hey!” Spike shouted. “What about me?”

“Oh… I’m sorry Spike,” Fluttershy said apologetically. “I didn’t mean-”

“DRAGON!” A guard called out from one of the nearby towers.

“EEEK!” Fluttershy cried, darting into a nearby bush.

“Ready yourselves!” Shining Armor called out. “Prepare-”

“The day I see you leading MY troops is the day I die…” Commander Garrison growled. “1025th, take position eight alpha!”

Everypony formally in the 1025th and the Ponyville Defense Force took positions alongside short buildings and alleyways. The other ponies present quickly followed suit. Commander Garrison looked over to Shining Armor once they were undercover and nodded.

“Tell the guard to ready crossbows,” He said “Long Shot will shoot at the first available moment. Once he fires, tell them to make it rain steel.”

“Whatever you say, sir,” Shining Armor said. “You heard Commander Garrison, inform the other guards.”

“Yes, sir.” the guard said saluting then he rushed off to the nearest tower.

The massive reptile flew around the royal city a few times before slowly descending to the ground. Long Shot readied is crossbow with his sharpest bolt, one he made from the scales of Smog. He rose his bow to his only eye and readied himself for the shot, but before he could fire a stray bolt from a nervous guard flew into the air striking the dragon in its chest.

The dragon roared out of surprise and cast its gaze to the tower which the bolt came from. Then the dragon did something nopony expected, it used magic to take every crossbow in Canterlot, even Long Shot’s away from its user. The royal sister’s mouths dropped when they saw the display, but not out of the impressiveness of the magic.

“Princess Celestia…” Twilight whispered in fear. “What is it?”

“T-that’s IMPOSSIBLE…” Princess Celestia said looking at the dragon. “That magic… it’s the exact same as…”

“The Forge Master…” Princess Luna finished, just as in awe as her sister.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” the dragon bellowed. “Have your guards lay down their weapons and ill intent, I come to help you.” the dragon landed near one of the guard towers, “and I come bearing those who will save our world.” The dragon lowered his wings, revealing seven ponies on his back, but one pony in particular gathered the attention of everypony who stood before them.

Chapter 41: Reunions

“DERPY?!” Rainbow Dash shouted in shock. “YOU’RE going to save us all?!”

“What?” Derpy said, casting the cross-eyed gaze in every direction. “Oh no, that’s THEIR job.”

Derpy pointed to three heavily armored ponies standing behind her. Everypony in the group strained their eyes to see if they could identify them. Twilight was the first to recognize one of the ponies, the one in the elaborate golden armor.

“Battleaxe!” Twilight exclaimed happily, running to him. “I’m so glad you’re ok!”

She wrapped her hooves around Battleaxe’s neck, trying to kiss him through his faceplate. Battleaxe placed his hooves on her shoulders and pushed her away. He removed his helm and smiled.

“Please, Twilight,” he said laughing, “your embarrassing-”

Twilight took the opportunity to kiss her first real love. Warhammer and Greatsword just shook their heads while the others just smiled to see the two happy and together. Only one was shocked to see what was happening.

“Twili?!” Shining Armor exclaimed. “YOU’RE with HIM?!”

Twilight quickly released Battleaxe from her embrace and turned a shade of red. “Uh… yes.” she said sheepishly hoping that her brother wouldn’t be disappointed.

“Well sis, I have one thing to say about that,” Shining Armor said with a very stern look on his face, but he couldn’t hold it long before he started smiling. “I’m very happy for you, Twili, he’s a damn good stallion.”

Twilight sighed in relief while Battleaxe placed his hoof around her shoulder. Then, with no warning, Warhammer was jumped by Princess Luna.

“MY LOVE!” she cried in joy, knocking him over. “I have never been so worried in my life!” she ripped off his emerald helmet to revel his loving eyes. Slowly batting her eyes at him, she bit her lower lip.

“You’re going to make up for that VERY soon…” she said in a sultry tone. “But first I need to tell you something…” she drew even closer to his face and whispered her wonderful news into his ear.

Warhammer’s eyes widened and a massive smile came to his face as Luna drew away from his ear. “Really?” he said excitedly, Princess Luna simply nodded. Warhammer grabbed Princess Luna’s head and pulled her to him, the two kissed passionately. Then Warhammer rose and embraced Luna and his brothers. “A father!” he said happily. “I’m going to be a father!”

“I’m happy for you Warhammer. You’ll be a great father, I already know that.” Greatsword looked around at the other ponies in the storm. “What are all of you doing here anyway?”

“I assembled the Elements of Harmony, Greatsword,” Princess Celestia answered. “We had no idea what was going to come of your disappearance, so I wished not to take any precautions.”

“You are very wise to take such a measure,” Dante said. “Your father would be proud to see you now.”

“Father? Dragon… my sister and I have no father,” Celestia replied. “We came to be nearly three thousand years ago.”

“My name is Dante, Princess Celestia,” Dante said. “But you may know me better as the Forge Master.”

“I-impossible…” Princess Celestia said. “The Forge Master… he… he died long ago.”

“I use magic long lost to ponykind, Celestia,” Dante said. “The ability to change form was once a sacred dragon art.”

“You helped us save Equestria,” Princess Celestia said bowing. “I am eternally in your debt.”

“I have aided ponykind more than once, Princess,” Dante said proudly. “Before I was the Forge Master, you may have known me by the name of Starswirl the Bearded.”

“STARSWIRL THE BEADED?!” Twilight exclaimed. “You’re Starswirl the Bearded?!”

“Indeed, young Twilight,” Dante said. “The windigos would have frozen all of Omnipotent’s creation if I had not mentored Clover the clever, you’re ancestor…”

“M-m-my…” Twilight said light headedly. “My ancestor?!”

“Yes, you’re ancestor,” Dante repeated. “I should have known a descendent of my greatest student would be able to hatch my son.”

“WHAT?!” Spike yelled. “But… but Twilight hatched me!”

“And you are my son,” Dante said casting his gaze on Spike. “I want you to know Spike that I didn’t abandon you, I knew that you were needed elsewhere.”

“I-I have a dad…” Spike said, his eyes became misty. “I can’t believe it.”

Spike walked up to Dante, his body was barely half the size of Dante’s first claw. Spike looked up to the massive dragon that claimed to be his father. Then with tears streaming down his face, he wrapped his forelegs around Dante’s claw.

“Don’t cry, my son,” Dante said soothingly. “You have proven again and again that not all dragons are evil, I could never be more proud.”

“Dante, if I may ask,” Princess Cadence called up to him. “How are you still alive? The oldest dragon I knew of was three and a half thousand years old.”

“The inferno,” Dante replied. “So long as the inferno burns, I live, once it dies however, so shall I.”

“Dante,” Princess Celestia said. “You said you are here to help, what do you mean by that?”

“The oldest threat to Omnipotent’s creation is returning,” Dante said. “I remember when he first came… so many died… the three represent the ultimate weapon, the only weapon to defeat Destruction before.”

“What is the weapon you speak of, Dante?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Honor,” Dante responded. “The three represent honor.”

While Dante explained to Princess Celestia the story of her father and the importance of the three to Equestria, Greatsword walked through the large group. Greeting everypony who noticed him pass by, but he was looking for one pony in particular. Then he was stopped by a familiar, gruff voice behind him.

“I doubt that’s military issue.” Commander Garrison said.

“Commander,” Greatsword said turning to salute him. “It’s been a long time hasn’t it?”

Commander Garrison saluted back and continued the conversation, “A very long time, Captain,” he said. “A very long time indeed.”

“What exactly are you doing here, sir?” Greatsword asked.

“I came to pay you a visit in Ponyville,” Commander Garrison explained. “But the three of you were gone, so I took it upon myself to reassemble the rest of the 1025th for one last mission.”

“That explains Long Shot and the rest…” Greatsword said. “But what about Twilight and her friends?”

“The Elements of Harmony,” Commander Garrison replied. “Princess Celestia thought it would be wise to bring them along just in case things got bad,” Commander Garrison looked to the furry of the storm as it started to pour down upon them. “But it looks like things are far worse than they seem.”

“Aren’t there SIX Elements of Harmony?” Greatsword asked, looking at the five present. “Where’s Fluttershy?”

Commander Garrison pointed to a bush not far from the two. Greatsword looked at the Commander with a slight amount of confusion, but Commander Garrison only nodded his head. Greatsword walked over to the bush and gently separating the branches made a small hole for him to look into. He looked inside to see a quivering pegasus, covering her eyes with her hooves.

Greatsword looked down on Fluttershy; all he could do was smile and shake his head. “Fluttershy…” he said softly. “What’s a mare like you doing in a place like this?”

Fluttershy lifted one of her hooves from her eyes and looked up. “G-Greatsword?” she said meekly, “I-is that really YOU?”

“Yes Shy…” he said smiling. “It’s really me.”

Fluttershy bounced out of the bush and wrapped her hooves around Greatsword, “Oh my goodness,” she squeaked, “I-I thought something horrible happened to you.”

Fluttershy opened her eyes while she held Greatsword, but once she did she saw Dante talking to an awestruck Princess Celestia. “AH!” she cried, returning bush to the bush she was previously hiding in. Greatsword rolled his eyes and opened the bush as he had before, finding Fluttershy in the same position she had been in.

“Shy…” He said calmly. “Dante is a GOOD dragon, like Spike. In fact, Dante’s his dad.”

“R-really?” Fluttershy whimpered, peeking out of the bush to stare directly into Greatsword‘s eyes. “Uh… ok… I guess.”

“Spark?” Twilight said looking over to the unicorn standing next to Sun Screech and Event Horizon. “Spark… is that you?”

“Ah, Twilight!” Spark said happily. “It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance, how are you these days?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Twilight replied. “But where have you been all these years?”

“I’ve been aiding Dante in his search for your three friends, Twilight,” Spark explained. “And as you can see we have been quite successful. If only the Princess saw how helpful I could be… then the outcomes of certain events in recent history could have been completely avoided.”

“Oh shoot!” Pinkie Pie grunted. “I was super certain I was gonna find them first!” The other ponies shook their heads. Pinkie still hadn’t fully understood the gravity of the situation.

“Do you understand now, Celestia?” Dante asked Princess Celestia. “Do you realize that the evil we face is not like any you have faced before?”

“Yes…” Princess Celestia said in a state of shock. “Shining Armor!”

“Yes, my lady,” Shining Armor said running to her side. “How may I aide you?”

“Take your wife and son back to the castle,” she said before turning to her sister, “I want you to return as well,” Princess Celestia’s voice had a hint of fear as she spoke to her sister, “I don’t want to see you injured to the point your child would suffer.”

“I understand, sister,” Princess Luna said, looking to all around her. “But too many times Equestria has faced a threat and I have not been there to aide you. I know Warhammer will keep me safe, nothing bad will come to my child, I promise you.”

“Luna, please…” Warhammer said to her. “Listen to your sister…”

“You did something I wished you not to do for the better of Equestria,” Princess Luna said smiling. “It’s my turn to do something YOU don’t want me to do for it now.”

“But you could die…” Warhammer said, trying to convince her to return to the castle. “I couldn’t stand to see that.”

“And you couldn’t have died on your missions for the past five years,” Luna retorted. “I’m staying, my love, and you won’t change my mind.”

“Must you be as stubborn as me, Luna…?” Warhammer asked, shaking his head.

“Is that not why you love me so much?” Princess Luna said, giving Warhammer a quick peck on the cheek.

“I thought he always liked you for your body…” a voice said from the shadows. “I mean, that’s why I liked you so much.”

“What the hoof was that?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking in every direction, trying to find the voices origin. “Who do you think you are? Show yourself!”

A bolt of red and black magic shot out from the darkness, hitting Rainbow Dash directly. The blast sent her flying through the air into the group of ponies standing next to Dante. Rainbow finally was stopped by landing on Event Horizon, the two knocked out cold by the impact.

“RAINBOW!” Twilight and her friends cried once she finally hit the ground. Greatsword, his brothers and the Princesses looked towards the direction the blast came from and readied themselves for a fight.

“THE SHADOW HAS ARRIVED!” he sang out loud, appearing behind the ponies ready to attack him, while the others tended to Rainbow and Event Horizon.

“What do you want, Shadow?!” Greatsword growled.

“I’m here to have a little fun before the real show starts!” the shadow said grinning ear to ear. “Didn’t I tell you that?”

“You said Destruction was coming!” Greatsword yelled. “You said nothing about you.”

“I thought it was implied that I’d be coming,” The Shadow said. “After all we’ve done together I’d thought you’d know me better than that…” the shadow produced a fake tear. “That really hurts my feelings, you were the closest thing I’ve had to a friend in over four thousand years…”

“What IS that thing?” Twilight asked looking up from Rainbow’s limp body.

“Twilight my dear,” The Shadow said teleporting next to her, “I’m one of those monsters that ponies are to oblivious to notice…” the shadow grabbed Twilight in his forelegs and proceeded to dance with her. “Always in the shadows, stalking silently, striking terror and spreading death at my leisure.”

The shadow spun Twilight around several times as they floated into the air. Once the two were several stories in midair the shadow drew Twilight in very close. “I can see why Battleaxe likes you so much,” he said forcing a kiss. “After all… I have a thing for the nerdy little fillies too…”

“LET HER GO!” Battleaxe roared from the ground.

“Are you REALLY making it that easy for me to say THAT?!” The Shadow yelled back, “REALLY?!” he looked at Twilight, then to Battleaxe, then back to Twilight. “fine…” he grunted shaking his head, “poor choice of words…” The Shadow released Twilight laughing unenthusiastically as he did so. Twilight fell to the ground, screaming all the way. Before she met the ground however, she became immersed in silvery magic.

“Even the stupidest unicorns know levitation spells, Shadow!” Battleaxe said gently placing Twilight on the ground.

“AW, shucks…” The Shadow said sarcastically, “I can hardly believe I forgot THAT.” the shadow teleported back in front of the group.

“Nothing is going to stop me from killing you now…” Greatsword growled.

“Heard that one before…” The Shadow said rolling his eyes, “let’s see if you can actually do it this time. But first…” he surrounded the group and himself in utter darkness, where dozens of horrific and disfigured beast crawled, slithered and limped to his side. “Let’s even the playing field a little…”

“If it makes you feel better…” Greatsword said looking at the shadow’s minions. “but the outcome will not change.”

“If you say so…” The Shadow said chuckling, “I’m going to enjoy ripping the hearts out of your loved ones in front of you…”

Author's Notes:

And now... S@#% will hit the fan...

Chapter 42: The Stand

“ISCARIOT!” Dante roared. “What makes you think your pathetic minions stand a chance against me?”

“I know they don’t stand a chance…” The Shadow said laughing. “but HE might fair quite nicely…”

The shadow pointed to the sky, Dante looked up to see a massive black figure making his way to him. “What manner of beast is that?” Dante said.

“Maybe Greatsword and his friends could inform you better.” the shadow said as his minions charged the ponies. “But then again… there IS a giant black smudge where his face used to be.”

“Smog…” Greatsword said looking up at the figure, “but… but he’s…”

“Dead?” the shadow asked sarcastically. “Well he is, but you see, when it comes to shadow resurrection, you only bring back the shadow… as the name implies, that means that all intelengence is gone… leaving a mindless, feircome abomination of nature,” Smog roared, breathing black flame in Dante’s direction. Dante rose his wing, protecting himself and the ponies from the blast. “But it does increase his strength, and he won’t relent… given that he doesn’t have a brain to process pain anymore.”

“I’ll handle Smog.” Dante said, stretching his wings. “You take Iscariot and his shadow fiends.”

“Already on it!” Battleaxe yelled back, slamming one of the shadow’s minions into a nearby wall.

The Shadow’s minions continued to spawn from the darkness, endlessly charging the now surrounded ponies. Blast of magic flew in every direction launching minions into the air. The pegasi flew into the hordes of evil creatures throwing them about like rag dolls and the earth ponies were bucking and punching their attackers to the point of breaking them in halves.

“Is this really all you could muster?” Princess Celestia said throwing one of the shadow’s minions into the nearby tower. “You’ll have to do far better than this!”

“Well… Why not pick on somepony your OWN size!” The Shadow tackled Princess Celestia, the two rolled across the ground for a few moments before stopping. The shadow had ended up on top. “Looks like I have the advantage sun-butt… and I’m going to capitalize on it!”

He swung his hoof, landing directly cross Princess Celestia’s face. Golden blood poured out of her wound. The Shadow swung again and again splattering the roads of the royal city with its ruler’s blood. He stopped only for a moment, thinking his foe had been subdued, but to his confusion the wounded Princess began to laugh in his face.

“You think you’re so powerful… but with age comes experience.” Princess Celestia’s horn flashed an intense light, temporally blinding him.

“EYAH!” he screamed reaching for his eyes. Then Princess Celestia slammed her legs into The Shadow’s groin and blasted him through the air. The blast sent him through one building and stuck him into the wall of another. “Oh, that bitch just rustled my jimmies…” the shadow said prying himself out of his hole. He reached for his groin and smiled. “She is SO gonna pay for that.”

“We’ll need to devide our forces,” Commander Garrison said, looking to Princess Celestia. “It’s the best way to make sure they can’t corner us.”

“Agreed,” Princess Celestia replied spitting blood out of her mouth. “You devidie them into teams, only regroup when you must… but The Shadow is MINE.”

The Princess’s horn began to glow feverously once again and in yet another flash of blinding light she had readied herself for battle. Covered completely in golden armor she unfurled her wings and flew off in The Shadow’s direction. The Commander quickly devided each group and sent them to easily defendable positions in the city.

Commander Garrison, Lug Nut, Pinkie Pie and Thunderlane were keeping the shadow fiends away from Patches while she worked on Rainbow and Event Horizon.

“How is it coming long, Patches?!” Commander Garrison said putting a new hole into one of the fiends.

“They’re both stable sir!” Patches called out. “I just need a few more minutes!”

“We don’t have a few more minutes!” Lug Nut yelled stomping on one of the fiends. “We need to get them up now!”

“You know what this calls for?” Pinkie said playfully bouncing around a group of shadow fiends, all of them running into one another as they tried to catch the defier of physics.

“Your Party cannon?” Lug Nut yelled angrily.

“Nope!” Pinkie said bouncing to a random barrel nearby. “My SUPER party cannon!”

“Oh bloody hell…” Thunderlane said stopping mid-flight. “TAKE COVER!” he darted to Patches position, doing his best to shield her and the two unconscious ponies she was tending to.

Commander Garrison and Lug Nut looked at one another then their jaws dropped when they saw Pinkie pull out a massive cannon form the barrel. Pinkie pointed the cannon towards the charging enemies and lit the ridiculously short fuse. Lug Nut wrapped his hooves around Commander Garrison’s neck, screaming like a little filly, while Commander Garrison threw the both of them out of the cannon’s path. With a thunderous boom, confetti, balloons and streamers flew into the group leaving nothing but festive decorations along the sides of the building walls the cannon had been facing towards.

“I take back EVERYTHING negative I’ve EVER said about you Pinkie…” Lug Nut said popping his head out of a massive pile of confetti.

“Oh don’t be TOO impressed,” Pinkie said passively waving her hoof. “I have cannons like this one spared all over Equestria… in case of cannon emergences.”

“I’m ok with that.” Lug Nut said helping Commander Garrison out of the confetti. “You have no idea how much I’m ok with that…”

“Wha… What happened?” Rainbow said holding her head. “And who is THIS guy?”

“Who am I?” Event Horizon asked back. “Who are you?”

“Friends,” Patches said quickly. “You’re both friends. Now that they are stable AND awake, we can move to better position, one closer to Greatsword and Princess Luna.”

“Good,” Commander Garrison replied. “Let’s get to the randvous point.”

“Why does it feel like every one we take out another two take its place?!” Twilight yelled firing another bolt of magic at a charging shadow fiend.

“That’s what makes it so fun!” Battleaxe said back to her punching a shadow fiend directly across its face. “Right Big Mac?”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac yelled stomping three fiends with a single blow.

“Well I’ve never been in a situation where I didn’t think I’d wake up the next morning!” Twilight called back. “I’m sure you could understand my concern!”

“On it!” Battleaxe said. “Big Mac, we’re falling back to Warhammer and Applejack, come on!”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said bucking several of his foes into a wall as he turned to fall back.

“Bout time ya’ll show up!” Applejack said launching apples over Twilight’s head, providing covering fire.

“Well I just thought it would be nice to have a nice walk round Canterlot with my girlfriend!” Battleaxe called to her. “You now it’s very romantic this time of year!”

“’Nuff talkin’ more fightin‘!” Applejack yelled throwing yet another apple.

“I agree…” Warhammer said, throwing a stone pillar down at the enemies following Battleaxe and his team. “But we must make our way back to Shining Armor and Long Shot, we can regroup and resupply there if it is needed.”

“Couldn’t agree with ya more Warhammer…” Applejack said turning to him. “Cause that was my last apple…”

“Out of bolts!” Long Shot called out. “Mind lending me a hoof?”

“On it!” Graphite said tossing several bolts to Long Shot. He then turned his attention to Shining Armor. “You need anything sir?”

“Just keep this barrier up,” Shining Armor replied. “We need all the cover we can get.”

“Yes sir!” Graphite said saluting, but once he turned he was face to face with one of the shadow’s minions. The creature lunged at Graphite sinking his teeth into his throat. Graphite yelled in pain, gathering the attention of the others in his barrier. Blood spattered across the now failing structure, speckling the coats of his counterparts as the fiend spat Graphite’s throat on the ground.

“Graphite!” Long Shot yelled firing a single shot through the fiend’s ears. “My Celestia… You’ll be alright, son…” Long Shot flew into the air, “PATCHES! PATCHES WE NEED SOME-”

“Long Shot…” Shining Armor said, grabbing his leg. “He’s gone…”

Long Shot looked to the gray unicorn, his eyes were dilated and blood was oozing out of his mouth. “Damn…” Long Shot muttered using his hoof to close his eyes. “You know what to do when this is over.”

“It will be done,” Shining Armor said looking to the corpse. “We need to fall back now, I’m sure that the others need just as much help.”

“Carmel, we need more support from you’re side!” Greatsword yelled, looking to the sky, seeing the overwhelming Dragons in aerial combat. “Why the hell can’t Dante was down here.”

“Sir!” Carmel shouted. “I’m having a bit off an issue with the shadow fiends on my side!”

“Then allow me to help!” Commander Garrison said blasting twenty fiends off of Carmel’s side. “I hope you don’t mind me doing your job.”

“I-I’m fine with that sir…” Carmel said rendering a hasty salute.

“I thought you would be,” Commander Garrison said returning the salute. “What’s our status Captain?” the Commander turned to his best soldier, hoping for a small bit of good news.

“Luna and I are holding the east,” Greatsword said, “Celestia and The Shadow are still going hoof to hoof, Dante is still on Smog, You and your group just showed up. That means the other groups more than likely falling back to this point.”

“Greatsword!” Long Shot yelled firing his crossbow at a shadow fiend behind him. “We got overrun, they’re just too damn many of these things.”

“Where’s Graphite?” Greatsword asked. “I sent him with you didn’t I?”

“He didn’t make it Greatsword…” Shining Armor said. “one of those damn shadow fiends bit his throat out… he didn’t stand a chance…”

“Damnit…” Greatsword growled. “Let’s hope the others faired better.”

“Greatsword!” Battleaxe and Twilight yelled in unison running to his position. “Shining Armor, Graphite and Long Shot weren’t at their position,” Battleaxe said catching his breath, “so we had to continue running like mad ponies.”

“Well, they’re already here…” Greatsword said pointing at the two who were still fighting. “As for Graphite… he didn’t make it.”

“Damn…” Battleaxe said punching a wall. “I liked that guy…”

“Ponies die…” Greatsword said. “We can’t do anything to change that.”

“WE HAVE INCOMING!” Carmel shouted pointing at a massive horde of shadow fiends charging their position.

“Ready yourselves!” Commander Garrison roared. “They won’t kill us without-”

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three consecutive explosions fell in front of the shadow fiend horde. The sheer force caused everypony in the position to be either blown back or forced them to duck for cover. Once the smoke had settled Battleaxe looked to the carnage, thin a single fluffy piece of material fell on his nose. After taking a good whiff of it he realized what is was.

“Muffins?” he asked himself looking to the sky. Then he saw what he couldn’t believe, Derpy wielding a shoulder mounted cannon of sorts.

“Hi Battleaxe!” Derpy called out landing feet away from him.

“Derpy…” Battleaxe said looking at her in disbelief. “How did you DO that?”

“With my Muffin Launcher!” Derpy replied raising the contraption off her shoulders, “Dante gave it to me on my birthday! He said it belonged to a close friend of his and that I should use it when the time is right.”

Battleaxe wrapped his hooves around Derpy and smiled. “Damn I love you for being…” Battleaxe looked at Derpy awkwardly for a few seconds, but she continued to stare in every direction. “You… Come on!” he said motioning the other ponies to rise. “We need to find everypony else!”

Meanwhile, in the skies over Canterlot, the Princess her counterpart were locked in intense aerial combat. Matching one another blow for blow.

“I didn’t know you had it in ya sunshine!” The Shadow said, launching another blast of magic.

“I’m full of surprises…” she replied, blocking his attack with ease. “Like THIS!”

The Princess unleashed a thundering attack, hitting him directly, sending him into a nearby guard tower. The tower buckled from the impact and seconds later it began to crumble, but before Celestia could fly off to aid the others in battle, she heard the desperate cries of guards that were still in the tower. Acting quickly she flew to the falling structure gathering as many guards as she could carry before the tower fell on herself. She did her best, but for a few of them she was too late, with a heavy heart she flew off still hearing the desperate cries of those still trapped inside.

“You should be safe here…” she said landing not far from the rubble. “Find as many guards as you can, protecting the subjects is the first priority.”

“Yes your highness.” They replied saluting.

Celestia was about to fly off yet again, but before her wings could unferl a dark figure burst from the dust and ash of the fallen tower. “Can’t get rid of me THAT easy babe!” The Shadow exclaimed slamming her into the ground. “Let me show you a little something I call ‘Hit a Princess so hard that she doesn’t get up’.”

The shadow readied his hoof and slammed it into the Princess’s face, sending her carrening through the Canterlot skyline, slamming into any building unfortunate enough to be in her path. She finally landed directly in front of the recently reunited team.

“You call that a hit?” she shouted in at him. “My sister hits harder than that!”

The Shadow popped out of the hole that the Princess had fallen through, “OHHH… Bitchy…”

“You have yet to see my full potential…” Princess Celestia replied stretching her wings again and diving into combat yet again.

“Well we know where SHE is…” Rainbow said, her eyes following the Princess into combat, but once she was out of sight Rainbow turned her attention to Event Horizon. “Bet I can take out more than you, new guy.”

Event Horizon looked at Rainbow with a deviant grin, “Oh, you’re on!” The two dashed into a massive group of shadow fiends, sending everyone they came into contact with flying. The battle continued to rage through Canterlot, what was left of the Royal Guard were holding their own against the seemingly endless creatures of darkness under The Shadow’s thrall and while the team was largly back together, there were still a few of them separated from the rest.

“EEK!” Rarity shrieked. “There’s another one of those horrid ruffians, Spike!” she pointed at an attacking shadow fiend. Spike quickly turned and blasted green flame at the monster, leaving only charred remains.

“I’ll keep you safe Rarity,” Spike said looking in every direction. “Just stay behind me!” Then from behind him he heard the growls of a shadow fiend, then silence. Spike turned to see a Shadow fiend fallen at Rarity’s hooves.

“Darling, please…” Rarity said with a smile. “I can handle myself.”

Fluttershy hid under a bench, praying that the shadow fiends wouldn’t find her. She watched in horror as hundreds of fiends flooded the streets, destroying stores and attacking anypony unfortunate enough to be in their path. She closed her eyes tightly hoping that if she couldn’t see them they couldn’t see her, but it didn’t turn out that way. One of the fiends saw her hiding under the bench and started to drag her out. Fluttershy kicked and screamed the whole time but the fiend and his allies were successful in prying her out of her hiding place. One of the monsters grabbed her by the throat and gave her a sick, toothy smile. Fluttershy screamed one last time, hoping that somepony could hear her muffled cries for help.

Then the fiend that had her released her and reached for his own neck. SNAP! The fiend fell limp to the ground the other fiends looked to the killer in awe. Greatsword had arrived, he and the several fiends started to fight for the frightened pony at their hooves. Fluttershy watched in what seemed like slow motion as Greatsword and the fiends fought for her life, breaking backs, caving faces in, throwing fiends into nearby walls and impaling them on jagged objects. He did not relent, but not out of anger or guilt, he fought for something much more powerful. The remaining fiends jumped him at once, pulling him into the shadows. The sounds of a struggle rang from the darkness, but Fluttershy was too terrified to run, she just stared into the shadows where they drug her potential savior. The sounds continued, bone breaking, stone shattering, blood spattering until there was only silence. The silence was unnerving, but after a few tense moments the lone victor stepped into the flickering lights of the city.

A single shadow fiend made his way back to Fluttershy, she backed away frantically but it was no use, the fiend was already on top of her. She closed her eyes tightly, praying that it couldn’t see her, but it just stared back at her blankly, jaw wide open drooling. There it stayed for a few seconds, until it fell limp to one side, revealing Greatsword behind the body. He extended his hoof towards the still terrified pony. “Come on…” he said softly. “I’m getting you out of here.”

With no warning, Fluttershy rushed him, wrapping her forelegs around his neck so tightly he couldn’t breathe, but he didn’t stop her, he just returned it. Fluttershy couldn’t stop herself from crying, letting her tears fall into the already blood red streets of the city. The rest of their group turned the corner to see the two sitting in a pool of blood and tears. After a few minutes she gathered herself enough to move on with the others, running into Rarity and Spike they were finally back together, but before they could discuss their next move a thunderous crash rang through the city, shaking the few buildings that still stood. They ran to where whatever fell landed to see a two giant beast waging war in a crater.

“Dante…”

Chapter 43: Traitors

The group ran to the sight of the crash, what they saw they could not believe. Dante and Smog had taken their battle to the ground; each dragon sported massive wounds whether they be by fang, claw or flame. The two giants continued to slash and bite into one another, filling the crater with deep pools of red and black blood. Of those who looked on in awe, there was one truly unsettled by the event.

“Dante…” Derpy said with misty eyes, slowly making her towards the two dragons her wings outstretched, but Greatsword stopped her.

“Derpy don’t….” he said, holding her back. “He can do it.”

“DANTE!” Derpy cried reaching her hoof out to the dragon.

Smog slashed Dante across the face, sending the titan to the ground. Laying there motionless Smog’s shadow stood over Dante, preparint to deliver what might be the last blow of their fight. Greatsword did his best to shield Derpy’s eyes from the scene, but he was too late, the poor pegasus had seen everything.

“NO!” she cried, gaining the attention of Smog.

Smog turned around ready to send a ball of flame intended for Dante towards the group instead, but before he could Dante ran his own claw went through Smog’s chest cavity. Dante’s foe fell to his knees, spilling black flame and rotted blood into the crater. Holding tightly Dante ripped Smog’s arms clean off, now flailing uncontrolablly, Smog tried to unleash his flame upon Dante, only to engulf himself in the fires. Now a struggling, burning mass Dante threw one of his claws into the neck of his opponent, holding him in place.

“This will end it!” he roared stabbing his free claw into the base of Smog’s skull. Smog Roared, frantically struggling to free himself form Dante’s hold, but with one last draconic roar of power, Dante tore Smog’s head off. He threw the severed, still snapping head into the air and fired a large ball of flame at it, ending the battle in a emmence ball of flame. After a few moments to catch his breath, he rose to hus hind legs, roaring in victory.

“Sweet Celestia…” Lug Nut said, ogling at the scene. “That son of a bitch actually-”

Lug Nut’s comment was quickly ended by a broken horn running though his chest. “Rule number one…” The Shadow said laughing hysterically. “NEVER turn your back on an opponent, no matter how cool the show in front of you is…”

“NO!” Long Shot yelled reaching for his crossbow, but the shadow teleported away before he could get a clear shot.

Long Shot, Commander Garrison and Patches ran to their fallen friend. Lug Nut was doing his best to hold the contents of his chest cavity inside, but to no avail. Princess Celestia then flew into the group of ponies, angrily looking in all directions.

“Where is that monster?” she said looking around. “That coward ran in the middle of battle.”

Her attention was then sent to the small crowd not far from where she was standing and she finally saw Lug Nut, coughing up blood and holding his still beating heart in his hooves. The sight sickened her to see it, but what truly made her tear up were the reaction of Long Shot and Patches, both pulling out gear from patches bags, hoping they would find something that could help . The Princess Quickly looked to Patches, who was feverishly working on him to save his life. She placed her hoof on Patches shoulder and sadly shook her head. “Not even I could heal such a traumatic wound…” Princess Celestia said with misty eyes.

“B-but… but…” Patches whimpered, looking to Lug Nut still trying to breath.

“I refuse to die…” Lug Nut said between bloody coughs. “Not… until… Pinkie Pie…. Tells me how she does it…”

The group looked to Pinkie, who looked back at all of them then to Lug Nut. “Oh…” she said walking to him. “Do you promise not to tell anypony?”

“I promise…” Lug Nut said looking at her and smiling.

“Pinkie promise?” she asked making a gesture over her heart and placing her hoof over her watery eyes.

“Pinkie promise…” Lug Nut repeated doing the same gesture.

“Oh… ok…” Pinkie said. Then she drew close to his ear and whispered something into his ear.

“So… THAT’S how you do it?” Lug Nut said coughing up more blood. “It all makes since now… so… simple…” He closed his eyes and with that Lug Nut drew his last breath.

“He’s gonna pay…” Long Shot growled. “That bastard’s gonna PAY!”

“I will see to that,” Princess Celestia said taking flight again. “I still need you to cover the ground. The shadow fiends have nearly pushed every guard into the towers.”

“Understood…” Commander Garrison said. Then he turned to Shining Armor. “You better make DAMN sure he gets what he deserves.”

“You don’t have to remind me…” Shining Armor replied looking at Lug Nut’s body, Patches still cradling his lifeless, bloody body.

“We need to get to Dante!” Derpy exclaimed, tugging Greatsword’s foreleg and pointing at the dragon.

“Dante’s fine, Derpy,” Greatsword said reassuringly. “Now that he killed Smog he can help us clean out the city…”

“LOOK!” Event Horizon and Rainbow Dash yelled in unison, pointing in Dante’s direction.

Everypony looked to Dante, who seemed to have weak footing. Then with a loud crash, Dante fell to the ground, unleashing a wave of red and black around him. The battle with Smog had taken its toll on the ancient and now he looked helpless as dozens shadow fiends surrounded him. The group ran to Dante’s aide, killing any shadow fiend who tried to stop them from reaching him. Once they finally got to him, Derpy and Spike ran to his face.

“DAD!” Spike cried, placing his claw near his eye.

“DANTE!” Derpy said mimicking Spike’s gesture.

“Derpy… Spike…” Dante said growing a smile. “You both have made your father very proud…”

“WHAT?!” the group said. “Derpy’s your-”

“Daughter… Derpy is my daughter,” Dante replied Derpy and Spike on their heads. “And I love my children equally…”

“But she’s a… you know… a pony.” Battleaxe said confused, looking at Derpy.

“She found me over fifteen years ago,” Dante answered. “Over the years I grew to love her as my daughter.” He cast his gaze to the teary cross-eyed pony looking up at him. “I still don’t know how but she was able to remember you, after Destruction tried to make everything forget, I sent her to find you and bring you to me if she could.”

“Are you gonna d-die?” Spike asked with tears falling down his face.

“These wounds will heal with time, my son,” Dante replied, struggling to his feet. “Go now, I will completely recover shortly.”

The group reluctantly left Dante’s side, making their way deeper into Canterlot. They were several blocks from the castle when a wall of black magic blocked their path. Darkness enveloped the group, escape was impossible. Huddling in a circle they heard the sounds of erie laughter and soon after, The Shadow emerged from the surrounding darkness.

“There’s NO way you’ll win this…” he said laughing. “Half the guard is already dead AND your biggest gun is down.” he looked at each one of the ponies, rubbing his chin. “Now, who to kill first… decisions, desisi-”

A blast of golden magic enveloped The Shadow, causing a massive explosion. Princess Celestia landed next to the group shortly after the dust form the blast had settled. She was breathing heavily with sweat and blood pouring out of her now destroyed armor.

“That… that was one of my most powerful spells…” she said glaring to the crater. “He shouldn’t-”

A sudden blast of black and red magic fired from the crater her spell caused, heading directly to the group. Princess Celestia acted quickly; using her own body she shielded them, while taking the full brunt of the attack.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight cried, running to the fallen Princess’s side.

“Don’t cry Twilight…” Princess Celestia said looking up to Twilight. “I’ll be-”

The shadow teleported over her placing his hoof over Princess Celestia’s mouth, “I’ve never had to work so hard to get some tail…” He said licking his lips,
“I guess that will make it feel even better, you know putting more effort into it and all....” his horn began to glow its familiar color. “I’ll be off now, but I’ll be back in fifteen minutes-”

Commander Garrison’s hoof struck the shadow directly across the face actually sending him flying a few feet before he fell to the ground. “You won’t touch her…” the Commander growled.

“Aw, did I hit on your special somepony?” The Shadow said getting up.

“Sir, this isn’t your fight!” Battleaxe yelled. “WE need to fight him, WE can KILL him!”

“You can get Princess Celestia out of here faster if I hold him off!” Commander Garrison shouted, looking back to the group. “Now RUN! That’s an order!”

They hesitated for a few seconds, but they followed the order nonetheless. The moment he saw them heading for the castle he turned his attention back to The Shadow, he was actually waving playfully towards the retreating ponies. The Commander snorted grabbing his foe’s attention and took an offensive stance.

“You know I can just teleport right?” the shadow said chucking.

“Then you’d be running away from an old grunt with back problems,” Commander Garrison grunted. “Are you really THAT scared of fighting me?”

The shadow eyes grew red with rage at the old stallion’s insult. “Fine…” he growled. “After I beat the hell out of you I’ll make you watch before I kill you both.”

The shadow and Commander Garrison stood opposite of one another, glaring intensely as they paced back and forth. Then with a lion-like roar, Commander Garrison charged the shadow. The shadow avoided his attack with ease, but was not prepared for the Commander to stop nearly on a bit and turn to fire a blast from his horn. The shadow was knocked off his hooves and fell to the ground. He rose to see Commander Garrison charging again, but this time he was ready. The shadow teleported next to Commander Garrison, grabbed him and slammed him into the side of a nearby building.

“That should be enough…” The Shadow said smiling. “Now, to find where did my date and her friends run off to?”

A blast of magic came from the hole which Commander Garrison had made, taking the shadow off guard. A single hoof rose, followed by a helmless Commander Garrison. “I didn’t get to be the special operations commander for dying easy…” he said dragging himself out of the hole.

The two continued to fight one another, magic and steel clashed as they fought on. The Shadow threw Commander Garrison into another wall, but instead of finishing him he paused to speak. “You know, Commander… you actually impress me,” he began. “Tell you what, join me and I’ll reunite you with your family and make you immortal to boot.” He approached the visibly wounded Commander trying to rise. “What do you say to that?”

Commander Garrison looked up to The Shadow, his eyes watered at the mention of his family. He imagined them standing next to him once again for a few brief moments. Then he looked up to the shadow and smiled, a single stream of blood poured out of the corner of his mouth.

“I guess that means-” The Shadow’s statement was cut short by a mixture of spit and blood splattering across his face. His eyes glowed in fury while Commander Garrison smiled at him.

“Buck you…” Commander Garrison said smiling.

He roared one last time and charged The Shadow, but his foe’s horn was already aglow with a powerful spell. The blast hit Commander Garrison directly. The Shadow’s spell tore him apart with every step, but he kept charging through his pain, knowing that every second was one used for his ponies to escape. The Shadow was amazed, a normal pony would have been ashes by now, but the Commander still kept coming. He increased his spell’s power, finally the Commander halted, raising a hoof in defiance he roared one last time before falling and becoming nothing, his armor the only reminder of his existance.

“A VERY poor choice…” the shadow growled walking away slowly before teleporting off.

“Is Princess Celestia going to be alright?” Twilight asked Patches.

“She’ll be fine,” Patches said wrapping another wound around Princess Celestia’s torso. “She may be royalty, but she can really take a beating.”

“We have been to war before, Patches,” Princess Luna said looking to her sister while she was being tended to. “We both have suffered far worse than this.”

“Indeed…” Princess Celestia said rising to her hooves, only to fall back into Greatsword and her sister’s forelegs. She rose quickly again however and looked to them. “So long as I stand I will defend my land and its inhabitants…”

“You are in no condition to go back out there, sister,” Princess Luna said, her horn aglow as dark, spiked armor covered her body. “I shall continue to lead them while you heal.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary…” Event Horizon said looking behind him. “Because The Shadow’s back.”

“DAMNIT!” the shadow said. “You spoiled the surprise!”

“Where’s Commander Garrison?” Greatsword said stepping between the shadow and the group.

The shadow rubbed his chin, “hum… well I WILL say this about his whereabouts… if his flesh was as hard as his steel, you might still have a body to bury.”

“That stallion was the closest thing I had to a father …” Greatsword growled, “You will answer for your sins.”

“At least I didn’t drop a house on him,” the shadow said chuckling, “THAT would’ve been a bit too unoriginal.”

Greatsword charged the shadow, only to be knocked into the group by the flick of The Shadow’s hoof. The three rose quickly and stood ready to fight The Shadow, but when they looked to where he once stood he was gone. Every eye in the group scowered the nearby buildings, hoping to catch a glimpse of their nemesis, but after a few quick glances a terrifying realization came to Warhammer.

“Where’s Luna?” he asked frantically looking around.

“WARHAMMER!” Princess Luna’s voice rang out. “WARHAMMER HELP-”

Her cry was cut short by a hoof pushing into her throat. “Oh please just shut the hell up…” The Shadow said holding her by the throat. “You’re ruining my the moment.”

Princess Luna whimpered as the shadow’s eyes uncomfortably gazed up and down her body. The Shadow drew close to her and licked his lips slowly. “Have I ever told you that YOU are HOT?” he said lowering his head to her abdomen. “I always loved your stomach, it’s just so...” he brushed his free hoof across her belly, “delicious…” He then placed his ear on her stomach, “What’s this? Is the innocent little Luna eating for two?” he paused to listen longer, “Oh no… she’s eating for three…” The Shadow rose his free hoof into the air. “But I’ll be happy to make it one again.”

Before he could strike two dark figures rammed themselves into the shadow, causing him to drop Princess Luna. Warhammer sprinted faster than he ever had and with a leap of faith, caught his lover. The shadow looked to his attackers, Dark Knight and Night Wing had arrived.

“None shall harm the Princess…” Dark Knight growled.

“And we brought some friends…” Night Wing pointed to a massive shadow approaching from the south, the Lunar Guard was entering the fray.
The two Lunar pegasi charged The Shadow striking him with all their fury. The shadow was thrown down to the streets, Dark Knight and Night Wing following close behind. The two continued their relentless assault, even drawing blood from their foe. Their fight went deep into the streets, fighting through the descending Lunar Guard and the shadow fiends unfortunate enough to be landed on. The group looked on in awe, seeing the two handle their foe with such ease.
“We’re doing it sir!” Dark Knight yelled to Greatsword.
“We’ve got him on the ropes!” Night Wing added.
For a moment it seemed that way, the two Lunar pegasi holding their own against a foe like The Shadow, but after a few more well-placed blows, he had taken all he could.

“ENOUGH!” He yelled, intrapping his opponents and pulling them to him. “I have to admit, for being average, normally useless Lunar pegasi you have a great deal of nobility for coming after me like that… and now you’ll pay for it.” the shadow’s horn grew even brighter, Dark Knight and Night Wing screamed in pain as their lives were being taken from them.

The two then looked to the shadow and before their final breaths they said in unison. “To give one’s life for the Princess of the Night is the greatest honor.” SNAP!

“Whatever…” The Shadow said throwing the two dead ponies to the side, “now, where is Princess-”

The Shadow winched in pain for a moment. He hadn’t felt something like that in so long. Looking down to his chest he saw a single, dark blue horn jutting out of where his heart should be. The horn pulled out, releasing the blood that had pooled behind it. Gasping for air he turned to see Princess Luna behind him, wiping her horn clean of his blood.

“Rule number ONE…” she growled angrily. “NEVER turn your back on an opponent…”

The Shadow hit his knees, coughing up blood. “It seems I taught you well, Luna…” He said laughing with darkness enveloping him. “And I look forward to seeing you again… in hell.” the shadow took one last breath before darkness completely surrounded him and with that, he was gone.

“Princess Luna,” Battleaxe said. “You actually KILLED him…”

“His death came too quick Battleaxe,” Princess Luna said, staring at the place the shadow was only moments before. “He DESERVED to suffer…”

“He will, Luna,” Warhammer said. “The deepest pit in Tartars is reserved for traitors.”

“This victory came at a terrible cost…” Greatsword said looking to Dark Knight and Night Wing, “I only hope they will be the last deaths in this-”

Greatsword took a giant gasp for air. It felt as if something had just ran through his chest. He looked down to see a royal guard pike sticking out of his body. Then another sudden pain came to him, this time a silver horn glowing with red magic. He turned around to see his attackers, but the pike twisted before he could see them. His knees went limp, his eyes diloated and his mouth became agape before he finally hit the ground his eyes turned in the direction of attack, allowing only a second to see two ponies standing behind him, one holding the pike.

Chapter 44: Destruction Rising

“GREATSWORD!” Fluttershy cried running to Greatsword’s fallen body, “oh my goodness, oh my goodness…”

“SUN SCREECH, SPARK!” Event Horizon yelled in shock, “HOW COULD YOU!”

“It was unacceptable… UNACCEPTABLE!” Guilty Spark raored angrily. “Princess Celestia would have chosen ME if Twilight hadn’t hatched that dragon on her entrance exam, I could have done so much more for pony kind!” he looked to Twilight in rage, “but YOU ruined my dreams! This was the only way to exact revenge on all of you of casting me to the side!”

“I was never on your side, Event Horizon,” Sun Screech laughed. “I was working for The Shadow since day one, and now that he’s dead… I, Sun Screech, am now the leader of my fallen master’s horde! ATTACK MY MINIONS!”

The shadow fiends quickly obeyed their new master’s command, clawing and biting at those they had surrounded. They all fought for their lives, but they knew even if Greatsword were still alive, that they would be overrun. Before the fiends could completely overpower them, salvation came from the skies in the form of an entire company of Lunar Guards. The now reinforced group huddled around the boy of the fallen, eniloating any that came close enough.

The two forces clashed with one another, each side taking heavy losses. In time it looked like the Guard was gaining the upper hoof, but Sun Screech, being the back stabbing coward he was, wasn’t about to see how it was going to end. He prepared to fly to a safer location, but before he could get ten feet into the air, a lone pegasus grabbed him by his hind legs and slammed him into the pavement.

“You better give me a DAMN good reason not to stuff you throat with steel, Sun Screech!” Long Shot said shoving his crossbow into Sun Screech’s mouth. Sun Screech made multiple pleas, but all muffled my Long Shot’s Crossbow. “I’m sorry…” Long Shot said pulling back the trigger. “I can’t hear you.”

“DAD!” Scootaloo yelled knocking Long Shot off of Sun Screech and nearly colliding with Rainbow Dash as the two rolled to a stop. “YOU CAN’T JUST KILL HIM!”

“He STABBED Greatsword in the BACK, Scootaloo!” Long Shot roared at her, she trembled at her father’s reaction, terrified by his unleashed anger. “AND you’re supposed to be at the castle!”

“We ARE at the castle!” Scootaloo cried back. “I saw you almost kill that pony out of the window!”

“He’s a TRAITOR Scootaloo!” Long Shot yelled. “He needs to answer for-”

Out of the corner of his eye, Long Shot saw Guilty Spark fire a bolt of magic right at Scootaloo. Without a second’s hesitation, he threw her behind him and fired a shot of his own back toward Spark. The two attacks crossed paths, nearly colliding midway but they continued their paths until finally the bolt hit its target. Landing squarely between Spark’s eyes, just under his horn, he stood their frozen for a few seconds, twitching slightly. Then he collapsed to the ground, blood pouring down him muzzle and pooling under his chin.

“You… you saved me…” Scootaloo said looking to her father, but he didn’t respond he continued to stare at Spark’s lifeless body. She gingerly walked up to her father and nudged him slightly. “Dad… dad… are you ok?”

Long Shot fell to the ground, blood flowing out of the hole now in his chest. “I’d do it again…” he grunted, blood ozzing trough his lips. “but I only have one life… I-I love you Scootaloo…” Long Shot closed his eyes and his head slammed back to the ground, leaving his daughter horrified.

“DAD?!” she cried, shaking him violently. “DAD?!” Long Shot did not respond, she quickly looked around the battle ground looking for the one she knew could help. “PATCHES!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. “PATCHES HELP!”

Patches ran to the sound of the young mare’s desperate cries, “What is it Scootaloo? What happ- oh my…” Patches saw Scootaloo covered in blood, she had been trying to stop the bleeding, but her effort was fruitless. “Scootaloo get back,” she said gently pushing her out of the way. “You did all you could, he’d be proud. He’d be proud…”

“You shouldn’t be seeing this,” Warhammer said grabbing Scootaloo. “You need to go back into the castle.”

“That’s my DAD!” Scootaloo cried trying to pass Warhammer. “I wanna make sure he’s ok!”

“I understand, Scootaloo,” Warhammer replied. “But you don’t need to see your father like that.”

“I NEED to be with my dad!” Scootaloo cried as Warhammer was bringing her into the castle.

“Scootaloo listen,” Warhammer said. “Patches is under enough pressure, you there would just add to that, not to mention, you are too young to see something like that.”

“I say, what is the common rabble doing in here?” a stuck up voice rang out through the castle. “What was my aunt thinking keeping the doors unlocked?” he voices owner walked into the light, Prince Blueblood looked around the entryway and once his eyes met Warhammer and Scootaloo he gasped in shock. “MY WORD, TOMATO JUICE! You must leave at once, before you stain these lovely tiles.”

“We will NOT leave…” Warhammer growled.

“You think you are special because you are with my aunt?” Blueblood scoffed. “Well, until you marry her you are still nothing more than a commoner to me,” he walked even closer to the two, “and furthermore-”

Warhammer’s hoof met Prince Blueblood’s jaw squarely, sending the royal pain flying across the room. He would have continued but a lone pedestal holding an expensive vase stopped his trajectory, he was about to stand, but the vase atop the pedestal fell directly on Blueblood’s head, rendering him unconscious. Scootaloo looked up to Warhammer with immense eyes.

“That… was… awesome…” she said looking up to Warhammer.

“I’ve wanted to do that ever since Luna introduced us at the gala several years ago,” Warhammer said smiling. “And I must say it felt even better to do it in real life.”

Back outside, Battleaxe and the others were fighting alongside the Lunar Guard against the shadow fiends. The fiends came in endless droves throwing themselves at the survivors again and again they were pushed back. After killing yet another fiend he ran to Patches.

“How are they doing?” he asked looking at Long Shot and Greatsword.

“It’s… it’s too late for him…” Patches said whipping away a tear from her eye, pointing to Greatsword. “That pike went right through his heart…”

“Don’t say that…” Battleaxe said, pushing Patches away from Greatsword and taking him in his hooves, “Bro… Bro, come on wake up…” Patches and Fluttershy watched Battleaxe’s desperate attempt to revive his brother, they could barely hold their own tears back as they continued to watch. “Bro, come on, the fight’s not over yet…” a single tear fell from his eye. “All those times you got me out alive… please… Greatsword… wake up… I-I STILL need you…”

Patches placed her hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder and shook her head slowly. He turned back to his fallen brother, still limp in his forelegs. Unable to hold back anymore, Battleaxe buried his face into Greatsword’s chest, soaking his mane in a mix of blood and his own tears.

“NO!” he roared, his forelegs trembling violently. He remained there, holding to his brother like a foal for what seemed like an eternity. Finally he let him go, but there was something about him, a look in his eye that scared even Patches. The lightning and thunder clashed ed behind him, rain clearing the blood off his face, but his eyes remained the same. “Make sure nothing happens to him…” he growled running back into the fight.

“That’s forty-two for me!” Rainbow called out to Event Horizon. “Bet ya can’t beat that!”

“Fifty-seven!” Event Horizon called back. “I don’t know Rainbow, maybe you should keep up!”

“I know you two lovers are having a wonderful date right now,” Battleaxe said blasting several fiends away with his magic. “But where the hell is Sun Screech?”

Event Horizon looked back to face Battleaxe, “Carmel and Thunderlane are holding him now.” he pointed to a small building next to the castle.

“Thanks…” Battleaxe said running off. “Catch you later love birds.”

“Love birds?” Event Horizon and Rainbow asked in unison, the two looked to one another then quickly turned away trying to hide their reddened faces.

“WE’RE NOT A COUPLE!” they yelled simultaneously as Battleaxe entered the building Sun Screech was help in.

Battleaxe looked around the small room, there was nothing except for Carmel, Thunderlane and him. The one who stabbed his brother in the back, Battleaxe walked calmly up to the bound Sun Screech, ripped off the tape covering his mouth and stared into his eyes.

“Greatsword trusted you…” he growled. “I trusted you…”

“That’s the point of being a traitor,” Sun Screech grinned. “Make everypony think you’re on their side then, when the opportunity rises, you stab them in the back.”

“Ponies like you deserve to suffer…” Battleaxe said using his magic to grab a nearby shard of glass and letting it float inches away from his eyes. “Do you know that?”

Sun Screech began to tremble watching the shad draw closer and closer to his eye. “Wait… WAIT!” he begged. “I-I’m sorry, I won’t do it again!” his pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears. “I promise, I won’t do it again!”

“You’re right…” Battleaxe said with Carmel and Thunderlane looking onward in disbelief. “You won’t.”

“Sir, stop!” Thunderlane said to get his attention. “You can’t do this!”

Battleaxe stopped the shard close enough for Sun Screech’s eye lids to brush against the point when he blinked. “He killed my brother…” Battleaxe growled. “I want him to feel my pain…”

“It won’t bring him back, sir,” Thunderlane said placing his hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder, “it won’t bring him back…”

Battleaxe looked at Thunderlane, then to Sun Screech and finally to the shard of glass. To the horror of all in the room Battleaxe began to draw the shard back as if he were about to strike. Before Thunderlane and Carmel could react Battleaxe sent the shard forward to the sound of Sun Screech’s screams, but with less than an inch left between the shard and his eye, Battleaxe stopped.

“You’re right, Thunderlane…” Battleaxe said dropping the shard. “I’m a soldier, not an executioner.”

At that moment Sun Screech burst from his bonds, wielding a jagged shard of glass. With blazing speed he drove the shard into Carmel’s shoulder, sending the poor pony to the ground in pain. Once Carmel was down he didn’t hesitate to go after his next victim, Thunderlane, but Battleaxe pushed him out of the way, allowing the shard to run deep into his chest. The two stood there for a few moments, frozen in the moment of the attack. Then Battleaxe’s knees buckled sending him to the ground, blood pouring out of his new wound. Sun Screech stood over him a menicing smile growing as he watched his wounded pray try to struggle to his hooves.

“So… weak…” he said, punching Battleaxe in the stomach, promptly sending him back to the floor. “It’s because you’re so concerned with the lives of others you forget about your own.”

“Y-you won’t win…” Battleaxe coughed, defiantly looking up to Sun Screech.

“I’ve already killed one of you,” Sun Screech replied, wiping the blood of his shard. “Now killing you will seal our fate!”

Sun Screech rose the shard over Battleaxe’s head, but before he could cast his final blow, a tremendous explosion rocked the small building, sending its structure into a volatile state. A celing beam fell on Sun Screech, pinning him in the now collapsing building. Thunderlane and Carmel grabbed Battleaxe and made a mad rush for the door. Battleaxe looked back one last time to see Sun Screech pleading for help. Before the building finally collapsed, Battleaxe looked back at the panicking pegasus.

“Fitting…” he said through shallow breaths, “but you deserve far worse…”

Carmel and Thunderlane rushed Battleaxe to Patches, who was still trying to keep Long Shot alive. The blast from Guilty Spark had collapsed one of his lungs and clipped a major artery. “Patches!” Carmel yelled holding Battleaxe, ignoring his own wound, “Patches Battleaxe got hurt real bad!”

“Almost…” Patches said frantically shifting her hooves over Long Shot. “Almost… Fluttershy I need more surgical stitching.” she pointed at her bag, ling next to Greatsword.

Fluttershy went to grab the bag, but stopped briefly to look at her fallen savior. A lone tear formed in her eye while she placed her hoof over the hole in his chest. “Now it’s there for everypony to see…” she whispered, letting the tear fall on Greatsword’s face, “you… you don’t have to hide it anymore.” she gave him a small kiss on his forehead and sat down next to him, but her mourning was cut short by Patches desperate call.

“Fluttershy!” Patches cried. “I NEED those stitches!”

Fluttershy ran to Patches side, reached into the bag and pulled out the item Patches needed to keep Long Shot alive. Patches grabbed the stitches and ran them through the needle in her other hoof. She used extreme care while closing the still spiriting artery. Once she was done she placed her head on Long Shot’s chest, listening for the sound of life. Her head stayed there for a few moments, but there was nothing.

“No…” Patches whispered softly, placing her head on his shoulder. “No… not YOU too…” she whipped the tears off her face only replacing them with blood.

Then Long Shot’s chest rose, his eye opened slowly to reveal Patches standing over him with a genuine smile. “If anypony could…” Long Shot said weakly. “It would be you…” he smiled back at her before falling out of consciousness.

Another massive explosion rang across the royal city. Everypony still standing looked to the direction of the blast and what they saw left them in awe. A large swirling black cloud emerged from the storm, firing black lighting in every direction. The cloud stopped right over the castle, seething as if it were alive.

“What… is that?” Twilight asked Princess Celestia, but before she could say anything the cloud answered for her.

“I?” the cloud said. “I am a monument to all your sins…” the cloud blasted several buildings with lightning, causing them to collapse.

“Oh no…” Event said pausing Rainbow in the middle of a fight. “It’s… it’s him…”

The cloud sent bellowing laughter across the city. “The weapon is broken, all hope now cast aside,” it said seething even more. “Now you face your final end, a fate you must abide.”

“Hope remains in all who still stand, beast.” Princess Celestia called back at the cloud. “So long as there are those who are willing to fight.”

“Six thousand years I have waited, for six thousand years I have watched you thrive,” the cloud began to open revealing a serpentine creature emerging from its bowels. “Six thousand years I have shown patience… NOW it is DESTRUCTION’S TIME!”

Destruction rose from the cloud, black lightning blasting anything nearby. His arms stretched out extending his blade like claws. His eyes shot open and his razor blade teeth formed a menacing smile. Destruction let out an echoing roar that may as well been heard thought all Equestria.

“The return of the Destroyer to the safeguarded land!” Destruction roared, “And not even Honor can stay my hand!”

The group looked up in awe as Destruction’s crest glowed the blackest black they had ever seen. It fired into the sky, causing a massive hole in the clouds, tearing a hole into the violent night sky. The rain fell even harder on the city, filling the streets with red water. Destruction looked to the tear then to those who would oppose him.

“Defiant fools, stand ready to fight…” he said smiling. “To end their lives shall be a delight!”

Chapter 45: Even the Mighty will Fall

“How are we gonna beat THAT…” Thunderlane said in sheer awe of Destruction.

“I don’t know Thunderlane…” Battleaxe said, holding his chest. “But without Greatsword, I don’t think we can stop him.”

“There is always a way…” Princess Celestia said glaring at Destruction, outstretching her wings, only to fall immediately fall back to the ground.

“You are in no condition to fight, let alone stand…” Patches said, gently laying the Princess down. “You need to heal before you can fight again.”

“She’s right sister,” Princess Luna said placing her hoof on Celestia’s shoulder, “You must let others fight for you this time.”

Princess Celestia looked to Destruction, then to the group that surrounded her. Her eyes welled up and for the first time in any of the group’s life they saw a single tear fall from Princess Celestia’s eye. “I have stood against every threat that has face Equestria and her ponies for over two thousand years…” she said biting her lip. “I can’t stop now…”

“Even your strongest are weak…” Destruction’s voice echoed across the land. “Your world is forfeit-”

“Why not allow ME to fight in their place!” Dante Roared, slamming himself into Destruction. The two titans fell into the mountain, causing all of Canterlot and the surrounding area for miles to tremble from the impact. Once the dust had settled the group saw Dante hovering over the crater in the mountain side.

“An ancient nemesis returns from the shadows returns at last…” Destruction said pulling himself out of the hole. “But without his weapon, his fate shall come to pass.”

“We will see about that Destruction!” Dante roared, flame spewing out of his nostrils. “You will never have Omnipotent’s creation so long as I still stand!”

Dante launched a giant ball of flame at Destruction, exploding upon contact. Dante’s shadow hung over the soke and fire while he waited for some kind of retaliation from Destruction, but there was nothing. Suddenly, black cloud suddenly appeared behind Dante, striking him with a powerful blank bolt of lightning before he could react.

“DANTE!” Derpy cried tears falling down her face as she reached out to him. She tried to fly to him, but Event quickly grabbed her, only adding to her anxietity. “NO! NOT DANTE!”

“Derpy please!” Event yelled trying to keep Derpy on the ground. “He wouldn’t want you to go over there you could get killed!”

Dante collided with the ground at the foot of the mountain, causing the earth to shatter and fly through the impact area. Moments passed before Dante painfully rose to his feet and looked towards his adversary.

“You cannot defeat me fairly Destruction…” he growled. “So you hide and use deception to defeat one who has stopped you before.”

“I only wish to defeat you quickly, old foe…” Destruction said, his crest turning even darker. “For I respect you enough to give you a painless death… but if you insist on pain I shall give it to you!”

Destruction fired a gigantic volley of lightning towards the dragon, with no way out, Dante took the attack in full. Each bolt coursed through his body, causing him to roar in such a way that all that heard him could feel his pain. Dante convulsed and thrashed as each bolt turned into one single charge, the bolt ascended into Destruction’s hand, giving Dante a temporary pause in his suffering, but before he could move Destruction cast his hand into Dante’s direction, sending the single bolt straight towards him. His attack landed squarely on Dante’s chest and before he could even roar in pain the bolt exploded, sending tremors not just through Canterlot, but through the whole of Equestria.

“Good bye old foe… May you rest well…” he said before turning to his attention back to Canterlot. “Are there anymore foolish enough to stand against me?”

Those who remained looked to the crater, they couldn’t see Dante, just a smoking, smoldering hole. Their hearts sank, in a matter of minutes Destruction had taken down their best chance to save Equestria other than the Elements of Honor as a whole. Destruction began to turn from the crater, but at that very moment a plume of flame erupted from the crater enveloping Destruction whole.

“I will not die so easily Destruction!” Dante roared bursting from the smoke. “My will is still as strong as it was when you first fell!”

“Then let this be finished as it should be…” Destruction said charging to Dragon heading directly towards him.

The two forces collided with one another, slashing and attacking with all they had. Dante’s flame engulfed Destruction’s hand, but another slashed into Dante’s side. The two ignored their wounds however and fought on. Never relenting for in the hands of the victor was the fate of Equestria.

“You seem to have grown weaker in your absence, Destruction,” Dante yelled slashing his opponent across his torso. “The last time we fought I fell after a single blow.”

“With age comes strength,” Destruction said blasting Dante with another lightning bolt, “but you shall never defeat me!”

“I’m surprised that you actually are talking,” Dante roared slamming his tail across Destruction’s face. “You weren’t so much for talk the last time you-”

Dante was interrupted a sudden feeling of pain just below his chest. Looking down he saw the forearm of his foe dug deep into his stomach. He tried to force the hand out of him put the more he fought the deeper Destruction’s hand dug into his gut.

“I have watched through rock and metal and time…” Destruction said shifting his hand around the inside Dante. “And I know your every weakness…”

Destruction felt inside Dante for a few more moments, like a foal looking for the toy in the bottom of an apple cracker box. Suddenly he stopped, a twisted smile came across his face. He cast his gaze to Dante, he was still trying to free himself.

“The Inferno…” Destruction said ripping his hand out of Dante, in his hand was a large, burning sphere. It floated in Destruction’s had while Dante came crashing down into the city. “So long as the Inferno burns you live…” he said looking at the bright flame floating in his hands.

The group ran as fast as they could to Dante, hoping that he still maybe living after such a devastating attack. Once they had arrived they saw Dante, barely alive, struggling to even breathe. Derpy and Spike ran to his side, their tears falling into a pool of blood nearly up to their knees.

“I can’t lose you!” Spike cried trying to wrap his claws around Dante’s face. “I-I finally find out I have a dad…”

“D-D-Dante…” Derpy whimpered, flying over the Dragon’s body.

“Do not cry…” Dante said through shallow breathing. “The elements…” he said looking to Battleaxe, “you must use the elements… they are our only hope…”

“Dante…” Battleaxe said tearing up himself. “Greatsword is dead…”

“No…” Dante said trying to stand, “NO!” Before Dante could rise again he roared in pain and fell back to the ground. “How… how did he die?!”

“Guilty Spark and Sun Screech…” Event Horizon said, “they betrayed us… they were working for Destruction the whole time….”

“Soulless TRAITORS!” Dante roared, trying to rise just to fall to the ground again. “I shall grind them to dust for their sins…”

“They’re already dead…” Event Horizon answered. “Long Shot and Battleaxe saw to that.”

“Greatsword…” Dante said. “I MUST see Greatsword…”

Shining Armor and Battleaxe quickly brought the body of the fallen pegasus to Dante. It took some time for him to take it in, but he knew that Greatsword was gone. However, to the surprise of the group, Dante rolled to his side exposing his still bleeding underbelly.

“There IS a way…” Dante said reaching for his chest, using one of his claws to cut into his flesh. He remained stoic, not once showing an ounce of pain as he plunged his claw deeper and deeper into his wound. Once he had his claw dug all the way into inside he made a few painful motions and with a single tear he made a pulling motion out of his chest. He opened his bloody claw to reveal a small silvery object.

“No…” Derpy said with a tear running down her face.

“It must be done, Derpy…” Dante said reassuringly passing her the object.

“What did you just do?” Shining Armor said, looking to Dante in disbelief.

“The only thing I could do now to save Equestria…” Dante said weakly. “I gave Derpy a part of my heart…”

“WHAT?!” the group said in unison.

“A dragon’s heart is the most powerful healing agent in creation… it can cure any ailment…” Dante looked to the body of Greatsword again. “Even death.”

“Let’s get that thing in him!” Battleaxe exclaimed reaching for the heart in Derpy’s hooves. “We need him!” he tried again and again to grab the heart form Derpy but her awkward way of flying made it impossible for him to grab a hold of her.

“It is not that simple, Battleaxe…” Dante explained weakly. “One pure of heart and intent must place the heart into the fallen…” He turned his attention to Derpy she had just landed in front of him, gently placing her hoof on Dante’s nose. “Then you must give him-”

Dante roared in pain reaching for the hole he had made in his chest. The group looked towards the black sky. Destruction had closed the hand which had the small blaze. He cast his monstrous eyes to Dante and smiled.

“I should have known that the Inferno was not somewhere…” he looked back to his clinched fist. “But it was some ONE…” Destruction lifted the defeated dragon to him so he could look into his eyes. “ALL dragons came from around the Inferno… and the Inferno was inside you this whole time…”

“After six thousand years…” Dante growled painfully in defiance. “You were bound to find out…”

Destruction smiled yet again and dug his arms deep into Dante’s sides. He roared in intense pain, but he was too weak to fight back. Destruction began to tear into the dragon, until finally his chest gave way, exploding in a fountain of blood and cracking bine. The sight was so horrific that even Long Shot had to turn away, finally Destruction took the now lifeless husk and threw it into the city, nearly causing the city to fall collapse into itself.

“Even the god of dragons falls before me…” Destruction said throwing Dante back into the city. “Who else shall stand against me?!”

Dante’s death unfortunately was not without it’s after math. The dragon’s fall into the city sent wave after wave of earth shattering vibrations throughout the city, sending everything, from pony, shadow fiend and building into the air. The group was far enough from the impact to not be thrown into the sky, but the debris from the impact decended upon them from every direction.

The group ran as fast as they could to the only place that could provide protection, the royal castle. The magic that surrounded it was still strong and they hoped it would remain that way until they arrived. On their frantic rush there, Rainbow Dash didn’t see a falling rock making its way to her.

“RAINBOW!” Event Horizon shouted, “LOOK OUT!” he flew into her, pushing her out of the way only to be hit by the stone instead. After a few moments Rainbow was back on her hooves she looked around to see nothing, her heart sank.

“E.H.!” Rainbow called out into the rubble. “EVENT HORIZON!”

“We don’t have time to stop Rainbow!” Twilight called to her while she and Battleaxe did their best to keep Princess Celestia on her own hooves. “We need to get out of here!”

“Go on, I’ll catch up!” Rainbow called to the retreating ponies, then she turned her attention to the pile of rubble that was meant for her. “I’m not leaving you behind without knowing I could save you too...”

She searched the pile tirelessly calling Event’s name, but there was no answer. It failed to deter her. She still continued her search, becoming more and more desperate as she dug deeper and deeper.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh…” she said to herself as the last rock flew from her hooves, but Event Horizon was not there. She couldn’t see anything that would lead her to believe the he was even there. Then she heard a faint voice calling from the rubble. Rainbow darted to the pile next to her and once she lifted the first stone, she was instantly relived.

“E.H.!” she cried happily to the pegasus under the pile. “Are you ok?”

“Other than the fact there’s about a half a ton of rock on me and my leg being broken…” Event started, looking at Rainbow relieved. “I’m doing really good.”

“Ok,” Rainbow said throwing rubble in every direction,.“I’ll get you out in a sec.”

“We’re almost at the castle!” Twilight shouted, “don’t worry Princess, we’ll get you to safety.”

“My faithful student…” Princess Celestia said softly. “You remind me of her…”

“What?” Twilight said looking up to the Princess.

“So much like my sister…” Princess Celestia said smiling. “You’re so much like Luna…”

“We can talk about that later,” Battleaxe said nudging Celestia’s shoulder. “We need to get you to where you can heal faster.”

“It must be spoken about now,” Princess Celestia replied. “Because I fear that I may not get a chance to say it again.”

“Don’t say the Princess,” Twilight said teary eyed. “You’ll make it…”

“When I first saw you, I knew you were special…” Princess Celestia said ignoring Twilight’s words. “But as the years past, as you grew… I saw something else in you, a love of knowledge like only one other pony I knew…” the Princess looked to Twilight as a tear fell down her cheek. “My… my only regret… I promised myself long ago that I wouldn’t make the same mistake I had made with Luna, and it is because of you that I am with her again…” The Princess looked over to her sister, who upon hearing her had begun to release a few tears of her own. “I could never pay you back enough… I love you Twilight Sparkle.”

Battleaxe tripped over himself a little bit nearly throwing Princess Celestia off of him, but it wouldn’t have mattered the group had arrived at the castle. Twilight helped the wounded Princess off Battleaxe, who was looking at the two with some confusion.

“Should… should I be jealous?” he asked himself still staring at them.

“Not the same kinda love, sugar cube.” Applejack said smiling, nudging him on the shoulder.

“Now I shall do what must be done…” Princess Celestia said unveiling her wings.

“Princess NO!” Twilight cried reaching for Princess Celestia as she flew off.

“I must protect what my father died to save…” she said, flying towards Destruction. “Even if I must follow in his hoof steps.”

Princess Celestia stopped before Destruction, who was looking over all Equestria. “So long I have waited, now I shall do what should have been done long ago.” he rose one of his hands, summoning a dark power from within. He threw the aura into the distance, destroying nearly half of the Crystal Mountain range.

“You think you can stand against one with the power to destroy suns?” Princess Celestia roared to get Destruction’s attention.

“Like your father you are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice…” Destruction said turning to her. “But you hardly have one tenth of his power.”

Destruction slashed at Princess Celestia, but she avoided the attack with ease. In the mist of their battle, Celestia’s horn began to glow the brightest it ever had, sweat poured from her body, straining to use every last bit of magic that was left in her. Then with a warrior’s cry, Princess Celestia unleashed the power of an exploding sun upon Destruction. Destruction roared in agony as the Princess’s spell completely engulfed him. She continued the spell for as long as she could, once she could no longer continue her horn stopped glowing. With every heavy breath she took a tear fell from her eyes.

The skies cleared for a moment, remaining guards and survivors cheered in victory, Princess Celestia had stopped the ultimate enemy, but as she descended to the ground the clouds returned, even darkerer than before. An echoing laugh came form them and without warning, a blast of magic hit Princess Celestia directly. She cried out in pain before crashing only feet away from the group she had left only minutes before. Destruction emerged from the cloud revealing his razor teeth in a smile.

“I underestimated you, Daughter of Omnipotent…” he said looking to the crater she was in. “But I assure, you it won’t happen again.”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!” Twilight cried running to her side.

“No…” Princess Luna said, her hooves over her mouth with tears forming in her eyes.

Shining Armor and Thunderlane ran to her side as well, trying to get her up. As they did Destruction readied another attack, aiming directly the group. “This land has fought me harder than any I have ever faced before,” he roared. “But like all others it will fall!”

Destruction sent the blast at the group, Shining Armor looked up while he and Thunderlane gathered Princess Celestia. “TWILI!” he yelled to get Twilight’s attention, she turned to her brother with teary eyes, “Twili… run…”

Twilight was drug by Battleaxe with the others to the castle door, throwing them open with little resistance, all of them ran inside, except two who flew in in a rainbow blur. Only Princess Celestia, Shining Armor and Thunderlane were still outside. They looked behind them and realized one thing then they looked to the wide eyed ponies yelling at them through tears at them to get inside. Princess Celestia and Shining Armor nodded at one another and Shining Armor’s horn began to glow. Just as the blast hit the ground the castle doors magically closed. Then, there was only silence.

Chapter 46: Among Friends and Gods

There was only darkness, nothing more, nothing less. The cold winds swept across the abyss that went on for eternity. A single pegasus lay there, curled into a ball resembling a newborn. In the mist of all the darkness a single light began to shine, brighter and brighter it glowed. Until finally, two figures stepped from the light, one noticeably larger than the other.

“Is it really him?” the smaller of the two figures asked, looking to the giant figure next to her.

“Yes my child…” the larger one said. “Quickly, we must gather him before he wakes.”

The smaller figure nodded and her horn began to glow a ruby color. She placed the pegasus on the back of the larger one. Then they stepped back into the portal of light. Once the two returned, a large group surrounded them all waiting eagerly to see what the two had brought to them this time, but this time they were not in wonder they were in anticipation.

“Is it true?” one of them asked. “Is he with us now?”

“I doubt it…” another said. “He was the toughest pony I’ve ever known.”

“Enough my children.” the large one said, “and to quell your thoughts it IS him… he was taken too quickly.” he placed the pegasus on the floor before the large group.

After a few long moments, the pegasus’s eyes slowly opened. The group around him all surrounded him even tighter, waiting for him to do something. Then his eyes shot wide open, revealing his dark iron colored eyes.

“GREATSWORD!” They yelled simultaneously.

“What the HELL?!” Greatsword exclaimed, springing to his hooves.

“Told you he would do that…” one of them said. “I said that we needed to give him space but NO…”

“We haven’t seen him in nearly a year, Camo…” another said. “I’m sure he’d want to see us again.”

“Give him some space,” a female said. “He still doesn’t remember who any of us are yet.”

“Come on Record Keeper…” yet another said. “I think he’d remember me…” the figure approached Greatsword. “Right buddy?”

“Bud-buddy…?” Greatsword said shaking his head. “C-Comet?”

“I knew he’d remember me!” Comet said wrapping his forelegs around him. “I missed ya buddy!”

“What… What’s going on?” Greatsword said looking around.

“He still doesn’t know…” Record Keeper said walking up to the two. “Greatsword… You’re dead…”

Greatsword took a few steps back, still trying to absorb the news. Looking to his left and right he saw all those friends he had lost and another much larger creature behind them. He forcefully pushed Comet back, much to Comet’s surprise and when he tried to approach him again Greatsword readied himself for a fight. The other quickly backed off knowingly, but Record Keeper remained in front of him staring into his eyes.

“Stay the hell back…” Greatsword growled. “This is another one of The Shadow’s tricks!”

“Greatsword…” Record Keeper said walking even closer. “If this were a trick would I do this?”

Record Keeper stopped inches in font of Greatsword, the others waited in tense anticipation to see either’s next move. Then without warning, she leaned into him, pressing her lips against his. Jaws dropped, eyes widened and breaths were lost, they never expected anything like that, especially from Record Keeper, but was even more surprising to them was that Greatsword was letting her do it.

“Looks like he DOES have a heart…” one of them said laughing.

“Flash come on…” Comet said. “This is a lot for him to take in; we were the same way not long ago.”

“I guess you’re right Comet, but I can still hardly believe the HE of all ponies is here, hell I thought he’d live forever.”

“N-not all of us are still used to being dead…” the smallest one said. “I-I still think th-that I’ll wake up in Canterlot.”

“Cannon Fodder?!” Greatsword said in shock. “Can somepony PLEASE tell me what’s going on?”

“You have passed my child…” the large one said, “but you died by means unforeseen, and I must do what I can to send you back.”

“Who are you?” Greatsword asked.

The massive pony knelled before Greatsword and smiled, “I am Omnipotent, the father of Equestria.”

“Im-Impossible!” Greatsword roared. “You’re dead! You used all of your magic to make everypony forget.”

“My physical form yes…” Omnipotent replied stepping before him. “But my soul is connected to Equestria and all beings that call it home, so I only died in body… but my soul remains here where I show those who have passed a true paradise.”

“You are not the only one who guides the fallen to paradise.” another voice called from a distance.

“Ah my beloved…” Omnipotent said looking in the direction on the voice, “Greatsword, this is-”

“Aurora…” Greatsword said finishing Omnipotent’s statement.

“You know of me?” Aurora asked slightly confused. “How do you know me?”

“Dante told me your story… he told me everything…” Greatsword answered.

“My dear friend Dante…” Omnipotent said shaking his head. “I knew he wouldn’t allow my spell affect him.”

“He’s trying to save what you created,” Greatsword said. “He said I was one of the ones who represent the elements of honor.”

“The elements?” Omnipotent asked shocked. “The elements were destroyed with… Dante, you always had your ways…”

“I don’t understand,” Greatsword said, “what are you talking about?”

“I made sure I had the elements of honor with me when I cast my spell,” Omnipotent explained. “The elements were destroyed.”

“Then how am I the representation of Sacrifice?” Greatsword asked.

“You don’t represent the element of sacrifice…” Omnipotent said. “You ARE the element of sacrifice.”

“WHAT?!” Greatsword and the others said in unison.

“Dante must have gathered their essence from the weapons and held them until he found a family worthy of holding them inside if Destruction would return.” Aurora said to her husband.

“Indeed…” Omnipotent replied. “But who would he trust so much to hold such a force inside them?”

“He trusted me, my king…” an older pony said stepping into the light.

“General Ballista…” Omnipotent said. “If Dante would’ve chosen anypony he would’ve chosen you…”

“I am sorry for acting behind your back my king,” General Ballista said bowing to him. “But I believed that Dante was right about Destruction, and as you can see he was.”

“My one regret has come to haunt me again…” Omnipotent said. “And I am powerless to stop it.”

“Powerless?!” Greatsword roared. “YOU created ALL of Equestria and you say your POWERLESS?!”

“I am bound to this realm as well as my wife…” Omnipotent said sadly looking to Aurora. “If that were not the case then my son would have NEVER touched my youngest, every evil would have been stopped if I hadn’t cast my spell.”

“You did what you thought was best at the time, my king.” General Ballista said. “Not even you could have never predicted what would come of that decision.”

“Over three thousand years of regret, General…” Omnipotent said. “That’s three thousand years more than anypony should bear.”

“There is still hope, my king,” General Ballista said making his way to Greatsword. “My successors unlocked their power… well at least him.”

“You’re my-” Greatsword tried to speak but General Ballista stopped him.

“There are far too many ‘greats’ in my relation to you Greatsword,” he interrupted. “But there are two here that may wish to speak with you.”

Two more figures stepped into the light their shadowy figures were impossible for him to distinguish. He could only see that one was a stallion and the other was a mare. Without warning the mare rushed Greatsword and embraced him.

“MY SON!” she cried happily. “I finally get to see my son all grown up!”

“What…” Greatsword said confused. “Who… who are you?”

“You don’t recognize your own mother?” she said looking up to him, “how can you not know me?”

“My… my…” Greatsword stuttered. “My MOTHER?!”

“Forge, Greatsword had his memory wiped over five years ago…” Record Keeper explained. “He has no memories of before then.”

“You don’t remember the first ten years of your life?” Forge asked teary eyed. “You don’t… you don’t remember me or your father?”

Greatsword finally returned his mother’s embrace, “I’m sorry, but I don’t…” he said fighting back tears, “I only remembered a mare… one I fell in love with…”

“My son in love?” the stallion said. “I bet she was lucky.”

“Armor Smith, please…” Forge said looking back at him. “Come here so your son can take a look at you.”

The stallion stepped into the light, though he was a bit shorter than Greatsword. His dark grey coat, black mane and tail made him look almost exactly like Greatsword, except one minor difference.

“You’re both earth ponies…” Greatsword said confused.

“My father was a pegasus…” Armor Smith explained. “And Forge’s mother was a unicorn, if you want an explanation for Battleaxe.”

“How are the other two?” Forge asked. “Did they grow up to be as handsome as you?”

“They’re fine…” Greatsword said reassuringly. “And they’d love to be here now…”

“You said you loved somepony son,” Armor Smith said. “Did you get married to her? Have a few foals?”

Greatsword looked to his father and took a deep breath, his look said it all. He turned his attention to Record Keeper who was tearing up at the question. Armor Smith saw how the question upset her and quickly reacted.

“I’m sorry Record Keeper,” he said, “were you the one he loved?”

“I THOUGHT I was…” she said with tears running down her face.

“Record Keeper…” Greatsword said walking to her. “I do love you, I always will… but I need to get back to Equestria, I need to stop Destruction.”

“I understand…” Record Keeper said. “But I’ve missed you so much… I thought you’d want to… you know… stay.”

“I wasn’t supposed to be here now in the first place, Record Keeper,” Greatsword said, “and I must stop Destruction before he destroys all of Equestria.”

“There is a flaw in you plan Greatsword…” Omnipotent said walking next to him.

“And that is?” Greatsword asked turning his attention to Omnipotent.

“My husband and I can’t send you back…” Aurora said. “You are here for eternity unless the ones around you when you died can find away…”

“There IS a way, my love…” Omnipotent said to Aurora, “but they require a dragon’s heart to do so.”

“Dante…” Greatsword said. “Dante can give me his heart!”

“That he can…” Omnipotent said, “but one must meet the requirements to save a life by a dragon’s heart healing power.” He looked directly into Greatsword’s eyes. “Your soul is full of anger, regret, pain… I’m uncertain that you will meet those requirements…”

“I can only hope that I do…” Greatsword said, “but none of these ponies belong here… they’re all dead because of me… I would give my life gladly if it would bring them back…” Greatsword stared right back into Omnipotent’s eyes, “and I would give up everything if it meant that they could live again…”

The two remained staring at one another for some time. Then finally Omnipotent spoke. “It seems there is more to you than meets the eye, Greatsword… not just in physical appearance but in your soul as well… you are a worthy bearer of sacrifice.”

“My son, the element of sacrifice… I could never be more proud of you son…” Armor Smith said walking up to Greatsword with teary eyes. Then without notice Armor Smith wrapped his hooves around him, “I-I love you son…” he said through his tears, “I know you don’t remember, but I never said that enough to any of you… I just want you to know now that I always loved you…”

Greatsword placed a his hoof on Armor Smith’s shoulder and let a single tear fall from his eyes, “I love you too father…”

“Uh… I-I know that you’re all having a moment…” Cannon Fodder said to get the attention of everypony, “b-but shouldn’t w-we be t-trying to get Greatsword back to Equestria?”

Everypony paused and looked to Cannon Fodder; he was tapping his hooves as he sheepishly looked back at them. Then Greatsword stepped away from his father and stood before Omnipotent. He stared into the alicorn’s eyes for a long time and then smiled.

“I need to get back…” Greatsword said to him, “and I need your help.”

“Then you shall have my help…” Omnipotent replied. “I should know more than most that if there is hope… there is a way.” Omnipotent looked over to Aurora, “Come my wife, though we can’t send him back, we may be able to find something so that we can influence those around him."

The two alicorns walked off into the distance, Greatsword started to follow them but he was stopped by the gentle touch of a hoof. He turned around to see Record Keeper standing behind him with a look of sadness.

“What do you need Record Keeper?” he said looking into her eyes.

“Do you really love her?” she asked, fighting back her emotions.

“Record Keeper…” Greatsword said. “I-”

“Do you love her?” Record Keeper asked again.

“I-I…” he stuttered, trying to say the right words. “I feel-”

“Are you happy?” she finally asked. “I just want you to say you’re happy when you’re around her,” Record Keeper suddenly embraced him; her tears ran down her face. “All I ever wanted was to for you to be happy.”

Greatsword took Record Keeper in his hooves and held her as tightly as she could. “I was happy,” he said fighting back tears of his own. “I was happy when I was with you…” Greatsword pushed himself away from Record Keeper, keeping his hooves on her shoulders, “and I feel the same way around her.”

“As long as you’re happy, Greatsword,” she sniffed, looking up to him. “As long as you’re happy…”

Greatsword turned away from Record Keeper, but before he followed Omnipotent and Aurora he placed his hoof under her chin and kissed her one last time. She looked at him with loving eyes while he walked away, but before he took another step he turned around. He nodded his head and gave her the same charming smile he had over five years ago, she nodded back, unable to stay the tide of her tears anymore. Then with a deep breath he faced the light and took one last step before disappearing.

Chapter 47: Hope

“P-Princess Celestia…” Twilight whimpered looking to the door, “Shining Armor…”

Twilight rushed into Battleaxe’s embrace, clinging to him tightly as her tears fell to the floor. All Battleaxe could do was hold her, she had just lost her teacher and a brother, a pain the he had only just recently experienced. She wrapped her forelegs around him tight enough to the point where Battleaxe could hardly breathe.

“My sister…” Princess Luna said with misty eyes, “my beloved sister…”
Princess Luna fell to her knees and let out a sorrowful cry, “MY SISTER HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM ME!”

Tears cascaded down her face while the others rushed to her and Twilight’s side, doing their best to take away the unconceivable pain. The cries of both ponies echoed down the halls of the battered castle, attracting the attention of the three still inside.

“What was that?” Scootaloo said looking up from Prince Gold Heart’s crib, “it sounded like it was coming from the castle entry.”

“It must be the others,” Princess Cadence replied, placing her foal’s doll on a nearby table. “I hope they’re all right.”

“I’m afraid that is not the case, Cadence…” Warhammer said omeniously. “Those cries are from the hearts of those who just had a part ripped from them.” his head lowered bringing fear to those who were with him.

“How do you know that?” Scootaloo asked with a hint or worry in her voice.

“I’ve heard it before… on the field of battle…” Warhammer responded, looking back up to her. “And hearing it once is far too much.”

“We need to hurry to them,” Princess Cadence said grabbing the sleeping Prince. “We have to see what we can do to help them.”

The three made their way from Princess Cadence’s tempoary quarters down the hall to the main doors, not really knowing what was in store for them once they arrived. Once they made their way to the front doors of the castle they saw the bloody, bruised and broken members of the group that was outside. After a few moments of looking at the scene, Princess Cadence spoke.

“What happened out there?” she asked looking around at all of them, searching for one in particular. “And where’s Shining Armor and Aunt Celestia?”

Twilight and Princess Luna paused only long enough to look at Princess Cadence for a few moments before they began crying again, but it was long enough for her to know exactly what happened out there.

“No…” Princess Cadence whispered, making her way to Battleaxe and Twilight. “he… he CAN’T be…”

Twilight looked up to her once again, the tears still falling from her eyes as she buried her head back into Battleaxe’s still bleeding chest. He winched in pain but he didn’t let her go. “I’m… I’m sorry, Princess,” she said whimpering, “B-but… they’re-”

“We don’t know how they are, Twilight,” Battleaxe interrupted, trying to sooth them both. “Shiny could have put up his shield at the last moment.”

“He was too busy closing the door behind us to cast his protection spell!” Twilight cried throwing herself back on him.

At that moment the young Prince began to cry, he had been woken up by the sorrowful cries of the ponies around him. Princess Cadence quickly took him out of his holder and did her best to sooth her foal, but he kept crying.

“It’s ok, baby…” Princess Cadence said with misty eyes. “It’s ok, mommy’s here… mommy’s still here… mommy’s still…”

“We need to open the door,” Twilight said looking to the golden arches, “we need to get them inside!”

Twilight ran form Battleaxe’s embrace to the doors, but she was stopped by Battleaxe. “Twilight… you can’t go out there…”

“My brother’s out there!” she cried reaching for the door behind Battleaxe. “I need to get him in here!”

“Twilight, listen to me,” Battleaxe said forcefully placing one hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “We don’t know what’s going on out there, the whole damn city might be full of shadow fiends again, and none of us are in any kind of shape to take them on.Hell the city might not even be there anymore… Even if Shining Armor’s still alive-”

“I KNOW he’s alive!” Twilight cried pushing away from Battleaxe. “But he won’t be for long unless I do something!”

“You’ve done all you can, Twilight…” Battleaxe said teary eyed. “You’ve done all you can…”

Twilight smacked Battleaxe repeatedly trying to make him let go of her, but her attempts did nothing to him, he just kept hanging on. Once she finally came to her scenes again she looked up to him and with tears in her eyes she buried her head into his chest once again. Battleaxe just placed a single hoof around her and allowed a single tear of his own to fall.

“We need to stay together, Twilight…” he said looking down to her. “You and I have both lost something that can never be replaced, but if we break now… there’ll never be hope for any future…”

Twilight looked up to Battleaxe, “but…” she whimpered.

“No…” Battleaxe said, “I know how you felt about your brother and believe me I’m going through the same thing you are right now,” he pointed to the group of battered ponies. “But they need us now… with or without our older brothers.”

Twilight looked back the rest of the group then back to Battleaxe. “Y-you’re right, Battleaxe… we need to organize them as best we can to even stand a chance against Destruction.”

“Then let’s get planning.” Battleaxe replied releasing Twilight from his embrace as they made their way back.

“WARHAMMER!” Princess Luna cried running into him, “Warhammer, Destruction took away from me my sister!” she wrapped her forelegs around him and buried her face into his neck, “he took my sister!”

Warhammer froze for a few moments, not believing what he had just heard, but when he looked down to Princess Luna’s face he saw the look that he had only seen once before. He quickly wrapped her up in his embrace, trying to take away as much pain from her as he could and for the first time that anypony could remember Warhammer shed a tear. He gently slid one of his hooves to her head and began stroking her mane while her tears fell to the floor.

“Our pain is shared Luna…” Warhammer said still holding her. “We have both lost blood this day.”

“It feels as if my heart has been ripped from my chest, Warhammer…” she said looking up to him, “how do you do it?”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Luna,” Warhammer replied, “do what?”

“Be you…” she said with watery eyes. “How do you endure?”

“I endure because I know this isn’t the end,” he said, “I know there is something after all of this and despite my pain, my suffering… my loss, I know I will be with the ones I love for eternity soon enough, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the pain of their loss now.”

“I found out just hours ago that I’m immortal, Warhammer…” Princess Luna said looking to the ground. “I shall live forever and the only other pony I could find comfort in is gone…” she looked back up to him. “Who will be there for me when YOU’RE gone?”

“There is always hope, Luna,” Warhammer said, “there is always hope.”

“As much as I want to believe you Warhammer…” Princess Luna said looking to the door. “I don’t think any of us will see another day.”

“Then let this night be one to remember…” Warhammer said drawing closer to her. “A night where we stood against our end and no matter the outcome, we will be remembered forever.”

“You are a VERY lucky pony,” Patches said wrapping Event Horizon’s leg up. “Given what Rainbow Dash explained, I’m surprised that you just got out of it with a broken leg and a few lacerations.”

“I guess I’ve got an angel on my side Patches,” Event said looking over to the concerned mare at Patches’ side. “A fast as hell one.”

“No doubt,” Patches said, throwing her bags over her sides. “That’s all I can do with the supplies I have, and I still need to take care of Carmel and Battleaxe’s injuries. I’ll check up on you when I get the chance.”

“Thanks doc.” Event said.

“Just call me Patches, please,” she said trotting off. “Doc is too impersonal.”

“Will do.” he said watching Patches make her way to Carmel and Apple Jack.

“Feeling any better?” Rainbow asked looking him over.

“I would feel better if she gave me a lollypop.” Event said looking at his new cast. “Lollypop’s make the world a better place.”

“I don’t think a lollypop would help us out right now.” Rainbow said with a smile.

“You never know,” Event said smiling back. “Why did you even look for me? You might have not made it inside.”

“You saved me and I saved you,” she replied causally, waving her hoof. “Now we’re even.”

“Last time I checked I still had nearly twenty on you.” Event said grinning deviantly at her.

Rainbow’s face turned a slight red color as she glared at Event. “A simple ‘thank you’ would do.”

“Oh you have my thanks,” Event said, “but I’m still beating you.”

Rainbow’s cheeks went red, spawning even more laughter form Event. Finally deciding that she’d heard enough, she turned to go talk to somepony else, but before she could walk of and pout, he leg knocked into Event’s broken leg.

“MOTHER OF CELESTIA!” he cried painfully reaching for his leg. “Holy mother of… that hurt like hell!”

“Oh I’m sorry EH!” Rainbow said spinning around to face him. “I didn’t meant to-”

“It’s fine…” Event said forcing a painful smile, “accidents happen…”

“Are you ok?” Patches said running back to the two. “What happened?”

“It’s my fault, Patches…” Rainbow said, “I-”

“It’s nothing Patches,” Event said interrupting her. “I just bumped it on the ground a little too hard.”

“Oh, alright.” Patches said looking over the cast before she went off to treat Long Shot. “Just be more careful next time.”

“I will, Patches.” Event said holding the cast while he rocked back and forth in pain.

“Why did you do that?” Rainbow said looking at him confused. “I was the one who bumped you.”

“Sometimes you do things and you don’t know why, Rainbow.” Event said, still holding his leg. “would you mind staying here to make sure nothing else runs into my leg?”

Rainbow looked away from Event, trying to hide her embarrassment, “I guess I could… we can’t have any more bad luck then we already got.”

“I can’t believe that you did this!” Scootaloo said wrapping her hooves around Patches. “I didn’t think he’d-”

“That’s enough, Scoot…” Long Shot said standing up. “Go check on Carmel for your new heroine will you?”

“Will do dad.” she said with a smile as she walked off to that direction.

The two watched her walk off for a few moments then Lon Shot spoke. “You really are amazing,” he said to Patches, “you know that, right?”

“Please Long Shot,” Patches said waving the compliment off. “I’m just doing my job.”

“I know that, but every other medic in my seventeen years of service would have labeled me K.I.A. after taking one look at me.” he hobbled even closer to her, “but not you.”

“I’m not losing another member of the 1025th,” Patches said looking away. “I’ve lost everything once… I don’t want to lose everything again.”

“Or maybe it’s something more,” Long Shot said stopping only a few steps away from Patches, “maybe there’s something about me, something that makes you fight harder…”

Patches tried to walk away but she was stopped by Long Shot’s hoof on her shoulder. “I-I need to check on Carmel.” she said not turning to face him.

“You’re not afraid of losing everything…” Long Shot said turning her around, “you’re afraid of losing ME.”

“I-I can’t talk about this right now…” Patches said doing her best not to look into Long Shot’s eye. “It hasn’t even been a year since-”

“Patches…” Long Shot said, slowly turning her to face him, “I know what it’s like, losing somepony you love, I also know that you still love Comet, you always will, but I’m here for you now.”

He drew her in closer, but before he could kiss her Scootaloo returned. “Hey dad!” she said, “I just want to tell you that Carmel is-” she froze mid-sentence looking in utter disbelief at what she was seeing. “DAD?!” she exclaimed, “WHA-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

The two quickly drew away from one another their faces red with embarrassment. After an awkward silence that seemed to last for hours Long Shot finally spoke.

“You were about to tell us how Carmel was doing.” he said staring directly into is daughter’s baffled face.

“Oh… right, Carmel…” Scootaloo said coming back to her scenes. “He’s fine, Apple Jack got him all wrapped up.” she made her way to Long Shot and Patches, “but what were you two talking about while I was over there?”

“Well we didn’t really have much to say to one another,” Long Shot said looking for some kind of excuse. “I was just thanking her for… patching me up.”

“Right…” Scootaloo said raising her eyebrow. “Then why were you about to kiss her?”

“I wasn’t about to kiss her…” Long Shot said looking away. “She was checking to see if there was something in my eye.”

“And how could she do that if her eyes were closed?” Scootaloo said, pointing to Patches.

“Now is not the time to talk about this,” Patches said smiling awkwardly.
“There are still ponies that need to be attended to.”

Patches ran off to Battleaxe and Twilight on the other side of the room. The two watched her run off then Scootaloo turned her attention back to her father, “So…” she said, smiling deviantly “Patches huh?”

“Scoot…” Long Shot began, “I-”

Scootaloo interrupted him with a hug, “I’m really happy for you dad,” she said, “ever since mom died I’ve-”

Her comment was cut short by a massive earthquake that tore through the castle. Causing the chandeliers and pillars to rumble and fall to the floor. Everypony inside scrambled to avoid the debris.

“We got to get outta here!” Apple Jack shouted. “The whole dang place is ‘bout ta turn us all inta applesauce!”

The group ran for the front doors the quake shook them loose. Warhammer and Battleaxe easily slammed through the doors causing them to fall over to the outside. Once outside everypony looked to the sky and what they saw left them in awe. Destruction had blasted two gigantic holes, one in the sky and one in the earth. They could hardly believe it, Destruction had torn holes in the very fabric of their reality and now he was ripping it apart.

“How are we gonna stop that?” Rainbow said looking at the awesome sight.

“We still have the elements of harmony,” Twilight said looking at Destruction defiantly. “I only hope we’re not too late.”

“And we still have the elements of honor,” Battleaxe added, “Greatsword can still come back to us,” he looked over to Derpy. Her eyes were still watery while she looked at the silver object in her hooves. “There is still hope…”

Chapter 48: Sacrifice Reborn

“What exactly is he doing?” Greatsword asked looking over Aurora while Omnipotent stood in the middle of a crsytaline room, his horn glowed brightly.

“He’s doing what he can, Greatsword,” she replied, “but he can only do so much.”

The two looked to Omnipotent, his horn glowing furiously while he stared to the ground. “What exactly is he doing?” Greatsword asked.

“My husband is creating a portal.” Aurora answered.

“I thought the two of you said that you couldn’t send me back.” Greatsword replied trying to rush past her.

“We can’t…” Aurora said, stopping him with a forceful hoof. “This portal acts more like a window than a door, it allows us to look into your world every now and then.” she looked back to Omnipotent. “He usually uses it to check up on our daughters.”

“So he knows about…” Greatsword asked gingerly,the blood rushing from his face .

“Yes,” Aurora replied with a smile. “And we could not be happier for our daughter, your brother is the finest stallion she could ever love.”

“He always was the best of us…” Greatsword said thinking about Warhammer. “I wish I was more like him.”

“You are far from perfect, Greatsword,” Aurora said turning to him. “But that’s where the beauty in existence comes from.”

“What?” Greatsword said. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Greatsword,” Aurora continued, “could you imagine if you were like my husband or myself?”

“I could only assume it would be perfect.” Greatsword answered. “Who wouldn’t want to be an alicorn?”

“You would have no need for the ones you have grown to call your friends,” Aurora replied, “though you would be perfect you would not forge bonds or become the amazing pony you are now.” she turned back to Omnipotent. “Life is supposed to be beautiful, but not easy… you need others to help you become more than you could ever be on your own.”

“It is done…” Omnipotent said, gathering the attention of the two with him. “The portal is complete.”

Greatsword rushed to the portal; once he arrived he saw a sight that he only saw in his nightmares. Canterlot, the shining gem of Equestria, was nothing more than rubble and flame. He turned to Omnipotent with worry in his eyes.

“Is everypony alright?” he said, “Are they still alive?”

“Words cannot describe my feelings as I gaze upon this truly terrifying sight,” Omnipotent said misty eyed, “but I do feel the presence of life, more than likely those who were with you when you were betrayed.”

“Then focus on them!” Greatsword yelled. “We need to save them!”

The portal zoomed into the smoldering city, until it stopped in front of the castle. It was there that Greatsword saw the group staring into the sky. He looked closely counting the ponies there, his eyes widened when he realized that one particular pony was missing.

“Where’s Princess Celestia?” he asked. Omnipotent and Aurora’s legs bucked, falling to the floor the two winced in unconceivable pain. “What? What’s wrong?!”

“I-I can’t feel my daughter’s presence…” Omnipotent said, a tear falling from his eye.

“She’s gone…” Aurora said heartbroken, “Celestia is gone…”

“No…” Greatsword said, “Not HER…”

“It is the only explanation for her absence…” Omnipotent said, “and I know who did it…” the portal turned to the direction the group was looking towards, showing a massive serpentine monster, “Destruction… he must have murdered Dante as well, for I do not fell his presence either.”

“How the hell can I get back now?!” Greatsword cried, “THEY NEED ME!”

“There is still a part of Dante among them…” Omnipotent said the portal focused on a single pony in the group.

“Derpy?” Greatsword said, “What in Equestria does-” a silvery object in Derpy’s hooves caught his eye. He strained to get a better look at what it was and after a few moments his eyes shot open again. “I-is… That…”

“A dragon heart…” Omnipotent said, “Dante must have given it to her before he passed.”

“Get her to put it in me!” Greatsword said, “I’m needed more than ever before!”

“Again, Greatsword…” Omnipotent said, “It is NOT that simple…”

“Derpy!” Battleaxe yelled to her, “we NEED Dante’s heart!” His call seemed to fall on deaf ears; Derpy was still cradling the heart that Dante had given her in her hooves. “Derpy!” Battleaxe shouted even louder. “If you don’t give us his heart then everything that Dante did was for nothing!”

Derpy looked over to Battleaxe, a lone tear falling from her crossed eyes. After a few more moments of looking at the heart in grief, she flew over to Battleaxe. She stopped right in front of him and with tears in her eyes looked to the fallen pegasus at Battleaxes’ hooves.

“It’s now or never, Derpy…” Battleaxe said, “This is our only chance.”

“Dante…” Derpy whimpered fighting her tears. “I’ll always love you…”

She took the piece of Dante’s heart and placed it into the hole in Greatsword’s chest. The ponies there watched in awe as the wound healed around the heart, like he had never been stabbed in the first place. They watched eagerly, hoping that he would pop back up instantly, but after a few moments they knew something was wrong.

“I-it’s not working…” Battleaxe said in shock. “WHY THE HELL IS IT NOT WORKING!” he grabbed his brother’s body and shook the limp pile violently, “GREATSWORD!” he yelled, “GREATSWORD COME BACK TO ME!” but it was no use he let go of the body and it fell limp to the ground, Greatsword was still gone.

“It didn’t work…” Greatsword said, “How didn’t work?”

“As I told you Greatsword,” Omnipotent said in a heavy tone. “It’s NOT that simple…” he looked away from the portal for a few moments, “Though Derpy is pure of heart, that is only half of what is required to bring back one from the grips of death.”

“What else do they need?” Greatsword asked frantically, “the heart already healed my wounds… I NEED to go back!”

“It’s not what THEY need, Greatsword,” Aurora said as Omnipotent turned back to the portal. “It’s what you need.”

“What?” Greatsword asked, “What I need?” he looked at Aurora with great confusion. “I NEED to get back there to save Equestria! THAT’S what I need!”

“We know you need to do that,” Aurora said calmly, “but what you need most is a reason-”

“WHAT BETTER REASON IS THERE THAN TO SAVE EQUESTRIA?!” Greatsword roared, “IS THAT NOT REASON ENOUGH?!”

“You need a reason to live…” Aurora said gently covering Greatsword with one of her wings.

“A reason to live?” Greatsword asked, “But… I do have a reason to live again… I need to-”

“No…” Aurora said, “The only way for you to return is to have a reason to live for the rest of your life, a reason so true… reason that would remain until the end of time.”

“Dante must have died before he could fully explain the working of a dragon’s heart… I will do what I can to try to make them see.” his horn began to glow even brighter. “I only hope that at least one hears my calls.”

“No, no, no, no… NO!” Battleaxe roared, “You’re supposed to be back! We put the heart in you!”

Twilight softly placed her hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder, in an attempt to calm him down. “Maybe were missing something,” she said, “maybe Dante didn’t tell us-”

“YOU THINK?!” Battleaxe snapped. Twilight jumped back from him, surprised at the sudden anger that came to him. Once he realized what he had done he quickly wrapped her up in his hooves, “I’m sorry Twilight…” he said with tears running down his face, “I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s ok, Battleaxe…” Twilight said returning the embrace. “I know how you feel about this…”

“There’s got to be some reason it’s not working…” Spike said looking over Greatsword’s body.

Upon hearing those words one pony in the groups ears instantly perked up. Fluttershy rushed past the group surrounding the body, everypony present looked to her with great shock, none of them had ever seen her behave in such a manor.

“Wha-what did you say?” she asked Spike meekly.

“There’s gotta be some reason it’s not working.” Spike repeated, with a look of confusion on his face.

“Th-that’s it!” she said grabbing Greatsword’s body. “He needs a reason to come back!”

“WHAT?!” Battleaxe said turning his attention to Fluttershy, he looked at his brother’s body then to Fluttershy again, “By Celestia, you’re right…” he said shaking his head, “how could I’ve been so blind.” Battleaxe rushed to Fluttershy’s side and looked to his brother, “Ok… a reason to live… I need to give him a reason to live…”

“YOU DID IT!” Greatsword yelled excitedly. “You actually did it!” his celebration was cut short by the silence of the two alicorns, “What’s wrong?” he asked. “You got one of them to realize what they had to do.”

“I didn’t even attempt to try to send my influence,” Omnipotent said turning to Greatsword. “The one called Fluttershy came to the realization on her own.”

“How is that even possible?” Greatsword asked. “I thought you found a way to make them realize that I needed a reason to live.”

“Perhaps there is something more to her…” Omnipotent said looking to the mare in his portal. “Perhaps the bond she has forged with you expands far beyond the grips of death…”

“But that would mean…” Greatsword said looking to the portal.

“Yes…” Omnipotent said with a smile, “she does…”

Battleaxe and the others surrounded Greatsword’s body. He leaned close to his fallen brother’s ear and spoke into it. “Greatsword…” he said, “Equestria needs you, so get your sorry ass up and help us save it.”

He stepped back and waited, hoping what he said would bring his brother back to life, but after a few tense moments there was no reaction. He walked back to the body and began to shake it violently.

“COME ON BRO!” he yelled, “I gave you a reason to come back!” Greatsword’s body just flopped limply around in his hooves. “What better reason to come back than to save Equestria?!”

“I-I don’t think that’s a good enough reason…” Fluttershy said placing her hoof on Battleaxe’s shoulder. She looked at him with knowing eyes; Battleaxe nodded and placed Greatsword’s body at her hooves.

She lowered herself to him and leaned very close to his ear. The others tried to listen to what she said but she was so soft spoken that they only saw her lips move. The moment she pulled away Greatsword’s body instantly tensed up and began to float midair.

“ERAH!” Greatsword yelled falling to his knees and clinching his chest, “What’s… what’s happening to me?!”

“Your soul is returning…” Aurora said, “Somepony gave you a reason to live.”

“It’s hurts…” Greatsword groaned, writhing in pain. “It didn’t hurt this much the first time…”

“That’s because you weren’t here.” Omnipotent said, turning to him, “it is far more painful for your soul to return from this plane of existence.”

“I will endure any pain to save what I love…” Greatsword grimaced, his eyes fixed on the portal.

Then Omnipotent’s legs buckled again. Aurora ran to his side, “Omnipotent!” she said, “What’s the matter?”

Omnipotent looked up to her and smiled, “Our daughter…” he said looking to Gaia, “our daughter is-”

Before Greatsword could hear him finish his statement, Greatsword roared in agony as a blinding light surrounded him and in a flash he was gone. He opened his eyes to see a shattered city and his brothers and friends around him. He tried to rise but he quickly fell back to the ground, but he was quickly caught by Battleaxe and Fluttershy.

“Greatsword!” Battleaxe said squeezing him as tightly as he could. “You’re back!”

Greatsword tried to speak, but between just returning from the grave and Battleaxe’s embrace. It was impossible for him to utter a single word. Battleaxe realized what he was doing and quickly released him. They took a step back from him and saw him rise then after a few moments, he spoke.

“It’s… it’s good to be back…” he growled.

“I know the two of you are having a moment…” Long Shot said, looking at the three in the middle of the group, “but don’t you three need to stop Destruction from tearing our world apart.”

The three looked at one another and then to the bleeding sky. Destruction, though in the middle of ripping Equestria apart, paused and turned to the group. The look on his face turned to one of pure anger.

“The weapon reformed, my bane returned…” his crest began to emit its dark magic, “but it matters little, for now this world will still burn!” he fired a blast of his magic towards the group.

An explosion of apocalyptic proportions concentrated itself around the group. The smoke and flame around the blast area bellowed from the crater, Destruction looked upon the scene and smiled. “Is the last hope of this land truly this easily defeated?” he laughed, “if only that fool were still here, he may have stood a bit longer…” Then the smoke and fire cleared the three floating in midair while the rest of the group looked to them in awe.

“You really think that you could win that easily?” Battleaxe asked, a deviant smirk plastered on his face.

“Again you underestimate the defenders of this land…” Warhammer added. “And again it will cost you.”

“You cannot stop me!” Destruction roared. “I have grown more powerful than ever!” he slashed at the group, but a royal blue aura blocked him from hitting any of them.

“You are not the only one who has grown stronger, Destruction…” Greatsword said, he then opened his eyes they were glowing like the brightest of sapphires, “and with the strength of my brothers and I and elements of honor, we will finish what Omnipotent started six thousand years ago. We’re going to kill you.”

Chapter 49: Scattered Forces

“I cannot be killed, you pathetic retch!” Destruction roared, Slamming his fist into the group. The impact caused the ground to ripple like water, nearly shattering the mountain itself. Destruction rose his fist, showing a crater the size of Ponyville, He smiled expecting to see only red slpater and possibly some fur, but there was nothing at the bottom.

“Hey big fella!” Battleaxe called out, mockingly waving at Destruction. “l think you missed! Boy we sure are lucky to have ponies like Princess Luna and Princess Cadence to teleport us to safety if anything that’s trying to kill us telegraphs an attack.”

“You have the flaw of the original bearer of your element, Battleaxe…” Destruction said disappearing from sight and reappearing behind them. “The flaw of ARROGANCE!” he rose his hand once again to strike.

“Mother of Celestia…” Battleaxe said turning to face destruction for a brief moment. “Now would be a good time to teleport again!”

The alicorns horns began to glow and in a flash they were gone. Destruction froze mid attack, staring at where the group once was. He remained frozen in that position, only his eyes shifting from side to side. Then a small smile came across his face and swung into empty space. At that moment the group reappeared right in front of Destruction’s hand. The bubble shield surrounding the group shattered the moment he made contact with it.

The group was sent flying in every direction, all of them making contact with building still standing or the ground. After a few moments the groups began to regroup themselves. Greatsword looked towards the massive creature and grunted. “I don’t think he killed any of us…” he said looking to Princess Cadence, Rarity, Applejack, Event Horizon, Patches and Spike. “But he managed to separate us.”

“Well I recon we need ta get back to ‘um.” Apple Jack said adjusting her hat. “If ya don’t mind me askin’ Princess, could ya teleport us ta the others.”

“Of course Applejack,” Princess Cadence said with her horn beginning to glow. “We will be reunited with everypony momentarily.”

“NO!” Greatsword said rushing to Princess Cadence, placing his hoof over her horn. “If we use any kind of magic Destruction will be able to detect us, it’s the only way he’d know where we would reappear, and he’ll see us if we take flight…”

“Then what do we do?” Spike asked.

Greatsword looked to Destruction and let out a heavy sigh, “No wings…” he said, shaking his head. “No magic…”

“Ok everypony…” Battleaxe said, holding his head. “Say something if you’re not dead…”

With heavy grumbles, Big Mac, Carmel, Pinkie Pie, Long Shot and Rainbow Dash called out to him. All of them rising slowly, brushing off the dust from one another. They looked around for the others, but after several moments some of the group became worried.

“Battleaxe…” Carmel said. “Are the others…”

“No.” Battleaxe said quickly. “We’re just separated, that’s all.”

“Can you use your magic to get us back to the others?” Long Shot asked. “You know like your new marefriend?”

“First off…” Battleaxe said raising his hoof. “I’m the best when it comes to offensive spells and I’m pretty damn good at defensive ones too… but I never really learned any benign spells more advanced than levitation, and I think that Destruction would pick up on any magic we use…”

“So we take flight?” Rainbow said unveiling her wings.

“No.” Battleaxe said, placing his hoof on her shoulder. “We have too many land locked ponies, so we walk.”

“Oh this is gonna be super-duper fun!” Pinkie said bouncing around. “What are we gonna talk about huh? Oh I’m SO excited to start-”

Battleaxe’s hoof covered Pinkie’s mouth, “we walk QUIETLY… like ninjas.”

“Oh I LOVE ninjas!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I remember this one time me, Spike and Twilight broke into-”

“Ninja…” Battleaxe repeated, shaking his head. Pinkie nodded and after a few seconds they began to make their way to others.

“DAD!” Scootaloo called out. “DAD-”

Before she could finish, she was drug into the shadows. She struggled in the individuals grasp, but it was too strong. A tear formed in her eye, ‘was this it?’ she thought, ‘is this how it all ends?’ Memories of her past flooded her thoughts, her mother, her friends, her father.

She continued to struggle, still thinking it was the end, but then a realization came to her. the hold the creature had her in was mesteriously comforting, like it was trying to take her fear away, sure it was covering her mouth, but it didn’t feel like it was trying to hurt her. Then another sensation, a heartbeat, slow and steady was pounding in her back, shadow fiends didn’t have hearts, or at least she thought that. She finally gathered the courage to open her eyes to see Warhammer was the one who had taken her. Releived, she tried to say something only to be shushed once again by him. She wondered why, until he pointed behind her, large group of shadow fiends not far from them, looking for survivors. He motioned her to remain quiet and stay behind him. Scootaloo nodded and did as she was asked, but to her surprise, Warhammer did not engage the enemy. He just kept her behind him until the fiends were out of sight. Once they were finally gone, Warhammer turned to her.

“Do you think they saw us?” he asked quietly.

“No…” she replied, “but… why didn’t you go after those shadow fiends? You could have killed them in no time.”

“They were only scouts…” Warhammer said looking in the direction the fiends went off in. “War does not just require one’s body to be strong, it requires a strong mind as well.”

She nodded and peeked around the corner to see if anymore shadow fiends were coming. Once she saw that nothing else was coming she turned to Warhammer. “Did you see anypony else?” she asked. “You’re the first one I’ve seen sense we got wacked.”

“I’m afraid you are the first one I’ve seen as well,” Warhammer replied, “but that doesn’t mean that we won’t see anypony else soon.”

At that moment, the shadow fiends that passed them not long ago were blasted past them. The two looked to the direction they flew from and saw a single outline in the light.

“And everypony thinks I’m just another pretty face…” Princess Luna said smiling, her horn still glowing brightly. As Luna turned around Scootaloo fell over herself, causing a sudden startling thud. Princess Luna quickly turned around, her horn glowing furiously, ready to attack again. “Who goes there?” She growled, “no matter who you are I shall cast you down… in the name of my sister!”

“Luna!” Warhammer said quickly. “It’s me, me and Scootaloo…”

“Warhammer!” she said relieved. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you!” she ran to him and embraced him, “after we became separated… I… I…” she wiped away a tear, “I thought the worst…”

“Thoughts like that shouldn’t cross your mind, Luna,” Warhammer replied, “are you alone or are others with you?”

“There are others Warhammer,” Princess Luna said, “I found Derpy Hooves and Twilight Sparkle not long after we were separated.”

“Excellent, we begin will reform the group,” Warhammer said, “starting with us.”

“Warhammer…” Luna said somberly, “I don’t think Derpy will make it, she got attacked by several shadow fiends right before Twilight and I found her…”

“Where is she?” Warhammer asked.

“Not far from here,” Luna said pointing in the direction she came from. “I went to look for help, and I am truly fortunate that I found you.”

“Why did they send you?” Scootaloo asked. “I mean you’re pregnant, couldn’t Twilight look for help while you stayed to watch over her?”

“Scootaloo,” Princess Luna replied, “I went to look for help because Twilight’s condition isn’t much better than Derpy’s.”

“Then we have already wasted too much time,” Warhammer said. “Take us to them Luna, they need us now.”

“This is taking forever!” Rainbow said to the group, “can I fly at least?”

“And leave the rest of us behind?” Battleaxe responded. “I know you’ve read enough Daring Do to know that it’s never a good idea to go alone.”

“But she always gets out of it.” Rainbow said back.

“This isn’t a story Rainbow,” Long Shot said. “This is real, and you need to stay with us in case things get worse.”

“And how could they get worse?” she asked. “For all we know we just might be the only ponies left alive in all Equestria.”

“YOU could be dead,” Long Shot replied. “Now stay with us and stay safe.”

Rainbow looked around to the others then threw her hooves in the air; “Fine…” she grumbled and continued to walk with the rest of them.

Greatsword motioned for everypony to stop and looked around the corner of a collapsed building. What he saw took him back momentarily, the streets were full of bodies shadow fiends and pony alike. However there was nothing alive, he turned to face the others and motioned them to continue to move. While they made their way across the lifeless streets Princess Cadence tripped over herself, but before she landed she was caught by Greatsword.

She looked to her hooves and saw the body of the royal guard that she had stumbled over. She panicked in Greatsword’s forelegs but he did his best to calm her down. “It’s ok…” he said holding her gently, “its ok…”

“NO!” she crie. “It’s NOT ok! My husband and aunt are dead, we don’t even know if the others are alive… how can you tell me it’s OK?!”

“You’re right…” Greatsword said. “I have no right to tell you that everything will be ok.”

Princess Cadence looked to Greatsword, “Wha-what?” she asked, tears flowing from her eyes.

“I have no right to tell you everything will be ok,” Greatsword repeated, “but we need you to stay focoued more than ever now…I need you now.”

Princess Cadence and Greatsword froze there for several moments. Then without warning, she leaned into him. Slowly, she drew closer and closer to Greatsword’s face, when she was just inches away she came back to her senses. She looked back to the baffled stallion before her then to the other equally dumbstruck ponies around them. Princess Cadence then cried sorrowfully into the dark sky, burying her head into Greatsword’s chest.

“I’m sorry Greatsword!” she cried, “I shouldn’t have, I-I…” she tried to find the words to express herself but the words wouldn’t come. “Oh please forgive me!”

“I understand, my lady…” Greatsword said gently rubbing her back, “and I’m here for you.”

“I can’t believe myself…” she said sniffing. “Shining Armor died not even an hour ago and already I’m almost kissing another stallion that I’ve considered a friend for so long…” she looked up to Greatsword with teary eyes. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Everypony has their way of coping, Cadie,” Greatsword said reassuringly, “and you don’t know, Shining Armor might still be alive.”

“That wouldn’t make what I just did any better, Greatsword…” Princess Cadence said lowering her head, “I’m a horrible wife…”

“No you’re not… You love your husband,” he looked to the foal on her side, “and you love your son.”

“I know I have no place in your conversation, but don’t you two think that we should get going?” Rarity said motioning to her side of the street.

The two looked over to the others and hastily made their way across the street. The moment they crossed Princess Cadence stopped Greatsword. “Greatsword…” she said. “If Shining Armor is still alive…”

“Not a word…” he said nodding. “Come on, let’s catch up with the others.”

“Are we any closer Luna?” Warhammer asked. “Where are they?”

“Just over here,” Luna said pointing to a collapsed building. “We found shelter in the rubble of this home.”

The three made their way to the building where Derpy and Twilight were hidden. Once there Luna opened the door Warhammer and Scootaloo stepped in and saw the other two. Both of Derpy’s wings were broken to the point where they looked like feathery lumps on her back. They turned their attention to Twilight her horn was split down the center.

“Mother of Celestia…” Warhammer said, walking towards the wounded, “have you tried to heal them?”

“Yes…” Luna said disappointedly, “but my sister…” she paused for a moment, trying to fight back tears. “My sister was the one who knew all the healing spells…”

“I feel so useless…” Twilight said reaching for her broken horn. “I’ve never been unable to use my magic…”

“You are far from useless, Twilight.” Warhammer said reassuringly, looking around the shattered home. “Now let me see what I can do for you and Derpy.”

“I thought you only knew how to fight.” Scootaloo said slightly surprised.

“If one has the means to inflict massive damage on another, don’t you think that that one should also know how to mend it to an extent?” Warhammer said grapping a few things from around the house.

“I guess you’re right.” Scootaloo said, watching him wrap Twilight’s horn back together. While he began to work on Derpy, she looked over to Princess Luna, who was looking deeply at Warhammer. “He can do just about anything,” she said to get her attention, “can’t he?”

“He certainly is a miracle worker…” Princess Luna said before looking to Warhammer again. “My miracle…”

“I think I see somepony!” Carmel called out to his group; he peered deeper into the city. “Is… is that…”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac said happily.

“APPLEJACK!” Carmel exclaimed, “Applejack over here!”

Applejack looked over to the direction of the call, once she noticed who it was she made a mad dash for Carmel. Him doing the same thing, the two collided with one another in a lover’s embrace.

“I can’t believe it!” Carmel said before kissing her. “I’m so happy to see you again!”

“I’m happy too, sugar cube.” Applejack replied resting her head on his chest.

The two groups made their way into one of the few still standing building where they continued their reunion. It was there that Rainbow Dash saw out of the corner of her eye a limping pony. “EVENT!” she yelled rushing past everypony and wrapping him in her hooves, “You’re alive!”

“LEG! LEG! LEG!” Event cried painfully in Rainbow’s embrace.

“Oh…” Rainbow said releasing him, “sorry about that…”

“It’s fine…” Event said reaching for his leg, “Pain’s the body’s way of telling you that you’re alive…” he smiled momentarily, “and that life sucks.”

“Long Shot…” Patches said kissing his cheek. “I thought I lost you…”

“You should know I’m tough to kill.” Long Shot said smiling.

“BRO!” Battleaxe said making his way to Greatsword. “Good to see that you’re actually staying alive.”

“And it’s good to see that after all this you still have your sense of humor…” Greatsword said patting him on the back.

“Wow we’re all back together!” Pinkie exclaimed. “You know what this calls for?” everypony covered their faces with their hooves.

“A party?” Battleaxe asked sarcastically.

“Nope!” Pinkie said to the astonishment of the group. “We need an assessment of everypony here and we need to find out who’s still missing!”

“That was one of the smartest things I have ever heard come out of that pony’s mouth…” Battleaxe said his mouth still wide open.

“I can hardly believe that I’m saying this…” Greatsword said shaking his head. “But Pinkie’s right… we need to figure out amongst us who’s still out there.” He turned his attention to Battleaxe. “Have you seen Warhammer?”

“No…” Battleaxe said. “Little bro’s still out there, but I think he’ll be fine, I’m more concerned with the other missing ponies.”

“Twilight, Derpy, Scootaloo and Fluttershy aren’t accounted for, sir.” Carmel said looking to Greatsword.

“And neither is Aunt Luna…” Princess Cadence added, her voice growing more concerned. “I hope they’re alright…”

“As long as they are in a group they should be fine,” Greatsword said. “Now that were back together, we can all focus on the main objective…”

“Taking down Destruction?” Rainbow dash said excitedly. “Because I’m ready to give that guy a new-”

“No…” Greatsword replied, cutting her off.

“Then what IS our main objective or whatever you call it?” Rainbow asked.

“Find the missing; reassemble the Elements of Honor…” Greatsword said before looking off into the distance. “Then killing that bastard once and for all…”

Chapter 50: Regrouping

Fluttershy opened her eyes slowly, her head was pounding, barely able to think straight because if the pain. Fluttershy slowly reached for her head in an attempt to rub the pain away, but when she did she felt something warm run down her hoof. She frantically removed her hoof from her head to inspect it and once she saw the crimson liquid she screamed in terror. She tried to get up but it felt like something held her down, Fluttershy looked down to her waist and saw the reason why she was unable to move. A large pillar had fallen on her after Destruction sent them flying.

“Oh no…” she said to herself looking around, trying to squirm out from under the pillar, but the pillar had her pinned. Fluttershy looked to the pillar; blowing her mane out of her face she placed both hooves under it.

“Come on Shy…” she grunted trying to lift the pillar off over, “almost…” she said as the pillar began to rise, “almost…”

She was almost free from her prison when a nearby building couldn’t take the strain anymore and collapsed, causing the ground to tremble for blocks. During the collapse she had lost her grip on the pillar and it slammed back down on her back legs. SNAP!

“EIAH!” she screamed in agony before passing out from pain. Once she came back to her senses, Fluttershy looked to her legs. She painfully reached for the pillar but the moment she felt pressure on her legs her whole body writhed in pain. “Oh what are you going to do now?” she asked to herself, tears running down her face. “You got separated from everypony else…” she looked to the pillar pinning her down, “and now this… I-I should’ve just stayed at home.”

“That’s the best I can do with what I have,” Warhammer said looking over Twilight and Derpy one more time. “I hope it will suffice until we find Patches and the others.”

“Thanks Warhammer,” Derpy said giving him a hug. “now all we need to do is get back to everypony.”

“Then we can’t waste any more time,” Scootaloo said making her way to the door. “I’ll fly ahead, to see if I can’t see anything.”

“As eager as you are to find the others, we still need to stay together.” Warhammer said, stepping between the door and her. “We don’t need any more injuries amongst us.”

“Warhammer is right, Scootaloo,” Twilight said, “safety in numbers you know.”

“Then let us make haste,” Princess Luna said while Warhammer opened the door. “If we have a chance of finding anypony we must be off.”

The small group made their way outside and began searching for the others in the charred city. Hoping against hope that they would find them before it was too late.

“We were reunited here.” Battleaxe said, pointing to the hoof drawn map on the table, “about twelve blocks from the palace gardens.”

“But our group was closer to where the stadium used to be,” Greatsword replied pointing halfway across the table, “and you said that your group landed over here by the airship docks.”
“Could it be possible the others landed somewhere near the train station?” Carmel asked looking at the edge of the table.

“That’s on the other side of the city,” Event said. “Even if they’re over there; we’d never make it there in time.”

Battleaxe looked at the table again and rubbed his chin. “Well if they had any sense they would-“

“They would be doing the same thing we’re doing,” Greatsword said cutting his brother off, “and sense they’re fewer in number that is even IF they’re together, they would’ve already started to make their way to a rally point.”

“Where do you think they would meet?” Spike asked.

“The only landmark that’s still recognizable,” Greatsword said pointing to the center of the map, “If they’re still alive, they’ll be heading to-“

“The golden apple tree...” Warhammer said looking into the city.

“Why there?” Scootaloo asked. “Why would we need to go to an apple tree?”

“A GOLDEN apple tree,” Twilight said, correcting her, “and it makes sense, it’s pretty much the center of the city, if anypony’s still out there that would be the best place to regroup.”

“If we have a heading then let us continue,” Princess Luna said, “but we must watch our pace, Derpy is starting to fall behind.”

The group looked back to the clearly struggling pony behind them. Her injuries had caused a great deal of pain to her and because of the walking she was starting to feel it even more. Warhammer made his way to Derpy and looked her over one more time.

“If you continue to walk you will slow us down…” he said somberly. “I’m afraid I’ll have no other choice.” He raised his hoof towards her, leaving the others in shock.

“WARHAMMER!” Twilight yelled in panic, “NO!”

Warhammer grabbed Derpy and gently placed her on his back. The others let out a sigh of relief as he made his way passed them with the crossed eyed pegasus’s hooves clinging gently to his neck.

“Are the three of you coming along?” he said turning to them. “The golden apple tree is about twenty blocks away still, and the roads aren’t exactly the safest.”

“Is everypony ready?” Greatsword asked the group. They all nodded in response. “Good, now we all know that the golden apple tree is about a quarter mile away from here, but we have wounded, so we need to keep a reasonable pace and keep an eye out for any survivors, no matter who they are.”

“Then let’s get moving.” Battleaxe said, making his way to the door. “Stallions first…” he said as the door opened behind him.

The group, led by Greatsword, Battleaxe and Long Shot made their way back into the city. They moved as fast as they could through the ruins of the once proud city, avoiding all threats as they did so.

“SOMEPONY!” Fluttershy cried into the empty city, “ANYPONY, HELP!” There was no answer, she was all alone and unable to get out from under the pillar. After several attempts at moving it and crying for help again and again, she let out a defeated sigh and began to cry.

“I never thought it would end this way…” she said crying to herself. “None of this would’ve ever happened if you didn’t go running after Greatsword a few days ago…”

She continued to cry to herself for some time, until she heard the unmistakable sound of hoof steps approaching her. She looked around frantically, hoping that she could find something to counsel herself from whatever it was that was coming her way, but to her despair there was nothing. So she did the only thing that she could do, Fluttershy curled up as best she could and closed her eyes tightly, doing her best to fight back the tears still running down her face. The sound of whatever was coming continued to grow louder and with every step it became harder for her to hold back the tears.
Then the sound stopped, whoever they were they were right on top of her. Fluttershy couldn’t help but let out a squeaking cry while she awaited her end, but to her surprise she felt the weight of the pillar come off of her legs, then she heard a loud crash of the pillar being thrown a great distance. Fluttershy finally opened her eyes to see a familiar unicorn’s face staring back at her.

“TWILIGHT?!” Fluttershy exclaimed relieved. “Is… is that REALLY you?”

“Yes, Fluttershy…” Twilight said lowering herself to her, trying to anailize her condition. “Are you hurt?”

“Y-yes…” Fluttershy replied meekly. “Both my back legs… I-I think they’re broken…”

“I think you’re right, Fluttershy…” Twilight said looking at Fluttershy’s legs, “Warhammer is there anything you can do for her?”

“Warhammer?” Fluttershy asked, “You- you’re here with Warhammer?”

“Yes I am,” Twilight replied, with a comforting smile. “And it’s not just him, Princess Luna, Scootaloo and Derpy are with me as well.”

“W-where are the others?” she asked the moment Warhammer walked to her side.

“We don’t know,” he answered, lifting the titanic pillar with ease. “But we are going to the location they would most likely meet.” Warhammer looked over her injuries closely. “You are lucky we found you, but unfortunately I don’t have anything that can be used to help you.” He turned to Princess Luna, “Luna help Twilight put Fluttershy on my back.”

“You are already carrying Derpy, Warhammer,” Princess Luna said concerned. “Are you sure you can carry the two of them that far?”

“I am more than willing to carry the burden,” Warhammer said, “and more than capable.”

Twilight and Luna nodded and gently lifted Fluttershy from off the ground onto his back. She began cling to his waist as tight as she could, but when she did she instinctively released her grip, feeling something wrong.

“Warhammer…” she whispered. “Some of your ribs, they’re broken.”

“I know,” Warhammer said fighting the pain, “but you need me and I’m not leaving any of you behind.”

“But… carrying one pony must be painful,” She said, “now two-“

“I will endure,” Warhammer said starting to walk to the others, “as I always have…”

“Thank you…” Fluttershy whispered softly, “Thank you for saving me.”

“I do what I can,” Warhammer replied, “and all I ask is that you don’t tell Luna, she’s already been through enough tonight.”

“Ok.” Fluttershy said, Warhammer then made his way back to Twilight, Scootaloo and Princess Luna. Once there they looked over each other one last time and continued their way to the center of the city.

“Almost there,” Long Shot said looking down the street. “We’re about two blocks away.”

“Good,” Greatsword said, he looked behind himself “and it looks like that we haven’t lost anypony, we might just catch a break for once.”

“If only…” Long Shot chuckled, “but with our luck, who knows what’ll happen next.” Long Shot looked back to the group as well. “Do you think we stand a chance?”

“What was that, Long Shot?” Greatsword said turning his attention to him.

“Do you think we stand a chance?” Long Shot repeated. “You know against Destruction, do you really believe that you and the other two can stop something like that?”

“Would we be here if I didn’t think we stood a chance?” Greatsword answered. “Furthermore, would I even be here if all of us didn’t believe we could win?”

“I guess you’re right, Greatsword,” Long Shot said, fighting back a chuckle. “But if I’m going to face my end, I’ve gotta say this…” he placed his hoof on Greatsword’s shoulder. “It’s been an honor serving with and under you.”

“I feel the same way about you.” Greatsword said, removing Long Shot’s hoof and shaking it firmly. “But let’s not say our goodbye’s just yet,” he pointed to the monster in the sky. “We still need to kill that bastard.”

“SHADOW FIENDS!” Spike roared, pointing to the rooftops. In moments the group was surrounded by the evil creatures. They pinned group into a small corner, making them stand back to back while staring down their potential end.

“They’re everywhere…” Princess Cadence said looking in every direction. “We don’t stand a chance…”

“That maybe so…” Greatsword growled, “but I’m not going down again without a fight!” he flew into the mass of shadow fiends, sending any who stood in his way flying.

“So I guess that means the ‘no wings, no magic thing’ is over with?” Rainbow asked watching Greatsword cut through the fiends.

“Does this answer your question?” Battleaxe said unleashing a massive wave of magic at a group of shadow fiends.

“AW YEAH!” Rainbow exclaimed flying into the air. “These guys are going down!” Rainbow flew into the fry, taking down one shadow fiend after the other, “I think I’m beating you now, EH!”

“NO FAIR!” Event called, hobbling into the fight. “I have a disability!”

The fighting began furiously, but every shadow fiend they took down it seemed that three more took its place. The group fought on bravely but they knew that at some point they would be overwhelmed. In the heat of the battle Princess Cadence was struck buy one of the shadow fiends; she hit the ground hard, golden blood streaming out of her injury. Princess Cadence looked up to her attacker, it stood over her and rose it’s blade like foreleg. She closed her eyes tightly, ready for the end, but before it could land the final blow a pillar flew into the beast.

Princess Cadence looked up to see Warhammer standing over her with Derpy and Fluttershy on his back. The others looked onward and saw Twilight, Scootaloo and Princess Luna not far behind them, Princess Luna’s eyes and horn glowing with furry.

“THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT HATH ARRIVED!” Luna roared as a massive beam shot down from the sky, nearly hitting Destruction and landing not far from where the group was.

Luna’s attack drug across the streets of Canterlot in a vibrant silvery glow. Blasting rubble and shadow fiends alike into the air. Princess Luna’s eyes began to glow even brighter as the beam became even stronger, pulsing faster and faster as it approached the group. The beam came to within feet away from the group before it abruptly stopped. They looked to where Princess Luna was standing, she wasbreathing heavily, her legs were shaking and she was starting to sway back and forth. Then Princess Luna hit the ground.

“PRINCESS LUNA!” Scootaloo and Twilight cried, shaking her franticly, but there was no response. There were no more shadow fiends, but possibly at a horrible cost.

Destruction breathed in deeply and looked towards the group. His smile grew large when the group looked back to him, “I’ve found you…” he said with his crest beginning to glow.

Chapter 51: Before the Dawn

“LUNA!” Warhammer cried, rushing to his lover’s side. “NO! PLEASE NOT HER! NO!”

He grabbed Luna and turned her to face him. She was unresponsive, limp in his embrace. Golden blood trickling slowly out of her nose, but she was still breathing. “We need to get Luna out of here!” He roared to the group.

“We ALL need to get out of here!” Battleaxe shouted, pointing to Destruction, “He’s about to hit us!”

“You have fought admirably, ponies,” Destruction roared, “but in the end, all fall to Destruction!” His crest fired a blast of magic towards the group, blasting through every building as it made its way to them.

“We need to get moving!” Carmel shouted, running in the opposite direction.

The others started to run, unknowingly leaving Warhammer, Twilight and Princess Luna behind. Once they finally realized that they were missing they turned around, but they were too far away to get to them, so they had to keep running. While they ran they heard the sound of thunder behind them, they assumed that it was Destruction but when Spike looked behind him he nearly stopped in disbelief.

“Holy guacamole…” he said, the others turned around to see what he was looking at and what they saw they couldn’t find words for.

Warhammer was carrying Derpy, Fluttershy, Twilight and Princess Luna on his back and to top that off he was actually gaining on the ponies in their dead sprint. An emerald glow filled his eyes and pulsed out of his now metallic body as he continued to thunder towards them, Destruction’s blast only feet behind him.

“We can’t outrun this!” Scootaloo yelled. “We’re gonna get creamed!”

“THERE!” Rainbow shouted pointing at a ditch, “we can hide in there!”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS!?” Rarity exclaimed, “That place is just-“

“Do you have any better ideas?” Rainbow snapped back. “Because I’d love to hear them!”

The group all jumped into the ditch, hoping that it would be enough to shield them from the blast. It didn’t take long for them to realize that Warhammer hadn’t jumped in with them. Battleaxe popped his head out of the ditch to see Warhammer place Derpy on the ground with the others he was carrying before turning to face the blast.

“Little bro!” Battleaxe cried, reaching to him.

Warhammer reared up on his hind legs at the blast. Roaring, he sent one of his hooves into the ground, unleashing a wave of massive rocks towards the blast. The two forces met one another and with an explosive collision, the blast was halted. Warhammer stayed there staring at the direction he had sent his wave.

“Impossible…” Destruction said looking to what had just happened.

“Wow…” Event Horizon said in disbelief. “Remind me to take him drinking with me the next time I go out…”

They ran to the injured, gathering them up quickly so Patches could tend to them. Greatsword and Battleaxe mad a mad rush to Warhammer. He was still glowing teeth bared, staring into the city, like he was in a trance.

“Warhammer,” Greatsword said, attempting to gain his attention. “We need to get out of here.”

He didn’t respond, his body frozen, eyes locked onto a fixture unknown to both of them. Mere seconds later the bizarre metallic glow of his coat left, leaving his usual black fur, but his eyes remained glowing.

“Little bro…” Battleaxe said reaching for his shoulder. “Are you ok?”

The instant that Battleaxe’s hoof made contact with him he was brought back to his senses, the emerald glow replaced by his silver eyes once again. He immediately fell to the ground, holding his side. Taking heavy, painful breaths he looked to those who were at his side.

“Are… they… alive…?” He managed to say, before coughing up blood.

Greatsword looked behind him to see the group tending to the wounded. He looked back at Warhammer with a smile. “Because of you,” he said placing his hoof on Warhammer’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong bro?” Battleaxe said as he and Greatsword helped him up. “Did you break something?”

“His ribs…” Fluttershy answered while Big Mac placed her on his back. “I don’t know how but he broke his ribs…”

“Then you need-” Greatsword was interrupted by the building closest to them crumbling into dust, coating all of them in a light brown mist.

“Your kind never fails to impress me…” Destruction said, readying his claws. “But I will not allow you to have such fortune twice!”

Destruction sent his fist towards group, claws extended for deadly results, but before his claw struck them they were suddenly teleported away from his merciless attack. Destruction looked in every direction trying to find them, trying to since their presence but after a few moments with no results he roared in frustration.

“Fight or flight!” he bellowed over Equestria. “Your fate will be the same!”

A bright flash of light pulsed inside the castle, the group were all huddled into a ball, closing their eyes tightly expecting the worst. Battleaxe was the first of them to open his eyes seeing that he and the others were still alive his body loosened up with relief. He quickly turned to Greatsword and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Bro… open your eyes.” He said trying to hold off a chuckle.

Greatsword opened one eye, revealing his brother’s trademarked sarcastic grin plastered on his face and the rest, still clinging to one another like it was winter in Stalliongrad. “We’re safe… but how?”

“That was me…” Princess Cadence said holding her head. “Teleporting’s easy, but it’s hard to do it with so many ponies.”

“You just bought us valuable time, Princess.” Battleaxe said. “Now we just need to wrap up everypony.”

His claim was easier said than done, nearly all of them had something bruised, bleeding or broken. Patches looked into her saddlebags for something that would help, but she only had one item in great numbers left.

“Band-Aids…” Patches said shaking her head. “All I have left is a few gauze pads and Band-Aids…”

“I can help.” Princess Cadence said walking toward her. “Aunt Celestia taught me how to do a few of her healing spells not long ago.”

“Are you sure you can do that?” Patches asked concerned. “Teleporting us here already took a lot out of you, and it’s dangerous to use so much magic at once… it could even be fatal.”

“I’ll be fine,” Princess Cadence replied smiling, still holding her head. “If we can just try to heal Aunt Luna and Twilight I think the rest of us will be fine.”

“If you say so, Princess...” Patches said, still concerned. “We should get started.”

The two made their way to the injured, starting with Twilight. Greatsword and Battleaxe stayed near their bother, watching him closely so he wouldn’t injure himself further.

“You can really take a beating, can’t you little bro?” Battleaxe said smirking. Warhammer simply nodded in agreement. “I think I can safely say that there’s nothing that can kill you.”

“Warhammer does seem to be made of steel,” Greatsword added. “He must’ve unleashed his true power.”

Warhammer nodded then began to think about the incident. “I was in great pain, but seeing Luna like that… I couldn’t lose her… She sees me as her rock, but the truth couldn’t be more different…” Warhammer looked over to Luna with misty eyes. She was slowly coming to while Princess Cadence did her best to heal her. “I need her more than she could ever need me…”

“Don’t say that,” Greatsword said comfortingly. “You both need one another more than either of you think you know…” he looked over to a particular pony, “just like me…”

“What’s that, bro?” Battleaxe asked. “Did YOU just say something about needing somepony?”

“It’s nothing, Battleaxe.” Greatsword replied. “But if you’ll excuse me, there’s somepony I need to talk to.” Greatsword left his brother’s side, heading to the one on his mind.

“My head…” Princess Luna said, reaching for her horn. “Wha-what happened? Where’s Warhammer?” She tried to get up, but between the head throbbing and Patches holding her down, she could barely move.

“Warhammer’s fine, Princess,” Patches said in her calming voice, “he saved your life.”

“Again I am in debt to him,” Princess Luna said letting out a sigh of relief. “I often wonder if I’ll ever pay him back…”

“Your love for him does that, Aunt Luna.” Princess Cadence said looking over to him. “I can see it in his eyes.”

“It’s true Princess,” Patches said in agreement. “You should’ve seen him in Ponyville; it was really tough for him without you there.”

“But he never showed it…” Princess Luna pointed out.

“Just because he never showed it doesn’t mean he didn’t feel it,” Patches pointed out. “He’s a VERY hard stallion to read, but you could tell that you not being there had its toll on him.”

“I wish I was there for him then…” Princess Luna said, lowering her head.

“You’re here for him now,” Princess Cadence said as her horn stopped glowing, she reached for her head and shook it a few times. “He’s… over there…” She said weakly. “I’m sure he won’t mind your company.”

“Thank you Cadence.” Princess Luna said standing up she made her way to Warhammer, passing Greatsword as she did so. The two nodded to one another and continued their paths. Greatsword stopped in front of Fluttershy; she was lying on her side waiting for Patches and Princess Cadence to work on her.

“How are you holding up?” he asked looking her over.

“I-I’ll be fine…” Fluttershy replied, hiding behind her mane.

“I hope so,” Greatsword said placing his hoof on her shoulder. “I still need you.” He covered his mouth, realizing that the words came out wrong.

“What?” Fluttershy asked, her cheeks slightly turning red.

“I mean… WE still need you…” Greatsword said correcting himself. “After all you are the only one here that can say that you saved my life, let alone twice.”

“Greatsword,” Fluttershy said reaching out to him. “Do you know what I said that brought you back?”

Greatsword took another step closer to her so she could place her hoof on his face, “No, what did you say?”

“I knew that you needed a reason to live…” she said drawing him closer to her, “and I knew that you needed me…”

“Ok, Fluttershy,” Patches said with Princess Cadence not far behind. “I had Rainbow go to the infirmary and-“

The two froze mid-step the moment they saw Fluttershy and Greatsword only inches away from one another. He froze the moment he noticed the two staring at them and quickly steeped in front of his now furiously blushing counterpart. After a short, awkward silence, Greatsword finally spoke.

“You said you went to the infirmary.” He said casually, like nothing had just happened.

“I had Rainbow go to the infirmary,” Patches corrected, “and she found a lot of supplies, and sense Fluttershy isn’t half bad at medicine, I thought I’d take care of her first so she could relieve the strain on Princess Cadence and myself.”

“She actually found some splints and clean wraps,” Princess Cadence added. “We thought we could use it on those who are hurt the most.”

“That’s good news,” Greatsword said smiling, he turned to Fluttershy. “Looks like you’ll be walking sooner than you think.”

Fluttershy sheepishly smiled at Greatsword, then turned her attention to Patches and Princess Cadence. Patches walked to her side and gave her a small vial of liquid.

“We still have to be careful…” Patches said cautiously. “We don’t have much and we still need it for the others.”

Fluttershy nodded watching closely while Patches and Princess Cadence worked on her. The Princess’s magic and Patches handy work flowed seamlessly as they continued. Once done she looked up to those who did their best, with anxious looks, Patches, Princess Cadence and Greatsword waited for her to stand up. But Fluttershy didn’t move a muscle, after a few moments of waiting, Patches spoke.

“Did we do a good job?” Patches asked, looking her over. “Why haven’t you gotten up yet?”

“I think she needs her space,” Greatsword said. “Come on, we need to use that stuff on some of the others.”

“Wait…” Fluttershy said meekly, pulling herself up. The three stopped and turned to see her struggle to her hooves. When she was back on all fours she gave them a small smile. I-I can barely feel it now.” She said looking to her back legs.

“Well that’s good,” Patches said. “It’s really amazing what magic and medicine can do.”

“It’s like my horn was never broken in the first place!” Twilight said feeling her freshly wrapped horn, “Patches you’re amazing!”

She gave Patches a hug, “It was the supplies and the Princess, not me…” Patches said, “but your welcome none the less.”

“Do we have anymore supplies?” Greatsword asked, “Derpy’s still in bad shape.” They looked over to Derpy, still waiting patiently with a smile on her face.

“I’m afraid we don’t…” Patches said looking into her bags disappointedly. “Just when things are looking up for us…”

“And I can barely stand…” Princess Cadence said wobbling. “After healing Warhammer… I… I think I used too much magic… I need a few minutes to-“

The roof of the castle suddenly ripped open. The group looked up to see Destruction gazing down on them, smiling. “I have you now…” he said, his crest beginning to glow.

“I don’t think so big guy!” Battleaxe yelled with Greatsword and Warhammer at his side. “You just entered the hall of PAIN!”

“NOW!” Greatsword yelled, at that moment the three simultaneously unleashed untold powers. The wave they sent towards Destruction pulsed and roared as it drew ever closer to him.

“No…” Destruction said, “NO!” Destruction fried a blast of his own, the two forces clashed over the sky, even causing the shy itself to shake from the furry. Then a massive explosion overtook the entirety of Equestria, sending Destruction to the ground.

“We… We did it?” Battleaxe said looking to where Destruction had fallen, “WE BUCKING DID IT!” he embraced Warhammer and Greatsword, Warhammer gritted in pain, his ribs were still broken. “Oops, sorry bro…” he said apologetically. Warhammer looked at Battleaxe sternly, but then grabbed him up in an embrace of his own. Battleaxe struggled in his grip before he was finally released.

“It’s over…” Greatsword said relieved. “It’s finally over…”

Then the ground began to shake violently, buildings began to fall and the clouds let out a thunderous boom. “Really?!” Battleaxe yelled. “Of all the times to get an earthquake-“

“This is no earthquake…” Warhammer said. “It’s-“

Before he could finish his statement Destruction burst from under the city, basting anything that was in his path to the side as he ascended. He looked to the castle and roared. “Your weapon…” he said smiling. “Is weak…”

Chapter 52: Honor and Harmony

“It didn’t work?!” Battleaxe yelled. “HOW THE HELL DID IT NOT WORK?!”

“You are weak…” Destruction answered, laughing menacingly. “And I have grown stronger! Now not even Omnipotent’s greatest weapon can stop me!” Destruction drove his claws into the ground, ripping the very fabric of Equestria’s existence to the core.

“We have to stop him!” Twilight cried. “We HAVE to!”

“The elements failed…” Greatsword said staring at Destruction, “They…. They…” he looked to his hooves “NO!” he roared, “THEY CAN’T FAIL... I CAN’T FAIL!”

“Greatsword…” Fluttershy said walking to him and placing her hoof on his shoulder.
Greatsword brushed off Fluttershy’s hoof, casting his glare at Destruction, “I’m going out there…” he growled.
“What?!” Battleaxe said, his jaw nearly hitting the floor. “Bro, you can’t just charge in there hooves blazing and-“
“I will stop at nothing…” Greatsword said defiantly, outstretching his wings. “I will give everything… I will NOT fail again…”
“Well then,” Battleaxe said smiling. “You aren’t going anywhere without me.”
“No,” Greatsword said. “You have to stay, this is my fight.”
“They’re called the ELEMENTS of honor, Greatsword…” Battleaxe replied, patting him on the head. “Not the ELEMENT of honor.”
“Battleaxe please…” Twilight said with watery eyes, “don’t-“
“I have to Twilight it’s my sworn DUTY to protect this land…” he gently placed his hoof on her cheek and drew her closer to him. “It’s my sworn DUTY to protect you…” Battleaxe drew her in for one last, passionate kiss before standing next to Greatsword.
“No words ring truer, Battleaxe,” Warhammer said taking his place next to Greatsword and Battleaxe, “We have always been stronger… together.”
“Warhammer…” Princess Luna whimpered. “Please be safe… for me…”
“For you, Luna…” Warhammer said turning to her. “I will do everything to ensure our future,” he softly placed his hoof on her swollen belly, “and theirs…”
Princess Luna wrapped Warhammer in her forelegs and kissed him harder than she ever had. Warhammer tried to return to his brothers but she refused to let go, her tears poured down her face faster than any torrent of water ever could. Once she finally released him he placed his hoof under her chin and smiled, then he returned to his brother’s side.
The three stood at one another’s side, defiantly staring down Destruction as he ripped their world apart. Greatsword looked to Battleaxe and Warhammer; their looks of determination were unwavering. He unveiled his wings again and took flight.
“Battleaxe, Warhammer…” he began. “I want you to know that no matter what happens, that I could ask for a better family… I love you.” Battleaxe and Warhammer nodded. Greatsword then extended his hoof towards his eternal allies. “Together…” he said with a smile.
“Together…” Battleaxe and Warhammer said in unison reaching out for his hoof.
Greatsword turned back to Destruction, with fire in his heart and nerve stronger than any steel he flew towards Destruction. “FOR EQUESTRIA!” he roared, with his brothers following close behind.
Destruction looked up form tearing the world apart to see the three heading directly for him. He laughed and rose into the sky. “You have already failed!” he gloated. “You will never stop me!” he fired a blast of his magic at them but they avoided his attack with ease.
“Impressive…” Destruction said. “But still, like all others, YOU WILL FALL!” Destruction began summoning shadow fiends, blasting magic and throwing the broken buildings of Canterlot at them, but they continued to avoid the attacks and cut through the shadow fiends with ease.
“They move like one…” Long Shot said, staring into the battlefield. “It’s like they feel one another’s thoughts, I’ve never seen more superior coordination.”
“I can hardly believe what I’m seeing…” Twilight said. “I think they might actually do it!”
“Noble are you efforts, elements of honor…” Destruction said, “but alas they are only efforts!” using his magic he launched a massive bolder at the three. They did their best, but it was simply too large to avoid. It landed on the three squarely with a thundering crash that rocked Equestria to its core.
“NO!” the group cried at once, looks of horror came across their faces.
“No…” Princess Luna whispered, a single tear running down her face. “Not HIM too…”
“Now I may continue without further interruptions.” He turned back to tear Equestria apart once more but when he did he heard a loud rumbling sound. “No…” he said turning to the boulder, “it CAN’T BE!” Warhammer lifted the boulder to reveal Greatsword and Battleaxe still very much alive.
“Hey, you overgrown pain in the flank!” Battleaxe yelled, waving rapidly at their foe. “You DROPPED something!”
Warhammer threw the massive stone right back at Destruction, but he just blew it into dust. “The fact that you still live remains unimportant!” Destruction roared. “Your fate shall be no different!”
Destruction went back to ripping Equestria apart, but once his back was turned the three attacked. Greatsword flew into Destruction, the vast amount of power now coursing through him took Destruction off guard. Battleaxe sent a wave of golden and silver magic at him, slashing across his face and chest and Warhammer slammed his hooves into the ground sending a wave of stone towards Destruction, shattering a great deal of his teeth. Destruction rose from the ground and roared in furry.
“You have not won!” he roared spraying black filth as he spoke, “and you NEVER will!”
Destruction swatted Greatsword out of the sky, sending him off into the horizon. Raising his claw he lifted Battleaxe into the air, he flailed helplessly as Destruction slammed him into the ground in a pile of rubble, the force of the collision caused a fissure that went straight for Warhammer, he did his best but he eventually fell through the crack. He clung to a jagged rock so that he didn’t fall into the black depths of the pit.
“We gotta get in there!” Rainbow yelled frantically. “They need our help!”
“They told us to stay here,” Twilight said, looking worried to the scene. “I’m sure they can do it.”
“I was never really one for following orders,” Rainbow smirked, “nice talking to ya bye-bye!”
“Rainbow WAIT!” Twilight called, but it was too late, she had already sped off into the fray.
“Now what do we do?” Applejack asked, “Rainbow just flew off and the rest of us are stuck here watchin’.”
“T-they maybe strong t-together…” Fluttershy said meekly, gaining the groups attention, “but they’re much stronger…” she hid herself form all the eyes behind her mane, “with us…”
“You’re right Fluttershy,” Twilight said coming to the realization as well. “We need to get down there and help them!”
“Well if YOU want to go all willy nilly and fight that’s just fine…” Rarity said. “But the rest of us need to at least have a plan BEFORE we come to their aid.”
“OH!” Pinkie exclaimed, reaching for a random barrel. “I’ll get my SUPER party cannon!”
“I brought something that might help out…” Event Horizon said taking a small box from a pouch attached under his wing. “I call it a magic amplifier, but I never found the right gem to fit its power core…”
“Say no more darling…” Rarity said looking over the contraption. “I have just the thing.” Her horn began to glow brightly, revealing buried gemstones under the ground.
“Spike,” she called out, pointing to a white gem “could you be a dear and get this for me…” she batted her eyelashes at him, “Pretty please?”
“Right away, Rarity!” Spike said excitedly running to where she was pointing. He dug into the ground and after a few moments popped out with the gem. “Here you go, my sweet…”
“You’re too kind, Spike…” Rarity ignoring Spike and grabbing the gem from his claws, she walked over to Event Horizon and gave him the gem. “Here you are,” she said placing the gem into the device. “No need to thank me.”
“This is… this is PERFECT!” Event said in astonishment. “How did you-“
“That power core socket is just the right size for a star diamond.” Rarity explained. “They’re incredibly rare, but Canterlot was built over a small deposit of them. I hope I was-“
Rarity was quickly wrapped up in Event’s hooves. “You’re the BEST Rarity!” he said happily. “You gave us a chance!”
Rarity awkwardly smiled at Event who was still clinging to her tightly. The others looked to the spectacle and began to giggle, except for Spike, who glared angrily at Event the whole time. After several awkward moments, Event finally released his grip from Rarity and turned to Princess Cadence.
“My lady,” he said pointing to his cast. “If you please.”
“Of course.” She said with her horn aglow, Event placed the device between Princess Cadence’s horn and his leg. It made strange beeping and clicking noises and after a few seconds he motioned her to stop. “But…” she said confused. “My spell…”
Without warning, Event stood up. The others winced, expecting to hear cries of pain, but instead they saw Event ripping of his cast. Showing them his now unbroken leg. “Like magic…” he said smiling, “on steroids…”
“Come on everypony!” Applejack said adjusting her hat. “Let’s use that there contraption on Derpy an’ the others and get in the fight, those boys need us.”
Warhammer looked down into the pit he was dangling over; he peered into its depths but still couldn’t see the bottom. He knew he had to get out, but the only ledge that he could possibly grab onto was the one he was holding onto. He carefully pulled himself up, trying to safely balance his weight across the jagged surface, but he weighed too much. The rock snapped form the side of the fissure, sending Warhammer into the darkness, but before he felt the ground he saw a multicolored blur dash past him. Then he felt weightless, he looked up to see Rainbow Dash, struggling her hardest to bring him back to solid ground.
“Hold… on…” she said gritting her teeth. “Almost… got… you…” but Warhammer weighed too much for her, the two began to fall into the fissure again but then an orange and purple blur came from opposite sides. They looked to see two more pegasi at his side.
“I got you too…” Long Shot said, smiling at him.
“Me three!” Scootaloo added flapping her wings as hard as she could.
Once the four of them were back on solid ground, Warhammer looked to them and smiled. “Greatsword told you to stay behind…” he said.
“If we listened to him, you’d be a puddle right now.” Rainbow said, pointing to the hole in the ground. “And the others are right behind us.”
“Indeed…” Warhammer responded, “This way, Battleaxe is somewhere in this direction.”
Battleaxe opened his eyes to see nothing but rock and dirt around him, he tried moving but it was no use and he knew if he used his magic to move a few rocks the others would come falling down on him. “Well… this sucks…” he said to himself looking around. “If only I had a Playcolt here, I heard this month’s issue had Fleur de Lis in it…”
Then a large amount of dirt rubble was lifted from around him. He looked up to see a familiar face looking down on him. “Warhammer…” he said, “thinks for digging me out, mind lend-“he froze mid-sentence when he saw the unicorn behind him, “oh hi Twilight…” he said awkwardly. “I thought we told you to stay behind.”
“Fleur de Lis?” She said raising her eyebrow. “Really?”
“Oh… you heard that?” he asked, smiling awkwardly.
“It’s how we found you…” Twilight replied. Warhammer couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation.
“A stallion can look can’t he?” he asked shrugging his shoulders.
“We’ll talk about this later…” Twilight said throwing the rest of the rubble off of him, “but now we need to save the world.”
Battleaxe dusted himself off and attempted to give Twilight a kiss, but she just walked past him like he wasn’t there. Battleaxe looked over to Warhammer to see a very rare smile on his face. “Don’t say anything…” Warhammer just nodded as they made their way to the others.
Greatsword stood up, holding his side keeping balance on a nearby tree. He looked to his side and removed his hoof, revealing another massive abrasion oozing blood. He quickly covered the wound up again and shook his head.
“Another day…” he said to himself with a smile. “Another pain in the ass injury that only seems to happen to me…” He looked to the direction that he fell from and smiled, “but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…” he flew into the air heading back towards Destruction.
“Only Greatsword is unaccounted for…” Long Shot said, loading his crossbow. “But knowing him, he’ll be here soon.”
“We all saw him got hit pretty hard,” Patches pointed out, “he might be-“
“You know he’s nearly impossible to kill,” Battleaxe said, “Greatsword’ll be here.”
“I sure do hope so…” Applejack said. “Cause even with that amplifier thing we’ll still need all the help we can-“
A blast of magic interrupted Applejack. Destruction looked down to the group and began to laugh. “Now that you have become reunited it will be far easier to kill you all!” he rose his claws to unleash the final blow but before he could act he was struck by a blast of magic nearly matching his own.
“This amplifier is truly a most impressive item.” Princess Luna said to Event, “I may need to use it for later occasions.”
“Don’t get any ideas.” Event said smiling, “it’s mine.”
“I know not how you managed to obtain such power,” Destruction growled, “but it still won’t stop me!”
He rose his claw again but this time a royal blue explosion interrupted his attack. The group looked up to see Greatsword flying head on into Destruction again and again, until Destruction swatted him out of the sky once again, sending him directly at the group. If not for Warhammer and Battleaxe, he would have slammed into the all of them.
“Hey bro!” Battleaxe said. “Glad you could join the party, as you can see the gangs all here!”
“I thought we told them to stay behind…” Greatsword said rising up from his brothers forelegs.
“Um…”Fluttershy said tapping Greatsword on the shoulder. “We figured… you know… that we’re stronger…” she wrapped him in her embrace, “together…”
“I see…” Greatsword said smiling, “Then let’s end this…” he pulled Fluttershy in closer to his body, “Together.”
The two drew closer to one another, but before they could finally touch Fluttershy as pulled away from him. She floated helplessly until she was finally face to face with Destruction. Fluttershy frantically tried to escape, but her efforts were futile, she continued to float until she was released and fell into Destruction’s massive palm.
“So this is the one thing that has kept me at bay for so long…” he growled, observing Fluttershy as he spun her around in his magical hold. “If not for you, they would have never held me at bay like this...”
“Wha-What?!” she squeaked, “I-I don’t know-“
“Don’t play the fool with me, Fluttershy!” Destruction roared, nearly smashing her in his grasp. “The love you shared with Greatsword was the only thing that allowed he and his brothers to unlock their power, but it makes no difference,” he looked to the shattered world “I have withstood their attack and now I will destroy this land!” he looked back to Fluttershy, “but first I will see your end…”
“NO!” Greatsword roared, taking flight but he was quickly forced back down by a binding spell. He hit the ground hard enough to launch the picture in his wing into the air. The wind caught the photo and brought it up to Fluttershy’s face, initially she didn’t know what it was, but she instinctively caught it nonetheless. The moment she got a good look at what it was her eyes widened.
“He… he KEPT this…” she said looking down to the group. “So he does…”
“No matter what you know, no matter what you do.” Destruction said clinching his claw around Fluttershy. “Greatsword will watch you die, his last thought will be of your blood on his HOOVES!”

Chapter 53: Anniversary

“GREATSWORD!” Battleaxe cried, tying to free his brother. “You need to get outta this!”
Greatsword struggled in Destruction’s spell, but it seemed that even his power was able to free himself. “NO!” He yelled thrashing violently.
“He’s Got Fluttershy, Greatsword!” Twilight cried, hastily pointing to Destruction.
“I’m on it!” Rainbow shouted, charging with screaming speed towards the titan.
Destruction evaded the charging pony and back slashed her back to the ground. “You are weak…” Destruction bellowed. “No amount of magic, speed or hope can save you.” He cast his gaze to the terrified mare in his grasp. “But you shall not bear witness,” tightened his grip around her, “for the sheer pleasure of it, I want them to watch YOU die!”
“NO!” Fluttershy cried. It was that cry that became the catalyst for Greatsword’s freedom. He shot through his bindings, wings unvealied and eyes glowing like a blue sun. it only to a few seconds for him to regain his bearings and locate Fluttershy and the hand closing in on her.
“NO!” he roared flying towards Destruction. He tried to slash Greatsword out of the sky, but he easily avoided the attack and continued his flight, straight at Destruction.
“You took away my friends!” he yelled slamming himself into Destruction’s face. “You took away my parents!” he shouted running into Destruction’s stomach. “You took away EVERYTHING I love!” he flew high into sky, glaring at the monster that had made his life pure hell. His entire body began to glow a royal blue, brighter than any star before finally speeding towards him one last time. “BUT YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER FROM ME!” BOOM! The sky exploded, unleashing a royal blue aura around him.

“A sonic RAINBOOM!” Pinkie ogled, her jaw hitting the ground.

“Oh… My… Gosh…” Rainbow said in disbelief. “I’m… I’m not the only one…”

Greatsword continued on his path, the aura following him the whole way down. SLING! Destruction roared in agony as the arm that held Fluttershy was cut through like a hot blade cut through butter. The severed limb came careening towards the group, all but Twilight ran from the the falling carnage, frozen in complete awe.

“Twilight!” Battleaxe roared rushing to her, his eyes starting to let off a golden glow. He embraced her just as the massive arm fell on them both with a thunderous crash.

“Battleaxe!” Warhammer yelled running to the limb. He grabbed the overwhelming pile of flesh and threw it into the air, expecting to see the two crushed under the weight if it, but to his surprise he saw Battleaxe, in a glowing golden form and Twilight still clinging to one another. “Brother!” Warhammer said making his way to them, “you’re-” he went to pat him on the back but his hoof just went right through him.

“Battleaxe…” Twilight said in disbelief. “How… how are you DOING that?”

“I don’t know…” Battleaxe said looking to his armor then back to her. “I just saw you there and… and well…” he looked at Warhammer’s hoof going through them. “You see what’s happening…”

“The ability to phase through solid objects…” Warhammer said impressed. “It seems that all of us have a special ability attributing to our element.”

“Well that’s good to know…” Battleaxe said with a grin. “Come on little bro, I have an idea.”

Fluttershy was thrown from the severed limb of Destruction, but on her way out she struck one of his claws, knocking her out. Unable to fly, she continued her descent to the ground in a deadly manor, but fortunately, Greatsword was able to reach her.

“I got you…” he said softly to his unconscious cargo, “and I’m never letting go again…” he landed in front of the awestruck group and gently placed her on the ground, “See to it that she stays alive…” he said turning away while Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes. “I’m not done with him yet…”

“Greatsword…” Event said in veneration. “Have… you… seen yourself…”

“What are you talking about?” Greatsword asked.

“Your SKIN darling…” Rarity said. “Your skin is like a diamond!”

Greatsword looked to his hooves and to his amazement, Rarity was right. Somehow his body had taken a new seemingly unbreakable form. He looked to the group and then towards Destruction. Greatsword turned back to Fluttershy, who was looking at him in awe and nodded at her with a smile.

“I might die today…” he said, taking flight, much to the dismay of Fluttershy, “but I will NOT give up… I will fight on, for the sake of what I love; I will fight until my last breath…”

“You are so quick to throw your life away, Greatsword!” Destruction said charging an attack. “Suicide and sacrifice Greatsword there is NO difference!” he fired his attack only to look in shock as Greatsword flew through it unaffected.

“There IS a difference, Destruction!” Greatsword yelled. “The one who sacrifices wants to come home to the ones he loves, but is willing to pay the ultimate price to keep what they love safe at all costs!” he continued his charge, “and that is a cost I am MORE than willing to pay!”

Destruction lifted his remaining claws, preparing to strike, when out of the corner of his eye he saw a massive rock heading right for him. He quickly turned and shattered the rock into dust. “I am no fool Warhammer!” he roared, “There is nothing that-“

“Hey There!” Battleaxe shouted flying through the falling debris. “Bet you didn’t expect this!”
Battleaxe fired a powerful spell straight into Destruction’s stomach, causing him to lurch in pain before Battleaxe phased into him, casting spell after spell inside. Using Battleaxe as a destraction Greatsword slammed into his back, causing him to dig deeper and deeper into his flesh, until finally he flew threw his body completely, Battleaxe riding on his back carrying a piece of him like a banner. Destruction roared in blind furry as his crest began to charge once again, blacking everything as far as the eye could see.
“ENOUGH!” he roared slamming his fist into the ground, causing an immense crater to form. “I will NOT fall again! YOU all shall perish by MY hand!” Destruction grabbed Greatsword and threw him into the crater.
“NOW!” Twilight shouted standing among the others.
The Elements of Harmony floated into the air along with Spike, Princess Luna and Princess Cadence. Event Horizon flew ahead of them and threw his amplifier into the air and at the right moment, Twilight opened her eyes revealing a bright white glow. A rainbow of epic scale shot from the elements, Spike unleashed his flame, Luna and Cadence fired their most powerful spells and Derpy unleashed the full might of her muffin launcher. Their abilities all combined at the same time through the amplifier unleashing the power of everything on Destruction. Destruction writhed in agony, but it wasn’t enough to stop him.
“Greatsword!” Battleaxe yelled. “NOW’S the time! While they have him distracted!”
“Let’s finish THIS!” Greatsword roared, flying towards Destruction carrying both his brothers.
“YOU CANNOT LAST FOREVER PONIES!” Destruction roared. “I AM ETERNAL! I WILL NEVER FALL!”
“Is this all we can muster?!” Event said frantically looking to the others. “We NEED more power!”
“We’re giving it all we got!” Long shot yelled firing another bolt at Destruction, “we can’t give anymore!”
“Then perhaps reinforcements!” Battleaxe yelled to them, Greatsword flew into the magical aura the others were enveloped in. “Sorry about the tardiness,” Battleaxe said, “Big bro decided to sleep in.”
“Less talking, more ass kicking!” Long Shot yelled firing again.
The three floated there with the others, then their eyes began to glow with their respective aura. With a warrior’s roar they unleashed all their power upon Destruction, but this time Event Horizon’s magic amplifier was there, instantaneously doubling the power of their attack. Destruction screeched in raw agony falling to the ground and with a loud thundering crash he landed, spraying black filth across what was left of Canterlot.
The group stopped floating and descended back to the ground. All of them rushed to where Destruction had fallen, hoping to see the fallen behemoth dead in a pool of his own blood, but to their surprise Destruction was still alive. He shot up once more and rose his last remaining claw into the air to strike them.
“NEVER…” Destruction muttered between bloody teeth. “NEVER… DIE!”
Destruction slashed at the group one last time, his claw heading directly for Event Horizon, but without second thought Greatsword flew into him, sending up flying away from the attack. However his bravery would cost him, he wasn’t fast enough to avoid being smashed under Destruction’s claw.
“NO!” the group cried all together, reaching out for Greatsword.
Destruction then fell back into his hole, claw still over Greatsword. Battleaxe ran over to Destruction and glared into his eyes, which only made him laugh. “You cannot kill…” he said smiling, “Only delay… I-“
“Shut up…” Battleaxe growled shoving his hoof directly into Destruction’s eye; the beast let out a shrieking cry and began to disintegrate before their eyes. The moment Destruction disappeared completely they all ran to where Greatsword lay motionless again, just as he had hours before. Battleaxe rushed to his brother’s side, lifting him from the ground and holding him gently in his forelegs.
“Bro… come on bro don’t do this to me again…” there was no response from Greatsword, Battleaxe buried his head into his brother’s chest and let out a single tear, “You did it again…” he whispered softly.“ You son of a bitch… You did it to me again…”
At that moment Greatsword’s chest rose slowly, he turned to look at his teary eyed brother still holding him and smiled, “Battleaxe…” he said to get his attention. “Battleaxe…”
“Yeah bro?” Battleaxe replied excitedly, “What do you need?”
“Could you please let me go?” he asked. “It’s a little hard to breathe…”
“Oh… uh, sorry bro…” Battleaxe said releasing him. “Guess I got a little carried away…”
“Understandable…” Greatsword said smiling.
“Greatsword, Battleaxe,” Warhammer said to gather their attention. “Do you know what today is?”
“I was never good a keeping dates, little bro,” Battleaxe said, rubbing his chin. “What’s today?”
“Six years…” Greatsword answered, rising slowly with the help of Battleaxe. “Six years to the day we woke up in the badlands in that old tent…”
“Indeed…” Warhammer responded taking his place next to his blood. “We have all lost and gained friends, we have learned from the past, we have all found love in the present…” he grabbed Luna and drew her in close, “and now we have a future to look ahead to, I don’t know what it will have in store.” He placed his hoof on her belly, “but I am more than ready to see what it has for us…”
“My creation is safe once more,” an echoing voice called over them, “but not just by honor, but harmony and love as well.”
“Who was that?” Twilight asked looking around, trying to find the origin of the voice to no avail.
“It can’t be…” Greatsword said in disbelief. “Can it?”
“It is, Greatsword…” the voice echoed yet again as a blinding light appeared before the group. “I, Omnipotent have returned.”
The group of ponies looked in awe to the titanic alicorn that stood before them, only Greatsword was unphased by seeing him there, but he was concerned about one small detail.
“Omnipotent, when I was with you, you said that you could not travel between planes…” he said looking up to Omnipotent. “You said that you couldn’t come here even if you wanted to.”
“To answer your question, I still can’t…” Omnipotent replied. “But with the death of Destruction, a tear was created between our existences, allowing all of us to make a brief return.”
“All of us?” Greatsword asked. “What do you mean by ‘all of us’?”
“Your friends and family, Greatsword,” Omnipotent responded, smiling stepping aside to reveal a large group of ponies behind him.
“And they are not the only ones still here with us…” Aurora said making her way to a pile of rubble; she used her magic to remove the rock and dirt to reveal two ponies lying next to one another.
“Is… is it over…” Shining Armor said rubbing his head. “The last thing I remember was-“
“Shining Armor!” Twilight and Princess Cadence exclaimed rushing him and wrapping him up in their forelegs. “You’re alive!”
“Only because of Thunderlane…” Shining Armor said somberly. “He flew into the castle doors to close them, giving me a chance to use my protection spell to save myself and…” he looked down to the pile of rubble he climbed out of, a large beaten and bloodied white figure rose from the pile still barely able to stand.
“SISTER!” Princess Luna shouted, almost tackling Princess Celestia, the two fell over one another and the moment they finally stopped Princess Celestia winced in pain. “I’m sorry Celestia…” Princess Luna said ashamedly. “I didn’t mean to-“
“It’s alright, Luna,” Princess Celestia said standing slowly. “I would have done the same.” The two embraced again but this time far softer.
The two massive alicorns made their way to the royal sisters and smiled down to both of them, “It has been long since we have seen you like this…” Omnipotent said, a small tear running down his face. “We have missed you so much…”
Without warning the two rushed Omnipotent, knocking him off his feet, but he didn’t care. He rose up with his daughters in hoof and bringing Aurora into the embrace as well. “Over six thousand years…” Aurora said watery eyed. “It feels like yesterday that I last held you both…” she kissed her daughters “now I never want to let go…”
Rainbow walked over to Event, expecting him to say something about how awesome his invention was when out of the corner of her eye she saw what she couldn’t believe. “Comet?!” she exclaimed. “Is… is that YOU?!”
“Hey Dashie…” Comet said smiling.
Rainbow sprinted straight to her brother, tears rolling down her face almost as fast as she was running. The two met in an embrace that Rainbow never got to give him. “I missed you so MUCH!” she said between joyful tears, “I missed you so much…”
“I did too…” Comet said softly rubbing her back, “I missed you too.”
Among all the joyous reunions the three stood watching loved ones and smiling. Then Greatsword noticed three particular ponies standing off to the side, he motioned his brothers to follow him and after a few moments they stood before their parents and General Ballista.
“MY BOYS!” Forge cried wrapping all three of them in her embrace, after the initial confusion Greatsword quietly explained who she and the other earth pony was and after that Battleaxe and Warhammer returned the embrace tenfold. After a few moments Greatsword excused himself form the family reunion and made his way over to the only pony who was still alone.
“Hey there Shy, we actually did it…” he stopped right in front of her, “We beat him…”
“I-I guess we did…” she replied sheepishly, brushing her mane behind her ear.
“You know Shy,” Greatsword said taking another step towards her. “Only one thing ran through my mind when I was fighting Destruction… do you know what that was?”
“I-I don’t know…” Fluttershy answered. “Please don’t be mad that I don’t know…”
“Oh, I think you know what I was thinking…” Greatsword said placing his hoof under her chin, the two stared deeply into one another’s eyes. “We both were thinking the same thing…” he drew her closer and closer, but then an older stallion’s voice interrupted them both.
“So THIS is that pony you were talking about,” Armor Smith said looking the two up and down. “You better keep a hold of this one son, she looks like a keeper.”
“Thank you father…” Greatsword said placing his hoof over his face while Fluttershy hid her blushing behind her mane. “I will do my best…”
“You better,” Armor Smith said smiling. “Because I want as many grand foals as possible.”
“FATHER!” Greatsword exclaimed his face turning a bright red, Fluttershy fainted briefly at the very thought.
Armor Smith began to laugh uncontrollably as he made his way back to Forge and the others. Greatsword helped Fluttershy back up and dusted her off a bit.
“Sorry about that…” Greatsword said, still rather embarrassed. “I didn’t know that he would-“
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Fluttershy said, “I really don’t mind that idea…” she drew closer to Greatsword, but before they could do what they’ve been trying to do they were interrupted by another.
“I hope I’m not interrupting…” Record Keeper said, looking at the two.
“You’re not…” Greatsword responded turning to face her. “What do you need?”
“Greatsword, would you mind going somewhere else for a moment?” Record Keeper asked walking next to Fluttershy. “Just some girl talk…”
“Um… alright…” He said walking off, “I’ll be back in a few…” Greatsword walked off into the crowd once he was out of sight Record Keeper looked to Fluttershy and smiled.
“He loves you a lot you know.” She said, fighting a tear. “He loves you more than anything.”
“Oh… I-uh… I guess you’re right…” Fluttershy said awkwardly.
“And I know you love him too,” Record Keeper added, looking back to Fluttershy. “All I ever wanted was to see him happy, and in the few seconds I’ve seen him with you, I’ve never seen him happier…”
“Uh… thank you…” Fluttershy said lowering her voice to a whisper. “I guess.”
“Just say you’ll keep him happy,” Record Keeper said as a tear flowed down her face. “And love him like you won’t ever see him again every day, I know I should have…”
“I-I promise…” Fluttershy said, showing assertiveness in her voice. “I promise that he will be happy.”
“Thank you…” Record Keeper said placing her hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
“Are we really back?” Camo asked looking around.
“I’d say we are…” Flare Flash said with a smile. “You here that Cannon Fodder?” he said turning to the scrawny unicorn behind them. “We’re back…”
“Oh… I don’t know guys…” Cannon Fodder said nervously placing his hooves on the ground. “I-I’ve got a BAD feeling about this…”
“Can’t you just enjoy the moment for once?” Flash asked, rolling his eyes. “I mean come on, we’re not gonna be back forever.”
“He’s right, Cannon…” Camo added. “We’ve got a chance to actually say goodbye now.”
“Ponies, to me!” Omnipotent called out over the ruins, they all ran to him wondering what he was about to say. When all finally came to him he let out a deep sigh.
“For us, the storm has passed, the battle is over…” he looked to everypony in the small group, “but let us never forget those who journeyed into the howling dark, and did not return.” He looked to the sk., “Their decision required courage beyond measure, sacrifice and unshakable conviction that their fight… our fight, was worth It.” he cast his gaze back to the group and the shattered land, “as we start to rebuild, this hill side will remain barren, a memorial to heroes fallen…” he paused thinking about all who had died. “They ennobled us and they shall not be forgotten…” the others nodded and went to gather what they needed to rebuild.
Greatsword approached Omnipotent after his speech and stood next to him as he stared into his creation. “I remember how this all started, how I made everypony forget…” he looked to Greatsword, and extended his hoof. “But you have my thanks, for stopping him once and for all…”
“It’s hard to believe he’s dead…” Greatsword said shaking his hoof.
“Where it so easy…” Omnipotent replied looking to the now rising sun. The two went off with the others preparing to rebuild the land and the lives that they had lost.

Author's Notes:

And That's all folks! Hope you liked it!

Epilogue Pt1: Remembrance

Greatsword looked out into the evening sky, watching the sun set over the golden hills and trees of Ponyville. “It always takes me back…” he said to himself.
“What does?” Fluttershy asked walking up behind him.
Greatsword looked back to her slightly surprised; he knew that she normally was preparing for bed at this time. He only smiled as he watched her take a place right next to him. “Well, Shy…” he began. “It’s only been one year since Destruction nearly tore Equestria apart, and it’s almost like he never came here in the first place.”
“Omnipotent and Aurora certainly are miracle workers…” Fluttershy said. “I’m sad that they had to leave so soon though…”
“Their work was done here…” he said looking back to the sunset. “They needed to return…”
“And what about your parents?” she asked. “Why did they and your friends have to leave as well?”
“This isn’t their world anymore, Shy…” Greatsword said placing his wing over her noticing the fall weather was making her shiver. “This world is ours, and it will become what we make it, Celestia willing, it will be a place where the foals will grow up free from fear, hate and every evil that we have faced in our life time.”
“I hope so too Greatsword…” Fluttershy said moving closer to him. “And speaking of foals…” she said drawing ever closer to Greatsword’s ear with an adorable smile. “I’m pregnant.”
Greatsword quickly turned to face her with a look of pure happiness. “Really?!” he said excitedly. “are you?!”
Fluttershy only nodded again. “Yes…” she said hiding herself behind her mane. “I hope you like the news…”
“I don’t just like it…” Greatsword said with a smile wrapping her up in his forelegs. “I LOVE it!” he kissed her passionately as the sun finally set over the hills and the moon rose into the sky. He finally released her and gave her another long hard look. “How many others know about this?” he asked.
“Only you and me…” she responded. “Should we tell the rest of them?”
“Of course we should,” Greatsword said, “but we can save that for the morning… me, you…” he gently placed his hoof on her belly. “AND the little guy in there need plenty of rest before morning comes.” The two walked back in unison to their house to sleep, but tonight sleep would benignly skip both of them just out of elation.
“Never thought it would end like this…” Battleaxe said watching the sun lower over the far off hills. “Even a year ago… if I were to go back in time and tell myself about this… I’d punch me in the mouth and call me crazy…”
“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked, taking her place at his side. “What did you never see coming?”
“This…” he said pointing to Twilight then himself. “I never imagined that I’d be settling down with a girl… let alone a girl like you.”
“And I never thought I’d be with a guy like you.”
“What’s THAT supposed to mean?”
“I could ask the same of what YOU said…” Twilight replied with a smile.
“It’s far from a bad thing Twilight,” Battleaxe said returning the smile. “I thought that IF I were to settle down I wouldn’t do it with a mare as good as you.”
“Well aren’t you the charmer.” Twilight said leaning her head on his chest. “How long did it take you to perfect THAT line?”
“That was one hundred percent genuine…” He said placing his hoof on her chest, “And it took me a couple months to get that one right.”
Twilight giggled a little before giving Battleaxe a quick peck on the cheek. “I knew it…”
“Hey, at least I’m being honest,” Battleaxe chucked. “It’s not like I’m just trying to get you in bed.”
“As if you haven’t been trying…” Twilight said looking up to him with a wild look in her eye, she leaned in again and softly pressed her lips against his. “And you won’t succeed anytime soon.”
“Is that a challenge?” Battleaxe asked with a masculine growl.
“It is what you make it.” Twilight said batting her eyelashes at him.
“Well Twilight…” Battleaxe said wrapping his foreleg around Twilight’s shoulder as the sun finally disappeared over the hills, “I think this is the start of something beautiful…”
The moon rose over Canterlot, shining its pale glow over the capitol city. Everypony was long asleep in their beds, except for the one who had rose the moon itself. Luna looked over the quiet city and shook her head before walking back into her chambers.
“They never seem to appreciate the work I do.” Luna said with a smile. “I wish there was somepony who did.”
“You forget that there will always be one who will appreciate what you do more than anypony.” Warhammer said quietly opening the door.
“Warhammer,” Luna said happily making her way to him, “How was the memorial?”
“The sculptors truly caught Commander Garrison’s likeness.” Warhammer replied, “The statue almost looks as hardened as he was.”
“I doubt that even the hardest granite would do justice compared the real thing.”
“I think that too… the others look amazing as well.” Warhammer walked past Luna, gently brushing his body against hers. “And even though he was only here for a little more than a month, they captured Omnipotent’s likeness perfectly, powerful, wise and loving beyond everything.”
“He certainly was amazing…” Luna said with a small tear forming in her eye, “Even though he was busy with rebuilding Equestria he and Aurora found plenty of time for Celestia and myself… It feels good to remember my father as I should. But I do wish one thing…” she walked over to a small corner of the room where a crib held two small foals, sleeping peacefully. “I wish he could meet his grandfoals…”
Warhammer walked over to Luna’s side and looked over the two alicorns in the crib as well. “I wish he could’ve met them too…” he said placing his hoof on her shoulder. “But I’m sure he’s beaming with pride from his home in the ascended plane.”
“I can only hope…” Luna said. “I’m not sure if he would truly approve of my giving birth out of wedlock.”
“He seemed like the kind who understood true love,” Warhammer said with a smile. “And that doesn’t matter anymore… now we ARE married.”
“That is true…” Luna said leaning herself onto Warhammer. “And I will be ready for any challenge that faces us…”
“Only when they come Luna…” Warhammer said softly pressing his lips against hers. “Only when they come.”

Author's Notes:

I lied there's a bit more...

Epilogue pt2: Behold a Pale Horse

Destruction sat upon his throne looking over his scars and cursing the land that not only defied him once but twice. “It is only a matter of time…” he growled, looking to a globe of Equestria. “I will regain my power and I will destroy that damned land…” he smashed the globe on the floor. “Even if it takes me another six thousand years!”
“I don’t think we’ll have to wait THAT long, big guy…” a voice echoed through the dark throne room. “In fact I think we’ll only need thirty years tops!”
“Shadow…” Destruction bellowed. “It has been over one year since I felt your psychotic presence, I thought the young daughter of Omnipotent slayed you…”
“You can NOT kill what is already dead, Destruction…” The Shadow said rolling his eyes. “Remember you gave a soul flesh, bone and blood… not the opposite and as you know you can’t kill a soul.”
“Why have you returned now?” Destruction asked. “Why did you not aid me in my fight against our common enemy?”
“Because the enemy of my enemy…” The Shadow responded, smiling menacingly. “Is my friend ...” The shadow flew onto Destruction’s chest staring him down. “Do you really think simple ponies could stand against you?” he said walking towards Destruction’s head, “Hell if you put one together you might get a weak alicorn… even IF it was those three…”
“WHAT DID YOU DO?!” Destruction roared throwing the shadow into a nearby wall. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!”
“The biggest mistake you ever made…” The Shadow said spitting blood out of the side of his mouth, “Was me…” he teleported back onto Destruction, stating him down. “Do you have any clue how hard it is to play the psychotic pawn of a more powerful being?” he asked avoiding another attack from Destruction, “Well to tell you the truth… I was already psychotic… but THAT’S not the issue!” the shadow teleported onto Destruction’s head and leaned up on his crest, “of the four thousand years you’ve had me as your ‘pee-on’ I’ve spent four thousand of them slowly draining power from you…” he rubbed Destruction’s head like a puppy, “and as for the elements of honor, I didn’t expect the anticlimactic hero to remember his little slut… but I managed…” he rubbed his chin in deep thought. “Also didn’t expect him to rip my horn off and make a poor attempt to kill me, but the performance was Oscar worthy no doubt…”
“You arrogant… pathetic… useless creature!” Destruction roared, trying to slash The Shadow off his head, but he teleported out of his claws path, Destruction’s crest feel to the floor, spraying black blood across the room. He roared in agony as the shadow floated over him and laughed uncontrollably.
“I CAN’T believe you FELL for that!” he said between breaths, “I can…I can hardly breathe that’s so freaking funny!”
“You are still NOTHING compared to me!” Destruction roared, “NOTHING!”
“Oh, I’m something…” The Shadow said smiling. “Something that will end you for eternity...”
“I cannot die!” Destruction bellowed. “My power is infinite!”
“You and I both know you’re wrong on one of those counts…” The Shadow said slowly making his way to the struggling titan. “Your power IS infinite… but you can die… the power can simply be transferred into another being.”
“One does not simply transfer such power…” Destruction growled, “You-“
Destruction was cut short by a spell that slashed across his throat, he reached for it in an attempt to stop it but the blood pouring from the wound couldn’t be stopped.
“Oh… one DOES simply…” The Shadow said showering himself in Destruction’s black blood.
The dark powers flowed from Destruction’s body into The Shadow’s. He laughed psychotically as Destruction tried to fight the transfer helplessly, but after a few agonizing minutes, it was over. Destruction was gone and only the shadow remained.
“So… much… POWER!” The Shadow yelled flying into the air, “UNLIMITED POWER!” lighting shot from his hooves and broken horn.
He suddenly stopped and floated back to the ground, “Now…” he said looking around, “what does one need to have to be an ultimate evil…” he thought hard for a long while then it finally hit him. “I know!” he said excitedly, “Minions! Evil ones!” he looked around the hall for some inspiration, “I could just stick with shadow fiends…” he said summoning one, he looked it over toughly, “but I can’t have witty and cliché bad guy banter with a shadow fiend…” he crushed the fiends head between his hooves, and continued to think, then it hit him again. “Damn I’m an idiot…” he said throwing the headless body over his shoulder across the room, “RESURECTION!” he shouted shooting lighting in every direction. After a few seconds two ponies stood before him.
“Hi Guilty Spark…” he said waving to them like a little filly, “hey Sun Screech…”
“Lord Shadow!” Sun Screech said groveling at his hooves; “I beg you spare me of your wrath! I didn’t know you still lived!”
“MY wrath?!” The Shadow said surprised. “Why would I punish you for a job well done?”
“What?” Spark and Sun Screech said simultaneously.
“You did what I wanted you to do…” The Shadow said smiling, “you did kill at least ONE of the bearers of honor…” he wrapped them up in his hooves, “and it was the most powerful one! I couldn’t ask for better little traitors!”
“But… uh… my lord…” Sun Screech said, “he… he… didn’t stay… dead…”
“I know…” The Shadow said blankly, “I saw…”
“Then that would bring the logical conclusion to our mission as a failure,” Spark said, “because an objective momentarily held does not accomplish the goal.”
“Well… if you put it THAT way…” The Shadow said pondering, “I guess you DID fail… and I SHOULD punish you…”
“Exactly,” Spark said, “we-“
“SHUT UP! YOU IMBOSILE!” Sun Screech said covering Spark’s mouth, but it was too late the shadow had already started charging his attack.
“I’ll go fifty/fifty on the two of you…” he said with his eyes glowing bright red, “half reward, the other punishment…” he fried his attack hitting both ponies squarely. They shrieked in pain as the shadow’s spell coursed through them. Once done the two looked to one another and gasped in horror.
“What… WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?!” Sun Screech shouted looking at his hooves, his whole body was covered in blisters and open infected sores continually leaking fluid.
“I gave you some power…” the shadow said walking towards him, “you now have the ability to spread sickness wherever you go… but you will feel the sickness for all eternity…” he looked him over for a few seconds, “Now what to name you…”
“I like Sun-“
“No!” The Shadow said bopping him on the nose, “New look, new name…” he continued to think about it, “Sick Donkey… No… Pestilence… Closer, but still no… Oh I have it!” he grabbed Sun Screech and twirled him around, “I’ll call you OUTBREAK!”
“Thank you Lord Shadow…” he coughed.
“And as for you my, bony unicorn…” he said dropping Outbreak and picking up Spark. “How does Frail Frame sit with you?”
“Very appropriate…” Frail Frame replied weakly, “Given that I am in a severe state of starvation…”
“Well you ARE going to spread famine across all Equestria when we get started…” the shadow said rubbing his head. He placed Pitch Black next to Outbreak and looked at them both for a few seconds. “DAMNIT!” he shouted, “I still need ONE more!”
“If I may make a suggestion…” Outbreak said raising his hoof. “You could resurrect a random pony and-“
“NO!” the shadow said slapping Outbreak across the room. “I have a better idea; I’ll just resurrect some random pony from the grave!”
“A wise decision, lord.” Frail Frame said.
“I know…” The Shadow said proudly, “because I thought of it…” he cracked his neck and steadied himself. “Here… we… GO!” he said as lighting fired from his broken horn, resurrecting a single earth pony.
“Wha-What in tarnation?!” Ridge Cracker yelled looking around, “The HELL happened?! I-I was wit’ meh friends… meh family!”
“Sorry to trouble you good sir…” The Shadow said to get his attention. “But could you please join me and my cohorts in a rampant attempt to kill everything in Equestria?”
“WHAT?!” Ridge Cracker exclaimed. “Ain’t NO way in hell I’d be caught dead doin’ that!”
“But they betrayed you… left you for dead.” The Shadow said walking next to him. “You were just a convenient distraction for Greatsword so he could run away…”
“Yer a liar…” Ridge Cracker said, “Ol’ Greatsword’d never-“
“For the love of nothing shut up!” The Shadow said grabbing Ridge Cracker, forcing him to stare into his eyes. “Just look!”
Ridge Cracker did his best to resist, but the shadow was too much his entire body became filled with unending hate toward all ponies and a lust for combat and blood. The Shadow dropped Ridge Cracker on the ground; he looked up to the shadow with pure rage in his heart.
“I will KILL ‘em all…” he growled glaring at the shadow, “Everypony will DIE by my hoof…”
“Nice… VERY nice…” The Shadow said pleased, “Bloodshed…” the shadow made his way up the stairs to Destruction’s throne. He then turned around and sat upon the massive chair.
“Lord Shadow…” Outbreak said, “What shall we do-“
“I never want any of you to call me ‘the shadow’ ever again…” he said as the blackness fell off of him, revealing a pale well-muscled alicorn underneath. “I prefer the name…” his eyes began to glow an eerie mix of black and red. “Eternal Rest…”

Author's Notes:

The end???
Voices (at least what I thought they sounded like):
Omnipotent = Liam Neeson Greatsword = George Newburn Lug Nut = Burnie Burns
Dante = Peter Cullen Battleaxe = Nolen North Cannon Fodder = Nick Landis
Onus = John De Lance The Shadow = Mark Hamill Ridge Cracker = Larry the Cable Guy
Destruction = Dee Bradly Barker Comet = Owen Wilison Guilty Spark = Tim Dadabo
Commander Garrison = Ron Perlmen Long Shot = Michael Ironside Sun Screech = Steve Blum
Warhammer = Kevin Conroy Patches = Anne Hathaway Event Horizon = Miche
Night Wing = Neal Partrick Harris Dark Knight = Adam West Camo = Vince Vaughn
Cloud Seeker = Josh Keaton Tower Shield = Michael Hogan Armor Smith = Christopher McDonald
Forge = Finola Hughes Record Keeper = Diana Agron Roadmap = Nicholas Hoult
Smog = Benedict Cumberbatch

Don't know who a person on this list is? Look them up you'll see...
Well that's actually there is to tell, worked on this thing for over a year and a HUGE thanks to my friend Miche and Zachery Rowden for helping in the proof reading and editing. Without them this story would never have been possible!